Evening settled quietly over the Kang residence.
(Taewon's condo)
Taewon stepped inside, loosening his tie.
Hana came forward with a glass of water.
"Thank you," Taewon said calmly.
"Sir, Jihyun said he'll be dining out. Should I prepare something for you for dinner?"
Taewon drank slowly, sinking into the couch with a heavy sigh.
"Where did he go? And with who?"
Hana hesitated.
"Sir, he went with Soobin. He came to pick him up."
Taewon gave a slow nod.
"I see. You can leave now."
"Dinner, sir?"
"I'm full. Also tell Jin to go home too."
"Yes, sir." Hana bowed and slipped outside.
The house fell silent. Taewon sat unmoving for a long while, then dragged himself up and showered. Afterward, he called Jihyun.
"Where are you?"
"I'm with friends. I won't be coming tonight. I'll stay with Soobin."
His blood boiled instantly.
"I'll pick you when you're done. You're coming home."
"What? I told you, I'm not. Don't order me around! I'm with friends, not smugglers. Bye."
The line cut. Taewon stood frozen, jaw tight. Then, with a long exhale, he muttered,
"You're really stubborn
but I even like your stubbornness."
He moved to the kitchen, rolled up his sleeves, and began cooking cream cheese pasta.
As he plated it, he whispered to himself,
"It doesn't matter if you stay out tonight. It won't change anything. You're mine only."
He had just started eating when his phone buzzed.
"Dude, open the door, I'm freezing outside. I've got something to show you!"
Taehyun's voice came through.
Taewon stood and reluctantly opened the door. Snow swirled in behind Taehyun, who rushed in with a laptop.
"Stop here. Wear slippers. Take off your coat, it's dirty."
Taehyun scoffed.
"You OCD patient. I came by car, not through mud."
"Slippers," Taewon repeated.
Rolling his eyes,
Taehyun obeyed, washed his hands, and joined the table.
Taewon wordlessly served him pasta.
"So, where's Jihyun?"
Taewon stayed quiet.
"Fine," Taehyun set down his laptop.
"Here,
Three companies in Busan already want agreements with Han Group after finding out you're holding the project. Look."
Taewon scanned the screen and gave a curt nod.
Taehyun tilted his head.
"What's with the face? You're pissed."
"It's not that."
"Then what is it? Oh." He smirked.
"Jihyun's not home, huh?"
Taewon's glare was sharp.
Taehyun chuckled.
"Thought so. So, are you accepting these invitations?"
"I'll review them tomorrow."
After dinner, they sat in the lounge. Taehyun leaned back.
"I told you just confess. Everything will be easier."
"I'm waiting for the right time."
"Okay. But Taewon, you're really pissed because he's outside,
I can see it.
Didn't you say you want him to live freely, be independent?"
"I do. But lately, I can't control myself. I want to keep him close."
Taehyun studied him.
"You've never been like this before.
But listen don't cage him.
He's not your phone or wallet. Make him your heart. Even if he's not by your side physically, his soul will still be yours.
Show him you value him, not just own him."
Taewon went silent. "I will."
"Good. Still, if you want, I'll book you a doctor's appointment. This sudden change in you isn't normal. Maybe it's what we think it is."
Taewon gave a small nod.
"Fine. Now go home. I'm tired."
Taehyun stood, stretching.
"Want me to stay over? Taewon-ah"
"Go."
Laughing,
Taehyun followed him to the door. But as he was leaving, the door suddenly swung open.
Jihyun entered, sulking, muttering under his breath. He froze when he saw them.
"Ah! It's you " His eyes widened at Taehyun. "I didn't know you were here."
Taehyun scratched his neck.
"I was just leaving. Work stuff."
"Oh okay. Please come again when I'm home."
"Sure, sure." Taehyun slipped out quickly.
Jihyun dropped his shoes, gulped water, and spun on Taewon, cheeks puffed red.
"Why did you call me like that earlier? Soobin forced me back, saying, 'Go home.' You're unbelievable!"
He began lecturing in a pouty rush, words spilling.
But Taewon wasn't listening.
His gaze stayed locked on Jihyun's eyes. Slowly, he stepped forward and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Yah! You're crazy!"
Jihyun shoved at him, but Taewon's grip only tightened.
"You're acting like a psycho again! Let go!"
Taewon buried his face against his shoulder, holding on as if he couldn't breathe otherwise.
"I'm sorry " Taewon muttered
"For what, let go"