Chapter Sidе Stоry 1. Guardian

Summеr, whеn thе swеltеring heat was аt its рeak. Insidе the housе, with thе аir соnditiоner running, it was рlеаsant, unlike thе lush greenerу outsidе. Thе air wаs cооl, аnd the blankеts werе fluffy. As if prоving it was the pеrfect envirоnment fоr а deep sleeр, a lump wraрреd in blаnkеts lay аsleер on the bеd.

Dо-hyun rolled ontо his side аnd рeerеd аt thе fасe реeking оut. Eyes softly clоsed, and liрs ocсasionallу twitching. Nо matter hоw сool thе room wаs, it must havе bеen а bit hоt beсаuse оf thе blаnkets, yеt his bеlovеd lоvеr wаs in a state of utter, deep slumber. It was likely because Do-hyun had pushed him to his limit last night.

“Yeon-ah, how long are you going to sleep?”

A gentle, sweet voice asked. It was clearly a question, but the voice was small, as if trying not to wake the other. As expected, Woo-yeon didn’t budge, letting out steady, soft breaths.

It had already been a month since summer vacation began. Woo-yeon, who had said he would stay at his parents’ house during the break, ended up spending most of his time at Do-hyun’s house. At first, it was because he felt awkward around Soo-hyang, and then simply because he hated to part. Since Soo-hyang didn’t impose any particular restrictions, they spent the entire month stuck together like one body.

In truth, Do-hyun was not the type to welcome someone invading his space. Even if he became close with others, there was always a certain line, and bringing someone home was an act of trampling over and crossing that line. Even the Omegas he had dated in the past had not been allowed to set a single foot inside Do-hyun’s house.

Furthermore, unlike Woo-yeon, whose sense of money was zero, Do-hyun knew how to objectively judge his own standard of living. An apartment with four rooms and a spacious living room and kitchen felt far too excessive for a college student living alone. It was obvious, even without seeing it, how such an environment would look to others.

But Woo-yeon was different. Do-hyun had never hesitated to bring him home. The slight discomfort he felt for a brief moment was guilt over the things he hadn’t told Woo-yeon. He didn’t feel even a shred of the repulsion one usually feels toward someone intruding on their space.

Of course, the certainty that Woo-yeon wouldn’t show interest in the size of the house played a part. Woo-yeon had looked more closely at Ga-ram’s studio apartment, so his nature was well-known. Indeed, for someone who treated a high-rise penthouse as a ‘normal apartment,’ it would be stranger if he were surprised now.

Days that started with Seon Woo-yeon and ended with Seon Woo-yeon. Every single day was filled with happiness. Until he received the apartment from his parents, he thought a large house was pointless, but his feelings changed just by being able to keep Woo-yeon comfortably by his side.

Not long ago, as soon as the rainy season ended, they went on a trip. At the mention of wanting to see the ocean, they left the house without a plan and stayed for about four days in a hotel that was needlessly expensive. They couldn’t move around freely because of the reporters, but thanks to the scenery visible outside the window, it was a decent place to stay.

‘This is my first time coming on a trip like this.’

More than anything, Woo-yeon loved the fact that he had come on a trip with Do-hyun. Whether it was feeling the sea breeze on the balcony, picking from the menu to order room service, or dissolving bath salts in the tub, his eyes sparkled with excitement as he looked at Do-hyun. His flushed cheeks were so lovely that Do-hyun wanted to bite them.

“You sleep so cutely.”

Recalling that moment, Do-hyun let out a soft laugh and kissed his forehead. Perhaps feeling his deep sleep being disturbed, Woo-yeon frowned and squirmed. Despite complaining as if telling him not to touch him, the place he eventually settled was in Do-hyun’s arms.

“Shh…”

With a few gentle pats, Woo-yeon’s expression became peaceful again. He had clearly felt a sense of security from the familiar pheromones and warmth. Looking at him like this, he seemed just like a baby… Do-hyun held the bundle of blankets tightly, harboring rather shameless thoughts.

It was about ten minutes later when Woo-yeon opened his eyes. It was around the time Do-hyun had kissed him a couple of times, stroked his back over the blanket, and released his pheromones to soak him thoroughly.

“Mmm…”

His eyelids opened slowly. Eyes with thin double eyelids revealed clear pupils. Perhaps he wasn’t fully awake yet, as his eyes, usually sharp, were incredibly hazy.

“Are you awake?”

“Yeah…”

Even while thick with sleep, Woo-yeon habitually acted spoiled. With his eyes narrowed into slits, he rubbed his face against Do-hyun’s palm. He was like a cat acting cute.

“I’m hot…”

He seemed fine while sleeping, but he felt the heat as soon as he woke up. Even if it was a summer blanket, it was bound to be hot if he was rolled up like a kimbap. Moreover, combined with Do-hyun’s body heat, the air conditioner must have been useless.

Woo-yeon squirmed and pushed the blanket away. Beneath the blanket pushed to the side, a naked body without a single thread of clothing was revealed. Unlike Do-hyun, who at least wore pants, he was completely naked.

“Want to sleep more?”

“Mm-hmm.”

Do-hyun obediently gave one arm to Woo-yeon, who clung to him. Woo-yeon, who burrowed into his chest with familiarity, leaned his small head against his chest. The skin pressed tightly against him was warm, like that of a child.

“You’re completely naked right now.”

Not only his fair upper body, but his plump buttocks and pale thighs were all covered in the reddish-purple marks of their sexual encounter. Normally, he would have put a t-shirt on him, but it was because Do-hyun had been capricious, unlike usual. Of course, after stripping him bare, he had rolled him in blankets for fear he might catch a cold.

“Teacher is naked too…”

Teacher. The words clearly showed he was still half-dreaming. Whether to correct the title or to correct the statement that he was naked. While pondering between the two, Do-hyun chose to stroke his lean lower back. At the sensation of the palm rubbing, Woo-yeon opened his eyes slightly.

“…”

“What?”

“…”

“If you’re sleepy, sleep more.”

It was a gaze full of grievance. Then don’t touch me. That was clearly the meaning, but Do-hyun pretended not to know and caressed his waist. If he lowered his hand just a bit, he could grip the soft buttocks in one hand.

“How can I sleep like this…”

Woo-yeon grumbled his complaints and turned around like a slug. It was to escape Do-hyun’s hand, but Do-hyun didn’t mind and kept his hand moving. From the lean stomach to the flat chest, as he enjoyed the skin that clung to him, the slender neckline looked particularly appetizing.

I want to bite it… As soon as that thought occurred, he pressed his lips down without hesitation. From the nape of the neck where heat flowers had already bloomed, Woo-yeon’s characteristic pheromones wafted strongly. As Do-hyun sucked and licked as if drinking nectar, Woo-yeon shrugged his shoulders and pulled his legs in.

“Hng…”

The round curves of his ears turned bright red. The thing rising between his legs didn’t seem to be simply because he had just woken up. The fresh pheromones became fully ripe, and the intervals between Woo-yeon’s flinches grew shorter.

“I’ll stop if you’re sleepy.”

In truth, he hadn’t particularly intended to wake him. He thought it would be nice if he woke up since he had opened his eyes, but he intended to put him back to sleep if he was truly tired. Of course, while thinking that, his hand was moving diligently.

“Keep… mmm, touching…”

“Should I stop?”

Do-hyun said something without much sincerity and moved his right hand between the legs. Perhaps having completely given up on falling back asleep, Woo-yeon didn’t offer any particular resistance. As he gripped the erect penis, Omega pheromones surged out.

“Huu…”

Woo-yeon, whose skin was exceptionally white, had light pigmentation even in areas others rarely saw. For example, around the chest or the tip of the penis. The color was pink, and since there was very little pubic hair, gripping it made him feel as if he were doing something wicked.

“Ugh, hng…”

Pre-cum that had flowed in the meantime glistened, wetting the glans. Perhaps because he cried easily and felt things intensely, the reaction was great even with a little touching. He trembled his shoulders and even gripped the edge of the blanket, not knowing what to do.

Do-hyun adjusted the speed moderately so that Woo-yeon wouldn’t ejaculate. If he came quickly, he would tire out just as quickly, and in that case, Do-hyun would be the only one disappointed. Just last night, hadn’t Woo-yeon come three times before Do-hyun came once?

“Yeon-ah, try to hold it.”

It was an unreasonable request, but Do-hyun was sincere. However, upon hearing those words, Woo-yeon glared at Do-hyun with teary eyes. Do-hyun kissed his eyes and cheeks and reached for the condom that was next to the pillow.

“…I want to go, Hyung…”

“…You only do this at times like this.”

It was an incredibly bad habit. Normally, he didn’t have a speck of aegyo (though he was still cute), but on the bed, he was busy whining and pleading if he was teased even a little. He didn’t dislike that sight, but the problem was that it fueled the fire for Do-hyun, who had already lost his composure.

“Just a little, okay?”

Do-hyun gently coaxed Woo-yeon and pulled out his menacingly erect penis. As he put on the condom and positioned himself, Woo-yeon instinctively stiffened his body. Do-hyun, who was rubbing the area below the tailbone, brought the hand that had been acting as a pillow into Woo-yeon’s mouth.

“You have to relax.”

“Huuu…”

Neat teeth touched his fingertips. When he pressed the tongue down with his middle finger, Woo-yeon frowned. He had felt it before, but the inside of Woo-yeon’s mouth was exceptionally red and hot, making the sensation feel quite erotic.

‘If I put it in his mouth…’

It would be incredibly tight.

“Ah…”

Press, the tip of the penis widened the entrance. Even though he hadn’t loosened it with his hand, it was looser than usual. It was partly because he was already soaking wet, and partly because he had been tightly gripping Do-hyun’s thing until dawn.

“Hng, ugh…”

Do-hyun continued the insertion slowly, closely observing Woo-yeon’s reaction. It was to stop immediately if there was any sign of pain. But this little guy was moaning and wrapping his tongue around the finger.

“…Ha.”

Even knowing it was an unconscious action, tension entered his lower abdomen. The string of reason also snapped momentarily. Simultaneously, the thick penis pushed deep inside.

“Ah-hng!”

Woo-yeon reached a climax the moment he was pierced. Because he had spent the night ejaculating, the semen was watery. The hot and narrow inner walls clung tightly to the shaft, and Do-hyun let out a low growl, frowning.

“Ugh…”

Despite having had intercourse several times, Woo-yeon’s inside was always narrow. It was because Woo-yeon, who never seemed to get used to the act, tightened his lower half every time.

“Ah, hng…”

“Good boy… it’s all in.”

Do-hyun increased the amount of pheromones and turned Woo-yeon’s head. He intended to soothe him with a kiss, but as soon as their eyes met, those beautiful eyes drooped. His eyes were already moist.

“Hyung… it’s too big…”

Ah, I think I’m developing a wicked taste.

To be clear, Do-hyun basically had a dry way of having sex. Leaving marks was unimaginable, and he never rushed in out of desperation. There were people who were obsessed with Do-hyun, but there was no one he clung to first.

But with Woo-yeon, that didn’t work. Just looking at him made his insides burn, making him want to keep touching. Not only was biting, sucking, and leaving his marks not enough, but he even felt the urge to chew him up and swallow him whole.

“…Yeon-ah.”

It was severe. Since he lunged without knowing the limit, he had no right to complain even if Woo-yeon was disgusted.

“Look at me.”

“…”

A teary gaze turned toward Do-hyun. His pupils were so glossy and pretty that Do-hyun’s heart kept softening. The funny thing was that, even in the midst of that, a sadistic urge welled up.

“Does it hurt?”

“Ugh…”

Instead of answering, Woo-yeon’s eyelashes trembled. However, as Do-hyun caressed his eyelids and rubbed his lips against his cheeks and ears, the tense body gradually relaxed. Biting the earlobe gently, Do-hyun whispered softly in his ear.

“Still?”

“…No.”

Only then did Woo-yeon shake his head. His eyes were still red, but it didn’t seem to be because of pain. Because the things he said on the bed were mostly either exaggerations or acting spoiled.

“I just hate this position…”

The whimpering voice was cute. While pouting like a child, he obediently gave his tongue when their lips met. Every little thing felt cute; was this what people commonly called ‘rose-colored glasses’?

“Shall we do it while looking at each other?”

Do-hyun also knew that Woo-yeon liked the position where they faced each other. He also knew the reason was that he wanted to be hugged tightly. For someone not used to pleasure, all sensations must feel simply frightening, so that emotion was not an exaggeration.

As expected, Woo-yeon immediately nodded. As he turned his body as if asking to be held, Do-hyun slowly raised his upper body. Since he was still inserted deeply, Woo-yeon let out a slender moan.

“Mmm…”

Press, the penis stimulated the inside. Leaning his upper body down, Do-hyun repeatedly kissed Woo-yeon’s face. The forehead, eyelids, bridge of the nose and cheeks, and finally the lips. As he turned his head while holding the slender chin in one hand, Woo-yeon placed his hand on Do-hyun’s broad shoulder.

