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Early in the morning when most of the people of the mansion were still asleep except for a couple of maids and butlers, Maverick stepped out of his room planning to have a walk by the beach. It's just something he enjoyed doing after visiting his grandfather's house after such a long time because it clears his mind and it's a great way to start a day.
It's still 4 in the morning so he silently headed to the back exit where the veranda and the patio were, and then finally to the small path leading to the beach. When he was at the last concrete ground, Maverick didn't hesitate to quickly remove his sandals before taking a step into the fine white sand, making him smile in relief at its cold and soothing feeling.
The sun hadn't risen yet and it was still pretty dark out but because the area was a private community where most of the wealthy people in Hawaii lived, the lights from the mansions lining the beachside together with his grandfather's mansion were enough to give visuals on the surroundings. Not to mention that the sky was already slowly turning grey and was just waiting for the sun to rise to beacon the start of the day.
Maverick closed his eyes as he inhaled and savored the cold salty air as it hit his skin. The best thing about picking this time to take a walk was because there was no one around to disturb him. He could be alone with himself and think about his life as a whole. He wasn't lonely in particular but sometimes he does want to be alone and have a peace of mind. And in order to have that, being alone in a relaxing place without any distraction was one way.
Like always, he thought he could achieve the peace of mind he was aiming for again today. Unfortunately, he didn't notice and it was too late for him to realize that he was walking towards two individuals sitting on the sand having their conversation. He didn't expect some people to think the same thing as him. He thought that just like always, it would just be him who will get to enjoy the beautiful sunrise. Alas, he was wrong.
"Oh, I-I'm sorry," Maverick squeaked, surprised. He was so preoccupied with his thoughts and didn't notice there were people to where he was heading. Even though there was nothing in particular in his mind, he was absent-minded and wasn't paying attention.
"It's okay." A soft and gentle tone responded and it was until then that Maverick again realized that he was standing in front of Mo Tian Zi and his friend(?), Fyre Long. This is the third time he had met the Omega and until now, he has not exchanged words with him. There was nothing he was against the Omega, it's just that, his relationship with Mo Tian Zi wasn't clear—whether they were lovers or not—he decided to avoid him especially because of that incident where something happened between him and the Alpha.
"Hey, you can join us if you're planning to watch the sunset too?" Maverick was about to head back, not wanting to disturb the two when Fyre Long suddenly called him and offered. And for some reason, he didn't know why he halted his feet and turned around to the two.
"Would that be okay? I don't want to interrupt you two." Maverick said. Honestly, he still didn't want to go back just yet but he was also curious why the Omega suddenly invited him. And the Alpha didn't seem to mind. He had been curious for a while now and he thought this was the perfect opportunity for him to know. Just to satisfy his curiosity and maybe to relieve himself of the burden just because of that one time. Until now, he's still feeling guilty about it. For touching the young Alpha and blaming it on his pheromones.
"Yeah, and you didn't interrupt anything. We would feel bad if you go back from your walk. It's not like we own this place." Fyre replied with a timid and awkward smile. He didn't expect Maverick Sullen, an Alpha(?), would reply to him. This was the first time—well, that is reasonable because this was also the only time where he ever tried to talk to him.
"Okay. Do you mind if I sit next to you?" Maverick asked with a friendly smile. He wanted to slap himself at this moment but since already kinda accepted the offer. Maverick briefly glanced at Tian Zi again and again that didn't seem to bother him. Normally, Alphas are very possessive with their partners especially next to other Alphas. Although he's not an Alpha, Fyre Long didn't know that. Everyone thinks he is an Alpha but it didn't seem like Tian Zi was showing any signs of possessiveness.
'Are they really just friends?' Maverick asked himself however when his eyes caught the familiar fabric Fyre was wearing, it became clear to him that even if the two aren't lovers, it should be just a matter of time before they do. In the first place, Alpha and Omega becoming friends and staying friends are almost unheard of. Most of them would end up together, if not married, they would have a child together, or at least once had a relationship. That's just the way it is. No one could ever resist the pull between an Alpha and an Omega.
