Chapter Text
“That’s the last of it sir.” Seungcheol’s secretary collects the last folder from him.
He raised an eyebrow, “Is it?” He asked, thinking there’s more.
“Yes sir, and it’s almost 6pm. Your wife called—“ she clamped a hand on her mouth. “I mean, your ex-wife called to remind you about dinner.”
“It’s okay Ms. Ha, it’s not like it’s an ugly divorce.” Seungcheol smiles and puts down his pen. Standing as he loosened his tie, he continues. “Although i should really start clocking out on time so you could get home earlier, don’t you think so.”
The secretary blushes. “I don’t mind sir. Even after all these years i’m still very thankful for this opportunity— being a beta and all.”
Seungcheol puts on his coat. “It’s not about your second gender. You, as a person, earned it.” And then he circles his desk. “I’m heading out now. Make sure to send me my schedule for tom—“
“Already did sir.”
Seungcheol smiled. “See? That’s why you’re here. Always on top of things.” And then he walks to where the door is. “Get home safely Ms. Ha.”
Seungcheol greets all the employees that he meets in the hallway and lobby. He refuses to take the executive elevator and prefers to use the common ones because he doesnt understand the logic behind it. Why even elevators signal privilege escapes him. It just doesn’t make sense.
He’s never taken the executive elevator before when he was the vice-president. But even with him taking ownership of the corporation, he still prefers to do it his way. Which is why he’s so beloved by all the employees— the best CEO there is.
But while Seungcheol would like to credit his parents for making sure he grows up decent and well, one person is a huge factor on why he is the person he is today.
Jeonghan.
There’s a pinch and a gentle caress on his chest at the same time— bittersweet. The feeling of remembering him still remains.
Jeonghan has always instilled in him the importance of equality. In all things— regardless of who they are. All person should be treated with the same dignity and respect, unless they prove themselves unworthy of it—Jeonghan often always says.
So it’s stuck with him— ever since and from then on. He sees it as a way of having a piece of Jeonghan everywhere he goes.
Not like he ever felt that Jeonghan is completely gone.
He still feels him— their bond. Very faint, barely there— but there.
In a way it consoles him. Knowing that his mate is doing fine— wherever he may be. Although there are nights (most of them) when it gets lonely and all he could think about was what if— what if Jeonghan comes back?
It was a battle with himself— all these years, trying to hold back the urge to find his mate.
There were times when the feeling of longing is unbearable— it breaks him, swallows him whole. But he didn’t want all of Jeonghan’s work be put in vain. So although not having Jeonghan by his side resulted in a million deaths, he endured. Thinking the time will come when they would cross paths again.
Hopefully, they wouldn’t need to be apart again by then.
He was about to go inside his car when— so suddenly, he felt something in his chest.
Heavy— a firm grip.
The exact feeling when they—-
When they mated.
And he hasn’t felt this for a long time.
10 years.
10 long years.
The feeling of his mate.
Jeonghan.
Seungcheol clutches on his chest. Tears forming in his eyes.
“He’s here.”
—
Jeonghan is not entirely sure coming back to Korea is the best decision.
Not when he’s well established in Japan. A high profile lawyer who deals with multi-million international corporations, a highly respected omega in his own right.
A very beautiful and smart daughter by his side.
He had it all
— although not exactly.
Because even after all these years, a huge part of him remains empty.
A gap in his heart that only one person can fill.
“Appa?” a little voice calls out to him. He feels a smaller hand hold his own. “Are we going?”
Jeonghan finally returns to present. Smiling as he held his daughter’s hand back. “Yes, Hana. We are.”
“Hyung!” another voice calls out to him. Looking up, a familiar man approached them. “Sorry, traffic was insane.”
“Papa Gyu!” Hana reaches out to the other man. “I missed you!” Mingyu took her into his arms, lifting him up although faking he cannot anymore because of how big she’s gotten. “I was only away for two months yet you’ve grown so much!”
“Really? I feel like I lost weight because the food back home is not as delicious without you.” The girl pouts.
