The next morning, when I woke up, a strange feeling of emptiness came over me. I turned my head and called softly, "Sheng Xing?" But no response came.
My heart sped up slightly. I strained my ears to hear any noise, but the silence of the room answered me. I sat up in bed and looked for signs of his presence. But there was nothing.
In desperation, I buried my nose in the sheets, searching for the soothing scent of Sheng Xing. The familiar, comforting scent instantly reminded me of his presence, and I felt slightly relieved, although it didn't chase away the worry that was growing inside me.
I got up, still numb from residual fatigue, and headed to the bathroom, hoping to find him there. But the room was empty. My mind began to consider all kinds of scenarios. Where could he be?
I returned to the bedroom and sat on the edge of the bed, trying to calm my breathing. My gaze fell on the nightstand, where I noticed a small note. With a trembling hand, I grabbed it and unfolded it.
"Aiko,
I left to take care of some urgent matters. Rest a little longer and don't worry. I'll be back very soon.
With all my love,
Sheng Xing"
I sighed with relief as I read his words. Although he was not physically there, his comforting words reminded me that I was not alone. I clutched the note to my chest, closing my eyes and breathing deeply.
I lay down again, trying to find some inner calm. His promise to come back quickly reassured me.
I let myself be carried away by the tranquility of the room, concentrating on the comforting scent of the sheets.
(067 worried: What's happening to you?)
(055: Sheng Xing marked me)
(067: but you're an alpha!)
(055: Yeah, that's the problem…)
(067: How did he do that?)
(055: He bit my glands and I felt his pheromones pouring into my glands then I felt like a bond uniting us)
(067: Imagine he marked you for life?)
(055: Please don't bring me bad luck)
(067: sorry that wasn't my intention)
(055: It's not serious but will you have some medicine I really don't feel well)
(067: Yes but I think it has side effects)
(055: Side effects?)
(067: Yes but side effects vary depending on the person)
(055: Pass me the medicine anyway)
(067: Okay)
(055: How long does it take before they take effect?)
(067: I will say a few hours)
I sighed then when the medicine appeared in the air I took it. It dissolves quickly under my tongue.
(055: I hope your thing works)
(067: Yes all users left a positive review about the drug)
(055: If you say so)
(067: Sorry I have to go the main system wants to hold a meeting)
(055: This damn main system)
(067: I don't like him either)
System 067 goes away and I find myself alone in the room.
I felt anxiety suddenly gnawing at me despite the scent of Sheng Xing still wafting through the air and permeating the sheets. The absence of his physical presence was too palpable. I knew I had to do something to ease this empty feeling.
I got up from the bed and walked towards the closet. Opening it, I was greeted by a row of his neatly arranged clothes. I took a shirt and a sweater, hugging them to me to soak up his scent. Then, an idea came to my mind.
I took several of his things: shirts, t-shirts, even one of his favorite blazers. I spread them out on the bed, creating a kind of cozy nest with his clothes. Their scent was stronger here, enveloping and comforting.
-That should do the trick, I whispered
Without hesitation, I curled myself into a ball in the middle of these clothes, pulling them around me like a protective blanket. I closed my eyes, letting myself be invaded by the reassuring scent of Sheng Xing. His presence seemed closer now, and although the anxiety didn't completely disappear, it felt less oppressive.
I clung to one of his shirts, remembering our first meeting, his smiles and his tender looks. Each memory warmed my heart a little more, reassuring me of his promise to return quickly.
-It's not normal for me to react like that, I muttered
(067: I confirm)
(055: Shouldn't you have left?)
(067: Yes, but I still have a few minutes left)
(055: Be careful not to arrive late for the meeting)
(067: Yeah, don't worry, but why are you nesting on Sheng Xing's clothes?)
(055: I don't know, I feel bad when the smell of her pheromones isn't strong enough)
(067: I think the brand has created an addictive effect)
(055: Probably)
Time seemed to pass shooting indefinitely, but wrapped in his belongings, I managed to find some semblance of peace. The soft, familiar fabrics against my skin brought me comfort.
(055: Do you know when the mark fades?)
(067: In 1 or 2 weeks she will be gone)
(055: Are you sure of your information?)
(067: Yeah my information comes from reliable sources. On the other hand in your case, the mark may take longer to erase)
(055: Okay)
(067: And I also wanted to warn you that Sheng Xing's rut may come soon)
(055: Are you serious?!)
(067: Yeah, very serious. I'll leave you, I have to go)
I sigh as he leaves for his meeting. But I was so tired that little by little my thoughts calmed down and I felt myself sinking into a state of semi-consciousness, between wakefulness and sleep. The accumulated fatigue and the soothing scent of Sheng Xing gently lulled me, and I eventually fell asleep, carried away by the security and love permeating every fiber of his clothes.