Beyond The Control

Chapter 64

“The plan failed because of me?”

“Yes. I was about to tell you to keep staying at our house since we’ve become a good pair now.”

A shocked expression appeared on my face again. As I unconsciously mulled over what I had just heard, I felt the alcohol wear off suddenly and asked urgently:

“R-really?”

“Yes. I was planning to tell you during dinner yesterday. But you’re not trash who just uses people and throws them away. How could I not be angry when you said you’d leave right after I brought up the contract?”

Even so, calling me trash is too much. And this is a bit, no, very unfair.

It wasn’t just a day or two, I had been staying for almost ten days, and since it seemed certain that I couldn’t return home, it was only natural to look for another place to stay. If Song Ji-hyeok had given even a hint that “you can keep staying at our house,” it might have been different, but he didn’t.

Careful not to become trash, I cautiously argued. But Song Ji-hyeok snorted at my words.

“If I gave you the guest room, the living room, and even my bed, the game is over. Do I have to spell it out for you?”

“You do have to say it…”

“Senior, you really lack perception.”

If this isn’t slander, what is?

I was dumbfounded by this unreasonable claim that was like stealing the nose off a person with their eyes open, but my expression said something different. The corners of my mouth were trying to curl up at Song Ji-hyeok’s sulky appearance.

So…

‘He was shocked and sulking when I said I’d find a room, and that’s why he ignored it.’

“Your expression is really weird right now.”

Oh. I feel like I’m about to have a spasm around my mouth trying to hold back my laughter.

As I was desperately holding on by biting my lower lip hard, Song Ji-hyeok asked me with a still sullen face.

“Did you find a place?”

“No.”

I actually hadn’t found one yet, and even if I had, I had enough sense to know this wasn’t the situation to say so. Song Ji-hyeok took a sip of soju and continued.

“Didn’t you say you needed to save a lot of money?”

I looked at him with a slightly surprised expression, as if I had never been holding back laughter.

“Did I say that? When?”

“When we drank whiskey together at home. You said you could breathe easier thanks to me.”

I did drink quite a bit that day, excited by the taste of the new alcohol. Judging by my lack of memory, I must have rambled on when I was very drunk near the end.

I felt embarrassed and awkward for blurting out personal circumstances that weren’t particularly worth boasting about. As I was worrying if I had made any other verbal mistakes, Song Ji-hyeok asked again.

“Did you really feel comfortable staying at our house?”

“Of course, it was great.”

“Was the commute convenient too?”

Nod.

“You said it was nice not eating alone, right?”

Nod, nod.

“Then the conclusion is clear. Don’t waste money unnecessarily, keep staying at our house.”

Nod… Wait, what?

“Why? Don’t you want to?”

Song Ji-hyeok had already returned to his confident and somewhat arrogant self. He looked as if he didn’t even think I would refuse.

My mouth gaped open. Not out of emotion or joy, but surprise.

In a flash, the time we had spent together flashed through my mind. I’m not trying to flatter, but to be honest, Song Ji-hyeok wasn’t exactly the easygoing or gentle type. He was stubborn and had firm standards of his own, so I thought he might tell me to leave immediately if I acted in a way that bothered him. I had even decided not to feel hurt and just leave if such a thing happened.

The opposite, that is, being told to keep staying, was something I never even imagined.

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Don’t you want to keep staying at our house?”

Startled by the repeated question, I unconsciously blurted out an answer.

“I’d love to. But I was worried you might be uncomfortable…”

“I’m not uncomfortable. Then I’ll consider this matter settled.”

Song Ji-hyeok smiled, raising the corners of his mouth. It wasn’t a mischievous smirk with just one corner raised, but a genuinely satisfied smile. As I looked at him, I had this ridiculous thought.

‘He’d be a hit if he did an alcohol commercial.’

At the same time, an image of Song Ji-hyeok smiling refreshingly on a poster formed in my head. Just like in my imagination, he proposed a toast to me. As if entranced, I raised my glass and clinked it against his.

It was only after that that I started thinking properly. I sipped the half-empty drink little by little and reconsidered the housing issue.

First, let’s think about the advantages… Money would be the primary one. I could save a considerable amount on monthly rent and utilities, and commuting would be much easier. Above all, the bond we would build by living together was something that couldn’t be bought even with millions.

