Chapter 60
"I was thinking of getting something to eat."
The words came as Mu-gyeong rounded the hood of the car, and Hongju’s steps halted mid-stride. So he meant for him to head back alone. Still, the cold wasn’t as harsh as yesterday—it wouldn’t be too bad a walk.
"Okay."
As Hongju took a small step back, Mu-gyeong’s gaze dropped to his worn sneakers. Then, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, he added,
"Where do you think you’re going? Collateral has to come along too."
"Collateral? What do you mean?"
Mu-gyeong’s neatly combed hair didn’t fall out of place even when he tilted his head. Crimson lips parted, and a puff of white breath spilled into the air. His voice was as cold as the winter air itself.
"Your boss put you up as collateral."
"......."
The words stiffened the back of his neck instantly. Buried in debt again—what kind of money did Guppping borrow this time? And why would Mu-gyeong lend it to him again? Hongju shut his mouth tight, eyebrows furrowed. Mu-gyeong tapped the car’s body with a few casual knocks.
"Get in. I’m hungry."
With a sigh he tried not to make obvious, Hongju moved his feet. Heavy steps stamped through the snow. Being offered up as collateral and repaying someone else’s debt—it was as natural as breathing. But when would he ever get free of it? The heat that had just faded from the back of his neck flared up again.