TMB Vol 6 Part 7 END

Lee Il-seo, who had been running along Tancheon, gradually reduced his pace while breathing heavily. His lungs felt like they would burst, and his heartbeat was much faster than usual. He took out and drank the water that Sa Seung-yeon would normally have handed him then took a photo of Tancheon just before sunrise and sent it to him.

Sa Seung-yeon was currently staying in Gangwon-do for filming. It was a private schedule that couldn’t be disclosed to outsiders as it was a special appearance in a movie, and he had said that contact might be sparse due to the filming schedule. Sitting on a bench, Lee Il-seo scrolled through his message window with Sa Seung-yeon with his finger and murmured.

“He must be very busy.”

The responses that had been coming regularly until three days ago started slowing down yesterday. Even during filming, replies usually came within an hour or two, but there had been no response to the message he sent yesterday evening. Lee Il-seo was staring at his accumulating check-in messages when a ringing phone finally awakened his from his daze.

“Hello?”

–Ah, Lee Il-seo. About the schedule change. We’re trying to move tomorrow’s filming to next Thursday, is that okay?

“Yes, I don’t have anything that day, right? It’s fine.”

–Yeah. Right. One of the actors we were supposed to film with was hospitalized today because of a ligament issue.

Lee Il-seo nodded as he recalled his schedule in his mind. If tomorrow’s filming was postponed to next week, he would have no schedule for a while. Whenever a short break came, he had always seen Sa Seung-yeon, so he inevitably felt his absence greatly.

‘Should I go to Gangwon-do?’

He thought about seeing Sa Seung-yeon even briefly. Even if it was just for one minute, without disturbing his filming, it would be fine. Recalling how Sa Seung-yeon would come to the vicinity of his filming location to see his face briefly no matter how far the distance when he was busy with filming, Lee Il-seo contacted Choi Kyung-hyun. After messaging to ask if a phone call would work, Choi Kyung-hyun called his right away.

–Ah, hello, actor Lee. What brings this call?

“Ah. Do you know where Sa Seung-yeon Sunbae is filming now? I want to see him briefly nearby.”

–Filming?

But the voice on the other end of the line was full of undisguised puzzlement.

“Yes, didn’t he go to Gangwon-do for filming?”

–Huh? Um… did he?

Ah, this person can’t lie. Lee Il-seo frowned slightly at Hwan’s voice, which was full of embarrassment, and stopped abruptly. It had been a long time since he finished running, but he was somehow short of breath, like someone who had just finished a sprint.

“I guess not.”

–N-no, he did!

“Then which filming location is it?”

Hwan, who had been trying to answer unconditionally on Seung-yeon’s side to Il-seo’s persistent question, also raised the white flag. Il-seo’s expression was sensitive as he hung up after a long phone call.

After returning home, washing in warm water, and even having milk and tangerine cake, his once-racing heart still hadn’t found its rhythm.

Sa Seung-yeon had definitely said it was a schedule. He had only thought that the reason he couldn’t be reached was simply because of filming. However, Hwan hesitated and brought up something completely unexpected.

–Hyung is in rut, so he’s resting at home.

“Rut?”

–Yes. We’ve adjusted all schedules for a week in line with his rut cycle for a long time. I thought he would have told you… I guess he didn’t want you to know.

Since Hwan didn’t know about the incident during the last rut, it seemed Sa Seung-yeon hadn’t separately informed him. Sa Seung-yeon probably hadn’t anticipated that he and Hwan would contact each other directly. As Hwan’s voice over the phone had become excessively dejected, Lee Il-seo comforted him, saying he would pretend the call never happened, so he shouldn’t worry too much. Hwan fretted until just before hanging up, wondering if he had made a mistake.

Placing down his mobile phone, Lee Il-seo sat sprawled on the sofa and exhaled a long sigh.

Sa Seung-yeon had lied. The reason was his rut. Sa Seung-yeon’s mate was him. and regardless of his late manifestation, he was now an Omega. It was only natural for an Alpha to spend his rut with an Omega. But Sa Seung-yeon didn’t want to spend his rut with his to the extent that he hid the fact.

Rut was a condition one experiences throughout life. Would he continue to try to gloss over the situation with lies in the future? While feeling hurt, he also understood Sa Seung-yeon’s feelings on one hand.

On that day that Sa Seung-yeon couldn’t properly remember, he had become pregnant due to their violent relationship and his life had been endangered because of it. While the memories until he woke up remained vague to him, Sa Seung-yeon, who had watched all the harsh processes by his side, would probably want to avoid rut.

“…”

After brief contemplation, Lee Il-seo made a decision and changed his clothes. Calling a taxi to head to Sa Seung-yeon’s house, he used the password he had given his and walked right through the front door.

As soon as he opened the door, Lee Il-seo swallowed hard. Although he came knowing it was a rut, the headache that instantly arose from Sa Seung-yeon’s scent filling the entrance was overwhelming. If it normally felt like a subtle cologne, now it was as if a bottle of perfume had been shattered and poured over his head. Lee Il-seo tried to suppress his wavering heart with calm breaths and slowly walked through the dimly lit corridor.

His own singing voice was continuously echoing throughout the unlit house. He was still listening to the birthday present he had given him in spring, even though it was now autumn. If it had been a tape, it would have worn out and broken by now, making Lee Il-seo burst into a somewhat bewildered laugh.

Opening the familiar bedroom door even in the darkness, he saw Sa Seung-yeon lying face down wearing only underwear. The closer he approached him, the more palpably hot and humid the air felt. His body, partially revealed among the tangled bedding, was red from heat in various places.

Swallowing hard, he approached slowly. As the pheromone scent intensified, fragments of past memories emerged. The mobile phone Sa Seung-yeon had thrown, the kiss that tasted of blood, the painful grip that had pulled him, the moment of penetration accompanied by tearing pain. It would be a lie to say those harrowing memories weren’t frightening, but Lee Il-seo simultaneously felt a sensation that transcended that fear.

Bond. A strong conviction blossomed that he could communicate mentally beyond physically with Sa Seung-yeon, whom he recognized as his mate as a trait carrier. Hoping it wasn’t a foolish delusion induced by pheromones, Lee Il-seo carefully sat down on the bed sheet.

