Chapter 8
“Move.”
“Ah, sorry.”
Hyungoh took a step back at Michael’s reproach. Michael, who wouldn’t even glance at Hyungoh, continued drawing while gazing at the lake sparkling in the sunlight.
This is too much. It had been almost a week now, and why was there still no progress in their relationship? Hyungoh plopped down next to Michael. He says he doesn’t like card games, he doesn’t like video games, he doesn’t even like having conversations. At this point, maybe he just doesn’t like me. It seemed like today would be another day where he’d have to go home without having a proper conversation with Michael.
“Michael. It’s time for your nap.”
“Okay.”
“Wait, just a moment.”
Without thinking, he grabbed Michael’s sleeve as he stood up abruptly. As Hyungoh awkwardly laughed, Michael looked down at him with an expressionless face.
“What?”
“Just… well,”
“Let go.”
Michael brushed off Hyungoh’s hand and strode into the house. Ah. This is too difficult. Winning someone’s heart was not an easy task. Marsha, who’d glanced at the dejected Hyungoh, soon turned her head away. Somehow, he started feeling even more pitiful.
“Excuse me, Marsha.”
Hyungoh called out to her. Since Hyungoh usually didn’t speak to her, Marsha looked slightly surprised.
“Why does Michael go to sleep so early?”
He always goes inside saying it’s time to sleep as soon as it hits five o’clock, Hyungoh asked.
“If he doesn’t take a nap at this time, he becomes violent.”
“Michael does?”
“Yes.”
As if telling him she’d given all the hints she could, Marsha moved away without any lingering thoughts after finishing her words.
Becomes violent? Does that mean he just gets cranky? Like a child whining, not knowing what to do with the overwhelming sleepiness.
Hyungoh sighed and got up. It was already hard enough to become friends, but if he became violent too, there was no hope. Should I ask Uncle to make a cake tomorrow? Michael likes anything made by Uncle. While thinking deeply, Hyungoh suddenly frowned.
I don’t want to talk to Uncle though.
Since seeing that video that day, Hyungoh had lost all affection for Hunter. The reason he was trying to befriend Michael in the first place was to separate him from his uncle. But it seemed unavoidable to seek Hunter’s help.
While agonizing and clutching his head, Hyungoh spotted Theo standing in front of Hunter’s door and gasped, holding his breath.
It’s Theo!
Hyungoh quickly hid beside the wall. Why does he keep doing this these days? I don’t even want to face him. After the unfortunate incident from before—specifically the incident where Theo forcibly molested Hyungoh’s private area—Hyungoh had been intentionally avoiding him.
Do I have to climb over the wall again today? With no choice, Hyungoh stepped on the tangled vines and climbed over the wall. Having to do such a ridiculous thing when there’s a perfectly good door. He wasn’t sure how long he’d have to keep this up, but it was a hundred, a thousand times better than running into Theo.
After safely landing and entering the backyard, he met eyes with Hunter, who was cleaning the pool water with a long stick.
“It seems like your wall-climbing skills are improving.”
Hunter smiled. Hyungoh went into the house without responding. Hunter erased his smile and looked at Hyungoh’s back.
Hunter had also noticed to some extent by now. He couldn’t help but notice after being ignored by Hyungoh for several days. As he watched Hyungoh walk away with large strides, Hunter folded his arms.
“Hyungoh. Can we talk for a moment?”
“Go ahead.”
Hyungoh, who was about to climb the stairs, stopped and replied. When he turned around, Hunter beckoned to him.
“It seems like you have some complaints about me lately.”
“Haha, that’s not possible.”
“Let’s set aside the fake laughter.”
Hunter said quite seriously. In the solemn atmosphere, Hyungoh erased his smile. Hunter’s gaze seemed to be examining every corner of Hyungoh’s mind. In a word, it was an unpleasant gaze.
Did I make it too obvious? It would be problematic if he noticed that I saw that video. Hyungoh, after checking Hunter’s reaction, frowned and sighed.
