Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

For the longest time, Seonghwa wanted nothing more, just some peace in his life. It sounded rather easy, but in reality, it wasn’t. Since Seonghwa presented himself as omega, each day he faced nothing but struggles. He didn't have a strong alpha by his side to protect him, and a family to guarantee him a safe and comfortable life. After his mother’s death, Seonghwa moved to Seoul hoping for a brighter future, since in the capital city the difference between second genders wasn’t as grave as in the countryside, where the stigma about omegas being good for nothing more than breeding was still taken very seriously. Anyway, Seonghwa escaped his toxic hometown full of hope but barely six months later sat in his crampy and stuffy 8 square meters room, with dark circles under his eyes, meaninglessly sending out his CV at this point to any job proposal he could find on the internet. Seonghwa felt so miserable that he wouldn’t even read descriptions anymore, he didn’t care anymore what kind of job it would be. Fuck the dreams, Seonghwa wasn’t sure he had enough money to pay for the next month’s rent or to buy his cheapest suppressants. Nor he had a privilege to care about such things as food.

He had worked in several places such as coffee shops and Hotel’s reception, but didn’t last more than three weeks. Not because he was bad at the job, but because sooner or later one of the alphas tried to harass him in one way or another. After seeing how alphas behaved with his mother until she worked herself to death, Seonghwa had promised himself that no alpha would use him, no matter the cost.

And so far, it has cost him only… everything. At least his pride was protected, while Seonghwa was gonna starve himself to death.

After sending another twenty or so CVs, Seonghwa crawled to his bed, which, given the size of his room, didn't require much effort.

He dozed off for what felt like minutes, but actually, when he opened his eyes again it was already dawn. Seonghwa hadn’t eaten anything in almost two days and his body was exhausted. He turned on his side, grabbing space next to himself trying to find his phone, since its vibration was the reason he woke up. Before answering the unknown number he glanced at the time. 6:30 AM??? Who in the world would call so early?

“Hello…?” he answered still in a sleepy voice, clearing his throat.

“Good morning, am I talking with Park Seonghwa?” A strong voice spoke on the other end, and Seonghwa gulped, waking up completely.  

“Yes?..” He muttered, not quite sure yet who he was dealing with.

“This is Choi Jongho from KHJ Entertainment’s Human resources department. We received your CV. We would like to invite you for an interview.” He continued indifferently as if not noticing how nervous Seonghwa sounded.

KHJ Entertainment? Seonghwa obviously didn’t remember applying there, since he was sending his CV to whatever place.

“Oh…s-sure.” It was the first call he received in weeks, so his voice crashed from how fast he tried to answer. “When do you want me to come?”

“Could you make it today? Around 12? We need this position filled soon, so it’s urgent.”

“Ye-s…”

“Very well, see you then.” Mr. Choi said his goodbyes and hung up.

Seonghwa sat in his bed frozen, as he suddenly realized he wasn’t even sure for which position he filled in. The omega quickly jumped from his bed, turned his laptop on and scrolled through his search history. Finally, he managed to find it - there wasn’t much information given about the position, as if the applicant had to guess their duties themselves, basically only the title was presented - Second Assistant.

That’s it. 

Well… it was worth a try, what would he lose at this point? If Seonghwa succeeded, maybe he could earn a bit of money to pull through another month and buy something to eat. After all, his life was all about survival. 

Seonghwa took his phone again and called his best friend.

“Seonghwa, is everything alright??” Wooyoung answered after the third beep, his voice alert. “Did your heat start earlier? Do you have suppressants??”

“What…? No, nothing like that… I am still a month away from my heat.” Seonghwa replied a bit confused. “I don’t always call you when I need something from you, Woo…”

“No… but I didn’t expect you to call so early, it’s not even 7 in the morning. You scared me… Do you have something to eat?”

“I am fine, Wooyoung… God, you need to stop worrying about me so much. I can take care of myself. Actually…” Seonghwa continued before his friend poured another wave of worries. “I called to share that I have been asked to come for an interview!”

“Oh!! That’s great, Hwa! I am so happy for you! Where?”

“Um…” Seonghwa already forgot the name of the company. “Some Entertainment, to fill a second assistant position. Nothing big, but… they asked me to come today, they must be desperate to find someone! Wish me luck, Woo!”

“Good luck! Call me after it, alright? Even if I will be in the class, I will pick up!” He enthusiastically shouted, and Seonghwa smiled to himself. “And Hwa?”

“Mmm?”

“Don’t forget to take your suppressants!”

“Stop it!” Seonghwa hissed and hung up.

Wooyoung was one of the first people Seonghwa met in Seoul and on top of that also an omega. They instantly clicked and became close friends. The difference between them was that Wooyoung’s parents were rich and caring, he didn’t have a clue how hard life could be for an omega. He received the best education and now was studying at Seoul University. He had suggested to Seonghwa multiple times to move in with him since neither of them had mates, but Seonghwa couldn’t put this on the younger omega’s shoulders. He had to take care of his future. Despite Seonghwa being the elder of the two of them, Wooyoung was the one who could provide him care. They would stay on calls during their heats and cry together, trying to calm each other down. Sometimes, when Wooyoung had time they would meet for a walk. Seonghwa loved to listen about his life, and how easy it was and wished his friend nothing but the best.

After a while, Seonghwa realized that he didn’t have money for the metro, so he would need to walk to his new workplace. He googled the Entertainment and sighed realizing it was more than two hours walk from his place. Given the fact that Seoul is nothing but endless hills, it would take even longer for his tired body.

Seonghwa left his apartment around nine, so he would have enough time to catch his breath before the interview as well.

Despite the hour, the sun was already scorching, making his black hair stick to his forehead. The omega checked his phone only a couple of times, as he wanted to save the battery. His phone was so old that sometimes it didn’t last for half of the day.

After what seemed like forever and Seonghwa’s ribs hurt from heavy breathing, he reached the area where the building was supposed to be. To Seonghwa’s surprise, this place was full of new buildings and skyscrapers. Was he really in the right place? He had never been in this part of the city. And it was obvious he didn’t fit there. Not because of his second gender - these streets were filled with gorgeous Omegas and Alphas. Even Betas (who usually didn’t have such distinguishing features) looked like they just stepped from the catwalk. Everything about Seonghwa from his messy black hair, oversized sweater, and worn-out jeans screamed that this wasn’t a place for him to be. Seonghwa tried to shrink as much as he could, but because of his height, it didn’t work out well. Everyone he passed was staring. It wasn’t difficult to distinguish Omegas, Alphas, and Betas by their physical appearance, but what surprised Seonghwa the most was that he couldn’t smell them at all. What kind of powerful suppressants and scent blockers did they use? Seonghwa visibly shivered - not like he could ever lay his hand on something so expensive as that.

The omega ignored their rude stares and was about to take out his phone to check where he must turn, but his eyes froze on the skyscraper on his right. It was hard to tell just how many floors it had, but the capital letters KHJ ENTERTAINMENT blinded him instantly. 

No fucking way… 

Seonghwa quickly took a picture of the building and sent it to Wooyoung.

[TUESDAY 11:47 AM]

[PHOTO]

Voice message:

Woo! Look at this building! That’s where I am going to have my interview! Maybe I should have read more about the company before coming. Also, this place is so weird… It’s full of beautiful people if you know what I mean. Anyway, going in, I will call you later.

Seonghwa sent the voice message and turned off the data, Wooyoung was probably in the middle of the class so he wouldn’t be able to listen to the message anyway. With heart climbing up his throat Seonghwa entered the flashy building and held his gasp seeing just how fancy the inner decor was. With every step, his legs were getting heavier as he went to counter. A female omega behind it was typing something on her keyboard. As soon as Seonghwa came closer she slightly frowned, lifting her eyes. Certainly, it was because of Seonghwa’s smell. His cheap ass suppressants didn’t hide who he was at all, and that was the reason he couldn’t blend in.

“Hi…” He greeted the other omega as friendly as he could.

“Are you lost?” She asked with an empty voice, not even trying to sound nice.

“Um…not sure.” That was a very good question indeed.  “I have a job interview… at twelve?”

She raised her eyebrow.

“And your name is?”

“Park. Park Seonghwa.”

“Aha…” She clicked a button and placed the work phone to her ear. “Hey, Yeosang, your new assistant is here…”

New assistant? Did it mean he was already hired? And who was Yeosang? Seonghwa could swear that the one he talked to before was named Jongho or something. He didn't know what the man answered her, but the receptionist hung up and then glared at Seonghwa. 

“He will be here in a minute, please step away and wait there.” She pointed towards the elevators and then went back to her work.

Seonghwa nodded and did as he was told. The other thing about this place was that it was awfully quiet. Seonghwa could hear his breathing while he waited for someone to come and get him. 

In a few moments, the metal elevator’s door opened and a man stepped out. Seonghwa was so surprised to see another omega in such a short time. He was shorter and thinner than Seonghwa but had such beautiful features that Seonghwa couldn’t help but open his mouth a bit. He didn’t want to say it out loud, but the omega really did seem like a prince from a fairytale. 

He stopped and scanned Seonghwa from his sneakers to his messy hair.

“I didn’t know…” He muttered.

“Didn’t know what?” Seonghwa tilted his head.

“That Jongho had a sense of humor… what was he even thinking…” he squinted and then pouted. “You didn’t take your suppressants.”

“I did!” Seonghwa protested, for some reason feeling like he could talk freely with this tiny man in front of him. 

“Which ones are you taking?”

“SV02…” Seonghwa replied, feeling his cheeks heating up.

“No wonder, darling. These are out of date. If you want to work here you have to use SV06.”

That explained a lot. That version was the newest and not only crazy expensive but also hard to get. Seonghwa gulped. Maybe it would be for the best if he just left. Yoesang noticed distress in the other omega’s face and sighed.

“Don’t worry, we will provide you with suppressants.” He shook his head. “Anyway, get inside the elevator.” He pressed the button for the door to open and Seonghwa rushed in, although his heart was still beating like crazy.

“I am Kang Yoesang. I was Kim Hongjoong's second assistant, but his first assistant Mingi got promoted, so now I am the first…”

“Oh! So you are searching for someone who could fill your position?” Finally, Seonghwa started to understand what he was doing here.

“I mean… I wish it would be this simple, Hongjoong fired two last assistants within two weeks. We need someone who can survive here. Do you understand?” Yeosang glanced at him and Seonghwa quickly nodded.

Shouldn’t be too hard, right? After growing up in his toxic home town nothing scared him. He wasn’t spoiled by money either, whatever work they gave to him Seonghwa was sure he could accomplish it. Only if they behave, of course. But the fact that so many omegas worked here already gave him hope.

“I am sure I can. Who is Hoongjong, by the way?” Seonghwa asked as he tried to remember the name and Yeosang almost dropped his phone.

“I will pretend you didn’t just say that.” The omega next to Seonghwa cleared his throat. The elevator’s door opened and they stepped out. Finally, Seonghwa saw some more vitality in this modern prison. Alphas, Omegas, and Betas were working in the same space. He saw people discussing something behind the glass door in smaller meeting rooms, typing on their computers at the desks, or just talking in the hallway. Everyone relaxed as equals - for Seonghwa’s eyes this view was utopic. As they continued going further, Seonghwa tried to pretend he didn’t feel burning glares on his back. 

Finally, Yeosang opened another glass door and they entered a smaller private hallway, with two large desks on each side and an open double door in front. From what Seonghwa noticed it was someone’s office - a space larger than the apartment where Seonghwa grew up.

“Seonghwa,” Yeasang spoke after closing the door, obviously relieved that they got rid of the stares. “Kim Hongjoong is the CEO of this Entertainment and the most important person in this building. He created this company, not to mention he is a living legend in the fashion world. If you survive in this place for a year, even as an omega all the doors will be open for you. Millions would kill for this position.”

“That sounds great!” Seonghwa gasped. “I really wish to work here.”

Yeosang sighed, leaning against one of the desks, which probably was his. Another seemed too empty. Maybe that was Seonghwa’s future desk?

“Darling, I don’t know how to put this… but KHJ Entertainment is a modeling and fashion company. This is a home of such role models as Taemin or Kai…” He ended dramatically, not hiding pride in his voice.

“W-who..?” Seonghwa tilted his head.

“Are you living under a rock or something?” Yeosang’s jaw dropped and then he slammed his face, letting out another deep sigh. “Again, KHJ Entertainment focuses on fashion and modeling, you need to be interested in these fields to work here.”

“Why do you think I am not?” Seonghwa wondered.

He wasn’t actually, but it was crucial for him to lie about his knowledge. Yeosang glared at him again but before he said anything his phone beeped. He quickly glanced at it and then suddenly jumped to his feet.

“Oh God… No no no no…” He ran through Seonghwa and almost ripped the glass door off the hinges. “He is here! Tell everyone!!”

Seonghwa stood confused as Yeosang rushed to his table, collecting some papers. He blinked a few times, still not realizing what the fuss was about. The door opened again and a tall pinkish hair beta popped his head in. Seonghwa noticed that everyone in the hallway lost their leisure posture and suddenly went back to serious work.

“I thought he was coming at two.” he frowned, following Yeosang with his dark eyes and only sparing a glance to Seonghwa. At least beta couldn’t smell him, but somehow his eyes weren’t fascinated to see Seonghwa there.

“San just messaged me. Hongjoong’s hairstylist canceled the appointment at the last minute or something… God, those people…”

“Someone will lose their job for good.” The pinkish-haired beta sighed and then glanced at Seonghwa again. “Who is that ?”

“Don’t even ask now.” Yeosang dropped and then ran through the beta in the hallway holding a notebook in his hands.

The beta gave another sad look to Seonghwa before leaving. The omega awkwardly squirmed. He did feel like he was not welcome here. He wanted to call Wooyoung so badly and maybe meet him, hug him, and get all the stress out caused by ten minutes in this building.

Seonghwa imagined he could somehow escape without being noticed, but as soon as he thought about that he saw the elevator door open at the back of the hallway. Yeosang instantly glued himself to the person’s side.

He was an alpha. Of course, he was. The most gorgeous Alpha Seonghwa had a chance to see, at that. Everything about him was absolutely divine, starting from his light blue hair and ending with the most fashionable outfit Seonghwa could remember. And what surprised Seonghwa the most was that he didn’t use his suppressants. Even from where Seonghwa stood he could smell him - forest, fireplace on a rainy day, and most importantly something so sweet and nostalgic that it almost brought tears to Seonghwa’s eyes. He stood in the same spot dumbfounded as fast movements of the alpha’s lips finally turned into a sound.

“....and I need you to call Lee Know and tell him to come today, not tomorrow, next week, or next month. I don’t care if he has to fly back from Fiji or whatever, I need him for that show. Also, fire that useless omega from the management department and ask Jongho to find some decent intern who doesn’t have raging hormones. I will not handle the bullshit any longer.”

His voice was cold, and annoyed but somehow soothing at the same time, Seonghwa couldn’t explain the feeling that washed his body. Yeosang was slightly taller than the alpha, but he still had to run after him, while scribbling something into his notebook.

“Cancel tomorrow’s meeting with the new sponsors, I don’t like their logo colors. And put today’s lunch at three with G-Dragon, instead of the interview for that dumb Teen’s magazine. And for the love of God... find me a new normal hairstylist and hire them to work here… because I swear… I am this close to—” The alpha shut in the middle of the sentence, his strong almond gaze pointed at Seonghwa. “Who is that?” the alpha’s voice suddenly dropped at least a few tones and shivers ran down Seonghwa’s spine.

“No one, Hongjoong, don’t worry. Jongho sent him for the assistant’s role, and I was pre-interviewing him... But I don’t think—”

“Send him in. I will interview him myself, the last two you sent me were completely useless.” He interrupted Yeosang and went into his office.

Hongjoong? THE Hongjoong himself? Seonghwa was still immobilised when he felt a slight push.

“What are you waiting for… go.” Yeosang pointed towards the door and the man went in, trying to collect his words. He didn’t know what to say before coming here nor did he now. That warm scent of alpha was taking every last of his thoughts away.

Seonghwa stepped further, following the alpha with his eyes, who sat into his expensive leather chair and sighed, before pointing his eyes at the omega.

“Yeosang didn’t tell you that everyone at this company must use suppressants?”

“You don’t use them either… sir.” Seonghwa didn’t know who pulled his tongue to say that, but the alpha had to know that his scent was no less disturbing.

“I am…” He raised an eyebrow. “And quit with the sir before you annoyed me.”

“Mr. Kim…?” Seonghwa tried again. “Hongjoong-shi.” It was weird to call his maybe-future-boss by name, but maybe that was how they ran things here.

“Let me guess… omega–”

“It’s Seonghwa. Park Seonghwa.” He corrected the man, but quickly regretted opening his mouth.

“You don’t know what we do here, do you?”

“Well… not really…”

“And until today you never heard of me?” Hongjoong continued, not waiting for a proper answer.

“No, but…”

“And you have no sense of fashion nor style.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say so…”

“Baby, that wasn’t a question.”

Seonghwa was thrown out by Hongjoong calling him baby. Who did he think he was?? Another pervert alpha who thought he could lay his hand on all omegas he desired? Was that the reason why so many omegas were working here? So he could touch him whenever he pleased. Blood boiled in Seonghwa’s body, and that nostalgic scent of the alpha suddenly became repulsive.

“That’s all.” 

Hongjoong waved his hand, and Seonghwa clicked his tongue. Not like he would come back here ever again, so why not spit everything he had in mind now? Was there something to lose?

“You know what? Yeah, maybe you are right and I know I don’t fit in here, and for fuck sake I am so glad I don’t! Everyone is equal, my ass! You, alpha, who should lead everyone, raise nothing but panic and distress to your employees here. And that’s what the most powerful CEO in the industry looks like. Screw that, screw you and your entertainment too! You don’t respect anyone but yourself, no wonder even hairstylists don’t want to work for you!”

Hongjoong at the table blinked a few times speechless and at the same moment the pinkish-haired beta from before entered his office. The alpha turned his eyes at the man.

“Joongie, I just talked with that new model. I would like you to see her yourself, we could do a good collaboration with—”

“Thank you for your fucking precious time.” Seonghwa decided not to waste his time here any longer, he turned around and rushed out, passing through Yeosang who stood with his jaw dropped. Someone had to say that to his boss, and Seonghwa knew no one in this company had the balls to do so.

Seonghwa was already in the elevator when tears started gathering in his eyes. That moment when he poured his thoughts out felt so good, but not anymore, and without that warm nostalgic scent, his heart felt somehow cold. He hated so much how that alpha made him feel. Seonghwa sobbed, covering his face to avoid all those unpleasant stares that he had to take in. He would rather starve himself to death for real than work in a place like this.

Seonghwa was about to take out his phone with trembling hands and call Wooyoung when a voice stopped him.

“Seonghwa!! Wait!” 

He turned around to see Yeosang running towards him. The shorter man halted in front of Seonghwa, catching his breath and holding onto his knees.

“W-wait… Seonghwa… Come back… please Hongjoong… he wants you to work for him. He said you were exactly what he was looking for.” He made another longer pause to catch his breath. “He said not to bother coming back to work if I don’t bring you with me.”

Seonghwa looked up at the windows of the tall building, and was sure he only imagined but he thought he saw a little dot staring down at him from the top floor.

Chapter Text

FROM: WOO

[TUESDAY 11:48 AM]

{Voice Message 00:10}

FROM: WOO

[TUESDAY 11:49 AM]

{Voice Message 00:24}

FROM: WOO

[TUESDAY 11:50 AM]

{Voice Message 00:03}

FROM: WOO

[TUESDAY 11:53 AM]

{Voice Message 02:13}

FROM: WOO

[TUESDAY 12:00 PM]

{Voice Message 00:07}

FROM: WOO

[TUESDAY 12:12 PM]

{Voice Message 01:02}

FROM: WOO

[TUESDAY 12:30 PM]

Message: HWA ARE YOU ALIVE????

FROM: UNKNOWN NUMBER

[TUESDAY 1:01 PM]

Message: Good afternoon, this is Choi Jongho from the Human Resources department. A copy of your contract with KHJ Entertainment has been sent to your provided email address. Regarding your schedule or any questions related to your tasks, please contact the numbers attached to the letter. Have a nice day.

TO: CHOI JONGHO-SHI (WORK)

[TUESDAY 1:04 PM]

Message: Thank you so much, I got your letter!

FROM: CHOI JONGHO-SHI (WORK)

[TUESDAY 1:04 PM]

Message: 👍

Seonghwa paused to answer Jongho’s message as he left the building and then exhaled, closing his eyes. He really did sign the contract with KHJ Entertainment, only a few minutes after he said he would never work in a place like this. Honestly, Yeosang didn’t have to persuade Seonghwa too long. As soon as the younger omega mentioned a monthly salary, Seonghwa was asking for a pen. With that money, he could move out from his tiny room in a few months, have decent meals three times per day, and get some new clothes, maybe even save up. Seonghwa never had a chance to put money away before.

When Seonghwa was passing the parking lot, he noticed a tall red-haired alpha with sharp but somehow captivating features. The man was wearing a black expensive-looking suit and a white shirt. He was standing next to white Bentley, holding his black jacket dropped over his left shoulder while typing something on his phone with his right. Seonghwa knew it was rude to stare but who wouldn’t be captured by him? As Seonghwa mentioned earlier, this place was full of ridiculously attractive people. The omega wondered if this intimidating alpha was one of the models in the company.

As if feeling his stare, the alpha in question raised his eyes at Seonghwa. The omega expected another round of glares because of his scent, but to Seonghwa's surprise, the taller man smiled as soon as their eyes met. Seonghwa answered with a tender smile as well. 

The omega suddenly flinched when his phone started vibrating, distracting him. He turned his head and walked away. Of course, it was Wooyoung.

“SEONGIEEEEEE!!!” Wooyoung screamed into Seonghwa’s ear when he pressed the answer button. “I saw you read my messages!! Why haven’t you answered?? Are you alright?? I am on my way from university, I will meet you wherever is closer!”

Seonghwa closed and opened his eyes, just barely holding back from rolling them and replying something sarcastic. He knew Wooyoung was just worried for him. Instead of explaining everything over the phone, Seonghwa decided to use this chance and meet his friend in person.

“I didn’t have time to listen, yet… How about we meet at our usual park? I can be there in forty minutes or so.” Seonghwa calculated how long it would take if he walked a little bit faster than usual.

“Oh… that bad, huh? Say no more. See you there!” His voice dropped into a whisper.

Seonghwa wasn’t sure what Wooyoung had in mind but didn’t argue.

“See you soon, Woo.”

Seonghwa hung up and looked back to take a last glance at his new workplace in the distance. Then he noticed Hongjoong’s blue hair. The alpha was on his phone, walking towards the same Bentley with the red-haired alpha. The tall man opened the door for him. 

Seonghwa didn’t dare to stare for any longer, he was afraid their eyes could meet again and then it would be definitely weird. He still noticed when the car left the parking and turned to the main street. At the same time, Seonghwa reached the pedestrian crossing and halted to wait for the green light.

The Bentley passed just next to him and stopped at the roadside, just after the crossing, which to Seonghwa's knowledge was illegal. More than that, all the cars behind them got stuck as well.

The passenger’s door opened, and Seonghwa looked around if someone was coming to them. Or waiting for someone to get out. Maybe Hongjoong couldn’t walk 3 minutes on foot without taking a ride? After like ten seconds of weirdness, the driver’s door on the other side opened as well. Seonghwa gasped because the traffic was still intense and that was an extremely dangerous thing to do. The red-haired alpha popped out and darted his eyes right at Seonghwa.

“Get in, will ya? We are confusing the traffic.” He gave a quick smile to Seonghwa.

The omega again glanced behind himself if there was someone else the alpha could have been talking to. When a car beeped, Seonghwa flinched and quickly walked towards Bentley. 

As soon as he got inside and closed the door they started to move. Seonghwa caught the red-haired man’s eyes in the mirror and he winked. The problem wasn’t him, it was another alpha, who sat next to Seonghwa.

“Um….” Seonghwa whimpered, clearing his throat, as he wasn’t sure how to start the conversation.

He couldn’t feel the driver’s scent at all, but maybe because Hongjoong’s presence expanded into every corner of the car. His smell in the office was already too much, but now it was so overwhelming, that Seonghwa couldn’t do anything else just to melt into the seat. He didn’t want to, but for some reason, his body was relaxed against his will, and that only stressed Seonghwa more.

“Tomorrow during the photo shoot, they are going to need twenty different jackets. Take them directly to Mingi, and make sure they get to him before nine. If Yoesang won’t reach you about Chen, I will be taking Yunho instead. Just in case, book him a flight to Seoul, last I checked he was in Tokyo. And did Yeosang give you the recipe for suppressants?”

Seonghwa’s mouth opened as soon as Hongjoong started talking, meanwhile still typing on his phone, not sparing a glance at Seonghwa. Shortly, Seonghwa didn’t understand a thing the alpha just said to him, and only felt more dizzy.

“Ye-s.” He mumbled an answer that Hongjoong was expecting from him.

“That’s it then.” Hongjoong paused for a moment, and his finger on the screen stopped as well. “San will take you wherever you need to go.”

“San?”

“I am San.” The red-haired alpha widely smiled. “Joongie still has time until the meeting, so if you tell me where you live, I will drop you there.”

“Oh… I mean… anywhere is fine. I am meeting with a friend. But you don’t have to get me there!” He assured San.

“No worries, just tell me where it is.” San nodded, and Seonghwa with shivering fingers took out his old Android phone. He found a shrine next to the park and passed the phone to San.

The alpha gave a quick look to the address.

“There is a very nice chocolate shop just next to this shrine.” He said all happy, like giving Seonghwa a hint, but the omega couldn’t even remember when was the last time he could allow himself to get a bar.

“I see…” Seonghwa was sure that with someone so flexible as San, he could have a nice conversation, but his head was still full of the things Hongjoong said. He tried not to forget them.

The man in question, who finally had put his phone away, was sitting with his eyes closed, legs crossed, his hands resting on his knee. It didn’t take long for Seonghwa to notice a birthmark on Hongjoong’s left hand - it was like pretty jewelry that stood out on his light skin. Seonghwa was so focused on his presence before that only now, did he notice multiple piercings in the alpha’s ears and one on his bottom lip. Seonghwa didn’t have a clue how old was Hongjoong, but by looking at him now, he appeared young, maybe even the same age as Seonghwa only way more tired.

“Do you have something to say, omega?” 

Hongjoong opened his eyes, and Seonghwa immediately felt his cheeks heating up when he was caught off guard.

“Please, address me by my name.” He answered, “Seonghwa.” He reminded to Hongjoong. 

Wasn’t this a simple and manageable wish? Who would like to be addressed by their second gender? More than that, if Seonghwa had to work with him every day, wasn’t it natural to be polite to each other?

“I wouldn’t mind you calling me alpha.” He answered, giving Seonghwa a small teasing smile.

Of course, he wouldn’t. Such a basic alpha thing to say.

“Hongjoong-shi… I… think you are getting the wrong picture of who I am.” Seonghwa sighed, deciding to make the boundaries right away before they were crossed. “I don’t want our second genders to bring any misunderstandings…”

“Of course.” Hongjoong sighed, closing his eyes again as if Seonghwa was the one who missed the joke and killed the mood. Why did Seonghwa suddenly feel guilty?

“Is it alright if I let you out here? The traffic is heavy during lunch so it would be hard for me to make a turn to the shrine.” San asked, dragging Seonghwa back to reality. He completely forgot that San was also here.

“No worries, that’s perfect.” The place was a little bit closer to the park than Seonghwa wanted but he couldn’t spot Wooyoung anywhere, and that sunshine would be hard to miss. “Thank you so much, San. See you tomorrow Hongjoong-shi.”

The alpha didn’t answer, but Seonghwa wasn’t expecting him to anyway. San gave him a small wave when Seonghwa rushed to get out while the red light was still on for them.

As soon as Seonghwa was alone, he took his phone out. He barely had thirty percent left, and could only pray that would be enough. He opened the email Jongho sent him before and quickly found what he was searching for. Seonghwa copied the number, hoping he would get a response.

“Kim Hongjoong’s office. Kang Yeosang speaking.”

“Thank God, Yeosang! The craziest thing just happened to me! Hongjoong gave me a ride! And and…. He told me something to do for tomorrow and I have no clue what he means— I just—”

“Seonghwa??” Yeosang was so surprised as if he received a call from the prime minister himself. “Joongie did what?? But he was already late to his meeting when he left…”

“What?... He… I mean his driver, San, said they had plenty of time…”

“Hmmm…alright? Still, why would he give you things to do… I haven’t even explained your responsibilities, and your contract becomes valid only tomorrow.” He continued in a shaken tone. Seonghwa didn’t know what to answer, but he felt if Yeosang didn’t hear him out right now, he would forget every single thing Hongjoong said. “Anyway, tell me what he wanted… just quick, I have a meeting in ten minutes.”

“So… he mentioned something about twenty jackets someone needs tomorrow before nine… and… there was something about someone named Chen, and I think Yunho… and plane tickets from Tokyo… and…”

“Hold up. He needs jackets for…” Yeosang sighed and Seonghwa heard papers flipping. “Probably for the photo shoot. Before nine?? Great… Did he mention what type of jackets? Material?”

“No… I should have asked him that?” Seonghwa sobbed. He did not know anything about clothes, how was he supposed to know? 

“No no no…. Don’t ever ask him stuff like that… I will text Mingi, he probably knows, wait a minute.” He quickly answered, and then keyboard smashing followed.

“Yeosang?”

“Yes?”

“I… live two hours away from work. And I walk… I don’t know how I would carry twenty jackets.”

“Christ, move somewhere closer, we might need you any time of the day.” Yoesang snorted, as if switching places would be the simplest thing. “You can get a decent place not too far away from the company, I will send you a few links.”

“I….” Seonghwa didn’t know how to say that he had like 500 won in his account at that moment.

“Mingi just replied he would get the jackets, so don’t worry. Joongie will be here since eight, so I will send San to pick you up around half nine. Is that alright?” Yeosang answered calmly. 

“Oh…” It took a moment for Seonghwa to remember that he gave them his home address when he signed the contract. “Thank you, I appreciate it.”

“What else?” Yeosang continued. “Chen? Chen can’t make it… he wants Yunho-shi instead?”

“Probably…?” Seonghwa begged that it would be the correct name of the man.

“That would be your job as a second assistant to get plane tickets and contact Yunho, but it would take me a while to explain how to do it over the phone. I am going to make Mingi do it. He will be more than thankful.” 

Seonghwa heard Yeosang smashing keyboards again and only gave an affirmative hum. He felt useless. He also didn’t know why Mingi would be happy about doing someone else's job but didn’t dare to ask about it.

“Was there anything else?”

“Ah… he asked me about suppressants. If you gave me a recipe for them?” Since Seonghwa didn’t receive anything he was also left confused about this.

“Yes, he told me to make sure you have them by tomorrow. Let’s see, how about… I will give them to San. Take one before work and you will be fine. Also, don’t mind Joongie, he is very sensitive about scents. It’s very important in this industry to be as neutral as possible.” Yeosang sounded a bit softer at the end, and Seonghwa felt how his body stopped shaking. He didn’t mention to Yeosang that for some reason he could feel Hongjoong’s scent as well, but it wasn’t that important.

“Thank you so much…” Seonghwa couldn’t put into words just how grateful he was.

“If that’s all, then see you tomorrow!”

Yeosang must have been in a rush since he hung up after that. Seonghwa’s hand was numb from stress when he let his phone down. He wanted to give himself a second and take a deep breath, but as soon as he thought about it, he saw Wooyoung’s wide smile and the man flew right into Seonghwa’s arms.

“Hwaaaaa!!” He grabbed Seonghwa’s face, leaving a long smooch on his cheek, and then nuzzled closer. 

Seonghwa would usually get embarrassed about this open affection in public, but he needed Wooyoung’s energy so much that he didn’t mind at all. He hugged his friend back, finally exhaling.

“Seongie… Seongie… it’s alright now… it’s over.” Wooyoung cupped Seonghwa’s face again, leaving another smooch, then led him to a nearby bench. “Sit. First things first, you are probably starving, so I got you crispy chicken, spicy sauce, and your favorite yogurt.”

Normally Seonghwa would have declined, but he was indeed so hungry that he could only gaze at his savior as he reached the bag in Wooyoung’s hand as humbly as possible in this situation. A few moments later his mouth was already full of juicy chicken, and Seonghwa felt like he could ascend any moment. Meanwhile, Wooyoung wasted no time.

“When I saw your photo, I almost screeched. Okay, not almost. But Seonghwa you say “some” Entertainment. KHJ Entertainment is not just SOME! At this moment it’s one of the three biggest companies we have in the industry! Globally!” Just as expected Wooyoung started his talk dramatically by waving his hands. “Jimin is from that company!!”

The only reason Seonghwa knew about someone called Jimin was only because Wooyoung had talked about him so many times, that it was impossible not to remember.

“And how about Yunho? You heard about him, right? He is a rising star in Korea! Companies are literally fighting to get his attention! And guess who he signed a contract with?!”

Wooyoung wasn’t bothered by Seonghwa’s silent treatment, as his mouth was still full of chicken. He only nodded a few times. He wanted to say that he was assigned to get plane tickets for the same Yunho in question, but couldn’t.

“They have fantastic designers as well… oh god, I am not even talking about Hongjoong! He could become a model himself! I wonder why he still hasn't. I mean, he probably doesn’t have time…” 

Worth mentioning that all of this came from Wooyoung’s mouth without taking a single breath. Finally, when Seonghwa swallowed his last bite, Wooyoung also concluded his thought.

“But Seongie, don’t be sad. It would be impossible to get a position there… no wonder…”

“I got it.” Seonghwa wiped his lips with a napkin before targeting the yogurt.

“YOU WHAT?” Wooyoung screamed at least three octaves higher showing off his vocal skills. “You got a position in KHJ Entertainment??”

“Mhmm… as Hongjoong’s second assistant.”

“AS WHAT?” He squeaked again, grabbing Seonghwa on his shoulders and shaking him a few times. Wooyoung’s black hair jumped together with his shaking. “Hwa… you you—millions would kill for this position!!”

Seonghwa already heard this today from Yeosang, but even after Wooyoung said it, somehow he still couldn’t fully understand. Why? It was just a job. 

Wooyoung proceeded to tell him how he expects updates every day, and how he would buy a notebook so Seonghwa could collect autographs for him. Meanwhile, Seonghwa finally felt calmer with the familiar scent next to him. While tasting his favorite yogurt, he dozed off for a bit.

Only a decade ago this world was completely different. Everyone had their roles. Omegas were there for carrying children and only for that, no one would give them important positions at work - all of those were taken by alphas, meanwhile betas did whatever alphas didn’t want to do. For example, back in the day, there was no way an alpha would work as a driver. And no way an alpha would have two of his assistants as omegas unless they wanted to fuck them.

But as suppressants were developed everything began to change. As soon as they couldn’t scent each other that well anymore (or in the case of SV06 at all), their wild animal nature stopped dominating. They were able to think rationally. It was impossible to tell who was the dominant alpha or omega, simply no one was emitting that kind of strong smell anymore. Suddenly it became natural to stop using suppressants only after you were mated with your chosen one. Of course, some places (like Seonghwa’s hometown) were still far away from Seoul in terms of equality, but… the world was changing for the better, and everyone who dared to break the rules had to face the law.

“Woo-yah… is my scent strong?” Seonghwa suddenly asked, not even pretending he was listening to Wooyoung’s babbling about idols.

“Hmmm… I can definitely smell it since your suppressants are weak, but I love your smell! It’s so comforting. It’s not that strong though… just sweet.” Wooyoung was quick to jump into a new topic. “Why?”

“Everyone there is using SV06. I will have to use them as well. You should have seen how they stared at me…” Seonghwa admitted what was the most disturbing for him. 

Seonghwa knew Wooyoung was using the SV04 version, and he only had a faint hint of sweetness on him, but Seonghwa couldn’t define what it reminded him of. Just as Wooyoung described it was sweet, with no other meaning.

“Oh… that makes a lot of sense! It was probably unusual for them that’s all… You know in the fashion industry they have to hide their scent… to avoid misunderstandings, rumors, and dramas, right? It’s already hard for them to hide from the paparazzi and press as it is…” Wooyoung patiently explained, patting Seonghwa’s hand.

“But… if the person is a dominant alpha, right? Could SV06 not be enough to hide their scent?” Seonghwa tried to ask as if he weren’t talking about someone specifically. In reality, it was directed to one person only.

“I believe SV06 was created for exactly this reason… I don’t think you will feel it. So there is nothing to worry about!” Wooyoung giggled.

But Seonghwa did feel it. And it wasn’t just some strong unknown scent… It was that kind of nostalgic smell that made Seonghwa dizzy, a scent that made him feel… things. He looked at Wooyoung but couldn’t tell about Hongjoong to his friend.

“Anyway, we have to celebrate! You got a job at KHJ, Seongieee!!!” Wooyoung jumped on his feet and laughed when he saw Seonghwa’s pouty face full of disagreement. “You are sleeping at my place tonight and no but! We will have a spa night with face masks, and how about we just watch Star Wars to celebrate?”

How could Seonghwa say no to that?

“And meanwhile you will tell me everything that happened from the moment you entered KHJ! I want every detail. Every.”

Star Wars stayed in the background since Wooyoung made Seonghwa describe everything until the last table in the building. 

“So they are searching for a new intern… imagine how lucky that student will be!” Wooyoung dreamily said after Seonghwa tried to remember what he heard Hongjoong saying to Yeosang. 

At the same time, Wooyoung was putting moisturizing cream on Seonghwa’s face. The older omega allowed him to do so to keep Wooyoung’s hands busy. 

“When I told Yeosang that KHJ is two hours away from my home, he said he would send Hongjoong’s driver to pick me up.” Seonghwa realized that Yeosang was supposed to send him links with the apartments. 

By the time they reached Wooyoung’s place, Seonghwa’s phone was already dead. He put it on charge as soon as he could, but only now reached to turn it on.

“Shut up… Hongjoong’s personal driver?! As if it wasn’t enough that they gave you a ride from work!!” Wooyoung slapped Seonghwa’s chest. “What is it?” He leaned over, almost laying on top of Seonghwa so he could see his friend’s phone as well. 

Seonghwa frowned as soon as he turned his phone on. He received at least five messages about some unknown number trying to reach him. Well if they really needed him, they would have sent a normal message, right?

“Too late, Seongie already has an amazing job!” Wooyoung laughed, for some reason convinced that someone called him about another job interview.

“Absolutely impossible…” Seonghwa found the email from Yeosang, but he didn’t even bother to open the links as he saw the prices in thumbnails. 

“That is expensive… but Hwa… just live here. I am alone in this apartment. I have a spare room! Now that you have a good job, you can pay me half if you want and it still would be cheaper than living by yourself. My place is only forty minutes walk from your work. If you take the metro, it’s only fifteen minutes or so! Pleaaaaaseee.” Wooyoung made his puppy eyes, smiling brighter than the sunshine and for the first time, Seonghwa considered. 

Obviously, San wouldn’t be able to come and get him every day. And now that Seonghwa thought about it, wasting his time to get to work and back would cost him a lot of energy. 

“Are you sure it’s alright? I will pay you half from next month… and I also will do all the cleaning. Because… Wooyoung, you desperately need deep cleaning in your kitchen.” Seonghwa sighed, giving up and Wooyoung bounced like a ball from happiness.

“Seongie! It will be so amazing! It’s like early Christmas! I can’t handle living by myself anymore! That’s it, tomorrow after work I will help you move your things in!”

Seonghwa couldn’t help it, Wooyoung’s smile and happiness were too contagious not to catch. He wrapped arms around Wooyoung when the younger omega fell on him.

“Oh right, what is your address? I need to ask Yeosang to message San and tell him that he would need to pick me up from a different place.”

When Wooyoung went to get more snacks for them, Seonghwa called the same number as before, and only then realized that it was already past midnight. When he was about to hang up, someone picked up.

“Kim Hongjoong’s office, Song Mingi speaking.” 

Oh. Seonghwa was sure he heard that voice before. Wasn’t it the tall pinkish-haired beta from the office? Seonghwa was too worried to pay more attention to him back then.

“I am… sorry… I didn’t realize it was so late. Is there any way I could leave a message to Yeosang?”

“Yeosang is in the meeting with Hongjoong. You can tell me.” 

In the meeting at this hour?!

“Umm…. well it’s Seonghwa, I don’t know if you remember me.”  He quietly reminded Mingi, waiting for his reaction.

“Demons in my nightmares will never let me forget that sweater of yours.” He sighed almost painfully. Seonghwa wasn’t sure if Mingi was joking or not but pretended he didn’t hear that. “Is everything okay?” The beta continued “If it’s about jackets and Yunho, I already dealt with it, so sleep in peace.”

“Thank you so much for your help! Yes, everything is fine, it’s just I decided to move to a friend's place which is closer to work. Yeosang said San would pick me up… so I wanted to let you know that the address is different.”

Mingi let a long Oooooh , and then laughed,

“Oh, sure! Tell me. San is over here as well so I will just pass a note to him.”

