FF Chapter 21

However, there was no call from Choi Muhyeok even as evening approached.

“…Why isn’t he contacting me?”

Ji Yeonwoo sat on a chair, resting his chin on his arms crossed over the counter, staring at his silent phone. It made no sense for a modern person to go six hours without checking their phone. No matter how busy you are, if you see a missed call, you could at least leave a message saying, “I’ll get back to you when I’m free.” That’s the Choi Muhyeok I know—he would do that, no problem.

But the fact that there wasn’t a single message for over six hours was bothering him. Did something really happen? Just as his worry started to spiral out of control…

— Bzzz.

The phone vibrated. Ji Yeonwoo quickly grabbed it as if he had been waiting for it.

When he checked the screen, the corners of his lips slowly fell.

It was an unknown number, not saved in his contacts.

‘Answer it. Unless you don’t want to see me again.’

A bad memory that had been etched into his mind quickly flashed through his head.

Could it be… was this call from Lee Hyunjun?

He had already blocked Lee Hyunjun’s previous number, so there was no guarantee this one was from him.

But what if it was Lee Hyunjun? What should he do?

As he hesitated, staring at the still-ringing phone, Ji Yeonwoo bit down hard on his lower lip. No, even if it was Lee Hyunjun calling, nothing would change.

There was no reason to avoid it. If it really was Lee Hyunjun, he needed to answer and find out why he kept calling.

After some hesitation, Ji Yeonwoo pressed the call button.

“…Hello?”

His voice trembled slightly as he spoke. From the other end of the line, he heard:

[Oh? Isn’t this Flower Fiancé?]

A woman’s voice came through.

‘Ah, it wasn’t Lee Hyunjun.’

Only then did Ji Yeonwoo relax and collapse back into his chair. His legs felt weak, and he started trembling slightly.

“Yes, this is Flower Fiancé.”

[Do you have any light pink ranunculus flowers by chance?]

“Yes, we do. What style are you looking for?”

[You have them? Wow, thank goodness. I’ve called three flower shops already, and they all said they didn’t have any.]

Hearing the customer’s relieved voice from the other end of the phone somehow made Ji Yeonwoo’s mood soften as well.

“Lately, a lot more people have been looking for ranunculus flowers, so I’ve restocked. Are you giving it as a gift?”

[Yes, it’s for a friend’s birthday. She loves ranunculus.]

“A woman?”

[Yes.]

Standing up, Ji Yeonwoo looked at the light pink ranunculus in the flower showcase and continued speaking. The light pink ranunculus was a flower he had specially ordered along with pink calla lilies from the farm owner.

“Well, since it’s for your friend’s birthday bouquet, I think it would be pretty if we used five light pink ranunculus flowers and accented them with small blooms to keep it simple. How does that sound?”

[Yes, that sounds perfect.]

“Please let me know what time you’ll be coming tomorrow, and I’ll have it ready for you. Due to the nature of the flowers, we don’t prepare the bouquet in advance, but I’ll have everything ready so I can make it on the spot when you arrive.”

[Okay, I’ll come by around 1 PM tomorrow.]

“Alright, see you at 1.”

After politely finishing the call, Ji Yeonwoo looked at the now silent phone and let out a small sigh. While talking about flowers, he hadn’t had a single complicated thought, which was a good thing. But the fact that an unfamiliar call had made him so anxious was still weighing on his mind.

He thought he had gotten over it, but he realized just how deeply a single call from Lee Hyunjun could shake him.

More than anything, the only one who could calm this unease was Choi Muhyeok. Yet, there was still no reply from him.

݁˖ ❀ ⋆｡˚

Ji Yeonwoo entered a BBQ restaurant near Seoul. Inside, Seo Eungyeom, who had arrived first and was already eating, waved enthusiastically at him as he walked in. Sitting next to Seo Eungyeom was his uncle, Yoo Sunho.

“You found the place! I was worried you’d get lost.”

Seo Eungyeom teased as soon as he saw Ji Yeonwoo. In front of him were already two empty soju bottles.

“I’m not that bad with directions, you know?”

Ji Yeonwoo, after taking off his coat and hanging it on the chair, playfully greeted Seo Eungyeom and looked over at Yoo Sunho, who was sitting beside him.

“Thank you for always taking care of me, Uncle.”

