Chapter Text
I Never Pulled It Down
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" Charger, check! Power bank, check! Emergency solar panel, check! "
In-ho declared proudly, stacking each item on the counter as though he were preparing for a NASA mission instead of a two-day company trip. His tone was so serious, so precise, that he could have been a soldier giving a weapons inspection.
Then he tapped his own chest with a satisfied nod. " Internal battery: ninety-eight percent. Back-up core: fully synced. "
Gi-hun leaned on the wall nearby with his arms crossed, his eyebrows twitching as the list grew longer and longer. " For God's sake, are you packing for a trip or preparing to launch a space shuttle? "
Then the thought struck him and his arms dropped suddenly. " Did you actually charge yourself last night, In-ho? " Gi-hun asked.
Gi-hun could already picture the nightmare: Dragging In-ho's unconscious body through the resort lobby while trying to explain to everyone why his so-called cousin had shut down like a cheap flip phone.
In-ho's lips curved into a sweet smile and his dark brown bangs fell slightly into his eyes as he leaned closer. " Of course, Jagiya. I never forget. I always run a full overnight charge. Plus, I have back-up power installed, just in case you wanted to get intimate with me—since, you know, that tends to drain my battery more. "
Gi-hun choked on his coffee and slammed the mug down, glaring at him. " Why is it that every time you open your mouth, I lose ten years off my life?! "
In-ho blinked innocently. " Because you keep imagining them that way, Jagiya. "
Gi-hun cursed under his breath, trying not to look directly at In-ho's angelic face—which only made it worse. How could someone look so innocent while saying things that shameless? With a face that beautiful, people would assume he was talking about poetry—not batteries and sex.
Desperate to escape, Gi-hun waved his hand wildly. " Just put the damn mask on already. " He pointed with his lips to the black facemask sitting on the table.
Obediently, In-ho picked it up and looped it carefully around his ears but it didn't make him any less attractive. In fact, it somehow gave him the air of a brooding K-drama male lead.
Curious enough, In-ho tilted his head, asking through the muffled fabric. " But, Jagiya, why do I need to wear this facemask? "
Gi-hun's mind scrambled for a reason, any reason that wouldn't reveal the truth. His cheeks heated as he blurted out. " B-because we're going to the seaside! What if sand gets in your nose and clogs your motherboard or something?! Do you know how warranty people are? They'll make me pay for damages even if it's just a grain of sand! "
The corners of In-ho's eyes crinkled as he chuckled softly behind the mask. " Jagiya, I'm dust-resistant. Sand is not going to kill me. You really don't need to worry about such silly things. " He began to lift his hands to remove the mask again.
But Gi-hun slapped his hands away with a scowl.
Gi-hun wasn't worried about sand. Even if In-ho buried his whole head inside a sandcastle, he'd still be fine. What Gi-hun was really worried about were the pinchers—not crabs from the beach, but the women from work, ready to snap their claws at him the moment he appeared. Hungry, vicious crabs with manicured nails.
Scowling, Gi-hun puffed his cheeks, then stepped closer. He tugged the mask securely over In-ho's face himself, muttering under his breath like he was casting a protective spell to ward off those women.
In-ho didn't resist. He only stared.
His irises flickered faintly blue, shifting into micro-zoom mode as he studied Gi-hun's face in obsessive detail. The way the curls of his wavy hair rested over his forehead, the curve of his nose, the tremble of his lashes. Each one captured in perfect high-resolution and filed away in In-ho's internal memory. A gallery no one else would ever see.
Behind the mask, In-ho's lips stretched into a secret smile.
Just as Gi-hun finished securing the straps, he suddenly felt arms slip around his waist. He jumped in alarm, his hands still hovering by In-ho's ears.
" Yah! " Gi-hun yelped as he stiffened. " What the hell are you doing now?! "
In-ho only pulled Gi-hun closer, rocking his waist gently side to side as though music were already playing.
" Wouldn't it be nice, Jagiya, " In-ho murmured sweetly, rocking back and forth. " If this trip was only the two of us? Then at night, I could hold you like this and we could dance together until the stars grow tired of watching us. "
He swayed slowly, his touch firm but tender on Gi-hun, like a slow waltz in the middle of the kitchen.
Gi-hun's ears went red again. Without realizing it, his hips followed the rhythm, his body tilting back slightly, his head angled toward the ceiling. In his mind, he wasn't in the kitchen anymore—he was on a moonlit beach. Waves crashed in the background. A candlelit dinner sat waiting on a table for two. Then, of course, a storm rolling in that would leave them tangled together in bed for the very first time.
Gi-hun's teeth caught his lower lip, a faint chuckle slipping out at the image.
In-ho caught the dreamy look on Gi-hun's face. He felt the sudden urge to kiss Gi-hun right then and there. But the mask was tied so neatly that untying it would definitely provoke Gi-hun's anger. So instead, he rocked him a little closer, keeping the fantasy alive.
But just as quickly, Gi-hun's eyes snapped open, and reality crashed back in.
He shoved In-ho's arms off him, scowling. " Before you start making all these fairytale plans, maybe make sure we can actually afford them, you overpriced USB stick! Already planning candlelit dances when I haven't even finished paying off half of what you cost! "
In-ho tilted his head again, his processor clearly struggling to understand how Gi-hun could switch moods so fast.
" And don't you dare take that mask off the entire company trip, you hear me? " Gi-hun warned sharply.
" Then how will I kiss you? " In-ho asked innocently.
Gi-hun nearly choked on air. " Have you tried upgrading your brain?! Why the fuck would you even think of kissing me in the middle of a company trip?! "
In-ho's eyes narrowed mischievously above the mask. He tugged Gi-hun close, their noses almost brushing. " Then, can I do this instead? "
Before Gi-hun could react, In-ho leaned in and pressed the mask-covered lips against his. The fabric dulled the sensation, but the warmth seeped through. It was ridiculously soft and clumsy—but somehow still sent a shiver down Gi-hun's spine.
Then In-ho pulled back, his eyes sparkling.
Gi-hun's eyebrows shot up. " You—! " He opened his mouth to scold, but before he could, In-ho leaned in again, stealing another kiss through the mask, pulling away with a sly squint in his eyes.
