Chapter 25: Caught Off Guard

Even before his debut, Eun-gyeol had trained consistently, and after becoming an actor he began managing his body in earnest.

To anyone else, his physique was already flawless.

Even to Han-geon, who lived and breathed exercise, it was the same.

But Eun-gyeol was never satisfied.

To build dense muscle exactly where he wanted and shave off every bit of unnecessary fat, he constantly studied and trained with professionals.

The result was a body that made anyone who saw it gasp in admiration.

Whenever Eun-gyeol shot pictorials, photographers and editors always said in interviews that their eyes felt blessed.

“Good.

Oh, nice, really good.

I think you’re getting stronger in that area.

Just five more.

One, two…”

Because Eun-gyeol focused so intently, the trainer naturally grew more enthusiastic.

The weight was noticeably heavier than earlier, yet Eun-gyeol kept up without complaint.

Even though it had to hurt, he merely furrowed his brows and followed the coaching silently.

Finally, the machine clattered as he set the weights down, and rough breathing spilled out.

“Good work.

Let’s move to lower body.”

While Eun-gyeol trained, Han-geon kept enough distance not to disturb him, but still worked out alongside him.

And even then, he kept observing.

His lower body—thighs and waist—were especially strong.

Calves, too.

His upper body was solid, and his chest looked even more pumped than last time…
Han-geon mentally recorded each of Eun-gyeol’s movements, unable to stop admiring how his friend’s body grew more and more perfectly sculpted.

Beautiful.

Thick beads of sweat covered Eun-gyeol’s forehead and face.

His workout shirt was soaked through.

Watching Eun-gyeol immerse himself in exercise like that made it impossible to look away.

As someone who trained himself, it was natural—almost involuntary—to be drawn to such a sight.

“That’s it for today.

Great job.

Really impressive.”

“Thank you.”

Even with his face disheveled from exertion, Eun-gyeol flashed a stunning smile at the trainer.

Han-geon dropped from the pull-up bar the moment he saw Eun-gyeol approach.

“Good work.

You were great.”

“I did well?”

“Yeah.

Really well.”

He smiled faintly and patted Eun-gyeol’s back.

Looking satisfied, Eun-gyeol pointed to the treadmills.

“Want to do some cardio before we go?”

“Sure.”

They stepped onto the machines side by side.

As they adjusted settings, Eun-gyeol said:

“Be my pacemaker.”

Han-geon snorted.

It wasn’t a marathon.

But the request was adorable.

“Okay.”

With that, they ran in silence for thirty minutes.

Running was second nature to Han-geon, but Eun-gyeol’s stamina exceeded even what he’d vaguely expected.

His posture was perfect and steady.

Time passed, but Eun-gyeol didn’t falter.

His request for a pacemaker was unnecessary.

Come to think of it, had they ever run together like this?

As kids they played and ran around every day, but after becoming adults, he couldn’t recall a single time.

When did his stamina get this good?

If Eun-gyeol heard him, he’d scold him for bringing up ancient history.

But in Han-geon’s mind, Eun-gyeol was still that small, fragile elementary schooler.

Someone he needed to protect and look after.

Back then, Han-geon would never have imagined that the two of them would someday run side by side like this.

Thinking that, he smiled a little.

Seventeen years later, he could still run with Eun-gyeol like this.

It made the present feel almost too good to believe.

He was happy.

He couldn’t think anything else.

The headache-inducing mess from a few days ago flickered at the edges of his memory, but compared to the sweetness of the present moment, it quickly dulled and faded.

“Shower before we go?”

Both treadmills powered down at the same time.

Catching his breath, Han-geon picked up a foam roller.

Eun-gyeol plopped down on the mat beside him and shook his head.

“I’ll shower at home.”

“…Okay.”

He’d noticed earlier while changing that the shower room here was nice.

They should’ve washed here—he was sure the car would smell of sweat otherwise.

But he understood why Eun-gyeol disliked showering anywhere outside home.

And Han-geon wasn’t about to wash alone and make him wait.

After stretching, they climbed into the van.

As Han-geon gripped the wheel, Eun-gyeol instructed in a soft voice:

“Your place.”

“My place?

You slept there the day before yesterday.”

At his reluctant expression, Eun-gyeol immediately looked displeased.

“So?

