Affection

Chapter 15

They arrived in the City of Seoul. 

The bustling buses maneuvered across the streets, picking up and dropping off passengers at every stop. The noise of different sounds and voices echoed through the sidewalks, scrolling on their phones, and crossing the pedestrian lane. 

Im Hyun was carefully pulling Do-yoon’s left hand toward his favorite cafe. It was nearby, and Do-yoon’s eyes looked elated. Wow, there are so many people. Their clothes, their looks, they looked handsome and pretty. To him, it felt like wonders twinkling in his cheerful gaze. 

Im Hyun didn’t let go of his left hand. He got them a table for two and said, “Wait here, Do-yoon ssi, I’ll go get us some coffee and cakes.” 

Do-yoon was fascinated by what was around him. He bobbed his head and said, “Ah, okay.” He looked timid as his eyes followed where Im Hyun lined up. He looked around again with a tender smile on his face. 

But he suddenly thought of Lee Joon-Ho as his expression changed, sadly. He thought, I hope Joon-Ho nim is alright. He didn’t talk to me after Im Hyun asked permission for us to go out. 

He shook his head as he clenched his fist under the table. Let's forget about sad things. For now, let’s enjoy. Im Hyun is here with me. Then, he glanced at Im Hyun, who waved at him. 

He had his iced coffee while Do-yoon had his cookies and cream coffee frappe. He enjoyed the sweetness of his drink and a slice of moist chocolate cake. 

They giggled in the vibrant season of spring.

It was a long day of fun and admiration visiting the free attractions. They spend a lot of time at the arcade. 

Im Hyun taught him how to play whack-a-mole, shooting sports, electronic darts, crane games and other indoor games that Do-yoon had never experienced when he was a child. 

He looked happy, and Im Hyun was so into him that he wanted to show him more of Seoul. 

They had burgers and fries for lunch, vanilla ice cream for snacks, and another hot coffee. They strolled in the nature park, sat on the wooden bench, and briefly rested. Do-yoon was looking at the people. They were playing with their dogs, a father who played with their kids, and some were reading their choice of books while sitting on the grass. 

“Are you enjoying yourself, Do-yoon?” Im Hyun asked. He gave Do-yoon a bottle of water. 

“Ah, Y-yes,” he stuttered. He took his pad and a pen. Wrote something. Im Hyun drank his water and looked at Do-yoon. 

The weather was nice, and the noise was everywhere in the park. Do-yoon showed the note to him. 

“What time is the movie starting?” 

“Ah, it’s a late-night movie,” said Im Hyun. “I chose that time to show you more of Seoul.” He lied with a smile. Do-yoon was reading his lips. He wrote again. 

“Then what time are we going back home?” Do-yoon felt a little worried. 

“Oh, about that. I asked permission from Sir Lee if you could spend the night here,” Im Hyun lied again. He scratched his left cheek. “But don’t worry, my apartment is not that far. And we can go back tomorrow morning.” He awkwardly grinned.

Do-yoon wondered. If Joon-Ho permitted us to stay here longer, then I guess…it’s okay. He stared at Im Hyun, who cleared his throat. He tried not to be blatant in lying to Do-yoon. 

“Okay,” said Do-yoon. His face was nonchalant.

Im Hyun's eyes widened, and he gazed at him. He’s so dense. Anyone could fool him around with that face. But I’m only doing this because…I like him. Despite his disability, he’s the kind of person that I want to be with. Easy to handle. He smirked.

Meanwhile, Joon-Ho got a call from Park Beom. He told him the whereabouts of Im Hyun. But he felt bewildered that Joon-Ho asked him to send his whereabouts every hour. He was muddled. He thought, What is going on? Should I go and check him out? But if I go now, he’ll curse at me. He deeply sighed. What am I going to do? I'd better just do what he says. 

Joon-Ho was in the therapy room. It was dim and quiet, his forehead was sweating, and the round clock on the wall was ticking. He forced himself to get up from his wheelchair. 

His teeth ground together in silent desperation. He dragged his feet slowly and stepped on the treadmill. He turned on the red button and set the speed at 1. 

