OAO | Chapter 20

Instead of asking, “When will that be?” Jaeyoon just chuckled. It was embarrassing to realize that Kangyoon had seen through his impatience. Jaeyoon thought he was acting cool and indifferent, but somehow, Kangyoon always noticed.

However, there was one thing Kangyoon didn’t know. Jaeyoon’s curiosity about his ten-year future was partly due to his mother’s sudden contact but also because of Kangyoon. Since last night, he had been unusually conscious of Kangyoon, making him wonder if something had happened between them in the future or if he was just feeling strange. This impatience to recover his memory was mainly because of Kangyoon.

🎥🎤

After completing the discharge paperwork, Jaeyoon decided to go home with Kangyoon. The manager offered to drive them, but Kangyoon politely declined, saying they could take his car. As Jaeyoon sat in the passenger seat, the manager looked at him through the window as if he had something to say.

“Do you have something to say?”

Jaeyoon’s question made the manager frown.

“That’s right, you used to speak formally back then. Hearing it after so long feels strange.”

The manager shook his head, holding his face with one hand.

“It will work out. Just rest and don’t worry about the schedule.”

Jaeyoon closed the window and Kangyoon started the car. Watching the car leave the hospital parking lot, the manager remembered something but sighed and walked away.

Somehow, things would work out. With Kangyoon by Jaeyoon’s side, he trusted that things would be managed.

“Come in.”

Kangyoon opened the door and stepped aside. Jaeyoon muttered “Excuse me” reflexively and entered, letting out an admiring sound.

The space was vast, much bigger than the dorm where the six members used to live. The living room had a full glass wall overlooking the Han River.

“The left room on the first floor is my studio, and the other side is yours.”

First floor? Looking up, Jaeyoon realized it was a duplex. The first floor had a spacious living room and kitchen, with a room on each side.

Following Kangyoon’s guidance, Jaeyoon opened each door and gasped. Kangyoon’s studio was equipped with a computer and soundproofing for music production. His own studio had bookshelves filled with books and scripts and a large screen on one wall with a comfortable sofa for watching movies.

He really was acting, not singing. Seeing his studio, so different from Kangyoon’s, confirmed it.

“You weren’t kidding about earning a lot.”

The main entrance had tight security, and the entire place, with its river view, must have cost a fortune. The idea that either he or Kangyoon could afford such a home was astonishing. It was beyond anything he could have imagined at eighteen.

Kangyoon chuckled at Jaeyoon’s comment and gestured to the second floor.

“The bedroom is upstairs.”

Jaeyoon followed him up. The second floor utilized only part of the space, with high ceilings visible from the first floor. The river view from up there was even more breathtaking.

“This is the walk-in closet.”

Kangyoon opened the first door on the second-floor hallway. The closet was bigger than Jaeyoon’s room at the dorm. Along the walls were system wardrobes with semi-transparent black glass doors, filled with neatly arranged clothes.

“The left side is yours, the right side is mine.”

They had organized their clothes separately.

“The items in the island storage aren’t divided, so use them as you like.”

The storage unit in the center had a glass top displaying watches and accessories.

“Ties are in the lower drawer.”

Ties? Jaeyoon blinked. At eighteen, he rarely wore ties, especially during On&On activities. But now, at twenty-nine, he wore suits often, so his tie collection had grown.

“The bedroom is this way.”

Kangyoon gestured towards the end of the hallway. Jaeyoon opened the door and his eyes widened. One corner of the bedroom had tall glass walls with a full view of the river. Admiring the scenery, he noticed the king-sized bed.

“Um…”

The bed was too big for one person. Jaeyoon couldn’t tell if it was his room or Kangyoon’s. Since Kangyoon had shown him the room, it was probably his.

“Is this my room? Or yours?”

With a house this big, it wouldn’t be surprising if there was another room. But why did it feel like this was a shared room? He hoped Kangyoon would say there was another room, but Kangyoon just stared at him silently.

“There are only four rooms in this house.”

