Late the next morning, sunlight spilled through the tall windows of the Lee estate, pooling golden light across the polished marble floors. Mr. Lee sat comfortably in the living room, reading over some documents with the kind of expression that said he was already planning ten steps ahead.
In the background, Rinwoo moved quietly between the maids, sleeves rolled up as he helped carry trays and arrange fresh flowers in the vases. He worked with an ease that suggested he'd done this a hundred times, though his refined movements and posture made it obvious he didn't belong among the staff.
Outside, the hum of an engine grew louder until a sleek black car rolled up the driveway. It came to a smooth stop in front of the estate entrance.
The driver stepped out first, opening the door for the passenger. Eunjae emerged, removing his sunglasses with one hand. His jaw was tight, and there was a faint furrow in his brow he didn't want to be here, that much was obvious. But Mr. Lee had insisted..no demanded he join Daon for lunch and wedding shopping afterward… and there was no refusing the man.
As he stepped into the foyer, his gaze immediately caught on someone unexpected.
Rinwoo, standing by the hallway, looked up. The light from the window caught his pale skin, his slim yet graceful build, and the sharp lines of his features. His presence was soft, but his beauty was the kind that demanded attention without even trying.
For a moment, Eunjae forgot his irritation. His eyes swept over Rinwoo again, curiosity flickering in them. "I didn't know Mr. Lee had another son," he said, voice carrying a hint of surprise.
Rinwoo shook his head gently, offering a polite smile. "I'm not his son. I'm… the husband of Taekyun," he said simply, the words calm but carrying weight. "His fated match."
That made Eunjae blink. Husband? The cold, sharp, unreadable Taekyun that Taekyun was married to someone like this? An elegant, soft-spoken man with eyes like glass and an aura that felt warm even in this cavernous estate? Eunjae couldn't wrap his head around it.
"You're… married to him?" he asked again, as if making sure he'd heard correctly. His lips quirked slightly, as though about to add a compliment, maybe even something flirtatious.
But before he could speak further, heavy footsteps approached.
Mr. Lee entered the hallway, his sharp gaze moving from Eunjae to Rinwoo. "Rinwoo," he said briskly, "prepare tea for our guest."
The tone was clipped, commanding not the way a man spoke to his family.
"Yes, Father," Rinwoo replied softly, bowing his head slightly before turning toward the kitchen without hesitation.
Eunjae's eyes followed him, his brow tightening. Something felt… off. There was no warmth in Mr. Lee's words, no acknowledgment that Rinwoo was family. The way he'd given that order it was as though Rinwoo wasn't the son-in-law of the house, but just another servant.
Eunjae frowned, a prickling sense of discomfort settling in his chest. He said nothing, but he couldn't shake the thought: What the hell is going on in this house?
The living room of the Lee estate was quiet except for the steady ticking of the antique clock on the wall. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall windows, painting warm streaks across the ornate rug. Mr. Lee sat in his usual armchair, posture perfectly straight, while Eunjae lounged casually on the opposite couch.
"Where's Daon?" Eunjae asked, his voice flat, as though he were already bored.
"He'll be here in a few minutes. He's still at work," Mr. Lee replied evenly.
Eunjae sighed loudly, as if the answer was unacceptable. He leaned back into the cushions and sprawled out, legs spread in a way that practically screamed I have no patience for this.
Mr. Lee's eyes narrowed slightly at the lack of manners. "I have some work to attend to," he said, his tone clipped. Without waiting for a response, he rose to his feet.
Eunjae didn't bother to look up. "Mm," he hummed, not even offering a polite goodbye.
The moment the older man left, Eunjae fished a cigarette from his case, lighting it with a smooth flick of his lighter. He took a long drag, exhaling smoke toward the high ceiling, settling deeper into the couch like he owned the place.
A few minutes later, the sound of soft footsteps echoed down the hallway. Rinwoo appeared, carrying a silver tray with a teapot and delicate cups.
