“Uncle, do you think Ilay will go to Australia?”

“Probably not. It’s not common practice to transfer an instructor who just recently got reassigned here.”

“Then I definitely want to go to Australia myself!”

“You can’t. Where an Instructor goes, the Assistant Instructor inevitably follows. If you want to go to Australia, you’d better hope Rigrow gets assigned there.”

“What I want isn’t Australia; it’s the opposite direction from Ilay.”

“Then pray that he gets sick and bedridden or something.”

His uncle’s advice wasn’t particularly helpful. Taeui left the room feeling dejected, like someone stranded alone on a remote island with no one to rely on.

No matter what kind of society people live in, human relationships are an inevitable part of life. Even a three- or four-year-old child who only stays at home is tangled up in the simplest form of human connections. Taeui sipped the beer he’d taken from his uncle’s room and crouched near the building’s entrance, staring blankly up at the sky. With a cigarette in hand, he would have perfectly completed the picture of decadence.

“Have I ever worried about human relationships before……? No, I don’t think I have.”

Sure, there were times when Taeui burned with anger because of individuals who had piled resentment upon resentment. But he’d never felt this kind of turmoil over the tangled complexities of relationships. If only he could just laugh it off and dismiss it as someone else’s problem—but even that’s impossible.

The saying ‘Stand next to a rough stone, and you’ll end up taking the blows’ couldn’t have been more fitting. Honestly, there aren’t many rougher stones out there than Ilay Riegrow. Sure, Taeui always knew there were plenty of unreasonable people in the world, but he never imagined someone like him could exist. At least he can blame someone else, since ending up near him wasn’t my choice. But when he thinks about it, Ilay truly is a bizarre—no, utterly intolerable—specimen of humanity.

Good looks, sharp mind, strong, capable, comes from a great family—and a personality that’s utterly rotten……

From that list alone, you might think he’s just your run-of-the-mill rich brat with a terrible attitude. But he wasn’t someone who could be defined so simply. Plenty of people get called ‘a bastard’ in life, but how many actually find themselves facing genuine threats to their life from random strangers? Not many.

“But honestly…… it’s not like he’s all bad……” – Taeui muttered to himself.

He suddenly remembered saying something similar before, and Tou had asked him with a serious expression: “What part of his personality made you think that?” He couldn’t give an answer then, and the memory still lingered. Even now, he couldn’t explain it, but it was true—he did think that way to some extent. It wasn’t just because he hadn’t often witnessed the infamous ‘smiling as he ruthlessly crushes people like they’re nothing’ side that others spoke of. Though he couldn’t explain it logically, that man, while certainly someone to keep a safe distance from, wasn’t someone Taeui hated or felt deep loathing toward.

Maybe this was what his brother meant when he once casually said: “You’re oddly detached when it comes to people.”

“Still, what am I supposed to do about feeling this way?” – Taeui muttered with a sigh.

Of course, it didn’t change the fact that if he so much as spotted that man from a hundred li away, he’d turn and run without a second thought.

“Taei-hyung.”

‘Beer may not even count as alcohol, but at this rate, am I going to end up an alcoholic?’ – That thought crossed Taeui’s mind as he finished off the rest of his beer. Just then, he heard a voice calling out to him from behind. He froze for a moment before slowly turning around.

He’d heard the faint sound of the front door opening earlier, but he’d assumed it was just one of the usual people coming and going and hadn’t bothered to look.

“Xinlu……”

“It’s dangerous to be outside so late at night. There are lots of bugs and things crawling around, you know.”

Xinlu approached silently, like a cat, and crouched down beside Taeui. The space was wide enough that there was no need to move, yet Taeui instinctively shuffled a step or two to the side. As the air shifted, a faint scent of soap brushed past his nose. He glanced at Xinlu out of the corner of his eye. He didn’t look like he had just washed, but the soft scent of soap clung to his slightly tousled hair. Xinlu had his hands clasped together, resting his chin on top, his long lashes blinking delicately as if they might make a soft rustling sound. He was as endearing as ever. Though the air between them had felt a bit prickly and awkward recently, Taeui couldn’t help but find the young man charming. Always.

“Just wanted to get some fresh air…… What about you?”

“I thought you might be out here.” – Xinlu replied.

He glanced sideways at Taeui, just enough for their eyes to meet, before quickly dropping his gaze again, looking almost melancholy. Seeing that, Taeui felt an inexplicable weight press down on his chest.

“Why are you out here at this hour?”

