FF Chapter 47

“How did you manage without inhibitors? It must have been really difficult for you.”

“Ah, that’s….”

“If it was too hard, you should’ve reached out to me through Sunho.”

“To be honest, I got help from my partner, the one who came with me during the consultation. They’re a dominant Alpha.”

The doctor’s expression shifted to surprise upon hearing “dominant Alpha,” but he soon gave a small nod of understanding. Simply being a dominant Alpha explained many things.

“I see. So the partner who came with you that time was a dominant Alpha.”

“Yes.”

“Now it all makes sense. If you had close contact with your partner, there’s a high chance you were exposed to a pheromone shower from a dominant Alpha.”

“Ah….”

“Usually, even with medication, recovery to this extent is rare. In your case, Ji Yeonwoo, the prognosis is very favorable. While your pheromone levels have recovered, you’ll need to continue with medication to relearn how to regulate them. With just a month or two of medication, you should have no problem controlling your pheromones freely again.”

Listening to the doctor’s words, Yeonwoo’s heart started to race. Everything sounded so hopeful. The thought that he could return to how things were before, that his prognosis was good, was so uplifting that it almost felt unreal—like a dream.

“Congratulations on returning as a dominant Omega.”

Sitting in a daze, Yeonwoo flinched and turned to look at the doctor.

Back home, Yeonwoo sat on the sofa, not even thinking about changing his clothes. He held the test results tightly in his hands.

At the bottom of the summarized test report, a single line stood out:

“Based on the above test results, the subject’s trait is classified as dominant Omega.”

Yeonwoo stared intently at the words “dominant Omega” on the report. He closed his eyes and opened them again, looked away momentarily, and then looked back—but the words on the paper didn’t change.

As if he had turned into a statue, Yeonwoo sat motionless before pinching his own cheek lightly. The sharp sting from the pinch reassured him this wasn’t a dream. Hastily withdrawing his hand, he looked at the results again. His eyes, which had been trembling as they scanned the report, closed tightly.

There was something he hadn’t dared to think about until now: releasing his pheromones. Since it had seemed impossible before, he hadn’t even tried. But now, hearing that his traits had recovered, he decided to muster up the courage.

Focusing his mind with his eyes shut, he slowly began to sense his pheromones flowing out. It was clumsy and immature, like an Omega just beginning to manifest, but there was no doubt about the sensation.

Opening his eyes slowly, Yeonwoo let out a deep breath, as if his strength had drained away. A smile gradually spread across his face.

“It’s real. This isn’t a dream. My traits… they’re really back.”

Yeonwoo’s murmured words trembled at the end. The shift from despair to joy happened in an instant.

Yoo Sunho, who had a scheduled appointment, stopped by after Yeonwoo’s consultation to hear the explanation together. Sunho remarked that Yeonwoo seemed to have benefitted greatly due to Choi Muhyeok’s traits as a dominant Alpha.

Thinking back, Yeonwoo realized his physical condition had started changing rapidly after moving in with Muhyeok. Spending time with Muhyeok had been emotionally comforting, and during that period, he must have been consistently exposed to Muhyeok’s pheromones without even realizing it.

Once it sunk in that this was reality, Yeonwoo felt a sharp sting at the tip of his nose, and heat gathered in his eyes. He couldn’t just sit there. He had to let Choi Muhyeok know about this as soon as possible.

Looking around frantically, he realized his phone was nowhere to be seen—not in his pocket, not on the coffee table. Finally, he spotted it lying by the front door.

As Yeonwoo walked toward the door, it suddenly swung open, and Choi Muhyeok stepped inside.

“Yeonwoo.”

Muhyeok immediately pulled Yeonwoo into a tight embrace.

“Why didn’t you answer your phone? I was worried.”

Only then did Yeonwoo glance at his phone, noticing several missed calls from Muhyeok.

“Sorry, I was a bit out of it.”

