Vol. 2 Chapter 26: 26

Vol. 2 Chapter 26: 26

Translated by Chef

Edited by Chef

A white car roared and stopped on the road. A man came out of the car with a scary face and strode open the door of a lighted store.

“Inseop”

At Lee Wooyeon’s voice, Inseop, who was sitting in the corner, raised his head. The moment he saw the blood spattering on his pale face, Lee Wooyeon’s eyes flashed. Lee Wooyeon ran and knelt down in front of Inseop.

“Who’s blood is this, who did it, where and how much are you injured?”

“Oh, no. That’s not it…”

Inseop blinked his eyes and replied. Blood was clotted not only on the nape of his neck, but also on his eyelashes. Facing Inseop, Lee Wooyeon murmured. It was a tingling feeling.

“Why are you here? We have to go to the hospital!”

Lee Wooyeon grabbed Inseop’s wrist. Inseop urgently grabbed the hem of Lee Wooyeon’s clothes.

“No. I’m not hurt.”

“What?

“Not me, but John…”

Inseop continued with dry lips.

“I brought John because he was injured. It’s not my blood.”

“John… a cat?”

“Yes”

Lee Wooyeon sighed and swallowed a short breath.

He must have had more than enough time to get home when Inseop called.

Lee Wooyeon, who had been waiting for a long time because he did not come, eventually called him first. Normally, it would have been a situation where he could have called several times, but he deliberately acted fine so that Inseop would not be stressed.

After a few beeps, Inseop answered the phone. Contrary to the expectation that he was preparing well, he heard the sound of a car.

When asked by Lee Wooyeon, Inseop hung up the phone, saying he would call again later in a trembling voice. Lee Wooyeon called Inseop again, getting dressed and taking out the car key. Before Inseop said something, Lee Wooyeon said, “Please send me the address,” and finished the call. He stepped on it like a madman and drove all the way here, about to cut dozens of speeding tickets.

Only then did Lee Wooyeon see the words Animal Hospital. He was so panicked that he couldn’t see anything around him.

“That’s fortunate.”

Inseop’s hand trembled at Lee Wooyeon’s words. Lee Wooyeon let go of Inseop’s wrist.

“Ah…hello.”

Hearing the voice from the side, Lee Wooyeon raised his head. A woman with her hat pressed down smiled awkwardly and said hello.

“Hello.”

While answering, Lee Wooyeon’s eyes were on Inseop.

“Reporter Yoon Ahreum. I told you the other day…”

“It’s been a while. I’m not a reporter right now”

“Yes. Long time no see.”

Even after Lee Wooyeon answered dryly, he still did not take his eyes off Inseop. It was a look in his eyes asking him to explain why he was sitting here.

“The veterinary hospital I searched for did not answer the phone, so I did not know which hospital was open at this time, so I called the phone number I received the other day. It’s close to the house too…”

“Okay.”

Lee Wooyeon replied insensitively. Choi Inseop, who froze in tears when faced with a frightening situation, made an ideally rational decision. If he had called him, he would have dissuaded Inseop, saying that no animal hospital was open at this time, not counting the travel time. He never had in mind what time the veterinary clinic was open in the first place.

“..She drove me all the way here.”

Inseop added the fact that he didn’t want to know.

“Thank you.”

“No. Of course, I have to do it. Although I was surprised to receive a call at this time.”

Yoon Ahreum smiled and humbled herself at Lee Woo-yeon’s thanks.

“Sorry. Yoon Ahreum is the only person I know who raises animals.”

“No. It’s really fine.”

Yoon Ahreum raised her hand. She even had blood on her sweatshirt.

Her kind personality, which never showed her displeasure, irritated Lee Wooyeon.

“I’m worried because Mr. Inseop seems very surprised. His hands keep shaking…”

“I’m o-okay.”

Inseop quickly hid his trembling hand behind his back and answered. Lee Wooyeon scooped water from the water purifier and handed it to Inseop.

“Drink some water. Do you have any medicine?”