He looked at the time, and it was 7:00 p.m. He looked at his legs. You'd better move, if you want to get him back, you'd better walk today. His eyes were shadowed with persistence. He speeds up at 2.

8:00 pm, speed at 2.5.

8:30 pm, speed at 3.

At 9:00 p.m., the treadmill was at speed 4. He looked tired. But he kept walking…a little faster this time. His brow twitched every time he staggered, and his chest tightened every time he pictured their holding hands. 

His jaw tightened with restraint.

Park Beom's last message was the address of the cinema. 

He stopped the treadmill at 9:30 p.m. He was sweating, feeling the numbness in his legs. But his heart was so determined to get Do-yoon back to his side. 

He stepped down the treadmill with ease. He didn’t wobble or fall on the floor. 

He could now walk. 

He didn’t need the wheelchair anymore.

He went to the bathroom with a fierce gaze and shut the door. 

The night in Seoul looked stunning with the city lights, buzzing cars and buses, and loud noises resonating in the crowded place. Im Hyun and Do-yoon bought popcorn and cold drinks to enjoy the late-night movie. A few have sat in front and at the back. 

They sat in the middle-center of the cinema seats. 

“Make yourself comfortable, Do-yoon,” said Im Hyun. Do-yoon sat casually, holding his bucket of popcorn. He placed his drink on the left armrest. 

The romance movie started to play while Do-yoon’s phone rang in silent mode in his right pocket. 

It was Joon-Ho calling him as his mouth tightened into a firm line. He took his car key and went to the garage in his casual black suit. The garage roller moved up. He sat on the driver’s seat, buckled up, and tried to ring Do-yoon’s phone again. He must still be inside the cinema. He turned on the GPS, typed the cinema’s address, started the engine and pushed the gas pedal to speed. 

No one noticed he left the villa while he drove on the safe road. 

The movie scene was getting interesting and funny. 

Do-yoon enjoyed the movie with Im Hyun as they watched. They either looked serious or giggled now and then during the comedy scenes. Im Hyun felt like holding hands with him, but he didn’t; instead, he kept glancing at how pretty he is. 

His smiles. 

His laughter. 

And even the way he ate his popcorn was alluring in Im Hyun’s sultry gaze.

The movie lasted for one hour and 90 minutes. They came out of Cinema 8. The people were chattering as they walked out.

“How’s the movie, Do-yoon?” Im Hyun asked with a smile. 

“I-It w-was good,” he curved a shy smile while other people strolled back and forth behind them. 

“You look tired,” said Im Hyun. “Have a seat and wait for me. I’ll go use the toilet before we head out.” 

“Ah, ah, okay.” Do-yoon looked at the entrance door where people left after watching their favorite movie. He then took out his phone to check the time, but it rang with an unidentified number. He wondered. A number? Should I answer? It must be Unnie. She must be worried about not hearing from me.

He answered in a soft tone, “H-Hello?” 

Joon-Ho tightened his grip on the steering wheel as he clenched his jaw, holding back his anger. Again, Do-yoon said, “H-Hello?” Then Joon-Ho replied in a low tone, “Are you still in the cinema?” He was driving nearly to the cinema's address. Just one more turn to his right, it’s the outside of the movie theatre. 

Do-yoon’s eyes grew wide in disbelief. Joon-Ho nim? Why is he calling me at this hour?

He seethed. He tried to calm down his anger. “I’m asking, Do-yoon ssi, are you still in the cinema?” His tone sounded annoyed. 

“Y-yes, I-Im inside,” Do-yoon swallowed from his throat since he couldn’t write. He added, “I-Im w-waiting for Im Hyun.”

“Where is he?” Joon-Ho arrived at the destination. He stopped the car while listening to Do-yoon’s soft voice. “T-Toilet,” said Do-yoon. He felt something stuck in his throat. But his heart pounded. Then he saw Im Hyun approaching him. He put the phone back in his pocket and forgot to cancel the call. 

“Do-yoon ssi?” Joon-Ho wondered. Then he heard Im Hyun’s voice.

“Let’s head home to my apartment, Do-yoon,” Im Hyun said. “I’ll lend you my pajamas. It’s been a long day, and you must be tired.” He braced Do-yoon’s left shoulder. 

