The wailing of the siren rang in Jihoon's ear and the omega stared blankly as the medics wheeled Yena's body into the ambulance.
"All done," a hand patted his shoulder, snapping him out of his daze and he blinked, confused.
"Huh?"
The medic offered him a sympathetic smile. "I've cleaned up your wound," she gestured at his hand. "Thankfully, the glass shard wasn't that deep, so it didn't need stitches."
"Oh." Jihoon looked at the hand. "Thank you," he stood up and looked around the scene.
Seoul university was unusually crowded, police cars filling the campus. Students stood in clusters, fear visible in their faces as they answered the questions of the police officers who took notes.
"Are you okay?" Seojun's voice sounded beside him. "You seem out of it."
"I'm not sure," he answered truthfully and the other hummed in understanding.
"Excuse me," An officer approached the duo and they turned.
"Which one of you is Mr Kang Jihoon?"
"That's me," The omega answered and the man regarded him for a moment.
"I have a few questions for you. If you wouldn't mind."
Jihoon stuffed his clammy hands into his pockets. He nodded slowly, his throat feeling clogged.
"What can you say about Miss Lee?"
The omega cleared his throat, looking at the ground. "She was a good student," he exhaled, meeting the officer's eyes. "Uhh... she was quiet and attentive during my classes."
The officer hummed, taking notes. "Did you notice anything weird about her behavior these past few days?"
Jimin licked his dry lips. "She has been distracted in class... though one time I found her crying in the male restroom," he muttered and the police man raised an eyebrow.
"The male restroom?"
"Surprising, right?" Seojun chipped in. "I was too," he promptly zipped his lips when the officer shot him a glare.
"Did she tell you why she was crying or why she was there?" The man asked and Jihoon shook his head.
The officer gave a slight nod, scribbling something on his notebook. "That's all for now. Thanks for your help."
"Wait—" Jihoon hesitated, throat tight. "What happened to her?"
The officer glanced back over his shoulder, his expression unreadable. "The investigation is still ongoing. But it should be wrapped up soon."
"Why?"
"Well, the signs all point to suicide which is common among young adults these days."
Jihoon nodded stiffly, turning away from the officer. He reached a trembling hand to his neck, itching to take out the scent patch.
The omega closed his eyes, the memory of Yena's bruised wrist resurfacing his mind. He didn't know why he withheld such information from the police.
He sighed, opening his eyes.
Seojun glanced at the scene, feeling sorry for the other. He placed a sympathetic hand on Jihoon's shoulders. "Your car is... trashed, Jihoon. How will you get home?"
The omega blinked, suddenly remembering his vehicle. "Yeah..." he stepped away from the other's touch, playing with his sleeves. "I'll just take a taxi, Senior."
"It's alright," Seojun waved a dismissive hand. "I'll just drop you off at your place."
Jihoon shifted on his feet, hesitant.
"I'm offering. Let me drop you off," The other pressed.
"Senior... Ah—"
"I'll take him home," a voice sliced through the tension.
Jihoon's breath hitched as Junghoon stepped into view, his sharp gaze scanning the scene.
What was the alpha trying to do?
"I'm headed that way too," Junghoon said smoothly, a polite smile on his lips.
Seojun's lips twisted in an uncomfortable smile. "There's no need to trouble yourself, Junghoon," he chuckled awkwardly. "I'll just—"
"It is no trouble at all," Junghoon interjected firmly. "Besides, I have some questions for Mr Kang." he added, staring the other down.
Seojun bristled, narrowing his eyes at him.
The air became tense as both men stared at each other while Jihoon's jerked back and forth between them, eyes blinking in confusion.
Was there an ongoing feud between them?
"Fine," Seojun relented, stepping back. "Take care of yourself, Jihoon."
He narrowed his eyes at Junghoon before walking away.
Jihoon glanced at the alpha, eyebrows raised. "What was that all about?"
"I don't know," Junghoon shrugged, a sly grin on his face. "Let's go."
They walked to his motorbike that was parked nearby and the alpha handed him a helmet as he got on.
"Hold tight," he said and Jihoon rolled his eyes at the teasing tone as he put on his helmet.
He got on and wrapped his arms around the alpha's waist, his ears heating up at the touch.
The ride was quiet, and the omega closed his eyes as the wind his hit face.
"Are you alright, Sir?" Junghoon asked as they rounded a corner and he hummed, biting his lips.
"I think I am."
The alpha didn't say anything after that.
Jihoon frowned when he felt Junghoon stop, eyebrows raising quizzically at the destination.
"This is not my apartment," he deadpanned and the alpha hummed, lips quirking up in amusement.
"I know. I just wanted to get my favorite drink," he said, hopping off the bike. "Will you be alright or you want to join me?"
"I'll be fine, Junghoon." Jihoon waved him off. "Just go and get what you need."
"I'll be right back," Junghoon said and walked into the bakery.
Jihoon watched him walk away in confident steps, each movement measured. The alpha's gait and cool demeanor demanded respect and the omega licked his dry lips.
A hand caressed his arm and he hurriedly turned his head, coming face to face with a man.
"Hey, beautiful."
"Do I know you?" Jihoon asked with forced politeness, eyes glinting in anger.
"Don't be like that," The man smirked, encroaching the omega's space. "I could show you a good time."
Jihoon tensed, his skin prickling with unease as he glanced at the bakery doors. "Not interested," he responded, crossing his arms.
What was taking Junghoon so long?
The stranger ignored his disinterest and reached for him. Jihoon twisted out of the way, hissing in anger.
"Don't touch me!"
The man chuckled darkly. "I've heard the hissy ones are the best in bed."
Jihoon's eyes flicked nervously to the empty street. His heart hammered in his chest as he stepped back, keeping his eyes on the stranger.
"Stay away from me," he growled, fingers spread out in warning as the stranger advanced.
The stranger's grin widened, no doubt pleased with Jihoon's fear. "I bet you'll be more tamed when I have you trembling on my knot."
"And I bet that if you don't stop speaking, you'll lose what you are most proud of."
Jihoon's breath caught as he turned, eyes locking on Junghoon. The alpha approached them with two drinks in hand,
"Junghoon," he whispered, shoulders sagging in relief.
"Quietly leave," Junghoon said, walking closer. His gaze flicked to Jihoon briefly before turning to the stranger. "... Or I will make you leave."
The stranger scoffed, not backing down. "And who are you?"
"His alpha."
Jihoon's eyes widened at the bold declaration, his breath hitching.