Alpha Culinary Love

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 Delacroix haunted my thoughts. As I watched Jiyeon prepare for her classes, 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 class with Professor Delacroix first. You can come 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 classroom, 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 classroom, Professor Delacroix was already there, looking impeccable as always. She glanced 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. Welcome."

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

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

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

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

During a break, Delacroix 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," Delacroix agreed, her gaze flicking to where Jiyeon was chatting with some classmates. "You must be very proud."

"I am," I said, watching Jiyeon laugh at something her friend said.

Delacroix'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," Delacroix 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 similar vein, with Delacroix 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 Delacroix 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 classes?"

"They're great," she said, sitting down next to me. "Professor Delacroix 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 succeed."

"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 Delacroix and trying to read between the lines.

By the time evening rolled around, I was exhausted. Jiyeon had another session with Delacroix, 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, coming 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. Delacroix has so much knowledge to share."

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

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

"Jiyeon," I said softly, "I need to talk to Professor Delacroix. 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 Delacroix. 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."

Delacroix 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 succeed."

"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 flaring. "She's married. To me."

"And yet, she hasn't marked you completely," Delacroix 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 my composure. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that Jiyeon interests me a great deal," Delacroix 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," Delacroix said, her smile widening. "Especially when a more suitable match comes 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," Delacroix said, her voice soft and dangerous. "Goodnight, Yura."

I turned and left her office, my mind racing with anger and fear. Delacroix'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.

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