Escape from an Ancient Civilization Ch 195

Chapter 195 Side Story 17

Nataek stepped down two stairs and made a call from the entrance on the first floor.

“Hello, sir. This is Lee Nataek, who made a reservation for today. I’ve sent the pictures via message in advance. It takes about one to two hours to get there, so once we arrive, I’d appreciate your help. We’ll probably be there late in the evening. Should I contact you again before we arrive?”

He nodded to himself.

“Yes. Understood, thank you. Then see you later.”

The short call ended quickly. Looking through the photos in his gallery, Nataek pictured Medeus holding his gift.

Once today’s photoshoot was finished, Nataek planned to spend special time with Medeus. It was a secret arrangement he had carefully prepared, because today was a day more precious to him than any other.

I really hope he’ll like it…

The mixture of worry and excitement made him tense. Taking a deep breath, he turned to go back upstairs to the studio.

“There you are, Nataek.”

It was Junhee’s voice. On the staircase behind, she stood alongside Medeus.

“I just had to make a call. I was heading back up… Where are you going, Noona?”

“Oh, just thought I’d grab some coffee nearby.”

“You should’ve told me. I could’ve gone.”

But Junhee instantly protested.

“No way! How could you carry it all by yourself? I’ll go with Medeus. Americano? Latte? Mocha? Caramel macchiato?”

“Uh… Americano for me.”

…With Junhee? And Medeus?

Staring up in confusion at Medeus on the landing, Nataek asked softly.

“We’ll be right back.”

What stunned him was that Medeus willingly agreed to go with her. Not only was he following someone unfamiliar, he was separating himself from Nataek voluntarily.

He couldn’t believe it. Ever since coming to the modern world, Medeus had never left his side for even a minute. The only exception was when Nataek went to fix Jungyeom’s computer. Uneasy, he quickly offered—

“Then I’ll go with you.”

But Medeus refused.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll go with her. It won’t take long, wait for me upstairs.”

He pressed Nataek’s arm lightly, then let go. Yet his expression was oddly conflicted—did he want to go, or not?

As confusion swirled in Nataek, Junhee wrinkled her nose cheerily.

“Let’s go, Medeus!”

And with that, the two of them swept past, leaving Nataek frozen in place.

“…What? Medeus… left me behind…?”

Back in the studio, alone in a corner seat, thoughts surged through Nataek.

Medeus had gone on his own, leaving his side—for the first time. Even if only to a nearby café. To Nataek, it was a shock. He clenched his phone tightly.

It’s just coffee. Just helping because she couldn’t carry it alone.

Still, of all people, it had to be with a woman. And, for the first time, it was his choice to go. Even worse, time dragged on, yet they didn’t return.

Nataek sat stiff as stone, tapping his foot impatiently. He pulled up his contacts to find Junhee’s number.

No. Maybe they’re already on their way back.

For some reason, he couldn’t bring himself to message her. Instead he scrolled idly, up and down, his thumb gliding over the blank screen.

I should’ve bought Medeus a phone…

Only now did he realize: Medeus didn’t even own one. He’d never needed it, always glued to Nataek’s side. But now… why had he gone? What possessed him to walk with Junhee?

The thought looped back to the start, tangling further in his head.

Why? Why did he decide to go?

Was it part of that determination to adapt to modern life? That would be a good thing. He should be encouraging it. So why… why this gnawing anxiety?

Nataek found his leg bouncing under the table.

That’s it. First thing when this is over, we’re buying him a phone.

Resolving that, he lifted his screen again—

“Coffee’s here!”

Junhee’s bright voice rang out.

“Teresi, I’m back.”

Medeus strode straight to him with coffee in hand. His face looked brighter than before.

“This one’s yours, right?”

“Ah… yeah. Thanks.”

Struggling, Nataek forced a smile as he accepted it. Medeus’s face was flushed red.

…What? What’s this?

Clap, clap!

Junhee applauded loudly from the front.

“Medeus! Now that we have coffee, let’s power through and finish up!”

“Got it.”

Grinning widely, Medeus jogged back toward her. At the sight of his cheerful energy, a pang pierced Nataek’s chest.

Why… why does he look so happy? And why are his cheeks that red?

Ignoring Nataek’s feelings, the shoot continued. This time, Medeus seemed to pose with even more effort than before. Nataek’s chest felt constricted. Panicked by his own reaction, he pressed a palm to his sternum, rubbing in circles.

Why am I like this? Why?

“That one’s great!” Junhee’s voice called.

What is this suffocating feeling?

“Perfect, love it!”

Nataek glanced down at himself.

Why…? If Medeus can live normally without me, isn’t that a good thing? That’s how it should be.

It is normal. That’s what’s best for him. So what twisted part of me wants him helpless without me? Pathetic. Truly pathetic.

He let out a bitter laugh at himself, shaking his head, and grabbed at the iced coffee before him.

Stop being petty, Lee Nataek.

The clink of ice sounded.

Medeus is a grown man.

Condensation dripped down the plastic cup.

He drank until the straw rattled empty with a slurp. Still, the ache of hurt feelings remained.

“We’ll head off now.”

“Good work, Nataek.”

“No, not at all. Thanks—we’ll be going.”

“Alright.”

Junhee waved energetically.

The shoot, which had started early in the morning, ended only by late afternoon. Opening the car door for Medeus, Nataek asked,

“You’re not dizzy, right? Last time it wore you out.”

Medeus climbed in, beaming.

“No, I’m fine. Not at all.”

Nataek shut the door carefully with a wry smile. After settling himself, he fastened his belt. He had managed to calm himself somewhat; what mattered most was Medeus’s happiness. If his partner was content—that was enough.

“Medeus. We’re going somewhere today.”

His tone was soft. Medeus blinked curiously.

“Where?”

“You’ll see. It’s somewhere nice.”

They set off, music playing as Nataek drove with extra care.

As the journey continued, the scenery shifted into the colors of nature. The mountains loomed closer, the air grew rich with green scents. After passing a small waterfall, he finally pulled over.

Medeus spelled out the letters on a wooden sign.

“Gromangdi Pension?”

Nataek, parked, shot him a small smile.

“We’re here.”

Seeing the car pull into the spacious grounds, a middle-aged couple hurried out of the lodge.

“You must be Mr. Lee Nataek?”

“Yes.”

“Goodness, thank you for coming all this way.”

The pension, set amidst nature, was decorated throughout with timber. The hostess leaned close and murmured quietly,

“The surprise you asked for—it’s set up in the farthest room on the left. I tied a ribbon on the doorknob, so you’ll spot it easily. The cake’s in the fridge.”

“Thank you so much.”

“And your partner… isn’t arriving until later? Anyway, enjoy the event, and if you need anything just message or call.”

They clearly hadn’t imagined that the tall foreigner at Nataek’s side was his lover. Without correcting them, Nataek simply took the key. The pension had only three cottages; tonight, the only guests were him and Medeus.

“Teresi, what is this place?”

“It’s a vacation retreat. I wanted to rest here with you.”

Swinging open the door of the central lodge, lights already glowing within, Medeus’s eyes widened in awe.