Inseop shook his head. Inseop’s face was still covered in blood as he took the cup and said thank you in a small voice. Lee Wooyeon wiped Inseop’s face with the palm of his hand and wiped his blood.

“What’s with this face? At least wash your face…”

Inseop quickly lowered Lee Wooyeon’s hand.

“I’ll wipe it. Lee Wooyeon’s hands are stained with blood.”

Lee Wooyeon looked at his hand, which had nowhere to go, and smiled bitterly. Yoon Ahreum quickly took out her handkerchief and handed it to Inseop.

“I received this as a free gift, so you can use it and throw it away.”

“Thank you.”

“It looks like you received another handkerchief before.”

Inseop was at a loss what to do with Lee Wooyeon’s sharp criticism. Then, a veterinarian in an operating gown walked out of the operating room.

Inseop jumped up from his seat. Lee Wooyeon first approached the veterinarian and calmly asked about the cat’s condition.

“Did the surgery go well?”

“Huh? Oh, yes. It went well.”

The veterinarian who recognized Lee Wooyeon replied with his eyes wide open.

“The bleeding from the broken bones was almost dangerous. Maybe even a little late would have been a big deal.”

At the doctor’s explanation, Inseop nodded his head as he turned white.

“He’s in the recovery room now. I think it will have to be hospitalized for about two weeks…You are Lee Wooyeon, right?”

The veterinarian asked with a look of disbelief.

“Yes, that’s right.”

Lee Wooyeon answered while examining the face of Inseop standing next to him. His eyes, which were filled with tears, were barely holding back their tears.

“Can I come pick him up when he leaves the hospital?” The veterinarian nodded at Lee Wooyeon’s question.

“Yes. You’ll probably have to keep taking care of it at home for a while. But looking at the condition of the baby, it doesn’t seem like a house cat.”

“He’s just a cat who I take care of by giving food.”

Inseop answered in a trembling voice.

“Then it’s a big deal. Even if he leaves the hospital, he won’t be able to survive even for a few days if you leave it outside.”

The veterinarian put on a sad expression.

“Then..?”

Before Inseop finished speaking, Lee Wooyeon intercepted his words.

“I will take it.”

“Yes?”

Inseop was surprised and asked back.

“You can’t raise animals in Inseop’s home. My house has a lot of playrooms.”

“No, Mr. Lee Wooyeon has never raised a cat before.”

“Let’s raise it now.”

“You don’t have to do that because of me. And…”

Inseop couldn’t bear to say the next word. He knew that Lee Wooyeon did not like animals. Wooyeon smiled with his mouth raised, as if he had read Inseop’s thoughts.

“It’s okay.”

He hated animals. The flying hair and the peculiar smell. What bothered him most was the trouble it caused him. However, for Inseop’s sake, he could endure as much as he could. He could use that as an excuse to lure Inseop into the house.

“You’ve been away, and you’ve been very busy lately.”

“I can tell the person who works.”

“But…”

“If it’s okay, can I take him with me?”

Yoon Ahreum, who was watching from behind, cautiously interjected.

“Yes? No. Of course I’m responsible. I can move. I’ll look for a room as soon as possible.” Inseop lowered his head.

“No. Inseop-ssi is also very busy right now.”

“But…”

More than anything, it was a problem that bothered Inseop the most. Even if he changed his residence, he did not have enough time to take care of the cat. Still, he couldn’t say it in front of the person he was caring for that he would quit his job because of the cat.

“I love that cat, and I’ve had one before. It’s better to have someone who’s taken care of a sick child.”

“Yes. This is because it takes a lot of work. It’s good to have someone by his side to take care of him.”

The veterinarian agreed with her. Inseop lowered his head with both hands in his hands.

“Thank you. I will pay for the hospital bills, food expenses, and all other expenses. We will also give you a case fee. Anything you need or want…”

“It’s okay. What kind of reward is it?”

“I am really sorry and thank you.”