Jaeyoon dumbly repeated, “Huh?” Four rooms meant this was the only bedroom.

Kangyoon’s unwavering gaze felt heavy. Jaeyoon turned his head, and the large bed came into view again. It was big enough for two men to sleep comfortably.

So, I slept here with Kangyoon Hyung.

Well, it’s possible for men to share a bed. They shared rooms in the dorm too.

But we didn’t sleep under the same blanket, did we?

He tried to rationalize it but felt something was off. His mind was a mess.

“Don’t worry. I won’t touch you without your memories.”

Kangyoon’s low voice made Jaeyoon’s heart race. Kangyoon walked past him into the room, tossing his jacket on the bed and heading to the bathroom. The sound of running water came from the bathroom, and Jaeyoon slumped to the floor, covering his face with one hand.

What did he mean by that? If I had my memories, if I were the twenty-nine-year-old Yoon Jaeyoon, would he have touched me? That’s ridiculous…

The thought of Kangyoon made his face burn. It was just a shared bed. Thinking otherwise was absurd. Maybe he had read too many fanfics.

Kangyoon, washing his hands in the bathroom, paused when he saw Jaeyoon crouched at the bedroom entrance. Even without memories, seeing this room would raise suspicions. He didn’t plan to force Jaeyoon to remember, but he wouldn’t deny it either.

Think, Yoon Jaeyoon. Think and remember.

He hoped Jaeyoon would recall the day he tearfully confessed his feelings. If Jaeyoon couldn’t remember, Kangyoon would still hold on to him.

But the eighteen-year-old Yoon Jaeyoon was more cautious and withdrawn than the twenty-nine-year-old. If Kangyoon pushed too hard, Jaeyoon might run away. He wouldn’t let that happen. If Jaeyoon retreated, Kangyoon would only hold on tighter. That scared him.

When did I fall for him? Leaning against the wall between the bathroom and bedroom, Kangyoon took a deep breath.

Don’t rush.

The words were meant for himself, not Jaeyoon.

His memories will return soon.

But when? How long would it take? Would his patience last?

He pretended to be calm in front of Jaeyoon, but he was deeply troubled.

🎥🎤

The Han River beyond the living room window was shrouded in darkness. The streetlights, car headlights, and building lights across the river sparkled in the black night. The view was mesmerizing, but Jaeyoon’s mind was chaotic.

As bedtime approached, he became increasingly aware of Kangyoon. He had shared rooms with other members without issue, but that bedroom… It didn’t feel like a typical shared room. The large bed made his imagination run wild, and it was unsettling. What was he thinking about Kangyoon?

After all, Kangyoon Hyung is an alpha, and I’m an omega.

He hadn’t told anyone, but he was an omega. Maybe that’s why sharing a room with Kangyoon felt so strange.

In the dorm, he had shared a room with Gyuho. The company had assigned rooms to avoid him sharing with alphas like Kangyoon and Hanjun. Jaeyoon had also been careful not to sleep in the same room as them.

So how did the twenty-nine-year-old Yoon Jaeyoon end up sharing a room and bed with alpha Lee Kangyoon? Did he reveal he was an omega? Should he ask Kangyoon? If he had revealed it, wouldn’t sharing a bed be even stranger?

Jaeyoon stared at Kangyoon, who was looking at sheet music. Sensing his gaze, Kangyoon looked up, and their eyes met.

“Hyung, by any chance…”

Do you know that I’m an Omega?

Jaeyoon couldn’t bring himself to finish the question. If Kangyoon hadn’t revealed it yet, it wasn’t something he should be asking now.

“Never mind. It’s nothing.”

As expected, asking Kangyoon directly was too much. If the information was already out, the manager would know, so it seemed better to confirm through him first.

Jaeyoon worried for a moment that Kangyoon might press him for an explanation, but fortunately, Kangyoon didn’t. He simply organized the sheet music he had been holding, set it on the table, and stood up. Jaeyoon’s gaze naturally followed him upward to his face.

