Irony of Revenge

Epilogue

It was a windy day and the sky was gray. Mark always liked to watch Jinyoung setting up the golf equipments up just for him to play.

"How about us playing together?"

Jinyoung looked up at him from his crouch position, "Both of us? Okay. But are you, perhaps, saying that we're going to play against each other?"

"Gosh, why do you sound like you dislike it so much? If anything, it should be me who's complaining."

"Because we aren't on the same level. It makes me feel bad when I already know that you'll lose," said Jinyoung, a hint of amusement evident in his voice.

"Is that a way of dissing me? But I'm improving my skills, aren't I?"

"Well, yes. Anyway, we'll just end up feeling each other. So, let's play together. And if necessary, I'll show you how certain swings are taken. Just like I often do."

"That'll be totally necessary."

Jinyoung got up again and took out another tee from the golf bag. Mark helped him this time as they prepared the stuff.

Jinyoung was so near him and all Mark wanted to do was bring him into his embrace. He wanted to feel Jinyoung's warmth and tease him with the small, tingling kisses all over his face and throat. And Jinyoung's attention would be on him and nothing else.

But if he did all of these now, they would be distracted and might just go to Jinyoung's apartment, ignoring this golf thing. He swallowed, telling himself that they could be alone together later on.

"Shall we start now?" Jinyoung asked, taking out two golf clubs and giving one to Mark.

"Is there any reward-punishment system? Depending on whether I could hit the targets or not."

"What do you have in mind?"

"Rewards are kisses. One kiss per swing that is satisfying."

"Interesting. What about punishment? Do I get to top you and spank you in bed? That'll be even more interesting."

"Oh, please. That was just what I was thinking. I don't know anymore whether I want more rewards or more punishments."

"I've no loss, either way."

"Neither do I."

"Have you told your father about us?" Mark asked, sounding quite anxious. They were in a cosy room of a restaurant for dinner and the waiter had just left the room after taking their order.

"Yes. He's not a conservative man. All he said was that if I'm certain I'm going the right way and choosing the one I really want, I just need to continue with no hesitation. He's more than just a father. He's like a pal to me."

Mark's mind was relaxed and he reached for Jinyoung's hand, which was on the table, to hold it.

"He sounds like a great person. I want to meet him one of these days. What did he talk about your break-up with Jieun? Wouldn't he rather you were with Jieun instead?"

"My father rarely interferes in my personal life. He only gives me advice he sees fit. Are you afraid that he won't approve of our relationship? Don't worry, he respects my decision."

"Great."

"There's something I worry about," Jinyoung stared at their intertwined hands, "When our relationship is known to the public, will it destroy your career?"

"No. It may be a shock at first. But whether I love a girl or boy, there isn't much difference. Our love is not a sin nor shame. They'll support us, don't worry. Even if the world turns against us, I'll still be with you. But it won't, I'm sure."

Jinyoung smiled and Mark gave his hand a squeeze. There was silence afterwards because they knew there was no need to break it. At the eye-contact alone, so many words unspoken had been exchanged between them.

When they left the restaurant, it was completely dark outside. And a bit cold. Yet they left the car windows open as Mark drove out onto the road. It gave them a feeling of connection to the outside world.

Even though Mark had said nothing about whether they were going back home or not, Jinyoung felt they were not. Mark, indeed, was driving around the city and they talked about some new hotels, restaurants and buildings seen on the way but which they had never come across before.

"When we've a house, it must be away from downtown. A house with a big yard. As far as possible from the car noises. There must be a small garden too. It'll be like a paradise when we get old."

Mark's eyes glistened as he talked about their future and imagined how they would spend their days when they were at the retirement age.

"We'll be together for years and years. Isn't it fascinating. I'll never be alone. Whether it's misery, joy, or anything, you'll be there for me to share it with," Jinyoung said, with a contented sigh.

"And there might be children calling us grandads," Mark laughed at the thought.

"You want a kid?" They had never discussed this before and Jinyoung was curious about Mark's opinion on that.

"I'm not sure if I want to share your attention and love with someone. But who knows, we might want to adopt a kid one day. Anyway, one thing for sure, it'll be only after long, long years."

"Whether having one or not, it's okay with me."

They stopped by a public park to have a walk around. The night was still young and there were other strollers in the park. There was a group of teenagers who were apparently having a wild night.

"Your hands are cold," Mark said. He held Jinyoung's hands together, to give them a warm blow.

"Because it's cold. Nice. Let's sit down for a while."

There were a lot of vacant benches and they chose the one not very lit. The steel bench was so cold that it give them a chill when they seated themselves on it.

That night, in the park, they sat on the bench for a long time and talked between the moments of consolatory silence. Jinyoung's head rested on Mark's shoulder and Mark's hand played with his hair. And then they were kissing when two security guards were yelling at the teenagers for making noises and telling them to go home.

The guards might be coming, at any minute, to the bench Mark and Jinyoung were on, to inform them that the park was going to be closed soon. And yet not a thought had occured to them that it was about time their lips had parted and they had let go of each other's warmth.

The End

Hello, dear readers. Another story has come to an end. I hope you have enjoyed it. Next month, I'm going to be busy and I don't think there will be any time for me to write. So, next story will come in October. Thank you for reading this fic.