The Story Of Bunny And Fox

Vol 1: Week 1 (2)

The sun is bright even though it's already six o'clock in the afternoon. In the summer, the sun is up even after seven o'clock, making London nights hot until late. Karlyle's body, which has adapted to the quiet and calm atmosphere, feels uncomfortable with the lively sound of the evening. He tugs at the collar of his thin suit shirt. It feels uneasy, as if he has come to a place he shouldn't have come. The nape of his neck feels stiff.

"Even now I can still...."

It's not too late. Even now, he can break this deal and pretend that nothing has happened. His symptoms can be treated with drugs or psychological counseling, and if it doesn't work out, he can just take inhibitors and stay away from sex for a while. When that thought appears, regret rises inside him. No matter how he looks at it, this deal is such a stupid choice.

Having sex with an Alpha?

It's so absurd, unprofessional, and risky. It's a far cry from his principle of investing only in things that have stable and certain values.

His father Jonathan often told him that sometimes he had to take risks to get what no one has gotten. Whether in life or business, Jonathan believes that such moments will come at least once.

But Karlyle doesn't like risk. Ever since his younger brother was kidnapped at a very young age and his family was rocked by indescribable horrors, Karlyle prefers certainty. He acts only when things are under his control. And yet, he doesn't understand why he made this choice....

"You are here early."

Hearing the voice behind him, Karlyle turns around. Someone towers over him. He has to lift his gaze a little. Staring at the eyes looking down at him, Karlyle thinks,

Does this person remember me?

"Have you come?" Karlyle asks.

His voice comes out dryly. He raises his eyes to take a clear look at the other person's face. His disheveled black hair and the sadly curved lip corners give off a very gentle feeling.

He's a handsome man. It's been a long time, but this person still remains clear in Karlyle's memory. His soft face looks a little more mature than 6 years ago, and more friendly than a few months ago. Both meetings were short, less than 5 minutes. Still, Karlyle remembers this man correctly.

"Mr. Jones." Karlyle says his name.

He might not remember other things correctly, but Ash Jones isn't much different. Even his sweet low voice and the smile that makes the opponent melt haven't changed.

Karlyle wonders again, whether Ash remembers the New Year's Eve 6 years ago. Does he remember that they have met, and kissed?

"Have you waited long?" Ash asks.

"No, it's my fault for coming early."

Ash's eye corners curl up slightly. His gray and blue eyes under his eyelids folded in perfect curves give off a strange feeling. Those are the only pair of eyes that attract Karlyle, who has never felt anything when looking at arts, sculptures, or people who are said to be handsome. It's his first time seeing different colored eyes. Maybe that's why.

"The wind is quite cold, so I made a reservation at a restaurant with a patio." Ash says.

Shall we go? As Ash suggests, Karlyle nods. Ash turns around and starts walking. Karlyle also begins to follow him.

The restaurant is not far from Notting Hill Station. The pub, painted in a turquoise color that is close to white, is bright and shining. Passing the 5-minute walk street, nobody says anything. The atmosphere between them is somewhat heavy, Karlyle touches the collar of his shirt again. It's the first time he has met anyone like this.