Chapter Text
The first time Ilay Riegrow saw Jeong Taeui, the first thing he noticed was how incredibly innocent the boy's eyes looked.
“Oh, shit—” Jeong Taeui muttered when he saw a coffee stain ruining Ilay’s shirt. The boy dropped the ball he was carrying, muttering a curse under his breath.
Ilay watched the boy—he was out of breath, covered in sweat, and his dark hair was soaking wet. He was a mess, full of that loud, restless energy that young people have.
“Sorry, sir. I didn’t see you there.”
He didn't really sound sorry. In the background, Ilay could hear other guys on the field shouting for 'Tay' to 'hurry up' because the game was still going.
Ilay had been relaxing on a park bench, smoking and having a drink, until his break was ruined by a football that landed right on him.
“It’s alright,” Ilay said. He didn't even look at Taeui as he poured out the rest of his drink, feeling annoyed.
“Wait, hold this.”
Suddenly, Taeui forced his ball into Ilay's hands. He didn't give any warning before tossing it. Ilay caught it quickly with both hands and watched as the boy disappear toward the bleachers before returning moments later with a red-and-white varsity jacket in one hand.
Ilay just watched as the boy took his ball back and handed over the jacket.
“You’re my new neighbor, right? I live with my uncle—Jeong Chang-in—in the same building as you. I’m Jeong Taeui, by the way.” Taeui flashed a big, toothy grin before starting to run off.
The boy had already taken a few steps when he suddenly turned back.
“Oh, and your car is cool.” He grinned. “Hard not to remember your face after seeing that thing. Flashy as fuck, man.” Then he ran back to the field, laughing and shouting at his friends before disappearing into the game again.
The man stood there, watching the boy for a few seconds longer than he expected.
Ilay let out a quiet snort.
"Strange kid."
***
The second time Ilay Riegrow encountered Jeong Taeui, he saw curiosity in the boy’s eyes.
“Ahjussi!”
The boy shouted the same title again before Ilay finally turned his head.
“Can you give me a ride? My game at the stadium starts in 40 minutes.”
“No.”
“Wow, you’re so kind, ahjussi. Thanks for the ride.”
Ilay narrowed his eyes.
Without waiting, the boy reached through the car window, unlocked the door from the inside, and simply sat himself down in the passenger seat. He pushed his way in with a gym bag that nearly hit the dashboard, acting as though he owned the place as he buckled his seatbelt.
He wore a navy varsity jacket over his team's number 10 jersey, black training pants, and a pair of scuffed running shoes. His dark hair was still slightly damp from the shower, he smelled of shampoo and a cheap cologne—far too sweet for Ilay's taste.
Ilay stared at him, clearly unhappy. But he had no intention of wasting time arguing. He started the car, fully intending to drop the boy off at some random traffic light later.
“You’re 28? I figured you’d be around Uncle Chang-in’s age since you're his colleague. We're only eight years apart; I could call you hyung instead of ahjussi.”
The boy was talking carelessly. Without asking, he started looking through the papers on the dashboard until he found Ilay's birth year.
Ilay didn't say anything. He kept his eyes on the road, one hand loosely gripping the steering wheel.
Occasionally, from the corner of his eye, he caught the silhouette beside him. The boy sat with one knee raised slightly, one arm resting against the window, completely at ease. He began to wonder what kind of presence Jeong Taeui had at his university or in his social circles. With a face like that and such an easygoing manner, he was probably popular. The type people found easy to like. But—20 years old. So young.
“Hey, give me your secret for getting dates,”
Ilay barely spared him a glance. “What for? Does someone like you really need tips for that?”
Jeong Taeui laughed. “I’m nothing compared to you, hyung.” He answered with a casual air, leaning one arm against the door and looking out the window. “At least I don't bring home a different person to sleep with every week.”
Ilay didn’t respond immediately.
He was well aware the boy was mocking him, or perhaps trying to dig for information. Then again, Ilay wasn’t the type to obsess over privacy, so he merely let out a low snort and kept his gaze fixed on the road ahead.
“You’ve been watching me for a while, haven't you?”
Jeong Taeui’s chuckle was light. “Like i said, you’re way too flashy, man.” His voice held a smirk. “No offense, but I think you’re cool. Well-paid job, fancy car, and you’ve got the looks—I bet they're all just toys to you.”
Again, Ilay didn’t answer, but the faint, half-smile he had been wearing disappeared.
“Do you want to see my game, hyung?” the boy asked suddenly. “I usually look way cooler when I play, I swear. I’m the team captain, by the way.” There was a hint of pride in his voice.
“A bright kid, aren’t you?”
Ilay gave a short answer. “Maybe another time.”
