* * *

“Phew…”

Beomhyeon put down his phone and studied the documents in his hands once more.

Up until now, Lee Jungin had been nothing more than a bothersome fiancé.

A relationship that would naturally dissolve once they became adults, a simple arrangement to ensure the stability of a joint project with the Hyun Group—nothing more, nothing less.

In fact, he had found Jungin’s presence annoying, even uncomfortable. So, when did his feelings start to change?

He’d always known that Lee Jungin, the illegitimate child of Chairman Lee, wasn’t a welcomed figure in his own home.

The boy often wore a dark expression, his eyes darting around anxiously as he tried to gauge the moods of Chairman Lee and his wife.

But ever since losing his memories, Jungin had become a different person, shedding the gloom that once surrounded him.

Beomhyeon remembered the way Jungin had smiled brightly, eating fruit like a playful flying squirrel.

Unconsciously, a small smile curved at the corners of Beomhyeon’s mouth.

“Lee Jungin.”

He whispered the name that tasted bittersweet on his tongue, crumpling a report detailing the testimony of a former employee who had worked in Saeun-dong for fifteen years, along with hospital records from that time.

Beomhyeon wanted to protect this new version of Jungin.

He never wanted to see him cry again.

“Tsk.” Clicking his tongue in dissatisfaction, Beomhyeon left his study and headed toward his room, where Jungin was sleeping.

He suddenly halted, sensing someone behind him.

Turning around, he found himself facing his father.

“I didn’t expect you to actually bring that boy to our home,” said Beomkyeon, dressed comfortably, with a smile playing on his lips as he took in Beomhyeon’s tense expression.

“You do realize that once the project with Hyun Group concludes, the engagement holds no further advantage, don’t you?”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“And you also know Lady Jang will make things difficult?”

“I know.”

With an unreadable expression, Beomkyeon rubbed his chin, his lips quirking in a faint smile.

“I won’t object. Not that you’d listen even if I did.”

“…”

“But remember, you’ll have to take responsibility for your choices. I trust you understand what I mean.”

Beomhyeon’s jaw clenched as he regarded his father, who watched him with an infuriatingly amused look.

Nodding briefly, Beomhyeon turned to leave.

“Go on, then. It is your first night, after all. You should make it memorable. If you disappoint him on your first night, it’ll leave a mark for life.”

“Father.”

“Haha. I wouldn’t mind becoming a grandfather sooner rather than later.”

Annoyed by his father’s absurd teasing, Beomhyeon walked away, ignoring the boisterous laughter echoing behind him.

His strides quickened as he approached Jungin.

Click.

Beomhyeon sat by the sleeping Jungin and gently smoothed out the wrinkles between his brows, his touch softening the tension in the boy’s face.

Beomhyeon watched Jungin’s features relax in the moonlight, then lay beside him.

He inhaled the delicate scent of Jungin’s skin, exhaling slowly.

Lately, it had become difficult to control his pheromones.

Managing his dominant Alpha pheromones had always been as natural as breathing, but they now surged uncontrollably whenever he was near Jungin.

“Hoo…”

Beomhyeon draped an arm over his eyes, relieved that his next rut was still a month away.

But despite the time left, the heat pooling within him refused to subside.

Regretting his impulsive decision to share a bed with Jungin, Beomhyeon turned and pulled Jungin into his arms.

If he couldn’t sleep, he might as well indulge.

Wrapping his arms around the smaller boy, Beomhyeon buried his face into Jungin’s sweet scent.

“Mmph…”

Jungin shifted, trying to pull away in discomfort, but Beomhyeon’s hold only tightened.

Soon, Jungin gave in, burrowing closer into Beomhyeon’s embrace.

A soft smile escaped Beomhyeon as he watched him.

“I’ll protect you, Lee Jungin.”

Beomhyeon carefully brushed back Jungin’s hair, anticipating the long night ahead, and closed his eyes.

---

“Y-young masters, are you still not awake?”

Jungin awoke first, startled to find Beomhyeon’s face right in front of him.

He shoved Beomhyeon away with all his strength.

“Ugh…”

Apparently, a good meal and rest had made Jungin stronger.

Beomhyeon tumbled off the bed, landing on the floor with a heavy thud.

“Oh no, Ki Beomhyeon, are you okay?”

Jungin scrambled off the bed in a panic, inspecting Beomhyeon with frantic concern.

“What happened to your face?”

It couldn’t have been from the fall.

Jungin noticed Beomhyeon’s bloodshot eyes and dark circles and frowned.

“Young master? Is something wrong?” asked Mr. Choi from outside, sounding worried.

“Wait… Ah!”

Just as Jungin moved to open the door, Beomhyeon grabbed his arm, pulling him down onto his chest.

“Ahh!”

Beomhyeon’s arms wrapped around Jungin, and he whispered into his ear.

“If you open the door now, it’ll be awkward for you.”

“Let me go, and then…”

“Young master, are you alright?”

Beomhyeon’s gaze settled on Jungin’s exposed shoulders, peeking out from an oversized shirt.

He called out to Mr. Choi.

“Mr. Choi, learn to take a hint.”

There was a pause, and then the footsteps retreated.

Beomhyeon exhaled, telling her, “We’ll come out soon. You can go prepare breakfast.”

“In that case, I’ll set everything up. Please come down in thirty minutes.”

Jungin bit his lip, annoyed.

“We got caught, didn’t we?”

Annoyed, he hit Beomhyeon’s shoulder with his fist.

“Are you crazy? Why would you say it like that?”

“Why not?”

“Because then it sounds like…”

“Like what?”

Meeting my unwavering gaze, Jungin’s face suddenly flushed bright red. Perhaps it was because Beomhyeon had just woken up, but his languidly softened eyes felt slightly… suggestive. Flustered, Jungin struggled out of his grasp with all his might and stood up abruptly.

“I’m leaving!”

“Okay, okay.”

“Hey, let go of me!”

“Shhh. I’m tired. We still have time, so let’s sleep a bit longer.”

Pulling the escaping Jungin back into bed, Beomhyeon nestled his face into Jungin’s chest and closed his eyes.

“Hey, Ki Beomhyeon…!”

“I didn’t sleep a wink last night.”

“…You.”

Jungin clenched his hands into fists around Beomhyeon’s hair, ready to retaliate, but then he saw how genuinely exhausted Beomhyeon looked and faltered.

Was it because I tossed and turned too much last night? I don’t think I have a bad sleeping habit…

Mumbling silently, Jungin finally let go of his grip, surrendering.

Although being wrapped in Beomhyeon’s arms felt uncomfortable since Beomhyeon’s body was larger than his own, Jungin awkwardly lifted his hands and began to gently stroke Beomhyeon’s hair.

Time passed slowly, and soon Beomhyeon’s steady, rhythmic breathing filled the room as he fell soundly asleep.

“What the heck… you’re not even a kid.”

Jungin couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of Beomhyeon, his peaceful face deep in slumber.

Watching him sleep so soundly, Jungin checked the time and murmured to himself.

“Maybe… I’ll stay like this for a bit…”

He thought, considering all the times he had sought comfort in Beomhyeon’s embrace.

Perhaps, for once, it was his turn to be the support.

Stroking Beomhyeon’s unexpectedly soft hair, Jungin closed his own eyes.

Time seemed to pass faster than he’d expected.

After only a few days, Beomhyeon’s home already felt almost as cozy and familiar as his brothers’ house.

‘I do adapt quickly.’

Eating a later breakfast than usual, Jungin walked out into the living room, popping strawberries brought by Mr. Choi into his mouth.

* * *