The morning sunlight streamed through the massive windows of Hyun-Jin's mansion, casting a warm glow over the grand dining hall. The long mahogany table was set with an elegant breakfast spread—golden toast, eggs, fresh fruit, and steaming cups of coffee.
Hyun-Jin pulled out a chair and gestured toward the seat across from him.
"Sit down and eat."
Akhlys blinked, looking at him for a moment before gracefully taking the seat. His crimson eyes scanned the food before him with quiet curiosity.
Hyun-Jin poured himself a cup of coffee, watching as Akhlys hesitated before picking up a fork.
"You act like you've never eaten before," Hyun-Jin muttered, taking a sip.
Akhlys twirled the fork between his fingers before replying, "I haven't."
Hyun-Jin almost choked. "...What?"
Akhlys smiled slightly, as if amused by his reaction. "Gods do not need food. We live on divine energy. But…" He looked down at the meal in front of him, his voice softening. "I've always wondered what it was like."
Hyun-Jin clicked his tongue and tossed a piece of toast onto Akhlys' plate. "Then eat."
Akhlys took a careful bite. The moment the flavors hit his tongue, his eyes widened slightly. He chewed slowly, savoring it.
Hyun-Jin raised an eyebrow. "You're acting like it's the best thing you've ever tasted."
"It is," Akhlys said simply, taking another bite.
Meanwhile, outside the dining hall, Hyun-Jin's men were gathered, whispering among themselves.
"Is that the same guy from yesterday?"
"Why is the boss eating with him?"
"Wait… are they close?"
"Are they… together?"
Then, one of them—Jae-Min, the youngest and most reckless—grinned mischievously.
"Boss, should we start calling him Madam now?" he joked.
The entire hall went silent.
Hyun-Jin slowly set his coffee down.
Akhlys, on the other hand, simply tilted his head, curious.
The other men instinctively took a step back, realizing that Jae-Min had just risked his life.
Hyun-Jin turned his sharp gaze toward him. "Say that again."
Jae-Min's soul almost left his body. "I— I mean— Uh— Just joking, boss!"
Before Hyun-Jin could respond, Akhlys chuckled softly.
"I don't mind," he said lightly, cutting into his eggs. "It has a nice ring to it."
Hyun-Jin shot him a glare. "Don't encourage them."
Akhlys smiled innocently. "Why not? I think they like me."
Jae-Min and the rest of the men nodded furiously.
"Y-Yeah, we like him!"
"He's cool!"
"And he makes the boss less scary!"
Hyun-Jin pinched the bridge of his nose. He was getting a headache.
"This is why I don't eat breakfast with people," he muttered.
Akhlys only continued eating, looking more content than before.
For a god who had spent a thousand years alone, being welcomed—even in a ridiculous way—seemed to make him genuinely happy.
And, despite himself, Hyun-Jin let it slide.
Just this once.