Inseop couldn’t even raise his head. He had only seen Yoon Ahreum three times. Even after receiving her phone number, he couldn’t even contact her. He only sent a short message saying that he would not be able to see Kongi because he was busy for the time being.

In response to what could have been rude contact, Yoon Ahreum kindly replied that he could come see him whenever he had free time. They were not very close to meet each other, but he was very grateful that she came with him to the hospital in the middle of the night. But he didn’t know what to say out of apologies for causing such trouble.

“Don’t do that. I’ll be more sorry.”

Yoon Ahreum stretched out her hand to lift Inseop up. But Lee Wooyeon first grabbed Inseop by the shoulder and made him stand upright.

“Yes. I’m sorry if that’s so, Miss. Yoon Ahreum. And I’ll pay for the hospital bill.”

“No, I will…”

“I’ll pay. I’ll have to do this much.”

Lee Wooyeon’s smiling eyes looked strangely cold. Inseop had no choice but to nod his head countless times. While Lee Wooyeon paid the hospital bill, Inseop thanked Yoon Ahreum again.

“I will do everything I can. Please contact me anytime.”

“Yes. But we were in such a hurry I forgot to ask. How did the cat get hurt?”

“I’m not sure either.”

He had a guess, but he wasn’t sure, so he couldn’t tell anyone.

“No matter how you look at it, it looks like someone purposely hit it with something hard. Right, doctor?”

Yoon Ahreum asked the veterinarian with a firm expression.

“Yes. I think so too. There are traces of burns from cigarettes.”

“Burning with cigarettes? Such crazy… ha, really. The bastard should be punished”

Yoon Ahreum uttered abusive language angrily. Inseop confirmed that his suspicion was somewhat true with the word cigarette.

“Are there any other kids? If he was that big, he would have been with his mother.”

“There are two more.”

John was the weakest and slowest of them all. Unlike the other brothers who were wary of him, he would be the first to approach Inseop and show off cute charms by pushing his little head. When he thought about why only John had gotten to that point, he felt his heart choke.

“Then I will have to find owners for them too.”

Yoon Areum expressed her aspirations with her arms folded. Inseop opened his eyes wide and asked how.

“How do I do it? I’ll catch them, wash them clean at home, make them plump, take pictures, and post them for sale. Mr. Inseop pays for the stakes.”

“Yes. Of course I’ll give you everything!”

Inseop nodded his head several times.

“Then can I leave today?”

Lee Wooyeon asked the veterinarian.

“You can go. You can come tomorrow to check the baby’s condition. Just write down one more emergency contact number in case something happens.”

“I’ll write down my number.”

Lee Wooyeon is expressionless as Yoon Ahreum approaches the reception desk and leaves her contact information.

He looked up.

“Thank you very much sir. Thank you very much for today.”

Inseop said goodbye to the veterinarian and left the hospital.

“I will give you a ride, Mr. Inseop.”

Lee Wooyeon, who came out, looked back at Yoon Ahreum as she said.

“But you two must be really close. Coming at this time. You’re amazing.”

Yoon Ahreum said in a voice filled with admiration.

“Yes. We are close.”

Lee Wooyeon replied briefly. Inseop quickly bowed his head to Yoon Areum.

“Today, I really caused a lot of trouble. Thank you.”

“It’s okay. I’ll call you back tomorrow.”

“Then be careful going back.”

Yoon Ahreum walked to the parking lot. Lee Wooyeon walked to the car parked randomly on the road. Inseop quickly followed him. Lee Wooyeon opened the passenger door and went to the driver’s seat.

After getting into the car, Inseop greeted Wooyeon.

“I’m sorry. It’s because of me…”

“What did you do?”

After Lee Wooyeon smiled softly, he started the engine.

“Belt.”

At Lee Wooweon’s point, Inseop hurriedly pulled the belt and locked the clip. Lee Wooyeon started the engine. All the way home he was silent. Inseop noticed that Wooyeon’s expression was fierce, and he looked for an opportunity to talk to him while fiddling with the seat belt.

