By Zephyria 
While Young-min was inside for the test, Jeong-min sat in the hallway with Shin-woo, anxiously awaiting the results. Feeling Shin-woo’s hands trembling, Jeong-min tried to calm him by making idle chatter.
“How are Young-min’s children?”
The man who had been passively answering until now finally asked a question. Even that, however, was related to Young-min.
“The father is raising them now. I believe they see each other once a month…. Young-min doesn’t seem to have any lingering attachment to the kids.”
“Why? He… wanted them so much.”
“Hmm…. I don’t know either. But he seemed to have a very hard time. I guess once he actually gave birth, it wasn’t as easy as he thought.”
“I see.”
In a way, it was futile. He had broken off his engagement with Yu Shin-woo because he wanted children.
“Why don’t you go grab something to eat?”
Kim Ju-hwan, who had stepped away for a moment, approached with a few researchers. It was already nearing lunchtime. It had been over an hour since Young-min went in.
“Why is this test taking so long?”
“Because it’s a precision diagnosis. We have to examine it in detail, down to the nano-unit. Especially since Yu Shin-woo sunbae’s life is at stake.”
That may be true, but…. because it took several times longer than a general pheromone matching, he became more anxious and only negative thoughts entered his mind.
“Jeong-min, I’m fine, so go eat.”
“No, I’m not that hungry. Ah, but I do want some coffee. I’ll go buy some. Do you want some too, hyung?”
“No, I’m okay.”
“Alright. I’ll be back.”
Remembering there was a cafe on the first floor of the research institute, he got into the elevator. Kim Ju-hwan got in with him.
“What? What are you doing?”
“I wanted some coffee too. Shall I buy one for you as well, Sunbae?”
Ha, I should have just sent this bastard away…. Jeong-min sighed and stared only at the elevator panel. It was already descending, so it was too late to get off.
“Sunbae, would you like to try a pheromone matching test yourself?”
“What? Why would I? I’m an Alpha.”
“Even Alphas can match, can’t they? Of course, the probability is 0.0001%.”
“That’s basically saying there’s no chance.”
“It means a miracle could happen.”
“There are no miracles in this world.”
“You’re quite cold for a doctor.”
“Because I’m a doctor, I know even better that there are no miracles.”
Because a patient can never be cured by relying on miracles.
The elevator arrived at the first floor, and he headed straight for the coffee shop in front of him. Since Kim Ju-hwan offered to pay, he didn’t stop him and waited a step behind while he ordered. Soon, Ju-hwan handed Jeong-min an iced vanilla latte. Wait, did he mention the menu?
“I noticed Sunbae only drinks this when he has a lot on his mind. Am I wrong?”
“…Yeah, thanks.”
He’s a truly terrifying guy. Or should I say his observational skills are excellent? A guy like this should be a doctor. No. It’s a relief that a guy like this didn’t aim to be a doctor. What sin did the patients under him commit?
“Still, if you’re interested later, give it a try. I’ll put in a word. The test fee is expensive, but since you’re my Sunbae, I’ll make it free for you.”
“Sigh… yeah, yeah. Thanks a lot.”
What use would that test be? If Young-min’s pheromone matching came out high today, his own pheromones would be truly useless.
Jeong-min’s grip tightened on the coffee cup. As the elevator ascended and reached the destination, he instinctively swallowed hard.
I wonder if the results are out. They better be good…. Please, even if it’s Young-min, I just hope he can save Shin-woo hyung. Yes…. that’s all I desperately want, but why does a dark feeling linger in one corner of my heart? Perhaps it’s me who is unqualified to be a doctor. Jeong-min shook his head and stepped out of the elevator.
“Ah, here they come.”
The research institute staff were gathered in a group. In the center, he saw Shin-woo hyung with his head buried in his hands.
Did something happen? Anxiety made Jeong-min’s heart race, and the strength left his hand. Consequently, he dropped the coffee he was holding. Regardless of whether the coffee, which he hadn’t taken a single sip of, rolled across the floor, Jeong-min ran to Shin-woo.
“What happened? Shin-woo hyung, are you okay?”
As Jeong-min knelt before Shin-woo, he slowly raised his head. His face was flushed.
“Jeong-min….”
“Yeah, hyung. I’m here. Are you okay? Does something hurt?”
“No, it’s not that. Young-min… Young-min….”