“I’m sorry. It’s not that I have complaints about Uncle.”
“Then?”
“It’s just… it’s not easy to become friends with Michael. It’s a bit tough.”
“…Ah.”
Hunter smiled slightly. Is he still cold to you? “He treats me like I’m air.” Hunter nodded in agreement with Hyungoh’s answer. Don’t worry. He treats others that way too, not just you.
“But it’s a bit unexpected. Before, you were reluctant to become friends.”
“As time passed, I grew fond of him.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
Hunter, laughing as if amused, continued.
“Shall I tell you a way to quickly become friends with Michael?”
“…What is it?”
“Meet him at night. As often as possible.”
“At night?”
“Yes. Michael is most honest at night.”
With those words, Hunter took out a small box from the refrigerator. What’s this? “Cake. Michael will like it.” Hunter handed the box to Hyungoh.
Does he want me to go now? Hyungoh secretly looked at Hunter, who was leisurely sitting on the sofa. Most honest at night? What does that mean? While tapping the box, Hyungoh mockingly asked.
“You seem to know Michael very well.”
Hunter, who was about to turn on the television, paused. And turned his head to face Hyungoh.
That look again. Hyungoh realized his mistake. He’d almost aroused Hunter’s suspicion again by making a sarcastic comment. Hyungoh, why are you doing this? Blaming himself, he subtly avoided Hunter’s gaze.
“Of course I know him well. He’s a child I care for deeply.”
Hunter spoke methodically while staring fixedly at Hyungoh. Haha. I understand. Now that I understand, could you please stop looking at me with those creepy eyes? Hyungoh nodded with his lips tightly closed.
“Then, I’ll go back.”
“Have a good trip.”
Feeling like Hunter would keep watching him until he left, Hyungoh hurriedly left. He was truly an unpleasant person. Why is he so suspicious? Well, that’s probably why he’s installed CCTVs everywhere.
…Wait.
As his thoughts reached that point, Hyungoh began to feel anxious.
“Don’t tell me, even in my room…”
“Hyungoh!”
Huh.
As soon as he heard Theo’s voice, Hyungoh froze. Lost in deep thought, he’d inadvertently walked out through the front door.
“Hey! What kind of guy are you to not come out of the house for so long? And why did you lock your window again?”
Theo grabbed Hyungoh’s arm. As soon as Theo’s hand touched him, Hyungoh shook him off, goosebumps rising. The humiliating incident from that time was starting to creep back into his memory.
“Huff… Theo.”
“Huh?”
“Let’s never, ever, see each other’s faces again.”
Without even listening to Theo’s response, Hyungoh ran away. Every minute, every second spent with him was uncomfortable and shameful. Why are there only such perverts around me! Even Michael, who ignored him like air, was a hundred, a thousand times more comfortable.
“You… are really slow.”
“Ahhh!”
Hyungoh was startled by a voice coming from right beside him. Theo, who’d caught up without him realizing, was running alongside him at a steady pace. Compared to Hyungoh who was running with all his might, Theo looked relaxed as if he was just jogging.
“I’m sorry. I said I’m sorry, didn’t I?”
“I get it, so stop following me!”
“Can’t you just stop? Being so slow like a slug… No, I take that back. I’ll take it back.”
“Hah, really…”
Panting as he ran, Hyungoh seemed to have reached his limit as he slowly stopped.
“I said I understand, so why do you keep following me?”
“Well, you know, because I’m sorry.”
“Your face doesn’t look sorry at all.”
“Hey, by the way… did you tell Hunter?”
Theo reached out, afraid Hyungoh might run away again. Don’t touch me, please. Hyungoh took two steps back and said irritably. “Alright, alright. So prickly.” Theo shrugged and held up both hands.
“Tell him what?”
“About me touching your dick.”
“…”
“Did you tell him?”
“Why would I tell him that.”
