* * *
“Particularly in hybrids, the likelihood of pregnancy drops drastically with different species, which is why dominant phenotypes are more prevalent. Pheromones signal that the body is ready for reproduction and help synchronize with a partner for… um… optimal mating conditions.”
The doctor glanced at Jeongseo nervously, stumbling over the last few words.
Even though it was purely theoretical, it was a delicate topic to broach with someone Jeongseo’s age.
“Essentially, pheromones heighten mutual arousal to encourage, uh, extended intimacy. You understand what I’m getting at, right?”
The doctor shifted his gaze to Jeongseo’s mother instead, who, equally embarrassed, only looked at the doctor.
“Pheromones serve to increase the likelihood of conception. For those with low pheromone levels, like recessive traits, the presence of a suitable reproductive partner can trigger an instinctual effort to maximize pheromone output. It’s not about being promiscuous—it’s simply biology. Reproduction is the most fundamental instinct for all living beings, often overriding rational control.”
There’s also evidence suggesting pheromone glands become more active if you have feelings for the other person.
The doctor’s final remark struck Jeongseo like lightning, making him stiffen.
He swallowed dryly and glanced at his mother, relieved that she hadn’t seemed to pick up on anything unusual.
“In any case, it’s nothing too concerning. Even with a significant rise, recessives don’t transform into dominants. Just make sure to take the medication as prescribed.”
“Yes, understood…”
The consultation concluded, and after picking up the prescription, Jeongseo and his mother headed home in their white sedan.
“That dominant Alpha in your class—is it Pyo Yoontae?”
Jeongseo flinched but nodded.
“Y-Yeah, it’s Yoontae.”
“I see.”
An uncomfortable silence filled the car.
From the passenger seat, Jeongseo glanced sideways at his mother, whose profile appeared unusually pensive.
“Neither your father nor your brother nor I know much about phenotypes. But if anything happens, let us know immediately. Be more mindful of your surroundings, and remember you can always come here if needed.”
“Okay…”
°❀•°❀°•❀°
Due to his usual habit, Jeongseo woke up early even here.
With nothing in particular to do, he took Seobok for a long walk around the nearby trails.
Perhaps because of Seobok’s large build or his majestic appearance, even in the early morning, joggers often stole glances at him.
When they returned home after the walk, the house was empty.
Jeongseo’s mom had already left for work, and his older brother, who was set to graduate this year, spent his days at the lab, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night.
It had become rare for them to cross paths.
Later in the day, Jeongseo took Seobok out for another walk, then sprawled on the wide living room sofa, flipping through TV channels with a bored expression.
He wasn’t particularly fond of watching TV, so after aimlessly switching channels for a while, he grabbed his phone.
As he scrolled through Motube, Seobok wagged his tail and approached.
Without getting up, Jeongseo slid down from the sofa to the floor.
Seobok immediately started licking his face, and Jeongseo burst into laughter from the ticklish sensation.
“Ah, right! Seobok, look at this. You can’t do this, can you?”
Suddenly sitting upright, Jeongseo began alternately tucking and untucking his ears.
Seobok tilted his head, watching the movement, then let out a bark.
Jeongseo had been practicing tucking his ears and tail regularly.
Despite his efforts, he couldn’t manage to make them disappear simultaneously.
Instead, he’d only grown faster at alternating between the two.
In truth, Jeongseo had even reached the point where he could make his tail reappear as he alternated.
Just as he was playing with Seobok, the sound of the front door opening caught his attention.
Both the dog and the weasel perked up their ears and turned toward the entryway.
The person who entered was none other than his brother.
For a moment, Jeongseo thought he’d lost track of time and glanced at the window, but the sun was still shining brightly.
“What the—! Hyung, why are you home so early?”
Delighted, Jeongseo trotted over, and Seo Kanghyun affectionately patted his younger brother’s head.
“Our baby’s at home, so of course hyung has to be here too. I brought snacks. Want some?”
In Seo Kanghyun’s hands were a tub of ice cream and a small cake box.
Jeongseo, who happened to be craving something sweet, swallowed involuntarily and nodded vigorously.
