— "How are you? And everyone at home? I hope they're doing fine," Seojoon asked the moment Taehyung sat down across from him in the café. Taehyung offered a small, reassuring smile. "They're good now. Just... still a little shaken by everything."

Seojoon gave a faint, tight-lipped smile in return. There was a beat of silence between them, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air. The waiter arrived with their orders, carefully placing the cups and plates on the table.

Both Taehyung and Seojoon murmured their thanks before the silence stretched again. Finally, Seojoon broke it, his voice hesitant. "Taehyung, I… I'm sorry about that day." He looked down at his coffee, swirling the spoon absently. "I know it wasn't right, leaving the way I did—

walking out on the wedding like that. But I didn't know what else to do." He looked up, his voice quieter now. "My mom was scared. I couldn't let her keep worrying. You know how parents are… your parents must've been scared too, right?"

Taehyung lowered his gaze, tracing the rim of his coffee cup with his fingers. His voice was soft but firm. "They were scared. We all were. But that doesn't mean it didn't hurt, Hyung" Seojoon nodded, his jaw tightening slightly. "I know," he said, his voice barely above

a whisper. "I can't undo what happened, But I'd be lying if I said there wasn't some doubt creeping in when that alpha showed up with a gun." Taehyung's gaze shifted to Seojoon; his expression unreadable. Seojoon hesitated, his words faltering. "I… I still don't know

what the truth is, Taehyung," he admitted, his voice laced with uncertainty. "And I need to hear it from you." Taehyung tensed slightly, his hand stilling on his coffee cup. He didn't answer right away, his thoughts seemingly miles away.

"Look, Taehyung," Seojoon said, leaning forward, his voice more urgent now. "I just want to know everything. Whatever it is, I need to know the truth. Because I want to make this work, I still want to marry you." Taehyung's eyes widened slightly, and Seojoon pressed on, his tone

earnest. "I can convince my parents—really, I can. But I need you to be honest with me. Just tell me everything, Taehyung. Please." Taehyung felt the weight of those words, the vulnerability behind them, but he took a deep breath, trying to steady his own emotions.

His fingers curled around his coffee cup, his grip tightening as he fought to keep his voice steady. "Then you need to convince them, Hyung," he said, his voice quiet but firm, though there was a hint of exhaustion there. "Because I swear, I don't have anything with that alpha.