#96
Taemin felt like he had been struck by lightning out of a clear sky.
Just a week ago, when his father had called, he had only said they would meet in Korea, not that he would come to Jihwado.
And now, this guerrilla-style visit was astounding. What a cunning old fox.
“When did he arrive?”
“Just a moment ago. It seems he didn’t have a pre-arranged meeting?”
“No…”
“Oh my…”
Secretary Kang continued, looking increasingly uncomfortable.
“The Chairman is in the living room now.”
“Hah…”
Taemin brushed his bangs back, looking troubled. Idam also opened his heavy eyes at Secretary Kang’s alarming report. He moved his swollen lips.
“The… the CEO’s father has come…?”
Taemin nodded instead of answering.
“How… how… like this…”
Idam felt the rising heat suddenly drop as if hit by a cooler. He never expected to face Taemin’s father in this situation.
“No. Is this some kind of hidden camera prank?”
Im Hoyoung also looked quite flustered. Moreover, he had a more complex expression as he looked at Idam’s belly.
Taemin twisted his lips tightly.
Thinking about it now, when Hyeongman had called recently, he must have already been planning to visit Jihwado when he asked Taemin how long he would be staying. Hyeongman was inherently a suspicious person and sharp. Guessing that Taemin was hiding something, he had launched this surprise attack, leaving no time for preparation, resulting in this bewildering situation.
“Ah, this is driving me crazy.”
Taemin felt his anger rise at the feeling of being blindsided. But when his eyes met Idam’s, he calmed down.
The large eyes, groaning in pain, were full of anxiety and nervousness. Already frightened by his father’s appearance, Idam seemed even more worried now that Taemin was agitated. He first calmed his excitement before speaking.
“I’ll talk to my father and come back, so don’t worry and rest.”
“Shouldn’t… shouldn’t I go too?”
Originally, their contract had started to avoid Taemin’s strategic marriage. So naturally, Idam thought he should step up too.
“No. You can help me later.”
Taemin gently stroked Idam’s hair. Idam felt his heart flutter at the gentle touch, but it also felt cruel, making him slightly turn his head away.
Why did he need to be so affectionate when he neither loved nor liked him? It only made Idam’s feelings more complicated.
“What’s this?”
Im Hoyoung, watching the two, adjusted his glasses with a strange look.
* * *
“How did you suddenly come all the way here, Father?”
Taemin, who had come out to the living room, sat on the sofa. He stared at Hyeongman sitting across from him. With the same black hair and blue eyes as Taemin, he was undoubtedly Taemin’s blood relative. Hyeongman, looking completely at ease, sipped his black tea and smiled gently.
“I came because I wanted to see the face of the extremely hot omega you’re keeping.”
“You should have contacted me in advance then.”
“Emotions are like a ferry that doesn’t know where it will flow. It’s no fun if you give notice.”
Hyeongman answered as if watching a mouse caught in a trap. Taemin became even more certain. Hyeongman was worried about the troublesome emotions that might arise between Taemin and Idam. Just as he had experienced himself.
“I heard that you’re currently living a married life with that omega.”
It seemed Grandfather had informed Hyeongman not only about Idam’s existence but also about the nature of their relationship. Taemin hadn’t specifically asked for it to be kept secret, so it seemed he had mentioned it.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“So that’s why you’re wearing that ring?”
Hyeongman looked askance at the fourth finger of Taemin’s left hand.
“You’re doing such childish things to deceive that omega?”
“Without details, nothing is complete.”
As Taemin retorted, a sneer appeared on Hyeongman’s face.
“I heard he’s young and has a decent face. Well, I guess that’s why you’ve been enchanted.”
“It’s not like that. I’m keeping him close because I need that omega’s pheromones. It’s purely a business relationship.”
Taemin refuted in a businesslike manner. But Hyeongman seemed to have already seen through the feelings his son hadn’t realized yet.
“Let me see that omega’s face once.”
“He’s not feeling well right now.”
“Why? Is he sick?”
“Yes. When his condition improves, I’ll arrange a meeting.”
Honestly, Taemin wished Hyeongman would just leave. Right now, Idam was not only physically unwell but also struggling greatly because of Taemin’s memory loss. If he were to hear even slightly harsh words from Hyeongman in this situation, it seemed he would be deeply hurt.
Hyeongman looked reluctant but nodded.
“Alright. Well, I plan to stay here for a week, so something should work out within that time.”
What? A whole week? Shocked, Taemin’s brow furrowed involuntarily. At the same time, a curve appeared in Hyeongman’s eyes.
“Our son, are you so happy that I’m staying for a long time?”
