PIA 108

Seo Ji-hyuk found himself increasingly unsettled by the unfamiliar emotions stirring within him, emotions that seemed to change as quickly as Ji-an himself.

Despite it being work hours and having plenty of tasks left, he felt a surge of irritation towards Jeong Han-joo who had called him out. It seemed like just yesterday that he had felt apologetic towards a lover who wanted to spend time with him, but now he was even bewildered by how drastically his feelings had faded.

“Ji-hyuk, are you very busy? Why do you look so upset?”

“You know our team has a lot of work.”

Looking back, he wondered if even his feelings of liking Han-joo had been just an illusion, and if he had merely been accommodating and giving in to Han-joo’s conditions every time because he was attracted to his status.

“How are you feeling? Is the morning sickness okay?”

“I told you. It’s nothing.”

It was strange how little he cared anymore, even though pregnancy had finally brought him the promise of marriage and shifted the power in their relationship in his favor. He felt almost entitled to all the consideration he hadn’t received in the past.

During their relationship, Seo Ji-hyuk thought he had never been overly conscious of Han-joo, but looking back, there hadn’t been a moment when he wasn’t.

“Don’t you have work?”

Jeong Han-joo replied with a sour expression.

“There was a meeting with the General Manager’s office, but hyung disappeared again.”

Seo Ji-hyuk’s lips twisted. Rumors were rampant in the company these days. Something about the General Manager going crazy with love. There were also plenty of eyewitnesses. The great owner’s family, and the eldest grandson who was first in line for succession, was said to be dating a young and beautiful Omega. Some even said he looked like a fairy.

Seo Ji-hyuk snorted. This Omega wasn’t even a dominant, just barely a recessive Omega. It seemed like everyone had collectively put on rose-colored glasses just because the General Manager was dating.

“…”

Looking at his watch, it was time to return to his desk. Even that irritated him. He planned to quit the company with a suitable excuse after holding the engagement ceremony. His mind drifted to Ji-an’s sudden exit after his little internship escapade—typical behavior of those born with everything.

Jeong Han-joo took Ji-hyuk’s hand. It felt so clammy that he had to make an effort to control his expression. Even Han-joo’s pheromones, which used to be attractive, now hold no appeal.

How did Han-joo, who was clearly an impressive Alpha to anyone, come to look so shabby now…? Ji-hyuk lowered his eyes. It was because he was reminded of Jeong Hee-seo looking down at him with contempt-filled eyes.

Seo Ji-hyuk swallowed a sigh and spoke.

“Don’t you want to rise as high as your hyung?”

“I need to have the ability first.”

It was troubling that even what he once thought was unpretentious and unambitious now seemed foolish. His feelings were crumbling to an extent that made him wonder if this was okay. He felt intense self-loathing and resentment towards Ji-an. Somehow, he even thought that he was stubbornly trying to maintain this relationship because of him.

“It’s not like hyung has so much power that he can just leave his position as he pleases. Today, he said grandmother called for him.”

“…”

An idiot full of inferiority and greed towards his brother, but not knowing how to rise. Seo Ji-hyuk smiled brightly.

“Han-joo, shall we go see grandmother and have a meal together after a long time?”

“Huh? You want to?”

He was thinking of trying to act coy one more time in front of grandmother. Seo Ji-hyuk’s eyes sparkled, not realizing the consequences this impulsive visit would bring.

* * *

The meal was set up in the garden pavilion at Myeong Hyun-sook’s request. The sound of wind chimes carried on the cool breeze blowing over the pavilion overlooking the pond. Beyond the bamboo blinds hung under the eaves, the sunset and tiled roofs spread out like a painting. It felt like being in an ancient palace.

Five family members, including Ji-an and Jeong Hee-seo, sat around a round table large enough for ten people. In front of each person was a separate table mat with soup, rice, individual plates, and utensils.

Ji-an waited for Myeong Hyun-sook to pick up her spoon before picking up his own. Noticing his glance, the older woman smiled brightly.

“We don’t have much, but please eat a lot.”

“I’ll enjoy the meal.”

Jeong Hee-seo, sitting to Ji-an’s right, raised his hand to pat and stroke his back. When he turned to look, he spoke with his eyes. Don’t be shy, eat a lot. A smile naturally spread across his face.

“Hee-seo, it’s been a while since you’ve joined us for a meal. Eat plenty.”

“Yes. Grandmother, have you been eating well lately?”

“If you’re so worried about your grandmother, you should have visited more often.”

Myeong Hyun-sook gave him a playful glare.

“I’m fine. My appetite is still good, and I haven’t lost my chewing strength. Don’t worry unnecessarily. Instead of always thinking about going to work, take care of the person next to you. Go on trips together. Isn’t it a shame to waste your bright youth? Once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back.”

As she continued her nagging, she carefully removed the bones from a large grilled fish on her plate. She even put on reading glasses, concentrating so hard that wrinkles formed between her brows.

“Adults can eat on their own.”

She broke the deboned fish into pieces and gave one each to Ye-seo and Ji-an. Ji-an bowed his head slightly and accepted it without hesitation. Being treated like a child along with Ye-seo felt ticklish, and the fish meat in his mouth was sweet. A blush rose to his cheeks.

