บท 15: Promises of Commitments.

The morning light barely touched the horizon when Junseong woke, a plan forming in his mind. He wanted to show Seongho a different side of himself, a side that went beyond the cold, calculating businessman he'd presented to the world. He wanted to be the man Seongho deserved, the man he craved to be.

He quietly prepared breakfast, carefully setting the table with Seongho's favorite dishes. He knew Seongho loved his grandmother's recipe for kimchi pancakes, and he'd even managed to find a rare blend of tea that Seongho adored. He wanted to make this day special, a day to show Seongho that he cared.

As Seongho entered the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he stopped, surprised. "Hubby... did you?"

Junseong smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I thought you might like some breakfast, so I made it myself."

Seongho's gaze roamed the spread, his expression softening. "You didn't have to..."

"I wanted to," Junseong said, his voice low, a hint of vulnerability in his tone.

Throughout the day, Junseong anticipated Seongho's every need. He refreshed his tea, offered his favorite snacks, and even anticipated his desire for a walk in the afternoon sun. Seongho struggled to reconcile this attentive husband with the cold, distant man he thought he knew.

"Hub, you're... being really sweet today," Seongho said, his voice tinged with wonder.

Junseong's cheeks flushed. "Just trying to make up for yesterday. I'm really, really sorry for all those things I said to you."

But Seongho sensed more. A genuine desire to care for him, to make him happy. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was shifting, that something was changing between them.

As the day unfolded, Seongho found himself questioning his initial impressions. Was Junseong truly changing, or was this just a facade? He wanted to believe the best, but his heart remained guarded.

The doorbell rang, interrupting Seongho's thoughts.

"I'll get it," Junseong said, rising from his seat.

Seongho watched as Junseong answered the door, revealing Tahiti's bright smile. "Tahiti! Come on in."

Tahiti breezed into the villa, her eyes scanning the cozy scene. "Morning, Seongho!" she exclaimed.

Seongho stood, exchanging a warm hug. "Morning, Tahiti. What brings you here?"

Tahiti's gaze turned serious. "I wanted to check on you, Seongho. After... everything."

Seongho's cheeks flushed. "I'm fine, really."

Tahiti's eyes sparkled. "I know you are. Mr. Husband has been taking good care of you."

Seongho's eyes darted to Junseong, who stood by the table, his expression unreadable.

"Hubby's been... different," Seongho admitted, his voice barely a whisper. "I haven't even seen his assistant since this morning, and he hasn't even taken his phone to call any of his business associates today."

Tahiti leaned in, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Different?" she repeated.

Seongho nodded. "More caring. Attentive."

Tahiti smiled knowingly. "I think I know why."

Junseong returned with a tray of refreshments. "Please, help yourselves."

Tahiti accepted a glass of juice. "Thanks, Jun."

Junseong sat beside Seongho, his presence a comforting warmth.

Tahiti sipped her drink. "Seongho, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Seongho replied.

"Did Junseong tell you about his reaction when you ran away?"

Seongho's brow furrowed. "No... what do you mean?"

Tahiti's voice dropped to a whisper. "He was frantic. Ordered multiple doctors to treat you, even called in favors from abroad."

Seongho's eyes widened. "That can't be..."

Tahiti nodded. "I've never seen Junseong so worried. He was beside himself."

Junseong's eyes met Seongho's, a soft, gentle smile appearing on his face. Seongho's face burned.

"Excuse me," Junseong said, rising. "I'll leave you two to catch up."

Seongho's eyes followed Junseong as he exited the room.

Tahiti leaned in closer, eager to chat with Seongho. "Seongho, Junseong barely left your side when you were recovering."

Seongho's blush deepened. "He didn't tell me," he whispered.

Tahiti's expression turned serious. "There's more. Junseong's been protecting you from the media fallout."

Seongho's eyes widened further. "Protecting me?"

Tahiti nodded. "He's been handling everything behind the scenes."

Seongho's mind reeled. Why didn't Junseong tell him? Was he genuinely concerned?

Tahiti's voice brought him back to reality. "Seongho, I think Junseong's feelings for you run deeper than you think."

Seongho's heart skipped a beat. Could it be true? Was Junseong genuinely in love with him?

Tahiti's words hung in the air, awaiting Seongho's response. Seongho's expression turned skeptical.

"Tahiti, you're reading too much into it," Seongho said, waving his hand dismissively.

Tahiti's eyebrows rose. "Really? I've never seen Junseong like this."

Seongho shrugged. "Junseong just feels responsible for me. That's all."

