The Country Life Diary of a Gangster's Secretary-Chapter 111

"Why?" Lee Hyuk asked, clearly troubled.

"That was before I left the company. If I had pheromones, someone would notice right away," Hyesung explained. He remembered how Lee Hyuk had once come to his house drunk and, thinking he was just using a massage device, had left marks on him. At that time, Hyesung was desperate to hide the fact that he was an omega.

Lee Hyuk sighed heavily, rubbing his face. "Just in case, you took too much medication. That was your choice."

"When I think back to that time now, I wonder if it was really necessary to act that way," Hyesung mused. "At the time, I was terrified that the body I had known as a beta for more than 20 years was actually an omega, and I had no choice but to try to escape."

"I understand. Still, I'm responsible for making you feel that way," Lee Hyuk said, his voice full of guilt.

"It's not like I'm mortally ill. You don't need to blame yourself," Hyesung reassured him.

Lee Hyuk looked around the hospital hallway. Most of the people were either alphas or omegas, many of them with their partners. In such a place, Hyesung had always come alone, walking around as if he didn't care.

"Hyesung, from now on, every time you come for a routine checkup, I'll come with you."

"... Yes," Hyesung replied. Although his trait had only recently changed from beta to omega, and there was no real need for Lee Hyuk to accompany him every time, he couldn't help but agree. He liked the way Lee Hyuk cared for him and the warmth of his hand holding his.

When they left the hospital, it was just past lunchtime. Lee Hyuk suggested they grab something to eat, and Hyesung agreed. When asked to choose what he wanted, Hyesung thought for a moment and then pointed to a famous bone soup restaurant nearby.

"Hyesung, I have a lot of money," Lee Hyuk said with a teasing smile.

"I know," Hyesung replied.

"That means you can choose something more expensive and delicious."

Ignoring Lee Hyuk's comment, Hyesung steadily placed a glass of water in front of him. "By that logic, isn't the best option something that's both expensive and delicious?"

It wasn't exactly wrong, so Lee Hyuk couldn't argue and simply kept quiet. "And it's famous here. The owner's grandmother is a veteran, and she's been running this place for more than 30 years."

Lee Hyuk's expression softened at Hyesung's cute words. The restaurant was indeed famous, and even though lunchtime had just started, the place was already packed. If they had been a little later, they might not have been able to get a seat.

Not long after, two pots of thick bone broth were brought to their table.

"It's hot, so eat carefully," Hyesung said.

"You be careful too," Lee Hyuk replied.

Lee Hyuk wanted to take a spoonful of rice, but he was busy making sure Hyesung was taken care of. He put diced radish on Hyesung's rice, pushed all the side dishes toward him, and refilled his water whenever he took a sip. Finally, Hyesung couldn't help but let out a soft sigh at Lee Hyuk's overbearing care.

On the TV in one corner of the restaurant, the serious voice of an afternoon news announcer played. The news report detailed a shocking recent event: a prominent member of Parliament had assaulted his secretary, and a transcript of the incident had surfaced. Hyesung stopped eating and turned his head toward the TV, recognizing the story that had caused a stir lately.

"The alleged perpetrator has denied all allegations and insists he did not commit a direct assault," the reporter recited.

"Don't watch TV, eat," Lee Hyuk said with a nagging tone, reminiscent of a mother.

Hyesung stared at him blankly.

"Be careful, too," Lee Hyuk added.

"What?" Hyesung asked, confused.

"The social climate is a bit tense right now because of that incident."

"Oh," Hyesung replied, understanding.

Issues like school violence, which had long been a problem, had also resurfaced as major social concerns, leading to stricter standards on violence.

"Do you think I'm going to get hit?" Hyesung asked, half-joking.

"I was more worried about the opposite," Lee Hyuk admitted, making Hyesung chuckle.

Hyesung pulled out a tissue and handed it to Lee Hyuk, who had just choked on his water. "Lee Hyuk, I'm not a bully anymore. I'm sad you think that," Lee Hyuk said, his tone playful yet sincere.

"I know. But still, there's always a possibility," Hyesung replied. He knew Lee Hyuk wasn't the type to beat people up or act violently, but the higher someone climbed, the more enemies they had. There was always a lot to lose.

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"Don't worry about such things. You should worry about your own health," Lee Hyuk said.

"Yes, I will," Hyesung agreed.

After finishing their meal, Hyesung thought they would go straight back home, but Lee Hyuk had other plans. In an awkward tone, he suggested they take a short walk.

Each holding an iced Americano, they headed to a nearby park. Fortunately, the weather was nice, though a bit hot in the midday sun.

As they sipped their coffee and walked along the well-groomed path, their hands brushed slightly. Surprised, Hyesung quickly moved away from Lee Hyuk, trying to hide his agitation.

Is it normal for your chest to flutter at the slightest touch? Hyesung wondered. In the past, when he had a crush on Lee Hyuk, he couldn't even remember how he had managed to hide his feelings. Now, as he sipped his favorite coffee, Lee Hyuk suddenly grabbed his hand.

"Ahjussi."

"What?" Lee Hyuk asked, smiling at Hyesung, who had a strange expression on his face.

"There are a lot of people here," Hyesung said, feeling self-conscious.

"Who cares?" Lee Hyuk replied, unfazed.

Did it really matter? Hyesung thought. People don't usually pay attention to others anyway. Plus, as he looked around, he saw many couples walking hand in hand. Somehow, the sensation of their clasped hands felt ticklish. Before, Hyesung didn't understand why lovers held hands and hugged each other, even on a hot day, but now he thought he was beginning to understand.

After walking around the park for a while, Hyesung suddenly complained of back pain that he had forgotten about, forcing them to return home. Although Hyesung insisted he was fine, Lee Hyuk shook his head firmly, saying that he needed to go home and rest.

As they approached Hyesung's house, Lee Hyuk pulled the car into the yard as he usually did.

"Let's get out," Lee Hyuk said.

"Wait," Hyesung replied, grabbing his wrist.

"Does it hurt a lot? Should we have gotten painkillers at the hospital?" Lee Hyuk asked, concerned.

"That's not it... I want to ask you something."

"What do you want to ask?"

"Well... um..." Hyesung hesitated, uncharacteristically shy.

Lee Hyuk tilted his head, waiting for Hyesung to speak.

"We... We're dating, right?" Hyesung asked, his face serious and his voice cautious.

Lee Hyuk blinked, staring at Hyesung in surprise. It took a moment for the question to sink in, and when it did, Lee Hyuk was genuinely shocked.