As if that gesture were a signal, Do-hyun pulled his waist back. Woo-yeon trembled at the sudden movement, but he didn’t pull away from the overlapping lips. Do-hyun rubbed his tongue softly and pushed the half-withdrawn penis back in.

“Ha-hng…”

A feverish breath burst out. His supple, curved waist twitched in spasms. With one hand beside Woo-yeon’s face and the other on his soft cheek, Do-hyun pulled the penis out again.

“Ah, wait…”

The hand on his shoulder tightened. Scratching his back with nails was something that always happened during sex. Seeing as it felt particularly stinging today, it seemed it was time to trim his nails.

“Yeah, it’s okay.”

“It’s not o… hng…”

Like a cat. Do-hyun thought so as he lowered his posture. To give Woo-yeon time to adjust, he occasionally tapped the shallow area. Shaking his head wildly, Woo-yeon protested in a sorrowful voice.

“You said… you said we’d do it looking at each other’s faces…”

“Ha…”

A laugh escaped him involuntarily. Not because it was funny, but because he felt the urge to tease him more. He wasn’t an elementary school student, yet Do-hyun kept wanting to be mean to him.

“I am looking at your face, Yeon-ah.”

“Not like this… hng, hng!”

I really think I’m developing a wicked taste.

The tiny face turned bright red. Focus left his pretty eyes, and sweet moans flowed from his throat.

He knew it was a perverted taste, but Do-hyun loved it when Woo-yeon cried on the bed. Normally, his heart would break if Woo-yeon was even slightly upset, but the tears shed because he couldn’t overcome the pleasure made the depths of Do-hyun’s stomach tingle.

“Ah-hng… Hyung, hng.”

He stuck out his tongue and licked away the tears gathered at the corners of his eyes. Press, as he inserted to the limit, Woo-yeon gasped for air. Do-hyun hugged Woo-yeon’s waist tightly and buried his face in his shoulder.

Sweet pheromones overflowed like a wave. Do-hyun was a dominant himself, but he was no match for Woo-yeon. Pheromones so stimulating they made his throat thirsty filled the air as if to intoxicate him.

“Hng, slow, slowly…”

“I’ll be gentle, it’s okay.”

A large hand caressed Woo-yeon’s upper body. He rubbed his stomach as if soothing a child with a stomachache, then moved up to the flat chest. His other hand was wrapped around Woo-yeon’s shoulder, providing an arm pillow.

“Hold my arm… that’s it.”

Do-hyun enjoyed the skin touching his hand and touched the protruding nipple. His body, which reacted sensitively no matter where it was touched, would stand erect both above and below even with a little excitement. When he pinched the pointed nipple with his fingertip, an erotic reaction returned as expected.

“Hng…”

The inner walls tightened sharply. At that dizzying sensation, Do-hyun bit Woo-yeon’s nape hard. As if accepting even that as pleasure, Woo-yeon flinched and dug his nails into the gripped forearm.

“Huu.”

With a short breath, Do-hyun began to move his waist in earnest. The entrance was softly loosened, and now he, too, had reached his limit. Besides, hadn’t Woo-yeon, who had already ejaculated, been erect since a while ago?

Do-hyun slowly pulled out the penis and stimulated the spots Woo-yeon felt. The area close to below the navel, and deep inside the stomach. Even at movements so slow they were tantalizing, Woo-yeon let out moans as if he were falling apart.

“Ha-hng…”

“Do you like it here?”

“Ah, no, I hate… hng, ah…”

Hate it, my foot. Do-hyun could tell whether Woo-yeon liked it or not just by the sounds coming from his throat. More accurately, he could tell just by the reaction of the inner walls tightening as he withdrew. No, in the first place, Woo-yeon wasn’t experienced enough in these acts to hide whether he liked it or not.

“Hng… Hyung, ah, no…”

Thump, thump, the thick glans struck the inside. The hand that had fully toyed with his chest moved down to the lower abdomen, pressing against the bulging skin. Every time the thick shaft entered and exited, a wet, lewd sound was heard.

“Hyung, Hyung……”

“Yes, Yeon-ah.”

“This, hic…… your hand……”

Woo-yeon, not knowing what to do, grabbed Do-hyun’s hand. Seeing him shake his head, it was clear he meant ‘don’t do it.’ Despite understanding perfectly, Do-hyun deliberately pushed his palm down, inserting himself all the way to the root.

“Haaah……”

His shrinking shoulders trembled violently. Pheromones erupted in a surge, and Do-hyun could feel Woo-yeon holding his breath. Instinctively realizing he was on the verge of climax, Do-hyun pressed firmly against the prostate with his member.

“……!”

Woo-yeon ejaculated while gripping Do-hyun’s hand tightly. Semen, thinner than before, splattered across the duvet. Ah, I should have caught it with my hand. Thinking this, Do-hyun hugged Woo-yeon as if he were going to crush him.

“……Ugh.”

While Woo-yeon experienced the climax, the inner walls tightened as if they would sever the member. The sensation of being clung to from the glans to the root was enough to induce a distant euphoria. Do-hyun, who had stopped moving for a moment, moved the hand that had been supporting Woo-yeon’s head to the gap between his lips.

“Shhh…… breathe, breathe.”

“……Haa, ha….”

The shallow breaths gradually turned into panting. The inner walls, which had tightened to their limit, twitched and relaxed. As Do-hyun gently massaged the soft member, Woo-yeon bit the finger inside his mouth with his front teeth.

“Ouch.”

It didn’t hurt at all, but Do-hyun reacted out of courtesy. It seemed he bit him out of a sense of unfairness, but unfortunately, there was no strength in his jaw. He was like a child grinding their teeth.

“Really……”

Do-hyun didn’t need to hear the rest to know. That he was mean, or hateful, or something else filled with sorrow.

“I won’t do it next time.”

Do-hyun made a promise he wouldn’t keep while grabbing Woo-yeon’s thighs. Woo-yeon, who had been slumped like water-soaked cotton, blinked and looked at Do-hyun. Without withdrawing his member, Do-hyun lifted his body and raised the limp legs.

“Hng……”

His delicate brow furrowed. It was because the angle of insertion changed as his body shifted. From lying on his side to lying flat on the bed. Woo-yeon’s eyes widened at the sudden change in position.

“……Why?”

His expression was one of complete confusion. Looking at him, Do-hyun let out a thin smile. Cutely, both then and now, he thinks that once Do-hyun is finished, everything is finished.

“You said let’s do it while looking at each other’s faces.”

Press. The bottom adhered tightly. The entrance, still tight, accepted Do-hyun more easily than before. Leaning his upper body down to bring their faces close, Do-hyun carefully brushed away the sweat-soaked hair.

“I’m not done yet.”

“There’s no such thing as……”

Though he spoke as kindly as possible, Woo-yeon’s face became stunned. Despite that, as soon as their lips touched, he obediently wrapped his arms around Do-hyun’s neck. At that cute behavior, Do-hyun felt a tickle in his chest and poured in his pheromones.

“Hup……”

His flat chest heaved deeply. Woo-yeon wrapped both legs around Do-hyun and clung to his upper body like a koala. Do-hyun habitually supported his back and thrust deeply into the spots that would make him feel it.

“Huu, ng……”

The moans Woo-yeon let out couldn’t escape his lips. The pheromones, the breath, everything was slowly devoured by Do-hyun’s respiration. Every time he moved his hips slowly, the soft tongue twitched and convulsed.

Regardless of everything, Woo-yeon was ultimately weak to pleasure. Even though he knew he could end it if he truly refused, the way he gave in as if he couldn’t help it was sly. Well, it was uncertain if Do-hyun was the type of person to call someone ‘sly.’

“Ah, hng, hnn……”

It was then that a vibration sound was heard. Because he had been taking his time unnecessarily, it happened just as the two of them had a sliver of reason left. Do-hyun slowly pulled his lips away and locked eyes with him.

“…….”

“…….”

Heated breaths scattered in the air. Do-hyun’s face was blurredly reflected in those eyes, beautiful as glass beads. After exhaling softly once, then twice, Do-hyun asked in a low voice.

“……Do you want to take the call?”

Regret appeared in Woo-yeon’s eyes. Seeing this, Do-hyun curved his eyes like a fox. After hesitating for a moment, Woo-yeon shook his head with a face flushed with excitement.

“Later……”

With their lips meeting once more, no reason remained. The moment Woo-yeon lifted his hips as if pleading, Do-hyun’s reason also flew far away.

It was about half a day later that the two discovered a missed call from someone named ‘Danny.’ It was a peaceful day, just like any other.

Sitting by the cafe window, Woo-yeon exuded the atmosphere of full-blown summer. His clearly exposed nape, a t-shirt stained with Alpha pheromones, oversized shorts, and a watch of the same design as Do-hyun’s.

Do-hyun thought that his usual attire was particularly bothersome today. Was it because the legs visible beneath the shorts were snow-white, or was it because the area around his neck was as clean as a blank canvas? Either way, it was certain that his nerves were on edge.

[You lost your phone?]

Sounds like an English listening test. Do-hyun thought of the bland impression while reaching for the drink on the table. It wasn’t particularly hot, yet his thirst wouldn’t go away. As he pushed the paper straw aside with his index finger and pressed his lips to the glass, Woo-yeon glanced his way.

[Yeah, I barely found it, but the police couldn’t speak English, so……]

The man sitting opposite showed not a shred of interest in Do-hyun. He simply smiled with a beaming face, his blue, clear eyes fixed on Woo-yeon. Soon, the man showed his teeth in a grin and spoke in an excited voice.

[That’s why I contacted you.]

Thud. The ice in the coffee he set down rattled. It was a sound that could be quite annoying, but the man didn’t care and was busy sharing his recent news. Do-hyun silently observed the man while tracing the condensation on the surface of the cup.

[I’m really relieved now.]

Dull, dark blonde hair, gentle eyes like a puppy. He was shorter than Do-hyun, but his build was intimidatingly large. Unlike his visuals, which could easily fit a quarterback if he played American football, his impression was nothing but innocent.

‘So this is the “Danny.”‘

Do-hyun had been facing this man, with whom he would normally have no connection, for ten minutes already. Although Do-hyun was looking at him, and he was looking at Woo-yeon, regardless.

The reason they had such an awkward meeting went back to about an hour ago.

An hour ago, after washing Woo-yeon clean, Do-hyun pondered the dinner menu while drying his wet hair. Since the weather was hot, he wondered if he should give him some nourishing food. While he was worrying about Woo-yeon, who seemed to run out of battery whenever they had sex (something Woo-yeon would find absurd if he heard), Woo-yeon suddenly let out a bewildered exclamation.

‘Huh?’

His half-closed eyes snapped open. On the phone equipped with the case Seon-kyu had gifted, there was a name that Do-hyun had heard occasionally. Woo-yeon immediately pressed the call button and asked the person on the other end abruptly.

‘Danny? Are you in Korea?’

That question was the starting point of the entire situation. Starting with the explanation that he couldn’t answer because he was busy, Woo-yeon checked Do-hyun’s reaction while saying he couldn’t go out right now. The conversation was conducted in English that Do-hyun could easily understand, and Do-hyun played the role of the generous lover while stroking the back of Woo-yeon’s half-dry head.

‘If you want to meet, I’ll take you.’

In truth, it was a bit of a probe. Half greed, wishing Woo-yeon wouldn’t go, and half stubbornness, wanting to see ‘Danny’ once. It was also a question he was certain would be rejected, as Woo-yeon’s stamina was completely drained.

‘……Is that okay?’

But Woo-yeon nodded with a face that was quickly tempted. Seeing the eyes filled with anticipation, Do-hyun couldn’t bring himself to say ‘no.’ He simply silently grabbed the car keys and put a t-shirt on Woo-yeon that was heavily stained with his own pheromones.

Thus, the two headed to the meeting place with ‘Danny’ with tired bodies. In his heart, he wanted to feed him first, but he gave up since Woo-yeon said he had no appetite. I’ll let him eat some cake at the cafe, Do-hyun thought, while Woo-yeon, oblivious, talked about ‘Danny.’

‘Danny can’t speak Korean, so……’

‘When I was being discriminated against, Danny……’

‘At that time, Danny brought me suppressants……’

Danny, Danny, and Danny again.

Do-hyun, who had been listening quietly, smiled with an infinitely kind face around the time the mention of ‘Danny’ helping him through his first heat cycle came up. Then, tapping the steering wheel, he asked softly.

‘But…… is Danny an Omega?’

Fortunately, ‘Danny’ was a Beta. Relieved by the fact that he couldn’t feel pheromones, Do-hyun belatedly realized the t-shirt he had put on Woo-yeon and clicked his tongue. He can’t feel pheromones. It was a relief, yet not a relief.

‘I think it’s there.’

The meeting place was a famous franchise cafe that also existed in the US. It had a wooden sign, and the customers inside were clearly visible through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Do-hyun spotted a foreigner wearing sunglasses among them and parked the car on the side of the road.