“It’s past eleven.”

The clock on the wall behind Kangyoon showed 11:05. Obviously, Jaeyoon already knew it was past eleven.

“Go to bed.”

“A-already?”

The mention of sleep made Jaeyoon’s heart race uncontrollably.

“You’re still a patient, you know.”

Kangyoon’s eyes drifted to the wound on Jaeyoon’s head. Though there was no pain thanks to the medication, the doctor had been adamant about being careful until the stitches were removed.

Unable to argue with the patient label, Jaeyoon followed Kangyoon silently, but as they ascended the stairs, his thoughts ran wild. Were they really going to share the same bed and blanket? Maybe he hadn’t looked properly earlier, and there was another bed inside… but that seemed like wishful thinking. Letting out a low groan at the ridiculousness of his thoughts, Jaeyoon was startled when Kangyoon turned to look at him. Jaeyoon forced a nonchalant smile, though he wasn’t sure it looked convincing.

Since he had already showered and changed after arriving home, he couldn’t use that as an excuse once they reached the bedroom. Kangyoon naturally settled on the left side of the bed. Not knowing what to do, Jaeyoon froze near the doorway until Kangyoon called his name.

“Yoon Jaeyoon, come here.”

His voice was calm to the point of being curt, but for some reason, it made Jaeyoon nervous. Hesitatingly, Jaeyoon moved to the spot Kangyoon indicated and lay down, but he turned his back toward him out of embarrassment. When he felt Kangyoon shift behind him, a blanket was gently pulled over his shoulders.

“Goodnight.”

A low voice came from behind.

“Y-you too, Hyung.”

After Jaeyoon’s reply, the room was filled with only the sound of their quiet breathing. However, Jaeyoon couldn’t fall asleep. He wanted to shift positions but worried that it would bother Kangyoon, so he remained frozen in place for a long time.

Has he fallen asleep yet? Jaeyoon wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but there was no movement from behind him. Carefully, he turned to face Kangyoon.

Lying on his back, Kangyoon’s profile was faintly visible under the dim light seeping through the window.

He’s so good-looking.

After his debut, fans often called Jaeyoon a “manhwa protagonist,” but he had always thought Kangyoon was the one whose face was flawlessly handsome. The fact that he could now see that face up close made it hard to look away once his eyes landed on him.

How is his nose that sharp? His lashes are long, his eyebrows jet black, and his lips look as if they were drawn.

Ah…

Without realizing it, Jaeyoon reached out toward Kangyoon’s face, stopping just short of touching it.

What am I even doing?

Awkwardly withdrawing his hand, Jaeyoon suddenly caught a whiff of Kangyoon’s scent. It wasn’t the strong pheromones of an Alpha but rather a faint, sweet floral fragrance.

In that moment, Jaeyoon abruptly sat up and ran to the bathroom. Closing the door behind him, he looked down. The front of his pants was awkwardly bulging.

“Ugh… this is ridiculous.”

I must’ve lost my mind. Just because Kangyoon’s scent lingered, I…

Even as he told himself it was wrong, his heart pounded faster. Heat gradually spread downward, and he felt wetness in the back.

What do I do? Could it be my heat cycle? Where’s the suppressant?

This wasn’t the dorm, so he didn’t even know where his belongings or medication were.

Jaeyoon sank to the floor, pulling his pants down. His hand instinctively moved to the front, but it wasn’t enough. The ache in his back was unbearable. Biting his lower lip in hesitation, he finally reached behind. His fingers brushed against the already damp spot, making him squeeze his eyes shut.

This is just a biological response. It’s not because of Kangyoon Hyung.

He kept repeating it to himself, even as he slid his fingers into the wet entrance. A sharp sensation shot up his spine as his fingers began moving in and out. Before long, he had two fingers thrusting inside him.

“Ah…”

A soft moan escaped before he could stop it, surprising himself. Hastily, Jaeyoon clamped a hand over his mouth. It wasn’t enough. His body craved something more, something stronger, leaving him both bewildered and helpless as his hands refused to stop moving.

