Escape from an Ancient Civilization Ch 202

Chapter 202 Side Story 2

 

Episode 4

As he glanced at the price tags faintly showing on the clothes, Nataek felt a little burdened, but there was sincerity in the way Medeus personally chose and handed them to him. Moreover, he could not ignore the way Medeus’s eyes shone so brightly with anticipation.

How many times had he gone in and out of the fitting room, trying on this outfit and that? By the time they finished shopping, both Nataek and Medeus’s hands were full of shopping bags. Instead of the comfortable T-shirt and jeans he had worn when they started, Nataek was now dressed in a thin black turtleneck and a dark gray jacket—all things paid for out of Medeus’s pocket.

“Medeus.”

“Yes, Nataek.”

Medeus no longer called him Teresi in front of people outside. Even in that small detail, Nataek knew, it was Medeus being considerate of him. Looking between the shopping bags in his own hands and those in Medeus’s, Nataek smiled lightly.

“Thanks for the gift.”

“Sure. Just so you know, I can buy you this much anytime. Don’t feel pressured.”

Medeus said the same words he once had in the past. And Nataek knew well that they weren’t empty boasts—neither then, nor now. His unchanged lover looked even more endearing than usual that day. If they weren’t out in public, he would have eagerly pulled him into an embrace and kissed him.

Medeus had adapted to modern life faster than expected. Apart from the time spent modeling, he would watch TV to understand modern culture, and read every book he could find, quickly learning about the humanities, society, history, politics—everything tied to modern civilization.

For Nataek, it was staggering. After all, Medeus’s learning speed had reached the point of successfully applying his theoretical knowledge of global affairs and economics into the real marketplace, even managing to grow wealth through stocks. Growing his assets successfully was just an added result.

Watching Medeus adapt to modern life up close throughout the year, Nataek couldn’t help but realize once again that in the ancient world Medeus had been the very pillar leading and shaping every aspect—economy, politics, society. His ability to learn was nothing short of monstrous. His qualifications as a model were just a bonus.

Come to think of it, wasn’t his next photoshoot overseas…?

“Medeus. That shoot the week after next, it’s abroad, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“When exactly?”

“The first week of next month. Will it overlap with your company schedule? It’d be nice if you could come too. We could even travel while we’re there.”

Pulling up his slipping mask, Medeus looked at Nataek warmly.

“It’s the week before you start work. Looks like I’ll be able to go… Where is it?”

“Sweden.”

The moment Nataek heard Sweden, he froze. As a result, the people who had already been sneaking glances began openly staring. Of all countries, it had to be Sweden.

“Let’s go.”

There was no reason not to. With an excited expression, Nataek looked up at Medeus. Perhaps feeling a persistent gaze on them from behind, Nataek turned, only for Medeus to guide him toward the corner where the elevators were.

“Shall we go down?”

Not knowing what was going on, Nataek let himself be pulled along by Medeus’s hand. And then—

“I, Nataek!”

A woman’s voice called from behind.

Huh? Who’s that?

As Nataek slowly turned his head, a small shadow suddenly wrapped itself around his neck from behind. Since the weight was light, he could support it without trouble, but with the shopping bags in his hands, he couldn’t freely react. As he blinked in surprise, a bright voice greeted him cheerfully.

“I knew it had to be you. You’re still just as eye-catching, even from a distance?”

When Nataek looked back, it was Kim Seo-eun, a college classmate.

“Kim Seo-eun. It’s been a long time.”

“A really long time! Who’d have thought I’d run into you here?”

“Yeah, no kidding.”

“Last year the gang met up a couple times, but we couldn’t invite you since your phone wasn’t reachable. Why did you suddenly go off to a monastery?”

What?

“……A monastery?”

“Of course! When your number came up as no longer in service, I asked Jungyeom for your new one and he said you went to a temple to study for a while and wouldn’t be reachable.”

A temple? (Korean Buddhist “temple life” or temporary retreat is a phrase often used for seclusion from social life.)

That sudden, disorienting word made Nataek recall a conversation with Jungyeom.

‘Hey. Everyone keeps asking for your number. Should I give it to them?’

‘No. Don’t give it to anyone.’

‘Then what should I tell them? You know they’re relentless.’

‘Just say I went into a temple or something.’

It was back when Medeus had only just arrived in the modern world, and the two of them practically spent every waking moment together. Who would have thought that the casual excuse would end up getting used for real?

