Taewon stepped quietly into Jihyun's hospital room.
The sweet scent of Jihyun's pheromones tugged at his instincts, but he forced himself to stay in control. Pulling a chair closer, he sat beside the bed.
For a long while, he didn't move just watched Jihyun's uneven breathing, felt the heat radiating from his skin. Then, without a word, he rose and walked out, settling on a bench in the corridor. He stayed there the entire night, not closing his eyes once.
By morning, when Dr. Jun stepped out from examining Jihyun, Taewon was on his feet immediately.
"How's his condition?"
"He's still in heat," the doctor replied,
"but stable. If you want, you can take him home today."
"Anything specific we should do? Diet? Restrictions?" Taewon asked ,
"No suppressants for at least two months," Dr. Jun said firmly.
"He's taken too much already.also, The aftereffects could be severe
loss of control over anger, tension, depression. His adrenaline levels will spike more than normal. You'll have to deal with him patiently: no yelling, no forcing control, avoid arguments entirely. And keep him away from alcohol."
"Understood. Any medication?"
"Only pills to manage depression, ease tension, relax his mind, and help him sleep. Bring him in for a check-up once a month."
"Got it. Thank you, doctor."
When Dr. Jun left, Taewon went back in. Jihyun was awake now, cheeks flushed, eyes flicking toward him.
"Why are you here? Leave me alone," Jihyun's voice was hoarse.
"Calm down,"
Taewon murmured.
"It's okay."
Tears welled in Jihyun's eyes.
"It's all because of you. Everything's ruined because of you."
Taewon reached for his hand, holding it gently.
"It's my fault. I admit it. I'm sorry."
But the heat flared again
His body trembling, breath uneven. When he tried to push Taewon away, Taewon stayed still,
Then he released a warm, steady wave of pheromones. It wrapped around Jihyun like a soft blanket.
Slowly, Jihyun's muscles eased. His eyelids fluttered closed.
Taewon poured him water and held the glass to his lips. Jihyun drank weakly.
"I want to go home," he whispered.
"I'll take you back. Rest for now."
(Around round)
When it was time to leave, Jin offered to drive.
"No," Taewon said.
"Go to the office. Check on Harin and bring me yesterday's files."
(Inside)
Taewon helped Jihyun sit up, steadying his neck like something fragile. He put his shoes on, then guided him toward the door.
Jihyun's legs trembled.
"I'll carry you," Taewon offered.
"No I don't need" He swayed.
Without another word, Taewon scooped him up and carried him to the car, settling him carefully in the seat.
Dr. Jun came out.
"Jihyun, are you okay?"
Jihyun gave a small nod.
"Eat, take your medicine on time, avoid stress. If anything happens, call me."
Taewon thanked him, then got behind the wheel.
"I want to go back to my home,"
Jihyun said quietly.
Taewon replied calmly "alright "
When they arrived, Taewon called Minjoon,
"We're here."
Minjoon came to the door. Taewon moved to help Jihyun out, but Jihyun pushed him away.
"I don't need your help."
Minjoon stepped forward, glancing briefly at Taewon.
"It's okay."
He took Jihyun's arm and led him inside.
Mrs. Han came out. The moment she saw her son, she hurried over.
"What happened? Jihyun!"
"Mom, let's get him to his room first," Minjoon said.
Taewon followed as they laid Jihyun on the bed.
Mrs. Han sat beside him, her voice trembling.
"What happened to you? Tell Mama."
"I'm fine," Jihyun murmured, hugging her weakly.
"If you're fine, why are you this pale? This weak?"
She turned to Taewon, desperate.
"What happened? Tell me clearly."
"He's fine," Taewon said gently.
"Just his heat. He'll be okay."
"Mom," Minjoon said softly,
"come out with me. Let him rest."
He glanced at Jihyun.
"We'll be in the living room."
"Tell him to go back,"
Jihyun muttered.
"It's okay,"
Taewon replied, stepping out. But in his chest, unease sat heavy. Something about Jihyun's condition didn't feel so simple.
(In the lounge)
Taewon looked at Mrs. Han.
"I don't know what's going on with him or what he's hiding. I've tried my best, but I still can't figure it out ,why he's so insecure around me."
Mrs. Han's gaze softened.
"Taewon, my son, we know how much you care for him. Don't worry. Leave him here a few days. We'll talk to him."
"It's fine if he wants to stay,"
Taewon said quietly,
"but I'm worried. I feel like I've missed something. Maybe this is because of me."
Minjoon stepped in.
"We know him better. Don't overthink. He's stubborn, hides things, makes small issues into big ones. But once he's calm, he talks. Give him time."
Taewon nodded and stood.
"I'll go, then. I'll visit whenever he wants me to. And I'm sorry for not taking better care of him."
Mrs. Han stood too.
"No, my son. Jihyun is lucky to have you."
He bowed and stepped out.
As he reached his car, Minjoon followed. Watching Taewon lost in thoughts,
"Taewon, I heard idol Mina is back. I think something must've happened. Back in school, he left because of her. When she suddenly left and rejected him, he locked himself in his room for a week. Now she's back I'm sure it's the same this time."
Taewon's jaw tightened.
"Yes. Maybe you're right. Maybe it's because of her."
(On the drive back)
He called Jisso.
"Yes, sir?"
"Contact idol Mina. I want to meet her."
"What if her manager refuses?"
"Then tell her we want to hire her as an ambassador again."
"Yes, sir."
Taewon pulled over, leaning back against the seat, eyes on the darkening sky.
"Mina so it's because of you."