Oil On Canvas

“Seems like your phone is ringing.”“It’s not work-related.”Luca said this as he took a phone out of his pocket. The screen was silent.“That’s for personal use, but well.”He didn’t need to explain further. It was clear that Dojin’s lie had already turned into a rumor related to Luca’s private life.The phone kept ringing persistently.It would stop for a few seconds, only to start ringing again. The never-ending monotone ringtone sounded like a dreary curse.“Aren’t you going to answer it?”“It’s annoying, and this way, it’s more dramatic, don’t you think?”‘Then why not put it on silent or turn it off?’How long did he have to feel guilty about the noise? But having committed the sin, he couldn’t push too hard.Dojin set his fork down, looking at Luca, who had finished his meal. He had managed to empty his plate of pasta.“Are you finished?”“Yes.”“Let me clear this up, then.”“I’ll do that.”Dojin stood up. He felt obligated to do something since he had not only been treated to dinner but also caused trouble. But Luca stopped him from picking up the dishes.“Do you want dessert?”“Dessert? Um… sure.”“Let’s discuss how to handle this issue over dessert. No need to clean up, just think about it.”With Luca’s firm expression, Dojin couldn’t argue. He awkwardly sat back down.‘How to handle it?’Naturally, his mind was blank. The reckless lie he had told was already spreading far and wide.‘How do I even handle this…?’The situation had long since slipped out of his hands. The thought made his stomach twist.Claims of delusions, threats to Luca Orsini, poor Italian language skills.Every kind of clumsy lie he could think of came to mind. None of them seemed even remotely plausible.“Dojin.”Looking up, he saw a small, flaming glass in Luca’s hand.Though he quickly closed his gaping mouth, Luca’s lips already held a faint smile. A rich chocolate mousse topped with raspberries had appeared in front of Dojin. Luca set the glass down next to it.“Blow it out and take a sip.”“Is it coffee?”“It’s liquor. Digestif. You looked like you were having a hard time.”“Oh, how did you know that…”“Didn’t I mention you’re bad at hiding your expressions?”The blue flame was easily extinguished with a puff. The drink tasted like black coffee with a lot of sugar.Dojin took a bite of the chocolate mousse in front of him. This wasn’t the time, but it was delicious. Luca was eating the same dessert as Dojin.Dessert with Luca Orsini.‘Doesn’t suit him.’It was as mismatched as a predator having tea.Yet, in terms of rarity and novelty, it was hard not to keep looking. It was surprising to see him using the small teaspoon so elegantly. Sensing Dojin’s gaze, Luca looked up.“So, have you thought about how to proceed?”“Uh, well, if Mr. Orsini could make some sort of explanation…”“What kind of explanation?”Dojin’s delusions, threats, lack of Italian skills.Thinking twice, he was too embarrassed to just blurt them out. Dojin slowly scooped up the remaining chocolate mousse. Watching him, Luca set down his teaspoon.“We can’t deny it now, so let’s stick with it.”“Until when?”“Until we reveal ‘Water Play,’ roughly around that time. Is that okay?”“And then we break up?”“Yes. Citing irreconcilable differences.”Divorce, he thought.But Dojin’s situation was different.Even now, the bell upstairs rang like a song, so breaking up would be a mess.‘Maybe it will end up being a vague scandal? Ousted… something like that.’Luca’s world was different from Dojin’s everyday life. It was an unknown world.Like something medieval in the 21st century, with power and intrigue. He had even heard about heirs before.Thoughts of Claudio muttering about power came to mind. It was Luca who cut them off.“Do you prefer another reason besides irreconcilable differences?”“No, that’s fine. But are you okay with, um, being associated with me? Your family has… a lot of power. Are you an heir or something?”“Are you serious?”“Sort of?”“I think you might be more suited for creation than restoration, Dojin.”His face showed he was taken aback. He had gone too far, mentioning thrones.“In the end, it’s about who inherits more money, where the money goes. I’m not that interested, so rumors about us don’t matter.”“But you like money.”“Well… yes.”Luca hesitated before answering. But it was only for a moment. He soon returned to his usual, extremely bored and relaxed expression.