Chapter Text
‘You must be joking,’ Do-young almost shouted in disbelief. He stood up from his own desk.
Baek, meanwhile, shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest; he was sitting in one of the leather armchairs in front of the desk. He placed the piece of paper he’d been holding since entering the office onto the desk.
“Do you have any idea what my father sacrificed for this company? And now you’re behaving so selfishly!”
Baek paid no heed to his brother’s outburst. He had a plan in mind. He no longer wanted to work at this company. Everything was so mundane and boring. What’s more, Do-young was very controlling. He worked constantly every day of the week and made Baek work too.
Baek and Do-young were two lucky children when they were born. Their family was quite wealthy. Before Mr Moon passed away, he had entrusted the company to Do-young and left a substantial inheritance for both his sons.
Mr Moon’s death came as a surprise. No one had expected it when he passed away. For this reason, he had drawn up a will for his sons.
Baek and Do-young were equal in every respect and in every way; there was not even a hint of jealousy between them. Their facial shapes, features, facial proportions… In short, they were like twins. The only difference was that Do-young was a few years older.
“I want to build a new life, hyung, please understand! I can’t just grow old here like you.”
Do-young took a breath and fixed his gaze on the ceiling. He knew just how free-spirited and stubborn Baek was. He ran his hand over his face and exhaled. Baek looked at his older brother for a moment. Do-young’s eyes became more pronounced when he was angry. One was brown, the other blue…
“Fine, go then. But just so you know, you haven’t got rid of me!”
Baek smiled slowly, that bright smile of his, his gums showing clearly… He leapt up and hugged his older brother tightly. “I love you, hyung!!”
Do-young rolled his eyes and gave Baek a casual pat on the back. “Yeah, yeah… After turning everything upside down, you come and tell me you love me.”
Baek pouted but hugged him even tighter. Do-young pulled away a moment later. He looked at the letter of resignation on the table. “But I can’t help you; you’re an adult and you need to fend for yourself… Besides, I can see your plans are already in place.”
Baek nodded. “I know. I’ll go it alone anyway, and I promise I won’t be a burden to you…”
The next day, Baek was at the train station with a suitcase in his hand. A few bodyguards wanted to accompany him, but Baek refused. He just wanted to see his brother. Do-young looked around and took a deep breath. He hugged Baek.
Do-young wasn’t particularly pleased about this. He didn’t understand why his brother wanted to leave all this wealth behind and start a new life. Still, he couldn’t persuade a grown-up and stubborn person. So he simply said goodbye. Baek waved to him as he boarded the train. Behind his sunglasses, his eyes smiled wistfully.
Baek said goodbye cheerfully. It couldn’t be said that he had many fond memories of this company, but he was leaving the person he loved behind here. Everyone had grown accustomed to Baek’s cheerful energy, yet.
3 years later...
The sun had risen this morning with greater vigour and energy. It was as if it were sending a message: ‘You must be more energetic today...’
Baek smiled contentedly at the light falling on his face and turned to the side, then felt the dampness on his cheek. It didn’t bother him; he just chuckled and grumbled.
A few cheerful barks filled his ears—the sound that made Baek wake up cheerfully every morning. He slowly opened his eyes and yawned. As his vision began to clear, his smile widened. Because right at the top of the bed stood the cutest thing in the world.
To Baek, this wasn’t just a dog; it was his source of energy. Most people couldn’t keep up with a golden retriever’s energy. In their view, these dogs never stayed still and were good for nothing but causing trouble.
For Baek, however, this was unacceptable; ever since he’d moved to Seoul, this dog had been his only companion.
“Hmm, Sunny, it’s still far too early,”
Baek muttered grumpily and wanted to go back to sleep, but Sunny wouldn’t let him. This time, he jumped on the bed and barked. Baek sighed and had to sit up. He stroked the dog’s head and, still half-asleep, dangled his feet off the bed, slipped on his slippers and made his way to the bathroom.
