Read Before Reading!!
TLN: This is an UNOFFICIAL translation of the Alpha Trauma novel. This is my first time translating a novel. I found the full novel in Vietnamese. I am using two different AI translators to help, then reading and editing it. I will not be posting any of this translation on any websites because I do not speak Vietnamese or Korean and it takes away from people who might want to pick this up and properly translate it. Please DO NOT COPY or DOWNLOAD this translation to ANY website. This is an informal way of translating.
Disclaimer: 2nd WARNING. I have already noticed people have downloaded this google doc and uploaded it on a website. Do NOT do this. I made my statement very clear. The only way to access this translation is a link through my Tiktok, Instagram and Twitter, (in my bio) that is it. You are more than welcome to share my link. If you see my translation on any website, that is NOT ME. I do not want people thinking I'm uploading an unofficial translation on websites. Thank you. (2/18/2025)
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-Zoe
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UPDATE: Proofreading in progress
Main Story Completed (Chapter 69-98) (Page 3 - 197)
Side Story Completed (Chapter 1-20) (Page 198 - 326)
Special Side Story Completed (Chapter 1-40) (Page 327-536)
This is the link for chapters 1-68 \/
https://chrysanthemumgarden.com/novel-tl/at/
Tiktok: Animegirl10120
Instagram: Animegirl10121
Credits 🎀
Novel Author: Today Spring (@5Today_spring)
Unofficial English Translator: Zoe
Proofreader: Lynn (@lynnieeet_t)
TABLE OF CONTENT
Special Side Story / Chapter 1 333
Special Side Story / Chapter 2 338
Special Side Story / Chapter 3 344
Special Side Story / Chapter 4 349
Special Side Story / Chapter 5 354
Special Side Story / Chapter 6 360
Special Side Story / Chapter 7 365
Special Side Story / Chapter 8 370
Special Side Story / Chapter 9 375
Special Side Story / Chapter 10 381
Special Side Story / Chapter 11 386
Special Side Story / Chapter 12 392
Special Side Story / Chapter 13 397
Special Side Story / Chapter 14 402
Special Side Story / Chapter 15 408
Special Side Story / Chapter 16 414
Special Side Story / Chapter 17 418
Special Side Story / Chapter 18 423
Special Side Story / Chapter 19 428
Special Side Story / Chapter 20 433
Special Side Story / Chapter 21 439
Special Side Story / Chapter 22 445
Special Side Story / Chapter 23 450
Special Side Story / Chapter 24 455
Special Side Story / Chapter 25 460
Special Side Story / Chapter 26 465
Special Side Story / Chapter 27 471
Special Side Story / Chapter 28 477
Special Side Story / Chapter 29 482
Special Side Story / Chapter 30 487
Special Side Story / Chapter 31 491
Special Side Story / Chapter 32 497
Special Side Story / Chapter 33 503
Special Side Story / Chapter 34 509
Special Side Story / Chapter 35 514
Special Side Story / Chapter 36 519
Special Side Story / Chapter 37 524
Special Side Story / Chapter 38 529
Special Side Story / Chapter 39 535
Special Side Story / Chapter 40 540
_________________________________________________
Chapter 69
---
It was an awkwardly simple comfort, almost too simple. Just a few pastries; if he wanted, he could buy the whole bakery. But strangely, his mood shifted because of these words.
"I’m fine."
So, Wooyeon said, as if nothing had happened. That he was fine. No need for more cake, it was alright with the teasing words the two of them had exchanged, and there was no issue with the article that had been published.
"You don’t need to worry about me."
In truth, Wooyeon didn’t care at all. Even if they cursed him out, Wooyeon would just listen and let it go.
"You don’t need to buy me any cake either."
A strange silence fell. Seongyu and Garam could only look at Wooyeon in silence. He lowered his gaze and spoke in an even tone.
"You don’t need to worry about me."
That was also what he had told Dohyun before. It wasn’t that he hated being cared for, but this wasn’t something that deserved attention. His life wasn’t tragic, and he didn’t have any serious emotional wounds. These were just things that were bound to happen sooner or later, and now they had just come a bit sooner.
"To be honest, this kind of concern makes me uncomfortable."
Wooyeon had never been used to this kind of concern. This was something he had to face on his own, and he didn’t want anyone’s help. He had always thought that way, and now, nothing had changed. At least that’s how Wooyeon saw it.
"Well... I guess that’s true."
Garam was the first to speak up. She frowned with a detached expression.
"The most people care about are celebrities or rich kids."
That was a provocative remark. It was so sharp that Seongyu widened his eyes and looked at Garam. Garam ran her hand through her hair, which was tied up, and leaned forward.
"Illegitimate child or secret child, if you say you’re fine, then what right do I have to say anything?"
Her face became unusually serious, her voice cold and calm. Garam stared directly at Wooyeon.
"But."
Her long eyes, sharp like those of a wild animal, glinted. Her low voice sent a chill down one’s spine.
"How can I not worry when some random person posts a picture of someone I know?"
Wooyeon couldn’t say anything; he just stayed silent. It was as if his mind went blank, his throat dry, and his chest heavy.
"Do you know what I spent the whole weekend searching for? I looked up whether I could file a lawsuit, how much of an invasion of privacy it was, and whether the journalist could just post an article like that."
"......"
"And you call this pity?"
"So, what should I say?"
Wooyeon replied and put his fork down. His hand felt hot from gripping it too tightly for too long.
"Things like this don’t just happen once or twice. To be blunt, it’ll keep happening in the future. So every time something like this happens, should I just let everyone worry about me?"
"Why not?"
"What?"
Wooyeon’s voice grew sharp. He unconsciously bit his lip and frowned. Garam looked at him with a confused expression.
"Concern doesn’t have a limit. When you’re in trouble, you can ask others for comfort, right? Have you never received care in your life?"
"I’ve heard it once or twice."
Seongyu turned his head away, his gaze briefly flickering toward Wooyeon with confusion. Wooyeon clenched his fists and spoke with difficulty.
"I have heard it."
Garam raised an eyebrow. Her dark brown eyes fixed steadily on Wooyeon, unwavering. Wooyeon struggled to control his emotions and slowly spoke.
"But what if I get used to it?"
This was what Wooyeon feared most. The thought of getting used to warmth, to comfort, to emotions he once thought he would never experience.
"Everyone can’t keep doing this for me."
On the way to the lecture hall and throughout the class, Wooyeon realized that he had been too naive. He should’ve kept a reasonable distance, but he had let his guard down too easily. There was no guarantee that this kindness would last forever.
"If something like this happens again..."
"I’ll buy you cake again."
It was a light-hearted comment. Garam handed Wooyeon the fork again and complained.
"Why make it complicated? These things don’t even cost 50,000 won, and I can buy it every time something happens."
Wooyeon looked at Garam, bewildered. The warmth from her fingertips no longer bothered him like before. He had once thought that even touching an Alpha would make him uncomfortable, but now Garam’s pheromones made him feel warm.
"When you’re tired of it and tell me not to do it anymore, I’ll comfort you. Now eat your cake and stop talking nonsense."
Wooyeon couldn’t help but laugh. Seongyu was secretly watching, Garam was a bit embarrassed, and the pile of cakes on the table felt surreal.
"...I can’t eat all of this."
He weakly protested, but Garam didn’t care. She took the piece of cake that he had been poking at and took a large bite. The sight of Garam eating the cake so eagerly made Wooyeon feel awkward.
Wooyeon picked up his fork and poked at the strawberry cake. Garam’s and Seonyons eyes instinctively followed his every move. When Wooyeon picked up the strawberry from the cake, Garam smiled.
"I knew you’d like that one."
The atmosphere immediately softened. The three of them shared the pastries as if there had never been an argument. The cake was dry, and the cream was cheap, but Wooyeon ate it without complaint.
They spent a lot of time chatting about trivial things. There were no messages from Dohyun, and Wooyeon felt strange looking at his silent phone. Not just from Dohyun, but there was no communication from anyone else either.
"But can they really write an article based on someone else’s post? Is there no problem with that?"
"Of course there’s a problem. Those crazy journalists."
Garam and Seongyu couldn’t stop expressing their anger, taking turns cursing out the journalists and the writer, as if they were personally involved. Especially Garam, who was busy clicking "dislike" on all articles related to Wooyeon.
"So, can you guess who took the photos?"
After half the meal had been eaten, Seongyu asked softly. Wooyeon put down his fork and began to think.
"The person I suspect is..."
Actually, Wooyeon did suspect someone. The mention of "a middle school classmate" had raised his suspicions before, and when he saw the photos taken in the lecture hall, those suspicions became even stronger. Although there was no evidence, the feeling was too clear. The only thing he wasn’t sure about was that, since the festival, he hadn’t seen the person’s face.
"Hey, I did some research, we could sue. Let’s do it. People like that deserve to be crushed."
Garam ground her teeth, looking extremely angry. In contrast, Wooyeon remained unusually calm.
"Even if we sue, it won’t change anything, and I haven’t really been harmed."
"No harm? What do you mean?"
Seongyu asked with a worried look. In reality, Wooyeon’s personal information had been leaked, and rumors were spreading all over the school. Just stepping out of the school gate, reporters were everywhere, yet Wooyeon said there was no harm? But Wooyeon’s thinking was different.
"Anyway, you can find my personal information online."
If you type "Jisoo Hyang" into the information portal, his date of birth, place of residence, educational background, and even his mother’s name, "Ji Kyung Sook," would pop up. Sooner or later, Wooyeon would have to face the public reveal, so he didn’t feel afraid of his secret being exposed.
"The articles and photos will be taken down in a week, and the company will handle the rest."
Lawsuits were not Wooyeon’s responsibility. The legal department of Seonjeong Corporation would collect evidence and deal with everything quietly.
"There will be an investigation into the university admission and grades, but there won't be any problems."
Although his study abroad was somewhat questionable, it wasn’t illegal. Wooyeon had entered university through the international student admissions and studied harder than anyone else.
So, Wooyeon had nothing to worry about.
"That’s why I said I’m fine."
"......"
"......"
The two of them looked at Wooyeon with surprised expressions. Their bewildered faces were completely different from the worry they had shown before. As the heir to Seonjeong Corporation, a chaebol heir, it might sound like a lot, but this was the first time they’d actually met someone like this.
"You really… live in a different world from us."
Garam said in astonishment. Wooyeon replied with a somewhat bitter tone.
"...We’re living in the same world."
For a moment, he felt a bit anxious. What if they changed their attitude and started to feel distant?
But in contrast to Wooyeon’s concern, everyone continued the conversation seriously.
"Can eating cheap pastries like this really comfort you? With your pocket money, you could probably buy the whole café, not just the cakes, right?"
"Wooyeon, do you have a fiancée?"
"Hey, if Kim Dohyun hears this, you’re going to get scolded."
"...Is Dohyun really going to scold me?"
Wooyeon let out a helpless laugh and shook his head, then said that he didn’t have a fiancée. Garam laughed mockingly, saying that what they saw in movies was all made up. The fact that Wooyeon didn’t have a fiancée was just because he hadn’t gone public about it yet. He didn’t want to explain the reason in this situation.
"If you’re a chaebol, you must have private tutors, right?"
(TLN: Chaebol is a large family controlled business conglomerate in South Korea)
Wooyeon’s face suddenly stiffened. For a brief moment, he even felt uncomfortable with Garam’s pheromones. Wooyeon tried to calm himself and swallowed.
"Before… I did."
"Wow, that’s interesting. I bet you only invited the best people in each field, right?"
Wooyeon couldn’t even smile because it was true. Since he had been homeschooled for elementary school, he had a private tutor for each subject. His mother handled everything with money, so if they weren’t the best, she wouldn’t have cared.
‘Dohyun is the only exception.’
Dohyun was a special case. Although he was a student at a prestigious university, at the time, he was only 20 and in his first year.
"But why hasn’t Kim Dohyun come yet?"
"It seems like it took a long time to fix his phone."
"Why get it fixed right now? He could just keep using it."
Wooyeon tried to push away the memories from the past and thought about Dohyun. Anyway, it was all over now, and he didn’t need to dwell on old wounds. Fortunately, just thinking about his serious face was enough to make him feel happy.
"Oh, and..."
Wooyeon spoke softly and looked at his two friends. Although it wasn’t that important, he felt like he should clarify to avoid misunderstandings. After all, it wasn’t a huge secret.
"I’m not an illegitimate child."
"...Huh?"
Garam’s eyes widened in surprise. It was something she hadn’t dared to ask, but Wooyeon brought it up himself. Wooyeon continued as if it were no big deal.
"My mother is married."
_________________________________________________
CHAPTER 70
The sound of a mobile phone rang repeatedly. Wooyeon stood in front of the smoking area, lightly scuffing the floor with the tip of his shoe. Passersby cast curious glances his way.
― "The user is unavailable to take your call..."
Wooyeon immediately ended the call and dialed another number. After about three rings, a familiar voice answered from the other end.
― "Hello?"
It was Dohyun's voice.
"Did you get the phone screen fixed, hyung?"
Adjusting his phone, Wooyeon leaned against a wooden panel. Inside the smoking area, Garam and Seongyu were smoking, indulging in their post-meal cigarette routine.
― "Yeah, I'm on my way. Were you able to focus on the lecture?"
Dohyun's voice over the phone sounded slightly different from usual. Though still gentle, there was a certain subdued quality to it. Wooyeon lowered his gaze and answered slowly.
"Yes... I stopped by the café earlier. Now I'm waiting for Garam and Seongyu to finish smoking."
― "...At the smoking area?"
"Yes. Are you driving?"
Wooyeon could hear faint voices on the other end of the line instead of the sound of an engine or street noise. After a short pause, Dohyun replied.
― "No, I'm walking."
Apparently, he hadn’t gotten into his car yet. Wooyeon nodded instinctively, even though Dohyun couldn't see him. Dohyun's soft voice continued.
― "You should wait in the club room. There are reporters around; it might be risky."
"I'm not alone."
― "Still..."
For now, reporters wouldn't approach him openly. If they had any sense, they wouldn't swarm him yet. Without any official images of Wooyeon released, the situation hadn't escalated to a critical point.
"Ah... Hyung."
Wooyeon spoke slowly, unconsciously touching the back of his ear. Even after the conversation at the café, a heaviness lingered in his heart. He had thought it was over, but the memories of the past still unsettled him.
― "Yeah? What's wrong?"
"It's nothing, really..."
He hesitated, torn between speaking up or staying silent. After just three hours apart, he didn’t want to act like a child and bother Dohyun. Yet, as if on instinct, the words slipped from his lips.
"...I miss you."
― ...
No sound came from the other end, only the faint sound of breathing confirming the call was still connected. Just as Wooyeon started to feel embarrassed and tried to say something to fill the silence, Dohyun murmured.
― "Stay right there."
"Huh?"
Beep... The call was disconnected. Wooyeon stared at the screen, bewildered. The call duration disappeared, leaving a blank display. He stood frozen, wondering what had just happened.
"...Did he just hang up?"
He had just said he missed Dohyun, and this was how he responded. Before Wooyeon could gather his thoughts, footsteps sounded from afar.
Wooyeon stepped away from the panel and slowly lifted his head. The footsteps, steady yet quick, grew louder, matching the rising rhythm of his heartbeat. The familiar scent of pheromones lingered in the breeze.
"..."
It felt like an illusion. Dohyun's hair was slightly disheveled, his steps brisker than usual, and his gaze softened the moment he spotted Wooyeon.
"Yeon-ah."
In this world, there exists something called a dog star. On gray days, this star appears momentarily between the clouds, only to vanish again, like the universe playing a fleeting trick, captivating and consuming the onlooker's mind.
"...Hyung?"
Dohyun approached swiftly, wrapping Wooyeon in a firm embrace without hesitation. His pheromones seeped into Wooyeon's skin, radiating warmth. The faint scent of fabric softener mixed with Dohyun's unique fragrance soothed Wooyeon's unease.
"Haa... I'm exhausted."
Dohyun exhaled deeply, his voice a dreamy murmur as if speaking to himself. Wooyeon could feel the strong, rhythmic beat of Dohyun's heart beneath his shirt. After taking another deep breath, Dohyun tightened his embrace around Wooyeon.
"It’s been a while since I’ve run this fast."
"...You ran here?"
Wooyeon raised his hands, wrapping them around Dohyun's waist, and buried his face in his chest. Dohyun smiled, nuzzling Wooyeon's hair as a soft chuckle tickled his ears.
"I was heading to the club room."
"..."
"As soon as I entered the building and got your call, I ran here."
Wooyeon said nothing, simply curling into Dohyun's arms. Dohyun's large hand gently stroked his back, soothing him like a child, tracing each vertebra with care.
"You said you missed me, so I had to come right away."
His voice was deep and warm, like the dog star in the sky. Its tender cadence was hypnotic, pulling Wooyeon into a comforting trance.
"People will see."
"...Even if you were alone, they’d still watch."
Wooyeon replied softly, inhaling Dohyun’s pheromones bit by bit. If he was going to be scrutinized no matter what, he decided to do as he pleased. Thankfully, Dohyun seemed to have no intention of letting him go either.
Garam and Seongyu emerged after a while, carrying the faint smell of cigarette smoke. When they saw Dohyun, their eyes widened in surprise.
"Whoa? Dohyun hyung?"
"What’s going on here? Kim Dohyun’s already here?"
Hearing the familiar voices, Wooyeon flinched and stepped back from Dohyun’s embrace. If it were strangers, he wouldn’t mind, but he wasn’t comfortable showing affection in front of friends. However, Dohyun held onto Wooyeon, pulling him back into his arms.
"Why would you bring someone who doesn’t smoke into the smoking area? Now he reeks of smoke."
With one arm draped over Wooyeon’s shoulder, Dohyun directed a disapproving look at Garam and Seongyu. It was clear he was intentionally shielding Wooyeon from the smell of cigarettes.
"Hey, Wooyeon said he didn’t mind."
"Even so, it’s not right."
"You’re so annoying, you know that? Every time you act like this, I dislike you more."
Garam grumbled, scolding Dohyun without holding back. She accused him of using this as an excuse to cling to Wooyeon and even called out his hypocrisy since he had smoked in the past. Finally, Dohyun responded in a calm tone.
"If you know it’s just an excuse, pretend you don’t."
"..."
Wooyeon’s face flushed as he hurriedly pushed Dohyun away. A quick glance to the side revealed Garam smiling mischievously, her eyes glinting with playful curiosity.
"What’s wrong? Don’t want to stay in your boyfriend’s arms?"
"...Enough."
Even Seongyu, whom Wooyeon usually trusted, was laughing and enjoying the situation. Only Dohyun seemed regretful, slipping his hands into his pockets. Turning away from the group, Wooyeon tried to cool the heat rising to his cheeks. Their teasing gazes only made his embarrassment worse.
As he raised a hand to cover his face, a group of people approached the smoking area.
"That guy today... seriously..."
Most were strangers, but among them, two familiar faces stood out: Kang Junseong with his bright blonde hair, and one of Junseong’s classmates. As Wooyeon furrowed his brow, Junseong noticed him.
"...Seon Wooyeon?"
Junseong’s eyes widened in surprise, while his companion looked confusedly between him and Wooyeon. Wooyeon tried to ignore them, averting his gaze.
"Isn’t that Jisoo Hyang’s son?"
"Who? Jisoo Hyang has a kid?"
"You don’t read the news? That illegitimate kid..."
"What the hell are you guys saying?"
Garam was the first to react, her brow furrowed in annoyance. She glared at the group and shouted, leaving them startled into silence.
"Hey! Who talks trash like that in front of someone else?"
Garam’s voice carried a warning, but Wooyeon remained composed and stopped her.
"Don’t mind them."
People whispering wasn’t new to Wooyeon. There was no need to respond to every comment. Besides, judging by Junseong’s pale face, Wooyeon was sure of one thing: he was guilty.
"I’m used to it... It’s fine."
But Wooyeon’s calm words only made the expressions of the three around him shift. Even Seongyu, who was usually cheerful, frowned. Dohyun draped an arm around Wooyeon’s shoulder and spoke slowly.
"Let’s go."
His tone was soft but firm, though there was an undercurrent of displeasure. Instead of getting angry like Garam, Dohyun merely shot a cold glance at Junseong before leading Wooyeon away.
Just as they were about to leave...
"Wait, wait! Wooyeon!"
Suddenly, Dohyun’s pheromones turned sharp. Wooyeon looked up at him, noticing how his face had grown colder and more serious.
"Hey, can we talk for a second?"
Junseong rushed forward, reaching out toward Wooyeon. This time, Wooyeon was ready to twist Junseong’s arm back, but Dohyun intercepted, stepping between them.
"..."
Junseong’s hand faltered mid-air. Dohyun, standing protectively in front of Wooyeon, stared at Junseong with an unyielding gaze.
"Making the first move seems to be a habit of yours."
His voice remained gentle, but his eyes were icy. His pheromones radiated a tense, intimidating aura. Behind them, Garam whispered to Seongyu, their words barely audible.
"Isn’t that guy the one from before?"
"Probably. He was in the group last semester."
Junseong glanced between Dohyun and Wooyeon, visibly flustered. Though his irritation was evident, Junseong seemed intimidated by Dohyun’s imposing height. Finally, he clenched his fists and ignored Dohyun, directing his words toward Wooyeon instead.
"I need to talk to you. There’s something I need to say."
"I don’t need to hear it."
Wooyeon responded firmly, tugging at Dohyun’s hand to leave. He had no interest in hearing whatever Junseong had to say. Judging by Junseong’s disheveled and exhausted appearance, it was likely just more excuses.
"Wait... Seon Wooyeon, hey!"
Refusing to give up, Junseong called out again. Though he didn’t dare grab Wooyeon’s arm, he persistently followed. Garam turned back and scolded him, but Junseong suddenly shouted.
"I didn’t do it!"
Wooyeon halted abruptly. Dohyun, pulled back with him, slowly turned to face Junseong. The latter ruffled his hair in frustration, his voice tinged with desperation.
"Damn it. I didn’t do it!"
A heavy silence followed. Garam exchanged puzzled glances with Seongyu. Among the stunned group, Junseong stammered again.
"I read the article too. I saw it... but I wasn’t the one who did it. I tried calling you to explain, but you didn’t answer..."
"Calling me?"
Wooyeon’s expression shifted. He frowned, trying to recall, and replied calmly.
"I never received any calls."
_________________________________________________
CHAPTER 71
Junseong's words made no sense to Wooyeon anymore. Throughout the weekend, Wooyeon had checked his phone countless times but had received no messages from Junseong, let alone any calls.
“…What?”
“Something about contacting…”
But as soon as he said it, Wooyeon felt something was off. After the sudden apology that day, Junseong had not contacted him. Even though the phone number was still there, and their group chat for assignments was still active.
“What the hell are you talking about? I’ve contacted you so many times…”
“How many ‘times’ is that?”
Suddenly, Dohyun intervened. He looked at Junseong with an indifferent expression and spoke.
“Why would you contact someone that much?”
Immediately, a possibility flashed in Wooyeon's mind. But before he could think further, Dohyun's cold voice shattered that thought.
“Only contact for group assignments.”
The atmosphere grew tense. Dohyun and Junseong stared at each other, as if they wanted to tear each other apart. In a brief moment, Junseong gritted his teeth and shifted his gaze to Wooyeon.
“Hey, talk to me privately.”
“…I have nothing to say to you.”
“Damn it, Seon Wooyeon!”
The terrifying pheromone emanated not from Wooyeon, but from Dohyun. Junseong flinched and stepped back, his face contorted with displeasure.
“Ugh… so disgusting.”
Junseong's expression changed, filled with hatred, as his gaze slid past Dohyun and locked onto Wooyeon.
“Are you dating him?”
“What?”
This time, Wooyeon really felt Junseong’s question was ridiculous. Whether he was dating someone or not, it wasn’t Junseong’s business, especially when he looked so betrayed.
“Damn it, you pretend not to care.”
“What’s he talking about?” Garam asked quietly. But Junseong didn’t stop, smirking disdainfully.
“This guy doesn’t know anything, does he?”
Before Wooyeon could ask what Junseong was referring to, Junseong muttered, “Probably doesn’t know, that’s why he’s acting like this,” and smirked sarcastically.
“You were a pig back then.”
All three pairs of eyes turned toward Wooyeon. The atmosphere shifted, completely different from before.
“If you knew Seon Wooyeon in middle school, you could never get along with him, right?”
Junseong looked around at Wooyeon’s friends with a victorious expression, then turned back to Wooyeon.
“Even if you fix your face with money, your rotten personality won’t change.”
“….”
“Did you guys know? He beat me like a dog and then paid money to settle things.”
Wooyeon couldn’t say anything, only clenching his fists. Not because Junseong’s words were true, but because he didn’t have the courage to face his friends. Perhaps feeling confident, Junseong took another step forward.
“Maybe these people are only around you for the money…”
But Junseong couldn’t continue. As he approached, Dohyun immediately released his pheromone. The pheromone surged, aiming like a sharp needle toward Junseong.
“What? Go on.”
Dohyun released a cold pheromone as he spoke. His voice was deeper and colder than ever. When Wooyeon turned to look, he saw Dohyun’s cold face, which showed no change in expression.
“Kang Junseong?”
“….”
“Right… I think that’s your name, isn’t it?"
Dohyun’s dark eyes flashed intensely. The gentle expression he usually wore was now filled with fury. He smirked and spoke slowly.
“You.”
Junseong flinched, his shoulders shaking. Though he stood firm, his face showed signs of struggling with something painful. Fortunately, when Dohyun released his pheromones, Junseong didn’t collapse like last time.
“If you want to explain that you didn’t do it, then you need to clarify exactly what it is you didn’t do.”
“….”
“You mentioned middle school, and now you’re saying you didn’t do it? Who would believe that?”
Dohyun’s voice was calm, patient as always, and his pheromones seemed strangely rational. After making sure Junseong was out of breath, Dohyun spoke in the same tone.
“If you want to explain, go ahead. If you want to start trouble, just start. Don’t bother others by doing one thing and then another.”
Wooyeon could see Junseong biting his lower lip. He clenched his teeth so hard his lips turned pale, and his eyes, shaking, looked at Wooyeon with an expression of injustice.
“…I didn’t post that photo.”
“….”
“Really. Damn it… I don’t even have an account on that site…”
Wooyeon was surprised to see that Junseong genuinely seemed “wronged.” Everyone had assumed he was the culprit, but his words sounded more sincere than fake. Just as Wooyeon was about to speak, Dohyun responded coldly.
“So you were the one who took those photos, right?”
Junseong’s face turned pale. It was clear he had been hit in a vulnerable spot. While everyone was stunned, Dohyun simply assessed him indifferently.
“Idiot.”
As if there was nothing more to say, Dohyun grabbed Wooyeon’s hand. He intertwined his fingers with Wooyeon’s, not forgetting to retract his pheromone. As they were about to leave, Garam grabbed Junseong’s collar.
“Damn, so it was you, huh?”
“Nuna!”
Seongyu quickly held Garam back. Wooyeon also wanted to stop her, but couldn’t because Dohyun wouldn’t let go of his hand. Without turning around, Dohyun led Wooyeon away.
“Hey, wait. Hey!”
Wooyeon tried to use all his strength to stop Dohyun, but the noise around them grew louder, and Dohyun didn’t show any intention of letting go. Garam, Seongyu, and the friends of Junseong began to gather around them.
“Let go. Today, I’ll deal with this bastard!”
“Nuna, no!”
“God, how did it end up like this! Hey, Kang Junseong, hey! Snap out of it!”
Finally, Wooyeon used all his strength to pull Dohyun back. Dohyun stopped and slowly turned to look at Wooyeon. Wooyeon frowned and looked toward Garam.
“Are you seriously just going to walk away like this? You need to stop her!”
“Why should I stop her?”
“What?”
Wooyeon asked in surprise. Dohyun remained silent, looking at him for a long time.
“Moon Garam is very good at fighting. Even if there’s a fight, she’ll be the one beating someone else, not getting beaten.”
“No, that’s not the point. If there’s a fight, I should be the one to fight.”
If this led to a lawsuit, things would get complicated. Wooyeon could pay the damages, but causing trouble at school was another matter.
In the end, Dohyun nodded in agreement.
“Ah… right, that makes sense.”
He left Wooyeon standing there and quickly moved toward Garam. His speed was so quick that Wooyeon could only stand there, stunned.
In no time, Dohyun was near them and easily separated Garam from Junseong.
“Damn it, Kim Dohyun, you too…”
Then, something unexpected happened. Dohyun grabbed Junseong by the collar and punched him hard. The dull sound of the punch echoed, and Junseong’s head jerked to the side.
“….”
“….”
The surroundings fell into silence, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over them. Both Wooyeon and Garam stared at Dohyun in shock.
While everyone remained silent, Dohyun released the unconscious Junseong and looked toward his friends.
“Remember this.”
“…What?”
“If you can’t remember, take out your phone and write it down.”
The phone number began with the digits 010 and continued with a total of eleven digits. Junseong’s friend stared blankly as he wrote the number down as Dohyun instructed, then looked up. Dohyun flicked his right hand and squinted one eye slightly.
“When he wakes up, tell him to call this number.”
Dohyun’s voice was as calm as ever. The pheromone he released still maintained its restraint. After seeing Junseong cough, he continued speaking in his usual steady tone.
“Even if he sues or asks for compensation, if he contacts Wooyeon, I won’t let it slide.”
Although he said that, Dohyun whispered, “Anyway, they won’t be able to do anything.” He looked at Garam and Seongyu, and when he saw Garam still in a daze, he calmly added.
“If anyone needs to fight, I’ll be the one to fight.”
_________________________________________________
CHAPTER 72
Junseong said that Wooyeon didn’t answer his calls. It didn’t seem like he was lying, and there was no reason to make something like that up. He might have actually called, but the call didn’t reach Wooyeon.
"Yes, I blocked him."
It was a straightforward answer, without any unnecessary words. Wooyeon widened his eyes, his lips trembling slightly, not expecting him to admit it so quickly. Dohyun tilted his head slightly and raised his chin.
"Is that not okay?"
"……"
"It bothers me."
His tone sounded almost whiny. His eyes, with their downturned corners, seemed to plead with Wooyeon. Dohyun spoke to him in an insinuating tone, making it hard for Wooyeon to refuse.
"He will keep trying to contact you, and I don’t want to see that."
After saying that, he reached towards Wooyeon’s legs. He slightly lifted Wooyeon’s shirt and reached into his pants pocket where the phone was. Although it was just a motion to grab something, the sensation of his hand brushing against the fabric felt strangely intimate.
"Well you could just ignore it but the constant calling will still be a hassle."
Dohyun handled the phone very skillfully, as though it were his own. He tapped on the screen, opened the ‘junk mail’ folder, and deleted all the messages inside. Everything happened in the blink of an eye for Wooyeon.
"...Did you delete him?"
"Yeah, I deleted him."
"It can’t be restored." His addition came out as lightly as a feather. Dohyun put the phone back in Wooyeon’s pocket and undid his seatbelt.
"Things like that aren’t worth looking at."
"Ha..."
Wooyeon chuckled softly. He was really bold to use Wooyeon’s phone without permission like that. What surprised him even more was that, instead of getting angry, he found himself completely unbothered by it.
"When did you block him?"
"Probably the day we decided to date."
"Did you even have time back then...?"
"Of course. We were together the whole time."
The two of them got out of the car and walked up to the house. Although they had only been together for a few days, Dohyun’s house already felt as familiar to Wooyeon as his own home. As soon as they entered, before Wooyeon could even take off his shoes, Dohyun captured his lips.
"Wait, hold on… hmm."
‘Click,’ the door gave a slight tremor. Dohyun held Wooyeon’s chin firmly, while his lips pressed against Wooyeon’s, leaving no gap. With his other hand, he held onto the door, his eyes half-closed as his tongue entered.
Wooyeon squeezed his eyes shut, clutching Dohyun’s collar. Although they had kissed many times, Wooyeon was still not used to this sudden intimacy. The sensation of their breaths mingling with pheromones, or the soft, gentle friction of their tongues, was all unfamiliar and a bit awkward.
It seemed like Dohyun either didn’t notice or didn’t mind. He persistently kissed Wooyeon’s mouth, his tongue sliding over his teeth and enveloping Wooyeon’s small tongue, occasionally releasing a bit of pheromone. The sweet mixture of breath and pheromone melted Wooyeon’s thoughts.
"Haa…"
Their lips parted, and a short breath escaped from Wooyeon’s mouth. Even though it had been an active kiss, Dohyun’s gaze remained surprisingly gentle.
"Why so suddenly…?"
"What do you mean suddenly?"
Dohyun replied softly, his hand caressing Wooyeon’s neck. His long fingers grazed over Wooyeon’s pulse, stopping at the spot between his ear and chin.
"I’ve wanted this since earlier."
Every time he spoke, his lips brushed against Wooyeon’s skin, making him feel a little ticklish. Even though it was just a short kiss, Dohyun’s lips were slightly swollen, making them look very tempting. Dohyun blinked gently and whispered softly.
"I missed you too."
"Ah... um, huh..."
The wet sound echoed in his ears. Wooyeon buried his face in the pillow and clutched the edge of the blanket tightly. The position of lying face down on the bed, only lifting the hips, made Wooyeon feel extremely shy and embarrassed.
"Stop... ugh..."
Wooyeon gently shook his head in refusal, but Dohyun seemed unwilling to stop. His middle finger slipped into the tight space, gently rubbing the inside. Dohyun twisted his finger, his other hand gripping the soft curve of his bottom.
"This place is so tight, and you want me to stop?"
The middle finger plunged deep, stimulating the prostate. From the sensitive part that had stood up, a clear liquid flowed down. Dohyun squeezed the buttocks so hard that fingerprints were left on them, then he inserted another finger inside.
"If you keep pushing it in like that, it's going to hurt..."
‘Ugh, um…’
The wrinkled, narrow entrance creaked open. Just inserting two fingers already seems too much. Just as Dohyun licked his lips, Wooyeon glanced at him with eyes that seemed about to cry.
"Then... sniff, can you... not look?"
Setting aside the somewhat embarrassing position, even though he was lying face down, Wooyeon could still clearly feel Dohyun's naked gaze. Looking at the neck, back, or waist is fine, but the fact that he is intently staring at the small hole between the buttocks is truly unbearable.
"Not allowed."
Dohyun had no intention of taking his eyes off and continued to move his hand. The sound of pleasure "slurp, slurp" rang out clearly.
"Because you don't like it when I use my mouth, I have to use my hands to solve it. If I don't look, how can you do it right?"
After finishing their conversation, the two exchanged an intense kiss as if wanting to devour each other, then both moved towards the bed without anyone saying a word. Dohyun skillfully removed Wooyeon's clothes, and with hurried gestures, he let his lips glide over Wooyeon's entire body. When Dohyun bent down to kiss that spot like before, Wooyeon shook his head vigorously to stop him.
"Don't, ugh... ah, ugh uh uh..."
Dohyun's rough fingers touched the sensitive spot, causing Wooyeon to tremble. His fingers moved like scissors, then expertly added another finger. When the third finger finally slipped inside, Dohyun began to move gently in and out.
"A... a uh... huff..."
Wooyeon's lower abdomen twitched slightly when tense. Every time Wooyeon tensed up, the upper part of his buttocks slightly caved in. Dohyun let out a light breath, skillfully twisting his right hand gracefully.
"...Hic."
"Maybe now I can go in..."
Dohyun murmured softly, then slowly withdrew his finger. The small hole, just released from the finger, immediately closed and opened as if gasping for breath. Watching that scene intently, Dohyun suddenly bit hard into Wooyeon's left buttock.
"Ah!"
Wooyeon was startled and looked up. A sharp pain spread, leaving bite marks on the smooth white skin. Looking into Wooyeon's wide, astonished eyes, Dohyun raised an eyebrow mischievously.
"Looks so biteable."
"You really..."
"Seonsaeng really is..."
Wooyeon muttered in frustration, burying his face in the pillow. "Such a pervert." Just with that one sentence, the corners of Dohyun's mouth slightly curled up into a deep smile. He leisurely put on the condom, knelt down, and adjusted his position.
"Let me show you what true perversion is."
Dohyun's large hands tightly gripped Wooyeon's waist. Instinctively, Wooyeon froze in place due to the tension. Dohyun placed the tip right at the small opening, causing his pheromones to fill the air around Wooyeon.
"Relax."
"......!"
At the same time, he penetrated deep inside. The feeling of being completely filled made Wooyeon's stomach tighten. The friction of the mucosa made Wooyeon unable to hold back and he released a bit.
"Haa..."
The slender legs trembled violently. Even though Wooyeon's body had collapsed, Dohyun still held his waist tightly with both hands. A low, excited chuckle softly echoed.
"I just entered and you already came?"
"Too... huff, deep... ah..."
His member slowly withdrew. Before he could feel the lingering pleasure, he entered once more. The powerful thrust penetrated deeper than before, causing Wooyeon to tremble.
"Ah...!"
“…Hic.”
Dohyun's face briefly showed signs of tension, his eyebrows furrowing deeply. Dohyun hugged Wooyeon tightly, his hands gliding gently over his smooth skin.
"Relax."
As soon as he finished speaking, Dohyun began to move rhythmically. Holding Wooyeon tightly, he pushed deep inside, rhythmically. The hand moved up to the chest, gently pinching the small nipple.
"A... hick... so fast... hick!"
Wooyeon trembled and moved on his knees, almost instinctively, but this time Dohyun didn't let it go. He pressed against Wooyeon, then lightly bit the exposed part of his neck.
"Please... hic... slowly... slowly... hic!"
"But I'm already going slower."
The inside was pierced deeply with each rhythm, and every time he entered, Wooyeon's pheromone lingered in the air. Dohyun lightly licked the clear bite mark he had just left, enveloping Wooyeon's entire body with his pheromone.
"Seonsaeng... no you can't, seonsaeng... hic..."
“I can't what? You have to tell me so I can know."
This time, he didn't correct Wooyeons way of addressing him anymore. He gently replied, simultaneously moving his hips in a circular motion. His member filled the inside, rhythmically touching the sensitive spots.
"Huh? What do you mean I can't, Yeon-ah?
Even though it was only the second time they were together, today Dohyun was unusually persistent with a frightening determination. If you ask what made him feel that way, it's hard to say specifically, but an inexplicable sense of danger kept rising in his heart.
"Hyung, Hyung... Hyung, please... sob…!”
Therefore, even though no one told him, Wooyeon automatically adjusted his way of addressing. Unable to withstand the overwhelming pleasure, he shook his head repeatedly. Dohyun moved his hands all over Wooyeon's upper body, then gently brushed his lips near his temple.
"...You're very good."
Dohyun murmured softly, then reached out to grasp Wooyeon's sensitive area. The sensation of being kneaded from top to bottom made Wooyeon's waist tremble uncontrollably. Burying his nose in the back of Wooyeon's neck, Dohyun began to move his hips again.
"Ah... ah...!"
Those were continuous moments full of madness. Pheromones thick in the air, along with an irresistible pleasure. Dohyun kept moving, and Wooyeon, with a hazy mind, could only cling tightly to him.
The feeling of impending danger seemed not to be an illusion, as their revelry lasted until late into the night.
* * *
The atmosphere is about to transition into summer, and every time the sun rises, it is filled with dazzling heat. Although it hasn't gotten too hot yet, people have chosen to wear short-sleeved shirts instead of long ones like before.
However, while everyone else was dressed lightly, Wooyeon wore an oversized shirt and sat sadly on the sofa.
"The chairwoman said she would be right there."
"You can wait outside."
After bowing, the secretary stepped out of the room. Only when the office was empty did Wooyeon comfortably lean back in the chair. A sharp pain in his back made him sigh.
"Are you planning to meet your mom tomorrow?"
Last night, after everything was over, Dohyun took care of Wooyeon, helped him wash up, and then put him to bed. Although he stayed for another night, the issue wasn't there.
"Yes, I find it a bit strange that I haven't received any news for so long."
There should have been news a long time ago, but for several days now, there has been no response. Even if you leave it to the driver, at least she should check in a bit; the silence makes him uneasy.
"I will contact driver Yoon."
"Oh... is that so?"
At that moment, Wooyeon still hadn't realized his condition. He only thought that Dohyun's awkwardness when touching his neck was due to the remnants of the previous night. But by morning, when Wooyeon looked in the mirror, he was stunned.
“…What is this?”
The mark on his neck was bright red, as if he was sick, with concerning bruises spreading everywhere. Even though it doesn't hurt, it's really hard to go out with marks like that.
"Last time it wasn't like this..."
"Well..."
Dohyun calmly draped his shirt over Wooyeon, buttoning it all the way to the collar and rolling up the sleeves a few times. His awkward expression back then was still vividly etched in his mind.
"Last time, they were in a place where they couldn't be seen."
________________________________________________
CHAPTER 73
No need to ask "where is the unseen place," because as soon as he heard that question, different locations popped into his mind. The inner thigh, or the back, for example.
Anyway, for that reason, Wooyeon had to wear an ivory-colored shirt to school. The shirt was soaked with Dohyun's pheromone and a bit loose on him, but it was still acceptable to wear temporarily. The problem was that right after the lecture ended, driver Yoon contacted him.
"The chairwoman is calling you."
Driver Yoon arrived to pick up Wooyeon at the exact moment, as if he knew in advance that the boy would contact him. The car stopped right in front of the school gate, forcing him to get into the limousine under the curious gazes of everyone.
"Why didn't you call like usual..."
It has already attracted attention, and now even more people are watching. Even when driver Yoon opened the door, the flashes from the reporters continued to blink incessantly. The most vivid memory was the round, surprised eyes of Garam and Seongyu.
"Phuh..."
Wooyeon let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck gently. Behind the collar of the high-neck shirt are dark red marks. The marks are quite clear, but if the shirt buttons are not undone, they won't be visible.
"10 more minutes..."
Wooyeon glanced around the room, estimating the remaining time. The classic wooden furniture hasn't changed much since he left for America. The commemorative plaques are still full on the walls, and the chandelier remains the same as before. The sofa has been replaced, but it's not too different.
As expected, 10 minutes later, the door to the room opened. Instead of getting up, Wooyeon just turned his head to look in that direction. Through the wide-open door, a tall woman with a cold demeanor stepped in.
"..."
She looks like a predator. From her sharply cut hair to her perfectly fitted suit, she exuded an air of neatness, with no gaps. The sound of high heels echoed steadily on the marble floor, as if each step were meticulously calculated.
"Chairwoman, the car is ready..."
"Go outside."
She walked straight to the end of the room and sat down at the desk with the nameplate "Ji Soo Hyang." Her sharp gaze, like a predator, swept past the assistant and landed on Wooyeon. The assistant bowed and stepped outside.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Just one sentence, but the air in the room was filled with a strong pheromone. Wooyeon instinctively sat up straight, looking directly at her.
“…This time, Mom, you were a bit late in contacting me, weren't you?”
That is Wooyeon mother, someone everyone in the country recognizes. The only person Wooyeon calls "mother," who can be summed up by the name "Ji Soo Hyang," an exemplary figure of the upper class.
"Please go ahead mom. Surely you don't have much time. I just want to hear the reason and then I'll leave."
It's been 4 years, but instead of feeling nostalgic, the only thing Wooyeon feels is discomfort in this situation. He sat on the guest sofa, while Soo Hyang sat behind her desk. The distance between them was not just physical, but also emotionally cold.
"Alright. Surely both of us are busy."
Soo Hyang replied nonchalantly, picking up the tablet from the table. Not bothering with polite small talk was just her style.
"I found the one who posted on the community forum. He is twenty years old, and studied at the same middle school as you. His name is Lee Young Bin, I don't know if you know him."
The words were surprising, but Wooyeon was not taken aback. However, the name Lee Young Bin didn't ring any bells, causing him to frown. In any case, except for Kang Junseong, Wooyeon also doesn't remember anyone's name.
"Even though he was the one who posted it, it doesnt seem like he goes to your university. The photos taken in the classroom could be from someone else..."
"I know who the person is."
Soo Hyang's gaze turned towards Wooyeon. With her particularly bright eyes, sometimes her gaze sends shivers down his spine.
"Before continuing, I have something to say."
Wooyeon spoke slowly and looked down.
"About the matter of... me and..."
The question "should I call him seonsaeng" didn't require much thought. Right after that, an appropriate term slipped out of his mouth.
"The person I'm dating."
That is a rather unfamiliar way of addressing someone and it evokes a sense of embarrassment. Soo Hyang squinted slightly.
"That person hit the one who took the picture."
Wooyeon's original purpose when meeting his mother was this. The moment Dohyun hit Junseong, he decided that he had to prevent any trouble from coming to Dohyun.
"He did it for me, and he might get sued."
Although the explanation was brief, it was essentially a subtle request for her to handle it. Unlike him, the clever mother would surely understand immediately.
"Did he really hit him?"
But strangely, Soo Hyang rarely showed any signs of surprise. Her eyes narrowed slightly, and she pursed her lips in silence for a moment before nodding.
"Alright, I understand."
Wooyeon breathed a sigh of relief in silence. Even though she said "I understand," it surely wasn't just a simple acknowledgment. For now, he could be a little at ease.
"And this..."
Soo Hyang handed Wooyeon the tablet. Wooyeon stood up silently and walked closer to her.
"This article will be published this week. I will distribute this content to three major newspapers, take a look at it once”.
On the screen is a neatly composed article. The official statement from the Chairwoman of Seonjeong Group, Ji Soo Hyang, and the truth about her son, Seon Wooyeon. The content is mostly true, and Wooyeon asked nonchalantly.
"If I say don't post it, will you cancel it?"
"Do you have to ask the obvious?"
As if it weren't worth answering, Soo Hyang added.
"You don't have that right."
"...I don't think you called me just to show me this."
Perhaps disappointment? No, more precisely, it's a feeling of loss. Wooyeon put down the tablet and slowly began to speak.
"So, you still wouldn't cancel it."
"..."
"Because you plan to make it public."
"I can’t hide you forever."
"From the beginning, I had no intention of hiding you forever."
The article includes details that Wooyeon is her biological child, not an illegitimate child. Although his face has not yet been revealed, it is only a matter of time before his living range becomes limited.
"This is a way to protect you."
Soo Hyang spoke in a calm tone, to the point of sounding cold. Hearing that, Wooyeon let out a bitter laugh.
"I guessed you would say that."
Even though there were many things he wanted to say, he no longer had the strength to argue further. They say that pheromones from loved ones can bring peace, but for Wooyeon, it only makes him more exhausted. Every time he is near her, he always feels suffocated.
"I don't understand why you have to call me just to say things that have already been decided... next time, just let Driver Yoon convey the message. Don't make me come to this noisy place."
Tomorrow when he goes to school, he will definitely become the center of attention again. Thinking about having to face everyone's gossiping makes his head ache.
Soo Hyang looked at Wooyeon and gently spoke.
"What if I said I called you because I wanted to see you..."
Wooyeon looked up. Their eyes met in the void, leaving an indescribable feeling of discomfort.
"Would you believe it?"
"Mom, you're asking the obvious, aren't you?"
That was exactly what Soo Hyang had just said earlier. Meaning whether he believed what she said or not. As expected, Soo Hyang slowly blinked.
"I won't go on and on. Come back home”
"No."
Without thinking, Wooyeon immediately refused and gave a reason.
"I already said I won't come back until I graduate."
When entering university, Wooyeon made an agreement with Soo Hyang. He would receive inheritance training after graduation, but before graduation, he asked his mother not to interfere in his life. If it weren't for this agreement, Wooyeon might still be in the U.S.
"I didn’t force you to drop out of school."
"I already said I didn’t want to."
“Seon Wooyeon.”
Wooyeon was startled into silence. With her pale complexion, Soo Hyang's eyes radiated a special brightness, sometimes sending chills down the spine of those who faced her.
Soo Hyang lowered her pheromone, her voice deep and firm.
"Don't act like a child anymore. Think about your honor and position."
This is a phrase that Wooyeon has heard countless times since childhood, to the point of being unable to forget it.
"If this article goes public, it will be difficult to go to school without a bodyguard. Do you think I can stay in that house?"
“…If you don't make the article public.”
"You know I don't like repeating myself."
Her bright, clear eyes flashed with a cold glint. On that face, there was no room for concession. Just as Wooyeon bit his lip, Soo Hyang continued.
"Moving anywhere is not as safe as staying at the main house. Take Yoon's car every morning and evening, and have a bodyguard accompany you when going to school. The house you are living in will soon be liquidated.”
"Not to mention, it's also hard for you to go back there because of the reporters."
Wooyeon opened his eyes wide, surprised. Soo Hyang spoke as if it were not important.
"Do you think I wouldn't do it?"
Actually, Wooyeon had never thought about this. He was busy staying at Dohyun's house, so he didn't pay any attention to the condition of his own house. He vaguely thought that reporters wouldn't come there.
"If you don't want to live in the house, then go ahead, I won't stop you."
Her voice was calm but pierced the heart like a dagger. Soo Hyang looked down at Wooyeon, slightly tilting her chin.
"He can't protect you."
"..."
“At most, I can only let you stay for a few days and wear his clothes.”"
Of course, there's nothing she doesn't know. As someone with a stronger pheromone presence, Soo Hyang must have definitely noticed the different pheromone on the shirt. From the very beginning, she knew it was someone else's shirt.
"I won't tell you to break up. I also have no intention of forcing you to leave the person you've loved for the past 4 years."
"..."
"It's just the current situation..."
"Mom."
Wooyeon interrupted her, looking straight at her with a question that flashed amidst the chaotic thoughts in his mind.
"Do you know who I'm dating?"
In a brief moment, surprise flickered across Soo Hyang's face. Even though it was just a fleeting change, Wooyeon noticed it very clearly. Her eyes, usually full of confidence, now avoided looking directly at him.
But right after that, Soo Hyang quickly regained her composure and replied as if nothing had happened.
"...I do."
Soo Hyang slowly opened her mouth, her gaze no longer wavering, her voice calm.
"Pheromones don't change even after four years."
This makes sense. In the past, Wooyeon couldn't sense pheromones, but Soo Hyang definitely sensed Dohyun's pheromones. Therefore, it was no surprise that she immediately recognized it.
"Then..."
However, Wooyeon still couldn't shake off the suspicion. That's not the only strange thing.
"How did you know I was at his house?"
________________________________________________
CHAPTER 74
It has been 4 years since Wooyeon last met his mother, Soo Hyang. During that time, he didn't send a single greeting, not a single message, so neither of them knew anything about each other's lives. He might hear from the servant that she is away from home, but he certainly didn't know where she was.
However, Soo Hyang specifically referred to "that child's house" when mentioning Dohyun. Just with the shirt, she had a certainty that exceeded normal speculation. Gradually, everything led to a single conclusion.
"...Did you send someone to follow me, Mom?"
She didn't answer, but that silence was no different from an affirmation. Wooyeon scoffed with a tone full of self-mockery.
"Of course, and yet I thought you would leave me alone."
He must have been daydreaming too much. Wooyeon knew very well that Soo Hyang would never just stand by without intervening, but he still tried to ignore that. When entering university, he only thought about meeting the seonsaeng again and forgot to pay attention to everything around him.
"Don't you find it boring, Mom?"
From the personal doctor, the housekeeper, the chef, to even the tutor since childhood. Wooyeon always, and forever, lived in Soo Hyang's cage . Every action of his is reported in detail, and that monitored life has become all too familiar to him.
"Yet I thought you had stopped at Danny... but you haven't."
Soo Hyang looked up at him. The prolonged silence was also an acknowledgment. After a while, she said calmly:
"Go home. I have nothing more to say."
Saying that, she stood up, adjusted her outfit, as if subtly signaling that the conversation was over. Wooyeon clenched his fists and gritted his teeth.
"I'm not going back."
"Seon Wooyeon."
Regardless of what you say, I will not go back."
He resolutely refused to do as she wished. Even if he is surrounded by reporters and loses his place to stay, he still doesn't want to go back to that prison. He would rather wander without a home than be imprisoned behind those towering walls.
"In that house, every day that passes is hell for me."
Wooyeon looked at Soo Hyang with eyes full of resentment. Even without shedding tears, he looked like he was crying.
"Before coming to America, I had never lived like a human."
"..."
"Even when in America, I still had to do as you said."
The discovery that Danny was Soo Hyang's person also came from small details. He always happened to run into Danny, who then showed excessive concern for him. Danny knew his eating habits and always prepared suppressants whenever he was about to go into heat
Wooyeon is inherently sensitive to insincerity. From childhood to adulthood, the environment around him has always been filled with fake people. He gradually developed the ability to recognize the intentions of those who approached him.
"The first time I told Danny, 'Go tell Mom that the previous inhibitor was too weak, send a stronger one,' he wasn't surprised, but smiled as if he already knew everything."
Even though he knew clearly, Wooyeon still considered Danny a friend. His first friend turned out to be someone his mother knew. So what about the new relationships he made in college?
"This time, who could it be?"
The faces appeared in his mind, those who had once comforted him, cared for him, and treated him with affection. But what if it was all just a setup? How will he endure that?
"Who did you send to be with me this time?"
Soo Hyang's face was slightly perplexed, both angry and indifferent. A hint of remorse, but perhaps it was just Wooyeon's illusion.
"How much do you need to feel satisfied?"
"I'm just..."
Soo Hyang hesitated for a long time, then stated the reason Wooyeon had heard too many times.
"...to protect you."
"Protect me, huh?"
Wooyeon let out a bitter laugh, asking back with a feigned innocent expression.
"Like protecting a mother and child, right?"
Soo Hyang's pheromone was sharper and heavier, fitting the characteristics of an Alpha, as if it were suffocating his lungs and cutting into his flesh. Even though he was choking, Wooyeon continued to speak.
"Because of your possessiveness, that person ultimately lost their life."
Beside Soo Hyang, Wooyeon has another mother. A gentle Omega, who once married Soo Hyang and gave birth to him, but gradually withered under her "protection."
"That's not protection."
"..."
"That's surveillance."
Soo Hyang's eyes flared with anger. Her eyelids trembled slightly, a sign of emotions yet to be fully expressed. She slightly tilted her head and replied coldly.
"I don't know what you plan to do to annoy me, but if you need to vent your anger, do it outside."
Her face was icy, no longer showing any surprise. Only the pheromones spread strongly, like an unending wave. She pressed her lips tightly, her voice icy.
"If you had recognized that Danny was a part of it, you should have also known that he is not the first."
Wooyeon's mind went blank. Everything in front of him seemed to darken, and the suffocating pheromone suddenly vanished. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but her icy voice interrupted.
"It's really a pity if you don't know."
"..."
"I thought you knew but still accepted it."
Those were the last words. As if there was nothing more to say, Soo Hyang walked past Wooyeon and left the room. The door slammed shut, the sound louder than ever.
On the way home, Wooyeon stared out the window as if his soul had left his body. The driver was silent, and Yoon didn't start a conversation, and the scenery passed by so quickly that it made him dizzy.
"Your name is... Seonwoo Yeon?"
From the first meeting until now, all the images flash by like a slow-motion film. The initial meeting was neat and mature, the gentle and thoughtful moments of that person are still vivid in memory.
"Nice to meet you, Wooyeon."
Looking back, there were quite a few strange things. His mother usually only hired top tutors, yet she brought in an ordinary student. And above all, Dohyun, who was just a tutor, was overly concerned about him.
"I heard you were home alone, so I was really worried"
How did Dohyun know that Wooyeon was home alone? On the day the phone broke, he couldn't contact him, and Wooyeon himself took a while to realize that his house was empty.
In the end, it was all just like with Danny. Dohyun brought affection and care to him, but the root of that care was not clear. Even if the kindness he showed may not have been fake, who knows if it truly came from his own will?
"That's not a pleasant memory at all."
"Ha, damn it..."
He felt nauseous. The feeling of tightness in his chest made it difficult to breathe. Wooyeon rested his forehead against the car window, but the glass quickly warmed up due to his body temperature.
"I tried to keep my distance, but it wasn't easy at all. At first, I just paid a bit of attention to you, then I started to worry about you. Despite knowing that I shouldn't, I still like the feeling of being liked by you
Now, he finally understood the true meaning of those words, and the fragments of memories he once overlooked have now become arrows that turned back and caused him pain. Even if he wanted to deny it, the conclusion remained unchanged.
"I’m scared too, Yeon."
"I'm afraid you will be disappointed in me."
"And then... you’ll stop liking me."
Perhaps he had vaguely sensed this before. The moment he couldn't say that he wasn't disappointed, Wooyeon instinctively realized it. Perhaps there will be a time to be disappointed. Perhaps everything will vanish like the stars that briefly appear in the dark night.
"Master, we've arrived."
"Uncle, don't go back, just wait here."
Wooyeon walked away, not looking back, heading towards Dohyun's house. He knew that person was hiding something, but he was so immersed in that sweet moment that he overlooked it. He had no idea that everything would come back to this pain.
When Wooyeon rang the doorbell, Dohyun quickly opened the door. He was still holding his phone and car keys in his hand, dressed as if he was about to go out. Seeing Wooyeon, his eyes sparkled with tenderness.
"You arrived quickly. I was planning to come pick you up."
In a brief moment, Wooyeon thought that if he pretended not to know, perhaps he could continue living in this relationship without it being broken. But that thought quickly vanished when he looked straight into Dohyun's eyes, and the sadness came rushing back. His eyes blinked slightly, and tears fell.
"..."
Dohyun's expression changed. Whatever he sensed, even his pheromones were radiating with tension Wooyeon looked up at Dohyun and finally spoke.
"Why did you do it?"
His voice was heavy. Even when trying to finish the sentence, the emotions surged as if wanting to drown everything. The tears kept flowing, leaving marks on the pale cheeks.
"Why are you treating me like this?"
Dohyun didn't say anything. He didn't ask for a reason, nor did he wipe away his tears. He just remained silent, bit his lip tightly, bowed down, exhaled a light breath, and softly said.
"I'm sorry."
That was not a denial. Instead of the answer Wooyeon expected, it was the words he wished he had never heard.
"I didn't mean to."
"...Why didn't you say it wasn't like that?"
Wooyeon felt a sharp pain in his heart. Everything in front of him went dark, and his mind felt like it was being severed. The unstable atmosphere around clearly reflects his mood.
"Why didn't you deny it, why didn't you argue that it wasn't true?"
Wooyeon looked at Dohyun with eyes filled with suffering and resentment. His tear-streaked face was burning and drenched. Taking a deep breath, Wooyeon spoke with a voice full of bitterness.
"I don't understand you."
After saying that, Wooyeon turned and left the door. If it weren't for Dohyun's hand pulling him back, he would never have turned around again. Dohyun held him tightly, speaking urgently.
"I will tell you everything."
This time, his hurried demeanor was completely different from usual. The tense pheromone transmitted where their hands touched.
"I will explain everything until you understand..."
He had heard this sincere plea before. In the club room that day, his heart once wavered because of him.
"No."
But this time, Wooyeon pushed Dohyun's hand away instead of looking at him. The hand that was pushed away fell down helplessly.
"I don't want to hear it."
Thinking that he didn't need to know the truth turned out to be a self-deception. The feeling of betrayal, anger, and above all, the grievance of having known nothing until now.
"That's not what I wanted to say, but what I had to say when you found out."
_________________________________________________
CHAPTER 75
There have been too many opportunities to reveal the truth. From the moment he met Wooyeon again, when they officially started dating, or even this morning.
"You never intended to tell me, did you?"
If Wooyeon hadn't asked, perhaps today they would still have gone through an ordinary day. Eating together, sleeping on the same bed, sharing small talk, and going to school as usual. Today, tomorrow, and even after that. Each day passed, with Wooyeon knowing nothing, and that time has stretched all the way to now.
"But why are you only saying it now?"
"...I was planning to tell you."
Dohyun's voice was so low that it was almost inaudible. The hand that Wooyeon pushed away hung limply.
"I had planned to tell you everything soon."
"When?"
The grievance turned into outrage. The emotion choked in his throat burst out as bitter words.
"After announcing that we are dating, and that I'm at your house, right?"
As soon as Wooyeon heard Soo Hyang's words, everything started to take shape in his mind. Instead of rejecting it, suspicion was the first thing that came to mind. The conclusion had been anticipated long ago; it was evident without needing to see it with one's own eyes.
"You know what you mean to me."
For Wooyeon, every moment in life is Dohyun. He is the bridge to the outside world, the first warmth he ever felt, a feeling he had never experienced before and could never find again. Dohyun is the only support he clings to. But what if the beginning of this salvation was just a deception?
"If it only took a word, things wouldn't have come to this."
He wished he had known the truth earlier, before he discovered everything. If he had known earlier, perhaps everything would have been very different.
"Because I like you, maybe I would've just let it go."
Maybe, if they had stopped at a close seonsaeng-student relationship. Or like Danny, became friends. If not, at least he would have given up on his feelings.
"But now it's too late."
Even now, Wooyeon's heart still trembles when looking at Dohyun, and that gentle face still makes his heart race. If he turned a blind eye, perhaps he could still get over it, but now he knows too much.
"It's too late, seonsaeng."
Dohyun didn't answer right away. After a moment, he spoke in a low voice.
"It was precisely because of this fear that I didn't dare to speak."
His pheromones were tense, the silence in the air became heavier than ever. Dohyun clenched his fists, his voice heavy with sorrow.
"I know for sure that you will be hurt, I know I shouldn't do this, but I can't say it."
"..."
"Just a word? Yes, one word is not difficult. But..."
The fragmented words were like their current relationship. His eyes gradually revealed a look of pain as he stared directly at Wooyeon.
"How could I possibly make you disappointed all by myself?"
His voice was gentle like a sigh, full of despair. His expression increasingly turned to regret.
"...Really..."
But all of that is not what Wooyeon wants to hear. He bowed his head, one hand covering his face, mumbling.
"Finally, you still don't think it was just a misunderstanding."
He felt like he was stabbed one last time. Dohyun's expression and gaze seemed to shatter the last remaining glimmer of hope, as if telling him not to expect anything anymore.
"Since when...?"
His mind gradually became calm. The chaotic emotions also subsided, and reason began to grasp reality clearly.
"When did it start...?"
His words were jumbled, but the meaning was clear. Dohyun looked down and began to speak slowly, with a calm tone.
"Since childhood, I have known the Chairwoman."
The beginning was something Wooyeon had never known. He couldn't have imagined that Dohyun already knew Soo Hyang.
"She said that you couldn't adapt to school life, so I offered to help."
"..."
"And then when you went to university, I only contacted her to make sure she wasn't too worried about you."
At first glance, the words didn't seem wrong. The voice was gentle, as if trying to soothe your heart.
"I don't intend to supervise you. Just that..."
"But in the end, you knew everything, didn't you?"
However, he didn't feel the anger subside, only heartache. Even if he tries to break free, everything is still under Soo Hyang's control, Danny, and even Dohyun. All these relationships were arranged. If he had known that beforehand, he wouldn't have let his heart sink so deeply. The late regrets only added to his suffering.
"I don't know anything about you."
The tears had stopped but were still falling down his cheeks. Tears fell from his chin, lingering vaguely.
"You have never told me about your family, your friends, and I don't even know the meaning of the tattoo on your back. Isn't this a bit unfair?"
Looking back, he rarely heard Dohyun say anything about himself. Wooyeon was always curious, but he never told him anything. The lack of understanding gradually eroded his trust.
"Seonsaeng, you know my name is Wooyeon, right?"
He couldn't forget the warm feeling of being affectionately called Yeon-ah. That was the first time someone saved him from the depths of despair.
But now he doubts, could it be that even that was just staged?
"Seonsaeng, you know I hate Alphas, right?"
Dohyun still didn't respond. His gaze turned elsewhere, without a hint of explanation.
"You also know that I was bullied, that I don't get along with my mother, that I hate loneliness..."
"..."
"Did you treat me well only after knowing everything?"
The unfillable crack will gradually create a void in the soul. The lingering and accumulated pain has finally seeped deep into Wooyeon's heart. From that empty space, the pent-up resentment erupted uncontrollably.
"I would rather you didn't treat me well at all."
If he had known earlier, he would never have immersed himself in the tenderness that Dohyun showed him. If so, he wouldn't have to face his own pitiful shame like this.
"What do you get out of this?"
His voice burst out, full of thorns and sharpness, like an arrow shot towards Dohyun.
"Money? Or a job?"
"...It's not like that."
Dohyun pressed his lips tightly together, his expression as stiff as stone, his lips forming a straight line.
"Don't say that."
"So how am I supposed to say it!"
His emotions were in constant turmoil. Sometimes in pain, sometimes in anger, and tears would well up only to be quickly replaced by rage. He felt choked, unable to escape those mixed emotions.
"Do you know that you are avoiding the most important things? You know what my mother is like, how long you've known me, what is true and what is false. You don't say anything but expect me to trust you?"
Everything is just an excuse. No matter how much he embellishes it, the truth remains unchanged.
"Do you think I'll believe you this time?"
Even if he were to hear words of love a hundred times, only one secret has to be revealed, and everything will collapse. A lie brings countless suspicions, spreading uncontrollably.
"How can I tell if you're lying or not?"
Ironically, Dohyun seemed genuinely pained when he heard that remark. His dark eyes became gloomy, his lips trembled, and it was rare to see him so shaken. He whispered in a deep, hoarse voice, as if pleading.
"I have never been dishonest with you."
His gaze was directed towards Wooyeon, filled with unease. Pheromones escaped, carrying an unusual feeling, and his hand clenched tightly as he whispered like a plea.
"Others might not understand, but you do."
"How..."
Wooyeon let out a long sigh, his voice weak, and his heart finally settled on a decision.
"How could I possibly understand?"
A fleeting despair crossed Dohyun's calm face, as if the one being hurt right now was him, not Wooyeon. Nevertheless, Wooyeon continued speaking.
"You said that if you don't say it, I won't know, right?"
"..."
"That was exactly what seonsaeng said."
‘Ring’, the phone's ringtone suddenly rang, breaking the suffocating atmosphere. Dohyun's gaze turned towards the screen, and a hint of embarrassment flashed across his face.
"...What's wrong?"
Wooyeon stared and let out a cold laugh.
"Another spam call, is it?"
This time, Dohyun truly showed a look of panic. He hurriedly grabbed Wooyeon's arm, looked straight into his eyes, and spoke urgently.
"It's not true, it's just a misunderstanding, Wooyeon."
Wooyeon didn't push his hand away, but turned his face away, as if he didn't need any further explanation. Even though he couldn't see the name of the caller, he had already guessed it. Whether it was a misunderstanding or not, it no longer mattered now.
"I will return to the main house."
In the end, everything still went according to Soo Hyang's wishes. Even if he tries to run away, the place he has to return to has already been decided.
"This week the company will publish the article. I am still going to school, but I can no longer join the club. And this will also be the last time we meet like this."
That word "last" made Dohyun's pheromone more intense. He clenched his fist and stepped closer, exuding a scent that enveloped Wooyeon.
"You can't break up with me."
"..."
Even in this situation, he still misses Dohyun's embrace. He wants to be immersed in his pheromones, to drink deeply of the sweetness and intoxication. Like those who dare to taste the forbidden fruit, he knows he'll regret it but still wants to hold on.
However, Wooyeon did not let himself be swayed by a momentary impulse.
"I can't trust you anymore."
He spoke with a trembling voice, and Dohyun let go of him with a dazed expression. His fingers slowly slid away from the hem of his shirt, barely holding on.
"I will send the shirt back with driver Yoon."
Wooyeon turned away without looking back. A soft voice rose, like a final farewell.
"I'm leaving now."
There were no goodbyes. Just like when they started, their separation came as abruptly as that. Dohyun's pheromone still lingered, but Wooyeon didn't look back, just walked away. This time, Dohyun could only stand there, quietly watching his back fade away.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Chapter 76
Nothing happens by chance. Dohyun understood that very well.
“The number you are calling is currently unavailable…”
The automated voice echoed in the quiet living room. He ended the call and redialed the number. But once again, the same mechanical voice responded.
“The number you are calling…”
Thud! The phone hit the floor hard. Its screen, recently repaired, shattered into fragments, but Dohyun didn’t seem to care. He lowered his head, tightly pressed his lips together, and his body curled inward.
“…I’m leaving.”
“Damn it…”
When did everything start to go wrong?
Since Wooyeon left, Dohyun had been in this state. The image of Wooyeon’s retreating figure, eyes brimming with tears, haunted his mind. The moment Wooyeon’s fingers slipped away from his sleeve, a part of Dohyun’s soul had begun to crumble.
“I can’t understand you.”
Maybe it was karma. He had lied, concealed the truth, and in the end, Wooyeon found out. If Wooyeon had unleashed his anger, Dohyun would have accepted it willingly. It was a price he deserved to pay.
“How can I know this isn’t just another lie?”
But not like this. He couldn’t bear it when Wooyeon, the one he cherished, was the one to deliver such painful words with that anguished expression. It felt like a dagger to his heart.
“I can’t trust you anymore.”
“Haa…”
Pain churned in his chest. Dohyun covered his face, biting down hard on his lips. He struggled to piece together why Wooyeon had learned the truth at that exact moment, why driver Yoon had called him just then. It had to be Soo Hyang’s doing. An Alpha who always got what she wanted—this time, she didn't hold back.
Dohyun suppressed his rage, clenching his jaw. Though fury boiled within him, he couldn’t let it erupt here. His deep black eyes rested on the shattered phone on the floor.
Dohyun first met Soo Hyang when he was about ten years old.
It was at a small orphanage in the suburbs of Seoul. Dohyun had grown up there. He had been orphaned at eight and labeled a burden before he even truly understood what loneliness felt like. At that age, he was already deemed too old for adoption but too young to fend for himself.
To survive, Dohyun learned to observe and adapt. He tried to gauge the moods of those around him and earn favor from the staff. He endured bullying from his peers, but it wasn’t an insurmountable obstacle. With his intelligence and more refined appearance compared to other children, he gradually found his footing. His gentle demeanor made it easy for him to play the role of the “good kid” among the others.
Time passed, and two years later, he still hadn’t found a family. If things continued like this, he’d have to leave the orphanage as an adult with only a temporary job to support himself.
“They say someone from the Seonjeong Group is coming.”
The rumor spread quickly. An orphanage had caught the attention of Seonjeong Group, which was scouting for future talent. Soo Hyang herself would be visiting to make a selection.
For the first time in his gray and monotonous life, a glimmer of hope appeared.
Dohyun knew where his chance lay. He understood he had to carve out his own path, just as he had when he first arrived at the orphanage. Even at ten years old, he was sharp enough to grasp this.
“Hyung, what’s Seonjeong Group?”
“They’re people who can help us.”
The following week, Soo Hyang arrived at the orphanage. She brought along a swarm of reporters and bodyguards, embodying the image of a “benevolent billionaire.” A facade, nothing more. Dohyun realized this immediately.
“This is Vice President Soo Hyang.”
Most of the children were intimidated by the woman. Her hawk-like eyes and panther-like presence, coupled with the cold aura surrounding her, were enough to make anyone shrink back.
“Come now, everyone. Say hello.”
“Hello, ma’am.”
Dohyun was the first to bow, wearing an innocent expression. He clasped his hands before him and bent deeply, catching Soo Hyang’s gaze. He didn’t miss the opportunity and clearly introduced himself.
“My name is Kim Dohyun.”
Amid the dirty, ragged children, he alone stood out—clean and tidy. Though his clothes were as worn as theirs, his demeanor set him apart.
“Kim Dohyun?”
Soo Hyang’s eyes lingered on him for a long moment without a word. Though her gaze was piercing enough to daunt anyone, Dohyun didn’t blink.
After a pause, a faint smile tugged at her lips.
“This boy is quite interesting.”
It was mere pity for a stray cat she stumbled upon, not genuine affection or sympathy. She simply appreciated the cunning she saw in this child.
Months later, news broke that Seonjeong Group had taken an orphanage under its wing. Dohyun became “the child sponsored by Ji Soo Hyang.” By the time he turned fourteen, he had presented as an Alpha.
A rare, exceptional Alpha. However, the orphanage lacked the resources to help him manage his pheromones. In the confined space, the chaotic pheromones from other children posed significant risks to someone like Dohyun.
He worked tirelessly to suppress his pheromones, avoiding trouble and ensuring he wouldn’t be expelled from the orphanage. He remained constantly vigilant, leaving whenever he sensed the pheromones of others starting to affect him.
One day, when Soo Hyang visited the orphanage, she looked at Dohyun with an unreadable expression. In a cold voice, she said:
“Someone wants to adopt you.”
That moment changed Dohyun’s life forever. It was the opportunity he had endured each day for. Without hesitation, he agreed.
The family that adopted Dohyun was a wealthy and kind Beta couple. They also had a younger daughter who was four years younger than him, but getting along with her wasn’t too difficult. As the eldest in the orphanage, he was used to dealing with younger children, so befriending a ten-year-old girl was effortless.
Years went by—three years, to be exact. During middle school, Dohyun played the role of a model son in his new family. He got into a prestigious high school as his adoptive parents had hoped, maintained a close relationship with his younger sister, and excelled in his studies. Although he occasionally stayed in touch with Soo Hyang, her responses were rare.
In his fourth year with the family, when he was seventeen, Dohyun was on his way home with a report card full of straight A’s when he overheard a conversation in his adoptive parents’ bedroom.
“…we only brought Dohyun in because of…”
“This partnership with Seonjeong Group…”
Fragments of the conversation lingered in his mind. The adoption, seemingly out of kindness, was revealed to be tied to a deal, a form of mutual benefit, with an unbridgeable distance between him and his new family.
“The boy is good, but sometimes he feels… fake.”
Dohyun understood then that nothing happened by chance. The harmony he had tried so hard to preserve was beginning to show cracks.
He stood frozen outside the door until his parents exited the room. When they noticed him, they asked cautiously:
“…Did you hear everything?”
But Dohyun had been masking his emotions since he was a child. He had long mastered the art of concealing his feelings, and this moment was no different.
“No, what were you talking about?” he replied innocently.
Relief washed over their faces as they patted his shoulder to ease the tension. Dohyun smiled brightly and showed them his report card as if nothing had happened.
After that, Dohyun continued treating his adoptive parents as usual. He studied diligently, helped his younger sister with her schoolwork, and acted like the perfect son. On rare occasions, when he felt the weight of his emotions becoming unbearable, he would sneak away for a cigarette to release his frustration.
“That guy is so fake,” his friends at school often said.
It shocked them to learn that a model student like Dohyun was associated with a group of misfits. Some admired his clean-cut appearance, while others bluntly propositioned him.
“Wanna bet on something? Loser gets a tattoo.”
Tattoos were a passion for one of his friends. Dohyun had no intention of agreeing, but on that day, he was too exhausted to care. When his friend suggested a game of rock-paper-scissors, he threw out his fist without even thinking.
“What do you want tattooed? I can only do text, no images.”
“Anything’s fine.”
“Wait, are you serious?”
The permanence of the tattoo or the possibility of his parents discovering it didn’t matter to Dohyun at that moment. He simply requested it be placed on a hidden part of his back.
The result was a Latin phrase, Habeo a magnus mentula. It had been chosen as a joke and poorly translated using an online tool. When Dohyun later discovered its crude meaning, he was furious. His friend laughed and shrugged it off, saying it wasn’t entirely inaccurate.
(TLN: Habeo a magnus mentula means “I have a big penis” in latin)
In hindsight, it was an act of teenage rebellion—recklessness born out of suppressed frustration. The danger, mingled with a desire to feel alive, burned out quickly. Though the tattoo remained, and he never completely quit smoking, Dohyun refrained from indulging in anything more destructive.
In the spring of his 20th year, Soo Hyang contacted him again. By then, Dohyun had been admitted to a prestigious university, and his adoptive parents celebrated by buying him an apartment and a car. Around that time, news spread that Seonjeong Group had successfully signed a significant partnership with his parents’ company.
“It’s been a while. How’s university?” Soo Hyang asked during their meeting.
“It’s been two months since the semester started, and you’re only asking now? But I doubt that’s the only reason you called me here, right?” Dohyun replied, his posture respectful but his tone sharp.
Soo Hyang ignored his rudeness and gestured for her assistant to leave the room. Once the door closed, her deep voice broke the silence.
“I heard you were very nurturing toward the younger children at the orphanage. And you seem to get along well with your adoptive sister.”
Her words seemed unrelated, but Dohyun stayed calm, meeting her gaze without flinching. The hawk-like sharpness in her eyes no longer intimidated him. Soo Hyang’s expression tightened slightly before she continued.
“My son… is about the same age as your sister.”
_________________________________________________
Chapter 77
"Your son?"
Dohyun was taken aback when he heard those words. He wanted to ask if Soo Hyang really had a child, but his surprise rendered him speechless.
While he was trying to form the words, Soo Hyang continued in a calm tone.
"Two years ago, I enrolled him in middle school, but it seems he couldn’t adjust well to school life."
"…Couldn’t adjust? Was he bullied?"
There was no answer, only a faint click of her tongue and a furrowed brow.
"Children like that don’t really need to go to school... but still..."
A strange emotion flickered in her pale eyes. Floating to the surface was something even Dohyun could recognize as worry. It startled him, albeit briefly. Soo Hyang shook her head gently.
"Anyway, I called you here thinking you might be able to talk to him. At the very least, he might feel more comfortable with someone close to his age. You’ve just been accepted into a good university, so teaching him English shouldn’t be too much of a burden, right?"
"Teaching him?…"
Her words kept catching Dohyun off guard. She mentioned having a child, that the child was bullied, and now she wanted him to teach the child English. The chain of events grew increasingly baffling.
"It’s not difficult to teach. He’s already learned the basics of English since he was young, so I’m not expecting you to dive into advanced topics."
"But… actually…"
Dohyun let out a wry laugh, leaving his sentence unfinished. Hiring a tutor without focusing on academics left him unsure of what to say.
"What do you really want from me?"
Finally, he asked bluntly. Soo Hyang raised an eyebrow as if it didn’t need clarification, but Dohyun maintained his composed demeanor.
"If you don’t spell it out, how would I know?"
"All you need to do is teach him, talk to him about school, and report back to me. Three sessions a week, two hours per session—a total of six hours. I’ll pay you whatever amount you want."
Dohyun considered naming an outrageous sum but stopped himself. If it was Soo Hyang, she’d pay exactly what he asked, and she’d take everything she wanted in return.
"You could just go to school and throw money at the problem."
"It’s not that simple."
She spoke of spending money as if it were nothing. Dohyun raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"Is he… an illegitimate child you’re hiding?"
"If he were, I wouldn’t be telling you about him."
He thought his assumption was reasonable, but it was wrong. Soo Hyang glanced at the watch on her wrist and tapped lightly on the table.
"You don’t need to know the details. Just tell me if you’ll do it or not."
Her tone remained unchanged, but her eyes were different. Slightly narrowed, they seemed anxious. Dohyun tilted his head slightly and answered slowly.
"I’ll do it."
He never thought someone as flawless as Soo Hyang would show this side of herself. Seeing her worry firsthand gave him an odd thrill.
"Pay whatever you think is fair. I don’t care if you don’t pay me at all."
Even the resilient Soo Hyang grew worried when it came to her child. Was it love, obsession, or something else entirely? Whatever it was, it fascinated him. Yet, beneath that curiosity, a faint discomfort stirred in his heart.
"The child isn’t an Omega, is he? If he is, that might be troublesome."
"No way. Do you think I’d trust you that much?"
"…I wouldn’t mess with someone four years younger than me, anyway."
After all, Soo Hyang had been a turning point in Dohyun’s life. He wouldn’t call her his savior, but she had helped him. A small favor (even if it felt more like an order) like this was something he could manage.
"What’s the child’s name?"
"Seon Wooyeon."
Seon Wooyeon. Dohyun repeated the name a few times before nodding. She claimed he wasn’t an illegitimate child but hadn’t given him her surname. Maybe it was the Omega’s surname, or perhaps she wanted to keep their relationship hidden.
"What a beautiful name."
He gave the compliment naturally, but Soo Hyang’s expression turned strange. Her faint smile looked as if she were reminiscing about something. Bowing her head with a hint of regret, she murmured softly, just loud enough for Dohyun to hear:
"…Yes, a beautiful name."
Hearing that, Dohyun asked no further questions and remained silent. It was the first and only time he ever saw Soo Hyang wear such a sorrowful expression.
The tutoring session they had scheduled came sooner than expected. Soo Hyang hadn’t asked Dohyun’s opinion; she simply set the time herself. Since he didn’t have any specific plans, Dohyun didn’t object to the date she chose.
On the day of the first session, Dohyun felt an unusual sense of nervousness as he made his way to Soo Hyang’s house.
It was in such an upscale area that even taxi drivers were hesitant to enter. The houses were so far apart that walking between them seemed impossible. He silently told himself three times that he wouldn’t refuse the offered chauffeur service next time before finally arriving at the front gate.
"This feels like a prison."
The towering walls were more like a fortress than a fence. The way they were built not only kept outsiders from getting in but also gave the impression of trapping someone inside. With a security system this tight, it felt entirely possible to detain someone here.
"Please wait here for a moment," said the housekeeper, inviting him to sit in the living room before heading upstairs. When Dohyun overheard the housekeeper calling for the “young master” to come down, he realized that Soo Hyang’s child was a boy. Other than his name, Dohyun knew absolutely nothing about him.
"I wonder if he looks like her…"
Dohyun glanced around the spacious living room, vaguely imagining what Seon Woo Yeon might look like. Since he was Soo Hyang’s son, he might resemble her, and his personality probably wouldn’t be very pleasant, considering he’d been raised in wealth. But those thoughts quickly faded the moment Dohyun saw him.
"…Hello."
It was a soft voice—a boy whose voice hadn’t yet broken. He was shorter than Dohyun by about two handspans, a bit plumper than he had expected, and his pale face seemed as if it might give off a scent of milk. The eyes behind thick glasses bore no resemblance to Soo Hyang.
"My name is Seon Wooyeon."
Dohyun didn’t know why this sight reminded him of his days in the orphanage, nor why the boy’s innocent eyes left such a lasting impression on him. Perhaps it was the purity in his gaze that caught Dohyun off guard.
"That’s a beautiful name."
Dohyun hadn’t expected the boy to blush at the compliment, nor for him to fidget awkwardly. He also hadn’t anticipated the boy’s wide, innocent brown eyes to affect him so much.
"Looking forward to helping you, Yeon."
The boy shyly bowed his head, his hand lightly tugging at his earlobe, looking like a stray cat unaccustomed to kindness. In a soft voice, he replied:
"Thank you for helping me. Uh… but…"
"You can just call me seonsaeng."
It was a way to protect himself. That fleeting sense of unease made Dohyun want to maintain a clear boundary with the boy. Yet, almost unconsciously, he added:
"When you get to college, you can call me 'hyung.'"
This boy was different from the children Dohyun was used to. He wasn’t brimming with energy or mischievousness; instead, he seemed to lack something. Whenever Dohyun tried to be open with him, the boy would act cautious and attempt to maintain distance.
"…Seonsaeng, are you an Alpha?"
That was why, when the boy asked this, Dohyun couldn’t admit it outright. He noticed how the boy’s eyes seemed to hope for the answer to be "no."
"What, do I really look like an Alpha?"
As he asked, Dohyun saw a mixture of emotions flicker in the boy’s eyes. Wooyeon frowned, looked down, then backed up to meet Dohyun’s gaze. His eyes blinked slowly, piercing through Dohyun’s heart.
"…No."
The tension in Wooyeon’s eyes dissipated. Replacing it was a tranquility that Dohyun had never seen in him before.
"You don’t seem like an Alpha."
Instinctively, Dohyun realized that the boy’s guard had dropped. A twinge of guilt arose but was quickly overridden. The trust shining in the boy’s gaze satisfied a deep longing in Dohyun that had been dormant for years.
From that day forward, Dohyun eagerly awaited his tutoring sessions. Sitting beside the boy and listening to him filled him with an unparalleled sense of happiness. The boy would look up at him with wide eyes, blush, and quietly share his deepest worries.
"So, it doesn’t seem to be physical bullying," Dohyun would report.
On the days they didn’t have lessons, Soo Hyang would call Dohyun over to hear about the boy. If she was too busy, she would call him on the phone, but she usually preferred to meet in person. Her eyes, sharp yet filled with maternal concern, probed for every detail about her son and his interactions with Dohyun.
"Come to think of it, you seem to enjoy playing little tricks like that," Soo Hyang remarked.
"Like what?"
"Calling him 'Yeon-ah.'"
Dohyun learned during their second meeting that the boy’s full name was Seon Wooyeon. A housekeeper had overheard Dohyun calling him "Yeon-ah" and corrected him, emphasizing that the boy’s full name should be used. Yet, Dohyun continued using the nickname until Wooyeon objected himself.
"Keep a proper distance. Don’t let him grow attached to you unless you’re ready to take responsibility."
"…"
"Of course, I wouldn’t expect you to take responsibility either."
A flurry of emotions surged within Dohyun—guilt, irritation, and an odd sense of satisfaction. He realized he was feeling an unusual jealousy toward a mother’s love for her child.
"…You should tell Wooyeon yourself," Dohyun said calmly. "That his tutor is someone you arranged for him."
Imagining the boy’s disappointed face made Dohyun’s chest tighten and his throat dry. Yet he maintained a composed expression as he stared directly at Soo Hyang.
"If you’re not ready to tell him, don’t threaten me. You know better than anyone which side will regret it more if I walk away."
Soo Hyang didn’t respond, and Dohyun left the room quietly. He appeared resolute, but inside, he was anything but certain. Even he didn’t know which side would end up regretting it more.
_________________________________________________
CHAPTER 78
It was a profound sense of inferiority, shaped over a long time and through many experiences. Dohyun had always been the one waiting to be chosen, fearing when he might be abandoned. On the outside, he tried to appear calm, but in the end, he was always the weaker one.
"Seonsaeng."
But this was the first time he had received an affection without any ulterior motive. He met someone who simply gave without expecting anything in return. Every time he saw his reflection in the pure eyes of that person, Dohyun felt like he was someone special—something he had never considered before.
Six hours a week. Even combined, it was just half a short day. He poured his care into Wooyeon, like watering parched land. He opened his heart, gradually expanding his presence.
And so, two weeks passed. Within just two weeks, Dohyun had come to understand many things about Wooyeon: his strained relationship with Soo Hyang, his picky eating habits, his high self-esteem but low confidence.
As Dohyun had sensed from the start, Wooyeon wasn’t a naive child. Soo Hyang’s attention, which Dohyun had once envied, was, in reality, a form of stubbornness that only deepened Wooyeon’s loneliness. Wooyeon was young, clumsy, and fragile—so much so that he didn’t even recognize his own solitude.
Perhaps that was why Wooyeon reacted with childlike joy to Dohyun’s smallest words. He was easily moved by minor acts of care, yearning for affection.
What started as curiosity gradually turned into concern. The guilt Dohyun had tried to ignore grew stronger by the day. Even though he knew he should stop, he ignored Soo Hyang’s warnings.
It was the day of his first college festival when Dohyun was 20. That day, he had a tutoring session scheduled but took leave, and Wooyeon didn’t respond to his messages. Worried, Dohyun received an unsettling call from Soo Hyang.
“I sent Wooyeon home early. He hates being alone, but no one’s at home. Could you check on him?”
The tone of command and Soo Hyang ignoring his plans didn’t matter. What mattered was that Wooyeon hated being alone and that no one was there with him.
Dohyun couldn’t hide his restlessness while working at the club’s bar. He couldn’t serve tables, instead busying himself sorting trash and arranging things unnecessarily. His jittery demeanor caught Minjeong’s attention, even though she had cleared everyone out of the kitchen.
“Just go. Didn’t you say you had somewhere else to be?”
As soon as Minjeong spoke, Dohyun rushed to Wooyeon. Without fixing his disheveled hair or changing out of his shirt that read "Romantic Pub," he headed straight for Wooyeon’s house.
And there, Dohyun finally stepped into Wooyeon’s world.
“Seonsaeng… hic…”
He had seen many people cry before. At the orphanage, the kids were always crying, and later, so were his exes. But no one had ever left him as flustered as this time.
“What’s wrong, Yeon? Are you okay?”
Dohyun sat beside him, patting Wooyeon’s trembling shoulders. He cried like a child, leaving Dohyun’s mind blank.
“Are you hurt anywhere? Look at me, okay?”
After a while, Wooyeon stopped crying. Gasping for breath, he didn’t realize his glasses were crooked. Dohyun gently wiped away the tears and placed a hand on Wooyeon’s forehead.
“Finished crying?”
Wooyeon exuded a soft childlike scent, likely from the mild lotion he used for his sensitive skin. The fragrance, delicate yet piercing, seeped deeper into Dohyun’s heart than any pheromone.
“Doesn’t seem like you’re hurt…”
Their eyes met. Wooyeon blushed and took a deep breath. His emotions were laid bare, impossible to ignore.
“…”
Sixteen years old. A young, unformed child. Love was not something to feel for someone that young, nor was it permissible.
Dohyun knew he was wrong. He needed to keep his distance but couldn’t, should have drawn the line but moved closer. Knowing full well he would fall for Wooyeon if this continued, he didn’t know how to refuse and instead kept Wooyeon close.
“…Are you okay now?”
But Dohyun’s worry was solely for Wooyeon. He feared something might happen to him—that he might be hurt or drown in his sorrow alone. Even if others called it arrogance, he knew he was the only one Wooyeon could rely on.
From that day on, Dohyun realized that Wooyeon’s feelings for him grew stronger with each passing day. Day by day, Wooyeon’s gaze changed, his expression shifted. Clearly, Wooyeon didn’t know how to stop, with no one pulling the brakes.
Truthfully, it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. He even found it gratifying. At last, he had become someone special—a singular and cherished focal point in Wooyeon’s life. While it wasn’t the first time someone had liked him, he couldn’t help but feel joy from this affection.
“Seonsaeng, I like you.”
But on the day Wooyeon confessed, Dohyun admitted his mistake. Letting these feelings grow unchecked had ultimately become his responsibility.
And in that moment, he realized:
“Yeon-ah.”
The one ensnared by blind affection wasn’t Wooyeon—it was himself. Although he knew Wooyeon had no choice but to become immersed, Dohyun deluded himself with a sense of superiority. It was he who was truly captivated, yet he arrogantly believed he was in control.
“I’m enlisting soon.”
At 20, Dohyun didn’t know how to resist this newfound sweetness. It wasn’t just about feelings; it was the worry and unease about the overpowering emotions consuming his heart. Having been swept up in these raw feelings, he was certain that if he continued, he wouldn’t escape.
“…I’m sorry.”
He didn’t know if Wooyeon even heard his apology. Dohyun quit tutoring, changed his number, and severed all contact. It was an act of evasion, but he couldn’t think of another way. “That’s enough,” Soo Hyang didn’t stop him either.
Every encounter carries the shadow of a farewell, with no promise of reunion. Whether it’s a lifelong bond or an emotion believed eternal, all are fragile, capable of ending at any moment.
Until that moment, Dohyun believed this was goodbye forever.
The dawn began to creep through the window. The fury that had burned so intensely earlier now faded, becoming a faint light from some distant moment. Dohyun blinked his tired eyes a few times, covering the corners with one hand.
“Ha…”
Despite staying up all night, his mind was unnervingly clear and sharp. By endlessly recalling Wooyeon’s retreating figure, he managed to regain some composure. Although there was still no word from Soo Hyang, it no longer felt as important.
Dohyun rose from the sofa and stepped into the bathroom. First, he planned to wash his face and head to school early. Without a car, he would walk to clear his thoughts. If he waited near the lecture hall, perhaps he might see Wooyeon.
“It’s too late, Seonsaeng.”
“…”
Cold water from the shower cascaded down his body. Even as he stood soaked from head to toe, Dohyun remained still, receiving the stream as the restless waves of pheromones subsided to calm at his feet.
Since reuniting with Wooyeon, every moment has been laden with regret. The past he was aware of but couldn’t change seemed to crash over him like a tide of bitterness. Lies piled upon lies to cover past mistakes, making everything worse.
In truth, Dohyun wasn’t entirely without excuses. If he wanted, he had plenty of ways to justify himself to Wooyeon. Just as he had done before, there were countless ways to navigate this situation.
But even if he managed to overcome this challenge, he doubted Wooyeon would trust him unconditionally as before. The lingering discomfort would explode eventually, and between them still lay a massive mountain to overcome.
“…I don’t even know why you like me.”
“…”
“I don’t know how long you’ll keep liking me either…”
Wooyeon had quickly discerned Dohyun’s fear of love. He must have thought the distance between them stemmed from differing emotions—that Dohyun was the one making decisions, while he was merely clinging on.
“In the end, if it’s not me, there must be plenty of people who like you…”
Dohyun understood exactly what Wooyeon was afraid of. Perhaps Wooyeon feared their relationship was nothing more than a fleeting breeze, and that fear left him anxious and scared. Because of that, he hadn’t dared to step forward, and so he withdrew further into himself. Maybe he didn’t fully grasp how Dohyun felt when he said those words.
“You’re the only one I like.”
It wasn’t a statement meant to placate. If Dohyun was the only one for Wooyeon, then for Dohyun, out of countless people, Wooyeon was the only one for him. The gap between having no choice and choosing just one person was much larger than Wooyeon might have realized.
“What should I do…”
Dohyun lowered his head and closed his eyes. Droplets of water slid down his soaked hair. In the darkness behind his eyelids, the image of Wooyeon walking away surfaced once more.
It wasn’t the first time he had seen that retreating figure. Just months ago, at the freshman welcome party, Dohyun had witnessed the same scene.
It was the biting cold of February.
Dohyun was not the type of student who excelled academically or enthusiastically participated in school events. Although he had accidentally become the president of a club, it wasn’t something he particularly wanted. He often drank but rarely joined departmental activities.
“This is such a hassle…”
That day, the only reason Dohyun attended the freshman welcome party was because of Garam’s insistence. Normally, he would ignore such things, but the earnest invitation to make an appearance couldn’t be brushed off. As the club president, he also needed to promote the club, and Garam’s explanation was convincing enough.
There were only two things Dohyun hadn’t anticipated. One was that the weather would be colder than expected, and the other was encountering someone he never expected to see there.
“Ah.”
Typically, he wouldn’t turn around just because someone passed by. Even if they exclaimed in surprise or stared at him, such things had nothing to do with him. But this time, he turned his head because of the rare pheromone that brushed past his nose.
“Uh…”
It was an extraordinary omega. The pheromone, fresh like an unripe fruit, was entirely different from any omega Dohyun had encountered before. The face looking at him curiously was equally captivating, incomparable to anyone else.
“…Are you an alpha?”
Before he could recognize the strangeness of the question, Dohyun felt a familiar sensation. Slowly, he blinked and replied.
“Yes.”
Those eyes…
“I’m an alpha.”
They were exactly the same.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 79
There was no time to say anything more. As soon as those words were spoken, the other person turned away without even glancing back, walking off with long, angry strides. Dohyun stood frozen in place, dazedly watching the direction in which the figure disappeared.
“Why are you so late?”
Garam couldn't hold back and walked up to Dohyun, unleashing a barrage of complaints. She grumbled about having to come all this way and said it wouldn’t have been so hard if Dohyun had arrived just a bit earlier. After venting much of her frustration, Garam’s tone quickly turned lighter.
“Hey, you saw that person earlier, didn’t you? That new freshman? Isn’t he adorable?”
At first glance, he looked younger, but it turned out he was 20. His fair complexion and delicate features on his small face were entirely Garam’s type.
“Is he from our department?”
Dohyun asked, gradually losing interest in the person. Regardless of their looks or pheromones, if they were a freshman from his department, things would be different. Getting involved in the wrong way could make campus life exhausting.
“Yeah, I invited him to the party, but he said he was busy and left right away. Cold and didn’t bother chatting much.”
“Doesn’t seem like a fan of parties.”
“Damn… this won’t work…”
“Where’s your dignity? He’s just a freshman.”
“I wasn’t planning to flirt or anything. Just wanted to invite him to the club.”
On a quick assessment, Garam noted that he seemed very studious and even mentioned some fortune-telling nonsense she’d looked up. Clearly, she was impressed enough to regret not asking for his number.
“I heard his name is beautiful too.”
“What’s his name?”
If the conversation had ended there, Dohyun might have just agreed absentmindedly and moved on. Since they were in the same department, there was always a chance they’d run into each other eventually.
The problem was the name Garam mentioned.
“Seon Wooyeon.”
“…”
A shiver ran through Dohyun’s body. His pupils dilated, and his breath caught in his throat. Even the pheromones naturally radiating from him abruptly halted. Without hesitation, Dohyun dashed off in the direction the other person had disappeared.
“Hey, where are you going? Hey, Kim Dohyun!”
It was an almost reckless act. Dohyun ran until he was gasping for breath, searching around the school gate like someone chasing a ghost. He grabbed a few people in similar clothing, but unfortunately, none of them were Wooyeon.
“…Ha.”
Opportunities always came at unexpected moments. This chance meeting, without any warning, had become a turning point in his monotonous days. A connection he thought would never cross paths again was now within his reach.
The memories he believed he had buried were merely things he avoided confronting. As soon as he recognized the chance to unravel those tangled threads, he clung to it like grasping at a straw.
If someone had asked what he was thinking, Dohyun wouldn’t have known how to answer. He understood well how absurd it was to turn back now, especially since he had been the one to leave first. Perhaps it was a simple sense of joy, or maybe lingering affection. Belated regrets for a relationship that had hurt them both in their youth.
The only certainty was that, while he wished for it deeply, it wasn’t romantic feelings.
For now, Dohyun decided to wait. He waited for the new semester to begin, waited for Wooyeon to appear before his eyes, and waited for Garam to invite Wooyeon to join their club.
This time, he hoped their meeting would start naturally, without any ulterior motives.
“Do you know someone named Seon Wooyeon?”
When Yoon Woo asked him that, Dohyun nearly jumped with excitement. Although he hadn’t doubted it much, the last bit of uncertainty was now gone.
“That kid asked about you. I thought he wanted to join the club, but it doesn’t seem like that’s the case. If he were someone Garam knew, she would’ve invited him to today’s club meeting…”
He had no intention of acting rashly. Because their relationship had gone wrong once before, he intended to approach cautiously and carefully. If it weren’t for Garam’s drunken antics annoying the kid, Dohyun wouldn’t have spoken to him first.
“Wow, Wooyeon sure has a lot of friends, huh?”
Garam’s habit of being overly friendly when drunk was troublesome. Regardless of who it was, she always acted chummy, sometimes even physically affectionate. That night, she lost control of her pheromones, and it was clear how uncomfortable Wooyeon felt.
“She’s at it again…”
“Garam is acting like a tipsy old lady.”
Wooyeon’s shoulders tensed up. Sitting against the wall, covering his mouth with his hand, he looked like a hedgehog curling into a defensive ball. Dohyun remembered that Wooyeon had always disliked Alphas.
“He’s not feeling comfortable.”
Dohyun stepped between Garam and Wooyeon as if oblivious. He shielded Wooyeon from Garam’s pheromones and handed him a glass of water to help with his hiccups. Only after Dohyun urged him to drink did Wooyeon take the glass.
“Thank you.”
His voice was lower and more grounded than before. It was no longer the weak, delicate tone of the past but had grown steady and mature. Four years had passed, after all. That realization brought a mix of relief and regret.
“That’s him.”
Garam’s face, flushed with alcohol, made her words sound rude despite her drunken cheer. When she asked, “See what I mean, right?” Dohyun couldn’t help but glance at Wooyeon, even though he knew it was impolite.
Under the dim lights, Wooyeon’s pale face stood out. Though thinner, his facial features hadn’t changed. He still looked nothing like Soo Hyang, and his clear eyes remained as they were.
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Garam had said he looked adorable, hadn’t she? Saying his face was a mix of cute and beautiful wouldn’t be wrong. Dohyun had known about those big eyes and high nose since four years ago.
“Can I talk casually with you?”
