By Zephyria Day by day, a very peaceful and satisfying daily life continued. Just having Seo Jeong-woon by his side made Do Yi-hyun feel his nerves naturally relaxing.
“Lee Hyun asked me to become his family. He said he’d take responsibility.”
Seo Jeong-woon shyly blushed and boasted to Do Yi-hyun’s mother. As he did, he pulled Do Yi-hyun’s hand and held it tightly. Do Yi-hyun gave Seo Jeong-woon a disapproving sidelong glance.
It turned out Seo Jeong-woon had been consistently contacting his mother since they first met. Even when Do Yi-hyun had run away from him. Not only that, but he had also looked after his stepbrother, Choi Seon-woo, in various ways.
When Choi Seon-woo heard that Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon were visiting, he postponed an appointment, waited to see them, and then hurriedly left. The image of him following Seo Jeong-woon around, calling him ‘Hyungnim, Hyungnim,’ was still absurd to think about.
Today too, Seo Jeong-woon had insisted on going to see his mother first and had come to pick him up. While absolutely forbidding him from meeting his own family, he did as he pleased.
“I see.”
Do Yi-hyun’s mother, who hadn’t asked for reasons when he revealed he was pregnant or when he said he wouldn’t get married, simply nodded at the news of marriage without further comment. Instead, a faint smile touched the corners of her mouth. Seeing she wasn’t surprised at all, perhaps she had known it would come to this.
Do Yi-hyun strongly clasped Seo Jeong-woon’s hand and lowered his gaze.
“Aren’t you tired?”
After finishing lunch with his mother, Seo Jeong-woon opened the passenger door and asked worriedly.
“I’m fine. But is it alright to take leave so often like this?”
Do Yi-hyun looked around the quiet surroundings with a sense of awkwardness. After the rejected proposal, Seo Jeong-woon kept taking leave at the drop of a hat to enjoy dates with Do Yi-hyun. It seemed like he was off at least half the week.
“Don’t worry. Noona and Hyung will take care of everything.”
Seo Jeong-woon, who had gotten into the driver’s seat, grinned and tilted his head.
“What does that mean?”
Do Yi-hyun briefly frowned. Seo Jeong-woon naturally looked around and then brought his lips close to Do Yi-hyun’s ear as if sharing a secret.
“I went to Grandmother and tattled that Noona and Hyung told Lee Hyun to dump me.”
Seo Jeong-woon whispered in a low, hushed voice and then gave Do Yi-hyun’s ear a peck.
“…Huh?”
Do Yi-hyun obediently offered his ear but also glanced at him incredulously. It was funny that a man well past thirty had tattled on his siblings to his grandmother. But perhaps because it was Seo Jeong-woon, even that suited him without any sense of aversion.
“I went crying that I was upset, so for a while, I can be used comfortably. Grandmother favors me the most. Probably because I was born so pretty.”
Seo Jeong-woon propped his chin and praised his own face very confidently. It wasn’t a wrong statement, but hearing it from his own mouth was astonishing. Do Yi-hyun furrowed his brow and kissed his cheek.
“I told her if Lee Hyun abandoned me, I wouldn’t be able to live. I also said I’d imprint. I did well, right?”
Seo Jeong-woon deliberately blinked and acted cute. Seeing him like this, he definitely showed his maknae (youngest) side. It was quite cute how he chattered on about trivial things.
“That won’t happen.”
“Haha.”
When Do Yi-hyun firmly stated there would be no parting, Seo Jeong-woon laughed happily. Lately, his already radiant face bloomed even more brightly, so when Seo Jeong-woon smiled, it was dazzling.
“I really want to meet our Do-dam soon.”
Seo Jeong-woon stroked Do Yi-hyun’s round belly with an excited expression. He truly seemed to be looking forward to it, sometimes listing vague plans about what he would do once Do-dam was born. Do Yi-hyun quietly nodded.
He didn’t dislike seeing Seo Jeong-woon become a chatterbox only in front of him. Yet, sometimes Seo Jeong-woon would stare intently at Do Yi-hyun’s face with an expression of lingering regret.
“But I also want to be alone with you, Darling.”
