Capítulo 38: A Heartbeat Away.
The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains of the mansion, casting soft shadows across the spacious bedroom. Junseong lay awake, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending court battle with the Jeongs. He turned to his side, finding Seongho still nestled under the covers, his small frame curled up like a cozy little ball.
"Seongho-ya," Junseong said softly, reaching out to gently shake him awake. "Hey, buddy, wake up."
Seongho stirred, blinking sleepily before looking up at Junseong with those big, innocent eyes. "Good morning, hubby," he mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"Morning, little one," Junseong replied, his heart heavy with the news he had to share. "I need to tell you something important."
Seongho propped himself up on his elbows, concern etching his features. "What is it?"
Junseong took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the words. "The Jeongs have taken the marriage contract matter to court."
Seongho's expression fell, and he looked down at the blanket, his shoulders slumping. "Oh… that's not good," he whispered, his voice barely above a murmur.
"I know it's tough," Junseong said, trying to keep his own emotions in check. "But I'm going to fight this."
"What are you going to do?" Seongho asked, looking back up at Junseong, his eyes wide with worry.
"I'll be contacting lawyers all over Seoul today to help fight the case," Junseong replied, trying to sound confident.
Seongho nodded, but his face was still clouded with sadness. He pulled the covers tighter around himself, sulking adorably. Junseong couldn't help but smile at how cute he looked, even in his sadness.
"Hey," Junseong said, shifting closer and placing a hand on Seongho's shoulder. "You shouldn't worry, okay? I won't let the Jeongs or Ha Young win. I have the resources to win this case."
Seongho looked up at him, his expression softening slightly. "You really think so?" he asked, his voice hopeful yet still tinged with uncertainty.
"I know so," Junseong assured him, giving Seongho a reassuring smile. "I'll make sure everything turns out alright. You just focus on being your awesome self, okay?."
Seongho managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Okay, I'll try," he said, his voice still a little shaky.
"Good!" Junseong replied, feeling a surge of determination. "Now, I need to get ready to head to the company. I'll take a quick bath, and then we can have breakfast together, alright?"
"Okay," Seongho said, his tone brightening a bit. "I'll wait for you!"
As Junseong stood up and made his way to the bathroom, he glanced back at Seongho, who was still wrapped in the covers but now looked a little less forlorn. He felt a flicker of hope that he could protect this little warrior from the storm brewing outside.
As he stepped out of the bathroom, he found Seongho sitting cross-legged on the bed, clutching Mangchi tightly. The little one looked up at him, his expression a mix of determination and lingering worry.
He dressed in a crisp suit, the fabric hugging him perfectly as he prepared to face the day. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, mentally preparing for the day ahead. The Jeongs might have thrown down the gauntlet, but he was ready to pick it up and fight back.
"Are you ready to go?" Junseong asked, his heart swelling at the sight of Seongho's unwavering support.
"Yeah! Let's go!" Seongho replied, his voice brightening as he hopped off the bed, his earlier sadness momentarily forgotten.
Junseong smiled, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. With Seongho by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead. He would do everything in his power to ensure that the Jeongs wouldn't win.
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The conference room was an enclave of formality, its sharp lines and minimalist design amplifying the seriousness of the situation. Above the sleek mahogany table lay documents that held the weight of Junseong's future—an obscure marriage contract signed in childhood, now threatening to disrupt his life with Seongho. Tension crackled in the air as Junseong and his legal team prepared to confront the Jeong family's demands.
"Let's proceed," Junseong declared, straightening in his chair. The low hum of conversation faded into silence, all eyes fixed on him.
Mr. Kwon, his lead attorney, shuffled through a stack of files, glancing up to meet Junseong's steely gaze. "The Jeongs are not just pursuing a legal case; they're intent on leveraging their influence to compel you back into a marriage with Ha Young. They see the original contract as their trump card."
Ms. Moon nodded, her hands clasped. "We must counter that narrative decisively. Your relationship with Seongho, though arranged, is essential to illustrate your evolution and your family's desire to prioritize happiness over obligation."
"Marriage contracts made in childhood bear little relevance in adulthood," Junseong replied, his tone cool yet contemplative. "Our lives have changed. The challenge is convincing the courts and the public of this."
