Cherry Cake Chapter 15.1

“How can you talk about bonding so casually?”

Soohyun muttered to himself, chattering away. It wasn’t a grumble of disbelief but a tone of genuine wonder.

Crouching to admire the fully bloomed deodeok flowers, he quickly made sense of his own question. If anyone could, it was Director. Had Gi Taeyeon confessed the bonding with solemnity, Soohyun might’ve thought it was a prank to tease him. Or wondered if he was sick.

You sick or something? Imagining Gi Taeyeon’s expression at that question, Soohyun chuckled alone. The deodeok flowers, blooming vibrantly, lifted his mood sky-high. It was rare for flowers to carry a fruity scent, but the deodeok’s fragrant aroma, so like the plant itself, heightened the feeling.

“Come to think of it, I heard bonding’s super rare…”

The deodeok flowers, shaped like lilies of the valley, had petals curling outward at the tips. Gently tracing the reddish-brown petals, Soohyun fidgeted with his fingers.

It’d been nearly ten days since Gi Taeyeon told him about the bonding, and the fact still felt surreal.

Nothing felt particularly different. They said an omega bonded to an alpha couldn’t sense other alphas’ pheromones, but Seo Soohyun had no memory of ever noticing them before.

Or did I? Lee Chanseo’s pheromones—maybe?

No vivid moment came to mind, so either he’d never smelled them, or they weren’t strong enough to stick. Gi Taeyeon’s pheromones were so striking that others probably faded in comparison.

Oh, Seo Jungkyun.

His biological father—surely he’d been exposed to his pheromones. But they’d parted before Soohyun’s manifestation, so he’d never directly sensed them.

As a baby, I was a beta… So, I guess I never did.

Even recalling those who’d harmed him months ago, Soohyun’s face remained as calm as ever.

Whatever Seo Jungkyun or Lee Chanseo had tried in the past, it was over for Soohyun. Knowing they’d never reach him again, he saw no need to dwell.

He didn’t even know what they were up to now—never cared to. This might’ve been the first time he’d thought of them since.

His certainty they’d stay away stemmed from trust in Gi Taeyeon’s clean handling. Though unclear on details, he knew Gi Taeyeon was an expert, so fretting was pointless.

“Haven’t smelled the uncles’ pheromones either.”

As if he’d never thought of Seo Jungkyun or Lee Chanseo, Soohyun easily erased them from his mind, only then noticing something odd.

Dominant alphas were rare, but regular and recessive alphas weren’t. Compared to betas, their numbers were small, sure, but given Gi Taeyeon’s work, it wasn’t strange that alphas were plentiful around Seo-woo or Seon-jae. Yet, Soohyun had never sensed their pheromones. That explained why he noticed no big change before or after bonding.

But he didn’t linger on the puzzle. Letting pheromones waft freely was bad manners, so they probably restrained themselves.

“Feeling Director’s pheromones is enough.”

Soohyun wasn’t ignorant of bonding’s dual nature. Not sensing other alphas’ pheromones was, literally, a double-edged sword.

Avoiding forced heats from unfamiliar pheromones was a huge plus, but being unable to sense them at all could be a fatal flaw. It meant he could only connect with the one who bonded him.

Still, Soohyun didn’t mind missing other pheromones. He had no interest in other alphas, and his certainty of staying with Gi Taeyeon meant he didn’t need to consider parting.

If anything, Gi Taeyeon bonding him made him happy.

“Bonding…”

Soohyun lifted the hand toying with petals to rub his neck. The bite marks had long faded, but a faint ache lingered from bruising. Thinking of it as a bonding trace sent a strange thrill through him. With it came the notion that alphas had strong bonding urges.

But they said actual bondings are super rare.

In the dramas his grandma watched, alpha-omega pairs always bonded. That implied bonding was rare in reality—like billionaires marrying ordinary folks in dramas but not real life.

School had taught him similar things. The teacher said it was rare but real, explaining it for awareness. Bonding success was slim, and reckless attempts could harm the partner, so it wasn’t to be taken lightly.

Guess I didn’t get hurt, so Director nailed it first try.

“Not sure I could do it…”

Dropping his hand from his neck, Soohyun mumbled glumly, standing slowly. Unlike the vivid white and purple bellflowers, the delicate deodeok flowers filled his view. Their charm quickly softened his brief pout.

“No point getting upset.”

Bonding entwined your pheromones with another’s, requiring ample pheromones and precise control—tough for a recessive like Soohyun.

Unlike Gi Taeyeon, he couldn’t bond him, which stung, but Soohyun rallied quickly. No matter how upset, he wouldn’t mope over being recessive.

“Time to head in and wash up.”

A hot shower would clear his mind.

Soohyun tilted his head skyward. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, he had to crane back to see the bright blue sky and blazing sun. His eyes squinted against the white-hot light. Despite not being out long, summer being summer, sweat beaded at his chin.

Director would’ve scolded me.

With a final glance at the garden, Soohyun stepped toward the house.

Gi Taeyeon had left early for work, backed up after their sea trip. He’d promised not to stay late, so he’d be home before dinner.