His hazel eyes overflowed with affection and desire for Do Yi-hyun. Do Yi-hyun unconsciously swallowed dryly. A pleasant shiver ran through his entire body.
“Do-dam probably didn’t hear that, right?”
Seo Jeong-woon, who had quickly reined in his emotions, winked and smiled mischievously.
“Let’s get going now, nngh.”
Do Yi-hyun grabbed the collar of the retreating Seo Jeong-woon and bit his lip. As if he had been waiting, Seo Jeong-woon curled the corners of his mouth and grasped the nape of Do Yi-hyun’s neck.
***
With about two weeks left until the surgery date, Seo Jeong-woon tried not to leave Do Yi-hyun’s side almost 24/7.
“Is there any discomfort? If there’s even the slightest abnormality, tell me right away.”
Seo Jeong-woon clung persistently to Do Yi-hyun and asked repeatedly. Each time, Do Yi-hyun said he was fine, but whenever he did, Seo Jeong-woon would let out a deep sigh, saying he couldn’t trust Do Yi-hyun’s ‘I’m fine.’
“Alright.”
Do Yi-hyun let Seo Jeong-woon, who was massaging his legs, be and closed his eyes languidly. Seo Jeong-woon, who never left him alone for a moment, should have been annoying, but somehow he only felt endearing. It was something unimaginable in the past.
Do Yi-hyun reached out and tousled Seo Jeong-woon’s hair. Seo Jeong-woon bowed his head as if asking for more, gently releasing his pheromones. Do Yi-hyun took a deep breath of the ticklish scent.
But instead of stroking Seo Jeong-woon’s head further, Do Yi-hyun lowered his hand. As he caressed the smooth forehead and soft cheek, Seo Jeong-woon narrowed his eyes and smiled strangely. Then he pressed his lips against Do Yi-hyun’s palm.
He playfully nibbled on Do Yi-hyun’s fingers, tickling them. The soft, moist sensation made his fingers curl involuntarily. Do Yi-hyun quickly withdrew his hand.
Seo Jeong-woon followed Do Yi-hyun’s hand with a regretful look but didn’t press further. It was because the doctor had repeatedly emphasized that Do Yi-hyun needed to stay comfortable.
“Is there anything you want to eat?”
Seo Jeong-woon, who was clutching Do Yi-hyun’s thigh, asked softly. But Do Yi-hyun kept his mouth shut and shook his head. His appetite had plummeted since last week due to indigestion and a bloated stomach.
“Still, you should eat a little.”
Seo Jeong-woon examined Do Yi-hyun with a worried expression before getting up. He seemed determined to make something simple. Do Yi-hyun also got up to follow him to the kitchen.
“Just lie down and rest. Your body is heavy.”
Seo Jeong-woon supported Do Yi-hyun while urging him to rest. It was the moment Do Yi-hyun tilted his head back and looked at Seo Jeong-woon.
“Ah…….”
Do Yi-hyun suddenly groaned and stopped in his tracks.
“What’s wrong?”
Seo Jeong-woon hurriedly bowed his head, met Do Yi-hyun’s eyes, and carefully held his shoulders.
“……My stomach hurts.”
Do Yi-hyun spoke slowly. A faint, sharp pain rose from his lower abdomen.
“Already?”
Seo Jeong-woon’s face instantly turned pale.
“The hospital, let’s go to the hospital. Quickly…….”
Seo Jeong-woon, who was always composed, fumbled anxiously.
***
With each shallow breath, Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones felt stronger. His consciousness, which had been slowly rising amidst the pheromones of his Alpha surrounding him, awakened even faster.
“Ugh…….”
Do Yi-hyun let out a barely audible groan and struggled to lift his heavy eyelids. After his eyelashes fluttered for a while, he finally managed to open his eyes.
“Lee Hyun-ssi, Lee Hyun-ssi. Are you awake? Do you recognize me?”
Seo Jeong-woon desperately called out while tightly gripping Do Yi-hyun’s hand. Just like before entering the operating room, Seo Jeong-woon’s face was deathly pale. No, it looked even paler and more exhausted.
Even when Do Yi-hyun entered the operating room, Seo Jeong-woon had forced a smile and pretended to be fine, but now he seemed unable to control his expression, as if he might burst into tears at any moment.