“I’m not in desperate need of money.”Oh, I see. Dojin smirked inwardly. He wished he could say it out loud, but he couldn’t because of the guilt he felt.“There’s already a lot of talk about how I’m not very picky.”“Oh… Are you really not picky?”Dojin’s question was meaningless.It was just a way to participate in the conversation with minimal words, a habit he picked up while living abroad.But Luca tilted his head.“What do you think?”Honestly, he wasn’t very curious.But he felt like he knew the answer. This was the man who had tried to drag Dojin upstairs at that private party.‘Not picky? He probably devours everything in sight.’Thinking that made him feel a faint irritation. It was an emotion he couldn’t quite identify.He blamed it on the incessant ringing of the bell upstairs.“I should respect your privacy, Mr. Orsini.”It was an appropriate answer. At least, Dojin thought so. It sounded mature and evasive enough. He smiled proudly.He didn’t notice the man in front of him looking at him with a very interested expression.“But Dojin.”“Yes.”“What about you?”“What about me?”“Are you okay with rumors about us dating?”“Oh, right.”A groan escaped Dojin’s lips.‘I didn’t think about that.’A look of dismay appeared on Dojin’s face.“Will it be a problem?”Luca asked, seemingly surprised. His shamelessness was astonishing.‘Is it only your reputation that matters? Do you think you’re a king who touched a commoner?’It wasn’t a situation where he had to be eternally grateful. He couldn’t predict exactly how the rumors would affect his life. But it would definitely be a hassle.‘Well, I can’t help it.’After all, it was a story that started from his own mouth. Besides, as an Asian working in Europe, he was already a standout wherever he went. Becoming an unusual figure was something he was used to. If he could restore “Water Play” alone, it was worth it.“My parents might be shocked, but I don’t think the rumors will reach Korea.”“Then it’s settled. Let’s say we fell in love, and I brought you to live in this house. So I come and go often, and we move around together frequently. Does that work for you?”Aside from the love part, it wasn’t a difficult story for Dojin. But it wasn’t completely okay.“Um.”“Is there anything else we need to consider?”“Well, just in case, really just in case, if Mr. Orsini were to, um, make any physical contact with me…”Dojin’s throat tightened before he could finish. It felt like he was getting ahead of himself with someone he wasn’t interested in, but Luca’s track record was too colorful to ignore.“Oh.”Luca rubbed his temple with his sleek finger before speaking.“Well, in front of others, just enough to avoid suspicion should be fine.”“Yes, just enough to avoid suspicion, that’s important. Absolutely not too much.”“Then what’s your definition of ‘too much’?”‘He wants me to say it out loud.’Luca looked genuinely amused. The confidence of someone who had read all his cards irritated Dojin.It was better to be clear now. Dojin steeled himself, thinking of the peace that a moment of embarrassment could bring.“Kissing in front of others… is definitely too much.”“Didn’t you say it helped with the restoration?”“We’re not going to do the restoration in front of others.”“So, a kiss that helps with the restoration is okay?”That slightly slow, seductive low voice. Dojin knew Luca spoke like that when he was teasing him.“No, that’s not…”Even knowing that, he was at a loss for words and got caught up in Luca’s teasing. Luca remembered Dojin’s nonsense perfectly and even counterattacked.‘Why did I say that?’If he could turn back time, he would want to punch his past self. His mouth felt dry.‘Don’t get caught up.’Dojin steeled himself again.“Mr. Orsini, that’s not the point. Back to what we were discussing. I think holding hands, hugging, cheek kisses, that sort of thing is fine.”“Dojin.”Luca frowned and shook his head.“Dating your family is illegal.”“What?”“It sounds like you want to look like a couple doing things you do with family members you haven’t seen in a while.”“Honestly, Mr. Orsini, you’re not that close with your family.”Luca laughed lightly at Dojin’s weak attack.Yes, he admitted it. There was no way Dojin could win against Luca, especially on this topic when Luca was dead set on teasing him.Luca’s handsome face contributed to Dojin’s failure. He kept getting distracted by Luca’s smiling face. Luca seduced people indiscriminately with that aristocratic laugh.