Jet sparred with Han, going easy on the Omega. Though they kept a serious tone at first, their practice soon turned into laughter-filled fun. As the evening rolled in, Han offered to walk Jet home, the snowy city streets quiet around them.
"I ran into that girl today," Jet mentioned casually as they strolled. "The one who always hovers around you. She said something interesting."
Han glanced at him curiously. "Oh? What did she say?"
Jet hesitated, his tone light but testing the waters. "She claimed you two were… together."
Han stopped mid-step, turning to Jet with a sharp look. "What?"
"She told me not to bother someone who already has a mate—'me,' she said." Jet shrugged, trying to keep the mood light.
Han stopped in his tracks, turning to face Jet with a look of disbelief. "She said that?"
Jet nodded cautiously. "I didn't want to cause trouble, so I didn't argue with her. I just walked away."
Han ran a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated. "That girl doesn't know when to stop. I've already told her we're not a match, but she keeps... claiming things."
Jet chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension. "Well, it's not like she can force you to like her."
Han's expression softened as he looked at Jet, his voice calm but firm. "That's because I already have someone I like."
Jet's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly masked it with a teasing tone. "Oh? And who might that be?"
Han sighed with a smirk, brushing past Jet as they continued walking. "That's for me to know and you to find out."
Jet laughed, shaking his head. "Mysterious as ever, aren't you?"
As they reached the gates of Jet's home, the teasing gave way to a comfortable silence. Han lingered for a moment, his hand brushing against Jet's briefly.
"Thanks for today," Han said softly. "The spot you chose—it's special. Just like..." He trailed off, shaking his head. "Goodnight, Jet."
Jet watched him walk away, a strange warmth filling his chest despite the cold night air. "Goodnight, Han," he whispered, his heart a little lighter.
"Aren't you both adorable?"
Jet nearly jumped out of his skin, spinning around to see Bao and Li standing a few steps away, giggling like they'd just caught him red-handed.
"How was today?" Bao asked, her voice teasing but warm. "I wanted to tag along with you both, but by the time I got here, you'd already left!"
Jet scratched the back of his neck, feeling a little flustered under their knowing smiles. "It was… nice. Peaceful, actually," he said, keeping it vague, though his expression gave him away.
Li's grin softened as she stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "Feng Bo decided to stay one more night, Jet," she said in a low voice, glancing toward the house. "You should go change before dinner. He'll pick up the scent if you don't."
Jet nodded, grateful for her foresight, waving goodbye to Bao. He slipped away quickly, heading to his room. Once inside, he let out a sigh of relief, glancing at himself in the mirror. He could still catch faint traces of Han's scent on his coat, and it made his chest tighten with something.
After a quick change into fresh clothes, Jet ran back down to join everyone for dinner. The dining table was lively as always, filled with the chatter and laughter of his siblings. Feng Bo, in particular, seemed to be in high spirits, recounting stories from his travels while the others chimed in with their own tales.
"Jet," Feng Bo called suddenly, pulling him into the lively conversation. "What's this I hear about you spending so much time outside these days? Found yourself a new hobby, or is there… something else?"
Jet froze for a moment, feeling all eyes on him. He chuckled nervously, reaching for his cup of tea to buy himself a moment. "I've just been exploring more," he said casually, keeping his tone light. "To see things you can't find in books—and to catch up with old friends."
Feng Bo leaned forward, his expression teasing but sharp. "Anything else? Like making trouble or… seeing someone?"
"Ah Bo, what exactly are you trying to say?" their mother interjected, her voice calm but edged with curiosity.
Feng Bo raised his hands innocently. "I'm just curious, Mother," he said with a grin. "This noon, Jet asked your permission to go out to meet someone, and you agreed. I wonder who this mysterious person might be."
Jet's lips quivered into a small smirk as he leaned back in his chair, matching his brother's energy. "You sound awfully interested, my dear brother," he said smoothly. "What's this? Are you hoping to meet them?"
The room erupted in laughter as Feng Bo's face flushed with embarrassment. He waved a hand dismissively, trying to hide his flustered state.
"I'm only joking," Jet added with a laugh of his own, letting the tension dissipate. "Honestly, I've just been exploring the village more—seeing new places and meeting people. It's all for inspiration, nothing more."
Feng Bo huffed but let the topic drop as the conversation shifted to lighter matters. Jet exhaled quietly, relieved the scrutiny was over, though his mind lingered on Han and the day they'd shared.
—-
"May I speak with your daughter, Xiao Yu?" Han asked politely.
Xiao Yu's mother blinked in surprise at the Alpha standing outside her door. It wasn't every day someone like him came calling. "Of course, please wait a moment."
The door creaked open wider as Xiao Yu appeared, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "This is a surprise! I never thought you would want to meet me—"
"I need to stop," Han interrupted, his tone calm but firm. "I know what you told my friend today."
Xiao Yu's smile faltered, her bright expression fading as she stood frozen.
"I understand you have feelings for me," Han continued gently, "but I don't feel the same way. I know this must be upsetting, but I ask to not say false things to others, especially my friends. Besides, my father is arranging for me to marry someone else. I wanted to be clear so there is no misunderstanding."
Xiao Yu's gaze dropped to the ground, her voice barely audible. "I see… Yes, I understand. I won't trouble you any longer." She bowed quickly before retreating into the house.
Han sighed, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. As he turned to leave, Xiao Yu's mother stepped outside, her expression apologetic.
"I'm sorry if my daughter caused you any trouble," she said softly. "Please don't hold it against her."
"There's no need to apologize," Han reassured her. "I just needed to clear the air. Thank you for letting me speak with her."
With a polite nod, he stepped away from the house, his thoughts still lingering.
'I hope this puts an end to things,' Han thought as he walked back toward the quiet streets of the village.