Then what about the disadvantages? Obviously, the fact that I’d have to be somewhat mindful, and the possibility that living together could strain our relationship.

But during the time I had been staying at Song Ji-hyeok’s house, I didn’t have to be as mindful as I thought. As I said, I lived quite comfortably, and it was a time where the gains, both emotional and economic, far outweighed the losses. Especially since Song Ji-hyeok would be away from home for days at a time when he went out on a job, we actually spent less time together at home than I expected.

‘…The answer is clear.’

After careful consideration, I carefully went through the final confirmation process.

“Can I really keep staying?”

“Yes. Do you want me to write up a contract or a memorandum?”

“No, no, that’s not necessary.”

Knowing the power of contracts from years of experience, I hastily waved my hands. Additionally, remembering something, I spoke again.

“Never sign contracts carelessly. No matter how many words there are, read them carefully front to back, and if there’s anything unclear or you don’t understand, you should ask about it thoroughly before signing. Fortunately, our guild doesn’t do this, but there are many places that exploit or trap awakened ones through wordplay.”

Song Ji-hyeok chuckled at my words. Then he uttered a puzzling statement.

“I thought so…”

“Huh?”

“You were so focused when looking at the contract, I thought you were trying to burn it with your eyes.”

“It wasn’t that extreme, was it? Let’s have another drink.”

When in an unfavorable or awkward situation, it’s best to change the subject quickly. Before Song Ji-hyeok could even pick up his glass, I hurriedly filled it with more alcohol.

On the way back, we had to call for a designated driver. Song Ji-hyeok handed the car keys to the driver who arrived quickly, and we got into the back seat side by side.

Had even a minute passed since we set off? As I was staring blankly out the car window, suddenly something touched my shoulder. Song Ji-hyeok had leaned his head on me.

‘Is he sleepy?’

Well, his face was quite red when we left. I slightly moved my shoulder so that Song Ji-hyeok could lean more comfortably. Seeming to notice my intention, he also shifted slightly to adjust his position.

But not long after, I flinched again. I felt something touching not just my shoulder, but somewhere inappropriate.

I quickly looked down and it wasn’t my imagination. The hand of the guy I thought was asleep was placed on my center.

I tried to remove it in surprise, but Song Ji-hyeok unnecessarily showed off his strength. Far from coming off, he gripped my groin more firmly, almost making me scream. Even knowing the car was dark inside, I fidgeted nervously like a thief worried about his own footsteps.

“Stop it.”

Unable to speak loudly, I whispered a protest while watching the driver. But Song Ji-hyeok was immovable. Whether he didn’t hear or pretended not to, he boldly even unzipped my pants. He spoke into my ear, which was thoroughly flustered.

“It’s hot, senior.”

“…!”

I got goosebumps from his hot breath. Then something unbelievable happened. My center, which had been quiet, suddenly felt energized. As if he had been waiting for this, Song Ji-hyeok more boldly dug in and grasped the lower shaft.

As his hand fondled my testicles, I covered my mouth like lightning. While still trying to push Song Ji-hyeok away with one hand, I couldn’t bring myself to tell him to stop. I felt that if I opened my mouth, a moan would escape instead of words.

This was an unbelievable bolt from the blue. Unlike me, who was sweating nervously in shock, Song Ji-hyeok was surprisingly calm. Only his speech was a bit slower than usual, suggesting he was quite intoxicated. Otherwise, this behavior made no sense.

“Mister, could you go a bit faster please?”

“Yes, yes. I’m not very familiar with this car. Haha.”

The word ‘unfamiliar with controls’ came to mind and anxiety welled up, but it didn’t last long. Song Ji-hyeok was still stimulating my lower region, and desperately trying to hold back my moans was all I could do at the moment.

How much time had passed? After completely reciting the national anthem in my mind and desperately trying to ignore reality by thinking of my family back home, finally the driver’s voice was heard again.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Yes. Thank you for your hard work.”

“Please call me again next time. Thank you.”

After leaving the customary greetings, the driver got out of the car. As soon as the driver’s door closed, Song Ji-hyeok pounced on me as if he had been waiting.