Cherry Cake Chapter 5.2

Seo Soohyun vaguely recalled something he’d seen online, something about pet funeral homes. He’d been surprised at the time, since he’d planned to bury Bokshil in the garden and plant flowers over his grave. But with that plan no longer feasible, following the man’s suggestion seemed like the best option.

“Are you going?” Gi Taeyeon asked, looking down at him. Seo Soohyun glanced at the man’s face, then at Bokshil, who looked asleep, and nodded. He wanted to give Bokshil a proper farewell, no matter how.

“Sleep until we get there.”

“I’m not sleepy.”

Soohyun, fiddling with the blanket-wrapped Bokshil, replied. He’d stumbled when he got out of Taeyeon’s arms to hold Bokshil and had ended up being carried to the car, still cradled against the man. He was now perched precariously on Gi Taeyeon’s lap, rather than sitting next to him, but he didn’t ask to move.

The driver and Jihwan Seo seemed momentarily taken aback by the unusual sight, but Taeyeon remained unfazed, so he figured it was fine. The warmth radiating from the man was strangely comforting, and he wanted to stay like this. He figured Taeyeon would have told him to move if he’d minded.

“Don’t be silly and go to sleep.”

“But…”

Taeyeon reached out without warning, covering Soohyun’s eyelids with his large hand and pulling his head to rest against his chest. Seo Soohyun’s lips moved soundlessly.

“I’m really not sleepy…”

He’d stayed up all night, but he wasn’t tired enough to want to sleep. But his eyelids felt heavy, probably from all the crying. He gently stroked Bokshil’s fur, peeking out from the blanket, and gradually relaxed. As his shoulders slumped, his eyes fluttered closed.

He was falling asleep despite his protests. If he hadn’t cried so much, he wouldn’t be this tired after just one sleepless night. But he’d spent hours crying in the man’s arms, and his body was exhausted. Perhaps it was the warmth, the rhythmic beating of the man’s heart…

He focused on the steady beat, recalling something he’d heard about heartbeats being calming.

Did Bokshil hear my heartbeat?

He hoped his heart hadn’t been beating too fast. If it had been as calm and steady as the man’s, Bokshil might have felt as comforted as he did right now.

‘I hope it was as steady as Director’s.’

Then Bokshil would have been able to close his eyes peacefully.

“Are you crying again?” Gi Taeyeon asked teasingly, seemingly sensing the renewed wave of sadness washing over him. The light tone reassured him, and he replied grumpily,

“I’m not crying.”

“Why not? Babies cry all the time. Cry some more.”

“I’m not going to cry. I’m going to sleep, so don’t talk to me.”

He was annoyed at being treated like a baby, despite having cried his eyes out.

“Seriously?”

He heard a soft chuckle above him, but he simply rested his forehead against the man’s chest.

“Honestly…”

Taeyeon trailed off and began patting his thigh. It was a rather perfunctory gesture, but it strangely soothed him.

Soon, sleep claimed him.

The woman prided herself on her ability to maintain a composed expression, a crucial skill for a pet funeral director. Regardless of her clients’ reactions or their state of mind, she always maintained a calm and respectful demeanor.

But this situation was a first, making it difficult to control her expression. Is my face okay? She composed herself once more.

“What would you like to do?”

She had explained the options – keeping the ashes after cremation or having them made into a stone – and was waiting for the client’s decision.

Maintaining a calm expression, she glanced at the man sitting on the plush sofa.

He was clearly a Dominant Alpha and didn’t look like someone who would visit a place like this. He was accompanied by men in black suits and had the air of someone involved in dangerous activities, not someone who owned a pet, let alone knew about pet funeral homes.

He was strikingly handsome, but his intimidating aura made it impossible for her to steal a second glance.

But it wasn’t just his aura that made her nervous. It was the fact that he was holding someone. The other man, equally striking in appearance, was clearly the owner of the deceased dog, clutching a small, white bundle of fur close to his chest.

He’s probably an Omega, given his appearance. But he looks so young. Is he even an adult? What if he’s being held against his will? Should I call the police? Victims often ask for help when they’re out in public. Should I slip him a note? But wouldn’t it be obvious if he’s being held like that?

