Swallow Hunting - Chapter 18.2
He looked genuinely annoyed. Before the truth could be revealed, Hae-jun takes a step back and changes the subject, chattering about how the couple on the divorce-related program he watched last night were like this and that. His mouth moved nonstop, but inside, he was, as always, solely preoccupied with worry about Lee Kang-ju.
After the meal, Hae-jun shared the jelly-type vitamins he had put in his pocket with Yohan. When Yohan asked where he got them, his conscience stung a little, but he couldn’t exactly bring up Lee Kang-ju’s name. He brushed it off by saying a customer gave them to him and saw Yohan off as he left for deliveries.
***
Even at work, Hae-jun couldn’t take his eyes off his phone. He kept hoping that Lee Kang-ju would change his mind and cancel the appointment even now.
But that didn’t happen. Even the usual barrage of advertisement messages was strangely quiet today.
He, of course, didn’t get chosen. He put on his usual charm and acted cute, but there was no way to avoid the sharp eyes of the discerning customers. The customers weren’t merciful enough to open their wallets for a male host whose mind was elsewhere.
So Hae-jun spent his time getting a bit of a scolding from The Boss, being kicked a few times, and hearing snide remarks from other hosts like, “Hajin hyung, did you really become impotent? It’s so pitiful, what are we gonna do?”
Time flowed slowly and steadily, yet faster than usual. Distracting himself for just a moment, it had already neared the time he was supposed to meet.
Hae-jun, who had been sitting in the hallway, straightened his legs. The Boss had been leaving work early these days for some reason, so he probably wouldn’t notice even if Hae-jun slipped out. He might monitor with CCTV, but there were plenty of excuses if asked why he left without permission. Like his back suddenly went out, or his aunt was taken to the emergency room. Given The Boss’s shitty personality, he’d probably kick his ass a few times, but that much was bearable.
“Hey, hyung. Where are you going?”
Just as he was about to awkwardly leave the establishment, the new ace of ‘Lucid’, who had been handling two tables in a row, grabbed Hae-jun. Previously full of rural and childish vibes, he had blossomed over the past few months. True to The Boss’s words, he must have been working out diligently, as his shoulders and back had broadened since he first joined.
Hae-jun didn’t know his name. He had been told his real name, but it had vanished from Hae-jun’s memory in an instant.
“It seems like I’m not getting picked today.”
“There are two more teams coming later, I hear?”
“I’m not feeling well either.”
As Hae-jun mumbled weakly while rubbing his shoulder, the guy slung an arm around Hae-jun’s shoulder. He whispered into his ear as if sharing a secret.
“Hyung, but did you really become impotent? Is the rumor true? There’s even talk that you’re completely switching sides, not this one anymore.”
Hae-jun, who had been brushing dust off his buttocks, raised the outer corners of his eyes. Even so, his naturally droopy eyes were insufficient to express anger.
“Which crazy bastard spread that bullshit rumor. Bring him here, fuck.”
Perhaps finding it cute that Hae-jun, slightly shorter than him, was erupting in anger, the guy covered his laughing, distorted mouth with his fist. When Hae-jun raised his hand as if to grab his collar, he finally cleared his throat and composed his expression.
“No, I’m just saying. There’s no one here who doesn’t know hyung likes women. They’re just jealous because you’re cute and talking nonsense for no reason. Don’t pay too much attention.”
“Go fuck yourself.”
Hae-jun showed his middle finger and turned away sharply. Time had been wasted on unnecessary conversation. He hurriedly called a taxi and headed up the stairs.
Actually, he had a cold sweat on his back. He was worried that rumors about him meeting Lee Kang-ju might have already spread thickly. But that couldn’t be. If it were known, The Boss would have stepped in first and broken Hae-jun’s ankles.
“Let me know if you change career paths. I have money, hyung.”
The guy shouted, cupping his hand beside his mouth. Luckily, there were only the faint sounds of music and laughter flowing from the rooms in the hallway, and it was just the two of them, so no one else could have heard. Still, Hae-jun scolded the guy like an old man before leaving the store.
***
Hae-jun stood under the falling stream of water for a long time. He washed his hair and cleaned his body more thoroughly than usual, but he didn’t want to leave the bathroom. His head was foggy, his mind felt distant, and even the tips of his toes felt like they were floating.
Soon, he would meet Lee Kang-ju.
The image of the arowana’s body surfaced, and he squeezed his eyes shut. His hand automatically moved toward his buttocks. Just the thought made his hips clench tightly.
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