SLC 36

“I won’t die from skipping a meal. Don’t worry.”

Mok Seongha murmured those words while leaning back in a relaxed manner. The scent of the shampoo was starting to bother him. It was a familiar smell, yet perhaps because it was emanating from the same source, it felt intrusive.

The rattling sound of the old fan, mingled with the chirping of insects in the grass. The lukewarm summer air had a peculiar effect on his emotions, making his heart feel restless.

Contrary to what Kim Jinkyung had anticipated—that Mok Seongha would endlessly complain about every little discomfort—he remained quiet, without uttering a single word of dissatisfaction.

“If I had known we would end up staying overnight, I would have packed a larger lunchbox to bring along.”

Kim Jinkyung muttered under his breath. In response, Mok Seongha called out to him with a casual “hey.”

“Yes?”

“Why exactly did we come here in the first place?”

There were moments when Mok Seongha could be astonishingly perceptive. He often came across as an innocent young man who knew little of the world, but every now and then, he revealed traits that resembled those of his maternal grandfather.

“You certainly didn’t bring me all the way out here just to pick apples or something like that.”

And this was one of those precise moments.

“…It’s about the thinning process.”

Kim Jinkyung continued, turning his gaze toward Mok Seongha as he spoke.

“Do you understand the reason behind why we do it?”

“You mentioned that it’s necessary for the apples to grow properly and healthily.”

“Yes, that’s right. When multiple fruits develop on a single branch, it’s inevitable that you won’t be able to harvest high-quality apples from them. That’s why we engage in this thinning work….”

Kim Jinkyung reached into a large tray and picked up a plum, idly fiddling with it between his fingers.

“I believe that even the fruits we discard aren’t entirely without purpose or meaning. After all, it’s because they grew alongside the others that the remaining one can develop even better, and in the end, the entire process contributes to the time needed for producing excellent fruit.”

Kim Jinkyung averted his eyes slightly as he turned his head.

“So, even if you decide not to take the college entrance exam, the time you’ve spent studying up until now isn’t meaningless in the slightest. No matter what path or choice you make in the future, those hours will undoubtedly prove to be beneficial and supportive for you, Seongha-ssi.”

Mok Seongha simply looked at Kim Jinkyung in silence, without offering any immediate response.

“Sometimes, when my mind feels cluttered and overwhelmed with thoughts, I come here to lend a hand with my parents’ work on the farm. Just immersing myself in the hard labor helps to clear my head and organize everything, or at least that’s how it usually turns out for me. And… I thought it would be more effective to show you the thinning process firsthand, rather than simply explaining it through words alone.”

Kim Jinkyung offered an awkward smile as he continued explaining.

“I’m sorry if this all sounds too dull and overly didactic, like something out of a textbook. …Especially since I’m not even your teacher anymore.”

“But you are a teacher.”

Mok Seongha cut in with a decisive reply.

In reality, he had occasionally referred to Kim Jinkyung as “teacher” from the beginning. Most of the time, it was a casual “hey,” but every so often, when the mood struck him, he would use “teacher” instead. However, ever since the incident with the heat cycle, just hearing the word “teacher” would flood Kim Jinkyung’s mind with memories of that time, leaving him feeling disoriented and hazy.

“Ah, well, haha. I do get told from time to time that I would make a good fit as a teacher….”

“…….”

Mok Seongha’s golden eyes fixed upon Kim Jinkyung with an intense, unwavering stare. Perhaps it was the effect of the lukewarm summer air, but his throat suddenly felt hot and parched. Like someone intoxicated by the warmth of a summer night, Kim Jinkyung began to ramble on about whatever came to mind.

“Maybe I should seriously consider becoming a teacher in the future. It seems like teaching children would align well with my natural inclinations and strengths….”

“No way.”

A low voice, almost like a growl, abruptly interrupted Kim Jinkyung’s idle chatter.

“Absolutely not. Don’t even think about teaching other bastards. Forget any ideas about becoming a teacher altogether.”

The ferocity in his tone made it seem as though he was on the verge of tearing apart the person right in front of him. Startled, Kim Jinkyung could only nod without protest. In that instant, the option of becoming a teacher vanished permanently from the list of Kim Jinkyung’s future career aspirations.

The chirping of the insects filled the silence that settled between the two of them. Mok Seongha’s piercing gaze clawed into Kim Jinkyung’s skin like the sharp talons of a wild beast. If things continued like this, he felt as though he would be inexorably drawn in and ensnared by that intense look, with no escape.

Desperate to change the atmosphere, Kim Jinkyung deliberately steered the conversation in a different direction.

“Oh, you must be quite exhausted from all the work today.”

“Not really.”

“Even though you put in so much effort throughout the day, and also, you weren’t able to eat a proper meal; it’s really concerning. I hadn’t intended for us to stay overnight….”

He had checked the precipitation probability multiple times just that day alone. Fortunately, the chances were extremely low, but bringing him along to a rural area far from Seoul and ending up staying the night still weighed on his mind.