“……I…….”
He wanted to call Seo Jeong-woon’s name and comfort him, but even moving his lips felt strenuous. His throat felt so dry it seemed to crack. It was even difficult to hold Seo Jeong-woon’s hand.
‘Is the anesthesia not fully worn off yet?’
Do Yi-hyun stared blankly at Seo Jeong-woon’s face while panting heavily.
“Wait a moment.”
Seo Jeong-woon urgently pressed the nurse call button. Soon, a doctor rushed over, his white coat fluttering roughly.
“……Four days?”
Do Yi-hyun asked hoarsely.
“Yes. You didn’t wake up for four days. If you’d been just one or two days later, it could have been serious.”
According to the doctor, thanks to arriving at the hospital early, the surgery ended successfully, but for some unknown reason, Do Yi-hyun hadn’t woken up for four days. Do Yi-hyun half-listened to the doctor’s scolding-like explanation and turned to look beside him. When their eyes met, Seo Jeong-woon smiled faintly.
He appeared calm on the outside, but still seemed uneasy as he stayed close, carefully stroking Do Yi-hyun’s hand.
“The baby is healthy too. The weight was so low we almost had to put them in an incubator, but…….”
He had been worried about insufficient amniotic fluid, but fortunately, the baby seemed healthy. Do Yi-hyun let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank you, Doctor.”
Do Yi-hyun expressed his gratitude sincerely.
“Alright, alright.”
The doctor pursed his rough lips. He was clearly pretending not to be pleased.
“Thank you.”
Seo Jeong-woon also expressed his gratitude following Do Yi-hyun.
“……Go see the baby.”
Perhaps feeling awkward, the doctor left like the wind.
“Have you seen them, Jeong-woon-ssi?”
Do Yi-hyun asked while leaning his shoulder slightly against Seo Jeong-woon’s embrace.
“Of course. You have no idea how beautiful they are.”
Seo Jeong-woon carefully hugged Do Yi-hyun and kept kissing him. He seemed overjoyed just that Do Yi-hyun was moving and speaking. Soon, a soft knock was heard.
“Do-dam is coming in.”
Instantly, all his relaxed nerves focused on the door. Seeing the baby for the first time, Do Yi-hyun’s breath caught.
‘……They’re this tiny.’
The baby born from his womb was delicate and fragile. It seemed like they might break if touched even lightly. It felt miraculous that this tiny life had eyes, a nose, a mouth, hands, and feet.
Nervousness. Excitement. Fear.
Worry. How should he describe the emotions he was feeling now? Do Yi-hyun felt an indescribable thrill.
Seo Jeong-woon watched Do Yi-hyun and the baby’s first meeting with a beaming smile.
“……Do-dam-ah.”
Do Yi-hyun hesitated for a while before calling the baby. The baby, who had been squirming and making newborn gestures, made a face that seemed to smile. His heart felt like it dropped with a thud.
All the suffering from morning sickness and pheromone rejection syndrome melted away.
“Our daughter is pretty, right?”
Seo Jeong-woon wrapped his arm around Do Yi-hyun’s shoulder and looked at the baby together.
“The nurses are going crazy saying how pretty our Do-dam is. Just like the prenatal name, they look exactly like Lee Hyun-ssi.”
Seo Jeong-woon gently stroked Do-dam’s cheek and smiled contentedly.
“……They resemble Jeong-woon-ssi more.”
Do Yi-hyun muttered without taking his eyes off the baby. The softly curving eyes when smiling were exactly like Seo Jeong-woon’s.
“No, look at the nose bridge. It’s straight like Lee Hyun-ssi’s.”
“Unlike mine, the tip of the nose is delicate, isn’t it?”
“The hair color and lips are exactly like Lee Hyun-ssi, though?”
“Anyone can see the lips are Jeong-woon-ssi’s.”
Do Yi-hyun seriously retorted before shaking his head. It was funny seeing two grown men crouched and exchanging childish remarks. But he didn’t dislike it.
Do Yi-hyun stared at the baby again and again. Indeed, the large eyes and high nose bridge clearly resembled Seo Jeong-woon.