This time, Gi-hun sagged slightly, his shoulders dropping with a sigh of defeat. " Damn it. Fine. I guess we can waste a few more minutes... "
Already reaching for the straps, Gi-hun yanked the mask off In-ho himself, his annoyance betraying the fact that he clearly wanted to kiss In-ho properly.
The second the mask came free, In-ho was already smiling, leaning in eagerly to claim Gi-hun's lips for real.
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" Seong Gi-hun, get your ass over here! "
Yong-sik's voice cracked like thunder across the company parking lot, loud enough that birds scattered from the telephone wires. His fists were planted firmly on his hips, chest puffed out like an angry rooster.
Gi-hun came running, his backpack straps clutched in both hands as though the bag might fly off his shoulders otherwise. His face scrunched into a pitiful groan with every hurried step. He looked less like an employee late for a trip and more like a kid being dragged to school after oversleeping.
" I'm sorry we're late, Yong-sik! " Gi-hun gasped as he skidded to a halt, nearly tripping over his own shoe. He bent forward, both palms pressed to his knees, bowing at the same time in an awkward angle as he tried to catch his breath.
Behind him, In-ho strolled at an almost leisurely pace, his face half-obscured by the black face mask. The sight of Gi-hun bowing so submissively, apologizing as if he were worthless, stirred something ugly inside In-ho. His processors practically whirring in protest. Why should Gi-hun have to shrink like this in front of anyone?
In-ho's irises adjusted and flickered blue, scanning Yong-sik's stance and his patronizing tone. He thought of fifty different ways to shut him up—and every one of them ended with Yong-sik lying flat on the parking ground. But for now, he restrained himself.
" You better be sorry! " Yong-sik barked, folding his arms across his chest. " Do you have any idea how long this bus has been waiting? Ten whole minutes! Ten minutes, Gi-hun! We could have left your ass right here and no one would've missed you! "
Gi-hun's head bobbed like a nodding puppet as he bowed again. " I—I really am sorry. " He muttered, his curls bouncing pathetically with each bow.
Of course, they weren't going to leave Gi-hun. Everyone knew that. Not when " Young-il ", the mysterious golden goose of a cousin, was paying for twenty percent of this entire trip. If it weren't for In-ho's contribution, Gi-hun was fairly sure Yong-sik would've personally driven the bus over his toes.
" You must have some grand excuse for why you're late. " Yong-sik continued, dragging out each word as though savoring his power.
Then, in the same breath, Yong-sik turned to Kang Mi-na with a sickly sweet smile. " Why can't you be more like your friend here, hmm? Beautiful, smart, punctual. An absolute model employee. "
Yong-sik moved closer to Mi-na as though his compliments were an irresistible magnet.
Mi-na bowed her head politely, lips curling just enough to resemble a smile, though her eyes betrayed the irritation bubbling beneath.
Meanwhile, Gi-hun lifted his head at last, his breathing finally under control. How in the world was he supposed to explain his tardiness? What was he going to say? That he was delayed because he'd been in the kitchen, pressed up against his so-called cousin, having a heated make-out session that nearly ended with him knocking over the rice cooker?
Somehow, " Sorry, I was busy swallowing my robot boyfriend's tongue. " didn't sound like the kind of excuse Yong-sik would accept.
Sang-woo, who stood nearby with his arms crossed, clearly had the same thought. His brow furrowed in concentration, as though crafting an excuse on Gi-hun's behalf. Maybe something about Gi-hun tidying his apartment at the last second?
But then again—knowing this group, they'd spin that into something else inappropriate. Sang-woo pressed his lips together and said nothing.
Before Gi-hun could dig himself a deeper grave, a calm voice cut through the tension. " Yong-sik, relax. "
The voice of reason came from Jung-bae, who had one hand already resting on the bus door, urging everyone to board. " The bus driver has been patient enough. We wouldn't want to keep him waiting any longer, would we? "
Yong-sik clicked his tongue but backed down, muttering something about respect and punctuality as he stalked off. Jung-bae gave Gi-hun a small smile, the kind that said don't worry, I've got you covered.
Grateful, Gi-hun quickly shoved his bag into the bus compartment before boarding.
Inside, the women from SG Corporation claimed their seats first, giggling and whispering as they arranged themselves. From the aisle, Gi-hun spotted Mi-na at the back sitting with three office ladies pressed close beside her.
Mi-na caught Gi-hun's eye and silently mouthed the word: Sorry.
Gi-hun shook his head lightly, giving her the okay sign with his fingers, his lips curling into a small smile.
Gi-hun slid into the window seat from the right side of the bus. It was a two-seater one. He would've preferred to sit near Mi-na but the sharp roll of eyes from her companions made it clear there would be no space for him there. So instead, he sank into his seat, sighing as he imagined at least catching some sleep while the scenery blurred past outside.
And then the atmosphere in the bus changed.
In-ho stepped inside. Even with half his face hidden beneath the black mask Gi-hun had so violently insisted he wear, heads turned. It was impossible not to.
In-ho's eyes scanned the bus, his iris lenses flickering faintly as they zoomed and refocused until they locked on Gi-hun. The corner of his eyes crinkled as a smile spread behind the mask. He began making his way toward Gi-hun, step by step, as though the rest of the bus didn't exist.
But In-ho never made it.
A manicured hand shot out, latching onto his arm. " Young-il! Sit with us at the back! " The voice was sugary-sweet, the tone flirtatious. One of the women tugged eagerly, already pulling him away.
In-ho turned his head toward her, then immediately glanced back at Gi-hun. " But I want to sit beside Gi-hun. " He said plain but all too honest.
The entire bus seemed to pause at his words. The two other women at the very back of the bus craned their necks, their eyes narrowing into daggers aimed squarely at Gi-hun.
" You're always glued to your cousin, Young-il. " The woman's smile faltered for a beat before she tightened her grip on his arm. Then her gaze flicked to Gi-hun, looking at him like he was a stain on the seat fabric.
Her lips curled into a mocking smirk. " You wouldn't mind us borrowing your cousin for a while, do you, Gi-hun? "
Of course, I mind, you homewrecking hyena! Get your fucking claws off my boyfriend before I break every manicured nail you own! Gi-hun screamed internally, his jaw tight, his eyes bulging as he struggled to breathe.
