For context, please read part 1 first, then proceed with part 3 - 1/2
1/2 - Xavier, Zayne & Rafayel
2/2 - Sylus, Caleb & Valko
YOUR HEART WILL BE MINE
SYLUS (Word count : 1,550)
The first time MC met Sylus was a complete disaster.
She had reluctantly ventured into the lawless N109 Zone to investigate the Aether Core, only to be ambushed shortly after arriving.
She was, admittedly, grateful that Sylus had shown up in time to save her.
Beyond that, however, she wanted nothing to do with Onychinus - least of all its leader.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
She found herself returning to the N109 Zone again and again.
And one day...
...she met you.
…
She had come to the base looking for Sylus, needing his help with another matter.
You were standing by one of the towering bookshelves, lazily looking through his vinyl collection while Sylus lounged on the couch with a book in hand.
The moment her eyes landed on you, she froze.
You looked dangerous.
Every inch of your posture was guarded, predatory - as though you were ready to pounce the second she made one wrong move.
A shiver ran down MC's spine.
Not from fear.
From attraction.
One word echoed through her mind.
Hot.
You were so unbelievably attractive it ought to be illegal.
“It's okay,” Sylus said without even glancing up from his book. “She's one of us.”
Your gaze never left MC.
“She's a hunter.”
“Hi.” MC voice came out embarrassingly higher than intended. “I'm MC”
“What is it you need, kitten?” Sylus asked.
You raised an eyebrow.
Then your eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
MC resisted the urge to groan.
She had told Sylus countless times not to call her that.
“And you are?” she asked instead, pointedly ignoring him.
You stepped behind the couch, coming to stand directly behind Sylus.
“Y/N.”
MC repeated your name quietly, testing how it sounded.
“Y/N…”
You slipped your arms around Sylus's shoulders from behind.
“Sylus's woman.”
There was no mistaking the message in your eyes.
Back off. He's mine.
MC had absolutely no interest in Sylus.
You, however...
...were an entirely different story.
Sylus reached up, gently removing your hands before standing.
“Let's take this somewhere else.”
He gestured toward the exit.
MC reluctantly followed him, reminding herself why she'd come in the first place.
She expected you to follow.
Instead, you stayed exactly where you were.
…
MC has never considered herself an introvert.
If anyone asked, she'd confidently describe herself as outgoing.
Until she developed a crush.
Then she became hopeless.
And around you...
She somehow became even worse.
…
She began finding more and more excuses to visit the N109 Zone.
Sometimes she genuinely needed Sylus's help.
Other times...
...she simply hoped you'd be there.
Every so often, luck was on her side.
Whenever she saw you, she'd try to start a conversation.
Ask about your day.
Comment on whatever you were doing.
Anything to keep you talking for a little longer.
You made it abundantly clear you weren't interested.
Sometimes you'd answer with a single word.
Sometimes you'd ignore her completely.
Eventually, you started avoiding her altogether whenever she visited the base.
It should have discouraged her.
Instead...
...it only made her want to know you even more.
She had always been weak for women who were mysterious, intimidating, and unfairly attractive.
Women.
Not men.
MC had figured that much out about herself years ago.
While everyone around her developed crushes on boys, she had tried convincing herself she'd eventually feel the same.
She dated.
She gave it several honest attempts.
Nothing.
There was never a spark.
Never that flutter in her chest.
Never desire.
With you...
Her desire was through the roof.
What surprised her most was that Sylus seemed oblivious.
Like MC, Sylus possessed an Aether Core - his embedded within his right eye, hers within her heart.
His granted him the ability to perceive people's desires.
Surely...
...he had noticed.
Or perhaps he had noticed and simply chosen not to acknowledge it.
After all, Sylus's own intentions toward MC were hardly subtle.
He flirted shamelessly, teased her relentlessly, and seemed determined to get under her skin every chance he got.
That was what confused her.
You had introduced yourself as Sylus's woman.
So why is he pursuing her?
Is your relationship... casual?
If it is...
Judging by the possessive look you'd given her that first day…
You certainly haven't gotten the memo.
…
Despite the fact that they operate as equals and MC has come to trust Sylus deeply, that's as far as she wants their relationship to go.
Since you refuse to acknowledge her whenever she visits the N109 Zone, she has little choice but to ask Sylus - and occasionally the twins - about you.
To her surprise, you aren't actually part of Onychinus.
You never were.
Yes, you're dating Sylus.
