FF Chapter 42

“Why did you suddenly go into heat?”

Ji Yeonwoo, who had been wiping away his tears, widened his eyes in surprise, suddenly fully awake.

He was curious about that too. Though his heat cycles were always irregular, he couldn’t understand why it had come on so abruptly this time without any warning signs.

He tried to think back. When he first saw Choi Muhyeok, he had noticed his body temperature was unusually high. Even Muhyeok himself had mentioned feeling a bit sluggish and feverish, likely due to the pheromones he’d used. Then, in the elevator, when a slight bit of Yeonwoo’s pheromones had leaked out, Muhyeok had reacted with clear excitement. Perhaps Muhyeok’s dominant alpha pheromones had also been released during that interaction.

Could it be that his body had responded without realizing it because they were in a confined space like an elevator? But was that even possible if he didn’t feel a lack of pheromones?

“I’m not sure which came first,” Yeonwoo finally replied, lost in thought.

“Did a bit of pheromone leak because your heat was starting, or was it triggered by some external factor?”

“So that scent I noticed back then… was it your pheromones, Yeonwoo?” Muhyeok asked.

Yeonwoo nodded.

“I’ve never really been able to smell my own pheromones directly, so I’m not exactly sure what they smell like. But based on what others have said, it seems that scent you caught was probably my pheromones.”

“I did get the impression that it was the kind of complex, blended scent you’d expect from a dominant omega pheromone. But… have you ever had your pheromones suddenly release like that during a heat before, even for a moment?”

“No, not that I recall. I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think so.”

“Do you have any reason to be so certain?”

“When my heat came on before, my body felt different. Just for a moment, it felt like I’d returned to how I was before the pheromone deficiency,” Yeonwoo explained, deep in thought.

Listening to him, Muhyeok’s expression grew serious. Both of them sensed this wasn’t a simple issue.

Whether the heat triggered it or not, the fact that some pheromones had briefly released was certainly a positive sign. But without concrete proof, it was hard to be sure. They couldn’t afford to delay any longer.

“I think I need to get examined before it’s too late.”

“The problem is finding the right hospital.”

“To get an appointment quickly, maybe it would be best if I went to your hospital….”

“That’s out of the question,” Muhyeok interrupted firmly.

“The director of Seonu General Hospital is practically in my father’s pocket. If you get examined there, you’d likely have to stay at least one night, if not two. If that happens, word about you would inevitably reach my father.”

“Oh, I hadn’t considered that. I didn’t think of that possibility,” Yeonwoo admitted.

“Of course, my father likely already knows a bit about you, but exposing too much information would be a disadvantage in any negotiations.”

“So, does that mean we’ll need to find another hospital?” Yeonwoo asked, reaching over to pick up his new phone, still awkward in his hands since Park Jinchul had just set it up for him. He clumsily turned on the screen and opened the search engine.

“Even with a specialist’s referral, major hospitals usually have long wait times. Do you think it’ll be okay?”

As Yeonwoo searched for a general hospital, Muhyeok gently lowered Yeonwoo’s phone with a finger.

“We do know a doctor, don’t we?”

“A doctor?” Yeonwoo looked puzzled.

“Although it’s not his specialty, he works at a general hospital. If we ask him for a favor, he might be able to move up the appointment date.”

Yeonwoo blinked, finally realizing, and let out a soft “Ah.”

˖ ❀ ⋆｡˚

Yeonwoo had fallen asleep under the effects of the medication. It had been around four hours, and he was still deeply asleep, likely from exhaustion.

Sitting beside him, reviewing documents, Muhyeok reached out to gently push Yeonwoo’s bangs aside. Yeonwoo stirred, sleepily moving closer to where Muhyeok sat. After a bit of shifting, he settled back into a steady rhythm of breathing.

Sleep well, thought Muhyeok, watching Yeonwoo as his phone vibrated, drawing his attention. After checking the name on the screen, he placed the documents on his lap and answered.

[It’s been a while. How have you been?]

“Yes, it’s been a while. How have you been?”

Muhyeok exchanged pleasantries, glancing at Yeonwoo, who was still asleep beside him.

[Why the sudden call?]

“I have a favor to ask, and I know it’s late, but I couldn’t wait.”

“It’s just that Yeonwoo needs to have a pheromone test, and I hoped you could help.”

[A pheromone test? Did something happen?]

“Well…”

Choi Muhyeok paused, turning his gaze to the peacefully sleeping Ji Yeonwoo beside him.

“It seems that something’s off with Yeonwoo’s pheromones.”