Taeui tried to figure out what the issue was. Xinlu had been expressing his feelings for him—through words, expressions, and actions. Taeui liked Xinlu too. A young man as endearing as him was rare to come by. So, there was no problem in terms of their feelings being mutual. And yet, there was this faintly rough, prickly atmosphere lingering between them―――――.

“Hyung, I……”

As Taeui quietly pieced his thoughts together, Xinlu spoke. Taeui listened in silence. Lately, Xinlu had seemed out of sorts—not exactly drained of energy, but as though he was deep in thought. He had been flawlessly diligent in his duties, yet during any spare moment, he’d sit lost in thought, his eyes blinking as if absorbed in something. That’s what the infirmary staff had told him. Maybe Xinlu had been searching for a way to resolve this situation in his own way. And perhaps, after reaching his conclusion, he had come to find Taeui.

“When I used to hear stories about young people throwing away their honor and future for love, driven purely by emotion, I couldn’t understand it. I thought that to lead even a minimally decent life, people needed to first secure the basics. When I joined UNHRDO, I felt confident that I wouldn’t need to worry much about my future anymore—I knew I had what it takes to rise through the ranks. I imagine it must have been just as challenging for you to get into UNHRDO, hyung.”

Xinlu spoke as if talking to himself, his head bowed. Taeui considered refuting Xinlu’s last comment but hesitated. For some reason, Xinlu’s face, unusually serious, seemed even more gaunt than it had a few days ago. It made it hard for him to casually brush it off with a lighthearted smile. ‘No, no, it just kind of happened for me.’

“But, hyung…… I’m sorry to say this, but no matter how much I think about it, I hate the fact that you’re here. As long as you’re here, you’ll continue to be that man’s Assistant Instructor, and I just can’t stand that. So, I want you to leave UNHRDO. If you’re worried about your future, you don’t have to be—I’ll take full responsibility for making sure you never have to worry about it. And if that’s not enough, I’ll quit too. For you, I’d leave UNHRDO without hesitation.”

Xinlu spoke clearly, though all in one breath. Then he lifted his gaze and looked straight at Taeui. Caught off guard by the unexpected proposal, something he had never even considered, Taeui could only stare blankly back at him. Leaving UNHRDO. It was a future that had always seemed so natural and preordained that he hadn’t once thought about abandoning it. Not even now, when he was so close to breaking free from this place.

Come to think of it, leaving UNHRDO would change a lot of things. Most importantly, it would mean an end to all those troublesome relationships. Sure, there might be issues like finding a new place to live or other minor inconveniences, but it wouldn’t feel as abrasive as things do now…… Wait a minute. Is this vague, uncomfortable atmosphere entirely the fault of the people here? Looking back, no one had openly condemned or interfered with Xinlu and Taeui’s relationship. And yet, at some point, this gritty, sandpaper-like tension had begun to settle between them.

Taeui quietly stared at Xinlu. 

‘I see. Just a little longer, and I can leave UNHRDO. Maybe then everything will be okay.’

“Taei-hyung, please do that for me. ……I can’t bear to see you with him—with Riegrow. Even while I’m working during the day, the thought that you’re by his side makes my chest tighten so much I can’t even breathe. It’s unbearable. Hyung, please…… just stay with me.”

Xinlu’s soft voice clung to his ears. Kneeling on the dirt ground, Xinlu wrapped his arms around Taeui’s neck. Then, with deliberate care, he pressed a kiss to Taeui’s cheek.

At that moment, a cold chill swept through a corner of Taeui’s mind.

“—Please, just stay with me.”

At the sound of that pitiful voice, a memory suddenly surfaced. The lithe body entwined with Ilay. The rough and searing air between them. The voice is sharp and cold as a blade. And those jet-black eyes, curving with a smile as they gazed directly at Taeui.

The hands he had almost raised to embrace Xinlu froze just before touching his shoulders. Not long ago, at some indeterminate moment, that man – his cool smirking face still vivid – had sunk his teeth into these very shoulders, all while looking straight into Taeui’s eyes.

“……The night before Ilay left Eoryeong for Europe―――――.”

Taeui spoke without expression, as if the words were spilling out on their own, unbidden. The arms wrapped around his body gave a slight shudder. The lips that had been pressed against his cheek pulled away.

Xinlu slowly pulled away from Taeui and stared at him. His frozen gaze meticulously scanned Taeui’s face, but it wasn’t with the intent to blame. In truth, Taeui hadn’t even intended to say anything. And yet, the words seemed to slip out on their own, as if they carried a will of their own.

