Chapter 31: The Honeymoon

“When they send you off on a honeymoon at a time like this… I really don’t understand it. Who knows what people will think.”

The wedding, which had started in broad daylight, only ended late in the evening. Ha-jin felt exhausted to the point of collapse. Just imagining how chaotic it would have been if it hadn’t been a “modest” ceremony was terrifying.

Ah-seong, however, was clearly used to events like this. There wasn’t a trace of fatigue on him. If anything, he seemed even more energized than usual, perhaps because he had enjoyed being the center of attention.

Now that only family remained, his sharp tone slipped out more freely.

“Still, we should send them on a honeymoon. It’s not like the kids committed a crime. You can’t ruin the one wedding they’ll ever have any more than this.”

“…I only meant they should be careful with their behavior….”

When Il-ju voiced a different opinion, Ah-seong quickly changed his tone. Watching this, Ha-jin found himself confused about who actually held the reins in this family, Ah-seong or Il-ju.

On the surface, Il-ju seemed to control everything, but depending on how Ah-seong was used, things might shift. There was time to figure it out later.

“Then we’ll be off. Thank you for today, Chairman, Father.”

Since Woo-seok stood there silently, Ha-jin greeted them instead. Just being around that couple was mentally exhausting, he wanted to leave as soon as possible.

“Wait, come here a moment.”

Ah-seong called him over quietly, out of earshot. Thinking he might get some spending money for the honeymoon, Ha-jin followed with brightened eyes.

“Yes, Father.”

Ah-seong led him to a corner of the lobby and spoke in a low voice, as if sharing a secret.

“Don’t touch alcohol. Be careful with food outside. And don’t take any medicine recklessly, understood?”

“…Pardon?”

Ha-jin blinked in genuine surprise. Ah-seong, who had shown zero interest in him, was… worrying about him? Maybe because they were family now, or both omegas?

“Father…”

“You need to get pregnant first. Everyone has high expectations. You should conceive as soon as possible.”

That fleeting warmth vanished instantly. He wasn’t worried about Ha-jin, he was worried about Ha-jin’s body as a vessel for a child. And already pushing pregnancy pressure right after the wedding? The future looked exhausting.

“Don’t worry, Father. As long as Woo-seok doesn’t waste his energy elsewhere, it’ll happen quickly.”

Ha-jin smiled brightly as he indirectly told him to manage his son first.

“It depends on you. What use is a dominant omega who can’t even hold a man’s heart?”

Ah-seong shot back coldly.

“Then we’ll be going. Don’t worry.”

****

“Ugh… I’m exhausted.”

They flew straight to Germany. Even though Ha-jin sat in first class for the first time in his life, his body still ached. No matter how comfortable, it couldn’t beat a bed.

“You were snoring the whole time. I’ve never seen someone sleep that well on a plane.”

“…I don’t snore.”

“You grind your teeth too.”

Had Woo-seok stayed awake the whole time?

Ha-jin ignored him.

“It’s evening here again. I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep.”

Watching the gloomy scenery outside the car, Germany looked nothing like the images he had seen.

“It’s our first night. What do you mean sleep?”

“…What?”

“You heard me.”

He understood, but the casual way Woo-seok said it didn’t match their relationship.

“What does that have to do with us?”

“We’re married. We should fulfill marital duties, Ha-jin.”

Woo-seok leaned closer, slipping an arm under his collar and pulling him in, undoing one button of his shirt. His serious expression clashed with the ridiculous logic, leaving Ha-jin speechless.

“Still… not in the car…”

A thought crept in. That look, he’d seen it before. Desire. Hunger. The gaze of a male wanting him. He’d experienced it countless times. Maybe Woo-seok really did feel something…

Smack!

Pain exploded across his forehead. Woo-seok had flicked him hard.

“What are you thinking? If not in the car, you want to have s*x somewhere else?”

Just like that, Woo-seok was back to normal. Ha-jin realized, it was just another prank.

“No? I meant this counts as harassment in a car!”

“Figures. You’re so easy.”

“E-easy? I’ve never even-”

He stopped himself too late.

“Thought so. If that was your first kiss, no way you’ve done more.”

“…”

Woo-seok just found it amusing. The long flight had been boring, until now.

****

“Wow… how is a hotel this big?”

The Ha-jin who had been sulking earlier was gone. The moment he stepped into the suite, everything was forgotten. The antique interior, the massive space, it felt like a castle.

“Stop acting like a country bumpkin and eat.”

Watching him run around excitedly was amusing. Ha-jin always reacted like this, he loved luxury despite having nothing.

“Excuse me? I don’t act like this normally! It’s just because I’m with you!”

“Sure. That’s why, only act like that in front of me.”

“…What?”

Woo-seok frowned slightly as Ha-jin’s face suddenly flushed red.

Dinner was already prepared. Despite having eaten on the plane, Ha-jin’s appetite returned at the sight of food.

“Ugh… I’m so full. Want some champagne?”

“You eat like your life depends on it.”

“You said it was good before!”

“…Forget it.”

Woo-seok poured champagne anyway.

“Today feels so long. I still can’t believe we’re married.”

“Same. But you did well. Better than I expected.”

He meant it. Ha-jin had executed everything perfectly.

“Then a reward-”

“Don’t forget you’ve only proven you’re worth keeping alive.”

That shut him up.

“I’m only putting up with you because of the painting.”

“And what’s your alternative?”

Another argument, another win for Woo-seok.

“It’s late. Go wash up.”

“Wash…?”

“Sorry, I’m not into dirty people.”

“What-! I was going to!”

Ha-jin rushed into the bathroom.

As warm water ran over him, thoughts spiraled. What if… what if something happened tonight? They were married now. Even if it was a contract marriage…

Trying to calm himself, he scrubbed carefully, just in case.

Completely unaware of what Woo-seok was actually planning.