Yes, you live in the N109 Zone.
But beyond that, you're simply an ordinary citizen. You commute to an office job in Linkon City every day and never involve yourself in Onychinus's affairs.
…
MC quickly comes to one conclusion.
As long as you're still with Sylus...
...you'll never spare another person a second glance.
The solution seems simple.
Your relationship has to end.
She barely has to lift a finger before Luke and Kieran casually let slip that "boss-lady," as they call you, dumped Sylus.
MC can hardly contain her excitement.
With Sylus - more or less - out of the picture, she finally has a chance to pursue you.
Now that you're living and working in Linkon City, getting close to you should be easy.
Or so she thinks.
…
On her next day off, MC parks her motorcycle across the street from your office building and waits.
And waits.
And waits.
Eventually, you emerge from the building, and drive away.
She follows at a careful distance.
She only knows where you work because Sylus told her.
She has no idea where you moved after the breakup, where you spend your free time, or what places you frequent.
She hasn't been lucky enough to run into you by chance.
Then again...
Linkon City is enormous.
She never expected she would.
…
You eventually pull over outside a narrow building tucked between several others.
You cross the street and disappear inside.
MC parks a few spaces away before following.
She tilts her head back to read the sign.
A… club?
The interior is dimly lit, dressed in dark wood and crimson accents.
It reminds her of Sylus's base.
Only a handful of people occupy the room.
She scans the lounge.
You're nowhere to be seen.
“Why are you following me?”
Your voice, low and smooth, comes from directly behind her.
A chill races down her spine.
She spins around—
Only to find you seated at the bar a few feet away, casually swirling the drink in your glass.
How had she missed you?
“You got what you wanted.”
Your gaze never leaves your drink.
“Sylus is yours now.”
Your tone is calm.
Almost detached.
“Or did you follow me all the way here just to gloat?”
MC's brows knit together as she quietly slides onto the stool beside you.
“I heard... you two broke up.”
Your head turns sharply.
The glare you level at her could cut steel.
MC's heart skips.
Be brave.
It's now or never.
“I don't know what happened between the two of you,” she says carefully.
“But I need you to believe me when I say that the only reason I've gotten involved with Sylus - or Onychinus at all - is because I need his help investigating the Aether Core... and EVER.”
“Is that so... kitten?” you drawl.
MC pouts.
“I kept telling him to stop calling me that.”
“I didn't want you getting the wrong idea.”
“Too late."
The words come without hesitation.
“You're the one I want!”
The confession bursts from MC before she can stop herself.
She immediately slaps both hands over her mouth.
You simply smile into your glass.
Calmly, you wave the bartender over.
“Another.”
You slide your empty glass forward.
“And one for the lady.”
The bartender nods and you turn fully toward MC.
One manicured finger hooks beneath her chin, lifting her gaze until she's forced to meet your eyes.
“Let's see if you can handle me.”
Heat rushes to MC's face.
She swallows hard.
She nods.
Inside, she could practically leap for joy.
It worked!
You hide a smile behind your glass.
You had known exactly what MC wanted from the very beginning.
Her desire practically radiated off her.
Let's see what Miss hunter is really made of.
Out of the corner of your eye, you catch sight of Sylus.
He sits alone in a shadowed booth, one leg crossed over the other, a drink resting lazily in his hand.
An amused smirk plays across his lips.
He had known what MC was planning all along.
Just as he had known exactly what you were planning.
He had walked into both your traps willingly.
Sylus raises his glass toward you in a silent toast.
If his kitten wants you, then she can have you.
He doesn't mind sharing.
His crimson eyes gleam with quiet amusement.
Across from you, MC remains blissfully unaware that she is being watched.
Or that the two people she is trying to outsmart saw through her from the very beginning.
The challenge is clear.
He is curious to see how the game will play out.
---------------------------------------------------
CALEB (word count : 2,138)
When MC learnt that Caleb has a girlfriend, she felt a mixture of shock, surprise, and disbelief.
Caleb?
The boy who has been single his entire life?
The same boy who made her pretend to be his girlfriend throughout high school just to avoid being confessed to by other girls?
And the worst part?
He hadn't even told her.
No.
She had found out by pure chance when Gideon casually mentioned it in passing after bumping into her.
When MC confronted Caleb about it, he looked like a deer caught in headlights.
He stumbled over excuse after excuse, claiming that the relationship was still new, that he didn't want to overwhelm you by introducing everyone too soon, that it simply hadn't felt like the right time.
