The morning sun spilled over Lupine Academy, golden and teasing, as if even the world outside knew today would be… different. Daniel stretched lazily, trying to loosen the tension in his muscles. After yesterday's sparks and mischief, he couldn't stop replaying every glance, every brush of hands, every teasing smirk Leo had thrown his way. He groaned softly. Focus, Daniel. Survive first, swoon later, he muttered to himself, though the thought made him smirk despite his efforts.
"Late again, Daniel?" Mika called from the doorway, waving a notebook at him. "I swear, if I didn't know better, I'd think you were doing this on purpose."
"I'm not late," Daniel replied, adjusting his uniform with exaggerated composure. "I am simply… fashionably early."
Mika rolled her eyes but laughed anyway, clearly amused by his attempt at alpha-like confidence. She leaned closer. "Don't let Leo see you flustered. He'll notice."
Daniel's stomach twisted. Why does everyone keep reminding me about him? He sighed, knowing Mika was right. Leo had a way of noticing the things no one else did, of seeing behind the careful masks people wore. Daniel had to stay sharp.
The instructors gathered everyone for a strategy challenge, pairing students in mixed teams to solve physical and mental puzzles. The goal: test instincts, collaboration, and alpha judgment. Daniel's chest sank as the tokens were revealed.
Leo. Again.
"You're going to need more than that smug grin to win today," Leo said, his amber eyes locking onto Daniel's with a piercing intensity. There was a playful glint in his gaze, like he was daring Daniel to slip up.
Daniel swallowed, forcing a confident smile. "I've got this," he said smoothly, though his pulse betrayed him.
The first task was deceptively simple: a puzzle requiring careful cooperation and physical dexterity. Daniel and Leo immediately fell into sync, their movements precise, subtle touches unavoidable. Each accidental brush of arms or shared glance sent small jolts through Daniel, awakening instincts he carefully hid.
"You're… surprisingly clever," Leo murmured, voice low, leaning just slightly too close. "For someone hiding behind a perfect alpha act."
Daniel froze, caught off guard by the closeness. He managed a small laugh. "I'm full of surprises," he replied, heart hammering.
Mika watched from the sidelines, jotting notes and shaking her head. "Don't tell me you're actually enjoying this," she whispered to herself, clearly entertained.
Ryo, standing nearby, folded his arms and frowned. "Watch him. Leo isn't just teasing. He's testing him—hard."
The exercises continued, escalating in difficulty. Daniel's cleverness and controlled omega abilities shone subtly, enough to impress without revealing too much. Leo's attention never wavered; every small gesture was noted, every misstep cataloged.
During a particularly tricky challenge, Daniel stumbled—just slightly—but Leo's hand shot out to steady him. Their fingers brushed, lingering too long, and Daniel's chest fluttered. He managed to suppress a shiver, but the warmth that spread through him was impossible to ignore.
"You're getting better," Leo said quietly, his gaze softened for a fleeting moment before the usual teasing smirk returned. "Careful though. I notice everything."
Daniel's pulse spiked. He tried to respond casually. "I'll keep that in mind," he said, heart hammering. The playful tension, the closeness, the unspoken acknowledgment of his secret made his thoughts spin.
After the challenge, both of them walked back toward the dorms, side by side. Silence stretched between them, comfortable yet charged. Leo glanced at Daniel, smirk fading into a look that was almost… curious, almost… vulnerable.
"You know," Leo said casually, but Daniel could hear the edge of something unspoken, "you're not just hiding your omega side. You're hiding who you really are. I can see it."
Daniel felt a flutter of panic and exhilaration. Does he really know? he wondered. "And if he does?" he thought, fighting the instinct to flee.
Leo's smirk returned, teasing but with a new depth. "Then I guess… we'll just see what happens."
Daniel let out a small breath, flustered but intrigued. The academy had changed completely. It wasn't just about survival anymore. It was about Leo, about the tension, about the pull that neither of them could deny.
Mika nudged him as they entered the dorm. "He's dangerous," she whispered. "But fun, right?"
Daniel laughed softly, unsure if it was nerves or excitement. "Yes… but also terrifying."
And for the first time, he realized he didn't care. He wanted more.