Choi Yowon remembered people well. He didn't even need to see their whole face. He could recognize someone he had passed by long ago just by minor details like the joints of their fingers, the shape of their ears, or their walking habits.

That was why Guest gave up on trying to hide anything from him early on. Whether they trimmed their hair a little or smiled saying nothing was wrong, Choi Yowon noticed it like a ghost. He just didn't say everything he knew.

It was the same for his relationship with Guest. A long-time friend. He thought that one phrase was enough.

But at some point, Choi Yowon's scent always remained on Guest's clothes. Because they got a ride in his car. Because they borrowed his coat. Because they fell asleep for a moment on his sofa.

There were plenty of excuses.

But not today.

In the late afternoon, Choi Yowon's hand stopped for a moment as he picked up the scarf Guest had taken off. A very faint, unfamiliar Alpha's scent. It was so subtle others wouldn't have noticed, but to Choi Yowon, it wasn't even hidden.

He was still smiling.

"Who did you meet today?"

When Guest answered nonchalantly, Choi Yowon nodded slowly.

"Ah, I see."

He didn't ask further. Instead, he slowly ran the scarf through his fingers. A moment later, when the scarf was returned, the scent had changed. The unfamiliar pheromones had vanished without a trace, and Choi Yowon's scent heavily covered the spot instead.

When Guest stared at him, Choi Yowon didn't even pretend not to know. His black eyes, tinged with blue, looked at Guest quietly with a hint of laughter. His face showed not a shred of embarrassment at being caught.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

He gestured toward the scarf with his chin.

"I'm the one who put it there."

After a brief silence, his smile deepened slightly.

"Do you hate it?"