Soohyun gauged the time. He’d come to the garden around four, so showering now would align with Gi Taeyeon’s return.

Yesterday and the day before were so fun.

Entering the house, he recalled the sea with Gi Taeyeon.

He’d thought seas were just seas, but learned some connected to freshwater. There, he and Gi Taeyeon played in the water. His first time at the sea, just floating in a tube, everything was thrilling.

After, they ate native chicken at a nearby valley. The restaurant, at the valley-sea junction, was well-kept. Stream water, blocked by rocks, flowed gently toward the sea, where plastic tables, chairs, and a canopy stood. A stone path crossed the stream, with a large platform for kids nearby.

“Director, isn’t running a restaurant in a valley illegal?”

“Looks like the village runs it.”

Oh, that’s a thing… Unclear on details, he’d heard valley dining meant chicken stew, so the new experience delighted him.

The tables and chairs sat in the stream, which was wild. Good thing he wore shorts—otherwise, knee-deep water would’ve soaked him. Recent rain had raised the water level, and passing people made waves that nearly splashed his hips.

“Look at those pale thighs.”

At a square table, Gi Taeyeon sat diagonally, smirking at Soohyun’s legs, even slipping a hand under his shorts’ hem.

“Sunscreen—I slathered it on to avoid burning.”

Though he didn’t burn easily, he’d heeded advice to protect himself at the beach.

“Not sticky for that much.”

“Showered earlier, maybe.”

Whether due to Gi Taeyeon’s size or attire, people avoided looking their way, so Soohyun spoke freely despite the groping. The place was packed, with waitlists piling up, so few minded neighboring tables.

“Feels colder than the sea.”

Soohyun wiggled his slippered toes in the stream. Seeing beer bottles in the water, he realized it kept them chilled.

“Wanna sit on me?”

Gi Taeyeon gestured at his lap, teasing again. About to glare, a waiter set a burner and huge pot on the table. Inside was a massive chicken, two legs sticking out, piled with cabbage.

“Wow, huge.”

The boiled chicken was pale and tender.

Soohyun waited for the cabbage to soften in the simmering broth, then tore off a leg for Gi Taeyeon and took the other. The juicy meat was great, but the cabbage’s sweetness made the broth a delicacy.

The stew, fried shrimp, and octopus weren’t the only highlights. Playing late pushed dinner back, letting them catch the sunset over the horizon. It was so stunning, he forgot his toes were freezing in the stream.

“So pretty then.”

The sea alone made a happy day, but sharing delicious food with Gi Taeyeon and that perfect sunset was flawless.

Gotta recheck those photos after my shower.

His mood lifted, as if he’d never been upset, and Soohyun hummed, heading to the bathroom.

He noticed something off after showering, eating ice cream as a snack.

Am I sick?

He pressed his palm to his forehead. It felt a bit warm.

🍑

“Why’s his fever not dropping even after fluids?”

Gi Taeyeon raked his hair irritably. Veins bulging on his hand betrayed his frayed nerves.

Uncharacteristically flustered, Gi Taeyeon was rattled. Soohyun, unfazed by betrayal from his father or kidnapping by a scheming alpha, was now groaning in pain—how could he not be?

“Ha…”

An hour had passed since removing the IV after the fluids finished. Yet the fever showed no sign of breaking. Cursing under his breath, Gi Taeyeon considered calling the doctor but set his phone down. Another call or summoning him would yield the same response.

“Summer colds are nasty… But fluids should ease him up.”

“Ease up” was a phrase Gi Taeyeon used for threats, so the wording grated, but with fluids and meds as the only options, waiting was all he could do.

And he’d waited a full hour—over three, counting the infusion.

Holding a thermometer for the first time, he pressed it to Soohyun’s ear.

Beep.

38.6°C

The fever dropped slowly. Soohyun’s ragged breaths, escaping parted lips, were quick in contrast.

Gi Taeyeon noticed something was wrong right after work. Soohyun’s flushed cheeks looked off.

Unlike Soohyun, who got cold easily, Gi Taeyeon ran hot, wearing just a shirt even in winter. In summer, he kept the AC cool indoors, too chilly for Soohyun to overheat.

So why’s his face like that? He grabbed Soohyun’s warm cheeks.

“Fever.”

Mild, but hotter than usual.

“Think I’ve got a fever too, Director? Felt warm earlier… Why now? Ice cream?”

Unsure if a hospital was needed or if it’d pass, Gi Taeyeon rarely dealt with illness himself, but for Soohyun, it could be serious.

“Hospital.”

Even with Soohyun’s boasts of stamina, hospital seemed safer. Grabbing keys, he saw Soohyun furrow his brow, confused.

“Not hospital-worthy. Mild fever’s fine. Got Tylenol from last time—that’ll do.”

“Didn’t your elders say go to the hospital?”

Quoting Soohyun’s words didn’t sway him. He clarified instead.

“Sure, but not for a cold. No cough, runny nose, or sore throat… Just a slight fever—hospital’s a hassle. Pop a pill, sweat it out, sleep, and I’m good.”

