[EDITING] ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS

CHAPTER 5

The emerging heat is killing Jeno.

One night, a heavy downpour soaked the streets, and now, as if nature had flipped a switch, the sun was at its peak. The once-damp roads were drying up quickly, the pools of water evaporating as though they'd never existed. The air was thick, heavy with the stifling heat that clung to every surface, every breath. And yet, here he was, struggling with it all.

It wasn't just him—almost every alpha around him seemed equally affected by the sudden shift in weather. The discomfort of the rising temperatures was enough to make anyone go mad.

Jeno sank back into his swivel chair, rolling up his sleeves in an attempt to get some relief. His skin still burned from the oppressive heat, and there was little comfort to be found. The cool air from the air conditioner was a weak reprieve, dampening his sweat and giving him brief moments of solace.

For a moment, he actually thanked the heavens for such an appliance. It wasn't often that he felt grateful for something so simple, but today was different. Still, even the cold draft couldn't erase the uncomfortable feeling of sweat trickling down the back of his neck, hidden beneath his turtleneck.

"Hyung, you there?" The deep, yet faint voice cut through his thoughts. It was followed by three distinct knocks on the door.

"Why?" Jeno responded, his voice carrying loudly enough to bounce off the walls, the irritation of the heat barely contained.

The door creaked open, and in stepped a familiar face. A young pureblood, his white hair stark against the dim lighting of the office, peeked inside with a mischievous grin.

"I was told about the restocking of refreshments, and I just passed by to tell you," the younger man explained, his eyes gleaming with a playful spark.

Jeno let out a frustrated groan, leaning back in his chair before pushing himself up to stand. "Thank fuck, I could use some cola," he grunted, heading out of the office.

The younger male chuckled as he stepped aside, allowing Jeno to pass by. "Have you got one already?"

"Yeah," the younger man replied, holding up a can of Fanta, still icy and cold. "But I plan to get more. I know how this weather messes with us."

"Yeah, the only downside to being a pureblood," Jeno muttered, rolling his eyes.

"Not if you've got someone to help you with the heat," the younger man said, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Jeno shot him a raised eyebrow. "You finally settled on someone, Ji?"

"What? No!" the younger man laughed. "I was just talking about you."

Jeno's gaze hardened as he leaned against the doorframe. "Things ended between me and Nana."

"I'm not talking about Jaemin-hyung only," Jisung shot back, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Surely, there are plenty of people willing to spread their legs for you. All you need to do is make a signal."

Jeno narrowed his eyes, his expression turning more serious. "It's not that simple."

"Is it not?" Jisung replied with a playful laugh. "For BJ Cris, it would be a hundred percent easy."

The mention of BJ Cris made Jeno shoot the younger man a sharp glare. Jisung only laughed louder in response.