7. Annoying Lord

Jonathan, who saw Elea approaching, immediately greeted her with a warm smile. Barbara stood frozen for a moment; she certainly hadn't expected to find such a handsome man in a nursing home.

"Hi, Elea. Are you here for your social work?" he asked.

"Ah, no. I'm just accompanying a friend today. Jo, this is Barbara, the friend I told you about earlier," I introduced them.

"Hi there," Barbara greeted, her eyes lingering on him.

"Ah, so you're the girl who ran away from duty, right?" Jonathan guessed with a playful smirk.

"Hahaha! I see you know me well enough already. But contrary to what you might imagine, I think I'm actually quite good at what I do," Barbara replied confidently.

"Is that so? We’ll see. I just hope you can be as patient as Elea," Jonathan teased.

"I think I can handle it—as long as you’re the one helping me. By the way, what’s your name?"

"Jonathan."

"Are you a medic?" Barbara asked curiously.

"I'm a nurse. I'm responsible for the health of the elderly here," he explained.

“Interesting,” Barbara muttered under her breath.

"Haha, come on, let's take a look around," Jonathan offered.

"Umm, Jo. I have to get to work now. I’ll leave Barbara in your hands; she’s a bit spoiled, but she’s nice," I said, pleading for his help.

"Hey, are you leaving already, Lea?" Barbara asked, sounding surprised.

"Yup. I have a boss who is quite a tyrant. Just rely on Jonathan; he knows everything about this place."

"Hmm, okay then."

"Be careful, Elea. And, ah—" Jonathan looked like he wanted to say something else.

"Yeah? What is it?"

"Never mind, later! I'll call you," Jonathan replied quickly.

"Okay, see ya, guys!"

I left in a hurry. Flo had already pestered my phone with several missed calls. I didn't understand why that guy was so desperate to find me, especially since my role at the studio wasn't exactly vital. Was it because of Drex? Was he actually looking for me?

***

Backstage at the Studio

"Flo, where's Elea? Hasn't she arrived yet?"

"Not yet. She just came from campus to drop her friend at the nursing home. She’ll be here soon," Flo explained.

"Humph! Why is she taking so long!"

"What's the matter, Drex? Weren't you with her this morning?"

"Yeah, but she left without saying goodbye. I looked for her everywhere, but she was just... gone."

"That's because she’s smart, unlike you," Flo countered. "What would a reporter say if they saw you with a random girl? Gossip would haunt you, and our business would be ruined."

"Is it really that bad? I already have more than enough money. It doesn't matter to me if I can't stay in this business," Drex grumbled.

"You're crazy! Don't be so selfish. You have an entire crew who depends on this business for their income. You should care about them too!"

"Tsk. So I can't even have my slave around?"

"Stop calling her a slave! That’s inhumane. I consider Elea a friend!" Flo snapped.

"She is my slave!"

“In the modern world, there is no such thing as slavery! There are assistants! You should change that word to something more human, Drex," Flo lectured.

"Whatever. But where is she? Why is she taking so long?"

"She’s busy, Drex. Besides, what do you even want from her? Haven't I prepared everything you need?"

"I just... I just want to have some fun," Drex muttered.

"You're acting weird. Do you actually like her? How can you like someone after just one meeting?”

“I don't like her! I told you, there are no romantic relationships between Lycans and humans. I just wanted to play around."

“Hmm, sure...” Flo muttered as he walked away.

Drex still looked annoyed that Elea hadn't shown up. Soon, the show began. The lights dimmed, and the handsome idol stepped onto the stage. Background dancers filled the space as D.E. grabbed his guitar and began singing live.

The audience was spellbound. He was breathtaking up there—his sharp features and melodious voice could seduce anyone into screaming his name.

“D.E.! D.E.! I love you!" the crowd roared.

D.E. maintained his arrogant persona, offering only the occasional, heart-stopping smile. Elea, who had just arrived, slipped behind the stage.

"Elea, you're finally here! Give this to him!" Flo said, handing her a water bottle for Drex.

"Okay. How long has the show been going?"

"He’s only three songs in, but Drex has been asking for you non-stop," Flo whispered.

"Hmm, what does he want now?"

"Who knows?"

I moved to the side of the stage and placed the drink down where he could see it. Drex caught my eye immediately. His gaze was sharp, but it felt like a signal acknowledging my arrival. I waved at him, pointing to the water bottle.

He twitched his brows, clearly seeing my gesture. He was now sitting in the center of the stage, microphone in hand. A romantic pop song began to play—it was my favorite. The lyrics were beautiful, and I knew them by heart.

Caught up in the atmosphere, I stayed there, swaying my hands and softly singing along. Drex's voice seemed to vibrate right through my soul. He really was a born idol. Even though he was a jerk, I couldn't deny that I was a fan of his talent.

I sang along, ignoring my slightly hoarse voice, assuming no one could hear me over the booming studio speakers. I looked at the crowd; they were just as mesmerized as I was.

