By Zephyria 
Seo Yi-kyung stared in the direction the sound was coming from. Han Seung-jae, with his deep-set eyes and sharp features, had hair that was slightly damp. As he drew closer, it seemed he had just come out of the shower after exercising. However, the heat radiating from his body had not yet fully dissipated.
“One moment. I will bring some water.”
Butler Do stepped away to prepare fresh water. However, Han Seung-jae was faster, taking the glass held in Seo Yi-kyung’s hand.
“It’s fine. This is enough.”
As the glass passed from Seo Yi-kyung’s fingertips to Han Seung-jae’s hand, the lime floating in the water swayed back and forth.
Han Seung-jae set the empty glass down on the table. Round droplets of condensation formed along the glass, where ice and lime remained.
Min Ra-hyeon, who had been turned sideways, fully faced them. He spoke toward Han Seung-jae.
“You’re up already?”
Min Ra-hyeon, who always sat in the living room observing the house, easily noticed that Han Seung-jae had come up earlier than usual. The same went for Seo Yi-kyung. Both of them had appeared exceptionally early today. Min Ra-hyeon’s suspicion lasted only a moment.
Han Seung-jae pulled out a chair. He placed a hand on the back of Seo Yi-kyung, who was looking at him. His pale complexion was still ghostly.
“Sit down first.”
A soft, white knit, fluffy as down, was enveloped in Han Seung-jae’s large grip. Seo Yi-kyung, who had been standing motionless, perched on the chair.
“I will prepare breakfast immediately.”
Butler Do moved busily due to the sudden gathering of people. Then, Han Seung-jae sat down next to Seo Yi-kyung.
Min Ra-hyeon, who had been watching the scene until then, hesitated. Usually, he was the one who sat next to Han Seung-jae. Eventually, Min Ra-hyeon had no choice but to move to the other side. He pulled out the chair in front of Han Seung-jae and sat facing him.
“Did you enjoy viewing the paintings yesterday?”
Han Seung-jae’s voice was low yet resonant. It was to the point where even Butler Do, who was carrying plates back and forth, stiffened and couldn’t help but take notice. Min Ra-hyeon’s gaze also fixed on the two people in front of him.
Seo Yi-kyung turned his head away from the front. Perhaps because of his lack of blood flow, his lips stood out as particularly reddish.
“Yes, it was enjoyable.”
Seo Yi-kyung’s response was not bad. Because of this, Han Seung-jae became even more curious about which painting Seo Yi-kyung had liked. And how he might have smiled while looking at it.
“I should have gone and seen them too.”
Han Seung-jae’s eyes lingered on Seo Yi-kyung’s subdued face.
“Let’s see them together next time.”
Seo Yi-kyung gave a barely perceptible nod. He wondered if such a day would ever come.
Han Seung-jae spoke nonchalantly.
“By the way, aren’t you going to tell me why you looked for me?”
It seemed he had been wanting to know for a while what reason Seo Yi-kyung had for seeking him out. Seo Yi-kyung parted his lips.
“Because Seon-yu is coming over today.”
“Was that so difficult to tell me?”
Seo Yi-kyung’s gaze seemed to drift toward Min Ra-hyeon, who was still watching the two of them, before returning to Han Seung-jae, who was staring intently at him. It wasn’t an illusion; Han Seung-jae’s eyebrows had arched slightly.
Seo Yi-kyung continued with emphasis.
“He’ll be coming continuously for a while.”
“Do that. I don’t mind.”
Han Seung-jae answered without much thought. Instead, Min Ra-hyeon opened his mouth and let out a sigh.
Even without hearing it, Seo Yi-kyung could guess what he wanted to say. Since Han Seung-jae disliked the scent of Omegas, he likely wanted to mention that. However, since Han Seung-jae had given his permission, what could he possibly say even if he stepped in?
Before they knew it, a neat meal was set before the three of them. Butler Do, who had been busily moving around them, bowed.
“Then, please let me know if you need anything.”
Seo Yi-kyung gripped his chopsticks. He hadn’t come down because he wanted to eat breakfast. Although he was hungry, he knew his stomach would feel unwell if he ate. Thus, he wasn’t particularly keen on eating anything. But he couldn’t just hold out without eating. He had to eat something to have strength…
“Butler Do.”
“…!”
Seo Yi-kyung’s head immediately turned to the side. Han Seung-jae was looking for Butler Do with an indifferent gaze. Seo Yi-kyung called out to him.
