Chapter Text
The house was a lazy mess of calmness and chatter. It was a rare day off for both Heeseung and Jay, and though Jake had already scrambled out of the door, muttering complaints about being late to the bakery and vowing to never play games with Riki until dawn again, the house was still warm with life.
Jay lingered at the door with Jungwon, who was nearly dressed, fussing with his scarf. Jay’s voice softened as he teased, “Do you really need all that? It's barely cold yet.” But he wrapped it carefully around Jungwon anyway, giving him a soft smile that said more than words could.
Jungwon rolled his eyes but smiled back, giving Jay a gentle nudge. “You don't have to come with me. I can totally manage my way around.”
"I'm sure I can give u some assistance. Madam Kwon might need me to lift something heavy." They both knew he didn’t, but the omega nodded, grabbing the chance to be close to him a little longer.
Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Heeseung watched with mild amusement as Sunghoon hovered around, hands restless as he moved in circles. Normally, the alpha would be out of the house before anyone else, punctual to a fault. But today, he lingered, his gaze distant as he glanced around the kitchen like he was searching for something to anchor him.
With an exasperated sigh, Heeseung leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he called out, “Hey, Sunghoonie. You good? You going to work or just planning to wear out the floor with all that pacing?”
Sunghoon jumped slightly, caught off guard. “Huh? Yeah! Yeah, I… I was just, uh, checking the time. I’m going. I’m definitely going,” he stammered, hastily pulling on his shoes and patting down his clothes.
Riki entered just as Sunghoon started to head out, looking fresh, his black hood pulled up, though his bright, mischievous eyes were fully awake and scanning the room. He grabbed a piece of toast, then plopped down next to Heeseung with a dramatic sigh.
“Hyung,” Riki whined, “everyone’s off to work all the time. It’s boring as hell being stuck here alone. What am I supposed to do all day?”
Heeseung smirked, ruffling Riki’s hair. “Then go bother Jake. It’s not like he’s fighting off swarms of customers.”
“Are you kidding?” Riki whined. “I’ve been there every day this week. All Jake does is sit with the old ladies and gossip about people. I’m gonna die of boredom if I have to listen to Mrs. Choi talk about her cats one more time.”
Sunghoon, halfway to the door, exhaled a sharp breath as he pulled on his other shoe. But before he could step out, Riki’s voice stopped him.
“Hyung,” Riki called out, his voice hopeful. “What if I came with you today? I haven’t been to Timber Falls yet, and I kinda wanna see you in action.”
Sunghoon’s face went pale, and he stumbled over his words. “I-I mean, it’s… I don’t know if… Mr. Kim might… he might not, uh, be too happy with it. He likes things…quiet.”
Riki frowned, tilting his head, studying Sunghoon closely. “Really? I thought you said Mr. Kim was super nice. Didn’t you tell us all to come by when you first started?”
Heeseung’s eyebrow shot up as he glanced at Sunghoon. “Yeah, Hoon. You’ve been talking about that place like it’s a second home. What gives?”
Sunghoon’s face flushed, and before anyone could question him further, he bolted out the door, mumbling a quick, “See you later!” as the door clicked shut behind him.
A heavy silence settled in the room before Riki looked up at Heeseung, an amused grin tugging at his lips. “What was that about? I swear, Sunghoon’s been acting like he’s hiding some big secret or something.”
Heeseung’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
Riki’s grin turned mischievous, a glint of determination in his eyes. “What do you say we find out what our dear Sunghoon’s hiding?”
He wiggled his eyebrows.
Heeseung let out a sigh, giving Riki a light flick on the forehead. “Don’t even think about it. I know that look.” He smirked, his tone carrying just a hint of warning. “Leave Sunghoon alone, alright? Go play your games or something.”
Riki rubbed his forehead, feigning hurt. “Tch, you're no fun."
He got up with a pout and disappeared down the hall leaving behind a sceptical Alpha lost in thoughts.
