The World of Contrasts Vol. 5 Chapter 1

“I respect your unyielding pride. I love that about you.”

Each word from Daeyoung struck Jaemin’s heart.

“But it’s unbearable for me that we can’t be together because of your pride.”

It was the only thing that Seol Daeyoung, who seemed to know no impossibilities, couldn’t solve. For Jaemin himself, it would also be an eternally unsolvable problem.

“Yeah. Unable to bear that, you’ll end up killing me at some point.”

Instead of speaking, something burned in Daeyoung’s eyes as he bit his lips. Jaemin knew well why Daeyoung couldn’t hold onto him now, why he couldn’t lock him up with his usual forceful manner.

His face, checked in the mirror, had dried blood on his lips and blue bruises swelling up. The aftermath of rough sex that went beyond limits was far from beautiful.

“Jang Jaemin. I’m telling you because you seem to forget…”

“…”

“I’m also human.”

This ‘human’ statement, which Jaemin wouldn’t have expected from Daeyoung, who always silenced him with undeniable facts, left Jaemin staring blankly, forgetting even to hide his expression.

“I have emotions too, and I can get hurt. I might make mistakes too.”

Deep emotions were felt in Daeyoung’s face as he spoke with blazing eyes. Jaemin couldn’t help but swallow hard, feeling a lump in his throat.

“My love for you hasn’t changed, but if you keep pushing me away like this, I’ll get tired too.”

“…”

Suddenly, Jaemin realized how much he loved him. Seeing Seol Daeyoung genuinely hurt, his chest ached. Jaemin never knew that one’s heart could physically hurt.

It was hard to see Seol Daeyoung suffering because he couldn’t hold onto him, but if he stayed by his side to overcome this situation, both would end up more hurt.

The end was already decided, and finishing it as soon as possible was the best decision for both.

“Daeyoung, I…”

What Jaemin did to Daeyoung was nothing but desperate self-defense. Now, he realized how foolish he was to show the depths of his despair, testing Daeyoung’s love like a child throwing a tantrum. Jaemin continued, swallowing his hot breath.

“I want to end it with you, with the memory of being loved.”

Young Jaemin was said to be clever and smart. He walked early, spoke early, but he was late in recognizing love. He could learn everything else on his own, but not love.

Rejected, denied, and invalidated, Jaemin built an even stronger world to defend himself, eventually unable to break it down. Like a character trapped in a maze of his own making from an old tale.

Daeyoung was not a character suited for such a failed story.

“I want to remember that there was someone who loved me completely, even though I was never welcomed by anyone.”

“…”

“That alone makes my life feel… worthwhile enough.”

When he first regained lost memories, the past trauma resurfaced, and his pride crumbled completely when he thought he was being played by Seol Daeyoung’s hands.

He felt betrayed by Seol Daeyoung for deceiving him and wanted to hurt him in return. But seeing Daeyoung hurt, the pain that came back to him was even greater, like hitting someone without realizing his own hand was breaking.

Staying with Daeyoung would mean repeating this cycle. Jaemin didn’t want to hurt the person he loved because of himself anymore, nor did he want to feel that pain.

Finally, Daeyoung’s large hand fell from his shoulder with a thud. Hot tears flowed from Jaemin’s eyes as he gasped for breath.

“Do you… have the courage to live without me?”

Hearing Daeyoung’s trembling breath behind him as he walked away, Jaemin felt like his heart was being torn apart now that he knew Daeyoung was crying.

“I’ll find a way somehow.”

Jaemin forced his steps, biting his quivering lips, and said sincerely.

“If there’s a next time, love someone who’s more of a human.”

From behind the closed door, there was a sound of something heavy flying and breaking. Hearing Daeyoung’s voice like a beast’s roar, Jaemin crossed the scorching sun.

It was the end. Seol Daeyoung had finally let him go. Realizing this, tears from Jaemin’s eyes wouldn’t stop.

It felt like all the moisture in his body was draining out. He wished the blazing sun would burn him completely, so Daeyoung might find his charred remains on the street, but God didn’t even grant him that mercy.

Only after reaching a deserted bus stop did Jaemin’s legs give out, and he crouched on the ground.

“Hyung, why are you crying? Are you hurt?”

A little kid on a scooter asked him.

“My heart hurts.”

“Why? Did something sad happen?”

Well. Hadn’t Jaemin achieved what he wanted? Daeyoung proved his love by letting him go. Born as a human, he had received more than enough affection. So why were tears streaming down like this?

“What are you doing there?”

A man who followed the kid called out.

“Come here. Quickly.”

The kid got back on the scooter at his father’s urging. The man glanced back at Jaemin with a subtle lust in his eyes. Jaemin, spreading his legs while staring at him, made the man quickly turn away and disappear with the child.

Nothing special. Misfortune was familiar.

✽ ✽ ✽

“Hello.”

As he took out his card key, the man from the apartment next door greeted Jaemin. By his accent, he seemed to be a local.

