The next morning, Ji-Won and Youn-Jae stayed comfortably in the penthouse, savoring the rare moments they had alone. Sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Youn-Jae was seated at the dining table, eyes focused on his laptop as he typed away with quiet intensity.
Ji-Won approached softly, holding a steaming cup of coffee. He placed it beside Youn-Jae, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Do you have a lot of work, Hyung?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Youn-Jae glanced up, a trace of warmth in his gaze as he took in Ji-Won's expression. "Thanks," he murmured, reaching for the coffee and pausing just long enough to offer a small smile before his eyes drifted back to the screen.
Ji-Won pulled out a chair and sat down across from him, his fingers fidgeting lightly on the table. Their eyes met briefly, and after a hesitant pause, Ji-Won spoke, his tone careful yet soft. "I can head back to my dorm now, Hyung, so you can focus on your work."
Youn-Jae stilled, his fingers hovering over the keyboard as he looked up at Ji-Won. With a quiet shake of his head, he closed his laptop halfway and leaned forward, giving Ji-Won his undivided attention. "Oh, it's fine," he replied, his voice gentle, reassuring. "I just need to check a few documents. Besides…" He softened, leaning in a little closer. "I took leave until you're back at school."
Ji-Won's eyes widened in surprise, a hint of wonder in his gaze. "Why, Hyung? It's not necessary for you to take leave just for me."
A soft chuckle escaped Youn-Jae as he rose slightly, reaching out to brush a hand through Ji-Won's hair in a fond, gentle motion. "It's okay. I needed a break anyway," he murmured, his fingers lingering in Ji-Won's hair, their touch both comforting and protective. He wanted Ji-Won to feel at home, wanted him to know he didn't need to leave.
But then, the calm of the morning shattered as the doorbell rang. Both of them turned, and a look of shock flickered over Youn-Jae's face. His body tensed as he quickly glanced toward the door, a frown creasing his brow. It was too early for any guests—and he certainly hadn't expected.
"Just stay here," he whispered to Ji-Won, giving him a reassuring smile and tousling his hair in a playful, almost distracted gesture. Standing, he moved with purpose toward the door, each step heavier with unease.
When he reached the door, he glanced at the small monitor and froze. His father's stern face stared back at him from the screen, eyes already scrutinizing the entryway. Youn-Jae's heart thudded as he took a steadying breath before opening the door.
The Chairman swept inside with a curt glance, his voice carrying a sharp edge. "What took you so long to open for your father?" He moved forward, his gaze taking in the details of the penthouse with practiced scrutiny.
Youn-Jae lowered his head in a respectful bow, his voice laced with quiet deference. "I'm so sorry, Father," he said softly. "I was just coming from the kitchen."
Behind the Chairman stood Mr. Kim, who gave a polite bow. "Good morning, Young Master," he greeted.
"Morning," Youn-Jae responded, but his focus remained on his father, whose sharp gaze scanned every corner of the apartment, hands clasped tightly behind his back as if in judgment. The air grew taut, each second drawing out with a tense anticipation that weighed on Youn-Jae's shoulders.
In that moment, his only thought was of Ji-Won, hoping he would stay out of sight. Youn-Jae swallowed, his pulse quickening, his face a mask of calm while the room filled with the silent tension of a father's unspoken expectations.
The Chairman stood before the vast glass window, his posture rigid as he gazed out over the city below. His hands clasped behind his back, he emanated an air of control, but there was an undercurrent of impatience in the tense line of his shoulders.
"I told you, if you prefer staying here in Korea, just stay at the family house," he said calmly, though his tone was clipped, as if each word tested his restraint.
Youn-Jae kept his face composed, striving to maintain a respectful distance. "Father, I'm fine here," he replied, his voice steady but carefully measured. "Besides, this place is much closer to the office."
The Chairman sighed, a long, weary sound that echoed through the room. He flicked his hand in a dismissive gesture, barely glancing at Youn-Jae. "Whatever," he muttered, voice tinged with frustration. "There's no getting through to you, is there?"
Youn-Jae shifted slightly, nodding in acknowledgment, but his gaze flickered toward the kitchen, tension evident in his clenched hands. He silently willed Ji-Won to stay out of sight, aware that their voices wouldn't carry far, but fearing the slightest sound that might draw attention.
Taking a breath, he tried to steer the conversation in another direction. "What brings you here, Father?"
"Oh, your brother," the Chairman said with a faint sigh, his lips pressing together in irritation. "He's furious about the transfer of authority. You know how he can be."
