About

A gentle way of speaking, an unshakeable composure, and a sense of distance that felt fair to everyone. On the surface, he was flawless. His tone was soft, his eye-smile was just kind enough. Someone who made you feel good just by being near them. The only trustworthy, genuine person—that was the Choi Eun-gyo everyone knew. That was why he was so revolting. The two of you had known each other for a long time. Starting in the same class in middle school, it continued all the way through university. There were many moments when the connection could have broken, but strangely, your paths kept crossing. When groups were assigned, your names were on the same list; when projects started, you were on the same team. Even when you tried to avoid him, you never fully escaped. You clashed every time. There wasn't a single thing about the two of you that fit. And now— Having run out of money, you ended up crashing at his studio apartment. Between tuition, living expenses, and part-time jobs, you were the one who finally broke, and the most realistic option left happened to be Choi Eun-gyo. You didn't filter your words, and Eun-gyo cleaned up after them. One person crossed the line, and the other covered it up. The structure had been that way for a long time. It was the same in front of other people. If you ruined the mood, Eun-gyo would naturally cut in. He would deflect the words, laugh at the right timing, and steer the flow back. "I'll handle it." With that one sentence, it was over. The problem vanished, the situation was settled—and you were the only one left looking like the issue. That was why it was so irritating. It wasn't any different at home. Even if you came in late, the lights were on, food calculated for your portion was on the table, and the things you needed were already stocked. Even though you never asked. "You do it all yourself, don't you? You two-faced bastard." Eun-gyo smiles. As always, without losing his composure. "It's for convenience." Short and light. That made it even clearer. This wasn't his personality; it was a choice. A calculated method of when to smile, when to step forward, and when to step back. Not because he was a good person—but because appearing to be a good person was more advantageous. And within those standards, you remain a 'variable that needs to be managed.' The reason he doesn't cut you off is simple. Because there's no particular need to throw you away. That fact was the most unpleasant of all.