***
The third time Ilay saw Jeong Taeui, he saw disappointment in the boy's eyes.
As usual, Ilay was sitting on a park bench after work with a cigarette in hand. This time, his gaze fell on a familiar figure—the Jeong boy, sprinting laps around the field. Even from this distance, Ilay could see his ragged breathing, gasping for air as sweat dripped from his chin.
The sun was going down, but the boy showed no signs of stopping. Ilay watched as Taeui's teammates packed their gear and headed off the field. He heard them talking as they walked past.
"The Captain won't stop training," one of them remarked, his voice clear as he stood near the bench. Ilay glanced at them as they continued to gossip before flicking his cigarette—he had lost count of how many he'd smoked by now. "Don't be surprised. We lost the game yesterday, so Tay is punishing himself again."
Aha. Ilay raised an eyebrow, finally understanding why Jeong Taeui looked so messy and angry. Even his footsteps seemed heavy, fueled by a lingering anger.
Ambitious. But still childish.
By 9 p.m., Ilay watched Jeong Taeui walk toward him. The boy was drenched in sweat; the muscles in his calves stood out with every step, the veins in his arms pulsed, and his breath came in short, sharp gasps. He looked like a mess.
“You look terrible,” Ilay remarked, watching as Jeong Taeui looked back at him and frowned.
“Why are you still here?” Taeui snapped defensively. “To laugh at me?”
Ilay didn't answer right away. He watch the boy with a bored expression. “Kid, that’s none of my business.”
He stood up, stretching his muscles. Taeui hissed a taunt under his breath—something about him being an old man—but Ilay ignored him. He gestured for the boy to follow him toward the parking lot. Taeui stood frozen for a moment, watching Ilay enter the car first before reaching across the passenger seat to pop the door open for him from the inside.
Ilay caught a flicker of hesitation in Jeong Taeui’s eyes before the boy finally climb in and pull the door shut.
“You still have my jacket, don't you?” That was the first thing Jeong Taeui asked, breaking the silence as Ilay started the engine and pulled away. When Ilay didn't answer, Taeui pressed further. “Don’t tell me you threw it away.”
“No,” Ilay answered shortly, his eyes fixed on the road.
“Good,” Taeui nodded. Ilay caught a glimpse of the boy staring out the window before he continued. “Then I don't need to borrow clothes if I stay at your place.”
A smirk played on his lips at that statement. “You said it yourself,” he began, pausing as the boy turned to look at him. He spun the steering wheel with one hand, his index finger tapping rhythmically against the leather. “The ones I bring home, I fuck.”
He watched Taeui blink several times, his eyes widening in stunned silence. Then, a slow smile crept onto the boy's face, as if he finally understood the game. It was quite a sight—seeing the embarrassment on his face vanish, replaced by a cocky, unfazed expression.
“Is this how you pick up your bed partners? Do a small favor, then drag them to your bed?” Taeui’s voice was dripping with sarcasm.
Ilay didn't care about the comment. He just tilted his head slightly.
“You'll need to do a lot more than that to get me, sir,” Taeui added.
Ilay hum in amusement. He found Taeui’s arrogance intriguing, especially since the boy's ears were turning bright red. Without realizing it, he began to drive a little slower than usual.
“I don’t have any food at my place,” Ilay decided to change the subject. “Want to pick some up?”
This time, Taeui nodded. “Sure.”
;
Ilay waited by the checkout counter while taking a call. His eyes followed Taeui as the boy wandered through the store, picking out items and carrying a basket filled with canned drinks and large bags of snacks.
Seeing this, he stepped away from where he was standing and crooked a finger, gesturing for Taeui to follow him. The boy followed awkwardly, watching as Ilay—still speaking to someone in a language Taeui didn't understand—began tossing an array of ready-to-eat meals into the basket.
The boy stared at him in confusion as Ilay filled the basket to the brim.
“Hyung,” Taeui reached out and grabbed Ilay’s wrist while the older man was still talking on his phone. Ilay glanced down at him. Taeui frowned. Wait, why does it feel like he's taking care of me? Hell no. “I don’t need this much.”
Instead of answering, Ilay continued his conversation in German. He paused for a moment, still ignoring Taeui, before speaking again.
“What language is that? It sounds rough, but it suits you,” Taeui muttered randomly while Ilay continued his unintelligible conversation.
“What did you say?” Ilay finally lowered his phone, looking down at Taeui who was still standing beside him.
“Nothing,” Taeui replied nonchalantly. “Forget it.”
Sensing the boy’s annoyance, Ilay gestured with his chin toward the refrigerated section nearby.
“I’m getting some beer. You?”
