# Chapter 143
A rainbow appeared in the sky, and as expected, it rained from the night on. Fortunately, it was enough time for Moon Seoheon to get home, so I set aside the momentary worry I had felt.
The sound of rain tapping on the window came through quite refreshingly. I was enjoying the pleasant noise briefly when the increasingly thick raindrops soon began pouring down with a swooshing sound, making it difficult to see outside.
The window rattled with the downpour and strong winds. Concerned that rainwater might get in, I carefully checked the closed window frame again and then plopped down on the sofa. Taking out the note that had been stuck in the storage compartment was just an extra step.
[Yoon Taeho, if you’re seeing this, it means my attempt was successful, right? I’m sorry if you were surprised by the sudden change. I’m not sure what you’re thinking now, but please don’t take any more dangerous actions. I hope you won’t get upset hearing this, but harming our bodies isn’t good for either of us, is it? I feel sorry about you being hospitalized.]
“Hmm… this might be a bit offensive.”
Looking at the contents of the note again, I could see how it might be received sensitively. It was a disorganized piece written in anger, with content close to one-sided advice. It seemed my thoughts had become extreme due to my own exhaustion. To hope that Yoon Taeho, who seemed to be in a very serious state right now, would think positively after seeing this—what a foolish thought.
The more you try to advise without being asked first, the more unpleasant it feels to hear, so this probably wasn’t good.
I tore up the note without hesitation and threw it in the trash. I brought out a blank new sheet of paper, unfolded it, and even picked up a pen, but I was unsure how to write it.
I needed to write something that Yoon Taeho wouldn’t ignore when he saw this note and could accept well. Rather than nutritionless advice, words of encouragement and support were appropriate, and quietly supporting him rather than criticizing him for going down the wrong path was right. And very sincerely at that.
I spent some time contemplating, twirling the pen around as I organized what to write in my head. And by the time that was finished, I was already moving the pen across the paper.
After putting the final period and setting the pen down on the table, a satisfied sigh escaped me. The paper, written much longer than the previous one discarded in the trash bin, was closer to a handwritten letter than a simple note.
[It’s a hot summer. Although the heat has subsided now with the rain, I hope you face this potentially hot and irritating weather with a cool spirit and fighting spirit.
I’m leaving this note in hopes that you’ll read it and please think carefully. If it’s burdensome, I sincerely apologize. I’m sure you’re very confused, just as I am?
We may have different likes and skills, but there must be a reason our souls are bound like this. So would you cooperate? We shouldn’t fight each other. Only you and I know exactly what situation we’re in right now. I apologize for damaging this body due to the falling accident. Let’s not create debts between ourselves anymore.
So I’m asking, if this state doesn’t end, how about continuously communicating with me and helping each other? Even if it’s just a little, if we make the effort, wouldn’t our respective worlds become more enriched? I’ll try my best while I’m here so you can grow freely, so I hope you won’t make wrong choices. I hope this summer becomes a time full of joy and happiness for you. Stay healthy always.]
I checked the writing several times for any typos or strange parts as I reviewed what I had written from top to bottom.
“Is it too old-fashioned?”
It didn’t feel right for a letter being sent to a man ten years younger than me, as if I were sending a formal request to an elder. But I decided it was best to send it as respectfully as possible, especially for the first time writing.
This should convey my sincerity well.
“Ah, I almost forgot.”
At a sudden thought, I added one more sentence as a postscript.
[If you’re positive about my opinion, please write a reply below, or at least mark that you’ve read it.]
Actually, I wanted to write “please review this positively,” but I phrased it differently in case it might feel coercive. Now that it really seemed finished, I stood up to find an envelope to put the paper in but hesitated and sat back down. There was a part I had been debating whether to write from the beginning, but I decided to just pour everything out.
If I’m going to do it, I might as well do it properly.
I just hoped Yoon Taeho wouldn’t hate the short sentence I added to the postscript. I sincerely prayed he would think positively this time. And then I picked up my phone and dialed a number.
* * *
“Uh… what’s this?”
Still not even having rubbed the sleep from my eyes, I stared blankly at the culprit who had created this situation, stunned by the individuals who had barged into the hospital first thing in the morning.
“I said I’d come back.”
“No… I mean, why… never mind.”
I was about to throw a comment at Moon Seoheon, who had come rushing in with The Four, but since this wasn’t the first or second time this had happened, I just closed my mouth.
Having just woken up, my hair was disheveled, and my face was probably a mess with oiliness. Feeling like I needed at least a quick wash, I went straight into the bathroom, regardless of whether they sat on the sofa or not. My body reflexively stiffened at the sight of Moon Seoheon, who naturally followed me in. I regained my composure, thinking there was nothing to be afraid of.