“Look at her charming me.” Mingyu turns to Jeonghan. “She definitely got this from you.”
Jeonghan smiles proudly at his daughter. “Of course.”
Mingyu takes his luggage. “Come on now, the car’s right upfront. Let me take you home.”
Mingyu and Hana walked in front of him.
Jeonghan still couldn’t get himself to move.
Because moving now means he’s really doing this.
He’s stepping in painful, familiar territories and he isn’t sure he should.
“Appa!” His daughter’s voice snaps him out of his thoughts again. “Let’s go!”
Jeonghan nods, closing his eyes to compose himself.
He takes one step forward.
He’s really doing this.
--
The light in the foyer opened when Seungcheol stepped in. The door clicks behind him and then a voice echoes from the kitchen. “Cheol?”
“Hey.” He walks to where the voice is. “I’m here.”
“You’re home late again.” The woman nags at him-- teasingly as she’s always done so throughout the years of their marriage.
“I know. That’s why you divorced me, right?”
Jihyo comes to him with a hug and kiss on the cheek. “You wish.” the playfulness never left her eyes. Seungcheol realized his ex-wife has never been more beautiful. This glow on her right now-- of happiness and love and contentment-- it’s blinding and really lovely on her.
Reuniting with her mate really did turn her world around.
“Must you really go? You’re the only one who gets me to eat home cooked meals. I’m worried no one will remind me that I should go home in time and change out of my work clothes before going to bed.”
Jihyo motioned for him to sit. “You’re making me sound like your mother.”
Seungcheol shrugs. “You actually nag me more than she ever did so…”
Jihyo’s offended face made Seungcheol laugh. When silence fell upon them, his face mellowed. “I mean it though, I’m going to miss you.”
Jihyo reaches for his hand across the table. “Me too, Cheol. Me too. You know how thankful I am to you.”
Seungcheol just smiled, remembering all the years they had together. All the happy memories they had as a family. But now that Jihyo has reunited with her mate-- her ex that she thought had left her after finding out she got pregnant.
In the end she found out that her father, the senator, did have a hand on why her lover disappeared. Seungcheol felt her pain. He knows the feeling all too well. But with the senator behind bars now, guilty of so many charges against him. They are now free to do whatever they want-- something they were deprived of because of his greed.
Which is why when she said that he came back-- hoping to work things out again. And this time, knowing her father won’t be interfering ever again, Seungcheol was quick to support her to get her happiness back.
Nevermind if he has to be alone. Jihyo and Yoogeun-- her son, who he’s always treated like his own, deserves to be happy and have a complete family.
“Dad! I’m home!” Yoogeun comes running from the door, hugging Seungcheol as soon as he saw him. “Hey buddy! Wow I feel like everytime I see you, you grow taller than before!”
“Ask him about his girlfriend.” Jihyo teased his son, making him turn as red as a cherry.
“A girlfriend? Ya, Kim Yoogeun, I told you to study? What are you doing flirting at school huh?” Seungcheol bombars the boy with questions, eliciting laughter from Jihyo.
“No dad, it’s not like that!”
“How am I going to allow you to go to Canada now huh? Knowing you’ve got yourself a girlfriend here?”
The boy gives up and slouches on his chair, knowing he’s never going to hear the end of it from Seungcheol.
“You know, I fear for the time when you get a daughter. I doubt you’ll allow her to get married until she’s 40.”
“Damn right.” Seungcheol says proudly. “She’s going to be daddy’s girl all her life.”
Jihyo looks at Seungcheol with so much sincerity in her eyes. “You’re an amazing father, Cheol. I know the time will come when you’ll be blessed with your own child too.”
The alpha smiles bitterly. Thinking of all those times long ago when he and Jeonghan discussed having children.
It seems so far fetched now-- so out of his reach.
The dinner went by quickly. Seungcheol just really requested some time to be with them before they leave to migrate to Canada where Jihyo’s mate had relocated.
