No Alphas Allowed - C113

#113

Taeyun’s words abruptly decreased. He seemed hurt that Suho had refused everything he offered but immediately agreed to So Jinha’s proposal. However, it was right to refuse what Taeyun offered, and So Jinha’s suggestion wasn’t burdensome. Suho deliberately avoided turning his head in that direction, trying to ignore Taeyun’s gaze fixed on his cheek.

As a result, in the awkward atmosphere, the eldest Kwon Taejun, who had been quiet until now, opened the conversation.

“Did you see the beach well?”

“Yeah.”

Taeyun, who hadn’t intended to answer because he was looking at Suho, forcibly drew out a response in case Suho might turn to him if he heard his voice.

“Now that it’s vacation, what are you planning to do?”

“I haven’t thought about it.”

“Then start thinking about it now.”

Despite his younger brother’s curt reply, Kwon Taejun seemed used to the youngest’s lack of aegyo and just concluded. When Kwon Taejun closed his mouth, Kwon Taehee stepped in this time. She recalled how her new sister-in-law had spoken to Suho earlier and used that.

“How old are you, Suho-ssi?”

“Why are you asking that, noona?”

“Hm? No, just because it’s our first time meeting…”

“So why are you asking about senior’s age, noona?”

At Taeyun’s sharp reaction, Kwon Taehee wondered if she had done something wrong. Coincidentally, she didn’t realize that he was wary of her because Suho and Kwon Taehee were the same age and of opposite genders.

“Mind your own business.”

“Oh, okay.”

With even Kwon Taehee unable to speak up, it was none other than Suho who became restless. He was somewhat exasperated by Taeyun’s reactions, brushing off his family’s responses since entering the house.

“You…”

As Suho turned to Taeyun and spoke, Taeyun’s face brightened.

“Why are you being so rude?”

“I’m always polite to you, senior, wasn’t I? Was I lacking?”

Taeyun seemed happy just to continue the conversation with Suho and answered cheerfully to his words.

“No, I mean why are you acting like that to your family? Are you always like this?”

“Sometimes yes, sometimes no.”

“What’s the ‘no’ part?”

“I hardly interact with them.”

“Why?”

Though it wasn’t his place to meddle in others’ family affairs, Suho couldn’t help but ask, as Taeyun’s behavior towards his family in front of him seemed somewhat arrogant. Suho wondered if he should be asking such things, but looking at the others, he felt they were subtly encouraging his conversation with Taeyun.

“Because they’re bothersome.”

“…What?”

“If I indulge them, they bother me too much. So I don’t like it.”

Taeyun was perfectly aware that his reactions were neither particularly affectionate nor appropriate for dealing with his brothers and sister. Yet he laid out his thoughts without feeling the slightest bit guilty.

“Even so…”

“They’d fight all night wanting to sleep with me, split my lip by shoving forks and spoons into my mouth at once wanting to feed me, and once lost me in the middle of the street wanting to show me off everywhere. I think I had to find the police station on my own without bodyguards that time. What else was there? Should I tell you about how my limbs were broken once each due to excessive affection?”

As Taeyun listed the reasons one by one, the expressions of Kwon Taejun, Kwon Tae-ha, and Kwon Taehee gradually became more troubled. This was truly just the tip of the iceberg. Their actions had been out of adoration for their youngest sibling, but being not much older themselves, they had made frequent mistakes. This had significantly influenced the formation of Taeyun’s personality.

“That was when you were young, but…”

Suho, at a loss for words about Taeyun’s childhood that seemed more painful than he had imagined, offered some words of comfort.

“At least they don’t split your lip now.”

“Of course not. I’m not at an age to just endure it anymore.”

At Taeyun’s cruel smile, Suho gave up on continuing the conversation. He was afraid it might show that he found the stories of Taeyun’s childhood, which he had accidentally heard, interesting if he kept going. Especially since he had already seen So Jinha laughing while hitting her husband’s shoulder.

Suho unconsciously glanced slightly towards Taeyun’s parents. Noticing that brief glance, Taeyun kindly added an explanation on his own.

“Ah, my parents were busy with work, but they also stood by because they liked that my brothers and sister adored me.”

“Taeyun, to say it was just standing by…”

“You found it amusing, didn’t you?”

At Taeyun’s definitive statement, Yoon Miso could only let out a laugh.

“Still, your childhood passed by in a whirlwind.”

At Yoon Miso’s words, which sounded like an excuse, Suho inwardly questioned if that was a good thing. When he inadvertently raised his head and met Yoon Miso’s eyes, she sent him a subtle look. As if to say she would tell him later when they met again.

