RACA 120

This was the first time he had ever behaved like this toward anyone. Before coming here, he hadn’t even been a trait holder, and he had always tried hard not to pick fights over trivial matters.

Maybe because of that, he couldn’t stop trembling. But he tried not to show Park Seunghyun how shaken he was.

Fortunately, the car meant to take Eunsol was already waiting.

‘Just a little longer.’

His mouth felt completely dry. His heart was pounding so rapidly it felt like not only he but everyone around him could hear it.

He was just about to take another step when he sensed someone nearby and flinched. The moment Eunsol caught a whiff of a sweet yet bitter scent, the tension drained from him. Warm hands settled over his shoulders, and long arms wrapped around his waist. As the unpleasant scent of another alpha was pushed away, his mate’s pheromones enveloped his entire body.

“You did well.”

“You saw?”

“Yeah. You handled it just fine on your own, even without me stepping in.”

“Of course. I can do that much.”

“Right. That’s Lee Eunsol.”

With a soft laugh, a warm touch brushed against his forehead. Only then did a smile return to Eunsol’s face. The hands that had been shaking nonstop finally grew still.

He turned around, trying to meet Jaebeom’s eyes, but his face was buried completely against Jaebeom’s chest, making it hard to look up.

“Hyung, let go a bit.”

Eunsol protested, but Jaebeom only tightened his hold. Still holding him, he gave a cold look toward the alpha lurking in the shadows.

It wasn’t an empty threat. If Eunsol hadn’t been able to handle it, Jaebeom would have stepped in immediately. At the same time, he had trusted that his mate would deal with it wisely.

Because the Eunsol he had watched all this time was that kind of person.

Even so, that had nothing to do with letting that insolent alpha slide. He had no intention of overlooking it. Why were there so many things trying to get in Eunsol’s way?

“All right, let’s go.”

Jaebeom kissed Eunsol’s forehead and stepped back. The unpleasant smell finally seemed to have dissipated.

“How did you get here?”

Eunsol’s eyes sparkled, as if he had already forgotten about the alpha he’d dealt with. Seeing that expression, so unbearably endearing, Jaebeom found himself smiling too.

“Work wrapped up early. It looked like filming was about to finish, so I came to walk you in.”

“You timed it perfectly.”

He wanted to kiss those smiling lips, but judging that Eunsol wouldn’t like that here, Jaebeom only brushed his thumb over them.

“Yeah. How did filming go?”

“Great. I got praised by the PD again today. I said I was sorry because the blocking got a bit tangled, but they said I’ve been doing well so far and that they trusted me this time too.”

Eunsol’s face was bright with a smile, without a trace of shadow. Satisfied that he seemed to have forgotten what had just happened, Jaebeom finally took his eyes off the problem alpha.

That one could be dealt with later. For now, leaving this place was the priority. Just then, the manager, who had belatedly gotten out of the car, recognized Jaebeom and bowed.

“Ah, you’re here.”

“Yes. I’ll go in with Eunsol, so please head home with the road manager.”

“Understood.”

He had already told the manager, but he repeated it because he wanted Eunsol to hear as well. Without adding anything, the manager said goodbye to Eunsol and got into the van.

Behind the van was Jaebeom’s car, engine still running. He seated Eunsol in the passenger seat and fastened his seat belt.

“Give me a second. Let me make a call first.”

“Okay.”

Eunsol nodded readily, knowing the vibrations he’d been feeling for a while were coming from Jaebeom’s phone. Jaebeom kissed Eunsol’s lips for a brief moment, then closed the door.

Taking out his phone, which had stopped vibrating, Jaebeom checked the caller ID and then called someone else.

–Yes, CEO.

“Kwak Sangha, let’s clean up one person.”

–I’m listening.

Jaebeom narrowed his eyes as he looked toward where Eunsol and that alpha had been. The spot was already empty, but it still felt like a cheap stench lingered at the tip of his nose.

It was good that Eunsol had driven off someone like that on his own. But Jaebeom wouldn’t be satisfied unless the guy was removed entirely from sight.

“There’s someone named Park Seunghyun. Make him disappear from view.”

–Isn’t he the lead actor in the drama sister-in-law is appearing in?

“Yes.”

–Understood.

“Just make sure he doesn’t show up. That’s all. If needed, you can use Chairman Jang’s name.”