The beta sounded more friendly than in the office, and it gave Seonghwa hope that he wouldn’t be a complete loser among everyone.

“You did NOT just talk to Song Mingi!!” Wooyoung came back with popcorn and drinks when Seonghwa was finishing the call.

“You know him?” Seonghwa could only blink. Was Mingi an idol as well?

“Are you joking? Mingi is Hongjoong’s right hand in creating! They develop ideas together! You didn’t hear about S&K’s brand? You will have a better chance at winning a million won than managing to pre-order their clothes in time!” Wooyoung was almost angry about how Seonghwa didn’t know that. “That’s such common knowledge…” he added, slightly disappointed in his friend.

Would Seonghwa really be alright there?

Seonghwa was sure he had set an alarm on time, and yet he woke up not from it but from Wooyoung’s seagull laugh at the door. Seonghwa dreamily blinked, still half asleep when he heard his friend talking to someone.

“Wooyoung?” He called.

Silence.

“I will get him, just wait here!”

Wooyoung ran into the room, closed the door behind, and jumped on the bed. Seonghwa was already sitting.

“Why did you FAIL to mention how hot San is?? Hongjoong’s driver, my ass. San is his bodyguard as well!”

In his defense, Seonghwa didn’t know that.

“He is handsome, but anyway… What time is it?”

“Hwa… Can you somehow get me San’s number?” Wooyoung begged. Only now Seonghwa noticed that the long shirt and underwear were all he was wearing.

“What? It’s not time for that– why is my phone dead again?” Seonghwa sighed, and then almost gasped as he saw it was almost nine. “How long did you chat with him at the door???”

Wooyoung shrugged.

“A while.”

Seonghwa whined, putting on his clothes from yesterday since he didn’t have anything else to wear. He quickly did something to his hair so it wouldn’t stand in all possible directions. Then a quick bathroom visit and he was ready.

“Hi, San!” Seonghwa rushed towards him. “Sorry, for running late.”

“It’s okay, I wasn’t bored,” San smirked at Wooyoung behind Seonghwa. The older omega felt like he interrupted something. “See you later,” San waved, going out first, and Seonghwa, after jumping into his sneakers, followed San, slamming the door in front of Wooyoung’s madly blushed face.

“Your roommate is cute,” San said when they were in the car. Today for some reason it was a yellow Porsche.

“He is.” Seonghwa agreed, not sure how to proceed with this. He didn’t think San was a bad guy, but he couldn’t just give his precious Wooyoung to an unknown man’s hands. “Yeosang mentioned that you will bring me suppressants.”

“Right! I was a bit distracted.”

A bit. For real, how long were they talking at the door? 

While driving with one hand, San took out a box with suppressants from his inner pocket. 

“It should be enough for a month. In the meantime, Jongho will finish all the necessary documents to assign you a monthly prescription. So you will only need to go to the pharmacy and collect it.” San explained, keeping his eyes on the road. “I have some water in the backseat.”

“Thank you.” Seonghwa reached for an unopened bottle. It was a glass bottle. Probably it cost a fortune only for that. He took one pill and hid the rest of the box in his jeans. “Are we going to be late?”

“Nah. We will get Yunho from the airport to the hotel, then run some errands and get you a new phone.” Seonghwa wanted to protest, but as if reading his mind San spoke again “That’s one of your responsibilities. Always be available.” 

“Wait.” He exhaled. “Was… it Hongjoong who tried to call me yesterday?”

“Mhm… he wanted you in that meeting. So he wasn’t happy when you didn’t answer.” San sighed but didn’t sound too upset.

“The one at night???”

“Although we, technically, have schedule, there are no fixed working hours here, you come when you are needed,” San explained as if it should have been obvious. “You will get used to it.” He must have noticed distress in Seonghwa’s face. “Oh, your scent is gone. Suppressants worked faster than I expected. You feel good?”

“Great, actually.” Seonghwa was surprised himself. He was used to feeling nauseous all the time. It seems that all this time it was the medicine’s fault.

“So about your friend… Wooyoung…”

“San… no.”

San giggled, but something in his eyes said to Seonghwa that San’s inner alpha wasn’t happy. 

There was still a long morning ahead.

Chapter Text

Just as Seonghwa thought, keeping the conversation with San going wasn’t that hard. Even the moments when neither spoke didn’t feel awkward. Seonghwa enjoyed listening to San joining the music on the radio with his quiet humming. He didn’t expect his first day to start so relaxing. Although Seonghwa still had doubts about his decision to jump into the Fashion industry.

San parked in the airport as close to the exit as possible. He must have had some special permission since Seonghwa didn’t notice any other car parking this close. He nodded when San asked him to wait. Seonghwa had never been to an airport before, so he curiously looked around. It would be nice to travel somewhere by plane. Until now he only used trains and buses.

San came out not even ten minutes later. As if he went and got Yunho directly from the plane, skipping all the checkups. Yunho was tall with blond hair and a graceful posture - no wonder a model. Seonghwa gazed him walk next to San and felt like watching a movie. Yunho effortlessly, pacing like on clouds with an unbreakable bodyguard next to him.

“Hi.” Yunho smiled at Seonghwa when San opened the back door for him.

“Yunho-shi… good morning.” Seonghwa quickly corrected his posture. “Maybe you would like to sit in the front seat… it was so rude of me—”

“No no! Don’t worry.” Yunho laughed and Seonghwa immediately relaxed. “I am more than comfortable sitting in the back.”

Yunho dropped his jacket and little bag next to himself then looked at Seonghwa once more. The weird thing about Yunho was that Seonghwa couldn’t immediately figure out his second gender without the scent. He was tall like alpha, smiled, and acted naturally like beta, but was slim and pretty like an omega. 

“I am Jeong Yunho.” The model introduced and Seonghwa again caught himself being rude. He turned in the seat, bowing a few times as an answer. San was already back in his place and they drew off.

“Oh! Park Seonghwa. A pleasure to meet you.”

Yunho giggled from Seonghwa’s rushed reaction and then leaned back into his seat.

“What?” Seonghwa couldn’t help but ask, seeing his expression.

“Nothing it’s just… weird seeing someone reacting to me so naturally as this, apart from the people I work with. Not going to lie, I forgot what it feels like. Nice.” He smirked. 

Although Seonghwa immediately felt a little bit embarrassed, Yunho was amused about Seonghwa not knowing who he was. Seonghwa turned his head back at the road, feeling his cheeks heating up for some reason. Yunho must be an alpha.

“How was your flight, Yunho-yah?” San asked after a few minutes.

“I slept like two hours today, but for some reason couldn’t sleep on the plane at all.” Yunho sighed, yawing.

If Seonghwa slept only two hours, he definitely wouldn’t look so lively and maintain a conversation. 

“So hotel it is then,” San announced and Yunho hummed in agreement.

“Are you San’s friend, by the way?” He asked Seonghwa.

“Seonghwa is Joongie’s new assistant,” San said without much enthusiasm. Soenghwa was sure it had to do something with his lack of knowledge in this industry or appearance. 

“No way…” Yunho blinked suddenly awake. “Like actually? No offense, Seonghwa-shi.”

“None taken.” Seonghwa shrugged, he hoped he could get used to these sorts of stares and surprises as time passed. Or maybe he could prove with his hard work that appearance was not everything?

“Talking about the devil.” San glanced at the car’s screen when Yeosang’s name appeared there. He pressed the button to answer. “You’re on speaker,” San announced.

“Hongjoong is asking for Yunho. He wants to do the evening’s photoshoot now.” Yeosang’s voice was half-dead as he said that. 

“But… Yunho-shi slept only two hours today… Wouldn’t it be better…” Seonghwa started defending the model in disbelief.

“Sure, Yeosang, we will be there in like forty minutes if traffic is light.” San interrupted.

Yeosang let out a short sound and hung up. They acted as if Seonghwa didn’t say anything. San gave a short glance at Seonghwa and shook his head, meanwhile, Yunho leaned forward between the front seats.

“You really don’t get it, Seonghwa-shi?” 

Seonghwa frowned. Getting what exactly?

“There are no undereye bags that makeup couldn’t hide, right?” Yunho added with a weaker smile than before.

Luck was on their side, as they reached KHJ just as planned. Seonghwa gasped as he noticed a crowd of people next to the building. They were separated by a low fence, but it didn’t stop them from screaming, chanting, and taking pictures.

“Although we tried to keep it as silent as possible, someone must have noticed you in the airport.” San stopped the car. More bodyguards were waiting for them.

“Nothing surprising.” Yunho sounded more tired than before. He took out a black mask from his little bag and sunglasses. “Here take one too.” He handed another mask to Seonghwa.

“Ahaha…. Yunho-shi, I don’t think they are interested in taking pictures of me.” Seonghwa tried to refuse.

“Believe me, they are…. Those people are nasty.”

Seonghwa slowly took the mask. If not for him, it must be for Yunho’s reputation, so they wouldn’t start spreading rumors. Seonghwa put on the mask, got out first, and instantly was blinded by the flashes. He blinked several times but it was impossible to get used to this. People were shouting and screaming at him, taking pictures from every impossible corner and Seonghwa only wanted to get back inside the car and lock the doors.

“Let’s go.” He felt a slight push coming from the side. It was San.

Yunho was in front with bodyguards surrounding him. Seonghwa shivered as he was still pinned to the ground but somehow led by San’s hand managed to move forward. He was like a shield protecting Seonghwa from disturbing sounds and eyes. He could only thank San for parking as close as possible to the building.

“Never stand and give them a chance to get what they came for.” San taught Seonghwa as soon as they were safe behind the Entertainment's door. “They are banned from coming inside, don’t worry.” San assured and Seonghwa took off his mask “You always must reach a safe place as soon as possible.”

Seonghwa nodded as he was listening to San’s voice. He was still shivering, wishing so much to scent something comforting. If only he could hug Wooyoung right now. Or… 

Seonghwa quickly chased off the other option.

“I need to finish running errands. But since we are here, there is no point for you to come with me.”

“Alright.” Seonghwa nodded, happy that he wouldn’t be forced to go out again. Yunho was nowhere to be seen, so he decided he could just go to the same floor where Yoesang was working.

“Hey, what phone do you want?” San shouted across the hall and Seonghwa shrugged. He didn’t care as long as it worked. 

The elevator’s door opened and Seonghwa flinched in surprise because someone was already there. 

“A-are you going up?” He asked the man inside. 

He was shorter than Seonghwa and had a round face, which made him look like a cute bear. But as soon as he raised dead-serious eyes at Seonghwa, it reminded him more of a grizzle. 

“Yes.” The man answered in a strict tone. Not too loud, not too quiet. 

He must be coming from the underground parking. Seonghwa got in and pointed his eyes down at his feet.

“You're not going to press the button?” The man spoke again, and Seonghwa then realized that the elevator door was still open. 

“Right! S-sorry.” He quickly pressed the right floor and then glanced at the man again. Something inside Seonghwa was screeching that for some reason he should have known who this alpha was. But he wasn’t a model, and Seonghwa was sure he wasn’t in the office yesterday either…

The elevator stopped again. This time a familiar face showed up.

“Good morning, Mingi-shi!” Seonghwa was so relieved to see someone who could tell him what to do or where to go from there. Also, after that quick talk yesterday, he did feel a little bit more relaxed next to the beta.

“Oh, not again…” Mingi glared at Seonghwa’s sweater as if it offended him personally. “Remind me later, we need to fix this.” He then raised his eyes, stepped in, and pressed the button. “Morning’, Jongho.”

The shorter man nodded in response and suddenly everything connected for Seonghwa.

“You are Jongho-shi?? I am Seonghwa! It’s such a pleasure to meet you.” He bowed for Jongho and received only another nod.

“I know who you are. I was the one who hired you, remember?” Jongho answered indifferently and that was all Seonghwa got from him. He didn’t sound rude, more like he was done with everything and everyone. He got out on the next floor.

Seonghwa stayed with the beta. Since Mingi was chewing gum and reading something on his tablet, he could finally look at the beta properly. Mingi was tall and muscular - someone who definitely loved to work out. Just like San, he had this intimidating aura around him because of his height but Mingi’s pinkish hair and baggy clothes saved him from appearing scary. He also had puffy lips and some other squishy facial features. Adorable - popped in Seonghwa’s head.

When the door opened again, Mingi stepped out.

“Come with me.” He invited Seonghwa and the omega rushed out, relieved that Mingi despite silent treatment didn’t leave him hanging. “Sorry for ignoring you, I wanted to finish reading this article.” He spoke, locking his tablet.

“It’s alright.” He had been treated worse.

“I don’t think we have officially met. I am Song Mingi. Fashion Designer.” He introduced himself. “Technically. In reality, I do everything from paperwork to buying plane tickets for models.

“Ah…” Seonghwa blushed. “That’s my fault. Yeosang said it would take too long to explain to me how to do it over the phone. But I heard you are a very important person in this company.” Seonghwa couldn’t miss a chance to show what he had learned from Wooyoung.

“Clearly not. Otherwise, Hongjoong would have listened to me when I said not to hire you.”

Seonghwa felt like someone punched him below the waist. Hongjoong fought with his long-time business partner because of him? Why? 

“Don’t get me wrong. I don’t have anything against you… only about your questionable outfit choices. But there are so many things you are not familiar with. This industry will eat you alive.” Mingi explained and Seonghwa forced a smile.

“We will see about that. Maybe because I am not familiar with it, I have nothing to fear.”

Mingi laughed and opened the door, letting Seonghwa go first. 

Seonghwa immediately halted when he stepped in. The scent hit him, and his head spun so fast that if not Mingi behind him, Seonghwa would have fallen backward.

“S-sorry, Mingi-shi.” Embarrassed beyond recognition, Seonghwa corrected his posture and  scanned the floor. They were in a studio full of people. But it was Hongjoong's smell - the rain and the fire together, the smell of his favorite blankets and…

“You good?” Mingi’s hands held onto Seonghwa’s shoulders and the omega was forced to come back to his senses. He nodded apologetically, letting his head down and following the beta. 

Why Hongjoong’s presence was so strong if the alpha wasn’t there? Seonghwa would have spotted his blue hair right away.

“Joongie, you have to read this,” Mingi said loudly, passing through Seonghwa and stopping next to the man with a light brown mullet.

Seonghwa’s jaw dropped as he understood that it was Hongjoong. In one night his hairstyle changed drastically, turning him into a completely different person. 

“More rumors?” He smiled with full mouth, and Seonghwa held his breath. Until now he didn’t realize that one smile could be this gorgeous.

“Nothing to be laughing about.” Mingi rolled his eyes. Seonghwa on purpose stayed away, not sure if he was needed or not.

Hongjoong’s smile disappeared and he frowned, but the article had nothing to do with it. And then turned his head at Seonghwa. Their eyes met only for a second, and Hongjoong waved with his finger for Yeosang next to him to lean forward. After Hongjoong whispered something to him, Yeosang also turned in Seonghwa’s direction, then back at Hongjoong and shook his head.

Seonghwa didn’t know what they were talking about now - his messy hair, the same outfit as he had yesterday, or something else, but he pretended he didn’t see it. It still painfully squeezed his heart. Why wouldn’t Hongjoong smile for him the same way he smiled for Mingi? Or at least not glare with disgust?

Only now Seonghwa noticed that Yunho was in the chair in the middle of the room. He was surrounded by a makeup artist and hairstylist. The model sat with his eyes closed, not moving. Maybe he was asleep? Poor Yunho…

“We are done, Yunho-shi. You are so beautiful, barely any makeup is needed.” One of the makeup artists giggled, and Yunho then opened his eyes. 

“Hi Mingi-yah…” Those were his first words, followed by a heartwarming smile.

“Hi.” Mingi looked away. If not for the dark lighting, Seonghwa could have sworn that the beta slightly blushed. 

Oh. OH. Was there an actual reason why Yeosang said that Mingi would be more than thankful to buy Yunho plane tickets?

Yunho stood up and walked towards the white background for the photoshoot.

“So we either do it with this jacket or… this.” one of the ladies who stood next to the clothes spoke, showing both of them to Hongjoong. 

Seonghwa couldn’t help but snort from her worried face.

“Something funny, omega?” Hongjoong didn’t look at Seonghwa, but he knew that those words were directed at him and no one else. 

“Ummm…” Seonghwa decided not to correct his pronouns this time. “I am sorry but these jackets look the same to me… so I don’t understand why it is so hard to choose.”

Everyone went silent after Seonghwa’s words. 

“The same?” Hongjoong grinned. “I get it now. Do you think you can walk into my company wearing whatever you could find in the second-hand shop next to the station and splash your opinion here and there? Right, because you don’t know anything about fashion or what we do here and you are sure it doesn’t concern you. You think it’s a good excuse, right? You don’t care what you put on your body and what it would make others feel.” He grabbed one of the jackets and walked to Yunho. “But little do you know that the pattern of your sweater was designed by a poor teenage boy in his tiny room, with nothing else but a dream. The pattern was stolen, later sold for millions, and appeared in more than ten collections that year.” Hongjoong helped Yunho to put the jacket on and then stepped back scanning the model. “Years later, after the real author sued the thieves they banned the pattern, but some scraps still managed to appear in cheap sketchy stores, where exactly someone like you would shop.” Hongjoong nodded satisfied with Yunho’s appearance and the model took his position for the photo shoot. Yet the room was still drowning in dead silence.

“So yes… go tell your family and friends how people working in this building are full of void, tell them you don’t care about fashion. And yet these people, in this exact room, created the pattern you dare to wear today… and yesterday. It’s not the same for us.” He exhaled and then licked his lip before giving a quick nod. “Begin the photo shoot, we only have an hour.” 

A bubble of silence exploded and the crew began to work as if Hongjoong hadn’t just scolded and put Seonghwa in the most awkward position he had ever experienced. He begged himself to stay strong and not to start crying because Seonghwa was sure that his tears wouldn’t bring any sympathy from the alpha. Seonghwa wanted to stop breathing and ignore his scent so much. He didn’t want to deserve what Hongjoong just said, and yet he felt guilty.

“Seonghwa, let’s go,” Yeosang spoke next to him, dragging Seonghwa together with himself. And as soon as they were outside the omega loudly sobbed. “Hey… hey don’t cry. Come on, it’s only your first day.” They went towards the lifts and Yeosang quickly pressed the floor where the office was as if he was afraid Seonghwa would run away. 

Oh, and he did want to do that so badly.

“Why did he hire me then?!” Seonghwa was almost shouting in distress. “What for?? If he hates me so much? He talked to me like I was some sort of trash… but I am also a human.” Since Yeosang was quiet Seonghwa continued. “And not only me, but Yunho-shi also had to change his plans and he slept only two hours. All this because of a one-hour photo shoot? That’s just inhuman! Why didn't Yunho-shi protest either? Why does no one say a word back to him?”

“Seonghwa… you don’t get it, right?” Yeosang almost identically repeated Yunho’s question. “Hongjoong’s opinion is the only one that matters here. As CEO he could do nothing, just sign some papers and attend meetings whenever he feels like it. But no one works as hard as he does. Two hours of sleep? Sometimes he doesn’t get that even. He attends as many events as he can, and photo shoots as well. He knows every model’s, idol’s, and employee’s name by heart. He designs clothes, participates in collections, survives everyday attacks from the press, and on top of that runs this company as no one else could.” Yeosang breathed out this speech in one breath. “He is a role model and inspiration for thousands or even millions. Do you know how hard it is? To wake up every day and think, what else could you do to surprise them? How to not disappoint people who trust you with everything they have?”

“Yeosang… I didn’t… I mean, I don’t disrespect his work. We are the same age, and look at me…” Seonghwa nervously blinked, moved by this information. They were already on the right floor, walking through the hallway towards Hongjoong’s office. “I just don’t understand why… am I here? You could have selected someone who knows about this industry… someone who fits.”

“Maybe that’s why… because no one like you worked for him before. Maybe because he is a little bit jealous of the way you don’t care… and how free you are. He has never met anyone like you.”

Jealous? Hongjoong was jealous of Seonghwa's pathetic existence? That would be just ridiculous. Or was Seonghwa like a social experiment for that man?

“And for your information, Joongie doesn’t hate you. I don’t think that man is capable of hate. You both are just different…” When Yeosang noticed that Seonghwa wasn’t convinced he sighed. “Look, let’s put it this way. If Joongie hated you, he wouldn’t have wasted time hiring you. Since he did, just suck it up that he doesn’t pat you just because you breathe and enjoy this new life.”

Seonghwa deeply exhaled. Yeosang had a point. He didn’t do anything yet to deserve Hongjoong’s respect. He wiped a tear from his cheek and nodded. 

“Good. So…” Since they were already standing in front of their desks, Yeosang pointed at the empty one. “That is your desk. Now… listen. Our responsibilities are different. Yours is to answer the calls and decide if they need to be redirected to Hongjoong. After the phone in the office rings three times and no one picks up, the call gets redirected to your personal number. Well, mine at the moment, but as soon as San gets you a new phone it will be yours. Possibly today.” He explained.

“H-how do I know… who should I redirect to Hongjoong-shi?” 

“Mostly no one. Take notes of what they want and I will help you decide at the beginning which are worth reporting. Only redirect those calls that are in Joongie’s schedule or if those are his friends. I will give you the list with numbers and names. You will have Joongie’s schedule on your phone, and it changes a lot, so make sure to check it.”

Seonghwa continued nodding, putting everything inside his head.

“I am responsible for his schedule, so don’t worry about it. Anyway, you must answer every call no matter the timing or place. If you don’t answer after the sixth ring it will be redirected to Hongjoong and… we all gonna be in trouble.”

Seonghwa was sure he didn’t want to upset that man ever again.

“Your other responsibilities are running errands, booking plane tickets, and hotels for Hongjoong, his guests, and the models assigned to him, so on... You will use the company’s card for that, I will send you the information. Whatever you buy for the company or yourself with the card, don’t forget to ask for an invoice. These at the end of the month go to Jongho.” Yeosang took out one of the files in his drawer, showing papers inside for Seonghwa. “I spend the most time with Hongjoong, which includes going with him to all the events and meetings. You would only go there if for some reason I won’t be able to.”

“Is that even possible?” Seonghwa wondered.

“Yes, for example during my heat… and I pray ours wouldn’t match because we would be screwed. I will need your exact calendar, so Jongho can plan your days off.” 

Seonghwa didn’t expect this topic to come up so suddenly, given the fact that he was still far away from his heat.

“Ummm… I do have notes, I will send them to Jongho-shi…”

“No need, you will have a printed calendar after you visit our private doctor today.” Yeosang sat behind his desk and typed something. “San will get you there in about an hour.”

And suddenly Seonghwa felt naked. They would know such private information about him right away?

“Everyone has to go through it, don’t look so surprised. Now sit down.”

Seonghwa sat at his new desk, fascinated by the MacBook, which he didn’t even dare to dream about a few days ago. And now he would use it every day.

“By the way…” Yeosang spoke after a few minutes of silence. His voice was different from before, somehow shy or even timid. “You said… you would send notes about your heat to Jongho… how you planned to do that?”

“I have his number, of course!” Seonghwa was going through Hongjoon’s friends' list, but Yeosang’s question got him curious. “Don’t worry, I am not that dumb to send it to work’s email…”

“You have… his phone number?” He stuttered.

“You don’t?” Seonghwa laughed. But soon regretted it, when something sad flashed in Yeosang’s eyes. “I mean… I thought you did, since you work together…? He sent me a message about the contract… that’s how I have it.”

“Ummm…. There was never a need for him to text me.” Yeosang whispered so quietly that Seonghwa had to lean forward. 

“Yeosang… do you want… to talk about it?” Something pulled Seonghwa’s tongue. That was exactly what Wooyoung would have asked as well. 

“I….” 

They both flinched when their phones on the desk rang at the same time. Seonghwa panicked, not sure how to answer, but Yeosang corrected his posture and took the phone.

“Kim Hongjoong’s office. Kang Yeosang speaking.” He paused, listening. “No, he is in the meeting now. You can leave a message.” He was nodding but didn’t move to take notes. “Understood. He will contact you soon. Goodbye.”

“Don’t even waste paper or the keyboard if they call from the press,” Yeosang explained after he hung up. “Well anyway, I have to go back to the photo shoot. You know what to do. San will call the office when he is here.”

Seonghwa wanted to scream not to leave him alone, but Yeosang ran away quickly, leaving Seonghwa with an open mouth. Was it because he needed to go or he didn’t want to continue their talk about Jongho, whatever was going on between them? Seonghwa wasn’t a big fan of work dramas like Wooyoung, but he was good at listening and advising. 

The phone rang again after twenty minutes.

“Hongj— I mean, Kim Hongjoong’s office, Park Seonghwa speaking.”

“Good morning, I am representative Jisoo from Kwak Studio… We got a letter that Kim Hongjoong-nim refused our offer to collaborate. I would like to talk to him and ask him to reconsider.”

Could it be that it was the sponsors that Hongjoong refused because of their logo colors from yesterday?

“He is in the meeting now.” Seonghwa tried to remember the way Yeosang spoke. “Can I pass him a message?”

“Please do. Tell him if he doesn’t like any of the suggestions we could discuss the possibility of creating a lingerie series together.”

Seonghwa took notes on the piece of paper.

“Aha… could you spell ‘lingerie’ for me?”

“W-what?” The person asked and hung up.

“I guess… not?” 

Seonghwa shrugged. He did alright for his first call. It wasn’t his fault - that word wasn’t even Korean, to begin with, how could he know how to spell it?

The rest of the hour passed boring and in silence, Seonghwa was in the middle of Hongjoong’s guests' list when the phone rang again. He considered not answering but then imagined Yeosang’s face and put the phone next to his ear.

“Kim Hongjoong’s office… Park Seonghwa speaking.”

“Look at you answering the phone like a big boy!” San laughed into Seonghwa’s ear and the omega instantly relaxed. “I am here. Come outside, paparazzi are gone.”

He didn’t need to be asked twice. Seonghwa almost ran out of the office. Paying a visit to a doctor wasn’t such a bad idea after all. He noticed San right away since he was standing next to the car. It was a good thing because the alpha again switched the car’s brand. Just how many did he have?

Seonghwa rushed to black Rolls-Royce with a hopeful expression, seeing a friendly smile. Yet it disappeared as soon as San opened the door. Hongjoong was inside. Again? Seonghwa shouldn’t have been surprised since San was his driver, but still… After their awkward interaction, he wasn’t sure how to behave.

Seonghwa pressed his side to the door as much as possible, repeating himself not to get fooled by the soothing scent of the alpha. It wasn’t real… because in reality, the gap between them was too great.

“I have your new phone,” San said before starting the car. He took a box from the passenger’s seat and gave it to Seonghwa.

A new iPhone??

“T-thank you, San.” Seonghwa soundlessly gasped. Wooyoung would have to show how to use this monster.

“Thank Hongjoong, it's the company’s money.” San giggled as he started the car.

“Thank you…” Seonghwa blushed for no reason, although the alpha wasn’t looking at him. As last time his attention was fully on the phone.

“Make sure to answer my calls from now on.” He only said.

“Right. Of course. My phone died yesterday… and… I didn’t turn it on um... Sorry, it’s my fault.” Seonghwa realized Hongjoong didn’t need his apologies. “And… about today Hongjoong-shi… it was rude of me to…”

“Don’t waste your breath.” Hongjoong stopped him. 

“Um… could it be… the story about the boy who created the pattern… was it you, sir— I mean Hongjoong-shi?” Seonghwa wondered since Hongjoong’s speech because it did sound like a personal story.

“Not mine. Mingi’s.”

Oh. Now the beta’s reaction in the elevator made much more sense.

“Just let me get one thing straight,” Hongjoong initiated the conversation, surprising Seonghwa. “You took suppressants today, right?”

Seonghwa frowned and nodded.

“He was next to me when he took them, Joongie. I am telling you, I can’t feel anything.”

“That’s fucking great…” Hongjoong closed his eyes and covered his face. Seonghwa wasn’t sure what was going on but he had a chance to peek at Hongjoong’s birthmark again and that made him smile a bit. 

Good that no one noticed.

Seonghwa didn’t expect Hongjoong to go with him to the doctor. But here he was, sitting next to Seonghwa in front of the doctor’s desk as if they came for couples therapy. Did he come with Yeosang as well for his check-up? What surprised Seonghwa more was the speed. As soon as they came in, they took Seonghwa’s blood sample, and after less than half an hour results were out. All this time Hongjoong spent typing on his phone or talking with Yeosang over a call. Does he really never rest? 

“So…” The middle-aged beta doctor spoke after looking at Seonghwa’s results. “You are way too underweight for Dominant Omega of your height. I don’t know about your diet, but you are lacking many vitamins in your blood… overall… you need to change your lifestyle and fast if you don’t want to end up in the hospital." The doctor looked directly at Seonghwa’s eyes and the omega madly blushed. Not only was it just openly revealed next to his boss that he was a dominant omega, but he was called out about something he had no control over.

“I will prescribe you daily vitamins… and give you this list with products you must eat. I also recommend monthly blood tests.” 

Seonghwa whimpered. How could he afford that now, until he got his first salary?

“Doctor Byun… you can tell him all of that when I am gone. Let’s get to more important things.”

“Right right…” the doctor continued. “So you are on SV06 but Hongjoong-shi can still scent you?”

“You can??” Seonghwa blinked. So it wasn’t just him.

“I see only one possible explanation here… you are Fated Mates. It’s extremely rare, but all the suppressants are powerless against that.” The doctor explained in a calm voice but his eyes were curious.

“No… no no. It's impossible. No way.” Hongjoong leaned forward. “I don’t need Fated Mate.”

“You can’t decide that… it’s destiny. And before you fire Seonghwa, let me tell you that once Fated Mates meet they can’t be separated or it could reflect on your health. Both physical and emotional.” The doctor took his pen as if ready to archive this miracle.

“But… but… if that were true then… the omega can smell me as well? Can you?” Hongjoong glared at him. Seonghwa was sure that if he answered wrong, his life would be over at the same moment.

“I… don’t… I don’t feel anything.” He whispered lies. “Yesterday I only said that because… you were rude to me.” Seonghwa remembered how he dropped something about Hongjoong not using suppressants during his interview.

“See.” Hongjoong clapped his hands.

“Well… huh… In this case… you must be sensitive to Seonghwa’s scent for some reason. I would need to run more tests to get an answer. Maybe because he is a dominant omega and you never had omega as your partner?”

Seonghwa froze. That was personal. Way too personal for him to know, but Hongjoong didn’t seem like he was bothered.

“Is there anything you can do?”

“I could prescribe very strong scent blockers for Seonghwa. But he shouldn’t overdose them.” The doctor sighed, not hiding his disappointment.

“Great, do that.” Hongjoong stood up. “You are dismissed for today.” He said to Seonghwa and then left.

Seonghwa talked with the doctor about his heats and figured out the schedule for his days off. He got all the vitamins and his scent blockers for free. He didn’t need to pay for the visit and they already scheduled him for the next blood test after his heat. Seonghwa barely did anything today but he felt half dead already.

Without thinking, he walked back to his tiny apartment which was hours away. Seonghwa just wanted to be alone. After dropping everything on his desk, Seonghwa fell on the bed and broke into pieces, bursting into loud tears. He lied. He lied to a doctor and he lied to Hongjoong. He lied because even a thought of not being able to smell Hongjoong anymore made him sick. It was so selfish of him, and until that moment when he had to lie, Seonghwa didn’t know he could do it so calmly. He didn’t realize that his inner omega was already attached to Hongjoong’s scent and that he would better lose everything than that. He also cried because Hongjoong didn’t want him, and it hurt like hell. The pain that Seonghwa never experienced before.

His tiny room was dark and freezing cold, despite the weather outside. And for the first time, Seonghwa felt so lonely with no place to lean on or someone to understand him. Was there anyone who could understand him? Hear him?

Seonghwa knew he had disappointed his mom in all possible ways after today, after letting his omega nature take over.

And it was too late to change something. Too late now once he went this far.

Too late. 

Too late to give up now.

And not too late to believe that there must be a reason why.

Chapter Text

Seonghwa remembered that day when everyone had to take the test for their second gender at school. Until today, it remained one of the worst memories he couldn’t get rid of. Somewhere deep in his heart Seonghwa knew that he might be an omega since his mom was one. Yet male omegas were so rare, that he almost had nothing to fear. Almost.

Seonghwa dragged himself back home, scared for the moment he would reach it. The paper that his teacher gave him was crushed hard between Seonghwa’s fingers - it would have been impossible to take it away even by force. One paper, only with several lines on it, and yet for Seonghwa it was like a death sentence. Not only was he the only male omega in his entire school, but a dominant one at that. Basically, he already had a shining sign above his head:  I am serving to carry your children.

“Mom…”  he whispered, entering the kitchen where she was sitting at the table, hugging a mug with lukewarm tea, staring at one dot on the table. She had that kind of empty stare that didn’t remind him of anything. Maybe inside she was already dead.

“My star… you came home early.”  she flinched, gluing a smile on her face, that she kept only for him.“Did something happen?”

“Mom… I am omega.”  He decided not to keep it until the point where he wouldn’t be able to hide it any longer.

Her right eye twitched as if he had cursed. For a moment, she only stared at Seonghwa, expecting him to say that all of this was just a joke. A male omega? They never had someone like him here.

“I guess… I… should have been expecting … Your father was a dominant alpha… and well… it’s just one child… it’s not… that hard…”  she stuttered, caught in lies, swallowing the rest of the sentence. 

Let’s start with the fact that she didn’t know who Seonghwa's father was. They had several female omegas in his hometown, and all of them just served to satisfy alphas. Seonghwa’s mom, however, was a recessive omega, and Seonghwa was her only child. Although she couldn’t get pregnant any longer, they took her whenever her heat started.

Seonghwa dropped the paper across the table and sighed, closing his eyes. He didn’t want to see her reaction.

“Burn it. And never talk about it again.”  He heard her saying.  “As soon as becomes possible, I want you to move to Seoul and never come back here.” 

“What?”  Seonghwa frowned, opening his eyes, just to see his mom jumping off the chair and searching for matches.  “I will not leave you.”

“You will. You can’t stay here. You can’t. And don’t… don’t ever let anyone find out about this. If someone asks, you are a recessive type. I will talk with your teacher at school. Am I clear? You don’t let them… use you. Am I clear, Seonghwa??”  In front of his eyes, she burned the paper. Seonghwa couldn’t remember the last time his mom called him by his full name. Not in years.

After that day, they never returned to this topic. Just before his first heat, mom took him outside the town, to an old barn - a place which she and his home teacher, also omega, prepared. Seonghwa stayed and suffered through the pain for a week. His mom assured him that Seonghwa only had to bear with this for a little bit longer until he turned nineteen. 

Yet when Seonghwa was twenty-four the barn was still the place he hid during his heats. It was harder and harder to convince the alphas that he still didn’t have his first heat. Recessive omegas always presented late, so they believed but Seonghwa knew it couldn’t continue forever. And he was right.

One day they found him.

Seonghwa opened his eyes, wiping his face from tears. There was no point in crying. Now that the truth was out, both the doctor and Hongjoong knew about him, Seonghwa was terrified that it was only a matter of time before someone else found out. The omega glared at the bag with vitamins on his table  “For Dominant Omega you are too underweight.”  - Seonghwa heard the doctor’s voice in his head. And for what reason did he have to correct that? So he could serve them and carry his omega duties?

Seonghwa sat on his bed. About one thing Hongjoong was right - he didn’t need a Fated Mate.  They don’t need that. If Seonghwa let his feelings show, or let him see how it hurt - it was over for Seonghwa and this unexpected opportunity to work at a decent place. Seonghwa repeated to himself - after what he had to go through, he was stronger than anything or anyone. Now that he had the best suppressants and scent blockers, he could live like a normal human being. Finally.

Easier said than done. While wiping his face and sobbing, Seonghwa unwrapped the new phone San bought him. He figured out how to switch cards, and after a long and a bit too complicated installation, he finally could use his phone. Thankfully, he didn’t mess up and still had his old contacts there. Seonghwa got up to pack his things. It helped to calm down a bit.

“Hwa!!”  Wooyoung shouted when Seonghwa finally gave him a call.  “I left you like a thousand messages on KaTalk!”

Seonghwa knew he probably did. That was the reason he had called.

“Oh… right. Sorry, I got a new phone from work…”  He purposely avoided San’s name.  “And I still didn’t have time to install the app.”  Or more like he wasn’t sure how to do that.

“Oooooh.”  After that, Wooyoung became quiet, waiting for the continuation. 

“So… I am packing my things now… When will you come back home?”  Seonghwa had nothing to add since he didn’t want to let Wooyoung know about the doctor’s appointment. It would only make his friend worry for no reason.

“I will come to you! I am leaving my Uni now.”

“Woo-yah, do you ever attend your classes?”  Seonghwa sighed. Whenever he called or messaged, Wooyoung was always free. 

“Shhhh… that class was boring anyway. I have more exciting things to do now! Like my best friend moving in! See you soon, Seongie!”  He laughed and hung up.

Seonghwa smiled as he continued packing. He hid the vitamins and the paper with the food list in one of his drawers, only taking the suppressants and scent blockers. When he was almost done with his second backpack, his phone rang again. The number was unknown. Seonghwa’s heart skipped a beat. It could only be someone from his work. And he was still not ready to hear Hongjoong, yet he couldn’t risk missing his call again.

“P-park… Seonghwa speaking.”  He quietly answered.

“Seonghwa, where are you?”  Yeosang’s voice hit him like a cold shower, and Seonghwa dropped on his bed.  “I was waiting for you to come back after the doctor’s. My phone has been ringing nonstop, and I have other things to do.”

“Ah… I… am so sorry, Yeosang… Hongjoong-shi told me to go home for today.”

“H-e…. did??”  Yeosang stuttered and then took a deep breath in, like rethinking his life choices.

“But I have my new phone now. Feel free to change the number so the calls would redirect to me.”  Seonghwa somehow was sorry for Yeosang.

“That would be a big help. Only take notes if the call sounds important, and don’t redirect to Hongjoong anything. Can you work tomorrow from nine? If you stop at Jongho’s before that to drop your heat calendar, he can finish your schedule until lunch.”  His voice was a little bit clearer.

“Sounds good to me.”  Seonghwa smiled, and they said their goodbyes. Yeosang must have called him from a personal number since it wasn’t the one he had saved.

Wooyoung came twenty minutes later with some snacks for Seonghwa. They packed the rest in less than half an hour. When Seonghwa only started wondering how they would take this into the metro, Wooyoung was already calling for a taxi.

“Woo-yah, that’s going to be expensive…”  Seonghwa noticed, perfectly aware that Wooyoung would have to pay for it because his pockets were empty.  “I only have like four bags…”

“Right… I wish San could pick us up….”  Wooyoung shrugged and then laughed at Seonghwa’s reaction.  “What? I told you I like him.”

“San… is alpha,”  Seonghwa said slowly.

“No way, Mister Obvious. And I am an omega if you haven’t noticed.”  He raised an eyebrow.  “And he clearly was interested in me too. Whyyyy wouldn’t you just give me his number?” 

“I don’t have his number, Woo-yah. And if you won’t stop mentioning him, I am not moving into your place.”  Seonghwa shook his head, tired from only imagining Wooyoung constantly nagging Seonghwa about San’s number.

“Fine fine…”  He pouted, dropping Seonghwa’s backpack over his shoulder and taking another into his hand.  “What will you do with this place?”

“I don’t know yet… I will talk with the landlord later.”  Seonghwa hadn’t thought that far yet. He decided to move with Wooyoung and see how he would adapt to KHJ. The rent wasn’t due for three more weeks, so he had time to think. For now, Seonghwa left only a pillow and blanket on the bed, together with the vitamins in the drawer. 

Wooyoung’s apartment had three rooms - two bedrooms and a spacious living room connected with the kitchen. Seonghwa always wondered why Wooyoung needed two bedrooms. Whenever they had a sleepover, Seonghwa and Wooyoung slept together on his king-size bed. Soon Seonghwa got the answer why. The second bedroom was a total mess, full of Wooyoung’s clothes in all possible corners and other stuff.

“I have been using this space as my closet until now.”  He laughed, pushing everything into one big pile.  “I will take this out as soon as we eat. I am starving. How about Korean fried rice?”  He smiled after Seonghwa’s stiff nod.

Seonghwa hated mess. His hands were itching to clean that pile, and after that, the whole room before packing out his stuff. He would have done it if Wooyoung hadn’t grabbed his hand and dragged him out to the kitchen.

“You know, it’s weird…”  Wooyoung said after a while, mixing the rice in the pan like a pro. 

“What?”  Meanwhile, Seonghwa was deep in cleaning and organizing that giant kitchen. 

Wooyoung didn’t stop him because he knew there was no point, and Seonghwa started from the other side so he wouldn’t interrupt Wooyoung’s cooking. Organizing shelves was his passion, and Wooyoung had so many organizing tools he didn’t use properly. Seonghwa was practically feasting, and maybe it was showing on his face.

“I can’t scent you anymore… I know it’s because of your new suppressants, but… it’s weird. It got me thinking that our scent is like a part of our identity… I wouldn’t want to lose that.”  Wooyoung frowned.  “Also you cried today… is it connected somehow?”

