BOYFRIENEMIES

ETHAN IS COLD

After returning from the hospital to see Bear, Chaerin complained very tired and immediately ran towards his room with his excited face, leaving Ethan still at the door, greeted by Christopher.

Ethan doesn't look good at the moment, Christopher thinks there might be something going on with his master that causes him to silently stare at the door, without a single word coming from his lips. Upon arrival at home, Ethan will usually command something but not this time.

Christopher thought of something to start the conversation, but he had not had time to say the first word, Ethan finally made a sound, after a long silence.

"Cris, do you think I have flaws?"

Christopher was confused by the question from his master, plus the look on Ethan's face that looks disappointed. Ethan looks grim, perhaps this is the first time Christopher has seen Ethan's overcast face after 20 years together.

Ethan's question is also very strange to Christopher. Ethan never asks how others view him, Ethan always does his best so as not to be looked down upon by others.

"You're perfect sir" Christopher replied politely.

That's not the answer Ethan wants. She wanted honest answers about how she was, instead of answers to please her.

Ethan is upset, his mood is bad and now hearing Christopher's words makes it worse.

"How can I be perfect? Your words sound more like insults than compliments" Ethan looked at Christopher sharply, and the old man could only look down.

"Sorry sir" Christopher bowed lower to apologize, his waist price was not in good shape.

"It's over" Ethan flicked his hand and ordered Christopher to get up. "Make me Earl Grey, I'll be in my office all day"

Ethan walks away from Christopher, goes up to the second floor towards his room.

Ethan washed his face many times, hoping to throw away the shame he had received an hour ago.

The shadow about Chaerin rejecting him made him riled up. Ethan knows not only this time Chaerin has rejected it, Chaerin has rejected it many times until Ethan forgets to count it. But Chaerin's rejection this time hurt her heart greatly.

Ethan punches the mirror in front of him until it breaks, leaving blood in between the mirror cracks.

Ridiculous indeed, considering that no woman has ever rejected him, only he has the right to refuse.

Though he had already thrown away his pride for a woman named Chaerin. But the reply from the woman was not worth the self-esteem that he had thrown away.

Ethan falls in love with Chaerin from the beginning of their meeting. Ethan even forces Chaerin to marry him.

Chaerin is a beautiful woman, she has never obeyed any rules, for the woman life is how she has fun with herself without caring about others, and immaturity is what matters to her, and so on, far beyond money, and also she was not a meek woman who would budge, her stubborn nature was very similar to Ethan. Maybe that's what made Ethan like it.

Because all this time the women around him have always been kind to attract his attention. But Chaerin is different, she has something that can make Ethan fall to his knees before her.

Ethan wrapped bandages on his injured hand from broken mirrors, he was used to self-medicating.

He could have called for the maid to take care of his injured hand, but Ethan hated it when anyone dared to touch his limbs, of course except Chaerin. Ethan would probably be very grateful if Chaerin would touch him.

But when they remembered their hug a few hours ago, Ethan's heart was beating fast again. His heart was not ready to do anything more.

"It looks like you're in a very sane state. I signed that ridiculous marriage license not because I wanted to, but you took a chance when I was in a bad state. Yes you can consider me your wife, but don't expect me to be in a room with you or sleeping with you"

Again Chaerin's words suddenly appeared in his head. Ethan hastily turns his attention to something else, he cannot be forever haunted by Chaerin's cruel words.

Ethan can never really get mad there Chaerin. He was just a bit upset and embarrassed by Chaerin's attitude of saying this in front of a lot of people, even more so he said it in front of his employees.

Ethan could have forced Chaerin to sleep with him, and used Bear to threaten him. But Ethan realizes, a forced relationship will not end well. Ethan had decided to approach the woman slowly, until Chaerin would not even be able to leave.

Chaerin had his own space in his heart right now. Ethan even regrets his actions on the yacht the other day, he cannot hold back his rage and ends up strangling Chaerin. Ethan swore to himself, he would never do it again, nor would he mind if Chaerin wanted to avenge him.

Ethan was done getting dressed after cleaning himself up.

Ethan sat on his padded work chair made of the finest quality cowhide, his body leaned back and his head turned upward, every now and then he went around looking at the ceiling of his study in red paint with gold Aster flower paintings.

Anyone who saw him now would probably think that Ethan was crazy, he smiled to himself with a reddish face, then his face turned sour. His manner did not look at all like the arrogant Gold Dragon-led mafia boss.

"Tea you sir"

Christopher put a tray containing tea pot and also a plate of snacks for his master.

But Ethan is not aware of Christopher's presence, he's still staring at the ceiling.

"Sir" Christopher touches Ethan's shoulder slowly to wake him up from the daydream. Instantly Ethan regained his senses and sat up straight with a surprised face but a second later he could instantly control his expression.

