Some people are blinded by lust.Some chase nothing but power…But Joon Hyunk was nothing like them.He wasn't the result of trauma…He wasn't a victim of greed…He was a beast born in human form.The savagery was in his blood,and his upbringing only made him more dangerous.And the scariest part?He loved his own brutality.
After finishing his job, Beast walked out of the hotel.He moved to his car, relaxed his body like he was clearing space for the next mission.Leaning against the car, he pulled out a cigarette, took a long drag—and began waiting… for Min Jae.
A few moments later, Min Jae stepped out of the hotel.He came straight to him and said:"Joon Hyunk, I need to ask you something.""Hmm. Go ahead," Beast nodded slightly.
"What should we do about Ji Ho?He's still at my place right now… but what next? Should we tell his family? Or not?"
Min Jae still seemed unsure.Beast looked at him, then replied in a calm but thoughtful tone:"He's comfortable with you. You can talk to him—ask if he wants to stay, or return to his village…Whatever he wants… do that for him."
With that, Beast got into the car's passenger seat.Min Jae started the engine, and they began driving.It was evening by then.For a while, the ride was silent. Then Min Jae made a decision—He needed to share what was on his mind.
"Joon Hyunk… I need to talk to you about something.""Hmm… go on." Beast replied, still looking ahead at the road."Actually… it's not about the mission. It's… personal."
Beast turned slightly to glance at him.
Min Jae tried to find the right words, then finally spoke:
"If we meet a stranger… even just once or twice,but for some reason, we feel so comfortable with them—like we've known them for years…And slowly, that feeling takes over both the mind and the heart…Then… what should we do?"His tone was full of confusion. The words were incomplete, but the emotions behind them were pure.He couldn't fully express himself — but Joon Hyunk understood everything.He knew that Min Jae… was talking about Ji Ho.
A quiet warmth spread through Joon Hyunk's heart for his childhood friend —A broken person, for the first time, had begun to feel something for someone else.And that… meant a lot to him.
After the death of Min Jae's family, this was the first time in yearsthat he had said he felt comfortable in someone's presence —the beginning of a bond that could change the entire meaning of his life.
Joon Hyunk said softly:
"Not every feeling is wrong — that you have to run from it.Sometimes, there's no need to understand it. With time, it all becomes clear."
"And if someone gives you comfort… a sense of belonging…then don't walk away from it.Life doesn't always give second chances —especially not to find someone who truly matters to you."
"Sometimes… just do what your heart says.The rest of your life starts making sense on its own."
Joon Hyunk wanted his friend to begin this beautiful chapter of his life —Because he had seen him alone for so many years.Min Jae rarely opened up to anyone beyond work.So often, he kept his feelings buried deep, with no one but Joon Hyunk to even notice.That's why Joon Hyunk only gave him a gentle hint —that there's nothing wrong with having feelings for someone.He just needed to understand them in time.
Min Jae, hearing those words, felt a little lighter inside.Maybe for the first time… someone had truly understood his confusing emotions.
As they drove, the evening faded into night.Min Jae dropped Joon Hyunk off at his home, then quietly headed to his own.
That night…his heart didn't feel as heavy anymore.
Joon Hyunk's words had quietly melted away all his tension, confusion, and guilt.Because Min Jae had never loved anyone before,and now that he was finally feeling it — he didn't know what to make of it.Was it okay? Was it real?
But Joon Hyunk's one small hint had erased all his doubts.Now… he finally understood what his heart truly wanted.
"What I'm feeling for Ji Ho... maybe it's not wrong after all."
Still lost in those thoughts,Min Jae unlocked the door to his home.
Inside, he found Tae already sitting on the living room sofa —cross-legged, arms folded, with a sharp, judgmental look in his eyes.He was staring at Min Jae in a way that made it feel like…he had uncovered a secret.
Min Jae tried to ignore that look and silently walked past him,but Tae immediately called out:
"Hyung! How can you just ignore me and walk away?I need to talk to you — it's important."
Min Jae turned around, a little surprised."Yeah? What is it?"
Tae leaned forward slightly, narrowing his eyes as he asked:
"Who was that guy?"
Min Jae acted confused."Which guy?"
"The one who was sleeping on your bed this morning," Tae asked directly.
Min Jae hesitated for a moment.He didn't want to tell Tae the truth about the hotel incident,so he quickly made something up:
"Oh… actually, he's the younger brother of a friend.He's looking for a chef job.I'm just helping him out.Until he finds something proper,he'll be staying here temporarily and working."
Tae opened his mouth to ask something more,but Min Jae cut him off sharply:
"And don't ask any more questions, okay?Why were you sitting here waiting for me anyway?Don't you have anything else to do?"
Tae gave an awkward smile and replied:
"Oh right… I almost forgot!I was actually waiting because I needed to tell you —tonight is my friend's birthday party.I might be home late…or maybe not come home until morning.Just wanted to let you know."