RB 147

“Are you nervous?”

“…A little.”

Yeorok tied the bow in an instant. His serious gaze carefully checked the result before lifting along his neckline. He then took in Eunho’s face for a long time.

Because his forehead was fully exposed, Eunho’s slim face and features were fully revealed. His face bore the exact likeness of someone else. The more classy he looked, the more he had reminded him of Choi Yoonho.

But now, in Yeorok’s eyes, he looked only like Sim Eunho. He could list hundreds of differences. How would others see him? He is so gentle, pretty, and lovable; how could he fool anyone?

Yeorok gently stroked Eunho’s exposed earlobes. He wanted to stroke his hair, but since that would ruin the carefully styled hair, this was the best he could do.

“You don’t need to try so hard. Just relax.”

He cupped Eunho’s cheeks and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. Eunho was finally able to relax at that point.

“Do as you please. I’ll take care of the consequences.”

Eunho smiled. The man standing before him was his lover and protector. He possessed absolute power and would serve as a sturdy shield. It didn’t matter even if Yeorok couldn’t be of any help. Eunho, too, was determined to become someone worthy of standing by his side.

“I’m ready now.”

Yeorok willingly offered one arm. It was a formal escort.

***

The Grand Bloom Hall was overflowing with the distinctive atmosphere of a year-end party. It was filled with people heavily armed in splendid attire, ranging from famous domestic figures to foreign buyers.

Since the event was hosted by Haegang, the main characters were already decided. As soon as the two entered, all eyes turned to them. It was obvious that Choi Yeorok was the center of attention, but much interest also clung to Eunho.

People were curious. Had Haegang’s scoundrel finally come to his senses as the rumors claimed? Why had he changed his name? Could a person really change just by changing their name?

It was said that he had completely quit the nightlife, but opinions were divided on whether this was voluntary or due to pressure from Chairman Choi Yeorok. A large sum of money had even been wagered on the veracity of the claims. It was undoubtedly the biggest gossip of the day.

Eunho looked around. He wasn’t nervous; on the contrary, his face was calm. There was no trace of Choi Yoonho’s characteristic condescending attitude toward others. He was simply observing.

Yeorok personally escorted him. The way he looked after his nephew was almost unbelievable. And understandably so, as the two had detested each other. It was something so well-known in the business world that no one was unaware of it.

Very occasionally, when they sat together, it was enough to make the surroundings feel frosty. Choi Yeorok, in particular, would not even glance at his nephew. He maintained the bare minimum of courtesy, showing less interest than even the dust floating in the air.

That same person now affectionately patted his shoulder. Eunho also tilted his head and whispered something to him without hesitation. Yeorok slightly lowered his head to listen and gave a smile, something seldom seen at official events.

People approached one after another to offer greetings. After glancing around cautiously, they began speaking to Eunho as well. A barrage of questions rained down—was it true he had changed his name, they had heard he took the college entrance exam this year, and so on. Eunho obediently responded to the questions.

“Yes, fortunately, the results aren’t bad. I think I can definitely get into the university I’m aiming for.”

“Did you have a change of heart?”

“You can’t live recklessly forever.”

Eunho spoke in his natural tone. He had decided not to imitate Choi Yoonho’s mannerisms or vocalizations. Furthermore, he looked people straight in the eye without being intimidated. His posture was also impeccable, making the clothes he was wearing shine even brighter.

Yeorok glanced at him. He had been curious to see how Eunho would react. He had cast aside the rude image of Choi Yoonho and embraced the manners and haughtiness of the upper class. Befitting the Prince of Haegang, he stood with his shoulders held high.

It was exactly what he had hoped for. Yeorok smiled as he watched Eunho perform beyond his expectations. Judging that he could leave things to him without worry, Yeorok also mingled with the crowd and engaged in conversation. The party had just begun.

Eunho, who had been mingling ceaselessly amidst the atmosphere ripened with socializing, felt a bit exhausted and stepped away from the banquet hall for a moment. There were crowds everywhere. The sofa seats in the corner were relatively quiet, making it the perfect spot to rest for a while.

Eunho settled into a secluded area and gazed out at the banquet hall. His eyes felt strained from the flashing lights everywhere. He slumped back on the plush sofa for a moment and moistened his dry lips with cold champagne. It was a very strange feeling, with tension and pride coexisting.

