Red Mansion

Leaving the door slightly ajar, Chungrim turned on the tablet on the table. A screen divided into nine sections appeared. Inside one of the sections, Sung-kyung was scribbling something with a blunt colored pencil.― I’ve conveyed the schedule and sizes you mentioned, and they said they’d send us a quote. It looks positive. But they don’t seem like gangsters anymore. They seem to have completely washed their hands of this.The response from the construction company, which they had tried to coordinate with for building the golf resort, was quite positive. Since they were preparing it in secret, contacting the company was done cautiously. The scale had been reduced compared to the initial plan, and the demolition of the Red Mansion had to be carried out simultaneously. There were many responsibilities to bear, and they expected to be rejected. However, the start wasn’t bad.“Even if they step back, blood isn’t going anywhere.”Since the Seongwon side had previously carried out several redevelopment projects, there shouldn’t be any significant problems in organizing the residents of the Red Mansion.― That’s true. They mentioned a meeting. How about the end of the month?Chungrim temporarily minimized the window with the divided screens and opened the scheduler. The end of the month had only hospital schedules. It was the day for unwrapping the bandages, the first visit to the psychiatrist, and taking an X-ray of the calf. All of these were Kim Sung-kyung’s schedules. After checking the empty slots, Chungrim opened the window again.“28th or 30th. The time doesn’t matter….”Chungrim’s expression hardened instantly as he scanned the nine-sectioned screen. Kim Sung-kyung, who should have been in the sunroom, was standing blankly in the kitchen, holding something that looked like scissors. Realizing the situation, Chungrim sprang to his feet.― Yes. I’ll confirm it as soon as….Throwing the phone aside, Chungrim flung the door wide open. His sharp gaze turned to the kitchen. The sight of the skinny figure holding scissors made his blood run cold. With a pale face, he shouted loudly.“What are you doing!”Sung-kyung flinched and turned around. They were indeed scissors. The sharp blades gleamed in the kitchen light. Chungrim thought he had cleared away all the sharp objects but hadn’t considered those. Maybe he had put them in the drawer to trim Kim Sung-kyung’s bangs? Or was it a different pair of scissors? Were there more sharp objects left in the house? Chungrim hurriedly approached and grabbed Sung-kyung’s wrist.“Why are you holding these?”His voice, lowered in tone, trembled slightly. The intact pulse transmitted through his grip and there was no damp blood. Chungrim’s eyes quickly scanned the surroundings before resting on Sung-kyung. Receiving the sharp gaze that seemed to accuse, ‘Were you trying to die again?’ Sung-kyung held out a small tube under his left palm.“I was trying to give a snack. I couldn’t tear it open because I lacked strength.”Looking down, Chungrim saw a partially cut cat treat. It seemed Sung-kyung couldn’t tear it open properly with his left hand.“I tried with my teeth, but it didn’t work.”Sung-kyung explained, justifying himself. Bite marks were visible on the tube, supporting his words. An almost inaudible sigh of relief escaped Chungrim.Unable to pull his wrist away, Sung-kyung looked embarrassed. He stood like a lost child, unsure of what to say or do, staring at Chungrim who remained silent for a long while.“Damn it.”It took quite some time before Chungrim raised his head. His pale, rigid face remained hard.“Because you’ve been acting like a madman.”His eyes, glaring at the sharp scissors, flashed fiercely. Pushing them away, Chungrim pulled Sung-kyung’s wrist closer.“That’s why….”That’s why. Sung-kyung bowed his head as Chungrim’s words, as if trying to rationalize, continued. His uncut bangs fell over his eyes. Chungrim’s shoulders heaved as he led the way with anxious steps. Seeing Chungrim seemingly relieved, Sung-kyung felt secretly happy.＊＊＊Now, Sung-kyung had grown quite accustomed to spending time with Mero. If he pointed the laser pointer at the wall, Mero would stretch and jump to catch it. When Mero jumped and landed on the floor, a sharp command came from behind.