To Wei Xiaochi’s surprise, Jiang Zhan didn’t drag him out for another walk after school. The basketball team had practice, and Jiang Zhan needed to attend.

This Saturday, the basketball team from No. 2 High School would be competing against Yi Yang Vocational High at the artificial stadium.

Yi Yang Vocational High had been the reigning champion of the city for five consecutive years, their team hailed as the undisputed kings of A City.

Last year, No. 2 High had suffered a crushing defeat, 80–98, to Yi Yang Vocational High. Because of this, the coach had added an extra half-hour to their daily training schedule.

Jiang Zhan had been in isolation during his susceptibility period for the past few days, so now that he was back at school, he naturally had to participate in practice.

Unlike before, this time, Wei Xiaochi was present as a “family member,” accompanying the team during their training.

This arrangement was far better than walking aimlessly. He didn’t have to run, jump, or exert himself—just sit on the sidelines.

Finding a quiet corner, Wei Xiaochi settled in, pulling out his pen and some worksheets to start his homework.

The school had an indoor sports facility, only opened for the team during winter and summer. The school administration placed high importance on the high school basketball league, so much so that the indoor arena was even equipped with air conditioning.

Under the cool breeze of the air conditioner, with the rhythmic shouts of the basketball team running laps in the background, Wei Xiaochi worked on his problems, completely unfazed.

After the laps, the coach gave the team a two-minute break.

Jiang Zhan walked over, his hair damp with sweat, a fine sheen covering his prominent nose. He bent down to grab the sports drink he had placed next to Wei Xiaochi.

Wei Xiaochi immediately stopped writing, shrinking his shoulders like a startled quail.

Jiang Zhan stood behind him, leaning down as if to envelop him in an embrace. The unique alpha pheromones surrounded Wei Xiaochi completely.

Both alphas and omegas had unique body scents, especially when they sweated. To be precise, it was their pheromones. Betas often envied this—omegas complained about beta sweat smelling sour, but the scent of alpha sweat was packed with an overwhelming allure for omegas.

Li Suilin, standing at the three-point line, noticed Jiang Zhan loitering in the corner, seemingly trying to attract his omega’s attention. He clicked his tongue against his teeth, unable to suppress a smirk.

The two figures were practically glued together. Jiang Zhan seemed to be contemplating a kiss, circling Wei Xiaochi over and over, unable to find the right angle.

Wei Xiaochi, feeling dizzy from Jiang Zhan’s pacing, gripped his pen tightly, struggling to focus.

Li Suilin chuckled softly. Twisting his wrist, he jumped, released, and the basketball swished cleanly into the hoop.

Clicking his tongue again, he thought, Watching these two idiots date is surprisingly entertaining.

Though his ankle had just healed, and his doctor had advised against intense activity, the upcoming game against Yi Yang Vocational High demanded his presence. Even with a full lineup, their chances were slim, let alone without their all-around scoring guard.

For the sake of the team, Li Suilin had joined the practice sessions in recent days, though the coach exempted him from physical training, focusing instead on refining his shooting technique.

As he practiced, he cast intermittent glances at the clueless couple.

Eventually, Jiang Zhan gave up, sitting down next to Wei Xiaochi in frustration. His intentions were as clear as day to everyone except the oblivious omega himself.

Relieved that Jiang Zhan had finally stopped pacing and found a seat, Wei Xiaochi returned his attention to his homework.

“Time’s up! Everyone gather!” the coach clapped twice, his voice booming.

Jiang Zhan rose reluctantly, his movements exuding a sense of resistance.

Seeing this, Wei Xiaochi leaned forward slightly and, in a barely audible voice, said, “Good luck.”

The encouragement was so feeble it resembled a tired retiree begrudgingly fulfilling his duties.

The truth was, Wei Xiaochi couldn’t comprehend the excitement of competitive sports. He’d rather face the gallows than play a basketball game.

Jiang Zhan, his expression sullen, adjusted the red wristband on his wrist and walked off without a word.

At that moment, the gym door swung open, and Wei Minzhen stepped in.

Wei Xiaochi immediately tensed, his nerves on edge. Fearful of being caught dating Jiang Zhan, he wished he could vanish into thin air.

Wei Minzhen had indeed come to investigate. His sharp eyes scanned the room, honing in on Jiang Zhan. Spotting a figure hiding suspiciously in the corner, his eyes gleamed.

Based on his years of catching couples, it was highly likely the omega fawning over Jiang Zhan would show up to cheer him on during practice.

Sure enough, he had been right.

Wei Minzhen strode forward, his tone threatening, “Why are you hiding? I’ve already seen you—come out!”

Jiang Zhan frowned and was about to employ his usual tactics to buy time for Wei Xiaochi’s escape when Li Suilin, standing nearby, suddenly spoke.

“Xiaochi.”

The sound of Wei Xiaochi’s name revealed his identity on the spot.

The omega, who had been about to crawl under the bench, froze at the sound of his name and looked blankly at Li Suilin.

Jiang Zhan turned to glare at Li Suilin.