At the mention of beer, the boy’s eyes lit up instantly. He was so easy to read.
“Seriously? Then me too. Get me the coldest one.”
As they carried their bags to the car, Taeui watched as Ilay pressed a button on the remote, the trunk opening with a smooth, mechanical hum.
“You’re like a sugar daddy, hyung.”
Ilay gave Taeui a sharp flick to the forehead.
The boy burst out laughing, his mood clearly much better than it had been before.
;
“Whoa, I didn’t know the view was this good from up here.”
Taeui stood by the large window in Ilay’s living room. The high-rise condo was as pristine as its owner—too tidy for a home, actually; it felt more like a showroom. There wasn't even a trace of a ‘lived-in’ scent where Taeui stood, as if the place were scrubbed clean every day despite rarely being used.
Taeui’s hand moved to touch the clear glass, watching the raindrops create perfect patterns on the other side. A shadow approached from behind, making him turn. He saw Ilay coming toward him, carrying a change of clothes and a cold can of beer. Taeui took the drink and chuckled
“I thought you’d make your guest sleep in dirty clothes, hyung.”
Ilay, already stepping toward the coffee table, took a sip from his own can. “My guests usually take their clothes off before they sleep.”
Taeui let out a tired click of his tongue. “Is that what you usually tell your fuck buddies?”
Ilay smirked behind his can. “Why? Interested in being one of them? Look at you, you’re too young. Come back another time.”
He shooed Taeui away with a playful grin. Ilay laughed as he watched Taeui flash him the middle finger in response.
The boy huffed in annoyance, leaving the laughing man behind as he stepped into the master bedroom. He was surprised, seeing that the room was just as neat as the living area. If one didn't look closely, it was almost impossible to find any personal items belonging to the owner.
Taeui audaciously threw himself onto the linen without a care. The scent of fresh fabric hit his senses—the smell of laundry dominated the air, though for a split second, he noticed a faint hint of Ilay’s scent lingering there.
“Hey,” Ilay warned, giving Taeui’s calf a light slap. “Take a shower and change your clothes before you get on there. If you get your sweat on these sheets, you’re washing everything in this room.”
Taeui sat up. “Can I sleep here?”
Ilay looked down at him, before he answered, “No. You sleep on the sofa. This is my bed.”
“Why are you suddenly acting like an old man, hyung? I thought we were friends now,” the boy grumbled. He slowly climbed off the bed, watching Ilay settle into a single-seater sofa nearby.
The boy stood with his hands on his hips, scanning the room. His eyes glinted with mischief as he spotted the items on the small table next to Ilay’s chair. “No family photos, almost no personal stuff… but you keep two expensive whiskey glasses. How many people have you fuck here?”
Ilay didn't answer. His fingers moved across his phone, ignoring the boy in front of him.
“This unit is supposed to have two bedrooms, right? Don’t tell me…” Taeui continued. Ilay stopped typing. He set his phone down slowly on the table before finally looking up. “You use that room as a play-room—you know, like that one guy in adult movies who have a special room.”
Taeui’s teasing smirk finally got on Ilay’s nerves.
“If you want to interrogate my life, do it tomorrow.” Ilay stood up and pushed Taeui’s shoulder toward the bedroom door. “Your choices are the sofa out there, or just go home. Your uncle’s unit is only a few floors away; I don’t even need to drive you.”
Taeui frowned when he heard ‘go home.’
“I don’t want to go home,” he said, dodging Ilay. “My uncle usually comes home late with Jaeui. That place is always empty.”
Taeui’s voice dropped as he finished the sentence. He looked away, refusing to meet Ilay’s gaze. It seemed the boy hated being pitied. Perhaps he felt like a loser showing this side of himself to a neighbor he had only just met.
Ilay’s expression remained flat. He stood silent for a few seconds before reaching out to ruffle the back of Taeui’s hair. “Alright. Do what you want, kid.”
That night, Taeui fell into a deep sleep on Ilay’s bed, because he was so full.
He woke up in the middle of the night to find Ilay asleep, sitting up on the living room sofa with the television still on—showing a late-night program. Taeui smiled before turning off the TV. He checked the time on his phone before getting up, putting on his shoes, and deciding to head home.
When Ilay woke up, he found his bedroom duvet covering him and a sticky note haphazardly tucked nearby.
My next game: xx, 4 p.m. At the same place as yesterday.
Ps. Thanks for the beer, I took it all.
Ilay stared at the note a few seconds longer than he realized. Taeui’s handwriting was big and messy, like someone writing while laughing, and he noticed that all of the beer cans from the night were gone.
