The words were too powerful to ignore, clearly intended to manipulate, yet unmistakable to the eye, and irresistibly compelling.
A ripple stirred in the blue eyes. The winter wind no longer felt cold.
Trying to ignore the turmoil in his heart, Sihyun turned away from Seowoo's gaze.
"...I've already told you everything, what more is there to say?"
"It's because it wasn't everything that I'm asking."
"..."
"You wanted to pour out your heart somewhere, didn't you?"
His tone was certain. As Sihyun hesitated, unable to find an easy escape, Seowoo stepped closer and caressed his hand.
A small touch sent ripples through him. Sihyun mulled over their conversation, aware of every action Seowoo took.
Seowoo demanded the story under the guise of making Sihyun realize he was being seen.
By doing so, he pierced through the frustration of not being able to open up to others, pressing Sihyun to share.
It seemed mutually beneficial.
Wondering why Seowoo was so keen on hearing his story, Sihyun suddenly frowned.
The thought irritated him.
Why was he being swayed by a mere seventeen-year-old boy?
Becoming friends was one thing. But pondering why their relationship turned strange, Sihyun revisited their interactions.
From their first meeting, he was slightly entangled, but it hadn't been to this extent.
But then, Seowoo brought up Haru's story, made ridiculous requests for affection, and prodded at his vulnerabilities with remarks that started to irk him. Gradually, he found himself being manipulated.
While adapting to the life of 'Kang Sihyun,' Seowoo seized control during his moments of distraction. Realizing this, Seowoo's smile in front of him seemed spiteful, and his pride was undoubtedly hurt.
Seowoo's act as if he had deciphered everything, understanding the inner workings of people, was particularly annoying.
Each time they spoke, Sihyun felt a strange discomfort and contortion, now understanding its source.
He acknowledged that Seowoo was quick-witted and somewhat understood him, seemingly born with such talent.
But he was still just a boy.
Compared to Sihyun, who felt he had faced life's myriad challenges, Seowoo was just a green youth, barely finishing his first year of high school—a walking chick.
Having pride and age on his side, Sihyun wondered why he allowed himself to be so influenced.
Until now, he had been too busy dealing with immediate concerns to pay attention, but now in a period of stability, the dormant pride of 'Yoo Sihyun,' along with a desire for recognition, surfaced.
Seowoo's smile, seemingly sure of victory, irked Sihyun.
If Seowoo had approached him with empathy, suggesting they share their troubles because he genuinely wanted to understand him, Sihyun might have reacted more kindly.
But Seowoo did not, and his smooth tone carried an urge to dominate the relationship.
Seowoo liked to be in control and enjoyed unique and interesting developments within his predicted range. Sihyun realized he had also deciphered Seowoo during this time.
He could easily write a paper or two on Seowoo, staring directly into his platinum eyes.
Seowoo wasn't just seeking to understand the life of Yoo Sihyun.
He disliked not knowing certain facts and wanted to differentiate himself with exclusive information, aiming to gain Sihyun's trust and control over their relationship.
He wasn't as kind or docile as he appeared.
Upon reaching this conclusion, Sihyun saw Seowoo's intentions more clearly.
For the first time, the motivations that always seemed dark were now transparent. Sihyun, after long contemplation, barely opened his eyes. Seowoo spoke first, sensing Sihyun's readiness to share.
"Aren't you ready to talk now?"
His tone suggested impatience with Sihyun's hesitance. Sihyun, irritated, forcefully withdrew his hand.
He felt an urge to reclaim the skewed balance in their relationship, to assert control, or better yet, to surprise Seowoo.
He wanted to see Seowoo's startled face, his confusion at an unexpected turn. The thought of breaking his composure seemed satisfying.
As Sihyun pondered what would shock Seowoo the most, Seowoo tenderly called out his name. His voice alone seemed genuinely caring.
Sihyun scoffed at the pretense.
"Just say it honestly, Seowoo. You don't want to fully understand me; you just want me within your sphere of control. You want to lead this relationship. Say that."
"...What are you talking about?"
"If you're not aware of it, it's time you realized."
Sihyun's sharp retort drew Seowoo's brows together, his perfect face crumpling slightly. The
fracture brought a peculiar satisfaction to Sihyun, feeling as if he'd finally seen the boy's true face.
Yet, surprisingly, the annoyance was less.
A sense of satisfaction and achievement uplifted Sihyun.
Determined not to dwell on these feelings, Sihyun faced a bewildered Seowoo, analyzing the unexpected situation.
"...You seem to be misunderstanding something."
"It's not a misunderstanding; it's understanding."
"You act like you want to understand me, but now that I understand something about you that you didn't, you're confused."
Seowoo's eyes flickered. Witnessing his confusion and disarray, Sihyun breathed in the sweetly cold air. Usually, he was the one left in turmoil after their conversations, but this time, he was the one manipulating.
It was a first.
The catharsis of turning the tables sent shivers down his spine.
As Sihyun watched the still-confused Seowoo, he leaned on the railing.
Seeing the usually confident platinum eyes lose their smugness and laughter was gratifying. It was proof that Sihyun had indeed caught him off guard.
He realized how much he had endured from Seowoo: coercion, aggression, control. Though not always kind to Seowoo, it seemed he had suffered more.
Feeling unburdened, Sihyun began the story Seowoo had been eager to hear about 'Yoo Sihyun.'
"Kang Sihyun and I differ in age."
"..."
"I was twenty-three, and Kang Sihyun was just seventeen."
His tone was calm, causing surprised eyes to widen further. Sihyun took a breath.
He hadn't mentioned his age because it seemed unnecessary. Telling friends you're six years older creates an unwanted distance, so he remained silent. He didn't want to alienate himself from his classmates.
Yet, a slight frustration lingered, unable to completely shake off the feeling of holding back secrets, occasionally wishing to fully divulge. Seowoo had accurately pinpointed his desire.
Sharing even a single fact felt liberating, filling him with a sense of release.
Unlike Sihyun, who felt lightened, Seowoo appeared burdened. Sihyun continued slowly.
"You guys used to say I didn't seem like a teenager. You were right. I was twenty-three while with you."
"..."
"My calmness in crises? My life has been somewhat peculiar, encountering various incidents from a young age. I've nearly lost my life more than once."
It took a long time to speak so nonchalantly about this. Sihyun left a stunned Seowoo behind, straightening up and moving away.
Watching Seowoo's troubled eyes, Sihyun felt at ease. Perhaps he had his quirks, but Seowoo's movement allowed him to open the balcony door.
Passing by the petrified boy felt incredibly satisfying. Sihyun concluded the conversation.
"So, what I wanted to say is."
I'm your elder.
The implication was clear: stop trying to dominate. In a culture still influenced by Confucian ideals, nothing defined relationships more clearly than age difference.
Sihyun half-opened his eyes, addressing Seowoo as he opened the previously shut balcony door.
"I'm going ahead. It's cold, so come in soon or whatever."
Little brother.
Seowoo's shoulders twitched at the added title. Watching him, Sihyun entered the house, leaving his jacket on the sofa and heading to his room. The counterattack brought him satisfaction.
Feeling refreshed and light, he believed he could sleep soundly now.
Or so he thought.
Awakening thirsty around 4 a.m., he was startled to find Seowoo standing in the kitchen like a ghost, his heart racing until he calmed down.
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