“Don’t overdo it.”
Though Seo Jeong-woon was worried, Do Yi-hyun stubbornly kept looking at Do-dam.
“Want to hold them once?”
“…….”
At Seo Jeong-woon’s suggestion, Do Yi-hyun bit his lower lip and looked down at his own hands. He wasn’t confident he could hold a baby barely the size of his palm.
“Don’t worry.”
Seo Jeong-woon grinned and carefully lifted the wriggling baby. Seo Jeong-woon seemed good at everything, even holding a baby naturally. Do Yi-hyun felt a little jealous.
“Here, hold them well.”
“Wait a moment, Jeong-woon-ssi.”
Seo Jeong-woon gently pushed Do Yi-hyun to sit at an angle and placed the baby against his chest.
“Eep.”
Flustered, Do Yi-hyun awkwardly raised his arms, only wiggling his fingers. The baby’s tiny murmuring sounds tickled his ears. The warm body temperature transmitted through the thin fabric made his heart beat rapidly.
Even though he was on painkillers, the lingering pain in his lower abdomen and the stabbing headache completely disappeared.
“Hahaha.”
Seo Jeong-woon, who was supporting the baby, laughed quietly. Then he grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s wrist and guided his palm to wrap around the baby. Do Yi-hyun held his breath and clumsily patted the baby.
“Ooh, ooh…….”
Perhaps uncomfortable with the stiff touch, the baby squirmed and began to whimper.
“Jeong-woon-ssi.”
Do Yi-hyun looked up at Seo Jeong-woon with a pleading expression. Seo Jeong-woon wrinkled his nose and smiled. Despite his stoic expression, Do Yi-hyun looked like he was about to cry.
“Mmm. It’s okay. Mommy is here.”
Seo Jeong-woon quickly took the baby and patted them. The baby whimpered a little more before soon quieting down.
“Don’t look like that. Do you know how much our Do-dam cried while Lee Hyun-ssi was sleeping? Lee Hyun-ssi will get used to it soon too.”
Seo Jeong-woon, sensing the disappointment in Do Yi-hyun’s eyes, shrugged his shoulders.
“But how long are you going to call me Jeong-woon-ssi? Call me Darling. Or even Jeong-woon Hyung is fine.”
Seo Jeong-woon grumbled while leaning forward so Do Yi-hyun could see the baby more easily.
“…….”
But Do Yi-hyun just silently gazed at the baby. Seo Jeong-woon smiled at him and helped him lie down to rest more. Lying back on the bed, Do Yi-hyun stared intently as Seo Jeong-woon fed the baby formula.
The baby smacked their lips and quickly finished a bottle.
“Good.”
Seo Jeong-woon gently poked the baby’s flushed cheek and changed positions, rhythmically patting their back, which was only the size of a palm. His hands were skilled, as if he had raised two or three children. Do Yi-hyun fiddled with his own fingers for no reason.
It felt like they had just arrived, but soon they had to send the baby back to the nursery. Do Yi-hyun stared blankly at the firmly closed door. The room felt empty after the baby left.
“Do you miss them?”
Seo Jeong-woon sat on the edge of the bed and fiddled with Do Yi-hyun’s ear. Do Yi-hyun slowly nodded. It had passed too quickly.
The baby’s delicate face lingered before his eyes. Strangely, the baby’s face was imprinted in his mind at once and wouldn’t fade.
“……I miss them.”
Do Yi-hyun muttered softly.
“Do you like Do-dam more than me?”
Seo Jeong-woon narrowed his eyes and asked discontentedly. Still, he took out his phone and handed it over.
“What is this?”
“Look.”
Instead of answering, Seo Jeong-woon tapped the screen. Soon, photos and videos of the baby appeared. No matter how many he swiped, there seemed to be no end to how many he had taken over the four days.
“I thought Lee Hyun-ssi would want to see them, so I worked hard to take them.”
“……Thank you.”
The baby in the photos looked even smaller than the one he had just seen. Do Yi-hyun looked at the photos and videos, which seemed almost identical, over and over.
“What should we name the baby?”
Seo Jeong-woon, perhaps a little annoyed that Do Yi-hyun’s attention was solely on the baby, kissed his cheek and spoke.