“It’s perfectly fine. After all, I’m the one who suggested we stay overnight.”

Mok Seongha looked at Kim Jinkyung. His eyes were drawn to the hand that was absentmindedly toying with the plum. The nails, smooth and well-manicured, were gently pressing into the plum’s skin, kneading it softly.

“But it’s still surprising that Secretary Kang actually gave his permission… oh.”

In a moment of misjudged pressure, Kim Jinkyung’s fingertip punctured the plum’s skin. With a soft squish, the aroma of the perfectly ripe plum began to fill the air around them.

Kim Jinkyung hastily brought the torn plum to his mouth to contain the juices. Then, as if a thought had suddenly occurred to him, he reached for another plum and extended it toward Mok Seongha.

“Would you like to try one?”

“Why?”

“Pardon?”

“You already know that I won’t eat it, so why do you keep asking me every single time?”

No matter how insignificant or small the item might be, Kim Jinkyung always made a point of offering it to Mok Seongha first.

‘Would you like some?’

He had turned down the offer so many times that it had become impossible to keep count anymore.

In response to Mok Seongha’s question, Kim Jinkyung blinked several times in quick succession before breaking into a gentle smile.

“Of course, it’s only natural that I should ask.”

Kim Jinkyung continued, his voice carrying an amused undertone laced with warmth.

“How could I possibly eat something all by myself when there’s someone right here beside me?”

Kim Jinkyung embodied cleanliness in every sense. He didn’t dress in extravagant or expensive clothing, but his attire was always impeccable without a single wrinkle, and he had a fresh, pristine scent. It was the kind of aroma one might associate with sunlight dried clothes. His personality mirrored that quality as well, bright, warm, and untainted. Just being in his presence had the ability to elevate one’s emotions and make everything feel better.

In particular, his smile was one of pure, unadulterated clarity, free from any hidden motives or calculated intentions. He smiled simply and genuinely, without reservation.

Even on rainy days, it felt as though the sun managed to shine through in the space around him.

“…Can you continue teaching me from now on?”

Mok Seongha murmured as if he were under some kind of spell, his voice soft and entranced.

“Pardon?”

Caught off guard by the unexpected request, Kim Jinkyung’s eyes widened in surprise while he still held the plum in his hand.

“Like we do now, perhaps not full-time tutoring sessions anymore, but at least occasionally helping me with my studies….”

“…I’m afraid that’s not possible.”

“Why not? Is it because of something I did to you?”

Mok Seongha’s gaze landed on Kim Jinkyung’s wrist.

“No, this will heal quickly.”

Kim Jinkyung hurriedly hid his wrist behind his back.

“Is it because my eyes are too yellow?”

“No, not at all.”

“Then why?”

Mok Seongha’s gaze desperately demanded an answer.

“Well, I… I’m also going to be in my final year next year, and I need to focus on my own school studies.”

“Just twice a week…no, even once would be fine.”

“…Didn’t you say you’re getting married?”

“Can’t I study even if I’m getting married?”

Mok Seongha exclaimed urgently. From the perspective of a teacher who had been instructing him, those words brought joy, but to someone harboring unrequited love, they brought sadness.

Kim Jinkyung’s unrequited loves had always been easy to handle. If it wasn’t meant to be, then it simply wasn’t, and when it was time to let go, he did so without much struggle. Even with Seo Sangil, whom he had crushed on throughout high school, the moment he brought his partner right in front of him, the realization came naturally.

Ah, it’s over.

It felt like watching the end credits roll up in a movie. There was a tinge of regret, but he accepted it as the inevitable flow of things.

Yet this time, it wasn’t like that. His mind knew it was the end, but his heart refused to follow suit. It was clear the movie was nearing its end, yet he had no desire to stand up and leave his seat.

“You said it yourself earlier, that studying would somehow be helpful later on….”

“Yes, it will be.”

At first, he had thought it was just the whim of a wealthy young master from a rich family. He assumed it was a case of not wanting to go to school but still desiring a respectable diploma. However, after learning about his unique circumstances, he began to feel concerned. Once he heard that the reason for studying was to convince his grandfather, he wanted to help in any way he could.

That was also why he had brought him here today and shown him the fruit-thinning work. He didn’t want all the efforts he had made to be dismissed as meaningless.

Kim Jinkyung, who had spent the entire early morning agonizing over it, contacted Secretary Kang as soon as dawn broke and asked him to pack a lunchbox. He also obtained permission to take Mok Seongha out for a short drive. Perhaps worried about the young master who had run away from home for the first time in his life, Secretary Kang handed over the lunchbox along with a plea to cheer him up properly.

The thinning work was several times more difficult than harvesting. After all, it involved culling not the chosen one, but all the rest. But Kim Jinkyung believed that it was precisely because of this thinning process that a meaningful harvest could follow.

‘No matter what choice you make later, those times will undoubtedly be helpful to you, Seongha-ssi.’

