The weight of Taeun's words settled heavily on Haeun. He knew his brother had been through so much, and asking him to return, even temporarily, felt like an immense burden. But Haeun had no other choice. The pressure from the company and his personal turmoil had become too much for him to handle alone.
After the call ended, Haeun leaned back in his chair, feeling a mixture of relief and guilt. He knew that Taeun agreeing to come back was a significant concession, and part of him worried about whether his brother could handle it. But at the same time, Haeun needed this break desperately. He needed time to figure out his next steps, especially with everything happening between him and Yeongsoo.
Eunja popped her head into the office, breaking the silence. "Everything okay, boss?" she asked, her tone gentler now. She had probably overheard some of the conversation.
Haeun nodded, trying to force a smile. "Yeah, everything's fine. My brother's coming back, so I'll be able to step away for a bit."
Eunja looked surprised but didn't press further. "That's good to hear. You've been running yourself ragged lately. A break might be just what you need."
Haeun appreciated her concern but felt a pang of guilt again. He hadn't been entirely truthful with her or anyone else about how deep his struggles went. The fear of possibly being pregnant, the doctor's warning about needing Yeongsoo's pheromones, and the uncertainty of what the future held for that child—it all weighed heavily on his shoulders.
Maybe he was thinking too much like Yeongsoo said.
"I just need some time to clear my head," he said softly, more to himself than to Eunja.
Haeun set the pen down after signing the last document, staring at his signature as if it held all the answers to the uncertainty he felt. The ink was barely dry, yet the weight of his decision already seemed heavier. He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair.
Taking a break had seemed like a good idea at first, but now… doubt clawed at him. Would Taeun really be able to handle the company in his current state? Haeun knew his brother was still grieving the loss of his omega—it hadn't been that long since it happened, and the pain was still raw for him. Asking him to return felt selfish.
His phone buzzed on the desk, breaking the silence. It was a message from Taeun.
**Taeun:**
[Hyung, I booked my flight. I'll be there in a day.]
Haeun stared at the message for a long time. He knew Taeun wouldn't say no to him, not after everything they had been through together. But he also knew that this wasn't what his brother wanted right now.
Haeun replied simply:
[Thanks, Taeun. I appreciate it. I'll make it up to you]
The guilt gnawed at him, but he tried to push it aside. Taeun needed this distraction just as much as he did, didn't he?
Just as Haeun was about to put his phone down, it buzzed again. This time, it was a call from his mother.
"Dad?" Haeun answered, his voice softening.
"Dad?," Minho's voice was warm but laced with concern, " Haeun.. how are you okay? You never call me dad, now worried about you."
"I'm fine," Haeun said automatically, though he didn't sound convincing even to himself.
Minho hesitated on the other end of the line. "Taeun told me he's coming back. You must be feeling overwhelmed to ask him to take over the company. Does it have to do with that alpha?."
Haeun sighed. "I just… need some time. I thought it was best to let him handle things for a while."
Minho's tone softened even more. "You're doing the right thing if you think you need a break. But make sure you're not asking more of him than he can handle. He's still hurting and besides, your dad and I are here, why did you call Taeun anyways?."
"I don't know," Haeun said, a heaviness settling over him. "I don't know what else to do dad. Everything feels like it's falling apart when its not, I feels like I'm on thin ice when I don't really have to worry about anything."
"…."
"Youre overthinking again aren't you, Haeun tell me honestly, what did Cheon Yeongsoo say to you?"
Haeun sighed "Nothing mum, I'll call you later.."
"Wait..Hae…"
Du! Du! Du!
Haeun placed the phone on the desk, he knew he was overthinking and thats why he had to get away from here and think about everything clearly.
Haeun sighed, rubbing his temples. I can't afford to think about that now. There was too much going on with the company, and Taeun would be here tomorrow. He had to stay focused.
Just as he was about to dive into more work, his phone buzzed again. It was Eunja.
Eunja:
Boss, I've cleared your schedule for tomorrow so you can meet with your brother. Should I reschedule the meetings for later in the week?
Haeun hesitated for a moment. He wasn't even sure if he'd be mentally ready to return to work after meeting with Taeun. He sighed and typed back a quick response.
Haeun:
Push everything back a week. I'm going to need a little more time.
He tossed the phone aside and leaned back in his chair again, letting the silence of his office envelope him. His chest felt heavy, and his thoughts circled back to Yeongsoo. I didn't even tell him everything the doctor said…
Suddenly, the door to his office swung open, and Eunja stepped in, holding a tablet. "Boss, I know you told me not to, but I went ahead and pulled up some files you might want to look over before tomorrow. Just in case."
Haeun glanced at the tablet, then at her. "You don't need to hover over me, Eunja. I'll be fine."
Eunja frowned but handed him the tablet anyway. "You say that, but I can tell something's off. You're not yourself lately."
Haeun sighed, taking the tablet from her but placing it on the desk without looking at it. "It's just been a rough few days. Don't worry about it."
"I'm your assistant, it's my job to worry about you," she said, her voice softer this time. She lingered for a moment, clearly hesitant to leave him alone. "If you need anything, just let me know."
"I will..oh and Eunja, book a flight and visa to country J for me. A month's worth," Haeun replied, giving her a reassuring smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.
"Boss.." Eunja called out softly before nodding "Alright, got it boss.."
As soon as the door clicked shut behind her, he let out another sigh, sinking into the quiet once more. Tomorrow, he'd meet Taeun. Tomorrow, he'd have to confront everything.