UNDER HIS PROTECTION

PHEROMONE BLIND

CHAPTER EIGHT

STARWRITES

Eric's grip on the phone tightened.

The words on the screen seemed to burn into his mind.

Stay away from him, Eric Carter.

For a while, neither of them spoke.

The evening air was cool, and the streetlights had begun to flicker on one by one. Cars passed occasionally, their headlights sweeping across the pavement before disappearing into the distance.

Lucas stuffed his hands into his pockets and kept his eyes on the sidewalk.

"So..."

He cleared his throat.

"I guess this is where we say goodbye."

Eric looked ahead instead of answering.

"No."

Lucas blinked.

"No?"

"I'll walk you home."

Lucas smiled awkwardly.

"You've already done enough."

"I'm serious."

"You don't even know where I live."

"Then you'll show me."

Lucas let out a small sigh.

"Eric..."

"You received a threat because of me."

"So did you."

Lucas fell silent.

Eric glanced at him briefly before returning his attention to the road.

"Until we know who's behind this, I don't think you should be walking alone."

Lucas wanted to argue.

He really did.

But after everything that had happened today ,the note, the message, the feeling that someone had been watching them, he couldn't convince himself that Eric was overreacting.

Or you'll die with him.

For several seconds, neither of them spoke.

Lucas could only watch the subtle change in Eric's expression. The warmth that had been there moments ago disappeared, replaced by a calm seriousness that made Lucas uneasy.

"...Eric?"

Eric blinked, as though he had just remembered Lucas was standing in front of him.

Without a word, he locked the screen and slipped the phone into his pocket.

"It's nothing."

Lucas frowned.

Nothing?

That wasn't the face of someone who had received a normal message.

"You don't look like it's nothing."

"It's just someone trying to scare me."

He said it so casually that most people would have believed him.

Lucas didn't.

His gaze lingered on Eric's pocket before dropping to the crumpled note still clutched in his own hand.

We found the real Omega.

His fingers unconsciously tightened around it.

A chill crept down his spine.  The note.  The threatening message.  They had come one after another.  They couldn't be a coincidence.

"...Was it because of me?" Lucas asked quietly.

Eric looked at him.

"What?"

"The message." Lucas forced himself to meet Eric's eyes. "It was about me, wasn't it?"

For the first time since they'd met, Eric hesitated.

That hesitation was enough.

Lucas lowered his head.

"I'm sorry."

Eric frowned.

"What are you apologizing for?"

"You keep getting dragged into this because of me."

Lucas let out a quiet laugh, though there wasn't a trace of humor in it.

"First the restroom."

"Then those seniors."

"Now this..."

He shook his head.

"You barely knew me a week ago."

Eric watched him in silence.

Lucas's shoulders looked smaller than usual, weighed down by guilt he shouldn't have been carrying alone.

"You should stop."

Lucas looked up.

"...Stop what?"

"Helping me."

The words hurt far more than Lucas expected them to.

"If they really sent you that message..." he continued softly, "...then staying near me is dangerous."

For a long moment, Eric said nothing.

The evening breeze stirred the trees lining the quiet street, carrying away the distant sounds of traffic.

Finally, Eric took a slow step forward.

When he spoke, his voice was calm.

"I know."

Lucas blinked.

Eric's blue eyes met his steadily.

"I read the message."

"I understand the risk."

"And I'm still here."

Lucas's breath caught.

Eric wasn't smiling.

He wasn't speaking out of Alpha instinct or obligation.

He sounded as though he had already made up his mind.

Lucas searched his face, hoping to find hesitation.

He found none.

"...Why?" he whispered.

Eric opened his mouth.

The answer rose to the tip of his tongue.

Because I can't leave you alone.

Because seeing you frightened feels wrong.

Because the thought of something happening to you...

His chest tightened.

None of those answers made sense.

Not yet.

So instead, he simply said,

"...I don't know."

The honesty surprised both of them.

Lucas stared at him, speechless.

For the first time since this nightmare had begun...

