Immediately after returning, filming continued without a break. As he had heard in advance, Chase had to film almost all day. The grueling schedule was unavoidable due to previous delays. Everyone gradually became exhausted, but no one objected. Chase was the only one who remained consistently energetic from start to finish. He always delivered the best scenes, but today, he shone even brighter. Even the director frequently covered his mouth in excitement before grinning and shouting, "I like it!"
Josh, as always, kept his gaze fixed on Chase, but he wasn't the only one watching. Chase attracted attention simply by his striking appearance, but when he spoke or moved, everyone held their breath. Josh understood their feelings well—he felt the same.
Chase had an overwhelming presence that even surpassed what appeared on screen. If Chase Miller hadn't become an actor, what else could he have been? Josh truly wondered. These days, Chase was in top form—it was only natural for anyone to be mesmerized by him.
Chase grabbed Naomi's arm and ran. His tousled hair, the fluttering jacket, the tie streaming behind his neck, the way he pulled Naomi close and shielded her from the gunfire—it was impossible to look away.
"He's the best he's ever been," Laura murmured beside him, sighing.
Josh responded with a brief "Yeah," but suddenly, memories of rolling around in bed with Chase flashed through his mind. His face heated up instantly. Realizing the burning sensation, he hurriedly covered his mouth with one hand. Fortunately, everyone else was focused on Chase, so no one noticed Josh's reaction.
Chase, who had just thrown off his eye patch, stopped running and looked up at the distant sky. At that moment, the whole world seemed to freeze. He became someone who was both Chase and not Chase.
"Cut! Okay, perfect!"
With the director's satisfied shout, excitement rippled through the set. Chase ran a hand through his windblown hair, long fingers raking through the soft black strands before they fell neatly back into place. Josh exhaled quietly.
Just as he recalled how ridiculous his own awe-struck expression must have been, his gaze met Chase's. Chase lifted his head and suddenly smiled—brightly—directly at Josh.
Josh wasn't the only one surprised.
At once, a wave of shocked murmurs swept through the set.
"What?"
"Did he just smile? Really?"
"Oh my God, Chase Miller isn't scowling!"
"Are you sure? I didn't see it—maybe you guys imagined it?"
"No way, how could you miss it?"
The murmuring continued, but no one knew who Chase had been smiling at. Laura blinked in confusion before looking up at Josh. She gasped.
"Josh, what's wrong with you? Your face is completely red!"
"Huh? Oh, uh… It's just hot," Josh stammered, hastily fanning his shirt.
Despite his duty to keep his eyes on Chase, he averted his gaze. For some reason, he felt too shy to meet Chase's eyes again.
As if nothing had happened, Chase quickly returned to his usual, unreadable expression. Stylists swarmed him, adjusting his clothes and hair, but even as they fussed over him, his gaze remained fixed on Josh.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
"Cut! Good work, everyone. Let's take a break."
At the director's cue, relieved sighs echoed throughout the set. They had been filming since early morning, and it was only now—late afternoon—that they finally had a moment to breathe.
As the crew moved props and adjusted lighting for the next scene, some staff members took the chance to grab snacks or rest. Josh had planned to do a quick patrol of the area. He exchanged a few words with Laura before turning away, but just then, he caught a snippet of conversation.
"Where did Mr. Miller disappear to?"
Josh turned his head instinctively—only to be grabbed by the arm and pulled forcefully.
"…!"
His reflexes nearly had him striking out in defense, but before he could react, he was spun around—and suddenly, lips crashed against his.
A familiar, intoxicating scent filled his senses, and Josh instantly relaxed.
"Ha… ah."
A ragged breath escaped his mouth. Chase's grip tightened around him, pulling him closer. Their lips moved frantically, tongues tangling, breaths mingling. Chase bit at his lips, sucked on them, and devoured him as if starved. The sheer force of his embrace was suffocating, but Josh loved the feel of their bodies pressed together, not a single gap between them.
