[Residence]
Mrs. Kim sat perfectly still on the lounge sofa.
Her back was straight.
Her hands rested neatly on her lap.
Her gaze was fixed on the wall ahead as if time itself had stopped moving.
The clock ticked.
11:57.
11:58.
11:59.
Haru had long fallen asleep.
Unaware of the tension filling the room
Bora stood a few steps away.
Her hands were clasped tightly in front of her.
Her breathing was uneven, chest rising and falling too fast.
She kept stealing glances at Mrs. Kim, unsure whether to speak or remain silent.
Midnight passed.
12:01 a.m.
Mrs. Kim's voice cut through the stillness.
"Bora."
Bora flinched slightly and hurried forward, bowing deeply.
"Yes, Madam."
Mrs. Kim didn't look at her immediately.
"I assume,"
She said coolly,
"my son won't be returning tonight."
Bora swallowed hard.
"I believe so, Madam,"
She said carefully.
"Young Master instructed that you should rest."
Mrs. Kim finally stood.
She turned slowly, her eyes settling on Bora with quiet, dangerous calm.
Bora lowered her head further, heart pounding.
"In the morning,"
Mrs. Kim said, each word measured,
"I want full details of everything that happened in this residence."
Bora's fingers trembled.
"If I find out,"
Mrs. Kim continued,
"that anything against our family rules occurred under this roof"
She paused.
"Everyone involved will face consequences."
"Yes, Madam,"
Bora whispered, throat tight.
"Send Taekyun to me the moment he returns,"
Mrs. Kim added, already turning away.
Bora opened her mouth.
"Mad..."
But Mrs. Kim had already walked out, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Bora remained frozen for a moment before exhaling shakily.
Outside,
A car horn sounded.
She rushed toward the garage.
The servant she had sent earlier had just arrived.
"What did he say?"
Bora asked hurriedly.
"How is Haneul?"
The servant bowed quickly.
"Sir said Haneul is fine now"
He replied.
"They've gone to a hotel.
They'll be staying there tonight."
Bora's eyes widened.
"A hotel?"
"Yes."
(Hotel)
Taekyun stepped out of the car first.
"Wait,"
He said calmly, turning back.
"I'll help you."
Haneul shook his head weakly.
"I'll walk,"
He murmured.
"Slowly."
His heartbeat was still racing, pheromones unstable, his body trembling as he stepped forward.
Taekyun didn't argue.
He simply extended his hand.
Haneul took it immediately, fingers curling tightly around his.
Inside,
The hotel lobby was quiet but alert.
The manager hurried over the moment he recognized Taekyun.
"Chairman Kim,"
He greeted respectfully.
"Is everything all right?"
"It's fine,"
Taekyun replied briefly.
"We've already prepared your room,"
The manager said.
"Everything is cleared."
Taekyun nodded.
As they entered the elevator.
Throughout it all, Haneul stayed slightly behind him, half-hidden by Taekyun's broad frame.
His grip tightened.
His other hand clutched the fabric of Taekyun's shirt.
The pheromones were getting stronger.
Two omega staff nearby stiffened subtly, discomfort flashing across their faces.
Even the manager loosened his tie, his breath faltering.
Taekyun noticed instantly.
He released his pheromones not outward, not aggressive but controlled, wrapping them tightly around Haneul like a shield.
The air shifted.
The elevator doors opened.
"You may leave,"
Taekyun said, taking the key.
"I'll handle the rest."
The staff bowed quickly and retreated.
The moment the doors closed behind them, Haneul's knees buckled.
Taekyun caught him instantly.
"That's enough,"
He murmured, lifting him into his arms.
Inside the room,
The suite was spacious soft lighting, wide windows, a living area connected seamlessly to the bedroom, elegant and quiet like a private apartment.
Taekyun laid Haneul gently on the bed.
He moved with practiced efficiency.
Water in the kettle.
Curtains drawn shut.
Temperature raised.
Lights dimmed.
He rolled his sleeves up, veins standing out as he worked, focus sharp despite the storm in his mind.
He called down for food.
"Soft meals,"
He instructed.
"Warm. Nutrient-rich"
Then he returned to Haneul.
Haneul's cheeks were flushed, skin warm beneath Taekyun's palm.
Haneul shifted slightly, one hand resting over his stomach.
"It hurts,"
He murmured, barely awake.
Taekyun kept his hand there, steady, grounding.
Slightly rubbed Haneul's belly.
Haneul drifted in and out of consciousness, eyes half-lidded.
Taekyun watched him.
His mind froze completely.
Mother.
Liya.
Haru.
Haneul.
Everything blurred together.
He didn't know whether he should feel angry, relieved, furious, or broken.
He didn't know how to think.
A knock broke the silence.
Taekyun took the meal and returned.
He set the tray down and sat beside the bed.
"Eat a little,"
He said gently.
"Then you'll take your medicine."
Haneul opened his eyes.
He lifted his hand weakly.
Taekyun helped him sit up, careful, slow.
He fed him spoon by spoon.
His own hands trembled slightly.
Haneul noticed but said nothing.
His heart raced, overwhelmed by Taekyun's closeness, the care, the quiet intensity.
When he finished, he shook his head with a faint smile.
"I'm full."
Taekyun nodded, said nothing.
He handed him the medicine with warm water.
Haneul took it obediently and lay back down.
Taekyun covered him carefully.
Then he moved to the couch near the window.
Outside,
The wind shook the bare trees.
Snow began to fall, silent and relentless.
Taekyun sat there, staring into the night.
Haneul slept.
And for the first time in hours
Everything was quiet.