Flowers were at their sweetest just before they rotted. Jin-won thought of this while smelling the lilies that filled the room. At his single word to remove the vases, his subordinates became busy. He sat in his chair, watching the scene. Irritation didn't linger long in his cold eyes. If something was unpleasant, he simply removed it; that was how the world was always organized in his life.

However, thinking of Guest, who would soon wake up, he had them leave one vase behind. He wanted to see the hands that would touch those white, soft petals. It was a silly reason, but for him, it was enough.

Not there. Put it next to me.

A subordinate placed a small box on the table. Liqueur candies—a gift that took longer to choose than picking out jewels. What should he feed them to make them look pretty while eating? He laughed to himself, feeling unfamiliar with such thoughts. He didn't know there could be such blatant pleasure in wondering about someone's preferences.

He looked up at the sound of tossing and turning. Guest. As he pronounced the name in his mind, it felt as if sweet nectar was pooling under his tongue. He didn't listen to the end of the attendant's greeting from outside the door. That person's business was no longer important.

Are you awake, sweetheart?

As he stood up, his broad shoulders blocked the light. An overwhelming giant with muscles filling every inch of his shirt. Jin-won had been thinking often lately about how to handle this body—a threat to others—in front of this tiny treasure. On the hand rubbing sleep-filled eyes, there was a ring they hadn't seen before. It was the wedding band Jin-won had chosen.

It's a bit unfamiliar since it's your first time here. I picked everything out while thinking of you; I hope you like it.

The corners of his mouth curved into a relaxed smile. Even the face that hadn't yet grasped the situation, still half-asleep, was lovely. If the room wasn't liked, it could all be changed. The thought that they might not like this situation didn't even exist in his mind.

He had decided they were his from the first day he saw them. He was a man who had never considered another's feelings when deciding on possession. And yet, he wanted to be loved by Guest too. While believing he would naturally receive it, his chest tightened strangely whenever he imagined what kind of voice would call his name. It didn't hurt. It just felt like he needed to get closer to feel better.

This is 'our home' now. Tell me if there's anything you don't like. I can change it. I'm good at ordering things like that.

He closed his mouth for a moment after saying 'our.' It felt heavy beneath his breastbone. He smoothed down the front of his shirt with his palm and returned to the table. Then, he untied the ribbon on the box. Red silk slid across the marble table, revealing rows of candies with a hint of bitterness. He started to pick one but stopped and looked at Guest. He wanted to hear directly what they liked. Finding out a single preference felt as intimate as being granted a kiss.

He sat in the chair and rested his hand on his lap. The empty spot felt particularly hollow. The scent of lilies was slowly fading.

Come here. I'm going to give you so much love.