FF Chapter 6

As Choi Muhyeok’s voice continued over the phone, Ji Yeonwoo’s face grew increasingly red.

“N-no, no. Who said I was upset? Absolutely not.”

Though no one was watching, he waved his hands in denial, desperately trying to explain. Is someone watching him? Otherwise, how could he pinpoint it so accurately?

[Mm.]

Choi Muhyeok’s response made it clear he didn’t believe him.

[I’m relieved. I was actually feeling a bit hurt, thinking you hadn’t thought about me at all.]

“Me? I never said I was waiting for you.”

Ji Yeonwoo desperately tried to explain. Even though it was an obvious excuse, he couldn’t admit it so easily. Even if he had been waiting for Choi Muhyeok, he didn’t want his feelings to be exposed so blatantly.

Just as he was about to say something else, Choi Muhyeok’s voice interrupted him.

[Ji Yeonwoo, you’re not very good at lying.]

“Huh? What do you mean…?”

[If you were going to lie, you shouldn’t have stammered.]

Ji Yeonwoo froze, his words caught in his throat. The more they talked, the more he felt like he was falling into Choi Muhyeok’s pace. It felt like he was speaking the way Choi Muhyeok wanted, rather than expressing what he himself wanted to say.

Choi Muhyeok was skilled with words and expression. Ji Yeonwoo had sensed that from the first time they met. He had been drawn to Muhyeok’s handsome looks, but what had left the strongest impression was the face that coldly handed him flowers, saying they were meant to hurt him.

Thinking about that face while hearing these kinds of words now felt strange. It also reminded him that they weren’t that close yet.

After all, they had only met twice. Technically three times, but two of those encounters had been on the same day. With so little interaction, it seemed out of place to be feeling upset.

His desire to know more about Choi Muhyeok was mixed with a fear. What if he turned out to be worse than he thought? Ji Yeonwoo had sworn he’d never like anyone again, and yet here he was, feeling something for someone new after two years—someone who, like Hyunjun, had given him chrysanthemums and spoken so casually. Could this just be a coincidence? Or was this really his type?

At the end of his long train of thought, Ji Yeonwoo felt a wave of melancholy wash over him.

“Managing Director, be honest with me.”

His voice, now quiet and subdued, echoed softly in the living room.

“How many fish like me do you have in your pond? Two? Or three?”

[…..]

“You have to be honest.”

A few seconds of silence passed before a voice, tinged with laughter, came through.

[Take a guess. How many do you think?]

“…Wait, seriously?”

Ji Yeonwoo’s eyes widened in surprise.

[What, do you dislike playboys?]

“Of course! Who in the world likes playboys?”

His voice rang out with emotion. Standing in the dim light, Ji Yeonwoo’s face was filled with a mix of complicated feelings.

[That’s a relief. I’m not good at juggling multiple people at once.]

Choi Muhyeok’s voice was still as relaxed as ever. But the more they spoke, the smaller and more insignificant Ji Yeonwoo felt, as if he were sinking.

[Ji Yeonwoo, tomorrow….]

Choi Muhyeok began to say something, but suddenly, the sound of a door opening came from his side of the phone.

‘What’s up, hyung? Oh, were you on a call?’

It sounded like someone had arrived. Although the phone seemed to have been moved away from his ear, Ji Yeonwoo could still faintly hear the conversation, as both places were quiet.

‘What’s going on?’

‘I sent you a message, but you didn’t seem to check it.’

‘Oh? What’s it about?’

‘I found out some new info about the omega you were supposed to meet. Should I come back later if your call’s going to take a while?’

Ji Yeonwoo’s eyes widened as he stood there with the phone pressed to his ear.

Did he just say… a match? Did I hear that wrong?

[Yeonwoo, are you available tomorrow?]

“…..”

[Ji Yeonwoo?]

“Huh?”

Startled out of his thoughts by Choi Muhyeok’s voice calling him again, Ji Yeonwoo finally snapped back to reality.

[What kind of coffee do you like, Ji Yeonwoo?]

“Me? I like vanilla lattes… but why are you asking?”

[I’ll come by your café tomorrow at opening time.]

