"Stop, stop!"
At the director's sharp cry, the actors stumbled to a halt, turning toward him. The staff also looked in his direction, but there was only one person the director was truly focused on.
"Chase, what the hell is that? Why are you so unfocused today?"
At his outburst, all eyes shifted to Chase. He had been in the middle of running a hand through his perfectly styled hair but froze at the accusation. His hand stiffened awkwardly in midair before falling back to his side. Seeing this, the director cursed under his breath.
"Damn it! Thirty-minute break!"
The director turned away angrily, muttering, "I swear, I'm about to lose it!" Though he spoke to himself, it was clear who his frustration was directed at. Yet Chase simply averted his gaze, his expression blank.
When filming resumed, Chase's performance was still a mess. He kept making mistakes, missing cues, and earning a barrage of exasperated shouts from the director. No matter how many times he was scolded, nothing improved. In the end, he was given a two-day break, but instead of recovering, things only got worse.
"I can't wait anymore."
The director clutched his head in frustration. The entire production was stalled, yet Chase remained distracted, as if his mind were elsewhere. He forgot lines, paused in the middle of scenes, and seemed completely out of sync.
After a brief attempt to continue filming, things only deteriorated further. At one point, he was supposed to hand a magazine to Naomi, but it slipped from his grip, falling to the floor. Frustrated sighs echoed throughout the set.
"That's it. We're done for today. Chase—are you even paying attention?"
What the hell is going on?
In the end, the director called it a day, rescheduling the shoot for tomorrow. This had already happened multiple times. Chase was clearly the problem, yet he neither apologized nor seemed embarrassed by his repeated mistakes. As he headed toward his trailer, the director simply shook his head.
"We're too far into production to replace him now."
Muttering a string of curses, he stormed off, at a complete loss for what to do.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
"…It's just… I don't know… but…"
Laura had been talking beside him for a while, but Chase wasn't listening. His mind was completely consumed with thoughts of Josh.
Noticing this, Laura sighed before speaking as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"I heard Josh works nights. He's probably resting at the hostel. Should I ask him to come?"
At her words, Chase's entire demeanor changed. Without hesitation, he turned and headed straight for the building where the bodyguards were staying.
Laura let out another sigh and followed after him. This had become routine. Behind them, Isaac, Seth, and their manager trailed along, falling into line like it was second nature.
When they arrived at Josh's accommodation, Chase paused briefly before knocking. His movements were quicker than before—more urgent—but his expression fell when he found the room empty. With a frustrated frown, he turned and walked away.
The others followed, familiar with the pattern by now.
"I get that Josh tricked you into thinking he was a Beta, but seriously, aren't you obsessing over him a little too much?"
Seth muttered the words as if speaking to himself, but Isaac shot him a glare.
"What did you just say?"
Seth shook his head.
"Nothing."
Laura glanced back at him.
"Should we just call Josh and ask where he is?"
"Good idea."
Seth pulled out his phone and dialed Josh's number. After a few rings, Josh answered.
"Where are you?"
"I'm eating with the staff…"
"Where?"
Laura quickly gestured in a direction, but before anyone could respond—
"Mr. Miller is—"
Chase was already on the move, heading toward the dining area.
The restaurant was busy, with staff members lining up at the buffet-style counters. As soon as Chase stepped inside, his eyes locked onto Josh near the entrance. His expression softened immediately.
"Joshua…"
He almost called out to him—almost.
But then he saw her.
A woman stood beside Josh, chatting with him. Chase watched as Josh said something, and the woman suddenly burst into laughter.
His face darkened.
Without realizing it, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. His entire body tensed.
Then, with a slow, deliberate step, he began walking toward Josh—his movements sharp, his pace unrelenting.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
Josh left the lodge late in the afternoon, wandering around before heading to the staff-only restaurant. He planned to eat and get plenty of rest before his evening shift.
Due to the dense trees and grass in the area, insects were a constant nuisance. As a result, the eateries made from snack kiosks were tightly sealed, with air conditioners occasionally switched on to maintain the temperature. Josh glanced at the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, which was running continuously even during off-peak hours, then opened the door and stepped inside.
The restaurant was surprisingly busy for an in-between time—neither lunch nor dinner. Picking up a standard plate, he placed a small portion of salad on one side before making his way toward the steak counter, which had just opened up.
