The Alpha's Mate

22

Jaeyun looked up at Heeseung, feeling a sudden rush of affection for him. He leaned in and gave Heeseung a quick, soft peck on the lips, catching him off guard. Heeseung blinked, surprised by the gentle kiss, his mind briefly going blank as Jaeyun flashed him a shy smile.

Before Heeseung could even process what had happened, much less ask Jaeyun what the kiss was about, Jaeyun had already risen to his feet. With a mischievous grin, he ran off to join the younger boys who were laughing and calling him over to join their frisbee game.

Heeseung watched as Jaeyun jogged across the grass, his heart still racing from the unexpected kiss. He couldn't help but smile to himself, feeling a warmth spread through him that he couldn’t quite explain. Jaeyun’s affection had surprised him, but it filled him with a quiet happiness that lingered even as he sat alone.

After a moment, he shook himself out of his daze and got up, deciding to join them. Watching Jaeyun laugh and play with his friends was more than enough to make his day, but being part of those moments—that was everything he wanted.

Everyone was enjoying themselves, laughter filling the air as they played and relaxed under the sun. But the mood shifted when they noticed someone approaching from the path leading to the clearing. Jaeyun squinted, trying to make out the figure, and his stomach twisted as he recognized her.

It was Jang Wonyoung, Sunghoon's ex-girlfriend—a face that none of them were particularly thrilled to see. Tall, effortlessly beautiful, and dressed to perfection, she walked with a confident stride, her gaze fixed on the group. Her expression, however, lacked any warmth.

Sunoo’s smile faded instantly. He had never gotten along with her, and with good reason. Wonyoung was everything but kind, and her history with Sunghoon had only left behind memories of her hurtful words and manipulative tendencies. Jaeyun could feel the tension ripple through his friends as they exchanged wary glances, each of them keenly aware of the shift in energy.

Sunoo muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. “Great. Just what we needed…”

Jaeyun felt a pang of discomfort as Wonyoung came closer. He could sense Heeseung stiffen beside him, his eyes narrowing as she finally reached them. She stopped just a few feet away, her gaze moving over each of them, barely disguising her disdain.

“Oh, so this is where you all are,” she said smoothly, her tone laced with sarcasm. “Having a little picnic, are we?”

Jaeyun tried to stay calm, but he sensed that this unexpected intrusion was going to test everyone’s patience. Heeseung subtly moved closer to him, as if instinctively protective, and Jaeyun felt his heart steady a little. Though their day had taken an unwelcome turn, he knew he wasn't alone—and no matter what Wonyoung’s intentions were, they were ready to face her together.

Jaeyun only recognized Wonyoung because of the photos Sunoo had shown him, usually accompanied by endless rants about her manipulative behavior and how terribly she had treated Sunghoon. Sunoo had never been shy about his opinion of her, and he’d made sure Jaeyun knew exactly what kind of person Wonyoung was.

As she stood there, Jaeyun could almost hear Sunoo’s words echoing in his mind, and it reinforced the unease that settled over him.

As Wonyoung’s eyes landed on Sunghoon, a bright smile bloomed across her face, illuminating her features. “Sunghoonie!” she called out, her voice dripping with a feigned sweetness as she began to stride toward him.

But before she could close the distance, Ni-ki stepped in front of her, his expression unwavering and protective. “You shouldn’t be here, Wonyoung,” he stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.