5 – Business Trip

“I’m sorry. The Managing Director is out.”

As Do Yi-hyun appeared, Seo Jeong-woon’s secretary bowed politely.

“Understood.”

Do Yi-hyun slowly turned around just like that. From Monday when Seo Jeong-woon stormed out until Friday, Do Yi-hyun hadn’t seen a single hair of Seo Jeong-woon. From what he heard, it seemed Seo Jeong-woon came to work in the morning and immediately went out on external business.

It was clear from everyone lamenting that Seo Jeong-woon looked busy and that there was no joy in coming to the company without seeing his smile. Even though Do Yi-hyun knew Seo Jeong-woon wasn’t in the company, he stubbornly stopped by the managing director’s office. It held no particular meaning.

Since he hadn’t received any separate notice from Seo Jeong-woon, he was just fulfilling an implicitly agreed-upon promise. But every time, Do Yi-hyun returned empty-handed. Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon had only eaten together for just over a week; they weren’t close enough to know each other’s personal contact information.

Of course, if Do Yi-hyun inquired, he could find plenty of ways to contact Seo Jeong-woon. Even without going through the trouble, he could ask Seo Jeong-woon’s secretary about his schedule. But since it wasn’t work-related, it was difficult to act rashly.

After all, he couldn’t very well ask why, after pestering him to eat together, he wasn’t eating with him now.

‘Is this the end?’

The expected ending arrived a little late. Among those who had approached him, Seo Jeong-woon was quite persistent. It wasn’t common for someone to last over a month.

There were more than a few people who had approached Do Yi-hyun out of curiosity only to flee in disgust. As similar incidents repeated, the one-sided emotions of others had no effect on Do Yi-hyun. But strangely, Seo Jeong-woon’s final appearance kept flickering in his mind.

Of course, it was a faint image, as if seen through a hazy mist. Perhaps because it happened right after he developed a slight interest in Seo Jeong-woon, Seo Jeong-woon’s ambiguous attitude, seeming either angry or hurt, felt oddly unsettling.

‘…I feel dizzy.’

Do Yi-hyun, waiting for the elevator, hurriedly leaned against the wall.

“Haa.”

Do Yi-hyun let out a deep sigh, he didn’t know how many times it was just today. It had only been a week since he heard the hopeful news that he just needed to maintain, yet his physical condition had already deteriorated. As the doctor warned, perhaps his body had reached its limit, as the rate of deterioration was incomparably faster than before.

‘Should I take sick leave for a few days and get hospitalized?’

Except for collapsing when he presented as an Omega, Do Yi-hyun had a very healthy constitution. He rarely even caught a common cold. So, he had been confident he could endure the pregnancy well.

But it was a huge miscalculation. It was harder than he imagined. Thanks to his weak Omega traits, even when he went into heat, he could manage daily life just by taking suppressants.

He didn’t feel any discomfort even if Alphas or Omegas approached him. He had even thought it was convenient at times. But now, because of his unusual traits, the baby was in danger.

It felt utterly hopeless. Above all, he was frustrated because no matter what tests were done, they couldn’t find a clear cause for his worsening morning sickness.

‘What should I eat for dinner tonight?’

Even fruit was starting to become unappealing. Chewing the flesh was a chore, so he barely managed meals with fresh fruit juice.

‘Will I be able to get a pheromone prescription today?’

Do Yi-hyun furrowed one eyebrow and brushed the back of his neck. His morning sickness was severe enough to need a pheromone prescription, but ironically, the morning sickness had weakened his body so much he couldn’t tolerate Alpha pheromones. Yet, he couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

He was literally caught between a rock and a hard place. Do Yi-hyun, who had barely managed lunch with banana juice, sat blankly at his desk even after his team members returned. He couldn’t tolerate slacking off during work hours, but lately, he couldn’t endure without taking a breather like this.

“Team Leader Do, are you waiting for someone?”

Kim Yu-min, who had come for approval, suddenly brought up an irrelevant topic.

“What kind of question is that?”

“You keep looking towards the entrance.”

“…Was I doing that?”

Do Yi-hyun faintly frowned and then asked awkwardly.

“Yes. You’ve been doing that for a few days now, didn’t you know?”

Kim Yu-min blinked her big eyes. She seemed curious.

“…Let’s have the approval documents first.”

He was completely unaware. Had he been unconsciously waiting for Seo Jeong-woon to suddenly show up and ask to eat? Quite flustered, Do Yi-hyun hid his complicated feelings and bluntly held out his hand.

“Yes!”

Kim Yu-min, who knew nothing, smiled brightly. After sending Kim Yu-min back, Do Yi-hyun tried hard to focus on his work. But as time passed, his head felt like it would split from the headache.

His vision intermittently blurred. It sounded like voices were buzzing, as if he had tinnitus.

‘This won’t do.’

He had a feeling that if he endured like this, something really bad would happen. Having firmly decided to leave early, Do Yi-hyun leaned on his desk and carefully got up.

“Team Leader Do.”

Of all times, at that very moment, someone called Do Yi-hyun stiffly. It was a voice both familiar and unfamiliar. Do Yi-hyun had to tilt his head back to look at the man standing across the desk.

First of all, he wasn’t a member of the Accounting Team 2. Even excluding the fact that he wasn’t wearing an employee ID, there was no one on the team tall enough for Do Yi-hyun to look up at. Normally, Do Yi-hyun would have just stared blankly into the man’s eyes until he identified himself.

But this time, he unconsciously quickly observed the man’s appearance. Compared to other companies, Taewon Materials had relatively relaxed dress codes, but the man was wearing a three-piece suit. The dark khaki suit was neat but not a color commonly chosen by office workers.

The expensive watch on his left wrist also caught the eye.

‘Is it Managing Director Seo Jeong-woon?’

Do Yi-hyun narrowed his brows slightly, unsure. Since it was rare for Do Yi-hyun to recognize someone first, he couldn’t easily be sure. Maybe he was mistaken because he had thought of Seo Jeong-woon a few times right before due to the wretched morning sickness.

Suddenly, the man’s naturally disheveled hair, contrasting with his neat attire, came into view. At the same time, a faint floral scent wafted strongly. Without much effort, Do Yi-hyun realized the man before him was indeed Seo Jeong-woon.

Then, whether it was his mood or not, the dizziness seemed to subside a bit.

‘I’m not Pavlov’s dog.’

Do Yi-hyun touched the corner of his mouth to hide his agitation from Seo Jeong-woon. The murmuring voices of team members who had belatedly noticed Seo Jeong-woon were heard faintly.

“What’s the…”

Do Yi-hyun habitually started to ask what was going on but stopped. Seo Jeong-woon’s earlier complaint about him always using the same line suddenly came to mind.

“…What is the matter?”

Even though there was no reason to comply exactly with Seo Jeong-woon’s request, Do Yi-hyun slightly altered the question. Whether he noticed Do Yi-hyun’s small change or not, Seo Jeong-woon, who had been expressionless, relaxed the corners of his mouth.

“Get your bag. You need to go on a business trip with me right now.”

“…Excuse me?”

Do Yi-hyun was taken aback and scowled fiercely. Accounting Team 2 rarely went on business trips. And among them, Do Yi-hyun was practically an exception.

It was all due to his insensitive personality. Within the company, everyone knew his personality and let it slide, but outside, it was perfect for causing trouble. There were too many variables to cover with just the advantage of being good at his job.

“From today until Monday.”

Moreover, giving a unilateral notice in the afternoon of the same day. Seo Jeong-woon, showing up after a long time, delivered an even more upgraded nonsense. The team members also seemed very surprised by Seo Jeong-woon’s arbitrary order, their eyes wide open.

“It’s too sudden, Managing Director. I still have work left…”

“Don’t worry about the company. Manager Choi will handle all of Team Leader Do’s share.”

Despite the perfectly reasonable objection, Seo Jeong-woon cut Do Yi-hyun’s words short.

“Mm, Team Leader Do, don’t worry and just go.”

Someone suddenly peeked out from behind Seo Jeong-woon. The petite woman, not even reaching Seo Jeong-woon’s shoulders, had long straight hair hanging down and dark circles under her eyes. The woman smiled weakly and waved lightly at Do Yi-hyun, her wrist looking precarious as if it might snap at any moment.

Chief Choi Min-seo, belonging to Accounting Team 1 and Do Yi-hyun’s mentor, was a severe workaholic just like Do Yi-hyun. If it was Choi Min-seo, Do Yi-hyun could trust and delegate work to him. In case of an emergency, as long as he grabbed his laptop, he could work even from a business trip location, so theoretically, a business trip itself wasn’t impossible.

“What kind of business trip and where to? Why do you need me?”

However, Do Yi-hyun couldn’t possibly understand why he had to accompany Seo Jeong-woon on his business trip.

“You’ll know once you come along. Hurry up and get ready.”

“Executive Director.”

“No time.”

Although Do Yi-hyun expressed his displeasure, Seo Jeong-woon was utterly self-willed. Even if it was unreasonable, it was still a superior’s order, so Do Yi-hyun had no choice but to pack his bags. He was determined to head straight to the hospital if his condition worsened even slightly during the trip.

“Seonbae, I’ll send you the materials I’m working on. For today at least…”

Amidst the chaos, Do Yi-hyun informed Chief Choi to ensure work wouldn’t be disrupted.

“Let’s go.”

As soon as Do Yi-hyun finished packing, Seo Jeong-woon strode ahead. When Do Yi-hyun followed slowly, Seo Jeong-woon glanced back and slowed his pace.

“Close?”