MC wasn't buying any of it.
She wanted to meet you immediately.
If someone had managed to capture Caleb's heart, then she had to be someone special.
…
MC pleads, bargains, and shamelessly pesters him until Caleb finally gives in and arranges for the two of you to meet.
She takes a day off work, and Caleb picks her up from the station before driving her back to his apartment.
The moment the front door swings open, she is greeted by a bundle of pure sunshine.
“You're MC, right? I'm Y/N!”
Before MC can even answer, you throw your arms around her in an enthusiastic hug.
“It's so nice to finally meet you!”
Caleb grabs the back of your collar and gently pulls you away.
“You're suffocating her.”
“Sorry! I've just been so excited to meet you.”
Without missing a beat, you continue.
“How was your trip? You must be exhausted. Are you hungry? Dinner's almost ready. Caleb's been cooking since this morning.”
The words tumble out so quickly that MC barely has time to process them.
Caleb simply rubs the back of his neck.
MC can't help but laugh.
She has never met someone with so much energy.
After leaving her luggage in the guest bedroom, MC wanders into the kitchen.
She pauses for a moment, quietly taking in the apartment.
It looks...
Warmer.
Brighter.
The gloomy bachelor apartment she remembers had been transformed into something that actually felt like a home.
Caleb had insisted the relationship was still relatively new.
Yet judging by the apartment...
You practically lived here.
Or at the very least, spent enough time here that your presence lingered in every room.
Dinner passes far quicker than MC expects.
She and you talk almost nonstop.
You eagerly listen as she shares stories from her life as a Deepspace Hunter, your eyes sparkling with admiration.
In return, you excitedly talk to her about your travels, showing her countless photos and videos from all the places you'd explored and all the people you'd met.
MC finds herself completely captivated.
You are easy going.
Adventurous.
Across the table, Caleb watches the two of you chatter away as though you've known each other for years.
He should be happy.
He is happy that the two of you had gotten along so well.
But...
A small, uncomfortable feeling settles in his chest.
All of MC’s attention is on you.
He doesn’t like that.
…
As time goes on, you and MC grow even closer.
Whenever MC has time off, she makes the trip to Skyhaven to visit - whether Caleb is available or not.
Likewise, Caleb knows you've started making trips to Linkon City just to see her.
Coffee after work.
Shopping trips.
Weekend outings.
Not to mention the constant stream of texts and late-night phone calls.
You genuinely enjoy each other's company.
Any normal boyfriend would be thrilled that his girlfriend and his "sister" get along so well.
Only...
MC isn't merely his so-called sister.
She isn't just the girl he grew up with.
She isn't simply his childhood friend.
Growing up, Caleb has always been the one by MC's side.
Her closest companion.
Her most important person.
It has always been the two of them against the world.
He isn't willing to share.
MC is his.
…
Eventually, Caleb finally gets a moment alone with MC.
Just the two of them.
Casually, he asks why she seems to like you so much.
If he knows what drew her to you...
Perhaps he can find a way to drive the two of you apart.
“How could I not?” MC says with an easy shrug. “She's just... so likeable.”
A fond smile spreads across her face.
“I love listening to her stories. She's so much fun to be around.”
“And she's such a good listener. Whenever something's bothering me, she always knows exactly what to say.”
Caleb's shoulders sink.
Everything she's saying is true.
“Pipsqueak…” he begins slowly. “It's just…”
He scratches the back of his neck.
“You've been spending so much time with her lately…”
He forces out a small laugh.
“I kind of feel left out.”
“But you come with us too,” MC replies innocently.
“It's not the same, Pips.”
He gives her his best puppy dog eyes.
“I miss when it was just the two of us. Like old times.”
“Am I not important anymore?”
“Of course you are.”
She reaches over and lightly nudges his shoulder.
“I'm sorry for making you feel that way.”
She smiles warmly.
“Nobody could ever replace you, Caleb.”
“The next time we're both free…”
“Let's spend the whole day together. Just us.”
…
True to her word, MC begins making more time for Caleb.
The problem is...
Now she only seems to spend time with Caleb.
You're nowhere to be seen.
Whenever she asks why you didn't come, Caleb always has an answer ready.
“She's working overtime.”
“She already had plans.”
“She's not feeling well.”
“She’s away on one of her trips.”
Each excuse sounds perfectly reasonable.
Yet...
