22 – Love

Swish. Swish.

He felt a gentle hand stroking his hair. Do Yi-hyun slowly woke from sleep. For the first time in a while, he had slept deeply without nightmares.

Even in his drowsy, hazy state, the sweet pheromones enveloping his entire body filled him with satisfaction.

‘……It’s Seo Jeong-woon.’

At the distinct presence, Do Yi-hyun’s lips relaxed. Seo Jeong-woon was holding the deeply sleeping Do Yi-hyun in his arms. He kissed him here and there, listened to his breathing, and carefully hugged him tightly.

He was incredibly busy. Occasionally, he let out a low hum as if laughing. In his sleep, Do Yi-hyun burrowed into Seo Jeong-woon’s chest.

He liked how the richly blooming pheromones seeped out smoothly.

“Haha.”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a low laugh and buried his lips in the neat crown of his head. Do Yi-hyun slowly lifted his head. Grayish-brown eyes, gleaming whitely in the sunlight, held Do Yi-hyun entirely.

“Hello.”

Seo Jeong-woon greeted him affectionately, gently pressing their noses together. His face was clear, with no trace of sleepiness. The clearly visible bite marks on his smooth cheeks caught Do Yi-hyun’s gaze.

“……Didn’t you sleep?”

Feeling awkward, Do Yi-hyun asked more bluntly than necessary. Seo Jeong-woon only smiled faintly. It was a silent affirmation.

‘What did he do all night?’

As Do Yi-hyun examined Seo Jeong-woon’s expression, he noticed he wasn’t wearing a suit but comfortable clothes. Had he gone home or something? Even though Seo Jeong-woon hadn’t gone far, he didn’t feel very good about it.

“I asked someone to bring them.”

Noticing Do Yi-hyun’s discomfort from just a glance, Seo Jeong-woon gestured with his chin to the side. The clothes Seo Jeong-woon had worn yesterday were neatly folded on the shelf. Not only that, but it seemed he had tidied up as usual.

His body felt clean.

‘That’s a relief.’

Do Yi-hyun inwardly sighed in relief.

“Where would I go without you?”

Seo Jeong-woon stroked Do Yi-hyun’s sharpened jaw and kissed him all over. Starting from his forehead, over his eyelids, cheeks, and lips. The small kisses didn’t stop for a moment.

Seo Jeong-woon’s lips were redder than usual, perhaps because he had kissed him frequently while he slept. He knew Seo Jeong-woon was affectionate, but had he been holding back even then? If left alone, he seemed like he’d cling all day.

Instead of pushing Seo Jeong-woon away, Do Yi-hyun enjoyed the soft sensation and drowsily lowered his eyes. Perhaps due to the effects of not sleeping properly lately, he felt like he’d drift off if he relaxed even a little.

“Want to sleep more?”

Seo Jeong-woon patted his back and rubbed his cheek against Do Yi-hyun’s lips. Do Yi-hyun forced his eyelids open. He couldn’t bear to close his eyes with Seo Jeong-woon smiling brightly before him.

“What time is it……”

Do Yi-hyun’s voice cracked badly. When he coughed dryly, Seo Jeong-woon worriedly cupped his neck.

“It’s still 7:30. Want some water?”

Seo Jeong-woon pressed a firm kiss to Do Yi-hyun’s forehead, then naturally sat up. It felt as if things had returned to how they were before.

“You have to let go of my hand for me to get up, Darling.”

Seo Jeong-woon curled one corner of his mouth and poked Do Yi-hyun’s cheek.

“……Ah.”

Do Yi-hyun followed Seo Jeong-woon’s gaze and lowered his eyes. It seemed he had unconsciously been gripping Seo Jeong-woon’s waist tightly. When he quickly let go, Seo Jeong-woon kissed the back of his hand with a smacking sound, as if finding it cute.

Thud. Suddenly, the hospital room door swung open. The Doctor, who had trudged in with a tired face, stopped abruptly upon discovering Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon snuggled closely together.

It was still early for rounds. He seemed to have stopped by early because he was worried about Do Yi-hyun’s condition.

“……What’s this.”

The Doctor rubbed his wrinkled eyes as if seeing an illusion.

“Have you been well? Thank you for taking good care of Lee Hyun-ssi.”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled brightly and offered a handshake to the Doctor. Even with the bite marks Do Yi-hyun had left on his cheek, he was utterly unashamed.

“Hah, really.”

The Doctor stared at Seo Jeong-woon incredulously. But he didn’t seem particularly surprised. It seemed he had somewhat expected this ever since he asked about Seo Jeong-woon’s visiting schedule.

“Doctor.”

Do Yi-hyun brushed back his disheveled hair and slowly sat up. He felt sorry, knowing how much the Doctor had worried about him.

“Forget it. No need to get up. Tell that guy to release more pheromones. You finally look somewhat human now.”

The Doctor waved his arm dismissively. Overnight, Do Yi-hyun’s complexion had noticeably improved, so he seemed relieved. The Doctor muttered about making unnecessary trouble for himself, then turned away abruptly.

“If you looked like you were about to collapse just now, and this is an improvement, how bad were you before?”

Seo Jeong-woon narrowed his eyes and brought over water.

“……Thank you.”

Do Yi-hyun avoided the uncomfortable topic and reached out his hand. But suddenly, Seo Jeong-woon lifted the cup.

“Say ‘ah.’”

“What?”

At the sudden request, Do Yi-hyun looked up blankly. Seo Jeong-woon wore a thoroughly sulky expression.

“I want to do everything for you. I wish you couldn’t do anything without me.”

Seo Jeong-woon pouted and made an unreasonable demand. Do Yi-hyun let out a deep sigh. Even such stubbornness looked cute—this was truly a problem.

“That would be difficult.”

But Do Yi-hyun clearly refused. No matter how much he liked Seo Jeong-woon, some things were simply unacceptable.

“Why not?”

“Jeong-woon-ssi.”

When Do Yi-hyun called his name reproachfully, Seo Jeong-woon, who had been retorting defiantly, wrinkled his nose.

“Then say you can’t live without me.”

Seo Jeong-woon, clutching the cup with both hands, insisted persistently. It was an excessively demanding condition for something as trivial as a cup of water.

“Only if you promise the same.”

Do Yi-hyun pretended to give in.

“I’ve been unable to live without you from the start. It’s a promise.”

Only then did Seo Jeong-woon smile brightly and hand over the cup. Do Yi-hyun let out a hollow laugh and drained the lukewarm water in one gulp. Somehow, it didn’t feel real that he was having such a conversation with Seo Jeong-woon.

Do Yi-hyun immediately grabbed Seo Jeong-woon’s smiling face right in front of him.

“Owie.”

Even though he hadn’t used much force, Seo Jeong-woon whined and hunched his broad shoulders. When Do Yi-hyun withdrew his hand, he immediately threw himself into Do Yi-hyun’s arms.

“Ngh.”

Do Yi-hyun, unable to bear the weight pressing down on him, slumped onto the bed. Since Seo Jeong-woon had firmly supported him, there was no impact. Seo Jeong-woon smiled broadly and pulled Do Yi-hyun into a tight embrace.

“This is a hospital.”

“Didn’t you hear what the doctor said? This is pheromone therapy. Rest more.”

Seo Jeong-woon playfully wiggled his chin and offered his arm as a pillow.

“Ah, you’re so cute.”

Seeing Do Yi-hyun, who would have immediately frowned in the past, now quietly nestled in his arms, Seo Jeong-woon let out a groaning sound. Do Yi-hyun calmly wrapped his arms around his waist.

“I thought about it all night.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been gently stroking Do Yi-hyun’s thick eyebrows, slowly opened his mouth.

“Since marriage preparations will take a long time, should we register our marriage first?”

“……What?”

At this abrupt proposal, Do Yi-hyun frowned deeply. What kind of thoughts had he been pondering all night to reach such a conclusion?

“What are you suddenly saying?”

“I think that would put my mind at ease.”

Seo Jeong-woon lightly pressed Do Yi-hyun’s slightly thinner cheek with his thumb. His fingertips were trembling slightly.

“…….”

Do Yi-hyun was at a loss for words. The image of Seo Jeong-woon desperately crumbling last night had resurfaced. It seemed that his leaving as if running away had been quite a shock to Seo Jeong-woon.

‘I shouldn’t be happy about this.’

Do Yi-hyun pressed his lips into a firm line. Yet, it felt like proof that he held such great significance to Seo Jeong-woon, and he couldn’t help but feel pleased. Part of him wanted to nod his head right away.

“……I need time to think.”

But Do Yi-hyun took a step back. Before letting greed take over, practical problems began surfacing one by one.

“What do you mean by that?”

Seo Jeong-woon’s eyes widened. He looked utterly betrayed. He immediately wrapped his limbs tightly around Do Yi-hyun, rendering him immobile.

Even then, he was careful not to press on his stomach.

“Because you’re opposed.”

Do Yi-hyun muttered in a stiff tone.

“Who’s opposed, ah—”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been getting worked up, seemed to grasp something and rolled his eyes.

“My mother? Lee Hyun, you didn’t open the envelope you received that time, did you?”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a deep sigh and shook his head vigorously. He had assumed Do Yi-hyun hadn’t checked the envelope.

“Yes.”

Do Yi-hyun answered obediently but furrowed his brow. Seo Jeong-woon’s reaction seemed odd.

“Where did you put it?”

“It’s over there.”

Do Yi-hyun gestured with his eyes toward the paper bag placed on the shelf by the door.

“Why did you put it there…….”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a hollow laugh. After a moment’s thought, he lifted Do Yi-hyun into his arms and trudged over. Do Yi-hyun naturally clung tightly to his neck.

Seo Jeong-woon skillfully supported Do Yi-hyun with one arm and rummaged inside the envelope. On top of a thick bundle of money was a single white note.

“‘Thank you for dating me, and please take care of me from now on. She says to tell her anytime if I bother you. She also added that it’s pocket money for you to buy something delicious, so don’t feel burdened.’”

Seo Jeong-woon skimmed the cute handwriting. He looked clearly displeased.

“What?”

“Don’t you believe me?”

As Do Yi-hyun looked bewildered, Seo Jeong-woon unfolded the note and showed it to him. Surprisingly, it was exactly as Seo Jeong-woon had said. In disbelief, Do Yi-hyun blinked.

“My mother has a bit of a mischievous streak.”

Seo Jeong-woon tossed the note back into the paper bag with a sigh and wrapped both arms around Do Yi-hyun.

‘I’m sorry. I just wanted to say something like that at least once in my life.’

The image of Seo Jeong-woon’s mother, smiling shyly, came to mind. At the time, her affectionate tone had felt even more cruel, but looking back now, it did seem out of place.

“…….”

Do Yi-hyun pressed his lips together tightly. He felt foolish for not realizing it then. It seemed that, overwhelmed by unfamiliar emotional turmoil, his perspective had narrowed more than he thought.

He felt utterly hollow. But he didn’t want to blame Seo Jeong-woon’s mother. After all, he had been on the verge of breaking anyway.

Even if he hadn’t met Seo Jeong-woon’s mother, he would have run away someday. It was a matter of hindsight, but it was better that it happened sooner. Do Yi-hyun quietly leaned against Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder.

“Are you angry? I’m sorry.”

Seo Jeong-woon anxiously patted Do Yi-hyun’s back. In the past, he would have smiled brightly and tried to shake Do Yi-hyun, but now he clung to him without any hesitation.

“I guess she was curious because I didn’t show you off. Somehow, she found out we were living together.”

Seo Jeong-woon affectionately rubbed his cheek against Do Yi-hyun’s hair.

“I’m not angry.”

Do Yi-hyun swallowed a sigh. So that’s why he kept being called out every evening. Combined with the rumors circulating at the company, misunderstandings had clearly piled upon misunderstandings.

His lips, which had been hesitating, twitched. It seemed he could ask now.

“……Then who is that person named Se-rin?”

Fortunately, unlike his worries, his tone came out calm. He didn’t want to misunderstand anymore.

“Huh? Se-rin is engaged to my noona……. Surely not?”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been answering smoothly, suddenly lifted his head.

“I thought you were finally jealous, but you didn’t trust me? Is that why you accepted the envelope? How could I marry someone else when I have you and Do-dam? I’ve only ever had you from the start.”

Seo Jeong-woon complained indignantly while placing Do Yi-hyun back on the bed. Do Yi-hyun averted his gaze slightly. He knew now that it was all sincere, but at the time, everything about Seo Jeong-woon had seemed like a lie.

Even if he repeated the past countless times, Do Yi-hyun would never have been able to trust Seo Jeong-woon. That’s how different Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon were.

“……I’m so upset.”

Seo Jeong-woon slumped his shoulders and muttered sadly. Then, fluttering his long eyelashes, he sneakily brought his face closer. Seeing through his obvious ploy, Do Yi-hyun pursed his lips awkwardly.

If one had to point fingers, Seo Jeong-woon was the one who had caused the misunderstanding from the start. He had approached Do Yi-hyun, who didn’t understand jokes, with a lighthearted attitude and then turned everything upside down. Seo Jeong-woon must have known that about him.

“Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon murmured faintly and gently stroked the back of Do Yi-hyun’s hand with his finger. Do Yi-hyun clenched his fist. His heart trembled along with the ticklish sensation.

Seo Jeong-woon bent his knees and looked up at Do Yi-hyun. Reluctantly, Do Yi-hyun pressed his lips to Seo Jeong-woon’s cheek. As his dry lips briefly touched and pulled away, Seo Jeong-woon let out a regretful sigh.

“Do you think I’ll forgive you with just this?”

Still unsatisfied, Seo Jeong-woon acted shamelessly and glared at Do Yi-hyun.

“If you do a little more, I’ll consider it.”

Seo Jeong-woon pouted and grumbled, then lifted Do Yi-hyun and sat him on his lap.

“Ha.”

Do Yi-hyun, taken aback, snorted. He was still as willful as ever.

“Hurry up.”

Seo Jeong-woon urged, tapping his own lips. As Do Yi-hyun obediently pressed their lips together, Seo Jeong-woon lightly bit his lower lip. A warm, soft kiss began.

The two held each other tightly for a very long time. Even after the kiss ended, Seo Jeong-woon kept planting kisses all over Do Yi-hyun’s face.

“Ah, then there’s no problem now, right? Your mother likes me too. Should we go right now?”

Seo Jeong-woon’s eyes sparkled. Do Yi-hyun cupped his ear. It was indeed a tempting proposal.

“No.”

But Do Yi-hyun slowly shook his head while stroking his protruding stomach. He didn’t want to skip steps hastily again. He might make another mistake if he rushed.

“Let’s date first.”

Do Yi-hyun, with a faint smile, kissed the corner of Seo Jeong-woon’s dissatisfied, tightly closed lips. He had never been particularly interested in things like dating or emotional exchanges, but with Seo Jeong-woon, he wanted to experience everything one by one, step by step. He was greedy for it all.

“……At this rate, my heart won’t survive, darling.”

Seo Jeong-woon scrunched one eye and hugged Do Yi-hyun’s shoulders.

“Do you dislike it?”

Do Yi-hyun asked calmly. He was confident Seo Jeong-woon wouldn’t refuse.

“Who said I dislike it? Are you going to keep making my heart flutter?”

As expected. Seo Jeong-woon quickly shook his head and smiled brightly. Do Yi-hyun also let the corner of his mouth curl up slightly.

***

Do Yi-hyun was only able to complete his discharge procedures after undergoing various detailed tests and hearing that there were no major issues. It was because Seo Jeong-woon had been stubborn. Even the doctor, who usually found Seo Jeong-woon annoying, had actively taken his side this time, leaving Do Yi-hyun with little choice.

‘Why isn’t he coming?’