“Stop and go wash up.”Sung-kyung quickly checked the time. It was two minutes to ten. The routine was to wash up at ten and sleep before eleven. Chungrim managed and controlled Sung-kyung’s 24 hours as if he had set an alarm.A neatly folded shirt fell from the sofa. Both Sung-kyung and Mero’s gazes followed it simultaneously. This also applied to what he wore and ate. At home, he always had to wear that single shirt.“Hyung.”“….”Though unfamiliar, Chungrim responded promptly. Raising an eyebrow, he saw Sung-kyung nervously standing up while holding the shirt hem.“Can I wear something else? This feels too short.”When he wasn’t in his right mind, he didn’t complain about what he wore. Now, he could express his opinion to some extent.“Are you picky about clothes too? How troublesome.”“It only reaches here even if I pull it down.”The shirt barely covered half of his thighs. Chungrim’s gaze trailed along the exposed skin.“It looks good. Why?”“It keeps getting scratched.”His thighs bore faint red lines, likely from playing with the cat.“Go pick something.”Anyway, the wardrobe contained either clothes of Chungrim’s taste or oversized white shirts for Sung-kyung. Whatever he chose, the outfit would be similar.“I’ll run the bath. Come before it’s ready.”“Yes.”Sung-kyung quickly got up and went into the bedroom. Opening the wardrobe wide, he saw only similar clothes. Why did Chungrim buy so many white shirts he hardly wore? The shirts, stiff without wrinkles, filled one side.Stretching his hand to the far end, Sung-kyung slid the hangers aside. Something fell to the floor with a thud. It was a small candy wrapper.“Candy….”Sung-kyung picked it up. As he carefully handled it with his hands, he found it half-crushed. He opened the crinkling package. Inside was a broken green pill.Did he forget to dispose of it? Sung-kyung instantly recognized what it was and smacked his lips. He tucked his dry lips inward and fiddled with the pill for a while. Clutching the package tightly in his hand, he wore a pensive expression.Chungrim was swirling the water in the bathtub with his fingertips to check the temperature. The tub was almost full, but Sung-kyung had not yet returned, so he stood up with the intention of fetching him. At that moment, he sensed a presence behind him. When he turned his head, Sung-kyung, who was supposed to bring clothes, stood empty-handed.“See, I told you that was the best…”He couldn’t finish his sentence. Standing before the bathroom, Sung-kyung extended his palm. In his hand was an empty candy wrapper. Seeing this, Chungrim scowled and approached him. Each long stride he took made his hair flutter. He knew all too well what it was. It was the drug given to Sung-kyung by a junkie who had already been searched and found empty-handed. Chungrim’s neck stiffened.“Did you take drugs again, you bastard?”Despite the harsh growl, Sung-kyung kept his mouth shut. Chungrim grabbed the empty candy wrapper and threw it aside, then gripped Sung-kyung’s wrist tightly. He could feel the pounding pulse under his fingertips.Where the hell did you find this, damn it. His eyes darted over Sung-kyung’s frail body, lingering a bit longer on his wrist and neck. Chungrim’s jaw tightened as he tried to swallow the surging anger.“I asked if you took it.”When there was no answer, he grabbed Sung-kyung’s cheek and pressed hard. Chungrim’s eyes were filled with anxiety, and his voice trembled miserably.“Do you really want to die?”Even though Chungrim was the one threatening with fierce words, he was also the one wearing a worried expression. His hand, clutching Sung-kyung’s pale cheek, didn’t let go.At that moment, a red tongue slowly emerged from Sung-kyung’s slightly parted lips. The half-green pill that should have been in the bag was on Sung-kyung’s tongue.“Ha.”Chungrim picked up the half-melted pill and threw it forcefully. The small pill hit the bathroom wall and plopped into the bathtub. A faint splash echoed.He still held onto the outstretched tongue with his fingers. The soft flesh was squeezed under Chungrim’s touch. Sung-kyung winced and closed one eye but didn’t pull away. Instead, Chungrim gently tugged on the tongue, pulling it out a bit more before bending his head down.He licked the melted residue of the pill off his tongue. Sung-kyung squinted and shivered, clutching his clothes. Chungrim did not avert his sharp gaze.