Mr. Ahn leaned forward, determination evident in his voice. "We make it personal. We must emphasize the flaws in their demands while highlighting the broader narrative of family dynamics. The Lee family values emotional bonds and integrity, and returning to a union with someone as cold as Ha Young would betray those values."
Junseong felt a pang of discomfort at the comparison. "I know I share some of those traits," he admitted. "Perhaps that's why my parents want someone who embodies the opposite of what Ha Young represents—kindness, empathy, love. I've seen that more clearly in my daily interactions with Seongho."
A brief silence followed, a hint of vulnerability lingering in the air. Ms. Moon seized the moment, a slight smile breaking through. "That's where we can position you as the evolving character in this story. You may have similar traits to Ha Young, but your actions and your marriage with Seongho reflect positive change. You're beginning to care for someone outside the rigid expectations of the past."
"And that's critical for our narrative," Mr. Jang added. "We can frame your relationship with Seongho as a transformative bond. Affirming your path toward caring and empathy will illustrate why returning to the constraints of that original contract is not just undesirable—it's damaging."
Junseong felt a flicker of hope. "I want to protect Seongho," he said, his voice low. "He deserves someone who will champion his warmth. Even if I might not be in love with him, I see his kindness, and I can't bear the thought of forcing him into a situation that would cause him pain."
The lawyers nodded, their expressions shifting from apprehension to encouragement as they took notes and began drafting points for their case. "Highlighting your admiration for Seongho's qualities can strengthen our argument," Ms. Moon suggested. "A partner who does not fit the mold of rigid expectations will depict a compelling case, emphasizing that your relationship is built on choice rather than coercion."
"We can also pursue evidence of how the ongoing pressure from the Jeongs affects your mental health and familial bonds," Mr. Ahn added. "This could substantiate claims of emotional duress, making it clear that their insistence on Ha Young is not just an inconvenience but detrimental to your well-being."
The conversation flowed, ideas ebbing and flowing as strategies took shape. The tension in the room began to dissolve, replaced by a sense of empowerment. They dissected every potential angle, their discussions sharp and focused, carving a path through the complexities of tradition and expectation.
As the meeting continued, Junseong found himself glancing at the empty chair beside him—the space where Seongho would sit during these legal battles. A lightness filled his heart at the thought of Seongho's presence. Even without the flames of romance, a bond was forming, one that provided a foundation amid the storm.
"Let's finalize a media strategy as well," Junseong interjected, his confidence growing. "Public perception will play a crucial role in how this case unfolds. I want to present our narrative of choice, growth, and the partners we've become."
Mr. Kwon nodded, his eyes glinting with agreement. "Absolutely. A well-orchestrated media campaign will allow us to dictate the story, showcasing the core values of the Lee family—love, loyalty, and the rejection of outdated contracts that bind people against their will."
The meeting flowed smoothly as they drafted statements and outlined plans for public appearances.
As they wrapped up, Junseong leaned back in his chair, a mix of exhaustion and satisfaction settling over him. He looked around the table at his legal team, a sense of camaraderie threading through their shared efforts. They were battling not just for legal outcomes but for a life that embraced his new direction—one anchored in respect.
In that moment, Junseong resolved to fight for all that he held dear. With Seongho by his side, even if only as a partner in circumstance, he would stand strong against the pressures of the Jeong family and free himself from the shadows of the contracts signed by their parents so long ago.
Few hours later,the afternoon sun poured through Junseong's expansive office windows, casting elongated shadows that danced across his polished mahogany desk. Stacks of legal documents loomed like miniature skyscrapers, each demanding his immediate attention. Min-ki, his ever-efficient assistant, deftly navigated the chaos, arranging papers with the precision of a seasoned architect.
"Mr. Lee, I've prioritized the contracts for your review," Min-ki announced, a bright smile illuminating his face. "These need your signature by week's end."
"Thanks, Min-ki. Just remind me of the deadlines," Junseong replied, his voice brisk but laced with gratitude as he adjusted his glasses, eyes still glued to the papers before him.
A sharp knock interrupted the quiet, and Taejoon and Taesung burst in, grins spreading across their faces like sunlight breaking through clouds. Junseong barely glanced up from his work.
"Junseong," Taejoon began, his tone casual yet confident, "I heard you were MIA for a month. Taking care of your little bird, huh?"
