Chapter 73: Can’t there be another way?
The drive back home was quiet. Neither of them spoke a word to each other. As Cheon Areum had asked, Yoon Seoyul just drove back to Seoul without stopping once.
The automated lights of the entrance turned on as Cheon Areum opened the front door of the house. Taking off his bloody shoes and socks, he stepped onto the wooden floor with his bare feet. He really needed to shower before touching anything.
"Are you going to sleep without eating? You should eat something to get your energy back before going to sleep."
"I’m tired. I’ll get some energy from sleeping too."
Without looking back at Yoon Seoyul, Cheon Areum replied in a weak voice, climbing the staircase leading to his bedroom. He came to stand by the bed like a ghost wanting to possess the kid, as he stared at Rian, who was deep in slumber.
*
"Hyung! Hyung, wake up."
Someone shook him excessively with tiny hands that barely moved his body. The only person that came to his mind was Rian. Realizing those hands were losing strength with time, Cheon Areum opened his eyes with difficulty. It was bright. With half-lidded eyes, he saw Rian’s face hovering over him. Rian plopped down on the bed with a pout as Cheon Areum coiled his arms around Rian’s little upper body, sleepily clinging to him.
"Hyung, why did you cry last night?"
"...."
"You were fine when you left for work with Yoon Seoyul. You’ve been crying a lot... is it because of him?"
"How can you always tell I cried? Are my eyes swollen or red?"