The confession & healing
Kyungsoo's apartment was nothing like Jongin had imagined. Given the alpha's wealth and position, he'd expected something ostentatious—a penthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows and minimalist furniture designed for appearance rather than comfort. Instead, he found himself in a space that was surprisingly modest by luxury standards, warm in both design and atmosphere.
"It's not much," Kyungsoo said as he carried a drowsy Yujin through the front door, "but it's home."
Not much? The apartment was easily four times the size of Jongin's, with gleaming hardwood floors, tasteful artwork, and a wall of bookshelves filled with architectural volumes and classic literature. Yet there was a lived-in quality to the space that Jongin hadn't anticipated—a throw blanket draped over the sofa, a half-empty mug on the coffee table, architectural sketches scattered across a desk by the window.
"It's beautiful," Jongin said honestly, following Kyungsoo down a hallway to what would be their room.
The guest bedroom was painted a soft blue-gray, with a queen-sized bed covered in plush bedding and a small attached bathroom. Large windows overlooked a park, just as Kyungsoo had promised, the late afternoon sunlight filtering through the branches of autumn-tinged trees.
"I thought you'd both be more comfortable staying together," Kyungsoo explained as he gently laid Yujin on the bed. "But I can make up the sofa for myself if you'd prefer your own space."
"This is perfect," Jongin assured him, setting down their small duffel bag. "Thank you."
After getting Yujin settled with his dinosaur and a glass of water on the nightstand, Jongin followed Kyungsoo back to the living room, a strange awkwardness suddenly descending between them. The hospital kiss hung in the air, acknowledged but not yet discussed.
"Are you hungry?" Kyungsoo asked, breaking the silence. "I can order something."
"Actually, if you don't mind, I'd love to take a shower," Jongin admitted. "I feel like I've been wearing these clothes for days."
Kyungsoo nodded, understanding in his eyes. "Of course. There are fresh towels in the bathroom cabinet. Take your time."
Under the hot spray of water, Jongin felt the tension of the past twenty-four hours finally begin to drain away. Yujin was recovering. They were safe. And Kyungsoo... Kyungsoo had been there when they needed him most, without hesitation or judgment.
The realization hit him with unexpected force: he trusted Kyungsoo. Not just with errands or work responsibilities, but with Yujin's wellbeing. With his own vulnerability. It was terrifying and liberating all at once.
When he emerged from the bathroom wearing a borrowed t-shirt and sweatpants that were slightly too short but wonderfully soft, he found Kyungsoo in the kitchen, preparing what appeared to be a simple dinner.
"I hope you don't mind," Kyungsoo said, glancing up from chopping vegetables. "I thought you might prefer something homemade after hospital food."
"You cook?" Jongin couldn't hide his surprise.
A small smile played at the corner of Kyungsoo's mouth. "I live alone. It was either learn to cook or subsist on takeout."
"I just assumed..." Jongin trailed off, embarrassed by his preconceptions.
"That I'd have a private chef?" Kyungsoo finished, amusement in his eyes. "I'm not quite that important."
"You seemed pretty important yesterday when they cleared half the pediatric ward for us," Jongin pointed out, moving to lean against the counter beside him.
Kyungsoo shrugged, his focus on the vegetables. "That was Minseok's doing, not mine. Besides, I would have used any connection I had to make sure Yujin got the care he needed."
The simple statement, delivered without expectation of gratitude, warmed Jongin's heart. He watched as Kyungsoo moved efficiently around the kitchen, adding ingredients to a pot of what smelled like doenjang jjigae.
"Can I help?" he offered.
"You could set the table," Kyungsoo suggested. "Dishes are in that cabinet."
As they worked side by side in comfortable silence, Jongin was struck by how natural it felt—as if they'd done this dozens of times before. By the time Yujin wandered out of the bedroom, rubbing his eyes sleepily, dinner was ready.
"Something smells good," the child said, his appetite clearly returning as a sign of his recovery.
