(The next morning,)
Jihyun's phone buzzed. Minjoon's name flashed across the screen.
"Jihyun, how are you feeling?"
Jihyun rubbed his eyes, voice soft but steady.
"I'm good, hyung. Better than before."
"You're really okay there, right?"
Minjoon pressed, worry laced in his tone.
"I am. For real this time. I'm eating, taking my medicines on time. I even had a good sleep last night, the best in a long while. I feel relaxed here."
There was a pause, then Minjoon's quiet sigh of relief.
"Alright. Call me if anything happens."
"I will," Jihyun promised before hanging up.
(After showering)
He sat at his desk, laptop glowing in front of him.
His psychologist's words echoed in his head: If you can't find an answer, look at it from another perspective. Read about how others went through it.
So, Jihyun typed.
What do I do if I want him back, but I don't want to snatch him from someone else?
He poured everything into the search his broken marriage, his doubts, his guilt, his fear of whether Taewon had someone new. Then he scrolled through replies.
Most answers, surprisingly, said the same thing.
Go after him. Make him feel you exist. Show him he matters to you.
Jihyun's fingers hovered over the keyboard. His heart thudded painfully.
Can i really do that?
Can i face Taewon now, after everything?
But after hours of searching, more advice, and another brief call with his psychologist, he whispered to himself,
"I'll try. Not to win him back, not yet but at least to ask for his forgiveness."
(It was already afternoon)
when Jihyun finally stood outside Taewon's apartment.
His hand lifted, then dropped.
"He's not going to open door if he saw it's me"
He covered the camera with a napkin, then pulled out another one to block the second lens. Just as he was about to reach, a cold, familiar voice froze him in place.
"What are you doing?"
Jihyun turned sharply. Taewon stood there, gaze sharp and unreadable.
"I… I was coming to your apartment,"
Jihyun stammered.
"Go back to your apartment,"
Taewon said flatly.
"And don't come back here again."
Jihyun clutched the bag in his hands. His voice trembled, but he forced it out.
"If you don't mind can I cook in your house? My stove isn't working."
Taewon's expression didn't change.
He only looked at him for a beat longer, then turned, unlocking his door.
Without another word, Taewon stepped inside and closed it behind Jihyun, leaving him in the hallway.
Jihyun stood there, heart hammering, chest aching. His lips curled into a faint, broken smile.
"It's okay. I'll try again"
He whispered.
(That evening)
Jihyun outside again, standing near the door as the guard walked past.
"Sir, do you need something?"
The guard asked.
"No… nothing." Jihyun forced a smile.
Moments later, he froze as the familiar female Omega appeared, walking gracefully toward Taewon's door.
Dressed elegantly, her presence alone made Jihyun's chest tighten.
He stepped forward before he could think.
"Hello," he greeted.
"Hello," she replied softly.
"Are you going to see Taewon?"
"Yes," she said politely.
Jihyun inhaled slowly.
"Taewon said he's busy. If you need something, you can tell me. I'll pass it to him."
She tilted her head, confused.
"But I already messaged him."
From inside, Taewon had just reached the door. Hearing Jihyun's voice, he stopped.
Jihyun's tone didn't waver.
"He told me personally. That's why I was waiting here, to let you know."
The girl hesitated. "Oh… but still, I should"
"He's not home. He's at the office,"
Jihyun cut her off quickly, stepping closer.
She paused, then sighed.
"Fine. Tell him I need some payment.
And tell him I'm going to Busan tomorrow for two days. I'll be back the day after."
Jihyun nodded.
"I'll let him know."
She left with a polite smile, heels clicking against the marble floor.
Jihyun exhaled deeply, returning to his apartment.
"One task done," he whispered to himself.
On the other side of the wall,
Taewon sat down heavily. His jaw clenched, eyes narrowed.
"What are you planning, Jihyun?"
he muttered under his breath.
"Don't try. You're wasting your time."