When Eunjae noticed Mr. Lee was no longer in the room, his expression shifted into a lazy smile. "Ah… perfect timing," he said, watching Rinwoo set the tray on the coffee table. "Sit here," he added, patting the spot beside him.
Rinwoo hesitated for a brief second, his eyes flicking toward the empty doorway, as if expecting Mr. Lee to reappear. But then he gave a small nod and sat down, keeping a polite distance between them.
Almost immediately, Eunjae began firing questions at him not aggressively, but with a strange, playful curiosity. "So… how did you end up married to him? Why did you marry him? You're so… gentle. Doesn't seem like you belong in a place like this." His gaze sharpened. "Why haven't you run away yet?"
Rinwoo listened quietly, his fingers curling loosely around his teacup. A small smile tugged at his lips, and then a soft chuckle escaped him. It was brief, but light and warm, the kind of sound that lingered in the air.
Eunjae froze mid-question. That laugh it didn't belong in this cold, heavy house. It was… beautiful. Almost musical.
His eyes dropped briefly to Rinwoo's face, tracing the curve of his mouth, before he noticed something else the subtle way Rinwoo was leaning back, just slightly, his body angling away from the cigarette smoke curling between them.
Without a word, Eunjae leaned forward, crushed the cigarette into the ashtray, and pushed it away.
Eunjae leaned back after snuffing out his cigarette, his eyes still fixed on Rinwoo. "Hey," he said suddenly, his voice shifting to something lighter, almost coaxing. "Come with me to the mall. We'll get my wedding suit sorted… maybe even pick out the rings."
Rinwoo froze, fingers tightening around his teacup. His eyes flickered downward, lashes casting faint shadows on his pale cheeks. "I… have never been out of the estate," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've never been… allowed."
Eunjae's brows lifted, surprise briefly flashing in his eyes. "Never?"
Rinwoo shook his head, still looking down. "I'd have to ask Taekyun first," he murmured, the words carrying a weight he clearly didn't want to explain.
Eunjae frowned, leaning forward slightly. "Why do you have to ask him? You're..." He stopped mid-sentence, studying Rinwoo's expression, but before he could press further, a servant stepped into the room.
"Young Master Eunjae," the maid said with a polite bow, "Master Daon is waiting for you outside, in the car."
"Right," Eunjae said, pushing himself up from the couch. But instead of heading for the door alone, he reached out and caught Rinwoo's wrist.
"Come on," he said with a smirk. "You're coming with me. From now on, we're besties."
Rinwoo blinked at him, startled. "I ..no, I can't..."
"Yes, you can," Eunjae cut in, already tugging him toward the door.
Rinwoo glanced at the servant as if silently asking for help, but the woman only bowed and stepped aside. His instinct told him to refuse again, but the words wouldn't come he didn't want to sound rude, not to someone being… oddly warm to him for once.
So, with a hesitant step, Rinwoo let himself be led out of the house, Eunjae's grip firm and unapologetic on his wrist.
Daon's sharp gaze locked on them the moment Eunjae stepped out of the estate with Rinwoo in tow. His jaw tightened almost imperceptibly house spouses were never allowed to leave without permission, and definitely not with someone like Eunjae. But he stayed silent, slipping into the driver's seat without comment.
The ride was tense in that unspoken way. Daon kept his eyes on the road, while Eunjae kept up a steady stream of questions aimed at Rinwoo how long had he been married, what he did all day in the estate, whether he ever got bored.
When they pulled up to the mall, Rinwoo's head lifted almost unconsciously. The glass facade stretched high into the sky, gleaming with polished steel and bright lights. The interior was even more dazzling marble floors, chandeliers that looked like frozen rain, luxury storefronts with gold-lettered signs.
Rinwoo's eyes widened in quiet wonder, every reflection and sparkle drawing him in. Eunjae caught the look instantly, his lips twitching into a grin. Without warning, he grabbed Rinwoo's hand.
"Come on," he said, already pulling him toward the entrance.
"What about the suits?" Daon asked, frowning.
