(Jihwa's POV)
Ever since that incident with my parents, I've never forgotten the sound of my father's sobbing.
Seojoon — my strong, unshakable dad — cried until he couldn't cry and his shoulders shook, his voice cracked, and for the first time in my life, I saw him as… fragile. I didn't understand why. I still don't. All I know is that something broke in him that night. What the hell did that old man say to my father!?
It's strange how memories cling to you when you're not looking. Even now, I catch myself wondering — is that what Dohyun looks like when no one's watching? Does he break like that too?
It's been weeks since I last saw him.
Every time I stopped by his restaurant, I'd ask the staff where he was. They always said the same thing: "He's on leave. Just for a while." But they never explained why. And I didn't push — maybe because I was scared of what I'd find out. Even though I try asking, they never answer.
But… Why do I even care this much? Why does it hurt to think he might be in pain? Does that man he claims to be his master in that roleplay is his actual abuser? And used "it" as an excuse?"
Eventually, I gave up hope….
But how could I? Seeing his condition?
After many weeks, I finally saw him. But he seemed more broken.
The familiar chime of the restaurant door greeted me as I stepped inside. The smell of grilled beef and sesame oil was the same, but something in the air felt heavier. And then I spotted him.
Dohyun was standing by the counter, speaking to one of the younger staff members. His posture was rigid, his face pale, dark circles smudging under his eyes. He looked thinner — and not in a good way.
Before I could stop myself, I walked up to him.
"Dohyun?" I called softly.
He turned his head, and for a second, there was a flicker of surprise in his tired grey eyes. "Jihwa… it's been a while."
"You look… different," I said carefully, searching his face. "Are you okay?"
He smiled faintly — but it wasn't real. "I'm fine. Just… busy."
Just busy? Just look at him. This guy lacks self care.
"That's a lie," I said quietly.
He looked away, lips pressing together. "You shouldn't say things like that. What if I'm telling the truth?"
"Then you're terrible at it," I murmured, taking a seat at the counter stool. "Where have you been? Everyone says you're on leave."
"Just dealing with some stuff," he answered vaguely. "It's nothing you need to worry about."
"But I do worry," I blurted out before I could stop myself.
His eyes met mine — surprised, maybe even a little softened. "…Why?...We just met a few times…"
"Because you're… you." My voice came out awkward, almost defensive. "And clearly something is going on. First at the cafe some guy was bashing your head and you were afraid to speak. Then you said you wanted to learn how to smile and now you are on leave?."
"Is it wrong to smile," he said calmly. "I'm just tired. So I took some time off."
Yet again, I saw those dead eyes staring at me. My heart jumped just by looking at his scary eyes. I wanted to hold him and tell him everything is gonna be just fine.
"Then let me help," I said quickly. "Remember last time? I taught you how to smile."
That made him chuckle weakly. "Yeah. I remember."
"Good. Because right now, you look like you forgot all my lessons." I tried to lighten my tone, leaning forward with a grin. "Come on. Show me at least one smile. I'll rate it for you. You might even pass."
Dohyun's lips curved slightly — but it was small, strained.
"That's terrible," I said, shaking my head. "Looks like you are in pain. . You're failing the course."
"I guess I'm a bad student," he said softly, looking down at his hands. "I don't… really have time to practice."
"You make time," I said, trying to joke, but my voice cracked a little. "What are you so busy with, huh? Winning a 'Most Miserable Man' contest?"
He laughed under his breath — but then the sound died quickly. "Jihwa… I really can't do this right now."
"Can't do what?" I asked, confused.
"This." He gestured faintly between us. "Smiling. Joking. Talking like nothing's wrong. I have too much on my plate."
"Then let me carry some of it," I said firmly.
Dohyun froze for a moment, like he didn't expect that. Then he shook his head slowly. "You shouldn't get involved. You'll just… end up regretting it."
"Stop saying that," I whispered, feeling my chest tighten. "Stop acting like you're some kind of burden."
"I'm not acting," he said, his voice calm but final. "I just know myself better than you do."
