Chapter Text
It had been almost five months since his failed wedding, and everything seemed to be going relatively normal.
He’d had a long, serious conversation with his parents, then another one with his best friend, and although neither of them agreed with him at first, they chose to leave him alone for a while, something he deeply appreciated.
His best friend, HongJoong, understood his fears, and even though he only wanted to help, he also realized that getting married just for the sake of appearances wasn’t fair to either of them.
His parents, on the other hand, seemed to understand that their youngest son had finally had enough. MinGi genuinely believed that this time they had truly listened to every single one of his words. That this thing they had about finding him an alpha from a “good family” to marry would end here.
Well… he should’ve known his peace wouldn’t last forever.
Little by little, his mother began dragging him to every social event she participated in. His father never missed a chance to bring up one or two young police officers he trusted—his intentions always painfully clear. But MinGi simply smiled and changed the subject the moment he found the opportunity.
He felt like a prize meant for the highest bidder.
No matter how many people he met lately, he spent his free time alone or with whichever omega happened to be around at the studio where he worked as an apprentice.
Approaching any alpha felt… wrong.
Wrong in the sense that their scent bothered him to the point where he made involuntary faces—an irritating, uncomfortable feeling, as if talking to any alpha instantly meant his parents breathing down his neck, telling him he had to get married because it might be his “last chance.”
Besides, he got irritated easily.
He tolerated his father and brother because they lived together. As for JongHo… well, there was no escaping him. Since the day everything spiraled out of control and they returned together from Incheon, his father had “promoted” the guy, so MinGi saw him constantly. Sometimes he thought this new position involved keeping an eye on him at all times, but he discarded the idea when, just last week, he managed to go out partying with coworkers and neither JongHo nor anyone else stopped a couple of drunk alphas from approaching and trying to cross boundaries.
The good thing about being the son of the chief of police of such a large city was that, omega or not, he’d learned how to defend himself and not let his instincts get the best of him. It was still difficult, yes, but to this day, only his father could actually use his command voice on him.
He had also learned how to make his appearance work in his favor. He looked nothing like the traditional fragile, small, obedient omega stereotype. Rather than hating himself for not fitting people’s expectations, he thanked the universe every day for being different—and for inspiring a certain level of respect, just like his father.
“So… I met this guy, you know, and he asked me to move in with him.”
Someone was talking to him, but he wasn’t paying attention at all.
“Oh? Really?”
HongJoong sighed, shaking his head with a small smile.
“You’re so distracted… you know, I don’t want things to stay uncomfortable between us. I mean, I just wanted to help.”
MinGi sighed and gave his friend a soft smile.
“I know. But we already talked about this” he murmured, eyes drifting down to the keyboard beneath his hands. “There’s nothing uncomfortable between us. We’re still best friends, aren’t we?”
“Of course. And I know I’ve already apologized like a hundred times, but I really am sorry for not considering your feelings in all of this. Or well… maybe I did, but not in the right way.”
MinGi offered him another smile, then stole the bag of chips and popped one into his mouth.
“Hyung, it’s already solved. Now… keep talking about this guy you’ve been seeing for a few days.”
“We’re not seeing each other… I mean… not yet.” A mischievous smile curved on HongJoong’s lips. “Well, I just go to his café every day, and we talk more and more, but I can’t go too fast, right?” he asked, leaning all the way back in his chair. “You know, I don’t want to scare him off, but I can’t help loving that comforting scent around him… it’s like exactly what I need after a long day at work. You should come with me, you’re so tense all the time.”
“Watch you drool over your new crush?” MinGi laughed. “Sure. I wouldn’t miss that for anything.”
“Great. We’ll go as soon as I finish this track. Meanwhile… go check if everything’s in order around the studio.”
“Yes, captain.”
He stood up, tossed another chip into his mouth, and wandered through the massive studio with a smile on his face. It was almost eight in the evening; everyone had already gone home except for his workaholic friend and himself.
He sighed with something like envy—everyone else seemed able to move forward, which was good for them, really… but he wished he knew when it would finally be his turn.
He was still trapped in his parents’ house, lacking the courage to tell them no, lacking the confidence to pack his things and live on his own.