Gi Taeyeon pressed his palm to Soohyun’s forehead again. Definitely mild.

“Overdid it the other day? Too long at the sea, maybe. Should’ve stopped when you said… No other symptoms, so I’ll try meds today. Warm dinner and sleep should fix it.”

“Not convinced.”

“If I’m still feverish tomorrow, I’ll go. Plus, hospitals are closed now. Emergency room’s for emergencies—not kids like me.”

“Played in the water till your lips turned blue—not a kid?”

Hearing there were adults at the sea too, Gi Taeyeon rechecked the flushed face. As Soohyun said, a mild fever didn’t demand a hospital. He could call the doctor if needed.

But who knew the fever would spike in hours?

“Fuzz-face.”

Fresh from a shower, Gi Taeyeon called Soohyun. Still affected by their sea play, Soohyun, fast asleep, slowly opened his eyes. Instantly, Gi Taeyeon sensed his omega’s state.

Touching his forehead without thinking, scalding heat hit him.

Instead of rushing Soohyun to the ER, he called the doctor. Summoning him was faster.

“Looks like a cold.”

The doctor, arriving after a brief explanation, diagnosed while preparing fluids. Arms crossed, Gi Taeyeon scowled irritably.

“In summer?”

“You’re too healthy to know, Director, but summer colds hit plenty. Mostly kids, though…”

“Cause?”

“Water play, heat lowering immunity… Oh, and air conditioning sickness.”

“Air conditioning sickness?”

“Most adult cold patients now—it’s the season.”

Absurd, but whatever the cause, lowering the raging fever came first.

“No kidding, like a kid.”

Took him to play at the sea, and he caught a damn cold.

Should’ve sat him on me during dinner. Regretting unlike himself, Gi Taeyeon studied the sleeping face. Unfamiliar anxiety surged endlessly.

“Not like it’s revenge.”

He was paying for startling his young lover this way.

Recalling his shoulder—barely a scratch—Gi Taeyeon had faced countless sudden attacks. Handling it was easy, but he let it graze him to play it up for Soohyun.

“Don’t get hurt.”

Soohyun’s plea sparked a perverse urge to do it more. When those chattering lips said don’t, Gi Taeyeon wondered how Soohyun would react if he did. Like delaying the bonding reveal—imagining Soohyun’s face at an abrupt confession was fun.

And the perfect chance came.

“Manager Seo.”

“Yes?”

“Call my guy.”

Tossing his phone to Seo Jihwan, Gi Taeyeon jerked his chin.

“Gotta report I’m hurt. Don’t wanna get chewed out later.”

“Me?”

Jihwan asked, puzzled. Since Soohyun’s matters went through Gi Taeyeon, his doubt was obvious.

“Curious how he’d react if someone else calls.”

Despite Jihwan’s look of distaste, Gi Taeyeon smirked silently.

Soohyun’s voice was calm, but to Gi Taeyeon, it was deeply satisfying.

His habit of staying hyper-aware of his omega grew stronger post-bonding. Knowing Soohyun saw his true nature, his instincts sometimes sharpened with fear—fear Soohyun might want to escape.

That’s why he flaunted a wound he’d normally ignore. He needed to check for disgust.

“One more injury like this, and you’re retiring for real.”

Far from repulsed, Soohyun just huffed angrily.

That’s right.

His base nature grinned, baring its teeth.

“How could I die and leave my bonded guy?”

Revealing the bonding stemmed from overflowing satisfaction.

Gi Taeyeon felt no guilt for startling Soohyun. If he were capable of guilt, he wouldn’t have worried his omega—or bonded a young Fuzz-face.

Soohyun’s reaction did make him think to stop, but it was a fleeting thought.

“…”

Now, though, regret hit hard.

Hearing Soohyun’s labored breaths, Gi Taeyeon’s jaw twitched. Sharp teeth pressed his tongue. A mere cold stirred such anxiety—what if he heard Soohyun was hurt? His blood would run cold.

Pointless move.

As the ragged breathing seemed to ease, trembling lashes slowly lifted.

“Direc…tor…”

Seeing tears in Soohyun’s eyes, Gi Taeyeon stiffened unwittingly.

“Ngh, Director…”

Tears streamed from his gentle eyes.

“Don’t, ngh, die before me.”

Fuck.

Sensing a nightmare, Gi Taeyeon sat on the bed.

“No way I’d croak and leave Seo Soohyun. For whose sake?”

“Mom, ngh… Grandma, Bokshil, hnn… They all left me.”

The meds had sparked a weird dream, no doubt. Gi Taeyeon reached out, wiping the falling tears. Unpracticed at comfort, his touch was awkward but careful.

He vividly recalled the day that white furball died. And how Soohyun sobbed in his arms.

“So, Director, ngh, you can’t leave me.”

It hit him how vile his thoughts had been. Still just as vile now.

“Don’t die before me.”

“No one’s cursing me to die—I’m too stubborn. Don’t worry.”

The tears wetting his hot cheeks were startlingly damp.

