MM 126

“…I’m sorry. For showing you such a hideous side of myself.”

Contrary to his usual dignified and composed tone, Do-won’s voice was completely subdued.

“No, it’s okay, Team Leader. I understand. I’d probably feel the same way,” Yu-young said, gently cradling Do-won’s head like a child, soothing him for a long while. Just like Do-won would do for him every day. While Yu-young stroked Do-won’s hair, gently touched his earlobe, slowly ran his hand down his neck, and patted his back, Do-won remained still, accepting Yu-young’s comforting touch.

As time passed, their racing heartbeats gradually slowed down. The intense pheromone also started to settle down. Do-won, who had been quietly nestled in Yu-young’s arms, finally broke the silence.

“It’s strange.”

Do-won lifted his face from Yu-young’s chest. His gaze, which had been looking down at Yu-young, was now completely different from before.

“When I’m with you, I don’t feel like myself. It’s becoming more and more like that. Even though you are right in front of me, I get anxious, thirsty, and every time I get the chance, I just want to hold you….”

“…”

“I just want to put my name on you, claim you as mine. No, if I could, I’d mark you forever. Whether it’s an imprint, a wedding, or something legal—things I used to want to avoid, now I’m desperately longing for. This is the first time I’ve ever felt this way.”

Do-won let out a self-deprecating laugh, and for the first time, his eyes revealed raw emotions. The anxiety of wanting more despite already having someone, and an overwhelming sense of possessiveness that surged from deep within, were clear in his expression.

If it had been before, Yu-young might have immediately thought of the Alpha instincts he once found repulsive. But now, having fallen in love, he felt that he could understand. Seeing this side of Do-won didn’t frighten him or disgust him.

Yu-young now knew that the confusion and intense emotions Do-won was feeling were a natural part of falling in love, regardless of the Alpha and Omega traits.

“Team Leader, we’ll do everything. Slowly, as things get prepared. Whether it’s the marking, the wedding, or anything else… I’ll do all of it with you, so don’t worry too much. And…”

“…”

“I… feel the same way. You’re not the only one feeling unsure.”

Hearing Yu-young’s calm voice, Do-won silently smiled. He was still resting his lips against Yu-young’s chest, and the warm breath against the shirt brushed against Yu-young’s skin. A small laugh escaped Yu-young as his waist gently twisted, but Do-won’s large hand moved to comfortingly caress his side, making sure he didn’t pull away.

“I thought you were a baby.”

Yu-young froze at the teasing words.

“…Are you serious? I’m an adult man, you know?”

“I know.”

“Then why call me a baby? Ahem… How can you say something so embarrassing?”

“You look like one to me.”

They say that love makes you see things through rose-colored glasses, but was this really the Do-won Yu-young had known? Despite the surprise, Yu-young couldn’t help but smile. It didn’t feel bad or repulsive—in fact, he found it more amusing than anything, and his heart fluttered. It seemed like it wasn’t just Do-won who was deeply affected by love.

After delivering such a sweet line, Do-won suddenly became serious.

“Assistant Han.”

“Yes, Team Leader?”

“I’m thinking of telling the truth to our parents. What do you think?”

Yu-young instinctively guessed that the call Do-won had made earlier had been with Sun-hyung. He nodded readily.

“Sure. It’s something that needs to be done anyway… no matter when.”

As Yu-young spoke confidently, Do-won silently got up and lay beside him. He gently stroked Yu-young’s face, his voice soft.

“Aren’t you nervous?”

Yu-young couldn’t help but feel nervous. He feared not only Do-won’s father’s reaction, but also his own parents’—he had never caused a scandal this big before, even though he had been the beloved youngest son at home. What would his parents feel when they learned the truth? How disappointed would they be?

But Yu-young wasn’t the only one who stood to lose his parents’ trust. Do-won, whom his parents had trusted and adored as a potential son-in-law, would also be affected. The thought of his beloved one being treated poorly by his parents hurt Yu-young deeply.

But this was something they would have to face eventually. He remembered the joy in his father’s face and his mother’s teary eyes when they had first heard about his marriage plans. Yu-young didn’t want to keep lying to his loving parents anymore.

“I’m nervous,” Yu-young admitted, speaking honestly as he always did. He was a little scared, too.

“…But…”

“…”

“With you by my side, I feel like everything will be okay.”

