Dirty Switch

I had no idea why that question suddenly slipped out. Even I was startled by it and glanced at Choi Yeonjun to gauge his reaction, but he responded casually, as if it was something he’d been asked many times before.
“Well, first off—older women.”
“Older than Baekhan hyung?”

“Yeah. Up to ten years older seems to be fine. Maybe even more? And… ah! Someone with a clearly defined figure. Big chest, slim waist… you know the type.”
Basically, someone like Han Seyeon. As he said it, Choi Yeonjun casually gestured with his chin.
“Then, um… what about secondary gender? Does it have to be an Omega? Or… does he avoid Alphas altogether?”

“Never asked him that. But as long as it’s a woman, I don’t think he cares.”
“…So as long as they’re a woman? Even if a guy’s an Omega, he wouldn’t date them?”
“Right. Only women. And… let’s see, personality? Hmm. His type when it comes to personality… I’m not really sure. I know he said he doesn’t like fake, overly modest types, but Han Seyeon does kind of have that gentle vibe.”

“…I see.”
Maybe sensing the subtle deflation in Joo Taehyun, Choi Yeonjun awkwardly patted his shoulder.
“Mm, kiddo. As someone who’s seen all the best and worst of Seo Baekhan over the years, I can tell you with absolute certainty—Yoonwoo noona is definitely not his type.”

“…What?”
Yoonwoo noona? Startled by the sudden mention of his sister’s name, Joo Taehyun could only gape like a bird, mouth forming a silent ‘O.’ Why is my sister coming up all of a sudden…?
“What does my noona… have to do with anything?”

“Uh? Weren’t you asking to see if you could pair Baekhan up with Yoonwoo noona?”
“What?! What are you even talking about?!”
“Whaat~? Baby, did you call me~?”

Out of nowhere, Joo Yoonwoo suddenly appeared, smelling strongly of alcohol.
“Ugh! Noona, where did you pop out from this time?!”
“I wanted to surprise youuu, hic, I…”
Amazingly, she wasn’t even staggering. But judging by the fact that she was carrying her heels in both hands, she’d clearly gotten drunk in the past hour. She must’ve taken her shoes off to sneak around without making noise, trying not to click her heels on the floor.

“My baby~ Have you been well?”
“Uh-huh, noona. Please put your shoes on first.”
“I’m sorry, I should’ve been protecting my baby… Ugh. Those jerks wouldn’t let me go, just because it’s been a while since we saw each other.”

“Uh-huh… But if Mom and Dad find out you were like this, they’re really going to scold you, so hurry and put your shoes back on.”
“Whoa, that smell—Yoonwoo noona, your breath is insane. Sheesh, this totally screams ‘drank with Sojin noona,’ doesn’t it?”
“Yeah, I saw Cha Sojin. So what?”

Even though he was a bit drunk himself, Choi Yeonjun pinched his nose and subtly backed away from Joo Yoonwoo. He also mumbled about how it was impressive that she wasn’t wobbling despite being so hammered.
“There’s an employee lounge downstairs. Let’s have noona rest there for a bit. If you two go home like this, your parents and brothers are definitely going to say something.”
“Yes, I think that’s best.”

“No, there are… kids in there.”
Joo Yoonwoo poured bottled water into a lowball glass, gulped it down, and let out a heavy sigh.
“Sojin, and the others… Ugh. They’re all passed out in that lounge or whatever, there’s no space left.”

She said everyone had been drinking like crazy in there, to the point that even sober people might get tipsy just by stepping inside. Just recalling it made her gag a little.
“So, what should we do?”
“I’ll call our driver. But… is it okay to leave like this…?”

“You showed up, took a few pictures—your face is on record. That’s enough. You took a photo at the media wall earlier, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then you’re fine. Actually—well, I was gonna say it’d be good to greet Prince Yi Hwang before leaving, but if Yoonwoo noona meets His Highness in this state and ends up puking or something, that would be a disaster.”

Joo Taehyun agreed completely.
And though it was terrible to think this way—apologies to His Highness—I honestly would rather see Seo Baekhan’s face one more time before leaving.
He said “see you again,” didn’t he? Even if it was just a polite phrase, the fact that Seo Baekhan said it made me hope. Made me want to believe.

He’d said he’d be strict about cleaning up the membership list according to the bylaws, so I wanted to ask—if he’s studying in the U.S., how is he planning to adjust his schedule?
I also wondered how many girlfriends he’s had. Why he preferred older women. Why he only dated women in an era like this.
I wanted to know the details of Seo Baekhan’s personal taste—things you couldn’t find by searching online or through a message.

But…
“Seoyeon can’t handle alcohol, so go easy.”
“Ugh, why is Baekhan acting so greasy all of a sudden?”

“His Highness is here, so try to act respectfully.”
I didn’t even need to look for where Seo Baekhan was. I already knew. My eyes went straight to him the moment I lifted my head.
Seo Baekhan was busy taking care of his girlfriend while also catching up with his old friends.

Even in all that, he’d made the time to look after me {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} in Yoonwoo noona’s place—and for that, I was thankful.
“Hey, kid.”
“Yes?”

“Give it up. Yoonwoo noona and Seo Baekhan are, ugh, absolutely never happening.”
Noticing where Joo Taehyun’s gaze had landed, Choi Yeonjun sidled up and whispered to him. Joo Yoonwoo, as if sensing her name was being mentioned, suddenly shouted, “What are you doing to my baby! Why!?”
“…That’s not going to happen. I’ll be going now.”

“You called the driver?”
“Yes, I messaged him. He should be waiting out front by now.”
Choi Yeonjun just shrugged in response. Instead, he silently helped support Yoonwoo from the other side. Anyone else might’ve fussed, saying, “Just stay a little longer,” or “Your sister’s drunk—are you really going to leave her alone?” But not him. He was refreshingly matter-of-fact.

“You really have grown up a lot.”
“Me?”
“Yeah. I mean, your sister drinks now even when you’re not around… Oh? That’s your car, right?”

“Oh, yes. That’s the one.”
Seeing the driver about to rush over upon noticing them, Joo Taehyun quickly gestured for him to wait and walked over to the back seat with Choi Yeonjun. He didn’t show it, but carrying a drunken person wasn’t easy—especially not when you had to be careful not to wrinkle her flowy dress.
He pushed himself as best as he could, worried Choi Yeonjun might tease him for being a kid with no strength. But thankfully, he managed to get Joo Yoonwoo into the back seat faster than expected.

“…Thank you.”
“Mm. Get home safe.”
“Yes. See you next time.”

“Oh, right. Hey, kid.”
“Yes?”
“I still think kids should act like kids.”

“…What do you mean?”
“Earlier, when Baekhan was talking about your expression and complimenting you—I don’t know. You’re still young. Do you really need to be managing yourself like him already? You look better when you smile.”
“…”

“That’s just how I see it. Go on in.”
Having said what he wanted to say, Choi Yeonjun tucked his hands under his arms and jogged back into the building. He moved so fast, I didn’t even get the chance to thank him properly for today.