FF Chapter 11

Ji Yeonwoo stood frozen, as if he were made of stone. Choi Muhyeok looked at him, his eyes moving across Ji Yeonwoo’s face. The blush that had spread to his ears was a clear sign of his embarrassment, and Choi Muhyeok’s guess seemed almost accurate given the trembling of Ji Yeonwoo’s eyes.

“Please don’t tell me you haven’t eaten since dinner.”

Choi Muhyeok leaned in cautiously toward Ji Yeonwoo’s face. Ji Yeonwoo, who had taken a step back and was clutching his stomach with both arms, mumbled to himself. Choi Muhyeok couldn’t help but laugh at Ji Yeonwoo’s reaction, which was a mix of embarrassment and frustration.

“Actually, I haven’t eaten a single meal today.”

“Oh.”

Choi Muhyeok’s exclamation showed he had suspected something was amiss, but he hadn’t expected Ji Yeonwoo to have skipped all his meals. He let out a low, sympathetic sound.

“Customers kept coming in today, and I missed mealtime.”

“If I’d known this, I would have eaten before coming.”

“Well, I rarely eat dinner anyway or just have a light meal when I get home. It’s unusual not to have had a single meal today.”

Choi Muhyeok turned to face Ji Yeonwoo, who was still awkwardly smiling while holding his stomach. Ji Yeonwoo looked up at him and said, “It’s fine. I didn’t have any dinner plans. I can eat after you leave, so….”

“How would I know when I’m leaving?”

“Yes?”

Choi Muhyeok thought Ji Yeonwoo should have expected this when he asked to see his home. However, he found it annoying to have been invited home only to be expected to leave as soon as possible.

Choi Muhyeok’s interest in Ji Yeonwoo was partly due to his curiosity about an omega without pheromones and partly because his first impression had been quite striking. While things were unfolding differently from the typical pheromone-driven relationships Choi Muhyeok was used to, it didn’t mean his inclinations could change overnight.

Even without pheromones, Choi Muhyeok wasn’t about to act like a saint, waiting in vain while staying in the same house as his lover.

“What do you mean…?”

Ji Yeonwoo, who had been looking at Choi Muhyeok with a shaky gaze, finally spoke up. Choi Muhyeok, who had been staring at Ji Yeonwoo with his hands in his suit pants pockets, brushed past him.

“Let’s eat something first and talk.”

Choi Muhyeok walked over, unbuckled his jacket with neat movements, and hung it over the back of the sofa before heading to the kitchen.

He opened the refrigerator, which was stocked with a variety of ingredients. Most were fresh and versatile, indicating that Ji Yeonwoo did cook despite his busy schedule.

After a quick glance, Choi Muhyeok closed the refrigerator door and turned back.

“Do you have pasta?”

“Yes, over there….”

Ji Yeonwoo approached Choi Muhyeok and pointed to a shelf where pasta was stored. Choi Muhyeok opened the cabinet to find containers of noodles and pasta.

“Pasta is fine? It looks like the easiest thing to make.”

Choi Muhyeok, leaning against the island counter, removed the cufflinks from his shirt cuffs.

“Yes, I do like it, but….”

“Then just sit down. I’ll make it quickly.”

Ji Yeonwoo swallowed nervously as he watched Choi Muhyeok.

Choi Muhyeok set a pot of water on the stove to boil for the pasta and began preparing the ingredients. Meanwhile, the sound of a chair scraping against the floor came from behind. Glancing over his shoulder, Choi Muhyeok saw Ji Yeonwoo sitting at the dining table, resting his chin on his hands and watching him. Choi Muhyeok smiled slightly. It was nice not to be interrupted by any remarks about ordering food at this late hour.

While waiting for the water to boil, Choi Muhyeok sliced garlic, rinsed frozen shrimp, and chopped bacon into bite-sized pieces. His hands moved efficiently, making the preparation seem effortless.

Pasta was one of Choi Muhyeok’s go-to dishes when he was either too tired or didn’t have an appetite. It was easier to make than most Korean dishes.

The result was a bacon and shrimp cream pasta made by Choi Muhyeok in no time.

“Try it. I can’t guarantee the taste.”