The routine was familiar; it was something that happened every morning. He washed his face, reached for his toothbrush and, rubbing his still-sleepy eyes, brushed his teeth. Sunny, meanwhile, barked and jumped about joyfully. He tried to look at himself in the mirror. Wherever Baek went, Sunny followed him. That was just his nature, and Baek knew it. He never complained about it.
“Right then, Sunny, first we’ll have a nice breakfast, and then we’ll go and visit the children.”
Baek went into the kitchen, set about preparing something and hummed a tune. He had more than enough money to last him a lifetime, but he didn’t spend it wisely. He lived in an ordinary, modest flat. Still, his home was well decorated. Far removed from today’s minimalist design, it had a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
Before sitting down at the table, Baek served Sunny’s meal as well. He then picked up his phone and scrolled through today’s news whilst eating the meal he had prepared. It was doubtful whether the meal was healthy, but Baek didn’t care.
Baek scrolled through the news headlines, bringing a spoonful to his mouth.
Seoul Central Police Station is continuing its investigations into the unauthorised use of firearms. Officer Kim, the chief inspector in charge of the case, appears determined and resolute in his quest to uncover those behind it; his remarks at the press conference...
Baek exhaled, “What kind of heartless person would kill someone? ‘God, you’ve become the police’s helper.’ At that moment, Baek saw himself as an old auntie and immediately switched to another video.
...
‘Come on, lad! There are plenty of children to cheer up today,’ Baek called out as he tied his shoelaces, and Sunny quickly came over to him. He was holding a lead in his mouth.
Baek stroked Sunny’s head and put the lead on. Together, they stepped out of the flat. As he was going down the stairs, Baek bumped into Mrs Haneul, an elderly woman. She smiled at Baek. “
‘Auntie, does your back still hurt? I heard a new doctor is coming to this neighbourhood.’
“Thank you, dear, I’m feeling much better now,” Haneul laughed. Baek said goodbye to her and carried on his way.
Baek was quite sociable; he knew everyone in this neighbourhood, even the people in the park where he went for his morning walk every day. He had become the pride and joy of the elderly ladies and their handsome grandson.
They arrived at the nursery school a few streets further on. This was a source of energy for both Baek and Sunny. The children adored Baek.
As Baek entered the school grounds, he nodded to the security guard and smiled. The children were playing outside. Sunny ran excitedly over to them. All the children knew Sunny and were absolutely mad about him.
“Look, Sunny’s here!” a girl called out cheerfully. Just as they always did, they welcomed Sunny into their group and started playing.
This made Baek happy. He didn’t know when his life would end, and so he wanted to live his days—perhaps his final ones—happily.
...
As the sun set, the sky was bathed in shades of orange and pink. It was the perfect time for a walk outside. They decided to go to the park they always visited after school. Sunny loved it.
They walked along the park’s footpath. Sunny was leading the way, smiling at the butterflies brushing against her nose. Baek, however, kept a little distance between himself and Sunny and walked behind her. He greeted everyone and bowed respectfully to the elderly.
Baek was talking to a woman. The elderly woman handed Baek a bag. It contained some home-cooked food. Baek accepted it with a shy smile.
Suddenly, Sunny started running; Baek’s eyes widened and he was forced to hold the lead tighter. But Sunny was dragging Baek along behind her. Baek didn’t understand what was happening; he didn’t know what Sunny had seen.
“Sunny!” Baek called out, but Sunny didn’t stop. Baek tried to run faster, his eyes fixed on the person standing a little further ahead. They looked serious and were talking on the phone, with a Husky by their side.
Baek realised what was happening now. Sunny was running straight towards that Husky. Baek tried to stop him, but it was too late. Before he could even comprehend what was happening, the two of them collided.
Baek closed his eyes tightly, then opened them slowly. The man opposite him had furrowed his brow and brought his hand to his head as if he had a headache.