“Ugh.”As his hot and moist tongue kept licking Sung-kyung’s, the latter’s tongue got wetter and softer. The slick sound continued. Feeling a strange sensation, Sung-kyung tightly closed his eyes. Chungrim’s eyes remained fixed on Sung-kyung’s trembling eyelashes.“Ugh.”As the wet flesh even licked his upper lip, Sung-kyung let out a faint groan.“If you take drugs again, you’ll really die.”With that, Chungrim released the tongue he had been holding. Sung-kyung quickly retracted his tongue and closed his lips. He rubbed his palate, swallowing the thrill into his mouth. The sound of a fiercely beating heart was so loud, he couldn’t tell whose it was, as they stood so close.“Got it?”When Chungrim tightened his grip on his cheek, Sung-kyung’s lips parted again. Chungrim pushed his tongue inside his mouth without hesitation. He thoroughly licked his tongue, palate, and saliva, as if to claim them all.The relentless and tenacious action pushed Sung-kyung back, but Chungrim didn’t pull away. Their aggressive kiss continued until Sung-kyung’s thin body finally hit the wall.＊＊＊The fractured shin had almost healed. Walking wasn’t uncomfortable, and the occasional dull ache had subsided. There were no bruises or open wounds on his face. Now, the only scar left on Sung-kyung’s body was on his left hand. Chungrim had devoted much care to that one wound. His hands, clumsy yet skillful, deftly dressed the injury.Sung-kyung alternated his gaze between the long scar on his wrist and Chungrim’s face. It was hard to guess what Chungrim was thinking. Giving up on reading his expression, Sung-kyung looked past the sunroom. His entire view consisted of roads and bridges sprawling like a spider’s web and the river. It was hard to discern the season. The house felt cool even without the air conditioner, suggesting that winter was approaching.“Tomorrow, we have somewhere to go.”“Where?”“Work.”“Should I come too?”“Do you not want to?”Chungrim’s attitude was different from when he had gone on business trips before. Back then, he used to tease and provoke Sung-kyung by dangling bait in front of him. Now, he had eliminated such unnecessary steps. Whenever there was work, Sung-kyung was naturally included.“If I leave you alone, you’ll just get into trouble.”Although Sung-kyung hesitated about being in a place with unfamiliar people, Chungrim couldn’t leave him alone for even a couple of hours. The memory of almost losing him to Gyurim was still fresh. He couldn’t entrust him to anyone, not even for a short time. Just a few days ago, Sung-kyung had caused a commotion with drugs. Even in the brief moment he was left alone in Room 422, he had done the same thing.Chungrim put away the bandages and antiseptics in the drawer and brought out scissors. The scissors Sung-kyung had taken from the kitchen last time had been put away long ago. These were for cutting hair, and he had kept them hidden. Chungrim stood before Sung-kyung and pulled his hair gently with his index and middle fingers.“I haven’t cut it in so long; your eyes are almost covered.”It had been quite some time since Chungrim had forcefully cut his hair. His hair had grown long enough to cover his eyes. It was understandable, as a year had passed. Sung-kyung quietly closed his eyes. The sharp sound of the blade cutting his hair filled the air.“Look.”The unevenly cut bangs barely reached the middle of his forehead. The black hair clippings on his cheeks looked like freckles, making Chungrim laugh out loud.“This suits you best.”Even though the unevenly cut bangs felt strange, Sung-kyung kept his mouth shut. It was enough that Chungrim was laughing. His pulse quickened in his left hand.These days, there was no tension between the two of them. Chungrim had implanted his desired memories into Sung-kyung, who accepted them as truth. It was as if the past incidents of confinement, violence, and their mutual madness had never happened. Erasing those memories led to relatively ordinary days.