Alpha Trauma Vol. 4 Chapter 6 - Extra (3)

In the long days of August, when the sun begins to set, the red light streaming through the window is particularly beautiful. The vast sky, dotted with fluffy clouds, appears surreal as if dyed with paint.

Daniel, with that sky as his backdrop, absentmindedly gazed at the balcony below. His tousled hair, fluttering in the breeze, gleamed golden under the sunset, as if made of gold thread. Despite the picturesque scene, Dohyeon, without much interest, simply moved his lips.

[Danny.]

Daniel’s gaze slowly turned back. Although it was a sudden call, there was no sign of surprise. He simply smiled brightly with that innocent face.

[Where’s Wooyeon? Is he asleep?]

As Dohyeon had said, he had put Wooyeon to sleep and had come out to the living room. After giving him a clean wash and drying his hair, Wooyeon should sleep soundly for at least two to three hours. His nighttime sleep might be disturbed, but that was always the case.

[I put him to bed.]

[Good job.]

Daniel replied lightly and hummed a tune. It was the same song he had been humming while Dohyeon was making kimchi stew that morning. Dohyeon sat on the nearby chair and casually initiated a conversation.

“Seems like you like that song.”

[Huh?]

Since Dohyeon spoke in Korean, Daniel tilted his head as if he didn’t understand. Still, with his usual bright smile, he asked again.

[What did you say?]

A humid breeze tickled Dohyeon’s cheek. The summer air still carried the heat accumulated from the day. They had been drinking earlier, but the sun had yet to set. Dohyeon, staring at the fading sky, spoke calmly.

“You can speak Korean, right?”

Daniel’s gaze dropped slightly. Although he still smiled, Dohyeon realized that Daniel seemed embarrassed. Dohyeon added slowly, noticing his reaction.

“I’m quick to notice things.”

From the moment they met, there had been several oddities. When he said he would put Wooyeon to sleep, Daniel had only then asked who Wooyeon was, and when he mentioned there was a reporter, Daniel had immediately sealed his lips. If Daniel truly couldn’t speak Korean, he would have occasionally shown a frustrated expression, but Daniel remained unfazed the whole time.

“You never asked what I was saying when I was talking to Wooyeon.”

[… ]

“But when you talk to me, you always ask what I meant.”

If Daniel denied it, Dohyeon had planned to let it slide, but the reason he had brought it up was that Daniel had been acting a little odd since the drinking session had ended. Specifically, he had been making a sour expression now and then, which was bothering Dohyeon.

“The song you just hummed is a Korean song, too.”

[…Hmm.]

Daniel rolled his eyes and pulled his chin back. His lips, which had been lifted cheerfully, had since dropped into a more subdued state. With a disinterested look, he blinked before answering in a small voice after a long pause.

“I’m not good at it.”

His pronunciation was rough. As he had said, his tone was uneven. Before Dohyeon could react, a deep sigh escaped Daniel.

“I learned it to get closer to Wooyeon.”

[…]

“But Wooyeon doesn’t know.”

That was hardly surprising. No one in the room today had likely noticed. Dohyeon had only realized it because he was sensitive to such things, and if he hadn’t been a friend of Wooyeon’s, he probably wouldn’t have paid as much attention.

“Why pretend you couldn’t do it?”

This time, Dohyeon’s question was pure curiosity. There seemed to be no reason for it, so he wondered why Daniel had lied for two days. Perhaps he wasn’t secretly trying to eavesdrop on Wooyeon?

“It wasn’t on purpose…”

Daniel’s long, drawn-out response carried a mix of complex emotions—something Dohyeon couldn’t quite put his finger on. Hesitating for a moment, Daniel slowly opened his lips.

“I just wanted to.”

It wasn’t really an answer, but Dohyeon didn’t press him. He could tell Daniel didn’t have bad intentions, and despite everything, it was clear that Daniel liked Seon Wooyeon.

“By the way…”

Daniel began in a soft voice. He turned his body to face Dohyeon. Standing with the sunset behind him, his expression was hard to make out.

“Are you curious? About the American Seon Wooyeon?”

[…]

Of course, Dohyeon was curious. He hadn’t expected those words to come out of Daniel’s mouth first, though.

“Do you want to know?”

Dohyeon didn’t reject the offer of information. He simply looked back at Daniel, full of curiosity, and the words that came out of Daniel’s mouth next were completely unexpected.

“I was his bodyguard.”

* * *

Daniel continued to talk about Wooyeon for quite some time. He shared how they met, how they became friends, and how he earned Wooyeon’s trust. It was all pretty much what Dohyeon had expected, with the only surprising detail being that they were roommates in the same dorm.

“It was really small at first. About this tall.”

As Dohyeon listened to Daniel talk about Seon Wooyeon, he recalled the middle schooler he once knew. The Seon Wooyeon from those days, small enough that he could barely reach Dohyeon’s chest, with tiny hands and feet.

“I worked hard to become friends with him. He was really cautious. He had a lot of boundaries.”

Daniel said that Wooyeon was the hardest person he had ever met. His caution kept him silent no matter what was said, making it hard to even start a conversation. Nevertheless, Daniel added that his persistence was mostly because of money.

“Money… You know, Wooyeon’s family is really rich. I was originally poor, you know?”

“Poor.”

“Yeah, I was poor.”