Kyungsoo smiled, crouching down to Yujin's level. "Hungry enough for some soup? It's not too spicy."
Yujin nodded enthusiastically, allowing Kyungsoo to lift him into a chair at the dining table. Jongin watched as the alpha carefully served his son a small portion, blowing on each spoonful to make sure it wasn't too hot.
"It's like porridge for an emperor," Kyungsoo said seriously, and Yujin giggled at the comparison.
The meal passed in easy conversation, mostly centered around Yujin's enthusiastic discovery that Kyungsoo had an entire shelf of dinosaur books in his study. By the time they'd finished eating, the child was clearly fading again, his brief burst of energy giving way to the fatigue of recovery.
"Bath time, then bed," Jongin decided, noting Yujin's drooping eyelids.
"No bath," Yujin protested weakly. "Story instead."
"How about a quick bath, then a story?" Kyungsoo suggested diplomatically. "I have a book about a dinosaur who loses his roar that you might like."
Yujin considered this compromise with all the gravity a toddler could muster. "Okay," he agreed finally. "But Soo has to read it."
"Deal," Kyungsoo nodded solemnly.
An hour later, Yujin was clean, comfortable, and sound asleep in the guest bed, the promised dinosaur book still open beside him. Jongin carefully removed it, tucking the blanket more securely around his son's small form.
"He really bounces back quickly," Kyungsoo observed from the doorway, his voice soft to avoid waking the child.
"Always has," Jongin agreed, brushing a strand of hair from Yujin's forehead. "Even when he was a baby. One minute burning with fever, the next playing like nothing happened." He looked up at Kyungsoo. "Thank you again. For everything."
"You don't need to keep thanking me," Kyungsoo said, stepping into the room to stand beside him. "I was glad to help."
They gazed down at Yujin together, the silence comfortable between them. After a moment, Kyungsoo gently took Jongin's hand, leading him out of the room and leaving the door slightly ajar.
In the living room, the city lights twinkled through the windows, casting a warm glow across the space. Kyungsoo gestured for Jongin to sit on the sofa, then moved to pour two glasses of wine from a bottle on the counter.
"You don't have to entertain me," Jongin said as Kyungsoo handed him a glass. "You must be exhausted."
"I'm not entertaining you," Kyungsoo replied, settling beside him at a respectful distance. "I'm enjoying your company. There's a difference."
Jongin took a small sip of the wine, savoring its smooth, rich flavor. "This is good," he commented, searching for neutral territory.
"It was a gift from a client," Kyungsoo explained. "I've been saving it for a special occasion."
"And this counts as special?" Jongin asked with a small smile.
Kyungsoo's gaze was steady, sincere. "Having you here? Yes."
The simple honesty of the statement made Jongin's heart flutter. He looked down at his glass, suddenly unsure what to say.
"We should talk about what happened at the hospital," Kyungsoo said gently. "If you're ready."
Jongin nodded, knowing they couldn't avoid the subject forever. "The kiss."
"Among other things," Kyungsoo agreed. "But we can start there."
"I don't regret it," Jongin said after a moment, meeting Kyungsoo's eyes directly. "If that's what you're worried about."
Relief visibly washed over Kyungsoo's features. "Good. Because I don't either."
"But it complicates things," Jongin continued. "I'm your employee, and you're—"
"If that's a concern, we can easily address it," Kyungsoo interrupted. "You could transfer to another department. Joohyun has been trying to steal you for the interior design team since your second week."
Jongin blinked in surprise. "She has?"
"She says you have 'an innate sense of spatial harmony,'" Kyungsoo quoted with a small smile. "High praise from Joohyun."
"I didn't know," Jongin murmured, taken aback by the revelation.
"The point is," Kyungsoo continued, "the professional relationship is adjustable. It's not an insurmountable obstacle." His expression grew more serious. "Unless there are other concerns you have."