They have divorced two years ago already, but Jihyo and Yoogeun remained a constant part of his life. They still very much feel like a family and Seungcheol is glad that Jihyo’s mate permits them-- especially him and Yoogeun to still go to trips and bond together.
Seungcheol thinks that’s what he’s going to miss the most.
He’s always wanted a child of his own. That’s why even though Yoogeun is not his, he really did all he could to be the best father he can be for him.
“You know, I never really thanked you properly.” Jihyo held his hand. “For all those years that you remained by my side. For taking the responsibility that isn’t yours to begin with. For enduring difficult times with me. Just-- for everything I can’t even say.”
Seungcheol smiled. “I should be the one to thank you. You’ve endured my smell all these years.” Seungcheol fought back the tears so he came up with something that would make Jihyo laugh instead.
“It’s a scent I’ve grown to love. And one I will truly miss.” Jihyo held his face. “You’ve made life so easy for me, Cheol. You loved me and Yoogeun without hesitation. I’ll forever be grateful for that.” she continued. “I’m very thankful to Jeonghan..” it’s the first time Seungcheol heard her mention his name. “I know you know we met before he left. But I never got to tell you what we talked about.” Seungcheol felt his heartbeat racing. “He told me about you. That you’re wonderful. A good person. One that has so much respect for other people.” and then she giggled. “And that you’re cranky when you wake up but a better person after breakfast. He was the one to told me to nag at you-- to remind you to take breaks. To remind you that there’s life outside work.” Seungcheol didn’t notice the tears from his eyes that fell unconsciously. “He told me all those things hoping that life together will be more bearable for us-- and it was. It truly was. I don’t know if I will ever get to meet him again in the future, but I have a feeling that you will. And when that time comes, please thank him for me. I never really got the chance to say it to him personally back then. So please, on my behalf, tell him.” She wiped his tears away and Seungcheol can only nod.
“And also, when that time comes, don’t let him go, okay? Fight for it-- for your love. For each other.” Jihyo pulls him into a tight hug. “I wish you the same happiness that I have right now, Cheol. Heaven knows you deserve it. Jeonghan, too.”
Seungcheol hugged the woman who’s become his life for the past decade. The company she provided him, the care that she extended to him. The family she’s given him. Life indeed was bearable because of her and Yoogeun.
Jihyo teased him for being a crybaby before she left. He could only watch as she walks to the door, opening it and with one last look at him, she exits their once shared home.
In a way, he’s never really felt alone after Jeonghan left. Although of course the pain of not having his mate beside him is unforgiving, but with Jihyo and Yoogeun around, it was easier to get by everyday.
But now, with them leaving… how is he supposed to go on?
Seungcheol sinks to his couch.
Now he really feels alone.
--
“Hyung, are you sure about doing this?” Mingyu looks to his side, seeing Jeonghan look out the window of the car.
“It’s why I went back. I need to see this through.” Jeonghan’s jaw squared, trying to mask the quiver that’s creeping up to his lips.
It had been two weeks since he got back from Japan. And during those times, all they did were think of ways on how to get through Seungcheol’s company without actually having to go see him personally.
But they reached a dead end.
In able to achieve their goals, they have to take it up to him. And being the main representative of his sister’s pharmaceutical company, he needs to be the one to present to him.
But to be very honest, Jeonghan just really wants to get through this meeting okay. To be able to finish it without Seungcheol taking the conversation to their personal matters.
In and out. He told himself. It’ll be in and out.
Stepping out of the car and into the familiar building he used to frequent for so many years. Jeonghan immediately felt nostalgic.
But right now, he needs his talent. The specific one that allows him to mask all his emotions. Although, that never really worked on Seungcheol.
His heart raced rapidly, as if it would jump out of his chest and find his mate by itself wherever he may be in the building. Jeonghan took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
30 minutes-- 1 hour max. He just needs to make it past that time.
“Did we disclose that I’m the one meeting him?” Jeonghan asked quietly.
