DASH Novel Chapter 87

Enho arrived at the gym an hour earlier. On the eve of Day X, he had not been able to sleep because of the excitent, and naturally, he hurried to inform everyone about it. As soon as Jihong entered the staff room, the guy imdiately looked up from his lunch and ran up to him: "Hyung! Idea!!!

Without even looking at Jaekyung, he imdiately hung on to Jihon.

"I was invited to participate in a popular show! When I got the call yesterday, I thought it was an April Fool's joke. Enho continued to chirp, jumping almost to the ceiling.

Feeling the withering gaze of the "escort" on him, Jihon carefully freed himself from the tenacious embrace.

"Yes, it's a good chance, so do your best." Ms. Li said that you have a great sense of humor and will do just fine. She has high hopes for you.

"Yes?" He opened his eyes in surprise, trying to grab Jihon again: "Then I'll definitely call her back!"

But at that mont, Jaekyung, who was standing behind, shalessly squeezed between them and made his way to the table, deliberately hitting Yeonho's shoulder, causing him to stagger and be forced to step back.

"Are you okay?" Jihon asked anxiously.

"Oh yes, it's okay," he smiled back casually.

anwhile, Jaekyung sat down in front of where the swordsman's bag lay. And Jihong glared at him aningfully, as if to say, "Hey, what are you doing?" But the stubborn man did not seem to pay attention at all and casually took a bottle of water.

Yeongho stole a glance at Jaekyong and gathered his courage as he approached him, holding out his hand, "You're Kwon Jaekyung, right? I will be glad to work with you today..."

To which Jaekyung suddenly raised his head and asked, "Are you relatives?"

"Wh-what?"

Jaekyong nodded at Jihon. And only then did Enho realize what he was getting at, and laughed: "Of course not.

"Then why do you call him 'hyung'?" Jaekyung said through clenched teeth.

Enho was taken aback for a mont, but soon smiled, "Oh, we're just close.

"Yes?"

— Well, to so extent. He muttered, scratching his head embarrassedly.

But that wasn't enough for Jaekyung, "How close?" Have you t anywhere outside of work? Have you been to his house? Or maybe you see each other every weekend?

An avalanche of unexpected questions fell on the poor guy, causing him to stutter helplessly: "Um, no, not so much...

"Then why do you claim to be close?"

Jaekyung didn't seem to be addressing him at all. Enho, with a slightly distorted face, looked at his opponent and then turned to Jihong with this look, almost shouting, "What's wrong with him?"

Jihon barely suppressed the urge to slap his forehead. So that's the thing! The strange anxiety he had been feeling all this ti made sense. Of course, Jaekyung agreed to shoot for a reason! But, apparently, Enho was stunned by this turn of events. However, you should take advantage of the opportunity and finally dot all the i's. And maybe then Jaekyung will stop terrorizing Yeonho.

But as soon as Jihong thought about it, Jaekyung raised the bottle to his lips again and said, "There are people... They confuse ordinary corporate politeness with sympathy.

And having drunk the rest of the water in one gulp, he crumpled the plastic, and then added: "So that there are no misunderstandings, I am not talking about you.

As if he was afraid that he would be misunderstood. yes, of course!

Enho's nerves turned out to be steel. Instead of being embarrassed, he said defiantly: "And you... Are you blood brothers or are you so close that you allow yourself such familiarity?

As soon as he finished, Jaekyung had already burst into a laugh and threw a crumpled bottle on the table with a crash. Compared to you, yes.

Because of the relaxed tone of the interlocutor, Enho looked at Jihong in disbelief, as if asking, "Really?" In his eyes you could read sothing like resentnt, like the kids in kindergarten who argue: "Which of the two of us do you like more? I, ?! But why then does he say that you love him more?"

Okay Jaekyung, who is 21, but Yeonho is a healthy 25-year-old forehead?!

Jihon dread of sending them both away and running away, but he knew that without him, they would cause chaos. Jaekyung was holding back because of Jihon, and if the two were left alone, the bulldozer would eat the poor guy alive. The only way to save both Yeonho and the situation as a whole is to play along with Jaekyung.

"Well, yes... Jaekyung and I have known each other for ten years," he replied as diplomatically as possible.

"Oh yes, you trained together, didn't you?"

"yes, we swam in the sa pool.

"Wow!" So you've seen the hyun in swimming trunks! Wow, I'm so jealous! Enho blurted out enthusiastically, completely unaware of the atmosphere.

