New Beginning and Future

Chapter 55: Things Said Too Loud, and Promises Whispered Soft

Summary: A reckless comment sparks chaos, fierce protection, and unexpected tenderness as old wounds meet present fears, and love answers every one of them, not with noise, but with vows made in low voices, steady hands, and truths spoken in the dark.

Overprotective: ZGDX
Overprotective/Possessive/territorial: Chessman
Chessman is literally his own warning when it concerns his girl

Notes:

⚠️ Author's Note: Someone people just open mouth an insert foot! 😂

Disclaimer: The Muse would like to remind everyone we do not own FIYS nor the beloved characters nor any dialogue from either the show nor the book...the Muse is very sad and not pleased with this continued reminder that they do not own them and never will!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Fifty-Five

The echo of a soft but resounding thwack reverberated off the walls of the ZGDX base's main common room just as Yao stepped into the space, hair still slightly damp from her shower, wearing a loose hoodie, a cold drink in hand, and the distinct expression of someone not expecting to walk in on a domestic battlefield.

Li stumbled sideways, blinking in confusion, half-shielding himself with the decorative pillow that had just been launched directly into his face at point-blank range. Standing in front of him like a petite, very pregnant war goddess was Wei, her expression thunderous, her hand still raised from the throw, the sleeves of her cardigan rolled up like she was preparing to go full hand-to-hand.

Yao came to a halt, blinking once.

Then twice.

Then slowly turned her head to where Yeon stood safely out of the blast radius, arms crossed tightly over his chest, his expression neutral, too neutral, with the subtle tension of someone trying very hard not to show amusement while simultaneously trying not to be dragged into the mess by family association.

Yao leaned toward him without looking away from the scene. "What the hell did the brat do?"

Yeon exhaled with the weariness of a man who had seen many battles, and who had not won all of them. "He... commented," he muttered, voice low like he feared the words might summon another pillow strike, "on the fact that Wei is 'getting bigger.' Even though she's only four months pregnant."

Yao winced immediately. "Oh no."

"Yup," Yeon muttered grimly. "He even said it with a straight face."

Across the room, Wei had stepped forward, pointing a finger at her son's chest, fury etched in every line of her face as she barked at him with the precision and volume only a seasoned litigator and mother could achieve. "Do I look like I need a reminder of what trimester I'm in? Do I look like I need some snarky commentary about my perfectly normal, doctor-approved weight gain, you little traitor?!"

"Mama, I didn't mean it like that!" Li pleaded, ducking behind Lee Kun Hyeok, who immediately stepped aside, completely betraying him with a long-suffering sigh as if to say you're on your own, idiot. "I mean, you're glowing, and you're radiant, and I love you!" Li scrambled, hands up in surrender. "Please don't send me to Yéyé!"

"Don't test me!" Wei snapped, eyes narrowing. "I'll call him right now and tell him you tried to question my dietary schedule."

At that, the entire room winced.