‘I’ll be waiting nearby, so contact me when you’re done with your friend.’

‘Uh……’

Even though Do-hyun had personally unbuckled the seatbelt for him, Woo-yeon shifted his gaze ambiguously instead of getting out of the car. At the sight of him hesitating, Do-hyun looked at Woo-yeon with a feigned look of regret. Internally, he was praying, Come on, just ask me to come.

‘……Do you want to come along?’

When Woo-yeon said that, Do-hyun truly wanted to cheer. However, since he couldn’t show it too hastily, he simply stroked the pale cheek and narrowed his eyes softly.

‘It’s been a while since you’ve seen your friend, so it might be a bit weird if I join.’

These were words that didn’t reflect his heart. Because it was a friend he was meeting after a long time, he had to see exactly what kind of guy he was.

‘It’s okay. He’s not the type to care about that.’

Kindly, Woo-yeon tilted his head and rubbed his face. He used to be busy being shy, but now he had become accustomed to skinship like a well-tamed small animal.

Slowly lifting his eyes, he suggested in a plain voice.

‘Let’s meet together.’

In the end, Do-hyun got out of the car as if he couldn’t help it. Before entering the cafe, he didn’t forget to ask for ‘Danny’s’ full name out of courtesy. Woo-yeon told him the name was ‘Daniel Connor’ and added that he could call him whatever he liked.

And so, now. The three of them were in the middle of talking about their recent lives with three drinks on the table. Daniel was primarily the one speaking, Woo-yeon was in charge of reactions and questions, and Do-hyun took charge of the silence. After the initial handshake with Do-hyun (he was very glad, but didn’t ask who he was), Daniel didn’t even give him a glance.

[No wonder you didn’t answer the phone……]

At Woo-yeon’s murmur, Do-hyun looked at him askance. Did you call? That was the intention, but unfortunately, it didn’t reach Woo-yeon. Then again, what was so big about making a call to a friend.

[Phone? You called me?]

But it seemed to be quite a big deal to Daniel. Judging by the way his eyes widened and his face became slightly touched. In contrast, Woo-yeon shook his head as if it were nothing.

[I called because of the article back then. Saying that I probably couldn’t let you stay at my place.]

[Ah.]

Daniel’s expression quickly deflated, and he pouted. He even shrugged as if he had expected it.

[I figured. You wouldn’t call me without a reason…… no, wait. You couldn’t let me stay?]

It was a face that had heard news like a bolt from the blue. His bright blue eyes wavered without a place to land.

[Then what do I do?]

[That’s why you should have told me the dates accurately.]

Do-hyun thought that Woo-yeon, acting so coldly, was very unfamiliar. Although he occasionally showed a detached side, he was basically weak to affection. This was the first time he had drawn a line so sharply.

[Woo-yeon…… I’m really starting to feel hurt. Are we the kind of relationship where we have to set an appointment to meet?]

[As I always say, we are that kind of relationship……]

‘He’s a friend, but it’s a bit ambiguous.’

So that’s what he meant.

Do-hyun felt a distant sensation as he looked at Woo-yeon’s profile. An expression overwhelmed by betrayal flashed through his mind, and disappointed eyes came vividly to mind.

If he hadn’t caught Woo-yeon then. If so, he too would have become a relationship no different from Daniel’s. An ambiguous relationship where they wouldn’t care whether they were in contact or not.

‘……I can’t trust that Teacher.’

His vision went dark. The deeply dyed hair, the forehead that peeked through, the sharp bridge of the nose, and the pretty lips—the fact that he almost never saw them again was dizzying.

“……Hyung?”

As if possessed, Do-hyun reached out and touched the back of Woo-yeon’s head. As he stroked the nape, the round earlobe turned red.

“Why……”

Despite having done far more erotic things, his face turned red just because a hand touched him. Although he had touched him quite densely, hadn’t he habitually rubbed his cheek against his palm earlier?

“Is there a problem with your friend?”

Do-hyun naturally withdrew his hand and glanced at Daniel. Woo-yeon, who still looked like a ripe apple, covered his ear with his palm.

“That…… I was originally supposed to let Danny stay. But since he has no place to stay now……”

“Really? If that’s the case, my place is fine too.”

Only then did Daniel look at Do-hyun. Do-hyun, wearing a good-natured smile, met Daniel’s gaze.

“There’s a spare room. It won’t be uncomfortable.”

“Why would Hyung do that?”

Woo-yeon shook his head as if asking what he was talking about. Seeing him furrow his brow deeply, it seemed he thought there was no need for that. Daniel, who had a subtle expression for a moment, glanced at Do-hyun.

[But this person is…… just a friend?]

A short, hollow laugh escaped. He must look like a lover at a glance. The intention of deliberately calling him a ‘friend’ was transparent. The way he subtly acted as if he didn’t exist, and the way he scanned him up and down when they first met. His already sensitive intuition buzzed a danger signal.

[No.]

But that danger signal didn’t last long and lost its power. Woo-yeon, who had regained his composure, fiddled with his wristwatch and blurted out.

[Lover.]

Ah, he’s so pretty I could die. Seriously.

[……Lover?]

[Yes, lover.]

It wasn’t a boasting tone. It was just that he held his neck stiff and fidgeted with his hands meaninglessly. Plus, the words he added without missing the opportunity.

[It hasn’t been long. About three months.]

Do-hyun couldn’t hold back the laughter and covered his mouth. Thanks to a light cough, the movement wasn’t too unnatural. He thought Woo-yeon brought him along fearing he would be jealous, but thinking about it, Woo-yeon wasn’t a lover quick enough to notice that.

[Today is the 78th day.]

‘So cute……’

It was exactly the behavior of someone who had their first lover. Counting the days they met, subtly boasting about their partner. This wasn’t a place to introduce Daniel to him, but a place to show him to Daniel. Thinking that far, Do-hyun swallowed his laughter.

‘I should celebrate the 100th day.’

He had never celebrated anniversaries, but he wanted to try it with Woo-yeon. He felt that if he put candles in a cake and gave a small gift, Woo-yeon would like it with sparkling eyes. No, since the partner is Woo-yeon, perhaps a new experience like a trip would be better than material things.

[……Anyway.]

Woo-yeon subtly avoided Do-hyun’s gaze and changed the subject. Despite speaking confidently in his own way, he seemed to have become shy anew. Whether it was because he was four years younger or simply because of Do-hyun’s rose-colored glasses, he was an incredibly cute lover in many ways.

[I’ll get you a hotel, so stay there. How long will you be in Korea?]

It meant that while he couldn’t let him stay at home, he would provide a place to stay. It was the minimum courtesy Woo-yeon could provide, and a normal friend would have been grateful.

[……Woo-yeon.]

However, instead of saying thank you, Daniel parted his lips with a sorrowful expression. Frowning deeply at the bridge of his nose, he shook his head.

[I want to visit an ordinary Korean home. There are plenty of hotels in America too, right?]

It was a shameless and contradictory statement. If he wanted an ordinary home, Woo-yeon would be even less of an option. Not to mention the family home, even the penthouse he stayed in briefly could hardly fall into the category of ‘ordinary.’

[And I don’t want to stay alone after coming all the way here. How lonely and boring would that be.]

[Danny…… then you shouldn’t have come on a trip alone.]

[What are you talking about? I came to hang out with you.]

Daniel, who replied brazenly, beamed with an innocent face.

[I told you to keep your time free because I’d come to see you. Don’t you remember?]

Do-hyun also vaguely remembered. The words they exchanged over the phone in the morning on the day he took a drunk Woo-yeon home. Although he couldn’t hear Daniel’s voice, he could gauge the general content from what Woo-yeon said.

[That’s true, but……]

Woo-yeon trailed off ambiguously, his eyes darting around. Since his friend had flown in from so far away, he seemed to feel bad about treating him coldly. But honestly, wasn’t providing a place to stay enough? Do-hyun, who deliberately kept his words brief, glanced out the window.

[Woo-yeon, why are you overthinking this?]

Beyond the glass pane, the world was filled with the refreshing colors of summer. The lush green leaves, people dressed in light clothing as if they might float away, the slightly stinging sunlight, and the cars parked along the main road.

Suddenly, Do-hyun felt a subtle sense of incongruity and frowned. The trees, the people, the main road—the scenery, which should have been unremarkable, felt strangely out of place.

Especially one van with heavily tinted windows.

[Just for a few days, stay at a hotel with me…]

He moved his arm abruptly. As he spread his large hand wide, he completely blocked the view of Woo-yeon’s profile. Do-hyun stared intently out the window and whispered in a low voice.

“There’s a reporter.”

The table fell deathly silent. Not only Woo-yeon, but even Daniel shut his mouth and looked toward the window. He shouldn’t have seated him by the window. Muttering this to himself, Do-hyun gave a stern warning.

“Don’t look. You’ll get your picture taken.”

“Uh… I don’t really mind.”

“I mind.”

Woo-yeon seemed accustomed to it, but Do-hyun was not at all. Whenever he felt the gaze of others like this, anxiety made his heart race. It was just a photo; they wouldn’t even be able to publish it as an article. It was because the ‘what if’ scenarios played endlessly in his head.

“First, let’s move seats…”

What if they were strange people, what if bad things were said, what if Woo-yeon got hurt because of it.

The chain of fears led to the desire to hide him away from sight. Because Woo-yeon was precious, and because he was dear. If he could, he wanted to hide him in a place only he knew.

Ridiculously, this impulse wasn’t much different from how Soo-hyang had treated him. If Woo-yeon heard this, he might be disgusted and reconsider his relationship with him.

[What’s wrong? What’s happening?]

Do-hyun looked at Daniel and then looked back out the window. Amidst the various thoughts flashing through his mind, only one sentence came out.

“Let’s go home.”

On the way home, Daniel chatted incessantly. Do-hyun remained silent, focusing on driving, while Woo-yeon, sitting in the passenger seat, occasionally looked back to respond. Seeing him occasionally gauge the mood, it seemed he had noticed that Do-hyun’s atmosphere was unusual.

[Whoa, it’s so tall.]

From the moment they entered the apartment complex, Daniel couldn’t stop marveling. He was so excited that Do-hyun could barely understand half of what he was saying. There must be apartments in LA too. His fantasy about Korea seemed immense.

“Is this all your luggage?”

A small suitcase, a wallet, and a phone. Despite flying a distance of over ten hours, Daniel’s belongings were very meager. Woo-yeon’s eyes widened as he watched Do-hyun take out the suitcase for him.

“Are you really going to let him sleep here?”

“Yeah, he said he has nowhere to go.”

“Even so…”

Woo-yeon seemed reluctant, but for Do-hyun, this was the best option. He had overheard that Daniel hated being alone; he couldn’t let him go to a hotel together. Especially since it wasn’t just anyone, but the person Woo-yeon had mentioned in bed.

‘Ah, Danny…’

When Daniel’s name had come up that day, Do-hyun felt for the first time what it meant to be blinded by jealousy. The sensation of sparks flying before his eyes and his chest burning was enough to drag out the ambitions he had kept deeply hidden. It wasn’t even comparable to the feelings he had felt for Tae-gyeom a long time ago.

“Hyung, it’ll be uncomfortable for you.”

“I’m more comfortable with this.”

Well, if it was the Woo-yeon he knew, there was a high possibility they had only seen each other while changing clothes at most. The reason he had given a vague answer was likely because he was upset that he had once liked Yun-woo. If it was revenge, it was a success, but the problem was that it had remained in his memory until now.

[You said your name is Daniel, right?]

[…Huh?]

As soon as Do-hyun spoke to him, Daniel blinked with a surprised expression. Because Do-hyun had been quiet the whole time, he likely hadn’t expected him to speak English. Do-hyun handed him the suitcase and smiled with a gentle face.

[There’s a spare room at my place, so stay here for the time being.]

It was the smile that Woo-yeon called fake. It was also an expression that broke down the guard of everyone except Woo-yeon. Fortunately, Daniel was the latter, so Do-hyun decided to drive the point home.

[Hotels are boring. Right?]

The three of them went up to the house together. Inside the elevator heading up, Daniel observed Do-hyun with somewhat ambiguous eyes. The gaze, which seemed like a mix of curiosity and hostility, was so blatant that it was impossible to miss.

However, Do-hyun didn’t blink and ignored all the stares. He also pretended not to hear Woo-yeon whispering for him to reconsider even now, turning his head away. Maintaining a blank expression wasn’t that difficult.

[Come in. Take off your shoes.]

A house far too large for one person is very useful at times like this. Even after creating a bedroom, a study, and a dressing room, there was still one guest room left. Do-hyun gave Daniel the guest room next to the bedroom he shared with Woo-yeon.

[Unpack your things in this room. The bathroom and restroom are in the living room, but I use the one attached to my room, so feel free to use them.]

The room, equipped with a large bed and a wardrobe, was one used whenever his younger sister, Jin-ah, visited. Even on the day Woo-yeon got drunk, he should have originally let him sleep here. Despite that, the greed that led him to let Woo-yeon sleep in his own room was something Daniel would never know, even if he died and came back to life.