“Hi.”

“Looks heavy. Shall I help you with that?”

The man offered with a friendly face.

“I’m fine.”

Jaemin answered briefly, opened the door, and stepped into his home. He loathed people who were overly nosy. Just the thought of having to see this stranger frequently was already bothering him. At least he wasn’t a pervert, which Jaemin counted as a relief.

After placing the groceries on the island table, he took off his trench coat. Even though it was November with leaves falling, he was sweating from carrying the heavy load.

“Phew…”

After removing his clothes and pulling out a cutting board from the sink, Jaemin found it hard to cool down. He placed the knife on the board and took off his sweater. His basal body temperature had definitely risen lately, making adaptation difficult.

Crack.

The watermelon split with a cracking sound. He wanted to cut it smoothly, but in his haste, he failed to control his strength, making the inside lumpy. Jaemin wrinkled his nose slightly before continuing to slice. He bit into the watermelon before even transferring it to a plate. Juice dripped between his long fingers.

“…It’s delicious.”

Wanting watermelon out of the blue like some divine inspiration, his trip out was worthwhile. Although off-season fruits couldn’t compare to those in season, it was still cool and sweet. He should have bought other tropical fruits from the fridge display.

He realized he had eaten half the watermelon standing up when the doorbell rang. Jaemin felt embarrassed seeing the familiar figure entering.

“Oh…”

Seonho, holding a watermelon twice the size of his head, also gave a sheepish smile. He had asked where one could buy watermelon at this time, and that bothered him enough to bring one. Seonho was as unchanging as ever, to a fault.

“I was about to call you. I wanted to have dinner together.”

Seonho, who had hesitated for a moment, approached the fridge cautiously.

“What… do you want to eat?”

Jaemin chuckled while washing his hands. After reuniting with Seonho, Jaemin had instructed, or rather, asked him not to use honorifics anymore. To be like siblings again, Seonho was trying hard, but it would take time to shake off the awkwardness.

“Hamburger. You’re buying, Hyung.”

“…Okay. Jaemin.”

Seonho put the watermelon in the fridge and pulled out his phone. Seeing Seonho’s ears turn red, Jaemin stifled another laugh.

“Shall we go with the place from last time?”

“Yeah. I want double patties.”

After eating fruit, he craved something greasy and heavy. Sitting next to Seonho on the sofa, eating the delivered food, Jaemin flipped through TV channels. His hand stopped on a political talk show dealing with gossip.

― Even when Congressman Choi Jisun was party leader, he had many enemies within the party, didn’t he?

It seemed there was an ongoing scrutiny of Congressman Choi Jisun’s qualifications after recently forming a new party.

— Yes, especially Mayor Kwon Sangdo of Seoul was known as a prominent ‘pro-Choi,’ but after Choi Jisun’s slush fund scandal broke, he changed his stance to the point of publicly criticizing the former party leader, Choi Jisun, multiple times on social media. 

— Coincidentally, Mayor Kwon also faced difficulties with scandals involving his spouse and personal life not too long ago, right? There were even remarks from Choi Jisun’s side saying, ‘It’s like a dog covered in feces scolding another dog covered in mud.’ Haha.

— Yes, there were criticisms of this being a strategy to divert public attention, but with Choi Jisun eventually leaving the party, it felt like the matter was somewhat resolved.

— It’s widely believed that Mayor Kwon, based on circumstances, is aiming for the next or the next-next presidential election, isn’t it?

— Yes, but with the significant support from the omegas, former representative Choi has formed a new party with quite a formidable force. In this situation, the businessman Jang, who was the protagonist of the slush fund scandal that held back Congressman Choi, resurfaces.

“Jaemin, are you okay?”

Jaemin stopped bending over the coffee table to look for cigarettes and returned empty-handed, prompting Seonho to ask.

“Yeah, habits are really scary.”

Jaemin continued to watch the screen while sipping on the remaining milkshake. The footage of Daeyoung attending court was being broadcast, connected to the data on businessman Jang. Seonho wanted to change the channel for Jaemin’s sake, but with the remote control on Jaemin’s lap, there was nothing he could do.

The panel on the TV was discussing, with a serious tone, how former Representative Choi Jisun and businessman Jang were seen entering and leaving a residence in Seoul, akin to low-quality internet broadcasts.

“What do you think, Hyung?”

Jaemin asked Seonho.

“About what?”

“About that woman, Choi Jisun. Isn’t she a good match for Daeyoung considering her caliber?”

Seonho hesitated, unsure how to respond. Choi Jisun, filling the large screen, looked stunning for someone past her prime, and her beauty had indeed led to overvaluation, making her a target for those with phobias. Seonho, who had encountered her a few times while working under Daeyoung, had to admit she was even more charming in person.

“She might have even more presence in real life. She has sophisticated tastes and ambition.”

“…”

“If Seol Daeyoung acts as her kingmaker, she could definitely reach the top.”