Youn-Jae inclined his head respectfully. "Yes, Father. I'll handle it. I requested the transfer, so I'll make sure it's settled."
The Chairman's nod was curt. "You'd better. Also, your brother's birthday is coming up. I've decided we'll celebrate it here this year."
"I understand, Father," Youn-Jae replied, his tone formal but respectful, though his mind was distracted. He glanced once more toward the kitchen, a knot of unease forming in his stomach.
At that moment, Ji-Won appeared from the kitchen, curiosity etched on his face. He paused, sensing the tense atmosphere, and his eyes widened as he caught sight of the Chairman. Hesitating, he stood awkwardly, realizing he had walked into a situation far beyond his understanding. He almost turned to retreat back when Mr. Kim caught sight of him out of the corner of his eye.
"Oh, you have a visitor here, Young Master," Mr. Kim remarked, drawing the Chairman's attention.
As the Chairman turned, his gaze sharpened, taking in Ji-Won with calculated interest. Youn-Jae's expression tensed as he rubbed a hand over his face, silently cursing the timing of Ji-Won's appearance.
"Oh?" The Chairman's voice was light, but the steely edge beneath it was unmistakable. "Did I interrupt something?"
Youn-Jae straightened, his body stiffening instinctively, but before he could answer, the Chairman stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Ji-Won. A faint smile curved his lips, cold and calculating.
"What a handsome young man," the Chairman remarked, his tone deceptively warm, his eyes lingering on Ji-Won with an unsettling curiosity.
Ji-Won quickly bowed, his voice polite but his posture betraying unease. "Good morning, sir. I apologize for interrupting your conversation."
"Oh no, young man," the Chairman replied smoothly, his gaze still fixed on Ji-Won. "We were just about to leave, anyway."
With that, he turned toward the door, Mr. Kim following closely behind. As he passed Ji-Won, he stopped, pausing to look him over with a gaze that held far more scrutiny than casual politeness. His smile was slight but deliberate, a silent indication that Ji-Won's presence hadn't gone unnoticed or unexamined.
Ji-Won kept his head respectfully bowed, feeling the weight of the Chairman's stare until the older man finally moved on, his footsteps echoing softly as he left the apartment with Mr. Kim in tow. The door clicked shut, and the suffocating tension that had filled the room slowly dissipated.
Letting out a deep, shaky breath, Youn-Jae crossed the room to Ji-Won, his face softening with genuine concern as he took in Ji-Won's pale expression. "Did that scare you?" he asked gently, his hand resting on Ji-Won's shoulder in a comforting gesture.
Ji-Won gave a small, forced smile, though his voice was unsteady. "Oh no, Hyung. I was just... surprised, that's all."
Youn-Jae studied him for a moment, then offered a reassuring smile, a glint of warmth and playfulness returning to his eyes. Without a word, he reached out and took Ji-Won's hand, his grip steady and comforting as he led him toward the living room. "Come on, let's sit down," he murmured, giving Ji-Won's hand a light squeeze.
Ji-Won followed, though he glanced back at the door, a hint of worry lingering in his expression. "Who was that, by the way?" he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Youn-Jae hesitated, his expression becoming slightly resigned. "The Chairman."
Ji-Won's eyes widened in recognition. "You mean... your adoptive father?"
A small nod followed. "Yes," Youn-Jae confirmed, his voice soft.
A flush of embarrassment crept into Ji-Won's cheeks as he processed the weight of the encounter. The realization that he had stood, unprepared, before such a powerful figure made his heart race with a mix of awe and unease.
Sensing Ji-Won's discomfort, Youn-Jae gave his hand another gentle squeeze, his touch filled with quiet reassurance. "Don't worry about it," he murmured as they reached the couch. He sat down, and though Ji-Won hesitated, Youn-Jae patted the seat beside him, signaling him to sit.
Instead, Ji-Won lowered himself onto the carpet at Youn-Jae's feet, crossing his arms over Youn-Jae's lap as he rested his head there. His eyes lifted, filled with curiosity and warmth, silently encouraging Youn-Jae to share his story.
Youn-Jae looked down at him, a soft smile touching his lips as he brushed a hand through Ji-Won's hair in an affectionate gesture. "Come closer," he said, his voice quiet but tender. "I'll tell you how I ended up under his care."
Ji-Won's eyes sparkled with anticipation, and he settled in, ready to listen, feeling the quiet bond between them deepen as Youn-Jae began his story.
The story doesn't end here...
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