The Yuchae Blossom Read online

  THE FOLLOWING evening Jack decided to check out the hotel’s hot springs and spa. It had been completed shortly after his arrival, and he had intended on viewing it then in order to approve its completion. But other things had taken priority. After dinner Jack changed into a cement-colored pair of straight-legged, flat-front pants and a light blue linen shirt. He pulled on a black cotton waist-length jacket and a pair of black midprofile suede lace-ups and packed a bag with his shower flops and a pair of square-cut swim trunks. He knocked on Woo-bin’s bedroom door.

  “Ne?”

  “Woo-bin?” He heard movement from within, and then the door opened. Woo-bin stood there, hair tousled, looking sleepy.

  “Seonsaengnim?”

  “Would you drive me to the hotel. I want to view the spa.”

  Woo-bin looked at him and then back at an open notebook and his guitar, which lay on his bed.

  Jack suddenly felt like he was intruding. “You’re in the middle of something. It’s okay. I can drive myself.” He turned to leave, but Woo-bin grabbed his arm.

  “Seonsaengnim. I will drive you.”

  Jack glanced at Woo-bin’s hand, and Woo-bin immediately released his arm, the color in his face draining.

  “I apologize, Seonsaengnim. I was just… I didn’t… well… I am not really doing anything.”

  Just the touch of his hand.

  Woo-bin looked at Jack as he stood there saying nothing, and he bowed his head. “Seonsaengnim. I apologize for grabbing your arm. I just reacted, and I did not want you to think I would not do anything for you if you asked me.”

  Anything….

  He looked at Woo-bin. “No, No, I really, I can drive myself.”

  Woo-bin did not raise his head. “Yes, Seonsaengnim.”

  Jack had walked partway down the hallway when he realized that Woo-bin had not closed his door. He looked back, and he could see Woo-bin standing there, one hand on the door, staring after him. Their eyes met. What are you doing? “Okay. Sure.”

  “I will change. It will only take a minute.”

  “I’ll wait for you outside.”

  Woo-bin was about to shut his door when Jack stopped him. “Woo-bin.”

  He poked his head out.

  “Never worry about touching me. I don’t see it as a sign of disrespect.”

  “Yes, Seonsaengnim.” Then he disappeared into his room.

  THERE WAS only one attendant and a security guard staffing the spa. A partial maintenance staff worked days, but the full staff would not be employed until the hotel’s grand opening. They entered, and Jack nodded to the guard as he passed. The guard bowed.

  “I will wait for you here,” Woo-bin said as he headed toward the chairs in the lounge area.

  Jack stopped. “You’re not coming?”

  “I will give you your privacy, Seonsaengnim.”

  Jack sighed. “Woo-bin, you’re the site manager. I would be interested in your opinion. Besides, I don’t want to sit alone. I could use the company.”

  “Yes, Seonsaengnim.”

  He didn’t comment on Woo-bin’s use of honorifics. It did concern him, however. He thought that they’d been getting closer. I did act like a real tool at dinner the other night, though.

  They changed into swim trunks—Woo-bin picked up a pair from the ones supplied for guests at the desk—Jack in the main locker room and Woo-bin in a private dressing room. At first Woo-bin had argued that he would sit on the edge while Jack soaked. Jack insisted he get in, and Woo-bin acquiesced.

  They dunked in one of the cooler of three high-temperature pools before submerging in the main pool, its waters supplied—after some cooling—directly from the hot springs. It was made of black soapstone, and within there were smaller pools sectioned off by two bamboo screens connected at the corners, with an assortment of plants along the edges of the sides facing other pools, all designed for privacy. The lighting was low and comfortable, and the air was humid and scented with minerals and herbs. Jack could smell eucalyptus, clove, and coriander. Some of the pools were sodium bicarbonate, the edges highlighted in soft blue light, and were said to scrub off dead skin cells, and the ones with sodium chloride (highlighted in soft green light) were said to be good for circulation. The three along the far end were the hottest and highlighted by red lighting, with accompanying signs warning guests of the dangers of lengthy exposure to higher temperatures. Woo-bin suggested the sodium chloride because it was similar to seawater. Woo-bin entered the water, slowly submerging. Jack put his feet in and sat on the edge. Woo-bin looked at him questioningly.