Seo Jeong-woon pressed the elevator button and threw out another abrupt, clipped question. Do Yi-hyun didn’t even have the energy to ask for clarification and just looked at Seo Jeong-woon indifferently.

“With your Seonbae and our Team Leader Do. You two seemed quite chummy.”

Seo Jeong-woon tilted his head.

‘Did I call him Seonbae?’

Even looking back, he couldn’t remember clearly. Since moving past his new employee days, he had refrained from calling Chief Choi “Seonbae,” but it seemed the words slipped out in his flustered state. No wonder Choi Min-seo was grinning while he was earnestly explaining work matters.

He must have been superimposing the image of Do Yi-hyun from when he first joined the company.

“…Chief Choi was my mentor.”

Given Do Yi-hyun’s personality, he would have let Seo Jeong-woon misunderstand or not, but fearing he’d be pestered with trivialities throughout the trip, he gave a perfunctory explanation.

“Hmm, is that so?”

Seo Jeong-woon looked at Do Yi-hyun with disinterest.

“All this time…”

Do Yi-hyun lowered his gaze to the floor and slowly opened his mouth. Have you been well? Have you been very busy?

Why weren’t you here? But not knowing what to ask, he simply closed his mouth quietly. When in doubt, staying silent at least kept things neutral.

During college, unable to withstand Joo Na-hye’s nagging to make other friends, Do Yi-hyun had briefly hung out with his peers for about a month. But the results weren’t good. There were more than a few people who burst into tears at something Do Yi-hyun casually said, and there were many times things almost escalated into fights.

Do Yi-hyun quickly gave up on mingling with large groups. Joo Na-hye had made him do it not out of worry but because she thought it would be fun, so when she heard the circumstances, she cackled and roared with laughter. Still, thanks to that, Do Yi-hyun realized one thing.

That maintaining silence was the least likely to cause conflict. In fact, when he couldn’t remember someone, silently observing was more effective than directly asking who they were. From around that time, Do Yi-hyun pretended to be a man of few words.

He wasn’t particularly taciturn by nature, so it was occasionally frustrating, but it was far better than getting entangled in troublesome matters.

“Why did you stop talking?”

“It’s nothing. I’ll stop by home to at least grab some clothes.”

Although Seo Jeong-woon showed clear interest, Do Yi-hyun shook his head.

“Ah, it’s fine. I’ve already prepared everything.”

“Why would you, Executive Director, prepare clothes for me to wear?”

“It’s my wish.”

At Seo Jeong-woon’s shameless answer, Do Yi-hyun was left speechless. While engaging in this pointless tussle, the two arrived at the underground parking lot. Only when he felt the chilly air did Do Yi-hyun realize he hadn’t been holding his breath in the elevator.

‘I took the elevator and I’m fine?’

Do Yi-hyun absentmindedly brushed his cheek. Even his headache was gradually subsiding.

“Wait a moment. Spray this before getting in.”

Before getting in the car, Seo Jeong-woon handed him a spray. It was pheromone neutralizer.

“Why do I have to spray this?”

Do Yi-hyun tightly gripped the spray can. Spraying neutralizer on someone else’s pheromones was rude, but it was somewhat acceptable if permission was sought. For example, in situations like now where an Alpha and Omega had to share a car.

However, Seo Jeong-woon’s tone held no sense of consideration or caution. Instead, a vague sense of displeasure seeped through. Since Do Yi-hyun didn’t know how to handle pheromones, he usually didn’t accidentally leak them.

Since Seo Jeong-woon couldn’t know Do Yi-hyun was an Omega, this was clearly just a power play.

“Why? Because it stinks.”

As expected, Seo Jeong-woon bluntly put Do Yi-hyun down. Do Yi-hyun’s pride was deeply hurt, but he silently sprayed the neutralizer. Then he handed it to Seo Jeong-woon.

“You should spray too, Executive Director. Thoroughly.”

“Haha.”

Seo Jeong-woon laughed out loud. But his eyes were quite cold. Seo Jeong-woon strode over and provocatively sprayed the pheromone neutralizer haphazardly all over.

Not on himself, but on Do Yi-hyun’s shoulder.

“There’s still some left here.”

Then, with a smirk, he flicked Do Yi-hyun’s neat shirt collar with his finger. With the light behind him, distinct shadows fell across Seo Jeong-woon’s sharp features. The moment his bright eyes darkened, Seo Jeong-woon completely wiped the smile from his face.

Feeling an unfamiliar sense of pressure from Seo Jeong-woon, Do Yi-hyun reflexively showed wariness and took a step back. Seo Jeong-woon, perhaps pleased that the usually impassive Do Yi-hyun was reacting so strongly for the first time, quickly curled the corners of his mouth again. With that subtle change in expression, the Seo Jeong-woon who seemed ready to crush Do Yi-hyun with force vanished cleanly somewhere, and the usual Seo Jeong-woon returned.

“Get in on this side.”

Seo Jeong-woon left a unilateral notice and got into the car.

‘…Annoying.’

Do Yi-hyun irritably brushed off his slightly damp shoulder. He felt like he was being played in Seo Jeong-woon’s hands. If Seo Jeong-woon hadn’t taken the pheromone neutralizer, he would have paid him back in kind, and he regretted not being able to.

Repeatedly clenching and unclenching his fist to calm his anger, Do Yi-hyun reluctantly got into Seo Jeong-woon’s car. As soon as Do Yi-hyun closed the door, the car smoothly started. Strangely, Seo Jeong-woon’s car had a solid wall separating the driver’s seat from the back seats.

For all he knew, it probably had good soundproofing too. The two didn’t exchange a single word until the car had driven for a long time and exited to the outskirts of Seoul. Do Yi-hyun looked out the window, and Seo Jeong-woon read documents on his tablet.

The car, running without hindrance, even took the highway. Staring at the long, straight road stretching ahead, Do Yi-hyun twisted his lips in dissatisfaction. If the destination was far from Seoul, it would be troublesome.

Even if he went to the hospital, there wasn’t much they could do besides giving him an IV, but still, in case of emergency, he wanted to be examined at a place familiar with his trait. Do Yi-hyun swallowed a sigh and rubbed his lower abdomen. Thinking that since it had caused him trouble in various ways even before he was born, he hoped it would be obedient after coming into the world.

“All this time.”

Seo Jeong-woon, lightly resting his chin, looked back at Do Yi-hyun, who was exuding clear annoyance. The ambiguous pause that followed was clearly him deliberately mimicking Do Yi-hyun’s earlier unfinished sentence. Do Yi-hyun furrowed one eyebrow and waited for him to continue.

“Did you think of me at all, Yi-hyun-ssi?”

Seo Jeong-woon curved his reddish lips gently. It was a smooth smile, as if asking when he had ever lost his temper. Unlike in the office, his tone when calling Do Yi-hyun was also much more affectionate.

It seemed that when Seo Jeong-woon was in a good mood, he called Do Yi-hyun “Yi-hyun-ssi,” and when displeased, he called him “Team Leader Do.”

“……”

Do Yi-hyun maintained his silence. He had thought of Seo Jeong-woon, but probably not in the way he hoped. And he didn’t particularly feel like lying either.

“If it weren’t like Yi-hyun-ssi’s personality, you would have said so clearly. So you must have, thought of me.”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a deflated sound and laughed brightly. Seo Jeong-woon looked quite pleased. In a way, it was natural that Do Yi-hyun felt the impulse to ruin that perfect smile.

“Make yourself comfortable. It’ll take quite a while.”

Just moments ago, he had been oddly sharp, but Seo Jeong-woon instantly melted into amiability.

“Where is the destination?”

“It’s a secret.”

Seo Jeong-woon playfully brought his index finger to his lips.

“Sigh.”

Do Yi-hyun let out a deep sigh and rubbed his throbbing forehead. He simply couldn’t figure out what Seo Jeong-woon was thinking.

‘If I try hard to understand Executive Director Seo, I’ll just get a headache.’

Do Yi-hyun cleanly gave up on trying to comprehend Seo Jeong-woon’s actions. Seo Jeong-woon was the persistent type who would get what he wanted by any means necessary. In that case, rather than stubbornly pushing him away, it was better for his mental health to pretend to get along moderately and send him back.

That was the wisdom Do Yi-hyun had learned from experiencing Seo Jeong-woon a bit over the past few weeks. Do Yi-hyun leaned deeply into the firm yet plush backrest and took a deep breath. Seo Jeong-woon’s now-familiar scent subtly lingered around Do Yi-hyun.

When he left the company, he felt like he might collapse any moment, but now his condition wasn’t too bad.

‘…I’m hungry.’

The faintly shining winter sunlight was dazzling. Do Yi-hyun gently closed his eyes.

***

A slight vibration was felt from behind.

Occasionally, his body swayed lightly. The warm temperature and pleasant scent were very much to his liking. Satisfied, Do Yi-hyun squirmed, then suddenly felt a sense of incongruity.

‘When did I fall asleep?’

Do Yi-hyun’s eyes flew open. His mind snapped awake as if doused with ice water. Fumbling for his phone, something fell onto his thigh with a thud.

A khaki suit jacket. It was Seo Jeong-woon’s. The pleasant scent he had smelled in his sleep seemed to be Seo Jeong-woon’s cologne.

Do Yi-hyun paused. Lately, his insomnia had worsened, and he could barely manage light sleep, so it was bewildering that he had slept soundly without even noticing Seo Jeong-woon covering him with the jacket.

“…Thank you.”

Do Yi-hyun returned the jacket to Seo Jeong-woon with a blunt expression and checked the time. A full 30 minutes had passed. Seo Jeong-woon, sitting upright and looking at his tablet just as before Do Yi-hyun fell asleep, glanced at the jacket ambiguously placed in the middle of the seat.

