[W!]

He didn’t know how much time had passed. Three hours? No, four hours? He couldn’t quite grasp a sense of time. His mind was such a mess that he couldn’t even calculate the hours properly.

Through his blurry vision, the wall clock came into view, but he couldn’t make out the time either. He was also confused about when he had come in. Was it two o’clock? Three o’clock? Or was it even earlier?

“Just staring at the clock, huh? Hoping dinner time comes quickly?”

A soft voice whispered near the back of his neck. At the same time, he felt the gentle sensation of lips lightly sucking on his earlobe. Christoph swallowed hard and instinctively shrank back.

“Just wait a little longer. I already told Bessie we’ll be having dinner a bit later than usual tonight. ……Why? Feeling too worn out and thinking it’s time to refuel? Well, you do seem a bit worn. Just look at how red and swollen it is.”

The hand that had been stroking his back slid around to the front, flicking Christoph’s nipple lightly with its fingertips. Christoph almost let out a short moan without realizing it. His nipple, which had earlier been subjected to relentless attention from tongue and teeth – until Christoph was in tears, had begged for it to stop – was now so swollen and red that even the faint brush of the blanket felt painfully irritating.

“Ri…… Richard, —…… ah, it hurts……”

“It hurts? I think you meant to say ‘it feels good’. After all, your body’s been soaking wet, refusing to calm down, ever since earlier.”

Richard whispered gently as his hand softly grazed over Christoph’s length, teasingly close but never applying more stimulation than necessary——just enough to keep him from reaching release. At the same time, Richard occasionally shifted himself deeper inside Christoph, ensuring his arousal never fully subsided.

Christoph weakly shook his wrists, bound together behind his back, but there was no strength left in his movements. He had already exhausted himself earlier, desperately trying to free his hands, only to find his efforts entirely in vain.

His sapphire-blue eyes were rimmed with a reddish hue, swollen from emotion. With every blink of his lashes, a tear slipped free and rolled down his cheek.

It hurt. It genuinely hurt to the point of being unbearable.

The bound wrists, or the shoulders that were uncomfortably pulled as a result—those hardly mattered.

No, even the nipples, swollen to a pitiful extent after being bitten and sucked on dozens, no, hundreds of times; even the entrance, stretched wide and relentlessly stuffed by that monstrous organ, which had scarcely left his body since entering this room and now moved sluggishly in and out with a wet rhythmic motion; even his body, covered in countless marks of hands and teeth with no untouched spot remaining—he could endure all of that.

However, his arousal, which hadn’t subsided even once, not even for a moment, and had been denied release over and over, had long surpassed pleasure and was now teetering on the edge of pure pain.

Through blurry eyes, Christoph glared at Richard. But his hoarse throat, incapable of producing a proper voice, betrayed his lack of strength.

“Ha, p-please, let me…… just…… stop……”

Gasping for breath, Christoph barely managed to speak as he struggled desperately to close his legs. He clenched tightly around the member buried deep inside him, squeezing with all his might. Richard let out a low breath, his brow furrowing in response. Seeing that reaction, Christoph clung to it like a lifeline, tightening around him several more times with all the strength he could muster, as if pleading for mercy.

Even knowing that everything below was fully exposed under Richard’s gaze, Christoph had no other choice. His face, already flushed to its limit, couldn’t possibly redden any further.

It was unbearable. The heat and tension below had reached a point of excruciating discomfort, and he couldn’t endure it any longer. His hips trembled uncontrollably on their own.

As Christoph clenched around him once more and moved his hips, he heard Richard click his tongue. Then, Richard thrust sharply upward.

“Ah!! ……―!!”

Christoph’s vision spun. Amid the overwhelming pleasure, which felt almost suffocating, a sweet sensation pulsed through him, leaving a faint moan escaping his lips. He felt like he was just on the brink, so close to release. Just a little more.

“It’s nice to see your body weakened by desire, and even better to see you begging so honestly.”

Richard’s voice was rough as well. It seemed he was barely holding back his own desire, suppressing it just enough to avoid losing control. Slowly, slowly, he thrust his hips, sharp and deliberate. With every moan that escaped Christoph’s lips, Richard’s gaze grew hungrier, as if feeding off the sight.

