𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 | SS

CMH :: Chapter Twelve.

The comfortable silence during their meal was punctuated only by the soft clinking of chopsticks. Joshua stole glances at Seokmin, his gaze lingering on the adorable puff of his cheeks as he ate, before quickly looking away.

Seokmin was just too cute to ignore.

He finished his meal, chopsticks resting beneath his chin as he openly stared at Seokmin, no longer bothering to hide his admiration. A smirk played on his lips. What’s wrong with me? he mused, then chuckled.

Nothing’s wrong. Seokmin is just... overwhelmingly cute. I can’t wait to spoil him rotten.

Seokmin, sensing the intense gaze upon him, looked up, flushing crimson under Joshua’s unwavering stare. He quickly looked down, hoping Joshua would relent, but the gaze continued.

After a moment, he looked up again, his omega instincts taking over. “W-why are you looking at me like that?” he stammered, mentally berating himself for his stutter. “Keep embarrassing yourself,” he muttered under his breath.

Joshua raised a questioning eyebrow, gently lowering his chopsticks. “Like what?” he asked, leaning closer, his smirk widening.

“Like… like before?” Seokmin whispered, his nervousness palpable.

“Ah, that stare? The one I reserve just for you?” Joshua replied, his gaze intense, almost predatory, yet laced with tenderness. He leaned in even closer, his voice low. “Remember, you’re my omega. I look at you the way I need to.”

Seokmin felt his cheeks burn. “Oh, I… thank you,” he mumbled.

Joshua offered a tender smile. “Always remember that. You might miss my gaze sometimes, but you’ll always hear my words,” he said, his smile both soft and confident.

Seokmin swallowed, speechless, a whirlwind of emotions churning within him. His inner omega whispered, “How can someone be so gentle yet so flirty? It’s… unsettlingly charming.” He remained silent.

“Did you finish? How was it?” Joshua asked, his gaze shifting to their plates before returning to Seokmin, that tender smile still in place.

Seokmin nodded. “It was great, honestly. I’m quite full.”

Joshua nodded. “What was your favorite? The meal or the dessert?”

Seokmin glanced up, meeting Joshua’s gaze once more, instantly reddening as he quickly averted his eyes. The waiter arrived to clear their plates, but Joshua stopped her.

“Pack up two portions of the steak and the strawberry ice cream with chocolate,” he instructed, his eyes lingering on Seokmin with a slightly darker look, a smirk playing on his lips.

Seokmin’s eyes widened. Joshua had done that just for him. The waiter left, and Joshua rose, extending a hand to Seokmin with a graceful gesture. Seokmin smiled, taking his hand. “Thank you,” he murmured.

“Always,” Joshua replied.

As Seokmin turned, lost in thought about how to properly express his gratitude, Joshua’s gaze momentarily drifted to Seokmin’s backside, a fleeting moment of admiration betrayed by a lick of his lips.

His eyes widened, snapping back to reality, acutely aware of the potential for making Seokmin uncomfortable. He quickly looked away, his tongue poking out against the inside of his cheek. A blush crept onto his own face.

Damn it, Joshua Hong! Focus! he scolded himself mentally.

Seokmin, noticing the sudden blush, turned back, concern lacing his voice. “Is something wrong?” he asked.

Joshua forced a smile, shaking his head. “I’m fine.”

Seokmin frowned, reaching out to touch Joshua’s forehead, checking for a fever. Joshua’s eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and something akin to playful exasperation. Is he trying to drive me crazy? No, don’t blame him, it’s me, he thought.

He smirked, deftly placing his hand over Seokmin’s, pulling him slightly closer. “Do I have a fever?” he murmured, raising an eyebrow.

Seokmin blushed crimson. “N-no...”

They lingered in that close embrace, time seeming to slow, until the waiter returned. “Sir Hong, your— Oh! I’m so sorry!” she stammered, startled by their closeness. Seokmin pulled back, beet red, but Joshua calmly replied, “Ah, no, it’s fine. Yes?”

The waiter smiled. “The takeout is ready.”

Joshua returned the smile. “Thank you. Please send it out to my car.”

Seokmin watched, marveling at Joshua’s effortless grace. How can he be so kind and yet so… captivating? He unconsciously smiled, and Joshua noticed.

“Let’s go. Give me your purse,” he said.

Seokmin nodded, handing it over. Joshua smiled, stepping aside. “You lead.”

Seokmin’s eyebrows furrowed. “M-me?”

Joshua nodded patiently. “I’m looking at my omega, aren’t I?”

Seokmin stammered, “B-but you’re the alpha—”

Joshua raised an eyebrow. “So? You’re my omega. You lead. I won’t repeat myself.”

Seokmin nodded, a little dazed.

As they walked, Seokmin, looking around, asked curiously, “These people seem to know you. If you don’t mind me asking, why is that?”

Joshua smirked. “My family owns this restaurant.”

Seokmin gasped. “What? So… you’re really that rich?”

Joshua nodded, opening the car door for Seokmin, who didn’t even notice the gesture, still smiling.

Seokmin chuckled, “You must have taken many people out, considering your wealth.”

Joshua shook his head. “I don’t even treat my friends the way I treat you.”

Seokmin bit his lip, looking out the window to hide his blush. “Aren’t you friends with Mingyu? He said you’re a really good alpha.”

Joshua smirked, deciding to gently tease him.

“Are you sure those words aren’t coming from your heart?” he asked, his smirk widening as he watched Seokmin’s reaction.

“O-of course not!” Seokmin blushed furiously.

“Hm, okay. Whatever you say,” Joshua replied, a warm, almost nostalgic feeling settling in his chest, a hint of déjà vu. He shook his head, continuing to drive.

A comfortable silence settled between them for a few minutes until Seokmin spoke.

“Thank you for the dessert and the expensive steak,” he said softly.

Joshua’s eyes softened. “It’s nothing. You’re way more expensive, trust me. No one and nothing compares to my omega.”