Jongin took another sip of wine, gathering his thoughts. "It's not just about work," he said finally. "It's about... everything. Our lives are so different, Kyungsoo. The places we live, the circles we move in, the experiences we've had. And then there's Yujin. Dating someone with a child is difficult even in the best circumstances."
"I'm well aware of the differences between us," Kyungsoo acknowledged. "And of the responsibilities that come with Yujin. Those aren't deterrents to me; they're just facts." He set his glass down on the coffee table, turning to face Jongin more fully. "But if they're deterrents to you, I'll respect that."
"They're not deterrents," Jongin admitted softly. "They're fears. I'm afraid of starting something that can't last. Of Yujin getting attached to you and then losing you when the novelty wears off."
"Novelty?" Kyungsoo repeated, a hint of hurt crossing his face. "Is that what you think this is to me? Some new experience to try?"
Jongin winced, realizing how his words had sounded. "No, that's not—I just meant—" He took a deep breath, trying again. "People get drawn to what they don't have. Your life is orderly, controlled, successful. Mine is messy, unpredictable, always one crisis away from collapse. It's natural to be fascinated by something so different from your own experience. But fascination fades."
"This isn't fascination, Jongin," Kyungsoo said, his deep voice gentle but firm. "And it's not about novelty or different experiences or any other rationalization you can come up with to explain away what's happening between us."
"Then what is it?" Jongin challenged softly.
Kyungsoo was quiet for a moment, seeming to choose his words carefully. "When I was twelve," he began, "my parents took me to Jeju Island for a vacation. On our last day there, we visited this small, hidden beach. There were no tourists, just locals, and this perfect cove with calm water. The moment I saw it, I felt this... sense of rightness. Like I'd found a place I was always meant to be, even though I'd never been there before."
He paused, his eyes meeting Jongin's with unguarded emotion. "That's how I felt the first time I saw you in that grocery store. Like I'd found something I'd been looking for without even knowing I was searching. And every day since then has only strengthened that feeling."
The raw honesty in Kyungsoo's voice made Jongin's chest ache. "Kyungsoo—"
"I'm in love with you, Jongin," Kyungsoo said simply, the words falling into the space between them like stones into still water. "And with Yujin too, in a different but equally powerful way. It's not fascination or novelty or charity. It's love. Simple as that."
Jongin stared at him, momentarily speechless. He'd suspected, of course, had seen the signs and felt the growing connection between them. But hearing it stated so plainly, with such quiet certainty, was overwhelming.
"You don't have to say anything back," Kyungsoo continued when Jongin remained silent. "I'm not telling you this to pressure you or to extract a similar confession. I'm telling you because I want you to understand the truth of what I feel, so you can make your decisions based on reality, not fear."
Jongin set his own wine glass down with slightly trembling hands. "I don't know what to say," he admitted.
"You don't have to say anything," Kyungsoo assured him. "Just think about it. Take all the time you need."
The freedom of that response—the complete absence of pressure or expectation—finally broke through Jongin's last defenses. Without fully intending to, he found himself moving closer on the sofa, one hand reaching out to touch Kyungsoo's face.
"I've spent so long protecting myself," he whispered, fingers tracing the line of Kyungsoo's jaw. "Building walls to keep people out. Convincing myself that I didn't need anyone but Yujin." His thumb brushed the corner of Kyungsoo's mouth, feeling the alpha's breath catch. "And then you came along and just... waited patiently until I was ready to let you in."
Kyungsoo turned his head slightly to press a kiss to Jongin's palm, the gesture achingly tender. "I would have waited as long as it took."
"I know," Jongin said, and the realization was like sunrise breaking over the horizon of his consciousness. "That's why I love you too."
The words, once spoken, felt like the most natural thing in the world—a truth that had been waiting inside him, growing stronger with each act of kindness, each moment of connection, each instance of unwavering support.
Kyungsoo's eyes widened slightly, hope and joy dawning in their depths. "Jongin—"
"I love you," Jongin repeated, the declaration gaining strength as he embraced its truth. "I think I have for a while now. I was just too afraid to admit it, even to myself."
