The Alpha's Mate

{21}

Heeseung jolted awake, instantly noticing the empty space beside him. Panic struck as his hand brushed the cool sheets where Jaeyun had been. Without wasting a second, he jumped out of bed, running out of the room and down the stairs, his heart racing.

When he reached the bottom, he stopped, relief flooding over him at the sight before him. There, in the kitchen, was Jaeyun, obliviously cooking as he swayed his hips to the gentle beat of a song playing in the background. The scene brought a grin to Heeseung's face, his initial panic melting into a mix of fondness and admiration.

He took a quiet step closer, unable to resist the sight of his mate moving so freely and happily. The way Jaeyun hummed along to the music, his carefree movements matching the rhythm, made Heeseung's heart skip a beat. Without Jaeyun noticing, Heeseung slipped behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist, pressing a gentle kiss to his shoulder.

Startled, Jaeyun turned his head, meeting Heeseung's gaze. "Did I wake you?" he asked with a playful smile.

Heeseung chuckled, resting his chin on Jaeyun's shoulder. "Couldn't help it when I noticed you weren't there. You had me worried for a second."

Jaeyun laughed softly, reaching back to ruffle Heeseung's hair. "Well, you're here now. Besides, I wanted to surprise you with breakfast."

Heeseung tightened his arms around him slightly, feeling grateful for moments like this. "Well, consider me surprised-and incredibly lucky."

The enticing aroma of Jaeyun's cooking filled the house, making its way to every corner. One by one, the rest of the pack began drifting downstairs, following the delicious scent that led them to the kitchen.

Jungwon was the first to arrive, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He paused in the doorway, taking in the sight of Jaeyun and Heeseung sharing a quiet moment. "What's all this?" he asked, smiling at the cozy scene.

"Breakfast!" Jaeyun called, beaming at the sight of his friends gathering around. "Figured I'd cook something for everyone today."

Jungwon moved in to peek at the food simmering on the stove. "Smells amazing. You really went all out."

Soon, Sunoo and Taki joined them, their faces lighting up as they spotted the plates Jaeyun was setting out. Taki, barely able to contain his excitement, reached for a piece of toast.

"Careful," Heeseung warned, smirking, "or Jaeyun might put you on dish duty for sneaking bites."

Sunoo laughed as he nudged Taki. "Better listen, or you'll be scrubbing pans all afternoon."

As everyone settled around the kitchen, the atmosphere filled with laughter and easy conversation, each of them grateful for a moment to just enjoy each other's company. Jaeyun looked around, his heart swelling with happiness. This was his family, and these moments-of laughter, warmth, and belonging-were exactly what he had always dreamed of.

As breakfast came to an end, everyone gathered around the kitchen, satisfied and in high spirits. Rather than leaving Jaeyun to clean up alone, they all decided to pitch in and wash the dishes together.

Sunoo grabbed a sponge and handed another to Jungwon, while Taki set up the drying rack. Heeseung stood beside Jaeyun at the sink, filling it with warm soapy water, smiling as he nudged Jaeyun gently. "We make a good team, huh?"

Jaeyun grinned, passing a plate over. "Couldn't ask for a better one."

Laughter echoed through the kitchen as they playfully splashed water at one another, with Taki dodging a few drops and Jungwon mock-scolding Sunoo for nearly soaking him. It didn't feel like a chore; instead, it was just another moment to enjoy each other's company.