There was no malice in Jaemin’s tone as he described Choi Jisun. This made it even harder for Seonho to gauge Jaemin’s true feelings, especially since Jaemin was even wearing a faint smile. Deciding how to present the documents he had brought was equally challenging.

“Jaemin.”

“Hyung.”

They spoke simultaneously, and Seonho forced a smile.

“You go first.”

Jaemin took a deep breath before speaking.

“They’ve developed gene-editing technology in Switzerland to nullify imprinting. It’s currently in clinical trials.”

“No way…”

Seonho’s face showed concern, but Jaemin chuckled.

“Don’t jump to conclusions. I have no intention of being a guinea pig. I’m just letting you know because it’s good news.”

“…”

“Someday, it might fix his life.”

Jaemin murmured to himself, leaning back with his hands clasped behind his head, a bitter smile spreading across his profile. Seonho hesitated for a moment before asking.

“Are you really not going to tell him?”

“Yeah.”

Jaemin answered sharply despite Seonho’s half-spoken question.

“But, Jaemin…”

Jaemin cut Seonho off by looking out the large window.

“Hyung, I always thought I had the worst luck.”

As he gazed at the sea spread out before him, he continued.

“But… recently, my thoughts have changed.”

Jaemin turned to look at Seonho, his face sharp from recent weight loss despite eating more, but his eyes were gentle, making him look relaxed.

“I like it this way. Honestly, I feel at ease to a point where I wonder if I’ve ever had this much peace in my life.”

“You can’t keep it hidden forever.”

Seonho spoke the truth as gently as possible. No matter how much Jaemin avoided going to the hospital, the truth would eventually come out. If Seol Daeyoung found out… just the thought of what would happen made Seonho’s neck feel cold.

“That’s why I’m leaving for the U.S.”

Jaemin flashed a refreshing smile, showing his sharp canine teeth.

“I’ll be on a plane in 16 weeks. And I won’t be coming back here.”

Seonho’s eyes darkened, knowing why it had to be 16 weeks. It wasn’t Jaemin’s first pregnancy with Daeyoung’s child; Jaemin had lost a child at 16 weeks before, unaware of his condition.

“But…”

Would there be no backlash when the child’s biological father found out? Contrary to Seonho’s worries, Jaemin was surprisingly calm.

“If it’s about him, you’re worrying for nothing. I told you we’re done.”

“Hyung, can I eat this?” Jaemin gestured to the remaining cheese fries. Seonho quickly handed them over, and Jaemin leaned back against the sofa, continuing.

“He’s the type to do what he sets his mind to. He’s probably working his ass off to erase everything related to Jang Jaemin. Look at how hard he’s working now.”

Is that really the case…?

“He might have even applied for the clinical trials in Switzerland by now.”

Jaemin laughed, munching on the fried potatoes. As he gently moved his hand over his still-flat stomach like playing a piano, Seonho tried to understand Jaemin’s thoughts, but it was beyond his comprehension.

“Jaemin.”

“What?”

“Do you… love the child?”

“Ha ha. It’s so weird to call something not even the size of a bean a child.”

Jaemin laughed, speaking bluntly.

After finishing off the remaining food, Jaemin’s voice became more serious when responding to Seonho’s question.

“This one, now, it’s everything I have, Hyung.”

Seonho couldn’t ask any more questions.

Two months ago.

Jaemin had immediately known he was pregnant. The first thing he did upon realizing it wasn’t to get a medical checkup but to move. Seonho diligently fulfilled his request to find a house near a warm seaside, securing a penthouse apartment suitable for Jaemin.

When Seonho argued they should tell Daeyoung, Jaemin calmly spoke of their breakup, a story Seonho found hard to understand or accept.

On a scorching late summer day, when Jaemin contacted him in a terrible state, Seonho thought they had just had a fierce argument.

Seol Daeyoung really let go of Jang Jaemin? For anyone who knew Seol Daeyoung during Jang Jaemin’s disappearance, including Seonho, this was an unbelievable story. After all, he had killed for Jang Jaemin and even offered his own blood.

When Seonho said he couldn’t believe it, Jaemin replied with a face that was both laughing and crying, “That bastard really loves me.”

“Are you really… okay?”

Seonho asked him one last time to confirm.

“I’ve told you I’m okay, dammit, how many times?”

Jaemin raised his eyebrows and swore lightly. At times like these, Jaemin seemed not to care about his pregnancy, but his choice of tea with low caffeine content revealed his true feelings.

“You should drink this too, Hyung.”

As they waited for the water in the kettle to boil, Jaemin twisted his lips. Seeing him joking, Seonho thought, yes, maybe this kind of life isn’t bad for Jaemin. Given the life he had lived, which would have broken most people long ago, it seemed natural for him to seek peace and comfort.

“What are you thinking about so seriously?”

And Seonho was determined to help him as much as he could. It was also an atonement for the misfortune he had caused Jaemin. Jaemin had never once questioned him about what he did to his birth mother, which was reason enough for Seonho to stand by Jaemin until the end.