When he entered the apartment parking lot, Lee Wooyeon suddenly opened his mouth.

“Who do you think was it?”

“Yes?”

“You said earlier that you didn’t know. Didn’t you mean you knew something, but it wasn’t accurate?”

Inseop was quite surprised inside. He didn’t know if Lee Wooyeon was even thinking about such a thing in his own words.

“Not exactly. Just…”

“Just?

“I met the owner’s son before going up to the roof. He smokes too…but that’s just my guess.”

“Okay.”

Lee Wooyeon turned his steering wheel to park.

“No. Just drop me off in front.”

Lee Wooyeon didn’t answer, finished parking, and turned off the car. Silence fell in the car. Lee Wooyeon reached out and wiped the blood from Inseop’s cheek.

“No. I… “

Fearing that Lee Wooyeon’s hands would get blood, Inseop tried to lower his hands. However, Lee Wooyeon did not budge and meticulously wiped Inseop’s face.

“A person who is afraid of blood and can’t see anyone getting hurt. You must have been very surprised.”

His tone and voice were very friendly, but the air around him felt cold and dry. Inseop shrugged his shoulders and replied, “It’s okay.”

“At that time, I’m glad you thought about calling her. Not me.”

As Lee Wooyeon wiped his face, his hand touched Inseop’s lips. He rubbed Inseop’s lips with his thumb.

“Did you not think of me?”

“That is…”

Wooyeon lowered his head. Their lips touched. His tongue slipped between his gaping lips. When Inseop tried to lean back, Lee Wooyeon grabbed Inseop by the shoulder and pulled him straight.

“..!”

As if Inseop had a seizure, he pushed Lee Wooyeon away.

“You shouldn’t be like this. If someone sees…”

“I shouldn’t be seen by anyone. It’ll be a big deal.”

Lee Wooyeon continued Inseop’s words and stood up. Inseop held onto his sleeve.

“It’s not that I didn’t think of Lee Wooyeon. But if I called you this way, you might end up in the eyes of others, and more than anything…”

“I know. I’m not fit for this kind of thing.”

All the way to this place, Lee Wooyeon chewed on his sense of shame. He could only put up with a cat for Inseop’s sake. Even if he tried to decorate it, he couldn’t overcome his innate emotions.

He had never felt sadness or anger at the lack of emotions different from those of ordinary people. It’s just that he was annoyed by having to go to and from the hospital for treatment in his childhood.

But now.

“I don’t mean that. I…”

Inseop’s eyes were stained with embarrassment and guilt.

Lee Wooyeon bit his lower lip.

Inseop knew his deficiency. That was why he called Yoon Areum. He had no intention of criticizing the right choice. However, he thought that the day might come when Inseop eventually made the right choice in his relationship with him.

If that happens, he will be abandoned.

Shame filled his head. It was the first feeling he felt.

“I never thought so. I mean it.”

“I know. It’s late.”

It was well past three in the morning. Because of tomorrow’s schedule, even if he went home now, he won’t be able to sleep for even a couple of hours. Inseop could not open the car door and hesitantly looked at Lee Wooyeon.

“…It’s late. Would you like to come up to sleep?”

Lee Wooyeon knew how courageous Inseop, who did not allow him to hold hands outside because other people were watching, was saying this.

“No. I’ll just go.”

So, Lee Wooyeon couldn’t accept the words all the more. This was the limit of his narrowly grasped reason. It was clear that if he went up in this mood, even if Inseop cried, he would take off his pants and stick his dick in him. He will hold Inseop, who will hate it, and hold him again and again all night long.

He couldn’t even count how many times he had pressed Inseop’s limbs with force and forcibly inserted himself. His mouth went dry from the sudden urge.

He didn’t want to repeat the mistakes he made in Hawaii.

“Then be careful. Thank you so much for today.”

Inseop thanked him as he got out of the car.

Inseop looked back a little nervously.

Lee Wooyeon looked straight at Inseop and said,

“Don’t come out tomorrow.”

There was no smiling face, nor friendly voice.