𝐆𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐚́𝐧 || 𝐉𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐨𝐥

Chapter 8

Jeonghan had forgotten about Seungcheol’s throwaway comment that night, too distracted by everything else. His elation at Seungcheol’s attention was outweighed by his anxiety in the crowded barn and his strained conversation with Junhui, who’d demanded to know why Jeonghan was wearing Seungcheol’s jacket and sharing his beer. He had at least listened to Jeonghan’s explanation, that it was all a front to keep attention away from him. It had worked, too, except for that one alpha that Seungcheol had scared away. With all that, Jeonghan didn’t think about what the alpha had said to him until he found himself in the driver’s seat of Seungcheol’s car.

“Maybe the truck would be better.”

The truck was already on its last legs. If he crashed that, it wouldn’t matter so much. Seungcheol’s own car, on the other hand…

“The truck’s automatic. My car isn’t.”

“Then wouldn’t the truck be easier?”

“If you can drive stick shift, you can drive anything. It’ll be worth it, I promise.”

The alpha was a patient teacher, going through things in a manner that made it easy for Jeonghan to follow what he was saying. It took him a few attempts to find the biting point, listening intently to the sound of the engine. When the car moved off for the first time, he panicked a little, but Seungcheol’s steadying hand on the wheel calmed him.

They stuck to the roads inside the orchard, meaning Jeonghan didn’t have to deal with other traffic. It took most of the morning before he felt confident that he knew the basics, relieved to realize it was almost fun.

“You’re a natural at this,” Seungcheol praised warmly.

“I have a great teacher.”

“I’m not that great.”

“You’re patient.” Alphas usually weren’t, in Jeonghan’s experience.

“Impatience makes people nervous. Nervous people make mistakes. That puts a dent in their confidence before they’ve even begun.”

They took a break, heading inside for lunch with Junhui.

The kittens ate too, side by side on the floor as they munched from their plate.
Since everyone seemed to be in a good mood, Jeonghan chanced a question that he’d had since the previous evening.

“Were you really military like Kyle said?”

The alpha hadn’t exactly given a clear answer to that.

“I was. I still am.”

The short, sharp reply told Jeonghan that Seungcheol didn’t want to talk about it. He let it go, turning his mind to what else had to be done that day. Junhui, on the other hand, didn’t quite get the message.

“You’re military? I thought you might be. Maybe you could give me a few pointers on hand-to-hand?”

Jeonghan would have kicked Junhui under the table if he’d been able to reach. As it was, there was nothing he could do but watch things play out.

“Your biggest weakness right now is strength. No amount of skill can help you if your opponent has thirty pounds on you.” Seungcheol still looked like he’d rather be talking about anything else.

“Are you calling me a lightweight?”

Jeonghan couldn’t read the expression on Junhui’s face, but he knew this conversation wouldn’t lead anywhere good.

He jumped to his feet, grabbing his half-full plate.

“Anyone for seconds?”

Seungcheol set a hand on his arm, just a warm pressure that tingled across Jeonghan’s skin.