“We’re supposed to act like a couple, but don’t you think what Dojin can do is too limited?”“I’m from a Confucian, Confucian country where…”“Confucianism.”All Luca did was repeat the word Dojin had said.‘Why am I suddenly bringing up Confucianism!’Just using that as an excuse made his face burn with shame. Dojin closed his eyes tightly.If only he had kept his mouth shut, it wouldn’t have been half as bad. Regret always came too late.“Does Confucianism say it’s okay for a man to date another man?”It was clearly mocking, but what did it matter? This conversation was already ruined.Dojin stood up abruptly.Any more words, and he’d just spout more nonsense. Today was not his day.He had already lost too much in this damn business dinner. Pride, self-esteem, all those things that were supposedly good to have.“I’m going to go in. I, yes, I’ll go in.”Luca looked at him with apparent interest. He didn’t stop him. It was somewhat expected.Luca Orsini didn’t need to care much about Bae Dojin’s escape.“Good night, darling.”Why would he? After all, he was in the palm of his hand.Ignoring the irritating farewell, Dojin trudged up the stairs. Luca’s laughter and the damned bell’s duet tickled his ears.***“Mm.”The atmosphere in the museum’s restoration room was always calm. Conversations were quiet, and there was a serene, leisurely feel when dealing with old things.Yes, usually it was like that.“Is that him?”“I can’t see his face well.”But not that day.Since morning, restoration inquiries had suddenly flooded in. It wasn’t that the influx itself was a problem. The real issue was the unnecessary people wandering in and out of the restoration room.Their eyes were mainly focused on Dojin’s back or the nape of his neck.“Is it really him? He must have lost his mind.”‘I’m screwed.’Ignoring the voices that were all too clear, Dojin adjusted the loupe. Using the work magnifier always made him feel a bit like a quirky scientist, but at this moment, he was just grateful it covered his face a little.“Anyone not part of the restoration team, get out. We’re busy, what are you all doing here?”It seemed Angelo finally decided to act like a boss and closed the restoration room door. The onlookers were gone, but the tense atmosphere remained. Dojin knew it too. He just did his best to ignore it.“Seriously, if you’re curious, just ask him.”“You’re curious too, right? But is it discriminatory to ask something like this?”“Just asking isn’t a problem, is it?”“Are you two in elementary school or something?”‘I should have worn earbuds.’Pretending not to hear the obvious chatter while trying to focus was just painful.‘Who am I kidding?’It was all Dojin’s fault. He never expected the rumors to spread so quickly.That damn Claudio. Dojin gritted his teeth.“Doin.”Gemma approached Dojin, almost pushed forward. Given their closeness, it was inevitable. Dojin deliberately kept his hands busy.“Yeah?”“Nothing unusual, right? Not just today, I mean.”“I’m worried about all the work we got today. I don’t think I’ll finish by the end of the day.”“Yeah, the restoration room was unusually busy today.”“Right. And why are there so many cracks in this one that’s not even that old? The humidity is a real issue. Gemma, could you hand me the iron?”“Yeah, it’s the humidity problem. Building a museum in Venice is insane.”Gemma responded with the typical, everyone-says-it kind of reply as she handed over the electric iron. Dojin took it and pressed it onto the thin fabric-backed canvas. The adhesive melted too slowly.“But aside from work, Doin.”“Yeah?”“Everything okay in your personal life?”Hoping she’d drop it soon, but Gemma was persistent. Always a good friend who looked out for him, it wasn’t easy to pretend not to know when she asked like this.‘I really would tell you if I could.’The problem was that what Gemma and the museum folks wanted to hear went beyond what he could easily share. Apologizing inwardly to Gemma, Dojin looked up.“Sorry, what?”“Never mind. Doin, if you have time after, do you want to grab lunch together? My treat.”A tough opponent indeed. When it came to fun rumors, Gemma never backed down. Though pushed forward, she really seemed curious.With no other choice, Dojin had to accept that he’d end up confirming the rumors himself.