* * *
“Haa…”
Idam, exhaling a heated breath, looked at the door Taemin had left through. His feelings were complicated thanks to the sudden arrival of Taemin’s father. Their previous meeting at the Korean restaurant had been postponed, and while he knew they would eventually meet, he didn’t expect him to come like this. His anxiety was amplified, especially since he wasn’t feeling well.
He recalled the brief encounter with Taemin’s father at the restaurant before. He had a very gentlemanly image. Also, since Taemin had said his father was polite to others, Idam wanted to believe he wouldn’t be too rough, but his heart still felt heavy.
“What should I do?”
While Idam was pacing nervously, Taemin came back into the bedroom. Idam sat up abruptly, forgetting about his poor physical condition.
“What… what happened?”
“Father said he has something to do today, so we’ll meet in a few days.”
“Ah… I see.”
He felt somewhat relieved that they wouldn’t have to meet right away.
Taemin sat on the bed and held Idam’s hand tightly.
“For now, focus on getting better. Don’t worry and rest.”
“Yes… I understand.”
Idam, whose posture had slightly slumped, lay back down in a proper position. As Taemin said, he needed to first calm this rising fever and recover. Only then could he act without mistakes in front of Taemin’s father. Regardless of Taemin’s feelings, Idam had to proceed with the contract he had agreed to fulfill. It wasn’t just about the money; the fundamental reason was his feelings for Taemin.
Perhaps because the tension had eased, Idam felt sleep washing over him like waves, and his eyes closed again. Even in this state, his stomach continued to feel hot and bubbling.
How much time had passed?
When Idam opened his eyes again, the sun was setting outside the window, and the clock indicated it was evening.
Idam pulled back the blanket and sat up. His body felt much lighter. He thought he might recover faster than expected. Instinctively looking for Taemin, he scanned the surroundings. Taemin was absent. He wished Taemin would stay by his side continuously… He felt unnecessarily disappointed. Then suddenly, he thought how foolish he was for feeling this way.
“I’m really stupid. Really.”
Feeling bitter, Idam got up from the bed. He felt uncomfortable, probably because he had sweated a lot. Thinking he should wash up first, he went into the bathroom.
* * *
After changing into fresh clothes and drying his hair, Idam looked refreshed. He felt more energetic after washing up. Then he noticed the sheets he had been lying on. They were a mess, soaked with sweat. Since it wasn’t a bed he used alone, he thought he should replace them with new ones. Not wanting to bother the employees, Idam was about to change the sheets himself, folding the blanket and removing the cover, when—
Knock knock.
There was a knocking sound.
“Yes, come in.”
He answered, naturally thinking it would be an employee. But when the door opened, the person who entered was someone he never imagined.
“You’re awake.”
It was Ji Hyeongman, who bore a striking resemblance to Taemin’s features.
“Oh!”
Idam froze momentarily at the appearance of this unexpected person. But feeling he should be polite, he bowed deeply. He thought it was fortunate that he had showered and changed. If he hadn’t, he might have been seen in a terrible state.
“Ah… Hello.”
“You were awake?”
Hyeongman smiled, looking Idam up and down from head to toe. His gaze was like that of an interviewer.
“I suppose Taemin told you who I am?”
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you, Chairman. I’m Yeo Idam.”
Idam greeted him stiffly, like a wooden puppet. Due to nervousness, he didn’t know where to look. As a result, his eyes fell to the floor.
“We’ve met before, haven’t we?”
“Yes.”
He seemed to be referring to their brief encounter at the restaurant before. Hyeongman’s gaze remained fixed on Idam, unwavering.
“Completely a child… a child.”
He mumbled softly, but Idam heard it clearly. This made Idam shrink even more, narrowing his shoulders.
“How old are you?”
“Twe… Twenty years old.”
After revealing his age, which was so much younger than Taemin’s, Idam felt even heavier. It made him feel like he shouldn’t be by Taemin’s side.
“Twenty years old…”
Hyeongman, repeating Idam’s age, narrowed the distance a bit more. Then he touched Idam’s cheek.
“According to Taemin, I heard you weren’t feeling well. How are you?”
“Huh? I’m… I’m fine.”
Startled by his sudden touch, Idam’s shoulders flinched.
“Then, would you like to have dinner together today?”
Dinner.
Idam felt his vision darken at the thought of having to attend such a burdensome event. The appointment that was supposed to be in a few days had suddenly come closer. Flustered, Idam couldn’t easily answer and hesitated.
At that moment, the door violently opened, and Taemin entered. He looked at Hyeongman and shouted.
“Father, what are you doing right now!”
His eyes were blazing with fire.