“No need to thank me. By the way, make sure you eat dinner while you’re working. Doesn’t your boyfriend scold you for skipping meals?”

As Yoo Sunho placed a few perfectly grilled pieces of meat on the plate in front of Ji Yeonwoo, he asked about his boyfriend. Ji Yeonwoo widened his eyes and looked at Seo Eungyeom.

“I told him. I mentioned you have a boyfriend.”

“Hey, you—”

Ji Yeonwoo shot a look at Seo Eungyeom, signaling he should have kept that to himself. But Seo Eungyeom glanced over at Yoo Sunho, who was grilling meat in his suit, as if asking for help.

“Good news should be shared, right? Isn’t that right?”

Yoo Sunho, looking at Seo Eungyeom fondly, pinched the bridge of his nose with his thumb and index finger.

“No matter the reason, how could you say something like that without asking the person involved? That’s your mistake,” Yoo Sunho said firmly, causing Seo Eungyeom to pout. Watching the two of them, Ji Yeonwoo couldn’t help but chuckle.

It was near the end of the shop’s closing when Seo Eungyeom called. After some casual conversation, when Ji Yeonwoo mentioned he hadn’t had dinner yet, Seo Eungyeom’s uncle, Yoo Sunho, suggested he come over and join them for a meal. Apparently, both Seo Eungyeom and Yoo Sunho were also having a late dinner.

Ji Yeonwoo usually didn’t accompany couples on their dates, but since they always took care of him, it felt awkward to refuse. Plus, with so many things weighing on his mind that day, he headed straight over once the shop was closed.

“You must be hungry. Eat up.”

“Yes.”

Ji Yeonwoo placed some meat on a lettuce leaf, made a wrap, and popped it into his mouth. Watching Ji Yeonwoo’s cheeks puff up as he chewed, Yoo Sunho placed a few more pieces of grilled meat on his plate.

“How have you been lately? Any new symptoms?”

At this gentle question, Ji Yeonwoo, who had just taken a bite of meat, slowed his chewing. As a doctor, Yoo Sunho was more concerned than anyone else about Ji Yeonwoo’s pheromone deficiency. Even though his specialty was different, he had been researching the condition, attending various seminars, and looking for ways to treat Ji Yeonwoo.

“There haven’t been any new symptoms. I guess I just have to live like this.”

With a bitter smile, Ji Yeonwoo looked at Seo Eungyeom and Yoo Sunho sitting across from him. His expression wasn’t great, and so neither of them said anything more.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, but why’s the mood like this? Come on, let’s have a drink.”

Unable to tolerate the heavy atmosphere, which felt as gloomy as the rainy season, Seo Eungyeom filled the glasses and held one up. Ji Yeonwoo smiled helplessly at him, clinking his glass in response.

After emptying his glass, Seo Eungyeom’s gaze fell on Ji Yeonwoo’s phone, which was lying on the table.

“Hey, Yeonwoo, what’s up with your phone?”

Hearing the curious question, Ji Yeonwoo glanced at his phone. It was then that he noticed the screen, badly cracked.

“Oh, this….”

Ji Yeonwoo hesitated, not wanting to explain that he had gotten a call from Lee Hyunjun. Although he didn’t mind sharing even trivial things with Seo Eungyeom, he didn’t want to reveal this in front of his uncle.

“I just dropped it.”

“How’d you drop it for it to end up like that? Did it fall on the corner?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

Seo Eungyeom questioned further, finding it hard to believe, while Ji Yeonwoo awkwardly laughed and took another sip from his glass.

After some time had passed, the phone on the table started vibrating. Without thinking, Ji Yeonwoo picked it up mid-conversation and his eyes widened.

It was a call from Choi Muhyeok.

Excited, Ji Yeonwoo answered the call right where he was, not even thinking of stepping away.

“Hello? Managing Director.”

[ …You called earlier. ]

Choi Muhyeok’s voice came through the phone, heavy and subdued. He sounded tired, and perhaps even upset. Ji Yeonwoo noticed but chose not to mention it.

“Yes, I called… eight hours ago, to be exact.”

With a slightly pouty tone, Ji Yeonwoo expressed how he had been waiting for Choi Muhyeok’s call all day. It was a tone he wouldn’t normally use, but alcohol made people more honest.