"Oh."
A woman arrived at the counter at almost the same time and let out a small exclamation. Josh smiled, stepping back slightly and gesturing for her to go ahead.
"Go ahead."
"Thank you."
She returned his smile and turned to the staff behind the counter.
"I'll take one, please."
The staff placed a large cut of steak over the fire, then glanced at Josh, silently asking how he'd like his portion.
"Same for me. Thank you," he said, adding a polite nod. He rummaged through the pile of meat with the tongs, eventually selecting a piece that looked a little too large.
"Oh, is this discrimination? That one looks better," the woman joked playfully.
Josh, however, didn't laugh.
Embarrassed, she looked away but quickly made eye contact with him again. Letting out an awkward chuckle, she cleared her throat and shifted the conversation.
"You're Mr. Miller's bodyguard, right? How's the job? I've heard he can be a handful."
She introduced herself as another actor's secretary, her expression sympathetic. Josh replied with his usual polite smile.
"It's fine. He can be difficult, but…"
He wanted to say something positive about Chase, but nothing immediately came to mind. In the end, he settled with a vague response.
"I see. I actually admire him. A lot of actors seem jaded, but Mr. Miller…"
Her expression softened as if recalling a memory. She then turned back to Josh, eyes curious.
"Have you seen him filming in a dress?"
"Yes, of course."
"I never expected it to suit him so well. I almost didn't recognize him at first."
After a brief pause, she added,
"You know that commercial, right?"
Josh narrowed his eyes slightly, realizing where she was going.
"Sweet-Sweet…"
"My Friend's Chocolate Bar."
The woman laughed when he finished the jingle. Josh chuckled as well, their conversation briefly lightening the mood.
But just then—
A hand grabbed his shoulder and yanked him back forcefully.
"…!"
Josh gasped in surprise, but he didn't react aggressively. He already had a strong suspicion of who it was.
"Chase… Mr. Miller."
As expected. The moment he saw Chase's face, Josh instinctively corrected himself, switching from first name to formal address.
For a brief moment, there was silence.
Chase's gaze shifted from Josh to the woman beside him. The sudden tension in the air startled her, and she quickly averted her eyes. Without another word, she grabbed her plate—now holding the grilled steak—and hurried away, not even pausing to thank the staff.
Josh watched her leave, then turned his attention back to Chase.
Chase, who had been glaring after the woman, finally refocused on Josh. His expression darkened.
"Is she your little sister too?"
His sarcastic tone made it clear that he didn't believe Josh's explanation.
Josh let out a slow breath.
"We just exchanged a few words while waiting. That's all."
But Chase wasn't convinced.
Without warning, he grabbed Josh's arm and pulled him away roughly. Dragging him behind, he strode toward a nearby door, shoving it shut behind them with a loud bang.
The sudden noise left the surrounding staff frozen in place, the tension suffocating.
Laura wiped her forehead with a pale face, breaking the silence.
"That's it for today's filming. You can all go home. If Mr. Miller needs anything, he'll contact me."
"Got it," Seth responded casually.
He added, "Josh is on duty in two hours anyway. He'll handle it."
"I suppose."
Laura cast a long, uneasy glance at the closed trailer door before turning to Seth. He knew what she was thinking but pretended not to notice.
After a moment of hesitation, Laura muttered to herself,
"No way…"
Seth, however, had a bad feeling that she was right.
Shortly after, Laura and the other staff members left. Only Isaac and Seth remained.
Isaac shifted uncomfortably before speaking.
"Shouldn't we check inside? What if Josh gets hurt?"
Seth scoffed.
"Josh? You really think he'd just take a hit? Better not interfere."
Isaac frowned at Seth's dismissive tone but didn't argue. Still, he anxiously glanced at the trailer door.
Nothing bad should happen. Right?
✤✤✤✤✤✤
The interior was silent. After dragging Josh into the trailer, Chase didn't say a word. Josh, both hungry and nervous, decided to focus on the situation at hand.
Just as he was about to break the silence, Chase narrowed his eyes and looked down at him.
"What were you doing with her?"
Josh answered honestly.
"I was about to have a meal. We just met and exchanged a few words."
