The Yuchae Blossom Read online

  She was frowning. “You have too much stress, Seonsaengnim.”

  “Comes with the job, Choon-hee.”

  “You need to find way to not be stressed.”

  Woo-bin stood. “I will go now. Cheol-min is coming for me.” He bowed to the room. “Thank you for breakfast, Choon-hee.”

  “Go now. No be late for work.”

  With that, he was gone. Jack was going to ask him to ride into work with him. But given what had happened at the spa…. He contained his disappointment, yet again, and excused himself. He could feel Choon-hee’s eyes on him as he left the kitchen. He felt as though he needed to be careful lest she figure out the extent of his caring for Woo-bin. A mentor was one thing. A lover…. He went to his room to dress. Executive Director Lee Nam-geun was visiting the property today. He would wear his best suit. He thought about his last meeting with the ED’s nephew. This should prove to be an interesting morning. Before he could put on his pants, his cell was ringing.

  “Missy.”

  “Morning, Jack.”

  He waited for her to speak further. She didn’t. “What’s wrong now?”

  “The ED is asking about Song Woo-bin.”

  “What? Why would he ask about a subordinate?”

  “Three guesses.”

  “GM Lee.”

  “Bingo.”

  “Well, what does he want to know?”

  “He wants to know why he hasn’t been assigned to the GM’s staff? Apparently, GM Lee Yong-geun has been praising Song Woo-bin’s ability and accomplishments to his uncle. And he wants him to work for him as the head project manager for completion of the property.”

  “Wait, so what about Jorge Maisi?”

  “He is out as of tomorrow.”

  “That’s impossible. Jorge is the best in the business. I brought him in from Barcelona. No. Let me call corporate.”

  “Won’t help. The ED has already done that. He’s gone over yours and Leila’s heads. It’s a done deal.”

  Jack was silent. He could feel his pulse throbbing in his temples.

  “Jack? I know you’re angry, but you need to be smart about this. There isn’t anything you can do about this except to try and not make it difficult for Song Woo-bin.”

  He was shaking.

  “Jack?”

  “I need to get ready. I’ll see you at the office.” He hung up.

  ED LEE Nam-geun was in a pleasant mood, and he seemed quite happy with the progress of the property toward completion. He had nothing but praise for Jack and his nephew. Jack was cordial and respectful throughout his visit and never once did he let on to either the ED or the GM that he was beyond furious with the both of them. After the final meeting and a round of coffee and drinks was over, he called Leila.

  “Jack! How are things on Jeju Island? Still feeling the magic?”

  He didn’t speak at first.

  “Jack?”

  “GM Lee is becoming… problematic.”

  “How so?”

  “I worry about Song Woo-bin when he is around him. He has him working for him now, for Christ’s sake.” He throat tightened.

  “You say you’re worried about him. Has something happened?”

  “I can’t prove anything, Leila.” He thought about Woo-bin’s bruised eye. “Someone hit him—Song Woo-bin. He says that it was his friend, a work associate, that they were horsing around, but I just don’t trust the general manager. He’s manipulative.” He paused, steadying himself. “You’ve known me for some time now.”

  “You’re a son to me, Jack.”

  “You know me well enough to know that you can trust me as I trust you, yes?”

  “Jack, what is it?”

  His throat tightened further. “I need to tell you something. This is something I haven’t told anyone. Hell, I wasn’t convinced myself until only recently. You know I love—loved—Nannie.”

  “Of course.”

  “Well, something’s happened.”

  “With GM Lee Yong-geun?”

  “No, with me.” He grew quiet.

  “Jack—”

  “I’m gay, Leila.”

  “Ah. And you love him, this Song Woo… bin, is it?”

  “Yes,” he responded, his voice wavering.

  “Oh, Jacky.”

  “I don’t know or understand how it happened. All I know is that I’ve fallen in love with him, and I don’t know what to do about it.”

  “My sweet boy. No one ever expects to love, least of all who they will love. We just do. And you’re sure that you love him?”

  “I am. I do. He’s gentle, warm, kind. And he’s beautiful. I don’t know how anyone could’ve hit him. It tears me up to think about it. I could kill whoever did this to him.”