Furthermore, even if they aren't an Alpha and Omega. Simply being alone at the beach together while waiting for the sunrise to come. One person giving his jacket to his partner as they sat close to each other, talking... Doesn't that sound way too romantic and heartwarming? Anyone would fall in love with this kind of setting. Clearly, something was up but it wasn't clear because the two kept denying it when there was no reason to deny it.
For now, the vibe the two gave off we're not clear. Sometimes they look like they are just friends but most times they look like lovers. And both didn't seem to know that! It's as if they both didn't know the limits of what being friends are and what is not.
"Yeah sure," Fyre simply replied and scooted closer to Tian Zi even though there was so much space already for Maverick to sit on.
"I'm Maverick by the way. This is the third time I've met you but I believe this is the first time we've exchanged words. Also, I heard about what had happened to you. I hope it gets fixed soon."
"Yeah, thank you... Things got a little crazy when I came into the picture because of this guy but I do hope it will get fixed soon... A-Anyway, I'm Fyre Long. Nice to meet you. This is indeed the first time we've talked to each other." Fyre replied as he watched Maverick moving to sit next to him.
"Well, it's because you too are very close. People think you're going to be the next Mo." Maverick replied using his professional smile, to which the two quickly reacted quite abruptly.
"What!? There's no way!" Fyre and Tian Zi said in chorus with both their forehead frowning in displease.
"What are people thinking? Older Brother Hanlu just had his wedding and people are already thinking of another member of the family going to marriage?! There's no way I'm marrying! Especially not this one!" Tian Zi almost immediately said that it truly surprised Maverick but didn't show it in his face. The Alpha didn't look like he was lying but his actions are completely the opposite. At least that is what he had been seeing until now. Even just now when Fyre got closer to him as the Omega moved over, the Alpha didn't mind and even seemed to enjoy it when normally, friends don't even go that close to each other while watching the sunset.
"Tch. As if I'd want to marry you too! FYI, you're not my type!" Fyre countered and glared at Tian Zi. From there the two began to bicker like they seem to usually do and only stopped when Maverick chuckled.
"You two really do get along." Maverick chuckled as he watched the two continue to argue but he could feel the connection the two had was deeper than just normal friends.
"We are not. I'm just forced to be with him at this point." Fyre frowned towards Maverick causing him to laugh again. When Fyre saw that he pouted and crossed his arms, never expecting it was this comfortable talking to the Alpha. That was the first time for him. Usually, talking to Alphas is nerve-wracking, especially to a person like Maverick Sullen who looks like a strict person when he doesn't talk when in reality, he was such a nice guy and so soft-spoken.
Laughing again softly, Maverick didn't comment again and just decided to focus his senses on the cold sea breeze. Fyre and Tian Zi were the same until finally, the sunrise arrived. The three of them watched it silently. When the whole surrounding that was once dark became clearer, the three of them decided it was time to go back as everyone was probably having breakfast.
"Fyre, it's really nice talking to you. I hope this isn't the last." Maverick smiled sweetly as they walked towards the mansion.
"Yeah, it's nice talking to you too. I thought I'd never get to talk to you and your brothers. I'm glad I decided to invite you earlier."
"Hmm, I thought the same. I'll talk to my brothers and introduce them to you when I have a chance, and I'm sure we will. Since I think we'll be seeing you a lot from now on, I hope we can be great friends. We have a whole week to get to know each other after all." Maverick said still with the same smile, to which Fyre really liked. This is the first time after a long time where he's making new friends. He had forgotten how it felt.
Although he made friends with both Jonathan and Tian Zi recently, because he never really intended to make friends with them, that wasn't counted. It just naturally happened due to the situation they were in. But for Maverick, he was the first one to reach out and the Alpha didn't just ignore him. At first, he thought he was going to but the Alpha surprisingly had a nice personality and he felt familiar talking to him.
"Yeah. I'd like that." Fyre smiled and nodded. He wasn't aware that the Alpha(?) will become the person that will make him feel insecure later on and drive him to push whatever feelings were starting to build up towards one certain Alpha down to the pit of a black hole located deep inside his heart.
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To be Continued…