TL | Chapter 12 | The Line

“When you can trust me completely, when you’re truly ready to be with me forever—then we’ll do the marking.”

That was what “Iden” had said the first time Seowon brought up wanting to mark him. For him, marking was a matter of trust and commitment.

“I never share my Omega with anyone once I’ve decided they’re mine. Since pheromones can sometimes spiral out of control, especially in heat or rut, there’s no reason to hesitate if there’s a way to manage it completely.”

Iden’s gaze landed on Seowon’s face, his eyes intense even in the dimly lit car. Seowon felt his mouth go dry under that piercing stare.

“I can’t stand anyone coveting what’s mine.”

His eyes trailed slowly over Seowon, from head to toe. The palpable possessiveness in his gaze made Seowon’s skin prickle. For Iden, marking was an expression of possession, a claim of ownership.

It was startling to see how different his mindset was. The lover who’d asked, “Are you sure you want to commit your forever to me?” felt worlds apart from this man. The idea of staking “forever” on mere possessiveness was baffling. Yet, part of Seowon was relieved. This clear difference helped him separate this man from the “Iden” he had loved.

Even if they shared the same face and pheromones, that didn’t mean their hearts were the same. He couldn’t let his feelings waver because of his lingering attachments.

Wanting to protect him was a separate issue. His choice to stay was purely to alleviate his own guilt. It wouldn’t bring his lost lover back…

He turned his head toward the window, willing his sudden surge of emotion to subside. He could still feel Iden’s eyes on him, but he ignored it.

“It doesn’t feel good.”

Iden muttered under his breath.

“So, this is how it feels when you turn away from me.”

That one remark told him that the “Ha Seowon” of this world had never treated Iden like this. He had probably loved him deeply, enough to put his life on the line without hesitation. He would never have looked away first when they were face-to-face.

Just as Seowon hadn’t, with his “Iden.”

“We’ve arrived,” Min announced. They had reached their destination. Stepping out, Seowon saw a large restaurant overlooking a vast lake. From the road signs they’d passed, he guessed it was Lake Paldang. The restaurant building offered a serene view of the lake just ahead.

“If you’re thinking of jumping in, don’t bother,” Iden said, standing beside him. Seowon turned to find him staring right at him.

“One attempt at dying was enough.”

Seowon felt a pang at those words. Had Min told him? He glanced over at Min, who shook his head as if to say no. Despite that, Iden had accurately guessed why he’d been found by the lake.

Just as Seowon thought he knew “Iden,” Iden seemed to understand “Ha Seowon” well. Even if they weren’t the same, fundamental similarities might lead to similar choices in critical moments.

“Focus on the me who’s in front of you.”

Iden’s tone was firm, almost commanding, yet there was a thread of concern woven in.

Were you the same, too? Just expressing it differently—had you also struggled to the point of wanting to die?

As that thought crossed his mind, Seowon found himself chuckling. There he was again, equating him to “Iden” without even realizing it.

Sorry, hyung. Even if he has the same face, this man isn’t you…

When he lowered his gaze from Iden’s, he saw the man’s eyes narrow slightly. But he didn’t say anything else.
•

“There’s no need to go to such lengths in the future.”

On their way back from dinner, Seowon, staring out the window, finally spoke.

“I don’t follow,” Iden replied, prompting Seowon to look back at him.

“I’m saying there’s no need to go so far just for a meal.”

“Did you dislike it?”

The meal had been fine, and the view of Lake Paldang through the expansive windows had been beautiful. But this kind of luxury felt foreign. He couldn’t get used to the Iden who was both a mafia heir and the successor of the Luciano Company.

“I just prefer something simple.”

To be specific, he missed “Iden’s” home-cooked meals. Since he had lived alone with his mother, he had been quite good at cooking. So they’d usually just buy ingredients and cook at home.

“Something simple, huh?”

“I’m not a fan of eating out.”

With a sigh, Seowon answered. Iden let out a brief “Ah,” nodding in understanding.

“If that’s what you prefer, I’ll just hire a cook.”