"You go sit somewhere. We'll find you later," Eunjae tossed back over his shoulder, not slowing down.
Daon's mouth opened like he was about to argue, but Eunjae was already weaving into the crowd, dragging Rinwoo along before any protest could form.
They stopped at an ice cream stall tucked into the corner of the food court. Rinwoo hesitated, his hand halfway to his pocket before dropping back to his side. "I… haven't had ice cream in years," he admitted softly. "It's not allowed in the estate. No junk food."
Eunjae blinked. "Seriously? What are they running over there, a prison?"
Rinwoo's lips curved in the faintest, almost guilty smile, but he still looked unsure, like ordering a cone might be some kind of crime. Eunjae just shook his head, stepping up to the counter with a decisive, "Two scoops, extra sprinkles. Don't argue."
The first lick was hesitant, almost cautious like Rinwoo was half-expecting someone to snatch the cone out of his hand and scold him for breaking a rule. But the moment the cold, creamy sweetness hit his tongue, his expression shifted. His eyes softened, and the faintest smile curved his lips.
Eunjae caught it immediately and smirked. "Knew it. You're an ice cream guy."
Rinwoo didn't reply, but the way he leaned forward for another bite said enough. He was savoring it, each mouthful slow and deliberate, as if trying to make up for all the years he'd gone without.
Before he could even finish, Eunjae suddenly grabbed his wrist. "Come on there's something you have to see."
Confused, Rinwoo let himself be pulled again, this time toward a small candy shop glowing warm with gold lights. The air inside smelled like caramel and strawberries, and behind the counter, glass jars overflowed with bright, jewel-like sweets. A candymaker was pulling strands of molten sugar, twisting them into perfect spirals right in front of the customers.
Rinwoo's eyes lit up instantly, the same quiet wonder from earlier flooding back.
"See? Handmade," Eunjae said proudly, leaning closer. "You can't get this stuff in your fancy estate prison."
Before Rinwoo could protest, Eunjae was already at the counter, pointing at half the jars. He walked out with a heavy paper bag full of assorted candies and shoved it into Rinwoo's hands.
Rinwoo's smile faltered, his voice low. "This is… too much. You didn't have to...."
"Relax. I wanted to," Eunjae cut him off with a grin.
Rinwoo shook his head, murmuring that they should get back to the suits, but Eunjae clearly wasn't done yet. He dragged him through several more stores, picking out shirts, watches, shoes everything he thought Rinwoo would look good in. Rinwoo refused most of it, and Eunjae didn't push, so they ended up just trying things on for fun.
Then they passed a boutique with sleek leather jackets displayed in the window. Rinwoo stopped without realizing it. One of them black, minimal, with a high collar was almost identical to the jacket Taekyun had once worn on a rare night. The memory was enough to bring a faint pink to Rinwoo's cheeks.
Eunjae noticed instantly. His grin turned sly. "You like it?"
"I...It just… reminds me of something," Rinwoo mumbled, turning away.
"Good enough for me," Eunjae said, already signaling for the sales clerk. Within minutes, the jacket was paid for and neatly folded into a bag.
They kept wandering through the mall, laughing more freely now. Rinwoo was still reserved, but the stiffness in his posture had loosened, replaced by a quiet enjoyment that even he couldn't hide.
The streets were glowing with the warm golden light of the evening, shop signs flickering as the sun dipped below the horizon. Rinwoo was still laughing over a silly hat Eunjae had shoved onto his head when Daon's voice cut through the air like a blade.
"There you are."
Daon's tone was sharp, his eyes narrowed as they landed on Eunjae. "It's already dark. We should leave."
Eunjae glanced over lazily, adjusting the floppy hat on Rinwoo's head with a smirk. "Relax, Dad. We were just having fun."
"This isn't fun," Daon shot back, stepping forward. "We came here for suits, not for you to drag him around like some..."
"Like some what?" Eunjae cut in, leaning casually against the shop counter. "God forbid Rinwoo actually enjoys himself for once."