  “Too hot. I need to ease my way in.”

  “Ah,” Woo-bin replied, moving to the opposite edge and sitting on the one-foot-wide ledge that ran around the perimeter roughly a foot below the surface.

  “They’ve done an amazing job. It’s better than I imagined.”

  “Yes, Seonsaengnim. The teams worked hard.”

  “Missy told me that the bamboo screens and the lights designating the types of water were your idea.”

  He nodded, smiling shyly.

  His smile was the focal point of the beauty that he possessed. Overall, it wasn’t the beauty of a painting or a sunset or the soft yet powerful attraction of a woman, and he didn’t possess the strength or power of a horse or the regal elegance of a jungle cat like some men. He supposed that those men were considered hot, desirable, sought-after. Common. Woo-bin moved with grace and confidence. The way he stood, his muscles, although not ripped or corded, were full and supple. And the shape of him. God. From his handsome face, framed by a full head of glossy, dark, raven-colored hair, to well-proportioned shoulders and arms with plump biceps and perfectly shaped, good-sized pecs leading to a flat, ridged stomach. A broad back that tapered to the concave slope at the lower area that rose at the beginning of his full and round ass. Jack had thought of that part of Woo-bin’s body many times as he showered. He had never seen Woo-bin naked, of course, but he imagined that his butt was creamy white, tight, square, and dimpled, with a small amount of dark hair within the crack. He’d often fantasized that Woo-bin was standing before him as Jack slowly kissed his neck and back, stopping just above the beginning of his butt crack. Placing a hand on his back, he bent him forward and slid his hands along the sides of his legs and then to the front where he grasped both muscular quadriceps, his face poised before Woo-bin’s ass. At this Jack’s thoughts shattered like glass as he felt his full erection pushing against his swim trunks, tenting them, trying to get out. To expose him. Isn’t this what I wanted? He looked at Woo-bin, who was staring at him, slowly raising his gaze from Jack’s arousal to meet his eyes.

  Jack looked down, slowly sliding into the water, grimacing.

  “Seonsaengnim?”

  “…hot!”

  “You will get used to it.”

  Just like that. Like nothing happened. Jack tried to see beneath the water. Was Woo-bin erect? He couldn’t tell. He was looking right at it, at me. He let out a deep sigh and laid his head back against the edge. He heard movement, and then Woo-bin was beside him. Their bodies didn’t touch, but he sensed he was close. Jack’s eyes were closed, and he didn’t dare move. He could feel the fear and excitement rising within him. What is he doing? There was movement in the water and Jack risked a peek out of the corner of his eye. Woo-bin was very close, his body submerged to his neck, leaning his head against the edge. His eyes were also closed. Jack could hear his breathing. Slow and even. Not rapid, not excited.

  So why did he move over next to me?

  “Seonsaengnim.”

  “Mmmm?”

  “We should move to the cold plunge pool and then to one that is warmer than this one, if you are feeling up to it.”

  Oh, I’m up to it. “Okay. You lead the way.”

  “Yes, Seonsaengnim.” Jack watched as Woo-bin stood facing him and then slowly climbed out of the pool, his groin passing before him. Did it look full? Was he semierect? Wishful….

  He followed, watching his every moveme
nt as he walked toward the plunge pools. Jack was sweating, but luckily he was soaked, and it wouldn’t show. He could feel his cock swelling again.

  Woo-bin stepped in and dunked, unaffected by the drastic change in temperature. Jack, again, slowly made his way in, feet first. This should do. It was freezing. The floodwaters below began to recede quickly.

  Woo-bin was smiling.

  “What?” Jack was now in up to his waist.

  “Nothing, Seonsaengnim. Do you have a very low tolerance for physical discomfort?”

  “I do. I’ve never been good at tolerating extreme temperatures. Heat isn’t as bad as cold, though.”

  “Ah. Do you wish me to warm you? I am not so affected by changes in temperature.”

  What?

  “Well, I think I am getting used to it.” Idiot, warm you. Jack looked at Woo-bin. He seemed serious. “Are you suggesting?—”

  “A back hug. Until you are comfortable.”

