NOVEL NEXT Episode 141
Episode 141
The two of them continued their trivial conversation. The news about HJ that he heard through Seon-hu was obvious if it was obvious.
‘After the succession structure was firmly established, the number of people approaching me as if it had always been that way increased, but I’m keeping an appropriate distance. I have no intention of getting close, but it’s difficult to blatantly push them away.’
His casual tone as if he was used to this kind of life now as he spoke of others’ malice felt a bit unfamiliar, but also made him feel fortunate. He had been worried that he might be stupidly taken advantage of because he was too kind, but it didn’t seem to be the case.
“More than that, it seems Jae-young likes you a lot.”
“Cough.”
Then the topic suddenly shifted, and Seung-hyun was surprised and almost spilled the tea he was drinking. Barely avoiding making a mess, Seung-hyun put the cup on the table and asked,
“Suddenly?”
“I saw Jae-young’s car on my way in.”
“He could have just parked the car and went to the family home. It’s close.”
“I don’t know. For just parking, I could see too clearly that someone was sitting inside…”
Seon-hu said, tilting his head. While wandering around for a bit wondering where to park, he had spotted a familiar car.
It was definitely Jae-young’s car. Moreover, Jae-young’s silhouette was clearly visible through the not-so-dark tinted car window.
“I wouldn’t mistake Jae-young for someone else.”
At the words flaunting their friendship, Seung-hyun’s shoulders flinched. Even though he knew they were just friends, even though he knew the original story had become completely irrelevant now, he was strangely concerned.
“…You’re not thinking something weird, are you?”
Because he had noticeably flinched his shoulders, Seon-hu carefully asked. Seung-hyun pondered for a moment and shook his head.
“No. There’s no way that would happen, and I know that best.”
Seung-hyun knew best where Jae-young’s heart was directed. There was no need or reason to be anxious.
“I think it’s the first time I’ve seen him like someone this much. They say it’s scary to learn late. I guess it’s because his first love came at this age.”
But should he say he lacks awareness? Quite a few people knew that Jae-young had liked Seon-hu for a long time, but seeing Seon-hu say he was Jae-young’s first love, Jae-young felt a bit pitiful.
As if that gaze was conveyed, Seon-hu quickly shook his head.
“I think I know what you’re thinking, but no.”
“What’s not it?”
“You think Jae-young liked me.”
Wasn’t it something he didn’t know? Seung-hyun swallowed dry saliva without denying it. Seon-hu let out a small sigh and said,
“Everyone thought that way… but I never thought like that. That he liked me… It’s true he liked me. But it wouldn’t have been the kind of feeling Jae-young has for you now.”
“…”
“It’s just that he thought we would naturally end up together, but when I manifested as recessive, it became impossible… so it would be closer to feelings that started from sympathy and rebelliousness.”
Seung-hyun couldn’t be sure that Seon-hu’s opinion was the truth. Seung-hyun had never seen that emotion in person, and the opinion of the person involved could differ from what Seon-hu said.
“So don’t worry. Just…”
“I’m not worried.”
But it didn’t matter either way. Because it was clear whose eyes were following him now, whether he was Jae-young’s first love or not.
“Because what’s important is now, regardless of the past. It doesn’t matter if it was love or sympathy.”
“I said something stupid.”
At the words filled with conviction, Seon-hu nodded as if embarrassed. It felt like he had meddled unnecessarily between the two who trusted each other without needing to intervene.
“I should vacate my seat quickly. It must be hard for Jae-young to stay in a cramped car for long too.”
“I told him to go home…”
“It’s because he’s worried. You were discharged today, and even if not…”
If it were him, he probably wouldn’t leave his lover alone either after a dizzying experience of going back and forth between life and death. He would want to stick by their side. Seon-hu thought so and got up from his seat.
“Let’s meet again after your health recovers a bit. I’ll contact you. Jae-young probably won’t want to leave your side for a while, so I’ll have to just contact you for some time.”
“Wouldn’t it be fine to meet when I’m with Jae-young?”
“I don’t know. I hope Jae-young thinks that way too… but it doesn’t seem like it yet.”
