ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 19

Mark shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his fingers idly tapping against his cola can as his mind wandered. His concern was evident, even if he didn't voice it outright.

"Are you sure she's holding up well?" he asked, his voice laced with unease.

Jisung sighed, leaning back against the couch with a knowing look. "I told you, it depends. My cousin has an alpha; of course, she'll be okay."

"But Elle doesn't," Mark countered, brows furrowing.

Jeno, ever the instigator, smirked. "Not unless you offer her some help."

Jaemin rolled his eyes before smacking Jeno lightly on the head. "Hey! You're making Mark sound like the bad guy. Not all omegas without an alpha are in grave danger. Some can endure it on their own. Besides, Elle's been dealing with her heats for years, Mark. She knows what to do."

Jisung observed Mark's tense posture and arched a brow. "Right... and you're worrying like this for the first time. Is something going on between you two?" His question made the other two glance suspiciously at the eldest.

Mark rolled his eyes, choosing to take another sip of his drink instead of answering.

Jeno chuckled, exchanging a knowing look with Jaemin. "They have."

"I didn't say anything," Mark shot back.

"Exactly. If nothing was going on, you'd have said so," Jaemin pointed out smugly.

"Believe whatever you want," Mark muttered, feigning disinterest.

Their conversation was abruptly cut short when Jisung suddenly called out, "Hey, Chenle!" Their eyes snapped toward the approaching omega, who had been lingering nearby, watching them.

Chenle unlinked his arms from Renjun and Haechan and walked toward them, confusion evident on his face. "What do you want?"

"Is Danielle replying to you?" Jisung asked without preamble.

Chenle narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

"We're just wondering."

"Why are you wondering?" Chenle's suspicion deepened as he scanned their faces. "Do you like Elle or something?"

Jeno and Jaemin choked on their drinks while Mark sent them a sharp glare. Jisung, however, simply grinned and shook his head.

"No, really, we're just curious," Jisung insisted.

"You guys are sus, but no, she's not replying. Why?"

"Uh, no reason."

"Okay... weird. Bye."

"Wait!" Jisung blurted out just as Chenle turned away.

Chenle spun around with an irritated expression. Jisung, caught off guard by his own impulse, chuckled awkwardly. "Never mind. You can go."

With a scoff and an eye roll, Chenle returned to Renjun and Haechan, who instantly demanded to know what the alphas had wanted.

Mark chuckled at their youngest's failed attempt, while Jisung turned red with embarrassment.

"I never thought this day would come," Jeno teased, nudging Jaemin.

Jaemin grinned. "Omo omo, my baby is growing up~" He cooed, ruffling Jisung's hair dramatically.