  Jack swallowed. There was no chance of an erection in this temperature. “Sure. Okay. I—” Before he could finish, Woo-bin was behind him, arms encircling his midsection as they sunk up to their necks. He could feel Woo-bin’s breath, feel his skin against his. He desperately wanted to turn around. To face him. And, he is warm. How was that possible in this temperature? He must be a furnace in bed. They sat like that for a bit, floating, breathing. Woo-bin’s strong arms held him. Then he felt it. What could only be Woo-bin’s erection against his ass. He froze. Is he? If he was, Woo-bin made no attempt to make it known or to move away. WTF? Jack moved slightly, attempting to move what he hoped was Woo-bin’s erect cock into the crevice of his ass. And it did. Whatever it was slid into place. Did he just gasp? Jack felt an expulsion of air against his wet neck—extra sensitive from being cold. He had to… try. He broke Woo-bin’s hold on him and slowly turned toward him. Both men faced each other in the water. Jack had begun to shiver. Their eyes met. He searched Woo-bin’s for some sign of consent. Woo-bin just retuned his gaze, steady and calm. Jack saw the strength of his heart then. It was all in his eyes. It made him want him like he’d never wanted anyone. He raised his hand out of the water, hesitated, then slowly, with his fingertips, brushed the hair off Woo-bin’s brow, exposing his eyes and eyebrows fully. He noticed for the first time how long and dark his lashes were. Woo-bin did not react. He remained still. Jack slowly leaned in to kiss him, closing his eyes. As their lips met, Jack felt like he’d been connected to a wall socket. His erection returned despite the frigid water. Woo-bin abruptly pulled away.

  Oh no. He stood. Woo-bin did also. If he was erect he clearly wasn’t now. Jack was, again. Woo-bin’s head was lowered. Jack climbed out of the pool and sat on the edge, facing away from Woo-bin, who, he was sure, wasn’t gay.

  “Seonsaengnim….” Woo-bin’s voice was strained. He sounded hurt.

  “Oh my God, Woo-bin, I apologize.” Fuck. “That will never happen again. There is no excuse for my behavior. I can only say how sorry I am.” He must be disgusted and angry. This could turn into a human resources nightmare. Or did he fear that maybe I would fire him? He’d been through so much, and now this. He trusted me.

  “Seonsaengnim….”

  Jack stood and went to the locker room to change. This time he did so in a private changing room. When he was changed and ready, he didn’t see Woo-bin anywhere in the locker room. When he arrived at the car, Woo-bin was holding the door for him. He bowed.

  “Seonsaengnim, Jack, I….”

  Jack moved past him as he climbed in. Woo-bin slowly shut the door. He sat there as the car entered the highway, his throat tight. He felt rejected, fearful, and sad.

  Fifteen

  IT WAS Monday, and Byung-soo had pictures. Apparently wife and baby Jae-ho were doing fine. He hadn’t seen Woo-bin all weekend, since their promising trip to the spa on Friday night turned disastrous. Jack was seated at the kitchen table, and Choon-hee set his morning coffee before him and handed Byung-soo a plate of rice and abalone.

  “Eggs for you, Seonsaengnim?”

  “No, Choon-hee. Not hungry.”

  She looked at him, one eyebrow raised. “You worry too much.”

  What was that supposed to mean, Jack thought. “Have you seen Woo-bin this morning?”

  “His friend pick him up early. She have very fancy car.”

  She? “Lee Eun-seo?

  “Yes. Girl he work with. You meet before.”

  “I know her.” So… is he interested in her? He was going to drive himself crazy at this rate. He really needed to just relax. Ugh. Easier to move Mount Hallasan. Byung-soo drove Jack to work for his 9:00 a.m. with Missy. They were breaking ground in a few days at the new spa location, one that was more environmentally correct, satisfying the public as well as the company. Woo-bin wasn’t at the meeting. Missy said he was going floor by floor in the main hotel building, checking the fire suppression system with Cheol-min. He sighed heavily. He felt as though he needed to talk to Woo-bin about what had happened, but maybe it was better left alone.

  The day dragged on. Missy had come by his office with reports from all the project managers. He had no interest.

  “Jack?” Missy was looking at him, frowning.

  “I’m fine. Just tired.”

  She didn’t respond as she poured him a cup of chamomile tea.

