Possession (10)

“Hyung.”

“…Yes?”

As my expression became serious, Haru, who hesitated as if he had done something wrong, responded cautiously. Seeing that, my mind started to spin rapidly.

Ban Haru.

It was an unusual name. In ancient times, Ban was a surname that an ordinary person in Inso could never have. For example, there’s Ban Huihyeol. Isn’t it a rare surname, regardless if it’s in real life or in Inso? On the other hand, Ban Haru…

It was a name like a male lead- a mysterious male lead. A male lead who seemed to appear out of the blue. Come to think of it, you said that you were delayed by a year because you were sick… I grabbed Haru’s shoulders, my thoughts starting to spiral.

“Are you sick?”

“Huh?”

“Like a chronic disease? A heart disease? Or a bad organ? Are you planning to receive a donation because of your illness? Are you suffering because you haven’t found a donor yet?”

“…?”

Haru looked embarrassed by the sudden questions, but my questioning didn’t end there.

“Or are you thinking of donating your organs later? Are you devoted to someone you care for? To the point where you’d donate your own eyes if your brother was in danger of blindness? Surely you haven’t already donated it? That’s why your bangs are down…”

“I-It’s not like that…”

“Really?”

“Yes…”

I didn’t know what it was, but Haru wiggled his fingers as he answered me. I came to my senses and held my breath as I looked at the terrified Haru. I didn’t mean to do this. I was just so excited by the name of Ban Haru.

“Sorry, I got too excited.”

“I-It’s nothing.”

“Anyway, you’re saying that you don’t want to or have any plans to donate your organs, right?”

“Yes…”

“Then why did you say you were sick?”

Ah… Haru kept his mouth shut. Anyone could tell that he didn’t want to answer as he slightly opened his lips and closed them again.

Scratch, scratch. Haru scratched his hand. To me, it seemed like a sign of anxiety.

“You don’t want to answer?”

“…”

Haru was silent. He stubbornly refused.

Feeling awkward, I reached out to stop Haru’s scratching habits. Only then did the intermittent noise stop.

A moment of silence followed. It was neither heavy nor light. I looked at Haru’s hidden eyes, swallowed a sigh and slowly lowered my hand that was covering Haru’s.

I don’t think it’s just low self-esteem. I think he’s been through things…

It wasn’t that I wasn’t curious about what kind of life Haru had been living, but it was obvious that if I asked, there would be no answer.

He seemed innocent enough to follow me if I offered him candy, but is he like that or is he wary?

Thinking about Haru, I brushed my hair. Haru didn’t say a word as his loose, straight hair fluttered.

“…I was just trying to be careful. I don’t mean to burden you.”

“…”

“Still, it’s weird if I don’t know if you’re in pain when you’re my partner. It’s not that you have to tell me, but it would be nice to know where it hurts, so please tell me if it’s okay.”

Anytime was fine. I talked quietly as if to soothe him, but when I looked at Haru, the quiet Haru opened his mouth as if trembling.

“…Are you angry?”

“Huh?”

I raised my voice at the question. I don’t know how I look in Haru’s eyes, but I am used to being patient. If anything, I was quite accustomed to being so patient to the point that I can endure anything. Besides, I wasn’t the angry type in the first place.

“I’m not angry.”

“…Really?”

“Yes, so hold your head up. It’s weird that someone taller than me is doing that.”

“…”

“If anyone sees this, they’ll think I’m bullying you. What if people misunderstand that I’m bullying you?”

Let’s just say it in a joking tone and hope that a laugh can subdue the atmosphere. I know you’re not that kind of person… a small voice said. I laughed a little without knowing. With my protective instincts kicking it, it feels like I’ll have to carry him on my back.

While taking care of him for the next six months, I’ll have to help him with his stuttering and become more confident.

I stroked my chin because we had a lot to do; he could barely raise his head and spit out a question.

“Hyung, out of curiosity, do you know a person named Ban Huihyeol?”

“Huh?”

“Ban Huiheyol.”

“…”

“Hyung, if you don’t know, just say so. You don’t need to be so worried if you don’t know.”

“Ah… right…”

If you don’t know, you don’t know. I pointed out his jittery manner, causing him to nod slowly and say he didn’t know.

For now, this was enough. I don’t know what kind of illness he has, but at least it didn’t seem to be a heart disease or anything, and he said he wasn’t planning to receive organ donations. He also said he had no intention of donating organs, so he should be okay for the time being.

“Come to think of it, do you have any questions for me?”

“…Huh?”