‘No, that’s not it. I’m not trying to talk about the fact that you and that man were…… physically involved. That’s not what I want to say――――.’

In that moment, Taeui suddenly realized something. The subtle prickly tension that had lingered between them wasn’t because of Xinlu and Ilay being physically involved, as he had unconsciously thought. Back then, Xinlu had been trying to interfere with Taeui’s life in ways he hadn’t noticed. It wasn’t just that Xinlu wanted to share time with him. He wanted to own Taeui’s time. Taeui had known this all along, in some deep, unspoken way. And yet, it was only now, so abruptly—so clearly—that the truth hit him.

Taeui quietly gazed at Xinlu. There wasn’t even the slightest intention of blaming him. Instead, he felt a strange sense of understanding, as if thinking: ‘Ah, so that’s how it is.’

“―――Hyung.”

Xinlu called out to Taeui. His thin, fragile voice, as if it might disappear at any moment, faltered for a moment. His anxious, panicked gaze wavered so unsteady. Taeui tilted his head slightly.

“Hyung, I…… I didn’t want to lose you. That’s why…… that’s why I did it……!”

A desperate hand gripped his elbow tightly, as if afraid that even the slightest loosening of its hold would cause everything to scatter and vanish. The unexpected strength in that fierce grasp surprised Taeui.

“Hyung, it’s true. I’ll never give my heart to anyone else—I won’t ever do that again. I couldn’t help it…… I was so scared of losing you. Taei-hyun……!!”

Xinlu cried out desperately. The grip on Taeui’s elbow and shoulder was so tight that it hurt, making him instinctively flinch. But perhaps interpreting the movement as rejection, Xinlu only clung on more fiercely, his grasp growing even stronger.

“Xinlu! ……Xinlu!”

Taeui called out to Xinlu, his tone slightly anxious. He extended his arm and gently stroked Xinlu’s back, repeating his name a couple of times. At that, Xinlu fell silent, his uneasy gaze fixed on Taeui.

“Hyung, I want you to stay by my side. Always.”

Still clutching tightly onto Taeui’s arm, Xinlu whispered softly. Taeui looked down at him, unsure of what to say. Then, suddenly, Xinlu’s face crumpled.

“Do you hate it? ……Don’t look at me like that, Hyung. Have I become someone you don’t like?”

Xinlu’s voice grew thick, as though he might burst into tears at any moment. Taeui shook his head. He didn’t know what to say, but one thing was certain—he didn’t dislike Xinlu. So he shook his head again and again.

“Hyung, I――――.”

“Even if Taei stays by your side, he won’t bring you fortune. His blessings are reserved for just one person.”

Xinlu was about to say something when a slow, leisurely voice drifted down from behind them, slightly above their heads. A soft exhale followed, accompanied by the faint sound of smoke being blown out.

Taeui stopped shaking his head while saying: “It’s not like that”. He didn’t need to turn around to know who that voice belonged to. And apparently, neither did Xinlu. The desperate, anxious expression Xinlu had worn while clinging to Taeui shifted abruptly. His face turned cold, devoid of emotion, with perhaps a hint of cruelty. Xinlu cast a sidelong glance, his eyes sharp as blades, toward the person standing just beyond Taeui’s shoulder. The gaze was piercing, like the cutting tone of a voice once spoken in an air thick with ecstasy.

“Riegrow.”

A voice like venom dripping into crystal-clear water, and spreading its poison. In that moment, Taeui realized just how much Xinlu despised that man. It wasn’t just dislike—it was an intense, visceral loathing so strong it seemed unbearable to even share the same space. Like two predators locked in a battle for territory.

Taeui quietly stared at Xinlu. A sensation like cold water spreading through his chest took hold of him. He had thought he knew Xinlu well, but now he realized he hadn’t understood him at all. Slowly, Taeui turned to look behind him. A window in the building was open, just a few hand spans wide. From it, cigarette smoke wafted out, curling into the air. Beneath the smoke, Ilay stood, leaning against the windowsill with his elbows propped up, gazing down at them.

It was a little unexpected. Despite the tone of his voice, which suggested amusement, Ilay wasn’t smiling. He simply looked down at Taeui with an expressionless face. Then, when their eyes met, a faint hint of a smile flickered across his features.

“What are you…… doing down there?”

Seeing that smile gave Taeui an odd chill, a prickling unease. Hesitating for a moment, he blurted out something without thinking. Only after speaking did he realize how foolish it sounded, but the words were already out. There wasn’t much else he could say.

