Ju-eon had only lost his past memories, but he had returned to him.

Crash!

Once again, the sound of something breaking echoed, and simultaneously, the moments after reuniting with Ju-eon flashed through his mind like a panorama.

Myung-hwon held Ju-eon tightly. Slightly lower temperature. Skin clinging to his hands. The current Woo Ju-eon he knew. Color began returning to Myung-hwon’s eyes that had been lost in the past.

The thought that Woo Ju-eon would consider leaving his side the moment he regained consciousness.

To lose the returned Ju-eon again?

That would never happen.

“If you’re going to die, die by my side.”

If something like that happens next time, then.

“I’ll die with you.”

The air began to ripple violently. Ju-eon had said he wouldn’t leave. That alone wasn’t enough. He needed more. A proof that Ju-eon would never leave him again.

“Die!”

The Nightmare screamed. Multiple swords aimed at the two of them. Ju-eon seemed determined to break through the Nightmare’s final struggle. The arms embracing him trembled like aspen leaves. Myung-hwon looked down at Ju-eon blankly. With each blink of Ju-eon’s eyes, the colorless world slowly reclaimed its vibrancy.

The returned Ju-eon didn’t know the current Myung-hwon. It didn’t matter if he appeared pathetic. He would do anything to hold onto him.

“I’d rather die than watch you get hurt.”

This was half the truth. The other half was the petty and cowardly thought that rather than losing Ju-eon, it would be better to die first, right before his eyes.

His body crumbled with the thick smell of blood. Had it not been so terribly painful, Myung-hwon would have smiled.

“No… this can’t be…”

Because he was the only one in Ju-eon’s eyes. To feel happy about something like this when he might die – Ju-eon might think him crazy if he knew.

Don’t go. Myung-hwon’s lips moved but no words emerged. And just like he had hoped, when he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Woo Ju-eon.

“Are you the Woo Ju-eon I know?”

Woo Ju-eon, not Woo Ju-won.

Though he knew, he still wanted confirmation. One small nod would suffice. Tears welled up in Ju-eon’s eyes.

Nod.

When Ju-eon nodded, tears too heavy to contain rolled down his cheeks. Myung-hwon, who had only known he could crumble at even a single trace left by Ju-eon, newly learned that he could also be saved by just one nod from Ju-eon.

**

He had imagined countless times how Ju-eon would regain his memories. Usually in the most splendid place, pretending to be composed and carefully saying that I’ve been waiting for you all this time, so you wouldn’t feel burdened.

Those countless days when he had to imagine such childish things because he couldn’t endure otherwise flashed through Myung-hwon’s mind.

Myung-hwon crumbled. His hands tightly holding Ju-eon’s waist trembled helplessly. The throbbing pain told him this moment was real.

“Ju-eon.”

Whoosh-

The wind blew. The sound of rustling leaves, Ju-eon’s gentle breathing, his arms holding Myung-hwon’s shoulders tightly. This moment felt like one he would remember for a very long time.

The name he had called countless times.

“Yes.”

Finally, an answer came back. After confirming Ju-eon had regained his memories, when Myung-hwon held Ju-eon’s cheek and the distance between them became very narrow-

Click.

Just then, they sensed someone at the door before it opened.

Pak-!

Ju-eon quickly stepped back, creating distance between himself and Myung-hwon.

“Myung-hwon, are you awake? I have something to ask… oh?”

Kang No-hun, breathing heavily like he had run here, stopped abruptly upon entering when he sensed the strange silence permeating the hospital room.

“…Hello.”

Standing awkwardly beside the bed, Ju-eon slowly bowed his head in greeting.

“…Oh. Ju-eon. It’s been a while.”

Though he had run here with many questions, No-hun scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, sensing his poor timing. Fortunately, the tense atmosphere dissipated thanks to Seo Yun-jin who followed shortly after.

Click.

The half-open door swung fully open and Seo Yun-jin entered the room.

“Why did you run so fast?”

“Yeah. Shouldn’t have run.”

“…Go buy some drinks. We came empty-handed because we rushed here thanks to the Team Leader.”

After giving Ju-eon an acknowledging look, Yun-jin tactfully led No-hun away. Ju-eon spoke in an uncomfortable voice, but the two had already left.

“It’s fine though…”

Though he had quickly moved away, it seemed too late. Ju-eon sighed while sitting back down in the chair. He looked ready to hide in a mouse hole from embarrassment. Myung-hwon observed Ju-eon’s reaction and gently grabbed his wrist.

“What?”