A faint blush crept up Junseong's cheeks, quickly masked by the furrow of his brow. "Obligation," he muttered, his voice low as he focused intently on the documents. "He's…fragile."
Taesung chuckled, eyebrows raised in playful challenge. "Fragile? Or incredibly adorable?" He winked, earning a sharp glare from Junseong. "Seriously though, how's Seongho?"
"He's…fine," Junseong replied curtly, his tone suggesting that the topic was not open for further discussion. Min-ki, sensing the shift, discreetly slipped away, leaving the three friends in a bubble of camaraderie.
Taejoon sprawled into a chair, mischief glinting in his eyes. "Fine? Junseong, your aura screamed 'I'll kill anyone who breathes near him.' During Seongho's kidnapping, you were practically radiating enough menace to freeze hell over. You literally were ready to blow up that warehouse with everyone inside!"
Junseong smirked, a dangerous light flickering in his eyes. "Let's just say I had a few… plans. A pity Jaehyun and Jiwoon got away. But they're not getting away with it for long." His expression darkened,his voice a low whisper. "They're currently residing in my warehouse in Busan."
Taejoon and Taesung exchanged shocked glances, their laughter fading into a tense silence. Junseong then waved it off, dismissing the weight of his words. "I prefer not to dwell on unpleasant memories."
Yet, as he spoke, his demeanor softened as he remembered Seongho . "I am just being protective. He's innocent, precious…" The unexpected tenderness in his voice was like a whisper of spring after a long winter.
"Protective, or hopelessly smitten?" Taesung pressed, nudging Taejoon, who erupted into laughter forgetting about what Junseong said earlier. "Admit it, you're falling for the cute little guy."
Junseong's jaw clenched, his voice low and firm. "Never. And Taesung, I'll personally rearrange your face if you call my husband 'cute' again."
Taejoon and Taesung roared with laughter, reveling in Junseong's fierce protectiveness. "So protective! It's adorable," Taesung teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Adorable? I'm not adorable!" Junseong retorted, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "I just don't want anyone messing with him."
"Whatever, Mr. Tough Guy," Taejoon said, wiping away tears of laughter. "But it's nice to see you care so much."
"Yeah," Min-ki who was eavesdropping on their conversation called from the doorway, his voice ringing before he disappeared again not wanting to get yelled at . "It means you're not as cold as you pretend to be."
"Don't push it," Junseong warned, a warmth spreading through him despite himself.
"Speaking of which, how's the marriage contract case with the Jeongs going?" Taejoon asked, shifting the topic with deftness. "That whole mess with Ha-young and her sneaky parents trying to force you into a marriage despite being with Seongho?"
Junseong's expression hardened, the playful atmosphere dissipating like mist. "The first hearing is next Wednesday. We've strategized, and I'm working closely with the best lawyers. We'll win."
"Good," Taejoon said, his tone serious. "Those Jeongs are vultures."
"Speaking of couples," Taesung interjected, leaning closer, "I'm finally going to ask Minseong out."
Junseong chuckled deeply,with a smirk on his lips. "You know my brother's…complicated, right?"
Taesung nodded eagerly. "I know! But what's life without a little risk?"
"He's tough to crack," Junseong warned, his voice low. "And he's…unique. A bit of a…"
"Crackhead?" Taesung finished, grinning, his bravado unyielding.
"Yeah," Junseong said dryly. "Be careful. You know how he can get."
Taesung's expression softened, sincerity replacing the jest. "I promise I'll be careful. I really like him, Junseong."
"If you break his heart…" Junseong's voice turned serious, the protective instinct flaring once more.
"I know, I know," Taesung said, determination etched across his features. "But if I don't try, I'll regret it forever!"
Junseong met Taesung's intense gaze, feeling the weight of the moment. "Stop with the puppy eyes!" he exclaimed, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "You look like an ugly monkey making that face! Only Seongho's puppy eyes work on me."
Taejoon and Taesung smirked, laughter bubbling once more as Junseong's unintentional confession lingered in the air. The atmosphere lightened, the earlier tension dissipating like fog under the sun's warm embrace.
Speaking of dinner, what are your plans for later tonight?" Taejoon leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You should join us. It's been ages since we all got together except for business purposes."
"I can't," Junseong replied, shaking his head firmly. "Seongho will feel sad if I eat out without him."
"Aw, look at you, all considerate!" Taejoon teased, his playful tone infectious. "Are you sure you're not falling in love with him?"
