My Current Obsession

"Son, pity your old parents, and at least show us your girlfriend!" "Don't be stingy with us, Eliot!" The door shut. He didn't reply. He never knew what to say to that. They weren't asking for a girlfriend. They were asking for a grandchild. And lately, that was all his mother talked about: the times she visited the neighbor just to hold their grandson and imagine impossible things. And Eliot? He still hadn't found his mate. "Your grandson is such a beauty. Is he an omega?" Sara, Eliot's mum, complimented her friend's grandchild. "Hahaha. He's a different breed. Have you forgotten that both my son and his wife are alphas?" Ivy, Sara's friend, said, laughing. Their bond as neighbours had strengthened after the baby's cries were heard. "Oooh. Wow, so surrogacy is real?" Sara chuckled, motioning to the baby who was playing with a doll. "You forget things too much, my friend," Ivy said, carrying her grandson. "When will your daughter be back? I can't wait for the naming ceremony." Sara held her palms together, beaming as the baby turned toward her. "Mia went to pick something up from the store. I'm sure she'll be back soon," Ivy continued as they walked to the parlour together. "Only God knows when Eliot will give me a grandchild. Or speak on my behalf; am I not old enough?" Sara's voice thundered as they passed the corridor. "You are. Hahaha. He will give you one soon, don't worry." Eliot's POV "Always talking about children when I haven't found my mate." He sighed as he jogged down the street. Eliot, a tall, well-built man in his mid-twenties, had features that couldn't be ignored even at a glance. Yet he has no partner. "Eliot…" a man in his mid-thirties called out from a short distance, approaching him. His smile showed he was already tired of shouting. "Eliot!" he called again. Finally, Eliot spun around, removing his headset. "Felix?" Eliot stretched out his arm for a handshake. They shook hands, smiling. "You seem lost in thought. What happened this time?" Felix asked as they jogged together. "You look like a man being chased by ghosts," Felix laughed. "Worse. My parents want a grandchild," Eliot sighed. "Hmph. 'I need a grandchild, I need a grandchild…" Eliot chuckled, repeating his parents' words. Felix burst into laughter and stopped; Eliot halted in his tracks, placing a palm on his waist. "How about we visit the temple to find out where the problem is coming from?" Felix held his stomach, laughing wildly. "Sounds funny." Eliot chuckled, looking at his friend, who was now laughing uncontrollably. "Where are you, mate?" Eliot faced the sky, raising his hands. His words echoed back at him as a skating boy collided with him. If not for Eliot's strong stamina, they would have been on the floor by now. Eliot's grip caught the boy before he could fall. "So sorry," the boy breathed as Eliot's firm hold loosened from his waist. Eliot didn't answer. He remained still, staring into those golden irises. The boy was out of breath; his nose mask made it difficult to breathe. He had to push slightly before regaining his breath. Felix stood nearby, watching the drama unfold. He smiled as the boy turned the corner and out of sight. Eliot stood there, lost in what he had just encountered, and didn't even realize Felix was calling him. Felix watched everything, amusement written all over his face. "He's gone. That's obvious. Eliot!" Felix called in a mocking tone, bringing his friend back to reality. Eliot spun to face Felix, and his daze vanished as their gazes met. His expression shifted into playful disgust. "Rubbish. Nonsense." Eliot scoffed and started running. "Hahaha. Eliot, one second with a stranger!" Felix laughed, chasing after him. "I'm not that ugly!" Eliot shouted back. Their laughter filled the street as they returned home together. He didn't know why he kept thinking about it later that evening. While bathing. While eating. It made no sense. Just an accident.