Chapter Twenty-One
Islam my bedroom door and press my forehead against it, counting to ten. The sound of Dohwan and Eunho bickering filters through from the living room anyway.
“I can hear you breathing from here,” Eunho taunts. “Getting a bit worked up, are we?”
A low growl rumbles in response. “Keep running your mouth. See what happens.”
I groan and bang my head lightly against the door. Two days. Two days of this constant back-and-forth. My apartment feels like a pressure cooker about to explode.
Last night when Dohwan tried to kiss me, Eunho started humming loudly from the couch.
The night before that, Dohwan's snarling interrupted what could have been a very pleasant moment with Eunho.
I haven't had more than a quick peck or fleeting touch from either of them without the other one interfering somehow.
The new furniture still has that fresh-from-the-store smell. I had to call Princess Seoha personally to request it, and she nearly died laughing when I had to explain why I needed her to arrange replacements for … pretty much everything.
I didn't think it was quite so amusing. Especially not when the maintenance crew kept giving me knowing looks as they patched up the scorched walls.
“If you're going to do it, at least do it right,” Eunho calls out, and I hear the couch springs creak as he shifts. “She likes it when you—”
“I will barbeque you,” Dohwan cuts him off with a snarl.
“Boys!” I shout through the door. “I swear by all the seasons, if you start fighting again…”
They fall silent, but I can practically feel the tension crackling between them. Soot lifts his head from his bed in the corner and gives me a sympathetic look.
I miss having my space to myself. I miss being able to relax without wondering which male is going to provoke the other next. Most of all, I miss being able to actually be intimate with either of them without constant commentary or growling from the peanut gallery.
“This isn't working,” I mutter to myself, running my hands through my hair in frustration. The mate bonds pulse with shared agitation—mine, theirs, all of it swirling together until I can barely tell whose emotions are whose anymore.
Something crashes in the living room, followed by muffled cursing. I squeeze my eyes shut.
“If you broke anything else, you're both sleeping in the cafe!” I yell.
“He started it,” they reply in unison, then immediately start arguing about who actually spoke first.
I slide down to sit with my back against the door, pulling my knees up to my chest. Soot pads over and rests his head on my knee, eyes full of understanding.
“What am I going to do with them?” I whisper, scratching behind his ears. The fire sprite huffs, and I swear he rolls his eyes.
I tap my foot against the marble floor, checking my phone for the hundredth time. At this rate, I'll be late for work. The two males in front of me continue their heated exchange, seemingly oblivious to my growing irritation.
“She specifically asked for me as her escort,” Eunho insists, his usual playful demeanor edged with steel.
Dohwan's jaw tightens. “That's irrelevant. That was before. The mate bond means she needs both of us equally. You can't just—”
I press my fingers to my temples. The bond pulses with their combined frustration, making my head throb. Truth be told, I'd prefer Eunho's company right now. At least he seems happy about our situation. Dohwan still looks at me like I'm a puzzle he can't solve—or worse, doesn't want to.
But saying that would only pour fuel on an already raging fire.
“How about this,” I interject before they can start throwing punches. “Rock paper scissors. Winner gets escort duty today.”
Dohwan turns to me, his expression incredulous. “You want us to decide this with a children's game?”
“Got a better idea?” I cross my arms. “Because right now, you're both acting like children anyway.”
Eunho's face splits into a grin. “I'm game if you are, grumpy.” He holds up his fist, wiggling his eyebrows at Dohwan. “Unless you're scared?”
The muscle in Dohwan's jaw jumps. For a moment, I think he'll refuse, but then he steps forward, raising his own hand.
“Fine. Best of one.”
“I'll referee,” I say, stepping between them. “Ready? Rock … paper … scissors!”
Their hands move in unison. Eunho's stays flat—paper. Dohwan's remains clenched in a fist.
“Paper covers rock,” I announce. “Eunho wins.”
Dohwan unleashes a string of curses. Eunho just laughs, offering his arm to me with an exaggerated bow.
“Shall we, my lady?”
I try to hide my smile as Dohwan storms off, his shoulders rigid with tension. The mate bond tugs painfully in my chest as he disappears around the corner, but I push the feeling aside and take Eunho's offered arm.
