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The sound of skates against the ice and the shouts of the crowd were the only things in Leo's head. When the opposing team's forward blocked his path for the third time, Leo didn't think twice. He dropped his stick, lunged at him, and slammed him against the plexiglass.
The referee's whistle blew. Leo ended up on the ground, struggling, until they pulled them apart.
—OUT! —the referee yelled, pointing toward the locker room.
The coach didn't even look at him as he passed by. He only dropped a sentence that left him speechless: "You're out until further notice, Leo. I want you here tomorrow at six to reflect on what you did."
When the game ended, his friends walked in looking like a mess, sweaty and tired. Geonwoo, his best friend, took off his helmet and tossed it onto the bench with a sigh.
—You went too far, brother —Geonwoo said, sitting beside him.— The coach is fuming.
—The guy was provoking me —Leo muttered, unlacing his skates roughly.
—Yeah, but you’re the captain, you have to control your actions —Geonwoo sighed and slapped him on the back.— Let this be a lesson. You have to be up early tomorrow, right? Enjoy your new position.
Leo rolled his eyes and finished changing without saying a word. They walked out to the parking lot, and it was horribly cold. Geonwoo walked toward his motorcycle; as he was putting on his helmet, someone appeared walking down the sidewalk.
It was Anxin. Leo recognized him immediately and raised a hand to wave.
—Hey, Anxin —Leo said listlessly.
—Hi, Leo —Anxin replied.
Geonwoo lit up as soon as he saw his boyfriend. It still made Leo laugh remembering how Geonwoo begged Anxin for five straight months. Anxin was tough; he didn't pay attention to just anyone, and Geonwoo had to keep insisting just for the younger one to accept even a single date. They said their goodbyes, and Leo got into his car.
While driving to his apartment, Leo couldn't stop thinking about the suspension. How awful. The only halfway decent thing about all this was that, being out of training, he wouldn't have to cross paths with that idiot Sangwon.
They had known each other for three years, and their relationship was an ongoing war. It all started because the rink was exclusive for hockey until they decided to bring in figure skating. Leo was training when Sangwon accidentally knocked him down while trying to dodge him. Instead of accepting help, Leo told him to go to hell, saying that figure skaters didn't even know how to skate for real and were just taking away quality time from the hockey team. Sangwon told him to fuck off and said a dozen other things. From that day on, every time they saw each other, insults flew.
At 6:00 AM the next day, Leo's alarm went off. He got up with an aching body and drove to the rink. It was supposed to open at 8:00, so he had to have everything ready for the first shifts.
When he walked in and turned on the lights, he saw someone. As he got closer, his stomach turned. It was Sangwon.
—The rink is closed, Sangwon. Get out —Leo snapped, dropping the cleaning equipment on the floor.
Sangwon came to a dead stop; the sound of his blades grazing the ice was the only thing heard.
—I have permission from the administrator to use the maintenance hours if the person in charge is present —Sangwon replied in that tone of voice that Leo found so infuriating.
—Well, I'm the one in charge, and I'm telling you to leave. I can't clean with you spinning around like a top. Get out now.
Sangwon held his gaze for a few seconds. He looked like he was going to protest, but in the end, he just sighed, skated to the edge, and started unlacing his skates on the bench.
—You're insufferable, Leo. Not even when you're punished can you be a normal person —Sangwon said while packing his things.
—And you're a nuisance.
Sangwon slung his backpack over his shoulder and left without saying anything else. Leo was left alone, letting out a frustrated sigh. He grabbed the mop and began cleaning the ice, erasing the marks Sangwon’s blades had left. What a stupid punishment.
At 8:00 AM, the doors opened and the flow of people began. Coaches arrived, the screams of children began to fill the place, and Leo just wanted the ground to swallow him whole as he moved buckets of water from one side to another.
The day couldn't get any worse. Leo felt like his back was going to explode and the smell of disinfectant was making him nauseous. It was past ten at night, and all he wanted was to drop the mop, change, and head to his apartment to sleep for three days straight.
