Chapter 62: Chapter 62

Jonea just finished closing her fried chicken restaurant. She has to replace her mother and father to extend their visit to the country to care for Miller.

Jonea accidentally brought fried chicken for her to take home. However, her footsteps stopped right across from the rooftop house where Edison lived during his escape from home.

"Is he okay after that incident? Even though he said the problem was resolved, I still feel worried."

Jonea stared at the bag of fried chicken in her hand. She knew Edison really liked the fried chicken. Jonea also dared to cross the road while tightening her coat on her body. She also wore a knit cap and ear protection.

Jonea jogged until she reached the other side. She quickly climbed the stairs to the rooftop house where Edison lived to get some warmth.

"Although I'm not sure he's still here, what's the harm in trying?" Jonea rubbed her thickly gloved hands together before knocking on Edison's door.

Her hand just rose, but the door was already open. Jonea was surprised to see Aland coming out, not Edison.

Jonea felt happy and nervous when she saw Aland there.

Aland immediately hugged Jonea without thinking and whispered words in the girl's ear. "I'm grateful! You are okay. I was apprehensive for you after hearing everything from Edison."

Jonea also didn't expect to get such a warm welcome from Aland. Just by thinking about it, Aland suddenly appeared before her.

"Y-yes… I'm fine–"

"Don't do that again, Jonea!" said Aland in a hoarse voice. He tightened his hold on Jonea. The peak of Jonea's knit cap is on Aland's chin. "You really… can drive me crazy! You… can get everyone in trouble. I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

Jonea's eyes widened. She actually smelled body odor and could feel Aland's warmth now.

'Is it a dream? If it's a dream, I want it to continue for a while!'

"Why don't you ask for my help?" asked Aland angrily. "You think you're a hotshot, huh? Do you know who you're dealing with?"

Jonea was utterly speechless. She felt happy because she could still meet Aland and was in a good state.

Aland let go of his hug and tightly gripped Jonea's upper arms with his hands, which felt so hot. Jonea looked up and looked at Aland with a look full of guilt and longing.

"I-I…."

Aland raised his hand and flicked Jonea's forehead.

"Ow!" Jonea screamed in pain. She pouted while stroking her forehead, which was touched by Aland.

"That's punishment for going too far."

"But I…."

Aland pulled Jonea back into his arms and kissed her forehead sweetly.

"I'm sorry, Jonea."

Jonea's face flushed with embarrassment. "Um… Edison… what about him now?"

Aland released Jonea and cleared his throat.

"I came here to bring him fried chicken. I don't think he's had dinner yet," Jonea said to defuse the awkward situation between them.

The girl immediately headed to the door of Edison's rooftop house. Just as she was about to knock on the door, Aland pulled and held her.

Aland shook his head. "Right now, let Ed be alone for a while. I'll make sure he's okay."

"Really? Is he really all right? I last saw him yesterday. I was worried if he got hurt or…."

Aland cupped Jonea's face and pinched the girl's cheeks with his palms until Jonea's lips were pursed.

"You look so cute and adorable." Aland smiled very sweetly.

Jonea wants to escape. But, seeing Aland smile, Jonea was willing to be treated like a child. As long as she could see Aland's sweet smile.

"Trust me, Jonea. Jay would never hurt Ed. After all, Ed was the leader of their herd. They will look after and protect Ed no matter what."

"Then, yesterday's matter?"

"That is indeed a little complicated. I can't explain it in detail to you. But what is clear, Jay did this to make Edison more mature. And I've met him. Ed wasn't hurt at all. Although he is in a difficult situation right now, believe me, it's not because of Jay. More because of Edison's romance with Ashley."

Jonea nodded. She respects the privacy of others. Jonea would not cross that line or go any further. She believed in Aland.

Jonea looked down at the bag of fried chicken she was carrying. She looked at Aland, and they smiled together.

"Today, the weather is sunny. It doesn't look like it's going to snow. We can enjoy that fried chicken here. How? While we guard Edison against the outside."

