(Around six)
Taewon entered the house.
Hana greeted him, took his coat, and offered a glass of water.
"Is Jihyun ready?" he asked, rolling up his sleeves as he sat down.
"I told him," Hana said carefully,
"but he didn't answer. He just went to his room."
Taewon placed the glass back on the tray untouched and walked straight upstairs.
He knocked once, then opened Jihyun's door.
The bathroom light was on. Taewon sat on the couch, pulling out his phone.
"The reservation is confirmed?" he asked when the manager picked up.
"Yes, sir."
"Good. One waiter only. No one else."
"Understood."
Just then, the bathroom door opened.
Jihyun stepped out, his eyes landed on Taewon.
"What are you doing here?"
"You're still not ready."
"For what?"
"I told Hana to inform you. We're dining out tonight."
"I don't want to."
Jihyun tossed the towel on the bed and walked straight toward his blanket.
"I already booked the restaurant."
"I said I don't want to go." He pulled the blanket over himself.
Taewon's patience thinned.
"Jihyun, get up and get ready. Or I'll take you like this."
Jihyun sat up sharply, glare sharp.
"I said no. Don't you understand human language?"
Taewon's voice dropped,
"It's our first dinner outside together. Get up."
"I don't care."
Without another word, Taewon bent down, arms reaching for his waist.
"Yah! You bastard! Don't touch me!" Jihyun kicked, struggling.
Taewon pulled back when Jihyun lifted a finger like a dagger.
"Don't you dare. If you do, I'll break your hand."
"Fine," Taewon said calmly.
"Then change on your own. Otherwise, I'll carry you in those pajamas."
Jihyun narrowed his eyes, then smirked. Inside, his brain clicked. My plan is working. Go ahead, Jihyun, this is your chance. Use it.
"You really want me to go?" he said slyly. "Then pay me. From now on, even if you touch me by mistake, you'll pay."
Taewon's gaze sharpened. "How much?"
" you touched me, my waist, and my company at the restaurant only five million won for tonight."
"Okay. Go get ready."
Jihyun blinked. Then grinned. Not bad. Before the divorce, I'll drain his wallet, fill my account, and disappear abroad. A peaceful life, finally.
Humming, he opened his wardrobe.
Taewon quietly stepped out of the room, exhaling deeply.
If this makes you smile, Jihyun-ah then fine. Even if I have to sell my organs, I'll do it, just to keep you like this.
A while later, Jihyun came downstairs in shorts and an oversized white shirt.
Taewon's gaze swept over him, unblinking.
"What? Want me to smash your eyes out with my fingers?" Jihyun snapped.
"you're wearing shorts, it's cold outside," Taewon said calmly.
"Am I looking bad? If yes, then fine. I won't go."
"That's not what I meant," Taewon replied steadily. "Let's go."
Outside, Jin was waiting by the car. He grinned wide.
"Mr. Jihyun, you look really pretty today."
"Thank you, Jin," Jihyun smiled, tilting his head slightly.
Taewon's jaw clenched. Without a word, he snatched the keys from Jin, opened the passenger door for Jihyun, then took the driver's seat himself.
From the doorway, Hana blinked in surprise.
Jin exhaled.
"Did you see that?"
"What?" Hana asked.
"We're just decoration now. I barely drive him these days. Sir always takes the wheel when Mr. Jihyun's with him."
Hana tilted her head.
"Now that you mention it even me. I only cook once a day, but he insists I stay the whole time."
"Exactly." Jin sighed.
"Sir Taewon's possessive these days. If Mr. Jihyun even breathes near someone else, sir doesn't let it pass."
Hana chuckled.
"Honestly,"
Inside the car, Jihyun leaned back, gaze on the passing streets.
Five million for tonight. Maybe I should set a full price list
dinners, touches, even arguments. Before I walk away, I'll walk away rich.
Taewon gripped the wheel tighter, eyes fixed forward. You smile at Jin but never at me.
(As they arrived)
At the restaurant, a waiter rushed to open the car door for them.
As they entered, Taewon noticed one of the waiter's kept glaring at Jihyun.
Taewon's wrapped his hand around Jihyun's waist, holding firmly.
"What the hell" Jihyun muttered angrily. But controlling hisself.
It's fine. I'll make him pay for it.
The manager arrived, bowing.
"Welcome, Mr. Kang Taewon. Mr. Jihyun."
They were guided to a private table. When the manager left, Jihyun leaned forward.
"Yah. Did you book the whole restaurant?"
Taewon lips curled into a smile.
"No. Why would you think that?"
"I didn't. Just asking."
Jihyun's leaned back. Cheeks warming
Ah, I keep embarrassing myself asking things like this. I must look like some poor. Okay fine. From now on, I'll act rich.
He straightened, exhaling slowly. Across the table, Taewon's gaze didn't waver.
Soon, the table was filled.
"Hanwoo steak.
Korean-style spaghetti
Ganjang gejang.
Royal tteokgalbi platter.
And Hwayo X Premium soju," the manager explained.
"Thank you," Taewon said.
The servers left
but that same waiter lingered, staring at Jihyun like he was some art piece.
Taewon's jaw tightened. His eyes hardened, sharp as a blade.
"You can go now. If we need anything, I'll call."
The waiter froze, bowed quickly, and disappeared.
Meanwhile, Jihyun had already started eating, completely ignoring everything else. His cheeks puffed as he chewed, lips messy with sauce, even his nose dotted with a stain of spaghetti.
Taewon's lips pressed together. He didn't say a word, not wanting to disturb him. But his eyes softened, drinking in every little detail.
"This one is so good,"
Jihyun mumbled through a mouthful.
"Pack it for me later."
When he reached for the drink, Taewon stopped him.
"Jihyun, I think it's better if we don't drink tonight."
"Why? Is it for decoration?"
"It's strong."
"Then you don't drink. I will." Jihyun pouted. "It's been so long since I've had a drink."
Taewon exhaled, then poured him half a glass.
Throughout the meal, Jihyun kept drinking. His cheeks flushed deeper,
and by the time they finished, he was completely drunk.
Taewon stood, nodding to the manager.
"The meal was good. Send the same dishes to my house tomorrow morning."
"Of course, sir."
Meanwhile, Jihyun clung to the table.
"Where're you taking me? I still wanna eat."
Taewon scooped him up .
In the car, he buckled his seatbelt and drove home.
(Inside the condo)
He laid Jihyun on the bed, slipping off his coat. For a moment, his eyes lingered on those flushed cheeks and then he stepped out and turned to the kitchen for water.
Taewon lifted the glass to his lips, ready for a quiet sip of water.
when suddenly, his wrist was caught.
A sharp tug yanked his tie down, pulling him forward. His breath hitched as he turned.
Jihyun stood there, lips parted. His face was flushed, dangerously beautiful.
"Mr" he slurred, his voice low, teasing.
"It's so hot tonight won't you give me company?"
The glass slipped from Taewon's hand, shattering against the floor.
"Jihyun" his voice cracked with warning, but before he could say another word, Jihyun moved.
His legs wrapped tightly around Taewon's waist, arms hooked around his neck. And then
his lips crashed against Taewon's.
Hot. Messy. Desperate.
Taewon froze, every nerve catching fire. His mind screamed to stop,
but after a while his body betrayed him. His arms clutched Jihyun closer, his lips answering hungrily, helplessly.
The taste of soju burned between them, mixed with Jihyun's reckless sweetness.
His teeth grazed Taewon's lip, his tongue demanding, his moans spilling recklessly into the kiss.