Mending the Mechanic's Heart

The Shadows of Jealousy

The atmosphere in the garage began to shift as the days went by. Pon's skills were undeniable, and it wasn't long before the others started to notice. His quiet determination and careful attention to detail resulted in improvements in the cars that were hard to ignore. Engines ran smoother, performances on the track showed clear enhancements, and even the most seasoned racers were impressed.

But not everyone was pleased.

Dean watched with growing resentment as Pon garnered attention, especially from Sailub and the top racers. It wasn't just that Pon was talented—it was that he was an omega, the youngest in the garage, and yet he was getting praise that Dean had rarely received. The fact that Sailub, a man who cared for his team like family, was beginning to favor Pon only fueled Dean's anger.

The tipping point came one afternoon when Sailub called everyone together for a meeting. The air in the garage was thick with anticipation as the team gathered around, curious to see what the alpha had to say. Pon stood quietly to the side, unsure of what to expect.

"I've been going over the performance reports," Sailub began, his voice steady and authoritative. "And I have to say, I'm impressed. The work we've been doing lately has shown significant improvement, and that's not just by chance."

He paused, letting his words sink in, and glanced around the group, his eyes lingering on Pon. "I want to acknowledge Pon's contributions. His work has been exceptional, and it's clear that he has a natural talent for this."

The room fell silent, and Pon felt his heart skip a beat. He wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially not in front of everyone. He shifted uncomfortably, unsure of how to respond.

Sailub continued, his expression serious but with a hint of pride. "We all bring something unique to this team, and Pon's skills have already made a difference. I want everyone to know that his work is valued and appreciated."

There were nods of agreement from some of the team, and a few murmurs of approval. But as Pon glanced around, he couldn't help but notice the dark look on Dean's face. It was a look of pure resentment, and it made Pon's stomach tighten with unease.

After the meeting, Sailub clapped Pon on the shoulder, offering him a rare smile. "Keep up the good work, Pon. You're doing great."

Pon managed a small smile in return, feeling a strange mix of pride and anxiety. It was overwhelming to be recognized like this, especially by Sailub, who commanded so much respect. But as much as the praise meant to him, Pon couldn't shake the uneasy feeling that came with it.

As the day went on, the tension in the garage seemed to grow. Dean's anger simmered beneath the surface, and it didn't take long for him to find others who shared his discontent. A few of the older mechanics, those who had been in the garage for years and were wary of change, began to grumble about Pon behind his back.

"Who does he think he is?" one of them muttered, loud enough for Dean to hear. "Just because he's got some talent doesn't mean he should be treated like he's better than the rest of us."

Dean nodded in agreement, seizing the opportunity to rally support. "Exactly. It's ridiculous. Sailub's acting like this kid's some kind of genius, but he's just an omega. He's not even been here that long."

The small group of disgruntled mechanics grew as Dean spread his venomous words, casting doubts on Pon's abilities and intentions. They resented how quickly Pon had gained recognition, and Dean fanned the flames of their jealousy.

By the time the day was over, the garage had become a breeding ground for tension and whispered rumors. Pon, oblivious to the full extent of the animosity brewing against him, continued with his work, his focus solely on doing his best. He was flattered by the attention he received, especially from the racers who were thrilled with the improvements in their cars. But being an introvert, he found it hard to handle all the praise.