Good Night, Brother! - Chapter 10.4 (END O F MAIN STORY)

The sun, which had blazed fiercely all day, now cast a soft peach hue over the sky as it sank lower. Pale peach clouds drifted slowly with the breeze.

The beach, still warm from the summer heat, felt soft underfoot. As their feet sank into the fine sand with every step, they eventually decided to kick off their sandals and walk barefoot.

The waves, glowing red under the setting sun, rolled endlessly to the shore, blurring the line between land and sea. Occasionally, splashes of white foam leapt up and caught them.

The gentle breeze tousled their hair, carrying with it the soothing sound of waves breaking in the distance. It felt like a balm for their tired spirits.

In Seoul, Eunhyun was always racing against the clock. Right now, he would usually be crammed into a packed subway, heading home after work.

Had he been alone, this summer would’ve been spent the same way—at home, doing nothing.

Eunhyun was glad he’d decided to come here. And he was even more glad that he’d come with Jeong Yi Hyeon. The peacefulness they shared in this moment felt like a treasure.

“Hyung, what are you thinking about?”

“Just… because I like it.”

“What do you like?”

“Everything. This place. And… you.”

“…”

I thought I was the only one vulnerable to moments like these, but Eunhyun was no different. Tonight, he kept saying things that made my heart race. Grateful that the sunset’s glow could mask my reddening face, I quickly changed the subject.

“Are your legs tired? Want to sit and rest for a while?”

“Yeah, let’s do that.”

Jeong Yi Hyeon spread out the blanket he had brought and set up a spot for them to sit. The two settled down on the blanket, knees drawn up, as they gazed at the horizon.

The sun, now halfway below the waterline, looked like a sliced orange wedge. Together, they watched as it disappeared completely beyond the deepening blue of the ocean.

With the sun gone, the sea quickly grew darker. At the same time, soft amber lights installed by the hotel began to illuminate the beach.

Mayflies fluttered around the glowing lamps, and the soothing symphony of wind and waves was joined by the chirping of crickets. It felt as if the two had become part of the scenery itself, sitting silently, unmoving, like a still life painting.

Who knows how much time had passed like that.

Suddenly, Eunhyun let out a small “Ah,” as if something had just occurred to him. Turning to his side, he fumbled in the pocket of his shorts. Pulling something out, he called to Jeong Yi Hyeon, who was still lost in the tranquility of the moment.

“Jeong Yi Hyeon.”

“Yeah?”

When Yi Hyeon turned his head, the soft orange light fell across his face, making his features look exceptionally beautiful.

“Give me your hand.”

Without hesitation, Yi Hyeon extended his right hand. Eunhyun frowned slightly, his lips tightening as if something was bothering him. Then, with a small sigh of resignation, he moved closer.

He clasped a watch around Yi Hyeon’s wrist. It was simple yet elegant, with a silver case and a black leather strap. The craftsmanship was undeniable, and one glance at the logo revealed its high value. The cool but smooth leather wrapped around his wrist, leaving Yi Hyeon momentarily stunned. His eyes widened in disbelief.

Eunhyun pouted slightly. Shouldn’t you wear a watch on your left hand if you’re right-handed? I meant to put it on his left wrist.

As Eunhyun’s thoughts wandered to such trivial matters, Yi Hyeon remained frozen, his shock rendering him speechless. After several failed attempts to form words, he finally managed to speak.

“Hyung… Are you giving this to me?”

“Well, it’s just that… I felt like I’ve only been on the receiving end. You gave me a ring, after all….”

Lowering his gaze, Eunhyun scratched his cheek with his fingertip and cleared his throat before continuing.

“They say giving someone a watch means you want to have all their time.”

“…”

“Not that that’s why I’m giving it to you. I just… thought you’d like it.”

“…”

“And for the record, I didn’t use the money you gave me for this. I used my savings and my mid-year bonus to pay for it. It’s a gift, so….”

“…Ha.”

A soft, deflating laugh escaped Yi Hyeon’s lips at Eunhyun’s unpolished but uniquely sincere way of speaking. For such a romantic moment by the night sea, the words coming out of Eunhyun’s mouth were laughably practical.

Unaware of how out of place his words seemed, Eunhyun kept rambling, likely in an attempt to hide his embarrassment.

“The warranty card and case are back at the house… mmph—”

Before Eunhyun could utter another unromantic word, Yi Hyeon silenced him by pressing their lips together.

Those lips, always quick to speak but so endearing, were irresistibly sweet, no matter how many times he kissed them. Jeong Yi Hyeon knew he would spend his whole life savoring them, over and over again.

Who needs a watch? From the moment they met, all of Yi Hyeon’s time had already belonged to Eunhyun.

The fact that Eunhyun didn’t seem to realize this, that he couldn’t grasp the extent of what he already had, made Yi Hyeon adore him even more. It drove him mad with love.

So, he kissed Eunhyun deeper, unable to hold back.

The shadows they cast on the darkened beach stretched long and unmoving. Two shadows, perfectly intertwined as one, lingering as if time itself had stopped.

〈The End〉

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