By Zephyria 
Kwon Young-je remained silent. In his long eyes, an unreadable gaze rippled quietly.
His tightly sealed lips did not readily offer any words. He pondered for a while longer, then rose from his chair.
His impeccably neat shirt, without a single wrinkle, drew closer. Kwon Young-je braced his hands wide apart on the edge of the desk. The breath he exhaled settled pleasantly above the nose of Hui-won, who was enclosed within his arms.
“I don’t know if I’ll be a good father, but I’m confident I can be a good partner.”
His lips briefly touched and then parted. It was akin to a promise. At that, the corners of Hui-won’s mouth curled into a round smile.
“…I can’t believe you were a bachelor-for-life advocate, Executive Director.”
“Because I’ve gained certainty.”
Meeting those unwavering eyes made Hui-won’s own heart grow firm as well.
“If a moment comes where I have to choose between the child and you, I’ll choose you without a moment’s hesitation.”
“…I think you would.”
Hui-won laughed softly. He no longer doubted that he was Kwon Young-je’s top priority. Kwon Young-je’s smooth lips also curved into a long smile. Unspoken affection melted fully into their softly interlocking lips.
“I want to keep working if possible.”
“Who would stop you? This is your calling.”
Kwon Young-je had no objections either. Hui-won wrapped his arms around his shoulders and received the lips that came crashing against his again and again. Conversation flowed amidst silly bursts of laughter and brief kisses. The future they would paint together felt quite promising.
They decided to combine their living arrangements for now, and Hui-won would return to normal office attendance starting tomorrow. Having roughly unburdened all the words he had been holding in his chest, he suddenly remembered that they also needed to announce the pregnancy to those around them.
“The company is going to be in an uproar.”
“Just the company?”
As Hui-won lifted his gaze, Kwon Young-je gave his characteristic charming smile.
“Isn’t Mother the biggest problem?”
Ah… right. Madam Im.
As Hui-won’s lips gradually fell open, Kwon Young-je cupped his dropped chin and pushed it up, closing it for him.
\*
As is well known, Korea is a Confucian society. Just as the saying ‘jangyuyuseo’ (respect for elders and order between senior and junior) goes, matters related to significant life events should first be reported to the family elders.
On Thursday afternoon, they found a brief moment to visit Kwon Young-je’s family home. Madam Im and Professor Kwon seemed inwardly uncomfortable with their son’s sudden visit. It wasn’t for a meal, just that he had something to say… and from the look of it, the premonition it wasn’t good news.
“Just give me a cup of tea. Something without caffeine.”
That was the first thing he said upon crossing the threshold. Quite cheeky for a request. Madam Im, who had just come down from the second floor, glared fiercely at her son for a moment, then jerked her chin at a servant. The servant, who understood a gesture instantly, disappeared into the dining room with hushed footsteps.
“What do you have to say that you make me cancel my appointments? Oh my, Secretary Kim is here too! Long time no see.”
Madam Im, who had been glaring with her sabaekan eyes, immediately softened her gaze the moment she saw Hui-won, who had been hidden behind Kwon Young-je. A welcoming smile was a bonus.
Witnessing his mother’s change in attitude firsthand, Kwon Young-je let out a short sigh and placed a hand on Hui-won’s back. At the sight of him naturally looking after his secretary, Madam Im sharply turned her head to look at her husband.
Did you see that?
Yeah, I saw it. Professor Kwon nodded, conveying a silent answer.
They knew their relationship had progressed, but this was the first time seeing them display it openly. What kind of son was Kwon Young-je? He was the stubborn type who, even though his secret was completely exposed due to the tryst in the hotel underground parking lot, would never admit it with his own mouth.
Leaving his dumbfounded parents behind, Kwon Young-je led Hui-won to the living room. When the servant brought out tea, Madam Im and Professor Kwon also belatedly took their seats on the sofa.
“…Thank you for the tonic. My apologies for the late thanks.”
Hui-won, gauging the atmosphere, offered his thanks. It seemed he had to say something to break the awkward mood.
“Why does the face of someone who took the tonic look like that? You seem to have lost more weight.”
Madam Im, crossing her legs, leisurely scanned Hui-won’s face. Almost like the gaze of a bird of prey. A Madam Im without a hint of a smile was still difficult. No, actually, even when she smiled, it was equally intimidating.
“So, what did you want to say? Is it important?”
Professor Kwon, as ever, played the mediator. When he gently posed the question, Hui-won unconsciously turned his head. Kwon Young-je, sitting beside him, also briefly met Hui-won’s eyes. Before coming in, they had already agreed that Kwon Young-je would take charge of everything.
Kwon Young-je turned his face straight and gazed intently at his parents sitting opposite him. In the tense atmosphere, he slowly began to speak.
“We’re planning to get married.”
“Oh my!!”
Madam Im let out a shriek close to a scream. Both eyes, both nostrils, and even her mouth were all wide open.
“Is it true? Really?”
