Chasing Shadows

As he walked toward Eunbi's office, Sunghwa's mind drifted. He couldn't believe he had just confessed his feelings for Felix to Minho. Maybe Minho, being a Beta, wouldn't truly grasp what he felt—the way his instincts as an Alpha ignited with primal desire every time he was near Felix. The tension coiled in his gut, especially when his rut peaked, demanding release he could hardly control.

Was fate uniting him with Felix part of a destined bond, or merely a twist of chance?

Sunghwa inhaled deeply, centering himself. He couldn't let his inner turmoil show in front of the woman waiting in the office he stood before. He knocked on the door with a nameplate that read: Go Eunbi, Physical Therapist.

"Yes, come in," came Eunbi's inviting voice.

He opened the door, stepping into the familiar space where Eunbi sat at her desk, poring over files containing health data for the gym's athletes and boxers.

"Hey, Sunghwa-ssi," she greeted warmly. "How did your sparring session go today?"

"It went smoothly," he replied, keeping his tone neutral.

"Hansoo-ssi just called me to schedule a therapy session for Dohyun. Was he your sparring partner today?" Eunbi inquired, her eyes flickering to the documents.

Sunghwa nodded and chuckled. "As a new manager, Hansoo seems pretty competent."

Eunbi sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Anyone would be after sparring with you. With Dohyun's match just a few days away, he has to be in top shape."

"Hey, I held back and reduced my strength with that kid!" Sunghwa retorted, defensive.

"What about you? Any complaints? Is there anything I need to check?" Eunbi asked, her professional concern evident.

"Nothing. I'm fine," he answered curtly, irritation creeping into his voice. "I'm just here to pick up the items you promised yesterday."

"Ah, right..." Eunbi opened her drawer and retrieved a bottle of suppressants and a pack of gland patches.

Sunghwa took the bottle, examining the label for the seal. "These are tablets? You said Felix mentioned he got suppressants in injection form."

"Those can only be obtained from a specialized clinic or hospital. Their usage is strictly monitored. This is all I could get," Eunbi explained, her tone slightly exasperated.

"What if these don't work?" Sunghwa pressed, his frustration bubbling.

Eunbi forced a smile, though it barely masked her annoyance. "Dear Mr. Kang Sunghwa, I'm a physical therapist, not a doctor or pharmacist. It's already good enough that I managed to get you these without a prescription."

"Hey, don't be mad, Miss! I was just asking out of curiosity," Sunghwa chuckled, tucking the medication into his bag.

"If you don't have anything else to discuss, please leave!" Eunbi urged, her patience waning.

"Okay, okay! I'm leaving now. Thank you, Eunbi!" Sunghwa said, stepping back and closing the door behind him.

As soon as he was outside, Eunbi sighed, her expression a mix of frustration and concern. "That man… So insensitive as usual..." she muttered, shaking her head before returning to her work.

With nothing else to occupy his time at the gym, Sunghwa decided to head home. As he reached his car, he immediately dialed Felix's number. The call connected, but it took a moment for Felix to answer.

"H-Hello?" came the shy voice that made Sunghwa's heart flutter.

Hearing that sweet tone, the man couldn't help but smile widely. "Hey, Sunshine... What are you up to?"

"Oh, I'm preparing dinner with Mrs. Kim," Felix replied, and Sunghwa felt a wave of relief knowing Felix was in good spirits and bonding with Mrs. Kim.

"That ajumma isn't bossing you around to help her with her work, is she?" Sunghwa joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Of course not! I took the initiative to help..." Felix chimed in. "Oh, by the way, Mrs. Kim mentioned that kimchi jjigae is your favorite dish, so I'm trying to learn how to make it."

"Really? Wow, I can't wait to get home!" Sunghwa exclaimed, excitement bubbling within him.

"Be careful on the road..." Felix said, concern lacing his voice.

Ah, he's so adorable, Sunghwa thought, a warmth flooding his chest.

"Don't worry. See you soon," he reassured before ending the call. The Alpha started his car and backed out of the parking space, anticipation building as he imagined how Felix would greet him with that lovely smile.

As he drove, thoughts of Felix occupied his mind—how the young man would welcome him home, the scent of kimchi jjigae filling the air, and the joy of sharing a meal prepared just for him.

But as he turned onto a quieter street, Sunghwa's instincts prickled. He noticed a black van shadowing his movements, trailing closely behind. It was suspicious—despite ample space, the vehicle never attempted to overtake him, raising alarm bells in his head.

His grip on the steering wheel tightened. Was someone watching him?