But on the outside, Gi-hun forced a strained chuckle, his lips twitching into a fake smile. " S-sure. It's fine. Go on, Young-il. " He quickly turned his face toward the window as though it had suddenly become fascinating, hiding the storm in his eyes.
In-ho opened his mouth to protest again, but the woman squealed and tugged harder, dragging him down the aisle, acting like she won a prize at a carnival. He stumbled once, catching himself awkwardly, but not before his hand brushed against Mi-na's knee.
" I apologize. " In-ho said immediately, his tone firm and genuine. " I didn't mean to. "
" No worries. No trouble at all. " Mi-na replied softly, her eyes flicking toward In-ho for only a moment before facing back to the window.
But her fingers tightened slightly against her knee and though Mi-na's gaze was fixed outside, she was severely aware of the warmth lingering where his hand had grazed.
Gi-hun glanced toward the back of the bus, his lips puffing out in a sulky pout before he whipped his head forward again. He folded his arms tight across his chest, his cheeks puffed as he huffed.
" Oh, wow. Dancing until the stars got tired of us, huh? " Gi-hun muttered under his breath, glaring at the bus seat in front of him as though it were In-ho himself. " Well, did you get tired of me before the stars did, you bastard?! "
He was so absorbed in his sulking that he didn't even notice when someone slipped quietly into the seat beside him.
" The trip hasn't even started yet, and you're already in a bad mood? "
Gi-hun sucked in a sharp breath and opened his mouth, ready to spit out his irritation. " Well, that's because that fucking robo— " He stopped mid-word, whipping his head around only to find Sang-woo sitting next to him instead.
His eyes went wide, his sulk crumbling instantly as a nervous chuckle escaped him. " S-Sang-woo! I didn't even notice you were there! " His voice cracked awkwardly.
Gi-hun exhaled quickly, sending a silent thank-you to the universe for saving him from finishing that sentence. One wrong syllable and the salesman from earlier would've been right back to charge him for another whiff of that overpriced Forget Me spray.
Sang-woo's smile curved, but there was a faint sting hiding in it.
Not notice him? Gi-hun used to notice him immediately—used to light up when he appeared. But ever since he came back from France, Gi-hun felt farther away, like he was slipping through Sang-woo's hands no matter how tightly he tried to hold.
" Have you forgotten we're coworkers? " Sang-woo tried to laugh, brushing off the sting in his chest. " You wouldn't mind me sitting here, right? I mean, the bus looks pretty full. " He added the excuse, though in truth he'd walked directly here with every intention of sitting beside him.
Gi-hun, clueless as ever, slapped him cheerfully on the back with enough force to jolt Sang-woo forward. " Oh, come on! You make it sound like we're meeting for the first time! "
Sang-woo's heart skipped at the warmth in Gi-hun's laugh.
But before Sang-woo could say anything, Gi-hun suddenly lifted a finger toward the top of the bus as if he had just remembered something life-changing. " Oh! Speaking of first times—it's been forever since we went on a trip together! Let's take a photo! "
Excitedly, Gi-hun dug through his bag until he pulled out his phone. He slung his arm happily behind Sang-woo's shoulder, grinning wide.
" Sang-woo! Do the peace sign with me! " His eyes sparkled with anticipation, cheeks puffed slightly as he stretched his phone out for the selfie.
But Sang-woo wasn't looking at the phone. He was staring at Gi-hun's hand resting on his shoulder. The touch felt heavier than it was, as though it carried years of memories pressed into his skin.
For a long second, Sang-woo was caught staring, blinking too slowly, until Gi-hun's whining broke through.
" Hey, Sang-woo! " Gi-hun called, his brows knit together as his arm strained holding the phone. " Are you even listening? Don't you want to take a picture with me? "
That snapped Sang-woo back to reality. He smiled sheepishly at the camera and raised his fingers into a peace sign. Together, they snapped the photo.
" Huh? " Gi-hun tilted his head as he scrolled through his phone gallery. " Where did it go? Did I delete it by accident? " His lips pursed into a pout again as he tugged at Sang-woo's sleeve like a child demanding attention. " Hey, let's take another one! "
Sang-woo chuckled softly, warmed by how much Gi-hun wanted to capture the moment. In his heart, it almost felt like they were on a honeymoon trip, just the two of them storing away memories to treasure later.
They leaned together again, the phone held high, but as soon as Gi-hun checked the result, his eyes widened. " Huh? Gone again?! It's not even in the recycle bin! " His fingers flew across the screen as he muttered under his breath. " Is this because I'm using a secondhand Samsung phone? "
Of course, it had nothing to do with the Samsung device. At the very back of the bus, half-hidden behind a bunch of giggling women, In-ho sat perfectly still, his gaze locked only on Gi-hun.
His pupils adjusted with eerie precision as his vision zoomed in on the screen of Gi-hun's phone. Every time a photo appeared, In-ho silently, wirelessly erased it before Gi-hun could even blink.
Most people didn't realize it, but many phones carry IR blasters—tiny little sensors that allowed them to be controlled like remotes. In-ho, of course, had one built into him. All it took was a single command sent silently through his eyes and every photo Gi-hun tried to take blinked out of existence before it had the chance to be stored. Even the recycle bin couldn't keep it.
Gi-hun scowled at his screen, face twisting in frustration. He had no idea the culprit was smiling faintly. Watching Gi-hun struggle, In-ho felt an odd satisfaction rise in him. Usually, seeing Gi-hun upset twisted something inside him. But this time, he let the moment sit. It's for your own good. In-ho told himself firmly.
After all, no one else beside him deserved to be captured in Gi-hun's memories like that.
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" Sorry, Sang-woo. " Gi-hun sighed, slumping back in his seat like a deflated balloon. " My stupid phone just won't let me take a picture. "
Sang-woo shook his head and smiled gently. " That's okay, Gi-hun. Look. "
He reached into his bag and pulled out something unexpected: A vintage instant camera, the kind that printed photos on the spot.
" I thought it would be fun to take photos during the trip. " Sang-woo explained, snapping the lens open. " Guess it's a good thing I brought this. "
Before Gi-hun could react, the camera clicked, and the photo paper slid out with a soft whir. Gi-hun's eyes widened.
