Unspoken Temptations

Sunghwa and Minho sat in the living room, engaged in a serious conversation when Eunbi emerged from the guest room, walking toward them with her usual calm demeanor. The moment Sunghwa saw her, he shot up from the couch, anxiety etched into his face.

"Are you done? How is he? Why are you out here alone? Where's Felix?" Sunghwa asked, his worry spilling out in a barrage of questions.

Eunbi chuckled softly at Sunghwa's unease. "Relax, Sunghwa. He's fine. No serious injuries or wounds. I told him to rest in the room for now."

"Are you sure?" Sunghwa pressed, his brows still furrowed, eyes glancing toward the closed door of the guest room.

"If you're doubting me that much, feel free to call a doctor or rush him to the nearest hospital." Eunbi teased, a playful mockery in her tone.

Sunghwa sighed, running a hand through his hair as he realized he was overreacting. "No. I trust you."

Eunbi sank into the sofa beside Minho, crossing her legs casually. "Look at him," she said to Minho with a grin. "So flustered—like a kid worried about a stray cat he picked up from the streets."

Minho smirked, leaning back as he crossed his arms. "You're not wrong."

"Watch your words." Sunghwa shot them both a sharp look. "That boy isn't a pet."

"But you do plan on taking care of him, don't you?" Minho asked, one eyebrow raised, his teasing laced with genuine curiosity.

"Of course," Sunghwa replied, his voice firm. "There's no way I'd let him wander off like some homeless kid, especially after what he's been through."

Eunbi's eyes lingered on Sunghwa, reading deeper into his resolve. "Sunghwa-ssi, what is it you see in that boy? Are you doing this purely out of pity? Or..." she hesitated, her gaze sharpening, "...does he remind you of something from your past?"

Sunghwa clenched his fists, tension building in his chest as memories from his youth surged forward—memories he had long since buried. The familiar weight of those days tightened around his heart. His jaw tensed before he responded, low and controlled, "It's none of your business. My decision about Felix is final."

Minho sighed, casting a knowing glance toward Eunbi before offering a slight shrug. "I don't pretend to understand how Alphas think. But maybe..." he nudged Eunbi with a sly smile, "our Sunghwa here has finally found his fated Omega."

Eunbi stayed silent, but a small smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Sunghwa, on the other hand, snorted in annoyance, his frustration evident.

"That's not funny, Minho. My intentions toward Felix are not like that," Sunghwa growled, narrowing his eyes.

"Oh, come on. You said he's 18, right? He's legal," Minho teased, his tone light but provocative. "Or... are you planning to adopt him as your son?"

Sunghwa's patience snapped. "If you have nothing else useful to say, maybe you should go home."

"Alright, alright." Minho chuckled as he closed his laptop and stuffed it into his bag. "I did try contacting my uncle, but no response yet. He's probably still busy. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything."

Sunghwa nodded, his expression softening slightly.

Minho looked toward Eunbi. "So, are you heading out with me, or sticking around to stir up more trouble?"

"Of course, I'm coming. I've finished my business here," Eunbi replied, rising from the couch. But just as she turned to leave, she stopped, her gaze falling back on Sunghwa.

"One last thing, Sunghwa-ssi." Her tone was more serious now. "That boy—Felix—he's been using a suppressant for his heat. An injection."

"Injection?" Sunghwa frowned, his brows knitting in confusion. "That's unusual, isn't it?"

"It's rare," Eunbi confirmed. "Most people use the more common oral suppressants or patches. I don't know exactly what type he's using, but you should be cautious. His last dose was over a month ago, and the effects are wearing off. Once that happens..." she gave Sunghwa a pointed look, "his pheromones will become overwhelming."

Sunghwa nodded, the weight of her warning settling in his chest. Even now, he could feel the subtle pull of Felix's scent, like a sweet, irresistible whisper at the back of his mind. How much harder would it be when the suppressants wore off entirely?

"I'll prepare a new dose for him," Eunbi continued, her voice firm. "You can pick it up from my office tomorrow."

"Thank you," Sunghwa murmured, walking them to the door.

After Minho and Eunbi left, Sunghwa lingered at the entrance for a moment, the quiet of his penthouse pressing down on him. When he finally turned, his gaze drifted toward Felix's room, and as if on cue, the boy's sweet, delicate scent brushed against his senses, stirring something primal within him.

He approached the guest room door, pausing outside as he tried to steady his breathing. Felix's pheromones were already leaking through, like honey dripping from a jar, and Sunghwa's mind clouded with desire. He clenched his fists, resisting the urge to open the door. The pull of Felix was becoming unbearable.

Eunbi's words echoed in his mind: You'll need to be cautious.

Sunghwa sighed, raking a hand through his hair. Living under the same roof with that Omega, especially with his rut creeping up on him, was going to be far more difficult than he'd ever imagined.