He placed the plate of pasta in front of Ji Yeonwoo. Ji Yeonwoo, fascinated by the neatly rolled pasta with a sprinkle of parsley, looked at Choi Muhyeok with wide eyes, as if asking where he had learned to cook so well.

Choi Muhyeok pulled down the sleeves of his shirt and sat down next to Ji Yeonwoo. Ji Yeonwoo, alternating between looking at the pasta and Choi Muhyeok, twirled some pasta onto his fork and took a bite. His eyes widened after just a few chews.

“Managing Director.”

Ji Yeonwoo, his eyes wide, looked at Choi Muhyeok with amazement.

“Why? Is it not to your liking?”

“No, it’s really good. I’d believe it was from a restaurant.”

Choi Muhyeok chuckled at Ji Yeonwoo’s innocent reaction.

“Don’t hype it up too much.”

“It’s true. It’s the best pasta I’ve ever had. Do you do cooking as a side job?”

Ji Yeonwoo’s gaze was filled with admiration. Choi Muhyeok wondered if Ji Yeonwoo was reacting this way because he was embarrassed by the cream on his lips. Choi Muhyeok, smiling and lowering his head, reached out toward Ji Yeonwoo’s face. As Ji Yeonwoo instinctively pulled back, Choi Muhyeok wiped the cream from Ji Yeonwoo’s lips with his thumb and then licked the cream off his own thumb.

“It’s not that amazing.”

“Oh, why….”

Seeing this, Ji Yeonwoo stuttered in his words. On the other hand, Choi Muhyeok remained unfazed.

“On the other side too…”

“……!”

Startled by the comment, Ji Yeonwoo quickly wiped his mouth with a tissue. Watching Ji Yeonwoo, Choi Muhyeok bent his head and chuckled softly.

“Managing Director.”

Ji Yeonwoo, realizing that Choi Muhyeok’s earlier act was just a joke after seeing that nothing was on the tissue, rolled his eyes.

“Got it. I won’t joke around anymore, so eat up.”

Choi Muhyeok, still laughing, waved his hand dismissively. Ji Yeonwoo, who had been glaring with pouted lips, relaxed his expression. His hand, which had been twirling the pasta, paused.

“But why aren’t you eating, Managing Director?”

“I usually don’t eat much at night.”

“Still… I don’t want to eat alone.”

“I’ll stay with you. Eat well, Ji Yeonwoo.”

Nodding, Ji Yeonwoo took a bite of the pasta, twirling it onto his fork. Choi Muhyeok, who had gotten warm water from the dispenser, placed a cup next to Ji Yeonwoo. He then sat beside Ji Yeonwoo, leaning his elbows on the table and turning his body completely toward him.

Maybe it was just a feeling.

The creamy pasta, tinted slightly orange from two slices of cheddar cheese, seemed less bright and smooth compared to Ji Yeonwoo’s cheeks, which were slightly puffy.

Choi Muhyeok gently pinched Ji Yeonwoo’s round, white cheeks with his thumb and forefinger. Hm? The cheeks, which had been puffy, stopped moving. Ji Yeonwoo looked back at Choi Muhyeok with blinking eyes, as if questioning him.

The puffed-up cheeks reminded Choi Muhyeok of a hamster.

He couldn’t bring himself to say that out loud, so Choi Muhyeok simply shook his head as if it were nothing.

By the time Ji Yeonwoo finished the pasta, it was a little past 10 PM. After clearing the table, Choi Muhyeok brought out some pu-erh tea and poured the amber-colored tea into small cups. His skill in handling teapots suggested he often made tea at home.

“It was the most satisfying dinner I’ve had recently.”

“I’m glad you liked it. I’ll make it for you more often.”

Ji Yeonwoo and Choi Muhyeok sat side by side on the rug, leaning back against the sofa. Despite being the first steeping, the tea was clear and tasted clean and savory. Choi Muhyeok thought that if someone could handle flowers and tea so well, they’d almost be a perfect candidate for a bride. Sipping the pu-erh tea, he glanced at Ji Yeonwoo.

“I’m sorry about earlier.”

Ji Yeonwoo, catching Choi Muhyeok’s gaze, apologized suddenly. Choi Muhyeok looked at him with curiosity.

“It’s okay. I can come back another time.”

Choi Muhyeok responded nonchalantly. Ji Yeonwoo, smiling, continued.