“Don’t get hurt, hnn, or sick…”

Each blink spilled more tears, stirring an unfamiliar sensation.

It was, well, a kind of fear. One Gi Taeyeon had never felt.

“You’ll hit your forties soon, ngh, so take care of yourself.”

“Hey now.”

Gi Taeyeon slid his hands under Soohyun’s arms, lifting him. Setting the small frame on his lap, he patted his back soothingly, recalling last winter when he’d comforted a crying Soohyun.

“What shitty dream’s got my baby bawling?”

“Ngh, not shitty…”

Soohyun mumbled, melting into him.

“A good dream, hnn, just… a bit sad…”

His feverish warmth irked Gi Taeyeon, but Soohyun, nestled close, likely missed his hardened expression.

“Mom, Grandma, Bokshil were there, hnn, but I was here alone…”

Tightening his hold on the warm body, Gi Taeyeon chewed on his anxiety and fear. Alien, but their source was clear.

“So, Director, you can’t go before me.”

“Not going anywhere, even if Seo Soohyun told me to.”

The soft sniffles faded. Exhausted from crying with a fever, Soohyun, cheek against his shoulder, turned slowly. Gi Taeyeon met his wet eyes, raising a brow.

“What. Uncomfy?”

Soohyun shook his head.

“No, it’s…”

“Then what?”

“I want white porridge.”

A random request, but Gi Taeyeon buried his forehead in Soohyun’s shoulder, chuckling. Crying one second, hungry the next—his fever might drop soon.

Q How to cook white porridge 🅧

Gi Taeyeon typed a few words into the search bar. “Porridge” and “how to cook” were a first-time combo. Trivial questions usually went to his men, so searching useless info online was new.

Why’s there so much?

Raising a brow, he clicked the top post—a clean write-up, no fluff.

His lover’s request for white porridge naturally made him think of hiring someone. He didn’t want delivery for a sick guy, planning to use a pro, but it was just past 5 a.m.

Time wasn’t the issue. Cooking porridge wasn’t rocket science, and money could summon a chef in a heartbeat.

The issue was Seo Soohyun.

“I’ll wait till morning.”

“Thought you wanted it?”

“It’s not opening hours now.”

He considered lying about a 24-hour porridge place after ordering, but Soohyun might guess he’d hired someone. Porridge wasn’t mainstream, and round-the-clock shops were rare.

Still with Soohyun on his lap, Gi Taeyeon spoke slowly.

“I’ll cook it?”

“You, Director? It’s simple, but you’ve never done it. Can you?”

“What, think I can’t?”

“Not that I doubt you—I doubt your cooking. But if you make it, even if it’s bad, I’d eat it happily. When I caught colds, Grandma made white porridge, and it just hit me.”

Gi Taeyeon brushed back Soohyun’s sweaty bangs, studying his flushed face. Sure, crying was cute, but those sparkling eyes were better.

“I’ll do it, so lie down and rest.”

After settling Soohyun back in bed, he headed to the kitchen.

“Simple, huh…”

Frowning at his phone, he grabbed a pot. Watching Soohyun bustle about had made him familiar with the kitchen’s tools and their spots.

No white rice.

Recalling Soohyun’s habit of mixed grains, he grimaced but remembered instant rice and headed to the pantry. Luckily, there were a few packs—bought on Soohyun’s advice for forgotten rice days.

Back in the kitchen, Gi Taeyeon opened a cabinet for sesame oil. Not store-bought, it was in a soju bottle labeled “sesame oil” by Soohyun, easy to find.

“Cooking, of all things.”

Scoffing, he followed the post, heating the pot, adding sesame oil, and dumping in warmed instant rice. With his free hand, he called the doctor.

“Yes, Director.”

“Porridge okay for him?”

Skipping greetings, as usual, the doctor responded calmly.

“With a cold, anything’s good except cold food. …Just checking, did Soohyun ask for it?”

“Says he wants it.”

“Already? He’s recovering fast. Fever’s likely down—check it.”

“What else is good for a sick kid?”

Mixing rice and oil with a wooden spatula, Gi Taeyeon asked.

“As I said, anything but cold food helps. Eating aids recovery. Vitamins are good too.”

Hanging up curtly, he scanned the post again, frowning at precise water measurements. The kitchen had most tools, but Soohyun wouldn’t use a measuring cup. Muttering a curse, Gi Taeyeon eyeballed the water.

Never cooked, but his instincts were sharp—it’d probably work.

Watching the water and rice blend into a murky hue, a memory struck. If he recalled right, it was the last time he’d eaten porridge.

Over fifteen years ago.

The day he met Yeon Woo-beom and clashed.

Gi Taeyeon wasn’t some street rat turned gangster. Nor was he raised as a fighting dog, sold to thugs for his alpha trait.

Surprisingly, he’d climbed methodically. His family had been in the trade, so he felt no guilt or hesitation.

Still, instead of inheriting the business, he joined Seoul’s dominant gang because it seemed fun. Starting high up felt dull—he wanted to roll in the mud as a kid.

Every choice he made was just for amusement.