"This isn't about enjoyment. You're wasting time," Daon's voice rose slightly, his posture stiff and impatient. "We could've been done hours ago."
Eunjae's smirk only deepened, and Rinwoo could feel the tension spike between them. "You think I care about your precious schedule? I never planned on buying anything from here anyway. My suits are made by my tailor. This.." he gestured at the bags and candy "..was just for fun."
Daon's jaw tightened. "You brought him all over town for nothing? Do you ever think before you act?"
"Oh, I think plenty," Eunjae said, voice dropping into that low, mocking tone that always got under Daon's skin. "Unlike you, I don't treat every outing like a business meeting."
"This isn't about me..."
"No, it's always about you," Eunjae snapped back, suddenly stepping forward, closing the space between them. " Do You hate that Rinwoo's actually laughing? What is it, Daon?"
"That's not..."
"Or maybe," Eunjae's smile turned sharp, "you just can't stand that I don't follow your rules."
The air between them grew heavy, their words biting deeper, each trying to twist the knife just a little more. Rinwoo stood there, his hands fidgeting at his sides, glancing between them.
"Grow up," Daon finally said, voice tight. "This isn't about winning some childish game."
"Then stop acting like you're in charge of me," Eunjae fired back instantly.
Rinwoo stepped forward hesitantly. "Eunjae...p...please stop"
But they didn't hear him.
"You're irresponsible."
"You're uptight."
"You don't care about anyone but yourself."
"And you pretend you're better than me when you're not."
Their voices were rising, overlapping, sharp enough to make Rinwoo's chest tighten. His breathing hitched slightly memories of other arguments, other sharp voices until finally, Eunjae noticed the way Rinwoo's eyes had gone wide.
Daon noticed too. The fight cut off mid-sentence, both of them suddenly aware of the way Rinwoo was looking at the ground, clutching the candy bag too tightly.
The silence that followed was almost louder than their shouting.
Eunjae let out a long sigh, clearly done with the conversation, and turned to Daon.
"Just get the car," he muttered.
The drive back was silent, tension thick in the air. Daon dropped Eunjae at the Hong estate without a word, then continued toward the Lee estate with Rinwoo in the passenger seat.
By the time they reached the gates, Rinwoo's hands were fidgeting with the candy bag in his lap, knuckles pale. His gaze kept flicking toward the darkened windows ahead, and Daon noticed but kept his mouth shut.
Inside, the atmosphere was colder than the winter air outside. Taemin stood at the entrance, his expression tight with worry. Mr. Lee wore a sharp frown, while Taekyun stood behind them, silent but radiating that terrifying, ice-cold authority that made the room feel smaller.
The second they stepped inside, Taemin hurried toward Rinwoo, scanning him from head to toe.
"Hyung! Are you okay? Where have you been?"
Rinwoo hesitated, clutching the candy bag tighter, the soft weight of Eunjae's jacket heavy on his shoulders. "I was… with them," he finally said.
Daon stepped forward, voice calm but firm. "Rinwoo told Eunjae not to take him. Eunjae was stubborn."
That only made Rinwoo's stomach twist. If they thought Eunjae was to blame, they might do something to him. Before he could stop himself, Rinwoo blurted out, "No that's not true. I told Eunjae to take me."
The air shifted. Taekyun's jaw clenched, but he said nothing. Mr. Lee's gaze, however, snapped toward him.
"Is this how you keep an eye on your spouse?"
Something in Taekyun snapped. His voice was low but edged with steel.
"Follow me. To the bedroom."
Inside the bedroom, Taekyun's face was hard as stone. The moment the door shut, his voice cut through the air like a whip.
"You think you can just disappear whenever you feel like it?!" he snapped, stepping forward. Without giving Rinwoo a chance to answer, he reached out and yanked the small bag of candy from his hands.
Rinwoo flinched at the sudden motion, clutching the strap of his jacket as Taekyun tore the bag open and dumped its contents straight into the bin with a loud thud.
