ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 23

"Are you sure you've got everything?" Danielle asked as she checked over Jaehyun's packed belongings one last time.

The model hummed in thought before flashing a playful smirk. "If you were free to come with me, I'd take you along."

Danielle rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Alright, you're good to go."

Jaehyun simply smiled in response before shifting his gaze toward the rest of the group.

One look was enough to see how heavy the mood had become. Some were already frowning, their expressions tight with emotion, while others teetered on the edge of tears.

Jaehyun chuckled at the overly sentimental farewell, and when he spread his arms open, it took less than a second for the male omegas to rush into him.

"He'll call, guys. Goodness," Danielle sighed, watching the dramatic display.

"He'll call you," Renjun pouted. "You're always the favorite."

Danielle raised a brow. "Are you being serious right now?"

"No," Renjun admitted before dramatically sighing. "I just wish someone far away would call me too."

"I'll happily call you even if I'm right beside you~" Haechan cooed before attempting to land a kiss on Renjun's cheek. The attempt was immediately met with a firm shove, making the others laugh.

Jaehyun, finally free from the omega embrace, took a deep breath before shifting his attention toward Giselle.

The female alpha released her mate's hand before stepping forward to give Jaehyun a brief but warm hug.

"Be safe, wherever you end up, cool guy," Giselle said, patting his back before stepping away with a smile.

Jaehyun chuckled, only to be met by Yuta, who clapped a firm hand on his shoulder.

"I still can't believe I got to meet a celebrity," Yuta mused, shaking his head. "You better hit me up when you come back. We should hang out."

Jaehyun nodded without hesitation. "I'd love to."

His eyes then landed on another familiar face—one masked with obvious boredom and utter annoyance.

Mark.

It didn't take long for their gazes to meet.

Jaehyun smiled, small but knowing, before walking toward him.

When he extended his hand, Mark merely raised a brow, staring at it with thinly veiled irritation.

"She's yours," Jaehyun said, his smile widening ever so slightly. "Don't let this slip, or I'll gladly take the opportunity."

Mark scoffed, his dark gaze steady. "I got her first."

Jaehyun tilted his head, amusement flickering in his eyes. "And yet, you still haven't made it official."

The comment made Mark's jaw tighten.

Jaehyun let out a low chuckle before clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Kidding aside, the floor's all yours. Don't waste any more time." His voice softened slightly, but the warning in his words was clear. "You can push me out of the picture, but you can't stop others from coming after her. Danielle's a diamond, Mark. Treat her the way she deserves."