Chapter 22: Homecoming

The airport was alive with the sounds of travelers bustling about, the echo of rolling suitcases, and the distant announcements of departing flights. Seongho stood beside Junseong at the boarding gate, flanked by a small contingent of bodyguards, their vigilant presence a reminder of the world they lived in—a world where every moment was scrutinized. They were preparing to board Junseong's private jet, returning to Korea after a trip to Bora Bora that had been orchestrated by Junseong's parents, who hoped to bring the couple closer together.

The getaway had been intended as a way to help Junseong open up a little. Known for his cold and strict demeanor, he had found it difficult to express his feelings, but Seongho's warmth and playful spirit had begun to chip away at his defenses. Still, Junseong remained composed, his expression serious as he prepared to face the press.

As they approached the jet, a flurry of journalists surged forward, their cameras flashing like frantic fireflies. "Mr. Lee Junseong!" one reporter shouted, eager for insights. "Can you share what your trip to Bora Bora meant for your business and personal life?"

Junseong stepped forward, his posture straight and confident. He took a moment to gather his thoughts. "The trip provided an opportunity for reflection and personal time," he replied, his tone firm yet controlled. "I believe that maintaining a balance between work and personal life is essential for success."

Another reporter interjected, "Were there any significant moments that stood out during your time away?"

Seongho stood quietly beside Junseong, feeling slightly out of place. He wanted to jump in, to clarify that the trip had been more about family than business, but he held back, knowing this was Junseong's moment to speak. The world of corporate affairs was not his territory, and he preferred to let Junseong handle it.

Just then, Tahiti and Rachel,their true friends from the trip, rushed through the crowd, their expressions a mix of sadness and affection. "Seongho!" Tahiti called, her voice cutting through the noise. "We're going to miss you so much!"

Seongho turned to them, his face brightening with a warm smile. "I'll miss you too! But it's just a trip back home. I promise I'll keep in touch!"

Rachel wiped away a tear, her voice trembling. "It won't be the same without you here. You always bring such joy!"

Seongho, feeling the weight of their emotions, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, just remember, if you need a good laugh, I'm only a phone call away!"

The comment drew a mixture of smiles and playful eye-rolls from his friends, who had come to expect Seongho's light-heartedness even during serious moments. Junseong, however, maintained his composed demeanor, not one for jokes or frivolity.

As the reporters continued to shout questions, Junseong's calm exterior showed no signs of faltering. He glanced down at Mangchi, their beloved cat, who was nestled in his arms. "We appreciate your support," he said, looking at the press, "but we really need to get going now."

The bodyguards moved in closer, creating a path for the couple to make their exit. As they began to walk towards the jet, Tahiti and Rachel exchanged glances, their expressions bittersweet. "Take care, Seongho. Don't forget to call us!" Tahiti shouted as they moved away.

Seongho waved, his heart swelling with affection for his friends. "I promise! I'll miss you all!"

Once inside the cabin of the jet, the atmosphere shifted. The sounds of the airport faded, replaced by the soft hum of the engines. Seongho settled into his seat, gazing out the window, watching as the airport shrank into the distance.

Junseong took a seat across from him, his demeanor still serious but softer now, the weight of the trip and the emotions of the day lingering in the air. Despite his cold nature, there was a hint of something more in his gaze—a flicker of warmth that had grown during their time in Bora Bora.

Seongho, sensing the shift but unsure how to navigate it, turned to Junseong with a genuine smile. "Did you enjoy the trip at all? I know it was meant to be a family thing, but I hope you found some moments to relax apart from the dramas that has happened."

Junseong met his gaze, and for a moment, the walls he had built around himself seemed to waver. "It was… different," he admitted, his voice low. "You were right. I needed a break from everything. It helped me see things from a new perspective and it helped me see you in a new. . . . Light."

He said whispering the last part so Seongho wouldn't hear.

Seongho felt a thrill at Junseong's admission. "I'm glad to hear that," he replied softly, his heart swelling with hope. "I think we both needed this time."