Worried thoughts swirled in her mind, but she forced herself to calm down. As a Beta, she didn’t understand the world of Alphas and Omegas, but she knew they had more… primal instincts than Betas. It probably wasn’t her place to interfere.

‘But I should keep an eye out. If I see any bruises or signs of fear, I’ll call the police immediately.’

The man’s aura was unsettling, but upon closer inspection, the situation didn’t seem that dire. The way he was holding and comforting the younger man, cradling him like a child with the deceased dog in his arms, looked like a lover soothing his partner.

It was still difficult to maintain a neutral expression, regardless.

“My mother and grandmother were both cremated and placed in a charnel house… I’d like to do the same for Bokshil. A stone seems too… artificial.”

The gaze that had been fixed on the bundle in his arms shifted to her. The intensity of his stare made her quickly lower her gaze.

“Then we’ll prepare accordingly. As I mentioned earlier, you can witness the entire process. After the ceremonial washing, we’ll wrap him in hemp cloth, place him in a coffin, and then proceed with the cremation.”

“Okay…”

“Please wait here for a moment.”

Gi Taeyeon watched the woman leave to make preparations and then grabbed a water bottle from the table, opening it. He held it to Seo Soohyun’s lips.

“Drink. You’ll get dehydrated.”

Seo Soohyun hesitated, then drank obediently. He’d cried again after waking up, so he might indeed be dehydrated. He didn’t mind for himself, but he wanted to see Bokshil off properly, so he forced himself to drink.

“Slow down.”

He felt a firm finger against his throat as he struggled to swallow. He suddenly remembered that you could choke even on water.

He swallowed slowly as Gi Taeyeon gently rubbed the area around his Adam’s apple. It wasn’t a forceful touch, just a gentle caress, so he wasn’t afraid. It was strangely comforting.

“Thank you.”

After drinking half the bottle, he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He suddenly felt guilty for being so demanding. Taeyeon had already done so much, bringing him all the way to Seoul for Bokshil’s funeral. He glanced at the man nervously and their eyes met.

“If you’re grateful, you’ll repay me later.”

Taeyeon simply chuckled, seemingly unconcerned.

His casual demeanor was reassuring. It was good to have someone by his side. Seo Soohyun simply nodded.

He fidgeted with his fingers, the soft, curly fur brushing against his skin. He still couldn’t believe Bokshil was gone.

As if sensing his sadness, Taeyeon poked his cheek. Seo Soohyun slowly lifted his gaze from Bokshil.

“You don’t cry when you say goodbye, whether it’s a person or… well, a dog.”

“…Have you been to a lot of funerals?”

“I go all the time.”

He was about to say, But not for someone you cared about, but stopped himself. It wasn’t his place to judge. And there was a code among gangsters, something about loyalty; he almost made a careless remark.

Unaware that, to Gi Taeyeon, funerals were nothing more than an occasion to eat yukgaejang (spicy beef soup), Soohyun simply accepted his words.

“I’m not crying. I didn’t cry when my mother and grandmother were cremated.”

Many people cried, perhaps fearing the heat, but Seo Soohyun hadn’t. He’d simply stared at the flames, which felt warm rather than hot, hoping his mother and grandmother were at peace.

“You’re a man.”

“…Even Omegas are men.”

“Oh, really? You’re still hairless.”

Soohyun frowned slightly at the teasing remark. Even if it was a pet funeral home, it was still a place for mourning. It was disrespectful.

“Look at that face.”

He glared at Taeyeon, silently telling him to be more respectful, and the man chuckled, pressing a finger between his eyebrows.

“We’re ready.”

The woman entered the room, announcing that the preparations were complete. Seo Soohyun fidgeted and slipped out of Gi Taeyeon’s arms. He realized the man’s strange joke had momentarily distracted him.

It was a strange feeling.

He stared at the window where Bokshil had disappeared, his gaze calm. He’d cried enough, or perhaps it was Gi Taeyeon’s words, but he couldn’t summon any more tears.

It would have been better to bury him.

For the first time, he regretted that his town was being redeveloped.

‘But he’s being cremated, just like Mom and Grandma…’

It wasn’t as good as returning him to the earth, but the fact that the process was the same as his mother and grandmother’s brought him a strange sense of comfort.

He gave Bokshil one last caress, whispering his goodbyes.