“You can keep it on longer.”

“No.”

Do Yi-hyun straightened his clothes and looked around. The car was still speeding along the highway. A quickly passing sign caught his eye.

Gyeongbu Expressway.

“…Are we going to Busan or something?”

“How did you know?”

Seo Jeong-woon asked back in a tone that showed no surprise at all. He was clearly teasing Do Yi-hyun with something pointless again.

“We’re building a new logistics center on the outskirts of Busan this time. We’re going down to check on that.”

When Do Yi-hyun showed no reaction, Seo Jeong-woon, as if finding it boring, pouted his lips and answered breezily. It seemed he had judged that Do Yi-hyun couldn’t run away anymore.

“Why do I have to come along to check a logistics center?”

No matter how much Do Yi-hyun loved work, he had no interest in other departments’ affairs like distribution or marketing. There was no way he could be of help by accompanying Seo Jeong-woon on his business trip.

“Because I need Yi-hyun-ssi.”

Seo Jeong-woon consistently stuck to his nonsensical sophistry until the end.

“So…”

Do Yi-hyun, who had opened his mouth in anger, swallowed his words and turned his head away from Seo Jeong-woon. His desire to clearly argue right and wrong was strong, but since he had already been dragged this far, arguing pointlessly with Seo Jeong-woon would only hurt his own mouth. The car carrying Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon diligently ran and arrived in Busan.

Early November. It was cool for late autumn, and still early for early winter. Having departed late in the afternoon, the dark dusk had long since settled everywhere.

“Hmm, it’s gotten too late. Let’s visit the logistics center tomorrow and have dinner instead.”

Seo Jeong-woon pretended to be serious, furrowing his brow as he decided the schedule. Since Do Yi-hyun had no right to refuse, it was essentially just a notice. The company had a clear hierarchy.

No matter how much Seo Jeong-woon acted like the subordinate, ultimately, the fact that he was the superior didn’t change.

‘I’m tired.’

After dozing off briefly, he didn’t want to show a disheveled appearance to Seo Jeong-woon, so he forced himself to stay awake, making his head foggy. He desperately wanted to go into the hotel and rest.

“Understood.”

But Do Yi-hyun swallowed a sigh and answered slowly. Despite the long car ride, aside from the overwhelming sleepiness, his condition was surprisingly okay. Far from feeling nauseous from motion sickness, he was hungry.

The anticipation of being able to eat a proper meal for the first time in a while crept up.

‘Do I really have good pheromone compatibility with Executive Director Seo?’

He couldn’t say for sure since he had never smelled Seo Jeong-woon’s pheromones, but being near Seo Jeong-woon definitely made his morning sickness feel alleviated. Perhaps surprised that Do Yi-hyun accepted the suggestion right away, Seo Jeong-woon’s eyes widened slightly.

“Coming all the way to Busan was worth it.”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled with his eyes crinkling. His hazel eyes, now crescent-shaped, looked striking. The place Seo Jeong-woon took Do Yi-hyun was a Korean fine dining restaurant located in a quiet spot.

Food came out in abundance, enough to break the table legs, and among them, the hot pot rice filled with abalone suited Do Yi-hyun’s taste perfectly.

“Yi-hyun-ssi, since when…”

During the meal, Seo Jeong-woon occasionally tried to start conversations, but Do Yi-hyun, with his energy depleted, listened half-heartedly and focused on eating. Since he had forcibly dragged someone all the way here, if he had a conscience, he shouldn’t say anything. The more he clashed with Seo Jeong-woon, the bolder he felt.

“Chew thoroughly.”

Seo Jeong-woon looked at Do Yi-hyun eating well with a pleased expression and smiled slyly. Do Yi-hyun even cleanly finished the yakgwa and sujeonggwa that came as dessert. It had been a while since his stomach didn’t feel heavy, so he felt a bit elated.

“Glad you came along, right?”

Seo Jeong-woon personally opened the car door for him and smiled with his eyes.

“No.”

Do Yi-hyun curtly cut off Seo Jeong-woon’s nonsense and got into the car. Do Yi-hyun’s rather refreshed mood sank when it was time to check into the hotel.

“Do I have to share a room with you, Executive Director?”

It seemed Seo Jeong-woon had only booked one room. Since Seo Jeong-woon knew Do Yi-hyun as an Alpha, that might be possible, but for Do Yi-hyun, it was an awkward situation in many ways. Above all, he didn’t want to be pushed around by Seo Jeong-woon even in the accommodation.

Do Yi-hyun, uncharacteristically for his indifferent nature, showed clear dislike, but Seo Jeong-woon didn’t bat an eye as he waved a black card key.

“There are several rooms, but if Yi-hyun-ssi wants, we can share…”

“No.”

Seeing that it wasn’t just one room, it seemed it wasn’t a typical hotel room. Do Yi-hyun irritably rubbed the back of his neck. Of course, even so, no meant no.

“…Executive Director.”

Worriedly stepping into the room, Do Yi-hyun frowned and looked back at Seo Jeong-woon. The hotel room Seo Jeong-woon had booked was almost penthouse-level spacious. He couldn’t tell at a glance how many bedrooms there were.

It was an excessively lavish accommodation for just two people, and company employees on a business trip at that.

“I booked it with my own money. Don’t worry.”

Seo Jeong-woon chuckled and lightly pushed Do Yi-hyun’s back.

“This is the living room, and that’s the meeting room.”

As if he had been to this hotel many times, Seo Jeong-woon moved around without hesitation, explaining the layout to Do Yi-hyun.

“From tomorrow, you can wear these.”

Seo Jeong-woon pointed to several suits hanging on the right side of the dressing room. There were three in total: black, navy, and gray. Thankfully, they weren’t the flashy colors Seo Jeong-woon usually wore.

Do Yi-hyun took out the clothes with a suspicious expression. Somehow, the sizes seemed to roughly fit.

“Yi-hyun-ssi, which room do you want? Choose first.”

“The room farthest from your room, Executive Director.”

To Seo Jeong-woon’s considerate question, Do Yi-hyun answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“…Alright.”

Seo Jeong-woon looked at Do Yi-hyun with dissatisfaction for a moment, then tilted his head. Then he gave the largest and best room to Do Yi-hyun.

“How’s this room? Do you like it?”

Do Yi-hyun’s bedroom had a large window on one wall. It was hard to tell clearly because it was dark outside, but judging by the dark clouds and the wide expanse of shadows, it seemed to be facing the sea. Do Yi-hyun blankly stared at the night sea, invisible as it blended into the darkness.

“You must have had a hard time coming all the way down to Busan. Rest comfortably.”

Seo Jeong-woon watched Do Yi-hyun’s back for a moment before closing the door and leaving. He had expected him to be bothersome, constantly trying to make conversation, but this was quite unexpected. Do Yi-hyun sat in the plush chair for a while to rest before going out to get some water.

While looking around for the refrigerator, Do Yi-hyun spotted Seo Jeong-woon drinking wine and paused.

“Mr. Lee Hyun. Looking for something?”

It seemed Seo Jeong-woon had already showered. His damp hair was more tousled than usual, and his flawless skin looked even shinier. The problem was that Seo Jeong-woon was sitting at the table wearing only a light bathrobe.

Through the gap in the robe, Do Yi-hyun could clearly see from Seo Jeong-woon’s chest down to his upper abdomen. No matter how much he considered Do Yi-hyun an Alpha, it was too casual an outfit to wear in front of a subordinate. At least he should be grateful that the lower half was properly covered.

Do Yi-hyun made a sour expression but out of habit, his eyes scanned Seo Jeong-woon’s physique. He had thought it was well-balanced, but Seo Jeong-woon had a much more solid, muscular build than expected. Both the proportions and the shape of the muscles seemed perfectly innate.

But somehow, Seo Jeong-woon’s silhouette felt familiar. Do Yi-hyun unconsciously furrowed his brows.

“Why are you staring so intently? Want to touch?”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled suggestively and slightly pulled aside his bathrobe. The loose fabric slid down his right arm, revealing his distinct collarbone and firm shoulder line. Do Yi-hyun, who had frozen for a moment, shook his head vigorously.

He almost misunderstood that Seo Jeong-woon was trying to seduce him.

‘That can’t be.’

Do Yi-hyun sharply turned his gaze away and swallowed dryly. His throat felt inexplicably parched.

“You don’t need to mind me.”

Do Yi-hyun walked toward the refrigerator, rubbing his side. Lately, he could barely eat and hadn’t even dreamed of exercising, so instead of gaining fat, he had lost quite a bit of muscle. He felt an unwarranted sense of regret.

“Mr. Lee Hyun, want a drink too? This is quite good.”

Seo Jeong-woon held up a wine glass. The deep ruby liquid swirled smoothly. Since arriving in Busan, Do Yi-hyun had sensed a deep ease from Seo Jeong-woon.

It was like a cat dealing with a mouse trapped in a jar.

“No, thank you.”

“Then, want to enjoy the night view in the living room?”

Seo Jeong-woon strode over, leaned forward with his upper body, and braced himself against the table next to the refrigerator. Swish. Because he had left the front of his robe untied, it slid down loosely.

Seo Jeong-woon was now almost half-naked. He didn’t seem particularly defenseless, but Do Yi-hyun couldn’t understand why Seo Jeong-woon kept showing such a disheveled appearance in front of him.

‘Is it just because he thinks I’m easy?’

Do Yi-hyun took out a water bottle and gulped down water repeatedly. But the thirst showed no sign of subsiding. Rather, the more he drank, the more his throat felt burning.

