Chapter 4: The Daily Ritual ☕🐺🌙
The next day felt like a grueling test. Song Wen spent the entire morning staring at the café's doorbell. 🔔 His heart leaped every single time a new customer walked through the door.
Then, at the exact same hour as before... the door opened.
Park Si Jun.
Today, he wore a dark grey suit, and his hair was slightly disheveled, as if he had rushed here directly from something urgent. A strange silence washed over the entire café. As he stepped inside, the air filled with a masculine, cool fragrance—like the scent of a dense forest after a heavy rain. 🌲🌧️
Si Jun walked straight to the counter. He didn't place an order; he simply locked eyes with Song Wen.
Si Jun: "You still haven't taken your suppressants today?" 💊❌
Song Wen's hands froze. "H-how do you...?"
Si Jun (In a low voice): "Your scent... it's drifting through the entire café. For an Alpha, it is impossible to ignore." 🐺💨
Song Wen's face flushed a deep crimson. He hurriedly began brewing coffee. ☕🍎 Si Jun remained there, watching him intently. He didn't budge until Song Wen handed him the cup.
The Gilded Cage (The Invitation) 🏰🛡️
In the evening, when Song Wen stepped out of the café, it was pouring rain. 🌧️ He didn't have an umbrella. As he stood there wondering what to do, the same black luxury car pulled up in front of him. 🚗
The window rolled down. Si Jun was sitting inside.
Si Jun: "Get in. I'll take you home."
Song Wen: "No... I'll just take the bus."
Si Jun (Solemnly): "Your heat cycle is about to begin, Wen. It isn't safe for you to be out. There are many Alphas roaming the city." ⚠️🌕
Song Wen felt a chill of fear. He knew Si Jun was right. He quietly climbed into the car. The interior smelled exactly like Si Jun—deeply comforting.
However, the car didn't turn toward his small hostel. Instead, it headed toward the largest mansion in the city. 🏰🌲
Song Wen (Panicked): "This isn't the way to my house! Where are you taking me?"
Si Jun: "I am taking you to a place where no one can touch you. Until your heat passes, you will stay at my mansion." 🔒✨
The Forbidden Room 🕯️🗝️
Upon arriving at the mansion, Si Jun gave him a massive, beautiful room. But that night, sleep wouldn't come to Song Wen. He realized that Si Jun's bedroom was right next to his.
Through the wall, he could almost hear Si Jun's deep breathing. There was a physical barrier between them, but their "Bond" seemed to be tearing right through the stone. ⚡💓
Suddenly, Song Wen's phone buzzed with an unknown message:
"He isn't saving you, Wen... he is trapping you. Ask him about his old diary." 📩🔍
With trembling hands, Song Wen pushed open his bedroom door and stepped out into the dark corridor...