Bokshil, wrapped in hemp cloth, was placed in a coffin, ready for cremation.

He’d heard the cost of the coffin varied depending on the type of wood, but Gi Taeyeon had handled everything after Soohyun had chosen what to do with Bokshil’s remains. Judging by the smooth wood and the abundance of flowers inside the coffin, Taeyeon had taken care.

Has Bokshil crossed the rainbow bridge yet? He hoped Bokshil was running and playing with his dog friends or that he’d met his mother and grandmother. His grandmother had spent the most time with Bokshil, so he must be overjoyed to see her again.

He swallowed hard, fighting back tears, his gaze fixed on the window, when he saw the man’s reflection.

Gi Taeyeon had been going out to give instructions, sometimes returning with Jihwan Seo.

Is he busy…

Now that his grief had subsided slightly, he realized he’d called Taeyeon without thinking.

Even though the man acted like a freeloader whenever he visited the store, he didn’t come every day, and Soohyun knew he was a busy man.

“…”

He fidgeted with his fingers. Thoughts of Bokshil and the man wouldn’t leave his mind.

His chest tightened, and he absently stroked the small ceramic urn. He’d been holding it for so long that the cold surface had warmed to his touch.

After a few gentle caresses, he suddenly realized he was being put down. He looked up, a unfamiliar scene unfolding before him.

“Oh…”

Where am I? He blinked slowly, his vision blurry with unshed tears.

He’d started crying again when he saw Bokshil’s remains and then again when they were placed in the white ceramic urn. He’d thought he could hold back his tears, like when he’d said goodbye to his mother and grandmother, but everything he’d bottled up had come pouring out.

He hadn’t sobbed uncontrollably like at home, but he’d cried enough to soak his cheeks, and, once again, he’d been carried to the car in Taeyeon’s arms. He vaguely remembered the car stopping, the door opening, and then he’d been here.

“Is this… sniff… your house, Director?”

“My house?”

Gi Taeyeon smirked, as if he didn’t like the overly formal term. He’s much older than me; it would be disrespectful to call it just a “house…” Soohyun avoided Taeyeon’s gaze and looked around, now able to take in his surroundings as his tears subsided.

The house was huge. The living room alone seemed larger than his store and house combined. Or perhaps it felt bigger because it wasn’t cluttered with furniture.

Unlike his own home, filled with furniture and knick-knacks, Gi Taeyeon’s house felt spacious and minimalist, almost empty. He’d never imagined what the man’s house would be like, but he hadn’t expected it to be this clean and organized. It was a bit of a surprise.

“I’ll repay you for the ride.”

Taeyeon must be tired after driving all the way back to his town.

His voice trembled slightly from crying, but he spoke clearly. He’d been carried out of his house, so he didn’t have any money on him. He planned to repay Taeyeon for the ride and Bokshil’s funeral expenses.

“You’re going home?”

“I have to. I can’t impose on you any longer. And thank you for everything today.”

Soohyun, finally finding his feet, bowed deeply. Taeyeon wasn’t family, nor was he close to Bokshil, yet he’d stayed with him through the difficult process. He felt grateful and apologetic.

“If you’re grateful, go take a shower.”

Why would I shower if I’m grateful? Confused, he just stood there, and Gi Taeyeon looked him over, his eyes raking over his body.

“You can’t go home looking like that.”

Seo Soohyun looked down at himself. He hadn’t changed out of his clothes since staying up all night with Bokshil, so he was wearing a simple hoodie and sweatpants. He’d be cold without a coat, but he didn’t think anyone would care if he looked a little disheveled.

“You look like a kid who got beat up and ran away from home.”

“It’s not that bad…” Soohyun mumbled, protesting weakly. His eyes were puffy from crying, but he didn’t think anyone would jump to that conclusion.

“Go shower and eat something. What if you collapse from dehydration?”

“I drank water, so I’m fine.”

“I’m not fine. I was the last person with you, and I don’t want to deal with the hassle, so go shower and eat.”

The word “hassle” made him think of the police. If he collapsed on the street, someone would call the police, and the hospital would identify him. They’d find out Gi Taeyeon was the last person with him and contact him. Given Taeyeon’s… profession, dealing with the police would be a nuisance.