Do Yi-hyun tightly gripped the water cup. Seo Jeong-woon’s smile deepened even further. Do Yi-hyun stared straight into Seo Jeong-woon’s eyes and pressed his lips firmly together.

He couldn’t tell whether Seo Jeong-woon was overflowing with confidence or simply shameless. As the distance between them closed, that subtle floral scent wafted again. Even though he was about to go to bed, it seemed he had sprayed perfume right after showering.

“What perfume are you wearing?”

Do Yi-hyun asked impulsively. It had been a very long time since he had asked someone a non-work-related question.

“Perfume?”

Seo Jeong-woon narrowed his eyes with an ambiguous expression, as if trying to gauge Do Yi-hyun’s intentions. But Do Yi-hyun had asked out of genuine curiosity. Come to think of it, Seo Jeong-woon tended to complicate everything.

“Are you flirting with me right now?”

Seo Jeong-woon deliberately tilted his head to look up at Do Yi-hyun. Do Yi-hyun blinked slowly. It felt a bit different to look down at him by just rolling his eyes, when usually he had to tilt his head back.

“No.”

“Then it just comes out naturally?”

Seo Jeong-woon didn’t seem inclined to answer this time either. Do Yi-hyun ignored Seo Jeong-woon’s riddle and drank more water. Having achieved his goal, Do Yi-hyun quickly turned to go back to his room.

But Seo Jeong-woon suddenly blocked his way.

“Want a snack?”

Do Yi-hyun didn’t prefer eating anything outside of meal times. Sweets weren’t his taste either. But at the mention of a snack, his mouth suddenly felt bored.

“…What is there?”

“Anything you want, Mr. Lee Hyun. Just say it.”

Seo Jeong-woon whispered softly, smiling with his eyes as if in a very good mood.

‘Anything I want…’

For nearly two months, he had been searching for something he could eat, so it felt strange to be told to say what he wanted. And the fact that whatever he chose, he could eat without retching.

“I want cake. One with lots of fresh cream.”

After a brief deliberation, Do Yi-hyun quickly decided. He didn’t know why something he had never even tasted before suddenly appealed to him.

“That’s unexpected. Okay. You’ll need something to drink too, right? Americano…”

Seo Jeong-woon, who had been cheerfully continuing, suddenly pressed his lips shut. Come to think of it, he had once rejected an iced Americano that Seo Jeong-woon had handed him due to morning sickness. Since then, he hadn’t been able to touch Americano, but today, for some reason, it seemed like it would go down smoothly.

“Decaf, please.”

“…Alright. Wait over there.”

Seo Jeong-woon answered in a calmer tone. At his fingertips were a glass wall and a small table. Sitting on a chair and looking out the window, soon three slices of cake and two glasses of iced Americano arrived.

Do Yi-hyun, even with the cake in front of him, picked up the Americano as if entranced. Seo Jeong-woon sat across from him, watching intently. As Do Yi-hyun swallowed a sip of Americano, Seo Jeong-woon smirked and crossed his legs.

The cakes were each of different types. One with layers of fluffy génoise neatly coated with fresh cream, another piled high with bright red strawberries, and one covered with thick, sticky ganache.

“Enjoy.”

As Do Yi-hyun looked around, Seo Jeong-woon handed him a fork. There was only one fork. Despite being the one who suggested the snack first, Seo Jeong-woon didn’t seem inclined to eat.

Do Yi-hyun scooped just a bit of the fresh cream with the tip of the fork to taste it. He thought it would be too sweet and cloying once in his mouth, but the cream that melted smoothly in his mouth was savory and sweet. Do Yi-hyun finished all three cakes by himself.

While Do Yi-hyun was engrossed in the cake, Seo Jeong-woon continued to observe him. Seo Jeong-woon’s persistent gaze should have been uncomfortable, but strangely, it didn’t bother him much.

‘I’m full.’

It was because the nerves that had been on high alert since becoming pregnant had relaxed slightly. Being with Seo Jeong-woon felt comfortable, making even the time spent together feel cozy. It seemed his brain was mistaken.

But he mustn’t get confused. Do Yi-hyun tightened the reins of reason.

***

Beep- beep- beep-.

A monotonous alarm sound disturbed Do Yi-hyun’s deep sleep.

“Hoo…”

Do Yi-hyun raised his arm to cover his eyes and let out a long sigh. He needed to get up, but his body kept sagging like waterlogged cotton. Come to think of it, it had been quite a while since he last heard an alarm sound.

Since becoming pregnant, he had been losing sleep and waking up much earlier than the set alarm time.

‘When did I fall asleep last night…’

“Mr. Lee Hyun, going back to sleep?”

As he groped through the vague memories, a now-familiar voice shattered Do Yi-hyun’s thoughts. Opening his bleary eyes, he saw Seo Jeong-woon sitting on the edge of the bed. For some reason, Seo Jeong-woon was neatly dressed in a low-saturation purple suit from this morning.

‘Isn’t that uncomfortable?’

There was no one to see, so dressing up like a peacock was a waste of time. Do Yi-hyun glanced at the morning sun scattering bright light beyond the wide window. The sea, which had been one with the sky last night, was now shattered into shades of blue.

Do Yi-hyun looked at Seo Jeong-woon again with slower movements than usual.

‘…It is flashy.’

People often said that even good looks become immune if you keep seeing them. Conversely, Do Yi-hyun, who had prosopagnosia, had seen Seo Jeong-woon so much that he now understood why the people at the company had made such a fuss.

“Surprised to see I’m still handsome in the morning?”

Seo Jeong-woon leaned his upper body toward Do Yi-hyun, bracing himself on the bed. Seo Jeong-woon, smiling brightly, shone as brilliantly as the sparkling glimmer of the sea. If anything, the word “beautiful” suited him better than “handsome.”

Though no one would mistake Seo Jeong-woon for a woman due to his tall stature and high, straight nose.

“Why are you in my room, Executive Director?”

Do Yi-hyun glared at Seo Jeong-woon without getting up from the bed. He didn’t feel like forcing his heavy body up to show courtesy. The one who had been rude first was Seo Jeong-woon, who had entered Do Yi-hyun’s room without permission.

“I came to wake you. I just came in. But Mr. Lee Hyun, your voice is nice even when you wake up from sleep.”

“I’m awake now, so please leave.”

Do Yi-hyun, clutching the blanket, glared at Seo Jeong-woon and issued an order to leave. Do Yi-hyun was wearing the pajamas Seo Jeong-woon had placed with the suit, both top and bottom. If he had a habit of sleeping naked, he would have been in trouble because of Seo Jeong-woon.

“Hmm, come out for breakfast.”

Seo Jeong-woon obediently went out. He often stubbornly insisted on odd things but would retreat without hesitation at unexpected moments.

‘He’s a strange person.’

Only then did Do Yi-hyun sweep back his disheveled hair and slowly sit up. He had tried not to show any weakness, fearing Seo Jeong-woon would cling annoyingly if given a chance, but since yesterday, he had already shown his defenseless side twice. Moreover, today Seo Jeong-woon had essentially invaded Do Yi-hyun’s personal space.

He should feel bad, but just like yesterday, he didn’t feel much aversion. After finishing a quick shower, Do Yi-hyun took out a navy suit from the dressing room. He had half given up, thinking it wouldn’t fit well, but it fit perfectly as if custom-made.

It was also comfortable for movement.

‘How did he know my size?’

Do Yi-hyun tilted his head while putting on a vest over his shirt. After a brief hesitation, he left the tie and jacket behind and went out. Wearing the full set would feel like he was matching Seo Jeong-woon’s dressed-up appearance, which felt awkward.

“It really suits you.”

Seo Jeong-woon, sitting at the dining table drinking coffee, affectionately scanned Do Yi-hyun from head to toe. A beaming smile hung at the corner of his mouth. Do Yi-hyun gave a slight nod and sat down.

Seo Jeong-woon pushed the hotel room’s menu toward Do Yi-hyun.

“Choose whatever you like.”

Today, something clean appealed to him. Do Yi-hyun ordered a salad and a few light dishes.

“Mr. Lee Hyun, didn’t you only like Korean food?”

Seo Jeong-woon opened his eyes wide. Since his eyes were already large, his bright pupils seemed about to spill out.

“I eat everything well.”

“Except raw things?”

“That too…”

Originally, he ate them well, but since becoming pregnant, the fishy taste felt too strong, so he couldn’t eat them.

“No.”

Do Yi-hyun vaguely avoided the answer and lowered his head.

“Hmm.”

He expected more probing, but Seo Jeong-woon showed no particular reaction.

“What will you have, Executive Director?”

“The same as Mr. Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon answered plainly. Do Yi-hyun idly rotated his wrist. He couldn’t remember how many years it had been since he had breakfast with someone.

He thought it would be awkward, but it wasn’t bad at all. Perhaps it was because Seo Jeong-woon was so brazen. After feeding him breakfast early in the morning, Seo Jeong-woon leisurely spent time at the hotel until 10 o’clock.

Then, just when Do Yi-hyun began to doubt whether he had really come to work, they departed late. Do Yi-hyun, looking at his phone, suddenly checked the date and swallowed a sigh. It struck him anew that he had to spend time with Seo Jeong-woon, just the two of them, even on the weekend after the weekday.

Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon headed straight to a logistics center on the outskirts of Busan. It took over an hour from the hotel.

“Didn’t you book a hotel that’s too far?”

Do Yi-hyun slightly furrowed his brow. A round trip of two hours? The route was too inefficient.

