I’m not ready

Haeun took a deep breath, glancing up at Yeongsoo, trying to hold back the torrent of thoughts racing through his mind. He felt overwhelmed and confused, but he didn't want to show it. "I want to head to the office, but we need to stop at a shop first. I need to get a suit."

Yeongsoo gave him a brief, unreadable look before nodding. "Alright."

The ride to the shop was just as silent as the one to the clinic. Haeun found himself lost in thought, still processing the doctor's words. There was a real possibility of pregnancy, and his body would react violently to other pheromones. The idea of relying on Yeongsoo, someone who obviously didn't want anything to do with him, for support during such a time made him uneasy.

They arrived at the shop, and Haeun quickly made his way inside, browsing the racks. He picked out a sleek, black suit, something understated but professional enough for the office. As he tried it on, he couldn't help but stare at the mirror a bit longer.

At times he realized just how small he really was. Was he ready to navigate through this alone?

Stepping out of the fitting room, he caught sight of himself in the mirror. The suit fitted him well, but the exhaustion in his eyes was hard to ignore. He paid for the suit and returned to the car, Yeongsoo sighed, he didn't know what the doctor had told Haeun but it was obviously getting to him.

Once they were on the road again, heading to the office, Haeun finally spoke up. "Thanks for taking me around today."

Yeongsoo nodded, keeping his eyes on the road. "It's nothing."

Haeun wasn't sure what he expected—maybe a bit more warmth, some acknowledgment of the seriousness of their situation—but it never came.

When they arrived at the office, Haeun stepped out of the car, giving a final glance at Yeongsoo. "I'll see you around."

Yeongsoo didn't respond, only watching as Haeun walked away. As the car pulled away, Haeun felt a strange hollowness settle in his chest. It was like he had been holding on to some hope that maybe things would change, but now he realized that wasn't going to happen.

Inside the office, Haeun was immediately bombarded by Eunja's worried voice. "Boss! Are you okay? Where have you been? You've been gone for days! Did that alpha kidnap you?"

Haeun smiled weakly, trying to downplay the situation. "I'm fine, Eunja. Just needed to take care of a few things. And the alpha wasn't so bad, in fact he was too good."

"You didn't even call! I thought something terrible happened!" she continued, her voice laced with concern. "WAIT!" Eunja paused realizing the other half of Haeun's words.

"Ah boss, was the alpha to your liking…was that why you disappeared for three days. I understand, no wonder your mother wasn't so worried.."

Haeun waved her off, heading toward his office. "I'm fine, really. Now, let's get back to work. We have a lot to catch up on."

As he sat at his desk, the weight of the day settled on him. He couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty looming over him, but for now, work was the only thing keeping him grounded.

Haeun sat behind his desk, running his hand through his hair as he gathered his thoughts. The weight of everything—his sudden heat cycle, the doctor's warning, and Yeongsoo's coldness—felt overwhelming. He needed space. He needed time to clear his mind, away from everything.

[If I'm gone for a few days, I'll be able to think and make plans ahead.]

Haeun sighed "Its not like I don't have the capability of taking care of a child. Its those alpha pheromones that's the issue.."

Standing up, Haeun fished out his phone his younger brother was the last person he should be calling right now but it was also high time he came home.

As Haeun listened to the ringing on the other end, he knew this wasn't going to be an easy conversation. His brother had been distant lately, ever since the tragedy that hit his life a year ago. Losing his omega had left him broken, and since then, he had disappeared overseas, refusing to return or face anyone.

When his brother finally answered, his voice was quieter than usual, lacking its usual energy. "Hyung… what's up?"

Haeun paused, the weight of the request heavy in his throat. "Hey… Taeun I need you to come back to the country."

There was a long silence, and then Taeun sighed. "Hyung, I'm not ready to come back. You know that. Why are you asking me this now?"

"I wouldn't be asking if it wasn't important," Haeun replied, his voice filled with urgency. "I need you to run the company for a while. I… I need to take a break. I want to go overseas for a few days."

His brother's tone hardened slightly. "A break? You know I'm not in the best state to handle anything right now."

"I know. But I'm not either." Haeun's voice cracked a little, and he hated how vulnerable he sounded. "Please. You're the only one I can trust with this. Do this for your Hyung, Taeun."

There was another long pause, and Haeun could hear the tension in his brother's breathing. He didn't want to come back. He was still drowning in his own grief, and asking him to return felt cruel. But Haeun had no other choice.

"I'm… I'm not the person I used to be, hyung," his brother finally said, his voice breaking slightly. "Ever since I lost him… I don't know if I can handle this."

Haeun's chest tightened. "I know. I know it's hard. But I wouldn't ask if I didn't need you."

His brother was silent again, and for a moment, Haeun thought he would refuse. But then, with a shaky breath, he spoke. "Alright. I'll come back. But only because it's you asking. And I know you're the type to not run away, if you really want to go overseas then something must be bugging you."

Haeun felt a mix of relief and guilt wash over him. "Thank you. I promise I won't ask for more than I have to."

"I'm only doing this for you, hyung," his brother replied, his voice heavy with resignation. "But I'm not coming back to stay. Once you're back on your feet, I'm gone again."

Haeun nodded, even though his brother couldn't see him. "I understand."