As the jet ascended into the sky, leaving the airport behind, both men felt a sense of anticipation for their return to Korea. There was a lingering tension in the cabin, a sense that things were shifting between them. Junseong's icy demeanor had cracked just a little, and though they were on their way home, it felt as if they were also embarking on a new journey—one that would require both of them to explore the depth of their connection.

The jet soared through the twilight sky, leaving the bustle of the airport far behind. Seongho, ever the conversationalist, tried to break the silence that had settled between him and Junseong.

"So," he began, leaning forward in his seat, "So did you also. . . hmm. . . . enjoy the. . .?"

Junseong, his gaze fixed on the passing clouds, replied with a curt, "It was fine."

Seongho, feeling the awkwardness bloom, tried again. "Those local cuisines we are there, did you in one point compare it with Korean food? ."

"Yeah," Junseong replied, his voice flat.

Seongho, sensing that his attempts at conversation were falling flat, decided to change tactics. "You know," he said, attempting a lighthearted tone, "I'm actually quite good at building sandcastles."

Junseong, however, remained unmoved. "That's nice," he said, his voice devoid of interest.

Seongho, feeling a pang of disappointment, sighed inwardly. He knew that Junseong was not one for small talk, especially not after a long day of dealing with the press and the stress of his company. But he couldn't help but feel a little deflated.

Just as Seongho was about to give up on the conversation, Junseong turned to him, his expression softening slightly. "I appreciate you trying to make conversation, Seongho," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "It's just... I'm not really in the mood for small talk right now."

Seongho, touched by Junseong's honesty, nodded in understanding. "No worries," he replied, trying to sound casual. "I get it. It's been a long day."

He settled back in his seat, resigned to the fact that Junseong was probably more interested in focusing on the business matters that awaited him back in Korea. But just as he was about to close his eyes and try to relax, Junseong's phone buzzed with a call.

"It's my assistant," Junseong said, his voice regaining its usual business-like tone. "I need to take this."

He answered the call, his voice low and focused as he listened to the other person on the line. Seongho, unable to hear the conversation, watched as Junseong's expression shifted from composed to slightly concerned.

"I see," Junseong said, his voice firm. "We'll discuss this further when I get back in Korea. I'll be there in a few hours."

He ended the call, his gaze lingering on Seongho for a moment before he turned back to the window. "I hate those mother fuckers but they'll regret ever double crossing me" he said, his voice now tinged with a hint of frustration. "

Seongho, sensing that something was amiss, asked, "Is everything alright?"

Junseong, his expression unreadable, replied, "It's just business. Don't worry about it."

Seongho, despite Junseong's attempt to downplay the situation, couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. He knew that Junseong was a man who kept his emotions close to the vest, but he could sense the tension radiating from him.

"Okay," he said, trying to sound reassuring. "Just let me know if there's anything I can do."

Junseong nodded curtly, his gaze returning to the window. The silence returned, but this time, it was a different kind of silence. It was a silence filled with unspoken questions and a growing sense of unease. Seongho couldn't help but wonder what was going on, and he couldn't help but worry about the man he had completely fallen for.

As the jet continued its journey towards Korea, Seongho knew that the trip had just begun. It was a trip not just to their home, but to a deeper understanding of each other, a journey filled with both anticipation and uncertainty.

The sleek private jet touched down on the tarmac of Seoul National Airport, a sigh of relief escaping Seongho as the wheels met the runway. The journey back from Bora Bora had been long, but the anticipation of seeing family and friends had kept his spirits high. As the jet taxied to a stop, a wave of nervous energy washed over him. He glanced at Junseong, who sat beside him, his expression as stoic as ever, though Seongho thought he detected a slight softening around the edges.

The airport doors opened to a flurry of activity. A throng of reporters, their cameras flashing incessantly, pushed forward, creating a chaotic scene. Seongho, ever the optimist, tried to see the humor in the situation, but the sheer number of people and the intensity of the flashing lights were a bit overwhelming. Junseong, however, moved through the crowd with an air of practiced calm, his bodyguards creating a protective barrier around them.

