Lover man (Oh, where can you be)

12

he feels sorry for himself and the last two years-since he arrived in France. He throws a brief glance at Taehyung and watches him so carefree, happy and enjoying the dim light of the afternoon, possibly, he hasn’t had to go through everything he and his family have experienced. Taehyung closes his eyes but remains walking and Jeongguk worries about a fall or an accident, but then the artist answers belatedly. "You don’t have to apologize," he laughs briefly and consecutively sighs, opening his eyes. "Clearly, I am someone whose mouth is always full. As a result, you're my ideal type," he suggests winking. Jeongguk shouldn’t take it any other way than this, but he cannot avoid the speed of his mind, he blushes at the thought of it. The pair walks in silence for a few minutes, not even knowing where they are going. They enjoy the scenery, the squares and gardens close to the government buildings where Jeongguk works. It is when they see a couple dancing jazz in the nearest street that Jeongguk precisely asks. "How did you become an artist? If you can tell me, of course." He gestures with his hand to turn to the left, where one of his favorite restaurant is located. Taehyung seems to vibrate with the question. His eyes are shining and he shows his rectangular smile again, he later answers enthusiastically. "Of course you can know. Thanks for asking," he says before sitting down at one of the outdoor tables, immediately pulling a cigarette out of his pocket, Jeongguk sends him a disapproving look, he thought he was quitting? Comfortably, Taehyung reclines in his chair and continues, gesturing with his hands. "Two years ago, I was imprisoned and tortured for a week by the Japan’s government, once the Koreas separated," he comments as if nothing and Jeongguk appreciates not having anything in his mouth because otherwise, he would have splashed it everywhere. He looks at him with his eyes wide open and Taehyung on the other hand, raises one of his hands to order, it seems as if he is talking about the weather or anything insignificant, not about torture. Jeongguk, afraid to say any nonsense, waits for the waiter to take his order and then pay attention again and Taehyung exhales smoke before continuing. "When I returned to home, everything was destroyed. My parents were exiled and on the other hand, my grandparents were completely poor by the crisis," he returns to smoke and adds in a nostalgic tone, "I became a farm worker and one day, on an unusual visit, I met Gustav who quickly offered me to come with him and venture into the world of entertainment, pointing out that my face and body were too good to be true," he turns his eyes to Jeongguk. "His words, not mine." "He was—he was right," the other stutters. Taehyung smiles with his cheeks painted a faint red and continues, resting his arms on the table and moving his fingers delicately. "I considered it seriously because, for starters I had nothing to lose, I needed to earn money for my grandparents and on the other hand, I couldn’t continue living in a place as conservative as Korea. So, one day I said to Gustav, let’s get the fuck out of here! And well, here I am," he finishes his story, raising both hands in the air. Jeongguk remains silent, overwhelmed by the new information. Taehyung didn’t seem like those people exiled by war or destroyed about the consequences of it but quite the contrary, which was very unexpected. The elder was grateful of the other being sincere and open with