A HEART DIVIDED ── kpop

VI. A Ripple in the Stillness

The afternoon sun dappled through the leaves of the ancient oak, casting dancing shadows on the flagstones where I sat. A worn, well-loved book lay open in my lap, but my eyes were closed, the warmth of the sun lulling me into a gentle doze.

Suddenly, the soft click of footsteps on the stone path broke the silence. I opened my eyes, the world blurring momentarily as I adjusted to the light. Seongwh stood in the doorway to the garden, a broad smile illuminating his face. He held a heavy, silver tray in his hands, its surface laden with a feast. Vibrant red strawberries, plump and juicy, sat next to the golden glow of sliced peaches and the emerald green of glistening grapes. A glistening slab of roasted lamb, seasoned with fragrant herbs, rested beside a platter of smoked ham, the aroma of rich spices filling the air.

"Here," he said, his voice soft and warm, "thought you might want this." A glimmer of mischief danced in his eyes as he set the tray down on a small, round table beside me. He leaned down, his hand brushing against mine as he pulled a chair up to the table, the scent of fresh citrus and something else, something both earthy and masculine, swirling around him.

My own lips twitched into a smile. "This is... amazing," I breathed, my gaze flitting from the enticing feast to the man before me. He was the embodiment of warmth and sunshine, his presence filling the garden with a vibrant energy that resonated through me. "Thank you, Seongwh," I murmured, my voice a little husky.

He chuckled, a sound like the tinkling of wind chimes in the breeze. "You're welcome," he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Now, eat. I've been in the kitchen all afternoon."

As I reached for a juicy strawberry, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the garden, and I felt a sense of quiet contentment settle over me. This, I thought, is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon, with good company and a delicious spread under a golden sky.

My hand stilled mid-air, the strawberry halfway to my mouth. My gaze, which had been focused on the luscious fruit, shifted to Seongwh, my brow furrowing as I noticed the subtle twitch of his jaw, the way his fingers fidgeted nervously against the table.

"What is it?" I asked, my voice a low murmur, a faint undercurrent of concern threading through it.

Seongwh stiffened, his smile faltering. "Uhh, nothing." He forced a laugh, but it sounded strained, unconvincing. His gaze darted away, his eyes flickering nervously around the garden.

I narrowed my eyes, studying him. It was more than just a fleeting nervous twitch. I studied his features, his eyes, the way he unconsciously shifted his weight, the scent he carried, a blend of citrus and sandalwood that always smelled a little... anxious. Something was off.

"What is it?" I pressed, my voice low but firm, my gaze unwavering.

He sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "We're getting another omega over here today. I... I have to tell you. You need to be nice to her, okay? She's just staff."

My frown deepened, and I felt a wave of irritation wash over me. "Staff?" I echoed, my voice laced with disbelief. "You're worried I won't be kind to some other female werewolf? I'm not a monster, Seongwh. I just... I didn't think it was necessary to make a big deal about it."

My words were sharp, tinged with a frustration that I couldn't quite place. I felt a pang of hurt, a flicker of suspicion. It was strange, this sudden, unexpected shift in his demeanor. "You seem... nervous about this," I added, my voice softening slightly. "Is there something else I should know?"

Seongwh hesitated, his eyes filled with a mixture of anxiety and something else, something I couldn't quite decipher. "I... it's just, you're very protective of your space," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "And this... this new omega, she's going to be working here for a while." He looked away, his face flushed, his entire body radiating an air of discomfort.