“Then set the table with plates, spoons, and forks. I’ll wash up and change clothes.”
“Okay! Hurry back!”
Taking the snacks, Jeongseo watched as Seo Kanghyun headed to his room, only to stop and call out.
“Don’t eat anything yet!”
“I won’t!”
Jeongseo wasn’t a kid anymore; he had enough self-control to wait.
As a child, however, his appetite had been so overwhelming that he’d sometimes thrown tantrums over food, even when he was too sick to eat.
Perhaps the reason Jeongseo was so healthy now was that he’d eaten well even during illness.
He set out two plates, spoons, and forks each.
Thanks to his sharp sense of smell, the sweet aroma of the cake was vivid, and he gripped the fork tightly.
Judging by the smell, it was blueberry and chocolate mousse cake.
The ice cream appeared to be vanilla and pistachio.
Just as Jeongseo wrinkled his nose slightly, Seo Kanghyun came back in comfortable clothes.
“Hyung, did you seriously buy mint chocolate?”
“Kiddo, if you’re human, you can’t always eat just what suits your taste.”
Seo Kanghyun spoke in a sage-like tone, and Jeongseo pouted, shaking his head.
While he wasn’t a picky eater, he struggled to understand how anyone could enjoy the taste of mint chocolate.
Not wanting to argue over personal preferences, Jeongseo silently opened the ice cream lid.
“Let’s set some aside for Mom.”
“Okay!”
When Jeongseo brought over two lidded containers, Seo Kanghyun scooped out portions of the ice cream and a slice of cake, then sealed them up.
One went into the freezer, the other into the fridge. Returning, he grinned and offered Jeongseo a spoon.
On the spoon was a dollop of mint chocolate ice cream.
Jeongseo frowned and shook his head, but Seo Kanghyun waved the spoon insistently, encouraging him to try just one bite.
After a moment’s hesitation, Jeongseo finally took it.
The cool minty taste and sweetness spread across his tongue, followed by a gust of chocolate flavor.
“So? Isn’t it edible?”
With a subtle expression, Jeongseo twitched his ears.
It wasn’t exactly to his taste, but it wasn’t terrible either.
After tilting his head in thought, he nodded reluctantly.
The truth was, Jeongseo no longer rejected mint chocolate entirely because Seo Kanghyun had offered him bites since they were kids.
Over time, it felt as if Seo Kanghyun had trained his palate.
After finishing the sweet snacks, Jeongseo felt content.
As he washed the dishes in the kitchen, he noticed Seo Kanghyun relaxing on the sofa.
A mischievous grin spread across Jeongseo’s face.
Ducking under the table, his body suddenly disappeared, leaving only his clothes on the floor.
From inside the white t-shirt, something small and wriggling popped out of a sleeve—a tiny weasel.
The weasel darted stealthily under the sofa and gently nipped Seo Kanghyun’s ankle.
“W-what the—!”
Startled, Seo Kanghyun jumped, only to realize it was the weasel.
The sight of the round eyes and brown fur made him sigh in relief; for a moment, his heart had dropped.
The weasel looked up at Seo Kanghyun before tapping his toes lightly and dashing away.
Its slender, agile body undulated like a fish, its movements brimming with playful energy.
Understanding Jeongseo’s intention immediately, Seo Kanghyun joined the chase.
Making soft chirping noises, Jeongseo darted toward Seo Kanghyun, then spun around and leapt away whenever his brother got close.
He eventually hid behind the refrigerator, teasing Seo Kanghyun until he caught up.
Playing like this for the first time in a while, Seo Kanghyun’s competitive streak flared.
Despite years of trying, he had never won a game of tag against Jeongseo in his weasel form.
The playful chaos of the human and the weasel running through the house finally caught Seobok’s attention.
Raising his head from the cushion, the dog barked loudly at the sight of the scampering weasel.
Seo Kanghyun flinched at the sound and turned to see Seobok racing toward Jeongseo.
With his jaws wide open, Seobok barreled forward.
Seo Kanghyun panicked, knowing no human could outrun a wolfdog.
“Nooo!”
Seobok lunged and bit down on the weasel.
* * *
i suddenly miss my dog