ALPHA UNIVERSE #5: DESIROUS

CHAPTER 49

For the preceding weeks, Harin and Jeno had found a way to sustain their connection through the quiet of the night. The distance between them was a heavy weight they both struggled to bear, but they made do.

Each morning, Harin would leave messages—short and sweet, long and desperate, or sometimes, just a simple, "I miss you." Jeno would receive them in the late evening after his hectic day, when the world around him had quieted down. And vice versa.

Though they tried to remain patient, the gap between them was growing unbearable. Their longing for each other intensified as each day passed, driving them nearly mad with desire. Their only comfort was the occasional video call, where their faces flickered to life on each other's screens. A small gesture, but it was enough to calm them for a while, like a fleeting moment of peace in the chaos of their lives.

Autumn had come and gone in a blur of color and emotion. The crisp air that had carried the scent of change now gave way to the chill of winter. And with it, came the biggest challenge yet. Winter was a wall between them—a cold, insurmountable obstacle they both had to face.

They both wanted to bask in each other's warmth, to be near, to touch, to feel the comfort of shared presence. But the days dragged on, the need to be together growing more intense with each passing moment. They could almost taste the longing in the air, and it only made the separation harder to bear.

"Last two weeks, Riri," Jaemin cheered, his usual warm smile lighting up the room. He clapped his hands together, trying to lift her spirits. "You can be with each other again."

Harin's lips curled into a bitter frown, the weight of the upcoming farewell already pressing on her. "He'll fly again after New Year's Day," she muttered, her voice a mix of frustration and sadness.

Jaemin, ever the optimist, tried to cheer her up. "At least you'll have the chance, right?" But when he saw Harin's face fall, he groaned dramatically. "Oh, come on, don't throw a fit now. We're going to the mall! Let's go have some fun."

"I'm suddenly feeling lazy," Harin replied, her words almost a sigh, as she slumped further into the couch, unwilling to move.

Jaemin whined, like a child who had just been denied his favorite treat. "Harin!"

She gave him an unamused look. "What?"

"How about we look for gifts for Jeno, too? You can buy him something, right?"

Harin tilted her head, her brow quirked in playful challenge. "What do you mean? I could be the best gift for him."

Jaemin raised an eyebrow, his voice turning teasing. "Okay, yeah, you can say that, but no!"

Harin blinked at his sudden exclamation. "I didn't sign up for babysitting, Na Jaemin."

Jaemin flailed his arms around dramatically. "I just need you there because I'm buying gifts too!"

Harin raised an eyebrow. "For?"

Jaemin shifted nervously, his usual confidence slipping for a moment. "None of your business."

Harin crossed her arms, her voice turning serious. "Jaemin."

Jaemin, unable to resist, grinned mischievously. "An alpha!"

Harin paused, a look of surprise crossing her face. "Who?"

Jaemin's grin only widened. "I'm not telling."