***
Jeong Taeui wasn’t lying when he said he looked ten times cooler during a football match. Ilay had only intended to watch for a moment. But even though he arrived for the last 15 minutes of the game, he could clearly see why Jeong Taeui was so adored on campus.
His competitive nature was on full display. Even with his body drenched in sweat and his breath hitching, the boy still managed to flash a wide grin as he traded high-fives with his teammates. He moved with an agile grace, looking genuinely thrilled, savoring every second of the match. Like he was having the best time of his life.
When Taeui’s team secured the win, his gaze locked with Ilay’s dark eyes for a few seconds. The boy smiled at him. He noted Ilay standing there with his arms crossed, a cap pulled low to hide most of his blond hair, and watched as the older man gave an affirmative nod. Ilay stepped back, letting Taeui return to the euphoria of victory as his teammates swarmed him, their cheers raining down in a noisy, chaotic celebration.
Ilay simply watched the happy scene for a moment. Finally, he checked his watch and decided it was time to head back.
“Hey, hyung!”
His footsteps stopped. He turned to find Jeong Taeui running toward the parking lot to catch him. The boy’s breathing was heavy and ragged, audible from where Ilay stood. He was still in his jersey,
“Didn't think you’d actually show up, hyung,” Taeui said between gasps as he approached. They fell into a natural rhythm, walking side-by-side toward Ilay’s car.
“Neither did I,” Ilay replied nonchalantly, glancing at his watch again. “I didn't catch the beginning. Today was a bit hectic.”
“I know,” Taeui paused to take another swig of his drink, then roughly wiped the water and sweat from his neck with his sleeve. “I was looking for you in the crowd the whole time. I was so happy when I finally saw you at the last minute.”
Ilay turned at those words, meeting Taeui’s wide, toothy grin. The boy looked genuinely grateful for his presence.
“I have to get back to the office,” Ilay said, breaking eye contact as he pulled his car keys from his pocket and unlocked the door with a hurried motion. “Good game, kid. See you tomorrow.”
However, Taeui held the car door ajar, peering through the gap.
“You mean see you later, right?”
Ilay raised an eyebrow, an unspoken question.
“I can come over after you finish work later, can't I?” Taeui repeated, clearer this time. He sounded confident and his words flowed smoothly, but his ears were turning bright red—just like before. “But it’s fine if you’re busy—I mean, shit, forget what I said.”
Taeui hurriedly tried to push the half-open door shut, cutting himself off awkwardly, feeling embarrassed. Ilay let out a soft laugh. He rolled down the window and tapped Taeui’s forehead with his index finger.
“You can come over later, Jeong Taeui.” He punctuated his words with two final taps.
Taeui reflexively touched his forehead, looking startled, but a grin quickly replaced his shock. “Okay! I’ll bring some ramyeon to cook there.”
At the boy’s bold remark, Ilay simply smiled. He glanced at the rearview mirror and saw a flash of the same team colors Taeui was wearing. In the distance, the voices of his teammates echoed—“Captain! The coach is looking for you! Don't run away!”
“Go, kid. They’re looking for you.” Ilay rolled up the window, catching Taeui’s frustrated sigh. Aish, the boy muttered. The sound was muffled, but his lips were easy to read: See you later, ahjussi!
As the car pulled away, Ilay smiled softly to himself.
“See you later, Captain.”
***
Ilay closed his laptop, his gaze falling on the back of a head busily focused on the bright screen in front of him. The boy looked entirely too comfortable spending time at his place; he had even brought his own Xbox console and was using the living room TV as his monitor. Ilay stood up from the dining table and walked over to him
He had assumed Jeong Taeui wouldn't stay long. Last time, the boy had headed home by midnight, but it seemed this time he intended to ignore his curfew altogether.
“Go home, kid. I need to sleep.” Ilay abruptly switched off the television, causing Taeui to let out a startled gasp. However, his reaction wasn't as disappointed as one might expect from having their game cut short.
“You haven’t even played with me yet,” Taeui complained. “Don’t tell me you have a boring sleep schedule like an old man. Come on, it’s the weekend tomorrow anyway.”
The boy pushed a controller toward Ilay, as if forcing the older man join him to play.
“Like you said, it’s the weekend. You know my schedule better than anyone.” Despite his lazy tone, Ilay accepted the controller (with an expression that suggested this was a terrible idea) but he sat down on the sofa anyway.
Taeui watched him with a victorious smirk. “It won't kill you to take a break from your routine, hyung. You can spend the weekend with me.” His words were mocking, but Ilay chose to ignore them.
For the next few hours, the only sounds were their shouts as neither refused to back down. Both possessed a stubborn, competitive streak, and time ticked away until the day drew close to dawn. It felt like a lifetime since Ilay had stayed awake for no important reason like this. Before this, his life had always felt like a boring, repeating cycle.