“A soft-spoken, lovely boy seemed to be rushing around looking for someone, so I thought I’d try tempting him and decided to follow. Since it seemed like the conversation with someone else was running long, I passed the time by having a smoke.”

Ilay muttered around the cigarette between his lips. Unconsciously, Taeui turned to look at the gentle, endearing boy beside him. Xinlu was staring at Ilay—expressionless, yet with eyes that couldn’t conceal the depth of his unbearable hatred. Suddenly, Xinlu shifted his gaze to Taeui. For an instant, his face showed a flicker of being caught off guard, and he clenched his teeth.

“It must have been written in the report sent to you as well—that the only one confirmed to share in Jeong Taei’s fortune is Jeong Jaei. Still, you wanted to test it yourself?”

Ilay spoke casually. Taeui frowned slightly, irritation rising within him. Yet that irritation wasn’t directed solely at Xinlu. His gaze turned sharp and hostile as he looked at Ilay.

“Xinlu.”

Taeui called his name quietly, without taking his sharp gaze off Ilay. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Xinlu quickly shaking his head.

“Hyung, it’s not like that. I don’t care about something like that―――.”

“When did you first hear the word Gilsangcheon associated with me?”

“Hyung, it doesn’t matter. I don’t care about things like that――――.”

“I asked, when did you hear it?”

Taeui clicked his tongue, cutting Xinlu off mid-sentence. It wasn’t that he doubted Xinlu’s words. No, in truth, he wouldn’t have cared if what Ilay was implying turned out to be correct. He had long since grown accustomed to living in the shadow of an overly exceptional older brother—too accustomed to waste his energy getting angry or disappointed over such things.

Still, his mood sank. It felt as though he’d been a blind man all along, and the realization left him slightly disheartened. But that wasn’t Xinlu’s fault. As Taeui relaxed his tense expression and let out a silent sigh, Xinlu, who had been watching him quietly, spoke softly, as if the intense emotions from just moments ago had never existed.

“It was after you came here, hyung. I found out the day after you arrived. I got a call from home…… But it wasn’t because of that.”

‘—Well, that family has always been full of ambition. Still, I didn’t think they’d actually try to claim Gilsangcheon for themselves.’

A phrase he had heard once before suddenly flashed through Taeui’s mind. He turned his gaze to the man who had spoken those words. Ilay, with a cigarette between his lips, tilted his head slightly as he looked at Xinlu. In his eyes was a faint trace of mockery, as if he could see straight through Xinlu’s obvious intentions.

Taeui let out a long sigh. Clicking his tongue bitterly, he raked his fingers through his hair as if he were about to pull it out. A wave of gloom settled over him. At this rate, he thought, he might actually end up needing treatment for depression. Whether it was this guy or that guy, there was never a moment of peace for his mind. 

Staring dejectedly at the ground, Taeui suddenly lashed out and kicked an empty beer can. The can rolled across the ground, spinning before coming to a stop against the wall.

“……Ilay.”

Taeui muttered, glaring at the long, pale fingers casually flicking ash right in front of him. Ilay didn’t reply, merely raising an eyebrow as he brought the cigarette back to his lips.

“Why do you――――.”

Taeui, who had begun to speak, shut his mouth. Xinlu was standing silently right beside him. Feeling annoyed, Taeui scratched his head again.

“Why do I――――what?”

Ilay interjected as Taeui fell silent. Clicking his tongue in irritation, Taeui muttered sulkily.

“Why are you picking a fight? I already told you—I wouldn’t lay a hand on Xinlu.”

“Yeah, you did say that. And I’ve been sticking to my word. Does it look like I’ve touched him?”

Ilay gestured toward Xinlu with a nod of his head. That was the moment Xinlu, his face darkening with suppressed fury, suddenly snapped, his voice cutting like a blade.

“I told you, didn’t I? I told you to never mess with Taei-hyung again. To stay away from him. I was clear, and you said you understood.”

Taeui frowned slightly. He disliked conversations like this and had no interest in facing situations like this either. On top of that, he couldn’t quite grasp the core or the point of the argument. Just as he was about to say something, his eyes met Ilay’s. Ilay was gazing at him thoughtfully, tilting his head slightly as if analyzing each detail. With every slow blink, he gave a faint shake of his head, as if dismissing something. It wasn’t pleasant to have someone look at you and shake their head like that. Taeui clicked his tongue and scowled, his lips tightening in irritation. Perhaps finishing his train of thought – or maybe reacting to Taeui’s expression – Ilay smirked faintly. Then he shifted his gaze to Xinlu.

