The apartment was silent, broken only by the night city's hum. Seoul's distant lights cast golden-blue streaks across the bedroom walls.
Do-yun lay next to Yoon, who had drifted into a restless sleep. Do-yun was awake, sorting through facts like cold beads: "material," "special type," the distorted scent, the heaviness in his stomach. For the first time, his thoughts strayed from the investigation.
He gazed at Yoon's stern yet peaceful profile.
What next?
The investigation was nearly complete. The enemy was known. What would remain when the threat vanished? Would he remain?
Do-yun cautiously ran his fingers along Yoon's jawline, feeling warmth and firmness. Their relationship had begun with instinct, grown into a deal, and now existed as a dangerous dependency.
He shuddered, realizing his fear: not of the battle, but of the peace that might separate them.
Yoon stirred, hand instinctively covering Do-yun's waist, pulling him closer. He opened his eyes, heavy but attentive.
— Still awake, — he murmured. — Thinking about Lee?
Do-yun shook his head, pressing his forehead to Yoon's collarbone.
— About us.
Yoon froze, momentarily rigid.
— There's nothing to think about us. There's a fact.
— But I want more than facts, — Do-yun whispered. — My life was hijacked when you entered it. Now… I fear that when the investigation ends, you'll leave.
A partial confession. He spoke of the case, but meant everything.
Yoon exhaled slowly, his pheromones washing over Do-yun in gentle waves, calming without suppressing.
— I won't leave. Never, — he replied, voice firm, resolute. — Knowing you could disappear… I won't let you go.
He rolled Do-yun over, shadowing him. His gaze was intense, melting yet full of choice and tenderness. Slowly, he descended to kiss him. Unhurried, deep—this kiss confirmed their bond and elevated it to a new level.
Yoon's lips were demanding but gentle. Do-yun's hands tangled in his hair. Panic was absent; only conscious desire remained, pure and urgent.
— I want this, — Do-yun whispered, voice confident, accepting the inevitable.
— I want this too, — Yoon replied, voice trembling with restrained storm. — But this time… it must be a dance, not a breaking.
Yoon's hand brushed over Do-yun's abdomen, seeking confirmation of his secret. Do-yun pressed it to himself, trusting him.
Alpha pheromones wrapped around them, erasing doubt. Yoon moved slowly, attentively. He caressed, kissed, inhaled the new warm, honeyed scent. Do-yun's body burned, responding to every touch.
They moved together, rhythmically, patiently. When the storm peaked, Yoon poured himself inside Do-yun, filling him completely. They lay tangled, warm, breath synchronized. Yoon held Do-yun close, forehead on shoulder.
— The enemy is known, — he murmured. — Lee and his people. Investigation complete. End of the first arc.
Do-yun nodded. The end of the investigation left a void, now filled by the Alpha's warmth.
— And next? — he asked, differently now.
Yoon squeezed him.
— Next—we step out of the shadows. We destroy what they built. And then… — he paused, pheromones soft, tender. — Then we decide what remains between us.
Do-yun understood. Not just a promise of protection, but of a future. He smiled in the darkness, finally at ease. The investigation had ended, but their personal connection had entered a deeper, more dangerous level.
They lay listening to the city's pulse. A battle awaited, but now they faced it together.