Episode 8

Monday arrived swiftly.

Eley made sure to pack the hoodie in a paper bag before leaving home. He avoided his siblings, knowing they would bombard him with questions about who it belonged to.

Upon reaching the university, he paused at the entrance for a moment. He recalled what Lukyan had told him about his schedule, but it was almost time for his class and Lukyan was nowhere to be seen. Releasing a sigh, he assumed Lukyan might have already arrived, so he started heading inside. Climbing the stairs to the fifth-floor left him exhausted. Not spotting Lukyan anywhere, he simply entered his class. Cheng was there, seated as usual, finishing tasks at the last minute.

"Hello, how was your weekend?" Cheng asked kindly, with a smile.

"All good, family dinner and such. How about yours? A lot of work?"

Eley released a sigh, though the answer was clear to him – Cheng's tired face said it all. He always worked hard and studied. Eley didn't hesitate to help whenever asked, yet he still felt the desire to assist even further.

"Somewhat, but it's all good," replied Cheng with a smile, and Eley nodded in response.

As the professor arrived, the class progressed quickly. Eley felt his left hand cramping from taking down the lecture notes, but he kept his writing neat and orderly. He disliked having disorganized notes, as it would take too long to find anything if written hastily. When the class ended, the professor assigned some simple exercises and took a seat.

"Hey, how's your term going?" Cheng asked while jotting down some notes.

Eley glanced briefly at Cheng, then remembered. It was just the start of the year, and his term typically began mid-way, which was still months away.

"I'm good, nothing unusual."

Cheng nodded.

"That's good. Remember to let me know in advance to ask for time off work."

"Of course, will do."

Cheng merely nodded and continued with his exercises, yet occasionally glanced over at Eley. Something was off; Eley kept looking toward the door every five minutes and incessantly checked the contents of his bag beside his chair. He usually shared everything, so Cheng figured if something was crucial, Eley would speak up, but not a word about it came up the entire class.

Time flew, and lunchtime arrived. They went to the cafeteria, where Eley tried appearing calm, focusing only on the food on his tray, though it took effort. He watched everyone entering and exiting, but the Alpha was nowhere. He didn't want to seem desperate, yet the idea of Lukyan assuming thievery terrified him. Finally, unable to restrain any longer, he glanced at his friend. Cheng was eating slowly; his blond hair falling across his forehead and more glossy than usual. No doubt handsome, but with so little free time, he rarely socialized. There was a dominant Omega he fancied, but never dared to approach.

"Cheng," Eley whispered, and he looked up immediately, "do you know all the Alphas at the university?"

Cheng assumed a thoughtful expression.

"Most of them, why?"

"I need to find one."

"An Alpha?"

Eley nodded.

"But, you spoke with one?"

Another nod.

"And you're okay? You know some Alphas carelessly release their pheromones around Betas."

"I'm fine; he did nothing of that sort, but I need to return something to him."

"Who is it?"

Cheng was chewing calmly until he heard:

"Lukyan Chevron."

He immediately spat out his food, coughing. He looked at Eley to verify the truth, but there was no sign of a joke. Drinking some water, he swallowed with difficulty.

"Eley, are you serious? You spoke with him?"

"Yes, it's him."

"But, he despises Omegas; everyone knows that. He even hates Alphas. He can't stand being as much as looked at and I've seen how he treats Omegas horribly, even resorting to hitting them, and he's even worse with Alphas."

Eley fell silent, the nerves building as he heard this.

"Yes, he mentioned his dislike for Omegas and Alphas."

"It's not mere dislike; it's hatred. People say he once nearly killed an Omega. Didn't matter the Omega was weaker, smaller; he beat him so badly the Omega was in a coma for five months. It was all over the news. He's bad news, it's best you avoid him. And, how did he end up talking to you?"

"I lied. He thought I was a Beta, and I just went along with it," Eley whispered, gaze downcast.

Cheng sighed.

"That's bad. You shouldn't have lied. Imagine if he learns the truth and that he spoke with an Omega. He'd want you dead. What do you want to return?"

Eley simply lifted the bag and Cheng peered inside to see the hoodie.

"How'd you end up with his clothes?"

"We went out to eat, and when we left, it was cold. He lent it to me and, upon getting home, I realized his wallet with money and bank cards was inside. I don't want him to think I stole from him. Help me find him."

"Eley, it's not wise to interact with him. Whenever I see him in the halls, he looks as if he's itching to kill everyone, clearly filled with loathing. People talk about him behind his back. Moreover, his family is rumored to be cursed; his dominant Alpha and Omega parents are described as dreadful."

The Omega remained silent, reflecting on his hands and letting out a sigh. He thought Cheng might provide helpful information since Cheng was well-acquainted with many, thanks to working at a prestigious restaurant frequented by the affluent. However, the details Cheng revealed were more than he bargained for. Now he feared confronting Lukyan and continuing the lie of being a Beta. For a moment, he imagined himself beaten, in a coma like the other Omega.

He clenched his fists, closing his eyes briefly.

"I know, but I don't want him to have a poor impression of me. It's just to return his belongings, not come off as a thief. Can you tell me where his classroom is?"

Cheng looked at him solemnly; Eley's disheartened face made it hard to refuse. Cheng remained silent to avoid further trouble, but Eley's pleading eyes swayed him.

"Sixth floor, room 346. Just don't get too involved, okay? He's trouble. Maybe he was civil because he thought you were a Beta, but if he learns the truth, he'll erupt."

Eley nodded again and again, mentally repeating he would avoid further conversation with Lukyan. He then focused on his tray, eating slowly. After finishing lunch, they stepped outside and settled on the benches for a while, discussing other matters.

At the day's end, the professor let them out early, so Eley used those minutes to ascend to the sixth floor. He checked each door, some closed, others open, and at the end of the corridor was the right door. For a moment, the hallway seemed dark and ominous. Swallowing hard, he advanced to wait outside. A few students passed by, paying him no mind; everyone at the university presumed he was just a Beta and walked on without a glance.

The bell rang, the door opened, and students began to stream out. Many Alphas emerged in conversation, along with several Omegas and Betas. Eley stood still, searching the crowd for Lukyan, but everyone had left without a sighting of him. He thought maybe Lukyan stayed in, so he stepped forward to peek inside.

In that second, Lukyan emerged, and they collided.

Annoyed, the Alpha looked down and gripped Eley's arm tightly, tired of Omegas who feigned accidents to get his attention. Recognizing the red hair, he loosened his hold immediately, and Eley lifted his gaze to meet Lukyan's.

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