“It should be okay. You bought me a spritz last time. It’s my turn.”Forcing a smile, Dojin turned his attention back to the canvas.Applying adhesive, pressing with the iron, applying again, and pressing again. In the midst of the chaotic commotion, the old and worn canvas was Dojin’s only sanctuary.***It wasn’t lunch with Gemma that nailed the rumors.Dojin did nothing. No, it would be more accurate to say he couldn’t do anything, nor did he need to.“Dojin.”It was lunchtime and Dojin’s quitting time in the museum lobby. From security to the information desk, café staff, and ticket booth employees, everyone was gathered there. In that place, where hundreds of people pass through daily, the man he wanted to avoid the most, Luca Orsini, called out to him.‘This is crazy.’Most of the museum staff’s eyes were on Dojin. Gemma gasped beside him, and Dojin sighed.“Mr. Orsini.”“I’ve been waiting for a while.”“Oh, for me.”‘Not doing the job of a director.’As one of the staff, he wanted to express his strong disapproval of the lax management. But he couldn’t. Dojin’s eyes darted around. He had never been the center of attention like this, and it made him anxious.“Who else would I be waiting for here besides you, Dojin?”Moreover, Luca seemed genuinely committed to this fake lover act. His gaze, which made even his insides tingle, touched his cheek. Dojin bit his lower lip unconsciously.“For what…”“We were supposed to go together.”“Now? Where?”“I told you in the morning, don’t you remember?”What conversation? Dojin didn’t even know if Luca had stayed at Marisa’s house or gone back. Yet, fearing they might run into each other, he had left for work at dawn.He swore he hadn’t seen a single strand of Luca’s hair this morning.“Me, with you, Mr. Orsini?”“Yes. Did you forget?”Dojin widened his eyes at Luca. He should have understood the signal to stop messing around, but Luca just raised his eyebrows and pretended not to know.“I have a lunch appointment.”“No, go, Doin. We can have lunch later. It’s fine. Really, it’s fine.”Of all times, Gemma decided to be a considerate friend. Or maybe her curiosity, which she wanted to satisfy over lunch, was already resolved. She even pushed him, showing great enthusiasm.“Let’s have lunch tomorrow, for sure!”Gemma said, smiling. Luca nodded slightly in thanks on Dojin’s behalf.“Let’s go, Dojin.”Luca lightly placed his hand on Dojin’s back. He flinched but couldn’t show it. It was awkward, but there was no other choice but to smile. Luca returned the smile charmingly.‘Well.’It did make them look somewhat like a couple.Aside from the fact that Luca’s hand on his clothes was quite bothersome.“What did we promise?”As soon as they left the museum, Dojin turned his body. Luca’s hand fell away, and Dojin could finally breathe a little.“I was going to tell you, but you left for work too early.”“Then we didn’t make a promise.”“You didn’t check your messages either.”“Who checks messages while working?”“That’s a perfect answer for an employee. Zero points as a lover. Is that also a Confucian virtue?”There was no answer to the sly question, so Dojin kept his mouth shut.Yes, to go halfway, he really had to sew his mouth shut. Luca laughed a little at Dojin.‘Do you find this funny?’The baseless laughter annoyed him, but he understood. It was more amusing than funny. Dojin tried to accept the situation as calmly as possible.Luca walked first, and Dojin followed.As he walked, unfamiliar alleys appeared. It wasn’t the direction of Marisa’s house.“Where are we going?”“I’ll tell you when we get there.”“What?”Luca stopped walking and looked towards the canal. Following his gaze, Dojin saw a white boat.It had cream-colored seats for about six people at the bow, a steering wheel near the stern covered by a windscreen, and more seats behind it—a sleek boat.“This?”Instead of answering, Luca used his long legs to hop into the boat. Watching the boat rock from the impact, Dojin sighed.“I have restoration work to do.”“This is a bit more important.”“Nothing is more important to me than restoration.”“Just get in. It’s about the document.”Luca said, extending his large hand like an escort.“No, tell me where we’re going first, and I’ll get in.”“Lido.”Lido. A long island near Venice. Known for its annual international film festival and beautiful beaches, but not a common tourist destination. It’s where Venice locals move to escape the tourist crowds. That’s all Dojin knew.“Why Lido?”“My grandmother’s friend lives there. I want to ask if she knows anything about the document.”