Andrew had already changed into a simple black T-shirt and soft beach shorts, standing casually by the resto-bar's back door, laughing with Kevin over a cup of coffee. The salty breeze played with his hair, giving him a carefree, relaxed look.
James approached with a slight frown, flipping through a record book in his hands. He glanced at Andrew, his tone calm but direct. "Where's Euan?" he asked. "We're opening soon."
Andrew smirked, a playful gleam in his eye as he took another sip. "Ah, he's resting in our room. Must've worn himself out from his own punishment," he replied with a low chuckle.
James sighed, shaking his head as he looked at Andrew, though a faint smile tugged at his lips. "After all the drama this morning, you two skip work and then go at it in broad daylight?" He rolled his eyes.
Unfazed, Andrew walked over to a nearby table, pulling out a chair and leaning back with a widening grin. "Daylight doesn't stop anything, you know that," he replied, smirking. Then he added with a teasing glint, "Oh, wait—you wouldn't know. You've been single too long."
With a dry laugh, James sat down across from him, setting the record book on the table and thumbing through the pages. "And whose fault is that? I'm stuck in this single era thanks to you."
As their playful exchange subsided, James's expression grew thoughtful. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. "You sure this won't cause any problems? Skipping out on your father, knowing how Euan still gets anxious just hearing his name?"
Andrew raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. "I'll handle it. Besides, I haven't had a real break in ages—I deserve this." His voice was casual, but his gaze flicked toward James, a hint of tension beneath his words.
James didn't look up, his fingers tapping the edge of the book. "I've seen firsthand how far you'll go for love, Andrew—how easily it can make you act recklessly. But we're finally living peacefully—don't let impulsive choices ruin that."
Andrew's gaze sharpened, though his expression remained cool. He swirled his coffee before taking a sip. "It's give and take, James. My father took something from me long ago, and you know what I had to trade for it. I've spent years proving myself to him, following every order, and even bending to my grandfather's whims for their power games." His voice was calm, yet a flicker of resentment crossed his face.
James finally closed the record book with a soft clap, fixing Andrew with a hard stare. "Even if he agreed to this setup, one wrong move from you could unravel everything. You don't want a repeat of what happened before," he warned, his tone edged with caution.
Andrew's expression turned calm but detached. "Whether he fully accepts Euan or not doesn't matter," he said after a pause, his tone carrying something deeper, darker. "He needs me, and I need him. Let's just accept that reality." He took a slow sip, the silence stretching between them, heavy with the weight of his words.
James let out a quiet sigh, shaking his head as he reopened the book. "You're playing a dangerous game, Andrew."
Andrew said nothing, his gaze drifting to the open door, lost in thought. After a moment, James broke the silence, his tone softer, with a hint of weariness. "Are we really going to the art gallery?"
Andrew's eyes flicked back to him, and he gave a short nod. "Hmm," he murmured, his voice noncommittal yet final.
The conversation tapered into a tense silence, and James's expression turned sour, though concern was etched into his face. Andrew noticed but remained calm, his gaze shifting to the back door just as Euan entered. Instantly, Andrew's demeanor softened, a bright, warm smile lighting up his face as Euan approached.
"Fix your face, James," Andrew muttered under his breath with a smirk. "He's coming."
Euan reached them, standing by Andrew, who wrapped an arm around his waist, drawing him close while still holding his coffee. Euan relaxed against him, his posture easing as he felt Andrew's comforting presence.
"Hi, James," Euan greeted with a gentle smile, though he eyed James's serious expression with curiosity.
"Hello," James replied flatly, not looking up from his work, his fingers still flipping through the pages as if avoiding eye contact.
Sensing the tension, Andrew gave James a subtle nudge under the table, his expression carrying a silent warning. With a sigh, James finally looked up, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Hey, Euan."
Andrew, his eyes gleaming with mischief, gently pulled Euan down onto his lap, his arms encircling him securely. Euan's hands instinctively found Andrew's shoulders, and he leaned his head against Andrew's neck, seeking comfort in the familiar closeness.
Noticing the shift in mood, Euan glanced between the two, his voice soft but concerned. "Is James in a bad mood today?"