His response was so off-mark that Seowon frowned. It seemed like the thought of cooking himself hadn’t even crossed Iden’s mind.

“No need. I’ll cook for myself.”

“Hmm… didn’t know you could cook.”

Iden responded playfully, narrowing his eyes with a hint of mischief.

“The you I know can barely fry an egg without burning it.”

Seowon turned back toward the window without a word. In truth, he didn’t know how to cook. Since there had always been someone cooking for him, he’d never improved his skills. He’d thought he just hadn’t tried, but maybe he genuinely lacked talent in the kitchen. But there were plenty of recipes online, so he figured he could follow along and manage. Just because the Ha Seowon of this world couldn’t cook didn’t mean he couldn’t.

“Looking forward to the meal you’ll make.”

“I never said I would.”

“You wouldn’t really eat alone in a house we share, right?”

“Which is why…! Ugh, forget it.”

He had been about to argue that there was no need for them to live together, but he gave up. This was Iden’s house, and he was just staying here as a guest. It would be ridiculous to ask him to find another place to live. And if he did want a separate place, he’d have to arrange it himself.

“You’re giving me a salary, right?”

He needed money, no matter what he planned. Even just cooking at home would require buying groceries.

“Here, use this for now.”

Iden handed him a card. Seowon glanced back and forth between him and the card, giving him a questioning look. Iden gestured toward the card with his chin, as if to say, “Take it already.”

“You might not need to spend much if you’re with me, but keep this as an emergency fund.”

Seowon understood why he was offering the card, but he still hesitated to take it. Iden handing him a credit card without restrictions… it was hard to wrap his head around.

“There’s nothing left under Ha Seowon’s name. Enough time has passed to sort everything out.”

Since the day Ha Seowon was declared dead. The rest of that sentence hung unspoken. Without Iden’s support, Seowon could do nothing in this world. He briefly wondered if canceling his death certificate would be possible, but the thought seemed absurd. There was no point in reviving his ID when he didn’t know how long he’d be around.

Unless he was going to stick to Iden’s side 24/7, it was best to accept the card. After a short sigh, he took it, and a small smile tugged at Iden’s lips, as if he wanted to praise him for making the right choice.

“I’ll pay it back when I get my salary.”

At that, Iden’s smile faltered slightly before returning to its place.

“Everything that’s mine is as good as yours.”

Seowon understood that he meant not to draw such a strict line, but he didn’t respond.

“And asking for a salary? That makes it sound like you really see me as your boss. That hurts.”

“…”

As he kept silent again, Iden’s smile gradually faded. He studied Seowon with an unreadable expression before giving a short, dry laugh.

“You’re really set on keeping this distance, huh?”

There was an unmistakable chill in his voice as he muttered to himself.

“Do as you want. But if you’re so intent on distinguishing things, maybe you should start by changing how you address me. That’s not how a bodyguard would speak.”

It sounded almost mocking, and the slight curl of his lip added to the irritation. Seowon looked at him calmly before drawing a deep breath.

“Director.”

Like Min, he used Iden’s formal title, and he saw Iden’s brow twitch slightly. He wasn’t wrong. If Seowon wanted to draw a line, it made sense to change how he addressed him. He wasn’t his lover anymore; he’d chosen to stay as his bodyguard.

“I’ll maintain a proper boundary from now on, so you don’t have to worry.”

With even his tone transformed, the muscles in Iden’s jaw tightened as he clenched his teeth. Seowon knew how much it must sting for him to be treated this way by him of all people. He held Iden’s gaze steadily, bracing himself for any anger he might show.

Iden looked at him with a fierce intensity, as if he were ready to devour him, then finally let out a small laugh, shaking his head slightly.

“Is that how it’s going to be?”

It was hard to tell whether he was speaking to Seowon or himself.

“Fine, I suppose if I think of this as starting over from scratch, it’s doable.”

The moment he finished speaking, a surge of Alpha pheromones poured from him. Seowon grimaced and quickly raised his hand to cover his mouth and nose, but he could already feel his skin tingling.

“Let’s see how long you can keep it up.”

Iden’s elegant smile felt as tempting—and dangerous—as the devil’s.