Chapter Text
Life seemed to be gradually falling into place. The grand mansion felt very cozy, not just because it was beautiful, but because now it wasn't so empty; it rightfully felt like home.
Jiwoo really enjoyed living peacefully with Mr. Kaiden and Mr. Kartein. It was still unfamiliar, considering he was used to everything modest, but with these two beloved individuals, everything felt much easier. By the way, Jiwoo really loves both Kaiden and Kartein (even though one of the men is his teacher). Subin was absolutely right when describing their beauty, but she didn't know about their character. Jiwoo knows; he knows that both men are very kind and caring, always helping and supporting him. It was hard not to fall in love. Perhaps it's a bit strange to love two people? This question troubled Jiwoo for a long time; after all, it's not something you see often. What would others think of him? ("Jiwoo, damn it, it's normal, don't blame yourself for anything! You simply love; what's wrong with that," Kaiden once said to him when Jiwoo sadly shared his thoughts.)
The boy smiled to himself as he cleaned the vegetables. Mr. Kartein often said that one shouldn't live on instant noodles alone, so now he strictly monitored their diet. Jiwoo didn't really disobey him, even if Kaiden sometimes wanted to indulge in unhealthy food (although it was hard to resist after a kiss from the dark-haired man).
Jiwoo was so happy; he had always dreamed of such a peaceful life, even though he used to enjoy battles with the Awakened. It's sad that for some reason his current skills have dulled a bit; after all, he just lost his memory... Or could that have had some effect? Even Kartein couldn't answer him, but it's okay because Kaiden continues to train him, albeit less intensively. It seems the previous threat has truly passed, as both Kaiden and Kartein spend most of their free time together with Jiwoo as a family. It sounds embarrassing, but it's so nice that Jiwoo blushed. He just hoped no one noticed, as it would be awkward...
Suddenly, strong arms pulled the boy close to a familiar chest, and a very familiar chin rested on his shoulder. Just like Mr. Kaiden always being in the right place at the right time...
"Vegetable stew? Need help with the vegetables?... Although I'd prefer spicy chicken, Korean food has grown on me," the man looked at what Jiwoo was doing. He didn't seem embarrassed at all for startling him. The boy looked so cute when lost in thought, then suddenly smiled and blushed. How could he not approach him?
"Mr. Kaiden, you scared me," Jiwoo glanced to the side. From Kaiden's expression, it was clear that he enjoyed sneaking up like this. "We had champon at your suggestion yesterday, and today we'll eat something healthy, just as Mr. Kartein said."
The adult man comically scrunched up his face. You wouldn't guess that this was the great Kayden. In reality, he was only like this around Jiwoo. It was thanks to Jiwoo that he could enjoy life and complain about vegetables. "What would you like to eat? It feels like you're going to eat the same thing we ask for. Don't hesitate to ask for anything you want. This applies not only to food. Actually, I have quite a bit of money too, the mansion is definitely not an indicator of wealth."
"The mansion is an indicator that I'm clearly more concerned about my future and the future of my passion," Kartein also joined them in the kitchen, after all, Jiwoo wasn't cooking alone. This way, Kayden could relax (his cooking skills clearly left much to be desired). And by the way, Kartein also wanted to hug Jiwoo.
Here we go. Kayden rolled his eyes and turned away from Kartein, all his attention focused only on Jiwoo. It was necessary to definitely peck him on the cheek first thing in the morning (ha, before Kartein for once!), then maybe on the forehead, nose, just kiss his whole face. How pleasant it was to embarrass Jiwoo and gloat over Kartein.
"Mr. Kayden, wait, I still need to prepare the food."
"Exactly, go chop the onions, you animal," Jiwoo moved over to Kartein's arms, who immediately just pecked him on the lips and gave Kayden a stern look.
The scene couldn't help but make Jiwoo smile. Even if these two men looked like they were at odds, they still valued each other; somehow they managed to share Jiwoo. He loved them very much; how lucky he was.
Everything was fine. Although sometimes Jiwoo seemed strange. His body was more fragile, no muscles, as if he hadn't spent over a year training to be worthy of Kayden's disciple. His clothes were smaller, not by much, but still... Kayden and Kartein no longer turned into cats; they said they would be better in human form, and it was more convenient somehow. This made Jiwoo think that Kayden had regained his strength, which Jiwoo directly asked him about after regaining some of his memories a few days later. The fact that Kayden had recovered greatly pleased Jiwoo, although he enjoyed petting the chubby ginger cat... Could it be that all of this was just Jiwoo's anxiety? It all seemed so insignificant.