“Sunbae. I’m here.”

Lee Il-seo placed his hand on Sa Seung-yeon’s shoulder. When he gently shook his shoulder, which was as hard as a fire-roasted stone, his eyelids trembled, revealing jet-black eyes. Inexplicable tears were gathered on his long eyelashes, and the deep eyes beneath floated here and there trying to focus.

Soon, the black eyes reached his face, and Sa Seung-yeon stared at him for a long time without even blinking. After a moment of being drawn in as if being sucked in, he was suddenly pulled and laid on the bed. Sa Seung-yeon buried his nose in his nape and inhaled deeply. Although he was frightened by the strong force that prevented him from moving even a fingertip, it didn’t hurt as he was just tightly embracing him with his whole body.

“It’s Lee Il-seo…”

His voice, immersed in heat, tickled his ear. Lee Il-seo cautiously asked Sa Seung-yeon.

“Sunbae… are you okay?”

“Yes.”

Though Sa Seung-yeon was holding him so tightly it was suffocating, there was no sign of the violence from before. Seeing how he properly answered his questions, it seemed he was maintaining his rationality. As if reading Lee Il-seo’s mind, Sa Seung-yeon spoke in a languid voice.

“I took suppressants.”

“Ah…”

“Back then, I lost my mind because I couldn’t take the medicine.”

Lee Il-seo finally understood the situation. The reason Sa Seung-yeon had been particularly violent then was because he had spent his rut alone without any medication or preparation. How had he walked into that lion’s den on his own? Sa Seung-yeon separated Lee Il-seo, who briefly shuddered, from his embrace and met his eyes. A hint of reason had finally entered his eyes, which had been constantly hazy with fever.

“Why did you come here? So fearlessly.”

“My Alpha is in rut. What Omega wouldn’t come?”

At Lee Il-seo’s sulky response, Sa Seung-yeon’s eyes trembled.

“How did you know I was in rut?”

“I know everything.”

Sa Seung-yeon, frozen for a moment as if holding his breath, found Lee Il-seo’s smug expression so lovable that he tightly closed his eyes and then opened them again.

“You’re really something.”

Sa Seung-yeon sighed and got up. Throwing on the carelessly discarded robe, Sa Seung-yeon grabbed Lee Il-seo’s wrist. Lee Il-seo, confused at being pulled up from the bed, made a surprised sound.

“You should go now.”

“What? You want me to leave?”

“Even with medication, a rut is still a rut. If I end up pouncing on you…”

Sa Seung-yeon hesitated, seemingly about to mention something about pregnancy. Lee Il-seo quickly denied this concern.

“They already told me pregnancy isn’t possible anymore.”

Before discharge, Dr. Lee Joo-seung had explained it. Due to the extensive removal of organs during surgery, natural pregnancy would be difficult. Hearing Lee Il-seo’s explanation, Sa Seung-yeon raised one corner of his mouth.

“Given that you manifested, became pregnant, and went through heat all at once, I simply can’t guarantee anything about your odds.”

This made Lee Il-seo feel like some one-in-a-million case, which was discomforting. As Sa Seung-yeon kept trying to pull him out of the room, Lee Il-seo resisted and shook his head.

“I still can’t leave like this.”

“Don’t be stubborn. Today I’m also feeling a bit—”

Before Sa Seung-yeon could finish, Lee Il-seo embraced him tightly. Rubbing his cheek against Sa Seung-yeon’s heated body, he stood on tiptoe and pressed his lips against Sa Seung-yeon’s. When Sa Seung-yeon tried to push Lee Il-seo’s chest away, Lee Il-seo leaned in more heavily and licked Sa Seung-yeon’s lips.

“Mmph, you…”

As Sa Seung-yeon’s lips parted to speak, Lee Il-seo slipped his tongue between them, causing Sa Seung-yeon to let out an unguarded moan. Seizing the opportunity, Lee Il-seo reached down, opened the robe, and took hold of the already fully erect cock. It was indeed much thicker and hotter than usual.

As Lee Il-seo rubbed the cock with his palm and pressed forward, Sa Seung-yeon stumbled backward until his legs hit the bed and he sat down with a thud. Lee Il-seo positioned himself between Sa Seung-yeon’s legs and knelt down. Caressing the veined shaft with his hand, Lee Il-seo spoke.

“When I first realized you had lied to me, my heart sank.”

Until hearing the explanation about the rut, Lee Il-seo had formulated countless scenarios and agonized alone. Was there a reason for Sa Seung-yeon to lie about filming in another location? Where had Sa Seung-yeon been and what had he been doing? Had Sa Seung-yeon’s feelings started to cool down? What would happen then?

After hearing Hwan’s explanation about the rut, most questions were answered, but one doubt remained unresolved: whether he had truly not diminished in Sa Seung-yeon’s eyes.

He decided that to find the answer without avoiding it, he needed to face Sa Seung-yeon directly. That’s why he had risked coming here. Lee Il-seo looked up at Sa Seung-yeon with a slight smile.

“I trust you, Sunbae.”

“L-Lee Il-seo…”

“I believe that you won’t hurt me anymore.”

Then he took Sa Seung-yeon’s member into his mouth. He took it in at once, from the head to the shaft, enveloping it in his moist mouth and sucking gently with firm lips. Though the enlarged cock was more challenging than usual, Lee Il-seo moved his head up and down, taking it in as deeply as possible.

“Ah…”

Tilting his head back with a small moan, Sa Seung-yeon bit his lip. Though he tried to push Lee Il-seo’s shoulders away, Lee Il-seo shook his head and took him in even deeper. In response to this defiant gesture, Sa Seung-yeon finally lowered his hand and turned his head to the side.

On the bedside table within reach was a half-finished bottle of wine and a precariously placed glass. Sa Seung-yeon stared at them intently before taking a foil cutter knife from the wine opener. He took Lee Il-seo’s small hand, which was busy with his cock, and placed the cutter in it.