" H-Hey, Sang-woo! I wasn't ready! Give that to me! " Gi-hun lunged for the photo, his face looking adorably mad as he tried to snatch it, but Sang-woo only laughed, holding it high above Gi-hun's reach with one hand while steadying him with the other.
Their playful struggle was filled with laughter, their shoulders bumping, their voices too loud for the quiet bus.
" Only if you take one with me. " Sang-woo teased, dangling the developed photo just out of reach.
Gi-hun tilted his head with an exaggerated pout, his brows knitting together. " Of course I will, you idiot! You don't need to pull silly tricks like that. I'll take a photo with you anytime. "
The sincerity in his voice hit Sang-woo harder than he expected. If only Gi-hun could say that about more than just photos. If only Gi-hun could say it about anything—about everything.
Sang-woo swallowed the thought and leaned in close as the camera flashed. The fresh photo slid out, the image of their smiles slowly appearing on the paper. This time of the two of them pressed together in frame.
At the back of the bus, In-ho's gaze sharpened like a blade. He focused hard, but no matter how much he tried, he couldn't control the device. Damn that old polaroid camera. He wanted to rip that photo apart with his bare hands. If he had laser vision, it would already be nothing but ashes.
As the paper developed in Gi-hun's hand, he grinned. " Ah, this one's good! "
While Gi-hun was looking at their photo together, Sang-woo quietly slipped the solo photo of Gi-hun from earlier into his pocket. " Keep it. Maybe stick it on your fridge or something. "
Gi-hun shook his head with a wide grin. " Nah! I'll put it in my phone case, so I'll remember this trip with my best friend every time I look at it. " He slid the photo carefully behind the clear case of his phone, showing it off proudly.
Sang-woo reached out to ruffle Gi-hun's hair, his heart swelling. For just a moment, he wished the bus would never stop moving, that this closeness could stretch on forever.
But for In-ho, watching from the back, the ride already felt far too long. Every second that photo existed was unbearable. His jaw clenched, his fingers curling against his knee as a single thought blazed hot in his chest.
That photo didn't belong in Gi-hun's phone case. He did.
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" Young-il? You keep staring at Gi-hun. Why aren't you paying attention to me even a little bit? "
The woman beside In-ho pouted, tugging harder at his arm until he was practically glued to her side. Her flirty expression was a little too practiced—like she had stood in front of the mirror rehearsing that pout for years. In-ho, however, wasn't moved in the slightest.
In-ho sat straight, his expression the very definition of seriousness. Not once did his posture soften despite being wedged between Mi-na and three other women who had apparently decided he was their shared property for the remainder of the ride.
It was suffocating. One of them reeked of floral perfume so strong it made In-ho's processors feel like they needed a filter. Another twirled her hair so violently that a strand nearly whipped across his cheek. The last kept laughing in high-pitched bursts at absolutely nothing, leaning so close her laughter tickled the side of In-ho's neck.
Through all of this, In-ho's eyes continued darting toward Gi-hun, sharp and watchful. He wasn't discreet about it either. Every time Sang-woo leaned even slightly toward Gi-hun, In-ho's gaze hardened like a blade—ready to cut off any attempt that belonged only to him.
Finally, In-ho blinked and acknowledged the pouty woman with mechanical honesty. " I'm sorry. I wasn't listening to you at all. What were you saying? "
Her jaw dropped. The scoff that left her lips sounded offended. But irritation couldn't cling long when In-ho's face looked the way it did.
With a quick flick of her hair, the woman recovered her composure. " I was asking how many girlfriends you've had. "
In-ho didn't even flinch. " I've never had a girlfriend. "
The bus might as well have erupted into fireworks. All three women gasped, clutching each other like someone had announced a national holiday. They tried covering their mouths, but the squeals still slipped through, vibrating the air around them.
Mi-na, however, didn't join the hysteria. Her chin rested on her palm, eyes fixed out the window, her expression calm but alert. She was listening.
" That's impossible! " One woman exclaimed. " A face like yours? No girlfriend? You're lying. "
But In-ho wasn't lying. Not technically. He had never had a girlfriend. If they had asked the opposite—well, then he might've struggled to find the capacity to lie.
Another one squeezed into In-ho's personal space, if he had any left—with a smile sharp enough to draw blood. " Then tell us this. Have you ever had a sexual experience? " She tilted her head, expectant, while the other two leaned in as though they were about to take notes.
In-ho blinked once. Twice. And then Gi-hun's face flashed through his mind—moments where they were so close, but always interrupted, always stopped by circumstance. His lips curled into his first wide smile behind the mask since they boarded the bus. " I have. "
The women groaned in unison, deflating like balloons popped with a pin. One of them threw her head back dramatically. " Ahh, that person is so lucky! Why can't it be me?! "
But In-ho wasn't done. His gaze dropped to the floor, his voice suddenly soft and mournful. " But we haven't fully consummated sex yet. "
The women nearly choked on their own saliva, spluttering and gasping at his brutal honesty. Their makeup-perfect masks faltered for the first time. They had expected flirtation, coy half-answers. Not blunt honesty that left no room for imagination.
Mi-na's head shifted the tiniest bit at those words, though she kept her gaze on the passing scenery, lips pressed tight to suppress the smallest reaction.
Remembering his mission all of a sudden, In-ho straightened, his processors activating his recording mode. His voice shifted, calm and curious. " Tell me. What does it take for a person to be happy in a relationship? "
" W-well... " The gum-chewing woman blinked, caught off guard, and stammered, tugging nervously at her blouse. " Someone has to be good-looking like you. And take you to fancy places. And have loads of cash. "
Her answer hung awkwardly in the air.
" A person would be happy if they were with someone who simply made them happy. It doesn't need a reason. That person could make them laugh, make them feel at ease, just by being there. It doesn't matter how much money or status they have. "
A soft voice slipped into the conversation.
In-ho turned sharply. It was Mi-na. She hadn't moved, her gaze still fixed out the window, but the sincerity in her voice momentarily paused the chatter in the bus.
A bump in the road made the entire bus jolt. Mi-na startled and instinctively gripped In-ho's sleeve for balance. Their eyes met for the first time.