His love life… well, that part was fine. He’d been single since he turned twenty. A few late-night adventures didn’t mean anything, but he liked to believe that somewhere out there was someone who wouldn’t run away the moment they met his persistent, irritable family. Someone who wouldn’t be scared off by how protective and intimidating his father could be. Someone who—rather than being bothered by his independence and sharp tongue—would be proud of it. Someone who would actually love him, someone he could feel free with rather than pressured into protocol twenty-four seven.
But that someone would have to be insane.
As insane as that alpha he kidnapped.
An involuntary smile tugged at his lips as he remembered YunHo—the boy who had made him feel safe for the first time in a long while when he desperately needed shelter.
Where would he be now?
Sure, his father had information on every resident in Seoul. MinGi could easily look him up on the computer, but he would never go that far. Invading YunHo’s car had already been too much, invading his privacy would break every boundary he held sacred.
He continued wandering around the studio until he realized almost half an hour had passed with him lost in his thoughts, strolling aimlessly.
He quickly walked back to where he’d left HongJoong, only to find the alpha hurrying out with both of their belongings.
“What took you so long?” he asked while locking the main door. “I called you a ton of times, where is your head these days?”
“You did?” MinGi questioned, grabbing his backpack with a confused expression. “Sorry, I just… started thinking and I guess I lost track of time.”
“We’ll talk about that later. Let’s go, or the café will be closed.”
Unfortunately for them, his fear became reality when they arrived to see a guy locking the café door while saying goodbye to a few employees.
“You’ve got to be kidding me” HongJoong groaned, stopping in front of the café.
The stranger who had just crushed his hopes smiled when he saw them standing there.
He was attractive—very attractive—but not exactly the kind of person MinGi imagined would leave his best friend drooling.
“Oh, you again” the guy said, still smiling as he crossed his arms. “Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but we’re already closed for today. And SeongHwa went home early.”
“I wasn’t— I mean, I just wanted a coffee” HongJoong stuttered.
“Yeah, along with seeing his pretty smile” MinGi added in a low whisper.
They both burst into laughter, leaving HongJoong blushing furiously and looking utterly annoyed.
“Stop it. He’s just really nice, you don’t have to turn this into some conspiracy against me” the alpha muttered as he shrank inside his oversized jacket.
“Of course, it’s not like you’ve spent weeks talking about how charming he is and how much you love his scent” MinGi teased.
The stranger laughed again as if analyzing HongJoong with curiosity.
“So I’m guessing you must be HongJoong” the boy said with a mischievous smile, holding out his hand. “SeongHwa won’t shut up about you either, but don’t tell him I told you that.”
HongJoong’s eyes lit up like a kid at Christmas, realizing the feeling was mutual.
“Y-yeah, I’m HongJoong” he confirmed, shaking his hand. “Kim HongJoong. And this giant guy with me is MinGi.”
The taller one greeted him as well with a brief smile.
“You remind me of the huge puppy we have at home” the smaller omega murmured. “I’m San, by the way. Nice to meet you.”
He radiated an effortless calmness, even standing alone with two strangers late at night. “And I’m sorry you couldn’t grab a coffee, but you should come tomorrow around noon if you’re free” he suggested. “SeongHwa has an hour for lunch, but I’m sure disappearing for two wouldn’t be a problem.”
He winked at HongJoong, and thankfully the alpha was quick enough to catch the hint.
“Oh, I… of course. We’ll be here at noon” HongJoong assured him, smiling like he had just advanced a step in some long, slow plan he’d been working on.
“Well, I have to get going. It was nice meeting you guys, and seriously, sorry you couldn’t come in for coffee.”
“Don’t worry about it. I got something better in exchange. Thank you, San.”
“No problem. You seem like a good guy. And… I have a feeling we’ll be seeing each other more often from now on.” He slid his backpack onto his shoulders and turned around. “By the way, take him out for some meat or ramyeon. He’ll love that.”
After saying that, he smiled one last time and disappeared from sight.
“Well… I’m freezing my ass off, and I didn’t get a free coffee, but at least one of us has a date tomorrow” MinGi joked with his arms crossed.
“Mmm… I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone. We were supposed to have lunch together tomorrow, we’ve been planning it for weeks” HongJoong murmured, weighing his options. “You know… SeongHwa could—”
Before he could finish, the taller man pushed his shoulder lightly and looked at him with a frown as they walked toward the alpha’s car.
