Hyuk was still sitting by the door when the footsteps stopped right in front of him. He looked up. Before him stood a tall, middle-aged man in a strict blue suit. He didn't physically resemble Minjun, and Hyuk realized it wasn't his father - it was someone else. His face was calmly stern, but a shadow of sympathy flickered in his eyes.
"Mr. Jeon," he said quietly, bowing his head slightly. "I've come to collect Minjun-ssi's things and terminate the lease agreement."
The words landed like a blow. Hyuk stood up abruptly, his fingers clenched into fists.
"Terminate it? So, he... he's not coming back?"
The secretary exhaled and looked away.
"That is Mr. Kim's decision. Minjun-ssi will now be under his family's protection." He paused, as if choosing his words carefully. "I understand this is difficult. But fighting his father... is pointless. You will only harm yourself and him."
A sharp pain squeezed Hyuk's chest. His breathing became ragged.
"But..." he took a step closer, his voice shaking. "Please... just let him know. Give him my number. Let him call me, even if it's from your phone. Just a couple of words... I need to hear his voice."
The secretary looked at him more intently. Pity flashed in his eyes, but his tone remained reserved.
"I will pass it on," he nodded. "But I can't promise anything."
Hyuk pressed his lips together, handing him a slip of paper with his number, desperately clutching this last chance.
"Tell him... that I'm waiting."
The secretary carefully took the paper, put it in his pocket, and nodded again - respectfully but detachedly.
"Now, Mr. Jeon, I ask you to leave. I must do my job."
Hyuk wanted to object but stopped himself. The secretary's gaze wasn't cold - rather, it was weary, as if he didn't want to play this role either. And yet, there was no choice.
Hyuk took a step back.
"Please... just let me believe."
The secretary didn't respond. He simply unlocked the door and stepped inside.
Hyuk remained in the hallway. The world around him felt as empty as the apartment behind that door, where Minjun's laughter once echoed.
***
Meanwhile, in his family's house, behind its massive walls, Minjun lay in his room. The ceiling felt alien, too high, too cold. He pulled the blanket up to his chest, but it offered no warmth.
His hand instinctively went to his stomach. There was something new there - a barely perceptible heaviness, a strange sensation as if a new warmth was beginning to grow inside him. The doctor's words came back, burning in his memory:
"You need the pheromones of the baby's father. They help maintain balance and reduce the risk of complications. Do not ignore this."
Minjun's lips trembled. He closed his eyes, and a hot tear rolled down his cheek.
"Hyuk..."
A wave of longing rose in his chest, and he pressed his palm harder against his stomach. The world beyond the walls seemed hostile, but inside his body, a new life was already beginning. And this life so desperately needed the warmth of the alpha that they were trying to take away from him.
Minjun stifled a sob, covering his face with his hand. But the tears did not stop the pain.