Haon’s voice trembled like a newborn goat as he held the phone. However, he did not cry.
Contrary to his image of seeming like he might cry at any moment, Haon had rarely cried out loud in his life. Of course, this excluded the times when he lost his senses due to heat.
“Are you listening…?”
Despite mustering the courage to confess his true feelings, there was no response from Seong-gu.
Haon checked his phone to see if the call had dropped and called out, “Seong-gu,” again. Still, there was no answer.
“Seong-gu….”
Only a faint breath could be heard.
“…Are you laughing?”
—No, no, I’m not laughing. I was just thinking.
Haon’s eyebrows furrowed at the laughter in Seong-gu’s voice. It was clear that he was trying to suppress his laughter. Haon knew this because he had tried to hold back laughter many times himself.
“I’m being serious. This isn’t a joke.”
—I’m not laughing because it’s funny; I’m laughing because it’s amazing.
Haon pulled a pillow close, feeling hurt, and switched the call to speakerphone. The phone was too big and heavy to hold for long.
“That’s mean. I won’t talk anymore.”
Despite saying that, he did not hang up. He buried his face in the pillow and waited for Seong-gu to apologize.
—I’m sorry. I laughed because I was amazed and happy.
“What’s so happy about it? I’m sad.”
Very sad.
At Haon’s mournful addition, Seong-gu’s faint laughter could be heard again. He seemed to be covering his mouth, but the phone’s excellent microphone picked up every sound.
—Haon has grown up. He even has a crush.
Haon’s eyes widened slightly, his anger toward Seong-gu dissipating as he heard the genuine warmth in his voice.
“I am grown up…..”
—So, is it a girl or a boy?
“…A boy.”
—Is he the same as you, a beta?
Haon, lying on his side, hesitated before whispering, “Alpha.” He spoke as if sharing a secret, and Seong-gu intuitively understood that their types were a significant barrier.
—Does he only date omegas?
It was the opposite, but Haon did not correct him.
He still lacked the courage to reveal that he had manifested as an omega. If he confessed that, Seong-gu would surely come to Seoul immediately and take him away.
—Did he directly say he feels sorry for you?
The sound of a can of beer being opened came from the other end of the phone. The sound of him drinking alcohol suggested that he had finished work early today.
“No… he didn’t.”
—Then why do you think that?
Haon listened to the sound of Seong-gu swallowing his drink, fidgeting with his blanket. He couldn’t keep his hands still, remembering the first time he had a drink with Inho.
“He’s just really nice to me. He has a lot of money. I just keep receiving, and he keeps giving.”
—Do you think he’s being nice because he feels sorry for you?
“Yes.”
Seong-gu listened to Haon calmly and then sighed, taking a sip of his drink. He had always known that one day he would be giving Haon relationship advice, but he hadn’t expected it to be this melancholic.
—Don’t you think he’s being nice because he likes you?
“No. Why would he like me?”
—He likes you because you’re you. You’re pretty, kind, and diligent. How could anyone not like you? Anyone who doesn’t must be blind.
Seong-gu became frustrated with Haon’s low self-esteem and launched into a long speech. He even cursed, saying that Haon shouldn’t bother with anyone who doesn’t see his worth.
“You’re just saying that because you’re my hyung.”
—Anyway, how rich is he? Does he work at a good company? Somewhere I would recognize?
Seong-gu felt disheartened that his beloved younger brother seemed intimidated by his crush’s status. It seemed like Inho did care for Haon, given how well he treated him.
Maybe the real issue was just their types. Those alphas were always causing problems.
“I think so.”
Haon gave a vague answer, as he still didn’t know Inho’s job. Seong-gu, having finished a 500ml can of beer in one go, continued to ask questions, sounding displeased.
—Does he own a house?
“Yes. It’s like a palace. Bigger than the village hall.”
—What kind of car does he drive? Is it a nice one?
“Um… a Lamorghini.”
—A Lamorghini? What kind of car is that? Is it a foreign car?
“I guess so. It looks kind of weird.”
Haon described Inho’s unique car as best as he could. Seong-gu, who drove a large tractor, was appalled at the car’s design, mostly due to Haon’s inadequate description.
“He suits it well. His hair is so shiny and a bright brown, like a foreign actor. You’d be surprised if you saw him in person.”
