Taishi approached from behind, startling him, and remarked with a smile that he was finally alone.
Introducing himself as Taishi Uyama, he asked whether Minjun was Yuri Shimizu. Nervously, Minjun greeted him with a stiff smile, remembering the rumours that Taishi flirted with everyone.
Taishi explained that Thomas had been looking for his mama, and that he had volunteered to find him.
Concerned, Minjun asked whether Thomas was not with his grandfather. With a suspicious smile, Taishi suggested that perhaps Thomas simply missed his mama, and invited Minjun to come with him.
As they walked down the hallway, Minjun gradually realised that the surroundings were unfamiliar. Alarmed, he wondered whether Taishi had lied to him.
Still smiling, Taishi commented that it was difficult to have a proper conversation in such a public place.
Feeling uneasy, Minjun turned around and said that he was going back. Before he could take another step, Taishi grabbed his arm.
Startled, Minjun demanded that he let go. Instead, Taishi stepped closer and told him firmly to stay quiet.
Angry now, Minjun insisted that he had nothing to discuss with him, and warned that he would bite him if he had to.
Attempting to manipulate him, Taishi asked whether he was not curious about Thomas's real mother.
Surprised, Minjun listened as Taishi explained that Thomas's biological mother had been an ordinary woman, and that she had been murdered by a member of the Suzuki family in Osaka shortly after Thomas was born. Because of her death, Taishi claimed, Daiki had grown to hate ordinary people.
The revelation shocked Minjun.
Taishi went on. Daiki had been deeply affected by her death, he said, and he could not understand why his brother continued to keep Minjun by his side. Then he implied that once Daiki grew tired of him, Minjun would simply be discarded like a toy, and suggested that Minjun ought to choose him instead.
Furious, Minjun tried once again to pull his hand free. Although his eyes filled with tears, he hid his sadness and stated firmly that he was not interested in anything Taishi had to say.
Seeing his reaction, Taishi grabbed his hand again, stroked it gently, and suggested that Minjun stay with him instead, claiming that he could treat him far better than Daiki ever would.
Unable to tolerate any more, Minjun slapped him across the face.
Taishi was clearly irritated. Before he could react, Daiki appeared.
Realising that he was in trouble, Taishi smiled awkwardly and explained that he had only been talking to Minjun for a moment.
Without saying anything, Daiki pulled Minjun into his arms and gave his brother a cold, disapproving look. Understanding that he had pushed things too far, Taishi backed away quickly, saying that he would see them later.
After he had gone, Daiki, visibly irritated, questioned Minjun about his behaviour. He asked whether Minjun was incapable of staying in one place, and wondered sarcastically whether he enjoyed following Taishi around.
Equally annoyed, Minjun turned toward him and replied firmly that he had chosen to follow Taishi, whereas it was Daiki who had followed him.
Furious, Daiki took hold of his hand and pulled him into a nearby room.
While the two of them were inside, Maya remained outside the door, listening quietly to everything while maintaining a professional expression, despite his growing curiosity.
Later that night, after they returned home, Daiki handed the sleeping Thomas over to Maya and instructed him firmly to carry the boy to his bedroom. He also instructed them that if Thomas woke during the night, they were to do everything they could to keep him comfortable.
Kenta and Maya agreed without question, and Daiki left them alone with the sleeping boy.
After a long silence, Kenta was about to say something about Minjun when Maya interrupted him with a small smile, trying to appear calm. Everything was fine, he said. Daiki and Minjun simply needed to talk. He added that he did not believe the contract they had made would end so easily.
Kenta nodded, and Maya laughed casually, though inside, his heart was racing with anxiety and confused thoughts. Wanting to change the subject, he suggested that they carry Thomas to his room.
Meanwhile, after taking a shower, Minjun dried his hair while wondering how women managed to put on makeup every single day. It seemed exhausting to him, and far too complicated.
His thoughts were interrupted when Daiki walked into the bathroom.
Startled, still undressed, Minjun turned around and demanded to know what he was doing there.
Without saying a word, Daiki stepped closer and kissed him.
When the kiss ended, Daiki told him calmly that he would never force him to do anything. If Minjun said no, he would respect that decision completely.
Minjun stayed silent for a few moments. Then he returned the kiss.
Seeing that his feelings had been accepted, Daiki smiled with quiet satisfaction.