Mingyu shook his head. “But if he’s familiar with your sister’s company, then… he might..”
Jeonghan nodded. “Of course.” and Seungcheol is. There’s basically no chance at all that he won’t be the one meeting them-- him.
They were led to a conference room. One that’s awfully familiar to Jeonghan because he’s been here before.
When they were all discussing the problem with the senator.
“The CEO will be here soon.” the secretary announced. And even though Jeonghan already expected that, he still felt his heart go wild with the confirmation.
He’s going to see Seungcheol.
“Hyung, are you okay?” Mingyu’s voice was quiet, as if anything louder than that will break Jeonghan.
And it was at that time that he felt it.
That feeling.
That scent.
Seungcheol.
Heavy footsteps were heard from outside the conference room.
There was no need to announce who it was.
Jeonghan can tell by feeling and sense.
Regardless, the moment his eyes met Seungcheol’s own still made everything fade into background.
Judging by the alpha’s eyes, he had also expected to see Jeonghan there.
Or it can be that he sensed him just as much as he did. Because if an alpha is deprived of his mate for a long time, it enhances his senses when they’re finally reunited. In turn, it makes the omega all the more sensitive to having his alpha near him again.
Which is what Jeonghan is worried about.
Mingyu nudged Jeonghan, shaking him out of his trance. “Ah, Thank you for meeting us, CEO Choi.”
Seungcheol stares right at him-- a lingering gaze that sends shivers running down the omega’s spine. “You may drop your formalities, Jeonghan.” Hearing him say his name again after so long bites him-- so hard it stings. “It’s not like we don’t know each other.” That statement was loaded and the air around them felt so heavy even other could tell something is up.
“Hello, I’m Jeon Wonwoo, Region head.” Seungcheol’s companion extended his hand towards Jeonghan, but it was Mingyu who took it. “I’m Kim Mingyu, Jeonghan’s business partner. Nice to meet you.”
The meeting commenced right away. Jeonghan put on his game face, praying to the heavens his voice is convincing enough-- but really, Seungcheol staring at him intently from across the table dissolves all his strength and concentration. Mingyu even had to take over at times just so the omega can compose himself again.
“We are hoping that with the help from your corporation’s huge reach, that these supplements and suppressants for betas and omegas will get its foothold in countries difficult to penetrate. We know that right now it seems so far fetched, but we’re confident that we’ll meet our goal.” Mingyu finished the presentation.
There was a brief silence as Wonwoo read through the terms and Seungcheol stare at Jeonghan even more. The omega tried his best to look unbothered but he knows-- he knows the alpha could see right through his facade.
“Okay.” Seungcheol’s voice broke the deafening silence surrounding them. “I’ll sign.”
“But I’m not done reading--” Wonwoo didn’t get to finish because Seungcheol nodded at him. “I’ve known Jeonghan since before his campaign for omegas and betas started. My trust in him has never wavered so i’m confident that signing this deal will be worth it.” Seungcheol continued. “And the goal of this project has always aligned with the principles our corporation stands for.” Seungcheol flips through the folder and signs the contract. “We’re looking forward to working with you. Mr Kim, Wonwoo will show you to where the other documents can be accomplished.”
Mingyu was quick to react, turning to Jeonghan and holding him on the arm. He was intent on not leaving the omega alone.
That gesture from Mingyu elicited a scent from Seungcheol so strong it caught Jeonghan off guard. “It’s okay, Gyu.” the omega assured him. Seungcheol’s dagger-like gaze at Mingyu’s hand on Jeonghan’s arm signals his jealousy-- a feeling that Jeonghan can smell from the alpha.
Mingyu left the room hesitantly, whispering that he’ll be as quick as he could.
Leaving the two mates alone in the conference room.
It was then that Jeonghan found his courage to look Seungcheol in the eyes-- face expressionless and he hoped it translated to his scent.
And to be able to smell each other’s scent-- like this, after so long, it was definitely overwhelming. Both of them shifted on their seats as they try to not make it obvious how each other’s pheromones are affecting them.