Now, perhaps he could tell him everything about the past. That thought briefly crossed his mind. The past was behind them, so maybe he could confess honestly. Then they could become good friends—or at least two people who once relied on each other.
“What’s your name?”
“Seon Wooyeon.”
But unlike Dohyun, Wooyeon didn’t seem to want to acknowledge their connection. When Dohyun confirmed his name, Wooyeon maintained an air of unfamiliarity. He firmly corrected him, stating his name wasn’t “Seonwoo Yeon” but “Seon Wooyeon” with an unyielding tone.
“Oh, Wooyeon.”
What were the odds that a student he had once tutored four years ago would end up in the same university, in the same department? He’d heard Wooyeon had studied abroad in the U.S., a place where he could’ve pursued higher education.
“What a coincidence.”
If it truly was a coincidence, he hoped it was inevitable. It would be better to start fresh, pretending not to know each other as Wooyeon seemed to want. If they rebuilt their connection step by step, perhaps one day, Wooyeon might call him "seonsaeng" again.
“…It’s fine.”
The fact that Wooyeon smoked caught him off guard, but it wasn’t shocking. He understood that Wooyeon had stepped out partly because he felt uncomfortable. What really surprised Dohyun was a single statement from Wooyeon.
“I don’t like that smile of his. It looks fake.”
It was a blow. Perhaps it stung a little. The words were so unexpected and surprising that he couldn’t believe them.
It had been four years. Not too long, not too short— solid four years. A period long enough for Wooyeon’s appearance and voice to change. And now, the person he reunited with after all these years told him his smile was fake.
Dohyun didn’t think it was just a passing remark. He was self-aware enough to know his smile could come off as insincere at times. But the fact that Wooyeon could see through it unnerved him.
Dohyun had never faked a smile in front of Wooyeon. Not four years ago, not now. Every time he faced Wooyeon, he was completely genuine.
Perhaps that was why those words left him feeling a bit stubborn. Knowing it was somewhat childish, he still wanted Wooyeon to see his smile as sincere. He didn’t want to be misunderstood—especially by Wooyeon.
Fortunately, there were plenty of opportunities to clear up the misunderstanding. By coincidence, they shared a class on Fridays, and Wooyeon joined the "Classic English Literature Reading Club." Though Wooyeon occasionally seemed irritated, he looked undeniably cute when flustered by being asked if he was uncomfortable.
“…Has anyone ever told you your personality is annoying?”
That was a question Dohyun had only ever heard from two people: Soo Hyang and Wooyeon.
For several weeks, Dohyun did everything he could for Wooyeon. He helped him register for classes, assisted with his studies, and even bought him inexpensive snacks that Soo Hyang would have sneered at. The “young master” who’d never opened a car door himself turned out to love simple treats like chocolate and spicy rice cakes.
Those were meaningful days. Watching Wooyeon adapt to the club, blush while fiddling with his ears, or drunkenly curse people in English were all endearing moments. While Dohyun occasionally felt a strange flutter, he dismissed it as mere excitement.
“Then today, let’s have a study group at Wooyeon’s place.”
The decision to hold the study group was impulsive. He felt uneasy about how Wooyeon had been avoiding him since the club’s first meeting, and he was also annoyed by an Alpha who’d left a note for Wooyeon in the library. From the very first orientation party, Dohyun had noticed that Wooyeon drew far too much unwanted attention.
“This… feels like a model home…”
The penthouse offered a breathtaking view. Amid that luxurious setting, Dohyun caught a glimpse of the Wooyeon he’d known four years ago. Although the house was different from the “prison” he used to live in, seeing him isolated in such a high place made Dohyun think of Wooyeon as someone lonely.
“What are you looking for?”
“Glasses. It feels awkward handing drinks out like this.”
Dohyun chuckled when he saw Wooyeon fumbling to prepare drinks, clueless about where the glasses were stored.
Even though there were likely glasses in the lower cabinets, Wooyeon searched the higher ones at eye level. Dohyun couldn’t help but think he might break one. And sure enough, as if on cue, a glass slipped from Wooyeon’s grasp.
“…Always like this…”
Dohyun’s reflexes surprised even himself. He’d expected the glass to fall but hadn’t thought he’d catch it. His pheromones flared from the shock, and Wooyeon’s wide eyes reflected his image.
“Can’t take my eyes off you.”
The distance between them was barely an arm’s length. During their tutoring sessions, they’d been even closer than this. Yet for some reason, this familiar proximity now made Dohyun’s heart race.
“I… I’m sorry, I need to use the restroom…”
Wooyeon hurriedly left, while Dohyun stood rooted in place, unable to move for a long moment. The faint pheromones lingering in the air seemed to settle deep within his chest. Dohyun realized his pounding heart wasn’t from narrowly catching the glass.
On the way home, Dohyun’s thoughts were a whirlwind. Whenever he closed his eyes, Wooyeon’s face appeared, and his heart stirred at the emotions reflected in Wooyeon’s expressions. His feelings began to shift, and even the name in his heart changed.
It was romantic. It was affection, it was love.
But before he could even begin to panic over this realization, Dohyun had to immediately suppress those emotions. The next day, he received a call from driver Yoon
—“The chairwoman wants to see you.”
_________________________________________________
Chapter 80
The events unfolded like a death sentence. Dohyun had never been bothered by Soo Hyang’s calls, but that day, his instincts warned him of something ominous. Throughout his lecture and on his way to the company, an uneasy premonition clung to him.
“Sit down. Don’t just stand there and listen.”
Soo Hyang skipped the pleasantries. The secretary brought out a cup of tea, but instead of picking it up, Dohyun stared intently at her. The face he was seeing after four years hadn’t changed much.
“You know why I called you, don’t you?”
The straightforward question left him unable to respond immediately. He looked away awkwardly. Even though he hadn’t done anything wrong, the timing seemed far from ideal.
“Yes… I have a general idea.”
At his hesitant answer, Soo Hyang began speaking calmly.
“Four years ago, after you left without a word, Wooyeon fell seriously ill.”
“…Ill?”
It was the first time he’d heard about it. With no one to keep him updated on Wooyeon’s situation, it wasn’t entirely surprising. Dohyun’s expression betrayed his shock, but Soo Hyang remained indifferent.
“They say it was a form of ‘lovesickness.’”
Dohyun was at a loss for words. Images of the Wooyeon he had met yesterday and the Wooyeon from four years ago flickered in his mind. He could still vividly recall the look on Wooyeon’s face when they parted ways.
“He couldn’t eat and only slept like a sick chicken. He cried so much he couldn’t even sip water; it’s no wonder he fell ill.”
Soo Hyang’s cold voice cut through Dohyun’s heart like an unyielding blade. Though her tone was measured, the more he listened, the more he felt as if needles were pricking his skin. Perhaps it was her subdued pheromones intensifying the heavy atmosphere.
“I sent him to the U.S., thinking a change of environment might help him forget you.”
Looking back, it made sense. Wooyeon had initially wanted to attend a specialized language school, and studying abroad hadn’t been part of his plans. There was no reason for him to abruptly leave South Korea like that.
“But now he’s back after four years.”
“…”
“Tell me—if you were in my position, would you keep someone like you near your child?”
Soo Hyang’s voice exuded pheromones, the weight of her words pressing down on Dohyun’s shoulders. Her icy gaze bore into him.
Dohyun bowed his head like someone guilty. His mind was blank; he didn’t know what to say. Even though Soo Hyang might not have intended to reprimand him, just hearing these things was a trial in itself.
“Letting you stay by his side in the first place was my mistake.”
Even though Dohyun remained silent, Soo Hyang continued. After lowering her gaze briefly, she looked up again.
“But you were the one who ended everything.”
With her hands clasped tightly on the table, Soo Hyang spoke in a light, almost friendly tone.
“I hope our encounter this time doesn’t end everything.”
Her words were layered with subtlety but also carried a clear warning: this time, she wouldn’t show mercy. Dohyun couldn’t respond, and the conversation ended there.
Meeting again after four years had been incredibly unlikely. Given Wooyeon’s financial situation and decision to study abroad, there was no reason for him to return to Korea. His enrollment in the English department and questions about someone named Kim Dohyun—all of it led Dohyun to one conclusion.
But it was only an assumption he had reached. In reality, Wooyeon showed no sign of recognizing him and even seemed to avoid him lately. Perhaps he simply wanted to close the chapter on their past relationship.
After much thought, Dohyun decided to let go of his feelings for Wooyeon. He distanced himself, pretending to take a different path. During their shared classes, he sat at the back but couldn’t help watching Wooyeon’s back with longing.
At that moment, he thought he could stop. Wooyeon was avoiding him, and his own feelings were still in the early stages. He thought everything would be fine. But soon after, Dohyun realized that was just his arrogance.
That day, to cheer up the club members preparing for their midterms, Dohyun bought hamburgers for everyone. Unfortunately, it was a Wednesday, the day he and Wooyeon had group study. Regretting his timing, Dohyun still booked a study room near the school.
“Hey!”
“Dohyun! We missed you!”
“You guys are so predictable.”
The club room was unusually full. Everyone was eating hamburgers and greeting Dohyun with cheerful faces. He smiled habitually, scanning the room.
“Only when there’s food, huh…”
Wooyeon was sitting on the sofa in a white hoodie, making his pale complexion stand out even more. His small hands held a hamburger tightly, and his pouting face, with his mouth stuffed, was so adorable that Dohyun couldn’t look away.
“What’s wrong?”
It was because Wooyeon was cute, and because Dohyun’s heart ached. The sight of Wooyeon struggling with the hamburger was simply too endearing.
But then, Dohyun avoided Wooyeon’s gaze and turned away.
“It’s nothing.”
Just a fleeting glance. A moment that passed before it could even be called an encounter. Yet it felt like his heart had been ignited.
Dohyun tried to compose himself, sitting as far from Wooyeon as possible. But he couldn’t stop himself from stealing glances at Wooyeon from across the room. The young master, who had likely never tried fast food, was hunched over, eating the hamburger ravenously.
“Sorry, I have to leave early.”
He thought maybe Wooyeon was having digestive issues. His face didn’t look good—pale, strained. It must’ve been hard for him to stomach food he wasn’t used to.
“And… the study room?”
“I’ve already booked it.”
Still, Dohyun couldn’t bring himself to ask if Wooyeon was okay. He couldn’t offer a comforting word, let alone meet Wooyeon’s eyes. All he could do was pretend to be his usual self, speaking lightly.
“There’s space at the café in front of the school. After class, just head to the school gate.”
He felt the heavy, sorrowful gaze lingering on him. Wooyeon’s fresh pheromones had dimmed, becoming as gloomy as the weather outside. Wooyeon said he’d see them later and left the club room, while Dohyun didn’t turn to look at him as he walked away.
Waiting for him later, Dohyun felt compelled to stop by a convenience store. Dark clouds were gathering, signaling a coming storm. Along with an umbrella, he picked up a small bottle of digestive medicine.
“You guys go ahead to the café first.”
Anxiety gnawed at him as Wooyeon failed to show up at the school gate even after the appointed time. The class had surely ended long ago, but there was no call or message. Sending Garam and Seongyu ahead, Dohyun walked briskly across the campus.
It was instinct, more than anything else. As raindrops began to fall, he opened his umbrella and let his steps guide him. The name of Wooyeon’s class, Global Leadership, was imprinted in his mind.
As he had feared, Wooyeon was sitting on a bench near the classroom building. Under the blooming cherry blossoms, his curled-up figure looked more fragile than ever. Each step closer sent Dohyun’s heart pounding harder.
“…I was wondering why you didn’t come.”
If someone asked when it began, he wouldn’t know. That feeling had crept in unnoticed, and by the time he realized it, it was uncontrollable. Whether it started four years ago or after meeting Wooyeon again, he couldn’t distinguish.
“You’ll catch a cold like this.”
He liked Wooyeon. He liked the pure look in his eyes, the sincerity in his heart. He liked this innocent, awkward young man named Wooyeon.
“Seon-”
He remembered the voice that called him seonsaeng. He couldn’t forget the warmth of Wooyeon’s embrace when he cried and held onto him. No matter how much time passed, Dohyun remained bound to Wooyeon.
“…Seonbae.”
That voice brought him back to reality. The image of Soo Hyang surfaced, along with the words about Wooyeon’s past pain.
“Sometimes…”
Sometimes, a single decision could change the future. Whether to reach out or hold back was a choice that even after four years, he found difficult.
“It’s not easy.”
Wooyeon didn’t respond, simply burying his head on his knees. Raindrops slid down his sharp nose.
“Let me carry you on my back?”
“…”
The words escaped before he could stop them. Yet the moment he said them, he wanted to act on them. To give up, ignore, or pretend not to know—he had done enough of that four years ago.
“Let me take you home.”
Without hesitation, Dohyun crouched down and all but forced Wooyeon to climb onto his back. His cold legs brushed against Dohyun’s fingers, but the warmth from his body offered some relief. Dohyun didn’t want to miss any more of Wooyeon’s breaths, words, or quiet murmurs.
“Why are you being so kind to me?”
Wooyeon’s pheromones, fresh as ripe fruit, were still a little naive, making Dohyun feel at peace.
“I just want to be good to you.”
An apology was just an excuse to hide his feelings. The desire to start over was a selfish wish he couldn’t suppress.
Dohyun simply didn’t want to lose this precious connection again.
“…Then please keep being good to me.”
He didn’t want to disappoint him. Didn’t want to hurt him, didn’t want to make him cry and didn’t want to be abandoned because of those things. He hoped, after all the hardship, their relationship would not fall apart like the first time.
"I've missed you”
One casual joke/sentence hid so many real emotions inside. The joy, the longing, the tender love and even the unspoken confession.
“...How fortunate.”
Even though he hurted him, even after all the pain he went through, Wooyeon still told him he missed him. How could Dohyun not reach out to him?
That day was a turning point for both of them. Wooyeon opened his heart like four years ago, and Dohyun admitted that he couldn't give up on him. He knew that the first thing he had to do was to never hurt Wooyeon again.
“I’ll make sure not to hurt Wooyeon.”
When Dohyun showed up unannounced, Soo Hyang didn’t immediately drive him out of the room. Instead, she addressed him with a cold gaze, saying, “I don’t trust you.” Taking a deep breath, Dohyun spoke softly.
“I intend to tell him everything.”
Before it was too late, he wanted to reveal the truth and beg Wooyeon not to leave him. He hoped that, with Wooyeon’s gentle heart, forgiveness might be possible.
“You’re awfully confident.”
Soo Hyang dismissed Dohyun’s determination with a single comment. Her calm question carried a sharp undertone.
“Do you think Wooyeon will still love you once he knows everything?”
That was something Dohyun wasn’t sure of, and Soo Hyang seemed to have expected his hesitation. She clicked her tongue.
“If this were just a fleeting, foolish romance, I wouldn’t intervene. But no matter the outcome, you’ll have to bear the consequences yourself.”
He wasn’t entirely sure why he interpreted her words as a form of approval. Perhaps it was because her reaction was less harsh than he had expected, and she wasn’t actively obstructing him.
Yet her final words were as cold as ice.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to protect my child.”
_________________________________________________
Chapter 81
Dohyun patiently waited for the right moment. When the situation, timing, and location were all favorable, he would calmly express himself. Sometimes, he wanted to pretend to be oblivious and let things go, but he constantly reminded himself that he couldn’t do that.
“I also… want to smoke.”
Unaware of his thoughts, Wooyeon trailed after Dohyun like a newly hatched chick. He even expressed a desire to try smoking, prompting Dohyun to secretly decide to quit. Still, he couldn't deny that this presented a good opportunity.
“I’ll take you to see a movie.”
A "reward" disguised as a date and a stepping stone to confess everything. Knowing that Wooyeon would resolutely pursue a goal once determined, Dohyun proposed this challenge. If Wooyeon focused on studying, that alone would make Dohyun happy.
“I’ll even get you popcorn and soda.”
As innocent as ever, Wooyeon quickly agreed to this “reward.” With tasty treats and an enjoyable activity in sight, he was sure to give his best effort for a good result.
In truth, Dohyun deliberately set vague criteria, planning to praise Wooyeon regardless of the outcome.
However, two things didn’t go as planned: Wooyeon was devastated by his final exam results and later got so drunk at a party that he blacked out.
“Can you help me take off my pants?”
Even after acknowledging his feelings, Dohyun never thought of Wooyeon in a sexual way. He had seen him in his uniform, and apart from the pheromones, Wooyeon still gave off the scent of a child. Even if Wooyeon initiated undressing, Dohyun was confident he wouldn’t falter.
“…You’re lying on my bed.”
But his mind went blank. Blaming the pheromones wasn’t enough; Wooyeon's flushed face radiated deadly innocence. His dreamy eyes and pale legs shattered all of Dohyun’s self-control.
“Ha… Damn it, to hell with it.”
He almost let everything unfold naturally. He gently caressed Wooyeon, his touch urging him on. Surrounded by pheromones, their gazes met, and an overwhelming impulse surged through him.
“…”
“…”
He wanted to kiss him. To taste the sweetness in his mouth, mix with the pheromones, and explore every inch of his lips.
That was the final limit of his restraint. Wooyeon barely touched his jaw, but Dohyun could only close his eyes, grit his teeth, and keep his hands busy. When Wooyeon reached his peak, Dohyun’s suppressed breath escaped like a spring uncoiling.
“…Yeon-ah.”
Of course, Wooyeon didn’t hear that whisper. He simply lay there, relaxed, letting out soft moans.
“Ah… seonsaeng…”
The next day, Wooyeon ran away without looking back. Dohyun didn’t have the chance to ask about Danny—who had come to Korea to meet Wooyeon—or why he was staying at Wooyeon’s house instead of a hotel, nor why Wooyeon pretended not to remember anything from the previous night.
But in truth, none of that mattered anymore. Once Wooyeon had called him “seonsaeng,” the second time would be easier. Perhaps beginning their next conversation with that memory wasn’t such a bad idea.
Dohyun helped Wooyeon with group assignments and, based on Yoon Woo’s suggestion, planned a movie date. Wooyeon, like an obedient child, followed everything he said without suspicion.
Finally, the date arrived. Without hesitation, Wooyeon invited Dohyun to his house.
“…Do you want champagne?”
After drinking to the point of doing such things, Wooyeon still wanted to drink. It seemed he hadn’t fully grasped that this was his house and they were on a date.
“You remember, don’t you, Wooyeon?”
Honestly, Dohyun felt frustrated. Wooyeon had called him “seonsaeng” yet acted as if he didn’t remember anything. A little reminder of the past would surely make him withdraw in embarrassment.
“…Why are you so sensitive, seonbae?”
“Everything becomes easier with experience.”
Understanding other people's eyes was something Dohyun had become accustomed to. From the orphanage to his foster home, he lived every day on edge.
“Why are you used to that?”
“Hmm… I don’t know.”
He didn’t answer because of insecurity. Talking about his circumstances with Wooyeon, who grew up in a good family, made him feel ashamed. Even though Wooyeon seemed sad, Dohyun’s fragile pride wouldn’t allow him to explain.
Luckily, Wooyeon didn’t ask further and changed the topic, though his response wasn’t what Dohyun expected.
“It’s because of the alcohol.”
That statement drained the blood from Dohyun’s face. It felt as though, even if it hadn’t been him, that night would have unfolded similarly.
“So, if it had been someone else, you’d have done the same?”
Dohyun’s emotions bubbled as he pressed Wooyeon gently but firmly. He knew he was being unreasonable, but seeing Wooyeon flustered threw him off balance. Wooyeon said nothing, merely opened his mouth and suddenly grabbed the champagne bottle with determination.
“…!”
This was unexpected. Before Dohyun could stop him or take the bottle, Wooyeon had already gulped the champagne, only to slump forward onto the table moments later.
“…Pfft.”
Dohyun chuckled, covering his eyes with one hand. This wasn’t how he envisioned things, and the important words still hadn’t been said. He felt a mix of disappointment, confusion, and humor.
“I can never win against you…”
He was always swept along by Wooyeon without knowing what lay ahead. Wooyeon’s simple thoughts and genuine expressions were unpredictable. Just today, when Dohyun thought he had cornered him, Wooyeon had drunk champagne to escape the situation.
After a few moments of disappointment, Dohyun got up and approached Wooyeon. As he gently touched the top of his head, Wooyeon groaned and turned away.
“Your forehead is red.”
Wooyeon's pale face highlighted the redness on his forehead. Fortunately, there was no bruise, but the spot he hit looked painful. Dohyun lightly rubbed the area with his thumb before crouching in front of him.
“Seon Wooyeon.”
“…”
“Wooyeon.”
“…”
“Yeon-ah.”
Wooyeon’s long lashes fluttered softly. His rosy lips moved slightly, as if he were tasting something. The sweet scent of his pheromones mingled with his ragged breathing, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
“…Do you really trust me so unconditionally?”
A dominant Omega, yet lying there with such an innocent and careless expression. Wooyeon was clearly Soo Hyang’s son, but he had so many vulnerable gaps. What if Dohyun were to do something he shouldn’t?
Contrary to those thoughts, Dohyun couldn’t bring himself to touch him, simply watching Wooyeon in silence. He tilted his head, as if to imprint every feature of Wooyeon’s face in his mind. His skin was pale and smooth like fine flour, without a single rough spot—delicately flawless.
After a long moment, Dohyun reached out to Wooyeon. Supporting his limp body, he lifted him effortlessly, as though carrying a child. Earlier, when he had Wooyeon on his back, it felt like he could carry him anywhere with ease.
“But that wouldn’t be right, would it?”
Dohyun chuckled softly as he carried Wooyeon. Guided by intuition, he found the bedroom and placed Wooyeon gently onto the bed. As soon as he did, Wooyeon’s eyes fluttered open. They blinked, hazy with intoxication.
“Are you awake?”
“…”
Without replying, Wooyeon sat up slowly, nearly tipping over before regaining his balance. Bowing his head, he murmured faintly, lips slightly parted.
“I need to take a bath…”
He began to undress, seemingly oblivious to Dohyun’s presence. Pulling off his hoodie and undoing his pants, he stumbled toward the bathroom, shedding his clothes like discarded layers.
“This is just…”
Dohyun could only watch Wooyeon’s retreating figure, speechless. When Wooyeon was about to remove his last piece of clothing, Dohyun turned away in exasperation. Despite being drunk, Wooyeon moved with a strangely agile clumsiness, leaving Dohyun no chance to intervene.
Dohyun opened the bathroom door only after hearing a loud noise inside. Perhaps Wooyeon had slipped or dropped something. Either way, it wasn’t safe to leave him like that.
Thankfully, it was just a shampoo bottle that had fallen. Wooyeon sat obediently in the bathtub, letting water cascade over him from the showerhead. When Dohyun stepped in, Wooyeon looked up with wide eyes.
“…seonsaeng?”
“You still recognize me?”
Dohyun chuckled in surprise, approaching him slowly. He adjusted the water temperature to make it warmer, and Wooyeon reached out of the tub, grasping Dohyun’s shirt with a bewildered expression.
“Where did you go?”
“Go where? I was outside and came in here.”
“No, not that…”
Steam rose thickly in the room. Deciding to help, Dohyun began washing Wooyeon, intending to get him back to bed afterward. Wooyeon leaned his head forward obediently, mumbling under his breath.
“You weren’t here…”
“I’m here now.”
His experience caring for his younger siblings came in handy. Drunk Wooyeon wasn’t much different from a child unable to look after themselves, except for his larger frame. If it weren’t for the uneasy stirring in his gut, taking care of Wooyeon would have been simpler.
“Alright, let’s get you to bed now.”
Playfully, Dohyun dressed Wooyeon in a bathrobe instead of regular clothes. He tied the belt securely, though it seemed he was the one suffering for it. Wooyeon, unaware of how he looked, clung to Dohyun’s shirt.
“Are you leaving now?”
His gaze was forlorn, his round, glistening eyes full of unshed tears. No one could possibly say goodbye in such a moment.
“Do you really have to go?”
In the end, Dohyun gave in and lay down beside Wooyeon. Because Wooyeon didn’t like the damp feeling, Dohyun took off his shirt, but even that wasn’t enough for him. Dohyun finally offered his hand, letting Wooyeon grasp it tightly. Wooyeon smiled contentedly, holding on as if afraid to let go.
“You like this?”
“Yes.”
The answer was resolute. Drunkenly, Wooyeon was completely unhesitant. Dohyun chuckled softly, murmuring.
“Why do you like me?”
“Because you’re my seonsaeng, so I like you.”
What an adorable drunken habit. His pronunciation was clear, and his answers were straightforward. If Dohyun hadn’t seen him drunk before, he might have thought Wooyeon was completely sober.
“Then who is Danny?”
It was a childish question, but Dohyun wanted clarity. Wooyeon gazed into the distance, his eyes dreamy.
“Maybe…a friend.”
“Maybe?”
A vague response. A friend is a friend, or they aren’t. What did “maybe” even mean? Perhaps it was some special relationship from the U.S.? As Dohyun speculated, Wooyeon elaborated.
“A friend, but it’s complicated.”
“How complicated?”
“It’s just…”
Something felt off. His tone carried a hint of bitterness, unlike when he spoke about a friend.
The dim voice escaped his flushed lips.
“It was my mom who made me get close to him.”
The previously lighthearted atmosphere turned icy. Dohyun’s heavy pheromones seemed to freeze the air. Wooyeon, oblivious to the shift, continued in a weary, sleepy tone.
“I can’t fully trust him.”
_________________________________________________
Chapter 82
It felt like a heavy blow to the back of the head. Dohyun's mind went blank, and his vision blurred. The words he had prepared to say to Wooyeon vanished meaninglessly into the air.
Sometimes, being perceptive isn't a blessing. If only he hadn’t understood the meaning behind Wooyeon’s words, it might have been better. But Dohyun instantly grasped the situation—who Danny was, how Wooyeon and Danny had grown close, and what Wooyeon’s reaction would be if he revealed the truth.
“Hold me, seonsaeng.”
Wooyeon pulled Dohyun closer as he said this. His unfocused eyes slowly closed and reopened, still lacking clarity. Dohyun gently ran his hand through Wooyeon’s hair.
“A hug can mean a lot of things, you know?.”
Instead of responding, Wooyeon simply stared at Dohyun. His half-closed eyes, tilted upward, seemed to be asking for a kiss. As Dohyun leaned in, their lips barely brushed together, light as a feather.
“…”
“…”
Their lips parted briefly before meeting again, this time because of Wooyeon’s whispered plea.
“Just one more time…”
As if hypnotized, Dohyun held Wooyeon’s lips once more. He gently bit his lower lip, creating a space to slide his tongue inside. The sweet and tight sensation within made him dizzy with desire.
“Mm…”
Wooyeon let out a soft, pleasurable sound, but Dohyun knew he wouldn’t remember any of this tomorrow. He would forget the mingling pheromones, the moist breaths, and everything that had passed between them.
“…Yeon-ah.”
Even so, Dohyun clung to the hope that maybe this time, Wooyeon would remember. He slowly broke away, cupping Wooyeon’s chin, and prayed silently.
“Call me ‘seonsaeng’ again tomorrow, okay?”
“…”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know me.”
If there was even a small chance, he was ready to bear it all. Despite knowing what the future held, he wasn’t ready to give up. He knew he was being a coward, but all he wanted was one more chance.
“…I can’t.”
But things didn’t go as he wished. Wooyeon’s cold voice crushed the last of his hope.
“I won’t say it.”
With that, Wooyeon fell into a deep sleep. Dohyun clenched his right hand tightly and sighed in disappointment.
As expected, Wooyeon didn’t remember anything the next morning. Dohyun, who had stayed awake all night, realized several things when he saw Wooyeon’s confusion. For one, Wooyeon would never bring up the past first. And for another, he himself would never have the courage to tell Wooyeon everything.
He couldn’t understand why Wooyeon pretended not to know. Perhaps Wooyeon had his reasons, but without sharing them, nothing could be resolved.
In the end, even the courage to speak was something Dohyun had lost.
While showering, memories of the past kept playing in his head, eventually taking him back to the day he and Wooyeon broke up.
Wooyeon had looked utterly devastated, tears streaming down his face as he said he wanted to end their relationship.
“From now on, I won’t like you anymore.”
Was it wrong of him to call out “Yeon-ah” in anger when Wooyeon wanted to end it all after just one night? Or was it his own sense of betrayal—despite being the one to leave Wooyeon first—that was the real mistake?
The moment the thought of losing Wooyeon surfaced, Dohyun couldn’t think straight. He just wanted to keep Wooyeon by his side, regardless of guilt or morality. Any justification he had for the past crumbled like a sandcastle.
Once again, Dohyun let Wooyeon slip away, and this time, he couldn’t think of any way to hold onto him. All he could think was that he needed to see him, even without a concrete plan.
Dohyun checked the time on his watch and stood waiting outside the building where Wooyeon’s first class was held. With final exams approaching, the campus was bustling early in the morning. Wooyeon was expected to arrive in about two hours.
“Phew.”
It had been a long time since Dohyun felt this tense—his whole body seemed twisted in knots. Maybe it was the sleepless night or the memories that had resurfaced, but something felt off.
“Hey, good morning!”
“You’re here early, huh?”
As he waited, several people passed by and greeted him. On a normal day, he would have responded, but today he only managed a brief nod. Even strangers could probably tell something was wrong.
“Hey, there you are!”
The voice calling out to him now belonged to Seongyu, who had arrived on campus earlier than Wooyeon. He quickly walked over, noticing Dohyun’s pale face.
“Did you not sleep? You’ve got dark circles under your eyes.”
“Yeah, I stayed up all night… Is it that obvious?”
Dohyun rubbed his eyes sheepishly. Though he felt tired, he hadn’t thought he looked this bad. He wanted to make a good impression on Wooyeon, but his appearance betrayed him.
“No worries, you’re still handsome!”
Seongyu laughed and gave him a thumbs-up, clearly trying to lighten Dohyun’s mood. Dohyun tried to smile back but couldn’t muster the energy.
“Uh, so…”
Seongyu looked at him hesitantly, as if piecing something together. He paused for a moment before asking softly:
“Did you and Wooyeon… have a fight?”
“Just some things happened,” Dohyun replied vaguely.
“…You haven’t broken up yet, right?” Seongyu asked cautiously.
As those words left Seongyu’s mouth, a car pulled up in front of the building. It was a rare luxury car with tinted windows, exuding an aura that made it clear its owner wasn’t an ordinary student. Dohyun stared at the car, muttering as if speaking to himself.
“I don’t want that, which is why I’m waiting.”
The door clicked open—not the backseat, but the driver’s door. A sharply dressed man stepped out, ignoring Dohyun completely as he walked around the car to open the back door. His face was all too familiar to Dohyun.
“…Driver Yoon.”
Leaving a confused Seongyu behind, Dohyun headed toward the car.
A few students nearby turned to look when a man in a white cap stepped out of the vehicle. His fair complexion and perfectly balanced features stood out—it was Wooyeon.
“I’ll come to pick you up on time, young master…”
But Wooyeon didn’t seem to hear Driver Yoon’s words. He walked away without glancing back, ignoring the curious stares around him. One hand held his bag, the other pressed his cap firmly onto his head as he strode toward the building.
Taking a deep breath, Dohyun called out in a hoarse voice.
“Yeon-ah.”
“…”
Wooyeon stopped in his tracks. Driver Yoon, about to return to the car, also glanced over.
There was a chance Driver Yoon would report everything that happened here to Soo Hyang. If Soo Hyang had given any instructions, the driver might have stepped in to stop Dohyun from approaching Wooyeon.
But Driver Yoon acted as if he hadn’t seen anything and returned to the car. There were no bodyguards with Wooyeon, likely due to an agreement between him and Soo Hyang. After the incident Wooyeon had mentioned, even starting a conversation might soon become impossible.
“Let’s talk for a bit.”
Wooyeon lifted his head and looked directly at Dohyun.
The distance between them was just one step. Dohyun stopped there, not closing the gap. Although many students surrounded them, it felt as if they were the only two in their own world.
“Just for a moment.”
At Dohyun’s plea, Wooyeon bit his lower lip. Dohyun’s gaze never left him, watching every subtle shift in Wooyeon’s expression. As his pink lips turned pale, Wooyeon finally spoke in a low, almost inaudible voice.
“I have nothing to say.”
Wooyeon turned away, brushing past Dohyun without stopping. From a distance, Seongyu stood frozen, eyes wide in surprise. But Dohyun had expected this reaction and silently followed Wooyeon.
“…”
“…”
It was a strange sight. Wooyeon walked ahead, looking straight ahead, while Dohyun trailed behind without saying a word. Both were well-known figures on campus, and if they continued like this, it was bound to spark rumors.
“Yeon-ah.”
When Wooyeon reached the door to his classroom, Dohyun called him once more. Wooyeon hesitated but didn’t turn around as he replied.
“Don’t call me that.”
“…”
“That’s not my name.”
Wooyeon’s voice was cold and sharp, carrying an air of authority befitting Soo Hyang’s son. Still, Dohyun didn’t give up and persisted.
“I’ll wait until your class is over.”
“…”
“Honestly, I’d like to sit in this class with you.”
With that, Dohyun swung the door to the classroom open. Coincidentally, it was a first-year core course, so there were many familiar faces inside. As the students greeted him warmly, Dohyun nodded toward Wooyeon.
“Are you coming in?”
“…What are you doing?”
Finally, Wooyeon turned to face him. Though his expression was stiff, it was the face Dohyun had been thinking about all night. Resisting the urge to embrace him, Dohyun whispered just loud enough for only Wooyeon to hear.
“You can’t break up with me.”
It was the same thing he had said the previous day. And it was the same thing Wooyeon had countered by saying he couldn’t trust Dohyun anymore. Wooyeon’s brows furrowed, as if preparing to repeat that sentiment.
“You…”
“Course registration.”
Dohyun cut him off with those two words. Wooyeon’s frown deepened, and his lips pressed into a tight line. Ignoring Wooyeon’s protests, Dohyun grabbed his bag and placed it on a desk near the back of the room.
“You said you’d treat me to a meal if I helped you register for classes.”
Even if it seemed ridiculous, that didn’t matter. Even if Wooyeon complained that too much time had passed, it didn’t matter. As long as there was a chance to talk, Dohyun was willing to hold on, no matter how desperate it made him look.
“You said it’d be a good meal—not cheap. You said so yourself.”
Wooyeon glared at him, his eyes filled with defiance beneath the brim of his cap. The silence stretched, but Dohyun knew this tactic would work.
“I’ll treat this as the last time.”
The word "last" caused Wooyeon’s eyes to waver. The emotions he couldn’t suppress revealed that he hadn’t entirely let go. Placing his hopes in that sliver of vulnerability, Dohyun gave him a faint, weary smile.
“Just this once, Yeon-ah.”
_________________________________________________
Chapter 83
Seongyu entered after them and chose a seat far away but kept an eye on the situation. Wooyeon grabbed his bag and quickly distanced himself from Dohyun, but Dohyun immediately sat down next to him. Perhaps Wooyeon thought the professor would kick Dohyun out of the class, but unfortunately, the professor was delighted to see him.
"It's been a while since you've attended class. Feel free to come whenever you like," the professor said cheerfully, and Dohyun responded with a polite smile.
As the lecture began, Dohyun rested his chin on his hand, attentively watching Wooyeon. On his desk was a notebook borrowed from Seongyu and a pen belonging to him, but Dohyun's eyes were fixed solely on Wooyeon. Wooyeon ignored Dohyun's gaze, trying to focus on the lecture.
‘He's probably like his Omega mother’ Dohyun thought. If Soo Hyang was vivid and lively like an oil painting, Wooyeon was gentle and delicate like a diluted watercolor. Large eyes under a cap, a straight nose, and a refined face created a harmonious and soft image.
Wooyeon seemed tired, perhaps from lack of sleep? Dohyun noticed his neck partially concealed by a soft turtleneck. Though the material was light, wearing it in this weather seemed unnecessary. Dohyun knew why Wooyeon wore it—to hide the dark marks left from their previous intimacy.
‘How can I give him up like this?’ he thought. Even though Wooyeon tried to avoid him, just having him nearby made Dohyun's heart flutter. Wooyeon's subtle pheromone scent captivated all his senses, and even his smallest gestures mesmerized him. Even Wooyeon's habit of touching his ear was so endearing that Dohyun wanted to keep him by his side forever.
"Aren't you paying attention to the lecture?" Wooyeon asked, turning to him.
"I don't need to," Dohyun replied.
Wooyeon blushed slightly, part embarrassment, part irritation. Dohyun felt an urge to tease him more. Would he get angry if he touched him? Just having Wooyeon in front of him like this was satisfying, but the thought of him leaving again was unbearable.
Spinning a pen in his hand, Dohyun covered his mouth with his palm and continued to watch Wooyeon diligently take notes. However, the content of Wooyeon's notes seemed incorrect.
"You're writing it wrong," Dohyun pointed out.
"..."
"Romanticism began in the late 18th century."
Wooyeon crossed out the "19th century" he'd written and corrected it. Dohyun considered helping him list notable authors but stopped when he saw Wooyeon sigh.
Wooyeon picked up a pencil from his case and wrote a small note in the corner of his notebook: "I can't concentrate because you’re here."
Initially, it said "seonbae," but he changed it to "you’re." Dohyun smiled and used Wooyeon's pen to write a reply: "Sorry."
Wooyeon erased his note but left Dohyun's "Sorry" untouched. When Wooyeon tried to take his pen back, Dohyun wrote another question: "What do you want for dinner?"
Wooyeon looked at him, surprised, as if thinking, ‘Why are you talking about dinner when we haven't had lunch yet?’
As expected, Wooyeon wrote: "Why talk about dinner when we haven't even had lunch yet?"
Dohyun suppressed a laugh, his eyes soft as he gazed at Wooyeon. Wooyeon's candid reactions always warmed Dohyun's heart.
"Then what do you want for lunch?" Dohyun wrote back.
Wooyeon finally realized his intentions, but before he could refuse, Dohyun had already prepared a list:
*"1. Meat; 2. Noodles; 3. Rice
1-1. Pork 1-2. Beef
Nothing cheap."
Wooyeon chuckled softly, finding Dohyun's detailed list amusing, especially since he hadn't even confirmed the meal yet. Eventually, Dohyun circled "Beef" and added: "How about the place we went last time?"
He recalled their previous outing when Wooyeon preferred sweets over rice. When Dohyun handed him a chocolate truffle, Wooyeon had such a complex expression that Dohyun felt like crying too.
Wooyeon pursed his lips and gripped his pencil tightly, seeming lost in thought. After a moment, he wrote quickly: "I'm having lunch with Seongyu."
"Seongyu has student council work," Dohyun replied confidently.
Wooyeon shot a glare at Seongyu. In truth, Dohyun wasn’t sure, but he guessed as usual. Wooyeon, endearingly easy to fluster, struggled to refuse without a valid reason.
"Stop glaring at Seongyu."
The two continued their back-and-forth note exchange, their conversation mundane yet somehow unending. Even when the professor occasionally called out Dohyun for smiling too much, he responded with his usual friendly charm.
"Let's end today's lecture here," the professor announced.
"Oh..." Wooyeon was startled and looked at the board. Unlike the densely written board, his notebook contained barely anything except the correction of "19" to "18." Seeing his flustered expression, Dohyun put his pen down.
"I'll lend you my notes."
Wooyeon looked at him with an almost betrayed expression. Stifling a laugh, Dohyun gently offered:
"I'll also give you my study materials for finals."
"No need," Wooyeon retorted gruffly, even though it was clear he did. Closing his notebook, he avoided meeting Dohyun's eyes.
"I've never done this before, you know. Writing notes back and forth during a lecture."
"..."
Wooyeon's expression changed slightly. Although he said nothing, it was likely his first time experiencing something like this too. Perhaps that’s why his movements as he packed his notebook were so hesitant and slow.
"So, what do you want for lunch?"
Just as Wooyeon zipped his bag shut, Dohyun casually picked it up. Wooyeon frowned like a puppy whose food was taken. He glanced at his bag, then at Dohyun, his thoughts clearly racing.
"Not lunch... What about dinner?"
It was the only excuse he could muster after thinking hard. Dohyun tilted his head, encouraging him to continue. Wooyeon averted his eyes, nervously clutching the hem of his shirt.
"I'll treat you to dinner, but I can't have lunch now."
A blatant lie, as Dohyun had set Wooyeon's schedule himself. Perhaps Wooyeon was stalling for time to think of a better excuse.
"Then what time for dinner?"
"...I'll text you later."
In reality, even if today passed, tomorrow Wooyeon would still have a class with Dohyun. Wooyeon never skipped class and always showed up consistently. However, Dohyun didn’t have the patience to wait until tomorrow.
"I don’t have a phone."
"What?"
Wooyeon squinted in disbelief, as if he hadn't heard correctly. Dohyun shrugged and replied nonchalantly.
"It’s broken."
This morning, when he checked, his phone wouldn’t turn on. In truth, he had thrown it so hard that it would’ve been strange if it hadn’t broken. He didn’t mind not receiving calls, but missing alarms was a bit of an inconvenience.
"But you just got it fixed the other day! How?"
"I just..."
Dohyun hesitated as usual but stopped when he noticed Wooyeon's expression—a mix of frustration and exasperation that seemed to say, ‘Not this again.’ Not wanting to appear weak, Dohyun turned away awkwardly and tightened his grip on the bag strap.
"...I threw it."
"What?"
"I was angry, so I threw it..."
"..."
"And now it won’t turn on."
Dohyun felt Wooyeon’s incredulous gaze on him—a look of bewilderment mixed with disbelief. Wooyeon murmured, as if talking to himself, ‘What could possibly make you throw it…’
Instead of explaining, Dohyun reached out toward Wooyeon. Out of habit, Wooyeon intertwined their fingers, but after a brief moment, he pulled his hand back awkwardly.
"…"
"…"
The atmosphere between them grew tense and awkward. Now, only the two of them remained in the classroom, with no one else around. Wooyeon, his expression complicated, lowered his head and pulled his cap down further.
"...Let’s go eat lunch."
As usual, they headed to the clubroom. Dohyun hadn’t brought his car, and going too far would risk drawing the attention of reporters. Leading Wooyeon into the room, he immediately locked the door.
"Why are you locking the door?"
"Because I don’t want to be disturbed."
The key was in Dohyun's possession, and he had informed Garam beforehand. No one would enter this room until their conversation was finished. He worried that Wooyeon might feel uneasy, but the other seemed unfazed by the locked door.
"Yeon-ah, sit down."
Estimating they had about two hours, Dohyun placed the bag on the table and observed Wooyeon, who reluctantly sat on the sofa, looking confused. Wrapped in an oversized jacket and a pulled-down cap, Wooyeon looked as though he was hiding within layers of fabric.
"What do you want to eat? Anything you like."
"I feel uncomfortable around you."
Wooyeon's unexpected response left Dohyun speechless, cutting off whatever he had planned to say. The calmness in Wooyeon's voice seemed to trample on Dohyun's heart.
"I’ll treat you to a meal later, but for now, I just want to hear what you have to say and leave. Besides, you don’t look hungry."
That was a clear rejection. Dohyun knew it. His chest tightened as though a heavy weight had settled there.
"You might not notice it, but I can’t pretend like nothing’s happened, unlike you."
"Do you think I’m unaffected by all this?"
Wooyeon said nothing, merely pressing his lips together. It was evident he couldn’t deny the truth of Dohyun's words. Anyone could see that Dohyun was struggling with something significant.
"I haven’t slept at all, thinking about you."
"...Do you think I’ve been able to sleep?"
Wooyeon’s voice was tinged with sorrow, his emotions spilling out after being suppressed for so long. Dohyun let out a soft sigh and began speaking slowly.
"Yeon-ah, I..."
There was so much he wanted to say. Things he wanted to express and things he needed to clarify. He had been dishonest for so long, and this time he wanted to be truthful. That was why he had sought out Wooyeon before even facing Soo Hyang.
"I’ve always been afraid."
Though his words seemed cryptic, Wooyeon didn’t interrupt. He simply looked up, his dreamy eyes fixed on Dohyun, patiently waiting for what he would say next. This was the first time Wooyeon truly looked directly at ‘Kim Dohyun.’
"When I was eight years old, I was abandoned at the doorstep of an orphanage."
_________________________________________________
Chapter 84
If someone asked Wooyeon whether he had ever felt abandoned, he would firmly say no. From a young age, he had always been the one in the position to choose, not to be chosen. There were people who tried to win him over, but he never had to work hard to be accepted by others. However, for the first time in his life, Wooyeon felt abandoned, and it happened yesterday. When he was abandoned by his mother, who had been by his side all his life. When he was abandoned by his seonsaeng, whom he relied on in life. And when he was abandoned by the world, in which he had tried to exist. Wooyeon was simply curious about who Kim Dohyun was.
Dohyun told a long story. He talked about his childhood, how he met Soo Hyang, and when he started living with his current parents. The story was complex with many hidden layers, but his voice remained calm.
“…And that's why, I couldn't tell you.”
Dohyun’s gentle words were like a soft breeze brushing through Wooyeon’s soul. His face wore an expression of worry that Wooyeon had never seen before. Dohyun’s tightly clenched hands showed how tense he was.
Wooyeon slowly turned his head to look out the window. The cherry blossoms had fallen, leaving only green leaves that signaled the arrival of summer. Perhaps it will rain soon, and this semester will soon be over.
“I’m sorry.”
In Wooyeon’s memories, Dohyun had always been a calm person, with no cracks in his demeanor. He was always sensitive to Wooyeon’s emotions and would gently comfort him when he felt sad. Whatever Dohyun said, no matter the meaning, it always left a deep mark on Wooyeon’s heart.
“I’m sorry, Yeon-ah.”
That’s why Wooyeon had always been curious about Dohyun. Who was he? What had his life been like? What did he think and feel?
“I don’t want you to abandon me.”
Dohyun, who had always made Wooyeon curious, now said that he had been very afraid. He begged not to be abandoned and apologized for all his mistakes. Although Wooyeon felt anger toward him, at the same time, he also felt sympathy for Dohyun’s weakness.
“…I…”
Wooyeon struggled to speak, then hesitated. Dohyun’s long story was not something that could be concluded with just a few words. In Wooyeon’s confused mind, Dohyun’s words seemed to intertwine with one another.
“I… understand.”
These were the only words he could manage to say. It was simply an acknowledgment that, rationally, he understood Dohyun’s situation. Gradually, words of sympathy toward him began to form.
“If I were you, maybe I wouldn’t have been able to say it either. Maybe, even telling someone else would have been impossible.”
Wooyeon lifted his head and looked at Dohyun, who was biting his lips beneath his lowered hood. It wasn’t the usual smiling face or the calm, patient expression Wooyeon was used to. Seeing this, Wooyeon hesitated.
“I understand… but…”
Wooyeon listened to Dohyun’s story and understood the painful circumstances he had gone through. He couldn’t imagine the loneliness that a child like Dohyun must have endured. While Wooyeon felt suffocated in his own small world, Dohyun had no protection, not even a small crib.
“…But I can’t say I’m okay.”
Even if no one was at fault, there are always those who get hurt. Wooyeon knew that Dohyun had no other choice, but that didn’t make him feel any less heartbroken. Even though he might have told him everything, even though he might have revealed more, the pain still remained, blocking forgiveness.
“It’s only been one day.”
After leaving Dohyun yesterday, Wooyeon had cried until he was exhausted. He cried in the car with Driver Yoon, cried while passing the high wall, and cried when he walked into the house after four years apart. He poured all his sadness into his tears.
“How could I be okay in one day?”
To say that he was okay was impossible. Reason could not overcome the heart, and Wooyeon still felt heartache for him. The wounds of betrayal were still there, piling up and blocking his path.
“I can’t do that, seonsaeng.”
“…As time passes, will you feel better?”
Dohyun looked at him as if asking with a bit of hope, but in his dark eyes, there was nothing but resignation. Realizing this, Wooyeon softly replied.
“No.”
“…”
“I’m sorry.”
His words, like a gentle breath, brought silence between them. Dohyun didn’t say anything more, and Wooyeon lowered his head, put his hood back on, and stood up.
As he was about to grab his bag and leave, a low voice spoke up.
“I don’t expect you to forgive me.”
Dohyun lowered his head, covering his eyes with his large hand. The veins on the back of his hand stood out, showing his tension. He sighed softly and murmured.
“I know that no matter what I say, you can’t change your mind. My one-sided attempts to hold on won’t bring you back.”
His voice was calm, but the emotions within it were not. For the first time, Wooyeon could clearly see Dohyun's feelings. It was as if a curtain had been lifted, revealing everything inside.
“I know the feeling of understanding but still not accepting it... I guessed you would feel that way.”
Dohyun took a deep breath, and Wooyeon could sense the dry pheromone scent in the air. He lowered his head and whispered.
“But I still really like you, what am I supposed to do?”
“…”
It felt as if time had stopped. Every moment seemed to revolve around Dohyun’s words. The surroundings were quiet, with only Dohyun’s sincere voice echoing.
“I’ve thought a lot about you.”
“…”
“Maybe it would be better to just part ways like this, because I’m the one at fault, so I probably don’t have the right to hold on.”
“…”
“In fact, I planned to be honest with you, and if you still rejected me, I would give up. I thought continuing to hold on to you would be selfish, so I prepared myself to do whatever you wanted.”
Dohyun lowered his head, his face hidden behind his hand, so Wooyeon couldn’t see his expression. He might have been furrowing his brows, or his lips might have been trembling, but Wooyeon couldn’t tell.
“But I can’t give up.”
“…”
“I can’t do that.”
Dohyun slowly lifted his head and looked at Wooyeon. His eyes were red, but no tears fell. His kind and sincere gaze slowly twisted with pain.
“Don’t go, Wooyeon.”
Wooyeon didn’t stop Dohyun’s hand as he grasped his. The hand holding his bag was tightly clenched, but he didn’t try to pull his hand away.
Dohyun lifted Wooyeon’s hand and gently touched his forehead to it.
“I can’t let you go like this.”
Wooyeon felt the warmth of Dohyun’s body, the heat transmitting through every place they touched. His sad pheromone scent filled the space, making Wooyeon’s heart ache.
“Please, don’t leave me…”
Dohyun’s plea was so sorrowful that Wooyeon had never heard anyone beg like that. Seeing Dohyun with his head lowered, Wooyeon bit his lip, feeling like his heart was breaking. If his feelings had truly cooled in just one day, perhaps he wouldn’t feel this pain.
“…I like you, seonsaeng.”
Wooyeon’s soft words made Dohyun lookup. But in his eyes was a flash of concern. Wooyeon slowly withdrew his hand and turned his face away.
“But there are some things, no matter how much you like them, that can’t be changed.”
Wooyeon realized that he no longer had the courage to love Dohyun. He no longer wanted to open his heart and pour all his emotions out for him. The heart that had once been full was now empty.
"Everything has been wrong from the start."
After saying this, Wooyeon picked up his bag. If he left this clubroom, he knew that everything would truly end. When the door closed, his heart would close as well, and their relationship would become nothing more than a past.
A relationship just like that of fellow students. Perhaps, looking back, he would remember him as a beautiful memory, like the experiences he had with Danny. But it would all just be a relationship with an expiration date.
Dohyun silently watched Wooyeon walk toward the door. It felt like he was reliving the moment of their parting yesterday. But just as Wooyeon was about to open the door, Dohyun’s deep voice came from behind.
“…Then let’s start over.”
The voice from behind was filled with determination. Wooyeon’s hand froze before he could open the door.
“Not as your seonsaeng, but as a man—just a man you know, let’s start over.”
“What are you talking about?”
Wooyeon couldn’t help but turn around and look at Dohyun. What he was saying seemed completely illogical. But Dohyun didn’t pay attention to Wooyeon’s surprised expression and continued speaking seriously.
“I will confess to you every day.”
At that moment, Wooyeon didn’t understand Dohyun’s words. Confess every day? Why? Dohyun, as if reading his thoughts, explained clearly.
“I won’t ask you to like me, and I won’t force you to date me, I’ll just confess.”
“…”
“You can ignore me, even yell at me or kick me, I’ll accept it.”
His words were stubborn, even somewhat foolish. Wooyeon didn’t understand why Dohyun wasn’t giving up, nor did he understand how this would change anything.
“…It’s useless.”
“Whether it’s useless or not, you have to try to know.”
Dohyun didn’t approach him but simply stared at Wooyeon with a determined gaze, his voice slow and serious.
“I like you.”
“…”
Those were the words he had promised to say until Wooyeon believed them, the day they decided to be together. But after that, Wooyeon had never really heard those words from him again.
In the moment Wooyeon bit his lip, those words rang out again.
“I like you, Wooyeon.”
Wooyeon no longer hesitated and opened the clubroom door. Dohyun didn’t stop him, but his firm voice rang out.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Of course, Wooyeon didn’t reply.
But even after the door closed, Dohyun’s words, “I like you,” seemed to echo in his mind. For some reason, Wooyeon felt that their relationship would change in some way.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 85
Wooyeon’s house was a two-story villa with a large garden and high walls. It was a place where managing even the simplest tasks required a lot of staff, and Wooyeon always wanted to escape from it. Because every time he entered, and the gate closed behind him, a feeling of loneliness and complete isolation from the outside world would overwhelm him.
There were many reasons why Wooyeon hated his house. First, every one of his actions was watched by the servants, another reason was that, he couldn’t eat or drink as he pleased. Wooyeon was under strict control, from eating and sleeping to moving around, like a pet kept in a house.
Of course, the thing he hated most was that even when he went outside, he had to have bodyguards following him.
On Friday morning, Wooyeon sat in the car driven by Driver Yoon, heading to school, just like the day before. Since the Seon Jeong group hadn’t officially announced any news yet, the only person with him was Driver Yoon. It was a fairly normal school morning, but Wooyeon wasn’t sure how others would perceive it.
“Master, we’ve arrived.”
As usual, Driver Yoon stopped the car in front of the building and spoke in his monotonous, robotic voice. Wooyeon didn’t pay attention as he unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the car door himself. Driver Yoon was about to say something but, before he could, Wooyeon hurriedly got out of the car.
“…People are still looking.”
As soon as he stepped out, students glanced in his direction. Even though no one opened the car door for him, his shiny car still attracted attention. Wooyeon sighed inwardly and walked straight toward the building.
‘This is why I hate it.’
Even though he tried to use a simpler car and reduce the number of bodyguards, being the center of attention still made him uncomfortable. No matter how hard he tried to think positively, he still couldn’t shake the feeling of being like a monkey in a zoo. The way to school had always been like this. Back in high school, he would go to school noisily like this. At that time, Wooyeon didn’t even understand what “normal” was, so he didn’t realize that the chauffeur opening the door and bowing would attract so much attention.
“I must be annoying to others.”
The teenagers around his age probably saw Wooyeon as a thorn in their side. With his “I’m rich” image, he easily became a target for odd people like Junseong. Wooyeon quickly shook his head and walked faster.
Having a nice car and eating delicious food should never be a legitimate reason for bullying. There were times when he thought it was all his fault, but Dohyun had confirmed that wasn’t true.
“You’re not at fault.”
“…”
Wooyeon stopped. He smiled self-deprecatingly and gently stroked his ear. Just yesterday, he had rejected Dohyun, and now he was remembering his seonsaeng’s words as usual. If that was the case, it would have been better not to reject him at all. It felt so contradictory.
“Haa…”
Wooyeon took a deep breath and pushed open the back door of the classroom. He thought that arriving this early meant no one would be there, but on his usual seat, something white was placed there.
“…What is this?”
Wooyeon’s attention was drawn, and he immediately walked over. The soft white object was something he knew well. It was the stuffed rabbit Dohyun had won for him when he was drunk.
Why was it here? Wooyeon wondered as he slowly reached out to touch it. When his fingers brushed its ears and feet, the soft sensation brought back many memories. For instance, the feeling of waking up in Dohyun’s arms, everything that had happened between them, and the conversation they had the following day.
Humans are strange; you think you’ve forgotten everything, but with just a small object, emotions flood back. The bad memories seemed to blur, and the events at that time appeared beautiful.
“You came early today?”
Dohyun walked in just as Wooyeon was lost in his memories. Hearing his familiar voice, Wooyeon looked up and saw Dohyun holding two cups of coffee. One was an Americano, and the other was a strawberry smoothie. Dohyun smiled gently and walked toward Wooyeon.
“You came earlier than I thought.”
His buttoned-up shirt suited his neat appearance perfectly. His dress pants showed off his ankles, and his low-heeled shoes gave off a seemingly normal but stylish vibe. Ah, it seemed like he had even styled his hair.
“Drink up.”
Dohyun placed the smoothie next to the stuffed rabbit. The rabbit, with its pale pink ears and feet, matched the large cup well. Seeing Wooyeon staring at it, Dohyun spoke softly.
“It’s not the bad coffee from the cafe that day.”
“What’s all this?”
The stuffed rabbit, the drinks, and the well-dressed Kim Dohyun. It was a combination that seemed mismatched but made Wooyeon feel embarrassed.
“What else?”
Dohyun responded gently and sat down next to Wooyeon. It was the second seat, slightly to the right, where they often sat together during lectures. After signaling Wooyeon to sit beside him, Dohyun didn’t hesitate to say more.
“I’m flirting with you.”
The sudden remark caught Wooyeon off guard, and he didn’t have time to respond. Dohyun gently pulled the chair out for him and continued.
“The rabbit is yours, so I brought it here. I bought the drink on the way. You have to leave a good impression on someone you like, right?”
Wooyeon sat down next to him, feeling confused. He had a lot of things he wanted to say, but the memory of the rabbit lingered in his mind. Plus, the image of Dohyun dressed so stylishly evoked indescribable feelings.
“And this too.”
Dohyun said, taking a phone out of his pocket and holding it out to Wooyeon. This shiny phone was a different model from the one Dohyun had used before.
“I just bought it. Changed my number too.”
“Are you showing off your phone?”
“Showing off?”
Dohyun chuckled softly, his gaze looking at Wooyeon as if he found him truly adorable. He gently placed the phone in Wooyeon’s hand.
“Give me your phone number.”
“My number?”
“Yeah.”
“Your number?”
“Who else’s?”
“…Did you lose your contacts?”
Wooyeon reluctantly entered his number into Dohyun’s phone. After dialing it and waiting for three rings, Dohyun ended the call, the corner of his mouth curving into a gentle smile.
“We said we’d start over, right?”
Wooyeon looked at Dohyun’s long fingers as he typed in the numbers. He simply watched his actions quietly.
Dohyun placed the phone on the table and looked directly at Wooyeon.
“This number, no one else knows it.”
“…”
“Not even the chairwoman.”
Dohyun’s deep black eyes glinted, and his left eyelid slightly narrowed. It was his habit when he was deep in thought.
“I’ve thought a lot about it, and I’ve realized it’s all just a matter of trust.”
Having said that, Dohyun placed the rabbit into Wooyeon’s hands. Reflexively, Wooyeon took it and looked up at him. His gaze shifted from the rabbit to Dohyun, who turned it toward himself, took out his phone, and turned on the camera.
“Now I don’t get any more support, and I don’t have a way to contact the chairwoman. I won’t hide anything like I used to.”
“…Are you taking a picture now?”
“Yeah, look here.”
In an instant, the sound of a photo being taken rang out. Dohyun smiled contentedly and showed Wooyeon the picture he had just taken. Although he was caught off guard, Wooyeon’s expression and posture actually looked fine.
“To be honest, I just wanted to show you the best of me… but maybe it’s too late, and I’m not a good person.”
“…”
“…I won’t try to act arrogant or show off. Can I set this picture as my wallpaper?”
That question didn’t really need an answer. Before Wooyeon could speak, Dohyun had already set it up and placed the phone down. Wooyeon tilted his head slightly, holding the stuffed rabbit with both hands.
“Are you trying to make me feel guilty…”
“It's not like that.”
Dohyun’s firm voice denied his words. With a serious expression, he added:
“You’re not at fault.”
Those were the words Wooyeon had heard a long time ago, back in middle school. It was also what helped him endure the times he was bullied without blaming himself.
“It’s just that I was wrong.”
“…”
Wooyeon frowned, feeling confused. At Dohyun’s self-blame, he didn’t know what to say. Dohyun had bravely admitted his mistakes and reached out, while Wooyeon was just running away. That made his heart ache.
“…You’re not at fault either.”
Upon hearing that, Dohyun froze. His eyes briefly scrunched up, as if he were about to cry, but quickly returned to normal before Wooyeon could notice. With a mischievous smile, he reached out to gently stroke the rabbit’s ears Wooyeon was holding.
“That’s right, the bad guy is the world.”
His big hand gently stroked between the rabbit’s ears. Wooyeon looked at his long fingers, recalling the sensation when Dohyun stroked his hair. Then, Dohyun leaned gently toward him and softly whispered.
“Yeon-ah.”
Wooyeon looked up and saw Dohyun's face only a few inches away from his. They were so close that with a slight movement, their lips could touch. From such a short distance, Dohyun's deep gaze made it impossible for Wooyeon to look away.
"Would you want to go out with me?"
Wooyeon hesitated, unable to respond immediately. For a brief moment, he was truly moved by the words. Seeing Dohyun so serious, Wooyeon felt he could let go of everything and accept his proposal. But just then, the classroom door opened.
"Hey, we’re the earliest..."
Students flooded into the room and immediately noticed Dohyun and Wooyeon. They froze, their eyes widening in surprise as they noticed the unusual intimacy between the two. Wooyeon quickly stepped away and turned in the opposite direction.
There was a sound of Dohyun clicking his tongue beside him. Wooyeon blushed, covering his ears to hide his embarrassment.
"...You said you wouldn’t bring up dating."
"Oh... right, I did say that, didn’t I?"
Their conversation ended there. Soon after, the classroom filled with students, and the professor entered, starting the lesson. Wooyeon hid the stuffed bunny beside him, trying to ignore Dohyun throughout the class.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 86
After the class ended, Dohyun couldn't stop Wooyeon when he decided to head home. All he could do was conceal his regret and leave behind a promise, "I'll reach out this weekend," along with the words, "I like you." Those words sent Wooyeon out of the classroom in a state that resembled running away.
The plush toy he carried was too large to fit into his bag. Its ears were so long that they kept sticking out even as he tried to zip it up. With no other choice, Wooyeon had to carry it in his arms as he got into Driver Yoon's car.
"Welcome back, young master."
The house staff looked at the plush bear Wooyeon brought home with curious eyes. Though no one asked directly, their gazes spoke volumes. Wooyeon completely ignored their curiosity, took the stuffed animal to his room, and placed it on his desk.
"...What am I supposed to do with this thing?"
Although it was his now, it had become an awkward item to deal with. He shouldn't have accepted it, but a small sense of attachment had prevented him from saying no. Perhaps Dohyun had known that and had deliberately brought the bear to him.
Wooyeon sighed, sprawled across the desk, and stared at the bunny. Its long, soft ears didn’t look much like a rabbit’s; the pointed ends made them resemble fox ears instead.
"How does this look like me at all..."
He lightly pressed the stuffed animal and recalled the stories Dohyun had shared—memories of the environment he grew up in, the moments when the two of them met, and the unavoidable circumstances surrounding him.
"I don’t want to be abandoned by you."
In truth, Wooyeon felt regretful, too. He should have acted as though nothing had happened, turned a blind eye, and mended the relationship. Just as Dohyun had once been his solace, he could become a refuge for Dohyun.
But Wooyeon wasn’t mature enough to do that. Offering comfort and apologizing both required a level of readiness. Although he knew it was selfish, he didn’t have the strength to face the issue just yet.
"Ji Soo Hyang's statement... 'My child is not an illegitimate child.'"
The article appeared on Sunday morning. Immediately, articles flooded the search rankings and became headlines on all three major television networks.
The content was similar to what Wooyeon had read before: Soo Hyang had a child, and her Omega partner had passed away 20 years ago. Soo Hyang declared that she wanted to honor her late partner and did not want her child to appear in the media.
The issue was that the accusation of Wooyeon’s university admission fraud was also raised at the same time. The story of a student allegedly paying for admission spread, and Wooyeon became the target. Although Soo Hyang denied it, the media continued to stir the controversy.
"Young master, don’t get out of the car."
"...I can’t get out here anyway."
On Tuesday morning, when Wooyeon arrived at school, he sighed at the sight of a crowd of reporters waiting at the gate. Although he knew he had to maintain a confident attitude at that moment, their cold, piercing gazes made him just want to avoid them. If he did so, rumors would spread that Wooyeon had admitted to the admission fraud.
"Don’t take photos!"
"Please don’t block the way!"
Wooyeon walked through the noisy crowd, escorted by bodyguards—something he hated. Fortunately, with the school’s help in blocking outsiders, he was able to stay calm as he entered the building. Although students' eyes were still fixed on him, it was somewhat less bothersome without cameras pointing at him.
"Wooyeon!"
As soon as Seongyu saw Wooyeon in class, he immediately ran over. After checking if Wooyeon was okay after reading the article, Wooyeon noticed the looks from his classmates and simply nodded. Seongyu, however, didn’t hesitate to speak up loudly.
"Hey, what’s this nonsense about admission fraud? No one works as hard as you!"
A few students flinched and fell silent, as if they had already had a conversation before Wooyeon arrived. He could guess what was going on, so he didn’t pay much attention.
After class, the two of them headed to the club room. A bodyguard followed them from behind, making Seongyu feel very awkward. Still, not wanting to make Wooyeon uncomfortable, he didn’t say anything about wanting to leave the club.
“We’re here.”
As usual, Garam and Dohyun were in the club room. Garam was fine, but Dohyun—today was supposed to be his day off, yet he was at school. As soon as he saw Wooyeon, he immediately stood up, and Wooyeon could guess what he intended.
“This is really chaotic…”
Garam muttered as she set the food down. She occasionally checked the news, which even featured Wooyeon’s photo when he returned from America.
“How did they even manage to take these pictures?”
“Maybe... everyone already knew. Back in middle school, you didn’t hide much either.”
The reporters must have always been keeping an eye on Wooyeon. Even though they hadn’t written any articles, they had surely been prepared and waiting for the right moment. Now, with Soo Hyang openly releasing the "bait," it was understandable that they all rushed in like a school of fish.
"Still, no one dares to confront Wooyeon directly."
Wooyeon nodded lightly at Seongyu’s words. Even though he was alone, having a bodyguard with him made anyone who wanted to criticize him hesitate. Even if Wooyeon was a thorn in their side, if they had any sense, they would hold back their words.
"Anyway..."
Dohyun looked at Wooyeon and Seongyu, then slowly spoke up. Wooyeon, who had been paying attention to Dohyun unconsciously, was startled and turned to look at him. Dohyun’s face had become serious, his left eye slightly narrowing.
"You still need to be careful."
"…"
"There are a lot of crazy people in the world."
Dohyun's voice was unlike his usual self. His worried gaze was so evident that Wooyeon felt a chill run down his spine. Wooyeon couldn’t respond, and Garam looked between the two of them with a puzzled expression.
Dohyun’s warning became a reality when the group had just finished lunch and was leaving the club room. Garam had to attend another class, and Dohyun had no plans, so he accompanied them. In the somewhat tense atmosphere, they encountered a man smoking in front of the building.
"Oh, who’s this?"
A large man with a fierce expression. His chewing on a cigarette reminded Wooyeon of a few months ago.
"Need me to play the 'black knight' for you?"
"…"
It was the senior who had returned to school after taking a break. He had flirted with Wooyeon, but after Wooyeon shut him down with words, he had backed off from the field trip.
"Why aren’t you greeting your seonbae?"
"...Hello, hyung."
Seongyu greeted him quietly, while Wooyeon ignored him and kept walking. Anyway, campus life had been ruined, so he had no intention of trying to win over any seniors. The senior exhaled a puff of smoke and watched Wooyeon as he walked away.
"This brat is the only son of Ji Soo Hyang?"
The only person who reacted to the comment was Dohyun. He had been showing signs of discomfort all this time, and when the senior spoke, Dohyun froze. Despite that, the senior continued mocking and adding more sarcasm.
"Figures, acting all high and mighty from the moment we first met."
Clearly, even though the senior was as large as Mount Namsan, in Wooyeon’s mind, he was nothing more than a rat's droppings. The mention of the field trip from a few months ago showed that the event had left a deep sense of shame in him.
"A worthless person like me could never recognize a big shot..."
The mocking tone became even more repulsive. Despite the bodyguard, the man wouldn't intervene unless there was violence or camera use. Initially, Wooyeon intended to ignore it and move on.
"Really... so annoying."
A terrifying silence descended. It was the atmosphere created by Dohyun’s soft yet cold voice. Both Seongyu and Wooyeon, who had been keeping neutral expressions, now looked at him with confused eyes. But the one who was the most surprised was the senior.
"...What did you just say?"
The senior tossed his cigarette to the ground and stared at Dohyun, unable to believe what he had just heard. Dohyun slightly smirked and continued.
"You heard me? I said it quietly, after all."
Seongyu’s eyes widened as he grabbed Wooyeon’s hand, trying to signal him to stop Dohyun. But it was too late; Wooyeon couldn’t do anything. Dohyun looked the senior up and down and calmly spoke.
"I thought you were deaf, but it turns out you just don’t understand what people are saying."
Dohyun’s voice was incredibly calm, neither raising his tone nor resorting to insults. It was only his gaze, filled with contempt as he looked at the senior like a bug.
"Don’t you get tired of doing such pathetic things? If it were me, I’d be too embarrassed to even show my face at school."
"...You bastard, hanging out with Moon Garam, and picking up her temper, huh?"
The senior’s face turned bright red. He walked over and slapped Dohyun’s shoulder roughly. Despite his large size, his height was still shorter than Dohyun’s, so the action didn’t come across as threatening.
"Say it again—what’s so pathetic?"
"Calm down, hyung..."
Seongyu seemed unable to bear it anymore and approached them. But the senior irritably shoved Seongyu’s hand away. Watching this, Dohyun coldly said:
"Go ahead, hit me."
"..."
"I’ll take the hit."
_________________________________________________
Chapter 87
Wooyeon reflexively stepped forward. Suddenly, the senior squinted his eyes, and they gleamed. He exhaled sharply, then grabbed Dohyun's shoulder tightly.
"Hey... you think I won't dare hit you?"
Normally, idiots have a very low threshold for tolerance. Even if they didn't initially intend to hit, once provoked, their rationality is overridden. Dohyun must have known this, but instead of panicking, he just smiled disdainfully.
"I don't know, but I think you don't dare. Does your family have a lot of money?"
Dohyun's words were filled with sarcasm. He didn't push the senior away, nor did he step back. He simply stared directly at him. His voice, coming from his steady lips, remained calm as usual.
"If you were going to start trouble, you should have done it right after the field trip. Why wait until now? You're grown up, but you're still holding onto something that happened months ago."
Wooyeon thought that Dohyun's cold tone sounded strange. This was the first time he had seen Dohyun argue with someone, even looking angry. Not stopping there, Dohyun even chuckled bitterly.
"What's the matter? Is that little thing bothering you so much?"
"…"
"Then you shouldn't have said anything in the first place."
The attention of everyone started to focus on them. Perhaps realizing this, the senior gritted his teeth and let go of Dohyun. He must have known that causing a scene here wouldn't be good for him.
Dohyun looked at him with a friendly smile.
"You wouldn't dare hit me."
"Dammit!"
The senior swore under his breath and turned to leave. As he passed by, he intentionally shoved Dohyun's shoulder hard. But Dohyun didn't budge; instead, a pained grunt came from the senior.
"Tch, what a bad day..."
Although he was the one who started the trouble, he acted as if he had just run into bad luck. Seongyu arrived a bit late, stomping his foot in frustration.
"Ugh, that's too much! Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Let's go, or you guys will be late for class."
Dohyun comforted the agitated Seongyu, lightly brushing off his shoulder. His shirt had been grabbed so tightly that it was wrinkled. Wooyeon looked at Dohyun, who was walking ahead, and whispered.
"...Were you really going to let him hit you?"
Dohyun turned back to look at Wooyeon, his smile bright as if he was genuinely happy that Wooyeon was speaking to him.
"Someone like him wouldn't dare hit me."
Wooyeon couldn't say anything more and fell silent. He wanted to ask what if the senior really did hit him, why was Dohyun being so reckless. There were many things he wanted to ask, but all his questions were filled with worry.
"Will that senior keep picking on you whenever you see him?"
"Alright then. You're pretty good at getting on people's nerves."
In a relationship that isn't yet love, how far can concern go? Wooyeon thought to himself as he walked slowly. But no matter how much he thought about it, he still couldn’t understand what “just enough” really meant.
Dohyun casually sat in on their class. He shamelessly greeted the professor, and this time, he even brought along a notebook and pen. Wooyeon couldn’t really blame him, so he just went through the class in disbelief.
After class, Seongyu left earlier than everyone else. He glanced at Wooyeon, as if wanting to advise them to make up, but Wooyeon pretended not to notice and focused on packing his things. Dohyun waited for Wooyeon to finish packing and then took his bag, as if holding him hostage.
"Why are you sitting in on our class? Today’s your day off."
Driver Yoon's car was waiting outside the building. Unlike in the morning, there were no reporters pushing their way through, just a few curious students looking at the black sedan. Dohyun looked around cautiously, slightly furrowing his brow.
"I’m worried about you."
"…"
Wooyeon was speechless. So, everything was because of concern. The gloomy face, the restless attitude—it seemed all his actions stemmed from this reason.
"But there’s a bodyguard with me already..."
Wooyeon looked down at the floor and gently rubbed his ear. With a bodyguard, what was there to worry about? Dohyun looked at Wooyeon and spoke softly.
"Well..."
His voice was so quiet that it seemed as though only Wooyeon could hear. The next words were fragile, easy to miss if not focused.
"At least this way, I can be by your side."
Wooyeon looked up. Dohyun's profile, with a slight sadness, was in his line of sight. But before Wooyeon could speak, they reached the car.
"Be careful on your way home."
Dohyun quickly recovered his expression and handed the bag back to Wooyeon. When Driver Yoon opened the car door, Wooyeon got in with a complex expression.
He thought the door would close immediately, but Driver Yoon unexpectedly turned to Dohyun and spoke.
"You should come along too."
Dohyun’s expression stiffened. He slowly looked over, his gaze wavering. Driver Yoon’s voice remained cold, as usual.
"The chairwoman told me to take you."
"…"
"…"
The car was silent. If only there was the sound of an engine, the atmosphere might have felt less tense, but this expensive car was completely soundproof. Dohyun sat next to Wooyeon, quietly looking out the window.
"…Are we going to the company?"
Unable to stand the awkward silence, Wooyeon asked Driver Yoon. The response was stiff and serious.
"No, we’re going to the residence."
Wooyeon had expected they were going to the office, but it seemed Soo Hyang was home today. For someone who always called him to the company even when they met in person, this was a rare event in the past four years.
The car fell silent again. Normally, Driver Yoon wasn’t talkative, but with Dohyun also silent, the atmosphere became even more uncomfortable. Wooyeon sighed and turned his gaze outside the window.
‘Why did Mom call seonsaeng here, though?’
He was wondering aloud, but Dohyun had been looking at him. He slightly parted his lips, almost like a sigh.
"...I’ll say it first.”
"…"
"Actually, the day we went to fix the phone screen, I went to see the chairwoman."
This was the first time Wooyeon had heard about this. Even yesterday, when he had heard everything about Dohyun, this detail wasn’t mentioned. Dohyun looked at Wooyeon and said that he hadn’t meant to hide it.
"That day, I told her that we’re together, and that for now, you’ll stay at my house."
Wooyeon silently looked into Dohyun's eyes. In those dark eyes, there were complex emotions. Perhaps regret, or maybe tension. Unconsciously, Wooyeon parted his lips slightly.
"Why?"
Driver Yoon glanced at them through the rearview mirror. Wooyeon turned around to face Dohyun directly.
"Why did you tell my mom about that?"
"The chairwoman is worried about you..."
This was the answer Wooyeon had predicted. He thought Dohyun would say that he had informed her to put her at ease. But Dohyun’s answer was a little different from what Wooyeon expected.
"I wanted to ask for permission."
The way he said it sounded strange, as if it were his decision, not something Soo Hyang had requested. And the phrase "ask for permission" was odd as well.
"Ask for permission for what?"
"We've arrived."
Driver Yoon interrupted their conversation. Wooyeon stopped talking and looked around. The car had now entered the garage.
"It's been a while since I’ve been here."
Dohyun stepped out of the car with a nostalgic expression. Wooyeon followed suit as Driver Yoon opened the door.
Wooyeon walked ahead, and suddenly, Driver Yoon spoke to Dohyun from behind.
"I'm sorry about the other day."
Wooyeon heard the apology but didn’t understand what Driver Yoon was apologizing for. However, Dohyun smiled a sad smile, and Wooyeon pretended not to have heard it. Dohyun scoffed and responded to Driver Yoon.
"You know it’s too late now, right?"
It seemed like Wooyeon was seeing many unexpected sides of Dohyun today. A seonsaeng like Dohyun, usually so gentle, was now sarcastic and sharp in his comments. Over the past two days, Wooyeon felt like he was seeing the true facets of Dohyun.
They followed the assistant to Soo Hyang’s office. Actually, Soo Hyang had only called Dohyun, but Wooyeon stubbornly ignored the assistant’s attempts to stop him and followed him inside. Though a little overconfident, he believed the conversation would involve him.
"Why are you coming in with him?"
Soo Hyang, dressed in a light striped suit, was busy with work. The reddish-brown suit, paired with a silk tie, looked very fitting on her. Her light-colored eyes scanned Dohyun and Wooyeon one by one.
"It seems like you two haven’t made up yet, have you?"
"Thank you for that."
Dohyun replied casually, then entered and sat on the sofa opposite Soo Hyang. Wooyeon suddenly realized how comfortable Dohyun was around Soo Hyang, as though they had often sat and talked privately together.
"Wooyeon, go back to your room."
Soo Hyang said, putting down the tablet. But instead of leaving, Wooyeon walked over and sat next to Dohyun on the sofa. Soo Hyang’s voice rang out, sternly calling his name.
"Seon Wooyeon."
"...If it’s not something related to me, I’ll leave right away."
He was too tired of thinking that he was the only one who didn’t know what was going on. He didn’t care what he heard, as long as he didn’t find out everything too late.
"If it truly doesn't concern me, I will leave on my own without needing anyone to remind me."
Soo Hyang stayed silent for a long while. She narrowed her eyes, as if contemplating something. After a moment of thought, she turned to look directly at Dohyun.
"You've changed your phone number."
Although it didn’t concern him, Wooyeon still didn’t stand up. This time, Soo Hyang didn’t ask him to leave.
"I didn’t answer the phone that day because I was busy with work. It wasn’t to deliberately ignore your calls."
"Your words sound rehearsed. The chairwoman is always busy."
Dohyun lowered his head, replying sarcastically. He paused for a moment, then continued.
"Why did you call me here?"
Dohyun’s tone implied that he didn’t need any pleasantries; he just wanted to know the real reason for the meeting. Even though Wooyeon wasn’t involved, he immediately straightened up. It felt as though being in the same room with Soo Hyang and Dohyun was like walking on thin ice.
"Well, I guess there's no need for greetings then."
Soo Hyang crossed her arms, crossed her legs, and furrowed her sharp brows.
"Kang Junseong said he’s going to sue you."
"Who? Sue the seonsaeng?"
The surprised person asking was none other than Wooyeon. When he realized that everyone’s gaze was on him, he immediately went quiet, feeling embarrassed. Soo Hyang let out a small laugh.
"Now that you mention it, Wooyeon did ask me for help once."
A memory from before suddenly came rushing back. He had once worriedly asked Soo Hyang if his boyfriend’s actions of assaulting someone who had been secretly filming would result in a lawsuit. Soo Hyang laughed with amusement.
"Looks like you were worrying for nothing, huh? He already had a lawyer prepared for himself."
_________________________________________________
Chapter 88
The sentence wasn't immediately clear. A lawyer? When did you have a lawyer? As soon as that question popped up, a brief memory flashed through Wooyeon’s mind.
"Remember that name."
The sequence of eleven numbers that Dohyun had read out, one by one, slowly. At that time, Wooyeon had thought it was definitely his number, but it turned out it might not be. As soon as he realized this, a surprised question escaped his lips.
"You remembered the lawyer's number?"
That struck Wooyeon as very strange. Most people couldn’t even remember the numbers of their family members, yet he remembered the lawyer's number. Dohyun merely shrugged, as if it was nothing special.
"I still remember your number."
It was an answer filled with confidence. Wooyeon fell silent, not asking anything further. Dohyun added calmly:
"You should remember it too. It's necessary in case of an emergency."
He didn’t think he would need a lawyer’s number. However, with a clear mind, Wooyeon wondered.
“Why do you have a personal lawyer?”
An ordinary student would never need a personal lawyer. Although he had heard that Dohyun was adopted by a wealthy family, he didn’t know just how rich they were. Clearly, Dohyun didn’t prepare a lawyer just to deal with Junseong.
“I’m the one who provided the lawyer for him.”
Soo Hyang answered instead. Her sharp gaze swept over Wooyeon and landed on Dohyun.
“But it’s not for the purpose of hitting people.”
“If you have a lawyer, you might as well use them.”
Dohyun casually nodded. It was a somewhat arrogant gesture. Soo Hyang didn’t seem to mind, and Dohyun continued to ask.
“How much compensation did you give?”
“We’re not compensating. Instead, we’ll silence him.”
Soo Hyang turned on her tablet and handed it to Dohyun. Dohyun glanced at the screen disinterestedly, but as soon as he saw the content, his face immediately turned cold.
“What’s this about?”
Wooyeon tilted his head, puzzled. He was about to look at the screen, but Dohyun quickly turned the tablet away, preventing him from seeing. At the same time, Soo Hyang began speaking in a calm voice.
“This is proof that Kang Junseong took a photo of Wooyeon.”
Dohyun’s face briefly showed signs of annoyance. It seemed like he didn’t want Wooyeon to know about this. After a moment of hesitation, Dohyun finally spoke.
“This really isn’t necessary…”
“Hyung.”
Wooyeon’s voice was cold and resolute. He extended his hand, speaking calmly.
“This is my business.”
“…”
Dohyun briefly regretted letting the words slip. His gaze seemed somewhat sorrowful, but in the end, he handed the tablet to Wooyeon, his face full of resignation.
“A group chat?”
Wooyeon looked at the series of photos on the screen. They were screenshots of a group chat with about five people. He flipped through each page, his face gradually stiffening.
“This is a group chat of middle school friends. Kang Junseong posted the photos there, and Lee Young Bin took those photos and posted them online.”
The photos Wooyeon had seen online were still intact in this group chat. They weren’t even blurred out, and there were many of them. If it had stopped there, Wooyeon might not have felt so upset.
“We obtained this evidence from Lee Youngbin during the legal process. He only took one photo at the festival, but that’s not enough to charge him.”
Junseong's words were like a knife to his heart. There were others who had also joined in criticizing his appearance, but the line that caught his attention the most was this one.
Kang Junseong: [This is the guy] 05:02 pm
“…”
Wooyeon felt strange. He was both angry and felt that everything was pointless. What started as comments about his appearance had slowly turned into contempt, making his mind feel colder.
“If you dig deeper... just taking the photo isn’t enough to sue him. Even if he was stalking, you could only demand a small amount of compensation.”
Wooyeon turned off the screen when he saw the message "Send it to us too." The nausea he felt made it impossible for him to look any further.
At that moment, Dohyun spoke slowly.
“So… don’t tell me you’ve used this method to settle things?”
He said it as if hoping that wasn’t the truth. But Soo Hyang didn’t show any mercy as he had hoped.
“Correct.”
Bang! The sound of a forceful slam echoed. Dohyun slammed his hand on the table, releasing a wave of angry pheromones, his fist clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
“Do you even know what you're saying?”
He spoke in a choked voice full of anger. Sharp waves of pheromones spread out, causing Wooyeon to shrink back. Soo Hyang looked up at him.
“Reel in your pheromones.”
“…”
“I haven’t finished talking yet.”
The pheromones slowly faded. Wooyeon managed to glance at Dohyun at that moment. He was trembling, his lower lip pressed tightly together.
“There are far more effective ways than asking for a small amount of compensation. I don’t intend to let this go just because of your trivial lawsuit.”
Finally, Dohyun sat down on the sofa. He still clenched his lips, but no longer seemed as agitated as before. He avoided Wooyeon’s gaze, turning his head away.
“What’s the more effective way?”
Wooyeon reluctantly spoke and asked. Soo Hyang looked from Dohyun to Wooyeon, then slowly responded.
“I investigated Kang Junseong.”
It was nothing to be proud of. Soo Hyang smirked cynically. Her thin lips curved slightly in self-satisfaction.
“His family is quite wealthy.”
…
Wooyeon stared blankly into space, his mind floating with thoughts that hung in the air. Most of it was what Soo Hyang had said, but in the end, only the image of Dohyun remained in his mind.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
After the conversation with Soo Hyang ended, Dohyun returned home with a complicated expression. Although he had suggested calling Driver Yoon, he politely declined. Based on what Wooyeon had heard, everything should have been fine, but Dohyun’s reaction seemed strange.
Perhaps that was why Wooyeon didn’t return to his room but instead stood in the study, pondering every word Dohyun had said, recalling the conversation in the car and even Driver Yoon’s apology. Gradually, a small question formed in his mind.
“Did something happen on the day I went to fix my phone?”
Dohyun had said that he had asked his mother’s permission. From the conversation in the car to the argument that day, Dohyun had always made it clear that he was the one who contacted Soo Hyang first, not the other way around. It was as if all of this was his intention, not something Soo Hyang had forced him into.
“If you have any questions, just ask.”
Wooyeon’s train of thought was interrupted by a comment from Soo Hyang. Wooyeon slowly turned his head. In the study, designed like Soo Hyang’s office, there was still a lingering trace of Dohyun’s pheromones.
“I have a few things I want to ask.”
Soo Hyang looked at Wooyeon with an expression as if waiting. Her sharp eyes, unlike his, seemed to carry some weight.
“Last week… I heard he met with you.”
“That's right. Why?”
“Why did he go to see you?”
It was something obvious, so Wooyeon had never questioned it. He had gone to see Soo Hyang to report on Wooyeon’s situation, but now he suddenly wanted to ask about the connection between these events.
“This is not something you need to know.”
Soo Hyang cut him off firmly. But Wooyeon had already prepared his answer.
“This is my business.”
“…”
“And the thing that just happened, it’s all related to me.”
Soo Hyang remained silent, not objecting, which was a sign that he would get the answer he wanted. She kept a complex expression but didn’t ask Wooyeon to leave. Finally, after a moment of staring at Wooyeon, she spoke.
“Dohyun said he suspected someone who could've been the one who posted that post, and that investigating in that direction would save more time.”
This started somewhat differently from what Dohyun had told him. But the next part was quite similar to what Wooyeon had heard before.
“He said it would be dangerous to leave you alone and wanted to take you to his house for a while.”
“…”
“When asked why, he said he was sorry for having a relationship with you.”
This was somewhat different from what Wooyeon had imagined. He had thought it was Soo Hyang’s request, but clearly, it was entirely Dohyun’s wish. In fact, it had nothing to do with “reporting.”
“…Is that all?”
“No.”
Soo Hyang turned her head away. Her gaze shifted for a moment before she looked back at Wooyeon with some hesitation.
“He also asked me to wait until he could tell you himself.”
There was no need to ask what he wanted to tell him. There was only one thing Dohyun had wanted to say to Wooyeon from then until now. The important thing here was why Soo Hyang was the one to reveal the truth, not Dohyun.
“But then… why did you speak first?”
If she had kept quiet, Wooyeon might not have felt so hurt. Dohyun hadn’t been pleading desperately, and their long argument might not have happened. Though it was possible Dohyun had remained silent, at least the situation would have been better than it was now.
“I simply considered the importance of the situation.”
Despite being with Soo Hyang all his life, Wooyeon still couldn’t fully understand her heart. Especially when her eyes didn’t show any emotion like this. Her transparent eyes, which seemed as though they could see right through him, revealed nothing about her true thoughts.
“If I hadn’t said anything, do you think you would have left his house?”
“…Ha.”
Wooyeon felt choked, as though a shackle was pulling at his feet from deep below, trapping him. The pressure gradually tightened to the point where it felt as if his breath would be cut off.
“No, this is just a misunderstanding, Wooyeon.”
The feeling of Dohyun gripping his wrist was still fresh in his memory. The look of rare urgency in his eyes, the memories of that moment flashing through Wooyeon’s mind like a rewound film. From when he pushed Dohyun away, turned his back, and climbed into Driver Yoon’s car to return to the main house, every image was replayed.
Why did the call come at that moment? Even though he knew he would meet Dohyun, why did Soo Hyang still intentionally make the call? He didn’t check the caller ID, but now he was sure of who made that call.
“The other day, you apologized for disturbing me.”
“Indeed, I did it on purpose.”
Dohyun must have realized. He was sharp enough to figure out where everything started and how it unfolded. That’s why he sarcastically told Driver Yoon that it was too late.
“I did it on purpose so you’d return to the main house…”
Wooyeon felt dizzy. His vision blurred, and his body gradually grew weaker. While feeling like he couldn’t breathe, he heard a calm voice speak.
“That was the best solution.”
A completely irresponsible statement. To hurt his heart and speak so brazenly.
“Time can heal the wounds caused by others. Not to mention, he left a bruise on your wrist. Can you really trust him to be by your side?”
“Ah…”
The bruise on his wrist. Remembering that moment, Wooyeon gasped, his breath a mixture of laughter and tears, gradually turning into deep resentment.
“And what about the wounds you caused me?”
Just a brief question, but Soo Hyang suddenly froze. Her sharp eyes rarely became so dull. Wooyeon didn’t look at her but stood up and left the study.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 89
The gloomy clouds that had gathered for days finally found their target to release their fury, and a downpour poured down. At first, Wooyeon was angry, then cried out of frustration, and finally, felt a sense of injustice when he realized he had been deceived. The tears that night soaked the pillow until he could finally clear his mind and think things through.
Wooyeon felt sad because Dohyun hadn’t been honest. Although he could understand his circumstances, he still couldn't fully forgive him. Even though the wound might heal, the scars would remain, and he decided to wait for time to heal everything.
However, upon further reflection, Wooyeon realized he wasn’t the only one who felt unjust. Dohyun had also been pushed into a corner, without the chance to express himself, not even the chance to confess his feelings. Dohyun had been exploited by Soo Hyang, and it was he who should have been the one to resent her.
But Dohyun didn't get angry. Instead, he turned to Wooyeon to apologize. He apologized, tried to explain, and made an effort to start over. Unlike Wooyeon’s frustration, Dohyun tried to break free from his current situation.
"The important thing is not to give up on your own circumstances."
Those were the words Dohyun had said to Wooyeon when he was still in middle school. When Wooyeon was looking for reasons to justify the bullying he had to endure, Dohyun had whispered that to him many times. That it wasn’t his fault, and he should never give up. Once you accept the present, it becomes even harder to escape.
"If at any point, you find it too difficult, tell me, and I’ll help you."
"Sniff..."
If anyone asked why Wooyeon was so sad, he wouldn’t know how to answer. And if anyone asked whether he was completely without fault, he couldn’t confirm that either. It was just heartbreaking and regretful that everything, from start to finish, was orchestrated by someone else.
The next morning, Wooyeon arrived at school early. This time, he walked past a crowd of reporters and made his way into the classroom. Seongyu was surprised to see his swollen face and only asked carefully after the lesson had ended.
"Are you going to the clubroom?"
Actually, Wooyeon had planned to quit the club. He no longer felt confident about meeting Dohyun and was also worried that Soo Hyang would interfere with his life at school. But now, he suddenly realized that maybe he didn’t need to leave after all.
"I don't have to quit..."
"What do you mean? Don't tell me you're quitting the club?"
Seongyu widened his eyes, looking at Wooyeon with suspicion. On the way to the clubroom, he gave a long speech about why one shouldn’t quit the club in the middle of the semester. Despite Wooyeon's bad mood, Seongyu’s concern made him feel a little better.
"Hey, everyone. There's a new dish at the tteokbokki place. We have to try it today."
In the clubroom, Dohyun wasn’t there. Only Garam, who was always unclear about whether she really came to school, was excitedly choosing what to have for lunch. When Garam saw the shopping bag Wooyeon had been carrying, she curiously asked.
"Hey, what's that?"
"Oh, this."
Garam's eyes stopped on the bag Wooyeon had been holding since this morning. It was a bag with a famous brand logo, but the items inside had nothing to do with that brand.
"I borrowed this and wanted to return it. I didn't have another bag, so I just put it in here."
"I thought you bought something."
Garam didn’t ask any further and quickly moved on to ordering the tteokbokki. She even showed Wooyeon a picture of the brand’s wallet on her phone, saying it was beautiful and that Soo Hyang often used this brand too.
"But it's so expensive, buying this would mean skipping meals for a month."
"Really? Dohyun uses a wallet from that brand too."
"Yeah, it seems like his family is pretty well-off."
The casual comments were made in front of someone who was actually rich, but perhaps it was this carefree attitude that made Wooyeon feel more at ease. The funny part was that after mentioning Dohyun’s name, both of them became more reserved, looking at each other, then at him.
While listening to their conversation, Wooyeon glanced at the clock. The short hand was close to the number 1. Normally, Dohyun would have arrived by now, but today he was late.
He didn’t know how long he had been waiting, but as Garam and Seongyu’s conversation shifted to "why department stores are closed on Mondays," the clubroom door opened. The person Wooyeon had been waiting for all this time finally walked in.
"You’re here? Why are you so late today?"
"The semester is almost over..."
Wooyeon immediately stood up. At the same time, Dohyun’s gaze stopped on his face, full of surprise.
"Your face..."
Before he could ask any further, Wooyeon grabbed the shopping bag and quickly walked over to him, grabbing his arm.
"Hyung, I need to talk to you."
Dohyun couldn’t push Wooyeon away and let him pull him out of the clubroom. Just before the door closed, Garam heard Dohyun’s surprised voice.
"...Hyung?"
They ended up near the vending machines outside the building. It wasn’t exactly planned, but Wooyeon simply chose a spot with a bench. Dohyun let him pull him along, and when Wooyeon stopped, he cautiously spoke up.
"Wooyeon, coming out here like this..."
He looked around, seemingly checking if anyone was doing something suspicious. Wooyeon could feel Dohyun's pulse pounding through his wrist as he held his hand. He took a deep breath and handed him the shopping bag.
"First, this..."
"...Huh?"
Dohyun stared at the bag in confusion. When Wooyeon let go of his hand, Dohyun seemed taken aback, gently biting his lip. Inside the bag was his shirt, the one Wooyeon had worn a few days ago.
"I said I would have Driver Yoon give it to you."
Dohyun looked at Wooyeon with a tense expression, his eyes slightly squinting as if he was trying to gauge his reaction. It seemed like he had sensed the tense atmosphere, so his gaze dropped down, avoiding Wooyeon’s eyes.
"...You pulled me out here just to return this?"
Wooyeon swallowed, struggling to keep his emotions in check. Even though he had thought about it all night, standing in front of Dohyun made it hard to speak. It felt just like the time he had been nervous confessing to him.
"No... there’s something else I want to say."
The words Wooyeon needed to say were already clear. An apology, or something to explain that he had misunderstood. Or at least an explanation for rejecting him.
"What is it you want to say?"
But sometimes, admitting one’s mistakes is harder than forgiving someone. Because of the embarrassment and shyness, Wooyeon could only lower his head, unable to say anything.
"It’s…"
"…"
"I already heard everything from my mom. I wasn’t thinking clearly..."
The words seemed to get stuck in Wooyeon’s throat. He looked up, deciding he couldn’t just let everything pass like this. He was about to suggest meeting again for dinner, the one they had canceled earlier.
But before Wooyeon could say anything, Dohyun suddenly stepped closer.
"…"
A soft "click" echoed as Dohyun gently wrapped his arm around the back of Wooyeon’s head, pulling him close to his chest. The bag with the shirt fell to the ground, and Wooyeon collapsed into his wide embrace, where the distinct scent of Dohyun’s pheromones surrounded him.
"…So it really is..."
Dohyun spoke slowly, his arms tightening around Wooyeon. His actions weren’t romantic; they were protective, like he was shielding Wooyeon from something. His voice was gentle and warm, in a way that was almost indescribable.
"It would be safer if you stayed at the main house."
His voice seemed to carry a hint of resignation. Wooyeon felt his heart drop, like he had swallowed a block of ice.
"Someone already took a photo."
"…"
"If you’re worried, I’ll go delete it."
Even in this situation, Dohyun was gentle. Mature, thoughtful, always prioritizing Wooyeon’s safety, just as he had done four years ago, and still now. He was someone Wooyeon couldn’t help but love.
"Sorry, I startled you."
Wooyeon felt like he wanted to cry. He wrapped his arms around Dohyun’s waist and buried his face in his neck, causing Dohyun to flinch slightly and pause. The scent of his pheromones became even stronger.
"I’m sorry."
The world around them seemed to stop. They were outside, and it didn’t matter that Dohyun was flustered. Wooyeon exhaled heavily, whispering like a soft breath.
"I’m sorry, seonsaeng."
Dohyun’s fingers trembled slightly. His hand that had been holding Wooyeon’s head gently slid into his hair, and from above, he softly responded.
"Why are you apologizing?"
Wooyeon held him tighter, biting his lip. It had only been a few days, but the familiar warmth made him feel so nostalgic, it was hard to believe he had ever thought of letting go.
"...I thought everything was arranged by my mother."
Wooyeon spoke slowly, stumbling over his words. His mind felt empty, and he could only speak the thoughts that were gradually emerging in his head.
"I thought our relationship, me staying at your house... it was all planned and monitored by her."
Dohyun silently stroked his head, then lowered his head, gently pressing his cheek against Wooyeon’s hair.
"...But I lied to you, that hasn't changed."
His voice sounded a bit regretful. Even though Wooyeon was the one who initiated the hug, Dohyun's arms still held him with hesitation.
"Even if I had explained everything from the start, you probably wouldn't have forgiven me."
Wooyeon couldn't argue with that. Even if Dohyun had explained things earlier, he wasn’t sure he wouldn't feel the same way he did now.
"There are things that can only be resolved with time."
"…"
"Or sometimes, all it takes is someone worse than me for everything to pass."
Dohyun's words slowly soothed Wooyeon's anxious heart. Everything he said was true, and it comforted Wooyeon. As his pheromones calmed down, Dohyun gently spoke again.
"Do you completely forgive me now?"
Wooyeon carefully nodded. Although it was just a small nod, Dohyun understood and smiled. But his next question came out timidly.
"Then... can you love me like before?"
"…"
Wooyeon didn’t know why he couldn't answer. It felt like Dohyun’s words weren’t really focused on the word "love," but rather on "like before," so Wooyeon couldn’t respond right away.
Dohyun seemed to have anticipated Wooyeon’s reaction, whispering as if speaking to himself.
"I’ve made you wait too long."
Wooyeon had been in unrequited love for four years. From his naive days, he had only looked towards Dohyun, pouring all his heart into this one-sided love. While Dohyun had avoided him out of fear, Wooyeon had silently given him everything.
"Sorry for making you say sorry."
Dohyun said, then gently pulled Wooyeon away from his embrace. He softly wiped the tears from Wooyeon’s reddened eyes.
"I’m good at waiting."
"…"
"So, I’ll wait for you, just like you’ve waited for me."
"I love you, Wooyeon."
His confession was so sweet it made Wooyeon’s throat tighten. Though he couldn’t respond, Dohyun seemed satisfied, giving a slight smile with a squint. Wooyeon’s heart, once empty, slowly began to fill again, warmer than ever before.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 90
Since that day, Dohyun has always been calm beside Wooyeon. He helped him study for specialized subjects, and if he had time, he even attended freshman classes with him. His presence was impossible to overlook, so much so that even the professor jokingly called his name during the roll call near the final exam period.