Jonea's heart was pounding that night. All the time, she always imagined this moment of togetherness with Aland. Right now, Jonea has that opportunity. Jonea will not refuse and waste it.

***

Hunter sits at a table specially rented for a banquet in a fancy restaurant. Hunters are not alone. There was his mother sitting beside him. At their front desk were the families of the mother's business associates. They came with their daughter, who was said to be the best Luna in her pack.

Hunter didn't enjoy the banquet at all. The mother seemed to dominate the conversation. The two families were busy talking about business and work matters.

"I didn't see Master Abraham? Is he still on his business trip?" asked Mrs. Wilson.

Mrs. Abraham was suddenly nervous. She lifted her fork from her steak and smiled. The smile she had practiced for years.

"Yes, Caleb is always busy with our overseas business dealings. There are many new projects to tackle."

"No wonder your company continues to grow. Well, anyway, Hanna, why are you so quiet? Say hello to Mrs. Abraham and Hunter. Didn't you guys study at the same music academy?"

The girl named Hanna Wilson didn't look too enthusiastic. She glanced briefly at Hunter– where the young man was busy alone with his cell phone.

"Well, it just so happened that we were at the same music academy until last year. However, we have only met twice."

"Hunter," his mother hissed.

The young man immediately put down his cell phone and smiled forcedly at his guests.

"Looks like next year you've finished high school," said Mr. Wilson. "Are there any plans to continue at a certain university? Or maybe we can do the engagement while you continue your education?"

Hunter was utterly disgusted when he heard about the engagement and matchmaking plans. Instantly he felt stupid. At the same time, his phone flashed again. Hunter gets a notification that a post has just been uploaded by Aland.

Aland uploaded a photo of a box of fried chicken that looked greasy and warm.

Hunter suddenly got up from his chair and looked annoyed. He looked again at the photo of the fried chicken. Hunter knows very well where the fried chicken comes from.

Mrs. Abraham and her invited guests were surprised to see Hunter's attitude, who suddenly stood up and looked angry.

"What's wrong-"

"I'm sorry, Mr and Mrs Wilson. I have an urgent need. I have to end this dinner first. Nice to meet you."

Mrs. Abraham was so angry. She couldn't hold back her embarrassment in front of her invited guests. The young man had already run before she could pull Hunter's hand.

Mrs. Abraham called one of her staff and whispered something.

***

"Oh, Aland. I'm so full," Jonea said happily. "And I feel sleepy. But this bright night is too good to miss. It's rare to see stars twinkling brightly in the sky in winter."

"You're right," said Aland. "Soon, it will be full moon night. We spend the rest of the time in the pack in the forest."

"What do you guys do on a full moon night?" Jonea was suddenly interested.

They sat in the halls in front of Ed's rooftop house. They just finished a box of fried chicken. Jonea sat hugging her knees beside Aland.

"You want to hear it?" he asked.

Jonea nodded enthusiastically.

Aland began talking about their activities and daily life every moon night in the forest.

"We would go hunting or just play tag with our flock."

When Aland had not finished his story, he saw Jonea had fallen asleep. The girl's head bumped and almost fell to the side. Aland immediately grabbed her and rested Jonea's head on his shoulder.

"You are so sweet, Jonea. When you sleep, you look like a really fragile girl. When you wake up, it's as if the world is under your feet. You really are a tough girl. Just lean on me sometimes."

Jonea was huddled in the cold.

Aland realized that the girl looked so tired after working all day. He also transformed himself into a gray wolf with a sizeable white pattern. Aland let Jonea curl up in his soft, warm fur.

Hunter stood at the top of the steps leading to Edison's rooftop house. He stayed there for some time and listened to Aland's conversations with Jonea.

The girl didn't make a sound, and Hunter realized that Jonea had probably fallen asleep in Aland's arms.

Hunter ducked while closing his eyes. He clenched his hands beside his body very tightly.