“How about taking one letter each from Lee Hyun-ssi’s and my name and calling them Jeong-hyun? And the second one can be Lee-woon.”
“……Are we having a second one too?”
“Mmm. I plan to work hard for it.”
Seo Jeong-woon smiled brightly with his eyes crinkled. Do Yi-hyun, with his lips relaxed into a smile, earnestly took in Seo Jeong-woon’s smile, just as he had when looking at the baby.
***
In the first few days after waking up, even moving was uncomfortable, but perhaps due to his robust constitution, his recovery speed noticeably accelerated after three or four days.
Even the doctor was surprised. It felt like his body, which had been a mess during pregnancy, was gradually returning to its original state. Although it was hard to say definitively due to the environment where he was rarely exposed to others’ pheromones, his pheromone rejection syndrome also seemed better than before.
Seo Jeong-woon was relieved but also showed a hint of regret inwardly. Apart from his worries, it seemed he had enjoyed Do Yi-hyun depending on him while being independent. As his condition improved, Do Yi-hyun moved to a postpartum care center.
Since Seo Jeong-woon said he would handle it, Do Yi-hyun left it to him, and he had reserved an obviously luxurious place. Do Yi-hyun briefly frowned, but since he had somewhat expected it when he entrusted it to him, he obediently followed. Seo Jeong-woon, who had even taken paternity leave, stuck closely to Do Yi-hyun, meticulously caring for his every move, literally.
Except when joking around or when he pounced to relieve breast engorgement, Seo Jeong-woon was endlessly affectionate. Seo Jeong-woon was so gentle that Do Yi-hyun sometimes found him unfamiliar.
“Lee Hyun-ssi.”
Seo Jeong-woon called softly and cupped Do Yi-hyun’s cheek as he lay on the bed. Do Yi-hyun rolled only his eyes to look at him. When their eyes met, Seo Jeong-woon smiled faintly.
It was Seo Jeong-woon’s new habit. When Do Yi-hyun was asleep or not moving, he would caress him like this to confirm he was safe. Do Yi-hyun hadn’t known about it for long.
It was two days ago, when Do Yi-hyun had unintentionally dozed off. Seo Jeong-woon quietly approached and cupped Do Yi-hyun’s cheek. Thinking he was just fiddling as usual, Do Yi-hyun noticed the touch felt a bit odd.
Do Yi-hyun quickly realized Seo Jeong-woon wasn’t stroking him but checking if he was breathing. Not stopping there, Seo Jeong-woon placed his hand on Do Yi-hyun’s chest and listened to his heartbeat for a long time. After that, when Do Yi-hyun observed carefully, Seo Jeong-woon would approach and either speak to him or touch his cheek whenever Do Yi-hyun was quiet for a bit, even while doing other things.
He repeated such actions at least ten times just in the morning. Although Do Yi-hyun himself hadn’t strongly felt the danger, Seo Jeong-woon seemed quite shocked that Do Yi-hyun hadn’t woken up immediately after surgery. This time too, instead of reassuring him with words, Do Yi-hyun lightly kissed Seo Jeong-woon’s lips, which were red and swollen from being bitten earlier.
Seo Jeong-woon laughed throatily and hugged Do Yi-hyun.
“Jeong-hyun will be here soon.”
After checking the time, Seo Jeong-woon let out a regretful sigh and rubbed his cheek against Do Yi-hyun’s head. Do Yi-hyun felt the same regret. While meeting the baby was exciting and something to look forward to, their time alone had become even more precious and dear.
In the affectionate embrace filled with love, Do Yi-hyun felt warmth. After considering various options, they eventually named the baby Seo Jeong-hyun, taking one letter from each of their names as Seo Jeong-woon had suggested. Do Yi-hyun silently repeated the baby’s name, which still felt unfamiliar.
Meanwhile, Seo Jeong-woon carefully touched Do Yi-hyun’s slimmed-down stomach. Though he had joked about having a second child, he seemed reluctant, knowing how much Do Yi-hyun had suffered during pregnancy. Soon, a small bed carrying the baby arrived in the room.