Responding to Ju-eon’s tone suggesting one needed a reason to hold hands, Myung-hwon spoke with a hint of defensiveness.

“…We’re alone again now.”

“They’ll be back soon.”

Ju-eon glanced at the door and withdrew his hand. Seemingly uncomfortable, he turned toward the fruit basket atop the refrigerator, offering to peel some fruit.

“Ugh.”

Myung-hwon let out a low groan, clutching his stomach.

“What’s wrong suddenly?”

Ju-eon jumped up in alarm and hurriedly ran to check on Myung-hwon.

“Haa…”

“Is it because I pushed you earlier? Did I push too hard?”

Espers had better natural healing abilities than ordinary people. And Myung-hwon was at the peak among espers. He could feel himself healing at a monstrous rate. With painkillers, the pain was less than the wound would suggest. Myung-hwon discreetly observed Ju-eon’s reaction.

Though he enjoyed seeing him worry and pace with reddened eyes, he didn’t want to make Ju-eon cry with lies.

“It’s not because you pushed me. I think the anesthesia is wearing off.”

Myung-hwon smiled faintly, suggesting it hurt but was manageable. The lies flowed smoothly without hesitation.

“Should I call the doctor?”

“No. It’s not that bad.”

“Are you lying because you don’t like me worrying?”

It was the opposite of what Ju-eon suggested. He had lied because he wanted to be worried.

He had done countless high-risk jobs over the years. He had sustained more serious injuries than this before. People had often clicked their tongues behind his back, calling him a tough b*stard for carrying out schedules without trouble even with fatal injuries.

If people who knew Myung-hwon saw him now, they might be shocked, saying this person was wearing a human mask.

“No. Just don’t go far away right now, that’s all.”

Myung-hwon wrapped his arms around Ju-eon’s waist and rested his head on his shoulder.

“Far away? I’m just in the room.”

“Still.”

“Shouldn’t we call the doctor to check your condition?”

“I know my condition best. It’ll heal in about a month.”

“Team Leader will be back soon.”

“Let me stay like this for a moment.”

Myung-hwon’s vulnerable tone was enough to win Ju-eon over. Though he disliked showing affection in front of others, he couldn’t be cold to his boyfriend who had been injured protecting him.

“Just for a moment.”

At Ju-eon’s surrender, Myung-hwon chuckled softly and guided Ju-eon onto his thigh. Uncomfortable sitting on a patient, Ju-eon stiffened, unsure what to do.

“Sitting like this is…”

“I don’t mind being treated like I’m made of glass for the first time. I’ll tell you to move if it hurts.”

A month was very long considering Myung-hwon’s recovery rate. Ju-eon hesitated briefly but soon yielded, obediently settling on Myung-hwon’s lap.

Though they had much to discuss, neither spoke first. Many things had happened in the years apart. They needed to talk about Yun-jae, and about the dangers if Yeo Ji-woong learned of Ju-eon’s existence. They needed conversation bridging past and present, but they wanted to preserve this brief moment. They hoped reality wouldn’t wash away this precious time.

“You weren’t like this before.”

Ju-eon murmured while playing with Myung-hwon’s hair resting on his shoulder.

“Do you dislike it?”

“It’s not that I dislike it.”

“Then do you like it?”

“Well…”

At Ju-eon’s tepid response, Myung-hwon raised his head. The thought struck that their feelings might not share the same intensity. He tried to soften his hardening expression. He didn’t want to frighten him.

“What kind of answer is that?”

“I’m just still dazed.”

Myung-hwon reassessed his condition. At this rate, discharge would be possible within 3 days. But Myung-hwon mentally extended the hospitalization period to about a month. Anyone hearing this might question his conscience.

“Should we go on a trip?”

The trip they couldn’t take then. It had lingered in Myung-hwon’s heart all along. If they went and stayed together, they could quickly bridge the gap between them.

‘I’ll make it that way.’

Even if it seems impossible, I’ll make it happen. His grip on Ju-eon tightened slightly. Now that all preparations were complete, he just needed to move without detection.

“You said you need to be in the hospital for a month. Won’t you be super busy when you return?”

“I want to be together.”

“I’ll come visit every day.”

Perhaps he should be content with this much, since Ju-eon would stay close by his side at least during his hospitalization. Though he wasn’t entirely happy with talk of leaving and returning daily rather than staying together, there was no need to show his displeasure now.

Kissing Ju-eon’s crown briefly, Myung-hwon gently whispered, “Alright then. Let’s postpone the trip.”