“You can go alone.”“Unfortunately, she doesn’t like me.”“Do you think she’ll like me?”“Definitely more than me. She’s from Hong Kong and always says she’s tired of seeing white people.”Dojin clicked his tongue at that.Yeah, he could fully understand the feeling of being tired of seeing white people all the time, regardless of who Signora’s friend was. Race isn’t necessarily important in life, but after living abroad for a long time, there’s a certain comfort in seeing someone of the same race.‘It’s part of the contract.’Dojin hesitated for a moment, then took Luca’s hand and stepped onto the boat. The slight rocking made the sensation of floating on water very vivid.He awkwardly sat on the seat, gripping the handrail tightly. Luca expertly untied the elastic rope from the long wooden stake driven into the canal and took the wheel. The motor sound was heard. Dojin swallowed hard.“Mr. Orsini, you can drive this, right?”“I have a license, so don’t worry. Do you get seasick?”“I was fine on the water bus.”“A boat is different.”“Don’t worry about me.”With that, the boat started moving slowly. It was a strange feeling. As Luca said, even though they were both boats, it felt very different from the water bus, probably due to the size. The sensation of cutting through the water and the wind brushing his cheek was intensely vivid. He was suddenly scared.“We’re just going like this? Without seat belts? What about life jackets?”“This isn’t a car, so no seat belts. Life jackets should be under the seat. They were there last time I checked.”“…should be?”“I just asked my assistant to take it out, so I’m not sure.”Luca’s answer was ominous in many ways.The boat gradually picked up speed. It wasn’t very fast yet because they were still in the canal.To get to Lido, they had to go out into the sea, where the speed would increase significantly. It wasn’t hard to predict. Dojin’s eyes blinked rapidly.“Um, Mr. Orsini. When was the last time you drove this?”At least tell me you drove it here last summer. Or at least once last year.“Um.”The hesitation leaking from Luca’s mouth was never a good sign.“Maybe two years ago?”“Hey, I can’t swim!”“Oh, really?”“Does that sound like a joke to you?”Dojin shouted, pressing his back tightly against the hull and gripping the handrail until his fingers turned white. Luca remained leisurely despite seeing Dojin turn pale.“Well, trust me.”“I don’t trust you at all.”“There’s nothing you can do about it now.”The relaxed voice returned. Dojin closed his eyes, smelling the faint scent of water.He felt like praying to a god he’d never sought before.“Faster!”“Dojin, sit down.”“Can’t we go a little faster?”“No, we’re already speeding.”Just ten minutes ago, he was trembling with fear.Now, half-hanging onto the handrail, with half his body out of the boat, Dojin kept exclaiming in awe.“This is amazing. Wow, wow!”“The waves will make it a bit shaky.”Riding a boat and cutting through the water in the open sea was a thrill Dojin had never experienced before.When a large water bus or cruise ship passed by in the distance, the big waves they created made the boat rock. Even that was enjoyable.“It looks like a painting. Not oil, but watercolor?”The layered, rippling greenish-blue sea, the sparkling water surface, the silvery-white foam breaking as the boat moved, and the bright sunlight.Overwhelmed by the beauty of the scenery, Dojin looked at Luca. Behind the windscreen, Luca’s expression was hidden by sunglasses.“It’s better than a painting.”It was a pleasantly agreeable response to something he thought might have sounded too cheesy. Feeling good again over something trivial, Dojin smiled broadly.“Can I do that Titanic thing?”“Sit down. Please. You said you can’t swim.”“You’re the one who told me to trust you, Mr. Orsini.”“I told you to trust me, not that I’d save you if you fall in while goofing around.”‘This guy is impossible.’But he couldn’t stay mad for long, given the experience. Dojin reached out over the side of the boat. The cool sensation slipped through his fingers. It was ticklish and fun.“Then can we go a little faster?”“You’ll get seasick.”“I told you not to worry about me.”“I’ll speed up a bit after we pass the coast guard area up ahead. Hold on tight, please.”Dojin pulled his hand back at Luca’s request. The sun clung to his wet fingertips, making them sparkle.Like a child showing off something, Dojin raised his hand and looked at Luca without thinking. He felt as if he met Luca’s gaze through the sunglasses.