“H-how do you know??”  Seonghwa blinked stunned.

“Come on, Hwa, who do you think I am…?” 

“It has nothing to do with it… it’s just… it’s a bit overwhelming… that Entertainment and industry. There are so many things I don’t know yet. I overreacted.”  He admitted half of the truth, but Wooyoung didn’t seem convinced.  “I promise I will use my old suppressants on my days off, alright?”  Seonghwa smiled, trying to change the mood. 

“Really? For me?”  Wooyoung placed the pan away from the heat and then came for a hug. Seonghwa dropped the rug he was using for dust and hugged Wooyoung back, his body relaxing to the familiar sweet scent. Wooyoung was right, it would have been definitely weird if he couldn’t smell this anymore.

Wooyoung took Seonghwa’s words deep into his heart. After eating, he seated Seonghwa in the living room and started his lecture about the model and fashion industry. He was determined to teach Seonghwa about things with videos and photo shoots, to the point where Seonghwa became so confused that all the faces seemed the same for him.

“Woo-yah! I need a break!”  He announced, after noticing that they were about to start watching the last season's fashion week video, which was three hours long.

“But…”  he whimpered, his eyes still burning in passion.

“I will go to Seven-Eleven,”  Seonghwa announced, standing up and running away. Living with someone so energetic as Wooyoung could be difficult, but Seonghwa didn’t mind as long as he knew the limits.

Wooyoung wasn’t happy but didn’t stop him. Seonghwa put on his sneakers and went down. Wooyoung’s apartment was in a perfect location. The closest convenience store was only five minutes away. The only problem about it was that Seonghwa didn’t have any money, and he realized that only when he was inside. Seonghwa sighed, staring at his favorite yogurt in the fridge. He wasn’t hungry and was pretty sure Wooyoung had some of it at his place.

“Seonghwa-shi?”  He heard a calm voice calling him.

Seonghwa pointed eyes at a tall figure next to himself. He was wearing a mask, but still, it wasn’t hard to recognize those friendly eyes. Seonghwa was as surprised to meet him here as the man.

“Yunho-shi… what are you doing here?”  He stepped closer whispering, as if paparazzi could be hiding behind the shelf.

“I just woke up and felt an urge to have a bag of potato chips. My manager would never let me though. So I sneaked out. My hotel is like ten minutes away.”  He giggled like a naughty teenager, waving a pack of chips in front of Seonghwa’s nose.

“Are you sure it is safe?”

“Seonghwa-shi, you are saying as if it’s my first time doing it.”  He complained.  “You sound like Mingiki.”  Yunho rolled his eyes, and it somehow made Seonghwa smile. It did sound like he and Mingi were close, but Seonghwa was too shy to ask.

“Let me buy something for you,”  Yunho spoke again.

“What? No no, I am fine! Actually, I changed my mind so…”  Seonghwa instantly refused as politely as he could, but Yunho acted like he didn’t hear him.

“I saw you looking at the yogurt. This one?”  He grabbed the one next to Seonghwa’s favorite. The omega only helplessly nodded.

Yunho paid at the self-checkout, and they walked together for a bit. Seonghwa felt rather strange walking next to Yunho, and not because he was an alpha - without a scent, it didn’t matter - but because he was a worldwide supermodel, yet here he was next to Seonghwa like nothing. Slowly Seonghwa started to realize just how crazy it sounded.

Without thinking much, they sat on a bench in a small park. Yunho lowered his mask and opened his potato chips with an excited smile like a boy.

“I… left because Mingiki pissed me off. And I didn’t take my phone, so he couldn’t find me.”  He confessed after a few minutes.

“Oh… Yunho-shi… I don’t think it’s a good idea, everyone will be worried if you don’t come back soon.”  Seonghwa frowned in concern.  “Whatever Mingi-shi said, I am sure he didn’t mean anything harmful…”

“Harmful?”  Yunho scoffed.  “It’s always the same old song… You are a model, it’s too risky… blah blah I am just a beta… blah blah…”

Seonghwa tilted his head while listening. At first, he thought Yunho did something a model shouldn’t do, but then the second half left him confused. What did it have to do with Mingi’s second gender?  Oh.

Seonghwa’s cheeks instantly burned up, as he connected the dots. So his intuition was right. Yunho continued eating chips angrily, meanwhile, Seonghwa hadn't even opened the yogurt.

“Y-ou don’t care that he's a beta?”  Seonghwa carefully asked, trying to confirm his thoughts.

“Didn’t care when I kissed him first, couldn’t care less now. I don’t like him because of his second gender, but for some reason, it’s so important for Mingi. I thought we were hiding scents so it wouldn’t matter anymore…”  While Yunho was pouring his heart out, Seonghwa’s face burned like a sunset. He had no experience with relationships, but his heart agreed with Yunho. He also wished that one day, they would live in a world where it wouldn’t matter to anyone.

“Maybe… hmm... Mingi-shi is afraid of what other people would think of your relationship. I mean, he is scared that it might harm your career… because of rumors and stuff.”

“My relationship and my personal life shouldn’t consider other people. Only me and my partner.”  Yunho murmured sadly. 

Partner.

“But it does since you are famous. It’s a price you have to pay for that, no? My friend today tried to introduce me more to the fashion world, and I was honestly surprised and worried to see just how much others care about your private life. It must be tiring.”  Seonghwa didn’t expect he would have to use the knowledge Wooyoung forced into him today this fast. Thank you, Wooyoung.

“Never thought about it as tiring… at least not until I met Mingi-yah.”  Yunho sighed, and Seonghwa felt pressure on his shoulder when Yunho bumped his forehead against it.  “I like him. I like him a lot…”

Seonghwa sighed when, for some reason, Hongjoong’s smiling face popped into his mind. He quickly pushed these thoughts away and patted Yunho’s slender shoulder.

“I don’t know why I feel comfortable talking with you about that. Maybe because you don’t care about this fashion world at all… until today, you didn’t even know about me. It just feels safe.”  Yunho leaned back, finishing the last of his chips and then putting his mask back on.

“I promise, your secret is safe with me. Not like anyone cares what I think anyway.”  Seonghwa placed a palm to his chest and giggled.

“Oh please, don’t keep it a secret. Let the world know, maybe then Mingi-yah will finally understand.”  Yunho joked. Or maybe not, but Seonghwa wouldn’t dare to tell this to anyone.  “By the way, how old are you? You look young, but with these clothes, it is hard to tell…”

“Ah… I’m twenty-six.”

“You are older than me??”  Yunho genuinely was surprised.  “Drop the honorifics then, I just told you that I am in love with your superior at work. I think we are close enough now.”

Seonghwa couldn’t help but laugh at this. He did seem younger, not only because of his second gender. Seonghwa’s semi-long hair was falling on his face and eyes, making it really hard to guess his age.

After Seonghwa nodded, Yunho stood up.

“I better go back before they call the national police. See you around, Seonghwa Hyung.”  he waved before walking away.

Seonghwa smiled like an idiot about it. It was so weird how things had changed only in a couple of days. If someone had told him last week that he would sit in a park with an alpha by his side and have an enjoyable conversation, he wouldn’t have believed them. But here it was, Yunho and San were proving to Seonghwa that this genderless life could be better.

“When you said you were going to Seven-Eleven, I didn’t think you were talking about the one in Busan.”  Wooyoung sounded like an abandoned puppy when Seonghwa returned. Then he saw what Seonghwa was carrying.  “Yogurt? I didn’t know you liked this brand.”

“Ah… no… Yunho bought it for me.”

“Yun— WHO?”  Wooyoung dropped the book he was reading for his class, and it looked like he was about to make tea.

Seonghwa quickly told him how he accidentally met Yunho at the convenience store, only skipping their talk about Mingi, just as he promised to the alpha. Wooyoung was completely speechless, maybe a little bit jealous, but mostly proud.

“That’s it, you are carrying a notebook for the signatures from now on!”  He ended it dramatically.

After Seonghwa retold the same story for the fifth time, Wooyoung finally was satisfied enough to go back to studying, and Seonghwa started cleaning his new room. After a while, Wooyoung came to collect his stuff, which Seonghwa had already nicely folded. He stayed for a bit to chit-chat and help install apps into Seonghwa's new phone.

“What?” 

Wooyoung asked when Seonghwa was talking but then stopped in the middle of his sentence, realizing something.

“Yeosang called me before and said he would redirect all office calls to my number, yet I haven’t received a single call yet. Weird…”  Seonghwa took his phone to make sure he didn’t miss anything.

“Maybe he stayed to work in the office, so he answered them.”  Wooyoung shrugged, seeking Seonghwa’s phone again. He was trying out the camera, taking selfies and pictures of Seonghwa as well.  “I set myself as your wallpaper so you would never get sad at work.”  He showed his dorky-smiling face on the screen to Seonghwa.

“Truly, that would be impossible.”

This time Seonghwa woke up just as planned. After his morning shower, Seonghwa took the suppressants and checked how to use the scent blockers. It said to spray it like perfume one time on all scent glands. Seonghwa investigated the picture on the paper with information. He technically knew where his scent glands were because they learned about it at school, but it still had been a while. Though Seonghwa decided to ignore what the doctor said about Fated Mates, he knew the truth. It made Seonghwa anxious. What if spraying one time wouldn’t be enough? Just to be sure, he used the ‘perfume’ at least three times on each scent gland. And then dressed for work. Seonghwa found another sweater he could use, this time making sure it didn’t have any pattern.

He wanted to walk to work, but Wooyoung insisted on giving him a spare metro card. Seonghwa didn’t refuse it because getting to work in fifteen minutes sounded like a miracle, and he had time for breakfast.

“You should do something with your hair, Seonghwa… they can’t see your pretty face 'cause that bush is covering everything,”  Wooyoung complained as they both were putting on their shoes.

“They hired me knowing how I look, so they don’t care.”  Seonghwa shook his head. His face wasn’t even pretty.

“Sure, because in the fashion industry, looks don’t matter at all.”  Wooyoung stuck out his tongue, seeing the older omega rolling his eyes. 

Suddenly, they both froze when someone rang the bell. Wooyoung quickly checked who it was.

“It’s San!”  He hissed.  “You didn’t say he was coming to get you.”  Wooyoung sounded offended.

“Because I didn’t know he would!”  Seonghwa hissed back and then quickly smiled when Wooyoung opened the door.

“Hi, San…”  Wooyoung widely smiled, instantly receiving the same answer from the alpha.

“Wooyoung, we meet again… sooner than expected, but later than I would want to.”  San greeted him way too intimately, and Wooyoung instantly blushed. How cringe was that? 

“Well–”

“San, let’s go!”  Seonghwa interrupted, as he didn’t want to witness this any longer.

“I am going as well!”  Wooyoung cut back to Seonghwa, dropping his bag over his shoulder and then walking out. San’s eyes followed Wooyoung. Seonghwa couldn’t scent alpha at all, but he was sure if he could, San’s pheromones would be all over the place. He sighed and gave up for now.

“Are you going to work?”  San wandered as they were walking towards the elevators.

“University. I am studying Management and Entertainment.”  Wooyoung answered as if a university degree was a good topic to seduce someone.

“You should apply for an internship at our company,”  San said, and Seonghwa could feel that he was dead serious about it.

“You think so?”  Wooyoung let his eyes down with a small smile on his face.  “Would I see you often then?”

Oh God. Seonghwa pressed himself closer to the elevator’s door. Listening to Yunho talking about Mingi, and then seeing Wooyoung flirting so openly was too much already.

“San, you didn’t need to come pick me up every day. It’s too much trouble… I live only fifteen minutes from work.”  Seonghwa interrupted because he didn’t want to be a part of their conversation any longer. Technically, he was nothing more than a third wheel.

“Oh, that wasn’t in my plans today, to be honest…”  San glanced at Seonghwa, finally acknowledging his existence as well.  “But Joongie needs to talk to you before work.”

“A-about what??”  Seonghwa flinched. From their visit to the doctor’s Seonghwa was sure that Hongjoong wanted to stay away from Seonghwa as far as his desk in the office allowed. Why suddenly drive together again? Did Seinghwa miss some calls after all?

“Not my place to say, sorry…”  San cleared his throat.

When the elevator’s door opened, just before they walked into the street, San again caught Wooyoung’s attention.

“I would give you a ride, if not for my boss…”

“No worries, next time,”  Wooyoung smirked at San and then hugged Seonghwa.  “If you won’t text me the tea, I will smash you.”  he kissed Seonghwa’s cheek after hissing into his ear and let go.

Wooyoung went towards the metro station, and San with Seonghwa turned to the parking lot. 

“Seonghwa, what should I do for you to give me his number?”  San placed his palms together begging but Seonghwa was so nervous he only nodded. 

He didn’t notice the car’s brand today and almost walked into the door. San, with a concerned expression, was just in time to open it for him. Hongjoong’s scent washed Seonghwa so hard he almost fell inside. It forced him to relax, but instead, he almost started apologizing, although he didn’t know what he had done. Yet Hongjoong was angry. Seonghwa could tell only from his smell as if the scent of rain could burn his nostrils. He shivered but begged the alpha wouldn’t notice. And, of course, Hongjoong wasn’t even looking at him.

“Good morning…”  Seonghwa greeted the alpha when the car moved forward.

Instead of answering, Hongjoong suddenly handed his phone to Seonghwa, and the omega almost dropped it when their fingers touched for a moment.

“I can definitely say you are the first employee in the company’s history to cause so much trouble, only in his first week.”  He talked through the teeth, like holding back his voice.

Seonghwa couldn’t understand what he had done, but it all changed as he saw the phone's screen. It was an article. At the beginning of it, there was a clear photo of two people sitting on the bench. The taller one had his forehead pressed against the other’s shoulder. Out of context, that looked like a couple snuggling together, especially since Seonghwa’s hand was on Yunho’s shoulder. Seonghwa was barely holding himself back from throwing up now.

“It… it’s not… how it looks l-like… please…”  He trembled so hard that Hongjoong’s phone, in his hand, was shaking as well. And why did it feel like he was apologizing not to Yunho but to Hongjoong? Seonghwa didn’t need to read the article to know what it was saying.

“Even an idiot would understand that this article is bullshit, but then explain…”

Seonghwa tried. He tried so hard to retell the same thing he said five times to Wooyoung yesterday, but it felt like he forgot how to speak.

“H-ic… he… he was… just eating potatoes… ch-ips… that’s…”

“Hongjoong, stop, for fuck sake… Seonghwa will have a panic attack…”  Seonghwa heard San’s voice somewhere in the distance like he would be standing across a field.

“He doesn’t understand how much trouble this caused already!! And it’s not even ten!”  Hongjoong roared, and Seonghwa flinched again. How could someone like him be his Fated Mate?? Hongjoong’s presence was suffocating him.

“Jongho is already working on deleting this from every platform. There is nothing we can do now.”

“Tell this to Yunho and the paparazzi around the hotel.”  Hongjoong didn’t shout this time, but it was no less stressful. 

“Hongjoong stop.”  San almost sounded angry as well.

Suddenly, the pressure from Seonghwa's chest was gone, and he took a deep inhaile. Only now realized that he had stopped breathing because of the alpha’s anger. He felt so guilty about the trouble he had caused, but no words were coming to his head. Seonghwa didn’t cry, he only stared at the picture, hoping it would change. The door opened, and Hongjoong was gone. Until now, Seonghwa didn’t understand that the car had stopped. He was still holding the man’s phone, but it seemed that the alpha didn’t care about that.

“Seonghwa… you good?”  San quietly asked.

“I am sorry… I am so sorry, San…”  Seonghwa only now let himself tear up, once Hongjoong was gone.

“You accidentally met with Yunho and had a talk with a friend. There is nothing wrong about it. I know he is madly in love with Mingi. But these things happen when you are famous, and the park isn’t a safe place. For the next time.”  San spoke, turning in his seat so he could see Seonghwa better.  “Hongjoong overreacted, but he is so worried about Yunho and how this might reflect on him… the last thing he needs now is a love drama scandal. Joongie feels responsible for him and for you as well. Still, he shouldn’t have shouted at you.”  San shook his head.  “If I didn’t know Hongjoong any better, I would say he sounded almost as if he was jealous.”

Responsible for Seonghwa?? Jealous??  That was ridiculous. But why… just why he couldn’t explain this nicely, just like San did?

“Is… there anything I c-can do…?”  Seonghwa still sobbed a bit, but the faint Hongjoong’s smell, still lingering in the car, made it easier to calm down. If only this fire and rain would always be this calming.

“Stay away from this, they will figure it out… that’s it. It’s a good thing that you are not famous, honestly. We were lucky.”  San smiled and tried to encourage Seonghwa.  “Now give me back Joongie’s phone and go to see Jongho before work. He will help you.”

“Right…”  Seonghwa gave it back, not completely sure what San had in mind, but couldn’t bother to ask.

San explained how to get to Jongho’s office once they reached the right floor and stayed inside the elevator to go up. It wasn’t hard to find the door - all caps on it in a strict font announced whose office it was. Seonghwa knocked before entering.

“Good… morning, Jongho-shi.”  He was somehow afraid of another wave of anger, especially since, as Seonghwa understood, Jongho was responsible for deleting that article from all media.

“Good morning, Seonghwa.”  He answered in a neutral tone, and Seonghwa immediately relaxed.  “Come in.”

Maybe that was what San had in mind. Jongho didn’t seem like the type to shout or show emotions. 

“You have the calendar?”  He raised dark eyes at Seonghwa, and he nodded.

“Perfect. I was just working on your schedule. If you wait for a couple of minutes, I think I can finish it and give it to you if you want to have a printed version.”  Jongho nodded when Seonghwa handed him the envelope.  “Sit down.”

“Oh, thank you…”  Seonghwa sat on the chair in front of Jongho’s desk. He had a mountain of papers around him, and some on the floor. Even the shelf behind him was full of files.

“Tea?”

“So-rry?”  Seonghwa pointed his eyes at the alpha.

“Do you want tea or something?”  he asked, not moving his eyes away from the screen.

Was it so obvious, that Seonghwa almost had a panic attack just ten minutes ago? 

“Thank you, I am fine.” 

Seonghwa didn’t think he could take anything into his mouth. He was still feeling a little bit sick. While Jongho was busy in silence, Seonghwa took out his phone and found messages from Wooyoung. Apparently, he saw the article as well. He sent around ten voice messages, probably full of worries, and then only a few minutes ago texted: 

FROM: WOO

[THURSDAY 8:51 AM]

Message:

I can’t find the article anywhere now. I think it was deleted.

Seonghwa glanced at Jongho, but it didn’t seem like he was interested in what Seonghwa was doing on that chair. Seonghwa felt free to reply to Wooyoung before his friend lost his mind.

TO: WOO

[THURSDAY 8:59 AM]

Message:

Don’t worry, Jongho did something, and everything was deleted. I am fine. I will tell you what happened at home.

Seonghwa wasn’t afraid to use Jongho’s name, because at this point Wooyoung knew all of Seonghwa’s co-workers from their previous conversations. Seonghwa stared at the app, waiting for Wooyoung’s reply, and as soon as the time in the corner of his screen switched to nine, his phone started ringing.

“Yeosang… good morning.”  Seonghwa saved the number last night, so he answered without hesitation.

“It’s already nine, why are you not here?”  He asked in a tired voice.

“I am… technically. I am in Jongho-shi’s office. He asked me to wait for the schedule… but if you need me, I will be right up.”

“Oh. No, never mind. Or… could you give the phone to Jongho for a moment?”  he asked almost quietly.

“Sure. Jongho-shi, Yeosang wants to speak to you.”

“Just put him on speaker, I want to finish this fast.”  Different from Yeosang, his tone didn’t change much.  “What is it?”  He asked, as soon as Seonghwa pressed the button.

“Ummm… Hi.”  Yeosang’s voice was somehow tense, and again Seonghwa felt weird vibes.  “I tried to reach you yesterday and ask to change—”

“The number for redirecting Hongjoong’s calls.”  He finished before Yeosang did.  “You sent me an email after my working hours. I have no interest in doing things when I am not getting paid for them. And today from an early morning, I was working on the article. I will finish Seonghwa’s schedule and change the number.”  Jongho said it as if reading a boring speech.  “Anything else?”

“No.”  Yeosang hung up.

Seonghwa felt so awkward. It was only a work call, but somehow sounded too personal. Why… just why all the drama was around him these days?? Seonghwa didn’t ask for it.

“Is Yeosang alright?”  The question slipped through Seonghwa’s lips.

“I don’t know, he keeps acting weird recently. But I can’t be bothered with it.”  Jongho shook his head.  “Here…”  He turned to take a paper from the printer on his left.  “That’s for three months. If any changes are needed, contact me.” 

“Alright. Thank you, Jongho-shi.”  Seonghwa somehow pulled a smile.  “And… umm… thank you for dealing with the article.”

“It was a pain in the ass. Information in the media travels too fast. I couldn’t do anything about all the screenshots across the socials… so it’s not the end. But at least it won’t get worse. As we speak, the Media Department is preparing a new article to deny the rumors.”  Seonghwa wanted to ask why Jongho had to deal with it in the first place, and not the Media Department but didn’t dare.

Jongho was putting another copy of the same paper in a file. And since the alpha was so calm about this situation, Seonghwa risked asking something else.

“Why did you hire me, Jongho-shi?”

“Do you want a resignation form?”  He raised an eyebrow.

“No! No… I mean… the only place I graduated from was High School in the countryside, and that was like six years ago… In short, I don’t have anything that this company needs.”  Seonghwa frowned. Without a university degree, in Seoul it was impossible to get a decent job, everyone knew that.

“You are right, you don’t.”  Jongho was so straightforward, he didn’t try to deny it.  “You have nothing to offer to this place. And that was the first time I received such a pathetic-looking CV.”

“So… am I an experiment then or your way to show that I am no good?”

“Neither.”

Jongho turned his eyes to the computer again, and Seonghwa realized that the conversation was over. It didn’t get him any answers, just made him feel more confused.

Seonghwa opened the glass door that separated Hongjoong’s office from the rest of the floor and was met by five pairs of eyes. He instantly froze, pressing his schedule against his chest.

“Seonghwa Hyung!!”  Yunho came forward right away.  “I am so sorry, you warned me, and still… I just wanted to sit down with you for five minutes in peace… see how it ended.”  He took Seonghwa’s shoulders, almost pulling him into a hug, but the omega was so glad he didn’t, because Hongjoong was staring.

“And on top of that, you were wearing that darn sweater. Don’t you ever change…?”  Mingi sounded like he was in pain, although Seonghwa wasn’t sure how he was able to recognize the sweater from that angle. Plus, was that the issue he had??  “God… if I could lay a finger on that thing you call wardrobe.”  Mingi poured more salt when he saw what Seonghwa was wearing today.

“Yunho… please, it’s not your fault.”  Seonghwa decided not to react to Mingi. He didn’t care how many times the beta would make fun of his clothes, Seonghwa had no intention or money to change something about it.

“Hyung?”  Yeosang behind his desk was surprised about the sudden change in honorifics.

“Seonghwa Hyung is twenty-six!”

“Almost the same age as Joongie?? Well, that’s something I wasn’t expecting.”  Mingi dropped sarcastically. San also stared in disbelief. Meanwhile, Hongjoong was already on his way back to his chair behind the desk.

“My office is not a meeting room. Everyone, except my assistants, get out.”  He waved for them to leave. Hongjoong scent was back to the soothing and comforting one. Seonghwa wasn’t afraid anymore.

Seonghwa could swear he saw Yunho making a funny face at Hongjoong, and Mingi giggled before leaving after him. Seonghwa could only hope that Yunho and Mingi made up after yesterday. San was about to leave as well, but Seonghwa stopped him.

“Ummm… are you free… next Friday in the evening?”  Seonghwa already checked his schedule and, thankfully, all of his weekends were off.

“Hard to tell, depends if Hongjoong needs me. Why?”  San wondered.

“Wooyoung is working on one project that he has to present next Friday. I am sure he will drag me to a pub or something after it. If you want to join, I don’t think he would mind.”  Seonghwa was sure Wooyoung would literally scream if San joined. Seonghwa decided he wouldn’t participate in their weird attempts to exchange numbers, but if they felt like knowing each other better, that would be a good chance. “You can ask for the number yourself then.”

San instantly smiled, his eyes glowing, but then the office phone rang, and Seonghwa rushed to answer before he gave Hongjoong another reason to get angry.

Seonghwa soon learned that answering phone calls was the easiest part of his job. It was still hard, sometimes he didn’t understand what the hell they wanted from him, and Yeosang was running here and there, trying to complete too many tasks at the same time so Seonghwa couldn’t ask him. But after like fifteen calls, he was a little bit more confident.

“Let’s go.”  Seonghwa heard Yeosang saying when he hung up after the talk with some weird lady from a very suspicious-sounding magazine.

“Where..?” 

“Lunchtime. Or do you think we survive on air? Take your phone with you just in case it rings.”  He waved to follow. Seonghwa now noticed that Hongjoong was gone as well. Seonghwa was so busy with calls and filtring the information, that he didn’t know when it happened since this office was always full of Hongjoong's scent.

Seonghwa was still feeling sick, but he assured himself it was because of the morning. Despite that, he was excited to get off the chair before his ass got stuck to it. They went down to the second floor, which was a cafeteria.

“Everything is free, take what you want,”  Yeosang said as if reading from Seonghwa’s face how broke he was.

“I am not very hungry… maybe only something to drink.”  Seonghwa appreciated that from now on, he didn’t have to worry about food, at least at work. Which reminded him that Wooyoung wouldn’t let him starve either.

“Suit yourself,”  Yeosang answered.  “Oh… Taeyong Hyung is here. I will go say hi, you have thirty minutes, by the way.”  He waved and then left to join his friend or whoever that was.

Seonghwa grabbed a bottle of water and went to search for a free place to sit. He ended up melting in a bean bag. Seonghwa closed his eyes for a few moments, trying to reflect on everything that happened yesterday and today, but it was just too much.

His phone started ringing, and Seonghwa without much thinking placed it against his ear.

“Kim Hongjoong’s office. Park Seonghwa speaking.”

“If it was my office you would be at your desk. But you are not.”  Hongjoong spoke, skipping the greetings.

“Hongjoong-shi!”  Seonghwa sat straight as if the alpha could see through the phone.  “I… I am on my lunch break.”

“Which part of ‘I need you in the office now’ is not clear?”

“Ye-s…”

After Hongjoong hung up, Seonghwa rolled off the bean bag as fast as he could and rushed towards the elevator. Even that seemed to work slower than always. He almost ran towards the office, when he saw Hongjoong through the glass door.

“I am… here.”  He panted hard, entering.

“I don’t want you and Yeosang going on lunch at the same time.”  Hongjoong sighed.  “I need one of you available. Always.”

“Sorry… but you weren’t in the office, so I thought it was alright…”  Seonghwa quickly bowed, although it was Yeosang who told him it was okay to have lunch now. 

“Stop with excuses.”  Hongjoong came closer to him. Honestly, he was so near that Seonghwa could have easily touched him and pretended it was an accident. Also, the omega could swear that Hongjoong was shorter than him, but today they were almost the same height.  “I see scent blockers worked,”  for the first time, Hongjoong’s voice was something closer to friendly.  “Now we can work with that.” 

Why did it hurt a bit to hear it?

“Is there anything I can do for you?”

Seonghwa didn’t want to believe that the scent blockers were the reason why Hongjoong called him from lunch break. Also, was Hongjoong drowning in anger so much he didn’t notice the absence of Seonghwa’s scent in the morning?

“This.”  He gave a list to Seonghwa.  “I need all of this by three. San will take you.” 

Seonghwa glanced at the list of complicated brand and material names he didn’t know. 

“But it's already two.”

“You better run then.”  He smiled with a quick shrug and then went back to his desk.

Seonghwa wished he could have stayed for the rest of the day answering calls only, but now he had to do that plus go to various places, gathering things for Hongjoong. Which included not only clothes or materials but also documents or design sketches. Not to mention that more than several places didn’t want to let him in because of his appearance, so Seonghwa had to call San. His phone rang a few times in the middle of him trying to explain what he wanted, and Seonghwa had no other choice but to pick up.

Seonghwa could barely feel his feet when he sat in the car after he, finally, returned from the last place, carrying a folder.

“Hongjoong will kill me… it’s almost six… he said he needs those things by three.”  Seonghwa whined, at the same time, surprised how Hongjoong still hadn’t called him about it.

“That little devil…”  Sang sighed.  “By three tomorrow… not today. And here I was so surprised why you wanted to complete this list right now.”

“Are you for real??”  Seonghwa couldn’t tell if he wanted to jump from happiness or cry now. 

“How about I just drop you at the nearest metro station and just take these things to the office?”  San suggested, clearly feeling sorry for Seonghwa.

“What if Hongjoong still needs me?”  Going home sounded heavenly, but Seonghwa was already traumatized by those few times he wasn’t there when he was needed.

“Joongie has a designer event to attend in an hour with Yeosang, Mingi, and Yunho. It will last for the rest of the night,”  San assured Seonghwa and the omega sighed in relief.  “And I am sure you can answer calls at home as well.”

“True.”  Technically Seonghwa’s working hours ended at five, but he was sure it didn’t matter.

San let Seonghwa go to the station and then drew off. Seonghwa was so happy he took Wooyoung’s metro card. Until now, he didn’t have many opportunities to use the metro, so it took Seonghwa a little bit of time to figure out the map. He was proud of himself when the voice in the speaker announced the stop he had to get off.

Seonghwa walked out of the station and answered one more call. When he hung up, he noticed a crowd and a few vans near Wooyoung’s apartment building. Seonghwa wondered if there was any event happening around this place, but he couldn’t see any action going on. As if the people were standing there waiting for someone. It only became weirder when one of them glanced at Seonghwa and then whispered something to the other.

Soon everyone’s attention was on him.

“How long is your affair with Jeong Yunho-nim going?”  Someone asked him from behind.

“W-what…?”  Seonghwa froze in place.

“Do you think Yunho-nim is the type that doesn’t care about appearance? What does he care about then?”  Another person asked him from the opposite direction.

Seonghwa became dizzy as soon as he realized the situation he was in and who these people were. However, no one took his silence for an answer. Soon questions started pouring on him one after another, as people surrounded Seonghwa in a circle.

“How dare you date Yunho oppa?? He doesn’t belong to you!!!”  Someone shouted, and the crowd went crazier.

How long have you been dating? Is it serious? Is he waiting for you in this building? What do you have to say to Yunho fans? Will you apologize?? Are you a dominant Omega? Did you seduce him? With your pheromones? Definitely not with appearance!

Seonghwa could do nothing but try to get out of here. But the harder he tried, the more impossible it became until Seonghwa got pressured from every corner, and his legs twisted, making him fall on the pavement. No words could leave his mouth from shock and embarrassment. Through the loud noises, questions, and hate screams, the only thing Seonghwa could remember was Jongho saying:  “It’s not the end.”

Chapter Text

“Hey, hey you! All of you, get away from that poor boy!” 

Seonghwa tried so hard to collect himself and get up. No one in the entire crowd came to help him. Except for the husky voice that appeared from behind. Seonghwa flinched at the touch, but it was just an elderly beta in his late sixties. 

“Come on.”  He encouraged Seonghwa to hurry up and get back on his feet. 

The man didn’t let go of Seonghwa’s sweater as he led him further, making his way through reporters. They didn’t stop shooting questions and remarks toward the omega, but all Seonghwa could hear was tingling in his ears.

“I dare them to come inside. I will call the police on you!”  The elder man threatened the reporters, leading Seonghwa inside a local Korean tea shop and slamming the door in front of their faces. 

“Dear, are you alright? Sit down, here…”  There was a woman too. Probably the man’s wife. She seated Seonghwa on a low chair.  “We saw how they attacked you… and couldn’t just look and do nothing. I can’t believe no one came out to help you!”  She shook her hair, carefully examining Seonghwa. 

“These days they will start recording for that internet of theirs rather than help people first! This society is degrading!”  The man angrily stared at the people behind the window.

He lowered the curtains, separating them from reporters and their aggressive camera clicking. The door had silenced their shouting, and Seonghwa, for the first time since he was ‘attacked’, dared to breathe.

He lifted his eyes at the elderly beta couple, missing words to express just how grateful he was. Instead, only sobbing came from the back of his throat.

“T-thank… Thank you. Thank you…”  He finally stuttered, his body still shivering from insecurity. Seonghwa gaped at his scratched palms. He must have hurt himself when he fell. They were bleeding a little. But nothing too serious.

“Are you famous or something? Why would they do this to you?”  The man wondered.

Seonghwa shook his head. He didn’t know how to explain this to people who likely knew even less about the fashion world’s dramas than Seonghwa did.

“Leave the boy in peace. Don’t you see he is stressed?”  The lady scolded her husband, while patting Seonghwa’s shoulder, then disappeared at the back of the tea shop, entering another room.

“Is there anyone you can call? I don’t know how long they will stay here.”  The elder turned on the light inside so they could see a little bit better. Seonghwa quickly pulled his sweater’s sleeves down to hide his hurt palms. 

Who could he call? Wooyoung came first into his mind since Seonghwa didn’t have anyone closer than him. But with Wooyoung’s character, he would throw himself at reporters before thinking about the consequences. The last thing Seonghwa wanted was for the police to misunderstand the situation. Wooyoung didn’t need to become a part of this. 

“I will… try to call my co-worker…”  Seonghwa murmured, taking out his phone. 

Because of this fuss, he had missed a call from an unknown number. Seonghwa stared at his screen, praying to hell knows who that it wouldn’t have reached Hongjoong. Hopefully, the alpha was too busy in the event to care about calls.

At first, he wanted to call Jungho, since he was the one who had to deal with this in the morning. Seonghwa hoped Jongho could advise on how to escape the situation. But then remembered the alpha’s words that he wasn’t interested in these matters after his working hours. Yeosang was next in line. He pressed the call button and waited. Waited as long as he could, but the beeping on the other side didn’t stop. Then the wait time ended, and Seonghwa’s hand trembled when he got redirected to voice message.

“No one is picking up?”  The lady returned with a petty expression and a mug.  “I made you this tea… it will help relax.”  She gently said, placing a warm mug into Seonghwa’s hands. 

He heard the couple discussing helping him to get out through the back door. But even then, where would Seonghwa go? Back to his apartment? But what if they followed them there as well? Seonghwa dozed off, staring at his broken image reflected in the tea. 

He had one more number. But there was less than zero chance that Seonghwa would get an answer. Yet the omega was too desperate to think of something else. The beta couple stopped their talk when they saw Seonghwa putting his phone against his ear again. The omega closed his eyes and gripped the mug harder between his fingers. Waiting.

“Seonghwa.”

That was the first word Hongjoong said as he picked up. His name. Not omega, not baby, not an assistant. It was Seonghwa’s name that came from his lips, and the omega instantly shattered. He sobbed from the crushing warmth that only this one word gave. Oh, how much he hated that.

“Are you drunk or something?”  Hongjoong exhaled annoyed, when Seonghwa's voice kept crashing without making any sounds made sense. Scared to the core of Hongjoong hanging up, the omega held onto the mug for his dear life to help him concentrate.

“The… the rep-orters… they are… next to my house… everywhere. I don’t…. I don’t k-now what to do.”  He babbled, hoping that, at least, some of these words had reached the alpha.  “I… I hid in the tea… shop… but… I don’t know… I don’t know what to do.”

He almost expected Hongjoong to let out another annoyed sound and end the call, leaving Seonghwa to deal with it himself. 

“I will send San to get you. Stay where you are, understand?”  He answered calmly, but it still sounded off. Maybe because Seonghwa wasn’t used to him talking that way.  “Seonghwa, answer me.”

“Y…yes. Yes, I understand.”  He pushed the words out through pain and anxiety. He was so afraid that Hongjoong’s voice would disappear. So afraid that this call was happening only in his head.

What else was he expecting him to say? Some calming words? Apology? Promise? Not a chance. Hongjoong was gone, and Seonghwa again drowned in silence, but this time it was burning. 

Only out of politeness, Seonghwa tried the tea but had barely made himself swallow without gagging. It wasn't the tea's fault. Only the circumstances. The older couple tried to hold a conversation to calm him down, but there was this annoying voice at the back of Seonghwa's head telling him that no one would come.

After around twenty minutes, his phone vibrated. He didn’t have the number saved, but Seonghwa’s instincts told him to pick up. San spoke before Seonghwa did.

“Where is that tea shop? These idiots are blocking the view.”

“Just next to the souvenir shop… with the red roof,”  Seonghwa answered, his voice almost normal. 

“Yeah, I see it. I will be right there.”  the alpha hummed and hung up. 

After a few moments, they heard a knock, and the elder man rushed to open the door. Seonghwa got to peek at what was happening outside. There seemed to be fewer reporters than before, but still enough to make his legs stiff.

“Hello, thank you for taking care of Seonghwa.”  San greeted the beta couple, while Seonghwa somehow stood up and went towards the alpha.

“You should take better care of your omega!”  the man scolded San with the same angry stare he gave to reporters.

Seonghwa almost choked from the gasp that came out of his mouth. He coughed, shaking his head fast in disagreement.

“He is no–”

“I will. I am sorry.”  San answered with a little bow. Seonghwa’s face flamed in different shades of red, almost like San’s hair. He could see that San was barely holding himself back from laughing.  Not funny.

The elder man rolled his eyes, letting out a deep sigh as if this generation had to disappoint him completely. He was still mumbling something about the brainwashing in the media when Seonghwa deeply bowed, thanking him again, and then San dragged him out.

Was it San’s height, muscles, the unbreakable presence, or dark expression - maybe everything together - no one dared to approach them when the alpha led Seonghwa through the reporters toward the parking lot. San opened the door for the omega, then after shooting another death glare toward the crowd went to his seat, and they drew off. 

San lowered the radio's volume and didn’t say a word until they were on the main street. Seonghwa leaned back in the passenger's seat. 

“This shouldn’t have happened. I am so sorry, Seonghwa…”  San exhaled.  “Joongie guessed that the reporter who took the picture yesterday followed you back home. And since the article was deleted today, they needed new material to continue the gossip.”  San didn’t take his eyes off the road, but just from his voice, Seonghwa knew how pissed the man was.

“This is so cruel…”  Seonghwa shivered from the thought of some creep secretly following him yesterday.  “I don’t… I don’t know how Yunho and others can live with this every day.”

“This industry is not for everyone.”  San agreed with a hint of sadness in his voice.  “I have seen pretty insane things happen to Joongie and some other models…”

Seonghwa didn’t question. He didn’t want to know, not now. But he got the answer as to why it was so hard to keep the job here. Only in the past twenty-four hours, his patience and mental health had been challenged way too many times.

“How long… have you been working for him?”  Seonghwa tried to change the topic.

“Ugh… we have known each other since High School days… Me, Joongie, Mingi-yah, and Sangie.”  San paused as if trying to remember more.  “Joongie went to study fashion and released his first collection already in his freshman year. After success, he decided to take this further. I and Mingi-yah were still in school, but honestly, I wasn’t interested in further studying, nor did my parents had money for that. Yeosang’s parents wanted him to become a doctor after his graduation, but he hated that thought. The same year, just before the new year, when we went out together, Hongjoong told us he was seriously thinking about starting his Fashion and Modeling Entertainment.”  San scoffed, probably remembering how funny this idea sounded to a group of teenagers.  “He invited us to become a part of it… fast forward all ups and downs, and here we are, almost six years later.”

“Oh… woah, San…”  Seonghwa was touched by the deep connection they all shared.  “And you… wanted to be his bodyguard?”

“Oh yeah, I basically had assigned myself to this role.”  San shrugged.  “I told them right away, that I am not going to be a part of their wardrobe, but I can make sure no one disturbs them while they do it.”

Seonghwa nervously giggled. So San also wasn’t interested in modeling or fashion. But he wanted to admit it or not, the industry had devoured San through the years - he was a gorgeous and stylish young man. Seonghwa started to believe that not only outside but inside as well.

“How about Jongho-shi?”  Seonghwa wondered. He was a little bit interested. Mostly, because of Yeosang.

“Hmmm… I think he joined us last year. Jongho started here as an intern, but Hongjoong refused to let him go after. Jongho was funny though… When Joongie asked him to start working at the KHJ full-time, he only sent a message with a number for the monthly salary he wanted.”  San laughed, and Seonghwa joined. It wasn’t hard to imagine. Seonghwa guessed Jongho got what he wanted.

“I am glad you are feeling better…”  the alpha smiled after.  “Once you come back, I promise you, there won’t be any assholes.”

“Thank you, San… for coming. You were probably busy…”  Seonghwa sighed in relief. He didn’t know what methods they would use to make the reporters leave, but he agreed to everything.

“Very busy, sitting in my car and listening to music. I was waiting for Hongjoong's signal.”  He assured Seonghwa. When the omega raised his eyebrow questioning, San chuckled.  “Joongie is a terrible introvert. Whenever there is an event or a party like today, just before getting in, he tells me to call him a maximum of two hours into it and pretend something urgent has come up. We have been doing this for years now.”  San laughed with a cute snort.  “Just don’t tell him that I told you.”