“You know I can smell you, right?” What even got him to think that anything about him could pass Seungcheol-- nothing ever did. “You’re pressing your legs together.” and he was. Because in all honestly, having his alpha-- the one he hasn’t been with in such a long time-- triggers so much emotion. So much feeling-- so much desire that it seeps through his scent. “Do you need me to get out of the room?” Seungcheol’s question baffled him. His voice softened, his eyes of worry. “I can go, if it’s becoming unbearable to have me here any longer. I can go.”
But Jeonghan doesn’t want him to.
“Or I won’t.” Seungcheol smiled softly. And Jeonghan knew the alpha relaxed because he smelled his panic when he asked about leaving. “Are you okay?” but the alpha isn’t only asking about right now, his question pertains to all those years of being apart.
All those years he wasn’t by his side.
“I am..” Jeonghan told him, meeting his eyes yet again. “I’ve been alright.”
Seungcheol nodded, relief translated into his eyes. “That’s good to know.” Seungcheol’s gaze hasn’t left him ever since he came in. “You grew your hair. It suits you.”
“Thank you.” Jeonghan thinks he doesn’t deserve the softness in Seungcheol’s voice. He deserved anger-- not fondness. Especially not after what he did, although the alpha probably won’t be as gracious when he finds out about his secret.
Jeonghan is torn between wishing for Mingyu to come get him fast, and savoring this reunion with Seungcheol.
But every passing second exposes him to the alpha. And his fear of the latter shifting their conversation to their personal life is biting him at the back, making him vulnerable.
“It pains me to see how uncomfortable you are having me around now.” Seungcheol’s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.
“Seungcheol..” saying the alpha’s name now makes him heady. That’s how much his presence is affecting him. “I— it’s not like that.”
“I know. You don’t need to explain. And i don’t want you to be on guard. I’m not going to ask anything. I just— i just want to look at you.” For the first time since seeing each other again, the alpha allowed his desperation to reach Jeonghan. The look on his eyes changed— and it’s something the omega didn’t want to see in his mate because it was of longing and pain.
Suddenly, the door opens and Mingyu and Wonwoo walks in. “We’re done.” Mingyu announced, worry creased his forehead as he inspected Jeonghan.
Seungcheol’s jaw squared at the sight of his omega being touched by another alpha— an unmated one at that. He can tell by the annoying scent that lingers in the air.
And it upsets him so much that it mixes with Jeonghan’s own.
Mingyu hurriedly thanked them for their time. Saying they appreciate this and that— Seungcheol didn’t really pay attention. His eyes are fixed on the hold the taller man has got around his mate.
Oh how he wants to put him in place.
But Jeonghan must have smelled his anger, seeking his gaze from across the table. The omega’s eyes plead for him to calm down.
Jeonghan excused themselves, wanting to be out of that situation as fast as he could. Because he knows that Seungcheol may snap anytime, given how touchy Mingyu can get.
Now left in the conference room, Seungcbeol leans to the backrest of his chair. He turns to Wonwoo and asks, “What do you know about that Mingyu guy?”
—
The whole ride home was quiet. Jeonghan is aware of Mingyu’s worried glances by the rear view mirror, but he can’t bring himself to assure the other that he’s okay.
Because really— he isn’t.
Who would be, given the situation?
“I thought he’d kill me back there.” Mingyu broke the silence. It took some time for Jeonghan to process what he just said as he shakes off all the thoughts inside his head. “Even without smelling him, you can tell he was jealous.”
Jeonghan was aware of it. Seungcheol reeked of jealousy.
But there was no need to. Mingyu has always been just a friend-- someone who helped him through all the weathers his life brought to him. A constant in his life ever since.
They met when he was still pregnant with Hana. A few months after he decided to move from the States to Japan. He was very much struggling then-- with work, his life and all the complications his pregnancy had brought upon.
It was gruelling. He didn’t have the smoothest of pregnancy.