Without causing any trouble, the baby had been eating well bit by bit, and now their cheeks had filled out quite a bit, and their body had grown considerably. Still, they were barely the size of a palm. Do Yi-hyun scanned the baby intently once again.
The chubby cheeks were flushed red, and the sparkling eyes were half-hidden by long eyelashes. Whether the baby knew they were the parents or not, they occasionally made eye contact. The way they squirmed and changed expressions was incredibly adorable.
Above all, he was happiest that they were his and Seo Jeong-woon’s child.
“Hoo.”
Do Yi-hyun exhaled. He felt strange every time he faced the baby.
“Ah, uh.”
As the baby began to fuss, Do Yi-hyun quickly reached out. He felt the noticeably heavier weight. Despite Do Yi-hyun’s cautious but stiff touch, the baby soon smiled brightly.
After feeding, changing diapers, and soothing the fussy baby until they finally fell asleep, Do Yi-hyun leaned against the sofa while holding the sleeping baby. Even though he hadn’t done much, he felt completely drained.
Do Yi-hyun was still trying to get closer to the baby. But perhaps due to his stoic personality, it wasn’t easy. At times like this, he envied Seo Jeong-woon’s personality, who could easily talk to the baby and give affectionate smiles.
“See, I told you I’d do it.”
Seo Jeong-woon, who had been helping bit by bit from the side, sat close and massaged Do Yi-hyun’s nape. But Do Yi-hyun shook his head. He didn’t want to leave everything to Seo Jeong-woon.
“They’re our child.”
Not just his child, nor just Seo Jeong-woon’s child. So he wanted to care for them together.
“That’s only natural.”
Seo Jeong-woon shook his head and let out a hollow laugh. He worried about Do Yi-hyun but didn’t try to force him to give up his stubbornness. Do Yi-hyun listened to the soft breathing sounds and gently stroked the baby’s cheek.
Despite the unstable traits, they must have struggled a lot in the womb, so he was grateful they held on until the end.
“Sleeping quietly is exactly like Lee Hyun-ssi.”
“Are you saying that again?”
Unable to agree with such a statement, Do Yi-hyun adjusted his hold on the baby and glared at Seo Jeong-woon. Similar conversations repeated like a broken record, but conversations about the baby never had a chance to become boring. Perhaps because even the baby blinking their eyes felt endlessly fascinating.
I heard that both sets of parents, upon seeing the child, laughed and said he looked exactly like both of them, split right down the middle. But no matter how much Do Yi-hyun looked, in his eyes, the child had all of Seo Jeong-woon’s best features. From the softly curving eyes when he smiled brightly, to the long limbs for a newborn.
[Joo Na-hye: Ah, in-law^^ Are you taking good care of yourself?]
Do Yi-hyun’s phone, placed on the table, lit up brightly, and a short message appeared. Do Yi-hyun let the corner of his mouth drop indifferently.
After seeing the child’s photo, Joo Na-hye had started calling Do Yi-hyun ‘in-law’. Not only that, she kept making a fuss, saying that with such distinct features already, the child’s future was promising.
“Did you secretly get our Jeong-hyun engaged without me? That won’t do.”
Seo Jeong-woon, who seemed to have read Joo Na-hye’s message, grumbled in a sulky tone and crossed his arms.
“I won’t give him to anyone.”
He muttered quite firmly and wrapped his arm around Do Yi-hyun’s shoulder. Do Yi-hyun blinked. It was an ambiguous sentence—whether he meant he wouldn’t give him away or he wouldn’t give the child away.
“I have no intention of handing him over either.”
Do Yi-hyun leaned his upper body slightly against Seo Jeong-woon’s chest and gave a short reply. He didn’t understand who they were talking about giving this little child to. Do Yi-hyun adjusted his hold on the child.
“Ahaha. We’re in big trouble.”
Seo Jeong-woon, finding something incredibly funny, bowed his head and giggled for a while. Even then, he breathed quietly so as not to wake the child. Despite the continuous laughter, the child slept soundly without stirring.
The child was quite gentle. Even when he cried or fussed, he would quickly stop if soothed, and once asleep, he rarely woke up. Every time that happened, Seo Jeong-woon would mutter that he took after Do Yi-hyun.