Kyungsoo's hand came up to cover Jongin's, turning to press another kiss to his wrist. "Are you still afraid?" he asked softly.
"Terrified," Jongin admitted with a small laugh. "But not enough to run away anymore."
"That's all I ask," Kyungsoo said, his free hand moving to cup the back of Jongin's neck, drawing him gently closer. "Just don't run away."
Their second kiss was different from the first—less desperate, more deliberate. A promise rather than a revelation. Jongin melted into it, allowing himself to be fully present in the moment, fully vulnerable to the emotions flowing between them.
When they finally parted, Kyungsoo rested his forehead against Jongin's, a smile playing at his lips. "Stay," he whispered. "Not just tonight or until Yujin recovers. Stay with me, both of you. Make this your home."
The offer was so unexpected, so much more than Jongin had anticipated, that he pulled back slightly. "Kyungsoo, we can't just move in with you. It's too soon, too much all at once."
"Is it?" Kyungsoo questioned gently. "We've known each other for months. Yujin already feels at home here. And your apartment—" He stopped, seeming to choose his next words carefully. "I want to give you both stability, comfort, safety. Is that really too much?"
"It's not about what we need," Jongin explained, touched by the offer but resolute. "It's about the pace of this relationship. Moving in together is a huge step, one that would affect Yujin deeply. We need to take things more slowly, for his sake as well as ours."
Understanding dawned in Kyungsoo's eyes. "You're right," he acknowledged. "I got ahead of myself. I just want you both in my life as much as possible."
"And we will be," Jongin promised, pressing another quick kiss to Kyungsoo's lips. "But at a pace that gives us all time to adjust. Yujin needs consistency, and so do I."
Kyungsoo nodded, his thumb tracing patterns on Jongin's wrist. "Whatever pace you set, I'll follow. I meant what I said before—I would have waited as long as it took. I still will."
The simple acceptance, the willingness to respect Jongin's boundaries without question, confirmed once again why he had fallen for this man. "Thank you," he said softly. "For understanding."
"Always," Kyungsoo promised.
They spent the rest of the evening talking quietly, sometimes kissing, sometimes just sitting in comfortable silence with their hands entwined. It was a new kind of intimacy for Jongin—unhurried, undemanding, yet deeply connecting. By the time they finally said goodnight, Jongin entering the guest room to sleep beside Yujin while Kyungsoo retired to his own bedroom, something fundamental had shifted between them.
The walls were down. The fear, while not entirely vanquished, had retreated enough to make space for something beautiful to grow.
---
The next few days established a gentle routine. Yujin recovered quickly, his natural resilience aided by Kyungsoo's attentive care and Jongin's constant presence. By the third day, he was bouncing around the apartment with renewed energy, delighting in exploring every corner of Kyungsoo's home.
"He's going to be disappointed to go back to our apartment," Jongin observed as they watched Yujin arranging dinosaur figurines in an elaborate scene on Kyungsoo's living room floor.
"You don't have to go back," Kyungsoo said quietly. "The offer stands."
Jongin gave him a look that was both fond and exasperated. "We talked about this."
"I know, I know," Kyungsoo raised his hands in surrender. "Too soon. I respect that. But maybe we could compromise?"
"How so?" Jongin asked, curious despite himself.
"Stay weekends," Kyungsoo suggested. "Start there. Yujin can have the guest room set up just the way he likes it for those times. You can both keep your apartment, maintain your independence, but also have a space here that's yours."
The idea was tempting—a middle ground that would give them time together without rushing into a full commitment. "I'll think about it," Jongin promised.
Kyungsoo smiled, clearly counting that as a win. "That's all I ask."
On the fourth day, reality intruded in the form of work obligations. While Yujin was fully recovered, Jongin had been away from the office for nearly a week. Despite Kyungsoo's assurances that everything was fine, professional responsibility tugged at him.
"I should at least check my emails," he said over breakfast. "Make sure nothing urgent is waiting."
