It was already evening when Taewon came back.
His sleeves were rolled, he tossed his coat onto the couch.
He moved with a calm ease, pouring himself a glass of water. The condo was quiet, his presence filling it naturally, like he belonged there.
From the half-open bedroom door,
Jihyun stood, quietly watching.
Taewon felt the weight of those eyes but didn't turn. He picked up his phone, answering curtly,
"Yes." His voice was low, as he walked toward the door again.
Jihyun's chest tightened.
He's leaving again?
He followed, step after step, heart pounding with dread. Just as he reached the living room, Taewon suddenly turned back.
In his hands bags of food.
Jihyun blinked, caught off guard. He quickly masked it, pretending he had just noticed. "Oh… you're back?"
Taewon's lips curved faintly.
"Yes. I'm back."
Jihyun's gaze dropped to the bags.
"What's this?"
"Put it on plates." Taewon handed them over as he walked past him, voice steady.
"I'm going to shower. You get ready."
Jihyun's throat tightened, heat crawling up his neck.
Why did I challenge him like that?
What if… what if he really
But if i backed out now wouldn't Taewon be disappointed?
In the kitchen,
Jihyun opened the bags. His breath caught. Every dish was from his favorite restaurant. A lump rose in his throat.
He still remembers everything,
His hand trembled as he reached for the wine shelf.
"If I drink this… maybe it'll be easier,"
He whispered, pouring a glass.
Footsteps.
Panic surged through him.
He quickly shoved the bottle aside and dumped the wine into the sink.
Taewon entered, hair damp, a towel around his neck. His shirt clung slightly to his frame.
Jihyun's face burned red.
"I… I was just checking this glass."
Taewon didn't reply. His gaze lingered on the flustered Omega, catching the faint sweetness of Jihyun's pheromones curling through the air.
He stepped forward, laying a firm hand on Jihyun's shoulder, and gently guided him toward the table.
"Eat first. Food's getting cold."
Jihyun nodded quickly, clutching his spoon as if it could steady him.
He kept sneaking glances at Taewon, pulse racing.
"You want to ask something,"
Taewon said calmly.
"No! Who said that?"
Jihyun waved both hands, voice too quick, too nervous.
A faint smirk touched Taewon's lips.
"Then eat."
The meal passed in quiet tension, broken only by clinking cutlery. When Jihyun stood to clear the table,
Taewon took the plates from his hands. He leaned close, his breath brushing Jihyun's cheek.
Before Jihyun could move back,
Taewon kissed him. Soft, fleeting, yet enough to send a shiver through him.
Warm pheromones spread, calming the nervous beating of his heart.
Taewon's hand lingered, patting his gently. "Go rest. Take your medicine. Don't worry."
"Rest?" Jihyun blinked, confused.
"Yes. Rest," Taewon said firmly, gaze unwavering. "I have work to do."
Something in Jihyun wanted to argue, to ask him to stay but the words stuck.
In the end, he only nodded, heading to the bedroom. Relief and disappointment tangled in his chest.
(Hour's later)
Around ten,
the door opened quietly. Jihyun quickly shut his eyes, pretending to sleep.
The bed dipped. The blanket was pulled up. A warm kiss brushed his forehead.
Then strong arms wrapped him tightly.
"Jihyun-ah"
Taewon's voice was low, almost breaking. His breath warmed Jihyun's ear.
"I don't want you to ever be scared of me. Or feel insecure. Just talk to me openly. I promise I'll never force you into anything."
Jihyun's chest warmed, His lips curved into a small smile he hid against Taewon's chest. For the first time,
He let himself relax completely in his arms.