"Hey, have you all read the article about our school?"
The atmosphere at school began to get noisy after Wooyeon finished his first exam of the final exams. Thanks to the effort and materials Dohyun provided, he had done very well on the test. As he overheard a conversation passing by, Wooyeon slowed down to listen.
"That's crazy, some people have to work hard to get into college, while others just get in because their parents are powerful..."
When the student saw Wooyeon, he lowered his voice. Wooyeon pretended not to hear and continued walking. Behind him, the whispers started again.
"Isn't that him? The one from the article."
"Really? Oh my god... it's definitely him. I thought he got into school by cheating."
"That's not really confirmed yet. But... maybe not..."
Although he couldn't hear everything they said, Wooyeon could guess the content of their conversation. Anyway, it didn't affect him.
"[Exclusive] Investigation into the admissions fraud at the prestigious school" "Suspicion of Ji Soo Hyang's admission fraud... 'No evidence'" "Accusations of admissions fraud related to forged documents"
This morning, a series of articles appeared, causing a huge stir at the already noisy school. Journalists blocked both the front and back gates, and officials from the Ministry of Education were everywhere on campus.
"That guy is really crazy, right?"
Garam was back in the club room today, constantly cursing with her usual high-pitched voice. She complained and scolded, saying she couldn't believe someone could be so crazy, and that the school was such a mess. She wore a purple sports outfit, with a pen in her mouth, looking completely indifferent.
"That guy lives in luxury, yet he treats Wooyeon so badly!"
Wooyeon remained silent, his head lowered, saying nothing. The messy notebooks on the table were signs that the group was preparing for the final exams. In reality, none of them were really focused on studying.
"Really, you should have punched him!"
The person who made Garam so angry was the one caught cheating during the admissions process, and also the one who had "bothered" Wooyeon. Wooyeon had known exactly who that person was even before this situation occurred.
"His family is really rich."
Recently, Soo Hyang had talked about Junseong's family as if it were a normal story. One of his parents was a professor, the other was the CEO of a company, and he had three older siblings who held important positions in large corporations.
"At first, I thought it was just a rumor, but it turns out the one who needed to be exposed was him."
If no one had exposed him, things might have calmed down over time. But after the journalists found out about Soo Hyang's son's identity, they swooped in like hyenas.
"Coincidentally, they both enrolled the same year, so when you investigate thoroughly, it comes to light right away."
Whether it came to light or not, Soo Hyang spoke in a tone as though she would make sure the truth came out. After saying this, her eyes flashed coldly.
"He should know who he's messing with."
"Is he coming to school today? Probably not, right? Ah, damn it!"
The rumors about the cheater spread unbelievably fast. A student with poor study habits suddenly went missing. Professors even omitted his name during roll call. The rumors started from the engineering building and spread to the humanities building within half a day. When Wooyeon entered the club room after the exam, Garam was angrily talking to Dohyun.
"Of course, he's not coming. Wooyeon, he hasn’t contacted you, right?"
"Contacted? Not exactly..."
Wooyeon was about to answer but then frowned, realizing his phone hadn’t rung, though that alone didn’t prove anything.
"Not really sure."
Seongyu looked at Wooyeon with wide eyes, surprised, as if asking, "Not sure how?"
"The thing is, I blocked his number."
Dohyun finished Wooyeon's sentence. Both Seongyu and Garam stared at him in confusion. Dohyun placed a notebook in front of Wooyeon and calmly explained.
"I thought he would try to contact Wooyeon, so I blocked his number beforehand."
Dohyun's tone was so confident that no one could come up with a response. Wooyeon took out his phone, but when he met Dohyun's gaze, he froze. Dohyun spoke gently.
"I won’t stop you if you want to check... but..."
"I think it's better to just leave it as it is, Wooyeon."
His tone wasn’t forceful, but concerned. Wooyeon thought for a moment before handing his phone to Dohyun.
"If there are any messages... can you delete them for me?"
Dohyun took the phone, and returned it after deleting all the messages. No one knew if there had been any messages, only Dohyun knew the truth.
The long-standing grudge since Wooyeon was 14 finally came to an end, and everything stopped.
…
"Cheers to the summer!"
"Cheers!"
The sound of glasses clinking echoed. This was the fifth toast, and the atmosphere was already lively. Garam’s face was flushed as she mixed soju with beer, while Seongyu was laughing and chatting happily with the others. Wooyeon placed his soju glass down on the table and glanced at the person sitting next to him.
"Are you going to be top of the class again?"
"Of course. It’s because of him that I didn’t get a scholarship."
"You didn’t get it because of yourself."
On the final Friday night of the exam period, the club held a drinking party to celebrate the end of a turbulent semester and to welcome the summer break. At the fried chicken restaurant next door, another class was holding a meet-up, but Seongyu, a student council member, chose to go with the club. Wooyeon had planned to sneak home, but in the end, he hesitated and followed Seongyu to the party.
"I don’t know if I’ll be top of the class this time. I haven’t been able to study much lately."
As soon as they entered the bar, Wooyeon chose a secluded corner to avoid being pressured into drinking. Although no one forced him, to avoid getting swept up in the festive atmosphere and overindulging, he decided to sit there. Lately, despite the attention from the reporters decreasing because of Junseong's incident, Wooyeon still didn’t want to make any careless mistakes.
Next to him, as expected, was Dohyun.
"Hey, have another drink!"
"Come on, bottoms up, 100%! Cheers!"
As soon as he sat down, Dohyun kept drinking the shots that the younger students poured for him. Each time he finished one, another appeared immediately, and occasionally, a glass of Somaek was handed to him. Normally, Dohyun would politely decline or drink in moderation, but tonight, he drained each glass without hesitation.
(TLN: Somaek is a mixed drink with soju and ber)
"Seems like Dohyun is drinking quite a bit today!"
Wooyeon leaned his head against the wall, silently observing Dohyun. His large hands gripped the soju glass tightly, his throat moving up and down with each sip, and his gentle eyes occasionally blinked in a soft, serene way.
"Why is everyone only making him drink today?"
His voice was tired, slower than usual, and his eyes, which blinked drowsily, showed he was already starting to get tipsy.
"Maybe you should stop drinking..."
Wooyeon couldn’t help but speak up. Dohyun had been drinking without eating any snacks, which made Wooyeon a little worried. Dohyun slightly trembled and turned his head to look at him.
"Yeah... maybe I should stop."
He said that but then went ahead and drank the next glass. The issue was that as soon as his glass was empty, another younger student quickly filled it again. It seemed that the student was also quite drunk, pouring without any moderation.
"Who wants to drink this special mix?"
Wooyeon was both curious and concerned as he watched Dohyun drinking so much. He had always known Dohyun to be someone who could manage himself well, never getting drunk at any party. Or rather, Wooyeon had always gotten drunk first, so he had never seen Dohyun drink so much before.
"Here, this is the special mix from the club president. Not everyone gets a chance to drink this!"
Garam placed the special mixed drink in front of Dohyun. Despite calling it "a mix," the color made it look more like barley water. The alcohol content probably made up at least 50%. Wooyeon couldn't help but frown as he looked at Garam.
"Is this really what you'd call a 'mix'?"
"Drink it, drink it!"
"Yeah! Drink it! Drink it!"
"Wait a second..."
Wooyeon suddenly realized something: In parties like this, the sober one is the one who loses. The club members were all completely drunk, so no matter what Wooyeon said, they only cheered and clapped. Even worse, Dohyun, who was usually so calm, took the glass without any hesitation.
"Are you really going to drink this?"
Wooyeon asked, astonished. Even though he was surprised, Dohyun didn't seem to mind.
"Yeah, if they pour it, I have to drink it."
Since when has it become so easy to follow orders? Normally, Dohyun was skilled at politely refusing to maintain the fun atmosphere.
"You’re already drunk..."
Wooyeon hesitated to stop him forcefully, simply tugging lightly on Dohyun’s sleeve. Their relationship was unclear—it wasn’t exactly romantic, but it wasn’t not either. In this situation, Wooyeon didn’t know how far he could intervene.
But that small gesture triggered a big reaction from Dohyun.
"...Ah."
Dohyun let go, and the drink spilled onto the table. A large amount of alcohol spilled over, some even splashing onto his pants. The club members, who had been joyfully cheering, froze and quickly scrambled to grab napkins.
"Napkins! Quick, napkins!"
Wooyeon widened his eyes, quickly grabbing napkins from the corner of the table and handing them to Dohyun, but he just sat there, dazed, without reacting. With no other choice, Wooyeon started wiping from the seat to his thigh.
"Why don’t you wipe it yourself?"
His light beige pants were soaked with alcohol, turning dark brown. Moreover, since it was beer, there was much more liquid than with soju.
As Wooyeon hurriedly wiped from the seat to Dohyun's thigh, suddenly, Dohyun grabbed Wooyeon's wrist tightly.
"Why..."
As their eyes met, Wooyeon froze, staring at Dohyun’s face. His lips pressed tightly together, and the words he meant to say disappeared in his throat. His wrist was held so tightly that it hurt, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask Dohyun to let go.
"..."
Dohyun’s face was completely different from usual, his expression tense. His eyes were wavering, but they still held onto Wooyeon’s gaze. One second, two seconds, three seconds passed. As the tension between them reached its peak, Dohyun’s face flushed red.
"...I’ll step outside for a moment."
After saying this, Dohyun suddenly stood up and left the table. Wooyeon remained seated, staring at his back and then looking down at his wrist.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 91
Even though some time had passed, Dohyun still hadn’t returned to the table. The club members seemed to have forgotten his presence and were happily chatting. Seeing this, Wooyeon decided to stand up and look for him. Dohyun appeared to be quite drunk, and there was no reason why he would disappear for such a long time.
He tried searching around the cafe, from the bathroom inside, the smoking room in the corner, to even the emergency exit next to the entrance. But he couldn’t find Dohyun anywhere. Eventually, he decided to go downstairs and head outside.
“Where could he have gone…”
Outside, the neon lights sparkled, and the cool breeze created a comfortable feeling. The night air was still slightly chilly, but it wouldn’t be long before the summer heat arrived, bringing with it warm, stuffy nights. By then, perhaps the media's attention would also fade away.
Instead of wandering aimlessly, Wooyeon decided to take out his phone and call Dohyun. For someone like him, who often got lost, using the phone to search was more effective than blindly looking around. Fortunately, the sound of a vibrating phone came from nearby right after he dialed.
‘Is it behind me?’
He walked step by step towards the sound of the vibration, and he arrived at a small alley behind a streetlamp. There, a metal staircase led to an outdoor restroom, and a person was sitting with their back against the wall. Even though the streetlamp's light was dim, it was easy to recognize the person as Dohyun.
Instead of calling his name out loud, Wooyeon quietly approached. Dohyun was sitting there, a cigarette unlit between his lips, his eyes staring intently at his phone screen, where the name “Wooyeon” was clearly displayed in the darkness.
“If you keep staring like that, is the phone going to answer the call by itself?”
Dohyun jumped, his broad shoulders slightly tensing. His straight back became stiff. After a short pause, he slowly turned his head.
“Ah…”
His face seemed surprised. After all, anyone would be startled if called out unexpectedly from behind. Wooyeon turned off his phone and slipped it into his pocket.
“Didn’t you say you quit smoking?”
Dohyun blinked a few times and quickly removed the cigarette from his mouth. The cigarette gently swayed between his long fingers. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, repeating the motion several times before finally furrowing his brow in an awkward manner.
“…Why did you come out here?”
Dohyun’s question didn’t seem very welcoming, making Wooyeon feel a bit awkward. Was it inappropriate to follow someone outside when they were drunk, given their uncertain relationship?
“Ah… it’s not like I wanted anything…”
Seemingly understanding Wooyeon’s thoughts, Dohyun slowly shook his head. He leaned his head against the wall, his eyes half-closed, the drunken haze still lingering.
“I think I’m hallucinating…”
“Why is that?”
“Because I’m thinking about you…”
Then, he smiled brightly, his eyes curving like a crescent moon, and his lips forming a soft curve. His gentle face looked so innocent at that moment.
“Yeon-ah…”
Wooyeon couldn’t find the words to say, simply staring at him. He had always thought Dohyun’s smile was beautiful, but now, he looked like an angel. Wooyeon nearly collapsed, as though all the strength in him was melting away.
“Come sit here.”
He pointed to his lap. Wooyeon almost found himself charmed into sitting down, but managed to snap out of it. He hadn’t had a single drop of alcohol; there was no reason to fall for drunk teasing so easily like this.
“Are you drunk?”
“Mm…”
Dohyun tilted his head, his hair falling over his forehead, and with the cigarette between his fingers, he winked playfully.
“A little?”
“…It doesn’t look like ‘a little’ at all.”
“But it really is just a little.”
Wooyeon didn’t know how to argue further, so he finally gave in and sat down beside him on the stairs. The floor might have been a bit dirty, but at that moment, it didn’t matter. Dohyun gently rested his head on Wooyeon’s shoulder.
“It’s too low…”
He complained casually while leaning on Wooyeon’s shoulder, even asking him to sit up straighter so he could rest more comfortably. Amusingly, Wooyeon obediently straightened up so Dohyun could lean properly.
“What are you doing out here?”
Dohyun didn’t answer, instead nuzzling his cheek against Wooyeon’s shoulder like a cat or dog marking its territory. Wooyeon didn’t expect Dohyun to be so cute when he was drunk. It was yet another new side of him Wooyeon hadn’t known before.
“You’ve been out here too long, everyone’s worried.”
Actually, no one was worried, but Wooyeon said that anyway. Without this excuse, he wouldn’t have been able to explain why he went looking for Dohyun. But Dohyun didn’t care and saw Wooyeon’s words as just a lie.
“You really don’t know how to lie.”
“……”
This wasn’t a statement, but more like teasing. When Wooyeon turned his head away, a soft, sweet voice whispered.
“I’ve been thinking about you.”
There was an itch deep in Wooyeon’s throat. It felt different from hearing someone say they liked him. Dohyun continued softly, his voice tinged with a dreamy quality.
“I’ve thought about wanting to see you, thought you were really cute, and wondered when you’d accept me... thoughts like that.”
“…… Why did you go outside to think about those things?”
“I was a little drunk… but when you’re here, it feels really strange.”
“You said you weren’t drunk.”
“I said I was a little drunk.”
Dohyun’s body carried a faint scent of alcohol and pheromones. The scent was stronger than usual, probably because he had lost control due to the alcohol. Wooyeon didn’t remind him of that, only speaking softly.
“You…”
“Call me ‘hyung’.”
Once again, it felt like they’d been in a situation like this before. He had asked many times, enough that Wooyeon still remembered it clearly.
“Not seonsaeng, not seonbae… just hyung.”
“……”
“I want to be the person you call hyung.”
This sentence carried so much meaning. It was an unspoken hint that he wanted a different relationship than in the past, to become someone closer, more intimate with Wooyeon.
Wooyeon understood all of that. Perhaps because of the alcohol, Dohyun’s heart seemed easier to read than ever. No, to be more precise, his feelings had become clearer over time.
“The rabbit you gave me isn’t actually a rabbit.”
Though the topic changed suddenly, Dohyun easily accepted it. When he asked, “Then what is it?”, Wooyeon sighed in relief and replied.
“It’s a desert fox.”
“Desert fox?”
Dohyun murmured to himself, as if imagining the fox. Then he let out a soft laugh and rested his head on Wooyeon’s shoulder.
“Just like you.”
“Like what?”
“Just like that.”
Wooyeon felt his breath on his neck in a way that felt strange. Dohyun didn’t seem to be thinking about anything in particular, but Wooyeon’s body was more sensitive than ever. It seemed Dohyun didn’t notice, just laughing lightly.
“I thought it was a rabbit... So cute, cute enough to be enchanted by it.”
Dohyun’s hand slowly intertwined with Wooyeon’s. The feeling of their fingers lacing together was so familiar that tears nearly welled up. He tightened his grip and whispered gently.
“I really like you, so much that I don’t know what to do.”
Sometimes, in everyday life, people suddenly realize something. It could be that wounds have healed, or painful memories have been forgotten. Or realizing how quickly time has passed.
“I love you, Wooyeon…”
Summer was approaching. A semester had ended, and once today was over, it would be summer vacation. Seeing Dohyun, or even talking to him, wouldn’t be as easy anymore unless there was a set time to meet.
“……I…”
Wooyeon slowly began to speak with a blank mind. Dohyun still rested his head on Wooyeon’s shoulder, holding his hand tightly. The warmth from his palm spread through Wooyeon, stirring up emotions inside.
“I… also…”
His heart was beating so strongly that he could hear every thump. The pheromones lingering in the air made his ears burn. Although this wasn’t the first time he’d said these words, the tension was a million times stronger this time.
“I… also like you.”
Wooyeon mumbled, his voice so soft that even he could barely hear it. But this time, it wasn’t an accidental confession, but a heartfelt, emotional admission.
“I’ve thought about it carefully…”
“No matter what anyone says, I can’t live without you.”
In the end, it was still Dohyun. No matter how far the journey had gone, Wooyeon’s heart always belonged to one person.
“I like you, hyung.”
The moment he expressed his feelings, the emotions that had been suppressed for so long began to rise, like a sponge expanding as it soaked up water. Emotions that once only appeared like a drop of water now surged, filling his entire heart.
“……”
Dohyun seemed to hold his breath, unable to move. The world around them felt like it had stopped, with no sounds reaching his ears—no rustling leaves, no distant chatter of people.
“…Did you just say…”
His voice was faint, filled with surprise and confusion. Perhaps he hadn’t expected a response from Wooyeon.
“…What did you just say…”
“I said I like you, hyung.”
Wooyeon repeated each word clearly. Perhaps the first time was always the hardest, but as he said it again, the nervousness began to fade. Dohyun didn’t say anything more, only covered his eyes with his hand.
“…Ha.”
He exhaled deeply. The pheromones around them thickened, and he lowered his head to rest on Wooyeon’s shoulder. Their intertwined fingers began to tremble slightly.
“It can’t be…”
Wooyeon stared at Dohyun, wanting to see his face, but due to the angle, he couldn’t. The only thing he could clearly see was Dohyun’s lips pressed tightly together, prompting him to ask.
“…Are you crying?”
The pheromones around them grew even stronger. Dohyun’s shoulders shuddered slightly, his voice low as if trying to explain.
“It’s because I drank.”
“Are you really crying?”
“…I told you, it’s because of the alcohol.”
There was a hint of choking in his voice. The tone trembled, and his breath grew deeper. Dohyun turned and wrapped his arms around Wooyeon, leaving him standing still, unable to move.
“Please… say it again.”
Wooyeon awkwardly wrapped his arms around Dohyun. It was the first time he had held him like this—not as someone crying and needing comfort, but as someone offering it. Though the position was somewhat awkward, Wooyeon could feel the weakness and vulnerability in his embrace.
“I like you.”
“…Call me ‘hyung’.”
“I like you, hyung.”
“One more time…”
“I really like you, hyung.”
The more he expressed it, the more Wooyeon felt his heart strengthen. He realized that this feeling wasn’t just because Dohyun was his seonsaeng, or because of his maturity and kindness. It was because of Kim Dohyun as a person. No matter how it began, this time, it was Wooyeon’s decision.
“See.”
“…”
“I told you, you won’t regret it.”
Dohyun no longer had the strength to say anything, and simply rested his head on Wooyeon’s shoulder. Wooyeon’s shoulder gradually grew damp, and when he gently patted Dohyun’s back, a sincere confession came from him.
“I like you too.”
“......”
“I really like you, Wooyeon…”
The persistent rain that had been falling for so long finally began to ease. The rain stopped, and the sky cleared. Even though a long time had passed, Dohyun still hadn’t let go of Wooyeon, holding him tightly in his arms.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 92
Garam rested her chin on the table, staring at the two empty spots in front of her. Due to the effects of the alcohol, her vision was blurry, as if covered by a fog. Despite trying to rub her eyes a few times, she couldn’t regain her focus.
“Do you think they’ll make up?”
Seongyu, who was sitting beside her, asked softly. Despite having drunk quite a bit, he was still the most sober among the remaining club members. Garam tilted her head and lazily responded:
“Probably… they will.”
It had been nearly two hours since they began the drinking party for the summer break. Dohyun and Wooyeon had left, leaving the other members to continue with the drinking games. Normally, Garam would have joined in, but today she wasn’t interested.
“If someone’s drunk and someone else follows them, it’s pretty much certain, right?”
“Yeah…”
Seongyu nodded, sipping his soju mixed with beer. He seemed relaxed, which made Garam tease him, jokingly asking:
“You seem to care about them a lot, don’t you?”
“Of course I do. Don’t you care?”
“I… care a little. If those two don’t get along, Wooyeon will probably leave the club, right?”
The conflict between the two was something everyone in the club, including Garam, knew well. Dohyun, who was known for being cold toward anyone who confessed their feelings, had publicly said he was dating a freshman, an omega who always followed him. When Wooyeon, who had been very close to Dohyun, suddenly changed his attitude, no one in the club could miss it.
“But actually, I’m not that worried. Dohyun will definitely figure it out, you know that too.”
Since she saw the two of them becoming distant, Garam had believed Dohyun would find a way to resolve the issue. Even though they hadn’t known each other for long, having spent about two years together, she understood what kind of person Dohyun was.
What she hadn’t expected was how much Dohyun had gotten involved in this situation.
“Wooyeon is really impressive, huh? Even Dohyun seems awkward around him.”
“Yeah… I think he’s amazing. When I saw how he joined the freshmen’s major class, I thought, he must really like him a lot to do that.”
Though she didn’t say it aloud, Garam agreed. She had sensed Dohyun’s feelings for Wooyeon a long time ago.
It was from the first day Garam met Wooyeon.
“His outfit is all designer, right?”
Garam, who was passionate about fashion, immediately recognized the brand of each item Wooyeon was wearing. His light gray coat, thick sweater, sneakers, and even his jeans – everything was luxury. The value of that outfit could be as much as a house deposit, or even more.
“Another rich kid, huh?”
At first, Garam had a bit of a negative bias against people from wealthy backgrounds. However, those thoughts only lasted for a brief moment. The moment Wooyeon turned around to look at her, her negative feelings quickly transformed into a sense of warmth.
“… What’s his name again?”
With large, round eyes and smooth, fair skin, Wooyeon looked like the perfect ideal type for Garam.
Of course, that wasn’t the reason she intended to get closer to him.
“The teaching assistant said his name is really beautiful too.”
The only reason Garam wanted Wooyeon to join the club was to have a cute younger member she could invite to eat tteokbokki with every day. So, she had mentioned this to Dohyun, not expecting him to have such a special reaction when he heard Wooyeon’s name.
“Wooyeon, Seon Wooyeon.”
“…”
As soon as Dohyun heard that name, he immediately rushed toward Wooyeon. Watching him leave with such determination, Garam suddenly realized something. “Ah, looks like I won’t have a chance this time.” Even though she told herself she wasn’t pursuing anything personal, the feeling of disappointment lingered.
“It seems like they know each other from before.”
“Yeah, he even called Dohyun ‘seonsaeng’ back then.”
What kind of relationship did they have that could make “Kim Dohyun” so obedient? With her instincts, Garam could only guess that Wooyeon was the student Dohyun had once tutored, as he had mentioned before.
“… So he really is a thief.”
Garam had witnessed many people trying to approach Dohyun. On the streets, during school festivals, there were always people wanting to get to know him. Even though he kept his distance at school, Garam knew that Dohyun had his own relationships outside of school.
So when Dohyun started showing interest in Wooyeon, Garam became a bit suspicious. She thought maybe he was just teasing a naive freshman. Even though she sensed there was something special between them, she didn’t want to lose a cute younger member over some trivial romance.
“Why are you trying to get close to Wooyeon like that?”
To be honest, she was a little resentful of how many omega’s she liked had been “taken” by Dohyun. Nearly every person she had liked ended up paying attention to him.
However, her concern for Wooyeon was genuine.
“Don’t do it unless you’re really serious. I want Wooyeon to stay in the club for the long run.”
Garam, with her friendly personality, couldn’t help but care about Wooyeon, who was not only cute but also innocent and lovable. It would be strange if she didn’t feel concerned for him.
“He said my smile is too fake.”
At first, Garam thought it was absurd. But the moment he said that, it felt like someone had punched her in the head.
“Let’s see how long he’ll think that.”
The content of his words wasn’t as important as the expression on his face when he said it. Dohyun’s gentle expression, with his warm eyes and soft smile, made Garam’s heart race, even though she had no personal feelings for him.
“Wow… you really are…”
At first, Garam only intervened out of curiosity. She thought of herself as someone who cared about the club, a senior looking out for her juniors, and a friend worried about Dohyun. But if Dohyun was really serious…
Since then, Garam began to observe the relationship between Dohyun and Wooyeon from a distance, rather than intervening like Seongyu. She just stood by and watched.
In fact, there had been many signs that Dohyun liked Wooyeon. At parties, Dohyun always sat next to Wooyeon and often looked at him with affectionate eyes when he ate something.
‘Maybe Wooyeon still hasn’t noticed…’
Garam thought to herself, recalling how Dohyun would frown every time Wooyeon called her "nuna" or how he nervously waited outside the café when Wooyeon went to class. Dohyun always hated troublesome things, but he helped Wooyeon register for courses, stayed up all night during their extracurricular trips, and even refrained from smoking when he was near Wooyeon.
(TLN: Nuna means “older sister”, however it doesn't always mean in a sibling way but also as a friendly way to address older female friends or acquaintances)
"Now that I think about it, this guy even joined the group class just for Wooyeon."
Dohyun was really clever. He had arranged to have opportunities to meet Wooyeon, and when the two of them became a couple, the group class participation was gradually forgotten.
“Well, I’ll go outside to smoke then.”
Garam stood up and took out her cigarette pack, planning to ask Seongyu to come along, but he shook his head, declining because he was a bit tipsy. She thought smoking with a hazy mind would be perfect.
However, when she arrived at the smoking room, it was already crowded. She decided to go outside, not wanting to endure the smoke from others.
Outside, the night air was still a bit chilly, signaling that rain was coming. Garam looked up, took a deep breath, and thought that smoking outside in the open air was the best. At that moment, she heard voices from somewhere:
“You should dye your hair again.”
“I’ve been thinking about that too, maybe I’ll dye it black…”
Even though she had drunk quite a bit, Garam easily recognized the voices of Dohyun and Wooyeon. She couldn’t help but sneer, then put the lighter back in her bag.
“When it’s summer break, let’s go traveling.”
“Where to?”
“Somewhere close, in the country. We can just drive in my car.”
So, they must have made up, right? Garam felt relieved, but also a little disappointed. It was time for Wooyeon to forgive Dohyun. She felt a bit lighter inside, but also a bit empty.
“I also have a driver’s license, you know.”
“That’s not useful here.”
“…Why not?”
Hearing Wooyeon’s pouty tone, Garam smiled lightly. She was about to step forward to strike up a conversation but didn’t want to disrupt their joyful atmosphere. Smoking right next to them wouldn’t be a good idea either, as the smoke could bother both of them.
“Oh right, my shirt still has the scent of your pheromones on it.”
“Really? I washed it clean already.”
“Yeah, I know. It’s just that the scent still lingers.”
Dohyun continued complimenting, saying that Wooyeon’s pheromone scent was so wonderful that Garam had to agree. His scent was pleasant, with a unique sweetness that was hard to compare with any other omega.
“It’s going to rain next week.”
“... Yeah, it’s probably the season for it.”
Garam took a drag of her cigarette, tying her long hair up. Her hair reached her shoulders, and she thought maybe it was time for a trim.
“Wooyeon.”
“Yeah?”
“Wooyeon.”
“......”
“Yeon-ah.”
“Why do you keep calling me like that?”
“Just because I like it.”
“Kim Dohyun, you’re hopeless.”
Garam tied her hair back neatly and then turned to leave. It had been two years since she met Dohyun, and she had never seen him so deeply in love like this. Smoking here only made her mood worse.
“Well, I’ll go inside to smoke.”
Though she hadn’t helped much, she still felt happy and a little proud. She was about to let Seongyu know and then head to the smoking room.
“Sigh... I really want to fall in love.”
The words slipped out of Garam’s mouth like a sigh. She lowered her head and walked into the bar, feeling weighed down and sad. In her hand, the unlit cigarette felt more bitter than usual.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 93
When talking about summer vacations, people often expect things like starting the day late, the sound of cicadas replacing alarm clocks, trips during the hottest days, and endless stretches of blue beaches before their eyes. On the first day after the school term ended, Wooyeon was also immersed in happiness, thinking about those things. He had officially reconciled with Dohyun, and though it was just an offhand comment, the two of them had promised to travel together. Thinking about the joys ahead, Wooyeon felt full of hope.
He wondered whether they would go to the East Sea, Jeju Island, or even choose one of the villas abroad. While Wooyeon was lost in these dreams, the first day of summer vacation arrived, and he received a call from Dohyun.
― "I think I’ll need to go home for a few days."
His burgeoning dreams instantly deflated. All the plans he had envisioned with Dohyun vanished like bubbles. Although Wooyeon was deeply disappointed, he tried to respond casually.
"I'll just take care of my own things then."
But in reality, he had nothing to do. With no plans, he spent the entire day lying around in bed. And it had only been three days since the vacation began.
“What did I used to do during times like this...” Wooyeon wondered. In the U.S., he used to spend time with Danny, and after returning to Korea, everything had been so hectic. During the school term, he was busy with studies, and after exams ended, his mind was consumed with thoughts of Dohyun. It had been a long time since both his body and mind felt this at ease—so much so that he didn’t know what to do with the feeling.
"Danny hasn’t reached out either… The professor is probably busy," Wooyeon muttered to himself.
He rolled back and forth on his bed, staring at the last message Dohyun had sent, informing him that he’d arrived home. Wooyeon thought that if he called, Dohyun would probably pick up, but he didn’t want to disturb him. Letting out a sigh, he reached for the stuffed animal in the corner of his bed. It wasn’t a rabbit as he had once thought, but actually a fennec fox. Hugging the soft, white fox close to his chest only made him miss Dohyun more.
“Maybe I should just take a nap,” Wooyeon thought. He had already slept a lot, but with nothing else to do, sleeping seemed like the best option. He slowly closed his eyes, letting scattered thoughts fill his mind.
“…The rainy season starts next week.”
Suddenly, Wooyeon remembered that the rainy season was approaching. The current blue skies would soon be completely overshadowed by dark clouds. Thinking about the heavy downpours ahead made his heart sink a little.
A week passed. Wooyeon dyed his hair back to black and visited the doctor for a thorough pheromone checkup. The last time, the suppressants hadn’t worked properly, but this time, all his levels were normal. The doctor suggested that it might have been due to stress and the presence of an alpha nearby.
Soo Hyang hadn’t dropped by since Wooyeon’s summer break began, likely because of work, but Wooyeon knew that wasn’t the only reason. Around this time of year, Soo Hyang usually dedicated all her time to work and hardly got any sleep.
No matter what, it turned out to be the loneliest summer vacation Wooyeon had ever experienced. During this time, he watched so many movies that his eyes felt dry and strained, making it hard to focus. He worked out in the PT room, swam in the pool, but once boredom had set in, it wasn’t easy to shake off.
Then the rainy season arrived. Raindrops began to pitter-patter on the windows, and as Wooyeon prepared for bed, the rain intensified. With no one else in the house, he sat by the windowsill, phone in hand.
"Should I call him?"
A week and three days had passed. He thought he’d waited long enough. Occasionally, Dohyun would send a message asking if he was eating well, but Wooyeon still hadn’t heard his voice. It felt cruel to endure such loneliness so soon after their reconciliation.
[Are you busy?] 11:01 PM
Wooyeon sent the message and silently began to pray. Call me, call me, call me. He repeated it five times, knowing it was futile. Naturally, the phone didn’t ring, and his mood sank even further.
“I miss you…”
Just as those words escaped his lips, his phone suddenly rang. The caller was none other than Dohyun. The name he had been longing to see.
"Hello?"
Wooyeon quickly answered, his heart pounding. Dohyun’s sweet voice came through the receiver.
― "Hey, Wooyeon. What are you up to?"
"…"
Wooyeon didn’t know how to respond. It had only been a week and a few days, but hearing Dohyun’s voice filled him with emotion. He could cry at any moment, just from hearing those words.
“…I missed you hyung.”
In the end, all he could do was softly whisper his feelings. Hearing Wooyeon call him “hyung,” Dohyun let out a chuckle.
― "It’s only been a few days, and you’ve already gotten used to calling me ‘hyung,’ huh?"
Wooyeon had grown accustomed to addressing him this way, thankful that he didn’t slip up and call him “seonsaeng.” Still, he knew he needed to adjust his tone.
“When are you coming back?”
His voice carried a hint of sadness. No matter how hard he tried to stay strong, the loneliness had reached its peak. Dohyun seemed to sense this and gently asked:
― “Do you miss me a lot?”
“Yes.”
― ……
“I miss you.”
― ……
“…I miss you.”
Resting his forehead against the window, Wooyeon wondered if confessing his longing over and over would make Dohyun come back. The rain continued to pour, leaving trails on the glass. Beyond the rain-streaked window, all he could see were the high fence and the garden.
― “You’re making this hard for me.”
Dohyun sighed after saying this. The pause that followed hinted that he was choosing his words carefully. Perhaps Wooyeon was being too clingy. Just as regret started creeping in, Dohyun’s tender voice broke the silence.
― “It’s late, so I was planning to head back now."
Hearing those words, Wooyeon leaped up and dashed out of the room. He ran through the large house, opened the front door, slipped on his shoes, and sprinted to the gate. As the gate swung open, he saw someone standing under the rain with an umbrella.
“….”
“….”
The figure standing upright, holding a black umbrella, was the person he had been yearning for. Dohyun looked at him, wide-eyed in surprise. Without thinking, Wooyeon spoke up.
“…If you keep standing there, someone might call the police.”
His words weren’t the least bit romantic. Naturally, Dohyun just chuckled, tilting the umbrella towards Wooyeon. Raindrops trickled down from Wooyeon’s already drenched hair.
“That’s the first thing you say to me?”
Wooyeon didn’t respond. Instead, he flung himself into Dohyun’s arms, hugging him so tightly that the umbrella fell to the ground. Rain splashed around them as they stood in the downpour, and Wooyeon murmured softly.
“…I missed you.”
All the emotions he had been bottling up overflowed. He missed him, deeply, and felt a pang of loneliness. If he exaggerated, perhaps the past week had been harder than the four years they had spent apart.
“Did you also miss me?”
Dohyun embraced Wooyeon tightly, brushing his cheek against Wooyeon’s wet hair without a hint of hesitation. Holding him close, he whispered tenderly.
“I missed you too.”
It wasn’t until Wooyeon sneezed that they finally went inside the house. Dohyun intended to leave since it was late, but Wooyeon convinced him to stay, mentioning that no one else was home.
“Why did you go back home anyways?”
After they had showered in separate bathrooms—though Wooyeon briefly considered suggesting they share one—Dohyun quickly took the clothes and disappeared. Wooyeon regretted not giving him the outfit beforehand.
“My parents and sister call me back sometimes. When I’m home, I have to play the role of the good son, so I couldn’t check my phone often.”
“I see…”
After towel-drying their hair, they lay on the bed talking. Wooyeon had imagined cuddles and intimacy, but Dohyun simply held him close and gently stroked his back.
Looking at Wooyeon lying docilely in his arms, Dohyun suddenly asked:
“What did you do while I was away?”
“Watched movies.”
“And?”
“Exercised, swam…thought about reading, but I got too lazy.”
“You live such a wholesome life.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Under the blanket, their legs tangled together. Though the conversation was serene, there were moments of silence between replies. Wooyeon intentionally moved closer to Dohyun, but Dohyun shook his head with mock sternness.
“Not here. This isn’t a private place.”
“…But no one’s home.”
“You wouldn’t be able to handle it. And yet, you still dare to try.”
Dohyun’s warning sounded slightly threatening, his darkened gaze adding weight to his words. Yet, that gaze had no effect on Wooyeon.
“Then… just a kiss…”
Wooyeon wrapped his arms around Dohyun’s waist, looking up at him with earnest eyes. He missed not just Dohyun but also the sensations he brought. He longed to kiss him, to feel him completely through every touch.
“Yeon-ah…”
Instead of kissing him, Dohyun gently ran his fingers through Wooyeon’s hair, caressing it tenderly. He kissed Wooyeon’s forehead, his eyes, and the bridge of his nose before asking softly:
“Is something bothering you?”
“…”
Wooyeon averted his gaze, then nestled closer into Dohyun’s chest. Dohyun soothingly rubbed his shoulders as Wooyeon buried his face against him, whispering:
“I’m okay now.”
That confession implied he hadn’t been okay before. Dohyun understood this and released calming pheromones, easing Wooyeon’s restlessness.
“When I was a kid, I had a private tutor.”
Wooyeon began sharing his story while lying in Dohyun’s arms. He talked about not attending elementary school, being homeschooled by various tutors, including one alpha who left a lasting impression.
“The tutor taught English, but all I remember is being scolded.”
Though he wasn’t physically punished, the tutor’s constant criticisms sometimes hurt more than any physical blows could. The tutor often belittled Wooyeon, calling him stupid, leaving him feeling humiliated. Yet, it was thanks to that tutor that Wooyeon mastered English flawlessly.
‘Alphas are always like that.’
Perhaps it was only Wooyeon’s personal experience, but when such incidents repeated, they turned into a prejudice. Even now, though he was being held in the arms of an alpha, he couldn’t stand being around any alpha other than Dohyun.
"Where’s the Chairwoman?"
Dohyun didn’t attempt to empathize; instead, he shifted the topic. Wooyeon felt grateful for this and didn’t wish to elaborate further. He absentmindedly fidgeted with his fingers as he replied nonchalantly.
"She’s probably visiting my mother’s grave."
"…In this rain?"
"She doesn’t have much choice."
The rainy season had arrived. Outside, the rain continued to pour, and Soo Hyang hadn’t been home for over a week. Rainy days like these always dampened Wooyeon’s mood.
"The day after tomorrow is my mother’s death anniversary."
"…"
"During this time of year, she’s usually away."
The rain grew heavier, its sound filling the silence between them. Dohyun leaned down quietly, softly pressing his lips against Wooyeon’s in a tender gesture, as though trying to comfort him.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 94
Wooyeon woke up the next morning to find the bed empty. He clearly remembered talking to Dohyun before falling asleep, but when he opened his eyes, there was no sign of him. Worried, Wooyeon looked around, but there wasn’t a single trace of Dohyun.
"Could it be... he already left?"
As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Wooyeon sprang up from the bed. It had been so long since he last saw Dohyun, and the idea of him leaving quietly while Wooyeon was asleep was unacceptable. If Dohyun really had to leave, the least he could have done was wake him up.
Still drowsy, Wooyeon rushed out toward the door. Just as he was about to open it, the door to the study room next to his opened, and Dohyun stepped out.
“Oh, you’re awake?”
“…What were you doing in there?”
Wooyeon let go of the door handle and slowly approached Dohyun, who smiled gently and opened his arms to embrace him. The warm feeling and the familiar scent of Dohyun’s pheromones filled the space around Wooyeon instantly.
“I just went to the bathroom and noticed the room we used to study in, so I took a look around. Sorry for going in without asking.”
“I thought you’d already left.”
“How could I leave without you?”
Dohyun gently ruffled Wooyeon’s hair with his long fingers. Wooyeon knew his hair must be a mess, but Dohyun still smiled as he pressed a light kiss on the top of his head.
“Black hair suits you, too.”
Wooyeon chuckled at the affectionate tone in Dohyun’s voice. Dohyun placed a few more light kisses on his head before they decided to go downstairs, avoiding letting the mood become too sentimental.
When they got to the kitchen, they found the dining table already set by the housekeeper, and the living room was stacked with boxes that Wooyeon didn’t recognize. While eating, Dohyun suddenly asked:
“Do you eat like this every morning?”
“Pardon?”
Dohyun didn’t seem pleased with Wooyeon’s vague response. After thinking for a moment, he said softly,
“Oh, I heard Garam just moved.”
“Moved?”
“Yeah, I think she moved from a single room to a double.”
Hearing this, Wooyeon nodded slightly. That must be why Garam had been so busy since the summer vacation started and hadn’t been in touch much. Dohyun looked at Wooyeon meaningfully and asked:
“Do you want to visit her?”
Wooyeon had never visited anyone’s home other than Dohyun’s, especially not a dorm room, so when Dohyun suggested they visit Garam, he felt excited as if he’d been invited to an amusement park.
Right after breakfast, they took a taxi to Garam’s new place. They could have asked the housekeeper to drive, but neither wanted to alert the family. Dohyun carefully wrapped Wooyeon in a coat before stepping outside.
“It’s a bit chilly out.”
When they got out of the taxi, they shared an umbrella Dohyun had brought, as they’d forgotten to bring another one. The small size of the umbrella forced them to stand close together, but Wooyeon didn’t mind.
“Are you getting wet?”
“No, I’m fine. But is your shoulder getting wet?”
“I’m fine too.”
Walking in the drizzle, water splashed under their steps. Occasionally, their shoulders brushed, making Wooyeon’s heart race like when he used to have a one-sided crush on Dohyun. Seeing Dohyun’s relaxed smile, he felt lucky to be walking under the umbrella with the person he loved.
Garam’s dorm was in a newly built building near campus. When they arrived, Garam came down to greet them, dressed in oversized pajamas and mismatched house slippers.
“Oh, Wooyeon dyed his hair back to black, huh?”
As they stepped into the compact apartment, Garam laughed, asking them to ignore the mess of unopened boxes.
“Take a seat and pick something to eat—my treat today.”
Grinning confidently, Garam spoke with enthusiasm, while Wooyeon, seated next to Dohyun, felt both excited and cozy being with his friends on such a romantic rainy day.
With the room still unfurnished, their voices echoed slightly. The interior was cluttered, while outside, the rain fell steadily. It wasn’t an ideal environment, but Wooyeon’s mood was incredibly cheerful.
“Let’s order Chinese food,” Wooyeon suggested.
“Come on, when someone’s treating, you should order something fancy,” Garam countered.
“But isn’t it tradition to eat black bean noodles when you move?” Wooyeon laughed.
“Well, they do sell individual portions here. Do you want to order a bowl?” Garam asked with a laugh.
“No, I want to eat something more expensive too,” Wooyeon shook his head, declining.
If he hadn’t gone out today, Wooyeon might have spent another wasted day in the empty house, just sitting and watching the rain fall. He had been prepared to drift in his sadness until the rainy season ended.
“Then how about chicken?” Garam suggested.
“Wooyeon doesn’t eat chicken,” Dohyun replied.
“Then pizza?” Garam proposed.
“I just had pizza yesterday,” Wooyeon responded.
“Honestly, why is it always so hard to make a decision with you guys?” Seongyu complained.
Wooyeon stifled a laugh as Garam and Seongyu continued their endless back-and-forth. Those two, whenever they were together, would chatter on endlessly about all sorts of random things.
“How about sushi then? Dohyun likes sushi, doesn’t he?” Garam suggested.
It was the first time Wooyeon learned that Dohyun liked sushi, and he looked at him curiously. Dohyun, still gazing at Wooyeon, seemed completely oblivious to the ongoing conversation.
“Do you really like sushi?” Wooyeon asked.
“Yes, I do,” Dohyun replied with a smile, his eyes filled with warmth.
Wooyeon’s face grew hot. He had seen Dohyun’s smile many times before, but somehow, it always made his heart race. While he was still flustered, Garam had already found the highest-rated sushi restaurant and placed the order.
In the end, they decided on sushi, pizza, and tteokbokki. Despite their earlier talk of choosing something extravagant, they settled on familiar, everyday foods. Garam muttered that even though they said they’d go fancy, they ended up with basic options.
“I guess the grades will be out soon, huh?” Garam said.
“Oh no, that’s right! I’m doomed—I did terribly on my finals,” Seongyu fretted.
The food arrived almost all at once, and since there was no dining table, Garam spread the boxes out on the floor. The group sat together in a circle. It had been a while since Wooyeon had a meal like this, not since the group’s last outing.
“We’re aiming for a 4.0 GPA, right?” Seongyu joked.
“Yeah, right. We barely studied this whole term. A 4.0 GPA is just a dream,” Garam replied with a laugh.
“Wooyeon, do you think your grades will be okay?” Seongyu asked.
Wooyeon simply shook his head, unsure. He felt he had done fairly well, but since it was his first time being graded, he couldn’t predict the outcome.
“So, have you two been on many dates? I deliberately didn’t contact you so you’d have some space,” Seongyu teased.
“I had to go back home, so we didn’t meet up much,” Dohyun replied with a laugh.
Hearing that, Garam seemed regretful for not reaching out sooner. Wooyeon just smiled as Garam asked what he had been up to during that time. He repeated what he’d told Dohyun earlier about watching movies, exercising, and swimming. Garam got excited about the movies, while Seongyu was surprised to learn that Wooyeon had a swimming pool at home.
“You guys can come over anytime you have free time,” Wooyeon offered.
“Your house?” Garam asked, her eyes lighting up.
“Yes, you can watch movies or swim, whatever you like…”
Garam seemed thrilled, saying it would be her first time visiting such a spacious house, making Wooyeon feel cheerful as well.
They ate, chatted, and laughed late into the night, the hours slipping by unnoticed. Near midnight, Garam suddenly stood up and told Dohyun and Wooyeon to go out and buy some ice cream.
“Go on, get some ice cream,” Garam said, gently nudging Dohyun and gesturing toward the door with her chin.
Dohyun stood, holding out his hand to Wooyeon. Hesitant, Wooyeon eventually got up as well.
“Shouldn’t we be heading home by now?” Wooyeon asked nervously.
“It’s fine, stay and hang out longer. I live alone anyway,” Garam replied casually.
Wooyeon took Dohyun’s hand, glancing around uncertainly before stepping outside with him. Even as they left the room, Wooyeon didn’t notice the subtle, knowing glances exchanged between Garam and Dohyun.
_________________________________________________
Chapter 95
Although it was almost July, the night winds still carried a chill. Fortunately, there was no rain, but the damp air still left a cool feeling on the skin. Dohyun held a convenience store bag in one hand, while his other hand was intertwined with Wooyeon's, gently swaying.
"Did you have fun today?"
His warm, calm voice blended with the night, filled with the sweetness and gentleness that Wooyeon loved about Dohyun. Without hesitation, Wooyeon nodded.
"They are really funny."
Although Wooyeon didn’t have many friends, he knew that Garam and Seongyu were good people. He thought, if only he had met them earlier. While Danny was also a good friend, they came from different starting points.
"I'm glad, as long as you're happy."
Dohyun nodded and glanced at the watch on his wrist. He had checked it more than five times since they left the convenience store, making Wooyeon wonder if he needed to head home urgently. While he was thinking, Dohyun slowly spoke.
"Today..."
It seemed like even his footsteps had slowed. Wooyeon watched him intently, not rushing him. Under the streetlights, his straight nose looked perfect.
"We can't sleep at Garam's house..."
"......"
"So, would you like to come to my place?"
Wooyeon froze for a moment, but when their eyes met, he quickly nodded.
"Yes."
Anyway, it was already late, and no one would call to check. They probably wouldn’t even know Wooyeon wasn’t home.
"I want to sleep at your place."
Upon hearing this, Dohyun winked and smiled. His satisfied smile made Wooyeon feel excited. In fact, he was already so happy. He had been with Dohyun last night, and now he could be with him again. Just thinking about it made him overjoyed.
"When we drank champagne that day..."
Since their steps had slowed, it took them almost twice as long to return to the building as it did when they were shopping at the convenience store. Standing in front of the building, Wooyeon asked something that had been on his mind.
"That day… why did my muscles hurt?"
When Wooyeon woke up in a bathrobe, Dohyun had mentioned that he had spoken about Danny. Although nothing had happened between them, Wooyeon felt a vague soreness in his back. Of course, it wasn’t significant pain, but it was enough to make him wonder.
"Ah… muscle pain?"
Dohyun winked, slowly muttered, and then shrugged mischievously.
"Turns out, it’s true. I just made it up."
"Made it up?"
"Yeah, because I heard a loud noise from the bathroom."
Wooyeon looked at him with a confused expression, but Dohyun just smiled and pulled Wooyeon closer to his face. He gently kissed the back of his hand, making a sweet sound.
"Sorry about that. I was just a little jealous."
"Apologizing now doesn't really help."
With just one kiss, Wooyeon felt his heart lighten. It was so simple.
"It could be because I was drunk, or maybe you fell in the bathroom and I didn't notice. Maybe it was one of those two."
As Dohyun spoke, he took out his phone to check the time. 12:01 AM. He frowned slightly and began entering the door code.
"Did Garam give you the code to the house?"
"Yeah, she told me to just come in freely."
Wasn’t that a bit dangerous, though? But after all, this was a private home. Thinking about it, Wooyeon suddenly remembered something similar Dohyun had said before, but he still couldn’t recall it clearly.
"Watch your step."
As they walked up the stairs to Garam's apartment on the third floor, Dohyun only said that one sentence. The late hour made everything quiet, but the silence created a bit of awkwardness.
"Do you also know the door code?"
Wooyeon whispered, pressing close behind Dohyun as he entered the code with ease.
When they heard the door unlocking, Dohyun stepped aside slightly, his eyes glinting with a bit of mischief. Wooyeon, still confused, blinked at him.
"Wooyeon."
"Yes?"
He felt something strange, nervous, and a little shaky. The moment when Dohyun opened the door seemed to stretch out.
"Happy birthday."
Just as Wooyeon was about to respond, he was interrupted by the loud "Bang!" of party poppers exploding as the door swung open. His eyes widened, and he slowly turned around.
"Happy birthday, Seon Wooyeon!"
"Happy birthday, Wooyeon!"
Two more loud "Bang!" sounds from the poppers went off. Unlike the dark hallway, the apartment inside was brightly lit, and Seongyu was holding a birthday cake with lit candles. Garam quickly placed a birthday hat on Wooyeon’s head.
"Hey, hey, close the door! The neighbors are going to complain now."
Under Garam’s guidance, Wooyeon felt almost hypnotized, quietly stepping inside. Dohyun closed the door, and Seongyu came forward, holding the birthday cake in front of Wooyeon.
“Make a wish!”
“Hurry up, wish and blow out the candles. They’re almost melting.”
“Wooyeon, make a wish!”
The candlelight shimmered in front of him, with pink and yellow candles on the cake, which was covered with strawberries. Dohyun gently reminded Wooyeon, who was still dazed.
“You have to blow out the candles.”
At that moment, Wooyeon understood everything. He realized why Garam had awkwardly pushed him out, Seongyu’s stiff face, and why Dohyun had kept checking the time.
“What’s this…”
“Oh my gosh, Wooyeon, just blow out the candles already.”
Under Garam’s urging, Wooyeon blew out the candles in a half-dazed state. A light smoke rose from the extinguished flames. Seongyu sighed in regret.
“Hey, the important part is to make a wish!”
“Okay that’s enough. What are we going to do if we don’t eat the cake?”
Garam carefully removed the candles from the cake. Wooyeon was still in shock, looking around the room. The food delivery was scattered around, and party poppers were everywhere.
“…Ha.”
Wooyeon let out a short breath, half a sigh, half a laugh. He covered his mouth with his hand and chuckled.
“What is… all this?”
Everything was so funny. From Garam’s invisible worry, Seongyu’s regret when the candles went out, to Dohyun’s watchful gaze.
“How did you all know it was my birthday?”
This was his birthday that he had never told anyone. From the day he was born until now, he had never been wished a happy birthday. Today was also the anniversary of his mother’s death, and Soo Hyang always left him alone. Perhaps he had received countless gifts, but this was the first time anyone had sincerely wished him a happy birthday.
“How could I not know it was your birthday?”
Dohyun said, brushing off the confetti from Wooyeon’s hair, then adjusting the party hat on his head. He gently stroked the corners of Wooyeon’s eyes, which were turning red, and then flashed a bright smile.
“Thank you for being born.”
Oh, how should he describe this feeling? Should he cry or laugh? All he knew was that, no matter what, the corners of his eyes were getting a little teary.
“Hey, hey, we did everything we could to keep you from crying, and now he’s taking all the emotional credit.”
"That's right, crying on your birthday means you'll lose your luck."
The clumsy words of comfort came, but Wooyeon tried to hold back the tears. Fortunately, he didn't cry, and Seongyu quickly raised his phone to take a picture. In the commemorative photo with the birthday cake, his face was stiff, half smiling, half on the verge of tears.
…
For Wooyeon, a birthday is simply the day he was born, nothing more, nothing less. At this time of year, the rainy season usually drags on, and every time it rains, his mood plummets. That's why, when he was young, he always wished this day wouldn't come.
But on the exact day of his twenty-first birthday, for the first time in his life, he felt truly wonderful about being born. A day of celebration when the people he loved congratulated him turned out to be an experience even more precious than he had ever imagined. Wooyeon was immersed in happiness all day, and as soon as he stepped into the house, he immediately ran into Dohyun's arms.
(TLN: Wooyeon is legally 19 but in korean age he is 21)
"What's wrong, huh?"
Dohyun gently comforted Wooyeon with a soothing and pleasant voice. When Wooyeon rubbed his cheek against him, Dohyun didn't hesitate to take off his shoes and lift him up like a child. If it were a usual day, Wooyeon would probably have struggled and protested, but today he obediently leaned against Dohyun.
"How old is our Wooyeon now?"
"...I want to get down."
"I'm just kidding."
Dohyun's voice carried a hint of laughter. Without showing any signs of fatigue, he carried Wooyeon all the way to the living room. In the familiar space of Dohyun's house, a gentle and airy scent of pheromones filled the air.
"It's late, let's take a shower and go to sleep."
Wooyeon gently shook his head, not because he didn't want to bathe, but because he didn't want to leave Dohyun's embrace. On the contrary, he snuggled closer to him and said in a spoiled tone:
"Take a shower with me."
Before they knew it, both of them had taken off their clothes. When he became aware, Wooyeon found himself kissing Dohyun amidst the rising steam in the bathroom. From the shower, the water poured down in torrents, and the atmosphere became sweeter and more intense as the strong pheromones spread around them.
"Um..."
Wooyeon let out a soft moan, wrapping his arms tightly around Dohyun's back and swallowing each heavy breath. His hand slipped lightly, unable to hold on due to the damp skin, while Dohyun's tongue kept searching, lost in the passionate kiss.
Everything around seemed to disappear in the steam, each time their lips parted and pressed back together, the wet kisses and the feeling of their bond resonated throughout the space. The temperature kept rising, both of their breaths seemed ready to ignite in the suffocating atmosphere filled with intense emotions.
"Yeon-ah, look at me,"
Dohyun gently said, cupping Wooyeon's face with both hands, then softly placed a kiss on his cheek. Every time their lips met, Wooyeon couldn't help but close his eyes for a moment. Through the misty veil of his gaze, he saw an undeniable longing flicker in Dohyun's eyes.
"I'm... I'm so hot..." Wooyeon whispered.
"Hot, huh?"
Clearly, they went into the bathroom to take a shower, but the showering was left behind; they were both just engrossed in touching each other's lips. If it was like this, then why did they try so hard to hold back last night? Wooyeon gasped and rested his forehead on Dohyun's shoulder.
"Already standing here...and planning to just walk out like that?"
At that moment, Dohyun gently grasped Wooyeon's sensitive area. Just a light touch, and Wooyeon shivered slightly, his shoulders trembling. Because it had been hard for a long time, even a small stimulus could make him reach the peak.
"Uh... hmm..."
The large hand glided lightly over the body, stimulating bit by bit. The whole body was drenched in water, creating a different sensation compared to previous touches. You could say it was more stimulating, but there was also a hint of fear creeping in.
"Do you want me to use my mouth?"
It was like a whispering temptation from a devil. Dohyun smiled gently, but Wooyeon swallowed hard and shook his head. It was clearly a sign of rejection, but despite that, Dohyun still knelt down in front of him.
"Wait a minute... A!"
Dohyun stuck out his tongue, gently touching the round tip. Wooyeon quickly grabbed his hair, but before he could push it away, that part was completely enveloped by him. He felt it slide deep into Dohyun's mouth.
"……!"
This is a very sensitive area, even just touching it with a hand. Yet now it is being rubbed against the soft mucous membrane, a feeling of pleasure that cannot be described in words. Her legs trembled, and his whole body seemed to reach the peak of ecstasy.
“… Hmm…”
Wooyeon closed his eyes tightly and released it into Dohyun's mouth. While the liquid overflowed, Dohyun did not pull his head away but accepted it all. Wooyeon was twitching slightly in intervals, gradually losing strength and collapsing, exhausted.
"Um..."
Dohyun swallowed the remaining semen in his mouth while looking at Wooyeon, who was slumped down. He seemed completely unconcerned by Wooyeon's slightly reproachful gaze. His eyes curved mischievously.
"I told you it was enough..."
"Just as long as you feel comfortable."
Wooyeon grabbed Dohyun's arm, trembling as he stood up. Although his legs kept wanting to give way, thanks to Dohyun's steady support, he was still okay. Wooyeon leaned against his sturdy chest, whispering softly like a breath:
"...I want to do that too."
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Chapter 96
Wooyeon said that with a hint of half-hearted annoyance. Of course, Dohyun just smiled gently and stroked his back.
"It's your birthday, why do you have to do all that?"
What are those things anyway? All this time, who was the one who started "all that" first?
Wooyeon blinked with a dazed mind. The echoes of pleasure had not yet completely faded, causing pheromones to occasionally escape. Even though his thoughts were fragmented, his hands still moved automatically.
The hand slowly descended, grasping the erect member of the person holding him – not his, but Dohyun's. As he gently stroked downwards, Dohyun couldn't help but let out a soft moan through his teeth.
"Ugh..."
Wooyeon rested his forehead in the middle of Dohyun's neck and shoulder, his thumb gently caressing the round head. He didn't forget to move his fingers slowly and steadily, just like he had done for him. Seeing Dohyun react to each of his movements brought a more thrilling sensation than he had imagined.
"I will use my mouth to please you."
"……."
Dohyun's deep black eyes glimmered with a hint of hesitation. He didn't say anything, but Wooyeon knew he was troubled. He was about to continue moving his hand when suddenly, Dohyun flipped him over.
"Let's save it for later."
‘Chu~’, his lips gently touched Wooyeon's ear. He kissed the rim of the ear, the earlobe, then gradually moved down to the jawline and the back of the neck. Dohyun wrapped his right arm around his waist, gently tightening his grip.
"Not yet."
Dohyun didn't explain why it was "not yet," he just gently rubbed Wooyeon's belly and then moved his hand to the protruding nipple.
"Ugh..."
Between the two cheeks, his firm member rubbed, sliding down from the coccyx, lightly touching around the entrance. Dohyun gently squeezed the tip of his chest with his fingertips and softly commanded.
"Lean against the wall."
"...Ugh..."
"Close your legs."
Wooyeon placed both hands on the wall, followed Dohyun's instructions, and tightly closed his thighs. Wooyeon didn't know what he intends to do, but he never regretted listening to Dohyun in moments like these. When you obediently held the position, Dohyun seemed to praise him, kissing the back of his neck lightly several times.
"Don't spread your legs."
"Uh... um..."
Dohyun lowered his hand from the waist down, touching Wooyeon's penis, the place that had just reached its peak. Even though he had only touched it a little, that softness quickly hardened. He caressed both the body and the lower part, then pushed his member between Wooyeon's thighs.
"...What are you planning to do?"
Before Wooyeon's innocent question, Dohyun pressed his nose against the back of his neck. The droplets on his hair slowly trickled down his shoulders. Dohyun used his other hand to lift Wooyeon's chin, leaning in for a gentle kiss.
"For now..."
His member slowly withdrew from the space between your thighs. Just the legs, but there was a strange tingling sensation below the abdomen. Dohyun pushed his hips forward again, letting out a hoarse voice, trying to hold back.
"Even if it's just like this, I still have to do it."
"A…!"
The rough, hot object pushed in, rubbing against his sensitive area. Wooyeon reflexively arched his hips, resting his forehead against the hand propped up against the wall. Even though it wasn't direct penetration, the feeling was still very strange.
"Ugh..."
Dohyun slowly, very slowly picked up the pace, enjoying Wooyeon's soft skin as he touched each part of his body. When Wooyeon could no longer endure and started wanting to spread his legs, he whispered gently in his ear.
"Yeon-ah, your legs..."
"Haa... no..."
The smooth glans gently touched Wooyeon's part. When pulling out, it brushed against the base, and when going back in, it intentionally glided over the moist entrance. The hand caressing the front brought a wonderful feeling, but the light touch at the back made him feel like something was missing, full of regret.
"Ugh... huff... you..."
Wooyeon struggled to turn his head and look at Dohyun. Their eyes met perfectly, creating a feeling as if an electric current was running through. He gently pushed his hips back, his voice choked, pleading through sobs.
"I want you to put it in... ugh..."
Dohyun stopped. The intense pheromone wave that was flooding the air also temporarily subsided. Wooyeon grasped Dohyun's wrist with the hand pressed against the wall, his eyes shimmering, weakly pleading.
"Please... put it in..."
There was no need to say anything more. The moment he said those words, Dohyun's gaze became profound. He let out a soft sigh and gently bit Wooyeon's earlobe.
"...Let's go to bed."
The power of the plea "please put it in" is truly intense. Wooyeon didn't even have time to dry off, enduring all night under Dohyun's fervent advances on the bed. At first, he tightly hugged the pillow, moaning, and then later grasped the bed sheet, sobbing. The mixture of fear and pleasure continued like that until dawn.
Wooyeon opened his eyes when the sun was high in the sky. The sound of rain falling gently outside woke him from his deep sleep. Through his slightly opened eyelashes, he saw the gloomy sky, filled with gray clouds.
“…Ah.”
When he spoke, Wooyeon's voice sounded much hoarser. He slowly blinked, watching the raindrops flow down the window frame. Suddenly, he thought about how many condoms they had used yesterday. Amidst those thoughts, a gentle voice rang out.
"Did you sleep well?"
The one who made Wooyeon suffer all night now gently stroked his hair, placed a kiss on his cheek, close to his ear, and pulled him into his embrace. Wooyeon turned a bit and rested his head on Dohyun's chest.
"My eyes are all swollen."
Dohyun smiled brightly, his face looking cheerful and not at all tired like Wooyeon, whose face was all swollen. A bit envious, Wooyeon lightly bit the hand that was stroking his cheek.
"It hurts."
Dohyun pretended to groan softly, even though he wasn't in any pain at all; it was just part of his prank. But that made Wooyeon feel happier.
"What time is it?"
"It's past 1 o'clock. How come your voice is so hoarse like that?”
"You were the one who caused this..."
Wooyeon replied irritably, burying his face in Dohyun's chest. Unlike Wooyeon, who was wearing a large t-shirt, Dohyun was only wearing black underwear. It seems that Dohyun dressed Wooyeon while he was sleeping but didn't dress himself.
"Too warm..."
Perhaps it's because they were under the blanket, their skin touching each other feels warm. If he closed his eyes, he might drift off to sleep again. But Dohyun didn't let Wooyeon easily drift off to sleep.
"I have a birthday gift for you..."
The words made his ears perk up. Wooyeon also received gifts from Garam and Seongyu (a bath bomb and a phone case), but Dohyun's gifts always felt different.
“…What is this gift?”
Wooyeon gently opened his eyes, his honest expression made Dohyun burst into laughter. He intertwined his fingers with Wooyeon's left hand and brought it up to his face.
"Here."
The watch on Wooyeon's left wrist reflected the light. The design looks simple yet elegant, with a unique watch hand and a logo next to it that Wooyeon immediately recognizes as belonging to a famous brand.
"I thought you would recognize it right away, don't you feel anything?"
Wooyeon looked at the watch, slightly biting his lip. Even though he wasn't good with finances, he still knew that the value of this watch was not cheap, definitely not something a college student could afford.
"This one... isn't it really expensive?"
"Um..."
Dohyun hesitated for a moment and then winked at him.
"Consider it a reward for being a good boyfriend."
Their eyes met, and as a reflex, Dohyun leaned down and placed a kiss on Wooyeon's cheek.
"Happy birthday."
No matter how many times he hears it, he still feels warm inside. About four years ago, he had wished to hear this congratulatory message from his seonsaeng, but Dohyun had left before his birthday. And now, he was still by his side even though his birthday had passed.
"Actually, I intended to give you a ring, but I was afraid you might feel awkward, so I didn't do it."
There are many words he wanted to say, but they got stuck in his throat: “thank you, I really like the gift”, or even “the ring wouldn't make me feel awkward”.
At that moment, Dohyun smiled brightly, his beautiful eyes sparkling.
"It's a couple's watch."
Finally, Wooyeon quietly nestled into Dohyun's embrace, expressing his emotions with a simple word, more than ten thank-yous.
"...I like you."
"..."
"I like you so much."
A pleasant wave of pheromones spread – dry and fresh, unclear whose it was. Dohyun chuckled softly, hugging Wooyeon tightly as if wanting to melt into each other.
After that, they lazily lay on the bed for about another hour. Not the passionate actions of the early morning, just intertwining their legs and chatting aimlessly. The main topic revolves around "Why do you have such a special birthday?"
"Is there anything unusual about having a birthday on Christmas Eve?"
"Of course. Never going to forget it."
Wooyeon had chosen a birthday gift for Dohyun six months in advance. With his height, a long coat would look very nice, and a wool scarf would also be suitable. Now that they had matching watches, it would be great to add a few more matching items.
"Yeon-ah."
Dohyun looked into Wooyeon's eyes, who was lying on him like a little puppy. Wooyeon looked up.
"Just asking gently..."
The words were a bit hesitant, just like last night when he suggested coming to his house.
"Do you want to live with me?"
"...What did you say?"
Wooyeon widened his eyes in surprise. This was not the kind of proposal that can be answered immediately like an overnight invitation. Dohyun gently stroked his hair, seemingly not wanting him to think too much.
"Since I started tutoring you, I've felt like that house is too lonely for you."
His mind went blank, and the emotional storm that had been raging inside him suddenly stilled, like a calm lake. Dohyun continued speaking, his voice sincere.
"I'm not forcing you to answer right now. You still have to ask your mother for permission, and it might be inconvenient in many ways. I also know this house is dangerous because the press could find it at any time."
"…"
"But Yeon-ah, I want you to have a place to escape to when you feel tired."
His gentle words were so moving that they made him want to cry. Despite his calm tone, hearing them made Wooyeon unable to stay composed. He thought back to the suffocating days in his current home.
The truth was, he couldn't deny that he had been wavering. If he could leave that suffocating house, he would feel better every day. He wouldn't be overwhelmed by loneliness anymore.
"…I..."
Wooyeon spoke slowly. Unlike his response to the invitation to stay over the night before, his answer came slowly this time. He felt choked, as though someone was squeezing his throat.
"This..."
Suddenly, the phone rang. The constant vibration indicated that it was a call, not a message.
"...It seems like there's a phone call."
Wooyeon sat up, as if to change the subject. Dohyun didn't stop him but instead reached for the phone on the side table. The call was for Wooyeon.
"…"
As soon as he looked at the screen, Wooyeon's expression changed. It wasn't just a frown, but an expression of distress. He stared at the phone for a while and sighed.
"...I think I have to go."
The name "Driver Yoon" displayed on the screen squeezed his heart. It felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over him as reality came crashing in.
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Chapter 97
The towering wall seemed even more majestic in the rain. The heavy downpour soaked the dark bricks, leaving streaks like a reflection of Wooyeon’s inner turmoil.
"Be careful when you go in."
As soon as Wooyeon ended the call, Dohyun had driven himself to bring him back. He didn’t forget to put the birthday gift Wooyeon had received into a clean bag and handed it to him. Wooyeon stood in front of the gate, looking dejected, like an animal being led to the slaughterhouse.
"I don’t want to go in..."
Though it wasn’t the last time they would meet, the feeling of parting still left him with an odd sadness. Just thinking about being alone again once he passed through this gate made him feel regretful. Although he wasn't being imprisoned, the idea of having to go back there on his own made him reluctant.
"We’ll meet again tomorrow."
Dohyun gently stroked Wooyeon’s cheek as if to calm his feelings, but that only made his sadness grow.
"I’ll stand here and watch you go in before I leave."
Finally, Wooyeon sighed and turned away to walk. With no other choice, he approached and began entering the password. But just before he could touch the keypad, the security system’s sound rang out. The heavy gate opened with a loud creak.
Through the gap in the door, a person dressed in all black appeared. They had neatly combed hair and wore a black suit, and if it had been night, they would have looked like the Grim Reaper. Without driver Yoon standing beside her, holding an umbrella to shield her, people might have mistaken her for a ghost.
"Where have you been coming back this late?"
Soo Hyang spoke with a tired expression. Though she usually had a cold demeanor, today she carried a special tension in the air. The pheromones surrounding her were so thick that they made Wooyeon feel suffocated, even from a few steps away.
"...I’m home, Mom."
Wooyeon spoke, as though answering the words Soo Hyang didn’t say. Though it was him returning, the one who had been gone longer was actually Soo Hyang. She glanced briefly at Dohyun and Wooyeon, then pressed her hand to her temple as if overcome with exhaustion.
"You’re late."
It wasn’t really that late; it was still bright out because of summer, and it wasn’t yet time for the usual dinner.
"You should have been home today. Do I have to call to find you?"
Wooyeon bit his lip and took a step inside the gate.
"Today" was probably not referring to his birthday but to the anniversary of the death of Soo Hyang’s Omega mother, someone Wooyeon didn’t even remember.
"I was just out for a bit."
"I heard you haven’t been home since yesterday. If you’re going to lie, don’t bother."
Soo Hyang took the umbrella from Driver Yoon’s hand and motioned for him to pass it to Wooyeon. Wooyeon quietly glanced at Dohyun and whispered just loud enough for him to hear.
"Thank you for bringing me back."
When the gate closed, the joy of the day ended there. In the house, without any servants, he would eat cold seaweed soup and open gifts from strangers. As every year, there would be no voice heard in the house.
Dohyun stood there, looking at Wooyeon and Soo Hyang with an emotionless expression. Wooyeon began to walk inside, but Dohyun remained still, as though he wanted to say something.
"You should go home too."
Soo Hyang said coldly, then turned away without hesitation. After taking a few steps, she sighed, adding one last remark.
"You probably came here today because you didn't know what day it is"
Wooyeon felt a lump in his throat. The emotions that had been suppressed suddenly surged. He lowered his head, his voice tinged with self-mockery.
"This damn day..."
His voice was so soft that it was drowned out by the sound of the rain. Even if it hadn’t been raining so heavily, perhaps no one would have heard it. But Soo Hyang heard it clearly and responded in a cold tone.
"Seon Wooyeon."
Just those two words caused his body to react. As always, the words he wanted to say got stuck in his throat.
"Stop acting foolish. Not today."
But when had it ever been okay? He thought to himself. When had she ever listened, that today she was suddenly saying it wasn't allowed?
"…"
Wooyeon bit his lower lip tightly and looked up. The rain was still pouring, and Driver Yoon stood there, holding the umbrella impassively. Seeing Soo Hyang’s exhausted, tense face, Wooyeon clenched his fists.
"Ah..."
Everything felt like it was sinking into mud. As joyful as last night had been, today was as chaotic. The feeling of happiness completely shattered, and the heart that had once raced with excitement now felt torn apart by the sharp blade of reality.
"I really hate all of it."
After saying that, Wooyeon turned and walked away, but not toward the house—he headed toward the gate where Dohyun stood.
"Seon Wooyeon!"
Soo Hyang’s shout echoed, but Wooyeon didn’t stop. He didn’t even acknowledge the confusion of Driver Yoon. He only looked toward Dohyun and grabbed his hand.
"Let’s go. I’m not going into the house anymore."
"What do you think you're doing?!"
Soo Hyang walked toward them, her face furious, the umbrella having fallen to the ground sometime earlier. As she reached for Wooyeon, Dohyun stepped in between them.
"Please calm down, Chairwoman."
"Get out of the way."
"Chairwoman."
"Did you not hear me telling you to get out of the way?"
Like Wooyeon, Soo Hyang was also a rare dominant Alpha. The powerful pheromones she released made even Dohyun’s shoulders shiver. But he remained calm, pulling Wooyeon behind him.
"Please calm down."
Dohyun’s low voice was calmer than ever. He completely blocked the pheromone from Soo Hyang and held Wooyeon’s hand tightly. The warmth of his hand, though slight, helped soothe Wooyeon’s heart.
"Stay out of matters that aren’t your concern. This is between me and Wooyeon."
Soo Hyang narrowed her eyes, glaring at Dohyun with a predatory gaze. Today, it seemed that the usual calmness she exuded had vanished; ever since the gate opened, she had shown only tension and impatience.
"I will leave, but..."
"Kim Dohyun."
She spoke just two words, laced with pheromones. Dohyun immediately fell silent. Soo Hyang continued in a flat tone.
"I have nothing to say to someone like you, someone who knows nothing about their own parents."
"Mom!"
The words were harsh. Even as a mere bystander, Wooyeon felt hurt, but Dohyun remained calm, responding without a flicker of hesitation.
"Why wouldn’t I know? Other people have two, but I have four."
Soo Hyang fell silent. Her expression was unclear, but there was a hint of surprise. Dohyun turned away, sighed, and spoke in a composed tone.
"Not today. Let’s talk about this tomorrow."
"…"
"In this situation, we can’t have a normal conversation."
This time, Soo Hyang couldn’t immediately counter him. There was only the sound of her grinding her teeth before she spoke slowly.
"Not tomorrow, but today..."
"Today is Wooyeon’s birthday."
Not only Soo Hyang but Wooyeon himself froze. His name being called so suddenly startled him. Dohyun’s voice remained as calm as ever.
"It’s the day your son was born. Today."
Why the emotions he had suppressed suddenly surged at this moment, Wooyeon couldn’t understand. Why, when he had held back tears, did they now feel like they were about to overflow?
"While you were out, Wooyeon had to stay home alone. In that huge house, he had to watch the rain all day, all by himself."
"…"
"Today is the wonderful day your son was born. Even if you can’t celebrate it, don’t make him think he shouldn’t have been born."
Soo Hyang fell silent, her lips moving but no words escaping. Her lifeless eyes seemed to reflect her bewilderment. Wooyeon clutched Dohyun’s shirt, resting his forehead against his back.
"...That’s enough."
The sound of the rain crashing down surrounded them. Dohyun’s heartbeat seemed to echo clearly in Wooyeon’s chest. Though the tears didn’t fall, the emotions that had been held back were finally released.
"Enough, teacher."
The words were choked, almost bringing him to tears. Hearing this, Dohyun turned his head. He raised his hand to cover his eyes, as if he, too, was moved. Wooyeon stood still for a moment, then looked up at Soo Hyang.
"You could have..."
"…"
"You could have taken me to visit the grave, mom."
There was no answer. The three of them, soaked by the rain, stood in silence, each consumed by their own pain. Wooyeon grasped Dohyun’s arm and walked out through the gate.
Nothing is as easy to crumble as a tower that was not built carefully. The relationship between Wooyeon and Soo Hyang was just as fragile, balanced on a knife’s edge, ready to break at any moment.
After a day that only left wounds, the rainy season continued without end. Wooyeon stayed at Dohyun’s house, and there was no contact from Soo Hyang. The sad conclusion made him even question if something as trivial as this had truly caused everything to end this way.
"Guess who’s in this photo?"
"Uh... this person?"
"Wow, you got it right."
Late in the afternoon, Wooyeon woke up and joined Dohyun in looking through his graduation album. Dohyun had promised to show it to him, but it wasn’t until now that he kept his word.
"You look great in your uniform."
Dohyun stood out with his above-average height among his classmates. He had developed early, so he often sat in the back row. Wooyeon admired the youthful image of Dohyun in the photo, wondering if he could see him in the uniform.
A few days later, Wooyeon received a call from Soo Hyang while having a late dinner with Dohyun. The topic of their conversation at the time was how the rainy season had dragged on for too long. When Wooyeon checked his phone, his expression fell.
"What’s wrong?"
The caller was none other than Soo Hyang. The name "Mom" appeared on the screen, something that felt so unfamiliar, leaving him stunned. Normally, she only contacted him through Driver Yoon, and this was the first time he had received a call directly from her.
"A call..."
Wooyeon couldn’t decide whether to answer or not. Should he pick up or not? While he was still hesitating, the call ended. But only a moment later, his phone began ringing again.
"Aren’t you going to answer?"
Dohyun asked gently, but Wooyeon still couldn’t answer. Even a simple call was enough to leave his throat dry.
But Dohyun’s words made Wooyeon decide to take the call.
"Do you think something might have happened?"
_________________________________________________
Chapter 98
Wooyeon felt nauseous, placing a hand on his chest to steady himself. The vast library room was filled with the scent of Alpha pheromones and a faint hint of wood. Sitting opposite him on the sofa was an Alpha who perfectly matched the heavy atmosphere of the room.
“Would you like some tea?”
“…No, I’m fine.”
It had been four years since Soo Hyang last contacted him. His mother, who had lived with him from childhood to adulthood, was also the person he felt most distant from. Even after just a few days together, Dohyun had started to open up, but Soo Hyang probably never would, no matter how many years passed.
“Just get straight to the point, Mom.”
From the moment he received the call from Soo Hyang, Wooyeon had tried to remain calm, though his heart was full of tension. He was afraid something bad had happened, like an accident or an unavoidable illness. Even though he knew Soo Hyang was always surrounded by bodyguards and had three private doctors, he couldn’t shake the worry.
“Alright… let’s get to it.”
Fortunately, the reason Soo Hyang wanted to meet wasn’t an accident or anything grim. It was simply to ask about his schedule and request that he come home if possible. Wooyeon could have ignored it, but Dohyun’s advice made him hesitate.
“Whatever you do, you have to end it completely. Just like it was between you and me.”
What a coincidence—the example Dohyun gave was about their relationship. With nothing left to refute, Wooyeon reluctantly agreed, though even that small concession seemed to relieve Dohyun.
“…”
“…”
Silence engulfed them again. Since stepping into this study, that silence had never truly lifted. Even when they spoke, an awkward and subdued atmosphere lingered between them.
“If there’s nothing else to say, I’ll be leaving.”
Unable to bear the oppressive quiet any longer, Wooyeon stood up. He believed he had shown enough courtesy, but Soo Hyang’s gaze immediately sharpened.
“Sit down. We’re not finished.”
Her tone remained as firm as ever. Wooyeon had thought this time might be different since she had reached out to him, but that hope was just an illusion. Years of living with her had taught him better. Realizing this truth made him chuckle bitterly.
“I thought you called me here to apologize.”
He knew it was impossible, so why had he entertained such a naive hope? The absurdities in Wooyeon’s life already included one too many—falling in love and being with his seonsaeng was more than enough.
“I’m such a fool. You would never do that.”
With those words, Wooyeon grabbed the umbrella resting beside him. He no longer felt disappointment, only hoping it wouldn’t rain on his way back. It had been raining when he arrived, so the chance of it clearing up was slim.
“Next time, just have Driver Yoon call me. If I see your number pop up…”
“Wooyeon.”
“…”
Wooyeon stopped in his tracks. That voice felt unfamiliar. She hadn’t addressed him as “Seon Wooyeon” but simply as “Wooyeon.” It felt even stranger than when Junseong called his name.
“…Say what you want.”
Against his better judgment, Wooyeon gave Soo Hyang another chance. Perhaps it was better to hear her out than to leave with lingering questions. At last, Soo Hyang brought up a reason he had heard many times before.
“I only wanted to protect you.”
“…That’s not protection.”
Wooyeon responded with the same line as always. It seemed Soo Hyang had expected this, as she shifted the topic to an entirely unfamiliar name.
“Hayeon…”
Her voice was tinged with nostalgia. The once unshakable look in her eyes softened at the mention of that name. Soo Hyang’s deeply furrowed brow relaxed, and she spoke in a low, gravelly tone.
“Your mother… named you Wooyeon.”
This was the first time Wooyeon had heard such a thing. He had never asked about the origin of his name. As if hypnotized, he sat back down while Soo Hyang gave a bitter smile.
“More precisely, it was the name given to you when you were still in her womb.”
Seon Hayeon.
It had been so long that the name felt forgotten in his memory. He had only heard it a few times and never thought to remember it.
Soo Hyang continued talking about Hayeon for quite some time. The story was scattered, often circling back to the beginning before moving forward again. Wooyeon listened intently, missing none of the faded memories she recounted.
“Your mother was so frail that she couldn’t travel far.”
Hayeon had pale skin and a fragile, delicate body. Though her family wasn’t poor, the cost of treating her illness had drained their finances. When they were on the brink of bankruptcy, she had a chance encounter with Soo Hyang.
“Her family strongly opposed it, but at that point, I wasn’t afraid of anything anymore.”
Since the age of seventeen, their relationship lasted into their twenties. It began as friendship, grew into love, and eventually became a partnership built on promises for the future.
“It wasn’t until Hayeon was pregnant with you that I brought her home.”
At that time, Soo Hyang still believed everything would turn out fine. She had completed the marriage registration, and Hayeon’s illness seemed solvable with enough money—billions of won, if necessary. But what Soo Hyang overlooked was the fundamental difference in the worlds she and Hayeon came from.
“How foolish. Back then, I thought taking over the company as soon as possible was the best thing to do. I was so focused on the future that I ignored the present unfolding right in front of me.”
Hayeon gradually withered under Soo Hyang’s indifference and the excessive scrutiny of the media. Unable to endure a life where every move was watched, she withdrew into the house.
“I wasn’t the one who imprisoned Hayeon.”
By the time Soo Hyang realized that Hayeon’s condition wasn’t improving, it was too late. No amount of money could help if the person had lost the will to live. Time passed, and the due date approached, but Hayeon grew weaker and weaker.
“If she hadn’t met me, she might have lived a happy life.”
In the end, what Soo Hyang thought was destiny ended cruelly. Hayeon passed away before she could give birth to Wooyeon, and skilled doctors managed to save Wooyeon. Soo Hyang gave him the surname “Seon,” but she couldn’t bear to face his face, which was identical to Hayeon’s.
"Except for bringing back the dead, there’s nothing in this world money can’t do."
After losing the one she loved, Soo Hyang didn’t want to lose their child too. Though she had never truly embraced him, she feared someone might try to take him away, so she decided to hide him. Erasing all traces of Hayeon and making it seem like Wooyeon didn’t exist was not difficult for her.
“I couldn’t protect her, so I just wanted to protect you.”
Soo Hyang claimed that she truly loved Hayeon—not that she “had loved” her, but that she “loved” her still. Wooyeon couldn’t gauge the depth of that love. Nor did he intend to determine whether it had been warped or expressed in the wrong ways.
“I owe you an apology.”
A woman who had never bowed her head to anyone—proud, domineering, the epitome of a corporate magnate. For someone like her, saying “sorry” was likely an immense challenge. The apology sounded strange, awkward, devoid of natural ease.
“I’m sorry.”
Of course, Wooyeon didn’t say he was fine. He had never been fine and couldn’t lie just to ease her guilt.
“I don’t understand why you feel the need to apologize.”
To Wooyeon, it was an entirely valid question. Twenty-one years of emotional distance couldn’t be bridged in the short span of a rainy season.
“…There was a call. From him.”
It wasn’t hard to guess who “him” referred to. In this world, only one person would dare call Soo Hyang to talk about Wooyeon.
“I wasn’t the only one who lost a family, but I realized it far too late. And I never thought I’d have to hear that from someone outside our family.”
She genuinely looked regretful. Soo Hyang, a woman who seemed invincible, as if even stabbing her wouldn’t draw blood, now smiled bitterly in a way that didn’t match her usual strength.
“It’s just you and me now... Will you come back home?”
A bold question. Wooyeon chuckled softly and shook his head. While Soo Hyang hadn’t imprisoned Hayeon, she had indeed imprisoned Wooyeon.
“So, you chose to come to my place?”
Lying next to him, Dohyun gently stroked Wooyeon’s hair and placed a hand on his neck. Wooyeon shrank away slightly, shaking his head.
“I’ve made everything clear. When the new semester starts, I’ll move out and live closer to school so I can focus on my studies.”
“Are you sure it’ll be safe?”
“There will probably be more bodyguards.”
Wooyeon left the grand house and got into Driver Yoon’s car to return to Dohyun. Despite witnessing everything that had happened that day, Driver Yoon didn’t bring it up. That was likely why he had remained by Soo Hyang’s side for so many years.
“She says she's sorry, but people don’t change that easily. If it were that simple, I wouldn’t have argued with you in the first place.”
His feelings were indescribable. There was relief, but also plenty of frustration. Nothing had truly changed, so it was impossible to feel a difference yet. Dohyun looked at him for a moment before pulling him into his arms.
“Sometimes, the best way to get along with family is to live apart.”
“Is that your experience?”
“More or less.”
A gentle trace of pheromones lingered around them. Perhaps because he had just endured Soo Hyang's intense pheromones, Wooyeon finally felt a sense of peace. Wrapping his arms around Dohyun’s waist, he thought to himself how pheromones could be so comforting.
“I didn’t know they really loved each other.”
Wooyeon had heard stories about Hayeon from the house staff. Rumors filtered into the ears of a child like him with perfect clarity.
They said the chairwoman brought home a poor Omega, that her controlling nature eventually led to the woman’s death. Some even speculated that Wooyeon would meet the same fate as his mother. Those whispers remained etched in his memory.
“It’s hard to imagine her loving anyone.”
“I think so too.”
The idea that Soo Hyang had someone she truly loved, especially his mother, was difficult to grasp. Any fleeting expressions he might have noticed were quickly rejected by his own mind.
“Seonsaeng…”
“…”
“Seonbae…”
“…”
“Hyung…”
“Yes, what is it?”
Wooyeon smiled, burying his face in Dohyun’s chest. Before, whenever he needed to call out, he would alternate between “seonsaeng” and other titles. But now, only when he said “hyung” did Dohyun respond.
“I just… want to thank you.”
“What for?”
If it weren’t for Dohyun, Wooyeon’s life might have remained unchanged—like his middle school years, his thoughts, and even his attitude toward Soo Hyang.
“For so many things…”
“So many things?”
“…I heard you called my mom.”
“…I thought…”
Dohyun hesitated, tightening his embrace around Wooyeon as he spoke with uncertainty.
“I thought I gave you a place to escape to.”
The phrase “place to escape” didn’t feel particularly positive. Even Dohyun’s gentle tone couldn’t soften its weight.
“I wonder if asking you to stay with me only added fuel to the fire.”
Perhaps Dohyun felt that he had sparked everything. He worried that situations that could have quietly passed escalated simply because of him. How gentle he was.
“I’m not saying I haven’t thought about that…”
Wooyeon began slowly, choosing his words carefully. Truthfully, he couldn’t deny that when he left the house that day, he had considered Dohyun’s home a place to go. Having a destination made it easier to walk away.
“But that was just an excuse.”
With or without Dohyun, this would have happened. Perhaps the timeline had simply been accelerated because, deep down, Wooyeon had always wanted to escape.
Dohyun gently patted his back.
“The chairwoman would have done the same.”
“…”
“If it wasn’t me, one day, she would have apologized.”
Dohyun’s steady breathing and the soft rhythm of his heartbeat near Wooyeon’s ear brought him comfort.
“So don’t think it’s all because of me.”
It seemed Dohyun could read Wooyeon’s thoughts. While Wooyeon thought everything had happened thanks to him, Dohyun had apparently recognized this, too. As perceptive as ever—this was Kim Dohyun.
“Let’s go on a trip.”
“A trip?”
Dohyun was Wooyeon’s first love, the one who had comforted and saved him, and now the refuge he sought.
“I heard the rainy season ends today. We could go somewhere.”
Four years ago, the rainy season hadn’t yet begun when they parted ways. It was a fleeting moment, during the transition from spring to summer, with fewer than ten rains. In those brief moments, Wooyeon had soaked into Dohyun like spring rain into the earth.
“Somewhere domestic, or abroad…”
Even though the rainy season had passed, their bond endured. Perhaps even as seasons changed, Dohyun would remain by his side.
“As long as I’m with you, anywhere is fine.”
Wooyeon’s heart swelled with joy. Dohyun chuckled shyly and nodded, his eyes full of affection for Wooyeon.
“I love you too, Yeon-ah.”
It wasn’t quite the answer to the question, but Wooyeon didn’t complain. Instead, as Dohyun kissed him, he softly closed his eyes.
Even though the rain had stopped, Wooyeon stayed beside him, drenched in his love. The dark clouds that once loomed over him had vanished. This was a night without rain, without loneliness.
Alpha Trauma
― The End.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 1
Summer arrived with its sweltering heat. Inside the house, the cool air from the air conditioner made it far more comfortable than the scene outside, where the dense trees bent under the oppressive heat. The refreshing atmosphere, paired with a soft blanket, created the perfect environment for a deep slumber. On the bed, a small, curled-up figure was nestled in the blanket, sleeping soundly.
Dohyun turned and looked at the face peeking out from the layers of the blanket. Eyes tightly shut and lips faintly moving in sleep. Though the room was cool, it might have been a little warm under the blanket. Still, his lover remained deeply asleep—likely because Dohyun had pushed him to his limits the night before.
“Yeon-ah, how long do you plan on sleeping?” he asked softly, his voice gentle, as if not to wake the other. As expected, Wooyeon didn’t stir, his breathing steady in deep sleep.
It had been a month since summer break began. Initially, Wooyeon had planned to stay at his mother’s house during the break but ended up spending most of his time at Dohyun’s. At first, it was out of hesitation to face Soo Hyang, but later, it was simply because he didn’t want to be apart. Soo Hyang didn’t mind, so the two had practically been inseparable for the past month.
In truth, Dohyun wasn’t the type to let others invade his personal space. No matter how close he was to someone, he always maintained clear boundaries, and bringing someone to his home crossed that line. Even his previous lovers had never set foot inside his house.
Moreover, unlike Wooyeon, who had little concept of money, Dohyun was well aware of his standard of living. A spacious apartment with four bedrooms, a large living room, and a big kitchen was clearly excessive for a college student living alone. One didn’t have to look twice to know what others might think about it.
But Wooyeon was different. Dohyun had never hesitated to bring him home. The brief discomfort Dohyun felt was a sense of guilt for the things he hadn’t yet shared with Wooyeon. The feeling of rejecting others from entering his personal space simply didn’t exist when it came to Wooyeon.
Of course, part of it was because Dohyun believed Wooyeon didn’t care about the size of the house. In fact, Wooyeon seemed more interested in Garam’s small apartment, which made Dohyun understand his personality well. After all, to Wooyeon, a penthouse in a high-rise building was just “a regular apartment,” so it would have been strange if he had been surprised.
Days that began and ended with Seon Wooyeon were filled with happiness. When Dohyun first received the apartment from his parents, he had thought the spacious house was pointless, but just having the chance to bring Wooyeon there had completely changed his feelings about it.
Recently, right after the rainy season ended, they even went on a trip together. Because Wooyeon had mentioned wanting to see the sea, the two packed their bags and left on a whim, staying in a luxurious hotel for about four days. Although they couldn’t move around freely due to reporters, the scenery from the window alone was enough to make them both content.
“This is the first time I’ve ever traveled like this.”
Wooyeon loved traveling with Dohyun the most. Whether it was feeling the sea breeze on the balcony, choosing dishes from the room service menu, or soaking in the bathtub, he looked at Dohyun with sparkling eyes and an excited face. His flushed, adorable expression made Dohyun want to playfully nibble on his cheek.
“Such an adorable sleeper.”
Thinking back to that moment, Dohyun smiled and placed a gentle kiss on Wooyeon’s forehead. Perhaps the disturbance in his sleep caused Wooyeon to frown and mumble under the blanket, but eventually, he nestled comfortably in Dohyun’s arms.
“Be good now…”
With just a few light pats, Wooyeon returned to his peaceful state. He clearly felt at ease with Dohyun’s familiar warmth and pheromones. Watching him like this, resembling a small child... Dohyun wrapped his arms tightly around the fluffy figure on the bed, a bold thought crossing his mind.
About ten minutes later, Wooyeon slowly opened his eyes. At that moment, Dohyun was kissing him and gently stroking his back through the blanket, filling the air with his pheromones.
“Mm…”
His eyelids fluttered open, revealing clear, delicate eyes with thin lids. Normally sharp, his gaze softened with the lingering haze of sleep.
“You’re awake?”
“Mm-hmm…”
Even in a sleepy state, Wooyeon still naturally acted cute. He rubbed his face against Dohyun's palm, looking like a cat being affectionate.
"I'm so hot..."
When he’s sleeping, he feels fine, but upon waking up, he feels burning hot. Even though it's a summer blanket, being wrapped up tightly like a kimbap made it hot. Adding to Dohyun's body temperature, the air conditioner was no longer effective.
Wooyeon turned over, pushing the blanket away from his body. Under the blanket, his bare body was exposed. Unlike Dohyun, who was properly dressed, Wooyeon was completely bare.
"Do you want to sleep a bit more?"
"Yes..."
Dohyun extended an arm for Wooyeon to lean on. Wooyeon comfortably nestled in, resting his small head on his chest. The skin, hot like a child's, touched him.
"You are not wearing anything."
The upper body was pale white, the round buttocks were firm, and the two pale thighs were marked with traces of intimacy. Normally, Dohyun would have dressed him, but today he changed his mind. Of course, he had wrapped him tightly in a blanket to avoid catching a cold.
"Seonsaeng is also shirtless..."
"Seonsaeng," huh? Clearly, words spoken in sleep. He wasn't sure whether to correct the way he was addressed or the phrase "shirtless." After thinking for a while, Dohyun chose to gently stroke his back. As his hand softly brushed over, Wooyeon opened his eyes slightly to look at him.
"...."
"What's wrong?"
"...."
"If you're sleepy, just go back to sleep."
The eyes were full of resentment. That gaze seemed to say, "Then don't touch me anymore." That look seemed to say. But Dohyun pretended not to know and continued to caress his waist. Just lowering his hand a little bit would allow him to grab Wooyeon's butt.
"How can I sleep like this..."
Wooyeon mumbled in complaint and turned his back like a caterpillar, trying to escape from Dohyun's hand, but he remained unfazed and continued to move his hand. From the flat stomach to the smooth chest, feeling the soft skin, Wooyeon's slender neck made him even more delighted.
"I want to bite it..." Thinking that, Dohyun didn't hesitate to lean down and kiss Wooyeon's neck. On the already flushed neck, Wooyeon's distinctive pheromone was released in abundance. As if savoring sweet honey, he kissed passionately, causing Wooyeon to slightly shrug his shoulders and close his legs.
"Hic..."
Wooyeon's round earlobes turned bright red. It seemed that not only was it because he had just woken up, but there was another reason making his breath shorter. The fragrant pheromone has now become more intense, and the intervals between Wooyeon's slight shivers are getting shorter.
"If you're sleepy, then I'll stop."
Actually, Dohyun didn't intend to wake him up. He just thought that if he was already awake, he might get up, but if Wooyeon was still tired, he would let him sleep more. However, despite thinking that way, his hand kept moving.
"You... keep... touching me..."
"Or should I stop?"
Dohyun replied with a rather unserious remark, while his right hand moved down between Wooyeon's legs. It seemed that Wooyeon had completely given up on the idea of sleeping more, as he no longer tried to stop anything. When Dohyun grabbed Wooyeon's hardened cock, the distinctive pheromone of an Omega immediately filled the air.
"Haa..."
Wooyeon's white skin is very distinctive, with areas on his body where the color is so light that it's hard to see clearly, like around his chest or at the tip of his member. With its pale pink hue and sparse hair, touching those spots made Dohyun feel like he was doing something mischievous.
"Ugh... ha..."
Not knowing when it started, a clear liquid has been flowing out, making the tip of the penis wet and glossy. Perhaps because it was very sensitive and easily stimulated, just a slight touch caused a noticeable reaction. The shoulders trembled, not knowing what else to do but grip the edge of the blanket tightly."
Dohyun adjusted the speed moderately so that Wooyeon wouldn't shoot too early. If he went too fast, he'll get exhausted quickly, and the only one who will feel regret would be Dohyun. Didn't Wooyeon reach his peak three times last night before Dohyun shot once? "Yeon-ah, try to hold on a bit."
Even though it was an unreasonable request, for Dohyun, it was sincere. However, after hearing those words, Wooyeon looked at Dohyun with tearful eyes. Dohyun kissed the corners of his eyes and cheeks, then took the condom from beside the pillow.
‘…I want to come now hyung…’
‘…It's only in moments like this, isn't it?’'
It really is a hard habit to break. Normally, there's nothing particularly cute about it (though still endearing), but on the bed, with just a little teasing and he immediately becomes whiny and demanding. While Dohyun doesn't dislike this side of him, the problem is that it only fuels his growing impatience.
"Just a little bit, okay?"
Dohyun gently coaxed Wooyeon and then took out the terrifyingly erect penis. After putting on a condom and getting into position, Wooyeon instinctively tensed his body. One hand, Dohyun gently rubbed under Wooyeon's tailbone, while the other hand, acting as a pillow, was brought to Wooyeon's mouth.
"You have to relax."
‘Haa…’
The tip of his finger touched his white, even teeth. When Dohyun pressed Wooyeon's tongue down with his middle finger, Wooyeon slightly frowned. Until now, Dohyun always felt that the inside of Wooyeon's mouth was particularly pink and hot, providing an incredibly stimulating sensation.
'If I put that thing in his mouth...'
It would surely be very tight.
‘A…!’
The head of the penis widened the entrance. Even though he didn't use his hands to touch it, it still felt more comfortable than usual. This was partly because it was soaked, and also because that place had tightly held onto Dohyun's until early morning.
'Hmm, uh….'
Dohyun carefully observed Wooyeon's reaction as he slowly entered, ready to stop immediately if he saw any signs of pain. However, he only let out a soft moan, wrapping his tongue around the finger.
‘…Ha.’
Although knowing that it was an unconscious action, a feeling of tension rose in the lower abdomen. The thread of reason immediately snapped. At the same moment, the thick object pushed deep inside.
‘Ah!’
Wooyeon immediately reached orgasm when penetrated from below. After a long night of release, his semen was as thin as water. The inner walls were hot and tight, gripping the iron rod, causing Dohyun to let out a soft moan and frown.
‘Ugh…’
Even though they had been intimate many times, Wooyeon's insides were still always tight. This is because Wooyeon tightens up each time, never getting used to it.
‘Ah… huff…’
‘Be good now… it’s all in.’
Dohyun increased the pheromone level and turned Wooyeon's head. He intended to give him a gentle kiss to soothe him, but as soon as their eyes met, Wooyeon's sharp gaze softened. The corners of his eyes were slightly wet.
"You... are too big..."
It seemed like Dohyuns tastes were becoming bolder and bolder.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 2
It can be said that Dohyun is the type of person who tends to keep things dry and restrained when it comes to intimacy. Leaving marks is something he has never thought of, nor has he ever lost patience to the point of initiating aggressively. Some might cling to him, but he has never been the one to cling to anyone first.
But with Wooyeon, things are different. Just looking at him is enough to set his heart ablaze, making him constantly want to touch him. Simply biting and leaving his mark isn’t enough; sometimes, he feels like swallowing him whole in one go.
“…Yeon-ah.”
Truly, he’s deeply in love. Throwing himself into it like this without restraint—even if Wooyeon were to hate him for it, he couldn't blame him.
“Look at me.”
“……”
Wooyeon’s glistening eyes turned toward Dohyun. They were so radiant and beautiful that they softened his heart continuously. The funny thing was, even at that moment, a cruel desire to possess him entirely arose.
“Does it hurt?”
“Uh…”
Wooyeon didn’t reply, letting his trembling eyelashes speak for him instead. But as Dohyun gently caressed his eyelids, then kissed his cheek and ear, Wooyeon’s tense body gradually relaxed. Dohyun softly bit his ear, whispering tenderly.
