POV: Third Person (with focus on both)
The silence between them simmered. Around them, the club pulsed with low music and dim lights, but in their corner, the air had thickened with something else—curiosity, dominance, and an undercurrent of something neither wanted to name.
Ho In-su sat stiffly, hands in his lap, trying to keep his scent neutral, controlled. Lee Yohan hadn't taken his eyes off him. The Alpha looked lazy, almost bored, one arm draped over the back of the couch—but In-su could feel the sharpness beneath that calm exterior.
Predator.
"I don't do charity," Yohan said at last, sipping his drink. "If you want protection, you offer something in return."
In-su met his gaze. "I'm not offering myself."
Yohan's smirk was slow. "I didn't say you were. But you came to me, Omega. That tells me two things—you're desperate, and you're either very stupid... or very brave."
"Brave," In-su said without missing a beat.
That answer made Yohan pause. He leaned forward slightly, his scent shifting, slipping past the scent blockers for the first time—rich, dominant, sharp as gunmetal. It made something in In-su's chest tighten. His own scent spiked involuntarily, a defensive pulse of strength and purity. The clash was instant.
Yohan's eyes narrowed. "You're a dominant one, aren't you? That explains the mouth."
In-su refused to shrink. "You want payment? I'm a certified teacher. I can help with your... youth programs. Or your cover operations."
Yohan chuckled. "You think I need help teaching kids how to read?"
"No," In-su said. "But I think there's a part of your organization that wants legitimacy. And I'm offering you a clean name."
That gave Yohan real pause. He studied In-su now—not as prey, but as a piece on the board.
After a long silence, he spoke.
"Here's my offer. I'll protect you. No one touches you without my permission. You'll stay somewhere I control. In exchange... you'll owe me one favor. Of my choosing."
In-su frowned. "What kind of favor?"
Yohan's smirk widened. "You'll know when I ask for it."
It was a devil's deal. But In-su had no better choice. He'd walked into the wolf's den—and now, the wolf had his scent.
"I accept," he said.
Yohan stood, towering over him. "Then it's done. Starting tonight, you belong to me."
In-su's heart skipped. "I'm not yours."
The Alpha's gaze darkened.
"You will be."
Yohan's estate, early morning.
POV: Ho In-su
It had been two weeks since Ho In-su moved into the heavily guarded estate outside the city. The security was suffocating. Cameras, guards, reinforced gates... yet inside, the place was eerily quiet. Expensive. Tasteful. Cold.
Like Yohan.
The Alpha didn't hover. He came and went like smoke, always dressed in black, always composed. But somehow, he always knew where In-su was. When he left for school. When he returned. When he hadn't eaten.
In-su pulled his sweater over his head and grabbed his school bag. Another day with thirty second-graders and one shadow watching from afar.
He stepped into the kitchen and stopped short.
Yohan was there.
Dressed in a crisp button-down, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly damp. Making coffee.
Their eyes met. Silence.
"...You're awake early," In-su said cautiously.
Yohan didn't look at him as he poured a second mug. "You keep leaving without breakfast."
"I eat at school."
"I don't care," Yohan said flatly, setting a mug down on the counter. "Sit."
In-su narrowed his eyes. "You're not my—"
"Protector?" Yohan interrupted coolly. "I am. You agreed to that. So sit."
In-su hesitated. Then, sighing, he slid into the stool at the marble island. The coffee smelled like heaven.
Yohan placed toast and fruit beside the mug. Nothing fancy. But it was... gentle.
"Thanks," In-su mumbled, avoiding his eyes.
Yohan didn't respond. He just leaned against the counter, sipping his own coffee, watching. Quiet. Still. Like he was trying to read In-su without giving anything away.
After a few moments, In-su glanced up. "You don't strike me as someone who makes breakfast."
"I don't." Yohan met his gaze. "But you looked tired yesterday. Pale. Like you hadn't eaten."
In-su blinked. The words settled awkwardly between them. Not quite concern. But something close.
"...You noticed?"
"I notice everything," Yohan said simply. "Especially what's mine."
In-su bristled. "I'm not—"
"I know," Yohan said quietly. "But while you're under my roof, I'll take care of you. That includes toast."
The silence after that felt heavier—but warmer.
Later, as In-su slipped on his shoes by the door, Yohan stood nearby, arms crossed, watching him like a bodyguard in a suit of ice.
"Do you want me to drive you today?" the Alpha asked, almost awkwardly.
In-su paused. "Why? So you can scare the kids?"
A faint smile flickered at the corner of Yohan's mouth. "Maybe."
"...I'll take the car. Alone."
Yohan nodded. But as In-su stepped outside, he heard the Alpha's voice behind him—quiet, rough, and almost tender.
"Text me when you get there."
In-su turned, surprised. Yohan wasn't even looking at him anymore.
He didn't reply.
But he did text him.