Chase's breath was hot against his ear.
"You kept watching me," Chase murmured, voice thick with excitement. His lips brushed against Josh's as he spoke.
"Hah… that's my job," Josh countered, though his voice lacked conviction.
"Liar."
Chase smirked. Josh chuckled, wrapping his arms around Chase's waist.
Their lips met again, the heat between them intensifying. Josh's body reacted instantly—his arousal pressing hot and insistent against Chase. With a shaky inhale, he slid his hand down, fingers grazing Chase's waistband.
"No."
Chase whispered the word against his lips, his breath ragged.
"Fuck… not now."
Frustration burned between them. Their gazes locked, both filled with barely restrained desire. Chase's face was flushed, his eyes dark with need. Josh's mind was consumed by the thought of Chase's bare skin beneath him.
He almost suggested they sneak away. Almost.
Instead, he leaned in and deepened the kiss, letting his tongue sweep into Chase's mouth, pouring his unspoken desires into the way their lips moved.
His hands, however, were restless. Fueled by frustration, he shoved Chase's jacket aside, pushed his shirt up, and ran his fingers over heated skin. Chase groaned low in his throat, unable to stop Josh's wandering hands. Instead, he pulled Josh closer by the hips.
"Joshua."
The moment Chase whispered his name, Josh's body shivered. He swallowed hard as Chase leaned in, lips grazing the shell of his ear.
"Look back."
What he was trying to do was obvious. Josh knew all too well that Chase was running out of patience. He thought he should stop him, but of course, he had no real intention of doing so. He, too, was on the verge of losing control, his body stiff with tension. It felt like if he didn't have something inside him soon, he would go insane. And what he wanted was right in front of him—there was no reason to resist. As if in defiance, Josh bit Chase's lower lip lightly, turned his back as requested, and braced himself against the wall.
Big hands gripped his hips. Josh held his breath and pressed his palms against the wall. Chase leaned in, molding his body to Josh's back, and pinched his nipples over his shirt.
After spending the entire night together, Chase knew Josh's body far too well—especially the fact that Josh's knees buckled whenever his nipples were teased. Just as expected, Josh's legs gave out. If Chase hadn't caught him from behind, he would have collapsed onto the floor.
Josh hadn't realized just how sensitive his nipples were. Or maybe Chase had trained him to be this way. He didn't know anymore. His head was spinning, drowning in Chase's scent and the overwhelming pleasure flooding his senses. He gasped for breath, barely managing to stay upright on his trembling legs. Chase wrapped one arm around his waist, keeping him steady, while his other hand continued to rub Josh's nipples through the thin fabric.
"Ah… ha…"
Chase's deep voice brushed against his ear, thick with desire.
"Joshua, are you wet?"
Josh didn't answer, but the evidence was clear. His back was already drenched. Chase inhaled deeply against his neck and murmured,
"If you don't want to ruin your pants, why don't you take them off?"
Josh bit his lip, hesitating.
"Joshua."
Chase's voice was laced with amusement.
"Do you want me to keep rubbing you through the fabric?"
As if to emphasize his point, he pressed against Josh's backside. The sensation sent a jolt of pleasure through him, and he shuddered, his body betraying him as liquid heat spilled out. Unable to hold back any longer, he fumbled to undo his trousers.
His hands trembled, making the process take longer than usual. Just as he managed to unbuckle his belt and unzip his fly, Chase's hand slipped into his briefs.
Josh sucked in a sharp breath, his entire body going rigid. Then, warm lips pressed against the back of his neck. A moment later, a slick finger traced over his entrance. The sound of it—wet and obscene—rang in his ears, making his face burn.
Chase pushed a long finger inside, curling it just right. Josh's mind went blank as the firm pressure stroked him in all the right places. He barely even realized what was happening until it was too late—he came, his body convulsing from the overwhelming sensation.
