Back in the cafe, Alan was drinking espresso shots, one after another. He was trying to calm himself down. You see, everyone knew he was a mad dog. It was a universal fact. However, it was his pheromonal glands that made him so abnormal than others. If anything saddened him, excited him or made him nervous, his pheromones would act bizarre. While Alan would only feel mood swings and rise in body temperature, people around him will be the ones drowning in those killer pheromones.
Being with others made him anxious, that's why when he was alone with Mark, he was unable to take hold of his emotions. Mark wasn't the only one who has faced such ruthless reaction. There were several others who had faced such consequences. Alan has always been like this.
Whenever he tried to talk to people he was unfamiliar with, a sudden wave of abnormality engulfed his nervous system, resulting in responses that are exaggerated and fatal to others. After every incident, he ended up feeling guilty. He realised one thing though, his bodily responses could make him far worse than a madman. He knew it all. He knew it very well. Since, the day he left that island, his body listens to him no more. He can try to control his glands but it is to no avail. He was a gone case. He was a damaged piece that could never be repaired. However, harming someone innocent is the last thing he wanted to do. Even though he was abandoned, again and again. Even though he was treated like a trash again and again. Even though, he was bullied and abused again and again. He never wished to hurt anyone. His body going on rampage was never his decision. It was a default system that every savage had in him. After every incident, when the dust settled, he felt disgusted. He was disgusted by his sudden transformation into monster. He was disgusted by the helplessness he felt. He never wanted to behave this way, but people never understood. His insanity was a product of the sufferings he had went through. Being called mad dog was not something he was proud of. For he, out of all people, wanted to be normal just like Rui or any other omega.
Alan knew very well, this life was a curse. But he wanted to turn it into a blessing. He has been working hard to do so. Even now, he wants to do everything to protect what he cherishes. However, his mind goes berserk sometimes. A minimal amount of threat would make him feel aggravated. His hostility was never his choice, it was his obligation. All he could do was try, try to hold back and calm down. That's what he was doing right now, holding back.
Even though, Mark was an alpha he was unfamiliar with, Alan tried to get along with him for Rui's sake. But sometimes, Mark's constant interference made him agitated. Alan has no intention to befriend anyone. He has Rui and that's enough. However, Rui needs more people. He can't be around her twenty four seven. If these people can keep her safe, he would try his best to get along with them. Yet, Mark is a very unpredictable person. Something about him made Alan feel threatened. Either Mark was lying to him or he himself was being too skeptical. He knew one thing for sure, he cannot get himself to trust Mark.
Alan was still lost in his train of thoughts and failed to notice the person sitting infront of him. However, the person in front of him showed no mercy and slapped his cheek, to break his daze.
" You fucker, you cursed me. Didn't you? You must have cursed me, that's why it all happened. " Rui shouted loud, disturbing all other people sitting around her.
" What the fuck! What does that even mean? Never mind. We will talk later. First, give me your cheek. I won't feel better until i get my revenge. Rui! Come here or I will slap you even harder!" Alan shouted back. He was still trying his best to calm himself but this bitch, she made it worse.
Rui saw that Alan was serious. She contemplated, if being slapped voluntarily was more humiliating or being chased and hunted down in the street was. She concluded, she will take the first way. So, she shoved her cheek forward. But, what she got was a feather like gentle tap.
" What the... I was scared for nothing. Why didn't you hit me?" Rui was kind of dissapointed. She had a hard time choosing between the two and this was it? What a waste.
" I would have, if your eyes weren't this swollen. Tell me, why were you crying?" Alan asked in a gentle voice. He was agitated before but after talking with this idiot, he felt a lot calmer.
" What? How did you...?" Rui paused and locked eyes with Alan." You know me so well." Then, she smiled like an idiot.
" So, what happened? Don't tell me those omegas bullied you?" Alan contemplated.
" Well... Yes and No." Rui replied.
" What does that mean?" Alan asked.
" You see, I also have no clue if I was bullied or not. Here, I will tell you what happened. And you tell me if I was bullied or not. Okay?" Rui spouted.
" Okay. " Alan replied.
" You see, after you left that hall. The seniors announced that each one of us has to prepare a performance for final rehearsal. We will be judged by the faculty advisor and the best one will be selected for foundation day. " Rui took a deep breath and continued, " You see, the performance that an omega can do...on stage ... are singing, dancing, play and instrument..."
Rui was interrupted by the sudden roar of laughter from Alan. " Wahahahaha...serves you right. Ha ha ha...thank you dude. You saved me from this bullshit. I was rejected because of you. I prefer being a psycho than be a show doll. But you...man... you stuck your own foot with an axe. Hahaha..."
" Alan! You asshole! Stop it! I said stop laughing. You motherfucker! Is my misery so amusing to you? You don't have an ounce of sympathy for me as a human being? You are such a devil." Rui preached.
" No. What sympathy? You deserved it. " Alan mocked Rui.
" Okay. I deserve it. But here is the thing Alan, I asked them if I could withdraw. They said the names are final and only vice chancellor could change it. So, I went to the vice chancellor. You know what's his surname?" Rui hinted.
Alan shook his head. So, Rui continued, " His name is Dr. Matthew Rhodens and he apparently, is the father of Chris and Shaziya Rhodens. When I told him I want to withdraw my name, he said I was too pretentious. And I can not demean the University's foundation day like this. He even threatened me that if I failed to perfom, he will make sure that I won't pass this year."
Rui's voice choked and her eyes were filled to the brim. She was trying so hard to hold back. " You know, I am pretty sure that bitch Shaziya is targeting me. Alan, I already don't know how to dance or sing or play instruments. On top of that, I have stage phobia. Alan I am so scared. What if she tried to use this event to humiliate infront of everyone?" The waterworks overflowed. " If it was a debate or sports activity, I would have dealt with it. But I feel so helpless because it's dancing and all. Alan, I don't know what to do. Now, even my marks are dependent on this event. I feel so helpless Alan."
Alan was enraged. It was okay until it was a joke but now, that Shaziya has crossed limits. How could she trap Rui like that? Who does she think she is? That motherfucking Rhodens. They need to know there place.
" Rui, you don't fret. I am here for you. You don't need to fear anything. Trust me.They can't bully you under my nose. We will make that bitch regret. She will regret bullying you. She will get her payback. I promise you. " Alan grabbed Rui's hand and reassured her.
" But Alan, I can't even do anything. How am I going to perform?" Rui replied.
" You don't have to worry. Just tell your group to come to my house everyday after school. I will teach you a dance that will leave the audience awestruck." Alan encouraged Rui.
" But they asked me to perform solo....Because I am unbounded omega." Rui confessed with extreme gloom.
However, Alan smirked. " That is even better."