RACA 111

On the way home, Jaebeom wouldn’t let go of Eunsol for even a second. On top of that, he released a heavy dose of pheromones.

By the time they pulled into the parking lot, the entire car was filled with Jaebeom’s scent.

“Jaebeom-ssi, your pheromones.”

“Hm?”

“We’re about to go inside. Don’t you think you should rein it in a little?”

“Why?”

“Because the kids will notice.”

Maybe it was because he had strong traits as a dominant alpha. Even though the twins were far from reaching the secondary stage when their traits would settle, they often reacted as if they could already sense the pheromones of both Eunsol and Jaebeom.

They clung to Eunsol and refused to be apart from him, but when they caught Jaebeom’s scent, they would frown and wave their arms and legs as if rejecting his presence. It took several repeats before Eunsol realized it wasn’t a coincidence.

He eventually concluded that they must react that way because Jaebeom shared the same traits as they did.

After that, Jaebeom made sure to control his pheromones completely inside the house. So the fact that he was letting them out right before going home was strange.

“Hmm…”

As expected, Jaebeom hesitated awkwardly. From that reaction, Eunsol could tell he wasn’t even aware of his current state.

“What’s wrong?”

“Just a second…”

Jaebeom delayed his answer and pulled out his phone. Eunsol remained quiet, waiting to see what he was doing, when Jaebeom finally spoke, looking troubled.

“Why don’t you go in first?”

The hesitation in his voice made it obvious that whatever it was, it would take a while. Eunsol didn’t like it. He had only asked about the pheromones, but Jaebeom couldn’t even answer, and now he was suggesting they separate.

Noticing Eunsol’s reluctance, Jaebeom softened his tone to reassure him.

“I think it’s probably because of my rut.”

“…Your rut?”

“Yeah. I get a strong one once a year, and it seems like this is it. I’ll have to check with my doctor to be sure, so wait for me at home, okay?”

Eunsol froze at the unexpected words. Then realization dawned on him, it had already been almost a year since he and Jaebeom had met.

He couldn’t even count how many nights he’d spent helping Jaebeom through his rut. Life had been so hectic after the twins were born that he’d completely forgotten.

“Ah… what should we do?”

Eunsol’s expression was filled with worry. He suffered badly from a severe cold once a year, so he couldn’t help being concerned. Of course, Jaebeom’s rut was entirely different.

“It’s fine. I’ll call you later.”

Eunsol couldn’t insist on staying with him any longer. However, his disappointment must have shown on his face.

“Eunsol-ah.”

When he lifted his head at the gentle call, he felt something warm on his lips. Jaebeom rubbed their lips together, soothing him, then bit gently before letting go. Seeing Eunsol’s sulky face soften back to normal, Jaebeom looked relieved.

“I’ll be quick.”

Eunsol caught the difference in his tone and smiled. Nodding, he stepped out into the hallway, and the elevator doors closed. He stood there for a moment before turning around. As much as he wanted to stay with Jaebeom, they had twins waiting. He had to go back for them.

Suppressing his worry, Eunsol entered through the front door and let out a long sigh.

Then he realized he was still holding an envelope. It was the set of documents and contracts he’d taken from the office.

“So much happened today.”

He’d been running around all day because of this deal. Thanks to Jaebeom accompanying him, the contract had gone smoothly, and all that was left was to go home and have a small celebration.

But with him gone, there was no one to share the joy with. Instead of satisfaction, there was only emptiness.

“W-wah, wah-aaang.”

His thoughts didn’t last long. A small cry rang out right on cue. They usually napped longer at this hour, but it seemed one of them had woken early.

There were helpers nearby, but Eunsol, suddenly anxious, hurriedly kicked off his shoes and crossed the living room.

The nursery had once been his old room. It had been Jaebeom’s idea to turn it into the babies’ room while the two of them shared another. Eunsol had agreed, it made sense.

The twins lay side by side in their cribs, eyes wide open, waving their little hands.

“Beomwoo, Eunwoo, Daddy’s here!”

Eunsol greeted the nanny with a nod and rushed to the cribs. It seemed the brief crying came from Beomwoo.