"Who let you touch me?"

"Sorry sir, I just...." Christopher lowered his head, his hands were trembling, he did not dare to look at Ethan who must now be angry with him.

"Go"

Hearing his master's orders Christopher immediately turned around intending to leave, but something within him restrained him. This is a great opportunity to submit your resignation.

Ethan is busy every day. They do live in the same house but it is very difficult to meet with Ethan because of his uncertain work schedule.

"Master"

"You haven't left yet??"

"Can I talk to you for a minute"

Christopher gets the full attention of Ethan right now, from his tone Christopher sounds serious and it makes Ethan curious.

"Mmmm, is there a problem?"

"My age is not young anymore, I think it's a good time for me to stop working, even if you allow me to"

Christopher is no longer young. His age was almost 70, and working as a butler who took care of everything in the mansion owned by his master was quite burdened.

Christopher lowered his head, waiting for what reaction his master would show.

Ethan snorted and went back to work reading every report he hadn't had time to check while at the office.

"No, I refuse, you have to stay here. Don't do any work if you don't want to" Ethan said indifferently.

"But sir...." Christopher is still trying to persuade Ethan to accept his resignation.

"You're refuting Cris quiz?"

Ethan stares at Christopher intently intimidatingly, like an eagle ready to pounce on its prey.

"No sir, forgive me" the old man could no longer resist, he simply bowed slowly and passed away going out of his master's study.

*

Chaerin's eyes immediately sparkled as he watched one by one the food brought into the dining room by the servants for dinner. Chaerin almost drooled. He can't wait to eat.

Chaerin did not eat for days because he was very stressed thinking about Bear, but after seeing Bear in the hospital alive, made his appetite return. He could even eat an elephant now.

Chaerin was ready with his fork and spoon to start eating, but no one at the dinner table allowed him to eat. Ethan, and Christopher, who are also at the table, just sit around waiting for someone.

Chaerin just remembered that the pale white man had not joined them.

"Sorry my master is late" Sean finally shows up, bowing respectfully to Ethan and taking his place right next to Christopher.

Ethan grabs a knife and fork and begins to cut the steak in front of him, followed by Christopher. And Chaerin directly stabbed his steak with a fork and ate it without cutting it.

Christopher already wanted to reprimand Chaerin to eat more politely, but seeing Ethan who did not even comment made him undo his intentions and continue eating without caring about Chaerin.

The woman cuts off Sean's steak and feeds him like a child.

Chaerin did not pay much attention to Sean for being too excited about his food, but then he accidentally looked at Sean and was confused by it. Why a 21-year-old man with full hands and feet does not eat his own food and must be treated.

"I just found out we have a big baby here" Chaerin said sarcastically.

Ethan and Christopher understand exactly who the sneer is said by Chaerin. But Sean did not understand and instead looked around to find the big baby Chaerin was referring to.

Hongjung again thrust the piece of meat towards Sean and was immediately greeted by Sean with excitement, he ate his meal without being disturbed by Chaerin's cynical gaze that felt ignored.

"You can stop bribing her, she's grown up and can eat by herself, why do you spoil her!" Chaerin looked at Hongjung and pointed at her using a fork.

Hongjung acted deaf with no regard for Chaerin's words, she still took care of Sean who ate her voraciously.

Chaerin felt very upset, he felt that the house in his place was currently filled with crazy people. Like Ethan who has a bad temper and change, and now there is Sean who is childish. Sean even drank milk from a horned dinosaur dot glass. He tried to guess what other surprises he would see in this big house.

"Miss, just eat your food, we who are here do not even comment on the way you eat.............."

Christopher's words are held back when Ethan breaks down the dining table with his hand still holding the knife. Chaerin and Christopher look at each other, as a gesture to keep them both quiet.

"I hate the most quarrels at the dinner table" Ethan's brief remark made a moment of silence.

Chaerin lowered his head for a moment then slammed his fork, the woman left the dining table feeling annoyed. To Ethan, Sean, and especially to Christopher.

"That woman!" Christopher stuffed a small piece of meat into his mouth and chewed it roughly.

"Look at your words Chris, she's my wife" Ethan looked at Christopher with his sharp eyes.

Christopher immediately stood up and bowed 90 degrees to apologize.

"Excuse me sir" Christopher realized that he sounded very rude, even though he was talking about his master's wife.

Christopher is still aware of his position, although Ethan treats him well and he can even eat at the same table, he is just a waiter, nothing more.

"If you're being bad for her, I'll be bad for you"

Ethan put down his knife and fork, then wiped his mouth with a napkin.

"I'm done, I'll be in my office so bring me some tea. Also bring food for Chaerin, he may still be hungry for not finishing his meal"

Ethan leaves the dining room and goes to his study. He passed Christopher who was still bending over, ignoring the old man.