“H-Hyung… Kangyoon Hyung…”

The words slipped out involuntarily, and he froze immediately after realizing what he had just said.

What was this? Why was he calling Kangyoon Hyung’s name now?

As his mind went blank, the simmering desire inside him abruptly cooled. Completely undressed, Jaeyoon stepped under the shower and turned on the water.

The sharp chill of the water cascading over his head made him shudder, amplifying his regret for what he’d just done.

He wanted to disappear.

For the first time, Jaeyoon fully grasped the weight of being an omega—a fact he’d barely considered until now.

🎥🎤

5:57 a.m. Though the alarm was set for 6:00, Kangyoon woke up instinctively. Reaching for his phone on the nightstand, he turned off the alarm.

A weight on his right arm drew his attention. Turning to look, he saw Jaeyoon clinging to his arm in his sleep.

Despite having appeared wary of sharing a bed before falling asleep, Jaeyoon had subconsciously dropped his guard.

Lying on his side, Kangyoon brushed Jaeyoon’s disheveled bangs away from his forehead. His fingers grazed Jaeyoon’s skin, and the latter murmured faintly, his breath soft and steady. When Kangyoon cupped Jaeyoon’s cheek more firmly, Jaeyoon instinctively leaned into the warmth, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Was he awake? Kangyoon paused to check, but Jaeyoon’s even breathing continued. It seemed his unconscious self simply sought Kangyoon’s touch.

Complicated emotions surged within Kangyoon. At eighteen, Jaeyoon had hidden his status as an omega, subtly keeping a cautious distance from Kangyoon, an alpha.

Back then, Kangyoon hadn’t noticed. He hadn’t even imagined Jaeyoon might be an omega. Now, however, he saw everything for what it was. The slight hesitations, the deliberate boundaries—Jaeyoon’s attempts to maintain composure and keep a safe distance from Kangyoon were painfully evident.

But Kangyoon pretended not to notice. It wasn’t to torment or tease Jaeyoon, but because he didn’t know what would be better—to address it outright or to allow Jaeyoon some semblance of normalcy until his memory returned.

It was much harder to deal with the eighteen-year-old Jaeyoon than his twenty-nine-year-old self. The difference reminded Kangyoon of how much Jaeyoon had grown and endured over the years.

The Jaeyoon of today had faced countless challenges, developing resilience and poise. But the Jaeyoon he was dealing with now—young and uncertain—had yet to experience those trials.

Knowing this, Kangyoon exercised restraint. The Jaeyoon of twenty-nine might have been playful and bold enough to tease him, but this version was an entirely different story.

Even so, Jaeyoon’s unconscious self seemed to remember the comfort Kangyoon offered. In his sleep, he sought Kangyoon’s warmth, nestling closer and reaching out for him.

The sight tested Kangyoon’s patience. His rational mind felt as though it might snap under the strain.

Exhaling deeply, Kangyoon carefully extracted his arm from Jaeyoon’s grasp. Any longer, and he feared he’d give in to his impulses.

After tossing his shirt onto the bed, he headed to the bathroom in just his sweatpants, determined to cool down. He let the cold water stream over him, hoping to douse the heat rising within him.

🎥🎤

Jaeyoon stirred awake and habitually buried his face into the shirt Kangyoon had discarded. The scent clinging to the fabric brought a sense of comfort, prompting a small, satisfied smile to form on Jaeyoon’s lips.

Kangyoon froze in the doorway, freshly showered and ready to return to bed. The sight of Jaeyoon clutching his shirt so intimately caused the heat he had just quelled to flare back up.

“Please… hurry and remember everything, Yoon Jaeyoon,” Kangyoon muttered under his breath. If this continued, he feared he wouldn’t be able to hold back much longer.

🎥🎤

Despite Jaeyoon’s reluctance to be left alone, Kangyoon couldn’t stay by his side all day. Work demanded his attention. However, Kangyoon made sure to give strict instructions before retreating to his home studio.