“He could what? Wait? Come with us?” MinGi asked with full seriousness. “Forget it. You’ve been talking about him for over a month and you still don’t even have his number. Stop putting everyone else’s needs before yours. If you like someone, go for them. Give them your time. I’ll support you, you know that… just don’t forget about me once you two become one of those lovesick couples.”
HongJoong could only look at him with gratitude and something like admiration.
“What?”
“Thank you” he said. “When I’m planning my wedding, I’ll make sure you’re my best man.”
MinGi burst into loud laughter.
“You’re so confident for someone who’s only exchanged a handful of words with him.”
“He told me his name and talks about me. Mark my words, Song—I’m telling you, he’s the one. I’ve never been so sure of anything.”
Still laughing, they got in the car and began driving toward their homes. Ever since HongJoong moved out, they often went home together since MinGi’s house was on the way to the apartment complex where HongJoong now lived.
It took less than twenty minutes to reach the large traditional-style house where MinGi and his family lived. It was beautiful, yes—but he never managed to get used to the excessive security.
He understood the cameras, but he still questioned whether it was necessary to have a patrol car circling around every night. The neighborhood wasn’t particularly dangerous, but considering his father’s position, he supposed asking too many questions wasn’t wise.
“Didn’t you invite Joongie to come inside?” his mother asked the moment he stepped into the house.
“Hi, Mom. Work went well, thanks for asking. How was your day?” he smiled as he walked past her and dropped onto the couch. “And yes, I’m really hungry, thanks for asking that too.”
“Don’t change the subject. I still think you were a fool for letting that boy go. He was a great catch—educated, handsome, from a good family—and such a sweetheart.”
“And my best friend… Come on, I thought we already had this horrible, tedious conversation.”
MinGi genuinely considered buying a sleeping bag and moving into the studio.
He was exhausted from having this conversation almost daily. His parents seemed desperate to manage every aspect of his life. He knew it was partly his fault for allowing it, but everyone had a limit—and his was dangerously close to breaking.
“I’m sorry, darling. I just… worry about you. I want you to find someone who loves you, who takes care of you and—”
Take care of him?
He disagreed completely. He knew damn well he could take care of himself.
His parents still held onto that old-fashioned view of omegas being fragile and submissive, and it seemed they’d never accept the fact that their youngest son didn’t fit any of those categories.
“Mom…”
“What will happen when you go into heat and your sexual appetite increases?” she asked seriously—causing his entire face to flush bright red. “You can’t rely on suppressants all the time. It’s bad for your health.”
For heaven’s sake—could this get any more uncomfortable?
“I mean, I know people your age don’t need to be mated to have sex, but I’m worried you’ll bring strangers into this house or catch some disease, or—”
“Okay, enough. This derailed way too fast” he lifted his hands to stop her, doing his best to hide his embarrassment. “I’m seeing someone, okay?” he blurted out without thinking.
That—along with the alarms going off in his brain—caught his mother’s full attention.
Oh, Song MinGi… what the hell did you just get yourself into?
“Oh… you hadn’t mentioned anything about that.”
“No, because if I said anything, you two would go crazy wanting to meet him, and I don’t want to scare him off.”
“And what is he like?” his mother asked, now sitting beside him.
Yes, genius… what was he like?
“He’s… uh… really tall and ridiculously handsome” he lied. “You know, the kind of face that makes you yearn for marriage” he added, unable to stop himself.
His mother looked absolutely delighted.
“And how did you two meet?” she asked, eager, as if her son were about to reveal the universe’s biggest secret.
He tried to think of something believable, but it wasn’t like he had actually met anyone recently.
Although…
“At a park. We just saw each other and the rest happened naturally.”
He was such a terrible liar.
If his mother bought this nonsense and left him alone for a while, he swore he would look for an apartment again—though he already suspected something mysterious would happen and ruin his plans, as usual.
Still, it was worth the attempt… right?
“What’s his name?”
“Why would I tell you that? You’d just look him up with Dad and that’s more than I can handle right now.”
“Oh come on, really? You won’t tell your own mother?” she smiled sweetly, as if that would magically make him cave.
MinGi scoffed and decided it was best to escape to his room.
“Nice try,” he said calmly. “I’m going to sleep. Good night.”
He kissed her forehead lightly and left her alone with her thoughts in the living room.
He hated lying—especially to his family—but he hoped that would buy him at least a couple of months of peace. After all, if they ever insisted on meeting this imaginary alpha, he could just say things didn’t work out.