Whether born that way or shaped by his family, thug life suited him—thrilling. Starting as a junior gangster, outpacing seniors who checked him, climbing over them, was damn entertaining.

Plotting with Yeon Woo-beom to kill the boss and executing that plan felt, in a way, exhilarating.

Gi Taeyeon had never regretted his trade. Had he felt regret, he would’ve washed his hands of it cleanly when he and Yeon Woo-beom dismantled the organization. Instead of setting up a seemingly legit company with a figurehead CEO, running it while using business efficiency as an excuse to dive headfirst into illegal dealings.

Every step he’d taken was just for fun.

He lived doing what was fun and skipping what wasn’t—a simple life.

And Gi Taeyeon was satisfied with a life where he could pick and choose. Living freely required money and connections, but those piled up effortlessly while chasing fun.

His carefree demeanor came from always doing enjoyable things, but if his plans were thwarted, his temper would flip, and he’d strike instantly.

“Fucking hell.”

The simmering porridge splattered onto his hand. Gi Taeyeon lowered the heat, checking his phone. A tip read to keep stirring so it wouldn’t stick.

“Pain in the ass, this.”

Clicking his tongue, he didn’t turn off the flame but diligently stirred the bubbling porridge. Staring at the pot’s contents, he found himself absurd for cooking it.

“Doing all sorts for the kid.”

Even more absurd was that he had no urge to stop.

It’d been a while since Seo Soohyun stopped being just “entertainment,” so it wasn’t strange.

If that Fuzz-face omega was mere amusement, Gi Taeyeon would’ve lost interest long ago, like a kid bored with yesterday’s toy. Losing interest meant the fun was gone.

But to Gi Taeyeon, Seo Soohyun wasn’t just a plaything.

He still didn’t know when exactly that shifted. He only vaguely guessed it was before Soohyun babbled about liking him.

Porridge can be thick or thin depending on cooking time. Adjust to taste, but stirring steadily over low heat to prevent sticking is key! Have patience and keep stirring until it’s done.

The bolded “patience” darkened as the phone screen dimmed. With it, his piercing gaze fell on the simmering porridge.

Seo Soohyun was stretching his patience. Like now, cooking porridge for the first time.

Gi Taeyeon keenly felt the changes Soohyun brought.

This house alone had transformed. A standalone with a huge yard—he hadn’t even registered its existence. Without Soohyun’s fermentation crocks, he wouldn’t have bothered. Nor would he have dug up the lawn for a garden.

It wasn’t just the space. The interior had changed too. The empty kitchen, fridge, and pantry were long filled to Soohyun’s taste. The top-tier kitchen gear, ordered through Seo Jihwan, wasn’t exactly Soohyun’s choice, but when Soohyun chirped, “Director, expensive stuff’s the real deal. This pan’s awesome,” thrilled, it became his taste.

Plus, the house was warmer for a sick kid. From tangible objects to intangibles, everything was tailored to Soohyun.

Changes weren’t just material. Gi Taeyeon’s lifestyle shifted too.

He’d never been steeped in booze and smokes, but post-work, with no exciting incidents, he’d often hit drinking spots. That was ancient history now. With a kid at home, he rushed back, and drinking sessions vanished. Along with his messy sex life—obviously.

“They say living with a kid makes you young again.”

Not old enough for “rejuvenation,” Gi Taeyeon still muttered it, chuckling. Soohyun had said it once.

Well, not exactly wrong, he’d replied.

Confirming the porridge was nearly done, he turned off the heat and dumped it into a bowl.

“Feels lacking.”

Was this enough?

Since Soohyun specifically asked for white porridge, side dishes seemed unappealing, but as he moved to carry the tray, an image flashed.

Gotta move fast for the kid.

Gi Taeyeon opened a drawer, grabbing a small, shallow dish. Soon, it held soy sauce and sesame seeds—homemade soy from the crocks and seeds Soohyun got from the countryside.

“Huh…”

Soohyun’s eyes widened. Gi Taeyeon had tucked him back in, pulling the thin blanket to his chin, but sleepiness hadn’t fully faded, leaving him blinking dazedly. Hearing familiar footsteps enter the bedroom, he groaned, propping himself up. As the man approached and set down a tray, Soohyun’s eyes locked onto the porridge and soy sauce dish.

“You really made it, Director?”

“Think I hired someone?”

“Crossed my mind.”

“Smartass.”

Unsure how long it’d been, it clearly wasn’t store-bought.

They say sudden change means death… Recalling the old saying, Soohyun glanced at Gi Taeyeon.

No, he’s always helped out.

Even before Seoul, he’d assisted with cooking, so making something now wasn’t odd. Not full meals, but he often whipped up toast.

Realizing Gi Taeyeon hadn’t changed abruptly, Soohyun relaxed, offering thanks.

“I’ll eat well.”

Plain by nature, it was hard to mess up, but since Gi Taeyeon made it, it’d taste even better. Reaching slowly for the spoon, the man snatched it first, nudging the soy sauce dish.

“Soy sauce or not?”

“I’ll have it.”