“Ready when you are,” I say, letting him guide me to his red sports car parked at the curb.
The interior smells of leather and woodsmoke like him.
As we pull away, I feel my muscles start to unwind.
Being alone with Eunho is just easier. He doesn't watch me with that intense, conflicted stare like Dohwan does.
There's no pressure, no feeling like I need to justify or explain myself.
But on the other hand, there's also none of that high-fueled intensity that makes my skin tingle and my heart race at a hundred miles an hour.
The drive to Ruby Hall passes in comfortable silence. Eunho hums softly to himself, one hand relaxed on the wheel. When we arrive, he falls into step beside me without comment, maintaining a respectful distance while still staying close enough to fulfill his escort duties.
I'm halfway through my morning training session with the younger sprites when excited yips and laughter catch my attention. Looking up from where I'm demonstrating a basic command, I spot Eunho in the adjacent yard.
He's on his knees in the grass, surrounded by a litter of fire sprite puppies. Their fur gleams in the morning sun as they tumble over each other, vying for his attention. One particularly bold pup has its front paws planted on his chest, trying to lick his face while he laughs.
My heart does a funny little flip in my chest. The sight of him playing with them, so carefree and genuine, makes something warm bloom inside me. His eyes crinkle at the corners as he scratches behind a puppy's ears, and the pure joy on his face takes my breath away.
This isn't the calculated charm he usually projects. This is just … Eunho. Sweet, playful Eunho who can't resist stopping to pet every sprite he sees. Who brings me coffee without being asked and never pushes when I need space.
The mate bond pulses between us, but for once it doesn't feel like an unwanted intrusion. Instead, it's more like a gentle warmth, reflecting the fondness growing in my chest as I watch him.
Oh, I think as my stomach does another somersault. This might be trouble.
I scratch the largest female fire sprite's ears one last time before locking up the kennel for the day. The sprite pups are all settled in their beds, worn out from training. My muscles ache pleasantly from the physical work, and satisfaction hums through me at another productive session.
Eunho waits by the door, his tall frame leaning casually against the wall. He straightens as I approach, and we fall into step together, heading out into the late afternoon air.
I tilt my head back, taking in the vivid colors painting the sky. “Seasons, it's gorgeous out.”
Eunho makes a thoughtful sound, his expression contemplative. His warm hand finds mine, fingers threading through my own. “Follow me.”
“Where are we going?” I ask as he tugs me in the opposite direction of the front gates. “The exit's that way.”
He just flashes that playful grin of his and continues leading me down a narrow path I've never noticed before, winding between two of the residential halls. The buildings tower on either side, creating a sheltered corridor that feels separate from the activity of the main grounds.
My curiosity grows when we reach an ornate iron gate tucked away at the end of the path. Eunho releases my hand just long enough to press his palm to the lock. Fire magic flares beneath his skin, and the gate swings open with a soft click. He winks at me as he gestures me through.
I step into a hidden garden, my breath catching at the sight.
Perfectly maintained flower beds burst with color on all sides.
A stream trickles through carved stone channels, and carefully pruned trees create natural archways over the winding paths.
At the center, a traditional pagoda rises in elegant tiers.
Eunho's hand finds mine again as he guides me up the pagoda steps. When we reach the top level, he lets go and walks to the railing, beckoning me to join him.
I move to his side and gasp. The view is stunning—the entire city spreads out before us, glass and steel towers catching the light of the setting sun.
Beyond, the mountains rise in misty purple silhouettes against the orange and red sky.
The fading sunlight gilds everything in warm gold, making the scene look almost magical.
“Like it?” Eunho's voice rumbles against my shoulder blade, his arms tightening around me as the sunset paints Ruby Hall's spires in molten gold.
I tilt my head back against his chest, watching a flock of birds streak across the darkening sky like living embers. “How'd you even find this place?”
His laughter vibrates through my spine. “Family used to live in the west wing. This was my escape hatch when my sisters tried dressing me in their ballgowns.” His thumbs brush the dip of my hips through my jeans. “Still comes in handy.”
I snort, elbowing him lightly. The motion presses me harder against the solid heat of his chest. “Might actually tolerate living here if this view came standard.”
“Careful,” he murmurs, lips grazing the shell of my ear. “That almost sounded like domestic bliss.”