Something doesn't feel right.
Your text messages gradually become shorter.
More polite than personal.
Your phone calls rarely last more than a few minutes.
Sometimes you answer only to apologize and say you're busy.
Other times...
You don't answer at all.
And whenever MC stays over in Skyhaven, she notices another change.
You're still kind.
But the bright, endlessly talkative woman she'd first met is gone.
You keep mostly to yourself, speaking only when necessary.
MC hasn't known you for very long.
But she's known you long enough to recognize...
Something has changed.
She just doesn't know what.
…
As Colonel of the Farspace Fleet, Caleb was no stranger to long deployments. This mission had taken him deep into the Deepspace tunnels for weeks.
The day he finally returns, he is surprised to find MC waiting outside HQ.
Unable to contact him while he is away, she's been worried sick.
The moment he sees her, his exhaustion melts away.
“I could really use a proper meal,” he says with a grin, unlocking his car. “Come on. Let's grab something to eat.”
MC smiles before hesitating.
“What about Y/N?” she asks. “She must've missed you too.”
He pulls out his phone.
MC assumes he is inviting you.
A few moments later, he slips his phone back into his pocket.
“Looks like she can't make it,” he says with an apologetic smile. “She's stuck at work.”
Caleb starts the engine and drives away.
...
Later, while the two of them wander through the shopping district after dinner, Caleb's phone rings.
He glances at the screen before stepping a few paces away.
He answers quietly, speaking only a few hushed words before the call ends almost immediately.
When he returns, MC tilts her head.
“Who was that?”
“Liam,” Caleb replies without missing a beat.
MC accepts the answer without another question.
...
It was a lie.
The moment Caleb sees MC waiting outside HQ, he sends you a quick message claiming he's been unexpectedly held up and won't be able to make it to your dinner reservation.
The phone call is from you.
He'd barely managed to finish his sentence before the line went dead.
You hung up on him.
That tiny action lingered in the back of his mind for the rest of the day.
...
“Babe, I'm home.”
His voice echoed through the apartment.
No reply.
Then he hears movement in the bedroom.
The wardrobe doors are wide open.
You are quietly folding clothes into a large suitcase.
“Going somewhere?” he asks, confused
When you look at him, your eyes are sad.
It is an expression he's never seen before.
“I'm moving out.”
You continue packing.
“In case it isn't obvious…”
“I'm breaking up with you.”
Caleb stares.
“You're... breaking up with me?”
The disbelief in his voice is genuine.
“No need to look so surprised.”
You fold another piece of clothing.
“You should be happy.”
“Now you can chase after MC as much as you want.”
His entire body stiffens.
“...What does MC have to do with this?”
You finally look up.
“Oh, Caleb.”
“You really think I wouldn't notice?”
“The way you look at her.”
“The longing.”
“The yearning.”
“The desperate want.”
“You love her.”
Caleb can’t deny it or even find the words to pretend otherwise.
If you’ve noticed...
Has MC noticed too?
You let out a quiet, humourless laugh.
“I really thought I'd found someone I could settle down with.”
Caleb opens his mouth.
Nothing comes out.
He should stop you.
He should apologise.
Promise to do better.
Any decent boyfriend would.
Instead...
Relief spreads quietly through his chest.
Once you are gone...
There will be no reason for you to spend time with MC anymore.
He's already noticed the distance growing between the two of you.
The shorter conversations.
The fewer visits.
This…
Will be the final severed thread.
You zip the suitcase shut and pull the handle upright.
“I don't have to tell you what an incredible person MC is.”
A small smile touches your lips.
“She's lucky to have someone who loves her as much as you do.”
“I hope... it works out between the two of you.”
“I'll be rooting for you.”
Caleb's chest tightens.
Every word you say is sincere.
You pick up your suitcase and step closer.
“Thank you for everything, Caleb.”
“For what it's worth…”
“Our time together was nice.”
You rise onto your toes and press a gentle kiss to his cheek.
Then you walk past him, quietly closing the apartment door behind you.
…
MC finally manages to get in contact with you and persuades you to meet up with her.
The two of you sit on a bench overlooking the lake in one of Skyhaven's parks, each holding a warm cup of tea.
“Caleb told me the two of you broke up,” MC says, breaking the silence.
“Mind telling me why?”
You don't like lying.
But telling her the truth would mean exposing Caleb's feelings before he's had the chance to confess them himself.
