chapter 3

Chapter 3: The View From the Back Row

The lecture hall was already buzzing with life when they walked in. Groups of students were gathered in circles, laughing and exchanging social media handles. The air was a dizzying cocktail of different scents, but Ji-woo didn’t look bothered at all.

Instead of hiding in a corner, Ji-woo walked confidently down the steps and picked a seat in the middle row next to a cheerful-looking girl named Sora. On his other side, a friendly Omega boy instantly turned around to strike up a conversation. Within seconds, Ji-woo was smiling and chatting, blending in perfectly like a normal college student.

Ji-woo didn't look back at Do-hyun even once. He didn't need to. He knew exactly who was guarding him. 'I don't need to worry about anything anymore,' Ji-woo thought, feeling a strange sense of comfort. 'Do-hyun will take care of me.'

Seeing his employer safe, Do-hyun quietly retreated to the very back row, keeping a sharp eye on Ji-woo from above. He slid into an empty desk.

"Hey," a voice spoke up from the seat right next to him.

Do-hyun turned his head. Sitting beside him was a tall, relaxed-looking guy with a sharp jacket and an unmistakably confident posture.

"Hello," Do-hyun replied, keeping his voice neutral.

The guy leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly as he openly scanned Do-hyun's broad shoulders and imposing frame. "Are you an Alpha?"

Do-hyun’s stomach dropped, but his face remained a perfect, emotionless mask. Thanks to the illegal suppressants, his biological scent was completely dead, but his massive physical presence always made other Alphas suspicious.

"Nope," Do-hyun lied smoothly. "I'm a Beta."

The guy blinked, looking genuinely surprised, before a relaxed grin spread across his face. "Oh, good. I’m Min-jae, and I’m an Alpha." He extended a hand, though his eyes kept staring intensely at Do-hyun, as if trying to solve a puzzle. "You just have a really intense vibe for a Beta, man. I almost thought I'd have to compete with you for territory in this class."

Do-hyun shook Min-jae's hand briefly, his grip firm but careful not to reveal his true strength. "I get that a lot. I'm Do-hyun."

"Well, nice to meet you, Do-hyun," Min-jae said, finally leaning back but keeping his eyes locked on Do-hyun's side profile.

Up front, Ji-woo laughed at something his new friends said, and the sudden movement caused his leather collar to shift slightly. A tiny, microscopic hint of sweet lilies and honey drifted up toward the back row.

Min-jae’s nose twitched instantly. His eyes flared. "Whoa... do you smell that?" Min-jae whispered, leaning forward and staring down at the front rows. "There's an Omega down there with a crazy attractive scent. Damn."

Sitting right next to him, Do-hyun's jaw clenched so hard it ached. His inner Alpha violently roared in his chest, furious that another male was sniffing his Omega's fragrance. The drug in Do-hyun's veins burned like fire as it forced his pheromones to stay locked inside, but a dangerous, dark glint flashed in Do-hyun's eyes as he stared at the back of Min-jae's head.

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