–I’ll handle it as instructed.

There was no need to wipe him out completely like Lee Daebak. As long as he didn’t interfere with Eunsol’s activities, that was enough. Having made that clear, Jaebeom ended the call.

Messages flooded in immediately, as if the brief loss of contact had made the caller anxious.

The sender was President Kim.

He tried to ignore it, but when another call came in, Jaebeom frowned and answered.

“Why are you pestering me, President Kim.”

–CEO Pyo. I hear you showed up at the filming site. That’s crossing a line. Just because Actor Eunsol has Chairman Jang backing him, are you really going to reveal that you’re married too?

There was no reason to listen to such talk. Jaebeom didn’t even respond before hanging up.

Figuring he’d be bothered all day, he set the phone to silent and got into the driver’s seat. In the meantime, Eunsol was sitting quietly, on a video call.

“Yeah, Beomwoo. Eunwoo. Daddy’s heading back now.”

“Boo, bbuubboo….”

As if trying to answer, Beomwoo made a wet, babbling sound. Eunsol burst out laughing.

“Okay. Just wait a bit. I’ll be home soon.”

“Bboo, ubboo!”

“You’re saying ‘Dad’ so well now. Oh, you’re adorable.”

It was just meaningless babbling, yet he was impressed Eunsol could hear ‘Dad’ in it. Jaebeom had that fleeting thought, then, watching Eunsol and the twins looking happy while speaking different languages, started the car.

Even on the way home, Eunsol chatted endlessly with the twins. He had meant to keep the call short earlier, but every time he tried, Eunwoo started to whimper, and he failed.

As a result, Jaebeom couldn’t get a word in. But he didn’t mind.

As they entered the apartment complex, Jaebeom glanced sideways. The two of them had been holding hands the entire ride.

It would be a lie to say it wasn’t uncomfortable. But Eunsol knew Jaebeom was the one making the concession, so he quietly let him have it his way.

That, in a way, was proof that they were life partners.

When the car came to a stop, Eunsol finally said goodbye to the twins.

“Beomwoo, Eunwoo. Daddy’s here. I’ll see you in a bit.”

Beomwoo immediately started to whimper, as if he knew the call was about to end, but it cut off all the same.

By then, Jaebeom had finished parking and was leaning against the passenger door. When Eunsol turned to get out, Jaebeom held out his hand.

“Shall we?”

In response to the polite question, Eunsol put on an air of dignity and played along. Taking his hand, he stepped out and linked arms with him.

Apparently not expecting that, Jaebeom hesitated, and Eunsol’s smile widened.

“Shall we?”

This time, Eunsol asked.

“Let’s go.”

Matching his steps to Jaebeom’s, Eunsol responded to the picture perfect smile blooming on his face. They chatted softly as they rode the elevator up to the top floor.

What Jaebeom had been doing all day, and what had happened on set for Eunsol.

Time spent filling the space with small, smiling stories instead of the unpleasant incident after filming felt more precious than ever.

When the doors opened, dim light spilled into the hallway. The two stepped out side by side and opened the front door. A sweet, soft scent of milk greeted Eunsol first.

“Ubboo….”

“Bbuu!”

Next appeared the twins, each carried by a helper. They were each holding a rattle, and seeing Beomwoo’s tear soaked face even though only a few minutes had passed, Eunsol clicked his tongue.

“Did our Beomwoo cry again?”

Even so, his smile never left his face at how adorable they were.

“Daddy’s here!”

Eunsol said brightly as he walked over and immediately picked up Beomwoo, whose nose had turned red. Beside him, Jaebeom took Eunwoo into his arms.

Eunsol glanced back at Jaebeom, and when their eyes met, he smiled.

“You know, Jaebeom-hyung.”

“Yeah?”

“I’m really glad this drama didn’t turn into a confinement angst story.”

Jaebeom frowned, asking what he meant, and Eunsol continued with a playful expression.

“I mean I love you, and I like this place where we have our kids. So let’s keep living happily like this.”

“Yeah. I love you too.”

At the confession that came without hesitation, happy laughter rang out.

“Yeah. I really love you too, hyung.”

Eunsol returned the confession with a brighter smile than ever.

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[The Right Attitude to Deal with Confinement Angst: End]