“It’s fine that your body’s become so sensitive that you can come just from being filled in the back without your cock even being touched…… but, in moments like this, it’s troublesome.”

Suddenly, he reached forward and wrapped his hand around Christoph’s member. Despite being soaked to the point of glistening wetness, the denied organ trembled violently at the long-awaited touch.

However, that merciless hand gripped the base of Christoph’s member so tightly it hurt. Christoph’s eyes widened in shock.

Only after firmly clamping down to prevent release did Richard begin thrusting roughly. It was as if he were ravaging him, withdrawing almost entirely until only the tip remained inside, then slamming back into the very root with unrelenting force.

“Ah!!!”

Christoph’s body twisted instinctively. It wasn’t that the act itself was painful, he had already grown accustomed to the intrusion after hours of being filled; but the denial, the deliberate restraint was almost unbearable.

However, the relentless pleasure – this unbearable sensation of desire surging upwards, only to be blocked at its source – had already crossed the line into agony.

“Richard…… Richa…… Richard, ……”

Christoph called his name over and over, his voice frantic and desperate, but there was no sign of his grip loosening. Richard’s hand remained as unyielding as ever.

There were times when this man could become disturbingly cruel. Christoph had always known that about him. Beneath the kind and trustworthy smile that graced his gentle face lay a nature that was terrifyingly ruthless and severe—something Christoph had been aware of since they were very young.

However, ever since Richard succeeded Tarten – or perhaps sometime before or after that – he had been endlessly gentle with Christoph. At the very least, he had tried to be.

Maybe that was why, on those rare occasions when he chose to let his cruelty surface, it was boundless and unrelenting.

“Richard, I…… it hurts…… it’s unbearable…… Please……”  

“Please”—One of the few words Christoph never wanted to utter, no matter what. Both Christoph and Richard knew that. And in saying it, Christoph was admitting that he had been pushed to his absolute limit.  

Suddenly, Richard’s expression softened into a kind smile.  

“Is that so? Then, Christoph……”

Christoph quickly nodded: “Yes, yes”, and looked at him eagerly. That “Then”—it signaled that the end of Christoph’s torment was finally near, though it would surely come at some price.

Anything. Whatever it took.

“I’ll let go of your hands. I’ll let you release. But only if, after you finish, you kiss me. Until I say to stop.”

“……―.”

It wasn’t a difficult demand. In the past, in situations like this – when Richard had been truly twisted and cruel – he had never made such a simple request.

Though Christoph rarely initiated a kiss with Richard, and though it left him feeling faintly annoyed and embarrassed, in this moment, such a demand was tolerable.

Christoph nodded. He couldn’t afford to hesitate and risk Richard changing his mind to something even more difficult.

As soon as he saw Christoph nod, Richard smiled deeply, as if to say: ‘Good.’

Richard effortlessly lifted Christoph into the air. Despite Christoph being a fully grown adult, there wasn’t the slightest sign of strain as Richard hoisted him up and seated him on his lap like a child. Soon after, he spread Christoph’s legs and positioned himself once again between them.

In a way, Christoph thought it was better this way. The position, where Richard held him from behind like a parent helping a child use the bathroom, was utterly humiliating, but at least he didn’t have to see Richard’s face. It was better than baring everything and meeting his gaze at the same time.

Soon, Richard’s length, which had briefly withdrawn, pushed back into Christoph, stretching him open once more. As the sensation of being filled and pierced from below surged through him, Christoph’s body reflexively tensed. But when Richard’s arms that had been supporting him relaxed slightly, Christoph’s weight caused him to slide downward. At that moment, Richard buried himself to the hilt, and a moan escaped Christoph’s lips.

The slow deliberate thrusts began to quicken. At the same time, the dammed-up pleasure in Christoph’s body started to surge violently, searching for a release.

Christoph vaguely recalled a time when he had climaxed without any direct stimulation to his length, solely from Richard’s deep, relentless thrusts inside him. Richard had seemed immensely pleased by that.

“I will shape your body to fit mine. A body meant only for me.”

He had murmured those words in a low heated voice, repeating them over and over as he showered Christoph’s face with kisses.