Tears clung to the corners of Beomwoo’s eyes. Eunsol gently wiped them away with his finger. As he was about to pull back, the baby grabbed his finger tightly.

“Ah…”

It didn’t hurt, but the small hand was holding his finger so tightly he couldn’t pull free. When Eunsol smiled, Beomwoo puckered his lips as if to respond.

“Uung, uuum.”

Maybe he got jealous of them playing alone, because Eunwoo beside them flailed his arms seemingly asking to be noticed too. Still held hostage by Beomwoo’s grip, Eunsol turned toward him.

“Did you sleep well, Eunwoo? Your face looks redder than usual.”

“He didn’t sleep when you two went out earlier either.”

“Both of them?”

“No, just Eunwoo.”

That was unusual. Eunsol glanced between the twins, each holding one of his hands. They looked alike but their personalities couldn’t be more different.

Eunwoo was calm and rarely cried. He slept well, ate well, and rarely fussed. Beomwoo was the opposite, he’d spit out formula if the temperature was even slightly off, and couldn’t fall asleep unless the room was quiet.

But today they seemed to have switched.

“Maybe it’s because both of you were gone,” the nanny said.

Eunsol gently freed his hand from Beomwoo’s grasp and picked up Eunwoo.

“So that’s why you stayed awake? You thought someone had to keep watch?”

Maybe it was because they looked exactly alike despite their different temperaments. Beomwoo and Eunwoo were always close, maybe because they shared the same traits. When their parents weren’t around, perhaps Eunwoo felt he had to protect his brother.

Touched, Eunsol smiled and planted soft kisses on his chubby cheeks. Eunwoo wiggled happily, flapping his tiny hands.

“Ubbu… buu…”

But when Eunsol held only Eunwoo, Beomwoo started to whimper, demanding the same attention. Eunsol blinked in mild distress. If he put Eunwoo down and picked up Beomwoo, then Eunwoo might start fussing next.

The nanny, realizing what he was thinking, quickly lifted Beomwoo, but his little body squirmed restlessly, clearly wanting to go to Eunsol instead.

“Oh my, he must’ve slept well. He’s so strong today.”

She tried to calm him down, but Beomwoo wriggled so hard that she looked helpless.

“Please put him down on the floor.”

At Eunsol’s request, the nanny quickly did so. A thick mat was spread out, and Eunsol laid Eunwoo beside his brother, both of them on their stomachs.

At first, the two waved their arms and legs, as if asking for Eunsol’s attention. But then their little arms brushed together and tangled, and suddenly they were holding hands.

“Ubuu…”

“Ubbubu…”

The babies babbled to each other. No one could understand their words, but they seemed to share their own secret conversation. Their lips kept moving, making little “ah” and “oo” sounds, sometimes furrowing their brows, sometimes squinting or flaring their tiny noses. They were so adorable it made Eunsol want to bite them.

“How can they be this cute?”

Unable to help himself, Eunsol laughed aloud. Both babies turned their heads toward the sound, and as if realizing they’d forgotten someone important, they began flailing and babbling even more.

Beomwoo lifted his head and twisted his body sideways.

“I think he wants to go to you,” the nanny said with an amused sigh.

Lively Beomwoo always loved clinging to and being held by Eunsol. When he was near him, he’d stick close like glue, and this time was no different.

“Beomwoo, do you want to come to Daddy?”

Beomwoo strained his neck almost 90 degrees, his face scrunching as he wiggled his hips and tried to move his little body. Watching carefully, Eunsol worried he might accidentally kick Eunwoo.

Then…

“Huh?”

With a sudden thump, Beomwoo rolled over. His body flipped, his back landing on the mat.

“Wow, Beomwoo!”

Eunsol clapped his hands and cheered loudly.

“My goodness, he really must be an Alpha. Most babies can’t roll over until they’re at least 4 months old, but he just turned 3!” the nanny exclaimed.

Her amazement made Eunsol’s chest swell with pride.

“That’s right. Both Beomwoo and Eunwoo were in the top 1% for their traits. And they’re developing fast too.”

His face brightened with parental pride, but the smile soon faded as Eunwoo, frustrated by his failed attempt to roll like his brother, burst into tears.