He walked into the locker room dragging his feet, and just as he turned the corner toward his locker, he collided head-on with someone.
—Watch where you’re walking, idiot! —Leo snapped without looking, in a foul mood.
—You’re the one acting like an animal —Sangwon’s voice sounded shaky.
Leo looked up to toss another taunt, but he went silent. Sangwon was pale, more than usual, and his eyes were swollen and red. It was obvious he had been crying, though he was trying to hide it.
—What now? Did you have a panic attack because you couldn't pull off a little dance? —Leo mocked.
Sangwon didn't respond. He simply shoved him aside by the shoulder and hurried out of the locker room. Leo stood there, staring at the door.
—Go to hell then! —he shouted, though no one was there. He ran a hand through his hair, frustrated. "Not my problem, I don't care what happens to that idiot," he thought as he threw his hoodie into the locker.
A week passed. The "janitor" routine became monotonous. Leo would arrive, clean, watch the teams train from afar, and leave. The good thing was that he hadn't crossed paths with Sangwon in all that time. Apparently, he was avoiding the usual hours.
On Friday, just as Leo was about to turn off the main lights to close the rink, he heard a thud.
He leaned over the railing. Sangwon was on the ice, alone. He looked exhausted, with sweat-soaked hair clinging to his forehead. He got up with difficulty, backed up a few meters, and gained momentum again. He attempted a spin in the air, but as he landed, his ankle gave way and he slammed into the ice again.
—Hey! —Leo yelled from the sidelines.
Sangwon didn't even show interest in hearing him. He stood up again, but his movements were jerky. When he was about to attempt the jump for a third time, Leo lost his patience. He hopped the railing and walked carefully onto the ice until he reached him.
Before Sangwon could push off, Leo wrapped his arms around him, grabbing him firmly by the waist to stop him.
—Let me go, Leo! —Sangwon shouted, struggling, but he had no strength.
—Enough. I'm about to close and I'm not staying here to watch you writhe in pain.
He let go of him roughly once they were near the bench. Leo stood with his arms crossed while Sangwon sat down to take off his skates. When Sangwon tried to put his left foot on the ground to stand up, he let out a choked groan and sat back down abruptly.
—Damn it... —Sangwon whispered, clenching his teeth.
Leo stepped closer and crouched in front of him.
—What’s wrong now?
—Leave me alone —Sangwon answered, trying to pull his foot away, but Leo was faster and grabbed his ankle.
—When I try to be nice, you treat me just as bad —Leo muttered as he pulled up the pant leg a bit. The ankle was swollen, turning purple.— It doesn't look broken, but it’s very inflamed. You need to rest.
—And now what? Are you worried about my health? —Sangwon spat ironically, though the pain was visible in his eyes.
Leo looked at him intently. He didn't know why he was doing it, and he’d probably regret it in five minutes, but he couldn't leave him stranded in an empty rink at eleven at night. Without warning, Leo slid one arm under Sangwon’s knees and the other behind his back, lifting him up, bridal style.
—What the hell are you doing? Put me down! —Sangwon panicked, grabbing Leo's shoulders so he wouldn't fall.
—Shut your mouth or I’ll leave you stranded —Leo grunted, walking carefully so as not to slip on the ice as they left the rink.— You’re injured, and if you walk, you’re going to end up ruining it. You won't find a taxi at this hour for anything.
Sangwon went rigid, not knowing how to react. Both of their hearts were beating fast, more because of the strange situation than anything else. Leo took him to his car, sat him carefully in the passenger seat, and closed the door.
—Wait here. I have to finish closing up and I’ll be back —Leo told him before going back into the building.
When Leo returned, the silence in the car was overwhelming. He started the engine, and Sangwon, in a low voice, gave him directions to where he lived. The city lights passed quickly through the windows.
—Why are you taking me? —Sangwon asked out of nowhere.