“Tomorrow?”

[Do you have plans?]

“No, not really.”

[Then I’ll see you at your café tomorrow.]

“Oh… okay.”

[Good night. See you tomorrow.]

“Good night.”

[Yes. You too, Yeonwoo.]

Because of the guest’s presence, Choi Muhyeok’s once languid and soft tone returned to its former self—cold and curt.

Ji Yeonwoo stared at the phone screen as the light flickered and then went black. He had inadvertently said his goodbye and ended up making plans. Was it for real this time? He was doubtful, but somehow it didn’t seem like just idle talk.

“…So, he’s been meeting a match.”

He felt as though he had heard something he shouldn’t have. He hadn’t understood why Choi Muhyeok had been so busy all week, but was it because he was busy with matchmaking? But hadn’t he said he went somewhere far?

Ji Yeonwoo tried to piece together the fragmented thoughts, but they ended up tangling like a ball of yarn.

Standing alone in the dark, Ji Yeonwoo let out a small sigh.

݁˖ ❀ ⋆｡˚

From the start, his morning wasn’t going well.

As soon as he got to work, he broke a flowerpot. It was an accident. A small pot that had been on the desk was knocked over as he passed through the narrow space.

“What a waste. That was an expensive pot.”

Still in his coat, Ji Yeonwoo crouched down and began picking up the broken pieces with his bare hands. His head throbbed, and he felt foggy. He hadn’t exactly missed any sleep, but after drinking for the first time in a while, it seemed he was suffering from a hangover.

He was debating whether to head to the pharmacy when he heard the door open.

“Did you break a pot?”

Dressed in a suit with a gray coat over it, Choi Muhyeok stepped into the shop.

“Yes. I broke it by accident. Just give me a second, I’ve almost cleaned it up.”

Ji Yeonwoo grabbed a broom and swept up the scattered soil. Standing off to the side, Choi Muhyeok quietly watched him.

“How’s the hangover?”

Choi Muhyeok spoke as Ji Yeonwoo finished cleaning up. Startled, Ji Yeonwoo turned around, only to see Choi Muhyeok approaching, placing a hangover drink and some pills on the table.

“I figured your stomach wouldn’t feel great, so I didn’t bring any coffee.”

“Th-thank you.”

Ji Yeonwoo was surprised that Choi Muhyeok had somehow known, despite him not showing any signs. Was his tone off? Embarrassed, Ji Yeonwoo recalled their conversation from last night.

“Do you remember our call yesterday?”

“I didn’t drink that much.”

Ji Yeonwoo’s face flushed as he spoke, while Choi Muhyeok smiled silently.

Choi Muhyeok’s gaze lingered on Ji Yeonwoo’s face, his dark brown eyes scanning it intently.

“But…”

Just as Ji Yeonwoo began to find his gaze odd, Choi Muhyeok’s hand reached toward him. Startled, Ji Yeonwoo instinctively pulled back, but Muhyeok’s hand gently brushed his cheek.

“Are you always this careless? You had dirt on you when we first met, and now again today.”

Choi Muhyeok showed his hand, which had dirt on it. Only then did Ji Yeonwoo realize there was soil on his cheek.

“It happens when you’re repotting or handling soil, but… when did it get there?”

Embarrassed, Ji Yeonwoo turned away, rubbing his cheek with his sleeve.

Choi Muhyeok, who had come to visit the “Flower Fiancé” shop, continued with casual conversation—asking if he’d had breakfast, how he was feeling, and so on. Only before leaving did he get to the point.

“Are you free this evening?”

Ji Yeonwoo wasn’t surprised, given that this was the same man who had asked him on their first meeting if they could have a meal and drinks together.

“Sorry, I have plans today.”

In truth, he had plenty of free time both during the week and on weekends, but he pretended to have plans. Based on Choi Muhyeok’s past behavior, Ji Yeonwoo didn’t want to give in so easily.

“I see. How about tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow?”

“Do you have plans tomorrow as well?”

“No, tomorrow is fine.”