Seonghwa covered his lips and pretended he was looking through the window when actually he couldn’t hide an honest smile. Just how cute was that? Although it was hard to picture Hongjoong, acting that way. That was why Seonghwa appreciated moments when San shared these little things. The omega's heart weirdly fluttered - at least that way he got to know more about Hongjoong.

For some reason, Seonghwa thought they were headed to the office since it was the only common space he and San knew. But he was dumbfounded when the view behind the window revealed that he had no clue where they were going.

“San… where are we?”

“Hongjoong wanted to see you and make sure you are alright,”  San explained, glancing at Seonghwa, while the omega stared at him with wide eyes.  “Sorry, I should have told you right away.”

“W-we are going to that party??”  Seonghwa squealed when anxiety suddenly spread through him again. That was a fashion event, so reporters must be standing in every possible corner.  “I am alright, San… just call him and tell him that I am fine!”  Seonghwa begged him. He wasn’t even sure why Hongjoong would be worried for him.

“Calm down, Seonghwa, we are almost here. You won’t meet anyone else, I promise.”  San’s voice was full of regret for scaring the omega, but he didn’t do anything to change that. More than that, he was already parking. When the car stopped, but Seonghwa was still frozen in the seat, San sighed.  “Do you want me to call Joongie here?”

“N-no!”  Seonghwa shouted louder than he wanted.

He was even afraid to imagine Hongjoong’s reaction to that kind of request. He would only need to go in, wave, and leave right? Only that? That’s alright. He could do it. Seonghwa didn’t say anything else to San but hoped his eyes told him enough.

It was a modern square building with a little bit of traditional input. Like an event hall or maybe a restaurant too. They were behind it since the music, noise, and applause were coming from the other side. And just as San promised, no one was here. Seonghwa felt his painfully tense shoulders relax a bit. The alpha opened the metal door with the sign ‘staff only’ for Seonghwa, and they entered a narrow hallway. Soon, the alpha pointed at another door, and Seonghwa found himself looking around a spacious dressing room.

“I will call Joongie, alright? No one will come here.”  San left after Seonghwa nodded. 

He carefully walked further inside. It was stuffed with clothes on metal hangers. Seonghwa caught his reflection in a giant mirror at the end of the room. The omega never cared much about his appearance, but somehow, seeing himself now in these worn-out jeans and sweater felt so weird. He came closer, pushing his long hair off his eyes. Mom used to say that Seonghwa's name came to her after she saw the reflection of stars in his wide dark eyes, but all Seonghwa could see now was void.

When the door opened again, Seonghwa was just in time to jump away from the mirror.

Hongjoong entered with himself bringing in the rain after the driest day and the warmest bonfire that healed hearts. Seonghwa somehow managed to hold back a loud exhale that wanted to escape his lips. If not for that infinite emotionless gap between them, Seonghwa would have thrown himself at the alpha, hiding his face into the man’s neck, until there would be nothing else left in the world, just his favorite scent. 

But that would never happen. 

Hongjoong pinned Seonghwa to the ground with his gaze and then turned to San, mumbling something to him. The bodyguard left after a quick nod.

“You good?”  Hongjoong asked, walking towards the black couch against the wall. His outfit was stunning. Seonghwa never imagined that so many colors could blend so well.

“Yes, I am perfectly fine, Hongjoong-shi. Thank you.”  Seonghwa’s voice sounded like he was reading it from pre-made cards. 

Hongjoong’s blank stare didn’t seem convincing, and Seonghwa instantly gave up on trying. He squirmed, letting his eyes down.

“They surprised me…”  Seonghwa added a little bit more honesty. Although ‘surprise’ barely covered the fear he felt back there, he didn't want the alpha to know.

“I am sure they did. Come here.”  Seonghwa heard Hongjoong, answering and acted before thinking. 

He came closer to the alpha, but once he raised his eyes back at the man, Seonghwa noticed that Hongjoong's full attention was given to his phone. Like always. Those few moments he got to see Hongjoong's eyes were like a reward for what he had to go through today, or what? Seonghwa inhaled sharply. Why was he asked to come here if Hongjoong did want to talk to him about what happened?

“Sit down.”  Hongjoong quietly ordered.

“No.”

Seonghwa frowned. They were not at work, and Hongjoong had no right to place him wherever he pleased. the alpha’s strict eyes shot up at Seonghwa, and the omega couldn’t help but feel pressure inside his stomach.

That moment the door opened, and San returned carrying a plate full of snacks Seonghwa couldn’t name. San must have felt some weird tension because he slowed down his steps. Seonghwa turned his eyes away from Hongjoong first, so proud of himself. Only his lower lip trembled a little bit. 

No alpha had a right to order him around like this.

“Got you something to eat. Wasn’t sure what you like though.”  San placed a plate on the table in front of the couch. 

His words were addressed to Seonghwa. The omega wanted to decline politely, but his stomach loudly protested. Seonghwa tried so hard to cover that with a cough, but he still noticed San's chest vibrating as he tried not to laugh. Seonghwa didn’t dare to see Hongjoong’s reaction. He couldn’t explain why suddenly his stomach decided to work at the worst possible timing. He wasn’t feeling nauseous anymore… he was actually hungry.

“I guess… a little bit. Thank you, San.”  Seonghwa weakly smiled for him, although he was pretty sure Hongjoong was the one who sent San for that plate. 

Seonghwa went for a rice ball snack that appeared the least suspicious. Although he almost dropped it when a low groan startled him. It was short but still rose goosebumps on Seonghwa’s skin. Seonghwa and San exchanged looks before pointing their eyes at Hongjoong - the sound came from him. Was he angry? Wasn’t Seonghwa allowed to eat that?

The alpha in question was staring at Seonghwa’s hand holding the snack. It took a moment for the omega to realize that the scratches on his palm were showing. Seonghwa quickly pushed the rice ball into his mouth and hid his hand behind his back. Hongjoong leaned a little bit in.

“Were you hu—”

“Hyung!! Were you hurt??”  Yunho stormed in through the open door. Seonghwa was so glad he was just in time to swallow the food otherwise, he would have choked. With his dashing appearance, Yunho looked like he had escaped a photo shoot. 

Mingi and Yeosang followed just after him. Seonghwa was sometimes confused about Mingi because, despite being a designer, he dressed like a model. Maybe it was normal for someone who ran their own brand. Yeosang behind Mingi’s broad shoulders was almost invisible. Seonghwa only saw his head popping from the beta’s side. 

“I am sorry I didn’t pick up.”  Yeosang  showed himself.  “The music was so loud, I didn’t hear it…” 

It wasn’t just empty words coming from him. Seonghwa knew Yeosang truly felt guilty.

“I am fine. Really. It is so messed up though…”  Seonghwa sighed.

“It is.”  Yunho agreed, dropping himself on the couch. Hongjoong gave him an I-didn’t-invite-you-here look, and scooched a little bit to the side, but Yunho didn’t seem bothered by it.  “We should sue them. They didn’t have any rights to take pictures of Hyung or disturb him.”

“Technically they did…”  Mingi shrugged.  “We are a part of the same Entertainment. He agreed to that by signing a contract with the company.” 

The beta shoved his hands into the pockets of his baggy jeans and paused next to San. Seonghwa only now noticed that Mingi was a little bit taller than San.

“So we do nothing? Seonghwa Hyung has nothing to do with this. They can harass me all they want. I am not afraid.”  Yunho’s eyes searched for help around the room, ignoring Mingi’s hissing. Seonghwa could bet that Mingi was tired of dealing with reporters around Yunho already.

“So…”  Yeosang took out his phone, walking closer to the couch. When he passed through Seonghwa, he noticed that Yeosang’s back was completely open. What is this design? Seonghwa felt an urge to drop a jacket on Yeosang.  “The Media department released that article, denying all the gossip, and introduced Seonghwa as the newest employee of the company. Soon after that, other types of articles appeared on several websites. And… I quote…”  Yeosang darted his eyes at the screen.  “...Park Seonghwa, a new addition to the company’s male omega list. Is the infamous alpha, the CEO of global Entertainment Kim Hongjoong expanding his collection again?”

Seonghwa stepped back from this sentence alone. He covered his mouth, eyes running from one person to another around him. Mingi and San crossed their arms on the chest as one. Yunho rolled his eyes back so hard that only whites were left.

“Collection…”  Hongjoong scoffed uninterested.  “Nice wordplay… good, it seems from now this whole thing will focus on me, so they should leave the two of you in peace.”  For the first time since everyone came, the alpha placed his phone to the side. 

“Jongho-yah will take down that. Also, I already sent my men to deal with the reporters, the civil guards are alerted as well. They will patrol around Seonghwa’s home, making sure no one disturbs him until everything calms down,”  San assured, giving Seonghwa a little wink.  “As for Yunho-yah…”

“I can stay at Mingi’s place!”  He enthusiastically volunteered with a little jump.

“No.”  Mingi cut him, and the room instantly went quiet. A very loud silence.  “Come on Joong, we have a speech to give.”

Mingi took the plate from the table and handed it to Seonghwa, opening and closing his mouth a few times, imitating eating, then left. Hongjoong followed Mingi like he would be feeling physical pain.

“Take the omega home.”  He dropped to San already with his back facing everyone.

There it was. Hongjoong’s limit of calling Seonghwa by his name had ended. Seonghwa bit his lower lip, staring at the plate in his hand. The rice ball was nice, but he didn’t want to eat anything else from it.

“Can you take me back to the hotel?”  Yunho asked quietly, but before San even answered, Yeosang grabbed Yunho’s hand and made him stand up. Who could have known that his little grip held that kind of power?

“You going to stay here and suffer until the end with me.”  from Yeosang’s lips, it sounded like a threat, but it made Yunho let out a little chuckle. Yet Seonghwa could see how sad he was. Because of what Mingi said? 

Seonghwa protested, but San still insisted on taking that plate with snacks. On their way back, the alpha made the music louder but still managed to hold a conversation, trying to scatter the tension. He was telling Seonghwa how he manages the company’s security system and that all the bodyguards at KHJ work under his watch. San was so much more than just a personal driver, Wooyoung would be so—

“Oh shit!”  Seonghwa suddenly snapped, probably interrupting San in the middle of the sentence.

“What is it??”  The alpha glanced at him in worry.

“I forgot to call Wooyoung! He is probably going insane.”  Seonghwa hurried to take out his phone, which was on silent mode since he called Hongjoong. To his relief, he hadn’t missed any calls from unknown numbers, but his phone was flooded with Wooyoung messages.

“Woo-yah, I am so sorry. I am on my way home now… I had a crazy day. I will tell you all about it, I promise. I will be back in like ten minutes.”  Seonghwa quickly recorded a voice message for the friend, scrolling through his messages. He was really worried. Apparently, Wooyoung saw San leading Seonghwa through the reporters to the car. 

Seonghwa waited for his answer since Wooyoung saw his message right away, but didn’t get one.

“Shit… he just left me on seen. He is angry.”  It was rare for Seonghwa to swear, but he felt so shitty for leaving his best friend in such a position.

“I think he is just worried…”  San tried to encourage Seonghwa, but he didn’t know that little demon.  “No…?”  San asked when Seonghwa didn’t answer.

“He  was  worried, now he is just angry.”  He corrected San.

Seonghwa knew reporters were gone by now, but he was still relieved to see his street empty. He took a note to visit the elderly couple from before and thank them properly for saving him.

“Truly, thank you for today…”  Seonghwa said again, getting out.  “I would invite you in, but… I think I need to solve things with my best friend first.”

“I might accidentally come to pick you up tomorrow.”  San joked.

“San…”  Seonghwa rolled his eyes and closed the door.

Seonghwa got to the right floor and unlocked the door with the passcode. It was unusually dark for this hour. At this time, Wooyoung would lay across the couch in the living room with snacks, Harry Potter movies in the background, and scrolling through TikToks.

Seonghwa stopped at Wooyoung’s bedroom door and knocked a few times.

“Woo-yah… are you there?”  He quietly asked.  “I know you are. I can see the light.”

“Then don’t look.”  He replied unusually harshly.

Seonghwa pressed his forehead against the door and exhaled deeply. Now that he was home and safe, only a step away from his best friend, he could feel the lump in his throat unwrapping and tears gathering in the corners of his eyes.

“I had… a really horrible day…”  Seonghwa stuttered.

“Go and rest then… I need to finish my homework.”  Wooyoung replied, but his voice was a little bit softer. 

Just a little bit more.

“I have snacks.”

The door opened just as Seonghwa leaned back. He showed the plate with the fancy snacks on it, and his friend raised an eyebrow. He looked so domestic and welcoming with the headband, wearing his usual sweatpants, that Seonghwa, for the first time in a while, almost dropped himself at Wooyoung first.

“Seongie… why tears again?”  Wooyoung immediately turned into mush, taking the plate away from Seonghwa and putting it on the pile of clothes on the floor.

“The day… the day was so long… so long…”  Seonghwa murmured, and a moment later, he was already in Wooyoung’s arms. Seonghwa instantly nuzzled closer, pressing his nose to Wooyoung’s scent gland. After a whole day, his suppressants started to wear off, and it smelled even sweeter than always, with a hint of caramel.

“I really hate that I can’t scent you…”  Wooyoung sighed, drawing circles on Seonghwa’s back with his palm.

They soon were on Wooyoung’s bed. Seonghwa was lying with one of Wooyoung’s plushies in his arms. He shed a few tears while retelling the events that happened today. Wooyoung was a good listener - he gasped, swore, and hummed in agreement or protest when needed. Mostly not interrupting because his mouth was too busy with snacks that Seonghwa brought.

“No matter how much I respect Hongjoong’s work, he is a dick.”  Wooyoung finally said when Seonghwa finished.  “Why does he keep calling you omega? You have a name! Maybe he deserves that article after all.” 

Seonghwa shook his head. Although Wooyoung was talking angrily, he had sauce stains around his mouth, and it was very hard to take him seriously.

“No one deserves that… it’s horrible. Like… those reporters have no shame, no conscience. I fell, and no one helped me to stand up…”  Seonghwa looked at his palms. Wooyoung patched them up, but it was still itching a little bit.

“But what’s his problem? For real? He keeps acting cold with you for no reason…”  Wooyoung didn’t give up.

“Well… he has known me for like three days.” 

“And now you are defending him!”  Wooyoung waved his hands in disbelief. 

“I am not!”  Seonghwa slapped a pillow into his blushing face. He wasn’t defending anyone, only trying to make a point. 

Justifying Hongjoong's attitude made him feel a little bit better, because otherwise… why? Why was he so angry at him?

“By the way…”  He suddenly changed the topic before a devil on his shoulder pulled him to confess the weird things Hongjoong made him feel.  “I invited San to come with us to a pub next Friday.”  He peeked through the pillow to see Wooyoung’s reaction. His friend was sitting frozen with his jaw dropped.  “N-noo?”  Seonghwa nervously asked.  “I thought you would be… happy?”

Wasn’t Wooyoung flirting with the alpha just this morning?

“Why… why next Friday?”  He whined.

“Because of your… project…?”  Seonghwa was so confused. He was sure he remembered Wooyoung's calendar right. After all, Seonghwa was the one making it on their shared Google Docs file. That’s how they used to plan their meetings.

“Oh… Oh nooo… Hwaaa. It totally slipped out of my mind to tell you! I already finished that project. My pre-heat starts in like four days! There is no way we are going to a pub next Friday. I will be here on my bed, dying… hopefully with you watching over me…”  He sobbed in distress. 

Seonghwa let out a long  Oooooh.  Already two months passed since his last heat? It felt like yesterday Wooyoung begged Seonghwa to stay with him on the call for almost the entire week. Seonghwa never told Wooyoung this, but that was how he lost his temporary job at the market. Surely, this time Seonghwa wouldn’t be able to do that. But he could ask Yeosang to let him go sooner and answer calls from home. Hopefully, as an omega, Yeosang would understand how hard it was to spend heat alone.

“Hey!”  Wooyoung made a little jump in excitement, and Seonghwa already knew he had some crazy idea.  “How about we go this Friday? I know, I know you still don’t have money, but it’s on me. And next time it can be on you!”

“This Friday? As in tomorrow??”  Seonghwa scoffed, shaking his head.

“Come on. Park Seonghwa, don’t lie to me, you need a drink after this week.”

He did. It had been a very very   very  long week. It took only one sigh, and Wooyoung jumped on Seonghwa, wrapping his arms around the friend’s neck. He pressed a long smooch on his cheek, rubbing some of the sauce on Seonghwa’s face.

“Do you think San can come this week?” 

Seonghwa could bet on his hand that if not for San, Wooyoung wouldn’t be so excited to go out just before his heat hits.

“Honestly, he didn’t promise me anything. He said he would have to see if Hongjoong had any plans. But I will talk to him tomorrow before work.”  Seonghwa promised, and Wooyoung just gave a tiny nod.  “San… looks like a very nice man.”  Seonghwa couldn’t believe these words were coming from his mouth about an alpha.

“I always choose the best ones.”  Wooyoung agreed, ignoring Seonghwa’s chuckles because he knew it wasn’t true. 

Wooyoung was a heartbreaker. All his relationships had ended before they even started. So if Seonghwa felt sorry for someone, it was San. Wooyoung wasn’t ready for a commitment. All this dating thing was a game for him. But that only made Seonghwa want to protect his friend harder. He was so scared that one day tables would flip. What if someone broke Wooyoung’s heart? Then what? How would Seonghwa handle that?

“What should I wear??”  Wooyoung energetically jumped off the bed, rushing into his giant wardrobe.  “Do you want to find something for yourself?”

Seonghwa lazily rolled on his stomach, watching Wooyoung making a mess around himself. He was the worst person to ask an opinion for. Really.

“No, thanks.”

“Seongie…”  He suddenly froze, turning at him like a predator that was about to catch its prey.

“Whatever you are thinking….”

“How about… I will give you a haircut?”

Thank God. Seonghwa was already scared Wooyoung would make him wear his clothes. Some of those were… just too much. Wooyoung was taking care of his own hair for ages. He told Seonghwa he couldn’t find anyone to intrust his hair, so he self-taught himself how to dye and cut it. It wasn’t the first time he had asked if Seonghwa wanted to get a cut from him, but the omega always refused. Yet when the reflection of his overgrown hair flashed in Seonghwa’s memory, something clenched his insides. He nodded, giving up. Also, he owed Wooyoung for making him worry today.

“Just don’t overdo it.”

When Wooyoung eyes sparkled like Christmas lights, Seonghwa sighed. He wouldn't listen.

Before going to sleep Seonghwa checked his schedule. Tomorrow he had to be at the office at nine again. And finally, it was Friday. It felt like several months had passed since Tuesday. 

Seonghwa woke up at half past seven, just to find the apartment empty. Wooyoung had mentioned something about going early to university in the morning since he needed to return some books before classes. Seonghwa took a shower, and suppressants, then applied scent blockers. He breathed out when that weird feeling of nausea hit his stomach again only after one yogurt. Could it be the scent blockers? The doctor did warn about the consequences of overdosing them but how could Seonghwa be so sensitive after only one day? He was probably still anxious about his new responsibilities, not to mention that since yesterday, he also unlocked a new fear of paparazzi and crazy fans.

Seonghwa was already putting his shoes on when his phone vibrated.

FROM: CHOI SAN (WORK)

[FRIDAY 8:15 AM]

Message:  Morning~ If you still haven’t left, I will pick you up. Just dropped Joong at the office.

Seonghwa would have refused since he was all ready to leave but then he thought that was a perfect chance to talk with San about today.

TO: CHOI SAN (WORK)

[FRIDAY 8:16 AM]

Message:  Good morning! Thank you, San! Wooyoung already has left tho.

San couldn’t fool anyone. That was the real reason why he wanted to come.

FROM: CHOI SAN (WORK)

[FRIDAY 8:18 AM]

Message:  I am on my way anyway!

Seonghwa decided to wait for him outside. The end of May this year was warm like never. Seonghwa had to give up on his favorite sweaters. Without much thinking, he put on one of the few long-sleeved shirts that he owned. The material was cheap and didn’t feel nice against his skin. Seonghwa didn't like wearing shirts like this one, but coming to work in a T-shirt wasn't a solution. 

San’s yellow Porsche drew just past him, completely ignoring Seonghwa’s presence. He parked at the same spot as always. Seonghwa frowned in confusion. Why didn’t he stop?

FROM: CHOI SAN (WORK)

[FRIDAY 8:39 AM]

Message:  I am here!

Well duh. Seonghwa rolled his eyes and walked towards San’s car. He opened the passenger’s door and crawled in.

“You ignored me…”  Seonghwa half-complained, half-joked, bucking himself up.

San didn’t answer. When Seonghwa turned his head at the alpha, he found San staring at him with the widest eyes he could possibly make. Oh no. Oh no. Wooyoung overdid it, right? Right?

Seonghwa begged him not to cut his hair short, so his weird facial features wouldn’t pop out, but Wooyoung said to trust the process. So Seonghwa did. He sobbed when Wooyoung took out the hair clipper and mercilessly shaved Seonghwa’s sides, only leaving his hair almost untouched on the top of his head. And what Seonghwa was supposed to do with it now? He had to borrow Wooyoung hair gel and combine them back. It had been years since he last saw his face and eyes so clearly, and it was weird. Very weird. Apparently not for Seonghwa alone.

“It’s Wooyoung… he begged me to let him give me a haircut.”  Seonghwa tried to shrink in his seat.  “I felt guilty for ignoring him so… I did…”

“I think I just fell for him…”  San cleared his throat and started the car. What?

The whole way to work San was weird, as if he wanted to tell something to Seonghwa but didn’t know how. The omega tried to ignore this sudden behavior change and used the opportunity to ask about today. San nodded after giving it a little thought.

“Text me the hour and the place, I might be late, but I will come when I can.”

“You are late ag–”  Yeosang raised his eyes at the door when Seonghwa came in and, at the same moment, almost dropped opened Coca-Cola can from his grip on his desk. 

No no no. Not again. Was Seonghwa allowed to wear hats at work? He might just borrow one from someone.

“Sorry, only two minutes though…”  Seonghwa quickly apologized, sitting at his desk and turning his laptop on.  “Do you want me to answer calls only again or….” 

Seonghwa raised his eyes when he felt that Yeosang was standing in front of his desk.

“Seonghwa…”  He stared holes at Seonghwa’s face.  “Not to sound like a creep but… you are…. Fucking gorgeous.” 

Oh. No? He wasn’t?

“You are the one to talk,”  He scoffed.  “ When I first saw you, I literally felt like talking to a prince from a Disney movie,”  Seonghwa could also play this game. 

“You don’t understand.”  Yeosang interrupted him, waving at Seonghwa’s attempt to joke.  “What an… actual fuck…”

The phone went off, and despite Seonghwa’s face suddenly heating up like crazy, he had to pick it up. Yeosang was still standing in front of his desk as if they weren't over. First San and now Yeosang? Why did they have to make fun of him in the early morning?

“Kim Hongjoong’s off—”

“Tell Yeosang to come to the studio now. Fifteenth floor.”  Hongjoong didn’t let him finish.

Good morning to you too.

“Yes, sir.”  Seonghwa purposely dropped that at him. As long as he would be “that omega” for Hongjoong, Seonghwa would call him sir.

“Boss wants you in the studio now,”  Seonghwa said.  “Fifteenth floor.”

“Uhm…”  Yeosang murmured.  “Our talk is not over, by the way.”  He dropped before rushing out.

Seonghwa hoped it was. 

Weirdly, his morning was very peaceful compared to the previous ones. He was answering calls, and only a few of them seemed important, so he took notes. Seonghwa managed to start a new document combining his and Hongjoong’s schedules so he could have both in one.

It was almost two but neither Yeosang nor Hongjoong came back. Actually, no one came in, and Seonghwa felt at peace. He started wondering if he could go for lunch break soon since his ass was stiff from sitting. Seonghwa tried to call Yeosang but he didn’t reply. 

The office phone rang when Seonghwa was about to text him.

“Kim Hongjoong’s offi—”

“Is Yeosang in the office?”  Hongjoong asked, annoyed.

Could Hongjoong stop interrupting him?? It was very disturbing.

“I last saw him in the morning,”  Seonghwa answered with a little frown.

“He went to the bathroom and didn’t come back. It was like an hour ago. And he isn’t picking up my calls.”  Hongjoong explained, still calmly, but Seonghwa could hear something else in his voice. Worry. That instantly turned on his protective instincts.

“I will find him.”  He promised.

Easier said than done. This was a skyscraper after all. Seonghwa started from the bathrooms on their floor and then checked the ones on the fifteenth. He was also a little worried about Yeosang's off-character disappearance, so ignored all the eyes that followed him running around like a mom who lost her child in a giant mall. 

What if he wasn’t in the bathroom? Who would sit there for an hour? What if he left somewhere? He could be anywhere in this building, and Seonghwa barely knew this confusing labyrinth.

“Hi, San…”  After randomly checking at least five floors, he decided to call someone who knew Yeosang better.  “Sorry to disturb you…”

“It’s fine, Seonghwa. Hold up for a second.”  San was talking with someone in the background but soon returned to the call.  “You good?”

“Yes… My question might sound weird, but does Yeosang have any place in this building that he likes? You know…”  Seonghwa didn’t know how to explain this. It might have been only an omega thing. But whenever they spent more time in one place, they always needed to find a safe place. Seonghwa was still new here, so he didn’t have a chance, but he was sure Yeosang had something like that.

“Ughh… when Hongjoong got to this place, at the beginning, we would go to the last floor. The rooftop has a terrace. Yeosang spent a ridiculous amount of time there just watching the city.”  San slowly answered and then made a pause as if remembering something.   “But wait, I think they haven’t opened the terrace yet. The wind is too strong still.” 

Worth a try anyway.

“Is everything okay?”

“Mmmhm.”  Seonghwa hummed, he didn’t want to worry San for no reason.  “Just wanted to check something.”

After they hung up, Seonghwa went to the elevator and pressed the last button in line. He was going up slowly because the elevator stopped on every second floor for someone to come in or go out.

“The terrace is still closed, I checked yesterday.”  Some young lady said to Seonghwa, before stepping out on the pre-last floor.

“Ah, I just wanted to check it out! I am new here, so…”  Seonghwa shrugged, and she smiled in response.

“Welcome to KHJ then.” 

She must have been one of the first people to greet him without any weird remarks or stares. 

When the door opened, and Seonghwa walked out, he instantly felt goosebumps. The glass doors to the terrace outside were locked just as the lady said, but Seonghwa could still see the beautiful panorama of Seoul. No wonder Yeosang loved this place. How would it feel having the whole world under your feet?

Seonghwa looked around the floor. There was a hallway and several doors, probably with meeting rooms. He checked but all of them were locked, and Seonghwa didn’t have a pass card yet.

He was about to turn back, but then heard a quiet sound at the end of the hallway and followed it. There was one more narrow door next to the bathrooms. At first, Seonghwa ignored them, thinking it was a storage room for cleaning supplies or something. Now he came closer and pushed the handle down. 

The door opened.

It was a room. Very well-hidden room. With a couch and a table, cushions, and pillows. The walls were covered in posters and photographs but Seonghwa couldn’t check them out. Who could have thought that a place like this existed in this building? It even had a little window with the city view.

“Yeosang…”  He sighed in relief.  “I am sorry… for breaking in… if you want me to leave, I will.”  No need to say it was Yeosang’s safe place.  “Hongjoong-shi was worried about you disappearing.”

Yeosang didn’t look at Seonghwa. He was staring through the window. But even from where he stood, Seonghwa noticed tears on his cheeks.

“I am sure he will survive. Tell him I am on lunch break because I deserve it.”

Seonghwa wanted to tell Yeosang he was missing for almost two hours now but swallowed his words.

“Sure… and then, after I make us a cup of tea, we will share a heart-touching conversation like true friends.”  Seonghwa couldn’t help but be sarcastic. He was glad to hear that Yeosang scoffed at his words.  “It’s a really cozy place… it doesn’t feel like we are in the same building.”

“I was… the only omega in our group when we started this… whole business thing. Joong made this room for me, I bet he forgot already about its existence. He doesn't come here anymore.”  Yeosang angrily wiped his face and then glanced at Seonghwa.  “Who told you? Sannie or Mingi-yah?”

“San.”  Seonghwa sat on the corner of the couch. 

Somehow, it was weird but at the same time soothing to see that Yeosang had this soft side. But what Seonghwa was expecting? Of course, he did. He probably pretended to be strong most of the time. Just like everyone else.

“Is it… Jongho-shi…?” 

Who the hell pulled Seonghwa’s tongue to ask that? Just a feeling. A very strong intuition.

“Fuck him. Fucking alphas… Fuck Jongho too.”  Yeosang gritted his teeth, then glared at Seonghwa in defense.  “I am… not usually like this. It’s just that my pre-heat will start in a few days, and everything… fucking everything feels like too much.”

Seonghwa nodded. For every omega pre-heat symptoms were different. Wooyoung was clingy and hungry all the time, Seonghwa was mostly in pain and had this weird mania of cleaning just to push thoughts away from cramps. And, apparently, Yeosang would become very sensitive to his surroundings.

Sadly, they weren’t close enough for Seonghwa to ask what happened between him and Jongho. At the same time, the double realization hit him. Firstly, if Yeosang’s heat was coming, it meant Seonghwa would have to stay alone with Hongjoong for a week. Second, since Yeosang would be gone, there was no way Seonghwa could excuse himself sooner from work and stay with Wooyoung.

Seonghwa took a long breath in. 

“Do you want to go out with me and my friend to a pub tonight?”

Another very long week was about to start, and Seonghwa just knew Yeosang needed that drink as much as he did.

Chapter Text

Seonghwa, finally, turned off his laptop, relieved that the next time he would have to turn it on was two days away. Friday was quiet in the office, everyone finished earlier, and before Seonghwa knew he was the only one left on the floor. He stayed on the chair for a while, wondering if he should message Yeosang and tell him that he was about to leave. It was just past five, but Wooyoung had already texted him twice.

TO: KANG YEOSANG (WORK)

[FRIDAY 5:08 PM]

Message:   Hi~ I am about to leave the office if that’s alright?

Seonghwa got up from his chair, holding his freshly received employee card, which a very kind-looking beta, brought him a few hours ago, then walked around, stretching his legs and waiting for Yeosang’s response. After their little talk in the rooftop room, Yeosang went back to Hongjoong, and Seonghwa was allowed to take his lunch break. He stared at all the menu options for, more or less, ten minutes but still ended up getting only a bottle of water again. He hasn't seen the younger omega since then. 

Neither had he seen Hongjoong today.

Seonghwa blinked, realizing he was standing in front of Hongjoong’s desk. As a result of him being absent the whole day, his scent had faded completely. Seonghwa tilted his head, feeling a heavy, almost crushing feeling in his lungs. It was strange to miss something that wasn’t his. After a bit of thinking, he walked further, sitting down on Hongjoong’s chair, surprised at how comfortable it was. And because of the open door, he could see the whole floor. Was that how it felt to be powerful?

He didn’t have much on his desk, so the only frame with a photo stood out on it. Seonghwa placed his employee card on the wooden surface and leaned forward to see the picture better. Yeosang had photos in his safe room as well, but Seonghwa didn’t have an opportunity to look at them better. And this one seemed to be very similar to the ones he had there. 

At first glance, it was a picture of four students. All of them were with black hair, dressed casually and very much alike, if not for the expressions on their faces. Seonghwa recognized San’s foxy eyes first. His arm was leisurely dropped around the neck of a tall and very skinny teenager with glasses. Seonghwa had no clue who that was, so his eyes went down to a boy with short hair and a princess's face. Yeosang’s smile was small and polite, just like it stayed until this day, he was showing a victory sign. But no one shined as brightly as the last boy, squinting in front of the other three, his arms extended to the sides as if he could hug the whole world. His smile was telling more about happiness than any words could.  Hongjoong.  Happy and young Hongjoong. Seonghwa’s heart pounded so hard seeing this alternative universe version of him. Just what in the world happened to his happiness? The mystery of the fourth person was solved quite fast after that. The skinny boy - Mingi - who had the glow-up of a lifetime.

Seonghwa let out a distressed sound when his phone vibrated. The omega was so invested in the photo, he forgot about the answer he was waiting for.

FROM: KANG YEOSANG (WORK)

[FRIDAY 5:12 PM]

Message:   Sure, cool. Don’t worry about answering the calls, we block the line on Fridays for the weekend after six. Or you can wait for me. I'm on the way back to the office with Joong.

He was what?? To say that Seonghwa shot himself from that desk at the speed of light wouldn’t be exaggerated. He ran out to the hallway, noticing that one of the elevators was coming up, so he quickly called the other one. But honestly, he panicked for no reason and ended up running out through the emergency door. Seonghwa quickly rushed at least three floors down before answering Yeosang's message.

TO: KANG YEOSANG (WORK)

[FRIDAY 5:16 PM]

Message:   Oh, sorry… I already left the office. Meet you on the first floor?

He panted hard, holding on his chest. Seonghwa hasn't exercised in his life, but maybe he should start thinking about it. The fact that he felt like dying just after a little running was concerning. He pushed the door and ended up on the floor with nothing but private rooms. He heard muffled music coming from one of them. Seonghwa called the elevator and went down. When he was already safe on the first floor, only then did Seonghwa breathe out, walking further from the elevators.

Soon another elevator opened, and three people came out. Without fail, Seonghwa realized that all of them were models. Not only because they had a confident aura around them or because of their dashing appearance, one of them Seonghwa recognized. He raised his hand and gave a little wave to Yunho. The alpha looked directly at him with a blank expression. One of his friends asked something, and Yunho shrugged, not slowing his pace. After a few more steps, he suddenly froze.

“Seonghwa Hyung???”  He then raised his voice, announcing to the whole hall who he was. 

“Hi, Yunho-yah…”  Seonghwa couldn’t hold back a smile when the younger man speeded towards him.  “You didn’t recognize me at first?”

“Hyung, can you blame me?”  He was gazing at Seonghwa so openly that the omega hoped his cheeks stayed in reasonable color.  “You… you look amazing. This suits you so well… oh God…”  Yunho struggled to pick words, but his gaze said more than enough.  “These… These are my friends!”  He finally, came back to his senses when Seonghwa glanced at the two others behind him. 

Both of them were alphas as well. One of them also had blond hair like Yunho, and the other one, with dark long-ish hair, seemed to be the oldest among them.

“Nice to meet you, Seonghwa-shi.” 

The blond one bowed, and Seonghwa blinked a few times when he noticed something on the side of his neck. 

A mating mark. It was the first time Seonghwa saw one from this close. Although the scar was light, indicating that the mark was quite old, on the alpha’s tan skin it was very much visible. 

“The pleasure is all mine.”  Seonghwa bowed as well, still struggling to take his eyes off the mark. Beautiful - a word popped into Seonghwa’s mind. This person was a model but didn’t even try to cover it.

The older alpha was talking on his phone a little bit further but still gave Seonghwa a quick wave as a greeting, and the omega did the same.

“Seonghwa stands in the hallway alone for five minutes and he is already surrounded by alphas.”  Yeosang’s voice appeared from the elevator's side. He approached them with a little smile - the same one he had in the photograph.

“Can’t be helped, huh? He is very beautiful.”  The blond alpha smiled at Yeosang. 

“Make sure your mate won’t hear that,”  Yoesang warned him with a scoff. It was obvious that he knew them.  “Yuyu, stop staring at Seonghwa, it’s creepy.”  He added, but Yunho just shook his head unbothered.

“You prefer me staring at you instead?”  Yunho showed his tongue, and Yeosang wasn’t amused by the childish behavior but didn’t answer anything.

The blond alpha laughed at Yeosang’s and Yunho's silly interactions.

“My mate knows I’m loyal to him only, but my eyes can’t be stopped.”  He smirked and then looked down at the phone in his hand.  “Talking about my little devil. Hi, Taeminie.”  He answered, then nodded a few times.  “Yeah, I am done as well. Suho Hyung and I wanted to get something to eat before the event.”  He paused.  “Sure thing, babe, I will tell the driver.”  Still listening to his mate talking, he waved for the alpha on the phone, then patted Yunho’s shoulder, and his friends left.

Seonghwa didn’t realize he was smiling the whole time while listening to the alpha. They stayed quiet until the two Yunho’s friends were gone, and then Yeosang sighed.

“Not jealous at all how Jongin and Taemin are still head over heels for each other.”  He said, slowly nodding.

“A dream…”  Yunho agreed, and somehow Seonghwa just knew he was thinking about Mingi.  “Anyway, what are you two up to?”

Seonghwa could swear he heard Taemin’s name before somewhere. 

“We are going to a pub later.”  Yeosang shrugged.

“Since when you are this close with Seonghwa Hyung, and why am I not invited?”  Yunho placed his hand on the chest as if he were greatly offended.

“Omegas bond you know.”  Yeosang teased.  “Don’t you have that event tonight? The one you didn’t want to go to, but Mingiki will be there so quickly you changed your mind?”

Was it common knowledge among them that Yunho was into Mingi or something? Yeosang spoke without any hesitation like it was old news.

“You know what…”  Yunho raised his hands in defense.  “Mingi-yah didn’t want me to be there, so… I am going out with you guys.”

Seonghwa gulped. Yunho wouldn’t be the only alpha, since San promised to come as well, but there were already more people than originally planned. Not to mention that they were still in the middle of a scandal about his and Yunho's interaction in the park. Wasn’t it a little bit irresponsible to go out now?

“Unless you don’t want me to…?”  Yunho pointed puppy eyes at Seonghwa. 

“Umm… it is not like… I don’t want to! I am scared about… you know… this whole press thing again.”  Seonghwa poured out his thoughts.

“I will wear a mask,”  Yunho promised.  “Also, it’s not like I can’t go anywhere. I am not a prisoner.”

Since Yeosang didn’t stand on Seonghwa’s side to add things, he finally nodded and promised to text Yunho about the time and location later. The alpha seemed excited as if it were a while since he went to a pub, and most likely it was. After exchanging numbers, Yunho left to finish some business.

“Are you sure it’s alright?”  Seonghwa asked when they finally were outside.

“Yunho is a grown-up man who, sooner or later, needs to take responsibility for his actions. If he wants to go out with us, let it be. Also, it might be healthy for his mania about Mingi.”  Yeosang paused for a bit.  “It’s the first time he decided to do something else than Mingi-yah. Is that your charm?” 

Seonghwa laughed, and Yeosang scoffed as well. After Seonghwa’s little conversation with Wooyoung during his lunch break, they decided to meet after work and eat before going to the pub. Yeosang said that he didn’t have any plans anyway, so he decided to join them from the start. 

“I don’t remember when was the last time I had a free Friday,”  Yeosang admitted. He seemed a little bit tense waiting for a bus at the bus stop. It must have been a while since he last used public traffic as well.

“Hongjoong-shi just let you go like that?”  Seonghwa wondered.

“I guess I hit his soft spot after that dramatic runaway today.”  Yoesang shook his head like he was disappointed in himself.  “I said I wanted to go to a pub with friends, and he just answered that it was fine since the upcoming event today wasn’t that important.”

Hongjoong’s soft spot? Seonghwa tried to imagine but couldn’t. The only thing he had close to this image was Hongjoong’s teenage photo he saw today. Seonghwa guessed Yeosang didn’t specify who his friends were to the alpha. 

“By the way, did you use the stairs to go downstairs? I swear the other elevator’s button was off when we came to the office.”

Seonghwa shivered, caught in a very awkward situation. 

“Felt like going down the stairs...”  he mumbled.

“From the thirtieth floor??”  Yeosang frowned.

Thank God, the bus came before Seonghwa had a chance to answer. Yeosang lost his interest as well. He was too stressed about the crowd on the bus. Seonghwa couldn’t blame him. The further they went from their district, the more new passengers got in. The betas naturally gave out a very weak scent, which made it easy for them to suppress it, even with the weakest pills. Meanwhile, whenever alpha or omega came in, Yoesang pushed himself closer to Seonghwa. He wasn’t used to feeling many different scents at the same time. The good thing was that most of the population were betas anyway. Yeosang didn’t have to suffer too much. 

“You alright?”  Seonghwa was still worried.

“Umm… yeah, I am fine. It’s just weird, you know?”  He sighed, but Seonghwa could feel Yeosnag relax after a while.  “At the same time, I feel like I'm living in my bubble for far too long. It actually feels like I'm a part of the… city. I don’t know how to explain?”

“I think I know what you mean.”  Seonghwa agreed, remembering Wooyoung words about how their scents were a part of their identity. Also, almost everyone was using SV04 versions of suppressants like Wooyoung, so their scent wasn’t that strong anyway. 

“I wonder how life was… when no one was using suppressants…?”  Yeosang added clearly in fear.

Seonghwa could tell him exactly how life was in his hometown where suppressants were still an unknown thing for most of them but decided not to. That wasn’t the topic Seonghwa wanted to start.

They finally got off in the middle of the busy center, and Seonghwa led the way toward the barbeque place that Wooyoung chose for their dinner.

“My friend… he is a little bit hyperactive and touchy sometimes.”  Seonghwa decided it would be fair to warn Yeosang.  “But… he is the sweetest person alive, promise.”

