(After two days)
It was around noon when Jihyun finally came downstairs, one hand resting on his round belly, the other rubbing at his half-sleepy eyes.
The villa was silent except for the soft ticking of the living room clock.
Sunlight slipped lazily through the white curtains, brushing across the floor with a gentle golden hue.
He yawned softly, shuffling toward the kitchen, his steps slow and heavy.
The scent of soybean paste and simmering broth lingered in the air.
Inside,
Mrs. Kang and Jihan were working side by side. Mrs. Kang had her apron on, and Jihan was slicing vegetables with surprising precision.
When Mrs. Kang noticed him, she turned with a fond smile.
"Ah, Jihyun-ah, you're awake. Sit down, I'll bring you food."
Jihyun smiled faintly, shaking his head.
"No, Mom, I'm fine. What are you both up to?"
Jihan glanced over his shoulder, a towel thrown over one arm.
"The cook's been off for three days this week, so Mom and I are filling in."
Jihyun's lips curved into a soft grin.
"Then I'll help."
Jihan came closer, quickly shaking his head.
"No, no, go sit in the lounge. Dan's playing there. Keep him company. I'll bring you something soon."
Mrs. Kang joined in, wiping her hands.
"Yes, Jihyun, go rest. Standing too long isn't good for you these days."
Jihyun pouted playfully.
"Alright, but if the kitchen burns down, don't blame me," he said, earning a quiet laugh from both.
"Mom, pass me the kimchi and soybean paste,"
Jihan said, and Mrs. Kang nodded.
Before leaving, Jihyun turned slightly toward her.
"Mom, where's Taewon and Taesung hyung? Yumi isn't around either."
Mrs. Kang looked up from the counter.
"They went to pick up Taemi."
"Taemi?" Jihyun blinked.
Mrs. Kang smiled warmly.
"Didn't Taewon tell you? She's his older sister."
Jihyun shook his head.
"He did, but I've never met her."
Mrs. Kang's eyes softened with amusement.
"Then brace yourself, dear. She's going to shower you with questions," she teased.
Jihyun laughed quietly and stepped out of the kitchen, his hand unconsciously stroking his belly.
In the lounge,
Dan was sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by toys.
Jihyun smiled, lowering himself slowly onto the couch.
He rested a cushion against his back, eyes soft as he watched dan playing. The villa was calm, peaceful the kind of silence that made him forget how fragile happiness could be.
Then, a strange sensation rippled through his lower stomach.
At first, it was faint a twinge, a warm pull but enough to make his brows knit together.
He shifted slightly, brushing it off.
Probably just the baby moving again, he thought. It happened all the time.
But a few seconds later, he felt something else warmth spreading lower, unsettling and wet.
His heart skipped.
Mrs. Kang entered soon after with a tray.
"Here, Jihyun, eat something."
"Yes, Mom," he replied quickly, forcing a smile as he took the bowl.
He tried to eat normally, though his hand trembled around the spoon.
Mrs. Kang sat beside Dan, helping him stack blocks, her back turned.
Jihyun swallowed the food mechanically, his mind growing hazy.
The warmth didn't fade. His chest tightened.
He placed the spoon down and stood abruptly.
Mrs. Kang turned, frowning.
"What's wrong, dear?"
He shook his head.
"No, I'm fine. Just a small headache. I'll go rest in my room."
Mrs. Kang's expression softened with concern.
"Let me take you"
"It's okay, Mom," he cut her gently, forcing a small smile. "Really. It's nothing."
She hesitated, watching him leave, unaware of how pale he looked.
Upstairs,
Jihyun rushed into the bathroom, locking the door.
He turned on the light, and his breath caught in his throat.
The fabric of his trousers was stained red.
For a moment, he just stared, frozen.
His heart thudded painfully.
"No…" he whispered. "No, no, "
He clutched the sink, his reflection pale and frightened.
His hands trembled as he touched his belly.
"What's happening… why is this happening…"
The panic came slow, then all at once. His vision blurred.
He pressed both hands to his bump, tears pricking his eyes.
"It's okay," he murmured shakily.
"It's normal… it's nothing serious… it'll stop…"
He cleaned up, changing into fresh clothes, though his body felt cold, his hands numb.
