The announcer's voice echoed through the venue, signaling a short break before the elimination rounds. Jet pulled off his mask, letting the cool air hit his face. He wiped his forehead with a towel, his eyes instinctively scanning the crowd.
And there he was.
Jet froze, his breath catching in his throat. A tall man stood near the back of the seating area, wearing sunglasses and a mask. He was scanning the venue with a calm, unreadable expression, seemingly unfazed by the noise and activity around him.
Jet hesitated, his heart racing. He wanted to go over, but the memory of their awkward text exchange made him second-guess himself. 'Was this a mistake?'
But then Han's gaze shifted, locking onto Jet.
Jet's feet moved before he could think, and within moments, he was standing in front of Han. "You came," he blurted, heat creeping up his face.
"Checked my schedule and happened to be free," Han replied casually.
Jet looked up at the Alpha towering over him. Han wasn't just tall—he was imposing, his presence almost larger than life. No typical Alpha carried themselves like this, with such quiet intensity. The room was thick with the overwhelming mix of perfumes and pheromones, but Jet could pick out Han's scent, soothing and grounding amidst the chaos.
For a moment, Jet hesitated, struggling to reconcile the man in front of him with the faint connection he couldn't quite explain.
"You're doing well," Han said, breaking the silence. "Best of luck in the next round."
Jet swallowed, his nerves momentarily forgotten. "Thanks. It means a lot coming from you." He hesitated before adding, "Would you… mind staying after the competition? Just for a bit?"
Han's sharp gaze softened slightly as he nodded. "I'll be here."
Before Jet could say more, the call for the elimination rounds echoed across the venue. "I've got to go," he said quickly, his heart racing again, though this time it wasn't from nerves.
Han gave a subtle nod, and Jet turned, running back toward the competitors' area. The Alpha's presence lingered in his mind, steadying him as he prepared to face the next challenge.
'I'll be here.'
"Congratulations, Jet Lev, for winning gold!" the announcer declared.
Jet stepped onto the podium, the gold medal cool against his skin as the judges placed it around his neck. The applause was deafening, but Jet's eyes instinctively searched the crowd, landing on Han. Despite the distance, the tall Alpha's quiet smile stood out, sending a strange warmth through Jet.
Von and Minah rushed forward the moment Jet stepped down, pulling him into a tight hug.
"My big brother!" Minah said proudly, practically bouncing.
"You did it!" Von added, his grin stretching ear to ear.
Jet laughed, embracing them both. "It's been a while since I've gotten first place," he admitted, before his gaze shifted upward.
Han stood at a distance, watching with a soft, almost imperceptible smile. Jet felt his heart skip at the sight but quickly refocused as Von and Minah finished their celebratory hugs and said their goodbyes, promising to meet later for an evening celebration.
Jet gathered his things and made his way toward Han. "Sorry about that," he said, slightly sheepish. "It must've been awkward, seeing me and my family all… like that."
Han shook his head. "Family first, right? It's a celebration. Why feel embarrassed?"
Jet blinked, caught off guard by Han's answer. "You make it sound so easy." He laughed softly. "Thanks."
Han didn't reply immediately, but the corners of his lips curved ever so slightly.
Jet cleared his throat, suddenly unsure of what to say. "Uh, want to take a walk? Sit down and talk for a while?"
"Sounds nice," Han said simply.
Jet sprinted to his car, stuffing his gear into the trunk before returning to Han. They walked side by side through the quiet streets, the hum of distant traffic filling the gaps in their conversation.
"Are you sure you can handle wearing that?" Han asked, nodding toward Jet's fencing pants. "It's summer, and you're sweating buckets."
"It's just the pants," Jet replied with a shrug. "I'll survive. But look at you, walking around in that mask like a secret agent. Are you sure you can breathe?"
"Doesn't matter as long as I don't get caught," Han replied with a faint smirk.
Jet chuckled, glancing around as they strolled. His mind raced with ideas to cool off—an ice cream shop, a cafe—but then he realized Han might have to take off the mask, and the thought made him hesitate.
"Are you hungry?" Jet asked after a moment. "We could grab some food and head back to my place. Eat there."
Han raised an eyebrow. "Your place?"
Jet grinned. "Don't worry, big fella, I'm not kidnapping you." He laughed, picking up the pace. "Unless you think you can't handle me."
Han's gaze softened, his steps slowing slightly as he watched Jet's back. "I don't think that's the issue," he murmured, his voice too low for Jet to hear.
—
"I thought you'd be more comfortable eating here than out because—" Jet began, closing his front door behind him.
"Because you think I'd probably get caught in public?" Han cut him off, his tone neutral but laced with faint amusement. "Thank you."
Jet paused mid-step, blinking as he processed the Alpha's response. He hadn't expected such a straightforward comment from someone with such a reserved demeanor.
"Uh—it's no problem!" he said quickly, brushing off his momentary awkwardness as he motioned toward the sofa. "Make yourself comfortable. I'll grab some utensils."
Han nodded slightly, walking to the sofa with his usual composed stride. As Jet walked into his room to put down his equipment and trophy on the shelf before going to the kitchen right next to the living room, Han removed his mask, letting out a quiet sigh of relief as he finally breathed freely.
His eyes wandered over the room, eventually landing on a small cage on the coffee table. Something moved inside, catching his attention.
"Don't forget to wash your hands. The basin's right there," Jet's voice called next to him, snapping him out of his thoughts. "And don't touch them until you're done eating."
Han raised an eyebrow, his gaze flickering back to the cage. "Them?"
Jet turned around, catching Han's curious look over the kitchen counter that divided the small studio. He flashed a grin. "You'll see soon enough," he said with a playful lilt.