NLFSD Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Jiwoon quietly studied Taecheon’s profile. No matter when he looked, his Alpha was as sculpted as stone — handsome, dignified. Stolid in manner but endlessly considerate, this was the man Jiwoon adored with all his heart. And yet, never once had those lips confessed love.

Hmm… why? It can’t be that he doesn’t love me, right? Surely not. He treats me with such care… Maybe it’s because he’s never dated before? He said before me he’d never really been in a relationship, only blind dates. So just like me, basically no dating experience.

Yes — it must be lack of practice. In time, surely he’d say the words himself. And really, was it so important? This Alpha was already so loving in his actions. Why worry about words?

Trying to think positively, Jiwoon swept away the gloom. Still, an emptiness lingered. The words weren’t strictly necessary… but he longed to hear them. That was the truth.

“Please go rest now in your log cabins. We’ll meet again at tonight’s campfire. Until then, enjoy free time.”

Staff guided couples to their cabins. Unlike standard pensions, no cooking or open flames were allowed. Logs formed the walls, and as soon as the door swung open a fragrant woody scent washed over them.

“This is neat. My first time in a log cabin.”

“Quite a unique choice. Healing in the woods.”

“A resort like this within our group holdings would be nice.”

“Indeed. Very family‑friendly business idea.”

If there are three or four of us someday, coming here would feel different still.

Swallowing half a thought, Taecheon pulled Jiwoon into a light embrace.

Perhaps from the hike, or from a week of stress, Jiwoon felt drowsy. Catching his yawn, Taecheon led him toward the bed.

“Rest your eyes awhile.”

“You too, come here.”

He patted beside him invitingly. Taecheon lay down and wrapped an arm around his back. Jiwoon felt secure in his solid warmth.

Yes… who cares if he’s never said ‘I love you.’ This happiness is enough—

“Ahh!”

Pain slashed his abdomen, forcing his eyes shut and a cry from his lips.

“Jiwoon!”

Taecheon bolted upright, searching his face.

“Are you all right?”

“Y‑yes… it was nothing. Just a second of pain.”

“Where does it hurt?”

“My stomach, a bit.”

“Did this happen yesterday too?”

“Yesterday was worse. Just now lasted only a second.”

Wiping sweat from his brow, he sat up.

“This isn’t right. We should go to a hospital now.”

“No, no. I think it’s just stress. Probably gastritis or a cramp.”

“Gastritis?”

“I’ve been drowning in late‑night coffee because of overtime. My stomach couldn’t take it. You know — typical stress of modern life.”

Trying to dismiss it lightly, Jiwoon hopped from bed.

“Really?”

“Yes. On Monday I’ll see a clinic and tell you the results, okay?”

“If so… then at least let Dr. Kim make a house call tomorrow.”

“No need. It’s just one day away. I’ll be fine.”

He waved his hands, deflecting worry.

“Hm… then promise. Go Monday, and share the results with me immediately. Agreed?”

“Yes.”

The pain had been brief but striking. He still didn’t know the cause, but caution couldn’t hurt. Having lived alone for so long, Jiwoon knew well the necessity of tending his own health. No one else had ever looked after his body for him.

If he fell ill, he lost his part‑time job — meaning lost survival money. He’d always taken flu shots, nipped sickness at the slightest sign, forced himself to sleep with medicine, all to avoid bigger bills or the lack of care.

Come to think of it, maybe I should’ve taken the herbal medicine Taecheon’s mother gave me… Always makes me feel tougher. Lately, swamped with overtime, I skipped it entirely. I’ll have to start regularly. Maybe even call Mrs. Choi to ask about its effects…

“Rest more. Don’t think of anything.”

“Wake me for the campfire.”

“Why not just continue sleeping?”

“I always wanted to join a proper campfire with everyone…”

Murmuring, Jiwoon closed his eyes. Watching with fatigue and worry, Taecheon laid him gently down, patted his chest and shoulders. The steady rhythm lulled Jiwoon quickly to sleep.

The campfire began after dinner. Acoustic guitar songs drifted through the night air; a tower of fire blazed at the center.

“This is wonderful.”

“Good that we came. Aren’t you cold?”

“Not at all.”

“Still. Wear this.”

Draping his jacket over Jiwoon’s shoulders, they sat amongst the circle of couples. December night air pricked slightly, but fire and Taecheon’s heat kept him comfortable.

His stomach pain had vanished, his temperature steady. He chose to forget health for now. Leaning against Taecheon’s shoulder, he sighed.

“Jiwoon.”

“Yes?”

“May sound sudden, but… I wish these days together never ended.”

Looking down at him, Taecheon tightened his embrace. Jiwoon’s eyes blurred with moisture. Everything was too perfect, too happy; why did it bring tears?

“Yes. I want forever too.”

Overwhelmed happiness. Maybe I just love him too much.

He brushed away the emotion, closing his eyes to the heat of Taecheon’s lips pressing firmly against his own.

Monday came again. Jiwoon had been tense since morning, clashing again with Song Team Leader’s nitpicking of reports. By afternoon, however, fortune struck — suddenly summoned on business trip, Song left, claiming he’d return home directly with another team leader.

Perfect. Early leave today!

Dancing in relief, Jiwoon happily worked through the afternoon. Without his nemesis’ presence, work flowed smoothly.

Taehcheon, I’ll be late tonight. Going to the hospital first.

ㅌㅊC:

Alone? Shouldn’t I go too?

No, I’ll go myself. I know a clinic.

ㅌㅊC:

I’ll drive you then.

No need — just a light checkup. See you at home!

Afraid that a serious result would make Taecheon overly anxious, Jiwoon resolved to go alone to the general hospital near his old neighborhood. They accepted patients until 8 p.m. — ideal.

Nothing serious. Just make sure and be back before he worries.

Optimistic, Jiwoon boarded a bus, got off at his old stop, registered with his name and birthdate. Even waiting in line, anxiety wasn’t strong.

But after basic bloodwork, thirty minutes later, Jiwoon’s world collapsed. He had walked in without a thought, never expecting thunder to strike in an ordinary consultation.

“I’m sorry… but your test shows concerning results.”

“…What?”

Blinking, Jiwoon stared, unable to parse. Removing his glasses, the doctor rubbed his face and spoke heavily.

“Didn’t you bring family, a guardian?”

“No? I came alone… Why?”

“These things can be hard to hear alone. With consent, we often advise sharing such results with loved ones.”

How bad must it be, for them to speak like this? Jiwoon’s hands turned ice‑cold.

Footnotes:

1. 통나무집 (Tongnamujip / Log cabin): A cabin‑style pension, often used in rural Korea as couple retreats; the wood scent motif is authentic to pine log structures. 
2. 위경련 (We‑gyeongryeon): Korean for “stomach cramp / gastritis spasm,” often stress‑induced. Mentioning coffee and overtime ties symptoms to modern lifestyle.