(After Another Month – 4th Month of pregnancy)
(Han villa)
Jihyun sat at the head of the table, spooning yogurt parfait into his mouth with unusual focus.
His belly had rounded more in the past weeks, noticeable under his loose knit sweater, and he shifted uncomfortably as he ate.
Across from him, Minjoon set down a plate and leaned forward with a grin.
"I never thought I'd see you in this state, Jihyun-ah."
Jihyun raised an eyebrow.
"What state? Eating?
That's normal, hyung. The doctor told me to eat more. You know I barely kept anything down for the last three months.
Now that the nausea's finally gone, I'm catching up."
Minjoon chuckled, watching him spoon another bite.
"No doubt. But don't you think you're turning into a penguin?"
Jihyun froze mid-bite, glaring at him sharply.
"Okay, okay!"
Minjoon lifted his hands in surrender.
"Eat, otherwise you'll just cry in front of Taewon again and make me the cruel brother."
Jihyun narrowed his eyes, then smirked, sliding his phone across the table.
"Speaking of cruel hyung, how are things with Taehyun?"
Minjoon stiffened.
"What do you mean, things? I don't know how he is. Why would I know?"
Jihyun tilted his head innocently.
"Hyung, are you hiding things from me now?"
Minjoon pushed his chair back, flustered. "Don't play around. There's nothing like that."
Jihyun's smile widened.
"Really? Then why did Taehyun send a message saying he misses you?
You left your phone here earlier."
Minjoon's face turned crimson just as the sound of footsteps entered the room.
Taewon appeared, tall and calm, loosening the cuff of his sleeve.
Minjoon nearly tripped over himself as he stood.
"I'm… going out for a while. You two enjoy." He darted past Taewon and disappeared.
Taewon glanced at him, then at Jihyun, who was grinning mischievously with yogurt cream smudged on his lips.
"What's wrong with Minjoon?"
Taewon asked, frowning slightly.
"Leave him," Jihyun said, lifting a spoon of parfait.
"Come here, try this."
Taewon's lips softened.
He walked over, bent down, and instead of taking the spoon, pressed his lips against Jihyun's, brushing away the cream with a faint kiss.
Jihyun blinked, surprised, then smiled faintly as Taewon sat beside him, resting a hand on his belly.
"How's the little one?"
"Good," Jihyun murmured, his voice light.
"Eat this, then we'll go buy some things.
... The shifting is done, and I have a surprise for you."
Jihyun pouted.
"You're stubborn, Taewon. I told you the condo was better."
Taewon shook his head.
"We needed a bigger, open place. Somewhere the baby has his own room, and we"
"No." Jihyun cut him off, pointing a finger.
"I told you, I won't let my child sleep alone. He's staying in our room."
Taewon gave him a mock frown.
"So you're already teaming up with him and not defending me?"
Jihyun scooped a spoonful and licked it with a smirk.
"Of course. This little one is gentler than you."
Taewon's lips curved in amusement.
"Let's go home soon, then I'll show you who's really gentle."
"Help me stand first,"
Jihyun said, stretching his hand.
Taewon clasped it firmly, pulling him to his feet with steady care before leading him out toward the car.
(In the Car)
The ride was quiet, only the soft hum of the engine filling the space.
Jihyun rested one hand on his belly, staring down at it.
Taewon glanced at him.
"What's wrong?"
"Don't you think my belly's too big for four months?"
Jihyun asked, pressing his sweater.
"It's not just the baby," Taewon said calmly. "It's also the food."
Jihyun turned to him, offended.
"What do you mean food? When did I even eat that much? Hyung keeps saying I look like a penguin already."
Taewon remained quiet for a moment, then let out a low chuckle.
"You actually do look like a little puffy penguin."
Jihyun's mouth dropped.
"That's it. I've decided I won't eat anymore. Just wait and see."
Taewon smirked, eyes on the road.
"I know you too well."
(At the Mall – Baby Section)
Jihyun strolled through the baby section with an ice cream cup in hand, happily spooning bites into his mouth.
Taewon stood with the staff, who were showing him racks of tiny clothes.
"Look at that couple," one whispered.
"He's so tall and handsome."
"Probably my type."
Jihyun stopped, turning to glare at them sharply.
His dark eyes warned them off instantly. But when one added,
"I don't like Omegas who act cute anyway," his jaw clenched.
Taewon, noticing, walked over and handed him a small outfit.
"Look at this."
Jihyun softened slightly but still shot one more sharp glance at the staff before turning back to the clothes.
"Hello" one staff said politely, noticing his belly.
"Yes," Jihyun replied with a faint smile,
Taewon sat when offered a chair, pulling Jihyun down beside him.
Then, one after another, Taewon pointed at clothes.
"Pack this. And this one. And that set."
Jihyun blinked.
"What are you doing? Babies grow too fast. They won't even fit after a month!"
"Okay, okay," Taewon said with a calm nod, though his arms were already full.
Jihyun sighed, picked a few himself, and shook his head as Taewon slipped in shoes and hats too.
Then Taewon turned,
"We'll also need oversized, soft fabrics for him." He gestured at Jihyun's belly.
"For the next six months."
The staff's eyes widened before smiling warmly. "Congratulations."
Jihyun flushed slightly, hiding his face as Taewon selected a few sweaters and cardigans for him.
(Food Court)
By the time they reached the food section,
Taewon was juggling bags. Jihyun slipped his arm through his, tugging him toward the stalls with bright eyes.
"Let's try everything."
He bought tteokbokki first, eating one rice cake before holding the skewer up.
"You eat too."
Taewon frowned. "I'm fine."
"Eat," Jihyun insisted, shoving it closer until Taewon reluctantly took a bite.
Then came hotteok. Jihyun bit into the sweet pancake, humming, then held the rest up to Taewon.
"This one's good too."
One by one, they made their way through kimbap, odeng, and spicy skewers.
Each time, Jihyun ate first, then pushed the food to Taewon, who sighed but obeyed.
Onlookers couldn't help whispering.
"They look so sweet."
"The Omega's glowing."
Taewon ignored them, but his lips softened as he wiped a bit of sauce from Jihyun's cheek with his thumb.
Jihyun only laughed, clinging to his arm proudly, belly leading as they walked.
By the time they reached the parking lot, the trunk was full half baby clothes, half food bags.
Taewon carefully buckled Jihyun's seatbelt, brushing his hair from his forehead.
Jihyun mumbled,
"I still want ice cream again."
Taewon sighed, leaning close with a faint smile.
"Fine. But only if you let me taste first."
Jihyun's cheeks flushed as Taewon kissed the corner of his lips.