Kiss the Scumbag-Chapter 63

It was Winston who unexpectedly broke the tension between them. His brow suddenly relaxed as he leaned comfortably against the back of his chair and asked,

“You’re not going to call me a bastard?”

Yujin froze, a chill running down his spine as he remembered hurling that very insult at Winston once before. Back then, he had lost control — briefly, impulsively. But now, his mind was perfectly clear. He wasn’t angry enough to shout obscenities, and in his right mind, he couldn’t bring himself to say something like that. With no idea what to do, his lips only quivered slightly. Winston merely stared at him through narrowed eyes, as if to say, I knew you wouldn’t.

Irritated by his own helplessness, Yujin clenched his fists. Just then, Winston let out a small laugh. The unexpected reaction made Yujin hesitate. Winston continued, calm and casual.

“You used to push back sometimes. Back then, too.”

He spoke like he was reminiscing, a faint smile on his face.

“Trembling like a kitten, but still.”

This wasn’t his usual mocking grin — his expression was surprisingly relaxed, as though he was genuinely enjoying a memory. Yujin felt off-balance. What is with this guy all of a sudden? After a moment’s thought, he came up with a possible answer.

Is he trying to call a truce?

It wasn’t impossible. For better or worse, they were tied together now — at least for a while. From Winston’s standpoint, he even had to have a child with Yujin. Yujin had no intention of trying to get along with him, and had even considered running away — but if a truce was what Winston wanted, he would welcome it. It was better than constantly being on edge. A bit of peace between them would benefit both sides.

And it would make running away easier too.

“I’m not trying to pick a fight. I think if we just show a little consideration, we’ll be fine.”

Yujin mustered the courage to speak. Am I still shaking? Like a kitten? Winston’s words lingered in his mind, making it hard to pretend he was unaffected. Determined not to mess up again, Yujin kept his mouth shut and waited for an answer. Winston tilted slightly to the side and shrugged one shoulder. Did that mean yes? Unsure, Yujin asked cautiously,

“Is that a yes?”

“What else would it be?”

Winston raised one hand lightly. There was no sarcasm in his voice. Though Yujin reminded himself not to let his guard down, part of him felt inexplicably calmer. Only then did he set Winston’s teacup down and adjust his posture. Noticing the shift in atmosphere, the butler quickly approached and began setting out Yujin’s cutlery one by one, finally placing a plate in front of him. When the cover was lifted, a warm egg dish awaited him.

Yujin hadn’t realized how hungry he was until that moment. He picked up his fork and started eating. In the meantime, the butler placed an empty teacup in front of each of them and poured hot tea. He then removed Winston’s used cup and placed it back on the tray.

“Will you be needing anything else?”

Just then, a maid entered and placed a basket full of freshly baked bread on the table before stepping back. The butler adjusted the placement of the basket and butter to neaten the table, then glanced between the two of them. Winston silently lifted his tea to his lips. The butler’s gaze shifted and met Yujin’s.

“I’m fine. Thank you.”

Yujin offered a polite response. The butler gave a short bow and withdrew. He disappeared from sight, but Yujin was certain he was still waiting just outside the breakfast room — in case he was needed. His actions made it clear he was giving them privacy to talk. Yujin realized this meant Winston was finally going to get to the point.

As expected, Winston set his teacup down and spoke.

“There’s going to be a party.”

Yujin blinked at the abrupt announcement. Winston continued, spreading butter on a piece of bread, his tone casual.

“It’s next weekend, so get ready. If there’s anything you don’t know, ask Cain. It’s not that complicated. Just memorize the guest list.”

“W–wait. Hold on.”

Yujin interrupted him in a panic.

“What do you mean, I need to get ready? You want me to prepare the party?”

“Yeah.”

That was all Winston said, like it was obvious. His completely unaffected tone left Yujin speechless.

Of course it’s a problem. A huge one!

“How am I supposed to do that? I’ve barely been to any parties!”

He could count on one hand the number of parties he’d attended in his life. And any formal ones? Just that one engagement party. The rest weren’t even worth mentioning. And now he was being told to take charge?

“You can do it.”

Winston said it flatly.

“Even if you don’t now, you will eventually. As long as you’re married to me and living in this house, it’ll be your job.”

“I mean... I guess that’s true.”

