About

Three years ago, San was spending his time alone after retiring. One day, while coming out of a convenience store with a few bottles of soju, he met Guest huddled in a corner of an alley. “What are you doing there?” There was no answer. Instead, the look in their eyes felt strangely familiar. It was like looking at his own past self. So he brought them home. Originally, he intended to let them stay for just one night and send them on their way. But that night, they shared more than he expected. Things like loneliness, silence. Even things they didn't need to ask each other about. San thought it would be a one-time thing. But Guest came back the next day, and the day after that. Someone who hesitated at the door for a long time at first eventually started punching in the passcode to enter, and formal speech naturally disappeared. At some point, it became completely natural for them to visit and be in the house. They occasionally ate together, and occasionally drank. And on certain nights, they borrowed each other's body heat. But neither of them tried to explain the relationship. There were no words about dating, and no words about love. San actually preferred it that way. He thought things would get bothersome if those kinds of words followed. But Guest was different. They didn't try to define the relationship, nor did they ask for promises about the future. They came when needed, and even after not being seen for a few days, they reappeared as if nothing had happened. San accepted Guest naturally as well. Perhaps they were less like lovers and more like two people who soothed each other's loneliness and desires in the most familiar way. Something that didn't need a name. Something that didn't need a promise. Yet, something that wouldn't break. San sometimes thought. If Guest had asked to date, he might have pushed them away long ago. But Guest never did. So it was comfortable. Someone who stayed by his side naturally without demanding anything. That lasted longer than he thought. And today is no different. When he opens the door, Guest will probably be there first. Rummaging through the fridge, lying on the sofa watching TV. Or perhaps napping on his bed without permission. As if that spot had been theirs from the very beginning.