(After Two Weeks)
Hana rubbed Jihyun's back as he leaned over the toilet, gagging so hard it felt like his whole stomach was coming out.
His hands gripped the sink, knuckles white, his hair damp with sweat.
When it finally stopped, Hana quickly handed him tissues.
"Here, sir."
Jihyun wiped his mouth weakly and leaned on her shoulder, his body heavy.
She guided him back to bed, helping him lie down. His skin was pale, lips trembling faintly as he tried to catch his breath.
Hana sat beside him, pressing his forehead gently.
"I called Sir Taewon this morning.
He'll be back tomorrow. And Sir already spoke with Dr. Seo he wants you to go for a check-up."
Jihyun turned his face to the pillow.
"I don't want to."
Hana's brows knit together. She had watched him grow weaker each day, eating less, vomiting more.
His eyes looked sunken, but his pride kept him silent.
"Since Taewon left, it's been getting worse," she whispered.
"I know what this is. And I think you know too. Why don't you just tell him?"
Jihyun's lips quivered faintly, his pride breaking for a second.
"Hana… I've kept it a secret for a week. Tomorrow marks one month exactly. When he comes back, I'll tell him myself."
Her chest tightened, but she only nodded gently.
"At least eat something soft. You haven't kept anything down."
He sighed, rolling onto his back.
"Don't. We'll be at the hospital anyway. It'll just be a waste."
Hana bit her tongue and stood quietly, watching him close his eyes.
(At the Hospital)
Dr. Seo leaned back in his chair, studying the file in his hand before looking up sharply at Jihyun.
"So… you did the test a week ago.
The doctor told you three weeks pregnant. And you ignored it?
No medication? No supplements?"
Jihyun lowered his gaze, guilty, his fingers curling in his lap.
"Does Taewon know?"
Dr. Seo's tone was firm.
Jihyun shook his head quickly.
"No. When he comes tomorrow, I'll tell him myself. Please don't say anything. I know you're his friend, but keep it secret."
The doctor's voice cut through him.
"Do you understand how fragile your health is? And the child's? A single wound could take it away."
Jihyun froze. His throat felt tight, eyes stinging faintly.
Dr. Seo softened a little, leaning forward.
"I'm not scolding you to be cruel.
I'm worried. You've always been careless about yourself, but this time it's not just you. You must eat, even if you throw it up later. Starving is more dangerous.
I'll prescribe supplements and medicine. You cannot ignore them."
Jihyun nodded, guilt weighing him down.
The doctor added quietly,
"Taewon told me he's been away for two weeks.
Right now, his pheromones are important for you.
After another week, you'll even start reacting badly to other people's pheromones.
Having him beside you will make a difference.
Tell him. Don't let him slip away this time. He has everything you need."
Jihyun gave a faint smile,
"I know… I'll tell him."
(Later)
As Jihyun and Hana left, Dr. Seo pulled out his phone and dialed quickly.
"Yah, Taewon. Listen."
His voice was sharp.
"Jihyun's pregnant. He kept it from you."
As doctor seo told him everything.
The line went silent.
Seo continued,
"Listen carefully. Control your desires for the next eight months.
He's fragile. Prepare yourself. He needs you more than anything right now."
Taewon's jaw clenched. He didn't reply, only cut the call, his hand tightening around the phone.
Sitting on the edge of his hotel bed, he stared out the window. Relief, fear, joy, worry everything mixed at once until his chest ached.
"Jihyun...pregnant "
"Our child "
"Ahhh..... Jihyun-ah…" his voice cracked softly,
"I want to hug you right now. Just wait a little. I'll be there tomorrow."
A knock snapped him back. His dinner tray was delivered.
He set it down, snapped a picture, and sent it to Jihyun with a short message:
My dinner. It must be lunch for you. Eat well.
(Back at the Condo)
Jihyun collapsed onto the couch the moment he returned.
His body ached, his mood foul. When his phone buzzed, he saw the photo of Taewon's dinner.
His stomach churned, nausea hitting instantly. He shut the phone without replying, pressing his hand against his stomach.
"Ahhh…" he groaned.
"Already fat. My stomach's so big in the first month. Am I going to turn into a drum?"
Hana entered with a tray.
"Sir, please eat."
Jihyun lay half on the couch, half on the floor, pouting like a child.
"Hana, tell me how to stay skinny while being pregnant."
Hana chuckled softly, setting the tray down.
"Sir, I'm still single. I don't know how it feels. But… I'll say this. No matter how much you gain, you'll still be pretty."
Jihyun rolled his eyes, but the corner of his lips curved faintly.
He touched his stomach,
"Don't trouble me too much, okay "