(After a month)
City was drowning in rain.
The steady sound of droplets against the glass filled the condo,
When Taewon pushed open the door, he was met with silence too still, too empty.
He set down his umbrella, his eyes scanning the living room before heading to their bedroom.
The moment he stepped inside, his gaze softened.
Jihyun was sitting by the wide window, body leaning weakly against the frame, staring blankly at the rain outside.
The dim light cast shadows over his pale face, making him look even smaller, fragile against the glass.
Taewon's chest tightened. And then he felt.
The air was thick with Jihyun's pheromones, but they weren't alone.
Another scent, faint but unmistakable, threaded through Jihyun's body.
He walked slowly to him, not wanting to break the fragile moment, and slid his arms gently around Jihyun's shoulders from behind.
His warmth pressed against Jihyun's back as he whispered near his ear, his voice steady yet tender.
Jihyun blinked out of his thoughts, leaning back against Taewon's chest.
"Are you back?"
His voice was soft, tired, yet clinging.
Taewon lowered his head, brushing a kiss against Jihyun's lips.
"Yes," he murmured, then rested his hand carefully over Jihyun's stomach.
"Tell me, did you eat?"
Jihyun shook his head, his lashes lowered.
"I was waiting for you."
A sigh left Taewon's lips. He gently turned Jihyun to face him.
"I told you to eat on time."
His palm cupped Jihyun's cheek, tracing the tiredness written in his features.
Then his hand returned to Jihyun's belly,
Taewon leaned his forehead against Jihyun's shoulder, inhaling his scent. His voice dropped, almost reverent.
"You know… I'm feeling two pheromones from you since last week."
Jihyun's eyes widened slightly. "I felt it."
Taewon's gaze deepened, his thumb brushing Jihyun's trembling fingers.
"It's our baby's pheromones. I can feel it."
He pressed his palm firmly against Jihyun's belly, then took both of Jihyun's hands, holding them tightly.
"I've been watching you these past days. You're always tired, always lost, and I can see how depressed you've been. Tell me what's going through your mind?
Is there something bothering you?"
Jihyun's lips trembled. He met Taewon's eyes with a breaking voice.
"The doctor said again… the baby is weak. The more I'm trying hard, the more I'm scared of losing it."
Taewon's grip tightened immediately, his tone firm but carrying warmth that refused to waver.
"Jihyun, the doctor told you because he wants you to care more for yourself,
not just for the baby. If you're healthy, then the baby will be too."
Tears spilled down Jihyun's cheeks, silent and heavy. Taewon felt the weight of his fear, the way his entire body was trembling.
He reached up, cupping his face, tilting it upward with steady hands.
"Look at me, Jihyun,"
Taewon said, his gaze unwavering.
"No matter what happens, no matter what,
I'll be there holding you. I'll stay by your side. I won't let anything happen to you."
His hand moved down again, covering Jihyun's stomach with gentle protectiveness.
"And I won't let anything happen to this child. It's my promise. I'll take care of you myself, and I won't let anyone come near until you're ready to face everything without fear."
Jihyun nodded, though his tears kept flowing. Taewon pulled him into a tight embrace, pressing him firmly against his chest.
"Okay. No more crying."
His tone softened again, coaxing.
"Get up. I brought your favorite Bungeoppang (custard fish cakes). Have them first, and when the rain stops, we'll go outside for a walk."
Jihyun sniffed, wiping his tears quickly with the back of his hand.
He looked at him quietly, then nodded.
Slowly, he stood with Taewon's help, and the two left the room together, walking side by side into the faint glow of the kitchen,
where warmth was waiting to replace the storm outside.