Chapter 334

The college student’s vacation is long.

But compared to Jin Hyuk and Hong Soo-jung’s beautiful night, any vacation would seem shabby and meaningless.

“Tomorrow, my mom and dad are coming, so I have to go. Our Soo-hyuk is also looking for his sister, so I should go and wait. Oh my, my whole body feels like it’s been beaten up.”

Hehehe. Beaten up, huh? On the lips.

Jin Hyuk kept his mouth shut, afraid of being called a fool.

“I’ll take you home.”

“Pfft—without a car? My car is in the underground parking lot, so why bother? Don’t come out.”

Jin Hyuk, who was absolutely obedient to Hong Soo-jung, couldn’t even commit the disloyalty of not seeing her off at the door. He was her slave, after all.

The two youths clung to each other even in the elevator heading underground.

“After being together for a few days, you don’t want to let me go…”

“I might just move in here.”

“I wouldn’t mind.”

“Pfft—if I did that, my mom would shave my head bald.”

“She’s not that strict, is she?”

Shaving the head is going too far.

“She’s not strict, but she gets upset over weird things. She says she’s annoyed because her daughter is younger and prettier. What kind of nonsense is that?”

As she said that, Hong Soo-jung made a slightly pouty face. It was the same expression Yoo Se-ra made while eating cookies and watching dramas.

Hehehehe.

Jin Hyuk, who burst into a silly laugh, tightened his arms around Hong Soo-jung.

A mischievous and lovable troublemaker.

A soul that’s always bright without a hint of darkness, making her admirable and grateful.

The expression “so dazzling it hurts” that he had read somewhere felt deeply resonant.

‘I don’t want to let her go.’

He couldn’t maintain his poker face.

“Hey—I’m not running away. Don’t cry.”

“Who’s crying?”

“Hehe—your handsome face is all scrunched up. You look so sad. I’ll go.”

Jin Hyuk’s heart had melted with love, and Hong Soo-jung, who had captured his heart, grew even stronger. To outsiders, it might seem like a fragile man and a strong woman, but isn’t that what lovers do—go through changes to balance each other out?

Vrooooom—.

Even after the red sports car left the underground parking lot with a roar, Jin Hyuk didn’t stop waving.

Two coupes followed behind. There were probably more coupes waiting outside with their engines running. They should be tight-lipped, but since it’s hard to trust SSS’s privacy protection, he worried about what employer Hong Ki-jun’s instructions might be.

‘Well, if I get caught, I’ll take responsibility. Happily.’

Would Mr. Hong Ki-jun really kill him?

Jin Hyuk, who had always been full of life’s vigor, had become even stronger recently.

A fantasy unfolded before his eyes.

The fantasy that the red sports car would come back any moment.

He was utterly, completely crazy.

‘Didn’t Soo-jung say her car costs 3.5 billion won?’

That’s why Hong Soo-jung’s dedicated security team also uses high-performance vehicles.

‘Maybe I should buy a car too…’

I didn’t know the moment of parting would hurt this much, even though it’s not like we’re parting forever.

It seems that not only an athlete’s body develops step by step.

Relationships also climb step by step, increasing in affection, and with each step, the emotions grow, making you more dependent and possessive.

Still, it’s a relief that she left with a happy face.

‘I miss her already.’

But without a car, I can’t do that.

He shook his head.

In my past life, I didn’t have anywhere to go, but this time, I have Quadron, so I don’t need a car.

When traveling, I use Hong Soo-jung’s car, just like in the past.

Even in two different lives, there are so many similarities.

‘I guess I was destined to love you.’

*

Even though it was only a few days, Hong Soo-jung’s absence felt too big.

It would take time to get used to sleeping alone.

‘But I’m happy.’

No matter what anyone says, Jin Hyuk is the happiest person in the world.

Feeling the changed air, he fell into a deep sleep.

【I’m leaving.】

‘Suddenly?’

【It’s not sudden.】

‘You said you were preparing something, so I guess it’s done.’

【As expected, you’re sharp.】

‘What is it?’

【I’m thinking of granting your wish.】

‘You already did.’

【I’ve recorded it. Your wish.】

‘My wish? What is it?’

【It’s a secret.】

‘Ugh, I’m dying of curiosity.’

【Don’t worry. Even if you’re curious, you won’t die. Because mere curiosity can’t steal the blood flow and energy to your heart—】

This guy’s spouting nonsense again.

