F Side Story 10

Overwhelmed by a sudden wave of anxiety, Yeonho started biting at his fingers. Even though there was no real reason to think so, the idea that Siwoo’s parents might try to harm him while Siwoo and his mother were away on their business trip clung to him.

He told himself that Park Jihyun had probably just said something thoughtlessly in a moment of anger, but even so, it felt like something entirely plausible. Siwoo’s parents must despise him to the point of wanting him dead. In their minds, it was Yeonho’s fault that their son had killed someone. That their son had dared to sue his own parents. It all came back to him.

When Siwoo had been with him, Yeonho had felt no fear. The need to protect him had made him feel invincible. But now that Siwoo was gone, so was all his courage. He sank to the floor, overcome by dread. But soon he pulled himself together, clarity flashing in his eyes.

“Sorry, but I want to live. I’m not going to die.”

Yeonho couldn’t afford to fall apart. He had someone to protect. Maybe he was overreacting, but until Siwoo came back, he had to stay safe, unharmed, and alert.

He couldn’t relax in this apartment alone. So if he couldn’t be with Siwoo or his mother, where could he go to feel even a little less afraid?

After thinking it over, he made his decision and left the house. He didn’t pack anything beyond what he needed for work. Before it got too dark, he drove quickly across the city. A short while later, he stood in front of a very tall man.

“Can I stay here for a few days?”

There was no guarantee he’d be safe with this man. But aside from Siwoo and his mother, he was the only person in the world Yeonho felt he could maybe rely on.

“Being alone at home just got… scary all of a sudden. And I couldn’t think of anyone else to be with.”

Hearing that, the man’s eyes filled with emotion.

***

The night before, Yeonho and Siwoo had said goodbye with reluctant bodies and playful teasing that lasted until dawn, so Siwoo had barely gotten any sleep. While reading the book Yeonho’s mother had given him, he’d dozed off mid-flight. When the in-flight announcement came on to prepare for landing, his eyes flew open.

His seat was still reclined and a blanket had been laid over him. It felt like a gesture from Yeonho’s mother.

“I’m sorry.”

Sitting upright, book in hand, Siwoo apologized reflexively. Ever since he was young, his mother would scold him harshly if he didn’t finish a book she told him to read.

Maybe it was because he wanted to impress her. Maybe he just wanted to be loved. Either way, the words came out on their own, like a childhood reflex.

Siwoo gripped the book nervously, afraid he’d already failed to win over Yeonho’s mother. Seeing his trembling hands, she gave him a puzzled look.

“Why are you sorry?”

“You gave me this book and I didn’t finish it in time. If you’ll give me just one more chance, I promise I won’t disappoint you again–”

“Hold on, wait.”

Yeonho’s mother stopped him, flustered. Siwoo lowered his head in shame. He knew better than to offer excuses like being tired or not sleeping enough. That only made things worse. That only meant he’d be scolded more, called worthless and weak.

She watched him with a look of pity, as if he were carrying some enormous guilt. Then, carefully, she reached out and rested her hand on his head. Siwoo flinched.

“This wasn’t an assignment. It was a gift. I just wanted you to enjoy it. If it gets boring, you can stop reading.”

“…”

“No one’s going to scold you. It’s okay. You’re okay.”

Her hand gently stroked his hair. Was he dreaming? He had never experienced anything like this before, not even in his imagination.

Siwoo still couldn’t fully relax around her, but he smiled brightly as he pulled her suitcase behind him. They were chatting happily and preparing to check into their hotel when an alarm went off on Siwoo’s phone.

He quickly silenced it and tried to hide his phone, but she had already seen the name of the alarm that popped up. In an instant, her eyes narrowed sharply.

Siwoo stared back, feeling like he was looking at Yeonho. Her sharp voice stabbed straight into his ears.

“You have a baby?”

He panicked, unsure how to explain.

“…You saw it?”

“It clearly said ‘Baby’s bedtime.’ Are you hiding a child? Does Yeonho know about this?”

Her voice trembled as she clenched her fists, demanding answers.

“I’ve been thinking of you like my own son, and now this… how could you…”

Seeing her so shaken, Siwoo took a breath and straightened up with a formal posture. He could feel that trying to dodge or lie would only make things worse.

Bracing himself for the shame, he answered truthfully.

“Yes. It is my baby. But technically, it’s your son’s. He can’t fall asleep unless I put him to bed.”

It had been a long time since his face burned like this in front of someone. It was another unfamiliar experience. But she didn’t believe his explanation so easily.

“You call Yeonho a baby? What kind of nonsense is that?”

She seemed to think he was trying to gloss over the truth with a clumsy excuse. It was understandable. She had probably heard the rumors about Kim Siwoo’s reputation too. Maybe she had allowed the relationship while quietly worrying about his promiscuous past.

So from this point forward, Siwoo had to prove it. That this so-called “baby” at the center of all this fuss really was hers.

With the speakerphone on, Siwoo began a call with the baby back in Seoul while pointedly avoiding her gaze, narrowing his eyes.