As if to confirm his words, Josh's stomach let out a loud rumble. Embarrassed, he let out an awkward laugh.
"I was really hungry."
"Oh, you were so hungry, yet you had time to flirt with a woman?"
"…"
Josh stared at him for a moment.
A jealous Chase was cute—sometimes. But depending on the timing and the situation, it was a different story. Right now, Josh was starving, and Chase's possessiveness had crossed beyond cute into outright unreasonable. If Chase stormed out in search of that woman, Josh would have to intervene carefully.
He sighed and chose his words wisely.
"I won't do it again."
Chase remained silent.
Josh tried again, "I won't talk to anyone. Just you."
Josh smiled, as if to say, Happy now?
If he didn't eat something in the next five minutes, he might just end up biting Chase instead.
But Chase didn't seem concerned about eating at all. He was oblivious to Josh's hunger, just as he often skipped meals himself—something Josh had noticed long ago. What mattered to Chase right now was the fact that Josh had laughed with another woman in front of him. His fingers clenched into fists as he resisted the urge to punch the wall in frustration.
Barely keeping his temper in check, Chase exhaled sharply.
Josh tilted his head. Chase was clearly emotional, yet—strangely—there was no trace of his usual pheromone scent in the air. Only the faint smell of the trailer surrounded them.
Come to think of it…
Josh realized something.
Since returning to the set, Chase's scent had been noticeably weaker. Even Isaac, who always had candy in his mouth, had joked that Mark was happy about saving money because Isaac had been eating less lately.
"You…"
Josh was about to ask what was going on, but Chase suddenly cut him off.
"Why don't you give me your number?"
Josh blinked in surprise.
"Oh, you want it?"
"Yes."
Chase's tone was sharp. It wasn't something either of them had thought about before. Since they were always together, there had never been a need. Now, all of a sudden, Chase wanted to exchange numbers?
Josh smirked instead of apologizing.
"I don't even know your number."
Without hesitation, Chase rattled off the digits, his eyes narrowing at Josh.
"Call me. Now."
There was no room for jokes. Josh sighed and dialed the number, his phone ringing immediately.
"What are you doing? Not answering?" Chase demanded.
Josh hesitated. Why should I answer when the caller is standing right in front of me?
But there was no point in provoking him.
Josh pressed the call button, then looked up at Chase.
"Hello?"
Only then did Chase hang up.
"Save it."
Josh silently tapped the save button. He was starting to realize—Chase had deliberately made him call to confirm the number was real.
Even if he's suspicious, this is ridiculous.
A frown tugged at Josh's lips, discomfort settling in his chest.
"I don't lie."
But there was something he was hiding.
Peter's face immediately flashed in Josh's mind. He thought about bringing it up but knew Chase wouldn't listen.
Instead, Chase suddenly grabbed him and pulled him toward the bathroom. Before Josh could react, Chase stripped his clothes off, scanning every inch of his skin. Josh flinched as Chase's face lowered, pressing into his groin and inhaling deeply.
"Your scent is too weak."
Chase murmured against him.
Josh's mind raced. So far, I've been able to hide it… He swallowed and forced himself to answer casually.
"I thought you hated Omegas because of their scent?"
"I do."
Chase's reply was the same as always. But this time, there was a hesitation in his eyes.
Then, his expression turned serious.
"So, I'm…"
He was about to say something—something important.
Josh was curious, but there was no time to ask.
Because in the next moment, Chase crushed their lips together.
Overwhelmed by the force of the kiss, Josh groaned, his arms wrapping around Chase instinctively.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
It was around noon when Chase received the report from Laura about the bodyguards being replaced.
He had been asleep until then, exhausted from the previous night, and only woke up when Laura came to find him.
"…What?"
Still groggy, Chase frowned and asked again, wondering if he had misheard.
Laura, patient as always, repeated herself.
"The new security team will be arriving this afternoon. The temporary bodyguards will be dismissed once they finish the handover. There won't be any more gaps in coverage—"
She kept talking, but Chase stopped listening.
Laura, noticing his blank expression, hesitated. His reaction was… off.
"Mr. Miller? Is something wrong?"
Chase's response came a beat too late. He blinked at her, as if startled.
Laura forced a small smile.
"The bodyguard team is being replaced. That's good news, isn't it?"
