It was late at night, yet the cars and people below seemed to be still buzzing. They never got tired, perhaps because of the incoming weekends that's why they were still full of life despite the dark sky.

When was it again when Chimon stayed so late at night? Mostly, he would be on his bed, sleeping or watching some movies until his eyes closed because of tiredness. However today, he was fully awake, the cold night breeze brushing on his face.

He was alone. The city lights were blinding, but he seemed not to notice it. He was just staring at nothing, spacing out.

Did he do the right thing rejecting his best friend? Was it okay to just let him go? Was he so selfish for wanting to be still friends even though he knew his best friend's real feelings? Was he a coward for ending it this way?

Chimon thought that when he gave his answer, everything would be alright. They could return to how everything used to be with some slight changes. But he guessed, he's being too optimistic. In reality, it was really hard for both of them to ignore the previous events. He could pretend all the way he wanted. But it would never fix the relationship that was already broken.

He didn't know how long he stayed at the rooftop. It was freezing cold yet it didn't matter to him. The sun was already peeking through the clouds when he decided to go down. He had no idea where Nanon went after leaving him. He also didn't know if he left the resto open for him. He wanted to call him, but stopped himself since it seemed not to be the right time for them to talk again. He just called Ohm to tell him that he's leaving and that no one would close the door.

"It's okay. I'm just at the employees room," Ohm said.

"Oh. You didn't go home?"

"I did. I just went back."

"Then, I'll come and see you before I leave." He was about to turn his heel to the employees room, but stopped after hearing Ohm's next words.

"No need. Nanon is also here. I don't think it's a good idea for the both of you to see each other right now."

"..."

"Also, he had just fallen asleep. He's a bit tired."

Ohm no longer elaborated why he was tired. But it was too obvious that it's because of what happened between them. It's really better if they would not meet for the time being. Let him process the previous scenarios. So, Chimon just nodded although it wouldn't be seen by the person on the other side of the line.

"...okay. I'll just leave. You... take care of him."

"Hmm."

He couldn't help letting out a big sigh. It was such a long day. He felt like lying on where he was currently standing. It was more tiring than running miles on the street.

But, it seemed that Chimon would have another long day when he recognized the person waiting outside the resto.

It was Pluem, dashing as always despite just getting off from work. He must have had his eighteen hours duty in the hospital, yet he's here. Chimon just wondered how he knew he was here.

"I'll take you home," Pluem said, opening the door on the passenger seat of his car.

"Why are you here?" Chimon asked instead of getting in the car.

"Driving you home."

"I'm fine on my own."

"With all those eyebags? You look like you're about to kiss the floor when you get out."

"Aww. Look who's talking? You're like a zombie."

Pluem's lip twitched upward, amused. Well, this was how they usually bantered. Chimon was also amused that he could talk back to his ex without feeling any awkwardness.

His offer was tempting, too, since his eyelids suddenly felt heavy. He didn't bring his car, thinking that Nanon would give him a ride home. Well, he could call for a taxi, but that would be too much of a hassle, especially with his heavy eyelids. Hence, when Pluem pulled him in his car, he put a little effort to resist. He didn't know why, but although Pluem looked like a zombie himself because of his 18-hour duty in the hospital, he still felt safe with him and believed that he could go home in one piece.

"How did you know where I was?" Chimon asked.

Pluem started the engine, then maneuvered the car before he answered his question. "Ohm told me."

"Ohm told you?!"

He must have missed a lot of happenings for him to find out that Pluem and Ohm were in contact. Just how and when did they meet? Did Nanon introduce him to Ohm? But it seemed impossible since his best friend was Pluem's no. 1 hater... So how?

As if reading his thoughts, Pluem gave him a brief explanation, eyes still on the road.

"Ohm visited me in the hospital. At first, I hated his gut for boldly walking in my office and questioning my return when I hadn't known him at all. But, later on I realized that he did it because he cared for you as a friend, so I gave him my business card and told him to contact me when you finally show yourself."

Ohm really did that? Chimon thought.

Honestly, he never considered Ohm to do something like confronting Pluem. First of all, they might be friends but he's closer to Nanon. When they were in college, the sole reason he was joining their company was because of Nanon. Even without telling him, anyone could see it. When it's just the two of them, there is always an air of awkwardness. But it would disappear the moment they talked about Nanon.

Moreover, Chimon remembered mentioning Pluem only once to him. Would that be enough for Ohm to suddenly meet his ex? He really wondered why he did that or whether Nanon knew about it.

Nevertheless, he appreciated Ohm's effort and initiative to do it no matter what his main reason was. Perhaps, Nanon voiced his concern to him, and he wanted to help them by figuring out what to do with the sudden appearance of the doctor.

"How sweet of him..." he muttered.