Do Yi-hyun sat blankly on the neatly tidied bed, waiting for Seo Jeong-woon. He had said he’d just put things away and come back, but Seo Jeong-woon was taking his time. After staring quietly at the sunlit floor, he abruptly stood up.

It seemed better to go himself. The fact that only about five minutes had passed since Seo Jeong-woon left the room wasn’t important. Finding Seo Jeong-woon was never difficult, no matter when or where.

Following the direction of people’s gazes, he soon spotted someone a head taller than everyone else.

“Everyone was anxiously waiting for when your father would come.”

“Is that so?”

The administrative office was blooming with laughter. While Do Yi-hyun was notable for his un-Omega-like appearance, Seo Jeong-woon was a celebrity among the hospital staff in another sense. No, closer to an idol than a celebrity.

“Yes. We were so worried.”

“Haha.”

Seo Jeong-woon smoothly brushed off the awkward topic with his characteristic warm smile. Do Yi-hyun watched the scene with an impassive expression. Even though he knew well that Seo Jeong-woon was affectionate to everyone, it somehow didn’t sit well with him.

“Lee Hyun.”

Despite the considerable distance, Seo Jeong-woon quickly spotted Do Yi-hyun. He rushed over in a single breath.

“I said I’d come up. It’s heavy, isn’t it?”

Seo Jeong-woon took the luggage Do Yi-hyun was carrying and naturally wrapped an arm around his waist. Then, with a honey-dripping expression, he rubbed his cheek against Do Yi-hyun’s shoulder.

“Oh my, oh my.”

“They’re in the honeymoon phase.”

Some of the watching nurses playfully made a fuss. Among them was a head nurse who had been watching over Do Yi-hyun since his high school days. Do Yi-hyun gave them a brief nod and moved on.

“Darling, are you tired? Should I carry you?”

Even while waiting for the elevator, Seo Jeong-woon kept spouting nonsense and pestering him. Do Yi-hyun shot him a glance. When their eyes met, Seo Jeong-woon grinned, clearly knowing he wouldn’t get a positive response but doing it anyway.

Seo Jeong-woon seemed quite satisfied just by Do Yi-hyun not pushing him away and silently accepting it. Regardless of their mutual understanding, Do Yi-hyun still couldn’t fully comprehend Seo Jeong-woon. Perhaps because they were inside the hospital, Seo Jeong-woon had behaved relatively well, but as they crossed the parking lot, he incessantly planted kisses on Do Yi-hyun’s cheeks and ears.

“Jeong-woon.”

“We’re dating now, aren’t we?”

When Do Yi-hyun called his name reproachfully, Seo Jeong-woon’s eyebrows drooped. He looked quite cute. Do Yi-hyun took a moment to imprint the sparkling Seo Jeong-woon in his eyes.

But he had no intention of letting it slide. If left alone, it would clearly go on endlessly. Time and place mattered.

“But outside, you should restrain yourself……”

“I can’t.”

However, Seo Jeong-woon cut him off with a sulky expression. Do Yi-hyun looked up awkwardly. It was absurd that he wasn’t saying he didn’t want to or wouldn’t restrain himself, but boldly declaring that he couldn’t.

Seo Jeong-woon studied Do Yi-hyun’s expression, slowly stood facing him, and lightly kissed his firmly closed lips.

“Do you dislike this?”

“……Rather than dislike……”

Do Yi-hyun slowly chose his words. Strictly speaking, it was troublesome.

“Then it’s fine.”

Seo Jeong-woon cut him off again this time. Then, with a happy expression, he wrapped his arm around Do Yi-hyun’s waist. From earlier, Seo Jeong-woon never missed the small openings Do Yi-hyun unconsciously revealed.

“But I’ll try my best to hold back. Because I want to see this expression only for myself.”

Seo Jeong-woon whispered softly in a seemingly generous tone.

“…….”

Do Yi-hyun matched his steps with Seo Jeong-woon’s and touched the corner of his mouth. He had no idea what expression he was making that prompted such behavior. Even while driving, whenever the car stopped, Seo Jeong-woon would pull Do Yi-hyun’s hand and plant loud kisses on it.

If Do Yi-hyun curled his fingers because it tickled, Seo Jeong-woon would bite his fingertips without hurting him.

“Is there anything you want to do? When you feel better, should we go watch a movie again? Or go for a drive?”

Seo Jeong-woon buried his lips in Do Yi-hyun’s palm and kept asking questions without pause.

“……Is it because of prenatal education?”

Do Yi-hyun asked calmly. It felt inefficient to pay attention to things he wasn’t particularly interested in just because he was pregnant. Of course, with Seo Jeong-woon, it was different.

But for now, he wanted to be alone with Seo Jeong-woon even more.

“Huh? Ah, prenatal education.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been fiddling with his long fingers, looked back at Do Yi-hyun and smiled slyly with a peculiar expression.

“That was all an excuse. If I said it was for our Do-dam, you’d agree to everything, right? Didn’t you know?”

“…….”

At the utterly shameless attitude, Do Yi-hyun was speechless. Memories surfaced one by one of Seo Jeong-woon persistently pushing for things, always emphasizing it was for the baby. Because of that, he had misunderstood that Seo Jeong-woon had no interest in him, but looking back now, in the early days, he had coldly cut off even the slightest interest Seo Jeong-woon showed.

The round traffic light turned green.

“I’m asking you out on a date right now.”

Seo Jeong-woon wrinkled his nose while holding the steering wheel. Do Yi-hyun clenched his empty hand.

“……I want to go home.”

“Our home? You want a home date?”

As soon as Do Yi-hyun muttered, Seo Jeong-woon quickly caught the tail of his words with a meaningful tone.

“Yes.”

Do Yi-hyun looked at his delicate profile and nodded neatly. A radiant smile spread across Seo Jeong-woon’s lips.

***

Clunk.

The firmly closed door opened, revealing a familiar scene. He had thought he would never return, so the feelings were new.

“Hurry inside.”

When Do Yi-hyun stood blankly at the entrance without stepping in, Seo Jeong-woon impatiently pulled him.

“Haa.”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a sigh of relief and immediately hugged Do Yi-hyun tightly. Then, for a while, he adjusted his hold, hugging him again and again. Do Yi-hyun quietly looked down at the broad shoulders.

Just moments ago, Seo Jeong-woon had been relaxed, but now he clung anxiously. Even though he usually seemed no different, whenever Seo Jeong-woon showed signs that he hadn’t been okay during their time apart like this, Do Yi-hyun felt a tickle in his chest. He couldn’t just leave him be.

When Do Yi-hyun gently stroked the back of his head, Seo Jeong-woon quickly lifted his head.

“I’m sorry. Your legs must be hurting.”

Seo Jeong-woon lifted Do Yi-hyun into his arms. Instead of scolding him for unnecessary worry, Do Yi-hyun quietly wrapped his arms around his neck. Seo Jeong-woon swallowed a low sigh and kissed Do Yi-hyun’s forehead.

After that, the two spent an extremely ordinary day. They ate the meal Seo Jeong-woon had carefully prepared together, chatted sporadically over snacks, and relaxed sitting on the sofa.

If there was anything different, it was that they literally didn’t leave each other’s side for a single moment. Even while cooking in the kitchen, Seo Jeong-woon would suddenly come out and look around for Do Yi-hyun. He repeated this almost once a minute.

Even when Do Yi-hyun walked toward the entrance to fetch something, Seo Jeong-woon would dart out like lightning. He seemed unusually distracted, unlike his usual self. Knowing the reason all too well, Do Yi-hyun couldn’t point it out.

Worried he might get hurt, Do Yi-hyun simply lingered around Seo Jeong-woon.

“You must be tired. Sit down.”

Seo Jeong-woon pushed Do Yi-hyun’s back while wearing a regretful expression. Do Yi-hyun swallowed the laughter that threatened to escape. It was quite cute to see someone whose true feelings were once completely unknowable now openly revealing his sincerity.

“This much is fine.”

Do Yi-hyun calmly shook his head. He had been so still during his hospital stay that he actually wanted to move a bit.

“Then hug me.”

Seo Jeong-woon checked Do Yi-hyun’s complexion and promptly offered his back. Do Yi-hyun glanced at Seo Jeong-woon, who had quickly changed his attitude, then slowly rested his forehead against his back.

“Haha.”

Even in actions that could hardly be described as an embrace, Seo Jeong-woon was delighted. In the end, Do Yi-hyun had to follow him around from behind until he finished cooking. The warm body temperature.

A voice lower than usual. The heartbeat transmitted through their pressed chests. The corners of Do Yi-hyun’s mouth kept tingling.

Sitting at the dining table, he barely managed to refuse Seo Jeong-woon’s attempts to feed him bite by bite. Seo Jeong-woon rested his chin on his hand with a dissatisfied expression but didn’t give up, placing side dishes on Do Yi-hyun’s spoon. As soon as the meal was over, Seo Jeong-woon brought out a sweet dessert.

It seemed like he was trying to make up for all the lost weight in just one day. Do Yi-hyun, whose appetite had finally returned after a long time, didn’t refuse and quietly accepted it. While quietly finishing the snack, Seo Jeong-woon stroked Do Yi-hyun’s lower abdomen.

“Do-dam, from today on, Daddy belongs to Mommy. You can’t say you want to marry Daddy later, okay?”

He whispered as if sharing top-secret information, lowering his voice.

“Ah, but it’s okay if you want to marry Mommy.”

Seo Jeong-woon laughed to himself. He said anything and everything without even knowing the baby’s gender. Do Yi-hyun looked down at Seo Jeong-woon with a subtly softened expression.

He wondered if Seo Jeong-woon would continue to refer to him as ‘the baby’s mom’ even after Do-dam was born.

Seo Jeong-woon seemed quite excited, so it felt awkward to correct him now. Even though he noticed the blatant gaze, Seo Jeong-woon pretended not to and repeatedly kissed the rounded belly. His lips were on the verge of wearing thin.

“Huh?”

At that moment, the belly squirmed. Seo Jeong-woon lifted his head with a startled expression.

“Did you feel it too? This is fetal movement, right?”

If Seo Jeong-woon felt it, there was no way Do Yi-hyun didn’t. He seemed quite excited by the first experience of fetal movement.

“Yes.”

But instead of pointing out the obvious fact, Do Yi-hyun simply nodded.

“Do-dam must have missed me too.”

Seo Jeong-woon cupped Do Yi-hyun’s belly with his large hand. Then he smiled broadly. Do Yi-hyun couldn’t say anything in the face of that purely happy expression.

“Thank you.”

Instead of the frozen Do Yi-hyun, Seo Jeong-woon whispered softly. Seo Jeong-woon seemed determined to take care of everything, even meticulously washing Do Yi-hyun. Although Seo Jeong-woon had occasionally cleaned up after they thoroughly mixed their bodies, it was the first time Do Yi-hyun had entrusted himself while sober, making it quite embarrassing.

“Lee Hyun, you’re really cute.”

He subtly teased the darkened nipples, massaged the firm buttocks, and even fondled the soft genitals with his soapy hands, but Seo Jeong-woon didn’t do anything lewd. Do Yi-hyun closed his eyes languidly under the gentle touch but occasionally glanced at Seo Jeong-woon’s waist. Seo Jeong-woon’s erection seemed about to burst through his pants.

“Where are you looking?”

Whenever he did, Seo Jeong-woon playfully scolded him and bit Do Yi-hyun’s lips. It seemed he had no intention of doing anything else today. Even after finishing the shower, he couldn’t move a finger.

Seo Jeong-woon gently dried the wet hair with affectionate hands and personally picked out colorful pajamas to dress him.

“Pretty.”

As if never getting tired of it, Seo Jeong-woon stole kisses from Do Yi-hyun’s lips whenever he had the chance.

“Hmm, it might take a while. Go to sleep first.”

Then, with a troubled expression, he glanced down and went into the bathroom alone. It seemed he intended to take care of it himself.

‘…You don’t have to do that.’

It was clear he wouldn’t be able to fall asleep alone anyway. Do Yi-hyun felt a strange sense of regret, but Seo Jeong-woon was too quick to catch. Do Yi-hyun stood blankly in front of the bathroom, pondering for a moment, then moved his feet.

Not toward the bedroom, but toward the nursery. Do Yi-hyun looked around with a rather unfamiliar expression. He had deliberately avoided paying attention, so this was only his second time stepping into the nursery.

He had thought Seo Jeong-woon was just spending money for fun, but now he could clearly see the traces of careful consideration in its decoration.

‘What on earth is this?’

Aside from baby clothes and toys, there were plenty of items whose purpose he couldn’t discern.

“Lee Hyun, where are you? Lee Hyun?”

While he was looking around, he heard a voice urgently calling for him.

“I’m here.”

Do Yi-hyun slowly opened the door.

“Ah.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been rushing toward the entrance without properly wearing his clothes, stopped in his tracks. He could see the bedroom door wide open.

“……”

Do Yi-hyun silently gazed at the disheveled Seo Jeong-woon.

“You startled me.”

Seo Jeong-woon wiped the anxious expression off his face as if by magic and smiled brightly.

“Were you looking around Do-dam’s room? Come here.”

Then, after giving Do Yi-hyun a tight hug, he naturally led him into the nursery. As if nothing had just happened.

“This is a baby attachment doll. I didn’t know which one Do-dam would like, so I bought both after agonizing over it. Ah, that’s a nursing cushion…”

Seo Jeong-woon smoothly rattled off explanations. Do Yi-hyun had thought he’d just filled the room with the most expensive things, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

“…Did you research each and every one?”

“Of course. It’s for our Do-dam to use.”

Seo Jeong-woon shrugged his shoulders proudly.

“Isn’t this doll super cute too? Its expression resembles yours, Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled broadly, seemingly happy that Do Yi-hyun was showing interest, and continued boasting. Do Yi-hyun followed behind him, stroking his chin. It seemed he had known far too little about Seo Jeong-woon.

“That’s enough.”

Do Yi-hyun grabbed Seo Jeong-woon’s wrist and led him to the bedroom. If left alone, he seemed ready to chatter endlessly through the night. Although he had slept soundly yesterday, he was starting to feel sleepy.

Before his energy ran out, there was something he needed to say to Seo Jeong-woon.

“Mmm. You must be tired, Darling, and here I am getting too excited.”

Seo Jeong-woon immediately let his eyebrows droop again and stroked Do Yi-hyun’s rough cheek. He didn’t forget to plant kisses on both cheeks either. The two climbed onto the bed and lay facing each other.

Seo Jeong-woon wanted to pull Do Yi-hyun into a tight embrace from behind, but Do Yi-hyun had dissuaded him.

“Haha.”

Seo Jeong-woon nuzzled Do Yi-hyun’s ear or shoulder and occasionally couldn’t help but burst into laughter. In contrast to the purely delighted Seo Jeong-woon, Do Yi-hyun’s expression grew increasingly dark.

“Darling, are you uncomfortable somewhere?”

Seo Jeong-woon, who quickly noticed the subtle change, pressed his forehead against Do Yi-hyun’s while releasing strong pheromones. His radiant face clearly showed concern.

“I’m sorry.”

After briefly choosing his words, Do Yi-hyun apologized plainly. He couldn’t bear the discomfort that had been subtly rising since earlier.

“…Why are you apologizing?”

Seo Jeong-woon furrowed his brow. The anxiety that had briefly surfaced earlier reared its head again. His hazel eyes wavered in an instant, and the hand cupping Do Yi-hyun’s chin trembled slightly.

Seo Jeong-woon seemed to be trying to hide his agitation, but it was clear as day to Do Yi-hyun. Do Yi-hyun, who was clumsy with words, paused briefly to choose the right ones. Organizing the thoughts floating in his head coherently was harder than expected.