Now, Haon went on about Inho’s amazing skin, his always-perfect outfits, and his kind personality. His simple face lit up with a smile, his earlier melancholy forgotten.
—You really like him, huh?
Seong-gu, who had been quietly listening to Haon’s praise, suddenly asked. He sounded amused.
After listening to Haon’s story, Seong-gu felt that, although Haon was blinded by love, Inho did not seem like a bad person. He was simply a wealthy and capable individual who did not try to hide his affluence.
—If you like him that much, keep liking him. Don’t give up easily.
For Seong-gu, who had known Haon since childhood, this moment was precious. The boy who had never shown much desire for anything was now so smitten that he was on the verge of tears.
Haon had never shown such longing for anything, except when he announced his plans to move to the city.
—You should always do your best to avoid regrets.
Seong-gu hoped that Haon would find the courage to pursue his feelings, even if it meant getting hurt. Haon still had much to experience and learn.
—But if he rejects you, learn to let go gracefully, understand?
Haon was surprised by his hyung’s unexpected support. He had expected Seong-gu to tell him to give up and know his place.
Instead, Seong-gu encouraged him to do his best, which was a shock to Haon, who had only thought about hiding his feelings.
Seong-gu continued to offer Haon advice, reminding him that unrequited love is always painful.
—Don’t you remember when I was younger? I only drank water for a week after Su-yeon got married.
Haon could never forget. He had skipped meals with Seong-gu, worried that his brother might starve to death.
Reminiscing about the past brought a smile to Haon’s face.
—Later on, even the pain and tears become good memories. You’ll see.
Seong-gu encouraged Haon not to be afraid and to pursue his feelings for Inho. Haon had only highlighted Inho’s good qualities, leading Seong-gu to think highly of him.
He hoped Haon could overcome the barrier of their types, as marriage was still a long way off.
“Thank you, Seong-gu.”
—That’s right. Even if it doesn’t work out this time, just don’t become a jerk who makes girls cry.
If Seong-gu had known that Haon had manifested as an omega, his advice would have been different. Everyone still thought of Haon as a typical beta male.
Nevertheless, Haon felt empowered by the conversation with Seong-gu. His spirits lifted, and he found himself genuinely smiling again. He was glad he had been honest.
—Is there anything else going on?
Haon hugged his pillow tightly as Seong-gu asked. He shrugged, feeling a pang of guilt for not mentioning his change in type.
“No, nothing else.”
Except for the change in type.
—Good. Make sure you eat well. It’s going to rain for a while, so carry an umbrella.
Haon thanked his brother one last time before hanging up.
Feeling re-energized, Haon regained his usual bright expression. His body still needed rest, but his heart felt alive again.
Haon jumped out of bed with renewed energy and quickly took off the sweater and pants he was wearing. He changed into the clothes Inho had given him and neatly folded the rest, placing them in the closet where they were most visible.
Regardless of Inho’s intentions, Haon reminded himself that Inho had personally chosen these gifts for him at the department store. Even if these gifts were meant for everyone, they held special meaning for Haon.
After organizing his clothes, Haon went to the living room to wait for Inho. He wondered when Inho would arrive but decided not to check the time on his phone. He thought that being conscious of the time would only make the wait feel longer.
As he aimlessly wandered between the living room and the kitchen, Haon eventually sat down at the dining table. He rested his head on the cool surface and dozed off briefly, only to be startled awake by an unfamiliar mechanical sound.
“What…”
What is this sound?
Confused, Haon looked around before realizing it was the doorbell. It was the first time he had heard it ring since staying at Inho’s place, as Inho was the only one who came and went, and he wouldn’t need to ring his own doorbell.
Haon hurried across the spacious living room toward the front door but stopped abruptly when he noticed the intercom. He had always wondered what that small TV-like device was, and now he realized it was used to see who was at the door.
With wide eyes, Haon rushed to the intercom, his heart pounding as the unknown visitor persistently rang the doorbell. As the image on the small screen came into focus, Haon’s eyes widened even more.
On the clear intercom screen, he saw a woman who looked strikingly similar to Inho. She seemed determined to keep ringing the bell until someone opened the door, as if she knew someone was inside.
In the end, Haon had no choice but to open the door.
