Joon-ho helped Soo-yeon onto the bed, refusing to let go of his hand. He propped him gently against the pillows, then stayed there at the edge, his knees sinking into the mattress. His face hovered close, torn between fear and longing.
"Are you… feeling what I'm feeling?" His voice shook, barely above a whisper.
Soo-yeon's gaze softened. A small, almost secret smile touched his lips. "I think so."
A broken laugh escaped Joon-ho, laced with relief. He pressed Soo-yeon's hand to his cheek, closing his eyes like he wanted to melt into that warmth. A tear slid free before he could stop it. "You'll be in pain," he murmured.
Soo-yeon's other hand came up, resting gently on his head. He guided him down until Joon-ho's forehead pressed against his lap. "Come here. Lie down properly. You'll wear yourself out like this."
For a moment, Joon-ho froze. Then slowly, he climbed onto the bed and rested his head in Soo-yeon's lap. Soo-yeon's fingers slipped into his hair, stroking lightly again and again. Watching him like this—so raw, so defenseless—made Soo-yeon's chest ache, but at the same time, it felt safe.
After a long silence, Joon-ho lifted his head again. His lips parted as if to speak, but no words came. Instead, in a soft, almost pleading voice, he whispered, "Lie down with me."
Soo-yeon blinked, surprised, then nodded. "…Alright."
He settled back against the sheets, and almost instantly Joon-ho leaned over, pressing a trembling kiss to his lips.
"Hey—slow down," Soo-yeon whispered, cheeks burning.
He cradled Joon-ho's face, thumb brushing his skin. "You don't need to prove anything. I already know."
Joon-ho's eyes searched his, desperate, needing. "Then… let me. Please."
Soo-yeon's lips curved faintly, a soft smile of surrender. "…Okay."
The next kiss was slower. Deeper. Both of them clung to it like nothing else mattered—like the world outside could wait.
On the bedside table, a photograph sat in silence. Joon-ho and Soo-yeon stood side by side in it, an older man between them. His sharp, dignified features echoed faintly in both their faces.
Seo-jun stumbled into the room and collapsed onto the bed, face buried in the pillow. His voice came out muffled."Damn… Do-hyun… that bastard…"
Pain shot through him, sharp enough to make him curl up."Ugh… my ass still hurts…"
He stayed there for a bit, breathing heavy, before dragging himself up. His hands shook as he reached for his clothes. When he tugged his pants down, he froze.
His chest squeezed tight."…What the—"
Warmth. Damp. Sticky between his thighs. His breath stuttered."No, no, no… this can't… why am I—" His voice cracked. "Like an omega…?"
Panic hit hard. He stumbled toward the bathroom, nearly tripping."Shower. I just need a shower. Calm down. Calm down, Seo-jun—"
The water roared as soon as he turned the knob, steam filling the room. He pressed his forehead against the cold tile, trying to steady his breathing.
Outside, Hye-mi wandered in, humming. His eyes went to the pants tossed near the door. With a sigh, he bent to pick them up."For god's sake, how many times do I have to tell you—basket, not the flo—"
He stopped. His fingers came back sticky. His brows furrowed."…What the hell?"
The bathroom door slammed open. Steam spilled out as Hye-mi's voice tore through it."Why the fuck are your pants wet—did you seriously cum in them?!"
Seo-jun whipped around, arms snapping up to cover himself. His face burned."H-Hye-mi?! Knock, damn it!"
"Knock?!" Hye-mi barked a laugh. "I'm your brother. What the hell are you hiding?"
His eyes scanned Seo-jun's body—then froze on the faint bite marks along his neck and shoulders. His expression shifted, voice dropping."…You're seeing someone?"
Seo-jun's jaw clenched. He turned away, letting the water run down his face. "…No."
"Don't lie."
Slowly, Seo-jun lifted his head, eyes blazing. "So what if I am?"
The words hit like a slap. Hye-mi stared, stunned, then spun on his heel and stormed out. His laugh echoed sharp in the hallway."Ha… haha… so someone really fucked you, huh? Hahaha!"
Inside, Seo-jun slammed his palms against the tile. His voice broke, raw."Shut up! Just leave me the hell alone!"
But the laughter was already fading away.
Water ran down, mixing with tears he couldn't stop. His forehead pressed against the wall. His whisper cracked in the steam."…Why? Why am I like this?"