"Seriously, stop it," Junseong groaned, though a reluctant smile crept onto his face. He couldn't deny the warmth that came from their banter, even if it made him feel a bit flustered.
"Fine, fine," Taejoon said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "But remember, it's okay to loosen up sometimes. You keep that serious face all the time; it's like you're auditioning for a role of a statue in a drama."
"Okay," Junseong replied, a mix of gratitude and exasperation swirling within him. "I'll try to lighten up."
"Good! Now, how about you text Seongho and let him know you won't be home early tonight?" Taejoon suggested, leaning in conspiratorially. "Tell him you're going out with us."
Junseong shot them both a glare, and the lighthearted atmosphere shifted. Taejoon and Taesung exchanged nervous glances, their smiles fading as they gulped at the sudden change in Junseong's mood. "What?" Junseong snapped, his voice sharper than he intended.
"Uh, nothing," Taesung stammered, his eyes wide with surprise. "Just thought it might be good for you."
Junseong sighed deeply, the weight of their expectations pressing down on him. After a moment of contemplation, he relented, nodding slowly. "Fine. I'll text him."
He pulled out his phone, fingers hovering over the screen as he composed a message. *Hey, little one. Don't wait for me tonight. I'm going out with Taejoon and Taesung, and I might not be home early.* He hit send, watching the message deliver, then turned to his friends. "There. Done."
Taejoon grinned, but Junseong's heart sank as he saw the message left on read almost immediately. "Great," he muttered, frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
"Hey, don't worry about it," Taejoon said, trying to lighten the mood. "He'll understand. You deserve a break."
"I need to inform Min-ki ,that I won't be back until tomorrow," Junseong said, rising from his seat and called Min-ki through the intercom.
"Min-ki, could you come in for a moment?" Junseong's voice was steady as he called through the intercom, a tone he often used to maintain a certain distance.
"Of course, I'll be right there," Min-ki replied, his voice cheerful yet respectful. A moment later, he entered the office, his demeanor became absolutely polished and attentive.
"Mr. Lee, you sent for me?,what's on your mind,sir?" Min-ki asked, his expression brightening as he stepped inside.
Junseong leaned back in his chair, his gaze steady. "I wanted to inform you that I'll be going out with my friends . So please don't call me later; I won't be back so it's till tomorrow."
"Understood sir," Min-ki replied, nodding earnestly. "I'll ensure everything runs smoothly here in your absence. If anything urgent comes up, I'll handle it." His tone was professional, reflecting the respect he had for Junseong, even when the latter's icy demeanor sometimes made interactions feel tense.
"Thank you," Junseong said, his voice clipped yet appreciative. He could sense Min-ki's professionalism and was grateful for it, even if he didn't always show it.
As Min-ki exited the office, Junseong took a moment to gather his thoughts. He joined Taejoon and Taesung, who were waiting just outside, their faces lit with anticipation.
"Ready to have some fun?" Taejoon asked, clapping Junseong on the back.
"Yeah, I guess so," Junseong replied, still feeling the remnants of tension lingering in the air. The three of them stepped out of the company's building and as they walked toward parking lot where their cars awaited , a few employees lingered nearby, their eyes wide with admiration at the sight of their boss and his friends with whispers of admiration filling the air.
"Look at them! They're all so handsome!" one employee remarked, her voice filled with awe. Another added, "Especially our boss, Mr. Lee!"
Junseong maintained his composure, his focus unwavering as he ignored the hushed conversations around him. He commanded an aura of authority and confidence that often made him seem enigmatic, and he preferred it that way.
"Let's ditch our drivers," Taesung suggested, glancing at Taejoon as they reached the parking lot. "They can head back home. We'll just ride with Junseong."
"Good idea," Taejoon agreed, nodding enthusiastically. He leaned forward to speak to his driver, instructing him to return home.
Junseong climbed into the backseat of his car, with Taejoon and Taesung following suit. As the driver pulled away from the curb, Junseong glanced out the window, the familiar streets of the city blurring past.
As they drove toward their destination, Junseong's mind wandered back to Seongho. He couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that settled in his chest at the thought of leaving him alone at home for dinner. Even though his sister-in-law, Hyeri, would be there, he knew Seongho might feel disappointed. They had made plans to spend the evening together, and now he was breaking that promise.