Daniel wanted to ask how he met Suhyang, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask that. In the meantime, Daniel had asked Dohyeon a few questions in Korean before switching to English, thinking it was easier.

[I pretended to be interested in Korea, so I even studied. I researched Korean culture, listened to music… Practicing things like “Hello” and “Thank you.” Now, I really like it. Korea is an incredibly charming country.]

Daniel said the most effort was put into pronouncing Wooyeon’s name correctly. It took a full month, but by then, Wooyeon had started to open up to him. Well, it seemed more like they were just hanging out because there was no one else, but still.

[Wooyeon is… the more you get to know him, the more difficult he becomes. He’s a picky eater. If something doesn’t taste right, he won’t eat it. No, he can’t eat it. It was tough for me to find food he liked.]

It sounded like a complaint, but his expression showed he missed Wooyeon. Dohyeon noticed the affection underlying Daniel’s words and narrowed his eyes. Despite Wooyeon’s caution, there was no way he wouldn’t have been touched by such kind attention.

[Then, about six months later, Wooyeon manifested as an omega.]

Wooyeon, who manifested overnight, went through his first heat cycle for a whole week, Daniel said. At first, he thought it was just a cold, but when the symptoms worsened, he had no choice but to realize what was happening. Daniel immediately contacted Suhyang, who arranged for a doctor to prescribe suppressants.

[Honestly, I still don’t understand. Why did he tell me to hide that I was his employee? Why was he so interested in every little thing I did, yet never contacted Wooyeon directly?]

Although Daniel was curious, he couldn’t ask. He was just doing what Suhyang told him—protecting Wooyeon and observing him. He had no authority beyond that.

[Wooyeon is an alpha dominant. And extremely dominant.]

How likely was it that an omega with newly manifested extreme dominance could control his overwhelming pheromones? Dohyeon furrowed his brow, recalling memories from the orphanage. Daniel’s expression mirrored his, wrinkling his face in a similar manner.

[He was dangerous.]

The scattered pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together. The reason Suhyang had insisted on pairing Daniel with Wooyeon. The reason he, who usually hired alphas, had specifically recruited a “beta bodyguard.”

Suhyang had probably anticipated this. Whether alpha or omega, Wooyeon would undoubtedly manifest. Rare traits are passed only between rare traits, and Wooyeon was the precious result of an alpha and omega union.

[Alphas came at him countless times. They probably thought he was easy prey, especially since they underestimated him being Asian, and then he manifested.]

[…Was that common?]

It was a question Wooyeon had once asked. Back in the club room, when Garam had lost control, Wooyeon had responded with an unaffected voice.

“It’s not something that happens often.”

[It happened all the time.]

Dohyeon felt his hair stand on end. Was it anger, or something else? The feeling spread through him, clouding his vision.

He knew that what Wooyeon had said back then was a lie. Wooyeon’s expression, actions, and even his later reactions all showed that he was familiar with it. He didn’t ask further because it wasn’t a memory he wanted to dig up.

[I told you to be careful since you’re dominant… Oh, don’t look at me like that. I know you couldn’t avoid it. I was just worried.]

Dohyeon pressed his eyelids with one hand and let out a sigh. His emotions were in turmoil, and though he hadn’t drunk, his stomach felt tight. As he tried to calm his pheromones, Daniel slowly continued speaking.

[When I realized it wasn’t enough, I started teaching him self-defense. He needed to be able to protect himself somehow. You’ve never seen him, right? Wooyeon’s got great reflexes. He’s good at physical fights.]

He probably hadn’t seen it. Dohyeon had occasionally felt Wooyeon’s strength, but it was brief. Wooyeon had even recklessly confronted Kim Jinsang, the big bear-like guy. Wooyeon must have trusted that he could handle it.

[He grew almost a foot taller, and when he lost weight along with that, it became a problem…]

Even without hearing the rest, Dohyeon knew what Daniel was getting at. Wooyeon, who had been cute back then, would have been even more attractive to others. If Wooyeon was already giving off pheromones at that age, it was obvious what would happen.

[Do you know what I taught him?]

Daniel gave his most confident smile yet and grinned, flashing his teeth and winking at Dohyeon.

[Profanity.]

Dohyeon let out a half-laugh. Not because he was surprised, but because he had already expected it.

[I taught him every curse word I knew. It’s all about establishing dominance in situations like this.]

Of course, Wooyeon hadn’t used any of it. He hadn’t wanted to develop such a habit. As Daniel clicked his tongue in regret, Dohyeon remembered the MT trip. He had said the fear of forced learning was terrifying, but had Wooyeon not learned it perfectly?

[I admit it. At first, I did it out of obligation, but later, it wasn’t just that. Wooyeon became my friend, and in a way, like a child to me.]

There are many different kinds of emotions. Just as Dohyeon had developed feelings of love for Wooyeon over time, Daniel must have also grown attached after four years. Having watched him grow, it was natural that he would act as a protector.

[I thought Wooyeon would feel the same. He continued being my friend even after he found out I was someone Suhyang had hired.]

Dohyeon realized the bittersweet feeling Daniel had shown earlier. He understood now why Wooyeon acted the way he did when he showed affection or pretended to be weak.

[But it wasn’t like that.]

It was almost like how parents get petty with their child’s partner. Not out of desire, but out of friendship, or perhaps even familial love. Dohyeon’s judgment of Daniel from head to toe stemmed from this.

