The ride back from the hospital was quiet.
Jihyun sat turned toward the window, arms folded, lips pushed out in a full sulk. His expression screamed do not talk to me.
Taewon kept his eyes on the road, glancing at him every few seconds, fighting back a smirk. Even when pouting, Jihyun somehow looked absurdly cute.
"Still mad?" he asked casually.
Jihyun didn't reply.
A beat passed.
"Do you always make this much fuss over a shot?"
"I hate needles," Jihyun muttered without turning. "And I hate you more."
"Noted."
Taewon drove a little further before speaking again. "Let's stop by your parents' place. Just for a bit."
"No."
Jihyun turned sharply.
"Why should I go to the house that tossed me out like garbage? They handed me over like I was nothing. I haven't spoken to them since the wedding, and I'm not planning to."
"Your mom's not doing well."
Silence.
"Minjoon called me yesterday," Taewon added quietly. "She's been asking about you."
Jihyun stared at him. "I said I don't want to see anyone. Especially not him. Or my father."
"It's early. Your dad and brother are probably at work," Taewon said. "You don't have to see them. Just your mom."
A long pause.
"I need to grab a few things from my room anyway," Jihyun muttered.
Taewon gave a small nod.
(Han Villa)
The moment their car pulled into the driveway, a maid near the gate looked up in surprise.
"Young master?"
Jihyun walked ahead without answering.
As his voice echoed faintly into the entryway, Mrs. Han appeared eyes wide.
"My Jihyun! My baby!" she cried, rushing over and pulling him into her arms. Her body trembled with a rough cough into his shoulder.
"How could you forget your mother like this? Do you have no heart?"
Jihyun stiffened in her embrace.
"Mom," he said quietly. "Let's go inside first."
Only then did she notice Taewon standing a few steps behind.
"Oh, Taewon-ssi, welcome. Please come in. I'm sorry you had to see that," she said with a faint smile as they entered.
Inside the living room, Mrs. Han clung to Jihyun's hand, refusing to let go. She sat close beside him like he was still ten, smoothing his hair, brushing his cheek, gently fussing over the bandaged hand.
"Always so stubborn," she murmured. "But still my sweet boy."
Jihyun pouted but didn't pull away. When he looked at her properly, the changes hit him her pale skin, the way her clothes hung a bit looser. She looked thinner. Frailer.
"You look sick."
"I'm fine. See?" she said, patting her chest lightly. "Mama's okay."
Then, softer: "Jihyun ah."
Tears welled in her eyes. "I wanted to call. I wanted to tell you it wasn't your fault. But it was never really my choice. We thought it was best for you."
She reached up, her hand resting against his cheek. "I'm sorry, Jihyun."
He bit his lip hard and suddenly wrapped his arms around her.
Taewon sat nearby, watching silently.
"I'll talk to you," Jihyun whispered. "But don't ask me to talk to Dad. I won't."
"I understand," she said gently. "But he worries more than he shows."
Then she tapped his bandaged hand. "Now tell me what happened to this?"
Jihyun pulled his hand back. "It's because of him."
She turned to Taewon, alarmed.
Taewon gave a small bow. "I'm sorry. I should've been more careful."
"Oh no, dear, it's alright."
"I'm going upstairs," Jihyun said quickly. "Need to get my things."
"Go ahead."
Mrs. Han waited until Jihyun had gone, then turned to Taewon with a tired smile.
"He's not giving you too hard of a time, is he?"
Taewon shook his head. "No. Not at all."
She sighed, her eyes softening. "He barks a lot, but he's soft underneath. If you're patient with him maybe one day he'll stop seeing you as part of the deal."
Taewon lowered his gaze, nodding silently.
Suddenly, she broke into another fit of coughing, her whole body trembling.
Taewon stepped forward, poured her a glass of water, and held it for her.
"Thank you," she whispered, breath still shaky.
Upstairs, Jihyun's voice called out.
"Taewon! Come here!"
He blinked. "Yes?"
Mrs. Han smiled faintly. "Go on. I'm fine."
Taewon bowed slightly and made his way up.
In Jihyun's old room, two neatly packed bags sat by the bed.
Jihyun pointed at them like a prince.
"Take those to the car."
Taewon raised an eyebrow. "All of this?"
"Yes. And that too."
He pointed toward a giant framed poster leaning against the wall.
Taewon took a step closer. "You're serious? A Mina poster?"
"She's my idol. I've loved her since high school. Don't question it."
"You're into her?"
"Not just into. I love her. Her face, her voice, her talent everything. She's way more my type than you'll ever be."
Taewon stared at him for a moment, then picked up the poster without a word.
"As you wish."
They returned downstairs.
"Mom, I'll visit again," Jihyun said. "Just not when Dad's home."
Mrs. Han nodded. "Take care of yourself."
They bowed, and left.
The ride back was mostly silent again.
Except this time, Jihyun filled the quiet himself talking non-stop about Mina's comeback, her teaser outfits, the Chinese interviews, how her visuals had matured. He went on and on like the world depended on it.
Taewon said nothing.
Jihyun finally noticed. "Why are you being quiet?"
No answer.
"What, are you jealous?"
Still nothing.
Jihyun huffed and crossed his arms again. "Don't sulk. It's not like we're in love."
But this time
The silence didn't feel harmless.
It felt cold.