"Are you okay?" Taejoon asked, sensing Junseong's distraction.
"Yeah, I'm fine," Junseong replied, his tone clipped. He didn't want to delve into his thoughts or reveal his internal struggle.
"Just making sure," Taesung chimed in, his voice light. "We're here to have a good time, remember?"
Junseong nodded absently, the city lights flickering by as he wrestled with his thoughts. He knew he needed this break, but the nagging worry about Seongho lingered in the back of his mind. Would he be upset? Would he feel abandoned?
The car continued down the bustling streets, but Junseong's heart was still at home, where Seongho would be waiting, perhaps feeling a little lonely.
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.
In the lavish mansion that Junseong called home, there was a mini makeup studio that he had created as a surprise for Seongho after discovering his husband's talent for makeup. The studio was a cozy space filled with high-end products, mirrors, and soft lighting—everything a budding makeup artist could dream of.
As Seongho set up for his first live stream in months, he felt a mix of excitement and nerves. Hyeri, his older sister, entered the studio, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Are you ready for this, little brother?" she teased, leaning against the doorframe. "I hope you remember to mention how caring and devoted your husband is!"
Seongho's cheeks flushed a deep shade of pink. "Noona, stop it!" he pouted, crossing his arms in mock annoyance. "You're going to make me blush!"
Hyeri laughed, enjoying the playful banter. "But it's true! Junseong is such a great husband. You should be proud!"
"Okay, okay! Let's just get started," Seongho said, shaking his head with a smile. He turned on the camera, his heart racing as the stream began.
"Hey everyone! Welcome back to my channel!" he greeted, his voice brightening as he saw the chat flood with familiar usernames. "Today, I'm doing my noona's makeup, and I'm really excited to share some tips with you all."
As the stream progressed, viewers poured in, their excitement palpable. "Seongho, we missed you!" one fan commented. "Are you going to do more streams with Mr. Lee?"
Seongho felt a twinge of anxiety at the thought. "Well, Junseong is… sometimes cold, and unpredictable," he admitted, chuckling nervously. "But I'll definitely try to convince him to join me for a stream in the future!"
The chat exploded with comments, begging him to feature Junseong in his next videos. Seongho smiled at their enthusiasm but felt a pang of uncertainty. He didn't want to get their hopes up. "He's busy with work and his own commitments, but I'll see what I can do!"
As he applied makeup to Hyeri's face, he explained each step, his shyness slowly fading as he immersed himself in the process. "For a typical natural Korean girl look, I'm using this BB cream for a light base, and then I'll add some blush for a fresh glow," he narrated, glancing at the chat every now and then.
"Seongho, you're doing an amazing job!" another viewer commented, and he felt a swell of pride.
The stream continued smoothly, with fans asking questions about makeup techniques and sharing their love for Seongho and Junseong. He felt grateful for their support, but a small part of him still missed his husband.
As the live stream came to a close, Seongho thanked his viewers and signed off. "I'll see you all next time! Don't forget to like and subscribe!"
Once the camera was off, Seongho took a deep breath, feeling a mix of relief and exhilaration. He reached for his phone to call Junseong, eager to thank him for the studio and to share how well the stream had gone. But just as he was about to hit dial, another text notification popped up.
**Hey, little one. Don't wait for me tonight. I'm going out with Taejoon and Taesung, and I might not be home early.**
Seongho's heart sank a little. He understood that Junseong needed time with his friends, but he couldn't shake the disappointment. "He promised he'd come home early," he murmured to himself, feeling a wave of sadness wash over him.
Hyeri, sensing his mood shift, walked over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Hey, don't act toxic about this, okay? You know how busy and workaholic Junseong is ?. He just needs some time with his friends. You don't want him to think that you're obsessive and doesn't want him to have a life outside you."
Seongho forced a smile and nodded, appreciating her words. "You're right, Noona. I just miss him when he's not around."
"Let's go out of the studio and do something fun while we wait for him," Hyeri suggested, trying to lighten the mood.
As they stepped out, a familiar face greeted them in the living room—Minhyuk, Taejoon's husband, was patiently waiting. Seongho's face brightened, and he rushed over to hug Minhyuk tightly, despite not knowing him very well.
"Minhyuk! It's so good to see you!" Seongho exclaimed, stepping back to look at him.
