101

The kind of ocean photo one would typically submit to a contest would likely be a refreshing sea with waves rolling under a clear sky.

However, the ocean in his photograph was crying out, raising black spray as if harboring an inexplicable rage. The first photo taken Do-won that Yu-young saw was far more wild than expected.

The crashing waves seemed as if they would swallow even the cloudy sky. Even on the small phone screen, it felt like the water droplets would spill out beyond the display. The vivid image, stamped into his mind like a seal, left Yu-young so immersed in the lingering sensation that he even paused his meal for a moment.

“…Damn.”

“…….”

“Yu-young?”

“Oh, …yes.”

“Why did you space out all of a sudden? Don’t tell me you were moved by the photo or something?”

Sun-hyung smirked teasingly as he said that, but it didn’t faze Yu-young at all. He was still fully absorbed in the fact that he had just seen Do-won’s photography for the first time and was basking in the lingering beauty of the image. Seeing Yu-young’s lack of reaction, Sun-hyung raised the level of provocation.

“You really must be seeing it for the first time. I mean, how could Do-won not even show his own spouse? I don’t know about now, but back when he was a student, he was completely obsessed with photography.”

“He was? Unbelievable. He really… dared to rebel against me like this….”

But the arrow flew in an unexpected direction. Seeing Mrs. Lee’s face twist in displeasure, Sun-hyung couldn’t help but panic. He awkwardly laughed, trying to steer the conversation away.

“Haha… That’s not what I meant, Mother! And, well, it was just a phase. Anyway, Yu-young, how’s living with Do-won? Isn’t he super picky?”

“…He does have pretty refined tastes.”

“That too, but he’s actually a pretty picky eater. There are a lot of things he won’t eat.”

Yu-young unconsciously pricked up his ears at the suddenly interesting topic. In truth, he didn’t know much about Do-won’s food preferences. It was always Do-won who adjusted to his tastes and prepared their meals, so it was inevitable that he found Sun-hyung’s words intriguing.

But the next thing he heard left him utterly shocked.

“He’s fussy about fruit, too. And of course, he won’t touch anything slimy like sea cucumbers. Oh, and he’s not really into octopus or squid either.”

“…He doesn’t eat octopus?”

The words came out louder than he intended.

“Yeah, he hates it. Why? Don’t tell me you didn’t know?”

Sun-hyung flinched at Yu-young’s outburst but soon grinned as he replied. At that moment, Yu-young’s mind went blank.

‘He… hates octopus? But I… I washed four huge octopuses thoroughly and made soup, thinking he’d love it…’

But what didn’t make sense was that Do-won had never shown any sign of dislike. He ate everything without a word. Not only that, but he even said it was the best soup he’d ever had.

What the hell, Choi Do-won…

Even in a moment like this, his heart pounded uncontrollably. The Do-won he used to know would have definitely refused, telling him to eat it instead.

But Yu-young now had a vague understanding. Behind that seemingly indifferent and cold face and tone was a warmth and consideration deeper than anyone else’s. Even if, as Do-won once said, that kindness was reserved only for him—it was enough to make Yu-young fall for him.

Seeing Yu-young lost in thought again, Sun-hyung sneered.

“So you really didn’t know. Honestly, you two should’ve taken your time getting to know each other before making such an important decision. Wasn’t this all too sudden?”

Hearing that, a slow anger started to rise. He wanted to stay immersed in his emotions, but Lee Sun-hyung kept rudely shattering the moment. Yu-young could no longer let it slide. He switched back into fighter mode, a smirk curling on his lips.

“Oh, I know. But it’s not entirely my fault. Do-won is so thoughtful. He doesn’t even let me lift a finger in the kitchen—he won’t let me cook at all.”

“Then who does the cooking? The housekeeper?”

Sun-hyung’s smirk was already fading, but his face completely fell at Yu-young’s next words.

“Oh, Do-won cooks. He’s really good at it. Didn’t you know?”

“…He can cook?”

Not only Sun-hyung but also Mrs. Lee looked utterly dumbfounded.

What? Choi Do-won doesn’t cook just anywhere?

‘Then he’s only been cooking for me…?’

That realization was just as shocking. Yu-young widened his eyes, deliberately putting on an innocent tone as he asked again.

“Yes. Doesn’t he cook often? I thought it was his hobby.”

“…Maybe once in a while.”

“No? He makes my favorite breakfast every morning. And he cooks dinner for me when he gets home from work.”