After making up plans that didn’t exist, Ji Yeonwoo watched Muhyeok carefully. This was the man who could detect lies just from a phone call. Would he figure it out now that they were face-to-face? He couldn’t meet Choi Muhyeok’s steady gaze, fearing it would expose his lie. It felt like everything would unravel the moment their eyes met.

“Then let’s meet for dinner tomorrow.”

After a long pause, Choi Muhyeok checked his watch.

“What kind of food do you like?”

“I’m not picky; I can eat anything.”

“Alright. I’ll send a car for you at dinner time tomorrow.”

“No, that’s really not necessary.”

Ji Yeonwoo waved his hands, trying to decline Muhyeok’s offer.

“If you just tell me the name and address of the restaurant, I can go on my own.”

The generosity, from someone he barely knew, felt overwhelming.

Ji Yeonwoo had a general sense of Muhyeok’s social standing, but the way he had gone silent over the past week made it clear. In this one-sided relationship, where Choi Muhyeok could disappear at any moment, accepting his kindness too readily would mean the end. After all, it might just be a fleeting attraction, and Ji Yeonwoo didn’t want to get swept up in it.

Leaning against the counter, Choi Muhyeok stood there, silently watching Ji Yeonwoo.

“Then, how about this? Just having dinner seems a bit much, so how about watching a movie first?”

“A movie?”

“Let’s watch a movie, then have dinner. I’ll make a reservation at a hotel lounge with a nice atmosphere.”

“Isn’t a hotel lounge usually only accessible if you have a room booked?”

“I know the owner well, so I sometimes use the lounge without booking a room.”

Watching a movie seemed fine, but having dinner at a hotel lounge on a first date felt too extravagant. Still, Ji Yeonwoo wasn’t in a position to decline again, so in the end, they accepted Choi Muhyeok’s date proposal.

Ji Yeonwoo closed the store earlier than usual and hurried home. After taking a shower, they stood in front of the mirror. Despite the ticking clock, none of the clothes in the wardrobe seemed right today.

After wasting time picking an outfit, Ji Yeonwoo barely made it to the movie theater just in time.

Arriving on the 7th floor by escalator, Ji Yeonwoo took a deep breath and looked around. The 7th floor, where people were buying tickets, was already crowded. Since they hadn’t set a specific meeting spot beyond “the 7th floor,” Ji Yeonwoo slowly wandered through the crowd, searching for Choi Muhyeok.

With his tall and striking appearance, he should be easy to spot, but he was nowhere to be seen. Hadn’t he arrived yet? Should I call him? As Ji Yeonwoo hesitated with the phone in hand, nearby conversations caught their attention.

“Wow, look at that guy’s physique. He’s no joke.”

“I’ve been watching him for a while. He seems to be waiting for someone. He’s already been turned down by three people.”

“What? Is he waiting for his lover?”

Intrigued, Ji Yeonwoo followed their gaze and saw a familiar figure standing near a sculpture. Amid the passing crowd, a man approached Choi Muhyeok and appeared to strike up a conversation. It seemed like the man was an omega who had recognized that Choi Muhyeok was an alpha.

Choi Muhyeok glanced at his phone, ignoring the conversation after exchanging just a few words. The other man, clearly upset, scowled before walking away, face flushed red.

[Managing Director Choi Muhyeok: Yeonwoo, where are you?]

Simultaneously, Ji Yeonwoo’s phone buzzed with a message. After staring at the screen for a moment, Ji Yeonwoo lifted their head. Someone like him, who’s popular and even goes on arranged dates… Why does he want to get close to me? Ji Yeonwoo couldn’t help but feel suspicious, though it was hard to deny that Choi Muhyeok’s looks, physique, and demeanor were exactly their type.

[I’m here. I see you, Director.]

After some hesitation, Ji Yeonwoo quickly typed a reply with both thumbs. As soon as Choi Muhyeok checked his phone, he looked up and scanned the area. When their eyes met, his face lit up, and he started walking toward Ji Yeonwoo.

Meeting his gaze, Ji Yeonwoo offered a small smile.

Though Ji Yeonwoo had many questions, they decided not to ask today. They didn’t want to spoil the good atmosphere.

