The next morning, Rui stood in front of the mirror, frozen.
His uniform fit the same, but something about him felt… different. His skin looked clearer, cheeks slightly flushed, eyes less tired. The faint glow he saw last night still lingered under his skin — not magic, not fantasy, but the side effect of bond energy activation.
He had taken the heat suppressant. His body wasn't on fire anymore. But a warmth still simmered beneath his skin, like the sun behind clouds. Quiet. Waiting.
The system had stayed silent since the pill, only glowing softly when Rui had checked his profile:
Name: Rui ChenGender: MaleSecondary Gender: Omega (Dormant – Reactivated)Age: 17Bonded Alpha: Kian Zhou – 100% MatchBond Energy: 4.2%Level: 0Points: 200 ptsStore Access: Basic TierNext Unlock: Level 1 at 1000 pts
He hadn't slept well. Every time he closed his eyes, Kian's voice echoed in his head — deep and unreadable.
"You can't hide forever."
At school, everything felt the same — the classrooms, the dull chatter in the hallway, the bitter smell of instant coffee.
But people looked at him differently.
He walked through the corridor, and heads turned. A few girls whispered. One boy bumped into him and flushed, muttering an apology before hurrying off.
Rui blinked. Was it that obvious?
He'd spent years blending into the background. But now, it was like he'd stepped out of shadow and into a spotlight he never asked for.
Was his scent leaking again?
He checked his phone, discreetly opening the system panel.
Pheromone Output: Controlled (Trace Level Detected)
Tch. He was slipping.
He made it through the first two classes on autopilot, forcing himself not to think about Kian — or the heat. Or the idea of a 24-year-old billionaire alpha who might somehow be his… mate.
That afternoon, the school courtyard had been transformed into something straight out of a luxury magazine.
Banners flew, camera drones hovered, and a makeshift stage stood in front of the garden wall. The annual "Future Industry & Career Day," sponsored by none other than Zhou Corporation.
Rui's stomach dropped.
He hadn't realized the CEO himself would be attending.
Then he saw him.
Kian stood at the edge of the crowd, dressed in a crisp black suit, towering over the school staff and board members. His presence wasn't loud — it was precise. Controlled. But magnetic.
Rui felt it instantly — that pull again.
Like his body remembered the heat before his brain could catch up.
System Notification⚡ Task #2 Unlocked:Approach and speak with Kian.Reward: +60 PointsBonus Objective: Remain within 2 meters of Kian for 2 full minutes (+20 Bonus Pts)
Rui froze. "You've got to be kidding me," he whispered.
System:Would you like to accept this task?[YES] [LATER]
Rui hovered over the options, heart pounding. He still didn't know if this system was safe — or what would happen if he failed a task.
How can I even trust you? he thought bitterly.
As if it heard him, the system's voice pinged in his mind again — soft, neutral, almost amused.
This system operates under government-licensed bond technology.No harm protocols activated.Your safety, mental and physical, is prioritized.
Still creepy, Rui thought, but the reassurance calmed his nerves just a little.
He clenched his fists.
Then hit [YES].
He weaved through the crowd toward the far corner where Kian stood, seemingly uninterested in the event unfolding around him. Rui's eyes fixed on him, scanning every detail — broad shoulders, elegant posture, sharp gaze.
Kian turned slightly, and their eyes met.
For a second, the whole world fell silent.
Rui's breath caught in his throat.
He stepped closer.
Kian's gaze didn't waver — intense and unreadable.
"Mr. Zhou," Rui said, voice soft but clear, "thank you for the event today."
It was awkward. Too formal. He regretted the words instantly.
But Kian's lips curved slightly, just a hint of amusement — or was it recognition?
"You're welcome," Kian said. "I'm surprised you came to me this time."
"I… had a reason."
Kian's head tilted, almost curiously. "I imagine you did."
They stood close now — closer than they ever had.
Rui could feel the bond energy crackling faintly between them like static, just under the surface of his skin.
Somewhere in his mind, the system ticked a timer silently.
Two minutes.
Just two minutes.