MM 114

Even in times like this, Do-won doesn’t leave him alone. As his kindness deepens, it becomes poison for Yu-young in his current state. Unaware, Do-won continues to pour warmth and affection that feels deadly like poison. Yet, the problem was that Yu-young had become someone who didn’t know how to push him away, even though he understood this.

The gaze that seemed cold but subtly differed when directed at him, the touch that gently caressed him and sparked a feeling he had never known, and the moments when Do-won called him “Yu-young” in that soft, pleasant voice—could he just ignore all that and go back to how things were before?

No. That’s impossible. He didn’t want to let it go. Do-won was, without a doubt, the person Yu-young liked right now. That had been the conclusion after days of thinking. Even if it seemed childish or like throwing a tantrum, there was nothing he could do about it.

It was his first time falling in love, and he could be clumsy, awkward, and go through trial and error. But Yu-young could never lie to himself and pretend not to know his own feelings. If he acknowledged that he liked Do-won, then it was true, even if the world fell apart. He couldn’t deny that truth or turn away from it.

But he didn’t want to cause Do-won any harm because of his feelings. He didn’t want Do-won to be torn apart from his only family because of him. So now, there was no other option but to face it head-on.

‘…Right, today, I’ll tell him.’

After much thinking, Yu-young had decided on a direct approach. After having dinner at his family’s house, he planned to tell Do-won how he felt. He would confess his feelings and ask him to be a real couple, not a fake one.

The fear of Do-won turning cold and rejecting him, saying he wanted to forget it all, was real. He had hated Omegas so much, and he had made it clear that he wouldn’t marry unless it was a beta. The actions he showed Yu-young were often so kind that it brought tears, but he couldn’t be 100% sure that Do-won did them because he liked him. He had never heard directly from Do-won how he felt.

‘Assistant Han, you’ve worked hard.’

If Do-won rejected his proposal, he would probably say something like that. There would no longer be a need to keep up the act in front of their parents, and there would be no reason to maintain the contract. They would likely have to sort out the newlywed house, and working at the same company would become difficult.

The aftermath would be big, but Do-won would handle it with the same competence and skill as always. Their parents’ disappointment would be great at first, but that too would pass in time. Then, Do-won and Yu-young would turn their backs, part ways, and become complete strangers.

Just the thought of going back to the cold gaze of a stranger made his heart ache with pain, even imagining it. But if he didn’t gather the courage to confess his feelings, he couldn’t even expect the outcome he dreaded. He couldn’t just quietly break up as Lee Sun-hyung wanted, without trying any other way. So, he wanted to tell Do-won, even if he had to face rejection.

Before Lee Sun-hyung could say anything, they should confess to their parents first. He wanted to be more than a contract; he wanted to be a real couple, sharing their feelings.

“I can do it. I can do it…”

Muttering to himself, Yu-young squeezed toothpaste onto his toothbrush. While brushing his teeth, he stared into his red eyes in the mirror, steeling himself for what was to come.

It was a desperate situation, but without knowing Do-won’s true feelings, he had no choice but to trust his instincts. Thinking about the kindness Do-won had shown him so far, he hoped that there was a chance Do-won might accept his proposal. He fervently hoped that the care Do-won had shown wasn’t purely out of obligation but had even a hint of affection.

-Assistant Han.

Just as Yu-young was finishing getting ready, he heard a cautious knock.

-May I come in for a moment?

“Yes, Team Leader. Come in.”

With Yu-young’s permission, the door opened, and Do-won entered the room, fully prepared to go out.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m really fine, Team Leader. I’m okay.”

“That’s a relief.”

Despite the calm tone, Do-won furrowed his brow. His hand moved to adjust his neatly worn tie. Anyone could tell that he was reacting to the pheromones in the room.

Noticing this, Yu-young hurriedly tried to open the window, but Do-won gently grabbed his hand and turned him around.

“It’s fine. No need to ventilate.”

“Ah… isn’t it uncomfortable?”

“Uncomfortable?”

Do-won chuckled softly, raising an eyebrow.

“Assistant Han. You don’t think I’m still uncomfortable with your pheromones, do you?”