“Are you regretting it already? Even so, I won’t let you go. There’s no turning back now.”

Seo Jeong-woon grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s wrist and brought his face close. It was unclear what misunderstanding he had formed in that short time.

“I just should have registered our marriage first, mmp—”

Do Yi-hyun kissed Seo Jeong-woon, who was immediately spouting nonsense. He only wanted to approach the matter carefully, not to exacerbate his anxiety. Seo Jeong-woon, who had stiffened for a moment, quickly changed and lunged at Do Yi-hyun as if to devour him.

He wrapped his long fingers tightly around the nape of Do Yi-hyun’s neck and explored his mouth.

“Ah, hng, wait, ahh…”

Do Yi-hyun, who had intended to end it with a light kiss, panicked and tapped Seo Jeong-woon’s chest. But Seo Jeong-woon pretended not to hear and thrust his tongue deep into his throat. Only after a thoroughly drained Do Yi-hyun went limp did Seo Jeong-woon stop kissing.

Even then, he kept licking the wet, moist lips.

“Haa…”

Do Yi-hyun sighed deeply and closed his eyes. It was bothersome, but he didn’t have the strength to push him away. He had intended to resume the conversation once Seo Jeong-woon stopped the skinship, but even after a long while, there was no sign of him stopping.

“Why did you say that? Did it look like I was regretting it?”

Finally giving up on having a serious conversation, Do Yi-hyun opened his mouth while stroking the back of Seo Jeong-woon’s head. He knew he was unstable, but it was quite shocking to think he was considering an end.

“…Because every time you look at me, your expression isn’t good, Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon hesitated before confessing honestly. As he did, he rubbed his delicate nose bridge against Do Yi-hyun’s cheek as if pleading not to be abandoned.

“That’s…”

“Lee Hyun.”

When Do Yi-hyun frowned as if troubled, Seo Jeong-woon clung to him even more coquettishly. Do Yi-hyun tried to grab Seo Jeong-woon’s chin to push him away, but the more he did, the more stubbornly he clung. He just wanted to make eye contact, but it wasn’t easy.

“I didn’t like how we just moved on as if nothing happened. I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions and making judgments on my own.”

Having no choice, Do Yi-hyun awkwardly patted Seo Jeong-woon’s back and calmly whispered what he wanted to say. Except for the resentful words he’d let slip when they met again in the hospital hallway, Seo Jeong-woon had never mentioned Do Yi-hyun’s departure. But it was clear that incident had greatly affected Seo Jeong-woon.

Even after just a brief disappearance, he would search for him with a pale face—no matter how dense one was, it was impossible not to notice. At the time, Do Yi-hyun didn’t know any way other than running away, but if that choice had hurt Seo Jeong-woon, then it was his fault. He needed to address it clearly.

He didn’t want to leave Seo Jeong-woon’s anxiety unattended.

“So that’s why you apologized?”

“Yes.”

“Was that also why you sometimes furrowed your brow?”

“I don’t remember that, but yes.”

Do Yi-hyun nodded indifferently. Seo Jeong-woon looked at the blunt Do Yi-hyun with a peculiar expression.

“What? You were worried about me?”

Then he laughed, letting out a deflated sound.

“It’s okay. I’ll forgive you. The one who loves more always loses anyway.”

Do Yi-hyun flinched at the familiar phrase flowing from Seo Jeong-woon’s lips. But instead of the sorrowfully wavering eyes under the moonlight, what entered his vision were beautifully curved eyes shaped like half-moons.

“In return, I’ll also be honest about everything so you won’t be confused, Lee Hyun. You should also ask right away if you’re curious about anything. Promise?”

Seo Jeong-woon curled the corners of his mouth and extended his pinky finger. It seemed he was determined to prevent Do Yi-hyun from apologizing about the same topic again.

“Understood.”

Do Yi-hyun awkwardly extended his hand. It felt like they were playing a childish game.

“I’m scared you’ll disappear somewhere again, leaving me behind.”

Seo Jeong-woon mumbled, burying his head in Do Yi-hyun’s chest.

“I won’t go anywhere now.”

“Mmm. I still can’t believe it.”

“……”

Do Yi-hyun glanced down at the round crown of his head. He was being too honest. But it was much better than pretending nothing was wrong.

“If I were to leave, I’d take Jeong-woon with me.”

“Haha. You must.”

Seo Jeong-woon laughed, his shoulders shaking. Do Yi-hyun gave him an arm pillow and closed his eyes. The discomfort that had been stabbing his solar plexus finally began to subside.

It felt like he had finally found true peace.

***

But the peace didn’t even last half a day.

“…I don’t want to go to work. How can I leave you and Do-dam?”

The next morning, Seo Jeong-woon buried his forehead in Do Yi-hyun’s chest and whined endlessly.

“Should I just quit? Noona forced me into this position anyway. She’ll handle it herself, right?”

At first, Do Yi-hyun thought it was just a casual complaint, but gradually the plan became more concrete. These weren’t words for an executive, let alone a regular employee. Not that Seo Jeong-woon was incapable of working.

“You said there’s an important meeting this morning.”

Do Yi-hyun patted Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder with an awkward expression. Far from finding Seo Jeong-woon irresponsible, he was troubled because the words telling him not to go were rising to the tip of his tongue. Despite the rough touch, Seo Jeong-woon languidly closed his eyes.

Whenever Do Yi-hyun paused even briefly, he rubbed his cheek as if asking for more.

“If the company can’t run without me, isn’t it a failing company anyway?”

Seo Jeong-woon uttered words that would make his grandmother, the Chairman of Taewon Group, faint if she heard them, while burrowing into Do Yi-hyun’s embrace.

“You’ll be late at this rate.”

Do Yi-hyun admonished him. He too felt reluctant, but he couldn’t stop him from going to work.

“…Give me a kiss.”

Seo Jeong-woon lifted his head and made the demand boldly. Do Yi-hyun swallowed a hollow laugh and gently pressed his lips against the soft ones.

“Do it here too. Mmm, here too. Why aren’t you doing it here?”

Only after receiving over ten kisses did Seo Jeong-woon sluggishly get out of bed.

“Haaa.”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a long sigh and looked back with a regret-filled expression even as he left the bedroom. While getting ready for work, he kept returning to the bed to steal kisses from Do Yi-hyun’s lips. Unable to bear it, Do Yi-hyun followed Seo Jeong-woon into the dressing room.

“Darling, tie my tie for me.”

Then, as if he’d been waiting, Seo Jeong-woon held out a smooth tie. It was strange to see someone who could perfectly do anything acting spoiled.

“Hurry up.”

When Do Yi-hyun just stared blankly, Seo Jeong-woon playfully urged him. It was like taking advantage of a good situation. Clearly, he knew Do Yi-hyun would indulge almost any act of spoiledness.

“Understood.”

Do Yi-hyun reached out and looped the tie around his neck. Seo Jeong-woon smiled brightly and kept kissing him. It was already confusing because it was the opposite direction, and with his view blocked, it wasn’t easy.

Do Yi-hyun glanced at him briefly, but Seo Jeong-woon didn’t bat an eye. He had clearly intended to interfere from the start.

“You’re in the way.”

Do Yi-hyun grabbed Seo Jeong-woon’s cheek and pushed it away. After saying it, he wondered if he had been too indifferent.

“I can’t help it.”

But even when Do Yi-hyun spoke coldly, Seo Jeong-woon didn’t mind at all and kept kissing him. That somehow felt a little amusing. But after re-tying the knot over ten times, he began to tire.

“I’ll give you a kiss when it’s done, so behave.”

Unable to bear it, Do Yi-hyun glared at Seo Jeong-woon. It seemed only he was concerned about the approaching work time.

“Yes, Darling.”

Then, as if he’d been waiting, Seo Jeong-woon answered obediently. He even neatly clasped his hands together and shyly lowered his eyes. Do Yi-hyun narrowed his eyes.

He should have done this earlier. In the past, such antics would have made him exasperated, but now they were just endearing. With the interference gone, a neat knot was completed in an instant.

“Now, give me my reward.”

Seo Jeong-woon sneakily leaned his head in. It was annoying how he fluttered his eyelashes after prettily grooming himself. Do Yi-hyun let the corners of his mouth drop.

He wanted to turn away as revenge for teasing him, but the moist lips kept catching his eye. After a brief internal conflict, Do Yi-hyun grabbed his soft cheek and lightly bit his lower lip. After all, it was obvious Seo Jeong-woon wouldn’t be satisfied with just a kiss.

When he gently licked the spot he’d bitten with his front teeth, Seo Jeong-woon subtly parted his lips. Do Yi-hyun softly explored Seo Jeong-woon’s mouth.

‘…Just a little more.’

The inside of his mouth was as sweet as pheromones.

“Mmm.”

Instead of actively tangling his tongue as usual, Seo Jeong-woon quietly received it. Whenever his palate was touched, he let out a low moan. Do Yi-hyun hastily released the nape of Seo Jeong-woon’s neck and stepped back.

At this rate, it seemed he would get excited and pounce.

“Ah, Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon, with half-lidded eyes, quickly approached and showered kisses all over Do Yi-hyun’s face. With his large hand gripping his head, there was no escape. Do Yi-hyun flinched but let it be.

It wasn’t a kiss, after all. Still, it seemed Seo Jeong-woon was exercising some self-restraint.

“But are you going like this?”

Do Yi-hyun quietly took in Seo Jeong-woon and stroked his cheek with his thumb. It was the spot where Do Yi-hyun had bitten with all his might. Thanks to the Alpha’s miraculous recovery ability, the tooth marks had already disappeared, but instead, a faint bruise had appeared.

Since he said it was an important meeting, shouldn’t he cover it up with makeup or something?

“Ah, I guess it won’t do, right?”

Seo Jeong-woon made a pitiful expression as he fiddled with his cheek.

“I’m already sad that it’s gone. Can’t you bite me again?”

Then, he made an absurd request and stuck out his cheek.

“……What did you say?”

Do Yi-hyun doubted his own ears.

“Hurry up. We’re going to be late.”

Seo Jeong-woon urged Do Yi-hyun nonchalantly. He was utterly shameless.

“That’s enough. Let’s just go to work.”

Do Yi-hyun put on a stern face and pushed Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder away. Unless he was insane, there was no way he would bite Seo Jeong-woon’s face again.

“You really won’t do it?”

“No.”

Seo Jeong-woon made a sullen face, but Do Yi-hyun cut him off sharply. Perhaps realizing that acting up wouldn’t work this time, Seo Jeong-woon quickly gave up.

“Come here.”

Seo Jeong-woon abruptly sat Do Yi-hyun back down on the bed. Then, he brought a pile of his own clothes from the dressing room and stacked them like a tower around Do Yi-hyun. Clothes that were clearly expensive were crumpled haphazardly.

“What is this.”

Do Yi-hyun looked around awkwardly.

“Don’t you know what a nest is?”

Even though he knew Do Yi-hyun wasn’t asking because he didn’t know, Seo Jeong-woon blinked his eyes and busily moved the clothes.

“I’ll be back soon, so just bear with this for a little while.”

Seo Jeong-woon urged with a very worried expression. Do Yi-hyun shook his head side to side. He did need his pheromones, but since it wasn’t his heat, there was no need to make a nest.

To begin with, Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones were faintly spread throughout the entire house. But he didn’t bother to stop him. Seo Jeong-woon’s expression as he looked down at Do Yi-hyun buried in the pile of clothes looked very happy.

“Haha.”

Seo Jeong-woon looked around contentedly, then took out his phone. Click. Click.

A clear sound echoed.

“……Can I take a look for a moment?”

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind, and he reached his hand out toward Seo Jeong-woon.

“Of course.”

Seo Jeong-woon promptly handed over his phone. Do Yi-hyun opened the photo album just in case. From pictures of him eating to sleeping.

Seo Jeong-woon’s photo album was full of pictures of Do Yi-hyun. Even when he scrolled down, and down, there was no end.

“……When on earth did you take all these?”

“I took them openly every time, didn’t you know? I just thought Lee Hyun didn’t mind.”

Seo Jeong-woon was rather surprised that Do Yi-hyun didn’t know. At those words, Do Yi-hyun slightly furrowed his brow. It certainly wasn’t a sneaky angle.

Why hadn’t he noticed?

“What do you take these pictures for.”

Do Yi-hyun handed the phone back with a disgusted expression. They were just ordinary pictures with nothing special about them.

“To look at whenever I miss Lee Hyun. They’re my treasures.”

Seo Jeong-woon took the phone with an exaggerated gesture and clutched it tightly with both hands.

“Don’t tell me you look at them at the company too?”

“……Sometimes? Without others knowing?”

When Do Yi-hyun asked suspiciously, Seo Jeong-woon answered ambiguously. It seemed he looked at them frequently.

“Lee Hyun, don’t you ever miss me?”

Seeing that Do Yi-hyun didn’t seem to understand, Seo Jeong-woon had an expression as if he’d been wronged. After pouting his lips for a moment, Seo Jeong-woon picked up Do Yi-hyun’s phone on the desk and took several pictures of himself.

“Lee Hyun, look at these when you miss me too. Next time, I’ll send you prettier pictures.”

Seo Jeong-woon wrinkled his nose and checked the time.

“I’ll be back. Do-dam, Mommy will go earn lots of money.”

Seo Jeong-woon tightly hugged Do Yi-hyun, who was buried in his clothes, then left with a reluctant expression. In an instant, Do Yi-hyun, left alone, blankly looked down at his hand. A sparkling face was captured in the square screen.

“Ha…….”

A hollow laugh naturally flowed out. Do Yi-hyun wiped the corners of his mouth that had softened. He was already worried that every morning might be this chaotic.

Do Yi-hyun carefully got up so as not to disturb the nest Seo Jeong-woon had made. Then, he suddenly picked up a white shirt and buried his nose in it. Indeed, the pheromones on the clothes were much stronger than those floating in the air.

Still, making a nest was too much. He was shaking his head side to side as he stepped out into the living room.

[♡Darling♡ : What should I do. I already miss youㅜㅜ]

‘……Darling?’

Unfamiliar letters floated on the bright screen. The sender was clearly Seo Jeong-woon, but Do Yi-hyun had never touched it. Seo Jeong-woon must have set it up on his own.

He even skillfully attached hearts before and after.

‘It hasn’t even been that long since he left.’

It hadn’t even been five minutes. Seo Jeong-woon would have just gotten into the car. Do Yi-hyun imagined Seo Jeong-woon leaning against the steering wheel waiting for a reply and carefully sat on the sofa.

In the past, he would have pretended not to see and ignored it. But Seo Jeong-woon’s words asking him to be honest about everything lingered in his ears.

[I’ll wait.]

After erasing and rewriting several times, he sent a short sentence. Doing something he never did felt very embarrassing.

Do Yi-hyun awkwardly wiped the back of his neck.

[♡Darling♡ : Should I come now? It probably won’t work without me, right?]

Seo Jeong-woon sent a reply as if he’d been waiting.

“Haha.”

Do Yi-hyun ended up laughing out loud. It was an expression that would have made Seo Jeong-woon groan if he’d seen it.

[I’ll scold you if you come now.]

[♡Darling♡ : You’re so mean, Darling]

Although he liked that side too, exchanging banter-like texts with Seo Jeong-woon made his palms itch.

Do Yi-hyun was about to put the phone face down but opened the photo album instead. Seo Jeong-woon’s face, grinning brightly, filled the screen. He gritted his teeth and flipped through the pictures again and again.

In that short time, Seo Jeong-woon had left nearly ten pictures. Each one was to his liking. Do Yi-hyun held onto the phone for a long time, unaware of time passing.