"Use my home office," Kyungsoo offered. "I need to go in for a few hours this afternoon anyway. There's a client meeting I can't reschedule."
The arrangement worked well, with Jongin settling at Kyungsoo's desk while Yujin napped. The familiar tasks of organizing emails and managing schedules grounded him, a reminder of the professional competence he'd developed over the past months.
He was deep in concentration when his phone rang—Joohyun's name appearing on the screen.
"Jongin, thank goodness," she said when he answered. "How's Yujin?"
"Much better," Jongin assured her. "Almost back to normal. Why? Is something wrong?"
There was a slight hesitation on the other end. "Not wrong, exactly. But there's been some... talk around the office while you've been gone. I thought you should know before you come back."
A cold knot formed in Jongin's stomach. "What kind of talk?"
"About you and Kyungsoo," Joohyun said carefully. "Mina's been implying that your absence together is... well, more than coincidental. That you've been manipulating him, using your son's illness to take advantage of his kindness."
Anger flared hot and immediate. "That's ridiculous," Jongin snapped. "Yujin was genuinely sick. Kyungsoo can confirm that with his own cousin who treated him."
"I know that," Joohyun said soothingly. "And most people aren't buying it. But Mina has her supporters, especially among those who've been looking for reasons to undermine your position from the beginning."
Jongin closed his eyes, a familiar weariness settling over him. Always the outsider, always the one whose motives were questioned. "I suppose it was inevitable," he said finally. "People see what they expect to see."
"Jongin," Joohyun's voice grew firm. "Don't you dare let this affect you. You've earned your place here through hard work and talent. Anyone who can't see that isn't worth your concern."
Her fierce defense touched him. "Thank you, Joohyun. For telling me, and for standing up for me."
"Always," she promised. "Just be prepared when you come back. And maybe give Kyungsoo a heads-up too. He should know what he's walking into."
After hanging up, Jongin sat still for several minutes, processing the information. He'd known there would be gossip eventually, especially if their relationship became public. But he hadn't expected it to turn malicious so quickly, or to involve Yujin.
By the time Kyungsoo returned that evening, Jongin had made a decision. He waited until Yujin was asleep before bringing it up, the two of them sitting at the kitchen island with cups of tea.
"There's something I need to tell you," Jongin began, recounting his conversation with Joohyun.
Kyungsoo's expression darkened progressively as Jongin spoke, his hands tightening around his mug. "Mina," he said when Jongin finished, the single word loaded with disappointment. "I should have anticipated this."
"It's not your fault," Jongin said quickly. "Office gossip is inevitable. I just thought you should know."
"It's more than gossip when it involves questioning your character and using Yujin's illness as ammunition," Kyungsoo replied, his voice tight with controlled anger. "This crosses a line."
"I agree," Jongin said. "Which is why I think it would be best if I transferred to another department when I return."
Kyungsoo looked up sharply. "What?"
"You mentioned before that Joohyun wants me for the interior design team," Jongin reminded him. "It would solve the direct reporting issue, and give us some professional distance that might quiet the gossip."
"Or you could keep your current position, and I could address the rumors directly," Kyungsoo countered.
Jongin shook his head. "That would only make things worse. It would look like you're giving me special treatment, which would reinforce their narrative."
"So we rearrange our professional lives because of malicious gossip?" Kyungsoo asked, frustration evident in his voice.
"We make a smart adjustment that protects both our reputations," Jongin corrected gently. "The transfer makes sense professionally anyway. I have background in interior design, and it would be a good career move for me."
Kyungsoo was quiet for a moment, clearly unhappy but considering Jongin's perspective. "You're probably right," he admitted finally. "I just hate the idea of anyone forcing our hand, especially based on such ugly assumptions."
"I know," Jongin reached across the island to take Kyungsoo's hand. "But this way, we can address the professional concerns legitimately while still moving forward with our personal relationship."
Kyungsoo's fingers tightened around his. "Our relationship is not something I'm willing to hide or apologize for."