To which Jaekyung frowned, a silent question literally frozen in his pupils: "Is he completely brainless?"

And, grabbing a new bottle with a sharp movent, he said: "I saw him completely naked, so swimming trunks are a trifle.

"What...?"

"In the dressing room. Jihon hurriedly interrupted.

"Ahhh, that's right. Enho laughed, as if relieved. However, Jaekyung imdiately objected, "But that's not true.

"Wh-what?"

"I didn't see him in the locker room.

"Then... Where is?

Without wasting a second, Jihong quickly approached Jaekyung and grabbed his shoulder, signaling him to slow down with revelations. The impudent man, glancing over his tense fingers, briefly explained: "In the shower.

Enho gasped softly, as if imagining sothing. Jaekyung gave him a bewildered look, and then, with a sly smile, added, "Our lockers were at opposite ends. We couldn't see each other in the dressing room.

And Jihon, watching the unfolding farce, was actually speechless. In that brief mont, he beca so nervous that a cold sweat appeared on his back. Thoughts were mixed in his head: should I hit this guy right now or still appreciate that he sohow got out of it, and why his face, with such a na??ve and sweet smile, seed so charming to him. While Jihong was trying to balance himself, Jaekyung had already brought two sushi boxes and placed one in front of him and took the other for himself.

"Have a seat," he said matter-of-factly, pulling out a chair for Jihon. As he continued to stare silently at one point, Jaekyung grabbed his wrist and forcibly sat him down next to him. "Have a snack." When the shooting begins, there will be no ti left for a snack.

Jaekyung even handed him chopsticks and water, but Jihong never touched the food.

"We need to talk," Jihong finally forced out and led Jaekyong to the next room filled with sports equipnt. Slamming the door shut, he imdiately asked, "Did you agree to Enho's participation just for this?"

"yes," Jaekyung replied confidently. "Do you think I wanted to act with him because he's cute?"

"Why do you do that?"

"What do you think?"

Jaekyung, as if not noticing the heavy sigh, waited. But he didn't have enough patience, and he exploded with a stream of complaints: "I don't like that he calls you 'Hyung', as if you're not his boss. It's infuriating that he's trying to make friends with you. And it's infuriating that he constantly climbs, imagining a non-existent intimacy between you.

Previously, Jihon would have retorted: "Why are you better? You're doing the sa thing as him, why are you so?"

But these words did not co to his mind now. There were several reasons. Firstly, this is not true. Even if their behavior is the sa, the aning and sensations are completely different. Secondly, the phrase "How are you different from him?" obviously hurts Jaekyung.

And Ying Yeop's recent warnings have nothing to do with it. Of course, Jaekyung won't hold a press conference about a broken heart. But even assuming such an outco, the last thing that would bother Jihon is public censure. He knew perfectly well that he could not give Jaekyung what he wanted. But if he is not able to give him the main thing, then he must do everything possible to protect him from any adversity and the slightest pain. This was the essence of contradictory but sincere feelings – in the cowardly desire to protect from suffering.

The fact that Jaekyung is worried about Yeonho is very upsetting. After all, this is not a situation that deserves his attention. Song Yeonho was not such a significant person for Jihon, and he himself did not care at all what he was doing.

But you can't put your thoughts in Jaekyung's head. He has his own point of view on what is happening. As soon as Enho began to behave frivolously, he inevitably lost his temper.

Ji-hong was tornted by the question: what did Jae-kyung find so special about him, since he wasted so much energy and emotions on him? It seed to him that he was not worthy of such ardent love.

"Okay, I'll talk to Enho," Jihong finally gave in, sighing heavily

"Will you talk to him?"

— Yes. It's still my concern. But be more restrained, please.

"And what do you say to him?"

"I'll ask him to observe the chain of command. Enho has a head on his shoulders, so he'll understand.

"And if he asks why, what will you answer?"

— I will say that this is inappropriate.

"Well, he won't listen anyway," Jaekyung said reasonably.

— Are there any other proposals? Jihon quipped, leaning against the door and crossing his arms. — If you have any good idea, voice it.

"Tell him your boyfriend doesn't like it.

"Well... Infection," Jihon almost cursed.

"I don't have a boyfriend," he said, smiling, though he didn't an to tease. In truth, the bulldozer's behavior was predictable and sweet, which made Jihong laugh involuntarily. "Then who is my boyfriend that I don't know about?" Are you?