“Yes, I did say that. I didn’t intend for it to come across that way, but it seems I caused a misunderstanding. My apologies. But let me make one thing clear—I haven’t touched Taei. I don’t have any desire to go that far.”

Standing at an angle where Xinlu couldn’t see him, Taeui felt a sudden surge of irritation. Xinlu might not have caught it, but Ilay undoubtedly saw the disbelief and exasperation on Taeui’s face—because he outright laughed. Though he briefly covered his mouth with his hand, it was obvious he was amused. His expression made it clear as he looked straight at Taeui.

Still, he wasn’t lying. By his standards, he truly hadn’t touched Taeui. It was just that his standards were entirely misaligned with those of others—at least, with Taeui’s.

To him, Taeui was simply the most convenient person nearby to toy with, like a game of hopscotch. There was no particular reason it had to be Taeui, just that he was available. Taeui stared at Ilay with a sour expression. He felt an overwhelming urge to snap at him, to throw out a cutting remark, but he wasn’t foolish enough to provoke an unnecessary argument here.

‘Fine, do whatever you want. I have no idea what’s going on anymore. The only thing I do know is that I’m getting more and more depressed.’

“But, you know…… watching you play around so adorably like this…… it’s a bit irritating, you see. Makes me almost want to try messing with you, just once.”

Suddenly, Ilay spoke in a low voice. He carelessly flicked away his cigarette, and just as Taeui was about to mutter: ‘If you don’t put that out properly, it could start a fire somewhere……’ Ilay grabbed him by the collar. Without hesitation, he yanked Taeui forward, his other hand firmly cupping his cheek. In one swift motion, he grasped Taeui’s chin to force his mouth open, and then, without warning, he shoved his tongue inside, as if to make a point.

“……!”

“……!!”

It all happened almost simultaneously. As Taeui reflexively swung his fist at Ilay’s jaw, Xinlu lunged forward. Ilay, as if expecting it, effortlessly dodged Taeui’s punch and cast a sidelong glance at Xinlu. In that brief moment, before anyone realized it, Xinlu had closed the distance and was gripping Ilay by the collar. Ilay’s eyebrows rose slightly as his collar was seized, and something resembling a smile played at the corners of his lips.

It was at that moment.

Taeui’s expression hardened.

He recognized that look on Ilay’s face, knew exactly when Ilay would narrow his eyes and smile faintly, as if on the verge of laughter.

“Don’t, Xinlu!”

Just as Xinlu tightened his grip and prepared to yank Ilay forward, Taeui intervened by the narrowest margin. He struck Xinlu’s hand away with a downward blow, forcing him to release Ilay’s collar. At the same time, he deflected Xinlu’s other fist with a sharp slap, redirecting it before it could land, and stepped in front of him. There was barely any space between them now, their bodies practically pressed together. 

Ilay leaned halfway out of the window, his upper body dangling outside, while Taeui stood directly in front of him, as if shielding him with his back. Facing Xinlu, who was now mere inches away, Taeui had just intercepted what could have been a punch aimed at Ilay. Xinlu stared at Taeui, momentarily stunned. His wide eyes fixed on Taeui in disbelief, as if unable to comprehend that Taeui had stepped in to block him and, in doing so, shielded Ilay.

“Taei-hyung…… why……?”

“You idiot, know who you’re picking a fight with!”

Taeui’s heart, still pounding from the chaos, he couldn’t stop himself from shouting. Xinlu, who had never heard Taeui raise his voice at him before, widened his eyes even further in shock. Realizing what he had done, Taeui clicked his tongue and softened his expression, trying to calm himself.

Perhaps Xinlu wasn’t as fragile or delicate as Taeui believed. He might even have been stronger than anyone could imagine. But even so, Taeui couldn’t fathom Xinlu being able to overcome someone like Ilay—a man who seemed more monster than human. Especially after seeing the expression Ilay had worn just moments earlier. Had Xinlu gone through with it, there was little doubt he wouldn’t have walked away unscathed. But Xinlu didn’t seem to think the same. His face flushed with emotion, he shook his head vehemently.

“That’s not true! Even if my strength isn’t enough, how can you expect me to just stand by at a time like this? I can’t do that!”

“Well then, you’ll be up against Taei. After all, Taei is my Assistant Instructor.”