At first, Lee Il-seo didn’t notice Sa Seung-yeon’s action as he diligently licked between Sa Seung-yeon’s thighs, but upon feeling the cold sensation, he removed his mouth and looked at his hand. Seeing the small blade, Lee Il-seo immediately frowned.

“What is this?”

“Use it if I act like last time.”

“Are you crazy?”

“I’m worried I might go crazy, so I’m giving you an alternative.”

“What was the point of everything we just talked about?”

Suddenly angered, Lee Il-seo threw the cutter far away. With a clatter, it slid under the table onto the rug. Lee Il-seo wiped his saliva-moistened lips with the back of his hand and looked up at Sa Seung-yeon. His brown eyes, unblinking, stared sharply at Sa Seung-yeon.

“Don’t you feel it too? That this is different from before.”

“…”

“You don’t need things like that. You won’t hurt me.”

Sa Seung-yeon knew it too. That even without inhibitors, he wouldn’t mistreat Lee Il-seo now. But Sa Seung-yeon was equally afraid. What if he did lose control? What if Lee Il-seo got hurt? He couldn’t guarantee how far he might fall.

But now Lee Il-seo was feeling hurt. Hurt that Sa Seung-yeon wasn’t acknowledging the certainty they both felt. Lee Il-seo trusted him completely, to the point where even suspicion was painful, and so he was acting uncharacteristically stubborn and forceful.

Finally, Sa Seung-yeon smiled faintly. He cupped Lee Il-seo’s cheek, helped him stand, and kissed him. He left a gentler, warmer kiss than usual to show Lee Il-seo that he hadn’t lost his way in confused deliberation, to convey that Lee Il-seo’s choice was the right one.

“Alright.”

“…”

“But tell me if I hurt you.”

Lee Il-seo nodded. Both explored each other’s lips with a depth different from before as they fell onto the bed. Lee Il-seo’s clothes dropped one by one to the floor. Sa Seung-yeon’s hand reached for gel and protection in the console drawer, while Lee Il-seo, increasingly intoxicated by pheromones, embraced Sa Seung-yeon with blurring vision.

The cock, already dripping clear fluid, began to enter the tightly closed hole. Lee Il-seo’s toes pushed against the bed sheet, and Sa Seung-yeon thoroughly licked Lee Il-seo’s cheek. With Sa Seung-yeon’s movements, Lee Il-seo’s legs wrapped around Sa Seung-yeon’s waist.

The youthful bedroom continuously filled with the sound of Lee Il-seo’s melodic voice.

Sa Seung-yeon opened his eyes. After staring at the ceiling with drowsy eyes, he recalled his last memory and sat up with wide eyes. The final scene his rational mind remembered was comforting the crying Lee Il-seo while throwing away a condom full of semen and putting on a new one.

“Lee Il-seo…!”

Everything after that was hazy. Even with inhibitors, Sa Seung-yeon was an extreme dominant Alpha. He might have maintained his rationality at first, but once Lee Il-seo’s pheromones mixed in, all bets were off. He checked for blood stains on the sheets, but they were only damp without any unusual marks. Yet before he could feel relieved, Sa Seung-yeon realized Lee Il-seo wasn’t beside him.

No way, no way, no way. Turning pale as fragments of past memories surfaced, Sa Seung-yeon rushed to go outside, but Lee Il-seo entered the bedroom first.

“Did you call me?”

“You…”

“What are you doing without clothes? It’s cold…”

Lee Il-seo brought over Sa Seung-yeon’s robe that had been hanging on the bedroom sofa. He had heard the commotion in the bedroom and thought his senior had woken up, then heard Sa Seung-yeon calling him. Sa Seung-yeon accepted the robe with a bewildered expression and asked,

“Are you okay?”

“…Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You were crying.”

“I always cry when I’m with you.”

Thinking it was a strange question since he rarely didn’t cry, Lee Il-seo walked out of the bedroom and poured orange juice that Sa Seung-yeon had bought into a glass.

“I tried to wake you, but you wouldn’t get up. So I let you sleep longer and showered in the other bathroom first.”

“You know we went for two days without showering?” Lee Il-seo asked with an embarrassed smile. Finally understanding the situation, Sa Seung-yeon let out a laugh that sounded almost like a sigh.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?”

“What… You don’t remember again?”

Lee Il-seo puffed his cheeks slightly, saying it was too much. His expression, as if doing Sa Seung-yeon a favor by explaining, was full of mischief like a playful child.

“You didn’t hurt me, but it was intense, really.”

Lee Il-seo closed his eyes tightly and shook his head. Since he was also intoxicated by the pheromones, it wasn’t particularly painful sex (though there was inevitably physical discomfort due to Sa Seung-yeon’s size), but Sa Seung-yeon had released until the very end so thoroughly that it made Lee Il-seo doubt he had taken inhibitors. And when they ran out of condoms, Sa Seung-yeon ended up thrusting against his legs before climaxing.

Lee Il-seo hunched his shoulders slightly, recalling the moment he fell asleep exhausted from crying. Sa Seung-yeon approached silently and examined various parts of Lee Il-seo’s body. Since Lee Il-seo always claimed to be fine, he might be lying again. Lee Il-seo quietly waited, allowing Sa Seung-yeon to lift his clothes and inspect him. There were only two kiss marks on Lee Il-seo’s neck and chest, and his eyes were slightly swollen, but no other injuries.

“See? I told you I’m fine.”

Lee Il-seo lowered his clothes, which had been raised to his chest, and gently pushed Sa Seung-yeon’s shoulder.

“You should shower too. Today is our last day with no schedules.”

It was a bit of a shame to have spent this precious time on sex without even eating. Sa Seung-yeon took a sip of the juice Lee Il-seo had been drinking and asked,

“Is there anything you want to do?”

“Not really want to do… I was planning to visit my grandmother’s columbarium.”

Lee Il-seo fidgeted with his fingertips and cautiously asked,

“Would you like to come along?”

“Sure. Let’s eat breakfast on the way. I’ll go shower.”

Sa Seung-yeon walked back to the bedroom with a relieved smile. Looking at the shadows by the window where morning sunlight filtered in, Lee Il-seo slowly leaned back on the sofa.