The digital clock already showed 4 a.m. They had truly blown past their bedtime.
“Hyung.” The boy, who had been sitting on the carpet by his feet, spoke up. He shifted, leaning his weight against Ilay’s legs.
“Hm?”
“My eyes are so heavy.” The boy shook his head, blinking several times. “I feel like I could fall asleep right here.”
“Then sleep.” Ilay moved to set the controller aside, but Taeui’s head snapped toward him instantly, watching him as if alert to the possibility of Ilay getting up.
Then, without a word, Jeong Taeui dropped his head onto the older man’s lap. Ilay raised an eyebrow, staring down at the boy in surprise. His movements were a bit clumsy, and though he was still conscious, the boy was clearly nodding off, trying to find a comfortable position on Ilay’s lap before closing his eyes.
Feeling the sharp gaze of the man whose knees he was using as a pillow, Taeui boldly reached up and pulled Ilay’s hand down, covering his own eyes with it. Ilay’s fingers felt the soft strands of Taeui’s hair near his forehead.
Ilay’s fingers twitched slightly, gently brushing against those stray hairs in a soft, rhythmic motion. The warmth of Taeui’s breath against his palm gradually slowed down. Ilay let out a quiet sigh, leaning his head back into the sofa and settling into his seat.
A low murmur from the man made Taeui’s eyelashes flutter briefly before his eyes closed again. “Kid, you’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you?” The voice was so soft, it was almost a sleepy hum.
“...?” Taeui didn't answer. Just before his consciousness drifted away completely, he caught a fragment of that low voice: “You’re getting—... never mind.” The boy wouldn't remember it when he woke up.
And for the rest of that morning, Jeong Taeui remained fast asleep in his lap.
***
After that day, Jeong Taeui began spending more and more time at Ilay’s apartment. The boy had quite shamelessly started treating it like a second home, leaving snack wrappers lying around and forgetting his socks in random corners. He even went as far as stocking the man’s empty fridge with his own supply of beer.
That was why, when Ilay found Jeong Taeui standing at his doorstep late one night— The boy had been beaten up and buzzing the intercom repeatedly—he didn’t ask a single question. He merely jerked his head, a silent invitation for the boy to drag his feet inside, before closing the door in silence.
Seeing the handsome face in such a mess, Ilay helped him to the bathroom, where Taeui spat out blood that stained the side of his teeth. He slumped onto the bathroom floor, leaving bloodstains on the porcelain from the friction of his hands.
Ilay tossed an antiseptic bottle from the cabinet, but Taeui’s clumsy fingers dropped it. It made a sharp clatter before rolling toward the older man’s feet.
“Hyung—ugh, can you, um...”
Help me.
The words weren't spoken, but Ilay picked up the bottle and approached Taeui, who was watching him intently.
“Sit up there, kid.” Ilay gestured with his chin toward the sink. He watched as Taeui struggled to climb onto the dry marble counter.
Taeui’s eyes shifted, observing Ilay’s long, steady fingers as they meticulously cleaned the wounds on his face and body. Ilay used a small towel to wipe the blood from Taeui’s knuckles, his movements careful, as if ensuring no open cuts were missed.
Taeui kept his eyes on the man. Somehow, the face before him looked no different from the one he remembered from months ago. The expensive car had been the first thing to catch his eye, but it was the man stepping out of that Bentley who truly made him turn his head.
Back then, a woman had chased after him from the passenger seat, hooking her arm into his. Taeui’s first thought was that they looked like a decent couple, but that opinion quickly dissolved when he saw the same man bringing home a different partner every single week. Yeah, he thought, the guy is a jerk.
And that jerk was the one taking care of him now.
Ilay’s dark eyes, framed by long lashes, flickered back to meet Taeui’s gaze. He paused, realizing the boy had been staring for too long. There was a silent question in his eyes, one that Taeui could clearly read.
“You know, hyung. You’re not usually this nice,” Taeui’s voice sounded rough. He coughed a few times before spitting blood into the sink.
Ilay continued to watch him, silent.
“If I were a girl, you’d have fucked me by now, wouldn't you?”
“What?”
Ilay’s voice was sharp, his brow furrowing deeply. Seeing this reaction, Taeui let out a dry chuckle, feeling like he’d hit the mark.
“No wonder so many women want a turn with you. Just a little bit of kindness and you probably have them falling over themselves.” His sharp tongue failed to notice the shift in Ilay’s gaze.
“If you think I’m going to put up with your bullshit, you’d better leave.” Ilay squeezed the blood-stained towel. “I’m not your babysitter.”