You don’t want me there?

I want the green grape ade you make.”

“You exercised so hard and you want something sugary…?”

Even he knew it was a poor excuse.

Judging by Eun-gyeol’s amused smirk, it didn’t land at all.

“Back then you used to make it without a word, but ever since you became my manager you’re trying to control me.”

“…I am your manager.”

Despite his words, Han-geon silently turned toward his own apartment instead of Eun-gyeol’s.

With his stubbornness this strong, the destination was already decided.

They parked near his building and headed inside together.

As soon as they stepped in, Eun-gyeol crossed his arms and peeled off his T-shirt.

Han-geon hurriedly turned away, only for Eun-gyeol to gesture lazily with his eyes.

“Want to shower together?”

“No.

It’s too small.”

The answer came in a single second.

Maybe too coldly.

But there was nothing to consider—if they showered together now… he didn’t even want to imagine it.

“Then I’m going first.”

Thankfully, Eun-gyeol didn’t react much to the sharp refusal.

The moment his naked body disappeared into the bathroom, Han-geon finally released a long, burning sigh he’d been holding in.

Don’t get worked up.

You’re going to be together every day now…
Talking himself down, he washed his hands and started preparing the ade so it’d be cold and ready when Eun-gyeol came out.

He added the ice, set the drink on the table, then glanced toward the bathroom.

Eun-gyeol’s workout clothes were tossed on the floor by the door.

Staring at them blankly, a question crept up.

What does his pheromone smell like?

He’d read in an interview once that it was a blend of soft, sweet Western pear and alluring musk—beautiful enough to stir protective instincts yet conveying the calm arrogance of a refined man, perfectly matching his appearance.

Ever since reading that, Han-geon had been unbearably curious.

Sometimes he even regretted being a Beta—because Omegas like Juwon could smell it, but he never could.

He let out a dry laugh.

As if he had any business feeling inferior to someone like Juwon.

He had no intention of comparing himself to her, but his mind kept drifting there anyway.

Ridiculous.

Still… I’m really… so curious.

Just once—just once would be enough.

If he could smell it even a single time.

Without thinking, drawn like a moth, Han-geon approached and picked up Eun-gyeol’s shirt.

He glanced at the bathroom door.

The water was still running.

He brought the shirt to his nose.

No matter how he sniffed, all he got was faint fabric softener, Eun-gyeol’s natural clean scent, and the rough smell of sweat.

Disappointing.

He wanted to know that famously intoxicating pheromone scent.

But there was nothing he could do.

Eun-gyeol’s natural scent was good enough—more than enough.

He’d simply have to be satisfied with that.

He was just about to put the shirt down when—
The door swung open, and Han-geon froze solid.

“Han-geon.

Hand me a towel.”

The water was still running behind him.

He’d assumed it was safe.

Caught completely off guard, Han-geon stammered helplessly.

“Uh—yeah… a towel?

I’ll get it.”

“What’re you doing holding my clothes?”

The gaze directed at him was odd.

Drenched from head to toe, Eun-gyeol looked silently at him.

His heart shrank all at once.

Thankfully, his mouth moved before his mind could panic.

“…I figured since I’m doing a load now, I’d wash your clothes too.”

“Oh.

Thanks.”

To his immense relief, Eun-gyeol didn’t question it.

Hastily, Han-geon tossed the clothes into the laundry bin and handed him a fresh towel.

Only after the door closed again did he exhale deeply.

His heart felt like it had fallen out entirely.

God… I need to be more careful.

He slumped into the kitchen chair.

Then the bathroom door opened again.

This time Eun-gyeol walked out completely naked, already dried off.

Han-geon hadn’t even recovered yet.

“Jesus— I told you to come out dressed.”

Whether he grumbled or not, Eun-gyeol ignored him.

He strode straight to the small two-seater table, spotted the ade, and smiled.

He downed two large gulps, then wiped his mouth, satisfied.

“Tastes great.

Thanks, Han-geon.”

With an easy thank-you, he opened Han-geon’s wardrobe and casually pulled out clothes—one of Han-geon’s loose T-shirts and shorts.

Dressed comfortably, he perched on the sofa.

His pale limbs, beautifully toned with muscle, practically glowed.

Han-geon already felt doomed.

How many times would he have to silently sing the national anthem before morning?