Escape from an Ancient Civilization Ch 208(END)

Chapter 208 Side Story 2(END)

Episode 10

“You said you’d be at the café. Where did you go?”

“I just looked around the area a bit.”

“Mm.”

“But then…”

Nataek trailed off, hesitating. It was already in the past. What mattered was moving forward. Would it really be good to drag Medeus back into old memories?

“… I just suddenly wanted to see you.”

Yes, sometimes even a kind lie was better.

At his answer, Medeus lowered his head, shadow stretching over Nataek’s hair, satisfied. He had grown taller again since that first arrival in the modern world.

“Shall we go eat? My shoot’s done.”

“Yeah. Let’s go.”

This moment wouldn’t come back. Once Nataek started work and real social life began, such freedom together might be rare for a long while. That made it worth savoring now. Dwelling on the past would only hinder their today.

“What do you want to eat?”

“Let’s have what you want first.”

Medeus answered with deep consideration. Despite being abroad in a foreign land, their daily rhythm had not changed.

It was Nataek’s first day at his new job. Waking at dawn, he quickly shut off the alarm and jumped up, careful not to disturb Medeus—but the bed beside him was empty.

Puzzled, he stepped into the living room and saw Medeus in an apron.

“Did you sleep well?”

Somehow, he had risen earlier than Nataek, preparing breakfast and even laying out his outfit on the sofa.

“… Isn’t today your day off? Why so early?”

“Just woke up early. Go get washed.”

Was it for his sake?

Shaking his head, Nataek disappeared into the bathroom. First day or not, neither of them was the nervous type, so the morning was peaceful. They ate toast topped with fried egg and vegetables, exchanged small talk, and went about calmly.

Backpack on, shoes laced neatly, he was ready. At the entrance, Medeus pulled a cap low on his head, following him.

“I’ll drive you.”

“It’s fine. It’s your day off. I’ll take the subway.”

“Let me drop you off on your first day—it’s what I want. Please?”

Though seemingly casual, Nataek understood the truth in his gaze. He wanted it, badly, but would never press if refused.

He wasn’t as unbothered as he looked. How could Nataek turn that down? Smiling, he shrugged his bag up higher.

“Alright then. I’ll take the favor.”

Medeus’s smile lit up happily.

The company was an IT firm, casual dress, casual hours. When the car pulled away smoothly, Medeus glanced over.

“Good thing you don’t need to wear a tie.”

He even remembered those trivial details—that Nataek hated ties. Chuckling, rubbing his neck, he agreed.

“Yeah. Thank goodness.”

“Do you start real work right away?”

“No. Kyungchul said it’ll just be orientation and introductions.”

“Then we can have dinner together after?”

“Yeah.”

At his answer, Medeus’s lips curved softly. After more than a year together in this modern world, nearly always side by side except for work hours, still he looked so pleased.

Honestly, it made Nataek proud—he loved being loved this much. Even the excitement of a first job couldn’t match the rush of his heart for Medeus this morning.

They reached the building earlier than most. Few people milled about.

“Medeus, I’ll be off.”

“Teresi. Wait.”

“Yeah?”

Adjusting his bag strap, he paused. Medeus took his hand, holding his ring finger. Straightening the slight tilt of the ring, he pressed his lips softly over it, gazing intently.

“Do you know what I was best at, since childhood?”

“What?”

“Tracking.”

“… Huh?”

The sudden, contextless declaration left him blinking. Medeus kissed the back of his hand again.

“Don’t give anyone else your eyes.”

Ah.

“Don’t go around being too kind, either.”

So this was…

Medeus’s gaze burned, desperate. He didn’t want to let Nataek into that company at all, but for his sake—and for the sake of “real life” together—he forced himself to bear it. Yet here, at the very door of letting him go, the truth cracked through.

Leaving behind this precious fool to go to work—what a cruel world.

Cupping his cheeks, Nataek kissed him gently.

“As if I’d ever do this with anyone else.”

And there’s no one more beautiful, no one I’d ever want but you.

“Don’t worry, Medeus. I’ll be back…”

His words were cut when Medeus sealed his lips again, sucking his top lip, then his bottom, wet sounds between them. Only reluctantly did he pull back, pained.

“Come home early.”

“I promise.”

He’d swear to it—return swiftly, for home held something far more precious than gold.

At work, Nataek couldn’t concentrate. Orientation dragged, but boredom was less the cause than the simple fact: he had rarely ever spent a whole day apart from Medeus.

Did he eat lunch properly…

He even thought extremes—better not have taken this job. But no; he couldn’t baby Medeus forever. For couples, sharing independent lives was healthy, necessary for longevity.

Still… did that rule apply to the bond that reached from ancient history between them?

Half-listening to HR’s lecture, he found himself lost in old memories instead. No messages came from Medeus all day—likely a deliberate kindness to let him focus. In truth, they had rarely texted, since they were so often together. By contrast, this felt unbearably empty.

Better to still be in the ancient world… no. Not that. Shake it off.

And so he endured the day, finally leaving the building as night fell. In the elevator, he at once messaged him:

[Did you rest well? I’m done now.]

[What are you doing?]

No reply. By the time the elevator hit the first floor, he messaged again.

[I’m heading out now. Should take around 40 minutes…]

“Hey, Deputy Yoon, did you see the guy standing outside?”

“So good-looking—mask on but his features were insane.”

“I swear I’ve seen him before—where was it?”

“Oh! He’s that model who went viral on SNS! Medeus!”

The overheard chatter pricked his ears.

Medeus?

His steps quickened. Could he really still be here?

As he strode across the lobby, his phone buzzed in hand.

“Hello?”

• “Nataek.”

  “Medeus? Are you… here?”

The moment he stepped out the door, a strong arm hooked him close.

“Yes.”

The one who had consumed his thoughts all morning, there in front of him. Joy flooded Nataek so wholly he couldn’t speak; his grip on Medeus’s forearm was his only answer.

“You waited all this time?”

“Maybe.”

Side by side, they walked together.

“Checking too, you know. To see if any trouble stuck to you.”

“That kind of thing doesn’t happen.”

“With you, things always do. I can’t relax.”

Nataek sighed, almost arguing, then let it go. So what? It was only sweet jealousy.

Together, drawing every eye, yet uncaring. For all the world’s stares meant nothing compared to the pain of separation. Being side by side again was all that mattered.

“So, what for dinner?”

“I don’t know. Let’s do whatever you like tonight.”

“Mm… then…”

As Nataek pondered seriously, Medeus smiled warmly beside him.

And so another day dimmed gently, filled with the simple, radiant happiness of being together.