As they emerged from the jet, the chaos intensified. Shouts of "Mr. Lee!" and "Seongho!" filled the air, questions fired like rapid-fire bullets. Junseong handled the press with his usual cool efficiency, offering brief, carefully crafted answers while his bodyguards shielded them from the most aggressive reporters.

Through the sea of flashing cameras and outstretched microphones, Seongho spotted familiar faces. Junseong's parents, their expressions a mixture of relief and pride, stood near the front, their hands clasped tightly together. Beside them stood Minseong, Junseong's younger brother, a mischievous glint in his eyes. On the other side, Seongho's parents beamed, their eyes shining with affection, and Hyeri, Seongho's sister, waved enthusiastically, a wide smile on her face.

But before they could reach their families, the black and white cat, nestled in Junseong's arms, stole the show. The reporters, their attention momentarily diverted, cooed over the adorable creature. "Oh, look at the little one!" "He's so cute!" "Where did you get him?"

Seongho, his heart swelling with affection, reached out to stroke Mangchi's soft fur. He felt a surge of gratitude for the little cat, who had been a constant source of comfort during his time in Bora Bora. He remembered how he had tried to save Mangchi from the pouring rain, only to faint from exhaustion and dehydration. It was Junseong who had found him, collapsed on the beach, Mangchi curled up beside him, protecting him from the storm.

The sight of the cat, a reminder of that terrifying night, brought a wave of emotion over Seongho. He looked at Junseong, his eyes filled with gratitude, and Junseong, meeting his gaze, offered a small, reassuring smile.

The press, their curiosity piqued, bombarded Seongho with questions. "How did you get the cat?" "Is he your new pet?" "What's his name?"

Seongho, his voice soft with emotion, answered their questions. "We found him on the beach, all alone and scared," he said, his eyes filled with tenderness even though he couldn't comprehend why the press was interested in a mere cat.

,he could not get used to this life of opulence and fame even if he tried."He was shivering in the rain, and we couldn't just leave him there."

He paused, his gaze meeting Junseong's. "We decided to take him home with us," he continued, his voice filled with warmth. "He's part of the family now."

The reporters, their curiosity satisfied, turned their attention back to Junseong. "Mr. Lee, what are your plans for the cat?" one reporter asked.

Junseong, his expression softening, answered with a rare smile. "He's staying with us," he said, his voice filled with affection. "He's part of our family now."

The press, their questions answered, finally allowed the family to reunite. Junseong's parents, their expressions a mixture of relief and pride, rushed forward, embracing their son. "Junseong! We're so glad you're back," his mother said, her voice filled with relief. "How was Bora Bora?" his father added, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

Junseong, his composure restored, answered them with a smile. "It was nice to get away for a while," he said, his voice softer than usual. "The scenery was beautiful, and the food was delicious."

Seongho's parents followed, their embrace equally warm and heartfelt. "Seongho! We missed you so much," his mother said, her voice filled with affection. "How was the trip?" his father asked, his eyes twinkling with pride.

Seongho, his heart swelling with love for his family, responded with a grin. "It was amazing! We had so much fun," he said, his voice bubbling with excitement. "The beaches were incredible, and we even went snorkeling."

Minseong, ever the mischievous one, joined in the reunion, his arms wrapped around Junseong in a playful hug. "Welcome back, brother!" he said, his voice filled with teasing. "Did you finally learn how to relax?"

Junseong, his face softening, chuckled. "I tried," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "But I think I'm still a work in progress."

Hyeri, Seongho's sister, rushed forward, her arms wrapped around her brother in a tight embrace. "Seongho! I missed you so much," she said, her voice filled with affection. "Did you miss me?"

Seongho, his heart melting at his sister's words, laughed. "Of course, I missed you," he said, his voice warm. "You're my favorite sister, after all."

The family members, their initial excitement subsiding, began to bombard them with questions. "How was Bora Bora?" "Did you have a good time?" "Are you both tired?" The questions were a mix of concern and curiosity, a testament to the love and support they shared.

Junseong, his composure restored, answered their questions with patience and affection, his voice softer than usual. Seongho, meanwhile, engaged in lighthearted banter with his sister and parents, the tension of the airport melting away in the warmth of family. The trip back to Korea had been long, but the welcoming embrace of his family, and the quiet support from Junseong, made it all worthwhile. The journey home was just the beginning of a new chapter, filled with the promise of love, family, and the quiet comfort of being home.