---
Sunoo’s face was a mask of patience as he watched over his grandfather, who lay pale and restless beneath layers of blankets. The poor man had been coughing all night, each painful rasp twisting Sunoo’s heart a little tighter. It wasn’t like he hadn’t seen this coming; his grandfather had bad lungs, and years of working in wood carving had only added to the toll.
He had already been up since dawn, rushing down to the nursery to inform them of his absence, then hurrying back to settle by his grandfather’s side. He sat close, gently rubbing his grandfather’s back as the man struggled with another coughing fit, his chest heaving with effort.
"Grandpa, please just rest," Sunoo said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I’ll take care of everything. Timber Falls can survive without you for one day.”
But Mr. Kim only grunted in response, waving a hand dismissively. "I’ve had worse, Sunoo. Just a tickle in my throat. I’ve got work to do; can’t leave Sunghoon with all the heavy lifting, poor boy.”
“‘Poor boy?’” Sunoo scoffed, managing a small smile. “Grandpa, Sunghoon can lift twice what you can without even breaking a sweat. He’ll be fine.”
Mr. Kim struggled to sit up, pushing against the bed frame, his determination as stubborn as ever. Sunoo quickly leaned over, gently pressing him back down.
“No, Grandpa. You’re staying right here.” His tone turned firm, his eyes serious. “If you even think about getting out of this bed, I’ll…I’ll throw out all the ginger candy you hide under the sink!”
Mr. Kim’s eyes went wide, a look of mock horror on his face. “You wouldn’t dare,” he whispered dramatically.
“Oh, I would.” Sunoo raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on his face. “Don’t test me.”
After a moment, Mr. Kim let out a tired chuckle, finally giving in. “Fine, fine, I’ll stay. But only if you promise to check on the shop later. Sunghoon’s a good lad, but he’s…well, he’s still getting the hang of things.”
Sunoo nodded, feeling a pang of relief as his grandfather leaned back into his pillows. “I’ll go by in a bit, alright? Just rest for now.”
Sunoo darted around the small kitchen, his movements quick and purposeful as he whipped up a steaming bowl of soup. He ladled a generous portion into a bowl, quietly returning to his grandfather’s side and carefully feeding him once he began to stir. The old man accepted it with grumbles about being "too old to be treated like a baby," but Sunoo just shook his head, offering gentle reassurances with each spoonful.
“Promise you’ll take it easy?” Sunoo murmured as his grandfather finally lay back down, his voice softer now, almost tender.
Mr. Kim, barely conscious, mumbled a slurred, “Only if you don’t go tossing my candy.”
Sunoo’s chuckle was soft, but filled with warmth. “Deal.”
Satisfied but clearly exhausted, Mr. Kim finally let his eyes close, his breathing evening out as he drifted into a much-needed sleep. Sunoo watched him for a moment, the worry never quite leaving his face, but he relaxed slightly, comforted by the sight of his grandfather finally resting.
Sunoo pulled a thick blanket over him, tucking him in like he was a child, and left him to his rest. Standing in the quiet of the room, he allowed himself a moment to breathe, brushing a hand over his face as he released a sigh. Exhausted as he was, he still had a promise to keep, so he grabbed his coat and made his way outside, locking up before heading toward Timber Falls.
---
The walk was brisk, the autumn air biting at his cheeks. As he neared Timber Falls, he spotted the familiar carved wooden sign swaying gently above the door, marking the place as one of the town’s oldest landmarks. Steeling himself, Sunoo took a deep breath and stepped inside.
The cozy warmth of the shop greeted him, the scent of freshly cut wood mingling with the musty familiarity of woods and dust. He blinked, taking in the sight of Sunghoon, sleeves rolled up and focused on stacking large slabs of wood on the far wall. The alpha’s shoulders tensed slightly, muscles straining as he shifted each piece into place. Sunoo’s breath hitched.
Clearly, the delivery had arrived. Without thinking, he hurried forward, wanting to lend a hand.