"Hey, Seongho! Great to see you too!" Minhyuk replied, returning the smile.
"Let me introduce you to my noona, Hyeri," Seongho said, gesturing to her.
"Nice to meet you!" Minhyuk said, shaking Hyeri's hand.
As they settled down, Seongho felt a wave of happiness. He turned to a maid and asked her to bring out one of the premium soju bottles that Junseong had bought last week. He knew his husband would be angry if he found out he was drinking, but he didn't mind. He poured glasses for himself, Minhyuk, and Hyeri, the atmosphere becoming more relaxed.
"I'm glad to see you're doing well after everything," Minhyuk said, his tone sincere. "About what happened with Jaehyun and Jiwoon. It was terrible."
Seongho smiled softly, grateful for Minhyuk's concern. "It's all thanks to Junseong. Without him, I might not have made it through."
Minhyuk nodded, then glanced at Hyeri's face. "Wow, who did your makeup? It looks fantastic!"
"Seongho did it," Hyeri said proudly, turning to her brother, who was now quietly blushing again.
Minhyuk's eyes widened in awe. "You're incredibly talented! You should consider opening a bigger makeup studio business. I'm sure Junseong would support you. You could be famous and make a lot of money!"
Seongho shook his head, a shy smile on his lips. "I'm fine doing it at home. I have my studio and a devoted, supportive husband. I don't want to go outside to work for anything because I want him to always come home to me."
"That makes sense," Minhyuk said, nodding in agreement. "Family is important."
Seongho took a sip of his soju, feeling grateful for the moment. Then he decided to share something that had been weighing on his mind. "Have you heard about the Jeongs? They're trying to marry their daughter, Ha Young, to my husband, even though we're already married."
Minhyuk's expression turned serious. "Yeah, Taejoon told me. He's not happy about it at all. We believe you're the perfect partner for Junseong."
"Don't worry," Hyeri chimed in, her voice steady. "Junseong won't let those people win. Have you forgotten who Lee Junseong is?"
Seongho felt a swell of reassurance from their words. "Yeah, I know. It's just… stressful. The first hearing is next week."
"Those people have no idea what they're up against," Minhyuk said firmly. "I know Junseong loves and cares for you even if he doesn't say it out, and he'll fight for that."
"Let's not dwell on that," Hyeri suggested, trying to change the subject. "What about K-pop's power couple, Taehyung and Jungkook? Did you see their latest performance?"
At the mention of the two idols, both Minhyuk and Seongho perked up, their expressions turning giddy. "Oh my gosh, yes! They were amazing!" Seongho squealed.
"I know, right? As always ,Jungkook's skin is like a porcelain doll!" Minhyuk added, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
"And Taehyung is always so hot, no matter what he wears!" Hyeri gushed, and the three of them dove into an enthusiastic discussion about their favorite moments and performances from the couple.
As laughter filled the room, Seongho felt a warmth in his heart. Even though he missed Junseong, he knew that he was surrounded by love and support from those who cared about him. And deep down, he felt confident that everything would work out in the end.
After a delightful dinner that Seongho had prepared, the three of them settled back in the plush living room. The laughter and chatter transformed into excited squealing at the sight of the next episode from *Are You Sure?*
"Look! Jungkook is about to glue himself to Taehyung again!" Hyeri exclaimed, her voice bubbling over with anticipation.
Seongho grabbed a cushion, hugging it tight to his chest as he leaned forward. "Right? He's like a lost bunny around him!"
Minhyuk laughed, sipping on his drink. "I can't believe how clingy he gets. It's like he forgets Jimin even exists!"
As the episode played, Seongho couldn't help but feel a pang of familiarity as he watched Jungkook cling to Taehyung. Jungkook's antics made them all laugh, but Hyeri leaned over and turned to Seongho, a teasing smirk playing on her lips.
"Seongho, you're just like Jungkook with Junseong! Always glued to him!" she giggled, her playful jab eliciting a deep blush from Seongho.
"Noona, stop it!" he protested, burying his face into the cushion. "I'm not that bad!"
"You totally are!" Minhyuk chimed in, laughter ringing through the room. "But it's cute, honestly. Who wouldn't want to be close to someone like Junseong?"