This was his second rut with Sa Seung-yeon. But this time was completely different from the past, incomparable even for a second. Throughout their intimacy, Sa Seung-yeon had called his name, maintained eye contact, and even in moments he couldn’t remember, looked at him with eyes full of love.

And in the morning as sunlight began to stream in, Lee Il-seo, upon waking, instinctively took in the sight of the alpha beside him. After staring at Sa Seung-yeon’s peaceful, deeply sleeping face for a while, a sudden thought occurred to Lee Il-seo, which he had been pondering ever since.

He had so much he wanted to tell his grandmother today.

***

When Lee Il-seo said he’d be gone for a moment, Sa Seung-yeon replied that he’d wait in the smoking area outside the building.

Entering the columbarium alone, Lee Il-seo found his grandmother’s place and first bowed deeply. He removed the wilting flowers and replaced them with fresh blooms. He took out his grandmother’s portrait and carefully wiped away the dust that had barely settled.

Looking at the neatly arranged small space, Lee Il-seo began sharing his recent news. Even when he visited during her illness, days when his grandmother responded were rare, but having to speak only to a photograph after his passing pained Lee Il-seo’s heart.

Nevertheless, Lee Il-seo forced a bright voice. After promising to dress warmly as the weather was getting colder, Lee Il-seo briefly bit his lip and paused.

“Grandmother. I have something to tell you.”

Blinking his eyes and intertwining his fingers, Lee Il-seo spoke with a voice clearly more tense than before.

“I wonder if I’m allowed to have a family too.”

Looking at his grandmother’s photograph, Lee Il-seo recalled his warm embrace. Though the pain had dulled since her passing, an indescribable longing grew increasingly profound. To Lee Il-seo, his grandmother, no, family, was his strength to live, his goal, and a small island he could comfortably retreat to. When his grandmother passed away, it felt like the protective fence that made him feel safe regardless of his mistakes had disappeared.

The emptiness of not having a single person left to call family was unknowingly wearing down Lee Il-seo’s heart little by little.

“I’ve found someone I want to trust.”

Now Lee Il-seo wanted to create a new family. Throughout the long rut, far from hurting him, Sa Seung-yeon had looked at him with loving eyes and embraced him preciously. In that warm embrace, Lee Il-seo felt a fullness similar to a river filling without pause, something he hadn’t experienced in quite a while.

“It was as intense as it was difficult, and now I’m confident that no matter what trials come, nothing will be difficult by that person’s side.”

Lee Il-seo clenched and unclenched his fist, gently pressing over his pounding heart. If just sharing this with his grandmother made him this nervous, how difficult would it be to convey these sincere feelings to Sa Seung-yeon? The mere thought was overwhelming. But he forced a smile and looked at his grandmother in the photograph with determined eyes.

“I wanted to tell you first. That’s why I came here first.”

Though he didn’t yet know the specific methods or the other’s feelings, Lee Il-seo wanted to share these burgeoning emotions with someone, anyone. After connecting his thoughts alone, Lee Il-seo broke into a bright smile and shrugged shyly.

“I believe you’ll support me. I’ll be going now.”

Lee Il-seo smiled brightly at his grandmother’s portrait. After checking the time with a flick of his wrist, he opted for the stairs instead of the slow elevator. Feeling anxious about keeping Sa Seung-yeon waiting in the cold longer than expected, he quickened his pace. Taking two steps at a time, he could see Sa Seung-yeon’s shoes through the glass door.

Breathing heavily as he exited the building, he found Sa Seung-yeon with a cigarette in his mouth, turning around. Upon seeing Lee Il-seo, Sa Seung-yeon stubbed out his cigarette in the trash bin and lifted the corner of his mouth in a slight smile.

“Did you run here?”

“I missed you.”

Lee Il-seo smiled brightly and grabbed Sa Seung-yeon’s hand.

“I think we need to turn on the heater now. The hallway was cold.”

When there was no response, Lee Il-seo looked up at Sa Seung-yeon to find him just staring. Only after Lee Il-seo called “Sunbae, Sunbae” twice did Sa Seung-yeon raise an eyebrow and respond.

“Yeah.”

“What’s with you? Were you spacing out?”

“Ah, just for a moment. Did it go well?”

“Yes. I changed the flowers and cleaned her picture.”

Sa Seung-yeon’s hand enveloped Lee Il-seo’s. His cold fingertips began to warm with Sa Seung-yeon’s body heat. Hand in hand, they slowly walked toward the parking lot.

***

After the morning schedule ended, Hwan drove to a different destination at Sa Seung-yeon’s request.

“You haven’t had lunch yet, right? Let’s eat together.”

The place Sa Seung-yeon told Hwan to enter into the navigation was an extremely expensive Japanese restaurant. When Hwan asked if he was talking to him, Sa Seung-yeon didn’t answer and just put earphones in. After parking with a puzzled expression, Hwan hurriedly followed Sa Seung-yeon into the restaurant after being told simply to “come in.”

While course after course of food arrived, starting with appetizers, Sa Seung-yeon said little. Since this was the first time Sa Seung-yeon had invited him personally for a meal after the rut, Hwan was tense as he sipped the warm green tea.

“What are you doing? Eat.”

“Ah, yes.”

Only after Sa Seung-yeon told him to pick up his chopsticks did Hwan start on the appetizers. Soon he was distracted by the several delicious dishes, mindlessly using his chopsticks. But shortly after the main course arrived, Hwan raised his eyebrows to their limit at the sudden topic.

“You’re preparing a proposal?”

“Yes, so help me out.”

In the middle of the meal, Sa Seung-yeon brought up an unexpected subject, he was planning to propose to Lee Il-seo. Moistening his lips with tea, Sa Seung-yeon continued calmly.

“I bought a villa where I want to live with Lee Il-seo.”

“Ah, yes.”

“I’ll propose there, so contact Choi Kyung-hyun and naturally create a fake schedule to that location. Match it with Lee Il-seo’s day off.”

“Ah, yes.”

“I’ll take care of the chef and florist, so you just need to focus on the schedule. Obviously, move all my appointments too to match Lee Il-seo’s free day.”

