NLFSD Chapter 99

Chapter 99

“The scale of this place… it’s unbelievable.”

The villa was far grander in person than any of the photos had suggested. The living room’s floor‑to‑ceiling glass windows stretched massively both vertical and horizontal, an entire ocean horizon framed before them. Jiwoon was stunned silent.

For all its size, the interior radiated warmth, soft and cozy. It must have been the way the sunlight streamed in so brilliantly.

“Taecheon, I’ve never been anywhere this beautiful. Thank you.”

“Hearing your joy is thanks enough for me.”

Jiwoon clambered upstairs to the second floor, then higher still into the attic space. Tiny skylights lined the sloping ceiling there, a secret nook built for stargazing at night.

“Mango will love this one day. When they’re born we have to bring them here.”

Back downstairs he peeked into a bedroom, surprised again: every space within this house was decorated entirely in whites. Knowing Taecheon’s preference — nearly an obsession — for blacks and dark tones, it was puzzling.

Could it be… he designed this for me and Mango? Soft, bright bedding, cozy atmosphere. It doesn’t feel like his usual taste at all.

Regardless, it was lovely. Heavenly. Jiwoon soon drifted into drowsy naps, eventually collapsing into the bed’s fluffy embrace.

When he woke, the sun was already sinking, glowing amber through the giant windows. Taecheon was nowhere in sight.

“…What time is it?”

Checking his phone, a strange alert popped up on screen: a notification from the app “Try The Reflection Once More” (한번 The 숙려해 보세요). He’d never deleted it, since it was supposed to deliver the video letters each couple had filmed during the program. A final confirmation of their true feelings.

[“Your video letter has arrived! Hurry and check it!”]

On screen, the cutesy cartoon Sookryeo‑Doongyi danced. Jiwoon tapped. The thumbnail was Taecheon, expression serious.

Heart pounding with nervous anticipation, Jiwoon pressed play.

[“Jiwoon.”]

The low baritone voice rolled out and Jiwoon squealed, thrashing on the bed.

Too handsome! Even his voice is insane!

[“…This feels awkward. Seo Taecheon here.”]

So typical of him — no garnish, plain introduction. But that plain tone was part of what Jiwoon loved. Eyes misting, he stared into the lens. Taecheon’s face stayed stoic, but Jiwoon knew that every fiber of him carried fierce affection.

[“Thank you for staying with me. And… I love you.”]

Simple, but it pierced Jiwoon’s chest. And then came the twist.

[“…And my final choice is still Omega No. 1. Back then, and even now.”]

“…What…”

Jiwoon gasped. So this was the answer he had never heard back in Jeju, when during the reality show he had chosen Alpha No. 1 (Seo Taecheon), but never learned his choice. Now, the revelation years later in the form of a recorded letter.

“I said the same thing…”

At his own video letter, Jiwoon had confessed identically — My final choice is Alpha No. 1. My forever choice is you. The synchronicity floored him.

“Awake?”

The door clicked; Taecheon entered balancing a tray, fragrant tea steaming.

“I thought something warm might be nice.”

“…Y‑yes. That’s perfect.”

Jiwoon’s face burned crimson; Taecheon chuckled.

“Your Alpha No. 1 will personally serve tea.”

Jiwoon burst into laughter. With someone who could make him smile like this… he’d choose him again, even in the next life.

They sipped tea, ate an extravagant dinner prepared by Taecheon, then turned in early. The bed was brand‑new, yet Jiwoon slept easily at his side. Still, he woke every so often, anxious not to miss dawn.

“What if I oversleep? I keep dozing off and waking up… I can’t control it.”

“I’ll wake you. Don’t worry.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Sleep peacefully.”

Reassured, Jiwoon finally succumbed. Hours later, gentle shaking woke him.

“Time to get up. The sun’s about to rise.”

“Already?”

Rubbing his eyes, Jiwoon sat up. It was still dark.

“It’s just dawn.”

“No way, it feels like I’ve only slept 30 minutes.”

“Bundle yourself in the blanket. It’ll be cold.”

Wrapping him tightly in thick blankets prepared beforehand, Taecheon made sure he was snug.

“…Actually, I’d rather be in your arms.”

“Even better.”

Smiling, Taecheon peeled off the blankets and drew him directly into his arms. Their shared body heat sealed away the chill.

“From that horizon it’ll rise.”

The huge window looked straight out to sea, nothing blocking the view. Against the indigo pre‑dawn, Jiwoon’s heart raced.

Slowly, the sun’s crown emerged. The sea glistened, the sky shifting color in glorious gradients.

“…It’s rising.”

“Beautiful.”

“…Yes. It’s extraordinary.”

“True.”

From behind, Taecheon held him tighter as the light filled the world. Jiwoon’s eyes brimmed. It was the same sun as yesterday, yet felt like a completely new birth — as though life itself granted permission to begin anew.

But then, Taecheon pulled away.

“Wait here.”

“…Where are you—”

He soon returned, hands clasped behind his back. Jiwoon smiled knowingly — surely a hidden present.

But when he dropped to one knee and presented a small case, Jiwoon gasped.

“…A ring box?!”

“I wanted to propose properly. Just walking into the wedding hall felt too flat, too unworthy. I wanted this moment.”

“…Taecheon…”

Jiwoon’s face flushed red, eyes shimmering.

“Lee Jiwoon, will you marry me?”

The gentleness in his expression — peerless. Neither regrets of yesterday nor worries of tomorrow lingered; only love for Jiwoon in this very moment.

“I… yes. Of course.”

“…Thank you.”

With relieved breath, Taecheon slid the ring snugly onto Jiwoon’s slender finger. It fit perfectly, glowing in the New Year’s sunrise. Jiwoon marveled at how right it felt.

“…How is it so exact? Like it was measured.”

“There are ways. Now, will you do mine?”

“Of course.”

Happily sliding the twin band onto Taecheon’s hand, Jiwoon found himself laughing. They each kissed the other’s fingers.

“I wanted to go first.”

“…So did I.”

Tender giggles.

“Shall we kiss?”

“If we do now, you might never leave this villa.”

“…Depends on how you kiss me.”

Jiwoon smirked faintly. Taecheon cupped both his cheeks and kissed soundly. It was sweet, dizzying, body‑warming — the sort of kiss one prays will last forever.

Jiwoon realized again that he was the luckiest soul alive.