Leo gripped the steering wheel.
—An injury is not a game, Sangwon. I already learned my lesson last season. If I’m not mistaken, the figure skating nationals are soon, right? It wouldn't be good for you to end up crippled now.
Sangwon looked down at his hands.
—Thanks... I was practicing for the selection trials. I think I pushed myself too hard.
They arrived at the younger one's building. The atmosphere was strange; it was the first time in three years they weren't shouting at each other.
—Thanks for the ride —Sangwon said as he opened the car door with difficulty.
—Whatever. Put some ice on it and rest —Leo replied without looking at him, waiting for Sangwon to enter the building before driving away.
"This shouldn't become a habit," they both thought at the same time as they moved away from each other.
Sangwon spent three days confined to his apartment with a cold gel pack taped to his ankle. The medical check-up wasn't as bad as he expected: the doctor told him it was a minor sprain, and with a week of rest and a compression bandage, he would be as good as new.
By the fifth day, Sangwon couldn't stand being cooped up anymore. His ankle was no longer throbbing and he needed air. He walked slowly toward a small bakery a few blocks from the rink, a quiet place he usually went to clear his head.
Upon entering, the aroma of coffee and butter greeted him. He stood in line, distracted, until a broad back and a familiar leather jacket made him stop.
—Leo? —he let out without thinking.
The older one turned around. In his hand, he held a tray with an iced tea.
—Hi —Leo said, though his gaze instinctively lowered to the younger one’s foot.— How’s the ankle?
—Better. It wasn't anything serious, I just need a few more days —he replied, feeling a strange heat in his cheeks from the attention.
—I’m glad.
They stayed in an awkward silence while Sangwon ordered some chocolate pastries to go. When they handed him the order, Leo pointed to a small table at the back, near the window.
—Since you’re here, sit down. I don't think you should be on your feet for long if you want to get back on the ice soon —Leo said.
—And well? When is your punishment over? —Sangwon asked, breaking the silence.
—No idea. The coach isn't talking to me; he just sends me messages with maintenance tasks. Not being able to play is killing me.
—You don't have to be so reckless, Leo —Sangwon reminded him gently.
Leo clenched his jaw and looked at him, annoyed.
—If you’re going to start lecturing me like everyone else, I’m leaving.
—It’s not a lecture. You know very well what I mean —Sangwon said.
At that moment, Leo's order arrived: a large slice of cheesecake with strawberry jam. Leo took a bite and closed his eyes for a second.
—This cheesecake cures all the evils in the world, seriously —Leo murmured, almost to himself.
Sangwon let out a spontaneous laugh.
—Really? Is it that good? You look like a kid when you eat sweets.
Leo looked at him with his fork in the air, about to defend himself, but seeing Sangwon laugh, he didn't want that laugh to go away.
—Shut up and eat —Leo muttered while passing him a spoon.
When they finished, they left the bakery and walked through a nearby park that led to the main avenue. Upon reaching the crossroad, it was time to say goodbye.
—See you tomorrow, I guess.
—Yeah...
They said goodbye with a nod. Upon arriving at his apartment, Sangwon threw himself on the sofa; he felt restless and needed to talk to someone who knew about these things, so he called Anxin.
—What’s up, Sangwon? I’m getting ready, Geonwoo is waiting for me to go to lunch —Anxin replied, his voice a bit rushed.
—Anxin... How do you know if you like someone? —he whispered the last part.
There was silence on the other end of the line.
—Who are you and what did you do to my boring friend?
—I’m not asking you anything ever again —Sangwon complained.
—Well, in my case, I liked Geonwoo’s looks from the start; he’s handsome, I won't lie. But I didn't pay him attention because I wanted to see how serious he was. It was very sweet to see how he struggled to get my attention for months.
—So you were mean to him on purpose —Sangwon commented.