Despite Do Yi-hyun’s complaint, Seo Jeong-woon only smiled silently.

“While I take a look around, do you want to rest in the office, Mr. Lee Hyun? The office will be warm. If you need anything, let me know. I’ll prepare it.”

At Seo Jeong-woon’s polite words, Do Yi-hyun was at a loss for words. No matter how warmly he smiled and kindly phrased it, the underlying meaning was that Do Yi-hyun was useless during the site inspection. If he was going to be left in the office, why drag him all the way to Busan?

‘He might as well tell me to rest at the hotel. Then I’d at least find something to do.’

Do Yi-hyun contacted Chief Choi whenever possible, but each time, Chief Choi curtly told him not to worry as the company was running smoothly and to focus on the business trip. Seo Jeong-woon must have pulled some strings behind the scenes.

“Can I just wait in the car?”

In a fit of pique, Do Yi-hyun asked sarcastically. It was obvious that going into a place mixed with all sorts of pheromones without Seo Jeong-woon would only worsen his condition. It was better to stay quietly in the car, even if it was a bit uncomfortable and boring.

“It’ll take quite a while, is that okay? Do as you please, Mr. Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon seemed puzzled by Do Yi-hyun’s choice but didn’t refuse. He didn’t even ask why Do Yi-hyun was avoiding the office. Since breakfast, Seo Jeong-woon had subtly maintained a psychological distance from Do Yi-hyun.

Strangely, Do Yi-hyun felt cared for by Seo Jeong-woon. Unlike the first impression a month ago, Seo Jeong-woon wasn’t a complete jerk without consideration.

“Then I’ll be back. Wait quietly.”

Seo Jeong-woon playfully winked as he got out of the car. Do Yi-hyun completely ignored it. Staring at the clear sky, Do Yi-hyun unconsciously moved his pupils to follow Seo Jeong-woon’s retreating figure.

But due to the surging crowd, he soon lost sight of Seo Jeong-woon.

‘…Where did he go?’

No matter where he looked, Do Yi-hyun’s field of vision was filled only with perfect strangers. Even if members of the accounting team 2 were mixed among them, Do Yi-hyun wouldn’t be able to recognize them. Wandering his gaze among the work clothes in search of the high-end suit, Do Yi-hyun suddenly closed his eyes.

If Seo Jeong-woon were wearing the same work clothes as everyone else, could he still spot him? …He wasn’t confident. Do Yi-hyun had prosopagnosia, but it wasn’t that severe.

If he made an effort, he could distinguish people well enough. Yet, he couldn’t even recognize Kim Yu-min, whom he saw almost every day, because he had never thought he needed others in his life. Since he didn’t need them, he didn’t pay attention.

Since he didn’t pay attention, even forgetting was intentional. But at this moment, for the first time, Do Yi-hyun felt that it wasn’t that he didn’t distinguish others, but that he couldn’t. The timing was truly abrupt.

Do Yi-hyun slowly opened his eyes. Not far away, he saw someone waving their hand widely. It was Seo Jeong-woon in his purple suit.

Lee. Hyun. Reading Seo Jeong-woon’s lips, Do Yi-hyun felt a strange sense of relief. Do Yi-hyun took a deep breath.

The faint lingering scent of Seo Jeong-woon in the car kept unsettling his mind. Do Yi-hyun impulsively opened the car door and stepped outside. Then, standing tall, he took a deep breath.

“Kgh…”

Even the faint pheromones carried by the wind made his stomach churn. In contrast, when Seo Jeong-woon was beside him, he could tolerate Alphas or Omegas passing by. Clenching his teeth, Do Yi-hyun got back into the car and instinctively followed Seo Jeong-woon’s scent.

The churning in his stomach, agitated by the faint floral scent, gradually calmed.

“Haa.”

Realizing his own state, Do Yi-hyun let out a deep sigh. Do Yi-hyun had been independent since a very young age. His mother wasn’t particularly doting either, so the very concept of relying on someone was foreign to him.

However, due to the extremely coincidental event of pregnancy, Do Yi-hyun found himself in a predicament he couldn’t solve on his own for the first time in his life. Eating meals and sleeping. The collapse of the most basic daily routines was more painful than he had imagined.

It was dreadful to watch his body deteriorate moment by moment without any way to stop it, and to constantly hear that the baby would soon be in danger. But when he was with Seo Jeong-woon, he felt at peace. That peace was so sweet that he didn’t want to escape it.

It was frustrating and hurt his pride that he couldn’t fully resolve things with his own hands, but Do Yi-hyun now had no choice but to admit it. For whatever reason, Do Yi-hyun needed Seo Jeong-woon.

‘In just one day.’

Do Yi-hyun clicked his tongue, disparaging his utterly powerless self. He didn’t like how his resolve had crumbled so quickly. Yet, the fact that he had sunk helplessly into the comfort Seo Jeong-woon offered was also proof of how immense the resentment toward the incomplete trait within him and the fear that the baby in his womb was in danger truly were.

He had just been deliberately ignoring it until now. Do Yi-hyun curled up, wrapping his arms tightly around his lower abdomen.

‘I should ask Seo Jeong-woon for help before it’s too late.’

Do Yi-hyun firmly resolved. Hesitating over an obvious choice wasn’t his style.

‘As long as our mutual interests align anyway.’

Do Yi-hyun needed to eat meals with Seo Jeong-woon to alleviate his morning sickness, and Seo Jeong-woon wanted to get closer to Do Yi-hyun for some reason. If he phrased his request carefully, it seemed possible. This was a kind of transaction.

Each giving a little of what the other wanted. As he pondered how to broach the subject with Seo Jeong-woon, a dizzying wave of drowsiness suddenly washed over him. Do Yi-hyun dozed off without a chance to resist.

In the blink of an eye, his broad upper body slid sideways.

***

A feather-soft touch gently landed near his eyebrows. In his sleep, Do Yi-hyun slightly lifted his chin, chasing the sweet scent.

He thought he faintly heard a low chuckle. Even with his eyes closed, the sunlight was dazzling. As he furrowed his brow, a warm shadow fell over Do Yi-hyun’s face.

Do Yi-hyun let out a faint, satisfied sigh and rubbed his cheek against the pillow. The smooth fabric rustled. The pillow was strangely warm and firm.

Do Yi-hyun’s consciousness was ambiguously straddling the line between sleep and reality. His body stretched out languidly, like candy melting into a soft, gooey state. Although he wasn’t one to indulge in fantasies with no chance of coming true, it was so peaceful he wished time would stop.

Buzz, buzz. His phone vibrated briefly. 95% of the messages Do Yi-hyun received were work-related.

His diligent body reflexively forced his heavy eyelids open with effort. But in his blurry vision, he saw someone’s silhouette. Do Yi-hyun blinked blankly.

A man with a striking appearance was looking down at Do Yi-hyun from above. His face looked familiar somehow.

“Did you sleep well?”

Seo Jeong-woon greeted him softly, waving the hand he had been holding in the air gently from side to side. As the fluttering gesture moved, sunlight and shadow alternated on Do Yi-hyun’s face.

‘…Is that Seo Jeong-woon?’

Do Yi-hyun stared fixedly at the figure he presumed to be Seo Jeong-woon with sleep-filled eyes. His head felt dull, as if heavily intoxicated. Seo Jeong-woon stifled a laugh at Do Yi-hyun’s expression, so different from his usual sharp self.

Every time Seo Jeong-woon shrugged his shoulders, the pillow Do Yi-hyun was lying on moved too. Do Yi-hyun rolled his unfocused eyes to look at the pillow. But he couldn’t see a pillow; he only saw Seo Jeong-woon’s thigh.

‘Then what I’m using as a pillow right now is…’

Before he could even finish the thought, Do Yi-hyun grimaced and abruptly sat up. His mind snapped awake as if doused with ice water.

“My apologies.”

Do Yi-hyun offered a curt apology and swiftly straightened his disheveled hair and clothes. Seo Jeong-woon’s gaze clung persistently to the tips of Do Yi-hyun’s fingers as he adjusted his tie, but Do Yi-hyun didn’t notice.

‘When did I fall asleep?’

He had dozed off without even realizing it. They say pregnant people often feel sleepy all the time, but Do Yi-hyun had been suffering from insomnia instead, so he was quite flustered. Was it a side effect of suddenly eating so well since yesterday?

Do Yi-hyun slightly lowered his head, casting his gaze downward. Even though he hadn’t been assigned any work, he was technically on a business trip. Whatever the reason, there was no excuse.

“Haha, I didn’t know Lee Hyun was the type to sleep so soundly. I could have kidnapped you and you wouldn’t have noticed.”

As a superior, he could have scolded him, but Seo Jeong-woon playfully winked. For some unknown reason, he seemed subtly pleased.

“I’ll be more careful.”

Do Yi-hyun promised bluntly. They had arrived at the logistics center around 11, and it was already past 2. Checking the time, Do Yi-hyun stiffened the corners of his mouth.

“You can sleep more. I’d lend it to you anytime if it’s for Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon grinned and patted his own thigh.

“No, thank you.”

How on earth had he ended up using Seo Jeong-woon’s thigh as a pillow? Do Yi-hyun had absolutely no habit of moving in his sleep. He usually woke up in the exact same position he fell asleep in.

There was no other explanation but that Seo Jeong-woon had willingly offered his leg. Do Yi-hyun looked back at Seo Jeong-woon with a suspicious glance.

“You were sleeping so well I felt bad waking you up.”

As if reading Do Yi-hyun’s mind, Seo Jeong-woon offered an excuse that wasn’t really an excuse, smiling slyly.