"I'm not asking you to," Jongin assured him. "Just to be strategic about how we navigate the professional aspects."
After a moment's consideration, Kyungsoo nodded. "Alright. I'll speak with Joohyun tomorrow about the transfer. But the rumors—those I still need to address."
"Carefully," Jongin cautioned. "The last thing we need is to give them more ammunition."
"Trust me," Kyungsoo said, his expression resolute. "I can be very careful when necessary."
---
Jongin's return to the office the following week was met with mixed reactions. Many colleagues greeted him warmly, asking after Yujin's health with genuine concern. Others were more reserved, watching him with speculative gazes that made his skin crawl.
True to their plan, he had officially transferred to the interior design department, where Joohyun welcomed him with open arms and immediately assigned him to a hotel lobby renovation project that perfectly suited his aesthetic sensibilities.
"Your portfolio from school was impressive," she explained when he expressed surprise at the responsibility. "And I've seen how you transformed Kyungsoo's office. You have talent, Jongin. It's time you used it."
The transition was smoother than he'd anticipated, with most of the staff accepting the official explanation that his background in interior design made this a natural career progression. By the end of his first week back, the initial whispers had largely died down, replaced by genuine interest in his contributions to ongoing projects.
Only Mina remained openly hostile, her cold stares following him whenever their paths crossed in the building. Jongin did his best to ignore her, focusing instead on his work and the growing confidence it gave him.
Kyungsoo, for his part, had been surprisingly restrained. While he made no secret of checking in on Jongin throughout the week, he maintained a professional distance during office hours that Jongin appreciated. Their personal relationship continued to develop in the evenings and weekends, with Jongin and Yujin gradually spending more time at Kyungsoo's apartment until the weekend stay arrangement became an unspoken routine.
It was during the third week after Jongin's return that the simmering tension finally boiled over.
He was in the break room, discussing fabric swatches with Joohyun for the hotel project, when Mina entered with several colleagues from the administrative department. Their conversation halted briefly when they spotted Jongin, then resumed at a slightly louder volume.
"All I'm saying is that some people have a talent for landing on their feet," Mina was saying, her eyes pointedly not looking at Jongin though her words were clearly meant to be overheard. "One minute answering phones, the next designing luxury spaces. Must be nice to have such... persuasive qualities."
Jongin tensed, but Joohyun laid a warning hand on his arm. "Ignore her," she murmured. "She's trying to provoke a reaction."
"It's the same pattern, isn't it?" Mina continued, emboldened by her audience. "First the job itself, then the convenient illness, now the promotion. I wonder what's next on the agenda."
"Mina," one of her colleagues cautioned, clearly uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. "Maybe this isn't the place—"
"Oh, I think it's exactly the place," came a new voice from the doorway—Kyungsoo's voice, deceptively calm but with an underlying steel that made the room go instantly silent.
All heads turned to find the CEO standing in the entrance, his expression neutral but his eyes cold as they fixed on Mina. "Since you seem to have opinions about staffing decisions at this company, I'd be interested to hear them directly rather than through innuendo."
Mina paled visibly, caught off guard by Kyungsoo's unexpected appearance. "Mr. Do, I was just—"
"Making insinuations about a valued colleague's qualifications and personal integrity," Kyungsoo finished for her. "Yes, I heard quite clearly." He stepped fully into the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. "My office. Now."
The silence that followed Mina's hasty exit was deafening. Kyungsoo turned to the remaining staff members, his voice level but authoritative. "I don't typically comment on personnel matters, but since there seems to be confusion, let me be clear: Every promotion, transfer, and hiring decision at this firm is based on merit and qualifications. Any suggestion otherwise is not only incorrect but potentially actionable as defamation."
His gaze swept the room, making brief eye contact with each person present. "Furthermore, I expect all staff to treat each other with professional respect, regardless of their department, position, or personal background. Is that understood?"
