NLFSD Chapter 59

Chapter 59

“Ah, it tickles.”

As Seo Taecheon gently rubbed and pressed the towel over his wet hair, Jiwoon laughed, cheeks flushing pink, lips curving softly upwards. Every time he squirmed under the ticklish touch, the loose T‑shirt he wore shifted, outlining the lean shape of his body beneath.

“…Makes me want to tickle you more.”

“What? What did you say? I didn’t quite catch that.”

“Nothing. That should be enough — let’s make ramen now.”

Reluctantly, Taecheon let him go. If he held on any longer, he would drag him back inside the tent, forget the ramen, and spend all morning kissing him instead.

“Ra‑la‑la, noodles, noodles~ have another bowl ready!”

Singing a nonsensical “ramen song,” Jiwoon prepared a fragrant pot of ramen. He added leftover kimchi, onions, scallions, and little Vienna sausages, transforming it into a dish impossible to resist.

“Let’s eat well!”

“Yes. Thank you, Jiwoon.”

“Mmm, delicious.”

He slurped one chopstick‑full and sighed in delight. Whether it was because he’d boiled it with clear water, or simply because he was eating with the person he loved, the ramen tasted better than the most extravagant delicacies.

“…It really is good.”

“See! Isn’t it?”

Though not usually an impressive cook, this ramen was no shame to serve. With Taecheon praising it as the best, Jiwoon almost felt like dancing.

The weather was crisp, the sky clear, the ramen flavorful — and the Alpha across from him overly affectionate, sweet enough to suffocate him.

This is happiness.

Jiwoon felt full, both in body and in heart.

“Thank you all for your participation in this 2‑day, 1‑night camp. How was it? Did it help you understand your partner better?”

“Yes, very much.”

The gathered pairs all looked radiant, many holding hands or linking arms. Clearly, the night had been pleasant. Seo Taecheon and Jiwoon also had their fingers interlaced tightly, swinging them playfully, which made Jiwoon’s chest swell with ticklish warmth.

“From Team 1 through Team 6, you’ve all done well. I trust you spent intimate time together. Let’s meet again at our next reconciliation session!”

“Yes!”

“Thank you!”

Following instructions, the couples packed their things and went off to their cars. Jiwoon and Taecheon also dismantled their tent neatly, loading clothes and supplies into the trunk.

“I want to wear this.”

Jiwoon pulled out the windbreaker Taecheon had just rolled up.

“Why suddenly? Are you cold?”

“Yes. It’s chilly right now.”

He slipped it on over his jacket. The oversized sleeves and hem dangled.

“Cold? To me, it feels quite warm today. Are you unwell?”

“No — I just get cold easily.”

“If you feel off, tell me. We’ll stop by a hospital right away. I’ll call for your attending physician if I must.”

“It’s not nearly that serious.”

At that point, it was nothing more than a chill. Up until Sunday noon, Jiwoon was almost normal.

But by Sunday night, back home after camp, he realized something was wrong. He had originally planned to scout honeymoon destinations and start drafting ideas for Taecheon’s upcoming January birthday party. Being part of the marketing team, Jiwoon excelled at brainstorming and planning.

For his real birthday, I’ll bake the cake myself. Not just buy one from a bakery — making it with my hands will mean more.

Though his confidence exceeded his actual skills, Jiwoon insisted on making it himself.

What about a gift? No material thing will impress him. I can’t afford luxury goods on my salary. Maybe… offering myself instead? With ribbons? Naughty but fun?

Chuckling at the image of himself wrapped in ribbon, he decided to actually write out a plan. Only one question mattered: How to surprise this Alpha and celebrate him sweetly?

From Taecheon’s past, especially the hardship of being born when his mother raised him alone, Jiwoon suspected birthdays could be bittersweet. He wanted to brand it with joy instead.

I’ll make it unforgettable, my darling husband. Just wait.

With that, he opened his laptop in the small room. But a chill suddenly pierced his body.

Why is it so cold… I’m shivering all over. Could this be a cold?

Despite raising the heat and adding layers of clothing, his shivers wouldn’t stop. Soon, his hands were too cold to type and he had to close the laptop.

This isn’t good. Looks like flu. Must be from sleeping outdoors last night.

Glancing at the closed study door, he tiptoed to the living room cabinet. He didn’t want to bother Seo Taecheon in his study — if he admitted he felt sick, Taecheon would undoubtedly panic, insist on an ER trip or summon a doctor.

I’ll just take cold medicine and rest quietly.

But the medicine box held no cold pills, no fever reducers, no pain relievers — only ointments, plasters, and bandages.

What now? It’s Sunday night… pharmacies are closed. Maybe the convenience store?

Then, an idea struck. When you’re sick, hot herbal decoction helps. Seo Taecheon’s mother had given him traditional tonics. Those might work.

Uncaring of exact ingredients, Jiwoon only remembered how they boosted his strength and heated his body. He pulled three pouches from the fridge, poured one into a white bowl. The black potion looked like something from a historical drama — ominous as poison — but it didn’t matter.

After heating it in the microwave, Jiwoon swallowed the bitter brew in gulps.

“Kaah.”

Strange… is it my imagination, or do I already feel more energetic?

Settled now, he went to bed, falling quickly asleep.

But early next morning, before dawn, he woke shivering violently. His entire body burned. Touching his forehead, his temperature was clearly a degree or two higher than usual. His head ached faintly, dizziness swirling.

“…Taecheon…?”

He reached over — but the bed was cold. Taecheon must have slept in the study’s adjoining bedroom again, not wanting to disturb him.

“Ugh… thirsty…”

He drank from the water bottle by the bed and sighed. Perhaps it’s lucky he isn’t here. If he saw me feverish, he’d panic. Better he doesn’t know.

I’ll still go to work. If it’s too much, I’ll slip out to the hospital. Some IV fluids and prescription will fix it.

He diagnosed himself with a seasonal cold, resolving to sneak out before Taecheon awoke.

“Another tonic… that’ll help.”

Just like the night before, he heated another pouch of the black medicine, downed it quickly, and dressed for work.

“Good morning.”

“…Jiwoon, what’s wrong with your face?”

As he entered the office, Assistant Manager Min frowned deeply.

“Me?”

“Your dark circles are terrible. Didn’t you sleep?”

“I did. Just… a bit tired.”

Glancing into the mirror, even Jiwoon was startled. His eyes lacked focus, his cheeks flushed red with fever, his face pale and wan.

“You really sick?”

“…Honestly, I think I’m coming down with a cold. I was outdoors yesterday.”

“Ah, seasonal colds are going around. You need to be careful.”

“Yes. Let’s hope it doesn’t get worse.”