[Jihyun's 23rd birthday and his 2nd proposal ]
It was already evening when Taewon and Jihyun arrived at RL Seoul Restaurant after a long day of shopping.
The air outside was cold, but the moment they stepped inside, warmth greeted them soft yellow lights, gentle music, and the faint scent of roses.
Jihyun blinked, looking around slowly.
The whole place was empty no guests, no noise just them.
Only the sound of their footsteps echoed softly across the floor.
Taewon led him toward a table near the glass window. Everything was beautifully decorated candles flickering, the table covered in cream linen and red petals.
Jihyun frowned a little as he sat down.
"Taewon-ah… are we early or something?"
Taewon smiled faintly, his heartbeat unsteady, but he acted calm.
"No, everything's fine. Just sit."
A waiter came forward, setting a small tasting dish in front of Jihyun while the main meal was being prepared.
Jihyun started eating slowly, unaware of how Taewon's hands were trembling under the table.
Taewon couldn't take his eyes off him every small movement, every bite, every smile.
His heart was pounding so fast it almost hurt.
Jihyun looked up, noticing the silence, and leaned a little closer. The waiter was still nearby.
"Taewon," he whispered, narrowing his eyes, "Is something wrong here?"
Taewon blinked, pretending confusion. "Why? What happened?"
Jihyun leaned even closer, voice low.
"Don't act innocent. Something's suspicious. Look around there's no one here, and the waiters keep glaring. I think we came to a danger place."
Taewon pressed his lips together, trying not to laugh.
"Why? You don't like the decoration?"
Jihyun hit his shoulder lightly.
"I mean the people here! It's too quiet. It feels… suspicious!"
Taewon smiled calmly. "Okay."
Jihyun frowned, pouting.
"You're making fun of me again."
And just when he was about to complain again.
A loud pop burst behind them.
Colorful confetti scattered in the air, followed by cheerful voices shouting together,
"Happy Birthday, Jihyun!"
Jihyun jumped from his seat in shock, heart racing. He turned instantly and there stood
Mrs. Kang, Taesung, Jihan holding baby
Dan, Harin, Minjoon, Taehyun, and even Taemi with her husband Sunghoon carrying little Haeun, harin standing with her bf.
Everyone clapped, smiling brightly, the entire restaurant glowing with joy.
Jihyun blinked rapidly, completely frozen.
"What's… what's going on?" he asked quietly, looking at Taewon.
Taewon stood up slowly, smiling that calm, deep smile that always melted Jihyun's heart.
He leaned close and whispered against his ear,
"Happy birthday my little baby mama."
Jihyun's breath caught, his face turning red. "T-Taewon…"
Before he could speak again, Mrs. Kang hugged him warmly.
"My dear, you forgot your own birthday , didn't you?"
Jihyun smiled faintly, still dazed.
"I… really did."
Harin came over, taking baby Hyunwon into her arms, smiling brightly.
"He looks just like you, Taewon-oppa."
Jihyun turned to say something back but stopped.
Taewon was no longer standing beside him.
He blinked, confused until he looked down.
There, right in front of him, Taewon was kneeling.
A small ring box in his hand.
The entire restaurant fell silent as Taewon looked up, eyes glimmering under the warm light.
His voice trembled slightly, but his words came out steady.
"Mr stubborn, Will you marry the father of Hyunwon?"
Jihyun's breath hitched. His chest tightened so hard he almost couldn't breathe.
His lips parted, eyes filling fast.
"Taewon-ah…"
Tears slipped before he could stop them. He hit Taewon's shoulder lightly, voice breaking. "You… you cheater."
Taewon smiled through his own shaky breath. "Is that a yes?"
Jihyun's hand trembled as he held it out.
Taewon slid the ring onto his finger slowly then gave the second ring to Jihyun, letting him place it onto his hand.
The family burst into cheers and applause, clapping loudly, shouting together,
"Kiss! Kiss!"
Jihyun froze, blushing hard.
"What are they saying…"
But Taewon didn't wait. He stood up slowly, his gaze locked on Jihyun's eyes deep, soft, and full of everything he'd ever felt.
He leaned in, one hand gently cupping Jihyun's face, and kissed him.
Right there, in front of everyone.
The room went silent again not from surprise, but from how pure that moment felt.
Even the introverted, reserved Taewon couldn't stop himself.
He kissed him deeply, completely, leaving everyone smiling through tears.
Mrs. Kang wiped her eyes.
"My son finally learned how to show love properly."
Taesung laughed softly.
"And in front of everyone too shamelessly "
The evening continued with dinner laughter, teasing, gifts.
Jihan handed over a small baby bracelet for Hyunwon, while Harin gave Jihyun a pink box of filled with her and Taewon's childhood photos.
Everything felt so warm like a real family.
But as the dinner went on, Taehyun suddenly cleared his throat.
"I have something to tell you all."
Everyone looked at him curiously.
Taehyun stood up from his seat, walked over to Minjoon who was sitting next to Jihyun and before anyone could react, he pulled him close and kissed him.
Gasps filled the table.
When he pulled back, Taehyun looked straight at everyone and said calmly,
"There. This Minjoon he's mine now."
Jihyun blinked, wide-eyed, then smiled slowly, tightening his lips as if holding back.
The family clapped again, Harin laughing softly.
"Oh wow, love's just blooming everywhere tonight."clinging to her boyfriend's arm
Taehyun sat down, pride flashing on his face.
"I don't want to ruin the mood," he continued,
"but since we already discussed it with Taewon I'll be shifting back to Italy with Minjoon. We'll be managing work from abroad permanently."
Mrs. Kang froze mid-bite.
"Permanently? What are you saying, dear?"
Jihyun's smile faded. His eyes widened as he turned toward Minjoon.
"Hyung… you're leaving too?"
Minjoon swallowed hard, avoiding his gaze.
"It's just for work. I'm not leaving."
But Jihyun stood up, tears already gathering in his eyes, and walked out.
Minjoon rushed after him.
Outside the restaurant, the night breeze was cold.
Jihyun stood near the steps, his voice trembling.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Minjoon sighed, grabbing his shoulders. "Jihyun-ah I didn't want to make you sad tonight."
"But you are," Jihyun said quietly.
"You're all I had left from my old life."
Minjoon suddenly pulled him into a tight embrace.
"I promise I'll visit. I'm going for work, but I'm not leaving you. You know that, right?"
Jihyun's voice cracked.
"I know. But it still hurts."
After a long argument,
Finally Minjoon smiled softly, resting his chin on Jihyun's head.
"If you don't want, I won't go."
Jihyun shook his head.
"No, hyung. Go. Be happy. I can see it in your eyes you really are. And Taehyun he'll take care of you."
Minjoon looked at him, eyes glistening. "Promise me you won't cry too much."
Jihyun smiled faintly. "I'll try."
They walked back inside together Minjoon holding Jihyun's hand tightly until they sat again beside Taewon.
After dinner, everyone finally left for their homes.
The night ended quietly, as Jihyun, Taewon, and Hyunwon returned to their home their family's laughter still echoing in their hearts.