BHB 49

This was a newly opened barbecue restaurant near the school, spacious and part of a chain just starting to become popular, with many tables and part-time workers. It was so popular that during dinner time, it overflowed with customers, almost lacking seats. In this crowded place, Yeowon knew only two figures that could stand out. One was Taegang, recognizable even in passing, and the other was Baek Seungha, who matched Taegang in build. It was the latter now.

“What’s wrong? Do you see someone you know?”

Just as he was about to acknowledge him, Yeowon hesitated, remembering Baek Seungha’s embarrassed look when caught in an awkward situation.

“… No. Just wondering when the meat will arrive.” Yeowon evaded, ignoring Baek Seungha who was working. 

Baek Seungha worked diligently, showing no signs of fatigue and unaffected by the gazes of female customers. Yeowon stole glances at him from afar. It was amusing to see his gruff expression while being courteous, and impressive how he effortlessly lifted stacks of heavy grills. Young staff members followed him around, and when female customers casually struck up conversations, he responded or joked in his characteristic indifferent yet friendly tone.

Just as Yeowon was thinking how unchanged he seemed,

“Your eyes are going to pop out, Yeowon.”

Yeowon blinked his large eyes at the familiar presence that suddenly appeared before him. 

It was Taegang.

“What? When did you get here?”

“When you were grinning like an idiot while being distracted.”

“Why are you picking a fight as soon as you arrive? You didn’t even say you were coming. Who invited….” Before he could finish his question, his eyes met Youngjae’s across the table. 

Youngjae responded nonchalantly, “I didn’t say where, I just said we were eating here.”

“Lately, it seems you’re in touch with Youngjae more than me?” Then, ignoring the oblivious Youngjae, Taegang sat down. 

Yeowon smiled gently, mocking Taegang who shamelessly tracked his location through acquaintances. 

“Why? Are you jealous?” Yeowon, startled, enunciated each syllable clearly, “As … if … that … could … be.”

“It is though.”

“What are you saying?”

“You were a bit possessive before too.”

“It is jealousy.”

Yeowon glanced around, worried others might notice their blatant conversation. Fortunately, the noisy restaurant seemed to have prevented others from hearing their quiet exchange, and everyone was focused on the meat being grilled by the staff.

“By the way, why did you come here?”

“I was hungry.”

“Then you could have contacted me.”

“Just. I thought you might find it burdensome if I contacted you.”

Yeowon’s Adam’s apple bobbed at the answer that inadvertently hit the mark. It wasn’t wrong, but since he had decided to accept it, he had no intention of avoiding it anymore.

“That’s unnecessary worry.”

“Your face has healed a lot.”

This time, Yeowon’s body stiffened at the casual remark.

“I passed the medical certificate to the lawyer. I won’t agree to a settlement.” But Taegang continued casually, as if his previous words held no special meaning. 

Relieved at the change of subject, Yeowon replied, “Why? Just agree to it.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Why?”

“Because if I don’t, I feel like I might turn around and beat those bastards up.”

Yeowon let out a hollow breath at the extreme response. Taegang’s temper was something to behold. Well, it was common during their school days. If anyone from other grades or schools touched even one of his group, he would retaliate immediately. Like childishly playing at loyalty.

“… Do as you please.” Yeowon answered resignedly, nodding slightly. 

Then, Baek Seungha suddenly crossed his vision. Seeing him flinch as if burned by the grill, Yeowon unconsciously flinched too, furrowing his brow.

“Stop staring already.”

At the low voice reclaiming his attention, Yeowon cleared his throat awkwardly. “I wasn’t.”

“Are you in touch with Baek Seungha?”

“I just have his number. We don’t contact each other often.”

“Delete it.”

“Why?”

“It’s unpleasant.”

“Ah … What on earth is this?”

Yeowon’s flippant words from Taegang caught him off guard, and he let out a forced laugh, not understanding the situation at all. 

“I really don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, for real?”

“You and me, sex―.”

Before Taegang could even finish speaking, Yeowon abruptly stood up and covered Taegang’s mouth. 