Chase didn't answer.
Laura couldn't help but wonder—did this have something to do with Josh?
She held back from making assumptions too quickly and instead maintained a professional demeanor, waiting for his response.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Laura just sat there, watching as Chase only blinked, staring at nothing in particular.
"…"
"Yes?"
When he finally opened his mouth, Laura couldn't make sense of his words at first.
But before she could ask him to repeat himself, she pieced it together.
"Are you talking about Josh? Do you want me to call him here?"
Again, Chase was silent.
Laura couldn't figure out if he was still half-asleep or if he genuinely couldn't make up his mind. Carefully, she spoke again.
"I'll call him, then."
There was a small pause before Chase gave a slight nod.
Laura took that as confirmation, offering a brief farewell before stepping out of the trailer.
Outside, Henry was on duty, keeping an eye on the surroundings.
"I need you to call Josh."
Henry didn't show much of a reaction—he was never interested in anything that didn't directly involve him.
But Laura misinterpreted his lack of response, wondering if he was making the same assumptions she was.
Still, she shook the thought away and dialed Josh's number.
"Josh? It's Laura."
Leaving it at that, she walked off.
Now, only Henry remained.
He casually glanced at his watch. Shift change was approaching.
Who was scheduled today…?
Henry wandered around aimlessly, thinking about the schedule.
Then—
Someone suddenly appeared in front of him.
Startled, Henry stopped abruptly, almost cursing out loud—until he recognized the face.
It was an actress, a supporting role in the production.
She smiled politely and greeted him.
"Hello. I came to discuss something with Mr. Miller about the next shoot. Would it be alright if I step in for a moment?"
✤✤✤✤✤✤
Chase, who had just stepped out of the bedroom to get some water, turned his head reflexively at the sound of the door opening.
"Joshua."
He hurriedly called out the name, stepping forward—only to be met with disappointment.
It wasn't Josh.
Instead, another bodyguard had entered. Chase's expression darkened with a deep frown, but Henry, seemingly expecting such a reaction, spoke up.
"It's an actress from the same production. She wants to discuss something about her role. Would you like to meet her?"
"Who?"
Chase asked instinctively, even though he knew he wouldn't recognize the name.
Henry told him, but it meant nothing to him.
"Send her back."
"Mr. Miller!"
Before Henry could respond, a woman's voice rang out from behind him.
"Wait! You can't just barge in like that—"
"Mr. Miller!"
Henry had intercepted her, blocking her path, but Becky called out desperately.
Chase stopped reflexively.
"We met at Peter's party before—do you remember? It's Becky."
The scent of an Omega wafted toward him, stirring an old memory—but it wasn't a pleasant one.
Then, in an instant, it all came rushing back.
He remembered Josh's lips, just as he was about to kiss him. The gentle way he had wiped his face with a handkerchief. The warmth in his gaze, filled with something tender.
And then—realization struck.
That night… that was when it all started.
If he hadn't stepped out into the garden. If he hadn't caught that scent.
If he had never met Joshua in the first place.
If that had been the case, he wouldn't have known these feelings.
"I don't know you."
"Huh?"
Becky blinked in confusion, but Chase only felt more irritated.
"If I don't know you, then don't waste my time. Get out. Now."
"Mr. Miller! Please, just listen to me—"
"Get her out."
Chase's patience snapped.
"Did you not hear me? Fuck! I don't remember anyone like you!"
Becky's face drained of color.
Chase didn't look back. He turned away, cursing under his breath, leaving her standing there, stunned. Henry moved quickly, ensuring she wouldn't be hurt as he tried to escort her out of the trailer.
Without another glance, Chase strode toward the parlor and pushed open the door, shutting everything else out.
"Chase! Stop right there!"
Her voice, tearful just moments ago, twisted into something sharper—something filled with hatred.
"What?"
Chase barely registered Henry's startled voice before—
Bang!
A gunshot.
A sharp, deafening crack tore through the air.
Chase froze.
A heavy thud followed, and a low groan filled the space.
Slowly, he turned around.
Henry had fallen. Blood seeped through his uniform, pooling beneath him.
Beyond him, Chase saw Becky—her hands trembling as she clutched the gun.
Her face was pale, her expression contorted with shock.
But the barrel was still pointed straight ahead.