But just like that? Yujin’s mind scrambled to catch up.

“This isn’t something that was planned in advance, right? Why the rush... is there a reason?”

“There is.”

That was all Winston said. It was clear he wasn’t in the mood to explain further. Still, it was hard for Yujin to just accept it and move on. He shook his head, muttering almost to himself.

“Just going to a charity party already makes me nervous... I can’t. I really can’t.”

Is this guy trying to humiliate me?

The thought made his blood run cold. He imagined being disgraced in front of a crowd and felt a wave of dread. Just then, Winston’s hand — which had been spreading butter — paused, and he looked up. His expression remained blank, but his ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) reaction was different this time. For a fleeting second, he looked... surprised? Maybe even unsettled? Yujin was confused.

“A charity party? What are you talking about?”

The quietness in Winston’s voice only deepened Yujin’s confusion. Wait, he didn’t know?

“I heard there’s going to be a charity party... from Cain.”

Yujin’s sentence came out in fragments, barely coherent. He pulled himself together and explained.

“He said it’s a couples-only event and that I have to go too. That someone’s coming by to take my measurements for the outfit...”

“Cain was mistaken. You’re not going.”

The response was sharp, firm. Yujin blinked, stunned, as Winston stared him down with a glacial expression and spoke again, this time with finality.

“I have no intention of taking you to something like that. Not this time, not ever. I’m never bringing you to a party.”

Yujin’s mind went blank. And not just his mind — even his breath halted. He stared at Winston.

What does that mean?

It was the first question that surfaced, but he already knew the answer.

He’s ashamed of me.

There was no other explanation. The realization left him too stunned to be angry. Instead, he grew oddly calm. A crooked smile formed on his lips, and a dry, bitter chuckle escaped him.

“So what you’re saying...”

His voice was steady, unnervingly so.

“...is that you don’t want people to see us together. Then why even throw a party? Just to humiliate me?”

Winston didn’t answer. He simply stared at him. His narrowed eyes hinted at irritation, but his true feelings were unreadable. Yujin was about to push for an answer when there was a knock at the door. The butler entered.

“Mr. Campbell. Mr. Yujin.”

He bowed to each in turn, then made his announcement.

“Mrs. Campbell has arrived. Shall I bring her in?”

The mention alone nearly made Yujin leap to his feet. He gasped like someone who’d just been startled. Winston glanced at him and spoke.

“Take Yujin to his room first. Then bring her in.”

“I–I can go on my own!”

Yujin shouted, flustered, and practically ran out of the breakfast room. Winston watched his retreating back until he disappeared from view. Only then did he speak.

“Bring my mother in now.”

“Yes, sir.”

The butler bowed sharply, about to leave, when Winston added,

“Yujin won’t be attending the upcoming charity party. Cancel it.”

“...Understood.”

There was a slight pause before the butler responded, then he too left the room. Alone again, Winston resumed spreading butter on his bread, then took a bite. He chewed slowly, mechanically, lost in thought.

You don’t want people to see us together?

Of course, the reason was different from what Yujin assumed. But that didn’t matter anymore. As Winston recalled Yujin’s trembling voice and unsteady breath, his brow furrowed faintly.

There was no scent of pheromones — Yujin must be taking his medication properly. And yet, just seeing him was enough to throw Winston completely off.

Goddammit, what the hell is wrong with me.

Cursing under his breath, he put the bread down and lifted a wineglass. He downed it in one go and had only just set the empty glass down when the butler returned, this time escorting a woman into the room.

“Winston!”

Mrs. Campbell beamed as she entered and immediately kissed both of Winston’s cheeks before even taking a seat. Winston sat still, letting her do as she pleased, and watched as she promptly took the chair Yujin had just vacated.

“So, what brings you here this early?”

He asked as the butler refilled his glass. The tone made it clear: get to the point — he had work soon. But Mrs. Campbell paid no mind and got straight to the matter.

“I heard you’re throwing a party soon.”

Of course. Winston thought absently. It hadn’t even been a full day since he mentioned it. Someone in the house must’ve already reported it to her. Maybe the butler. Maybe not. It didn’t matter. Her face lit up with excitement as she continued.

“I suppose I should be the hostess, then? And actually, why don’t we invite Evelyn?”