[My contract ended a long time ago, but Wooyeon still keeps his distance from me. After I went back to Korea, he didn’t reach out unless I contacted him first.]

The whining voice sounded frustrated. Daniel pouted, then asked as if seeking agreement.

[Can’t friends become friends no matter how they meet? Just because my contract ended, does that mean my relationship with Wooyeon should end too? Is human connection something that can just be cut off like that?]

Dohyeon had no answer. He turned his gaze away without speaking. The sky, once painted with sunset hues, was now darkening with the approaching dusk.

“Yeah… maybe.”

“Teacher, go to the army.”

If they were able to cut ties so decisively, their reunion wouldn’t have lasted this long. Once the contract was severed to end the relationship, all connections would have been lost.

[I swear, I didn’t know about Wooyeon’s family situation.]

Now, it seemed like Daniel had a general understanding. After all, there had been major news reports, so the information must have reached him too.

[It’s frustrating. Just because I started from a different place, I’m still stuck here.]

Dohyeon didn’t say anything because he understood those feelings better than anyone. When Daniel spoke of starting from a different place, Dohyeon had been there too, so he could only listen quietly.

[I know you’re a good person. Or rather… I know you’re a good partner.]

“Because of the kimchi stew?”

[It was delicious.]

With a slight smile, Daniel sighed a quiet sigh. Even his slightly raised lips showed the turmoil he was feeling.

[I just… I was jealous. You, and the friends I saw earlier. Your start was different from mine, so the process must have been easier.]

[The process…?]

What should he say? Dohyeon paused, unsure of how to respond. He felt as though if he spoke too hastily, emotions that he hadn’t fully processed would spill out. After blinking once, then twice, he spoke quietly.

[My starting point wasn’t different from yours.]

Once, Dohyeon had resented the irreversible beginning. He had bitterly reconsidered the proposal he had accepted so thoughtlessly, watching the figure in the distance, feeling defeated. In the endless tide of regret, he clung only to the faintest hope.

[The destination was actually farther away.]

[…What?]

Daniel froze, his face full of confusion. Their gazes met in disbelief. After staring at Dohyeon for a while, Daniel asked seriously.

[Are you a beta?]

It was such a sudden question. Even Daniel, asking it, seemed to be sure that it couldn’t be the case. Dohyeon didn’t answer, but Daniel shook his head, a smirk forming on his lips.

[Want me to tell you something?]

There was an edge to his voice. The look in his eyes also carried a bad, sharp emotion. Dohyeon could easily guess why he was angry and what he felt was unfair.

[You won’t be able to beat the teacher, either.]

If Dohyeon was going to regret saying it, he might as well have kept quiet. It was clear that he regretted the words as soon as they were out. Dohyeon pushed aside the rising emotions and focused only on the one word Daniel had spoken.

[Teacher?]

[Yeah, teacher.]

There was no need to ask who it was. Dohyeon knew exactly who Daniel was referring to. How Daniel interpreted his silence, he added quietly.

[You’re ‘hyung,’ not ‘teacher.’]

“Hyung” and “teacher” were the only two words in Korean. Both were used for one person, and the person they referred to was also one. Daniel probably didn’t know the latter, though.

[When we were in America, Wooyeon talked about the teacher whenever he had a chance.]

“…”

[He said the beta was very kind and gentle. But in the end, neither you nor I can be like the teacher.]

Dohyeon lowered his head, trying to sort through his complicated emotions. It made him happy that Wooyeon had talked about him, but it also saddened him that Wooyeon had missed him even while in America. The most absurd thing was his unconscious sense of superiority.

[…Daniel Connor.]

Unable to stay silent, Dohyeon spoke in a quiet voice. He didn’t usually interfere in others’ matters, but remaining silent felt like deceit to Daniel. Although it was embarrassing to admit that he was the teacher, he wanted to clear up Daniel’s misunderstanding. If Daniel were to leave, that small kid might get hurt again.

[You misunderstand… I think.]

Daniel looked at Dohyeon with a tense expression. He seemed worried that Dohyeon might be upset by his sudden use of his full name. After a moment, Dohyeon softened his expression and gently began.

[Wooyeon thinks of you as a friend.]

It was a comforting word, said more out of politeness than anything else. Daniel nodded in agreement, his face deflated as though he had expected this. Seeing him, Dohyeon decided to continue speaking in Korean rather than English, as if to see where it would go.

“Since he’s my first friend, I don’t know how to treat him.”

“…First?”

Honestly, Dohyeon hoped Daniel wouldn’t understand. He didn’t want to admit that someone other than him was important to Wooyeon. Even if it was out of childish jealousy, Dohyeon wanted to keep Wooyeon all to himself, so he added, as if doing him a favor.

[First friend.]

Daniel opened his eyes wide, as if he couldn’t believe it. Dohyeon had said he didn’t know Wooyeon’s family history, but it seemed like he didn’t know what kind of environment Wooyeon had grown up in either. Well, it wasn’t surprising; there’s no way such personal details could have been in the articles.

“Wooyeon has exactly two real friends. One is you, and the other is Seonkyu, whom we saw earlier. Moon Garam is a senior, so it’s a bit different, and I’m his partner, so I’m out of the equation.”

[…You talk too fast.]

“Consider it studying.”

