L*ck Me If You Can

Chapter 207

"Hahh..."

Koi let out a long breath as he returned home. Once alone, the stillness calmed his heart.

It’s been such a long day.

After quickly finishing a shower, he lay on his bed and calmly tried to process the events of the long day. It was truly surprising that Bill had come all the way here to rekindle his relationship with Ariel. He was overjoyed to hear that she was now single after breaking up with her recent lover, but it seemed he couldn’t approach her so easily. After making it this far, Bill wanted to be careful and rebuild their relationship slowly. Of course, Koi valued both sides’ opinions, so he had no choice but to remain neutral, though he was sorry. If Ariel didn’t want it, he couldn’t force it.

"Of course, I understand, Koi. Just telling me that Elle is doing fine is enough," Bill had said with a smile.

"It’s true that Elle wouldn’t be happy to hear you said she broke up with her boyfriend," he added.

That’s true.

Koi absentmindedly nodded. After all, sharing Ariel’s personal matters without her permission was essentially gossiping about her life, and Koi knew he would have to confess and apologize for it. He also realized he should tell Bill that he had been here, though he couldn’t exactly support him. Koi couldn’t interfere with Bill’s plans, so he promised to apologize after Bill met Ariel. Since Bill’s vacation was two weeks long, it wouldn’t take too long.

Sorry, Elle.

Koi felt guilty as he closed his eyes, and soon Ashley’s face appeared in his mind, making his chest tighten. While being with Bill had helped, the moment he was alone, he fell into a heavy sense of sadness. Ashley’s words echoed in his mind, and the last words stuck there.

"You’ll find out soon."

What is he thinking, Ash?

"You ruined my plan completely."

As he drifted toward sleep, Koi vaguely remembered the words Ashley had said when they met again.

Now that he thought about it, what was that plan...?

But the thought was quickly buried in his subconscious, and when he woke up, he had completely forgotten about it.

*

"Aah..."

Suddenly, a pain in the side of his stomach made Koi wince and groan softly. The irregular, stabbing pain that had started a few days ago appeared suddenly and subsided in cycles.

Is my body not well...?

Koi paused, stopping his work ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ in the garden as he straightened his back. The garden work was hard, but the pay was decent. Sighing as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, he suddenly felt a vibration in his waist and pulled out his phone, shocked. It was the person whose number he had saved, so something must have happened.

"Ah, yes."

He hurriedly answered, and a dry voice came from the other side.

Koi Niles? I am...

"Miss Bernice, is something wrong with Ash?"

Koi interrupted before she could finish speaking, asking urgently. The week he had promised himself was still two days away. A sense of foreboding filled him, and his vision darkened, but Bernice quickly answered, "No."

Something has happened, but it’s not Junior.

"Huh? What...?"

Confused, Koi asked, and she continued.

Dominique Miller has passed away. I thought I’d let you know before it hits the news.

"...What?"

Koi froze, only able to say that in response.

"Do-Dominique Miller? Ash’s father?"

After gathering himself and stuttering, Bernice replied coldly, "Yes."

Junior will be very busy with funeral arrangements for a while. If you can’t get in touch with him, call me. I can pass along a message.

"Uh, yes... Wait, just a second!"

Still in a daze, Koi urgently stopped Bernice from hanging up. After confirming she was waiting, he gathered his thoughts and spoke.

"Is Ash... okay? Is he too heartbroken...?"

Of course, he must be. His father passed away.

Koi blamed himself as he thought. Even though Ashley wasn’t on good terms with his father, losing him would still leave him with heavy feelings.

He must be devastated.

He should be by his side.

When his face darkened, Bernice spoke.

He’s fine. On the outside, Junior seems as normal as ever. Are you done now?

Koi felt a slight relief at her somewhat reassuring words but gathered his courage to ask again.

"One more thing... Why are you telling me this? Why go through the trouble of calling me...?"

There was no reason for Bernice to care about him like this. As he recalled the harsh words she had once said to him, a chill ran down his spine. Bernice answered casually.

It’s my job.