“Never mind that. What did the hospital say? Why did they call you in suddenly?”

Muhyeok bombarded him with questions, unable to contain his impatience. Guided by Muhyeok’s hand, Yeonwoo sat back on the sofa and stared at him.

“Muhyeok, I….”

The moment their eyes met, a flood of thoughts rushed through Yeonwoo’s mind, and tears began streaming down his face. Tears fell rapidly, tracing his flushed cheeks and dripping off his chin. Muhyeok couldn’t hide his alarm as he saw Yeonwoo crying uncontrollably.

“What’s wrong? What did they say at the hospital?”

Muhyeok grasped Yeonwoo’s shoulders, trying to meet his averted gaze. Yeonwoo shook his head, as if to say it was nothing, and wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

Struggling to steady his breath, Yeonwoo finally handed the test report from the table to Muhyeok. Scanning the document quickly, Muhyeok’s eyes landed on the final result, and he snapped his head up to look at Yeonwoo.

“This is….”

Yeonwoo smiled brightly, his tear-streaked face lighting up.

“They said my pheromone levels are restored.”

“Is that true?”

Nodding vigorously, Yeonwoo’s voice quivered like a child’s.

“They said I’m completely better now.”

Muhyeok stared at Yeonwoo, then double-checked the report, seemingly struggling to believe it. Of course, it made sense. If Yeonwoo himself found it hard to believe, how much more so for Muhyeok?

When their eyes met again, Yeonwoo burst into tears once more, unable to hold back the flood of emotions. The tears poured out like rain in a storm, showing no signs of stopping. Yeonwoo reached out first, wrapping his arms around Muhyeok’s waist and burying himself in his embrace.

“Did the doctor say so?”

From within Muhyeok’s arms, Yeonwoo nodded.

Muhyeok stroked the back of Yeonwoo’s head gently and wrapped his arms tightly around him, like a vine encircling him. “Thank goodness,” he murmured into Yeonwoo’s neck. His sigh was full of relief—relief that the news wasn’t bad.

“It’s a good day, so why are you crying? You should be smiling.”

Despite the tender comfort of Muhyeok’s words, Yeonwoo couldn’t stop crying.

“I don’t… know. I keep thinking about the past….”

Tears and memories interwove, from the time Yeonwoo had lost his pheromones to this very moment. Everything flashed before his eyes like scenes from a movie.

Ji Yeonwoo recalled the time he spent with Choi Muhyeok. There was a period when he resolved to live a life indistinguishable from a beta, even if it meant enduring discomfort caused by pheromone sensitivity. However, after meeting Choi Muhyeok, he began to regret those thoughts, and eventually, Ji Yeonwoo decided to change.

He had expected it to be a tough battle, but he never imagined he could return to the old Ji Yeonwoo so quickly and without any pain or suffering.

“It’s all thanks to you, Muhyeok.”

Ji Yeonwoo, embracing Muhyeok’s waist, nestled into his chest, rubbing his face against his firm frame. Feeling the warmth of Muhyeok’s hand caressing his back, he could also hear Muhyeok’s heartbeat thumping louder.

Ji Yeonwoo slowly released his hold and stepped back, raising his head. Choi Muhyeok silently wiped away the tears gathering at the corners of his eyes and cupped his face with both hands.

“Sniff… Thank you for staying by my side. I’m sorry, and… I love you.”

“…!”

“I love you so much.”

Barely managing to confess through a trembling voice, Ji Yeonwoo slowly leaned in and kissed Choi Muhyeok first. Despite softly sobbing, he wrapped his arms around Muhyeok’s neck and deepened the kiss.

Now, Ji Yeonwoo couldn’t imagine a life without Choi Muhyeok.

˖ ❀ ⋆｡˚

Two months passed.

Following the doctor’s recommendation, Ji Yeonwoo combined medication with treatment and recovered faster than expected. Once he regained the ability to freely control his pheromones, the hospital suggested discontinuing the medication.