“Don’t leave the house. Stay put, okay?”

Even without Kangyoon’s warning, Jaeyoon had no plans to go out. During his rookie days, he’d been drilled on the importance of avoiding crowded places. Now, as a star with a box-office hit to his name, public encounters seemed even more daunting.

Sitting on the living room couch, Jaeyoon channel-surfed until he stumbled upon a re-run of a parenting show featuring Gyuho. On-screen, Gyuho’s child reached out for him, babbling adorably. Jaeyoon couldn’t help but smile, charmed by the innocence and warmth of the moment.

“You don’t look like Gyuho Hyung.”

Of course, Gyuho wasn’t lacking in appearance, but the child, perhaps because he was a child, looked several times more beautiful than Gyuho.

“A child…”

Suddenly, the thought occurred to him that, since he was an omega, he might be able to have a child someday. But he quickly shook his head. At least while he was active as a celebrity, it would be impossible. His profile said he was a beta, so it would be impossible to have a child, let alone date someone.

Thinking that far made him feel bitter.

Ah, the heat cycle suppressant.

Thinking about being an omega, he suddenly remembered the heat cycle suppressant he couldn’t find yesterday. Yesterday, Kangyoon was with him all the time, so he couldn’t look for it more. He quickly grabbed his phone and went upstairs. He entered the bedroom, closed the door, and immediately called his manager.

“This is Jaeyoon.”

He said up to that point, and the manager already sighed. Then he grumbled, saying he really couldn’t get used to the formal speech.

[Is there something wrong?]

“No, it’s not that… Do you know where my heat cycle suppressant is?”

He felt embarrassed even as he asked. How flustered must the manager be, being asked where the heat cycle suppressant, which he should take care of himself, was.

[Well? You used to keep it in your bag or jacket that you usually carry around, but you haven’t been carrying those lately…]

The manager trailed off and kept silent for a moment.

[Ask Kangyoon. He probably knows. Maybe.]

He added ‘maybe’ as if he wasn’t sure.

“Does Kangyoon Hyung know that I’m an omega?”

[Not only does he know, but he knows you better than anyone else, so there’s nothing to worry about. If you have any questions, ask Kangyoon. And everyone else knows you’re an omega, not just the other members, but the whole nation. So you don’t have to worry about that.]

“What?”

He asked back in genuine surprise, but the manager nonchalantly replied that they had a proper press conference last year and there were no issues.

He realized once again that a lot of time had passed. The company had told him to hide the fact that he was an omega, but they had a proper press conference? It was surprising.

Anyway, he was told to ask Kangyoon Hyung.

After finishing the call, Jaeyoon looked down at the blackened screen and sighed briefly. Knowing that everyone already knew made him feel that his worries last night were meaningless.

But it was still strange. Even though Kangyoon knew he was an omega, how could he sleep in the same bed with him? Kangyoon was definitely an alpha… Was his omega pheromone too weak to affect him? Or…

“No way…”

He shook his head at the sudden thought.

“What do you mean, no way?”

As he was about to leave the bedroom, Kangyoon was standing right in front of him, startling him. He screamed without realizing it, and Kangyoon frowned.

“I just came to find you because you weren’t in the living room.”

“Oh, I was just on the phone with the manager for a moment.”

“Is there something wrong?”

He was worried about what to say if Kangyoon asked why he came up here to make the call, but fortunately, Kangyoon asked about the purpose of the call.

“No, it’s just that…”

He looked back at Kangyoon but couldn’t find the words. The manager said Kangyoon knew everything, so there was nothing to worry about, but he had always been busy hiding it, so even if it was okay, it didn’t feel real.

“…?”

Kangyoon looked down at Jaeyoon, waiting for him to continue. He didn’t rush him, just waited quietly, and Jaeyoon bit his lip and licked it with his tongue.

“You know I’m an omega, right, Hyung…”

“Ah.”

