Evening shadows stretched across the apartment when Jihyun stirred awake.
He found himself wrapped in a blanket on the couch, the quiet hum of the house surrounding him.
For a moment, he panicked searching the room, searching for him.
"Taewon?"
No answer.
He hurried to his feet, heart clenching, until He heard the sound of running water.
He followed it to the kitchen.
There, under the warm light, Taewon stood at the stove, sleeves rolled, calmly preparing something as if he had always belonged in that space.
Jihyun didn't hesitate. He stepped forward and slipped his arms around Taewon's waist from behind, burying his face between his shoulder blades.
Taewon stilled for a breath, then caught Jihyun's hands gently, turning to face him.
His gaze softened, but his words held quiet amusement.
"You're still not over that sobbing?
Didn't you promise me?"
Jihyun only clung tighter, eyes lifting to his face before resting his head against his chest.
His voice was small, trembling, but firm.
"Taewon you won't leave me, no matter what, right?"
Taewon tilted his chin down, searching his eyes with unshaken calm.
"Tell me where are we standing right now?"
Jihyun blinked, confused.
"In my kitchen."
"And what am I doing?"
"Cooking."
"For who?"
"For me... And for you."
Taewon nodded slowly. His voice was low but steady.
"Then tell me, do I look like a man who'd stay beside someone he didn't love?"
Jihyun's lips parted, but no words came. His chest ached.
Taewon leaned down, wrapped him into a firmer embrace, and pressed his cheek against Jihyun's hair.
"My love for you never died. Even when I walked away, hope refused to leave me.
No matter what happened, it remained. And now, since you've promised me listen well. I won't leave you again unless you are the one to push me away."
Jihyun's throat burned.
"I won't," He whispered.
Rising on his toes, he looped his arms around Taewon's neck and pressed his lips against his a soft, trembling kiss that carried everything he hadn't said.
The kiss was fragile, but the moment it broke, his pheromones spilled into the air, raw and overwhelming.
Taewon froze, stunned by the force of it, cheeks warming, heartbeat unsteady. Then He moved.
In one effortless motion,
Taewon lifted him and set him onto the counter.
His hands framed Jihyun's waist, his palm firm against the side of his neck, and he kissed him hard, urgent, devouring, as though he could swallow all their distance.
Jihyun clung desperately, lips parting beneath Taewon's, nearly breathless.
The kitchen filled with their pheromones, heavy and sweet, pressing down on them like gravity.
But then,
"Taewon!"
Jihyun gasped against his mouth, shoving weakly at his chest.
"The stove... ummm...turn it off it's burning"
Taewon startled, pulled back, and turned just in time to see the pan of vegetables charred black. He quickly switched off the flame.
The smoke rose in sharp contrast to the heat still racing through his body.
When he turned back,
Jihyun was still perched on the counter cheeks flushed, lips swollen, his small frame trembling. His wide eyes made Taewon's chest ache.
And then, as if unable to help himself, Jihyun opened his arms, silently asking for an embrace like a child seeking comfort.
Taewon's lips curved, tender.
He stepped close, bracing his hands on either side of the counter, caging Jihyun in.
His gaze traced every line of that face he'd missed so much. His fingers brushed over Jihyun's lips, his cheek, his eyes.
"You have the prettiest eyes," He murmured. "The sweetest lips. And these soft cheeks I can never let go of."
Jihyun cupped his jaw with both hands, replying without hesitation.
"And you have the most attractive eyes, the strongest jaw, and the most irresistible lips."
Taewon let out a low laugh.
"We just found our way back, and already you're seducing me?"
Jihyun shook his head firmly.
"I'm not seducing. It's my right."
"Oh?" Taewon raised a brow.
"What right?"
Leaning in close, Jihyun whispered against his ear, voice trembling but bold.
"This time, I have the right. Because you're my lovely fiancé. Not forced mine."
Something shifted in Taewon's eyes. His voice dropped, rough and dangerous against Jihyun's skin.
"My little mate then be warned. Your lovely fiancé isn't that gentle Alpha anymore.
He's an Enigma. And this Enigma won't hold back until he's devoured every part of you."
Jihyun met his gaze, unwavering.
"I want you."
The simple honesty left Taewon stunned. His jaw tightened, trying to keep steady, but Jihyun's cuteness destroyed his composure.
"Promise me something,"
Taewon said finally.
"In front of others, act mature, like before. This face, this softness you keep it only for me."
Jihyun nodded without hesitation.
"And you don't let anyone else see this side of you. Only me. No one else."
Taewon smirked faintly.
"Like who?"
"Forget the past," Jihyun said firmly.
"It's only us now."
Taewon's eyes softened, but his voice teased. "Only us?"
"Only us."
"And our children,"
Taewon added suddenly, lips twitching.
Jihyun's face turned crimson.
"Children?"
"At least five,"
Taewon declared, as if it was already decided. "Before marriage."
"Taewon!" Jihyun buried his face into his chest, ears burning.
"We just got back together and you're already planning children?"
Taewon laughed the sound rich and warm, and lifted Jihyun from the counter as though He weighed nothing.
"I told you, didn't I? I won't hold back anymore."
Jihyun gasped, clinging to him.
"Taewon what are you doing?"
"Exactly what I said,"
Taewon whispered, eyes burning as he held him tighter.