When the news of Ji Yeonwoo’s full recovery as a dominant omega reached Chairman Choi, he was so shocked that he was momentarily speechless. The stepmother, equally astonished, couldn’t hide her confusion and repeatedly questioned how such a thing could happen.

During their private meeting, while Choi Muhyeok’s confident demeanor made it seem plausible, they had never truly believed his pheromones could recover.

After that, everything went smoothly. Even when Ji Yeonwoo was formally introduced to Chairman Choi and the stepmother, there were no major conflicts. Although they didn’t fully approve, they refrained from crossing any lines.

At that meeting, Choi Muhyeok boldly announced his intention to marry Ji Yeonwoo. The gathered family members, as if they had expected it, showed little reaction. All eyes were naturally on Chairman Choi, as his opinion was the most critical, even if opposition wouldn’t stop the marriage.

Although visibly displeased, Chairman Choi refrained from outright opposing the union, having likely weighed the pros and cons. He understood that the union of a dominant alpha and a dominant omega would inspire public fascination far more than a marriage with a middling political or business omega family. Additionally, news of the natural healing of a dominant omega’s pheromone deficiency under Choi Muhyeok’s care could help dispel the mafia conglomerate’s rough image.

As Ji Yeonwoo gazed out the car window with a pleasant expression, he turned to the smiling Choi Muhyeok, who was driving. Muhyeok, feeling Ji Yeonwoo’s gaze, glanced at him briefly.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

Reaching over, he held Ji Yeonwoo’s hand resting on his thigh.

“No reason. I’m just excited. Maybe because it’s been so long since we’ve gone on a date.”

Ji Yeonwoo adjusted his grip on Muhyeok’s hand. Over the past four months, much had happened. After gaining some acknowledgment of their relationship, they each focused on their responsibilities. Ji Yeonwoo busied himself with hospital visits and physical therapy to recover quickly, while Muhyeok took on the role of CEO at Sunwoo Trading Company, stabilizing its operations.

Although they lived together and saw each other daily, it had been ages since they went on an actual date.

“Things have settled down now, so we won’t be as busy. Let’s go out to eat more often and take trips.”

“Really?”

“I’ve already picked out a travel destination.”

“Really?”

“It’ll likely be our honeymoon spot, though.”

“Where is it?”

“Do you know Bacalar in Mexico?”

“Bacalar?”

“Look it up online. You’ll see it right away.”

Ji Yeonwoo took out his phone and searched. As the emerald beauty of a lake unfolded before him, his eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Wow, what is this place? It’s so beautiful.”

“That’s a lake, not the ocean. It seemed like the perfect spot for us.”

Stopping mid-sentence, Ji Yeonwoo looked at Muhyeok, astonished.

“You remembered I like water but not seawater.”

Glancing at Ji Yeonwoo, Muhyeok gave a charming smile. Only then did Ji Yeonwoo recall Muhyeok’s earlier promise to keep it in mind. That thoughtful attention made Ji Yeonwoo smile again.

“…Oh? Muhyeok, look over there.”

Turning his head toward the window, Ji Yeonwoo reacted to something. Muhyeok slowed the car and parked in front of a store Ji Yeonwoo pointed out.

“Wow, they’ve changed this place so much.”

It was where Flower Fiancé used to be. The flower shop had been replaced by a baby supply store.

“Shall we go in?”

“Yes.”

With a glance at the passenger window, Muhyeok turned to Ji Yeonwoo, who nodded with a bright smile. Muhyeok brushed his lips against Ji Yeonwoo’s before stepping back. Holding hands, they entered the store.

The interior was filled with pink and white, enchanting Ji Yeonwoo with its tiny, adorable items.

“Oh my, they’re so small.”

Holding up tiny mittens and shoes barely larger than his palm, Ji Yeonwoo marveled at them. Standing beside him, Muhyeok, unable to touch anything, watched Ji Yeonwoo’s excitement with fondness.