“Are you offended? Did I cross a line into your privacy?” Taeui’s tone was mocking.
“You think this place isn't my privacy?” Ilay lowered his voice. His flat expression became far more terrifying with that tone. “Why don’t you just go back to your own home?”
The question made Taeui look at him defensively, but before he could argue, Ilay continued. “Look at you, aren’t you just a coward who’s afraid of his uncle asking questions?”
Taeui snapped. “Don’t act like you know me.”
“I don’t have time for this. Get out of my place, kid. I have my own business to do.” Ilay tossed the towel aside and scoffed, but before he could walk away, Taeui spoke up again.
“What business?” His voice grew bolder. “You mean your whores? The ones you can’t bring here anymore because I’m bothering you every day? Is that the business you mean, Riegrow?”
Ilay stopped in his tracks. He turned, hearing his name barked so loudly from Taeui’s mouth.
“You’re just a kid,” Ilay said with clear emphasis. “Don’t talk like you know what you’re doing.”
“Me, a kid?” Taeui mocked the word, hating the way Ilay was lecturing him. “So, what makes me an adult, huh? Do I have to spread my legs for you? Like everyone else?”
“Watch your mouth, dammit.”
Ilay’s words were in German, sounding as harsh as his glare. Without looking back, he slammed the bathroom door as he left.
Taeui scrambled down from the counter, his steps still unsteady, and hurried after Ilay only to find him on the phone. The sight felt strange to Taeui—Ilay’s voice had returned to that flat, calm tone, as if what had just happened meant absolutely nothing.
“Who is it?” Taeui hissed through gritted teeth. Ilay arched a brow, saying nothing. His silence made Taeui even angrier. Feeling ignored even while standing right in front of the man, he ranted again. “Are you inviting someone over? Right now?”
Taeui’s sarcastic tone didn't match the look on his face. “You can't even wait until I leave?”
Ilay looked at him coldly. “Why do I even bother talking to you? Get out.”
“Haha, of course. You’ve always been a bastard.”
Taeui laughed hollowly as he said it. He hurried to leave, his fingers trembling as he tried to tie his shoes. His steps were shaky as the door finally opened.
He looked back one last time, only to see that Ilay didn't even look at him. The man’s voice remained calm on the phone, completely unbothered. It was as if the battered boy leaving his apartment wasn't worth a second thought.
;
Ilay would be lying if he said Jeong Taeui’s attitude didn’t annoy him.
However, two hours after the boy stormed out, Ilay found himself calling his colleague—Taeui’s uncle. He didn’t even bother explaining to Jeong Chang-in why he was asking about his nephew in the middle of the night. His brow furrowed deeply when he learned that the boy hadn't gone home. He frowned as he knew Taeui’s ego wouldn't allow him to run to a friend’s house. so he grabbed his coat, and went to find him.
It didn't take long. He found Jeong Taeui sitting in the hallway of the apartment building, his body trembling from the cold. When he saw Ilay approached, the boy stubbornly tried to kick him away.
“Go away, you bastard. I don’t want your pity,” he hissed. His breath was heavy, and his shivering was unnatural. With one hand, Ilay caught Taeui’s ankle, pinning him down.
“If I wanted to pity you, I wouldn't let you sit on the floor like this.” Ilay looked down at Taeui’s pale face. Despite the boy's struggle, Ilay managed to press a hand to his forehead; it was burning.
Ilay sighed softly. “If you want to freeze to death, do it somewhere else.” He gripped Taeui’s hand, which felt just as hot. The boy’s entire body was radiating heat. “Get up, Jeong Taeui.”
Seeing the fierce, defiant glare from the boy below him, Ilay scoffed. He slid one arm behind Taeui’s knees and hauled him up in a single motion, slinging him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.
Startled by the sudden movement, Taeui began to struggle. “You just kicked me out, you jerk! Put me down!”
But Taeui was no match for Ilay, who carried him easily back into the warm apartment. Ignoring the younger man's protests, Ilay dropped him onto his bed.
Finding himself back in Ilay’s room, Taeui began to ramble nonsense. His voice sounded like a growling puppy, weak mumbles of "You just had your woman over, dammit" falling from his lips.
“Are you done?” Ilay helped him out of his clothes—untieing his shoes, unbuckling his belt, removing the necklace from his neck. The boy beneath him moved stiffly as if to resist, but eventually, he slumped in defeat, letting the older man change his damp, blood-stained clothes for something warm.
Settling Taeui into a comfortable position, Ilay spoke again, “I’m going to buy medicine. Wait here.”
Taeui grabbed Ilay’s wrist, his eyes blinking rapidly as if forcing himself to stay conscious enough to speak.