“We'd been having problems for a while,” you reply, offering only half the truth.
“There wasn't any way to fix them, so I decided to walk away.”
That part, at least, is true.
“Is that why you've been so distant?” she asks quietly. “Why you stopped spending time with us... with me?”
You simply nod.
Knowing Caleb was hopelessly in love with MC while he was dating you had become unbearable.
You were afraid that if you stayed close, one day the truth would slip out in a moment of anger or hurt.
“Caleb, you big dummy!” MC suddenly blurts, throwing her hands into the air.
You can't help but laugh.
“That boy finally gets himself a girlfriend…”
“An amazing one at that,” she winks at you.
“...And somehow still manages to ruin it.”
You laugh again, shaking your head.
“Relationships are complicated,” you say, taking a sip of your tea. “Some last. Others don't.’
You shrug lightly.
“That's just how life goes.”
Silence settles between the two of you.
After a while, MC speaks again.
“Even if you and Caleb aren't together anymore…” she says hesitantly, “...that doesn't mean we can't still be friends.”
She offers you a hopeful smile.
“I've really missed you.”
“I've missed you too.”
...
Caleb is walking through Skyhaven when something across the street makes him stop in his tracks.
You.
It's the first time he's seen you since the breakup several weeks ago.
You're smiling.
That same bright, effortless smile that always seems capable of lighting up an entire room.
Then his gaze shifts.
MC is standing beside you.
He didn't even know she'd come to Skyhaven.
The two of you laugh at something he can't hear.
Then, without warning, MC rises onto her tiptoes and presses a kiss against your cheek.
Caleb's hands curl into tight fists.
His knuckles turn white.
So this is how it's going to be.
Even after breaking up with him...
You still won't stay away from her.
Fine.
He'll simply have to remove you from her life.
Permanently.
---------------------------------------------------
VALKO (Word count : 2,113)
You turn away from your computer at the sound of the clinic door swinging open.
A woman stands in the doorway, completely drenched.
Water drips from her hair and clothes onto the tiled floor as she pants for breath.
“Goodness!” you exclaim, immediately getting to your feet.
You hurry into the back room before returning moments later with a large towel.
Stepping in front of her, you drape it over her shoulders.
“The kitty…” she pants. “It's hurt.”
Your gaze drops to the bundle in her arms.
Two frightened little eyes peek out from a ball of soaked fur.
You carefully take the cat from her arms and hurry into the treatment room, where the veterinarian immediately begins examining it.
A few minutes later, you return and guide the woman to one of the plastic waiting-room chairs.
Soon, you're placing a steaming mug of tea into her hands. She smiles gratefully.
“Is the cat yours?” you ask.
She shakes her head.
“I heard it crying in an alley while I was walking home. I saw it was injured, so I searched for the nearest clinic.”
“I just... didn't expect to get caught in the rain.”
She blows across the surface of the tea before taking a cautious sip.
“It has a collar,” you say.
“We'll be able to contact its owner.”
“It probably wandered too far from home.”
The woman studies your face for a moment.
“Do we know each other?” she asks. “You look... familiar.”
You find yourself studying her just as closely.
“I was about to ask you the same thing.”
“I feel like I've seen you somewhere before.”
“Maybe on the news?” you muse, nodding toward the Hunters uniform she wears.
“Or maybe you saved me from a Wanderer once.”
You stand and return behind the reception desk.
“I'm just going to need you to fill out a few forms for our records.”
Not long after she leaves, you spend several minutes trying to remember where you've seen her before.
Nothing comes to mind.
Eventually, you shrug it off.
It's not like you'll ever see her again.
...
You couldn't have been more wrong.
A few days later, you're riding the elevator up to Valko's office in the EonCore Tech building, holding two cups of hot chocolate.
Honestly...
That man is going to get diabetes one day. You knock once before letting yourself inside.
“I'm going to start charging you every time you send me on a snack run,” you grumble dramatically.
The words die on your lips.
Sitting across from Valko's desk is the very same woman from the veterinary clinic.
Her eyes widen.
So do yours.
“You?” The word leaves both of you at exactly the same time.
Valko looks between the pair of you.
“...Do you two know each other?”
You walk over and set his hot chocolate on the desk before moving to stand beside him.
“We met a few days ago,” you explain.
“She brought an injured cat into the clinic.”
Immediately, she perks up.
“How's the kitty doing?”
You smile.
“Much better. The injuries turned out to be minor.”