He didn't feel like he was facing it completely alone.

"...Okay."

The single word came out quieter than he'd intended.  They began walking side by side.

At first, the silence between them felt awkward.  Lucas searched for something to say, but every conversation that came to mind seemed too heavy.

Finally, he laughed softly.

"This is strange."

Eric looked at him.

"What is?"

"A week ago, if someone had told me I'd be walking home with Eric Carter..."

He shook his head with a smile.

"I would've laughed."

Eric raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"Because you're..."

Lucas hesitated.

"The campus heartthrob."

Eric looked forward again.

"I've never thought of myself that way."

"That's because you're you."

Lucas chuckled.

"Everyone else does."

For a moment, Eric didn't respond.

Then he asked quietly,

"What about now?"

Lucas turned to him.

"What do you mean?"

"You've spent time with me."

He smiled faintly.

"Do I still seem untouchable?"

Lucas found himself studying Eric's face.  Without the crowd of students around him…  Without the basketball jersey…  Without everyone constantly watching him...

Eric looked different.  Just... normal.  A little quiet.  A little awkward.  Much kinder than Lucas had expected.  Before he realized it, the answer slipped out.

"...No."

Eric glanced at him.  Lucas smiled sheepishly.

"You're actually easier to talk to than I imagined."

A faint smile tugged at Eric's lips.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"It is."

For some reason, hearing Lucas say those words made something warm settle in Eric's chest.   Neither of them noticed that they were smiling.

A comfortable silence followed.

This time...

It didn't feel awkward at all.

After walking another block, Lucas spoke again, his voice softer than before.

"...Thank you."

Eric looked at him.

"For what?"

"For staying."

Lucas lowered his gaze.

"Most people would've walked away after receiving a message like that."

Eric didn't answer immediately.  Instead, he watched the lights of the city reflect across the quiet street.  Then he spoke.

"I told you before."

Lucas waited.

"I made that choice myself."

Lucas's heart skipped.  He wasn't sure why those simple words affected him so much.

Maybe...

It was because, for the first time in years.  Someone had chosen to stand beside him.  Not because they had to.  But because they wanted to.  Without realizing it, Lucas's tense shoulders finally relaxed.

And beside him, Eric noticed. He said nothing.  But seeing Lucas look just a little less frightened somehow made the risk feel worth it 

After another ten minutes of walking, Lucas finally stopped in front of a modest three-story apartment building.

The exterior walls had faded with age, and several flower pots lined the entrance, lovingly cared for by the elderly landlady. Warm yellow lights glowed from a few windows, giving the building a quiet, lived-in charm.

Lucas rubbed the back of his neck.

"...This is it."

Eric looked up at the building before nodding.

"It's nice."

Lucas laughed awkwardly.

"You don't have to be polite."

"I'm not."

Eric's answer came so naturally that Lucas couldn't help smiling.

"It's home."

For a moment, neither of them moved.  Lucas reached into his pocket and pulled out his keys.

"Well..."

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow."

He had taken two steps toward the entrance when he suddenly stopped.  He turned back. Eric was already preparing to leave.  Without thinking, Lucas called out.

"...Eric."

Eric looked over his shoulder.

Lucas hesitated.

The words felt strangely difficult to say.

"You..."

He cleared his throat.

"You haven't had dinner yet, have you?"

Eric blinked.

"I don't usually eat until later."

Lucas nodded slowly.

"Oh."

Another awkward silence followed.  He almost turned away again.

Almost.

Then he took a small breath.

"If..."

"If you don't mind..."

Eric waited patiently.

"...Would you like to come upstairs?"

The words came out much quieter than Lucas intended.

"I mean..."

"You helped me today."

"And yesterday."

"I don't really know how to thank you."

"So..."

"I can at least make you something to eat."

Eric stared at him for a second.

Lucas immediately began regretting the invitation.

"This is weird, isn't it?"

"You don't have to—"

"I'd like that."

Lucas stopped talking.

"...Really?"

Eric gave a small nod.

"If you're sure it isn't a bother."