Forcing his expression into calmness, Nataek nodded.

“Uh, yeah. I needed some time to sort out things in my head, you know.”

“You’re so unusual… Anyway, who’s this? He came with you, right?”

Seo-eun had been glancing timidly at Medeus the whole time, but finally asked directly. Medeus, who had been standing quietly, gave a small bow in greeting.

“Uh, this is… Medeus. A friend.”

“Foreigner?”

“Something like that.”

Medeus stepped closer to them, setting down the shopping bags for a moment before reaching out a hand.

“Hello. I’m Medeus.”

Seo-eun quickly extended her hand too.

“Hello. I’m Kim Seo-eun. Nice to meet you! But wait…”

Her eyes suddenly lit up as she looked up at him—and then her jaw dropped.

“It really is Medeus…”

It was instantly clear from her expression. She hadn’t just recognized him as a foreigner—she had recognized the model Medeus.

“I didn’t know you were friends with Nataek! You weren’t college classmates, so how did you meet?”

Leaning closer to Nataek, Seo-eun whispered offhandedly.

Even covered up, still ridiculously handsome.

Nataek could only laugh at that.

“It’s complicated. We met through work.”

“If you’re friends, then great. Join us sometime.”

“Join you where?”

Seo-eun held out her palm to him.

“Now that you’re out of the monastery, let’s exchange numbers. You have your phone, right?”

“…….”

“Hurry, give it to me. I’ll save your contact. Gyu-jeong is getting married soon, and we’re gathering not only to meet up but also for him to hand out his invitations. He kept asking if anyone was still in touch with you.”

With her insisting that much, Nataek couldn’t refuse. He ended up giving her his number. Seo-eun saved it immediately with a satisfied smile.

“Medeus, you come too. There’ll be a small gathering in a few days, just with the college friends close to Nataek. Everyone would be thrilled if you joined.”

At the sudden invitation, Nataek looked up sharply at Medeus. Picking up the bags again, Medeus met Nataek’s eyes steadily. After a long moment of thought, he nodded.

“Alright.”

All the way down in the elevator, Medeus didn’t say much. Nataek was lost in thought. He knew Medeus was good at adapting to modern society. He also knew Medeus had made the effort to become social enough to interact naturally with people. But he hadn’t expected him to agree so readily on the spot to attend Seo-eun’s gathering.

Maybe… he didn’t really mean it? Just thoughtlessly said so?

Fastening his seatbelt in the passenger seat, Nataek tilted his head in puzzlement. Was he actually planning to go?

Just then, his phone buzzed.

[Lee Nataek, if you ditch us again this time, you’re a real traitor. You have to come.]

[If you don’t, I’m going to wreck Jungyeom instead.]

“Of all times, running into them here…”

Sighing, Nataek began typing a reply just as the driver’s side door opened. At some point it had become second nature for Medeus to take the wheel. Even when Nataek offered, he’d be drawn along by Medeus’s flow of conversation until he found himself in the passenger seat again. Just like he used to always ride in Kunga with Medeus driving, now it felt just as natural to sit in the passenger seat.

“Who was it?”

Medeus asked. Whether it was the person who messaged him, or the person they just greeted, it was the same person so there was no need to specify.

“A classmate from university.”

“A classmate?”

“Yeah.”

“And?”

“And… Kim Seo-eun.”

“And?”

“What do you mean and? That’s all.”

But Medeus still looked like he had more to ask. Nataek slightly raised the corners of his mouth. It had become a habit—when he couldn’t read Medeus’s true thoughts, he smiled to cover it up. But perhaps catching on to his intent, Medeus wore a more displeased look and raised his hand. With his thumb, he pressed down on Nataek’s upturned lip and rubbed it out slowly.

“So you let just anyone run up and hang on you like that?”

Ah—

“No, that was…”

“Or was she special enough in the past to be allowed to?”

Throwing herself at someone by wrapping an arm around the neck was one of Seo-eun’s peculiar quirks. A way of showing affection and enthusiasm. Nataek had momentarily forgotten that such a thing could look irritating in Medeus’s eyes.

Medeus’s hand now cupped one side of his cheek, kneading gently.

“It wasn’t like that,”

“Then letting yourself be hugged.”

“Hugged? That was me defenselessly caught by surprise.”

His hand slid slowly down Nataek’s jawline before teasing at his earlobe.