“Thinking about how I’ll be struggling with English again when I go to the U.S.?”

“Hyung, are you coming?”

“Yeah.”

Jaemin’s eyes lit up with delight at the thought, but then he shook his head with a frown.

“No, don’t come.”

“If it’s because of Seol Daeyoung…”

A shadow fell over Seonho’s face, and Jaemin clicked his tongue.

“It’s not because of that.”

Jaemin placed a steaming cup of tea in front of Seonho with a short sigh. Seonho looked at Jaemin’s face illuminated by autumn sunlight. The sharp, glamorous beauty that had always caught people’s attention since childhood had matured through the years, now carrying a mature beauty.

“Hyung is getting on my nerves and I’m fed up.”

“…….”

“……That’s what I planned to say, but when I see Hyung’s damn, no, dog-like face, my heart weakens so much that I’ll just be honest.”

After suppressing his laughter, Jaemin continued in a lowered voice.

“It’s time to end our connection, Hyung.”

“Jaemin-ah.”

“This house is my gift to you.”

“…….”

“In return, if my daughter wants to come to Korea, she can stay here.”

Seonho momentarily imagined himself telling Jaemin he wanted to be the child’s father, but the thought startled him enough to suppress the impulse. He didn’t want to burden Jaemin with another concern, especially when he was already troubled, and perhaps there would be a better opportunity someday.

“……How do you know the gender?”

“I just know.”

Looking into Jaemin’s eyes as he spoke with a smile, Seonho felt his chest tighten. Hesitating over what to say, the words he finally spoke seemed foolish even to himself.

“…My niece is a girl too, and she really likes me.”

“Who would dislike Hyung? Your face is so likable.”

Seonho swallowed dryly as Jaemin burst into a hearty laugh, looking bewildered.

“I’ll come visit sometimes. Please don’t block me from doing that.”

“……As you wish.”

Jaemin faintly smiled while tilting his teacup. Observing his relaxed demeanor, Seonho could finally let go of his hesitation.

“……This.”

Jaemin looked at Seonho with a puzzled expression as he pulled something out of his bag.

“What’s this?”

Jaemin calmly asked again as he looked at the documents inside the brown envelope. Although it would have been quicker to pull out the documents himself, he didn’t feel like it, perhaps because Jaemin might have already guessed what the moment was about.

“Divorce papers from CEO Jang.”

“…….”

“They already have his seal on them.”

Jaemin said nothing for a moment. As he blinked slowly, Seonho couldn’t help but hold his breath, tense about Jaemin’s reaction.

When Seonho first discovered the documents sent to Jaemin’s old address, he almost contacted Daeyoung because he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Seonho had no idea what had transpired between Jaemin and Daeyoung. But he never imagined Daeyoung would send divorce papers.

“I see.”

“…….”

Jaemin spoke calmly. There was no tremble in his hand as he put down the teacup, but his eyes told a different story.

“You’re really cool, as always.”

Seeing the transparent droplets forming in Jaemin’s long eyes, Seonho moved instinctively. He gently embraced Jaemin, who was sitting on a chair without a backrest, and patted his back.

“How embarrassing.”

“It’s okay, Jaemin-ah.”

Jaemin let out a wet breath in his arms, laughing self-deprecatingly, saying “Fuck, hormones.”

Since Jaemin was young, Seonho genuinely wished for his happiness and desperately hoped he would find peace. The problem was figuring out what he could do to help Jaemin, what would actually be beneficial, which was hard to judge even for himself.

✽ ✽ ✽

Moving abroad was more work than Jaemin had anticipated. While money could buy everything even overseas, the thought of leaving Korea made him feel a sense of loss for various reasons.

Moreover, the world of baby products was much deeper and broader than Jaemin had expected, and just choosing items could take half a day.

“Where are you going?”

Is this guy unemployed?

After spending the whole day comparing strollers online, feeling like his head would explode, Jaemin went for a walk by the sea and encountered the man from next door again on his way back.

“Do you have an interest in me?”

Unable to keep his curiosity to himself, Jaemin blurted out, and the man laughed, waving his hands.

“I know you have a lover.”

He must be talking about Seonho, who visits several times a week. Normally, someone might have looked embarrassed at such a response, but Jaemin shamelessly looked at him and added.

“Just checking. Hyung is quite overprotective; he doesn’t like me talking to others.”

“Oh…”

The man’s expression changed to one of slight discomfort. Realizing he could use Seonho this way, Jaemin nodded slightly at him.

“Sorry for that.”

Maybe it would be better if Seonho came to America with him to ward off annoying people. The thought crossed his mind briefly but was soon dismissed. For a fresh start, it was better to erase all traces of the past, especially concerning Seonho.

Beep

As the lock clicked when he used the card key, the neighbor spoke up.

“Not to be nosy, but earlier, there was a strange person standing in front of your house for a while. I thought I’d let you know.”