Since then, even though Richard would sometimes use his mouth or hands to draw out Christoph’s desire, once he had pushed himself inside, he would insist on making Christoph climax from that stimulation alone. Whenever Christoph did release in that way, Richard would hold him close, wearing an immensely satisfied expression. Though Christoph would scoff and mutter: “What’s so great about that? You’re such a pervert”, he still complied with Richard’s demands. And over time, without even realizing it himself, Christoph became accustomed to the pleasure that came from being taken so deeply.

Even now.

Richard was moving wildly inside him, in a place that felt as though it had become an extension of him. In sync with Richard’s movements, Christoph felt himself nearing release. The heat pooling in his lower body made it feel as if they had melted together, becoming one.

“Chris, Christoph. You understand, don’t you? Your body is shaped for me. For no one else but me. There’s no one who knows you better than I do. So just look at me. Only me. —Chris.”

“Richard, Richard, Riha…… —.”

With breathless gasps, he could only call Richard’s name over and over.

It was strange. His mind, muddled as though melted by overwhelming pleasure, suddenly noticed something peculiar: Every time he uttered Richard’s name, he felt a growing fondness for him. It was as if, no matter how close he thought he had already become to this man, he found himself moving beyond that limit.

A wet squelching sound filled the room. His lower body was soaked, dripping down to his thighs as if water had been spilled.

Just a little more. Just a little bit further.

Chasing the overwhelming sensation creeping closer and closer, Christoph let go of his reason. He began to move his hips unconsciously, following the rhythm of Richard’s thrusts.

But then.

It happened.

The door suddenly swung open, and a low, cold voice echoed into the room.

“Dinner should be eaten together, don’t you think? It’s a bit heartless to eat separately when we came all this way together, isn’t it?”

Following that voice, another murmured: “That’s true, but it’s such an uncharacteristic thing for you to say…… Makes me suspicious……”

And then, Christoph’s tear-blurred blue eyes met the gaze of the person who had just stepped into the room.

Without any sign of surprise, one of the men simply raised an eyebrow slightly before stepping casually into the room, muttering: “Looks like we’re a bit early”, as he made his way toward the sofa. However, the other man, after offering a polite “Pardon the intrusion”, froze stiff the moment his eyes locked with Christoph’s. Much like the man himself, Christoph also felt as though he’d been doused with cold water, his body freezing in place.

“Uh, ……―.”

The man who had been staring intently at Christoph seemed to have unconsciously let his gaze drop downward. Realizing it almost immediately, he jerked his eyes back up, meeting Christoph’s face again. His eyes darted nervously, and a faint flush crept up his cheeks.

“Hey, Ilay, get out of here――.”

However, the man he was speaking to, now seated on the sofa and casually flipping through a nearby book, responded nonchalantly,

“I’ll wait, so just finish up quickly.”

From behind Christoph came the faint sound of Richard chuckling. In a low voice, laced with amusement, he murmured: “Well, that’s considerate of you. Thanks.”

“W-wait, stop, Richard, just—!”

Christoph’s voice trembled with embarrassment as he curled in on himself, trying to shield what little dignity he could, though it was futile. His flustered tone revealed his panic as he struggled to cover himself, his body barely able to move.

Unable to meet the gaze of the frozen Taeui, Christoph turned his eyes toward the floor, overwhelmed by shame. Meanwhile, Taeui with a deeply embarrassed expression, stammered: “Ilay, I-I’ll just wait outside”, as he glanced toward Riegrow for a cue, only to receive no help. Christoph couldn’t even muster the courage to look at him properly.

However, Riegrow, who was casually flipping through the pages of his book, glanced at Taeui and spoke briefly but firmly.

“Taei, don’t leave. Stay here. You need to stay.”

“Wha――?”

Riegrow’s response was completely incredulous and stunned, barely registered in Christoph’s ears.

Christoph squirmed uncomfortably, his eyes darting toward the blanket that had fallen to the floor by the bed. If only he could crawl under it and disappear.

But.

“In that case.” – Richard said, his voice laced with amusement – “since we have someone waiting, shall we wrap this up soon?”

A voice, impossibly gentle, reached his ears. At the same time, Richard’s arms, tightly wrapped around Christoph, lifted him slightly into the air. Then, with a deep thrust, Richard buried himself to the hilt, driving into him with a ferocity that far surpassed anything from before.

