Caramel Milk & Red Wine | Namjin FF

(11) caring & unsure

Seokjin was up early, as he was every day, making breakfast for Alpha. When he heard footsteps, he turned and saw the Alpha approaching, his hair still tousled from sleep and his chest bare.

Seokjin's gaze lingered on his abs, staring like a ravenous teenager. He quickly reprimanded himself, forcing his eyes back up to Alpha's face.

“Why aren't you ready?” he asked, noticing that by this time, Namjoon was usually prepared to leave for the office.

“I’m not feeling well, so I’m not going today,” Namjoon replied, his voice deep and raspy, pain evident as he spoke. Even the simple act of breathing through his nostrils caused discomfort. He was getting the flu, all because he had gone to bed with his hair still damp.

He had never slept like that before—so carelessly, just wanting to rest. Normally, he made sure his hair was dry, but last night had been an exception. He’d been eager to crawl into bed and hold his Omega right after his shower.

“What happened?” Concern was etched across Seokjin's face as he moved closer, placing the back of his hand on Namjoon’s forehead. It was warmer than usual.

“You’re getting a fever,” Seokjin observed with a frown, looking at the Alpha who remained shirtless. The weather was changing, so it was only natural that he might catch the flu and a fever.

“Hmm, I’ll just rest today,” Namjoon murmured, savoring the way Seokjin's hand lingered on his forehead.

When Namjoon called Yoongi to inform him he wouldn’t be coming in, Yoongi was shocked. Since becoming CEO, this was the first time Namjoon had taken a day off. But now, he had someone to care for him when he was sick. Before, he had dreaded the thought of lying in bed alone; it would have been too depressing.

But today, he made another exception for himself and decided to rest.

“Yeah, come on, you need to wear something. You're shirtless,” Seokjin said, grabbing Namjoon's hand, his cheeks turning pink as he glanced at Namjoon’s bare torso.

“Are you blushing, sweet caramel?” Namjoon teased, noticing the color in Seokjin's cheeks.

“N-no, why would I blush? There's nothing romantic happening here,” Seokjin stammered, clearing his throat while still holding onto Namjoon's wrist.

He led the large Alpha back to the room, and Namjoon followed quietly. Once inside, Seokjin instructed Namjoon to sit and went to the closet to fetch a shirt. Namjoon loved this—when Seokjin took charge. He was the only person Namjoon allowed to boss him around.

“I'll make you some soup, okay?” Seokjin said as he tucked Namjoon back under the blanket like he was a child. Namjoon couldn't help but smile.

Seokjin returned to the kitchen and quickly sent a text to Mrs. Choi, explaining that he wouldn't be coming in today due to a family emergency. A small smile played on his lips as he typed. He still had a family. His mate, his husband—the only person he cared about most in this world.

He was busy preparing the soup when he received a text. Thinking it was from Mrs. Choi, he checked his phone, but it was from Yoongi.

"I don’t know what you did, but thanks for making him take a day off. That motherfucker needs a break. You know it’s his first leave since becoming CEO."

Seokjin's eyes widened as he read the message. No way. Namjoon had never taken a day off, and Yoongi was thanking him for it? He should be thanking Namjoon’s fever for making him take a break. But Namjoon had been sick before and never taken time off.

Confused, Seokjin poured the soup into a bowl and took it upstairs to their room.

Namjoon was still half-reclined on the bed, a laptop open on his abdomen as he typed away. Seokjin sighed. What kind of leave is this?