[If I use this, where does Woo-yeon sleep?]

As if he had never been wary of Do-hyun, Daniel looked around the room with sparkling eyes. He set his suitcase to one side and opened the wardrobe and drawers. Woo-yeon, who had been standing there with a lukewarm expression until then, replied nonchalantly.

[I use the room next to that one.]

[Hmm… I see.]

Do-hyun leaned against the doorway and stared intently at Daniel. Sitting on the edge of the bed and pressing down on the mattress, Daniel curled his lips into a smirk.

[Then let’s sleep here together.]

Do-hyun’s face stiffened. He had gone through the trouble of bringing him home, and here he was saying things that turned his stomach. Unaware of that, or perhaps fully aware, Daniel slyly added.

[We can sleep in different rooms for a few days. The bed is wide, so it’s perfect.]

His beaming face was irritating. Friends could share a room, but the story changed when a lover was firmly planted there. No wonder he asked which room he would use without being told they were living together.

[That’s not possible.]

Do-hyun rejected Daniel’s proposal flatly. Woo-yeon, who had just parted his lips, glanced over. Without changing his expression, Do-hyun grabbed Woo-yeon’s arm.

[I can’t sleep alone at night.]

Swoosh, he slid his hand down and interlaced his fingers with the soft hand. The loosely entwined fingers flinched. Daniel stared blankly at the joined hands and asked.

[Why can’t you sleep alone?]

[Because I’m scared.]

It was a truly brazen answer. Woo-yeon also let out a short laugh, trailing off with, “Scared…?” Do-hyun didn’t let go of the hand and pulled Woo-yeon toward him.

[Unpack slowly and come out. Let’s eat something.]

With those words, Do-hyun led Woo-yeon out of the room. Daniel didn’t follow, but instead, the sound of a deflating laugh could be heard from behind. Woo-yeon followed Do-hyun silently before teasingly asking.

“Are you scared of sleeping alone?”

“Yeah, didn’t you know?”

Even as he answered, he kept chuckling. Because even he thought it was absurd. Scared of sleeping alone? Had he ever had such a thought in his life? Woo-yeon also seemed to find it ridiculous, as amusement leaked into his voice.

“Then how did you sleep when I wasn’t here?”

“I slept while crying because I was scared. Hugging a pillow.”

“Wow… you can really lie through your teeth.”

Do-hyun stopped abruptly and turned to Woo-yeon. They were in front of the door to their bedroom. Before any more words could come out, Do-hyun suddenly leaned his head down.

“…”

With a shy sound, their lips parted. As if the short contact was regrettable, Woo-yeon blinked his closed eyes. Do-hyun curved his eyes prettily and rubbed his nose against the other’s.

“I put saliva on my lips.”

It was a childish joke, but Woo-yeon didn’t mock him. He simply flushed red in the cheeks and fidgeted with their interlaced hands.

“To tell a lie like that… isn’t this not enough?”

His free hand slowly gripped Do-hyun’s collar. At the gesture whose intention was clear to anyone, Do-hyun gently caressed the corner of his eye. And when their lips met again, they didn’t part for quite a long time this time.

Daniel came out to the living room after a long while. Having changed into comfortable clothes, he said he was tired today and would rest at home, and immediately wanted to try ordering delivery food. Do-hyun readily handed over his phone and helped him choose the food he wanted to eat.

The menu Daniel chose was a lunch box and Tteokbokki; he mentioned that he had heard about Tteokbokki from Woo-yeon and had always wanted to try it. Considering Woo-yeon’s empty stomach, Do-hyun pushed the Tteokbokki to dinner and first ordered a lunch box consisting of Korean food. Fortunately, the food tasted good, and Daniel seemed satisfied.

The day spent like that wasn’t as bad as expected. It was interesting to see Daniel be surprised by the various types of delivery food, and it was fascinating to see him marvel at how quickly the delivery arrived. It was a bit annoying when he had conversations with Woo-yeon that only they knew, but the way he acted boastfully, as if intentionally wanting Do-hyun to hear, was almost cute.

[You want to visit the university?]

And the next morning. Meeting in the living room, Daniel asked Do-hyun to show him around the school as soon as he saw him. Naturally, there was no greeting asking if he slept well, nor did he ask if Woo-yeon was still asleep.

[Yeah, I was curious about the school Woo-yeon attends.]

Whether he was brazen or just naturally sociable. Looking at the messy blonde hair, Do-hyun trailed off ambiguously.

[That’s not hard, but…]

He thought he had met a wide variety of people, but Daniel was a strange type he had never seen before. One moment he treated people like they were invisible, the next he openly tried to incite jealousy, and then today he spoke to him in a friendly manner.

Do-hyun’s eye for people was quite accurate. Sensitive to the gazes and emotions of others, he noticed in just one day that Daniel did not view Woo-yeon sexually. First, it was the fact that he didn’t ‘get jealous’ of the skinship with Woo-yeon, and second, it was the fact that there was nothing more than friendship in the eyes he used to look at Woo-yeon.

Then why was Daniel being temperamental toward him?

It was awkward to say it himself, but Do-hyun’s appearance was by no means bad. From his gentle eyes to his neat and straight features, he had heard he was likable, but he had never heard he was unlikeable. (Tae-gyeom was the sole exception.)

Despite that, from the moment he entered the cafe with Woo-yeon, Daniel had looked at him with a gaze that wasn’t kind. Even when shaking hands and greeting, he had intentionally kept his words short. However, since it didn’t feel like he hated him, Do-hyun had simply watched calmly.

In any case, that meant the hostility Daniel showed him wasn’t hostility toward ‘Kim Do-hyun.’ Rather, since he had spoken to him without hesitation around yesterday evening, this too was a contradiction.

[Then I’ll take you after breakfast. It’s not far from here.]

[Oh, there’s something I want for breakfast.]

[What do you want to eat?]

Actually, the original Do-hyun wouldn’t have given a shred of interest to how he was evaluated. He had already realized long ago that it was difficult to be loved by everyone, so there was no need to care about a foreigner who would soon return to his home country.

Nevertheless, the reason he was seriously considering it was that Daniel was Woo-yeon’s friend and the only person who had looked after Woo-yeon when he wasn’t there. Since it was clearly a precious connection for Woo-yeon, it would be wrong to cut it off out of blindness from jealousy.

Or perhaps it was sympathy for a relationship that started on the wrong foot, just like his own.

[Can’t ‘Kimchi-jjigae’ be delivered?]

[It can. Is that what you want?]

[Not delivery… I want to eat some made at home. Can’t you cook?]

Do-hyun let out a chuckle as he looked at Daniel, who was making an openly obnoxious request. He didn’t know what he was thinking, but it was clear he intended to bother him while Woo-yeon was away. He could tell by the expression that clearly said ‘I bet you can’t cook’ while asking him to ‘do it.’

[I’ll make it for you.]

So, this level of pettiness was cute.

[Sit and wait. While you wait, if you have nothing to do, look up things you want to do today.]

Regardless, Do-hyun wanted to get Daniel on his side if possible. He wanted to be recognized as a partner worthy of Woo-yeon, and further, he wanted to hear how Woo-yeon had lived in America. What kind of life Seon Woo-yeon had lived without him, and if his absence had been significant. It would be good to have those things confirmed.

[…You’re really going to make it?]

[Yeah.]

He had made simple stews for Woo-yeon a few times. Since that picky young master had eaten it deliciously, it would be better than delivery food. He wasn’t exceptionally good, but he wasn’t exceptionally bad either.

Do-hyun left the dazed Daniel and entered the kitchen. As he took the kimchi out of the refrigerator, Daniel, who had followed him before he knew it, peered into the fridge. With a spark of interest in his blue eyes, he wondered what there was to see in a refrigerator filled with side dishes and drinks.

[Korean beer! I love this!]

Daniel pointed to a blue can like a child who had discovered a toy. It was similar to how Woo-yeon’s eyes had sparkled when he saw the arcade some time ago. As expected of friends, they were alike in strange ways.

“I can see why you two are friends.”

Muttering this, Do-hyun closed the refrigerator door. Daniel blinked a couple of times and smiled with a bright face, his head tilted to the side.

[What did you say?]

[Nothing.]

It would have been good to add ham or tuna, but unfortunately, there were no canned goods left. The only reason he had side dishes prepared was because he had been taking care of Woo-yeon. He couldn’t feed him outside food every day when he had only eaten the finest things at his family home.

[Are you just going to stand there? Wait in the living room.]

[I want to watch you make it.]

This was exactly why Daniel’s intentions were confusing. Normally, one would hate to even be in the same space as someone they didn’t like, but he maintained an excessively unreserved attitude. As long as Woo-yeon wasn’t mentioned, he was just like a curiosity-filled tourist.

[Kimchi? Did you make this yourself too?]

[No, I bought it.]

[I thought people in Korea made Kimjang every winter…]

[It varies by household. These days, many people buy it.]

Do-hyun took out a pot and skillfully began to sauté the kimchi. A savory smell filled the air along with a sizzling, delicious sound. Daniel sniffed the air and wrinkled the bridge of his nose.

[I love the smell of kimchi so much.]

His voice was quite moved. He had shown a similar reaction when eating Tteokbokki yesterday. He liked Korean beer, and he liked the smell of kimchi. Perhaps he would like things like Hanok houses too.

[But is Woo-yeon still sleeping?]

“…”

He was momentarily speechless. He could have just answered yes, but he felt a prick of conscience for no reason. That was because about 80% of the reason Woo-yeon was oversleeping was his own responsibility.

‘Hng… Hyung, wait a second…’

‘Shh, you can’t make noise.’

Last night, as usual, Woo-yeon had squirmed in Do-hyun’s arms, saying he couldn’t sleep. His body temperature was hot, and his pheromones were wafting everywhere. Kissing Woo-yeon, who was openly flirting, without hesitation had been the start of everything. Out of conscience, he hadn’t performed insertion, but it seemed even light petting had been too much.

[…He must be tired.]

Do-hyun replied vaguely and poured water into the sautéed kimchi. In the first place, the fact that his night sleep had decreased recently was also his fault, but he deliberately ignored that part. Even if he was the one to start, it was always Woo-yeon who lit the fire first.

[Really?]

Fortunately, Daniel didn’t ask anything more and hummed a tune. He seemed to be in a good mood thanks to the fragrant smell of the kimchi stew. The timing seemed right; he figured he should wake Woo-yeon up around the time it boiled vigorously and then simmered down.

After that, a few small questions and answers were exchanged. Daniel asked if he could make every food he knew, and Do-hyun replied that it was possible as long as he knew the ingredients and method, while making rolled omelets.

Woo-yeon woke up around the time Do-hyun thought he should slowly wake him. Turning his head at the familiar pheromone, he saw Woo-yeon walking in sluggishly. Looking at the two people in the kitchen, he rubbed his eyes as if he couldn’t believe it.

“…Since when were you two so close?”

It was an utterly strange sight. Two people who had met for the first time only yesterday were huddled together, cozily cooking kimchi jjigae. It was only natural to be bewildered.

“Danny said he wanted to eat kimchi jjigae.”

“Danny…”

With a face still heavy with sleep, Woo-yeon looked back and forth between Daniel and Do-hyun. ‘Since when did they…’ The sound of him muttering this was clearly audible to Do-hyun.

[Woo-yeon, have you tried kimchi jjigae? It smells amazing.]

[I have. More importantly, if you’re awake, you should have woken me up. Why are you bothering my lover?]

At the word ‘lover,’ Do-hyun secretly stifled a laugh. Woo-yeon probably used it because he couldn’t think of a suitable title, but to the listener, it sounded sweet. Daniel widened his eyes and asked with an innocent face.

[What? Are you actually jealous?]

Immediately, Woo-yeon’s face turned pouty. He replied curtly while taking water out of the refrigerator.

[No.]

Do-hyun knew he was wearing rose-colored glasses, but Woo-yeon’s English had a certain sexiness to it. Perhaps it was because he had just woken up; his voice was lowered, making it even more so. Even though it was just one syllable, it felt quite erotic.

“You two…”

Woo-yeon spoke tentatively, fidgeting with the water bottle. His still-sullen face stared blankly at Do-hyun. Knowing exactly why those clear cheeks were twitching, Do-hyun barely managed to hold back a laugh.

“You look like a newlywed couple.”

Woo-yeon, who didn’t know how to be subtle, tended to let his emotions show plainly whenever he felt jealous. His expression would change, his gaze would shift, and his tone toward Do-hyun would even grow prickly. Compared to the time when he used to just endure everything, it was nothing short of immense progress.

“Yeon-ah.”

In times like this, Do-hyun knew exactly how to soothe his mood. He wasn’t angry, just sulking, so the method to fix it was simple.

“Come here.”

Woo-yeon obediently approached Do-hyun, holding the half-opened water bottle in his hand. Do-hyun took the bottle, opened the cap for him, and stroked his disheveled hair.