“The owner picked him up the following morning.”
Relief washes across MC's face.
Valko clears his throat.
“Y/N, this is MC.”
“MC, this is Y/N…”
He pauses briefly.
“...My friend.”
Recognition suddenly clicks into place. So this is MC.
The hunter you'd briefly crossed paths with the last time you visited Valko at work.
You lean closer and lower your voice.
“MC... as in…”
You don't even finish the question.
“Yes,” Valko whispers.
His fated mate.
You straighten with a polite smile.
“Well... I'll leave you two to it.”
You turn toward the door.
“Don't go!” MC's voice stops you in your tracks.
You glance back, surprised.
Even Valko looks caught off guard.
“I mean…” MC stammers, cheeks warming slightly.
“You're not interrupting anything.”
She offers you a slightly embarrassed smile.
“You don't have to leave just because I'm here.”
...
You and Valko had been friends for a long time before the two of you started dating.
When he confessed, you accepted without hesitation.
You have always loved Valko.
Then one day, MC walked into his office.
As it turned out, she was his fated mate.
And just like that, your relationship came to an end.
Neither of you wanted to erase the other from your life, so you agreed to remain friends.
You expected it to be awkward.
Painful.
You were certain it wouldn't work.
Instead...
It was surprisingly easy.
Other than no longer sleeping together, very little changed between you. ...
You threw yourself into your college studies and your part-time job at the Nonstop Veterinary Clinic.
Meanwhile, Valko devoted all of his energy to pursuing his fated mate.
By the sound of it...
Things weren't going nearly as smoothly as he'd imagined.
“I don't get what I'm doing wrong,” he groans, sprawled across your dorm room bed.
His wolf ears droop while his tail lazily swishes back and forth.
“Maybe you're coming on too strong,” you suggest without looking up from your notes.
“Give her some space. Let her get used to you. Let her get to know you first.”
Valko lets out a dramatic sigh. “Things are so easy between us.”
“I thought it'd be the same with MC.”
You finally look up from your textbook.
“And why would you think that?”
“Because she's my fated mate.”
He says it as though it's obvious.
“It should feel natural.”
“It should be easy.”
“Valko…” “She's human.”
“You can't expect her to see the world the way you do.”
You have to build a relationship from the ground up, just like everyone else.”
He throws an arm over his eyes.
“Human relationships are so complicated.”
“And whenever she sees me like this…”
He gestures to his wolf ears and tail. “I can tell she's uncomfortable.”
“Can you really blame her?” you ask with an amused raise of your eyebrow.
“It's probably not every day she meets a wolf hybrid.”
“She'll adjust eventually.”
Since that day in Valko's office, you've seen MC several times.
She seems friendly.
Easy to talk to.
And kind.
Anyone willing to rescue an injured cat in the pouring rain and dedicate their life to protecting others as a Deepspace Hunter can't be a bad person.
She'd even asked for your number.
Now hardly a day goes by without a message from her.
At first, you'd found it strange.
Then you assumed she simply wanted to get to know Valko through his closest friend.
Except...
The more you think about it...
MC rarely asks about Valko at all.
Most of your conversations revolve around you.
Maybe she's just shy when it comes to talking about him.
“Maybe she's just cautious,” you muse aloud. “She is a Hunter. Being cautious probably comes naturally to her."
” Valko suddenly sits upright.
“The thing is…” He scratches the back of his neck.
“I already told her about the whole... fated mate thing.”
Your palm meets your forehead with a loud smack.
This idiot.
He'd only known the woman for a few months and had somehow decided the best course of action was to dump the entire wolf hybrid culture onto her all at once.
“I'm guessing that didn't go well.”
“She rejected me.”
“She said she can't love someone just because an invisible bond tells her she should.”
“She said she needs to feel it here.”
He taps his chest.
You remain quiet for a moment.
“That doesn't sound like she rejected you.”
Valko's ears perk up.
“It sounds like she rejected the idea of fate deciding who she loves.”
“That's why I need your help.”
Before you can react, he grabs both of your hands.
You stare at him.
“...What exactly do you expect me to do?”
“Talk to her.”
“Explain everything.”
“Help her understand.”
“And…” He flashes you a grin.
“...Say nice things about me.”
You slip your hands free.
With a weary sigh, you stand and walk a few steps away, your back facing him.
“You're cruel, Valko.” Your voice is quiet.
“We both knew from the beginning that I wasn't your mate.”