—Don't interrupt me. The point is, I wasn't sure I really liked him until we kissed. That’s when everything fell into place. Now we’re happy and he’s only for me. So, there’s your answer: if you have doubts, kiss him.
Sangwon swallowed hard.
—So if I kiss him, I’ll know?
—Exactly. Now tell me, who is it? Is it someone from the—?
Sangwon hung up before Anxin could finish. He covered his face with his hands. "What the hell did Leo do to me?" he thought. It couldn't be him; they hated each other.
Meanwhile, in another place, Leo received a call.
—Your suspension ends tomorrow, Leo. You’ve fulfilled the maintenance without complaining too much. I want you at practice first thing tomorrow.
Leo jumped from his seat, letting out a victory shout. Finally. He could play again, train, tease Geonwoo with his nonsense... and see Sangwon.
Why did he think of him? He shook his head, trying to push the thought away. "It’s just because we’ve talked a couple of times, that’s all," he told himself. Sangwon and he were different worlds. Nothing was going to happen; they hated each other. The fact that they didn't fight didn't mean they were friends now, let alone... something else.
But Leo's heart, though he didn't want to admit it, was beating a little faster than usual thinking about the next morning.
Leo's return to the team routine was long-awaited. Training was hard; everyone on the team ended up with aching muscles and their jerseys stuck to their bodies by sweat.
When the whistle sounded marking the end of his shift, Leo leaned against the railing, trying to normalize his breathing. At that moment, the figure skating group began to enter the rink. Among them was Sangwon. Their eyes met in the middle of people exiting and entering.
Sangwon walked over a bit and handed him a cold bottle of water he had in his hand.
—Here, you look terrible —Sangwon said.
—Thanks —Leo replied, accepting the bottle.
—Go change. I have to start —Sangwon added before gliding toward the center of the ice.
Leo went to the locker room, took a quick shower, and put on clean clothes. Normally he would head home immediately, but this time he went back to the stands.
He watched several skaters pass by, but when it was Sangwon’s turn, everything else faded away. The music started and Sangwon moved with a fluidity Leo didn't remember noticing before. He watched his blonde hair waving with every turn, the defined line of his jaw, and the concentration in his eyes. His movements were elegant, his slender body traced perfect figures and, for a moment, Leo’s gaze fixed on his lips. They looked soft. He wondered, almost involuntarily, how they would feel if...
"Wait, what the hell am I thinking?" Leo scolded himself, shaking his head. "Kiss Sangwon? No way."
But reality hit him back when the music stopped. The coach approached Sangwon with a look of disgust. The man was shouting at him that it was one of his worst performances, that it seemed their last conversation hadn't been clear, and told him to repeat it again. And again. And again.
Sangwon simply lowered his head and started over, but you could tell he was exhausted. At the end of the session, Sangwon didn't stay to talk to anyone; he skated toward the exit and went straight to the bathroom.
Leo followed him and waited outside until Sangwon came out after washing his face. Before he could move any further, Leo grabbed him firmly by the wrist.
—Hey —Leo said.
Sangwon looked up, surprised, but didn't have time to say anything because Leo pulled him close and hugged him. Sangwon went tense at first, but then all the pressure of the week, the coach’s criticism, and the frustration exploded. He sank into Leo’s chest and began to cry, letting out everything he had suppressed.
—It’s okay, that’s enough —Leo whispered, letting him vent.
When Sangwon calmed down a bit, he pulled away, wiping his tears with his sleeve.
—I liked your performance —Leo blurted out suddenly.— Screw what that coach says.
Sangwon let out a weak laugh, still feeling down.
—But he’s right about some things.
—I don't care —Leo said, and without letting go of his wrist, he guided him toward the exit.
They walked to the central plaza. Leo was still holding Sangwon’s wrist and, although it was no longer necessary, neither of them broke the contact. It felt natural. Passing by a flower stall, Sangwon looked at them; he liked them, it was obvious on his face.