“Hwaa!!”  Just as Seonghwa received an approving nod from Yeosang, Wooyoung appeared, running from the other side of the street. Seonghwa met his friend with open arms, noticing right away that Wooyoung’s scent was so weak, almost nonexistent even.

“Hi, I am Jung Wooyoung.”  He introduced himself properly with a bow for Yeosang.

“Kang Yeosang.”  The shorter omega answered, his voice tense. No matter how friendly Wooyoung was, his energy was still more intimidating than Seonghwa’s.

“Hwa, he is just as pretty as you said!”  Wooyoung announced, immediately destroying those crumbs of awkwardness in the air. Yeosang cheeks colored in bright pink, and Wooyoung took that as a positive reaction.

Seonghwa apologetically glanced at Yeosang once they stood in the line to enter the barbeque place. Wooyoung already let his tongue free, talking about his day. But his co-worker was more interested than Seonghwa imagined. He didn’t have a chance to meet many people outside of the fashion world, and Wooyoung had enough knowledge to keep any conversation going. Seonghwa slowly relaxed while standing between his friends.

“By the way, Woo-yah, did you change your suppressants or something?”  Seonghwa wondered after they were already at the table and ordered different types of meat to start with.

“My mom… she freaked out once I told her that I was going out today just before my pre-heat, so imagine… she came all this way just to hand me SV05. Must have cost her a fortune.”  Wooyoung dramatically rolled his eyes, taking a sip of his drink.

“Your pre-heat starts soon?”  Yeosang asked to confirm.  “Mine too.”

The weird but at the same time interesting thing about omegas was that they used to bond very quickly after finding something in common. And having their heats close to each other was one of those things.

“Yoooo!! If we die, we die together!”  Wooyoung extended his hand for a fist bump, and Yeosang, after a cute giggle, gave him the power five.

Having Yeosang as his friend after work was a whole different experience. Here at the restaurant, where he wasn’t his superior, they were just young people enjoying meals and sharing conversations. Seonghwa learned that Yeosang was an easygoing person once he felt comfortable.

“Hwa, you haven’t taken anything into your mouth.”  Wooyoung scolded him after pushing the vegetables away and bringing more meat to the grill. He was definitely eating more than always. 

“It’s not good to drink on an empty stomach…”  Yeosang seconded.

Seonghwa couldn’t believe, now he had two people around him watching his diet. He wasn’t hungry, or more like, the food didn’t smell appetizing enough. 

“I have an idea…”  He said, excusing himself for a minute, and went to the restroom. 

Not like he would meet Hongjoong today again, he thought, using some paper towel soap, and water to wash out the scent blockers off his scent glands. He couldn’t reach it everywhere, since some of the scent glands were on his thighs and his chest, but he did clean most of it from his neck and wrists. The instant relief that Seonghwa felt was hard to describe. The mystery behind his sickness has been solved, yet only temporarily. Not like Seonghwa could stop using scent blockers, but now he knew what to do, as soon as he finished work.

Seonghwa was planning to give himself rest from suppressants this weekend anyway, especially since he had no plans to go anywhere, and he was sure Wooyoung would appreciate that. Despite everyone using suppressants these days, they had one important rule - to stop using suppressants during heats or, in alpha’s case, ruts. Suppressing their natural body functions was bad for their health. Seonghwa had heard about people ending up in hospitals because of hormonal disbalance or even worse. He remembered one case a few years ago, which reached even his hometown. An alpha died because they were suppressing their ruts for so long that eventually, their organs started to fail, and when doctors found out the reason behind that, it was already too late to change something. 

The case went viral across the country and in Asia as well. It touched everyone deeply, and since then the government made a law that gave rights for omegas and alphas to free days during their heats and ruts. Since omegas had their heats once in two months for about a week (depending on the person) and the alphas would go into a rut for three or four days once every half year, it wasn’t that hard to adjust their working and school schedules. Wooyoung was allowed to listen to his classes and take tests online, so Seonghwa was sure everyone found a way to work it out.

Seonghwa returned when Wooyoung was dying on the table from laughter. Yeosang’s lips were moving quickly and with enthusiasm. His poor best friend was gulping like a fish on the shore from the joke. Seonghwa sat down with a wide smile, finally taking some meat and vegetables for himself.

TO: CHOI SAN (WORK)

[FRIDAY 8:16 PM]

Message:   Hey, San! We are heading to a pub now. It’s a nice place, further from the center. A little bit hard to find though, so I will share the location.

{Location shared}

TO: JEONG YUNHO (WORK)

[FRIDAY 8:18 PM]

Message:   We are almost at the pub. My friend got us a semi-private room, so it shouldn’t be too crowded! I am sharing the location with you.

{Location shared}

Only after finishing texting, did Seonghwa realize that he hadn’t told Wooyoung that Yunho would be joining them. Wooyoung decided to go with a semi-private room in one of his favorite pubs because he knew its owner and because they had karaoke, and enough space for dance. Also, Seonghwa was sure that Wooyoung was cautious, and his instincts warned him to stay away from larger crowds just before his heat.

“Oh, it’s nice here …”  Yeosang looked around once they sat at their table. 

The best part about this pub was that it was a self-service one. They had to pay not for drinks but for the time they stayed. They had a room with shelves full of snacks and fridges with various drinks as well. 

“My favorite. Also, I know the owner, so we can get a discount.”  Wooyoung wiggled his eyebrows, walking to the fridge. 

“How do you know the owner?”  Yeosang curiously asked.

“A friend of my ex.”  He casually shrugged despite Yeosang’s raised eyebrow. If only he knew Wooyoung’s body count he wouldn’t act so surprised.  “Beer or soju?”

“Soju.”  Seonghwa and Yeosang answered as one.

“That’s my boys.”  Wooyoung happily took out three bottles.

“So you are still in university? We are the same age, though.”  Yeosang asked Wooyoung, once they had their first cups filled.

“I took some gap years after my graduation to travel and stuff.”  Wooyoung had no reason to hide that he was rich.  “I am graduating next February. Now having a hard time deciding where to go for my internship.”

“You should apply to KHJ, we are searching for a new intern in the Management department,”  Yeosang suggested, and Wooyoung gave Seonghwa a look.

“See? Even Yeosangie agrees.”  Incredible how fast Wooyoung dropped the honorifics.  “San said the same!”

“San? How is San involved here?”  Yeosang’s curiosity suddenly peeked, and Seonghwa was pressured to a corner. He didn’t tell Yeosang that San would join them. Seonghwa didn’t know yet how to organize things.

“Woo and San have a thing…”  Seonghwa sighed, but when Wooyoung pouted he quickly waved his hands.  “Okay, it’s not a thing yet. But remember when San picked me up? They met with Woo and…”  Seonghwa wiggled, not sure how to finish the sentence.

“And in the near future, I plan to press him against the wall and shove my tongue into his mouth.”  Wooyoung helped him.

Seonghwa almost dropped his drink.

“Woo! Yeosang and San are old friends, you can’t just—-”

“No, it’s fine actually.”  Yeosang unexpectedly laughed.  “San has been single for too long. Somehow I can imagine you together.” 

Once Wooyoung got Yeosang’s approval, Seonghwa had a feeling that he would soon need to share his best friend’s status with him.

“Do you have someone you're interested in?”

Seonghwa wished he had a chance to warn Wooyoung not to start this sensitive topic.

“No. And if so, we do not mention his name.”  Yeosang raised the glass, and Seonghwa with Wooyoung followed him.

“You said it.”  Wooyoung had enough common sense to let it go.

Their first three soju bottles ended way too fast. Yeosang was sent to grab more, and Wooyoung jumped to get some snacks. Seonghwa used this chance and checked his phone, but neither Yunho nor San had replied. 

They shared another three bottles, and the atmosphere was great. Wooyoung was laughing at the silliest things, and Seonghwa sat happily hugging Wooyoung’s arm, while Yeosang told them funny stories about young models at the Entertainment. Somewhere at the end of Seonghwa’s third bottle, Yeosang stopped in the middle of the sentence.

“I think I need a bathroom.”  He said, struggling to get up, but, in general, he seemed less drunk than Seonghwa. As soon as he left, Wooyoung hugged Seonghwa around his shoulders.

“I love him, Hwa… such a cutie. Do you think he wants to sing karaoke with me?”

“I bet not.”  Seonghwa couldn’t imagine Yeosang doing that.  “Yet.”  He added. The evening was still young.

“By the way…”  Wooyoung said quietly, although Seonghwa was sure those few other people in the same room didn't care about their conversations.  “Who is that person, whose name should not be named?”

Seonghwa sighed, hesitating for a moment, but he knew that after a few more drinks Wooyoung would get that name out one way or another.

“Jongho…”  He coughed, pretending it was only a weird sound coming from his mouth.

“A work romance??? Hey, we should totally text him and ask if he wants to come!! You have his number, right?”  Wooyoung suddenly jumped, grabbing Soenghwa’s phone from the table.

“Woo, no!!”  Seonghwa half laughed, half cried, trying to get Wooyoung back, but his friend was too fast. Seonghwa saw him quickly smashing the keyboard.  “Yeosang will kill me!   Don’t…”  But he still laughed at Wooyoung’s expression. Seonghwa was more worried about Yeosang crying than Jongho coming here. 

“What’s going on?”  Yeosang came back, his eyes shooting from Seonghwa to Wooyoung.  “You know what… Hwa… I wanted to do this so badly at work.”  Not even a second after Yeosang lost interest. He came closer to Seonghwa. Alcohol had absolutely boosted his self-confidence. Seonghwa only gasped when Yeosang grabbed his shirt, taking it out from his pants.

“Ooooooh!”  Wooyoung joined them in a flashlight.  “Finally, a person with taste. Also this.”  He pulled Seonghwa closer, opening the first three buttons of his shirt and reaching to mess his hair a bit.

“Stop, both of you! Aaaaah! Enough!”  Seonghwa jumped back, blushing like mad, when other people in the same room shouted with agreement to Yeosang’s and Wooyoung’s mischief. 

“Bless those hands who touched his hair. Hwa is so hot.”  Yeosang visibly shivered.  “Imagine him in proper wear and makeup…”

“Thank you for blessing my hands, Yeosangie!”  Wooyoung raised his palm in satisfaction.  “I've been telling him to try on my outfits, but he is stubborn, attached to those grandmother's sweaters of his…”

“You.Did.This?”  Yeosang was shaken to the core.  “Listen, how about you just become our hairdresser?? Officially, I am going to print your contract here and now.”

After a second, both omegas were stuck to each other in a massive hug. Seonghwa couldn’t really tell anymore if they were joking or not. He used this chance to snatch his phone from Wooyoung's hands. He almost whimpered, seeing that he actually sent a message to Jongho.

TO: CHOI JONGHO-SHI (WORK)

[FRIDAY 9:33 PM]

Message:   Yeosang is crying. How about you join us and cheer him up?

{Location shared}

Seonghwa was literally on the verge of tears. He could only hope that Jongho had better things to do than read messages from his co-workers on Friday. Seonghwa was about to text him again and apologize, but his phone vibrated before he got a chance to do so.

FROM: JEONG YUNHO (WORK)

[FRIDAY 9:36 PM]

Message:   I think I am here? I see a lot of students around.

Seonghwa went towards the door, leaving Wooyoung and Yeosang glued to each other.

“I am going to get Yunho, he’s here.” 

“Whooo?!”  Wooyoung shouted, with a tiny jump, making the shorter omega bounce with him as well, but Seonghwa ran away, leaving Yeosang to explain.

The main area was already too crowded, while the room where they stayed only had a few people. Seonghwa again thanked Wooyoung for choosing this place. He somehow found a way through people, searching for a tall figure. Yunho wasn’t hard to spot. He stood further from everyone, wearing a black mask, but his blond hair stood out.

“Yunho-yah!”  Seonghwa waved from afar, rushing towards the man, and before he knew it, he was already holding the alpha in a hug. Alcohol made him more touchy, which to tipsy Seonghwa’s brain was funny.

“Hyung…”  Yunho blinked, answering the hug but then scanning Seonghwa again and again,  “You have to tell me who did this to you. I will shake their hand. You are absolutely beautiful.”

Seonghwa giggled, for some reason happy about this praise. Maybe letting Wooyoung touch his hair wasn't such a bad idea after all.

“You will have that chance, he is inside,”  Seonghwa smirked, grabbed Yunho's hand, and dragged him towards the back of the pub. Was it only Seonghwa’s fantasy but somehow he thought everyone gave him way faster now that he had alpha with himself?

“Oh, I like it here!”  Yunho instantly dropped his mask as they entered their semi-private room. Those few random people on the other side were already too drunk to recognize him. Also, from their appearance, Seonghwa wasn’t sure they were into the fashion industry.

“Jeong Yunho…”  Wooyoung approached him like they were long-lost friends. Yunho quickly glanced at Seonghwa, and the omega nodded, approving his silent question. Yes, that’s the person.  “Let me say that I respect you so much. Your work, your fashion taste, and your ambitions. It’s a big privilege to have this drink with you.”  Without any ceremony, Wooyoung shoved a glass of soju into Yunho's hand.

“After seeing your high-class work on Seonghwa Hyung, I would give myself to your hands without hesitation. Such a privilege to meet you as well….ummm...”  Yunho quickly understood his task, following this little act. 

“Wooyoung.”  From the very start, he gave up on formal introductions.

“A proper name for a talent.”  Yunho agreed with a nod, and with those words, both of them took a shot.

Seonghwa left them there to form a bond or whatever they tried to do and joined Yeosang at the table. His cheeks were more pink than always. Seonghwa thought he would risk this chance to admit what Wooyoung had done.

“Yeosangie… hm… how would you feel if Jongho-shi appeared here?”

Yeosang giggled, turning his eyes away from Wooyoung and Yunho, who were already on their second drink.

“He would never.”  He rolled his eyes. 

“I mean…”

“He has a mate, Hwa.”  Yeosang without a question filled himself a full shot and one for Seonghwa.  “I fell in love with an alpha who is already mated. How sad is that?”

Seonghwa’s jaw dropped. All this time, he thought Jongho was simply not giving Yeosang attention because of his serious character. He had completely misunderstood the situation. Jongho wasn’t looking at Yeosang because he was already mated with someone else. Seonghwa took that shot without any arguments. If Wooyoung knew that, he wouldn’t have texted Jongho. At least now they didn’t need to worry about him showing up.

“Yunho-yaaah!”  Yeosang greeted him when Yunho came closer.  “You made it, puppy.”

Puppy?

“Sangie is so funny when drunk.”  Yunho quickly hugged him from behind and then took a free seat. 

Meanwhile, Wooyoung was getting more drinks for them.

“Yunho-yah, you are so honored to be accepted in the company of these three gorgeous men.”  Wooyoung appeared, talking in a serious tone and Yunho nodded in agreement.   He was very good at dealing with Wooyoung drunk nonsense.  “But you are way too sober to be at this table.”

Wooyoung was already in his playing a drink games stage. He had a tall glass with an empty shot glass in it. Yunho made an understanding face. The rules were quite simple. The tall glass was half filled with beer, they had to take turns at filling shot glass with soju, and the one who made the little glass sink first had to drink everything. When Wooyoung sat next to Yunho, Seonghwa knew the game was over.

Wooyoung was too good in this. He filled the soju glass just enough for it not to sink, and no matter what Yunho did, he lost. The first time, he only laughed, but after losing the third in a row, he probably understood as well that Wooyoung knew what he was doing. The more Yunho drank, the funnier the evening became. Seonghwa knew he wasn’t just tipsy anymore, but actually drunk, the moment he handed his phone to Yunho with no questions.

“Why am I named Jeong Yunho work? This is so bad, Seonghwa Hyung, you are awful at naming people.”  He complained, typing fast.

“How am I named?”  Yeosang curiously looked over at Soenghwa’s phone.

He frowned.

“That’s just rude, Hwa. Change it now.”

“I will change it, no worries. Do you want a heart after your name?”  Yunho giggled.

“Yes, please.”  Yeosang nodded.

Wooyoung was in the bathroom in the middle of this. Good that he missed, because Seonghwa didn’t want him to call any other numbers. Yunho was typing something else, way too much for changing only two names.

“Hey, let’s make a group chat on KaTalk!”  Yunho suggested,  “I can’t miss a chance to go out again with you.”

“Not from my phone!”  Seonghwa was reaching for it when San’s number appeared on the screen. Just now it wasn’t CHOI SAN (WORK) anymore, capital letters screamed - SANNIE ⛰️.

“Heeeey Sannie!”  Yunho sang into the phone, picking up and turning on the speaker.  “We are having the time of our lives.”

“Yunho-yah?? What are you doing with Seonghwa’s phone?”  San even stuttered in surprise.

“Changing his contact names. You know he had you named as ‘Choi San work’?”  Yunho and Yeosang laughed as one, while Seonghwa’s face color was similar to the leather red jacket that Yunho was wearing.

“Sangie, are you also there? Didn’t know we had a work meeting?”  San scoffed, probably recognizing Yeosang’s laugh.  “I am already here, by the way, I think. Drunk students are around me everywhere.”

“I will—”

“Is it San?? I will get him!!”

Wooyoung returned just in time, interrupting Seonghwa from behind. And before anyone could say a word, he was already out. San laughed and hung up. Seonghwa tried to get his phone back.

“No… wait, Hyung let's take some photos! You have the newest iPhone model!”  Yunho’s long hands quickly won the phone back. 

They were taking selfies for a while. Truly, for so long that even Yeosang turned at the door concerned.

“Did Woo-yah and Sannie get lost or something?”  He raised an eyebrow, and for some reason, Yunho scoffed as if knowing something they didn’t. He was again typing on Seonghwa’s phone.

“I am just sending myself the pictures."  He said in defense.   " I will share them on the group chat later.”  He explained to a suspicious Seonghwa. 

“There is no group chat…”  Seonghwa sighed, but neither Yeosang nor Yunho heard him.

Just as he was about to get up and search for Wooyoung and San, the door opened, and they both entered. Wooyoung was still holding up well, for the amount of drinks he had, but somehow San, with his hand around Wooyoung’s shoulder, was already a bit too blushed for a sober person.

“So this big baby told me not to worry, and that he handles liquor the best. We got a few shots at the bar, and just look at him.”  Wooyoung half-complained, half-tease, gazing at San softly.

“Oh no, he is terrible at drinking,”  Yeosang said through a laugh.

“Don’t embarrass me, Sangie.”  San giggled, as they finally reached the table. Wooyoung helped San to sit down and was about to take his place next to the alpha, but San wrapped his hand around Wooyoung’s waist and pushed him down to sit on his lap.

“Oh…”  Wooyoung laughed, brushing San’s bangs away from his forehead and, then hugged him around his shoulders.

“Now I feel so single.”  Yunho sighed, filling everyone’s shots to the fullest.  “Cheers to that, Sangie, Hwa Hyung.”  Then he glared at San and Wooyoung.  “You two are not allowed to drink on this round.”

“Let’s play a game…”  Wooyoug tried to save the mood.  “It’s an image game. One says something descriptive, and the one who gets the most voices, has to drink.”

“Fair.”  Yeosang nodded,  ”Let me start. The hottest person today at this table.”

Everyone's fingers were at Seonghwa, even before he could choose someone. He choked on a chip, waving his hand and head, while Yeosang poured him a drink. Seonghwa wasn’t sure how much he could handle before he got sick.

“Come on, Hwa! Take responsibility and drink!”  Yunho pushed the shot, and Seonghwa had no choice. After frowning, like he just swallowed a whole lemon, he exhaled.  “Okay, but who is the drunkest at this table?”

One point from Seonghwa went for Yunho, as revenge for the things he did to his phone. But both Yeosang and Yunho were pointing at San, meanwhile, Wooyoung had his finger at Seonghwa. But the case was fairly lost because despite San's finger pointed at Yeosang, he had two votes.

“You dummy, you will be on the floor before I get drunk as you already are.”  Yeosang scoffed at San’s pouty face. The red-haired alpha instead of the shot that Seonghwa had filled, grabbed another open bottle, and drank directly from its neck.

“Saaanie… oh God.”  Wooyoung tried to stop him, and when he finally managed, San immediately hid his nose into Wooyoung’s neck. Wooyoung let out a strange noise, which made both Seonghwa and Yeosang turn away.

“Lost deal.”  Yunho sighed, then glanced at his phone.  “We are out of drinks!”  He said, getting up and leaving the room.

“Yuyu, where are you going?? The fridge with drinks is here!!”  Yeosang shouted, but it was too late.

Seonghwa only shrugged. Soon they got invested in conversation about the music in the pub. As Seonghwa learned, he and Yeosang shared similar tastes in genres, although Seonghwa barely knew any new bands, so he could only listen and learn from Yeosang. Meanwhile, Wooyoung and San were whispering something to each other. Seonghwa only glanced at them from time to time. His one sober brain cell was still very much protective over Wooyoung. He saw Wooyoung shyly nodding and San hiding his nose into his friend's neck again. A few minutes later, Wooyoung joined their conversation about music.

“First, Woo-yah, now Yunho. What’s with you disappearing all of a sudden?”  Yeosang was pouring them another round of soju.

“Should I search for him?”  Wooyoung suggested sliding off San’s lap, although the alpha didn’t seem very happy about this.  “Sannie, I am not going anywhere.”  He sat in Yunho’s place, handing San a shot.  “Here…”  Then he leaned towards Yeosang and Seonghwa.  “God… my heart is pounding so much, I am afraid he will notice.”

“I'm pretty sure he already did…”  Yeosang grabbed a cap from a soju bottle and threw right at San’s forehead.  “Hey, you drunk in love!”

San flinched and then fell off the chair. Seonghwa closed his mouth with both palms, trying so hard to hold back his smile. He knew he should feel bad for San kissing the floor, but for some reason couldn't stop.

“Sannie!!”  Wooyoung half-shouted, half-laughed, running to catch and help him. Meanwhile, Yeosang laughed so hard that he started to cry. 

“Look what I found guys!!”  Then Yunho returned, announcing so loudly to the whole room, that several other tables turned at them.

Seonghwa almost fell off the chair as well. Yunho pushed Mingi first through the door and then came in after.

“Mingi-yah!!!”  San, still on the floor with Wooyoung laughing too hard to help him, shouted raising both hands.  “Fix on!! Fix on, Mingi!!!!”

“What?”  Seonghwa glanced at red Yeosang, who could barely breathe.

“Insi-de… j-oke…o-ld…one…”  He explained, struggling hard.

Seonghwa wasn’t asking about San’s drunk blabbers. He tried to understand what the hell Mingi was doing here in the first place. The beta rolled his eyes at San, coming closer, scanning all those soju bottles on the table. 

“Song Mingi??”  Wooyoung was lifting San, but in the middle of the process let him go and quickly rushed to the new drinking friend.  “A shot on arrival?” 

“Just stepping in, and I am already the most famous in the room? I like it here.”  Mingi nodded in agreement, taking the shot, which Wooyoung just filled.  “Get up, Sannie, don’t embarrass yourself more.”  He effortlessly picked the alpha up and helped to sit back at the table.

After that, Wooyoung and Mingi exchanged their information properly with one more shot.

“I thought you came to pick me up!”  Yunho gestured to Mingi, who definitely looked like he decided to stay.

“I did not say that.”  Mingi smiled, then cheered at Yeosang.  “Finally, back to the roots, Sangie,”  he said, and Yeosang nodded.  “And who is your pretty friend?”  He wondered.

Seonghwa thought he was joking, but Mingi was staring him dead in the eyes.

“Mingi-shi?”  Seonghwa raised his eyebrow. Mingi was about to take another shot, but he spat all the drink out from his mouth on the table. He glanced back at Yunho next to him and then back at Seonghwa.

“You actually are crying,”

Seonghwa let out a loud noise in surprise when he heard a calm voice behind himself. He turned around and saw Jongho staring at Yeosang. Jongho must have entered after Yunho, and everyone's attention was already on Mingi, so he stood there completely invisible.

“Looking good, Seonghwa,”  he added, giving a quick approving nod to Seonghwa and then again pointed his dark eyes at Yeosang.

“What an actual—- you are doing here, Jongho??”  Yeosang wiped his cheeks and then eyes in shock as if he were imagining. 

“Came to get you home. Seonghwa said you were crying.”  He answered, coming closer to Yeosang.  “Enough drinking for today.”

“Hwa??”  Yeosang sobbed betrayed, his big boba eyes pointed at the omega. Seonghwa tried to shake his head but probably wasn’t very successful.  “I am not going anywhere with you.”  He then said to Jongho, holding on to the table.

“I am afraid you are.”  Jongho, without any more words, leaned down, and grabbed Yeosang, throwing him like a bag on his shoulder, his arm tightly wrapped around Yeosang’s thighs.

“Let go!!!”  Yeosang screeched.  “I haven’t finished my drink!!” 

Jongho’s eyes stopped on an almost full soju bottle on the table. He grabbed it and started drinking directly from its neck. Seonghwa wouldn’t lie saying that everyone at their table and the ones around them stared at this scene with open mouths. Jongho finished the drink like it was water.

“This one as well?”  He asked, poking at the other one that was still not open. He opened soju with one hand so easily, like that was something he did every day. This time, the whole room started cheering for him. 

Jongho finished the second bottle with the same face. Meanwhile, Mingi hid the third one behind his back.

“You are done now?”  He asked Yeosang, who finally was speechless on his shoulders. 

“Umm… Jongho, maybe you sit down for a bit?”  Yunho suggested to him the same chair where Yeosang was sitting just a few minutes ago.

“I’m feeling just fine.”  He shrugged, but still sat down, not letting Yeosang down, and honestly, he held the omega in such a possessive way that no one dared to argue.

“Looks like it’s karaoke time!!”  Wooyoung called. Even he was a little bit scared to approach Jongho.

“Heeey, karaoke!”  San suddenly woke up from his dreamy gaze at Wooyoung and grabbed the omega around his waist, following him to the karaoke box to choose the song.

“Will you let go of me?!”  Yeosang hissed, and Jongho only gripped him harder.

“No.”

That was a good enough sign for the rest of them to get up as well. Yunho joined San and Wooyoung to see what they were choosing from, meanwhile, Mingi came closer to Seonghwa.

“You are something else, aren’t you?”  Mingi tilted his head.

“What do you mean?”  Seonghwa was already red enough from all that drinking, so another layer of blush made no difference.

“I will show you what… Can you come to my office on Monday? Whatever hour works better for you. I will be working until late anyway.”  He asked, handing another shot to Seonghwa.

“S-sure.” 

Seonghwa wasn’t sure what Mingi had in mind, not to mention that he had no clue where the beta's office was. But his drunk brain said to agree, so he did. Mingi took the shot as if they had sealed a deal.

“Good. Now… I feel like singing some good old rap.”  He smiled, patting Seonghwa’s shoulder, and then joined everyone else at the music box.

Honestly, since then, it would be hard to choose only one highlight of that night. Was it when San and Mingi danced to a song about K-hot Chili peppers and Bounce, or when Yunho joined them for another song, and everyone cheered? There was a moment when Jongho, still with Yeosang in his arms, snatched the microphone. He sang an old, but very well-known song with high vocals, going so hard and high that someone came to listen from the main hall. Everyone lost their sanity when he scored one hundred points. Seonghwa wasn’t sure when it happened, but at some point, Jongho had enough, and he carried Yeosang out - no one saw them again. Wooyoung and San, who completely forgot about manners and shame, were so touchy with each other that Seonghwa tried to guess just how much longer they had until one of them snapped first for that kiss. Mingi and Yunho was another story. They barely touched each other, but the tension between them was so extreme that Seonghwa couldn’t bear to be close. At least he learned that Mingi, when drunk, turned into the most adorable mush ever. He was the one who created their group chat, adding everyone. Seonghwa was mostly sitting at the table, just enjoying everyone having fun. He remembered closing his eyes for a moment, and the next thing he knew, he had Wooyoung’s hand on his shoulder, waking him up.

“Let’s go, the pub is closing.”  He giggled, kissing Seonghwa’s cheek, all blushed and happy. 

Seonghwa nodded, his head feeling so heavy and cloudy. He found out that Mingi and Yunho had already left because he couldn’t see them anywhere. He wasn’t sure who and when someone paid for their time there, but he guessed it was all done because they simply went outside. Wooyoung, holding on to San's arm, waved for the bartender. 

The dawn was breaking already. Seonghwa shivered, hugging himself. At this time, only with a shirt on him, it was cold. The outside was still full of drunk people, some sitting on the ground, struggling to get up, others chatting or waiting for a pickup.

“I called a taxi. Should be in fifteen minutes or so.”  Wooyoung told him, and Seonghwa nodded, wandering a little bit to the side, giving him and San some privacy. 

Seonghwa didn’t want to stare, but he still saw San taking Wooyoung’s hands into his and kissing his fingers. Wooyoung smiled at him, getting a little bit up on his tiptoes, and left a timid kiss on San’s lips.

Seonghwa smiled to himself, turning his eyes away. For some reason, the worry about his friend for now was gone. Wooyoung wouldn’t be able to see San for almost a week after today. One or two kisses wouldn’t do much damage.

Seonghwa hummed one of the songs, his friends sang today, trying to push away thoughts from the cold weather. Yet when he shivered from a slight wind an arm appeared on his shoulder.

“Feeling cold?”

Seonghwa looked up at a tall alpha next to himself. He might have seen him somewhere tonight at the pub.

“I am alright, just waiting for the taxi.”  Seonghwa squirmed a little bit, giving a clear sign for the man to fuck off.

“Let me help you.” 

The man offered, leaning closer, and that sent another wave of shivers through Seonghwa’s spine, his stomach twisting in burning pain. He could scent that alpha - the smell was thick and heavy, like smoke, not pleasing at all. Seonghwa again squirmed, shaking his head. He was seriously getting sick.

“You smell really nice.”  The man added, suddenly pressing Seonghwa to his side.

To his horror, Seonghwa realized that the effect of his suppressants was wearing off, and he didn’t have any with himself now.

“Don’t… I don’t want that… don’t touch… don’t…”  Seonghwa, pressed his palms against the man’s side, trying to push him off. But with each second, the alpha’s pheromones were thicker and more intense. Seonghwa gasped, actually struggling to breathe.

“Just a little bit. It will soon be better…”  the man promised, his rough finger reaching Seonghwa’s cheek.  “Come here in my arms, ome—”

“Hey you—!”  Seonghwa heard San’s voice from afar, but it was interrupted by another sound.

“ Get your stinking hands off him. ” 

The growl that came with a powerful order was so low and terrifying that Seonghwa immediately froze, although it wasn’t addressed to him. A hand hugged him around the waist and pulled out from the man’s claws into a haven. Seonghwa was pushed behind a firm back. 

Seonghwa stuttered, grabbing the jacket of the man who protected him, pressing his face to his saviour’s nape, and inhaled deeply. That moment, Seonghwa almost saw an image of himself sitting at the fireplace, listening to the rain outside, wrapped in the warmest blankets, his heart and soul at peace and safe.

“H-hey… Hey… No no… no fight needed!”  the alpha from before replied, his voice shaking from the dominance of the other one. It was very clear who was more powerful between the two.  “If he is yours, then you shouldn’t let him wander drunk like that!”

“ Scram. ” 

Funny, how such a rude word could sound so soothing. The reality slowly approached into Seonghwa’s sleepy and drunk mind. He was dragged out from his safe dream by gentle hands, who held a little bit too firm. He faced the man in front of him.

Hongjoong in this cold early morning was like a mirage to Seonghwa’s tired brain. Too beautiful to be real. And too needed to be let go too fast.

Chapter Text

WOOYOUNG 

Wooyoung didn’t mean it, but he still compared San’s lips with other kisses. They were soft, just like his scent. It was rare for an alpha to smell this… sweet. Now that the effect of his suppressants was fading, Wooyoung's head spun slightly. The taste of marshmallow made his mouth watery inside. 

“You are shivering…”  San slowly parted their lips, then took off his leather jacket and put it on Wooyoung's shoulders

“Now you will get cold.”  The corners of Wooyoung’s lips went up as he noticed that the jacket hid San’s muscular arms this whole time. Wooyoung was perfectly aware that alcohol in his system did the talking more than his brain. But San very willingly joined Wooyoung’s game.

“It’s worth that. I just made myself another reason to see you. I will need my jacket.”  San responded better than Wooyoung expected. 

They had gone a little bit overboard with the flirting back and forth. But it has been a while since Wooyoung had so much fun.

The omega bit his lower lip shyly looking away.

“I guess—”  Wooyoung froze in the middle of his sentence when he noticed Seonghwa standing further with some alpha hugging him against Seonghwa’s will.  “Seonghwa? What the hell is that creep doing??”

Wooyoung’s reaction immediately alerted San as well. His body tensed, and the man stepped forward. God, San acted like a keeper… Wooyoung’s chest ripped between the worry for his friend and a weird tingly feeling. It was so confusing. Wooyoung promised himself to stop drinking after today.

“Hey, you—”

“Get your stinking hands off him!”

Wooyoung was behind San’s back, so it took him an extra second to see who was the first one to reach Seonghwa. The heavy aura pinned him to the ground, his lungs refusing to work for a moment. A dominant alpha was a rare gem in their society, but once they were out showing off, it could make anyone stand on their tiptoes - a terrifying, wild, and uncontrollable presence.

“Fuck…”  Wooyoung inhaled, trying to pull himself out of the omnipotent power. Not just him, the whole street seemed to be in the same state. Wooyoung eyes pleaded San to do something about that, but he wasn't sure the alpha noticed. The next moment everything was over.

“Hey... hey... Don't cling on me!” 

That was the same voice, but without a low growl coming from his chest it didn’t sound as dominant. Wooyoung stumbled, getting back his balance, and rushed forward, passing through San, who unsuccessfully tried to stop him. And if he did, without a question, Wooyoung’s fist would have kissed San’s face. Affection could swing both ways, but no one had a right to mess with his best friend. 

“Let him go!”  Wooyoung shouted almost furiously. 

He hugged Seonghwa around his shoulders, pulling further from the alpha, who attempted to push Seonghwa away from himself.

“Woo-yah…”  Seonghwa flipped himself around, almost falling on Wooyoung.  “He smells so good…”  He wobbled so quietly that Wooyoung wasn’t sure he heard that correctly.

Wooyoung hugged Seonghwa firmly, glaring at the alpha, his tongue preparing for another attack against this creature, but then Wooyoung’s brain cells connected something he wasn’t ready for.

“Joongie, what are you… doing here?”  San stopped next to Wooyoung, staring at the alpha confused.

KIM HONGJOONG??? Wooyoung gasped and felt how Seonghwa started sliding through his arms like a bar of wet soap. Suddenly the God of Fashion landed in the middle of nowhere, and it appeared to be no better than any devil walking on this earth. Wooyoung hated that no matter how angry he was at that man, his eyes still calculated how much Hongjoong’s outfit was worth. Fuck him for being so on point with his looks.

“Woo-yah… where is he…?”  Seonghwa murmured into his ear.

Wooyoung struggled to support his friend’s weight, and thanks to the universe, there was one alpha around them with some consciousness. 

“I got him.”  San hugged Seonghwa around the waist, taking his weight fully on himself.

“You didn’t need to be so harsh to him! Don’t you see he is not feeling well?!”  Wooyoung hissed at Hongjoong. Who could have known that these would be the first words he would ever say to THIS Man? Better than expected. Wooyoung was proud of himself.

“Maybe it’s about time for him to learn how much liquor he can handle.”  Hongjoong ignored San’s question but was quick to reply to Wooyoung.  “Then he wouldn’t throw himself at the random alpha’s hands.”

What. A. Dick.

“Woo-yah…”

“Wait, Hwa, I am not finished.”  Wooyoung didn’t spare attention to his friend. He was ready to fight.  “Who do you think you are to tell him what to do?! First saving Hwa but then saying stuff like that, are you okay in your head? Maybe you should learn how to handle your tongue before speaking!”  Wooyoung pushed San’s hand away when the man tried to stop him.  “No one even invited you here!”

Oh God… he would regret it. He would regret every one of those words in the morning. But now it seemed like a very brilliant thing to do - shouting not only at one of the most powerful men in Seoul but also at protecting Soenghwa’s dignity because his friend was in no condition to do so.

To Wooyoung's greatest content, Hongjoong looked like someone had slapped him right in that handsome face. Wooyoung was maniacally laughing in his head - probably his first and last time to speak with Kim Hongjoong like that. The best part about this, he could blame everything on alcohol.

“Wooyoungie, it’s enough… let’s go home.”  San looked at him, not having the balls to say it more harshly. Wooyoung was perfectly aware that San was on Hongjoong’s side.

“Woo-yah… I… cold…”

“Huh? Cold?”  Wooyoung was suddenly distracted as Seonghwa struggled so hard to put his words into sentences. 

His friend’s face was paper white, pupils wide, bottom lip wobbly. Given the fact that both he and San were supporting Seonghwa from his sides, he looked bad - like a thin leaf before falling off. Wooyoung was about to give him San’s jacket but then heard an annoyed sigh and the next moment Hongjoong dropped his jacket to Wooyoung. He didn’t have time to look at it, but Wooyoung was almost sure it was from Balmain. 

Wooyoung swallowed the rest of his words, taking Seonghwa back from San, and putting the thousand dollars worth of clothing on his drunk friend. Seonghwa’s face instantly relaxed after that. He hugged himself, hiding his face in the jacket’s collar as if he was ready to sleep here and now.

San was now closer to Hongjoong, asking him something, but Wooyoung’s attention was still on Seonghwa. He brushed a few strands off his forehead. Seeing his Seonghwa so comfortable in the alpha's jacket was something Wooyoung never thought he would see. 

Also, that freaking taxi could hurry up.

“Let’s go… I have no time for this.”  Hongjoong exclaimed loudly, eyes pointed at his phone.  “I have a meeting in three hours.”

On Saturday? The time frame didn't exist for him.

“Wait… you drove here?”  San blinked, astonished.

“How else, if my loyal bodyguard is a useless drunk.”  Hongjoong rolled his eyes, but his gaze at San was completely different - as if he were looking at a brother and not a piece of trash.

San scoffed, stepping forward after Hongjoong. Wooyoung wished so much to take off his shoe and send it right into San’s redhead. Would he really leave him like this??

“Wooyoungie, what— ”  He, however, quickly realized that Wooyoung wasn’t following them.  “Oh, Hwa… let me help.”  San walked back and picked Seonghwa up like he weighed nothing. Hongjoong was already in front of them. No matter how much Wooyoung wanted to argue, he couldn't do it after a notification popped on his phone, stating that his taxi had been canceled. 

He quietly swore and followed the alpha. Seonghwa was so lucky that he won't remember most of this. Meanwhile, Wooyoung already felt like sober. 

Wooyoung didn’t think that someone like Kim Hongjoong would be driving an old Kia, but when he found himself sitting in the newest Maserati, Wooyoung couldn't stop himself from imagining Hongjoong showering in millions. San placed Seonghwa in the back, next to Wooyoung, and his friend, with the happiest smile, was quick to snuggle into Wooyoung’s arm. Wooyoung couldn’t scent Hongjoong that well, so it was weird for him to see Seonghwa so happy about it.

“You so owe me, Hwa…”  Wooyoung mumbled, getting ready for a very long ride.

Hongjoong glanced at Wooyoung, and the omega somehow held back from the urge to show him the middle finger. San sat in the passenger’s seat, yawning.

“You comfy there in the back?”  Then he asked smiling, but Wooyoung only nodded with a plain face, protectively hugging Seonghwa around his shoulders. 

The driver was a dick. The music was off. No one was talking. Wooyoung would have better walked back than experienced this. He didn't intend to tolerate this all the way though.

“So what were you doing next to the pub?”  Wooyoung decided to use the chance while he still could. He didn’t hear Hongjoong’s answer when San asked this before, or maybe he didn’t even answer it. 

The alpha’s eyes again shot at him through the mirror, but Wooyoung only sat there with a fake smile. 

“Right…”  San seemed to wake up from his daze.  “I brought you back home… before heading to the pub.”

“I had to go back to the studio and work,”  Hongjoong answered to San only.

“All night again? You are telling me you didn’t sleep today, Joong?”  San sighed like it wasn’t the first time they had this conversation. The alpha only shrugged, his eyes back at the road.

“Doesn’t explain why you ended up in the pub.”  Wooyoung pressured him again.  “How did you know where we are?”

“Oh, that… I told him,”  San reacted instead.  “The location, I mean. Just in case.”

In case? What case?

“Joongie, did you come to pick me uuuup?”  San teased him, receiving only an eye roll.

“Jongho and Mingi-yah were with me, and when Jongho said he needed to go to that pub, Mingi decided to go with him. I gave them a ride here.”  Hongjoong exhaled, giving up. 

“That was ages ago, and Mingi with Jongho left before us.”  San frowned, just like Wooyoung not connecting the dots.

“Yeah, I know.”  Hongjoong cleared his throat.  “I came back just as Jongho was carrying out Yeosangie like he won a Nobel prize.”

“No no, wait, don't change the topic.”  San laughed loudly, and Wooyoung could swear he saw the tips of Hongjoong’s ear reddening.  “Why did you come back??”

Hongjoong’s dark eyes once more were pointed at the mirror, but Wooyoung wasn’t the one Hongjoong glanced at. Was there something he had missed?