Dohyeon, who had been grumpy all along, decided he wasn’t going to let Daniel off this time. If you’re in Korea, you should speak Korean—he had even given him a lecture, though it was a bit late for that. Daniel, who had been frowning, now paid attention to the conversation more intently than anyone else.

“When Wooyeon’s article came out, Moon Garam bought him a cake to cheer him up.”

It was as vivid as if it had happened just yesterday. The day the article about Wooyeon being the heir to Seonjeong Group came out, and journalists were crowded in front of their school. Dohyeon hadn’t seen it directly, but according to Garam, that little guy had acted as if he had given up everything and was detached from it all.

“But Wooyeon said this. He asked if they were pitying him.”

“Pity?”

“Sympathy.”

“Ah…”

“So, Moon Garam… you know he’s worried, right? Yeah, he said it wasn’t pity, it was concern, but Wooyeon seemed uncomfortable about it.”

Daniel made a subtle expression. He also seemed to think Wooyeon’s reaction was strange. Dohyeon, remembering Garam’s words, let out a sigh.

“Wooyeon’s just not used to it.”

“He said, ‘What should I do if I get used to people worrying about me?'”

“He’s had so much, but he’s never had even one close friend, so he didn’t know how far he could rely on others.”

Some might say this was a spoiled perspective. In fact, Dohyeon had thought Wooyeon was just a pampered young master before meeting him.

“He was like that even while we were dating.”

But everything was new to Wooyeon, and he was clumsy in every way. He didn’t know how to rely on others, how to hide his feelings, how to express them, but he didn’t know how to receive them in return.

“He’d suppress his jealousy, hold back when he wanted something, and even when he thought I didn’t like him, he’d hold it in. Then, when he thought he might get hurt, he’d just cut off and run away.”

“…”

“He’s complicated. He’s hard to deal with.”

Dohyeon felt both sorry and somewhat frustrated. He had sometimes wondered what he had done wrong. But then, when he looked into Wooyeon’s clear eyes, he felt his resolve weaken, and these thoughts came to mind.

“But how scared must he have been to act like that?”

Dohyeon had sharpened his instincts to survive, but Wooyeon had heightened his wariness to survive. While Dohyeon desperately clung to everything, refusing to let go, Wooyeon had been afraid of losing everything and abandoned what he feared to lose. Both of them had tried their best to protect themselves, so there was a contradiction in pointing fingers about right and wrong.

“I’m not saying this so you’ll understand him. I’m sure Wooyeon has made mistakes, too. But no one knows someone’s heart unless they say it.”

Most things can be solved halfway by being honest. If Daniel just conveyed the disappointment he felt, there wouldn’t be a problem. If Wooyeon didn’t consider him a friend, he wouldn’t have been reminiscing about their time together with a bright smile and saying “Danny.”

“So, instead of sulking with me, talk to Wooyeon. Want me to do it in English?”

“…No, I get it.”

Daniel shook his head with a very complicated expression. “I get it… roughly.” He added that with a sigh. Though he seemed to have a lot on his mind, his face was no longer filled with the frustration from earlier. He just turned away quickly with an expression of regret.

After that, no more words passed between them. Dohyeon had said everything he needed to say, and Daniel fell silent, deep in thought. The awkward silence stretched on for quite a while, until Daniel, leaning against the balcony, suddenly spoke up.

[You… you really are mature.]

Dohyeon shrugged his shoulders. “You’re saying some funny things.” As he added that, he gave an awkward smile.

[So, I guess I’m different.]

It was a vague comment to himself. Dohyeon didn’t respond, and Daniel remained silent as well. After a moment, Daniel looked at Dohyeon earnestly and spoke carefully.

“I’m sorry, Dohyeon. I made a mistake…”

It was an apology with many meanings. He spoke slowly, glancing nervously when he said “mistake.” Despite that, Dohyeon didn’t say, “It’s okay,” because he thought Daniel needed time to reflect.

[Then, I’ll head in first.]

Daniel drooped his shoulders and left the balcony. Dohyeon watched his back and clicked his tongue in secret. He found himself going soft because he thought of him as Wooyeon’s friend.

“Think about where you want to go tomorrow.”

Daniel’s broad shoulders twitched. When he turned back to look, his gaze was filled with puzzlement. Dohyeon habitually frowned with his left eye.

“We came all this way; we can’t just waste the day drinking like today.”

After a short pause, Daniel nodded. Though he wasn’t good with words, he seemed to be a good listener. His steps as he walked back inside seemed a little more energetic than before, and only then did Dohyeon look up at the sky comfortably.

“You’ll never be able to beat the teacher, either.”

He didn’t know why those words lingered with him so much. He had tried countless times to break away from “the teacher.” The title of “hyung” that he finally earned was so precious and valuable.

He shook his head and got up. He planned to go inside and hug the sleeping Wooyeon tightly. Wooyeon was hard to wake up, so a few kisses wouldn’t hurt.

The closed window showed the darkened sky outside. His gaze lingered on the pale blue moon before dropping away without regret. It had been such an empty day.

* * *

The next day, the three of them set out early in the morning for sightseeing. Daniel, who woke up at the crack of dawn, had knocked on their doors, saying he wanted to visit various places. Wooyeon grumbled with a tired face, but in the end, the foreigner who loved Korea won.

Before they went out, Dohyeon put a hat and his T-shirt on Wooyeon. He couldn’t change his shorts that reached his knees, but he felt better when Wooyeon came over holding two watches. It made Wooyeon look like a dog eagerly bringing its leash, ready for a walk.