“Ah! ――Ah, ah! ……Ah, ……―!!”

Unstoppable moans, mingled with ragged breaths, spilled from Christoph’s lips.

Richard withdrew almost completely, leaving only the tip inside, before slamming back in until his hips pressed flush against Christoph. Over and over, dozens of times, he struck deep within, forcing Christoph to feel as if his lower body had melted away entirely. The slick wet sounds mixed with the overwhelming sensation of everything being stirred and shaken together. Each thrust seemed to target something unbearably sensitive, as if Richard were breaking through all barriers and hitting that indescribable, desperate spot dead-on, leaving Christoph consumed by the raw, overwhelming intensity.

Amid the overwhelming pleasure, so intense that sweet moans escaped involuntarily from his lips, a faint thought of resistance flickered through Christoph’s mind. His blurry vision caught sight of Taeui, standing outside the threshold, unable to enter or leave, his expression a mix of discomfort and confusion. Riegrow gestured for Taeui to join him, and, hesitating, Taeui slowly moved closer to where Riegrow was.

‘I don’t want to show them this.’ – Christoph thought. I only want them to see me at my best, to see me as impressive and put-together.

And yet, he couldn’t stop himself. The relentless sensation of being struck deep inside, the maddening, electric pleasure coursing through him, left him utterly unable to compose himself. Even though he told himself to regain control, he couldn’t. And deep down, he didn’t want to.

“……―! Ah, ……hah, ngh, ……!!”

No matter how much Christoph curled in on himself, everything was still laid bare. All he could manage was to suppress his moans as much as possible, reducing them to faint whimpers. He didn’t even notice the warm, soft lips brushing against his cheeks, gently wiping away the tears streaming down.

Finally, the member buried impossibly deep inside him paused, seemingly reaching its limit, before erupting in a torrent. As he felt the hot rush flood into him, Christoph’s own pent-up pleasure, which had been throbbing and building to the point of pain, finally burst free.

The overwhelming sensation coursed through his lower body and swept over him entirely, leaving him breathless. His vision flashed white, and his mind blanked out as if drowned in a blinding light.

In his dazed, half-dreamlike state, he thought he caught a glimpse of Ilay. Standing awkwardly, his gaze flitting nervously around, seemingly unable to find a place to rest. Between Christoph’s trembling, spasming legs, Taeui’s figure appeared faintly in his foggy vision.

And yet, Christoph found that he didn’t care. Not in that moment.

Christoph slowly closed his eyes. A deep sense of exhaustion enveloped his entire body, and his shoulders slumped as his strength ebbed away. Richard was still gently rocking him, savoring the afterglow within him. Seemingly content, he placed tender kisses across Christoph’s tear-streaked cheeks without missing a spot.

Then, Christoph felt Richard’s tongue brush across his lips. Reflexively, he lightly extended his tongue, grazing it against Richard’s. When Richard hesitated for a moment, Christoph lazily licked at his tongue like a cat might, before letting himself slump back into near unconsciousness.

The scattered fragments of his thoughts began to slowly, piece by piece, reassemble themselves. Amidst this gradual recollection, he became faintly aware of Richard withdrawing from his body, the wet sound of his departure followed by a gush of warmth as the accumulated fluid spilled out. A soft warm cloth brushed over his skin, cleaning him with careful movements.

Limp like a lifeless doll, Christoph let Richard tend to him, his body moving only as directed. Yet, even as his clarity began to return, Christoph desperately tried to scatter the fragments of his consciousness once more, resisting the sharp reality encroaching on his weary mind.

He didn’t want to think about it. About Taeui, who had been forced to stay just a few steps away with an embarrassed expression, held back by Riegrow. Even if Taeui hadn’t openly stared, he would have heard and sensed everything from such a close distance. At this moment, Christoph couldn’t bear the thought of facing him.

“……”

He had wanted to appear impressive. Even though he knew Taeui would never be his, and even if he hadn’t seriously expected anything, he had still wanted to be someone Ilay could admire—a cool and dignified man, for as long as possible, even to his dying breath.