“Stop asking me bullshits. You better sober up fast because I don’t recall your contract mentioning me driving you to places.”  Hongjoong shook his head and, in the most random moment, decided to turn on the music.

“Nah, I am taking a day off. Can I crash at your place?”  San didn’t seem affected by Hongjoong’s threats. He melted in the seat with a relaxed smile on his face. 

From what Seonghwa told him before, Wooyoung knew that Hongjoong and San were close friends, but… it didn’t make Wooyoung feel better.

He turned off his attention, letting the alphas proceed with their talk however they wanted. Puzzled by this whole thing, Wooyoung took out his phone and opened the new group chat Mingi had created. He stared at the member list, only now realizing that, for whatever reason, Hongjoong was there as well. No one said a thing in the chat yet, but it was full of their photos from the night. Wooyoung looked through them quickly. The last one was the cutest photo of Seonghwa sleeping on the table sent by Yunho before he and Mingi left. ' Little bunny.' -  the note under the photo said.

“We are here,”  San announced, and only then Wooyoung noticed that they were in the parking lot in front of his apartment block. 

“Thanks, I guess.”  He sighed, unbuckling himself and opening the door. He wanted to drag Seonghwa out, but he needed to go around for that.

“Wooyoungie, can we talk?”  For some reason, San got out as well. Wooyoung doubted for a moment but then nodded. The alpha probably wanted his jacket back. Yet when Wooyoung tried to take it off, San placed his hands on his shoulders.  “Keep it.”  he smiled.  “When can I see you again?”

“I don’t know, San.”  Wooyoung turned his eyes away. He didn’t tell San about his heat because that’s not something you tell an alpha you just met.

“Did… I do something wrong?”

Wooyoung was tired. No, San didn’t do anything wrong. Although his friend was a true asshole. And that friend in question was dragging Seonghwa out of the car.

“Hey! Don’t you think it's enough?!”  Wooyoung left San to stand alone and rushed to run around the car.  “He might be your employee but you can’t act however—-”

Seonghwa’s hands were around Honjoong’s neck. He very much willingly gave himself into the man’s arms. Wooyoung was ready to catch his friend if Hongjoong decided to shove him to the side, but, to his surprise, the alpha, not in a very delicate way, dropped Seonghwa’s arm around his neck and Seonghwa happily sobered up enough to walk while leaning against Hongjoong’s side.

“Show the way.”  The alpha said, passing through a very amused-looking San. Wooyoung only shook his head, promising himself to remind Seonghwa about this for the rest of his life.

San stayed next to the car, and the three of them went into an apartment block.

“I don’t understand you.”  Wooyoung loudly expressed when they were in the elevator.  “There you were pushing him away, and now you are helping?”

“You don’t need to…”  Hongjoong quietly answered.

“Need? Need what?”

“Understand me.”  He grimaced at Wooyoung.  “When he sobers up, tell him I don’t want him to see drinking like that again.”

“No. I won’t tell him anything.”  Wooyoung hissed, walking out to the hallway and stopping next to the apartment's door. 

“I see why you are friends with him.”  Hongjoong raised his dark eyebrow, and Wooyoung was sure that, with those words, he pressed Seonghwa against his side harder.

“And I see why we are not.”  Wooyoung put another fake smile on his face.  “Anyway, this is as far as you go, alpha.”  He couldn’t miss the chance to call him alpha since Hongjoong was throwing the word ‘omega’ at Seonghwa as much as he pleased.

Before Hongjoong could answer, Seonghwa suddenly decided to wake up. He yawned, letting go of the alpha, then entered the door passcode like neither Wooyoung nor Hongjoong was there. Seonghwa paused, looked back at Hongjoong, leaned forward, and kissed his cheek.

“Goodnight.” 

He whispered and softly smiled like the soberest person around here, then proudly entered the apartment. Wooyoung bit his lip to stop himself from scoffing at Hongjoong’s dumbfounded expression. He stepped in after Seonghwa and with pleasure closed the door in front of Hongjoong’s frozen face.

SEONGHWA

Something next to his heavy head was vibrating. Again. Again. And again. Seonghwa tried to find the source, but it wasn’t that easy. A bit annoyed, because of the headache, he jumped, just to find himself completely tangled in the blankets.

“Yes??”  He answered almost aggressively, finally discovering his phone under the pillow.

“Good afternoon, Hyung, wanted to make sure you were alright!”  Yungho’s happy voice spoke into Seonghwa’s ear.  “I texted you, but you didn’t reply so… it’s almost four in the evening.”

“What…?”  Seonghwa blinked, pushing his messy hair back. 

“Did you get home safe and everything?”  He asked again, with a little worry.

Home? Safe? Seonghwa’s brain was turned on by Yunho’s question. Seonghwa loudly gasped when images of Hongjoong started coming back to him. Seonghwa clinging to him, Hongjoong taking him back to the apartment. Oh God. Oh no.

“Yeah! Right! I am fine! I will call you later!”  Seonghwa shouted so loud that he was sure Yunho had to pull the phone away from his ear.

“Ah… alright. Well, as long you’re okay, Hyung.”  The worry in Yunho’s tone became deeper.

“F-fantastic. Great. Yeah.”  Seonghwa almost sobbed, quickly saying his goodbyes.

He then scrolled through his phone with a pale face. Seonghwa was fast to find the group chat full of their photographs from the night out. Some of them Seonghwa didn’t even remember. For example, the one where Wooyoung and San were kissing his cheeks or the one where, for some mysterious reason, Seonghwa was on Mingi’s back. And what Yunho was thinking of taking Seonghwa’s sleeping photo and calling him a bunny??

“W-what… is that…?”  Seonghwa almost sobbed, going through his private messages as well. 

He had received some from Yunho, but the one that scared him to the core was dedicated to another number.

TO: CAPTAIN DEVIL

[SATURDAY 4:26 AM]

Message:  Hongjoong-shi… There is something I have to confess. Please come and hear me out.

Seonghwa almost wailed as he faintly remembered typing that to Hongjoong. Because somewhere around that time, when everyone was having so much fun, and he was alone at the table, he thought it would be such a good idea to tell Hongjoong that he lied to the doctor about his scent. He was the one who texted Hongjoong. And the alpha actually came??

“Seonghwa! Are you alright?!”  Wooyoung kicked the door open, looking for danger. He was wrapped in a blanket, his hair messy, eyes like plates.  “What… what happened?”  A bit confused, he came closer and then fell on Seonghwa's bed.

“W-what do you mean what happened? I was the one who texted Hongjoong!”  Seonghwa showed the message to Wooyoung. His friend took the phone with an enormous yawn.

“Did Yunho name him Captain Devil?”  Wooyoung giggled, crawling more into the center of the bed like a worm.  “What did you want to tell him?

“I don’t know!”  Seonghwa was better at lying when he was in a panic.  “Why did he come? Why did he protect me? Why did he take us home? Why did I kiss his cheek???”  He poured one question after another but Wooyoung’s face was already in his pillow.

“Because… you were… drunk? I don’t know, Hwa.”  He answered into the pillow.  “God my head is splitting into two parts. I already ate like three times today, but I still feel hungry… and San called me like five times already. I didn’t pick up.”

“Why?” 

Seonghwa tried to keep his anxiety away by clearing the blanket mess around. It was a little bit hard since Wooyoung was lying on them. Then he found Hongjoong’s jacket. Seonghwa’s heart stopped. Apparently, he slept hugging it. He used the chance that Wooyoung wasn’t looking and dropped it on the floor.

“Because he wants to talk, and I don’t want to. Duh.”  Wooyoung raised his hand, grabbing the air, and Seonghwa understood what he wanted. He lay down, hugging Wooyoung and letting his friend drop one of his legs over Seonghwa’s hips.

“You were glued to each other the whole night, of course, he wants to talk.”  Seonghwa sighed a little bit calmer. Wooyoung was off his suppressants, and he smelled like a fresh caramel and honeycomb. A beautiful scent for a beautiful soul.

“Well yes, but he can’t expect I will drop myself under his feet after one night.”  Wooyoung scoffed.  “Guys literally fought between themselves to get my attention.”

“Woo-yah, you were very interested in San yourself, if I remember right. Don’t you think it’s a bit harsh?”  The only reason why Seonghwa felt sorry for San was because that man was always so nice to him. Although Seonghwa was very aware of Wooyoung’s hobby of playing with hearts, he still decided to push the talk more.

“Okay okay… he is sweet, kind, gentle, dimples on his face when he smiles make my knees weak. His smell is dazzling… God, he is so hot too… he can kiss.”  Wooyoung had a hard time collecting his thoughts, but Seonghwa patiently waited, patting his back.  “But… I don’t feel like talking to an alpha just before my heat starts. I don’t think… I can think clearly. If I answer now, he would want to talk again and again…”  He changed from pressing his face against Seonghwa’s pillow to his chest.  “Also… his friend is a dick, I was so right.”

“You didn’t like Hongjoong, did you?”  Seonghwa wondered how Wooyoung would react to Hongjoong if he met him, since his friend was always so protective, without any filters. 

“At all. And I don’t know how you do.”

Maybe because… Seonghwa didn’t have a choice? Whatever Fated Mates meant for real.

“The only thing I liked about him was his fashion taste,”  Wooyoung added after a pause.  “I counted, he had like five thousand dollars worth of outfit on himself.”

Seonghwa couldn’t hold back the laugh. For some reason, after everything he did yesterday, no one fired him yet, so he decided to count that as a good sign.

“I bet even Jongho is more romantic…”  Wooyoung’s laugh tickled Seonghwa’s chest.  “OMG, we should call Yeosang and ask what happened.”

“Aah…. I don’t think….”  Seonghwa started, but Wooyoung was already with Seonghwa’s phone in his hands again.

“You have Yeosangie named as Sangie with a heart! Bless Yunho.”  Wooyoung pressed the button and turned on the speaker. They both stared at Yeosang’s picture showing a heart with fingers that probably Yunho had set as well.

“Hwa?”  He answered, voice unclear and low.  “You… you okay?”

“Oh my… Yeosangie, darling, are you crying??”  Wooyoung immediately sat on the bed.

“Woo-yah… I can’t stop… crying. It’s so annoying, I just watched a video about bears and I am crying again. Like… I hate this pre-heat shit.”  He stuttered, voice so weak that Seonghwa wished he could just teleport wherever Yeosang was and hug him.

“Are you okay? Did you get home safe?”  Seonghwa poured more important questions.

“Did Jongho stay with you??  Wooyoung added, only shrugging at Seonghwa’s glare.

“Hahaha… pitch comedy, that… asshole.”  Yeosang stuttered, then loudly blew his nose.  “He carried me until the taxi that he called… and… then, like a major idiot I am, I confessed. And… nothing happened, he let me go and… that’s it.”  They heard a loud bump at Yeosang’s side, probably throwing something across the room.

“So he didn’t answer anything?”  Seonghwa asked quietly, his heart breaking for poor Yeosang.

“What is he supposed to answer when he has a mate?”  Yeosang said in an empty voice.

To Seonghwa’s surprise, Wooyoung didn’t show much reaction to Yeosang’s words.

“I noticed the mating mark on his wrist. Sorry, Yeosangie...”  Wooyoung exhaled.  “But… it was weird… cause I swear… at the end of the night… I swear I could feel his scent.”

“Woo-yah.”  another loud sound.  “So, I wasn’t imagining?? Oh my God, I thought I was going insane! You also felt it! If he has a mate, then how is it possible, right??”

“Right… I don’t know. Yeosangie, you have to admit, your Jongho is a bit scary though.”  Wooyoung slowly vocalized his thoughts with big eyes. Yeosang didn’t reply, maybe lost in his thoughts as well.  “But you can take my whole shoe collection if I'm wrong, no alpha would hold someone like he held you if they felt nothing.”  Although Yeosang couldn’t see him, Wooyoung raised his arms like he had made a point of the century.

They stayed in silence for a few seconds, and then a wink appeared on Wooyoung’s lips.

“But if you feel better, Seonghwa kissed Hongjoong on the cheek.”  He said cheek and smiled even wider when Yeosang choked.

“Seonghwa?? H-Hongjoong?? What the hell did I miss??”

Seonghwa groaned and fell on the bed, covering himself with the same blankets to hide everything on his face he didn’t want Wooyoung to see.

The rest of the day passed like this - they talked with Yeosang for a couple more hours, then cooked, and Wooyong took a nap, hugging Seonghwa on the couch as TV played a Korean Drama with Wooyoung's favorite actor. Seonghwa could feel him getting feverish, and it was just a question of hours when he would fall into heat. For some reason, a few days earlier than it was supposed to happen. Seonghwa used this chance of Wooyoung staying calm to text Yunho and assure him that he was well, but the alpha didn’t answer. Seonghwa scrolled through his field on social media about the events today and guessed that Yunho must be attending one of them. Hongjoong, Mingi… probably San as well. The last time San tried to call Wooyoung was two hours ago, which indicated that he had other things to do. Life continued like yesterday didn’t happen. A couple of hours later, Seonghwa caught himself looking through their photos again.

He never had so many friends before. Could Seonghwa even call them friends? Weird, right? They drank only once together, took photos, and played some games… Why did he suddenly have the urge to protect and talk to each of them?

Seonghwa guessed right, Wooyoung’s heat started on Sunday. The first time he cried in distress was when Seonghwa was in the kitchen, making tea. Seonghwa rushed to the friend’s room, finding Wooyoung panting with a very painful-looking expression. The fever that no medicine could put down, the sweating that no sheets could hold, the pain and the feeling of emptiness… feeling like you are good for nothing, pathetic and useless… Seonghwa held his friend's hand, as he sat next to his bed. This was the first time he actually saw Wooyoung’s heat, since before they always went through them only on calls. Wooyoung buried his nose into Seonghwa’s wrist but only whined louder because, Seonghwa’s scent, even without suppressants, wasn’t the one Wooyoung needed. He asked for food at some point, but couldn’t eat it.

The first two or three days were always the worst. Seonghwa knew he couldn’t help much more than change his sheets, put a damp towel on his nape and forehead, and give him water. The best way to survive the heat was to sleep it off with the help of medicine. Seonghwa turned off Wooyoung’s phone so he wouldn’t be disturbed, and when the sleeping pills finally kicked in, he went to the kitchen to make some soup. That was when Seonghwa noticed he had missed San’s call as well. Seonghwa thought for a very very long minute, but Wooyoung’s suffering face was like knives cutting his chest. Seonghwa took his phone.

“Hwa… hi… Hi…”  The relief in San’s voice was almost tangible. He didn’t even let Seonghwa greet him as he spoke again.  “I've been calling… and calling… I know I messed up somewhere… but I promise, I don’t have… any bad intentions if I did something…”

Seonghwa remembered Wooyoung’s unrealistic stories about some guys losing their minds over him. But it was the first time he had heard someone so desperate.

“Sannie…”  He said, calling him as gently as possible.  “You didn’t do anything wrong. I am sure you did your best… Wooyoung is a handful to handle.” 

“Can you… ask him to answer me?”  San heavily exhaled.

“I am afraid he is not well… he will call you when he feels better, promise.”  He tried to sound cheerful like Wooyoung had a cold or something.

“Is he ill?”  However, San’s worried questions were shattering Seonghwa’s will to keep his mouth shut too fast. 

“Not… exactly… just… mmm… feverish.”  Seonghwa carefully chose the words. Yet, San seemed to have more experience, and it took him only a few seconds to put this puzzle together.

“Oh. When?”  San did ask this a bit calmer, but his tone went deeper.

“Yesterday he was not feeling well already… and today around noon…”  Seonghwa shamelessly lost his promise.  “It's not like he didn’t want to talk… he just too… you know… in pain.”  Seonghwa mixed the soup fast in the pot as if he could put his guilt there.  “It wasn’t supposed to happen until Tuesday…”

San remained quiet for a while. Seonghwa knew he was still there; he could hear the alpha breathing. He didn’t rush the man to say anything. For some reason, he felt sorry for both of them.

“I can help.”  Then San offered.

“What?”  Suddenly Seonghwa frowned at his phone.  “Don’t be ridiculous!”

“NO! Not like that!”  San quickly denied Seonghwa’s accusations.  “Um… I mean… I will come to the parking lot. I won't go inside. Can you take something from me?”

Seonghwa glanced behind his shoulder as if Wooyoung would be capable of getting out of his bed now.

“Sure.”

San came around six in the evening. Before going out, Seonghwa quickly checked on the still passed-out Wooyoung. His sheets were wet again, and the slick scent in the air was also heavy. Seonghwa touched his friend's sticky hair, like a quiet promise that he would be right back.

“Hi, Sannie…”  Seonghwa, without much thinking, came close to the alpha when he noticed San standing next to the car.  “You alright? Did you sleep in Hongjoong-shi’s place?”

San didn’t answer. He stared at Seonghwa like seeing him for the first time. He saw how San’s pupils dilated. Right. Seonghwa hadn’t taken his suppressants for two days already. Also, his and Wooyoung’s heat scents must have mixed together.

“I know you’re overwhelmed, but I need to go back. Wooyoung might wake up.”  Seonghwa went straight to the point, stepping a little bit back, placing his hands behind the back. He really wanted to hug San, but that would be a very bad idea, and they both knew it.

The alpha flinched like waking up from a trance and, without words (maybe holding back from breathing), nodded a few times then took a white bag out from the car.

“Thanks. See you tomorrow at work.”  Seonghwa waved with a quick smile, catching the bag, and left San still immobilized. 

Seonghwa ran back and didn’t stop until he was safe behind the apartment door. He must have been out of his mind to go outside without any suppressants. Moreover, he met an alpha who was not used to omegas full scents at all. If Seonghwa had a brain instead of mush, he would have used at least some scent blockers.

TO: SANNIE ⛰️

[SUNDAY 6:13 PM]

Message:  Sorry about that San. I acted without thinking. My head just wouldn’t work today.

FROM: SANNIE ⛰️

[SUNDAY 6:15 PM]

Message:  I was caught unprepared, sorry if my reaction scared you, Hwa. I hope what I brought will help him.

Seonghwa smiled at San's reply, placed the bag on the kitchen table, and then went to wake Wooyoung up. While the younger omega was taking a shower or trying his best to do so without crawling in pain, Seonghwa changed his sheets and brought soup.

“Not as good as yours, but I tried.”  Seonghwa sat on Wooyoung's bed, brushing his wet hair off his forehead. Wooyoung only hummed.

“Can you believe that we met only six months ago…”  Then Wooyoung weakly said.  “Feels like I have known you my entire life… I appreciate it so much… you here…”  he sobbed either from pain or from overwhelming emotions and hormones and almost dropped his plate.

“I am the lucky one here. You came to me, and asked if I needed help in that station.”  Seonghwa managed to save the plate and helped Wooyoung to keep his hand stable.   

“I vub you… H-wa…”  He sobbed while swallowing the soup.

“You might not love me soon…”  Seonghwa carefully said with a nervous chuckle. 

“Why? I know you have to go to work tomorrow… it’s alright… I will try to sleep it off. In the worst case I have a dild—”

“I don’t want to know that, Woo-yah.” 

Seonghwa stopped him before he started talking about his other beloved collection. He helped Wooyoung take another few spoons of soup, and then Wooyoung refused to eat more. After that, Seonghwa tucked him into bed and disappeared to wash dishes and start laundry. After that he picked up the bag from San, thinking over it a few times before taking it to Wooyoung.

“Okay…”  Seonghwa entered his friend's room, putting on the most apologetic expression he could make.  “I may have... met San when you were sleeping…”

“P-pardon?”  Wooyoung flinched in panic, looking around as if San could be hiding in his closet.  “Why?? After I said, I don’t want to talk to him!!”

“Because he deserved an explanation, Wooyoung. Imagine yourself in his place.”  Seonghwa tried to convince him softly.

“I don’t want to imagine him anywhere!! I am the one lying in my wet freaking sheets like a horny hoe, not him and not you! Oh God…”  Wooyoung covered his face with both hands, rolling on his stomach. Seonghwa patiently waited until his dramatic mood would pass.  “What… what did he say?”  He murmured after a long pause.

“Nothing much. He just gave me this. It’s your choice if you want to see what’s in there.”  Seonghwa came closer and placed the bag on Wooyoung’s bed. It really looked like he was going to shove it off, but then slowly reached and opened it. 

It was a light gray very domestic-looking hoodie, with capital letters UNALLOYED written on it. Seonghwa tilted his head, confused as to how this could help, but Wooyoung’s eyes widened, a weird but at the same time soft expression filling his face.

“It… it smells like him… oh my…”  Wooyoung brought the material to his face, pressing it hard between his fingers as tears gathered in his eyes.  “The jacket he gave me the other day… the scent was so weak on it… but this… it’s… it’s heaven.”  Wooyoung sobbed, and at that moment, Seonghwa knew he was no longer needed.

He left Wooyoung with his new favorite toy and returned to his bedroom. Hongjoong’s jacket was under his bed, where Seonghwa hid it after folding it neatly. He took the black jacket out and carefully sniffed. Not even close to the scent from the source but it still brought comfort. At the same time, Seonghwa was so ashamed of himself for this, as he couldn’t fight with the inner self, that he hated the most.

“I wonder… how do I smell to you, Hongjoong?”  He talked to the jacket.

Seonghwa lay on his side, placing the clothing next to himself as if it were a person, then dropped his arm over it and snuggled closer until his nose was hidden in the collar. Would it feel the same to sleep with him on the bed together? The jacket was cold, however… cold just like Hongjoong towards Seonghwa. So, very realistic. 

Seonghwa was probably slowly losing his mind. He tried to remember how Hongjoong’s skin felt under his lips, the way the man’s hand was holding Seonghwa’s waist, but couldn’t. 

Seonghwa was standing in front of the KHJ building, realizing something very important. Something he hadn’t thought about since Friday afternoon. Where was his employee card? Seonghwa didn’t have many pockets or clothes, so he couldn’t have left it in some other pants. Did he forget it on his desk before leaving?

“Struggling much?” 

Seonghwa turned his head to the side, and his eyes met with Jongho, who pressed his employee card against the scanner and opened the door. He let Seonghwa go in first. It was the first time Seonghwa needed the card to open the door, since until now, it was either opened or San did it for him.

“Forgot my card… on the desk.”  Seonghwa smiled.  “Thank you, Jongho-shi.”

“I am a bit offended.”  the alpha said as they walked to the elevators together.  “I thought singing together on Friday changed something, Hwa Hyung.”

Seonghwa blinked, as he didn’t remember singing with Jongho at all, but his hint was pretty much clear.

“Jongho-yah… if that’s alright.”

“Better.”  He nodded.

Seonghwa automatically let his eyes down as he tried to see the mate mark Wooyoung mentioned on Jongho’s wrist, but the man was wearing a thin black turtleneck sweater with long sleeves.

“Is there something you want to ask?”  He raised an eyebrow, looking directly into Seonghwa’s eyes.  “It just seems like you do.”

“Umm… nothing... sorry.”  Seonghwa stuttered when he was caught by Jongho’s observant gaze.

“This I guess?”  Jongho lifted his right hand's sleeve exposing a very thin bite mark. Seonghwa didn’t know much about scars but it didn’t seem that old.

“Your mate… are they nice?”  Seonghwa asked, fully aware of how weird it sounded. It would be the same to ask someone if they loved their wife or husband?

What faintly appeared in Jongho’s eyes, after this question, stayed with Seonghwa for long hours after they parted ways. It was a raw pain, fear, emptiness, and frustration - all of this created such a big void that Seonghwa felt guilty for opening his mouth in the first place.

“I-am…”

“See you later, Hwa Hyung.”  Jongho waved when the door opened on his floor, leaving Seonghwa speechless.

It was strange to come to work and find Yeosang’s desk empty. Although Hongjoong was already in his office, working on his laptop. Seonghwa dared only to think about invisibly slipping behind his desk, and the alpha's eyes were already on him.

“Come here.”  He ordered, and Seonghwa rushed so fast that he almost tripped with his old sneakers. 

Hongjoong closed his eyes, rubbing his nose bridge, like holding back words that tried to escape his mouth. Seonghwa thought he would use this chance.

“Good morning, sir… I wanted to apologize for what happened on Friday, I mean, Saturday night. For everything. I wasn’t in my right mind… I would have never done those things if…”

When Hongjoong opened his eyes, the rest of the words he wanted to confess left Seonghwa’s mind. He couldn’t explain how or from where, but he could feel… disappointment. Hongjoong’s scent was also different today, a little bit weaker; less energetic, like he was tired.

“I would rather have you apologize for more important things.”  He pushed his chair back and stood up. He was wearing a three-part suit today but had no shirt underneath. There was just something sinful about wearing a waistcoat on a bare body, but Seonghwa had no idea what.

“Important… things?”  Seonghwa tried to remember the time on his phone when entering the building. Was he late again?

“What were you doing at my desk?”  Hongjoong dryly asked, and before Seonghwa reacted, the man was already showing his employee’s card. 

Oh… shit.  Seonghwa left his employee card on Hongjoong's desk when he was distracted by the photo. The terror was probably written all over his face because Hongjoong only came closer.

“Don’t you even think about lying,”  His voice was deep, words slow. It was a clear warning sign.  “You were so brave to cling to me… suddenly lost your tongue? Is it hard to answer?”  He continued, the gap between them was so tiny that Seonghwa’s knees became weak. 

Their eyes were on the same level and Seonghwa had no clue what Hongjoong saw in his gaze, but the alpha’s eyes were too dark to catch any light in them. Seonghwa turned his head down.

He still could see Hongjoong raising his hands. Seonghwa was screaming at himself to run or cover his face at least, but he could only helplessly stand and let the alpha have his way. Seonghwa had already forgotten how scared they could make him feel.

He flinched from a slight touch when Hongjoong put the lanyard with the employee card on it around his neck. Then he placed his palm against Seonghwa’s chest, and the omega was sure Hongjoong could feel how his heart was about to jump out.

“Keep it here, alright? There won’t be next time.”  he pushed his fingers deeper into Seonghwa’s shirt. 

Why did feel like that hand was touching his naked body?? Seonghwa wasn’t supposed to feel this much. He couldn’t. He didn’t want to. But those fingers burned. Burned something that the world hadn’t invented yet. And Hongjoong didn’t move until Seonghwa gave a barely visible nod.

The alpha sighed and turned around, finally releasing Seonghwa from the invisible chains. The omega grabbed his shirt, where Hongjoong’s hand just was, his fingers shivering, his heart like a drum painfully bouncing into his ribs. Hongjoong went to the window, brushing through his light brown hair with his fingers.

“We are leaving in ten minutes. The conference starts in an hour.”  He said still with his back to Seonghwa, looking down at the busy street.

“M-m-e?”

“Do you have any better things to do?”  Honjoong asked, glancing back at still-stiff Seonghwa.  “Didn’t Yeosang explain to you that you’ll have to cover him when he is off?”

Oh. So… That was it? Hongjoong let it go even without the answer?

“He… he did.”  Seonghwa tried to get back into his normal voice.  “But I still don’t know so many things.”

“San will babysit you.”  Hongjoong went back to his desk, looking down at some papers, his delicate fingers placed on them the same way as they were on Seonghwa’s chest just moments ago.  “I don’t expect you to be as good as Yeosang. I know you work here for barely a week. No matter what you think of me… I assure you I am no—”  His words were interrupted by ringing. Seonghwa wished so much for Hongjoong to finish his sentence that it took him a few seconds to realize that was the office phone.

“Sorry!”  He apologized for whatever reason, rushing to his desk and answering to answer. 

Seonghwa’s respect for Yeosang’s work grew twice after today as he looked through Hongjoong’s schedule for the week. Not only did he question how that man would be able to do everything and still have time to eat, sleep, or breathe, but at the same time, how Seonghwa would go with him everywhere and manage to do his office duties as well.

San met them next to the car, his smile widening when he saw Seonghwa. Only from his eyes, Seonghwa already know he wanted to ask about Wooyoung, but it was a smart decision not to do so in front of Hongjoong. Nevertheless, it was never hard for San to keep the conversation going, and Seonghwa, finally, was comfortable enough to join it.

“So you were in a dance crew when you were younger??”  Seonghwa curiously wondered when San mentioned other dances he knew but the karaoke machine didn’t have them.

“Ah, yeah… something I did for fun. Joongie, remember your songs?”

“No, I don’t.”  The alpha, next to the Seonghwa, strictly said.  “And since when you two are sharing personal information? Go ahead and tell him about the KHJ’s future plans too.”

“Just because your best friend is your phone, doesn’t mean me and Hwa Hyung can’t be friends, Joongie.”  San as always wasn’t bothered by Hongjoong’s words. Seonghwa could only wish that one day he would be as self-confident as San.

“Keep me out of your empty conversations.”  Hongjoong then looked at Seonghwa, and the omega tried so hard to pretend he didn’t feel a weird tension like… jealousy or something similar.  “Did you take the files from my desk?”

“Yes, sir. The ones that Yeosang left on his desk as well.”

For the first time, Hongjoong only nodded without having anything to reply. Seonghwa counted this as a success and, after receiving San’s smirk over the mirror, even smiled a little bit. 

Seonghwa learned that his first task wasn’t as hard, as he expected. They were in a spacious hall, and San stayed by his side, monitoring which documents to pass to Hongjoong. The conference was related to collections and shows, but Seonghwa didn’t understand most of it. Not like he needed to understand though - it was mostly focused on Hongjoong answering press questions.

“Want to make Hongjoong go somewhere to eat after this?”  San quietly nudged Seonghwa, when their eyes met.

“I am not very hungry…”  Seonghwa shook his head. Of course, he had to keep his mouth shut about the scent blockers. On top of that, he was feeling so nervous about Hongjoong alone on that stage, that nothing else mattered. The man was so calm, brave, and professional, while everyone kept attacking him.

“Boooo…”  San sighed disappointed.  “Do you have Hongjoong’s schedule printed?”

Seonghwa nodded as he gave it to the man. San took his time to look at plans, then made cute duck lips, like pounting.

“I thought Yeosang tried to make his schedule as free as possible for this week, but it’s still stuffed…”  San couldn’t hide the worry in his voice.  “He hasn’t slept for two days… you know I slept over at his place? He just kept working…”

“On what…?”

Before San answered, one lady from the press asked her question so loudly that some other reporters glared at her.

“Is it true you haven’t presented any ideas for next year's fashion week yet? The deadline is in a week, isn't it?? Can we expect KHJ to skip the fashion week next year?”  The woman giggled.  “Kim Hongjoong-nim, maybe your inspiration has long died? The last collection wasn’t as successful as expected, right?”

Seonghwa frowned. What was her deal? She was not only loud but also rude. Until her, everyone seemed to understand the one question per time rule, but for this lady, it didn’t matter. San next to Seonghwa straightened his back and stepped forward to Hongjoong.

“Sir, I am afraid the time has ended.”  He warned politely.

“We have never skipped the fashion week, nor do we intend to do it now,”  Hongjoong answered into the microphone.  “Thank you for your time.”  He stood up from the desk on the stage that he was sitting at, turning a blind eye to all the photographers and some other reporters who tried to ask more questions.

Seonghwa followed Hongjoong to the car. He had to hold back himself with everything in his heart and not take Hongjoong’s hand, telling him that he didn’t have to listen to all that mocking. But really, would his words mean anything? Seonghwa had no knowledge of how creating a collection worked.

“Call Jongho and tell them to prepare for the bullshit they are about to write,”  Hongjoong ordered as soon as they sat in the car and started moving. Seonghwa was pretty sure it was directed toward him, yet San was the one who pressed a few buttons on the car’s monitor.

“San?”  Jongho answered almost immediately.

“Look out for the incoming articles…”  the man sighed.

“Like…?”

“Will Kim Hongjoong again disappoint the industry? Is Kim Hongjoong’s success finally fading? Is Kim Hongjoong nothing but a fraud?”  Hongjoong almost identically mimicked the woman’s voice from the press.  “Something like that, also related to the next fashion week.”  He then added in a cold voice.

“Right. How long will it take for you to finish?”  Jongho asked as if he were dealing with similar things every day. And he probably did.

“You can’t finish something you haven’t even started, can’t you now?”  Hongjoong groaned, then grabbed a file from the seat between him and Seonghwa and covered his face with papers.  “I can't take this shit anymore. I am so fucking quitting…”

“Cool, if you will, tell me when so I can come after.”  Jongho scoffed and then hung up.

“Y-you are not quitting for real… right?”  Seonghwa’s voice broke a bit as words left his mouth after a few moments of crushing silence. 

San looked at Seonghwa through the mirror, and Hongjoong moved the files from his face. Both he and San then looked at each other, and Hongjoong burst into a laugh.

Laugh as he had, was one in a billion. Sarcastic or not, teasing or honest, Seonghwa thought his heart would never fail to skip a beat seeing or hearing it. He could see how life in Hongjoong’s eyes lighted, how that smile came from the deepest part that Hongjoong kept so well hidden from everyone around. God, he was beautiful. Like an idiot, Seonghwa thought he didn’t mind being Hongjoong’s clown if only he continued to smile like that.

Also, the duality of this man might be the reason for his early death.

After three more similar interviews for radio, two for different kinds of magazines, and a photo shoot, Seonghwa barely could feel his feet. He had no idea how Hongjoong, after at least two sleepless nights, slayed the day with the calmest face. Seonghwa fell on the bench when San suggested waiting for Hongjoong outside. It was already past six, and he just finished another solo photo shoot for some fashion event.

“Are you alive?”  San suggested a bottle of water for Seonghwa, which he got from a vending machine.

“This is crazy…”  Seonghwa took it thankfully, his eyes shooting toward the entrance of the building, where Hongjoong seemed involved in a conversation with a few other alphas who also attended the photo shoot.  “How does he do that every day? I can’t imagine myself… like ever…”  Seonghwa wanted an honest answer.

San’s laugh was short, but his eyes remained sad.

“Will he be able to make it in time?”  Seonghwa carefully asked again, as he knew San was perfectly aware of the meaning behind it.

“I don’t know.”  The San replied after a pause.  “I mean, he always pushed and made it. But lately, he is not satisfied with anything he makes.”

Seonghwa drank his water without much enthusiasm while an uneasy feeling kept pressing down in his heart. San most likely noticed it.

“He had to sacrifice everything to come this far… he keeps pushing himself to the edges of his limits… and I am so afraid he has burned out but is too stubborn to admit to himself.”  San started at the bottle of his own, yet his gaze was lost somewhere else.  “He used to… laugh a lot. He… used to be our soul. Now it feels like he tries to take too much on himself. Now... it’s just memories of what we had… was it worth it? For him, yes. But who would understand someone like Joongie?”

Seonghwa was breathing in every word San spoke. Not because any of them could change something, but because the past Hongjoong had already won Seonghwa’s heart. He couldn’t tell when exactly that happened, but Seonghwa couldn’t stop wanting to know more.

“So he has changed a lot…?”

“Haven’t we all?”  San shrugged, taking a big gulp of water. The man definitely wasn’t telling everything. 

The conversation was over when San raised his arm to wave for Hongjoong, who was coming their way.

“Do you want to come with us for dinner, or should I take you home?”  San asked Seonghwa.

No wonder Seonghwa felt so weak. He had only a little bit of soup before leaving for work. Anyway, he probably couldn't even afford a cup of tea in the place where men like Hongjoong dined. Not to mention that Seonghwa was worried for Wooyoung since he hadn’t texted him the whole day. And there was one more thing…

“Actually… I still have things to do in the office before going home. If you could take me back, I would appreciate it.”  Seonghwa asked when he remembered his promise to Mingi about coming to his office. Whatever the beta wanted to show, he hoped it would be quick.

“Alright…?”  San raised his eyebrow in surprise, but Seonghwa didn’t want to go further into it until he knew more details.

“Hongjoong-shi, you had several calls today that might be worth your attention.”  Seonghwa pulled out his notes. Hongjoong was too busy playing with rings on his fingers. His gaze seemed unfocused as if he were in deep thought.  “Hongjoong—”

“I couldn’t give less fucks about calls now…”  He replied, breathing in.  “Let’s quickly do this, I need to return to the studio after.”

“Understood.”  Seonghwa bit his bottom lip and didn’t say anything else.

He would have probably teared up if Hongjoong spoke like this on his first day, but now the sting he felt in his heart was different. The man, indeed, had more important things to worry about. After today, Seonghwa started to understand him better. Seonghwa could swear he felt Hongjoong’s eyes on him as if his answer surprised the alpha.

“Is it alright if I let you go here?”  San stopped next to the parking lot after ten minutes, and Seonghwa quickly nodded, rushing to get out.

“Perfect, thank you, Sannie.”  Seonghwa got out and, before shutting the door, caught Hongjoong’s eyes.  “I hope you will get inspiration to finish your work soon.”  Seonghwa nodded, last time for today, taking in Hongjoong’s scent, then shut the door.

When Seonghwa entered the skyscraper, he was met by silence. A lot of workers had left already. Seonghwa had learned that various events were happening almost every day, so evenings were pretty quiet here. He did hope that Mingi remembered about his invitation. However, he wasn’t sure where the beta’s office was, and when Mingi didn’t pick up, Seonghwa started feeling a little bit anxious. He eventually decided to ask the guard for directions since the receptionist wasn’t there anymore. 

Mingi’s studio was located on the twenty-fifth floor. Seonghwa had already learned that each floor of this building gave out different vibes, and was always interested to guess what was behind new doors. He did imagine Mingi’s office to be similar to Hongjoong’s but was dumbfounded when the doors opened, and he entered the most gigantic wardrobe in the universe - clothes… shoes… accessories… materials… some other attributes that Seonghwa couldn’t name. As far as he could see, and for him, it seemed endless, the whole floor and rooms with glass doors were filled with stuff. Seonghwa wouldn’t be surprised if he ended up in another dimension after entering any of those.

“Mingi-yah!”  He called, looking around and, just in case double-checking the floor number. 

The curtains were down almost on the entire floor, and the light was so naturally beautiful that every hanging piece of clothes looked like a separate form of art. Seonghwa never thought of changing his way of dressing, but he caught himself staring at the mannequin with Hongjoong’s outfit from last week. Did they have it here to remind them of their boss? Fashion designers had humor.

“Seonghwa-yah, here.”  Mingi’s head suddenly popped from around the corner. 

He was wearing glasses with thick black frames, and for some reason, it only made him look sweeter. Mingi must have noticed Seonghwa’s smile, since he fixed the glasses on his nose and shrugged.

“Can’t bother with lenses when working.”  He explained, then disappeared again.

Seonghwa expected to see a little cozy corner where Mingi worked, but he was met with artistic chaos. Some shelves were stuffed with materials and tools, others with what seemed like sketchbooks and papers, plans. There were at least three mannequins, but only one of them was half-dressed. Mingi’s table made Seonghwa’s fingers itch, but he had enough manners to keep his hands to himself. One sketch on another, papers tangled between book and magazine pages, pencils, some ink pens, and hell knows what else. From what his eyes caught, there were tons of crumbled papers on the floor too.

“This…”  Mingi waved his hands at the chaos.  “...means we are in deep shit and running out of time. I've been looking through our old collections.” 

“I think it has some charm.”  Seonghwa giggled. 

“History was made here,”  Mingi assured him, taking one of the worn-out sketchbooks.  “That’s the first one.”

“First…?”  Seonghwa’s eyes widened as he reached to take the treasure.

“Hongjoong’s first sketches.”  The beta specified, smiling and then teasingly pulled the sketchbook back.  “It’s sort of a secret…”

“Mingi-yah…”  Seonghwa frowned, offended. How could someone offer him candy and then take it back? 

Mingi laughed, giving the sketchbook to Seonghwa, and the omega carefully flipped through the pages. His curiosity reached the peak to see Hongjoong’s early works. His handwriting was rushed and uneven as if he had so many ideas in his mind that his hand could barely keep up. Seonghwa’s eyes widened, seeing something… different than he expected. The clothes that the younger Hongjoong designed were very… free. Genders and styles blended so much that Seonghwa couldn’t tell if those clothes were meant for women or men. 

“These were never released…”  Mingi pointed out. 

“Why?”  Seonghwa wondered, running through strict lines and shades with his fingers. There was one page full of notes only, crossed out and rewritten again. Titles? Quotes? Names? Seonghwa's tilted head, trying to figure it out.

“I don’t know, ask him maybe.”  He shrugged.

“Very funny.”  Seonghwa glared at Mingi and then turned his eyes back to the page. 

At the end of it, after all the crossing and striking out, there was one word underlined. 

Star.

Meanwhile, Mingi was so intensively searching for something on his messy table that he didn’t care when some papers and books flew off the table. Soenghwa was sure the beta knew more than he said, but if he didn’t answer, it wasn’t Seonghwa’s business. 

“Here it is.”  He announced, pulling out a measuring tape.  “Stand still.”

“What…?”  Seonghwa turned around to face the man.  “What do you want to do with this?”

“Measure you obviously, turn your back on me. Chop chop.”  Mingi clapped hands, but for Seonghwa one night was enough to learn something new about this man - he wasn’t intimidating at all.

“Thank you, but I am seriously not interested in changing anything. I like my style.”  Seonghwa could guess where this was going. Mingi was searching for a chance to put some fancy clothes on him from the first day. But Seonghwa wasn’t a model, and he wasn’t a doll.

