Exclamations

The army hospital smelled of antiseptic, stress, and a faint, barely perceptible hint of something sweet. Only one person in this entire gray-green, sweat- and gunpowder-scented unit could smell so sweet.

Captain Kim Taehyung, the only Omega medic among hundreds of Alphas and Betas, bent over the broken arm of a young private. His fingers, long and surprisingly gentle for a military doctor, applied a splint with pinpoint precision. He spoke to the soldier in a soft, velvety voice, and the man, mesmerized, barely felt the pain.

“Just hold on a little longer, that’s all,” Taehyung whispered, his scent—lily and jasmine—growing a little thicker, calming her.

Suddenly, the air in the room thickened, as if before a thunderstorm. Without even turning around, everyone realized who had entered. General Jeon Jungkook.

He stood in the doorway, as if carved from granite. His broad chest, hung with medals, was the perfect embodiment of strength. His gaze, dark and piercing, swept across the room, forcing even the most steadfast fighters to lower their gaze. Alpha was rough, cold, and ruthless. He was feared. He was respected. But no one could say they knew him.

His eyes lingered for a moment on Taehyung's back, bent over the patient. Something flickered in the stony mask of his face. Tenderness? No, that was too strong a word. More like a quick, almost animalistic check: is everything alright?

Taehyung, feeling this gaze, flinched slightly, but didn't turn around. He was used to it.

Once the procedure was completed and the soldier gratefully left the room, Taehyung finally looked up. Jungkook stood a few steps away, his arms crossed over his chest.

"Doctor Kim," the general's voice was low and muffled, but it lacked the usual icy steel. Rather, it held a subtle tremor.

"General," Taehyung nodded, putting away the medical instruments. His fingers trembled slightly. He always felt nervous around Jungkook.

"A report on the recruits' condition from this morning's drills," Jungkook handed over the tablet. Their fingers barely touched, and a slight shiver ran down Taehyung's spine. The general noticed it. He always noticed everything.