Gi Taeyeon drizzled soy sauce over the porridge, mixing the surface lightly before bringing it to Soohyun’s mouth. Soohyun blinked.

“What’re you doing? Open up.”

Opening slightly, Gi Taeyeon fed him. Scooped from the top, it wasn’t hot.

Delicious. Just rice and soy sauce, yet that’s all he felt.

“I can feed myself.”

“What’s with ‘I can feed myself’? Fever’s not down as much as I thought.”

He must’ve checked while Soohyun stared at the porridge. Too zoned out to notice the thermometer.

Still high? Soohyun touched his forehead. No headache or sore throat—he thought he was fine, but his body still felt warm.

Guess I’ll let Director feed me. Not too weak to hold a spoon, but a rare summer cold brought out his clinginess. Instead of insisting, Soohyun obediently opened his mouth.

The porridge was nicely warm. Not like Grandma’s, but it oddly made his nose tingle, like he might cry.

“I’ll make you porridge if you’re sick, Director.”

No big deal. Not just porridge—he could brew ginger tea with heaps of honey.

“I’m not a kid—don’t catch colds.”

“Not just colds—you could get hurt or sick. Lucky it wasn’t bad this time, but a gut stab like before could make holding a spoon tough.”

He’d warned him sternly, so hopefully no major injuries, but just in case, it was better to say it now. Soohyun chattered, gulping soy-sauced porridge.

“Still, a cold’s better than injury, so don’t get hurt. Wait, no—forget that. Words plant seeds, right? Even if you’re not hurt but sick, I’ll feed you porridge.”

“Even if I’ve got strength to hold a spoon?”

Gi Taeyeon, scooping porridge, smirked slyly. Too fever-dulled to catch the implication, Soohyun nodded innocently.

“Yeah. I’ve got strength now, but you’re feeding me.”

“Got it. I’ll eat Fuzz-face’s food, then use the rest to eat Seo Soohyun.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t you know guys with spoon strength can still fuck?”

Finally getting it, Soohyun glared. The tingling faded instantly.

His flushed cheeks scrunched, and Gi Taeyeon laughed like it was trivial, scooping more. The sticky white porridge passed parted lips, settling on a fever-red tongue. He had no plans to screw a sick lover, but Soohyun’s allure in this state was unstoppable.

“Too much is bad for you, they say.”

Clueless to Gi Taeyeon’s thoughts, Soohyun replied earnestly.

“That’s for betas.”

Is it? Soohyun pondered, swallowing cooled porridge. Maybe true—traited folks had heats, unlike betas, so holding back could harm them. Like how dominant alphas or omegas couldn’t always suppress heats with inhibitors, unlike recessives.

Good.

If sex was bad, it’d be trouble for him and Gi Taeyeon’s health—lucky it wasn’t.

Soohyun opened his mouth again, eyeing the man he often tangled with. Claiming immunity to colds, walking off a gut wound—his lover was sturdy.

“You’ll live long and healthy, Director.”

The sudden remark made Gi Taeyeon quirk a brow, as if wondering what prompted it.

“That’s a relief.”

Truly a relief.

Soohyun recalled his recent dream. Not unsettling like Bokshil tugging Gi Taeyeon’s pants. A happy one—sitting with Mom, Grandma, and Bokshil, chatting and sharing watermelon, like before elementary school.

As happy as it was sad. Realizing it was a dream, tears burst out, pulling him from shallow sleep. Recalling wet lashes, he saw the man looking down at him.

Seeing him brought instant relief. His flood of tears stemmed more from comfort than sorrow. He’d pleaded not to die first, not to leave him, but oddly, he felt Gi Taeyeon would stay forever.

“I won’t die till Seo Soohyun does, so don’t worry.”

“But not just not dying—staying healthy’s key, so always be careful.”

Soohyun stressed again. Even seeing Gi Taeyeon’s gut wound hadn’t worried him this much—now, their deeper bond made even small injuries nag at him.

“Alright. Nearing forty, I’ll take care of myself.”

Shouldn’t have mentioned that. Gi Taeyeon wasn’t hung up on their age gap—just teasing—but Soohyun regretted the forty comment. He pivoted awkwardly.

“I’ll take care too. They say start young. And to keep up with your ruts, I’ll need to work out.”

The cold proved he needed more care than Gi Taeyeon.

Too long at the sea, probably.

He should’ve left when Gi Taeyeon said, but the waves were fun, and now he caught a rare cold. Thinking back, this was his first summer cold.

He rarely got sick, but every few years he did—always winter. Sensitive to cold, winter colds were his kryptonite.

“Stamina builds with practice.”

Feeling fuller, his mind cleared. Breathing eased. Catching Gi Taeyeon’s meaning, Soohyun frowned, glaring as the man reached out, touching his forehead. Pushed back slightly, Soohyun just blinked.

“Fever’s down some.”

Retrieving the thermometer, he checked again. A few seconds later, beep.

“Down a bit.”

“Porridge gave me strength.”

Fluids helped, but eating and resting were key.

“Make more?”

Having just finished the bowl, Soohyun shook his head. Porridge digests fast, but it was dawn—better to stop.

