Seo Eunho was mortgaged to Tae Shinwoo for exactly 9 months. It was the result of subtracting the 3 months’ wages he’d said he’d take in advance in case interest waned from the year’s worth of wages that bastard had handed over.
The moment he confirmed the amount, Seo Eunho was quite flustered in a way unlike himself, but quickly accepted reality. Thinking about it, it wasn’t bad. Just as that bastard said, it was a much better way to make money than standing and working for over ten hours.
Besides, it didn’t seem like Tae Shinwoo would hang out with him for a whole 9 months. Of course, even if he did fill it up completely, it didn’t really matter.
What was important was that after a year from now, there would only be 6 months left until he became an adult. He’d already been annoyed at carefully reading the expressions of bosses who were reluctant to hire Seo Eunho, a minor, and to be able to spend a year this way. Thinking about it, it was a deal where even jumping around with joy wouldn’t be enough.
‘Crazy bastard.’
Seo Eunho let out a chuckle and shook his head from side to side. No matter how he thought about it, Tae Shinwoo’s face that seemed insane came to mind.
He leaned his body against the swing chain and kicked the ground a few times. The swing chain that moved with creaking sounds seemed like it could break at any moment, but it didn’t reach the ears of Seo Eunho, who had started pondering how best to spend the money he’d received.
Setting aside monthly rent and utility bills for now. If he saved the rest of the money well, couldn’t he get a small studio apartment when he turned twenty?
Thinking that far, he laughed again like a madman. The lingering uneasiness also disappeared at that moment.
‘Who cares? Whatever will be, will be.’
It was literally that. The money was already received, so what could he do about it? He’d quit all his jobs too. It was a situation he couldn’t turn back from now. If he wasn’t going to accept this, he shouldn’t have responded to Tae Shinwoo’s proposal in the first place.
“…Ha.”
Now leaning leisurely on the swing that moved even without kicking the ground, Seo Eunho looked up at the sky. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d rested so leisurely like this. Well… soon it wouldn’t be rest anymore.
“But why isn’t he coming? I’m dying of heat.”
When his thoughts reached that point, he realized he’d been sitting on the swing for quite a while. Perhaps he’d been under the scorching sun too long, his crown sizzling in the sunlight felt all hot.
It was then that a cold palm pressed down firmly on his crown.
“Why are you here when there’s shade?”
That bastard could never be a gentleman.
Seo Eunho brushed off the hand of that bastard standing behind him, still fiddling with his crown, and asked.
“What?”
Perhaps because it was a somewhat sulky question, Tae Shinwoo only raised an eyebrow as if he didn’t understand the meaning.
“Going on a date? Why are you dressed like that?”
At that, Seo Eunho clicked his tongue and asked directly. And for good reason—Tae Shinwoo clearly showed signs of having put effort into his appearance to the point where Seo Eunho felt embarrassed for just throwing on a t-shirt and shorts that had been lying around at home.
From his well-groomed hair styled to clearly reveal his forehead, to the white long-sleeved shirt unsuited for this hot day, and even the navy bottoms ironed with knife-sharp creases. Looking at each item individually, there was nothing special, but to Seo Eunho’s eyes, it looked excessive.
“I think I always dressed like this.”
However, Tae Shinwoo’s reaction was indifferent. Thinking carefully about it, he’d always dressed like this when coming to the convenience store too.
“Why are you suddenly paying attention to it?”
“…”
At Tae Shinwoo’s question, Seo Eunho played dumb. Just as he said, he’d suddenly paid attention to it. Thinking about it, it was actually himself whose outfit had changed. He’d always been in a uniform or school uniform. Wearing casual clothes made him look quite rough in comparison.
“So. What did you call me to do?”
Are Tae Shinwoo and I the same? Our circumstances are different. Even comparing was strange. Seo Eunho brushed off his clothes a few times and changed the subject.
“Just. Because I’m bored on the weekend?”
Tae Shinwoo willingly joined in changing the topic.
Actually, Seo Eunho had expected to be bothered by Tae Shinwoo every day from the moment he quit all his part-time jobs. But this strange bastard didn’t call for him after handing over the money. Excluding passing by each other at school, this was the first time they’d met since receiving the money.
Seo Eunho had rested comfortably during that time. What’s good is good. Since Tae Shinwoo wasn’t looking for him, there was no need for him to step forward and stir up that bastard. He was only worried his father might come home, but fortunately, it was a needless worry. Thanks to that, Seo Eunho spent the past few days most peacefully in his life. He’d call when it’s time. It was an utterly carefree thought.
“Did you eat?”
There wasn’t really a reason not to be carefree either.
Seo Eunho shook his head and shrugged his shoulders.
Actually, when Tae Shinwoo finally called him today, he felt a bit of curiosity. What exactly did he want to do, what did he give that money for? He was also a bit worried. For the same reason as well.
However, there was no need to fret in advance about things he couldn’t know. If they met, they met. He’d find out everything by experiencing it.
“Then let’s eat first.”
“…”
“I’ll pay, so don’t worry about it.”
Tae Shinwoo, who’d assumed the inner thoughts of Seo Eunho who hadn’t answered because he was having idle thoughts, kindly added. Seo Eunho let out a hollow laugh and answered right away.
“Why would I worry? The person who called someone out on a day like this should pay.”
At that, Tae Shinwoo furrowed his brow, then raised the corners of his mouth and said.
