NLFSD Chapter 63
by berryChapter 63
“Phew… refreshing.”
When Jiwoon emerged clean from washing up, the house was filled with mouth‑watering aromas. On the dining table sat a feast fit for a cooking competition.
“Whoa! You made all this yourself?”
“I thought you’d be hungry, so I put together a few things.”
“A few? There’s like… one, two… over ten side dishes here!”
Jiwoon’s eyes went wide, marveling. Seo Taecheon stepped over and gently removed the towel from his damp hair.
“Dry your hair before eating.”
“Ah, right.”
“I’ll do it. Come here.”
He led Jiwoon to the powder room off the master bedroom, switched on a dryer, and softly dried his hair. His fingers combed delicately, tender strokes parting strands.
“Not too hot?”
“It’s fine.”
The air isn’t hot at all. It’s me, overheating from being practically wrapped up in him.
Drying from behind, Taecheon nearly encircled his whole body, leaving Jiwoon flustered with flashes of last night.
“Your hair feels nice.”
“D‑does it?”
“…Not that there’s any part of you that isn’t soft.”
Murmuring under his breath, Taecheon made Jiwoon scratch his forehead in embarrassment. Forget calling him robotic — I take it back. He’s sentimental, overly gentle, and actually quite forward about affection. I just hadn’t seen it before.
“Let’s eat now.”
“Yes.”
Jiwoon pressed his flushed cheeks with his hand, following him back. The sight of the luxurious spread rekindled appetite. Sitting brought sudden aches — his waist felt clubbed.
“Hrk.”
“What’s wrong?”
“N‑nothing.”
Clearly unable to confess you wrecked me last night, Jiwoon forced a smile and sat. Groaning inwardly, he picked up chopsticks.
“Taste it. Should suit you.”
“It already looks delicious.”
His first bite was grilled deodeok root, glossy with sesame oil and red pepper paste. It melted away almost instantly.
It was just there—and now it’s gone.
“This is unbelievable. So good.”
“Glad you like it.”
“I’m not joking. Really. And the bulgogi beef — when did you even make that?”
“I had it marinating. Just a quick stir‑fry with shiitake mushrooms you like.”
Every tasty dish he pushed toward Jiwoon’s side until the table seemed one‑sided.
“I thought it before but… you’re really amazing at cooking. Like a pro chef.”
“It’s not skill. Just happens to suit your taste.”
Placing meat on Jiwoon’s rice spoon, Taecheon added,
“And that is the essence. Matching your taste is what matters most to me.”
His voice carried the same tone as ever — steady, low, without highs or dramatics. That very tone Jiwoon used to call robotic. Yet now, knowing they loved each other, that calm voice felt endlessly warm.
“Ah, I’m stuffed.”
Wiping his clean bowl, Jiwoon patted his belly.
“Thanks for enjoying it. I’ll bring tea — rest here.”
“Alright.”
While Taecheon cleared dishes, Jiwoon walked about to digest. Entering the bedroom, he checked his phone. A new message had arrived, from Song Team Leader.
Strange. He already told me to rest… what’s this?
Song TL: Feeling any better now?
Ah, just checking in. Guess he wasn’t bluffing when he said he cares about his team.
Jiwoon replied that he was improving. Almost immediately:
Song TL: Precisely when you think you’re fine is when you must rest more. I worry too much. May I pay a visit and check up on you? Where do you live, Mr. Lee?
“…Eh? Why’s he suddenly trying to visit?”
Frowning, Jiwoon thought it odd. He wasn’t hospitalized, just mildly ill. Adults didn’t normally send get‑well visits. He’d never experienced this but something clearly felt off.
No, Team Leader. It’s alright. I’m improving. No need for a visit.
Song TL: No, I’d just like to see you in person.
“…Seriously, what is this?”
Song’s real motive: confirm Jiwoon’s neighborhood and gauge his home. Convinced Jiwoon was a wealthy Omega heir, he was eager to assess the family’s status, and thought a caring visit could win favor.
Had he read Jiwoon’s personnel file fully, he’d know his parents died young, grandparents too, leaving him alone in a tiny studio apartment near the office. Though now living with Taecheon, the HR system still showed “single, renting near work.”
But as Team Leaders lacked clearance for such details, Song wanted to see firsthand.
Really, no need, sir. Someone’s home with me, so it’d be inconvenient.
Assuming Jiwoon meant “parents,” Song dropped it with regret, sighing at the missed chance to impress.
Song TL: Alright. Rest well. See you tomorrow.
Yes, thank you.
Finally. Ending the chat with a small sigh, Jiwoon turned to leave — bumping right into Taecheon stepping in.
“The tea’s cooling. What are you doing?”
“Ah… just…”
Startled, Jiwoon instinctively shut off the screen, shaking his head. Wouldn’t it be strange to say my boss wanted to visit? He’s not exactly bad, but definitely overfamiliar. No need upsetting Taecheon.
“Just texting a friend.”
“You’re texting at this hour?”
Taecheon’s voice dripped disapproval.
“Uh… a friend worried since I was sick.”
“Mm… I see. Anyway, come out before the tea cools.”
Following him out, Jiwoon sat by the tea table. It was laid with colorful macarons, madeleines, quiche.
“Wow… these look amazing.”
“I’m glad you like them.”
Still feeling drained from last night, the rice hadn’t been enough. Nibbling a macaron, Jiwoon smiled. Taecheon leaned his chin on his hand, watching, occasionally pouring fragrant tea.
“Now I’m sleepy.”
“Want to nap?”
“…Yes.”
As crumbs were brushed from his lips, Jiwoon let himself drift against the sofa, dozing. Taecheon let him rest against his shoulder, gently stroking his cheek. His skin still burned lightly from heat’s aftermath.
“Feels good…” Jiwoon murmured.
“What feels good?”
“…You, Taecheon.”
Chuckling, Taecheon adjusted to let him nestle more comfortably.
Hours passed. When Jiwoon woke again, he was in bed under dim light, enveloped in a pleasant scent. Seo Taecheon held him close. Staring at his sculpted features so near, Jiwoon’s heart raced loud.
Cautiously he reached up, tracing face, brows, nose, lips. Once upon a time he couldn’t even dare — now he could touch freely.
How can someone be this handsome? Even his lips…
When his finger brushed those lips, Taecheon’s eyes snapped open.
“Ah—”
Flustered, Jiwoon tried to snatch his hand away — but Taecheon caught his wrist firmly, pinning it to the mattress. Climbing on top, Taecheon pressed down, and without pause claimed his lips.
The kiss flowed seamlessly, consuming Jiwoon’s senses, leaving him breathless and dazed.
Footnotes
- Deodeok (더덕): Root vegetable often grilled with sesame oil and spicy paste, a traditional Korean delicacy.