Chapter 25: 18+
Now, Hongju was in a situation no different from being in the gambling house. The atmosphere was just as suffocating, making it impossible to even swallow a sip of water comfortably.
"That's why I moved with them."
Was it Guppping? Was he trying to hand him over instead of money again? What if President Mu-gyeong agreed? The cold temperature of dawn seeped into the nape of his neck.
"As long as nothing blew up, that's enough."
The flow of conversation was unpredictable. It didn't seem to be Guppping. Hongju focused all his attention on the low, resonant voice.
Mu-gyeong leaned against the island bar and gulped down a bottle of water. His head tilted back, his Adam’s apple shifting with each swallow. Even while continuing his phone call, his unwavering gaze remained fixed on Hongju. Enduring the scorching intensity of that stare, Hongju swallowed down the dry thirst in his throat.
"Yeah. If we keep poking at it, something should come up."
Hongju briefly observed his damp lips moving before looking away. His gaze wandered meaninglessly over the scars on Mu-gyeong’s firm body, only for Mu-gyeong to glance down at himself.
"Ah, are you curious about this?"
It was unclear whether he was asking Hongju or still talking on the phone. When Hongju stayed silent, simply standing there dumbfounded, Mu-gyeong abruptly ended the call. Even as the voice on the other end continued speaking, he mercilessly tossed the phone onto the couch. Running a hand through his neatly dried hair, he approached Hongju.
"Is this what you were staring at so intently?"
The tips of their shoes barely touched. Hongju froze completely, clutching his robe tightly. Amused by his fearful expression, Mu-gyeong suddenly grabbed his thin wrist with a rough grip.