“Welcome! Are you looking for baby supplies?”

The shopkeeper approached them, speaking kindly as they noticed the affectionate atmosphere between the two.

“Ba-baby supplies? No, not at all.”

Startled, Ji Yeonwoo waved his hands in denial.

“Actually, I used to run the flower shop here. I was just passing by and saw the change.”

“Oh, do you mean Flower Fiancé?”

Hearing the name naturally from the shopkeeper surprised Ji Yeonwoo.

“Oh? Yes. How do you know?”

“I used to buy flowers here often. There weren’t many places that sold pale pink ranunculus, so I came here whenever our store needed flowers.”

“Is that so?”

“I heard you were unwell. Are you better now?”

“Yes, I’m all better now.”

“That’s a relief. Please come back when you need baby supplies.”

“I will.”

Ji Yeonwoo exchanged a few more words with the shopkeeper before returning to the car. Though the detour to browse baby products hadn’t been planned, it was a pleasant experience. Perhaps because of this, Ji Yeonwoo sat deep in thought as they drove, though his expression remained lighthearted.

“It’s so strange,” he murmured.

Focusing on the road ahead, Choi Muhyeok glanced sideways at him. “What is?”

“I always hoped someone would remember Flower Fiancée. To hear that someone other than me has fond memories of it—it feels so strange, but it makes me really happy too.”

“It’s the reward for living your best. From what I’ve seen, Ji Yeonwoo has always given everything he had.”

“Do you really think so?”

As the car slowed at a red light, Choi Muhyeok turned his full attention to Ji Yeonwoo. “Does it sound like I’m just being polite?”

“Can I be honest?”

“Of course.”

“Well, to be honest, Muhyeok, you always have something nice to say about everything. So sometimes… it’s hard to take you seriously.”

At this, Choi Muhyeok let out a quiet sigh, his brow twitching ever so slightly. Amused, Ji Yeonwoo grabbed his arm, eyes wide with mock concern.

“Are you upset?”

“I’m not upset, but… I can’t believe my credibility’s fallen this low.”

Turning halfway in his seat, Choi Muhyeok raised a single brow, half teasing, half serious. His gaze pinned Ji Yeonwoo in place, as if daring him to explain.

Ji Yeonwoo darted his eyes around nervously before suddenly focusing on something behind Choi Muhyeok. His eyes widened dramatically. “Oh, wait—behind you—”

“Behind me?”

Following the pointed gesture, Choi Muhyeok glanced back but found nothing unusual. Just as he turned back, puzzled—

Smack!

“…!”

The sound of soft lips pressing against his cheek caught him completely off guard. Stunned, Choi Muhyeok froze, his dark brown eyes darting over Ji Yeonwoo’s face as if trying to process what just happened.

Grinning mischievously, Ji Yeonwoo tilted his head. “Why so serious all of a sudden? It was just a joke.”

“…”

“Come on, don’t be mad, okay?”

Even as Ji Yeonwoo tried to charm him with exaggerated cuteness, Choi Muhyeok’s expression refused to soften. Feeling self-conscious, Ji Yeonwoo began glancing around nervously.

“Muhyeok—mmph!”

In an instant, Choi Muhyeok reached out, cupping the back of Ji Yeonwoo’s head to keep him from retreating. Tilting his face closer, he claimed Ji Yeonwoo’s lips in a searing kiss. His lips parted as he boldly deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding forward with deliberate intent.

The sound of honking snapped them out of their moment. Choi Muhyeok glanced up to find the traffic light had turned green. Reluctantly pulling away, he shifted the car back into motion. Beside him, Ji Yeonwoo was frantically wiping his lips with his sleeve, his cheeks flushed a vivid red.

“What was that for?” Ji Yeonwoo stammered, flustered, waving his hand as if to cool himself down.

Choi Muhyeok cast him a sly glance. “I was just joking too.”