• Love For Rent •JC

Chapter 07 • Business Proposal.

Third Person
Omniscient Pov:

A Month Later

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Jeonghan stepped outside the restaurant for a breather, letting the cool evening air wash over him, soothing his frayed senses. After a night filled with relentless demands, he needed a moment of reprieve. The city around him buzzed with activity, yet out here, there was a rare stillness. He leaned against the wall, closing his eyes as he tried to ground himself.

But the quiet didn’t last. The sound of hurried footsteps cut through the calm, startling him from his thoughts.

A familiar figure rounded the corner, glancing over his shoulder with a look of urgency, as if someone were close on his heels. Even in the dim streetlight, Jeonghan recognized the sharp jawline and intense eyes immediately—Seungcheol. Memories of their heated, all-too-brief encounter surged in his mind, like a spark rekindled. He could practically feel the residual warmth of Seungcheol’s hands, the intensity of his gaze that had haunted him since.

Before he could make sense of the situation, Seungcheol was standing directly in front of him, his hands coming up to cup Jeonghan’s face. There was no preamble, no explanation. Only a quick, murmured, “Please… play along.”

And then, without warning, their lips met.

The world seemed to fade away in that moment. Jeonghan’s senses were suddenly filled with Seungcheol’s scent—a heady, powerful blend of cedarwood and amber that tugged at something primal within him. The air grew heavy with pheromones, and Jeonghan felt his instincts as an Omega awaken. His pulse quickened, and he could feel himself respond almost against his will, his own scent mingling with Seungcheol’s, the clash of Alpha and Omega unmistakable.

When Seungcheol finally pulled back, his face softened into a look of gratitude, but there was something else—a hint of warmth, maybe even a flicker of regret. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice low and sincere. And before Jeonghan could even reply, Seungcheol was gone, disappearing around the corner like a shadow.

Jeonghan stood there, rooted in place, his thoughts racing as he tried to process what had just happened. His lips still tingled from the kiss, and the sharp scent of Seungcheol clung to him, refusing to fade. It filled his senses, leaving him slightly dazed, aware of every nerve in his body that had come alive in response to Seungcheol’s Alpha presence. This wasn't just any kiss—it was one that ignited something deep and ancient between them, stirring instincts he’d long thought buried.

Suddenly, a soft, elegant voice cut through his reverie, startling him. “Well, well. I didn’t expect to find Seungcheol out here… making new friends.”

Jeonghan turned quickly, eyes widening as he took in the woman who stood before him. She was immaculately dressed, her posture radiating a quiet power. Everything about her, from her tailored coat to the calculating gleam in her eyes, screamed sophistication. Yet there was something unnerving about the way she regarded him, as if she could see right through him.

“I-I don’t know him,” Jeonghan stammered, instinctively trying to shield himself. He was still shaken, and the Alpha pheromones lingering on him probably weren’t helping. “He just—”

The woman raised her hand, silencing him with an elegant gesture. Her smile was polite, almost warm, but her eyes sparkled with amusement and a hint of something predatory. “No need for excuses,” she said smoothly, stepping closer, her gaze fixed on him with unnerving precision. “In fact, I think you and I have something to discuss.”