“When would be a good time for the wedding?”
Seo Jeong-woon gently brushed through Do Yi-hyun’s slightly longer hair and asked affectionately. As Do Yi-hyun’s health gradually recovered after giving birth, Seo Jeong-woon had subtly started bringing up preparing for marriage. Perhaps having looked into things on his own while waiting for the right time to talk, information about wedding venues and attire flowed out effortlessly.
Do Yi-hyun, with his indifferent personality, had never attached much meaning to weddings. They were merely a formal procedure to become family.
“I want it as soon as possible.”
But if the other person was Seo Jeong-woon, the story was completely different. Do Yi-hyun patted the child’s back and gazed intently into his grayish-brown eyes. Even if it wasn’t a special day, it would be wonderful just being with Seo Jeong-woon.
Waking up together, sharing small stories, caring for the child, smiling at each other. Just having ordinary daily life continue like today would be more than enough. Even now, he was perfectly content, but he wanted to officially become his spouse.
So that no one could deny that Seo Jeong-woon was his Alpha. He also secretly looked forward to seeing Seo Jeong-woon dressed neatly in wedding attire. Seo Jeong-woon gave a smiling glance, seeming pleased with Do Yi-hyun’s answer.
He wanted to plan a bit more, but his eyelids began to slowly close. Do Yi-hyun shook his head vigorously, but his body began to slump.
“Shall we talk more about the rest tomorrow?”
Seo Jeong-woon whispered, pressing his lips gently to the corner of Do Yi-hyun’s eye.
“…Alright.”
“Don’t push yourself.”
When Do Yi-hyun tried to force himself to stay awake, Seo Jeong-woon admonished him and stroked his shoulder. The touch was as gentle as the one he used on the child. Still, Do Yi-hyun gritted his teeth to chase away the drowsiness.
He was so happy in the moments holding the sleeping child and receiving Seo Jeong-woon’s affection that he begrudged the passing time. He wished this moment could last forever. It was an absurd wish.
“You’re so pretty it’s killing me.”
Seo Jeong-woon muttered as if to himself, tracing Do Yi-hyun’s thick eyebrows with his index finger. Overwhelmed by a sudden, indescribable emotion, Do Yi-hyun tightly closed his eyes. He didn’t know if it was the aftereffects of childbirth, but lately, the range of his emotional fluctuations had widened considerably.
Especially now, he often experienced these sudden surges of unidentified emotions. He wasn’t sad, yet he felt like crying. A strange sense of floating, as if dreaming, swirled around, making his mind feel a bit hazy.
Instead of babbling about the emotions he was feeling, Do Yi-hyun buried his face in the nape of Seo Jeong-woon’s neck. Seo Jeong-woon let out a breathy laugh and adjusted his posture so Do Yi-hyun wouldn’t be uncomfortable. The corner of Do Yi-hyun’s mouth relaxed.
***
Despite Do Yi-hyun’s fleeting wish, time flew by. As soon as a month was up, Do Yi-hyun was discharged from the postpartum care center.
Seo Jeong-woon said he could stay as long as he wanted, but Do Yi-hyun shook his head with a stoic expression. It was comfortable having meals prepared and the child cared for, but he wanted to go home soon. Even until the moment of discharge, Seo Jeong-woon repeatedly tried to dissuade him, but on the way home, Seo Jeong-woon’s face was beaming with smiles.
Getting out of the car, Seo Jeong-woon held the child with one arm and, with the other hand interlocked with Do Yi-hyun’s, walked with a narrower stride than usual. Do Yi-hyun glanced at Seo Jeong-woon and the child as they got on the elevator. Even if he held the child, it would be the same, but because Seo Jeong-woon’s physique was so good, the already small child looked even tinier in his arms.
“Do you like me that much?”
Noticing the blatant gaze, Seo Jeong-woon tilted his head and wrinkled his nose. He clearly looked like he wanted to tease Do Yi-hyun.
“Yes.”
Do Yi-hyun answered vaguely and stepped out of the elevator whose doors had opened.
“Lee Hyun-ssi, you must fall for me again every day. I do too.”