Chimon adjusted the way he's sitting on the passenger, making himself more comfortable. When they had to stop because of traffic congestion, Pluem reached out behind then handed a pillow and a blanket. He also leaned back his seat while Chimon could only stare at what he was doing.

"It's rush hour. A lot of people are getting into their work at this time. It's better if you sleep for a while. I'll wake you up once we arrive at your home," Pluem said, returning his eyes on the highway.

"..."

"What if you fell asleep? I should be watching over you," Chimon said.

The corner of Pluem's lips moved upward, and took a glimpse at him. He didn't say anything, just shook his head as he focused back on the road.

Meanwhile, Chimon couldn't help admiring this person's perfect side profile no matter how much he scolded himself. When they were young, he imagined dozens of times what an adult Pluem would look like. The teenage Pluem back then was truly eye-catching with his soft eyes, pointed nose, and gentle smile. He was really glowing even from afar, that's why Chimon had a lot of worries. He felt inadequate and insecure despite all the assurances Pluem was giving and showing him. He was a child, and acted like a child.

Actually, after their break up and Pluem went abroad, Chimon thought that he would never see the adult Pluem in this lifetime. He could only dream about it, and it would be a lie if he would say that he didn't feel disappointed. That's why meeting Pluem as an adult made his heart flutter a little. Just a little because he was exactly how he imagined he would turn out to be.

Perhaps Chimon was staring a little longer than he should be, so when the traffic lights turned red, Pluem suddenly looked at him. The passenger had no time to avoid meeting his gaze, and getting caught off-guard.

Pluem stared at him for a while, then a smile slipped on his lips. And the next thing Chimon knew, he covered his eyes with his hand, forcing him to close his eyes.

"Sleep. It will take a while before we arrive at your home," Pluem said in a hush tone. "Or just close your eyes... if you continue looking at me like that, I might not be able to control myself."

He only stopped covering his eyes when the lights turned green, driving as if nothing happened. Of course, Chimon wouldn't listen to him as he kept on staring, although his eyelids were becoming more heavy.

"I rejected Non," he suddenly blurted.

The hands that were on the steering wheel tightened.

"I rejected him because he's just a friend and a brother to me. I couldn't see us becoming lovers..."

Pluem slightly nodded.

"...but it doesn't mean I want to be with you again."

Pluem nodded again.

"I still hate you," he paused, while the doctor was waiting patiently. "... How could you leave me, then return and ask me to be with you again like that? Are you crazy? No matter how handsome you are, you can't just play with my heart like that."

"..."

"Do you know how I cried every night, wishing it was all just a dream? I know I was immature back then... still... I waited for you. You said you'll see me before your flight, but I hadn't seen even a shadow of you. I just heard from my papi that you already boarded the plane... you're so cruel... you should have just lived the rest of your life abroad. You shouldn't have returned, and shaken my life again..."

Chimon tried to be calm as much as he could when he said those words. Nevertheless, his eyes betrayed him as tears started to run down. This time around, he decided to close his eyes and turned his head on the window. He thought he had matured enough where he could face anything without shedding tears or becoming emotional. But, it seemed that he underestimated Pluem's effect on him. He couldn't help telling the things that only he should know. He couldn't get rational at all. Perhaps it's a habit he thought he overcame, yet the reality said otherwise.

"I am sorry..." he heard Pluem say. "... if you don't want to see me again, just tell me and I'll leave you alone."

"..."

Frowning, Chimon wiped the tears from his eyes and cheeks, removed his seatbelt, then sat up straight.

"Stop the car," he said.

Confused, Pluem continued driving. "No. I'll drive you home."

"Stop the car."

"I won't."

"I said stop the car!"

Pluem's grip tightened as he turned to the side to stop the car not because he would let Chimon alight, but rather to force him back down on his seat. He quickly locked the door before Chimon could open it.

"What the hell?"

Chimon struggled from him but Pluem was stronger, pushing him back and putting on his seatbelt.

"We're still far from your home. Do you think I will allow you to leave like that?"

"You won't allow me to leave, but it's easy for you to leave me!" The corner of his eyes were red from holding back the tears that were threatening to spill again.

Pluem was startled, looking at his burning eyes.

"You really are so unfair! If you have come back and shaken my life, you should take responsibility for it. Not run away every time you have an opportunity... You... you, idiot! Why are you so cruel?"

Perhaps, Pluem was really an idiot as he slowly processed his words. When it hit him, he unconsciously release a sigh of relief as he hugged the younger one.

"I am sorry..." he whispered. "I won't run away. I promise. I'll take responsibility for ruining your life. No matter what happens, whether you like it or not, I'll always stay with you."

A quiet sob escaped from Chimon's mouth. Honestly, he didn't know what to feel, but hearing those promises, a boulder seemed to be lifted from his chest. But it's alarming since he told himself several times not to fall for his ex's sweet words...

...yet here we go again.

Why can't he resist Pluem at all?