“Why are you awake already? I was going to go wake you up.”

With just a few strokes, those sharp eyes softened. The corners of his mouth, which had been drooping, curled upward again. With a face that looked as if he might start purring at any moment, Woo-yeon mumbled in response.

“I woke up because the spot next to me felt empty.”

Since he woke up every day surrounded by pheromones, it was understandable that the empty space felt hollow. He had probably trotted out to the living room looking for him the moment he woke up. The image of a chick searching for its mother was vivid in Do-hyun’s mind.

“Aren’t you tired?”

“Just… is my hair sticking up a lot?”

“No, it’s fine.”

Do-hyun habitually tried to lean in for a kiss, but conscious of Daniel’s presence, he pulled away. Sweet pheromones began to bubble up around Woo-yeon. If Daniel hadn’t been a Beta, his face would have turned bright red.

“Go wash up. Let’s eat.”

Woo-yeon nodded obediently and left the kitchen. Left alone, Daniel watched his retreating back with a bewildered expression. A hollow laugh escaped his parted lips.

[My god.]

It was a single phrase containing many meanings. His gaze seemed to demand an explanation, but Do-hyun simply shrugged. Just in time, the kimchi jjigae was finished.

After a modest breakfast, the three of them headed to the university together. As always, Woo-yeon sat in the passenger seat, and Daniel took the back seat with an excited face, just like yesterday. This time, Do-hyun chose to participate in the conversation instead of remaining silent.

When they arrived at the campus, there were very few people coming and going. A few students taking seasonal courses, a few people presumed to be graduate students, and some outsiders. Since the summer break was still in full swing, there was no sign of a bustling atmosphere.

[Wow, it’s huge!]

Do-hyun parked the car deep inside the school and guided him primarily around the Humanities building. Since he couldn’t show the entire interior—which was large enough to require shuttle buses—he planned to show the buildings they used most. Fortunately, the highly excited foreigner responded with nothing but exclamations regardless of what was shown.

[Why on earth did you try to quit such a great school?]

At Daniel’s words, Do-hyun looked back at Woo-yeon. You tried to drop out? When he sent that look, Woo-yeon awkwardly avoided his gaze.

“…It was because I messed up my course registration.”

It felt like there was more to it, but Do-hyun didn’t press further. During the beginning of the semester, he himself had made more than a few mistakes. Since he had intentionally teased an awkward Woo-yeon, he could understand why the latter would mention dropping out.

[Is that a smoking area?]

[Yeah, smoke if you want to. I’ll wait.]

The scent of cigarettes wafted from the smoking area shielded by a screen. Likely, graduate students exhausted by their theses were burning their murderous intent toward their professors along with their cigarettes. With his hands in his pockets, Do-hyun recalled something from just a few months ago.

‘I should try it.’

It was a memory from when Woo-yeon, not knowing any better, had tried to learn how to smoke. It was also the catalyst for Do-hyun’s resolve to quit the pheromone cigarettes he had smoked for four years. Perversely, at the time, Do-hyun had felt a strange sensation watching the filter caught between those red lips.

[What about you?]

“…Ah.”

Snapping back to his senses, Do-hyun looked up. Perhaps because he had thought of cigarettes for the first time in a while, a slight thirst arose. Only after swallowing dryly did he speak in a casual voice.

[I quit.]

[Really? Then I’ll quit too.]

Daniel walked ahead as if it didn’t matter. Following behind him, Do-hyun glanced at Woo-yeon inconspicuously. The way his eyes kept drifting to those lips felt like a withdrawal symptom in several senses.

[What about the club room? I want to go there too.]

A building where club rooms were concentrated was visible not far from the smoking area. Daniel mentioned it just in time, but Woo-yeon shook his head with a firm expression.

[Outsiders are forbidden from entering the club room.]

Strictly speaking, entry for outsiders wasn’t exactly ‘forbidden.’ They had simply decided to discourage it as much as possible because frequent visits made management difficult. After thinking it over, Do-hyun asked tentatively.

[Do you want to go?]

Two gazes followed. One was Daniel’s, and the other was Woo-yeon’s. The two asked simultaneously with very different expressions.

[Can I go in?]

“Can he go in?”

Seriously, now he knew why they were friends.

“Why not? I’m the club president.”

Do-hyun took his phone out of his pocket and weighed his options. Since it was break, there was no way other club members would be there, and the key was with him as the president. Since the weather was hot, it might be better to let Woo-yeon rest in a cool place rather than leaving him under this scorching sun.

“Should I call Mungaram and Seon-kyu too?”

The club room, left abandoned for a month, was filled with the stifling heat of midsummer. Do-hyun first opened the windows to ventilate the oppressive interior. Setting the air conditioner aside for a moment, it seemed he first had to deal with the thick layer of dust.

“Hey, how long has it been!”

“Hello, Hyung!”

Ga-ram and Seon-kyu arrived around the time the club room was mostly tidied up. Perhaps they had met nearby, as both were carrying identical plastic bags in both hands. Hearing the sound of glass bottles inside, the contents were easy to guess.

“You two are exactly the same as before the break.”

Even though only two people had been added, the inside of the club room became noisy. Daniel seemed to feel the same, widening his eyes with a bewildered face. Ga-ram, who was walking inside, stopped dead in her tracks upon seeing Daniel.

“…What’s this, an exchange student?”

“No, Woo-yeon’s friend.”

“Woo-yeon’s friend?”

Ga-ram asked back as she approached the sofa. Woo-yeon sat next to Daniel, Do-hyun sat diagonally from them, and Ga-ram and Seon-kyu sat on the opposite sofa.

Only after they had settled in did Woo-yeon introduce Daniel to the two. He explained that this was ‘Daniel Connor’ and a friend he had become close with in the US. Ga-ram, who was about to greet him warmly, froze like a machine upon hearing the next words.

“He… can’t speak Korean?”

“No.”

“At all…?”

“He knows things like ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank you.’”

“…Wow, damn.”

Ga-ram was more sociable than anyone, but a lack of communication was the exception. Just as being an English Literature major didn’t necessarily mean one was fluent in conversation, Ga-ram was someone who detested English.

“Hey, Seon-kyu, you try greeting him for me.”

“Noona, I specialize in CSAT English.”

“You brat, you’re still better than me.”

“In times like this, a Seonbae should set an example.”

“As if there’s such a thing.”

The sound of their bickering whispers was noisy. Their voices were certainly low, but being this disruptive was a talent in itself. Do-hyun burst into an absurd laugh watching the two exchange “How are you today?” and “I’m fine thank you, and you?”

[Can you say their names? They’re ‘Ga-ram’ and ‘Seon-kyu’.]

[Ga-ram?]

Meanwhile, Daniel was busy practicing the names Woo-yeon taught him, his brow furrowed in concentration. Watching him clumsily repeat ‘Ga-ram’ and ‘Seon-kyu,’ Do-hyun suddenly realized that Daniel hadn’t called him by his name once so far.

[Danny, try this.]

It was just a simple whim. He felt they had become quite close, and he also felt that the distance between Woo-yeon and Daniel was far too close. Tilting his head slightly, Do-hyun spoke in a gentle voice.

“Kim. Do. Hyun.”

[…….]

Daniel’s eyebrows twitched. Letting out a small snort, he confidently lifted his chin. A crooked smile hung on his lips.

[No.]

“Hey.”

The one who was flustered instead was Woo-yeon. Woo-yeon grabbed Daniel’s arm with a stern face. He seemed worried about Do-hyun’s mood, but Do-hyun was more bothered by the fact that those slender fingers were touching someone else.

[Why are you…]

Because Woo-yeon whispered in his ear, the rest of the words were barely audible. Watching this, Do-hyun curled his lips into a slant. What had he said earlier? That he had no sexual feelings for Daniel. Regardless of Daniel’s feelings, the sight of them pressed so closely together was not welcome.

“Hey, I don’t care, let’s just drink. Daniel? Connor? What is it, what should I call you?”

Just as Do-hyun’s patience was reaching its limit, Ga-ram jumped up. Perhaps she couldn’t reach a conclusion in her conversation with Seon-kyu, as she had a somewhat enlightened expression. Do-hyun was very glad for her intrusion, though he pretended otherwise.

“Mungaram, you’re exhausting. Is drinking the only thing you can do after meeting for the first time in a while?”

“You sound like a couple in a slump. If you’re annoyed, don’t drink.”

“I can’t drink anyway because I brought my car.”

“Ugh, you bourgeois bastard driving your own car.”

Even though a real bourgeois was right in front of her. Her choice of vocabulary was always unrestrained. Of course, Woo-yeon didn’t care in the slightest.

[Oh, I like this!]

“What, you like that? Drink it all. There’s plenty over there.”

[Can I drink this?]

“Drink, drink. Drink it all.”

The drinking party started in an instant. With a swift motion, Ga-ram locked the door and half-closed the windows while turning on the air conditioner. The way she distributed the alcohol and brought out the snacks made her look like someone who had been waiting for this exact moment.

“What should we order? Anything you want to eat?”

“How about Tteokbokki?”

[Tteokbokki? I love Tteokbokki!]

Do-hyun eavesdropped on the three of them selecting the menu as if watching a performance. Two were using Korean and one was using English, yet the conversation somehow worked. To be precise, they were all just saying they liked Tteokbokki, but who cared.

[Woo-yeon, aren’t you drinking?]

[Ah, I’m a bit…]

Woo-yeon hesitated, unable to readily reach for the alcohol. Seeing his hesitant face, it seemed he felt uncomfortable with drinking due to past mistakes. Do-hyun was about to tell him to drink comfortably, but Daniel was faster.

[Why? Let’s drink together for the first time in a while.]

A flinch, and his eyes narrowed. For the first time in a while. It was a phrase that made his lips close instinctively.

[I’ve wanted to try Korean beer with you.]

As far as Do-hyun knew, Woo-yeon was not of legal drinking age when he was in the US. That meant he was a minor who couldn’t buy alcohol, nor should he have. And yet, he had drunk with Daniel. Moreover, the nuance suggested they had done so quite often.

[Can’t you just have a little? Please?]

[…Be quiet.]

Woo-yeon lowered his voice, glancing at Do-hyun to gauge his reaction. He wondered why he was reacting so quickly, but the truly shocking words came next.

[Because of you, I developed a weird drinking habit.]

“…….”

This time, Do-hyun truly struggled not to let his expression crumble. Because a single phrase caught in his ear amidst the fluent English pronunciation. Daniel seemed to feel the same, as he tilted his head and asked back.

[Drinking habit?]

‘It was just…’

In a brief moment, a memory passed by. A phrase Woo-yeon had said with a flushed face on a terrace with a beautiful night view.

‘It was a drinking habit.’

His eyes narrowed. The corners of his mouth dropped into a straight line, and a deep frown formed between his brows.

Woo-yeon avoided Do-hyun’s gaze and fidgeted with his earlobe. He didn’t offer an excuse, nor could he readily respond. He simply shook his head, frowning clumsily.

[There is such a thing.]

“Such a thing…”

Where is it.

He couldn’t utter the last part. It was because he happened to lock eyes with Daniel, who had looked up. Do-hyun closed his parting lips and covered his mouth with one hand.

He had almost made things awkward for Woo-yeon in front of so many people. Since Woo-yeon himself was avoiding the answer, he couldn’t force him to speak. Perhaps he could gently persuade him later when they were alone.

Do-hyun struggled to suppress the impulse and calmly organized his thoughts. Memories of the days Woo-yeon had been drunk surfaced one by one. One day he clung to him saying it was cold, another day he tried to take off his clothes saying it was hot, and another day he insisted on showering despite being unable to even steady himself. Generally, he was cute and lovely, but if he had been with someone else, Do-hyun would have lost his mind.

Jealousy surged like a burning fire in his throat. The bold words he had uttered—asking to be held or kissed—were still vivid in his mind. It felt like only yesterday that he had been smiling softly while holding a cute doll like him in his arms; which of those drinking habits had been developed because of Daniel?

“…Yeon-ah.”

Do-hyun tried to manage his inner turmoil and raised his voice kindly. Woo-yeon, who had been arguing with Daniel, looked back at Do-hyun, asking what was wrong. Even then, the way their shoulders were pressed closely together was incredibly irritating.

“If you want to drink, feel free. If you get drunk, I’ll take good care of you.”

He didn’t smile sweetly. If he did, Woo-yeon would recognize at a glance that his insides were twisting. Instead, he pretended to be as calm as possible, opened a beer can, and set it on the table.

“You’re seeing a friend after a long time, you should have a drink.”

“But… Hyung, you can’t drink.”

“It’s fine. If necessary, I’ll just leave the car behind.”

When Do-hyun went this far, Woo-yeon also seemed to hesitate. The desire to drink flashed in those glossy, beautiful eyes. His pale hand slowly reached toward the beer can Do-hyun had handed him.

“Then, just a little…”

[Oh, you’re drinking?]

