Zion's Garden - Chapter 6.2

“Why aren’t you eating?”

“I’m waiting to match your pace. At this rate, it’ll be another ten minutes before I pick up my spoon.”

“Ah…”

Zion laughed awkwardly. I took the opportunity to press him further.

“When was the last time you had a proper meal?”

“I eat every day, don’t I?”

“I’m not talking about supplements, juice, or protein shakes. When was the last time you chewed real food?”

Zion thought for a moment.

“Maybe when I was shooting that commercial…”

“When was that?”

“About six months ago, I think.”

I couldn’t hide my astonishment. Zion hastened to explain.

“I’ve been in the habit of not eating much since I was a kid.

Now, even a little bit makes my stomach feel full. If I rush, I can’t digest it properly.”

I sighed in disbelief.

“But sometimes, I dream about food when I’m really hungry.”

“What kind of food?”

“Hot dogs from Disneyland. The last time I had one, I was twenty-one. It’s been over ten years now. Talking about it makes me want to go back.”

I didn’t know how to respond, so I just stared at him, his eyes narrowed as he smiled wistfully. The life of a superstar who dreamed of eating hot dogs at Disneyland was absurd to me. It explained the incongruous Mickey Mouse clock hanging in the living room.

“Don’t worry, I still have well-toned muscles. If we had a push-up contest, I’d easily win, Doctor.”

Watching Zion take another sip of his bland broth with an air of satisfaction made my anger boil over.

“Why do you go so far? Is that what it takes to be a celebrity? Not everyone does that. Some people manage to take breaks and live normally, even between jobs. Why do you push your body to the brink?”

“Because Zion’s body is most beautiful when body fat is below six percent. My frame is naturally large.”

My clenched fists trembled. I struggled not to yell, Is that really all there is to it? Zion was undeniably the most beautiful person I had ever seen. Whether his body fat was six percent or sixteen percent, it made no difference. He was destined to shine, even if he rolled in the mud.

“I guarantee you, if you keep this up, you’ll die within five years. I’m not exaggerating, and I’m not trying to scare you. Your immune system is already at its worst. If you catch anything, complications will come one after another like links in a chain.”

Zion smiled faintly at me, his food tray only half-finished. He set down his spoon, rested his chin on one hand, and looked at me with languid eyes.

“…The doctor is worried about Zion.”

“Eat the rest of what’s in front of you. I know it tastes awful, but with the state of your stomach, this is the best option. Now, eat. If you don’t, I’ll feed you myself.”

“I don’t like it when the doctor gets angry.”

I worked to relax my facial muscles and lower my voice, trying to show him that I wasn’t just angry but concerned. I softened my tone as I spoke to Zion, who watched me with his piercing eyes.

“I’m not angry. I’m asking you as a friend. Proper nutrition and rest are essential for your treatment. If we don’t get that right, there’s nothing more I can do. Making you healthy is my job. Can’t you at least listen to a friend’s request?”

“…And if I do? What will you do for me?”

“What?”

My voice cracked slightly. Zion remained calm, explaining slowly, as if to a child who didn’t understand.

“I asked, if I finish this tasteless food, what will you do for me?”

“That’s…”

“Grant me one wish.”

His childlike eagerness rendered me speechless. He looked at me, raising his spoon again as if tossing out bait.

“If you grant me one wish, I’ll eat not just this but everything else you tell me to. It’s not a bad deal, right? You get Zion healthy, and Zion gets his wish.”

I knew agreeing was risky, but I chose to take the bait. This decision was entirely mine, and whatever came of it would be on me.

“Fine. But you have to keep your promise. From now on, you’ll eat three meals a day. I’ll be there to make sure, so don’t think you can fool me.”

“Deal.”

Zion shrugged and picked up his chopsticks. He struggled a bit, pressing down on a piece of braised potato rather than picking it up, all while meeting my gaze.

“Aren’t you going to ask what my wish is?”

I feared what bombshell he might drop next, so I stayed silent. Reading my reluctance, Zion answered the unasked question himself.

“I want a proper chance to apologize for what happened yesterday.”

“There’s no need. It’s over, and I’ve already forgotten. Don’t think about it.”

So that was all it was. I felt foolish for being on edge, bracing for him to ask for drugs or something worse. I wanted to shout that forgetting about it would help me more than his apology, but I bit my tongue, afraid that my temper would make me grab him by the collar.

“No, I haven’t forgotten. I’ll regret it and feel guilty for a long time—for handling you so roughly. It was your first time.”
I couldn’t win against Zion. Massaging my temple, I spoke in a resigned tone.

“Fine. Apologize now. Get down on your knees, bow, and say sorry. End it there. I’m not going to cling to you like a girl fussing over her first time, so don’t worry.”

“…That’s not what I meant.”

“What?”

“I meant I’ll apologize to your body in bed. I’ll kiss and soothe the places I hurt. I’ll use my lips to smooth over every inch until the pain fades, so you’ll never scar.”

“What kind of nonsense is that? I said there’s no need, so why—?”

No. Absolutely not. If Zion pushed me even once more, I wouldn’t be able to hold back. Next time, I might actually find myself begging at his feet for more.

Zion watched me, breathing hard with excitement, and licked his lips.

“The doctor… is completely disconnected.”

Zion tapped his temple with two fingers.

“Here,”

Then he lowered his hand to his left chest.

“And here.”

“So, isn’t it right for apologies to be made separately? Don’t you agree?”

I couldn’t even open my mouth, knowing my lips would tremble. I stared at him in silence, frowning. Why did Zion play with me like this, holding me in the palm of his hand? And why did my heart flutter like an infatuated teenager at his every move?
Zion made a finger gun and aimed it at me.

“Bang.”

An invisible bullet shot from his hand and pierced my heart. He blew on his finger and laughed softly.

“What’s this?”

A gentle breeze, carrying the scent of spring, brushed past us, tickling my nose. I felt a sneeze coming and pressed my nose.
Zion reached out and stroked my hair gently.

“Zion… hopes the doctor won’t cry anymore.”