There was a moment of silence. Then Baek stirred slightly. “Ah, er… I mean, we’re sorry,” Baek said, looking at the other man and swallowing hard at the closeness. Realising the situation, his eyes widened. Their knees were touching, their bodies pressed against one another.
Baek tried to pull away, but this only made matters worse. As if tied together by a rope, they were pressed against each other once more. Baek looked around and realised at that moment: the leashes of both dogs had become tangled and were wrapped around the two men’s bodies...
Baek smiled nervously, sweat trickling down his temple. The situation was utterly embarrassing. What’s more, the man looked very angry. “I can’t believe it—tell your dog to untangle that lead! How rude!”
Baek immediately looked at Sunny and signalled with his eyes. Sunny, however, hung his head dejectedly, as if he’d lost the ability to understand. When Sunny didn’t move, the other man grew even angrier; he tried to step back but his body lurched forwards and he bumped into Baek’s chest.
The man tried again, but Baek grabbed his arm to keep his balance. “Just a second—” Just then, Sunny suddenly pulled back and the lead came loose. Sunny smiled at the other Husky. The Husky, however, glared angrily at Sunny.
But things got even worse. The man made a wrong move, stumbled backwards and fell into the park’s ornamental pond. Water splashed everywhere and the man was soaking wet. His black jacket, black trousers and black hair were soaked. His pale skin glowed in the setting sun.
How beautiful… Baek thought this, letting out a shaky breath. Suddenly, the Husky’s bark made Baek start and snap back to his senses. He immediately reached forward. He slowly bent his knee and his hand.
The man looked at Baek angrily. Baek was standing there, smiling nervously. The man took Baek’s hand, and Baek held his breath as he did so. He couldn’t believe it. The sun’s orange-pink rays seemed to strike the stranger and blend with him. It was as if all the colours of the sunset had gathered upon this man, enchanting Baek.
But the man pulled Baek towards him as well. Baek was startled by the force and lost his balance, falling into the water. Now Baek was soaking wet too. His medium-length hair had fallen across his forehead, obscuring his eyes. ‘Ah… Taking a shower in the park wasn’t part of my plans,’ he muttered.
Baek wiped his face with his hand and pushed his hair back. It was then that he saw it. The man opposite him was smiling. And he was smiling so beautifully. Baek froze for a moment, unable to breathe. The man’s smile had made his eyes narrow and his cheeks stand out. It was unbelievably beautiful. Water was dripping from his hair.
Baek’s heart was pounding as if he’d just run a marathon… For the first time in his life, he was face to face with someone this beautiful.
Baek’s sole focus was this man, and everything else had faded into the background like a pink mist. The love bubbles above Baek’s head burst.
The sky was reflected on the surface of the pool, which rippled in the air that was beginning to cool.
“Are you always this daft?” the man said, standing up. He held out his hand. Baek blinked in surprise, a smile appearing on his lips. He took the hand the man had offered. They both stood up. Passers-by stared at them in astonishment and whispered amongst themselves. What were two grown men doing in a small ornamental pond?
The man finally climbed out of the pond, took off his jacket, and then picked up his dog’s lead. “You could do with training your dog a bit to make sure this doesn’t happen again.” The smile had vanished from the man’s face, replaced by an air of authority. The man and the dog walked on down the road. Baek, meanwhile, stood there as if spellbound, smiling. “Sunny… I won’t be angry with you,” Baek murmured, still gazing at the empty road.
Sunny barked joyfully and stuck out his tongue. Baek exhaled and looked around. Sunny’s lead lay loosely in the middle of the road, and on the other side stood the food bag, its mouth tightly sealed. As soon as Baek saw the bag, he snapped out of it and picked it up from the ground. “I’d forgotten this… Let’s go,” Baek said, fastening Sunny’s lead securely once more, and they set off.
It was getting dark; Baek and Sunny were heading in opposite directions.