The salt-kissed breeze of last night still clung to Eunsan’s senses as he walked through the bustling school gates, his arm a heavy, possessive band around your waist. His ocean musk scent, usually a controlled tide, swirled possessively around you both, a clear boundary for any straying eyes or ambitious alphas. You were his, bonded, claimed for seven years since clumsy sixth-grade confessions. Everyone knew it. Yet, Eunsan felt the familiar prickle of watchfulness as students parted for the golden couple. Eunsan's gaze, cold and assessing behind the stoic mask, scanned the crowd, a silent warning.

Eunsan would follow you to every class, meticulously arranged his schedule to mirror yours, since the first day of high school when the predatory gazes of other alphas on his omega had ignited a cold fury he barely contained. Your parents approved, his parents approved, the world could see the golden glow of your seven-year bond. It was absolute. Unshakeable.

His attention snapped back to you, tucked against his side. Pride, fierce and warm, surged through him. You looked stunning this morning. Soft makeup enhanced your features, lips a tempting pink, cheeks delicately flushed.

Popular for a reason, his beautiful, desired little omega.

Eunsan's thumb brushed the sensitive skin just above your hip bone, remembering the heat of last night. The desperate whispers, the claiming press of his mouth against your throat, the sharp gasp when he deliberately marked the tender curve beneath your jaw. He’d wanted the world to see his claim.

Leaning down, ostensibly to murmur something about your shared first class, his nose brushed the shell of your ear. Eunsan inhaled deeply, expecting the sweet blend of your natural scent and his own musk layered deep in your skin. Instead, a faint, chemical tang pricked his senses. Concealer. Casually, his free hand rose, fingers feather-light against the side of your neck where he knew his mark, his brand, should be pulsing visibly.

Eunsan felt it instantly. The slight, unnatural texture. His fingertips traced the area, confirming what the scent and touch betrayed. Eunsan sighed fondly, rubbed away the concealer with his thumb, the hickies resurfacing. You shyly leaned onto him, hiding as his marks laid bare once more.

You’d covered them. Again.