Morning light spilled softly through the curtains.
Taewon was already awake. He checked Jihyun's temperature, replaced the cool towel on his forehead, and quietly stepped out of the room.
The house stayed still until the doorbell rang at nine.
He opened the door and froze.
"Hyung, Nuna?"
"Oh, my Taewon-ah," Taemi grinned. "Really? Gonna leave us outside like this?"
Taewon blinked in disbelief. His older brother, Kang Taesung, and sister, Kang Taemi, stood at the door smiling, like they hadn't vanished from his life for years.
"You, What are you doing here?"
Taesung pulled Taewon into a hug warm and solid. "You've grown taller than me."
Taemi chuckled. "Are you going to let us in, or are you still mad at us for disappearing?"
Taewon stepped aside silently.
They sat in the living room, memories thick in the silence between them.
"I heard you got married," Taemi said eventually. "No invite though."
"You know why." Taewon kept his eyes down. "Dad didn't want you here."
Taesung scoffed. "Figures. We disobeyed, so we stopped existing to him, huh?"
"You both left," Taewon said, voice tighter now. "At least you had each other. I stayed. Alone."
"We never cut you off," Taemi said gently. "We messaged you. You replied but barely. We figured you needed space."
"How easy, I needed space, that's all you figured and acted on instead of trying being connected with me."
"I didn't hate you," Taewon muttered. "I just didn't know how to talk anymore. I stayed and obeyed. I was the good son, right?"
"You were always too good, Taewon," Taesung said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We never blamed you for staying. We only wished you'd fought for yourself, not for them."
Taemi's eyes filled with tears.
"When I refused that arranged marriage, Dad disowned me. Didn't even show up to my wedding. And when Taesung chose medicine over business, he called him a disgrace."
"We couldn't take it anymore," Taesung added quietly.
"But today we came because we heard." His voice grew serious. "That you got married. To someone Dad chose. Forced, like he tried to do with us."
Taewon didn't meet their eyes.
"We're not here to judge," Taemi said. "We just wanted to say congratulations. And sorry. Even if this wasn't your dream, we hope it doesn't become your burden."
Taewon swallowed hard, eyes lowering again.
Trying to ease the heaviness, Taesung smiled. "I have a son now. His name's Dan. You're his uncle."
Taemi brightened. "And I'm four months pregnant. You're gonna be an uncle again, baby brother."
Taesung stood and hugged him tightly. "We didn't come to scold or pity you. We came to meet you. And your partner. Even if this wasn't your choice, we hope you find something good in it."
Taemi pulled him into a softer hug. "Let's meet again soon, okay? Eat together sometimes. Bring your spouse .if he's comfortable."
She hesitated. "And if possible bring Yumi too. I miss her."
"She was so young when we left," Taesung added. "I don't even know how she looks now."
"It's been too long," Taemi whispered, wiping her eyes. "I have a sister, but I doubt she even remembers me."
"You'll always be our baby brother," Taemi said with a trembling smile. "No matter what Dad thinks, we're proud of you."
Taewon said nothing. But he hugged them both again.
And for the first time in years, he felt like someone's little brother.
"Where's your spouse?" Taemi asked softly.
"He's sick. Not feeling well."
"That's okay," Taesung said. "Let him rest. We'll come again."
"Yeah, next time," Taemi added.
Taewon nodded quietly.
After they left, the house fell still again. Taewon walked back into the bedroom.
Jihyun was still asleep.
Minutes later, he stirred eyes blinking open, confusion flickering across his face. He sat up slowly, looking around for something. Or someone.
Taewon walked in with a glass of water. "You're awake."
Jihyun rubbed his eyes. "Why are you here?"
"I didn't touch you," Taewon said calmly, setting the glass down. "You had a fever last night. I stayed close. That's all."
Jihyun didn't reply.
"Go freshen up. I'll make breakfast."
He gave a non committal hum.
Sometime later, Jihyun came downstairs.
"Come eat," Taewon said, motioning to the breakfast tray. "I made porridge. You need something healthy."
Jihyun ignored him and sat at the dining table, scrolling through his phone.
Taewon headed to the study, giving him space.
After breakfast, Jihyun stood up and walked stiffly into the study. Taewon looked up from his documents.
"Need something?"
"I want to discuss something," Jihyun said flatly, placing a file on the desk.
Taewon closed his laptop. "Rules?"
"Yes."
Jihyun opened the file. His tone didn't waver.
"I don't want misunderstandings in this marriage. Or expectations."
Taewon didn't interrupt. Just listened.
"We won't share a bedroom. You'll stay in yours. I'll stay in mine."
"No touching. No physical affection. Not now, not ever."
"We're allowed to date others. No interference."
"You won't ask where I'm going. I won't ask where you are."
"I'll come and go as I please. No restrictions."
"No interference in careers, friendships, or personal choices."
"During heat or rut, we'll keep distance. Don't come near me."
"No pheromones in shared spaces."
"You'll provide a monthly allowance. It's listed below."
"And even if I'm sick, don't act like a husband. I don't want care from someone who didn't choose me."
Silence filled the room.
Jihyun closed the file and met his eyes.
Taewon looked back, unflinching. "Okay."
"You agree?"
"I won't break your rules," he said quietly. "Even if they hurt."
"I'll send a signed copy to your room." Jihyun turned to leave.
Taewon stared at the closed file on the table, his voice barely above a whisper:
"Even if you hate me forever. I'll still protect you. "