“Does it still hurt?”
“…No.”
Finally, Wooyeon lightly shook his head. The corners of his eyes were still tinged with red, but perhaps not from pain. Most of the words he spoke in bed were mere sulks or affectionate grumbles.
“It’s just… I don’t like this position…”
His choked voice was so endearing. Wooyeon whimpered like a child, but obediently parted his lips when kissed. Every small gesture of his was unbelievably adorable; perhaps this is what people mean by “love-blinded.”
“Then let’s face each other, okay?”
Dohyun knew Wooyeon liked the face-to-face position. He also understood it was because Wooyeon wanted to be completely embraced. For someone unaccustomed to the sensations of pleasure, it was probably all just fear; at least, that wasn’t just a mere whim.
As expected, Wooyeon immediately nodded. He shifted as if wanting to be held, and Dohyun slowly lifted him. With his hard length still buried deep inside, Wooyeon let out a soft moan.
“Uh…”
Dohyun pressed deeper inside, causing Wooyeon to tremble slightly at the overwhelming sensation. Leaning down, he placed a series of kisses across Wooyeon’s face—his forehead, eyelids, nose bridge, cheeks, and finally, his lips. One hand gently cupped Wooyeon’s slender chin, tilting his face slightly, while Wooyeon instinctively placed his hands on Dohyun’s broad shoulders.
As if waiting for that cue, Dohyun began to move his hips back. Despite the unexpected motion, Wooyeon didn’t break away from the kiss. Dohyun teased Wooyeon’s tongue with his own, all while slowly pulling halfway out and then pushing back in, deepening the intimate connection between them.
“Haa…!”
A breathy moan escaped, and Wooyeon’s back arched in shivering waves. Dohyun braced one hand beside Wooyeon’s face, while the other gently caressed his soft cheek, slowly withdrawing again.
“Wait… just a moment…”
The hand resting on Dohyun’s shoulder gripped him tighter. Each time they were this close, Wooyeon often left scratch marks on his back, and today the sensation felt sharper—perhaps it was time to trim his nails.
“Yeah, it’s okay.”
“It’s okay… but… ah…”
“Just like a cat,” Dohyun thought to himself, lowering his body slightly. To give Wooyeon time to adjust, he began with shallow thrusts. Wooyeon shook his head repeatedly, his voice choked with frustration.
“You said you’d look at me…”
“Haa…”
Dohyun chuckled—not because it was amusing, but because he felt an even stronger urge to tease him. Although Wooyeon was far from a child, Dohyun couldn’t resist provoking him like this.
“I am looking at you, Yeon-ah.”
“That’s not… what I meant… ah…!”
Dohyun realized he was developing a peculiar habit. Wooyeon’s small face flushed crimson, his beautiful eyes losing focus, while sweet moans spilled from his lips.
He knew it was a strange fascination, but Dohyun enjoyed seeing Wooyeon tear up in bed. Normally, even the slightest hint of sadness from Wooyeon would soften his heart, but these uncontrollable tears of pleasure stirred something deep and primal within him.
“Ah… I… hic…”
Dohyun leaned down, his tongue lightly brushing away the tears collecting at the corners of Wooyeon’s eyes. As he pushed all the way in, Wooyeon let out a startled gasp. Wrapping his arms tightly around Wooyeon’s waist, Dohyun buried his face into the softness of his shoulder.
The air seemed saturated with Wooyeon’s sweet pheromones, filling the space entirely. Although Dohyun was a dominant alpha himself, he couldn’t compare to the intoxicating effect Wooyeon’s presence had. The scent was so overpowering it made his throat dry, as if the very air was infused with an addictive allure.
“Hic… slower… please…”
“I’ll be gentle, it’s okay.”
Dohyun’s large hand gently caressed Wooyeon’s upper body. Like soothing a child with a stomach ache, he rubbed Wooyeon’s abdomen lightly before moving slowly to his flat chest. His other hand served as a pillow, cradling Wooyeon’s shoulder protectively.
“Hold my hand… that’s it.”
Dohyun savored the feeling of soft skin beneath his fingertips, lightly brushing against Wooyeon’s perked nipples. Wooyeon’s sensitive body reacted instantly, tightening both above and below at even the slightest touch. When Dohyun pressed gently on the sensitive peak, a captivating reaction followed, making it impossible for him to stop.
“Ah…!”
Wooyeon’s inner walls tightened, sending a wave of intense pleasure through Dohyun, prompting him to nip softly at Wooyeon’s neck. Wooyeon seemed to feel the pleasure too, trembling as his nails dug lightly into Dohyun’s arm.
“Haa…”
Dohyun exhaled softly and began to move his hips rhythmically. Wooyeon’s body had relaxed slightly, and Dohyun himself was reaching his limit. Despite having reached his peak earlier, Wooyeon was now responding sensitively again.
Dohyun slowly pulled out and pushed back in, aiming for the most sensitive spots inside Wooyeon—from just below his navel to the deepest parts. Even with such teasingly slow movements, Wooyeon couldn’t help but let out intense moans.
“Haa… ah…!”
“Does it feel good here?”
“No… no, it doesn’t… hic… ah…!”
There was no way it didn’t feel good. Just the sounds coming from Wooyeon’s throat told Dohyun everything he needed to know. The tightening of Wooyeon’s body every time Dohyun pushed in was proof enough. Truthfully, Wooyeon wasn’t yet used to showing his feelings during moments like this.
“Hic… I… no, you can’t…”
Each deep thrust from Dohyun caused the tip of him to press against the most sensitive spots inside Wooyeon. His hand, which had been caressing Wooyeon’s chest, slid down to rest on his lower abdomen, rising and falling with each movement. With every thrust, the wet sounds became more pronounced, carrying an undeniable sensuality.
“Ah… I…”
“Yes, Yeon-ah.”
“This… hic… your hand…”
Wooyeon, flustered, grabbed Dohyun’s hand and shook his head lightly, as if asking him to stop. Though fully understanding his intent, Dohyun deliberately thrust deeper, pressing his hand down at the same time.
“Haa…!”
Wooyeon’s trembling shoulders jerked as waves of pheromones filled the air when he held his breath. Realizing Wooyeon was close to his climax, Dohyun pressed gently against a particularly sensitive spot inside him.
“…!”
Wooyeon gripped Dohyun’s hand tightly as he reached his peak. Thin streams of release spilled out, staining the blanket. Dohyun thought he should have caught it, then wrapped Wooyeon tightly in his arms, holding him close as if to keep him from breaking apart.
“…Ah.”
As Wooyeon climaxed, his inner muscles tightened around Dohyun as if trying to hold him in place, sending a wave of intense sensation coursing through Dohyun’s entire body. He paused his movements momentarily, raising the hand that had been serving as a pillow to brush against Wooyeon’s parted lips.
“Shh… breathe, take a deep breath.”
“Haa… ha…”
Wooyeon’s shallow breaths turned into gasps as the tension in his body gradually eased. As Dohyun gently touched him, Wooyeon instinctively bit down lightly on his finger with his front teeth.
“Ah…”
Though Dohyun reacted to the action, it didn’t hurt at all. Wooyeon’s bite carried a hint of frustration, but it was so gentle, it resembled a child nibbling in irritation.
“You’re really…”
Even though Wooyeon didn’t finish his sentence, Dohyun could guess the rest—likely a soft reproach, mild annoyance, or a trace of lingering sadness.
“I won’t do that again next time.”
Dohyun made a promise he knew would be difficult to keep, his hand gently holding Wooyeon’s thigh. Wooyeon, lying there like a drenched rag doll, blinked up at him. Dohyun didn’t withdraw but instead shifted, lifting Wooyeon’s relaxed legs.
“Hic…”
Wooyeon’s delicate brows knitted together as his body moved, the angle of their connection changing as Dohyun shifted him from lying on his side to lying flat on the bed. Wooyeon’s wide eyes betrayed his surprise at the sudden adjustment.
“…What are you doing?”
He looked completely bewildered, as if he didn’t understand what was happening. Dohyun gazed at him and smiled faintly. How adorable. Wooyeon always assumed things would end once he had reached his peak.
“You said you wanted us to look at each other.”
Dohyun pressed in deeply again, their lower bodies still firmly connected. The tightness inside Wooyeon began to ease, accommodating him more easily. Dohyun leaned down, carefully brushing aside Wooyeon’s sweat-dampened hair.
“I’m not done yet.”
“No way…”
Though Dohyun spoke in the gentlest tone possible, Wooyeon still looked a little shocked. But as soon as Dohyun kissed him, Wooyeon obediently wrapped his arms around his neck. This endearing act stirred something deep within Dohyun’s chest, and he released a subtle wave of pheromones into the air.
“Hmph…”
Wooyeon’s chest rose and fell as he wrapped his legs around Dohyun, clinging to him like a small koala. Dohyun, familiar with this posture, supported Wooyeon’s back and adjusted his movements to target the places that Wooyeon could feel most clearly.
“Ha… ah…”
Wooyeon’s moans were muffled as his breaths and pheromones seemed to intertwine with Dohyun’s, as though he was being wholly claimed. With each deliberate thrust, Wooyeon’s soft tongue quivered.
No matter what he said, Wooyeon was vulnerable to pleasure. Dohyun knew that Wooyeon could stop him if he truly wanted to, but instead, Wooyeon feigned submission, unable to resist. Not that Dohyun had any right to judge when it came to pretending.
“Ah… hic… ah…”
Just as they both reached a crescendo, a faint vibration echoed in the background. At the edge of their dwindling rationality, Dohyun pulled back slightly, looking directly into Wooyeon’s wide eyes.
“……”
“……”
Their heavy breaths dissipated into the air. Dohyun’s faint reflection lingered in Wooyeon’s crystalline gaze. After a few beats, Dohyun spoke in a low, more composed voice.
“…Do you want to answer the call?”
A flicker of regret passed through Wooyeon’s expression. Seeing this, Dohyun narrowed his eyes, looking like a sly fox. After a brief moment of hesitation, Wooyeon shook his head lightly.
“Later…”
When their lips met again, all semblance of reason vanished. As Wooyeon gently raised his hips in a silent plea, Dohyun’s restraint completely dissolved.
It wasn’t until half a day later that they noticed the missed call from “Danny.” It was just another peaceful day, like any other.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 3
Wooyeon sat by the window in a café, surrounded by the atmosphere of summer. His neck was exposed to the light, his shirt soaked with the pheromones of an alpha, loose shorts, and a watch designed similarly to Dohyun’s.
Dohyun felt that although the outfit wasn't anything special, it made him more uncomfortable than ever. Perhaps it was because of the pale, smooth legs visible under the shorts, or the clean neck that looked like a flawless piece of white cloth. Whatever it was, it clearly made him uneasy.
"Did you say you lost your phone?"
Danny's voice rang out, sounding like an English listening test. Dohyun reached for his drink on the table, feeling his throat dry even though the weather wasn’t hot. As he removed the paper straw and put his lips to the rim of the cup, Wooyeon glanced at him.
"Yeah, I finally found it, but the police didn’t know English, so…"
The man sitting across from Wooyeon stared at him with a cheerful expression, unconcerned about Dohyun’s presence. Danny’s bright blue eyes were fixed on Wooyeon, a wide smile on his face as he continued talking enthusiastically.
"That’s why I called you."
When Danny set his coffee down, the sound of ice clinking in the cup rang out, but he paid no attention, absorbed in his story. Dohyun’s finger traced the condensation on the glass, silently observing the man.
Danny had dark blond hair, and his gentle eyes were like those of a puppy. Though his build was shorter, his broad shoulders and physique could have made him a quarterback in a football team. Yet, his face looked incredibly innocent.
‘So this is the Danny I’ve heard about.’
Normally, Dohyun wouldn’t have any connection to this man, but now he had been observing him for almost 10 minutes. Though Danny was paying attention only to Wooyeon, Dohyun didn’t take his eyes off him.
This strange encounter had begun about an hour earlier.
An hour ago, after showering and drying Wooyeon’s hair, Dohyun had been thinking about what to have for dinner. It was so hot, and he thought Wooyeon could use some nourishment, especially since Wooyeon always seemed drained after being intimate (though if Wooyeon had heard this, he would definitely have disagreed). While he was pondering, Wooyeon suddenly exclaimed.
"Huh?"
Wooyeon’s normally half-lidded eyes opened wide. On the phone screen, inside the case Seongyu had given him, appeared a familiar name even Dohyun knew. Immediately, Wooyeon answered the call and asked the person on the other end directly.
"Danny? Are you in Korea?"
That question was the start of everything. After explaining that he had been too busy to answer the call, Wooyeon secretly glanced at Dohyun and said he couldn’t go out right now. The entire conversation was in English, a language Dohyun understood, so he smiled, gently rubbing the back of his still-damp neck, playing the role of a tolerant lover.
"If you want to meet him, I’ll take you."
Actually, it was a test. Half of him hoped Wooyeon would refuse, and half of him wanted to meet this person named "Danny." He was confident that with Wooyeon’s current state, Wooyeon would refuse.
"...Really?"
But Wooyeon nodded eagerly, his face shining with anticipation. Seeing his expression, Dohyun couldn’t say “no,” and silently handed him the car keys and his pheromone-scented shirt to wear.
So, despite feeling exhausted, they went together to meet “Danny.” Dohyun had wanted to feed Wooyeon first, but he said he wasn’t hungry, so Dohyun thought of stopping at a café for some pastries. On the way, Wooyeon innocently talked about Danny.
"Danny doesn’t know Korean, so…"
"When I was racially discriminated against, Danny…"
"When I had my first heat, Danny brought inhibitors for me…"
Danny, Danny, and again Danny.
Dohyun patiently listened, but when Wooyeon said that Danny had helped him through his first heat, Dohyun smiled gently, but with a sharp edge, tapping his fingers lightly on the steering wheel and asked in a soft tone.
"So… Danny’s an omega?"
Fortunately, Danny was a beta. Dohyun sighed in relief, knowing that he couldn’t sense pheromones, but then he became annoyed when he remembered the shirt Wooyeon was wearing. Not being able to sense pheromones was both lucky and unlucky.
"There it is."
The famous café in Korea also had a branch here. Inside was a large glass wall, making it easy to see the customers inside. Dohyun quickly noticed a foreigner wearing sunglasses, parking by the road.
"I’ll wait here. Call me when you’re done with your friend."
"Okay…"
Dohyun unbuckled Wooyeon’s seatbelt, but Wooyeon didn’t get out of the car, his eyes darting back and forth uncertainly. Seeing Wooyeon’s hesitation, Dohyun looked at him regretfully, hoping he would change his mind.
"Do you want to come inside with me?"
At that moment, Dohyun really wanted to shout with joy. But instead, he gently stroked Wooyeon’s cheek and smiled warmly.
"It would be a bit weird if I went with you to meet your friend after such a long time."
It wasn’t a sincere statement. In fact, it was exactly because it had been a while since they had seen each other that he wanted to know who this guy was.
"It’s fine. He doesn’t care about things like that."
Wooyeon tilted his head, rubbing against his hand. In the past, Wooyeon had been shy, but now he was used to such affectionate gestures, like a little pet who had been tamed. He looked up at Dohyun and calmly made the suggestion.
"Let’s go meet him."
Finally, Dohyun pretended to reluctantly agree and got out of the car. Before entering the café, he politely asked for Danny’s full name. Wooyeon replied that it was “Danny Connor” and said he could just call him that.
And now, the three of them were sitting together with drinks, talking about recent events. Most of the talking was done by Danny, with Wooyeon responding and asking questions, while Dohyun remained silent. From the moment he first shook hands with Dohyun (in a very cheerful manner, without asking who he was), Danny hadn’t glanced at him once.
"It seems you didn’t answer my call…"
When Wooyeon mumbled, Dohyun glanced at him, wondering if he had called Danny. Unfortunately, Wooyeon didn’t realize what he was thinking. After all, calling a friend wasn’t a big deal.
"Did you call?"
But for Danny, it seemed important. His blue eyes widened, his face showing a touch of emotion. In contrast, Wooyeon just shook his head as if it wasn’t a big deal.
"At that time, the situation hadn’t calmed down, so I called to tell you that you couldn’t stay at my place."
‘Ah…’
Danny’s face fell, and he shrugged as if he had already anticipated this.
"That makes sense. I didn’t expect you to… wait, you can’t let me stay over?"
Danny’s face seemed stunned when he heard this, his bright blue eyes showing some confusion.
"So what should I do?"
"If it's like that then you should've said so from the beginning!"
Dohyun thought it was strange to see Wooyeon become so indifferent. While Wooyeon sometimes appeared aloof, he was usually very affectionate. This was the first time Dohyun had seen him so cold.
"Wooyeon… you’re making me feel sad. Are we really that distant?"
"As I said, it really is like that…"
"Not close, but not distant either."
So that was what he meant. Dohyun glanced at Wooyeon with a feeling of estrangement. The thought that if he hadn’t managed to keep Wooyeon, he might have been just like Danny—a relationship that was neither here nor there, with no one really caring.
Suddenly, everything before him seemed to darken. The thought that he almost lost the boy with bright eyes, a delicate nose, and lips as beautiful as that made him shiver.
"Hyung?"
As if hypnotized, Dohyun gently stroked the hair at the back of Wooyeon’s neck. When he ran his hand down to his nape, Wooyeon’s ears turned red.
"What’s wrong…"
Although Wooyeon had done bolder things before, just this gentle touch was enough to make his face turn bright red. Even though just a moment ago, he had rubbed his cheek against Dohyun’s palm without any shyness.
"Is there something going on with that friend?"
Dohyun suddenly pulled his hand back and glanced at Danny. Wooyeon’s face was still as red as a ripe apple, hurriedly covering his ears with his palm.
"Actually, I was going to let Danny stay over. But now I don’t have a place anymore, so…"
"Is that so? If it’s that kind of thing, we have a spare room at our place."
Finally, Danny looked over at Dohyun. Dohyun smiled kindly, locking eyes with him.
"We have an extra room at our place, so it won’t be inconvenient for him."
"Why are you doing this?"
Wooyeon was surprised, shaking his head as if he didn’t agree. His frown showed that he thought it was unnecessary. Danny glanced at Dohyun for a moment and asked:
"So, is this guy just… a friend?"
Dohyun gave a faint smile. It was obvious what their relationship was, but Danny deliberately called them “friends,” clearly with an intention. From the way his eyes swept over Dohyun when they first met to the way he ignored his presence—all of these were signs that made Dohyun feel the need to be wary.
“No.”
But those signs of caution quickly disappeared as Wooyeon adjusted his watch and calmly replied.
“He's my boyfriend”
‘Gosh he's so cute’.
"Your boyfriend?"
"Yes, my boyfriend."
Wooyeon didn’t seem like he was showing off, but he was trying to sit up straighter, awkwardly fiddling with his hands. On top of that, he even emphasized another point.
"We’ve been dating for three months already."
Dohyun couldn’t help but smile, covering his mouth to suppress a soft chuckle. He had thought he was coming here out of jealousy, but now he realized that Wooyeon wasn’t the kind of person to be so subtle.
"Today’s the 78th day."
"How cute…"
This was really the type of person who counted each day they were together and secretly showed off their partner. This meeting wasn’t really about Danny introducing him to Wooyeon, it was for Wooyeon to show Danny his boyfriend. Dohyun smiled to himself, thinking that he should probably plan something special for their 100-day anniversary.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 4
Dohyun had never really cared about commemorating dates, but with Wooyeon, he wanted to try it once. He imagined the scene of Wooyeon, delighted with sparkling eyes, receiving a cake with candles and a small gift. However, for Wooyeon, he might prefer new experiences over material things, like a trip, for example.
“… Anyway…”
Wooyeon turned away to avoid Dohyun's gaze, skillfully changing the subject. Despite having spoken confidently, he now felt embarrassed. Perhaps it was because he was four years younger than him, or maybe because of the special feelings Dohyun had for him. Wooyeon’s cuteness was irresistible to him.
“I’ll book a hotel for you, so you can stay there. How long are you staying in Korea?”
Even though he couldn't let him stay at his place, Wooyeon still thoughtfully arranged accommodation. It was the minimum kindness he could show to a friend, and for most friends, it was still something to appreciate.
“…Wooyeon…”
But Danny didn't respond with a thank you. Instead, he wore a contemplative expression, then gently shook his head, frowning as if facing a difficult issue.
“I want to experience life in a regular family in Korea. There are plenty of hotels in the U.S. already.”
It was a ridiculous and contradictory request. If he wanted to experience a normal life, Wooyeon's family was not the right place for that. Even the penthouse he had lived in couldn’t exactly be called "normal."
“And I don’t want to stay alone when I get here. Being alone is lonely and boring as hell.”
“Danny…if that’s the case, you shouldn’t have traveled alone in the first place.”
“What are you talking about? I came here to see you.”
Danny replied naturally, putting on an innocent expression.
“I told you to make time for me, didn’t I? Don’t you remember?”
Dohyun vaguely remembered this. It was in the morning when he had taken Wooyeon home after one of their drunken nights. Wooyeon had a phone conversation. He couldn't clearly hear Danny's voice, but Wooyeon’s words had painted the situation for him.
“That's true… but…”
Wooyeon hesitated, his gaze awkward. It seemed he didn’t want to turn down a friend who had traveled so far to see him. But Dohyun thought differently. He believed that preparing a place to stay was enough. He glanced out the window.
“Wooyeon, why make it so complicated?”
Outside the window, the vibrant colors of summer filled the scene. The green trees, people walking on the street in comfortable clothes, the dazzling sunlight, and cars parked along the avenue.
Suddenly, Dohyun felt a slight unease, causing him to furrow his brows. The scene outside was nothing out of the ordinary, yet he had a feeling that something was wrong.
Especially the van with its thick sunshield.
“Just stay with me for a few days at the hotel…”
Dohyun slowly raised his hand, covering one side of Wooyeon's face. He stared intently out the window, his voice low as he spoke:
“There’s a reporter over there.”
The atmosphere around the table immediately grew tense and silent. Both Wooyeon and Danny turned their heads to look outside. Dohyun muttered, berating himself for letting Wooyeon sit near the window.
“Don’t look, they’ll take your picture.”
“That... I don’t really mind.”
“But I do.”
Wooyeon seemed used to this, but Dohyun was not. Whenever he sensed someone’s gaze, he felt anxious. Those pictures might never be published, but the "what ifs" kept haunting him.
“We should move…”
What if it’s someone with bad intentions? What if there are rumors? What if Wooyeon gets hurt?
The fear that continuously arose pushed him to want to protect him, to hide Wooyeon somewhere only he knew. Because Wooyeon was so precious, and the most important person to him. If he could, he would keep him safe forever.
Ironically, this feeling wasn’t much different from how Wooyeon’s mother had always sheltered him. If Wooyeon knew, he would probably be surprised and might even reconsider their relationship.
“What’s wrong? Is something happening?”
Dohyun glanced at Danny, then turned back to look out the window. Amidst his chaotic thoughts, he simply said one sentence:
“Let’s go home.”
On the way home, Danny kept talking non-stop while Dohyun remained silent, focusing on driving. Wooyeon, sitting in the passenger seat, occasionally responded to Danny but kept glancing at Dohyun, as if sensing his tension.
“Wow, it’s so tall!”
When they reached the apartment, Danny kept marveling. He seemed so excited that Dohyun couldn’t quite understand, even though there were plenty of tall buildings in LA. It seemed Danny had an idealized view of Korea.
“Is that all your luggage?”
Just a small suitcase, a wallet, and a phone. It was surprising that he had flown over 10 hours with such little luggage. Wooyeon looked at Dohyun as he took out the suitcase, his eyes wide with surprise.
“Are you really planning to have him stay here?”
“Yeah, he said he didn’t have a place to stay.”
“Anyway…”
Wooyeon seemed dissatisfied, but for Dohyun, it was the best option. He had heard that Danny didn’t like staying alone, but having the two of them stay at a hotel would have been awkward, especially since Wooyeon had mentioned Danny even when they were on the same bed.
“Ah, Danny…”
When he heard Danny’s name, Dohyun, for the first time in his life, understood what it felt like to be blinded by jealousy. His eyes burned with intensity, and his chest felt hot. This feeling exposed his deepest desires. It was far more intense than anything he had ever felt with Tae Gyeom before.
“Don’t you find it inconvenient?”
“I feel more comfortable this way.”
If it was the Wooyeon Dohyun knew, it is highly likely that he had just accidentally seen Danny’s body when he changed clothes. Wooyeon’s evasive answer might have been due to his sadness upon realizing he once liked Yoon Woo sunbae. If this was meant as a form of revenge, it had been quite effective, as it served as a painful thorn in Dohyun’s heart.
“You’re Danny, right?”
“Huh?”
Danny blinked in surprise at Dohyun’s sudden question. He probably didn’t expect that Dohyun could speak English, especially since he had been silent up until now. Dohyun pushed the suitcase toward Danny and smiled warmly.
“There’s an extra room at my place, so you can stay here for a while.”
That was the smile Wooyeon had called fake, but to others, it was the kind of smile that broke down all defenses. Fortunately, Danny was one of those who fell for it, and Dohyun decided to take advantage of this opportunity to wrap things up decisively.
“A hotel would be boring, right?”
The three of them made their way up to the apartment. In the elevator, Danny looked at Dohyun with a vague expression, both curious and somewhat cautious. The look was so clear that it couldn’t be ignored. But Dohyun completely ignored it, pretending not to hear Wooyeon’s whisper suggesting that he should rethink, maintaining his calm demeanor.
“Come in, and remember to take off your shoes.”
The spacious apartment really came in handy at times like this. Even though there was a bedroom, a study, and a storage room, there was still a guest room. Dohyun arranged for Danny to stay in the living room next to his and Wooyeon’s bedroom.
“Leave your luggage in this room. The bathroom and restroom are outside the living room, we’ll use our private room, so feel free to use the outside room.”
This was the room that Dohyun’s younger sister, Jinah, usually stayed in when she visited. In fact, when Wooyeon was drunk that night, Dohyun should have let him sleep here, but in the end, he had taken him to his own room out of a bit of selfishness that Wooyeon would never know about.
“If I stay in this room, where will Wooyeon sleep?”
Danny asked with sparkling eyes, as if he had forgotten about his earlier wariness. Wooyeon, standing there, wasn’t particularly bothered and responded casually.
“I’ll be in the room next door.”
“Ah, I see…”
Dohyun leaned against the door, watching Danny carefully. Danny sat on the bed, testing the mattress and smiling mischievously.
“Then let’s sleep in the same room.”
Dohyun’s face stiffened. He had brought Danny all the way home, and now he was saying something that made him uncomfortable. Danny, seemingly unaware, kept laughing and continued.
“We could sleep in the other room for a few days. The bed’s big, there’s plenty of space.”
Danny’s bright smile was irritating. Friends might sleep in the same room, but when there was a romantic partner involved, that was a completely different matter. Now Dohyun understood why Danny had asked where Wooyeon would be sleeping.
“No.”
Dohyun flatly rejected him. Wooyeon glanced at him with lips slightly moving. Dohyun didn’t change his expression and firmly held Wooyeon’s hand.
“I can’t sleep alone.”
He intertwined his fingers with Wooyeon’s, gently squeezing. Wooyeon’s fingers subtly curled, a little embarrassed. Danny looked at their hands holding each other and asked.
“Why can’t you sleep alone?”
“Because I’m scared.”
It was a blatant lie that made Wooyeon laugh in amusement, but Dohyun didn’t let go of his hand, pulling him out of the room.
“Finish unpacking and come out. We’ll eat something.”
After saying that, Dohyun pulled Wooyeon outside, leaving behind Danny’s giggling laughter. Wooyeon silently followed him, then suddenly joked.
“Are you scared to sleep alone?”
“Yeah, didn’t you know?”
Dohyun laughed, even though he realized how ridiculous his own words sounded. Since when was he scared to sleep alone? Wooyeon also laughed.
“So, what do you do when I’m not around?”
“I’m so scared I sleep hugging a pillow.”
“God… you’re not even a little embarrassed.”
Dohyun stopped in front of the bedroom door and looked at Wooyeon. Before he could say anything else, he suddenly leaned down and placed a light kiss on his lips.
“…”
Wooyeon blinked, looking slightly disappointed by the brief kiss. Dohyun smiled and rubbed his nose against Wooyeon’s.
“I just put a little ‘spit’ on you.”
It was a childish joke, but Wooyeon didn’t mock him. He just blushed and gently wiggled his hand in Dohyun’s.
“If you’re going to lie, that’s not enough.”
Wooyeon slowly grasped the hem of Dohyun’s shirt, a gesture full of implication. Dohyun gently stroked his gaze, then leaned down again. Their lips met once more, and this time, the kiss lingered much longer.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 5
A long time later, Danny finally came out to the living room. After changing into comfortable clothes, he said that he was tired today and wanted to rest at home, and he also wanted to order food delivery. Dohyun immediately handed his phone to Danny to let him choose what to eat.
The dish Danny chose was a bento box and tteokbokki, with tteokbokki being something he had heard of from Wooyeon and wanted to try. Dohyun remembered that Wooyeon was hungry, so he decided to order the Korean bento box first and save the tteokbokki for dinner. Fortunately, the food was quite delicious, and Danny seemed to be satisfied.
The day went by more smoothly than expected. Danny was surprised by the variety of food delivered and was also amazed by how quickly the food arrived. Although the conversation between Danny and Wooyeon occasionally made Dohyun a bit uncomfortable, in fact, Danny's boastful attitude appeared rather endearing.
“Do you want to visit the university?”
The next morning, when they met in the living room, Danny asked Dohyun to take him on a tour of the university. He didn’t even greet Dohyun about his sleep, nor did he ask if Wooyeon was awake.
“Yeah, I’m curious about the school that Wooyeon is attending.”
It was unclear whether it was due to being straightforward or having good social skills. Dohyun looked at Danny’s messy blonde hair and replied vaguely.
“It’s not that hard…”
Dohyun thought that he had met many types of people, but Danny was a special kind of person he had never seen before. He deliberately ignored others, made him feel jealous, and today was unexpectedly friendly.
Dohyun often had a good ability to assess people. With his sensitivity to emotions and the way others looked at him, in just one day, he realized that Danny didn’t look at Wooyeon in a romantic way. First, Danny wasn’t “jealous” when he and Wooyeon were being close. Second, the way Danny looked at Wooyeon seemed only to be in a friendly manner.
So why was Danny so unpredictable with him?
Although he didn’t like to boast, Dohyun considered his appearance to be quite decent. His gentle eyes and clean features – he was often praised for being more likable than unlikable. (The only exception was Tae Gyeom.)
However, right from the moment he walked into the café with Wooyeon, Danny had looked at him with a displeased expression. Even when shaking hands and greeting him, he purposely interrupted. But it didn’t feel like dislike, so Dohyun calmly observed.
Anyway, this meant that Danny’s hostile attitude wasn’t directed at “Kim Dohyun.” In fact, even last night, Danny had chatted comfortably, clearly showing very contradictory behavior.
“Then after breakfast, I’ll take you. It’s not too far.”
“Oh, I have something I want to eat for breakfast today.”
“What do you want to eat?”
Actually, if it were the old Dohyun, he wouldn’t have cared about what Danny thought of him. After all, he understood that it was impossible to be liked by everyone, and there was no reason to worry about a foreigner who would soon return to his home country.
However, the reason he seriously considered this was because Danny was Wooyeon’s friend and the only person who took care of Wooyeon when he wasn’t around. For Wooyeon, he couldn’t just cut ties with him because of jealousy.
Or maybe it was empathy for their somewhat awkward relationship.
“Can we order ‘Kimchi soup’?”
“Sure. You want kimchi soup?”
“Not delivery… I want homemade food. Don’t you know how to cook?”
Dohyun looked at Danny, who had bluntly made the request, and laughed. He might not know what Danny was thinking, but it was clear that he wanted to take advantage of the fact that Wooyeon wasn’t there to bother him. Seeing Danny’s face as if he were saying “cook for me” with the thought that Dohyun couldn’t cook, he found it quite amusing.
“I’ll cook for you.”
So, this little bit of cheekiness was actually rather cute.
“Sit and wait. If you have nothing to do, find out where you want to go today.”
Dohyun wanted to keep Danny on his side, to be recognized by Danny as someone suitable for Wooyeon, and, moreover, he wanted to hear about Wooyeon’s life in the U.S. He wanted to know how Wooyeon was living without him around, whether his absence had any significant impact. It would be great if he could confirm all of this.
“…You really are going to cook?”
“Yeah.”
This simple soup was something Dohyun had made for Wooyeon several times. The picky eater had enjoyed it each time, so it was definitely going to be better than ordering delivery. While not excellent, Dohyun wasn’t a bad cook.
When Dohyun entered the kitchen, Danny stood there, staring blankly. While he took kimchi from the fridge, Danny stood next to him, peering into the refrigerator. His blue eyes lit up, much like a child discovering a new toy.
“Korean beer! I love this!”
Danny pointed at the green can of beer with excitement, much like how Wooyeon had reacted when he first saw a claw machine. It was strange how much they had in common.
“Now I understand why you two are friends.”
Dohyun muttered as he closed the fridge. Danny blinked a few times, then smiled brightly with an innocent expression, tilting his head.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.”
If there had been some deli meat or tuna, it would have been even better, but unfortunately, there weren’t any cans left. These side dishes were available only because of the time he had spent living with Wooyeon. At the small master’s house, Wooyeon had gotten used to eating good food, so it wouldn’t be right to feed him takeout every day.
“Are you planning to stand here? Go wait in the living room.”
“I want to watch you cook.”
This was the reason why Dohyun found Danny’s intentions so confusing. Normally, people wouldn’t want to stay in the same room with someone they didn’t like, but Danny acted so naturally. Ignoring the references to Wooyeon, he seemed like a curious tourist.
“Kimchi? Did you make this yourself?”
“No, I bought it.”
“I thought every household in Korea makes kimchi in the winter…”
“Depends on the household. These days, many people buy it.”
Dohyun took out a pot and began stir-frying the kimchi expertly. Along with the fragrant aroma, the sizzling sound was enticing. Danny inhaled the scent and scrunched up his nose.
“I really like the smell of kimchi.”
His voice was full of emotion. Yesterday, when eating tteokbokki, Danny had a similar reaction. He liked Korean beer, the smell of kimchi, and probably things like traditional hanok houses.
“But hasn’t Wooyeon woken up yet?”
“…”
The question made Dohyun hesitate. He could have easily answered with a simple "yes," but he felt guilty. After all, the main reason Wooyeon was still asleep was because of him.
‘A... Wait a minute...’
‘Shh, don’t make any noise.’
Last night, just like always, Wooyeon had been tossing and turning, unable to sleep, and had cuddled up in Dohyun’s arms. His body temperature was warm, and the pheromones kept pouring out. It started when Dohyun, without hesitation, placed a kiss on Wooyeon’s forehead. Though his conscience held him back from going further, even the lightest touch seemed to overwhelm Wooyeon.
“…I think he’s just tired.”
Dohyun answered vaguely and poured water into the stir-fried kimchi. Even though he knew that Wooyeon had been sleeping less lately because of him, he decided to ignore it. After all, while it started with him, Wooyeon was the one who always made everything more intense.
“Is that so?”
Fortunately, Danny didn’t ask any more questions but instead hummed a tune. It seemed that the aroma of the kimchi soup made him feel more comfortable. Everything seemed to be going well. Dohyun thought that once the soup began to boil and the seasoning had soaked in, it would be the perfect time to wake Wooyeon.
After that, they exchanged a few questions and answers. Danny asked if Dohyun could make all the dishes he knew, and Dohyun replied that if he had the ingredients and instructions, he could. He also made a rolled omelet.
Wooyeon woke up just as Dohyun was about to call him. When he smelled the familiar pheromones, he turned around and saw Wooyeon walking over, still half-asleep. Wooyeon rubbed his eyes when he saw the two of them in the kitchen.
“When did you two get so close?”
The scene surprised him. These two had only met yesterday, and now they were happily cooking kimchi soup together. He couldn’t help but wonder.
“Danny said he wanted to eat kimchi soup.”
“Danny…”
Wooyeon looked at Danny and Dohyun with a still drowsy expression and mumbled, loud enough for Dohyun to hear, “You just met yesterday…”
“Wooyeon, have you ever had kimchi soup? It smells really good.”
“I have. But if you’re awake, you should wake me up, not bother my boyfriend.”
Hearing the word “boyfriend,” Dohyun couldn’t help but smile to himself. Although there wasn’t a better word for it, the term sounded so sweet. Danny blinked innocently, asking with a puzzled look.
“What? Are you jealous?”
Wooyeon’s face immediately scrunched up in a pout. He grabbed water from the fridge and replied indifferently.
“No.”
Even though he knew Wooyeon was jealous, there was something alluring about his English. Maybe it was because he had just woken up, but his voice was deeper, making a simple word sound almost seductive.
“You two…”
Wooyeon fiddled with the water bottle and spoke quietly, still giving Dohyun a displeased look. Dohyun found it amusing and tried hard to hold back his laughter.
“You two are like newlyweds.”
Wooyeon wasn’t good at hiding his emotions. When he was jealous, everything showed on his face—his gaze, his expression, and even his tone when speaking to Dohyun. Compared to before, when he used to just endure things, this was a big improvement.
“Wooyeon.”
Dohyun knew how to cheer him up. This wasn’t anger—just a bit of sulking—so comforting him was easy.
“Come here.”
Wooyeon obediently walked over to Dohyun, still holding the water bottle with the cap off. Dohyun took the bottle, opened it for him, and gently ruffled his messy hair.
“Why are you up so early? I was going to wake you.”
Just a few gentle strokes, and Wooyeon’s sharp gaze softened. The corners of his mouth, which had been drooping, slowly lifted. Wooyeon responded with a relaxed expression, as if he wanted to nuzzle against Dohyun, his voice dreamy.
“I woke up because it felt too empty beside me.”
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 6
He was used to waking up everyday in an embrace filled with pheromones, so it was no surprise that he felt empty when waking up today. Perhaps as soon as he opened his eyes, he hurriedly ran to the living room like a chick looking for its mother.
"Don't you feel tired?"
"Just... is my hair too messy, hyung?"
"No, it's fine."
Dohyun intended to give a good morning kiss as usual, but noticing Danny's gaze, he stopped. Around Wooyeon, a sweet scent of pheromones wafted. If Danny were not a beta, his face would probably be red right now.
"Go wash your face, then have breakfast."
Wooyeon obediently nodded and left the kitchen. Danny was left alone, staring after him in surprise.
He chuckled awkwardly, muttering, "Huh?"
"Oh my God."
His words carried a lot of meaning. His gaze seemed to seek an explanation, but Dohyun just shrugged. At that moment, the kimchi soup was ready.
After a simple breakfast, the three of them headed to university together. Wooyeon sat in the passenger seat as usual, while Danny happily sat in the back seat like yesterday. This time, Dohyun decided to join the conversation instead of staying silent.
When they arrived at the campus, there weren’t many people around. Only a few students attending the summer semester, some likely graduate students, and a few outsiders. The usual bustling atmosphere hadn’t returned yet since the summer break had only just passed halfway.
"Wow, the campus is so big!"
Dohyun parked the car inside the campus and led the way around the humanities building. The campus was so large that there were even buses running inside, so he intended to only show the buildings they would use regularly. Fortunately, this excited foreign guest kept exclaiming in awe.
"Why would you consider dropping out of such a good school?"
Hearing Danny’s question, Dohyun turned to look at Wooyeon. His gaze seemed to ask, "Are you planning to drop out?" which made Wooyeon avoid eye contact.
"...Because I failed a course."
There seemed to be something deeper behind it, but Dohyun didn’t want to probe further. He, too, had made his share of mistakes at the start of the semester. Sometimes, he even made Wooyeon uncomfortable, so it wasn’t hard to understand why Wooyeon might want to drop out.
"Is that the smoking area?"
"Yeah, if you want to smoke, go ahead. We’ll wait."
The smoking area was enclosed by a screen, and the smell of cigarettes lingered. It was probably graduate students who were tired, smoking their frustrations away with their professors. Dohyun slipped his hands into his pockets and recalled a few months ago.
"I definitely have to quit."
He remembered when Wooyeon naively wanted to learn how to smoke. That was also when Dohyun made up his mind to quit the pheromone cigarettes he had been smoking for four years.
"What about you?"
"...Ah."
Dohyun snapped out of his thoughts and looked up. It had been a while since he quit smoking, and a faint craving resurfaced. After swallowing, he spoke as casually as possible.
"I quit."
"Really? Then I’ll quit too."
Danny stepped forward naturally. Dohyun followed behind, discreetly glancing at Wooyeon. His gaze again focused on Wooyeon’s lips, feeling a sense of absence in more ways than one.
Everyone knew Garam was friendlier than anyone, but that was only when there was no language barrier. Even though she studied English, that didn’t mean she was good at communication. Garam had always disliked English.
"Hey, Seongyu, can you greet them for me?"
"Noona, I’m only good at English for the university entrance exam."
"Doesn't matter, you're still better than me."
"In situations like this, you should set an example, seonbae."
"Set an example? What example?"
The two of them kept whispering complaints to each other, their voices soft but still loud enough to be heard. Dohyun couldn’t help but laugh when he saw them communicate with phrases like “How are you today?” and “I’m fine, thank you, and you?”
"Can you at least say their names? This is ‘Garam’ and ‘Seongyu.’"
"Garam?"
Meanwhile, Danny was struggling to pronounce the names Wooyeon had just taught him, fumbling through “Garam” and “Seongyu.” Watching this, Dohyun suddenly realized that Danny had never called him by his name.
"Danny, repeat after me."
It was just a fleeting thought. Partly because he saw the two had become quite familiar, and partly because he felt Wooyeon and Danny were becoming too close. Dohyun lowered his head slightly and spoke in a gentle tone:
"Kim, Do, Hyun."
Danny raised an eyebrow, chuckled lightly, and arrogantly lifted his chin. The corner of his mouth curled into a mocking smile.
"I don’t want to."
"Hey."
It was Wooyeon who was surprised. He tried to appear stern and grabbed Danny’s hand. It seemed like he was concerned about Dohyun’s feelings, but what bothered Dohyun was the fact that Wooyeon’s fingers were touching someone else.
"Why…"
Wooyeon whispered softly into Danny’s ear, making it nearly inaudible to anyone else. Dohyun watched the scene, slightly curling his lips. Didn’t Wooyeon say he had no special feelings for Danny? No matter what Danny felt, this overly intimate scene was anything but comfortable.
"Sigh, forget it. Let’s have a drink. Danny? Connor? What should I call you?"
At that moment, Garam stood up, as if she had reached her limit of patience. It seemed she couldn’t win the argument with Seongyu and looked quite dissatisfied.
"Moon Garam, you're really boring. It's been so long since we've seen each other, and all you can think about is drinking?"
"That’s the tone of people who are tired of each other. If you don’t like it, don’t drink."
"Anyway, I’m driving, so I can’t drink."
"Oh, the bourgeoisie driving their own car."
Right in front of them was a real rich person. Garam never hesitated to use her words. Of course, Wooyeon didn’t mind at all.
"Oh, I love this!"
"What? You like that? Drink it all, there’s plenty."
"Can I really drink it?"
"Drink, drink. Drink it all."
Before long, the party atmosphere was set. Garam quickly locked the door, turned on the air conditioner, and cracked the window open. She divided the drinks and snacks, looking like she had been anticipating this moment for a long time.
"Do you want to buy anything else? Anything you want to eat?"
"How about tokbokki?"
"Tokbokki? I love tokbokki!"
Dohyun watched the three of them picking dishes as if he were watching a movie. Two people were speaking in Korean, and one was speaking in English, but strangely, the conversation flowed smoothly. The important part was that they all liked tokbokki, but that didn’t really matter.
"Wooyeon, aren’t you drinking?"
"Well, I..."
Wooyeon hesitated as he looked at the glass of alcohol, seeming uncomfortable because of the mistakes he made while drinking before. Dohyun was about to tell him to just relax, but Danny was quicker.
"Come on, it’s been a while since we drank together."
Wooyeon flinched slightly, his face showing a hint of embarrassment. The phrase "it’s been a while" made his lips instinctively close.
"I wanted to try some Korean beer with you."
As Dohyun remembered, when they were in the U.S., Wooyeon wasn’t old enough to drink. He was still a minor, not allowed to buy or drink alcohol. And yet, he was drinking with Danny? The way Danny said it made Dohyun realize this must have happened quite often.
"Can’t you just have a little? Huh?"
"...Shut up."
Wooyeon sneaked a glance at Dohyun's reaction and lowered his voice slightly. But the next words truly shocked everyone.
"I only started drinking like this because of you."
"..."
This time, Dohyun really had to fight to keep his expression unchanged. Among the fluent English words, there was one sentence that he could hear clearly. It seemed like Danny heard it too, as he tilted his head and asked again.
"Bad habit?"
"It’s just..."
In that instant, a memory flashed by. Wooyeon, with a slightly flushed face, had said something on the rooftop while gazing at the beautiful night scene.
"That’s my habit when I drink."
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 7
His eyes narrowed, the corners of his mouth pulling down into a straight line, and a deep wrinkle appeared between his eyebrows.
Wooyeon avoided Dohyun's gaze, absentmindedly fiddling with his ear. He didn’t explain or answer immediately. He just frowned awkwardly and shook his head back and forth.
"Is that really the case?"
"Where did that even come from?"
Before he could speak the next words, his eyes unintentionally met Danny's, who was looking up at him. Dohyun shut his mouth, raising a hand to cover it. He had almost made Wooyeon uncomfortable in such a public place. Since Wooyeon avoided answering, he couldn’t force him to speak. It would be better to remind him gently when it was just the two of them.
Dohyun tried to hold himself back, calming his thoughts. Memories of Wooyeon getting drunk started to surface. Sometimes he’d say he was cold and jump into his lap, other times he’d say he was hot and want to take off his clothes, and there were moments when he couldn’t stand up but still insisted on going to take a shower. Overall, those were all cute moments, but if it had been anyone else, Dohyun would have definitely turned and walked away.
The feeling of jealousy slowly rose, like a fire burning in his throat. The rebellious words like "Hug me" or "Kiss me" were still clear in his mind. Just yesterday, Wooyeon had been like a small, obedient doll, lying in his arms and smiling. But what bad habit had come about because of Danny?
“…Yeon-ah.”
Dohyun tried to control his emotions and spoke gently. Wooyeon, who was arguing with Danny, turned around and looked at him in confusion. Even so, the closeness between the two still made him incredibly uncomfortable.
“If you want to drink, just drink. If you get drunk, I’ll take you home safely.”
He didn’t offer a gentle smile. Because with Wooyeon, if he smiled, Wooyeon would immediately notice the unease in his heart. Instead, he tried to act calm, opened a can of beer, and placed it on the table.
“When you meet an old friend, you have to drink a little.”
“But… you can’t drink.”
“It’s fine. In the worst case, we leave the car here and come back later.”
Wooyeon seemed hesitant at this point. His bright, sparkling eyes briefly showed a desire to drink. His fair hand slowly reached for the can of beer Dohyun had given him.
“Then… just a little…”
“Oh, you’ll drink, huh?”
It wasn’t being forced to drink, nor drinking out of sadness, so if he wanted to drink, then let him. After all, besides him and Garam, no one else here was an alpha, so if any pheromones were released, he could use his own to counteract them.
“Alright, everyone, let’s raise a glass. Hey, Danny! Cheers, okay?”
The cans of beer and paper cups clinked together with cheerful "cheers." Although it wasn't the resonant sound of glass, it was enough to create an upbeat atmosphere. Dohyun sipped from his paper cup filled with soda, trying to suppress the boiling feeling inside. The habit of drinking something – when you're drunk, everything becomes clear.
Three hours passed.
Since Seongyu could no longer stand and Garam had become an English genius, it only took exactly three hours, no more, no less.
"Hey, Dan, I really hate English."
"Really? But you're speaking in English right now."
"No, no, I don’t know English."
It seemed that the alcohol gave Garam more confidence, and she, half-drunk and half-aware, started trying to speak with Danny. Her pronunciation was awkward, her vocabulary limited, but enough to communicate. Dohyun even thought that if she had brought soju to the oral exam last year, her score would have been higher.
"Hey, why do you keep speaking English..."
In contrast, Seongyu seemed to understand less and less as he drank. At first, he understood a little, but now he couldn’t catch a single word. It seemed that he could no longer comprehend either English or Korean, as if nothing was getting through.
Although the situation became chaotic, Dohyun only had his eyes on Wooyeon. If he stumbled, spilled his drink, or leaned against Danny, he would take care of him right away. Fortunately, Wooyeon didn’t make any mistakes, just sipping his beer.
"Hey, kid, stop just drinking and eat something too."
"..."
Wooyeon flinched slightly, frowning. Despite drinking quite a bit, his face remained quite composed. It was just a bit expressionless, and his gaze seemed a little distant. Onlookers might think he was good at drinking, but Dohyun concluded:
"You're drunk."
"Why do you call me 'kid,' Noona?"
His pronunciation was clear but slower. His tone calm yet deep, eyes blinking and head slightly tilted. It was a demeanor that could make others not realize he was drunk, but Dohyun knew too well why he often reminded him, "You shouldn’t drink."
"I’m younger than you, so you’re a kid."
"I’m taller than you."
"Oh, you’re arguing now?"
Others might not notice, but Dohyun knew that tomorrow Wooyeon wouldn’t remember any of these direct words. He controlled his pheromones well, but it wouldn’t be long before Dohyun would have to step in.
"How tall are you, Noona?"
"I’m nearly 2 meters tall."
"...I’m the same."
Who was taller, who was the kid – Dohyun let out a light laugh. They were both drunk, yet still debating seriously over something so silly. What was most amusing was that, unlike usual, Wooyeon was being very insistent on his stance this time.
"Stop calling me that."
"It’s just a habit."
"Still, I don’t like it."
The nickname "kid" that Garam used was just a habit when drunk, but Wooyeon didn’t seem too happy with the cuteness it brought. Finally, unable to stand it any longer, Dohyun reached out and gently stroked the back of Wooyeon’s head.
"When Garam is drunk, she calls everyone 'kid'."
"At least fifteen people must've been called 'kid' by now," he added, and Wooyeon’s face softened noticeably. Perhaps it was because of the hand gently stroking the back of his neck. Whatever the reason, this scene seemed a bit unfair to Garam.
"Seriously, when I say something, he never listens to me. It really hurts my feelings."
Wooyeon paid no attention to Garam's words, instead, he clung to Dohyun and nuzzled his face into the palm of his hand, as if seeking affection. And just as expected, Dohyun gently touched Wooyeon's soft cheeks.
"Your face is so hot."
"I know."
The feeling of discomfort melted away like snow. Just a simple touch on Wooyeon, and Dohyun’s mood was remarkably calm. It was almost like a fear of separation syndrome – emotions swaying because of small things.
"Wooyeon, are you okay? Are you drunk?"
"I'm fine. I'm not drunk."
"Really? Are you sure you're okay?"
"I told you I'm fine."
Danny turned to look at Wooyeon, seeming surprised to see him so obedient. Although they had drunk together before, it was probably the first time Danny had seen him like this. Or maybe it was the first time he saw him act so cute.
"Clearly, you didn’t learn that from Danny."
Dohyun remembered, releasing a calm pheromone to soothe himself. The jealousy earlier had clouded his judgment, but Wooyeon’s drunk habits weren’t just about touching others. It was foolish that only after the jealousy faded did he finally think clearly. Even though he knew there was nothing to it, the unfounded jealousy had made him uncomfortable.
"Alright, let’s clean up and head home."
Dohyun chuckled lightly and let go of Wooyeon. Wooyeon briefly looked a bit regretful, but Dohyun could still stroke his head when they got home. He just wasn’t sure if that would be all he’d do.
Dohyun began cleaning the table, taking over for those who were already too drunk. The alcohol had run out, and Seongyu had already fallen asleep on the couch. Garam, though quickly tipsy, hadn’t passed out, so leaving her was fine.
"Hey, leave it. I’ll clean up and take care of Seongyu."
Garam pushed Dohyun’s hand away, speaking quietly and giving a subtle nod toward Wooyeon, signaling that he should take him home. Wooyeon was perceptive and must have noticed something unusual about Dohyun throughout the evening.
"Alright, I’ll leave it to you. Wooyeon, can you go by yourself?"
"I can."
Wooyeon confidently stood up but then wobbled, falling into Dohyun’s arms. It wasn’t that he couldn’t stand, but probably because he knew he had someone to lean on, so he let himself fall freely. Dohyun couldn’t help but laugh.
"You said you could go by yourself."
"I can go by myself."
"...Oh my God."
Danny looked at the two of them with a surprised gaze. He kept alternating between looking at Wooyeon and Dohyun, which made Dohyun feel a bit pressured. Danny sighed with resignation.
"Oh my God…"
"He’s drunk too," Dohyun thought.
He kept repeating that phrase, and Danny must’ve been tipsy by then. He praised the Korean liquor and had drunk a lot of beer, and though it had low alcohol content, drinking too much would make anyone drunk.
"Wooyeon, you need to stand up straight."
Dohyun wrapped his arms around Wooyeon’s waist to steady him. He also made sure to stand between Garam and Wooyeon to prevent their pheromones from mixing. The feeling of Wooyeon’s pheromones made it clear he was happy being close to Dohyun.
"Ugh, Seongyu won’t wake up. I want to go outside and smoke."
"Just smoke here."
"I don’t smoke, damn it. Go ahead, and Danny, you should go too!"
"Goodbye!" Garam yelled before flopping back onto the sofa. By that time, Danny was still looking at Wooyeon, only turning away reluctantly when his gaze met Dohyun’s. There was a hint of sadness in his eyes.
The August days were long and sunny. As the sun set, the red light spilled through the window, creating a mesmerizing scene. White clouds drifted lazily across the sky, like a painting that wasn’t quite real.
Danny stood on the balcony, looking down at the courtyard while the sunset bathed his hair, making it glow like strands of golden silk. The scene resembled a painting, but Dohyun didn’t feel moved at all. His lips parted slightly as he spoke.
"Danny."
Daniel’s gaze slowly shifted back to him. Though surprised to be called, he didn’t show it, simply offering his usual innocent smile.
"Where’s Wooyeon? Is he sleeping?"
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 8
As Danny had said, Dohyun had just finished putting Wooyeon to sleep and stepped out into the living room. He had given him a bath and dried his hair, so at least Wooyeon would sleep well for a few hours. His sleep at night might be a bit restless, but that wasn't unusual.
"He’s asleep now."
"Good."
Danny replied softly, then started humming a tune. It was the same song Dohyun had heard him humming earlier this morning while making kimchi soup. Dohyun sat down on the chair beside him and casually started a conversation.
"You seem to like that song."
"Huh?"
Since Dohyun spoke in Korean, Danny tilted his head in confusion. He still smiled and asked again:
"What did you say?"
A cool breeze brushed against his cheek. The characteristic summer air still carried the heat of the day. They had drunk quite a bit since noon, and the sun hadn't set completely yet. Dohyun looked up at the evening sky, now growing darker, and said calmly.
"You know Korean, don't you?"
Danny was slightly surprised. Although his face still wore a smile, Dohyun could tell he was a little flustered. Noticing his raised eyebrows, Dohyun continued slowly.
"I’m very perceptive."
From the very first meeting, there had been many strange things. When they discussed where to sleep, Danny didn’t ask any further questions, and when he learned that there were reporters present, he immediately became silent. If he really didn’t understand Korean, he would have seemed uncomfortable or confused at times, but Danny hadn’t shown any signs of that.
"When I talk to Wooyeon, you never ask us what we’re saying."
"……"
"But when I speak to you, you always ask in detail about the meaning of every sentence."
If Danny denied it, Dohyun had planned to pretend not to know. He brought this up only because of Danny’s strange attitude after the drinking session had ended, with his face wearing a sad expression.
"The song you just sang, it's also a Korean song."
"……Hmm."
Danny rolled his eyes and lowered his chin. His lips, which had been smiling earlier, now drooped. After a long silence, he quietly replied.
"I’m not very good."
His pronunciation was awkward. As he had said, his tone wasn’t steady. Before Dohyun could respond, Danny sighed.
"I learned it to get closer to Wooyeon."
"......"
"But Wooyeon doesn't know."
Of course, he didn’t know. Perhaps no one who met Danny today would have realized this. Only Dohyun, who was sensitive to such details, had noticed. If he weren't Wooyeon’s friend, he wouldn’t have paid such close attention.
"Why pretend not to know?"
This time, it was a simple question. Danny had kept this secret for two days, but what was the reason? Did he want to secretly listen in on what Wooyeon was saying about him?
"It’s not intentional..."
His voice stretched out, showing a complicated emotion that Dohyun couldn’t guess. After a moment of hesitation, Danny slightly parted his lips.
"I just... wanted to."
It wasn’t a clear answer, but Dohyun didn’t press further. He could tell that Danny meant no harm, and after all, he did genuinely care about Wooyeon.
"Hey..."
Danny gently spoke up. He turned around, facing Dohyun directly. Since his back was to the sun, his face was hard to see.
"Are you curious? About Wooyeon in America?"
"......"
Of course, he was curious. Dohyun hadn’t expected Danny to bring it up first.
"Do you want to know?"
Dohyun didn’t pass up this chance. He silently looked at Danny, conveying his curiosity through his gaze. And what Danny said next was something Dohyun hadn’t anticipated.
"I used to be his bodyguard."
Danny shared the story of Wooyeon over a long period of time. He talked about how they met, how they became close, and how he got Wooyeon to open up. All of it was what Dohyun could have predicted, except for the fact that they had been roommates in the dormitory.
"At first, he was very small. He was only this tall."
As Danny spoke, Dohyun remembered what Wooyeon was like back in high school. He was only as tall as Dohyun's chest, with small, delicate limbs that were quite cute.
"It was really hard to get close to him. He’s extremely cautious."
Danny said that Wooyeon was the most difficult person to approach he had ever met. Always on guard, Wooyeon would often remain silent with others, making it hard to strike up a conversation. But Danny had persisted, all for the money.
"Because of the money... you know. Wooyeon’s family is very wealthy. And me, I used to live... how should I put it?"
"Poor."
"Yeah, I was very poor."
Dohyun wanted to ask how Danny had met Soo Hyang, but he didn’t have the courage to bring it up. During this time, Danny seemed slightly displeased at having to ask Dohyun for a few words in Korean, so he switched to speaking in English.
"I tried to show interest in Korea, so I learned Korean. I also learned about Korean culture, listened to Korean music... then practiced saying things like 'Hello' or 'Thank you.' But now, I actually really like Korea. It’s a very captivating country."
Danny mentioned that the hardest part was getting Wooyeon’s name right. It had taken a full month, and through that, Wooyeon started to open up to him. In fact, since there was no one else close to him, perhaps Wooyeon had no choice but to live with Danny.
"Wooyeon really... the more I get to know him, the more complicated he seems. He’s extremely picky with food; if it doesn’t suit his taste, he won’t eat, no—he can’t eat. I’ve had a hard time finding food he can eat."
Danny said this with a bit of a sigh, but there was a hint of nostalgia in his expression. Dohyun could see the emotions hidden in Danny's eyes. No matter how cautious Wooyeon was, he couldn’t help but be softened by this gentle care.
"About half a year later, Wooyeon started to shift into omega."
Wooyeon shifted into an omega overnight and had to endure his first heat for a whole week. At first, Danny thought he had caught a cold, but when the symptoms worsened, he realized what was happening. Danny immediately contacted Soo Hyang, and she arranged for a doctor to prescribe suppressants for Wooyeon.
"Honestly, I still don’t understand why she insisted I hide my identity as a bodyguard, while still paying such close attention to Wooyeon’s every action without contacting him herself."
Though curious, Danny didn’t feel in a position to ask. He simply followed Soo Hyang’s instructions to protect and watch over Wooyeon, nothing more, nothing less.
"Wooyeon is an exceptional omega, even more so—extremely gifted."
A newly shifted dominant omega would still have a lot of difficulty controlling their pheromones. Dohyun remembered his time at the orphanage and frowned. Danny’s expression also tightened in the same way.
"How dangerous he was."
The vague pieces began to fall into place. The reason Soo Hyang insisted on having Danny by Wooyeon’s side. The reason she hired a beta bodyguard, even though alphas are usually the ones hired.
Perhaps Soo Hyang had already anticipated that Wooyeon would shift, whether as an alpha or omega. The special genetic traits passed down through specific genes made Wooyeon a rare result between an alpha and an omega.
"Many times, alphas tried to pick fights. Originally, being Asian, he was looked down upon, and now, as an omega, he’s even more vulnerable to bullying."
"Does this happen often?"
This was a question Dohyun had once asked Wooyeon. When Garam lost her composure in the clubroom, Wooyeon had answered calmly.
"Not very often, hyung."
"Actually, it’s countless times."
Dohyun’s hair stood on end. Was it anger or something else? A vague emotion began to wash over him.
Dohyun knew Wooyeon wasn’t being truthful. His expression, his actions, and his reaction afterward all suggested he had grown too accustomed to it. But since it was a memory Wooyeon didn’t want to revisit, Dohyun didn’t press any further.
"I told him to be careful… Well, don’t look at me like that. I know this is something that can’t be controlled on your own. I’m just worried about him."
Dohyun sighed, rubbing his eyelids. His emotions were in turmoil, his stomach uneasy even though he hadn’t drunk any alcohol. As he tried to calm his pheromones, Danny continued slowly.
"Seeing that he wasn’t doing well, I taught him some martial arts. He has to be able to defend himself, at least a little. You haven’t seen it, but Wooyeon is really quick and skilled at hand-to-hand combat."
Dohyun had never seen that. Occasionally, he got the feeling that Wooyeon was very strong, but it was always fleeting. Thinking back, it made sense that Wooyeon could confront people like Kim Jinsang. Perhaps he was confident because he knew he had the ability.
"At that time, he grew nearly 30 cm taller, but he lost weight, so..."
Dohyun didn’t need to hear the rest. From his perspective, Wooyeon had always been adorable, and to others, he must have been incredibly attractive. A young, innocent Wooyeon radiating pheromones—it was no surprise if trouble arose.
"Do you know what I taught him?"
Danny gave the most self-satisfied smile he had ever worn. He scrunched his nose and let out a soft laugh.
"I taught him how to curse."
Dohyun chuckled softly. Not because he was surprised, but because it was exactly what he had expected.
"I taught him every possible curse word. In situations like these, the best way is to overwhelm the opponent right from the start."
Of course, Wooyeon hadn’t followed through. He was afraid it would become a bad habit, so he refused. Dohyun watched Danny shake his head in regret, remembering the camping trip they’d had before. Indeed, that kind of crash education had been very effective; Wooyeon had learned perfectly.
"At first, I only saw it as my responsibility, but later, it wasn’t like that anymore. Wooyeon is my friend, and in a way, he feels like my son."
There are many different kinds of emotions. Just like Dohyun had grown fond of Wooyeon after spending time together, Danny had developed deep feelings after four years of being by his side. It was understandable that he saw himself as Wooyeon’s protector after witnessing his growth.
"I thought Wooyeon would think the same way. He knew I worked for Soo Hyang, but he still continued being my friend."
Dohyun began to understand the sadness Danny had once shown. The reason for the fleeting emotions on his face when Wooyeon acted spoiled or leaned on him.
"But it wasn’t like that."
It was like how parents might feel jealous of their children’s romantic partners. It wasn’t romantic love, but friendship, or even familial affection. The way he judged him from head to toe also stemmed from that affection.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 9
"My contract ended a long time ago, but Wooyeon still keeps his distance from me. After returning to Korea, if I don't take the initiative to reach out, he never contacts me."
Danny's tone sounded like he was feeling a bit unfair and uncomfortable. He pressed his lips together, asking as if seeking agreement.
"Friends are friends, no matter how it starts. Just because the contract ends doesn’t mean my relationship with Wooyeon has to end, right? Are human relationships something that can be easily severed like that?"
Dohyun couldn't answer anything. He just turned his face away and looked up at the now completely dark sky.
"Yeah, maybe."
"If relationships were that easy to cut off, then his story with the teacher wouldn’t have lasted this long."
If severing connections were as simple as ending a contract, all the ties would have been gone long ago.
"I swear I didn't know anything about Wooyeon's family."
Now it seemed like he had some basic understanding. After all, the news had spread, so Danny must have heard it.
"It's so unfair. Just because the starting points are a bit different, I’m still stuck at this level."
Dohyun didn’t say anything, partly because he understood that feeling all too well. Like Danny, he had once started from the same starting line, so he could only stay silent and listen.
"I know you're a good person. More specifically... a good lover."
"Because of the kimchi soup?"
"It’s delicious."
Danny smiled lightly, then sighed. Even though he was smiling, his lips curved with a hint of unease.
"It’s just... it’s just that I feel a bit jealous. You and the friends I met earlier. You all have different starting points, so maybe everything comes easier for you."
"The process..."
Dohyun didn't know what to say. He parted his lips, trying to find the right words. If he spoke too hastily, his uncontrolled emotions might spill out. After blinking once, then twice, he spoke slowly.
"You and I don’t have different starting points."
"Sometimes, Dohyun used to resent a starting point that couldn’t be changed, to rethink decisions he had unknowingly accepted, and to feel helpless as he watched the distance grow between them. Amid the rising sea of regret, all he could do was cling to a faint hope."
"The destination is still much farther away."
"...What?"
Danny stopped, looking bewildered. His eyes were filled with astonishment as he looked at Dohyun. After a moment of focused observation, Danny asked seriously.
"Are you a beta?"
The question seemed out of place. Even Danny, as he asked, seemed to not fully believe it. Dohyun didn’t answer, and Danny shook his head in exasperation.
"...Do you want me to tell you something?"
His voice suddenly became cold, and his gaze was filled with discomfort. Dohyun could guess why Danny felt so angry and misunderstood.
"In the end, you can't be that teacher."
If he knew he would regret it, it would have been better not to say it. Danny had blurted it out in frustration but quickly showed signs of regret. Dohyun temporarily put everything aside and focused on one word Danny had just said.
"Teacher?"
"...Yes, the teacher."
There was no need to ask who it was; Dohyun knew very well. Though he didn’t understand why Dohyun was silent, Danny continued in a lower voice.
"He’s a 'beta,' very caring and gentle. You and I, we can never become someone like that teacher."
Dohyun lowered his head, trying to soothe the complex emotions in his heart. He was happy that Wooyeon had mentioned him, but he felt heartbroken that Wooyeon remembered him even in America. But what surprised him the most was the strange sense of pride within him.
"Danny Connor."
There was no other way. Dohyun spoke in a low tone. Although he wasn’t used to intervening in others' affairs, he felt that staying silent would be deceiving Danny. He might misunderstand again, and if Danny left because of that, he might get hurt once more.
"It seems like you’ve misunderstood..."
Danny looked at him with a tense expression. Perhaps because his full name was called out unexpectedly, he thought Dohyun was angry. Seeing this, Dohyun softened his tone.
"Wooyeon sees you as a friend, too."
This was just a casual consolation. Danny probably sensed it and nodded with a resigned expression. His eyes seemed to ask him to continue, and Dohyun deliberately spoke in Korean.
"He doesn’t know how to treat you because this is the first time he’s had a friend."
"...The first time?"
Honestly, Dohyun hoped Danny didn’t understand. He didn’t want to accept that anyone other than him could be special to Wooyeon. Out of childish jealousy, Dohyun wanted to keep Wooyeon to himself.
"The first time he has a friend."
Danny widened his eyes in disbelief. It seemed he didn’t know anything about Wooyeon’s living situation. And rightly so, no article could capture everything.
"For Wooyeon, true friends are just two people. One is you, and the other is Seongyu, whom you met earlier. Moon Garam is a senior, so it's a bit different. As for me, because I’m a lover, I don’t count."
"You’re talking too fast."
"Consider this a listening practice."
Danny frowned, looking uncomfortable, but as the conversation continued, he listened more intently than anyone. Dohyun didn’t back down, even reminding him that since they were in Korea, they should use Korean.
"When the article about Wooyeon was published, Moon Garam bought pastries to cheer him up."
It was a vivid memory, as if it had happened just yesterday. When the article about Wooyeon, the heir to the Seonjeong Corporation, was published, reporters flooded the school gate. Dohyun hadn’t seen it firsthand, but according to Garam, that little guy seemed like he had given up on everything.
"But Wooyeon said… he thought Garam pitied him."
"Pity?"
"Sympathy."
"Ah…"
"That’s why Garam explained that it was concern, not pity, but Wooyeon found that really uncomfortable."
Danny looked confused. Perhaps Wooyeon’s reaction surprised him. Dohyun sighed as he recalled when Garam told him about it.
"Wooyeon just wasn’t used to it."
"He once said, what would happen if he got too used to being cared for by others?"
"Wooyeon has everything, but he’s never had a real friend. He doesn’t know how much he can rely on others."
Some might think Wooyeon was speaking meaningless words from someone born into wealth. In fact, even Dohyun, when he first met Wooyeon, thought he was just a spoiled rich kid throwing a tantrum.
"When we were dating, he was the same."
But for Wooyeon, everything was new—relying on others, hiding his emotions. He knew how to express affection, but didn’t know how to receive it.
"Even when he was jealous, he would hold it in, when he wanted something, he would suppress it. When he thought I didn’t like it, he chose to stop and walk away."
"…"
"He’s hard to get close to, and hard to understand."
Dohyun felt a bit guilty but also wronged. Sometimes he wondered what he had done wrong, but then, when he looked into those clear eyes, everything seemed to melt away.
"But think about it, how afraid must he have been?"
Dohyun had learned to read situations to survive, while Wooyeon had learned to be cautious in order to protect himself. If Dohyun tried hard to cling to everything, afraid of losing anything, Wooyeon, on the other hand, let go of everything out of fear of loss. Both were trying to protect themselves in their own ways, and the concept of right or wrong was really blurry.
"I'm not saying you have to understand everything. Maybe Wooyeon is at fault for making you feel uncomfortable. But if we don’t speak out, no one will ever understand each other’s feelings."
Most things can be resolved halfway just by speaking honestly. The sadness Danny was feeling wouldn't have been an issue if he had openly communicated it. If Wooyeon didn’t see Danny as a friend, he wouldn’t have remembered the moments with “Danny” with such a bright smile.
"So, instead of being upset with me, why don’t you talk to Wooyeon? Do you need to speak in English?"
"...No, I almost understand now."
Danny shook his head with a complex expression. He added the word "almost," as if he hadn’t fully grasped it, but the frustration he had earlier had faded, leaving only a thoughtful and regretful look.
Then, no one said anything more. Dohyun had said everything he needed to, and Danny remained silent, lost in thought. The silence lasted a while, until Danny leaned against the balcony and spoke.
"You’re really mature."
Dohyun shrugged. "You talk too much nonsense." Danny gave a forced smile.
"So... you’re different from me."
It was an unfinished sentence. Dohyun didn’t respond, and Danny was silent too. Then, Danny looked directly at Dohyun and said each word firmly.
"Sorry, Dohyun. I was... wrong."
The apology carried a lot of weight. After saying it, Danny looked into Dohyun’s eyes with some worry, as if wondering about the word "wrong." However, Dohyun didn’t say "It’s okay" because he thought Danny needed some time to reflect.
"Alright, I’ll go to my room now."
Danny bowed his head and stepped inside, and Dohyun watched him go, secretly rolling his eyes. He only softened because Danny was Wooyeon’s friend.
"Think about where you want to go tomorrow."
Danny paused. He turned back with a surprised look, and Dohyun narrowed his eyes, a habit of his.
"You’ve come all the way here, are you just going to sit and drink the whole time like today?"
After a pause, Danny nodded. Even though his Korean wasn’t perfect, he understood it quite well. As Danny’s footsteps faded into the room, Dohyun finally looked up at the sky.
"You’ll never beat that teacher."
He didn’t know why that sentence kept lingering in his mind. He had tried so hard to escape from the role of "teacher." The position of "him"—one he had fought so hard to earn—was truly precious and worth cherishing.
Dohyun shook his head again and stood up. He was about to quickly enter the room and hold Wooyeon, who was fast asleep. Perhaps a few kisses wouldn’t wake him up.
Under the dark sky, the soft blue moonlight shone through the window. His gaze swept across the moonlight before he left without a second thought. It truly had been a meaningless day.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 10
The next day, early in the morning, the three of them began their sightseeing trip. Danny woke up at the crack of dawn, knocked on the door, and said he wanted to explore everywhere. Wooyeon, with a tired face, grumbled, but in the end, the victory still went to the foreigner who loved Korea.
Before heading out, Dohyun helped Wooyeon put on a hat and wore his own T-shirt on him. He couldn’t replace Wooyeon’s knee-length shorts, but when he saw Wooyeon carrying both of his watches, he felt a surge of emotion. Wooyeon looked a bit like a puppy getting ready to go for a walk.
“So, where do you want to go?”
Danny wasn’t interested in famous tourist spots but was excited about very ordinary activities, like movie theaters, fast-food restaurants, and street vendors. Dohyun booked three tickets for a horror movie that Wooyeon liked, then took the two “kids” to a burger joint.
“Oh, the taste is really different from in the U.S.”
“I told you. It’s very different from the U.S.”
Despite being Korean, both reacted similarly. On the other hand, Danny, eating heartily, seemed more like a local Korean. Perhaps recalling the stomach ache he got last time, Wooyeon couldn’t bring himself to eat the burger, and Dohyun, holding back his laughter, had to buy him a milkshake.
After finishing their meal, the three headed to the cinema to watch the pre-booked horror movie. The film had an eerie atmosphere from its poster and was the biggest summer hit. Wooyeon watched the movie with a calm expression, but surprisingly, Danny turned out to be the weaker one.
"How could you pick up such an ugly doll? You can tell it’s cursed just by looking at it! There are so many cute dolls out there!"
Maybe it was because the movie was in English that Danny reacted so strongly. Throughout the film, he kept screaming and crying, startling Wooyeon three times before he finally covered his ears. Dohyun, sitting on the other side, watched quietly and secretly held Wooyeon’s hand.
“Why aren’t you startled? Isn’t that doll scary?”
“You’re scarier than the doll, Danny…”
Even though Wooyeon wasn’t afraid of the scenes in the movie, he was startled by Danny’s reactions, his fingers trembling slightly. Perhaps he had unconsciously absorbed some of the fear.
“But don’t you think the subtitles were a bit strange?”
“Yeah, there were quite a few mistranslations.”
After complaining about the poor subtitles, they headed to the arcade. It was the place Dohyun had planned to take Wooyeon on their previous date. Danny lost money at the claw machine, while Wooyeon did surprisingly well at the basketball toss. Dohyun won two small keychains and gave one to each of them.
Today seemed to make up for the wasted time yesterday. The three of them strolled around, ate cheap ice cream, and stopped by street vendors for snacks. For Danny, and even Wooyeon, it was the first time experiencing many things, so no one felt bored.
“Where do you want to go tomorrow?”
On the way home, Dohyun cheerfully asked Danny. He was thinking about taking them to see hanoks the next day. As if reading his mind, Danny smiled and replied.
“Tomorrow, I’m leaving the country.”
At dawn, the airport bustled with people pulling suitcases, foreign travelers unfamiliar with the language, flight attendants walking in rows, and countless eager faces preparing for their journeys. Dohyun quietly watched as the two went through the departure procedures.
“Did you forget anything?”
“No, I’ve packed everything.”
“You’ve got your passport and phone, right?”
“Of course.”
Yesterday, after suddenly announcing his return home, Danny started packing, leaving his two friends surprised. He had only been here for three days: one day to reunite with Wooyeon, one day drinking at the university, and one day sightseeing. With such a short stay, he didn’t have much to pack.
“...You’re really leaving already?”
Wooyeon tried to persuade Danny to stay several times, suggesting he could postpone his flight and that it would be a shame to leave so soon. His face was full of regret, but Danny simply shook his head firmly.
“Staying longer would only bother your boyfriend.”
For the first time, he seemed a bit hesitant. Dohyun had assured him that it was fine, but Danny still didn’t change his mind.
“So, you’ll arrive in the morning, right?”
“Yeah, I’ll sleep on the plane.”
And so, as soon as the sun rose, they all headed to the airport to see Danny off. Dohyun put a hat and mask on Wooyeon to avoid reporters. Wooyeon quietly let him do it, joking, “I look like a thief at the airport.”
“Thank you for helping me. And for the seat, thank you, Wooyeon.”
Danny’s original seat in economy class had been upgraded to first class by Wooyeon. At first, Danny had refused, but when Wooyeon said, “With your build, there’s no way you’d survive economy,” he finally relented. The flight to Korea had already been uncomfortable enough.
“It’s time for me to go.”
Danny shrugged as he noticed Wooyeon staring at him. There was still plenty of time before his flight.
“It’s still early, isn’t it?”
“I want to go inside and explore the duty-free area. I heard this is the biggest airport in Korea.”
Danny said this and pointed to the ceiling. Following his gesture, Dohyun saw a large screen hanging on the wall, playing a commercial for Seonjeong Corporation’s latest phone. Quickly averting his gaze, he addressed Danny.
“Travel safely. Next time you visit, I’ll let you crash at my place again.”
Danny beamed like a happy puppy, but instead of being excited about the offer, he suddenly remarked, “But your English is really good.”
Dohyun had learned English with the hope of being adopted abroad. Later, he attended a foreign language high school to meet the expectations of his foster family. With his good memory and opportunities to travel, it was natural for Dohyun to speak English fluently.
“Did you study abroad?”
After spending three days together, was this question even relevant now? Dohyun thought Danny was truly a unique person. He squinted his eyes and smiled.
“Just attending public school is enough to get this good.”
“Really?”
Dohyun lied, and Danny didn’t believe him.
“Anyway… thank you for everything.”
Danny gave the small keychain in his hand a gentle shake as he spoke. It was the prize Dohyun had won at the arcade game, a little trinket with a soft puff of cotton attached to it. Even if it was disposable, both recipients cherished it.
“Wooyeon, make sure to eat and rest properly. And stay away from things like marijuana.”
“In Korea, marijuana is illegal.”
Marijuana? Wooyeon didn’t even smoke cigarettes—what a pointless concern.
“Danny, you’re not my guardian, you know.”
Wooyeon replied with a pout. He had taken off his mask, and his slightly grimaced expression was now visible. Seeing him like that, Danny smiled faintly and asked,
“So, what am I to you?”
“What?”
Wooyeon looked at him with confusion, his eyebrows raised slightly in embarrassment. Then he averted his gaze, fiddling nervously with his ear.
“That’s…”
He slowly searched for the right words. The sudden question seemed too difficult for him. Glancing at Danny, he finally mustered a response in a slightly indifferent tone.
“You’re my friend.”
At that moment, Dohyun noticed a subtle shift in Danny’s expression. His sky-blue eyes, usually clear and bright, momentarily revealed an indescribable emotion. But then Danny smiled warmly, nodding gently.
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Perhaps that was all he wanted to hear. Nothing more, nothing less—just the acknowledgment of being a friend. For that, Danny had traveled all the way to Korea.
“Take care, Wooyeon.”
It wasn’t just Wooyeon who felt regret over this farewell. Danny’s soft voice carried a tinge of longing. Blinking a few times, he hesitated before tightly hugging Wooyeon.
“…I’ll miss you.”
Perhaps because Danny said it in Korean, or because the hug came so suddenly, Wooyeon froze for a moment. Only after a long pause did he speak timidly, his head still resting against Danny’s chest.
“Next time…”
“…”
“I’ll come visit you.”
His tone was as usual, but his actions were not. As he raised his arms to hug Danny back, Dohyun turned away, pretending not to see. He thought that if he kept watching, he might want to pull them apart, so this was the best way to avoid that temptation.
“So, I’m really going now.”
Despite the lingering farewell, Danny turned and walked away decisively. Wooyeon watched his retreating figure, and just as Danny was about to leave, he called out loudly.
“Danny.”
Danny slowly turned back. Dohyun felt Wooyeon’s hand tighten its grip on his own. Wooyeon looked at Danny and spoke, his voice deliberate.
“I really wanted to introduce you to the person I’m dating.”
The words felt unusual, much like when Danny had complimented Dohyun’s English earlier. Ignoring Danny’s surprise, Wooyeon continued in a calm tone.
“This person is my teacher.”
Danny’s eyes widened in shock, his expression visibly changing. His blue eyes wavered slightly, and when he caught Dohyun’s averted gaze, he let out a soft chuckle.
“…Oh…”
He wasn’t sure how to describe the emotion he felt. Was it awkwardness? A pang of guilt? If he were to ask why this hadn’t been mentioned earlier, would he even get an answer?
Still, Danny smiled, his expression relaxing.
“That’s good. You’re with your teacher.”
Wooyeon nodded, his face glowing with happiness. When Danny wished for their relationship to last, Wooyeon shyly lowered his head. Dohyun remained silent, and this time, it was Danny who waved goodbye before heading through the international departure gates.
Even after Danny left, Wooyeon and Dohyun continued to stroll through the airport, chatting about trivial things. Under the soaring dome, the sky stretched out in a clear, endless blue. Like the contrail of an airplane streaking across the sky, this meeting would remain an unforgettable memory for years to come.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 11
The summer break has ended. Wooyeon had stayed at Dohyun's house throughout the vacation, and as the new semester began, he moved into his own new apartment. The apartment was bathed in bright sunlight through the large window, and it was spacious enough for him to run around freely—a perfect high-end studio. Calling it a "room" felt too modest, but for Wooyeon, it was still more ordinary than the penthouse he used to live in.
Dohyun seemed quite regretful that Wooyeon was living alone. He had gotten so used to seeing Wooyeon every day in their daily lives. Many times he wanted to keep him around, but after realizing that at the new apartment, without the access card, even the elevator button wouldn’t work, he changed his mind. After all, the studio was safer than his apartment.
So, Wooyeon became independent, and the time they spent together decreased. Dohyun still visited Wooyeon every day, but it wasn’t the same as when they lived together. As time went by, Wooyeon felt more and more empty, and since last week, his longing had become even more intense.
“…Do you have to go home today too?”
Wooyeon sat in the passenger seat, fiddling with the seatbelt. Dohyun didn’t have classes in the afternoon today, but he still waited until Wooyeon finished school to take him home. Wooyeon’s new apartment had a parking garage that only registered cars could enter.
"Yeah, she’s probably waiting at home."
Dohyun replied, but his face showed reluctance to part from Wooyeon. His brows furrowed as he sighed lightly, then reached out to Wooyeon.
"Sorry, I’ll try to convince her to leave soon."
His long fingers gently touched the soft skin under Wooyeon’s eyes. Wooyeon reflexively closed his eyes, and Dohyun’s expression softened. He gently cradled Wooyeon’s head and leaned in to kiss him on the lips.
A soft touch, lips meeting and pulling away, repeating several times. Even though the feeling was sweet and ticklish, Wooyeon’s face didn’t soften. Seeing his sad expression, Dohyun deepened the kiss, and his eyes glinted with an unreadable emotion.
“…What if I don’t go back?”
When Wooyeon heard those words, he let out a small laugh. He knew he had been a little clingy, so he lowered his head and nuzzled into Dohyun’s hand.
“I’ll try to hold on a little longer…”
The reason they had to say goodbye like a long-distance couple was actually one – the person who had been staying at Dohyun's house these days. Although it wasn’t exactly a stranger, it was someone from his family.
"It won’t be long, Jinah will give up soon."
That "other person" was Dohyun’s younger sister, Kim Jinah, a Beta who was four years younger than him. She had always been very attached to her brother since childhood and was currently staying with him after a fight with their parents. Dohyun mentioned that this wasn’t the first time this had happened.
"Be careful on your way home. Let me know when you get there, okay?"
"Okay, you too."
Wooyeon tried to hide his sense of loss as he got out of the car. Before leaving the car, he didn’t forget to kiss Dohyun once more. The pheromones mixed, but both stopped before it became too intense.
Dohyun’s car didn’t leave until Wooyeon’s figure completely disappeared from sight. Wooyeon swiped his card at the entrance, then stepped into the elevator with a sigh. His right hand, by habit, touched the watch on his left wrist.
"I shouldn’t have rented a place…”
He decided to move out partly because he didn’t want to keep causing trouble and also because he was embarrassed by Soo Hyang’s gaze. If he had known this would happen, he probably would have just stayed at Dohyun’s house. That way, maybe Jinah wouldn’t have stayed for so long.
As the floor numbers increased on the elevator screen, Wooyeon bit his lip. Even though they had just been apart, he missed Dohyun already. It wasn’t just about seeing him less; he didn’t have as many chances to be close to him like before. The last time they were truly together was several weeks ago.
"That time was amazing."
Remembering it, his cheeks unknowingly turned red. It was just before the school year started when Dohyun brought a cake to celebrate their 100-day anniversary. For Wooyeon, the concept of celebrating anniversaries didn’t exist, so he didn’t prepare anything and just welcomed Dohyun into his home.
"What’s this?"
"It’s to celebrate our 100 days together."
"Are you counting the days?"
Wooyeon felt a little embarrassed asking, remembering how he had quietly counted the days since Danny arrived in Korea and even said it out loud. He was going to say that he didn’t want to remember anniversaries, but Dohyun gently spoke.
"Let’s go on a trip tomorrow."
The awkwardness immediately disappeared, replaced by excitement. Wooyeon’s face turned pink, and Dohyun smiled brightly when he saw it.
"Do you want some cake?"
In the end, they didn’t go on a trip. While eating a strawberry-covered cake, they started gazing at each other lovingly. Then, before they could enter the room, they were together right there at the dining table until morning. By then, their bodies were covered in cream and sweat, and Wooyeon had fallen asleep in Dohyun’s arms.
Though he was always the first to pass out, Wooyeon always felt fulfilled after every time spent with Dohyun. His pheromones burned brightly like dry leaves in a fire, and Dohyun’s dark eyes were full of passion. It was the only time Dohyun lost his usual calm demeanor. The sense of satisfaction and pleasure that enveloped him was unforgettable.
"Seonsaeng, I miss you…"
He hadn’t realized that, throughout his life, he had lived without desires, and that he was a rather healthy Omega. The dull ache in his lower abdomen from missing Dohyun made everything flash before his eyes: his large hands, his strong body.
It was clear he was in a state of intense longing.
One day, two days, three days passed. Time crawled like a turtle. Every night he missed Dohyun, and finally, Wooyeon had an embarrassing dream and even had to satisfy himself. When he went to school with dark circles under his eyes, Garam immediately asked what was wrong. When asked if something had happened with Kim Dohyun, Wooyeon couldn’t hide the sadness on his face. He even thought that it would be better if something actually happened.
"Is Dohyun not coming to school today?"
"Yeah, he doesn’t have any classes today."
"Usually, even if he doesn’t have class, he still comes to see Wooyeon."
Wooyeon remembered the message Dohyun had sent him this morning:
Dohyun: [Sorry, I can’t pick you up today because I have to take care of my sister.] 07:32 am
It was fine that he couldn’t pick him up, but tomorrow Wooyeon didn’t have any classes either. That meant he wouldn’t see Dohyun until Monday. Now, he was missing him like crazy, and having to wait three more days was unbearable. The chopsticks in Wooyeon’s hand pressed into the rice cake, breaking it into pieces.
Throughout the afternoon class, Wooyeon’s mind was filled with thoughts of Dohyun. When he checked his phone, the message “I’m fine” sent in the morning had still not been read. Wooyeon had written and erased “I miss you” many times. In the end, the class ended, and he still hadn’t sent any message. When he realized it, he was already sitting in Yoon’s driver’s car.
Sigh...
It had only been three days. Today was over, and from tomorrow, there would be exactly three more days. There was a time when they hadn’t seen each other for four years and still managed, so three days shouldn’t be a big deal.
However, when Wooyeon got home, he immediately threw himself onto the bed. The longing for Dohyun was suffocating, driving him mad. He grabbed his white stuffed desert fox and hugged it, but the longing didn’t ease.
[Hey, I miss you] 06:00 pm
Finally, Wooyeon picked up his phone and sent the message to Dohyun. To his surprise, the message was marked as “read” immediately. Wooyeon sat up quickly, kneeling and waiting. The stuffed fox was left forgotten on the bed, rolling around.
“...”
However, minutes passed, and no reply came. One minute, two minutes, then five minutes. Ten minutes passed, and still nothing. Wooyeon blinked and sent another message.
[Hey?] 06:11 pm
“...”
Dohyun disappeared. No reply, even though it was marked as “read.” Seeing the "read" label clearly with no response, Wooyeon frustratedly placed the phone down on the bed.
The next morning, when Wooyeon woke up early, he noticed a missed call from Dohyun late the previous night. Wooyeon tapped on the missed call. After a few rings, Dohyun’s familiar voice came through on the other end.
“…Hello?”
“Hyung!”
“Yeah, it’s me, Yeon-ah.”
Dohyun’s gentle, warm voice wrapped around Wooyeon’s ears. The characteristic warmth and care in his tone. Wooyeon was lost in the feeling of joy, his furrowed brows relaxing.
“Hyung... I went to bed early last night, so I couldn’t answer the phone…”
“Really?”
If only he had known that Dohyun called, Wooyeon would’ve stayed up all night waiting. Actually, he had gone to bed early because he hadn’t heard from Dohyun. But now that feeling was completely forgotten, replaced by an intense yearning just from hearing his voice.
“I miss you…”
Wooyeon’s voice became naturally whiny. When he was with Dohyun, he easily showed his vulnerability because he knew Dohyun wouldn’t dislike or find it annoying.
“…Yeah, I miss you too.”
Wooyeon believed that the reason Dohyun’s voice sounded deeper was because he also missed him a lot. He was just too happy to realize that since the start of the call, Dohyun’s voice had already softened with emotion. Focused on the sound of his breath, Wooyeon hesitantly asked.
“Is your sister still at your place?”
“Mm…”
The answer wasn’t difficult, but it came slowly. Wooyeon felt a little nervous as he waited. He heard a sigh, or maybe a small chuckle, and then Dohyun finally responded.
“I think she’s gone back home.”
“...”
If she had gone home, why say “I think”? Wooyeon had thought they were still together, but it seemed that his sister had left.
“What do you mean by that...?”
“Yeon-ah.”
“...”
Wooyeon took a deep breath. Dohyun’s voice on the phone was so seductive. His heart raced, and his face flushed. It was unclear whether Dohyun knew this, but he whispered in a way that was simply enchanting.
“Do you want to come over to my place now?”
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 12
Wooyeon put on a thin sweater and walked straight to Dohyun. Although he briefly thought, "Why didn't he come to pick me up today?", that thought quickly passed. Dohyun wasn't his personal driver, after all, and couldn't always be there to pick him up or drop him off.
After getting out of the taxi, Wooyeon entered the code for the door and went upstairs. His impatience made the elevator feel like it was moving incredibly slowly. After entering the wrong code twice, he finally managed to open Dohyun's door.
"...You?"
Contrary to his expectation that Dohyun would greet him at the door, the place was completely quiet. The only sign that Dohyun was home was the stronger-than-usual pheromone scent that indicated he was inside.
Wooyeon slowly entered, savoring the familiar scent of Dohyun.
"Hey."
Dohyun didn't turn around but was sitting on the couch in the living room. He still had a towel wrapped around his head, probably just out of the shower, and the table was cluttered with headbands used during the festival. The strange combination surprised Wooyeon, and he walked closer with a puzzled expression.
"Hey."
Wooyeon called him again. This time, Dohyun, who had been sitting lazily, slowly turned his head to look at him. He was always someone who maintained a straight posture, so seeing him slouch like this was unusual. Wooyeon only realized something was off when their eyes met.
"...Are you drunk?"
"Yeon-ah."
Dohyun's left eye, which had a slight fold, appeared droopy, and he blinked slowly with a faint smile on his lips. His face was exactly like the time at the drinking party when he had reached a certain level of drunkenness.
"Did you drink?"
"Yeah..."
Dohyun didn't deny it but instead looked around the table awkwardly. He even muttered, "I cleaned everything up, right?" as if trying to hide the fact that he had been drinking. But how could anyone miss it? His slow reactions made it obvious.
"Why did you drink alone?"
Wooyeon mumbled, worried, and sat next to Dohyun. Only then did he notice that Dohyun's hair was still damp, with droplets of water falling from it. Fearing he might catch a cold, Wooyeon took a towel and started drying his hair. Dohyun's lips curled slightly into a gentle smile.
"Why did you take out these headbands?"
"Jinah looked at them. She said she'd borrow them next time."
Ah... Wooyeon was about to answer indifferently, but his eyes flickered when he saw Dohyun's expression change. Specifically, when the name "Jinah" was mentioned, Dohyun's sharp eyes narrowed slightly.
"Did something happen with your sister?"
Wooyeon's question was answered immediately with just two words.
"We fought."
"...Why?"
It was common for siblings to argue, but it was odd that Dohyun had drunk afterward. Though Wooyeon had no siblings, he knew from Seongyu that sometimes, after a fight with his only brother, they would argue one day and then make up the next as if nothing had happened.
"It just happened."
Dohyun avoided his gaze, not wanting to elaborate further. After that event, he had stopped hiding anything, so Wooyeon didn't press him and fell silent. Later, when Dohyun sobered up, he would likely talk about it without anyone needing to prod him.
"......"
A long silence passed. The stillness was so complete that even the sound of hair brushing against the towel was clear. While Wooyeon focused on drying his hair, Dohyun smiled contentedly, releasing a gentle pheromone that created a calming atmosphere.
"All done."
"Yeah, thanks."
Not only Wooyeon but Dohyun too became more affectionate when drunk. This was evident as he immediately nuzzled his head into Wooyeon's shoulder when the towel was set aside. He intertwined his hand with Wooyeon's and gently asked:
"How did you get here?"
"I took a taxi."
"That's dangerous... Why didn't you ask Yoon to drive you?"
"It would have taken longer to wait for Uncle Yoon."
There was nothing dangerous about taking a regular taxi. Dohyun tended to be overly protective of Wooyeon, and after several outings together, their encounters with the press had only made this worse.
"Hey."
Wooyeon gently shifted his hand that was being held by Dohyun. The warmth and pheromone from his hand stirred the palm of Wooyeon's hand, sending waves of emotion throughout him.
"Are you... not in a good mood?"
"Yeah..."
Like before, Dohyun lifted his other hand, slightly curling his thumb and index finger. Through the gap between his fingers, his slightly curved eyes peeked through.
"Just a little bit?"
"......"
"But it's better now."
Dohyun's kind face became even softer when he was drunk. His eyes were half-closed, as if he wanted to sleep, and his lips parted slightly, revealing his perfect white teeth. It was a smile not for anyone else, but one that was reserved for Wooyeon alone.
"Hey..."
Wooyeon spoke slowly, his fingers tracing Dohyun's hand. His face was angelic, but his fingers were rough, with prominent joints—long and strong. Though they were considered beautiful, Wooyeon found them to be more powerful and alluring than merely beautiful.
"Hey, I..."
Instead of urging, Dohyun just blinked at him. His black pupils were momentarily hidden by his eyelids, only to reappear again, like a scene in a painting, making it impossible for Wooyeon to look away. Wooyeon gently took his hand and placed it on his cheek.
"Can I make you feel better?"
It was an impulsive question, but Wooyeon didn’t regret asking. Because Dohyun was looking at him with affectionate eyes and smiling, he asked back: "How would you do that?"
Wooyeon immediately let go of his hand and slid off the couch to the floor.
"Don't sit there."
But Dohyun quickly slid his hand under Wooyeon's arm and gently lifted him. With a somewhat serious expression, he shook his head. Wooyeon was pulled into his embrace, and he softly protested:
"What do you mean by 'there'? This is your house..."
"Even if it's my house? There's no reason for you to kneel in my house."
Despite being drunk, his words were firm. Wooyeon turned his face away and wrapped his arms around his neck. Dohyun's large hands gently stroked his back.
"Are you going to... use your mouth?"
"......"
For a moment, everything stopped. Normally, Dohyun would have noticed Wooyeon's intentions long ago, but this time, he seemed genuinely confused. Wooyeon buried his face in his neck and whispered:
"If I don’t sit on the floor, what should I do?"
That is a very simple thought. Because Dohyun's mood was not good, and because it made Wooyeon's heart restless. The boldness rising within him turned that thought into action without needing too many reasons.
"......Really."
Dohyun let out a sigh, his voice gradually fading. It seems that the alcohol has slowed down his thinking.
"This thing... Who did you learn it from?”
Learn from whom? Until now, Wooyeon's "seonsaeng" has been the only one.
"I will do it for you."
Wooyeon whispered in a voice as light as a breath. Although he had boldly slid down from the sofa earlier, now he felt embarrassed. Perhaps thinking that Dohyun might not be in the mood, he cautiously asked further:
"Do you... not like it?"
"……."
"I'm not sure if it's just a feeling, but the pheromones are gently spreading, then suddenly tightening. Compared to earlier, the amount of pheromones has decreased, clearly Dohyun is deliberately holding himself back.
He stayed silent for a moment, then gently pulled Wooyeon out of his embrace.
"Yeon-ah, you can't do it."
"...Why not?"
"Why, huh..."
He slowly looked at Wooyeon, his gaze so direct that it made Wooyeon's cheeks flush. Dohyun tilted his head slightly, his gaze lingering on Wooyeon's full red lips.
"With this tiny mouth... what do you plan to do?"
"..."
His words were not playful at all, especially when he gently touched the corner of Wooyeon's lips and added, "It might tear." This only made his words sound even more serious. Wooyeon innocently rolled his eyes, then lowered his lashes, his face full of sorrow.
"...So, you don't like it?"
"......"
When he's drunk, Dohyun becomes 120% more honest than usual. His wavering gaze, which couldn't hide anything, was clear proof. Unable to say a word, whether "don't like" or "like," he silently reached out for something on the table.
"It's just... what was it..."
He picked up a bunny ear headband from the many on the table. Then, he placed it on Wooyeon's head, who was still dazed, and smiled contentedly. His hands gently adjusted Wooyeon's hair, every movement so careful that others could feel his tenderness.
"Wow, so cute..."
His deep, hoarse laugh rang out, causing Wooyeon to lower his head, his face turning bright red. He had just boldly said, "I'll do it with my mouth," yet with just a headband, he felt so embarrassed. Even though he knew Dohyun was intentionally steering the conversation away, Wooyeon couldn't help but recall the time he had worn this headband in the clubroom before. Those memories suddenly flooded back, making his heart race.
"Look at me."
Clearly, he was drunk. Just by hearing him refer to himself as "seonsaeng," a title he never used when sober, it was obvious. But as always, Wooyeon obediently responded to Dohyun's words. He lifted his head, their gazes met, and right after that, Dohyun gently pressed his lips to Wooyeon's.
"Mm..."
It was a simple kiss, just lips touching lips. There was no tongue slipping in, nor was it a deep, wet kiss. He merely gently nibbled on Wooyeon's lower lip, biting lightly with his front teeth, slowly, as if tasting it softly.
Wooyeon wrapped his arms around Dohyun's neck, his toes twitching slightly. Although Dohyun must have drunk quite a bit, Wooyeon couldn't smell any alcohol. Instead, there was only the faint scent of shampoo and the distinctive dry pheromone smell of Dohyun. His soft lips slowly heightened Wooyeon's feelings, bit by bit.
‘I like it so much...’
A burning desire rose in his lower belly. The pheromones from Wooyeon, which had loosened earlier, now filled the air, enveloping Dohyun. He gently caressed the back of Wooyeon's neck, then slowly pulled away from the kiss. Wooyeon's dazed eyes seemed to melt, looking at Dohyun blankly, completely swept away by the atmosphere.
"Who's the one that's drunk now, huh?"
His teasing voice echoed, but there was something unusually different about it in the current atmosphere. His long fingers, like snakes, curled around Wooyeon's ear in a persistent manner. He gently pinched Wooyeon's earlobe between his fingers, caressing it, then whispered while pressing his forehead to Wooyeon's.