“But it really was messy. I haven’t been able to clean lately… It wasn’t for any other reason.”

“…….”

“I just didn’t want you to misunderstand.”

As Choi Muhyeok finished his tea, he stopped moving his hand. Slowly turning his head, he looked at Ji Yeonwoo’s face.

That face again. The shadow behind the smile. Ji Yeonwoo, who had once vowed not to date someone who would hurt him, was now wearing a similar expression.

Seeing such a forlorn face made Choi Muhyeok feel oddly unsettled. It was an inexplicable mix of frustration and discomfort. He still couldn’t quite put the feeling into words.

Choi Muhyeok set down his cup and turned his body toward Ji Yeonwoo. Resting his head against his arm on the sofa, he looked at Ji Yeonwoo at an angle. Ji Yeonwoo, turning his body slowly, mirrored Choi Muhyeok’s position and looked back at him.

“Do you dislike being misunderstood?”

“Of course.”

“Seems like you only want to show me your good side.”

“Who would want to show their flaws to their partner?”

“You might consider it a natural part of daily life.”

“How can a messy, unclean place be considered a natural part of daily life?”

Ji Yeonwoo asked, puzzled. It had been the same when using the kitchen; there were no common water stains on the sink or island. With how thoroughly Ji Yeonwoo cleaned, it seemed unlikely that a bedroom would be dirty. Choi Muhyeok decided to believe Ji Yeonwoo’s words.

“You seem to be the type who worries needlessly.”

“I do?”

Ji Yeonwoo, pointing at himself, seemed surprised. Choi Muhyeok nodded, and Ji Yeonwoo looked up at the ceiling, lost in thought. He seemed to be assessing whether it was true.

“Hmm, maybe. It does seem like it.”

Choi Muhyeok, who had been looking over Ji Yeonwoo’s shoulder, met his gaze again.

“You do seem to worry needlessly, but you also forget things quickly.”

Ji Yeonwoo looked at Choi Muhyeok and smiled. Then, he took a sip of the pu-erh tea from the white porcelain cup that matched his face.

“Even though it might linger in my memory, I try not to dwell on it. So… I guess that’s how I’ve managed to live this way.”

Ji Yeonwoo’s response was as gentle as expected. Hearing such a rounded answer, Choi Muhyeok chuckled softly and picked up the somewhat cold teacup. Taking a sip of the warm pu-erh tea, he was suddenly reminded of the first day he saw Ji Yeonwoo.

‘The meaning of the chrysanthemum is wretched love or the sorrow of separation.’

The calm voice explaining the meaning of the chrysanthemum seemed as vivid as if it was being whispered beside him. Choi Muhyeok slowly moved his gaze to scan Ji Yeonwoo and then spoke.

“Ji Yeonwoo.”

“Yes?”

Ji Yeonwoo, who had put down his teacup, turned his head.

“Do you still keep in touch with the person who gave you the chrysanthemums?”

Taken aback by the sudden question, Ji Yeonwoo hesitated before answering. It might have been a question that could be unpleasant for Ji Yeonwoo to hear, but Choi Muhyeok did not regret asking. He felt that there was a right moment for everything, and now was the chance to ask. He thought that if he didn’t ask now, he might never get the opportunity again.

“No, of course not.”

After a brief pause, Ji Yeonwoo looked into Choi Muhyeok’s eyes and responded.

“I don’t even know where they are or what they’re doing. I’ve blocked their contact information, so…”

“…….”

“I don’t care. I don’t want to. It’s all in the past.”

Choi Muhyeok nodded as if he understood. He trusted Ji Yeonwoo’s words because speaking while maintaining eye contact usually meant honesty.

“Right. You shouldn’t worry about such people. If necessary, leave it to me.”

Choi Muhyeok lightly touched the fringe of Ji Yeonwoo’s hair that had fallen. Ji Yeonwoo, calmly receiving Choi Muhyeok’s gaze, tilted his head slightly and said.

“Leave it to you? Are you going to scold them for me, Managing Director?”

“It’s not impossible.”

Choi Muhyeok shrugged, and Ji Yeonwoo covered his mouth with his hand and laughed softly. His eyes curved into a pretty crescent.

“How would you scold them?”