“I hit them first,” he suddenly blurted out. “...It felt so stupid. They knew I’ve been coming here often lately. They called you a playboy bastard who uses money to sleep with women.” Taeui rambled too quickly, his body still shaking from the high fever. “I didn't even know why I hit them... I know you’re a jerk, but they spoke like they knew you. And they does not... wait... maybe I don't know you either.”
Ilay remained silent, letting Taeui clutch his shirt. The boy's grip tightened as he continued.
“I don’t know you, but I always come back here. I’m frustrated with myself because I don’t know what I’m doing. I don’t know why I’m getting so pathetic. I’m always looking for reasons to come back, to be cared for by you, looked after by you... I don’t have any other place like this.”
“You have a fever, Taeui. Stop talking.” Ilay tried to pull the duvet over him, but Taeui squeezed the fabric of Ilay's shirt, pulling himself into the man's embrace.
“Hyung, when you came to my match... when I found you standing there watching me. I thought...” He paused. “I thought I was special. It felt like I could just run away from the game to be with you. You’re always spoiling me, dammit.”
Ilay stood still, letting Taeui process his emotions. He reached out and gently patted the back of the boy whose forehead was resting against his chest.
“Do I come here too often? Am I bothering you?” the questions were rhetorical.
Ilay looked down at the nape of Taeui’s neck, flushed red from the fever—or perhaps from the heat in his face. “I never told you to stop.”
“Don’t bring women over anymore, hyung.” His voice grew small, but his grip on Ilay’s shirt tightened. For a moment, Ilay could feel a damp patch soaking through his clothes. “I hate seeing them at your place. I'm so jealous it feels like I could die.”
The words came out in a broken mess. Ilay’s hand stilled as he heard the raw honesty pouring from Taeui’s throat. Through the boy's back, he could feel his heart thumping wildly. The fever had stripped away his mask, made Taeui say everything he was hiding. revealing his possessiveness.
“I’m not a kid. Stop treating me like one,” Taeui squeezed the shirt again. “You can fuck me every weekend if you want. Or every day. As long as there isn’t a match the next day, I can handle it.”
Ilay remained silent, staring at the top of Taeui’s head. As if to prove he was serious, Taeui reached for the waistband of his pants. But the man brushed his hands aside, pinning the boy back against the mattress.
Taeui frowned, looking pitiful. “You don’t want me?”
“You don’t know what you’re saying,” Ilay said, holding down the boy who was trying to sit back up. The strength in Ilay's hands on his shoulders was undeniable. “We’ll talk again when your fever is gone.”
“Stay here. I’ll get you medicine.” But Taeui’s hands gripped his shirt again, refusing to let go. “I’ll kiss you if you go to sleep now.”
Hearing that, Taeui went silent for a moment before slowly letting go. He watched as Ilay adjusted the blanket over him.
Ilay stared at him for a few seconds before leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead.
“Sleep, Jeong Taeui. We’ll talk in the morning.”
Taeui opened his mouth to protest, but Ilay’s large hand covered his eyes, holding his face still and silencing him. Ilay watched and waited until Taeui’s breathing was slow and steady.
When he finally pulled his hand away, Taeui looked peaceful. Ilay’s thumb brushed the corner of the boy's reddened eyes, wiping away the last of the tears. Then, his fingers touched Taeui’s slightly parted lips. He lingered there, feeling the dampness of his breath before pressing those same fingers to his own lips.
“You’re far too honest when you have a fever,” he murmured softly.
Then, he turned off the light, leaving Jeong Taeui to sleep.
;
“Don’t you dare bring up last night,” was his greeting that morning. “I’ll kill you if you do.” The growl in his voice made it clear that he was deadly serious.
Ilay, who had just stepped into the room, stopped midway. Jeong Taeui is back to normal, he thought. He held up a hand in a defensive gesture before flashing a mocking smirk. “Oh dear, I haven’t said a word.”
“Your eyes said it all.”
“Right. Stop reading my mind, then.” Ilay walked closer, ignoring the protests of a boy who was clearly mortified and didn't want to look him in the eye—at least not today. Taeui’s face turned a deep crimson as Ilay reached out to feel his forehead, checking his temperature.
The same hand moved to inspect the bruises on Taeui’s body. Taeui inhaled sharply as Ilay’s scent drifted far too close. He stared at the man, finding Ilay exceptionally handsome in his crisp office attire, which made him clear his throat awkwardly.
“Feeling better?” Ilay asked, pulling out a wristwatch he had tucked in his suit pocket. “You can stay here until you’re fully recovered. I’ll check on you during my lunch break.”
Taeui went silent for a moment as if considering the offer, before shaking his head. “I’m fine. I was just cold last night.”
