Chapter 50

Alex's POV

As I continue with my physical exercise in the serene garden at the back of the base, Nathan's teasing and proud smirk only serve to aggravate me further. I can feel my temper rising, and I wish I could wipe that expression off his face.

"Can you please stop doing that? You're really starting to annoy me," I tell him, trying to maintain my focus. The garden, with its carpet of carabao grass and beautiful flowers, is usually a peaceful place for meditation and practice. But Nathan's persistent pestering disrupts my tranquility.

"Nathan, don't you have anything else to occupy yourself with?" I ask, my frustration evident. He stops his cackling and rushes over to give me a tight hug.

"Hey, I'm just teasing you, okay?" he says, attempting to comfort me. I can't pinpoint why his presence is irritating me so much. Perhaps it's because I'm already feeling sore from my training, and he keeps poking at me.

"Well, then, stop teasing me because it's not