Taken aback by the unexpected response, Koi froze. But she quickly added.

Would it make sense if I said Mr. Miller’s policy has changed? I’ll hang up now. I’ve got a lot on my plate too.

"Uh, oh, okay. Thanks for letting me know..."

Koi quickly thanked her and hung up. The news of Dominique Miller’s death flooded the media that evening. It wasn’t until then that Koi realized the gravity of Bernice’s words.

He really passed away.

Still stunned, he could hardly believe it as he scrolled through endless news articles. Koi was surprised to learn that Dominique Miller had been younger than he expected. He was seven years younger than Koi’s father.

An Alpha like him should have had a longer lifespan...

The mystery was soon resolved. The cause of death was a mansion fire, and Dominique wasn’t the only one who hadn’t made it out.

Ashley Miller had died with him.

Koi’s heart dropped when he saw another name listed alongside his, but when he saw the age, he felt some relief. The brief family tree showed that Ashley’s full name was "Ashley Dominique Miller," taking after his father’s and mother’s names, which Koi realized and mumbled, "Ah...".

How heartbroken must he be?

Losing both parents at once... The pain must be unbearable. He wanted to rush over and hug him, but Bernice’s words lingered in his mind. Perhaps she had already predicted Koi’s reaction, and that’s why she called him first.

Ash is busy with funeral arrangements.

Koi suppressed his impulses and took a deep breath. The only thing he could do was skim through the articles and see if there was any mention of Ashley. After turning a few more pages, one article caught his eye: a photo of Dominique Miller taken during his life.

There were no photos taken after he had quit being a lawyer and gone into seclusion. All the available photos were from his lawyer days, and one in particular, taken outside the courthouse, grabbed Koi’s attention.

Wearing a black coat and an expensive suit, he was clearly a tall, handsome man, his stature and beauty evident even in the photo. Koi had seen this picture before, but even now, it still left him with a strong sense of intimidation. The silver-white hair and deep purple eyes made him resemble Ashley more than Koi had realized before. If Ashley aged more, this face was probably what he would look like.

What am I thinking?

Koi quickly shook his head and checked the time again. It was already past midnight, and it was almost 2 AM. Would he be sleeping by now...?

Koi barely managed to resist the urge to call but couldn’t stop himself from sending a message instead.

Ash, are you asleep?

As soon as he sent the message, he regretted it. Of course, he’d be sleeping. He must have been exhausted after the whole day. What was I thinking!? Just as he wanted to pull his hair in frustration, his phone alarm went off.

No.

It was just one word, but it was enough to make Koi’s heart race. He immediately stopped pulling at his hair and quickly responded.

Can I call?

He waited anxiously for a response, but none came. Instead, his phone suddenly rang, and Koi jumped in surprise. He hesitated but confirmed it was Ashley. He quickly pressed the call button and answered.

"Ah, yes, hello?"

He quickly responded, and a voice came from the other side.

What’s the matter?

Still a short answer, but it made Koi feel relieved. He almost cried in relief but quickly steadied himself.

"Uh, I heard your parents passed away. It must be really hard for you..."

Bernice said he was holding up well, but was that true? Koi’s heart ached again as he carefully added.

"If you’re okay, can I come see you...?"

Ashley paused for a moment. Was he searching for something to refuse? Koi felt uneasy, but then a deep sigh came from Ashley’s end. It made Koi’s heart sink when Ashley spoke.

If you come now, I’ll hug you without any clothes on inside my apron. Is that alright?

Suddenly, all kinds of perverted acts with him flashed in Koi’s mind, and his face immediately turned red. His heart, which had been on the verge of stopping in fear, started to race wildly. If it’s a perverted game with Ash, I’m fine with it. Koi thought, but just as he was about to respond, Ashley spoke first.

I’m joking. You don’t have to come.

"Uh..."

Koi, who had just gotten out of bed to leave, awkwardly sat back down. Letting out a sigh full of disappointment, Ashley asked.

Are you disappointed?

"Yeah."

Koi answered honestly.

"Very much."

