(Morning)
Jihyun ended the long call with Taewon, dropped the phone beside him.
He dragged himself up, face pale, grabbed the medicine bottle and swallowed quickly.
The nausea twisted again in his stomach.
He muttered, "Not again" and went downstairs.
Cook placed breakfast.
Minjoon came out, suit on, sat down without a word.
Jihyun picked at the food, then set his spoon down.
Cook asked softly,
"Young master… don't you like breakfast?"
Jihyun shook his head,
"No. I'm just not feeling well today. I'll eat later."
Cook bowed. Minjoon's eyes flicked at him but he stayed quiet.
Jihyun went back upstairs slowly.
Minjoon spoke low to cook,
"Make something else for him later. He's picky. Make sure he eats."
Cook nodded, "Yes sir."
Minjoon's phone buzzed again and again. He cut the call, grabbed his coat, and left.
In his room Jihyun lay on his stomach, whispering,
"What is this… food poisoning? Or something worse it's killing me."
He shut his eyes.
"Just sleep… maybe it'll pass."
(Evening)
Minjoon came home, changed, sat down for dinner.
He asked,
"Did Jihyun eat?"
Nani shook her head,
"No sir. Young master stayed in room all day."
Minjoon stood immediately,
"Prepare his tray. Take it now."
He went upstairs. Nani followed with tray.
Knocked. Entered.
Jihyun sat straight instantly, hiding his phone.
Cook set the tray down.
Minjoon's voice firm,
"Eat first. Then take medicine."
He grabbed Jihyun's wrist, checked quickly.
"No fever. Just eat and rest."
Jihyun stood, hugged him tight,
"Hyung… I'm sorry for last night."
Minjoon's jaw tightened. He didn't answer.
Jihyun clutched harder, desperate,
"I know you're worried. But please understand me. I'm not the same anymore. This time I'm sincere. I won't hurt myself. I won't hurt him.
If you don't trust me test us. Do anything. But don't treat me like this, hyung."
Minjoon slowly set him back on bed, eyes unreadable.
"You eat."
He turned and left.
Jihyun looked down at the tray, lifted the spoon with shaking hands.
His chest tightened. His own brother couldn't see him.
The phone rang.
He forced himself, answered.
"Taewon… you back home?"
Taewon's voice soft,
"I did. But it's so quiet. I miss you."
Jihyun's eyes burned,
"I miss you too." His voice shook.
"Jihyun… you're crying?"
"No… not crying. Just… not feeling well."
"What happened? Minjoon said something? Did he scold you?"
"Hmm…" Jihyun hummed weakly.
Taewon sighed,
"Okay. Don't stress. Morning, I'm coming to take you no matter what. I'll talk to Minjoon myself. Calm down.
Your nausea better?"
"It's okay now, I'm eating. But come tomorrow. I can't bear hyung like this. He's not even talking to me."
"Okay, okay. I'll come early."
"Come soon."
(Other side)
Minjoon told nani,
"I'm going out. If I'm late, look after Jihyun."
She frowned, "But it's late dear "
Minjoon cut in, "I'll come back."
He left.
(Club)
Minjoon sat at the counter, head in his hands, face red.
He dialed.
"Taehyun… come to Mak bar."
"Now?" Taehyun asked.
"Forget it." Minjoon cut the line, poured another drink.
Taehyun came anyway, spotted him, rushed over.
"Minjoon."
Minjoon turned, hazy eyes,
"You're late."
Taehyun smirked "Were you waiting for me?"
Minjoon slapped his chest weakly,
"Why he never listens...huh he hides everything… does whatever he wants"
Taehyun frowned,
"Who are you talking about?"
He pulled Minjoon to the couch.
Minjoon muttered,
"I thought I knew him. I thought I could protect him. But I know nothing.
He's all I have and I don't even know him."
Taehyun asked, "Your lover?"
Minjoon glared, cheeks flushed,
"You dumb I'm talking about Jihyun."
Taehyun froze. Then exhaled.
"So that's it. Then why drink like this?
What did he do?"
Minjoon shook his head,
"Not him. Me. I'm useless."
Taehyun leaned,
"Then tell me."
Minjoon muttered,
"He's back with Taewon."
Taehyun chuckled,
"You're drunk. Talking nonsense. Taewon didn't tell me anything."
Minjoon snapped,
"Call him. Now."
Taehyun sighed, called.
"Taewon, are you and Jihyun back together?"
Pause. Then Taewon said, "Yes. Why?"
"Huh, we'll be talking about this Taewon "
Taehyun cut the call, looked at Minjoon.
"Fine. You were right. Let's go."
He carried him out.
In the car Minjoon whispered,
"Why you wearing mask my pheromones stink to you?"
Taehyun pulled it off,
"It doesn't stink. It's just strong. Hard to focus. But I'll manage."
Minjoon grabbed his hand,
"Don't take me back. Take me to your place."
Taehyun stared, then nodded.
(At the condo)
Taehyun half-dragged him inside, muttering,
"What do you even eat you're heavy"
The door closed.
Minjoon's arms wrapped tight around his waist.
His face pressed against Taehyun's chest, breath hot.
"You… why are you so handsome," Minjoon slurred, eyes glassy but sharp.
Taehyun stiffened, rolled his eyes,
"Ya, are you kidding me? You forgot who I am already? Just sit."
He bent down, removed Minjoon's shoes and coat, gave him water.
"Drink. Rest. I'll stay outside."
But Minjoon grabbed his wrist and yanked.
Taehyun lost balance, fell onto the bed with him.
"Minjoon"
Before he could finish, Minjoon kissed him hard.
Taehyun's eyes widened. He shoved at his chest,
"Ya! Don't do this. You'll kill me tomorrow for it. You're drunk"
But Minjoon's grip only tightened, his mouth chasing Taehyun's again.
Desperate. Rough.
Taehyun's hands trembled. He grabbed a glass and splashed water over Minjoon's face.
Minjoon jerked back, sputtering, glaring,
"What the hell… why'd you do that?"
Taehyun's voice shook,
"Because you're not in your senses. If I touch you now, you'll regret it and blame me."
Minjoon shoved him, anger and frustration mixing,
"You're the one approaching me first then why push me away now?"
Taehyun snapped,
"I'm stopping you from doing something you'll hate yourself for tomorrow!"
But Minjoon only leaned in again, reckless, lips crashing against his with force.
This time Taehyun pinned him down by the waist, his own control breaking,
"Don't… not like this. If I take one more step, you won't stop me.
And I won't let you blame me tomorrow for something you started."
Minjoon's breath hitched. His face burned. His heart hammered so hard it drowned the alcohol in his veins.
He stared at Taehyun's face above him too close, too intense.
Suddenly, Minjoon shoved him off, stumbling to his feet.
"Forget it," he muttered, ears red.
And before Taehyun could stop him, Minjoon rushed out the door.
Taehyun sat frozen on the bed, chest heaving.
His hand curled into a fist.
"Minjoon… you'll drive me insane. You start it then run. What do you even want?"