"Cherry Cake"

Areum tried to keep his focus on the screen, fingers tapping steadily on the keyboard, but his mind was starting to wander.

Taekho (casually):

"I wonder how I smell."

Areum didn't look up, trying to act unaffected.

But in his head, the answer was loud and clear.

Cherry blossoms… of course. He smells incredible.

Ugh, Areum, what are you even thinking right now?

He quickly glanced at the time. 12:15 a.m.

His shoulders slumped slightly.

Areum (thinking):

Great. The last bus is gone.

Guess I'll have to book a taxi. And I'm starving...

Just then, Taekho stood up and, to Areum's shock, sat down beside him on the couch. The space between them disappeared in an instant.

Areum stiffened, unsure where to look.

Taekho leaned slightly toward the screen, eyes scanning the progress.

Taekho (calmly):

"It's almost done."

Then his gaze shifted to Areum's face.

Taekho:

"Have you eaten dinner?"

Areum blinked. The question felt too casual, too human, coming from someone like Taekho.

Areum (thinking):

How could I eat? I've been working like a machine all night.

Areum (softly):

"No, CEO Yoon. Not yet."

Taekho stood, brushing off his coat and slinging it over his shoulder.

Taekho (decisively):

"Let's go."

Areum (surprised):

"Go… where?"

Taekho:

"I'm starving."

Areum hesitated, stunned, before quietly closing his laptop. He stood up and followed without another word.

After leaving the office, Areum and Taekho found themselves seated in a luxurious restaurant. The chandeliers above cast a warm golden glow, and soft classical music played in the background.

Taekho (glancing at the menu):

"What do you want to order?"

Areum (quietly):

"Anything is fine."

Without pressing further, Taekho placed the order himself.

Areum looked around, eyes wide with curiosity. It was his first time in such an elegant place. The marble floors, the crystal glasses, the soft clinking of cutlery — it felt surreal.

Taekho stared at his phone, multiple calls flashing on the screen from Father. He sighed, turned it off, and placed it face-down on the table.

Shortly after, the food arrived. Areum's eyes lit up at the sight of the beautifully plated dishes.

Taekho (murmuring):

"You must be starving."

They began to eat in comfortable silence. Areum ate quietly but with visible appreciation. The warm soup, tender meat, and freshly baked bread made him forget the stress of the day.

As they finished their main course, the waiter returned — this time with a cherry cake.

Areum blinked in surprise.

A cake?

Then it hit him.

Areum (thinking):

Wait… is today CEO Yoon's birthday?

He watched as Taekho picked up a cherry from the cake and popped it into his mouth.

Areum (thinking, slightly amused):

I guess he really likes cherries…

After the meal, Areum stood up and gave a respectful bow.

Areum:

"Thank you so much for dinner, CEO Yoon. I'll get going now. Have a good night."

He turned to leave.

Taekho:

"Wait."

Areum closed his eyes for a second, jaw tightening in frustration.

Areum (thinking):

Now what does he want?

He turned back around.

Taekho:

"I'll give you a ride."

Areum (politely):

"It's alright, CEO Yoon. I'll take a taxi."

Taekho:

"And what if a creepy Alpha shows up again?"

Areum (firmly):

"That's not possible. I took my suppressants. I don't smell like anything now."

Taekho took a slow step closer, his eyes unreadable. He leaned in slightly and took a deep breath.

Taekho (softly):

"I can still smell you. Sweet… like cherries."

Areum's eyes widened. He instinctively took a step back, heart thudding in his chest.

Without saying another word, Taekho turned and walked to his car.

Taekho (over his shoulder):

"Come on."

Areum hesitated… then quietly followed and sat beside him in the car.

The tension between them lingered — quiet, heavy, and unsaid.

After the drive, Taekho's car pulled up in front of Areum's apartment building.

Areum stepped out and gave a small, respectful bow.

Areum:

"Thank you for everything tonight. Have a good night, CEO Yoon."

Without waiting for a response, he quickly turned, unlocked the front door, and slipped inside. As soon as the door shut behind him, he let out a long sigh.

He stood there for a moment, listening as the soft hum of the car engine slowly faded into the distance.

Areum (muttering):

"So tired..."

He stretched his stiff arms and neck before heading straight to his bedroom.

---

Meanwhile, Taekho remained in the car, staring out at the dark road ahead. His phone rang again — for the fourth time.

He finally picked up.

Taekho (flatly):

"Hello?"

His father's sharp voice came through the speaker.

Yoon Kyungsoo (angrily):

"Taekho! How dare you skip your date today?"

Taekho (calmly):

"I'm not interested in that Omega, Father."

Kyungsoo:

"You're never interested in any Omega. When will you take responsibility? I want a grandchild, Taekho!"

Taekho:

"I'm seeing someone."

There was a pause on the other end.

Kyungsoo (in disbelief):

"What?"

Taekho:

"I said… I'm interested in someone."

Kyungsoo (curious):

"Who is it? A celebrity? Someone from the business world?"

Taekho:

"Not yet. First, I need to win his heart. Then… you'll meet him."

There was a stunned silence before Kyungsoo finally responded.

Kyungsoo (quietly):

"Oh… so you finally understand. I'm… actually excited to meet him. Don't keep me waiting too long."

Taekho:

"We'll see."

He ended the call and lowered the phone, eyes still fixed on the dark window.

Outside, the night was still — but inside him, something had already begun to change.