Hyungoh’s face turned red again at the blunt words. This must be what they call death by shame.
But why are you asking that? Hyungoh glared at Theo. Hearing Hyungoh’s answer, Theo sighed in relief and rolled his eyes. What? Was he anxious that I might tell? Is he that afraid of Uncle?
“Then that’s good. I’m leaving.”
Theo’s footsteps seemed very light as he turned around and walked toward his house. Wait, is that it? Hyungoh looked at Theo’s back in disbelief.
Was he afraid that I would badmouth him to Uncle and use that video to put him in danger? But judging from Theo’s reckless behavior so far, he didn’t seem to be afraid of the video, let alone take it seriously. It seemed like he just didn’t like Hunter using that video to tease him.
Then why did he wait for me in front of Hunter’s house every single day? With the situation raising questions, Hyungoh tilted his head.
“Ah, Hyungoh.”
Theo, who’d stopped while walking away, called out to Hyungoh. Hyungoh, who’d been watching Theo intently, jumped in surprise and raised his eyebrows. What now? Seeing Theo’s sly smile visible from a considerable distance, Hyungoh started to feel uneasy.
“By the way, you,”
Theo raised his hand, mimicking a gesture of touching something, and continued.
“You felt it really fucking good, didn’t you?”
***
Marsha stood in front of the entrance door at the sound of someone banging on it. Judging by the shadow glimpsed, it seemed to be a quite slender adult male. Marsha fingered the gun tucked at her waist.
“It’s me, Hyungoh. Please open the door.”
Marsha, who’d been stealthily approaching the door, removed her hand from the gun. When she opened the door, there stood Hyungoh, looking inexplicably angry.
“What’s the matter?”
“I have something to give to Michael.”
“Give it to me.”
“No, I want to give it to him directly.”
Marsha looked down at the small box Hyungoh was holding. Hunter again? Marsha glanced up at the stairs. Michael is in particularly bad condition today.
Marsha glared at Hyungoh’s box once more. At her unfavorable expression, Hyungoh closed his mouth. What’s going on? Did something happen to Michael?
“Come in.”
Marsha closed the door behind Hyungoh. Since Hunter sent him, it should be fine, Marsha thought.
As he followed Marsha up the stairs, Hyungoh suddenly began to feel anxious. The second-floor corridor, where Michael’s room was located, was excessively quiet. As if nothing existed. The cold, heavy air was extremely alien.
BANG—
As soon as Marsha and Hyungoh stood in front of Michael’s door, a loud noise erupted. It was the sound of something heavy breaking. In that moment, Hyungoh’s instinct sent a warning signal. No. I shouldn’t go in. Hyungoh urgently grabbed Marsha’s hand as she was about to turn the doorknob.
“On second thought, I think it would be better if Marsha delivered it instead.”
“…”
Marsha narrowed her eyes at Hyungoh, who was speaking as articulately and politely as possible. Please. Let me go home. As another dull noise erupted again, Hyungoh smiled awkwardly.
“Sorry.”
“Ahhh!”
Marsha threw Hyungoh into the room, flinging the door open, and quickly closed it. The startled Hyungoh immediately banged on the locked door.
“What the hell, why are you locking the door!?”
“Choi.”
Hyungoh, who paused, slowly turned his head. Michael was standing blankly in front of the shattered window. Looking at the bizarre sight of the desk, wardrobe, and everything else completely overturned, Hyungoh gulped.
What happened here?
“Hello, Michael.”
Hyungoh greeted him, trying to maintain composure. Cold wind blew through the broken window. Dolls with their necks brutally severed rolled over and stopped at Hyungoh’s feet.
Michael, with disheveled hair, trudged toward Hyungoh. Despite the room being in such disarray, Michael didn’t have a single scratch. Michael, who slightly tugged on the collar of Hyungoh, who was sticking to the door like a chameleon, whispered in a low voice.
“I told you I wouldn’t let it slide a second time.”