"Can you do it?"
"...Yes."
Wooyeon exhaled with quick breaths and nodded slightly. The emotions in his heart beat loudly, unsure whether it was from anticipation or fear. As he slowly sat down, Dohyun didn't stop him this time.
"......"
"......"
Wooyeon knelt in front of the sofa, gently spreading Dohyun's legs apart. Thanks to the soft rug beneath him, his knees didn’t feel uncomfortable. Before starting, he placed his hand on Dohyun's right thigh, slowly caressing it. But gradually, the sensation under his hand was no longer his thigh—it was something else.
"...Yeon-ah."
Dohyun's voice called out, his deep tone softly resonating in the quiet space.
Dohyun trembled slightly, his fingers shaking. He gently stroked Wooyeon's hair with slow gestures, then let out a low chuckle. The sound of laughter, which didn't fit the situation, made Wooyeon look up, and immediately his gaze met Dohyun's pupils, filled with dark, overwhelming desire.
"Do you know what you're wearing on your head?"
"...!"
Wooyeon suddenly realized the situation, and his hands immediately froze. The bunny ears Dohyun had placed on his head were still there. Wooyeon's face turned bright red, like a ripe tomato, and he quickly reached up to remove it. But before he could do so, Dohyun held his hand firmly, stopping him from doing so.
"Why? Just leave it on and keep going."
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 13
It is clear that he is teasing him. The act of pulling his tightly held wrist towards the middle of his legs is the same. However, if he were to refuse and push it away, he might be stopped, preventing any further actions.
"If you can't do it, then tell me now."
The large hand slowly slides past his ear. After touching the edge of his ear, it moves over the earlobe, then grabs the slender chin with one hand. He presses his thumb gently against the lower lip and lowers his head, giving a warning.
"Right now, I have been drinking... so I won't be able to stop in the middle. Do you understand?"
"……."
Clearly, these words are meant to intimidate. However, they have caused Wooyeon to lose some of his confidence, his hands trembling slightly. Though his clothes aren't fully off, the exposed contours look large, aggressive, and intimidating.
'...It should be fine, it can still fit below.'
However, people who don't know much often find it easier to gather courage. In Wooyeon's mind, whether it is above or below, the act of "inserting" seems just as difficult. Even though he had let Dohyun "enter" places tighter than his mouth multiple times, he couldn't recall ever being torn or anything happening.
Wooyeon swallowed hard, then reached down to his waistband. Dohyun's gaze remained fixed on him, not missing any movement. After a few attempts, Wooyeon pulled both his pants and underwear down at the same time, causing his member to spring out forcefully, twitching menacingly.
"……."
Even though he had touched it, even let it "in," the strange feeling still unexpectedly arose. Too big, too long, and too large, making it really difficult to fit it all in the mouth. He carefully tried to grasp the body with his hand, and immediately felt the scorching temperature as if it would burn his hand.
"......Ugh."
Simply stroking up and down, but Dohyun let out a soft moan, a low sound vibrating from his throat. Encouraged by that reaction, Wooyeon placed his lips on the shaft that he was holding with both hands. When he extended his tongue, licking over the sensitive spots, Dohyun's fingers tightened more on his hair.
"Phuh..."
Dohyun's gaze gradually sank into a deep, enchanting black. He slowly blinked, then gently stroked Wooyeon's eyebrows. You thought he would say, "If it's too hard, then just forget it," but surprisingly, Dohyun not only stayed silent but also spoke up to help you.
"Just hold the tip."
Dohyun's voice was deep and calm, just like that time when he taught Wooyeon how to smoke. His gaze meticulously observed him from head to toe, as if wanting to capture every small movement. A faint scent of pheromone brushed past the tip of Wooyeon's nose, while the part in front of him seemed to swell even more.
Wooyeon felt the wave of pheromones rising in the air, and he couldn't help but part his lips and take the tip.
"Mm..."
The smooth, slick tip filled Wooyeon's mouth cavity tightly. Just a little bit in his mouth and he already felt difficulty. "Really... too big..." He was lost in thought when a deep voice broke the silence.
"Don't let your teeth touch..."
"……."
"Use your tongue."
Wooyeon obediently followed like a well-behaved child. He opened his mouth wider to avoid scraping with his teeth, while gently licking around the tip with his tongue. In response to that effort, Dohyun's large hand gently stroked the back of Wooyeon's head as a compliment.
"Lower your chin a bit more..."
"……."
"Even the hands, you have to use your hands."
Wooyeon felt really clumsy. Saliva dripped from the corner of his mouth, and he had no skills whatsoever. "I wonder how the seonsaeng did this." Even though you've tried to hold on tightly, with the current method, your jaw might give way before Dohyun reaches his climax.
"I've only been able to hold half of it."
Dohyun seemed to find Wooyeon really adorable. His gentle hands softly wiped away the tears welling up at the corners of your eyes. Wooyeon felt a bit unjustifiably aggrieved, but still continued to take his hard object into his mouth, while swallowing a mouthful of saliva that was rising in his throat.
"……."
The hand gripping the back of his head tightened, creating a gentle yet firm pressure, keeping Wooyeon in place. Then, with slow movements, he pushed the organ deeper into his mouth, doing it while softly murmuring something unclear.
"I told you it can't be stopped..."
As soon as those words ended, Dohyun began to move his hips. Wooyeon slightly trembled his eyelashes, looked up, and his gaze met his pitch-black pupils. Just as the tears were rolling down his cheeks, the other part suddenly penetrated deep into his throat.
"Cough…!"
The depth this time was completely different from when Wooyeon was in control. The thick and long shaft pressed down to the root of the tongue, causing the throat to open without a moment to catch a breath. Wooyeon squirmed, trying to break free, but Dohyun didn't let go. Instead, a strong pheromone wafted out, enveloping the entire space.
"It's okay, just breathe."
Breathe? In this condition, how can I breathe?
"Um..."
"Very good..."
Although he pushed in without mercy, Dohyun's hands were incredibly gentle. He gently rubbed the back of Wooyeon's neck and head, easing the pressure on his hands. At the same time, that part of the body was pulled out a little, making it easier for Wooyeon to breathe compared to before.
However, before long, he slowly pushed deeper, gently brushing against the roof of the mouth.
"……!"
This time, it wasn't an unexpected intrusion like before. Dohyun moved very slowly, enough for Wooyeon to adapt, even to the point where it made him feel suffocated by the slowness. When that sensual thing slowly filled his mouth, Wooyeon trembled his shoulders uncontrollably.
"Let your tongue down..."
The feeling of the throat being wide open is not pleasant. Although breathing became difficult, it seemed that Wooyeon had gotten used to it to the point where he no longer felt nauseous. When he let out a small groan, a gentle command echoed.
"Suck it."
"……."
By reflex, his throat constricted. In that cramped space, when the tongue was pressed down, Dohyun gently patted his head as a compliment. His other hand caressed the rabbit ear standing upright on Wooyeon's head, while his hips moved slowly.
"Ugh... no..."
If this is a torture, then it is indeed a brutal kind of torture. Wooyeon couldn't breathe easily, tears streamed down endlessly. However, without realizing when, his body began to move in response, his hips gently lifting. Although this action was very uncomfortable, every time he touched the sensitive membrane inside the mouth, the feeling of pleasure surged again.
Every gesture of Dohyun was gentle as if Wooyeon could shatter at any moment, caressing him with caution. Since the last time he pushed deep into the throat, he no longer acted violently. However, his voice, when he asked the question in a low tone, was full of threat:
"Can I shoot into your mouth?"
"……."
After a moment of hesitation, Wooyeon closed his eyes and began to suck hard. He followed the instructions, opening his throat to take it deeper and tightening. When you carefully pursed your lips to avoid your teeth touching, the corner of Dohyun's eye twitched slightly.
"……."
Immediately after, the stream of semen overflowed. Half of it flowed down the throat, the other half remained in the mouth. Wooyeon flinched, his shoulders trembling slightly, but Dohyun didn't pull out until he was completely finished.
“…Cough cough!”
Finally, Wooyeon choked and hurriedly turned his head to the side. Saliva stretched into a long strand from the part that had just left his mouth. Dohyun, like a well-fed lion, licked his lips in satisfaction while gently touching the wet tip of his tongue to Wooyeon's flushed cheeks.
"U...u..."
The liquid dripping down the chin was unclear whether it was saliva or semen. The eyes were red and swollen from incessant crying. The part of the body that just touched Wooyeon's cheek left a wet mark, and he held his throat, still feeling a strange dry cough for a few moments.
Dohyun gently reached out his hand towards Wooyeon. He wiped away the tears from the corners of your eyes and cheeks, then held your chin, forcing you to look up. Then, he placed a kiss on Wooyeon's wet eyes, while sliding his right leg between his legs. His shoulders slightly tensed and trembled at his action.
"Here..."
“…Sniff.”
"Why is it getting so hard?"
The lower part, which was erect, was pressed down under the sole of Dohyun's foot. Without even realizing it, it had grown on its own. Wooyeon shook his head repeatedly, but Dohyun didn't ignore him; instead, he gently rubbed his foot against its shape.
"Don't... sniff, don't do that..."
Wooyeon hurriedly grabbed Dohyun's leg, his trembling hands holding it tightly. When he bowed his head and pressed his forehead against his knee with a pleading expression, Dohyun finally stopped his movements. While Wooyeon was panting, Dohyun gently reached out his hand towards him.
"Come here, Yeon-ah."
Dohyun picked Wooyeon up and headed towards the bedroom. Even though it was Dohyun who had reached climax, Wooyeon's legs were weak and unable to stand. It seems that he didn't feel uncomfortable with the cloudy, sticky substance on his body. On the way, he even placed a few kisses on Wooyeon's drenched face.
Dohyun gently laid Wooyeon down on the bed, then crossed his arms and pulled the t-shirt over his head, revealing his muscular physique. Under the messy hair was a straight neck and broad shoulders. Wooyeon unconsciously opened his mouth, his gaze sweeping over his toned body.
"……."
Even though I have seen this body many times, each time it brings a different feeling. The broad, firm shoulders and the well-defined abs were so striking that one couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. Even though Wooyeon also trained hard in the U.S., he never achieved a physique like that. Dohyun's body seems to have been born perfect, without a single excess.
"You can touch."
Dohyun took Wooyeon's hand and placed it on his upper body. Through the palm of his hand, he felt the firm, toned chest. When Wooyeon slightly flexed his arm, the smooth and firm skin seemed to cling tightly to his fingers.
"Everything belongs to you."
His deep, enchanting voice seemed to cast a spell. Wooyeon's face turned bright red as if it were about to explode, and he slowly moved his hand. From the chest through the clearly defined abs, to the hip bones peeking out at the edge of the pants, all of it captivated him. The sound of Wooyeon's gulping was so clear that he felt embarrassed himself.
"Hyung, really..."
"Like it so much..."
But Wooyeon couldn't finish the sentence. His heart was beating so fast that his throat felt choked. When he realized that both of his hands were unconsciously caressing Dohyun's body, he felt embarrassed, but Dohyun just smiled, unable to hide the delight in his eyes. At the same time, he didn't forget to pull down Wooyeon's lower part.
"Ugh..."
Dohyun's sturdy fingers ventured inside, probing with patience and certainty. Wooyeon's sweater had been pulled up, exposing his chest and upper body. While using his fingers to slowly widen the tight little mouth below, Dohyun leaned down, his lips brushing lightly over Wooyeon's upper body.
"Mm... hmm..."
Perhaps because it had been a long time since he was close to Dohyun, just one finger entering was enough for Wooyeon to feel like he was about to reach his limit. He forgot that he was still wearing the bunny ear headband, his head gently rubbing against the pillow, causing the bunny ear in his messy hair to bend oddly.
"I didn't expect you to have this kind of hobby..."
Dohyun whispered, his voice so soft it almost melted into the air, then added more fingers. Thanks to the influence of the pheromone, the internal expansion was no longer too difficult. If it were normal, he would carefully take a little more time, but even Dohyun couldn't keep his patience at this moment.
"Yeon-ah... do you want to try being on top?"
"Huh, on top...?"
Wooyeon's dreamy eyes turned towards Dohyun. He took a condom from the bedside table and placed it in Wooyeon's hand. Then he supported him to change positions, making Wooyeon sit on him helplessly. Wooyeon placed both hands on Dohyun's chest to maintain balance.
"Do you know how to wear a condom?"
"I know how to... but I..."
Until now, Wooyeon had only seen others use condoms, never done it himself. When he peeled off the plastic wrapper that made a rustling sound, the rolled-up rubber inside was revealed. Wooyeon looked at the condom vaguely, then quickly became bold and pulled down Dohyun's pants.
"Hold it at the tip, then put it on from the top down."
Even though he had just ejaculated, Dohyun's member remained intensely erect. Wooyeon recalled what Dohyun had done before, then began putting on the condom from the tip. His hand slowly glided down along the length, and Dohyun half-sat up, adjusting Wooyeon's hair.
That action made Wooyeon realize the existence of the bunny ears. Dohyun gently took it off, adjusted it, and placed it back on his head again, as if wanting it to become an indispensable part of this moment.
“…Do I have to wear this the whole time?”
Really, it feels so perverted…
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 14
Even though Wooyeon's nape was flushed red, his voice couldn't shake Dohyun. On the contrary, he even slipped his hand under Wooyeon's sweater, touching his bare skin. Wooyeon instinctively shrank his shoulders, his legs trembling slightly.
"Today, I will be the pervert."
What he meant was, he should just keep wearing those bunny ears. Wooyeon didn't object, just squinted tightly and let out a small moan. That's because Dohyun not only lightly pinched the erect nipple but also used his other hand to tightly squeeze his butt.
"Loosen up..."
In the end, Wooyeon was still not allowed to take off the bunny ear headband. More precisely, the anticipation of what was about to happen had clouded his rational thinking. Anyway, he didn't see it, and now there are more important things to worry about, so there's no time to waste arguing over something trivial like that.
"Everything about Yeon-ah is small, isn't it?"
Dohyun's large hand gently squeezed the soft flesh of his skin. That remark made Wooyeon widen his eyes and glare at him, but his gaze clearly held no threat. Dohyun seemed unconcerned, sliding his middle finger along the crack of the buttocks, inserting his finger into the wet entrance.
"We will put it in here. Can you do it?"
"Hic..."
The middle finger twirled, as if indicating a position. The entrance, already soft and moist, gently constricted, swallowing the finger. Wooyeon trembled, his thighs slightly lifting as if trying to escape the intrusion of Dohyun's finger.
"Haa... no..."
Without any penetration, Wooyeon's glans had already oozed out a clear fluid. Dohyun held his member with one hand, while the other hand firmly grasped Wooyeon's waist, slowly placing the tip at the entrance. Wooyeon held his breath, slowly lowering himself bit by bit.
"Haa... uh..."
His shoulders slightly hunched, his hands bracing his trembling body, and his stomach sucked in deeply as if to relieve the pressure. Dohyun tried to push in little by little, but despite trying many times, the cramped entrance still pushed his head out.
"Hic... huh..."
Dohyun didn't rush to urge, just quietly observed Wooyeon trying his best on his own. Wooyeon's entire body was flushed, and breathless gasps escaped from his slightly parted lips. On the dark hair, the pure white rabbit ears still stood out, and the loose sweater revealed the collarbones prominently.
"Ah... can't get in... sniff..."
Wooyeon's deep voice, tinged with a slight tremor, resonated as if soaked in water. The entrance just took the tip once more, stretching to its maximum, then gently retracting. The small lips trembled, and he gently shook his head as if wanting to give up.
"I can't do it..."
This task was already difficult enough even when Dohyun did it himself. But now he has to force it in himself, the pressure and fear make it almost unbearable for Wooyeon. He felt like if he forced it in, it could cause serious damage down there.
"I can't get it in, hyung... sniff..."
"Why can't you go in, huh?"
Dohyun gently comforted Wooyeon, lightly rubbing the area near his coccyx. He whispered, "You can do it," while firmly holding his hips and gently pressing down. Under that pressure, Wooyeon tilted his head back, gasping for breath, his whole body trembling.
"Haa..."
The entrance was struggling to stretch out, finally managing to engulf the head. If they could get past this biggest part, everything would probably become easier, but Wooyeon's body had stiffened like a rock, making everything more difficult.
With no other choice, Dohyun gently caressed the inner thigh of Wooyeon with his palm, while slowly and gently grasping his penis.
"…!"
Wooyeon's entire body suddenly lost all its strength. When the weight pressed down, the part of the body that was just at the entrance finally penetrated through, pushing deep inside. The feeling of being pierced in an instant made Wooyeon widen his eyes, his breath choking.
“…A… a… it hurts so much… hic…”
After a short while, the new tears that fell created more streaks on his already tear-streaked face. His round eyes squinted in pain, while tears streamed down endlessly. With his trembling body, Wooyeon threw herself into Dohyun's arms, seeking comfort.
"Hic... it hurts so much... it hurts so much, hyung..."
Not exactly real pain, but the feeling of the body being pierced is too unfamiliar. It had been a long time since he had done this, and the unfamiliar position made the piercing sensation below only bring fear. Perhaps Dohyun also realized that, so he held Wooyeon tightly, his gentle voice reassuring him.
"It's okay, be good now..."
"Hic... hic..."
It feels like going back to the first day the two of them made love. Although they had been entwined with each other non-stop before, a few weeks of interruption had brought everything back to square one. The feeling of being filled inside the stomach is really heavy, but strangely, the body's sensitivity has increased significantly.
"I won't move until you feel better."
Dohyun wiped Wooyeon's drenched face, then placed a kiss on both of his eyelids. Smooch. The lips parted, this time moving towards Wooyeon's lips, which were softly moaning. Two tongues intertwined, gradually soothing the pain and loneliness that had overwhelmed them.
"Huh..."
Wooyeon lay on top of Dohyun, breathing heavily to regain composure. Below him, he was still penetrated, and his throat felt strange. However, touching Dohyun made him feel incredibly comfortable, and he nuzzled against him like a child seeking affection.
"Is it okay now?"
"Hic... not at all..."
"From the voice, it seems fine."
Every time Dohyun laughed, the inner part of him gently vibrated, creating a slight sensation. Currently, the pain is gone, and the lingering discomfort is gradually turning into pleasure. Inside you, the muscle walls gently twitch, waiting for the familiar stimulation to which you have gradually become dependent.
"Now move on your own, Yeon-ah."
"...Me?"
"You can do it yourself, right?"
The words hit like a bolt of lightning. Even putting it in, you couldn't do it yourself, so how can you expect to move it on your own now? Seeing Wooyeon's face pale with worry, Dohyun smiled gently to reassure him.
"If I do it, what if you get hurt?"
Although it was clearly a deception, Dohyun's face when he spoke was incredibly gentle. That gentle smile, like the morning sun, made Wooyeon unable to not trust him unconditionally.
That's right. So far, everything he has told me to do has never been wrong, so this time I just need to follow his instructions.
"……."
With a determined expression, Wooyeon slowly lifted himself up. When he adjusted his posture and lifted his hips, Dohyun's slightly narrowed gaze caught his attention. Wooyeon pulled his body out halfway, then suddenly squatted down, bringing it all back to its original position.
"…Damn…"
A numbing sensation of pleasure ran down Wooyeon's spine. Just with one powerful lift and drop, the stimulation spread to the point where his toes curled. Chasing that feeling, Wooyeon lifted his hips again and let his entire body weight drop down.
"Haa... uh...!"
This time, the feeling was completely different from when Dohyun was the one taking the initiative. There was a bit of emptiness, but being able to control and prepare for the next waves of pleasure brought a refreshing experience. No longer caught in a suffocating whirlwind of pleasure, he gradually approached the peak slowly and with great ecstasy.
"Hic... huh... mm..."
Wooyeon forgot that Dohyun was watching, focusing solely on instinct as he moved his hips. He gently lifted up, then pushed deep down, sometimes pressing against the spots that made him feel the most stimulated. However, there was still a slight feeling of emptiness, so Wooyeon took his trembling penis in his hand and moved it up and down himself.
"Ugh... it feels so good... sniff..."
"……."
The scent of pheromones in the air blended together sweetly. Even though he was moving clumsily, he felt like he could reach climax at any moment. When Wooyeon lowered his hips and moved back and forth, the feeling of the deep inside being crushed became incredibly pleasurable.
"Uh... huh..."
What Wooyeon is doing seems more like self-satisfaction than intimacy. Perhaps Dohyun thought the same, so he let out a light laugh and grabbed his wrist. Moving with great enthusiasm, Wooyeon suddenly stopped, looked up with a face full of grievance.
"Yeon-ah."
Before long, both of Wooyeon's wrists were tightly held by Dohyun. His hand was big enough to grip both of Wooyeon's wrists with just one hand, while the other hand firmly squeezed Wooyeon's waist. His strength was enough to leave a distinct red mark on your skin.
"I told you to move on your own, not to use me like a toy."
"…Ugh, I didn't… I didn't do that… Please let me go…"
"Let you go so you can do it all by yourself?"
"……."
Just a little more and Wooyeon could reach the climax, but the regret left him speechless. However, Wooyeon still couldn't give up that feeling, he gently lifted his hips, but was immediately held tightly by Dohyun's arms around his waist.
And then, he thrust deeply into the most sensitive spot inside you.
"…!"
Wooyeon's pale-colored semen sprayed out. The liquid sprayed and splattered onto Wooyeon's sweater and also on Dohyun's chest. The intense feeling of pleasure numbed his entire brain, causing Wooyeon to let out a soft moan through his slightly parted lips.
"Haa... hic..."
"Look, you finished by yourself again."
Although it's not uncommon for Wooyeon to reach climax on his own, Dohyun still deliberately teases him about it. He gently lifted Wooyeon's body, quickly removing the sweater stained with his semen.
"We have to do it together, right?"
The sweater fell to the floor along with the bunny ear headband. Instead of putting the headband back, Dohyun gently touched Wooyeon's fair skin with the tip of his finger. He glided over the chest, leaving no trace, then gently pinched the small, perky nipples, continuing down the sternum, navel, and finally touching the softening member.
"Hic, don't... touch that..."
But the part that had just been released not long ago began to harden again. Dohyun gently massaged Wooyeon's body while caressing the inner thighs that were spreading apart with his palm. Then, without any warning, he thrust deep inside him.
“…A…ugh!”
Wooyeon's body collapsed, completely losing all strength. His bare skin, without a single piece of cloth, pressed tightly against Dohyun's upper body. With arms wrapped tightly as if wanting to crush him, Dohyun began to move his hips, releasing the pent-up tension from before.
"Aa, hic!" Wait… you… too fast… hic…!”
Thud, thud. The sound of flesh colliding echoed provocatively. Wooyeon, who had previously been comfortably enjoying himself alone, was now overwhelmed by unexpected stimuli, unable to keep up with the pace. He couldn't keep his balance, his frail body shaking with each thrust from Dohyun.
Seeing that, Dohyun supported Wooyeon's back, gently lifting him up to relieve the pressure.
"Haa... um!"
“…Haa…”
The thick shaft slid inside smoothly. Wooyeon's already sensitive inner walls tightly embraced from top to bottom. Dohyun leaned down and placed his lips on Wooyeon's pale neck, while using the strength from his arms to lift him up and then let him down again.
"A... a...!"
It's rare for Dohyun not to leave a trace. In the past, even in summer, he always chose places where no one could see to leave his mark. But now, when the weather has become cooler, he no longer hesitates. From the neck to the collarbone, Dohyun bit lightly as if wanting to mark, while rubbing his sweat-drenched forehead against Wooyeon's shoulder.
"Hic... just... just a bit... no..."
Wooyeon lightly scratched the area with the long letter tattoo on Dohyun's body with his nails. That is a spot that he would accidentally touch every time he held hands. In the past, he had left a few small scratches there, and although Wooyeon often kept his nails short, this became useless in moments of uncontrollable pleasure.
"A... uh... uh..."
It seems that Dohyun is also enduring the torment of the weeks apart. It is evident in the way he pushes Wooyeon to the limit, as if it were never enough even after going deep. Then he leaned down and kissed him hurriedly, while thrusting deeply to the hilt, and continued to move without stopping.
"……."
"A…!"
The moment both reached their climax almost coincided. Just as Dohyun let out a low moan, Wooyeon also reached his second climax. Thin semen was released, soaking into the firm abs of both as he rubbed against him.
"Haa..."
Dohyun gently held Wooyeon's chin and placed a tender kiss on his lips. He playfully sucked on the small tongue and even lovingly bit it. Both of them immersed themselves in the afterglow of that moment, savoring every intimate second.
After a few more playful teasing moments, Dohyun withdrew the hard object from Wooyeon and gently placed him back on the bed.
"Yeon-ah, lift your hips up."
"Ah... ugh...!"
After Dohyun put on a new condom, he started the second round as promised. Wooyeon didn't push him away; instead, she tightly hugged his strong shoulders, clinging on as if to keep herself from being swept away.
"Hic... huh... aa..."
At that moment, Wooyeon had almost forgotten about Dohyun's argument with his sister. He no longer remembered that this started just to soothe his mood, or that he, usually a calm person, had drunk to the point of disorder.
Wooyeon only thought about it again late the next afternoon.
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 15
Ding-dong—
He had slept for a long time. Perhaps it was because he had used up all his strength the day before, or because he had been immersed in Dohyun’s pheromones, but when he opened his eyes, the sun was already high in the sky.
Ding-dong—
"Ugh..."
Wooyeon groaned as he turned over in bed. Dohyun, who was using his arm as a pillow, gently patted his back. Normally, Wooyeon would have been up early, but it seemed that yesterday had been very exhausting.
Ding-dong—
"Someone’s at the door."
“It’s fine, there’s no one there.”
Dohyun answered tiredly, burying his face in the pillow next to him. The warmth of the morning sunlight filled the room, making sleepiness take over. As his eyelids grew heavy and he began to close his eyes, the doorbell rang again.
Ding-dong—
"..."
Unable to avoid it, Dohyun sighed and got up. The thick blanket slid off, revealing his bare upper body. He kissed Wooyeon’s forehead, who still couldn’t open his eyes, and picked up some clothes from the floor to put on.
Ding-dong—
"Who the hell is that…"
The sound of the door closing echoed. Wooyeon gently opened his eyes and looked toward the door Dohyun had just walked out of. Soon after, the doorbell rang again, followed by the sound of the electronic lock opening.
"…"
Should I go outside? That thought crossed his mind briefly. The intense muscle pain made it hard for Wooyeon to get up, even out of curiosity. He hugged the pillow still holding Dohyun’s pheromones and buried himself in the sleepiness that was flooding over him.
"Ah, that... yeah."
"Here?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah…!"
The events that followed yesterday were much more comfortable than the first time. Though Wooyeon still felt a bit of anger inside, he bit Dohyun’s neck, and he let Wooyeon do it. After waiting for the clear marks to appear, everything quickly escalated, pushing them to their limits.
By the time everything had ended, it was already past noon. Both Dohyun’s drunkenness and Wooyeon’s sadness about not seeing him for so long had vanished. They ate a light meal and continued meeting each other's needs whenever their eyes met.
The day passed by like this, so it was no surprise that Wooyeon couldn’t get out of bed. Every time he turned over, a groan escaped his lips, and the thought of the next two days being full of endless pain was certain. Usually, he wouldn't hurt this much, but maybe because it had been a while, it was harder than usual.
“…”
But what about him... why hasn’t he come back?
Wooyeon was awakened, thinking he’d fall back asleep immediately, but there was no one around, which made him feel empty. No matter how much he inhaled Dohyun’s pheromones from the pillow, the emptiness couldn’t be filled.
Finally, Wooyeon decided to drag his tired body in search of Dohyun. He wanted to see who had arrived and, once they were done, return to bed to sleep with him. Even though it was already noon, it was still a day off, so he thought he could afford to be a bit lazy.
“It’s really not a good idea to search for a private home.”
They say you don’t realize the value of something until you’ve lost it. He had grown so accustomed to the warmth that it was hard to break free from it. In fact, even if he could leave, he didn’t really want to.
“…So…”
“Hyung…”
As he threw on a random shirt and stepped outside, a whispering voice rang out. He had thought it was just someone selling something, but it turned out to be someone important enough to be invited inside. Wooyeon pulled up the shirt that wasn’t his and moved toward the voice.
“It’s not like that.”
In the living room, the figures of two people were clearly visible in the house. The voice sounded somewhat awkward, causing Wooyeon to blink in curiosity. Who could make someone as calm as Dohyun so embarrassed?
“This isn’t the first time you’ve done this.”
“…Older brother?”
Wooyeon stopped in his tracks when he heard the word “older brother.” He immediately realized who the other person was. Should he leave? As Wooyeon was still hesitating, the person in front of Dohyun suddenly looked at him.
“……”
The girl’s eyes, without eyelids, widened and round. The corners of her eyes drooped, resembling water droplets, and there was something about her that resembled Dohyun. Not in appearance, but in her atmosphere and expression. If Dohyun didn’t have two younger siblings, this girl must be “Jinah.”
“What’s going on... you have guests, but why aren’t you saying anything?”
Dohyun jerked his head around. Wooyeon didn’t have time to hide from his gaze and could only frown awkwardly. It seemed like it was too late for him to quietly leave now.
“Ah... you’re awake?”
A slightly flustered look appeared on Dohyun’s well-groomed face. He glanced back and forth between Wooyeon and Jinah, then blinked awkwardly. In the silence filled with discomfort, Wooyeon finally spoke, breaking the atmosphere.
“I heard someone at the door, so I came out to see…”
Wooyeon’s voice wasn’t his usual one. After a day of crying and groaning, it was understandable that his voice had become hoarse. Moreover, the sensation of being filled up to his throat wasn’t comfortable, but he had completely forgotten about that.
“…You two go ahead and talk. I’ll go back inside.”
Wooyeon politely bowed and began to retreat, planning to return to his room. Since Dohyun had been drinking after an argument with his sister, he didn’t want to interrupt their conversation.
But a low voice stopped him.
“No need to go inside.”
Jinah adjusted the strap of her purse and discreetly glanced at Wooyeon. Her gaze slid from his messy hair to his oversized T-shirt, making him feel incredibly pressured. Wooyeon raised his hand to cover the flushed part of his neck, awkwardly avoiding her gaze.
“I just came to grab something I forgot, I’ll leave right after.”
Jinah spoke in a neutral tone, then strode inside. Wooyeon was briefly worried that she might head to the bedroom, but when he saw her head toward the guest room, he sighed in relief. That was the room Danny had stayed in before.
“Sorry, I guess you woke up because of me.”
Wooyeon didn’t know when Dohyun had approached, but he was fixing Wooyeon’s messy hair. As he adjusted Wooyeon’s clothes, his hand accidentally brushed over the marks on Wooyeon’s neck, where he had left his mark. However, he seemed unaware that his own collarbone was also covered in hickeys.
“It’s fine, it’s not really because of you…”
Wooyeon glanced toward the room where Jinah had gone, his voice hesitant as he extended his reply. This was his first time meeting his lover's family, so he wasn’t sure how to behave, especially since the atmosphere between them wasn’t exactly comfortable.
“You said you had an argument with your sister, right? Shouldn’t you make up?”
“……”
Normally, Dohyun would have answered “It’s nothing,” but this time, he only turned his head and sighed. Seeing the concern on his face, Wooyeon suddenly had a bad feeling and asked, a bit nervously.
“…It wasn’t because of me, was it?”
“No.”
He answered immediately, but Wooyeon still couldn’t fully believe him. Perhaps noticing the doubt in his eyes, Dohyun relaxed his expression and tried to reassure him.
“There’s no reason to argue because of you.”
“……”
In reality, there was no reason for Wooyeon and the sister he had just met to be involved. Though the sense of unease remained, Wooyeon didn’t know what else to ask.
“Anyway... I’ll stay out of the way. You two make up. You even drank because of this.”
Dohyun hesitated, not answering right away. Just then, Jinah walked out of the room she had entered. Her steps were firm and imposing, contrasting with her petite frame.
“……”
Jinah didn’t turn around, walking straight toward the door. Wooyeon was a bit surprised and confused, looking toward Dohyun. It seemed like Dohyun, urged by Wooyeon’s gaze, reluctantly called her back.
“Jinah.”
At the sound of his voice, Jinah glanced back, her eyes cold.
“What?”
“Wait. I’ll drive you home.”
“No need, I’m not going home.”
“Kim Jinah.”
“Ugh, what now?”
Wooyeon quietly returned to his room, leaving behind the increasingly loud voices. As soon as he closed the door, the sound from outside was completely muffled. But the sharp question, “What’s it to you?” still filtered through the gap in the door, clear enough to make it impossible to ignore.
“Why are they fighting?”
From what Wooyeon knew, Dohyun wasn’t the type to start conflicts. Based on how he treated his juniors, he likely treated his sister very well too. Furthermore, hadn’t he once said he always tried his best to get along with his adoptive family?
Filled with doubt, Wooyeon opened the closet and took out the clothes he had left behind last time. The outfit he had worn out yesterday was stained with all sorts of things and couldn’t be worn again. After changing into a comfortable hoodie and shorts, the marks on his neck were partially covered.
When Wooyeon stepped out, the two of them were still in the middle of a heated argument in the living room. More precisely, Jinah was angrily shouting, while Dohyun reluctantly endured. At a glance, there was something off about this argument this afternoon.
“You always…!”
Jinah’s furious shouting suddenly stopped as she clenched her lips tightly when she saw Wooyeon stepping out of the room. Wooyeon felt uncomfortable facing Jinah’s twisted expression and slowly spoke.
“…I think I should leave.”
“……”
“It might be uncomfortable for me to be here.”
He didn’t know how long this conversation would last, but he couldn’t stay locked up in the room forever. Wooyeon thought he would leave first and wait for a message from Dohyun. Seeing Dohyun stay silent, it seemed like he too thought it would be better for Wooyeon to leave.
“See you later.”
Wooyeon gave a slight nod of his head and walked past them. Seeing the worried look in his eyes, Dohyun nodded slightly in acknowledgment, signaling that he was fine.
“…Ah, so troublesome.”
Jinah spoke as soon as Wooyeon stepped out the door. As he felt the fresh air outside, Wooyeon suddenly realized that the house was filled with pheromones. He sighed in relief when he remembered that Jinah was a Beta, but Jinah quickly moved closer and grabbed Wooyeon’s arm.
“Kim Jinah!”
Dohyun jumped, shouting loudly in surprise. However, Jinah didn’t look back and slammed the front door shut.
Thud!
With the sound ringing, Wooyeon widened his eyes and his lips barely moved.
“What is this…”
Jinah silently pulled Wooyeon forward. Since this was the first time someone had treated him so roughly, Wooyeon stood frozen, not thinking to resist, and then stopped in front of the elevator.
At that moment, Dohyun had run after them, hastily grabbing Wooyeon’s other arm.
“What the hell are you doing?”
“…”
Dohyun was so frantic that his face turned pale. Wooyeon was now caught between the two siblings, frowning slightly. Jinah pressed the elevator button firmly, lowering her voice to warn:
“Don’t follow me.”
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 16
Dinh― The elevator door opened. Jinah shoved Dohyun’s hand away and pushed Wooyeon inside. Unable to use force against Dohyun’s younger sister, Wooyeon obediently followed Jinah’s instructions.
“If you dare follow me…”
Jinah stood right in front of the elevator door, looking up at Dohyun. Her voice was broken and full of menace.
“I’ll tell mom and dad about the tattoo on your back, the fact that you’ve been drinking and smoking since high school.”
“……”
Dohyun’s face contorted in extreme frustration. Wooyeon found it amusing to see him show such emotion. He had seen him cry, seen him smile brightly, but this was the first time seeing him look so tricked.
“If you understand, then move aside.”
Jinah pressed the button for the first floor, then pressed the close door button. But instead of stepping back, Dohyun blocked the door with his hand. The door shook and slowly reopened.
“If you’re dissatisfied with anything, tell me.”
“I’m not dissatisfied with anything.”
“You really are…”
“Oh, so you do know how to get angry.”
Her words were clearly mocking. Not stopping there, Jinah shot Dohyun a challenging look.
“I thought you were the type who never gets angry.”
“……”
The sharp words that followed made Wooyeon frown as well. He looked at Jinah’s long hair and came to a conclusion. Something unclear had happened, but the conflict between these two seemed very deep.
“Wooyeon, come here.”
“Hyung.”
What should I do now?
It wasn’t too hard to sort out his thoughts. In all of his relationships, he had always received help from Dohyun. This time, he wanted to be the one to help him. And to do that, a little risk might be worth it.
“I’ll get in touch later.”
He gently removed Dohyun’s hand. Perhaps Dohyun didn’t expect even Wooyeon to do that, as his face showed a look of surprise. Jinah didn’t miss the opportunity and quickly pressed the close door button. The elevator door closed with a “clink.”
The old, worn exterior of the barbecue restaurant still looked cleaner than its age. There were round metal tables, chairs without backs, and a smoke exhaust hanging down from the ceiling. Jinah handed a staff member’s apron to Wooyeon, who was still awkwardly unsure about where to sit.
“Put this on. It’s a white shirt.”
The apron had the logo of a famous soju brand that Wooyeon was familiar with. He looked at his white hoodie, then glanced at the old cloth again, before quietly tying it around his neck. Although he never spilled food while eating, the grease could splatter when grilling meat.
“What do you want to eat? I brought you here, don’t tell me you can’t eat meat?”
A few minutes ago, Jinah had unexpectedly pulled Wooyeon out and just as unexpectedly shoved him into a taxi. She didn’t explain anything, nor did she offer an apology. It wasn’t until they stood in front of the restaurant with its old sign that Jinah casually asked, “Can you drink alcohol?”
“Stop looking around. You look like it’s your first time in a place like this.”
“……”
It was indeed his first time, but Wooyeon didn’t say anything. He remembered the look Garam and Seongyu gave him when they found out it was his first time eating spicy rice cakes. So, he chose to remain silent. Jinah spoke again, offering.
“I’ll treat you. Just choose whatever you want.”
“No need, I don’t need you to treat me.”
Anyway, Wooyeon didn’t like pork, especially grilled meat. He wasn’t hungry and didn’t want his boyfriend’s sister to pay. So, he politely declined, but Jinah’s gaze turned sharp.
“Are you rich or something?”
“……”
Rich. Very rich.
“How can a student have money to turn down someone offering to treat?”
Jinah didn’t know Wooyeon’s circumstances and called the waiter over. She ordered two portions of pork belly, a bottle of soju, and took out her ID card to verify her age. Her movements were so natural and smooth that Wooyeon took out his ID card as well.
“I pulled you out, so I’ll pay. I’m rich, you know.”
This time, Wooyeon didn’t bother to correct her. There was no need to explain how rich he was, and he didn’t want to argue unnecessarily. It was best to stay silent and go along with it. But as soon as he thought that, the atmosphere became awkward.
It made sense. The two of them had nothing in common, and this was their first time meeting today. How could there be a common topic to talk about? Wooyeon was already a man of few words, even with people close to him, so unless Jinah took the initiative, the conversation would never begin.
But Jinah just silently observed Wooyeon. Her gaze, strangely similar to Dohyun’s, scanned him from head to toe.
“…Is there something on my face?”
“No.”
As soon as the question was asked, the conversation seemed to be cut off completely. Ironically, at this hour, the restaurant only had two customers—Wooyeon and Jinah. The sound of an odd engine hummed in the background, blending with the monotonous noise from the TV drama playing above them. After a long silence, the side dishes, soju, and grilled meat were finally brought out.
Jinah didn’t say a word as she poured soju into Wooyeon’s glass, then poured some for herself. Wooyeon thought she would toast to welcome him, but the clear liquid quickly disappeared into her mouth. Wooyeon didn’t drink but just watched her actions. Jinah gently inhaled, feeling the burn as the soju went down, then picked up the tongs and started grilling the meat.
“Why did you bring me out here?”
“…Huh?”
Sizzle! On the hot grill, the pork belly began to sizzle. Jinah’s grilling skills, along with her adding garlic and kimchi, showed that she was no novice at this. She poured more soju into her own glass and lightly tapped the tongs on the table.
“You’re asking why I brought you here? A stranger suddenly pulls you away, and you obediently follow without thinking it’s weird?”
“I’m curious why you two fought.”
He wasn’t good at beating around the bush to get what he wanted, nor did he intend to argue with Dohyun’s sister.
“And I’m also curious why you dragged me along.”
“Oh, you’re really curious, huh.”
Jinah flipped the pork belly. The golden-brown meat looked so tempting even to Wooyeon, although he knew he wouldn’t be able to eat it due to the smell of pork.
“Actually… There's no special reason. I heard you’re my brother’s boyfriend, so I wanted to talk a little. And also…”
The next part seemed important, but Jinah hesitated, not finishing her sentence. She cut the meat into small pieces with scissors and neatly arranged it before finishing another glass of soju.
“…Do you want to know why we fought?”
Wooyeon kept his face neutral and nodded slightly. Just knowing the reason was enough for him to feel that being dragged here had been worth it. Although he didn’t want to get involved in someone else’s family matters, since Jinah had opened up, perhaps it was something he was allowed to know.
“The surface reason is… I looked at his phone. A message came in, ‘I miss you.’”
“…”
To say it’s unrelated… yet now she’s saying this. Wooyeon understood better than anyone who the message was from. Jinah said it like it was nothing, then flipped the meat again.
“I think it’s normal for a boyfriend to tease a little, ask this and that. He grabbed the phone and got mad. Oh, the meat’s done, eat.”
“He got mad?”
“Yeah. More like annoyed, actually.”
It was hard to imagine. The Dohyun Wooyeon knew wasn’t the type to get mad over things like that. Even though he didn’t like people looking at his phone, he wasn’t the type to get so angry that his sister would storm off in a huff.
“The funny part is, after getting mad, he apologized.”
“So why did you two fight?”
“Because he apologized, and that pissed me off.”
It was really hard to understand. Wooyeon frowned, his face showing confusion. Jinah saw his reaction and raised an eyebrow.
“You don’t get it, do you?”
“No.”
“Oh, normally people would say ‘No way’ out of politeness.”
Jinah smiled faintly, then finished another glass. She grabbed a large pile of meat and pushed it toward Wooyeon.
“My brother never gets mad.”
Jinah gave a small, bitter smile, continuing to add more meat to the grill. She urged Wooyeon to eat before the meat burned, making him reluctantly grab a piece. Fumbling as he wrapped the meat in a lettuce leaf, Wooyeon heard Jinah speak again in a monotone.
“Since we were kids, he’s never yelled at me. Even when I woke him up while he was sleeping, or disturbed him while he was studying, or blamed him for breaking things. He would just smile and say ‘It’s okay,’ and that was the end of it.”
Sounds like an ideal older brother that everyone dreams of. Jinah also thought so, but her voice was full of sarcasm.
“He sounds like a good brother, doesn’t he?”
Wooyeon couldn’t answer right away. The image of Dohyun appeared in his mind, always with a gentle smile, patient with everyone. A seonsaeng who never lost his temper. That wasn’t necessarily a good thing, it was...
“Actually, he’s just drawing a boundary.”
“...”
“It’s just that no one is stupid enough to notice.”
When Dohyun tutored Wooyeon, he was always gentle and calm. Partly because Wooyeon had never done anything to make him angry, but it was clear that there was an intentional patience in that. Now, looking back, Wooyeon vaguely realized this.
“To be honest, I did it on purpose. I know he’s very sensitive about privacy. Whether it’s friends, a lover, or family, he’s never let anyone see what’s his own. I knew if I tried to intrude, he would definitely be upset. And just like I thought, he got mad and told me not to care about things that didn’t concern me.”
Jinah furrowed her brows slightly. She bit into the piece of meat in her mouth, swallowing it along with a gulp of soju. She set her glass down with a heavy “clink” and continued.
“And then he apologized, with a face like he realized he had said something wrong.”
Just hearing this was hard to understand. What’s wrong with getting mad and then apologizing? Wooyeon was about to ask, but he held back his question as Jinah continued explaining.
“You wouldn’t understand if you haven’t been through it. He doesn’t yield, he just gives up. It’s not out of kindness, it’s because he doesn’t want any trouble. Feelings like anger, frustration, or arguments—he only spends them on people who are truly within his boundary.”
“...”
Wooyeon had experienced something similar. When Kang Junseong picked fights with him, Wooyeon always kept a nonchalant attitude. Because even responding to him was a waste of energy.
“Every time he does that, you know what I think?”
Jinah’s gaze met Wooyeon’s. It was the same look that Wooyeon had when he looked at Dohyun during their arguments. Jinah smirked faintly, her voice dripping with bitterness.
“Wow, he really does seem like a stranger.”
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 17
"..."
Unknowingly, Wooyeon thought that maybe Dohyun had also heard these words last night. If it was just an argument, he wouldn't have drunk all night and called him over early in the morning like that. He vaguely understood part of the reason why he was upset.
"So, we had a fight. I abandoned him and left. But I didn't expect him to call his lover over right after that."
As soon as she finished speaking, Jinah angrily took a bite of meat. It didn't seem appetizing at all; it was clearly just a way to vent her anger. Wooyeon placed the unfinished wrap back onto his plate.
"Did you say that to him?"
"Which one?"
"The one where you told him to treat you like a stranger."
"Oh, that one."
Although Jinah answered dismissively, it was an admission. Wooyeon looked down at the messy wrap in his hands and gently bit the inside of his cheek as if thinking.
‘Did something happen between you and his sister?’
‘We had a fight.’
The things he wanted to say kept accumulating like a snowball. But the snowball melted before it could take shape. He wasn't sure what he should say, or if he even had the right to say anything.
"Do you know why he's keeping his distance?"
The unexpected question surprised Jinah, and her expression showed confusion as if she didn’t understand what was going on. Perhaps she didn’t expect Wooyeon to ask this. Seeing the doubt in her eyes, Wooyeon calmly spoke.
"You know he was adopted, right?"
Dohyun had once told Wooyeon about his family situation: his relationship with his adoptive parents, how he treated his sister. Wooyeon couldn't fully understand, but he could somewhat guess why Dohyun was so sensitive.
"Even though I'm not Dohyun, but..."
His emotions were a mess, and Dohyun's face, the last time Wooyeon saw him, suddenly appeared clearly in his mind.
Wooyeon carefully considered his words. He feared that his words might cross a line.
"To hear someone say you're like a stranger, it's probably not anger, but heartache."
But as he spoke, he suddenly felt a strong emotion rising within him.
"Actually, you are a stranger."
"......"
"Only him."
He shouldn't have said that last sentence. After seeing Jinah’s expression, Wooyeon realized that. But the words were out, and he could only try to remain calm, lowering his eyes.
"Anyway, you... no, you are also the biological child of your parents. If it were me, I wouldn’t feel happy hearing that."
Words from a real person to a fake one, and vice versa, carried different weight from the very nature of things. Especially if Dohyun truly considered himself an outsider, it would hurt even more.
"That night, he drank all night."
"......"
"Probably because he was sad."
Jinah didn’t say anything, her face seemed to be submerged in guilt. The smell of grilled meat wafted from the barbecue, making it more tempting. Jinah turned the meat mechanically and spoke softly.
"He’s not an outsider."
It was a firm statement, or perhaps a reminder to herself.
"Family doesn’t have to share the same blood."
Wooyeon completely agreed. There were families who didn’t feel close despite sharing the same blood, so how could blood be the only factor in defining family?
"Don’t say things like that anymore."
Even so, it seemed Jinah had realized her mistake. Perhaps she had just realized how her words had affected Dohyun. Wooyeon gently apologized in case his words had made Jinah uncomfortable, then turned his head to ease the awkwardness.
They both fell into silence for a long while. Jinah quietly ate, while Wooyeon didn’t touch the meat or alcohol, his mind focused on Dohyun at home. He regretted leaving him behind to follow Jinah.
“…I’ve seen something like this before.”
As the soju bottle neared its end, Jinah spoke softly. Despite finishing the bottle, her face remained unchanged.
“I went to his school, and he was with a friend. Do you know who? Tall, a bit scary-looking.”
Just describing it was enough to know it was Garam. Even though Jinah didn’t expect an answer, she gave a small, ironic smile.
"Anyway, at that time, I saw him getting mad at his friend..."
Jinah's eyes, like droplets of water, drooped, completely different from the sharp look she had when arguing with Dohyun. She sighed, self-deprecatingly, and lightly tapped her chopsticks against her plate.
"Even though he looks cold, he seems more comfortable with his friends than with family."
"......"
"After that, I started to notice the difference. The expression he shows us is so different from what he looks like when he's actually happy."
Wooyeon, more sensitive to those differences than anyone else, could instantly recognize even a forced smile from Dohyun. So, he understood the feeling of loss that Jinah was experiencing.
"It's not just that friends and family are different. It's deeper than that. He still feels uncomfortable with us, like he hasn’t really accepted us as family."
Jinah was talking about the disappointment she felt from Dohyun. While her careless words were part of the reason, the fact that Dohyun always kept his distance was the truth. That distance was something Jinah couldn’t accept.
"I don’t ask for much."
Wooyeon silently picked up the soju bottle and ordered another one. Jinah quickly opened the new bottle that arrived and filled both her and Wooyeon's glasses.
"Just small things. If he finds it annoying to go home, he can just say so. If he needs advice on something, he can ask. Or if he wants to meet his lover, he can just say it outright, don’t mind it."
She muttered another sentence: "Do I have to ask him to cancel a date just to come home?"
"You said you were waiting at home."
"Of course, I’m waiting, because I’m bored! But am I supposed to ask him to cancel his date just to come home? That’s something you only do in elementary school."
Wooyeon was about to ask, "Did you do that when you were in elementary school?" but decided against it.
"He always wants to be perfect. Going to a foreign language school, entering this university, none of it was his idea. He just listened to whatever his parents said. But what frustrates me is, he can do everything, so then my parents turn and yell at me..."
Wooyeon remembered what Dohyun had once told him: that most of Jinah's fights with their parents were related to him. It seemed like it was the same this time—Jinah was compared to Dohyun and had left home to come here.
"You heard, right? He has a tattoo on his back. He used to drink and smoke in high school. At home, he always acted obedient, but just think about how suffocating the house must have been for him to live like that outside."
Wooyeon was surprised to realize that Jinah cared about Dohyun more than he thought. It was astonishing that she knew about Dohyun's rebellious behavior, but what was even more surprising was how accurate her reasoning was behind it.
"I don’t understand why he’s so sensitive. Why does he always seem like he’s ready to leave? He’s clearly family, a brother, but I don’t understand him more than the dog next door."
The comparison to "the dog next door" made Wooyeon laugh. It was funny, but he couldn’t deny it. A dog wags its tail, while Dohyun just stands there with a smile.
"He probably doesn’t act that way with you, right?"
Jinah didn’t hesitate to call Wooyeon “you,” and Wooyeon didn’t mind the address, replying casually.
"He’s the same with me."
Jinah widened her eyes in surprise, her long lashes curving as if rolling up. Wooyeon thought it was interesting how Jinah had so many expressions, then picked up his soju glass and twirled it in his hand.
"He never says anything about himself."
If something was bothering Dohyun, he would smile sweetly and avoid the topic. He only showed a perfect exterior, hiding everything inside to keep Wooyeon from feeling uncomfortable.
"We’re dating, but I don’t know what he’s thinking. What he worries about, what he’s afraid of, or if he’s hiding something from me."
"......"
"There are times when I think that maybe I’m the only one who likes him."
It was a relationship full of hesitations. Wooyeon loved Dohyun so much, but was so afraid of being rejected that he ignored his own insecurities and didn’t dare to probe further. Eventually, their relationship became so tangled that it couldn’t be fixed.
"Then we broke up."
Jinah gasped. She probably didn’t expect that they had broken up, murmuring, "How could you get back together..."
"Right after we broke up, I felt like the world was falling apart..."
At that time, Wooyeon thought he would never be able to trust Dohyun again. He thought leaving him was the best way to avoid the feelings of insecurity, and every word Dohyun spoke was just sweet talk.
"But when the sadness passed, I started to wonder."
"Wonder about what?"
"Why didn’t he say a word to me?"
"......"
"Was it that I didn’t make him trust me? Or for him, was I just... enough?"
These were the thoughts that kept Wooyeon tossing and turning in bed all night. The resentment towards Dohyun faded, and the arrow turned towards himself. But in the end, reason found a way to blame Dohyun more.
"And when he apologized, he said one thing."
"He was the one who apologized?" Jinah asked, focusing only on that detail, surprised.
"He said... he was just scared."
That sentence still echoed in Wooyeon’s ears, as if he had just heard it yesterday. Dohyun’s trembling voice revealed all his fears.
"He’s afraid of being abandoned."
"......"
Jinah’s eyes wavered violently. It seemed she also remembered that Dohyun had been abandoned at the orphanage door.
"Because he was afraid of ruining the relationship, he tried so hard to always appear perfect."
"......"
"That’s something I could never do."
Understanding wasn’t just based on reason. Even if you understand with your mind, if the emotions don’t align, it’s still useless.
"He must have been so tired."
Wooyeon realized that more than anyone, Dohyun must have felt exhausted and lonely.
"Every day must have been a battle for him."
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 18
When Dohyun was adopted, he was only 14 years old. By the time he started tutoring Wooyeon, he was 20, the same age as Wooyeon now. Thinking about that, Dohyun was still very young back then, but how much did he have to strive to mature and become more responsible?
“He didn’t try to act like a stranger.”
Wooyeon mumbled, his gaze directed at Jinah. Jinah was holding a glass of soju, but she wasn’t drinking it; she was simply looking at him, her eyes distant as if lost in thought.
“He was just afraid of becoming a stranger.”
Jinah pressed her lips together, biting her lower lip so lightly that it left an impression. Then, she turned away and drank the rest of her soju. Wooyeon didn’t pour her another drink, nor did he take his eyes off her, silently observing.
Jinah drank two more glasses and then took a spoonful of soybean paste soup before setting the spoon down on the table.
“…I know.”
Her voice sounded like a sigh that fell onto the table. The meat on the grill had already burned black without anyone noticing.
“Actually, I understand everything in my head. But so what? I still feel hurt.”
Her words sounded self-deprecating. Jinah gave a faint smile when talking about Dohyun, but now her face showed an oddly empty expression.
“He’s like this partly because of his parents…”
“Parents?”
“Yes. Our family is rich, but also full of ambition. So no one really lives comfortably. The whole adoption thing… Never mind, forget it.”
Wooyeon couldn’t hide his surprise. He hadn’t expected Jinah to know about this. Seeing his expression, Jinah gave a small, quiet smile.
“It seems like he doesn’t keep any secrets from you, huh?”
“…”
Wooyeon tried to take a sip of water to cover his embarrassment, but then noticed the oil floating on the surface of the glass. Jinah noticed this too and called the staff to bring a new glass of water.
“Thank you.”
“It’s nothing.”
Jinah cleared the burnt meat and placed the last piece on the grill. Since Wooyeon hadn’t touched his chopsticks, she ate the two pieces of meat herself. However, she didn’t pressure Wooyeon to eat.
“When I was young, I thought my parents were right. I wanted to have an older brother, someone who made a lot of money, so I thought it was fine.”
Jinah paused and sighed. "But as I grew up, I realized something was wrong." Her voice was filled with frustration.
"Sometimes I think, if it weren’t for him, I’d probably be the same. Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine."
Wooyeon suddenly remembered the time he met Dohyun when he was in 9th grade. In such a suffocating environment, Dohyun felt like the only breeze that allowed him to breathe. If he hadn't met him, Wooyeon probably wouldn’t have found the stability he has now.
"I don’t want you to misunderstand, but actually, my parents really cherish him. Honestly, how could they hate such a perfect child? That’s why they bought him a car, bought him a house."
Jinah fiddled with her wristwatch as a habit. It was too expensive a gift for a student, but it was the birthday gift Dohyun had given her.
"Why do you like my brother?"
Jinah asked suddenly. Wooyeon froze, not answering immediately, only giving a faint smile.
"...Why are you asking that all of a sudden?"
"I’m curious. Usually, people like others because of money or looks, don’t you?"
Money, no. But looks, it was hard to deny. Wooyeon glanced away, trying to maintain his composure, but his ears were flushed red.
"...I like everything about him."
"That’s not possible. Be specific. Name three things."
Jinah raised three fingers and said, "Money and looks don’t count." Wooyeon hadn’t planned to talk about money, so he tried to think.
"He’s really kind."
A simple reason, but Jinah nodded in agreement. "Yes, he’s very kind."
"And he’s very gentle..."
"That doesn’t count. Kindness and gentleness are the same thing. Let’s count them as one trait." Jinah folded one finger, leaving two.
Wooyeon inadvertently thought of Dohyun’s face. "His smile..."
"What about his smile?"
"...It’s beautiful."
Wooyeon spoke softly, his voice almost breathless. He took a sip of water to cool his flushed face, but it seemed to have no effect. Jinah didn’t argue, just folded another finger.
"And the last one?"
Wooyeon pondered. What should the last reason be? He didn’t want to focus only on appearance or voice because his feelings for Dohyun weren’t solely based on that.
"...I can’t choose."
"Really? Are you trying to tease me now?" Jinah shivered but didn’t ask more. She picked up her chopsticks, grabbed a piece of meat, and winked at Wooyeon.
"I thought you’d mention something like pheromones. You’re an Omega, right?"
"Yeah."
The left wink was one of Dohyun’s habits. Seeing Jinah do the exact same thing, Wooyeon thought of that and took another sip of water. Jinah casually remarked:
"I didn't expect that the two of you love each other for more than just looks."
"......How could you fall in love just because of someone's looks?"
"Why not? I fell in love just because of the face."
Jinah replied casually, then pointed her chopsticks toward Wooyeon. The sudden gesture made Wooyeon blink a few times, staring at her in confusion.
"You’re quite handsome too. Out of all the people I’ve met, you’re second. Oh, and the first isn’t my brother, so keep that a secret."
"Uh, alright..."
Wooyeon nodded slightly, not curious enough to ask who came first. Jinah ate another piece of meat and then poured the remaining soju into her glass of water.
"But, it seems like my brother really likes you. A proud person like him, after breaking up, still goes and apologizes first."
"A proud person like that who always apologizes to you."
"......"
Jinah paused for a moment, biting her tongue lightly. Then she drained the glass of liquor in her hand and slammed it down on the table with a bit of force.
"Don’t drink so quickly..."
"How old are you?"
Jinah's sudden question made Wooyeon swallow the words he was about to say. Jinah tilted her head and raised her chin, asking again:
"Twenty? Twenty-one? From your ID, I can tell you’re not in high school."
"I’m twenty."
"Really? That’s the same age as me."
Jinah smiled brightly, her face looking oddly innocent and youthful. Wooyeon suddenly understood why he felt that Jinah resembled Dohyun.
"Your name is Yeon, right? What’s your full name?"
"I’m Seon Wooyeon. Seon is my last name, and Wooyeon is my first name."
"Nice name. Yeon is your nickname, right?"
Her smile, the way she furrowed her brows, or the subtle way she observed others—all of it was just like Dohyun. The small habits that only people who live together could share.
"As for me..."
"I know already, Kim Jinah."
"Yeah, I guess he kept saying Kim Jinah, Kim Jinah, earlier."
In truth, they really were a family. Siblings, even closer than the relationship Wooyeon had with his own cousin.
"Just talk comfortably. We’re the same age, so using formal language feels awkward."
Jinah raised her soju glass in a gesture of invitation. This was the first time during their drinking session that she actively invited Wooyeon to toast. Without saying anything further, Wooyeon lifted his glass and lightly clinked it against Jinah’s.
After that, the atmosphere of the drinking session became more relaxed. At first, Wooyeon didn’t dare to eat the meat, but when Jinah picked out the best pieces for him and grilled them carefully, he started eating little by little. Every time Jinah joked about Wooyeon being picky with food, he would just smile shyly.
"Science just isn’t for me. I was thinking of changing majors, but if I do, my parents will scold me."
Jinah mentioned that she had taken a leave of absence after finishing her first semester. She didn’t want to stay at home, being lectured by her parents about not being able to match up to her brother. Even though Wooyeon didn’t have siblings, he could understand the discomfort of being constantly compared like that.
"Oh, by the way. Do you know what the tattoo on my brother’s back means?"
Jinah, slightly tipsy, leaned in close and asked in a mysterious tone. Wooyeon, holding his soju glass with both hands, slowly shook his head. Jinah’s eyes were hazy, and her lips moved slightly.
"The thing is…"
—
The autumn weather brought a chill as the night fell. During the day, people could wear short sleeves, but by night, a jacket was a must.
Wooyeon slipped one hand into the pocket of his hoodie, the other holding the phone to his ear. The phone rang with a beep beep, but it was cut off after a moment.
"Hello?"
―……
There was no answer from the other end. Only the noisy sounds of a grill restaurant echoed behind him. Wooyeon lowered the phone to make sure the call hadn’t ended, then gently tapped his shoe against the ground.
"Hey, can you come pick me up?"
―……
"I’m at the barbecue place by the intersection…"
―……
"…Are you coming?"
A soft sigh came through the phone. Wooyeon swallowed an apology, his eyes drifting to the ground as he counted the cigarette butts. One, two, three, four—on the fourth one, a gentle voice finally spoke.
―It’s cold, go inside and wait.
The phone clicked off right after, before Wooyeon had a chance to respond. He tucked the phone into his pocket, looked up, and stared at the sky. The crescent moon glowed faintly between the thick clouds.
Dohyun knew exactly what Wooyeon was wearing, yet in this moment, he still worried that Wooyeon might be cold.
'That’s why I like him.'
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 19
Dohyun's tenderness was so sweet that it left Wooyeon almost paralyzed. Being someone who loved sweets, Wooyeon had become addicted to that tenderness, and it was hard to break free from it—though, in truth, he didn't want to.
Instead of going back into the shop, Wooyeon stood by the door, waiting for Dohyun. He was a bit worried about leaving Jinah inside, but since he had made sure Jinah was resting comfortably, it should be fine.
He looked up at the sky, then glanced at the glass door to look inside the shop, sometimes hopping on one foot to shake off the smell of grilled meat sticking to him. About 10 minutes later, a familiar car stopped next to the alley.
"......"
Dohyun stepped out of the car, his expression neutral but his movements slightly hurried. He quickly walked straight towards Wooyeon. Wooyeon smiled brightly when Dohyun got closer.
"Hyung..."
"......"
"I missed you."
Wooyeon opened his arms and hugged Dohyun around the waist. Despite having told Wooyeon to wait inside because it was cold, Dohyun was only wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt without a jacket. Wooyeon pressed his face into the thin fabric of his shirt, inhaling the soft scent of Dohyun's pheromones.
"Haa..."
Dohyun let out a small sigh and hugged Wooyeon tightly. He rested his chin on Wooyeon's head, slipped his hand inside the hoodie, and gently rubbed his hair. The warmth of his large hands made Wooyeon feel incredibly peaceful.
"You smell like grilled meat."
"I know."
"Do you really?"
Dohyun's voice remained gentle but carried a hint of worry. His heartbeat was loud and seemed faster than usual. After holding Wooyeon once more, he gently pushed him away.
"Where's Jinah?"
"She's inside the shop."
"Get in the car and wait for me."
Dohyun handed Wooyeon the car key and went into the shop. Wooyeon walked to the car parked nearby, opened the passenger door, and sat inside. A while later, Dohyun helped Jinah out of the shop.
The car door opened, and Dohyun carefully laid Jinah down in the back seat. He walked around to the driver's side, sat down, and started the car without saying a word. He only fastened Wooyeon's seatbelt before starting the drive in silence.
"......"
"......"
On the way home, the car was filled with silence. Wooyeon fiddled with the seatbelt, occasionally glancing back at Jinah, who was sleeping soundly and looked completely comfortable.
"Hyung."
"Yeah."
Dohyun answered briefly, his tone cold. Normally, even a single sentence would sound warm, but now it felt like a cold wind cutting through. Wooyeon, feeling uneasy, hesitantly asked:
"Are you mad at me?"
"......"
It took a long moment before Dohyun responded. He tapped lightly on the steering wheel a few times and then said softly:
"A little."
Although his voice was still a bit stiff, it was somewhat softened.
"So... can I talk to you face to face?"
"I'm driving."
"Ah."
Perhaps due to the alcohol, Wooyeon was slower to grasp his surroundings. He wasn't drunk, but he was clearly tipsy. Seeing him slump with a downcast expression, Dohyun sighed again.
"...If you look at me, maybe I'll calm down."
This time, his voice softened significantly. Wooyeon felt relieved and leaned his head against the car window, not taking his eyes off Dohyun. Even his profile looked perfectly beautiful.
"I'm sorry for making you mad."
Dohyun's chest rose and fell lightly, as if he was trying to suppress his emotions. Through the rearview mirror, he glanced at Jinah, who was still asleep, then spoke:
"Well then, tell me."
"Tell you what?"
"Specifically, what are you apologizing for?"
Wooyeon looked like he was facing a difficult problem. He frowned, trying to organize his thoughts. He knew that if he didn't phrase it carefully, Dohyun's anger wouldn't subside.
"I'm sorry for not listening to you and going there on my own..."
"......"
"And for intruding into your family's matters..."
"......"
"Did you still come to pick me up even though you're mad?"
Wooyeon sneakily looked at Dohyun's face. After a moment, he let out a soft laugh. When the car stopped at a red light, Dohyun reached out to Wooyeon. His hand clasped Wooyeon's for a moment before letting go.
"You guessed everything wrong."
Dohyun said casually, even suggesting that the last thing Wooyeon said was more praiseworthy than reproach. He sighed, but it seemed more like a sigh of relief than frustration. Wooyeon thought for a moment and tried to guess another reason.
"Because I made you worried, right? I'm sorry."
"......"
It seemed like this time Wooyeon was right. Dohyun's stiff expression slowly relaxed. He sighed once more, then spoke softly in his familiar warm voice.
"If you were going to leave like that, at least let me know."
"......"
"I had no idea what you were doing all day, couldn't reach you, the sky was getting dark... And it's dangerous outside."
Dohyun glanced at Wooyeon. Even though it was just for a moment, Wooyeon noticed that his eyes were checking his expression.
"My body doesn't feel well, yet you're wandering around like this..."
"......"
Wooyeon’s face turned bright red. The reason he wasn't feeling well could only be related to what had happened between them last night. On top of that, he had spent the whole day sitting in an uncomfortable chair at the shop, making his back sore.
"Next time, at least tell me where you are. It's not like we don’t have ways to stay in touch."
"Yes... I'm sorry."
His voice was weak, and his head was lowered. Wooyeon rubbed his ear, turning his face toward the window to watch the familiar scenery pass by. This wasn't the road to his home; it was the road to Dohyun's apartment.
He thought to himself that Dohyun might intend to let Jinah stay at his place. As he was thinking, the car entered the apartment complex. Dohyun stopped the car and frowned.
"Oh my... I did it out of habit."
He rubbed his face with his hand and sighed heavily. His gaze stopped on Jinah in the back seat. It seemed he had forgotten about his sister and had unconsciously driven home out of habit.
"I’ll take a taxi home."
"It’s late. It’s dangerous outside."
Dohyun finished parking and shifted the car into park. Just as Wooyeon was about to open the door to get out, Dohyun spoke first.
"Kim Jinah, stop pretending to be drunk. Go upstairs, the code is 0626."
"......"
Of course, Jinah didn't respond. Dohyun sighed once more. If every sigh of his could create a hole in the ground, perhaps he would have already dug through to the other side of the Earth by now.
"Kim Jinah."
"......"
"The drunk person can’t walk on their own."
Wooyeon said calmly, causing a flicker of discomfort in Dohyun's gaze. He looked at both of them, his lips slightly moving as if he wanted to say something but then decided against it. Finally, he unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out of the car.
"I'll take her upstairs and come back. You wait here and make sure to lock the car."
"I'm really fine..."
"Didn't you just apologize for making me worry, Yeon-ah?"
"......"
Dohyun truly had a talent for making others speechless. Without any trouble, he picked up Jinah and walked straight into the building. Wooyeon obediently locked the car and leaned back in the seat.
"I hope he can relax more when he's home."
Jinah's words kept echoing in Wooyeon's mind. The image of Dohyun drinking alone all night, feeling sad, also became clear in his thoughts.
Thanks to Dohyun, Wooyeon had pulled out the thorn in his heart. Though the wound wasn’t fully healed, it was almost closed. Now, even when he was in the same space as his mother, Soo Hyang, he no longer felt as suffocated as before.
"I hope he'll be the same..."
Wooyeon knew his wish might be too selfish. If Dohyun wanted him to stay out of his personal matters, Wooyeon was ready to step back. After all, he was still young, lacking in experience, and sometimes unsure if he could truly be of any help.
"But..."
Despite that, Wooyeon still worried about Dohyun. His joking comment about having two parents made Wooyeon feel bitter. Wooyeon didn’t understand what it was like to have a warm family, but because of that, he hoped Dohyun could experience it.
Knock knock.
Dohyun had gotten out of the car and tapped lightly on the driver’s side window. Wooyeon unlocked the door and nodded at him. As Dohyun stepped into the car and buckled his seatbelt, Wooyeon asked,
"Shall we go to my apartment?"
The car smoothly drove along the familiar road leading to Wooyeon’s apartment. Dohyun was always a professional driver, never needing GPS to find his way. Wooyeon rested his head against the seatbelt and joked,
"You and Jinah drink whenever you two fight, huh?"
"Well… who doesn’t?"
Dohyun didn’t deny the reason for drinking, and this made him feel even more "Dohyun" in Wooyeon’s eyes. Wooyeon suppressed a smile because he was about to bring up something important.
"I know why you two argue now."
As usual, Wooyeon wasn’t good at beating around the bush, so he spoke directly, which made Dohyun glance over at him.
"You immediately apologized, so why did you get angry when Jinah looked at your phone? You were the one who drank all night."
Wooyeon understood that being interfered with in personal matters was uncomfortable. He himself had often felt suffocated when Soo Hyang managed even his smallest actions. But Dohyun’s situation with Jinah seemed more complicated than that.
"I didn’t get angry because she looked at my phone."
Dohyun gently corrected him. His voice lowered, as if confessing something difficult:
"I got angry because she asked too many questions about you."
"What's wrong with asking?"
"Nothing, but..."
Dohyun didn’t finish his sentence. Instead, he expertly maneuvered the steering wheel. The way he drove always impressed Wooyeon.
"I don’t want my parents to know about you. I’ve told them I’m dating, but I’ve never told them that the person I’m dating is the heir of Seonjeong Group."
"......"
"My parents… seem very interested in Seonjeong."
Dohyun furrowed his brows, his face filled with discomfort. Remembering the reason Dohyun was adopted, Wooyeon opened his mouth as if to say something. But Dohyun spoke first.
"I don’t like it."
His firm tone made Wooyeon pause. Dohyun continued, his face serious:
"I don’t want my parents to see you as something else, and I don’t want you to think that’s normal. Relationships shouldn’t be tools or means to an end."
Maybe he was worried their relationship would become part of some business plan. Even if that didn’t happen, he wasn’t comfortable with the thought.
"I don’t need to do that with Jinah, but I guess I’ve been too sensitive."
Dohyun forced a smile, his eyebrows slightly twitching. But his next words made Wooyeon blush:
"I’m frustrated… because I haven’t been satisfied."
"......"
"It’s been so long since I’ve touched you."
This blunt remark was unlike Dohyun’s usual self. Wooyeon knew that he was still a little frustrated, but the way he lowered his voice to make Wooyeon embarrassed was clearly intentional.
"Anyway… that’s all. I’ve been stressed, and Jinah’s been joking as usual."
"......"
"The problem is, with me apologizing first, I wonder how she feels about it."
Wooyeon widened his eyes in surprise. Dohyun seemed to understand exactly why Jinah was upset, just as Jinah seemed to understand him.
“Jinah told you the reason she’s angry with me, right?”
Dohyun’s voice was calm as he switched on the indicator light. With just one more turn, they would be at the entrance to Wooyeon’s apartment.
“So... you know about it too?”
“I’ve lived with Jinah for many years, so at least I understand that much.”
Dohyun smiled lightly, then blinked. His neatly arranged eyelashes seemed to flutter slightly.
“Yeon-ah…”
His gaze was fixed ahead, but there was an indescribable sadness in his eyes. Wooyeon didn’t understand why, but he instinctively tightened his seatbelt when he heard the next words.
“I still remember my real parents.”
_________________________________________________
Side Story / Chapter 20
Dohyun was abandoned at the entrance of an orphanage when he was just eight years old. It was an age when childhood memories were still vague but enough to recall what had happened.
“I’m not saying this to boast, but I’ve been very smart since I was young. As soon as they left, I understood right away. Ah, they won’t come back.”
A faint bitter smile appeared on his lips. Wooyeon remained silent, unable to speak, listening to Dohyun’s story.
“To this day, I don’t know why they abandoned me. When I grew up, I could only guess it was for financial reasons.”
The light from the entrance to the underground parking lot filtered inside, revealing Dohyun's expression even in the darkness. His words made that image stick in Wooyeon’s mind.
“But I don’t think of it as a psychological wound. I was adopted into a good family, have a wonderful partner, and I don’t feel like I’m missing anything.”
Dohyun’s dark eyes conveyed mixed emotions. He looked as strong as usual, yet there was a vulnerable gaze Wooyeon had seen before. But above all, Wooyeon sensed a hint of insecurity hidden deep inside.
“Still, sometimes I have to be careful.”
“…….”
“After all, I’m not their biological child.”
Wooyeon felt as if someone had struck him on the head. He had known the reason for Dohyun's insecurity before, but hearing it directly from him felt completely different. Was it pity? Worry? Or perhaps embarrassment for having assumed too much? Wooyeon swallowed all these feelings and said what he had realized throughout the day.
“……Jinah is very much like you.”
Dohyun looked at him in surprise, his expression curious. He parked the car in an empty spot, not rushing to get out, but instead looking at Wooyeon attentively. Wooyeon, in turn, looked straight at him and listed the similarities between the siblings.
“Even the way she smiles, the way she furrows her brow, and the habit of eating while caring for others. All those little things are so alike.”
“…….”
“After all, she’s still your sister. I’ve thought about it so many times today.”
Dohyun tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening as if he appreciated Wooyeon's effort to comfort him. His warm eyes made Wooyeon continue, repeating what Jinah had once said.
“Being family doesn’t require sharing blood. And you don’t need that to open up to each other.”
Wooyeon knew these words might sound cliché. But more than anyone, he understood the futility of relationships based solely on blood ties.
“If we look at it that way, then we’re strangers, yet we’re still together like this.”
Dohyun’s expression changed slightly. He seemed a bit surprised, then softly chuckled, his laughter light as breath. When Wooyeon looked at him curiously, his gaze became even gentler.
“I didn’t expect that one day I would receive relationship advice from you.”
“……Am I not allowed to say it?”
“I mean, it’s wonderful.”
The pleasant scent of pheromones spread through the air. Dohyun’s large hand gently caressed Wooyeon’s cheek. By instinct, Wooyeon nuzzled his head into his hand like a little animal.
“You two must have gotten closer now. You even call her Jinah.”
Fortunately, Dohyun wasn’t bothered by Wooyeon’s attention. His eyes were soft as he looked at him, causing Wooyeon to hold his hand with both of his small hands.
“I just hope you no longer have those insecurities.”
Wooyeon’s heart beat wildly. It was the first time he had confessed the thoughts that had always been in his heart.
“Thanks to you, I got through those difficult middle school days. And now, thanks to you, I can leave home but still maintain my relationship with my mother.”
His words came suddenly. Dohyun didn’t respond, only nodding quietly, listening.
“Now, I realize not all alphas are bad. I also realize that there are people who truly care about me.”
“…….”
“It’s all thanks to you.”
Dohyun’s eyes narrowed slightly. They seemed to be smiling, but in reality, it looked more like he was holding back his emotions. Wooyeon placed a kiss on his hand, looking up at Dohyun’s face.
“If you hadn’t taught me, hadn’t told me, I wouldn’t have understood anything by now.”
Maybe he had his reasons for not saying it, but if he didn’t speak, no one would understand. That was something Dohyun had taught Wooyeon many times, and something he had felt from him.
“Try talking to your family.”
“…….”
“That would be great.”
Dohyun gently caressed Wooyeon’s cheek for a long time, as if touching something precious. His fingers traced along the edge of Wooyeon’s ear, making him feel ticklish and causing him to shiver slightly. His warm voice resonated softly.
“I’m not foolish enough to lose someone important to me because of the same mistake.”
Wooyeon suddenly regretted not telling Jinah that Dohyun's voice was so soothing. His soft, whispering tone was like a sweet candy, making Wooyeon feel weightless.
"I had planned to resolve everything with a conversation. I just didn't know when," Dohyun said.
The chaotic emotions within Dohyun gradually settled after his eyes. Wooyeon realized it was a sense of gratitude, though a little delayed.
"I'm sorry for making you worry."
"......"
"And thank you for caring about me, Yeon-ah."
Dohyun kissed Wooyeon’s cheek, then gently placed a kiss on his lips. The warmth from the kiss was fleeting, and before Wooyeon could fully savor it, Dohyun bent down to kiss him again, longer this time. When their lips parted, Dohyun rested his forehead against Wooyeon’s and whispered.
“I’ll go home today and talk to Jinah.”
“Tomorrow, Jinah’s still drunk.”
“Yeah... I guess that's okay.”
Dohyun smiled softly and gently rubbed Wooyeon’s cheeks as if molding clay. Then he planted several quick kisses on his face before pulling him into a tight embrace and whispering sweetly.
“I love you.”
Wooyeon felt his face turn bright red, his hand clutching the collar of Dohyun’s shirt. The sound of a beating heart echoed in the space, unclear whose it was. The words “I love you” were not just a confession, but carried a weight filled with overwhelming happiness.
“I… love you too…”
His answer was so small, it was like the sound of a mosquito buzzing. But fortunately, Dohyun seemed to hear it clearly, smiling beside his ear. After holding each other for a long while, Dohyun slowly released Wooyeon.
“Go inside, I’ll contact you.”
If he had stayed just a little longer, Wooyeon surely wouldn’t have wanted Dohyun to leave. He obediently stepped out of the car, waving through the window with Dohyun’s smiling face, a smile that made his heart flutter.
‘I don’t want to be apart.’
Even after entering the elevator, Wooyeon couldn’t stop thinking about that. He longed to walk in with Dohyun every day, a desire that kept echoing in his mind. It was an evening where the absence Dohyun left behind felt bigger than ever.
Time passed so quickly. After returning home that day, Dohyun suddenly decided to stay at the main house for a while. Wooyeon didn’t catch all the details, but when he saw Dohyun come back with a pile of expensive clothes, he could guess what had happened. The grown man had clearly handled everything perfectly, leaving Wooyeon with nothing to worry about.
"Are you texting Jinah again?"
That day, while lounging at Dohyun’s place, Wooyeon had to fight off his teasing before finally checking his phone. As expected, the lock screen was filled with messages from Jinah.
“You two must really get along, huh?”
Since the BBQ, Jinah had been texting Wooyeon nonstop. At first, she asked if he had said anything to Dohyun, then after a few days, she sent a series of gifts to apologize and thank him. When Wooyeon mentioned this, Dohyun only frowned slightly at the fact that the two exchanged phone numbers but eventually laughed when Wooyeon mentioned that Jinah was his first friend of the same age since Seongyu.
"Jinah keeps saying she likes your house so much, she wants one just like it."
“This apartment? She kept begging me for it.”
Jinah had often complained that she wanted to live independently. It seemed like she was eyeing Dohyun’s apartment, as if her parents hadn’t left her anything. When Wooyeon asked why, Jinah only grumbled that her mother was furious for her quitting school without permission.
“I'm not saying this to scare you, but don’t get too close to Jinah. Not because you’re from Seonjeong Group, but because you’re exactly the type of appearance she likes.”
Dohyun sat up from the bed, his arms sore. Wooyeon put down his phone and admired the broadness of his back. The firm, harmonious muscles made him unable to look away.
"She said I'm the second most handsome person she's ever met."
"Oh... So who's the most handsome?"
It wasn’t Dohyun. Wooyeon simply replied like that, trying to gauge if he knew the person. Dohyun chuckled before suddenly lifting Wooyeon up.
"He's the 'business department's heartthrob.'"
"Ah..."
Could it be the teaching assistant's boyfriend? Wooyeon only met him once, but he clearly remembered that he was a strikingly handsome man. Whether he was an alpha or not didn’t matter; his good looks were undeniable.
"Speaking of which, I haven’t seen your teaching assistant at school lately."
"Yoon-woo?"
Dohyun casually carried Wooyeon to the bathroom, where a warm bath had already been prepared. As they entered the tub, Dohyun answered the question softly. If it’s Yoon Woo, then he graduated in August.
"You really didn’t know?"
"No… I didn’t pay attention during the summer break."
Thinking back, Wooyeon vaguely remembered hearing about it, but he hadn’t cared enough to retain the information.
"You even went to the graduation party and still didn’t know? Ah, well, the guest of honor didn’t even show up."
Wooyeon felt a little embarrassed, burying his face in Dohyun's chest. The warm water reached his shoulders, creating a soothing sensation. The two of them embraced each other in a facing position, and Wooyeon’s eyes fell on Dohyun's shoulder.
"Tattoos..."
Unconsciously, Wooyeon reached out and touched the Latin inscription on Dohyun's shoulder. Because Wooyeon had scratched him so many times, Dohyun’s shoulder was covered with small marks. Wooyeon rested his chin on Dohyun’s shoulder, softly reading aloud.
"My seonsaeng has a very big..."
"…"
Dohyun's shoulder stiffened immediately. It seemed that Jinah's revelations had been spot on. Wooyeon, still calm, gently asked.
"Why did you choose such a bold tattoo?"
"Well..."
Dohyun remained silent for a moment before pulling Wooyeon closer. He gently stroked his back, then leaned back against the edge of the bathtub, slowly reclining.
"Actually... it’s not wrong."
It seemed that once he had been caught, Dohyun decided to be upfront about it. Wooyeon gave up teasing him and comfortably nestled against Dohyun’s chest. The warmth spread, making him feel lighter, his eyes gradually closing.
"Hey..."
"Yeah, what’s up?"
His answer was filled with tenderness. Dohyun's warm voice made Wooyeon’s heart flutter.
"Would you move in with me?"
The question slipped out softly, as if inviting him to dinner. Dohyun didn’t respond immediately but paused in his gentle stroking of Wooyeon’s back. Wooyeon shifted slightly, burying himself deeper into his embrace, his voice becoming dreamy.
"You can move into my place... or I could move here... whichever you prefer."
"…"
"But I think it’s better if you give this apartment to Jinah and move into a studio apartment instead."
Dohyun had suggested this before. He wanted to create a safe haven for Wooyeon, and his gentle voice from back then still echoed in Wooyeon’s mind. But now, it was Wooyeon himself who wanted to make a similar suggestion.
"Not immediately, take your time to think about it," Wooyeon said.
In fact, Wooyeon had hinted at the idea to his mother and received her approval. Although his mother thought living together seemed a bit too soon, she left the decision up to him.
"Without you, I can't sleep..." Wooyeon wrapped his arms around Dohyun and nuzzled his head into his neck. The damp strands of his hair clung to his skin, and the sensation made Dohyun shiver slightly.
"..."
But it didn’t seem to be because of ticklishness.
"How did it… grow so much?"
Dohyun didn’t answer, simply tilting his head back. His throat moved, as though he was trying to swallow something. The faint scent of pheromones around them made Wooyeon realize he was holding back his emotions.
"Don’t take back what you just said."
His voice was deep and strained, as if trying to stay calm. Dohyun lightly stroked Wooyeon’s back before placing a kiss on the top of his head.
"Yeon-ah, if you can't sleep, that’s a big problem..."
"..."
"Then I’ll give this apartment to Jinah. It’s the only way."
Although it sounded like a joke, to Wooyeon, it carried more weight than a hundred affirmations. Unable to hold back his emotions, Wooyeon whispered in Dohyun's ear, placing a kiss there.
"I love you..."
Those sincere words made Dohyun's heart race even faster. He hugged Wooyeon tighter, then whispered in his ear.
"I love you too, so much. Today and forever."
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 1
March, the season when the harsh cold winds of winter, signaling the arrival of spring. It’s also the time when a new academic year begins in schools—a season filled with nervousness and excitement for the first steps ahead. Even the early blooming flowers are a delightful sign of this moment, and in the hearts of new students, the spring winds are blowing with equal fervor.
“Beautiful.”
The freshman thought silently, his face dreamy as if caught in a reverie. His gaze wasn’t directed at budding trees or cherry blossoms but at someone wearing an oversized hoodie. That someone was a young man with long, straight eyelashes, as if drawn with a delicate brush, creating a refined impression.
His name is Seon Wooyeon. Twenty-two years old, majoring in English Language and Literature. This was his third year, and he was the president of the "English Classic Reading Club." He was relaying various announcements and guidelines to the club members. The freshman was among the newly joined members.
“How can someone be this stunning…”
The freshman drifted into thought again, resting his chin on one hand. He continued watching Seon Wooyeon almost openly. But since everyone else was focused, he wasn’t worried about being noticed. Even if someone did see, he wouldn’t mind—it might even be a good thing.
“Even his name—Seon Wooyeon.”
The neat and polished name, in the freshman’s eyes, perfectly matched his beautiful face. The pure white hoodie he was wearing only accentuated his bright and radiant appearance. His youthful face, devoid of even a single strand of beard, had a surprisingly cool and composed air when serious.
The first time the freshman saw his senior was on the university's orientation day. It was the day he passed through the towering gates to become a student in the English Language and Literature Department of Korea’s most prestigious university. With a heart brimming with excitement and high hopes, he wore his best outfit and headed to the grand auditorium.
“…Congratulations on your admission.”
No matter how dull the ceremony might have been, the mere label of “university” made everything thrilling. The long-winded speeches of the dean, the teaching assistants lined up neatly, or the fellow freshmen glancing around awkwardly—all of it filled the day with anticipation. Even the thought of an after-orientation drinking party brought excitement.
And then, what caught the freshman’s eye that day was Seon Wooyeon, standing in a corner of the auditorium. Wooyeon was with a group of what seemed to be upperclassmen, his expression somewhat tense, occasionally rubbing his ear as if to calm himself. His gaze wandered everywhere, looking so unfamiliar with the setting that, at first, the freshman wondered, “Is he a freshman too?”
But that wasn’t the point. Whether a freshman or an upperclassman, what truly mattered was that Seon Wooyeon possessed a beauty capable of captivating every gaze.
Although not particularly tall, his perfectly proportioned figure made him look like a living doll. His delicate, star-like face, paired with his slender neck and graceful wrists that occasionally peeked out, added an air of ethereal charm.
After the orientation, I must ask for his number.
That thought felt like an irresistible urge. Undoubtedly, among the crowd present in the auditorium that day, about a third shared the same idea. Of course, the number of people courageous enough to act on it was likely just a handful—one of whom was him.
Perhaps it was a stroke of divine luck, as it was Seon Wooyeon who initiated the conversation first. Or rather, when Wooyeon noticed the freshman walking directly toward him after the ceremony, he instinctively opened with a casual remark.
But the first words from someone the freshman mistook for a peer were overly formal and awkward:
“Um… Do you like Shakespeare?”
That day, the freshman was shocked by two things. First, Wooyeon’s face, up close, was even more stunning than from afar. Second, someone with such a magnetic appearance would ask such an oddly cheesy question.
However, after just three sentences, it became clear that what seemed like a flirtatious line was merely a recruitment tactic for the club. Wooyeon handed him a flyer for the English Classic Reading Club along with a registration form, saying, “If you’re interested, feel free to contact me,” and introduced himself as the club president.
Not stopping there, Wooyeon turned and asked another student the same question:
“Do you like Shakespeare?”
Honestly, the recruitment method felt a bit like a cult’s gimmick, but its success rate was undeniably close to 100%. Everyone who received a form that day ended up visiting the club room, all with an almost bewitched expression.
In the end, only a few were selected, but the freshman didn’t care. What mattered was that he was accepted—that was enough.
Perhaps out of an ominous premonition, the freshman memorized details of the three English-American novels he had listed on the application before the interview. This decision turned out to be critical. Worried that showing personal interest might lead to rejection, he avoided looking at Wooyeon during the interview and maintained a completely composed demeanor.
“So, we’ll meet on Friday…”
Now, the freshman was attending a meeting as an official member of the English Classic Reading Club. It was already mid-March, and he had gotten somewhat familiar with the other members.
“Senior Wooyeon is an Omega, isn’t he?”
His eyes lingered on Wooyeon’s lips as he recalled the alluring scent of his pheromones. Unfair! How could someone with such a perfect face also be an Omega with such overwhelming charm? Wooyeon’s fresh, sweet pheromones were like ripe fruit, sometimes so sweet they risked attracting unwanted attention.
Of all the people he had met, Wooyeon was the most beautiful and possessed the most enticing pheromones of any Omega. He was flawless, lacking absolutely nothing. Even his entire wardrobe was designer.
“Especially that watch—it's such an expensive piece…”
The watch peeking out from under Wooyeon's sleeve was a product from brand R, one the freshman had always dreamed of owning. The logo was almost hidden, but the combination of gold and silver, along with the unique hand design, unmistakably marked its value. It was the kind of luxury item so exclusive it cost as much as a car.
“And it’s a limited edition. Practically impossible to get…”
How wealthy could he possibly be?
Though the freshman himself came from a well-off family, they weren’t the type to casually splurge on such extravagance. Watching Wooyeon use a brand-new phone without a screen protector or case left him stunned, thinking, “This senior is seriously rich.” That thought unintentionally widened the perceived gap between them in his mind.
Yet, Wooyeon’s untouchable, flower-on-a-cliff persona only fueled his competitive spirit. It might sound selfish, but it wasn’t enough to make him give up.
And so, with each passing day, the freshman’s interest in Wooyeon grew deeper. Perhaps this was what people called the "crush effect." He even found it endearing when Wooyeon put on round glasses to read academic books. Specifically, during one conversation, he asked:
“Do you wear glasses often, senior?”
Wooyeon responded sheepishly, rubbing his earlobe:
“Ah, I actually had LASIK surgery…”
The image of Wooyeon, flustered and awkwardly touching his ear, remained vivid in the freshman’s mind. For someone who probably received confessions every three days, Wooyeon still showed hints of bashfulness when new club members approached him. Perhaps he wasn’t used to strangers, and that only deepened the freshman’s desire to protect him.
“College is amazing!”
How many times had he thought that? Whether marveling at the sprawling campus, gazing at Wooyeon’s face, or even ignoring the top-tier lectures from professors—what mattered most was this overwhelming happiness.
“Senior Wooyeon is so cute, don’t you think?”
But when the freshman couldn’t hold back and blurted this out, the atmosphere in the club room suddenly turned oddly silent. Since Wooyeon wasn’t present, only a few seniors remained, all of whom stared at him in surprise.
The first to respond was a female teaching assistant who happened to be there.
“Kid, he’s already got a partner.”
And as if to solidify her statement, she added seriously:
“An Alpha Prime, and incredibly handsome too.”
Truthfully, the freshman was momentarily flustered. He had never considered the possibility that Wooyeon might already have a partner. But his next thought came quickly: “Of course, someone like him would.” He felt only a slight dissatisfaction, something along the lines of: “So what if his partner is handsome?”
“Handsome, so what.”
To be honest, it would be stranger if Wooyeon dated someone unattractive. His partner was likely not just handsome but also wealthy. This realization brought him a small sense of relief—at least it meant Wooyeon cared about appearances when it came to love.
“I’m good-looking too.”
The freshman was well aware of his own appearance. Although he had neglected his looks a bit during college entrance exams, back in high school, classmates from neighboring classes often flocked to see him. There were always one or two admirers in his class, so in terms of appearance alone, he believed he had a chance.
“Plus, I’m an Alpha, although not dominate.”
“Having a goalkeeper doesn’t mean you can’t score a goal.” The fact that Wooyeon had a partner didn’t seem like a major obstacle. Though the thought was morally questionable, Wooyeon’s allure was strong enough to make him consider it. He even wondered if this might be his first true love.
“Hey, you…”
“Leave him be. Let him get rejected and learn the hard way.”
When another senior tried to interject, the female teaching assistant cut him off. She clicked her tongue and shook her head with a look of pity, as if all hope were lost.
“Kids these days don’t even Google first…”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 2
What does going online have to do with anything? Even though he stayed away from the internet to focus on studying, he doesn't think it’s an issue. Things like the latest trends or fads are only of interest to people who lack attention or those who study hard.
“If no one has any further questions, let’s wrap up here.”
While he was lost in thought, Wooyeon began packing up his papers. He didn’t hear everything clearly, but it seemed to be about the club's direction moving forward and plans for Friday’s drinking party. With his well-practiced exam-prep listening skills, he’s confident he understood the gist by inference.
“See you tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I’m heading out.”
“Huh? Wooyeon, wait a second…”
Wooyeon left the clubroom first, and he hurriedly packed his bag to follow. But just as he was about to dash out, an upperclassman grabbed his arm, forcing him to sit back down.
“Hey, didn’t I tell you to stop trailing Wooyeon?”
“I’m not doing anything…”
He glanced nervously at the door, but the upperclassman only looked at him with exasperation. His peers nearby didn’t know what to do and simply watched the scene in silence.
“You’re ruining the atmosphere of the club…”
The upperclassman’s voice was filled with annoyance, but he abruptly stopped. It seemed he had received a message on his phone. Taking advantage of the moment, he tried to quietly lift himself from the chair, but after looking at his phone screen, the upperclassman smirked.
“Fine, go.”
“Huh?”
“Go chase after Wooyeon. It’s your face on the line, not mine.”
He didn’t understand why his attitude suddenly changed, but he quickly got up and left the clubroom. “Goodbye, everyone!” He didn’t forget to politely bow as he exited.
“Does that kid even get it?”
He pretended not to hear the murmurs behind him. Whether or not he understood, he couldn’t deny that he lacked some self-awareness.
“Wooyeon!”
As he hurriedly descended the stairs, Wooyeon was just leaving the building. Worried he might have gone far, but thankfully, Wooyeon was walking slowly, staring at his phone like a distracted turtle.
Wooyeon frowned in annoyance, but when he heard his voice behind him, he glanced back with a slight furrow of his brows.
“Huh… What is it?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. You’re heading home, right?”
Even though Wooyeon’s reaction was clearly unenthusiastic, his smiled brightly and continued the conversation. After all, he was just a bit aloof, and there’s an old saying: “No one throws water in the face of someone who’s smiling.”
“Uh, you’re heading home, right?”
“Yeah, of course. Why?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. I just wanted to walk with you. Let’s go to the main gate together.”
Without giving him a chance to refuse, he quickly stepped forward, forcing Wooyeon to follow reluctantly. He seemed about to say something but hesitated, moving his lips awkwardly. Though his eyes were still fixed on his phone, when he slowed his pace to close the gap between him, Wooyeon immediately put his phone away, preventing him from seeing what he had been looking at.
“Do you have any plans this weekend?”
“Just staying home.”
“Oh… no special plans or anything?”
“Nope, nothing at all.”
Isn’t he supposed to meet his significant other on weekends? From what he's heard, Wooyeon’s partner is older than him and likely busy with work, which might explain the lack of attention. Then again, he only heard rumors and have never seen them openly together at school.
'No ring or anything… could it be they’re not on good terms?'
In his mind, he crafted a perfect, dramatic movie just for himself, then cleared his throat a few times to mask his earlier thoughts.
Wooyeon glanced at him briefly before stepping back half a pace. The freshman reassured himself that it was probably just his imagination.
“So, um, this weekend, do you want to go to the amusement park with me?”
“The amusement park?”
“Yes, my parents work for a company partnered with the park, so I can get tickets at half price.”
Among his friends, this was always a major selling point. Plus, he wanted to subtly boast that his parents worked for a large corporation and his family was well-off. Surely, this wouldn’t be a downside for Wooyeon. However, contrary to his expectations, Wooyeon frowned immediately upon hearing this, looking quite displeased.
“What’s wrong?”
Wooyeon’s round eyes briefly flashed with irritation. This was the first time he had received such a reaction since starting to make small talk with his upperclassman. Was the half-price discount laughable to someone as wealthy as Wooyeon? While he was still mulling over this, Wooyeon unexpectedly asked, his tone icy:
“You’re not making fun of me, are you?”
“Huh? How could I?”
The freshman waved his hands frantically in panic. How could he dare joke with someone he liked and was trying so hard to impress?
“You think I’m implying you can’t afford to go to the amusement park? I know that’s not true at all!”
He hurriedly added that he would be the one treating Wooyeon. As he stammered out his explanation, Wooyeon’s displeased expression gradually softened.
“Fine, if that’s not what you meant.”
But this time, Wooyeon stepped back another half pace. The freshman felt a twinge of frustration but maintained a calm expression.
Wooyeon pulled his phone from his pocket, glanced at the screen briefly, and then put it away without even looking at him.
“I don’t think I can go.”
The refusal was delivered softly but was unmistakable.
“Besides, I’m busy this weekend.”
“But you just said you were staying home!”
“Haha… If you’re busy, then maybe another time.”
Yes, there would still be plenty of chances. The freshman tried to stay composed and mustered a “cool” smile. Although he felt a bit disappointed, he was determined not to let it show—not that it mattered to Wooyeon, who continued staring at the ground as he walked.
Walking beside Wooyeon, the freshman tried to break the silence by striking up another conversation.
“Do you like thrill rides?”
“They’re… okay.”
“If you don’t enjoy them, we can just do the carousel or something. I’ll go along with whatever you want.”
While he rambled on, they neared the main gate. The freshman suddenly turned his head and noticed a crowd gathered nearby, sparking his curiosity.
“Why is it so crowded over there?”
Could it be a celebrity sighting?
He mumbled to himself, but Wooyeon heard him. Wooyeon, who had been silently walking, looked up toward the main gate. After glancing at his phone one more time, he tucked it back into his pocket, looking slightly weary.
His eyes fixed on the crowd at the gate, and suddenly, he stopped walking.
Wooyeon’s eyes widened, his usual detached expression replaced by one of sheer astonishment.
“Huh?”
The soft exclamation made the freshman turn to look at him. He wanted to ask what was wrong, but upon seeing Wooyeon’s expression, he was left speechless. Those normally calm eyes now sparkled with light, and his face relaxed, breaking into a radiant smile.
“Hyung!”
Everything happened in an instant. Without sparing the freshman another glance, Wooyeon darted toward someone in the crowd. A man standing at the center of the group came into view, and finally, Wooyeon threw himself into the man’s arms.
“Yeon-ah.”
The man called Wooyeon’s name gently, his voice warm like sunlight, paired with an impossibly soft smile. He naturally embraced Wooyeon, who had rushed into his arms. His neatly combed hair and tailored suit made him look far more mature than the other students around.
“You’re that happy to see me?”
His voice, tinged with laughter, was light and soothing. The freshman stood frozen, unable to utter a word, his mouth agape. It wasn’t because the usually aloof Wooyeon was now acting adorable, calling out “Hyung…,” nor because the surrounding people casually commented, “Looks like Wooyeon’s about to cry.” No, it was because of the man’s radiant, autumn-breeze-like smile.
‘No one ever told me he was this handsome.’
“Did you just get off work?”
“Yeah, I was working out of the office today, so I left once I was done.”
With slightly squinted eyes that gave him a mischievous, fox-like charm, the man had an aura that made people think of anything but innocent intentions, despite his gentle appearance.
‘And he’s an elite Alpha on top of that face?’
The freshman felt the unfairness of life sink in again as he stared at Wooyeon. Before meeting this man, he’d only occasionally heard such remarks about himself from his friends.
“I thought you were busy since you didn’t reply to my messages…”
Wooyeon, who was usually calm and composed, now clung to the man’s waist, his voice tinged with playful reproach. This display made him unbelievably endearing, but the fact that only this man could see such a side of Wooyeon made the freshman’s stomach churn. ‘So that’s why he kept glancing at his phone earlier—he was waiting for a text from his boyfriend?’ The realization left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“I didn’t reply because I wanted to surprise you. Sorry about that.”