“What about Young-min?”
“They say the matching rate with me is high. It’s 94%.”
Why does a bad premonition never leave? Despite it being news to be happy about, the words of congratulations didn’t come out immediately. Instead, Jeong-min hugged Shin-woo.
“Thank goodness. Thank goodness, hyung.”
Shin-woo also hugged Jeong-min and shed tears. As expected, Shin-woo and he could not be together. When there was a partner designated by God like this, why had he dared to make him suffer? Jeong-min blamed and reflected upon himself.
“Then where is Shin Young-min now?”
Kim Ju-hwan asked the research staff.
“Ah, yes. Director. Mr. Shin Young-min has finished the test and is currently receiving an explanation about the future process. It would be best to go now. Since a family member needs to hear it as well, and he needs to undergo the matching test with Mr. Yu Shin-woo once more.”
“You heard them, right? Sunbaes.”
Kim Ju-hwan approached and grabbed the shoulder of Jeong-min, who was still hugging Shin-woo.
“Let’s move quickly. It won’t be too late for a hug of joy then.”
“Ah, yeah.”
Jeong-min nodded and helped Shin-woo up.
“Young-min… Young-min….”
Shin-woo kept calling Young-min’s name as if he couldn’t believe it. Watching him, Jeong-min smiled.
‘Yes… thank goodness. Thank goodness, hyung…. At least you can be happy. I hope only happiness fills your life from now on. Please.’
✽✽✽
They arrived where Young-min was. However, the atmosphere was strange. The researchers and doctors talking to Young-min were sighing, and Young-min’s expression was indifferent.
“Is something wrong?”
The researcher who had brought Shin-woo’s group with hope just a moment ago asked, bewildered. Young-min looked toward the door and waved.
“Shin-woo hyung! Did you hear? My matching with you is 94%! They said it could get even higher with a more detailed test.”
As Young-min spoke with a bright smile, Shin-woo also felt a sense of relief. Young-min’s expression was so good that his worries about what would happen if Young-min hated the idea became meaningless. However, Jeong-min felt something was off. This was because the faces of the research staff were not particularly pleased.
“A problem has arisen.”
The researcher who had come with them also approached after hearing something, whispering to Kim Ju-hwan with a darkened face, and the expression vanished from Kim Ju-hwan’s face as well.
Soon, reading the atmosphere, Shin-woo also couldn’t bring himself to approach Young-min readily. Jeong-min was anxious. What on earth was happening? Surely Shin Young-min must have done something.
“Shin Young-min, what’s going on?”
Unable to bear it, Jeong-min approached and asked. Young-min was still all smiles.
“What is?”
“No, what did they tell you? And how did you respond?”
“What story? Ah, right. They said I have to imprint with Shin-woo hyung.”
“And?”
“I said I can’t.”
Young-min answered as if it were nothing, so nonchalantly that for a moment the air felt refreshing, but what was contained in that answer was by no means light.
Jeong-min couldn’t bring himself to look back. He simply clenched his fists and asked Young-min calmly again.
“You… can’t imprint?”
“Yep.”
“Didn’t you hear the explanation that you have to imprint? Didn’t Kim Ju-hwan tell you?”
“He did. But honestly, I didn’t know the matching would be this high; it’s quite fascinating. There was a reason my heart aligned so well with Shin-woo hyung, after all.”
“Then…. then couldn’t you at least consider it once?”
“No way~ Ugh… actually, I have an Alpha I’m dating right now. I’m thinking of marrying him…. We decided to imprint during the next heat cycle. Before that, I’m going to tell my mom and introduce him.”
“What?”
“Why? The Alpha I went to Europe with this time. He turned out to be a better guy than I thought. So my heart just drifted toward him~ haha.”
Jeong-min felt the situation was so horrific that he wanted to disappear from the spot immediately. He barely suppressed the urge to beat this immature younger brother.
“So, Shin-woo hyung! I’m sorry. I don’t think I can imprint with you. I’m sure someone better than me will appear. I wanted to help, but I’m sorry I can’t…. I’m really sorry.”
Jeong-min grit his teeth and slowly turned around. Shin-woo, with empty eyes, laughed hollowly.
“Right. You were always that kind of person.”
Speaking so weakly, he turned around and trudged out of the hospital room. Jeong-min couldn’t bring himself to follow him. With what right could he follow him?