Ilay nodded, reaching out to straighten the collar of Taeui's shirt. “Do you have classes this morning? Want a ride to campus?”
“No, your car is too flashy, hyung,” he groaned in protest. “I don’t like people staring at you.” The statement was ambiguous, but seeing that the boy was unwilling to look at him, Ilay didn’t push it.
“Okay. Do you have practice today?”
“No, maybe tomorrow.”
“Assignments?”
“Oh—I forgot.” Ilay looked at him with clear disapproval. “I can get someone to help me; it's due this afternoon. I’ll have it sorted before lunch.” Taeui made the promise almost instinctively, and Ilay nodded once more.
“Alright.” Ilay was about to leave, but Taeui caught his hand.
“You forgot something.”
Again, a vague statement from a boy staring intently at him.
The man tilted his head, unsure. He reached into his pocket for his wallet, pulled out one of his credit cards, and placed it on the nightstand. Taeui watched him in confusion.
“I didn't have time to order your breakfast. Use that to buy food, or whatever else you need.” Ilay’s words only made Taeui more bewildered. “I’m going to be late.”
Taeui gripped his hand, losing his patience. “What are you, a sugar daddy?” He mocked him with a bored tone before continuing in a much lower voice. “You... promised me a kiss last night, dammit. Don’t back out.”
“Oh, you’re right.”
Ilay didn't mind the boy's shy expression. He didn't need to be told twice. His eyes dropped to Taeui’s lips, noticing the slight bruise still lingering at the corner. Without warning, he lunged forward, bracing one hand against the headboard to loom over the boy, kissing him without warning.
He cupped the side of Taeui’s face before his thumb pressed down on his chin, forcing his mouth open. He slipped his tongue inside, deepening the kiss. Taeui’s head started to tilt back, so Ilay shifted his hand to the back of the boy's neck, holding him steady. This was exactly what Taeui had asked for.
The kiss was messy and intense; when Ilay finally pulled away, a thin silver thread of saliva lingered between them.
“Study hard,” Ilay said, gently patting the top of his head. The words felt almost dirty coming from him, his voice raspier after the kiss. “I might give you a reward if you get an A.”
Even though Taeui’s head was still spinning from the kiss, his sarcastic personality hadn't faded. “A reward?” The boy narrowed his eyes skeptically. “A bastard like you would still sleep with me as a 'reward' even if I got a D.”
Ilay burst out laughing. Jeong Taeui’s boldness was definitely back.
***
Ilay wore a faint smile as he entered his apartment and found Jeong Taeui’s white sneakers parked messily near the rack. He patiently picked them up and placed them on the shelf, the white sneakers tucked neatly between his own leather shoes. He headed inside to find the owner of the shoes, carrying some beer he’d brought back as a souvenir from his business trip abroad.
It didn’t take long to find the boy in the dining area, as Taeui's grey hoodie was hung carelessly over the back of a dining chair.
Jeong Taeui was eating while focused on the laptop in front of him, looking serious as he worked on his studies. The boy didn't even hear the man come in, remaining completely unaware until Ilay pressed a cold can of beer against his forehead.
“—Oh, hyung. You’re back!” His eyes widened as he saw Ilay appearing before him, and his face brightened even more when he saw what the man was holding. “Schultheiss! You’re the best, hyung!” He scrambled to grab the beer with pure delight.
Ilay let out a low chuckle at Taeui’s excitement.
He sat down on one of the dining chairs, loosening the tie around his neck.
“What are you eating?” he asked, glancing at the plate in front of Taeui. Then, without waiting for an answer, he patted his own thigh to get the boy's attention. “Come here. I need a proper greeting, too.”
His index finger crooked, beckoning Taeui to move closer.
“You really do act like a sugar daddy, ahjussi,” Taeui mocked him again. However, he obediently approached the older man and settled himself onto Ilay's lap. He gave him a quick, fleeting kiss before pulling back.
“Aha. Call me that one more time,” Ilay said with a faint, lingering smile—the kind that reached his eyes and made them narrow. “And I’ll make sure that noisy mouth of yours can’t utter another word for the rest of the night, kid.”
“Oh, I’m so scared,” Taeui said, making an exaggerated face of terror. “Besides, you’re so sensitive about your age, aren’t you... Ah-juss-i?” He deliberately emphasized each syllable with a teasing tone, letting the man wrap his arms around him. He kissed him again briefly before continuing his mockery.
“Maybe you should write your will soon. Make sure I get all your money when you die.”
“You felt like dying just seeing me with another woman; imagine not seeing me forever.”
And with that, Jeong Taeui elbowed Ilay in the stomach as the man burst into laughter once more.
The end?