[So, where do you want to go?]

Instead of typical tourist attractions, Daniel was more interested in trivial activities, like visiting a movie theater, fast food joints, or street food stalls. Dohyeon first reserved three tickets for a horror movie that Wooyeon liked and took the two childlike friends to a burger place.

[Oh, it really tastes different from the States.]

[I told you, it’s subtly different.]

Even though one of them was Korean, both had similar reactions. Daniel, who quietly enjoyed his meal, even looked more Korean. Since Wooyeon remembered getting indigestion last time, he couldn’t finish his burger, so Dohyeon fed him a milkshake with a displeased expression.

After finishing their burgers, they went to watch the horror movie they’d booked in advance. From the poster, it had an eerie vibe, and it was the summer’s top movie in terms of ticket sales. Wooyeon watched with a calm face, but surprisingly, Daniel showed a weaker side.

[Why would you pick up such an ugly doll?! You can tell it’s cursed just by looking at it! There are so many cute dolls in the world!]

Maybe it was because they chose a movie in English. Daniel, who kept screaming and crying throughout, startled Wooyeon three times before finally covering his ears. Dohyeon watched him from afar and secretly interlocked fingers with Wooyeon.

[How come you guys didn’t get scared even once? Isn’t that doll terrifying?]

[You were scarier than the doll, Danny…]

Wooyeon, who didn’t flinch at anything in the movie, was startled by Daniel’s reactions. His fingers twitched slightly; it seemed he’d gotten scared without realizing it.

“More than that, didn’t the subtitles seem off?”

“Yeah, there were a lot of mistranslations.”

Complaining about the strange subtitles, they headed to an arcade. It was a place Dohyeon hadn’t visited on his date with Wooyeon last time. Daniel lost some cash trying to win a stuffed puppy from a claw machine, and surprisingly, Wooyeon did well in the basketball game. Dohyeon won two small keychains in a shooting game and handed one each to Wooyeon and Daniel.

It felt like today was a compensation for yesterday, which had felt wasted. They strolled along the streets together, bought cheap soft-serve ice cream, and visited food stalls to stave off their hunger. Since so much was new for Wooyeon as well as Daniel, the familiar itinerary didn’t leave room for boredom.

[Where do you want to go tomorrow?]

So, on the way home, Dohyeon casually asked Daniel. Since he seemed to enjoy it so much, Dohyeon thought they should visit a hanok village the next day.

As if he had read Dohyeon’s mind, Daniel smiled brightly and replied,

[I’m flying out tomorrow.]

* * *

The dawn-lit airport was bustling with people holding their luggage. There were a few foreigners who couldn’t speak the language, a line of flight attendants walking by, and countless people with excited faces preparing for their trips. Among them, Dohyeon quietly watched the two as they went through the departure procedures.

[Did you leave anything behind?]

[Nope, I have everything.]

[Passport and phone too?]

[Of course.]

After announcing his sudden departure yesterday, Daniel began packing, leaving the two bewildered. There was one day spent reuniting with Wooyeon, one day drinking together at the university, and another day spent sightseeing. Having stayed just three days, he didn’t have much to unpack.

“……Already heading back?”

Wooyeon tried to stop Daniel several times, asking him to stay a bit longer. He suggested that postponing his flight wouldn’t be too hard and asked if leaving like this wouldn’t leave any regrets. Wooyeon’s face showed clear reluctance, but Daniel only shook his head with a firm expression.

“If I stay any longer, I’ll feel too guilty towards your boyfriend.”

Since when did he start caring about that? It seemed like he’d suddenly gained a conscience over the past few days. Dohyeon, unable to watch any longer, said it was fine, but it still didn’t work.

[You’ll arrive in the morning, right?]

[Yeah, I’ll sleep on the plane.]

And so, they headed to the airport at dawn to see Daniel off. Dohyeon put a hat and mask on Wooyeon, preparing for any unexpected encounter with reporters. Wooyeon quietly let Dohyeon fuss over him, then muttered playfully, “I look like an airport thief.”

[Thanks for everything. And for the seat upgrade, Wooyeon.]

Wooyeon had upgraded Daniel’s economy seat to first class. Though initially startled and refusing, Daniel had stopped protesting when Wooyeon said, “How can someone your size fly economy?” The trip back to Korea must have been quite exhausting.

[Well, I guess I should head in now.]

Daniel, staring at Wooyeon, shrugged. There was still plenty of time before takeoff.

[Don’t you still have a lot of time before your flight?]

[I want to browse the duty-free shops. They say this is the largest airport in Korea.]

With that answer, Daniel pointed to the ceiling. Following his gesture, Dohyeon’s gaze landed on a screen on the wall, where an ad for a newly launched phone from Seonjeong was playing. Pulling his eyes away, Dohyeon nonchalantly told Daniel:

[Travel safely. Next time you come, I’ll let you crash with us again.]

Daniel’s gentle, puppy-like eyes beamed with a wide smile. He looked like he enjoyed the offer to stay over again, but his response was completely unexpected.

[But hey, your English is really good.]

Dohyeon had once studied conversational English, anticipating possible adoption abroad. Afterward, he attended a foreign language high school to meet his parents’ expectations. With a sharp mind and occasional trips abroad, it would’ve been stranger if he didn’t speak English well.

[What, did you study abroad or something?]