“…….”

Unlike before, Jaemin’s heart couldn’t help but skip a beat. He responded briefly, “Okay,” and hurried inside. Checking the video doorbell screen with trembling hands, he saw that the person ringing the bell was someone he didn’t recognize, perhaps an acquaintance of the previous tenant.

…What was I expecting?

Jaemin shook his head with a bitter smile. When the neighbor mentioned someone visiting, the only person that came to his mind was one, despite thinking he was gradually forgetting. Feeling even more downcast as his heart beat mockingly, he scolded himself.

“Get a grip, idiot.”

Jaemin muttered sharply, biting his lip, and then pulled out a box of chocolate. Was this also due to pregnancy? Chewing on sweets he usually wouldn’t touch, Jaemin tried to calm his mind.

It had been over a week since he signed and gave the divorce papers to Seonho. Given Seonho’s nature of not delaying things, he would have submitted them to the court on the same day, so the divorce was just a matter of time. His relationship with Daeyoung was over.

So, there was no reason for Seol Daeyoung to come looking for him.

The strong will of Daeyoung, who had already sealed and sent the divorce papers, was evident even in the thick additional documents that followed.

Daeyoung had transferred 100% of Jang Wonjung’s company shares to Jaemin, who was his legal spouse. Daeyoung would remain as an executive director, or rather, a nominal head, until next year.

…Fuck. It was an action so cool it was almost infuriating, an ending with no room for any conflict.

Of course, Daeyoung might have hidden some assets, but from what Jaemin knew, even if he started from nothing, Daeyoung was the type who would succeed. That’s probably why even Jisun, the greedy politician, wanted him by her side.

“Ha…”

Jaemin sighed deeply, trying to shake off the spiraling thoughts. Whether Seol Daeyoung, or rather, Jang Daeyoung, meets someone else now, what concern is it of his?

Amidst this, Jaemin was also reflecting on the fact that Daeyoung was not affected by other omegas’ pheromones, which was ridiculous. After all, they had parted ways through animalistic sex, now attributing significance to sex was absurd.

“I’m sorry.”

Jaemin softly whispered while touching his belly. There were no visible changes yet, and aside from occasional cravings, there were no particular signs of pregnancy.

He had laughed off Seonho’s mention of prenatal care, but after hearing that stress could lead to miscarriage, he started worrying about even the smallest things.

After Daeyoung sent the divorce papers, Jaemin visited the hospital for the first time. This was to confirm that the suspicion of Daeyoung watching his every move was unfounded.

“Congratulations. Listen to the heartbeat once.”

When he heard the loud, thumping heartbeat, tears unexpectedly welled up, and he realized once again that he could never abandon this child.

This was separate from his breakup with Daeyoung.

“…….”

The doorbell rang, and Jaemin turned towards the entrance. Seeing the man from earlier on the video screen again, Jaemin slightly furrowed his brow. Who is this?

“Who are you?”

― Hello, Mr. Jang Jaemin.

Jaemin’s guard was up hearing a stranger call his name.

“Who are you?”

― I’ll leave my business card at your door. Please contact me.

Before Jaemin could say anything, the man moved away from the screen. Hearing the elevator door open and close, he crossed the hallway. The name on the card stuck in the door was unfamiliar.

Jeonghun.

But his affiliation caught Jaemin’s eye.

City Hall.

Jaemin bit his lip hard, frowning. One hand unconsciously wrapped around his stomach.

Jaemin didn’t hesitate for long before contacting the phone number on the business card. Jeonghoon, who introduced himself as Kwon Sangdo’s secretary, conveyed that his boss wanted to meet him. Seonho, who had been looking for him as usual, not knowing what was going on, was strongly opposed when he heard Jaemin’s story.

“The guy who kidnapped you in Japan was one of Kwon Sangdo’s close associates, Jaemin.”

It was only natural that Seonho, who had managed to obtain CCTV footage near the hospital by breaking through the tight administrative bureaucracy to uncover the identity of the opponent, was furious.

“This won’t do. I’ll fix the departure date right away.”

Realizing that this place was no longer safe, he picked up his phone to contact a real estate agent in the U.S. to advance his accommodation booking.

“The flounder-looking bastard who tried to trap me, Seol Daeyoung has already killed him,” Jaemin said calmly, making Seonho look surprised.

“That was an accident while diving abroad…”

As Seonho opened his mouth to explain, swallowing dryly, Jaemin sighed faintly.

“Do you think I’d believe that? If you think it was really an accident, then you’re done too, Hyung.”

Seonho closed his eyes tightly for a moment, then opened them, looking at Jaemin with a serious expression.

“We can’t let the same thing happen again.”

“… Haha. What are you talking about?”

After a brief silence, a low laugh burst from Jaemin, but his eyes were not smiling. Was Seonho referring to the possibility of him being endangered by Kwon Sangdo again, or was he talking about what Seol Daeyoung would do after such an event?

