The next morning, I woke up feeling a mix of anxiety and determination. Jiyeon and I had shared a beautiful night together, but the lingering presence of Professor Dcroix haunted my thoughts. As I watched Jiyeon prepare for her sses, I couldn''t shake the feeling of dread. I decided to stay on campus for the day, wanting to keep an eye on things. Jiyeon was thrilled to have me around, though I could sense she was slightly worried about how it might affect her focus.


    "Are you sure you''ll be okay today?" Jiyeon asked, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.


    "I''ll be fine," I assured her, smiling. "I just want to see where you spend your days."


    "Alright," she said, giving me a quick kiss. "I have a ss with Professor Dcroix first. You cane with me and sit in if you''d like."


    "Of course," I replied, trying to sound enthusiastic despite the churning in my stomach.


    As we walked to the ssroom, I couldn''t help but notice the way other students looked at Jiyeon. She was stunning, and her presence seemed to draw everyone''s attention. I felt a pang of jealousy but tried to push it down. This was her time to shine, and I needed to support her.


    When we arrived at the ssroom, Professor Dcroix was already there, looking impable as always. She nced up as we entered, her eyes narrowing slightly when she saw me.


    "Good morning, Jiyeon," she said, her voice smooth and confident. "And you must be Yura. Wee."


    "Thank you, Professor," I said, trying to match her tone.


    "Please, have a seat," Dcroix gestured to an empty chair near the back. "Jiyeon, let''s get started."


    I watched as Jiyeon moved to the front of the ss, her focus shifting entirely to the lesson. Dcroix''s eyes followed her, a slight smile ying on her lips. Throughout the ss, I couldn''t help but notice the subtle ways Dcroix interacted with Jiyeon—standing closer than necessary, offering lingering nces, and praising her work more frequently than the other students.


    The ss was a blur of culinary techniques and intricate details, but my attention was divided between the lesson and the growing unease I felt. Dcroix was undeniably brilliant, but her interest in Jiyeon seemed to extend beyond professional admiration.


    During a break, Dcroix approached me. "So, Yura, what do you think of our school?"


    "It''s impressive," I replied, forcing a smile. "And Jiyeon seems to be thriving here."


    "She is quite talented," Dcroix agreed, her gaze flicking to where Jiyeon was chatting with some ssmates. "You must be very proud."


    "I am," I said, watching Jiyeonugh at something her friend said.


    Dcroix''s eyes lingered on Jiyeon for a moment before she turned back to me. "You know, Jiyeon has a rare gift. It''s not often we see someone with her potential."


    "I know," I said, trying to keep the edge out of my voice. "She''s worked very hard to get where she is."


    "And she will go far," Dcroix said, her smile almost predatory. "With the right guidance."


    I nodded, not trusting myself to say more. The rest of the day continued in a simr vein, with Dcroix finding subtle ways to insert herself into Jiyeon''s life. She offered extra tips, extended invitations to private sessions, and always seemed to be around.


    By lunchtime, my jealousy was boiling over. I couldn''t stand the way Dcroix looked at Jiyeon, like she was a prize to be won. I needed to talk to Jiyeon, to express my concerns without sounding paranoid.


    "Hey," Jiyeon said, finding me sitting alone in the cafeteria. "How''s it going?"


    "Good," I lied, forcing a smile. "How are your sses?"


    "They''re great," she said, sitting down next to me. "Professor Dcroix is amazing. I feel like I''m learning so much."


    I bit my lip, trying to find the right words. "Do you ever feel like she''s...I don''t know, a bit too attentive?"


    Jiyeon frowned, tilting her head. "What do you mean?"


    "Just that she seems very focused on you," I said carefully. "More than the other students."


    "Well, she did say I have potential," Jiyeon said, shrugging. "Maybe she just wants to make sure I seed."


    "Maybe," I conceded, though it didn''t ease my worry. "I just don''t want her to take advantage of you."


    Jiyeon smiled, leaning in to kiss my cheek. "You''re sweet. But I can handle myself. Besides, I have you to keep me grounded."


    I nodded, but my unease remained. The rest of the day passed in a haze of lectures and practical sessions. I stayed close to Jiyeon, watching her interactions with Dcroix and trying to read between the lines.


    By the time evening rolled around, I was exhausted. Jiyeon had another session with Dcroix, so I decided to wait for her in the courtyard. The night was cool, and the stars twinkled above, a stark contrast to the turmoil inside me.


    Eventually, Jiyeon emerged from the building, looking tired but happy. "Hey, you," she said,ing over to sit beside me.


    "Hey," I replied, wrapping an arm around her. "How was your session?"


    "Intense," she said, leaning her head on my shoulder. "But really good. Dcroix has so much knowledge to share."


    I nodded, feeling a pang of jealousy. "I''m d you''re learning so much."


    We sat in silence for a while, just enjoying each other''spany. But my mind was still racing with thoughts of Dcroix. I needed to confront her, to understand her intentions.


    "Jiyeon," I said softly, "I need to talk to Professor Dcroix. Alone."


    Jiyeon lifted her head, looking at me with concern. "Why?"


    "I just need to clear some things up," I said, trying to reassure her. "It''ll be quick."


    She hesitated, then nodded. "Okay. Just be careful."


    "I will," I promised, kissing her forehead.


    I waited until Jiyeon headed back to the dorm before seeking out Dcroix. I found her in her office, reviewing some papers. She looked up as I entered, her expression curious.


    "Yura," she said, setting the papers aside. "What can I do for you?"


    I closed the door behind me, my heart pounding. "We need to talk."


    "About?" she asked, leaning back in her chair, her eyes glittering with amusement.


    "About Jiyeon," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I want to know what your intentions are with her."


    Dcroix raised an eyebrow, a slow smile spreading across her lips. "My intentions? I think that''s obvious. I''m her teacher. I''m here to help her seed."


    "That''s not all, is it?" I challenged, stepping closer. "You have a personal interest in her."


    She sighed, standing up and walking around her desk to face me. "You''re very perceptive, Yura. Yes, I find Jiyeon...intriguing."


    "Intriguing?" I repeated, anger ring. "She''s married. To me."


    "And yet, she hasn''t marked youpletely," Dcroix said, her tone almost mocking. "You''re an omega, and she''s an alpha. That leaves room for...opportunities."


    I clenched my fists, struggling to keep myposure. "What are you saying?"


    "I''m saying that Jiyeon interests me a great deal," Dcroix said, her eyes locking onto mine. "And I intend to make her mine. You can''t stop me, Yura. She''s an alpha, and I''m an omega. We have a connection you can''t break."


    "You underestimate Jiyeon''s loyalty," I said through gritted teeth. "She loves me."


    "Love can be fickle," Dcroix said, her smile widening. "Especially when a more suitable matches along."


    I felt a surge of rage, but I forced myself to stay calm. "I won''t let you take her from me."


    "We''ll see," Dcroix said, her voice soft and dangerous. "Goodnight, Yura."


    I turned and left her office, my mind racing with anger and fear. Dcroix''s words echoed in my head, and I knew this was far from over. She was determined to win Jiyeon, but I wouldn''t let her. I would fight for Jiyeon, no matter what it took.


    As I walked back to the dorm, I thought about how I would protect our love from this threat. Jiyeon was mine, and I would do everything in my power to keep her. This was just the beginning of the battle.