“But you could’ve replied…”
“I’ll respond next time.”
In contrast to the freshman, who was stunned to see this side of Wooyeon, the man seemed completely used to it. He gently reassured Wooyeon, holding him tightly, nuzzling his cheek against the top of Wooyeon’s head as if he couldn’t express his love enough. Every gesture exuded a sweetness so palpable it was almost syrupy.
Seeing Wooyeon—usually so aloof and stubborn—nestling obediently in this man’s arms like a child made the scene even more captivating.
“But Yeon-ah…”
As the freshman stood there awkwardly, laughing nervously and unsure of what to do, the man lightly stroked the back of Wooyeon’s head before slowly pulling him out of the embrace. Watching Wooyeon reluctantly, almost wistfully, step away from the man’s arms was enough to make anyone feel his longing.
The freshman, too shocked to process the man’s piercing gaze now directed at him, stood there like a deer in headlights.
“Aren’t you going to introduce your friend?”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 3
The dark eyes of the freshman turned toward him. The freshman suddenly jolted when their gazes met, causing him to step back. Ah, how embarrassing. Thinking this, he quietly stepped forward a few steps, only to hear something even more embarrassing echo in response.
"We're not friends."
The words were decisive. No, perhaps not decisive—indifferent might be a better way to describe them. After hearing Wooyeon's words, the man tilted his head with a puzzled expression.
"Then what are you?"
"Just a freshman in the club..."
A freshman in the club. Not a junior, not a name, not even a close junior—just a freshman in the club. The unwillingness to engage in conversation was evident, and perhaps it wasn't just his own feeling.
"The club?"
The man repeated, looking at the freshman. He seemed amused, but when their eyes met again, the freshman felt like stepping back once more. Despite the man's friendly smile and polite greeting, the feeling remained uncomfortable.
"Hello."
"Hello."
The man gave a gentle nod, and the freshman awkwardly bowed back. If this was the senior's boyfriend, he was undoubtedly much more mature than the freshman.
The man maintained his faint smile, looking at the freshman as he asked:
"You're a freshman in the English Department, right?"
"Yes..."
Why was this? It was just a simple question, yet he felt so uneasy. Was it because the man's face was too handsome? Or because the suit he wore was too elegant? If not, was it the effortless confidence and calm he exuded?
"Nice to meet you."
If he were speaking to his junior, he might have used casual language, but this man was different. He was very polite, even using honorifics with him. Then he pointed to himself and added:
"I was the president of the club before."
"Ah..."
It seemed all the seniors in the club knew who Wooyeon's boyfriend was.
"Are you the boyfriend of senior... Wooyeon?"
The term "senior" suddenly felt strange, so the freshman glanced at Wooyeon's expression before adjusting the title. Luckily, Wooyeon didn't seem too bothered (he had just been standing close to the man, staring at his face this whole time). Only the man who introduced himself as the former club president was engaging with him.
"That's right, I'm Wooyeon's boyfriend."
The double eyelid on his left eye twitched slightly. It made the freshman feel oddly itchy, almost resistant. They say if only one eye has a double eyelid, the person is likely to be fickle. Was Wooyeon's boyfriend like that? That sense of resistance kept building up within him.
"I'm Kim Dohyun. And you are?"
"Ah, I'm..."
This time, the freshman glanced at Wooyeon's expression again before awkwardly stating his name. Kim Dohyun. Such an elegant name, fitting perfectly with his flawless appearance. In fact, he even thought the name suited Wooyeon's name quite well, too.
"This year, there are a lot of handsome freshmen at our school."
The man's casual compliment truly made the freshman feel embarrassed. Even though he wasn't someone lacking in confidence, standing in front of this elegant man made him feel incredibly small. So, he could only meekly respond to the compliment.
"You’re handsome too."
"Haha, you’re not complimenting me because I’m the club president, are you?"
Even while laughing, his teeth were perfectly straight and neat. This was what people meant when they said someone could "easily pass both families' tests." He was also a senior at the same school, so his academic background must not be bad either.
'He really has it all.'
Of course, the thing that made people the most envious was that Wooyeon belonged to him. But the freshman wasn't sure how Wooyeon would interpret his gaze. Suddenly, Wooyeon grabbed the man's collar and awkwardly intervened in the conversation.
"This is the person I'm dating."
The freshman immediately stopped speaking. It was clear enough, senior. But the reason he couldn’t respond was that Wooyeon added with a slightly cautious expression:
"We’ve been dating for almost two years now."
"Really?"
An unnecessary piece of information.
"Wait, are you jealous of me?"
No way. Could it be that Wooyeon thought the freshman was interested in Dohyun? Wooyeon seemed eager to confirm their relationship. The freshman glanced back and forth between them, clearing his throat before adding:
"We’ve been dating since he was still in school. Everyone in the club knows."
Wooyeon’s round, bright eyes sparkled like a child showing off something precious. He looked so proud to let everyone know how wonderful his boyfriend was. Though his boasting seemed childish, his pure gaze made it impossible for anyone to dislike him.
"Yes... you two really make a great couple."
Who wouldn't want to show off a boyfriend with a face like that? The freshman answered without thinking. But then he wanted to slap himself. Complimenting the person he secretly loved like this made his heart ache, painfully unbearable.
"Thank you."
It was ridiculous. Wooyeon seemed happy despite receiving such a shallow compliment. His slightly flushed cheeks were so adorable that one could almost want to pinch them. But when he remembered it was because Wooyeon heard the words “you two make a great couple,” it only made the freshman feel more uncomfortable.
Not stopping there, the man standing next to Wooyeon added:
"Please take care of our Wooyeon."
"Our Wooyeon." Not just "Wooyeon," but "our."
"Ah, and thank you for joining the club. We were always short of members, but thanks to you, we can still keep it going."
Even though the man smiled reassuringly, the truth was that the club still struggled to meet the minimum number of members. The issue wasn't a lack of applicants, but the extremely rigorous interview process. There was a long line of people just to speak with Wooyeon, and half of them were eliminated at the gate.
"Next time, if I get the chance, I’ll visit the club and treat everyone to a nice meal. Feel free to order anything expensive, but make sure to participate actively in the activities."
"Ah... there's no need..."
Really, how could someone be so kind?
Though the freshman had thought about being bold and stealing someone’s heart, he wasn't shameless enough to accept a meal from his senior's boyfriend. Actually, even the little confidence he had about possibly pursuing Wooyeon vanished entirely when he met this man.
"I really wish we could talk longer, but I have to go."
The man said, raising his left hand and glancing at his watch. As he lifted his sleeve, a finely designed watch became visible. It was the same model the freshman had once dreamed of owning, and now, he saw that Wooyeon wore the exact same one.
"Are they wearing matching watches?"
Not everyone could own such a watch, but these two had enough to wear them as matching items. Ignoring the freshman’s surprise, the man simply nodded and waved goodbye.
"Take care on your way home."
"Yes, you too..."
The freshman responded awkwardly. His gaze unconsciously followed the man’s hand as he held Wooyeon’s hand. From afar, their fingers were intertwined clearly.
As his chest felt tight with pain, like being stabbed with needles, Wooyeon suddenly turned his head back.
"Ah..."
Wooyeon looked over. The freshman's heart lifted with a fleeting, unreasonable hope. Could it be that Wooyeon felt sorry for having to say goodbye, wanting to say something?
"Sorry about this."
But that hope was quickly dashed.
"The day I promised to go with you, that’s not happening."
"...Huh?"
Was that about the amusement park trip? It wasn’t this week, but the freshman had once been sure that one day he would go with Wooyeon. Despite Wooyeon always coming up with excuses about being busy, the freshman still hoped for it.
"Even if I’m free, I can’t go with you alone."
The remaining hopes in his heart dissolved like dust. The world seemed to collapse, and just as that emptiness took over, Wooyeon said one more sentence that was even more cruel.
"...I'm sorry."
Why did a simple apology, spoken so lightly, hurt more than any other words?
"Let's go, babe."
Wooyeon took his boyfriend’s hand and pulled him away. The man silently followed, but his brief glance at the freshman seemed full of pity. Receiving that gaze from his "rival" made the freshman feel utterly humiliated.
"...Ha."
In the end, the freshman messed up his hair and let out a dejected sigh. Who said that having a goalkeeper means the ball won’t go into the net? Who came up with that cheap advice?
The spring breeze that had once stirred his heart suddenly turned cold, like frost. The result of the gamble he placed without a shred of conscience was a complete failure.
This was the first time in his life that he had to experience the feeling of a broken heart.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 4
With a 'bang' the car door slammed shut, and immediately Dohyun reached out towards Wooyeon sitting in the passenger seat. He grabbed the back of Wooyeon's round head and gently pulled it towards himself. Wooyeon paused for a moment, then obediently leaned in. Without hesitation, Dohyun kissed his lips.
This was a kiss they had exchanged countless times, but this time Wooyeon still felt like it was the first. His eyelashes fluttered gently, and his small tongue glided over, receiving Dohyun's kiss. A small moan escaped, mingling with Wooyeon's hot breath in the air. And in that breath, there was the characteristic sweet fragrance of Wooyeon.
That feeling was so sweet, making Dohyun unable to stop. He continued to inhale Wooyeon's breath, not letting a single drop go to waste. Their tongues intertwined, the more they twisted, the more they craved. Dohyun played with Wooyeon's soft hair, changing the angle of his lips to seek satisfaction.
Before long, the two lips parted, and at the same time, Wooyeon's hot breath escaped from his mouth. Dohyun quickly used his tongue to lick Wooyeon's lips, gently rubbing to keep them always moist. The lips, which had turned bright red, now became even softer and wetter.
"Hmm..."
It seems that this contact made Wooyeon feel itchy, he let out a soft groan, his body slightly recoiling. Nevertheless, he remained steady, proving that the feeling was not unpleasant. So cute. Dohyun smiled mischievously, and Wooyeon looked at him with furrowed brows.
"What are you smiling about?"
"Because you're adorable."
Dohyun didn't try to pretend, he held Wooyeon's cheeks with both hands, then placed consecutive kisses on his lips. Wooyeon's sharp eyes, which were somewhat fierce before, softened immediately when Dohyun placed the second kiss on his lips.
"How was school today?"
"Just the usual. Listened to the lecture, then went back to the club room..."
Although his expression was a bit anxious, Wooyeon obediently answered. He said that he went to the club room, then went home, and also mentioned that Dohyun didn't reply to his messages, so he had to wait a bit longer.
"And you? Was work okay today?"
Wooyeon finished answering and then asked Dohyun back. At first, he only answered Dohyun's questions, but now he has started to mimic those questions as well. That action made Dohyun feel as happy as a child, and he smiled gently in response.
"Yeah, it was fine."
It's been almost two years since they started dating, which adds up to three years. After countless mistakes, Dohyun finally got Wooyeon, and now, he lives days of happiness like never before. Every morning when he wakes up, Wooyeon is right beside him, and before he closes his eyes, Wooyeon is there again.
"Hey."
"Yeah, what's up?"
"Shall we live together?"
At the end of last summer, Wooyeon suggested that Dohyun move in together. He said he couldn't sleep without him and nuzzled his head into Dohyun's neck, making a pouty face. Dohyun is not the type of person who would coldly push his lover away just because of a whine. Even though Wooyeon doesn't whine, this has always been a thought he harbors in his heart.
"I can't refuse this offer."
The proposal came from Wooyeon, but it was Dohyun who accepted the promise. When Wooyeon was almost exhausted from fatigue, Dohyun couldn't bear to add more stress to him, but he couldn't resist Wooyeon's cuteness. After finishing his shower, Dohyun sought out Wooyeon. Despite his efforts, he couldn't suppress the rising excitement in his heart.
"Alright... We will live together."
Strangely, Soo Hyang did not seem surprised by this statement. She just smiled faintly, as if she already knew what was going to happen, then muttered a phrase.
"I thought you would advise him..."
Later, Dohyun learned that Wooyeon had quietly informed Soo Hyang about this matter. At that time, he just thought it was still too early to talk about this, but he didn't object either. Perhaps Soo Hyang was waiting for Dohyun to be the one to take the initiative to refuse.
Unfortunately, Soo Hyang forgot that it was Dohyun who was the first to take Wooyeon home when he was being harassed by reporters. Dohyun immediately arranged the apartment and moved in to live with Wooyeon in his apartment. Because that apartment is safer and also the place Jinah really wanted, Wooyeon felt this was the right decision.
Soo Hyang still appeared dissatisfied, but in the end, no parent can outmatch their child.
Then, last spring, when Dohyun entered his final year of university, he became an intern at a major company that everyone knew. After some time, he became a full-time employee, all thanks to his excellent resume and outstanding interview skills. Throughout his university years, Dohyun had always been an excellent student, so this was no surprise.
Seonjeong wasn’t his choice. In fact, it was a competitor to Seonjeong, and when Soo Hyang heard the news, she laughed with amusement and congratulated him. She even teased him by saying, "You didn’t even use our company’s phone, and now you’re choosing to work somewhere else?" Along with the remark, "Still an ungrateful person, whether in the past or now."
Of course, Dohyun didn’t mind and simply replied, "If you want someone like me, just find a way to invite me." In fact, he had never applied to Seonjeong, so if anyone asked whether this was a deliberate choice, he had nothing to deny.
"Indeed, Kim Dohyun is as stubborn as ever."
"You’re really my ideal type."
Dohyun received congratulations not only from Garam and Seongyu but also from his professors. He had fulfilled his role as a proud son in the family. Although his parents initially wanted him to join the family company (with the intention of helping him through connections), despite their disappointment, they were happy to see their son choosing his own path. Even Jinah, though she didn’t say it aloud, seemed proud of him.
However, the big issue lay with Wooyeon, who had always been by his side, witnessing all these changes.
"Did you really become an intern?"
Wooyeon, 22 years old, Dohyun’s beloved boyfriend, felt regretful now that Dohyun wasn’t in university anymore. He had once wished that he wouldn’t graduate and had even hinted at taking a year off to be with him. But as the moment of separation drew near, it felt like a thunderbolt striking him.
"I thought you were going to stay at school with me. But... does that mean you’re not coming back to school anymore?"
Dohyun hesitated a little when he heard Wooyeon say that. On one hand, he didn’t want Wooyeon to feel sad about the changes, but on the other hand, he knew that their future couldn’t just remain in the days they spent together at school. Wooyeon felt a deep respect and admiration for his teacher but couldn’t hide his regret that they wouldn’t be able to walk around campus together anymore. Sometimes, it’s hard to accept big changes in life.
"Yeah, maybe I’ll have to apply for a job," Dohyun answered, not hiding the seriousness in his voice. Although he felt a bit of regret that they wouldn’t continue enjoying their time together at school, he couldn’t stop thinking about a future, a life together, where he could protect and care for Wooyeon.
He didn’t want to just be a guy who graduated with a stable job. He wanted to be someone who could give Wooyeon a full life, without lack. It wasn’t about personal ambition or career—it was because he wanted to be someone who wasn’t lacking, strong enough to step into the future with Wooyeon.
Dohyun thought about the future not only from a financial perspective but also from the sincere desires in his heart. Even though he knew Wooyeon came from a good family, that didn’t make him feel any less. He didn’t worry about whether he would have enough money, but what he wanted was to build a beautiful future with Wooyeon—a future he could create with his own hands, not relying on anyone’s help, but on his own efforts and love.
Every time he was with Wooyeon, Dohyun felt like he couldn’t live without him. The moments they shared kept lingering in his mind, as if time had no effect at all. When he held Wooyeon in his arms and drifted off to sleep, thoughts of a long future together stayed in his heart. Although those thoughts might make Wooyeon feel shy, Dohyun couldn’t help but think about the years to come—the years he hoped Wooyeon would always be by his side, whether it was 5 years, 10 years, or even longer.
He wondered if he was dreaming too much, but then he felt happiness with those dreams because deep in his heart, he knew that all he wanted was a simple future filled with love, where Wooyeon was an indispensable part of his life.
In fact, Garam had vaguely sensed Dohyun’s thoughts and had exclaimed, "Kim Dohyun is completely out of his mind," while shaking his head in surprise.
No… maybe Wooyeon thought something similar. Although he didn’t say it clearly, Dohyun was sure that Wooyeon always held a wish in his heart, like "I want to be together forever."
And that dream may have become even more solidified at the wedding of his senior last autumn.
"I’ve never seen you smile like that, even as a teaching assistant."
That day, when Taegyeom and Yoon Woo got married, Wooyeon looked at them in their pure white tuxedos, smiling brightly.
Looking at Yoon Woo, Dohyun suddenly had an odd expression. It wasn’t envy or jealousy, but it seemed like he was deeply moved by the pure happiness Yoon Woo was expressing. Yoon Woo was a kind teaching assistant, but generally, he was very calm and not easy to read.
At that moment, Dohyun also felt something similar when he looked at Taegyeom. His heart swelled with indescribable emotion, and he gripped Wooyeon’s hand tightly, intertwining their fingers. It didn’t matter that Sungjae, though not the main character, was sobbing pitifully, or that Min-jeong, with an incredulous expression, was comforting Sungjae—none of that mattered.
There was only one thought in his mind now:
‘I want to get married too.’
He felt like he had made the right decision in looking for a job, and once again, he firmly reaffirmed that. It was his desire to marry that made him realize and become determined to clarify that in his heart. Of course, in order to make this happen, it wasn’t him but Wooyeon who needed to be prepared.
"When will you grow up? Our Wooyeon."
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 5
They were only four years apart, but sometimes that four-year gap felt incredibly distant. Was it because they had known each other since high school, or was it because Wooyeon’s personality was so pure that it made people feel an invisible distance? Now, they weren’t new students returning to school, but sometimes Dohyun still had the feeling of being a thief.
Maybe it was because of his dark thoughts. Every time he felt desire for Wooyeon, his conscience tormented him, preventing him from feeling at ease.
Just like now.
Could they do it once more?
The previous kiss wasn’t short, but for Dohyun, it felt like it lasted only a moment. Therefore, he didn’t want to pull away, but he couldn’t continue at this moment. Letting go of Wooyeon was probably the right thing to do.
In the end, Dohyun placed a kiss on Wooyeon’s lips once again and quickly stood up straight. Perhaps not wanting to part, Wooyeon subconsciously followed, tilting his head up slightly. It was a mischievous habit that Wooyeon didn’t even realize he had.
“Let’s save it for later when we get home.”
Dohyun, who usually exercised a lot of self-control, let out a slightly hoarse voice. Feeling a little hot, he loosened his tie, and Wooyeon’s gaze flickered towards his neck before quickly looking away. It was another unconscious sign of the deep longing Wooyeon didn’t even realize he had.
Of course, the more genuine desire was for Wooyeon’s soft, glossy lips.
“…Can we do it again?”
The words were almost an uncontrollable reflex. Dohyun leaned forward, placing his lips on Wooyeon’s face, showering him with kisses. Chut, chut, chut—the kisses kept coming, making Wooyeon look like he wanted to say, “This isn’t what I wanted…” but he didn’t stop Dohyun.
After a while, despite Dohyun being the one to suggest it, he immediately retracted that intention.
“Let’s save it for later when we get home.”
Wooyeon’s red face seemed to say it all. Even though he didn’t get the deep kiss he hoped for, he probably felt satisfied with the little kisses he received. As for Dohyun, who had suggested "later," he nearly took back what he just said.
Nevertheless, Dohyun kept his usual stoic expression, continuing to act like the adult he was. He buckled Wooyeon’s seatbelt, sat up straight, and started the car. Dohyun resolutely ignored Wooyeon, who was gazing at him with dreamy eyes.
“Oh, right, Seongyu will be on leave soon.”
“When?”
Wooyeon asked while adjusting his seatbelt. Dohyun answered while trying to suppress the laughter that was bubbling up from his throat. It felt like his face might crack. Wooyeon stared at him, his innocent expression almost making him burst out laughing.
“I’m not sure, but he’ll be back this month.”
“Then we’ll have to get together.”
“Will Garam have time?”
“She probably does. She’s working like a slave for the capitalists now.”
“She’s not a slave, she’s a grad student.”
The chuckle at the end of Dohyun’s sentence made it feel like a light breeze had brushed past his ear. Though it seemed a little unfair, it was actually quite amusing. If Garam were here, she would definitely shake her head and complain.
On the way home, Wooyeon kept rambling on about trivial things. What the teacher did today, what they had for lunch, what was happening in the club, and where the next meeting would be…
Although Wooyeon was always happy when he was with Dohyun, today he seemed especially joyful. His voice was rising and falling, full of excitement. Wooyeon kept playing with his seatbelt, looking down.
“Yeon-ah.”
Suddenly, Dohyun called his name softly, with a hint of amusement in his tone. Even though it was just one word, every time Dohyun said his name, his lips seemed to warm up.
“Yes?”
Wooyeon responded almost immediately.
“Do you like it when I pick you up?”
“Yes, I do.”
The answer came almost at the same time as the question, and with a dreamy voice, Wooyeon added another line.
“I really like it.”
Hearing that response, Dohyun instinctively gripped the steering wheel tightly. Damn, why is he getting more and more adorable?
Dohyun had just graduated, so this was the first time he had picked Wooyeon up. Wooyeon’s schedule, except for the first day of school, had never been delayed (because Dohyun always helped him), and usually, Dohyun’s work finished later than Wooyeon’s classes.
He thought he would occasionally pick him up.
However, whether he liked it or not, he would continue doing this, two, three times more in the future. Even if they went home and saw each other’s faces, if he could see the joy on Wooyeon’s face, such things wouldn’t be a bother at all. Wooyeon didn’t like attention, but today he ran through the crowd and rushed to hug Dohyun like that.
Actually, if it had been before, Dohyun wouldn’t have made a fuss about picking Wooyeon up. Wooyeon didn’t like being in the spotlight, and neither did Dohyun. However, today, he had dressed sharply, adjusted his loose tie, and looked at the car’s mirror to fix his hair.
The reason was simple. Just earlier, he had received some messages from Garam, who was now a graduate student and teaching assistant.
Garam: [Hey, Wooyeon’s really popular these days] 04:24pm
Garam: [Today he made three people in the club fall for himㅋㅋㅋ] 04:24pm
Garam: [Even a new freshman said Wooyeon is cuteㅋㅋ] 04:25pm
It was time. Nothing surprising about it. Wooyeon was always liked by everyone.
Something similar had happened last year. In March, during the new semester, when new students flooded in. When Wooyeon first participated in promoting the club, no one had to tell anyone, everyone applied to join the club. Among them, some were eliminated because they couldn’t write the title of a work in English as part of their reason for joining, but those who passed the interview soon left the club by themselves.
The reason was simple. Because Wooyeon had a boyfriend named Dohyun.
Although Dohyun was doing an internship and couldn’t attend classes regularly, he still appeared from time to time. Back then, he was still a student, so everyone in the department knew about him. The fact that Wooyeon was Dohyun’s boyfriend became well-known, so no one needed to worry about keeping their distance.
The problem was that this year, the new students, who knew nothing about him, didn’t know who Wooyeon was. They were just familiar with the Korean university entrance exam and didn’t know about the relationships of the previous year’s students.
Only a year had passed, but half of the old students had changed. Most of Wooyeon’s classmates had gone to the military, and Dohyun’s friends had all graduated.
Naturally, fewer people knew about his existence.
‘I wonder when Garam will be less busy.’
At that moment, Dohyun found himself really missing Garam’s university days. It was Garam who took the best care of Wooyeon when Dohyun was doing his internship. Not because of Dohyun, but because Garam didn’t like anyone getting too close to her precious younger brother.
“Anyway, if she goes to grad school, it’ll only be a year.”
If Garam heard this, she would definitely get mad and call him an idiot, but Dohyun just thought aimlessly like that.
He had never cared much about relationships, so he didn’t realize how possessive he could be. The idea of his boyfriend being in contact with others and being watched without being able to protect him made him feel like something was rotting and bubbling inside him.
“If he’s beautiful in my eyes, then he’s definitely beautiful in others’ eyes…”
Dohyun muttered the words he had once said to his seniors, then turned to look at Wooyeon. At that moment, the car stopped at a red light, allowing him to look at Wooyeon freely. Dohyun suddenly realized that Wooyeon had probably been looking at him the whole time, because as soon as he turned, their eyes met.
“Since we’re already out, how about we eat something before heading home?”
Although Wooyeon didn’t like crowded places, strangely, he really enjoyed going on dates in busy streets.
It might be because he dreamed of having romantic dates like those in movies, or maybe it was simply because he liked wherever Dohyun was.
Dohyun thought about trying the tart shop that a friend at work recommended and asked Wooyeon for his opinion. However, Wooyeon immediately shook his head in response.
“No, I just want to go home.”
“Why? Do you want me to cook for you?”
“No, that’s not it…”
His long, curved eyelashes fluttered as if he was hesitating, then slowly closed. Wooyeon’s habit, one that hadn’t changed for years, was to raise his left hand and play with his ear. While Dohyun absentmindedly thought about biting his soft ear, Wooyeon said something even more adorable than before.
“We decided to go home and continue later.”
Dohyun couldn’t help but let out a soft laugh. He tried not to look too foolish, but still couldn’t hold back a small sigh. To calm the emotions swelling inside him, he instinctively closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again.
“Well then, let’s go home.”
Is this how you are in other places too?
No, he knew it was only with him that Wooyeon acted like this. But the problem was that many people liked Wooyeon without even knowing him.
That said, Dohyun was no slouch when it came to fame either. However, Dohyun was very subtle in reading others' thoughts and handling interactions. He knew exactly how to decline politely without offending anyone or ruining the atmosphere. And throughout that process, it wasn’t difficult for him to care about Wooyeon’s feelings.
Wooyeon, however, was completely different. He was awkward in relationships and didn’t know how to reject or accept others' affection.
In fact, even after starting this relationship, Wooyeon took quite a bit of time just figuring out how to behave with Dohyun. This wasn’t just because he lacked experience in love, but because he didn’t know how to maintain the right distance from others. Wooyeon either knew how to break down all barriers or build high walls.
So even if he noticed others’ affection, Wooyeon didn’t know how to reject it. He could draw clear boundaries when someone was forward, but would be very awkward when faced with subtle, tactful attention.
Dohyun didn’t doubt Wooyeon’s determination. He just knew there were aspects Wooyeon hadn’t figured out how to handle properly yet.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 6
Wooyeon always acts cold and indifferent as if he doesn't care about others, but whenever someone approaches him, he becomes afraid they’ll distance themselves, leaving him confused and unsure of what to do. He once coldly told Garam not to apologize when she made a mistake, but after the walls of his heart came down, Wooyeon became incredibly kind and forgiving. Now, when Garam, drunk, accidentally pats his shoulder or gives him a light hug, Wooyeon doesn’t show any discomfort or displeasure.
“You’re so soft-hearted.”
Wooyeon’s relationships are like a pristine sheet of paper, unblemished, but easily stained by the care and affection of others. Especially since his heart is so fragile, everything impacts him even more deeply.
There was a time something like this happened. When Seongyu received his draft notice for military service, the club members gathered to throw him a farewell party.
“Seongyu, take care. Don’t settle in too much over there.”
“Ah, nuna, I’m not exactly the type to adapt easily to the army.”
While the club members teased each other under the guise of good wishes, Wooyeon stayed silent, his face filled with sadness as if the sky were about to fall. He didn’t say anything, quietly drinking alcohol he usually didn’t like, and by the time the party ended, he simply grabbed Seongyu’s arm tightly and silently shed tears.
“A... Are you crying? Wooyeon, are you really crying?”
Seongyu was both surprised and moved, but in that moment, he still couldn’t help sneaking a glance at Dohyun. It was a stark contrast to Garam, standing nearby, ready to tease Wooyeon.
“Looks like getting ready to enlist has made him more considerate of others,” Dohyun thought to himself. But then Wooyeon said something that caught Dohyun completely off guard.
“Isn’t there any way to avoid enlistment?”
“Uh… I don’t think so…”
When Seongyu answered so dejectedly, the group burst into laughter. Garam joked, “Wooyeon, help Seongyu dodge the draft.” But Wooyeon took the remark seriously, his face showing that he was genuinely pondering the idea. His slightly hazy eyes made it clear he was earnestly considering the suggestion, although perhaps 80% of it was the alcohol talking.
In that moment, an irresistible sense of absurdity swept over everyone. If it had been Danny, he probably would have felt the same way. Normally, Wooyeon never showed any sign of neediness or longing, but to see him so upset over a farewell was truly surprising to Dohyun.
If he enlisted, would Wooyeon cry for Dohyun as well?
Dohyun thought that if Garam overheard this, she would definitely call him a fool again. So, he quietly patted Wooyeon's leg. What calmed him, though, was that Wooyeon tightly held his hand, as if he were holding onto something incredibly important.
"This could turn into a bad habit. I can’t let him cry."
The idea that Wooyeon would cry over someone, but Dohyun only wanted him to cry because of him, was an odd and unfamiliar feeling.
Putting that aside, Wooyeon genuinely cherished the club. This meant that he would do everything he could to protect it. If someone expressed feelings for him, Wooyeon would worry that it might disrupt the atmosphere in the group.
“You don’t need to worry about that.”
Having more meaningful things in life was a good thing, but Dohyun didn’t want Wooyeon to suffer or suppress himself. He especially didn’t like the idea of any unnecessary “flies” hanging around, exploiting situations to create more trouble.
“By the way, Yeon-ah.”
As Dohyun and Wooyeon prepared to enter the apartment complex, Dohyun tapped the steering wheel lightly before speaking. Wooyeon occasionally glanced at him, observing his expression.
“What was that you said earlier?”
“About what?”
Dohyun had tried his best to hold back before asking, but it seemed like it was too late for his question to come out right. He worked to appear calm, lowering his voice.
“Ah, earlier you mentioned not being able to join next time.”
Although Dohyun didn’t know the full story, he could piece together bits of it. Likely, the new freshman had made a suggestion, and after some avoidance, Wooyeon had finally decided to reject it outright.
“Where were you planning to go?”
Dohyun asked with a tone that wasn’t accusatory, keeping his voice calm—just enough to show concern without making the question too serious. After all, Wooyeon hadn’t done anything wrong.
“Well, that…”
Wooyeon dragged out his answer, not because it was difficult to explain, but as though he’d already forgotten the whole thing. Dohyun couldn’t help but chuckle softly at the reaction.
“Oh, it’s about the new club member…”
As expected, the story unfolded just as Dohyun had guessed, nothing too surprising. Wooyeon explained that a new member in the club had been overly friendly with him. Though the person wasn’t bad, they made Wooyeon feel awkward and uncomfortable.
In truth, Dohyun had already heard part of the story from some of the juniors in the club. Curious about the “new member,” he’d discreetly inquired about the situation.
When he received a message saying, “You should talk to him,” Dohyun replied, “Why would I bother a kid like that?” Yet, before leaving the car, he glanced at the mirror once more. Standing at the door, he also made sure to inform a junior, “I’m here to pick up Wooyeon.”
“He said his parents work at some company and wanted to invite me to an amusement park.”
“Really? Sounds fun.”
Typical juvenile flirtation, Dohyun thought. It was obvious the freshman wanted to brag about his parents working at a big company.
The problem was that Wooyeon’s mother was the president of a conglomerate.
“He said he wasn’t joking, but I wasn’t so sure.”
“Hmm, well, it’s understandable that it made you uncomfortable.”
Dohyun figured the freshman had no idea about Wooyeon’s background. Judging by his appearance and demeanor, he was probably someone who had focused solely on academics in high school and was just now starting to explore romantic feelings. He wasn’t a bad kid, just a little naïve.
“And during the club meeting, he kept staring at me.”
As if he’d been holding it in for too long, Wooyeon couldn’t stop venting. At this point, Dohyun parked the car and turned off the engine. He looked at Wooyeon, gently resting his hand on his lap, where a matching watch the two had chosen together gleamed.
‘Maybe we should get matching rings,’ Dohyun thought.
Although he always remembered anniversaries and prepared gifts for Wooyeon, he’d yet to get matching rings. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to; Wooyeon had said he wanted to pick them out together. So Dohyun had patiently waited. But now, he thought it might be time to leave a mark of his own.
“So, it made you feel uncomfortable?”
“Yeah.”
When Wooyeon finished speaking, Dohyun unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned toward him. Gently, he stroked Wooyeon’s cheek and gave him a light kiss. Wooyeon’s frown immediately softened, his face relaxing.
Dohyun continued to caress his cheek, then asked softly, “So why didn’t you tell me?”
This time, Dohyun was genuinely curious. He’d always encouraged Wooyeon to share anything that upset him, but this time, he hadn’t heard a word. Seeing Wooyeon express so much frustration now made it clear he’d been holding it in for some time.
“Um…”
Dohyun thought he might say he’d forgotten or didn’t think it was important. But Wooyeon hesitated for a long time, his gaze drifting before he finally lowered his head.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t like it…”
A sudden wave of emotion surged in Dohyun’s chest, one he couldn’t quite put into words. Was it disappointment? Surprise? Or simply the feeling of being hurt?
He understood now. Wooyeon knew that what the freshman was doing came from a place of romantic interest. And more than that, he knew Dohyun would care and worry if he found out. In other words, Wooyeon had “deliberately” kept it from him.
“Yeon-ah.”
Even with a hint of disappointment, Dohyun called Wooyeon’s name calmly. Wooyeon, who had been cheerful just moments ago, now looked up at him with eyes like someone who had done something wrong.
Why had he kept it a secret? Why had he acted this way? A whirlwind of emotions swirled in Dohyun’s mind, but he chose the gentlest approach.
“Next time, you have to tell me, okay?”
Dohyun wasn’t someone to argue over trivial matters. Wooyeon hadn’t done anything wrong; he’d only kept it to himself because he feared Dohyun wouldn’t like it. How could Dohyun blame him for that? All he needed to do was gently let Wooyeon know how he felt.
“Wooyeon, there’s nothing to worry about. You didn’t do anything wrong, so why hide it? If anything happens, it’s my job as your partner to handle it, isn’t it?”
When Wooyeon heard the words "your partner," the corners of his eyes softened slightly. If he maintained his usual cold demeanor, he might appear distant, but whenever he was with Dohyun, he became gentle and endearing, so much so that Dohyun couldn’t resist him.
“I don’t like being the last to know, you understand?”
“…Yes.”
Wooyeon’s brief reply brought a gentle smile to Dohyun’s lips. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on Wooyeon’s cheek as a thank-you. Instantly, Wooyeon tilted his head slightly and pressed a light kiss to Dohyun’s lips. The adorable gesture made Dohyun grip the passenger seat, pull Wooyeon closer, and deepen the kiss.
In that moment, Dohyun thought today’s events were nothing more than a minor incident, an unexpected situation unworthy of much concern. He believed that after everything was cleared up at school, such situations wouldn’t happen again.
However, it wasn’t long before Dohyun began to regret those thoughts.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 7
Then, everything went smoothly without any issues. Wooyeon and Dohyun didn’t have a single argument, and the atmosphere between them remained pleasant and joyful. They exchanged sweet messages, spent evenings together, and complemented each other's shortcomings.
At night, Dohyun enjoyed Wooyeon's pheromones, and the next morning, he would release his own pheromones to wake Wooyeon up. If he had to leave for work early, he wouldn’t feel satisfied until he kissed Wooyeon on the cheek while he was still asleep, then quietly left the house.
As for the new student they had met that day, he eventually quit the club. Dohyun had already heard about this from their juniors, but when Wooyeon told the story, he pretended not to know, acting as if it was news to him. Seeing Wooyeon’s bright smile, a small sense of happiness blossomed in his heart.
But problems began with the smallest things. After Dohyun told Wooyeon that he should share everything with him, big or small, Wooyeon started adhering to this promise very seriously and meticulously.
“Did someone ask for your number?”
At first, Dohyun thought it was just a minor issue, nothing significant. Many people wanted to get Wooyeon's phone number. Back when they were still in school, every time they attended festivals or events, Wooyeon was often bothered by people trying to approach him, something he clearly didn’t like.
“Did you give it out again?”
This kept happening, day after day, as if it would never end. Wooyeon would tell him that he had given out his number. Sometimes, he even mentioned that someone had given him a drink, only to throw it away right after. Dohyun would simply think, “Oh, so someone gave him a drink.”
“Did a stranger confess their feelings to you?”
Strange incidents continued to unfold. Dohyun could understand if people were merely interested in Wooyeon, but for someone who didn’t even know him to confess their feelings so openly was something he truly couldn’t fathom. Even so, Dohyun brushed it off, thinking perhaps they were just naïve. However, he never expected the next incident to leave him feeling utterly disheartened.
“They knew you had a boyfriend and still did that?”
The phrase "If there's a goalkeeper, you can't score a goal?" was really a boring one. Those who just hang around with the intention of meeting a few times are simply hopeless romantics, not worth worrying about. But the worst were those who dragged others into cheating. As soon as Dohyun heard about this, he decided to meet the person to see what kind of person they were, so he contacted his juniors to gather more information.
As a result, Dohyun found out that the guy already had a girlfriend. The juniors in the club were so angry that they were determined to take matters into their own hands and force him to break up with her. It was said that he was so embarrassed that he didn’t dare to go to school for a long time.
Of course, Wooyeon had no idea about any of this.
"Is there anyone who goes to school paying attention to those people?"
Going to classes was just a normal thing, but flirting was an everyday matter, and giving gifts had become so common for him. Wooyeon didn’t react to any of it, but for Dohyun, his feelings were burning with frustration.
In fact, he began to regret telling Wooyeon to share everything with him.
"So, I told that sergeant..."
BANG!
Dohyun slammed his beer glass down on the table, startling everyone in the room. Seongyu, who had been chatting happily, immediately looked over and noticed his reaction. At the same time, Garam, who was drinking soju, hurriedly wiped the spilled beer and frowned, scolding him.
"Damn it... What if the glass breaks if you hit it that hard? If you keep doing that, both the glass and the table will end up broken."
Garam's sharp criticism made Dohyun sigh without responding. The juniors still didn't understand what was going on, but sensing the unusually tense atmosphere, Seongyu, who was usually playful, started to feel uneasy and couldn't look directly at Dohyun anymore.
"Hyung, what's wrong? Is something happening?"
This was a party to celebrate Seongyu's break. All the members of the club had gathered, and of course, Dohyun and Garam were present. It was a familiar bar on campus, with a relaxed atmosphere, and everything seemed like it was going smoothly. But Seongyu, noticing the tension, asked again, cautiously.
"Do you not want me to talk about the military...?"
"No, no, it's not that."
Dohyun quickly shook his head, trying to suppress his anger. While the topic about the military wasn't the most interesting, he didn’t intend to change the subject just because a junior had finally gotten a break. The real reason he was feeling uncomfortable wasn’t because of Seongyu.
The reason he was upset was simple: it was his lovely boyfriend, Wooyeon.
"Wooyeon... must be really popular, huh?"
"Popular? Yeah, a lot. The others like Wooyeon."
Seongyu quickly nodded when Dohyun asked.
That popular person, Wooyeon, was now drunk and lying down, fast asleep. After playing a few drinking games with Seongyu, Wooyeon started to drowse and leaned his head on Dohyun’s shoulder, falling into a deep sleep. It seemed that since turning 20, Wooyeon had learned to manage his alcohol better, but maybe because Dohyun was by his side, he felt more at ease.
"When you were still in school, was he this popular?"
Dohyun gently adjusted Wooyeon’s position and then asked another question. Talking directly about the person who was sleeping like this made him feel a little awkward, but with so much anxiety in his heart, he couldn’t help but speak. Moreover, Wooyeon was truly in a deep sleep now, seemingly completely drunk.
"Right. He was very popular since he first entered school. In our group of classmates, some people would always try to get close to Wooyeon. Actually, in our first year, Wooyeon didn’t join the class group chat, and some of them were really disappointed about that. Ah!"
While speaking, Seongyu was hit on the head by Garam. At this point, Dohyun’s face had become so cold that it was hard to describe. Seongyu shouted loudly, his eyes slightly watery, and quickly defended himself.
"Nuna! I told you not to hit me!"
"Sorry, it’s just a habit."
Garam didn’t seem apologetic at all and just gently patted Seongyu’s head as if nothing had happened. Seongyu pouted, shaking his head in annoyance.
"But, Seongyu, you really have no tact. He didn’t ask just to hear that Wooyeon is famous, did he?"
"This guy..." Garam continued scolding Seongyu and snatched his hat, putting it on her own head.
Seongyu, who had no experience in romance, didn’t protest this time, instead quietly observing Dohyun.
After putting the hat on, Garam turned to Dohyun and asked:
"Hey, has Wooyeon ever accepted any confessions?"
Seongyu stared wide-eyed, stunned by her question. This was something Garam had really wanted to ask. Actually, Garam was always quick to catch on to things, but this time, it was a direct question that felt a bit too intrusive.
Dohyun didn’t answer immediately, which made Garam begin to criticize him.
"You’re not a kid anymore, and you’re still hung up on that..."
"Five times."
"Huh?"
"Five confessions."
Dohyun’s voice was heavy as he quietly lowered his head. Garam and Seongyu were both surprised, eyes wide, looking at Wooyeon sleeping. Dohyun gently stroked Wooyeon’s cheek, letting out a deeper sigh.
"That’s just the five I know about."
"Wait, wait, with his face like that, five confessions...?"
"It’s not five over the years."
Dohyun suddenly stopped, his frustration rising. He took a deep breath and his voice became heavier.
"Five in one week."
"...That’s really a lot."
Garam immediately lowered her head, her eyes darting back and forth before she nodded. She squinted her eyes and suddenly slammed her hand on the table.
"No way, was he really that popular before?"
This was the question Garam had asked earlier. It really didn’t help. Whether Garam noticed Dohyun's dissatisfaction or not, she awkwardly adjusted her hat and continued shaking her head with a troubled expression.
"It’s all your fault. It’s all your fault."
"What did I do?"
Dohyun couldn’t help but wonder if Garam was implying that he didn’t know how to keep his boyfriend. However, contrary to Dohyun’s expectations, Garam answered very seriously.
"It’s because you made Wooyeon stand out like that. Even though he might have grown a little, when you’re in a relationship, the atmosphere between the couple just gets better and better."
The atmosphere gets better? Dohyun didn’t need to ask another question because it was unnecessary. Garam continued looking at Wooyeon’s sleeping face before speaking again.
"As Seongyu said, Wooyeon was already popular at the start. Even though he had a distant look, people admired him but didn’t dare approach him."
Dohyun wasn’t unaware of this either. He had witnessed how many people were drawn to Wooyeon when he first entered the school. That’s why, as soon as their relationship began, he couldn’t hold back his worries and started publicly declaring that he was Wooyeon’s boyfriend, even though it wasn’t exactly reasonable. The only comfort was that Wooyeon was very cautious and didn’t easily let anyone get close.
"But then, he became more approachable, and those who had only watched from afar before started daring to come closer. ‘Huh? Can I strike up a conversation?’"
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 8
These are confusing words, perhaps because they mention that "Wooyeon is no longer troubled" or talk about having hope.
Dohyun also agreed that the atmosphere around Wooyeon had improved. From the time Wooyeon was sixteen, then twenty, in all the moments Dohyun had witnessed, twenty-two-year-old Wooyeon left the softest impression. It wasn’t that his appearance had changed, but rather that his expression had become much more pleasant.
However, if such a small change could instill confidence in others, wasn’t that a bit much? If one didn’t dare to speak when someone had a serious face but could approach when they smiled, could that really be called "liking"?
Moreover, if viewed that way, the fault wasn’t entirely his alone.
"Isn’t it also you and Seongyu’s fault?"
Dohyun said with a soft laugh, making Garam and Seongyu’s expressions turn a little strange. They froze for a moment, then lightly cleared their throats. Both pretended nothing had happened, but it was clear they were somewhat amused.
"Yeah, that’s right. Our crime is serious."
"Exactly, nuna. We were wrong."
Their bright smiles didn’t make Dohyun uncomfortable, so he simply took a sip of beer. Wooyeon, still oblivious, leaned his head on Dohyun’s shoulder, fast asleep.
Dohyun didn’t think Wooyeon had changed just because of him. That would truly be arrogance, conceit, and an incredibly presumptuous misunderstanding.
Of course, part of the credit belongs to him. But at the same time, he couldn’t deny that Wooyeon had formed new relationships, and those people had positively influenced him. Not just Seongyu and Garam, but also the club members, or even Jinah. Oh, and before them, there was Danny too.
“I understand that it’s inevitable for Wooyeon to have many admirers, but lately, it seems a bit excessive.”
People often say there will be moments in life when someone’s popularity surges, but with Wooyeon, Dohyun truly wondered if this was that moment. Or perhaps Wooyeon had always been like this, and he just hadn’t realized it. According to Danny, even back in America, Wooyeon had plenty of Alphas chasing after him.
“If you’re that jealous, tell Wooyeon to keep a serious face. He’s really good at that.”
“Yeah, if Wooyeon puts on a serious face, it’s pretty intimidating.”
To Dohyun, Wooyeon was always incredibly adorable, but when he maintained a blank expression, he exuded a strange, chilly aura. To be precise, he seemed distant. That feeling wasn’t comparable to simply being upset or sulking.
“He’s someone who smiles a lot. How could you ask him to act that way?”
“What? You’re in love and you’re saying things like that?”
Garam responded as if she couldn’t believe it, though she wasn’t entirely serious. Seongyu, on the other hand, thought Dohyun was taking things too seriously and was just trying to lighten the situation. And perhaps he was right—expressions alone couldn’t change the atmosphere between people in love. It took more than just adjusting one’s facial expressions to shift the vibe surrounding them.
“What did your exes say about you?”
When Garam asked, Dohyun glanced at her. Garam shrugged as she poured soju into her glass.
“Well, you’re popular, aren’t you? Plus, you tend to smile slyly at everyone.”
“A sly smile? Me?”
“Yes, that’s exactly what I mean.”
Wooyeon often called it a fake smile. Yet oddly enough, even that meaningless smile had a way of breaking down defenses over time.
“Your partners must have had a hard time with you.”
“Probably,” Dohyun thought to himself, trying to recall his past relationships. Most of the people he dated were older and busy with work, unable to invest their full energy into romance. Sometimes, when things got a bit too troublesome, he would simply maintain a certain distance, and they would drift away on their own.
“I’m not so sure.”
Maybe they had struggled a little, but that wasn’t really his concern. If they’d thought like he did, then that would’ve been the real issue—because every one of those relationships ended in a breakup.
“Wow, you’re such a jerk…”
Garam gave Dohyun a look of disdain. Seongyu wasn’t as critical but still added, “You… you sound like one of those heartless guys.”
“But don’t you think you’ve chosen the wrong people for advice? Garam and I have never dated anyone famous…”
“Hey, I have!”
“Oh.”
“Oh? What’s with that reaction, you little punk.”
As they started bickering loudly, Dohyun quietly finished his beer. Even though it had been mixed with a bit of soju, it wasn’t enough to get him drunk—just enough to make him feel slightly more at ease. Thankfully, as Wooyeon lay next to him, breathing softly in his sleep, Dohyun felt his mood lighten.
“See? You like that expression too,” Garam teased.
Dohyun smiled as he noticed Wooyeon’s slightly puckered lips, which looked adorably endearing. Then he quickly tried to compose himself. Garam, ever the opportunist, didn’t miss her chance to tease him further. As Garam had pointed out, Dohyun realized he had been smiling to himself and made an effort to control his expression.
“Or, as Seongyu suggested, maybe you should ask someone else for advice. Someone more suitable?”
“I told you, I’ve dated someone famous before.”
“You wouldn’t understand, Seongyu…”
Garam laughed heartily, ruffling Seongyu’s hair before suddenly turning to Dohyun with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“Hey, what about Yoon Woo?”
“Yoon Woo?”
The name caught Dohyun off guard. Garam nodded smugly, as if she’d just come up with a brilliant idea.
“Isn’t he the boyfriend of the ‘god of the business department’? I’m sure they’ve argued about stuff like this a lot.”
Garam’s suggestion made sense. In fact, Dohyun did recall a similar situation from the past, back when the group ran a small booth during the festival and misunderstandings arose between them.
“In the end, they stayed together and even got married. Isn’t that a great example to learn from? Why don’t you ask him for some advice?”
Last autumn, Taegyeom and Yoon Woo got married, receiving countless congratulations. Dohyun had attended the wedding and found it inspiring, but the idea of seeking “relationship” advice from Yoon Woo felt a bit awkward.
“Yoon Woo… wouldn’t work.”
“Why not? Are you two not close?”
Unaware of the history between Dohyun and Yoon Woo, Garam looked at Dohyun with suspicion, probably wondering, “Is he being picky?” Dohyun, rarely at a loss for words, hesitated, unsure how to explain.
“We… it’s nothing.”
“Nothing? Why does it sound like something?”
“Well… I used to like him.”
It was during his first year of university, and it lasted only a brief month. If he didn’t actively try to recall it, Dohyun might not even consider it a clear memory, but he was sure—he had liked Yoon Woo.
Looking back now, Dohyun believed it wasn’t really Yoon Woo himself but rather the sincerity Yoon Woo showed toward Taegyeom that had drawn him in. For someone like Dohyun, who often felt a sense of emptiness, the love Yoon Woo demonstrated seemed like it could fill that void. Even if Yoon Woo had been genuine back then, Dohyun knew those feelings were vastly different from the love he now had for Wooyeon.
Still, Dohyun didn’t deny those emotions, nor did he feel ashamed about the past. It was a part of his life where he had been honest with himself, so he had no regrets. Now, he had moved on, and he assumed Yoon Woo had too. In fact, Yoon Woo might not even remember that Dohyun had once liked him.
For Dohyun, that part of the past no longer mattered.
However, what worried him was…
“Where did you hear that?”
“I heard it all.”
At a rare gathering with their older friends, Wooyeon had “accidentally” overheard a conversation between Dohyun and Minjeong. Ironically, the topic at that moment was Dohyun’s past feelings for Yoon Woo. Even though Dohyun hadn’t intended to unsettle Wooyeon, he couldn’t stop the unease from clouding Wooyeon’s expression.
Dohyun had never brought it up again, but he was certain Wooyeon hadn’t forgotten. With his sensitive and vulnerable nature, Wooyeon wasn’t the type to let something like that go easily.
But what if Wooyeon somehow found out about Dohyun's conversation with Yoon Woo—while he was seeking advice about their relationship?
The mere thought made Dohyun feel like he was already in the wrong. He sighed quietly to himself. He had once kept a secret from Wooyeon and paid dearly for it. This time, he didn’t want to hide anything, nor did he want to make Wooyeon upset just to avoid his own discomfort.
After all, it wouldn’t be the right thing to do—not just for Wooyeon, but also for Taegyeom, Yoon Woo’s partner.
“Anyway, Yoon Woo is a no-go.”
“Hmm…”
Dohyun’s firm response made Garam fall into thought, resting her chin on her hand. Dohyun hoped she wouldn’t push the matter further, but Garam still seemed to believe that it was a good option.
After a moment of contemplation, Garam smiled brightly, revealing her gleaming white teeth, and made a bold suggestion.
“Well then, how about the ‘god of the business department’ himself?”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 9
In a restaurant with soft music playing, the atmosphere inside wasn’t too noisy. Yet, one particular table was shrouded in an unusual silence. Two men in suits sat there—not a couple or friends, but exuding an inexplicable, strange tension.
“So…”
One of them, a strikingly attractive man, began to speak slowly. He glanced at the younger man in front of him, flashing a mysterious smirk. That smile could be surprise, or perhaps amusement, as his voice followed with a chuckle.
“You reached out to me?”
Faced with Taegyeom's question, Dohyun, sitting opposite, awkwardly raised his glass. He took a sip of water, set it down, and met Taegyeom’s gaze.
“There was no other way.”
‘What about the business school heartthrob?’
When Moon Garam first mentioned that, he dismissed it as nonsense. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized it wasn’t such a bad idea.
It wasn’t hard to see why. The man fit all the criteria he was looking for. Like Wooyeon, he was beloved by many but secretly jealous and careful to hide it. Taegyeom often struggled to mask that jealousy. Moreover, when he opened up, he became a dependable "mentor" who could help navigate emotional challenges smoothly.
In the past, Dohyun would never have reached out to Taegyeom. Their relationship was merely casual (according to Minjeong, Taegyeom even called him "cute" once). They weren’t close enough to warrant private communication. If it were Minjeong or Sungjae, it might have made sense, but contacting Taegyeom felt like reaching out to a ghost member of the club.
However, Dohyun was in such a state of anxiety that he was willing to endure anything. Especially after Garam’s pointed question:
“Your exes are okay with this, right?”
That question only added to his unease. Naturally, as the jealous one, Dohyun wouldn’t be the first to give up. But if this caused trouble for Taegyeom, it would genuinely be a significant issue.
So, Dohyun decided to swallow his embarrassment and contact Taegyeom. The message simply asked if he could spare some time to offer advice. To his surprise, Taegyeom readily agreed, leading to their current meeting.
“Looks like the youngest’s attitude has changed a lot.”
“I’m not the ‘youngest’ anymore.”
Not only was Dohyun no longer the youngest, but the group didn’t even exist anymore. Yet Taegyeom still used that old nickname, as if it were something from ages past. And indeed, it had been a long time since Dohyun last heard it.
“Once the youngest, always the youngest, right?”
“That’s something Sungjae would say, isn’t it?”
“No, Minjeong said that.”
Taegyeom replied with a flat tone, his expression unchanging, as he glanced around the room. At the center stood a piano, while outside the window was an expansive view of the night. It was a setting perfect for a romantic date. But Taegyeom frowned slightly, his face betraying his dissatisfaction.
“So why did you pick this place for the meeting?”
It was as if Taegyeom was thinking, “Why on earth am I in a place like this with you?” Dohyun couldn’t entirely disagree with the sentiment. Though they couldn’t simply go to a café or some other casual spot, if it were about picking a place to talk to Taegyeom, a bar would have been a more fitting choice.
Of course, choosing this place wasn’t a coincidence—it was intentional.
“This is a place someone from the company recommended. If you think it’s okay, I might bring Yeon here. He’s quite picky about food, so I wanted to test it out first.”
“Ah, I see.”
In short, Taegyeom had become the “tester” for Dohyun’s next date spot. Though he didn’t look thrilled, Taegyeom didn’t seem annoyed either. Strangely enough, he simply nodded in understanding, as though he empathized with Dohyun’s reasoning.
“True, no one wants to serve their loved one terrible food.”
With that, Taegyeom opened the menu and started studying it carefully. He seemed serious about it. Dohyun followed suit, picking up the menu in front of him.
“I’ll cover the bill. Do you want to drink something? Wine might be nice.”
“No wine. Let’s try the recommended dishes—but no raw food.”
“What’s this? Are you switching to tea now?”
If the conversation dragged on, a glass of wine might have been the perfect addition. Dohyun wondered why someone who could drink as much as Taegyeom was refusing alcohol. However, the real reason was entirely unexpected.
“It’s not that. Yoon Woo is pregnant.”
Taegyeom replied casually, flipping to another page of the menu. Perhaps thinking about his wife, a gentle smile appeared on his lips.
(TLN: The original word is “vợ”, which means wife in Vietnamese)
“Since Yoon Woo can’t drink, I won’t either.”
Looking back, it had already been about eight months. They got married in the fall, but the baby was due in late spring. Because of this, everyone jokingly referred to Taegyeom as a thief. Of course, it was all in good fun, and considering their relationship, getting married later rather than earlier was perfectly natural.
“Plus, maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but I don’t find alcohol as enjoyable anymore.”
It was strange hearing this from someone who used to drink like it was water. Then again, during the early stages of Yoon Woo’s pregnancy, Taegyeom experienced morning sickness on her behalf. If you considered that oddity, his decision to abstain from alcohol didn’t seem so surprising.
“If you want to drink, go ahead. I’ll just order a soda.”
“Maybe I’ll try, but…”
Dohyun knew Taegyeom liked sweet wines, and sampling one wasn’t a big deal. Still, ordering a whole bottle just for a taste felt a bit excessive. Besides, Dohyun had plans of his own after their conversation.
“Actually, I won’t drink either. I have to pick someone up later.”
Two men sitting in a restaurant, sharing a meal—it was such a clean and wholesome meeting. The thought amused Dohyun, and he let out a soft sigh before pointing to the steak menu.
“Let’s order a main dish then… but, if I remember right, you don’t eat raw food, do you?”
“It’s not me—it’s Yoon Woo.”
Was he adjusting his eating habits to suit his wife’s preferences? The thought crossed Dohyun’s mind as he glanced at Taegyeom, who was smiling mischievously. His lips curled into a confident, almost shameless grin.
“If you don’t mind, I might bring him here next time.”
Thanks to this outing, Taegyeom had discovered a good restaurant, and he didn’t hesitate to tease Dohyun. Perhaps because he was about to become a father, he no longer carried the tense demeanor he once had, now radiating a sense of calm and ease. Back in college, Taegyeom was only friendly with Yoon Woo, keeping his distance from others. But now, it seemed he had matured considerably.
Dohyun ordered a premium steak, along with pasta and a light salad as recommended by his coworkers. He didn’t order any drinks but stole a glance at the strawberry beverages, just in case.
As Dohyun scanned the dessert options, Taegyeom suddenly spoke up.
“That cute kid—does he like dessert?”
Dohyun froze, furrowing his brow. Not because he was caught looking at desserts, but because of how Taegyeom referred to Wooyeon.
Who gave him the right to call Wooyeon “that cute kid”?
Even so, Dohyun calmly responded, masking his thoughts.
"Not necessarily just desserts... He likes anything sweet. I just thought I’d try a bit to see how it is."
Dohyun wasn’t much of a cake person, but if Taegyeom was going to join him, it might be a good opportunity. Judging by the atmosphere, Dohyun figured Taegyeom might even end up picking something Wooyeon liked.
“That kid really has a child’s palate,” Taegyeom remarked with a hint of amusement, pointing to a section on the menu. It was a chestnut cake, and he suggested they try it. Dohyun figured that maybe Wooyeon liked chestnuts, while Taegyeom noticed Dohyun’s faint irritation.
“I don’t actually think he’s cute. It’s just that Yoon Woo seems to like him.”
This was Taegyeom’s explanation for calling Wooyeon a “cute kid.” And, as he said, ever since Yoon Woo was a teaching assistant, he had taken a liking to Wooyeon. He even remembered his name immediately, while others struggled to do so.
It had taken Dohyun two years to understand this reasoning.
“He says he looks like me. What do you think?”
“Nonsense. Don’t say ridiculous things like that.”
Dohyun almost blurted, “That’s absurd,” but quickly corrected himself. It wouldn’t do to be rude to someone who had come all this way just to talk with him. How could Yoon Woo even think something so strange? A rugged man like Taegyeom could hardly resemble Wooyeon, his Wooyeon, in any way.
The two continued chatting idly to pass the time. Before long, the food arrived. They began eating in silence, and to their surprise, the dishes tasted much better than expected. The quality gave Dohyun hope for the desserts to come.
“Now, spill it.”
When they were halfway through the meal, it was Taegyeom who broke the silence. He set his fork down and tilted his head slightly, looking at Dohyun.
“You said you had something you needed advice about.”
“Hmm.”
Dohyun cleared his throat, setting his fork down as well. He didn’t rush to speak but instead paused, thinking that now was the right moment. After all, Taegyeom had waited long enough.
“It’s nothing too serious,” he said, easing the mood before diving into the real issue. He wanted to make it clear this wasn’t a major problem, not something that could lead to a breakup. With a soft sigh, Dohyun began to speak earnestly.
“He’s well-liked by many people… but maybe too well-liked.”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 10
The story began like this, but gradually it became more detailed and lengthy than originally intended. The more Dohyun spoke, the more emotions he revealed, and most of them were a mixture of sadness and frustration.
Surprisingly, Taegyeom listened to Dohyun very seriously. Occasionally, he even nodded in agreement with what Dohyun said, responding with simple phrases like "That's right," "That makes sense," "I understand."
"School is not a place to date, right? Even if someone already has a partner, still wanting to break up a relationship and steal someone else's love, isn't that unreasonable?"
"Yeah, you're right. How many crazy people are there now? So, what happened?"
"So..."
These were the things Dohyun couldn't share with Garam and Seongyu. Because these thoughts were too childish, petty, and perhaps he felt he was old enough to hide them.
But for some reason, with Taegyeom, these words came out easily. Maybe it was because Taegyeom was older, or because he felt he didn’t have to care about his image. Or maybe it was because he believed Taegyeom would understand and empathize with him.
"He keeps talking, and actually, I find it cute and touching, but if he talks too much, it gets exhausting. If I tell him not to talk, it wouldn't be right."
Dohyun sighed, and Taegyeom raised an eyebrow in surprise. He looked like he was thinking, "What's so cute about that?" However, he didn't scold him but just nodded calmly.
"Anyway, at least he said everything. That's a good thing. As for me, I once had an argument with Yoon Woo because I didn’t talk."
"You two argued?"
"Just once."
If you look at it closely, they didn’t really argue, Taegyeom added casually. The reason was a colleague at work, but since the two of them got along so well, the argument probably only lasted a few hours at most.
"So how did you reconcile?"
"Actually, there was nothing to reconcile. I thought Yoon Woo was mad, so I felt guilty on my own."
It seemed like Taegyeom was reminiscing about that time and smiled lightly. Indeed, as expected, it didn’t seem like a major conflict. Taegyeom quietly lowered his gaze and added another sentence:
"People always say the ground gets harder after the rain."
That was a cliché phrase. And it wasn't particularly profound either.
"But after talking about it once, it really feels a lot better."
When Taegyeom said this, it seemed like he had no intention of convincing Dohyun. He was simply sharing his own story and gently asked, as if trying to stir something.
"Have you two never fought?"
"We..."
The days from the past suddenly flooded back. When Dohyun first started dating Wooyeon, the irrational fear he tried to hide completely collapsed in that moment.
‘I can't trust you anymore.’
The sharp pain in his chest made Dohyun furrow his brows, swallowing hard. Even though everything was now in the past, just thinking about that time made his heart race unnaturally. The regret he felt for Wooyeon and the deep sense of loss he had experienced back then.
"We’ve fought. Just once."
In reality, they didn’t just fight; they broke up. But Dohyun didn’t say that. Perhaps Taegyeom didn’t intend to dig deeper and was just asking lightly.
"Has everything gotten any better?"
Of course, it had. It was because of that incident that Dohyun had completely resolved the conflict with Wooyeon. He had shared everything honestly, and Wooyeon’s presence became a great comfort. Dohyun thought that, in the end, he had also become a source of support for Wooyeon.
"See? If you resolve things well, everything will be fine."
Resolving things well. Yes, that "well" was the real issue. Everyone has problems, but what matters is how you resolve them. And it was because Dohyun didn’t know how to resolve this issue that he turned to Taegyeom.
"I know he’s not at fault. He’s not the type to make people misunderstand..."
Dohyun sighed, running his hand through his hair. His neatly styled hair from the morning had become messy by the evening.
"So, I can tolerate the jealousy."
Half of it was a lie. Sometimes, the frustration built up to the point where it was unbearable. But whenever that happened, just holding Wooyeon in his arms made everything calm down. A little boast like that didn’t matter.
"But, I feel uneasy."
"Uneasy... so I don’t know what to do."
Yes, this was the issue. The more people approached, the more Wooyeon was loved by others, the more uneasy Dohyun became. Even though he knew it wasn’t true, the worry, the fear that someone might steal Wooyeon, kept lingering.
"It’s normal."
Taegyeom replied with a simple sentence. His voice was calm, sincere, but there was a hint of resignation in it.
"The more you love, the more uneasy you get."
If love is proportional to unease, then Dohyun might soon be drowned in his own emotions. He was falling deeper in love with Wooyeon to the point where he wondered if that was okay. If Taegyeom was right, that meant he would continue to feel uneasy forever.
"Are you uneasy too?"
"Me?"
Dohyun asked, and Taegyeom blinked in surprise. Then, he smiled brightly and raised his left hand.
"Not anymore."
The ring on his ring finger sparkled under the light. Still the same annoying name, Dohyun thought to himself, then drank the last of his water. When the waiter returned to refill the glass, Taegyeom chuckled softly and continued speaking.
"Now I’m not uneasy anymore... but it still doesn’t feel right. It's frustrating."
"Mm."
Dohyun silently agreed. Even if he were married to Wooyeon, if anyone dared flirt with him, he would definitely feel uncomfortable. Jealousy is a different feeling from unease.
"But that’s something you can’t avoid. You can’t lock him up at home forever, right?"
If he could, he would want to do that. But it was completely impossible. Wooyeon was not a flower in a pot, and keeping him at home wouldn’t help him shine.
“You’re lucky, huh? Yoon Woo works from home.”
That was a half-joking, half-serious remark, implying how fortunate it was to avoid meeting others so often. Taegyeom didn’t deny it, just smiled. His next words were not just advice for Dohyun but also seemed like a reminder to himself.
“You just have to be patient.”
A faint smile escaped his lips. It was true; to be with the one you love, you have to endure a little. Especially when that person is important to you and to others as well.
“Your worry comes from this, right? Worrying that they’ll meet someone else, or that they’ll get bored with you, and you’ll lose them.”
Taegyeom counted on his fingers as he analyzed the causes of Dohyun’s unease. Everything was right, but the first two reasons felt a little different from Dohyun’s true feelings. It became clearer when he heard Taegyeom’s next question.
“Do you think Wooyeon will cheat?”
“Definitely not.”
Wooyeon was too honest, not the type to do anything sneaky. He was kind-hearted, and if he did something like that, he would probably feel guilty. Moreover, Dohyun knew better than anyone that Wooyeon loved him.
So, the fear of Wooyeon actively meeting someone else wasn’t the root of his worry.
"Then why are you worried?"
Dohyun slowly turned back to think about the root cause of his unease. He began to analyze the vague emotions, almost like decoding an unclear feeling, to understand why he felt there was a risk. And in the end, everything pointed to one thing.
“What if someone better comes along?”
“Then you have to figure out how to keep them.”
Dohyun had always believed that Wooyeon deserved someone better than him. He wasn’t just talking about material criteria but about Wooyeon’s upright and pure character. Even his sister, who was always difficult to please, became best friends with Wooyeon after just one meeting, showing just how attractive Wooyeon was.
How lucky. It could be called his luck.
He had said it before, hadn’t he? Out of all the people, he had chosen Wooyeon, but Wooyeon had only chosen him. So, if another choice came up, if someone better than him appeared, could he selfishly continue to keep Wooyeon all to himself?
He wasn’t sure anymore. He used to be the one to comfort Wooyeon, but now he was the one bringing pain to him. Even though the situation had created an unavoidable choice, his own shortcomings had hurt Wooyeon.
In that moment, Taegyeom simply said a short sentence, almost indifferent but sharp enough to make Dohyun feel like he was being reprimanded.
"Then you have to become a better person."
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 11
Dohyun was paused for a moment, unable to speak. Taegyeom continued to look at him with calm eyes. His bright eyes seemed to be seeing deep into Dohyun's heart.
"Self-respect, huh... Are you willing to let go if necessary?"
Dohyun couldn’t answer immediately. It was precisely because he didn’t have the courage to let go that he felt so uneasy. Although he knew he should wish for Wooyeon’s happiness, he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t feel guilty and weak when the day actually came.
"Kim Dohyun is already dead. Are you still saying things like that?"
Although the statement seemed like a joke, Dohyun knew it wasn’t just playful teasing. He suddenly realized that, in the past few days, he had been put in a more stressful situation than he had imagined. Due to changes in circumstances and the situation, he began to feel anxious that relationships might change as well.
"Did you tell Yoon Woo that I’ve overthought things with him?"
Dohyun couldn’t quite remember, but he might have said that at some point. Both of them overthought things, and maybe he had said it casually in a conversation.
"But now, the one overthinking is you."
Taegyeom said gently, with a hint of sarcasm. This only emphasized the age gap between them. He was five years older than Dohyun, and sometimes this difference was so obvious it made Dohyun feel the disparity clearly.
"Did you say that kid wants to find someone better?"
"Of course not."
There was no hesitation. Wooyeon definitely thought Dohyun was the best person in the world. He knew that Wooyeon saw being in love with him as a stroke of luck, and he understood that Wooyeon felt that way. So, he felt both grateful and guilty.
"Don’t draw conclusions by yourself. This relationship is between two people."
Those who had succeeded in marriage might have a different perspective. Dohyun looked at Taegyeom in surprise. He didn’t expect someone he didn’t consider the most suitable person to give such serious advice.
"You’ve really changed."
"Of course, I’m over 30 now."
(TLN: Tasegyeom is legally 29 or 30, but in Korean age he is 31)
Taegyeom answered naturally, picking up his fork. He gently scooped a little pasta from his plate and moved it to his own, seeming ready to end the conversation. Dohyun also prepared to take his fork, but before doing so, Taegyeom suddenly asked a question.
"Doesn’t he get jealous?"
"Well..."
Dohyun felt a strong sense of jealousy.
"He does. Actually, he gets pretty jealous."
"Then, does he worry?"
"He used to, but not anymore."
He had created enough certainty to make Wooyeon stop worrying about him leaving. Now, he no longer had to worry about Wooyeon betraying him, just like he didn’t worry that Wooyeon would leave him.
"Then think about this. If Yeonyi..."
"Wooyeon."
"Right, if Wooyeon says he will let go because someone better comes along, what do you think?"
Dohyun froze, his face hardening. His deep, cold, dark eyes stared at Taegyeom. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
Taegyeom looked at Dohyun as if to say, "You’ve said that before," and nodded lightly.
"See? You’re the same."
It was easy to say, but when the roles were reversed, it felt completely different. Just imagining Wooyeon leaving him for someone better had made his heart grow cold. He never wanted to see Wooyeon as the one to give up on him.
"If he hears this, he’ll be angry."
Angry... yes, Wooyeon would be angry, sad, and perhaps disappointed.
"Make sure to treat him well, don’t let yourself regret it."
After that, they continued their meal in silence. Taegyeom had said everything that needed to be said, and Dohyun needed a little time to process his thoughts.
As the meal was nearly finished, Dohyun finally spoke up with a slightly relieved expression.
"Thank you, I feel better now."
Although the issue wasn't fully resolved, calming his mind had helped him feel better. After all, his desire to get married had grown a bit stronger.
Taegyeom looked at Dohyun with a slight smile.
"You’re in a beautiful time in your life."
"What are you saying? Sounds like something an old man would say."
"Once you’re a husband, you’re an old man."
No one would call Taegyeom an old man. In fact, he wasn’t even old enough to be called that. Whether Dohyun was surprised or not, Taegyeom continued pointing at the menu and said, "Order some dessert."
***
The dessert wasn’t outstanding. The dish was prepared by the chef, but the pastries seemed to be industrially made. Although the taste was okay, if someone came here specifically for dessert, they’d probably want to find somewhere else with better offerings.
Taegyeom paid. He noticed the watch on Dohyun’s wrist but didn’t mind at all, knowing that as someone just starting work, Dohyun probably didn’t have much money. Dohyun felt embarrassed and wanted to buy something in return, but Taegyeom firmly declined.
"Use that money to get something nice for Yeonyi."
The "Yeonyi" Taegyeom mentioned was actually "Wooyeon," but it seemed he didn’t care to correct the name. Dohyun only received a thank you for the good food and a request to let him know if he ever found any good places next time. The parting words, "Hurry back and pick up your boyfriend," made Dohyun glance at his watch and quickly turn to leave.
"Hyung?"
Dohyun waited at the spot where Wooyeon had messaged him. He wasn’t sure how long he had waited, but finally, Wooyeon and his colleagues came out of the pub. This was right after Dohyun received a message from Wooyeon: "I’m heading home now." Dohyun put his phone in his pocket and opened his arms.
"Yeon-ah."
As if rehearsed, Wooyeon ran straight into Dohyun’s arms. Though a little surprised by Dohyun’s appearance, Wooyeon didn’t hesitate to snuggle into him, seeking a sense of security. From Wooyeon’s body, Dohyun caught a faint scent of pheromones mixed with a light smell of alcohol.
"Oh my God, I’m so jealous!"
"Being single really sucks."
"He’s just like before, hasn’t changed at all."
Dohyun’s juniors teased him, but the words didn’t bother him. In fact, they made him hold Wooyeon tighter, almost as if showing him off. A few unfamiliar faces among Wooyeon’s friends didn’t look very happy, but Dohyun didn’t have time to observe them closely, as Wooyeon looked up and softly asked.
"Aren’t you supposed to have an appointment?"
"Yeah, we finished early."
Dohyun had mentioned he’d be meeting Taegyeom. If Wooyeon asked why, he had planned to just vaguely say it was for a casual meetup. But Wooyeon didn’t ask further, simply giving him the details of his meeting with friends and letting him know the time and place.
"If your boyfriend is out drinking, you should come pick him up."
Dohyun smiled brightly and let go of Wooyeon. Though he wanted to hug him longer, there were too many eyes around. Instead, he intertwined his fingers with Wooyeon’s. Wooyeon looked a little disappointed but eventually softened.
"Alright, I’ll take Wooyeon home."
"Be careful, you two!"
"See you!"
"Wooyeon, see you Monday!"
"Yeah, goodbye everyone!"
Wooyeon squeezed Dohyun’s hand tightly before waving goodbye to his friends.
The wave was a little slower than usual.
Dohyun looked down at Wooyeon’s adorable round head, then began walking slowly, asking:
"Did you drink a lot?"
"A little," Wooyeon replied.
A little—did that mean a little or a lot? The vague answer, combined with Wooyeon’s shy smile, made Dohyun guess it was more of the latter.
"How much did you drink?"
"I don’t really remember… just a little soju and..."
He wasn’t asking to scold, so Wooyeon obediently listed what he’d drunk. He even mentioned that he tried a new fruit soju, saying it was good but his friends thought it was too sweet and didn’t like it.
"That’s all?"
"Yes, that’s all."
"Good job."
Dohyun was sure Wooyeon didn’t drink enough to lose control, just enough to be slightly tipsy. When he was younger, around 20, Wooyeon had gotten drunk a few times because he didn’t know his limits. But now, he had learned to adjust.
The issue was, whether he drank a little or a lot, once alcohol was involved, Wooyeon became incredibly cute.
"Do you drink alcohol?"
"Do I seem like someone who drinks?"
"Hmm... no, probably not."
Wooyeon shook his head, his dreamy eyes blinking slowly, a stark contrast to his usual sharpness.
"But you drink really well, so..."
Dohyun chuckled. He knew very well the difference in Wooyeon when he drank versus when he didn’t. Normally, Wooyeon kept his distance, but once he was a little tipsy, he became more innocent, approachable, and especially more prone to laughing. The only issue was that if he drank too much, his face would turn pale and his emotions would become stiff—making others think he was still sober.
"You didn’t say anything inappropriate in English today, did you?"
"I’ve quit that habit."
"That’s a shame, I thought you were cute like that."
The pub was near the school, so their way home wasn’t too far. The weather had warmed up, and they held hands as they leisurely walked through the quiet street at night. With every step, their arms gently swayed, in rhythm with Wooyeon’s excited energy.
"Hyung."
As they left the busy area and entered a quiet residential alley, Wooyeon gently tugged on Dohyun’s hand. Dohyun stopped and turned to look, noticing that Wooyeon’s other hand was softly gripping the hem of his shirt.
"I want to kiss you."
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 12
Dohyun seemed enchanted, lowering his head toward him. He also made sure to check if anyone was passing by. He brushed his lips lightly, creating a soft "chuṭ" sound, and as soon as their lips parted, their gazes intertwined in the close distance.
At the moment their eyes met, Dohyun gently cupped his cheek with one hand. His other hand remained holding Wooyeon's. The lips that had just parted met again, and their breaths quickly mingled.
Now, the warm night air surrounded them. Although the night was still a bit chilly, from where they touched, it seemed as if the heat had transferred. Each time their warm, moist tongues entwined in each other's mouths, the soft and fiery sensation was clearly transmitted.
The scent of alcohol wasn't as strong as the pheromones, but Dohyun couldn't understand why he felt so intoxicated. Even though Wooyeon hadn't drunk, he was sure he would still feel this way. Every time he kissed Wooyeon, the excitement and dizziness always came over him like this.
"Chuṭ," their lips parted after quite a while. Initially, Dohyun had only intended to give a light kiss to comfort him, but after kissing, he became completely lost in it. After talking with Taegyeom today, his desire for Wooyeon had grown to the point where his stomach felt tight.
"...I love you."
The confession was whispered, and Wooyeon blinked, dazed, before furrowing his brow. Not out of dislike, but because he still felt embarrassed by such confessions. His eyes were slightly red, and his ears were blushing, as if they were trying to express all the emotions Wooyeon felt right now.
Wooyeon responded as usual, lowering his gaze. It was a habit every time he drank, and the real answer would come after.
"I... I love you too."
That was what Wooyeon had learned since he started dating Dohyun. Even though his face was flushed, even though he couldn't face Dohyun's eyes, Wooyeon always replied this way with a gentle expression.
"Let's go home quickly."
Those words made Dohyun feel so amused that he wanted to kiss him again, and then the two continued walking. Their hands remained tightly clasped until they reached their shared home.
***
Once they were home, the two showered together. From the moment they stepped through the door, everything flowed naturally, as if following the course of a river. During the shower, Dohyun couldn't stop kissing, sucking, and licking Wooyeon, and when they got to the bed, he didn't let go of him either.
Of course, Dohyun thought part of the blame was on Wooyeon. When he tried to help him dry off, Wooyeon tried to evade him, then insisted on drying him off, his hands wandering everywhere. Not to mention, Wooyeon had no idea how much he was holding back, yet still got close and acted spoiled as if it were perfectly natural.
"Uh….Uh..."
Wooyeon, when drunk, always brings a particularly hot and soft feeling. With a lazy face, he slumped but wrapped his arms around my neck, rubbing and sticking like glue. It is most evident in the way he wraps his legs around, as if no matter how deep he goes, it is still not enough.
"Ah… seonsaeng…ahh.."
"Not ‘hyung’, but ‘seonsaeng’ huh?"
"Um... I... ah... I..."
Dohyun held Wooyeon with one hand and slowly pushed his member inside him. He could feel the small hole, which had been gently loosened earlier, tightening along his shaft. The pleasure was so intense that his hair stood on end, and it felt as if his vision blurred and everything in front of him suddenly turned white.
"Ah! Hmm, um...!"
He thrust his hips hard to push the fluid deep into your body, making Wooyeon's body arch. The feeling erupted, along with pheromones pouring down like rain. Although it had happened once, his body kept moving, seemingly ready for another climax. Due to the influence of alcohol, the distance between them was wider than usual, but if it continued like this, everything would quickly reach a climax.
Because there is little hair and the color in that area is quite faint, Wooyeon's body gives others a strange feeling whenever they touch it. The problem is that since meeting Wooyeon, Dohyun has started to develop a new interest, an interest he had never thought of before. He didn't have the habit of teasing or bothering anyone, but every time Wooyeon cried out in pain, he felt an indescribable excitement.
Wooyeon, as expected, didn't take long to reach the climax. That's when Dohyun moved his hips a few times and slowly caressed with great technique. Wooyeon trembled, gasped for breath, and his thighs twitched slightly as he released into Dohyun's palm.
"U... Um..."
Wooyeon's eyes gradually closed, making him look extremely sleepy. Because Dohyun doesn't have the bad habit of forcing others to stay awake when they're drunk, he just gently kissed his forehead and sped up. Even though one time like this is not enough, but anyway, tomorrow is the weekend.
"Seonsaeng, sniff... hyung..."
"Yeah, Yeon-ah... Haa..."
Is he calling me "seonsaeng" or "hyung"? Dohyun chuckled at the mixed-up and nonsensical way of addressing. Really cute. A thought like "it's impossible not to love" also crept into his mind.
When Dohyun responded to Wooyeon's request with a kiss, he couldn't suppress the overwhelming feeling of pleasure that reached its peak. While Dohyun was still immersed in the afterglow of ecstasy, Wooyeon continued to suck on his tongue, as if savoring every bit of pheromone emanating from Dohyun. The more greedy Wooyeon became with his pheromones, the more the sweet scent from Dohyun's body intensified.
"Are you sleepy?"
"Yes... I want to sleep."
"Yeah, let's sleep."
After everything was over, cleaning up the scene was also Dohyun's responsibility. He threw away the condom, tidied up the bedding, then carefully cleaned Wooyeon and dressed him in clean clothes. While he himself was only wearing pants, Dohyun layed down on the bed, allowing Wooyeon to rest his head on his arm and curl up in his embrace.
"Good night, Yeon-ah."
"You too..."
Wooyeon's hesitant, muffled response hadn't fully formed when he drifted off to sleep. Dohyun gently kissed him twice, then buried his face in his fragrant hair and closed his eyes. The overwhelming feeling of happiness made him smile foolishly, like a fool.
***
Since they started living together, their weekends often unfolded in similar ways. They would sleep in, have breakfast (usually cooked by Dohyun), watch movies together, or sit on the balcony drinking tea. If the weather was nice, they would sometimes drive out, usually to quiet places to enjoy the trip, then eat a hearty meal with delicious food and desserts before heading home.
When Wooyeon had homework, Dohyun would help him with it. During those times, Wooyeon would often look at him with bright eyes, as though looking at a "seonsaeng." But it was Wooyeon who made the study atmosphere more exciting, then he would leave him to focus on his own work, which sometimes made Dohyun feel it was quite amusing and unpredictable.
"So, this part is..."
Since Wooyeon's midterm exams were approaching, Dohyun became the "seonsaeng" once again to help him with his studies. Although he was no longer a student, what Dohyun had learned during his own school years helped him be a very good tutor. Just like the days when he tutored middle school student Wooyeon, Dohyun sat next to him, explaining and writing some notes with a pencil.
"Does doing it this way make sense?"
"Yes, I understand now."
Wooyeon nodded, picking up his notebook to check carefully, then continued writing down the missing parts. His Korean handwriting was still sloppy, but his English was neat and polished, just like his face. Dohyun knew that this was the result of Soo Hyang's strict education, so he couldn't just ignore it, thinking it was cute.
"Ah, right."
While focusing on his work, Wooyeon suddenly spoke quietly. Dohyun thought maybe he had encountered something difficult to understand, but the next words were unrelated to the studies.
"Yesterday, at the drinking party..."
Dohyun looked at Wooyeon. He slightly furrowed his brow, seeming to hesitate about something. Wooyeon fiddled with his ear, glancing around as if gauging his reaction.
"Someone asked for my number."
The corner of Dohyun's mouth twitched slightly, but Wooyeon didn't notice the small change. Wooyeon kept his head down and slowly continued his story.
"Of course, I refused, but then they asked me to have a drink with them..."
"And then what?"
"I thought if I kept refusing, it would be more troublesome, so I poured one drink for them, then let them go."
Dohyun understood. That was the most tactful way to handle it. If it were him, he would have chosen the same method to avoid ruining the atmosphere.
But despite understanding, Dohyun felt a sudden chill inside. Not just cold, but an uncomfortable feeling that made him let out a small sigh. It wasn't because of Wooyeon, but because of himself. He suddenly remembered the strong words he had said, claiming that he could handle jealousy.
What nonsense about enduring, when his heart was boiling with anger like this.
“You don’t need to go into the details of that.”
The words slipped out, colder than he had intended. Wooyeon startled and looked up at him. Realizing his mistake, Dohyun quickly tried to soften his tone.
“Yeon-ah, that’s not what I meant…”
“I know.”
The short, simple reply made it impossible for anyone to find fault. Wooyeon stared at him for a moment, then slowly turned his head back toward the desk.
“I’m not misunderstanding.”
That was all. Wooyeon continued to focus on his studies, as if nothing had affected him. But his lowered eyes, tightly pressed lips, and the hand holding the pen all showed signs of sadness.
“Such an idiot.”
Dohyun bit his lower lip, feeling like his chest was tightening. He wanted to explain, but Wooyeon had made it clear that he didn’t want to hear any more.
It was ruined. This weekend was definitely a disaster.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 13
Monday, after the weekend. In the vast lecture hall, only the professor's voice echoed. Perhaps because of the influence of the weekend, most of the students were dozing off, and even the others seemed absent-minded and sluggish.
Wooyeon rested his chin on his hand, gazing dreamily at the professor standing at the podium. The professor spoke about the 18th century, the 19th century, but each word seemed to slip away from Wooyeon's ears. Nevertheless, he still tried to take notes until his classmate beside him glanced at his notebook and asked:
"Hey, Wooyeon, what are you writing?"
It was only then that Wooyeon looked down at his notebook. The scribbles on the page were so messy they looked like worms crawling, to the point that even he couldn’t tell what he had written. Even Dohyun, who usually shared materials with him, wasn’t at school today, leaving him to wander aimlessly the whole day.
"Could you lend me your notebook later?"
"Huh? Sure, that's fine."
Wooyeon whispered his request, and his friend agreed without hesitation, though still seemed surprised. It seemed that today, Wooyeon—normally careful and serious—looked strangely disjointed, which made his friend wonder.
Ignoring the look, Wooyeon put down his pen and sighed. He propped his chin in both hands and lowered his head, as the thoughts that had been swirling in his mind all day rushed back. The memories of that weekend moment, which he had repeated in his head countless times.
"Hyung, do you have any plans this weekend?"
It all started a few weeks ago, when a new student in the club openly showed interest in him and approached him in an overly forward manner:
"So, hyung, would you like to go to the amusement park with me this weekend?"
Wooyeon had long realized that the student had feelings for him, but he didn’t know how to refuse gently. If he were blunt, he wouldn’t lack decisiveness, but doing so might negatively affect the atmosphere in the club.
Though he tried to keep his distance, it wasn’t effective with a 20-year-old new student. Every time Wooyeon pushed him away, just a moment of hesitation would make the student smile and get closer again.
To be honest, it bothered and irritated Wooyeon. Sometimes, he even felt angry. But fortunately, the new student left the club not long after. Perhaps it was because he had seen Dohyun—Wooyeon’s boyfriend—in person. It wasn’t clear if he was overwhelmed by Dohyun’s presence or if he had finally given up, but whatever the reason, the result was a relief.
But the real issue only arose when Dohyun, one day, casually asked him:
"Why didn’t you tell me?"
Wooyeon froze upon hearing that question. Although he hadn’t intentionally kept it a secret, the fact that he hadn’t spoken up might have led Dohyun to think he was hiding something. And while Wooyeon had purposely avoided mentioning it, he couldn’t find any excuse if it upset Dohyun.
"Anyway, next time, remember to tell me," Dohyun said.
Fortunately, Dohyun was very mature and calm. He understood Wooyeon, and despite a slight sadness on his face, he didn’t show anger or disappointment. It was Dohyun’s gentleness that made Wooyeon feel moved all over again.
From then on, Wooyeon began to think a lot. He wondered how much he should share with Dohyun. Recently, he’d been approached by others more often, perhaps because of the pleasant atmosphere of spring that made everyone more open.
In the end, he decided to tell Dohyun everything. He thought that, if the roles were reversed, he would want Dohyun to do the same with him.
"Did someone ask for your number?"
But maybe that was a mistake. The more he spoke, the more Wooyeon noticed Dohyun’s expression darkening. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and his lips grew cold.
And then, Dohyun finally said:
“You don’t need to go into the details of that.”
It wasn’t quite accurate to say that Wooyeon was surprised. But he couldn’t deny that he felt a little hurt.
However, later on, he realized: Yeah, maybe he had shared too much. He himself felt embarrassed by what he had said, so it was understandable that Dohyun, the listener, might feel the same. It was lucky that Dohyun didn’t think he was exaggerating or making things up.
Therefore, his frustration didn’t last long. Wooyeon understood Dohyun—someone who had been his senior, even his teacher in middle school. He wasn’t the type to get angry over something like this.
"Yeon-ah, that’s not what I meant…" Dohyun said.
Wooyeon suddenly thought: Maybe he’s jealous. And he completely empathized with that feeling. Whenever someone showed interest in Dohyun or asked about him, Wooyeon also felt uncomfortable. So much so that when the new student spoke to Dohyun a bit more, Wooyeon became even more worried and cautious.
"I understand," Wooyeon replied simply, feeling empathy for Dohyun’s feelings, knowing that he wasn’t actually angry with him.
"I’m not misunderstanding," he added.
It was the truth, with no pretense. He didn’t feel bothered by it, even though afterward he tried to focus on his studies to hide his embarrassment.
However, another concern arose.
So, in the end…
How much can one say?
Wooyeon really didn’t know what "enough" meant. He didn’t know how to like just enough, look just enough, or hide emotions just enough. That’s why he had always clung to Dohyun. But now, when reminding himself to keep a balance, he couldn’t figure out what exactly "enough" was.
He tried to imagine Dohyun’s situation. What if someone at Dohyun’s company tried to approach him? Someone from another department asking for his number, or at a company party deliberately offering him drinks, or even doing something inappropriate?
"Wooyeon?"
"Ah… yeah."
The more Wooyeon thought about it, the tighter he gripped his notebook, crumpling it in his hands. His friend sitting next to him looked at him with concern. Wooyeon quickly smoothed out the pages, even though his notes for today were unusable. He couldn’t bear to tear the pages out, but he felt embarrassed by how they looked.
"Are you okay?"
"I’m fine."
Wooyeon whispered, rubbing his left ear. Just thinking about the situation made him uneasy, but remembering Dohyun’s smile as he looked at him made him feel better.
He must be used to things like this by now, and he’s good at rejecting people, too.
But is this something that happens often?
"Let's take a break for a while."
Just as Wooyeon was lost in thought, the professor finished the lecture and left the classroom, announcing a 10-minute break for students to wake up or go to the bathroom.
"I'm going out to smoke... Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yeah, I'm just a little sleepy."
"Alright then? You should take a nap, I'll wake you up later."
His friend left, leaving Wooyeon to sigh in relief. He rubbed his face, trying to wake himself up. Just thinking about it made him uncomfortable. He wondered if it might be better to remain ignorant? People say "what you don’t know can’t hurt you," maybe that’s why.
But how could he hide it?
Unfortunately, Wooyeon wasn’t good at hiding things. In front of a very perceptive Dohyun, he never thought he could keep a secret forever. If he accidentally let something slip, or if one of his friends told Dohyun, it was only a matter of time before Dohyun would find out.
What should he do in this situation?
Faced with this new dilemma, Wooyeon had no idea how to handle it. He wanted to vent to someone, but who could he talk to?
"When is Seongyu finishing his military service…"
Wooyeon opened his phone and scrolled through his contacts. Unfortunately, Seongyu—his best friend—was currently in the military. He had heard that even soldiers could use their phones, but only after working hours. Seongyu was expected to return in about six months, but for now, chatting casually wasn’t possible.
The next person who came to Wooyeon's mind was Garam. Despite her careless appearance, Garam was always serious when discussing matters like this. But Wooyeon felt guilty about bothering a busy grad student like Garam just because of his romantic issues.
Danny, his friend abroad, was also out of reach due to the time difference. More importantly, Wooyeon didn’t want to trouble Danny with his relationship troubles with “the teacher.”
He briefly thought of Jinah, but she was likely busy preparing for exams. The image of her happily sharing that she had passed her dream course last year was still fresh in Wooyeon’s mind.
After some deliberation, Wooyeon eventually stopped scrolling through his contacts and bit his lip. He hesitated: Should he really do this? But the current situation felt like a drowning person reaching for a lifeline.
The person he chose was "Nuna Minjeong."
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 14
The person Wooyeon called was Minjeong, but somehow, Sungjae came along too. He arrived at the café near the school at the appointed time, and as soon as he stepped inside, Wooyeon saw the two of them sitting in a corner, standing out. Perhaps because Minjeong was petite, Sungjae looked even more like a large bear.
"Wooyeon, you’re here?"
"Oh, Wooyeon! Sit down, sit down!"
Even though it had been a while since they last met, the two of them welcomed Wooyeon without any hesitation. Especially Sungjae, who immediately made a fuss, asking if Wooyeon had lost weight and if he was doing well. Minjeong stood up, gently guided Wooyeon to the counter, then ordered drinks and three pieces of cake based on his preferences.
"Can I pay?"
"Huh? Why do you have to pay?"
Wooyeon thought that since he was the one who suggested meeting up, he should be the one to pay. But Minjeong just laughed and said there was no need to do that. When Minjeong joked, "Students don't have money, do they?" Wooyeon stayed silent, not daring to argue.
"Don’t tell me all this is for me, right?"
When all three of them returned to the table and sat down, Minjeong pushed all the plates of cake toward Wooyeon. He should have suspected something when three pieces were ordered, but since the number matched the number of people, he didn’t question it. It turned out that all three were for him.
"Yeah, Dohyun said you like sweets. Isn’t that right?"
"Yes, that's right, I really do like them, but..."
"It’s okay, if there’s too much, just leave some."
"Exactly, when there’s an opportunity like this, you should eat your fill."
Seeing Sungjae also chiming in, Wooyeon silently picked up a fork. Refusing too much would be rude, and in fact, he could easily finish all three pieces of cake. It was just that he had always held back to avoid gaining weight.
"You should eat too."
"Yeah, I will."
Minjeong responded gently, but a quick glance would tell that she wasn’t planning to eat. Sungjae was the same; it seemed like he was on a diet. In front of him, there was only a cup of tea—something he never usually touched.
"Have a bite of the strawberry first. You like strawberries, right?"
"Is that what Dohyun said?"
"No, Garam said that."
Minjeong mentioned that she and Garam still kept in touch from time to time. Since the club always maintained good relationships across generations, it wasn’t unusual for them to stay connected. Even though Garam was now a teaching assistant and Minjeong had graduated, their relationship remained strong.
For the same reason, the club’s gatherings often included alumni from older years. Minjeong and Sungjae were almost always present, and over time, Wooyeon became close to both of them. Minjeong had always been kind to him from the beginning, and with Sungjae, the two had even learned to drink together with Seongyu, and that was how Wooyeon had grown so close to him, even calling him “hyung.”
"After you finish eating, take your time telling your story."
After Wooyeon finished the strawberry on his cake, Minjeong spoke, as if reminding him that it was time to talk. Sungjae was staring at the tea in front of him, looking somewhat restless.
When Wooyeon looked up, Minjeong flashed a warm smile, just like always.
"Huh?"
The surprised one wasn’t Wooyeon but Sungjae. Wooyeon couldn’t deny it, so he lowered his head, avoiding the gazes of the two. When he asked Minjeong to meet, he had simply wanted to catch up, but it seemed Minjeong had already guessed that he had something he needed to talk about.
"Did you think a junior would invite you out for no reason? You two aren't of marriageable age, and you’re not selling insurance, so it must either be a problem or a sermon. You’re not here to preach, are you?"
"No, I don’t believe in that stuff."
Wooyeon responded a bit awkwardly. Thinking about it, it was true that when someone who didn’t usually keep in touch suddenly asked to meet, it was likely because there was something important. However, it seemed Sungjae hadn’t been informed beforehand. He whispered to Minjeong, but his voice was loud enough for Wooyeon to hear clearly.
"Hey, why did you bring me along if you knew?"
"You were the one who insisted on coming."
"If I had known it was about advice, I wouldn't have come!"
Hearing their exchange, Wooyeon quickly waved his hand, since Sungjae seemed genuinely regretful.
"It’s okay. I think it’s better that you’re here."
"Wooyeon..."
Although it was just a casual statement, Sungjae looked so touched, as if it had struck a chord. He looked at Wooyeon with such a sparkling gaze that Wooyeon couldn’t help but wonder if he had misheard and thought he said, "I like you."
"This isn’t really a secret..."
Though Wooyeon didn’t want to share too much with others, he felt comfortable telling Sungjae. He was close to Dohyun, knew their relationship well, and wasn’t the type to be judgmental.
"Sungjae is pretty good at giving advice. Since you came to me, having one more person to listen would be better. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a heads-up."
Minjeong said calmly, then leaned slightly forward, as if ensuring she didn’t miss a single word from Wooyeon.
"Well then, go ahead. Is it about your future, or love?"
"Love...," Wooyeon responded.
"Oh, love? That’s Sungjae’s specialty!"
Sungjae confidently gave a thumbs-up. Minjeong chuckled softly, but Sungjae seemed to be oblivious, still proud of himself.
"It’s not anything serious..."
Before he began his story, Wooyeon carefully added. He didn’t want them to misunderstand his relationship with Dohyun. He slowly twirled the fork in his hand and began:
"Recently, there’s a freshman..."
The story ended up being much longer than Wooyeon had expected. He wasn’t good at expressing himself, and since he wanted to avoid misunderstandings, he explained everything in detail, step by step. From the freshman who "flirted" with him for his phone number, to what happened later at the bar.
Minjeong and Sungjae listened carefully, occasionally responding. When Wooyeon mentioned that he had been "chased" three times, Sungjae seemed a little surprised, but Minjeong simply commented, "Look at your face," and Sungjae immediately nodded in understanding.
“At that time, I was drinking with my classmates, and I thought it would be rude to bother them, so I just poured drinks for them and saw them off. But when I told him about this, he said I shouldn’t mention these trivial things.”
“He’s really rude.”
“Yeah, Dohyun is really something else.”
In truth, Wooyeon didn’t mean to criticize Dohyun, but the absolute support from Minjeong and Sungjae made him feel a bit uncomfortable. They kept defending him no matter what he said: "So childish," "Someone older shouldn’t act like that," and "He’s really a jerk."
In the end, Wooyeon could only respond with irritation:
“It’s not that bad.”
Did it really have to be exaggerated like that? Wooyeon didn’t intend to criticize Dohyun, but Minjeong and Sungjae’s unwavering support made him feel guilty. Maybe he was exaggerating a bit? While Wooyeon was still confused, Minjeong gave him a playful wink.
“I know, we’re just joking.”
It didn’t seem like a joke at all. Wooyeon was about to argue but instead just raised an eyebrow. Minjeong took a sip of her coffee and chuckled.
“But it’s true that Dohyun made you uncomfortable. If it’s relationship advice, he should definitely be on the side of the person asking for advice.”
“Exactly, of course.”
Sungjae, calling himself an expert in relationship advice, nodded solemnly. Wooyeon awkwardly laughed, unsure of what to say, while Minjeong smiled gently.
“But if you felt uncomfortable, you should talk to Dohyun, why tell us?”
Her gentle reminder wasn’t scolding but full of advice. Hearing that, Wooyeon hesitated and muttered:
“It’s not that I was uncomfortable…”
“Really not uncomfortable?”
“…I was a little uncomfortable.”
It was really just a little. Even though he felt more emotional as he kept talking, and ended up complaining a bit, still…
“You should’ve told him you were uncomfortable. He probably sensed it too.”
At first, Wooyeon hadn’t planned to ask for advice about this. But he couldn’t immediately deny it, so he just glanced around and timidly asked:
“Is it okay for me to feel uncomfortable...?”
Sungjae’s eyes widened in surprise, as if he couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Wooyeon quickly tried to explain:
“It’s not like that, but think about it, he wasn’t angry or had any bad intentions, I understand. If it were you, you wouldn’t like it if too many people were too concerned about your partner either. But…”
"But do I have the right to feel uncomfortable? It’s just a small thing. Dohyun wasn’t really cruel to me, it was just a passing comment."
"Wooyeon, is this your first time being in love?"
"Yes."
Wooyeon quickly answered to Sungjae's question. He felt like Sungjae had hit the nail on the head, so he stubbornly turned the question back on him.
"So what?"
Sungjae immediately waved his hand.
"No, no, it’s just that I’m surprised."
"You mean I look like someone who’s been through many relationships, right?"
"Well... usually, people get attention because of their looks."
Wooyeon didn’t deny it; the comment didn’t make him feel bad. But he felt the need to clarify a bit.
"I’m not that popular, though."