Chase let out a soft chuckle.
"That was fast," he teased.
Josh's cheeks burned with embarrassment, but Chase wasn't much better off. In the distance, Laura's voice could be heard calling out. Chase exhaled in frustration, then swiftly unzipped his own pants.
The next thing Josh felt was the thick heat pressing against him.
"…Ah…!"
His breath caught in his throat as Chase pushed inside, stretching him wide. The sudden pressure made his toes curl, his entire body tightening around the intrusion. Chase let out a low groan and grabbed his hands, pressing them against the wall as he began to move.
Josh couldn't even make a sound—the weight of it, the sheer force, left him breathless. All he could do was gasp, his mouth hanging open as Chase thrust into him. With each movement, his body rocked forward, his knees nearly giving out.
The sound of their bodies colliding filled the air, the pace relentless.
"Haa… hah…"
Chase's hot breath fanned against his skin before he bit down on Josh's throat.
Josh choked on a moan, his eyes squeezing shut.
Then, suddenly, Chase stilled.
"…Haah."
With a deep sigh, Chase climaxed inside him. The heat spread through Josh's stomach, and the scent of Chase's pheromones—thick and intoxicating—pushed him over the edge again.
Panting heavily, Chase finally pulled out, and Josh slumped against the wall, too exhausted to stand.
Chase looked down at him, his expression unreadable. Slowly, he began fixing his clothes, straightening his appearance as if nothing had happened. He exhaled, running a hand through his hair before crouching down in front of Josh.
Reaching out, he cupped Josh's face gently, tilting his head up. Josh barely had time to react before Chase kissed him—soft and lingering, completely different from the heated exchange moments ago. He brushed his lips against Josh's, licking them lightly before pulling away.
"I have to go."
His voice was filled with regret. Josh understood and nodded.
"Go ahead."
Chase hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to say more, but Josh pushed his shoulder lightly.
"Go."
Just then, Laura's voice grew louder. With a low curse, Chase stood up and hurried out of the room.
"Oh my god, Mr. Miller! I've been looking everywhere for you! I was starting to worry…"
Josh could hear Laura's flustered voice fading as she followed after Chase. Now alone, he let out a deep sigh.
Looking down at himself, he scowled.
"Damn it… having sex in a place like this…"
He muttered to himself, feeling both embarrassed and annoyed. The only consolation was that Chase had lost control just as much as he had.
Grabbing a handkerchief, he quickly wiped himself down and adjusted his clothing. After dusting off his suit, he stepped outside. The filming site was already bustling with people again.
He could still feel Chase's scent clinging to his body—a lingering reminder of what had just happened. If he wasn't careful, his own scent would start to intensify in response. He needed to take his suppressant pills before anyone noticed.
Just as he was about to leave, he spotted someone unexpected.
Seth was standing where Josh was supposed to be stationed.
Josh's steps faltered as his eyes landed on a familiar figure.
"…Huh?"
Before he could process it, their gazes met. The woman standing next to Seth immediately turned her head away, pretending not to see him.
Josh frowned in confusion.
Seth and the woman exchanged a few words before he walked away, leaving her to follow behind him.
Josh's brow furrowed.
Why is Emma here?
✤✤✤✤✤✤
"Then, is there nothing wrong with Miller's condition?"
At Emma's question, Laura nodded.
"I'm surprised at how well he's doing. The director was so excited that he said he'd be able to make up for all the delayed shots in just three days."
She smiled wryly and added,
"Anyway, please let Mr. Peterman know that everything is going smoothly."
"Okay."
Emma acknowledged Laura's words with a light nod before turning away. Just as Laura had said, the atmosphere on set was excellent. She observed for a moment—Chase was completely immersed in his role. At this rate, the movie was bound to be a huge success, and any controversy about his casting would soon fade away. She carefully considered how best to report this to her boss.
Just then, the scene wrapped up, and the director announced the end of the shoot.