Andrew leaned close, his breath warm against Euan's ear as he whispered with a grin, "No, it's just that his life has no color or excitement—he's been single too long."
Euan giggled softly, but before he could respond, James rolled his eyes, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "It's because of your stubborn boyfriend," he quipped, shaking his head with a mixture of exasperation and humor. "I told him not to overdo it with you, but he doesn't listen—and then he leaves marks all over your neck. Stubborn as ever."
Andrew chuckled, tracing light circles on Euan's hip as he shot James a mock-offended look. "Jealousy doesn't suit you, James. You should find someone who'll leave marks on your neck too."
James huffed, his tone teasing but serious. "I chose to be single a long time ago. I think you know why—do I need to spell it out?"
Andrew gave a soft laugh, but Euan, resting on his lap, furrowed his brows slightly, sensing an undercurrent he didn't fully understand. He glanced at James, searching for some hidden meaning in his words. Unsure, he hesitated, lips parting as if to ask, then let it go, nestling back into Andrew's embrace with a soft sigh. Whatever it was, he'd leave it for now.
***
As visitors enter the exhibit, they're welcomed by an open, minimalist space with high ceilings and polished concrete floors that lend an airy, contemporary feel. The walls, painted in soft, neutral tones, allow the artwork to take center stage. Soft ambient lighting from sleek fixtures thoughtfully highlights each piece, creating a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.
The gallery is meticulously arranged in sections, each showcasing a distinct area of student-created modern art. As you wander through, you notice a rich variety of mediums—paintings, digital art, photography, sculptures, and multimedia installations—each piece thoughtfully displayed to reflect the artist's unique perspective. The layout encourages a natural flow, inviting visitors to linger and absorb the full range of artistic expression on display.
The students' works span themes from abstract explorations of identity and emotions to bold social commentary on pressing issues like climate change, technology, and cultural evolution. Vivid paintings bursting with color and emotion stand beside minimalist sketches, each style highlighting different aspects of human experience.
In one corner, there's an interactive display where visitors can explore the creative process behind select works. Videos and artist statements provide insights into each piece, connecting viewers with the artists' inspirations, challenges, and techniques, offering a richer appreciation of the artwork.
Euan's face is filled with wonder as he moves through the gallery, his wide eyes taking in each piece with awe. It's his first time being allowed to attend an exhibit like this; Andrew had always kept him from art shows in the past. Now, free to explore, Euan moves with palpable excitement, fingers hovering near the artwork as if tempted to touch, though he remains respectful.
The gallery is quiet, with only a handful of other guests present, courtesy of the VIP entry they'd arranged. Fruitcake sat obediently beside James, who watched Euan wander through the space with a subtle smile, observing his excitement like that of a child finally allowed to play outside.
"See, Andrew," James says quietly, warmth in his tone and a playful glint in his eye. "Letting him enjoy things like this isn't so bad, is it? Just look at him—doesn't it make you melt a little?"
Andrew's normally guarded expression softens as he watches Euan, his gaze warm. "I'm just being careful," he murmurs, a faint smile breaking through. "And let's not forget, you're the one who worries just as much about him going out."
James chuckles softly, nodding. "True enough. But seeing him this happy, it makes me think... maybe it's worth it, as long as we're here with him."
Just then, Andrew waves James off with a dismissive gesture and steps over to Euan, gently resting a hand on his shoulder. His fingers curl lightly around the fabric of Euan's shirt as they stand together in quiet admiration. Euan's eyes follow each brushstroke with intense focus, as if he's uncovering a secret story within the painting. Watching him so captivated stirs a pang of affection in Andrew—a side of Euan he rarely sees, awakening something deep and unexpectedly tender within him.
Suddenly, a voice cuts through the quiet.
"Andrew Han?" A man steps forward, his polite but excited smile showing he recognizes him. Andrew sighs softly, glancing at Euan. "I'll be right back," he murmurs into Euan's ear before stepping away to greet the man.
Euan, still absorbed in the painting, barely notices Andrew's departure. But as he stands there, a gentle voice, soft yet tinged with sadness, speaks beside him. Euan doesn't turn, but the woman doesn't move into his line of sight either.
