Rumours spread faster than illness.
By week's end, the silver-haired pianist and the intimidating transfer student were the centre of half the university's whispers.
Yu Zhen felt eyes tracking him constantly.
Lian Xuan was rarely more than an arm's distance away.
They studied together in empty halls, ate in nearly vacant corners of the cafeteria, and practised piano late into evenings when only custodians quietly moved through the halls.
But proximity only fed attention.
One afternoon, a group of Alpha students approached Yu Zhen outside the rehearsal studio.
"You always walk with him," one said casually. "Are you two dating or something?"
Yu Zhen didn't answer immediately.
Before he could respond, Lian Xuan stepped between them.
"Problem?" Lian Xuan asked calmly.
None of the students met his eyes for long.
"Just curious," another replied awkwardly.
"There is nothing to be curious about," Lian Xuan said. "He's not available."
And he placed his hand plainly against Yu Zhen's lower back.
Not vulgar.
Not subtle.
Territorial.
Yu Zhen inhaled sharply.
[SYSTEM RESPONSE][PUBLIC CLAIM REGISTERED][ALPHA JEALOUSY INDEX RISING][USER EMOTIONAL RESPONSE: THRILL MODERATE]
The students retreated instantly.
Once alone, Yu Zhen turned to him.
"You didn't need to do that."
"I did," Lian Xuan answered. "They were assessing you."
"Do you mind people assuming you're my Alpha?"
"I don't assume it," he said quietly. "I am."
Yu Zhen's lips parted.
Those words were said with certainty rather than arrogance.
Later that evening, they returned to the private piano room.
Yu Zhen played.
Lian Xuan listened.
When the final note faded, Lian Xuan stepped forward.
"Do you realise how many eyes are on you when you perform?" he murmured.
Yu Zhen shook his head. "I only see you."
The intimacy of that confession swelled between them.
Without instruction or hesitation, Lian Xuan pulled Yu Zhen into his chest and kissed him.
The contact was deeper here than it had been in the palace. Less rushed. Less constrained.
Yu Zhen melted instantly.
His hands slid up Lian Xuan's shoulders as the Alpha's arms wound around him tightly, pressing them flush together.
The kiss lingered this time.
Unashamed.
Hungry without crossing into recklessness.
[SYSTEM ALERT][SOUL THREAD SYNC SEVENTY PERCENT][MEMORY FRAGMENT 2: FORTY-FIVE PERCENT STABLE]
They finally parted only because Yu Zhen laughed breathlessly.
"This world may be worse than the empire," he teased. "Too many witnesses."
"Then I'll just have to be more possessive," Lian Xuan replied.
"That's dangerous."
"Good."
Yu Zhen looped his arms around the Alpha's waist again and rested his forehead on his collarbone.
"I never feel alone anymore."
Lian Xuan's voice softened.
"You never will."
He held Yu Zhen like that for a long, quiet time.