Minjun paused before Haruto’s study door, his hand lingering just above the polished wood while he inhaled deeply. Though Haruto had requested his presence, the reason remained a mystery. The uncertainty weighed on his chest, causing his heart to pound more intensely than usual. He straightened his butler suit, smoothing the seam of his jacket with his fingers, as if readying himself for whatever lay ahead.

"Okay, pull yourself together," he murmured quietly to himself. After taking a final deep breath, he lifted his hand and knocked solidly on the door.

"Come in," Haruto's voice floated through the air with a serene calmness, echoing from the other side of the door.

Minjun entered the study, his back straight though his mind was swirling with apprehension. As the door closed quietly behind him, his gaze was instantly captured by Haruto, who stood by the expansive window, looking out at the verdant gardens. The sunlight cast a golden glow over him, and for a brief moment, Minjun felt as if he couldn't move.

Haruto glanced over at him, a subtle smile appearing on his face. "Ah, Minjun," he spoke in a calm and steady voice. "Join me. Lunch is served."

Minjun blinked, his eyes moving to the beautifully arranged meal on the compact dining table. "Sit?" he repeated, his voice uncertain. He looked around as though trying to find some unwritten rule he might have violated.

"Please, take a seat," Haruto instructed, motioning towards the table as he approached. "We talked about this before, remember? From now on, you’ll be joining me for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."

Minjun's cheeks flushed with a sudden pink hue as the morning's conversation resurfaced in his mind. His fingers automatically toyed with the edge of his jacket while he responded, "Yes, Haruto, I recall. But are you certain? I really don't want to be a burden—"

Haruto's face relaxed, but his voice remained steadfast, allowing no argument. "Minjun, you're not a burden. You're a member of this family, and I stand by what I mentioned earlier today. Your health and well-being matter. Eating properly is essential and not up for discussion."

Minjun swallowed hard, feeling the lump in his throat constrict painfully as his gaze flickered to the table, tracing the grain of the wood before returning to meet Haruto's steady eyes. "I... I understand," he murmured softly, though his heart pounded in his chest like a drum, each beat echoing with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

Haruto observed Minjun closely, noticing the slight tension in his stance. "You're still hesitating," Haruto noted, moving in closer. "Would it make a difference if I turned it into a command?" His tone was playful, yet there was no denying the authority it carried.

Minjun's breath hitched when Haruto stepped closer, leaving only inches between them. The heat from Haruto's nearness and the intensity of his stare made Minjun feel unsettled. It dawned on him belatedly that he had been holding his breath, and he released it in a shaky sigh.

"Please, have a seat, Minjun," Haruto murmured gently, his voice carrying a steady yet authoritative tone that left little room for objection. His eyes, calm yet firm, met Minjun's as he continued, "From this moment on, you'll be joining me for lunch and dinner as well. Do we have an agreement?"

Minjun nodded hastily, at a loss for words to oppose or refuse. He approached the table, his steps awkward and hesitant. Haruto trailed behind, smoothly pulling out a chair for him, which only heightened Minjun's anxiety.

When Minjun finally took his seat, Haruto positioned himself opposite him. Haruto's composed manner starkly contrasted with the chaos of feelings brewing inside Minjun. Though the room was enveloped in peaceful silence, the impact of Haruto's words continued to hang heavily in the atmosphere.

Haruto reclined in his chair, maintaining a steady gaze on Minjun while motioning to the table. "Feel free to start eating," he stated, his voice calm yet firm.

Minjun gulped and gave a subtle nod while picking up his utensils. His hands shook a bit as he sliced into the exquisite dish before him, keenly aware of the silence that enveloped the room. With his first taste, the sumptuous flavors overwhelmed his senses, yet it was difficult to savor fully with Haruto's gaze fixed upon him.

As Minjun started eating, Haruto followed suit, grabbing his fork and knife to begin his meal. An uncomfortable silence filled the room, broken only by the gentle clatter of utensils against porcelain. Minjun fidgeted in his chair, acutely aware of Haruto's eyes fixed on him. The intensity of Haruto's gaze made Minjun's heart pound, each look laden with an unshakable weight.

His foot started tapping gently on the floor, and soon his whole leg was bouncing beneath the table—a nervous habit he couldn't control. He kept his eyes glued to his plate, resolute in not looking up, though he was acutely conscious of Haruto watching him.

Haruto caught the movement right away. Curiously, he raised an eyebrow and leaned back a bit in his chair, tilting his head. Silently, he watched as Minjun's leg bounced rhythmically. Haruto's slight change in posture caught Minjun's eye, causing him to stop bouncing abruptly.

The sudden realization that Haruto had been watching him all this time sent a rush of heat to Minjun's cheeks, turning them a deep shade of crimson. His heart skipped a beat, and the embarrassment seemed to spread like wildfire across his face. With an awkward cough to break the silence, Minjun set his fork down on the table, the metallic clatter echoing in the room. He then placed his hand firmly on his knee, willing the restless limb to cease its nervous jiggle, as if trying to ground himself in the moment.

Haruto's lips curved into the faintest of smiles, a subtle expression that hinted at an inner amusement. His demeanor remained calm and unbothered, exuding a quiet confidence. "Nervous, Minjun?" he inquired, his voice low and steady, slicing through the silence like a sharp blade. The question hung in the air, charged with a mixture of challenge and curiosity.

"I—no. I mean, I just..." Minjun stammered, his voice wavering as he fumbled for the right words, his cheeks flushing a deep crimson. The heat radiated from his skin, almost palpable in the awkward silence that followed. "It's just... the food is very good," he finally managed, the words tumbling out in a rush as he glanced down at his plate, hoping it might somehow shield him from further embarrassment.

Haruto let out a soft chuckle, a gentle sound that hinted at his skepticism, yet he chose not to pursue the matter further. "I'm glad you enjoy it," he remarked with a simple sincerity, shifting his focus back to the meal before him. His eyes, however, flicked up momentarily, capturing Minjun's gaze with a fleeting glance, before he resumed eating with deliberate calmness.