I quietly turned on the sink faucet and waited for a moment. I moistened my face with the warm water that came out quickly and continued washing. Although washing with one hand wasn’t completely refreshing, it was enough to drive away the lingering sleepiness.
After roughly wetting and pushing back the sticking-out hair, my now clean-looking face reflected in the mirror. Thanks to my skin becoming more elastic compared to when I had just returned, a healthy glow showed through.
“It’s nice being young.”
As that old-man-like comment came out involuntarily, I realized the presence of the guy behind me and shrunk in surprise. Having spent a lot of time alone in the hospital room lately, I had unknowingly increased my habit of talking to myself. Although Moon Seoheon knew that a 28-year-old man was inside this body, I was conscious of how strange it might sound to him.
No, that’s not right. He just clearly told me he likes me. Then it doesn’t matter, right? Since he said with his own mouth that he wasn’t mistaken, I had nothing to be intimidated about. And I had resolved to be honest myself.
Come to think of it, it’s a bit irritating. Thinking about The Four who would be outside the bathroom now, I was confused as to why he had brought all of them. Like when he helped me wash in the bathroom before, I was really curious about what he was thinking. He declared his love for me, but why does he keep coming with others?
Of course, I couldn’t stop them from coming because they were friends, but don’t people usually want to be alone with the person they like?
When I turned around to look at him, Moon Seoheon, who had been leaning against the wall, stepped forward and bent his waist. In that moment of confusion as his face came closer, his outstretched hand firmly pressed the sink handle to turn off the water.
Ah, right. I should always turn off the water. Feeling awkward, I remained silent, but Moon Seoheon spoke first.
“If you’re done washing, let’s go out.”
“…Why did you follow me in?”
When I asked calmly, Moon Seoheon silently pulled out a towel and began carefully wiping my face wet with water. I lost my words at the very affectionate touch as he gently patted to remove the moisture, but when I urged him with my eyes, his serene voice flowed out.
“I just came in thinking there might be something I needed to help with again.”
“Huh? What do you mean…?”
“With so many people outside, I wondered if there was something you couldn’t do again.”
I opened my mouth in shock, then firmly closed it and glared at Moon Seoheon. Because I understood well what kind of help he meant, I couldn’t say anything and just frowned severely.
I noticed Moon Seoheon raising the corners of his mouth as if finding my expression amusing. I finally said one thing.
“Is this the same as that?”
I was about to explain that it was a completely different situation—then, you were in the bathroom, now people are outside—but I held back, worried The Four might hear. The excitement that had risen wasn’t easily subsiding, and I bowed my head, not knowing what to do.
I don’t know if the heat rising to my head was because of anger or embarrassment.
Moon Seoheon just looked at me with a consistent smile and then turned his back first. He even showed unnecessary consideration by covering my reddened neck with the towel.
I wanted to send Moon Seoheon out first, but I had something to say. When I called him and pulled his arm, he came along docilely.
“What is it?”
I understood that you like me, but is that really sincere? Did you deliberately come with The Four because you don’t know what might happen if I meet Yoo Wono? Is it to monitor me? Or is there another reason you’re doing this? I felt like asking what you’re thinking.
But above all, there was something else I really wanted to say. When I met the gaze of Moon Seoheon, who was looking down at me with a puzzled expression, my neck automatically bent backward. Wow, this guy really is tall.
Inwardly laughing off this sudden silly thought, I slowly opened my mouth.
“You know, I…”
“Just a moment.”
Moon Seoheon, who had been staring at me, narrowed his eyes and reached out his finger. In the blink of an eye, a water droplet hanging on my eyelash was collected by his hand.
“Go on.”
I straightened my shoulders, which had tensed at the surprise that made me hold my breath due to this direct perpetrator’s simple words. I was about to speak as calmly as Moon Seoheon when the bathroom door opened at an unfortunate timing.
“What’s taking so long?”
Kwak Junhee briefly scanned us standing face to face through the open door. More precisely, he looked at Moon Seoheon’s hand touching my face. After standing still for a moment, Kwak Junhee soon smiled and stepped back.
“Aren’t you coming out?”
“Ah, yes, I’m coming.”
In the end, I came out of the bathroom without finishing what I wanted to say. Maeng Moa, who had been looking at his phone for a while, spoke in a serious voice as I sat on the bed.
“I heard it would rain a lot, and the monsoon season officially starts today.”
“Oh… really?”
I casually responded and looked out the window. The clouds had formed since yesterday, and with the continuous downpour, it looked dark despite the early morning.
How gloomy—just like my heart right now.