After three days of conversation, had this fact suddenly become significant? Dohyeon, thinking how peculiar Daniel was, winked.

[Everyone who goes through public education here can do at least this much.]

[Wow, really?]

It was a lie, and Daniel didn’t believe it either.

[Anyway…… thanks. For everything.]

Daniel gave a slight wave with the keychain in his hand, a small fluffy trinket Dohyeon had won for him at a shooting game. It would’ve been fine if he’d tossed it, but unexpectedly, both of them liked it.

[Wooyeon, make sure to eat and sleep well, and don’t mess with anything like weed.]

[Weed is illegal in Korea.]

Weed? That was a needless worry for Wooyeon, who couldn’t even smoke cigarettes.

[You’re not my guardian, Daniel.]

Wooyeon replied, pouting, his mask off, his face visibly sulking. Daniel looked at Wooyeon and smirked as he asked:

[Then what am I to you?]

[What?]

Wooyeon’s face showed utter confusion, his eyebrows raised as if embarrassed. He dropped his gaze and fiddled with his earlobe.

[Well…….]

He was slow in choosing his words. Daniel’s question must have caught him off guard. Glancing up at Daniel, Wooyeon finally spoke, intentionally sounding nonchalant.

[You’re a friend.]

At that moment, Dohyeon clearly saw the change in Daniel’s expression. His sky-blue eyes wavered with an emotion difficult to identify, then he smiled warmly, nodding gently.

[Yeah, of course.]

Maybe that was all he’d ever wanted to hear—not more, not less, just to be acknowledged as a friend. How hard it had been to come all the way to Korea for that simple affirmation.

[Take care, Wooyeon.]

Wooyeon wasn’t the only one reluctant to say goodbye. Daniel’s softened voice betrayed a clear sense of longing as he turned toward Wooyeon, blinking a couple of times, and then hugged him.

“……I’ll miss you.”

Maybe it was because he said it in Korean, or maybe the sudden physical affection was unusual, but Wooyeon didn’t react for a while. Only after a long moment did he bury his face in Daniel’s shoulder and mumble.

“Next time…….”

“…….”

“I’ll come visit you.”

Though his tone was casual, his actions were not. Seeing Wooyeon raise his arms to embrace Daniel back, Dohyeon purposefully averted his gaze. Watching them made him want to separate them, so he decided it was better to look away.

[Alright then, I’ll really be going now.]

The farewell was filled with lingering emotions, but the parting was remarkably straightforward. The moment Daniel let go of Wooyeon, he turned his back immediately. Wooyeon, watching Daniel blankly, finally called out to him just before he took a step away.

[Danny.]

Daniel’s gaze slowly returned. Dohyeon noticed Wooyeon holding his hand tightly, intertwining their fingers as Wooyeon spoke deliberately.

[I really wanted to introduce the person I’m dating to you.]

It was a sudden remark, much like when Daniel had praised Dohyeon’s English skills. Despite Daniel’s puzzled expression, Wooyeon continued calmly.

[He’s my teacher.]

Daniel’s eyes widened gradually, his face reflecting shock as his bright blue eyes wavered. Catching Dohyeon’s slight averted gaze, Daniel let out a faint, wry laugh.

[Hah…]

It was a difficult feeling to describe—perhaps a mix of regret or maybe awkwardness. What could he say if he were to chide Wooyeon for not telling him sooner?

Yet, without needing further thought, Daniel expressed genuine happiness.

[That’s great. I’m glad you’re with him.]

With a contented smile, Wooyeon nodded, even shyly lowering his eyes when Daniel wished them a long relationship. Dohyeon stayed silent, and this time Daniel finally waved goodbye and made his way to the departure gate.

Even after Daniel left, Wooyeon and Dohyeon strolled around the airport, chatting about nothing in particular. Under the arching ceiling, the clear sky showed through. Like the trail left by a departing plane, it was a meeting they’d remember for a long time.

* * *

Summer break had ended. After spending the whole break at Dohyeon’s place, Wooyeon moved into his own apartment as soon as the new semester began. Sunlight streamed through the large windows, and the spacious studio was big enough for him to run around in. It felt almost too luxurious to be called a “studio,” but Wooyeon found it more ordinary than his previous penthouse.

Dohyeon showed clear disappointment about Wooyeon’s decision to live independently. He had grown overly accustomed to their shared routine, meeting every morning and evening. He tried several times to keep Wooyeon from leaving, but he gave in when he realized that the new studio required a keycard even to operate the elevator. Ultimately, he decided that the studio was safer than his own apartment.

Regardless, Wooyeon moved out, and they saw each other less frequently. Though Dohyeon still visited daily, it was a stark difference compared to practically living together. Feeling increasingly lonely, Wooyeon found himself yearning more intensely as of a week ago.

“…Are you heading straight home again today?”

Wooyeon sat in the car’s passenger seat, fiddling with his seatbelt. Dohyeon, who had waited for Wooyeon to finish his class and was now driving him home, parked in the underground garage of the studio, which only registered vehicles could enter.

“Yeah, I think she’s probably waiting.”

Even as he said this, Dohyeon looked like he had no desire to go. His expression showed that he was reluctant to part with Wooyeon. With a shallow sigh, he reached toward Wooyeon.

“Sorry. I’ll convince her to leave soon.”