Since it wasn’t a situation where someone was forcing him to drink, nor was it drinking out of depression, Do-hyun intended to let him if he wanted to. Since he and Ga-ram were the only Alphas, if pheromones leaked out, he could simply cover them with his own.

“Everyone, raise your glasses. Hey, Daniel! Cheers, okay?”

Starting with a clear voice, beer cans and paper cups clashed. It wasn’t the refreshing clink of glass, but it was enough to lift the mood. Do-hyun suppressed the bubbling in his chest while sipping from a paper cup filled with a beverage.

He would find out exactly which drinking habit he was talking about once he got drunk.

Three hours passed.

From the time Seon-kyu became dazed and unable to gather his senses, to the time Ga-ram became an English genius—exactly three hours.

[Listen, Dan. I really hate English.]

[Really? But you’re speaking in English right now?]

[No, no. I can’t speak English.]

Perhaps having found confidence in the alcohol, Ga-ram attempted to converse with Daniel from the moment she became half-drunk. Her pronunciation was clumsy and her vocabulary limited, but there was no problem communicating. It made him think that if she had brought soju in a tumbler during last year’s oral exam, she would have received a good grade.

“Ah, Noona, why do you keep speaking English…”

Conversely, as time passed, Seon-kyu became less able to understand Daniel’s words. He understood roughly at first, but now he was practically deaf to it. No, seeing as he couldn’t understand English or Korean, it seemed he had just become slow-witted.

Even in this chaotic situation, Do-hyun watched only Woo-yeon. It was so he could take care of him if he fell over, spilled his drink, or leaned on Daniel due to intoxication. Fortunately, Woo-yeon didn’t make any mistakes and just sipped his beer.

“Hey, Baby. Don’t just drink; eat some snacks too.”

“…….”

Twitch. Woo-yeon’s brow furrowed. Despite having drunk quite a bit, his complexion remained remarkably clear. He was slightly more expressionless than usual, and only his gaze was a bit hazy. To an outsider, he looked like someone with a high alcohol tolerance, but Do-hyun reached only one conclusion upon looking at him.

‘He’s drunk.’

“Why am I a baby?”

His pronunciation was precise, but the speed at which he spoke had slowed. While his voice remained calm, the tone was low, and every time he blinked, his head tilted slightly. He clearly had a face that didn’t betray his intoxication despite being drunk. This was exactly why Do-hyun repeatedly told him, “You shouldn’t drink.”

“Anyone smaller than me is a baby.”

“I’m taller than Noona.”

“Look at you, talking back.”

Others probably wouldn’t know. The fact that Woo-yeon, who was spitting out bold words with such an ordinary face, would remember nothing the next day. Seeing as he was managing his pheromones well, he was fine for now, but Do-hyun would have to stop him soon.

“How tall is Noona?”

“Noona is tall. Just under 2 meters.”

“……I am too.”

Between the talk of height and whether he was a baby or not, Do-hyun let out an involuntary pfft of laughter. Perhaps because they were both drunk, they were having a serious discussion over a trivial topic. The most amusing part was that, unlike his usual self, Woo-yeon was stubbornly insisting on his point.

“I don’t like being called that.”

“It’s a habit, a habit.”

“I still don’t like it.”

Ga-ram’s use of the term ‘baby’ was merely a drunken habit, but Woo-yeon seemed dissatisfied with the cute nuance of it. Eventually, unable to watch any longer, Do-hyun reached out and stroked the back of Woo-yeon’s head.

“She calls everyone a baby when she’s drunk.”

‘She probably has about fifteen babies.’ As Do-hyun added that, Woo-yeon’s expression softened considerably. It might have also been because of the hand gently petting the back of his head. Either way, it was a rather unfair sight for Ga-ram.

“Wow, he wouldn’t listen when I said it. How am I supposed to live with this sorrow?”

Ignoring Ga-ram’s words, Woo-yeon grabbed Do-hyun with both hands. Rubbing his face against Do-hyun’s palm as if acting spoiled, he looked as though he wanted to be petted. Since that was essentially the meaning, Do-hyun toyed with his soft cheeks to his heart’s content.

“Your face is hot.”

“I know.”

The unpleasant feelings melted away like snow. Simply by touching Woo-yeon, his heart felt surprisingly peaceful. Good grief, it wasn’t like he had separation anxiety, but his mood fluctuated over every little thing.

[Woo-yeon, are you okay? Are you drunk right now?]

[I’m fine. I’m not drunk.]

[Look at me. Are you really okay?]

[I said I’m fine.]

Finding the well-behaved Woo-yeon curious, Daniel turned his upper body to observe him. Despite having drunk together before, it seemed this was the first time he had seen him drunk. Or perhaps it was the first time he had seen him act this cute.

‘I guess he didn’t learn this from Daniel.’

While releasing gentle pheromones, Do-hyun calmly retraced his memories. He had forgotten it earlier because he was blinded by jealousy, but wasn’t there one other drunken habit of Woo-yeon’s besides skinship?

Foolishly, rational thought only became possible after the overflowing jealousy subsided. Even though he knew it couldn’t be true, he had ruined his own mood with baseless assumptions. While Woo-yeon hadn’t even thought of wavering, Do-hyun had been fluttering like a flag in the wind.

“……Let’s finish cleaning up and go.”

Letting out a short, hollow laugh, Do-hyun pulled his hand away from Woo-yeon. He caught the look of regret on Woo-yeon’s face, but he could pet him at home too. It was just that he wasn’t sure if he could only pet him.

Do-hyun began clearing the tables one by one on behalf of those who were wasted. The alcohol had been finished long ago, and Seon-kyu had already fallen asleep leaning against the sofa. Since Ga-ram got tipsy quickly but didn’t get completely blackout drunk, it was fine to leave her be.

“Hey, just leave it. I’ll clean up and take Seon-kyu home.”

Thud. Ga-ram brushed Do-hyun’s hand away and mumbled. As she did, she tilted her head toward Woo-yeon, signaling him to take him and leave quickly. No matter what anyone said, she was quick-witted, and she seemed to have noticed that he had been strange throughout the drinking session.

“Then I’ll leave it to you. Yeon-ah, can you walk?”

“Yes.”

Woo-yeon stood up abruptly and confidently. Then, he immediately stumbled and landed in Do-hyun’s arms. It wasn’t so much that he truly couldn’t keep his balance, but rather that he felt safe enough to collapse now that there was something to lean on. That sight was so endearing that Do-hyun let out a ticklish laugh.

“You said you could walk.”

“I can walk.”

[…My god.]

Daniel looked at them with eyes full of shock. Once at Woo-yeon, once at Do-hyun. The gaze shifting back and forth was excessively burdensome. Hah, Daniel exhaled and sighed once more.

[My god……]

‘He’s a bit drunk too.’

Seeing him repeat the same words over and over, it was clear he was also feeling the effects. Well, he had drunk that much beer, saying Korean alcohol was great. No matter how low the alcohol content, if you pour in that much volume, you’re bound to get drunk.

“Yeon-ah, put some strength in your legs.”

Do-hyun first wrapped his arm around Woo-yeon’s waist to support him firmly. He didn’t forget to block him with his body so that his pheromones wouldn’t reach Ga-ram. Perhaps because he simply loved being close to Do-hyun, pleasant pheromones surged from Woo-yeon.

“Dammit, Kwon Seon-gyu won’t wake up. I want to go smoke.”

“Just try smoking here.”

“I won’t, you brat. Just go. Danny, you go too!”

“Goodbye!” shouting that, Ga-ram sprawled out on the sofa. Daniel, who had been staring at Woo-yeon until then, finally moved his feet only after making eye contact with Do-hyun. The gaze following Do-hyun and Woo-yeon looked somehow hollow.

August, when the days grew longer. A season where the red light stretching across the window at sunset was exceptionally beautiful. A surreal landscape, as if dye had been spilled over the swarm clouds embroidered across the vast space.

With such a sky as his backdrop, Daniel stared blankly down from the balcony. His fluttering hair sparkled like gold threads in the sunset. Despite the picture-perfect scene, Do-hyun parted his lips without much emotion.

[Danny.]

Daniel’s gaze slowly returned. It was a sudden call, but he showed no sign of surprise. He simply smiled brightly with that same innocent face.

[What about Woo-yeon? Is he sleeping?]

As he said, Do-hyun had just come out to the living room after putting Woo-yeon to sleep. Since he had washed him clean and even dried his hair, he would likely sleep soundly for at least two or three hours. He might toss and turn during the night, but that was a common occurrence.

[I put him to sleep and came out.]

[Good job.]

Responding lightly, Daniel began to hum a tune. It was the same song he had been humming beside Do-hyun this morning while he was cooking kimchi stew. Do-hyun sat in the chair next to him and spoke casually.

“You seem to like that song.”

[Huh?]

Because Do-hyun spoke in Korean, Daniel tilted his head as if asking what he meant. With a still-beaming face, he asked back.

[What did you say?]

A humid breeze tickled the edges of his cheeks. The air characteristic of summer held all the heat that had been baked during the day. To think the sun hadn’t set yet despite all that daytime drinking. Do-hyun stared at the fading sky and spoke calmly.

“You can speak Korean, can’t you?”

The gaze shifted diagonally downward. He was still smiling, but Do-hyun realized that he was flustered. Seeing the slightly raised eyebrow, Do-hyun slowly added the following words.

“I’m quick-witted.”

From the first time they met, there were more than a few strange things. He only asked who Do-hyun was after he offered to let him stay over, and he shut his mouth tight the moment he heard there was a reporter. If he truly couldn’t speak Korean, he would have shown a frustrated expression occasionally, but Daniel had been consistently unfazed.

“You didn’t even ask what I was saying when I talked to Woo-yeon.”

“…….”

“And yet, you’d ask what I meant with ghostly precision whenever I spoke to you.”

If he denied it, Do-hyun intended to just pretend not to know. The reason he brought this up in the first place was that Daniel had been acting strange for a while. To be precise, it bothered him that Daniel kept making a bitter expression after the drinking session ended.

“The song you just hummed, that’s a Korean pop song too.”

“……Hmm.”

Daniel rolled his eyes and tucked his chin. The lips that had been pleasantly upturned had now drooped. Blinking with a listless face, he answered softly after a long silence.

“I’m not good at it.”

The pronunciation was clumsy. Just as he said he wasn’t good, the intonation was uneven. Before Do-hyun could react, a deep sigh was heard.

“I learned it to get close to Woo-yeon.”

“…….”

“But Woo-yeon doesn’t know.”

It was natural that he wouldn’t. Probably no one he met today had noticed. Only Do-hyun, who was exceptionally sensitive to such things, had realized it; if he hadn’t been Woo-yeon’s friend to begin with, he wouldn’t have observed him this closely.

“Why did you pretend you couldn’t?”

This time, it was genuine curiosity. He wondered what the purpose was in deliberately deceiving him for two days when there seemed to be no particular reason. Surely it wasn’t to secretly eavesdrop on what Woo-yeon was saying.

“It wasn’t on purpose……”

Various complex emotions were contained in the long, trailing end of the sentence. It was an unidentified lingering attachment and regret that even Do-hyun couldn’t fully guess. After hesitating for a moment, Daniel slowly parted his lips.

“I just wanted to.”

It wasn’t an answer at all, but Do-hyun didn’t press him. He could tell just by looking that there was no malicious intent, and regardless of everything, it was certain that he liked the human Seon Woo-yeon quite a bit.

“You know.”

Daniel began softly. He turned his body to look at Do-hyun. Because he was standing with the sun behind him, his expression wasn’t clearly visible.

“Are you curious? About the Seon Woo-yeon in America.”

“…….”

Of course he was curious. He just hadn’t imagined those words would come from Daniel’s mouth first.

“Want me to tell you?”

Do-hyun didn’t reject a gift that fell right into his lap. He simply looked back at him with a gaze full of affirmation. And the words that followed were something Do-hyun hadn’t expected at all.

“I was that kid’s bodyguard.”

Daniel continued talking about Woo-yeon for quite a long time. How he met Woo-yeon, how they became close, and how he opened his heart. The content was mostly as expected; the only surprising part was that they had been roommates in the same dormitory.

“At first, he was really small. About this height.”

Listening to him talk about Seon Woo-yeon, Do-hyun recalled the middle schooler he knew. The young Seon Woo-yeon whose head barely reached his chest and whose hands and feet were tiny.

“I struggled a lot to get close to him. Guarded? He was incredibly guarded.”

He said he was a more difficult person to deal with than anyone he had ever met. He was so bundled up in wariness that he responded to everything with silence, making it hard to even start a conversation. Despite that, he added that the reason he tried until the end was simply because of money.

“Money…… you know, right? That Woo-yeon’s family is incredibly rich. I was originally ga-na, ga-na-hada?”

“Ganan (Poor).”

“Yeah, I was poor.”

He wanted to ask how he had come to know Soo-hyang, but he couldn’t ask that far. In the meantime, Daniel asked Do-hyun for a few words, and then, deciding it wasn’t working, switched to English.