He heard a laugh from the other side. The sound of Ashley laughing felt like such a distant memory, and for a moment, Koi was lost in thought. It felt like a dream when Ashley had been so cold to him.

Me too, Koi.

Ashley said in a voice still full of laughter.

Don’t worry, I’ll definitely do it soon.

"Uh, yeah."

Koi replied, feeling his ears heat up.

"I’ll look forward to it."

The atmosphere softened further. Maybe it was just his sleepiness affecting his attitude?

"Uh, are you really not busy? Did I wake you up?"

Koi hesitated and asked, and Ashley casually answered.

It’s fine. I can’t sleep anyway.

Lack of sleep... that was the first time Koi had heard that.

"That’s not good for your health. You’ve always had trouble sleeping? Is it insomnia? How long has it been?"

Now that he thought about it, Koi had hardly ever seen Ashley sleep when they were together. He’d go to bed later than Koi and wake up earlier. Even if he slept a lot, it was never more than five hours. Just then, the news about Dominique Miller’s death crossed his mind, and Koi felt uneasy, but Ashley spoke.

It’s fine, don’t worry. Is that all you needed?

Koi wanted to ask more, but since Ashley didn’t seem to want to talk, he had no choice but to change the subject.

"Uh, what about the funeral... is there a lot to do?"

I don’t have much to do. The complicated part is the inheritance process.

Hearing Ashley’s indifferent tone, Koi asked, "Inheritance?"

Ashley casually continued, still uninterested.

Yeah, my father left a lot behind.

With the way he casually cursed while saying that, Koi couldn’t help but laugh, then immediately apologized. Ashley just said, "It’s fine."

I was already thinking it was a hassle too.

"Yeah... Is the inheritance process very complicated?"

Unlike him, who had nothing to inherit, Koi could imagine how different it must be. Ashley replied immediately.

There’s a lot to inherit, and a lot to do. Once the estate is sorted, I’ll have to make a new will...

"Will? What kind?"

Koi reacted to the word "will," and Ashley paused for a moment before casually replying.

I might die suddenly too.

The mood, which had improved a little, turned cold again.

"Why would you say that..."

Koi muttered with a dejected voice. Ashley, sensing his discomfort, casually added.

Everyone will die someday.

"Still, don’t say things like that."

With a strong tone, Ashley didn’t speak for a while. Feeling an uncomfortable silence, Koi cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Uh, then... can I visit you tomorrow? If you’re okay with it."

He stuttered, but Ashley, as usual, answered indifferently.

Why bother? The dead won’t know if you greet them.

"Uh, that’s true..."

Koi felt a strange feeling at Ashley’s indifferent response. It didn’t seem like Ashley had a close relationship with his father, but his reaction felt too cold. His voice seemed to lack emotion, and as Koi processed this, he gathered his courage and spoke.

"Ash, you don’t have to hide things from me. It’s not good to bottle up your sadness."

Maybe it’s because the shock still hasn’t sunk in yet, Koi thought, but then Ashley spoke.

You’re mistaken. I’m not really sad.

He continued in his usual calm tone.

I’m not hiding anything from you. I told you, it doesn’t bother me. Koi, you think everyone will be sad when their family dies, but that’s not true for everyone. In fact, I think he was selfish and did everything he wanted until the end. There’s no reason to be sad. I’d be more surprised if I were.

His tone seemed almost cynical, and Koi froze for a moment. Ashley, noticing his discomfort, changed the subject casually.

How about you? How are you doing? Still at Elle’s house?

Taken aback by the sudden question, Koi responded, "No, I told you I moved out..."

Without realizing it, Koi’s words made him remember Bernice’s earlier comment. Was it true that he had a memory lapse again? Frozen, Koi noticed Ashley was silent too. A tense silence filled the air, and Koi was the first to speak.

"I’m fine. Just doing part-time work..."

Part-time? What kind?

Ashley’s voice suddenly became sharp. Koi was startled by the unexpected reaction.

"No, I’m looking for a new job, but haven’t found a good place yet... I can’t just sit around, right?"