“Ah, yes, yes.”

“If you mess this up, I’m cutting your pay.”

“Ah, yes. Wait, what?”

Hwan’s eyes widened at the matter-of-fact threat delivered in the same tone as the previous instructions.

“It means don’t be careless and do it right.”

Sa Seung-yeon smiled with crinkled eyes, but Hwan knew the pay cut comment was definitely not a joke. Hwan nodded repeatedly and took out his phone to organize the to-do list in his memo app.

“Eat first.”

Sa Seung-yeon gestured toward the food, and knowing this was uncommon kindness, Hwan quickly focused on eating the fresh sashimi again.

So Hwan was assigned the task of preparing for the proposal (or rather, adjusting schedules) and called Choi Kyung-hyun on his day off.

–Oh? Hello. What brings Sa Seung-yeon’s manager to call?

“Ah, yes, hello. Um… I… Well, the thing is…”

After hesitating momentarily at Choi Kyung-hyun’s surprised voice, Hwan blurted out the main point. Sa Seung-yeon was planning a proposal for Lee Il-seo and needed Lee Il-seo’s schedule and some cooperation. But Choi Kyung-hyun responded with a somewhat perplexed voice.

–They really are meant for each other, I guess.

“Pardon? What do you…”

–Lee Il-seo is also preparing a proposal right now. I was actually thinking of contacting you…

“What?”

Choi Kyung-hyun explained that Lee Il-seo was also preparing a proposal and was very curious about Sa Seung-yeon’s exact movements. Hwan pouted and scratched the back of his head. He wondered what he and Choi Kyung-hyun were doing getting involved in these two’s love games. They deserved bonuses, not threats of pay cuts… But since it was difficult to coordinate the two busy schedules, having the managers discuss and set the most appropriate date for the proposals was indeed the most efficient approach.

–Then since Lee Il-seo has more time next week, he could propose first, and a few days later, Sa Seung-yeon could invite Lee Il-seo to that villa—

“Ah, that won’t work.”

–Why not?

“Still, Seung-yeon hyung should go first…”

–Come on, that’s not how it works. From what I hear, Lee Il-seo started preparing first. He’s already looked into venue reservations.

“But Hyung has been in contact with a florist. He’s found a chef too. If you count from the villa purchase, he’s essentially been preparing since the beginning of the year…”

In the strange situation where the two managers were having a pride battle over who should propose first, Kyung-hyun was the first to come to his senses.

–Ah… This isn’t what we should be doing, right?

“Yes. I was being sensitive because my boss said I’d get a pay cut if I mess up. Let’s just have whoever go first, it’s not my wedding anyway.”

Kyung-hyun laughed heartily over the phone at Hwan’s grumbling response about the pay cut.

–Then let’s each plan our routes. We’ll go with whichever seems more plausible. After all, as long as one of them successfully proposes, that’s what matters.

“Yes.”

The unexpected twist in Choi Kyung-hyun and Hwan’s plan was the lack of shared free time between Sa Seung-yeon and Lee Il-seo. With Sa Seung-yeon’s film shooting about to begin, their schedule was getting even tighter.

–Looking at this, there doesn’t seem to be a day when both are free. And even if there is, the timing is… I mean, a dawn proposal doesn’t make sense. And proposing during a shoot break then going back to filming is strange too.

Hwan spoke while setting down coffee on the table, checking the dual monitors displaying both schedules.

“How about next Friday? They both have an ad shoot together during the day.”

–Oh, you’re right. That should end before evening even if it runs long. If we start then… neither has a morning schedule the next day, right?

“Correct. So what if we go to the jazz bar Lee Il-seo’s booked that evening, then move to Sa Seung-yeon’s proposal location?”

–That’s fine with me. But what if Lee Il-seo proposes first? Won’t Sa Seung-yeon be disappointed?

“I think the boss needs to experience that once…”

Both Choi Kyung-hyun and Hwan shared the same hope that Lee Il-seo would propose first. (In truth, Hwan wished even more strongly that things wouldn’t go according to Sa Seung-yeon’s plan for once). Besides, going from the jazz bar to the villa made more logistical sense than the reverse when starting from the ad shoot location. Since the condition for avoiding a pay cut was keeping the proposal a secret from Lee Il-seo, Hwan figured this adjustment would be fine.

The two finalized their plan and communicated the details to their respective actors. Unaware of each other’s intentions, Sa Seung-yeon and Lee Il-seo gratefully accepted the arrangements, Sa Seung-yeon confirming his floral and catering services, and Lee Il-seo finalizing the jazz bar reservation.

On the Friday they prepared for the proposals, autumn rain fell. Despite the gray clouds making for dreary weather, Lee Il-seo gazed at the sky as if even the rain was lovely. Like someone watching rain after a long drought, everything in the world looked beautiful to him.

They were shooting a winter clothing advertisement. Arriving at the location, Lee Il-seo looked up at the somewhat old building. It was typically rented only for ad shoots, so despite its outdated exterior, the interior was completely remodeled and pristine.

“Hello.”

Greeting everyone as he entered, he found Sa Seung-yeon had already arrived. The two listened to the storyboard explanation together and drank warm beverages while preparing for the shoot. Choi Kyung-hyun and Hwan, standing nearby, struggled to maintain neutral expressions, as both Lee Il-seo and Sa Seung-yeon were trying to act casual but with a noticeably different atmosphere than usual.

Lee Il-seo kept putting his hands in his pockets and biting his lips between conversations, while Sa Seung-yeon, unlike his usual self, rarely showed his artificial smile. Both were tense, thinking about their proposal plans for the evening.

Soon, staff announced it was time to shoot, and Lee Il-seo and Sa Seung-yeon walked onto the set. Since this would be featured on a year-end magazine cover, the set was adorned with Christmas trees, snowflakes, and other seasonal props.

“Alright, give me playful smiles, please!”

The photoshoot captured Sa Seung-yeon holding a cream cake and Lee Il-seo laughing with cream on his nose. Despite wearing layers of winter clothes under hot lights, both maintained professional expressions throughout.

“That’s great. Let’s try another pose.”