  “I said I was fine. I don’t want tea.”

  She looked at him again. “Seriously, drink it. Your stress level is off the charts. You need a tranq.”

  He looked at his watch. It was 4:00 p.m. He stood and grabbed his coat. “I’m gonna head home. I don’t feel well. Tell GM Lee that I’m canceling for dinner.”

  “He’s just going to call you.”

  “I won’t answer my phone.”

  “Okay. I’ll let him know. And if he wants to reschedule?”

  “I’ll get back to him.”

  The ride home was anything but relaxing. Byung-soo drove like they were involved in a police chase—most likely wanting to get home to his wife and new son. He couldn’t blame him. Choon-hee was not home, so he grabbed a beer and went to sit on the beach. It was a pleasant summer early evening, and the sun was still high enough to warm him. He watched the last of the sea birds—are they called gulls here?—combing the shoreline for something to eat. Choon-hee would be home soon and starting dinner, and he felt guilty because he wasn’t hungry and would not be wanting supper. She worked hard. Will Woo-bin come home tonight? With Eun-seo? Or maybe Cheol-min, or both. I need to get past this, somehow. Maybe this is just a sex thing? He thought about Woo-bin. Maybe not. He decided he would ride his bike to the food mart and get some soju. Going in to change, he threw on a pair of jeans, a T-shirt, and a baseball cap and left via his patio, heading around the house to the garage. He grabbed his bike and headed out.

  It took about thirty minutes up and back, and after returning the bike to the garage, he headed around the yard, avoiding the house and whoever might be home. Going directly to the beach, he deposited the bag with three bottles of soju in a depression in one of the small dunes and went in search of rocks and firewood. He constructed a small fire pit and poured some soju on the wood to help ignite it, but not too much. Don’t want to waste it. Taking a hit off the soju, he dug the bottle into the sand between his legs and then reclined against the sloping dune, hands behind his head. Jack watched the waves as they rolled up the sand, spread themselves thin, and then receded. The fire was buffeted by the wind, crackling and sending a cloud of sparks skyward. I can’t stop thinking about him. He is in my every thought. His throat tightened, and he drank heavily, finishing one bottle, opening another. He’d really never felt this way about any one person in his entire life, not even Nannie. He was never jealous or hungered for a person more than he hungered for food. Woo-bin. How long would this go on? How long would he feel like this? It was clear that Woo-bin didn’t share his feelings. Does he? He imagined what it would be like to kiss Woo-bin again, what he would taste like, the smell of his skin as he kissed his neck
. Despite the alcohol, Jack was getting erect. He rubbed and stroked his hard-on through his jeans. He was wet. He imagined his lips drifting down Woo-bin’s creamy, muscular thigh toward his dark bush. He inhaled. His cock was so hard, he felt like he would come if he touched it, if Woo-bin touched it. In his fantasy he encircled the younger man’s cock and balls with his index finger and thumb, bringing it to attention. He could hear Woo-bin gasping, his breathing in rhythm with the waves as they swelled and crashed ashore. In that moment Jack came without even touching himself. He moaned low as he shuddered, his orgasm coursing through him. He looked around at the empty beach, at the sun as it set, red and pink and purple. Beautiful and lonely. He drained the open bottle and reached for another. Even though the bottles were small, Jack wasn’t used to drinking quite this much. He felt his drunkenness, and he laid his head back and looked at the sky. The first stars were appearing here and there. Should he make a wish? He did. His first.

  IT WAS dark, and he was cold. Someone was lifting him. He was being piggybacked, but he could barely lift his head to see who it was. The shoulder and the arms felt strong. “Byung-soo,” he mumbled.

  “Shhhh,” he heard someone say. “Taking you to bed.”

  I wish. He was deposited on his bed, and he could feel someone undressing him. Shoes, pants, baseball cap, shirt. He tried to open his eyes. His vision was blurry at first.

  Then, “Woo-bin?”

  “Sleep now, Seonsaengnim. I will have Choon-hee make haejang-guk for hangover in the morning.”

  As Woo-bin moved away, Jack grabbed his hand. “Don’t go. Just for now. I feel like I’m going to….” And with that, Jack leaned over the side of the bed to vomit, and Woo-bin was there with a wastebasket.