  “And you’re sure it wasn’t just an accident?”

  “It very well could have been, but again, I don’t trust Lee Yong-geun. My gut tells me otherwise, and he is constantly causing problems for me and the progress of the properties development.”

  “Yes. GM Lee Yong-geun seems to have a reputation for misbehaving. Unfortunately he is the ED’s family. God, I hate nepotism, but you’re outside the US, and you are well aware of the cultural differences, especially when it comes to business. And you’re saying that he went over our heads and had him transferred to his team?”

  “Yes. After I told him that Song Woo-bin was to remain where he was.”

  “If he continues to cause issues with the development of the Seawind, let me know. I’ll do my best to put him in check, Jacky.”

  “I know you will.”

  “And, Jack, I don’t have to tell you to be careful. Your feelings for him may cause you problems in the long run regardless of GM Lee.”

  “I know, Leila. I still don’t even know how he feels. Just how I feel. I will do whatever I have to, to protect him or leave the company with him or without him. Anything I have to do to take care of him, to make him happy.”

  “Let’s not be hasty. I’m not about to let you leave the company. You’re a good man, and I’m sure he will see that if he hasn’t already. And if he doesn’t, then he isn’t worth your time. I know, words, not very comforting. But you know, I love you, Jack. Be well. We’ll talk again soon.”

  “Bye, Leila, and thank you.”

  “Always, Jacky.” With that, she hung up.

  There it was. He’d come out. Leila was the first. Jenna would be second. She would be furious that he hadn’t told her first. He went in search of Woo-bin.

  Jack found him on the roof of the main building, standing at the edge, leaning on the safety wall.

  “Woo-bin.”

  He turned, his eyes red rimmed. “Seonsaengnim. Is there something you need me to do for you?” God, he’s been crying.

  “I heard about what happened with GM Lee.”

  Woo-bin suddenly looked frightened.

  “That you will be working for him.”

  “Yes.” Woo-bin turned back toward the safety wall, both hands resting on the edge.

  We’ve been here once before talking about the old woman who was a mountain. “I spoke to corporate in the US, to my boss. She is going to see what she can do to change that.”

  “Seonsaengnim, please don’t. It’s not necessary. I will do a good job for GM Lee Yong-geun. You will see. You will be proud.”

  Proud? His voice thick, he managed, “What? I am proud of you. I always have been. You work so hard.” He choked back the lump that was rising in his throat and turned away before Woo-bin could tell.

  He heard Woo-bin move behind him. “You are… proud of me?”

  “Yes, of course I am. I’m just….” His emotions overwhelmed him. “I’m just sorry that I haven’t been able to fix this. You must be so disappointed in me.” With that, he headed for the roof access door.

  Sixteen

  A WEEK passed, and the weather turned hot. On the Sunday following, there was a knock on Jack’s bedroom door.

  He opened it, and there stood Woo-bin. “Hey!”


  “Seonsaengnim.”

  “Come in.”

  Woo-bin entered but stood by the door, hands in his pockets.

  “Water?” Jack went over to the mini fridge and retrieved two bottles. He handed one to Woo-bin, who took it but didn’t open it.

  “What’s up?” Jack opened his and drank.

  “I was thinking that maybe we could ride our bikes.”

  Jack didn’t answer at first. Surprised, happy. Seriously?

  “Seonsaengnim?”

  “Yeah! Sure. Now?”

  “I’m sorry. If you’re busy, we could go another time.”

  “No, no! Let me put on some shorts and change my T-shirt.” Jack quickly went into his dressing room, tripping as he climbed the two steps, grabbing his running shoes as he went. He was changed and ready in minutes. “Where do you want to ride? Along the water?”

  “I have someplace I want to take you.”

  “Okay. We should pack a knapsack with some water and fruit.”

  “I already did, Seonsaengnim.”

  Jack was grinning like an idiot. He was sure Woo-bin had noticed and hoped it would not make him uncomfortable.