“It’s really delicious. Thank you.”

No sooner had his puffy cheeks deflated than braised ribs and shrimp appeared on his spoon.

Ji-an ate everything given to him without pause. Known for his good appetite and impressive eating capacity, even Myeong Hyun-sook’s eyes widened as he kept adding side dishes. She seemed to enjoy feeding him. As she was about to pick up another rib, Jeong Hee-seo abruptly intervened.

“Grandmother, he’ll get indigestion.”

“Oh my, that’s right. Let’s eat slowly. Drink some water while you eat.”

Before Myeong Hyun-sook could finish her sheepish words, Jeong Hee-seo pushed a glass of water in front of Ji-an’s nose.

She was so fascinated by the sight of her big grandson tending to the small young man’s meal that she lost herself in watching for a while. She caught herself smiling and met Jeong Hee-young’s eyes, who smiled back as if to say, “See?”

Myeong Hyun-sook raised her hand and gently tapped Ji-an’s shoulder. The awkward and careful touch conveyed interest, which wasn’t unpleasant. Ji-an smiled brightly.

“I hear you two are living together.”

“…Yes. It hasn’t been long.”

Myeong Hyun-sook subtly changed the subject. She felt it was about time to bring up what she was curious about. Jeong Hee-seo shot Ji-an a look as if to ask if he had already talked about this. Seeing his expression of trying to gauge how much to say, Ji-an also became conflicted.

Will Jeong Hee-seo mention the pregnancy? If so, when? Should he say it?

Ji-an felt a bit tense. Talking about living together because he didn’t want to lie was different from discussing the pregnancy. It seemed like people would start noticing soon, so they should mention it beforehand… But it was a topic where timing was difficult to gauge appropriately and fantastically.

Feeling his mouth dry, Ji-an was sipping some soup when Jeong Hee-seo gently stroked his thigh under the table.

“Because I’m busy, living together is efficient for meeting.”

“Why do you speak so coldly? Efficiency, you say.”

“That’s not what I meant…”

Ji-an and Jeong Hee-seo’s eyes met as they glanced at each other. He made an “oops” expression, looking embarrassed.

“I chose my words poorly. I’m sorry.”

He turned his head back to Myeong Hyun-sook.

“Actually, I want to see him every moment, so even living together doesn’t feel enough. Still, I’m refraining from taking him to the company.”

“Oh…”

“But hearing your words, grandmother, I realize I’ve been lacking. I should devote more time and attention to the person by my side, go on trips together… I’ll try harder from now on.”

He said everything he needed to say in a quiet voice, his expression unwavering. Ji-an felt the temperature slowly rising from below his neck upwards. Soon his forehead felt hot, and steam seemed to rise from the top of his head. His face was undoubtedly as red as a beet right now.

A brief silence fell over the table. Having finished speaking, Jeong Hee-seo resumed eating, picking up some vegetables and chewing them silently with his usual polite posture. His expression was so nonchalant that it made everyone else feel strange.

After swallowing what was in his mouth and taking a drink of water, Jeong Hee-seo added as if he had just remembered:

“Oh, by the way, Ji-an ate all the snacks you gave us last time, grandmother.”

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yes. All of them in one sitting.”

“My goodness, Ji-an, all of it?”

Jeong Hee-young, who had been taking care of Ye-seo until then, chimed in with surprise. Ji-an waved his hands.

“Well, I have a bit of a big appetite. But it was so delicious I couldn’t stop. It wasn’t too sweet either, so before I knew it, I had reached the bottom. Hyung-nim couldn’t have any because of me. And I didn’t even realize it. I try to be careful, but I keep letting my guard down…”

Jeong Hee-seo chuckled as he watched Ji-an frantically explain himself. While he couldn’t agree that they weren’t very sweet, he went along with Ji-an’s words and added:

“That’s right. So please pack us some more, grandmother.”

It was a bold and shameless request, as if he were claiming something entrusted to him.

Sensing something familiar in her grandson’s expression, Myeong Hyun-sook let out a meaningful “Oh” and smiled. She took Ji-an’s hand, saying that grandmother had been a bit insensitive before and apologized. Ji-an stared blankly at the wrinkled hand covering his.

Ji-an felt a connection between the warmth of her hand and the warmth of Jeong Hee-seo beside him. He felt a lump in his throat as the warm love seemed to reach even the little one in his belly through him.

“I also…”

Ji-an tried speaking up, feeling greedy.

“I want to eat more. Especially that… the one with the ginger scent.”

The feeling of becoming a child begging his grandmother for snacks was unfamiliar and frightening. Ji-an’s eyelashes fluttered nervously, used to being rejected.

“Oh my. That one’s all gone. Instead, I’ll pack you the ones topped with pine nuts. And why don’t you come visit again? Let’s make them together. We can spend all day making snacks for Ji-an to eat.”

Ji-an felt overwhelmed and could only nod his head vigorously, unable to answer. Even just this much made him feel like he had achieved everything.