Leo approached the stall, even though he knew nothing about flowers, and simply pointed to the ones that seemed to match: some yellow, some purple and blue. The vendor put together a large bouquet and handed it to him. Leo gave it to Sangwon, waiting for the younger one's reaction.
—Here.
Sangwon held the flowers carefully. The vendor, seeing the scene, smiled and looked at Sangwon.
—You have a good boyfriend, young man.
Both turned red and left the stall, but on the way, the contact changed. From the wrist, they moved to hands. Their fingers intertwined instinctively. It felt good, and neither made a move to let go.
—I have a place we can go —Leo said. He took him to a small community ice rink, one that was almost always empty at that hour.
They went in and Sangwon searched for a song on his phone. He hadn't done freestyle in a long time. He began to skate and Leo stayed to one side watching, but Sangwon called him over.
—Come on! It’s fun! —Sangwon shouted, laughing.
Leo got on the ice and Sangwon pulled him. They started to spin, laughing like idiots, chasing each other. At one point, both were very close, panting from the effort and the laughter. Their faces were inches apart. The thought of kissing him returned to Leo's mind with an unstoppable force. It was about to happen; Leo was already closing his eyes when...
—Look, the rink is open! —a child shouted.
A group of children with their parents ran onto the ice, breaking the moment instantly. Leo and Sangwon pulled apart immediately, embarrassed, looking in every other direction.
Shortly after, they left so Sangwon could catch a taxi. Sangwon was still holding the flowers in one hand and Leo's hand with the other until the car arrived.
—I liked spending time with you today, Leo. Thanks for everything —Sangwon said with a soft smile.
—It’s nothing —Leo replied.
Just before getting into the taxi, Sangwon leaned in and gave Leo a quick kiss on the cheek before sliding into the taxi and closing the door.
Leo stood on the sidewalk, his hand placed where he still felt the warmth of Sangwon’s lips.
The return to official training should have been the best thing of the week for Leo, but his head wasn't in the practice. Every time the puck hit the boards or he skated toward the goal, the image of Sangwon at the rink, laughing and almost kissing him, came to mind. The brush of their fingers, the closeness, the breathing... everything was still there, distracting him.
—Leo, wake up! —the coach yelled from the sidelines.— Focus!
Leo shook his head and tried to concentrate. Geonwoo passed by his side and gave him a soft shove with his shoulder.
—What’s up with you? —Geonwoo whispered as they skated toward the other end.
—Nothing, I just didn't sleep well —Leo lied.
During a rest break, while drinking water, Leo looked up at the stands. There, in one of the rows, was Sangwon, watching him. "Is this what I get for mocking Geonwoo?" Leo thought. He remembered how Geonwoo always got nervous and acted like a fool whenever Anxin came to watch him train. "Is this my punishment for making fun of Geonwoo?" Leo said to himself, trying to maintain his composure, though inside the anxiety was killing him.
Training ended and the players began to leave. Leo stayed a moment longer to practice some shots alone. When almost no one was left, Sangwon came down from the stands and approached the railing.
Leo skated toward him, stopping right in front, his heart racing.
—Hi —Sangwon said in a low voice. He wore a thick scarf and his cheeks were a bit red from the cold.
—Hi. What are you doing here? I thought you didn't have a shift today.
—No, I don't. I came to bring you this —Sangwon held out a small cardboard box tied with a ribbon.— They're cookies. I made them.
Leo looked at the box, surprised.
—Cookies? Why?
—As thanks for yesterday.
Leo felt a strange heat in his chest. He wasn't used to these kinds of gestures. He opened the box and saw some chocolate cookies that smelled incredibly good. He took one and had a bite. It was crunchy and sweet.
—They're good. Thanks.
They stayed there, looking at each other intently, without looking away.
—Right —Leo said, putting the box in his sports bag.— In a few minutes, I’ll finish stretching and change. If you feel like it, we could... I don't know, go for a walk.
Sangwon smiled.