Mingyu was already a part of the firm when he joined. His kindness and company are what got him through all these years. Even going as far as becoming Hana’s other dad-- showering his daughter with so much love and care that Jeonghan knows he wouldn’t be able to repay in this lifetime.
But that’s all that they had. Mingyu, although an unmated alpha, had never really been a love interest.
In fact, nobody ever was.
Just Seungcheol.
Only Seungcheol.
“You know it can still work out for the both of you, right?” Mingyu lost the mischief in his voice, now being all serious.
“I’m-- no, I don’t think it would. I can’t just come back and walk into his life again just like that. And besides, he’s married. I-- I can’t do that to him.”
Mingyu frowns. “What do you mean married?”
Jeonghan looks at him. “He is. I met her.”
“Was, hyung. Was. They got divorced two years ago. Everybody knew that so I thought I didn’t have to tell you.”
“What?” Jeonghan found that difficult to process.
“It was talk of the town back then-- or at least here it was. And from what I heard last, his ex-wife had already migrated to Canada with the biological father of her child.” Mingyu glances at him. “Hyung, are you being serious?”
He is. He’s never heard about it. He did his best to stay out of the loop when Seungcheol got married. A fear inside him ate him out because-- what if, what if Seungcheol learns to love his bride and then they really do start a family of their own? And although in a way, it was his wish back then, a huge part of him still hoped that Seungcheol will value their bond over everything.
And it was selfish of him to want that-- but then he’s always wanted to be selfish when it comes to Seungcheol. But he never really acted out on it. Which is why he chose to leave.
Lost in his own thoughts, he didn’t notice when Mingyu pulled up on their driveway. Only realizing that they’re home when he heard the other man’s seatbelt being taken off. “Oh, we’re here.”
“Yes, hyung. Are you alright?”
Jeonghan smiled to reassure the young alpha. “I will be.”
Walking inside their house, he was met by the smell of delicious food. Knowing exactly the people behind said smell.
“Appa!” Hana ran to him immediately. “Uncle Seok and Shua are teaching me how to bake!” The flour on her cheeks gave it away.
“Oh hyung, you’re back?” Seokmin smiles at him, Shua following him out shortly after. “You’re early. How did the meeting go?” the latter asked.
“Well, as fine as it could go.” Jeonghan smiles, not really wanting to go into details with Hana still with them. “Thank you guys for coming in in such short notice. It totally slipped my mind that my parents wouldn’t be available to look after Hana today.”
Seokmin makes some noise. “Hyung, we told you, no need to say thank you everytime. We’re always here if you need us.” Hana then goes to her Uncle Seok to give him a tight hug. “Besides, this little chef here is pretty lovely, don’t you think so Shua hyung?”
Seokmin’s omega smiles at them, “Absolutely.”
Jeonghan is so blessed to have these people in their lives. Seokmin and Shua have always been his go-to people whenever he needed someone to look after his daughter. Especially back when they were still living in Japan as well. They moved back to Korea a year ago so it’s been quite some time since they’ve last spend time with Hana.
Seokmin suggested she comes over to them every week. Telling her their kitchen can be her paradise. Shua and Seok loved cooking. It’s always been something that greatly connected them-- aside from their bond. And Jeonghan feels so warm because even though Hana has not met her biological father (yet) she never felt lonely because she’s loved by so many people.
When night came and the couple had left, Jeonghan and Hana lay side by side on her bed.
“Appa, how did the meeting go?”
Jeonghan just smiled. Not entirely sure what to tell his daughter.
“Did you see him? My—- my dad?”
And hearing her say that— it broke Jeonghan’s heart.
He never really hid things from his daughter. He told her what he could— about her father. The person he is and the father he could be. Hana deserved to know.
Seungcheol deserved to be known.
And his daughter has always been wise beyond her years. His source of strength. Jeonghan even thinks she’s much more stronger than he ever was. Or ever will be.
“I did.” He answered her. “I did see him today.”
Curiosity all over Hana’s face made Jeonghan tell her a bit more than he intended. “He hasn’t changed— your dad. Still the same dashing guy i met back when i was younger.”