“Here, let me—”
Sunghoon whipped around, startled, nearly dropping the piece he was holding. His eyes widened, but he quickly masked his surprise, steadying himself as he looked down at Sunoo.
“You shouldn’t… these are heavy,” he said, voice softer than he intended. He cleared his throat and tried again. “I can handle it.”
Sunoo hesitated, stepping back with a faint nod. He didn’t argue but watched as Sunghoon turned back to work, gaze drifting over the alpha’s shoulders and down his arms, following the subtle shift of muscles under his shirt as he moved. He felt a flush rise in his cheeks, suddenly feeling warmer than the small woodshop warranted.
Sunghoon shifted slightly, sensing the weight of Sunoo’s gaze on him. He cleared his throat, feeling his own cheeks warm, and decided to distract himself. “So…what brings you here today?” he asked, voice gruff but trying to sound casual...
“Oh, Grandpa’s feeling a bit under the weather,” Sunoo replied, shaking himself from his daze. He offered a gentle smile, hoping it would ease the tension. “He tried to get up and come to work, but I convinced him to rest.”
Sunghoon’s brow furrowed, genuine concern softening his expression as he set down a piece of wood. “Mr. Kim’s sick?” he asked, voice dropping a note.
“Just a cold, I think,” Sunoo reassured him quickly. “But if he doesn’t listen, I’ll take him to the clinic myself.”
Sunghoon’s shoulders relaxed at that, and for a moment, a hint of a smile tugged at his lips. “Good,” he murmured. “Someone needs to keep him in check. He can be stubborn.”
Sunoo laughed, and the sound felt like a gentle warmth filling the room.
Gradually, they fell into a rhythm together—Sunghoon stacking the wood, Sunoo tidying up the counter, adjusting small decorative pieces his grandfather liked to set out for customers. The minutes slipped by as they exchanged little pieces of conversation, each smile from Sunoo chipping away at Sunghoon’s resolve. The alpha found himself smiling at the omega’s enthusiasm, feeling warmth bloom in his chest he hadn’t felt in a long time.
Sunoo’s chatter eventually softened, drifting into a comfortable silence as he worked. Sunghoon watched him from the corner of his eye, the way Sunoo’s fingers carefully arranged each piece, his head tilting slightly as he focused on the smallest details. It was… adorable, in a way that made Sunghoon’s heart beat a little faster.
And the alpha realized he had completely abandoned his earlier resolve to keep his distance from Sunoo. The omega’s presence was like a quiet, steady warmth, filling spaces Sunghoon hadn’t realized were cold.
The younger finished tidying up the counter and began decorating the display shelf. Sunoo had grabbed a small stool, climbing on top to reach a high shelf, balancing a piece of carved artwork between his hands.
"Here, let me..."
Sunghoon was about to tell him he’d get it, but then it happened—a slight slip of his foot on the stool. Time seemed to slow as Sunoo teetered, and Sunghoon’s instincts kicked in, closing the distance in an instant.
In a heartbeat, Sunghoon was there, hands catching Sunoo around the waist to steady him. The omega gasped softly, hands instinctively clutching Sunghoon’s shoulders as he steadied himself. Sunghoon’s grip was firm yet gentle, his hands falling against the warm skin of Sunoo’s waist where his shirt had ridden up.
The air around them shifted, a subtle electricity sparking between them as they froze, mere inches apart. Sunghoon’s pulse quickened, his gaze caught on the soft curve of Sunoo’s lips, feeling the warmth of his skin under his fingers. Sunoo’s breathing was shallow, his gaze flickering up to meet Sunghoon’s, a hint of something vulnerable and bright in his eyes.
For a moment, they were suspended in that quiet, magnetic pull, too lost in each other to move.
Then the door swung open with a loud bang, breaking the spell. Both of them jumped, scrambling apart as they turned to see who had interrupted them.
