Chapter 12. Let’s Finish What We Started (4)

Translator: Lili

Both men froze. Even Chayoung momentarily paused, though he quickly recovered and spoke as if he lived with them.

“What is it?”

“I brought some fruit.”

“I’ll come down for it later. I’m busy with Gyuha right now.”

Panicked, Gyuha scrambled to pull the blanket over himself, heart pounding like it was about to burst. He couldn’t bear the thought of his mother walking in on this.

“All right. Don’t forget to come down later.”

Mercifully, the worst-case scenario was avoided. As soon as the footsteps retreated, Gyuha let out a shaky breath, glaring at the man beside him.

“Get off me. Now.”

“You’re trembling like crazy.”

Chayoung’s hand casually rested over his chest, as if listening to his heartbeat. His calm tone was infuriating.

“If it were you, wouldn’t you be freaking out?”

The knock had nearly given him a heart attack. Even his previously proud arousal had deflated in fear.

Freed from Chayoung’s hold, Gyuha raised his foot to kick him again but stopped midway. His hesitation earned a chuckle.

“Go ahead. I don’t mind.”

“… Just get out, you asshole.”

“And leave this?”

Chayoung pointed at Gyuha’s still half-rising length. The sight made him want to disappear.

“I’ll take care of it myself.”

“Harsh. Don’t you want me to finish?”

“Out. Now!”

Realizing he wouldn’t win, Gyuha got up first. He grabbed his cigarette pack and lighter, throwing on a jacket. As he reached the door, his gaze fell to the lock, which had been deliberately turned inward.

‘What a bastard.’

***

The sky was unusually clear. Though the sun was blazing, a cool breeze made it perfect weather for outdoor activities. The dense trees in the mountains provided ample shade, reducing the direct impact of the sun.

Thanks to the pleasant conditions, Seo Changsik completed a 2.3-kilometer hiking course in just over an hour. Normally accompanied by peers of his age, hiking with a younger companion brought back nostalgic memories and gave him a subtle push of motivation.

After a successful descent, Seo Changsik drove to a nearby Korean restaurant. After all, nothing beats a cold bowl of makgeolli after a hike.

As soon as they sat down, the pre-ordered dishes began filling the table. With just the two of them, Lee Chayoung took the initiative and picked up the liquor kettle.

“Let me pour you a drink.”

“Gladly.”

The makgeolli poured into the cup with a gentle gurgle. After Seo Changsik took his cup, he reciprocated and filled Chayoung’s glass. They clinked glasses lightly and drank. Watching his young companion tilt his head slightly to empty his glass brought a warm smile to Changsik’s face.

A rare dominant alpha, good looks and a brilliant mind—Lee Chayoung was the total package. Recently, Changsik’s wife had informed him that Chayoung, after returning from extended overseas studies, had joined his father’s company and was already making waves.

‘What an enviable young man.’

Changsik thought. It was no wonder that Chairman Lee, Chayoung’s father, carried himself with such pride.

“Do you have anyone you’re seeing?”

Chayoung just smiled slightly. It wasn’t so much that his standards were high; he was just particular. One-night stands were easy to come by, but finding someone for a serious relationship had proven elusive. Like most people in his social circle, Chayoung viewed marriage as an extension of business. Unless he met someone who met all the ‘requirements’, he wasn’t in any rush.

“With a son like you, your father must sleep easy.”

Chayoung laughed modestly, countering the compliment with humility.

“My father often says he envies you, uncle.”

“Me? What for?”

“For having three strong, capable sons.”

“Ha…”

Changsik chuckled bitterly before finishing his glass. While the eldest and middle sons were sources of pride, the youngest, Seo Gyuha, was a constant headache. Though things had calmed recently, his earlier rebellious years had nearly given Changsik a permanent case of stomach ulcers. He often wondered how someone so unpredictable could have come from his family.

Of course, being born an omega, especially as a son, was already unusual. The thought softened his frustration with a twinge of pity.

“Do you still keep in touch with Gyuha?”

“Occasionally.”

“I hate to ask, but could you look after him? He’s still naive and reckless despite his age… If only he were half as dependable as his brothers…”

“Would you like another drink?”

Sensing the mood, Chayoung quickly refilled Changsik’s glass. Seizing the opportunity, Changsik asked something that had been on his mind.

“Do you know if Gyuha is seeing anyone? He never talks about that sort of thing.”

“I’m not sure. We’ve never discussed it.”

That was true. Although they had reconnected and even shared an intimate encounter, their personal conversations rarely went deep. If it hadn’t been for that provocative third party suggesting a threesome, they might have remained casual acquaintances at best.

“If you know of a nice girl, introduce her to him. Who knows? Maybe finding the right person will change him.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

Behind his cup, Chayoung’s lips curved into a smirk.

‘A nice girl? Hasn’t Changsik realized that his son is only attracted to men? Obviously not.’

Chayoung thought, amused. Not to mention the fact that Gyuha now seemed exclusively interested in him.

***