"Do you like that piece?" she asks, her tone warm but perceptive. "You seem very captivated by it."
Euan remains silent, his eyes still fixed on the painting as if it's pulling him deeper.
The woman's voice lowers, sharing something personal. "The man in that painting... I adored him."
Euan blinks, pulled from his trance. He glances sideways at the woman, curiosity in his expression. "Is he your boyfriend?" he asks, his voice gentle.
She lets out a soft sigh, a bittersweet smile forming on her lips. "No… He wasn't my boyfriend. But he was someone very special to me." Her voice wavers slightly. "Though, we never made it this far together."
Intrigued, Euan's expression softens. "Why?" he asks quietly, sensing a story beneath her words.
She hesitates, her eyes clouding with sorrow. "He was killed... three years ago," she says, the weight of her grief evident.
The words hit Euan, a chill washing over him. He turns to fully face her, wanting to offer comfort. But when their eyes meet, the woman's expression changes dramatically. Her face pales, and she steps back, hand trembling as she grips her bag for support.
"Oh my god," she murmurs, nearly collapsing to her knees. Her wide eyes are fixed on him, as though seeing a ghost. "Am I really…? Could this be?"
Euan, startled by her reaction, looks at her in confusion. "What's wrong?" he asks, his voice a mix of concern and shock.
"I-I'm sorry," the woman stammers, visibly shaken. "You just… you look exactly like him."
Euan's brows knit in confusion. "Who? May I ask who you're talking about?"
Her gaze flicks back to the painting, her hand pressing to her chest as if calming herself. "Him…" she whispers, pointing weakly at the painting. Lost in a swirl of emotions
"I don't understand. Why would I look exactly like him? The man in the painting is only shown from the back, so how would you even know?"
With trembling hands, she quickly reaches into her bag and pulls out a business card, offering it to him. Euan takes it, still bewildered.
"Yes, I know," she says, her voice wavering slightly. "I'm actually the one who painted it. If you're interested in the piece, I can tell you more about it."
Before Euan can reply, Andrew appears beside him, his presence immediately protective. He slips an arm around Euan's waist, gently pulling him close. His gaze flickers between Euan and the woman, a hint of recognition flashing briefly in his eyes before he masks it with a calm expression.
The woman's eyes widened as she stared at Andrew, her voice trembling. "Andrew! It's really you! Do you two know each other? What a coincidence—he looks so much like Oppa," she said, her tone laced with confusion and an unshakable sense of unease.
Andrew's face hardens as he takes a step back, pulling Euan even closer. "I'm sorry—but I don't know you" he says coolly, beginning to turn away.
Her hand instinctively reaches out, voice urgent. "Wait, Andrew! It's me, Soo-Jin! Don't you remember?"
Euan tugs gently on Andrew's arm, his face questioning. "Andrew, wait—she's talking to you. Do you know her?"
Andrew pauses, his grip on Euan's hand loosening just a little. He turns to face her, tension etched into his expression. But before he can answer, Soo-Jin speaks, her next words landing heavily between them.
"Ji-Won, Oppa…" Her voice is barely a whisper, but it hits Andrew hard, making him freeze, his jaw clenching. Euan's eyes widen as he looks from Soo-Jin to Andrew, confusion deepening. "Ji-Won?" he murmurs, glancing uncertainly at Andrew.
Andrew hesitates, his heart racing. Taking a small step back toward Soo-Jin, he keeps his face tightly controlled. "I'm sorry," he says, his tone detached and firm. "You're mistaken. I don't know you." But there's a faint tremor in his voice, betraying a crack in his calm exterior.
Soo-Jin's eyes fill with tears, disbelief and hurt flickering across her face. "How can you say that? I could never forget you, Andrew. And Ji-Won… you care for him so deeply."
Andrew's composure falters. His heart pounds, a storm of emotions surging within him. Without another word, he pulls Euan's hand tightly. "Let's go," he says, his voice tense and low. And before Euan can react, Andrew leads him out of the gallery, his mind reeling from the unexpected encounter.
The story doesn't end here...
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