Their gazes locked. Her fingers lingered on his sleeve.
" Is that the kind of man you're looking for? " In-ho's voice carried no teasing—just direct, earnest inquiry.
Her eyes widened, lips parting wordlessly, her grip still clutching the fabric. She was caught in his gaze, unable to answer.
" Is everyone okay back there?! " Jung-bae's voice boomed, snapping the spell.
The chorus of passengers responded yes. Mi-na withdrew her hand quickly, cheeks warming. " O-of course. It's what I assume everyone wants. " Then she composed herself, smiling faintly as she turned back. " It's what Gi-hun wants too. "
That answer lodged itself deep in In-ho's system. He smiled softly to himself, recording it not as data but as a vow. He would do everything in his power to make Gi-hun laugh, to make him feel at ease, to keep him smiling.
A hand reached for In-ho's mask. One of the women batted her lashes. " Young-il, why do you insist on wearing that facemask? My day won't be complete unless I see your face clearly. "
In-ho caught her wrist and gently pushed it away. " Gi-hun instructed me to wear this mask the entire trip. "
The woman scoffed, but laughed a moment later. " Seong Gi-hun is acting more like your boyfriend than your cousin! "
She had no idea how close to the truth she was.
Still fishing in her bag, she pulled out another mask and offered it with a flourish. " But you've had that mask on since earlier. Don't you want to change? I've got a fresh one right here. It must be dirty by now. Take this one instead. "
In-ho's processors raced. He needed an out. Then, suddenly, something uncharacteristic sparked in him. A thought he wasn't supposed to be capable of. Something entirely human.
He was about to lie.
In-ho stood abruptly, covering his mask with one hand as he gagged dramatically. " I have terrible bus sickness. " He gasped. " If I stay here, I'll vomit all over you. "
He leaned threateningly, holding his stomach toward the woman's lap, gagging louder.
The woman screamed and recoiled, clutching her handbag as if it might shield her. Heads whipped around, even Gi-hun turned to see the spectacle.
" Hey! What the hell's going on back there?! " Yong-sik barked.
" Young-il's sick! He says he's going to throw up! Maybe we should stop the bus! " One of the women cried.
Still clutching his stomach, In-ho groaned pitifully. " There's no need. Gi-hun has my motion sickness medicine. If only I were beside him—oh no, it's coming... and I ate so much kimchi earlier... "
The noises In-ho made were enough to traumatize the whole bus.
The women shrieked in horror, scrambling to give In-ho space. Yong-sik groaned, massaging his temples. " Sang-woo, switch places with him before he pukes all over everyone! "
Sang-woo's face hardened. He wanted to protest, to insist on keeping his rare, precious moment with Gi-hun and now this absurd robot was stealing it back with a fake stomachache.
But Gi-hun's concerned glance weakened Sang-woo. With a reluctant sigh, he stood and moved, sliding into the seat beside Mi-na. The women's shoulders collectively sagged in defeat. Mi-na turned fully back to the window now. Truly disinterested.
Finally sliding beside Gi-hun, In-ho wasted no time. He collapsed against him dramatically, burying his masked face into Gi-hun's chest, muffling his fake coughs as his body curled close. In-ho clung tightly, one arm around Gi-hun's torso.
" Hey! You stupid robot! " Gi-hun hissed quietly under his breath, glaring down at the crown of In-ho's hair pressed into his shirt. " Since when could you lie? Since when could you eat kimchi, huh? "
In-ho tilted his head upward, his eyes glinting as he smiled softly at Gi-hun. " Jagiya, I missed you. " His voice was a whisper only Gi-hun could hear.
Then he pressed his face back into Gi-hun's chest, savoring the warmth of Gi-hun's chest as if it were the only medicine he needed. Then In-ho continued his ridiculous fake coughing. " Rub my back, please. So they won't know I'm lying. "
Gi-hun groaned, but his scolding melted into a reluctant smile. He patted In-ho's back with gentle strokes. " It hasn't even been a few hours since we were separated. "
In-ho straightened just enough to lean toward Gi-hun's ear, his hand slipping down to quietly link with Gi-hun's fingers. Then his voice lowered to a tender whisper, meant only for Gi-hun to hear.
" That's just how much I love you. "
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" I thought the bus would never arrive! And look at this place—the view is amazing! "
Dae-ho exclaimed the moment his feet touched the ground. He stretched his arms and spun once. His face lit with the same excitement as someone who had never stepped outside the city.
The resort that stretched out before them was a slice of paradise.
Beyond the entrance, a wide stone path wound through a garden lined with flowers in pink and orange, their petals drifting in the breeze. The pool shined like a sheet of glass under the sun, with white lounge chairs scattered neatly around it, and just past the palms lay a stretch of golden beach, the waves lapping lazily as though in invitation. It was the kind of place that made you forget you had responsibilities at all.
Of course, Yong-sik wasn't about to let anyone forget.
Yong-sik flicked a sharp finger against the back of Dae-ho's head, the smack echoing louder than it should have. " And who exactly is guarding the company right now, huh? " Yong-sik barked, glaring down his nose. " Even Manager Hyunju had the sense to stay behind, but you, a lowly guard, think it's your turn for a holiday? Did you sneak onto this bus while we weren't looking? "
Dae-ho rubbed the sore spot, wincing but still managing to grin. " But I asked Young-il the other day, and he said I could come too! And besides, isn't he paying for the trip as well? If he says it's okay, then it's okay, right? "
That made Yong-sik's mouth snap shut. He turned slowly—and there was In-ho, stepping down from the bus with Gi-hun close behind him. Even with half his face covered by the facemask, the sharpness in In-ho's stare was clear.
Yong-sik's throat bobbed. In a rush, he spun back to Dae-ho, waving his hand dismissively.
" Well—never mind that! Just make sure you locked up the company properly before you left. If you didn't, we'll leave you stranded here to sleep in the sand! " And with that, he strode quickly toward the entrance, muttering under his breath.
Dae-ho blinked after him, still rubbing the back of his head, then noticed In-ho. Straightening instantly, he gave In-ho a bright little salute before hauling his bags along, his earlier scolding forgotten in an instant.