Either way, it was clear that it was something that should not happen. In Seol Daeyoung’s case, even though it was already over between them, it was uncertain if he still cared about him.

Shaking off the unnecessary thoughts that kept coming to mind, Jaemin cleared his throat.

“To prepare for danger, you need to know what the opponent wants.”

“But it’s too dangerous.”

Jaemin shook his head at him. His clear eyes showed no hesitation.

“You can’t avoid danger forever. Even if I run away now, there’s no guarantee Kwon Sangdo won’t find me eventually.”

Jaemin added in a flat voice, stirring his teacup.

“I don’t want to live on the streets like before, with my head messed up, not caring how my life turns out.”

The light in Jaemin’s eyes seemed both like cold determination and deep affection for something. And Seonho knew why he had changed.

“…I can’t do that anymore, Hyung.”

Jaemin didn’t want to raise a child while taking the risk of unknown dangers. Just the thought of exposing a child to danger made his scalp tingle with fear, especially after what had happened to him in the past.

“If Kwon Sangdo knows I’ve come this far, it means he’s been watching me all this time.”

And the surveillance likely started long before recently.

“The reason he hasn’t touched me until now must be because I was with Seol Daeyoung.”

“… I’m sorry. I should have been more careful.”

Seonho’s face showed guilt, to which Jaemin firmly said there was no need. Whatever happened, it wasn’t Seonho’s fault.

“Don’t worry. It’s proven that Kwon Sangdo can’t easily kill me.”

If Kwon Sangdo wanted to get rid of him, there had been plenty of opportunities before.

“There could be many reasons he can’t act rashly. First, many people know about what happened in Japan, including my relationship with him.”

Excluding himself and Seonho, there were Seol Daeyoung, likely Joohee Shin, who had become Seol Daeyoung’s associate, and Kwon Yoojin. Maybe even Jisun Choi should be included.

Among them, the one Kwon Sangdo could least tolerate was Seol Daeyoung. The more someone has to lose, the more fatal their weaknesses are, and currently, with Jisun Choi, Seol Daeyoung could use Kwon Sangdo’s weaknesses at any time.

Regardless of their breakup, if something happened to Seol Daeyoung, narrowing down the suspects would be quite feasible.

“If it’s revealed that he killed his own son, his political life and career would end simultaneously, so he can’t take the risk.”

According to what was being said on the news, Kwon Sangdo was ambitiously aiming to become the leader of this country after successfully overcoming his private scandals while implementing excellent policies for citizens. For him, ‘Jang Jaemin’ was a ticking time bomb that should be rendered harmless rather than detonated recklessly.

… If I were him, I’d think that way.

Of course, guessing Kwon Sangdo’s mind was impossible for Jaemin. Among the trashy sermons Chairman Jang Wonjung gave him, there were some useful ones, like not trusting politicians. Well, Jaemin didn’t plan to trust anyone anyway.

“Let’s decide on a meeting place, and Hyung, accompany me. That should work, right?”

He could trust others more than his blood-related family because of the trust Seonho had shown him over time. Moreover, if he were in danger, the chances of Seonho being unharmed were slim. Although he hoped Seonho would stay out of this situation, it seemed unlikely, so being together where he could see him would be better.

“If something happens to you again, I really… won’t be able to bear it.”

Seonho spoke with determination, looking as if he might even strap a bomb to himself on the way to meet Kwon Sangdo. Jaemin chuckled and said to him:

“If it weren’t for you, Hyung, I wouldn’t have made it this far. To repay you, I’ll live a long, happy life. Don’t worry. Okay?”

“…”

“Why is your face turning red?”

Seonho was naturally flustered. This was the first time he’d heard such words from Jaemin’s mouth after knowing him for so long. Although Seonho knew Jaemin wasn’t as prickly as he seemed, hearing such soft words suddenly was surprising. Was this the influence of pregnancy…?

“Jaemin, no, I mean…”

As Seonho waved his hands, worried he might be misunderstood, Jaemin chuckled.

“Enough. Let’s order some pizza.”

Even though his biological father, who had tried to get rid of him, was approaching again, Jaemin felt more composed than scared. Was it because he knew he was no longer alone? The image of living peacefully with his child after everything was settled, even adding someone with kind eyes, didn’t seem out of place.

However, he didn’t want that for himself.

Thinking it was time to truly stand alone, Jaemin habitually put his hand on his stomach. Grumble. Instead of the baby’s movement, he heard his stomach growl, which made him laugh. The fetus, showing an unbelievable appetite, must have taken after someone, but he didn’t mind it.

Jaemin wanted to pour all the love he didn’t receive from his parents into this child, who resembled ‘him’.

✽ ✽ ✽

How many years had it been since he last came here?

The Korean restaurant ‘Ihwawon’ seemed to have undergone a significant remodeling. While the traditional Korean house style interior remained, the structure of the room entrances was diversified to minimize the overlap of guests’ paths.