When he finally sat on the edge of the bed, staring at nothing, his chest ached from holding in his sobs.
"It'll stop," he whispered again.
"It has to…"
But it didn't.
Downstairs,
The front door opened.
Laughter filled the hall as Taewon and Taesung returned with Taemi and Yumi.
"Mom! It's been so long!"
Taemi exclaimed, hugging Mrs. Kang tightly.
Taesung slumped onto the couch, half-laughing.
"That traffic was hell," he muttered.
Jihan brought water for them, smiling.
Mrs. Kang smiled back.
"Where's Haeun?"
Taemi laughed softly, brushing her hair back.
"With her father. She's glued to him total daddy's girl."
Mrs. Kang shook her head.
"She's only one year old. You shouldn't leave her like that."
Taemi sighed.
"Mom, please, she wouldn't even come if I tried."
The air filled with light chatter and laughter.
For a moment, everything felt normal again.
Taemi spotted Dan running in circles and knelt down, catching him.
"Ah, look at you! Dan, you've grown so much,"
she said, kissing his cheek.
"Mom, where's Jihyun our baby brother's wife?"
Mrs. Kang smiled faintly.
"Sit first, Taemi. He's resting. Came down earlier but said he had a headache."
Taewon, who had been standing quietly near the stairs, froze mid-step.
"Headache?"
Mrs. Kang turned to him, confused.
"Yes."
Taewon's face tightened. He didn't answer, already walking upstairs, his heartbeat heavy.
He opened the bedroom door softly.
Jihyun lay on the bed, curled slightly, his skin pale and damp.
The air in the room was heavy the faint scent of panic in his pheromones made Taewon's chest constrict instantly.
He moved closer, brushing Jihyun's hair from his forehead.
"Jihyun-ah…" he said quietly.
Jihyun's eyes opened slowly, red-rimmed. The moment he saw Taewon, his lips quivered.
Then, without warning, he reached out and clung to him tightly.
Taewon froze for a second, then hugged him back, worry flooding every inch of him.
"What's 's wrong? Look at me, Jihyun."
Jihyun's body trembled as he whispered,
"I don't want to lose..."
Taewon blinked, his stomach dropping.
"Lose what? Jihyun, talk to me."
Jihyun placed a shaking hand over his belly, his voice breaking.
"I don't want to lose the baby"
Taewon's heart stopped.
His mind blanked.
"What are you saying…? No, no, you're fine, Jihyun-ah. You're not losing anything."
Tears slipped down Jihyun's face.
"Then why… am I bleeding?"
Taewon's breath hitched.
"What?"
Jihyun's eyes fluttered.
"Since morning… it didn't stop…"
Taewon's hand moved to the blanket and pulled it away and froze.
The bedsheet was soaked crimson.
"Jihyun!" His voice broke, pure panic bursting through.
"Why didn't you tell me!"
He shouted, his voice echoing through the hall,
"Hyung! Start the car! Now!"
He lifted Jihyun into his arms, the Omega's body weak and cold.
As he rushed down the stairs, Mrs. Kang turned in shock, her hands trembling.
"What's happening?!"
"Hyung, the car! Hurry!"
Taewon shouted again, his voice cracking.
Taesung grabbed the keys, sprinting toward the door.
Mrs. Kang held Jihyun's hand.
"Jihyun-ah, stay with us, dear. Just hold on."
Jihyun's head dropped weakly against Taewon's chest. His breathing slowed.
Taewon held him tighter, his body trembling as he pressed his lips to Jihyun's forehead.
"Don't do this to me… please, Jihyun, not now…"
Mrs. Kang covered her mouth, whispering prayers.
Jihan stood frozen at the kitchen door,
Outside,
The car engine roared.
Taewon ran, cradling Jihyun closer, every step heavy with dread.
Why does fate keep testing us like this?
Why can't we have one moment of peace?
As he climbed into the car, Jihyun's fingers slipped weakly against his shirt.
Taewon caught his hand, squeezing tightly.
"Hold on, Jihyun-ah… please, hold on."
The car sped down the road, the villa fading behind them.
And for the first time in years, Taewon's heart truly felt fear.
What If we lost it how am I going to handle things this time?