Chapter 15: Adjusting to the New Normal

Jae-min's new life in Min-ho's quarters was a strange mix of freedom and continued confinement. While he was no longer locked away in a small, dimly lit room, the vastness of Min-ho's living space brought its own kind of isolation. Every corner of the expansive suite was a reminder of the alpha's wealth and power, a gilded cage that still restricted his movements.

The first morning in Min-ho's room, Jae-min woke to the soft rustle of curtains being drawn open. The sunlight streamed in, bathing the room in a warm glow. He stretched, feeling the luxurious softness of the bed beneath him, a stark contrast to the hard mattress he had grown accustomed to.

Min-ho was already up, dressed impeccably as always. He stood by the window, looking out over the estate. When he turned to Jae-min, his expression was calm, almost gentle.

"Good morning," Min-ho said, a small smile playing on his lips. "I hope you slept well."

Jae-min nodded, still feeling a bit disoriented by the change. "Better than I have in a long time."

"Good," Min-ho replied. "Today, I've arranged for you to have some leisure time in the garden. It's important that you get fresh air and sunlight."

The idea of being outside, even if only within the confines of the estate, was a welcome one. Jae-min had missed the feel of the sun on his skin, the smell of grass and flowers. It was a small taste of freedom that he desperately needed.

A short while later, Jae-min found himself in the garden, accompanied by two guards who kept a respectful distance. The garden was beautiful, meticulously maintained with a variety of flowers and shrubs. A stone path meandered through the greenery, leading to a small koi pond in the center.

Jae-min walked slowly, taking in the sights and sounds. He could hear the chirping of birds, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. It was peaceful, almost surreal, compared to the turmoil of his previous existence.

As he sat by the pond, watching the koi fish swim lazily, he allowed himself a moment of reflection. The change in Min-ho's behavior was confusing. The alpha had gone from being a brutal captor to a somewhat considerate guardian. The contrast was stark, and Jae-min found it difficult to reconcile the two sides of Min-ho's personality.

The next few days followed a similar pattern. Min-ho continued to show a surprising level of care, ensuring that Jae-min ate well, rested, and had time to explore the garden. The tension between them eased slightly, though an undercurrent of wariness remained. Jae-min couldn't shake the feeling that Min-ho's kindness was conditional, a part of some larger plan.

One afternoon, as Jae-min was reading in the study adjacent to Min-ho's bedroom, he heard a knock on the door. Min-ho entered, carrying a tray with tea and a plate of fruit. It was such an unexpected gesture that Jae-min couldn't hide his surprise.

"I thought you might like some tea," Min-ho said, setting the tray down on the table. He poured a cup and handed it to Jae-min. "You've been looking a bit pale. The doctor recommended that you stay hydrated and eat light snacks."

Jae-min accepted the cup, his fingers brushing against Min-ho's. The touch was brief but sent a shiver down his spine. He took a sip of the tea, savoring its warmth. "Thank you," he said quietly.

Min-ho sat down across from him, studying Jae-min with an intensity that made him uncomfortable. "How are you finding the new arrangements?"

Jae-min hesitated, unsure of how honest he could be. "It's…better than before. The garden is beautiful. I appreciate being able to spend time there."

Min-ho nodded, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "I'm glad to hear that. I want you to be comfortable, Jae-min. Your well-being is important to me."

The words sounded sincere, but Jae-min couldn't forget the cruelty that Min-ho was capable of. He nodded, unsure of what else to say. The dynamic between them was shifting, but the power imbalance remained. Min-ho was still in control, and Jae-min was still at his mercy.

As the days turned into a week, Jae-min slowly began to adapt to his new surroundings. He spent time reading, exploring the garden, and occasionally engaging in polite conversation with Min-ho. The alpha's presence was a constant, a reminder of his authority, but there was a subtle change in how he interacted with Jae-min.

One evening, as they were sitting in the living room, Min-ho handed Jae-min a beautifully wrapped box. "I have something for you," he said, his voice soft.

Jae-min opened the box to find a delicate necklace inside, a single diamond pendant that sparkled in the light. It was exquisite, and the gesture took him by surprise. "Why are you giving me this?" he asked, looking up at Min-ho.

Min-ho's gaze was steady. "It's a token of my appreciation. You've been through a lot, and I want to show you that I care."

Jae-min's fingers traced the pendant, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He wanted to believe that Min-ho's intentions were genuine, but trust was a difficult thing to rebuild. He met Min-ho's eyes, searching for any hint of deception.

"Thank you," Jae-min said finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

Min-ho smiled, a rare and genuine expression. "You're welcome, Jae-min. Let's take things one day at a time."

As the evening wore on, Jae-min couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had changed. The old room, the old life, was truly gone. What lay ahead was uncertain, but for the first time in a long while, there was a glimmer of hope.