  They rode along the water for a bit, then turned inland. The conversation was intermittent, but the day was warm and sunny, and it didn’t matter to Jack. Just to be with him. The road was a small two-lane, and they barely ran into any traffic as it began its ascent up into the hillside. They continued on until they came upon a small dirt turnoff, and Jack followed Woo-bin as he led them along the rough trek. It was slowgoing and a bit bumpy, but it eventually ended at a clearing with a huge rocky outcropping canopied by shade trees that gave way to a panoramic view of southern Jeju until land met sea.

  “Whoa.” Jack dismounted and walked out onto the flat rocks. “It’s beautiful.”

  “Do you like the view, Seonsaengnim?”

  Jack looked at Woo-bin. “Very much.” He turned back toward the green expanse that was once yuchaes in full bloom.

  “Yes.”

  Jack sat along the edge, feet dangling. Woo-bin came and stood by him. “Sit.” He patted the rock next to him. Woo-bin hesitated at first, then sat, leaving a respectable distance between them.

  “Woo-bin, we’re alone here. Call me Jack, please.”

  “All right.”

  Placing his hands alongside his legs, Jack leaned forward a bit to look between them and over the edge.

  Woo-bin quickly placed his hand on Jack’s chest.

  He sat back, and Woo-bin removed his hand. His heart was racing. “I was okay. Just wanted to see is all.”

  “Please be more careful, Jack.”

  “I will.”

  They were quiet for a bit. Jack closed his eyes, the early-afternoon breeze enveloping him, cooling him. He lay back on the rock, hands behind his head. He looked at Woo-bin as he sat there. The wind tossed his hair. He could smell his scent. Soap and clean sweat and again the hint of cloves. Is that natural? “Woo-bin?”

  Woo-bin turned to look at him.

  “Are you wearing any cologne or anything like that, deodorant?”

  “Why, Jack? Do I smell bad?” He sniffed at his armpits.

  Jack laughed out loud. “No, no it’s not that. You smell good. I was just wondering. I smell cloves.” He could see the blush rising as Woo-bin lowered his eyes and turned away again, facing the sea.

  “I often drink tea made with orange and cloves. Maybe it is that.”

  “Maybe, I’m sorry if I make you uncomfortable. It’s really not my intention. I think you must know that by now.”

  “I am not uncomfortable, Jack.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes. I just don’t know what to say to you.”

  “Is it because I’m your superior, because I’m older?”

  “No.”

  “Then what?”

  Woo-bin stood. “We should probably eat while the fruit is fresh and cold.” He went to retrieve the knapsack from his bike.

  They sat side by side with the container of fruit and bottles of water between them, eating in silence.

  “We used to talk all the time before, well, after I became less of an asshole regarding you just doing your job. I am really sorry for all that. You understand that I was uncomfortable then.”

  “It was not a problem. I understood that you were not used to having a sijong.”

  “Ah. No, I wasn’t, and I’m still not comfortable with having a driver, especially Byung-soo. He’s going to get us killed at some point. He drives like he has a gun to his head.”

  “Like he eats,” Woo-bin said as he looked at Jack.

  They both laughed. That seemed to melt some of the ice.

  “Maybe I should borrow Choon-hee’s spoon.”

  More laughter.

  They both reached for watermelon at the same time, hands colliding. Woo-bin quickly removed his. On an impulse, Jack picked up a piece of watermelon and held it in front of Woo-bin’s mouth. He didn’t react at first, and then he slowly opened his mouth and took it from him, his lips grazing Jack’s fingers. Jack could feel his cock swell, and he quickly folded his hands in his lap. Woo-bin didn’t seem to notice. Then Woo-bin did something completely unexpected. He picked up a strawberry and held it out for Jack. Not quite in front of his mouth, but close. Jack took it, his lips touching Woo-bin’s fingers. His erection was full-blown. He smiled and nodded. “Thank you.”

  Woo-bin smiled and dipped his head. His hair fell forward, and he ran a hand through it, pulling it back off of his forehead.

  God, I want to touch his hair.

  “Is everything okay with GM Lee?”

  He didn’t answer right away but looked off into the distance.

  “Woo-bin?”

  “It’s fine. He has me monitoring all of the current projects and in charge of all the team leaders.”