The person Choi Muhyeok was talking to was Yoo Sunho, Seo Eungyeom’s uncle and a specialized surgeon.

Choi Muhyeok glanced over at Ji Yeonwoo, who was seated in the passenger seat with a slightly flushed face, his hands fidgeting in his lap as he tried to calm his nerves.

Yoo Sunho readily agreed to help with the test. He even had a close friend in endocrinology at his hospital who could schedule it soon. Four days later, Yoo Sunho confirmed a date, noting that while the hospital’s usual appointments were fully booked, they had an opening for the following Tuesday. However, given how quickly the arrangement was made, one issue arose.

“Are you really sure about this?”

As he cast a sideways glance at the nervous Ji Yeonwoo, who was visibly tense, Choi Muhyeok reached out to hold his hand.

“I’m asking if it’s okay to go through all the tests in one day without being admitted.”

After securing the appointment, they were informed that even shared rooms in the hospital were booked, and Ji Yeonwoo would have to wait if he required admission. After a moment’s consideration, Yeonwoo asked if it was possible to do all the tests on the same day. Yoo Sunho said it would be exhausting but possible, and Yeonwoo confirmed that he’d prefer it.

As they paused at a traffic light, Choi Muhyeok turned toward Ji Yeonwoo, his concern apparent.

“Sunho said it would only be a month or two more to wait. There’s no need to rush.”

Looking at Muhyeok’s worried face, Yeonwoo smiled softly.

“I’m not pushing myself. I’ve gotten a lot of rest thanks to you, and I feel much better.”

While Yeonwoo seemed more nourished compared to when he first moved in, he was still very thin. Even so, Yeonwoo’s reassurance didn’t ease Muhyeok’s worries. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair, silently resigning himself to Yeonwoo’s determination.

Lost in his thoughts, Muhyeok drove into the hospital parking lot where Sunho worked.

“Oh? Uncle!”

Stepping out of the elevator, Yeonwoo called out to a familiar figure in a white doctor’s coat. It was Seo Eungyeom’s partner, Yoo Sunho.

“Long time no see. How’ve you been?”

After exchanging greetings with Yeonwoo, Sunho shook hands with Muhyeok. It turned out he had stayed after his shift to help with Yeonwoo’s tests.

Sunho glanced at his watch.

“We can talk after the tests. Let’s go up now. We’re on a tight schedule with the day’s testing.”

As they moved to the escalator, he explained the procedure.

“We’ll follow the pre-set itinerary. To start, we’ll do bloodwork, which takes the longest. You’re fasting, right?”

“Yes, I haven’t eaten since last night.”

“Good. Hang in there for one day.”

On the escalator, Yeonwoo looked at Sunho thoughtfully, feeling grateful for the support of good people like him and Muhyeok. Though he hadn’t done much for them, they helped simply because he was a close friend’s partner.

“Uncle.”

Hearing him, Sunho turned, as did Muhyeok beside him.

“Thank you. I’ll repay this favor.”

“Don’t mention it. Just thank me when your pheromones are back to normal.”

A bit surprised, Sunho then smiled warmly. As they walked, Sunho’s large hand ruffled Yeonwoo’s hair, a comforting gesture, and Yeonwoo leaned slightly into Muhyeok for support.

After changing into a hospital gown, Yeonwoo started with blood tests. The procedure was thorough, involving numerous standard tests like ultrasounds and X-rays, but with additional detail checks that required repeated samples.

The blood test was particularly intensive, filling seven vials, which made Muhyeok wince. He began to understand why the hospital initially recommended a two-day stay.

The tests, starting at 9 a.m., didn’t finish until almost 4 p.m., ending with a consultation with the attending endocrinologist.

“Did you experience any discomfort during the tests?”

The endocrinologist looked at Yeonwoo.

“No, nothing especially uncomfortable.”

“Good. I’ll schedule the next consultation for 10 a.m. next week, where we’ll go over the results.”

The doctor paused, looking at Yeonwoo.

“Do you have any questions?”

Yeonwoo glanced at Muhyeok, who gently patted his shoulder in encouragement. Despite feeling worn out, Yeonwoo finally asked, hesitant.

“Will treatment vary depending on the test results?”

“Certainly. Medication will be prescribed according to pheromone levels, though there are some exceptions.”

“Exceptions?”

“Yes. If your pheromone levels show signs of natural recovery, we may proceed without medication and focus on natural methods instead.”

Curious, Yeonwoo asked, “Natural methods?”

The doctor continued after a pause.