Seizing the moment, Wei Minzhen bypassed Jiang Zhan and closed in on the omega.

However, when he came face-to-face with Wei Xiaochi—his pale and dazed “model student” expression—Wei Minzhen faltered, doubts creeping in.

Staring at Wei Xiaochi intently, Wei Minzhen’s confusion grew. The face looked familiar, but he couldn’t place it.

Li Suilin approached leisurely, his tone light and conversational. “Teacher Wei, working late?”

Recognizing Li Suilin, Wei Minzhen’s demeanor softened. “No, just a surprise inspection.”

He glanced meaningfully at Jiang Zhan. “He’s not on the basketball team, is he?” Wei Minzhen gestured to Wei Xiaochi. “Why is he here after school?”

His words carried an air of suspicion.

Calmly, Li Suilin explained, “His name is Wei Xiaochi. He’s from our class and helps tutor the team.”

At this, Wei Minzhen suddenly remembered.

He’d seen someone working on homework during practice before, and he’d heard that the team’s recent academic improvement was due to tutoring sessions during training breaks.

Wei Minzhen scrutinized Wei Xiaochi once more. The boy’s demeanor screamed “model student.” Wei Minzhen vaguely recalled his name being among the top-ranking students in the year.

How could a student like this possibly get entangled with Jiang Zhan?

In his eyes, the omegas who fell for Jiang Zhan were all bold and rebellious types. These two seemed entirely incompatible.

Had he misjudged the situation? Perhaps the omega he was after wasn’t here.

Internally berating himself for being too hasty, Wei Minzhen masked his thoughts. “Alright, focus on your game and bring glory to the school.”

“But don’t neglect your studies. You’re about to enter senior year—its importance goes without saying. Your futures depend on it…”

As Wei Minzhen began what looked like a long-winded lecture, the coach quickly intervened, steering him toward the exit with polite assurances.

“Don’t worry, Director Wei. I’ve got it under control. You’ve worked hard today. Leave the rest to me.”

Relieved, the team exhaled collectively.

No one could blame Wei Minzhen for being misled. Who would have thought such contrasting personalities could be a couple? Most had assumed Wei Xiaochi would never date, and that Jiang Zhan would be drawn to someone bold and fiery.

After practice, Wei Xiaochi still couldn’t escape “walking duty.” Jiang Zhan insisted on escorting him home.

Pushing his bicycle, Wei Xiaochi walked alongside the alpha under the setting sun. They moved in silence.

When they finally reached his apartment complex, Wei Xiaochi breathed a sigh of relief. At last, the awkward tension was over.

“Well, I’m heading in. Thanks for walking me home,” he said, pushing his bike toward the entrance.

Just as he moved, the bike seat was pulled back.

Turning, he found Jiang Zhan standing under the fading sunlight. His sharp features were gilded by the warm light, but he didn’t look at Wei Xiaochi.

After a moment, Jiang Zhan glanced at him but quickly turned away again. His hand remained on the bike seat, tugging it slightly.

The scene felt eerily familiar. Suddenly, Wei Xiaochi realized what was happening. His face flushed.

“Do… do you want a hug?” he stammered.

Before he could finish, Jiang Zhan yanked him into a tight embrace over the bicycle.

Jiang Zhan held him as if complaining about the delay, rubbing his face against Wei Xiaochi’s hair.

Stiff as a board, Wei Xiaochi let the alpha hold him.

It didn’t last long. Releasing him, Jiang Zhan said, his voice soft and sticky, “Even without Li Suilin stepping in, I would’ve gotten you out of there.”

Wei Xiaochi, initially confused, quickly realized Jiang Zhan was talking about the earlier incident with Wei Minzhen. Without Li Suilin’s intervention, the situation might have gone very differently.

“Got it,” Wei Xiaochi said, nodding quickly to appease him.

Satisfied, Jiang Zhan leaned down, planting a quick kiss on his lips before saying awkwardly, “Go on, now.”

That entire day felt like a dream to Wei Xiaochi. When he finally got home, he was exhausted, both mentally and physically.

After cleaning up, he collapsed onto his bed, muttering to himself.

Alphas are so clingy.

He’d never been doted on like this before, leaving him at a complete loss. Was everyone this sticky during early dating?

Curious, he pulled out his phone and searched online.

The answers varied, but most agreed: at eighteen, hormones were at their peak. If an alpha liked an omega, it was normal for them to crave closeness.

And maybe even want to temporarily mark them.

Temporary marking?

Wei Xiaochi adjusted his glasses, staring at the phrase in thought.

Temporary marking involved biting the omega’s nape, which could save a dose of suppressant.

For AOs, the gland was a deeply personal and intimate area. It carried a sensual ambiguity similar to lips—provocative and alluring.

A temporary mark was like a passionate kiss, reserved for the closest of relationships.

If Jiang Zhan wanted to bite him during their early dating…

Well, it would save him some money. Suppressants weren’t cheap, after all.

With a sigh, Wei Xiaochi touched the back of his neck. “Why did I have to grow such an expensive feature?”