He didn’t ask about the proposal; he didn’t want to complicate things further for Ashley. It’s okay, I have more time to prepare the ring, Koi thought, but Ashley didn’t let it go.

You’re working? What kind of job?

Overwhelmed by the repeated questions, Koi blinked in confusion. He fidgeted with his hands, then spoke.

"Same as before... plumbing or repairs... those kinds of things..."

No, don’t do that. You need to rest.

"Why?"

Koi was stunned by the urgent words, his head tilting in confusion. A heavy silence followed, and all he could hear were Ashley’s heavy breaths. It felt like he was searching for words. Koi tried to speak, but Ashley spoke first.

Health checkup.

"Huh?"

Koi barely managed to speak as Ashley continued.

I told you, you need a health checkup. Did you forget?

"Uh, no."

Koi quickly shook his head. He remembered, but hadn’t set a date, so he had just thought it had fizzled out. Now, he was flustered.

"Is it still valid? I...?"

Of course. ...It’s already overdue.

Ashley muttered a curse and immediately added.

I’ll schedule the checkup for next week. You need to maintain your best condition, so it’s best you don’t work for a while. Let’s rest at home and get ready for the checkup, okay?

Koi could only reply with, "Uh, uh," repeatedly, still in a daze.

"Is that how health checkups usually go?"

He had never had one before. The only other time was during a genetic test with Ariel in school. Ashley responded immediately.

That’s how it is. When I get a checkup, I take about a week off and stay home.

"Really... is that how it is for everyone?"

Yeah.

Ashley’s repeated answer made Koi reply, "Okay."

"Then I’ll do that... Don’t worry, I can work part-time freely. I’ll rest at home like you said."

Good.

Finally, Ashley returned to his usual tone and concluded the conversation. Koi, feeling relieved, smiled. But Ashley asked one last thing.

Once the funeral procedures are over, I’ll be ready, so it’ll only take three days. Stay at my place until then.

"Uh, it’s fine."

The memory of being kicked out by the doorman came to mind, and Koi quickly responded. If he had to go through the same experience again, he’d truly feel miserable. And being alone in that big house without Ashley, especially after seeing how cold he had been the last time, made him anxious.

"You can stay here. Don’t worry, I won’t go out to work."

He couldn’t waste the expensive health checkup. With that resolve, Koi promised Ashley. Ashley, however, was adamant.

No, that house is not good for you. I told you, you need to maintain your best condition. Stay at my place, I’ll make arrangements.

"Uh..."

Koi realized Ashley wasn’t even considering his wishes. But he couldn’t resist. Ashley seemed to be doing his best for Koi, even though his own situation wasn’t great, so Koi felt his heart tighten, and he nodded.

"Okay, I’ll come tomorrow."

That’s better.

With that strong tone, Ashley emphasized that Koi should stay at his place until the funeral procedures were over and hung up. Koi realized he hadn’t properly said goodbye, but it was already too late. Looking at the silent phone, he sighed and lay down on the bed.

What happened to Ash’s memory?

The question that he had buried deep inside resurfaced. Wasn’t the situation resolved? Was the pheromone effect still lingering? What if it was?

If he’s tired, his condition will only worsen.

But there was no way to avoid it. What else could he do about his parents' funeral? Koi let out a weak groan and shook his head.

I’ll see him in a few days.

I can confirm everything then. Anyway, my task is clear. Tomorrow, I’ll pack lightly and go to Ashley’s place to wait for him. I’ll rest for the checkup. Done. Koi organized his thoughts and tried to force himself to sleep.

When he finally fell asleep, he woke up with a sudden stomach pain.

"Ah, ouch..."

He instinctively groaned, curling up his body. The pain that had been coming and going now lasted a little longer. Holding his stomach, Koi groaned and suddenly felt a heat radiating from his body.

...Huh?

Sweating, Koi barely opened his eyes and waited in a daze. As another sharp pain hit and he bit his lip, the warmth spread throughout his body.

...Huh.

He froze, realizing what was happening. The irregular pain from earlier finally made sense.

The heat cycle had come.

When he realized it, Koi completely froze.