To which Jaekyung imdiately burst out: "Who said it was ? It's just that without proper explanations, he will continue to bend his line.

It's clear as daylight that Jaekyung hinted at himself, but for so reason vehently denied it. And judging by the tone, he was offended that Jihong didn't take his words seriously.

"Well, maybe that's a better option than making excuses.

The main goal is that Enho does not cross personal boundaries. Moreover, he is quite stubborn, and this is the only way Jihon will be able to cool down his ardor.

"If Enho corrects his way of talking, don't bully him anymore. Otherwise, we will have problems, which will cause trouble for both the TV channel and the company," Jihong added, looking Jaekyung straight in the eyes. "Okay?"

"Okay," he muttered reluctantly.

"Then stay here for another five minutes." With that, Jihong left the back room.

When he returned, Enho was sitting alone at the table. Seeing Jihon, he imdiately blurted out, pointing to his sushi, "Hyun, do you want to?" I don't really like shrimp.

"No, thank you. I don't like them either," Jihon politely refused and joined him. "Enho, let's call each other by na. Otherwise, it's a little wrong.

The guy who had just taken a sushi with pickled fish in his mouth froze: "What? Who said? Director?

"No, another man.

"Who?" Maybe from the company? If it's from the company, then I'll explain everything to them, we're almost the sa age, and you're almost like an older brother to !

— No, not from the company.

Jihon hesitated for a mont. He was uncomfortable pronouncing the word "guy." He was embarrassed and shy, but at that mont, the door swung open and Jaekyung walked in.

"I asked you to wait five minutes!" - Jihong involuntarily frowned, cursing ntally.

And the stubborn man, pretending to be completely out of business, imdiately settled down next to him.

"And if not from the company, then who?" Enho, losing patience, began to knock on the table.

"Well—" Jihon began, but lost his way for a split second, as it was difficult for him to speak when that fictional boyfriend was in the sa room with them. But in the end, he gathered all his will into a fist: "My boyfriend.

"Wh-what?.. Enho, not believing his ears, exclaid: "You have a boyfriend???

"yes...

"Wait, when?" That is..." Enho hesitated, and then splashed out his emotions: "What kind of nonsense?! You said you wouldn't date anyone! How is this possible?!

"Well, it happened," Jihon replied, as if apologizing.

Although Jaekyung pretended to be indifferent, the happy smile and hurried movents with which he opened the sushi box betrayed him.

"When?!" When did you start dating?! Enho shouted, stamping his foot.

— Recently.

"What the hell?!" You are a traitor! Enho feigned sobs, burying his face in the table.

Then, as if rembering sothing, he abruptly raised his head: "Stop! Maybe your boyfriend is here?

- Where do such conclusions co from?

"Well, you said he didn't like it. So he saw

calling you 'hyung' instead of 'Jihon-si'.

Realizing his mistake, Jihong felt his heart sink into his heels. Of course, he could lie. Like, his boyfriend used to be near the office, or that he works in their company. But it is unlikely that Enkho will buy it. In addition, I am too lazy to invent all sorts of absurdities. And most importantly, Jaekyung, most likely, would not like such a lie.

In the end, Jihon decided to confess: "Yes, you are right.

Enho, as if resigned, chid in: "Good. I'll be careful.

He had obviously guessed that Jaekyung's partner was his partner. Naturally. If Enho were to assu soone else, then his emotional intelligence should be praised, but his intelligence should be questioned.

And so, as expected: "Noh hyun, that is, Jihyun-si, is a guy younger than you?"

"yes...

"I thought so. How can you be jealous of soone calling your lover hyung? Your partner is too young, Jihon-si. Enho raised his voice deliberately.

And Jaekyung, pretending that he didn't care, continued to eat sushi, but even so, he couldn't hide his sullen grimace.

Noticing this, Enho spoke even more animatedly: "I also t a man who is six litas younger than . And we did not understand each other at all.

Enho deliberately indicated the exact amount. But this was an obvious lie. He's twenty-five now. After all, then it turns out that he entered into a relationship with a minor. And it is not customary to boast about this.

Jihong wanted to poke fun at the liar, but he thought it was funny to watch Jaekyung, still holding back his emotions, listening attentively to his opponent.

"Well, yes, there is such a thing," Jihon agreed.

Because of this, Jaekyung glared askance at him, mixing soy sauce with wasabi. And Jihong, ignoring the negative vibrations, added: "A difference of one or two years is tolerable, but six years is too much.

