Minjoon stood in the hospital corridor, his back pressed against the cold white wall.
Every second that the emergency room door stayed shut seemed to pull the knot in his chest tighter and tighter.
Finally, the door opened and Doctor Jun stepped out.
"Minjoon," the doctor called softly,
Minjoon pushed away from the wall.
"Yes, yes Doctor, how's Jihyun?"
Doctor Jun looked at him for a moment, studying his face.
"Minjoon, I've been working as your family doctor for a long time, right?"
"Yes," Minjoon replied quickly,
"So please, just tell me."
The doctor exhaled slowly, lowering his tone.
"Jihyun's condition is severe. It's a type of heat we usually see in dominant Omegas. That part isn't unheard of, but"
He hesitated before continuing,
"it's the first time it has happened to him like this."
Minjoon's brows knitted together.
"What do you mean? Please, tell me clearly, Doctor Jun."
"The reason he collapsed isn't only because of his heat. According to our tests,
he took a very high dosage of suppressant not one or two doses
I think an entire bottle."
Minjoon's eyes widened,
"What?"
Doctor Jun nodded gravely.
"The suppressant he took.
We had our specialist identify it. It's extremely strong.
The minimum safe usage is once a day for those who can tolerate it.
It can even act as a pheromone blocker. But, Minjoon these aren't for Omegas at all.
They are formulated for Alphas. Strong Alphas, not ordinary ones."
The words hit Minjoon
He stared, trying to process.
"Alpha suppressants? But why would he be taking those?"
"That," the doctor said,
"Is what you need to find out. Tell me
Has there been any Alpha around him recently? Or is he spending time with someone who could be forcing him into something?"
Minjoon's replied.
"His husband, Taewon. He's an S-Class Alpha. But Taewon
He never, he wouldn't do such a thing."
"Taewon?"
Doctor Jun repeated.
"Yes. But I'm certain Taewon wouldn't do anything like that,"
Minjoon insisted,
Doctor Jun said,
"If you trust him, then who else could it be? I understand this is a family matter. And yes, Taewon has a reputation
He's responsible, gentle. I've heard the same from others. But regardless of what you believe, I strongly suggest you investigate this, Minjoon."
Minjoon's lips pressed into a thin line. His gaze fell to the floor tiles.
"Minjoon," doctor jun added gently,
"I've seen you and Jihyun grow up since you were children. I've treated your family for years. And I've never seen a case like this not with either of you."
Minjoon nodded.
"Thank you, Doctor Jun."
The doctor gave a brief nod and turned.
"Doctor Jun please, don't mention any of this to my father."Minjoon said,
Doctor Jun turned,
"I understand."
When the doctor was gone, Minjoon leaned back against the wall again. the cold seeped all the way into his bones.
Across the hallway, Hana and Jin stood a short distance away, having seen the doctor leave. She leaned toward Jin.
"What do you think they talked about? I feel something's wrong with Sir Jihyun."
Jin glanced at her, placing a finger to his lips. "Shhh. Let's ask Sir Minjoon."
Hana nodded, and together they walked over.
"Sir Minjoon," Jin began carefully,
"lost in thought?"
It took a moment before Minjoon looked up. "Yes?"
Hana stepped forward.
"Sir Jihyun he's okay, right?"
Minjoon nodded.
"He'll be fine. The doctors are still examining him. I think they won't allow visitors just yet."
Hana nodded again, She and Jin began to turn away, but Minjoon's voice stopped them.
"Miss Hana right?"
She turned back.
"Yes, sir!"
Minjoon continued, his gaze steady.
"You were home when Jihyun fainted, right?"
Hana nodded.
"Yes, sir. We were there. Jin called you immediately."
Minjoon's tone sharpened slightly.
"Has this ever happened before to Jihyun?"
Hana shook her head quickly.
"No, sir. Never. He's usually fine
Always out of the house with friends, or with that idol Mina."
At that, Minjoon's expression shifted.
"Mina? Is she back already?"
"Yes, sir. It's been more than a week. She even visited the house."
"Does Taewon know all this?" Minjoon asked.
"Yes, sir," Hana replied,
Minjoon's gaze narrowed slightly.
"Anything else that's happened lately?"
Hana tilted her head, thinking.
"Yes, sir. Jihyun is learning cooking from me. He said he'll be opening a restaurant."
Minjoon's eyes widened slightly in disbelief. "Jihyun learning cooking? He's never done any household work. But why?"
"But I'm not lying, he's learning from me"
He studied her face for a moment before speaking again.
"Miss Hana, I'm sorry for asking so many questions, but as his brother, I need to know what's going on with him. It's my responsibility."
Hana nodded reassuringly.
"No worries, sir. Ask whatever you want."
Minjoon hesitated, then lowered his voice.
"Is everything going okay between Taewon and Jihyun? Do they argue? Has anything happened recently?"
Hana shook her head.
"No, sir. Nothing happened. Whenever I see them, they're happy
Eating together. Especially Sir Taewon
He personally takes care of Jihyun. He always asks me before leaving for the office what to make, how to cook, and instructs me personally."
Her tone turned almost casual as she added, "Sir Minjoon, you don't need to be so worried. Sometimes ago"
she lowered her voice conspiratorially,
"You know Sir Taewon is such a private person. But one day, when I was passing by the lounge, I saw him grab both of Jihyun's legs, pull him toward him, and kiss him."
She smiled brightly, as if sharing gossip with a friend.
Minjoon blinked at her, half surprised, half amused at her bluntness. But he only nodded.
"Alright. Thank you, Miss Hana."
Before more could be said, a nurse approached.
"Mr. Minjoon, you can meet the patient now. He's regained consciousness."
Minjoon straightened immediately. Without another word, he stepped past Hana .
The door to Jihyun's room loomed ahead. Taking a breath, Minjoon pushed it open and stepped inside.