The moment they stepped out of the room, Taekyun kept hold of Haneul's hand.
His fingers wrapped securely around the smaller hand as he slowly guided him toward the dining area.
Every step was careful.
His every step matched Haneul's pace.
The dining table had already been prepared.
Lin Meiying looked up the moment she saw them.
As usual, a gentle smile appeared on her face.
"You're here."
Haneul slowly nodded.
The elderly woman immediately pulled out a chair for him.
"Come, sit."
Taekyun carefully helped Haneul into the chair before taking the seat beside him.
His hand remained on Haneul's shoulder for a moment, making sure he was comfortable.
Then he looked at him.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"What would you like to have?"
Before Haneul could respond, Lin cheerfully pointed toward the dishes.
"Today I prepared all your favorites."
She lifted the lids one by one.
"Korean pumpkin juk."
"Samgyetang."
"Steamed egg custard."
Then she pointed toward the Chinese dishes.
"Fish congee."
"Chicken and ginger soup."
"And stir-fried bok choy."
"Everything is light and good for the baby."
She smiled proudly.
"So?"
"What would you like?"
Both of them looked at Haneul.
Waiting.
But Haneul simply lowered his eyes.
Silence.
Lin laughed softly.
"Oh."
"I'll be in the kitchen."
"If you need anything, let me know, Sir."
Taekyun nodded.
"Alright."
Lin turned to leave.
But suddenly,
Haneul's hand grabbed hers.
She froze.
Taekyun looked up immediately.
Lin slowly looked down.
Haneul was holding her wrinkled hand.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
Then Haneul slowly lifted his head.
His lips parted.
His voice came out weak,rough and unused.
"Eat...."
Both Taekyun and Lin froze.
"with us."
The entire room became still.
Taekyun's eyes widened.
His heart stopped.
Not because of what Haneul had said.
But because he had spoken.
For six months.
Six long months.
He had heard nothing.
And now,finally.
His voice.
The voice he missed every day.
The voice he feared he might never hear again.
The chair scraped loudly.
Taekyun stood up abruptly.
Haneul immediately looked toward him.
The sudden movement made his shoulders stiffen slightly.
Taekyun's heart dropped.
No.
What if he scared him?
What if Haneul never spoke again
What if he retreated back into silence?
Immediately Taekyun sat back down.
Swallowing hard.
Trying to control himself.
Trying to hide how badly he wanted to say something.
His eyes shifted toward Lin.
"Have a seat."
His voice sounded strained.
Lin hesitated.
"Sir"
"Please... have a seat."
Then she felt Haneul's hand still holding hers.
Her expression softened.
Slowly, she sat down beside him.
The moment she sat, she automatically started placing food into Haneul's bowl.
A spoonful of pumpkin juk.
A little fish congee.
Without serving herself.
Only serving him.
Taekyun watched quietly before speaking.
"Miss Lin."
She looked up.
"You eat."
His hand moved toward the bowl.
"I'll feed him myself."
Lin looked between them.
Then nodded.
"Alright."
Truthfully, she felt awkward.
In all her years working for wealthy families, she had never sat at the same table as her employers.
Yet for Haneul's sake, she remained seated.
Taekyun picked up a spoonful of warm pumpkin juk.
He brought it toward Haneul.
Immediately Haneul reached for the spoon.
Trying to take it.
Trying to eat by himself.
Like he always did.
Taekyun gently moved it away.
"No."
His voice softened.
"Let me."
Haneul stared at him for a moment.
Then slowly lowered his hand.
Accepting defeat.
Taekyun fed him the first spoonful.
Then another.
And another.
After every bite, his hand automatically moved.
Brushing Haneul's hair back.
Rubbing his head gently.
Patting it softly.
The same way he used to do with Haru.
The same way a parent fed a child.
Lin quietly watched.
Then lowered her eyes.
Pretending not to notice the sadness hidden behind every movement.
Dinner ended slowly.
But at least Haneul ate.
That alone felt like a victory.
When everything was finished, Taekyun stood.
He looked at Haneul.
"Let's go."
A pause.
"For a walk."
Immediately Haneul shook his head.
Refusing.
Just like always.
Taekyun almost smiled.
At least some things hadn't changed.
It had become a routine.
Three walks every week.
Sometimes Haneul agreed.
Most times he didn't.
And Taekyun would gently force him anyway.
He reached for his hand.
"Let's go out."
Haneul looked down.
Not agreeing.
Not refusing again.