“Probably according to Ji Yeonwoo’s wishes.”

“Even so.”

“If I acted unilaterally, there are several methods.”

Choi Muhyeok’s gaze sharpened as he paused for a moment.

“I could gouge out their eyes, break the wrist that gave you the chrysanthemums, or even make them permanently disabled so they can’t walk for the rest of their life.”

Ji Yeonwoo’s eyes, which had been beautifully curved, widened in surprise at the unexpected cruelty of the words.

The atmosphere suddenly became heavy. The silence mirrored the gravity of the mood. Choi Muhyeok, who had been speaking with an unfamiliar demeanor, suddenly smiled and changed the subject.

“Well, just as an example.”

He returned to his familiar self, but Ji Yeonwoo’s expression remained tense.

“Why the serious face?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was a bit startled…”

“It seems you were quite shocked. Your face turned pale.”

“Oh, really?”

Choi Muhyeok, who had moved a bit closer, took hold of one of Ji Yeonwoo’s hands resting on his thigh. The fingertips were as cold as ice.

“I didn’t think the Managing Director would do something like that.”

Ji Yeonwoo avoided Choi Muhyeok’s gaze and tried to deny it. After all, the Choi Muhyeok Ji Yeonwoo knew was a person in a high position at a wealthy company, so it was unimaginable for him to commit such cruel acts.

“A kind person like the Managing Director wouldn’t engage in violent acts.”

“Does it look that way to you?”

Ji Yeonwoo didn’t answer the question asked for confirmation. He felt a strange mix of emotions. There was some comfort, but also a surge of unnecessary worry. Anyway, Choi Muhyeok had no intention of revealing his detailed circumstances at the moment.

The title of Managing Director at Seonwoo Corporation was just the most outwardly presentable of the many titles Choi Muhyeok held.

Choi Muhyeok, squeezing Ji Yeonwoo’s cold fingers and holding them gently, tightened his grip. Ji Yeonwoo’s ordinary hand fit neatly into Choi Muhyeok’s large, thick hand. Ji Yeonwoo’s eyes widened in confusion.

Ignoring Ji Yeonwoo’s confusion, Choi Muhyeok pulled his arm. Drawn by the pull, Ji Yeonwoo’s body tumbled onto Choi Muhyeok’s lap.

“You still don’t know me well, Ji Yeonwoo.”

“……!”

“I could do even worse.”

Choi Muhyeok lifted Ji Yeonwoo by the waist and placed him on his thigh. Now facing each other with their bellies touching, Ji Yeonwoo, feeling unsteady, instinctively grabbed Choi Muhyeok’s shoulder. He could feel the trembling in his grasp.

“Managing Director…”

“I have one more question.”

As if anticipating the situation that would unfold next, Ji Yeonwoo’s anxious brown eyes were filled with Choi Muhyeok’s figure.

“What was the meaning of the chrysanthemum?”

“Ah…”

His eyes widened in surprise. His closed lips parted, and a low exhalation escaped. It was clear that he hadn’t anticipated such a question.

Choi Muhyeok lowered his hand from Ji Yeonwoo’s narrow waist down to his buttocks, the only part of his lean body with any fullness. Ji Yeonwoo flinched and closed his eyes tightly, trying to suppress a groan. His face was tense, as if he was trying to hold back a moan.

“You mentioned that the chrysanthemum symbolizes wretched love or the sorrow of separation, but you haven’t told me the meaning of the Korean bellflower yet.”

“I thought you might have looked it up.”

“I didn’t. I wanted to hear it from you, Ji Yeonwoo.”

Ji Yeonwoo’s gaze, which had been crumpled in tension, wavered. Choi Muhyeok tilted his face and pressed his lips against Ji Yeonwoo’s white nape. The soft skin on his neck was intensely tender to Choi Muhyeok’s touch.

“So, Ji Yeonwoo, please tell me. What does it mean?”

The sensation of skin against his lips was almost overwhelming in its softness.

A deep moan escaped between Ji Yeonwoo’s parted lips. Choi Muhyeok, captivated by Ji Yeonwoo’s lips, placed several short kisses on the slightly parted lips. Meanwhile, his other hand, which had been resting on Ji Yeonwoo’s waist, slipped inside his shirt.