“Seung-jae.”
Before he could say he intended to eat, Butler Do, who had approached, was faster this time.
“Did you call for me?”
“Tell the chef to make a bowl of soup.”
“Soup?”
Butler Do questioned him, then locked eyes with Seo Yi-kyung. He immediately realized who the soup Han Seung-jae mentioned was for.
Butler Do turned away, acknowledging the request. Not long after, a concave bowl was placed in front of Seo Yi-kyung.
A while ago, the chef had spoken with Seo Yi-kyung and seen firsthand what kind of food he enjoyed. Consequently, the soup in front of Seo Yi-kyung was the one he had finished entirely on Christmas.
Seo Yi-kyung put down his chopsticks and picked up a spoon. Taking a small sip of the soup, he moved his hand more as he savored the taste spreading through his mouth. It was easy to swallow, and above all, the savory flavor that clung to his tongue was exquisite.
“I guess that suits your taste.”
Having completely forgotten that Han Seung-jae was watching him, Seo Yi-kyung’s head slowly turned to the side. Han Seung-jae flicked his finger lightly.
“Eat more.”
Since Seo Yi-kyung was carrying a child and had to give him a painting, he needed to eat several times better than usual.
* * *
“Young Master.”
After noon passed, Butler Do approached Seo Yi-kyung, who was sitting in the living room. Min Ra-hyeon, who had been sitting in front of Seo Yi-kyung drinking coffee, also whipped his gaze around.
He had been wondering why someone had been pacing the living room several times, and now that person had finally taken a seat. Min Ra-hyeon’s face hardened as he looked at Jin Seon-yu, who was drawing closer.
Despite having seen with his own eyes this morning that Han Seung-jae had permitted him into the house, Min Ra-hyeon’s lips twitched.
However, Seo Yi-kyung stood up as if to block his words entirely.
“Welcome.”
Jin Seon-yu placed the bag he was carrying on the marble floor and handed the shopping bag in his other hand to Seo Yi-kyung. Seo Yi-kyung took it with both hands. Seeing as there was little weight to it, it was likely items for the child. Seo Yi-kyung thanked him and added a word to Butler Do.
“Please bring the tea to the painting studio.”
“Understood.”
Butler Do stepped away. Jin Seon-yu picked up the bag he had set on the floor. To the curious Seo Yi-kyung, Jin Seon-yu said,
“My tools.”
Although the painting studio was lined with various expensive art tools, it would be more comfortable to use the tools he was accustomed to.
“Isn’t the bag heavy?”
“No—it’s light.”
The two of them headed toward the painting studio, chatting amiably. Min Ra-hyeon watched them from the sofa. Shortly after, Butler Do followed them, carrying a tray.
At that moment, Min Ra-hyeon rose from the sofa and called out to the hurriedly walking Butler Do. To the startled Butler Do, who turned around instinctively, Min Ra-hyeon held out both hands.
“Give it to me.”
The surprised Butler Do spoke with a bewildered face.
“I cannot entrust such a task to a guest. This is strictly my duty…”
“I said I’ll take it.”
Before Butler Do could finish saying it was his duty, Min Ra-hyeon snatched the tray and strode forward.
Knock, knock. Min Ra-hyeon knocked on the door of the painting studio and opened it. Jin Seon-yu was looking at the canvases lined up against the wall, and Seo Yi-kyung was standing beside him. They must have been talking until a moment ago, but no voices were heard.
“Yi-kyung, where should I put the tea?”
Seo Yi-kyung turned and walked toward Min Ra-hyeon. He moved the shopping bag he had placed on the work table to one side. Then, Min Ra-hyeon set the tray down.
“Did you paint all of these, Yi-kyung?”
Min Ra-hyeon examined the canvases lined up across the wall. There were unfinished ones only half-filled, and canvases with various colors smeared here and there.
Min Ra-hyeon spoke as he slowly looked around the spacious painting studio.
“Maybe I should have painted since I was young. If I had, I wouldn’t have gone to study abroad and could have stayed here; it’s a shame in many ways.”
As Seo Yi-kyung moved to grab the doorknob of the studio, Min Ra-hyeon’s head followed. Seo Yi-kyung flung the door wide open. He could no longer listen to Min Ra-hyeon’s words.
“If you’re done with your task, please leave now.”