Worthless

There were at least around 50 people, about 25 teams entered the forest from the only entrance. At first, the people clustered together, before gradually growing less and less as they went different ways. 

Zeke had wanted to drag Mika, after all, the more the merrier; but the other guy immediately put in chokehold and was taken away to the other side by Clement. And also with the purpose to diminish the awkward tension between him and Jian Yu. Well, maybe just him.

The silverette actually looked as peaceful as usual. However the air he carried around him was somewhat different from usual. The smile, even though soft looking and sweet, it sent the alarm in the Alpha's head off. 

The whole time, he felt like he was walking on thin ice, or even a ticking bomb that was ready to explode anytime. Jokes that were stuck on the tip of his tongue would forever stick. Not even the corniest pick up line dared to stick its neck out this time. 

Zeke really wished the tension would lessen even just a little bit. Despite the cold weather, he was actually sweating bullets and Zeke was sure that wasn't even due to his pre-rut. 

"I think… We should make a map." Jian Yu said the moment Zeke was ready to give up to the tight tension. The aura around Jian Yu had also dismissed a little bit, making Zeke sighed in relief. "I'm sure you are quite familiar with this forest, unlike me." 

Yes, that was actually quite true. 

Normally, when he paired up with Mika, they had tacit understanding on what to hunt and they both knew their limits. With Zeke's outstanding memory, he had mapped out the whole forest after being inside for more than twice. 

He had a big picture of it in his mind and could even imagine it in 3D. 

That was partly why they could finish this round without many injuries and with remarkable scores. 

What Jian Yu said made a lot of sense. 

Zeke nodded in understanding. "That's a good idea. I could draw a big picture of it if you want. Do you have any paper or something I could draw on?" 

"Thankfully I always bring a spare notebook with me," Jian Yu rummaged through his thick clothes and pulled out a small notepad with a pen holder. 

He walked with much difficulty as he had to drag his legs across the snow that had now raised to his calf. Even though Jian Yu had worn layers of clothes, the cold still managed to make his teeth chatter against each other. 

He wasn't exaggerating. Usually they were all protected by tall buildings and fireplace in mansions, but here, there was nothing. The tall trees actually enhanced the coldness. 

Zeke noticed the shiver that ran through Jian Yu's body and couldn't help but be filled with worry. "Are you cold?" 

Compared to the Beta, Zeke had much stronger resistance towards cold weather and with the help of his pre-rut, the weather wasn't bothering him at all. 

Before Jian Yu could say anything, Zeke's strong legs had already made their way to him as his hands moved to unwrap the dark green scarf around his neck. 

"Sir--" 

Taking a step back, he almost burst out in laughter. 

Jian Yu looked like a puffed up chipmunk. The scarf was thick and made of wool. It had bunched up around the silverette's neck and squeezed his cheeks together. How adorable. 

Zeke immediately snatched the notepad out of Jian Yu's hand to avoid his brain from going haywire. "I will map out anything I remember." 

Jian Yu, on the other hand, was steaming. He couldn't help it. He wanted to deny it and suppressed his hope from getting high up. But he couldn't. 

He had already fallen for this man. 

He had fallen and fell hard. 

The scarf was full of his smell and full of comfort. He felt like he was drowning in it as the cloth wrapped around his neck and up to his face. Slowly, he raised his hand and brought it closer to his nose to sniff it. 

'Zeke really smells sweet.'

Sweet like chocolate. 

When Lady Clement asked him to partner up with Zeke, he was quite elated. He had always tried to corner the other man several times, but the man managed to escape every time. 

Even though he had hardened his heart to question the man's behaviour and anticipated the rejection, his heart couldn't help but shake in relief every time Zeke escaped him. 

He wanted to know the harsh truth yet he also wanted to drown in this beautiful lie. 

'Let me enjoy this moment a little more before I have to back away.' 

That was why he had made up his mind. He had been throwing out any ounce of rationality for too long, but enough was enough. 

Until the end of the tournament. 

And no more. 

It was just three more days. 

'Enjoy every moment while you can.' Jian Yu clenched his fingers through the scarf as he looked at Zeke. 

Jian Yu leaned over to examine the map Zeke drew. This man was really amazing. The map was quite detailed. He even marked which animal resided at which part of the forest. 

"Any idea which animal should we go first?"