* * *

Later, sitting up with a popsicle in his mouth, Jungin massaged his numb arm, glaring narrowly at Beomhyeon.

“It’s your fault I can’t go home now. Faking sick like that.”

Beomhyeon’s charade didn’t last long. Jungin, worried about him, had grabbed a thermometer to check.

The result?

A perfectly normal 37.5°C—not even a fraction out of range.

Adding insult to injury, the PE teacher demanded five pages of reflection for skipping class without permission, leaving Jungin furiously scribbling down whatever came to mind.

“I’ll treat you to dinner,” Beomhyeon offered.

“What are you even going to buy? I have plenty of money, you know?”

Sure, it was technically allowance from his brothers, but as far as Jungin was concerned, it was his to spend.

Just as he was about to dismiss Beomhyeon’s offer, Beomhyeon propped his chin on his hand and suggested nonchalantly:

“You mentioned wanting to go to the JS Hotel lounge, right? Let’s go there.”

The JS Hotel lounge, famous for its exclusivity, required reservations made at least a month in advance.

But as the heir of the Yeonhwa Group, Beomhyeon never had to wait.

“Just this once… Because you were tired. I’ll let it slide this time.”

“Okay, got it. Is your arm still sore?”

“Yeah. Massage it for me later.”

Jungin grumbled about having only half a page left to write before burying his face in the A4 paper, determined to finish quickly.

Three hours later, he handed over his completed five-page reflection and returned to the now-empty classroom.

Seated at the JS Hotel lounge, Jungin tapped his feet under the table, excitement barely contained as he awaited his meal.

Sensing his anticipation, Beomhyeon chuckled softly.

“The new dessert this season is coconut crème brûlée. You like banana brûlée, right?”

“Coconut?”

Jungin nodded quickly, his eyes lighting up as Beomhyeon showed him a picture of the dessert.

A creamy pudding-like treat in a small coconut bowl, its glassy surface gleaming under the light.

As he imagined the sweetness, Jungin couldn’t help but smile in anticipation.

His gaze wandered to the breathtaking night view just outside when suddenly, the sound of the door opening startled him.

Was the food here already?

The furrow in Beomhyeon’s brow deepened as his expression twisted slightly.

Just as he turned his head, his eyes widened in shock at the unexpected arrival of someone.

“Ah! Father!”

Jumping to his feet immediately, Jungin darted toward Chairman Ki without hesitation.

“I missed you so much!”

“Haha, and I thought I was going to die from missing my dear son-in-law.”

The chairman’s eyes, which had observed countless people over decades from the highest echelons of power, softened.

Jungin’s pure and heartfelt welcome warmed his heart.

“When did you return to Korea? Have you been busy? Oh! Have you eaten yet? We were just about to start dinner, so if you haven’t, please join us!”

Chattering on like a chirping chick, Jungin’s voice, which brimmed with enthusiasm, had been sorely missed.

Beomkyeon, holding back tears that threatened to spill, cleared his throat and gazed at Jungin with warmth.

“I’ve been back for quite a while now. I tried contacting you several times, but I couldn’t reach you. I was beginning to think you didn’t want me around anymore, Jungin.”

“What?”

Jungin blinked, startled, his light brown eyes wide with confusion.

Chairman Ki let out a hearty laugh.

“That scoundrel must have gotten some strange joy out of teasing his father-in-law.”

“I… What does that mean…?”

Still unable to comprehend, Jungin’s gaze darted toward Beomhyeon, seeking an explanation.

Upon meeting Beomhyeon’s crumpled expression, Jungin’s lips parted in shock.

Beomkyeon laughed again, louder this time, before clearing his throat to speak.

“Ahem… That being said, could you now kindly unblock me?”

Flustered, Jungin grabbed his phone and checked the block list.

Sure enough, right at the top was the name [♡Beloved Father♡], glaringly obvious.

Below it were the numbers of others, including Ji Woohyun and Kang Somyung, classmates who had shown him kindness.

Ding, ding, ding.

As soon as the block was removed, Jungin’s phone began vibrating, a flood of messages from [♡Beloved Father♡] arriving in quick succession.

