1 and 0nly (SVT one shots)

For Their Sake (SeokSoo)🔞 - Part 1

When Seokmin was forced to marry Jisoo he didn't think much of it. It was his duty as the heir. But he could see in Jisoo's eyes that he took this as his duty as well. Yes, they were kind and gentle but they held no love. In fact, there was a hint of frustration in them, as though he was enduring a battle within himself.

He tried to be happy on his own wedding day, putting on the brightest smile he could as he tried to ignore Soonyoung's comment on how he looked like a stiff corpse. Jisoo looked the same, dazzling in his white tuxedo while Seokmin was dressed in a similar tuxedo with a pink carnation tucked into his breast pocket. Tucked in Jisoos breast pocket, a light contrasting colour against the snow-white suit was a bright yellow carnation. He looked the same as when he first met him, during a private meeting between his family and Jisoos family. It seemed more like a business negotiation than a meeting between the two families that would soon be related to each other. That was when Seokmin had first felt a flutter of admiration for the handsome man.

Jisoo turned his head towards him, a gentle and polite smile directed at him. The entire wedding, Jisoo had never looked over at him, not even once. This was the only time he had looked at him. The white veil that covered Seokmins face barely hid his tears. He wasn't sad about the marriage nor was he happy. He just felt overwhelmed by the responsibility he now carried. Because this was their duty as Seokmin and Jisoo. They were bonded as husbands, out of duty rather than love.

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He was home. Seokmin flipped down the screen of his laptop hearing the familiar soft commotion at the front door. He went down, his hand smoothing over the handrail as he walked down the stairs. Jia – the housekeeper – took Jisoos coat from him, before stepping to one side.

Seokmin. I'm home, Jisoo announced. Seokmin stayed rooted to his spot at the bottom of the staircase. Welcome home.

Jisoo smiled at him – it was a courteous one, the kind directed to a business partner instead of a spouse. How was your day? Seokmin asked, trying to initiate another response. Jisoo walked passed him, barely grazing his shoulder. It was busy. Another meeting had to be held the next day. How about you?

Seokmins gaze dropped. It was fine. Theres not much I do anyway. He was referring to his own paperwork, to prepare him for his admission into his fathers company. He was no longer the heir, though if he worked hard enough he could be. And that was his aim. It was better than doing nothing in this big quiet house.

Mn. I'll go take my shower. I'll see you at dinner, was the reply that came from his husband, walking up the stairs to their bedroom. Seokmin stared at the direction of their bedroom.

Young Master Lee? Jia called. Seokmin shook his head. Its nothing. Does Hanna need help in the kitchen?

Jia smiled. If you help her, Im sure she'll be more than happy to accommodate you.

So Seokmin goes to the kitchen to find the second housekeeper of the house, Hanna. The cook stood by the counter, chopping vegetables into elegant cuts as soup boiled on the stove. Hanna, he called, causing the lady to turn to face the second master of the house. I'm here to help.

Oh, Young Master Lee! No, its not a problem, Hanna said as she gestured her rejection with her head.

Its okay. Let me help, please. Seeing his downturned eyes, Hanna relented with a small smile. If you insist, young master.

Jia and Hanna were the only two housekeepers in the house, appointed to keep Seokmin company and to care for his every needs as Jisoo's partner. Hanna and Seokmin worked together, preparing three simple dishes that were relatively mild in taste, a small hum in a tuneless melody coming from Seokmins throat. Though Hanna and Jia had been with Seokmin for the two short months that he and Jisoo had been married, they have thoroughly familiarized themselves with the new young masters taste. Hence a separate plate of spicy, stir-fried meat was prepared in one portion, especially for Seokmin. Said young master appreciated their small quiet efforts, saying nothing as he was ushered to the dining hall, much too big for two people.

Not that it mattered. The dining hall was rarely used; in fact, out of the two months that they were married, theyve only ever eaten in that room a total of seven times. Each time for each week that had passed, as Seokmin had stated as part of their marriage agreement. That was all Seokmin asked for; one meal together, once a week, because to him that was what family meant – enjoying a hot meal together.

Master Hong, Hanna and Jia greeted with a curt bow, retreating from the room once Jisoo took his seat opposite of Seokmin. His table manners were top-notch, quietly putting food in his mouth without even a sliver of sound as he ate. It was deathly quiet, with only the occasional clinking of spoons against porcelain bowls filled with hot soup to warm their stomachs. Seokmin saw his own plating of spicy meat; it was still a little much for a single portion. So, he picked some up, placing it in Jisoos bowl.

Hanna made this. Its very good.

Jisoo kept the same smile, nodding at the gesture. Thank you.

Those were the only words spoken between them throughout the meal. Jisoo excused himself, retreating to his study, to continue the work he has brought home. Seokmin sighed, hearing the soft click of the door shitting behind Jisoo.

Its been two months, seven meals – no eight at this point. This was the routine of their meals together. Seokmins gaze lingered on the untouched spicy meat in Jisoos bowl, the one he had given him.

Young Master Lee, weve prepared dessert. Would you like it now? Jia asked as she and Hanna cleared the table of the dishes. Seokmin gave a small smile, nodding. Yes, please.

The meals he shared with his husband shouldve been warm; the food was hot from the wok and the soups were freshly boiled. Yet they all felt cold.