“Other hand.”Chungrim took on the task of trimming Sung-kyung’s nails. Although Sung-kyung no longer scratched his neck or wrists, there was always the possibility of it happening in his sleep. His skin was delicate, and even a slight scratch from a slightly long nail could draw blood. Chungrim meticulously trimmed the nails short enough that barely any white tips were visible.After finding the drugs while searching for clothes in the dressing room, Sung-kyung now wore neat pajamas. However, the closet was still full of white shirts, and Sung-kyung speculated that he might pull them out again when the weather got warmer.There were many round and elongated scars on his forearms from dressing wounds. Half were from beatings, and the other half from scratching. Now, with no one left to beat him and quitting drugs, there shouldn’t be any more new scars. With that thought, Chungrim finished trimming the last pinky nail.“When I was young, I had to do this myself. No one helped me, so I often ended up bleeding. You do a good job, though.”Despite the sudden, random comment, Chungrim nodded. Agreement. How hard could this be that no one would help? In hindsight, adults were incredibly heartless.“Do you like that I’m doing it?”Chungrim, who didn’t even remember his mother’s face, had never experienced such attentive care. His father had various roles among the residents, and Chungrim’s eight-year-older twin brother helped with that. Since childhood, Chungrim did everything alone. Even if he whined, no one would listen. If he went astray or cried, they just gave him money to shut him up.Even though he had left Red Mansion long ago, it was evident he came from there. Those raised there were overflowing with uncontainable deprivation.“Yes.”Sung-kyung smiled faintly. At least Chungrim received money, but what about Sung-kyung? With his personality, he probably couldn’t even complain in front of his parents. Oh, did he say he threw a fit once? Chungrim’s lips curved into a smile.“You’re making a fuss over nothing.”Chungrim wrapped the tissue containing the trimmed nails and threw it in the trash bin under the table.“But why did I cut my wrists? I’m so… happy now.”Chungrim, who had bent over, slowly turned his head. He stared blankly at Sung-kyung, who was mumbling while touching his wrist. After staring for a while, Sung-kyung slowly raised his head. A faint smile hung on his pale face.“…”“It’s strange, isn’t it?”“Yeah.”Chungrim, who curtly replied, wrapped his now free hands around Sung-kyung’s thin body. He lowered his lips onto the scars on Sung-kyung’s neck. The initial pecking sound became increasingly sticky. He nipped the tender skin with his lips, inhaled deeply, and licked with his tongue. He breathed in the scent deeply through his nose, feeling both the pulse and warmth simultaneously.Sung-kyung, who had been staring down at his exposed forearm with his hands on his knees, squeezed his eyes shut.“…”His eyelashes fluttered as if he had seen something disgusting.＊＊＊Sung-kyung awkwardly fiddled with the brim of his hat. He wasn’t used to wearing it, so it felt uncomfortable, but it was good for hiding his gaze.“Just because you’re hiding under the hat, don’t think about looking at other guys.”“Got it.”The response came immediately. Chungrim reached out and touched the rounded back of Sung-kyung’s head. After trying on several hats, he finally found one that fit his small head. He covered Sung-kyung’s thin body with a thick hoodie and wrapped a scarf around his face until his silhouette and face were almost completely hidden. Only then did he feel relieved.As the car slowly came to a stop at a red light, Chungrim grabbed Sung-kyung’s left wrist. Again. Sung-kyung was aware of Chungrim’s repetitive behavior. Whenever the car stopped, Chungrim would tightly grasp the bandaged left wrist, stroking the long scar with his thumb. Feeling strange, Sung-kyung pressed his palm against his left chest.“Why?”Even the small action to calm his heart elicited a sharp reaction from Chungrim. His questioning gaze was piercing.“…It’s nothing.”Sung-kyung quickly removed his hand. He didn’t want to irritate him.The car drove for a while longer before stopping in front of a building.“From now on, don’t say a word. Even if someone talks to you, you don’t have to respond. Just keep your mouth shut.”