Joon-Ho furrowed his brow in silent fury. He got out of his car and slammed the door. He madly scowled when he saw them coming out of the theatre. He walked in haste as he clasped his phone. 

“Do-yoon!” His tone sounded irate. His eyes glistened with rage. 

They were surprised to see him standing so well, but infuriated.

“Joon-Ho nim?” Can he now walk? Do-yoon’s eyes opened wide in shock. But Joon-Ho looked displeased at Im Hyun’s hands around his shoulders. 

Im Hyun let go as he nervously gulped. “Sir Lee, how…I mean, you can walk now?” He perspired. 

Joon-Ho gave him a stern look, and Do-yoon looked tense. He said, “Right, you know your way back home, Im Hyun. I’m taking Do-yoon back with me.” He glanced at Do-yoon, whose eyes jolted from his livid intimidation. “Get in the car,” Joon-Ho said and turned his back on them. 

Do-yoon was worried for Im Hyun, who looked at him, feeling apologetic. “Im Hyun,” he mumbled. His eyes looked concerned. 

Joon-Ho stopped walking and looked sideways to his right with a piercing gaze. He said, “Don’t make me repeat myself, Do-yoon. Get in the car. Now.” 

“Go with Sir Lee, Do-yoon,” said Im Hyun. “I’ll see you around.” His heart anxiously palpitated. 

Do-yoon strolled and got in the car, and Joon-Ho slammed the door beside him. His shoulders flinched out of fright. He looked at Joon-Ho. He looked angry. What should I do? He kept quiet. He fidgeted with his fingers as he trembled.

Joon-Ho didn’t say a word. He sped up the pedal to return to the villa. The lub dub sound of his troubled heart and anger makes him more distraught.. 

“Joon-Ho nim,” said Do-yoon. He looked fearful. “I-I’m sorry,”

Joon-Ho didn’t say a word while driving on the safe road. He narrowed his brow, controlling himself out of ire. 

“I-I’m―” 

The car screeched and pulled over to the right side of the safe road. The roadway light illuminated the car, and no other cars passed by. Do-yoon’s eyes stretched in shock as he looked at Joon-Ho’s grimace. 

“Are you this stupid?!” Joon-Ho angrily exclaimed. His chest raced as his blood boiled with fury. Do-yoon tried to read his lips. His eyes shook, staring at Joon-Ho’s outrage. “Didn’t you know Im Hyun is an Alpha?! What if his rut was triggered?! What if he takes advantage of you?! Can you handle it?!” His nerves were riled to the point that he wanted to hurt Do-yoon. 

But Do-yoon couldn’t understand what he was saying. His eyes were teary as he was scared. “Answer me! Why are you so—” 

“Stop!” Do-yoon bent his head as he held it. “I-I don’t u-understand, w-what you say.” His words were breaking from feeling scared and shivering. Joon-Ho felt a prick in his ego. His gaze expanded as his heart shuddered. 

“Why―?!” Do-yoon let go of the pain he has been holding back all this time. “I c-can’t talk w-well. I c-can’t hear w-what you say.” He was in anguish. “B-but I… I t-tried. I t-tried.” And Joon-Ho’s chest tigtened. His right hand quivered as he tried to reach Do-yoon’s head. 

But he got the revelation he was not expecting to hear. 

“N-no one l-loves me. No… no one c-cares about me,” Do-yoon sniffled. His tears dripped from his eyes and nose. It stained his pants. He clenched his jaw, trying to speak up again. “Do-yoon,” Joon-Ho mumbled. But, Do-yoon added, “Hic. F-father l-locked me up. T-Tae-s-sung locked me up and c-chained me.” 

Joon-Ho’s eyes dilated with shock. 

Do-yoon looked at him with so much torment in his eyes while his tears trickled down his cheeks. He said, “A-re you also go-ing to lock me up? L-like t-them? F-for h-how long?” His lips jittered as he sobbed. 

Instead, Joon-Ho hugged him so much that Do-yoon’s eyes were stunned from his warm, consoling embrace. 

And Do-yoon bawled like a lost child.