  “Do you miss working with Eun-seo and Cheol-min?”

  He was quiet.

  “I told you I would get you out of there, from under the GM’s thumb. And I’m still trying. It’s just going to take some more time, I think.”

  “It’s all right. I will continue to work with the GM. Don’t get involved, Jack. It will just anger him and create more problems.”

  “No, Woo-bin. I don’t trust him. I want you out of there.”

  “No, Jack! Please.”

  Woo-bin had never raised his voice. Not once since Jack had known him.

  “I apologize, Seonsaengnim. I shouldn’t have.”

  “No, it’s okay. I will do whatever it is you need me to do. If you’re all right with being there, then I’ll let it go. For now. But if something happens, if he treats you unfairly or poorly, you will tell me, yes?”

  “I will.”

  Jack turned to face him, placing a hand firmly on his shoulder. “Promise me that you will.”

  Woo-bin hesitated, then grew quiet.

  “What is it?” Jack looked at him, concerned.

  Woo-bin slowly shook his head as if in deep thought.

  He’s not telling me something. Jack laid a hand on Woo-bin’s leg. “Are you okay? Are you sure he didn’t harm you in any way?”

  Woo-bin seemed to shake it off. But he didn’t completely answer Jack’s question. “I am fine.”

  “Why don’t I believe you?”

  “I am, Jack. He didn’t lay a hand on me.” Woo-bin did not meet Jack’s gaze. Instead he held up his right hand with his thumb and pinky extended.

  Jack looked at him questioningly.

  “Pinky swear,” Woo-bin said simply and then nodded toward Jack’s right hand.

  He did the same, and Woo-bin brought them together, entwined their little fingers, and then stamped their thumbs together. “I promise…. Jack.”

  They went back to eating fruit, but they were quiet for a bit.

  “Is it all right to ask about your family?” Woo-bin spoke first.

  “Of course it is. Anything you want to know.”

  “Do you have pictures of them?”
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  Jack produced his phone and showed them to him.

  “Your son is handsome, like his daddy. And your sister is beautiful. Are those your parents?”

  He thinks I’m handsome? “Yep. Liam and Arianne. Both retired now and still living in the same town where I was born. Same house too.”

  “You must miss them.”

  “I do. Especially my son. His name is Luke, Lucas.”

  “Will you go home for, is it Thanksgiving and Christmas?”

  “Yes and yes, it is Thanksgiving. I’ll be away for one month, but I’ll be back in December in plenty of time for Korean New Year.”

  Woo-bin grew quiet.

  “Woo-bin?”

  “I was just remembering Christmas when my mother was still alive. She made so much food.”

  Woo-bin smiled, but Jack thought his smile looked somewhat sad. “You miss her.”

  “Yes.”

  “Hey, how about you come with me?”

  “What, no. I couldn’t. There is still so much work to be done here. And besides, I don’t even have a passport.”

  “I will put in for time off for you with the home office, and Missy can take care of the passport.”

  “No, seonsaeng—Jack. But thank you.”

  “Well, think about it at least.”

  He didn’t respond, picking up his water bottle to drink.

  They didn’t say much to each other on the ride home, but that was okay with Jack. He couldn’t have been happier.

  The next Sunday Woo-bin appeared at Jack’s bedroom door again, knapsack full and over his shoulder. “Bike ride? Maybe go to the same spot again?”

  “Sure. Just let me get changed.”

  This time they brought books to read and sat back to back, reading and enjoying the warm sunny afternoon. The heady scent of lush greenery drifted up to them on a zephyr that touched the ocean first, bringing the tang of salt with it as well. It made Jack think of the San Francisco Bay area that the ample deck off his apartment overlooked. And that made him think of Luke. He closed his book. “I really want you to meet my son, Woo-bin.”

  “I would like to meet him, Jack. How old is he?”

  “Luke is eight. His birthday is coming up in October. He’ll be nine.” God. He’ll be nine. Nannie died almost six years ago. Jack looked at Woo-bin. Woo-bin turned to face him. “He’s a good boy. Smart and funny. He has his mom’s sense of humor.”