“Yes.”Chungrim inhaled through his teeth, looking down at him sternly. Apparently, Chungrim was included among those he shouldn’t respond to. Sung-kyung nodded while pressing down the brim of his hat. He followed Chungrim into the elevator and entered the office. Although he heard greetings from around him, Sung-kyung didn’t even lift his gaze.“They’ll be here soon.”“Okay.”As the person walked away, Sung-kyung noticed their lower body. The shoes were familiar. Instinctively, he followed the person’s steps with his eyes. They seemed to be making a call nearby. As he passed by with Chungrim, Sung-kyung glanced up. From the unusual shoes to the knees, thighs, and chest. When his gaze reached the face, he quickly turned away.“…”“Go in.”Did he notice I was looking at him? He tried to calm his pounding heart. The face of the man he had briefly seen lingered like an afterimage.Chungrim let Sung-kyung go in first and followed. Through the closing door, Chungrim glanced at the man Sung-kyung had looked at. He was one of the guys who had started making trouble by delivering drugs. He was the one who had intercepted the drugs hidden in the flower bed and brought them to Chungrim. It had been dark, raining, and quite a distance from the car to the flower bed back then. Besides, Sung-kyung hadn’t regained his memories yet, so he probably didn’t recognize him. Chungrim clicked his tongue against his cheek.Seeing Sung-kyung standing awkwardly, not knowing where to sit, Chungrim asked,“Do you know who that guy is?”He hesitated, unsure if he should respond, causing Chungrim to lightly stomp his shoe on the ground.“Answer now. Do you know him?”“…Who?”Under the shadow of his cap, a small mole beneath his eye was more visible than his pupils. Chungrim instinctively lifted his hand to rub the spot with his thumb. It was a rough gesture, and the area started to turn red where his finger had touched.“Do you really not know?”Chungrim’s gaze shifted to the door handle that hadn’t been fully closed. Outside, there were about five employees. Despite having had countless bodyguards, only those few met his standards.Among those Chungrim kept close, Sung-kyung had known him the shortest amount of time. Despite this, Sung-kyung was the one who stayed closest to him.“No.”Sung-kyung tilted his cheek into his palm as if wanting to feel more of Chungrim’s touch. The gesture reminded Chungrim of something Mero would do, making him lick his dry lips. With time running short, he had to hold back his desire.Although he considered leaving Sung-kyung in the next office, the lack of cameras there made it difficult to monitor, so he ultimately seated him next to himself. While Chungrim reviewed the contract received through his lawyer, Sung-kyung just stared intently at the desk.“Mr. Seong has arrived.”“Okay.”Shortly after Chungrim responded, two men entered the office.“Hello.”Several people faced each other across a long table. Apart from Sung-kyung, there were two others on Chungrim’s side. Sung-kyung, however, had no interest in the ongoing conversations. He merely watched Chungrim’s chest rise and fall as he spoke.“It’s quite a large scale, so I’m a bit concerned. How long do you think it will take?”“We can clean it up within a month. That’s what our team specializes in.”Judging by the voice of the man across the table, Chungrim inferred he wasn’t of the same age. Despite Chungrim’s curt manner of speaking, the man’s responses were always polite, his laughter brimming with confidence.“The cost doesn’t matter. I want it so glamorous that people won’t even remember the Red Mansion was ever there.”Chungrim’s voice carried a hint of amusement. In the past, he had prepared a resort to suit his brothers’ tastes, aiming for something clean and luxurious. Such things were far from his own preferences and felt suffocating to think about. Now, being able to do things his own way, even the preparations were enjoyable and liberating. He wondered why he hadn’t lived this way sooner.“Sure.”Mr. Seong, who had responded briefly, then pointed to Sung-kyung, who sat idly by.“Is that your brother?”Under the table, Chungrim grabbed Sung-kyung’s left wrist, just as he did whenever they stopped at a signal.“You’ve got cat hair on your shoulder.”In response to the low, quiet voice, Sung-kyung lowered his head to the left. A long, thin gray hair clung to the shoulder of his dark, thick hoodie.