Seo Jeong-woon chuckled and pulled their joined hands to rub his lips against the back of Do Yi-hyun’s hand. Do Yi-hyun looked back at his unusually radiant face. Every time he saw him, his stomach kept tickling.
When the familiar hallway came into view, his heart suddenly started beating fast. Do Yi-hyun rubbed his solar plexus with his palm and, since Seo Jeong-woon had no free hands, opened the front door instead. He was about to naturally step inside when Seo Jeong-woon abruptly let go of his hand.
“Jeong-woon-ssi?”
Do Yi-hyun, who had stepped into the entryway alone, reflexively looked back. As the warm body heat disappeared, a sense of emptiness surged like a tidal wave. Seo Jeong-woon was still standing outside the door.
Even though it was at most a step’s difference, it somehow felt infinitely far. Do Yi-hyun urgently reached out toward Seo Jeong-woon. That was the moment.
“I’m home, Lee Hyun-ssi.”
Seo Jeong-woon, smiling brightly with his eyes crinkled, lifted the child so he was clearly visible. At that playful greeting, Do Yi-hyun stopped in his tracks. Seo Jeong-woon might have said it without much meaning, but it felt like a promise that he would always return to him.
And Seo Jeong-woon would surely do so. Suddenly, the faint sense of reality surged strongly, and it truly hit him that Seo Jeong-woon and the child were wholly his family. Simultaneously, the unidentified emotions that had been welling up finally burst forth.
“I’ve been waiting.”
Do Yi-hyun contorted his face and pulled Seo Jeong-woon into a hug around the waist. Burying his face in his shoulder, he took a deep breath. His eyes burned at the fragrant body scent.
For a very long time, he had vaguely waited and waited. For a family of his own.
“That’s quite an enthusiastic welcome.”
Seo Jeong-woon seemed pleased by Do Yi-hyun’s intense reaction. He subtly released his pheromones and gently stroked the small of Do Yi-hyun’s back.
“…Is this what they call happiness?”
But at Do Yi-hyun’s words that followed, a crack appeared in Seo Jeong-woon’s relaxed smile. Seo Jeong-woon tightly pressed his lips together and caught his breath for a moment.
“That’s right. I’m happy too.”
Soon, Seo Jeong-woon, wearing a bright smile again, wrapped his arms around Do Yi-hyun’s back and whispered softly by his ear. Do Yi-hyun clung to Seo Jeong-woon and took ragged breaths. Perhaps, in truth, he had been waiting for Seo Jeong-woon all this time.
“Lee Hyun-ah.”
Seo Jeong-woon suddenly called Do Yi-hyun’s name casually. Do Yi-hyun hesitated, then lifted his head. Being called by his name was more embarrassing than being called ‘Darling’.
“I love you.”
When their eyes met, Seo Jeong-woon tapped their foreheads together, curled his distinct lips into a smile, and grinned. At Seo Jeong-woon’s simple love confession, Do Yi-hyun’s heart shook violently. He was happy because he knew he was utterly sincere.
“…I love you.”
Do Yi-hyun moved his lips and earnestly confessed, following his lead. Seo Jeong-woon, who had been waiting quietly, patted Do Yi-hyun’s back as if to say ‘well done’ and slowly lowered his head. Do Yi-hyun slowly closed his eyes.
His lips trembled slightly from the strange tension. Seo Jeong-woon’s sharp nose bridge touched his cheek, and he felt sweet breath. Their lips were just about to meet.
“Oww, uuuhh….”
Suddenly, the child began to fuss. Startled, Do Yi-hyun hurriedly stepped back. It seemed he had been uncomfortable being squeezed between them.
“Haha. Are you jealous of Mommy and Daddy kissing?”
Seo Jeong-woon let out a light laugh and pressed the child’s cheeks with his thumb and index finger without hurting him. Having skillfully calmed the child right away, Seo Jeong-woon stepped closer to the frozen Do Yi-hyun. Then, instead of his lips, he gave a loud kiss on his cheek.
“Shall we do the rest after putting Jeong-hyun to sleep?”
Seo Jeong-woon winked, patted the child’s bottom, and took Do Yi-hyun’s hand again. Do Yi-hyun followed Seo Jeong-woon’s gentle lead inside. Into the home of three.