It was really a nonchalant reaction. He had imagined countless times what would happen if the Hyungs found out he was an omega, but he had never imagined such a reaction as if it was nothing. Because Kangyoon showed no change in attitude, he felt a little braver than before.

“I can’t find my heat cycle suppressant…”

Jaeyoon looked up at Kangyoon with a lost puppy-like expression, and Kangyoon let out a short, exasperated sigh. Was he embarrassed to be asked such a question?

“You’re not in your heat period now.”

“Huh?”

“I’m asking why you’re looking for the suppressant when you’re not in your heat period.”

“Well, that’s…”

Jaeyoon was at a loss for words. It seemed like Kangyoon knew where his heat cycle suppressant was, and even knew about his heat cycle periods. How did he know that? Was it because they lived together? Well, since Kangyoon was an alpha, he would naturally be sensitive to an omega’s heat cycle and might have known in advance when Jaeyoon’s heat cycle was.

“Are you planning to take it now?”

Kangyoon asked again. Jaeyoon instinctively nodded, causing Kangyoon’s expression to harden even more.

“There’s still some time before your heat period. You don’t need to take it yet.”

“But just in case…”

When he was eighteen, his heat cycle had been somewhat irregular. They said it was because he manifested as an omega late. Although it was weak, his cycle wasn’t stable, so he had been taking a mild heat cycle suppressant every day. He never knew when or where it would strike, and since he lived with other members, including two alphas, the company had many reasons to make sure Jaeyoon took his medication daily.

Not knowing how to explain all this, he just bit his lip while looking at Kangyoon. Kangyoon let out a long sigh.

“It’s okay.”

“…What?”

Jaeyoon didn’t understand what Kangyoon meant by that.

“Your heat cycle is stable enough now that you don’t need to take the suppressant daily.”

Was this one of the things that had changed over the past ten years? Taking the medication daily had actually been a burden on his body. It would indeed be a relief if he didn’t have to take it every day.

“And even if your heat cycle does come, it’s no big deal.”

This time, Jaeyoon couldn’t even ask back, just blinking at Kangyoon.

It doesn’t matter? Even if I go into heat? But Hyung, you’re an alpha. How can it not matter? What if something happens?

He had many things he wanted to say, but the words wouldn’t come out. Kangyoon’s gaze was so intense and unwavering that his words swirled in his throat and then dissipated.

🎥🎤

Jaeyoon’s eyes wandered in the air before landing on Kangyoon’s face across from him. But they couldn’t stay there for long, wandering aimlessly again. Kangyoon was holding a tablet PC, doing something, but Jaeyoon had nothing to do. He didn’t know what to do even as an actor. Fortunately or unfortunately, he wasn’t in the middle of shooting a project, so there was no script to read.

He had spent the entire past week doing nothing and wasting time. He had even gone to the hospital yesterday to get his stitches removed, so now he didn’t even look like a patient anymore. But his memory was still stuck in place. Kangyoon also stayed home every day without going to work, probably because he was worried.

He thought about watching TV, but nothing caught his eye. Besides, Kangyoon seemed to be working, and he didn’t want to disturb him. It was obvious that if Kangyoon didn’t want to be disturbed, he would be working in his office, but Jaeyoon kept thinking about him.

“Why?”

Kangyoon asked, still looking at his tablet PC. So it took Jaeyoon a moment to realize he was speaking to him. He blinked stupidly, unsure of what Kangyoon was asking, until Kangyoon put down the tablet and looked at him.

“Why are you so restless?”

He had thought Kangyoon wasn’t paying attention, but it seemed he had noticed everything.

“It’s nothing.”

Jaeyoon shook his head with a smile, but he couldn’t even tell if it was really nothing. He felt oddly unsettled, his heart churning.

“Do you want to go out for some fresh air?”

Kangyoon asked, looking at Jaeyoon.

“Can we just walk around?”

It would be nice to go out instead of staying indoors, but he wasn’t sure if it was okay. Having spent ten years as a celebrity, his face was probably well-known, and without his memories, he wasn’t confident in dealing with fans who might recognize him.

