MY ALPHA BODYGUARD

CHAPTER 2: THE REHEARSAL

After the director finished explaining the details of the concert setup, the flow, and other logistics, the rehearsal began. Eris stepped onto the stage, dressed in a white polo shirt with tiny black dots, light brown pants, and white rubber shoes—the same outfit he had worn earlier during the meeting with the producer. The sleeves of his shirt hugged his biceps snugly as he moved into position.

"Wait, wait... Eris, it seems like you're not in the mood. Is something wrong?" the director asked, concern in his voice. Eris responded with a deep sigh, offering no further explanation.

Marco, noticing the exchange, quickly approached Eris on the stage. "Eris, what's going on? You've seemed distracted all morning," he whispered.

"It's nothing. I'm just tired," Eris replied, though he could tell Marco wasn't convinced.

Turning toward the director, Eris raised his voice to be heard from the distance. "Director, I'm going to the restroom for a moment." The director gave a quick nod of approval, allowing Eris to step off the stage and collect himself.

**

As Eris made his way toward the restroom, the stranger's last text echoed in his mind: "Hopefully, we can bring back our college love story." The words lingered, unsettling him. Entering the cubicle, he sat on the toilet and clenched his fists, frustration welling up inside. *That jerk, where did he get my number?* he thought, feeling his anger rise. Unable to contain it, he let out a shout of frustration.

Suddenly, his phone vibrated from his pocket. He knew it had to be *him*. Fear crept in as the possibility of hearing that familiar, unwelcome voice again crossed his mind. Should he answer it? What was there to talk about? And yet, why should he be afraid? He wasn't the same person anymore—he was successful, famous, and financially secure. If things escalated, he could report the stranger. With that in mind, he gathered his courage and pulled out his phone, glancing at the screen.

Relief washed over him as he exhaled—it wasn't the stranger. It was a video call.

"Hello, Mom," Eris said, feeling his body relax.

"Eris, what took you so long?" his mother's voice came through. She and his father had left for Japan two weeks ago to visit his older sister, Erica, who was now nine months pregnant and ready to give birth any day. They had gone to help and support her when the baby arrived. Erica had been living in Japan for the past six years, where she had met and married a kind Japanese man. Since then, they had built their life there, with her husband working hard to provide for their growing family.

Eris' sister had been the breadwinner of the family for as long as he could remember. She had supported him through college and continued to help their parents with their needs. Now, with her about to start her own family, Eris and his parents were eager to repay her kindness in any way they could.

"I'm sorry, Mom. I'm in rehearsal," Eris explained, still catching his breath.

"Oh, right, I forgot," his mother replied apologetically. "We're really sorry, son. We won't be able to make it to your concert."

"Mom, it's okay," Eris reassured her.

"We'll make it up to you, huh?" she added with a touch of guilt in her voice.

"Mom, don't worry, it's really fine. Honestly, I'd love to be there with you if it weren't for this concert," he said, trying to ease her mind. "How's Erica?" he asked, changing the subject.

His mother began walking, and soon, the background of the video shifted, revealing what seemed to be a hospital room. "Someone wants to meet you!" she said in a playful, almost childlike tone, holding the phone up to show a tiny baby to the camera.