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But Ha-joon thought my comment about walking so much in heels was a hint for him because he showed up with dinner that night and an offer for a foot rub. I knew where that would lead and told him I had a foot massager, but I could do dinner.

I felt like I’d slapped a puppy with the pout and disappointed look he gave me.

The next day, he was dressed to the nines because he’d had breakfast with his Mum andhadto come by and drop off food from her. I had to honestly check if there was drool he looked so fucking good.

The food was amazing, but he was what Ireallywanted to take a bite of.

In several ways. Mostly dirty.

Then hehappenedto spill on his last pair of scrubs and came to ask if I knew anyone who kept extras… And took off his shirt. I gave him a look that might be a bit much while reminding him YouTube could teach him how to do his laundry if he wasn’t a real adult.

Again, I got puppy eyes.

If he was going to keep pushing my buttons, he was going to get snapped at. That was how life worked.

And yes, he did keep pushing my buttons. I honestly lost track of why he kept being around me shirtless, without sleeves showing off his fabulous arms, or dressed up.

I was just dripping in lust because of it.

Over a week of that and I was losing my fucking mind and mad at myself for not just giving in. Like… What was holding me back? What was I really waiting for?

To completely crack it seemed.

Monday, Ha-joon was having his lecture to discuss how his forcing a shift was much different than what we were used to and how it was done wrong—bastardized by too many weak Alpha shifters who couldn’t admit they didn’t know their limits. He said it nicer than that, but that was really what he was saying.

Gerald had a few choice words about that when we were alone that I wasn’t a fan of, but he kept it professional when we reached the auditorium. I also received a disapproving frown when I split up from him to go by my friends.

It was probably time to talk to him.

Probably past time to talk to him if I was honest. And if nothing else, the way he handled situations like right then was enough for my choice to be crystal clear. If things didn’t pan out the way Ha-joon wanted, he gave me puppy dog eyes and said he hoped I had fun or a nice night.

Gerald gave me disapproval. Was I sensitive to it after Tommy?

Yes.

Undoubtedly yes, but it was… There was judgment always. I wasn’t an idiot. It was looks of disapproval like I didn’t jump at the chance to spend more time with him or when I might go sit with Joyce instead.

Why the fuck did he get to disapprove of that? Judge it?

So yeah, that—it would never have worked.

He was a pushy Alpha. Not bad, but he needed to be Alpha.

I wanted no part of that. Ha-joon always knew that Ilethim be Alpha.

Just like he let me take charge. It wasn’t a need for one of us.

It was a need to not be a pain in the ass with each other. It made sense in my head.

“Is she allowed to join us?” Carla teased as Joyce sat down with us.

“I’d pick her over you,” I drawled… Shocking all of them and others who overheard. I sighed and rubbed my forehead. “That was uncalled for.”

“Don’t you dare apologize for sticking up for—”

“I wasn’t going to,” I interrupted. “I was just acknowledging it was uncalled for.”

Carla blinked at me a moment and then burst out laughing, the noise echoing in the large lecture hall. She leaned in and lowered her voice. “Okay, you are too adorable when frustrated and pent up. The sassy pants you’re wearing are sexy and I’m here for it but…” She trailed off when I turned and looked at her like I’d never seen her before.