. Past Acquaintance

[Y]oo Jin-ho's vacant gaze drifted aimlessly across the room, illuminated by the soft morning glow.

His weary brown eyes absorbed the remnants of the previous night: a black rabbit plush nestled amongst tousled sheets, an abandoned cap resting on a rumpled mattress, and a box of Marlboro cigarettes perched atop the bedside table.

Conflicting emotions coursed through him, unsure of what could've possibly gone wrong. Her cutting remarks that had branded him as scum echoed incessantly, adding to his sense of unease and deep-seated loneliness.

It seemed unlikely that their paths would cross again, as if their connection had vanished like a fleeting dream.

"Tsk! Maybe I should just leave!" he mumbled, finding himself drawn to the bed.

A subtle twitch played in between his eyebrows as he contemplated disposing of the cap and plush toy. They seemed meaningless now, mere reminders of a fleeting affair. Yet, a wavering hesitation held him back, a peculiar itch that urged him to reconsider.

With a quiver in his hand, he reached out and closed his fingers around her cap. As it rested in his palm, a delicate and evocative aroma wafted up, embracing him in the bittersweet embrace of her floral scent.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips, expressing a blend of acceptance and frustration. "Damn it all!"

It was all in the past now, and pondering over it wouldn't change anything.

With his belongings in hand, Yoo Jin-ho trudged towards the door, each steps burdened with the crushing weight of his wounded pride and the bitter taste of rejection. Finally, as he crossed the threshold into the dimly lit hallway, a voice shattered the silence, calling out his name.

"Jin-ho? Is that truly you, Yoo Jin-ho?" The voice was both unfamiliar and oddly recognizable, causing him to stop dead in his track.

He turned, his eyes narrowing with a mix of confusion and suspicion, fixing his gaze upon a face he had not encountered in what felt like ages.

"A-ah? Han-sol Kim?" Yoo Jin-ho stammered, slightly startled by the unexpected encounter.

Kim Han-sol, with his jet-black hair, showcased an array of tattoos that emerged from beneath his collar, snaking their way onto his bicep. His striking appearance exuded an irresistible charm, yet his clothing choice leaned towards the provocative type, reminiscent of a male prostitute.

Piercings adorned his features, and a cigarette dangled casually from his lips. Dark circles under his eyes hinted at fatigue and late nights.

Closing the distance between them, Han-sol addressed Yoo Jin-ho with a hint of enthusiasm, "Long time no see, huh?"

The corner of Yoo Jin-ho's lips curled into a smirk. "Yeah," he responded casually, his attention momentarily flickering to the person accompanying his long-lost friend.

Next to Han-sol stood a woman, dressed in a sleek white suit, her hair styled in a chic bob-cut that framed her attractive face.

Yoo Jin-ho experienced a subtle wave of relief, even though he couldn't pinpoint the exact cause. She was not the mysterious 'stranger' he had encountered the previous night. Still, there was an uncanny sense of familiarity about her presence that nagged at him.

His gaze briefly skimmed over her figure, catching glimpses of the hickies she discreetly tried to conceal by adjusting her collars smugly. His curiosity piqued for a brief instant before shifting his attention back to his friend.

It was apparent what these two had been up to. Their presence in a love hotel left little room for interpretation.

Mild frustration welled up inside him as he noticed everyone getting laid except himself.

He parted his lips, ready to speak, but before he could utter a word, the woman interjected with a hint of urgency in her voice, "I have to go. There's an urgent meeting I can't miss."

"Ah, sorry for making you wait!"

Kim Han-Sol quickly leaned in to kiss her goodbye, but Yoo Jin-ho sensed it lacked genuine affection.

Her hurried departure left him with an unsettling feeling, as he struggled to remember where they had met before.

Dismissing his unease, he opted for a brief exchange, wanting to move forward. "Well, that was unexpected!" he exclaimed, feigning mild interest in his friend's affairs.

Kim Han-Sol managed a faint smile, weariness evident in his eyes. "Seriously? That's the best you can do after all these years? I tried reaching out, but you sort of… disappeared on us!"