Lee Il-seo sat in a chair, with Sa Seung-yeon crouching beside him, playfully blowing a party whistle. As Sa Seung-yeon made a ‘pffft’ sound and furrowed his eyebrows, and Lee Il-seo reached out as if catching flying confetti with a bright smile, the photographer let out a small exclamation of delight.

“Perfect! Let’s do the final pose.”

The results were incredible, thanks to both focusing intensely, knowing they needed to finish on schedule for their proposals. They bid farewell to the enthusiastic filming team and director, then headed to the waiting room upstairs to change clothes.

Since they finished much earlier than planned, Lee Il-seo immediately suggested going to the jazz bar. Sa Seung-yeon held the emergency exit door open and asked,

“You got tickets to a live performance?”

“Yes. The song selection is great, and I’d like to see it with you.”

Sa Seung-yeon checked the time on his phone. There would be just enough time to watch the performance before dinner and then head home. Intrigued by Lee Il-seo’s mention of good music, Sa Seung-yeon said as they entered the waiting room,

“I’ll change and come out. Meet you in front.”

“Okay.”

In the empty hallway, they shared a quick kiss before going to their individual waiting rooms to change. Coming out first, Sa Seung-yeon noticed Lee Il-seo was wearing slacks and a herringbone jacket instead of his usual attire.

“You usually only wear jeans?”

“Today… since we’re, g-going to a performance…”

Lee Il-seo stammered, flustered at the thought his proposal might have been discovered. Noticing Lee Il-seo avoiding eye contact, Sa Seung-yeon raised one corner of his mouth loosely and said,

“No need to be shy. I said it because you look pretty.”

“Thank you. You look handsome today too.”

Sa Seung-yeon typically dressed neatly except when exercising, but today he looked especially good. He wore a new blazer, a deep charcoal standard fit that would look perfect in a formal photoshoot. Lee Il-seo put his hands in and out of his pockets and asked,

“Shall we take your car?”

“Yeah, I gave Hwan taxi fare.”

“Kyung-hyun took photos of today’s shoot. Sunbae, doesn’t this one look good?”

Since only waiting rooms were on this floor, they chatted comfortably as they entered the elevator. Sa Seung-yeon pressed the button for the basement parking level and hit the door close button. As they were looking at the photos together, the elevator suddenly jerked to a halt with a bang. Lee Il-seo’s eyes widened, and Sa Seung-yeon immediately put his arm around Lee Il-seo’s shoulders.

Soon, the unsteadily moving elevator made a screeching sound and came to a complete stop. After flickering for a few seconds, all the elevator lights went out.

“Uh…”

Startled, Lee Il-seo grabbed the handrail while Sa Seung-yeon quickly pressed the “Emergency Call” button. However, only a connecting tone played with no actual connection. Checking their phones, they found no signal bars and no data connection.

“What’s going on?”

After trying the buttons a few times using his phone’s light, Sa Seung-yeon declared everything was dead and went to Lee Il-seo’s side. Lee Il-seo was frozen in place, clutching his phone tightly without responding.

“Are you scared?”

“Ah, yes. A little…”

When Sa Seung-yeon tried to take Lee Il-seo’s hand, he found it cold and clammy with sweat. Feeling Lee Il-seo’s pheromones fluctuating anxiously, Sa Seung-yeon’s heart sank. His expression instantly turned serious.

“Are you okay?”

“The door… needs to open quickly…”

Lee Il-seo’s small voice trembled. Sa Seung-yeon had momentarily forgotten Lee Il-seo’s fear of small, dark spaces. This was the same person who had proudly accomplished a photoshoot that required briefly entering a box. Being trapped here too long could cause Lee Il-seo to panic. Biting his lip hard, Sa Seung-yeon pounded on the elevator door and shouted.

“Is anyone out there?”

But the staff were using the floors two levels below, and they would likely exit to the parking lot through the connecting stairwell. Both their managers had been sent ahead for subsequent schedules. They risked being trapped for a long time in an empty building.

“Lee Il-seo, you’re with me, so try not to be too scared.”

“Yes, Sunbae.”

As he replied, Lee Il-seo gripped Sa Seung-yeon’s hand even tighter. Sa Seung-yeon turned on his phone’s flashlight function and placed it on the floor. The previously dark elevator brightened enough to properly see Lee Il-seo’s expression.

“How’s that, a bit better?”

“Yes. I, I should turn mine on too.”

Lee Il-seo also turned on his flashlight and placed his phone on the floor. As the white light flickered around their feet, the pounding of his heart, which had been so loud he couldn’t hear Sa Seung-yeon’s voice, quieted a little.

“They probably haven’t all left yet. There might be evening bookings.”

“Yes…”

Lee Il-seo, still holding Sa Seung-yeon’s comforting hand, used his free hand to check the time on his phone. Still no signs of anyone outside.

Several minutes passed. Sa Seung-yeon continuously emitted calming pheromones, and thanks to the bright phone lights, Lee Il-seo’s physical condition remained stable, but his expression grew increasingly gloomy.

Lee Il-seo had rented an entire jazz bar for today’s proposal. He had planned to enjoy live music with Sa Seung-yeon over wine, then go on stage during the second song to sing an arrangement he’d prepared himself and give Sa Seung-yeon the ring.

The rehearsal was already a lost cause, but they needed to leave now to not miss the performance. He needed to notify the band about being late, but with all communications dead, he felt helpless. Lee Il-seo asked in a dejected voice,

“I guess… this might take a while?”

“Seems that way.”

Lee Il-seo slumped down on the elevator floor first. Sa Seung-yeon took off his blazer, folded it, and told Lee Il-seo to sit on it since the floor was cold. Though reluctant to sit on Sa Seung-yeon’s clothes, Lee Il-seo knew refusing would be futile, so he sat down and invited Sa Seung-yeon to join him.

As his eyes began adjusting to the darkness, Lee Il-seo stared at the firmly closed doors and spoke in a deflated voice.

“We need to get out…”

“Because of the performance?”

“Yes…”

But it was clearly too late now. Sa Seung-yeon pressed Lee Il-seo’s palm, trying to comfort him.

“We can see the performance another time, so don’t be too upset.”

