No more masks: Pulling out your safety pin

Put It On Part 1

Today was Gang Tae's last day of work at OK Hospital, before he pursued his dream of taking the college entrance exam and finishing his education. He was equal parts excited and terrified of this new journey he was embarking on. Although he never liked his caregiver duties, the certainty of a job was reassuring, predictable. He wasn't used to making such selfish decisions for his own happiness. The idea of pursuing his education is one he had never dared to share with anyone, anyone before her.

The reason he could so easily share his innermost thoughts with Moon Young is because she heard it all without judgement. Her only wish was to make his dreams come true. This was such a new experience for him. Someone taking care of him, someone interested in what was really going on in his mind, someone who saw him for who he was. It was no wonder he was head over heels in love with her.

A part of him was still worried about what his unemployed status would do to their relationship dynamic. Ever since he had told her about his dream, he had been trying to understand what Moon Young's financial situation really was. This had to be a joint decision, after all.

A week or so after the brothers had moved in with her the second time, he decided a conversation was needed. She had never mentioned paying rent when talking about living together, but he thought they needed to clear the air. They were drinking wine and cuddling on the couch, his arm around her as she burrowed her head in his chest, when he brought up the topic of money.

Moon Young had, as usual, reacted to the situation in a way completely different from most people. She immediately opened up about her financial situation and gave him estimates of exactly how much money she had inherited from her parents, as well as a list of successful investments her father had made, from which she got returns. Given that she had the mansion, she didn't have any major housing expenses except bills and maintenance. She wasn't bragging at all, merely bluntly stating numbers.

His head spun at the enormity of her wealth — she wasn't joking when she said she could live comfortably without ever writing another book again. He felt like a drop in the ocean in comparison, and this massive divide between their realities compelled him to share, in turn, exactly how little he had to his name. She listened to it all without batting an eyelash.

"OK," she said when he was done. "That was a good talk. Look at us, being all grown up." She smiled, straightening on the sofa and wrapping her arms around his neck. "Now let's do other grown up things..."

"Moon Young, we're not done," he said, softly holding her shoulders to stop her from getting to his lips. If that happened, the conversation tonight would well and truly be over. "Be honest. Are you sure you're fine with me not earning money and contributing to the household? Even if I get a part-time job, it will probably be enough for me to buy groceries and other bare necessities. And it certainly won't be enough to maintain this standard of living."

"Yes, I'm fine with it. I don't care about money," she said, cupping his face in her hands. "I've had money all my life but I only feel rich now. What you and oppa bring to my life is happiness, I've been lonely for too long so I know that's what matters. I'm glad I'm able to share everything I have with you two. You're my family. I'm so happy we're all part of each other's worlds."

He had looked deep into her eyes, marvelling at the softness of her gaze when she looked at him. The way she bared her soul to him, and only him.

I love you, he had wanted to say to her, back then, but he had stopped himself, worried that it might sound like he was saying that because he was grateful for her money. He would find a better time to tell her, later.

"Are you sure you're okay to be with someone who can't buy you expensive things?" he asked, still a little unsure.

"Why do I need you to buy me expensive things? I have enough money to do that myself," she had replied, hugging him close. "I just need you."