At that moment, he felt a presence behind him, and simultaneously, a cold hand touched the back of his neck.

“Yoonho, have you been well?”

Son Jinhyung, who had appeared, stroked Eunho’s neck. He made it very obvious he was very happy to see him.

“It’s been a while. You’ve become so innocent-looking since I last saw you?”

Eunho swatted his hand away without even looking. Son Jinhyung rubbed the back of his hand, which was stinging, and laughed loudly. His frivolous laughter was drowned out by the melodies in the banquet hall and went unheard by others.

“Is it that time of the month? Why are you so prickly?”

Son Jinhyung sat on the sofa positioned diagonally across from him. He straightened his disheveled tie and shirt. He looked as if he had already rolled around with someone somewhere.

“Don’t touch me.”

“What’s with that tone?”

Son Jinhyung let out another deflated laugh. His upper body, which had been slouched, was now fully facing Eunho.

“What kind of bullshit show are you trying to pull off this time? You’ve really picked a weird concept.”

Eunho ignored whatever he was rambling on about. He just sipped his champagne while pretending it was a dog barking beside him.

“Why did you change your name? I suppose you really were unlucky. Do you think things go well if you change your name? Ah… maybe I should change mine while I’m at it?”

“…….”

“You lied about studying for the entrance exam, right? Do you know how much I laughed when I heard that? These idiots actually believe that kind of nonsense. As if it’s possible. Choi Yoonho is such a reckless bastard.”

It was amusing to see him running his mouth so passionately when no one was listening. Eunho placed the nearly empty champagne glass on the table and leaned back. He rested his head on his hand and looked over at Son Jinhyung.

“I changed my name. Is your brain so drugged that it can’t even update properly?”

Son Jinhyung was not fazed by the sarcasm. On the contrary, his eyes sparkled. He bent over to scrutinize Eunho from every angle.

“Tsk… why is this so strange?”

As he slowly closed the distance, Eunho kicked Son Jinhyung’s knee with the toe of his shoe. His gaze, now even more critical, looked at him like he was a vermin.

“Did you go somewhere and get your brain reshaped?”

“You’re the one who needs to get your act together.”

At the calm reply, Son Jinhyung’s eyes narrowed even further. His face hadn’t changed an inch from what he knew, but his lines had somehow softened, and his demeanor was calm, making him feel like a completely different person. It wasn’t irritating so much as…

Son Jinhyung’s lips curved into a long grin.

“Wow… I’m getting a little turned on right now.… I suddenly have a strong urge to get you back into the bad ways. Want to go out with me right now? Shall we have an o*gy for the first time in a while?”

Eunho snorted. He didn’t hold any particular grudge against Son Jinhyung. Since he was someone he had no reason to be involved with anymore, he didn’t see any value in talking to him.

As he stood up from his seat, Son Jinhyung brightened up and tried to follow him. Eunho gently pressed his shoulder down to keep him seated. He bent down to leave Son Jinhyung with one last piece of advice.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not interested in that kind of thing anymore. From now on, be careful who you hit on.”

Eunho smirked. Son Jinhyung looked up at his face, stunned. His smile was haughty yet somehow grating. The more he looked, the more uneasy he felt, though he couldn’t figure out why. He only realized it after Eunho had walked far away.

“He… he’s starting to look just like Choi Yeorok!”

Eunho pushed his way through the crowd and went inside. He occasionally exchanged a nod with those who recognized him. As he went deeper inside, he spotted someone drawing the attention of many.

He paused for a moment and gazed at that spot.

“…….”

A man always in a high position, difficult to approach. Someone who looked so noble that one couldn’t readily reach out a hand. Choi Yeorok shone with a brilliant light, just as he did then.

He walked willingly toward that light. He pushed his way through the crowd of prominent upper-class figures and confidently took his place beside him. Eunho softly nudged the waist of the man who had his back to him. As his hand touched him, Yeorok slowly turned around. His precious hand rose and warmly cupped Eunho’s cheek.

“Yes, Eunho.”

A bright smile filled his vision.

Eunho realized that this love was a privilege granted only to him.

He possessed Choi Yeorok. With that, his life became perfect.

Side Story Complete