Sunshine Shower

Contrary to his worries, it was a day much like any other. Thanks to Woo Yeonjae behaving as usual, Moon Seoyoon was also able to act as if nothing had happened. They spent the day eating together, taking a walk around the neighborhood, and engaging in trivial conversations.

The same held true when they lay down in bed again. It was only then that the dream, which had been lingering in his mind since the morning, came back to him. Though his memory of it was vague, he was fairly sure that even in the dream, he and Woo Yeonjae had maintained a similar distance.

“Woo Yeonjae.”

It had been over 30 minutes since they lay down. Moon Seoyoon quietly called the name of the person who had shared his bed, almost as if whispering.

“Yeah.”

So he’s still awake. Even though it didn’t seem particularly dark, Moon Seoyoon could sense that Woo Yeonjae was staring intently at him.

Instead of turning onto his side like Woo Yeonjae, Moon Seoyoon just turned his head. If it were a room filled with sunlight rather than darkness, their gazes might have intertwined clearly.

“It’s nothing.”

“Can’t sleep?”

Can I even sleep? Ever since realizing his one-sided love, Moon Seoyoon had spent most nights wide awake whenever he shared a bed with Woo Yeonjae.

“Last night… I almost passed out.”

Suddenly, fatigue overwhelmed him. The nerves he had been keeping in check all day were finally starting to relax. Perhaps he had been tense all day, worried that being alone with Woo Yeonjae might lead to a certain kind of atmosphere. Now he felt a bit embarrassed, wondering if he had been overly conscious of the situation when Woo Yeonjae probably wasn’t thinking anything of it.

“Maybe it was just curiosity.”

Or perhaps it was sympathy or a sense of sacrifice. Moon Seoyoon concluded that Woo Yeonjae’s suggestion was likely motivated by such feelings. The important thing was that he had no intention of getting physically involved with Woo Yeonjae again.

“No, it’s nothing.”

Moon Seoyoon replied in a voice that was beginning to fade with drowsiness.

“Good night.”

No response came.

But since he hadn’t expected one, Moon Seoyoon slowly closed his eyes. The weariness washed over him like a dark cloud.

* * *

It wasn’t until Monday that Moon Seoyoon realized how much Woo Yeonjae genuinely disliked dorm life. When Moon Seoyoon casually mentioned returning to the dorm after finishing his part-time job, Woo Yeonjae openly frowned. Although he didn’t insist that Moon Seoyoon come to the studio apartment, his displeasure was evident.

“Keep your weekends free.”

Moon Seoyoon hadn’t expected that when Woo Yeonjae said they should spend the weekends together, he actually meant every single weekend. Unsure if Woo Yeonjae really meant it, Moon Seoyoon hesitated to answer.

“You’re not answering. Do you think I’m going to eat you up or something?”

Woo Yeonjae chuckled, seemingly amused by Moon Seoyoon’s blank stare, and then got to the point.

“My parents want to see you.”

Only then did Moon Seoyoon remember their plan to meet Woo Yeonjae’s parents.

“Oh, right. We did plan to meet. Will they both be home this weekend?”

“Yeah. Why, do you have other plans?”

Woo Yeonjae’s narrow eyes sharpened slightly as if gauging something. Moon Seoyoon shook his head. Since there was still time before finals, and his part-time job was only on weekdays, he had no reason to refuse.

“No, I’m free. What time should I come?”

“I’m guessing they’ll both be out in the afternoon. How about lunch?”

“Okay, I’ll come around 11.”

“Alright, sounds good.”

What should I bring as a gift? Preoccupied with this minor dilemma, Moon Seoyoon didn’t have time to properly look at Woo Yeonjae’s face.

* * *

As Moon Seoyoon stepped out of the taxi, he gazed up at the tall wall, which was about twice his height, and the firmly closed gate. It had been two years since he last visited Woo Yeonjae’s family home. Although he had been visiting since he was six years old, the moment felt strangely awkward, as if the mere two-year absence had made everything unfamiliar.

“I hope they like it.”

He muttered to himself as he looked down at the bouquet of flowers he was holding. The carefully selected bouquet was vibrant and colorful.

Normally, he would have come with Woo Yeonjae, but since Woo Yeonjae mentioned that he would be at the family home from Friday onwards, Moon Seoyoon had taken a taxi alone. If they had come together, Woo Yeonjae would probably have scolded him for bringing such a gift, saying they weren’t strangers, so perhaps it was just as well. Despite that, Moon Seoyoon felt that he still wanted to bring something as a token of respect.

As the wind blew, the bouquet rustled softly. Watching the delicate movement of the flowers made him feel a sudden pang of guilt, as if he had been too indifferent toward Woo Yeonjae’s parents.