“…….”

“…….”

The expressions on both their faces were priceless. Mrs. Lee’s mouth was half open in shock, and Sun-hyung looked completely dumbfounded. This was the most satisfying moment since he stepped into the restaurant.

As Sun-hyung openly glared at Yu-young with wide eyes, the main course was served. Once the waiter placed the dishes before the three of them and left, silence filled the room. Despite the tense atmosphere, Yu-young was the first to pick up his fork and begin cutting into the lovely lamb.

Tastes great.

It felt even more delicious, perhaps because he had landed a solid hit before eating. Maybe he should buy some lamb tomorrow and feed it to Choi Do-won… The thought made Yu-young snap back to reality. Lately, every time he ate something good, he thought of Do-won. Every time he saw something nice, Do-won came to mind. This had to be some kind of illness.

From the moment the main course arrived, the conversation shifted to deliberately exclude Yu-young. Sun-hyung and Mrs. Lee brought up topics he couldn’t follow, chatting amongst themselves. Apparently, their families had been business partners for a long time, and their discussion revolved mainly around work.

Hmph, grown adults acting this petty.

It wasn’t a pleasant situation, but at least they seemed to be done provoking and teasing him. So, he decided to just focus on enjoying his meal. Let them talk about whatever they wanted—he’d just cut his lamb, have some dessert, and make the most of the meal. As he did, the seemingly endless course finally reached its conclusion.

As the atmosphere shifted toward wrapping things up, Yu-young stood up first.

“I’m going to step out to the restroom for a moment.”

“Oh, then may I step out as well?”

“Go ahead.”

Leaving Mrs. Lee behind, the two of them walked side by side toward the restroom. The way Sun-hyung immediately followed after him made it obvious he had something to say.

Fine, let him. Yu-young thought indifferently as he entered the restroom. The moment he did, Sun-hyung spoke up as if he had been waiting for this opportunity.

“Yu-young.”

“Yes.”

“Let me ask you something, straight to the point.”

“Go ahead.”

Yu-young responded nonchalantly, about to step toward the sink.

“Do-won is someone who practically despises omega pheromones. As an omega myself, I probably shouldn’t be saying this, but… I just don’t understand how he ended up marrying you, an omega.”

It was expected, but the bluntness of his words was on an entirely different level compared to when they were in front of Mrs. Lee. Yu-young turned away from the sink and stared directly at Sun-hyung.

“And if you don’t understand, then what?”

His gaze was unwavering, completely unfazed.

“Whether you understand or not, I’m married to Do-won, and we live together. Why should anyone have to justify love? Pheromones aside, people like who they like. There’s no need to explain it to anyone.”

“Then why didn’t you have a wedding? And why haven’t you imprinted on each other?”

Pushing back just as firmly, Sun-hyung deliberately took a deep breath.

“There’s no trace of Do-won’s pheromones on you. Not a single hint of his scent.”

“You do realize that was incredibly rude and inappropriate, don’t you?”

Yu-young’s voice was ice-cold as he glared at him. But Sun-hyung, smirking with one corner of his mouth curled up, showed no intention of backing down.

“This is exactly why I can’t help but be suspicious. Did you just agree to get married while completely ruling out that kind of relationship?”

The blatant provocation made Yu-young’s rationality snap. He wanted to grab him by the collar and slap that rude mouth shut.

But the aftermath would be a nightmare. Mrs. Lee and Sun-hyung would make a scene, and Do-won—who was still at his company dinner—would hear about it and come running, only to witness the entire disaster unfold. Just imagining it was unbearable.

Patience. Avoid murder.

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Yu-young forced a sharp smile.

“The fact that you’re provoking me this openly… it sounds to me like you still haven’t let go of Do-won. Am I wrong? Are you trying to rile me up so you can break us apart?”

Watching Sun-hyung’s face slowly harden, he let out a short laugh. His intentions were practically transparent—it was like his insides were on full display.

“But what can you do? I already live with Do-won. Like I said earlier, he makes me breakfast every morning, we commute together, and we’re living quite happily.”

“So what? You’re barely even intimate. Judging by your pheromone scent, you hardly even touch each other.”

Sun-hyung refused to back down, so Yu-young deliberately flashed a sly grin.

“You seem very interested in my and Do-won’s sex life. Should I get your number? I’ll make sure to notify you every time we do it.”

“Wha—what did you just say?!”