---
Heeseung had spent the morning staring at the same four walls of his home, a boring day draped over him like an old, worn-out blanket. He had watched as Jay returned from dropping Jungwon off at work, only to collapse onto the couch and slip into a deep sleep, trying to catch up on the rest he had lost over the week. Riki despite his complaints decided on joining Jake at the bakery, leaving Heeseung alone with his thoughts.
With his packmates occupied, Heeseung found himself listlessly wandering through the house. He attempted to catch up on some work, but even the most engaging tasks felt like a chore today. After an hour of fruitless concentration, he tossed everything aside, allowing his mind to drift. He couldn't shake off the image of Sunghoon’s restless figure from that morning. The younger alpha had seemed anxious, distracted, and that worried Heeseung more than he liked to admit.
“I should check on him,” he murmured to himself, deciding on a sudden whim to surprise Sunghoon at work. Maybe they could go on a little date afterward, just to lift his mate’s spirits. The thought made Heeseung feel a bit lighter as he quickly got ready.
Once dressed, he headed out, a determined expression etched on his face. The sun was beginning to dip, casting a golden hue across the town as he made his way to The Woodhouse, Sunghoon’s workplace. With each step, he felt a bubbling anticipation.
Arriving at the shop, he pulled open the door with a force that surprised him. The sound echoed, cutting through the gentle murmur of the place, and as his gaze landed on the two figures huddled close past the counter, he felt his heart drop. His grip tightened on the door handle, his senses suddenly heightened.
Sunghoon stood beside a slender omega, his head bent close, too close. A jolt of possessiveness surged through Heeseung. He inhaled deeply, catching the omega's scent—floral and sweet—mingled with Sunghoon’s, making the air feel heavy.
The sound of the door slamming behind him broke the moment, causing both figures to jerk apart. Startled, Sunghoon turned, his eyes wide with surprise. Heeseung's fiery gaze locked onto his mate, the younger alpha scrambling to explain himself. Yet, as he opened his mouth, no sound came out; instead, his expression morphed into one of shock.
Heeseung’s attention shifted to the omega beside Sunghoon, his heart racing as he took in the delicate features of the other male. He was stunning, with soft, ethereal features and expressive eyes that darted nervously to the ground. The sudden realization of how close they had been made Heeseung’s blood boil.
“What’s going on here?” he asked, his voice sharp and commanding.
Sunghoon quickly interjected, his tone frantic. “It was an accident! We were just talking, Heeseung!” He glanced nervously at the omega, who finally raised his head, locking eyes with Heeseung. “Sunoo was just—”
“Do u want something?” the omega finally managed to say, his voice soft but clear.
Ignoring the other entirely, Heeseung narrowed his focus on Sunghoon. “I came here to pick you up. Let’s go.” His tone left little room for argument, carrying the weight of his authority as the pack alpha.
Sunghoon, startled by Heeseung's abruptness, scrambled to gather his things, his expression a mixture of confusion and concern. He grabbed his bag and made his way toward the door without another word.
“Wait, Sunghoon—” Sunoo started, but his voice trailed off as he watched the younger alpha exit the shop, still reeling from the suddenness of it all.
As soon as the door swung shut behind them, Heeseung turned his glare towards the omega, who stood frozen behind the counter, eyes wide and breath coming in quick gasps. The alpha’s expression was a mix of anger and disdain as he assessed the stranger.
Sunoo could feel the heat of his scrutiny, the tension in the air thickening to an almost unbearable degree.
“Stay away from my mate,”
Heeseung gritted through his teeth, each word laced with a deep-seated disdain that pierced through the tension. Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and left, the door swinging shut behind him with a finality that echoed in the silent shop.
“Mate”
Sunoo repeated, his voice barely above a whisper as he processed the revelation. His heart raced, the word echoing in his mind, the realization hitting him like a thunderbolt. He felt like the ground had shifted beneath him, his breath catching in his throat.
A moment of vulnerability washed over him; it was as if he had stumbled into a secret world he had never known existed. The memory of Sunghoon’s startled face etched deep into his mind.
---