Taekyun considered that good enough.
He turned toward Lin.
"Our Coats."
"His shoes."
"And my wallet, please."
"Of course."
She immediately stood.
A few moments later she returned carrying both coats.
Along with Haneul's shoes.
She handed everything over before beginning to clear the table.
Meanwhile Taekyun knelt in front of Haneul.
Slowly removing his slippers.
Then carefully helping him into his sneakers.
One foot.
Then the other.
He tied each lace securely.
Making sure they weren't too tight.
Only then did he stand.
He helped Haneul into his coat.
Straightened the collar.
Adjusted the sleeves.
Then put on his own coat.
One hand slipped around Haneul's waist.
The other held his hand.
He grabbed the key card from the table.
Then looked toward the kitchen.
"Miss Lin."
"We'll be back."
The elderly woman smiled warmly.
"Take your time, Sir."
And together they left.
Outside, the streets of Shanghai weren't completely empty.
People walked along the sidewalks.
Some returning home.
Some taking evening strolls.
Streetlights glowed softly above them.
Taekyun walked beside Haneul.
Holding his hand.
Supporting him whenever necessary.
The cool air brushed against them.
Immediately Taekyun noticed something.
Haneul's pheromones felt calmer outside.
Less suffocating.
Less trapped.
Inside the condo they always felt tight.
Restricted.
But outside,
They loosened.
Just a little.
Taekyun quietly released his own pheromones.
Wrapping them around Haneul.
Protecting him.
Preventing others from noticing the omega's scent.
He knew Haneul disliked going outside.
Yet every time they did,
Haneul seemed slightly more at ease.
People passing by occasionally glanced toward them.
Especially toward Haneul.
Even now.
Thin,fragile,pale and weak.
Yet impossible not to notice.
Five minutes passed.
Then another.
Taekyun slowed his pace further.
Looking down at him.
Haneul walked much slower now.
The curve of his stomach showed faintly beneath the coat.
His head remained facing forward.
Yet his eyes moved.
Quietly observing everything.
The passing people.
The lights.
The trees.
The distant traffic.
A small trace of curiosity.
The sight made Taekyun smile.
Sometimes something as simple as that was enough to loosen the tightness inside his chest.
Then he noticed it.
The hand inside his own remained warm.
But the other hand trembled slightly.
His steps became slower.
And shorter.
Taekyun immediately understood.
Haneul was tired.
Without saying anything, he guided him toward a nearby bench.
Helping him sit down carefully.
Directly across from them stood a small roasted corn stall.
Haneul sat quietly.
Looking ahead.
"You stay here."
Taekyun squeezed his shoulder gently.
"I'll be back."
Haneul looked up at him.
Those strange quiet eyes following him.
Taekyun leaned down.
Pressed a kiss against his forehead.
Then wrapped his coat more securely around him.
Making sure he stayed warm.
Only then did he walk toward the stall.
A few minutes later he returned carrying two roasted corns.
But the moment he approached,
Something felt wrong.
The fear.
He could feel it through Haneul's pheromones.
Sharp,sudden and abnormal
His smile disappeared.
It had only taken a minute.
Nothing had happened.
Then why?
He quickly sat beside him.
Immediately noticing both of Haneul's hands trembling.
They shook visibly.
Taekyun put the corns aside at once.
Grabbing both hands.
They were freezing.
Far too cold.
Even beneath the long sleeves.
Haneul slowly looked at him.
Those eyes again.
The same eyes filled with things he couldn't understand.
Taekyun took a slow breath.
Instead of asking questions, he changed the subject.
"You're cold?"
He forced a smile.
Then picked up one of the corns.
"They're warm."
"They'll help."
He handed one over.
"Eat."
Haneul slowly accepted it.
"Careful."
"It's hot."
Haneul took a bite.
Immediately pulled back.
His eyes widening slightly.
The corn was too hot.
Taekyun sighed.
"I told you."
He carefully took it from him.
Then noticed.
Haneul was still holding the bite inside his mouth.
Unable to swallow.
Unable to spit it out.
Taekyun immediately held his hand beneath Haneul's mouth.
"Take it out."
Haneul hesitated.
"Take it out."
His tone became firmer.
"Hurry."
Slowly, Haneul obeyed.
Taekyun took it and tossed it away.
Then stood.
"I'll get you warm milk."
Before he could leave,
Haneul's hand grabbed his sleeve.
Taekyun looked down.
Haneul was holding him.
Not tightly.
