Unrequited Love Thresher-Chapter 76: A Place Where You Can Rest

“Thank you so much for today, sunbae... Thanks to you, my fever’s gone down a lot and I feel much better.”

As Ha Giyeon entered the room after arriving at Son Suhyeon’s house, he said this to the latter. It was a typical expression of gratitude, similar to usual, but Son Suhyeon could tell—it was a farewell.

That Ha Giyeon would be returning home.

Son Suhyeon wanted to ask:

‘If you go back to that house... will you really be able to rest?’

But he didn’t ask. He didn’t want to say something that might hurt Giyeon again, or bring his mood down.

...But even so, he didn’t want to just stand there and let Ha Giyeon leave as he quietly gathered his things.

Son Suhyeon approached him as he packed.

“Eat some juk before you go.”

“Ah, no, it’s okay. You’ve already done too much for me... If I even get a meal out of it...”

Before Giyeon could finish, Son Suhyeon suddenly pressed a hand to his forehead. The cool hand made him flinch and furrow his brows slightly. Feeling the lingering warmth, Son Suhyeon led him to the bed and sat him down. Giyeon’s fever-weakened body followed along easily.

“You still have a bit of a fever. Looks like it’s about to spike again. Eat some juk, then take some medicine before you leave.”

“That’s a bit too...”

I’d love to, but... it feels like I’m burdening you. Giyeon swallowed the rest of his words and glanced around awkwardly. Son Suhyeon laughed quietly at the sight.

“I already made the juk, so at least taste it.”

“Huh...? Y-You made it yourself, sunbae?”

“...I made it for you.”

Even when sick himself, Son Suhyeon usually just got by with instant stuff or poured rice into water and called it a meal. It had been a really long time since he last made juk from scratch—probably not since the orphanage. He could’ve just bought some pre-made, but there was a reason he cooked it himself.

It was because of how Ha Giyeon looked that morning at the convenience store.

When he ate that instant juk and took medicine afterward, he looked like someone forced to eat the most disgusting thing in the world. Remembering that expression, Son Suhyeon had naturally found himself making juk with his own hands. He regretted it ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) at first, but now he was glad he did—because Giyeon’s eyes were sparkling.

Thinking he must be really hungry, Son Suhyeon quickly reheated the juk, set the table, and placed it in front of him. The sight of the juk filled with egg and carrot made Giyeon’s previously empty stomach start to grumble. Just moments ago, he’d had no appetite, but now he felt his mouth watering.

And knowing that Son Suhyeon had made it himself made him want to eat it even more. The truth was, he had juk in his bag that Kang Jini had packed in a thermos—but Giyeon didn’t mention it. Right now, he wanted to eat Son Suhyeon’s juk.

Because it was made for him.

“Sunbae, you should eat too.”

“...Alright.”

He didn’t like juk all that much and kind of wanted to just watch Giyeon eat, but figured eating alone would make Giyeon uncomfortable. He brought over his bowl and sat down across from him. Giyeon looked at him like he was waiting for him to take the first bite.

I’m not your dad or anything.

“You try it first.”

“Ah... Okay!”

Realizing his mistake, Giyeon quickly scooped up a spoonful of juk and cautiously put it in his mouth. It had cooled just enough, and the savory flavor mixed with the right amount of seasoning melted smoothly on his tongue. It was the first real meal he’d had since the instant juk he’d hastily eaten that morning.

Giyeon’s eyes widened. Looking at Son Suhyeon, a thought popped into his mind.

‘What can’t Suhyeon sunbae do...?’

He’d felt it back when Suhyeon worked at the café too—he did everything cleanly and efficiently, was smart, had a handsome face, a kind personality, and his body...

“......!”

Suddenly remembering how his face had been buried in Suhyeon’s chest, he smacked his forehead down onto the table. When Suhyeon asked if something was wrong, Giyeon laughed it off and said he was fine.

“How’s it taste?”

As if waiting for a review, Suhyeon asked cautiously. Maybe it was too bland since he used to make this kind of thing for little kids. He was about to get self-conscious when Giyeon looked up and smiled brightly.

“It’s really delicious.”

“...Really?”

“Yes...! It’s the best juk I’ve ever had.”

As Giyeon said this and took another spoonful, Son Suhyeon felt both relieved and proud. He’d thought Giyeon had a small appetite and didn’t eat much, so seeing him enjoy the food made the effort feel worthwhile.

If he likes it this much, I could probably make it for him every day for the rest of my life... That kind of crazy(?) thought crossed his mind as he stuffed a spoonful into his own mouth.

“S-Sunbae... isn’t it hot?”

“’s fine...”

What kind of insane thoughts are you having about a minor? Son Suhyeon gritted his teeth through the burning sensation on his tongue and swallowed.