Lucas smiled, relieved.

"It isn't."

Together, they climbed the stairs.

The hallway was quiet except for the sound of their footsteps.  Lucas unlocked the door to Apartment 302 and pushed it open.

"Come in."

Eric stepped inside and paused. The apartment was small but spotless.

A compact living room flowed into an equally small kitchen, while a short hallway led to the bedroom. Books were neatly stacked on one shelf, and several potted plants sat beside the window, their leaves catching the last rays of the evening sun.

Nothing expensive.

Nothing luxurious.

Yet everything reflected Lucas's quiet personality.  Comfortable.  Warm.

Eric found himself relaxing almost immediately.  Lucas slipped off his shoes and noticed Eric still standing near the door.

"...It's not much."

He smiled sheepishly.

"I know it's pretty small."

Eric slowly looked around again. Then he met Lucas's eyes.

"...I like it."

Lucas blinked.

"You do?"

"It feels peaceful."

Something about the sincerity in Eric's voice made Lucas's ears warm.

No one had ever described his home like that before.

"It's usually quieter than this," Lucas joked.

"My refrigerator makes strange noises sometimes."

Almost on cue—Brrrrrr... Click.

The old refrigerator rattled loudly.

Lucas covered his face.

"...See?"

Eric stared at the refrigerator for a second.

Then, unexpectedly...

He laughed.

Not loudly.

Just enough for the sound to fill the apartment.

Lucas looked up in surprise.

"So..."

"The perfect Eric Carter laughs after all."

Eric's smile widened.

"I told you before."

"I'm not perfect."

Lucas found himself laughing too.

For the first time in days… The weight pressing on his chest became just a little lighter.

"Have a seat," Lucas said, walking toward the tiny kitchen.

"I'll see what I can make."

Eric nodded and quietly watched him move around the kitchen.

Without realizing it...

This small apartment already felt more comfortable than his own house.  And that thought unsettled him far more than he cared to admit.

Lucas opened the refrigerator and stared inside for a few seconds before letting out an embarrassed laugh.

"I hope you don't mind instant noodles."

Eric walked over and glanced inside.

"I've eaten worse."

Lucas looked at him skeptically.

"The son of the Carter family has eaten worse than instant noodles?"

Eric closed the refrigerator and leaned lightly against the counter.

"You'd be surprised."

Lucas smiled.

"I think I would."

He pulled out two packets of noodles, a couple of eggs, some green onions, and a few leftover vegetables.

"I usually add whatever I have left."

"It tastes better that way."

Eric nodded.

"Need any help?"

He smiled.

"Can you wash these?"

He handed Eric the vegetables.

"Sure."

For a few minutes, the apartment was filled with nothing but ordinary sounds.

Water running from the sink. The chopping of vegetables.  The gentle bubbling of water on the stove.

It was surprisingly peaceful.  Lucas stole a glance at Eric.

The famous campus heartthrob stood at his tiny kitchen sink with his sleeves rolled up, carefully rinsing vegetables as though he'd done it a hundred times before.

It felt...

Strangely unreal.

Eric noticed him staring.

"What?"

Lucas looked away quickly.

"Nothing."

"You've been looking at me."

"I was not."

"You were."

Lucas sighed dramatically.

"Fine."

"I just..."

He hesitated before laughing softly.

"I never imagined I'd see Eric Carter helping me cook instant noodles."

Eric chuckled.

"I never imagined I'd be helping either."

Lucas smiled.

"So this is a first for both of us."

"I suppose it is."

Their eyes met and lingered.

For a brief second, neither of them spoke.  The silence wasn't uncomfortable.

If anything… It felt natural.

Lucas quickly looked back at the pot before the moment became awkward.

"I think the water's ready."

As he reached for the pot, steam rose unexpectedly.

"Ow!"

He pulled his hand back.

Eric reacted instantly. Without thinking, he caught Lucas's wrist.

"Let me see."

Lucas froze.

His heartbeat skipped.

"It's nothing."