After deciding to give the couple sometime together,their families went back to their respective houses urging them to also go home to rest and promised to come visit them some other time.

As they arrived at their abode,the golden hour cast a warm glow over the sprawling estate as Seongho stepped out of the car, a sigh of contentment escaping his lips. Home. The familiar scent of honeysuckle and freshly cut grass filled his senses, a balm to his weary soul after their whirlwind honeymoon in Bora Bora. Junseong, however, seemed detached, his gaze fixed on his phone, a subtle frown etching lines on his usually stoic face.

"Everything alright, Hubby?" Seongho inquired, concern lacing his voice.

Junseong's expression shifted, a flicker of tension replacing the usual impassiveness. "It's work. One of our subsidiaries has encountered a problem."

Seongho's brow furrowed, his heart sinking slightly. "What kind of problem?"

Junseong hesitated, his jaw clenching as if bracing himself for a blow. "Embezzlement. One of our executives has been mismanaging funds."

Seongho's eyes widened, his carefree demeanor momentarily eclipsed by a wave of concern. "That's serious, Junseong."

Junseong nodded curtly, his gaze hardening as he acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "It requires immediate attention."

As they entered the grand foyer of the mansion, the staff lined up, their faces beaming with smiles, a chorus of welcoming greetings erupting from their lips.

"Welcome back, Master Seongho!" they chorused, their voices filled with warmth and genuine affection.

Seongho's face lit up, a radiant grin spreading across his features as he basked in the warmth of their welcome. "Hello, everyone! I'm so glad to be back."

The maids, their eyes twinkling with delight, showered Mangchi with attention, cooing and aahing over the adorable feline.

"Oh, you brought a little friend back!" Soojin exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.

Seongho chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Meet Mangchi! We rescued her in Bora Bora."

A flurry of questions followed, their curiosity piqued by his tales of exotic locales. "Tell us about Bora Bora!" "Was the trip wonderful?" "How did you find this little cutie?"

Seongho, his eyes sparkling with joy, regaled them with tales of their honeymoon, his voice painting vivid pictures of crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and the breathtaking beauty of the islands.

Meanwhile, Junseong excused himself, his voice low and composed. "Excuse me, I need to attend to some business."

Seongho, lost in his storytelling, barely noticed Junseong's departure, his mind still filled with the vibrant memories of their honeymoon.

In the solitude of his study, Junseong closed the door behind him, taking a deep breath as he prepared to confront the weight of his responsibilities. He dialed his assistant Min- Ki's number, his voice firm and unwavering.

"Min-ki,what's the latest on the embezzlement case?" Junseong inquired, his tone demanding yet controlled.

Min-ki voice, laced with a hint of concern, responded, "Sir, the evidence points to one of our top executives. We need to act swiftly."

Junseong's expression hardened, a grim determination settling on his features. "Schedule an emergency meeting with the board for tomorrow morning."

As Junseong continued his call, Seongho's laughter echoed from the hallway, mingling with the maids' giggles, a stark contrast to the seriousness of the situation unfolding in the study.

Junseong's expression darkened further as he listened to update. "Get me the financial reports and any relevant documents. I want everything ready for the meeting tomorrow."

" Min-ki efficient and unwavering, responded, "Yes, sir. I'll have everything prepared."

Junseong ended the call, rubbing his temples as the weight of the situation pressed down on him. Embezzlement was a serious issue, and he needed to handle it swiftly and decisively to protect his company's reputation and safeguard his family's legacy.

He began reviewing the documents on his desk, his mind racing with strategies and solutions, his gaze focused and unwavering.

Meanwhile, Seongho continued regaling the maids with tales of their honeymoon, his voice filled with warmth and enthusiasm.

"...and then Hubby tried snorkeling for the first time!" Seongho chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "He was so nervous, but he loved it."

The maids giggled, their eyes sparkling with amusement as they listened to his tales of their adventures.