That would be the case, and he hoped it would be. He wished that the time spent in effort would prove beneficial to Mok Seongha. …It had to be.

His actions for Mok Seongha weren’t born out of mere pity. The flip side of that wish was inevitably tainted by his own selfish desires.

If it helps you, then at least it might remain as a good memory.

When Mok Seongha had ultimately chosen marriage, that thought had crossed his mind.

What a relief. This unrequited love can end harmlessly as well.

The old man’s words had been right. Mok Seongha had made the correct choice, and the reason he was clinging to him was simply because he had no other peers in his life.

“You clearly said, teacher….”

“I’m sorry.”

Kim Jinkyung bowed his head. He couldn’t do it anymore. If he stayed by Mok Seongha’s side any longer, he was certain he would end up revealing his feelings.

His heart teetered precariously on the edge of a dangerous threshold. On the surface, he congratulated Mok Seongha on his choice, but inside, he burned with bitterness. He wasn’t that good of a person after all. He couldn’t become the kind of human who would applaud in front of a married unrequited love.

This time, he didn’t want to sit there and watch the final scene of his unrequited love unfold.

“…I don’t think I can do it.”

Kim Jinkyung deliberately avoided looking at Mok Seongha as he continued.

“I hope the chairman makes a full recovery. And congratulations on your marriage as well. If you find another teacher, I’m sure….”

He couldn’t continue his words any further. Mok Seongha had grabbed Kim Jinkyung’s hand. Startled by the sudden contact, he involuntarily tightened his grip, causing the plum juice to flow out between his fingers. In an instant, the sweet fragrance spread through the humid air.

Kim Jinkyung’s heart raced. Heat rushed to his ears, and the pounding of his heart felt so intense that it seemed to make his vision waver like a mirage.

“I don’t want anyone but you.”

“…….”

“I don’t need anyone else.”

Kim Jinkyung drew in a short breath. He despised himself for feeling a momentary flutter at the words said so innocently and clumsily by this young, inexperienced beast, as if they were nothing more than a childish whine.

“Teacher….”

Mok Seongha slowly lowered his head. Without even realizing it, Kim Jinkyung blocked the approaching man’s face with the palm of his hand.

“….What are you doing?”

Crushed plum juice dripped down from the corner of his mouth. Kim Jinkyung murmured an apology and used the back of his hand to wipe his lips. Considering Mok Seongha’s temperament, where he absolutely refused to eat food given by others, this was something that could easily provoke a fiery outburst of anger.

“I was startled…. Just a moment. I’ll wipe it for you.”

With nothing suitable in sight to use for wiping, Kim Jinkyung pulled at the hem of his own clothing and used it to clean Mok Seongha’s mouth. However, before he could wipe more than a few times, his hand was suddenly seized and held in place.

“Fuck, you, really….”

Kim Jinkyung finally lifted his head to look at Mok Seongha’s face after hearing him mutter in a low voice.

Mok Seongha’s face was crimson red. It wasn’t just his cheeks; the color extended to his ears and neck as well. Clutching the hem of his T-shirt, Kim Jinkyung felt as though that same hue had transferred entirely to him, causing his own face to redden in turn.

Mok Seongha pressed down on Kim Jinkyung’s shoulder and laid him back onto the veranda without hesitation.

“…You started it first.”

“What? What did I….”

Without giving him even a chance to question what he had supposedly started, Mok Seongha grasped Kim Jinkyung’s palm and began to lick it. The sensation of his tongue prying between his fingers made Kim Jinkyung gasp in surprise.

Mok Seongha’s eyes narrowed. Without the slightest hesitation, he sucked, licked, and nibbled on Kim Jinkyung’s hand with a frenzied intensity.

“Wh-what are you….”

Like a person possessed by a ravenous spirit, Mok Seongha relentlessly licked Kim Jinkyung’s hand. No, it was more accurate to say he was devouring it entirely. Mok Seongha glared at Kim Jinkyung with piercing eyes. He moved his tongue while holding the fingers between his lips.

If what Mok Seongha was sucking on so voraciously had been lips instead of a hand, it would undoubtedly have turned into a kiss so consuming that it would feel like being eaten alive.

The moment their lower bodies made contact, Kim Jinkyung jolted as if struck by an electric shock.

“ …What?”

Mok Seongha looked at Kim Jinkyung in astonishment, like a young beast that had been unexpectedly deprived of its prey.

“I-I, um, I just remembered something I need to tell my parents….”

“What? Right now?”

“It might take a while, so… please go ahead and sleep first.”

Kim Jinkyung immediately descended from the veranda barefoot, crossing the yard in a hurried run. He could hear Mok Seongha calling out “hey!” from behind, but he refused to turn around no matter what.

If he got caught, it would be the end.

The sweltering summer air felt suffocating, as if it were closing in on him.

In the end, that night, Kim Jinkyung did not return to the guest house; instead, he spent the entire night wide awake in the room next to his parents’.