‘Is the world going to be okay from now on?’

【Probably.】

‘Why can’t you just give me a straight answer?’

【That’s how the world is. It starts with a riddle. Wasn’t the birth of the universe also a riddle? But knowing the answer to the riddle isn’t always a happy thing.】

This guy’s talking in riddles again.

‘Anyway, congratulations on your release.’

【Gyabuf Ope-, Erhabe Den Tulosso.】

May Tulosso’s grace be upon your path.

*

Without Hong Soo-jung, the wake-up time returned like a ghost.

The habit ingrained in his body was more accurate than a clock, so even sleeping one minute longer made him jump.

「05:01」

Checking his phone, he found a text scarier than a ghost.

Yoo Jin: 「I can’t find Jang Gun-i.」

Forgetting it was still dawn, he called home.

***

Hieeeek—.

It’s hot.

– “Jang Gun-i, I’m going to the company and will be back next week.”

Grrr—.

That bastard Son Wang-wang said he’d come but didn’t.

He’s changed. He wasn’t the type to break promises like this before.

Herrr—.

That bastard, did he pick up something and die? If so, that’s a big problem.

I asked Son Meng-meng, who was picking peaches with Son Jing-jing, but he didn’t answer.

Woof! Woof woof!

Uncle! Why isn’t Son Wang-wang coming?

“Ah! You scared me! Jang Gun-i, why are you barking like that!”

What the hell, a dog barks, does a house bark?

What do you expect me to do if you freak out over a dog barking?

I’m speechless, so I just wag my tail.

Meow—.

I miss Son Wang-wang.

You’re so selfish, not sharing with the dog and eating everything yourself. No matter what, Son Wang-wang is Jang Gun-i’s best friend. He doesn’t freak out over barking.

If he doesn’t come, I’ll go find him.

Jang Gun-i is a smart dog, so he knows that too.

Why is this happening all of a sudden?

Woo—.

Guys, I’m going to sleep in Son Wang-wang’s arms. Take care of the rest.

Hrrrr—.

Kiiii—.

Purrrrr—.

Don’t be sad.

No dog lives forever.

Jang Gun-i is a wise dog, so he knows that too.

Thanks to Son Ang-ang’s care, he lived a healthy life.

That’s enough.

Still, who would have thought I’d leave this world before Grandma Gwang-ma.

Grrr— Woo!

Take good care of those worthless humans, Hong Si!

I passed the leadership to young Hong Si. Grandma Gwang-ma is too gentle to be a leader. Jang Gun-i is a strategic thinker, so he can make such decisions.

Kiiing—.

I put strength into my legs for the final farewell.

Woo—.

Hong Si, you and Geon-ma are siblings, so pair up.

Originally, high-status dogs do that—anyway, that’s how it’s done.

And younger male dogs are better, you know—.

I also fertilized the giant oak tree we spent our lives under. Chik—.

Old Man Cheon called it a Shingal tree? It’s a bit different from an acorn tree.

I also visited the tree where Haengun-i sleeps.

Haengun-i, your sister is leaving. Chik—.

Kiiing—.

Bbo-mi, Jang Gun-i is leaving. You can handle being alone, right?

If you meet another female dog, I’ll beat her up like a dog.

Grrr—.

Is Do-gu here? Don’t mess with our kids just because I’m gone.

Kung—!

Ah, you’re Do-gu’s daughter. Do-gu died.

No wonder you look young. You look just as ugly, so I got confused.

Sniff sniff—.

Cheon-ma, see you soon.

I also visited Cheon-ma’s grave and left greetings at the mole’s den.

I’ll miss everyone.

But I miss Son Wang-wang the most.

Son Meng-meng, Han Ang-ang, Son Ang-ang, Son Jing-jing, Jang Jeong-jeong, Cheon Ong-ong—ugh, there are so many humans like a pack of dogs, I’ll grow old just greeting them.

I licked the humans’ hands diligently and left the house while they slept.

I’ve been there by car a few times, so I can find my way.

Jang Gun-i is a brave dog who knows no fear.

Even if he sees a ghost or encounters a dog thief, he doesn’t wag his tail.

Besides, what’s there to be afraid of when you’re dying?

Heheheh—.

During the day, I slept under the grass or trees to avoid the heat.