Christopher lifted his body and tried to straighten his waist. He was old and his waist was getting more and more painful as he bent too low.

Christopher exhaled and sat down to continue eating dinner.

*

Chaerin sits next to a fountain in Ethan's artificial garden. The place was filled with flowers and grass, everything looked real, but in reality it was just flowers and plastic grass. But Chaerin was quite happy to be there because it was the only place that made him feel free.

Chaerin wishes Ethan would have defended her at dinner last night, but in fact Ethan instead snapped at her, not just him, but Christopher as well.

Ethan looks weird on his way back from the hospital. He doesn't say a word, he even avoids eye contact, Ethan is so cold that he doesn't care about Chaerin. Ethan's behavior makes Chaerin a bit uncomfortable because Ethan always talks a lot to him and is always attentive, and also angry.

"He may be in puberty" Chaerin murmured

Previously Ethan looks very attentive by promising to continue caring for Bear, but on the condition that Chaerin should not cancel the marriage certificate he has signed and stay with Ethan. Ethan forbids Chaerin to leave the house for any reason, all his movements are monitored 24 hours.

Chaerin lives in a golden cage, Ethan gives her everything, jewelry, branded clothes, expensive shoes and bags, living in a luxurious house with dozens of servants who are ready to serve her at all times.

But at least his life right now is much better than being in Lady Castle. Even though his freedom is limited.

Chaerin did agree to marry, as he had already signed a marriage license before, but Chaerin refused to be in the same room as Ethan, nor did he want to sleep with Ethan. And miraculously, Ethan agrees, leaving Chaerin relieved.

Christopher came to Chaerin with fruits arranged on a silver tray. The old man then sat down on the chair before Chaerin, but Chaerin ignored Christopher's presence and threw away his face.

"Sean had an accident at the age of 8 and she lost her cognitive abilities, saying she was autistic"

Christopher finally catches Chaerin's attention. The woman showed her surprise.

"He doesn't look like an autistic kid"

Chaerin took a piece of wine and put it in his mouth. He must admit, he is now hungry because he could not eat much earlier.

"Mr Ethan was very diligent in teaching him everything, but unfortunately not everything could be done. Sean couldn't tie his shoelaces, couldn't hold his spoons and forks properly, couldn't button his own clothes, and his behavior was still childish at times, he often ingests the information he can without being able to improvise or think good and bad"

Chris gave the wine he had thrown away to Chaerin.

Chaerin's face instantly changed, he felt very guilty for saying cruel things to Sean.

"But isn't he very smart?"

"Yes, the good side of the accident that in nature is, he has savant syndrome, he is a genius of numbers, he can remember every word of what he has ever read, he can remember every word of what he has read, he also learned things quickly with just one look"

"Ah, it turns out that the pale white one has its flaws and confounding advantages" Chaerin sighed.

"Don't call me the pale white, my name is Sean, Mr. Ethan who gave me that name, because I am a gift from God to him" Sean appears out of nowhere and sits directly between Chaerin and Christopher.

"I'm not sure if Ethan really thinks you're a gift. Agh the jerk" Chaerin let out a rough breath, considering how Ethan could turn out to be so ruthless.

Sean suddenly picked up the fruit knife on the tray and pointed it at Chaerin.

Sean growled, his eyes showing that he was now serious and ready to hurt Chaerin.

Chaerin rewinded his body to avoid Sean's blade clutter, it was just a fruit knife but still it could injure him.

"Sean put!" Christopher held Sean's hand and tried to get the man to remove the knife in his hand.

"He's not serious, put down his pajamas!"

Christopher snatches the knife from Sean's hand and succeeds, but Sean's eyes are still fixed on Chaerin, a terrifyingly sharp eye ready to kill.

"Yong-jung!" Christopher yells.

Hongjung came over to Christopher.

"Take Sean into his room"

Christopher's orders are immediately released by Hongjung, the woman holds Sean's arm and pulls it slowly so that Sean follows him to the room.

"I'll kill you later"

Sean said with his teeth cracking in anger before finally turning to follow Hongjung towards his room.

"You can't insult Ethan in front of Sean, he's so obsessed with Ethan"

Christopher's remarks got a hesitant nod from Chaerin who was still surprised by Sean's sudden change in behavior .

"Sir Ethan has a bad temper, when he is angry he can be very rude, but he can also be gentle and kind and your bad words can hurt his heart. It's just a suggestion, but it's better to take care of your attitude, if he gets angry, you might lose your life"

Christopher stood up and left Chaerin confused.

Christopher said with a flat face and a caring tone of voice, but Chaerin instead felt that the sentence he spoke was a threat.