His long fingers grazed the soft skin beneath Wooyeon’s eyes. Wooyeon squinted reflexively, and Dohyeon’s eyes softened as he gently held Wooyeon’s head and turned it for a kiss.

Their lips met in light, brief touches, the soft sounds repeating a few times. Wooyeon’s expression didn’t seem to ease despite the ticklish sensation. Observing his still-somber face, Dohyeon kissed him a bit more deeply, a quiet desire visible in Wooyeon’s close gaze.

“…Should I just stay?”

Wooyeon let out a small, helpless laugh. He realized he was being a bit too needy, given that they were both feeling the same reluctance. Resting his face against Dohyeon’s hand, Wooyeon lowered his eyes obediently.

“I’ll hold out just a little longer…”

The reason for their prolonged, bittersweet goodbyes was one thing: an unexpected guest staying at Dohyeon’s house. Well, not an outsider exactly, but his family.

“Jinah will get tired soon.”

The guest was Dohyeon’s younger sister, four years his junior. Her name was Kim Jinah, a beta. She had followed Dohyeon closely since childhood and was currently staying at his place after a fight with their parents, something that happened occasionally, according to Dohyeon.

“Get home safely. Text me when you’re back, okay?”

“Yes, you too.”

Wooyeon, hiding his disappointment, stepped out of the car, not forgetting to brush his lips against Dohyeon’s one last time before getting out. Their pheromones mixed thickly, but they separated before the kiss could deepen.

Dohyeon’s car remained parked until Wooyeon was out of sight. As Wooyeon scanned his entry card and rode the elevator, he let out a sigh, his hand unconsciously fiddling with the watch on his left wrist.

“…I shouldn’t have found a place.”

He’d made the decision to avoid burdening Dohyeon or feeling scrutinized by Suhyang, but if he’d known it would be like this, he would have just stayed at Dohyeon’s. If he had, maybe Jinah wouldn’t have stayed away from home for so long.

Watching the elevator numbers climb, Wooyeon bit his lip. He was already missing Dohyeon, whom he had just parted from. It wasn’t just the shorter time they spent together but the lack of intimacy beyond kisses, the last of which had been weeks ago.

“Those were the days…”

Recalling that time made Wooyeon’s cheeks flush. It had been around the start of the semester, on the day Dohyeon had brought a cake to celebrate their 100th day together. Since Wooyeon wasn’t used to celebrating anniversaries, he hadn’t prepared anything when Dohyeon arrived.

“What’s all this?”

“It’s our 100th day together today.”

“Do you keep track of dates?” Wooyeon thought of how he had rattled off dates so confidently when Daniel was in Korea, even though he hadn’t intended to emphasize anniversaries. Just as he was about to clarify, Dohyeon spoke gently.

“Let’s go on a trip somewhere close by tomorrow.”

The feeling of guilt melted away, replaced by a surge of anticipation for the trip. As Wooyeon’s cheeks flushed, Dohyeon’s fresh smile brightened.

“Are you going to eat the cake?”

In the end, they didn’t go on that trip. While eating a cake topped with strawberries, their eyes met unexpectedly, and things escalated. They didn’t even make it to the bed, and the encounter that began at the dining table lasted until the early morning light. Wooyeon, smeared with whipped cream and other traces, passed out in Dohyeon’s arms as he gently cleaned him up.

Though Wooyeon was usually the first to fall asleep, he was always deeply satisfied with their time together. The once-dry scent of his pheromones ignited with heat, his dark eyes overtaken by desire. It was the only time Dohyeon lost his usual composure, and the satisfaction and tingling pleasure were unforgettable.

“I miss him…”

He hadn’t realized it, but Wooyeon, who had lived his whole life without much physical need, was now finding himself surprisingly passionate. He wasn’t even in his heat cycle, but his lower stomach ached at the thought of Dohyeon. His large hands and solid build lingered in his mind.

He was lovesick.

* * *

One day, two days, three. Time crawled by like a tortoise. Longing for Dohyeon every night, Wooyeon ended up having embarrassing dreams and eventually took matters into his own hands. When he showed up at school looking weary, Garam fussed over him, asking what was going on and if he’d had a fight with Kim Dohyeon. Wooyeon could only sigh, hoping for anything to break the tension.

“Did Dohyeon not come to school today?”

“Oh, it’s his day off.”

“Still, he used to come to see you.”

Wooyeon thought of the message he received from Dohyeon that morning:

Hyung: “Sorry, I can’t take you today because of my sister.” 07:32 am

He didn’t mind not being dropped off, but the thought of not seeing Dohyeon until Monday crushed him. He sighed as he stared at the crushed rice cake between his chopsticks.

Even during his afternoon class, Wooyeon’s thoughts were filled with Dohyeon. Checking his phone, he saw that his morning reply still hadn’t been read. “I miss you, hyung,” he typed, but deleted it dozens of times, never actually hitting send. The lecture ended, and before he knew it, he was in the car with his driver.

Sighing, he thought to himself, It’s only three days. Once, he hadn’t seen him for four whole years. Three days should be nothing.

Yet, back home, Wooyeon found himself lying facedown on his bed, feeling like he was dying of thirst. He hugged a plush white fennec fox, but the yearning didn’t lessen.

Finally, Wooyeon picked up his phone and texted Dohyeon: “I miss you, hyung.” To his surprise, the message was marked as read immediately. He sat up, gripping his phone. But minutes passed, and there was no response. Ten minutes. Still nothing.