“Hey, baby, it’s me. I just got to the hotel with your mom. Are you in bed? Time to sleep now.”

His face was calm, staring off at the elevator pictogram far across the room, as though he had let go of everything. What kind of sound would come from the phone? He was afraid.

–Uuuuuuuhhh…

When Yeonho’s whimper dragged on for more than five seconds, Siwoo hurriedly turned off the speaker and gave her a sheepish smile. She looked away awkwardly, then waved her hand as if it were ridiculous.

As they checked in and headed to their room, Siwoo listened carefully to Yeonho’s updates. He had learned everything Park Jihyun had done while he was gone. His fury was impossible to contain.

“He said he slept with me? What the hell? If you’re going to lie, at least make it believable. That’s just disgusting.”

–Don’t worry. I don’t believe it.

Yeonho, who had calmed down after exactly ten seconds of sulking, was once again composed. His low, unwavering voice made Siwoo feel even more uneasy.

“I’ll finish what I need to do here and wrap everything up. Don’t be anxious. Don’t let it shake you.”

–I’m fine. I know it’s not true. And even if it were, it wouldn’t matter. Even if Park Jihyun throws himself at you and tries to seduce you with everything he’s got, just do what you want. Follow your heart.

“What the hell are you saying?”

–I was just thinking, not seriously, just worst-case scenario stuff. Even if you had a hidden child, I think I’d be okay with it.

“Enough. Don’t say weird things like that. If I did have a hidden child, it would be yours. One I gave birth to. That’s how ridiculous this is. And your mom says she is not okay with any of this.”

***

Yeonho had decided to stay at his parents’ home until Siwoo returned from his trip. He lay under the blanket his father had personally tucked around him. After managing to calm down the agitated Siwoo, he smiled softly and let him know where he was.

“I’m at my parents’ house. Didn’t feel like being alone. But you know what’s funny? My father’s going crazy too since Mom’s away. He keeps whining that she’s not picking up her phone.”

–Really? She didn’t seem fazed at all. She didn’t mention your father once. She was only worried about you.

“That’s a secret. Don’t tell her.”

–Alright. Secret. Now put your phone down and close your eyes. I might have to go back out soon, but I’ll keep the call going as long as I can. I’ll let you hear me.

Siwoo gently whispered. Yeonho closed his eyes and focused on the sounds coming through the phone, Siwoo’s breathing, the rustle of his clothes, the sound of fabric brushing against skin, the crinkle of a bag, the sound of water running over his hands.

All of it brought peace to his mind.

Gratefully, Yeonho fell asleep to Siwoo’s quiet presence as if they were still sharing the same house. No dreams, just deep rest.

But suddenly, he snapped awake. Two hours had passed. The call had ended ten minutes ago.

His large eyes darted around in the darkness. The moment his connection to Siwoo was cut, everything had reverted. As he blinked awake, he saw the bedroom door slowly opening. Panic gripped him.

Was his dead stepbrother about to walk in? No. That man was dead. Then it could only be his father. But wasn’t his father just like the others? Had he walked into a trap of his own making?

Or…

Then he saw the face, and a scream tore out of him. But the sound only echoed inside his body. It never escaped.

Standing in the doorway was Siwoo’s father.

The man who had abused Siwoo for decades now struck Yeonho with the math competition trophy Siwoo had once brought home.

“Aaagh…!”

It was a dream.

He had only dreamed that he had woken up. He hadn’t truly been awake.

Yeonho finally emerged from the nightmare, gasping for breath and wiping tears from his eyes. Siwoo’s father couldn’t possibly come into this house, not while Yeonho’s father was here. It made no sense.

Whatever you think about before sleep often surfaces in your dreams. It had been a foolish nightmare.

Of course he couldn’t sleep peacefully without Siwoo’s arms around him. After the nightmare, he never managed to fall back asleep. As morning arrived, Yeonho stared at his haggard reflection in the mirror.

His body and heart were both worn out, but a part of him felt relieved. That he still couldn’t sleep without Siwoo gave him comfort. It was proof that his life would fall apart without Kim Siwoo, and he welcomed that.

As always, Yeonho’s father, who woke at dawn, had clumsily prepared breakfast and was waiting for him. Since yesterday, he had been trying hard to earn recognition as Yeonho’s father.

Sitting at the table, spoon in hand, Yeonho hesitated.

Could he really trust him? After being betrayed by family so many times, was it okay to try again?

In this harsh world, maybe it was unrealistic for Kim Siwoo and Joo Yeonho to rely solely on each other. He wanted to give Siwoo, who had cut ties with his own parents, at least one adult he could lean on.

Carrying these complicated thoughts, Yeonho made a request he would never normally ask.

“Father, could you take me to work today?”

His father, clearly touched, nodded without hesitation.

“Of course. While your mom’s away on her trip, I’ll be commuting to the resort HQ. I’ll take you every day.”

“That’s great. Thanks. And… after work, would you mind coming somewhere with me for a bit?”