—Yeah, I’d like that a lot. I’ll wait for you outside.
Half an hour later, both were walking down one of the city’s main avenues. Winter was at its strongest point. Sangwon had his hands in his coat pockets and Leo walked beside him, his sports bag slung over his shoulder. The streetlights were starting to turn on, projecting a warm light onto the cold pavement.
—The national competition is next week —Sangwon said suddenly.— It’s Saturday afternoon.
Leo looked at him.
—How do you feel?
—The coach says I need to improve my execution. —Leo let out a sigh.
—Don't listen to him. You’re going to win, I have no doubt about that.
Sangwon stopped for a moment and looked Leo in the eyes.
—Are you going to go?
Leo scratched the back of his neck, a bit nervous.
—If you want me to go, just say so. I have nothing to do on Saturday.
Sangwon blushed instantly and looked away, staring at the tips of his sneakers.
—I’d like you to go.
—Alright. I’ll be there.
They kept walking, now a little closer to each other. The cold didn't seem to matter so much. Suddenly, Sangwon looked up.
—Look, it’s snowing.
Leo looked up. Small snowflakes began to fall gently, covering the city in a white layer. They stood still, watching the snow fall around the streetlights.
Leo turned to look at Sangwon. Snowflakes rested on his blonde hair and eyelashes. Sangwon looked at him too.
Leo took a step toward him, closing the distance. He wrapped his arm around Sangwon’s waist, pulling him close. Sangwon raised his arms and wrapped them around Leo’s neck.
They kissed. It was a soft, slow kiss under the snow.
When they pulled apart, both were breathing a bit hard. They looked into each other’s eyes, with the snow still falling over them, and both smiled.
Leo opened his mouth to say something, to try to explain what had just happened, but Sangwon didn't give him time. He leaned in again and kissed him a second time. This kiss was a bit more intense. He liked kissing Sangwon; he liked how it felt to be in his arms.
—I hate you, Leo —Sangwon whispered when they separated again.
Leo let out a laugh and pulled him closer.
—Yeah, right. It really shows. If you hate me so much, why are you kissing me?
Sangwon only smiled and rested his head on his shoulder. They stayed like that for a moment, under the falling snow, enjoying that moment that was, without a doubt, the best moment for both of them.
The day of the Grand National Final had arrived.
Sangwon arrived at the national pavilion three hours early. He was nervous; his hands were shaking slightly as he tied his skate laces. It was his moment. He had worked for years for this, enduring criticism, injuries, and the suffocating pressure of a coach who never seemed satisfied.
When his name was announced over the speakers, his heart skipped a beat. He stepped onto the ice and positioned himself in the center under the main spotlight, and before the music started, he scanned the stands. His parents were there, his sisters waving their hands, his friends, and, a bit further back but in the front row, Leo.
The music began.
From the first chord, Sangwon let himself go. Thinking about how his life had taken an absurd turn in just a few weeks. He remembered the three years of insults, the fights, and how, behind all that contempt, a feeling lay hidden that neither wanted to discover. He remembered the moments with Leo and especially the kiss they shared under the snow.
It was no longer just a choreography; it was him telling the feeling of his own story. Upon finishing, with the final chord, Sangwon stayed motionless, his head down and his breathing heavy.
He received a mountain of applause and praise.
It rained teddy bears, bouquets of flowers, and letters. Sangwon waved with a grateful smile, picking up a few items as he left the rink. His fellow skaters congratulated him, even those he barely spoke to. But he was only looking for one gaze in the crowd.
The wait for the results was eternal. When the announcer said: "First place and gold medal: Lee Sangwon," he couldn't help it. He covered his face with his hands and let out a sob of pure relief. He stepped onto the podium, feeling the weight of the gold medal around his neck and the scent of the flowers handed to him. He was happy, but his victory didn't feel complete until he saw him.