The table shook and cutlery clattered, drawing the attention of their companions who were taking food photos, as well as the other customers around them. 

Yeowon awkwardly forced a smile, trying to defuse the situation. “I’m leaving first, I need to go.”

As Yeowon continued to cover Taegang’s mouth, Youngjae asked in a puzzled tone, looking between the two of them, “Suddenly? The meat is all grilled up now though?”

“I have something to take care of with Taegang. I’m going to head out with him first. I’ll see you all tomorrow.”

Yeowon quickly grabbed his bag and tugged on Taegang’s collar, hurriedly leaving the restaurant. 

As soon as they stepped outside, he pulled Taegang into a quiet alleyway and shoved his collar, agitated, “Are you crazy?”

Taegang just silently brushed off his crumpled collar, his expression unnervingly calm.

“Not there, with people around! Do you have to advertise it everywhere?!”

Earlier, If Yeowon hadn’t covered Taegang’s mouth, he surely would have brazenly mentioned “sex.”

“I don’t care if people know.”

“Huh?”

“It doesn’t matter who knows.”

‘Is he insane?’

“Why … why doesn’t it matter, you idiot!”

Taegang again responded with a careless smile, not saying anything.

“So what’s important then?”

“That you don’t stray from being with me.”

“…Me straying? From what?”

Taegang’s utterly ridiculous statements were leaving Yeowon’s mind in a fog. 

Isn’t this something he should be telling him, since Taegang already has someone else?

“Don’t contact Baek Seungha.”

“…What the hell does that guy have to do with any of this, that you keep bringing him up?”

“I made myself clear.”

“Wait, are you… suspecting me and that guy? Like that?” Yeowon added in bewilderment at his accusatory line of questioning.

“Look, you seem to have gone a bit crazy lately, but me and that guy are absolutely, completely not― not like that at all! We only just started seeing each other again, and we just had a drink together since it’s been so long. Not at all the kind of ridiculous relationship you’re imagining! You’re really something else. Do you think everyone in the world is like you?!” Yeowon rushed to defend himself, unable to catch his breath.

“There’s no guarantee of that.”

“That’s just … completely unreasonable…”

“Then you and me.”

“…”

“Makes sense, right?”

This single statement silenced Yeowon’s rambling.

“There’s nothing in this world that doesn’t make sense.” Taegang arrogantly looked down at him and smirked crookedly, mocking his denial. 

Yeowon was at a loss for words at Taegang’s unexpected statement.

“Yeowon?”

Seungha, who had stepped out the back door for a smoke break, suddenly encountered them. Yeowon mutely stared at him, then turned to glance at the displeased Taegang.

The once tranquil atmosphere had become suffocatingly tense.

“… Taegang, you’re here too.” The way Seungha spoke Taegang’s name sounded uneasy. 

Come to think of it, Yeowon couldn’t really recall how the two of them were with each other. The only thing he remembered was that Taegang was impressed by Seungha’s tattoo.

When Yeowon remained silent and flustered, Seungha politely asked, “Are you leaving now?”

“Ah… yes. Seems you work here too.”

“Yeah, the owner’s a friend of mine. Don’t pretend you don’t know. I can hook you up with some extra service.”

“No, it’s fine. I was actually on my way out.”

“Ah, I’m almost done too. If you have time, wanna stick around for a bit?”

“Huh?”

“I was actually gonna call you. Since you treated me last time, I wanted to return the favor this time.”

‘Last time?’ 

Yeowon tried to recall their previous conversation, but Seungha was a step ahead, “When you said you’d been looking for me for over a year.”

Yeowon flinched slightly. He didn’t understand why he involuntarily glanced at Taegang at that.

“Hearing that made me feel like I really did you wrong.”

“It’s in the past, so…”

“Anyway, perfect timing. If you’re free, let’s have a drink together.”

Yeowon unconsciously stole a glance at Taegang. His complete silence and lack of a simple greeting made Yeowon feel uneasy, and the recent conversation with Seungha made it awkward to readily accept the offer.

“You can come too, if you’re free.” Baek Seungha casually tossed the invitation in Taegang’s way, almost as if offering an olive branch.