But was it insignificant that no one called him—neither Nuna, nor Jisuk, nor Subin, nor Wooin? They were probably worried, and Jiwoo himself was worried. Kayden and Kartein didn't say anything about it, only passing on their vague words to him. But he remembered everything; why couldn't he call them himself? In his new phone, there were no numbers except for his mom's. Jiwoo asked Kayden to meet Nuna and get the numbers, but for some reason, Kayden became a little gloomy at those words, although he tried to hide it. Jiwoo didn't ask anymore. He still didn't understand why there was such a reaction. Actually, he sometimes wondered why the three of them were living in Kartein's mansion. It was beautiful, but the comfort of home was already familiar to Jiwoo. Or is it obligatory to move in with your partner when you start dating? It's actually interesting.
And perhaps the last peculiarity. Jiwoo doesn't remember at all why he lost his memories. Both Kayden and Kartein said it was because of a clash with one of the top 10, Jiwoo was severely injured and lost his memory. Both men were very worried and that's why they now take care of him so much.
Oh no, Jiwoo is a terrible person, his beloved men are just concerned about him, and he suspects them of something. So what if they don't let him communicate with his friends, and sometimes even with his mother? According to them, his loved ones also have things to take care of, but they worry about him, so Jiwoo just needs to rest. And so what if they show signs of attention much more often and a little possessively? If your partner almost died, you would react the same way, wouldn't you?
No, everything is definitely fine.
"What are you thinking about again? And you said it's difficult to reach Kartein when he starts overthinking," Kayden didn't like that Jiwoo seemed to be completely ignoring him and daydreaming. Well, it's interesting if a bite on his neck will wake him up. His boy usually gets angry, but why not use this effective method now.
"Ouch! Mr. Kayden, what are you doing..." Jiwoo covered his neck with his hands and pouted, looking at the laughing Kayden. Maybe Jiwoo was lost in his thoughts again, but that's no reason to embarrass him like this.
Kayden stopped laughing and gently smiled. He hugged Jiwoo tighter and buried his nose in his hair. It was a good opportunity to hug him alone, while Kartein was doing the dishes.
"Is something bothering you, Jiwoo? You can tell me," he said.
It was tempting. Jiwoo was tired of keeping everything to himself. Kayden and Kartein would definitely be able to dispel his doubts; he trusted them.
"Where is Mr. Kartein? I want him to be here too," Jiwoo said.
Without any objections, Kayden immediately got up and went to fetch the blond healer. If Jiwoo wanted to be honest with both of them, there was no time to waste.
All three of them sat on the couch, with Jiwoo in the middle, of course. The boy felt a little uneasy, how should he start the conversation... No, he needed to be confident, everything would be fine!
"So, Jiwoo, has anything been bothering you lately? At least health-wise?" Kartein was a little worried, especially after Kayden dragged him through the house by the scruff. He wasn't a cat anymore to be treated like that. But for Jiwoo's sake, he would endure it.
"Everything's fine, don't worry, Mr. Kartein! It's not about my health... Although I'm a little concerned that not all of my memories have returned. And some things seem strange to me..."
Jiwoo detailed all his concerns. Throughout his narration, Kayden and Kartein remained impassive. They understood that Jiwoo could have doubts, but the boy always believed their every word. It even made them feel a little ashamed; all this was to protect him. Even if they had to lie to him, they would.
"...I often dream of myself... dying. It's quite scary and sad; I wouldn't want to leave you."
Both men clenched their fists. It became harder for Kayden to maintain a stoic expression. Were those really just dreams? All the memories seemed as vivid as yesterday. This wasn't supposed to happen...
Jiwoo was taken aback; he didn't expect his words to affect Kayden and Kartein so much. It was just a dream after all.
Both men hugged him tightly, the air in the room grew heavy. Terrible grief and indignation emanated from both of them. It was even a little scary to be in their arms. But Kayden and Kartein would never harm him; he was sure of that.
"You weren't supposed to remember that... But you've always surprised me, Jiwoo. Please, just don't be angry with us when we tell you," Kayden whispered into Jiwoo's ear. It seemed difficult for the dark-haired man to speak.
What really happened...