“Police…”

“Why are you suddenly talking about the police?”

Taeyeon looked confused, but Soohyun, having jumped to his own conclusion, shook his head slightly. He figured it was best to follow Taeyeon’s advice, shower, and eat something before leaving. He wasn’t hungry, but he needed his strength to take Bokshil home.

“Then I’ll shower. Where’s the bathroom?”

“Follow me.”

Seo Soohyun placed the urn on the glass coffee table and followed Gi Taeyeon.

“Go shower. What do you want to eat?”

“Whatever you’re having, Director.”

“Okay.”

He watched Gi Taeyeon walk away and then carefully entered the bathroom. Like the living room, it was spacious, spotless, and warm.

He stood in front of the shower, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar fixtures, and then turned the lever.

“Aagh!”

The water poured directly onto him.

“I should have taken my clothes off first. They’re all wet…”

He quickly turned off the water and peeled off his thick, fleece-lined hoodie, now soaked.

I’ll have to dry it. Or ask Director for some clothes. He’d lent clothes to Taeyeon before, so it wasn’t an entirely unreasonable request.

He neatly folded his clothes outside the shower stall and stepped back under the spray. He turned the lever, and hot water poured down.

The warmth gradually relaxed his tense muscles.

He rinsed the tear stains from his face and then pressed his fingers against his eyelids, more tears spilling out.

“Sniff.”

He sniffled but didn’t cry. He’d cried enough for one day.

He was still saddened by Bokshil’s passing, the memory of him closing his eyes replaying in his mind, but a hot shower would help.

After thoroughly wetting his hair, he grabbed one of the neatly arranged shower products. They didn’t look like the usual brands, and he worried about unfamiliar labels, but he found the word “shampoo,” thankfully.

He put the rectangular bottle back in its place and pumped some shampoo into his hand. He lathered it up and worked it into his hair.

“It smells good…”

The soft foam had a pleasant scent.

He continued washing his hair, anticipating a long shower.

“Did you shower with your clothes on?”

“Can I borrow a shirt, Director?” Soohyun asked bluntly. Gi Taeyeon frowned, clearly taken aback.

“Gangsters… I mean, people like you have a code, right?”

“What code?”

“Think of it as upholding our code. I lent you clothes when you slept over. I even lent you underwear and pants… though you didn’t wear the underwear.”

“You’re unbelievable. Where did you even hear that?”

Is the gangster code a thing of the past? He felt slightly embarrassed but didn’t want to stay in wet clothes. A regular t-shirt would have dried quickly, but his thick winter hoodie showed no signs of drying. And it was uncomfortable.

“I’ll wash it and return it.”

“You want my clothes after I let you use my bathroom?”

Despite his words, Taeyeon chuckled, amused by the “code” comment, and gestured for Soohyun to follow him. Soohyun, his hair dry but still in his wet hoodie, followed Taeyeon to what he assumed was the bedroom. The house was large, and so was the closet.

Taeyeon rummaged through the drawers and tossed him a t-shirt.

“Put this on. Let’s eat.”

“Thank you. I’ll add lots of fabric softener and return it smelling nice.”

Seo Soohyun took off his hoodie and put on the t-shirt. It was a plain t-shirt, but so large that the sleeves reached past his elbows.

Now I know why he didn’t give me a long-sleeved shirt. He muttered to himself, walking back the way he came. The house was warm, so he wasn’t cold even in a short-sleeved shirt.

He went to the living room, checked on Bokshil’s urn, and then followed the sounds coming from the kitchen. He saw Taeyeon unpacking takeout containers.

“What are we having?”

“I’m having rice. Fuzz-face is having porridge.”

“I can eat whatever you’re having, Director…”

“Just sit down.”

Seo Soohyun sat across from him. He opened the lid of his container to reveal porridge. He’d expected plain rice porridge, but he saw octopus and meat.

Taeyeon’s meal was a three-tiered bento box filled with various side dishes, including meat and fish.

“Want some?”

“No, you eat, Director. I don’t think I can swallow anything solid. My throat’s sore.”

He’d thought he’d be okay, but while he could manage porridge, he couldn’t imagine swallowing anything else. Did he order porridge on purpose? He didn’t seem that considerate, but Soohyun appreciated the gesture nonetheless.