Thanks to receiving plenty of Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones over the past two days, his condition had improved considerably. But after Seo Jeong-woon left the house for an hour or two, his stomach began to ache faintly. Do Yi-hyun furrowed his thick eyebrows and rubbed his lower abdomen in a circular motion.

Still, it wasn’t enough to contact Seo Jeong-woon or go to the hospital. It was just enough to lie down and rest for a while.

“Ha.”

Entering the bedroom without much thought, Do Yi-hyun discovered the nest Seo Jeong-woon had meticulously made and left behind, and let out another hollow laugh. Do Yi-hyun didn’t need to think twice before burrowing into Seo Jeong-woon’s pile of clothes. Although he had dismissed it as Seo Jeong-woon making a fuss over something unnecessary again, it was quite cozy.

Perhaps sensing that Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones had become stronger, Do-dam, who had been quietly curled up, moved around.

“Good boy.”

Do Yi-hyun curled up on his side, patting his stomach while hugging Seo Jeong-woon’s clothes. His own appearance like this was quite funny.

‘I should eat lunch……’

Even though he only intended to lie down for a while, a drowsy sleepiness washed over him. His eyelids grew heavier and heavier. Soon, the spacious bedroom was filled only with faint breathing sounds.

***

He felt sunlight tickling his face. Frowning in his sleep, his surroundings subtly darkened. It didn’t seem like he’d slept long, but his head felt fuzzy.

Perhaps it was his mood, but the pheromones of Seo Jeong-woon floating in the air seemed to have become even stronger.

‘……What is it.’

He felt a subtle gaze from somewhere. Do Yi-hyun slowly opened his eyes. He saw Seo Jeong-woon grinning brightly, resting his chin right in front of his nose.

“……Executive Director?”

Do Yi-hyun mumbled with a more indistinct pronunciation than usual. Perhaps because he had fallen asleep buried in Seo Jeong-woon’s clothes, he wondered if he was dreaming of him. Do Yi-hyun gazed intently at the smiling face.

He no longer felt anxious even if Seo Jeong-woon appeared in his dreams.

“Executive Director? Did you just say Executive Director?”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been smiling slyly, changed his expression to a pout.

“Say it again.”

Seo Jeong-woon urged, bringing his face close. Even in dreams, Seo Jeong-woon acted exactly like in reality.

“My mistake, Jeong-woon.”

Do Yi-hyun corrected the misused title and hugged his neck. Even in dreams, he didn’t want to see Seo Jeong-woon feeling hurt. He gently stroked the round back of his head.

“Do you think I’ll forgive you if you do this?”

Seo Jeong-woon grumbled in a sulky tone, but judging by how he rubbed his forehead vigorously against Do Yi-hyun’s shoulder, it seemed his anger had already dissipated.

“Ah.”

Only then did Do Yi-hyun realize this wasn’t a dream.

“Are you already off work?”

Do Yi-hyun leaned his upper body back, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand to check the time. It was still bright outside, and it was just past lunchtime. He couldn’t have slept for 24 hours straight, so at most, only about three or four hours had passed.

“You’ll hurt your eyes.”

Seo Jeong-woon grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s wrist and pulled it down, then gave small kisses around his eyes. Then, naturally, he made kissing sounds on his cheek and lips. Do Yi-hyun, still not fully awake, received Seo Jeong-woon’s kisses.

Wondering why his body felt so limp, it seemed to be due to Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones thickly spread all around.

“Mmm…….”

Do Yi-hyun closed his eyes again and burrowed into Seo Jeong-woon’s embrace, following his Alpha’s pheromones. Rubbing his lips against Do Yi-hyun’s neck where the pheromones were strongest, he instinctively bared his teeth.

“Ah, I’m sorry.”

Snapping back to his senses in an instant, Do Yi-hyun hurriedly pulled his lips away. He had almost bitten Seo Jeong-woon’s nape with all his might.

“What’s there to be sorry about. I’d rather you bit me.”

Seo Jeong-woon chuckled. Do Yi-hyun frowned as he looked down at the smooth nape. An Alpha, not an Omega, walking around with bite marks on his nape.

It was something that shouldn’t normally happen. Seo Jeong-woon truly had no sense of propriety. He felt anew that he needed to keep his wits about him.

At the same time, he was also puzzled. He was an Omega, not an Alpha, so why did he keep wanting to leave marks on Seo Jeong-woon? Once he became conscious of it, he felt an inexplicable itch in his teeth.

“Did you just stop by for a moment?”

Do Yi-hyun pushed Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder away and asked again. If he stayed embraced while still half-asleep, he might not be able to resist and draw blood.

“Darling wasn’t answering, so I was worried and rushed over.”

“Really?”

When Do Yi-hyun asked skeptically, Seo Jeong-woon shook his head side to side.

“Of course it’s a joke. I finished all my work and came. But I was really worried. Though I didn’t know you’d be sleeping so prettily like this.”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled brightly and rubbed Do Yi-hyun’s forehead with his thumb.

‘Did I fall asleep that deeply?’

Do Yi-hyun slightly furrowed his brow. Lately, if he wasn’t by Seo Jeong-woon’s side, he would wake up even at the sound of the window shaking in the wind, so he couldn’t believe he had slept soundly without hearing the vibration. He picked up the phone lying next to him.

As soon as he turned on the screen, a picture of Seo Jeong-woon grinning appeared. Come to think of it, he had browsed the photo album before falling asleep.

“What. Darling, were you looking at my pictures?”

Seo Jeong-woon, overjoyed, snatched Do Yi-hyun’s phone away.

“……Yes.”

Do Yi-hyun nodded awkwardly. Denying it wouldn’t change the fact.

“Did you miss me that much? I was in a hurry and couldn’t take many, so you must have been disappointed. Should we do a video call tomorrow?”

Seo Jeong-woon, as if he’d caught onto something, persistently clung to the topic.

“But the real thing is best, right?”

Do Yi-hyun glanced at Seo Jeong-woon and took the phone back. Of course, the real thing was better. Contrary to his fuss, aside from sending one or two more messages around the time Do Yi-hyun fell asleep, Seo Jeong-woon hadn’t contacted him much.

Given the circumstances, it was highly likely he had fallen asleep, so it seemed he had been careful not to wake him.

“For the time being, I’ll come home for lunch.”

Seo Jeong-woon gently stroked Do Yi-hyun’s side and shook his head.

“There’s no need to do that.”

“I can’t focus on work, so that’s why.”

Seo Jeong-woon exaggeratedly let out a deep sigh and slipped his hand under Do Yi-hyun’s top. Do Yi-hyun, who had stiffened his shoulders in surprise, gradually relaxed under the warm hand gently stroking his back. Seeing Do Yi-hyun not only not rejecting his touch but feeling comfortable, Seo Jeong-woon broke into a wide smile.

Then, he pulled Do Yi-hyun’s hand and fiddled with his fingers. Do Yi-hyun, who had casually lowered his gaze, paused when he spotted a sparkling object.

“……What is that.”

“I can’t stand feeling uneasy. I think I need to mark you as mine.”

Seo Jeong-woon shrugged and slipped a ring onto Do Yi-hyun’s left ring finger. The simple silver ring had small jewels embedded. He wasn’t sure exactly, but it seemed like it wouldn’t be uncomfortable for daily wear.

This time too, the size fit perfectly. Do Yi-hyun turned the ring with a strange expression.

“Unlike someone, I have a good eye.”

Noticing his puzzlement, Seo Jeong-woon poked Do Yi-hyun’s cheek. Was that ‘someone’ referring to him? Do Yi-hyun raised an eyebrow.

“You didn’t have any strange misunderstandings again, did you? I’m not interested in other people’s sizes. I only know Lee Hyun’s. Everything.”

Seo Jeong-woon added playfully and winked.

“Really?”

Do Yi-hyun asked slowly. He had been curious inwardly. How on earth did he know and bring the exact sizes for suits and shoes?

“Of course. Naturally. Don’t tell me you really misunderstood? This too?”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been playfully fiddling with the ring on Do Yi-hyun’s finger, suddenly lifted his head.

“……Isn’t it natural to misunderstand.”

Do Yi-hyun answered calmly. Common sense dictated so.

“Wow, fine. I’m sulking.”

Seo Jeong-woon grumbled and pushed Do Yi-hyun’s head into his embrace. Then, he planted kisses all over Do Yi-hyun’s crown.

“It’s stuffy.”

“Bear with it. It’s your punishment.”

Do Yi-hyun swallowed a sigh. It seemed if he left things as they were, he would have to stay embraced like this for a while.

“Don’t you have one?”

So Do Yi-hyun blatantly changed the subject.

“Mine?”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had declared he was sulking, answered dutifully in a sulky tone.

“The ring, I mean.”

“Why? Do you want to mark me too, Lee Hyun?”

“Yes.”

Do Yi-hyun nodded indifferently. Basically, such rings came in pairs. It was unlikely Seo Jeong-woon had only bought his own.

And strictly speaking, he should be the one more uneasy than Seo Jeong-woon.

“Ah, really…….”

Seo Jeong-woon groaned and hugged Do Yi-hyun’s shoulders tightly. Although he let out deep sighs, it certainly wasn’t because he disliked it. Do Yi-hyun was sure.

Now, he felt like he was beginning to understand a little of what Seo Jeong-woon was thinking.

“But if you want to mark me, wouldn’t this be the most certain?”

Seo Jeong-woon pressed his forehead against Do Yi-hyun’s and pointed to his own cheek. It seemed he still hadn’t given up on leaving bite marks on his face.

“Give it to me.”

Seo Jeong-woon cleanly ignored Do Yi-hyun’s nonsense and held out his hand.

“Here it is.”

Seo Jeong-woon took out a square ring case from his pocket. Inside was a ring of the same design as the one he had put on Do Yi-hyun. Without hesitation, Do Yi-hyun picked up the ring and carefully slipped it onto the long finger.

Perhaps because his hands were pretty, it sparkled and suited him much better than when he wore it himself.

“Darling, now you have to say you’re a married man wherever you go. Because this is our engagement ring.”

Seo Jeong-woon declared proudly. He had thought it was just a simple couple ring, but it had transformed into an engagement ring without him realizing. It was a bit unexpected.

“I want to choose the wedding ring together.”

Instead of arguing, Do Yi-hyun diverted the conversation. Given Do Yi-hyun’s blunt personality, it was no different from an affirmative ‘I understand.’

“……I think my heart is going to burst.”

Seo Jeong-woon muttered half-seriously, half-jokingly, and locked eyes with Do Yi-hyun. Happiness was clearly reflected in his grayish-brown pupils.

“I wanted to give it to you in a more impressive way, but I didn’t have the leisure. What should I really do.”

Seo Jeong-woon rubbed his cheek against Do Yi-hyun’s head. Whenever they were together, Seo Jeong-woon never stayed still for a moment, constantly touching Do Yi-hyun.

“You’re like a dog.”

Do Yi-hyun muttered softly. A sudden thought jumped out of his mouth without passing through his head.

“……What?”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been excitedly caressing Do Yi-hyun, made a dumbfounded expression.

“The way you keep pestering is just like a dog.”

Do Yi-hyun added an explanation a beat late. Only then did Seo Jeong-woon’s stiffened expression soften again.

“You startled me. Can’t you say I’m like a puppy? I’m quite cute, you know.”

Seo Jeong-woon blinked and pretended to be pitiful. Do Yi-hyun nonchalantly stroked the shape of Seo Jeong-woon’s eyes. He was definitely cute.

If you only looked at his face.

“Isn’t he too big to be a puppy?”

However, his height exceeding 190cm was excessively large. Though Seo Jeong-woon hunched his shoulders awkwardly, he couldn’t hide his massive frame.

“Still, the nuance is a bit…”

When Do Yi-hyun firmly refused, Seo Jeong-woon pouted his lips. While he was happy that Do Yi-hyun viewed his skinship favorably, it seemed he absolutely couldn’t tolerate the expression ‘like a dog.’

“If you dislike being called like a dog, I’ll just say you act like one from now on.”

“No, that’s not what I meant.”

Seo Jeong-woon bit his lower lip hard. Seeing Seo Jeong-woon unable to simply say he disliked it and fidgeting, Do Yi-hyun faintly curled up the corner of his mouth. He thought he understood why Seo Jeong-woon kept teasing him.

“…Were you joking just now? That’s too much. Where have you seen someone tease so seriously?”

Seo Jeong-woon looked at Do Yi-hyun with an expression full of betrayal.

“Sigh, what can I do. It’s because I like you more.”

But then, he soon followed Do Yi-hyun and suppressed a laugh.

“Let’s have lunch now.”

Seo Jeong-woon lifted him up in a flash once Do Yi-hyun seemed roughly awake. He had thought he was overprotective before, but it had gotten worse since his return. Unless absolutely necessary, Seo Jeong-woon couldn’t bear to see Do Yi-hyun walking alone.

After seating Do Yi-hyun at the dining table, Seo Jeong-woon brought out various dishes in an instant. If Do Yi-hyun hadn’t stopped him midway, he would have filled the spacious table and still had more.

“When did you start liking me, Lee Hyun-ssi?”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been watching Do Yi-hyun eat while resting his chin, suddenly threw out a question.

“…I don’t know.”

Do Yi-hyun stopped his hand, pondered, then shook his head. Like clothes getting wet in a drizzle, Seo Jeong-woon had naturally entered his heart at some point.

“Is that so? I fell in love with Lee Hyun-ssi at first sight.”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled meaningfully, even covering the corner of his mouth as if embarrassed.

“Don’t lie.”

“It’s true.”

When Do Yi-hyun retorted skeptically, Seo Jeong-woon slapped his shoulder against his.

“Of course, I wasn’t aware of it then, but the moment I saw Lee Hyun-ssi, I thought you were my type. So, how prettily I smiled every time we passed in the hallway. You don’t remember, do you, Lee Hyun-ssi?”

“……”

Do Yi-hyun blinked. Had he ever passed Seo Jeong-woon in the hallway? He had no memory of it at all.

“Right. You didn’t even glance my way. I even got competitive and wandered the halls diligently trying to meet Lee Hyun-ssi.”

Seo Jeong-woon fiddled with Do Yi-hyun’s left ring finger and boasted proudly.

“Meeting Lee Hyun-ssi at the hotel was definitely fate.”

Seo Jeong-woon planted a loud kiss on Do Yi-hyun’s cheek and chuckled playfully.

“If we hadn’t met then, I might not have been able to hold back and tried to seduce you first. You were so cold, I probably would have spent every night in tears. I don’t know how lucky we are to have our Do-dam.”

Seo Jeong-woon lowered his voice to whisper, then hugged Do Yi-hyun’s waist.

“……”

Do Yi-hyun couldn’t bring himself to return the sweet talk. Nevertheless, Seo Jeong-woon grinned. It was just as they were finishing their meal and about to get up.

“Ah, Mother said to tell you she’s sorry. She wants to meet again, but it’s okay to refuse if you’re uncomfortable.”

Seo Jeong-woon stopped Do Yi-hyun, who was about to clear the empty dishes, and hinted discreetly.

“Will Jeong-woon-ssi come along too?”

“Of course.”

“Understood. I’m fine anytime.”

Do Yi-hyun nodded without hesitation. With Seo Jeong-woon there, the likelihood of misunderstandings would significantly decrease, so it should be fine.

“Really?”

“Yes.”

“You can say no if you don’t want to.”

Seo Jeong-woon checked again suspiciously, but Do Yi-hyun was nonchalant. He had never resented Seo Jeong-woon’s mother in the first place, so there was no reason for meeting again to be awkward. Of course, he also had no desire to receive an apology from Seo Jeong-woon’s mother.