Every time Giyeon munched on the juk, the way his cheek would puff out slightly, and his red-tinted lips... it all looked unbearably cute. It felt like he was seeing him anew. Maybe that’s just what happens after making up following a fallout.

He watched Giyeon eat as he absentmindedly picked at his own bowl. Before he realized it, both bowls were empty. Son Suhyeon handed over some cold medicine.

“Thank you...”

As he watched Giyeon swallow the pills, a thought came to him without warning.

That he didn’t want to let him go.

Now that Giyeon had eaten dinner and taken his meds, there was no reason for him to stay any longer. Most likely, going home to rest would be more comfortable.

‘...Would it really, though?’

He snapped out of it, thinking he was just rationalizing things.

“Sunbae?”

“...You finished?”

“Yes...”

When Giyeon nodded, Son Suhyeon lifted his hand and placed it gently on his forehead. There was still a slight fever, but since he’d taken medicine, there was no issue with him heading home. Still, it was getting dark—he’d probably need to walk him back.

That was all that was left: sending Ha Giyeon back home.

“...?”

But something seemed off. Giyeon’s face was a little flushed, and his eyes were darting nervously.

“Are you feeling sick?”

“N-No, it’s just... It felt really familiar...”

Familiar? Confused, Son Suhyeon tilted his head—then suddenly realized that his hand was resting on Giyeon’s forehead, naturally, instinctively, like it belonged there.

Heat rushed to his face in an instant. He covered his face with his hand and turned away.

“Sorry...”

“It’s okay...”

As a subtle, awkward silence settled in, Giyeon abruptly stood and headed to his bag.

“Thank you for everything today, sunbae. I’ll buy you a meal sometime.”

“...You’re really leaving?”

“I feel bad getting taken care of like this... and eating your food. I think staying longer would be a burden.”

“....”

Watching him start to pack, Son Suhyeon lingered nearby, looking uncertain. He opened his mouth several times but never managed to say what he wanted. In the end, he didn’t stop him. If the other wanted to leave, how could he force him to stay?

“...!”

That’s when Giyeon checked his phone and jumped in shock. His face quickly stiffened.

It was the notifications.

There were over 40 missed calls from Ha Dohoon, along with a flood of text messages—one every few minutes, it seemed.

He had never been called this many times before... Just seeing all the missed messages made his anxiety spike. He could already feel the headache coming on just imagining how Dohoon would interrogate him about where he’d been.

“Giyeon.”

“...Yes?”

Pulled out of his spiraling thoughts by a hand gently grabbing his arm, Giyeon looked up. Suhyeon was staring at him with a worried expression. Giyeon expected him to ask if he was okay—but instead, he said something entirely different.

“...Do you want to stay the night?”

“...W-What?!”

Giyeon looked even more shocked than when he saw the calls from Ha Dohoon. His eyes widened, blinking rapidly.

‘Was that really such a shocking thing to ask?’

Son Suhyeon had caught a glimpse of Ha Dohoon’s name on the screen and blurted it out on impulse. Judging from Giyeon’s frozen expression, those messages hadn’t been anything pleasant. It was obvious that something was wrong.

So he quickly added a kind of excuse.

“Your fever’s still pretty high, and I’m worried it might get worse on the way home... You might relapse...”

The more he spoke, the more he felt like some shameless pervert, so Suhyeon trailed off.

Then, meeting Giyeon’s eyes, he corrected himself. He didn’t want Giyeon to think he was just pitying him.

“You’re probably more comfortable resting at home anyway... I’ll walk you there. Get your—”

“I-I can stay over?!”

Giyeon cut him off, eyes sparkling, voice cracking a little but not caring. Suhyeon had expected him to hesitate—but seeing those eyes made his own tangled feelings suddenly rise to the surface.

“Yeah. Stay.”

The moment Suhyeon said it, Giyeon beamed.

To Giyeon, this place was far more comfortable than his own room. Ever since being discharged from the hospital, it had driven him crazy how his brother and parents barged in without warning.

He’d already moved his account book and valuables, so if he hadn’t, he might’ve been forced to go back just for that.

Now, Giyeon moved to turn off his phone before Dohoon could call again.

“So... you’re not going to call them back?”

“No, it’s fine. I doubt they’d really... Wait a second.”

Just before powering off, Giyeon hesitated. He remembered the housekeeper who had seen him off and told him to have a good day at school. He figured at least she should know.

[It’s late today, so I’m sleeping over at a friend’s house. Good night.]

It didn’t take long for a reply to come in, telling him to make sure he takes his medicine.

Seeing that message, Giyeon smiled faintly and turned off his phone. He felt lighter, like no one would bother him anymore.

He didn’t know.

Just how complicated that small decision would turn out to be.