The one thing that hadn’t changed was the ornamental koi swimming in the artificial pond. Koi can live up to 25 to 30 years. Whether they were aware of the various human stories that had passed through this place in secret, Jaemin twisted his lips while watching the beautifully patterned koi swim leisurely. If living as someone’s ornament was the price of splendor, it was quite shitty.

“We’ll guide you to the room.”

A woman in a sky-blue hanbok politely led Jaemin and Seonho to an inner room. After a careful knock to announce the arrival of the guests, a signal came from inside.

When the door opened, Kwon Sangdo, who had been waiting for him, came into view. Next to him stood Jeonghoon, his secretary who had spoken with Jaemin on the phone, in a neat suit, standing upright.

As when they first met, Kwon Sangdo’s cold image was even stronger in person than on the news. He looked like he could be a businessman rather than a politician. Someone with a knack for scheming, in other words. Jaemin steadied his mind to shake off the rising disgust, like looking in a mirror.

Since he shared blood with him, genetic similarity was inevitable. But there was no melodramatic sentiment because Kwon Sangdo was his biological father. Having a child himself made it clear how nonsensical his actions had been.

Ironically, even the mother who had abandoned him with good intentions for him to live well, Seol Junkyung, was more understandable. Or was it all the same?

“Hello.”

As Jaemin opened his mouth, sitting opposite Kwon Sangdo near the door, he said:

“…So we meet like this.”

“Indeed.”

Jaemin looked back at Kwon Sangdo without avoiding his gaze as he examined him closely, his eyes moving from his face to his high-end suit, the watch on his wrist, pausing at the tattoo on his hand before returning to his face.

Wondering what expression Kwon Sangdo would make seeing the tattoos and scars that covered his body beneath his clothes.

“Let’s talk over a drink.”

“No thanks to the drink.”

“Why, are you in a hurry?”

When Kwon Sangdo asked while looking into his eyes, Jaemin chuckled. It was the first time he was having a proper conversation face-to-face with his biological father, but he already had a sense of what kind of person he was.

“Who is?”

Jaemin retorted with a short question, his face smiling, implying that it wasn’t him who was in a hurry but Kwon Sangdo. Kwon Sangdo slightly furrowed his brow at Jaemin’s expression and then nodded as if he had just remembered something.

“Oh, I heard you’re pregnant. Alcohol wouldn’t be good then.”

This was a fact Jaemin hadn’t told anyone except Seonho. The fact that Kwon Sangdo knew this was more of a threat than concern.

Seeing Kwon Sangdo glance at his stomach, Jaemin sensed that his guess was correct. Kwon Sangdo was definitely the type to pressure indirectly rather than confront head-on. However, if this was his method, Jaemin was not outmatched either.

“I guess I made a mistake.”

Jaemin understood very well why Kwon Sangdo wore glasses from a young age. He smiled at the man who used those sharp, white-rimmed eyes to project a gentle demeanor.

“Well, people can forget things as they get older.”

Kwon Sangdo gave a wry smile at Jaemin’s answer. Since entering this room, Jaemin hadn’t bowed his head once and was even impudent in his speech. Feeling like having a drink, Kwon Sangdo lifted his glass, and Jeonghoon promptly filled it.

“I laughed when I heard you chose this place. ‘Let’s meet where we first met.'”

This was where Jang Wonjung had introduced Jaemin to Kwon Sangdo by chance when he was still alive. The face of the thug’s son had caught his eye, and now it turned out he was his own flesh and blood. It was laughable even thinking about it again.

“Even strangers could play pranks using the mayor’s name.”

“Yes, one should have that much caution. As a person.”

“You develop a natural defensive instinct when you’ve nearly died several times.”

Jaemin picked up his spoon and took some porridge. There was no clumsiness in his movements as he brought it to his mouth. Kwon Sangdo felt both displeased and secretly regretful watching Jaemin’s calm demeanor.

Unlike Yoojin, who was confident but hot-blooded and simple, Jaemin’s depth was unfathomable, reminding him of his younger self. If it weren’t for his messy past, he could have filled Yoojin’s vacancy admirably.

“I heard you had a tough time in Japan.”

“No, I lived well, thanks to you.”

Jaemin smiled without any signs of anxiety. He didn’t even seem eager to ask why he was summoned; there was no sense of urgency in initiating the conversation. Instead, the eyes of the large man, who seemed to be his bodyguard, were more revealing.

“You say you lived well thanks to me when I’ve done nothing for you as a father. Ha. That doesn’t make sense to me.”

Kwon Sangdo said this, thinking a straightforward approach would be effective with someone as cunning as Jaemin. Jaemin then slightly frowned and gave a small, bitter laugh before whispering softly.

“It’s just a polite thing to say to old men.”

“…”

Jaemin’s eyes glinted as he licked his lower lip.

“And who are you calling father? Watch your mouth.”

Jeonghoon, next to Kwon Sangdo, looked more shocked than Kwon Sangdo himself and frowned.

