ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 31

Indeed, all the stress and pressure would soon fade, replaced by the beaming light of relaxation.

For them, that relief came in the form of the weekend after their exams—Giselle's birthday.

The extended group of friends, a mix of alphas and omegas who had finally accepted that they were stuck with each other, gathered inside the grand Lee mansion, waiting for the party to begin.

It wasn't anything extravagant—just a simple celebration with family and close friends, all personally invited by the birthday girl herself.

It was no surprise that Giselle's family was already familiar with the chaotic friend group.

Mark and Giselle didn't have many other close acquaintances, so introductions were easy. Their friends had already become a regular presence, and at this point, they were practically honorary members of the Lee household.

For now, they had all taken refuge in the mini-living area on the second floor, enjoying their last moments of adult-free time before heading back downstairs for the main event.

Mark leaned in close to Danielle's ear, his warm breath sending a pleasant shiver down her spine.

"I have something to show you later," he murmured.

Danielle turned her head slightly, raising a curious brow. "What is it?"

Mark only smirked. "Later. In my room."

That earned him a knowing grin. Danielle's mind had already wandered to a dozen different possibilities, and Mark could tell. He chuckled, amused at the mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Later?" Danielle prodded, her voice laced with playful impatience.

"Yeah, later," Mark confirmed, sneaking an arm around her waist and rubbing small circles against her hip. "Unless you want it now?"

"Why? What is it really?"

Before Mark could answer, a loud throat-clearing sound interrupted them.

"Ehem," Haechan interjected, his eyes squinting at the couple. "We're still here, you know."

Mark and Danielle blinked, only now realizing that the entire group had gone silent, all eyes on them.

Mark merely grinned and stood up. "Come on, we should reserve a table before all the good spots are taken."

With that, they all headed downstairs in small groups, chatting as they descended the grand staircase.

Mark felt a firm tug on his arm and turned to see Jeno jogging up beside him.

"So," Jeno started, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "anything you wanna tell us?"

"About what?" Mark asked, feigning innocence.

"About you finally growing the balls to ask Danielle to be your girlfriend," Jaemin chimed in from his other side.