NLFSD Chapter 76

Chapter 76

“It’ll be so nice to walk through the forest with you, Taecheon.”

“You’re not disappointed we couldn’t do paragliding?”

“Well… at first, yes. But honestly, maybe a leisurely hike is better right now.”

Jiwoon’s words were light, but inside his thoughts wandered. The sudden, sharp stomach pain yesterday at home still haunted him. What was that? He wanted to search it online. Could stress alone cause stabbing pain in the lower abdomen like that? Could barely a week of harassment already be taking such a toll?

Yes, Omegas were generally considered physically weaker than Alphas — but Jiwoon was otherwise healthy, rarely even catching colds. To have his body collapse this easily puzzled him deeply.

Should I really go to a hospital? But which department…? Internal medicine? Or family practice first?

One thing was clear: he wanted to do this without Taecheon knowing. Quietly, he thought of the general hospital near his old neighborhood. It was large, fully equipped with all specialties — perfect to start with and surely yield some clue.

Yes. I’ll go alone. Get some tests. Figure it out afterward.

Masking his worry behind a blank expression, he resolved to check their evening clinic hours later.

The next morning, Jiwoon woke bright and early. After a hamster‑wheel week of work and home, the thought of going away excited him. Even better — hand in hand with Seo Taecheon, walking through serene forest under such clear skies…

He threw open the window. December sun poured in, breeze cool and gentle. For early winter, the weather was astonishingly mild.

Taecheon must be in the bathroom. I’ll pack us some food.

Event organizers were already providing boxed lunches and drinks, but Jiwoon wanted to add something homemade.

“First, drinks… oh, some fruit juice. Let’s put these in a cooler bag.”

He grabbed glass bottles of orange juice and lemon soda from the fridge. Then turned to the coffee machine. The moka pot seemed daunting. Instead, he reached for the capsule machine, choosing the blackest pod that looked fiercest. With a buzz, rich espresso poured, crowned with crema.

“Careful, don’t spill…”

He mixed it with ice water, poured into a sturdy tumbler, inhaling the fragrant aroma with satisfaction.

Alright. Now a matching lunchbox.

Humming, he opened the fridge. Last night he’d seen sheets of gim (seaweed), imitation crab, danmuji (pickled radish) — kimbap ingredients. In his optimism, he thought it simple.

He was wrong. Kimbap was one of the hardest foods to make properly — a culinary “upper‑class skill” practiced to show off at picnics. Only the truly skilled could handle delicate seaweed, limp blanched spinach, fragile egg strips.

“What… is this.”

He managed the prep — julienning fillings, seasoning rice with sesame oil and salt — but the rolling exposed him. Too much rice — crack! The thin seaweed tore at every seam. Slight rupture might be forgivable, but when entire rolls split open, spilling guts across the board, it was grotesque.

“Oh no…! It exploded.”

Second attempt — the roll refused to form, fillings ejected violently. Third attempt — timid hands stuffed in meager crumbs. The “super‑skinny kimbap” they produced looked anything but appetizing.

This isn’t it! God, no.

Distraught over his failing rolls, he froze at the sound of the bathroom door opening.

“…What’s this smell.”

“…T‑Taecheon!”

In a gray robe, Seo Taecheon entered the wreck of a kitchen, surveying scattered rice and ruined rolls. His mouth twitched, suppressing laughter. Pathetic but endearing — Jiwoon’s devotion showed.

“Jiwoon.”

He moved behind and opened his arms wide. Swept into that chest, Jiwoon flushed red yet relieved. A mix of body wash and Alpha pheromone enveloped him — masculine and overwhelming, layered with something darker, alluring, intoxicating.

Jiwoon closed his eyes, leaning against him.

So strange… we use the same shampoo and wash, yet on him it smells heavenly.

“Were you making kimbap?”

“Ah… yes! I tried three rolls. H‑how is it?”

“You did well.”

Taecheon plucked a grain of rice stuck to Jiwoon’s cheek, chuckling softly.

“Looks delicious.”

“Really?”

“I never lie.”

And lie he did, with unflinching face — a gentle lie, just to soothe.

Encouraged, Jiwoon brightened.

“Then I’ll make lots and lots!”

“Please do. Make plenty.”

“Look forward to it!”

So he continued, clumsy but determined, while Taecheon showered him with approving glances ― and kisses brushed against his cheek.

They packed the chaotic lunch alongside perfect drinks into a cooler.

Soon the two had finished preparations. Chukryeong Mountain, out on Seoul’s edge, required some travel. Being Saturday morning, highways promised congestion if delayed.

“Let’s go.”

“Right!”

Jiwoon laced up new sneakers chosen for today; Taecheon wore a nearly matching pair — subtle “couple item.”

Past Gangnam, city melted into countryside. Trees were bare of autumn leaves, yet with soft carols playing, the scene felt peaceful instead of stark.

“May I lower the window?”

He opened it wide, letting cold breeze rush in. Taecheon frowned.

“You’ll catch cold. Shouldn’t we close it?”

“Just a bit longer. Air is so fresh.”

In truth, he wasn’t enjoying fresh air. His body temperature seesawed violently: chills one moment, heat burning the next. His face flushed. Opening windows helped cool both skin and suspicion.

Just like the other night — fever and stomach pain. Please, not again. Please don’t collapse mid‑hike.

He begged his body, Just hold on until Monday. Monday night clinic, then I’ll check everything.

Suppressing worry, he smiled faintly.

After an hour’s drive, they arrived at the foot of Mt. Chukryeong. The trailhead was well maintained, with recreation forest and log cabins for programs.

The group assembled at the Forest Interpretation Center. From the car they carried only their lunch and light jackets. Other couples and staff from the Reflection Center waited already.

“Hello.” “Good to see you.”

Some even recognized the pair from last time, praising how they looked together. The director, same from before, clapped encouragement. Jiwoon felt shy, but not displeased.

“From Reflection to Reunion! Welcome to the ‘Brazen Forest Trekking’ program to crush divorce!” he announced. Applause and cheers followed.

“Listen carefully now. Today’s course is a calm healing journey. First activity: a treasure hunt.”

“Treasure hunt?”

“Yes! Just like in school picnics. We’ve hidden notes along the forest path. Couples must cooperate to find them, and there are prizes for success!”