It was simply because, according to the interpersonal relationship formula Joo Na-hye had forcibly instilled in him, receiving an apology in such cases is beneficial for improving the relationship. Though knowing that formula, the times he actually followed it were few.

“Mmm. Thank you.”

Seo Jeong-woon tightly held Do Yi-hyun’s hand.

***

“…What are you doing?”

Joo Na-hye, who had been noisily sipping through a straw, looked Do Yi-hyun up and down with a sour expression. Do Yi-hyun ignored his friend’s disapproving reaction and silently lifted his phone. Then, with the wall of Joo Na-hye’s numerous drinks as a background, he roughly took a picture of a brownie topped with strawberries and fresh cream.

Click. That was the only shutter sound. Having rarely used the camera function, the composition was a mess, but he didn’t care at all and sent the photo he had just taken.

Even if the photo was so blurry the subject was unrecognizable, Seo Jeong-woon probably wouldn’t mind much.

“Wow. Are you sending a proof shot right now? Do Yi-hyun, you’re really dating, huh?”

Joo Na-hye, who had been watching Do Yi-hyun tap the screen indifferently, gaped.

[♡Darling♡ : Enjoy your meal]

As soon as he sent the message, a reply came from Seo Jeong-woon.

It was at a speed that made one wonder if he wasn’t staring at his phone all day.

[♡Darling♡ : You’ve been eating strawberries often lately. Should I buy some strawberries on my way home?]

‘Have I?’

Do Yi-hyun pondered deeply. He hadn’t been aware at all, but as Seo Jeong-woon said, he had been frequently eating desserts containing strawberries. As he skimmed through Seo Jeong-woon’s messages, he unconsciously lowered his gaze.

The thinly sliced bright red strawberries on the brownie kept catching his eye.

[Yes.]

[♡Darling♡ : But can’t you send me a picture of yourself too?]

Almost as soon as the short speech bubble appeared, Seo Jeong-woon sent a series of emoticons of a white rabbit sniffling. Do Yi-hyun acknowledged Seo Jeong-woon’s request but simply placed his phone face down on the table.

If he didn’t cut it off first, the contact would continue endlessly. It was a fact he had realized in just two days.

“Ugh. You didn’t change that, did you? Please say you didn’t.”

Out of curiosity, Joo Na-hye peeked at Do Yi-hyun’s phone and, upon seeing the saved name, shook his head as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have. His shoulders even trembled.

“No.”

“That’s a relief. They say if you start doing things you never did, you’ll die. I don’t want to lose a friend already.”

Joo Na-hye made a disgusted face and picked up another drink. Then, he quickly relaxed his expression again and hummed along to the song playing in the cafe.

“So, tomorrow evening?”

Joo Na-hye nodded his head, watching people pass by outside the window, then abruptly threw out a question. Do Yi-hyun speared a strawberry with his fork and looked back nonchalantly. Conversations with Joo Na-hye were always like this.

You never knew when or where they would jump.

“Meeting your boyfriend’s mother.”

Joo Na-hye shrugged his shoulders while stroking the condensation-covered glass. Starting with ‘that person,’ passing through ‘that guy,’ ‘that bastard,’ and reaching ‘your boyfriend.’ The evolution of Seo Jeong-woon’s title from Joo Na-hye’s mouth was quite colorful.

“Yeah.”

Do Yi-hyun sipped his warm tea. He had just briefly summarized what had happened recently.

“As they say, reality is more messed up than any drama.”

Despite the explanation that was so lacking in sincerity it was hard to understand, Joo Na-hye didn’t add much. He seemed satisfied just by the fact that Do Yi-hyun’s appearance had clearly improved.

“Don’t force yourself to smile or talk a lot just to look good. Just act as you usually do. Your boyfriend will probably cover for you well.”

Joo Na-hye twisted his lips and nagged. Do Yi-hyun let those words go in one ear and out the other, as usual. After all, Joo Na-hye also knew Do Yi-hyun wasn’t interested and was just grumbling for no reason.

Buzz buzz. Do Yi-hyun’s phone rang repeatedly. Reflexively picking up his phone, Do Yi-hyun faintly frowned at the name displayed at the top.

“Disappointed it’s not your boyfriend’s call?”

Joo Na-hye teased while scooping up whipped cream.

[Accounting Team 2 Kim Yu-min: Team leader! Team leader!!]

[What is it?]

Do Yi-hyun neatly ignored Joo Na-hye’s mischievous prank and waited for Kim Yu-min’s reply.

Had a problem arisen during work? The handover had been completed perfectly long ago, so it was safe to assume that possibility was unlikely, but you never know.

[Accounting Team 2 Kim Yu-min: Congratulations on your engagement!!!!]

As expected, it wasn’t work-related contact. Seo Jeong-woon had worn the ring to work for the first time today. It was still morning, but rumors seemed to have already spread throughout the company.

Given the mention of an engagement, Seo Jeong-woon might have been boasting about it proudly.

[How did you know?]

Do Yi-hyun narrowed his eyes. They had decided to naturally reveal the engagement fact but keep the identity of the partner a secret for the time being. It was strange that Kim Yu-min had sent a congratulatory message as if it were obvious.

[Accounting Team 2 Kim Yu-min: Ah, I heard rumors you were wearing a ring and asked Executive Director-nim. Sorry I didn’t tell anyone else it’s a secret]

Kim Yu-min seemed quite flustered, even making typos.

Do Yi-hyun tapped the side of his phone. He roughly knew that Seo Jeong-woon had extracted information about him from Kim Yu-min. But he hadn’t realized the two were in separate contact.

Kim Yu-min sent a stream of explanations that weren’t really explanations, but Do Yi-hyun switched screens without hesitation.

[Are you close with Kim Yu-min-ssi?]

Then he immediately sent a message to Seo Jeong-woon.

A few seconds felt peculiarly long.

[♡Darling♡ : A little? I asked him a lot of things. How Lee Hyun-ssi’s condition was. When you got off work]

Do Yi-hyun pressed his lips together tightly.

It essentially meant they had been in contact almost daily. No wonder Seo Jeong-woon seemed to know an oddly large amount about him; it seemed Kim Yu-min had been relaying information as soon as he got it. More precisely, Seo Jeong-woon would subtly bring up a topic, and Kim Yu-min would excitedly chatter away.

[♡Darling♡ : Get jealous quickly]

If Seo Jeong-woon had been there, he would have leaned in with sparkling eyes. Do Yi-hyun wanted to bite his soft lips.

Then Seo Jeong-woon would naturally wrap his arms around Do Yi-hyun’s waist and press his upper body close. Do Yi-hyun gripped his sleeve. Though he was saturated with Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones from head to toe, perhaps due to habits from his office days, whenever he thought of him, he would unconsciously fiddle with his sleeve or collar.

“Do you like it that much?”

Seeing Do Yi-hyun’s unfamiliar side, which he had never witnessed before, Joo Na-hye shuddered.

***

The next evening, Do Yi-hyun headed to a high-end Korean fine dining restaurant with Seo Jeong-woon.

“You don’t need to be flustered if Mother suddenly cries. She’s naturally a bit tearful. And she’s quite mischievous. You can think half of what Mother says is a joke.”

Throughout the drive, Seo Jeong-woon listed all sorts of worries.

“It’s fine.”

Each time, Do Yi-hyun replied calmly.

“…Should we just go home even now?”

Even after arriving at the meeting place, Seo Jeong-woon hesitated, gripping the steering wheel. He seemed reluctant to introduce his mother to Do Yi-hyun. At this rate, it seemed they might never get out of the car.

Do Yi-hyun, who had unbuckled his seatbelt, opened the driver’s door after walking around the hood before Seo Jeong-woon could stop him.

“We’ll be late at this rate.”

Do Yi-hyun slightly bowed his head and bluntly extended his arm.

“Yes, Darling.”

Seo Jeong-woon chuckled and gently placed his hand on Do Yi-hyun’s palm. The two moved to a neat annex under the staff’s guidance.

“What, you’re already here?”

“I thought you’d come later since you didn’t want to come.”

But Seo Jeong-woon’s mother wasn’t there; instead, a young woman and man were sitting side by side. At a glance, their solid builds and strong presence were evident. Both were clearly Alphas.

“Why are Noona and Hyung here?”

Seo Jeong-woon stepped in front of Do Yi-hyun and glared at the two. His voice was quite flustered. Do Yi-hyun looked back and forth at the two over Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder.

Unlike the pretty and radiant Seo Jeong-woon, his Noona and Hyung had cold, sharp impressions. Even though they were all Alphas, their auras were completely different.

“I asked Mother. If we didn’t do this, you wouldn’t show him to us.”

Seo Jeong-woon’s Noona slowly approached. She was about as tall as Seo Jeong-woon.

“Well, that’s obvious.”

Seo Jeong-woon emitted his pheromones more thickly, as if to check them. Do Yi-hyun lightly patted his lower back to indicate it was okay, but it was no use.

“I’m Seo Jeong-yu. You must have been surprised by our sudden visit. I wanted to see your face at least once before our youngest gets married. …You’re much more robust than I heard.”

Seo Jeong-yu looked at Seo Jeong-woon, who was emitting pheromones to the fullest, with an affectionate gaze and offered a handshake to Do Yi-hyun. She was the eldest of the three siblings and the successor of Taewon Group.

“I’m Do Yi-hyun.”

Do Yi-hyun introduced himself briefly and shook Seo Jeong-yu’s hand. Her grip was considerable enough to make his hand tingle.

“I’m Seo Jeong-ho. Lee Hyun-ssi, you’re incredibly handsome. Our youngest kept praising you endlessly, saying you were cute and pretty.”

Seo Jeong-ho, who followed Seo Jeong-yu, smiled brightly and slapped Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder repeatedly. When he smiled, his expression became amiable, subtly resembling Seo Jeong-woon.

“…What on earth did you say?”

Do Yi-hyun shot a glance at Seo Jeong-woon.

“I only told the truth.”

Seo Jeong-woon made a pitiful face and tightly grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s elbow. Seeing that, Seo Jeong-yu and Seo Jeong-ho burst out laughing.

“Don’t be fooled. That’s all an act. He only acts cute when he’s at a disadvantage. I know he’s pretty.”

Seo Jeong-ho shook his head side to side.

“Aren’t you both busy?”

Seo Jeong-woon grumbled while seating Do Yi-hyun. Do Yi-hyun quietly looked up at Seo Jeong-woon. With his siblings around, he definitely gave off the vibe of being the youngest.

It was a novel feeling.

“Do Yi-hyun-ssi, how about running away even now?”

Seo Jeong-yu pretended to make a serious face and wrinkled her nose. Despite their cold aura, both seemed to have personalities similar to Seo Jeong-woon.

“Right. You don’t know how that guy was when Lee Hyun-ssi disappeared?”

Seo Jeong-ho also subtly added his words.

“Say one more word from there.”

Instantly, Seo Jeong-woon’s voice, which had been playful until then, turned cold and sank. The air froze coldly. No matter how much they understood each other now, the time when Do Yi-hyun left was still a sore spot for Seo Jeong-woon.

“See. Compared to back then, that’s nothing.”

But Seo Jeong-ho didn’t even blink. Seo Jeong-yu also wore a faint smile.

“Enough…!”

Just as Seo Jeong-woon was about to flare up in anger, Do Yi-hyun tightly gripped his hand.

“I know, Seo Jeong-woon-ssi has a bad personality.”

Do Yi-hyun calmly opened his mouth. Seo Jeong-woon turned his head sharply with a very wronged expression.

“But I’ll live with him for the rest of my life. You don’t need to worry.”

Do Yi-hyun, who met Seo Jeong-woon’s eyes, faintly curled the corner of his mouth and continued. It was something he had intended to say to Seo Jeong-woon’s mother; he hadn’t expected to say it to his siblings first.

“Lee Hyun-ssi…”

Seo Jeong-woon leaned his head on Do Yi-hyun’s shoulder.

“Ahh. It’s tough being single.”

“…Let’s go on a date. Next time, we’ll meet properly, Lee Hyun-ssi.”

Seo Jeong-ho and Seo Jeong-yu each uttered a word and opened the door framed with neat hanji paper.

“But I’m not that bad personality-wise.”

It was just as Do Yi-hyun was patting Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder, who was mumbling.

“Mother?”

Seo Jeong-ho’s surprised voice was heard. Turning his head, he saw Seo Jeong-woon’s mother standing at the door. Seo Jeong-woon’s mother had tears welling up in both eyes.

It seemed she had overheard Do Yi-hyun’s words from outside the door.

“Oh my. Sorry I’m late.”

Seo Jeong-woon’s mother quickly wiped the corners of her eyes and came inside. Seo Jeong-yu and Seo Jeong-ho looked at each other with expressions of annoyance and hurriedly fled.

“Ah.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been clinging to Do Yi-hyun, also sighed and pressed his forehead.

“I’m really sorry about last time. You must have suffered a lot because of me. I shouldn’t have done that…”

Seo Jeong-woon’s mother, who had taken a seat, apologized repeatedly to Do Yi-hyun. Contrary to Seo Jeong-woon’s worries, the dinner atmosphere wasn’t bad.

“Honestly, I was a bit disappointed because all three of my children are Alphas. Jeong-woon is pretty, but an Alpha is still an Alpha. I wished they’d get married quickly and bring home a cute Omega, but none of them are even dating well.”

However, Seo Jeong-woon’s mother occasionally brought up topics that might make Do Yi-hyun uncomfortable.

“Mother.”

Seo Jeong-woon quietly stopped her and grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s knee under the table.

“But when I first saw you, Lee Hyun, I was so surprised because you were so cute. I thought our Jeong-woon had such high standards that’s why he hadn’t dated all this time.”

Seo Jeong-woon’s mother laughed, her cheeks flushed. She was clearly sincere.

“…Thank you.”

Do Yi-hyun bowed his head awkwardly. This was already the fifth conversation flowing in this direction. Seo Jeong-woon’s mother used a way of speaking that was perfect for causing misunderstandings.

Seo Jeong-woon kept glancing at Do Yi-hyun’s complexion, wiping away cold sweat. But surprisingly, Do Yi-hyun adapted quickly. It was largely because it wasn’t much different from Seo Jeong-woon’s previous way of speaking.

“You resemble your mother a lot, Jeong-woon.”

Do Yi-hyun looked between the two of them and blurted out.

“Ah, my looks? My Hyung and Noona take after our father, and I take after my mother.”

Seo Jeong-woon placed some meat side dish on Do Yi-hyun’s spoon. Trying to watch Do Yi-hyun and mind his mother at the same time, Seo Jeong-woon barely ate anything.

“I meant your personality.”

Do Yi-hyun corrected the misunderstanding. Of course, they resembled each other in looks too.

“No. I don’t.”

Seo Jeong-woon immediately denied it.

“Really?”

On the other hand, Seo Jeong-woon’s mother was greatly pleased. Seo Jeong-woon’s complexion worsened even more.

“I heard you’re dating with marriage in mind. Have you decided when the wedding will be?”

As the meal was ending, Seo Jeong-woon’s mother cautiously asked. Do Yi-hyun looked at Seo Jeong-woon. Seo Jeong-woon openly stroked Do Yi-hyun’s cheek and smirked.

It seemed he hadn’t told her about the marriage plans yet.

“We plan to take it slow and prepare after the baby is born.”

Do Yi-hyun nodded, covering his lower abdomen. Due to his unique constitution, his recovery period after childbirth might be long. They decided to proceed with wedding preparations while monitoring his progress.

“The baby?”

At those words, Seo Jeong-woon’s mother’s eyes widened. Somehow her reaction was strange. She seemed to have no idea Do Yi-hyun was pregnant.

“The due date is in two months. Congratulations. You finally have a grandchild.”