“…Mr. Jang Jaemin.”

“Why, fuck.”

When Jaemin glanced at him and retorted, Jeonghoon swallowed dryly. It was the first time he felt this tense looking at another omega. It wasn’t just because Jaemin was stunning; the gaze with more white than iris gave off an air of hostility.

Although Daeyoung Jang had also made people tense, Jaemin was different because he didn’t bother hiding his raw crudeness. The previous impression of elegance was completely gone.

But if Jeonghoon backed down here, it would make his superior look ridiculous. He tried to suppress his nervousness and continued.

“Show some respect to the mayor…”

Jaemin didn’t even wait for him to finish before turning to Seonho beside him.

“Seonho. Tell him. Isn’t this enough respect for someone who tried to trap me?”

Seonho understood Jaemin’s inner thoughts better than anyone; this was his way of belittling him as before. Now he understood why Jaemin had chosen this place for their meeting.

Jaemin had faced off with Chairman Jang here several times, testing his son, struggling not to be devoured. This situation was no different.

Compared to Chairman Jang, who was once an object of fear for Jaemin, Kwon Sangdo seemed like an easier opponent. Jaemin must know this too. At least, someone in the mayor’s position has a public image to maintain.

That’s why he brought him here.

“It’s more than enough.”

When Seonho answered, Jaemin added with a furrowed brow.

“And it’s not like our mayor doesn’t know my background.”

Kwon Sangdo, who had been quietly listening, finally broke the tension with a loud laugh. The thought of considering Jaemin as a replacement for Yoojin was indeed foolish.

After all, a caterpillar should eat pine needles, and a thug should live by his own merits, without crawling out of the shadows.

“Now we can talk.”

“If you have something to say, say it.”

“Before that, don’t you have anything to say to me?”

Jaemin decided to go straight to the point with Kwon Sangdo, who was trying to feel him out. Mentioning parenthood was absurd, but he had a hunch that a more sincere conversation might work better.

“You don’t need to try to kill me.”

“…Ha, what?”

“I plan to leave Korea soon and never come back. You must have already looked into it.”

“…”

“I want to live quietly with my child. Bringing up family at this point isn’t my style, and I’m sick to death of anything related to blood. I have no interest in getting involved anymore.”

Jaemin twisted his red lips while looking at Kwon Sangdo, who was staring at him intently.

“In short, nothing I do will hinder your political career.”

“At least not of your own accord.”

He was referring to Daeyoung. Jaemin had anticipated this topic from him. Jaemin immediately countered.

“You only did half the investigation on me. Don’t you know I’m divorced?”

“Well. I don’t know about that, but I heard a thug couldn’t control his rut and raped an omega on the street.”

Given that he knew about Daeyoung’s rut incident, it seemed Kwon Sangdo had informants among those Daeyoung had placed around him. Jaemin’s agitation was brief; the thought that he might already know cleared his mind.

“You’re well-informed about gossip for someone busy with state affairs.”

Jaemin calmed himself as he continued.

“We broke up right after that. I have a bit of trauma from ‘outdoor sex.'”

Jaemin emphasized certain words, causing a slight wrinkle on Kwon Sangdo’s forehead. He knew what his subordinates had done to Jaemin in the past. Despite being the victim, Jaemin chewed his words, facing Kwon Sangdo’s expression of disgust. Fuck.

The urge to smash the hypocrite’s head on the table, who called him ‘son’ while looking at him like a filthy cockroach, made his hands tremble.

“And yet you plan to live happily with his child.”

“…I’m not raising it as his child; I’m raising it as mine.”

“That’s impossible.”

Kwon Sangdo shook his head assertively and reached out his hand, and Jeonghoon placed a cigarette between his fingers. Click. As the cigarette smoke spread through the room, Jaemin clenched his fist. He then spoke clearly.

“Everything would be perfect if you just keep your mouth shut, Mr. Mayor. I could escape from being a thug’s plaything, forget my shitty past, and live peacefully with my child.”

“After the marking, do you think Daeyoung will just let you go?”

Jaemin felt his heart tighten as he looked at him.

“Wouldn’t it be faster to ask the person involved directly?”

“Daeyoung isn’t one to give up easily. When I look into his eyes, I feel like I might get eaten.”

The smell of tobacco was making him nauseous, not just because of the mood. And he didn’t want to continue this discussion about Daeyoung with Kwon Sangdo. With a frown, Jaemin sharply said:

“If you’re not going to state your business, can I get it via email? I’m quite busy with prenatal care these days.”

As Jaemin moved to stand up, he was stopped by Kwon Sangdo’s next words.

“That thug offered to kill Jang Jaemin for me. He wants to work with me.”

Jaemin took a deep breath. Watching Kwon Sangdo crush the cigarette butt on a raw fish eye, he chewed his words. Despite trying not to be swayed by Kwon Sangdo’s words, his heart beat wildly.