"I've told you the rules of this house!" Taekyun's voice rose, his words laced with frustration. "No wandering around without permission. No random people. No bringing junk back here. You don't just do whatever you want!"
Rinwoo's eyes glossed over, his breathing uneven. "P-please, I'm sorry I didn't" His voice cracked, but Taekyun didn't stop.
"You think 'sorry' is going to fix it?!" Taekyun stepped closer, towering over him. "Take. That. Jacket. Off. Now."
Rinwoo's trembling hands fumbled with the zipper, his shoulders quivering as he slowly slid the jacket off and clutched it to his chest before placing it on the bed. His head stayed low, eyes on the floor.
Taekyun didn't even look at the jacket. "One last warning, Rinwoo. Break the rules again, and you'll regret it." His tone was cold, final, and dismissive.
Rinwoo stood frozen in place, still shaking, his fingers twisting in the hem of his shirt, the sting of humiliation tightening his throat.
Taekyun's voice cracked like a whip.
"get. Out."
The sharpness in his tone sliced through the air, and Rinwoo's whole body jerked like he'd been struck. His eyes widened for a split second before they glossed over with tears, his lips trembling as his breath hitched.
He stumbled backward, almost tripping over his own feet, before spinning and bolting for the door. The sound of his hurried steps echoed down the hallway, mixing with the ragged sobs he couldn't hold in anymore.
By the time he reached his room, his chest felt like it was caving in. He slammed the door shut behind him, pressing his back against it as his breathing turned shallow and shaky. One hand clutched at his shirt over his pounding heart, the other gripping the doorknob as though Taekyun might burst in any second.
He slid down to the floor, hot tears streaming down his face. The tightness in his chest made it hard to breathe, his lungs catching every few seconds as he choked on his sobs.
Dragging himself to the bed, Rinwoo collapsed face-first into the pillow, clutching it like it was the only thing keeping him from shattering completely. He buried his mouth into the fabric, trying to muffle the sound he couldn't let anyone hear him like this but the more he tried to quiet down, the more his body betrayed him. His shoulders shook violently, his cries breaking free no matter how hard he bit his lip.
The taste of salt from his own tears filled his mouth. His fingers dug into the pillow, knuckles white, as if holding tighter could make the ache in his chest go away. But no matter how much he told himself to calm down, the wave of panic refused to let go.
He stayed like that small, trembling, and gasping for breath as if the whole world had closed in on him.
Rinwoo's voice cracked between sobs, the words tumbling out over and over, broken and trembling.
"I made him mad again… I'm sorry… I love you, Tae… I didn't want to make you mad…"
His small frame shook violently as he clung to the pillow like it was the only thing keeping him together. The sound of his choked apologies filled the room, raw and desperate, each one more pitiful than the last.
"I love you, Tae… please don't hate me… I'm sorry…"
It was like watching a child beg for their mother to come back, that aching desperation that came from a place deeper than logic.
Every breath came with a hitch, every exhale drowned in a sob, and even though no one else was there to hear him, he kept talking kept apologizing because stopping meant facing the crushing silence Taekyun had left behind.
Meanwhile, in his bedroom, Taekyun turned on the shower, letting the hot water run over his head and down his back, but it didn't wash away the image burned into his mind Rinwoo's wide, tear-filled eyes, the way he had flinched just at the sound of his voice.
Taekyun shut his eyes, jaw tightening. He hadn't wanted to scold him like that. Hell, he hated himself for it. But his father, Mr. Lee, always had a way of digging under his skin, making sure his voice carried that edge making sure Taekyun kept his spouse "in line."
Don't be soft. Don't embarrass the family. Don't look like some fool whose spouse can just wander around without permission.
His father's words were a constant echo in his head, a chain around his neck.
Taekyun pressed his palms against the cold tile, letting the water hit his back harder. He wasn't mad at Rinwoo never truly was it was the damn pressure, the expectations, the image he was forced to uphold. But in the end, it was Rinwoo who paid for it.
And that thought… stung worse than the boiling water.