Seo Jeong-woon pulled Do Yi-hyun close, hugging his shoulders, and lifted his chin as if boasting.

“What? Two months left? Don’t tell me that means now? Then back when we met… Oh my, I’m so sorry, what should I do.”

Seo Jeong-woon’s mother covered her mouth and rambled incoherently. She looked happy, then sad, her expression jumping all over the place, and her voice trembled.

“Wait a moment. I need to contact the family, how could you tell me such important news only now.”

Seo Jeong-woon’s mother soon flushed, her cheeks turning bright red. Her reaction was truly unusual.

“…Was it true? That grandchildren are rare.”

Do Yi-hyun whispered softly near Seo Jeong-woon’s ear.

“You think I only tell lies?”

Seo Jeong-woon pouted and glared at Do Yi-hyun. He seemed to know that he lied as easily as eating.

***

As soon as they returned home, Seo Jeong-woon loosened Do Yi-hyun’s suit.

Then he immediately shoved him into the bathroom.

“You got another Alpha’s pheromones on you.”

Before Do Yi-hyun could ask why he was doing this, Seo Jeong-woon scowled deeply. He looked quite displeased.

‘Is that so.’

Do Yi-hyun wondered uncertainly and buried his nose in the back of his hand. Despite being sensitive to all sorts of pheromones, he only strongly sensed Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones. To begin with, the only Alphas he had encountered were his siblings.

“What are you doing. Don’t sniff.”

Then Seo Jeong-woon made a disgusted face and pulled Do Yi-hyun’s arm down. He bit Do Yi-hyun’s lower lip and strongly emitted a sweet yet bitter pheromone.

“Let’s wash together.”

Only after Do Yi-hyun stroked the corner of his eye and whispered softly did Seo Jeong-woon’s expression soften somewhat. Seo Jeong-woon washed Do Yi-hyun with much more meticulous hands than usual. Even when drying him after the shower, he acted much more persistently.

Soon, Seo Jeong-woon led the fluffy-clean Do Yi-hyun out to the living room.

“Lee Hyun, sit here.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had first straddled the sofa, patted his own thigh with a rather serious expression. Do Yi-hyun hesitated and then climbed onto Seo Jeong-woon’s lap. He worried each time if it wasn’t too heavy, but since Seo Jeong-woon was so proud of it, he decided not to mind.

Since he even lifted him up effortlessly from time to time, this much should be fine. Seo Jeong-woon, who would normally hug Do Yi-hyun tightly, held Do Yi-hyun’s chin with a smileless face and looked him over this way and that.

“…What are you doing.”

Do Yi-hyun questioned with an awkward expression but obediently offered his face.

“Smile again.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had raised his eyes wide, smirked.

‘Again?’

At the utterly incomprehensible request, Do Yi-hyun furrowed his brow. It seemed he would never adapt to Seo Jeong-woon’s way of speaking, cutting out the front and back and blurting out only the core.

“What do I do if you smile so prettily in front of Hyung and Noona. I suffered trying to hold back from kissing you.”

Only then did Seo Jeong-woon let out a deep sigh and wrapped both arms around Do Yi-hyun’s waist.

‘When did I smile.’

Do Yi-hyun gently stroked the round crown of his head and frowned. Even after hearing the explanation, he couldn’t remember at all. He could only vaguely guess it might have been when he said he would live with Seo Jeong-woon.

If that’s the case, should I be grateful he held back? Do Yi-hyun pressed Seo Jeong-woon’s small head with his fingertips. At the displeasing touch, Seo Jeong-woon sharply lifted his head.

“Don’t ever smile for another Alpha again. If you don’t want to see me go crazy.”

Seo Jeong-woon poked Do Yi-hyun’s cheek, which had barely begun to regain flesh, with his index finger and cutely threatened. His playful tone was clearly sincere. It was absurd.

“…But they are Jeong-woon’s siblings.”

Do Yi-hyun brushed back the hair that had fallen over Seo Jeong-woon’s straight forehead and scolded him as affectionately as possible. Even in this situation, he quite liked how Seo Jeong-woon’s radiant beauty was clearly revealed.

“Still, no. I don’t like it. Only smile in front of me.”

Seo Jeong-woon stubbornly insisted to the end while grumbling. He showed no signs of backing down. No matter how little Do Yi-hyun smiled, it was an unacceptable demand.

“I was surprised both of them are tall.”

Instead of coaxing and appeasing Seo Jeong-woon, Do Yi-hyun vaguely changed the subject.

“…Noona and Hyung are also a little over 190cm.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had clearly seen through his scheme, gave a haughty sidelong glance but pretended not to know and let it pass. Do Yi-hyun fiddled with Seo Jeong-woon’s nape and nodded. No matter if they were Alphas, cases over 190cm were rare.

On the other hand, Seo Jeong-woon’s mother was barely over 160cm tall. Her words about waiting for the three brothers to bring home a ‘cute Omega’ were somewhat understandable.

Though what Seo Jeong-woon actually introduced was me, who has a better physique than most Alphas. Do Yi-hyun felt apologetic inwardly, and was also flustered because Seo Jeong-woon’s mother’s words about liking him seemed sincere. Seo Jeong-woon’s mother kept praising Do Yi-hyun, who was three or four times larger than herself, as cute.

Each time, Seo Jeong-woon nodded vigorously beside her. With a very proud expression. Strictly speaking, the gentle Seo Jeong-woon was much cuter than the blunt me.

Somehow, it was clear that Seo Jeong-woon and his mother had different standards for what’s cute than ordinary people. Although they resembled each other in many ways starting from looks, I don’t know why Seo Jeong-woon hates being told he takes after his mother.

“They’re similar to you, Jeong-woon.”

“…I told you I’m 188cm.”

Seo Jeong-woon narrowed his eyes and grumbled. Did he say he feels a sense of distance if someone is over 190cm? It was a belated worry now.

Instead of scolding him for the meaningless lie, Do Yi-hyun lightly pecked his reddish lips. Perhaps his adaptability was better than he thought, as now when facing Seo Jeong-woon, he felt empty if he didn’t kiss him.

“Don’t be interested in other Alphas.”

“I understand.”

“Anyway, I’m the prettiest.”

Seo Jeong-woon brought his face close and winked cutely. He couldn’t be more confident.

“That’s correct.”

Do Yi-hyun immediately acknowledged it. It was an objective fact, excluding subjective evaluation. There is no Alpha prettier than Seo Jeong-woon.

“You like my face too, right?”

Then Seo Jeong-woon puffed up his chest with a fully elated expression. Do Yi-hyun carefully caressed Seo Jeong-woon’s clear and gorgeous features. Pretty.

Handsome. Cool. Seo Jeong-woon must have heard all sorts of things like that all day since he was young.

He should have gotten tired of it, but even when Do Yi-hyun half-forced compliments like now, Seo Jeong-woon rejoiced as if hearing them for the first time. Very occasionally, he even shyly blushed. Perhaps because he no longer hid his true feelings.

Even without expressing it in words, it naturally conveyed that Seo Jeong-woon liked him. Do Yi-hyun’s hand stroking Seo Jeong-woon’s hair softened subtly.

“…May I ask how it was back then.”

Do Yi-hyun, who had been contemplating while looking into the shiny grayish-brown eyes, cautiously asked. Although there was a bone in the words, the easygoing Seo Jeong-woon couldn’t manage his expression at his siblings’ mischievous jokes.

“Hmm. I wish Lee Hyun didn’t know…”

As unfavorable talk came out, Seo Jeong-woon trailed off and buried his face in Do Yi-hyun’s chest.

“You don’t want to talk about it.”

Do Yi-hyun asked flatly again, placing a hand on Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder. He didn’t want to pry if Seo Jeong-woon didn’t want to. Even though they promised to be honest with each other, he didn’t need to know every single thing about the other person.

“…It was just the first time I raised my voice at Mother. To the point I almost got disowned by Father?”

Seo Jeong-woon rubbed his forehead against Do Yi-hyun’s embrace and mumbled in a reluctant tone.

“It wasn’t because of Mother that I left.”

Do Yi-hyun hurriedly added. No wonder, right before parting, Seo Jeong-woon’s mother repeatedly thanked him and hugged him tightly; it seemed the situation was more serious than he thought.

“Mhm. I know. I made up with Mother. You saw earlier. Actually, I was angry at myself.”

“I’m sorry. I…”

“Darling.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been burying his nose in Do Yi-hyun’s collarbone, stretched his neck and bit his lip. It meant to stop apologizing. When Do Yi-hyun licked with the tip of his tongue, Seo Jeong-woon somewhat impatiently pushed between his lips.

A ticklish kiss followed. He wanted to close his eyes like this, but Do Yi-hyun quickly pulled his head back. There were still more things he wanted to ask.

“Just a little more.”

Seo Jeong-woon anxiously chased, but Do Yi-hyun raised his hand to cover his mouth.

“Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon scoldingly bit the back of Do Yi-hyun’s hand without hurting him.

“Why didn’t you tell them about Do-dam?”

Do Yi-hyun clasped his hand over Seo Jeong-woon’s hand that was stroking his belly. Perhaps because it was amazing that his once firm belly was protruding, whenever he was beside him, Seo Jeong-woon always caressed Do Yi-hyun’s lower abdomen.

“It’s because Lee Hyun doesn’t know. Lee Hyun might have really been kidnapped.”

Seo Jeong-woon furrowed his brow and let out a deep sigh.

“Our Grandmother’s wish is to see her great-grandchild before she dies, but Noona and Hyung still aren’t married. Now imagine hearing that the Omega carrying the child of her favorite youngest grandson exists. If they found out we weren’t dating after investigating Lee Hyun thoroughly, they would have created a situation where they had no choice but to take the child, right? Grandmother is more open-minded than anyone in other aspects, but in that regard, she’s an old-fashioned person who’s completely blocked off.”

The Chairman of Taewon Group, whom he had encountered through the media, was a figure of stature who built one of Korea’s leading conglomerates with his bare hands. But hearing it from Seo Jeong-woon’s mouth felt different.

‘Do-dam being taken away?’

Just a brief assumption made stress rise enough to make his nape stiffen.

“I was already deeply in love with Lee Hyun, and if that happened, you would have hated me. Do you know how careful I was so it wouldn’t reach Grandmother’s ears?”

Seo Jeong-woon noticed Do Yi-hyun’s tension and strongly released pheromones while patting his lower back. Do Yi-hyun looked down at Seo Jeong-woon and tightly closed his mouth. So that also meant he had instantly seen through his obsession with the child and used it.

In reality, Seo Jeong-woon used it quite thriftily.

“Anyway, it’s fortunate, right?”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled shamelessly. Each time he moved his head, his well-textured hair flowed softly. Do Yi-hyun lifted Seo Jeong-woon’s chin with his hand.

Seo Jeong-woon’s naturally disheveled appearance was quite satisfying. It’s a sight only I can see from now on. I hope so.

Once again, a surge of possessiveness welled up. Do Yi-hyun kissed Seo Jeong-woon’s cheek, which was puffed up. For a moment, the same shampoo scent as his wafted faintly.

“Eut…”

Suddenly, his belly felt hot and his waist twitched. A dizzying heat began to rise as if another heat was coming. Even though he was in his final month of pregnancy, his pheromones still ran wild as they pleased.

Moreover, he was tired enough to fall asleep at any moment.

“Huu.”

Do Yi-hyun slumped over Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulder and inhaled the sweet pheromones deeply. The uncontrolled Omega’s pheromones spread out in all directions. It was strange that despite clear symptoms, no cause could be found even after all sorts of tests.

“Lee Hyun?”

Seo Jeong-woon firmly held the slumping Do Yi-hyun. The faintly wafting fig-scented pheromones noticeably thickened.

“Are you excited?”

Seo Jeong-woon followed the sticky Omega’s pheromones and licked up his neck. When he stroked the tailbone over the clothes, Do Yi-hyun’s thighs tensed up tightly.

“Wait, ah…”

Do Yi-hyun shook his head vigorously to tell him to stop, but Seo Jeong-woon persistently caressed his tailbone. Just from rounding and stroking it, the back became damply wet.

“Shall I lick it?”

Seo Jeong-woon asked blatantly, sticking out his bright red tongue.

“I’m tired.”

Do Yi-hyun gritted his teeth. Once swept up by pheromones, they would mix their bodies with the momentum of staying up all night. It was still at a tolerable level, but he worried that if he got more excited, it might strain the baby.

“Mhm. That’s why I’ll just lick it. I won’t go all the way.”

Seo Jeong-woon gently rubbed his lips against Do Yi-hyun’s ear and whispered sweetly. His low voice was lewd. Do Yi-hyun widened his eyes and glared at him.

Seo Jeong-woon smiled with his eyes narrowed softly. It was a smile so pretty it made his belly ache. He wanted to lock him up at home like this and hide him so no one could see him.

Destructive desire surged. Do Yi-hyun grabbed the back of Seo Jeong-woon’s head.

“Ouch.”

Seo Jeong-woon feigned pain and tilted his head back. Do Yi-hyun, whose reason snapped in an instant, immediately covered his lips. But Seo Jeong-woon didn’t open his mouth.

Even when he sharpened his tongue tip to lick, or bit with his canine teeth, he didn’t budge an inch.

“Open your mouth.”

Do Yi-hyun urged impatiently with their lips pressed together.

“How can you say such lewd things.”

Though it felt urgent enough to die, Seo Jeong-woon rubbed his nose bridge against Do Yi-hyun’s cheek and smiled like a cluster of flowers. But when Do Yi-hyun tried to roughly press his lips again, he raised his hand to block it as if taking revenge for earlier. Do Yi-hyun irritably licked the back of Seo Jeong-woon’s hand.

Through the thin mucous membrane, he could clearly feel the thick tendons.

“You have to answer.”

Seo Jeong-woon looked at the agitated Do Yi-hyun with delight and chuckled.

“…Lick it.”

Do Yi-hyun muttered like a sigh. He couldn’t believe he was being made to wait just for this.

“Pretty.”

Only then did Seo Jeong-woon remove his hand and obediently open his lips. Do Yi-hyun immediately shoved his tongue deep into Seo Jeong-woon’s throat as he usually did.

“Mhm.”

Seo Jeong-woon deliberately made his throat sound sweet and received it several times. Then he suddenly bit Do Yi-hyun’s tongue hard. While Do Yi-hyun paused momentarily, Seo Jeong-woon’s tongue filled Do Yi-hyun’s mouth.

“Ah, hheup, eut.”

Seo Jeong-woon explored Do Yi-hyun’s mouth without showing any mercy. Do Yi-hyun gasped for breath, panting, while pulling Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulders. He didn’t want to be apart for even one second.

He was clearly straddling Seo Jeong-woon’s thigh, but when he came to his senses, he was lying back against the sofa. The neatly fastened pajama buttons were half undone, and his bottoms and underwear were draped over the middle of his thighs. Seo Jeong-woon was fiddling with Do Yi-hyun’s fully exposed genitals with his long fingers.

“Bed, let’s go to the bed.”

Do Yi-hyun grabbed Seo Jeong-woon’s wrist. He wanted to touch Seo Jeong-woon freely too, but the sofa was inconvenient for changing positions.

“Where did you learn to seduce like that?”

Seo Jeong-woon tilted his head, spouting nonsense. He seemed unwilling to move. Do Yi-hyun gritted his teeth and glared at him.

“You’re too wild, Darling.”

“Mhm.”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a heated sigh, lowered his gaze, and licked Do Yi-hyun’s eyeball. He seemed ready to get excited just from Do Yi-hyun’s glance. Of course, Do Yi-hyun felt the same way.

Even if Seo Jeong-woon just fluttered his eyelashes, his waist tingled.

“Hurry….”

