And then, I met you. || Jeongcheol ||

23

You look prettiest when you smile.

As quickly as the laughter came, it faltered, leaving behind a fleeting moment of vulnerability in Jeonghan's eyes. Seungcheol watched, his own heart skipping a beat, as emotions flickered across Jeonghan's face-a delicate interplay of surprise, uncertainty, and a hint of something deeper, hidden beneath the surface.

As Jeonghan heard those words, his smile faltered, and a rush of unfamiliar sensations started rising inside him. His heart quickened its speed, beating against his chest with an intensity that left him breathless. Goosebumps prickled along his skin, as if electric charge was dispersed around his body.

It was as if Seungcheol had peeled back the layers of his soul, revealing a vulnerability that Jeonghan had long kept hidden from the world. It was true, Jeonghan realized. He smiled less, laughed less, and had all but forgotten the joy of it. And here in Alpha's presence, it was the exact opposite. He felt exposed, raw, vulnerable yet strangely liberated and contented in the presence of the Alpha's fixed gaze on him.

It wasn't the first time someone had complimented him, nor was it the first time he had been the object of affection. Countless humans had vied for his attention, showering him with flattery and empty promises. But amidst the list of admirers, Jeonghan had remained unmoved, his heart securely guarded.

Yet, there was something different about the way Seungcheol's words affected him. He couldn't understand why. There was something different about the sincerity in the Alpha's voice, the genuine warmth in his eyes, that touched Jeonghan in a way he hadn't expected.

The Omega's mind raced, searching for the right words to respond to Seungcheol's compliment. Unable to find it, he simply nodded, his lips curving into a smile as he lowered his gaze, unable to meet Seungcheol's eyes.

Thank you,... I guess. He felt a flush creeping up his neck, embarrassed by his own awkwardness.

Seungcheol's response was equally subdued as he patted his thighs and rose from the table. Umm, yes, he replied as he moved toward the kitchen. I should keep this (in the kitchen).

As he moved to take the plate to the kitchen, Jeonghan's eyes followed him briefly before returning to his lap. His heart raced in his chest, his mind spinning, continuous thoughts going in and out in an instant.

After meticulously washing the utensils and storing the leftovers in the fridge, Seungcheol returned to the living room. His eyes fell upon Jeonghan, who lay on the sofa, his form curled up slightly, an expression of exhaustion marked across his features. It was evident that the events of the day had taken their toll on the Omega, leaving him drained both physically and emotionally.

Jeonghan, sleep on the bed, the Alpha spoke. It's uncomfortable here.

Umm..., I am not sleepy, the Omega replied rubbing his eyes.

Seungcheol listened to Jeonghan's response with a small smile, his heart warming at the Omega's sleepy demeanor. Despite the exhaustion evident in his voice, Jeonghan seemed hesitant to admit his need for rest.

I see, Seungcheol replied softly, understanding the Omega's reluctance to leave the comfort of the sofa. You want to lie here.

Jeonghan nodded slowly, a tired yawn escaping his lips. The Alpha's smile widened at the sight, his fondness for the Omega growing with each passing minute.

**

Seungcheol returned to the living room after his phone call, expecting to find Jeonghan peacefully asleep, curled up on the couch with a cushion clutched between his hands. The sight brought a sweet smile to Seungcheol's lips as he approached quietly, not wanting to disturb Jeonghan.