“Please forget it.”

Do Yi-hyun straightened his back. He couldn’t forgive himself for making such an absurd mistake in front of his superior.

“I can’t do that. It’s a side of Lee Hyun only I know.”

Seo Jeong-woon shook his head mischievously. It was only natural for Do Yi-hyun’s eyebrows to furrow. He didn’t know what ulterior motive Seo Jeong-woon had for remembering such an embarrassing scene.

“Let’s go get lunch. I know a good place.”

“…Alright.”

Do Yi-hyun answered with what sounded like a sigh.

***

Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon had a late lunch at a restaurant with a Korean cuisine base. It was a place that presented familiar dishes like grilled fish or bulgogi with a modern reinterpretation, and it was quite unique that they were served course by course instead of all at once on one table.

As Seo Jeong-woon had boasted, everything was delicious without exception. After finishing the meal, Do Yi-hyun picked at a piece of traditional Korean confectionery and sank deep into thought.

‘I need to settle this before the business trip ends.’

He had to propose that they eat at least one meal a day together, whether lunch or dinner, after returning to Seoul, but he couldn’t quite gauge when to bring it up. Judging by Seo Jeong-woon’s current attitude, he seemed likely to respond positively. But the key point was that it couldn’t end as a one-time event.

There was no telling when the morning sickness would subside. Whether it lasted a few short weeks or several long months, he needed to maintain a steady relationship. Seo Jeong-woon had already broken an implicit promise once before.

He had no desire to be swayed again by Seo Jeong-woon’s fickle interest, which could wither at any moment. To make a proper deal, he first needed to understand what the other party wanted. He needed to figure out why Seo Jeong-woon was approaching him—what about him stimulated Seo Jeong-woon’s interest.

“You’re staring rather intently today.”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled with a slight squint. He had been thinking of memorizing Seo Jeong-woon’s face since, albeit temporarily, Seo Jeong-woon had become someone he needed, but it seemed he’d been noticed.

“I haven’t been.”

Do Yi-hyun feigned ignorance.

“Alright. I’ll pretend I don’t know.”

Seo Jeong-woon beamed and stuck his face forward as if inviting him to look all he wanted. Do Yi-hyun let out a deep sigh and turned his head away sharply. The more time he spent with Seo Jeong-woon, the more his sighs increased.

“We’re full, so shall we take a short walk?”

Seo Jeong-woon suggested naturally as they left the restaurant. Do Yi-hyun twitched his eyebrows. It wasn’t a suggestion he particularly liked, but it wasn’t something he detested either.

After a moment’s contemplation, Do Yi-hyun nodded indifferently. By nature, he couldn’t go as far as flattering someone, but he could manage to get along reasonably well. He also needed time to figure Seo Jeong-woon out.

He thought it meant looking around the nearby area, but Seo Jeong-woon deliberately sought out a secluded beach. As soon as they got out of the car, they heard the cries of seagulls and smelled the salty sea air. Do Yi-hyun followed Seo Jeong-woon, strolling along the beach and gazing at the sea.

The weather was clear and bright, making the sea beautiful too. It felt like it had been five years since he’d seen the sea this close.

“Lee Hyun, are you cold?”

Seo Jeong-woon, who was half a step ahead, turned slowly. The blue, clear sea and his refreshing smile matched quite well, creating a cool vibe. His hair, fluttering lightly in the sea breeze, looked as if it had been deliberately styled.

“Yes.”

“Do you like the sea?”

“I don’t dislike it.”

The conversation didn’t flow seamlessly, but they exchanged small talk in their own way.

‘Maybe I’m starting to feel some affection.’

As time passed, his wariness toward Seo Jeong-woon gradually eased. Excluding strange acts like offering his thigh earlier, Seo Jeong-woon was surprisingly not so bad. The problem was that the impact of his odd behavior, which popped up just when you were about to forget, was too strong.

“Then let’s go see more of the sea. And grab a snack while we’re at it.”

Just when you’d think he suggested a walk to settle the meal, Seo Jeong-woon was trying to lure Do Yi-hyun with snacks again. Do Yi-hyun nodded reluctantly once more. The two moved to Dalmaji Hill and entered a cafe with a clear view of the sea.

Do Yi-hyun ate his fill of warm tea and sweet desserts. He thought he wouldn’t be able to eat much since he was full, but once they were in front of him, they went down easily. Seo Jeong-woon watched Do Yi-hyun eat contentedly while sipping only his Americano.

As dusk began to fall, Seo Jeong-woon said that since they’d come to Busan, they should see the Gwangan Bridge, and took Do Yi-hyun to a restaurant in Gwangan-ri.

‘What kind of business trip is this?’

Looking back, all they’d done since coming to Busan was drive around and eat. Except for the hour or two spent at the logistics center in the morning, the schedule was such that you’d believe they were on vacation, not a business trip. The only flaw was that the person he came with was neither family nor a friend, but his superior.

“Are you planning to open a restaurant or something?”

Do Yi-hyun mercilessly stirred the beautifully plated ragù pasta and gave Seo Jeong-woon a remark that bordered on reproach.

“Should I open one? With Korean food that Lee Hyun likes?”

He was pointing out that he’d dragged a busy person around just to leisurely tour famous eateries, but Seo Jeong-woon brightened up and started laying out concrete plans, like opening a restaurant near the company.

“No, thank you.”

Do Yi-hyun curtly cut off the conversation. But Seo Jeong-woon’s expression looked quite suspicious. He seemed to be seriously calculating.

He worried that Seo Jeong-woon might really show up one day saying he’d suddenly opened a restaurant. Do Yi-hyun’s gaze was stolen by the wine glass Seo Jeong-woon was holding. Suddenly, the image of Seo Jeong-woon half-naked last night vaguely surfaced in his mind.

“You can drink. Is it because it’s a business trip?”

It seemed Seo Jeong-woon did have some awareness that this was a business trip.

“I can’t drink alcohol.”

“That’s a lie. You drink well.”

Completely unaware that he was doing the insane act of offering alcohol to a pregnant person two days in a row, Seo Jeong-woon narrowed his eyes and glared at Do Yi-hyun. He didn’t know how Seo Jeong-woon knew, but as he said, Do Yi-hyun wasn’t a weak drinker. On days when he was unavoidably dragged to company dinners, he would drink several glasses of whatever was offered, be it bomb shots or anything else.

It was the first time he had gotten so drunk he lost his memory or made a mistake due to alcohol. Do Yi-hyun tapped his lower abdomen with his left hand.

“No need to make that face. If you don’t want to drink, just say so. I won’t force you.”

Seo Jeong-woon smiled slyly and put down his glass. Do Yi-hyun touched his cheek awkwardly. All his life, he’d heard until his ears were calloused that people couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.

But lately, it seemed he was often caught by those around him, revealing what he was thinking.

“Haha.”

Seo Jeong-woon suddenly closed his eyes and laughed. Since earlier, Seo Jeong-woon had been bursting into clear laughter while looking at Do Yi-hyun without any context. It didn’t seem like a good story would come back if he asked, so Do Yi-hyun simply lost interest.

“What’s the schedule for tomorrow?”

“Is there something Lee Hyun wants to do?”

“I was asking about the work we need to do.”

Do Yi-hyun stiffened his expression. It was clearly a very encouraging thing that he had regained an ordinary daily life while being unavoidably stuck with Seo Jeong-woon. But he couldn’t shake the doubt about the business trip itself.

Was it really necessary to spend two nights and three days just to briefly look around a logistics center? Was it so urgent that they had to depart hastily on Friday afternoon? It made no sense at all.

“If we finish what we need to do, we’ll have time to do what we want to do as well.”

“……”

Seo Jeong-woon remained undaunted and only said what he wanted to say. Do Yi-hyun shook his head side to side and split the chocolate served for dessert with his spoon.

‘We’re not on the same wavelength.’

Their pheromone compatibility might be good, but their human compatibility was truly the worst. On the way back to the hotel after dinner, Do Yi-hyun was troubled as his eyes kept wanting to close. He tried to chase away sleep by digging his nails into his palms or straining his eyes, but it was of little use.

Since becoming pregnant, there were so many things to be careful about that his tension level had naturally risen significantly. Then, once he was able to eat and sleep properly, it seemed his tension had unwittingly eased.

‘Or maybe…’

Do Yi-hyun looked back at Seo Jeong-woon with a wary expression. The times he felt drowsy for no reason or slept so soundly he didn’t wake to any presence were all when Seo Jeong-woon was nearby. Could pheromone compatibility affect not just morning sickness but also sleep?

‘I shouldn’t be too close to Seo Jeong-woon at the office.’

He couldn’t very well doze off during work hours. Do Yi-hyun massaged his stiff neck and had a frivolous thought. As soon as they arrived in the lobby, Do Yi-hyun headed straight for the elevator.

He wanted to go quickly, wash up, and lie down in bed. But Seo Jeong-woon grabbed Do Yi-hyun’s wrist as he tried to press the elevator button.

“What is it?”

“Let’s stop by the bar for a bit. It’s still too early to sleep, what a waste. You’d get bored too if you skip your weekly visit, right?”

Seo Jeong-woon leaned his shoulder against Do Yi-hyun’s, brought his head close, and whispered softly.

‘What a bother.’

Do Yi-hyun, who was looking at Seo Jeong-woon sullenly, belatedly realized that the distance between their faces was at most a handspan. What was more surprising was that he didn’t feel particularly uncomfortable even with Seo Jeong-woon this close. Nevertheless, Do Yi-hyun deliberately pulled his head back.