A chorus of murmured agreements filled the room. Kyungsoo nodded once, satisfied, then turned to Jongin. "Mr. Kim, a word when you have a moment? It's regarding the Hanwoo Group's interior specifications."
The pretense of a professional inquiry was thin but sufficient to maintain appearances. Jongin nodded, gathering his fabric swatches as Kyungsoo left the room.
"Well," Joohyun murmured beside him, a hint of admiration in her voice. "That was something."
"It was unnecessary," Jongin replied quietly. "I can fight my own battles."
"Sometimes," Joohyun said wisely, "letting someone else fight for you isn't weakness. It's acceptance."
Jongin found Kyungsoo in his office, standing by the window with an uncharacteristic restlessness in his posture. He closed the door behind him, waiting until Kyungsoo turned to face him.
"You shouldn't have done that," Jongin said without preamble.
"I disagree," Kyungsoo replied calmly. "Her behavior crossed professional lines. As CEO, it was entirely appropriate for me to address it."
"And the timing? Just happening to appear at that exact moment?"
A flicker of guilt crossed Kyungsoo's face. "Joohyun texted me. She was concerned the situation might escalate."
Jongin sighed, torn between frustration and a reluctant appreciation for the protection. "I don't need you to defend my honor, Kyungsoo. I've been dealing with people like Mina my entire life."
"Just because you can handle it doesn't mean you should have to," Kyungsoo countered, taking a step closer. "Not when I'm in a position to do something about it."
"And what about the impression it creates? That I need the CEO to fight my battles? That only reinforces their narrative."
"No," Kyungsoo shook his head firmly. "What it reinforces is that this company has standards of professional conduct that apply to everyone, regardless of their position or connections. Mina wouldn't have spoken that way about any other department head or senior designer. Why should you be expected to tolerate what others wouldn't?"
Put that way, Jongin found it difficult to argue. "What will happen to her?" he asked instead.
"That depends on her," Kyungsoo replied. "If she acknowledges her behavior was inappropriate and commits to changing it, she'll receive a formal warning. If not..." He shrugged. "There are consequences for creating a hostile work environment."
"Don't fire her because of me," Jongin said quickly. "That really would confirm her accusations in people's minds."
"I wouldn't fire her 'because of you,'" Kyungsoo corrected. "If it comes to that, it would be because of her own choices and actions. But I understand your concern, and I'll take it into consideration."
Jongin nodded, some of his tension easing. "Thank you. For understanding, I mean."
Kyungsoo's expression softened. "I'm trying. I know this is complicated, navigating our personal relationship within a professional environment. But Jongin—" he moved closer, though still maintaining a respectable distance, "—I will always defend the people I care about when they're being treated unfairly. That's not about our relationship; it's about who I am."
There was something so fundamentally Kyungsoo in that statement—principled, straightforward, unwavering—that Jongin felt his remaining frustration dissolve. "I know," he acknowledged. "It's one of the things I love about you."
The admission, spoken casually in the context of a work conversation, seemed to catch them both by surprise. A smile spread slowly across Kyungsoo's face, a private joy that transformed his features.
"Well," he said, his voice warm, "in that case, I'll try to balance it with respecting your independence, which is one of the things I love about you."
The moment lingered between them, intimate despite the professional setting. Finally, Jongin gestured toward the door. "I should get back to work. Joohyun's waiting for these swatches."
"Of course," Kyungsoo nodded. "Dinner tonight? My place?"
"Our place," Jongin corrected without thinking, then felt heat rise to his cheeks as he realized what he'd said.
Kyungsoo's expression brightened impossibly further. "Our place," he repeated, savoring the words.
As Jongin left the office, he felt a lightness in his chest that hadn't been there before. The path ahead wasn't without challenges—there would still be gossip, still be hurdles to overcome. But for the first time, he wasn't facing them alone.
He had someone in his corner. Someone who saw his strength and respected it, but wasn't afraid to offer shelter when the storms came.
And maybe, just maybe, that was exactly what love was supposed to be.