Professor Kwon was so surprised he shot up from the sofa. Kwon Young-je observed his father for a moment, then shook his head slightly.
“There’s more I have to say.”
“Uh, uh. Okay.”
As he sat back down, Kwon Young-je pulled Hui-won’s hand and clasped it in his.
“We’re also expecting a child.”
Aack! Madam Im let out her second scream. She was now almost on the verge of fainting. Marriage alone was startling enough, but pregnancy too? She slumped back on the one-seater sofa, unable to regain her composure.
“Good heavens… what is this? Our Young-je… not just marriage, but a child too. Honey… honey!”
“Huh? Yeah!”
“Come here quickly and pinch me. Is this a dream? Oh my, I think I could die now without any regrets.”
“Dear… Seo-ran, the kids are here, have some dignity.”
Professor Kwon was relatively calm compared to Madam Im. But he was genuinely happy too, as the corners of his mouth kept twitching up and down.
“Is it true? You’re really pregnant? No, when on earth…”
“It hasn’t been long. We’re thinking of registering the marriage first before the baby is born. We’re considering skipping the wedding ceremony as we both think it’s an empty formality.”
Madam Im, who had been buried in the sofa enjoying her joy, abruptly sat up straight upon hearing that.
“Why wouldn’t you have a wedding! It’s something you can’t even brag about enough to everyone everywhere!”
“We’ll handle it ourselves. Please don’t interfere.”
“But then at least an engagement party… No, no. I overstepped. Do as you wish. But you must pay your respects to the Chairman.”
‘Yes, that will come in time.’ Kwon Young-je gave a monotone reply. Despite her son’s indifferent attitude, Madam Im was simply overjoyed. Her face was still intoxicated with happiness. At this moment, she could have given away her liver, gallbladder, even the jeweled ring on her finger.
“How far along are you?”
As the sabaekan eyes turned towards him, Hui-won pursed his dry lips. He secretly moistened his tongue before answering cautiously.
“Nine weeks.”
“Still early then. Any morning sickness?”
Hui-won tightly shut his eyes. Even though he had mentally prepared himself, when such questions actually came, his vision swam. He himself hadn’t even fully accepted reality for very long.
“He finds those kinds of questions difficult.”
Fortunately, Kwon Young-je mediated on his own. The grip covering and pressing the back of his hand couldn’t have been more reassuring.
Madam Im, perhaps realizing belatedly, rubbed the corner of her mouth. Even after all these years with Hui-won, a Beta, she sometimes forgot. She just thought of him as her son’s partner…
“Ah… right, that makes sense. Sorry, my mistake.”
“It’s okay.”
Hui-won forced a smile. Madam Im, who had barely managed to suppress her excitement, suddenly tilted her head and rested her chin on her hand, sending a suspicious look their way.
“But, Hui-won, have you told your parents? Did they… give their permission to Young-je?”
“I called them yesterday. We’re planning to visit them this weekend.”
“This weekend?”
She abruptly straightened her head. Immediately, fire seemed to ignite in her eyes.
“This weekend is the day after tomorrow, isn’t it?”
“That’s right.”
“Insane, really! Chief Choi!!”
At her sharp cry, Chief Choi, who had been hiding his presence somewhere in the house, immediately came running out.
“Contact the shoppers right away. Tell them to assemble within an hour.”
“Yes, Madam.”
Chief Choi moved with brisk steps to carry out the order. Meanwhile, Madam Im pushed herself up from her seat and briskly straightened the front of her disheveled jacket.
The black sapphire on her tweed jacket emitted a dazzling light even indoors. Madam Im was displaying her wealth and prestige flawlessly, befitting a chaebol family matriarch.
She raised her head high. Her sparkling eyes swept over the faces of the family members sitting on the sofa.
“Don’t prepare anything. I’ll take care of everything.”
“Seo-ran, let the kids handle it themselves for now, just stay quiet…”
“Kwon Jin-hwan, quiet.”
Once she had made up her mind firmly, not even her husband could stop her. Professor Kwon, overwhelmed by the Alpha’s dignity, settled his half-raised bottom back onto the sofa.
“This is a matter of my pride. I’ll show them the true taste of money.”
Was it a declaration of duel?
For someone preparing gifts to send to the in-laws’ family, her competitive spirit was boiling over too much. But there was no one present who could stop Madam Im now.
The two Omegas had long since sealed their lips, and Kwon Young-je stared at his mother with a fed-up look.
Telling them to just drink their tea, Madam Im left her seat. As she walked out, she issued razor-sharp instructions to the servants. As if preparing for a VIP reception, the house instantly became busy.
“She might even bring a top car.”
He leaned his shoulder and whispered into Hui-won’s ear. At that, Hui-won bit his lower lip firmly. Ah… please. It wasn’t a situation where he should laugh, but managing his expression wasn’t easy.
The one saving grace was the fact that Kwon Young-je’s parents had accepted him so very easily. The first step was smoother than expected.