The day finally dawned for Dojin’s discharge.
Thanks to Jehoon’s prompt intervention and intensive treatment, Dojin’s body had recovered rapidly.
As Yoonwoo and Dojin visited the hospital to complete the discharge procedures, Jehoon briefed them on the progress and the final results.
“Mr. Kim Dojin, first of all, congratulations on your discharge.”
Jehoon spoke with his signature smirk.
“Fortunately, your body has fully recovered. It was a stroke of luck that the first person you had relations with after exposure to that drug was Seo Yoonwoo, a Beta. Because of that, we were able to complete the detox treatment relatively easily without any serious side effects from pheromone addiction. If the partner had been another Transgenic… well, the treatment would have been far more complex and difficult.”
At his words, Yoonwoo let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding.
For the first time, he felt genuinely grateful for being a Beta.
There had always been a vague sense of insecurity and victimhood in a corner of his heart for not being a Transgenic, but to think that this very fact had saved Dojin from even greater danger—it was ironic, yet an undeniable truth.
Jehoon looked between them before lowering his voice as if sharing a secret.
“Also… there are a few updates you’ve likely been waiting for. First, my younger brother, Han Jiwoon, was convicted in his recent trial on charges including illegal drug administration, kidnapping, and confinement, and is currently incarcerated.”
His voice remained calm, making his underlying emotions difficult to read.
“There were clear victims, and given the connection to the H Pharmaceutical scandal, his sentence was heavier than expected, so you can rest easy. He won’t be able to cause you any harm ever again.”
Yoonwoo and Dojin exchanged looks, breathing sighs of relief.
The heavy weight that had burdened their hearts felt lighter now that their grueling ordeal had truly come to an end.
“Oh, and Lee Minjae, the accomplice, is currently awaiting trial. Well, that friend had more of a foolishly manipulated side rather than actively participating in my brother’s crimes, and he cooperated with the investigation, so he will likely receive a much lighter sentence than Han Jiwoon. Of course, that doesn’t mean his foolish actions are entirely forgiven. At the very least, it will be… difficult for him to show his face in the industry again, right?”
Jehoon picked up his jacket, as if he had said everything he needed to.
“I’ll be heading overseas for a while. It will take quite some time for the legal proceedings regarding H Pharmaceutical and my father to conclude, and I have a mountain of my own affairs to settle.”
He handed a black business card to them.
“This is my personal contact information. If you ever feel anything unusual or need anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You don’t need to worry about the time of day.”
Dojin asked cautiously, “…But Han Jehoon… are you really okay? The company is practically ruined…”
For the first time, Jehoon gave a truly comfortable, relieved smile.
He looked surprisingly peaceful, as if he had set down a heavy burden that had been crushing him for a long time.
“My long-cherished dream has come true, so what could possibly be wrong?”
He shrugged lightly.
“And you don’t need to worry about my livelihood. I’ve had everything prepared for a long time. As for the company, my older sister will surely find a way to keep it afloat. She’s a capable person.”
His smile was no longer cynical or mocking.
For the first time, Yoonwoo felt as if he were seeing the real Han Jehoon—just another person who had been hurt and pained, but had fought back in his own way.
Jehoon returned to his usual smirk and said briefly, “I’m sorry for everything. And… I truly hope both of you will be happy from now on.”
He left the room without a moment of hesitation, offering a light bow.
Dojin watched his back for a moment, then turned to Yoonwoo with a bright smile.
“Yoonwoo! It’s really over! Let’s go home!”
The two returned to Dojin’s home together.
As soon as they opened the front door and stepped inside, something darted into Dojin’s arms.
“Meow! Meeeow! Whimper…”
Dojin gasped as he caught the sudden projectile.
Looking down, he saw Gaeul, with every hair on his body standing on end, letting out the most sorrowful and pathetic cries.
Gaeul had been left at a friend’s house while Dojin was in the hospital, and he seemed to have missed his owner dearly.