Now, he felt utterly deflated. It was as if he were a pitiful middle-aged man, meeting his first love from youth after decades, only to show them nothing but his most pathetic side.

While Christoph sat there in the depths of his despair, head hung low, Richard was having finished thoroughly cleaning his body, now speaking quietly but firmly.

“Chris. There’s still one promise you haven’t kept.”

Christoph lifted his gaze. Richard had been quietly watching his tear-filled sapphire-blue eyes, leaned in and gently pressed a kiss to his eyelid.

It didn’t take long for Christoph to recall the promise he hadn’t kept. He stared intently at Richard, who sat silently before him, patiently waiting for Christoph to fulfill it. From the periphery, Christoph could feel curious glances—people who had likely overheard their conversation were now watching.

In front of them. In front of Ilay. Christoph would have to initiate a kiss with Richard. Knowing full well that Taeui was witnessing everything.

It also meant letting go. Letting go of the faint, futile hopes he had clung to, however small they might have been.

Christoph didn’t move. He simply looked at Richard, who neither urged him nor showed any sign of giving up. He simply sat there, waiting with quiet determination.

Then, all of a sudden, Richard raised his hand. Christoph flinched slightly, but Richard only brushed back the damp strands of hair clinging to Christoph’s forehead, as if worried they might get into his eyes. Once done, he lowered his hand again and continued to wait, calm and composed.

“………….”

At times kind, at times cruel, and at times achingly tender—this man, Richard, was like that only with Christoph. And now, Christoph fully understood that.

He glanced away for a moment. His gaze meeting Taeui’s. And Taeui had been blinking at him awkwardly, gave a faint reflexive smile as their eyes met, a mix of discomfort and effort to ease the tension. Christoph lingered on him for a brief second before turning his head back.

He knew. After soothing his childish pouting and wistful regrets, Christoph had come to realize whose hand he would ultimately hold.

Christoph attempted to kneel upright on the bed, but his strength failed, and he collapsed. Just before he toppled over completely, Richard extended a hand and caught him, steadying him gently.

“………….”

Christoph remained silent, his thoughts swirling as he leaned into Richard’s unwavering support.

He felt a flicker of annoyance.

Logically speaking, there was no reason to be upset, but he couldn’t help it. ‘It’s not like he’s doing me some grand favor just because I’m weak.’ – Christoph thought pettily, glancing sideways at Richard, who was practically holding him in his arms. With a faint scowl, he shot Richard a glare. Then, raising his hands, Christoph wrapped them around Richard’s neck.

“..―, ……”

Richard’s eyes widened slightly, startled; but he soon leaned down obediently, allowing Christoph to pull him closer. Just before their faces came so near that expressions became unreadable, Christoph caught a fleeting glimpse of Richard’s softened gaze.

Their lips touched.

The kiss started tentatively, almost like a light peck, but Richard parted his lips slightly, as though amused. Perhaps he was smiling. Christoph felt the wide-eyed stares from a distance, but he chose to ignore them. Or rather, he didn’t even have to try. The warmth of Richard’s lips, unexpectedly comforting and pleasant, drew all his attention, leaving no room for anything else.

‘It wasn’t so bad after all.’ – Christoph thought. At least, it seemed that way. He wasn’t entirely sure yet, but the act of kissing, of sharing his body—it didn’t seem as unbearable as before. Though, at times, an unexpected touch still sent a shiver up his spine, prickling his skin.

Christoph let out a soft contented sigh. At that moment, the large hand that had been gently stroking his back seemed to tighten briefly, just for an instant. A low chuckle escaped from between Richard’s lips, blending into the kiss.

“That’s enough.” – Richard murmured softly.

After planting a light audible kiss on Christoph’s lips, he pulled back, his hand reluctantly withdrawing from Christoph’s back with a slow lingering motion, as if savoring the contact.

“You’re too sweet” – Richard said with a teasing lilt in his voice – “If I have any more, I might melt. It’s better to save it for later.”

Richard smiled as if joking, picked up the robe draped over the chair and placed it gently over Christoph’s shoulders before standing up. Then, with an unbothered demeanor, he put on his own robe and turned toward Riegrow. His expression was already back to its usual, calm and pleasant self, as if he had donned a mask of kindness.