Tahiti's gaze persisted. "Seongho, I've known Mr. Lee for years. He's never gone to such lengths for anyone."

Seongho's smile faltered. "Maybe he just wants to keep me out of trouble," he suggested.

Tahiti sighed. "Seongho, you're not seeing the bigger picture. Mr. Lee—"

Seongho's palms rose, halting Tahiti. "Tahiti, stop. Really. It's just duty. Nothing more."

Tahiti's eyes softened. "Fine. But remember, Seongho, actions speak louder than words."

Seongho nodded. "I appreciate your concern, Tahiti. But I know Junseong."

Tahiti's gaze lingered, unconvinced.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, but Seongho's mind lingered on Tahiti's words. Was he truly just a responsibility to Junseong? Or was there something more?

Seongho pushed the thoughts aside. He couldn't afford to hope. Not yet.

Two Weeks Later

Seongho's recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Junseong's diligent care and attention had paid off. He was stronger, healthier, and his spirits were lifted.

One sunny morning, Junseong suggested, "Let's take a boat ride."

Seongho's eyes sparkled. "Sounds perfect."

As they sailed across the tranquil lake, Seongho felt carefree. The sun warmed his face, the gentle breeze ruffled his hair, and the world seemed to melt away. Junseong pointed out the scenic views, his voice a soft murmur, and Seongho laughed, his heart light.

Their hands brushed as they reached for a shared snack, sending a jolt of electricity through both of them. Junseong pulled back, his cheeks flushing, but Seongho's gaze lingered, a question forming in his eyes.

The tension dissipated as they enjoyed a peaceful picnic lunch and Junseong helped Seongho feed the swans, his smile captivating Seongho. A photographer captured their moments, calling out, "Smile, newlyweds!"

Seongho's cheeks flushed, and Junseong's arm wrapped around him, a gesture that felt both protective and possessive. A sense of belonging washed over Seongho.

Their honeymoon bliss continued. Couple's yoga in the morning sun, candlelit dinners under the stars, and stargazing on the deck of the villa. With each passing day, Junseong's guard lowered. His gentle touch, his warm smiles, his whispers of affection, all chipped away at Seongho's defenses.

Seongho's heart wavered. Was this real, or just a dream?

Tahiti invited Seongho and Junseong to dinner at her place when she visited them later. "Tonight, we're having a heart-to-heart," she announced.

Seongho's eyes narrowed. "Tahiti, what's going on?"

Tahiti grinned mischievously. "Junseong, tell Seongho how you really feel."

Junseong's expression turned stoic. "Tahiti, stop."

Seongho's curiosity piqued. "Jun, what's she talking about?"

Tahiti leaned in. "Junseong's been hiding his true feelings. It's time he confessed that he cares about you deeply."

Junseong's eyes flashed in irritation. "Tahiti, enough."

Seongho's heart skipped a beat. Could it be true? Junseong's gaze met Seongho's, a flicker of emotion in his eyes. Seongho's pulse quickened.

Tahiti's meddling continued. "Seongho, don't you feel the chemistry between you two?"

Seongho's cheeks flushed. Junseong's jaw clenched. "Tahiti, that's enough."

Tahiti smiled. "I'm just speeding up the inevitable."

The tension was palpable. Tahiti's words hung in the air, awaiting a response.

Junseong's expression softened. "Seongho, I... care about you deeply. You know that."

Seongho's eyes searched Junseong's. "What do you mean?"

Junseong's voice dropped to a whisper. "I promised to protect and take care of you. That's not just a duty; it's a commitment."

Seongho's heart fluttered. "A commitment?"

Junseong nodded. "Yes. I want to help you heal, move forward. Together."

Tahiti smiled. "See, Seongho? Mr. Lee is not just a bossy husband; he's a caring one."

Seongho's cheeks flushed. Junseong shot Tahiti a warning glance. Tahiti laughed. "I'll leave you two alone. Continue this conversation."

With Tahiti gone, the tension dissipated. Seongho broke the silence. "Hubby, I appreciate your care. But what does that mean for us?"

Junseong leaned in, his gaze intense. "It means I'll support you, be there for you. No conditions."

Seongho's eyes locked onto Junseong's. "And what about... feelings?"

Junseong's gaze faltered. "Let's focus on rebuilding our relationship, one step at a time."

Seongho nodded. "Okay."

The air was thick with unspoken emotions, but for now, they had a starting point. The path ahead was uncertain, but they were both willing to take the first step.