Meanwhile, In-ho had already reached for Gi-hun's things. He pulled the bagpack and a canvas tote from the luggage compartment, carrying them both with ease. Whispers rippled through the group as people watched him balancing Gi-hun's belongings without complaint.
" Do you have any other bags aside from these, Gi-hun? " In-ho asked warmly.
Gi-hun immediately reached to take them back. " Young-il, you don't have to do that. Give me my bags. I can carry them myself. " He tried tugging at one of the straps, but In-ho smoothly angled his body away.
" There's no need for you to carry anything, Gi-hun. " In-ho said gently, his eyes curving in a smile above the mask. " I don't want you to feel burdened. Let me do the heavy work, okay? "
Gi-hun sighed, knowing that arguing further risked In-ho saying something far too robotic in front of everyone. The women from accounting department were already watching them with sharp, hawk-like eyes, jealousy practically radiating from their glares.
Soon, the resort staff began unloading the rest of the luggage, and people clustered together, buzzing with excitement.
" Everyone! " Jung-bae's cheerful voice rose above the chatter as he clapped his hands. " We're only here for the weekend, so let's make the most of it, alright? Explore, relax, and enjoy yourselves! "
Jung-bae smiled broadly, his presence immediately lifting the mood. And before Yong-sik could ruin it with one of his sharp remarks, Jung-bae slipped an arm around his shoulder and steered him toward the poolside, effectively disarming him with forced cheer.
Gi-hun lingered. His eyes fixed on In-ho. His heart gave a ridiculous little flutter as he imagined the two of them walking together on the sand, the sea breeze brushing their faces, the quiet between them not awkward but comforting. Gi-hun was just about to step forward and suggest it when a sudden interruption blocked his chance.
Several men from the IT department circled In-ho.
" Hey, Young-il! " One of them said, throwing an arm around his shoulders. " You're new to the company, right? How about we give you a proper welcome, huh? Just you, me, and the boys. "
In-ho didn't hesitate. " I think I should go with Gi-hun. "
The man snorted and glanced back at Gi-hun, standing awkwardly a few paces away. " You mean this little pipsqueak? "
The shift in In-ho's attitude was instant. His gaze sharpened like a blade. " This is your last warning. Don't ever call Gi-hun that again. "
The tension was immediate, thick enough to taste. Gi-hun's stomach knotted—he knew In-ho was seconds away from saying something no human should say.
Gi-hun hurried forward, forcing a laugh that came out cracked. " Y-Young-il, go with them! It's fine! " He raised both hands as if to hold back a tidal wave. Turning to the men, Gi-hun added quickly. " Don't mind my cousin. He's from the countryside. He's shy when it comes to making friends. "
" Shy? " One of the men scoffed, eyes rolling. " Bet he wasn't shy making half the women in the office his girlfriends. "
Gi-hun let out an awkward bark of laughter, sweat trickling down his temple. His eyes darted everywhere, desperate for a distraction—until he spotted Mi-na strolling calmly past him alone.
" I-I actually have to go with Mi-na somewhere! " Gi-hun blurted, sprinting after her. Just before disappearing, he turned back with a weak wave. " You go ahead with them, Young-il! See you later! "
In-ho's frown deepened behind his facemask as Gi-hun's retreating figure grew smaller. His processors almost buzzed with frustration. Every fiber of his being wanted to follow Gi-hun, not waste time with men he had no desire to even acknowledge.
" Where exactly are we going? " In-ho asked flatly, not showing even a hint of interest.
The man at his side grinned like a wolf. " Oh, you'll love it. Don't play dumb—you know exactly the kind of place we're headed. "
But In-ho tilted his head slightly as if the men had spoken a foreign language. There was only one place he wanted to be, and it wasn't wherever they were headed. It was wherever Gi-hun was.
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" Waahh! Mi-na, come here, quick! Look at this! "
Gi-hun's voice echoed far too loudly for a souvenir shop, drawing a couple of curious glances from strangers browsing nearby shelves. He stood in front of a rack crammed with handmade trinkets, practically glowing as though he'd stumbled upon buried treasure.
In both hands, Gi-hun dangled two bracelets—one strung with blue thread, the other in pink—each carved with a small wooden plate and decorated with tiny seashells. The plate bore the word CHINGU ♡ etched neatly across it.
Gi-hun's eyes sparkled as he angled them toward the light, his bangs slipping forward until he had to puff them away from his eyes. " Doesn't this match us perfectly? "
The word CHINGU—friend—was engraved clearly, and Gi-hun felt a small warmth at the thought. For so long, it had been only Sang-woo as his childhood anchor, but now he also had Mi-na, someone in the office who had been steady, reliable, and never cruel.
Mi-na walked over, her steps slower, her smile polite but tinged with something harder to read. She glanced at the bracelets and then back at Gi-hun, who was practically vibrating with excitement.
" Yeah. " She said after a pause. " We really are friends. "
Without hesitation, Gi-hun marched to the counter and paid for both bracelets, ignoring the pinch in his wallet.
When Gi-hun turned back to Mi-na, his grin was wide. " Mi-na, wear this. " He pressed the pink bracelet into her palm.
Mi-na's brows furrowed slightly, though she tried to keep it light. " Gi-hun, you didn't have to buy this for me. Really. Why spend money like that when you don't have much right now? " Her voice lowered a little. " Young-il seemed worried about you at the office. He kept talking about how he wanted to help with your finances. "
The mention of In-ho's name knocked the wind out of Gi-hun for a beat. His eyes darted, his grin faltered, but then he forced out a scoff and a laugh. " That cousin of mine. He's always spouting bullshit. Don't listen to him. "
Then Gi-hun carefully slipped the bracelet over her wrist, fastening it securely before she could protest.
Gi-hun's eyes softened as he looked at it against her skin. " This isn't about money, Mi-na. It's a symbol. A symbol of our friendship. Thank you—for always being there since school, for never judging me when everyone else did. You've always accepted me. "
Mi-na blinked, her heart catching at his words.
Something flickered in her chest, though she quickly masked it with a smile. Pulling her arm back slightly, Mi-na let out a nervous laugh. " Gi-hun, isn't your favorite color pink? Shouldn't you be the one wearing this instead? " She tugged at the bracelet as if to slip it off and hand it back.