Amidst Xinlu’s outcry came Ilay’s voice, laced with laughter. Taeui instinctively clenched his fists. The urge to turn around and land a single, solid punch on that infuriating face was no less intense than Xinlu’s. However, he held himself back—not only because, as Ilay had pointed out, he was his Assistant Instructor, but also because Taeui had the wisdom to choose his battles carefully. Xinlu shifted his gaze from Ilay to Taeui, his voice dropping as he asked softly:

“Hyung, is what he said true?”

Taeui remained silent for a moment. If he assumed Xinlu was on par with him in ability, would teaming up with Xinlu and taking a swing at that bastard give them a chance of winning? ……No, it didn’t seem likely. And even if only he were at risk, it might have been worth considering—but involving Xinlu would put him in danger too. A sigh escaped Taeui’s lips.

“Yeah, that’s right. If you insist on hitting Ilay while I’m here, I’ll have no choice but to stop you.” 

Xinlu bit his lip at the response, and glaring at him with a look full of resentment. But it didn’t last long. After a moment of hanging his head, Xinlu slowly unclenched his fists. Though his expression still showed frustration and reluctance, it seemed he had decided he couldn’t bring himself to fight Taeui. Taking a deep breath, he exhaled slowly, letting the tension drain from his body.

“Taei-hyung, just answer me one thing.”

Xinlu spoke, meeting Taeui’s eyes with a serious gaze. Taeui tensed up, hoping desperately that the question wouldn’t be something too difficult to answer. After a moment, he slowly nodded, signaling for Xinlu to go ahead. With a face as serious and tense as ever, Xinlu asked:

“Taei-hyung, do you like me more, or Riegrow?”

“Gah!” – Taeui inhaled sharply and immediately broke into a coughing fit. For a moment, he couldn’t even process what he’d just heard, instinctively glancing over his shoulder. Behind him, Ilay had just been leisurely pulling out a new cigarette, frozen in place with a bewildered expression. It seemed even he hadn’t expected such a question from Xinlu. Taeui opened his mouth to respond, but the sheer absurdity of the situation left him struggling to find words.

At his age, Taeui never thought he’d hear such a question. He mumbled wordlessly, scratching his head in frustration, while Xinlu stood before him with an expression of utmost seriousness. Despite everything, he was completely earnest. Taeui looked at Xinlu, his face showing his discomfort. In truth, there wasn’t much to be troubled about—the answer was clear enough. But at this moment, when even Xinlu’s presence was beginning to feel a bit exhausting, the idea of responding felt burdensome.

How did he truly feel about this young man? The answer was simple. He still liked Xinlu. Xinlu was still endearing, still someone who tugged at his heartstrings. It wasn’t the same fragile, thrilling feeling as before, like a glass bead trembling on the edge of shattering. But even with a calmer heart, Taeui couldn’t bring himself to dislike him. Even if Xinlu had approached him with a different intention, that fact didn’t change.

Xinlu was waiting for Taeui’s answer. Behind him, the faint sound of Ilay lighting his cigarette reached his ears. Taeui, who had been quietly staring at Xinlu, let out a soft sigh. Then, lifting a hand, he gently brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen over Xinlu’s cheek.

“Of course, I like you.”

Answering like that would have been easy. But he didn’t answer. It wasn’t that he didn’t know how—it was that he wasn’t ready to give an answer.

As Taeui quietly stroked Xinlu’s hair for a while, Xinlu slowly lowered his head, his gaze falling to the ground. He stared at his feet for a long time before speaking in a soft, trembling voice.

“Hyung…… I like you. I like you so much…… so, so much.”

Xinlu’s faint, trembling voice was barely audible. Though his head was bowed so low that he couldn’t see it, Taeui quietly nodded. At that moment, cigarette smoke wafted over Taeui’s shoulder. He cast a brief glance at Ilay, who was exhaling the smoke silently. Ilay’s indifferent eyes were fixed on them, observing without betraying a single thought. Unlike usual, there wasn’t even the faintest hint of a smile on his face. His expressionless gaze was directed solely at Taeui.

‘Is it funny to you? Do these moments, which mean so little to your indifferent eyes, seem amusing?’

Taeui clicked his tongue bitterly. He felt a mix of anger, pity, and sadness, leaving him too weary to confront anything beyond the sight of Xinlu’s bowed head. He quietly gazed at the crown of Xinlu’s head, saying nothing. Behind him, the faint curl of cigarette smoke drifted closer again before dispersing.