Gaeul kept making the specific “meow” sound that cats make when they are extremely anxious or upset, frantically rubbing his face against Dojin’s cheeks and neck, chewing on his clothes, and refusing to let go.
Usually the height of haughtiness, he was now using his whole body to express delight, sorrow, and even a bit of resentment—as if demanding, “Where have you been, leaving me all alone!”
“Oh, my Gaeul! Did you miss me that much? I’m sorry, I was sick. I’ll never leave you alone again, okay?”
Dojin hugged Gaeul, apologizing repeatedly while stroking his back and scratching under his chin.
Only after playing with him for a long time and serving two of his favorite tuna-flavored treats did Gaeul finally calm down, returning to his gentle self and purring on Dojin’s lap.
Yoonwoo smiled warmly at the peaceful scene.
“Seeing you and Gaeul together like this, it feels like I’m finally home.”
At his words, Dojin looked at Yoonwoo adoringly and hugged his waist tightly.
“Oh, that’s right! You haven’t eaten dinner yet, right? Are you hungry? Let me make you something delicious!”
As Dojin headed for the kitchen, Yoonwoo caught his hand.
“A patient shouldn’t be cooking. Let me do it this time. You just sit and rest.”
He added, blushing slightly, “I haven’t cooked much lately, so I’m not sure how well I’ll do… but I really want to make you dinner. So please, lie down and wait for a bit.”
Yoonwoo tucked Dojin into bed to rest and headed to the kitchen alone.
He wanted to prepare something very special for him.
Dojin hadn’t realized how tired he was until he was left alone in bed, and soon, lulled by Yoonwoo’s care and the warmth of the bed, he drifted into a light sleep.
Some time passed before he was roused by a savory, fragrant scent tickling his nose.
He staggered out to the kitchen. Yoonwoo looked back, sensing his presence, and smiled softly.
“Dojin, are you awake? It’s almost ready, so go ahead and sit at the table.”
“What is that smell? It smells amazing.”
Dojin walked up behind Yoonwoo, wrapped his arms around his waist, and rested his chin on his shoulder.
The subtle scent of Yoonwoo’s skin mixed with the aroma of the food tickled his senses.
“Haha, that tickles!”
Yoonwoo laughed and squirmed.
“It’s abalone porridge. I’ve made it for myself sometimes since you made it for me on Jeju Island… It reminded me of that time, and strangely enough, eating this porridge gives me strength and comfort. So I really wanted to make it for you once.”
Touched by his sweet appearance and sincerity, Dojin couldn’t hold back anymore; he spun Yoonwoo around to face him.
Trapping Yoonwoo in his arms, he kissed him softly on the lips.
Yoonwoo flinched in surprise at the sudden kiss but soon wrapped his arms around Dojin’s neck to respond.
Their lips met cautiously and gently.
The kiss, which began as a light touch to confirm each other’s warmth, soon deepened, becoming more affectionate and yearning.
Dojin gently sucked on Yoonwoo’s lower lip before moving to pull softly on the upper one.
Yoonwoo felt his breath hitch at the sincerity in the kiss, but he tightened his grip on Dojin’s shoulders, pressing closer.
Dojin’s warm tongue carefully entered Yoonwoo’s mouth, softly sweeping against his soft inner lining.
Yoonwoo let out a low moan, surrendering to the kiss.
The savory smell of abalone porridge lingering in the air and their sweet breaths created a soft, warm atmosphere.
The kiss became more intense, and their heartbeats thrummed loudly, as if they had become one.
Only after they were both breathless did they very slowly pull apart.
Both were blushing deeply, their eyes filled with deep affection and fluttery excitement.
“So… shall we eat now?”
At Yoonwoo’s quiet remark, Dojin looked reluctant but gave him one more quick kiss before letting go.
Thus, they sat at the table with expressions that were a little awkward but happy, sharing the warm abalone porridge together.