Do Yi-hyun wrapped his arms around Seo Jeong-woon’s neck and released a flood of pheromones.

“Haha, if you do this, I really can’t leave.”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a clear laugh and carefully lifted Do Yi-hyun up.

“Haa.”

Do Yi-hyun rubbed his nose bridge against Seo Jeong-woon’s nape and wiggled his hips. Seo Jeong-woon tried to be careful not to touch, but his lower abdomen brushed against the fiercely erect cock. He wanted to touch and lick Seo Jeong-woon’s hot, hard cock.

Do Yi-hyun unconsciously swallowed his saliva. But as soon as Seo Jeong-woon sat him on the edge of the bed, he knelt on the floor. Then he immediately buried his face in Do Yi-hyun’s crotch.

“Hngk…!”

A sharp, surging pleasure made Do Yi-hyun throw his head back and tremble from his shoulders. Seo Jeong-woon sucked Do Yi-hyun’s cock so strongly it seemed he might swallow it whole. A wet sound echoed.

“Ah, hng, mh!”

Do Yi-hyun grabbed Seo Jeong-woon’s head and moved his hips. It was frustrating that his body wouldn’t move as he wished. His once clear black pupils were already half unfocused.

Having the most sensitive area intensely stimulated, he couldn’t control his body. It felt like his cock might slip out.

“Haaah….”

Do Yi-hyun let out a moan higher than usual and bit his lower lip tightly. In his drowsy, fatigued state, the sharp pleasure mercilessly clawed at him, turning his mind white.

“Mhm. You’re being good.”

Seo Jeong-woon grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s thighs, which kept trying to close, and spread them wide.

“With the door, open, hngk!”

Do Yi-hyun was horrified, but Seo Jeong-woon didn’t leave his soft cock alone for a second. He pressed the base with his lips, then gently scraped the glans with his front teeth without hurting him. Only after clear fluid finally spurted from Do Yi-hyun’s cock did Seo Jeong-woon make a satisfied expression.

“Haa, haa.”

Soaked in the afterglow, Do Yi-hyun exhaled shallow breaths, intermittently convulsing. Even though he had only reached a light climax once, all strength drained from his body. Seo Jeong-woon took advantage of Do Yi-hyun’s limp state to thoroughly taste his twitching cock.

Then he slowly moved up and nibbled around the pelvic area. Soon, his red lips touched Do Yi-hyun’s lower abdomen. Seo Jeong-woon gently traced the gentle curve, soothingly patting his sides.

He also traced the now quite blurred lines of his abs with the tip of his tongue.

“Hng.”

Do Yi-hyun swallowed a moan and furrowed his neat eyebrows. He thought Seo Jeong-woon meant he’d lick him down there, but it seemed he intended to lick every nook and cranny of his entire body without missing a spot. Soon, Seo Jeong-woon’s nose tip brushed against Do Yi-hyun’s lower chest.

At that moment, Seo Jeong-woon’s calm gaze changed abruptly. While caressing the swollen belly area, he was endlessly careful, but then he suddenly bit Do Yi-hyun’s chest fiercely.

“Ngk…!”

Do Yi-hyun threw his head back from the pain-accompanied pleasure. Do Yi-hyun’s upper body, already leaning back, completely fell backward.

“You should be careful.”

Seo Jeong-woon supported Do Yi-hyun’s back and naturally climbed on top of him.

“Darling, your chest is really pretty. You know that?”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled brightly, gathered Do Yi-hyun’s chest with both hands, and kneaded it. Then he lowered his head and took the left nipple into his mouth.

“Nng, hng….”

Do Yi-hyun moved his parched lips. Even though he had just ejaculated not long ago, the subtle pleasure persisted, and soon transparent fluid beaded at the tip of his cock. It’s normal for Omegas not to get fully erect, let alone ejaculate properly, during pregnancy.

But Do Yi-hyun often leaked thin fluid like this now. Clearly, a strange habit had formed because Seo Jeong-woon constantly stimulated him during intercourse. He worried he might not be able to ejaculate properly even after giving birth.

“Ah…!”

Noticing Do Yi-hyun’s distraction, Seo Jeong-woon bit the nipple quite hard.

“Focus on me, Darling.”

Seo Jeong-woon rubbed his nose bridge against the nicely raised upper chest and mumbled discontentedly. Then, without giving Do Yi-hyun time to answer, he started sucking his chest strongly.

“Hngk, a little, gently, ah, haa….”

Stimulating by pressing down on the nipple with his tongue tip, his waist naturally lifted. Do Yi-hyun couldn’t bring himself to push him away and instead tightly gripped Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulders. Seo Jeong-woon slightly eased the pressure and traced circles around the opposite areola with his thumb.

Do Yi-hyun dug his nails into his back. It was a bit better than before, but the tingling sensation remained. Seo Jeong-woon kept biting and sucking only the left chest.

For the right chest, he just gently stroked it, occasionally pretending it was a mistake and flicking the erect nipple.

“Ahngk.”

Whenever Do Yi-hyun let out a low moan from frustration, Seo Jeong-woon tormented the left nipple even more persistently. It was clearly intentional. When Do Yi-hyun, unable to bear it, tried to touch it himself, Seo Jeong-woon grabbed his wrist to stop him.

“Why, there, touch, ahngk….”

Finally, Do Yi-hyun lightly pushed Seo Jeong-woon’s head away. He tried to let it be if possible, but it was too persistent. Clearly, if left like this, he would play around for an hour or two until the left nipple swelled up.

Unexpectedly, Seo Jeong-woon obediently pulled his head away.

“Haha, only this one got bigger. It’s red and cute.”

He smiled, gently tickling the wet nipple with his fingernail. Of course, that made sense since he had sucked only one side for a long time.

“You know what? Your chest is also softer than before.”

Seo Jeong-woon grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s chest quite firmly. Then he gently scraped the bulging muscle between his fingers with his front teeth.

“Hngk.”

Do Yi-hyun frowned. It seemed he couldn’t control his strength well due to excitement. His chest felt quite tingly.

It seemed like hand marks would be left all over by tomorrow.

‘…Is he doing this on purpose?’

It was a quite plausible guess. Seo Jeong-woon delighted in the traces of himself left on Do Yi-hyun’s body.

“Ah, mh…!”

But before Do Yi-hyun could scold him, Seo Jeong-woon sank his teeth into his collarbone. From the collarbone up to the shoulder and neck. Perhaps because Do Yi-hyun didn’t go to the company anymore.

Seo Jeong-woon now left marks arbitrarily without even asking for permission. Do Yi-hyun obediently offered his neck and stroked Seo Jeong-woon’s nape.

“Ah, Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon gently caressed Do Yi-hyun but occasionally grabbed his buttocks with impatient hands, pressing their lower bodies tightly together. The heavily erect cock pressed against Do Yi-hyun’s crotch. But Seo Jeong-woon soon retreated with a regretful expression.

It seemed he intended to keep his promise not to enter.

“Lee Hyun, how is there any part of you that isn’t pretty? Your collarbone is straight and pretty, your nipples are round and good for sucking, your cock is like marshmallow….”

“Please, can’t you be quiet?”

Do Yi-hyun reached out and covered Seo Jeong-woon’s mouth. If left alone, he would obviously endlessly spout nonsensical praises.

“Even though I look like this, I’m restraining myself. Our Do-dam should only hear pretty words.”

Seo Jeong-woon stuck out his tongue, licking between Do Yi-hyun’s fingers, and shamelessly retorted.

‘Is this what you call restraint?’

What kind of words did he intend to say later? Do Yi-hyun couldn’t even imagine. The person who usually smiled elegantly became particularly lewd in bed.

“What’s wrong with me adoring my Omega?”

Seo Jeong-woon bit Do Yi-hyun’s fingertip and shrugged his shoulders. Do Yi-hyun bit the soft flesh inside his mouth. Just as Seo Jeong-woon is his Alpha, he is his Omega.

Even though it was an obvious statement, hearing it directly felt strange. His heart tickled.

“You’re really cute.”

Noticing Do Yi-hyun’s embarrassment, Seo Jeong-woon smiled with narrowed eyes. Do Yi-hyun impulsively kissed Seo Jeong-woon. He licked the slightly swollen lips and bit the hot tongue.

“Mhm. No, Darling.”

It was obvious he liked it, but Seo Jeong-woon pretended to be troubled, drooping his eyebrows. Do Yi-hyun ignored Seo Jeong-woon’s nonsense, passionately tangling their tongues and stroking his back. He quite liked how Seo Jeong-woon’s back muscles moved dynamically with each breath.

Do Yi-hyun stretched his arm further down, trying to undo Seo Jeong-woon’s pants. But before he could even grab his cock, he was stopped by Seo Jeong-woon.

“Darling, are you underestimating me or overestimating me?”

Seo Jeong-woon tilted his head and asked seriously. Lust clearly flickered in his grayish-brown eyes.

“I just trust you.”

Seo Jeong-woon wouldn’t do anything harmful to him. Do Yi-hyun answered flatly, pushed Seo Jeong-woon’s hand away, and fondled his cock. The hot heat transmitted through his palm made Do Yi-hyun flush as well.

“…You shouldn’t say that now, Lee Hyun.”

“What’s wrong with me adoring my Alpha?”

Do Yi-hyun returned Seo Jeong-woon’s exact words and stroked the long cock up and down.

“I’m going crazy.”

Seo Jeong-woon muttered in a voice devoid of laughter, barely audible. His expression wasn’t clear due to the backlight.

“Are you going to keep acting adorable?”

He soon smiled again and rubbed his lips against Do Yi-hyun’s cheek.

“But this time it’s my turn. You can adore me all you want later. Kiss me too.”

Seo Jeong-woon winked and grabbed both of Do Yi-hyun’s wrists with one hand. Then he buried his face between Do Yi-hyun’s legs again. Since they started dating, Seo Jeong-woon had coaxed Do Yi-hyun with soft words and eventually gotten everything he wanted.

He pretended to lose every time, but it wasn’t much different from before. Yet, it wasn’t hateful, which was a problem. Seo Jeong-woon rubbed his lips along the pale fluid flowing down the shaft of the cock.

“Ahng, mh, ahngk….”

Do Yi-hyun lifted his hips with his knees raised. Seo Jeong-woon didn’t miss that gap and lowered his head further. He spread his tongue wide and swept over the plump perineum several times.

“Haa….”

Do Yi-hyun exhaled the breath that had risen to his chin. Even though his back hadn’t been touched yet, it was already soaked. Seo Jeong-woon smiled mysteriously and stroked Do Yi-hyun’s tailbone with his hand.

Then he suddenly started biting the inner thighs, knees, and ankles.

“Stop licking strange places.”

Do Yi-hyun, heated in the head, frowned and grabbed the back of Seo Jeong-woon’s head, pulling it toward his cock. He could no longer be satisfied with clumsy pleasure.

“You’re too wild, I said.”

Seo Jeong-woon grumbled as if scolding but obediently grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s buttocks.

“Nng….”

Do Yi-hyun slightly twisted his waist. Partly due to pleasure, but mostly because lying straight was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

“Sorry. I’m too excited.”

Seo Jeong-woon immediately turned Do Yi-hyun sideways to lie down. Then he messily licked his back. The hot tongue poked between the folds, and occasionally fingertips shallowly entered and exited.

“Haa, ah, aang….”

Do Yi-hyun curled his upper body and tightly gripped his own cock. He tried blocking the urethral opening with his thumb, but watery fluid kept leaking out every time he shuddered from the sensation.

“Nngk.”

After sucking around the entrance for a while, Seo Jeong-woon suddenly took a big bite of the smooth buttock. Then he brought the hard, erect cock close.

“Tell me if it’s hard.”

Seo Jeong-woon whispered softly and pushed his cock between Do Yi-hyun’s firm thighs. The cock, as thick as a forearm, skillfully moved through the narrow gap as if digging into the inner walls.

“Hng, aangngk.”

Do Yi-hyun let go of his cock and grabbed the sheets. The hard glans lightly brushed past the perineum and cock to the lower abdomen. It wasn’t painful since it was already soaked with fluid, but friction heat made it burn.

“Nngk, nng, ah….”

Unfamiliar with the sensation, Do Yi-hyun trembled from his shoulders. Especially whenever Seo Jeong-woon’s glans regularly pressed against the base of his cock, a strange sexual sensation surged. It felt like the pleasure of ejaculation was subtly continuing.

“Jeong-woon, ah, hng.”

Do Yi-hyun pressed his back tightly against Seo Jeong-woon’s chest. Part of him wanted to escape the unfamiliar pleasure, but part of him also wanted to rely on him.

“Nng, Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon gnawed on Do Yi-hyun’s nape and gripped his pelvis even more firmly. Do Yi-hyun placed his hand over Seo Jeong-woon’s. The veins on the fine back of his hand were prominently bulging.

Even while moving his hips, thoroughly excited, Seo Jeong-woon persistently observed Do Yi-hyun’s condition. He ascertained that Do Yi-hyun wasn’t in pain and moved even faster.

“Ah, no, stop, ah, hngk!”

Perhaps due to the persistent stimulation. Even without insertion, transparent fluid spurted from both front and back. Do Yi-hyun trembled finely, unable to breathe properly.

“Lee Hyun, look at me.”

Judging that he shouldn’t stimulate Do Yi-hyun any further, Seo Jeong-woon swallowed his regret and pulled out his cock. Instead, he looked down at Do Yi-hyun and started masturbating. Thump, thump, thump.

The sound of impatiently stroking flesh was heard. Do Yi-hyun opened his heavy eyelids and looked up at Seo Jeong-woon. When their eyes met, Seo Jeong-woon gritted his teeth irritably.

His expression showed no trace of leisure. The corner of Do Yi-hyun’s mouth curved faintly. He was overjoyed that Seo Jeong-woon desired him.

If he could, he wanted to take Seo Jeong-woon’s cock in his mouth and induce ejaculation, just as Seo Jeong-woon had done. But he didn’t have the strength to move a single finger.

‘I want it.’

The moment Do Yi-hyun harbored a clear desire, an Omega’s pheromones, containing pure base possessiveness, engulfed Seo Jeong-woon.

“Nngk.”

Seo Jeong-woon bowed his head deeply and tightly gripped his cock. If his patience had been just a little weaker, he would have gone wild as if in rut. That’s how lethal Do Yi-hyun’s pheromones were.

“Ah, Do Yi-hyun….”

Seo Jeong-woon anxiously gnawed on Do Yi-hyun’s nape. Soon, thick semen spurted from Seo Jeong-woon’s cock. The sticky fluid flowed down Do Yi-hyun’s chest.

The amount was considerable.

“We’ll have to wash again.”

After looking down at Do Yi-hyun with a stiff expression for a moment, Seo Jeong-woon soon smiled playfully. Contrary to his words suggesting he’d head to the bathroom immediately, he clung tightly to Do Yi-hyun’s back and kneaded the chest smeared with semen. Seo Jeong-woon caressed the slightly swollen belly and planted small kisses on his shoulder.

He also subtly rubbed his unrelenting cock against Do Yi-hyun’s buttocks. Do Yi-hyun’s body, where the sexual sensation hadn’t subsided yet, convulsed slightly every time Seo Jeong-woon’s hands touched him. Was this called afterplay?

Though exhausting due to the unending pleasure, it was satisfying. Do Yi-hyun leisurely closed his eyes and leaned against Seo Jeong-woon’s chest. Exchanging light caresses like this wasn’t bad either.

In the past, he wouldn’t have calmed down until he took Seo Jeong-woon’s cock inside, but even the abnormally surging pheromones had somewhat subsided. He felt that his relationship with Seo Jeong-woon had changed in these subtle aspects. Seo Jeong-woon embraced Do Yi-hyun and offered his arm as a pillow.