He didn’t even want to go home for a bit and was waiting near the house, so it would be difficult at least for a while. Seon-hu said, recalling the familiar car he had seen on his way in.
“When you get healthier, Jae-young will feel a bit relieved then. He can’t help but feel anxious now.”
It wasn’t that he didn’t understand that feeling, so Seon-hu sympathized with Jae-young and prepared to leave. It was a bit earlier than expected, but it was fine since he didn’t have a schedule anyway.
“Give my regards to Jae-young too. When your health recovers a bit and Jae-young feels a bit more at ease, let’s meet together then. Tae-sung…”
Seon-hu, who was about to add ‘Tae-sung too’, paused for a moment. Tae-sung would inevitably be an uncomfortable person for Seung-hyun. While hesitating with that thought, Seung-hyun answered first.
“Okay. When a lot of time passes… maybe we can do that someday.”
It was difficult to give a definite answer right away, but he thought maybe it could happen someday. Even now, they weren’t on good terms, but didn’t he already know well that what he thought was natural could change in an instant?
‘Such a day may come.’
Wasn’t it said that Tae-sung was the only family member who voluntarily came to see him while he was lying down? Just that made him think there must be a clear difference between him and the others in that family.
Seung-hyun saw Seon-hu off like that, and after confirming that his car had started, he picked up his phone. The call was cut off before it even rang three times, and a familiar voice was heard.
“Has Seon-hu left?”
“You know, so why are you asking?”
“…What?”
“I know you’re circling around in front of the house, so come in quickly.”
He almost laughed at the startled voice and hurriedly hung up after saying only what he needed to. It wasn’t that he disliked being worried about, but he should take care of himself while doing that, shouldn’t he?
‘I’ll have to talk properly when he comes in.’
Seung-hyun made a firm resolution and waited for Jae-young. Before long, a familiar car entered the house’s parking lot.
“…”
As if aware of his mistake, Jae-young glanced at him and sat down next to Seung-hyun. Seung-hyun waited for Jae-young to open his mouth, silently looking ahead without saying anything.
“I really didn’t go because it was okay not to go. I have enough luggage here anyway, and the hospital room wasn’t cramped, it was spacious enough for two people including one guardian, so I didn’t feel uncomfortable…”
“Still, you can’t be by my side all the time.”
He liked that Jae-young liked him, but he wanted him to cherish himself just as much. He had already suffered for months because of him, so he thought it would be good for him to spend time on his own at least when someone else was by his side, but Jae-young seemed to dislike that too.
“…”
There was no answer to the admonishing words. It seemed he didn’t want to deny those words.
“…Even if we’re not family, aren’t we close enough for that?”
“No, that’s not what I meant…”
Seung-hyun turned his head at the childish words and was surprised to see Jae-young’s face. He looked genuinely hurt.
‘…Was it that hurtful?’
He wasn’t someone who couldn’t understand that he said it out of concern, but Seung-hyun froze in surprise at the unexpectedly intense reaction. Only then realizing what his expression looked like, Jae-young washed his face and got up.
“…Still, let me stay like this until you get an okay diagnosis from the hospital. I won’t bother you.”
“Wait…!”
Even though it was just the same house, going into his own room, Seung-hyun was surprised when Jae-young, who he thought would follow him around, ran away, and he froze, unable to get up from the sofa.
‘…Did I ask for something that unreasonable? I just told him to rest a bit. He makes a fuss even if I cough once, but he won’t let me worry about him.’
He knew Jae-young’s rationality was clouded when it came to matters related to him, but it didn’t seem to be to this extent before.
‘No. Since he thought I was going to die… it’s natural for him to be anxious. He must want to check from up close.’
He must be getting more anxious since it hadn’t been long since he woke up from a long sleep. Seung-hyun nodded, thinking that way. Thinking it would be a few days at most, he decided to just leave him be.
However, contrary to that thought, Jae-young kept being conscious of Seung-hyun for several days after that. Since when was he someone who was so conscious of him? On the third day after returning home, Seung-hyun, who thought he should have a proper conversation in the clearly strange atmosphere, came to Jae-young’s room.