Not such a bad plan, really.
***
“That’s one of the stupidest things you’ve ever done.”
MinGi sighed tiredly as he refocused on the mix he’d been working on for a week.
“No it’s not. It was clever. And practical.”
“MinGi, you’re a smart guy most of the time” HongJoong said honestly. “But this time you were an idiot. We know exactly what your mother is like, she won’t rest until you bring that imaginary alpha home.”
“I’m pretty sure she won’t try anything… at least not for a while” he insisted without looking up. “I’ve got everything under control.”
“Alright, alright, I believe you” HongJoong raised his hands in surrender, then burst out laughing.
MinGi glanced at him and raised an eyebrow.
“What’s so funny?”
HongJoong shook his head, biting his lower lip, but his attempt to hold back failed miserably and he started laughing again.
“Oh come on, stop. There’s nothing funny about this.”
“I’m sorry, it’s just— I still can’t believe you told your mother: ‘the kind of face that makes you yearn for marriage.’” The alpha laughed again. “Where the hell did you even get that?”
The taller man pressed the bridge of his nose between his fingers, then shot him a warning glare.
“Hate to ruin your fun, but… I think you have a date in about…” He checked the time on the computer screen and smirked. “Fifteen minutes… right?”
HongJoong immediately stopped laughing and checked his phone.
“I have to go.”
Without another word, he grabbed his phone, keys and wallet and disappeared as fast as his feet could carry him.
Finally.
Some peace.
Peace that didn’t last even an hour, because soon his stomach began growling.
He hadn’t eaten breakfast that morning, and last night he hadn’t been able to eat either after that extremely uncomfortable talk with his mother. So he was starving. But lazy. Very lazy.
Going out to eat alone didn’t sound appealing at all. He liked taking his time eating, and it felt awkward when he had no one to talk to.
“I guess I can always grab some fried chicken and come back here” he whispered as if plotting a crime.
Which wasn’t too far from the truth, considering HongJoong had lectured him countless times on why eating in the studio was strictly forbidden.
It wasn’t like MinGi was messy with food, well… maybe they wouldn’t have needed to buy a new microphone if he hadn’t spilled boiling coffee on the old one.
Thinking of all the ways HongJoong would scold him if he ate in the studio, he sighed, defeated, grabbed his big coat and headed out to find food.
He didn’t go far, just walked into the first fried chicken restaurant he saw.
He sat at a table far from the entrance and waited for someone to take his order. All he wanted was some chicken, maybe a beer, and then go home—after all, he wasn’t required to be at the studio on Saturdays.
After a few minutes of scrolling through nonsense on his phone, a scent hit him, sharp enough to make him lift his head in search of its owner.
Odd. The place was filled with the smell of fried chicken and oil, yet he had caught something unmistakably distinct.
His wolf seemed alert as well—restless, searching.
And then he saw him.
The guy he had threatened with a flower stem on the day of his fake, disastrous wedding.
YunHo.
He blinked, confused. His vague memories of YunHo didn’t do the guy justice. Everything had happened too fast that day, and determining whether the black-haired stranger was good-looking or not had been the last thing on his mind.
At least back then.
Now that he was really looking…
He was absolutely his type.
If only he hadn’t ruined everything by kidnapping him… If they had met under different circumstances, maybe—just maybe—he would’ve had the nerve to flirt a little.
Though YunHo would likely have run away after getting to know him.
He was so lost in his thoughts that he didn’t notice the hand waving in front of his face.
“Sir?”
A young, nervous waitress tried to get his attention.
“I just wanted to let you know that unfortunately we ran out of corn syrup in the kitchen, so your chicken order might take another 15 to 20 minutes” she said, embarrassed. “We’re very sorry, and if you choose to wait, any drinks you order in the meantime are on the house.”
MinGi groaned softly and covered his face with both hands.
“S–sorry… they’ll get more soon, I just…”
After a moment of staring at her in confusion, he realized his reaction had probably been misinterpreted. In reality, he was frustrated because seeing YunHo reminded him of that humiliating day, and how he’d spent an entire month afterwards dying of secondhand embarrassment.
“Sorry, it’s not about you. And of course I can wait, don’t worry” he said, offering her a polite smile. “Thanks for the heads-up. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like a beer while I wait.”
“Of course. Right away. Thank you for your patience.”