Unlike Woo Yeonjae, who drew a clear line with Moon Seoyoon’s father, Moon Seoyoon didn’t do the same with Woo Yeonjae’s parents. While he sometimes felt slightly awkward around Woo Yeonjae’s father, he thought of his mother almost like a real aunt.

Still, the thought of seeing them again after so long made Moon Seoyoon feel a bit nervous. After taking a deep breath, he finally pressed the doorbell. The door didn’t open right away.

Sometimes, Woo Yeonjae would come through the garden to open the door himself, so Moon Seoyoon chose to wait patiently instead of ringing the bell again.

After what felt like an eternity, he heard the sound of the door opening on the other side, just as he had expected. Through the slowly widening gap, a familiar face appeared.

“You’re here.”

Woo Yeonjae’s black pupils slid lazily over the bouquet of flowers.

“What’s with the bouquet?”

“Auntie likes flowers. I couldn’t come empty-handed. Has her taste changed?”

“Not at all.”

As Moon Seoyoon stepped inside, he sensed Woo Yeonjae’s presence following close behind.

“I thought…”

Turning his head slightly at the voice coming from beside him, a faintly smiling face came into view.

“I thought you came with a bouquet to say hello.”

“What are you talking about? I did come to say hello. It’s been a while since I saw both of you.”

“I meant a different kind of greeting.”

Are there different kinds of greetings? Moon Seoyoon widened his eyes in confusion.

“What kind of greeting?”

When he asked for clarification, Woo Yeonjae, with a face as vibrant as a bouquet, answered with a playful grin.

“A greeting to ask for permission to marry.”

“There you go again, saying weird stuff.”

Moon Seoyoon lightly tapped Woo Yeonjae’s chest with the bouquet, scolding him. It was similar to the playful remark Woo Yeonjae made the last time they had dinner with Seoyoon’s father, when he mentioned meeting the parents. It wasn’t the first time Woo Yeonjae brought up the casual promises their mothers made to each other in such a way, so it wasn’t surprising anymore. The only reason Seoyoon had choked on his food when he heard the word “marriage” was because his father was present; if it had just been the two of them, he would have simply glared at him.

Of course, brushing off a familiar joke was different from feeling shaken by it.

Despite knowing it was just a harmless joke, his heart still sank at the casual mention of marriage. Seoyoon found it ridiculous how his heart reacted. He couldn’t even tell if he was shocked by Woo Yeonjae’s inappropriate mention of marriage, or if he felt a fleeting thrill imagining an impossible future. He hoped it was the former. The latter would be too pathetic.

“You looked nervous standing there with the bouquet.”

It wasn’t entirely wrong, so he didn’t bother to deny it. Woo Yeonjae found his slightly frowning face amusing and chuckled as he opened the front door.

The familiar atmosphere greeted him, dispelling his earlier worries about feeling awkward after so long. After all, it was a house he had visited for a good 15 years. A mere two-year absence couldn’t possibly erase all that time.

“Seoyoon.”

As soon as he took off his shoes, Woo Yeonjae’s mother appeared. She looked almost the same as she had two years ago. The worry that she might act stiffly was unfounded, and a small smile naturally formed on Seoyoon’s lips.

“It’s been a while, Auntie.”

Woo Yeonjae’s mother, Seo Yeonhee, widened her eyes when she saw the bouquet Moon Seoyoon was holding. She accepted the bright bouquet and immediately spread her arms wide to embrace the one who had brought it. Startled by the sudden hug, Moon Seoyoon hesitated for a moment before gently patting her back. The fragrance and warmth from the hug filled his senses.

“You didn’t even tell me you were joining the army. How could you?”

“I’m sorry. Have you been well?”

“It’s been lonely with both sons away. And as soon as Seoyoon went to the army, my own son took off on a year-long trip. I had no idea he’d be gone for that long.”

Seo Yeonhee glanced at Woo Yeonjae before motioning for Seoyoon to come inside. She hasn’t changed at all. Her familiar tone and gestures left no room for awkwardness. As the warm atmosphere eased his tension, Moon Seoyoon relaxed his shoulders and headed to the living room, where he made eye contact with Chairman Woo, who was just getting up.

“Uncle.”

“Seoyoon, it’s been a long time.”

The man, who approached with a hearty laugh, extended his hand. Just as Seoyoon reached out to shake it, Woo Yeonjae playfully grabbed his hand first.

“What, are you strangers now? Why the handshake?”

“Tsk, this boy and his manners… Did you have an easy time in the army?”

The chairman clicked his tongue at his son and patted Moon Seoyoon’s shoulder awkwardly as he asked. It was only then that Seoyoon nodded.

“Yes, it was comfortable.”

“Ha ha. That’s good. The sooner you get it over with, the better. I’m glad to hear it went smoothly; it makes all the effort worth it…”

“Why are you talking about the army with the poor boy just standing there? Seoyoon, come over here.”

Seo Yeonhee naturally took his arm and led him away.