"Okay, that's it for today!"
A collective sigh of relief rippled through the crew. The staff looked exhausted, but the director was more energetic than ever.
"Look at this! I don't want to cut a single frame from today's shoot! This—this is exactly what I wanted! Just look at that expression—isn't it incredible?"
He was practically glowing with enthusiasm as he excitedly raved to a nearby staff member.
As Emma turned to leave, her gaze happened to land on Chase, who was loosening his tie. Just then, she unexpectedly ran into someone.
"Emma."
"…?"
Josh had called her name quietly, glancing around to make sure no one else was paying attention. Fortunately, the crew was too busy wrapping up to notice them. With a slight tilt of his head, he gestured for her to follow him. Though hesitant, Emma followed in silence.
"What's up?"
The moment they were alone, Emma asked, her tone irritated.
Josh wasn't particularly thrilled about bringing her back to the very place where he and Chase had just been together, but there was nowhere else to talk.
"What are you doing here all of a sudden? Did Peterman send you again?"
Emma frowned at his question but answered curtly.
"Of course. What else would I be doing? I heard Miller was attacked. I was sent to make sure there were no issues with the filming."
"Well, as you can see—"
"Yeah, I saw it myself."
Emma cut him off bluntly. Josh studied his sister's face in silence.
Suddenly, Yeonwoo's face flashed in his mind, making him feel unsettled.
And then, Isaac's words came back to him. Yeonwoo had once complained that he didn't understand his younger sister's feelings—but Josh wasn't in a position to judge. He had been just as blind to his own emotions, failing to notice the feelings of those around him. Maybe that was why Emma was so cautious as well.
Josh's heart softened. Emma had always been strong, but maybe that strength had come from necessity rather than choice. As these thoughts weighed on him, he suddenly felt dejected.
They say that only the courageous win love. When will you be courageous, Emma?
When Josh thought about how she might have let another opportunity slip away, frustration bubbled up inside him again. His expression darkened unconsciously.
"What's with that look?"
Emma, sensing something was off, narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
Josh quickly schooled his expression and turned away before responding.
"It's been a while… I just wanted to see you."
"…Come again?"
Emma shot him a wary glance, clearly not buying it. Josh, pretending not to notice, changed the subject.
"I met a guy named Yeonwoo."
"Oh, really? Then I don't have to send him a message anymore."
"…That's it?"
Josh's irritation flared again when she responded so indifferently.
"How is he?"
Emma's reply was casual, as if it were nothing important.
"He's a good boss. Thoughtful, too."
Josh immediately caught onto something.
"He seemed a little… slow on the uptake."
He waited for Emma's reaction, but she just shrugged, defending Yeonwoo as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
"But he takes good care of people."
Poor girl.
Josh sighed inwardly. He didn't say anything more—just pulled her into a hug.
Emma stiffened in surprise, but Josh simply patted her back. When he finally let go, she was visibly flustered. He chuckled softly, pinched her nose, and kissed her cheek.
"If you ever need help, let me know. I'm always on your side."
"…Thanks. But just don't mess with him."
Even now, she kept her boundaries firm. Josh could only smile bitterly in response.
Together, they walked to her car. Before she got in, he reminded her,
"Don't forget to eat dinner."
"Yeah, yeah. I've been busy…"
Watching her prepare to leave, Josh replied casually,
"Not an excuse. I still find time to eat."
"That's good."
Emma gave him a brief nod before starting the car.
"I'll be in touch."
With that, she drove off, disappearing into the distance.
Left alone, Josh watched the car until it was out of sight. Finally, he exhaled heavily, running a frustrated hand through his hair. With an irritated sigh, he kicked at the ground.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
Naomi, who had just received a brush from the staff and rested it on her shoulder, absentmindedly turned her head. She stopped when she noticed a man staring intently at one spot. Chase, who had been filming with them all day, was usually in top condition. But something had changed. His pheromones were stronger than usual—not that Naomi minded.