“…Ah.”

“If that’s the case, you don’t need to worry.”

Do-won gently pulled Yu-young’s wrist and naturally enveloped him in his arms, pressing their foreheads together.

“It’s a problem because I like you too much.”

The deep, seductive tone tickled Yu-young’s ear. Heat surged from his abdomen, spreading up his face. Yu-young averted his gaze from Do-won’s eyes and twisted his body to try to break free from his embrace, but Do-won pulled him tighter.

“Where do you think you’re going? Why are you avoiding me, hmm?”

“Team, Team Leader… Please, just let go for a moment.”

“Why are you so shy today?”

Do-won buried his nose in Yu-young’s soft hair and inhaled deeply.

“Just let me hold you like this for a little while before we leave.”

“…”

Do-won’s arms wrapped tightly around Yu-young’s body, locking behind his back. Trapped completely in Do-won’s embrace, Yu-young wiggled slightly, attempting to free himself, but soon stopped. The closeness of Do-won felt too good—almost painfully so.

Slowly, the rhythm of his heartbeat spread throughout his body, stirring the emotions he had barely been able to suppress. It reminded him of the courage he needed, encouraging him to rise to the occasion. He feared desperately that he might not be able to enjoy such moments again, but at the same time, he felt a renewed determination, not wanting to lose this.

As he inhaled the intoxicating scent, Yu-young steeled himself. He would do well today. And when they celebrated Do-won’s birthday tomorrow morning, he hoped he could present the carefully prepared gift with a smile.

After finishing preparations, Do-won and Yu-young got into the car. Yu-young rolled the window down a little. He wanted to maintain his composure and think clearly, but with Do-won’s pheromones surrounding him, it felt impossible.

“Did you fasten your seatbelt? We’re leaving now.”

“Yes, Team Leader.”

With a calm voice, the car began to move. Yu-young glanced out the window at the gray sky. It looked like it could snow; the weather matched the forecast.

Then, a quiet voice from beside him gently suggested.

“The weather’s chilly. Close the window, unless you want to catch a cold.”

“…Okay.”

Yu-young obediently rolled the window up. Looking around, he noticed that the people walking down the street were dressed warmly. When people at the crosswalk talked, their breath formed misty clouds that disappeared.

The streets were full of excitement as Christmas, just a few weeks away, approached. Normally, Yu-young would leisurely join in the festive mood, but today his mind was entirely focused on the plan he had made after dinner.

‘Stay calm. You can do this.’

Nothing was easy. It was obvious, but when they went to the family home today, he would have to face Mrs. Lee. Enduring her endlessly cold gaze would not be easy. Of course, today, since Lee Sun-hyung wouldn’t be there and his father would be present, she probably wouldn’t show any overt hostility.

After their meal at the family home, Yu-young planned to carefully broach the subject on the way back. He intended to suggest that they tell his parents first. However, the proposal he planned to make tonight would shake the very foundation of the contract between him and Do-won, so it was understandable that he was nervous.

‘…But there’s no other way. So…’

“Assistant Han.”

As Yu-young struggled to calm himself, taking a deep breath, Do-won suddenly spoke up.

“Yes, Team Leader?”

“Your expression looks quite stiff.”

Do-won’s hand reached out and gently held Yu-young’s left hand.

“Is something really wrong?”

“…Ah, well…”

Yu-young’s lips trembled a few times, but then closed. Even if he was a tough person, there was no way he could tell Do-won, “I’m thinking about what kind of proposal to make to you, Team Leader.”

“…It’s nothing. I’m just… a little tired.”

“Assistant Han.”

Do-won’s quiet voice called to him. As he drove, he glanced at Yu-young’s face, his expression full of concern.

“You once said, Han Dae-ri. That we’re a married couple. You said it would be nice if you could honestly tell me what you’re thinking.”

“……”

“So, trust me and tell me. Whatever it is.”

The kind words made Yu-young’s heart waver involuntarily. Do-won’s gaze, looking directly at him, was calm and heavy as a rock.

Perhaps this was the moment to speak up. The thought crossed Yu-young’s mind just as his heart began to pound loudly. He was about to open his mouth when…