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 15
Faced with Wooyeon's sad words, both Sungjae and Minjeong looked visibly surprised. Sungjae blinked his large round eyes and blurted out:
“Didn’t you just talk about someone asking for your number…?”
“That’s… well…”
Wooyeon had shared the troubles of being "too noticeable," but the “being liked” situation he just mentioned didn’t really relate to that. Some of those people might genuinely like him, but most didn’t. It might just be because of his family background, or simply seeing him online and wanting to try their luck.
“Anyway… I’ve never been in love before.”
Not wanting to explain further, Wooyeon brushed it off. The two exchanged glances briefly before turning back to Wooyeon with unreadable expressions. It was Minjeong who broke the awkward silence.
“If you’re going to date someone four years older, Dohyun should be spoiling you, don’t you think?”
Wooyeon blinked at Minjeong. She tucked her shoulder-length hair behind her ear and gave a gentle smile.
“What I mean is, you have every right to feel a little down. Just go ahead and act spoiled with him.”
“Exactly. That’s what people your age do when they’re dating.”
Sungjae chimed in, sounding serious this time.
“I’m not telling you to throw a tantrum. But if something’s bothering you, just say it and work it out. Love isn’t all about rationality—sometimes it’s okay to let your emotions lead.”
His words made sense, yet also didn’t. “Let emotions lead”? What if doing so made Dohyun grow tired of him? Wooyeon had no intention of acting too immature in front of someone as mature as Dohyun.
“It’s really fine, trust me. Everyone acts like that with someone they like.”
Sungjae, as if reading Wooyeon’s thoughts, smiled reassuringly. He even added a harmless comment, “If you do that, Dohyun will probably like you even more.”
“Do you and Minjeong act that way around your partners?”
“Uh… I’ve never had a partner.”
“…What about you, Minjeong?”
“Yes, I do.”
This time Minjeong answered. Wooyeon looked at her skeptically, only to see her flash a mischievous smile.
“So, what exactly is bothering you? Is it about feeling neglected?”
“Oh, no…”
Wooyeon jolted and quickly shook his head. The conversation had strayed too far from the main point, but what he really wanted to ask wasn’t about that. Feeling neglected was something he could adjust on his own. The real issue was this:
“I don’t know how much I should tell him… That’s what I wanted to ask.”
Finally, Wooyeon got to the point. This was what had been troubling him endlessly, something he couldn’t figure out on his own. Without someone’s help, he might never resolve it.
“I can’t just ask him how much I should share…”
Talking about someone asking for his number seemed fine, but mentioning pouring drinks wasn’t? And what about the coffee cup and note left at the library? Or the freshmen joining the club just to meet him? If only there were a clear set of rules for this kind of thing.
“Ah, stuff like that… usually you just have to figure it out through experience and intuition.”
Sungjae hesitated, scratching his head as he spoke. It seemed like he wasn’t too confident in his answer either.
“If this is your first time being in love, it’s going to be a bit tricky. These things only become clearer after you’ve been in relationships a few times.”
“So, will I get better at it?”
“Probably?”
If that were true, did that mean Dohyun had dated multiple times to gain this experience? Because since they started dating, Dohyun had never made Wooyeon feel upset. Whenever Wooyeon felt a bit neglected, Dohyun would quickly notice and cheer him up.
“I see…”
“But you’re not planning to date anyone else to find out, are you?”
As Wooyeon trailed off, Minjeong immediately asked bluntly, as if afraid the answer might be “yes.”
“How could I?”
He thought to himself that Dohyun was his one and only. Wooyeon couldn’t imagine, nor did he want to think about breaking up with Dohyun to date someone else.
“Good. I was just teasing.”
“Oh, come on… Wooyeon, I didn’t mean that. If Dohyun overheard, he’d definitely give me a killer glare.”
“Not just a glare, I’m sure.”
Dohyun scolding someone? Wooyeon couldn’t even picture it. The only time he’d heard Dohyun say anything harsh was when he jokingly mimicked Wooyeon’s accidental outburst in English during a moment of complete loss of composure.
“Dating one person for a long time is also a way to gain experience.”
Sungjae quickly corrected himself, emphasizing that he wasn’t suggesting Wooyeon should date other people, even outright denying the possibility.
“Don’t share too much detail. If Dohyun asks, just say enough and explain more later.”
Minjeong concluded succinctly, also pointing out that it was fine for Wooyeon to withhold unnecessary details. With a gentle smile, she reassured him:
“100% honesty isn’t always the right answer. Everyone has faced dilemmas like yours, and you’ll learn how to handle them with experience.”
Though it wasn’t a definitive answer, Wooyeon felt a bit more at ease. At the very least, realizing that “this isn’t just hard for me” brought him some comfort. He’d thought he was less capable because everything felt difficult, but if it was just because he was new to this, then perhaps it would get easier over time.
“If you’re really unsure, just ask, ‘How much am I allowed to say?’” Sungjae suggested. “I think if my girlfriend did that, it’d be really cute.”
“Park Sungjae, you’re definitely the type to spoil your partner, huh?”
“Hey, Dohyun spoils more than I do.”
“Fair point…”
Minjeong smirked knowingly. Dohyun was undeniably indulgent, so Wooyeon couldn’t argue and stayed silent.
“Still, Kim Dohyun is wrong here. Asking you to be open and then saying you shouldn’t share certain things—how does that make sense?”
“Exactly, Dohyun is so annoying.”
The conversation trailed off as the two started playfully criticizing Dohyun. They teased that he was too bad at dating someone younger and even joked that Wooyeon should avoid guys who return to school after graduation. Though their words seemed harsh, it was clear they were just venting.
Their teasing didn’t bother Wooyeon; he only responded with a faint smile. For all their supposed confidence in giving relationship advice, it turned out to be like this. Yet, because of their support, he couldn’t help but defend the person he cherished.
“It’s not that bad…”
Though the advice session ended, the three of them continued chatting at the café for a while longer. Since they had already eaten dinner, there was no need to move to another location. During this time, Wooyeon finished the slice of cake Minjeong had bought for him and had to politely decline when she offered to get him another.
The weather had warmed up considerably, but the sunset still didn’t linger long. By the time Wooyeon met up with Minjeong and Sungjae, the sun had already set, and when he made his way home, the sky was completely dark. He walked slowly along the night road, taking his phone out of his pocket.
On the screen was a message from Dohyun, sent earlier, asking when he would be home. It was a reply to the message Wooyeon had sent earlier about going out to dinner with classmates before meeting Minjeong and Sungjae. Feeling guilty for the late reply, Wooyeon quickly typed back.
“Hey, I’m on my way home now…”
Dohyun had mentioned working late today, so he was probably still at the office.
Should I ask when he’ll be back? Wooyeon wondered but then locked his phone and put it back in his pocket. He decided it was better to wait patiently since Dohyun was busy. Talking when Dohyun got home wouldn’t be too late.
The walk home wasn’t long, so there wasn’t enough time for Dohyun to reply to his message. But as Wooyeon opened the door, he immediately saw a familiar pair of shoes at the entrance.
“…Huh?”
Wooyeon stood frozen for a moment, then broke into a bright smile and quickly stepped inside.
“Hyung!”
Just as he suspected, Dohyun was in the living room. He had just finished showering, with a towel still draped around his neck and his phone in hand. Seeing Wooyeon rushing toward him, Dohyun naturally opened his arms.
“You’re back?”
“Yes, I’m home.”
Wooyeon answered obediently and threw himself into Dohyun’s embrace. Ah, his scent. That refreshing autumn breeze-like pheromone smell lifted Wooyeon’s spirits. While the light fragrance of shampoo or soap was pleasant, nothing compared to Dohyun’s natural scent.
“Didn’t you say you’d be working late today?”
“I finished earlier than expected.”
Dohyun smiled softly, resting his cheek against Wooyeon’s hair. Realizing that Dohyun had already showered while he hadn’t, Wooyeon grew self-conscious and tried to pull away, but Dohyun only held him tighter, chuckling softly.
“You smell like coffee.”
“Ah, I just came from a café…”
It was a café where customers brewed their drinks, so the scent must have clung to his clothes. Spending so much time there, it wasn’t surprising. However, the real issue lay in the question Dohyun casually dropped after replying with a simple “Hmm.”
“Who did you meet?”
“…”
Wooyeon thought of saying it was Minjeong, but hesitated. The reason was simple: if Dohyun asked why they met, he wouldn’t know how to explain. Saying it was just a casual meeting didn’t feel convincing, and admitting he sought advice wasn’t something he wanted to confess.
It was just… a meeting.
So instead of giving a clear answer, Wooyeon chose to evade. Later, he would realize he should have said he had a late dinner with friends and went to a café afterward, but by then, it was too late.
“Someone I don’t know?”
“No, that’s not it…”
“Then who? Hmm?”
Of course, Dohyun wasn’t going to let that vague response slide. His expression was a mix of curiosity and slight disappointment as he looked at Wooyeon. Under that gaze, Wooyeon instinctively asked back, his voice tinged with grievance.
“…Do I really have to explain everything like this?”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 16
Dohyun froze, his face suddenly turning rigid. Wooyeon felt a surge of stifled frustration rising within and gently slipped out of his embrace. Even though he could sense the piercing gaze fixed on his face, the words that came out felt insignificant.
"You said there was no need to say everything."
"You were the one who said that."
Ah, this whole thing was utterly ridiculous.
"Are you really not upset?"
Minjeong's words flashed through his mind, along with the honest answer he had hesitantly given at the time.
"Of course I am, just a little."
A little? What nonsense.
In truth, he might have been more upset than he realized. Even though he tried to act mature, telling himself he understood and that it made sense, he couldn't hide the overwhelming disappointment that welled up without warning.
It wasn’t because of his “no need to say it” comment. It was the fleeting coldness, the irritated sigh that escaped so begrudgingly—all of it made him feel alienated and hurt.
"I'm going to take a shower."
In the end, Wooyeon couldn’t bear the awkward atmosphere any longer and decided to leave first. He heard Dohyun call out, "Yeon-ah," but pretended not to hear and walked straight away. A sinking feeling that if he stayed any longer, he might blurt out reproachful words kept him from facing the situation.
Luckily, the discomfort gradually faded as he soaked in the warm water. When his mind cleared, a wave of shame washed over him—a guilt for having gotten upset with Dohyun. Even Sungjae had advised him before not to let anger take over but to resolve things through conversation. And yet, all he had done was make everything worse.
"After my shower, I’ll apologize. I need to explain clearly that I didn’t mean it that way."
Resolving to do so, Wooyeon stepped into the living room, where Dohyun sat silently on the sofa. As soon as he saw Wooyeon, Dohyun smiled gently, just like always.
"Come here, let me dry your hair."
While Dohyun dried his hair, neither of them spoke. His skillful hands carefully worked from the scalp to each strand, a task he had grown increasingly familiar with since they started living together. By now, drying Wooyeon’s hair had become almost second nature to Dohyun.
"All done... You have an early class tomorrow, right?"
"Yeah, I need to get up early."
"I’ll wake you up before I leave."
Dohyun glanced at the clock before planting a kiss on Wooyeon’s soft hair. His hair, once damaged from dyeing, had returned to its natural state over the past two years. Now, all he needed was a regular trim—no more dyeing or curling like before.
"Let’s go to bed. You must be tired."
Dohyun comforted Wooyeon with a hug before they headed into the bedroom and slipped under the covers together.
"Goodnight."
Wooyeon didn’t respond. He merely shifted closer, wrapping his arms around Dohyun as if to savor his warmth. Dohyun’s scent and presence brought an inexplicable sense of comfort.
But then, suddenly, a realization flashed through his mind—a truth he had nearly forgotten. He realized he had completely missed the chance to fix his words, apologize, or even explain himself.
"Ah, damn it."
By the time this thought struck him, Dohyun was already fast asleep.
They say timing is everything in life. Whether it’s confessing love, making amends, meeting someone, or saying goodbye, it all depends on finding the right moment. And if you miss that moment, if it slips by, it becomes incredibly hard to go back.
Wooyeon had realized this truth since meeting Dohyun. From the moment Kim Dohyun came to his aid when he was bullied, to meeting him again at university, and even separating due to an unexpected incident—it all felt like fate playing a cruel joke.
"But now I’ve missed the moment again..."
He sighed and unconsciously began scribbling random lines in his notebook.
However, as he sat there lost in thought about last night, a creeping doubt began to take hold.
"Is Dohyun... really okay?"
All of Dohyun’s gentle gestures that morning only left him more confused than ever.
'He’s pretending not to notice, isn’t he?'
Wooyeon hadn’t expected Dohyun to be overly upset, but his apparent indifference felt strange. Even though he wasn’t intentionally throwing a tantrum, the unusually quiet reaction was hard to ignore. Was it understanding, or just brushing things off? Wooyeon couldn’t be sure.
Could it be that I’m bothering him?
"Wooyeon!"
Startled, Wooyeon flinched and looked up. When had Garam gotten so close? She stood in front of him, holding out a sheet of paper.
"Here, the registration form. You have to participate in this."
<Special Lecture Registration Form>
The sheet contained details about an upcoming special lecture, along with the credentials of the guest speaker. A graduate from the English Language Department of Hankuk University, now working as a full-time employee at a large corporation. None of it, however, seemed compelling enough to catch Wooyeon’s interest. He looked at Garam with a skeptical expression and asked,
"Why do I have to attend this?"
A former student now working at a big corporation? He could meet plenty of such people just by going home. If he wanted to learn about corporate structure, he could spend time with his parents. Garam knew his background better than anyone; there was no reason for her to suggest something like this.
"Hey, have I ever given you bad advice? Trust me, you won’t regret this."
Garam whispered with a mischievous expression, as if she were luring Wooyeon into some kind of shady deal. She even gave an exaggerated wink, but it only made Wooyeon feel more uneasy.
"Hey, this spot is super competitive. But I can pull some strings to get you in. Come on, you’ll join, right?"
"No, if it’s that competitive, let someone else have it. Why are you dragging me into this?"
The schedule didn’t look appealing either. The lecture was set for Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 4 to 6 PM—right when Wooyeon could have been resting after his main classes.
"Just do it. If you don’t fill it out, I’ll submit the form for you myself."
"Do I really have to?"
"Yes."
"You’re only pushing me because you’re afraid you won’t get enough participants, aren’t you?"
"Oh my goodness... I can’t believe you think so little of me!"
Garam feigned indignation, but Wooyeon wasn’t convinced. He was certain this was the school’s attempt to avoid the embarrassment of having too few attendees for the event.
"Just try it for one session. If you don’t like it, I’ll withdraw your name right away. Plus, they’re giving out snacks."
In the end, Wooyeon reluctantly gave in to Garam’s persistence and filled out the form. After all, it wouldn’t cost him anything, and there was no way to refuse her forever. The lecture’s timing coincided with when Dohyun would still be at work, so he had no further excuses to argue.
"Just one session, and then I’m done."
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say."
Seeing Garam’s suspiciously triumphant smile as she took the form, Wooyeon felt like he had just signed a shady contract. He muttered in annoyance, while Garam grinned brightly, as though she had completed a critical mission.
The real reason behind that grin would only become clear to Wooyeon on the first day of the lecture, that Monday.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 17
After that night, nothing unusual happened between Dohyun and Wooyeon. Dohyun remained as gentle as ever, behaving as if he had completely forgotten what had happened that evening. This, however, only made Wooyeon feel even more uneasy. Yet, since there was no specific reason to bring it up, he chose to stay silent.
“Don’t forget to join today’s session, alright?”
Finally, Monday arrived. It was the day of the lecture that Wooyeon had been forced to register for by Garam. Since the announcement had also been posted on the departmental notice board, he had heard through the grapevine that a fairly large number of people would be attending.
“I don’t really need to attend, do I?”
“Oh no, Wooyeon, you really do need to attend.”
Although she had no genuine interest in career lectures, Garam patted Wooyeon’s back with an enthusiastic smile. She even added that she had personally picked out snacks, so he should make the most of it and enjoy them.
With that, Wooyeon followed the schedule and made his way to the lecture venue. It was a small lecture hall typically used for events like these.
As he entered, he glanced briefly at the poster stuck on the door. Wooyeon chose a seat near the exit so he could leave at any time and pulled out his phone to text Dohyun.
[I'm attending the lecture now.]
[It should end around 6.]
[Today, you—]
“Huh? Wooyeon!”
Just as he was about to finish typing the last line, he looked up instinctively when someone called his name from the entrance.
“You’re attending too?”
It was a fellow classmate Wooyeon knew. Since they had taken a few major courses together and had lunch a couple of times, Wooyeon greeted them with a faint smile.
“Yeah, Garam told me to come.”
“Ah... I see. I was wondering why you’d suddenly take an interest in something like this.”
The classmate clearly understood that career lectures like this were unnecessary for Wooyeon. After all, he was the sole heir of Seonjeong and would one day inherit everything. For Seon Wooyeon, attending a career lecture was utterly meaningless.
“Hey, but Garam’s right. I heard today’s lecturer is super handsome.”
“Really?”
The classmate quickly changed the subject. Not particularly interested, Wooyeon nodded absentmindedly while continuing to look at his phone. Just then, Dohyun replied to his message.
♥ Hyung ♥: [I’ll be done at 6 too.]
...6 o’clock?
Why 6? He usually finished at 5.
“You won’t see clearly from here. Let’s move closer to the front.”
While Wooyeon was still pondering, his classmate grabbed his arm. Whether or not the lecturer was handsome didn’t matter to him, but his friend looked at him with pleading eyes.
“Sit up front with me. I don’t want to sit alone. Please?”
“Alright, fine.”
Though he wasn’t interested, he figured sitting with someone was better than being alone. So, Wooyeon followed his friend to a seat in the middle row.
♥ Hyung ♥: [Make sure you pay attention, haha.]
Wooyeon read the message and felt a twinge of disappointment. Dohyun didn’t even know what kind of lecture this was, yet he was telling him to focus. It felt like Dohyun was trying to cut the conversation short.
Unconsciously, Wooyeon opened Dohyun’s profile and stared at the wallpaper: a photo taken from behind of Wooyeon sitting on a beach, looking at seashells. Dohyun always used pictures of Wooyeon as his wallpaper, but they were usually shots from behind, full-body shots, or close-ups of details like his hand wearing their matching watch.
“Is that you?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah, it’s me.”
When his friend asked, Wooyeon didn’t hesitate to hand over his phone for them to see.
“Oh, that’s Dohyun’s picture, right?”
The classmate easily recognized it and scrolled through a few more photos with a teasing laugh.
“Man, I’m so jealous. You and Dohyun are definitely going to get married someday.”
Hearing that, Wooyeon’s face turned bright red. He stammered but secretly thought that if it could really happen, it would be absolutely wonderful.
"If you get married, you have to invite me, alright?"
"Got it."
Wooyeon smiled and nodded at his friend, who was grinning mischievously. His friend teased further, saying, "You won’t refuse, right?" before bursting into laughter. Then, his gaze landed on the name Wooyeon had saved for Dohyun in his phone.
"Wow, you two are really a couple..."
Wooyeon quickly flipped his phone face down, but it was too late. His friend had already seen everything and shot him an admiring, playful look.
"I'm so jealous. Being single really sucks, huh?"
"Are you teasing me?"
"Of course not, who would tease you?"
It seemed that Wooyeon’s friend wasn’t planning to tease him for long, and eventually, he stepped back. However, seeing the occasional gleam of amusement in his eyes, it was clear that Wooyeon’s reaction had pleased him.
In fact, there was a story behind saving Dohyun’s name as “♥Hyung♥.”
When Wooyeon entered university and got Dohyun's phone number, he originally saved his name as "Senior Kim Dohyun." But later, to show more closeness, Wooyeon changed it to "Hyung". However, the issue arose when Seongyu saw the name.
"You’re still saving Dohyun’s name like this?"
For a moment, Wooyeon was taken aback by the word “simple.” Seongyu glanced at him and smiled, as though he understood.
"Usually, there should be a heart or something... But I guess you’re not the type to do that, huh?"
If you asked Wooyeon whether Seongyu was right, he would have to admit that he had never thought about it. Having never been in love, Wooyeon lacked the sensitivity for such details. He had never even considered that the name saved in his contacts could carry any deeper meaning.
After thinking it over for a while, Wooyeon shyly added a heart after Dohyun’s name. Just that was enough to make him blush and hide his phone for a while. But when Dohyun found out, he burst out laughing and snatched the phone from Wooyeon.
"Let me do it."
And so, Dohyun’s name was saved as “♥Hyung♥” just like it is now. Not only did he add a heart, but Dohyun also personally added two hearts before and after the name. Although it was a bit eye-catching, every time Wooyeon looked at it, his heart would flutter, and that wasn’t so bad.
By the way, Dohyun also changed Wooyeon’s name in his phone, from "Wooyeon" to "♥Yeon-ah♥," also with two hearts before and after.
"Now that I think about it, Wooyeon probably doesn't care about the lecturer's appearance anymore. He looks in the mirror every day, and then there's Dohyun too."
Though unsure about the first part, Wooyeon completely agreed with the latter. He didn’t care about the looks of others, and all his standards were placed on one person—Dohyun. From high school until now, Wooyeon had never met anyone who surpassed Dohyun.
"I've never seen anyone more handsome than him."
"Yeah, that's right."
His classmate responded as if they were already used to hearing that. If it were someone else, they might have called Wooyeon exaggerated, but because it was Dohyun, no one objected.
"But seriously, this lecturer is handsome."
Wooyeon thought to himself and turned his head toward the podium. Just then, Garam’s voice rang out, announcing that the lecture was about to begin.
That morning, Wooyeon had also been lost in thought, admiring Dohyun in his suit. With his neat appearance and delicate facial features, Dohyun always exuded an aura of both charm and sensuality when wearing a suit. Especially his well-toned chest and the glimpse of his ankle as he walked.
Just like the man walking out now...
"...?"
Wooyeon blinked, staring intently. His gaze locked on a tall man walking up to the podium. Broad shoulders, a confident stride, sharp eyes scanning the lecture hall.
"Is that... him?"
His whisper was so quiet that no one could hear. His classmate sitting beside Wooyeon looked equally surprised.
In the hushed atmosphere, the lecturer took the microphone, smiled, and spoke:
"Hello everyone, I’m Kim Dohyun, the lecturer in charge of today's special session."
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 18
A gentle voice resonated throughout the lecture hall. After a brief moment of silence, the students, who had been in a daze, gradually started buzzing with excitement. Though the reaction was a bit slow, it culminated in thunderous applause and loud cheers.
“Wow!!!”
“Kim Dohyun is so handsome!”
There were even a few whistles, likely from juniors familiar with Dohyun. Seeing his awkward smile and the subtle, cautionary look in his eyes directed toward them, anyone could tell what he was thinking. He even raised a finger to his lips as if signaling everyone to quiet down.
“Everyone, please settle down?”
Soft chuckles rippled through the hall. “Yes, sir!” One of the seniors from the “Classical Literature Club” responded. At the same time, a few other seniors nearby glanced at Wooyeon with teasing expressions.
“What’s this? The guest speaker is Dohyun?”
“No wonder Garam was being so cryptic about it…”
“Wow, Wooyeon is so lucky.”
Garam, standing beside the lectern, crossed her arms with a proud look on her face. Next to Wooyeon, a classmate watched Dohyun and Wooyeon with an expression full of curiosity and amusement.
Amid all this attention, Wooyeon let out a faint, awkward laugh, looking bewildered.
“Huh…”
What is going on here?
The corners of his lips twitched uncontrollably. His face twisted to the point that he had to use the back of his hand to cover his mouth, hiding his uncontrollable smile. His mood, which had been sinking, suddenly soared like an airplane taking off.
Meanwhile, among the crowd, Dohyun’s gaze quickly found Wooyeon. His eyes curved softly as he offered a gentle smile.
"Thank you all for such a warm welcome. It seems I know more people here than I thought."
So that’s what he meant by “pay close attention.”
No wonder he never mentioned which lecture this was. When Wooyeon grumbled about how this career seminar wouldn’t be helpful for him, Dohyun had just smiled, patted his head, and said attending wouldn’t hurt. Normally, he never sided with Garam, but this time he actually supported her.
“Wooyeon, you didn’t know Dohyun was coming either?”
“I didn’t.”
Wooyeon answered his classmate in a small voice, his eyes never leaving Dohyun. It was still the same suit he’d seen him in that morning, his hair neatly styled, and that polished, handsome appearance of his boyfriend.
“I was a student at this university until last year, so most of you probably know me. But since I heard there are many freshmen here today, I’ll briefly introduce myself first.”
Dohyun’s deep, warm voice continued to resonate through the hall. He mentioned his student ID number, the club he had been a part of, and the company he currently worked for. When he mentioned the club, the senior members burst into applause, and when he brought up his company’s name, the other students murmured in awe.
“Today’s lecture will last two hours. At the end, there’ll be about 20 minutes for a Q&A session. Don’t hesitate to ask questions—otherwise, I’ll be the one feeling awkward.”
“Yes, sir!”
The enthusiastic response brought a bright smile to Dohyun’s face. Even Wooyeon, who saw him every day, couldn’t help but feel a flutter, let alone everyone else.
“What is this?”
“He’s too handsome!”
“This is insane…”
Wooyeon straightened his back, feeling a mix of pride and annoyance. He loved the playful glances Dohyun occasionally threw his way, but he wasn’t too pleased about the flushed faces of everyone around them.
“Does our school really have such an amazing alumnus?”
“I wish I’d been born a year earlier…”
“Those seniors were so lucky to study with him.”
The murmurs seemed to come from the group of freshmen who were seeing Dohyun for the first time. They continued speculating about him.
“Do you think he has a girlfriend?”
“He must. With a face like that, it’d be shocking if he didn’t.”
“But he’s not wearing a ring.”
“So what? Are you planning to try something?”
Wooyeon almost turned around and declared, “I’m his boyfriend!” but held himself back. Even though neither of them wore rings, they were both sporting matching watches. He subtly rolled up his sleeve, but the freshmen seated behind him wouldn’t be able to notice.
“If it were me, I’d have given him a ring long ago.”
"Exactly, with a face like that, how could anyone feel secure leaving him single?"
"Are you sure he doesn’t have a girlfriend?"
"If he doesn’t, what are you planning to do?"
As their giggles grew louder, Wooyeon’s mood sank lower. Even the friend sitting next to him turned around with an exasperated look before quietly offering some consolation:
"Don’t let it get to you, Wooyeon. They’re just talking nonsense—they don’t know anything."
"It’s fine."
In truth, for Wooyeon, situations like this were nothing new. Dohyun was always well-loved, and his friendly personality meant he was constantly surrounded by people. Back when they had just started dating, during a festival where Dohyun was making cotton candy, countless people came up to him asking for his number.
So yes, this wasn’t anything unusual. After all, Dohyun was dating him, and no one knew better than Wooyeon that Dohyun wasn’t the type to flirt around. Besides, the fact that he was here giving a lecture today was probably for Wooyeon’s sake.
"The topic I’ve prepared for today is…"
At that moment, Dohyun turned on his PowerPoint presentation and began his lecture. His distinct voice was nothing like the monotonous tones of professors—it was genuinely engaging and easy to listen to.
Wooyeon recalled the time Dohyun had helped him prepare for a group presentation. It was for a course on global leadership, where they had to present in English. At the time, Wooyeon had been struggling because he was paired with Kang Junseong. When Wooyeon kept hesitating about whether he should put his name on the presentation at all, Dohyun, with his confident demeanor, had said:
"Wooyeon."
"I’ve taken this course before."
Now Wooyeon understood why Dohyun had been so confident back then. Watching him now, laser pointer in hand, highlighting key points and explaining them clearly, he was more impressive than any professor. His gaze never wavered, his pronunciation was flawless, and even his intonation was perfectly steady.
If he ever became a news anchor, he’d undoubtedly excel at it.
Wooyeon thought as much, unable to take his eyes off Dohyun’s every move. Even though Dohyun had tutored him before, this was the first time Wooyeon had seen him present in front of others. While mesmerized by his "seonsaeng," Dohyun suddenly turned and glanced at Wooyeon, once again offering a gentle smile.
"Wait… he just smiled at me, didn’t he?"
Wooyeon was about to smile back when he froze, hearing the voice of a freshman from behind. The muttered rebuttal of the person next to them—"Stop imagining things"—was easy to brush off, but the whispers that followed felt like needles pricking Wooyeon’s ears:
"No, I’m serious. He just smiled this way."
"Well, what do you expect him to do, scowl while presenting?"
"Still… it’s odd."
He really did smile at me. Dohyun’s eyes had met his, and that smile was intentional.
Wooyeon clenched and unclenched his fists, trying to suppress the mixture of emotions roiling inside him. After all, those were just words from people who didn’t know anything. Paying attention to them would only hurt himself.
Besides, no matter what anyone said, Dohyun had smiled at him...
"There it is again, he smiled."
"But… isn’t he smiling a bit too much?"
Wooyeon knew Dohyun was someone who smiled often. Sometimes his smile was as gentle as a painting, other times mischievous like a fox. He often smiled out of habit when interacting with others, but most of those smiles were polite and didn’t bother Wooyeon much.
This time was different. Every time their eyes met, Dohyun’s smile wasn’t just casual—it was genuinely joyful, just like the angelic smile that had won over Wooyeon’s heart back in the day.
"Yeah… he’s smiling a lot, isn’t he?"
"Why’s he smiling so much? It’s not like he’s agreeing to date anyone."
"Who knows? Maybe I’ll ask for his number after this."
Even if said as a joke, those comments left Wooyeon in a sour mood. His friend, sitting beside him, finally couldn’t take it anymore and reminded the group of freshmen to keep quiet since the lecture was ongoing. The excited group quickly apologized and quieted down, but Wooyeon’s dampened mood didn’t improve.
Why did he have to give a lecture like this? Especially in front of newly minted college students who’d never stepped into the real world. Wooyeon knew how they’d see Dohyun—a professional company employee—as incredibly cool and admirable.
That’s why I fell for him too…
There were countless reasons, but Wooyeon couldn’t deny that he had been captivated by Dohyun’s kindness and maturity. At 16, as a high school student, Dohyun—already 20—had seemed perfect in Wooyeon’s eyes. Just seeing that bright smile was enough to make anyone adore him.
But perhaps because his mood was already off, even Dohyun not telling him beforehand about the lecture irked Wooyeon. Just earlier, they had been texting. Couldn’t Dohyun have mentioned he’d be coming?
Wooyeon knew Dohyun meant no harm, and he’d been so elated to see him earlier that his heart had felt like it could take flight. But still…
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 19
While Wooyeon was lost in thought, two hours quickly flew by. There was a short break in between, but Wooyeon didn’t stand up; he simply stayed seated. Dohyun, busy reviewing the PPT with Ga Ram, didn’t have a chance to chat with Wooyeon.
"Alright, that concludes today’s lecture..."
As promised, Dohyun ended the lecture 20 minutes early, before 6 PM. He glanced at his watch, opened the Q&A session on the screen, and began speaking:
"Next time, if you bring a portfolio summary, I’ll review it with you and provide feedback. Now, if anyone has questions, please raise your hand."
As soon as he finished speaking, a flurry of hands shot up. Typically, lectures weren’t this lively, but the presence of a young senior seemed to spark the students’ curiosity. In fact, about half of the questions seemed to stem from personal interest.
"Wooyeon, aren’t you going to ask anything?"
"Me? Not really."
Wooyeon mumbled his reply, his eyes fixed on Dohyun. Dohyun also glanced in his direction, but Wooyeon couldn’t think of anything worth asking. Truthfully, if he had questions, he didn’t feel the need to ask them right now.
"Alright then… How about you, the one in the hat?"
Dohyun naturally shifted his gaze and called on a male student sitting nearby. The student eagerly stood up and boldly asked:
"Sir, do you have a girlfriend?"
"I do. She’s very beautiful."
The response came immediately, as though it had been anticipated and prepared in advance. It was a playful answer, but enough to elicit groans of protest from the audience.
Dohyun smiled gently with an approachable demeanor and quickly changed the topic.
"Alright, setting aside personal questions, does anyone else have something to ask?"
His calm but firm tone put an end to any further inquiries about his private life. Thanks to Dohyun’s skillful selection of questions, the Q&A session proceeded smoothly. As both an invited lecturer and a reliable mentor, he deserved a perfect score. However, Wooyeon couldn’t shake off a strange feeling.
"He seems so familiar."
Perhaps Dohyun had been asked similar questions countless times before. His natural handling of the situation made it seem like he had prepared for this even before the lecture began.
"That’s all for the Q&A session. If you have any additional questions, you can contact me here. I’ll try to respond as soon as possible."
Wooyeon briefly worried that Dohyun might share his phone number, but fortunately, the PPT screen displayed only an email address with a familiar domain. It wasn’t his personal email but a professional one Dohyun often used.
"Sir, give us your phone number!"
"I can’t do that. Using email, I can at least pretend I’m working when I reply."
The bold student’s request was tactfully declined by Dohyun. He explained that it was difficult to check his phone while at work, adding an apologetic expression.
When a few students pulled out their phones, Dohyun stepped back slightly, as if signaling that they could take a screenshot. Perhaps he thought they were capturing the email address, but sometimes they pretended to take a picture of the address just to include him in the frame.
Watching the scene unfold, Wooyeon remained silent, his expression stiff.
"Will those of you attending today come back on Wednesday?"
"Yes, we will!"
The resounding, unanimous reply made Dohyun laugh, as if he found the students endearing. He then bowed politely.
"Then, see you on Wednesday."
Applause erupted, signaling the end of the lecture. Before stepping off the podium, Dohyun turned back and smiled in Wooyeon’s direction. Despite clearly hearing his confirmation of having a girlfriend, the students continued their lively chatter.
The moment Dohyun left the small lecture hall, Wooyeon quickly stood up to follow him. He moved swiftly, but unfortunately, Dohyun was already surrounded by a group of students.
Seeing this, Wooyeon hesitated for a moment before tightening the strap of his bag and summoning the courage to call out.
"Hyung—..."
However, before Wooyeon could finish calling him, someone else called his name from behind.
"Seonbae?"
He froze and turned around to see a familiar face standing behind him. The person had likely called him reflexively and now covered their mouth in embarrassment. After a brief pause, they bowed their head awkwardly.
"Hello, seonbae..."
"Ah..."
It was the freshman who had once invited him to an amusement park. What was their name again? While Wooyeon was still rummaging through his memory, the freshman glanced around nervously and then spoke up.
"Did you listen to the lecture?"
Clearly, this was just a forced attempt to start a conversation out of nervousness. But as soon as they said it, they mumbled to themselves, "Ah, of course you did..."
"Because... your boyfriend... is teaching this lecture, so of course, you listened."
When the freshman said "boyfriend," his face twisted as if he had just swallowed something bitter. It was so funny that Wooyeon couldn't help but chuckle softly. Seeing that, the freshman's face flushed slightly.
"He's... really good at teaching."
"Yeah, he really is."
Any compliment about Dohyun made Wooyeon happy, no matter who it came from. So he nodded casually, and the freshman grimaced again.
"Well, I’ll go ahead then."
Even though he was the one who started the conversation, the freshman bowed his head and quickly scurried away, as if he were a tail that had been stepped on. He used to try following Wooyeon around to the point of annoyance, but ever since leaving the club, this freshman had acted as if Wooyeon were a monster about to devour him. Well, Wooyeon didn’t mind.
So, he stopped paying attention to the freshman and turned his gaze back toward Dohyun. He was still surrounded by students, answering their questions. But in that brief moment, Wooyeon had the feeling that Dohyun’s eyes had brushed past him.
Was it just a feeling? He thought he saw him looking over. For some reason, Dohyun’s face seemed a bit stiff. He was still smiling, but it was the kind of smile Wooyeon once thought seemed fake.
Maybe he didn’t actually see me.
Wooyeon felt a little down, sighing quietly. After all, even if Dohyun had seen him, he couldn’t just abandon the students and come over to him. He wasn’t here to play. The lecture had just ended; there was no way he could drop everything and leave.
"Stop acting like a child."
He muttered to himself and turned to walk slowly toward the door. He planned to leave the building first and then find a suitable place to wait for Dohyun to finish his work. Since he was here, Wooyeon was sure he wouldn’t just leave him alone. He would definitely come back to him.
But just as he took a step, a loud voice from behind called his name.
"Yeon-ah!"
Wooyeon froze. The sense of loneliness that had crept in melted away as if it had never existed. He stood still, not turning around or continuing to walk. In that moment, he heard Dohyun’s voice, tinged with urgency.
"Sorry, wait a minute..."
When Wooyeon slowly turned around, Dohyun was apologizing to the students and quickly making his way toward him. His steps were strong and determined, just like the first time Wooyeon saw him on campus.
His hair was a little messy, and his pace was quicker than usual. When their eyes met, his expression softened.
"Yeon-ah."
In the past, Wooyeon had thought of Dohyun like a shooting star—appearing suddenly during a storm, capturing people's hearts, and then disappearing without a trace. A star that would stop by briefly, then vanish without saying when it would return.
"Why are you going by yourself?"
Dohyun had reached him and grabbed his wrist. His hand slid down gently, intertwining with Wooyeon’s in a gesture that felt strangely familiar. Even though his face showed a bit of haste, his touch was unexpectedly gentle. Wooyeon tightened his grip on his warm hand, slowly replying.
"I thought you were busy."
"I’m not busy anymore. It’s all done."
Even if he were busy, Wooyeon was sure Dohyun would say the same thing. Though he could sometimes be sly like a fox, he wasn’t a real shooting star. He wasn’t an illusion that would just pass by and disappear. He was a solid presence, always there by Wooyeon’s side.
"If you have any questions, just send them via email. There’s another lecture on Wednesday, you can ask then too."
Dohyun spoke to the students still surrounding him, but he didn’t let go of Wooyeon’s hand. Ignoring the confused glances from the students who kept looking back and forth between the two of them, Dohyun turned to Wooyeon and flashed a bright smile.
"Let’s go home."
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 20
On the way home, a message from a classmate who attended the special lecture with him arrived. The message indicated that Dohyun and Wooyeon's relationship had been publicly revealed to everyone. Though curious about how the news had spread, Wooyeon simply responded with a thank you, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"How did you find today’s session?"
As soon as he got in the car, Dohyun kissed Wooyeon twice, expertly buckled him in, and gently asked him. Wooyeon looked at Dohyun's lips with regret, blinked a few times, and then replied:
"It was interesting."
"But it probably didn’t help you much, did it?"
"Yes..."
Wooyeon couldn’t bring himself to say anything fake. To be honest, he had been so absorbed in looking at Dohyun’s face that he only caught half of the lecture. However, thanks to Dohyun’s voice, he still remembered a little, but the information wasn’t particularly useful to him.
"Others might find it helpful."
That was the best response Wooyeon could come up with in that situation. Seeing Wooyeon answer like that, Dohyun smiled lightly and reached out to pat his head with satisfaction.
"Thank you for saying that."
Actually, those words weren’t just polite, but Wooyeon could only brush his hair where Dohyun had touched it. Though he wished Dohyun would touch it a little more, the car had already started moving, so it seemed unlikely to happen.
"By the way... when was this decided? The special lecture today, I mean."
Instead of asking Dohyun for something, Wooyeon chose to ask about what had been on his mind. It was a personal question that he hadn’t dared to ask during the Q&A session of the lecture.
"Did this get decided a long time ago?"
"No. The idea had been there for a while, but the decision to actually do it wasn’t very old. Even though the schedule was approved by the company, I still had to consider my team."
Dohyun explained the situation in his usual calm tone. Initially, he hadn’t planned to participate, but after a sincere request from the professor, he agreed. It sounded like he reluctantly accepted, but the words that followed were full of sincerity.
"And... it was also a chance to meet you at school."
Wooyeon didn’t need to ask "meet who" to understand what he meant. It might be a bit conceited, but Wooyeon believed the main reason Dohyun agreed to the special lecture was to meet him. Maybe that was why he had been secretly observing Wooyeon’s reactions, as if waiting for praise.
"You even texted me this time."
Wooyeon remembered the message from Dohyun a few minutes before the lecture started, playfully telling him to pay attention to the lecture.
"You’re surprising me like this… but if you don’t like it, I won’t do it again next time."
"No."
Wooyeon immediately shook his head. Putting aside everything that had happened today, Dohyun’s unexpected appearances always brought him joy. Whether it was when he came to pick him up at school or when he stepped onto the stage today, it was always the same.
"I love it when you come."
These were Wooyeon’s heartfelt words, and Dohyun surely felt that. However, what Wooyeon really wanted to say was the next sentence:
"But I don’t like others looking at you."
"Huh?"
Dohyun glanced at Wooyeon briefly. Wooyeon lowered his head, fiddling with his seatbelt, and then said:
"Those people keep calling you handsome... and telling you to smile at them too."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. I don’t understand why those first-year students were even at this career orientation..."
Wooyeon’s grumbling ended with a sigh. The more he talked, the stronger the discomfort in his heart grew, and he even began to feel a bit frustrated with Dohyun. But Dohyun just smiled gently, and after a brief pause, he reached out to pat Wooyeon’s thigh as if to reassure him.
"I only smile at you. Because whenever I look at you, I feel happy."
The frustration inside Wooyeon disappeared instantly. Like a gentle autumn breeze, Dohyun's warm pheromones soothed the unease in his heart. He squeezed Wooyeon's hand once before releasing it and turning back to focus on driving.
"No wonder you looked upset earlier..."
The soft murmuring of reassurance made Wooyeon feel at ease. Perhaps Dohyun had been silently observing him, paying attention to his emotions all this time.
"Also, now I think the whole school knows we’re dating."
"That’s true, but..."
Still, it made Wooyeon feel a little lighter. At least now, no one would think Dohyun was single just because he wasn’t wearing a ring. And the assumption that he was smiling at everyone would likely be cleared up as a misunderstanding.
"Next time, can you wear a mask when you lecture?"
"A mask?"
At Wooyeon’s casual suggestion, Dohyun burst into laughter. Wooyeon had intended to say he was serious, but then realized it might make him seem petty, so he just stayed silent.
Dohyun laughed for a while before turning to ask Wooyeon:
"Do you want to wear a mask to school?"
No one understood better than Wooyeon that Dohyun was serious about his words. Unable to reply that he would, Wooyeon gave him a disapproving look.
"The one who needs a mask is you."
"No, I don’t think I need one."
Their small argument quickly shifted to deciding where to eat dinner. Dohyun mentioned he had found a good restaurant nearby, but Wooyeon said he wanted to go home. Today, he wanted to avoid everyone’s eyes and just be with Dohyun.
So, Dohyun’s first special lecture passed by peacefully, with only small and insignificant worries.
The issue arose on Friday, the day of Dohyun's third special lecture.
The second lecture had passed without any incidents. Although there were still many people showing interest in Dohyun, the frequency of such attention had decreased because they knew Wooyeon was present. Even the first-year students, who had whispered excitedly about Dohyun on the first day, now only dared to speak in hushed tones.
"He smiled at you, didn’t he?"
"Stop it, I’m so embarrassed..."
"We don’t stand a chance anyway."
Wooyeon knew that the students didn’t mean any harm. The sight of them blushing and teasing each other only made him think they were cute. Still, the attention on Dohyun didn’t lessen.
"But he really is handsome..."
Saying that the stares didn’t bother him would be a lie. But Wooyeon wasn’t petty enough to let it get to him. He was used to things like this by now.
So, at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dohyun’s final lecture began. He had reviewed the students’ presentations, provided feedback, shared tips on writing resumes and interviewing. While the content didn’t particularly interest Wooyeon, it was clear the lecture was valuable to the attending students.
"This lecture is now over. Thank you all for participating this past week. If you ever have the opportunity to work at my company, be sure to come say hello."
A perfect ending with a thank-you that left no room for regret. Amidst the loud applause, Dohyun left the podium without a second glance. As the saying goes, "Leave while the applause is still ringing."
"It’s such a shame, today’s lecture was great."
Wooyeon’s classmate voiced the same regret as the other students. But Wooyeon, on the other hand, was in an excited mood, ready to head home with Dohyun. Although he felt a little sad that he wouldn’t be seeing Dohyun at school anymore, he was looking forward to the weekend they would spend together.
"Are you going home with him today?"
"Yeah, that’s the plan."
"Well then, say hi to him for me. See you next week!"
After bidding farewell to his classmate, Wooyeon hurried out of the small lecture hall. Since it was the last day, they had distributed printed materials, which made him pack up slower than usual. Even though there was no need to rush, he still wanted to meet Dohyun before too many people gathered around him.
Sure enough, Dohyun was surrounded by a group of students. Being taller than everyone by at least a head, his face stood out from a distance. His bright smile made him even more refreshing to look at.
Wooyeon was about to approach and suggest they head home together. Tonight, the two of them could have dinner at the restaurant Dohyun had mentioned was good, and then grab some dessert from a nearby shop to take home.
With a light heart, Wooyeon walked with ease. Now that everyone knew he was Dohyun's boyfriend, they automatically made way whenever he got closer.
There was no longer any reason for him to feel jealous…
But suddenly, Wooyeon stopped in his tracks and furrowed his brows. He saw Dohyun accepting a phone from one of the students in the group. Then, while Dohyun was typing something into the phone, Wooyeon froze.
"What’s going on…"
The student, receiving the phone back from Dohyun, smiled brightly and loudly thanked him: "Thank you so much!" The voice rang out clearly, even though Wooyeon was a distance away. Nearby students began to murmur, while Dohyun simply shrugged with a light smile and slipped his hand into his pocket.
No way… This can’t be happening.
Despite trying to deny it, what Wooyeon had just witnessed couldn’t be ignored.
Dohyun – or more accurately, his boyfriend, Kim Dohyun – had just given someone his phone number.
It felt like a blow to the back of the head. Wooyeon felt a deep sense of discomfort, to the point where his face stiffened.
Without saying a word, he turned and left the building.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 21
There were two missed calls from Dohyun. Even though he knew he should answer, Wooyeon just silently stared at the ringing phone. It wasn't because he was angry, but because he didn't know what to say when he took the call.
The image he saw earlier kept spinning around in his mind. The scene of Dohyun accepting the phone, typing something into the device, and the bright smile of the girl.
It was clearly a situation where anyone could see that he was exchanging phone numbers, but Wooyeon understood that it wasn't something that should shock him this much. In lectures like that, many professors even directly write their phone numbers on the board. In fact, leaving only an email address was already considered very polite.
Yes, so that situation...
Was it really necessary to feel like this?
“Ha…”
The frustration overwhelmed Wooyeon, so he pulled his hoodie over his head and lowered his face. He didn't have the courage to go home alone, so he just wandered around and eventually sat down on the stone bench in the center of the campus. This was the place he sat the last time he had stomach pains after eating a hamburger.
“Seonsaeng, I miss you…”
He had missed Dohyun so much that day. Now, that longing remained, but the emotions in his heart were much more complicated. Part of him wanted Dohyun to come and hug him quickly, but another part didn’t want to face him. And on top of that, there was a sense of sulking and feeling lonely.
Wooyeon curled his legs up onto the bench and rested his chin on his knees, sitting in a way that resembled a caterpillar. If Seongyu saw him now, he would definitely burst out laughing and tease him endlessly. But now Seongyu had gone to the military, and there was no one left to say such things.
He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to calm himself.
"Just five minutes. I’ll calm down in five minutes and then call him back."
Just as he thought that, the phone in his hand vibrated again.
[♥Hyung♥]
How does Dohyun always call at the perfect moment? If there’s such a thing as Lady Luck, surely she’s on his side.
“Haa…”
Wooyeon tightly shut his eyes and let out a small sigh. This was the third call; if he didn’t answer, he would feel guilty toward Dohyun. Actually, he hadn’t meant to make him feel this bad.
When he pressed the button to answer the call and put the phone to his ear, there was no sound from the other end. Only a soft rustling noise, followed by Dohyun’s gentle voice calling his name.
“Yeon-ah.”
Ah, it was him. His warm and caring voice always looked straight at him with sincere eyes.
“Where are you?”
“I… I’m…”
His throat tightened, and Wooyeon stopped halfway through his sentence. He swallowed, resting his chin on his knees, staring at the ground. Finally, he managed to answer:
“I’m sitting on the stone bench.”
“The stone bench?”
“Yeah, in front of the Humanities building…”
“I understand. I’ll be there soon.”
He didn’t ask why Wooyeon was sitting there. Dohyun simply responded with a short sentence and hung up. His voice was still calm, as always, but for some reason, it sounded like there was a hint of urgency.
The wait didn’t last long. As Wooyeon stared blankly at the ticking clock, telling himself to calm down in five minutes, footsteps from afar echoed.
Wooyeon didn’t need to call. Both he and Dohyun saw each other from afar, and their expressions immediately changed.
It seemed that Dohyun was feeling hot, as he had taken off his jacket, wearing only a white shirt with his tie loosened a little. He hurriedly walked toward Wooyeon. Stopping in front of him, he bent down to adjust his gaze to match Wooyeon’s level.
“That person earlier was an Alpha.”
Dohyun’s unexpected statement made Wooyeon widen his eyes. He blinked gently, then calmly explained to him:
“She wasn’t asking for my number because she liked me. You could tell she didn’t have any ulterior motive. She said she was going to intern at my company, so I had no choice but to give it to her.”
Dohyun’s words slowly sank in for Wooyeon. He really was sharp. It seemed like he had figured it all out: why Wooyeon had run off, why he was sitting on the stone bench, and why he hadn’t answered the phone.
“You can see all my messages and calls. I won’t make you worry.”
Those were the most reassuring words. Wooyeon had always known Dohyun wasn’t the type to do anything reckless. He understood that with his mind, and his heart softened once again.
But a small bit of sulking unexpectedly slipped out.
“…How do you know she didn’t have any intention?”
The question wasn’t accusing or irritated. Dohyun understood that, so he just gently waited for Wooyeon’s next words.
Wooyeon lowered his gaze for a moment before looking up at him shyly:
“Then… can I give my number?”
“That person was male… and an Omega… so it would be okay to give my number, right?”
Although relationships between Alphas and Omegas had become common, there were still those who freely connected without caring about gender. In fact, not everyone who had shown interest in Dohyun was always an Omega or Beta.
“No.”
Dohyun shook his head firmly. He looked at Wooyeon with a serious expression and repeated the same words Wooyeon had just said:
“How do you know if they have any intention? Anyone who asks for your number the first time they meet definitely has an intention.”
Wooyeon blinked in confusion. Didn’t Dohyun just say earlier that she didn’t have any intention, so he gave her his number?
“I can tell too.”
The retort, laced with a hint of sulking, made Dohyun chuckle softly. It wasn’t mocking, but more like a “what are you saying?” kind of laugh. He brushed his hair away from his forehead, adjusted his posture, and responded firmly:
“Still, it’s not allowed. Why would you give your number?”
A feeling of injustice surged in Wooyeon’s chest. So he could give out his number, but not me?
“What if I ever need to?”
“Need for what?”
“I could also be a lecturer or something…”
Wooyeon knew that reason was childish. After all, many people in his club already knew his phone number. These petty complaints wouldn’t help either of them.
“Why is it okay for you but not for me?”
“I’m really good at rejecting those things.”
“I’m good at rejecting too. I’ve never given my number to anyone.”
But you gave your number today, right? Wooyeon looked at him with a reproachful gaze. Just a moment ago, he had felt fine, but now the sulking had flared up again.
“I’m not like you, always smiling at everyone.”
Dohyun froze for a moment as if lost for words, then gave a dry laugh. Then a somewhat sharp voice came from him:
“But why did you do that with him?”
“Huh?”
Wooyeon didn’t understand what he was referring to. As he was still confused, Dohyun, looking somewhat flustered, spoke with a slightly irritated tone:
“He likes you, and you know that…”
But he didn’t finish his sentence, swallowing his words instead, his expression becoming awkward. He furrowed his brow, covering his mouth with his hand and turning his head away.
“No.”
“It’s not like that.”
The strange feeling Wooyeon had vaguely sensed earlier suddenly flashed in his mind. The times when Dohyun had been overly gentle, the times Wooyeon had gotten upset but couldn’t speak openly, and even the moments when he had seemed distant, not asking or caring about him.
“Sorry, I misspoke.”
That apology felt like the spark that ignited the emotions Wooyeon had been holding inside, emotions even he hadn’t recognized. Everything he had been bottling up seemed to crumble completely.
“It’s not just a slip of the tongue.”
Wooyeon had once heard Jinah say that she hated when her brother kept apologizing. It wasn’t because he was a good person, but because he wanted to avoid things, didn’t want to be bothered. Now, Dohyun was starting to distance himself from Wooyeon.
The anxiety Wooyeon had felt whenever Dohyun held back his words, whenever he kept something to himself, started to make sense. The man who was always so honest with his feelings, was now pulling away in a way Wooyeon couldn’t understand.
“Why have you been like this lately?”
Wooyeon’s question, tinged with a sense of frustration, made Dohyun’s eyes subtly move. Ignoring words like “Am I bothering you?”, Wooyeon avoided his gaze and whispered as if to himself.
“You once said, keeping little things inside will only make them worse.”
“You said, if there’s something on your mind, don’t hide it, just say it.”
Wasn’t it when they first met? It was Dohyun who taught Wooyeon that on the day of the festival, when they sold cotton candy together. He had told Wooyeon that it was okay to be jealous, and to just speak up. He had told him that he could do that.
“If there’s something you’re not happy with about me, why not just say it instead of holding it in?”
“It’s not that I’m not happy…”
Dohyun answered slowly, his expression showing discomfort, before sighing. It was as though he was choosing his words carefully, hesitating for a long while, then whispering softly:
“Because I don’t want to get angry.”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 22
His tone sounded like he was blaming himself, but for Wooyeon, it felt like a shock. He did it because he didn’t want to get angry, but doesn’t that mean Wooyeon has done things that are anger-inducing? So when did those moments happen? In the moments that passed without him even realizing it. If everything keeps building up like this, what will happen when it eventually explodes?
“Things like that don’t need to be said bit by bit.”
In his hazy mind, Wooyeon suddenly remembered Dohyun’s words. The cold feeling back then definitely wasn’t an illusion. At that time, Wooyeon thought maybe Dohyun was just upset, but what if those were frustrations that had built up for a long time?
“Are you about to say something wrong again?”
The question slipped out, making Dohyun widen his eyes. Wooyeon clenched his fists, almost grinding his teeth, and continued.
“You told me to say everything, and now you’re getting mad at me for saying everything, right?”
It wasn’t meant to be a criticism. Wooyeon just had the feeling that if things kept going like this, the situation would repeat itself at some point. And maybe, at that time, it wouldn’t just be a casual remark anymore—Dohyun might actually be so fed up that he couldn’t take it anymore.
“I’m not angry.”
“You are angry.”
“You know that.”
Actually, if it were someone else, that might be understandable, but this was Dohyun. A little discomfort like that wasn’t a big deal. If it had been in the past, Wooyeon might have been cautious, but now he knew it wouldn’t affect their relationship. Even if it felt a little hurtful, with just a few words from Dohyun, everything would be fine.
But looking back now, it turned out that was just Wooyeon’s misunderstanding. In reality, Dohyun, the one involved, was just holding it in because he didn’t want to get angry. Moreover, those feelings had been suppressed to the point that they unconsciously came out.
“Ha.”
The brief sigh wasn’t from Wooyeon, but from Dohyun. He rubbed his head, bit his lower lip, then spoke with a somewhat more agitated tone.
“Yeah, I’m angry. But not at you, at myself.”
“Just because I couldn’t control that bit of jealousy, couldn’t hide my emotions on my face, I got frustrated.”
It was an expression Wooyeon had never seen since they started dating. The last time might have been… when was it? Oh, it was when Dohyun begged to sleep together once, his eyes full of betrayal and hurt, the same look as now.
“But you said you understood, Wooyeon.”
“You said you wouldn’t misunderstand me.”
Those were Wooyeon’s own words, and of course, Wooyeon couldn’t respond. Once emotions spilled out, they couldn’t be stopped. Dohyun quietly added another sentence, his voice lower.
“So that’s why you didn’t say anything that day and came home late because of those words?”
“…Huh?”
His voice didn’t show any anger, but Wooyeon immediately went silent. Perhaps it was because his expression looked so painful, or because this sudden topic made Wooyeon feel flustered.
“Why are you bringing that up all of a sudden?”
Wooyeon reflexively asked, only to realize that he was the one who had started this conversation. If he blamed Dohyun for bringing up the past, wasn’t Wooyeon just digging up his earlier words?
“It wasn’t even 9 o'clock yet. So where’s the late part?”
“I remember you said dinner was at 5.”
Dohyun immediately responded, looking calmly at Wooyeon. His eyebrows slightly furrowed as though he had thought about this a lot.
“If you stopped somewhere, you should have at least sent a message. I thought you were just coming home late, but were you keeping secrets from me while meeting someone?”
“That’s…”
In fact, Wooyeon thought Dohyun was working, so that’s why it was like that. When he arrived at the café, he didn’t get any messages, so he didn’t think to report anything. During their conversation at the café, Wooyeon hadn’t even noticed the message notifications.
“I did send a message when I was on my way home.”
But among all the excuses, Wooyeon chose the worst one. Unable to suppress the frustration, the words came out sharply.
Did that sharp emotion reach Dohyun? He asked again, his voice just as cold.
“Only 5 minutes before you got there?”
“Didn’t you think to contact me at all during the more than three hours you were at the café?”
“I thought you were working. You said you’d be late that day…”
“You can still send a quick message while working.”
“If I didn’t see your message, I could have called you.”
“I didn’t want to bother you…”
The conversation, which was desperately trying to find faults, suddenly came to a halt when Dohyun hesitated at the end of his sentence. He seemed like he was about to raise his voice but then took a deep breath and turned his face away.
A silence enveloped them. Dohyun said nothing, and Wooyeon quietly adjusted his breathing. When Wooyeon’s gaze fell on Dohyun’s throat, he swallowed. His Adam’s apple moved up and down clearly.
“Let’s go home.”
“Let’s talk when we get home.”
On the ride back, the atmosphere was so quiet that it felt as though cold winds were blowing through. Neither of them said a word, and even the occasional sigh became distinct. Ironically, even in this situation, Dohyun still adjusted Wooyeon’s seatbelt, making one almost smile helplessly.
When they got home, Wooyeon took off his shoes and walked in first. He thought time would calm his mood, but for some reason, everything felt even heavier. His mind was tangled with no way to untangle it, and his unsettled feelings didn’t ease.
It seemed Dohyun wasn't doing any better. His face grew colder with each passing moment, and by the time they reached home, his expression had turned completely indifferent. Wooyeon had never seen him look like this before, and it only made his feeling of helplessness and hurt grow stronger.
“Yeon-ah.”
But when Dohyun entered the living room, he unexpectedly called Wooyeon in a gentle tone, so much so that it made Wooyeon freeze. Wooyeon turned to look, only to see Dohyun sigh softly before speaking:
“Who did you meet that day?”
That was where it all started. Wooyeon had unknowingly teased Dohyun when he asked who he had met that day.
“I met Minjeong and Sungjae.”
This time, Wooyeon spoke the truth honestly. He hadn’t said it before because it felt like a silly reason, but Wooyeon never intended to hide who he had met. By this point, that reason seemed insignificant enough not to hide.
“I got caught up in the conversation and didn’t notice the message notifications. That was my fault… but it was only that day. You know, usually, I message you properly.”
Actually, they had never argued about communication before. Wooyeon always made sure to text when changing locations, and Dohyun knew that. Even when Wooyeon occasionally forgot, he never got angry because he understood that Wooyeon never intended to do anything wrong.
“I was going to tell you that day. I was waiting to tell you after I finished showering, but…”
Wooyeon was about to continue, explaining how everything was overlooked at that moment, but the words stopped halfway. He was afraid that if he continued, his pent-up emotions would spill over. But the frustration that had built up over time suddenly burst out when their eyes met.
“It’s because of you that I met them.”
Despite trying to remain calm, Wooyeon’s voice still trembled. Not daring to face Dohyun, Wooyeon lowered his head, staring at the floor. Therefore, he didn’t see Dohyun’s fingers tremble when he heard the choked words.
“I didn’t dare tell you I was being flirted with because I was afraid it would upset you. I didn’t know how much I could say before it’d be okay… So I went to ask for advice.”
Saying those words made Wooyeon feel even more choked up. Would it have been better not to ask for advice at all? If he had followed Minjeong’s advice and been upfront about it from the start, would it have felt like this?
“You told me not to hide anything, so I told you everything. But then you said I didn’t need to say it all. What should I have done?”
Wooyeon even thought that if Dohyun could just give a clear number or limit, it would be so much easier. Not wanting to make him anxious, Wooyeon especially didn’t want to make him angry. The feeling of frustration and guilt made Wooyeon feel like he was in the wrong.
“I know I misspoke. I know you don’t hate me for that… But clearly, you’re still upset.”
The words, coming from his suppressed emotions, didn’t give Dohyun a chance to respond. In fact, Wooyeon didn’t even give him time to answer.
“If you hated me, what good would it do to say it out loud? In the end, you’d just endure it and keep it to yourself…”
Dohyun looked at Wooyeon with an expression of faint helplessness. But when Wooyeon was about to continue, he stopped, realizing something obvious.
So many people showed concern for Dohyun, but Wooyeon had never heard him talk about it.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 23
"Hyung."
Wooyeon lifted his head to look at Dohyun. The complexity in Dohyun's gaze made it impossible to guess what he was thinking or if he was simply quietly listening to Wooyeon's story. Slowly, Wooyeon asked:
"Do a lot of people ask for your number?"
Dohyun's eyes narrowed slightly. It was a small movement, but its meaning was clear. Wooyeon blinked, as if he had just been betrayed.
"But why didn't you tell me?"
"Because telling you would only make you feel worse."
The answer was clear, yet it didn't make any sense. Wooyeon immediately retorted, his voice full of indignation:
"You told me we should share everything!"
The feeling in that moment was so unpleasant that it was beyond words. He felt angry, incredulous, and even embarrassed for not realizing this sooner.
"How could you do this to me? I don't want to be the last to know everything."
"There's nothing to it. I turned them all down..."
Hearing this, Dohyun quickly tried to explain, but his words sounded like a clumsy excuse.
"Anyway, everyone at the company knows I have a partner. There's nothing for you to worry about."
"Even at the company, there are people like that?"
Dohyun's expression shifted to one of typical panic—"Ah, I messed up." Before Wooyeon could say anything else, Dohyun quickly shook his head.
"Not many. It's not worth mentioning."
Dohyun was genuinely smart. Didn't Sungjae hyung always say so? These things could be sensed through experience and intuition. Even if Wooyeon lacked experience, Dohyun had both, and he had surely tried his best to avoid upsetting Wooyeon.
"Still, there are a few, aren't there?"
But Wooyeon couldn't shake his discomfort. He knew he was nitpicking, but this time he couldn't hold back. The frustration inside him was boiling to the surface.
"Yes, a few. Just a few."
Even Dohyun seemed to lose his usual composure. His typically calm voice now carried a hint of urgency.
"Not like you, though, with five times a week—just a few people."
"You mean to say..."
"Wooyeon, do you think I don't care about that?"
Dohyun replied in a restrained tone, covering his eyes with one hand. At some point, the space around them became charged with pheromones, shifting with their turbulent emotions. Dohyun tried to steady himself before continuing:
"Why are you even holding back? If you got jealous every time I told you, I wouldn’t be able to handle it."
"And who are you to decide what I can or can’t handle?"
Wooyeon knew well that Dohyun was a jealous person. They had been together for years, sharing their thoughts and growing closer for over two of those years.
But what frustrated him the most was this:
"Those people don’t actually care about me."
Dohyun’s hand fell away from his face, revealing his dark pupils, as if silently asking, "What do you mean?"
Wooyeon forced himself to speak, though his voice grew quieter.
"They just think I’m easy to approach."
"It’s because they see you in the articles, that’s why."
"How could you say that..."
"I can tell the difference. I’m not an idiot."
Wooyeon answered firmly, his hands clenched into fists. A storm of emotions—anger, hurt, and frustration—swirled within him. The more he spoke, the heavier his chest felt, the relief he had hoped for nowhere in sight.
"Among them, there aren’t many who truly care about me. The ones who make you jealous... there’s really no one at all."
Wooyeon was accustomed to such attention. Even back when he lived in the U.S., plenty of people tried to approach him. That was part of the reason Danny had always been by his side. Most of those people weren’t serious, so a gentle rejection was usually enough for them to back off.
"But you're different."
"When I was in school, a lot of people liked me too."
Wooyeon knew the people pursuing Dohyun were different. Just like how he once felt about Dohyun, there were those who were moved by his kindness and fell for him earnestly. Dohyun claimed Wooyeon wouldn’t be able to handle his jealousy, but Wooyeon had plenty to say about that as well.
"But you never told me about those things..."
The more Wooyeon spoke, the tighter his throat felt, as if swallowing thorns. His swirling emotions weren’t just anger or sadness—they were an overwhelming mix of both.
"If I hadn’t seen it today, you wouldn’t have said anything, would you?"
"You were planning to keep it a secret, weren’t you? About giving your number to that person?"
Wooyeon knew Dohyun wasn’t obligated to share every minor detail. Logically, Dohyun didn’t need to recount every person he interacted with for work. But even understanding this, why did it still hurt so much?
"I told you everything, even things that didn’t matter, even things that upset you. But keeping it all to yourself—what’s the point of that?"
"Wooyeon."
Dohyun stepped closer and grabbed Wooyeon's arm. It was a gesture meant to comfort, but Wooyeon shook him off abruptly. Covering his face with both hands, he swallowed the tears rising in his throat.
"Don’t call me that."
Why was he so confused? The urge to criticize and lash out at Dohyun bubbled up uncontrollably. How could Wooyeon ever know how many people Dohyun had given his number to, or how many times things like today had happened? These endless, troubling thoughts wouldn’t leave him alone.
"Wooyeon, look at me."
Dohyun reached out again. By reflex, Wooyeon lifted his head, but the moment he saw Dohyun’s face so close to his, he winced. Tears spilled over, running down his cheeks.
Through blurred vision, he saw Dohyun’s expression freeze. Wooyeon brushed his hand away once more, quickly covering his face. He tried to wipe away the tears, but his sobs escaped despite his efforts.
"No... I didn’t mean to cry. I wanted to talk this through like an adult, to resolve things properly. But now everything’s a mess, and I don’t know how to fix it."
The conversation circled endlessly without reaching any conclusion. They kept arguing over trivial details. Aside from his past experiences of being bullied, Wooyeon had never really fought with anyone before. He had no idea how to handle this.
"I’m leaving."
Wooyeon covered his face and stepped past Dohyun. If he stayed, he feared he’d drive Dohyun away for good. He worried he’d say something immature or cruel that couldn’t be taken back.
"Where are you going at this hour?"
But the moment Wooyeon took a step, Dohyun grabbed his hand tightly. He was so abrupt that Wooyeon stumbled, nearly falling. Dohyun immediately released him, startled by his reaction. But Wooyeon turned away, distancing himself from Dohyun.
"It’s not late yet."
"It’s already dark outside."
As they argued, time had slipped by, and the sky outside was pitch black. But it wasn’t too late, not really. During their club gatherings, hadn’t they stayed out even later than this? Dohyun was clearly making excuses just to keep him from leaving.
"I’m going. I can’t stay with you any longer."
Wooyeon was equally resolute. He burst into tears, his voice choked with emotion, causing Dohyun to pause. In a voice so soft it was barely audible, Dohyun murmured:
"You don’t want to stay with me anymore?"
This time, Wooyeon froze. He had only intended to step out to clear his mind, but his words had been misunderstood. Before he could explain, Dohyun let out a heavy sigh.
"I’ll go."
And with that, he turned and walked away. Wooyeon didn’t have the chance to stop him or explain.
Dohyun brushed past him, never looking back, and left.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 24
From the time he was 20 until now at 22, they had been in love for two years. That wasn't a short amount of time, and it was enough for Dohyun and Wooyeon to understand each other. During that time, Wooyeon learned what Dohyun liked and disliked, what annoyed him, and what amused him.
They had never had a serious argument; their relationship was so good that others were envious. Beneath the surface, their bond was even closer than it appeared, leading Wooyeon to believe that stories about couples arguing and clashing were just media exaggerations. To Wooyeon, his perfect seonsaeng was also his most perfect lover.
But then, Dohyun left home. After leaving, the only thing he left behind was a short message saying he would temporarily stay at Jinah's house. Friday night passed, then Saturday, and even as Saturday neared its end, there was still no further contact from Dohyun.
Wooyeon picked up his phone, intending to text, “How long is temporary?” but ended up simply scrolling through his contacts and repeatedly turning his phone off. At first, he thought Dohyun would return soon, but as a new day began, all hope shattered. He wanted to call Dohyun, but just as he was about to dial, a surge of injustice welled up inside him.
How could he leave home like that? How could he just go somewhere else on his own? Even though we argued, even though I said harsh words, and no matter how angry he might be, how could he leave like this?
Wooyeon couldn’t eat or sleep. Hunger barely set in before tears started flowing. At times, he lay on the sofa and fell asleep out of sheer exhaustion. He knew the bed would be more comfortable, but he didn’t want to lie alone in the empty room.
This feeling reminded him of the first time he and Dohyun had broken up. Back then, when he found out that his seonsaeng knew his mother, Wooyeon had locked himself in his room and cried all night. That feeling of being abandoned by the whole world had now returned, and he couldn’t bear it.
Then, a sudden question arose in his mind:
Why did we argue in the first place?
The thought came to him after crying to the point where he had no tears left. He began to replay their argument, analyzing everything they had said. He blamed himself, then revisited Dohyun’s words, one by one.
“Earlier, that person was an Alpha.”
If only I had responded calmly back then. If only I hadn’t overreacted or demanded unreasonable attention. Dohyun had already tried to make amends, so why did I keep saying things to hurt him?
Wooyeon wanted to reconcile, but he didn’t know how. A simple apology seemed like the easiest solution, yet he couldn’t bring himself to say it. He wrote and rewrote the message, “When will you come home?” but never sent it. What if Dohyun didn’t reply? What if he called and Dohyun didn’t answer? What if he picked up only to hang up angrily? Wooyeon was terrified his heart would break beyond repair.
Why am I so useless?
Why am I so stupid?
Why couldn’t I have just a little more patience, instead of ruining everything?
Wooyeon blamed himself over and over. Dohyun excelled at everything, handling every situation with grace, while he was always like this. He was so angry at himself that his mind felt like it would explode, regretting every unkind word he had spoken to Dohyun.
On Sunday morning, Wooyeon curled up on the sofa, his face swollen from crying. He clutched his fully charged phone tightly, breathing heavily as his blurred eyes slowly closed from exhaustion.
“What if he says he wants to break up?”
The thought accidentally flashed in his mind, making the tears that had stopped start flowing again. He wiped his swollen, nearly bruised eyes and buried his face in his knees, thinking that if he could go back in time, he would do anything to fix this.
Not long after, the phone rang. The default ringtone, unchanged since he bought the phone, echoed through the living room. Wooyeon flinched and looked at the screen. A familiar name appeared before his eyes.
The caller was [Jinah].
***
Jinah had arranged to meet Wooyeon at a café where he had once met Danny. It was a famous coffee chain, even in the U.S., featuring a wooden signboard and large glass walls that allowed a clear view of the patrons inside.
Since he had only washed his face quickly and thrown on a hat, Wooyeon arrived earlier than the appointed time. The café was crowded, as it was the weekend, but there were still a few empty tables for two. He ordered a random drink and sat in a corner, waiting for Jinah.
“Excuse me, are you alone?”
Wooyeon wasn’t sure how long he had been sitting there when an unfamiliar girl approached him. With his face partially obscured by the hat, she could only see his upper body. Without bothering to lift his head, he replied indifferently:
“I have a partner already.”
“Oh, come on, just give me your number.”
“Sorry, I can’t.”
Although Wooyeon responded mechanically, the girl brazenly sat down across from him. It was unusual for someone to behave so directly, and it annoyed him. Just as he was about to say something, he looked up and was startled to see a familiar face.
“You rejected me without even looking?”
A bright smile appeared, and her soft eyes curved in a friendly arc. Wooyeon blinked in surprise as the girl across from him playfully winked.
“My brother must be jealous. You must get asked for your number a lot, huh?”
“Jinah…”
Wooyeon's stiff expression softened.
“What kind of joke is this?” he asked lightly, but Jinah only shrugged nonchalantly before leaning in to study his face closely.
“Look at your eyes—they look just like a goldfish’s.”
Jinah clicked her tongue a few times, then took out her phone and brought it close to Wooyeon's face, leaving him confused about her intentions. When the sound of a photo being taken reached his ears, Wooyeon realized what was happening and quickly raised his hand to block the lens.
“Don’t take pictures.”
“Too late. Already did.”
Jinah replied nonchalantly, tapping on her screen before placing the phone face down on the table. The phone was the same brand as Dohyun’s but encased in a sparkly, jewel-studded cover. Taking a sip from her thermal coffee cup, she got straight to the point:
“So, what’s this all about?”
Her habit of cutting straight to the chase hadn’t changed. Two years ago, Jinah had once dragged Wooyeon out just to scold him with, “Why are you following me?”
“You called me here,” Wooyeon replied, thinking to himself how absurd it was to summon someone and then ask what was going on.
Jinah raised an eyebrow in disbelief before continuing, “He’s at my place.”
A simple explanation, though one Wooyeon already knew. Should he feel relieved that Dohyun hadn’t gone far, or annoyed that he was so close yet unwilling to return?
“By the looks of you, I’m guessing you two had a fight,” Jinah said, narrowing her eyes at Wooyeon. Without needing to hear anything from Dohyun, she could piece the situation together. Especially with Wooyeon showing up at the meeting point with a face that screamed “I’ve been crying.”
“I don’t know what it was about, but if possible, make up and bring him back. Because of him, I haven’t dared to bring my boyfriend home.”
“…You have a boyfriend?”
It wasn’t exactly related to the current situation, but Wooyeon was so surprised that he blurted it out. They still kept in touch occasionally, and yet he had no idea Jinah was dating someone.
Jinah nodded casually and held up her phone. “Just recently. Want to see his picture?”
“You just met him, and you’re already thinking about bringing him home?”
That’s not a good idea, Wooyeon said, intending to offer advice, but Jinah looked at him as if to ask, Are you really one to talk? She didn’t bother showing him the picture as she had suggested. Instead, she suddenly stood up.
“Wait here.”
Jinah went to the counter and returned with a sandwich. Wooyeon thought she was hungry, but to his surprise, she unwrapped it and handed half of it to him.
“Eat.”
Wooyeon blinked in confusion as he took it. At first, he thought she was just sharing because she didn’t want to eat alone. But then Jinah pushed the other half toward him as well.
“Finish it. I’ve already eaten.”
“Why so suddenly? I’m not hungry.”
“Eat it anyway, even if you’re not hungry.”
Click. Jinah snapped a picture of the sandwich—or rather, Wooyeon’s hand holding it.
“…Why do you keep taking pictures?”
“For something.”
“For what, exactly…”
Wooyeon wanted to press further but didn’t have the energy to argue. He opened his mouth to speak but ended up sighing instead. Seeing this, Jinah waved her hand slightly, signaling for him to take his time eating before continuing the conversation.
“What exactly did you and Dohyun fight about?”
Wooyeon wasn’t hungry, and his nonexistent appetite evaporated entirely. When he placed the sandwich back down, Jinah’s face briefly showed disappointment. Wooyeon didn’t notice and slowly began to speak.
“I…”
Where should he start? As he thought back to everything that had happened, a wave of bitterness surged through him. His vision blurred with tears, and his voice came out choked and trembling.
“I said some terrible things to him…”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 25
Silent tears streamed down from eyes that blinked repeatedly. In the blink of an eye, the tears fell uncontrollably, leaving Jinah, who was rarely flustered, wide-eyed as she looked at Wooyeon. He spoke in a quiet voice while using his hands to cover his tear-streaked eyes.
"I guess he's tired of me."
It was a thought he always carried, but voicing it made the feeling all the more real. Dohyun hadn’t come home in two days, and Wooyeon knew it was because he was angry with him. He also feared that they might not be able to reconcile this time.
"Because I lashed out so recklessly… that’s why he’s upset."
Each word he uttered pierced Wooyeon’s heart. Ever since their argument, he had felt like something was wrong with his heart. The anger he had tried to suppress suddenly surged again as he thought about Dohyun leaving.
"How could he just leave home like that?"
When Wooyeon had said he was going out, his original intention was just to take a walk to cool his mind and then return. But he had never imagined being absent for as long as Dohyun, knowing full well it would make him worry. He missed him deeply.
"I only planned to come right back..."
He felt both frustrated and wronged. The more upset he became, the angrier he felt at Dohyun. Yet, the angrier he got, the more he missed him. And then the thought crept into his mind: What if Dohyun truly found him burdensome?
"Since then, he hasn't contacted me at all."
"I heard he’s staying there for a while. Maybe he doesn’t want to see me."
Tears continued to pour from Wooyeon’s eyes, and once they started, it was hard to stop. He clumsily wiped his tears with his hands, prompting Jinah to grab a handful of tissues from the tray and hand them to him.
"Hey… stop crying already. I’m no good at comforting people!"
Jinah, both alarmed and on the verge of tears herself, felt an urge to cry alongside him. People in the café glanced over at the two of them, but it hardly mattered. What unsettled Jinah was the nagging feeling that she had made a terrible mistake.
Even though Wooyeon's beautiful face didn’t lose its charm despite his tears, his sorrowful, almost pitiable expression made Jinah feel guilty for teasing him earlier. The shimmering tears, like dew drops clinging to his long lashes, fell one by one, reminiscent of delicate raindrops.
He really does look like a goldfish.
Jinah sighed and stood up, intending to grab more tissues and some water for Wooyeon to drink. There was a drink on the table, but the Americano didn’t seem like something that suited Wooyeon’s taste at all.
When Jinah returned, Wooyeon was still staring down at the floor. She handed him a fresh tissue.
“Stop crying already. People are starting to think the world is coming to an end.”
Wooyeon nodded and took the tissue, squeezing his eyes shut tightly. But no matter how hard he tried, the tears wouldn’t stop. It seemed he didn’t know how to calm himself down.
Noticing his red and swollen eyes, Jinah thought Wooyeon must have been crying a lot over the past few days.
If he saw you like this, he’d probably pass out.
Jinah thought of Dohyun locking himself away in his room and sighed softly. If he witnessed this scene, he might rush over and fall to his knees to apologize. The truth was, Dohyun hadn’t left out of anger, as Wooyeon believed.
“Him? Get tired of you?”
“No.”
Jinah posed the question as if she already knew the answer, and Wooyeon gently shook his head. Even through his blurry tears, he obediently responded. Jinah found his demeanor so endearing that she couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
“Why would you think that? Stop jumping to conclusions.”
If he weren’t my brother’s boyfriend, I’d have made a move long ago. Jinah lowered her voice, trying to soothe the atmosphere. But right now, even her own boyfriend risked being overlooked because of this situation.
Initially, Jinah had only planned to calm Wooyeon down and help bring Dohyun back. Knowing how deeply her brother loved Wooyeon, she figured this was just a minor conflict. But seeing both of them in such a miserable state made her realize the severity of the situation.
If that’s the case, for my poor brother, I’ll have to step in a little.
“Alright, spill it. Tell me everything. I’m all ears.”
“Well…”
Jinah wasn’t exactly skilled at comforting others, but she listened attentively. Between sobs, Wooyeon began recounting everything that had happened with Dohyun.
“At the start of the semester, a new member joined the club…”
Hearing this, Jinah was briefly surprised but made sure not to miss a single detail. By the time Wooyeon finished, she was left gaping in astonishment. Forgetting any bias she had toward her brother, she blurted out coldly,
“Kim Dohyun, have you lost your mind?”
The remark seemed harsh, prompting Wooyeon to raise his eyebrows in protest.
“It’s not that bad…”
His trembling voice barely escaped, but it didn’t stop Jinah from slamming the table with a loud thud.
“No, listen! He’s the one who told you to be honest, so why act so petty afterward?”
Jinah couldn’t believe her brother, Kim Dohyun, would resort to such childish games in their relationship. While she understood his feelings, if he insisted on open communication, he should take responsibility for his words.
"Also, why give your number to someone? You should’ve given him yours too! Why didn’t he tell you about the harassment at the company? If you're going to do it, at least don't get caught!"
Jinah said, panting, her face flushed with agitation, while Wooyeon merely moved his lips, his face confused. It seemed he had never seen someone react this strongly, and his large eyes widened in curiosity.
"Arguing and then leaving home? Just pack up his stuff and throw it out! Kick him out of the house!"
"Then wouldn’t he just stay at your place?"
"Oh, goodness."
Jinah seemed to have momentarily forgotten her original intention, now visibly embarrassed. She had gotten so caught up in the emotions that she forgot about the plan to bring Dohyun back.
Sorry, Dohyun. Jinah silently apologized to her brother before clearing her throat.
"Well... that’s just me speaking as your friend."
When someone tells a story, people tend to side with the storyteller. Wooyeon had shared all the details, but with the teary face before her, who wouldn’t want to support him?
"If I were his friend, the story would have been different."
"How would it be different?"
"Completely different."
"How so?"
So naive. Wooyeon immediately asked with curiosity. Perhaps he thought he needed an objective perspective, even if the next words might not be pleasant.
"Want to hear it?"
Wooyeon nodded. Jinah smirked and took a sip of coffee. Then, as though completely adopting a new persona, she began the story with calm composure.
"Why didn’t he know how to handle something so small, letting it bother you this much? Who tells every detail when someone asks them to be honest?"
No matter how you look at it, being confessed to five times in one week is a bit much. If he were her boyfriend, she’d probably have gotten angry by the third time. And of course, she’d have snapped and asked, What exactly do you want me to do? Do you want me to get jealous?
"Also, why did you pour him a drink and let him ask for your number? Why didn’t you just give him the whole bottle?"
Wooyeon’s gaze sharpened slightly, but it didn’t look like he was angry—more like he was feeling wronged. Even so, Jinah didn’t plan to stop now that she had started.
"He’s the one who’s gotten drunk and caused trouble before, yet he’s acting all strict with you. Isn’t that a bit too much? Giving your number to a colleague is pretty normal, what’s with the possessiveness?"
Wooyeon’s sharp gaze softened as he seemed to reflect on what she said. He no longer looked defiant. Jinah quietly observed the subtle shift in his expressions before continuing.
"Next time, just leave your number in the lecture. You wrote down your email because you were afraid he’d get jealous, right? Don’t do that anymore. Let him feel what jealousy feels like."
"From the start, you left the house because of him. Where else was he going to go when he left? He should have stopped when you said you didn’t want to argue. Don’t tell him where you are. Let him worry for once."
As Jinah’s harsh words continued, Wooyeon stopped crying. His face returned to a calm expression—well, not exactly calm, but more like he didn’t know how to react.
At least now Jinah felt she had completed her task, lowering her hands that had been crossed in front of her.
"Something like that, right?"
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 26
“…You should have been an actress.”
Wooyeon lightly fiddled with his ear and said. He looked at Jinah’s expression as she furrowed her brows and smirked, finding it both funny and hard to believe in this situation.
“That's true. I guess the entertainment industry didn’t recognize my talent.”
Jinah responded humorously, then handed the glass of water she had poured to Wooyeon. Wooyeon silently watched her hand for a moment, then obediently took it and drank.
Seeing his Adam's apple move as he swallowed, Jinah gently called out.
“Wooyeon.”
His eyes, still watery, turned toward Jinah. They were still clear and sparkling, yet not completely free of sorrow. How was he supposed to go to school tomorrow in this state? Jinah thought to herself, then casually said:
“Every couple has arguments at some point.”
It was an obvious truth that didn’t need to be said aloud. Even Jinah, despite being in a relatively new relationship, had argued over trivial things.
“An argument doesn’t mean breaking up.”
Of course, there were cases where couples broke up after fighting, but Jinah didn’t mention that. Even if there were hundreds of couples who fought and broke up, that didn’t apply to the two of them.
Suddenly, a chill ran down Jinah’s spine, prompting her to ask quickly:
“Wait, do you want to break up?”
“No.”
The answer was sharp, like a knife cutting through. Wooyeon furrowed his brows and stared directly at Jinah.
“Why would I break up?”
What was this?
His expression seemed to indicate he was offended by the question. Just a few minutes ago, he had been worried about whether his partner might be losing interest in him. Clearly, he had no intention of breaking up first.
“If you don’t bring it up, it won’t happen…”
“No, even if you bring up breaking up, it still won’t happen.”
What kind of person was her older brother? A person who, once he’s determined to do something, will see it through to the end. Even though he appeared to easily tolerate everything, what he truly wanted, he would never give up on.
From Jinah’s perspective, Wooyeon was the only one Dohyun would be willing to do anything for, even if it meant giving up everything else. When Jinah started reaching out to Wooyeon, she could feel the unmistakable discomfort from her brother. Part of it was because he feared the family might cause trouble for Wooyeon, but another part was because Wooyeon was so close to her ideal type.
“If he had gotten tired of you because of something harsh you said, he would have broken up with you a long time ago.”
Jinah didn’t know the details, but she knew they had broken up once before. And the fact that Dohyun was the one who took the initiative to bring them back together was something that had surprised her greatly.
“Do you remember when you told me that?”
Now it was Jinah’s turn to return those words. Words that helped her understand Kim Dohyun, the older brother who wasn’t blood-related but was still her family.
“He’s just scared.”
“Scared of being abandoned by you.”
Because he didn’t want the relationship to fall apart, he had been more careful, tried harder, and made efforts to show only his best sides. Jinah said that every day for Dohyun was so stressful that it was hard for anyone to imagine.
“So, crying this much is enough. Call him. He’s waiting for you to contact him.”
At this point, Jinah felt she had done her part and was ready to end the conversation with satisfaction. But she would have ended it, if Wooyeon hadn’t bowed his head and whispered something.
“I don’t know what to say anymore.”
“Huh?”
His hood lowered so much that it cast a shadow over his face. It was hard to tell whether his head was small or the hood was just large, but his face was nearly covered.
“I want to apologize… I want to say I was wrong. But I’m scared, scared that if I say it, he’ll get angry again. I really feel guilty, but I’m also angry.”
As he spoke, Wooyeon occasionally sniffled, not quite crying but gasping for air as though the remnants of sobs were making it hard for him to breathe.
Jinah rested her chin on her hand and chuckled softly.
“You’re just still upset.”
Dohyun had left on Friday evening, meaning it had been nearly 48 hours since they had argued. Jinah wasn’t sure how long the lingering feelings would last, but if they hadn’t spoken since then, it might not have been enough time for the discomfort to fade.
“Some things can only be resolved when you meet face-to-face. And with my brother being as handsome as he is, I’m sure it’s even easier for him to forgive.”
Jinah teased lightly, recalling something Dohyun had said. The first time she met Wooyeon, they had eaten grilled meat and drank soju together. Later, when Dohyun came to pick them up, she pretended to be drunk and slouched in the back seat.
“Seeing your face, I’m not angry anymore.”
At that time, Dohyun didn’t say anything other than focusing on driving, which made Jinah think he was still angry. But no, the first thing Dohyun had said was a sweet confession that made Jinah feel a little embarrassed. Being confident in her drinking abilities, Jinah was sober enough to notice how gentle Dohyun was when interacting with Wooyeon.
Wooyeon seemed to hesitate after Jinah’s words. He didn’t move, staying silent until he looked up and met her gaze. His eyes were red, the corners of his eyes heavy with exhaustion.
“Really, he’s not angry with me?”
“Oh, you look so pitiful!”
Looking at Wooyeon now, he resembled a child who had been scolded by his parents. How badly had they argued that it made him so fearful and disheartened? Jinah, who was used to seeing Wooyeon’s tough side, couldn’t help but feel both surprised and sympathetic.
“Hey, if you’re really worried, maybe wait until tomorrow. My brother might contact you first.”
Jinah silently scolded Dohyun in her mind. How thoughtless! Having a boyfriend who’s the same age as his little sister and still making her go through this.
“And also… if you really wanted to break up, you’d have to meet face-to-face to say it, right?”
Maybe she shouldn’t have said this. Wooyeon’s expression immediately darkened. But soon, he shook his head firmly.
“No breakup.”
“We can’t break up.”
“Of course not.”
That was what Jinah wanted too. Not only because she didn’t want to see them sad, but also for personal reasons: she had become so used to Wooyeon. If possible, Jinah hoped they would just stay together, arguing and making up until they eventually got married.
“Okay, then eat the sandwich. If you don’t, I’ll get scolded.”
“Who will scold you?”
“There’s someone with a really bad temper.”
Jinah didn’t make it clear whether she was joking or serious, but Wooyeon didn’t ask further and simply took the sandwich. His eyes were still red, and seeing him take a bite looked almost like a cute little animal. Jinah almost wanted to take a picture, but then remembered there was something else she needed to do. She took out her phone.
“Oh, right, I haven’t shown you a picture of my boyfriend yet.”
“Not really interested.”
“But just look anyway.”
After advising him so much, she felt it was time to share her own story. Jinah said this while opening several pictures with her boyfriend to show Wooyeon. He only glanced at them and commented with one sentence: “He’s handsome.” But that was the answer Jinah had to ask for before getting.
“Do you want to meet him? Next time, I’ll introduce you.”
“No need…”
“Don’t say that.”
Actually, Jinah didn’t plan on introducing them for real, but she said it to set up another idea in her head. Wooyeon seemed uninterested, but when she said, “Your friend has a boyfriend, don’t you want to meet him at least once?” he seemed to waver.
“You’re not choking right? And you get a stomachache when you drink coffee, right? Order something else.”
“Yeah, but… how did you know?”
“How could I not know?” Jinah thought to herself, her eyes glued to her phone. On the screen was a message exchange between her and Dohyun. The last message made Jinah smile to herself quietly.
In the empty living room, with just a bed and a wardrobe, Dohyun sat alone. He sat on the bed, holding his phone, silently staring at the screen for a long time.
The screen, with the brightness turned up to maximum, revealed Wooyeon’s face, mostly hidden by his hood. Dark circles under his eyes were deep, and his eye bags were red, his eyes swollen to the point where Wooyeon’s thin eyelids looked like two layers. The corners of his eyes still had traces of un-dried tears.
“Haa…”
Dohyun shut his eyes tightly and sighed heavily. There was a burning flame in his chest, but right now, there was nothing he could do to put it out. All he could do was stare at the picture Jinah had sent.
“You bastard.”
The curse wasn’t aimed at anyone else but himself. A terrible person. A madman. Dohyun repeated these words in his mind, the feeling of his insides twisting like they were being torn apart.
He pressed his fingers into his aching eyes, then scrolled down to reveal the conversation between him and Jinah. From the photo Jinah had sent of Wooyeon, to the messages he had sent afterward.
[Give him something to eat.]
[They have sandwiches at that place.]
[Don’t pick the ones with chicken. Wooyeon can’t eat chicken.]
(With a restaurant voucher)
[Please help me.]
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 27
Even Dohyun himself felt that his request was quite petty, but if he didn’t do it, he wouldn’t feel at ease. Wooyeon had probably cried himself to exhaustion before falling asleep, and surely he couldn't eat or drink properly. Just like Dohyun.
Jinah: [——] 01:06 pm
Jinah: [Are you leaving the baby care duties to me now?] 01:06 pm
Jinah: [(image)] 01:10 pm
Jinah: [Task completed] 01:10 pm
Though she replied in a grumbling tone, Jinah quickly agreed to help Dohyun. She even thoughtfully sent a picture of Wooyeon holding a sandwich. His hands were delicate and pale. Dohyun stared at Wooyeon’s hands before sending another message.
[No coffee, okay? It’ll upset his stomach.] 01:15 pm
He added that comment because the drink on the table looked like coffee. Why would he call something that Wooyeon couldn’t drink? He hesitated, wondering if he should suggest ordering a sweet treat as a replacement, but in the end, he couldn't bring himself to send that message.
The "read" notification didn’t appear immediately. Dohyun opened the first photo Jinah sent and stared at it for a while. In the photo, Wooyeon’s eyes were lowered, with a gloomy expression. It was easy to tell it was a face exhausted from crying.
His eyes were swollen and red, and crying like that would definitely give him a headache. Wooyeon’s skin was sensitive, so he couldn’t just use any moisturizer. Dohyun worried that the skin around his eyes might be damaged.
How long had it been since the last time he saw Wooyeon cry like this? It had been two years, since that incident. That was when Wooyeon left him after finding out that Soo Hyang was the one who had introduced him as a tutor.
No, thinking back, this time was even worse than that. At least back then, Wooyeon still acted like he was okay. But in this photo, he didn’t look okay at all. It seemed like Wooyeon had cried right before meeting Jinah.
At first glance, Wooyeon seemed fragile, but in reality, he had a very strong mindset, and it wasn’t easy to make him cry. In fact, he had cried so many times in the past that he became numb to the little things. Recently, the rare occasion when he cried was probably during Seongyu’s farewell and his own graduation ceremony.
“Congratulations on your graduation.”
Just a few months ago, on his university graduation day after four years of study, not including military service. That day, he wore his graduation gown, and Wooyeon tightly hugged him, crying quietly. He pretended not to notice when Wooyeon hid his face in the hem of his gown, but he couldn’t ignore the slight trembling of his shoulders. So, he put the graduation cap on Wooyeon, hugged him tightly, and comforted him for a long time.
If others had heard it, they would say his thoughts were terrible. But honestly, at that moment, he felt happy. Wooyeon was pitiful, but also so cute, and it was so moving that Dohyun’s heart fluttered. He even thought about re-enlisting in the military just to make Wooyeon cry for him again. How could someone like that not make him fall madly in love?
The photo taken that day is still carefully kept by Dohyun in his phone. Although they live under the same roof, after returning home that day, Wooyeon stuck to him all day like chewing gum. He wouldn’t even leave him to take a shower.
Wooyeon's tears during intimacy were common. Every time he couldn't hold back his pleasure and moaned, Dohyun felt a sweet satisfaction mixed with a strange tendency towards sadism. It was this that made him realize he was starting to develop a peculiar preference.
To put it plainly, Dohyun didn’t hate seeing Wooyeon cry.
But not in this way. He didn’t want to see Wooyeon cry in any other place, with such a pained expression, and not beside him. If he had to go through this a second time, he would rather sacrifice his own flesh and blood than endure it.
He blamed himself for his selfish actions—what was so important that it warranted making Wooyeon cry like this? He could have just endured it a little; why did he have to lose his temper? Where had it all gone wrong? He kept replaying the beginning of that mistake over and over in his mind.
"Small things kept bottled up will fester."
"If there's something you want to say, don't hide it."
Yes, that’s right. He was afraid that if Wooyeon kept everything bottled up, he would get hurt. He was scared that Wooyeon would quietly suffer, then one day leave him. He wanted Wooyeon to share everything with him and live happily forever.
"Clearly, you're unhappy with me. But why not say it instead of enduring it like this?"
Dohyun understood where Wooyeon felt betrayed, what made him angry, and what left him feeling wronged.
"Are you planning to slip up and say something hurtful again?"
Surely, Wooyeon was afraid too. Afraid that if he kept enduring, one day he would be hurt beyond repair and wouldn't be able to take it anymore, ending things on his own. Sensitive and perceptive as he was, Wooyeon had likely interpreted that careless remark as a sign of everything falling apart.
"I met Minjeong and Sungjae."
Dohyun was genuinely startled. Was it his actions that had driven Wooyeon to overthink so much? He didn’t want Wooyeon to feel insecure, but perhaps his attempts to prevent it had only deepened that insecurity.
"Did many people ask for your number?"
The moment he realized that what he hadn’t thought of as a mistake was, in fact, a glaring error, Dohyun felt ashamed, as though his belief that he had handled everything perfectly had been shattered.
The betrayal, the injustice, and the pain Wooyeon felt were as palpable as if they were etched into Dohyun’s skin.
He hadn’t told Wooyeon everything because he knew it would upset him, and he didn’t want to ruin Wooyeon’s mood. No, truthfully, it was also because whenever he stood in front of Wooyeon, everything else seemed to fade away from his mind.
"You tell me everything, even the things you shouldn’t, and it makes me uncomfortable… But what’s the point if you’re the one keeping everything inside?"
Dohyun hadn’t considered that his actions might make Wooyeon feel disregarded. He just wanted to protect him but failed to see that his overprotectiveness could make Wooyeon feel like he wasn’t being treated as an equal, like a child who wasn’t respected.
"Yeon-ah…"
So, Dohyun wanted to apologize. He wanted to say he was sorry, admit he was wrong, and promise to share everything from now on. He wanted to say that Wooyeon was so important to him that he couldn’t bear to hurt him. He wanted to express everything he was holding in, so they could talk openly and mend things.
But the moment he saw those tears falling from Wooyeon’s eyes, every thought in his mind disappeared.
It felt as if time had stopped. Dohyun’s mind went blank, his breath caught in his throat. His heart sank heavily, and it seemed like everything inside him froze, leaving him unable to utter a single word.
He was worried.
He was anxious and heartbroken.
No, perhaps it was more accurate to say he was terrified.
"I'm leaving."
"At this hour, where do you plan to go?"
Comforting Wooyeon was usually simple—Dohyun just had to hold him, soothe him, and all his worries would melt away. Not because everything with Wooyeon was easy, but because that was the only way Dohyun knew how to console him.
But as Dohyun was lost in the unfamiliar terror that gripped him, Wooyeon spoke words that utterly shook him.
"I'm leaving… I can't stay with you anymore."
When had it started? Was it when Wooyeon brushed his hand away and walked out? When he said, "Do you think you can convince me with just a few words? I can't trust you." Did Dohyun feel as terrible that day as he did now?
"You don't want to stay with me anymore?"
If that was the case, what was he supposed to do?
Once again, Dohyun felt the crushing pain of being rejected by someone he loved. It was like the ground beneath his feet had collapsed, pulling him into an endless darkness. Before he could fully comprehend that the tightness in his throat was his own pain, Dohyun had already decided to step back.
"Let me go."
And so, he left. He went to this place, the apartment he had lived in before. Now, it was Jinah's home—a place he and Wooyeon had once shared.
Afraid that Wooyeon might worry, he sent a message saying he was at Jinah's. But there was no reply. He retreated to the guest room, ignoring Jinah's puzzled looks, and sank into his thoughts.
"I'm sorry…"
Should he try reaching out? What if Wooyeon was still too angry to see him? What if Wooyeon no longer loved him as much as before? What would he do then?
The thought of seeing Wooyeon ran through Dohyun's mind hundreds of times. He imagined himself kneeling, begging for forgiveness thousands of times. But every time he pictured Wooyeon's tear-streaked face or the sight of him turning his back, Dohyun's mind went blank again.
Knock, knock.
Lost in his thoughts, Dohyun heard a knock at the door. He slowly lifted his head, and Jinah's muffled voice came from outside.
"Hey, I’m back. I brought some food. You should eat something."
"...Okay."
Glancing at the clock, Dohyun realized it was past 2 a.m. Another hour had slipped by as he stared absentmindedly at a photo of Wooyeon.
The past two days had passed like this. He couldn’t bring himself to lie down on the bed, instead spending his time thinking about Wooyeon and staring at his contact number without doing anything. At times, he wanted to go straight home, but the thought of Wooyeon crying because of him kept his feet rooted.
‘How useless. What am I even doing?’
Dohyun sighed and opened the drawer of the bedside table. Inside was a small velvet box. It contained a pair of rings he had secretly bought not long ago, intending to give them to Wooyeon on the day their special training course ended.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 28
Clatter—a small echo sounded as the drawer closed, and Dohyun got out of bed. Even though he hadn’t slept or eaten in days, he didn’t feel sleepy or hungry. Everything seemed detached from reality, a vague sensation as if he were dreaming.
When he opened the door and stepped into the living room, Dohyun saw Jinah sitting on the sofa. She was watching a popular variety show. Sensing his presence, Jinah turned her head, her face lighting up with joy.