That, too, was from the heart. If he was with Do-won, everything would turn out fine. Yu-young felt an unshakable certainty in his heart.

“I feel the same way. Yu-young.”

With a sweet and sincere voice, Do-won gently draped his arm over Yu-young’s chest. Pulling Yu-young closer into his embrace, he naturally pressed his lips against his face—on the eyelids, the bridge of his nose, and his cheeks. After leaving light kisses, he finally kissed Yu-young on the lips, savoring the sweetness.

After the brief kiss, Do-won smiled and gave a command.

“Can you say ‘honey’ again, like you did earlier?”

“…Hmm… Well, it depends on what Team Leader does.”

Their playful voices and laughter echoed teasingly in the room. Once again, Yu-young welcomed Do-won’s tongue, which came eagerly, as he closed his eyes. Despite the exhaustion of yesterday’s ordeal, his body craved Do-won with an honesty that felt almost overwhelming. Do-won seemed no different, with his eyes slightly red as he kissed Yu-young’s neck and collarbone, again and again.

As Do-won lifted Yu-young’s hand and lightly kissed the back of it, Yu-young felt a growing certainty in his heart—something he had once believed lacked any true foundation was now deeply rooted. If he was with Do-won, everything would turn out just fine. Everything would work out in the end.

***

The office, which had been buzzing with activity, fell quiet as the elevator doors closed. The clock read 8:30. Yu-young’s teammates, some with tired faces and others excited about their plans, slowly made their way home.

With the year-end rush in full swing, it was no surprise that the office was getting busier. Since starting to live together, Do-won’s usual early departures had become frequent again. He followed his principle of never keeping his team members around unnecessarily, ensuring they only worked the minimum amount of overtime, so most of the team left by 8 or 9 p.m., but the light in his office would often stay on until late at night.

Now, the office was empty. In the spacious room, only Yu-young’s desk remained, the computer still on. Though Do-won had suggested he go home, Yu-young had insisted on staying, wanting to spend more time with him.

‘I ended up staying late just to be with my boss.’

Yu-young smiled to himself, amazed at how different things were now compared to a few months ago.

‘I wonder if he’s finished talking with his father.’

Yu-young glanced toward the team leader’s office. After sending everyone home, Do-won had gone into the office, saying he needed to call his father. He’d been in there for a while, and Yu-young, feeling nervous, absentmindedly dragged the mouse on his desktop. He couldn’t focus on anything else until he heard Do-won’s voice.

Just then, the door to the team leader’s office opened, and Do-won stepped out.

“He had to leave for a business trip unexpectedly, and he’ll be back this weekend. So, as we discussed earlier, we’ve arranged a meeting for this Sunday.”

“Okay, sounds good.”

Yu-young smiled and nodded as the tension left his body. Just thinking about this Sunday made his mouth go dry and his hands cold, but it had to be done. Sun-hyung was waiting, and he had planned to make the first move with his parents, but this was something too important to take lightly. It would be best to speak to their respective parents first and then arrange a meeting with everyone.

“Are you tired? I told you, you should go home and rest.”

“No, it’s okay. It’s not like you’re the only one busy these days. Go ahead and finish your work. I’ll take care of mine.”

Do-won chuckled at Yu-young’s responsible response, stepping forward without resistance, bending down to kiss his forehead.

“I’ve never had an employee telling me to hurry up and finish my work.”

“I don’t say that to just anyone.”

Yu-young caught Do-won’s hand, which was still resting on his forehead, and returned a quick kiss on his lips.

“And I’ve never had such a handsome boss before.”

Do-won laughed even harder at Yu-young’s bold reply. Delighted by the playful exchange, Yu-young couldn’t help but smile, but then his resolve to separate work from personal matters surfaced. He quickly pushed Do-won away, adopting a more serious expression.

“Now, go finish your work. By the way, there’s something I’ve wanted to do with you if we’re staying late together, and we need to get to it quickly so we can leave soon.”

“What’s that? Something you’ve been wanting to do?”

Do-won looked at him with a curious expression, intrigued.

“Later. If I tell you now, it might spoil the surprise.”

“Well, even though I don’t know what it is, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Do-won smiled and tousled Yu-young’s hair playfully. When Yu-young made a face, he carefully fixed it, like comforting a child, and kissed his forehead again. With a final goodbye, Do-won walked back into his office, leaving Yu-young standing there, his heart pounding as he tried to calm himself.