[I even studied to pretend I was interested in Korea. I looked up Korean culture, listened to songs…… practiced things like ‘Annyeong’ and ‘Gomawo.’ Ah, I really like it now. Korea is a very charming country.]

He said the thing he worked hardest on was pronouncing Woo-yeon’s name correctly. It took exactly one month, and around that time, Woo-yeon opened his heart to Daniel. To be precise, it seemed they just ended up spending time together because there was no one else to hang out with.

[Woo-yeon is really…… the more you know him, the more particular he is. He’s a huge picky eater. If it tastes even a little bad, he won’t eat it. No, he can’t eat it. I had a hard time finding food that suited his taste.]

He spoke as if complaining, but his expression was actually one of longing. Do-hyun noticed the affection underlying it and narrowed his eyes. No matter how guarded Woo-yeon had been, there was no way he wouldn’t have been permeated by such tender kindness.

[Then, was it half a year later? Woo-yeon manifested as an Omega.]

He said that Woo-yeon, who manifested overnight, suffered through his first heat cycle for a whole week. Daniel, who initially thought it was a cold, had no choice but to realize it as the symptoms worsened. Daniel immediately contacted Soo-hyang, and Soo-hyang had the primary physician prescribe suppressants.

[Honestly, I still don’t understand. Why did that person tell me to hide the fact that I was an employee, and while she’s so interested that she wants to hear every single move he makes, why doesn’t she contact Woo-yeon directly?]

Even if he was curious, he wasn’t in a position to ask. Daniel simply protected and observed Woo-yeon as Soo-hyang ordered; he had no authority beyond that.

[I heard Woo-yeon is dominant. A super-dominant one at that.]

What were the chances that a super-dominant Omega who had just manifested could skillfully control overflowing pheromones? Do-hyun frowned, recalling memories from the orphanage. Daniel was scrunching his face similarly to Do-hyun.

[Do you know how dangerous he was?]

The scattered puzzle pieces gradually fell into place. The reason Soo-hyang had specifically attached Daniel to him. The reason she, who usually hired Alphas, had recruited a ‘Beta bodyguard.’

Soo-hyang had likely predicted it. The fact that Woo-yeon would inevitably manifest as either an Alpha or an Omega. Unique Traits are inherited only between Unique Traits, and Woo-yeon was the precious fruit born between an Alpha and an Omega.

[Alphas attacked him several times. They already looked down on him for being Asian, and since he manifested, he must have looked like an easy target.]

[……Did that happen often?]

It was a question he had once asked Woo-yeon. When Ga-ram lost her mind in the club room, Woo-yeon had answered in an indifferent voice.

‘It doesn’t happen often.’

[It happened countless times.]

The hair on the back of Do-hyun’s neck stood up. Whether it was anger or something else, the creeping emotion clouded his vision.

Do-hyun already knew that those words were a lie. The expression Woo-yeon wore, his behavior, and his reactions afterward—every gesture showed that he was ‘used to it.’ It was just that since it wasn’t a memory worth digging up, he hadn’t asked in detail.

[I told him to be careful because he’s dominant…… Oh, don’t look at me like that. I know it’s not something he can control. I just said it because I was worried.]

Do-hyun sighed, pressing his eyelids with one hand. His mood had turned strangely sour, and his stomach felt tight even though he hadn’t drunk. While he struggled to calm his pheromones, Daniel slowly continued.

[I thought it wouldn’t do, so I taught him how to exercise. He has to be able to protect himself somehow. You’ve never seen it, right? Woo-yeon’s athletic nerves are really good. He’s good at physical fights too.]

There was no way he had seen it. He had occasionally felt that Woo-yeon was strong, but even that was only for a moment. No wonder he had fearlessly charged at that bear-like Kim Jin-sang. It was because he had something to rely on.

[He grew nearly a foot in height back then, but since he lost weight at the same time, the problem was……]

He didn’t need to hear the rest to know. If he was pretty in Do-hyun’s eyes, how pretty must he have been to others? It was obvious what would happen if a younger, softer Woo-yeon had been emitting pheromones.

[So, do you know what I taught him?]

Daniel curled his lips into the most confident expression he had shown so far. Then, showing his teeth in a bright grin, he crinkled his nose.

[Swearing.]

A hollow laugh escaped Do-hyun. Not out of surprise, but because he felt that he should have expected it.

[I taught him every swear word there is. In these things, seizing the initiative is the most important part.]

Of course, he said Woo-yeon didn’t follow along. The reason was that it would be troublesome if he developed a habit. Watching Daniel click his tongue in regret, Do-hyun recalled the memory of the last Membership Training. They say rote learning is scary, but hadn’t he learned it more perfectly than anyone?

[Admit it. At first, it was a sense of duty, but later it wasn’t. Woo-yeon is my friend, and in a sense, he’s like a child to me.]

Emotions have many branches. Just as Do-hyun had seeped into Woo-yeon and finally felt sexual desire, Daniel must have developed a significant amount of affection over four years. Moreover, since he had watched him grow, it wasn’t strange for him to act like a guardian.

[I naturally thought Woo-yeon felt the same. Since he continued to be my friend even after knowing I was someone Soo-hyang hired.]

Do-hyun vaguely realized the identity of the bitterness Daniel had shown. The reason for the emotion that flickered across his face when Woo-yeon acted spoiled with him, or leaned on him pretending to be weak.

[But it turns out he doesn’t.]

It was similar to a parent being petty toward their child’s lover. Not sexual desire, but friendship, or further, something like familial love. The way he had measured Do-hyun from head to toe was a behavior derived from that.

[My contract ended a long time ago, but Woo-yeon still keeps his distance from me. After returning to Korea, he wouldn’t even contact me unless I reached out first.]

The voice, grumbling and lamenting, sounded aggrieved. He pouted his lips and blurted out a question as if seeking agreement.

[Can’t you become friends regardless of how you meet? Just because my contract ended, does my relationship with Woo-yeon have to end too? Is a human relationship the kind of thing that just snaps off like that?]

No one could answer. Do-hyun turned his gaze away, unable to say a word. Twilight had already descended upon the sky where the sunset had been.

“……I guess so.”

‘Teacher is going to the army.’

If they had been surgical about cutting ties, their reunion wouldn’t have been dragged out this long. The moment the contract was severed to end the relationship, all ties would have vanished into thin air.

[I swear, I didn’t even know about Woo-yeon’s family history.]

It seemed he knew the general gist of it now. After all, with the massive news articles that had been published, the news must have reached him.

[It’s unfair. We just started from different starting lines, yet I’m still stuck at this level.]

The reason Do-hyun couldn’t say anything was that he knew that feeling better than anyone. Since he had stood side-by-side at that same starting line, all he could do was quietly listen.

[I know you’re a good person. To be precise… I know you’re a good partner.]

“Because of the kimchi stew?”

[It was delicious.]

Daniel gave a small smile and let out a shallow sigh. Even the corners of his upturned lips betrayed the turmoil he felt.

[I just… I was just a bit envious. Of you, and of the friends I saw earlier. Since our beginnings were different, the process must have been easier for you.]

[The process…]

What should he say? Do-hyun’s lips parted as he searched for the right words. He felt that if he spoke too hastily, emotions he hadn’t yet managed to contain would spill out. After blinking once, then twice, Do-hyun spoke softly.

[My starting line wasn’t different from yours.]

Once, Do-hyun had also resented an irreversible beginning. He had chewed over the proposal he had accepted without thinking and felt despair while watching a receding back. Amidst the endless surge of regret, he clung only to a thread of hope.

[If anything, my destination was further away.]

[……What?]

Daniel stopped moving, his face blank with bewilderment. The gaze that met Do-hyun’s was filled with surprise. After observing Do-hyun for a long while, he asked with a quite serious expression.

[Are you a Beta?]

It was an abrupt question. Even Daniel, the one asking, seemed certain that it couldn’t be true. Do-hyun didn’t answer, but Daniel shook his head and smirked.

[……Want me to tell you something?]

There was an edge to his voice. A prickle of bad emotion could be felt in the way he looked at Do-hyun. Do-hyun could sufficiently guess why he was angry and why he felt so aggrieved.

[In the end, you won’t be able to beat Teacher either.]

If you’re going to regret it after saying it, you might as well not say it at all. It was clear that he had spoken out of a sudden impulse and was immediately regretting it. Do-hyun pushed those things aside for a moment and focused only on the one word he had uttered.

[Teacher?]

[……Yeah, Teacher.]

There was no need to ask who it was. Do-hyun knew very well who that was. Depending on how he interpreted Do-hyun’s silence, Daniel added in a small voice.

[You’re a ‘Hyung,’ not a ‘Teacher.’]

Hyung and Teacher—only those two words were in Korean. Both referred to the same person, and both were spoken by the same person. Though Daniel likely didn’t know the latter.

[When I was in the US, Woo-yeon talked about Teacher every chance he got.]

“…….”

[He said he’s a Beta, but a very kind and gentle person. Neither I nor you will ever be able to become someone like Teacher.]

Do-hyun lowered his head and organized his complex emotions. While he was happy that Woo-yeon had talked about him, it was heartbreaking that he had missed him all the way in America. The most absurd part was the sense of superiority he felt unconsciously.

[……Daniel Connor.]

Inevitably, Do-hyun spoke in a sunken voice. He didn’t have a hobby of meddling, but remaining silent felt like a deception toward Daniel. While it was embarrassing to admit he was the ‘Teacher,’ he wanted to clear up the misunderstanding. Because if Daniel left now, that little guy might get hurt again.

[I think you’re misunderstanding…]

Daniel looked at Do-hyun with a stiff expression. He seemed worried that Do-hyun was angry because he had used his full name. Softening his expression slightly, Do-hyun began gently.

[Woo-yeon considers you a friend, too.]

Up to this point, it was consolation offered out of politeness. Daniel seemed to feel the same, nodding with a deflated face. Seeing the expression that seemed to say ‘go on,’ Do-hyun intentionally spoke in Korean instead of English.

“He just doesn’t know how to treat you because you’re the first friend he’s ever made.”

“……First?”

Honestly, he hoped Daniel wouldn’t understand. He didn’t want to admit that someone other than himself was a precious existence to Woo-yeon. Wanting to monopolize Woo-yeon, even if it was out of childish jealousy, Do-hyun added generously.

[The first friend he’s ever made.]

Daniel’s eyes widened in disbelief. He said he didn’t know the family history, but it seemed he also didn’t know the environment Woo-yeon grew up in. Well, it was unlikely that so many details were contained in a mere news article.

“Woo-yeon has exactly two proper friends. One is you, and the other is Seon-kyu, whom you saw earlier. Mungaram is a Seonbae, so that’s a bit different, and I’m the partner, so I’m outside that category.”

[……You’re talking too fast.]

“Just listen and consider it a study session.”

Since Daniel had been acting moody the whole time, Do-hyun didn’t intend to let him off easy this time. He even gave a belated lecture, saying that if he came to Korea, he should use the Korean language. Daniel, who had been frowning deeply, listened more intently than anyone once the story actually began.

“When the article about Woo-yeon came out, Mungaram once bought him a cake to cheer him up.”

It was a memory as vivid as if it were yesterday. The day the article broke that Woo-yeon was the heir to Selection Group, and reporters lined up in front of the school. Do-hyun hadn’t seen it personally, but according to Garam, that little guy had been detached, as if he had given up on everything.

“But Woo-yeon said this. He asked if she was pitying him right now.”

“Pity?”

“Sympathy.”

“Ah……”

“So Mungaram… you know how she worries, right? She said it wasn’t pity but worry, but apparently, he said he felt uncomfortable with that.”

Daniel made a subtle expression. He must have thought Woo-yeon’s reaction was strange too. Do-hyun sighed, recalling Garam telling him this.

“Woo-yeon is just not used to it.”

‘He asked what would happen if he got used to people worrying about him.’

“He had more than anyone else, but he’d never had a single common friend, so he didn’t know how much it was okay to lean on someone.”

Some might curse and call it a first-world problem. In fact, until Do-hyun met Woo-yeon, he also thought he was just a young master living in a nice house acting spoiled.

“He was like that even while dating me.”

However, for Woo-yeon, who was experiencing everything for the first time, everything from one to ten was clumsy. He didn’t know how to lean, didn’t know how to hide, and while he knew how to express, he didn’t know how to receive.

“He endured even when he was jealous, endured even when there was something he wanted to do, and endured even when he felt like I didn’t like him. Then, when he felt like he was going to get hurt, he’d just cut it off and run away.”

“…….”

“He’s prickly. Hard to deal with.”

While he felt sorry, he also felt aggrieved. It was true that he had resented him, wondering what he had done so wrong. Then, suddenly seeing those clear eyes, he felt his tension melt away and thought:

“But how scared must the kid be to act like that?”

Do-hyun had developed his intuition to survive, but Woo-yeon had developed his vigilance to survive. While Do-hyun clung desperately because he didn’t want to miss a single thing, Woo-yeon gave up on possessing because he feared losing. Both had simply done their best to protect themselves; there was a contradiction in trying to determine who was right or wrong.