I quenched my thirst with water from puddles and ran hard under the cover of night.

At Jang Gun-i’s running speed, it won’t take many days.

Jang Gun-i is a calculating dog, so he knows that too.

Baaang—!

Whoa whoa woof!

Ugh—, I almost died of fright! Damn car, what the hell!

The cars with their headlights on high beam blinded me for a moment.

But I have to follow those lights.

Jang Gun-i’s eyes are getting worse.

Dr. Yoo Jeong-jeong said it’s cataracts or something.

Pig intestines are delicious, but what do cataracts taste like?

Bbo-mi licked my eyes, but she said it didn’t taste like anything.

So cataracts are tasteless intestines. If you eat them, you’ll go blind.

Jang Gun-i is a gourmet dog, so he knows that too.

Sigh—. I’ve eaten so much garbage, I don’t know what I ate wrong to get this damn disease.

That old man Park Wal-wal who called Jang Gun-i a stray dog hasn’t been seen in a while.

Well, everyone lives their life and dies.

That’s the fate of life—. Ahem.

So Jang Gun-i isn’t sad.

Using the car lights as stars, being careful not to get run over, I ran and ran for days.

Sometimes I crossed roads and a few bridges.

There were days when wildcats or weasels attacked, but I easily fought them off.

Sigh—, damn. The world has really improved.

In the old days, I wouldn’t have dreamed of such things.

How dare those lowly bastards bare their teeth at the high-status Jang Gun-i?

Heheheh—.

Maybe my dog eyes are failing, but it’s getting darker.

I can’t see the car lights well either.

Sniff sniff—.

But I kept running, relying on the scent of Son Wang-wang carried by the wind.

Jang Gun-i is a dog, so he can detect and maintain direction just by scent. Even old man Cheon-ma, a former military dog, acknowledged Jang Gun-i’s nose.

Kung—!

Thud—!

I kept bumping into things.

My head must be split open.

I licked the blood dripping down, and it gave me strength. Raw is best for Jang Gun-i’s taste.

Heehoo—.

There’s not much life left.

So I ran even during the day, and when I got tired, I walked slowly.

If I stop, I’ll die that moment.

The humans didn’t block Jang Gun-i’s path.

Of course, even lowly animals recognize the high-status Jang Gun-i.

Heehew—.

Ah, I still have to go, but my heart is jumping like a crazy flea.

Sleep is coming…

The smell of water—maybe it’s a bridge over a river. No human footsteps, and the car sounds are far away. An unused bridge.

The smell of water…

When Son Wang-wang was a child, I waited every day, smelling the water.

Chasing butterflies, flipping rocks to catch crayfish, and watching water striders.

Woof—.

Happy and joyful memories.

And when I met the child, we raced home.

Jang Gun-i could run much faster, but I ran slowly so the child wouldn’t fall behind. The image of the child, out of breath but smiling brightly, lingers.

Kiiing—.

Damn it. Thinking of those happy times makes my useless eyes burn.

Back then, the house was small, the food was poor, and not many humans lived in the neighborhood.

There were no dog friends like now.

But I was happy because of the child.

Son Wang-wang was everything to Jang Gun-i.

Thanks to Son Wang-wang, I even saw Seoul. Jang Gun-i was the only country dog from Dunaeri to set foot in Seoul.

I met Bbo-mi and had Hong Si—it was a happy life.

Ah, thinking of those kids, I feel a slight regret for leaving—.

Hek!

No!

I left to see Son Wang-wang, and I have no regrets.

Even if I didn’t get to meet him.

The smell of water. On the bridge.

Floating in the sky, dying doesn’t feel so bad.

When will I die…

Old Man Cheon was right—if you eat a lot of good stuff, it takes a long time to die.

Kung kung—.

Judging by the smell of the wind, it’s already night.

It’s the first time I’ve lain in one place all day, just breathing.

Jang Gun-i will become a star in the night sky when he dies.

Jang Gun is a star. Son Ang-ang told me that star means star.

So it’s correct. Star.

Jang Gun-i is a scholarly and poetic dog, so he knows that too.

Hey, damn, why isn’t this death happening?

Uh—? My heart is slowing, and my chest is heaving.

Guys—. Jang Gun-i is finally going!

Take care, you bastards!

“Saniyal, so this is how we meet.”

What the hell, who’s this?