“…”

“You don’t feel sick or like you might faint?”

“No. It’s a bit stuffy, but with the flashlights and you being here, I can manage.”

“That’s good.”

At Sa Seung-yeon’s words of relief, Lee Il-seo let out a hollow laugh. After quietly watching the clock, Lee Il-seo leaned his head against the elevator wall and softly called to Sa Seung-yeon.

“Sunbae.”

“Yes?”

“Actually, I was going to sing for you at that jazz bar today.”

“What?”

“I practiced hard, making time… but it seems we won’t make it.”

Sa Seung-yeon looked at Lee Il-seo with round eyes. After a moment’s hesitation, Lee Il-seo pulled out the small box he’d been fidgeting with all day. Still holding the box, he slowly began to speak.

“When I spent the rut with you, I realized something.”

“…”

“The feeling of happiness becomes clearer when I’m with you.”

Not being particularly eloquent, it was impossible for him to convey the various shapes of emotions rippling inside him with any subtlety. Like his personality, Lee Il-seo expressed his carefully refined feelings plainly and without inflection, but with sincerity.

“I want to marry you, Sunbae.”

Lee Il-seo opened the box and took out the ring.

“I’ll definitely sing for you another time.”

In the darkness, Lee Il-seo found Sa Seung-yeon’s finger and slipped the ring on. As he held the hand with the ring tightly, the ring caught the phone’s light and sparkled in the darkness. Sa Seung-yeon couldn’t take his eyes off the ring, and seeing this, Lee Il-seo felt a momentary regret that his planned proposal would have been more moving.

Suddenly, a sound of incredulous laughter broke the silence. Lee Il-seo raised his eyebrows slightly, not understanding the laughter. Initially chuckling softly, Sa Seung-yeon eventually covered his mouth and burst into unrestrained laughter. Lee Il-seo flinched and asked,

“Why, why are you laughing?”

But Sa Seung-yeon pulled Lee Il-seo into an embrace. Through their contact, Lee Il-seo could clearly feel Sa Seung-yeon’s rapidly beating heart. Releasing Lee Il-seo from his arms, Sa Seung-yeon sighed slightly and took out a box from his inner blazer pocket.

“I was thinking what a trick of fate this was.”

“No way…”

“My proposal was also in the process of smoothly failing.”

With a laugh still on his face, Sa Seung-yeon opened the box and took out a ring. Though the diamond arrangement differed from the one Lee Il-seo had prepared, its moonlike glow in the darkness was identical. Sa Seung-yeon took out the smaller diameter ring from the box.

“I think it was around the same time for me too. It was on the way back after you visited your grandmother.”

Smoking while waiting for Lee Il-seo, Sa Seung-yeon had turned around at the sound of his approach. Watching Lee Il-seo running toward him with wide strides, strangely, the world seemed to stop for a moment. Everything else was blurry and faintly smudged, but Lee Il-seo, running toward him, was exceptionally clear. The vivid happiness Lee Il-seo mentioned in his proposal, Sa Seung-yeon had felt the same clarity on that hazy autumn day.

“You said it yourself. That you no longer have a family.”

“…”

“Watching you run toward me, I thought: I want to be the only family in this beautiful person’s world.”

Sa Seung-yeon took Lee Il-seo’s hand and slipped the ring onto his slender finger. The ring fit perfectly from fingernail to base, and Sa Seung-yeon gently stroked it with his thumb.

“Will you marry me?”

Lee Il-seo stared at the ring on his finger with an expression of disbelief. With a slight furrow between his brows, still not fully comprehending the situation, he exhaled a trembling breath.

Soon his lips quivered, and a small laugh escaped. Now he understood why Sa Seung-yeon had laughed like that. Both of their carefully prepared proposals had evaporated, and here they were, sitting in a cramped, dim elevator, modestly exchanging rings. Lee Il-seo laughed for a while with crescent-shaped eyes, then shook Sa Seung-yeon’s hand and said,

“I asked first, so answer me first.”

“Of course I want to. What about you?”

“I want to.”

Sa Seung-yeon laughed along with Lee Il-seo. As the saying goes, lovers grow to resemble each other, with identical expressions, they laughed for a while before slowly embracing in the darkness and naturally bringing their lips together. In the quiet elevator, each time their lips met at different angles, moist sounds echoed teasingly.

“Um, is anyone in there?”

Suddenly, a voice called from outside. Both stopped kissing and quickly turned their heads.

Understanding the situation, Sa Seung-yeon stood up first, and Lee Il-seo followed, grasping Sa Seung-yeon’s hand. Sa Seung-yeon answered loudly through the closed elevator door,

“Yes, there are people inside.”

“Oh my! The power will be restored soon, so please wait a little longer!”

It seemed to be the building manager. Within minutes, the elevator lights came on, and with the maintenance worker’s instruction to step back, the firmly closed doors finally opened.

“I’m so sorry!”

The last staff member to leave had noticed the power outage and informed the manager about the lights going out. Electrical failures had occurred occasionally since the old building was hastily remodeled. As usual, the security guard had called the electrical repair company but had gone to dinner assuming no one remained in the building. On a final check of the premises, he had discovered the elevator’s power was cut.

“Even during outages, elevators usually run on emergency power, so I didn’t think to check here. And here were such well-known folks trapped inside! Are you hurt anywhere?”

“No, we’re fine.”

Both Lee Il-seo and Sa Seung-yeon nodded in response to the guard’s question. With the guard’s apologies and wishes for them to get home safely, they walked to the parking lot. Looking at the darkened night sky without a single star, they both burst into hollow laughter.

“Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

Both dressed more stylishly than usual, they trudged toward the car. After starting the engine, Sa Seung-yeon looked at Lee Il-seo before driving off. In the car, Lee Il-seo’s complexion appeared somewhat pale. Habitually, Sa Seung-yeon touched Lee Il-seo’s round forehead to check for fever, but fortunately, there was none.

“How are you feeling? Can we still go to the jazz bar or a restaurant?”

“No… I’d like to rest a bit.”

“Alright. The food would be cold by now anyway. Should I buy some medicine?”