I reached out without thinking, my fingers brushing his sleeve. "Dohyun—"
The moment my hand brushed against him, he froze — not the startled kind of stillness, but something deeper, like fear had taken control all over his body. His fingers went slack, slick with sweat, and the plate he was holding fell out of his hand causing them shattering against the floor. The sound rang sharp, but he didn't even flinch at it; his wide, glassy eyes were locked on me, his breath jagged and uneven.
His knees shook so badly I thought he might collapse. His whole body trembled. He opened his mouth, maybe to speak, but nothing came out. His throat worked soundlessly, words trapped somewhere between his chest and his lips.
I could see it written all over him — he wanted to run, but fear had pinned him in place. My touch lingered on him like a stain he couldn't scrub off, crawling under his skin. In that moment, he looked small, fragile, like even the faintest breeze could shatter him as completely as the shards glittering at his feet.
He took a deeo breath and calm himself. Then he stepped back gently, avoiding my touch. "Thank you," he murmured. "For caring. But I don't have time for this."
And just like that, he turned and walked out, leaving me sitting there with my hand still outstretched and my throat burning with words I couldn't say.
As the door closed behind him, I remembered my father's broken sobs. The way strong people can shatter when no one's watching.
And I realized I wasn't just worried anymore.
I was scared. I tried to help him, but that's how he repays me?
I decided to go home.
The house was quiet when I got home. Too quiet.
I tossed my keys onto the counter, but the clatter didn't get an answer. Then I smelled it.
Alcohol.
My heart dropped into my stomach. No. Not again.
I followed the scent to the living room — and there he was.
My dad. Tae Seojoon. The gentle omega who'd always told me, "We can get through this together, Jihwa. You are my star ★."
Now he was sitting on the sofa, bottle in hand, eyes puffy and red as though he'd been crying for hours. He looked.miserable.
"Dad?" I said softly.
He flinched, looking up at me with glassy eyes. "Jihwa… you're home."
My chest tightened. "You promised," I said, voice trembling.
Seo-joon blinked, confused. "Promised…?"
"You promised you wouldn't drink anymore!" My voice cracked, louder now. "You swore to me, Dad! What happened to keeping your word?"
He gave a broken little laugh, the sound cutting into me like glass. "Sometimes… promises don't survive reality, son."
I clenched my fists. "Is this about that old man again?"
His shoulders tensed. He didn't answer.
"What did he do this time?" My voice rose. "Did he come after you? Did he threaten you again?!"
Seo-joon's hands shook as he tried to set the bottle down. "Jihwa… stop. Please."
"No, I won't stop! You think I don't see it? You think I don't notice every time you come home looking like someone ripped you apart?!" My throat burned. "That alpha—what the hell is he doing to you?! He has a goddam wife and a child. Don't tell me he's..-"
"Enough!" Seojoon slammed the bottle down so hard it tipped over, spilling across the table. His breathing was ragged now. "You don't understand, Jihwa. I'm handling it. Just… leave it alone."
"Handling it?!" I shouted. "You're drowning yourself in liquor while he walks free!"
Seojoon's voice cracked as he whispered, "It's not that simple."
I stared at him, shocked by the tears running down his face. My dad — the strongest person I knew — crying so hard he couldn't even look at me.
My anger collapsed into something heavier. Something worse. "Dad…" I whispered.
But he wouldn't look at me. Wouldn't answer. Wouldn't let me in.
I turned and ran upstairs before he could see my own tears.
My Room
The door slammed shut behind me. I slid down against it, my whole body trembling.
First Dohyun. Now Dad. Two omegas I cared about, both breaking under alphas who think they own the world — and I couldn't save either of them. And I'm just a useless beta. Who can't even know what's going on.
I buried my face in my hands. "What's the point…," I whispered to myself, "I try so hard…but my effort gets wasted…."
The tears came hot and fast. I didn't even try to stop them.
I feel pathetic. I can't help Dad. I can't help Dohyun. I can't even help myself. J can't do anything.
What more can I do? Well I'll just focus on my project tomorrow.