Jaewon started the morning meticulously, smoothing his shirt and straightening his collar, mentally rehearsing his day. As he stepped out, his thoughts drifted to Taesan, imagining how the afternoon might play out.
When he approached the school gate, his eyes immediately landed on Taesan stepping out of a GENASIS CAR. Jaewon's jaw slackened slightly as he took in the sight of Hyung's wealth.
"Damn, that guy's loaded. And I'm here thinking to fill my load in," he muttered, slapping his cheeks in disbelief as his mind raced with forbidden thoughts.
He pressed his lips together and whispered softly, "Shoo lewd..fairy..shooooo..ah man, not in the morning," shaking his head at his own thoughts.
***
In class, Jaewon doodled absentmindedly in his notebook, pen hovering over the page as he calculated the best way to ask Taesan to hang out. The teacher's words blurred into the background, drowned out by his swirling thoughts of Hyung.
As the final bell rang, Taesan spotted Jaewon leaning against the bleachers and walked over with a composed stride. "Hi, Jaewon," he greeted, a confident curve on his lips. Jaewon's face lit up instantly, a grin stretching ear to ear. Taesan recognizes Jaewon's good looks and blushes slightly. Taesan is overjoyed to finally have a friend that speaks to him and treats him like a true friend.
"So... Wanna go for a walk?" Jaewon asks.
"Umm..yeah," Taesan replies quickly.
Jaewon packs his bag and stands up from the bleachers and walks towards Taesan. "Let's go, Sunbae."
(TN: 'Sunbae' is a term used by juniors to call seniors in Korean)
***
As the sun begins to set, the two boys walk along the sidewalk, savoring the scenery. "Sunbae, how's your wound?" Jaewon asked, stretching his arms behind his head as they strolled.
"Ah, I'm fine. How about you?" Taesan replied.
"Yeah… me too," Jaewon said, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Icecream?" Taesan asks.
Jaewon replies with a 'Yeah'.
"Which flavour?"
"Vanilla Mango"
After purchasing two ice creams, Taesan gives one to Jaewon. "Sunbae, how about we go to a movie tomorrow?" Jaewon went on while he licks his ice cream.
The golden sunset reflected off Taesan's hair as he smiled. "Ahh... I have my extra classes tomorrow. How about next week?"
"Yeah sure."
Soon, it's Taesan's house. "Ok, Jaewon. See you tomorrow."
Jaewon's eyes widen as he sees how modern and big Taesan's house is. "Sunbae, are you some chaebol's son or what! You live here?" Taesan giggles, "No, no. I'm not a descendant of any chaebol; my parents are merely wealthy. Wanna come inside?" Jaewon denies, "I would have, but I have work at home... So let's see ya at school tomorrow." After saying their goodbyes, Taesan and Jaewon depart.
As the days progressed, the two guys' friendship and banter became stronger. They became increasingly friendly with one another. For the time being, they seemed to be buddies for several lives now.
"Sunbae!! Did you get the champagne?"
"Yeah, yeah, I have got everything! Don't shout!" in a bantery manner.
***
It was one of countless sleepover nights they shared. Both settled on the couch as the movie began, savoring tteokbokki and champagne. Taesan nudged the box closer to Jaewon, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Jae, I've got something for you," Taesan said softly, extending a small box toward him.
Jaewon looked up, his expression puzzled, eyebrows furrowing. "Hmm… this feels suspicious. What did you do, Sunbae? Did you steal it or something?"
Taesan chuckled, a little too innocently. "Me? Steal? How dare you accuse me of such things."
Jaewon raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Uh-huh… sure, Sunbae. I'll remember this when I check the price tag."
"Sunbae, what's this?" he asked, finally taking the box, still glancing at him suspiciously.
"A gift for your birthday," Taesan replied with a gentle smile. "I'm sorry I couldn't give you anything last time."
Jaewon shook his head, laughing. "Awwww… Sunbae, you know I'm not into gifts… But still, thanks! The best Sunbae!"
"Ok, ok, stop cheezing me," Taesan laughed, playfully nudging his shoulder. "You're acting like a spoiled brat already."
Jaewon feigned indignation. "Spoiled? Me? Nah… I'm just being cautious about my investments, thank you very much."
He opened the box, eyes widening dramatically. "By the way, what's this?"
Inside lay a Rolex Submariner Oystersteel.
"SUNBAEEE! A Rolex? And it's Oystersteel? Damn… I had no idea you were this rich!" His voice carried both shock and admiration.
Taesan snorted, nudging him lightly. "Told you I'm not that broke. Are you done gawking now, or do you want me to fetch another one?"
Jaewon laughed, holding the watch up like a trophy. "Easy, Sunbae! Don't make me fall in love with your wallet too!"
Taesan rolled his eyes, but a playful smirk tugged at his lips. "You're ridiculous, you know that? First you tease me, now you flatter me. Make up your mind, brat."
Jaewon leaned back, grinning. "I'm just testing how generous you really are… and clearly, you passed."
"Yeah, I know how much you dream of this watch. I have literally seen you daydreaming about this. Now it's yours."
"Sunbaeee...." Jaewon hugs Taesan. "The best, Sunbaeee!!"
"Ahh, easy there, big guy—you're going to crush me!" Taesan pats his back with a laugh.
Then both share the night together, having fun all night and being the boys they were.
***
The next Day.
Jaewon strode into the café with a spring in his step, grinning like a content puppy, a new Rolex glinting on his wrist. He was meeting his friends to discuss a project, and the moment he spotted them, he waved enthusiastically.
"Hey, guys!"
One friend called out, "Man, we thought you were going to be late again. Hurry up!" Jaewon settled in, and after some small talk and catching up, Maya, one of his friends, raised an eyebrow. "Jaewon… is that an Oystersteel Rolex? Where did you even get that?" Maya asked, eyes narrowing with curiosity.
"Oh… this?" Jaewon said, brushing it off casually. "A friend got it for me."
"A friend?" one of his friends echoed, eyes widening. "What kind of 'friend' gifts you a watch worth a million won?"
"Yeah, Jaewon," another chimed in, grinning mischievously. "Spill the tea, dude. Who is this mysterious friend?"
"Guys, it's just a friend," Jaewon insisted, his tone light but firm. "He's a good guy, kind. We've become close. Sure, he's a senior, but we're always joking around."
"A he? And a senior?" Maya smirked. "Must be loaded."
Ricky laughed, "Wait! Are you talking about Jeon Taesan? The school nerd?"
Jaewon's expression sharpened. "Hey, watch it. He's not a nerd. He's just... a bit shy, maybe introverted. But he's a really good friend of mine."
"Come on," Maya whispered conspiratorially, leaning in. "I've heard he's a rich nerd... and that he's really easy to manipulate."
"Yeah, me too," another friend added, nodding.
"Same here!" someone else chimed in.
"Alright, enough," Jaewon sighed. "Don't talk nonsense. He's not easy to manipulate."
Maya's eyes gleamed. "Why not test that? He already got you a Rolex. Ask him for something more... just to see."
"No, I couldn't."
"Come on," she teased, a sly smile on her lips. "One little try never hurts anyone."
Jaewon hesitated, the thought lingering longer than he'd expected.