(Morning – Han Villa)
Knock.
Jihyun, still buried in the blanket, groaned, his body heavy and sore.
He rubbed his eyes, hair a mess. Slowly dragging himself up, he shuffled toward the door, yawning.
"Hyung?" his voice cracked as he opened.
Minjoon stood there, tone calmer than usual, almost soft.
"Come down. Taewon came to take you."
The moment Jihyun heard that name, his eyes lit up instantly.
He didn't even care about his messy hair or wrinkled shirt.
He dashed down the hall, heart thundering.
(Guest Room)
Taewon was sitting on the couch, posture straight, calm as ever.
"Taewon!" Jihyun rushed and hugged him, arms tight, face pressing into his shoulder like a child finally finding home.
Taewon wrapped one strong hand around his back, pulling him close, lips pressing a firm kiss on Jihyun's head.
"How are you?"
Jihyun's voice muffled in his chest.
"Not good because I missed you too much."
Taewon's smile was soft, eyes gentle.
Just then, Minjoon entered.
The air froze for Jihyun. He quickly sat beside Taewon, his body stiff, expecting anger, expecting harsh words.
But Minjoon's tone was steady, too normal.
"Take your coffee."
Taewon calmly lifted the cup.
"I already finalized it with them,"
Minjoon continued.
"They'll be coming maybe tomorrow."
Taewon nodded.
"Yes. Good. I told Harin she'll come over, check with you."
Jihyun blinked, confused.
What is this? Why business?
Where's the yelling? Where's hyung's anger?
He looked between them, lips parting but no words coming.
After a pause,
Minjoon turned to him.
"Jihyun, go pack your things."
Jihyun froze.
"But hyung"
Taewon's calm voice cut in, deep and steady.
"Go. Hurry."
Jihyun stared at him, shocked.
What was going on? They already talked? Without him? Why were they acting so normal?
Confused, he dragged his feet upstairs, mind spinning.
(Meanwhile – Guest Room)
Minjoon's tone dropped low, serious.
"I'm trusting you only because you mentioned mom.
Otherwise remember, I don't want my brother broken like before.
He's scarred enough from recent traumas. His health is fragile."
Taewon's eyes didn't waver.
"Don't worry. This time will last. It's my promise."
(Upstairs – Jihyun Packing)
Shoving clothes into a bag, Jihyun's hands trembled.
What is this? Hyung not yelling, Taewon not tense Did they already settle everything without me?
His heart thudded . He was curious to know but also relief spread in his chest.
(Jihyun Returns)
Bag in hand, he stepped back into the guest room.
Taewon stood, slipping his phone into his pocket.
"So then, we'll get going."
Minjoon nodded once.
Jihyun hesitated, lips pressed together.
Then he slowly stepped toward Minjoon, almost afraid.
Minjoon looked at him for a long moment, then pulled him in, arms firm but gentle.
Whisper against his ear.
"Jihyun… I'm sorry for what I said yesterday."
Jihyun blinked, warmth flooding his chest. He smiled faintly.
"Hyung. I'm sorry too, for hiding things."
Minjoon's voice pressed heavy, breath warm near his ear.
"You're going. But no more stubbornness. Don't hide anything from me again. And this time give your all to this relationship. You chose it. I know you thought it through. Make it work."
Jihyun's throat tightened. He nodded, eyes soft with emotion.
(Car – Outside)
Before leaving,
Taewon exchanged a few quiet words with Minjoon, their voices low.
Inside the car,
Jihyun waited. But suddenly, nausea hit hard.
His hand gripped the seatbelt, chest tight. He swallowed it down quickly before Taewon returned.
When Taewon slid into the driver's seat, he noticed Jihyun's pale face.
"Shall we go?"
Jihyun forced a smile, not wanting him to worry.
"Yes. Let's go."
Taewon gave him a side glance but didn't press, starting the car.
During the ride,
Jihyun couldn't stop talking. His words tumbled out nonstop about Minjoon, about breakfast, about the morning sun.
He leaned closer, voice bright, too happy to stop.
Taewon kept glancing, noticing his flushed cheeks.
His worry grew, but he let Jihyun's happiness fill the silence.
(Condo – Arrival)
The car stopped. Taewon turned, leaned forward, pressing a sudden kiss on Jihyun's lips.
"Okay. No more sulking. Your face is red already. From now on, only good things."
Jihyun pouted, cheeks puffed, but nodded.
They entered together.
"Hana I'm back "
"Where's Hana?" Jihyun asked, looking around.
Suddenly, Taewon swept him up bridal-style.
"Ya! I asked where's Hana!"
His gaze locked on Jihyun's eyes, voice low.
"They're on holiday."
"What holiday?"
"I sent them away for two days.
Empty house. Only us."
Jihyun's eyes widened, breath catching.
"No… Taewon… no. I already regret that one night. My stomach still feels strange."
Taewon smirked, carrying him straight to the bedroom.
"You're the one who said you missed me. Now don't run."
He laid Jihyun down, his tall frame leaning over, lips brushing his.
"Taewon… listen… I'm serious, my body uhhmmm…"
Taewon silenced him, mouth trailing down his neck, desperate, possessive.
Hands pinned his wrists above. Clothes vanished within seconds.
His pheromones thickened, heavy in the air, forcing Jihyun's lungs to breathe him in until his body melted against the sheets.
"Be gentle this time,"
Jihyun whispered breathless.
Taewon smirked against his skin.
"Then be obedient this time."
(Later – Bedroom)
Heat filled the room, pheromones clashing, skin marked with scratches.
Jihyun's nails dug deep into Taewon's back, red lines rising.
"Ahh… it feels… like it's tearing me… get it out of my stomach, it's too much…"
Taewon slowed, kissed his damp forehead gently, voice tender.
"You're the most beautiful creature on this earth."
He adjusted Jihyun carefully, wrapping the blanket around him, pulling him into his chest like something precious.
Jihyun hugged him back, face buried against him, whispering muffled.
"Tell me one thing"
Taewon stroked his hair, eyes soft.
"What is it?"
"How… how did you make hyung accept this? What did you tell him?"
Taewon looked at him, voice steady.
"Don't think about it."
Jihyun frowned.
"No, tell me."
"Some other day."
"No. Now. Tell me, I'm confused."
Instead of answering, Taewon leaned down and kissed his forehead.
"Sleep now. Not today. I promise, I'll tell you another time."
Jihyun pouted, turning his back, though still close enough to feel Taewon's warmth.
Taewon reached over, pulling the blanket higher.
"Give me your hand, Jihyun."
Still pouting, Jihyun extended his hand behind him without looking.
Taewon opened the side drawer, took out a small box, and slid something onto Jihyun's finger.
Jihyun glanced down his breath caught.
A ring.
He turned quickly, eyes wide, lips parting.
Taewon kissed him softly.
"These are our rings. We're officially engaged now."
Jihyun's face bloomed into a smile as he stared at the ring glowing on his finger.