“Oh, you finally came out of your room…”
Her words were cut off immediately. Jinah blinked in confusion, then let out a soft chuckle, unclear whether out of surprise or amusement.
“I don’t understand why you two keep arguing,” Jinah remarked, her expression a mix of confusion and amusement.
Even Jinah could tell Dohyun looked awful. For her, his face was the only thing that could "make up for" anything, but now she wasn’t sure it could console anyone anymore.
“I bought sushi; you should eat and rest. Oh, by the way, Wooyeon already ate all the sandwiches.”
“He ate them all?”
“Yes, every single one.”
Oddly enough, just hearing that was enough to make Dohyun feel relieved. Although he was worried whether Wooyeon might feel unwell, there was nothing more he could do.
Dohyun sat down on the sofa opposite of Jinah. Seeing him suddenly leave his room and sit down near her, Jinah raised her eyebrows in surprise. She seemed slightly wary but maintained her calm, waiting.
“What did you talk to Wooyeon about?” Dohyun asked.
“Curious, are you?” Jinah smirked, her expression far from pleasant. She lowered the TV volume with the remote and replied indifferently:
“If you’re curious, ask him yourself.”
Dohyun didn’t respond. If he could do that, he wouldn’t be sitting here. Jinah sighed lightly and answered:
“What else would it be? I just asked why you two were fighting.”
“Why would you ask him?” Dohyun frowned. “You could have asked me.”
Jinah shot him a sharp glance and replied curtly, “I asked you five times already, but you didn’t answer.”
It was true. Ever since stepping into this house, Dohyun had barely had any serious conversations with Jinah. This was also the first time he had seen her since she had opened the door to let him in.
“Why didn’t you go home?” Jinah asked, her tone turning serious.
Dohyun lowered his head, avoiding her gaze, unsure how to respond. Jinah sighed softly, her voice taking on a quieter, heavier tone.
“He cried a lot, you know?”
“This is the first time I’ve ever seen him cry like that.”
Those words hit Dohyun like a punch to the chest. The image of Wooyeon’s tear-streaked face from the photo resurfaced in his mind, making his heart ache.
“He said he doesn’t want to be with me anymore,” Dohyun muttered, his voice barely a whisper.
Jinah looked at him, her expression devoid of surprise but full of disappointment.
“Do you realize,” she said, tapping her index finger lightly on the table, “that if he says he doesn’t want to be with you, that’s exactly when you need to stay?”
“But…” Dohyun started to say something, only to be interrupted by Jinah.
“Even if he truly doesn’t want to be with you, you need to wait until he cools down and then return in a way that makes sense. Otherwise, what’s your plan?”
“Handle the situation delicately. You’re good at that,” Jinah said.
Good? Sure, he was good. Dohyun was confident in his ability to read people. It was both instinctive and a result of his upbringing, as well as his relentless efforts to hone that skill.
“Have you ever fought with someone while in a relationship?” Jinah asked bluntly.
“No,” Dohyun replied calmly.
Jinah shook her head, her face clearly showing dissatisfaction, as though reasoning with him was impossible.
“I mean, not with Wooyeon, but with anyone you’ve dated before.”
However, as soon as she said that, a flicker of doubt crossed Jinah’s face. She thought to herself, Could it be… it’s not what I think, is it? Testing her theory, Jinah asked cautiously:
“You’ve never fought with anyone before… right?”
“That’s right,” Dohyun answered again, his tone still steady.
“Before it even came to a fight, I broke things off.”
Arguments were troublesome. To Dohyun, relationships filled with push-and-pull dynamics or wasted emotions weren’t worth it. The people he had dated before were no different, and even when minor disputes arose, he had never felt heartbroken like this. Occasionally, someone would cry when they broke up, but by then, they had already become strangers, so it didn’t matter anymore.
“That’s why this is so hard,” Dohyun admitted. “I don’t know what to do.”
If simply apologizing were enough, he would have dropped to his knees and begged for forgiveness. Pride or anything else no longer mattered. He was willing to give it all up for Wooyeon to forgive him, just as he had done a long time ago.
But the problem was that their relationship had changed, and their feelings had matured, making Dohyun even more cautious.
"I'm afraid of making him cry again," he admitted.
Demons or anything else—none of it scared him. Even facing death at this moment wouldn’t be as terrifying as seeing Wooyeon’s tears. That moment, when he saw him cry, felt like falling into an abyss, disrupting his sense of reason.
“So, are you planning to break up with Wooyeon?”
Jinah’s deliberate question made Dohyun turn to look at her. That single glance startled her, causing her to shrink back.
“Whoa, that scared me. Can you soften your gaze a little?” Jinah scolded, placing a hand on her chest to calm herself.
When Dohyun lowered his eyes, Jinah let out a relieved sigh. She then leaned forward slightly and spoke in a measured tone:
“You seem like a perfectionist.”
The statement caught Dohyun off guard, at least momentarily.
“If you make a mistake, you’ll either try to avoid repeating it or start over completely,” Jinah continued calmly. She scrutinized him from head to toe as though analyzing him, then murmured,
“It’s like you want to minimize the risk of failure.”
“What are you getting at?” Dohyun asked, his confusion evident.
“Even now, it’s the same. You’ve hurt Wooyeon once, so you’re too scared to take another step,” Jinah explained, her sharp gaze fixed on him.
Dohyun furrowed his brow. Her words, though seemingly general observations, hit uncomfortably close to home. Jinah crossed her arms, raised an eyebrow, and went on:
“You’ve treated him like a precious gem, trying your best to care for him. But then, when you made him cry, it felt like everything fell apart. You wanted to do well, but now you’re afraid the same thing will happen next time, aren’t you?”
“Ha…” A faint sigh escaped him. Not because he wanted to deny what she said, but because he felt utterly exposed. Jinah had put into words emotions he hadn’t even been able to define himself.
“You two broke up once before, didn’t you?” Jinah asked.
“At the time, I thought it was better to start over,” Dohyun admitted.
“Then start over again.”
That was exactly what Dohyun had told Wooyeon before. When Wooyeon said their relationship had been a mistake from the start, he had suggested erasing everything and beginning anew. Thinking back on it now, he found it both amusing and strange, enough to let out a soft laugh.
“Why don’t you become a therapist?” Dohyun teased.
Jinah smirked. “If I did, I’d charge you extra for sessions like this.”
"Oh please, psychology is so boring," Jinah replied dismissively. In fact, she had once dropped out of a psychology program. She joked that if it had been philosophy instead, she might have stuck with it, then added an enigmatic comment about discovering two new talents of hers today.
“But hey, Dohyun,” Jinah called out, her face now devoid of any humor. Her gaze was serious, and above all, her concern was unmistakable.
“Breaking up and getting back together is harder than fighting and making up.”
“I’m not thinking about breaking up,” Dohyun answered firmly. At the very least, this was something he wouldn’t deny.
“I can’t break up with Wooyeon,” he continued.
Without him, he doubted he could keep living. Even if someone better came along, Dohyun would never consider letting go of Wooyeon. It was a promise he had made to himself not long ago. No matter what, the thought of giving up on Wooyeon had never crossed his mind.
“Oh… So you won’t break up because you’re confident you won’t?” Jinah said with a teasing smirk, her lips curling slightly in a mocking grin. She picked up the phone on the table and continued speaking as if it were someone else's business.
“If you’re planning to reach out, you’d better do it quickly. You know how it is, don’t you? Once someone finishes crying, they tend to sort out their feelings pretty fast.”
This time, Dohyun genuinely didn’t understand what Jinah was getting at. But she went on, flashing a sly smile that made her words feel like a sudden punch:
“When Wooyeon feels a bit better, I’m planning to introduce him to someone else.”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 29
"What?"
Dohyun didn’t have time to ask again. Right after Jinah’s words, the phone she was holding started ringing with a "beep-beep" tone. Jinah put the call on speaker and dialed someone.
"Hello."
Hearing the voice on the other end, Dohyun unconsciously held his breath. Even though the voice was husky and deeper than before, he instantly recognized who it belonged to.
"Hey, Wooyeon. Did you get home safely?"
"Yeah... I got home."
It was Wooyeon—the person who had been occupying Dohyun’s thoughts for so long, but he hadn’t had the courage to reach out.
"Why are you calling?"
"Oh, nothing important..."
Jinah looked directly at Dohyun and smiled brightly. Her smile seemed teasing, but all Dohyun could do was stand still, listening intently to the voice on the other end of the phone. It had only been two days since he last heard Wooyeon’s voice, but it felt like his heart was being squeezed.
"Have you thought about what I mentioned earlier?"
"What do you mean?"
"I said I’d introduce that person to you."
"Oh, that..."
Dohyun thought Jinah was just making things up randomly, but clearly, Wooyeon understood what she was referring to. While Dohyun glared at Jinah, Wooyeon replied hesitantly.
"Is that really necessary? I honestly don’t think it is..."
"Oh, come on, just meet them once. It won’t hurt."
Dohyun knew Jinah often did things her way, but he never imagined she would go this far in a situation like this. Ignoring Dohyun’s reproachful gaze, Jinah continued smiling and chatting on the phone as if nothing serious was happening.
"They said they want to meet you. Just meet them; you might think differently after meeting them. You know my standards are high, right? That person is really handsome."
"I know, I just saw the picture."
"Is he handsome?"
"Handsome."
Even though the response sounded reluctant, Dohyun knew Wooyeon wasn’t lying. If the person wasn’t genuinely handsome, Wooyeon would’ve just avoided the question or given no reply. This meant that, in Wooyeon’s eyes, the person was indeed "handsome."
"Just meet and chat. No pressure. Who knows? You might even get closer."
"I don’t think we’ll get close."
Of course, they wouldn’t. Dohyun knew better than anyone how distant Wooyeon could be. Although he wasn’t as guarded as he had been in middle school, Wooyeon still disliked interacting with strangers.
"Come on, what do you think? Will you meet them?"
Dohyun wanted to interrupt immediately, but he forced himself to wait for Wooyeon’s answer. Cutting in now wouldn’t solve anything and would only leave Wooyeon feeling more confused.
Besides, they hadn’t broken up. There was no reason for Wooyeon to agree to this...
"Alright."
"What?!"
Dohyun shot up from his seat. He reached for the phone on the table, but Jinah was quicker. She turned off the speaker, pressed the phone to her ear, and wrapped up the call.
"Alright, I’ll set up a time and let you know later. Bye!"
The call ended. The room suddenly fell into an eerie silence. The heavy atmosphere made it hard to breathe. Dohyun spoke, his voice dropping to a low, stern tone:
"Kim Jinah."
Jinah flinched slightly. Despite always doing things her way, it seemed even she felt uneasy when Dohyun was angry.
"What? Why? What now?" she replied nervously, though she quickly regained her composure, smirking as she waved the phone in her hand.
"What are you going to do now?"
Jinah's cheerful face was unbearably infuriating. Dohyun held his head, closing his eyes tightly before reopening them. His mind was in chaos.
***
Wooyeon set his phone down and sighed. The bright screen still displayed the chat with Dohyun, their last exchanged messages glaring back at him.
Dohyun: [I’ll stay at Jinah’s place for now.] 09:04 PM
"For now… until when?"
It had been three days since Dohyun left home. Last night was yet another sleepless one for Wooyeon. When dawn broke on Monday, he resolved to reach out to Dohyun. He had been clutching his phone since early morning but couldn’t think of a single thing to text. In the end, Wooyeon buried his face into his pillow, overwhelmed.
He had cried himself dry, with no tears left to shed. Occasionally, a few drops slid down his cheeks, but even crying properly had become a struggle—he was too drained. His swollen, stinging eyes made wiping away tears feel like torture.
It was already Monday morning, and Dohyun should have been at work, but he still hadn’t come back to pack his belongings. Wooyeon wondered whether Dohyun had any intention of returning or how he planned to go to work without his things. Thinking about Dohyun like this made the sadness swell even more.
"What should I say to him?"
The end of the workday was approaching, but would texting him now bother Dohyun? If not, should he wait until Dohyun got off work?
"But how can I possibly wait?"
Every minute, every second without Dohyun felt endless. Nothing could distract him; no task could ease the ache. Wooyeon, who had endured the storm of public scrutiny and kept going to school, found himself, for the first time, wanting to skip class.
Finally, he mustered the courage to pick up his phone. Deleting everything he had written, he composed a short message: "Are you really not planning to come back?"
But before he could hit send, a message from Dohyun appeared in the chat.
♥Hyung♥: "When you finish school, I'll come to see you."
"!"
Wooyeon shot up from the sofa, rereading the message over and over again, unable to believe his eyes. Not long after, another message from Dohyun followed.
♥Hyung♥: "Let’s talk in person."
"Huh..."
Wooyeon felt his entire body trembling. This was the message he had been waiting for over the past few days. Moreover, the words were eerily similar to what he had been about to write. Rubbing his eyes hard to make sure he wasn’t imagining things, and even pinching his cheek to confirm he wasn’t dreaming, Wooyeon stared at the unchanged name on the screen.
"Ah..."
Tears began to fall again. He had thought he’d cried himself dry, but just one message was enough to overwhelm him. Wooyeon typed back a short reply: "I’ll let you know when school is over." He carefully chose each word, trying to make his message seem composed. The moment he sent it, the "read" receipt appeared immediately.
"Finally, I’ll get to see him."
Wooyeon whispered to himself. At last, he had the chance to apologize.
He reread Dohyun’s message: "When you finish school, I'll come to see you. Let’s talk in person." The words echoed in his mind in Dohyun’s voice. Though there was a faint trace of irritation in the message, only a face-to-face conversation would reveal the truth.
"At the very least, if we're breaking up, we need to meet and talk about it in person."
"No..."
A sudden thought startled Wooyeon, and he shook his head vigorously, trying to banish the negative worries creeping into his mind. He reassured himself that things weren’t that bad, that Jinah had insisted this was just a minor argument.
"That must be it..."
Wooyeon took a deep breath, his heart pounding wildly as if it might leap out of his chest.
"I need to get ready."
Pacing around the living room, Wooyeon muttered to himself before rushing into the bathroom. Initially, he had planned to throw on a cap to cover his messy hair, but the thought of meeting Dohyun made that idea unacceptable. He couldn’t bear to face Dohyun looking disheveled. Resolving to present himself neatly, at the very least to hide his swollen, tear-streaked face, Wooyeon decided to freshen up properly.
After his shower, he chose a collared shirt and a simple sweater—clothes he rarely wore. He added a watch, packed his belongings into his bag, and checked the messages once more. Though there was no additional reply from Dohyun, one important realization struck him.
"How is he going to work like this?"
Wooyeon’s classes would end at 3 PM, but at that hour, Dohyun was usually at the office. He knew Dohyun wouldn’t have mistaken his school schedule, which meant Dohyun must have planned to leave work early.
"Did he take the day off?"
Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter. What mattered most was that, after school, Wooyeon would finally see Dohyun again.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 30
Stepping into school today felt as light as a feather. Wooyeon arrived at class earlier than usual, eager for the lesson to end. Of course, he couldn’t focus on the lecture; his anticipation grew stronger with each passing moment.
He thought, Should I text him to meet right now? But then he wasn’t sure how Dohyun was handling things at work, so he held back. Time crawled unusually slowly today, as if someone was playing a deliberate trick on him.
When the final class ended, another message from Dohyun arrived. He said he would wait at the main gate—a simple text, yet it made Wooyeon's heart race. Coincidentally, the professor had just declared the class dismissed. Wooyeon hurriedly stuffed his belongings into his bag and stood up.
“I’m heading out first.”
“Huh? Oh… okay…”
His classmates looked at him with surprise as he rushed out, but Wooyeon didn’t pay them any attention. Slinging his bag over his shoulder, he quickly made his way to the school gate, almost breaking into a jog without realizing it.
And there he was, Dohyun, standing by the main gate. The man Wooyeon had longed to see, exuding his usual calm demeanor, occasionally glancing at his watch.
Dohyun was dressed in a white shirt and tie, holding a suit jacket—a typical office outfit, but there was something different about him. Both his tie and clothes looked unfamiliar, even to Wooyeon, who knew every item in Dohyun’s wardrobe.
Does he look like he’s ready for a date?
Every time he moved, the contours of his well-built physique were evident beneath the thin fabric of his shirt. His hair, always neat, seemed to have been styled more carefully today. Wooyeon felt a sense of unfamiliarity with this polished appearance; perhaps it was because he was used to seeing Dohyun in casual attire during their evenings together.
Wooyeon stopped a few steps away, hesitant to approach. Dohyun seemed so different today that it made him uneasy. The cold expression on his face did nothing to ease Wooyeon’s anxiety.
At worst, if this is a breakup, he’ll at least start the conversation.
“Damn it, Kim Jinah, why did you have to tell me that?”
Wooyeon took a deep breath, clutching the strap of his bag tightly, trying to calm his racing heart. No matter what, he couldn’t just run away. In truth, the joy of seeing Dohyun again outweighed his fear.
Since they started living together, not a single day had passed without them seeing each other. Even if one of them came home late, they always exchanged goodnight greetings, held hands, kissed, and fell asleep in each other's arms. Yet, that cherished routine had been broken for the past three days.
No fear could overshadow the longing. Wooyeon missed him terribly.
Taking small steps forward, Wooyeon approached Dohyun. After just two steps, Dohyun looked up and noticed him. The moment his cold expression softened, warmth spread through a corner of Wooyeon’s heart.
"Wooyeon."
"Dohyun."
The affectionate way Dohyun called his name nearly brought tears to Wooyeon’s eyes. Thankfully, his voice hadn’t turned cold. Summoning all his courage, Wooyeon closed the distance between them entirely.
The two walked together through the school grounds. Dohyun suggested they take a stroll, and Wooyeon obediently followed. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom, their petals drifting gently to the ground whenever the wind blew, creating a dreamy atmosphere. Even so, Wooyeon couldn’t stop stealing glances at Dohyun.
Should I hold his hand?
The unfamiliar gap between them reminded Wooyeon of the first time he met Dohyun at school as a senior. Their hands occasionally brushed against each other, but the invisible barrier remained unbroken.
Eventually, they stopped at a secluded bench in a quiet corner of the campus. It was far from the main gate, a spot rarely visited by others.
"Dohyun."
"Wooyeon."
Both spoke at the same time, then fell into an awkward silence. Dohyun turned toward him, his gentle eyes gazing directly at Wooyeon.
"You go first," Dohyun said.
The deep black of Dohyun’s eyes made Wooyeon’s heart tremble. He tried to speak, but his mind went blank. Dohyun waited patiently, his gaze tender yet unreadable.
"...I’m sorry."
Finally, Wooyeon stammered the apology he’d rehearsed in his mind a hundred times.
"For being angry... for saying those things... I’m sorry."
No one knew how many times Wooyeon had blamed himself. He regretted not holding back his words, for losing his temper over nothing, and for thinking that if everything had gone smoothly, none of this would have happened.
What shocked him even more was realizing that he didn’t know how to apologize. How could someone go through life without ever making mistakes? But until now, it had always been Dohyun who came forward to mend things, and that made Wooyeon see everything more clearly.
"I know why you didn’t say anything to me. I know you were worried about me too..."
Amid the whirlwind of thoughts in his mind, Wooyeon grabbed onto one and forced himself to speak. Their argument hadn’t been about just one thing, so there was too much he wanted to say, but he didn’t know where to start.
"The thing about giving your number to that person—I didn’t misunderstand. And when I asked about it, I was just joking. It’s just that at that moment, I wasn’t happy..."
Once again, he realized that logic couldn’t always overpower emotions. Even if his mind understood, hurt feelings could still make him say things he didn’t mean.
"The jealousy I feel about people around you, the things at your workplace—I don’t need you to explain everything. It’s just that... I can’t handle my jealousy, and you know that."
But over the past three days, he had cried and washed away much of his sadness. From Friday night to Monday, Wooyeon had reflected hundreds of times on the pain he felt with Dohyun and had finally managed to sort it out.
"I’m sorry for acting childish."
Even though Minjeong and Sungjae said he could be as clingy as he wanted, Wooyeon thought differently. He wanted to be a mature and dependable partner—someone who could stand beside Dohyun as an equal.
"I won’t do it again."
So this apology wasn’t just for Dohyun; it was also a reminder to himself. It felt like a sincere confession, though Wooyeon wasn’t sure how Dohyun would take it.
"And so...?"
Somehow, the more he spoke, the lower his head sank. Half of it was guilt, the other half was relief. Yet a new sadness quietly built up within him.
"So... does this mean you can’t come back now?"
A tear fell silently, leaving a dark mark on the ground. Wooyeon slowly reached out, gently grasping the hem of Dohyun’s shirt. Despite saying he wouldn’t be childish anymore, he couldn’t hide the hurt inside.
"Why..."
"Why won’t you come home...?"
He had wished a hundred times that the longing in his heart could summon Dohyun back.
The one who had reignited the flame in his once-abandoned heart was Dohyun. The man who had sheltered him with an umbrella, comforted him gently, and walked with him across the rain-soaked schoolyard.
"I thought you’d come back right away..."
"But you didn’t..."
Though Wooyeon had grown accustomed to letting go of expectations, his heart couldn’t do the same with Dohyun. Because Dohyun had given him the certainty that there was no need to give up and the courage to hold onto hope.
"I haven’t been able to sleep."
"Without you... because of that..."
Wooyeon noticed Dohyun’s fingers tremble slightly. He wiped away his tears with his free hand.
"Are you still very angry with me?"
"Now... sniff... now you don’t even want to look at me anymore?"
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 31
Dohyun opened his eyes wide, and the coat in his hand dropped to the floor with a thud.
"That's not it."
The answer came after a sob from Wooyeon. Dohyun stood frozen, as if turned to stone, and suddenly reached out to take Wooyeon's hand. His other hand gently pressed against Wooyeon's cheek, caressing it softly.
"It's not like that. What are you saying, Yeon-ah?"
Even the pheromones in his warm voice, which felt like they could melt you, were gentle. Wooyeon tightly shut his eyes, then opened them again, looking at Dohyun with teary eyes. Only then could he clearly see his face.
"It's not because I'm angry that I didn't come back. Why wouldn't I want to look at you?"
His face wasn't expressionless, but stiff. It wasn’t anger; it was probably a tense look from being cautious. It was similar to how Wooyeon had been earlier, overly conscious of everything, to the point where he couldn’t even meet the other person’s eyes.
"Sniff... Then why, why didn’t you come back...?"
As the tension finally snapped, the tears that had long dried up came pouring down like a waterfall. Dohyun, heartbroken, pulled Wooyeon into his embrace.
"I missed you so much."
In that tight embrace, Dohyun's strong heartbeat could be heard clearly—it was his. His heart was thumping loudly, his fingertips trembling, and his voice, soft and almost faint, barely made it out.
"I was afraid you’d cry again."
The last words were whispered so quietly, almost as if he himself felt guilty for saying them.
Still holding Wooyeon tightly, Dohyun bent his head and gently stroked his hair.
"I was afraid you'd cry like this again."
"Sniff...!"
People often cry more when they’re comforted. His voice, full of guilt, made the sense of hurt that Wooyeon had been holding back rise uncontrollably. He wrapped his arms around Dohyun's waist, choking on his sobs as he replied.
"There's no such thing in the world..."
You were afraid I'd cry, so you didn’t come back? Back before we were dating, when you were just a senior, you had held me and comforted me. The reason I cried was because you weren’t there.
"Sniff... I thought... thought you’d never come back..."
"No. How could I do that?"
Dohyun’s tone completely lacked calmness, continuously denying what Wooyeon had said. It wasn’t like that, he had never thought that way. Dohyun hurriedly explained, still holding Wooyeon tightly.
"I thought you didn’t want to be with me anymore."
"You were worried I was angry at you and didn’t want to look at you again..."
While crying like that, Wooyeon couldn’t help but let out a forced laugh. The fact that Dohyun had thought the same as him made him feel both sad and wronged.
"I never... sniff... didn’t want to look at you..."
I just wanted to see you, Dohyun, I never hated you. Even on the day I found out I was bound by Soo Hyang's bond, I still wanted to be in your arms, to be comforted, thinking that maybe everything would be better that way.
"Right, I’m sorry. I was terrible, wasn’t I?"
Dohyun awkwardly apologized, looking just like Wooyeon had earlier. He sniffed, swallowed his tears, and tightened his arms around Dohyun. His neatly pressed suit was now wrinkled, but Dohyun didn’t care at all, focusing only on comforting Wooyeon.
"I’m sorry, Yeon-ah."
"Sorry... I was wrong. Please stop crying."
His voice sounded like a plea. The urgency in his voice was genuine and unmasked, making Wooyeon more moved than any words he had said before.
"Please stop now... okay?"
It took a long time, but Wooyeon’s tears finally stopped falling. Dohyun whispered comforting words in his ear, released gentle pheromones, stroked his hair, and kissed the top of his head. When Wooyeon shivered and calmed down, Dohyun quietly confessed:
"I was wrong."
"Because... this is also my first time."
When Wooyeon heard "first time," he slowly looked up. Dohyun wiped away the tears on his face and kissed the corner of his eye, revealing a shy, awkward smile.
"I don’t know everything either."
That made Wooyeon surprised. He always thought Dohyun had experienced everything, always ahead of him.
"You’re my first love."
Wooyeon didn’t nod, but his eyes blinked slightly in answer. Dohyun was even more careful, gently placing a kiss on his eyelid.
"That’s why, I want to give you good experiences."
"Sniff... But, do you know..."
"How can this be a good experience when you’re crying like this?"
Dohyun chuckled softly and pressed his forehead against Wooyeon’s. Like comforting a child, he rubbed his nose lightly against Wooyeon’s and pulled him back into his arms.
"I wanted to do it well... but I messed it all up."
"I just want you to not feel uncomfortable... I just want you to be happy loving me."
"But... I thought wrong."
Not for a single moment did Wooyeon doubt Dohyun’s sincerity. Now, he understands that the things Dohyun hid were not to deceive him, but to protect him and show his love.
"It’s not that I didn’t want to share with you. I was just afraid of making you suffer more."
His gentle voice soothed Wooyeon’s wounded heart. With a soft sigh, Dohyun confessed again:
"I’m really someone who gets jealous easily."
That was an unexpected confession, even though Wooyeon already knew it well.
"I know."
His voice was light, with a hint of laughter, but not out of amusement. It was more from embarrassment and a touch of guilt.
"But I thought I was hiding it well. How foolish I was."
Should I tell him that he did hide it well? That what was hidden was jealousy, but what couldn’t be concealed was his feelings for me? Those feelings spilled out so much that anyone could understand why Dohyun never set a profile picture of Wooyeon.
"I’m afraid I’ll make you sick of me."
'He’s probably just afraid.'
"I don’t want you to abandon me."
Jinah’s words turned out to be true. Even though Wooyeon had vaguely realized this, hearing Dohyun say it made everything feel heavier. Each time he realized that his seonsaeng also had fears, it felt both strange and hard to describe.
"I’m sorry, I said I wanted to hear everything."
The long sigh was filled with self-reproach. Just as Wooyeon had regretted so many times, it seemed like Dohyun always felt guilty about their arguments.
"If you’re dissatisfied with anything, just say it to me directly. Even if you speak harshly, it’s okay. From now on, I’ll tell you everything..."
"And then we’ll make up."
A noisy reconciliation. For the first time, they realized that arguing didn’t ruin their relationship. Although they no longer argued about the same things, even when new conflicts arose, they could still overcome them.
"I’m sorry for making you cry."
If only they had been able to talk and make up like this back then, everything would have been much easier.
"Haa..."
The sigh mixed with sobs came from a place of guilt and gratitude for him. Because Dohyun had skillfully rearranged the messy words Wooyeon had said. Because of that, Wooyeon felt the need to explain so that he wouldn't misunderstand anymore.
"It’s not that I don’t want to be with you..."
"…"
"It’s just that I’m afraid I’ll say something bad..."
Suddenly, Wooyeon realized that not wanting to speak up because of the fear of arguing felt like this. It wasn’t about being lazy and wanting to break up, but about not wanting to hurt someone important to him.
"I also… didn’t dare to contact you, afraid you’d be angry..."
"Yeah, I understand."
Dohyun gently comforted Wooyeon, who tried to swallow his tears and finally said what he most wanted to say.
"So, please don’t go out anymore."
Originally, Dohyun had only left because Wooyeon told him to, but now he wouldn’t leave. The Dohyun Wooyeon knew would never leave him alone. Although this made him feel that things were unfair, Dohyun still answered gently.
"Okay, I won’t go out anymore."
"And..."
"Yeah, what else?"
Wooyeon hesitated, wondering if he should say it. But he knew if he didn’t say it now, he might never bring it up again. Moreover, he wanted this to become a reality soon.
"Let’s get matching rings."
"Rings?"
"Yes, matching rings..."
The new students in the club had once said that if they were Wooyeon’s partner, they would definitely buy matching rings soon. How could someone like him be free without any sign of it?
"I want matching rings."
"Okay..."
But why was it like this? Dohyun’s response was strangely indifferent. Wooyeon thought he would agree right away, so he couldn’t help but feel a bit confused. He looked up at him and saw a slightly awkward expression on his face.
"Don’t you like it?"
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 32
"No, no, that's not it...
Dohyun narrowed his eyes slightly and pulled away from Wooyeon’s embrace. Ah, I wanted to hold him longer. But even thinking that, Wooyeon obediently stepped back.
After a moment of hesitation, Dohyun adjusted his tie, his gaze briefly avoiding Wooyeon’s.
"...I was planning to set the mood first before giving this."
Wooyeon didn’t have time to ask, “What’s that?”. Before he could even wonder, Dohyun had picked up a jacket from the floor and pulled something from his pocket. It was a velvet box, and inside was...
“A ring?”
“Yeah, a ring.”
Dohyun gave a wry smile. “I’ve messed this up too.” He muttered softly, looking around before gently helping Wooyeon, who was still sitting there in confusion, to his feet. Like being hypnotized, Wooyeon obediently sat down, and Dohyun lowered himself right in front of him.
"Yeon-ah."
Dohyun knelt on one knee and looked up at Wooyeon. Just like that day, the day when the cherry blossoms fell like rain. Just like the time Wooyeon decided to give up on Dohyun, but then got caught in a hopeless spiral when leaning against his back.
Wooyeon widened his eyes and stared at Dohyun.
“When we graduate, will you marry me?”
Wooyeon couldn’t understand the words at first. He blinked once, twice, but his mind was still completely blank. Dohyun continued to observe his reaction, then leaned closer and whispered softly in his ear:
“I will make you happy.”
“I’ll take responsibility... I’ll even tell the chairwoman.”
Dohyun took the ring from the box and gently grasped Wooyeon’s left hand. He placed the box on the seat next to him and carefully selected the ring finger, slipping the sparkling ring onto it. Even while performing that simple act, his fingers trembled slightly.
Fortunately, the ring fit perfectly. Dohyun stared at Wooyeon’s slender fingers for a long while, then intertwined his hand with Wooyeon’s. His strong, clearly defined fingers tightened around Wooyeon’s small hand.
"Let’s live together, Wooyeon."
Wooyeon understood that "living together" now wasn’t just about sharing a home, but a deeper relationship, becoming a family, and walking forward together.
“…Ah…”
Only at this moment did the reality hit him. Dohyun’s smile and the mark on his finger felt like a wave crashing into his mind. It was as if time was moving again, and the warmth from their hands intertwined spread throughout him.
"Will you agree?"
Dohyun’s gentle face, his smile, was different from usual. His eyes were slightly red from embarrassment. Despite his beautiful smile, Wooyeon could clearly feel the nervousness in him.
"I..."
Wooyeon tried to say something, but his throat tightened, unable to produce any words. His heart was overflowing with emotions, to the point where he couldn’t feel the joy, only a mix of worry.
"I will."
"I’ll marry you..."
Just those words from Wooyeon made Dohyun smile as if he was about to melt. His eyes curved, filled with excitement, like a spring breeze. But before Wooyeon could admire the smile any longer, Dohyun bent down, resting his forehead on Wooyeon’s left hand.
"...Ah..."
“Thank goodness."
Dohyun didn’t understand why he felt so tense. His hands, still holding Wooyeon’s, were trembling slightly. Perhaps he had thought he would be rejected? Dohyun chuckled softly, then confidently said:
"Next time, I’ll propose to you in a more proper way. Really grand."
"It’s already perfect now..."
As soon as the words left Wooyeon’s mouth, Dohyun leaned down, kissed the ring he had just put on him, and gently closed his eyes. Then he looked up at Wooyeon and whispered:
"I’ll treat you well."
Although it was just a cliché phrase, Wooyeon knew it was the most sincere promise from the depths of Dohyun’s heart.
When Wooyeon also smiled in return, Dohyun’s gaze suddenly dropped.
"So... don’t meet anyone else, Wooyeon."
The unexpected words made Wooyeon, who had been smiling, freeze. He felt there was something strange in what he said. But before he could think more, another firm sentence rang out:
"I can’t break up with you."
That sentence sounded like a threat. Wooyeon thought so too, but he didn’t intend to argue. However, what surprised him was what Dohyun said next, with a hint of choking:
"I’m still here, so how can you agree to someone else’s introduction?"
"...Huh?"
Dohyun gripped his hand even tighter. Not painfully, but enough to snap Wooyeon awake. He opened his eyes wide, his expression confused, and asked:
"Who introduced me to someone?"
What was going on? Who introduced him? It felt like a strange dream.
"Jinah..."
Dohyun trailed off, not continuing.
"Jinah?" Wooyeon tilted his head, puzzled, causing Dohyun to frown slightly.
"Jinah said she would introduce a man to you."
"...A man?"
Wooyeon blinked, closing his eyes and then reopening them, processing his words: Jinah and a man. When he put these two things together, one person immediately came to mind.
"Jinah’s boyfriend?"
Dohyun’s expression changed in a strange way. This time, he seemed unable to understand Wooyeon’s words. His face was stiff, as though he wanted to ask what that meant, so Wooyeon told him the truth he had learned recently.
"Jinah said she already has a boyfriend?"
Could it be that even Dohyun didn’t know? Wooyeon thought that since Dohyun was her brother, he would have known beforehand, but if he didn’t show it, maybe he hadn’t realized it.
"That’s why she said she wanted to introduce him to you..."
A short breath escaped Dohyun, accompanied by a sudden realization. He smirked as if he couldn’t believe it and immediately asked:
"Was that what you were talking about on the phone?"
"‘Phone? Ah… Were you there when I called?’
Why didn’t he let me hear his voice then? Wooyeon suddenly felt regretful and frowned slightly, while Dohyun sighed softly. He kept his brows furrowed and asked again to be sure:
“Was the part where you said he was handsome also about Jinah’s boyfriend?”
“Yes, Jinah showed me a picture.”
Actually, he was handsome. But not like Dohyun.
“Kim Jinah…”
The low, dark sound made Wooyeon shiver instinctively. Though Dohyun had never gotten angry with him, Wooyeon knew well how terrifying he could be when he was upset. Like when he didn’t hesitate to hit Kang Junseong—the one who always bullied Wooyeon—or how he dealt with a rude senior the last time.
“How could she dare introduce someone else when I’m here.”
That’s why Wooyeon timidly defended Jinah. He wanted to imply that Dohyun shouldn’t believe it. Of course, he didn’t say that even without the brother, there was no need for an introduction.
“That’s betrayal.”
Dohyun suddenly froze as though he had been struck in the back of the head. Perhaps a very ordinary sentence had brought him a new realization.
“That’s true.”
Had his mind been too scrambled?
His low, thoughtful voice clearly echoed in Wooyeon’s ear. Wooyeon suddenly thought that maybe the past few days hadn’t been easy for Dohyun either. If he had been struggling, Dohyun probably had been too—maybe he hadn’t slept, drowning in pain.
“I can’t be apart from you.”
The soft confession echoed exactly what Dohyun had once said. Wooyeon wanted to respond with the obvious answer, "I only have you," but then changed his mind, deciding to say this instead:
“Even if I’m with someone else, I still like you the most.”
He had never imagined being with anyone else. In every future scenario he thought of, Dohyun was always there. To Wooyeon, he was always the best, but it wasn’t just because of that that he loved him. It was because he was Kim Dohyun, because Wooyeon loved him, so it could only be him.
“So don’t worry anymore.”
Actually, he wanted to say: "Don’t be afraid." That he would always be with him, so he should throw away that fear. Because Dohyun had wiped away Wooyeon’s insecurities, now Wooyeon wanted to do the same for him.
“Haa…”
A long sigh escaped Dohyun. He was still kneeling, his head lowered deeply. And at the same time, Wooyeon saw tears falling onto the floor.
Was it raining? At first, he thought so. But when he casually looked up, the sky was clear with no clouds. Those floating clouds didn’t seem like they would drop any rain.
“...?”
So Wooyeon looked back at Dohyun a beat later. The drops of water fell, leaving dark marks on the ground. Wooyeon blinked, and immediately Dohyun stood up from his seat.
“What...?”
Wooyeon also hastily stood up in surprise. Dohyun covered his face with one hand and turned his head away. He sighed deeply, and in that moment, Wooyeon stuttered, calling out to him.
“You... now…”
Is he crying?
But he couldn’t say it aloud. In Dohyun’s quick breath, the sound of crying was clearly escaping. Still holding Wooyeon’s hand tightly, his other hand was pressed against his face, whispering weakly.
“Sorry, wait for me a bit…”
There was still a faint tremor in his words. The wet, shaky voice was completely different from Dohyun's usual self. The person who was always calm and mature, who had always seemed like a seonsaeng to Wooyeon, was now crying.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 33
"Wait a moment."
When something is too unexpected, you really can’t say anything. Wooyeon held his breath, unable to even blink. The image of him covering his face, his thin shoulders trembling slightly, and his fingers twitching a little, all of it was deeply imprinted in his mind.
"Hyung."
Why is he crying, making others feel so heartbroken?
"Hyung, please look at me."
Wooyeon spoke gently, softly shaking the hands that were intertwined with his. Dohyun's hands were so large that they could cover his entire face with just one, making it impossible to see his face clearly. Clearly, he was crying, but he was pretending nothing was wrong, which made Wooyeon even more worried.
"Hurry up."
"Seonsaeng."
"Seonbae."
Finally, when Wooyeon called him like that, Dohyun's brows furrowed slightly. Wooyeon took another step closer, his eyes pleading.
"Can you show me your face?"
He was crying, and Wooyeon just wanted to comfort him, but in this situation, he couldn’t do anything. That’s why he begged, but Dohyun refused very firmly.
"No."
"You look so bad right now."
No matter what he did, he would still look handsome, but Wooyeon swallowed those words. He was afraid that if he said them, Dohyun would misunderstand that he was just curious about his crying face.
"Stop crying."
"I’m not crying."
"You are crying."
Pretending as if nothing happened, but it was already too late. Wooyeon thought to himself, then grabbed Dohyun's left wrist. Unlike Wooyeon, who was wearing a ring, his fingers were still bare.
"I want to put a ring on you."
With just those words, Wooyeon felt Dohyun freeze. He didn’t miss the chance, gently pulling his wrist. Though his pull wasn’t strong, Dohyun didn’t push him away but obediently let him lower his hand. It was as if he was ready to yield to Wooyeon.
Yes, even with little things like this, Dohyun was yielding to him. How could Wooyeon not love someone so gentle, even if he sometimes blamed him?
"You’re too clever."
"I learned from you..."
The soft grumbling made Wooyeon lightly protest. But then Dohyun lowered his head, making it impossible for Wooyeon to see his crying face. There was no other choice, so Wooyeon reached for the ring box on the chair.
"If you wear this, don’t even think about backing out."
Dohyun whispered as if warning him. But he didn’t know, that was exactly what Wooyeon wanted. He had even planned who to invite to the wedding.
The other ring was slightly bigger than Wooyeon’s. When Wooyeon took it out and held Dohyun's left hand, he used his other hand to cover his face. He was really stubborn. Wooyeon muttered, and Dohyun weakly responded.
"It’s just because I’m embarrassed."
"Why be embarrassed?"
"I cried too."
"You’re cute, so it’s fine."
His voice, sweet as honey, made Wooyeon chuckle softly. Even though he had felt this way before, the infatuation was growing deeper each day.
"It’s okay, crying a little is fine."
Wooyeon whispered, carefully putting the ring on Dohyun’s finger. He thought it was a small thing, but almost dropped the ring because his hands were trembling. Now he understood why Dohyun had been shaking earlier.
The gold ring with small stones was perfectly fitted on his hand. When Wooyeon saw that Dohyun was wearing the same ring as him, he could only stare in awe. A small piece of jewelry, just a tiny piece of metal, yet it brought such intense emotions.
"Are you really not going to look at me?"
The last time Wooyeon asked, Dohyun let out a soft laugh as if he had no other choice or couldn’t resist him anymore.
Only then did Dohyun slowly lower his hand. Wooyeon gently reached out, carefully placing his hand on his cheek.
The final revealed face was still drenched in tears. His neat, orderly eyes were now so soaked that even his eyelashes stuck together. When he blinked, a smooth tear rolled down his cheek.
"I told you, you're too clever..."
Dohyun smiled, placing his hand over Wooyeon's. One hand was pressed against his cheek, and the other gently held Wooyeon's hand.
And then.
"I love you with all my heart, Yeon-ah."
Wooyeon widened his eyes. Every time Dohyun’s tears fell, Wooyeon’s heart ached. It was a feeling that was both painful and fulfilling, mixed with a sense of unease in his chest.
Ah, it seems like he’s developed a bad habit.
He never expected to enjoy watching the person he loved cry. But right now, he could understand that feeling. The face contorted in pain, the gentle smile he gave to Wooyeon, all of it made Wooyeon happy.
"Why do you keep crying..."
But Wooyeon also wanted him to stop crying. Crying like that would surely give him a headache, just like the way Wooyeon had cried for several days, even until today.
"Because I’m so happy..."
"Because I love you so much."
That was an honest answer, as if opening up and exposing his innermost feelings. Wooyeon clumsily used his hands to gently wipe the corner of Dohyun’s eyes, carefully and tenderly, just as Dohyun had done for him, making sure not to hurt his eyes.
Looking at him, it suddenly seemed amusing.
"Every time I confess, you cry..."
Two years ago, perhaps during a celebration for the summer break, Dohyun had been more drunk than usual, spilling beer and saying he wanted to step outside for some air. That day, Wooyeon ran after him and confessed that he couldn’t live without him.
"Did you cry?"
Right after hearing the confession, Dohyun had leaned his head on Wooyeon’s shoulder and quietly cried, not revealing his face. Wooyeon had known he was crying only because his shoulder was soaked.
"Yes..."
"You cried that day too."
At that time, Dohyun had said it was because of the alcohol, but this time, he honestly admitted it. Perhaps because Wooyeon had discovered the truth, or maybe now he no longer felt embarrassed.
"Are you going to keep crying?"
If Wooyeon kissed him, would the tears stop? Wooyeon thought to himself and gently asked. It was one thing to cry out loud, but the silent tears made Wooyeon feel even more heartbroken.
Dohyun gently shook his head and leaned his head on Wooyeon’s shoulder.
"Hold me."
Wooyeon slowly reached out, pulling Dohyun into his arms. Due to their height difference, the embrace wasn’t as steady as when Dohyun held him. But Dohyun still patiently allowed himself to sink into Wooyeon’s arms, wrapping his arms around Wooyeon’s waist.
"Tighter..."
Wooyeon held him as tightly as he could, so tightly that it might have hurt, but Dohyun didn’t mind at all and sank deeper into Wooyeon’s embrace. The way he rubbed his face against Wooyeon’s body was completely different from his usual composed self.
He’s doing this on purpose.
Wooyeon realized that. He was intentionally acting spoiled. Normally, he definitely wouldn’t act like this, but today, he seemed to want to try it once.
Dohyun probably still cared about Wooyeon’s apology for acting childish. He was trying to comfort Wooyeon, showing that he wasn’t the only one acting childish, or maybe he wanted to create an opportunity for Wooyeon to comfort him in a more mature way.
No matter what the reason was, Wooyeon didn’t mind. How many chances in life would he get to comfort his crying boyfriend like this? After today, Dohyun would return to being the gentle, caring lover who would soothe him.
"But, hyung..."
After a while, Wooyeon hesitantly spoke up. Although Dohyun had stopped crying, he still hadn’t left Wooyeon’s arms.
"Yeah?"
"What if someone sees us?"
The question came a little too late, but Wooyeon asked it anyway. While he was holding and comforting Dohyun, he suddenly became aware of the present.
This made Dohyun laugh, still burying his head in Wooyeon’s chest without looking up.
"No one comes here. I’ve checked."
Indeed, this place was a secluded corner. So much so that Garam once complained, not understanding why they placed a bench here in the first place, calling it a waste of money.
"Besides, it doesn’t matter if they see us."
This wasn’t wrong either. In fact, Wooyeon didn’t care anymore. He even wished time could stop here forever.
"I wish someone would see..."
The hint of jealousy in his voice made Wooyeon chuckle softly. He found it amusing how Dohyun was jealous while trying to hide his feelings. It was truly an irrational stubbornness.
"And also, Yeon-ah..."
"Yes?"
"You haven’t answered me."
"Answered what?"
Wooyeon was about to ask, then realized what he was referring to. It was the moment when Dohyun had held his hand, cried, and confessed earlier.
A petal gently fell with the breeze, like a light shower of cherry blossoms passing by. Watching the petals drift down, Wooyeon smiled softly and whispered into Dohyun’s ear.
"Today, tomorrow, and forever, I will always love you."
Spring had arrived, and the conflicts between them were closed with a perfect, round period.
_________________________________________________
TLN: Twitter (@ha_gong_)
Special Side Story / Chapter 34
The reason for the situation was very simple. It happened on a summer day when the vacation had just begun—the moment Wooyeon's abrupt words left Dohyun flustered, blinking in speechless confusion.
“What you mean is…”
Dohyun furrowed his brows, trailing off because he still hadn’t fully grasped what he’d just heard. After pondering for a while, wondering if he’d misheard, Dohyun finally asked Wooyeon cautiously:
“You’re curious about my rut?”
“Yes.”
Wooyeon answered without hesitation, then shifted awkwardly. Beneath the blanket, their legs were intertwined. Wooyeon peeked up, his cheeks flushed, and softly continued:
“I’ve never seen your rut before.”
It was a morning like any other, waking up together. As usual, Dohyun woke up first and spent a long moment watching Wooyeon sleep soundly before leaning down to plant a lingering kiss. At that time, Wooyeon was still fast asleep, only stirring awake when Dohyun’s pheromones filled the air.
“You’re awake?”
This was one of Dohyun’s joys: waking up with Wooyeon in his arms. Even though Wooyeon was still groggy and clingy from sleep, he obediently snuggled closer into Dohyun’s embrace.
"Do you want to sleep a little more?"
"No, I'm already awake."
Despite saying so, Wooyeon buried his face into Dohyun's chest and didn’t move for a long while. The warmth radiating from him, like that of a child, was because Dohyun had held him close all night. At first, Dohyun always made sure the blanket covered Wooyeon entirely, fearing he might get cold, but after learning how easily Wooyeon overheated, his worries subsided somewhat.
"Does your back hurt?"
"Um."
Whether it hurt or not was unclear. That vague, drawn-out "um" was ambiguous, but it was so endearing that Dohyun couldn’t help but hold Wooyeon tighter in his arms. Wooyeon frowned and wriggled slightly, looking up.
"You're suffocating me."
Wooyeon complained, but he made no effort to escape Dohyun's embrace. Instead, he quietly allowed Dohyun to place a gentle, apologetic kiss on his forehead.
Until that moment, their morning unfolded as usual. They discussed what to have for breakfast, played around under the covers, and let their pheromones intermingle as they began the day.
"Oh, right."
Suddenly, Wooyeon spoke, making Dohyun pause his caresses along Wooyeon’s shoulder and look at him with tender eyes. Wooyeon averted his gaze, seemingly embarrassed about what he was about to say.
"I want to do something."
"What is it?"
If it’s something you want, just do it. That was Dohyun’s fleeting thought. For Wooyeon—someone with ample money and time—there seemed to be nothing beyond his reach.
"Your rut is coming soon."
"Yeah, so?"
But the topic Wooyeon raised was entirely unexpected. His rut? Why bring that up? Before Dohyun could make sense of it, Wooyeon continued shyly, his face flushing red.
"This time… don’t take your suppressants, okay?"
It was a firm request, despite the hesitance in his voice. Dohyun stopped, surprised, and asked, "What?"
Wooyeon blushed, his eyes glimmering as he answered, "I’m curious about your rut."
That single statement was enough to leave Dohyun stunned. He wondered if Wooyeon truly understood what he was asking, but Wooyeon remained composed as he explained further:
"People say some don’t even take suppressants to experience their rut with their partners."
Dohyun knew that. In fact, it was common for those with partners to skip suppressants.
"But we’ve never done that."
Dohyun had never gone through a rut with anyone. As a dominant Alpha, he always kept strict control over himself, unwilling to lose control or show moments of vulnerability. Since meeting Wooyeon, he was even more determined not to hurt him.
Wooyeon was the same. Except for the one time he seduced Dohyun before they were officially together, he always managed his own heats with suppressants. Moreover, with his personal doctor always monitoring him, it wasn’t difficult for him.
"My heat is coming soon, too…"
"I want to go through it together with you."
Wooyeon expressed his desire to share this experience with Dohyun. Looking at him with expectant eyes, he lowered his head slightly and whispered, "Is that okay?"
"It’s not that it’s not okay."
How could it not be? This wasn’t something Dohyun was forcing. It was Wooyeon who was curious and wanted to try. What Alpha in the world would refuse such a request?
But what worried him was...
"Are you sure you’ll be okay?"
Wooyeon had only ever experienced intimacy with Dohyun, so he probably had no idea what an Alpha’s rut could truly be like. Everything about their relationship was new to him, including his understanding of physical closeness, so it was natural for him to feel a bit lost. Dohyun worried that Wooyeon might find the experience frightening, uncomfortable, or even unpleasant.
"Yes."
But Wooyeon didn’t hesitate, nodding immediately, and even looked as if to ask, “Why wouldn’t it be?” Seeing that, Dohyun couldn’t help but laugh softly.
"Ha…"
Wooyeon shouldn’t say such things while wearing only a thin T-shirt—one of Dohyun’s, no less—and lying defenselessly in his arms. Especially after falling asleep last night like a soaked cotton ball, utterly drained from their moments of intimacy.
"Wooyeon, think carefully about this."
Dohyun knew what Wooyeon was thinking. As someone always curious about the unexpected, Wooyeon was undoubtedly intrigued by this idea. Just like the time they had a heated argument, and Wooyeon ended up staring in fascination at his own tear-streaked face in the mirror.
He must have been curious, wanting to explore and learn more. Dohyun completely understood that desire to try something new. It also meant their intimate moments had left a good impression, making Wooyeon feel comfortable enough to make such a suggestion. If he truly didn’t like it, he wouldn’t have brought it up.
"But aren’t you afraid you might not be able to handle it?"
That was the real issue. Dohyun cared deeply for Wooyeon. Last night, he had done everything he could to ensure Wooyeon’s comfort, yet here he was now, fully awake and so intrigued that he made this bold request. Wooyeon’s initiative was undeniably adorable, but at the same time, it made Dohyun feel that he was just a little too “reckless.”
He wasn’t afraid of anything. As long as curiosity struck, Wooyeon would dive in headfirst—like a tiger cub walking straight into a lion’s den, oblivious to the potential dangers.
"I can handle it."
"Really, it’s no problem."
Wooyeon’s firm tone and determined gaze only strengthened his claim. As if to further convince Dohyun, he added confidently, "I’m a dominant Omega, too."
Dohyun was well aware of that. It was precisely because Wooyeon was a dominant Omega that he could easily suppress regular Alphas and wasn’t easily affected by their pheromones.
"Alright, I’ll agree."
"Really?"
The moment Dohyun answered, Wooyeon’s face lit up with a bright, radiant smile—so endearing that Dohyun couldn’t help but chuckle. But just as he was about to bask in Wooyeon’s excitement, he remembered what he needed to say and tried to maintain a serious demeanor.
"But…"
"But what?"
Wooyeon froze, listening intently, his expression filled with anticipation. Dohyun deliberately adopted a stern tone to “warn” him.
"You’re not allowed to back out halfway."
Of course, this was just empty talk. If Wooyeon ever felt uncomfortable, Dohyun would stop immediately without hesitation. But for now, he wanted to tease him a little, ensuring Wooyeon wasn’t just acting on a whim.
"Even if you pass out, no turning back."
It seemed his words struck a chord because Wooyeon went silent for a moment, lowering his head as though seriously contemplating. Finally, he spoke:
"Will you hurt me?"
The unexpected question left Dohyun momentarily stunned, not because of the question itself but because of Wooyeon’s expression. His sparkling eyes seemed to hold a strange sense of expectation, making Dohyun burst into laughter.
"I won’t hurt you."
Dohyun replied softly, placing a gentle kiss on Wooyeon’s forehead. Wooyeon closed his eyes—whether from disappointment or relief, Dohyun couldn’t quite tell.
And that marked a week before Dohyun’s rut.
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 35
The appointed day quickly drew near. During that time, Dohyun hardly touched Wooyeon. Although there were moments of kissing or stroking his back, his hands never ventured further than that.
Wooyeon couldn’t comprehend Dohyun’s actions. It wasn’t as if they weren’t close every day, but whenever the atmosphere turned intimate, neither of them avoided it. So why was he now behaving as if there was some lingering awkwardness?
When Wooyeon couldn’t endure it any longer and directly asked why they weren’t doing it, Dohyun simply smiled and replied, “Just wait.” Then, he gently placed a kiss, leaving Wooyeon no chance to argue. Doing it later was fine, but why not now? Those words were silenced by Dohyun’s lips.
After enduring repeated moments of longing, Wooyeon’s body became even more sensitive as his heat period approached. Finally, when he couldn’t take it any longer and initiated contact with Dohyun, he was once again firmly rejected.
“No. If we do it now, it’ll be exhausting later.”
Enduring now is what’s truly exhausting—how could it possibly be worse later? Even Dohyun couldn’t entirely hide his arousal, evident from the heat radiating off his skin. Having to hold back while surrounded by pheromones felt like an enormous injustice to Wooyeon.
Eventually, an outrageous idea crossed his mind. Could Dohyun be “punishing” him for suggesting they experience the heat cycle together? But there was nothing deserving of punishment in that.
During a drinking session, a senior once mentioned that it was quite common for couples to go through heat cycles together. Instead of relying on suppressants, responsibly enjoying it was considered better. While most of the group grimaced at the bold statement, Wooyeon had latched onto one specific part.
“Is it really okay to go through the heat cycle together?”
Why hadn’t he thought of that before? As lovers, deeply in love with each other, wouldn’t it be natural to share the experience if their cycles aligned?
To Wooyeon, the heat cycle was nothing but an inconvenient and troublesome flaw he wished no one would ever witness. As a dominant omega, controlling his pheromones during the cycle was an exhausting ordeal, and he hated unintentionally attracting unwanted alphas.
Thus, every time his heat cycle approached, Wooyeon took suppressants to get through it without issue. Suppressants generally worked for him, except for one incident at the age of 20 when his weakened body required an injection instead.
“Please, just do it with me... We’ve done it before, haven’t we?”
On the final day, when he resolved to abandon all reservations to keep Dohyun, it was the first and only time Wooyeon revealed his true self to him during his heat. The result wasn’t ideal, but it was the first time Wooyeon saw Dohyun lose control under the influence of his pheromones.
If they had been in love at that time, would things have turned out differently? Would Dohyun have held him tenderly instead of pinning him to the couch and overpowering him? As he entertained such meaningless hypotheticals, a new question arose in Wooyeon’s mind.
“What about you? What happens during your heat cycle?”
Like him, Dohyun was also a dominant alpha, yet he had never lost control in front of Wooyeon. During their moments of intimacy, Dohyun could occasionally be rougher than usual, but he always maintained respect and restraint.
So, what would Dohyun be like if he truly experienced his heat cycle? Would he completely lose himself? Dohyun’s heat cycles always seemed to pass quietly, which only fueled Wooyeon’s curiosity.
Luckily, Dohyun finally agreed to Wooyeon's proposal, albeit with great hesitation. Whatever concerns he had, Wooyeon didn’t care. All he looked forward to was the day they would go through their heat cycles together.
Of course, he hadn’t expected it to come with this level of restraint.
***
“Tomorrow’s the day, isn’t it?”
The night before Dohyun’s heat cycle, Wooyeon sat on the bed, his face fresh from a shower. He sulked as he asked, filled with frustration, knowing that nothing would happen tonight either. Dohyun smiled, placed a kiss on the top of his head, and replied:
“Yeah, tomorrow.”
Fortunately, the day landed on a Saturday, and Dohyun had taken Monday off. Thanks to the company’s anniversary, he had a total of three days to rest.
“We’ll do it tomorrow, right?”
“Probably.”
At Wooyeon’s blunt question, Dohyun responded with a sweet yet teasing tone. Probably? Why couldn’t he be more certain? But Wooyeon couldn’t bring himself to complain as Dohyun gently stroked his hair. Looking into those loving eyes, his grievances instantly melted away. Instead, he pouted and whined:
“You’re torturing me!”
“Why would I ever torment someone as beautiful as my love?”
Dohyun replied as though it was the most obvious thing, then reached for a pillbox on the nightstand. Inside was the medicine he had been taking nightly, along with a glass of water. For the past several days, Dohyun had been meticulous about taking it on time.
“You’re taking that again?”
When asked about it, Dohyun had said it wasn’t a suppressant, but Wooyeon had no idea what it was. Any time he asked, Dohyun’s response was vague: “Just a precaution.”
“This is the last one for now.”
That was all Dohyun said, and Wooyeon didn’t press further. Since he insisted it wasn’t for an illness, Wooyeon assumed there was nothing to worry about.
“Alright, time for bed.”
The lights in the room went out, and the two of them lay side by side on the bed. Wooyeon instinctively curled up in Dohyun’s arms, wrapping his arms around his waist. Dohyun always claimed he preferred sleeping straight, but before drifting off, facing each other like this brought them comfort.
“Good night, Yeon-ah.”
Perhaps Wooyeon murmured back, “Good night, Seonsaeng,” but he couldn’t quite remember. He thought he’d be too excited to sleep, but the moment he closed his eyes, slumber swept over him. Surrounded by the calming pheromones, like a gentle autumn breeze, Wooyeon quickly fell asleep.
Heat cycles for rare traits didn’t always arrive at the same time. They were unpredictable, like catching the flu: the body would gradually heat up before the storm broke suddenly. While physical signals often hinted at its approach—and cycles for those with dominant traits tended to be more regular—the element of surprise was always present.
This meant no one could predict whether Dohyun would lose control in the morning, afternoon, or evening. While a mild fever might linger, there would eventually come a moment of pheromone eruption—the true beginning of the heat cycle.
Wooyeon assumed that at least by morning, they could still greet each other with normal expressions. Maybe they would chat under the blankets or even enjoy breakfast together. If it happened during the day, there would be time to prepare—or so he silently hoped.
“Mm…”
But as dawn approached, Wooyeon was jolted awake by an unusual sensation. The air around him had become unnaturally warm, and each breath sent a strange tickling discomfort to his stomach.
“What’s going on?”
Opening his eyes, Wooyeon struggled to make sense of the situation. In front of him was Dohyun’s chest, clad in a simple T-shirt. Dohyun’s arm was still under his head, acting as a pillow, with no sign of strain or fatigue. That much seemed normal, but the ragged breaths by his ear made him uneasy.
“Haa…”
“Seonsaeng?”
Startled, Wooyeon called out to him. The heat engulfing him was radiating from Dohyun’s body. Now, Dohyun was burning like a furnace, holding him tightly while letting out faint groans.
“What’s… happening?”
When Wooyeon tried to lift his head, Dohyun tightened his hold, pressing his face against his chest. Wooyeon was about to say something when—
“…!”
A wave of pheromones filled the room, overwhelming Wooyeon’s senses. It was Dohyun’s scent—fresh and comforting. Normally, it had a calming effect on Wooyeon, but this time, it was different.
“Ah…”
Wooyeon let out a soft moan, his body curling in on itself. The moment he fully registered the scent, a fire ignited deep in his stomach. What should have been a gentle, autumn-like breeze was now intoxicatingly stimulating, rich, and alluring.
“The heat cycle… it’s started.”
The bedroom was now saturated with Dohyun’s presence. Even though all Dohyun was doing was holding him, Wooyeon could feel the man’s intense arousal, especially from the rigid, throbbing heat pressing against him below.
“Haa… Yeon-ah…”
Wooyeon’s heart raced uncontrollably. As a dominant omega, he had never met anyone capable of overwhelming him. Those who had tried to dominate him with pheromones had only managed to amuse him with their futile attempts.
But Dohyun was different. His commanding presence was undeniable, forcing Wooyeon to take him seriously. The thick, oppressive pheromones clung to Wooyeon’s skin, awakening every nerve in his body.
“Seonsaeng… you’ve been holding back so much…”
_________________________________________________
Special Side Story / Chapter 36
Wooyeon realized that in front of him, Dohyun had endured and suppressed a great deal. Even though they had been together for several years, this was the first time Wooyeon felt such an intense burst of pheromones, so strong that everything in front of him blurred.
"Hyung..."
Wooyeon called softly, causing Dohyun's body to tremble slightly. Slowly, he lowered his hand to the space between Dohyun's legs, where the arousal was evident. As he gently rubbed the protrusion through the fabric of Dohyun's pants, a soft moan escaped him.
A wave of excitement ran down Wooyeon's spine, making every hair on his body stand on end. What made Wooyeon tremble was not the act itself but Dohyun's response to his touch—a seonsaeng who was always calm and composed now reacting so openly and unrestrainedly.
"You now..."
"Haa... Uhm..."
"You're really... burning up..."
As Wooyeon carefully moved his hand, Dohyun clung tightly to him, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably. He curled up as though he couldn't bear it and grasped Wooyeon's shoulders tightly. Seeing Dohyun flustered and confused, Wooyeon hesitated and softly asked:
"Should I... use my mouth to help you?"
At that moment, Dohyun froze. His sudden reaction left Wooyeon bewildered.
"Ah... I just thought..."
Wooyeon kept his hand in place, averting his eyes awkwardly. He hadn't expected to say such a thing without thinking, but the reasoning was clear.
"I thought... if we relieved it once... it would help..."
"Because you're so hard right now..."
Wooyeon couldn't admit that he was worried this might lead Dohyun to "explode." But Dohyun's deep, dark eyes stared straight at him, rendering Wooyeon unable to say anything more. It seemed like Dohyun wasn’t opposing, yet his reaction was strange.
His eyes seemed unfocused, gazing intently at Wooyeon but not truly seeing him. This made Wooyeon uneasy, and with a hint of irritation, he asked:
"Do you even know who I am?"
"Haa..."
Dohyun smiled faintly, as if he were exhausted or feeling helpless. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on Wooyeon's ear, his voice hoarse:
"Seon Wooyeon..."
"Seonsaeng, please stop teasing me."
Wooyeon's face turned bright red. His heart, which was already beating fast, now raced even more irregularly upon hearing his name called so affectionately. And as if in response, the Omega pheromone from Wooyeon surged out strongly, causing Dohyun to moan softly again.
"Ah..."
Wooyeon clearly felt the tension and movement in the palm of his hand. Even just touching through the layer of pants, Wooyeon could guess the level of hardness if there were no fabric barrier.
"Once first, then continue."
So Wooyeon didn't say anything more, slowly bent down. He thought that instead of words, actions would be better when he saw Dohyun seemed to be losing control. As you crawled down, Dohyun's dazed gaze only followed your head.
Wooyeon's fingers grasped the waistband of his pants, pulling them down along with his underwear, letting it spring out and gently touch his cheek. Instead of avoiding it, Wooyeon gently opened his mouth and took the swollen tip.
"Ugh...!"
The refreshing pheromone scent of Dohyun suddenly filled the air, as if wanting to overwhelm all of Wooyeon's senses. He pushed his mouth deeper, clearly feeling every movement beneath his tongue.
"Haa..."
Although Dohyun had helped him many times before, this was the first time Wooyeon took the initiative. And even though he had suggested it a few times, Dohyun usually just smiled gently and kissed him instead of accepting.
"Don't you want to because you find me clumsy..."
Wooyeon only thought briefly, but then remembered the lustful look in Dohyun's eyes every time he suggested it. You understand that it's not that Dohyun doesn't want to, but because he feels guilty for making you do that.
"Ugh..."
As if to prove that thought, Dohyun groaned, his hand gripping Wooyeon's neck tightly, not enough to cause pain but enough to keep him there. That made Wooyeon more confident, and he continued to gently stimulate him.
"Um..."
He moved his head back and forth and licked around the tip of the penis with his tongue. Just like what Dohyun used to do for him, every action of his was recreated almost perfectly. Inside, the hot and moist mouth envelops the sensitive part, the warm membrane tightly wraps around the body, and the soft tongue coils around like a snake. He tried to simulate all of that as realistically as possible.
"Uh..."
But while moving, recalling what Dohyun had done, his lower abdomen also began to heat up. The back twitched slightly, signaling that the area below had started to become damp.
Wooyeon had been holding back for a whole week out of necessity. Even though he used to think that he had no sexual needs, that has completely changed since he met Dohyun. Every time he met him, he wanted to do it, and even now, as he was touching him, that desire remained unchanged.
One hand grasped the hardening member of Dohyun, while the other reached behind his back. Putting his hand inside his pants, he touched the crack of his buttocks and felt the small hole soaked. He slowly pushed a finger in, twisting his wrist just like Dohyun used to do for him.
"Hmm... Mmm..."
Wooyeon is trying to do something while Dohyun seems too engrossed to react. Perhaps loosening up a bit would help when he penetrates.
However, preparing the back by yourself turned out to be harder than you thought. Even when it was wet enough to easily insert a finger, he still felt scared at the thought of adding a second one. Just doing this alone was enough to make him flustered, let alone now that his mouth was busy with his.
The actions became so chaotic that even he realized it. Maybe kneeling like last time would be better.
While thinking like that, Dohyun's hand tightened around his head.
"!"
A strong push caused his object to penetrate deep into your throat. Startled, Wooyeon instinctively pressed the finger that was inside the small hole against the inner wall. Dohyun's voice echoed right above his head.
"Yeon-ah..."
Dohyun's deep, desire-filled voice reached his ears. With tear-filled eyes, Wooyeon looked up at him while still holding that thing in his mouth. Dohyun was lying on his side, looking down at him, breathing heavily.
"Where did you learn these things?"
"Ah... Um..."
He hadn't even had time to answer that he was learning from the "seonsaeng" himself when Dohyun pushed his hips up again. Just a small movement, but enough to make the hot object touch the back of your throat.
At the same time, the back of him also pushed lightly to increase the stimulation. At least this time, Dohyun didn't go too deep so that he could continue what he was doing.
"!"
With a strong hip thrust, Dohyun gritted his teeth and let out a small moan. The thing he was sucking on jerked violently, and immediately after, a stream of hot semen was released.
"Hmm..."
Semen mixed with saliva filled his mouth. But that didn't bother him because it was filled with Dohyun's pheromones. Without realizing the taste, Wooyeon unconsciously swallowed everything.
"Ha..."
Dohyun let out a soft moan as he slowly pulled his member out of his mouth, causing saliva to stretch into strands and fall onto the bed. Wooyeon trembled all over.
Dohyun quickly helped him calm down. He reached out to pull him up, gently kissed his eyes and cheeks, then hugged him tightly. Wooyeon's fingers, which were busy at the back, were also pulled out.
"Why are you doing this alone?"
You couldn't answer his question full of reproach. Dohyun slid his hand down your back, slipping into your pants just like you had done earlier.
"Ugh..."
Just with a middle finger, the sensation was completely different from when he did it himself. Dohyun's long, slender fingers with distinct joints made him feel tight. And before he could adapt, he added another finger, making him moan from the tightness.
"Ugh... Ah..."
"Sorry, I'm in a bit of a hurry right now..."
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Special Side Story / Chapter 37
Wooyeon was startled and surprised when he heard that, and Dohyun kissed his lips. The lips that had just held the semen didn't make him feel uncomfortable; instead, Dohyun gently comforted him and kissed each one repeatedly.
"That spot... hmm..."
"That's right, over there..."
Wooyeon also didn't intend to refuse. His body was already heating up, unable to be satisfied with just Dohyun's fingers. The only thought in his mind was to quickly finish preparing to receive something bigger and thicker.
"Seonsaeng..."
"Calling me that again, huh."
Fortunately, after the recent ejaculation, Dohyun seemed to have regained some of his composure. Although his face was still dazed, he was no longer in the same state of stupor as before.
"Hurry up... Hurry and put it in..."
Wooyeon moaned, his tone pleading as Dohyun increased the number of fingers from two to three. Although it felt cramped, he couldn't suppress the impatience in his heart.
"Come on... do it... okay?"
The front of him was taut to the point of pain, while the back was soaked, enough to make a squelching sound. Even though Dohyun still touched the spots he liked, it was no longer enough.
"Ha... you're really... tight..."
Instead of pulling his hand out, Dohyun pressed deeper inside, causing Wooyeon to tighten. He gently twisted his wrist, as if to prove what he was saying.
"You are so stubborn, do you know that?"
You shouldn't have made me endure it for a whole week. The feeling of grievance made Wooyeon look at him, her lips gently brushing against Dohyun's lips. Dohyun slowly opened his mouth, letting his tongue in, allowing their breaths and saliva to blend together.
Taking advantage of that moment, Wooyeon released his pheromones, sweet and alluring like a ripe fruit, blending with Dohyun's pheromones. It was a sweet scent that could make any Alpha lose control.
Wooyeon could clearly see Dohyun's nearby eyes becoming darker. His reason was gradually fading away, bit by bit.
Finally…
Dohyun's fingers withdrew, and Wooyeon's vision blurred as he was pinned down by him. Dohyun took off his pants and underwear and threw them aside. Then he placed Wooyeon's legs on his shoulders, ready to take action.
"Seonsaeng... wait!"
"Must wear a condom..."
The warning made Dohyun pause. He taught him this, that regardless of the situation, one must wear a condom. Wooyeon remembered that as an indispensable part of having sex.
"Ah..."
Dohyun paused, took a condom from the bedside drawer, and used his teeth to tear the packaging. That scene made Wooyeon's eyes widen.
"Finally, it's done..."
Even though I've done this countless times, the feeling of excitement still rises. The heat that had accumulated in the body over the past week now seemed to explode, filled with anticipation and a hint of fear.
"Relax now..."
Those words seemed to escape unconsciously as Dohyun placed that thing before his wet entrance. Without a moment's hesitation, he pushed deep inside.
“Ahhh…”
Wooyeon tilted his head back, his breath uneven. The feeling of being torn apart below, combined with the previous stimulation, made him unable to hold back and release everything.
"Ah… aah… hmm…!"
Dohyun didn't let Wooyeon enjoy the afterglow of orgasm. One hand he held onto the bed, the other gripping Wooyeon's knee joint, he began thrusting hard inside without any warning. Not giving him any time to get used to that unusually large size like before.
"Ha... huff, sniff... ah...!"
"Ha, Yeon-ah, uh..."
Dohyun softly spoke in a hoarse voice. That warm, deep voice melted in Wooyeon's ears, blending with the intense pleasure like a storm, making his brain feel like it was melting. As soon as the action began, Wooyeon's mind became blank.
"Ugh... hic... ugh..."
Wooyeon staggered and grabbed Dohyun's arm. Even though his nails scratched hard, Dohyun didn't mind, and even accelerated more. He seemed to be even more aroused by that small action.
"A... seonsaeng, hic, ah... you..."
His mind was numb, to the point where Wooyeon wondered if feeling this wonderful was right. The feeling of ecstasy coursed through every part of the body like electricity. Even though it seemed like he was being pushed mercilessly, in reality, Dohyun was only targeting Wooyeon's favorite spots.
"Aa... huff, sniff..."
Both of them were already too familiar with each other. Even though reason had vanished, Dohyun still remembered what Wooyeon liked, which angles to touch, how much force to use without hurting him, and the limits he could cross.
"Ha... uh, huff...!" You..."
When the pleasure exceeded its limits, Wooyeon couldn't help but call his name. The trembling voice rang out, and as if it were a habit, Dohyun responded. Wooyeon wrapped his arms tightly around him, gasping and pleading.
"Me... sniff, hold me..."
The feeling was so wonderful that it sometimes made Wooyeon uneasy, and when the actions became more intense, he wanted to be held in Dohyun's arms. Only when held tightly in those broad arms could he endure the intense pleasure that felt like free-falling.
"Ha..."
Dohyun sighed, hugging Wooyeon's back into his arms. "Really cute, really..." He whispered. The deeper penetration made Wooyeon arch his back and curl up.
"Ahh!"
“Haa, ahh…”
The rhythm of the thrusts was getting faster and faster. Usually, there would be a break in between, but this time there was none, only an unrelenting rush. Before his eyes, a bright light flashed, and a feeling of intense pleasure burned through his entire body.
Suddenly, Dohyun hugged Wooyeon tightly as if wanting to crush him, pushing deep inside. The feeling of being strongly pressed against the prostate made Wooyeon ejaculate again without realizing it. At the same time, he felt the object inside his stomach also convulsing strongly.
"Haa..."
You know Dohyun has also reached his peak. The trembling fingers and the hoarse breaths through the gaps in his lips told him that.
The relentless actions only ceased after Dohyun reached climax. But even after that, as if unable to resist the lingering pleasure, he continued to gently move his hips. In those moments, Wooyeon could only cling to his shirt, his legs trembling.
Because neither of them took off their clothes, the shirt soaked with sweat became messy. Seemingly uncomfortable, Dohyun gently laid Wooyeon down on the bed and removed the sticky shirt. Then he grabbed Wooyeon's ankle and lifted it up high.
"Huh...?"
Just when Wooyeon thought he would pull out, instead, Dohyun bent down and kissed his smooth calf. His lips glided over the ankle bone, then gradually nibbled lightly on the instep and toes.
"Hic... hic... it tickles too much..."
Wooyeon curled his toes, but Dohyun wouldn't let go. He gently pushed his hips, continuing to caress the soles of his feet, leaving Wooyeon with no choice but to turn around. The sensation from the unfamiliar place and the scene before my eyes were overwhelmingly stimulating.
"I can't take it anymore... sniff... you..."
"Ha..."
Only when Wooyeon pleaded once more did Dohyun release his leg. He slowly pulled the object deeply embedded in him out, bit by bit. The feeling of each part being released from the body was so clear it was uncomfortable.
“ A…”
But after the final part was drawn, Dohyun frowned, looking troubled. Seeing that expression, Wooyeon gasped and whispered:
"What's wrong...?"
Before you could finish your question, Dohyun clarified it himself as he grabbed Wooyeon's thighs, spreading them apart.
"Condom..."
"Huh?"
"The condom broke."
Wooyeon only realized when he looked down. The condom, which was supposed to be filled with semen, was now gone, leaving only the still erect, soaked object.
"Sorry, I'll take it out."
"What..."
"Hic... ah..."
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Special Side Story / Chapter 38
Dohyun's finger slipped into the small, quivering hole. The sensation of the hand probing below made Wooyeon instinctively tighten his thighs. The inner walls, which were already sensitive, now contracted continuously with just a slight movement.
The wet condom sliding out brought a feeling much stranger than imagined. Along with that, the fluid flowing out from the inside probably mixed with Dohyun's semen.
Dohyun withdrew his hand from the quivering entrance and tossed the crumpled condom into the trash can. Then, with a skilled motion, he took off Wooyeon's T-shirt, embraced his bare body, and whispered gently:
"It's okay."
"Huh... what is it...?"
Wooyeon blinked, closed his eyes, and then opened them. His mind was hazy, as if he had just drunk alcohol, unable to concentrate. In response to that reaction, Dohyun gently kissed his cheek as if to reassure him.
"I've already taken the contraceptive pill."
Birth control? A rather surprising word, but it immediately brings back Wooyeon's memories. Those are the white pills that Dohyun regularly took before going to bed a few days ago.
"It's not because of this, but..."
The face with a faint smile briefly showed a look of confusion. It seems he also didn't expect that the condom would break. The meticulousness of even taking Alpha contraceptive pills astonished others, but that only lasted for a moment. Dohyun grabbed Wooyeon's leg once again.
"How lucky, at least..."
"Haa... Ugh..."
Wooyeon hadn't even had a chance to respond to that remark when he was stunned by Dohyun's next move. Unlike before, Dohyun thrust his sensitive part directly into the tight hole without any protection. When the fiery part slid in, Wooyeon let out a high-pitched moan.
"Ugh..."
In the blink of an eye, the inside had swollen to its limit. The sensation of touching the moist, smooth inner walls was completely unfamiliar, both soft and slippery. For Wooyeon, who has never experienced this without a protective layer, this is an overwhelmingly intense stimulation.
"If you don't like it... umm... I'll put on a condom."
Dohyun said that but still slowly moved his hips. It wasn't coercion, but it seemed he was certain that Wooyeon wouldn't refuse. Every time Dohyun moved, he completely filled Wooyeon from the inside.
"Now you..."
"Hmm, uh..."
"I think you won't have the mind to worry about that..."
Even though he had climaxed twice, he didn't feel exhausted at all; on the contrary, the feeling of excitement kept increasing. Just because that thin layer of rubber was gone, the action that was already stimulating now brought a shuddering pleasure.
"Hic... hurry... hurry and do it."
So Wooyeon wrapped his legs around Dohyun's hips, frantically urging him. He clung to him tightly like a koala bear, exuding a sweet pheromone scent, both pleading and alluring.
"Can we do more... please?"
Those words were enough to ignite the fire in Dohyun's heart, which was already excited. When Wooyeon shifted, Dohyun gently pulled back his hips a bit and then thrust deeply inside.
"Haa... uh...uh!"
Wooyeon reacted violently, gripping his shoulder tightly. On the part of Dohyun's shoulder where the tattoo is, long scratches are clearly visible. Because it was continuously injured in the same spot, a faint scar has now formed.
"Um, a…!"
“Haa, uh, Anh…”
Every time the body involuntarily contracts, the clear sensation of the object filling the inside becomes even more vivid. Every detail, from the smooth surface to the prominent veins, is overwhelmingly realistic.
"Um, just... a little more,... just a bit more."
If only I had known how wonderful this was, I would have tried it a long time ago.
Dohyun seemed unaware of Wooyeon's bold thoughts. He wrapped his arms around the slender waist and buried his face in the nape of his neck. His nose touched the pheromone line and rubbed gently.
"Haa..."
As if he couldn't get enough, Dohyun kept savoring Wooyeon's pheromone scent. Meanwhile, he didn't stop his movements. Each time he thrust deeper, the sweet scent of fruit wafted through the air. Right after that, Dohyun opened his mouth and unexpectedly bit down hard on the soft skin.
"A!"
The sharp pain made Wooyeon flinch slightly. On the faint bite mark, his wet tongue glided gently, before he bent down as if to suck it dry, leaving a reddened mark.
"It hurts... ugh, it hurts so much..."
"I will... be gentler..."
Even though he said that, Dohyun didn't stop and continued kissing along Wooyeon's body. At every place he passed, a deep red kiss appeared, like an indelible mark. Finally, his lips stopped at the small, protruding chest.
"Um... ah...!"
Dohyun licked lightly as if savoring a sweet candy, causing Wooyeon to let out a soft moan. Then he lightly bit the sensitive tip, continuing to leave deep kisses, just like he did on the neck.
"Mm... ah... ugh."
The intense feeling spread throughout the body like an electric current. The areas that Wooyeon usually didn't pay attention to have now become unexpectedly sensitive. Not just the chest, but his entire body seemed to have turned into a huge sensitive spot.
"Ah... no, you..."
"Seonsaeng... um..."
The other side, not tended to by his lips, was taken over by Dohyun's hand. His fingers glided lightly, sometimes scratching gently, bringing a feeling of both pain and pleasure. Wooyeon could only gasp, occasionally jerking his body, wrapping his arms tightly around Dohyun's head, trembling incessantly.
"Um... like... huff..."
"Like it?"
"Um... uh..."
Wooyeon's rationality had long since vanished. From the moment he completely enveloped him, all disjointed thoughts were burned away by the flames of passion. You could only plead, "A little more... just a little more," to the point of unconsciously shaking your hips to receive.
"Haa... no... Ugh!"
Dohyun had just thrust deep, and at that moment, Wooyeon reached his third climax. Although the pace was faster than usual, he couldn't resist because he had been immersed in pleasure all this time.
The problem is that even after ejaculation, the orgasm hasn't stopped.
"Ah, ah… honey, hic…!"
Wooyeon's body trembled all over as if having a seizure. Before that unusual reaction, Dohyun laid Wooyeon flat and increased the speed.
"Um, ha..."
The tip of him had touched somewhere inside, deep within the confines. The soft walls seemed to desperately prevent any further advance. Usually, Dohyun would stop here, but today, everything is different.
“A… that place… hic…”
A strange feeling as if the body were being lifted up. And right at the point that seemed to be the end, Dohyun found a small opening to continue.
“A…!"
His rough, hard tip delved deep into uncharted territory. Along with the unfamiliar feeling of floating, a wave of heat began to surge as if something had just burst. Each deep thrust made Wooyeon feel a pleasure even more intense than orgasm.
“…!”
Wooyeon reached the peak of ecstasy, unable to utter a word. His toes curled, and the inside of his stomach seemed completely turned upside down. This is not the first time Wooyeon has reached climax without ejaculation, but today the feeling is stranger than ever.
“That... huff…”
The strangeness continues...
"Something's not right... something feels off..."
Even the words of protest could not be uttered clearly. With a completely blank mind, saliva unconsciously dripped from the slightly parted lips.
“Haa…!”
“Ha, Wooyeon…”
Dohyun, even seeing Wooyeon panting, did not hold back. He gently called Wooyeon's name with a full gaze, then grasped her slender chin and pressed his lips down forcefully.
“Hic…!”
His tongue wrapped around, rough and fiery. Wooyeon received the pheromone he transmitted, while tightening below. Although the deep penetration made Wooyeon feel strange and scared, the excitement of having reached a new area overwhelmed everything.
“Hic… seonsaeng”
Everything unfolded almost instinctively wild. His head of the phallus intruded into places that should have been untouched, completely overshadowing Wooyeon's remaining scant clarity. Each time the tip touched the soft skin inside, strange moans continuously escaped from Wooyeon's mouth.
“Ha… uh… ah…!”
“Cough…”
"Ugh!"
Dohyun tightened his grip on the waist as he pushed deeper. Dohyun tightened his hips as he pushed deeper. This is the second time signaling that he is about to reach climax. Dohyun gritted his teeth so hard that the veins on his forehead bulged and shot forcefully inside Wooyeon.
Because he didn't wear a condom, the semen filled up inside, sloshing around in his belly. It was a strange feeling, and until that moment, Woyeon could still endure it. The problem is when Woyeon reaches the peak once again and feels an inexplicable urge to release.
“…Haa.”
As Woyeon paused, Dohyun started moving again. While Woyeon hesitated, Dohyun began to move again. The inner walls were soaked with Omega's fluids mixed with Dohyun's semen, making everything much smoother. Amid the wet "squelching" sounds, Woyeon instinctively pushed him away.
"Ah, wait a minute..."
But Dohyun didn't let go easily. On the contrary, he even used his large hand to grasp Woyeon's penis. The penis was soft and limp in Dohyun's hand, starting to be stroked and caressed.
"Wait, wait... ah... don't..."
The feeling of danger surged, and Woyeon restlessly shook his head. Even though he was ready to accept everything from Dohyun, something felt off at that moment.
"Don't, don't... hyung, sob!"
It feels really strange. Not just strange, but it feels like something is wrong. The lower abdomen is both itchy and heavy. That's right, just like...
"Let go, let go of me... seonsaeng, ah, no..."
It feels like I need to pee.
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Special Side Story / Chapter 39
It's not the feeling of ejaculation, but the feeling of needing to urinate. A feeling that should never be present when making love with the one you love.
"I don't like this, sob. Please, sob sob..."
"Um, it's okay."
Even though he cried and begged, Dohyun only responded like that. All along, I thought that if he said it was okay, it would be fine, but right now, I can't believe those words.
"Don't hate it."
Dohyun whispered softly and pushed his hips up. He continued to caress Wooyeon's member. Even though he tried to hold back by tightening his stomach, he couldn't resist the hand stimulating his genitals.
"Ah...!"
Finally, Wooyeon could no longer withstand the overwhelming pleasure that surged to the top of his head and relaxed. At the same time, a stream of liquid shot out from his penis. The liquid sprayed out long like a water gun, soaking the palm of Dohyun's hand.
The liquid oozing out was obviously different from the semen he had known before. It was so thin and clear that it could be considered water. However, Wooyeon couldn't suppress the rising sadness, he lowered his head.
"I..."
"I told you I didn't like it, sniff..."
Even while speaking, an unknown liquid continued to seep out. Wooyeon burst into tears and blamed Dohyun. Even though he had seen the most embarrassing moments of yours, this was completely different.
"You said you wouldn't hurt me, sniff, but..."
"Are you in pain?"
With that gentle tone of voice, he couldn't possibly say he was in pain. Not pain, just fear of the unfamiliar feeling. Dohyun understood that childishness well, he used his lips to wipe away Wooyeon's teary eyes and whispered softly.
"Crying both above and below..."
The back of the neck suddenly felt hot. The liquid that was flowing in streams is now only dripping. That made Wooyeon extremely embarrassed, he turned his head away and expressed his resentment towards him.
“Hic, hic. Too perverted. Hu..."
A laugh escaped from Dohyun's mouth. It seemed that in a moment of losing his composure, those words also made him feel guilty. Of course, he couldn't deny that.
"You said it was fine... Right?"
Is there really nothing wrong? When Wooyeon glared at Dohyun with a look of dissatisfaction, he gently wiped the tears from his face. After lifting his chin and giving him a gentle kiss, he let out a short breath with a face full of passion.
"It's not pee... let me see."
The voice was so gentle that Wooyeon couldn't help but soften his previously intense gaze. Even though Dohyun did what you told him not to do, he surely won't lie.
"So, hic, what does that mean?"
"It's just that I feel too strongly..."
Dohyun said while stroking Wooyeon's hair. Although his eyes were still filled with desire, he seemed to be trying to comfort Wooyeon because she was crying. His voice, stretched between syllables, indicated that he was not completely sober.
"So I ejaculated in a different way."
That was a vague explanation that Wooyeon didn't fully understand. He wondered if that was the case, then the seonsaeng should have reacted the same way. But before Wooyeon could point that out, Dohyun had already started moving his hips back.
"Ah... no!"
The lower abdomen bulges out. Because Dohyun had pushed the half-retracted body back in deeply. According to that motion, the accumulated fluid inside oozes out like foam through the gap where they meet.
"Um, huh..."
"Now focus, Yeon-ah."
As always, his words were like magic. Wooyeon wrapped his legs around Dohyun's waist again as if he had never blamed him earlier. Although tears were still lingering, they were also partly remnants of pleasure. The mind, still hazy, is left only with the desire for the beloved in front of them.
"Ha um, hmm, ah…!"
"Ha..."
Dohyun placed his hand on Wooyeon's stomach and gradually increased the speed of his movements. Every time he pushed deep inside, a distinct outline appeared on the flat abdominal skin. Dohyun rubbed the liquid that Wooyeon had shot out with his palm and pressed gently on the swollen part.
"Aa, hu, um...!"
Wooyeon trembled as if pierced by a dagger. The body, already sensitive, now completely ignited. The fingertips, the warmth, the scent of Dohyun, all of those things not only stimulate but also make Wooyeon melt.
It was an act on the border between pain and pleasure. Even though Wooyeon absolutely detests scary things, Dohyun's caresses are not bad at all. Even had the thought of wanting him to do it harder.
"Hyung, hic... seonsaeng..."
"I love you," the confession was not yet spoken, but Dohyun seemed unable to bear it and tightly embraced Wooyeon. Normally, he was always careful not to burden others, but at that moment, he used all his strength to hold Wooyeon in his arms.
"Ha, Yeon-ah..."
"Hmm, uh..."
"Wooyeon, my Wooyeon... hmm..."
The repeated calls sound like a confession of love. Even though he didn't say a word of love, I could feel his emotions. Surely, in this moment of body merging and sharing warmth, he is feeling the surging emotions.
"Hu ưm, hu… ah…!"
Reason vanished in an instant. Both Dohyun and Wooyeon were busy exploring each other as if they were the only two people left in the world. They intertwined their bodies passionately, kissed each other eagerly, exchanged affections, and were intoxicated by each other's scent.
"Ha."
When a soft breath escaped from Dohyun's mouth, Wooyeon was no longer conscious. He reached the peak in short moments, unable to distinguish whether it was a dream or reality.
But at that moment, Dohyun gritted his teeth and muttered a curse:
"Ah... damn it."
Before he could feel embarrassed by the sudden curse, he sensed the lower part of his body slipping deep inside and starting to swell slowly. The inner walls, which were once soft, are now stretching, and the tip is swelling, getting stuck somewhere inside. Dohyun curled up and apologized:
"I'm sorry."
"Ah, ah…!"
It was a pain like my stomach was about to tear apart. Because Dohyun had never tied a knot before, he is now tying a knot with Wooyeon, leaving his mark. The organs perfectly combined and began to release semen.
"Ah... it hurts so much..."
Physiological tears streamed down due to the pain, making him fully alert. He knew that alphas can knot, but this is the first time you've truly experienced it. This is an action rarely done unless for the purpose of pregnancy, and that is why Dohyun always maintains such perfect self-control.
"Ah... it hurts so much..."
Wooyeon stammered and reached out towards Dohyun. Although it hurt, his heart was pounding just as much. The feeling of satisfaction rises every time his traces fill you up.
"Um... I'm sorry..."
Dohyun gently apologized in a suppressed voice. He even kissed all over his face to help him relax, forehead, eyes, cheeks, and lips, kissing each spot before holding him in his arms.
"I tried to hold back..."
What he meant was that in the end, he couldn't hold back. With the level of pheromones being released like this, it would be even stranger if he could keep his composure.
"Ha..."
The ejaculation lasted a very long time. As a dominant alpha, the amount of semen Dohyun produced was also much more overwhelming than others. If Wooyeon were not an omega, he might not have been able to endure even this level of pain.
"Um... ah..."
Fortunately, by the middle of it, Wooyeon no longer felt any pain. When he got used to the feeling of fullness inside, he even felt pleasure from that intense stimulation.
"Ha... um...!"
Even after tying the knot, Dohyun still didn't pull out of Wooyeon. He simply changed positions and started moving again. Wooyeon didn't push him away; on the contrary, he clung to him as if wanting more.
Both of them changed positions three times in the same spot, and at some point, they even lost count of the number of times they climaxed. The double bed had been messy for a long time, but that didn't matter because they didn't just do it on the bed.
Around the next night, surprisingly, Dohyun proved through action what he called "ejaculating in a different way." Of course, Wooyeon was no longer sober enough to realize that.
That was the official start of the mating season for a dominant Alpha.
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Special Side Story / Chapter 40
If we were to conclude, three days were absolutely not enough for them. Just as Dohyun's heat cycle was about to end, Wooyeon's heat cycle began. Even though they were intertwined continuously all day, their desires surged like an endless spring.
Wooyeon tried to keep his promise of "not passing out," but by the last day, he repeatedly fainted midway. It was an unavoidable difference in stamina, but Dohyun took care of Wooyeon, bathing him and preparing his meals. Yet, as soon as Wooyeon woke up and clung to him, they couldn’t stop and continued again.
Thus, three days passed. Wooyeon was engulfed in Dohyun's pheromones, and Dohyun was equally drawn into Wooyeon's. Initially, the "knotting" brought only pain, but over time, it turned into pleasure.
When the cycle finally ended, the two lay together on the soft bed and drifted into sleep.
On an early morning, when the moonlight was still faint in the sky, Wooyeon slowly opened his eyes for reasons he couldn't quite explain. Under the dim light, his eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, and he began to make out his surroundings. The familiar room, the familiar bedding, and the familiar man right before his eyes.
“Ah...”
Wooyeon closed his mouth softly. He couldn’t call that person "seonsaeng" anymore. Before him, Dohyun was sound asleep, his face angelic. Though his body was still marked with red bruises from the night before, his peaceful expression exuded restraint and composure.
“So handsome.”
Once again, Wooyeon found himself thinking that as he gazed at Dohyun. How could someone possess such a perfect face? Neatly shaped eyebrows, a high, straight nose, and even the fold that only appeared on his left eyelid seemed strangely balanced. When his lips were pressed together, he looked cold, but every time he gazed at Wooyeon, his eyes softened like warm sunlight.
Lost in his daze, Wooyeon began tracing Dohyun’s facial features with his finger. From his forehead, eyebrows, and lashes, down to his cheeks. Finally, when his fingertip lightly brushed against Dohyun's lips, the soft sensation compelled him to plant a secret kiss there.
Having completed his "task," Wooyeon turned his attention to his own condition. Before falling asleep, his body had been sticky and uncomfortable, but now he felt clean and refreshed. Unlike Dohyun, who was still bare-chested, Wooyeon was wearing a clean T-shirt that carried Dohyun's pheromone scent.
“He bathed me.”
Dohyun was always like that. Even after they’d spent such intimate moments together, he never failed to care for Wooyeon, ensuring everything was tidied up so he could rest well. He even held Wooyeon in his arms to help him sleep better.
“How could I not love him?”
Wooyeon felt as joyous as a child. Sharing the heat cycle with Dohyun filled him with overwhelming happiness. Though there were moments when he felt frustrated, all those feelings disappeared when he thought about Dohyun.
“Loving him more every day...”
They say love fades over time, but Wooyeon had never felt that way. Even as their time together grew longer, their intimacy remained undiminished. Even during their one and only major fight, Wooyeon never wanted to part ways; instead, he feared the idea of being away from Dohyun.
“Seonsaeng...”
Wooyeon softly called out to Dohyun in a quiet voice. He remained fast asleep, unable to hear the call. Knowing that Dohyun wouldn’t hear, Wooyeon couldn’t resist whispering his emotions aloud.
“I love you.”
“So much.”
A heartfelt confession after a night of passionate intimacy. It might have been too simple to capture all of Wooyeon's feelings at that moment, but it carried all the sincerity in his heart.
Beneath the blanket, his fingers brushed against the familiar couple’s ring on his left hand. It was the same ring Dohyun had placed on Wooyeon’s finger with a kiss, promising, “Let’s get married as soon as you graduate.”
Who would have thought?
Who could have imagined he’d promise a lifetime to someone so gentle—a teacher who had saved him, not just in life but in spirit? The love that Wooyeon once thought was just a fleeting first romance had blossomed, becoming the bond that tied them together.
Wooyeon placed one final kiss on Dohyun’s lips before contentedly snuggling into his embrace. Resting his head on Dohyun’s arm and wrapping his arms around his waist, Wooyeon’s heart raced with so much excitement that he felt like jumping for joy. Even his pheromones escaped in his exhilaration, filling the room with their intoxicating scent.
At that moment, a soft chuckle broke the silence. Wooyeon froze, blinking in confusion as he realized the sound came from right beside him. Dohyun, whom he thought was still sound asleep, brushed his chin against the top of Wooyeon's head.
“What are you doing to a sleeping person, Yeon-ah?”
His voice was as soft as honey melting. Even though it was a voice Wooyeon heard every day, it still made his face flush red.
“You’re awake?”
“Yeah, I’m awake.”
“Since when?”
“Since you touched my lips.”
Dohyun replied teasingly, but there was no trace of reproach in his tone for Wooyeon’s sneaky act. Instead, he chuckled again, burying his face into Wooyeon’s hair before gently asking in an even sweeter voice:
“Are you in pain anywhere?”
“N-No… What about you?”
“I’m fine.”
Dohyun’s low laughter made it clear how endearing he found Wooyeon. Every time they spent a passionate night together, Dohyun would always check on him, and Wooyeon would always ask the same question back as a habit. Yet each time Wooyeon replied, Dohyun would laugh softly, as though he was tickled by it.
“Sorry for putting you through so much.”
Though the apology sounded playful, Wooyeon knew it was genuine. Dohyun’s careful hands traced down Wooyeon’s back, his gentle fingers brushing his skin, followed by a soft kiss on his lips—all proving his sincerity.
Wooyeon only wanted to reply with one thing:
“Let’s do it again next time.”
His bold declaration left Dohyun stunned for a moment. He let out a dry laugh as though at a loss for words, then finally teased:
“Next time, I’ll hurt you.”
Watching Dohyun's half-laughing, half-shaking head, Wooyeon knew his words were part truth, part joke. No one understood better than Wooyeon that Dohyun would never harm him. Even if there was pain, it would never be intentional.
“You say that, but you won’t do it…”
Wooyeon murmured, burying his face in Dohyun’s chest. From Dohyun’s firm body came the scent of his body wash, matching the one on Wooyeon, mixed with Dohyun’s rich pheromones. Taking a deep breath of Dohyun’s distinct scent, Wooyeon whispered so softly that only he could hear:
“I love that you’re an Alpha.”
Just a few years ago, Wooyeon had thought he utterly hated Alphas. Yet now, the fact that Dohyun was an Alpha filled him with happiness. There was a time when he couldn’t even feel comfortable in his own skin, but now he was thinking cheesy thoughts like, “We were meant to be.”
“Sometimes… I even feel grateful to my mother.”
Though he still couldn’t completely respect his mother’s choices, Wooyeon could forgive her now. He couldn’t fully understand her, but he could view the past as something to leave behind and move forward. All the peace he had now stemmed from Dohyun, and Wooyeon wanted to repay that peace with happiness.
“So, I’ll make you happy too.”
It was a promise he should have made the moment he accepted Dohyun’s proposal. Though late, Wooyeon believed he could now convey his sincerity.
“I’ll look forward to that,” Dohyun replied softly, slightly pulling away. He placed a tender kiss on Wooyeon’s forehead. The warmth of his lips lingered long after, and when his next kiss landed on Wooyeon’s lips, it was even more passionate.
“Yeon-ah.”
In the stillness of dawn, their gazes met. Dohyun’s earnest and love-filled eyes made Wooyeon feel as if he were bathed in sunlight. Then, with a voice overflowing with affection, Dohyun whispered:
“I love you too.”
“So much.”
It was almost an exact echo of Wooyeon’s earlier confession. Though Wooyeon felt a bit embarrassed, his heart swelled with joy—joy from being in the arms of the person he loved, savoring every moment of their love-filled day.
Their lips met and parted slowly, and Wooyeon felt grateful for all the ways love could be expressed. He hugged Dohyun tightly once more, their steady breaths bringing an unprecedented sense of tranquility. Listening to each other’s heartbeats like a soothing lullaby, they drifted off to sleep.
Wooyeon hoped that today, tomorrow, and forever after, moments like these would continue.
It was a night when Wooyeon decided that his first love was also his last.
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The End <3
TLN: Thank you all for being here!! This was a roller coaster ride of emotions and sad it’s officially over. I do want to address the rumors about Wooyeon being “pregnant”. The author on Twitter (@5Today_spring) did state that Wooyeon does have twins in the future, however, there are no side stories. “There are no plans for a side story about parenting, so please just enjoy it as a story.” But she did confirm the twins' names!!
Kim Dan (Alpha Son) / Kim Som (Omega Daughter)
Disclaimer: Again please DO NOT copy/upload/download my translation and put it on ANY website. You are more then welcome to share my link with friends or people who are looking for the translation. The only way to find this google doc is through my Tiktok, Instagram and Twitter (in my bio). I have already found my translation on other websites and this is NOT ME. Please dm me if you find anyone else doing this. (Don't share my link in comment sections, dm people my link or direct them to my page, you are more then welcome to tag me) Thank you. -Zoe (Animegirl10120)
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