“Damn, that went horribly… Where the hell did that omega even pop up from?”

But in the silence, Alexei’s mind drifted somewhere else.

His eyes stayed fixed on Lucas, yet in his head… he was strangling that omega.

Alyosha called out:

“Alexei?”

No answer.

“Alexei!”

Still silence.

Until Alexei finally blinked. Slowly.

He turned his head toward Alyosha.

Alyosha said,

“You okay? You zoned out way too hard.”

Alexei forced out a breath.

“I’m fine. I’m going outside… for a smoke.”

When the door closed, Alyosha muttered,

“I’m really worried about him… it’s the first time he’s liked someone.”

Kirill said,

“I was excited too… I mean, cold Alexei falling in love? That’s basically a historical event.”

Outside the café — a few minutes later

Alexei leaned against the wall, a cigarette between his lips.

He wasn’t smoking. Just staring.

Under his breath, he murmured:

“I seriously thought about killing that omega…

I guess I really… like him.”

And at that moment, the door opened.

Lucas stepped out.

Same cheerful face—

but only until he felt the outside air.

His expression froze.

Alexei looked at him. Calm, but surprised.

Lucas grumbled,

“I can’t stand them. Damn it, that disgusting scent of pheromones.”

He pulled out a tissue and angrily wiped his hands.

“I hate being touched by them.”

He took out a cigarette, placed it between his lips, and reached into his pocket for a lighter…

Lucas:

“Oh damn it… I must’ve left it in my bag.”

He turned to go back inside—

And then a spark.

Alexei, with that calm, cold gaze,

had flicked open his silver lighter and held the flame out to Lucas’s cigarette.

Their eyes locked.

A few seconds of silence.

Only the sound of the flame… and a slow heartbeat.

Lucas smiled.

Softly.

And said:

“Thanks… perfect timing.”

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