(Monday morning)
The sun was already high, but Jihyun was still curled under his blanket, lost in soft, heavy sleep.
Taewon entered the room. Calm, steady,
He walked over without a sound and sat at the edge of the bed.
His hand reached forward, brushing gently through Jihyun's messy hair.
"You're not planning to go back?"
he murmured.
Slowly, Jihyun stirred. His lashes fluttered open, hazy at first, then focused on the face before him. The moment he recognized Taewon, his lips curved into a smile.
He sat up instantly, arms wrapping around Taewon's neck, pulling him close.
He breathed in, as if grounding himself with Taewon's scent.
"Sorry, I'll get ready. I slept late last night," Jihyun confessed softly.
Taewon's brow arched.
"And why is that?"
Jihyun scratched the back of his neck, sheepish.
"A movie. It just came out. I wanted to see if it was good. If it is, we'll watch it together."
A faint smile tugged at Taewon's lips.
"Okay. Then we will. But now get up. We have to leave before twelve. It's already nine."
Jihyun nodded quickly, throwing the blanket off. But as he jumped out of bed, his feet tangled, and with a loud thud, he landed on the floor.
Taewon moved fast, but Jihyun waved him off, laughing through the embarrassment.
"I'm fine!" He scrambled up and darted into the bathroom.
Left alone, Taewon sighed, shaking his head.
"Fool."
Still, he stayed. Straightening the bed, folding the blanket neatly, placing the pillows back in order.
His hands moved with care. He tidied the desk, tucked clothes into the cupboard, and pulled Jihyun's luggage out, setting it near the door.
By the time Jihyun returned, fresh and dressed, the room looked spotless untouched, almost like no one had lived there at all.
"Let's go," Jihyun said cheerfully.
(On the way)
Taewon stopped by a café. He returned with coffee and cakes, placing them in Jihyun's lap.
"Eat. You skipped breakfast."
Jihyun looked at him, eyes softening with quiet warmth.
"Thank you"
Taewon didn't answer, only started the car. But his lips curved faintly, the expression hidden from Jihyun's view.
When they reached the villa, Jihyun spoke first before Taewon could.
"Minjoon hyung isn't home. I'll go with you to your condo."
Taewon stilled, then gave a small nod. No words, only a look in his eyes that Jihyun couldn't read.
(At the condo)
The staff greeted them and carried the luggage inside. Jihyun remained by the doorway, unmoving.
His feet wouldn't cross the threshold. His chest tightened with hesitation.
Taewon turned. He understood the reason behind Jihyun's stillness.
But his expression remained calm, almost gentle. He reached out, wrapping his fingers around Jihyun's wrist.
"Come inside," he said softly.
And with that, he pulled him in.
For Jihyun, it felt unreal.
The place that once suffocated him, that felt like a cage now felt different.
Strange warmth spread through him as if the walls themselves had changed.
Each step felt hesitant, yet every breath was lighter than he remembered.
From behind, Taewon's arms slipped around his waist. His chest pressed against Jihyun's back, his voice low, steady.
"Welcome back home. After a long time."
Jihyun turned, eyes glistening. He swallowed, then whispered,
"I'm sorry for everything I did back then."
Taewon's throat tightened. He pulled Jihyun close, his own eyes stinging.
A single tear slid onto Jihyun's shoulder.
"I missed you so much."
Jihyun's arms clutched him back, his voice trembling.
"I missed everything, too."
Taewon's hold only grew stronger.
"It's over now. Everything from you belongs to me. And me" his voice cracked before hardening, "I'm only yours."
Jihyun nodded, smiling through his tears.
"Yes. It's over now."
Taewon brushed his tears away, his palm warm against Jihyun's cheek.
"Good. Now look around."
As His phone buzzed. He sighed, answered quickly, and walked toward the kitchen, speaking in low tones.
Left alone, Jihyun wandered. His eyes stopped at the door of his old room.
He hesitated, then tried the knob. Locked.
A moment later, Taewon returned, still on the call. Without looking, he handed Jihyun a set of keys, then walked away again.
Jihyun unlocked the door. His breath caught.
Inside everything was the same. The charger tossed on the bed, the towel he'd left. Only dust was gone. It was as if time had frozen.
Confusion swirled in his chest. He turned just as Taewon returned, phone now tucked away.
"This"
"Leave it," Taewon cut him off, brows slightly raised. "Come with me."
He led Jihyun down the hall, opening another door.
Inside was Taewon's room. Or rather, their room now. Everything was changed, styled exactly to Jihyun's tastes colors, furniture, even the smallest details.
"This," Taewon said firmly,
"is our room from now on. Don't ask me about the other one anymore. That part of us is over. Here is where we begin."
He leaned in, lips brushing Jihyun's ear. His voice dropped, husky.
"And if you ever try to run away again I'll punish you."
Jihyun jumped, staring at him wide-eyed.
"Yaa! What's wrong with you?
You never talk like this!"
A smirk curved Taewon's lips.
"But I do now."
The look in his eyes sent Jihyun's heart racing. Dangerous. Possessive. Yet tender.
Trying to hide his fluster, Jihyun wandered the room, touching everything with curious fingers. But when he turned back, boldness lit his face.
He slipped onto Taewon's lap, straddling him, meeting his eyes head-on.
"Then I'll wait for this Taewon tonight.
Let's see the strength you claim to have."
Taewon's gaze darkened instantly. His smirk deepened.
"You're daring me?"
"Yes," Jihyun whispered. "I am."
The air between them thickened. Taewon's hands slid to his waist, and in one swift motion, he lifted Jihyun and laid him onto the bed. His shadow hovered above.
"Then get ready," he murmured.
Jihyun's eyes widened, heat flooding his face.
"Wait I didn't mean"
But Taewon was already walking toward the door. His steps were unhurried, his voice calm, almost cold.
"I meant it. So be ready."
The door clicked shut.
Jihyun lay frozen on the bed, heart hammering wildly. His lips tingled, his whole body trembling.
"What did I just do?" he whispered to the empty room.