"Exactly!" Enho exclaid, banging on the table. "He's really too young!" And he doesn't know anything about human relationships, he always wanted to be indulged in everything!

"Indeed," Jihon smiled.

"It seed to

then that I was raising a child, and not dating him. Many of my acquaintances often broke up with their partners because of a significant age difference.

Enho, apparently, was so carried away by the provocation that he even forgot that he himself was younger than Jihon.

"He acted like a child and didn't even realize it," Enho continued.

"And he gets angry if they call him a child. Jihon added fuel to the fire.

"Yes!

"But isn't that nice?"

— … Wh-what? Enho asked in surprise. "Hyun, what are you talking about?"

"He doesn't try to seem like an adult, he openly demonstrates his youth, and that's charming. At least for .

"Oh... well, yes," Enho mumbled uncertainly.

"I don't like arrogant, narcissistic types, and he's honest in his demands. Jihon opened his sushi box and continued, "If he were a little older, he would try to seem more masculine. And so he does not overplay, which is undoubtedly a plus.

"But if he's too infantile, it can be annoying," Enho persisted, once again expressing his useless opinion. "A man's attraction lies in maturity, isn't it?"

"Well, then I can be soone who shows wisdom and restraint," Jihon retorted casually, picking up the wooden sticks. And then he automatically put sushi with eel in Jaekyung's container and continued: "In addition to his inner qualities, I also like his appearance. I'm so tall that I've never t a person taller than

before.

Jihon did this completely unconsciously, without any intention. He used to give eel sushi to Jaekyung every ti they ate together. However, Enho did not know this and perceived what was happening differently: it seed to him that Jihong deliberately sided with his boyfriend and mocked him.

In addition to all this, Jihong put the last nail in the coffin with a smile: "Now, I guess I won't be dating anyone below

again.

And Enho just did not reach the necessary mark.

— …

The young man dropped his wands and stared at Jihon in a daze. But he, absorbed in the al, did not notice anything. But Jaekyung did not take his eyes off him. Annoyed, Enho, catching a heavy look on him, imdiately turned away. Jaekyung, as if on purpose, slowly put the treat in his mouth, and a relaxed, self-satisfied smile blossod on his face.

Filming began at 3 p.m., ahead of Jaekyung's usual training schedule. A scene in the car on the way from ho to the gym had already been fild.

As usual, Jaekyung ran for 20 minutes on the treadmill and then did a couple of simple strength exercises to warm up. After that, according to the script, Coach Yu insisted that Jihong join as well.

As expected, Jihong refused several tis, but in the end he still went to the locker room.

Seeing Jihong dressed in a sports uniform, Mr. Yu sneered.

"It suits you more than a formal suit. It fits like a glove.

"Oh, no. It's soone else's clothes.

"Even Jaekyung didn't like that.

"It can't be, it's not my size," Jihong showed the length of his sleeves, and complained feignedly: "Here, look.

They went clearly according to the script. It was a natural way to let the audience know that Jaekyung was sharing his clothes, and to reiterate that Jiheon is a forr national team swimr.

And then Jaekyung suddenly gave out a phrase that was not in the text prepared in advance: "I am 10 centiters taller than you.

Of course, you don't have to follow the script strictly. On the contrary, since there is not much text, natural communication was required from the actors. But Ji-hong was struck by the fact that this was Jae-kyung's first unscheduled remark all day. Apparently, he felt out of place because of the close attention and caras. Both in the car and in the hall, Jaekyung said only what was necessary. In general, it was in his character.

And with the coach, he discussed only working monts. Which corresponded to the image of a silent man. Not surprisingly, Inyep said at the ti that they would make a video that looked more like a photo shoot. Given Jaekyung's temper, he did it for a reason.

"Oh, yes?" Jihon-ssi, is your height 184 cm?

— Yes. Sothing like this.

"I thought you were taller.

However, Jaekyung interjected again, "He has a good posture. And the proportions are excellent," thereby completely embarrassing Jihon.

"Hey, it's not for you to say such things. It's already awkward to stand next to you.

Despite all his desperate efforts to stop him, Jaekyung did not calm down.

"Of course, I'm tall, but your proportions are better: your face is small, and your limbs are long.

Suddenly, Jihon had déjà vu and stole a glance at Inyeop standing behind the cara. As expected, the producer clearly thought: "Here we go again...