But Gi-hun quickly placed his hand over hers, stopping her. His expression grew serious, his bangs falling into his eyes as he shook his head. " No. Only you know that about me. It's a secret, right? If the others in the office found out, they'd never let me live it down. They already tease me enough. You keep the pink one—I'll wear the blue. "
Mi-na stared at him for a long moment. Unease prickled in her chest.
Quietly, she unclasped the bracelet from her wrist, slid it off, and pressed it into Gi-hun's hand. In exchange, she picked up the blue one and slipped it over her own wrist.
" No. I'll wear this one, and you'll wear that. " Mi-na fastened the pink cord around Gi-hun's wrist herself, the brush of her fingers light but soft. Once it was secure, she lifted her arm beside his.
The bracelets clinked together, the wooden plates aligning to form a perfect heart. The seashells glimmered faintly under the light.
" See? " Mi-na raised her wrist beside Gi-hun's and smiled. " Friends. "
Gi-hun stared at her for a beat, then grinned so wide his eyes crinkled. He lifted his wrist next to hers, practically bouncing with joy. " The best of friends! "
However, he was blissfully unaware of the quiet storm shifting in Mi-na's eyes.
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" Young-il, take that stupid facemask off and drink with us already! "
One of the IT guys shoved a full shot glass of soju toward In-ho with the kind of insistence only drunk men thought was charming. The liquid sloshed dangerously close to spilling on the table. The smell of alcohol and grilled meat clung thick to the air.
Neon lights flickered against In-ho's sharp jawline, giving him an almost untouchable glow, but he only lifted his palm in polite refusal.
" I really cannot drink but thank you for the offer. " In-ho said with a courteous dip of his head.
The truth went much deeper than courtesy. If a single drop of alcohol ever crossed his lips, his system would short-circuit, his body would seize up, and his carefully hidden truth would be exposed in the middle of a neon-lit bar.
But even without that danger, Gi-hun had described his ideal boyfriend as someone who didn't drink. That alone was enough. In-ho was quite literally programmed to fulfill that wish, to be incapable of becoming an alcoholic, because Gi-hun had wanted it so.
" What a fucking boring bastard. " One of the men scoffed, downing his own shot and slamming the glass back on the table. " Is this really the guy all the women in the office keep squealing over? This mannequin? " He jabbed a greasy finger toward In-ho.
The others burst into sloppy laughter, some leaning against each other, others wiping tears from their eyes as if they'd just heard the joke of the century.
In-ho tilted his head, studying the men as though they were faulty appliances he couldn't quite diagnose. " I do not understand why you brought me to this establishment. Is there something here I am meant to find interesting? "
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping the smoky room. Music pounded so loudly the floor vibrated beneath In-ho's shoes. Lights strobed in nauseating colors. On the stage, women in bikinis swayed to the beat, hair whipping under the glow of the spotlight.
The men burst into even louder laughter, their chairs scraping against the sticky floor as they leaned on one another, slapping shoulders and pounding the table.
" Interesting? Oh God, listen to this guy! " Another man barked, slapping the table hard enough to rattle the empty bottles. " What's interesting are tits, ass and booze, man! "
" You know what? I think you're gay! " One of them slurred, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. " Those women right there—half-naked, shaking their asses in front of you. Any normal guy would be hard as a rock by now. But you? You sit here stiff like a fucking monk. You don't even flinch. You know what that means? It means you're gay. You're fucking gay, man. "
More laughter shook the table as the men roared at their own wit.
In-ho blinked slowly, as though the word was a puzzle piece he was turning over in his mind. Gay. Could I call myself that? He had never once felt attraction to another man in that office. Never once glanced twice at anyone—male or female.
Except Gi-hun.
Technically, In-ho had no gender. His body was built to imitate, his voice programmed to comfort, his mind wired to learn. Yet the moment his eyes first opened and light poured into his artificial pupils, the first face he saw was Gi-hun's. And in that instant—before he even knew how to speak, before he understood the meaning of love—he knew.
If Gi-hun were a man, he loved him.
If Gi-hun were a woman, he loved him.
If Gi-hun were to become nothing but a worm crawling in the dirt—still, In-ho would love him.
In-ho's chest rose and fell with an imitation sigh, though what he felt had nothing to do with breath.
The music pounded. Laughter buzzed. Perfume and sweat mingled thick in the air. And still, sitting there in a bar filled with noise and movement, In-ho felt only one thing—the aching emptiness of not being beside Gi-hun.
A man at the table suddenly leaned forward, pointing directly at him. " You better not be gay, man. Don't pull that crap. Don't act like your cousin Gi-hun. He creeps the shit out of me. "
The words cut through the noise. In-ho straightened in his chair, his movements sharper now, his voice lower. " What did you just say? " He had heard perfectly well, but he wanted to give the man one chance—a final warning.
The man, too drunk to hear the danger behind In-ho's words, grinned wide and leaned closer, stinking of cheap liquor. " I said it's just rumors, but everyone in the office thinks he is. Come on—the guy never drinks with us, never hangs out. Always stuck to that beautiful Kang Mi-na. They can't actually be dating, right? She's way too good for him. "
The man's tongue darted across his lips at the mention of her name.
Something inside In-ho locked tight.
Every calculation told him he could snap this man's wrist in three seconds, crush his jaw in five, tear down the bar in less than a minute. But what good would that do? It would ruin Gi-hun's vacation, ruin the fragile world Gi-hun was trying to enjoy.
So instead, he inhaled—mechanically—and forced himself to stay still. Is this why human women are unhappy? In-ho wondered bitterly. Why would they settle for men who know nothing of respect? What reason is there to love men like these?
With a final breath, In-ho stood, his chair scraping back with a sound. He bowed slightly, his voice calm but distant. " I apologize, but I must leave now. Please enjoy your evening. "
The drunk men hooted and jeered, one pointing at him with a flushed face. " Look at this guy! The night just started and he's already running like a pussy! "
But In-ho didn't so much as flinch. He walked away without turning back, his figure straight and composed even as insults trailed after him.
There was only one human being worth his time, worth his love, worth his existence—and he wasn't here, in this smoky, hollow place.