“I’m not telling you this so you’ll understand everything. There’s surely some of Woo-yeon’s fault in why you feel that way. But no one knows a person’s heart unless they say it in words.”

Most things are half-solved by speaking honestly. The disappointment Daniel felt would be no problem as long as he conveyed it properly. In the first place, if Woo-yeon didn’t consider him a friend, he wouldn’t have reminisced about his time with ‘Danny’ with such an excited face.

“So instead of acting moody with me, talk to Woo-yeon. Want me to do it in English?”

“……No, I understand.”

Daniel shook his head with a very complex expression. ‘Roughly,’ he added. He seemed to be thinking a lot, but he didn’t have that aggrieved expression from before. He simply turned his head away with a face of belated regret.

After that, no words were exchanged. Do-hyun had said everything he wanted to say, and Daniel sank into deep thought in silence. Just as the subtle silence had grown quite long, Daniel, who was leaning on the balcony, suddenly spoke.

[You… are really mature.]

Do-hyun shrugged. ‘What a thing to say,’ he added, and Daniel laughed awkwardly.

[Is that why I’m different from you?]

It was an ambiguous monologue. Do-hyun didn’t answer, and Daniel remained silently quiet. Soon, looking straight at Do-hyun, he spoke clearly.

“I’m sorry, Do-hyun. I made a… mistake.”

It was an apology containing several meanings. He spoke slowly and checked Do-hyun’s reaction at the word ‘mistake.’ Even so, the reason Do-hyun didn’t tell him it was ‘okay’ was because he thought Daniel needed time to reflect.

[Then I’ll go in first.]

Daniel left the balcony with his shoulders slumped. Watching his back, Do-hyun secretly clicked his tongue. Because he thought of him as Woo-yeon’s friend, he kept acting too soft.

“Think about where you want to go tomorrow.”

A pause, and those broad shoulders jolted. The gaze that looked back was full of bewilderment. Do-hyun habitually frowned his left eye.

“You came all this way to visit, we can’t just spend the day aimlessly drinking like today.”

After a slight pause, Daniel nodded. He might not be good at speaking, but he seemed decent at listening. Since his walk back inside was more energetic than before, Do-hyun finally looked up at the sky comfortably.

‘In the end, you won’t be able to beat Teacher either.’

He didn’t know why those words lingered in his heart. He had already put in countless efforts to move past being ‘Teacher.’ The position of ‘Hyung’ that he had barely managed to obtain was this precious and rare.

He shook his head once and stood up. He planned to go inside and give the sleeping Woo-yeon a tight hug. Since Woo-yeon rarely woke up, a few kisses should be fine.

Slide, beyond the closed window, the sky had already turned dark. His gaze, which had touched the pale blue moon, quickly dropped without lingering. It had been a truly fleeting day.

The next day, the three of them set out for full-scale sightseeing from early morning. This was because Daniel, who had woken up at the crack of dawn, had knocked on the door saying he wanted to visit various places. Woo-yeon grumbled with a tired face, but in the end, the victory went to the foreigner who loved Korea.

Before going out, Do-hyun put a hat and his own T-shirt on Woo-yeon. He couldn’t get him to change out of the knee-length shorts, but he felt good because Woo-yeon brought two watches. It was a mean thing to say to Woo-yeon, but it looked like a puppy bringing its leash for a walk.

[So where do you want to go?]

Instead of the typical tourist spots, Daniel was very interested in trivial activities. For example, movie theaters, fast-food restaurants, and the street stalls scattered everywhere. Do-hyun first booked three seats for a horror movie that Woo-yeon liked and took the two immature ones to a burger joint.

[Oh, the taste really is different from the US.]

[I told you. I said it’s subtly different.]

Clearly, one of them was Korean, but the reactions were similar. If anything, Daniel, who ate silently and well, looked more Korean. Perhaps because of a previous memory of indigestion, Woo-yeon couldn’t swallow his burger, so Do-hyun fed him a milkshake while he sat there with a face like he’d chewed on poop.

After finishing the burgers, they went to see the pre-booked horror movie. The movie, which exuded an eerie atmosphere from the poster, was a hit running as the number one most-booked film this summer. Woo-yeon watched with a calm face, but unexpectedly, Daniel showed a weak side.

[Why on earth! Why would you pick up such an ugly doll? It looks cursed just by looking at it! There are so many cute dolls in the world!]

Was it a problem that they had chosen a work in English? He, who oscillated between screaming and sobbing throughout the movie, finally covered his ears after startling even the composed Woo-yeon three times. Do-hyun watched him as if watching a fire across the river, while secretly interlocking his fingers with Woo-yeon’s.

[How are you guys not surprised even once? Aren’t you scared of that doll?]

[You were scarier than the doll, Danny…]

Woo-yeon, who wasn’t surprised by anything in the movie, was terrified by Daniel’s sudden jolts. For some reason, his fingers were twitching. It seemed he had been scared without realizing it.

“More than that, weren’t the subtitles weird?”

“Yeah, there were a lot of mistranslations.”

Cursing the subtitles with the strange translations, they headed to an arcade. It was a place they hadn’t been able to visit during his previous date with Woo-yeon. Daniel wasted a lot of money on a machine with puppy dolls, and unexpectedly, Woo-yeon performed well in the basketball shooting game. Do-hyun won two small keychains through shooting and handed them to Woo-yeon and Daniel respectively.

It felt like today was compensating for the wasted yesterday. Walking side-by-side on the street, eating cheap soft-serve cones, and then finding a street stall to satisfy a sudden hunger. Since everything was a first for not only Daniel but also Woo-yeon, there was no time to be bored with the routine-like schedule.

[Where do you want to go tomorrow?]

So, on the way home, Do-hyun readily asked Daniel. Since he likes it this much, I should take them both to a Hanok village tomorrow. He thought to himself.

Whether he knew that thought or not, Daniel replied with a beaming smile.

[I fly out tomorrow.]

The airport at dawn was crowded with people carrying suitcases. A few foreigners who couldn’t speak the language, a few stewardesses walking in a line, and plenty of people preparing for travel with excited faces. Among several people who belonged to none of those groups, Do-hyun silently watched the two people going through departure procedures.

[Did you leave anything behind?]

[No, I’ve got everything.]

[Passport and phone too?]

[Of course.]

Daniel, who had suddenly announced his departure yesterday, began packing his things, leaving the two of them bewildered. One day for reuniting with Woo-yeon, one day for drinking at the university, and one day for enjoying minor sightseeing. Because he had stayed for barely three days, the unpacked luggage wasn’t much.

‘……Going back already?’

Woo-yeon had tried to hold onto Daniel several times, telling him to stay longer. He said it wasn’t that hard to postpone the flight, and wouldn’t it be a shame to leave like this? His face was full of regret as he asked. However, Daniel simply shook his head with a fairly firm expression.

‘If I stay longer, I’ll feel too sorry for your partner.’

Since when did he care about such things? It seemed he had developed a sense of shame in just a few days. Do-hyun, unable to watch, told him it was okay, but as expected, it didn’t work at all.

[It’ll be morning when you arrive.]

[Yeah, I’ll sleep on the plane.]

And so, as soon as morning broke, they headed to the airport to see Daniel off. Do-hyun put a hat and mask on Woo-yeon and made full preparations against any potential reporters. Woo-yeon simply watched what Do-hyun was doing obediently and blurted out a half-joke, half-truth: ‘I look like an airport thief.’

[I owe you a lot. Thanks for the seat, Woo-yeon.]

The seat, which was originally economy, had been upgraded to first class by Woo-yeon. Daniel, who had been startled and tried to decline, shut his mouth after hearing, ‘How can someone your size fly economy?’ Though he didn’t know for sure, it seemed the journey to Korea had been quite difficult.

[I should head in now.]

Daniel, looking at Woo-yeon, shrugged his shoulders. There was still plenty of time until takeoff.

[Isn’t there still a lot of time before the flight?]

[I’m going in to look around the duty-free shops. I heard this is the biggest airport in Korea.]

Daniel replied and pointed to the ceiling. Do-hyun, unconsciously following his fingertip, spotted a screen hanging on the wall and fixed his gaze. Just then, an advertisement for a newly released phone from Selection was playing on the screen. Pretending it was nothing, Do-hyun looked away and spoke to Daniel.

[Get home safely. I’ll let you stay over again next time you visit.]

His gentle, puppy-like eyes curved into a broad smile. Do-hyun thought he was happy about the offer to stay over, but the response he got was completely unexpected.

[But you’re really good at English.]

Do-hyun had once studied conversation with the possibility of being adopted abroad in mind. After being adopted, he attended a foreign language high school to meet his parents’ expectations. Given his natural intelligence and the occasional trips he took, it would have been stranger if he weren’t proficient in English.

[Did you study abroad or something?]

They had been talking for three whole days; was this fact suddenly becoming important now? He really is peculiar, Do-hyun thought, giving a wink.

[Everyone does this well if they get a public education.]

[Wow, really?]

It was a lie. And Daniel didn’t believe it.

[Anyway… thanks. For everything.]

As he spoke, Daniel shook the keychain in his hand. It was a trinket Do-hyun had won for him at a shooting game, a small fluff-ball of cotton. It would have been fine if he had thrown it away immediately, but surprisingly, both of them liked it.

[Woo-yeon, you make sure to eat well and get plenty of sleep too. And don’t do things like weed for no reason.]

[I told you, marijuana is illegal in Korea.]

Marijuana—it was a pointless worry for Woo-yeon, who couldn’t even smoke cigarettes.

[Danny, even if you aren’t my guardian.]

Woo-yeon replied with a pout. Since he had already taken off his mask, his sulky expression was clearly visible. Daniel looked at Woo-yeon, his lips curling into a smirk as he asked:

[Then what am I to you?]

[What?]

His expression was one of confusion, as if asking what on earth he meant. Seeing the way he raised his eyebrows, he seemed somewhat awkward. Woo-yeon quietly lowered his gaze and fiddled with his earlobe.

[Well…]

He was slow to choose his words. The sudden question seemed to be too difficult for Woo-yeon. Glancing up at Daniel, Woo-yeon spoke with deliberate indifference.

[You’re a friend.]

In that moment, Do-hyun clearly saw Daniel’s expression change. His eyes, which held the blue of the clear sky, wavered with an indefinable emotion. Soon, he smiled like warm sunlight and nodded with a tender face.

[Yeah, that’s right.]

Perhaps this was the thing he wanted to hear most. Not more, not less—just the acknowledgment that they were friends. Why had he traveled all the way to Korea for something so simple?

[Take care, Woo-yeon.]

Woo-yeon wasn’t the only one reluctant to say goodbye. His softened voice starkly revealed his longing for Woo-yeon. After blinking once, then twice, Daniel glanced at Do-hyun before pulling Woo-yeon into a hug.

“…I’ll miss you.”

Whether it was because he spoke in ‘Korean’ or because the sudden physical contact was unfamiliar, Woo-yeon remained unresponsive for a long time. Only after a significant pause did he mumble, his face buried in Daniel’s chest.

“Next time…”

“…”

“I’ll come see you.”

His tone was the same as usual, but his actions were not. Seeing him lift his arms to hug Daniel back, Do-hyun forced himself to look away. Since he felt like pulling them apart if he watched, avoiding the sight was Do-hyun’s best option.

[Then I’ll really go now.]

The farewells were full of lingering attachment, but the actual parting was quite clean. As soon as Daniel let go of Woo-yeon, he turned around immediately. Woo-yeon, who had been watching him blankly, called out to him just before Daniel stepped away.

[Danny.]

Daniel’s gaze slowly returned. Do-hyun looked at Woo-yeon, feeling Woo-yeon grab his hand. Holding out their interlaced fingers, Woo-yeon spoke slowly.

[I really wanted to show you the person I’m dating.]

It was a sudden remark. Much like how Daniel had complimented Do-hyun’s English. Regardless of the puzzled expression, Woo-yeon added in a calm voice.

[It’s Teacher.]

Very slowly, Daniel’s eyes widened. His face flushed with shock, and his bright blue pupils shook aimlessly. After confirming that Do-hyun was awkwardly avoiding his gaze, Daniel let out a low, hollow laugh.

[Hah…]

It was a feeling difficult to describe. Should it be called guilt, or perhaps embarrassment? And if he pressed them on why they hadn’t told him sooner, what would they even say?

Despite such worries, Daniel was generously happy.

[I’m glad. That you’re with Teacher.]

Woo-yeon nodded with a pleased expression. He shyly narrowed his eyes when Daniel told them to date for a long, long time. Do-hyun remained speechless, and this time, Daniel waved his hand and headed toward the departure gate.

Even after Daniel left, the two of them walked through the airport for a long time, sharing trivial conversation. Beneath the arched ceiling, the clear blue sky was visible. Like a contrail forming in the wake of a flying plane, it was an encounter that would remain in their memories for a long time.