“When… did this even happen…?”

“It was an accident,” Beomhyeon replied, his nonchalant expression betraying no remorse.

“My phone ran out of battery, so I borrowed yours. I must’ve pressed something by mistake.”

Despite the blatant excuse, his shrug radiated defiance.

Jungin’s fist clenched involuntarily, but with the chairman present, he held himself back.

Gritting his teeth, Jungin shot him a warning look.

“Have you had dinner yet? If not, join us. Beomhyeon ordered way too much food; we can’t finish it all ourselves.”

“As if we wouldn’t finish it. There’s not enough, really.”

“Ha… We can always order more, so stop being like that. Oh, Father, they just released a new menu item. Let’s try it later!”

“He has diabetes. He shouldn’t eat sweet things.”

Jungin’s glare grew sharp as he stomped on Beomhyeon’s foot under the table.

“If you haven’t eaten, why don’t you join us for dinner?”

Though his voice was curt, Beomhyeon eventually extended the invitation.

It might have been forced, but the prospect of a rare family meal brought a faint smile to Beomkyeon’s face.

The bibimbap at Songdamchae was phenomenal.

While Beomhyeon polished off two tomahawks with ease, Jungin, preferring Korean cuisine, savored his soybean paste stew and beef bibimbap with great relish.

“Excuse me, I’ll prepare the desserts now.”

“Wow, yes, please.”

Jungin scooped a bite of his coconut crème brûlée.

The smooth coconut flavor and the caramelized sugar melted delightfully on his tongue.

“This is amazing. It’s so soft. I think it’d taste even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.”

His expression, cupping one cheek in bliss, was one of pure joy.

“Ah…!”

Reaching for a napkin to wipe his sticky hand, Jungin accidentally tipped over a wine glass filled with orange juice.

The contents spilled, soaking his hand and leaving his school pants damp.

“Are you okay? Let’s go to the restroom. Or there’s an empty room downstairs—clean up there.”

“It’s fine. I can go alone.”

“No, I’ll come with you.”

Jungin glanced briefly at Chairman Ki, then turned to Beomhyeon.

“Do I look like a child? I’ll be fine on my own. Spend some time talking with Father, okay?”

Patting Beomhyeon’s shoulder, Jungin leaned in close to whisper.

“During dinner, I noticed Father kept looking at you. He must’ve missed you. Be nice to him.”

The chairman’s gaze, filled with affection, lingered on his son.

Deciding it was for the best, Jungin excused himself to give the estranged father and son some space.

---

“Is this room always kept empty?”

Mr. Yoon, Beomhyeon’s assistant, escorted Jungin to a luxurious suite.

Memories of being dragged here by Beomhyeon after school resurfaced.

Back then, he thought Beomhyeon had simply rented the space, but it turned out to be regularly reserved.

“It feels like such a waste to leave it unused… It’s so nice.”

“But it’s convenient to have it available when needed.”

“True,” Jungin chuckled softly, nodding in agreement.

Stopping in front of the door, Mr. Yoon handed him a keycard.

“Clean up, and I’ll bring you a change of clothes shortly.”

“Thank you, Mr. Yoon.”

Jungin entered the suite, taking a moment to admire the breathtaking night view before heading to the bathroom.

His body felt sticky, and the thought of a refreshing shower quickened his steps.

Ding dong.

“Mr. Yoon must be back already.”

Jungin opened the door but froze.

“Ah… Who are you?”

“The madam is waiting for you. Please come with us.”

“My stepmother…?”

The woman standing before him, vaguely familiar, was indeed his stepmother’s secretary.

Trying to close the door, Jungin was thwarted by a strong arm.

“The madam instructed us to bring you, by force if necessary. I hope you’ll cooperate, young master.”

Jungin cursed his carelessness—his phone was still in the living room.

Staring intently at the secretary, he nodded.

“Fine, but my clothes are wet. Let me clean up first.”

The secretary’s unyielding gaze gave no indication of compliance. She left no room for escape.

“Follow me.”

Reluctantly, Jungin stepped out of the suite.

His shoulders slumped as he glanced at his feet, clad only in thin slippers.

* * *