She sighed as she walked away, still looking as nervous as before.
MinGi hid his face again, staring intensely at the table as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.
YunHo was still there. He could feel his scent. The fact that it cut through fried chicken, alcohol, people, noise—everything—was beginning to drive him insane.
It was weird. And unnervingly attractive.
He didn’t even notice how tense he was—or how hard he was biting his lower lip—until the waitress returned with a cold glass of beer.
He thanked her, sighed, and took a long sip.
He wanted to approach him.
Why?
He… didn’t know.
Did he even need a reason?
He could use the excuse of apologizing for the other day. Maybe offer to pay for a meal to “make up for it.” Sure. That could work.
He took another long drink.
Was this beer playing tricks on his brain?
No. Two sips weren't enough to get him drunk. He knew that too well, his alcohol tolerance was embarrassing, but even then, this felt different.
His limbs felt heavy. Moving was getting harder. A small alarm went off in his head.
Was he…?
No. He knew his body too well. This wasn’t that. It had to be something else, because his routine was absolutely not like this.
He couldn’t control his body. He was smiling like an idiot, but there was nothing funny or pleasant about what he was feeling. When he saw the waitress approaching with a second beer, his worry increased.
Why?
He hadn’t ordered another.
And he hadn’t even finished the first.
He opened his mouth to say something, but before the new beer touched the table, a hand slammed down beside him, startling both him and the waitress.
“You know you’re terrible with alcohol. You should’ve waited for me.”
Everything about YunHo’s expression screamed confusion and alarm, even though he was smiling.
When he leaned in, lips brushing close to MinGi’s ear, a shiver ran down the omega’s spine.
“Can you stand up?” he whispered, offering his hands.
MinGi tried—and nearly fell—but YunHo caught him immediately.
What the hell was happening to his body?
He began taking shallow breaths, fear creeping into his expression. Things only got worse when he heard YunHo murmur to the waitress, quiet enough that no one else heard:
“Tell those idiots who put something in his drink that I know exactly who they are, and that they just made a very big mistake.”
He practically growled it.
MinGi sneezed, the strong scent of ginger suddenly stinging his nose. It was overwhelming now.
So they had put something in his drink.
What the hell…? Why?
YunHo gave the waitress a firm squeeze on the shoulder, snapping her out of her frozen state, then spoke aloud, voice switching to polite but edged.
“Thank you for your service. We’re sorry we couldn’t try your chicken— I’m sure it was delicious…” His smile was anything but friendly. “But I’ll be coming back to order some to-go. So we’ll be seeing each other again. Shall we?” he asked gently this time, turning toward MinGi.
He didn’t remember how he managed to walk to YunHo’s car. He only knew that once inside, panic hit him hard. His limbs wouldn’t respond. He wanted to laugh, but nothing about the situation was funny. YunHo clearly noticed. With the passenger door still open, he crouched to MinGi’s level, taking his hands carefully. When MinGi squeezed back, YunHo lifted one hand to cup his face, guiding their eyes to meet.
“Hey… you’re okay. You’re going to be okay. I’m going to get you some water and take you to a hospital. They’ll know how to stop whatever they gave you.”
MinGi nodded repeatedly, until panic surged again.
No. Not the hospital.
They’d ask questions. It would get back to his father. Sure, his father would defend him and destroy anyone responsible. But he’d also throw it in his face—how “vulnerable” he was, how “fragile,” how he could “never be too careful” as an omega.
His pride was stronger than his discomfort.
Before YunHo could stand, MinGi grabbed his wrist and shook his head.
“What’s wrong? Are you getting worse?” YunHo asked, genuinely worried.
The scent of ginger was overwhelming, clearly YunHo was stressed, hiding it behind a mask of calmness. The attempt was admirable, but his pheromones betrayed him.
“I don’t want to go to the hospital. I just… need some water and to relax” MinGi breathed shakily. He leaned back against the seat, closing his eyes. He felt the passenger door close gently, then the warmth of YunHo climbing into the driver’s seat.
“You’ll be safer at the hospital. They can—”
“I feel safe here” MinGi murmured, still not opening his eyes.
A soft laugh escaped him.
“I’m getting you water. I’m leaving the keys with you. Don’t open the door for anyone” YunHo said, trying—and failing—to keep the frustration out of his voice. “And don’t even think about running away. I am not dealing with you going fugitive in my car again.”