He was waiting for him somewhere else. And In-ho needed to go back.
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" In-ho! What are you doing here? Don't you have a VIP room all to yourself? "
Gi-hun blurted out the instant he swung the door open, only to find In-ho standing there as though he had been waiting his whole life for that moment. Before Gi-hun could even process, In-ho threw himself forward and clung onto him.
" Hey—hey! What the hell? " Gi-hun whispered harshly, his eyes darting nervously down the hall as he pulled In-ho inside and shut the door behind them.
He lowered his voice, panicked but unable to pry In-ho off. " Do you want people to see you hanging to me like this? Do you want every woman here to line up and curse me until I'm bald? Go back to your own room before you ruin my life! "
But In-ho only burrowed deeper into Gi-hun's collar, his arms clamping down even tighter, voice muffled and trembling. " Jagiya, it was so scary without you. "
That single sentence nearly buckled Gi-hun's knees.
Gi-hun grabbed In-ho's face with both hands, pulling him back so he could study him properly, his eyes scanning frantically over his features. He tugged down the facemask, brushed In-ho's bangs aside, tilted his chin, then pressed his palm against his forehead as though he'd magically diagnose a fever. His other hand ran across his shoulders, down his arms, checking for invisible injuries.
" Why? What happened? " Gi-hun demanded, fussing over him. " Did someone kiss you? Did you overheat? Did those bastards push you into the pool? "
In-ho shook his head, strands of hair falling back into his eyes that never left Gi-hun's face. " No. The men only took me to a bar. There were almost naked women and they tried to make me drink with them. "
Gi-hun's eyes practically bulged out of his skull. " Only?! Did you seriously just say only?! " His hands clamped back down on In-ho's shoulders, shaking him. " How many times have I told you to stay away from women as much as possible? Huh?! I'll be the one collecting data, okay?! That will be my job! Yours is to stay out of strip shows! "
In-ho tilted his head slightly, confusion softening his brow. " But weren't you the one who told me to go with them? "
Gi-hun stopped, mouth opening, then closing again. He bit down on his lip hard. Shit. I had told him that.
He ruffled his own hair in frustration, groaning. " Fine, fine! I did. But listen carefully—if another woman starts undressing near you, I don't care if it's in a bar, the Vatican city, or halfway across Jupiter, you get the hell out of there, you hear me? Immediately. "
In-ho's lips curved in the faintest smile at Gi-hun's dramatics.
Instead of answering, he pressed even closer, his chin resting lightly on Gi-hun's shoulder. " I don't like this vacation, Jagiya. I want to go back to our apartment. I liked our dates more when it was just us. Even when you were crying at Lee Byung-hun's films. "
Gi-hun choked on his laugh, smacking In-ho's shoulder lightly. " Yah—don't bring that up again. I wasn't crying, okay? That was allergies. Allergies! "
But Gi-hun's grin betrayed him, his lips curling upward before he quickly bit them back. He exhaled, shoulders sinking as he patted In-ho's back in return, letting himself lean into the embrace just for a moment. " In-ho, you have to learn how to get along with people. I won't always be the only person in your life. "
In-ho shook his head against his collar, hugging Gi-hun even tighter, as if denying the thought outright. " If only we weren't struggling with money, Jagiya. I wouldn't mind if you locked me up somewhere, where only you had the key. "
Gi-hun's breath caught. His heart thudded so hard it almost hurt.
In-ho always had a way of slipping under his guard, of saying things that made his chest ache and his knees weak. He swallowed thickly before shoving lightly at In-ho's shoulder, breaking the embrace before he melted entirely.
" Don't say shit like that, you'll kill me. " Gi-hun muttered. Clearing his throat, he tried to sound strict again. " Enough. Go back to your room. We'll spend tomorrow together, alright? I'll see what I can do. "
" You promise? " In-ho asked, his gaze unwavering, holding him hostage with those eyes. His lips curved mischievously. " Because if you break your promise, maybe I'll just go back to that bikini bar. "
Gi-hun's jaw dropped. He threw his hands onto his hips. " You little bastard! Since when did you learn to threaten me? Did you pick that up from those drunk idiots tonight? Is that a human trait you downloaded from them? "
In-ho only laughed, taking Gi-hun's hands off his hips and intertwining their fingers. " I was only joking, Jagiya. Didn't you design me with a humor feature? "
Gi-hun puffed out his cheeks, glaring off to the side. He hated when In-ho reminded him of that—because it meant every laugh, every quirk, every flirtatious jab was something Gi-hun had programmed, whether he liked it or not. And yet, the way In-ho held his hands felt far too real to dismiss.
" But Jagiya, you will spend tomorrow with me, right? " In-ho pressed, his hands tightening around Gi-hun's. " Please don't let them take me away again. I don't want the men. I don't want the women. I only want you. Can't we just be together tomorrow? Only us? "
Gi-hun exhaled slowly, his chest sinking as the fight drained out of him.
His lips curled into a smile, reluctant but genuine, and Gi-hun's eyes softened as he looked at In-ho. " Of course. Who else would I spend my time with? You're my absolute boyfriend, after all. "
The words came out warmer than he intended, and for a moment he almost pulled In-ho back in. Almost. With a reluctant sigh, Gi-hun let go. " Now go, before someone sees you. My roommate's about to come back, and it'll look suspicious if you're here. "
In-ho tilted his head curiously. " Your roommate? Who is it? Is it Sang-woo? "
" No, it's Mi-na. " Gi-hun explained with a pointed finger, already bracing for In-ho's jealous reaction. " And don't start. She's just my best friend. The bestest. Nothing more. "
Gi-hun tapped his chin thoughtfully, glancing toward the door. " Speaking of which, where the hell is she? She should've been back by now. "
But Gi-hun's best friend was already back.
She hadn't gone in the room, not after hearing voices that made her stop cold. She'd pressed herself against the wall, listening in disbelief as Gi-hun's words unraveled a truth she never once suspected.
Her hand covered her mouth as her thoughts tumbled into chaos. Jagiya? Date? In-ho? She turned back toward the door, her heart racing. When the realization finally struck, she could no longer contain the words that ripped out of her chest.
" Gi-hun, is he really your boyfriend? "
TO BE CONTINUED