‘As if.’Dojin quickly clenched his fingers. The boat rocked again as it passed over the waves. Feeling strange for no reason, Dojin quickly turned to look at the sea.An island came into view.Dojin closed his eyes, feeling like a pirate sailing the seas. The boat swayed just gently enough to be enjoyable, and the salty, fishy sea scent was palpable.“Um… Mr. Orsini.”Unfortunately, that pleasant sensation faded sooner than he expected.Seeing the island in the distance, he thought it would take at most five minutes to get there.“How long to Lido?”“About fifteen minutes.”The journey they had traveled and the path ahead were all blue sea, and the island showed no sign of getting closer. He couldn’t tell where they were. Dojin slumped like a tired dog, staring at the vast ocean. Initially thinking the open view was nice, now the unchanging scenery made him queasy.“Dojin.”“Yes…”“You’ve been too quiet for the past five minutes.”“Ah…”“Are you seasick?”“Maybe just a little bit.”Yes, it was all his fault.It was his first time on a boat, and his first time out in the open sea like this. He had gotten overly excited like a reckless child, and now he was seasick.This was the price he paid for scoffing at Luca’s warning that it would be different from the water bus.‘Should’ve listened.’He was breaking out in a cold sweat from the nausea. He heard a shallow sigh from Luca.See? I told you to stay still.It wasn’t hard to predict Luca would soon scold him. Dojin leaned against the handrail.“Dojin. Come lie down in the back. Try to hold out for five minutes, and if you still feel sick, let me know.”There was an unexpected kindness in the voice coming from the steering wheel. There was a wide enough seat in the back to lie down on.Dojin staggered like a zombie as he got up. Luca, holding the steering wheel with one hand, offered the other for support.‘I’m fine.’Despite thinking that, Dojin took the hand. The boat jolted slightly as they hit a big wave, and Luca held his hand tightly, bracing himself to support Dojin.“Thanks.”Dojin muttered as he let go of Luca’s hand and collapsed onto the seat. The world spun, and the bile rising made him miserable.The boat’s speed slowed significantly. Somehow, even when hitting big waves, it didn’t rock as much as before.“Everyone gets seasick the first time they ride a small boat. The waves are strong today, and my driving is rusty since it’s been a while.”“I was the one who rushed you.”There was no response to that. Though it was less intense than before, the boat still rocked gently on the water.Despite it being winter, the relentless sun beat down on Dojin. It was cold, yet hot, and his stomach churned. Meanwhile, the clouds above looked annoyingly pretty.“Still. From Dojin’s perspective, this trip came up suddenly, and I didn’t think to bring any medication.”Hearing what sounded like an apology, Dojin raised his head. The sudden movement made his head throb. Luca glanced back momentarily at Dojin’s soft groan.“Try to distract yourself. You can talk about anything.”“Did you, uh, ever get seasick, Mr. Orsini?”“Me?”“The first time you were on a boat.”“I don’t remember when that was.”Not an interesting answer, but likely true. Besides, it wasn’t useful for distracting himself. Debating whether to point that out, Luca spoke again.“People here, including myself, don’t get seasick, but many get car sick. Once you’re used to boats, you’ll probably get car sick later.”“I don’t see myself getting used to boats.”“In Venice, boats are like cars. If you plan to stay at Cà D’oro, you might eventually buy one.”“I don’t have that kind of money. If you raise my salary, maybe.”Luca laughed at the unusually weary-sounding response. Dojin muttered to himself.“Wasn’t the restoration fee for ‘Water Play’ supposed to be high?”“No house, so why a boat? Just give me a ride sometimes.”“Me?”“While pretending to be lovers, like now. If we need to go somewhere. You have free time.”It was an unfiltered statement, possibly because of his discomfort. Only after saying it did Dojin realize.‘Did I sound too familiar?’He saw Luca’s face the most in recent days. Luca’s teasing had become predictable. Yet still…‘Why am I thinking of myself with him?’There was no clear answer. Maybe familiarity bred a certain ease.Dojin regretted his request. Ever since meeting Luca, he often regretted his words.