Another laugh left MinGi’s mouth, and when he heard the driver’s door close, he opened his eyes slightly. Everything in the car smelled like YunHo, and for some reason, that made him feel much better.
Still… why the hell would someone drug him?
To steal something?
He hadn’t come in a car. His clothes looked expensive because he enjoyed dressing well, but he didn’t carry a wallet full of cash or flashy cards someone could drain dry.
Did they want to hurt him?
No, that didn’t make sense. The waitress was a beta, and even if she wasn’t, his scent was suppressed, no one could tell what he was unless they already knew. Even HongJoong couldn’t smell him most of the time.
So why?
He flinched at the tapping on the window, but relaxed when he saw YunHo. He quickly unlocked the door with the keys he’d been given and smiled faintly when YunHo sat beside him, handing him a cold water bottle.
“How are you feeling?” YunHo asked carefully.
After a long, refreshing sip of water, MinGi looked at him, and instead of answering, let his head drop onto YunHo’s shoulder.
Okay, yes. Maybe he was being shameless. Maybe he was taking advantage of the situation a little. But in his defense, just an hour ago he’d been wishing for YunHo’s attention inside the restaurant, and now that he had it, he wasn’t about to act shy.
Besides, just like that very first (and disastrous) time they met, YunHo made him feel safe in a way he didn’t know he needed.
MinGi wasn’t someone who relied on protection. He was the type to defend himself with wit, sarcasm, or—if necessary—his fists. That was why he trained for years. So he’d never have to look for shelter or depend on someone else.
But with YunHo… it felt like the guy was inviting him to rest, to lean in, to be cared for.
No one had ever done that for him.
“This is the second time we run into each other. And just like the first… it’s because I’m in trouble” he sighed as he felt YunHo finally start to relax beside him. “Thank you.”
“Mmm.”
MinGi looked up just enough to see YunHo closing his own eyes, his expression softening with each passing second.
“How did you know they put something in my drink?” MinGi asked, genuinely curious. “It didn’t smell or taste strange. And why the hell would someone do something so stupid in the middle of the afternoon?”
YunHo sighed and spoke without opening his eyes.
“Your scent” he said simply. “Your scent gave you away. I felt something like… panic. And your pupils dilated. But I only noticed that once I was close.”
“My… scent?”
“Yes.”
“What do I smell like?” MinGi asked, truly interested, lifting his head from YunHo’s shoulder to look at him properly.
That shouldn’t have been possible. His suppressants never failed. At most, someone might catch hints of his expensive perfume—nothing more. There was no way YunHo could smell anything beneath that.
YunHo opened his eyes and seemed to think for a moment.
“When you’re calm, you smell like very soft cinnamon. Relaxing, warm” he admitted. “When you’re anxious, there’s nutmeg. Sharp, but in a pleasant way. But the strongest thing… definitely the cardamom. You’re like a cup of spiced tea turned human.” He smiled, clearly trying to lighten the mood.
“You figured all that out from seeing me twice…? That’s incredible.”
“Well, you don’t smell like someone ordinary. That much is certain. Hard to forget something that makes you feel good.”
YunHo seemed to regret saying that, because he quickly rolled down the window and stared outside as if something suddenly fascinated him.
“Are you still feeling weird?” he asked, very obviously trying to change the subject. “Are you alone today? Isn’t your bodyguard with you?”
“What are you talking about?” MinGi frowned, confused, until a lightbulb went off in his mind. “Oh, you mean JongHo.”
He looked at YunHo the way you look at a clueless kid.
“He’s not my bodyguard. He’s just a police officer who, unfortunately, does everything my father asks.”
“Good. I’m glad he’s not here, because I’m not getting handcuffed in public again.”
Both burst into laughter, remembering the surreal chaos of that day.
“I’m really sorry about that… and about today,” MinGi said, taking another sip of water. “Seems like you’re destined to find me at my worst moments.”
“Well… I’m glad I was there this time.”
“So am I” he murmured. “Thanks, YunHo. And sorry you keep having to save my ass.”
He stretched, his body still heavy, though his mind felt less foggy.
“Do you mind if I take a nap in your car?”
“Not at all.”
“Good. Thanks. I need to recover some energy, got a few asses to kick later” he said confidently, closing his eyes and letting exhaustion pull him under.