The academy courtyard buzzed with afternoon activity—students sparring, training drills, and the low hum of conversation. Daniel adjusted his sleeves, pretending to focus on the practice board, but every few steps, his gaze flicked toward Leo.
Leo was nearby, casually observing others, but Daniel could feel it—the presence, subtle and constant, like a shadow that didn't leave.
During the next drill, Daniel was paired with another student, an overconfident alpha who seemed eager to show off. As the match began, the boy pushed too hard, swinging with aggression that could have unbalanced Daniel.
Daniel dodged instinctively, but Leo's voice cut through before the blow could even land.
"Careful," he said calmly, though his eyes scanned the area sharply. "Don't overextend."
The boy froze for a moment, clearly registering Leo's tone. Daniel's heartbeat quickened—not from fear, but from awareness that Leo had noticed the potential danger.
"Thanks," Daniel muttered under his breath, ducking just in time to avoid another strike.
Leo didn't look at him directly. He didn't have to. Daniel felt the protection, subtle but undeniable. A small safety net woven without words.
After the drill, Daniel stepped aside to catch his breath. His friends, Mika and Ryo, were chatting nearby, but Daniel barely heard them. All he could focus on was the way Leo lingered at the edge of the field, watching—not controlling, just present.
Mika nudged him. "He's… different today, huh?"
Daniel snorted lightly. "Different how?"
"Quiet. Protective. You know, not smirking, not teasing. Just… there."
Daniel's chest tightened. "It's nothing."
Mika raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Uh-huh. Sure. Nothing at all."
Later, when everyone gathered for strategy exercises, a minor scuffle broke out over positioning. Daniel's group ended up in a corner where his stance was almost compromised.
He felt a tap on his shoulder.
"You're good," Leo whispered, his voice low enough for no one else to hear. "Just… remember I'm here."
Daniel's heart thudded. "I—thanks."
Leo didn't linger, but the impact remained. The protective energy, small and deliberate, lingered in Daniel's chest longer than it should.
As evening fell, Daniel walked back to the dorms alone, thinking over the day.
He wasn't sure why, but every time he imagined Leo standing nearby, watching silently, ready to act if needed, his chest felt warmer—and heavier at the same time.
He pressed his palm to his suppressor, feeling the faint hum of control beneath his skin.
He knew something was changing.
Leo wasn't just noticing him anymore.
He was careful with him.
And Daniel wasn't sure whether that was terrifying—or intoxicating.
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