“Just…”“Sure.”He was about to say he didn’t mean it.Luca’s cool reply cut him off.‘Is he being kind because I’m sick?’Even though it wasn’t a big deal, Dojin found Luca’s response rather kind. Maybe his discomfort had softened his feelings. Feeling his mind sufficiently distracted, Dojin closed his eyes without replying.***“Dojin.”He must have dozed off. The voice waking him felt distant. Luca was not behind the steering wheel. They were at the island dock.“Can you get up?”“Yes.”“Then help me with that.”Dojin stood up. Though there was a bit of queasiness, it was nothing compared to before. Luca pointed at a large wooden post, about the size of a human torso, driven into the sea at the edge of the dock.“Hold onto that tightly. Like you’re hugging it. If you don’t hold on tight, you’ll fall, so be careful.”“Fall? Me? The post or me?”“Now, hold on tight.”At Luca’s urging, Dojin hugged the post. Every time the waves hit, the boat swayed, and Dojin’s body tilted more and more. He braced his legs.“If you’re not careful, you will fall.”At Luca’s warning, Dojin clung to the post for dear life. Luca wrapped the rope around the post and then tied it to the boat cleat in various knots. Thanks to the secure tying, the docking was completed without much trouble.“Is it done?”“Thanks to you.”Finally letting go, Dojin sighed. He had no idea what he had been doing, just hugging a post as instructed, feeling like he had been in a bizarre dream.“You look wide awake now.”Luca said, climbing up onto the dock first. Dojin followed but saw Luca’s outstretched hand.‘I’ve held that hand too many times today.’It was a fleeting thought. The gap between the boat and the dock wasn’t that wide.‘I’ve already held it so many times.’One more time wouldn’t make a big difference. Plus, slipping into that gap would be more embarrassing.So Dojin took the hand again. Luca firmly supported him.‘Oh.’It was a brief moment, but it felt reassuring. Dojin shook his head. His body still wasn’t in great shape. It must be why. He dismissed the strange emotion that had arisen momentarily.“Rest here for a bit.”He thought they were heading straight to Signora’s friend’s house, but Luca led Dojin to a nearby shaded bench.It was a cold yet hot day.It was winter, and the sea breeze was strong, but the sun was intense enough to burn his skin.“I’ll be right back.”He didn’t have the energy to ask where Luca was going. It didn’t matter. Dojin nodded absentmindedly.The sound of seagulls crying could be heard. There were many colorful signs, and the laid-back atmosphere typical of a seaside town was palpable. At a glance, there were few outsiders among the people wandering around, most of them elderly with graying hair.Why is this happening right now―The kind of stares he was used to now felt a bit more piercing.‘If the grandma from Hong Kong lived in a place like this, she must have had a hard time.’It was a leisurely thought.Who worries about whom? Dojin thought self-mockingly, letting the sea breeze wash over him. About ten minutes later, he felt a tap on his back. It was Luca.“You’re back quickly.”“Drink this. We’re going to walk, but it’s not that far. Rest a bit more if you need to.”He handed him a bottle of water. There was another brown bag next to it. Noticing Dojin’s gaze, Luca explained.“It’s medicine. Motion sickness pills.”“For me?”“Yes. I’ll keep them. Ask for them before we head back to Venice. It’s a medicine you need to take an hour or two in advance, so remember that.”Dojin felt a sudden, inexplicable emotion. He looked back and forth between the medicine bag, the water, and Luca.Sitting down, Luca appeared radiant and distinct, thanks to the backlight and the cold air.Is that even possible? Dojin squinted slightly as he pondered.“You’re… being kind today.”Instead of expressing gratitude, his tone was curt. Luca responded with a short laugh.Dojin expected Luca to say something like, “Don’t I have to act like your lover?” or “I’ve always been kind.”But Luca simply opened the water bottle and handed it to him. That was all.When Dojin realized Luca wasn’t going to add anything, he took the bottle. Luca stood there for a moment, clear and bright, until Dojin drank the water and said they should get going.It was a day when his expectations kept being upended.