As Seongho finished his story, one of the maids , Jihyun approached him, her expression laced with concern.

"Master Seongho, is everything okay? Mr. Lee seems...stressed."

Seongho's grin faltered, his gaze shifting towards Junseong's study, a flicker of concern crossing his features. "I'm sure he's just tired from the trip. Don't worry."

Jihyun nodded, her expression sympathetic, her intuition telling her that something was amiss.

Just then, Junseong's voice, low and controlled, called out from his study. "Seongho, can you join me for a moment?"

Seongho excused himself, his heart sinking slightly as he headed towards the study, a sense of unease settling over him.

As he entered, Junseong looked up from his papers, his expression serious, the weight of his worries evident in his eyes.He was deliberating whether to tell Seongho or not ,but he decided not to as Seongho did not understand those kind of issues.

"Nothing important," Junseong said, his tone dismissive, a subtle attempt to downplay the seriousness of the situation. "Just some work-related tasks. Why don't you rest after the long trip?"

Seongho nodded, sensing the tension radiating from Junseong, his concern growing. "Okay, I'll leave you to it."

Junseong's gaze lingered on Seongho for a moment, a flicker of something akin to gratitude in his eyes, before returning to his papers.

Seongho quietly exited the study, leaving Junseong to his work, a sense of unease lingering in the air.

Seongho stepped out of the study, the soft click of the door closing behind him, a sense of isolation enveloping him. He padded down the hallway, his footsteps muffled by the plush carpet, his mind racing with questions.

As he entered his room, the warm glow of the bedside lamps enveloped him, casting a comforting ambiance, but it did little to ease the unease that had settled in his heart.

Seongho slipped into the bathroom, the cool marble floor a welcome contrast to the warmth of the room. He turned on the shower, letting the warm water cascade down, a soothing balm to his troubled mind.

Under the soothing stream, Seongho's thoughts began to unravel, his hubby's tense expression lingering in his mind.

After the shower, Seongho wrapped himself in a plush towel and returned to the bedroom.

Mangchi, sensing his return, stirred from his slumber, curling up beside him, a comforting presence in the quiet room.

Seongho settled into the pillows, his gaze drifting toward the ceiling, his thoughts swirling with concern.

"hubby's hiding something," Seongho whispered to Mangchi, his voice laced with worry.

Mangchi's ears perked up, his soft purrs a soothing balm to Seongho's troubled mind.

"I can see it in his eyes," Seongho continued, his intuition telling him that something was amiss.

Seongho's thoughts swirled, his mind unable to rest.

"Is it work? Or something more?"

The room's silence seemed to amplify his concerns, the weight of his worries pressing down on him.

As the minutes ticked by, Seongho's eyelids drooped, fatigue battling with his anxieties.

Mangchi snuggled closer, his soft purrs a gentle reminder of the love and comfort that surrounded him.

Seongho wrapped his arms around Mangchi, seeking solace in the warmth of his furry companion.

"I just want hubby to be happy," Seongho whispered, his voice filled with a longing for his husband's well-being.

The darkness outside seemed to press in, but Seongho's worries lingered, a shadow cast over the warmth of his homecoming.

Seongho's heart raced as he stood up and paced the confines of their bedroom, the weight of his worries pressing down upon him. He glanced at Mangchi, nestled comfortably in his plush cat bed, the feline's gentle purrs a calming melody in the otherwise tense atmosphere. With a soft sigh, Seongho gently stroked Mangchi's head before rising to confront the source of his unease.

Determined, he went downstairs and padded quietly to the study, rubbing his eyes in a futile attempt to shake off the fatigue that clung to him. Just as he was about to reach for the door handle, a maid approached him, her expression a blend of concern and warmth.

"Master Seongho," she began, her voice soft and melodic, "are you feeling alright? Would you like something to eat? Perhaps a cup of tea?"

Seongho offered her a reassuring smile, though his heart felt heavy. "Oh, don't worry about me. I'm just a bit tired. You should rest too," he replied, his tone light, but the underlying worry evident in his eyes.

The maid nodded, her concern lingering. "Very well, but if you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask." With a polite bow, she turned and walked away, leaving Seongho alone once more with his thoughts.