Had he unwittingly grown accustomed to Seo Jeong-woon’s intimate sense of distance? Or had he, without realizing it, opened his heart to Seo Jeong-woon quite a bit? Either way, it was news that would make Joo Na-hye, who had chased him around all semester just to eat one school lunch together, jump with rage.

“I told you I can’t drink alcohol.”

“Yeah, you don’t need to drink alcohol. Let’s go eat fruit. The fruit here is really sweet and delicious. I heard you like it.”

Seo Jeong-woon fluttered his long eyelashes and smiled gently.

“Where did you hear that? Was it Kim Yu-min?”

“Haha, don’t scold me.”

Seo Jeong-woon didn’t deny that Kim Yu-min was the source of the information. Do Yi-hyun swallowed a sigh. He wondered how Seo Jeong-woon knew such miscellaneous information about him, and the culprit was right beside him.

It wasn’t that he went around with fruit in his mouth because he liked it so much. It was just that due to morning sickness, the only thing he could eat was sweet fruit flesh, so he forced himself. Even that had become thoroughly tiresome after eating similar kinds for nearly a month.

“Fruit is…”

Do Yi-hyun tried to politely refuse. But as soon as the word ‘fruit’ left his lips, his mouth suddenly watered. He thought of sour fruits like tangerines, oranges, or pineapples.

Just when they left the restaurant, his stomach had been so full he thought he wouldn’t be able to eat anything for a while, but suddenly he felt hollow inside.

“I want something sour.”

Torn between appetite and sleepiness, Do Yi-hyun ultimately lost to his appetite. It was because, during this time, not being able to eat had been more distressing than not being able to sleep.

“Haha, Lee Hyun is unexpectedly weak when it comes to food. Cute.”

Seo Jeong-woon chuckled and stepped into the elevator. Do Yi-hyun frowned as much as he could and followed Seo Jeong-woon. If Seo Jeong-woon ever experienced this dreadful morning sickness himself, he wouldn’t be able to say such things.

I had to eat as much as possible while I could. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know when I’d be able to eat again. If this state continued, I might even develop an appetite I never had before.

I wanted to give Seo Jeong-woon a piece of my mind, but I had to hold my breath and couldn’t even open my mouth. No matter how close Seo Jeong-woon was, he couldn’t completely neutralize the blatant pheromones of an unknown stranger that subtly lingered in the hotel elevator.

‘Maybe I shouldn’t have insisted on going to the bar.’

Come to think of it, there probably wasn’t much difference between the hotel elevator and the hotel bar. Was I, as Seo Jeong-woon said, bewitched by the fruit? But before Do Yi-hyun could even regret it, the elevator doors opened wide.

Seo Jeong-woon stepped out without hesitation. The moment Seo Jeong-woon entered the bar, Do Yi-hyun felt everyone’s eyes turn toward them. And it wasn’t just now.

Whenever he went out with Seo Jeong-woon, piercing stares followed them everywhere. Even Do Yi-hyun, who was usually indifferent to others, occasionally felt uncomfortable. At the same time, the surroundings became unnaturally quiet.

To exaggerate a bit, you could probably hear a pin drop. An ordinary person would have been flustered and stiffened under such blatant attention.

“This way.”

There was no way Seo Jeong-woon didn’t notice the sharp stares that even Do Yi-hyun felt. But Seo Jeong-woon calmly escorted Do Yi-hyun. The moment Do Yi-hyun’s eyes met Seo Jeong-woon’s glancing back, he intuitively understood the reason.

For Seo Jeong-woon, this was nothing special. Wherever he went, he stood at the center of attention.

“……Alpha……”

Following the staff’s guidance and moving inward, an excited whisper brushed past Do Yi-hyun’s ear. Everyone had concluded without a shred of doubt that Seo Jeong-woon was an Alpha. While you couldn’t perfectly distinguish them by appearance alone, each trait did have its representative characteristics.

Even in Do Yi-hyun’s eyes, Seo Jeong-woon was a typical Alpha—no, an ideal Alpha. His refined features and exceptional physique were enough to captivate not only Omegas but even Betas, and his gentle tone and poised gait were elegant and dignified. The subtle air of leisure that emanated from him hinted at an extraordinary upbringing.

Some people’s eyes sparkled as they stole glances at the suit Seo Jeong-woon wore and the watch on his wrist. Objectively speaking, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call Seo Jeong-woon perfect. It was baffling why such a person acted so harshly only toward him.

Just then, an Alpha’s pheromones rapidly approached from somewhere. It felt aggressive, as if trying to challenge Seo Jeong-woon.

‘This is bad.’

If it were faint pheromones subtly spreading, it might be different, but being exposed to the thick pheromones of an Alpha with clear intent was bound to lead to trouble. Do Yi-hyun hurriedly held his breath and tried to step back. But he couldn’t create as much distance as he wanted.

“Lee Hyun, why are you walking so slowly?”

It was because Seo Jeong-woon had suddenly drawn close and wrapped his arm around Do Yi-hyun’s shoulder. Do Yi-hyun reflexively tried to push Seo Jeong-woon away but stopped before he could even twist his waist. The unpleasant Alpha pheromones that had been pouring down vanished without a trace.

Instead, only a fragrant floral scent lingered around Do Yi-hyun.

‘Is this also thanks to good compatibility with Seo Jeong-woon?’

Do Yi-hyun looked up at Seo Jeong-woon with uncertainty. No matter how good their pheromone compatibility was, it was impossible to block another Alpha’s pheromones. Moreover, Seo Jeong-woon hadn’t even used his pheromones.

Seo Jeong-woon was subtly gazing past Do Yi-hyun’s shoulder, his face devoid of any smile.

“Executive Director?”

“It’s nothing.”

When Do Yi-hyun called out curiously, Seo Jeong-woon quickly flashed a friendly smile again. The two sat at a window seat. The table was spacious, and the view was nice.

It was surprising that this seat was empty even though there were quite a few people.

“Did you reserve it?”

“What do you think?”

Seo Jeong-woon tilted his head. He rarely gave straightforward answers to anything. Since Do Yi-hyun wasn’t particularly curious, he closed his mouth.

As if he’d expected it, Seo Jeong-woon let out a deflated laugh.

‘It’s a bit awkward.’

Do Yi-hyun sat across from Seo Jeong-woon, but as soon as he left Seo Jeong-woon’s side, his skin tingled from the unfamiliar pheromones floating in the air. Still, it was bearable. Do Yi-hyun observed Seo Jeong-woon carefully.

He had only planned to rely on Seo Jeong-woon’s help to eat at least one meal a day, but the more he looked, the more Seo Jeong-woon seemed…

‘…useful.’

He couldn’t find a more fitting expression. Just being near Seo Jeong-woon alleviated all the symptoms caused by pregnancy. He was growing increasingly convinced that he needed Seo Jeong-woon’s help to safely carry the baby to term.

“Excuse me.”

Even though they hadn’t ordered, a beautifully plated dish of colorful fruits appeared. When Do Yi-hyun glanced at it, Seo Jeong-woon gave a sly, smiling look.

“Eat a lot.”

“How much fruit are you trying to make me eat?”

Even if he hadn’t eaten dinner, it was more than Do Yi-hyun could finish alone. Do Yi-hyun grimaced but dutifully picked up his fork. In many ways, Seo Jeong-woon was consistently the same.

From the first time he stubbornly insisted on having lunch together, he prepared an absurd amount, and ever since coming down to Busan, he kept asking if Do Yi-hyun needed more every time he chose a menu.

‘Do I really look like I eat that much?’

Of course, being a former athlete, he did eat well, but Seo Jeong-woon’s portions were excessive, even overly so. What was more annoying was that Seo Jeong-woon himself ate only a moderate amount.

“What kind of bars do you like, Lee Hyun?”

Seo Jeong-woon lightly swirled his angular whiskey glass. The transparent, round ice cubes clinked together. Each time the golden liquid swayed, the smoky scent unique to whiskey subtly spread.

“I’ve never thought about it.”

Do Yi-hyun answered indifferently and put a piece of pineapple in his mouth. The firm, springy texture and abundant juice of the fresh fruit were quite satisfying.

“Where do you usually go?”

“Nowhere.”

“Then do you go to new places every time?”

“I don’t go.”

“Or do you go somewhere other than bars?”

Seo Jeong-woon drew out his words meaningfully and narrowed his eyes. Even though they were exchanging words back and forth, it didn’t feel like they were communicating. The conversation kept missing the mark.

Do Yi-hyun paused while spearing a mango with his fork and looked up to stare intently at Seo Jeong-woon. It seemed like Seo Jeong-woon wanted to hear something specific from him, but he couldn’t understand why he kept beating around the bush.

“Lee Hyun, do you usually drink until you’re drunk?”

When Do Yi-hyun furrowed his brow, Seo Jeong-woon took a step back. But the topic of conversation didn’t change much.

“I don’t like getting drunk.”

“Really? Isn’t vodka a drink you have to get drunk on?”

Seo Jeong-woon curled his naturally flushed lips and muttered to himself. The dim lighting flowed down his prominent nose bridge. Whether it was because he’d had two or three drinks, a languid atmosphere emanated from his drooping eyes.

The slightly disheveled Seo Jeong-woon had a quality that stirred lust in those who looked at him. Even as time passed, the gazes directed at Seo Jeong-woon showed no sign of diminishing. Do Yi-hyun thought he understood the reason inwardly.

A few of them openly showed interest in Do Yi-hyun, but Do Yi-hyun paid them no attention.

“Lee Hyun, do you have poor eyesight?”

“What do you mean?”

“You sometimes stare intently at people. You’ve been staring at me since earlier, so I’m embarrassed.”