“You can’t go out alone.”

As expected, Kangyoon answered firmly. Knowing he was worried, Jaeyoon awkwardly laughed and nodded.

“So I asked if you wanted to go out together.”

Kangyoon added, and Jaeyoon thought, right, he did.

“You’re restless.”

Jaeyoon was about to apologize, thinking he was bothering Kangyoon, but Kangyoon continued.

“If you have something to say or want to do, just do it. Don’t worry about me.”

“Ah…”

Jaeyoon realized he had been worrying about Kangyoon. It wasn’t exactly the same as being cautious, but he couldn’t explain it well.

“Let’s go out. It’s better than staying home all day.”

Kangyoon stood up first. Jaeyoon followed him upstairs to change clothes, sighing softly.

Yes, it seemed better to go out. Being alone with Kangyoon at home was making him more conscious of him.

🎥🎤

Kangyoon asked if they should go to a movie, but Jaeyoon shook his head. He didn’t know what movies were playing, and if they were going to watch a movie, they could do it at home. He didn’t want to go to a crowded place.

They ended up at a park by the Han River, not far from home. People seemed to recognize Jaeyoon and Kangyoon, but few approached them.

“Guess we’re not that popular.”

Jaeyoon joked, and Kangyoon looked back, not understanding why he thought that.

“Because no one’s talking to us.”

“That’s…”

Kangyoon started to speak but stopped. Since they had publicly announced their relationship, fans had been more considerate, not approaching them when they were together. He didn’t know how to explain that.

Should I just tell him we’re dating, memory or not?

He thought that dozens of times a day. He knew Jaeyoon was unconsciously aware of him. Jaeyoon didn’t seem to realize it, but when he was aware of Kangyoon, a faint pheromone would flow. No matter how much he tried to hide it, he couldn’t hide that scent.

Even without his memory, he reacts to me. That fact was comforting, but it was also frustrating that he couldn’t touch him despite the pheromone.

Should I just hug him? Even if his mind doesn’t remember, his body might. He thought that, but he hadn’t touched him because he was worried about Jaeyoon’s head injury. It wasn’t a serious injury, and the tests showed no issues, but he was worried that blood might rush to his head during sex and cause problems.

It’s all an excuse. He was afraid that Jaeyoon, without his memory, would reject him, that the eighteen-year-old Jaeyoon, who hadn’t liked him yet, would be shocked and confused. That fear was what kept him from touching him.

On the opposite side of the intense desire to take him by force was the constant wish to cherish Jaeyoon. Fortunately, that wish was stronger, so he was maintaining his composure and waiting.

Leaving out many words, he sighed. As he turned his head, he saw Jaeyoon’s expression darken. At moments like this, he wanted to pull Jaeyoon into a hug. He hated that Jaeyoon was unnecessarily cautious around him and that he looked abandoned without knowing why.

What is the right thing to do? Kangyoon had been just as confused these past few days.

Jaeyoon, walking beside him, fell a step behind. Kangyoon sighed shortly and took Jaeyoon’s hand.

“Huh?”

Jaeyoon looked around in surprise and tried to pull his hand away.

“No one cares. It’s okay, just stay like this.”

Kangyoon answered bluntly, looking straight ahead. Jaeyoon stopped struggling and looked up at Kangyoon. Was it normal to walk hand in hand like this, even as group members? And with so many people around? He didn’t know. He had no choice but to trust Kangyoon, who said it was okay.

“Yoon Yoon, you look great together!”

A student in a school uniform shouted as they passed by, and they turned to look. The student smiled brightly and gave a thumbs-up. It seemed they didn’t find it strange that they were holding hands. Instead, they were cheering them on, saying they looked good together.

It’s still strange. What happened in the past ten years?

He was curious, but oddly, he didn’t want to let go of Kangyoon’s hand. So he just followed Kangyoon’s lead, pretending not to know.

“Squeal!”