"As long as he finishes the shoot properly, it doesn't matter what he does in his free time."
She had always thought that Alphas were naturally like this when they were in heat. But today, Chase's expression was completely different from before. His face looked darker, more troubled. Naomi suddenly felt uneasy.
"What's wrong?"
She couldn't help but ask. If his condition worsened before tomorrow's shoot, it would be a huge problem. Chase turned his head slightly at her question but didn't answer immediately. His face, now fully visible, was as pale and emotionless as ever.
After a moment, he finally spoke.
"Why do people cheat when they already have a partner?"
Naomi blinked. Was he seriously asking out of curiosity?
With a nonchalant shrug, she adjusted her slipping shawl and replied indifferently,
"It's just a passing breeze."
"A breeze?"
"Yeah. A little vacation fling. Playing with fire for fun—isn't that all it is?"
"…"
Chase continued staring in the same direction, as if he were looking at something only he could see. Naomi followed his gaze, but she saw nothing except the usual crew members moving around and his bodyguards standing in place.
✤✤✤✤✤✤
Chase's trailer was the farthest from the set, per his request. It was isolated from the other trailers and lodgings, making it a quiet retreat. Because of this, there was always one guard stationed directly by the trailer while two others patrolled the surrounding area.
Tonight, it was Mark and Isaac's turn to patrol. Originally, Seth was supposed to stand guard by Chase's trailer, but at the last minute, the roles changed.
"Switch with me."
Josh had asked, surprising Seth.
Seth, puzzled, simply nodded. But then he noticed something—Josh's face was red.
What's up with him?
Before Seth could say anything, Josh quickly hurried after Chase.
Laura had finished checking the schedule and left with the manager, leaving only Josh and Chase behind. They walked toward the trailer in complete silence. But while Chase remained as composed as ever, Josh's mind was a whirlwind of memories—of what had happened between them just hours ago, in a completely inappropriate place.
When the trailer finally came into view, Josh felt his breath hitch.
Am I… expecting something?
Horrified by his own thoughts, he sneaked a glance at Chase. But Chase was as unreadable as ever, his face serious and distant. Feeling flustered, Josh quickly turned his head away and walked faster, reaching the trailer first.
"I'll take a look inside for a moment."
Without waiting for permission—because he never needed it—he stepped in.
Chase's trailer was enormous, practically a luxury apartment on wheels. Past the wide entrance was a spacious lounge area, leading to an arcade filled with a pool table, a jukebox, and various flashy gaming machines.
The kitchen was fully stocked with high-end cooking equipment that likely never got used. The attached bar had a manual for making 100 different cocktails, along with recipes for quick snacks and a glass case filled with nuts and olives. There was even a mini fridge exclusively for storing dragon fruit and a lavish wine cellar.
Josh had always been curious about the wine collection, but he resisted temptation and instead conducted a thorough check of every corner. Once he was satisfied that the trailer was secure, he stood up.
"Oh, Mr. Miller."
Just as he was about to leave, Chase stepped inside.
It was already late, but Josh made his usual formal report.
"Nothing unusual."
Chase didn't respond. He simply stared at Josh in silence.
There was something odd about the way he was looking at him. Chase wasn't acting—Josh was certain of that. But the intensity of his gaze was unsettling. He wasn't looking at Josh with the same heated eyes as before. No, this was different.
Josh frowned slightly.
The air inside the trailer was still.
No noise, no voices. Not even the faint background chatter of the film crew. It was as if this space existed separately from the rest of the world.
Josh swallowed dryly.
Chase's gaze didn't waver. It flickered over him, scanning him up and down, before settling back on his face.
Josh's mouth felt parched, and an inexplicable chill ran down his spine. He opened his mouth, trying to break the silence.
"I—"
But he never got the chance to finish.
Before he could react, Chase's fist came flying toward him.