Yoo Jin-ho sighed, a tinge of remorse lacing his voice. "Yeah, my bad. I was knee-deep in some serious shit back then."

Kim Han-Sol raised his hand in a gesture of surrender, his expression a mix of frustration and understanding. "Look, I get it. Life can throw curveballs some times, but couldn't you have thrown us a bone? Let us in on what was going on?"

Yoo Jin-ho ran a hand through his hair, contemplating his response. "Back then, I didn't have a choice, ya know. Things were complicated. But now, I'm in a better place, or at least I think I am."

Han-Sol's face bore a severe expression, with a mix of something else. Concern maybe?

He glanced around cautiously before asking, his voice hushed. "So, are you still in the game? Still part of the organization?"

Yoo Jin-ho met Han-Sol's gaze, his eyes darkening. This was a topic he didn't like to talk much about. But Han-sol was a friend. He could make an exception.

"Nope! Completely left that life behind. It's a chapter I've closed for good."

Relief washed over Han-Sol's face, mingled with a touch of concern. "Thank God. After what happened to Su-min, I was was worried you might do something crazy!"

"Come on! You know I wouldn't! I wasn't that reckless. Well, maybe occasionally, but not as bad as you make it sound." Jin-ho's stated in his defense.

Han-Sol chuckled, a mixture of amusement and light teasing in his tone. "Oh, I remember those wild stunts you used to pull, alright! But It's good to know you've toned it down a bit."

There was a palpable silence, an awkward tension hanging in the air. Yoo Jin-ho fidgeted, shifting his weight uncomfortably as if wrestling with his words. Finally, he mustered the courage to speak up.

"What's with that outfit anyway? You look like..." He trailed off, searching for a more delicate way to express his thoughts.

Han-sol raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "A male prostitute?" he interjected, a sly grin forming on his lips.

Jin-ho's face contorted with a mix of annoyance and resignation, knowing that Han-sol had hit the nail on the head. He let out a defeated sigh. "Well..."

"You saw it too, didn't you? That's what I've become," he confessed, his tone filled with raw honesty. "I'm working as a host at Wine-Mystic."

"So… that woman from earlier?"

Han-sol nodded, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yeah, she's a client. But hey, not everyone's born in riches, right? And she's loaded. It's an easy way to make quick cash."

"I see!"

The air hung heavy with unsaid words, both friends grappling with the fine line between playful banter and personal boundaries.

Not wanting to bear the weight of the silence any longer, Han-sol raised an incredulous eyebrow at Jin-ho, his voice laced with a hint of frustration. "Since when did our relationship become one where you can't openly tell me what you think?"

Jin-ho shifted uncomfortably, searching for the right words. "It's just..."

Interrupting his friend's hesitation, Han-sol sighed, his tone softening. "Alright, alright! I get it. You've grown up, okay? You're not as reckless and brash as before, I'll give you that."

A small smirk tugged at the corner of Jin-ho's lips, while his eyes caught sight of the motel's other clients who'd began to check out.

"Should we... like take this somewhere else?" He suggested good-naturedly.

Grateful for the suggestions, Han-sol nodded appreciatively. There was a reason to that. In fact, he'd checked out earlier than needed because he didn't want to be seen with the woman that had just left.

Han-sol's eyes sparkled with excitement as a brilliant idea flooded his mind. He proposed, "How about we catch up over coffee and some breakfast? My treat! Let's celebrate this reunion!"

Yoo Jin-ho hesitated, his voice wavering. "A-ah? Sure! Though I'm broke!" He wasn't sure if he should accept the invitation, especially when he was strapped for cash.

Han-sol's eyes narrowed, a hint of offense in his gaze. "Did I ask you for money?" he questioned, sounding slightly offended by Jin-ho's assumption. "Come get some food!"

"Yes… Okay?!" Jin-ho relented at last.

Taking the lead, Kim Han-sol urged his friend towards the entrance. "Then lets go! I know a cozy place I'm certain you'll love!"

***

A/N: Officially introducing Kim Han-sol: