Chapter 22: Sperm and Pride

He spoke in a syrupy tone, and the sight of it made Ah-seong’s face twist instantly. He had just clearly stated that the marriage might or might not happen, yet this omega clung to his son’s arm as if nothing were at stake.

The audacity of it grated on him. How dare an omega behave so brazenly…

“Don’t you manage your diet?”

Knowing the wedding had to proceed, yet unwilling to watch another omega hanging off his son any longer, Ah-seong strode ahead first, throwing the sharp remark over his shoulder. For the record, he himself did no such diet management.

“Yes. Woo-seok says he likes how well I eat. Says I’m different from other omegas?”

Even though Ha-jin knew Ah-seong wasn’t even looking at him, he let out a shy laugh and tightened his grip around Woo-seok’s arm. To anyone watching, his tone would’ve sounded utterly sincere. But the one hearing it was dumbfounded.

He had said something similar before, that eating well was better than not eating, and that omegas starving themselves wasn’t appealing. But how had that turned into this interpretation?

“…Let go a bit when we’re outside. The ceremony hasn’t even happened yet.”

Once inside the elevator, away from public eyes, Ah-seong finally snapped at the omega clinging like glue. As if he had been waiting for that cue, Woo-seok removed Ha-jin’s arm from his own.

Only then did Ah-seong’s expression ease. Meanwhile, Ha-jin’s mood sank to the floor.

‘What kind of papa’s boy obeyed that quickly?’

An awkward silence filled the narrow space.

25th floor. When the doors opened, Ha-jin briefly wondered if he had stepped into the wrong dimension.

Hospitals were supposed to be white, sterile, somewhat dry in atmosphere.

“Welcome, Chairman. Director.”

But this place was different. The staff member greeting them in a sleek black suit stood before a space that resembled a luxury hotel lobby.

Natural marble, deep-toned wood interiors, it clearly wasn’t designed for ordinary patients. Soft piano music drifted through the air, making it feel even less like a hospital.

“This way, please.”

They were guided into a room just as lavish as the lobby. Ah-seong sat first and pulled Woo-seok down beside him. Ha-jin quietly took a seat across from them. He couldn’t understand why Ah-seong still hovered over his fully grown son like that, but now wasn’t the time to react.

“It’s been a while, Chairman. Thank you for coming.”

At the low, gentle baritone, Ha-jin turned his head. It was his first time seeing the man in person. The white coat suited him unusually well.

As an Alpha, he had an above-average build, and his softly curled bangs brushed near his brows, giving him a mild impression. His easy smile added to that effect.

“We’re better off not seeing each other too often.”

“Ah! That’s right, of course! I was just so glad to see you, I forgot.”

Ah-seong’s demeanor was unexpectedly warm. The omega who sharpened his edges everywhere else now smiled pleasantly at Dr. Kim Oh-hyeon. In contrast, Woo-seok offered only a brief nod.

“How is your father’s health?”

“He’s doing better. He appreciated the wild ginseng you sent last time. Thank you, Chairman.”

Wild ginseng?

Ha-jin had assumed there would be familiarity, given two generations had served as family doctors, but this was clearly more than that. He became certain then: Woo-seok’s bribery method would never work. Kim Oh-hyeon looked entirely like Ah-seong’s man.

“The checkup will be for Director Woo-seok and… this gentleman?”

“Hello. I’m Ha-jin.”

Kim Oh-hyeon examined the omega greeting him. Just as rumored. Word had spread all over Gangnam. Among doctors of similar age, Ha-jin’s name came up often.

His looks, wealth, education, and most of all, the rare superior omega trait. Any Alpha would feel instinctively drawn.

He had wondered who would secure such an omega. It seemed SHS had won. Kim Oh-hyeon smiled gently at the future SHS family member.

After all, the one closest to succession was Woo-seok. No harm in building rapport early, though that future was still distant. Woo-seok’s two fathers were excessively healthy.

“Doctor Kim, what tests are included?”

“The usual. And you requested a separate trait test?”

“A child should come quickly, shouldn’t it?”

“Yes. According to the pre-submitted data, the omega levels are excellent. At this rate, it’s practically-”

Kim Oh-hyeon paused mid-sentence while reviewing Ha-jin’s survey. He had never seen such superior omega metrics. And tested in the U.S., that meant over 99% accuracy.

“No need to worry. Director Woo-seok has found his perfect match.”

“Let’s just start. I’m tired.”

Woo-seok cut in irritably at the excessive praise. Ah-seong patted his thigh as if soothing a child.

“Add a few more tests for him.”

“For Mr. Ha-jin? Genetic disorder screenings are already included, what else…?”

“A full STD panel. And confirmation of sexual and pregnancy history.”

The room fell silent.

“Dad!”

“Why, son? There’s no harm in being thorough. And he claims to have remained pure before marriage, doesn’t he?”

Ah-seong’s gaze pressured Ha-jin into agreement.

“…Yes, well…”

He should have answered calmly. But something ugly rose inside him. It felt less like welcoming a son-in-law and more like selecting breeding stock. Not a person, but a vessel to carry on the bloodline. Heat climbed his head. He swallowed it down.

“You’re right, Father.”

“See? Even he agrees.”

Ah-seong sipped his coffee, signaling the discussion was over.

“In this day and age, it’s better to be certain. You’re fine with that too, right, Woo-seok?”

“…What?”

“We should both take the tests. We’re the ones getting married. What’s the point if only I’m examined? The STD test, and what else was it? Sexual and pregnancy history… Does that apply to Alphas too, doctor?”

Kim Oh-hyeon blinked, flustered. Not that Alpha pregnancy testing was the issue, it was the audacity. An omega calmly accepting such invasive demands, then throwing them back.

An omega telling an SHS heir to get tested for STDs.

As expected, Ah-seong’s expression darkened dangerously.

“The past may not matter, but… you never know, right? Like Father said, no harm in being certain. Sexual history might be redundant, though. Right, Woo-seok?”

Clever, or sly. Woo-seok nearly laughed. The omega who once suspected him of impotence was now implying promiscuity.

“Our Woo-seok would never-!”

“It’s fine, Dad. Ha-jin’s right. Let’s do it.”

Fair was fair. The embarrassment had landed squarely on Woo-seok, even though it had been his father’s demand. Oddly, Ha-jin’s words lightened his mood. Watching him land a blow on his father was… cute.

“Oh! Doctor, then please run a sperm test for Woo-seok.”

“A- what?”

“Sperm. What if appearances deceive? What if there’s nothing there? Or no vitality.”

That was before the last sentence.

Woo-seok had to grab Ah-seong’s trembling hand to steady him, while Ha-jin, blissfully unaware or pretending to be, continued elaborating on “sperm” at length. Smiling brightly. Gesturing enthusiastically with both hands.