(Lucas’s POV)

I regretted telling Harry about Noah, now that he added salt to my wound.

Even so, Noah had really been engaged to his Alpha fiancee, based on the news that I read online. Moreover, they stated that he was already three years into the engagement, and was supposed to get married by the start of spring next year. That was just like less than a year!

I massaged my temple, trying to ease my headache. If I am able to, I would also like to massage my clenching heart which was in pain.

I glanced at Noah's face that was on the cover of the online news. He looked as handsome as he is in real life; a deep red wavy hair, a piercing yellow eyes, and a stoic figure. He wasn’t smiling in the picture, yet I know that his smile was so sweet and pure.

I sighed in agony.

Noah Elyas was not a dreamy character that I can get anymore. He was too far beyond my reach.

I stared at the image again.

"..."

Maybe...

I touched his face on the screen.

"It will be fine if I became friends with him, I guess?"

Spring ended swiftly and it was time to work on the design for summer fashion week. Also, along those times, I intentionally avoided going to the cafe so I won't see him anymore, even though I said to myself of wanting to only be friends with him.

But it was impossible for me, definitely.

I rubbed my eyes out of sleepiness. Ugh, these time of the year was when it gets hot. Cold coffee sounded good-

SLAP!

My other colleagues flinched from the sound caused by the strong slap I landed on my own cheeks.

"Lucas? What's wrong?"

I broke into an idiotic grin. "Haha, it's nothing. I almost fell asleep that's all."

I scratched my neck awkwardly.

"Now that you mention it..." Maya, our manager scratched her chin, then yawned big time.

"This first quarter of the season is usually the busiest. We will be free after the third quarter, even so, let's take a brief rest for an hour or two. I'm out for a bit."

She put down all her sewing tools and went to the staff room at the back. Gradually, other designers followed her and went to find some place to rest.

We didn't have that advantage of resting comfortably right now.

That's what I wanted to say, but a brilliant mind also needed rest to come up with a brilliant ideas. Even though I am of higher position, I am not opposing their nap time.

Soon after, the whole building was quiet like a graveyard as they all fell asleep.

"Wow..."

I whispered.

Summer was the only season where I could see these people napping inside office-- because of the presence of the air conditioning that cools the air.

As for me, instead of taking a nap, I completed the design by applying a few strokes before saving it and decided to head out to buy some canned coffee and maybe some ice cream.

"Hawt...."

I mumbled while my mouth was filled with ice cream. The outdoor air felt more extreme than indoor, but not to worry! I have ice cream with me!

I vigorously chomped the ice cream until I got a brain freeze. After finishing the ice cream, I placed it back inside the plastic bag and laid down on the bench that was sheltered by a huge tree.

My eyes suddenly felt heavy, probably the nights where I didn’t get enough sleep had finally gotten into me. Slowly, I closed my eyes and gradually fall asleep.

I was awakened by a rustling sound and a soft sensation underneath my head. I blinked open to see Noah’s face right above me.

I exclaimed and was about to sit up when he stopped my forehead with his hand.

"Sorry for surprising you. Continue your rest. I won't disturb you." He said.

In a few moments, the surrounding quieted down after we both rested on the bench.

“What are you doing here?" Noah said, breaking the silence.

I was the one who should ask that kind of thing to you, weren’t I? I mean, this park I’m in is just nearby my workplace, and his workplace is supposed to be the opposite direction of my workplace. The sole fact that he’s here is already strange, and, I don’t want to think of anything strange.

"...I was just resting for awhile."

Noah still silent, waiting me to continue my words. Getting no comeback, he rested his head on the back of the bench and sighed.

"Long time no see." His tone sounded a bit tired, which somehow made the guilt inside me grew.

"...Yeah."

"So how was your work? Getting busier?"

I slowly nodded.

"A little bit. That is why I am here to rest."

Noah tilted his head to the side and cupped his chin on the armrest of the bench.

"By laying down here all defenseless?"

"What?"

I couldn't quite catch what he said because of his muffled voice.

"Nevermind. Go and rest. I will wake you up later."

Reluctantly, I accepted his offer to be my guard.

"Then, wake me up after an hour, please. Thank you."

I closed my eyes.

I didn't know the reason, but the hellish hot weather felt more bearable now. Rather than focusing on my surroundings, I gathered my attention mainly towards inhaling his pheromones as much as I could.

This rare moment was the only time where I could get close to him and get a whiff of his scent. This might sound cringey, but I have a strong feeling of attachment towards his pheromones, as if his scent was specially mine.

Well, we ARE a fated pair after all.

I inhaled one more time, before suddenly my body uncomfortably heated up. I opened my eyes in shock.

Whatever it was, I know exactly that my heat suddenly came. I quickly got up from his lap and dashed somewhere.

"Lucas!"

Was all I heard from behind me before I left.