“Still, the atmosphere has really improved with Suho-ssi here. Let’s see each other often from now on.”

So Jinha smoothly continued the interrupted situation and led the conversation. As she also asked questions to Taeyun, unlike with his brothers and sister, Taeyun gave softened answers only to So Jinha. It seemed less because of their relationship as sister-in-law and brother-in-law, and more that So Jinha understood and accommodated Taeyun’s personality well.

It was to the point where one might wonder what it would have been like without So Jinha here, but later everyone participated in the conversation and enjoyed a pleasant time. They didn’t ask anything about Suho’s circumstances, just engaging in everyday conversation. Even then, fearing Suho might get tired if they kept him for too long, they were the first to suggest that the two should leave.

As Suho rose from his seat, which had been more comfortable than expected, his initial tension had largely dissipated. He had grown somewhat accustomed to the atmosphere of Taeyun’s family members wanting to talk to him while being mindful of Taeyun, and to Taeyun’s gaze fixed only on him. In truth, it had seemed like it would be a heavy meeting due to the Tae-il name at first, but it ended up being just a normal conversation meeting his lover’s family.

“Let’s meet again next time.”

So Jinha waved her hand and mouthed that she would contact him. Feeling her unique playfulness, Suho was able to smile faintly for the first time.

And Yoon Miso, who had come out to see them off, whispered carefully, looking as if she wanted to hold Suho’s hand but was cautious about burdening him.

“Thank you.”

Not knowing why she was thanking him, Suho could only bow his head slightly. Though he couldn’t understand everything from this one meeting, he felt he would come to know someday.

The visit, which he had worried might be an inconvenience in the middle of the night, ended more smoothly than expected. Suho, who had been tense about meeting Taeyun’s family, was now able to relax his body and feel much more at ease. Good people. Taeyun’s family were all good people. They didn’t observe or test what kind of person he was. He had thought they might judge if he was suitable for Taeyun, but they accepted Suho as he was without asking anything.

They probably didn’t know how much that resonated with Suho. Thanks to this, as Suho walked to the passenger seat thinking he’d like to meet them again next time, he looked up when the door didn’t open. Taeyun was standing in front of the driver’s seat, looking at Suho with a somewhat dissatisfied expression.

“What?”

“You seemed to dislike coming, but you look really happy now?”

“Isn’t that good for you too? You brought me because I was thinking too much unnecessary stuff.”

“That’s true, but I’m in a bad mood.”

For Taeyun, today’s gathering had been frustrating in many ways. He didn’t have any wish for everyone to like Suho. He had shown him to them just because Taeyun liked him, not because he needed them to feel the same way. But he felt jealous and disliked seeing everyone look at Suho with favor. Especially, he was most displeased that So Jinha had repeatedly said they should meet often, and each time Suho had agreed.

“Since I like you the most, senior, don’t get too close with my family.”

“You’re really unique.”

Being jealous of things others wouldn’t be.

Suho looked at Taeyun as if he found him pathetic, but then burst into laughter, overcome by the happiness welling up in his chest.

“Why are you laughing? I was being serious. I don’t like it even if it’s my family getting close to you, senior.”

“We’re in big trouble, really.”

“What trouble?”

At Suho’s words about big trouble, Taeyun quickly came around the car and approached. Just as he was about to deepen his thoughts, wondering if something was wrong with Suho or if it was too much for his pregnant body, Suho stroked Taeyun’s head.

“Why do I keep laughing when I’m with you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Your family is nice, but I like you the best.”

At Suho’s sudden confession, Taeyun closed his mouth. He couldn’t meet Suho’s eyes and just looked at his shoulders or arms instead.

“Your jealousy is cute, so I can tell you’re younger than me, but I also keep wanting to rely on you even though you’re younger.”

Suho gently caressed Taeyun’s cheek – Taeyun who was clearly younger than him, yet seemed like he would never crumble no matter how much Suho relied on him. Meeting a Taeyun like this, hadn’t he used up all the luck in his life?

“I get jealous too when I see you getting close with anyone, so I’ll let this one slide.”

“Saying you’ll rely on me and do things together drives me crazy.”

It feels like the endorphins are shaking my head violently and I’m going to lose it. Taeyun embraced Suho’s waist and deeply inhaled his scent.

Tightly embraced by Taeyun, Suho’s eyes met So Jinha’s, who hadn’t gone inside yet. He was very grateful for her seeing them off, but she still hadn’t gone in. Seeing her wave her hand as if to say not to mind her, Suho squeezed his eyes shut.

Please, it would be nice if you could be aware of where we are.