"Jet!"
His brothers' voices rang out in unison as Jet came down the stairs, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"What—why are you all here?" he asked, blinking at them in surprise.
"Worried about you, obviously," Feng Jian said, standing with his arms crossed.
"I rushed back as soon as the storm cleared," Feng Zhi added, leaning casually against the wall. "But it looks like you've already made it home."
"You're so reckless!" Feng Bo stepped forward, pulling Jet into a rough hug. "Vanishing like that—do you know how worried everyone was? But at least you're safe now."
Jet chuckled lightly, gently patting his brother's arm. "I'm fine. Really. I just… ran into some complications on the way back."
"Complications?" Their mother's voice carried from the breakfast table, sharp and curious. "Why didn't you say anything?"
Jet stiffened slightly, glancing at her over his shoulder. "It wasn't a big deal," he said, trying to sound casual as he reached for the teapot.
"Oh, so it wasn't a big deal?" Bo cut in, raising an eyebrow. "Then why do you look like you want to bolt right now?"
Jet paused, caught mid-pour, and gave them an awkward grin. "Because you all gang up on me the moment I wake up?"
"Nice try," Jian said, stepping closer. "What really happened?"
Jet hesitated, looking between his brothers and his mother, who was now staring at him expectantly.
"I got caught in the storm," he admitted finally, scratching the back of his neck. "But someone helped me out. That's all."
"Someone?" Bo repeated, his tone sharp with suspicion.
Jet shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "A friend. They lent me an old coat—it kept me warm until the storm let up."
"Who?" Bo pressed, his eyes narrowing.
"The one you were curious about," Jet said with a laugh, dodging the question.
His family exchanged doubtful glances but let the matter drop—for now.
"Well," his mother finally said, breaking the tension, "you're home, and that's what matters. But don't think we won't revisit this conversation later."
Jet exhaled quietly in relief, quickly finishing his tea before they could dig any further.
"I'm heading out," Jet said, placing his teacup down. "I'll be back before my classes."
"Where are you going now? You just got home!" Jian called after him as Jet made his way to the door.
"Returning the coat!" Jet shouted back.
Jian made a move to follow him, but their mother stopped him with a firm hand. "Let him go. He said it's just a friend. You've heard about this person before—Jet trusts them. Besides, he rarely spends time with others."
"Because he's an unmarked Omega, Mother," Jian retorted. "He could—"
"No," she cut in, her voice filled with quiet authority. "I beg you three—listen to me. Jet is getting married soon, and the gossip surrounding him is already enough to put the arrangement at risk. If you interfere or make things worse, the other family could call it off entirely." She sighed, the fear evident in her tone. "Please. Let him have this month in peace. After that, he'll be married off, and all of this will settle."
The brothers exchanged uneasy looks but ultimately nodded in agreement, respecting their mother's wishes—for now.
—-
"I should grab my book along the way," Jet mumbled to himself. "The novel is finished; he can read it."
Jet walked toward the village, the book and coat in hand, keeping his pace steady. He tried to keep to himself, but Xiao Yu's sharp voice sliced through the air.
"Are you deaf?"
Jet paused, blinking in confusion as he turned to face her.
"Pardon?"
She rolled her eyes dramatically, stepping closer. "Have you not heard the rumours? Mating with my mate—you really have the audacity to show your face again."
"Mating? Your mate?" Jet raised a brow, his tone laced with mock curiosity. "Are you sure your 'mate' even knows you exist? Or are you mistaking pity for loyalty again?"
Xiao Yu's expression twisted in fury. "You insolent—"
Jet didn't let her finish. He tilted his head, his voice calm but cutting. "And if I had mated with someone, wouldn't that just mean they chose me over you? Perhaps it's your lack of charm—or your personality. Maybe both."
Her face flushed red with rage. "You little—"
Jet didn't want to hear it, turning on his heel before she could get another word in. "By the way, if you're so confident it's your mate, you should focus on keeping them instead of chasing after me. Jealousy isn't a good look."
Jet walked away, leaving Xiao Yu sputtering with anger, her fists clenched. He sighed, his words still lingering in his mind with a little regret. He didn't want to listen to her today, not after everything.
Before he realized it, he was standing in front of Han's cottage. He knocked lightly, and the door swung open almost immediately.
"You're supposed to be resting. What are you doing here?" Han asked, stepping aside to let him in and closing the door behind him.
"Returning your coat," Jet replied, holding it up. "I know I got caught in that 'relentless storm,' but I'm fine now—thanks to your care."
Han laughed softly. "If you say so."
Jet handed over the coat along with a bound novel. Han raised an eyebrow, glancing at the book before looking back at Jet with a grateful smile. As he flipped through the pages, his eyes skimmed the unfamiliar words. Though he knew he wouldn't be able to finish it all in one sitting, his attention was quickly drawn to something—or rather, someone—far more captivating.
Jet.
The two settled down, the warmth of the room easing Jet's lingering restlessness. As they talked, Jet recounted his latest encounter with Xiao Yu.
"You actually said that to her?" Han asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
"Omega to Omega," Jet said with a shrug. "She'll understand eventually. It's ridiculous to call someone your mate when they aren't—it's just wrong!"
Han chuckled, shaking his head. "People have their imaginations, Jet. Right or wrong, it's up to them. You can either ignore it or take action, but I've learned to ignore it."
"Why ignore it?" Jet asked, tilting his head. "Why not do something about it?"
Han leaned back slightly, his gaze softening. "This isn't my first time. I cared when I was younger, tried to defend myself. But saying the same things over and over… eventually, you give up."
Jet nodded slowly, understanding. "I wish I could stay longer, but I've got classes. Plus, my brothers are in town, and if they find out about you, they'll lose it."
"How crazy would they get? Crazy enough to murder me?" Han teased with a playful smirk.
"Maybe! So you better be careful," Jet said, laughing.
Han's smile widened, the light in his eyes softening. "You're the one worrying about me now?"
Jet chuckled. "Well, someone has to."