Chapter Text
prologue: a morning for jihoon.
Seungcheol heaved a sigh, nerves tensed, body gone cold, throat dry. He’s standing in front of the building he promised to never step foot in. Five months since he last saw the huge Lee Corporation that shined brightly in silver. The expensive marbled floor, glass windows, people in suits, and the scent of corporate money and success— everything felt familiar yet unusual.
He promised to never be in this building’s proximity— not even a five meter radius but what choice does he have? It could either die or survive and nothing in between.
“I’m here for Jihoon Lee,” Seungcheol politely said, smiling timidly at the reception, his cold hands gripping tightly to the hem of his shirt.
“Any appointment?” the woman asked, eyebrows raised in suspicion as she scanned him from head to toe.
Seungcheol bit his lips and awkwardly lowered his head. He's not dressed for the party— he knew that. One look from these people dressed in suits and they’ll assume he’s a beggar, at this point, maybe he is because who would have the guts to enter an expensive looking building in huge black shirt that is twice as big as him (even in his huge physique), a faded cotton shirts that he got as a gift from five years ago and in sliders.
“I’m sorry but—”
Seungcheol interrupts, desperation in his eyes, “Just please tell him that Seungcheol wants to talk to him, please…”
The woman, despite being surprised by his cry for help, just sighed and reached for their telephone, “a guy named Seungcheol is looking for Sir Lee…” he heard her whisper.
Seungcheol didn’t think this through, a stupid indecisive decision he made out of fear— not just for himself.
What if Jihoon doesn’t want to see him?
What made him think that after hearing his name, Jihoon will come rushing and will welcome him with open arms?
Stupid. Stupid Seungcheol.
“Sir?”
Seungcheol smiled, already accepting that it’s a ridiculous idea coming here, “he doesn’t want to see me?” he expectantly asked.
The woman awkwardly smiled, “Sir Lee’s personal elevator is on the right…” she instructed, “a staff will guide you on the way there” she added.
Seungcheol was surprised, but he’ll never deny that he’s happy— at least for now Jihoon still wants to see him.
“I can only guide you from here, this elevator is only for Sir Lee. Top floor, this is the keycard for the elevator to function…”
Seungcheol just nodded and uttered a small thanks, embarrassed with the way he’s being treated like he’s of importance, even ushered using Jihoon’s personal elevator.
Jihoon’s office didn’t have any changes, simple and minimalist— furniture made in expensive wood, a leather chair in front of a huge expensive marble table, and glass windows with a view of the entire city.
It was still the same as how he saw it the last time he went here, maybe the only thing that changed is the little white bunny displayed on top of the table next to a wooden lampshade.
Seungcheol’s heart skipped a beat, he still kept the gift he got for him and even displayed it for everyone to see.
“Seungcheol?” a voice from behind called.
Jihoon stood there, confused— already aware of Seungcheol’s surprise visit. The latter quickly turned around, seeing the man he needed to see felt comforting. All of the turmoil in his head earlier shut down as if they had found Jihoon as comfort personified.
“Ji-jihoon” Seungcheol stuttered, ashamed for how shameless and selfish he is for showing up out of the blue.
“How— you lost weight” Jihoon said matter of factly, worried visible in his voice as he’s about to approach him when Seungcheol took hesitant steps back.
Jihoon paused, “What’s wrong?” he asked, “You said you want to talk to me.” his voice firm, eyes never leaving him.
Seungcheol breathed in— as he tried to contain his stupid emotions. The lump on his throat stopping him from speaking, “I-I’m…” he trailed, his hands unconsciously caressing his stomach.
“What?” Jihoon asked impatiently.
“D-don’t rush me!” Seungcheol bawled his eyes out, sat on the couch and started weeping, “You’re so impatient!” he added as he hid his face on his hands and shuddered.
“Hey… hey… I’m sorry” Jihoon cooed as he wrapped his arms on Seungcheol’s shoulder, “What’s wrong?” he asked, gently this time, patting the latter’s head.
Seungcheol couldn’t answer, afraid of what might come out in his mouth. He just did something unforgivable— a breach of their contract.
He ran away from Jihoon, never planning on coming back— but as soon as he ran out of options to ask for help he pathetically came back, cooped in the arms of the man he just lied and ran off to.
Seungcheol felt terrible, his entire life he lived and tried to survive in honesty, working his ass 24/7. He was once a selfless man, now he’s nothing but a selfish pathetic loser who ran away from the man who did nothing but offer him something no one could.
“I’m…” Seungcheol looked at Jihoon, guilt in his eyes– “I’m pregnant Jihoon… I’m sorry I kept it from you” he whispered almost inaudibly.
“W-what?” Jihoon moved back, “H-how? We…”
Jihoon tried to remember, his memory isn’t as vivid as what happened after that night but he’s certain that he was sore behind, “It was supposed to be me, Seungcheol…” Jihoon remarked, “I should be the one carrying the child,” he added in disbelief.
“Well maybe because your fluid ran faster than mine that’s why I’m here and pregnant!” Seungcheol stated.
“I don’t remember penetrating you,” Jihoon replied, perplexed.
“Well, we couldn’t do anything about it anymore, I am very much pregnant with YOUR child” Seungcheol huffed in annoyance as he crossed his arms.
Jihoon chuckled, still bewildered— he woke up early this morning, expecting he’d follow his usual boring routine, but maybe the universe had some other plans, not when Seungcheol who he tried to find for months now suddenly came unannounced with the news that he’s carrying HIS child.
It was a morning for Jihoon.
He wanted a child, he’s not getting any younger that’s why he hired Seungcheol— a guy who he thinks has good genes to get him pregnant and not the other way around.
Jihoon laughed, he’s been praying for this day to come. That he’ll finally have something he’ll treasure for life— and oh God did hear him but maybe He wanted to be silly.
“I’ll order food that you want to eat right now and wait for me until I finish work, alright?” Jihoon softly demands.
“W-what, why?” Seungcheol asked.
“We’ll buy clothes for you and the baby, I’ll have my house ready for the both of you” Jihoon excitedly said as he softly placed his palm on Seungcheol’s face, “You will stay with me, you have my child with you, I’ll take care of you” he added placing a chaste kiss on top of the latter’s head as he fished out his phone for a call.
Seungcheol’s eyes followed Jihoon, his hands reaching his stomach. You’re safe now, my love. Your father will take care of you. He thought and smiled as he heard Jihoon’s excited orders, “Yes, make the house safe for expecting fathers, I need it done ASAP”