Taking a deep breath, Seongho opened the door to the study and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the desk lamp illuminating Junseong, who was engrossed in a phone call, his brows furrowed in concentration. He seemed entirely absorbed, oblivious to the world around him.

Seongho's heart fluttered as he approached his husband, feeling a surge of affection mixed with concern. In a moment of impulsiveness, he sat down on Junseong's lap, a playful smile spreading across his face.

Junseong looked up, startled, his eyes widening in surprise. A flush crept across his cheeks as he registered the intimate position they were in. They had not yet reached this level of familiarity in their arranged marriage, and the sudden closeness left him feeling awkward.

"Seongho," he stammered, attempting to lift his husband gently off his lap. "You shouldn't—"

But Seongho, ever the stubborn one, refused to budge. He nestled closer, resting his head against Junseong's chest. "Hubby, you should rest now," he murmured, his voice muffled against the fabric of Junseong's shirt. "You must be tired. Should I ask the maids to cook you something?"

Junseong hesitated, his heart battling against the practicality of his thoughts. He felt a warmth blossoming in his chest at the tender gesture, but the weight of his responsibilities loomed larger. "I can't, not right now," he replied, his tone firm yet gentle.

Seongho sighed, pouting cutely as he rubbed his eyes again. "But you need to eat, Hubby. You can't keep working like this."

With a reluctant smile, Junseong finally relented, his heart softening. "Alright, just a little break," he conceded.

Moments later, the door creaked open, and the maids entered, carrying a tray laden with an array of dishes—Kimchi stew, Gimbap, hotteok,jjigae and fragrant rice. They placed it on the desk with practiced ease, their smiles genuine as they acknowledged Junseong.

"Master Junseong, we've prepared your favorite meal," one of the maids, Ae-ri said, her expression brightening the room.

"Thank you," Junseong replied, his voice softening as he glanced at the spread before him. He picked up his chopsticks, casting a sideways glance at Seongho, who was watching him intently.

As he began to eat, Seongho remained close, his presence a comforting balm against the stress that had clouded Junseong's mind. Each bite seemed to ease the tension, and soon, he found himself relaxing, the warmth of his husband's affection wrapping around him like a cherished blanket.

Once the meal was finished, Seongho took Junseong's hand, a playful grin dancing on his lips even though his eyes were droppy. "Now, it's time for you to rest. You've worked enough for today."

Junseong chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're quite the taskmaster, aren't you?"

"Only because I care," Seongho replied, his tone earnest yet playful. "Come on, let's go back to our room."

With a gentle tug, Seongho led Junseong away from the desk, Seongho gently pushed him towards the door of the study, As they walked back to their room, the burdens of the day began to lift, leaving behind a sense of warmth and connection that filled the space between them.

The bedroom awaited them, bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamps, creating a comforting ambiance. Seongho led Junseong to the bed, his hand guiding him as he settled onto the plush mattress.

Once they were both nestled beneath the warm blankets, Seongho turned to Junseong, his eyes sparkling with affection. "You need to let go of everything for a while," he whispered, gently brushing a lock of hair from Junseong's forehead. "You deserve this."

Junseong, still weary but feeling a newfound sense of peace, allowed himself to be enveloped by the warmth of the sheets and the comforting presence of his husband. Seongho slid closer, wrapping his arms around Junseong's waist, their bodies fitting together seamlessly.

As the darkness enveloped them, Seongho's breath became steady and calming against Junseong's chest, a rhythmic lullaby that soothed the remnants of tension. Junseong, feeling the warmth radiating from Seongho, let his eyes flutter shut, surrendering to the comfort of their shared space.

In that quiet moment, as they lay entwined in the cocoon of their bed, Seongho felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He had offered his husband a moment of peace, a refuge from the storm, and in that moment, he knew their love, though forged in an arranged marriage, was blossoming into something real, something something that could maybe weather any storm.

As sleep finally claimed them, their bodies intertwined, their breaths mingling in the silence, they found solace in each other's presence—a testament to the power of love, understanding, and shared vulnerability.