Episode 9

Eley was at a loss for words.

Fear and nervousness coursed through him, heightened by the imposing height he faced. The tight grip on his arm had been unmistakable, yet the pressure had ceased upon being seen.

He felt the piercing stare, a formidable presence. Eley took a step back and extended the bag towards him, eyes cast downward.

"I'm sorry, I forgot to take it off, but everything is in there. I didn't take anything, I mean, I checked to see what was inside, but I haven't stolen anything. All the money is still there. Please forgive me."

Lukyan looked on as Eley offered the bag without meeting his gaze, unsure of his own feelings. He slowly accepted the bag to inspect his clothing inside. His gaze lingered on Eley who still appeared intimidated and scared, as if he had committed an unspeakable crime. Lukyan didn't bother to check if the money was there; it was of no consequence to him.

He longed to see Eley's face, yet it remained elusive, eyes fixed on the ground.

"That's all, goodbye," Eley added, turning on his heel to walk away.

Lukyan watched him hasten his pace, almost to a run, and couldn't merely disregard him. He sighed, legs moving before his brain signaled to walk.

Eley heard the quickened footsteps behind him and attempted to quicken his own, but his shorter legs struggled against Lukyan's stride. As he reached the stairs, his arm was seized, and he halted, misstepping and nearly falling, but the Alpha circled his waist, pulling him close for support.

"You're quite clumsy today," the dark-haired man remarked.

Eley's breath hitched from the closeness, and he quickly cleared his throat to distance himself.

"Sorry."

"Why do you apologize so much?"

"Sorry," he repeated, mentally chiding himself. "I mean... sorry."

He caught Lukyan's gaze seeking his, and reluctantly, Eley met those blue and green eyes that seared with the intensity of a lion's.

"How did you know that was my classroom?"

"I asked a friend."

"A friend?"

"A Beta friend," he corrected, watching Lukyan's expression soften.

"I see."

"Yes, and now that I've returned what I owe you, I must go."

He descended the stairs briskly.

"You look very scared," he heard from behind him. "Do you think I'm upset?"

"I just didn't want you to think I'm a thief. The money is all there," he said, continuing to walk.

"Since you've returned the money, how about we go grab a bite to eat?"

"I don't have time for friend outings, sorry," he stated sharply, regretting the harshness in his tone.

Lukyan followed, hands in his pockets.

"How about we go out to get to know each other better?" he probed for a response.

"You know my name and I know yours, that's enough. There's nothing more to know about me."

"I figured you'd say something like that."

"Congrats, you're a prophet. Are you going to follow me the whole way?"

A smile broke across Lukyan's face. He was thoroughly observing Eley, thinking how small and slim he was, easy to hold in his arms or do as he pleased, yet he was fussy and not at all simple, which only spurred Lukyan's interest in talking further.

"I'm just headed the same way as you. There's no other route, after all."

Eley remained silent.

He could feel Lukyan's gaze nearly burning into his back. A shiver ran down his spine and he struggled to swallow, noticing his palms were slick with sweat. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes momentarily to gather his thoughts.

At the bus stop outside the university, he saw Lukyan leaning casually, arms crossed. Unsure of what the other man had in mind, but if it was to unnerve him, it was working perfectly as nerves rattled him. Restless hands led him to sit on the bench. His gaze betrayed him, straying towards Lukyan's direction. The serious face, the black hair tousled by the breeze, the eyes shining even in the shadows, and clothes that fit him impeccably, including the black jeans with torn knees and a fitted long-sleeved shirt.

Then, Eley's name was called. He looked left to see an approaching Omega, a casual acquaintance. Immediately, the Omega's eyes turned to Lukyan, who only focused on Eley until then. Eley witnessed Lukyan's reluctant diversion of attention and perceived his obvious displeasure.

"Eley, I'm glad I found you. I was looking for you because I need to ask you about Cheng."

"What about him?"

"Do you think he could reserve a table for me this weekend? It's urgent. If you can help me with that, please."

Though Eley heard every word, his eyes wandered to the Alpha who stood unfazed by the exchange. Mere the sound of the Omega's voice seemed to irritate Lukyan, breaths drawn in through the mouth as the boy's pheromones induced nausea.

Clenching his fists, Lukyan thought about how he wished to rid Eley of those repugnant scents with a thorough shower.

"Eh, I'm not sure. I'll have to ask, but it's unlikely. You know tables need to be booked a week in advance."

The Omega sighed, appearing contemplative, then drew closer, taking Eley's hands in a sincere plea.

"Please, Eley, it would mean a lot to me, and I promise to return the favor."

Eley struggled with what to say. He didn't want to come off as unkind, yet couldn't give any guarantees. There was a chance Cheng might help, but it was uncertain.

"Alright, I'll try to speak with him."

The Omega's face lit up with gratitude, offering a hug and a chocolate from his pocket as a token of appreciation.

"Thank you so much! I'm sure he'll say yes since you're friends. Here," he handed over the chocolate. "I promise to return the favor whenever you need it."

The Omega quickly departed, but not before throwing a quick glance at the stern-faced Alpha.

Frozen, Eley's impulses clamored for approach, yet he remained stationary, fearing that even breathing was hazardous. He sensed Lukyan's irritation was due to the Omega's intrusion and the unwanted diffusion of pheromones.

So he had to ask:

"Why do you despise Omegas so much?"

Lukyan heard the question, but avoided eye contact, seething in silence.

His aggravation was palpable, and in such a mood, his tendency for aggression took hold, unbridled. He stepped back at Eley's advance, giving a sharp look that warned:

Do not take another step.

"Why do I hate Omegas?" he scoffed bitterly. "Because they're deceitful manipulators. No doubt securing a table for your friend is nearly impossible, but you agreed simply because he sweet-talked you."

"You just spoke kindly to me."

"Kindness is far different from manipulation," Lukyan retorted.

Lowering his gaze, Eley stepped back.

"They go about spreading their repulsive pheromones," Lukyan growled, fists clenched. "It's revolting."

His tone was markedly harsher than usual.

"I'm sorry, I should go now."

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