Without thinking twice, Sangwon stepped off the podium and skated toward the end of the rink where Leo was leaning against the railing. Leo didn't wait for him to arrive; he hopped over the barrier, holding a bouquet of flowers in his hand.
As soon as they were face to face, Leo tossed the flowers aside and picked him up, lifting him and spinning him around.
—You won, Sangwon. You did it —Leo whispered in his ear.
Sangwon wrapped his arms around him, laughing and crying at the same time. When Leo set him back on the ground, they kissed right there.
Leo pulled back just a bit, keeping his hands firm on Sangwon’s waist. He was a bit anxious.
—Listen to me —Leo said, trying to keep his voice from shaking— I’m not very good at these things, you already know that. I’m an idiot sometimes. But... I want to try this for real. I want to be able to hold your hand without us fighting, I want to come watch you skate always, and I want to kiss you whenever I feel like it. Sangwon... do you want to be my boyfriend? I mean, if you don't want to, it’s fine, we can go on as before, but...
Sangwon didn't let him finish. He hugged him tightly, burying his face in his neck.
—Yes. Of course I want to.
—I love you, Leo —Sangwon whispered, finally admitting how he felt.
—I love you too —Leo replied before kissing him again.
Leo closed the photo album that was on his lap and sighed with a satisfied smile. In front of him, sitting on the bed, his five-year-old son Sanghyeon was paying close attention.
—And that’s how your Papa Sangwon and I fell in love —Leo concluded, playfully booping the child’s nose.— The end.
Ten years have passed since that national championship. Ten years of a life neither of them imagined when they detested each other. They married five years ago; Sangwon retired from professional skating after Sanghyeon’s birth to dedicate himself completely to his son, while Leo, having suffered an injury that took him away from active play, became the coach of the local hockey league.
—Daddy, I want a love story like that —Sanghyeon said, tucking himself under the blankets.
Leo let out a throaty laugh and ruffled his hair.
—When you grow up, you’ll create your own story, champ.
Sanghyeon nodded, jumped off the bed, and ran barefoot toward the kitchen, where laughter could be heard.
—Papa! Uncle Anxin! —the boy shouted, entering the kitchen.
Sangwon was finishing serving dinner while Anxin, sitting at the table with a cup of tea, watched him. Geonwoo was leaning against the counter, stealing chocolate bars from the pantry.
—Daddy Leo says I can marry Uncle Anxin! —the little one blurted out.
Geonwoo choked on the chocolate and Sangwon raised an eyebrow, looking toward the door where Leo appeared with an "I didn't say exactly that" expression.
—Huh? —Geonwoo finally caught his breath and crossed his arms, feigning indignation.— What’s this about my nephew marrying my husband? Leo, what kind of education are you giving him?
Anxin let out a giggle and picked up Sanghyeon, sitting him on his lap.
—Well, I’ve never doubted that this boy has good taste —Anxin said, squeezing the little one’s cheeks.— But I’m afraid you’re a few years late, Sanghyeon.
Sangwon walked over and took the child back, giving him a kiss on the forehead.
—Your uncle is already married to the beggar Geonwoo —Sangwon explained in a gentle tone.— And he’d be very sad if you took him away. Besides, Uncle Anxin is looking after a new little friend in here to play with you in a few months.
Sangwon pointed to Anxin’s belly, which was just beginning to show. Geonwoo’s expression changed immediately, approaching his husband to put a hand on his shoulder.
—Okay —Sanghyeon replied, shrugging his shoulders.
The boy got down and ran toward his toys, leaving the adults in the kitchen. Sangwon walked toward Leo, who was leaning against the doorframe watching the scene.
—Did you tell him the story again? —Sangwon asked, wrapping his arms around Leo’s neck.— He knows it by heart, Leo.
—I’ll never get tired of telling it to him —Leo replied, lowering his voice and pressing his forehead against Sangwon’s.— It’s the best way to remind myself how I met the love of my life.
—You’re very sentimental —Sangwon whispered.
—Only with you, I get like this.
END.