“A day like this?”
“A day that would pass without spending money if I stayed holed up at home.”
“Ah.”
Seo Eunho didn’t care at all about the light sigh tinged with absurdity. Isn’t that natural logic? Of course, he had received money from Tae Shinwoo, but if he spent it all lavishly while hanging out with that bastard, it would be meaningless.
He thought he’d be thinking that much.
“That’s true.”
Should he explain his thoughts in detail? Just as his thoughts reached that point, Tae Shinwoo nodded.
He didn’t know if he’d properly agreed or not, but Seo Eunho didn’t elaborate. Following Tae Shinwoo who turned his steps first as if to say let’s go, Seo Eunho stretched fully.
There were no particular thoughts. He’d just do as Tae Shinwoo wanted. Whatever they did to hang out, he just had to go along with it. Well, that was about the extent of his thinking.
***
If asked whether he remained that carefree after that, that also wasn’t the case. Unfortunately, Seo Eunho had something called a conscience, and Tae Shinwoo had the mysterious talent of poking at his conscience.
Amidst the uncomfortable feelings that crept up, Seo Eunho looked at Tae Shinwoo. His chest felt stuffy and he didn’t know what to do.
He’d never felt this kind of feeling itself before. To begin with, Seo Eunho didn’t feel uncomfortable around people.
If you’re going to like them, like them; if you’re going to cut them off, cut them off. Friends—it’s fine to have them, fine not to have them. He didn’t care how anyone saw him. Seo Eunho mostly lived thinking that way.
That’s why there was no reason for Seo Eunho to read others’ moods. Seo Eunho didn’t pay even the slightest attention to others’ thoughts or actions. As a result, because he didn’t pay attention, he wasn’t uncomfortable. It was a natural progression.
Today should have certainly been the same. Eating at a restaurant he’d probably never enter with his own money, sitting in a cafe that gave the same feeling as the restaurant, drinking expensive beverages.
Since it was his first time entering such a place, Seo Eunho had been staring intently at the menu when Tae Shinwoo personally recommended beverages worth trying.
Outside, the sun was blazing, but inside was comfortable thanks to the running air conditioner. Seo Eunho instantly devoured the sweet beverage and cake while enjoying the cool air.
If he had to say it, for Seo Eunho, it couldn’t help but be an extremely gracious holiday.
“…”
Was that the problem? Was he feeling this way because it was too gracious?
Seo Eunho looked at Tae Shinwoo, who was now leisurely drinking pitch-black coffee in front of him. At some point, Seo Eunho had become extremely uncomfortable with Tae Shinwoo. For the first time in his life, Seo Eunho thought that his seat felt exactly like sitting on a bed of nails.
“…”
It felt like he should say something, but he had nothing to say. Wasn’t that bastard uncomfortable with this atmosphere? What on earth was he thinking?
Thoughts that the usual Seo Eunho wouldn’t have had continued. For some reason, he was bothered by Tae Shinwoo immensely.
What exactly was so good that he was smiling? Was it really okay for time to just pass without saying anything at all?
Naturally, wasn’t this a situation where both time and money should feel precious?
“Ah.”
When his thoughts reached that point, a sigh unconsciously flowed out. Tae Shinwoo looked at Seo Eunho with a puzzled face. Seo Eunho looked at that bastard and forcibly raised the corners of his mouth to smile.
Seo Eunho had just now realized why his heart felt so uncomfortable. He’d found an answer so clear it was refreshing.
Rather, it was more strange that he’d only realized it now. Of course it was uncomfortable and he was bothered. Because he’d received money.
For Seo Eunho, meeting with Tae Shinwoo was literally a part-time job. So to speak, was it a role of becoming Tae Shinwoo’s plaything? Or was it a role of performing tricks?
Whichever it was, there was no need to be certain, but in any case, it wasn’t a role of just sitting blankly in such a comfortable environment.
“Ha…”
Perhaps he’d felt subtly anxious not knowing the starting point of his discomfort, because now a sigh of relief flowed out. Seo Eunho tilted his head toward Tae Shinwoo, who was silently watching his actions.
“Are you done drinking?”
Even though it had been a while since they sat down, the coffee that had only decreased by about half looked disgustingly unappetizing. He also had the rather well-founded suspicion that maybe that bastard wasn’t drinking it because it tasted bad.
“Even if I’m not done, let’s get up now?”
“Why?”
“I received money, but staying like this without doing anything feels like slacking off at work, so it’s bothering me.”
Tae Shinwoo narrowed his eyes. But not long after, perhaps understanding the meaning, he put the coffee on the table and smiled with his eyes curving.
Through the curving eyelids, sparkling eyes could be seen. To the point where it seemed like he’d been waiting for him to come out like this, Tae Shinwoo seemed to welcome the current situation.
“You’re diligent too.”
Even before Tae Shinwoo could leisurely get up, Seo Eunho, who was literally diligent, gathered the beverages and headed straight to the counter.
From behind his back, a voice full of anticipation could be heard.
“So, what are you going to do?”
Seo Eunho, who swiftly placed the tray on the pickup counter, looked at Tae Shinwoo. He soon shrugged his shoulders lightly.
“Don’t know.”
Whatever it was, it would be better than just killing time like this. Since regret wouldn’t be his portion anyway, as long as his own heart was comfortable, that was enough.