Just enough to stop him.
The meaning was obvious.
Don't go.
Taekyun understood immediately.
Without another word, he sat back down beside him.
The sky above them had already darkened.
Half an hour had passed since they left the condo.
The evening had become colder.
When the corn cooled enough, Taekyun began feeding it to Haneul.
Small bites.
One at a time.
Haneul ate some.
Not much.
Most of his attention remained fixed on the sky.
Watching silently.
After a long while, Taekyun spoke.
"I was really happy today."
Haneul didn't react.
Taekyun smiled sadly.
"When you talked."
Still nothing.
"I want to hear your voice every day now."
His gaze lowered.
"But you don't want to talk."
Slowly he took Haneul's cold hand.
Slipping it inside his own coat pocket.
Keeping it warm with his own hand.
They sat there quietly.
Then Taekyun spoke again.
"It's been a long time..."
"Since we talked properly."
His voice grew softer.
"I really miss your voice."
A pause.
"And I really miss my....Haneul."
No response.
Only silence.
The same silence that had haunted him for months.
"You talk with Lisa."
"You don't talk with me."
His eyes remained fixed ahead.
"You talked with Lin today."
"But you didn't talk with me."
A painful smile appeared.
"Haneul..."
Slowly, Taekyun stood.
Then lowered himself onto the cold pavement directly in front of the bench.
Ignoring the cold ground.
Ignoring everything.
Until he sat facing Haneul.
Looking up at him.
Just like someone begging.
"I won't ask about the past."
His voice trembled.
"I promise."
A pause.
Then,
"But talk to me."
"Please."
His eyes burned.
"And tell me"
"How are you feeling?"
The wind moved softly around them.
Taekyun never looked away.
"Tell me what I should do."
"Because"
His voice cracked.
"I don't know anymore."
Haneul remained silent.
For a brief moment, his eyes shifted toward Taekyun.
Just one glance.
Then they returned to the distant sky above them.
The answer never came.
Taekyun stared at him for several seconds.
Waiting with hope.
But eventually, a small smile appeared on his face.
A smile filled with exhaustion and pain.
"It's okay..."
His voice came out quiet.
Almost defeated.
"I'm sorry."
Slowly, he stood from the cold pavement.
His knees felt stiff from sitting there so long.
Reaching forward, he gently took Haneul's hand.
"Let's go back."
His thumb brushed over the back of Haneul's hand.
"It's getting late."
Haneul looked at him.
Then slowly stood up.
The two began walking back together.
Just as they always did.
Taekyun never let go of his hand.
Matching every slow step.
Supporting him whenever his balance shifted.
Protecting him from every passing stranger.
Protecting him from a world that seemed determined to hurt him.
The cold wind followed them all the way home
By the time they returned to the condo, the night had grown darker.
Taekyun opened the door and helped Haneul inside.
Warm air immediately wrapped around them.
Carefully, he removed Haneul's coat.
Then loosened the scarf around his neck.
Without waiting for assistance, Haneul slowly began walking toward his room.
His fragile figure moved quietly through the hallway.
Thin,small.
And unsteady.
Like a wave made from glass.
Something beautiful yet breakable.
Something that looked as though it could disappear if touched too hard.
Taekyun watched him walk away.
His chest tightened.
Before he could follow him, footsteps approached.
Lin Meiying emerged from the kitchen.
"You're back, Sir."
Taekyun nodded.
Placing the key card onto the nearby table.
"Mm."
Lin looked toward Haneul's room.
Then back toward him.
"Will you be needing anything else tonight?"
Taekyun shook his head.
Then paused.
"Are you staying tonight, Miss Lin?"
She smiled softly.
"Yes, Sir."
"My husband is visiting his sister."
"So I'll stay here."
Taekyun nodded slowly.
"Alright."
A small pause.
"Go and get some rest later."
"Yes, Sir."
Lin smiled.
Before Taekyun could head toward the room, he stopped.
"Miss Lin."
She turned immediately.
"Yes, Sir?"
"Make me a cup of coffee."
His tired eyes shifted toward the living room.
"And leave it there."
"Of course."
She nodded.
"I'll bring it shortly."
Taekyun entered the bedroom quietly.
The room was dimly lit.
Haneul was already sitting on the bed.
His hands resting over his stomach.
Silent as always.
Taekyun walked toward the dresser.
Opening one of the drawers.
Inside were countless medicines.
Vitamins.
Supplements.
Prescriptions.