Eric ignored the protest and gently turned Lucas's hand over.  The tip of one finger had turned slightly red.

"You burned yourself."

Lucas laughed sheepishly.

"It happens all the time."

"It shouldn't."

Eric guided his hand beneath the running tap and let cool water flow over the burn.

"There."

"Keep it under the water for a minute."

Lucas stared at him.

"You really know what you're doing."

"My mother taught me that.

Lucas smiled.

"She sounds nice."

Eric's expression softened.

"She is."

A faint sadness flickered across his face before disappearing.  Lucas noticed it but chose not to ask.

Instead, he quietly watched the water run over his fingers.

"...Thanks."

Eric looked up.

"This is the second time you've thanked me today."

Lucas laughed.

"I guess you've been helping me a lot."

Eric smiled faintly.

"I don't mind."

Those three simple words lingered in the air.  Lucas felt his cheeks grow warm again.

For reasons he couldn't explain, being around Eric no longer made him nervous.

It made him...

Comfortable.

Neither of them realized how close they were standing until the kettle suddenly whistled loudly.

Lucas jumped.

"Oh!"

Eric laughed.

"The noodles."

Lucas quickly pulled his hand away.

"Right!"

Both of them stepped back at the same time.

For some reason...

They were both smiling.

The small apartment, once filled with fear and uncertainty, now echoed with quiet laughter.

And neither of them noticed that, little by little...

It was beginning to feel like home for both of them.

A comfortable silence settled over the apartment as they ate.

The noodles were simple, but after everything that had happened that day, neither of them minded.

Lucas glanced across the table.

"So..."

Eric looked up.

"...So?"

Lucas smiled faintly.

"You haven't complained once."

"About what?"

"The food."

Eric took another bite before answering.

"It's good."

Lucas laughed.

"You're just being nice."

"I'm not."

"You don't have to spare my feelings."

"I'm not sparing them."

Eric met his eyes.

"I've had expensive meals that tasted worse."

Lucas blinked.

"You really mean that?"

Eric nodded.

"I do."

A small smile slowly spread across Lucas's face.

"I'm glad."

For a while, they continued eating in silence.  It wasn't awkward.  If anything, it was peaceful.

Lucas couldn't remember the last time he'd shared a meal with someone and felt this relaxed.

His smile gradually faded.

"...Eric."

"Hm?"

"I should probably tell you something."

Eric set his chopsticks down.

"I'm listening."

Lucas lowered his gaze to his bowl.

"You asked me the other day why I looked so scared."

"I wasn't just scared because of what happened in the restroom."

He reached into his backpack and carefully pulled out a large brown envelope.

It was already beginning to crease from how tightly he'd been carrying it around.

He placed it on the table between them.

"The hospital gave me this."

Eric looked at the envelope but didn't touch it.

Lucas took a slow breath.

"Two days ago..."

"I found out I'm an Omega."

Eric's expression remained calm.

"I know."

Lucas gave a small, surprised smile.

"...Right."

"You probably figured that out before I did."

For the first time, Eric looked genuinely embarrassed.  Lucas couldn't help laughing softly.

"I guess that's one thing only Alphas can do."

The brief laughter disappeared as Lucas opened the envelope.

He slid several documents across the table.

"The doctor found something else."

Eric's smile faded.

Lucas swallowed.

"My records were changed."

Eric looked down at the papers.

"Changed?"

Lucas nodded.

"Every official record says I was born a Beta."

"But my original hospital file says..."

His voice grew quieter.

"...I was born an Omega."

The room became very still.  Eric carefully read through the documents without interrupting.

The more he read...

The more serious his expression became.

"Someone erased it," Lucas whispered.

"My entire life..."

"I've been living under a false identity."

He laughed bitterly.

"I don't even know who I really am anymore."

Eric slowly looked up.

"Lucas."

Lucas didn't raise his head.

"What if whoever changed those records is the same person sending these threats?"

"What if..."

He hesitated.

"...they come back?"

For the first time that evening, fear returned to his voice.