Seo Jeong-woon joked and poked his own cheek with his index finger. Most of the time, Do Yi-hyun stared because he couldn’t recognize who someone was, but this time, he was staring because he wanted to memorize Seo Jeong-woon’s face again.

“I’m not good at remembering faces.”

Do Yi-hyun hesitated briefly before admitting the truth. Everyone who needed to know at the company already knew, though the fact that it was prosopagnosia hadn’t spread.

“But you remember my face, right?”

Seo Jeong-woon leaned his upper body slightly forward. He seemed confident that Do Yi-hyun couldn’t possibly forget. Do Yi-hyun avoided answering by drinking water.

Interpreting the intentional silence in his own way, Seo Jeong-woon twitched his eyebrows.

“You’re really an interesting person, Lee Hyun.”

Seo Jeong-woon shook his head. It was an unfamiliar evaluation for Do Yi-hyun, who had spent his whole life being called boring.

“……Do you want something from me?”

Do Yi-hyun asked bluntly. He wanted to know the exact reason why Seo Jeong-woon showed interest in him, even to the point of trying to manipulate him. It felt too persistent and meticulous to be simply because his peculiar personality was amusing.

“Are you really asking because you don’t know? What other reason could there be for an Alpha actively approaching someone?”

It was an ambiguous question, but Seo Jeong-woon immediately saw through Do Yi-hyun’s underlying meaning.

‘So he wants to be friends?’

Do Yi-hyun slowly lowered his gaze. An Alpha wouldn’t flirt with another Alpha, so that was the only possibility. It was somewhat surprising that Kim Yu-min’s fussing was correct.

If that was the case, then even if it was later revealed that Do Yi-hyun was an Omega, it wouldn’t be a problem. Seo Jeong-woon didn’t seem like the type to insist that Alphas and Omegas couldn’t be friends. Or, he could just reveal now that he was an Omega.

“I have one request.”

“What is it?”

It was a very rare occurrence for Do Yi-hyun to initiate a topic. Seo Jeong-woon, perhaps intrigued, even set down his glass and focused on Do Yi-hyun.

“When we return to Seoul……”

If he could eat at least one meal a day with Seo Jeong-woon, he thought he could hold out until the stabilization period. If Seo Jeong-woon genuinely wanted to build a friendship with him, it seemed possible to coordinate to some extent. But Do Yi-hyun trailed off without finishing his sentence.

Having never made a request of anyone in his life, he was at a loss for how to bring it up. Seo Jeong-woon didn’t rush him and waited leisurely. The moment Do Yi-hyun slowly parted his lips again, someone plopped down next to Seo Jeong-woon.

“Hyungs, what’s your relationship? You don’t seem like lovers. Friends?”

It was a young Omega who looked to be in his early twenties at most. His hair, dyed in a pale pastel tone, was quite striking.

“Isn’t it boring when only Alphas hang out? Let me join too.”

The Omega smiled coyly. Under normal circumstances, Do Yi-hyun would have paid no attention, but he carefully examined the Omega. There was no particular meaning to it.

It was an extension of his conscious effort to memorize Seo Jeong-woon. The Omega’s characteristically pale white skin, thick double eyelids and large, calf-like round eyes, bright red lips. A small, slender frame that would barely reach Seo Jeong-woon’s chest if he stood up.

Sitting side by side with Seo Jeong-woon, they looked like a perfectly matched pair. In contrast, Do Yi-hyun, as the Omega had misunderstood, had an appearance closer to an Alpha than an Omega. Probably most people in this bar thought Do Yi-hyun was an Alpha.

“Or should I bring my friend too? He’s also an Omega.”

The young Omega turned his body toward Seo Jeong-woon, who seemed to be his target. His shiny eyes were filled with confidence that he wouldn’t be rejected. In a way, it was a similar kind of self-assurance to Seo Jeong-woon’s.

“Hmm.”

Seo Jeong-woon wore the subtle smile he often used at the company. The Omega, flushing with excitement, tried to place his hand on Seo Jeong-woon’s forearm. But before he could, Seo Jeong-woon stood up from his seat.

Leaving the Omega, who was staring wide-eyed in surprise, Seo Jeong-woon leisurely walked around the table and sat in the seat next to Do Yi-hyun.

“Sorry, but I’m spending precious time with someone important. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t disturb us.”

Seo Jeong-woon refused the Omega’s offer in a tone that was not rude but firm.

‘Someone important? Precious time?’

Seo Jeong-woon lied smoothly without batting an eye. He’d noticed it before, but Seo Jeong-woon was really good at empty compliments. Though he felt a strong urge to refute, Do Yi-hyun closed his mouth awkwardly.

It wouldn’t do any good to have another Omega nearby for long.

“Fuck, dirty Alphas sticking together.”

His pride severely wounded, the Omega glared at Do Yi-hyun with all his might before stomping away, grumbling.

“Ha.”

Seo Jeong-woon let out a hollow laugh.

“Where does Lee Hyun look like……”

Seo Jeong-woon muttered crookedly and reached his hand toward Do Yi-hyun. But then, the Omega’s pheromones were faintly mixed in with Seo Jeong-woon’s cologne. It was a fresh lemon scent, but mixed with Seo Jeong-woon’s floral fragrance, it felt unbearably foul.

“Ugh……!”

Do Yi-hyun covered his mouth with his palm and retched. A severe pheromone rejection symptom appeared, enough to darken his vision in an instant. Unable to withstand the dizzying vertigo, Do Yi-hyun swayed and collapsed.

“Lee Hyun? Lee Hyun!”

Seo Jeong-woon caught Do Yi-hyun as he fell limply and shouted urgently.

“Ah, ugh!”

It felt like his head was splitting. Do Yi-hyun opened his eyes wide, but nothing was in focus.

“Why are you suddenly like this? Stay with me……”

Seo Jeong-woon’s urgent voice gradually grew smaller before completely fading away.

***

Do Yi-hyun opened his eyes again just as they arrived at the emergency room.

“Patient, are you awake?”

The nurse, who had been carefully checking his condition, quickly noticed Do Yi-hyun had regained consciousness and asked a question. Do Yi-hyun held his throbbing head and slowly nodded.

“Haa.”

A deep sigh was heard from beside him, indicating Seo Jeong-woon was there.

“Do you have any underlying conditions or are you currently taking any medication?”

“……I’m pregnant.”

Do Yi-hyun hesitated briefly before answering slowly. Both being an Omega and being pregnant were facts that would eventually become known at the company since he planned to apply for maternity leave once he entered the stabilization period. But he never dreamed that Seo Jeong-woon would be the first to find out.

And in such an absurd way. Clatter! Something fell and rolled on the floor.

“Guardian, please be careful. This is the emergency room.”

The nurse cautioned Seo Jeong-woon before calling the doctor. Do Yi-hyun underwent simple blood tests and an ultrasound. Fortunately, the baby was fine.

However, his physical condition was still a mess, so following the doctor’s recommendation, he decided to receive an IV before leaving. While Do Yi-hyun was busily undergoing tests, Seo Jeong-woon stood motionless at the foot of the emergency room bed, his face cold and stiff. He seemed to feel deeply betrayed by the fact that Do Yi-hyun was an Omega.

He might have to give up on receiving Seo Jeong-woon’s help until the stabilization period. Do Yi-hyun pretended not to mind Seo Jeong-woon, but inwardly, he felt greatly disappointed.

“Please press the bell when the IV is finished.”

After the nurse left, only Do Yi-hyun and Seo Jeong-woon remained in the narrow space separated by a curtain.

“You’re pregnant?”

Only then did Seo Jeong-woon slowly open his mouth. His voice, heavily suppressed, sounded unfamiliar.

“Yes.”

“Whose brat, whose child is it?”

When Do Yi-hyun readily admitted it, Seo Jeong-woon probed into an extremely private area. His tone was rough, unlike the usually composed Seo Jeong-woon.

“Why would you……”

“Why? Shouldn’t I care? Even though Lee Hyun is pregnant?”

Do Yi-hyun slowly blinked. Contrary to expectations, Seo Jeong-woon didn’t seem to care at all that Do Yi-hyun was an Omega. Instead, he seemed angry that Do Yi-hyun was pregnant.

Why was that? Grr. Seo Jeong-woon gritted his teeth.

“Just say it’s my child. Another bastard’s child, ha. Do you even know who the father is?”

Seo Jeong-woon glared at Do Yi-hyun’s stomach with a fierce expression and ominous eyes. As if barely holding onto his rationality, Seo Jeong-woon forcibly lowered his rising voice and clenched his fists.

“Wait a minute, Executive Director. Why would I be carrying your child?”

Do Yi-hyun couldn’t understand what nonsense Seo Jeong-woon was spouting.

“Are you going to keep feigning ignorance until the end? Who was clinging to me all night?”

Seo Jeong-woon irritably swept his hair back. As his disheveled hair fell away and his neat forehead was revealed, it felt strangely familiar.

“Do you like my face that much?”

Suddenly, Do Yi-hyun remembered a man smiling brightly and looking down at him. A man who kissed him frequently and whispered that he was pretty.

“……Could it have been you, Executive Director?”

Do Yi-hyun looked up at Seo Jeong-woon with a dazed expression, covering his stomach. Seo Jeong-woon, who had been biting his lips in anger, seemed to sense the subtle nuance in Do Yi-hyun’s question.

“What does that mean? ……Could it be mine? The child in Do Yi-hyun’s stomach, is it mine?”

Seo Jeong-woon strode closer. His grayish-brown eyes were filled with a peculiar heat.