“More’d make me bloated.”

“Juice?”

“Juice?”

“Called and they said vitamins.”

Juice is liquid, so it’s fine, right?

Sickness should kill appetite, but Gi Taeyeon’s care made him oddly unbothered.

“I’ll have it.”

“Working your old lover hard?”

“You offered—not working you.”

Chuckling at the “old lover” jab, Gi Taeyeon grabbed the tray and stood.

“Wait a sec. I’ll bring it.”

Soohyun watched him go, knowing it was silly but sometimes thinking being sick wasn’t so bad.

The kitchen knife sank into thick peel. The motion was so fluid, it felt like a metallic scrape echoed, though none did. Wielding an ordinary knife like a sashimi blade, the man peeled the orange along four scored lines.

Two round oranges went into the juicer. Gi Taeyeon eyed the grinding pulp, wincing.

“No doubt…”

Without Soohyun’s chatter nearby, he recalled him crying fresh from sleep. Crying was hot, but chattering beside him was better.

Chattering’s hot too.

The juicer finished quickly. Gi Taeyeon poured the vibrant juice into a tall glass. Recalling the doctor’s no-cold-food advice, he sipped the rest to check. Having set the oranges out earlier, it wasn’t chilly.

“Practically parenting.”

The sudden realization made him scoff. His actions were absurd, but he’d sensed he’d end up like this, so it wasn’t shocking.

It hit when Soohyun, sobbing, clung to him.

Gi Taeyeon assumed Soohyun stopped him from beating Lee Chanseo out of fear.

“Suddenly think I’m a monster?”

He’d shown that punk getting crushed on purpose, yet Soohyun’s fear of him fleeing sparked anger.

“You’re not scary… What if you go to jail?”

But Soohyun wasn’t scared.

“Prison. Ngh, who knows how long you’d be there.”

Gi Taeyeon lifted the omega tugging his shirt, begging to be held. Even crying, Soohyun babbled on.

“I, ngh, like you… Wanna date, see flowers, but what if cops barge in?”

What’d he think then?

“I’m young, ngh… I could wait, but dating you in your thirties versus forties is different.”

That Soohyun’s words were wild, first off.

Then, he sensed this plain omega had him leashed.

Nothing grand—just a gut certainty.

And a man whose gut was never wrong found this life decent. Even with one omega flipping his world upside down.

“Fun enough.”

Rinsing the juicer and his cup, he washed Soohyun’s dishes too, tossing them in the dishwasher. For someone who’d never cleaned up, his moves were practiced.

Gi Taeyeon grabbed the juice-filled glass and headed to the bedroom.

For now, he’d tend to his young lover.

🍑

“Nice…”

A lazy murmur slipped out. Soohyun, eyes closed, floated in the tub, head above water. Buoyancy lifted his legs, and the huge tub risked tipping him under, but Gi Taeyeon’s solid presence erased any worry of falling.

Resting his head on firm shoulders, eyes shut languidly, a familiar finger pressed his cheek. Instantly fish-lipped, Soohyun opened his eyes. Tilting back, he met the man’s gaze.

“Done playing?”

“Didn’t play—washed.”

Advised to shower lightly due to fever, he’d finally soaked after days. His body melted like sticky rice cakes grilled last winter.

Even in sweltering summer, Soohyun loved tub baths. Sweating buckets tending crops under the sun, soaking in warm water drained fatigue. Banned from the tub for days due to his cold, this languor was welcome.

“Not playing, my ass. You played with the duck.”

Soohyun scrunched his nose at “duck.”

“You put it there to tease me.”

He couldn’t toss Gi Taeyeon’s purchase, so it sat on a shelf as decor—until the man, spotting it, tossed it in, asking why he didn’t play. Now, a yellow duck floated by his toes.

Gotta ditch it after this. Grumbling inwardly, Gi Taeyeon tightened his arm around Soohyun’s waist.

“Done? Get up.”

“Already?”

“Said ten minutes max.”

Still mildly feverish, he hated leaving, but a promise was a promise. Pouting, Soohyun stood, exiting the tub, glancing back at Gi Taeyeon following.

“You too, Director?”

“I get in to grope Fuzz-face—what’s the point alone?”

Grinning crookedly, he smacked Soohyun’s wet butt. Slap! The water made it loud.

“Jerk off instead?”

Soohyun wondered what face he’d make if he said yes. But picturing a shameless rub, he trailed Gi Taeyeon silently. The shower robe, soft and fluffy, always felt dreamy.

“Sit, Boss.”

After lotioning up, Soohyun sat where Gi Taeyeon nodded—a chair he’d brought post-fever. Turning his back, warm air soon tousled his hair.

Feels good…

Warm breeze and gentle hands amplified the languor. As always, he marveled at how delicate those menacing hands were.

Knives make you like that? Though used differently, Soohyun was handy too, so the idle thought lingered.

A thick finger grazed his neck. Between his high body heat and the dryer, it felt hotter than usual. Soohyun flinched unwittingly.

“What?”

“No, nothing.”