* * *

The next morning, Wooyeon woke up early to find a missed call from Dohyeon. Excitedly, he returned the call, and after a few rings, the familiar voice greeted him.

“…Hello?”

“Hyung!”

“Yes, Yeon-ah.”

Dohyeon’s warm and gentle voice wrapped around him, full of his characteristic kindness. Ah, it’s really him, Wooyeon thought, feeling utterly overwhelmed.

“Hyung… I went to bed early last night, so I missed your call.”

“You did?”

If he had known Dohyeon would call, he would’ve waited up all night. The reason he went to bed early was because Dohyeon hadn’t replied, but that didn’t matter now. Just hearing his voice, Wooyeon felt his heart race.

“I miss you…”

His voice came out in a whine. Whenever he talked to Dohyeon, he found himself showing a side he never knew he had—one that Dohyeon accepted and even seemed to enjoy.

“…Yeah, I miss you too.”

Wooyeon assumed the heaviness in Dohyeon’s voice was from missing him. So caught up in the moment, he didn’t even notice. Focused on Dohyeon’s quiet breathing, he asked softly.

“Is your sister still at your place?”

“Um…”

The answer took longer than he expected, and Wooyeon felt his heart flutter with nervous anticipation. A sigh or laugh escaped Dohyeon before he finally replied quietly.

“It seems like she went home.”

“…”

If she left, she left—why the uncertainty? Wooyeon had assumed they’d been together at home, but maybe she left without saying anything.

“What do you mean…?”

“Yeon-ah.”

Wooyeon took a sharp breath. Dohyeon’s voice on the other end of the line was incredibly stimulating. His heart pounded, and his face flushed. Whether he knew it or not, Dohyeon whispered in a soft, enchanting voice.

“Do you want to come over to my place right now?”

Wooyeon put on a thin sweater and headed straight to Dohyeon’s. He briefly wondered why Dohyeon hadn’t offered to pick him up, but brushed it off. Dohyeon wasn’t his personal driver and couldn’t always be there to pick him up or drop him off.

After getting out of the taxi, he entered the door code and took the elevator upstairs. His anticipation made even the elevator feel unbearably slow. After entering the familiar code—getting it wrong twice in his haste—he finally managed to open the door to Dohyeon’s apartment.

“…Hyung?”

Contrary to his expectation that Dohyeon would meet him at the door, the apartment was silent. Only Dohyeon’s strong pheromones indicated he was home. Wooyeon savored the familiar scent as he stepped inside.

“Hyung.”

Dohyeon was seated on the living room sofa, facing away. He had a towel over his head, as if he’d recently showered, and the table was covered with headbands from a past festival. The unusual sight made Wooyeon approach him, puzzled.

“Hyung.”

For the third time, Wooyeon called out to Dohyeon. He finally turned slowly, looking at Wooyeon. Normally so proper in his posture, he was now slouched—something was off. It took Wooyeon a moment, but once their eyes met, he realized.

“…Are you drunk?”

“Yeon-ah.”

The eyelid crease in his left eye was relaxed, and he blinked slowly, a gentle smile on his face. He looked as he had at a past drinking party, with a slight flush on his cheeks.

“Have you been drinking?”

“…Yeah.”

Dohyeon looked around the table with a sheepish expression, as if he’d tried to hide the fact that he’d been drinking. But with his delayed reactions, it was obvious.

“Why are you drinking alone?”

Wooyeon murmured worriedly as he sat next to Dohyeon, noticing water dripping from his still-damp hair. Concerned he might catch a cold, he dried Dohyeon’s hair with the towel, and Dohyeon’s lips curved softly.

“Why did you bring out the headbands?”

“Jina was looking at them. She wants to borrow one later.”

Wooyeon blinked in surprise when he saw Dohyeon’s expression change at the mention of “Jina.” As soon as her name was spoken, his soft eyes narrowed in displeasure.

“Did something happen with your sister?”

The question slipped out unintentionally, but Dohyeon answered immediately. Just three words, but it was enough.

“We had a fight.”

“…Why?”

Sibling arguments weren’t unusual, but it was odd for him to drink alone afterward. Wooyeon didn’t have siblings, but he knew from Seonkyu’s stories that sibling fights, though intense, typically blew over by the next day.

“It just happened.”

Dohyeon averted his gaze, clearly reluctant to discuss it further. Given how open he’d been about things lately, Wooyeon decided not to press him; Dohyeon would likely share once he sobered up.

The room fell into silence, with only the soft rustle of hair as Wooyeon gently dried it. Dohyeon exuded a relaxed smile, his pheromones drifting lazily.

“All done.”

“Thanks.”

Wooyeon wasn’t the only one who got a bit clingy when tipsy. Dohyeon immediately leaned his head against Wooyeon’s shoulder, snuggling close, fingers lacing through Wooyeon’s as he asked softly.

“How did you get here?”

“I took a taxi.”

“That’s dangerous… You should’ve asked Mr. Yoon to bring you.”

“Waiting for him would’ve taken even longer.”

What was so dangerous about taking a taxi, like everyone else? Dohyeon tended to be overly protective, which seemed to have intensified after a recent encounter with a reporter.

“Hyung.”

Wooyeon wriggled his hand in Dohyeon’s grip, feeling the warmth and the tingling pheromones. A whirl of emotions stirred within him.

“Are you feeling really down?”