The Devil Judge [BL Version]

Chapter 29: Building The Bond

Yo-Han's gaze hardened, but Ga-On held his ground. "We can't protect her from the world by suffocating her. She needs to learn, make her own choices, and yes, sometimes even her own mistakes. That's how we grow."

As Elijah wheeled out of the room, the sound of the door slamming shut echoed through the mansion, leaving Ga-On and Yo-Han in the lingering silence of their confrontation.

Ga-On turned to Yo-Han, his expression earnest. "You know, Yo-Han, you're all she has. Maybe it's time to be more honest with her, to let her in on our concerns and fears."

Yo-Han's stern facade wavered under Ga-On's words. He knew Ga-On had a point, but it was difficult for him to admit his own vulnerability. "Don't act like you know everything," Yo-Han retorted, his voice tinged with frustration. "I've been doing my best to protect her."

Ga-On, realizing he had overstepped, took a step back. "I'm sorry, Yo-Han. I didn't mean to question your dedication. But we need to find a balance between protecting her and letting her make her own choices."

Ga-On approached Elijah's closed door, and knocked gently. "Elijah, can we talk?" he called through the door.

After a moment, the door opened a crack, and Elijah's tear-streaked face peeked out. Ga-On gave her a reassuring smile, and she stepped aside to let him in.

Elijah looked at Ga-On, her eyes still watery but filled with curiosity. "You mentioned earlier that you lost your parents," she began, her voice gentle. "Can you tell me about them?"

Ga-On hesitated for a moment, his gaze drifting to a distant memory. "They died due to the fraud that happened with them," he admitted, his voice soft and distant. "It happened a long time ago."

"I'm so sorry," she said sincerely. "Losing someone you love is never easy, no matter how much time has passed."

"I was like a stray dog," he admitted with a self-deprecating smile. "Sleeping wherever I could find shelter and hanging out with whoever would have me."

"It must have been tough," she said softly, her voice filled with understanding.

Ga-On looked at her, his expression sincere. "You're strong and amazing, you know," he told her, a genuine admiration in his eyes. "The way you've endured everything that's come your way, it's inspiring."

Elijah's cheeks flushed, and she looked down, suddenly bashful. "Oh, stop it," she mumbled, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Ga-On chuckled, teasingly poking her side. "It's hard for me to say insincere, cringey words like that," he joked.

As Ga-On rose to leave, he couldn't help but notice the transformation in Elijah. Her tears had given way to laughter, and her demeanor had shifted from sadness to a genuine, bright smile.

Yo-Han, carrying the weight of their earlier confrontation, made his way to Elijah's room. He knew they had to talk, to clear the air, but he was met with a disappointed expression as he entered. Elijah had clearly been hoping for a different visitor.

Suppressing his inner turmoil, Yo-Han put on a strained smile and asked, "How was your day?"

Elijah, baffled by this uncharacteristic pleasantness from Yo-Han, stared at him for a moment before reluctantly responding with a curt, "Fine."

Undeterred, Yo-Han pressed onward. "Is there anything you'd like to discuss with me?" he inquired, trying to bridge the gap that had formed between them.

In response, Elijah abruptly slammed the door in his face, leaving Yo-Han on the other side, his smile faltering.

However, a glimmer of hope remained when the door opened again. Yo-Han brightened, thinking they might finally have a meaningful conversation. But Elijah's tone remained detached as she asked about the man who had scammed Ga-On's parents.

Gritting his teeth and reminding himself to maintain a facade of politeness, Yo-Han replied, "That man's pyramid scheme led to ten victims committing suicide."

Elijah simply responded with an uninterested "Okay" and once again slammed the door shut, leaving Yo-Han standing there, alone in the hallway, his forced smile fading into a somber expression.

As Yo-Han stood there in the hallway, reeling from his encounter with Elijah, he noticed Ga-On nearby, watching the entire exchange with a mischievous glint in his eye. Ga-On's laughter only fueled Yo-Han's frustration.

"Spare me your laughter," Yo-Han muttered sarcastically, his irritation evident in his tone.

But as he slowly approached Ga-On, an unexpected twist took place. In a surprising move, Yo-Han suddenly grabbed Ga-On by the waist and pulled him close, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss.

To be continued...

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