“Well, here’s an example. Pregnant Omegas, especially male Omegas, are advised to receive steady Alpha pheromone exposure to stabilize fluctuating pheromones, a process often called ‘pheromone showers.’ Occasionally, this method helps alleviate pheromone deficiency. However, this has one unique condition.”

The doctor glanced at Muhyeok.

“Omegas who’ve recovered from pheromone deficiency through natural methods all received pheromone exposure from a dominant Alpha.”

Hearing this, Muhyeok’s eyes widened in surprise.

“However, since only the top 1% of Alphas are dominant, it’s rare for them to have an Omega with a deficiency nearby. As a result, there are few actual cases, though some academic studies report its potential.”

“…So, doctor, what do you think the chances are?”

The doctor didn’t answer Ji Yeonwoo’s question any further. Without having the test results, he couldn’t say yes or no, so he avoided giving a response. Ji Yeonwoo, catching on, didn’t ask anything more.

“I’ll explain more after the tests are done. Until the next follow-up visit, there’s only one specific precaution you need to take,” the doctor said, looking between Ji Yeonwoo and Choi Muhyeok.

“At this time, pregnancy must be avoided. I’m just confirming that you understand, though I’m sure you’re aware.”

Pregnancy…!? Ji Yeonwoo’s face flushed red as he blinked, staring at the doctor. His face felt hot, and he glanced sideways at Choi Muhyeok, who looked as calm as ever.

“If you get pregnant while your pheromones are unstable, it may not be possible to prescribe necessary medications, so please be careful and use contraception as much as possible.”

“Yes, I understand,” Choi Muhyeok responded, placing a comforting arm around Ji Yeonwoo’s shoulder as he stammered.

Leaving the doctor’s office, the two decided to grab dinner before heading home. Since Ji Yeonwoo hadn’t eaten since the previous evening, Choi Muhyeok wanted to make sure he had a filling meal. With their usual housekeeper on leave, they had to find somewhere to eat out.

They chose a traditional Korean restaurant where they’d had dinner together before. The artificial waterfall, which had been frozen over, now flowed freshly, surrounded by bright, spring greenery.

“Do you remember this place?” Choi Muhyeok asked as they waited for appetizers.

“How could I forget? This place holds a lot of meaning for me too.”

Looking around, Ji Yeonwoo recalled that night. He’d come with mixed feelings after finding out Choi Muhyeok had been on a blind date. Their conversations here felt like ones he would remember forever.

“To be honest, I wanted to disappear into the ground that day.”

It seemed Choi Muhyeok remembered as well, as a small smile appeared on his lips.

“I mean, even though we weren’t strangers, you outright asked me if I was an omega and if I could even sense pheromones. I felt like all my secrets were laid bare, and I was so embarrassed I thought I’d die,” Ji Yeonwoo said, pouting a little.

“You didn’t look that embarrassed,” Choi Muhyeok teased.

“That’s because I was trying not to show it.”

Choi Muhyeok chuckled softly and took Ji Yeonwoo’s hand from across the table.

“Forgive me. I only did it because I wanted to hold on to you.”

“…Why?”

The question had lingered in Ji Yeonwoo’s mind for a while. Why was Choi Muhyeok so drawn to him, even though he didn’t have pheromones? He realized that Choi Muhyeok had never really explained why.

“Why did you want to hold on to me?”

As if to press for an answer, he asked again. Just then, a knock on the door signaled the arrival of their appetizers. Ji Yeonwoo swallowed his frustration at the timing as the server placed the dishes on the table. Although he’d been irritated at first, his hunger quickly overtook him.

“Let’s eat first. We can talk while we eat,” Choi Muhyeok said, shifting some dishes closer to Ji Yeonwoo’s side of the table. They were foods he knew Ji Yeonwoo liked, such as japchae and mung bean pancakes.

“Don’t think you can dodge the question. I’m getting an answer,” Ji Yeonwoo insisted, speaking through a mouthful of food, which caused Choi Muhyeok to give a slightly awkward smile. It seemed he had indeed been hoping to sidestep the topic. Seeing that, Ji Yeonwoo put down his chopsticks as if to protest, and Choi Muhyeok finally started to answer, albeit reluctantly.

“Why, you ask?”

He repeated the question as if asking himself, a faint smile of amusement playing on his lips.

“I wanted to date you, Ji Yeonwoo, even if I had to go to those lengths.”

Although he’d suspected it, hearing Choi Muhyeok’s soft, gentle response felt like a warm, comforting cloud.