“What style?”  Mingi’s poker face made Seonghwa roll his eyes.  “I gave you a book. Can you stay still for five minutes?”

“Mingi-yah…”  Seonghwa was too tired to argue. He appreciated Mingi showing part of Hongjoong that no one else remembered, but other than that, he didn’t want to be a part of this.

“Okay, then what would it take for you? What do you want? Hongjoong’s shoe size? His blood type? Childhood photos?”  Mingi poured one question after another, making Seonghwa’s cheeks shamelessly heat up. Did he have Hongjoong’s baby photos for real? 

“What happened with you and Yunho-yah after you left?”  Seonghwa asked, knowing that this question would change Mingi’s mind immediately.

The beta froze. He closed then opened his eyes, slowly shaking his head in disbelief.

“You could literally choose any topic, and that was what you decided to go with? Fine.”  He grabbed Seonghwa’s shoulders, turned him around, and pressed the measuring tape against his nape.  “We had a fight. Because he wouldn’t leave me alone, no matter how many times I have told him that all of this shouldn’t cross the line. We are professionals, aren’t we? Yunho-yah is… too emotional, and too attached. He wants more.” 

It was obvious that Mingi spent hours with measurement tape before, every one of his moves was well calculated, as he noted the numbers on the corner of the paper. Seonghwa had never been measured in his life, so he had no clue that the size from his elbow to wrist could be a thing. Wasn’t the size of his full arm enough? Yet soon, he was too invested in the beta's words to care about measurements.

“What do you mean more? I just think Yunho-yah… likes you.”

“Likes me? He has been crazy in love with me since the day we met.”  Mingi sighed, pausing for a bit.  “But it’s complicated.”

“You don’t feel the same?”  Seonghwa quietly dared to question.

“Does it matter? I don’t have enough time for this. Yunho and I can’t be together. I told him that countless times. He knows my reasons too.” 

Seonghwa flinched when he felt the tape around his thighs, but the beta didn’t notice.

“I think your feelings matter, Mingi-yah. You matter to him too.”  Seonghwa looked down at the beta, who was now in front of him, pressing the end of the tape to his ankle.

“You sound like him… the problem isn’t in Yunho. It’s in me.”  Mingi sighed, getting up and then showing Seonghwa to lift his arms. The omega did it without much thinking.

“Because of your second gender?”  Seonghwa held his breath, remembering Yunhno’s words at the park.

“Because damaged people are the worst.”  He measured Seonghwa’s waist and something else, then finally threw the tape to the side, with concern, looking down at his notes with numbers.  “I don’t tell this to my models a lot, you can ask anyone, but… Hwa… eat, please.”

Seonghwa’s brain completely ignored Mingi’s last sentence. Damaged? What did he mean by that?

“I know what you are thinking. But Yunho deserves better. That’s all I have to say.”  Now that Mingi was done with what he wanted, he took the sketchbook away from Seonghwa.  “He is more angry this time, I admit. Usually, my phone is flooded by his messages the next day, but I haven’t heard from him since… hmm… Saturday evening?”

Seonghwa blinked in confusion. That was the time when he texted Yunho, but the alpha never replied.

“Is he still in Seoul?”  Seonghwa tried not to show his worry when Mingi shook his head, but no words came from the beta's mouth since his phone started to ring. Yet they had no idea where from.

“Answer.”  Mingi loudly said.  “Siri, turn on the speaker.”

The phone’s AI system worked magic. Seonghwa, like an old man, was shocked to find out about this function that his phone probably also had.

“Mingi-shiiii, we are in huge trouble.”  A girl's voice cried, and she sobbed in distress.  “I know you are very busy, but please come down here.”

“Okay okay, sweetheart, don’t cry, or you will ruin that makeup of yours. I will be there in five minutes.”  Mingi managed to pull out his phone from a pile of materials on the chair and ended the call.  “I don’t think my brain can handle any of these anymore."  He glared at the table.  "Let’s just hope I will dream of the whole collection tonight.”

Seonghwa couldn’t help but giggle at the beta’s words. He noted himself to call Yunho on the way back home and then followed Mingi when he turned off the lights in the studio and walked towards the elevators.

“So, I can’t do anything to change your mind?”  Mingi tried to put an intense gaze on Seonghwa, but after Hongjoong’s aura, everything was like a children's game.

“About clothes? No, thanks. I am sure.”  Seonghwa smiled, ignoring an open disappointment on Mingi’s face.  “What do you think happened to the girl that called you?”

“Hmm… they were finishing the photo shoot for our magazine. Tomorrow evening all the photos must be sent to the editorial office, maybe… I don’t know… they can’t get a pose right or something.”  Mingi didn’t seem very concerned.  “Want to come along? I bet you didn’t even know we had a magazine.”

Seonghwa let his eyes down in guilt and nibbed the corner of his stretched shirt. For sure, he didn’t have a clue that KHJ had their own fashion magazine. He nodded to Mingi, feeling like it would be a bit rude to leave now.

They stepped out on the fifteenth floor. Seonghwa recognized the same studio where Hongjoong and Yeosang were working. Knowing that everyone had left, he felt sad seeing the models and photographs still working so hard. They all seemed exhausted.

“What’s up?” 

Mingi went closer to them, and Seonghwa stayed further from the action. On a low table, he noticed several magazines. Individual themes and models on the covers confirmed that those were different issues. They all seemed so unique. Seonghwa picked up one.  ATEEZ  - apparently that was the title of it.

“Hwa!”  Mingi called in his low voice, and Seonghwa almost dropped the magazine on the floor.

“Y-yes??”  He placed it back and rushed towards Mingi. A cute young lady was standing next to him. Her eyes were a little red as if she just cried not long ago. Was she the one who called?

“How about him?”  Mingi glanced at the girl, and after scanning Seonghwa with her eyes, she nodded.

“I think so,”  she confirmed.

“Seonghwa, they really need your help.”  Mingi clapped his hands, going behind the omega.  “You wouldn’t let this poor girl down, will you now?”

“I… I…. no?”  Seonghwa just couldn’t get another answer from himself. His heart melted too fast, seeing people cry.  “How can I… help?”

“One of the models had to leave for their flight, and they couldn’t finish the photo shoot.”

Seonghwa blinked with doe eyes still confused. So what was he supposed to do about it? Find a new model?

“It’s only an outfit photo left, though… nothing else. Your face won’t even show”  The girl promised with pleading eyes.  “But you would save everyone. Please. I mean…”  she glared at Mingi.  “We could dress Mingi-shi, but the magazine is not about fitness.”

“Oh, thank you so much…”  Mingi rolled his eyes, slightly pushing Seonghwa forward.  “Come on, people are crying here, don’t be heartless, Hwa Hyung…”

“Um… I guess?”  Seonghwa stuttered a bit. Mingi, for some reason, already knew his weakness too well. 

The girl made a tiny jump, almost chirping in happiness, then took Seonghwa’s hand and dragged him to a private dressing room.

“So it’s nothing too fancy, honestly… Just a long sweater and pants.”  She pulled out a black suit bag,  “There are different size shoes here as well, all of them would fit with this, so just find the ones you feel good in. Do you need help?”

“No, I don’t think so.”  Seonghwa took the bag from her, with no clue what he would find inside, but dressing in front of someone was out of the question. He wouldn’t even change clothes in front of Wooyoung.

“Come out when you are ready!”  She bowed, like ten times for Seonghwa, gratitude written all over her round face, then left firmly shutting the door.

Seonghwa placed the bag on the table and opened it. Stared. Then closed the bag and opened it again. But the view didn’t change. The girl said it was a sweater, but no matter how Seonghwa tried to look at it… naming this a sweater didn’t sound right. It was a dress. Black dress with turtleneck. The material was glossy and obviously very high quality. He found pants as well, but it didn’t change the situation he was in. Yet for some reason, Seonghwa’s heart was climbing up his throat already. This outfit slightly reminded of Hongjoong’s sketches he saw today. And those drawings were beautiful. Mastermising even. Not like Seonghwa could ever wear those, but maybe he could come a little bit closer to understanding what Hongjoong felt creating it.

He sighed, unbuttoning his shirt and taking off the pants. Just as the girl promised, putting on the outfit was easy. The material against his body felt like a second skin. He had to admit that wearing something on himself never felt this good. Seonghwa pulled down the sleeves, smoothing out the surface. He was curious to see if he looked as good as he felt but there was no mirror in the room. Then Seonghwa checked out the shoes, taking the ones that didn’t press his feet too much, and walked out.

Seonghwa didn’t feel how he was pulling the sleeves down from anxiety, glancing towards the crew who were too concentrated on the photo shoot to notice him.

“Hmm… I think I am done?”  He let them know not too loud but enough to get the same girl's attention. Seonghwa brushed his hair back, and fixed the turtle's neck, walking closer.

“Oh, great come— h-here…”  She froze.

Did he put it in the wrong way or something? Seonghwa checked a few times to ensure he wouldn’t fail, but as the girl and now other people around her were staring, Seonghwa was afraid he somehow managed to mess up anyway.

“Joongie, I don’t know. I spent the whole day in the studio… Artist’s block got us in the worst timing.”  Mingi was on his phone further from the set when Seonghwa came out, but when silence filled the room his frustrated voice became loud and clear.  “We could just… take something from old sketchbooks and put togeth—” 

Mingi raised his eyes in confusion about the atmosphere change, and then they stuck at Seonghwa.

“Did I do… something…wrong?” Seonghwa’s quiet voice in the studio was too loud.

“Kim Hongjoong. To the studio. Now. Fucking now.”  Mingi uttered in strict and short sentences, dropped his phone on the couch nearby, and almost threw himself at Seonghwa. There was nothing exotic about their new friendship nor Mingi’s attraction towards Seonghwa, but the beta literally ate him with his eyes now.

“Mingi-yah…”

“We… We need makeup. We need it now.”  Mingi instructed, then took Seonghwa’s hand and tugged him towards a high chair.  “Seonghwa… I want to tell you, but I’m afraid I will start screaming.”

“W-what? Why?”  Seonghwa squirmed on the chair and then leaned a little back as if the makeup artist came to him with guns and not brushes.  “You said clothes only...”

“I lied,”  Mingi answered without hesitation.  “Just… please. Just sit.”

Lied? What did he mean? Seonghwa tried to shrink when the very kind-looking beta girl struggled to reach him.

“I won’t hurt you,”  she promised with a glowing face like Seonghwa was a white canvas that she was about to paint on.

“I know… I know… I never had makeup on me… it’s just…”  Seonghwa couldn’t find a word to describe screeching inside his chest gently.

“Oh… then it’s a pleasure to be the first. I promise it won’t disappoint.”  She kept talking, probably hoping it would help him relax a bit. But how in the world could he relax when Mingi continued staring holes in him?

“Mingi-yah, is Hongjoong-shi coming here?”  he blabbered out, honestly so clueless about how everything ended up this way.

“I will drag him here myself if that's what it takes,”  Mingi assured, suddenly rushing back to his phone on the couch.   He pressed the phone against his ear.  “Where are you? No, seriously, come here now or the new collection will be in Song Mingi’s name only.”  He listened, face serious.  “Then make San press on that gas pedal!” 

Seonghwa was too distracted by Mingi talking to Hongjoong so casually, that he didn’t feel the brush on his face anymore. Only when the girl asked him to close his eyes did he remember what this was all about.

“You wouldn’t know… why is he acting so off?”

“I am pretty sure I do. It’s inspiration, Seonghwa-shi.”  The girl placed her fingers on Seonghwa’s chin, then turned his head to one side and another.  “Your facial features are so unique… and your eyes… it would be a shame not to highlight them.”  When she complimented, Seonghwa smiled a little. 

“I have my mom's eyes.”  He never admitted that, but the reason why Seonghwa hid his eyes under his long hair was so he wouldn’t have to see his mom in the mirror every morning.

“She is a beautiful woman.”  The beta girl took a hairbrush to comb Seonghwa’s hair. He nodded. She was. She was beautiful.

Seonghwa got the impression that they would take photos of his outfit with other models around, but after fifteen more minutes, when the girl was done with him, Seonghwa was on the stage alone with a white background behind him.

“I don’t know what to do.”  he waved his hands, pleading for Mingi’s help, whose face pretty much looked like he just ran into a wall. Seonghwa could almost see his thoughts somewhere very far away from this studio.

“Look at me, Seonghwa-shi…”  the photographer took this into his hand. Seonghwa listened.  “Now just… your left hand… place it on the turtle neck. Like… holding it.”  Seonghwa never felt more awkward, but he did what he was told.  “A bit…more… pull it down more. And look at me… here. Yes.”  The man was nodding fast, at the same time, abusing his camera button, taking one photo after another.

Once his eyes were focused on the camera, Seonghwa’s shoulders relaxed, and he tilted his head a little bit to the side, wrapping one of his hands around his waist. He wouldn’t lie saying that the photographer did a little jump, letting out an encouraging yelp.

“Mingi-shi!!”  He shouted after, sprinting towards the beta.  “Look. These. This is what I want!”  He gave the camera into the designer’s hands.  “He is… natural.”

“Where the hell… is Hongjoong… fuck…”  Mingi could barely stand still, his eyes fixed on the camera’s screen, but another hand took out the phone for like the fourth time.  “Hongjoog—- oh okay, faster. Yes, it's a fucking emergency.”

Seonghwa had so much time to prepare for Hongjoong entering the studio, for his scent filling every cell in his body. But each time was different. How could he ever be ready for him? Seonghwa hid his hands behind his back, keeping his posture straight when the elevator door opened. This whole situation was so awkward. 

“What’s this all about?”  Hongjoong entered, bringing with him everything from drizzle to groundbreaking thunder. He opened his arms to Mingi.

“An answer, Joongie.” 

Mingi pushed the camera into Hongjoong’s hands. The alpha frowned, as he turned his head at the little screen, then his eyes immediately shot up at Seonghwa on the stage.

“Listen…”  Mingi articulated slowly, his hands suddenly on Hongjoong’s shoulders, shaking him lightly.  “Just listen to me…listen... freedom…”

“Genderless… Muse…”  Hongjoong whispered, like continuing Mingi’s thoughts. But his eyes were fixed on Seonghwa only, and every last breath reached him with an irresistible force.

“Night…”  Mingi proceeded, leaning forward.  “And then… Brightness…”

Whatever they were saying made sense only for them. Seonghwa followed every little change on Hongjoong’s face - his eyes widening, his expression clearing. He visibly shivered, almost crushing the camera between his fingers.

There were different kinds of smiles. Seonghwa thought he learned about Hongjoong's when he laughed today in the car. And yet, what he saw back then must have been fake.

His perfectly straight white teeth formed a thrilling expression when the man’s lips went up, and he slightly opened his mouth. Smiles, indeed, could be different. And this one… this one was all about the triumph that Hongjoong had long forgotten. Seonghwa’s heart practically stopped when the alpha slowly licked his lip in that unbeaten but, at the same time terrifying, moment. Hongjoong’s scent wrapped around Seonghwa tightly like ropes, and the pride rose inside the omega. Pride he was so afraid of.

“Star.”

Chapter Text

Free will was the only thing Seonghwa counted as his privilege. Free will to quit a job, free will to slap an alpha who tried to get his hands on him, free will to choose who to love. In the past, he had been scared to the point where he almost wished that death would be as easy as breathing. But Seonghwa left the pain behind. He carried on because he had to, and more than that… he wanted to do that. He had promised himself that no one would be able to corrupt his mind, and no one would ever have power over him. He would fight. Because the fight was all he had left.

Seonghwa could feel the heavy weight of hours he had spent promising to keep himself from falling into someone’s slavery. The passing moments were pushing him down like rocks until his chest could barely move… and those eyes… Those dark eyes kept gazing at him were the reason for that. Was Seonghwa the only one to feel that burning heat, thick like magma, growing in the air? Could no one else feel the fire that Hongjoong’s presence spread? Or was it all happening in Seonghwa’s head? How can it be, when it felt like the sun was trapped between them, and Seonghwa was just a petal burning too fast to ask for help?

Star. Hongjoong had called him by different names before, but nothing hurt as this one. Was it even directed at him? Seonghwa couldn’t be sure anymore. One side of him hoped it was nothing but a coincidence, and another one screeched in an inhuman way for him to stop.

“Seonghwa-yah?” 

He flinched from the sound that dragged him back from delusions. He was the only one staring at Hongjoong because the man's eyes were already on his phone. Seonghwa breathed in, somehow managing to turn his eyes towards the sound.

Mingi was waving for him to come closer. And God knows for how long did he try to win his attention. Seonghwa quickly walked towards the two designers. 

“Look at this.”  Mingi’s hand vibrated as he gave the camera to Seonghwa.

The omega looked at the unknown man on the camera’s screen. It took him a few seconds to recognize his facial features.

“T-that’s me?” 

Seonghwa opened and closed his mouth, unable to form any other sentence. He zoomed in the photo but couldn’t recognize his eyes, and not because of the makeup. Those eyes weren't his - Seonghwa had stared too many times in the mirror to know, and he had never… ever seen this deep gaze before.

“Who else?”  Mingi scoffed, taking back the camera.  “Have you ever worked as a model before?”

Seonghwa blinked, hoping he would take those words back. Mingi had to know how ridiculous that question was.

“No..?”  Seonghwa still answered, nervously pulling his sleeves down to hide his anxiety. 

Mingi raised eyebrows and exchanged looks with Hongjoong, who finally seemed to be done with texting. Seonghwa still must have been trapped between dream and reality since Hongjoong's presence somehow felt warmer and brighter. 

“We have enough time for him to learn.”  However, he spoke as if Seonghwa wasn’t there.  “I will leave it to you…”  he patted Mingi’s shoulder, not minding the eye-roll. Then he pointed his eyes at Seonghwa - only for a moment - yet enough to notice sparkles inside them. They wrapped Seonghwa’s heart in the softest ways - that was not Hongjoong he got to know.

The alpha went back towards the elevators faster than he walked in. With his presence gone, knots on those invisible ropes around Seonghwa’s body slowly disappeared. Finally, he could breathe properly.

“We should take another round of photos,”  Mingi instructed the photographer, but Seonghwa felt the need to stop this before it got out of control.

“Mingi-yah, can… can we have a word?”  Seonghwa asked, his eyes wandering around the crew and other models, like a sign that he wanted a private talk. 

“Sure. After the photo shoot ends?”  He pointed at the background, but Seonghwa shook his head.  “Okay, now then…”  Mingi had no other choice but to agree when Seonghwa didn’t answer. They walked back to where the couch was, and everyone else returned to their tasks, giving them space.

“Please, explain what this was all about?”  Seonghwa had a hunch, but he needed to ask anyway.

“About you becoming a model? Well, that’s very much going to happen.”  Mingi frowned like he would be unhappy with Seonghwa’s reaction.

“But… I don’t want to be a model. I never agreed to it. Wasn’t I just helping out now? I don’t want to change for the sake of… what… clothes? Mingi-yah, please, listen…”

“Hwa-yah.”  Mingi gently placed his hands on Seonghwa’s shoulders, stopping him from speaking further. He must have noticed the desperation in his eyes.  “You don’t have any idea what you have done, have you? Hongjoong will create the entire collection…”

“Yes…”  Seonghwa realized that so far. The inspiration - that was how the makeup artist referred to this unusual behavior of theirs. 

“No, you don’t understand…”  Mingi softly pressed his fingers. Seonghwa felt like a five-year-old, so clueless about his surroundings.  “He will create the entire collection around you.”

“N-no…”  Seonghwa shook his head with a tiny sound. Hongjoong? Taking Seonghwa as the center of his new collection?

“Is there any art form you are familiar with…?”  Mingi proceeded.  “Like writing, for example? Imagine having a protagonist but not being able to mention them in the story. Is there a plot then? Is it worth writing? No.”  The beta answered his own thoughts. But it didn’t change Seonghwa’s opinion. If Hongjoong wanted a ‘protagonist’ there was plenty to choose from in the company.  “No one is telling you to become a worldwide model, Seonghwa. In fact, I know you wouldn’t want that. But I dare you to tell me that… there, on the stage, in front of the camera, you didn’t feel like someone else?”

Seonghwa did. He felt like someone he didn’t want to become. He was too comfortable in this shell of his and scared of everyone who tried to chase him out. The worst part, if it were Hongjoong and not Mingi talked with him now, Seonghwa would have already given up.

“It’s been years since I saw Hongjoong smiling like that,”  Mingi added, using this as his ultimate argument.

“I need… I need time to think. Please.”  Seonghwa somehow stopped his tongue from slipping any form of promise or agreement.

This time Mingi didn’t argue. Seonghwa could see he was somewhat hurt - not disappointed - but truly sad, and the omega turned his eyes away, agreeing to finish the photo shoot. He could do at least that.

Seonghwa was so overwhelmed by what happened he forgot to call Yunho. His way back from work, while his mind was jumping from one moment to another, passed like a flash. If he were so important to Hongjoong, then why did the man leave after five minutes? Why wasn't he the one to explain everything? To ask? Seonghwa was sure what he felt back there happened in his head only. Even Hongjoong’s smile, was it really such a rare sight? 

“Hwaaaa??” 

Seonghwa heard Wooyoung’s whale when he opened the door and kicked off his sneakers. The only thing he loved about all this was the sensation of wearing good quality clothes. When he had to put back his shirt, the ticklish feeling of the cheap material against his skin was like punishment.

“Yeah, I’m home Woo-yah…” 

Seonghwa crossed the hallway and peeked into Wooyoung’s room through the opened door. He found a mess of sweaty sheets on the floor and an almost pathetic attempt to put clean ones. 

“You came back so late…”  Wooyoung’s tired voice reached him from the bathroom. Seonghwa couldn’t hear shower sounds, so he guessed that his friend was gathering the strength to come out.

“Long story short, I had to help with a photo shoot…”  Seonghwa sighed, fixing the sheets for Wooyoung. His phone was on the night table, in the same spot where Seonghwa left it yesterday, meaning that Wooyoung felt so bad he didn’t have the energy to turn it on. That explained why Seonghwa didn’t receive a single message from him.

“You… what?”  Wooyoung opened the door, holding on to the frame. His hair was nothing but a nest on his head. He was wearing only San’s pullover and his boxers.  “What the fuck.”

Wooyoung dangerously swung back and forth, but before Seonghwa could catch him, his friend was already holding on to him with both hands. The heat coming from him was so intense that Seonghwa immediately felt dizzy as well. He must be still feverish.

“Bed?”  He asked, ready to help, but Wooyoung wasn't even blinking.

“Makeup. Your face… Hwa. When you said you were helping with the shoot, you didn’t mean as a model??”  He so desperately clung to Seonghwa’s shirt that the buttons dangerously stretched.  “I love this eyeshadow…”

“Ah… well… sort of.”  Hwa tried to tilt his head to the side because he felt like Wooyoung might glue his cheek against his face at any moment.

Seonghwa agreed to relive his whole day again, but only if Wooyoung would eat something. After whining for a while, Wooyoung finally promised to eat some of yesterday’s soup. While his friend was putting on sweatpants and dragging himself to the kitchen table, Seonghwa rushed to his bathroom and washed the scent blockers off the glands. He caught a close-up glimpse of himself in the mirror and again barely recognized the reflection - like it would be him but from another dimension.

Not even the middle of his heat could stop Wooyoung from catching every breath coming from Seonghwa’s lips as he spilled tea about another long day. He did skip some parts, although, for example, how Hongjoong smile made him feel as if the world stopped spinning. Seonghwa wasn’t completely honest with his best friend, and maybe that wasn’t a good thing, but would Wooyoung understand something like that without judging?

“So there is only one answer…”  Wooyoung had long forgotten his food on the plate, while Seonghwa already had seconds.

Seonghwa nodded in agreement, his mind wondering about the yogurt in the fridge for the desert.

“Right. Obviously, I will say—”

“Yes.”

“What?”  Seonghwa halted his butt half off the chair.  “Yes? To what?”

“Modeling. And wait—”  Wooyoung raised his spoon like a stop sign.  “I know you want to tell me that this work is not for everyone, alright? Especially not for you, who doesn’t separate Louis Vuitton from Prada.”  Wooyoung blinked as if confirming his guess - Seonghwa’s plain face answered enough.  “And see, no one is asking you to change. Just wear very good quality clothes a few times… right?”

“I am… not even sure what they expect from me.”  Seonghwa had to admit. He ended the discussion with Mingi way too fast, and then the beta left when Seonghwa was changing in the dressing room.

“See? Would it hurt to try? I mean, I haven’t seen the photos, but two world-famous designers wouldn’t lose their heads if you weren’t good. Hello, Hwa, you are about to save the whole damn collection?? Do you see my point?”  Wooyoung was waving his spoon like it would be a sword. His forehead was covered in sweat drops, and Seonghwa knew Wooyoung used his last strength to prove something here.

Did it make Seonghwa’s heart turn weak?

“But… I feel different, and it confuses me a lot,”  he mumbled.

Yes, it did. Seonghwa was still searching for excuses, but Wooyoung’s words were more convincing. Or maybe just the fact that Seonghwa didn’t expect him to agree with all of this.

“Maybe you are. Maybe this is how it's supposed to be.”  Wooyoung stared at Seonghwa for a long moment, his eyes cloudy, and then he hit the table with the spoon so loudly that Seonghwa jumped.  “Create a stage name! Don’t use your real name for modeling! This way none of this will be attached to you. Once the collection is over you can… just continue like nothing happened.”

Seonghwa titled his head, thinking of anything, but the silence in his head was too loud. Stage name? He couldn't believe how he gave up, but Wooyoung’s suggestion would solve some of his fears. Seonghwa had no intention of changing his life forever, but if he got to see Hongjoong smiling… why… why not go with it for a little bit longer?

Wooyoung was feeling worse by a minute, and now that he was calm about this whole thing, he announced about taking sleeping pills and trying to fall asleep. Before leaving Wooyoung, once again, stared at Seonghwa’s face longer than accepted for anyone else, and all content went back to his bedroom. 

While finishing Wooyoung’s soup and washing the empty pot with plates, Seonghwa couldn’t get rid of thoughts about a stage name he could use - nothing came to him. Before taking a shower, he checked on Wooyoung, bringing him water for the night, and then asked if he could borrow something to clean his makeup with.

“Hwa… can I do your makeup one of these days?”  Wooyoung almost cutely asked, with big sparkling eyes gazing at Seonghwa. In San’s pullover, he did look unnecessarily small, but it would be funny to assume that Wooyoung won the argument every time he wished.

“I’m not intending on wearing makeup every day, Woo-yah.”  Seonghwa waved for him goodnight and left Wooyoung pouting.

Already in bed, he tried to google some possible fake names, but everything sounded too funny or absurd, so Seonghwa gave up. Before passing out, he decided to look again through Hongjoong’s schedule for tomorrow, but to his horror, it was empty. Seonghwa scrolled through the entire week - everything was gone. 

An entire river of cold sweat ran through Seonghwa's body as he quickly sat and started typing.

TO: SANGIE  ❤️

[MONDAY 11:04 PM]

Message:  Hi, I’m so sorry to disturb you on your week off. I think… I must have clicked something and deleted Hongjoong’s schedule on the document! Please, please tell me you have it saved somewhere.

FROM: SANGIE  ❤️

[MONDAY 11:08 PM]

Message:  Hwa, calm down. I was the one who deleted it. Hongjoong texted me and asked to cancel everything.

TO: SANGIE  ❤️

[MONDAY 11:10 PM]

Message:  So… you saw the photos?

FROM: SANGIE  ❤️

[MONDAY 11:11 PM]

Message:  What photos?

Seonghwa sighed. Could it be that Yeosang was the one Hongjoong texted in the studio? But he didn’t say why, and Yeosang canceled everything without questions. After hours spent planning Hongjoong, it was simply as that. Seonghwa was somehow relieved that Mingi didn’t send those photos to every single soul. Maybe Seonghwa was overthinking about this whole thing.

FROM: SANGIE  ❤️

[MONDAY 11:16 PM]

Message:  What photos, Hwa? Is there something I don’t know??

Seonghwa stared at the new message from Yeosang, still hesitating if he should tell him. But they worked at the same company, under the same people, he would find out sooner or later.

TO: SANGIE  ❤️

[MONDAY 11:19 PM]

Message:  I feel like it’s too much to text. I could call you tomorrow or if… you feel like having company I could visit you?

Seonghwa didn’t want to be straightforward and say that after Jongho’s behavior with Yeosang the other day, he couldn’t stop thinking about hugging him. Also, Yeosang was the second male omega he got to know in Seoul, and some deep instincts screeched to ensure he had everything for his heat. 

FROM: SANGIE  ❤️

[MONDAY 11:21 PM]

Message:  Sure. My apartment is next to KHJ. I will share the location after you finish work.

Seonghwa wasn’t surprised to learn that his apartment was close to the workplace. It made sense why Yeosang knew about renting advertisements. After sending a goodnight message, Seonghwa closed his eyes with heavy thoughts - about the stage name, why Hongjoong asked for a week off, and where he would be. There was a high possibility Seonghwa wouldn’t see him for days, and it made his heart ache in sadness, against his will. He should have taken a better look at the man before he left.

Seonghwa placed his hand on Hongjoong’s jacket, which was still on the other side of his bed. The man's scent was long gone, and Seonghwa knew he should have returned the clothing today, but he wanted to bring it to dry cleaning after his first salary. Or so he kept saying to himself.

Seonghwa woke up before his alarm with Hongjoong’s jacket against his chest. And he definitely wouldn’t have woken up if not for Wooyoung, who knocked on his door so intensely like the apartment was on fire. Seonghwa instantly panicked, shoving the jacket under the pillow.

“I’m coming in!”  Wooyoung shouted as if Seonghwa could be naked on the bed. He didn’t wait for an answer though.  “Park Seonghwa, you have some explaining to do!”

No matter what, when Wooyoung used his full name, Seonghwa knew he was about to be in big trouble. He noticed that Wooyoung looked much better than yesterday, which meant the worst days of his heat had passed. But Seonghwa had no time to show relief on his face. He was still dizzy from being awakened so suddenly, and it took him a few seconds to notice Wooyoung holding his now turned-on phone right in front of Seonghwa’s nose.

“What?”

“The group chat,”  Wooyoung answered almost aggressively, jumping on Seonghwa’s bed and pressing himself against his friend's side. He was still sweaty but at least no longer feverish.

“What group chat?”  Seonghwa reached for his own phone, but notifications instantly answered his question. God. He almost forgot about this. Or more like he didn’t expect anyone to use it anytime soon.

[ GROUP CHAT: DRUNK PARTY ]

{ Song Mingi  shared 3 photos}

[ Song Mingi  5:02 AM]  Who agrees with Seonghwa becoming a model for the next ATEEZ number, say, Aye.

[ Choi Jongho  5:04 AM]   Yes.

[ Choi San  6:10 AM]   What?? Is that Seonghwa???

[ Choi San  6:10 AM]   AYE!

[ Song Mingi  6:11 AM]  Still unedited, but you get the point.

[ Choi San  6:12 AM]   Would be a crime to let this slip  ❤️

[ Kang Yeosang  6:30 AM]  IS THAT THE PHOTOS YOU MENTIONED, SEONGHWA? WHAT THE HELL? AYE! 

[ Jung Wooyoung  6:47 AM]  Istg,   he will model even if I have to hold him in chains in front of the camera.

[ Song Mingi  6:50 AM]  Mine and Joongie’s votes - two, plus these four - we have six. No matter what Yunho says, we won~

Seonghwa stared at the last message in disbelief. Yunho still hadn't seen this but, no doubt, he would scream as well. Not like any of this could decide Seonghwa’s destiny, but he felt defeated. Wooyoung was screaming into his ear, zooming the photos in and out, commenting on every pixel, and he didn’t stop even when Seonghwa went to the bathroom.

Why was everyone up so freaking early?

“Hwa, what is this?”

Seonghwa had just finished applying the scent blockers when Wooyoung’s intonation drastically changed. He rushed to open the door to confirm his worst fear. Wooyoung was holding Hongjoong’s jacket.

“J-jacket…”  He quickly took it away from Wooyoung and threw it inside an opened wardrobe. 

“Why were you sleeping with Hongjoong’s jacket under your pillow?” 

Seonghwa was facing Wooyoung with his back, and thank God because his face was burning. He heavily breathed, while searching for something he could put on today.

“I want to change. Can you please leave?”  Seonghwa quietly asked, not giving Wooyoung the answer he wished to hear. 

Obviously, he wasn’t happy about it, yet his friend left, slamming the doors. Seonghwa closed his eyes, swearing with every word that came to his head. Wooyoung was angry or confused, maybe even hurt because Seonghwa wasn’t telling him everything. Yet there were things he wasn’t ready to share… and Seonghwa knew so damn well that Wooyoung had skipped some stories as well. He never told Seonghwa the real reason what he was doing in that bus station the day they met, and why his face was covered with a giant bruise and on top of that - bleeding lip. But did Seonghwa ever mention that? No. Because he knew when to stop asking questions. Wooyoung didn’t.

Seonghwa did everything slowly and even managed to eat before scent blockers made him nauseous again.

“Woo-yah, I’m leaving!” 

He decided to get to work earlier just so he could complete the document about yesterday’s calls. Just in case Hongjoong felt like looking at it later. Seonghwa waited for Wooyoung’s answer but didn’t receive any.

“I left you some sandwiches on the kitchen table!”  He tried again.

FROM: WOO-YAH  ❤️

[TUESDAY 07:41 AM]

Message:  Thanks.

Seonghwa sighed in relief after his phone vibrated. He counted that as a win. Wooyoung couldn't stay angry for too long. 

Seonghwa tried to call Yunho on his way to the metro station but soon was redirected to a voice message. He didn’t know Yunho very well yet, but it did feel odd not to get any reply from him since Saturday. After a little thinking, Seonghwa decided to use their group chat for a better purpose than conspiring against him.

[ GROUP CHAT: DRUNK PARTY ]

[Park Seonghwa 7:55 AM]  Has anyone talked with Yunho recently? Haven’t heard from him since Saturday.

[Kang Yeosang 7:58 AM]   No? Now that you mentioned it, I haven’t heard from him since Saturday either. I think he went to Bangkok for a photo shoot.

[Choi San 8:02 AM]   He is coming back in a few hours. His manager texted me asking if I could pick him up from the airport and give him a lift to KHJ.

[Choi San 8:03 AM]  But I haven’t talked personally with him.

After leaving the station, Seonghwa noticed that everyone else, except for Yunho and Hongjoong, had read messages. But since he didn’t receive more replies, there was nothing to add. If San took Yunho to the company, maybe Seonghwa could find a free minute to see him and ask how he has been doing.

“Park Seonghwa-nim?” 

He looked around to see who called him after, he just entered the building. To Seonghwa's surprise, it was the morning security, coming out from his office behind the reception.

“Yes?”  Seonghwa answered in a tiny voice, hoping there was one more person with the same name.

“Mingi-shi asked for you in his studio as soon as you came in.”  He respectfully said with a friendly smile, and Seonghwa instantly relaxed. He couldn’t explain why every time someone searched for him he expected to hear something bad.

“Oh… Thank you!”  He bowed to the man before heading to the elevators. 

The difference of Mingi’s studio was hitting the spot right away. Despite the early hour, it was already lively - chats, laughter, and conversation sounds coming from every corner. Seonghwa tried to convince himself that yesterday's photo shoot wasn't why everyone stared at him when Seonghwa passed by. What if those photos leaked further than their private chat?

“Good morning, Mingi-yah.”  Seonghwa greeted him, stepping into his studio and immediately leaning back in surprise. The place had changed overnight.

All the trash from the table and around it was gone. Everything was neatly folded or placed on the shelves. Seonghwa had no clue where they had hidden everything, but he could only gaze at the graphic tablet on the clean table, with a screen like a flat TV and a laptop. Mingi's eyes were fixed on it with a little frown as he pressed the tip of his stylus against his chin.

“Oh.”  Seonghwa pushed out a surprised noise. He couldn’t comprehend whether he was more amazed by the technology or the cleanliness around himself.

“Oh, indeed. I can’t find a color match for— hey hey. Not a step closer.”  Mingi pointed his stylus at Seonghwa as if it were a gun when the omega was about to come closer and peek at the screen.  “I don’t like people looking at my process.” 

“Ah, sorry…”  Seonghwa had to suppress his curiosity for now.  “Umm… you are early today?”

“I never left.”  Mingi scoffed.  “Took a nap on the couch.”

Seonghwa couldn’t believe them. All of them. Yunho, Hoongjoong, and now Mingi - not appreciating their rest. Seonghwa could bet Yeosang was the same as well. The omega had to repeat three times in his head that he had no right to scold Mingi, no matter how much he wished to do so. 

“You wanted… to see me?”  Instead, he jumped to another topic.

“Right!”  Mingi placed the stylus in its holder, then leaned back in his seat.  “You said you need time to think. And I know we voted on the group chat and all, but… I need to hear it from you.”

Seonghwa knew their time for the collection was running out, so Mingi needed an answer. He felt thankful that, despite the beta’s jokes in the group chat, he didn’t run to conclusions before speaking to Seonghwa.

“I… agree.”  Seonghwa heard himself slowly.  “But! But… I want to use a stage name when modeling. I don’t… I don't want anyone outside our circle to know my real name.”

Mingi’s poker face was clearing more with every Seonghwa’s word. In the end, he looked like he would agree with everything Seonghwa wanted.

“Consider it done. Any preferences?”  Mingi asked. His excitement was open like a child's, and it warmed Seonghwa’s heart. Why was everyone so happy about him doing this?

“I couldn’t come up with anything,”  Seonghwa admitted.

“We can discuss it at today's meeting,”  Mingi noted something on the piece of paper next to himself. His smile grew on his puffy lips.  “I haven’t felt so excited since the Inception collection.”  He admitted as if Seonghwa knew what the hell that was.  “That happened four years ago when Hongjoong bought this building.”  He explained, noticing confusion in Seonghwa’s face.

BOUGHT? Soenghwa was glad he had a shelf to hold on to next to himself. How rich was he again?

“That’s a long time…”  the omega cleared his throat, coming up with any other answer, just not to think about the possible balance in Hongjoong's account.  “How exactly does this work? I mean… Woo-yah had mentioned that you create together.”

“Wooyo-yah knows more than you do. Makes sense but still is funny.”  Mingi got up from his seat, showing Seonghwa to follow him out.  “Joongie uses traditional methods for sketching since it’s more flexible. He sketches the ideas on paper, and then I redraw and adjust them on the tablet. And we keep sending everything back and forth until we are both satisfied.” 

Mingi kept talking until they walked into one of the rooms, and he closed the door. All of this distraction so Seonghwa wouldn’t notice that they were now locked in a giant wardrobe.

“We both share credits, but since the initial idea for design is his, all the responsibility falls on Joong.”  Mingi’s fingers were going through the hangers as he kept glancing back at Seonghwa.  “Not that I mind. I don’t like being in the spotlight. But it’s sometimes too much—”

“Mingi-yah, is there another photo shoot?”  Seonghwa interrupted him because now the beta couldn’t fool him anymore. He wasn’t that clueless not to guess what Mingi was trying to do.

“No, I just… can’t allow my model to wear this thing you dare to call an outfit.”  Mingi faced Seonghwa with several things in his hands.  “And before you protest, it doesn’t matter how many photo shoots you will have. You are representing the company now.”

Seonghwa couldn’t control his expression anymore or make himself smile and pretend it made him happy. But at the same time, he didn’t have the patience to argue. He took the clothes from Mingi and walked into the fitting room, at which Mingi pointed with a very content expression.

Wooyoung probably was still pouting about what happened in the morning, but when Seonghwa saw that the brand of his new clothes was the one Mingi and Hongjoong owned, he couldn't stop himself from sending his friend a photo. The outfit itself wasn’t as shocking as Seonghwa expected - the dark blue jeans, a black leather belt, and even boots left him happy. Only the loose gray sweater had too many holes than he considered appropriate, but the threads were thick, and Seonghwa loved its long and wide sleeves.

“I think… this is too short for me.”  He said, coming out from the fitting room. Even with his arms down, Seonghwa’s naked stomach was showing a bit.

“This is perfect.”  Mingi lifted his hand, resting his case.  “My assistant will pack your outfits for the week, and I want you to come wearing them every single day from now on. I am….”  Mingi snatched Seonghwa’s old clothes and sneakers from his hands and dropped them aside.  “I’m confiscating this and sending it to the fashion police. Alongside that sweater you wore on your first two days.”

Seonghwa was about to reply that he was still free to wear whatever he wanted at home, but Mingi again proved that each of his words was planned. 

“That sweater… I never meant to hurt you. I can’t even imagine how you felt when your work was stolen. I’m sorry.” 

Seonghwa wanted to say this since he learned that the stolen pattern was Mingi’s. Must be horrible to spend hours, if not days or months, creating something, then just sit there and hopelessly watch other people using it without your consent. Seonghwa's lack of knowledge wasn’t the best excuse, but it was all he could offer.

