Taewon was gone for two days.
The guard only said, "He left for work."
But Jihyun knew. Work wasn't two days.
The silence killed him. He wandered the apartment, eyes swollen from crying.
Every corner felt like it would swallow him whole. His chest tightened every hour. He was scared scared Taewon would leave again.
On the third day, someone knocked.
Jihyun rushed to the door. When he opened it, Taewon stood there.
His eyes blurred instantly, tears rolling down without control. Before Taewon could even say a word, Jihyun threw himself forward, clutching him tight, burying his face into Taewon's chest.
Taewon froze. Slowly, his hand moved up, rubbing Jihyun's back, patting his head. His voice was calm.
"What happened?"
Jihyun said nothing. His body shook, breath breaking against Taewon's shirt.
Taewon pulled him a little back, holding his shoulders gently.
"Tell me."
The words burst out of Jihyun's mouth, cracked and raw.
"Where did you go?
You left me alone here.
Do you know how much I missed you?
Why don't you understan I can't bear staying away from you anymore. It hurts."
He slammed a hand against his chest.
"It hurts here. I feel like this house will eat me alive."
Taewon's lips curved slightly, almost like a pained smile. Jihyun grabbed his collar tight.
"I can't stand you treating me like a stranger. I know I don't deserve you, but I can't hold it anymore. I want you. Only you. I won't share you with anyone not Bora, not anyone. No matter what I'm telling you i won't. "
Taewon's arms tightened around him, his palm cupping Jihyun's neck. His forehead rested against Jihyun's.
"So this was what you were holding in?
Was it that hard to say?"
Jihyun blinked, tears dripping.
"Are you laughing at me?"
Taewon brushed his cheeks, voice steady.
"Do you know how hard it was for me to leave you?
I may have been angry, but my heart never listened.
Even when I was with others, my mind kept going back to you. Always you."
"I know I was horrible. I was stupid,"
Jihyun choked. "I deserved all this."
"You said yesterday you'd win me over," Taewon reminded, eyes narrowing slightly. "And you're giving up this fast?"
"I'm not giving up," Jihyun cried harder.
"I'm tired, but I'm not giving up. I just can't hold myself anymore."
Taewon exhaled, his voice dropping low.
"Then from now on, I'll carry you when you fall. I'll take your burdens when you're tired. But Jihyun don't run from me again. Don't let this turn into hate."
Jihyun shook his head violently, gripping Taewon's hand with both of his, sobbing so hard his nose ran like a child with flu.
Taewon glanced down, lips twitching. He tried to hide his laugh, but it slipped, and Jihyun stared at him through red swollen eyes.
"You're laughing at me? Are you playing with me again?"
"No." Taewon's smile stayed faint, but his tone was serious.
"okay, Enough. Come inside."
He guided Jihyun to the couch. Jihyun clung to his arm, still hiccuping through tears.
"Don't go with Bora again. Don't look at anyone else. Only me."
"Only you," Taewon replied without hesitation.
"Promise."
"I promise."
Jihyun's voice cracked but he pushed through.
"Then let's marry again. This time properly. Happily."
Taewon blinked, shocked.
"Marriage?"
"Yes." Jihyun's eyes shone with stubborn desperation.
"I don't want to just date you. I want you like before."
Taewon stared at him for a long beat.
Then he said firmly,
"First, listen. Then promise."
"I promise," Jihyun said instantly.
"No." Taewon's gaze held him still.
"Listen. From today, no more dragging our past.
No more forcing things on me or yourself. This time only pure feelings. No rules. No lies. Just sincerity and trust. Understand?"
"I understand. I'll change whatever you want me to."
Taewon shook his head.
"You don't need to change. You're already enough. Stop blaming yourself. Stop thinking everyone hates you because you're an omega.
From now on, you'll throw those insecurities away not all at once, but slowly. I'll help you. When someone looks down on you, you'll tell me. You won't keep it inside. And you'll never compare me with another alpha again."
"I won't," Jihyun whispered.
"This time, I'll treat it like a new life. I'll live it your way."
"No." Taewon pulled him close, voice low against his ear.
"Live it your way. Not for others. Not even for me. For yourself."
Jihyun closed his eyes. His small frame felt fragile in Taewon's arms, but his breathing slowed, his tears drying on his cheeks.
Taewon stroked his hair, speaking softly.
"Jihyun-ah, you're the reason I stand this strong. No one can change that.
No matter how much you hurt me, you were the one who pushed me to grow, to stand where I am today. It's always been because of you."
Jihyun didn't reply. His head had already fallen against Taewon's chest, his body heavy with sleep.
Taewon looked down at his calm face and held him tighter, as if he wasn't planning to let go again.