At the hospital, Seo-jun and Grandma stepped quietly into the room.Soo-yeon was sitting up in bed, leaning weakly against the headboard. His pale face softened the moment he saw them. With a pitiful, teary-eyed expression—almost like a guilty puppy—he whispered,
"I don't know… we were careful."
Grandma moved to his side immediately, her hand brushing gently over his arm. Her lips curved into a teasing smile, even as her eyes shone with concern.
"That's good. You'd better give me a new grandson or granddaughter, then."
Her light tone filled the tense air with warmth.
Seo-jun couldn't help but smile."Dad…"
Soo-yeon looked at him curiously, tilting his head. But before he could ask, Seo-jun quickly added,
"Let me inform Father."
Soo-yeon's eyes widened, and he shook his head firmly, his messy hair shifting slightly with the movement.
"Don't. I'll be the one to tell him."
Before Seo-jun could argue, the door burst open. Both Joon-ho and Cha Tae-hyun rushed in, slightly out of breath. Joon-ho's eyes found Soo-yeon instantly. Without hesitation, he crossed the room in a few quick strides and threw his arms around him. His shoulders shook as tears slipped down his face.
"I'm sorry! It's my fault… you're in pain because of me!"
His voice broke as he clung to Soo-yeon, crying like a child.
Tae-hyun sighed and shook his head, though a small smile tugged at his lips."You're crying like a little kid—just like Seo-jun."
That made Grandma and Seo-jun laugh softly, easing the heavy atmosphere.
Joon-ho finally pulled back, his eyes red and swollen, but full of desperate hope. He cupped Soo-yeon's cheek gently, almost afraid to lose him.
"Do you… do you really want to give birth to this child?"
Soo-yeon met his gaze steadily, his voice quiet but unwavering."Yes. I want to."
Joon-ho's throat tightened, and for a moment, he couldn't speak. Tae-hyun smiled warmly at them both."Then congratulations."
Soo-yeon's lips curved into a faint smile."Thank you."
Meanwhile, Seo-jun slipped his phone out of his pocket and quickly sent a message to Hye-mi.
Seo-jun: Dad is pregnant.
The reply came instantly.Hye-mi: What!? Tell me you're joking!
Seo-jun: No, I'm not.
Hye-mi: This can't be real…
Seo-jun: It is.
After a pause, another message lit up the screen.Hye-mi: The kids are sleeping. If they weren't, I'd rush to the hospital right now to see Dad. By the way, when are you guys coming home?
Seo-jun: I think now.
Hye-mi: Okay.
Just then, the door opened again. A woman doctor stepped inside, her eyes immediately landing on Joon-ho.
"Oh, Mr. Han. You're here. We need to talk."
Concern flashed across Joon-ho's face, but he quickly nodded."Okay."
He gave Soo-yeon's hand a reassuring squeeze before following her out. They walked down the quiet hallway and into the doctor's office. Both of them sat across from each other at her desk.
The doctor laced her fingers together and spoke carefully."Your husband is fine for now. But you'll need to take care of him as carefully as you did when Seo-jun was born."
Joon-ho nodded immediately, his voice firm despite his worry."Yes. I will."
The doctor hesitated, then leaned forward slightly."But… there's something I need to tell you about Soo-yeon. He's an Alpha, correct?"
Joon-ho's brows furrowed."Yes."
The doctor exhaled slowly."After giving birth to this child, there's a possibility he won't remain an Alpha."
Joon-ho's eyes widened. His breath caught."What?! What do you mean?"
"Don't worry too much," she said gently. "It's possible his body may shift—closer to a Beta, or even to an Omega. Given his strength, the chances are lower, but it's still something we'll have to watch carefully."
Joon-ho swallowed hard, his fists clenching on his knees."…I see."
The doctor offered him a small, reassuring smile."I promise, I'll do my best to give him the right treatment. He'll be cared for properly."
Joon-ho bowed his head in gratitude, his voice hoarse."Thank you."
They both rose to their feet. For a moment, silence lingered between them—until the doctor gave a faint smile.
"Joon-ho… do you remember? When we were children? That day Soo-yeon almost fell down the stairs while playing?"
Joon-ho blinked, then let out a soft chuckle."Yes. I remember. I caught him—and I was the one who got hurt."
The doctor nodded, her eyes warm."Even back then, you were protecting him."
A quiet smile spread across Joon-ho's lips, his heart heavy yet certain."And I'll keep doing it. Always."
Back at the house, Joon-ho and Seo-jun carefully helped Soo-yeon out of the car.
"I'm fine," Soo-yeon insisted softly. "You don't have to fuss over me."
But Joon-ho tightened his grip on Soo-yeon's hand, holding it protectively as they walked inside together.
Grandma was waiting in the living room. She looked up, her gaze settling on Joon-ho."You'd better take good care of him," she said firmly.
Joon-ho nodded. "I will."
On the couch, Hye-mi stood quickly the moment she saw them. She hurried over, her eyes filled with emotion."Dad…" she whispered.
They all gathered in the living room—Soo-yeon, Joon-ho, Seo-jun, Grandma, and Hye-mi. After a moment of silence, Hye-mi spoke again, her tone gentle but insistent."Dad, you should go to your room and get some rest."
Soo-yeon smiled faintly, shaking his head."I'm fine."
But Joon-ho rose from his seat and reached out his hand."Come on. Let's go to the bedroom."
Soo-yeon hesitated only briefly before taking his hand. With Joon-ho's steady support, he stood up, and the two of them quietly made their way toward the bedroom.
As the door closed behind them, Hye-mi turned toward Seo-jun."Are you hungry?"
Seo-jun shook his head."No. I'm full."
Her brows lifted slightly."Did you eat outside?"
"Yeah," Seo-jun answered simply.
But his mind wasn't calm. As he sat back against the sofa, he couldn't help but picture the strange dinner earlier—with Do-hyun, the food, the wine, and everything that happened at the dining table.