ALPHA UNIVERSE #6: CRAVING YOU

CHAPTER 44

Graduation season was nothing short of chaotic.

For the graduating students, the final hurdle wasn't just their exams but the exhausting process of preparing all the necessary documents to ensure their names were included in the official list of graduates. The university had strict requirements, and any missing paperwork could mean the difference between walking on stage or watching from the sidelines.

But the most frustrating—and ironically, the most entertaining—part of the process was the clearance signing.

Students had to hunt down their teachers for signatures, and depending on the teacher's mood, they often had to perform ridiculous tasks in exchange. Some teachers took this opportunity to make students sweat, while others simply enjoyed the power they wielded.

For Jeno, their math teacher had him do fifty push-ups before signing his clearance.

Haechan, on the other hand, had it worse—or better, depending on perspective. Their foreign language teacher asked him to sing his favorite Korean song, which resulted in him belting out Baekhyun's Bambi with full passion, essentially turning the faculty hall into his personal concert.

For now, only a handful of students had been put through the wringer.

"Count me in," Renjun groaned, plopping onto the chair next to his friends. His forehead was damp with sweat, and he buried his face into his arms.

Chenle, already chuckling, nudged him. "What did they make you do?"

Jisung smirked. "I swear I saw a group from your section cheerleading near the garden."

Renjun immediately lifted his head and shot Jisung a glare.

"Oh, so it was your section?" Jisung asked, feigning innocence.

"Shut up. My embarrassment meter is still sky-high," Renjun grumbled.

Jeno cooed playfully and patted Renjun's head. "I bet it was adorable."

Renjun swatted his hand away, clicking his tongue. "I'm not a kid."

"Mhm. Sure, little pup."

The conversation shifted when Chenle asked, "So, are we safe now? No more weird tasks?"

Mark shrugged. "Maybe."

Danielle pouted. "They'll probably just sign yours without question. I mean, you're the council president. No one ever gives you trouble."

Haechan gasped dramatically. "So, you're saying they do have a problem with me? That's why they made me do that?!"

Jaemin smirked. "As if you didn't enjoy your superstar moment."

Haechan shot him a glare, but before he could argue, Renjun cut in, "Aren't we going to order something? I'm starving."

Giselle teased, "Are you done scratching Jeno?"

"I don't scratch!" Renjun huffed.

Haechan nudged Jeno. "His hair looks like he got chased by an animal. Our poor, poor Jeno."

"Hey! Don't fight with him!" Renjun puffed his cheeks. "Me only."

The group burst into laughter, shaking their heads at the omega's possessiveness. Jeno simply smiled, warmth blooming in his chest.