“……? Lips can’t actually melt, can they? ……Ah. ……Wait, are you calling me a cold-blooded ice block right now?!”

Christoph rubbed his lips with his fist in a pout, then muttered at Richard’s retreating back. For a brief moment, a faint wry smile cracked through Richard’s mask-like expression, though it quickly faded.

Before him stood Riegrow, and beside Riegrow sat Taeui, who had been forced to stay put. Taeui’s face was a mix of discomfort and bewilderment.

Riegrow closed the book in his hands and looked up, as if signaling that things were finally done. He then turned his gaze to Taeui.

“Did you get a good look?”

“……I saw it, but not well……”  – Taeui mumbled awkwardly.

“Christoph, Taei says he got a very clear view of you and Richard having sex.” 

Riegrow interjected smoothly, leaning back with a sly smile: “After all, the spot where Taei was standing earlier had the best vantage point. Even from this spot, where it’s harder to see, the, let’s say, wet sounds were impossible to ignore. So, from where he was? Oh, he must’ve seen everything—the entirety of your relationship.”

“Looked like you two were getting along very well.” – He added with a tilted smirk.

Taeui, flustered and indignant, he burst out: “Why do you always twist the truth?!” But every word chipped away at Christoph’s composure. His expression darkened, growing increasingly morose.

He had known—known that Taeui had seen everything. But hearing it stated so explicitly, with no room for denial, left him feeling completely exposed.

Even though it was something he had resolved to do, Christoph couldn’t help but feel a sting to his pride. Deep down there, he had wanted to remain a cool manly figure to the very end, and that desire now felt painfully marred.

Perhaps now, he would no longer be able to approach Taeui as casually as before. No more subtly sliding close to him, brushing his hand against Taeui’s under the guise of an accident, or stealing a kiss when no one was looking. Those moments would likely be gone.

“Kissing doesn’t seem like something you’re new to” – Riegrow remarked with a teasing smirk – “Oh, by the way—those pictures people have been talking about…… could it be the two of you?”

Riegrow spoke cheerfully as he placed his book down and stood up: “If we don’t head down soon, that high-calorie feast Bessie worked so hard to prepare is going to get cold”, starting toward the door.

“I’ll just take a quick shower and be down soon. You go ahead.” – Richard said, heading toward the bathroom. Left behind, Taeui hesitated and scratched the back of his neck awkwardly as his gaze shifted toward Christoph, who sat sulking, clearly dispirited. Taeui seemed unsure of what to say, his discomfort mirrored in the tension of his movements.

“Uh…… well…… I mean, I did see something, but not too much detail, so don’t worry too much about it…… I also tried not to hear anything, so really, don’t let it bother you too much. And, well…… it’s fine. Thinking about it, you two kind of suit each other. I think you and Richard might actually do well together. So, yeah…… stay happy. For a long time.”

As Taeui cautiously spoke, Christoph suddenly lifted his head, which had been drooping in gloom. His wide disbelieving eyes locked onto Taeui, staring at him intensely as if unable to comprehend what he had just heard.

Caught off guard by the sudden sharp attention, Taeui blinked in confusion and stammered: “Uh…… what?”

It was Christoph’s choice, after all. He had let go of the lingering piece of hope he once held onto and instead grasped Richard’s hand in its place.

But still.

“……”

Christoph’s head drooped again in quiet dejection. Slowly, he reached out for the blanket lying on the floor, pulling it up and draping it over himself as he lay down on the bed, curling up beneath it.

“Christoph?” 

Taeui’s flustered voice called Christoph’s name, but Christoph remained completely still under the blanket, showing no intention of responding.

“The final blow was yours, Taei.” –  Riegrow remarked with a faint chuckle.

“What?! What are you talking about?” – Taeui retorted, clearly confused. But the conversation outside the blanket, with its banter and teasing, felt utterly irrelevant to Christoph.

From the shower came the faint sound of water running—Richard, presumably taking his time. Meanwhile, Riegrow and Taeui seemed to continue their lively exchange, the tone shifting between sharp and relaxed, before the sound of footsteps and the creak of the door signaled their departure.