“…Did you look very closely?”There was no hint of amusement in Chungrim’s reply. Before Sung-kyung could react, Chungrim brushed off Mero’s hair for him.“It just stands out.”Chungrim pondered Mr. Seong’s words. What could he mean by “stands out”? It likely wasn’t just the cat hair. His sharp, wary gaze settled on Seong Won-jae.“Until the cleanup starts, we’ll move as quietly as possible. From now on, receive progress updates through Secretary Choi.”He noticed the silhouette of the man standing up. Sung-kyung’s eyes followed the shadow as it passed the table. Suddenly, a large hand came into view, pressing down the brim of his cap and making Sung-kyung lower his head.“What are you looking at?”At the voice whispering close to his ear, Sung-kyung buried his mouth completely into his scarf.“I’m not.”His muffled response was likely inaudible, but Sung-kyung swallowed a laugh.Chungrim, who had been staring intently at Sung-kyung’s raised cheek, didn’t move until everyone else had left the office. As soon as the door closed, he pulled off Sung-kyung’s cap, messing up his hair.“Mph—”Chungrim immediately pulled him close by the back of his head and pulled down his scarf to kiss him. He had been dying to do this. He couldn’t ignore Sung-kyung’s glances from under the brim of his cap. It was just like when he used to steal glances from across the counter. His mouth watered, and he felt tight below, nearly pulling off the cap in front of everyone. Maybe he should have. The way Mr. Seong looked at him was unsettling.The wheeled chair rolled back with Sung-kyung, but Chungrim gripped the armrests to keep it steady, tilting his head. He explored Sung-kyung’s mouth eagerly, biting and sucking on the lower lip that was always scarred. Seeing it flush with blood, he smiled in satisfaction.“That’s for you.”“Huh?”Sung-kyung asked back, puzzled by the vague statement, but Chungrim simply kissed him again. By giving that to him, he wouldn’t be able to leave. He’d threaten to keep him around until it was all paid off. He left marks everywhere inside Sung-kyung’s mouth with his tongue.In the car on the way home, Sung-kyung focused again on Chungrim’s behavior. As expected, Chungrim gripped his left wrist every time they stopped at a signal. Was he checking to see if he was alive or to make sure there was no bleeding? Sung-kyung was thrilled by the unconscious care Chungrim showed. It seemed like Chungrim was falling apart too, becoming just as messed up as he was.＊＊＊He thought they were going to the hospital for his wounds, but they ended up at a counseling center. After various tests during his previous hospital stay, Sung-kyung had been diagnosed. Chronic depression and delirium from drug side effects. He didn’t fully understand, but it seemed those strange feelings he had experienced were all due to that illness.He waited for his turn, feeling anxious as he looked around the hospital. His eyes, hidden under the brim of his cap, were filled with fear.“Do I have to go in alone?”“Yeah.”Chungrim was just as concerned. He didn’t want Sung-kyung to regain his memories, but he also couldn’t postpone the treatment any longer out of fear that he might do something reckless.Delirium or depression, taking just medication was slow and didn’t solve the fundamental problem. He could somehow monitor to make sure Sung-kyung didn’t take any more drugs, but there was always the risk that he’d cut his wrists again. After much deliberation, Chungrim had no choice but to bring him here.“Then… will you stay here?”“Yeah.”“In this exact spot?”Chungrim nodded. He couldn’t help but smile at how nervous Sung-kyung seemed.“If… I need to recover my memories, I’ll do it.”Sung-kyung mumbled, gripping the hem of his coat. His left hand lacked strength and trembled, yet he held onto his coat firmly. Watching this, Chungrim let out a deep breath. Neither of them wanted this, and he wondered if insisting on treatment was unnecessary.“Should we just leave? Damn, can’t I just keep an eye on you all the time?”His lips curled into a smile, but his brows furrowed. With a discontented expression, Chungrim placed his hand on Sung-kyung’s neck. Though the scratches from his nails had healed, the skin where new scars had formed remained red. He remembered how Sung-kyung had scratched himself raw, complaining of bugs crawling under his skin and the smell of mold.