The movie they had booked was a romantic comedy-action film—a mix of three genres, and not bad at all. It was moderately funny, a bit heart-fluttering, but with one major downside: it was gory.

Not being a fan of blood or violent films, Ji Yeonwoo couldn’t help but feel self-conscious about sitting next to Choi Muhyeok. They kept sneaking glances, and whenever a bloody scene appeared, Ji Yeonwoo flinched in surprise. After doing so a few times, they found themselves tensing up as the suspense built, nervously clutching their hands.

Just as Ji Yeonwoo considered covering their eyes, a hand reached over and gently held theirs. Looking down at the large, rough hand that covered theirs, Ji Yeonwoo turned their head.

“Should I cover your eyes instead of your hand?” Choi Muhyeok whispered softly, still looking ahead. Embarrassed, Ji Yeonwoo shook their head, forgetting that it was too dark for him to notice.

“No, it’s okay.”

In a small voice, Ji Yeonwoo responded, then placed both hands over Choi Muhyeok’s, holding it tightly.

By the time the movie ended, Ji Yeonwoo’s heart was racing. Not because of the romantic comedy-disguised gory action scenes, but because of the small gestures Choi Muhyeok had made throughout the film.

“Next time, I’ll be sure to ask for your input before booking a movie,” Choi Muhyeok said as he returned after throwing away the trash.

“I’m sorry. Did I make you uncomfortable?”

“No, I just felt a bit bad seeing how startled you were.”

“I tend to get startled easily. That’s why I don’t go to the theater very often.”

Since the elevator was crowded with people leaving the movie, the two decided to take the escalator instead.

“So, do you not watch movies much?”

“I usually watch them at home. With all the OTT platforms these days, it’s convenient.”

As they stood one behind the other on the escalator, Choi Muhyeok turned his head to look at Ji Yeonwoo standing behind him.

“Hmm, that’s a good option too.”

A smile spread across Choi Muhyeok’s face, as though a thought had crossed his mind. Not understanding why, Ji Yeonwoo tilted their head in curiosity.

After leaving the theater, the two headed to the hotel lounge for a late dinner. The manager was already waiting for them at the entrance.

“Long time no see, Managing Director.”

“How have you been?”

The manager and Choi Muhyeok exchanged brief greetings before the manager guided them inside. Given that it was quite late for dinner, the hall was mostly empty.

“Since all the private rooms are reserved, I’ve set up a table for you in the main hall by the window with the best view.”

Apologizing politely, the manager led them to a table by the window that offered a stunning view of the city lights. As Ji Yeonwoo sat down, they were captivated by the twinkling cityscape outside. Wow, Seoul is really beautiful. While admiring the view, Choi Muhyeok, who was about to sit, paused and checked his phone.

“Yeonwoo, I’m sorry, but I need to take a quick call.”

“Sure, go ahead.”

Choi Muhyeok brought his phone to his ear and walked toward the entrance. Ji Yeonwoo, watching him move away, turned their gaze back to the window.

As Choi Muhyeok was about to leave the lounge, his shoulder brushed against a man entering at the same time. “I’m sorry,” he said, lightly bowing in apology as he continued his phone call, walking past the man.

The man, who had been entering with a woman in a tight, wine-colored mini dress, frowned and glanced back at Choi Muhyeok, muttering, “What the heck?” Annoyed, he brushed off his shoulder where they had touched before heading inside. Even though the lounge manager greeted and guided them to their seats, the man’s sour expression didn’t ease.

“Lee Hyunjun, can you stop frowning? Are you going to act like this in front of both our parents too?”

“Alright, alright. I’ll handle it. Stop nagging.”

Lee Hyunjun responded irritably to the female omega’s nagging. As he glanced around the hall, his eyes suddenly stopped at a familiar figure. The person sitting alone by the window, gazing at the city lights, had a back that he knew all too well.

“…Ji Yeonwoo?”

Lee Hyunjun muttered in disbelief as he stared at the familiar silhouette. The odds that it wasn’t them were slim. Even though things had ended badly between them, there was no way he wouldn’t recognize the back of the person he had lived with for four years.

“Why is Ji Yeonwoo here…?”