Sensing something different in his tone, there was a brief silence from the other end of the line. From the faint sound of cars, it seemed like Choi Muhyeok was outside.

[ I had some things to take care of. ]

His voice cracked slightly as he sighed. Ji Yeonwoo, who had been about to say something, hesitated and glanced at his phone. Choi Muhyeok’s voice sounded a bit off.

[ It’s difficult for me to take calls when I’m at my family’s home. ]

His family home? Now that he thought about it, Ji Yeonwoo couldn’t recall Choi Muhyeok ever mentioning his family before. He realized then that something must have happened to Choi Muhyeok. Regret welled up for the slightly snappy tone he had used earlier.

[ Have you eaten dinner? ]

“I’m eating right now. Eungyeom’s uncle offered to treat me to dinner.”

Switching the phone to his other ear, Ji Yeonwoo made eye contact with Yoo Sunho, who was sitting across from him. At that moment, there was a cold silence on the other end of the phone.

“Managing Director?”

Then, Choi Muhyeok’s lowered voice came through the phone.

[ I believe I told you not to meet with other alphas when I’m not around. Have you forgotten already? ]

Caught off guard, Ji Yeonwoo clutched the phone with both hands and quickly explained.

“Oh, that’s… I’m not alone, I’m with Eungyeom too. His uncle knew I hadn’t eaten, so he offered to buy me dinner, and that’s why I’m here.”

A soft sigh came through the phone. It seemed like Choi Muhyeok was trying to suppress his anger.

[ I understand your point. But… where are you right now? ]

Hearing Choi Muhyeok’s next words, Ji Yeonwoo obediently told him where he was.

After the call ended, Seo Eungyeom, sensing something was off, grabbed Ji Yeonwoo’s arm and asked, “Is he coming here?”

“Yeah.”

Even from his voice on the phone, it was clear that Choi Muhyeok was in a bad mood. What had happened during the time they hadn’t been in contact? Initially, Ji Yeonwoo had only been worried about not hearing from him, but now he was more anxious about what might have happened in the meantime.

Not long after, the door to the restaurant opened. Ji Yeonwoo instinctively looked up, and his eyes widened.

Choi Muhyeok, with his hair slicked back with pomade, walked in wearing a neat suit layered under a black cashmere coat.

As soon as he opened the door and stepped inside, Choi Muhyeok’s gaze immediately found Ji Yeonwoo. Though his expression remained somewhat stiff, it didn’t seem as harsh as it had over the phone.

Standing next to Ji Yeonwoo, who was a full head shorter than him, Choi Muhyeok looked down at him slightly. His deep brown eyes moved subtly as he examined Ji Yeonwoo. Noticing his flushed cheeks from drinking, Choi Muhyeok’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Just as he was about to speak, another voice spoke up faster.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Yoo Seonho,” the voice said.

Following the sound, Choi Muhyeok turned his head. Across from him stood Seo Eungyeom’s uncle, Yoo Seonho, who extended his hand. Choi Muhyeok looked at the hand before reaching out to shake it.

“I’m Choi Muhyeok. I’m Ji Yeonwoo’s boyfriend.”

The term “boyfriend” flowed easily from Choi Muhyeok’s lips, as if he wanted to emphasize it. Ji Yeonwoo’s eyes widened in surprise. Choi Muhyeok’s expression, however, remained unchanged.

Seo Eungyeom quickly glanced between the two and mouthed an impressed “Wow.” He looked at Ji Yeonwoo with eyes full of envy. Both Seo Eungyeom and Ji Yeonwoo had the same thought: neither had expected Choi Muhyeok to introduce himself so directly as Ji Yeonwoo’s boyfriend.

With his appearance, height, build, and the fact that he rushed over at a single phone call, it was clear that not everyone could measure up to Choi Muhyeok.

“I’m Seo Eungyeom. I’ve been Yeonwoo’s friend for a long time.”

“I’ve heard a lot about you. Thank you for looking after Yeonwoo.”

“Our Yeonwoo… Yes, well, I did take care of him…”

Seo Eungyeom, usually more composed, stammered as he repeated Choi Muhyeok’s words in his head. His eyes darted back and forth between Ji Yeonwoo and Choi Muhyeok, while Yoo Seonho’s and Seo Eungyeom’s gazes also turned to Ji Yeonwoo.