The episode continued, filled with hilarious moments and heartfelt interactions among the trio, but as they watched, Seongho couldn't shake the feeling of warmth bubbling inside him. Seeing Jungkook express his affection so openly made him think even more about his own feelings for Junseong and how lucky he was to have such a wonderful husband.
As the credits rolled, Minhyuk pulled out his phone. "You two should give me your numbers so we can plan to hang out more. I'll come by soon—maybe we can do this again!"
"Absolutely!" Hyeri replied enthusiastically, exchanging her contacts first. Seongho quickly followed suit, feeling excited at the prospect of more gatherings with Minhyuk .
After promising to text later, Minhyuk waved goodbye and left, leaving Seongho and Hyeri giggling on the couch.
The atmosphere was light and joyous as Hyeri poured them both another glass of soju, their laughter accompanying the sound of glasses clinking together.
"You know, this is really nice," Hyeri commented, raising her glass. "Just the two of us hanging out like this. I miss it."
"Me too," Seongho said, feeling grateful for the time they could share. As they continued drinking, the conversation flowed freely, laughter replacing any thoughts of the earlier stress regarding Junseong and the Jeongs.
Before long, the alcohol was taking its toll, and Seongho found himself feeling pleasantly dizzy. "Noona, I'm super dizzy!" he giggled, wiggling in his seat like a child.
"Just a bit more. Let's celebrate sibling time!" Hyeri laughed, pouring them both another round.
But as the liquor flowed, so did their inebriation. Finally, Hyeri realized it was time to stop. "Okay, time for bed for both of us. Seongho, you're not in a state to do anything else!" she declared, her own steps slightly unsteady as she called for two maids.
"Can you take him to his room?" she asked, her voice determined yet slightly slurred. The maids nodded, quickly approaching Seongho.
"Come on,master Seongho. Let's get you to bed," one of them said gently, helping him up.
"Oh, I don't wanna go to bed! I want Junseong!" he pouted, trailing behind them as they guided him upstairs. The maids exchanged amused glances at his whining.
"Since Mr. Lee promised to come home early, he'll be back soon," one of them assured, eliciting soft giggles from the other maid as Seongho continued to whimper.
"No,he's a meanie!" Seongho said, his voice high-pitched and sulking as he waddled along. "He said he'd come home and he's not here! I'm gonna tell him he's a really big meanie!"
As they reached his room, Hyeri stumbled a bit on the stairs behind them, her giggle filling the air as she waved them off. "Good night, baby brother! Have sweet dreams about your mean husband!" she teased before making her way down the hallway toward her own room.
The maids gently laid Seongho down on his bed, the plush comforter enveloping him snugly. They tucked him under the big blanket, ensuring he was warm and comfortable.
As they turned to leave, a soft thud was heard as Mangchi, jumped onto the bed. Immediately, he made himself cozy by settling under Seongho's hand, prompting a smile to spread across Seongho's face.
"Hey, Mangchi," he whispered, running his fingers through the cat's soft fur. "I'm waiting for your dad, okay? He's a meanie for not being home."
He glanced at the clock on the nightstand, the ticking hands a constant reminder of time passing without his husband. The room was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of Mangchi's purring and Seongho's soft murmurs about how he would give Junseong a piece of his mind when he finally came home.
"Why won't you love me like Taehyung loves Jungkook?" Seongho wondered out loud to Mangchi, the cat blinking lazily as he continued to receive gentle pets.
"Clingy," he mused to himself, a smile creeping back on his face as he waited, love swirling within him, envisioning the moment his husband would finally come back home and walk through the door.
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To be continued. . . . .
REFLEXIONES DE LOS CREADORES 
Amyratu
Amyratu Okay, so, the Jeong family. Ugh, right? I'm tired and still recovering from writing all their scheming. Junseong, though? He's going to destroy them legally. Seriously, get ready for some epic courtroom battles. Then there's the whole makeup studio thing. Even though Junseong acts all cold and says he doesn't want to fall for Seongho – , the man surprised him with a whole makeup studio! even though,someone spilled the beans about it and not Junseong himself, but the gesture itself? Total swoon-worthy. He's totally in denial, bless his tsundere heart. And Taekook? Those two are my therapy. Their cuteness is the only thing keeping me from throwing my laptop out the window. The next chapter? It's a total cliffhanger. Because I'm not even sure what's going to happen next, but it's going to be wild. Prepare yourselves!
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