Chapter 12

The one who caught Naru before he fell was Geonhyuk.

Having finished an early lunch near the office, Geonhyuk had been on his way to Gyuyeon’s dessert café for coffee. He wanted to pry about what happened at the club last time—and he was curious about Naru.

“T-thank you.”

What a coincidence. He happened to bump into Naru right in front of the bus stop.

Last time, Naru had been on guard. Now, not recognizing him at first, he even bowed politely and thanked him.

Geonhyuk caught his shoulder before he could slip past.

When Naru looked up and their eyes met, his gentle round gaze widened for an instant—then shuttered. The guardedness returned.

For five silent seconds, he studied Geonhyuk’s face. ‘Where have I seen him before…’

The memory surfaced: Gyuyeon’s friend from the club. The one who hadn’t left a good impression.

“Were you visiting Gyuyeon?”

That voice. Smooth, slippery. Definitely him.

Naru deliberately didn’t answer. He knew this type. People who hid knives behind their tongues, who smiled while spitting words sharp enough to wound. Always friendly on the surface, always cruel beneath.

“Please move.”

Brows knitted, he pushed Geonhyuk away.

The reaction only deepened Geonhyuk’s curiosity. Meek in some ways, sharp in others—strangely intriguing.

He stepped in front of Naru again, blocking his path. His ego, sharpened by being Gyuyeon’s friend, wouldn’t allow him to be brushed off.

“Why not talk a little before you go?”

“I have nothing to say.”

“You’re all sweet with Gyuyeon but so cold with me. Interesting.”

What is he even saying?

Naru’s stomach turned at the slick words. He knew the type too well. Men like this played with interest when it suited them, then tossed you away without a glance. His old master’s friends had been like that.

So he ignored him.

‘Is this even the right bus stop? Do I tap the card Gyuyeon gave me? Do I tell the driver it’s a card payment?’

His thoughts drifted elsewhere.

Geonhyuk, treated like a buzzing fly, felt a sting of humiliation. Worse than a dog—that’s how he was being regarded.

He grabbed Naru again, irritation flaring.

“I’m curious about something—don’t you have… other feelings for Gyuyeon?”

“Other feelings…?”

Feigning ignorance, Naru tilted his head. The nuance was lost on him. If Geonhyuk had simply asked ‘Do you like Gyuyeon?’, he could have answered. But as phrased, the meaning slipped past him.

Geonhyuk studied him with a knowing glance. When he’d seen them at the club, their relationship hadn’t looked ordinary. For enemies, there’d been something subtly off.

To test it, he threw out bait.

“I’m close to Gyuyeon, so I know—he’s surrounded by women, and men cling to him too.”

“…”

It was the first time Naru had ever heard anyone else talk about Gyuyeon. Pretending not to care, he turned his head—but his ears strained.

Plenty of women. Plenty of men. Of course.

Gyuyeon was tall, handsome, rich. Anyone would want him. Naru knew it. Yet the thought soured his mood.

‘But Gyuyeon is my owner.’

The idea of other people coveting him made his chest tighten.

“Even I can’t get close easily,” Geonhyuk added, lowering his hand slowly from Naru’s head to his waist. “And you’re in a position like this.”

In short: ‘you’re at the bottom.’

“I’m telling you to know your place.”

“…”

At last, Naru understood. That earlier question—“other feelings”—had been about liking Gyuyeon. And this was a warning to stay away.

His expression twisted. He couldn’t just accept it.

“Haha. So you can make that face too.”

“I do.”

“…”

“I have feelings. I’ll open Gyuyeon’s heart.”

Polite speech dropped, replaced with blunt confidence.

Geonhyuk faltered. Not just the informal tone—the sheer audacity.

This kid, dragged into gossip and humiliation, now claimed to have feelings? It was absurd. Laughable. Yet he said it with conviction.

A hollow laugh escaped him. He studied Naru’s wide eyes, equal parts timid and stubborn.

“I think you’re mistaken.”

“Do you like Gyuyeon?”

“What?”

The question hit harder than expected. Between acquaintances, maybe harmless. But from a close friend? Upsetting.

“Are you joking right now?”

Geonhyuk pressed his forehead, dizzy. Did he really just ask that seriously?

But Naru was serious. If this man did like Gyuyeon, he needed to be wary.

“What nonsense—”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

A sharp voice cut between them.

Both turned.

It was Gyuyeon.

Naru’s sulky frown immediately melted into light. His whole face changed.

“That person says he likes Gyuyeon!” he tattled instantly.

“I don’t like him. Don’t spout creepy crap. And I told you to go home—why are you still here?”

“That person grabbed me and—”

Naru rattled off the details as if reporting, ending with a triumphant smile.

Geonhyuk laughed in disbelief. Foolish and sly at once—that was Naru. More absurd still was the subtle glare Gyuyeon shot him, as though he might believe it.

“Did you say Naru? You’re painting me too badly.”

“I didn’t paint you badly.”

“You were using informal speech just now. Why so polite all of a sudden?”

“I never used informal speech. I’ve only spoken politely…”

Eyes wide and innocent, Naru lied through his teeth. Since the moment Gyuyeon appeared, he’d flipped into formal tone. The little brat was slyer than he looked.

Before long, the two were bickering with Gyuyeon between them. Geonhyuk ruffled Naru’s hair; Naru angrily smoothed it back down.

Unpleasant for Naru, but to Gyuyeon it looked like they were too close.

“Back off. Are you two close or something?”

“I don’t want to be close with him…”

“Then why stick together?”

Gyuyeon yanked Naru’s arm and pulled him to his side, separating them.

He didn’t know why he did it. He just moved as his gut demanded.

Geonhyuk blinked in surprise.

Yoo Gyuyeon—who never cared no matter who flirted with him—was showing jealousy. And over this ridiculous nouveau riche brat?

Absurd.

But as Gyuyeon pulled Naru away, Naru realized something.

‘Gyuyeon’s reaction is strange. Is he concerned? Does he dislike me touching that man?’

If so—

He cast Gyuyeon a sideways glance, then suddenly laid his hand on Geonhyuk’s shoulder.

‘How’s that, Gyuyeon? What about now?’