For some reason, Ji Yeonwoo felt a tingling sensation from his toes. More than Choi Muhyeok’s position as a managing director, it seemed he wanted to emphasize being Ji Yeonwoo’s boyfriend. Ji Yeonwoo couldn’t help but smile as he struggled to keep his lips from curling upwards.

Seo Eungyeom and Yoo Seonho often invited Ji Yeonwoo to join them for meals, knowing he frequently skipped dinner. Though he appreciated their care, Ji Yeonwoo didn’t attend often, feeling uncomfortable imposing on their relationship and, at times, envying it.

Seeing Seo Eungyeom now subtly admiring Choi Muhyeok, Ji Yeonwoo felt a sense of pride. Even in just this brief moment, it felt like all the lonely times and past failures in love were being compensated for.

As they sat and continued chatting, Yoo Seonho picked up a bottle of alcohol and tried to pour a drink for Choi Muhyeok, but Choi Muhyeok politely declined.

“I’m sorry, but I’ll pass this time. I drove here.”

Although he could have arranged for a designated driver, Yoo Seonho didn’t press further when Choi Muhyeok refused.

Choi Muhyeok’s eyes naturally drifted to Ji Yeonwoo’s half-empty glass.

“By the way, have you been drinking?”

“Just a little, really just a little,” Ji Yeonwoo said, emphasizing his words with a small gesture.

“Whether it’s a little or a lot, you shouldn’t drink, especially when you’ve been feeling unwell. And also…”

Choi Muhyeok leaned in closer to Ji Yeonwoo’s ear, lowering his voice.

“Did you forget the promise you made with me? That you wouldn’t meet other alphas when I wasn’t around.”

“And you, Managing Director, didn’t contact me for over eight hours,” Ji Yeonwoo countered.

Choi Muhyeok paused, surprised by the unexpected retort, staring at Ji Yeonwoo.

“Eighty percent of the reason I drank was because of you, Managing Director.”

Without knowing it, Ji Yeonwoo trailed off, expressing his frustration. Choi Muhyeok’s deep brown eyes darkened with concern as he looked at Ji Yeonwoo.

“That’s why I came straight over as soon as I got your call.”

Choi Muhyeok’s voice softened, the edges of it cracking slightly. He had arrived exactly 15 minutes after their phone conversation. Even for someone driving a fast car, navigating Seoul’s traffic within that time was impressive. Ji Yeonwoo mentally calculated the distance and time, realizing Choi Muhyeok must have been nearby.

Lost in thought, Ji Yeonwoo’s attention was pulled back to the conversation.

“I heard you run a company.”

“Yes, I manage a small distribution company,” Choi Muhyeok replied, downplaying the scale of his business.

“I heard you’re a surgeon.”

“Yes, I do get called in at odd hours, but it’s a profession I take pride in.”

Yoo Seonho smiled smoothly as he pulled a business card from his jacket pocket and handed it to Choi Muhyeok.

“Hopefully, you won’t need it, but feel free to contact me if you ever have to come to the hospital.”

Ji Yeonwoo silently watched the two exchange business cards and converse. Despite this being their first meeting, both Yoo Seonho and Choi Muhyeok seemed comfortable talking, a testament to their social experience.

Suddenly, Choi Muhyeok slipped his hand under the table and held Ji Yeonwoo’s hand. Ji Yeonwoo, caught off guard, widened his eyes in surprise.

Choi Muhyeok glanced at him briefly and lifted the corners of his lips slightly, intertwining their fingers together and gently stroking Ji Yeonwoo’s hand.

Ji Yeonwoo’s gaze drifted down to their hands, focusing on the way Choi Muhyeok tenderly caressed the back of his hand. A soft smile formed on Ji Yeonwoo’s lips, though it didn’t last long, fading away like smoke.

Before 30 minutes had passed, the gathering naturally started to wind down.

Seo Eungyeom and Yoo Seonho, having drunk alcohol, needed to wait for a designated driver, while Ji Yeonwoo and Choi Muhyeok said their goodbyes and left first.

The late hour had left Seoul’s streets relatively quiet. Without much traffic, Choi Muhyeok was able to drive Ji Yeonwoo to his officetel’s parking lot fairly quickly. After parking the car, Choi Muhyeok turned toward Ji Yeonwoo.