Kiss the Scumbag-Chapter 46

I don’t want to go.

Winston urged his horse forward instead, trying to suppress the aching desire to turn back and return to Yujin. Left standing in place, Yujin could only watch as Winston’s figure rapidly receded into the distance. Soon he was gone from sight, and Yujin was alone again. As always, silence settled heavily over the annex, broken only by the faint, lonesome rustling of the scenery.

“Aren’t you playing a little too much these days?”

Mrs. Campbell abruptly spoke during dinner. As Winston paused from cutting his meat and looked at her, she continued with a gentle smile.

“Your tutors say you’re keeping up with your lessons, but still. Don’t let yourself get too carried away.”

“That’s all?”

Jason interjected. At his challenge, their mother’s expression instantly hardened.

“What do you mean by that?”

Her reaction was the complete opposite of how she spoke to Winston. Caught off guard by her frosty gaze, Jason hesitated—but didn’t back down.

“I mean, don’t you think you’re being a little unfair? You let Winston do whatever he wants, but for the rest of us...”

“I have no complaints, Mother.”

It was Gordon, the eldest, who cut in this time. Jason threw up his hands and looked at him, baffled by the betrayal. But Gordon smoothly pressed on.

“Winston’s still young. As long as he’s not causing trouble, what’s the harm? When else will he have time to play like this? Right, Winston?”

He even flashed a warm smile at his youngest brother. Watching his brother’s flawless maneuvering, Jason was left speechless. Their mother, apparently satisfied, eased her sharp gaze and added sternly,

“Winston manages all his responsibilities just fine. You should all do the same. Especially you, Jason.”

“Mother...”

Jason called out, clearly frustrated, but fell silent, lips pouting in defeat. With no one coming to his defense, the meal continued. After a beat, Katherine, the eldest daughter, cautiously spoke.

“Father’s quite late today, isn’t he? He must be busy with work.”

Harold had never been a warm father, but he never shirked his duties—one of which was sharing meals with the family. No matter how busy, he always tried to eat breakfast and dinner with them. Now, with his absence being so rare, her comment struck a chord, and their mother’s expression turned cold.

“He said he’d be eating dinner in the annex tonight.”

“...Ah.”

Katherine sighed, flustered. Gordon and Jason also glanced toward their mother. Jason, in particular, realized how unfortunate his timing had been to challenge her today of all days.

The annex?

Winston was the only one who didn’t understand the weight of that word. The air at the table grew heavier, as if everyone knew something he didn’t. The only thing Winston understood was that Yujin was there.

“Is there a problem with the annex?”

As he asked, all eyes suddenly turned to him. That alone was enough to tell him something wasn’t normal. Frowning, he waited for an answer. His mother, smiling as if nothing were amiss, said,

“It’s nothing you need to worry about, dear.”

And that was the end of it. Everyone looked away and resumed eating. Winston wanted to ask more but could tell it wasn’t the time. He had no choice but to let it go.

I’ll just ask tomorrow. freēnovelkiss.com

Yujin will tell me. He always does.

The thought made Winston restless. He missed Yujin so badly he couldn’t bear it. He didn’t even realize what he was eating as he finished the rest of his meal.

By nightfall, the world was completely still. This was his first time sneaking out this late. He crossed the quiet garden carefully, hearing nothing but the occasional rustling of leaves and the eerie call of an owl. As expected, there was no one around when he reached the stables. Winston glanced around and stepped inside.

“Lancelot... Lancelot.”

He called softly, and the horse responded almost immediately. Winston smiled as he approached, gently stroking the horse’s nose.

“Still awake, huh? Think you can carry me for a bit?”

The horse bobbed its head as if in agreement and pawed the ground. Winston quietly led Lancelot out, saddled him, and climbed on. His height—taller than most boys his age—helped at times like this. Moving as silently as possible, he rode until he felt it was safe, then urged the horse into a full gallop toward the annex. Lancelot took off like he’d been waiting for it.

Riding the familiar road at night felt strange. But the thought of seeing Yujin made Winston’s heart pound with anticipation. He’ll be there. I’m going to see him.

I can’t wait.

Yujin’s face was the only thing in his mind. He didn’t think about getting caught or being scolded. None of that mattered. All that mattered was that he was going to Yujin.

Wait for me, Yujin. I’m on my way.

By the time he arrived at the annex, Winston was breathing hard, shoulders rising and falling with each gasp. He briefly worried that Yujin might already be asleep—but then he saw the light shining from the bedroom on the second floor. His face lit up instantly. He leapt off the horse and ran to the door, knocking urgently.

“Yujin, it’s me! Winston! I’m here—open the door! Yujin!”

His voice rose with desperation. It didn’t matter how loud he got—Yujin was the only one living there.

Just as he hoped, footsteps echoed from inside, and the door opened.

“Winston!”

Yujin looked up at him with wide eyes. He was in pajamas—short-sleeved top and shorts made of thin fabric, probably about to sleep. How can someone be so cute? Winston’s smile bloomed on its own.

“What’s going on? Why are you here at this hour...?”

But when it came time to explain, no words came. Just seeing Yujin’s face made Winston forget why he had come. Or maybe it just didn’t matter anymore. What was important? Yujin was right here, right now. Winston fumbled before speaking.

“I heard Father came here tonight.”

“Oh, yeah. But he left already. Did you come looking for Mr. Campbell?”

Yujin asked cautiously. But Winston already knew his father had returned to the main house—he’d checked.

“No, it’s not that.”

Winston took a deep breath, as if exhaling something heavy from deep within.

“I came because I missed you.”

“...What?”

Yujin’s eyes grew even wider. Winston, overwhelmed with emotion, repeated himself.

“I missed you so much. I couldn’t take it.”

Yujin didn’t say anything. He just looked at him. But Winston couldn’t stop himself.

“What about you?”

He didn’t even give Yujin time to respond before pressing on.

“Didn’t you miss me? I... I think about you all the time. Every day. Every single moment.”

Yujin’s face turned pink in an instant. The bashful, flustered look only made him more precious—so adorable, so lovable—that Winston thought his heart might burst.

“Then I’ll go.”

“...Huh?”

Surprised, Yujin blinked as Winston suddenly stepped back. He took [N O V E L I G H T] another step back and said,

“I just... I only came because I missed you. That’s all.”

Embarrassment surged up belatedly. Face flushed, Winston turned away, covering his cheeks with his arm. But then—

“Wait, Winston!”

Yujin caught him by the sleeve. Winston nearly stumbled as he turned around, and there stood Yujin—barefoot, looking up at him. His voice trembled.

“I... I missed you too.”

Winston’s eyes widened. Yujin, unable to bear the embarrassment, covered his face with both hands and murmured,

“I think about you every day too. I always miss you.”

Ah... Yujin.

The words hit him like a wave. Winston’s heart swelled so much it hurt. His hand, still holding Yujin’s arm, trembled. He gave a small tug—and was met with Yujin’s blushing face. He couldn’t take his eyes off him. Their hands clasped tightly.

Winston’s face filled Yujin’s large eyes.

Chok.

With a soft sound, their lips touched. Before either of them realized it, their eyes had fluttered shut. A gentle breeze, as soft as their kiss, passed between them.