“No, you’d do something crazy even if I watched you.”“…Don’t leave.”“You too.”“Sung-kyung Kim, please come this way.”Their conversation abruptly stopped. Sung-kyung hesitated but then began to walk, looking back repeatedly as he made his way to the counseling room.Inside, an older man was waiting. The counselor, wearing a beige sweater, greeted Sung-kyung with a gentle smile. Sung-kyung moved sluggishly, as if his feet were glued to the floor.“Hello, my name is Kim Cheolmin. I’ll be your counselor from now on.”“Yes.”The counselor asked everyday questions to help Sung-kyung relax. What had he done before coming here, what did he do at home, what did he eat? Simple questions to break the ice.“By the way, no one else can hear this, right? No one is watching, and no one will know, right?”Sung-kyung repeatedly confirmed this. Chul-min smiled softly, showing no irritation at the repeated questions.“Of course. It’s just between you and me. Look, there are no cameras.”Reassured by the kind words, Sung-kyung carefully scanned the room. His house was filled with cameras, always watching him. Though he didn’t mind the constant surveillance, it did make him nervous.“Shall we try recalling as much as you can remember?”Sung-kyung slowly took off his hat. He had been told never to remove it, but Chungrim couldn’t see him now anyway. Smiling faintly, he lowered his head. The counselor looked puzzled as Sung-kyung mumbled a response.“…Yeah.”“Hmm, I can’t hear you well. Can you say it again?”Sung-kyung’s white face, slowly coming into view, wore a childlike, innocent smile.“I remember everything.”“What?”“At first, my memories were really hazy. But now, they’re all back.”“Hmm…”The counselor leaned forward slightly, glancing at his notes as he continued his questions.“Really? I’m glad to hear that. But why haven’t you told anyone else?”“Because I didn’t tell them.”“Oh, so it’s a secret.”“Yes.”The counselor’s tone was gentle and coaxing. Sung-kyung scrutinized the man sitting before him. Though his smile was different, he looked around the same age as his deceased father. If his father had lived longer, he might have worn nice clothes like that and not succumbed to illness.“Why are you keeping your recovered memories a secret? Your guardian probably wants you to remember, which is why they suggested counseling.”Sung-kyung couldn’t help but laugh at the counselor referring to Chungrim as his guardian. His thin shoulders shook, and it took a while before he could speak again.“If he knows I remember, and if I tell him… I’m afraid he’ll abandon me again.”That man can’t ignore someone in need. That’s why he keeps a poor cat too. Its name is Mero, with gray fur and green eyes. He brought it in during the winter. So, I pretend to be pitiful. If he finds out I remember, he’ll ask why I did certain things and get angry. He might throw me back into room 422. I know this. So I pretend I don’t remember. But does he really want me to remember? I don’t think so. Why does he make up stories and tell me we were inseparable for two years? In reality, it was just me who felt that way. He never admitted it because he’s not honest. He doesn’t want me to remember. He asks me every day, but his face looks like he’ll be mad if I do. He sent me here because he’s afraid I’ll have another fit at night, talk nonsense, or hear voices. He doesn’t want that. But I won’t do that anymore. I won’t take the meds either because he doesn’t like it. I only did it before because I couldn’t handle it. But now, it’s different.Staring at the desk, Sung-kyung quickly spilled his words. The counselor adjusted his glasses, trying to catch every word of the mumbled confession.“When he left me in room 422, he really meant to abandon me. If I hadn’t cut my wrist, he would have. I don’t remember everything, so I follow orders now. So he lets it slide.”The first few days after waking up were truly confusing. He couldn’t understand why his wrists were like that, why he was in the hospital, or why Chungrim was by his side. There were too many memories, making it hard to distinguish reality from dreams. The memories Chungrim told him didn’t match his own, making it even harder to grasp the truth.