“And yes…”
“Ending things was a mutual decision.”
“But that doesn't mean it didn't hurt.”
Your shoulders tense.
“Did you ever stop to think how it feels listening to you talk about MC all the time?”
“Or having you come to me for relationship advice about the woman you left me for?”
A tear slips silently down your cheek.
Behind you, strong arms wrap gently around your waist. Valko rests his chin against your shoulder.
“I still wish it had been you,” he whispers.
You know he means it.
But wishing doesn't change reality.
After a long silence, you let out a quiet sigh.
“I don't know if anything I say will make a difference…” “...but I suppose it's worth trying.”
Valko nuzzles his face against your shoulder, his tail wagging behind him.
...
You sit opposite MC in a booth at a retro-style American diner.
You picked this place on purpose because it is familiar and comfortable. You come here all the time with Valko.
Without thinking, you order two chocolate milkshakes. Force of habit. MC doesn't seem to mind.
“This is the first time it's just the two of us,” she says with a smile.
“I'm really glad you asked me to meet you.”
She looks down at her hands. “I've wanted to ask you out myself for a while... but I always get nervous.”
“How are things with Valko?” you ask, getting straight to the point.
After all, Valko is currently listening to your conversation through the tiny earpiece he insisted you wear.
“You know everything about Valko, don't you?”
You nod.
“Doesn't... all of it bother you?” she asks carefully.
“The wolf thing?”
“You're asking an animal lover whether fluffy ears and a tail bother her?”
You shake your head.
“Besides…” you continue.
“You're a hunter. You fight Wanderers for a living.”
“How can someone who battles monsters be intimidated by one oversized puppy?”
You smirk, fully aware Valko can hear every word.
“When you put it like that…” MC mutters. “It does sound a little silly.”
“It's just... it feels so unnatural.”
You wave the concern away.
“Give it time. You'll stop thinking about it eventually.”
Silence settles between you before you speak again.
“Valko also told me he confessed that you're his mate.”
MC bites her lower lip.
“Then... you also know I rejected him.”
“I don't really understand the whole mate bond either,” you admit, absentmindedly stirring your milkshake.
“I don't think humans can truly understand what it feels like.”
“I don't want fate deciding who I love,” MC says quietly. “I want that choice to be mine.”
You nod.
“And I choose you.”
The milkshake goes down the wrong way.
You nearly spit it across the table before breaking into a coughing fit.
Excuse me…!”
You grab a handful of napkins.
“I like you.”
Before you can recover— Valko suddenly appears beside the booth.
“So the reason you rejected me wasn't because of the wolf thing.” He points dramatically at MC.
“It's because you have a crush on Y/N.”
MC sighs.
“...Yes.”
She blinks.
“Wait…”
“Time out.” You hold both hands up.
“Confession time.” You take a deep breath.
“Valko and I used to date.”
“When we found out you were his mate, we ended things.”
“We stayed friends.”
“He's been asking me for advice ever since because he wants things to work out with you.”
Valko slides into the booth beside you.
“That sums it up.”
MC stares at the two of you.
Then slowly sinks into her seat.
The silence that follows is painfully awkward.
Then—
“I have an idea!” Valko's voice is far louder than necessary.
“What if all three of us dated?”
You snap your head towards him.
“...What?”
“Hear me out.”
He raises both hands.
“MC is my mate.”
“I still love you.”
Then points at you.
“And MC likes you.”
He gestures between the three of you.
He forms a triangle with his fingers.
“We become a love triangle.”
You stare at him.
“Do you have rabies?”
“Because you’ve officially lost your mind.”
You smack him across the arm.
“...I don't actually hate the idea.”
You blink at MC in disbelief.
“I wouldn't mind trying.”
Your jaw practically hits the table.
You fold your arms.
“Absolutely not.”
“I have never heard anything so ridiculous.”
“There is no way I am agreeing.”
…
Several hours later...
You lie in Valko's bed. Sandwiched between him and MC.
All three of you are completely naked.
Your limbs are hopelessly intertwined.
So much for "absolutely not."
Author’s note : And that's a wrap! 😵💫
Thank you all so much for the love and support throughout this unexpected mini drabble series. It honestly means a lot! 🥺🩷
I'm so sorry for not tagging everyone. The app has been lagging because of the word count, and I accidentally deleted the post where everyone asked to be tagged. 😬
I hope you understand, and thank you again for reading and supporting this little series! 🙂