Do Yi-hyun listlessly rubbed his cheek against his arm. Once the tension broke, sleepiness surged like a tidal wave.

“Lee Hyun, when…… Darling…….”

Seo Jeong-woon’s softly whispering voice began to cut off intermittently. Do Yi-hyun let the corner of his mouth droop. He wanted to savor this cozy feeling more, but he couldn’t resist.

“…Sleepy.”

Mumbling with unclear pronunciation, his memory abruptly cut off.

***

“…What a mess.”

Do Yi-hyun, who had been sleeping soundly, faintly woke to the sound of Seo Jeong-woon muttering discontentedly. Even though his body felt limp and damp, the faintly mixed displeasure in Seo Jeong-woon’s voice bothered him. Soon, Seo Jeong-woon, who had been holding Do Yi-hyun tightly without gaps, grabbed the phone placed by the bedside and sat up.

“Where, are you going.”

He didn’t like the warm body temperature moving away. Without thinking, Do Yi-hyun reflexively pulled Seo Jeong-woon’s waist and buried his face in his embrace. His voice, tired, was not just muffled but cracked at the end.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Seo Jeong-woon quickly lay back down and embraced Do Yi-hyun. With his large hand, he affectionately patted Do Yi-hyun’s back and softly kissed his forehead and the bridge of his nose.

‘Comfortable.’

Do Yi-hyun smoothed out the deep frown that had been etched between his brows.

“Haha.”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a low, throaty laugh and rubbed his lips against Do Yi-hyun’s firm cheek. Even so, he was careful not to fully wake Do Yi-hyun. Pleased by the shower of small kisses, Do Yi-hyun twisted in his sleep and offered his other cheek.

“Our darling has become much more affectionate.”

Seo Jeong-woon pulled up the corners of his distinct mouth into a pleasing shape and kissed him to his heart’s content. Do Yi-hyun, with his eyes closed, stroked Seo Jeong-woon’s side. It was a morning as sweet as his pleasant pheromones.

Seo Jeong-woon cupped Do Yi-hyun’s ear and kissed him for a long while, then glanced toward the head of the bed.

“What is it?”

Do Yi-hyun, who had almost fully regained his senses, asked more clearly. It was still too early in the morning for someone to be contacting them. And it was a Sunday, too.

It was bothersome how Seo Jeong-woon kept glancing at his phone.

“Ah, I got a ton of messages from Grandmother.”

Seo Jeong-woon immediately showed his phone and shrugged nonchalantly. From missed calls to messages, dozens had piled up. Do Yi-hyun blinked.

Somehow, it felt like a strange déjà vu.

“Is it because of Do-dam?”

Do Yi-hyun, his expression hardening, tried to sit up. But Seo Jeong-woon pulled Do Yi-hyun into his embrace and stroked his lower back.

“Mmm. That’s right, but you don’t need to worry about it.”

Seo Jeong-woon muttered in a carefree tone and playfully poked Do Yi-hyun’s crown with his chin.

“How can I not worry? Shouldn’t I at least greet her?”

Do Yi-hyun frowned. Since they were planning to get married anyway, it wouldn’t be bad to meet the elders from both families in advance to get their permission. Now that there was no worry of Do-dam being taken away, there was no reason to avoid Seo Jeong-woon’s grandmother.

“What are you talking about? Absolutely not. Lee Hyun is full-term now. You need to be careful.”

But Seo Jeong-woon widened his large eyes and dissuaded him. It wasn’t something to say from someone who, despite promising to hold back last night, had licked him all over and induced his climax. While Do Yi-hyun looked up at him blankly, Seo Jeong-woon’s phone lit up again.

“I told Grandmother that my darling is physically weak and timid, so she won’t suddenly visit. Our grandmother is really scary. She probably already knows that Lee Hyun is sensitive to other people’s pheromones.”

Seo Jeong-woon said decisively and turned off his phone. His grinning smile was quite mischievous.

“……That’s a lie, isn’t it?”

“Mmm. It’s not exactly a lie.”

Despite Do Yi-hyun’s rebuttal, Seo Jeong-woon smiled slyly.

“It is.”

Do Yi-hyun denied it again. Strictly speaking, it was true that his body had been temporarily weakened, but he couldn’t accept being called timid at all.

“I don’t want to show Lee Hyun to anyone. I want to keep him hidden away and have him look only at me for the rest of his life.”

Seo Jeong-woon deftly changed the subject and planted a kiss on Do Yi-hyun’s nape, which was covered in red marks. Do Yi-hyun firmly pressed his lips together but leaned his head against Seo Jeong-woon. Just like the expression ‘my Omega’ from last night, the word ‘for the rest of my life’ coming from Seo Jeong-woon’s mouth sounded quite good.

‘He’ll handle it.’

Do Yi-hyun thought complacently and let out a small yawn. Now that he thought about it, his body felt clean. It seemed Seo Jeong-woon had washed him thoroughly after he fell asleep.

But it wasn’t just Seo Jeong-woon’s phone that was busy ringing from the morning. There were several messages from the hospital. They were notifications saying they had found something related to Do Yi-hyun’s pheromones and that he should visit as soon as possible.

“Let’s go quickly, Lee Hyun.”

Unlike when he received a call from his own grandmother, Seo Jeong-woon immediately got up and urged Do Yi-hyun. When Do Yi-hyun moved slowly due to his heavy body, Seo Jeong-woon even scooped him up in his arms.

“There’s no need to rush.”

Do Yi-hyun admonished him, but Seo Jeong-woon only smiled with his eyes crinkled.

***

“Lee Hyun and Do-dam aren’t having any problems, right?”

As soon as they entered the examination room, Seo Jeong-woon skipped the greetings and immediately asked a question. No wonder he had seemed anxious the whole way here, even while smiling brightly; he must have misunderstood the message from the hospital in a different way. If something truly difficult had happened, they would have left a phone call, not a text.

Do Yi-hyun, who had known the Doctor for over ten years, knew it wouldn’t be negative news.

‘Should I have told him?’

Do Yi-hyun felt a little sorry for Seo Jeong-woon. He had thought he was fine because he smiled so prettily, but it seemed he had worried more than expected.

“What problems? Do you wish there were problems?”

The Doctor retorted sarcastically and waved his hand as if telling them to sit down quickly. His tone was irritable, but his wrinkled face was noticeably excited.

“Haa.”

At the Doctor’s unusual attitude, Seo Jeong-woon let out a short sigh.

“It’s okay.”

Do Yi-hyun patted the arm tightly wrapped around his waist and whispered softly. Seo Jeong-woon reacted more sensitively to his health than he had thought.

“Look, can you see this?”

As soon as the two sat down, the Doctor turned on the screen and showed them a video. Against a pure white background, a deep blue color was visible. The blurry shape, like ink dropped in water, showed no movement at all, like a photograph.

Do Yi-hyun nodded indifferently. It was a video he had seen countless times before.

“What is this?”

On the other hand, Seo Jeong-woon looked at it curiously as if seeing it for the first time.

“This is Lee Hyun’s pheromones visualized in a special solution. This is normal Omega pheromones.”

The Doctor immediately pulled up another video next to it. It was a video containing an equally deep blue shape, but unlike Do Yi-hyun’s pheromones, it wriggled incessantly like a living creature.

“……Lee Hyun’s pheromones have no movement.”

Seo Jeong-woon muttered in a serious tone.

“It’s been like that since they manifested. I don’t know if the pheromones aren’t activated because the Omega trait is weak, or if the Omega trait isn’t revealed because the pheromones are weak.”

The Doctor added a brief explanation.

“So why did you call us?”

Do Yi-hyun wrapped his arms around his bulging stomach and asked directly. He wouldn’t have urgently called them just to talk about something they already knew.

“Ah, right. This time, the baby’s mother donated pheromones, didn’t he?”

The Doctor glanced at Seo Jeong-woon. His still dissatisfied expression was evident, but his gaze toward Seo Jeong-woon seemed much softer than before.

“Taking that opportunity, I ran various tests with your pheromones just in case. It’s just too strange that you, you punk, have no rejection reaction only to those pheromones, no matter how I think about it. If we find the cause, we might be able to solve it.”

The Doctor shook his head. It was clear he had been about to call Seo Jeong-woon ‘that rascal’ in the middle but hastily corrected himself.

Do Yi-hyun glanced slightly at Seo Jeong-woon. He was frowning subtly. It couldn’t be because of the title.

Probably, aside from being worried, he seemed inwardly pleased that Do Yi-hyun disliked other people’s pheromones. Since he himself possessed considerable possessiveness, he could fully understand. Now, since Seo Jeong-woon was careful, it wouldn’t happen, but even in the distant future, if someone else’s pheromones got on him, he would likely get angry.

“But look.”

Click. The Doctor raised his voice excitedly and pressed the keyboard hard. In the new video, there were red pheromones moving actively next to Do Yi-hyun’s pheromones.

“Is that my pheromones?”

“At least you’re not a complete fool. Look carefully.”

In response to Seo Jeong-woon’s question, the Doctor grumbled unnecessarily. Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones, tinged with a red shape, slowly moved toward Do Yi-hyun’s pheromones. Until then, Do Yi-hyun’s pheromones hadn’t moved at all.

It was when the tips of the two pheromones, which had been swaying as if about to touch, finally made contact. Do Yi-hyun’s pheromones began to move violently. It was a sight Do Yi-hyun was seeing for the first time too.

“The movement now isn’t what’s important. Look here, here.”

With an impatient gesture, the Doctor pointed to the area where the two pheromones intertwined. Subtly, the part that had come into contact with Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones had turned purple.

“When an Alpha and Omega have good compatibility, they intertwine like this, but the color doesn’t change. But Lee Hyun, your pheromones turned purple. Do you know what this means?”

The Doctor’s eyes sparkled as he looked back and forth between Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon. Do Yi-hyun slowly shook his head, and Seo Jeong-woon stroked his chin with a peculiar expression.

“It means you, Lee Hyun, possess both Alpha and Omega traits simultaneously. The dominant trait is Omega, which is why it appears red, but because Alpha qualities are inherent, you haven’t reacted to other Alpha pheromones until now.”

The Doctor could no longer contain his excitement.

“It seems you were correct about being an unmanifested Alpha before awakening as an Omega. To possess both Alpha and Omega traits, it’s unprecedented. It’s a world first, this is.”

Only now did Do Yi-hyun understand why the Doctor was more excited than usual. He seemed thrilled at the thought of publishing a new research paper.

“Then why do Lee Hyun’s pheromones only react to my pheromones? Could it be that I have Omega traits……”

“Don’t talk nonsense. What kind of Omega are you?”

At Seo Jeong-woon’s question, the Doctor made a horrified expression and shuddered. Then, his complexion darkened further.

“……Do you really need to know the reason? Lee Hyun, can’t you hear it alone first?”

The Doctor glanced at Do Yi-hyun. It seemed he wanted to talk to him alone after sending Seo Jeong-woon out.

“Please tell us now.”

But Do Yi-hyun shook his head. There was no longer any need to hide his traits from Seo Jeong-woon. No, rather, he should tell him.

“……He did.”

The Doctor, who had been talking loudly until now, muttered in a voice so soft it was barely audible.

“What did you say?”

“……He said he did.”

Seo Jeong-woon asked again, but this time too, the crucial first word wasn’t heard. At this point, it seemed he just didn’t want to say it.

“Doctor.”

Do Yi-hyun called the Doctor reproachfully. The Doctor, who let out a deep sigh, reluctantly opened his mouth.

“……It’s because Lee Hyun imprinted on you.”

“Imprinting?”

Seo Jeong-woon whipped his head around to look at Do Yi-hyun. His grayish-brown pupils were shimmering so much it seemed they might spill over any moment.

“Lee Hyun, you imprinted on me?”

“……What does that mean?”

Do Yi-hyun was equally flustered.

“Unlike Omegas who can only sense their mate’s pheromones, Alphas become sensitive to pheromones of all traits when they imprint. It’s the same for you, but since you’re carrying an Alpha child too, it seems to have manifested strongly, like pheromone rejection syndrome.”

“……”

Do Yi-hyun was at a loss for words. He had suspected once or twice that it might be the case. But it was hard to believe that he had carelessly imprinted on Seo Jeong-woon on their first night, which he couldn’t even remember.

Although the exact mechanism is unknown, Alphas and Omegas imprint when they consider each other mates. Imprinting unilaterally is a very unusual phenomenon.

“Lee Hyun.”

The quick-witted Seo Jeong-woon seemed to have immediately realized when Do Yi-hyun had imprinted on him. Seo Jeong-woon tightly grasped Do Yi-hyun’s hand. Do Yi-hyun reflexively held his hand back but lowered his gaze.

Even though he knew the Doctor wouldn’t lie, he simply couldn’t believe it. Do Yi-hyun left the hospital half out of his mind. Since the due date was approaching, they discussed the surgery date and various other things, but nothing remained in his head.

Do Yi-hyun got into the car with a dazed expression. In his hand, he held an explanation about imprinting Alphas and Omegas. Before leaving the examination room, the Doctor had grumbled and shoved it into his hand.

“You imprinted on me? Lee Hyun, on me?”

Seo Jeong-woon also had a blank expression and had been muttering only that since earlier. He forgot to start the car and stared intently at Do Yi-hyun for a long time. Then, Seo Jeong-woon suddenly grinned.

“Why did you imprint on me? You didn’t even know it was me back then. Did you like my face that much to imprint at first sight?”

Seo Jeong-woon rested his chin lightly and fluttered his eyelashes. Even though he was blatantly acting cute, it looked so good it was a problem.

“……”

Do Yi-hyun maintained his silence. His memory of what happened back then was vague, so there was no way he could know how he had imprinted.

“I’ll have to take good care of you from now on.”

Now that it seemed to sink in that Do Yi-hyun had imprinted on him, Seo Jeong-woon smiled brightly. He seemed quite happy.

“……What should I do? It seems I like you more. Now I have to lose.”

Do Yi-hyun pinched Seo Jeong-woon’s flushed cheek and said bluntly.

“Uh……”

At that moment, the corners of Seo Jeong-woon’s eyes, which had been full of laughter, twisted in distress.

“No. I still like you more.”

Seo Jeong-woon rubbed his cheek against Do Yi-hyun’s palm and complained unfairly.

“That’s unfair. Imprinting all by yourself. Let me imprint too.”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been acting smugly, quickly became impatient and didn’t know what to do. He didn’t seem to be pretending; he seemed genuinely upset.

“Will that make you imprint?”

Do Yi-hyun replied indifferently and pulled Seo Jeong-woon’s head to kiss him.

“Try your best.”

Although he was flustered, the fact that he had imprinted on Seo Jeong-woon wasn’t so bad. Seo Jeong-woon made groaning sounds but still couldn’t hide his happy expression.

“I love you, Lee Hyun.”

At Seo Jeong-woon’s sudden confession, Do Yi-hyun firmly pressed his lips together. He often said he liked him, but this was the first time he said he loved him.

“I love you.”

Seo Jeong-woon whispered again and kissed the corner of Do Yi-hyun’s mouth. No trace of anxiety could be found in his voice anymore.

“……I love you too.”

Do Yi-hyun, who had taken a shallow breath for a moment, answered preciously. Somehow, the corners of his eyes stung.

“Haha, I’m happy.”

At Do Yi-hyun’s reply, Seo Jeong-woon laughed brightly. It felt like just his smile brightened the surroundings. Do Yi-hyun couldn’t help but bite Seo Jeong-woon’s lip.

“Let’s go home quickly. I’ll cherish you.”

At Do Yi-hyun’s whisper, Seo Jeong-woon’s smiling eyes deepened further.