“He didn’t get mad at you?” Jeonghan was caught off guard by Hana’s question. See? She definitely thinks mature for her age.
Jeonghan shakes his head.
“I’m glad.” The girl smiles. “I was worried he would be, appa. He still loves you, then.” There was this look on his daughter’s face and Jeonghan can’t quite figure it out.
But it looked like hope.
A hope for her to meet her father.
A hope for a complete family.
—
The familiar smell of coffee beans lingered in the air.
Now, Jeonghan feels home.
And looking around, it’s so nice to see that their favorite cafe did not change at all.
Brings back so many memories from their younger years. Especially the last time they visited here.
He orders his usual and was glad to see his favorite spot unoccupied.
It wasn’t on his agenda today to visit here. But somehow, he found himself exiting Seoul and driving all the way here— as if wanting a little bit of his peace. A little bit of Seungcheol’s memories with him as well.
He hasn’t stopped thinking about Mingyu’s revelation since he heard it.
And he confirmed it— you know, just in case Mingyu heard it wrong.
But he didn’t— because it’s true.
The divorce was settled smoothly, a loving relationship remained. He heard that Seungcheol really did treat his bride with love and respect.
A bitter smile forms on his lips.
Seungcheol really did keep his promise.
His attention was caught when his order was placed on his table. The server recited his order— along with his specifics.
Although that made Jeonghan frown because he didn’t remember telling the barista.
Looking up— he was shocked to be met by two velvet black eyes he knew so well.
“Cheol…”
The alpha smiled at him.
“What are you doing here?” When he stepped in the cafe, he did notice a faint scent— but he shook it off thinking it might just be something from the menu. The strong smell of the coffee beans can sometimes mess with scents after all.
“I own this cafe.” The alpha explained. But instead of being enlightened, Jeonghan was all the more confused. “They were about to close business a few years ago. But i couldn’t let them do that.. because i know how much you love this place. That in case you’d come back—“ Jeonghan noticed the alpha’s voice break. But he didn’t comment on it because he feels the same.
Seungcheol kept their favorite place.
For him.
“Anyway, i hope you like your coffee. I dont usually make and serve orders. But i saw you and thought i’d put years of learning your favorite to good use.” Seungcheol looked so adorable, both hands behind him, surely tucked in his back pockets as he shifted his weight from one foot to another.
It’s rare seeing the alpha this way. Because he’s always been known as intimidating and authoritative.
But with Jeonghan this childishness comes out. Gentleness drawn from his tough look.
And looking at him now, seemingly nervous about the cup of coffee in question.
Jeonghan is fighting the urge to get up and smother him with everything he has.
“I’ll go now. Uh, it’s nice seeing you here—“
“No.” Even Jeonghan was surprised at himself. But knowing what he knows now, maybe— just maybe.. “You can stay if you want.”
The alpha was obviously taken aback.
But he smiled when he recovered, happiness twinkled in his eyes as he sat down with his mate.
“Do you come here often?” The omega tried small talk when an awkward silence befell them.
“Just— when i can. My schedule doesn’t permit it to be as often as i want to though.”
And isn’t fate crazy? For them to catch each other here— today of all days. Jeonghan wants to think of it as a sign.
But can he really?
Another long silence came over them. Jeonghan busies himself with blowing on his coffee. Seungcheol trying to hard to not look nervous as he sees his mate readying himself for the first sip.
When Jeonghan finally did. He hid a smile behind the cup.
It’s just like how he remembers— even better since his alpha is the one who made it.
Seungcheol must have caught sniff of his scent, because he finally relaxes. Looking outside the window, he’s holding himself back as well from smiling so widely, knowing his omega is pleased.
He still can’t believe this is happening.
“Why aren’t you asking me questions?” Jeonghan suddenly asked.