Not a lingering touch, yet the familiar warmth recalled a moment, stirring subtle excitement. Embarrassed, he lowered his gaze, spotting his wiggling toes—unaware he’d been doing it.

Am I turned on?

Post-fluids, his fever dropped, but summer colds lingered, and it’d been a while since they’d done it.

Is he holding back ‘cause I’m sick? Soohyun, feeling the man’s touch, thought of an unrelated word.

Earlier…

In the tub, something hard pressed his butt—he wasn’t unaroused. Yet, these past days, Gi Taeyeon hadn’t touched him. Dirty talk and groping were habits, separate.

Not in rut.

After their rut, Soohyun learned his cycle. Definitely not now.

Really holding back? Shameless as he was, maybe not enough to touch a sick guy.

But I want to…

Only then did Soohyun realize he was aroused. In Gi Taeyeon’s arms in the tub, he’d thought it was just languor, but the neck graze sparked awareness.

“Dry now.”

A low voice fell above.

Since moving to Seoul, regular trims kept his bangs short, unlike last winter. Drying didn’t take long.

Instead of standing, Soohyun tilted back, resting his head on Gi Taeyeon’s stomach. A furrowed brow asked why. Staring at his sharp features, Soohyun pulled away, stood, and nudged the chair aside.

Then he slapped a hand on the dresser behind Gi Taeyeon. Caging him, Gi Taeyeon chuckled as if it were cute.

“What’s this?”

“Why haven’t you lately?”

The blunt question narrowed Gi Taeyeon’s eyes slyly.

“Why, horny?”

“Yeah.”

Soohyun answered boldly, no shy fumbling.

“Not heartless enough to touch a sick kid.”

But Gi Taeyeon seemed uninterested.

“I’m fine. Not sick anymore.”

“Still got a slight fever.”

“This is okay. Sweating it out’ll fix me.”

“Didn’t hear fevers can spike?”

“I’m sturdy—won’t go up.”

Soohyun glanced down. Unlike his robed self, Gi Taeyeon wore only light sweats. No underwear at night, his erection was clear.

“You’re turned on too, Director.”

“Make me more.”

“Huh?”

“Get me harder here.”

“Ngh!”

Gi Taeyeon slid a hand under the robe, naturally pulling Soohyun’s butt. Fingers teased dangerously close to slipping in.

“Let me see Seo Soohyun squirm.”

Far from shame, defiance surged. Soohyun stood on tiptoes, kissing Gi Taeyeon’s lips with a smack. Instead of pulling back, he gripped the dresser’s edge, tongue flicking out to lick the man’s lips.

Gi Taeyeon’s throaty chuckle parted his lips, letting Soohyun’s tongue slip in.

“Ngh…”

Familiar as kissing was, the height gap was a hurdle. Unlike earlier, Gi Taeyeon kneaded his now-dry butt, dipping his head slightly. Pressed close, Soohyun’s erection rubbed against him.

“Mmh…”

His slightly warmer tongue eagerly lapped at the thicker flesh.

Gi Taeyeon savored his lover’s squirming, shamelessly toying with soft cheeks. Pale, pliant flesh spilled between gripping fingers. The untouched hole was likely already wet.

Not touching Soohyun for days wasn’t about conscience—it was to see him fret like this. His desperate clinging was hot and cute.

Sadly, Gi Taeyeon wasn’t principled enough to spare a sick lover. For this sexy, adorable show, he’d choose patience—a shameless bastard.

“Mmh…”

A few days’ restraint had Soohyun pressing close first—no reason not to wait. Though nine times out of ten, he lacked that patience, pouncing on a bustling Soohyun.

Gi Taeyeon relished the muffled moans, sliding his hand further. Rubbing the hole slowed Soohyun’s tongue.

“Soohyun, slacking? Touching your hole stops your tongue?”

Panting, Soohyun belatedly grasped the jab. Slacking—a bit unfair. He’d slowed, true, but not from getting what he wanted. Soohyun loved kissing as much as sex. No way he’d stop over a touch.

But his sluggish tongue was just the posture—tiptoes strained his feet white, despite Gi Taeyeon’s lowered head.

“Not, ngh, that…”

“Then what?”

“Your height makes kissing hard.”

Gauging truth, Gi Taeyeon’s eyes narrowed, catching the grievance. Humming, he reached out with his free arm.

“Whoa!”

“There.”

Lifted wholly, his knee hit the dresser, prompting Gi Taeyeon to step back. Soohyun wrapped his legs around the man’s waist. Way comfier than tiptoes. Used to being held, no ground underfoot was normal.

“Now suck my tongue. No teasing.”

When had he lowered his pants? Gi Taeyeon rocked slowly, grinding his hard cock between Soohyun’s cheeks. Obvious ploy.

But instead of glaring, Soohyun pecked his lips softly—smack, smooch—then licked gently. Faint pheromone mingled with shared skincare scent. Pressing tenderly, Soohyun’s tongue probed Gi Taeyeon’s lips. Just brushing the thick tongue heated him up. The flush on his cheeks wasn’t just fever.