They ordered a glass of cola each, and when the waiter stepped away, silence descended between them. Loud music played in the 24-hour burger joint, and if it weren't for that, the air would have been taut as a string. The two tall men in the corner—one in a black jacket, the other with hair damp from the snow—unintentionally drew glances. But neither of them spoke a word.
Ryu Seonyeong, who had recently been roaming after Jihwan through the alleys, now, facing him, didn't know what to do with his hands. He was looking away, as if caught red-handed pursuing someone he once loved. His shoulders were tense, his fingers clasped together.
Kang Jihwan, in contrast, looked calm. He had already overcome the initial burst of annoyance and was now observing Seonyeong with cold interest. Sighing, he leaned forward.
— Fine, let's assume Park Hee-ron really informed you I was here. But you didn't come just for that, did you? What did you want to say?
Seonyeong coughed abruptly, as if summoning courage.
— Don't flatter yourself. I didn't come because I like you. — He deliberately raised his chin. — I came on business.
— Business? — Jihwan repeated with slight surprise.
The plan he had built in his head—to calmly discuss everything, perhaps even reconcile—crumbled the moment Seonyeong uttered that phrase.
— What kind of business? — he asked after a short pause.
— Since you've returned to Virein, you might be in danger. — Seonyeong's voice grew firmer. — Synchron Biotech hasn't stopped. They lost the trail after Mariah, but Im Chintae isn't one to leave living witnesses. I came to protect you. That's the only reason.
Jihwan watched him silently. «Interesting. A minute ago, this man said he missed me, and now he claims he's just performing a duty.» He rubbed his temple and quietly scoffed.
— Why would Im Chintae hunt me?
— You were next to me when everything started. To them, we are linked. If Synchron Biotech moves again, you will become a target. — Seonyeong spoke with the seriousness of a person who doesn't entirely believe what he is saying but can't stop.
Jihwan leaned back in his chair.
— So, you're protecting me not because you want to be close, but because... you're obligated? — his voice became lazily mocking. — Convenient.
— I just don't want anyone else to suffer because of me, — Seonyeong muttered.
— Really? Then why didn't you tell me to stay abroad? — Jihwan countered. — Since everything is so dangerous.
— Because you shouldn't run away! Your home is here!
— But you yourself said it might be dangerous.
— I'll manage.
— Seonyeong.
The name sounded so quiet that Seonyeong fell silent. Jihwan lifted the corner of his lips.
— Doesn't it seem like you're just looking for an excuse to stay close? Giving gifts, asking for forgiveness, and now inventing threats. A last-ditch effort to keep my attention?
Seonyeong's cheeks instantly flushed. He turned away, but Jihwan saw his jaw trembling.
— I am not that pathetic, — he forced out, barely controlling the tremor in his voice.
— Of course, — Jihwan replied. — An absolutely selfless knight.
— It's just that if something happens to you, it will also be my fault, — Seonyeong said quietly. — Their target was me.
Jihwan smirked.
— How touching.
He was about to continue teasing, but he noticed that Seonyeong's gaze had become serious, almost transparent.
— I'm not joking. — Ryu's voice dropped lower. — Im Chintae experiments even on vampires. If he finds out about you—he won't stop.
The words sounded sincere. Jihwan squeezed his fingers, looking at the table.
— You think I can't handle myself?
— No. I think you don't need someone like me. But... if there's any chance I can stop them, I must.
For a moment, a weariness, similar to regret, flashed in Seonyeong's eyes.
— In three months, I'll be done with Im Chintae. After that, I will disappear. I promise.
— Three months? — Jihwan repeated, raising an eyebrow.
— That's not long for someone who lives forever. Bear with it.
They were silent for a few seconds. Then Jihwan leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms.
— So, you understand that there is nothing between us. You just want to... guard me.
— Yes.
— And with no hidden motives?
— Yes.
— Well then. Do as you wish.
Seonyeong's face momentarily lit up with hope, but Jihwan added coldly:
— Just don't cross the line. Show up without cause—I'll leave Virein.
— ...Understood.
Seonyeong stood up. His gaze softened, almost warm, but he said nothing. A moment later, the door closed behind him. Jihwan remained seated, looking at his reflection in the glass opposite.
— That's not how I imagined this conversation, — he muttered.
He ran a hand over his face and exhaled, looking at the bubbles in the empty glass.
A few days passed. Ryu Seonyeong did not appear. Sometimes Jihwan felt a faint presence—a familiar pressure in the air, a barely perceptible shadow on the adjacent street. But when he turned around—no one was there. «Damn, since when did he become so punctual?» He lay on the sofa in his new apartment, talking on his communicator with Oh Rian.
— Anyway, it looks like you can come back, — he said tiredly.
— Is that so? Glad to hear it, — Rian replied. — But you don't sound too happy. You tamed him, but you look like you lost.
— Can you call it taming... — Jihwan chuckled. — More like he tamed himself.
— It's still interesting, — Rian continued. — If you told him not to show up—and he really doesn't—it means he's obeying. That's not like the old Seonyeong.
Jihwan closed his eyes.
— Exactly. I thought he would at least flash by to annoy me. But no. He just disappeared.
— Will you test it? — Rian suggested calmly.
— Test it?
— Yes. Try breaking the rules. Find out if he really won't come—no matter what you do.
Jihwan opened his eyes slightly, and the corner of his lips twitched. A plan was already forming in his head.