Seungcheol pressed his lips thinly— that thing he does when he’s holding back a smile. “Because i knew. I’ve known since you asked me 10 years ago, to go somewhere— just the two of us. I knew then that that was you trying to make as much memories with me as possible. I knew you were leaving. But it still hurt just the same when you really did.” Seungcheol continued. “To be honest i thought i would get mad at you. Hate you for leaving me. But i couldn’t bring myself to do that because i knew exactly why you had to do what you did. And now… i cant ask you anything because i respect your decision. You did what’s best for everyone. Always so selfless— how can i question that?”
Jeonghan took another sip of his coffee. Failing to find the right words to say, he decided to change the topic. “How’s Jihyo?”
“Happy. She migrated to Canada with her family. Her mate.” Seungcheol’s smile was genuine. “He came back two years ago and they immediately got back together. They got married a few months back. Her son has also grown so big. He’s 10 now.” He saw the fondness in Seungcheol’s eyes when he talked about the child.
Jeonghan hoped he’d have the same look if he finds out about Hana. “But— you’re okay with that?” He asked, referring to Jihyo remarrying.
Seungcheol nodded. “Of course. She’s a lovely person. She deserved the happiness she has now. And besides..” Seungcheol bit his bottom lip. “We lived under the same roof as husband and wife but we never really— didn’t have a relationship like that.”
“Oh.” Was all Jeonghan managed to say.
“Yeah.”
Another silence.
“How about you?” The alpha asked.
“Oh.. I—“ Jeonghan stuttered. “I never really— I couldn’t—“ even without being able to finish his sentence, the alpha got exactly what he meant.
“So Mingyu?”
Jeonghan put his coffee down and waves his hand furiously. “No, nothing like that. Mingyu is just— he’s a really good friend. He helped me out a lot.”
“I see.” Jeonghan saw the smelled the relief the alpha felt. “I see.”
Suddenly, Jeonghan’s phone rang.
And as if splashed with cold water, his daughter’s name flashed on the screen.
His heart wanted to escape his chest as the feeling of panic devours him.
How— with Seungcheol here.. he might..
He’s still scared to think of the possibility.
Because what if finding out about Hana will cause the alpha’s anger and resentment towards him?
What if that’s what will ruin him for good?
He couldn’t bring himself to think of that any further.
So he stood up in a haste, excusing himself from the alpha, saying something came up back home so he has to go.
Seungcheol followed him outside, confusion and worry all over his face.
Jeonghan thought about just leaving. Just— since his work here is done now, maybe it’s better if they just return to Japan and—
But he suddenly remembers the look on his daughter’s eyes that night he discussed about Seungcheol.
And Seungcheol’s fond look when he talked about Jihyo’s son he nurtured all those years back.
Maybe…
Just maybe..
With a pounding heartbeat he suddenly turns around to face the alpha. “Cheol..”
His mate looked at him, eyes huge with worry.
“I have to tell you something.”
—
Seungcheol haven’t slept in days.
Not since that day he saw Jeonghan in the cafe.
The omega has mentioned about telling him something— which he never really did, and instead asked him to come over to his house. Talk about it there.
He pulls up outside Jeonghan’s house.
Gripping the steering wheel with both of his hands, he suddenly found himself sweating.
As if something is bound to happen.
Walking up to the door, he frowned when he caught scent of something
— something sweet. Too sweet.
And while that can be Jeonghan’s.. the omega’s scent is usually deeper, more heady— the scent of lavender.
This one however— sweet, almost like flowers blooming for the first time.
Innocence.
He rang the doorbell.
Jeonghan came in no time.
“Cheol.. glad you could make it.” Jeonghan’s calm voice greeted him, but there’s something bothering him. He can tell by his shifty eyes.
“Are you—“ he was just about to ask if the omega is okay.. but then someone comes up from behind..
A girl.
Velvet black hair that ends on her shoulder. Huge, brown eyes with thick, long eyeslashes. Skin as white as ivory, with the darkest of crimson tint on her round cheeks. Lips as red as cherries.
A splitting image of him.
And the scent that he was unfamiliar of.
His child.