Translator: Nox

Chapter 18

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A surge of unnamed feelings gripped Doha as he shifted his stance, eyes sharp with caution.

That earlier wave of powerlessness now hardened into resolve.

Delay held no appeal any longer.

He cradled Yewon’s tiny palms between his own, squeezing with protective firmness.

She needed to remain close, sharing a home with her uncle forever.

He’d fall short in countless ways, no doubt—

His rare hesitation broke the flow.

Yewon launched herself forward, arms locking around his neck.

The promise sparkled with happiness too bright for more details.

The lock clicked free, and Weon barreled through the entrance.

Doha’s fingers clamped over Weon’s lips in an instant.

Weon’s glare burned with silent fury while Doha murmured steadily.

Garble of protests. Hands off. Quiet guaranteed.

Years of proximity had cursed Doha with perfect translation of those stifled rants, a fact that twisted his gut.

He nudged Yewon’s bedroom door toward closed and turned to Weon, who balanced a colossal stuffed bear under one arm.

How did you even lug that beast inside?

Child’s play for our precious Yewon.

Delusional move. Imagine the witnesses.

Doesn’t matter who’s watching. Your place tops the risk list.

Doha conceded the logic inwardly.

As GLEET idols, whispers about Lee Doha and Hanwon carried zero real sting.

Yewon down for the night already? Barely past nine.

Typical for her age. Our habits skew unnatural.

No kidding? My little brothers turned nocturnal pests right about now. Yewon fragile maybe? Boot camp her schedule?

Doha relieved Weon of the toy without a word.

Weon surrendered it smoothly and slipped back out.

Bewilderment hit Doha just as the lock engaged once more, revealing a mountain of oversized bags and cases.

Spot on. Your big brother’s relocating full-time.

Temporary crash, couple months max, you maniac.

Profanity escaped Doha despite his usual restraint.

CEO dictates terms. Remember his line? Clown uncles combined might mimic one decent guardian. Lone wolf Doha? Recipe for chaos. Count me in.

Half-wit suits you; you’re a quarter-wit at best. Beat it.

Dream on. Yewon adores her extra uncle. Making this nest permanent with my darling fledgling, my sweet cherub.

Doha’s eyes narrowed to slits, his whisper dripping acid.

Push further, and Yewon learns Uncle Doha banished you. Echo that earlier pout of hers?

The argument landed hard; Doha clenched his jaw.

Craving your company? Pure tolerance for your nonsense, courtesy of Yewon—thanks, Lee Doha.

Hypocrite much? Walk away then—

Eon shows up, blades out for you. I’d scoop Yewon and bolt.

Eon’s name dropped the tension like a stone; Doha fell silent.

No denying it—Eon would strike without mercy, and shielding Yewon from violence came first.

Claiming this space regardless. Appreciate it.

Panic whitened Doha’s features.

Studio setup for a work dodger?

Such a demanding leader. Catering to your whims exhausts.

Practical for what? Your setup where?

Ridiculous query. Rooms aplenty—no doubling up. Lost it?

Shared space logic? Yewon’s sanctuary, creative nook, your quarters. Two extras remain, psycho.

Dressing area claims one. Ian’s old spot the last.

Ian froze Weon solid.

True… your shared pad with him back then… Hell.

Doha’s stare screamed delayed awakening.

Eon roommate instead? I’d greenlight that.

Weon’s face turned to stone at the prospect.

Extra bedding queued up, sweetheart?

Shell out yourself. Wallets don’t lie.

Rookie dorm vibes returned in force.

Across town, CEO Park paced his office alone.

Doha’s exit sparked his private maneuvering.

Solid choice from him. We rally to amplify it. Ideas?

On that note, sir—that fresh OTube offer.

Hwang Jio’s handiwork, the PD whose name alone ignited hype.

Observational series pitch. With the group’s fractures so deep, auto-reject seemed wise.

Declining stung CEO Park’s pride.

Still… potential goldmine here.

True. Spotlight Doha and Yewon authentically for all to see. Vague secrecy only fuels gossip mills. Flip it—bare their routine in a raw childcare docuseries, full exposure.

Parenting formats polish reputations best. GLEET rebounds from the dip. Doha’s backstory shines positive. Win-win.

The pitch clicked into place.

Hwang’s team craved exactly this angle; they’d pounce.

Buy-in from the members? Impossible. Eon’s overseas. Doha, that mule?

Yeongeo rubbed his neck uneasily.

Turning down Hwang PD screams amateur hour.

Alignment this flawless might never repeat.

A deranged brainstorm hit me, Yeongeo…

—Secured entry to the place?

CEO Park’s call lit Weon’s screen.

Affirmative. Lee Doha’s mug repulses me… saddled with a 40-year Cheongdam mortgage at 5.8 percent, freelancer penalty hiking the bleed… but Yewon’s cuteness overrides all. Planting roots for those smiles.

Smart pivot. Hannam-dong offers peace over Cheongdam chaos.

Pot calling kettle—you’re my upstairs in Cheongdam.

Pipe down. This advice saves your skin. Doha and Yewon meshing? Tightening up?

Dense one. Yewon-dependent yet blind to it.

Shoots me these paranoid side-eyes, terrified I’ll swipe his niece. Drop by, verify!

Pinched my leg twice, sneaky behind her. Hoarding instincts on blast—lifelong first!

—Promising trajectory?

—Skip details. Track Doha diligently.

Already my playbook.

Call ended, but unease gnawed at Weon.

CEO schemed in shadows…