"I don't know what to do anymore."

The words were barely above a whisper.

Eric was quiet for a long moment.  Then he reached across the table.  He didn't grab Lucas's hand.  He simply rested his own hand beside it.

Close enough for Lucas to know he wasn't alone.

"We'll figure it out."

Lucas looked up.

Eric's gaze never wavered.

"You don't have to carry this by yourself anymore."

Lucas stared at him.

"...We?"

Eric nodded once.

"We."

The single word settled warmly in Lucas's chest.  He hadn't realized how desperately he needed someone to say it.  For the first time since receiving his diagnosis...

The future didn't seem quite so frightening. At least...

Not while Eric Carter was sitting across from him.

The apartment fell quiet once more.

The empty bowls still sat on the table, forgotten as Lucas and Eric stared at the medical records spread between them.

Outside, the wind rustled against the windows.  Lucas leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath.

"...I don't even know where to start."

Eric looked down at the documents again.

"We start with facts."

Lucas raised an eyebrow.

"You really are the student council vice president."

Eric smiled faintly.

"We know someone altered your records."

Lucas nodded.

"We know someone has been watching you."

Another nod.

"And we know whoever did this doesn'

want you finding the truth."

Lucas sighed.

"When you say it like that, it sounds even worse."

"It is."

Before Lucas could respond...

Click.

A faint sound came from somewhere inside the apartment.

Both of them froze.  Lucas frowned.

"...Did you hear that?"

Eric was already on his feet.

"I did."

Another sound followed.

Creak...

It came from the hallway leading to Lucas's bedroom.  Lucas's heartbeat quickened.

"I live alone."

Eric's expression hardened instantly.

"Stay here."

Lucas stood as well.

"No."

Eric looked at him.

"I'm not letting you go alone."

For a brief moment, they simply stared at each other.

Then Eric gave a reluctant nod.

"Stay behind me."

Lucas did exactly that.

Together, they moved slowly down the narrow hallway.  The apartment suddenly felt much smaller than before.

Every creak of the wooden floor echoed loudly.

Eric reached the bedroom door first.

It was slightly open.

He slowly pushed it wider.

The room was empty.

The curtains fluttered gently in the breeze.

"The window..."

Lucas whispered.

"It's open."

He was certain he'd closed it before leaving for school that morning.

Eric scanned every corner of the room.

No one.

Nothing seemed disturbed.

Then Lucas noticed something lying neatly in the center of his bed.

"...What's that?"

He stepped closer.

A small white envelope.

No name.  No stamp.

Just a single wax seal pressed into the lap.

Eric picked it up carefully.

"It's addressed to you."

Lucas's hands trembled as he broke the seal.

Inside wasn't a letter.

It was a faded plastic hospital identification bracelet.

Yellowed with age.

As though it had been stored for nearly two decades.

Lucas turned it over. His breath caught.

BABY BENNETT

Date of Birth:.........

Secondary Gender: OMEGA

His fingers began to shake.

"This..."

"This can't be..."

The bracelet looked old.  Too old to be fake.  Eric took it gently from him.   His eyes narrowed.

"...Lucas."

"What?"

Eric turned the bracelet over once more.

"There should be a hospital name here."

Lucas leaned closer.

There was.

But it wasn't the hospital listed on every official document he'd ever seen.

It was a completely different hospital.

Lucas stared at the unfamiliar name.

His mind went blank.

"If I wasn't born at the hospital in my records..."

He looked at Eric, fear filling his eyes.

"...Then where was I born?"

Before Eric could answer...

A small folded piece of paper slipped from inside the envelope and drifted onto the floor.

Eric picked it up.

Only one sentence was written on it.

> Your parents have been lying to you for eighteen years.

The room fell deathly silent.

Lucas's face lost all color.  His lips parted, but no words came out.  Eric slowly folded the note.  Then he looked toward the dark, open window.

Whoever had entered the apartment… Hadn't come to steal anything.  They had come to deliver a message.  And somehow...

They knew exactly where Lucas lived.