guys im very sorry i kept you in the dark i had writers block for a while

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Days after Yeonjun's mysterious mission, Beomgyu couldn't shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at him. Something wasn't adding up. Yeonjun had been unusually distant, slipping out for "errands" that were never explained and returning late with an air of casual indifference. It wasn't just the secrecy—it was the small details.

Yeonjun had always been charismatic, the kind of person who naturally drew others in. But lately, he'd been spending more time around Huening Kai, their mutual connection through the alliance. Kai, with his youthful charm and easygoing demeanor, always seemed to have Yeonjun's attention in ways that made Beomgyu's stomach churn.

It didn't help that Kai laughed a little too brightly at Yeonjun's jokes or that Yeonjun seemed just a bit more relaxed in Kai's presence.

Why do I care? Beomgyu thought bitterly. This is just an arranged marriage. It's not like there's anything real between us.

But the jealousy burned all the same.

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One afternoon, Beomgyu was returning from a meeting with Soobin when he spotted Yeonjun and Kai standing together in the garden. They were laughing about something, Yeonjun leaning slightly toward Kai as he spoke.

Beomgyu froze, watching from the shadows. The way Yeonjun's hand brushed against Kai's arm, the way Kai smiled up at him—it felt too intimate, too natural.

The sight sent a pang of anger and hurt through Beomgyu. Is this why he's been so secretive?

Before he realized what he was doing, he turned on his heel and stormed back into the house, slamming the door behind him.

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When Yeonjun walked in later that evening, Beomgyu was waiting in the living room, his arms crossed and his expression icy.

"Had fun with Kai?" Beomgyu asked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Yeonjun raised an eyebrow, clearly caught off guard. "What are you talking about?"

Beomgyu's jaw tightened. "Don't play dumb. I saw you two in the garden. You've been spending a lot of time with him lately. Care to explain?"

Realization dawned on Yeonjun's face, and his lips twitched into an amused smirk. "Are you jealous, Gyu?"

Beomgyu's cheeks flushed, but his anger only grew. "Don't flatter yourself. I just don't appreciate being left in the dark while you cozy up to someone else."

Yeonjun stepped closer, his expression softening as he realized how genuinely upset Beomgyu was. "Kai's a friend," he said simply. "He's been helping me with something. That's all."

Beomgyu scoffed, looking away. "Right. Just a friend."

With a sigh, Yeonjun reached out, gently tilting Beomgyu's chin so their eyes met. "Listen to me," he said, his voice low but firm. "This marriage might have been arranged, but I don't play games. If I had a problem with us, I'd tell you. But I don't. And as for Kai, you have nothing to worry about."

For a moment, Beomgyu searched Yeonjun's eyes, looking for any hint of deceit. All he saw was sincerity.

"I hate this," Beomgyu muttered, his voice cracking slightly. "I hate feeling like this."

Yeonjun's gaze softened further. "Maybe it's because you care more than you think."

Beomgyu's breath hitched at the comment, but he quickly looked away, refusing to let Yeonjun see the vulnerability in his eyes. "Don't push your luck," he said, his tone weaker than he'd intended.

Yeonjun chuckled softly, his hand dropping from Beomgyu's face but lingering just long enough to make Beomgyu's heart race.

"I'll make it up to you," Yeonjun said, his voice teasing but warm. "Just don't let your imagination run wild next time, okay?"

As Yeonjun walked away, Beomgyu was left staring after him, his emotions a tangled mess.

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merry chirstmas btw