Fragile Warmth
744 Words
The night after the incident passed in fragments for Aki.
His body still burned with traces of the false suppressant, his mind replaying the humiliation again and again. The whispers. Aya’s mocking concern. The scent leaking from him, heavy and uncontrollable.
He lay curled beneath the soft quilt of the guest room inside Ryuji’s penthouse, where Haruto had insisted he stay until stabilized. The sheets were expensive silk, the air cool and quiet, yet none of it eased the pounding in his chest.
(I… caused trouble again. In front of everyone… Ryuji-sama, Haruto-san… they must hate me now…)
His throat ached with the effort of holding back tears.
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Haruto’s Presence
The door opened softly. Haruto stepped in, a tray balanced carefully in his hands: warm soup, a glass of water, and a small bowl of medicine prescribed by the company’s private physician.
“You’re awake,” Haruto murmured. His voice was calm, but his eyes softened the moment they landed on Aki. “You should eat something. It’ll help settle the aftereffects.”
Aki sat up slowly, embarrassed to meet his gaze. “I-I’m sorry, Minami-san. Because of me, you had to…”
“Don’t apologize.” Haruto set the tray on the bedside table and adjusted Aki’s pillows before handing him the water. “It wasn’t your fault.”
Aki hesitated, then sipped obediently. The simple act of Haruto’s hand brushing his, steady and warm, sent a rush of safety through him.
“…Thank you,” Aki whispered.
For a moment, silence stretched between them. Haruto studied the fragile Omega, his pale lashes trembling as he tried to appear strong. Something in Haruto’s chest ached—an emotion he had buried long ago, now resurfacing.
But before he could say more, a deeper voice cut through the quiet.
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Ryuji’s Claim
“Are you done fussing, Haruto?”
Both turned to see Ryuji leaning casually against the doorframe, his tall frame shadowed by the hallway light. His dark eyes, however, were sharp—locking instantly on Aki.
The Omega froze under his gaze, clutching the blanket tighter around himself.
Ryuji stepped forward, the weight of his presence filling the room. He set a small bag on the desk: new suppressant bottles, verified by his most trusted men.
“These won’t be touched. I’ll see to it personally,” Ryuji said. His voice was low, almost dangerous, but the words were meant to reassure.
Aki’s lips parted, stunned. “…Ryuji-sama…”
The Alpha’s gaze softened just enough to make Aki’s heart lurch. “You’ll stay here until I say otherwise. No one will dare move against you again.”
Aki’s cheeks flushed, confusion and warmth tangling in his chest. He lowered his gaze, whispering, “I… I don’t want to be a burden…”
Ryuji’s jaw tightened. He stepped closer, kneeling slightly so his eyes met Aki’s. “Listen well, Akihiro.” His voice dropped to a near growl. “Weakness does not make you a burden. It only makes those who exploit it cowards.”
Haruto glanced away, hiding the flicker of emotion in his expression. Ryuji rarely spoke so openly—never with such weight.
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The Quiet Night
Later, when Aki had finally eaten a little and taken his medicine, Haruto guided him to lie down again. His hand brushed Aki’s hair back gently, lingering for just a second too long.
“Rest. I’ll be in the next room if you need anything.”
But before Haruto could leave, Ryuji pulled a chair closer to the bed and sat down heavily. “I’ll watch him tonight.”
Aki’s eyes widened. Haruto raised a brow but said nothing, only adjusting his glasses to hide the faint smile tugging at his lips.
“…Very well. Don’t scare him.”
When Haruto left, silence settled once again. Aki peeked up at Ryuji, who sat there, arms folded, gaze fixed on the window. His presence was steady, intimidating… but oddly reassuring.
“…You don’t have to stay,” Aki whispered.
Ryuji didn’t look at him, but his reply was firm. “Sleep. I said no one touches what’s mine.”
The words echoed in Aki’s heart long after his eyes closed, a strange warmth chasing away his fear.
For the first time in years, the merciless Alpha sat quietly through the night, guarding something fragile… something he was only beginning to realize he wanted to protect.
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✨ End of Chapter 6 ✨
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- Writer