“I’m fine. I just have a headache. I think I’ll feel better after lying down for a while.”

“Okay. Get some rest.”

Sa Seung-yeon turned the car toward home instead of the villa. Though trying to appear calm, seeing Lee Il-seo’s condition after being confined in a small space for so long, resting at home took priority.

Throughout the drive, Sa Seung-yeon and Lee Il-seo were on their phones, trying to salvage their failed proposals. Lee Il-seo repeatedly apologized to the jazz bar manager and the performers, while Sa Seung-yeon apologized to the chef and florist who had waited before returning home. They had essentially wasted money, but for men who had failed at proposing, they didn’t look particularly gloomy.

Lee Il-seo carefully touched his ring with his fingertips, recalling the moment Sa Seung-yeon had placed it on his finger. The dim elevator, the phone lights illuminating their feet, sitting side by side while expressing their sincere feelings, it all came back to him vividly.

For Lee Il-seo, dark and confined spaces had always been places where Kang Hyeong-won’s violence rained down. But today, Lee Il-seo had experienced something healing in that dark, cramped place. Thinking how this exchanged ring would become a medium to recall that memory, it felt like more than just an accessory. Every time he touched the ring, courage welled up, a conviction that no matter what trials came his way, he could overcome them gladly with Sa Seung-yeon by his side.

As soon as they finished parking in the garage, both quickly got out of the car. Their steps toward the elevator, hand in hand, were somewhat hurried. Sa Seung-yeon opened the front door with a rather urgent touch and pushed Lee Il-seo against the wall. Despite his back hitting the wall, Lee Il-seo rose on his tiptoes to capture Sa Seung-yeon’s lower lip. Their lips locked deeply as if by agreement. With each tilt of their heads, sloppy sounds filled the entryway. While Sa Seung-yeon shed his jacket without breaking the kiss, Lee Il-seo pressed his thighs flush against Sa Seung-yeon’s legs and let out a small moan.

“Mmh, mmph…”

“Haa…”

Only when their breathing became so heightened their chests ached did Sa Seung-yeon bite his wet lips. With the orange indirect lighting of the entryway behind him, Sa Seung-yeon gazed lovingly down at Lee Il-seo, who looked back up with moist eyes, panting. Sa Seung-yeon gently stroked the back of Lee Il-seo’s hand with his left hand, then lifted it to kiss Lee Il-seo’s ring.

“I love you, Lee Il-seo.”

Watching Sa Seung-yeon whisper with his lips pressed against his ring finger, Lee Il-seo’s eyes trembled. Soon, Lee Il-seo’s fingers intertwined with Sa Seung-yeon’s. Lee Il-seo smiled brightly, seeing the differently styled rings glittering in similar colors.

“I love you too, Sunbae.”

With Lee Il-seo’s tender reply, the indirect lighting turned off. In the darkness, they felt for each other’s vivid presence and kissed again. The anxiety and regret from the cramped, dark elevator had long since faded.

Their meeting lips were tinged with similar shapes of smiles. Happiness that had found its place bloomed into true love.

***

Sa Seung-yeon and Lee Il-seo Ring Controversy (1821)

* * *

(photo)

(photo)

OMG they were wearing different rings so rumors about their breakup were going around, but actually they had TWO sets of couple rings;;

(photo)

This ring Sa Seung-yeon wears and

(photo)

This ring Lee Il-seo wears are from the same brand wedding collection lol

(photo)

And the ring Sa Seung-yeon wore at this event and

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The ring in this fan photo of Lee Il-seo are from the same brand

Everyone was overreacting saying they broke up and moved on but nope

Conclusion: They’re still happily together wearing two extremely expensive rings. The end.

Comments(1821)

* * *

-lolololololololololol

-Wow they’re both wearing wedding rings lol… Could it be…?

↳Nah

-I knew they wouldn’t break up.

↳2

↳33 Honestly those rumors seemed fake

↳Why are you all acting like you knew?

↳4 I think they’re going to get married

-Journalists wrote so many articles about their breakup, what now lol

↳Looks like they’ve seen this post lol there’s an article titled “Love is Still in Progress” now

-The ring in the third photo is gorgeous

↳Yeah it’s super sparkly

↳It’s full diamond

-What kind of dramatic relationship involves FOUR wedding rings?

-(GIF) Here’s the parking garage kiss

↳lol this always gets posted in Sa Seung-yeon-Lee Il-seo threads

↳It’s good no matter how many times you see it

↳Honestly more sensual than drama kiss scenes

↳So freaking hot

↳Makes me hard when I don’t even have one

-OMG guys check the news

-Wait, is there an article out now?

↳What article?

-Breaking news they announced they’re getting married

↳Huh?

↳What?

↳OMG

↳?

↳Holy cow

↳No way

↳Wow

-OMG

-(News screenshot) Hey it’s real

↳What?

↳…whoa

↳Is this for real?????

↳Is this happening now??

↳This is amazing;;;; What’s going on??

-They announced it on Sa Seung-yeon’s fan page first? The wedding is private and they’ve already registered their marriage OMG

↳Damn that’s shocking

↳Wow

↳Amazing

↳That’s incredible

-This is crazy

-There’s an announcement on Lee Il-seo’s agency website too

↳Wow is this really happening?

↳The title literally says “Marriage Announcement”

↳I’m losing it

-This is seriously amazing

–sob Be happy…ㅠㅠ

[ See more comments ]

“Lee Il-seo, I told you to stop browsing the internet.”

“I was just looking for a moment… I, I closed it.”

Lee Il-seo, who had been secretly checking his phone despite Sa Seung-yeon’s instructions not to use the internet today, hastily put down his phone. Sa Seung-yeon turned off both his own phone and Lee Il-seo’s, then used the remote to start a movie.

“This is good no matter how many times you watch it.”

“Right. It’s perfect for winter viewing.”

As the opening narration flowed from the sound bar, Lee Il-seo gently swung his legs under the blanket. Lee Il-seo clutched a glass of steaming tangerine tea, while Sa Seung-yeon played with Lee Il-seo’s earlobe. On their fingers, rings of different designs gleamed harmoniously.

<END>