‘Who cares about food? High-calorie, high-protein meals or whatever—I don’t even want to look at them. I’ll just stay like this until my appetite, my body, or anything else wears away completely.’

Thoroughly disgruntled, Christoph clung tightly to the blanket. In his sulking frustration, he resolved that the moment Richard emerged from the shower and tried to pull the blanket off him, he would headbutt him and bite his lips out of spite.

With that thought, he gripped the blanket even more tightly, preparing for his petty rebellion.

***********************

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?”

As soon as the door closed, Taeui frowned, his expression sour. Ilay had taken a step ahead, suddenly turned around with a raised eyebrow, feigning innocence. But both of them knew there was no point in pretending. Taeui could see right through him, and Ilay hadn’t made any real effort to hide it in the first place. If he had wanted to keep it subtle, he would’ve come up with a much craftier plan to ensure Taeui didn’t notice anything at all.

“Why did you let me see something like that? It just left a bad taste in my mouth.”

Taeui clicked his tongue, genuinely irritated. There was indeed a bitter taste in his mouth.

It wasn’t just because he had witnessed someone else’s intimate moment up close. From the moment Taeui had stepped into the room, Christoph’s tear-streaked, dejected face had been hard to ignore—though, admittedly, he had been crying even before then. Still, it left a sour uneasy feeling in Taeui’s chest.

“If I hadn’t done that, he’d still be lying in wait, scheming for the next opportunity to pounce the moment you fell asleep.”

“Now that he’s shown you such a blatant side of himself, maybe he’ll finally start being a bit more cautious around you.” – Ilay added, narrowing his eyes with a faint smirk.

Taeui stared at Ilay, clearly unimpressed by the satisfaction radiating from him. After a moment, Taeui let out a resigned sigh “Ugh”, and shook his head.

In a way, Ilay wasn’t wrong. If things continued like this, it would be just as troublesome for Taeui. Even though both of them knew perfectly well that Christoph’s feelings would never be reciprocated, it would still be awkward if Christoph kept casting those subtle, longing glances his way. Taeui recalled the moment he saw the photos earlier—it had shocked him so much he’d almost blacked out. Perhaps this was for the best.

Still, Taeui couldn’t help but think: ‘If only it had been handled more gently, in a way that wouldn’t hurt him so much.’ Clicking his tongue in frustration, he mulled over how things could have gone differently.

“Now then, before you head down to the dining room, Taei” Ilay said suddenly.

“Hmm?”

Ilay, who had just started to descend the staircase leading to the lower floor, paused mid-step and turned around. Taeui was following closely behind him, came to an abrupt stop, narrowly avoiding bumping into him.

“Watching those two stirred something in me too, you know. What am I supposed to do about this?”

Ilay drawled lazily, gesturing downward with his chin.

Taeui instinctively started to glance down before quickly jerking his head in the opposite direction, refusing to look. He didn’t need to confirm what might have subtly ‘risen’ below Ilay’s waist—some things were better left unseen.

“……You need to focus on dinner. Bessie’s high-calorie feast is waiting for us.” – Taeui said flatly, trying to steer the conversation away.

“Hmm”

Ilay smiled faintly, a hint of mischief in his expression. He seemed to deliberate for a moment, but perhaps he was satisfied with having gotten what he wanted earlier, as he nodded easily.

“Fine. Then, kiss me. I’ll settle for that for now.”

Standing one step below on the staircase, Ilay took another step down, lowering his eye level slightly. Looking down at Ilay’s upturned face, Taeui let out a resigned sigh. Then, without a word, he grabbed Ilay’s cheeks firmly with both hands.

“Fine, fine. You number 18.” – Taeui grumbled.

“……Come to think of it, there’s still something I need to finish talking about with you.”

“What?”

“Nothing for now. Later. First, the kiss.”

Ilay’s eyes narrowed with amusement, as if he were hiding something entertaining. Waving his hand lightly, he tilted his head upward, waiting expectantly.

Taeui looked down at Ilay, who had even closed his eyes and was faintly smiling as if savoring the moment. For a brief second, Taeui thought it would be satisfying to bite Ilay’s nose in a playful act of defiance. But then, he considered the consequences that would surely follow and remembered, somewhat grudgingly, that Ilay’s lips were surprisingly pleasant.