“Thanks for the food.”

He carefully scooped up a spoonful of porridge. He remembered his grandmother’s advice to eat porridge from the top, so he skimmed the surface, blew on it, and took a bite. The porridge, with its chunks of meat and octopus, was perfectly seasoned.

I should try making this at home.

As he ate, he wondered if it was okay for Taeyeon to be here at this hour. He probably wouldn’t get fired, but, judging by his title of “Director,” he must have superiors. They might scold him.

“Director.”

“What?”

“Is it okay for you to be here?”

Gi Taeyeon raised an eyebrow, as if asking why he would ask such a strange question.

“I’m glad you’re here, and I’m grateful for your help, but I was wondering if you should be working.”

“After working me so hard, you’re suddenly concerned?”

“I didn’t work you hard… I’m really grateful. I’ll repay you.”

He knew it was a joke, but he wanted to reiterate his gratitude.

“I’ll go to work in the afternoon, so don’t worry.”

“Then I’ll leave then.”

“And the baby will take a nap at home.”

Soohyun stopped eating and stared at him, wide-eyed.

“I don’t take naps.”

“That’s what babies always say.”

Gi Taeyeon smirked, his tone certain.

Seo Soohyun really didn’t take naps. He was always busy during the day, and time flew by quickly.

So, nodding off like this was unusual for him.

He’d been sitting on the sofa, waiting for Taeyeon to finish getting ready for work, when he started dozing off. He knew he was falling asleep and that he should stay awake to go home, but his body, relaxed after the emotional turmoil, was exhausted.

“Go to sleep.”

Taeyeon approached him and gently pushed his head back, and Soohyun slumped against the sofa. He knew he should be leaving with Taeyeon, but his eyelids were too heavy.

“I’m going home.”

“Don’t worry about it and go to sleep. I’ll take you home later.”

Soohyun, struggling to keep his eyes open, looked up at the man.

“Director, then…” His sleep-addled mind blurted out the words he’d kept hidden.

“Can you… stay with me until I fall asleep?”

It was a feeling he hadn’t even realized he’d harbored, buried so deep inside.

“I… I don’t like being alone…”

He blinked slowly, sleep pulling him under, Taeyeon’s expression unreadable.

🍑

What’s that?

Ah, Fuzz-face.

Gi Taeyeon only remembered bringing Seo Soohyun home a few hours ago after seeing him asleep on the living room sofa.

“He said he didn’t take naps.”

He chuckled silently, looking down at the Omega curled up on the sofa, asleep in his clothes. He’d been adamant about not taking naps, yet here he was, sound asleep.

He must be exhausted. It would be strange if he wasn’t, after crying so much.

Instead of waking him, Gi Taeyeon simply observed him, his gaze detached.

Even he found his own actions strange.

Driving hours to that rural town to check on Seo Soohyun, carrying him, bringing him home, feeding him… it was all out of character.

He understood why Jihwan Seo had looked at him strangely.

But he wasn’t interested in analyzing his actions. He’d never bothered to understand why he was in a bad mood before; it was a new experience.

Besides, the reason was clear. He’d always done as he pleased, following his whims, so he’d simply acted on impulse. There was no need to overthink it, just as he’d never overthought his actions before.

“Mmm…”

Seo Soohyun stirred in his sleep, a soft moan escaping his lips. Gi Taeyeon chuckled softly.

A creature devoid of wariness was bound to pique his curiosity, especially one he’d never encountered before. It was akin to the curiosity a child felt while observing a small hamster.

Perhaps Soohyun wasn’t as oblivious as he seemed, because his fluttering eyelashes slowly lifted under Taeyeon’s gaze.

“…Director.”

His irises gradually sharpened as he blinked sleepily.

“You haven’t left yet?”

The question was slightly disorienting. He seemed to think Taeyeon hadn’t left for work yet.

“That’s a relief…” He blinked a few more times, as if lost in thought, and then smiled faintly.

“If you have time, can you stay a little longer?”

His reddened eyes crinkled at the corners, following the slight upturn of his lips.

“I… I don’t want to sleep alone…”

Gi Taeyeon stared at him, unblinking.

A sudden impulse seized him.

He could just keep Seo Soohyun here.

It was a powerful urge, one he felt no need or reason to resist.