Everything doctors had ordered during these difficult months.
He took out the necessary pills.
Then filled a glass with warm water.
Returning to the bed.
He sat beside Haneul.
"Take your medicine first."
Haneul looked down at the pills.
Then obediently accepted them.
One by one.
Without protest.
Without complaint.
After he finished, Taekyun placed the glass aside.
Then reached for a bottle of lotion.
The doctor's recommendation.
A nightly routine.
One He never skipped.
Haneul quietly laid down on the bed.
Like he always did.
Trusting Taekyun to take care of the rest.
Taekyun rolled up his sleeves.
Squeezed a small amount of lotion into his palms.
Then gently began massaging Haneul's hands.
Slow circles.
Careful pressure.
His fingers worked patiently over each knuckle.
Each finger.
Each wrist.
The room remained silent except for the soft sound of movement.
After finishing, Taekyun carefully lifted Haneul's feet.
Placing them onto his lap.
Then he began massaging them too.
His thumbs pressed gently against the soles.
Working away tension.
Helping with swelling.
Helping with everything he possibly could.
Anything that could ease even a little of Haneul's discomfort.
Once finished, he shifted closer.
Slowly lifting Haneul's shirt.
The small round curve of his belly appeared beneath the light.
Eight months.
The baby was growing stronger every day.
While Haneul continued growing weaker.
The contradiction haunted him constantly.
For a moment, Taekyun simply stared.
Then his hand moved.
Spreading lotion across the stretched skin.
Massaging gently, carefully and protectively.
His eyes occasionally drifted upward.
Toward Haneul's face.
Watching him.
Somewhere during the routine, Haneul's eyes began growing heavier.
The tension slowly left his body.
His breathing became softer.
Slower.
Until eventually,
He fell asleep.
Just like always
Quietly.
Without saying a single word.
Taekyun's hands stopped moving.
For a while, he simply sat there.
Watching him sleep.
The same fear living inside him every day.
The fear that one morning they wouldn't wake up.
Slowly, he leaned forward.
Pressing a kiss against Haneul's forehead.
Then another against his hand.
Carefully, he pulled the blanket higher.
Covering him completely.
Afterward, he placed a pillow beside him.
Making sure he wouldn't accidentally roll during the night.
Only then did he stand.
His gaze lingered on Haneul one last time.
Before quietly whispering,
"Tomorrow Lisa will come for the last session this month."
His voice was barely audible.
Almost speaking to himself.
His eyes lowered.
A tired hope appearing there.
"Maybe..."
A pause.
"Maybe you'll finally tell her everything you're carrying inside."
The room remained silent.
Haneul continued sleeping peacefully.
Taekyun switched off the bedside lamp.
Then quietly left the room
The living room was dark except for a small lamp near the couch.
A fresh cup of coffee waited on the table.
Still steaming.
Taekyun sat down heavily.
Opening his phone.
Several unread messages immediately appeared.
From Nayeon.
Employees, friends and staff
His eyes slowly moved across the screen.
He opened Nayeon's chat.
How's Haneul?
How's Haru doing?
How is everything over there?
I tried calling you, but you didn't answer.
Don't worry about things here.
Everything is under control.
Abuji wasn't feeling well.
We moved him to the hospital.
He's stable now.
I've sent this week's reports.
Review them when you can.
Take care of yourself.
Take care of Haneul and Haru.
And let me know immediately if anything happens.
Taekyun stared at the messages.
For a long time.
But he never replied.
Eventually, he locked the phone.
And placed it back onto the table.
His laptop opened next.
Work files appeared on the screen.
Reports,meetings.
Financial statements.
Company matters.
The responsibilities he had tried leaving behind.
Yet somehow they still followed him.
Taekyun rubbed his forehead.
Trying to focus, to read.
Trying to understand even a single line.
But his mind refused.
Every word blurred together.
Every thought led back to the same place.
Haru.
Haneul.
The baby.
The hospital room.
The silence.
The fear.
Just like every night, he found himself trapped inside a battle no one could see.
A battle against his own thoughts.
Against his own exhaustion.
Against the loneliness that seemed endless.
After a long while, he lifted the coffee cup.
Taking a slow sip.
The bitter taste spread across his tongue.
His eyes drifted toward the dark hallway.
And toward the room where Haneul slept.
Toward the room that had become the center of his entire world.
A tired smile appeared on his face.
Painfully small.
"Only if I could escape..."
His voice was almost a whisper.
"with you and Haru."