As I watched him, I noticed something strange—this time, Drex was actually smiling while he sang. It was a genuine, breathtaking sight.

After finishing the final songs, the performance ended. The MC walked onto the stage to interview him.

“D.E., you clearly enjoy these romantic songs. Is there someone special you like?” the MC teased.

"What do you mean? A girlfriend?" Drex asked bluntly.

"Yes, exactly. Or perhaps a special female friend who makes you happy?"

"I don't know. I don't really understand relationships like that. But one thing is for sure—I don't have a girlfriend," he replied.

“Then why do you smile so sweetly during the romance songs? It was like you were picturing someone," the MC pressed.

“Actually, I was imagining someone just now," Drex chuckled. "Not a special friend, but because I heard someone singing along with a very... hoarse voice. Hahaha. This person almost blew the whole tune."

“Haha! So that was it? May we know who it is? Is it a girl?"

"Just a friend. I won't say the name; I’m afraid they’d be too embarrassed," he replied with a smirk.

Hearing his answer, I immediately realized he was teasing me. You impudent Lycan! He really did have supernatural hearing. I didn't think he could pick out my voice in such a crowded, noisy studio.

After D.E. said goodbye to his fans, he walked backstage and immediately dumped a task on me.

“I want Fried Chicken from Blue Diamond Road. I want thighs with hot sauce and black pepper!” he demanded.

"Huh?"

"What 'huh'? You have feet, don't you? Buy it there. Now!” Drex said, acting incredibly bossy.

"What? That’s so far and troublesome!"

"I’m not eating anything else unless it’s the chicken from that specific place!" he insisted.

"Jeez, Drex, I already ordered food for you!" Flo cut in.

"I’m not eating that. I’ll only eat it if Lea goes and gets it for me!"

"What is your problem, Drex? Chicken is chicken!" I snapped, feeling played.

“It's not the same. I’ll only eat if you’re the one who finds it. I want to see the effort you put into feeding me," he answered selfishly.

“Drex, why are you being so difficult?” Flo sighed.

"I won't eat! I want Lea to find me what I like!”

Flo looked at me with a pleading face, hoping I would just comply to keep the spoiled artist quiet.

"Fine! I’ll go. But what if the place is closed?" I asked.

"Then you’ll have to cook for me!" he shot back.

“Hahaha! You’ve got to be kidding. Me? Cooking?”

"Go! Find the chicken! I'm hungry!" Drex ordered.

"Gosh, you are so annoying!" I muttered as I rushed away again.

Drex smiled triumphantly as I disappeared.

"Wait... there isn't even a chicken restaurant on Blue Diamond Road, is there?" Flo asked as he realized something.

"Exactly. I told you, I wanted to play with her."

"You’re unbelievable! I still need staff to help me, and you sent her away on a wild goose chase?" Flo grumbled.

Drex just stayed silent, ignoring the lecture. Meanwhile, I hailed a taxi and headed to Blue Diamond Road. In my rush, I hadn't even checked the internet. I only felt the confusion sink in when I reached the destination.

***

"Wait... the map doesn't show any chicken restaurants around here?" I muttered, searching the streets.

Realizing I’d been pranked, I immediately called Flo.

"Hello, Mr. Flo. It’s Lea."

"Ah, I was just about to call you. Just come back! There is no restaurant there. Drex just wanted to mess with you. He’s so stubborn!" Flo explained.

"Is that true? He made it up?"

"Yup. I just realized it myself. I'm sorry, Lea."

Flo hung up, and I felt my blood boil. That Lycan is insufferable!

I rushed back to the studio, but Drex and the rest of the crew were already gone. Fuming, I decided to just go back to my rented room. However, when I got there, I found someone else inside.

"Who are you? Why are you in my room?" I asked, bewildered.

"Are you Elea? The landlord said you were moving out today, so I took over the lease," the woman replied.

"What? I’m renting this place until the end of the year! Where are my things?"

"The landlord left this letter for you," the woman said, handing me a piece of paper.

[Your home isn't here anymore! I've moved all your stuff. Come home—hurry up! You slave! — D.E.]

My eyes widened. It wasn't from the landlord; it was from that crazy Lycan, Drex Ethan. He had anticipated I would try to go back to my old place. Like it or not, I had to go to the apartment he had prepared for me.

By the time I reached the luxury apartment, it was getting late. I saw several suitcases in the middle of the room—all my belongings.

"Humph! Damn Lycans!" I cursed.

"Are you calling for me? Or just cursing at me?" a voice answered from the kitchen.

"You! What are you doing here?"

"I live here. How was your walk? Was it fun?" he teased.

"Why did you prank me, Drex? There are no fried chicken stalls on that road!"

"That just means you failed to find it! Now, you must be punished," Drex said, approaching me.

"What do you want now?"

"Your cooking! I want you to cook for me," he said, handing me a bag of groceries.

"Huh? Me? Cooking?"

I was stunned. I lived alone, sure, but I was absolutely terrible at cooking.