“Well…”  Mingi looked at the door and the back at Seonghwa. Although the beta kept mentioning that sweater, he wasn’t comfortable speaking about it openly, and Seonghwa couldn't blame him.  “You wearing the clothes that have my name on them now is everything I need.”  He said after a pause.

Conversations with Mingi were different than with his other friends but the more they talked, the less nervous Seonghwa felt around him. 

“Going back to more important topics. The meeting - it’s going to start at twelve,”  Mingi stated again when they were out in the hallway.  “It’s about the collection. Several other models will come as well. I will send you the list and then…”

“Is Yunho-yah going to be there too?”  Seonghwa couldn’t stop himself from asking. If San were picking him up from the airport, then there was a high chance he would.

“Probably. I talked with his manager yesterday after you left and then booked him tickets.”  Mingi confirmed, avoiding direct eye contact with Seonghwa.

“Did you talk with Yunho-yah?”  Seonghwa rephrases the real question behind his words.

“Yes. On Saturday.”

“Mingi-yah…”  Seonghwa looked at him concerned. 

This tension between Yunho and Mingi somehow reflected on Seonghwa too much. Which was weird. These things between them must have been going on for years now and Seonghwa had only been here for a week. But if only he could do something to end this pain that both of them were feeling…

“Don’t give me those boba eyes. I’m enjoying this peace until it lasts.”  Mingi stuck his hands in his jeans pockets. Seonghwa already noticed that he used to do it whenever he was unhappy with something.

“Are you sure?”  Seonghwa looked up at Mingi’s empty face.

“Is there any way I can get a decent coffee in this place?”  The beta suddenly exclaimed loudly, and Seonghwa decided not to push this topic further. He would see Yunho today anyway, and hopefully, he would be more open about his feelings.

“I will get it for you,”  Seonghwa said. He still had time before nine, and getting a coffee at the cafeteria shouldn't take that long. Yet Mingi stopped him when someone else already run out for that coffee first.

“I have a better task for you.”  the beta, satisfied with the fast reaction of his employees, looked back at Seonghwa.  “That meeting. Hongjoong needs to be there. But he is not answering messages or calls, so… I’m guessing he is too into the zone.”  Mingi checked his phone again. 

“You want me to… get him?”  Seonghwa guessed. He wasn’t fond of interrupting Hongjoong's focus, not to mention that being alone with that man was already too much.  “Is that your revenge for asking about Yunho-yah?”

Mingi scoffed, halting next to his office. He leaned a bit forward, like reminding Seonghwa about their height difference.

“But you are his assistant, aren’t you?”  he blinked, almost angelic. 

“Is he in the office?”  Seonghwa’s eye twitched, and he nervously brushed through his hair. He wished he had more time to mentally prepare for Hongjoong’s upcoming harsh words and cold reaction. 

“Nah, he is probably in his studio, one floor above his office.” 

Seonghwa didn’t know whether he should cry or laugh. He was relieved that he wouldn’t need to run around the whole building searching for the alpha, but on the other hand, Mingi knew exactly where Hongjoong was and yet he sent Seonghwa to do the work.

“See you at the meeting!!”  The beta waved with laughter watching Seonghwa leave. Good that he didn’t see an expression that ran across the omega's face.

They all thought it was a joke for him. Neither of them had a clue just how much it cost him to see Hongjoong, face him, talk to him, and then get dragged away. Every meeting meant losing a part of himself, followed by a more painful separation, leaving Seonghwa lost and confused. If they… if only they knew how much it hurt.

Seonghwa pressed the button with the 31 number on it. And with each number going up, his heart rate rose as well. The elevator stopped only once, and a young-looking man came inside. He gave a shy glance at Seonghwa before pressing one of the buttons.

“Are… are you a model?”  he asked, still timidly, hiding his hands behind his back.

“Sometimes…”  Seonghwa answered, thinking that from today it would be the correct way to address himself.  “And you?”

“Ah…. no.”  He instantly blushed.  “I’m just a trainee. I love… your outfit… I’m Sakuya Fujinaka, by the way.”  The young Japanese boy bowed a few times, and Seonghwa realized that he was still underage. But something warmed his heart to meet other nationalities at the same company.

“Thank you.”  He smiled encouragingly, bowing in response.  “I’m Park Seonghwa.”  Then the door opened for Seonghwa, and he had to leave.  “Good luck, Fujinaka.”  He still managed to wave for the boy after stepping out. 

Still smiling about this cute meeting, Seonghwa looked around the floor. It was rather empty, only with several glass rooms and a pair of oak doors at the back. But everything about it had a savor of elegance - the colors, the excellent choice of light wood interior, even the light installation. So different from Mingi’s, it left Seonghwa to wonder if every artist had such a distinguished soul.

“Hi, have you seen Hongjoong-shi by any chance?”  Seonghwa came closer to one of the glass rooms with the opened door.

The man, working there, lifted his eyes from drawings on the table at Seonghwa. 

“Hongjoong-shi asked not to be disturbed.”  He responded calmly but did not let his eyes down.

“I’m his assistant.”  Seonghwa showed his employee card, hoping it would be enough. He was sure someone like Mingi would have gone straight to Hongjoong’s studio, but Seonghwa didn’t have such rights.

“Oh.”  He blinked, a little bit confused.  “Is there any message I can pass him…?” 

Seonghwa wanted to roll his eyes, but instead only raised his eyebrow. 

"No, but you can tell me where to find him."  He quietly answered.

Keeping messages for Hongjoong was his job. Why did he even have two offices in the same building? 

“His… his office is over there.”  The man cleared his throat, pointing at the oak door, and then went back to his work with slightly blushed cheeks. Whatever he was thinking was incorrect, but Seonghwa didn’t say anything.

He knocked a few times, but no one answered. Nevertheless, Seonghwa decided to push the heavy handle down and peek inside. Before he could stop himself, Seonghwa proceeded to walk, leaving the rest of the world behind the shut door.

His home town was surrounded by forest - the plentiful scent of life, rain, warmth, and comfort. A place, where Seonghwa used to escape; where the scent and sounds were soothing; and where he could hide his tears. However, he had stopped going there years ago, when adulthood and his second gender dragged him into cruel reality. He had no clue that the precious childhood memories remained within him or… that he could ever feel them again. But there he was.

Hongjoong’s spacious studio wasn't stuffed with furniture - the light wooden table and dark brown leather couches around it were the center of the room. It was minimalistic but, at the same time, lacked nothing - just the right amount of plants, shelves, and puffs. Even the grand piano at the corner seemed like a perfect fit - a piece taken from a fantasy story where the forest drowned in magical soundtracks. Seonghwa was almost surprised to find himself looking at Seoul streets through the window, not the thick woods. 

Seonghwa walked further into the room, embracing more of Hongjoong’s presence. His table, covered in papers with rushed lines and notes, reminded Seonghwa of the sketchbook he got to see. But before he could look at them better, he noticed the man lying on the couch behind his desk, eyes closed. Hongjoong’s phone was on the floor, vibrating from an incoming call. It soon ended, and then the screen lit, revealing that he had over twenty notifications.

Seonghwa picked up the phone, placed it on the table, and then looked back at the resting man. He was sleeping soundlessly, one of his arms hanging down, another placed on his slightly moving chest. 

How bad Seonghwa would feel to wake him up now for a meeting that was still hours away. Seonghwa unintentionally leaned down, and a moment later, he was kneeling on the floor next to the couch. It was the first time he saw Hongjoong's face from so close - long dark eyelashes and delicate lines that painted his face. Everyone was fragile when sleeping, but it hit differently to see that Hongjoong was only one of them. Until now, Seonghwa hadn't noticed that his lower lip was a little bit puffer than the upper one and that the corners of his lips were up, making it seem like he was smiling in his dream. Before Seonghwa hadn’t counted that the man had nine piercings; and hadn't noticed that the one in his bottom lip was fake.

Defenseless, without the ice-cold walls around himself, Hongjoong breathed in new feelings inside Seonghwa - he wasn’t afraid of this man. He wasn’t afraid of their intertwined destinies; he didn’t hate that fate led them to this moment. Seonghwa wasn’t pushed away by their differences or by the fact that Hongjoong had power over him. He was terrified however… that one day Hongjoong would learn the truth about him… about them.

Was Seonghwa dumb to hold on to this fear so tightly that nothing else mattered? Not even his own health? Was he repeating the same mistakes? Seonghwa wished so badly to hold control over his decisions. He didn’t want to let the status of Fated Mates feed on him. He wanted… one day this to be real… not forced or decided by something else.

Seonghwa sighed, letting his eyes at Hongjoong’s hand hanging next to the couch. He looked at three silver rings on his fingers before carefully touching the man’s skin. Seonghwa noticed that the nail of his pinky was painted in black, but only that one. He couldn’t resist lightly touching it as if trying to learn the reason behind it.

“Star…” 

Hongjoong’s hoarse tone tickled deep in Seonghwa’s heart, and he understood this was real, one second too late. Seonghwa raised his petrified eyes at the alpha, still holding his hand. Hongjoong’s gaze was confused but soft, drowsy - between reality and dream.

Seonghwa suddenly pushed his hand away like it would be a venomous snake and fell backward on his ass.

“I wasn’t…. I wasn’t try-ing to do a-anything… I’m s-sorry I woke you u-p…”  Seonghwa stuttered and mumbled, his palms sliding through the floor. The world was slipping from under him like gravity had disappeared.

“What… time is it?”  Hongjoong sighed, indifferent to Seonghwa's reaction. He covered half of his face, but his eyes remained on Seonghwa. 

“Um… it’s… it’s…”  Seonghwa panicked so much that it took him a few tries to pull the phone from his back pocket and get back on his feet.  “Nine… three minutes past nine.”

He hadn’t realized just how long he was staring at sleeping Hongjoong like some creep.

The alpha’s eyes followed Seonghwa, then Hongjoong slightly smiled, and his low chuckle echoed in the room.

“Mingi-yah must have fainted from happiness to dress you like his personal doll.”  Hongjoong slowly sat on the couch, letting his legs down. It was hard to understand. Was he still sleepy, or was he trying to devour Seonghwa with that gaze?

“Does it look… bad?”  Seonghwa let his eyes down at his sweater, pulling it down, but it didn’t help.

“I got these threads made especially for this collection. They are all handmade. Only thirty samples of this sweater exist.”  Hongjoong was already standing. Seonghwa's hand immediately froze when Hongjoong gripped the edge of the sweater, softly rubbing it between his fingers. If not for the loose material, he would have brushed over Seonghwa’s naked skin under it.

“I will… um... return it,”  Seonghwa promised, his own hand shivering just from the electricity between that tiny gap separating them from touching.

“Just like you returned my jacket?”  Hongjoong tilted his head with a teasing smile, letting go of the clothing. He was satisfied with how, in the blink of an eye, Seonghwa's face lost the last drop of blood.  “Where is my phone, by the way?”  He tapped over his pants and inner pockets of his jacket.

“It was on… the floor, so I placed it on the table.”  Seonghwa used this chance to get a bit further from the man. Hongjoong reached to take it and swiped the screen several times.  “The meeting is only at twelve, what the hell does he want from me?”  he sighed after the rhetorical question, then sat on the chair, looked down at his sketches, and nibbled the piercing on his lip with his thumb. Seonghwa heavily swallowed the lump in his throat after he again got to see Hongjoong’s birthmark on his left hand.

“Should—- I leave?”  Seonghwa then asked like an idiot because Hongjoong didn’t say anything else.

“What do you think?”  Hongjoong answered almost boldly. Seonghwa knew it wasn’t optional.   He watched how Hongjoong took a pencil in his hand and started scribbling something on his sketches.

“See you at the meeting, Hongjoong-shi.”  Seonghwa bowed and went towards the door.

“Star.” 

Hongjoong called, and Seonghwa’s body reacted faster than his mind. With one step already outside from his favorite forest and scent, he turned his head back at the man, whose hand continued moving across the paper, eyes down. Maybe Seonghwa was already hearing things?

“It looks beautiful on you.” 

Because Hongjoong’s thumb was pressed against his lips, Seonghwa barely saw them move, but the sound still reached clearly, just like awareness inside his soul. He blinked and rushed out, closing the door, his mind slowly shutting down. Seonghwa’s body shivered as he pressed his back against the light wood and heavily exhaled.

He wanted to but couldn’t go back to the way it was a week ago. The feeling devoured him so suddenly that Seonghwa was unable to stop it. More than that, he started craving more and more for it. For the scent, for the comfort, the uncontrollable pull that dragged him in. 

Week. One damn week. He didn’t know anything. He didn’t know what day he was born. Seonghwa didn’t know where he was from. He didn’t know his favorite color, time of the year, or his favorite flavor of ice cream. He didn’t know what he thought of when closing his eyes before falling asleep. He didn’t know if he ever played with that piano or if he enjoyed looking at the full moon… Seonghwa didn't know why the man separated himself from the world. He didn’t know… if the man would ever feel slightly the same.

But Seonghwa was undeniably falling in love with Hongjoong.

Needless to say, after that gay awakening, Seonghwa tried to do everything in his power to not think about it, but the time was going slowly. Not only did he answer all possible calls, but he read the files Yeosang had sent him last week, explaining how to answer emails and use the company’s credit cards for booking the flights. Seonghwa did more than he was supposed to do in two following days, but the next time he darted his eyes at the time, it was still thirty minutes past eleven. 

Seonghwa let out a loud exhale like he was about to die. Maybe he might, if his heart wouldn’t calm down. The worst part was that he couldn’t tell anyone about this. Not to Wooyoung, who hated Hongjoong to his guts, and definitely not to San, Mingi, or Yeosang, who were close friends with Hongjoong. Jongho was out of the question as well. Yunho? Would Yunho be the right choice? But the man didn’t seem to be interested in talking with them at all nowadays. Seonghwa bumped his forehead against the desk’s surface and closed his eyes.

“Are you… alright?”

Seonghwa flinched from the unexpected call out. His eyes fixed on the man with blonde hair, fairy features, and freckles. He spoke Korean and looked Korean but Seonghwa still caught a soft foreign accent. There was one more guest behind him, taller than the first, with dark hair and no less attractive face. He waved in silence.

“A lot of work…”  Seonghwa somehow made himself answer the first thing that came to his mind.

“I bet.”  The blonde let out a low chuckle that didn't match his cute face.  “We are a little bit early, but… we are here for the meeting at twelve?”

“Oh!!”  Seonghwa couldn’t believe he was saved from drowning in his desperate thoughts. He took the printed list of models that Mingi sent him about an hour ago.  “Can you tell me your names…?”

“I’m Felix, and this is Hyunjin.”  The blond pointed at his quiet friend.  “Or if Mingi-yah wanted to make fun of me, he might have named me Yongbok.”  He added when Seonghwa was going through the list of sixteen people for the second time.

“Ah… he did. Sorry.”  Seonghwa scoffed, putting a little plus next to their names.  “The meeting will take place in a different room. Let’s go.”  He got up, blocking the call line before showing two models the way. Another useful thing he had found in Yeosang’s notes. He noted to do it only during important meetings that couldn't be interrupted, and Seonghwa was more than happy to try it out.

“That little tease…”  Felix sighed with an eye roll, but the adorable smile still played on his lips.  “By the way, are you new? Where is Yeosang-ah?”

“Yes, I just started a week ago. Yeosangie has this week off because of the heat.”  Seonghwa decided it was safe to say it since no one gave out such strong omega vibes as Felix did. Meanwhile, Hyunjin was probably an alpha, but they didn’t have any tension between them, so Seonghwa quickly came to the decision that Felix and Hyunjin were just friends.

“Ahhh…”  Felix let out a sad sound when Seonghwa opened the door from the meeting room with an oval table in the middle.  “I got him these things from Lush.”  he lifted a paper bag.

Seonghwa had no idea what it was, but still.

“I might see him today. I can assure you I will give it to him from you.”  Seonghwa offered, and Felix’s expression quickly brightened again - what a sunshine.

Felix then dragged Hyunjin to take the seats. It surely wasn’t their first time here. 

“We know Mingi-yah invited us because of the new collection, but I haven’t heard any details yet.”  Hyunjin wondered, with a softer voice than Seonghwa expected.

“Chan said it will be something huge.”  Felix excitedly added.  “Chan is our manager and my mate,”  he explained to confused Seonghwa.

“Well, honestly, I don't know much about it either.”  Seonghwa shook his head, being honest. They didn’t need to know that they came up with the collection only yesterday.

Seonghwa stayed next to the door so he wouldn’t miss other models coming in. He had no idea what he was waiting for, but it would be impossible to miss out on someone who looked lost. Seonghwa guessed right for several other guests - a few of them were girls, and another young male model with a cute, very light Japanese accent. The girls were chatty, but the younger man seemed rather shy. Seonghwa was sort of enjoying this task. Meeting new people helped to clear his thoughts. 

He had only one girl missing from the list when the elevator door opened again. This time two models came out holding hands and laughing. They seemed comfortable, not even slight confusion on their faces as they walked towards the meeting room. Seonghwa recognized one of them - it was Yunho’s blond friend from the previous week.

“Seonghwa-shi.”  He smiled.  “Babe, this is Yunho-yah’s friend I told you about.”

“Oh, really? So adorable. I also have this sweater. Love it.”  His mate reacted friendly as expected, bowing for Seonghwa. It took him a long moment to take his eyes away from the man. His shoulder-length hair was black, but the ends were blue, which was unusual but fit him well.

Jongin and Taemin - he already knew without asking. After greetings, Seonghwa showed them how to get in, but the couple didn’t sit down until they properly talked with everyone else. Seonghwa got a hunch that, from all of them, these two had the most experience.

A few minutes until twelve Sheonghwa had counted fifteen models in the room - eight girls and seven boys, only missing the one he waited for the most. He raised his eyes hopefully when the elevator opened again but then had to run away to the end of the table, where he found a place between two models - Jennie and Taehyung. Hongjoong and Mingi were coming toward them - Mingi shaking his iPad and talking passionately while Hongjoong answered with nods and headshakes.

“Want to bet he will drop it?”  Taehyung leaned closer to Seonghwa, with a little giggle.

“Hello everyone!”  Mingi saluted like they were about to leave and serve the country.  “Thank you for coming on such short notice.”

“I honestly thought you forgot about the fashion week.”  the same model next to Seonghwa said.

“I was this close to signing a contract with another company.”  A girl, whose name slipped out of Seonghwa’s head, added.

“Okay okay, no need to be dramatic.”  Mingi stopped them.  “We are doing fantastic, right Joongie?”  He searched for help from the CEO.

Seonghwa tried to focus on Mingi, but he could swear he felt Hongjoong’s eyes on him. They finally sat down after exchanging a few more words with models. 

“I have contracts.” 

Jongho had the talent to appear from nowhere. And Seonghwa was not the only one thinking that way. Several models slightly flinched from his sudden presence at the door.

“Yunho-yah’s flight was late. He will be here in a minute.”  He added, taking a free seat next to Hongjoong, then placing the documents on the table and models passed them to each other. Seonghwa found one with his name as well.

“You know the drill.”  Hongjoong sighed.  “Not a word that we speak here comes out. For this project, you are working under KHJ, and I don’t want anyone, not even your grandma, hearing about this, got it? We will hold a separate meeting with your managers.”

“Yes, captain,”  Felix said out loud with a salute towards Hongjoong, and others laughed at the table.

Some models started asking things about their schedule matching and similar stuff, while others focused on reading the contracts. Seonghwa tried to do the same, but he couldn’t because his heart rate was about to reach the speed of light. Was that how he would have to live from now? His mind shut down as soon as Hongjoong entered in the room?

“Sorry for running late.” 

Yunho’s voice appeared like a savior, and Seonghwa immediately raised his eyes, but the greeting got stuck in his throat. Yunho - the sunshine with his light hair who, from the first minutes, brought more sun into Seonghwa’s life; Yunho who changed all his contact numbers, not letting a single of them slip without a heart emoji next to their name; Yunho, who was worried for Seonghwa's safety because of dating rumors more than he carried about his reputation - all of this was gone. And from everyone’s face, Seonghwa knew he wasn’t being delusional or dramatic.

Not because Yunho had dyed his hair black or because he came with heavy smokey makeup on his face, not even for his sharp leather outfit. It was his energy. His expression. No matter what kind of personality the alpha had, seeing one being pissed instantly sent an alert to everyone at the table. Seonghwa hated how he joined other omegas as they fixed their postures like one when Yunho entered. Only the betas, including Mingi, weren’t as surprised. And still, Seonghwa couldn’t miss how unsuccessfully Mingi tried to catch Yunho’s eyes.

“You haven't missed anything yet… your contract is here.”  Hongjoong raised an eyebrow, pointing at the only paper left on the table.

“Yunho-yah.”  Finally, Mingi said out loud, asking for his attention.

“Let’s stay professional, Mingi-shi,”  Yunho added quietly, clearing the last doubts. Something had happened between them that Saturday. It wasn’t just a fight like Mingi referred to. The beta’s mouth slightly opened, his eyes widening, but no words came out.  “What is this line?”  Yunho pointed his dark eye at Jongho, then back at the contract.  “ Why is Seonghwa Hyung’s name not to be mentioned outside of this room?”

“Seonghwa wants to use a stage name. That includes TEN, and Ni-ki as well.”  Jongho nodded as the other two models slightly raised their hands.   “Jongin-shi, Taehyung-shi, Yongbok-shi, you haven’t mentioned which name you prefer, but I listed both so, please, underline the one you would like to go with.”

“I will probably go with Kai since I’m more used to working under it, but people know my name anyway.”  Jongin nodded, after a little consideration.

“I’m alright with both as well. Can be V - whichever fits more for the collection’s concept.”  Taehyung, next to Seonghwa, shrugged.

“Felix, please. I will knock you out if I hear Yongbok again.”  Felix almost shouted over others, and Jongho was quick to react, typing something on his phone.  “That includes you, Mingi-yah.”  He tried to joke, but Hyunjin softly stopped him. 

Mingi’s jaw was tense as he stared at his iPad, but Seonghwa wasn’t sure if he was looking at something or just couldn’t bear to lift his eyes at everyone.

“You need to come up with the stage name, Seonghwa-yah,”  Jongho asked.  “We also need it for the next ATEEZ number.”

“I have zero ideas,”  Seonghwa admitted.

“But your name is so beautiful!”  One of the model girls said excitedly.  “Why would you want to change it?”

“I just feel like it.”  Seonghwa didn’t want to explain himself to someone he barely knew, also it was a private wish. The girl pouted a little bit but didn’t argue.

“I wouldn’t completely disagree with her. You could play with the meaning of your name.”  Yunho was scribbling something on the paper he snatched from Jongho.  “Like… if we… read your name from the other side.”

“HwaSeong?”  Seonghwa reversed it in his head, trying to put a meaning to the word.

“Mars.”  Hongjoong breathed out lightly and so naturally that Seonghwa, for the first time since he came in, looked right into the man’s eyes.

“MARS.”  Yunho spelled it out in big capital letters, sending the paper toward Seonghwa and clapping his hands.  “I'm a genius.”

“I like it,”  Taemin said first, and everyone else then let out an approving sound or nod.

“Right… we can go with it.”  Seonghwa agreed as well, somehow dragging his eyes away from the alpha before his head started spinning. Also, the name made sense and wasn’t hard to remember. Moreover, he had no attachment to the word - just something he would have to get used to.

“It fits the concept as well.”  Mingi quietly said, finally joining their conversation. His eyes were still on the screen, and it couldn’t be that Seonghwa was the only one who noticed how tightly he was clenching the tablet.  “Hongjoong?”

When both of them entered the room, Seonghwa was certain Mingi would do all the talking, but the situation had drastically changed since Yunho came in. Only Yunho himself, with an ice-cold face, didn’t seem to understand that. Or more like, he didn’t care.

Seonghwa imagined Hongjoong refusing to talk, but he was good at reading signs. The man scanned everyone, like counting children before leaning back in the chair.

“More details will be sent out to your managers by the end of the week. But the main concept is the moon phases. Eight pairs, each of them making a perfect moon phase. That’s why we needed sixteen of you.”  He explained shortly, but every model at the table was already captivated by the idea.  “The collection will be genderless. I also wanted equal representation of both female and male models. And you are the best fit.”

“Ooooh…”  Felix’s mouth formed into a perfect oval shape.  “I love the idea of genderless clothes! I mean, I know you have made several collections with some attempts in terms of it… but…”

“You never dedicated the full collection to this concept only. This is risky.”  TEN seconded Felix, but despite his words, Seonghwa could see the excitement in the man’s eyes.

“More like experimental.”  Yunho crossed his arms on his chest,  “It’s something that fits this company. I don’t recall KHJ ever making something as dark.”

“True, you always went with bright colors and loose fittings.”  The girl in front of Yunho agreed.  “But if we are talking about moon phases, you will play more with the dark?”

“Yes,”  Hongjoong confirmed her guess.  “Mainly black, white, and different shades of gray to emphasize the change. A lot of silver and maybe gold body jewelry as well.”

“Hongjoong-shi, you mentioned.... sixteen, but it’s seventeen of us."  The shy boy finally gave his word at the table. 

“Yes, Ni-ki, good point.”  Hongjoong leaned forward, his smile growing, intonation lower with each word, as eyes again found Seonghwa.  “He is the Star. The inspiration for this collection. He is the reason for the moons to change. He doesn’t need a pair. Star is perfect as he is. Bright. The muse. Star is the beginning and the end of all.”  Hongjoong poured his thoughts out without blinking, and Seonghwa again felt the man’s presence tightly wrapping around him. But this time, so different from the first, those invisible ropes didn’t scare him. The omega relaxed into the man’s words. Hongjoong was talking about Seonghwa’s character for the collection, but in that delusional world where Seonghwa’s heart now rested, he imagined that every one of those words was directed at him.

It confirmed Seonghwa’s thoughts when no one else in the room seemed to take it personally. They all enthusiastically congratulated him on the important role, and by the time Seonghwa stopped blushing and bowing, Hongjoong had already distanced himself. He was answering questions for models, which took another hour before they finally signed the contracts and gave them back to Jongho.

One by one models said their goodbyes.

“Looking forward to working with you, Mars.”  Felix waved before heading out.  “Don’t forget the gift for Yeosangie!”

Seonghwa waved, lifting the bag. He tried to smile, but it was hard because as soon as the last model was gone, the atmosphere suddenly dropped to minus. Yunho was still wearing the same dark expression as when he came. Jongho pretended that he was looking through the contracts, but Seonghwa knew that he stayed for the same reason as the rest. Mingi… Mingi was staring into the distance like he would be about to tear up any moment.

“Are you in your villain era now, Yunho-yah?”  Hongjoong broke the silence like a father who was about to force his two children to make up.

Yunho scoffed.

“I’m afraid I was in the hero era for too long, but you wouldn’t know Joongie, you never belonged to one.”  Yunho raised his eyebrow, and Hongjoong did the same. They were speaking only with their stares, which made Seonghwa happy that his seat was at the other side of the table.

“Hey now… we get that. You fought with Mingi-yah…”  Jongho started, trying to save the situation.

“Which part did he skip… before turning me into the bad guy…?”  Yunho pretended to think for a second and then hit the table with his palm. Seonghwa flinched, grabbing onto his chair.  “Right! The one where he slept with me before he told me to get out of his life. Why are you playing a victim now, Mingi-shi?”  His words through teeth hurt more than the sharpest knives, even for Seonghwa. He couldn’t imagine what was going on inside Mingi’s head.

“Fuck you, Jeong Yunho.”  then the beta stood up and walked out, leaving his tablet and even his phone behind.

“Too late for that!”  Yunho shouted after him sarcastically, although the doors were closed.

“Okay.”  Hongjoong got up.  “I will not allow personal relationships to ruin this.”

“It won’t. He is the one making drama out of nothing.”  Yunho shrugged and then also got up.  “I’m here as a model under your company’s name. But just between us, that is the last collection I will do for both of you.”

“You’re not going anywhere.”  Hongjoong looked dead in Yunho’s eyes, but the taller alpha left without answering.  “You can have your lunch break now.”  Hongjoong then said to Seonghwa. 

He didn't need to add more for the omega to understand the hint. Seonghwa passed through Jongho and Hongjoong, running after Yunho, who was already standing in the elevator.

“Wait, Yunho-yah!!” 

For a second, he thought Yunho would let the door close, but at the last moment, the alpha pressed the button, and the metal doors opened again. Seonghwa quickly slid in, catching his breath. Yunho’s intimidating aura was gone, but he still refused to look at Seonghwa.

“I was worried… you didn’t answer my message or call.”  Seonghwa made only a tiny step back, just in case. He couldn’t scent Yunho, but it didn’t change the fact that he was intimidating. 

“I was busy.”  He shortly answered, not trying to keep the conversation going.

“I get that… I’m sorry… I also wanted to hear that you were alright.”  Seonghwa tried again with a little bit less enthusiasm. He didn’t know that getting pushed away by Yunho could hurt this much.

“Splendid.”  Yunho closed his eyes, and Seonghwa didn’t get any other sound from him until they reached the first floor. 

Seonghwa didn’t know what to grab on to make him stop or listen - he wished so much to find proof that Yunho, loved by everyone, wasn’t consumed by pain and sorrow.

When the alpha stepped out from the elevator towards the exit, Seonghwa only followed. But as soon as they were outside, and Yunho turned to walk towards the parking lot, Seonghwa panicked and used the first thing that came into his mind.

“I’m in love with Hongjoong.”  He exclaimed it way more clearly than he felt.  “And I’m not an idiot. I know I will have to go through the same things you feel now. So please, Yunho-yah…”

Yunho halted so suddenly, that Seonghwa almost walked into his back.

“Hyung… no…”  He looked back at Seonghwa, his shoulders falling, eyes widening.  “Why? Why him?” 

“Why Mingi?”  Seonghwa returned his question.

They ended up on the bench next to the skyscraper, where shadows protected them from curious eyes. San had joined them after noticing that Yunho wasn’t coming to the car anymore. This time, the silence was heavy, with only one question hanging in the air - who would break first?

“Did Wooyoung text you back?”  Seonghwa started with the less risky question towards San because his own phone had been silent since morning.

“Umm…”  San glanced at Yunho.  “He did, everything is alright.”  He answered shortly and tried his best to hide happiness in his voice, but San’s eyes were giving him out - shining too brightly. 

“I’m tired.”  Yunho closed his eyes, leaning back until his back hit the bench.  “I tried. For four years, I gave everything for hope - my personal life, my second gender, my reputation… who the fuck would care about that if I could be happy with him.”

“It sounds like you are giving up now, Yuyu… I told you, Mingi-yah had really difficult things he had to overcome and—”

“Sannie, please, shut the fuck up.”  Yunho opened his eyes and pointed his empty stare at him.  “I don’t want to hear it anymore. I loved him until it hurt to breathe, I couldn’t… I physically couldn’t bear the thought of living without him. No matter what everyone said… and then… after he slept with me…”  Yunho exhaled.  “He blamed it on the alcohol… everything. Like the words I told him… the things I shared he had thrown with trash. ‘Erase this night from your memory.’ - that’s what he said before leaving me. You don’t do that to a person!”  He shouted devastatingly.  “Do you know how many opportunities I let pass so I could be here, see him more? I can’t count just how many times… I refused to accept commissions because I thought… Mingi might need me, so I shouldn't go, I should stay… I should… try again.”

Seonghwa’s hand was halfway touching Yunho’s shoulder but stopped in mid-air when he saw transparent pearls forming in his eyes. Yunho didn’t stop them, nor intended to wipe so they wouldn’t ruin his makeup. His feelings and emotions were so pure and raw that Seonghwa’s heart shattered as well. Just how did he make it through those four years without breaking? How… he didn’t give up earlier?

“Coloring your hair black won’t ease your pain though?”  San tried to make a joke because seeing his friend breaking here and now, without anything they could do, was too much for him. It was a lame try, but Seonghwa still rolled his eyes.

“Don’t be absurd. I dyed my hair for the photo shoot in Bangkok.”  Yunho gritted his teeth, clenching his fist at the same time.

Just like Seonghwa guessed, dealing with humor was out of the question for him. Yunho glared at San, who could only stand with a guilty kitten’s expression painted on his face. Seonghwa wished so much he could tell Yunho the words Mingi said the other day - he wanted to assure Yunho that from Mingi’s perspective, it was never Yunho’s fault. They had so many words and thoughts to exchange with their sober minds.

“It’s Joongie,”  San announced when his phone started ringing, interrupting the uneasy flow between three friends. He picked up and rushed to walk aside, leaving Seonghwa and Yunho alone.

“Yunho-ah… shutting yourself down from people who care about you, won’t do any good.”  Seonghwa finally touched the man, only the top of his head - his dark hair was a bit rough from the damage.

“I know. But I don’t think I’m mentally capable of talking with anyone.”  Yunho slid a little down, so Seonghwa could pat him more. Yeosang wasn’t wrong in calling him a puppy.  “When I called you on Saturday, Mingi was still asleep… I was excited to share what happened. What an idiot… I am…”  Yunho’s short broken laugh, made Seonghwa’s fingers halt. 

“You shouldn’t be alone now, but… I still need to work, and later I promised to visit Yeosangie… If not for his heat…”  Seonghwa was ripping from the inside, trying to figure out a way to stay with all of them.

“I don’t want company now, sorry. I think staying alone is what I need. For the first time in four years, I don’t have to sacrifice anything for someone who never cared.”  Yunho tilted his head, and Seonghwa's hand helplessly fell.  “Hm… so Sannie and Woo-yah?”  He spoke again after a long pause. 

“Wooyoung is… very indecisive, but… I guess it could work.”  Seonghwa could barely collect his thoughts about someone else right now.  “Maybe you would like to stay in the office with me—-”

“And you?”  Yunho interrupted like he wasn’t listening to Seonghwa’s words at all.

“What about me? I don’t have a lot of work today…”  Seonghwa frowned, still thinking it had to be somehow related to his proposal.

“Did you say it just to stop me, or did you mean it?”  Yunho turned at Seonghwa with his whole body.

“What…?”  Seonghwa tried to connect Yunho’s questions, but when his heart rate suddenly rose, and the familiar scent filled his lungs, he stopped. Seonghwa’s body tensed, his head automatically facing the man, who stopped in front of them.

“Are you really… in love with Hongjoong?” 

Yet the question still slipped through Yunho’s lips before Seonghwa could stop him.

Chapter Text

Like in slow motion, frame by frame, Seonghwa registered how Yunho’s head moved in the same direction. The air left his lungs, and his vision became cloudy since Hongjoong stared at him without blinking, waiting for an answer. The problem was that Seonghwa couldn’t speak - he had forgotten how to do so.

“Are you really in love with Hongjoong?”  Yunho slowly repeated, twisting the knife again as if he were blind. Seonghwa was one step from falling into panic, but then the dark-haired alpha placed his hand on the omega’s shoulder.  “That’s… what she asked me. Crazy, right?”

“W-what?”  Seonghwa stuttered, leaning back. The rising anxiety in him quickly got replaced with confusion. 

Hongjoong knitted his eyebrows and turned his dark eyes at Yunho.

“Who asked what?”  San’s words fell like rain from the clear sky. Seonghwa didn’t realize he was standing next to Hongjoong until now.

“Another model in Bangkok,”  Yunho replied with an empty face.  “Must be because, for the past four years, I rarely signed contracts with different companies… suspicious, isn’t it?”  Yunho continued when no one answered. As he successfully dragged all the attention to himself, Seonghwa got a second to collect his emotions before he made a mistake and said something he would regret.

“A lot of models work mainly for one company.”  San shrugged.  “Also… you and Joong? Seriously?”  San then scoffed loudly at this statement and how ridiculous it sounded.  “Who would dominate who? Oh my… and they were both tops.”  He giggled, attempting to clear the tension, but again unsuccessfully. 

Only Seonghwa lowered his eyes at his feet to somehow hide heating ears. That kind of bold joke was beyond his comfort zone. 

No one paid attention to him, however, or to San. The suspense between Yunho and Hongjoong was too real, and soon, Yunho had enough of the silent treatment.

“Don’t worry, I have zero romantic feelings towards a cube of ice.”  He grinned.  “But I was just about to tell Seonghwa Hyung that I’ll no longer chase after the same mistakes.”  Yunho stood up and straightened his back. Although Hongjoong wore shoes with platforms, hardly anyone could suppress the power Yunho’s height gave out.

Seonghwa soundlessly gasped at how effortlessly Yunho could mock Hongjoong, and the CEO's face remained the same. Only his eyebrow twitched as if asking ‘Is that the best you got?’

“What exactly does that mean, Yunho?”  Hongjoong asked with a little tilt of his head. 

“I’m going on an indefinite hiatus.”  He announced with a sarcastic grin playing on his lips.

“You can’t rub your feelings off on the company.”  Hongjoong crossed his hands against his chest, slightly losing his cool posture but somehow remaining calm.  “You are our main model, so before taking this decision—”

“Oh, I can. And I will.”  Yunho not only talked over Hongjoong but also raised his hand like shutting the man’s mouth.  “I’m taking a hiatus because I’m tired, and I have a solid reason to be. I will let you know when I’m ready to come back.”

Although Hongjoong’s attention was fully on Yunho, Seonghwa shivered on that bench like this somehow had hurt him too. Neither San nor Yunho could feel how Hongjoong’s scent had changed - the tornado tearing up, demolishing the forest. Seonghwa wanted to hide under the bench and protect himself before the wind tore him into pieces. But all he could do was sit quietly and watch.

“The Fashion Week…”  Hongjoong started with a deeper than his usual tone but again almost brutally got interrupted by a laugh.

“Shove it up your ass, Hongjoong!”  Yunho waved his hands.  “Is it really the only thing you care about now? Seriously??”  The alpha placed his fingers on his nose bridge, exhaling deeply. 

“What should I care about then?”  After the second time being interrupted, Hongjoong’s voice, like a frozen wind, made even Yunho in front slightly shiver in the midday heat.  “About you fucking your boss, although he had told you million times he wanted to keep the distance? And yet, you used the situation in your favor, Yunho. You disrespected his wish only because you were drunk and horny. You knew what you were doing, am I wrong? Is that what you wanted to hear from me? We both know on whose side I am.”  This time Hongjoong finished his thoughts without interruption. But his words not only didn’t fix the situation. They only made it worse.

“So did fucking he! He knew what he was doing!"  Yunho yelled back, his eyes burning in pain.  "You have… no idea… how much… I have… sacrificed for him.”  Yunho's now quiet but sharp breaths were heavily cutting the air. Yet it didn’t bring any other expression on Hongjoong’s face.

“He didn’t ask you to do that.”  the CEO replied shortly.  “Don’t think with your heart, Yunho-yah… it won’t take you anywhere.”  Then he added a little bit softer.

Ah… Seonghwa almost felt a punch in his stomach.  Don’t think with your heart  - was that Hongjoong’s motto? Was this the main reason for his success? Behind his unbreakable walls?

“Don’t teach me how to live when your personal life is hanging on a thread.”  Yunho shook his head, but it seemed like he had given up. What was that supposed to mean?  “I’m taking a hiatus, and you can’t change my mind.”  He turned away to leave, and San, who until now remained silent by Hongjoong’s side, stepped towards Yunho as well.

Or only attempted to do so. Hongjoong grabbed San's jacket, stopping him. Yunho must have noticed that San wasn’t coming after him as he glanced back and rolled his eyes.

“Taking away all the privileges? You are so scary, Joong. I can walk, you know. Or call a taxi.”  Yunho took out his phone and waved at them, but something was hinting to Seonghwa that he was barely holding back from showing them another gesture.

“Make sure he won’t do anything dumb.”  Hongjoong quietly said to San before letting him go. 

The red-haired alpha nodded and left to catch up with Yunho. As soon as they disappeared behind the corner, Hongjoong hugged his neck with both palms and squatted, letting his head down and inhaling deeply. He seemed tired in ways that no sleep could fix. Seonghwa could almost see how he tried to push away the anger and how hard it was for him. He felt a little sad that Yunho drowned so much in his heartbreak that he didn’t even say goodbye, but Seonghwa couldn’t feel anything deeper, while Hongjoong remained in front of him. More than that, in such a vulnerable state.

“Is there… Anything I can do…?”  Seonghwa asked, his voice unusually high. The worry kept his body stiff for so long that it was hard to come back to his senses.

“Yes, stay away from Yunho.”  Hongjoong looked up at Seonghwa, his eyes already calm. But an emotionless stare might have hurt the omega even more than anger.  “And from Mingi too. Before you ask, no, he doesn’t want to talk about it. No, he doesn’t need you there.”

How could… how could someone have such lung-crushing duality in them? Tell everyone that Seonghwa had inspired the collection, and then, the next moment, act like they were strangers. 

But they were. They were strangers.

And Seonghwa knew where Hongjoong's words were coming from. The alpha expected him to do magic. To solve whatever had been going on inside Yunho’s hurt heart. Seonghwa had disappointed the CEO. Not only he didn’t help, but Yunho (their most important model) left for an indefinite hiatus after explicitly announcing that he didn’t care about the fashion week. Seonghwa wanted to apologize so badly, although he knew that, in reality, he couldn’t do much to change it.

“I… am so–r…”

“Go eat. Your lunch break is almost over.”  Hongjoong stood back on his feet, ignoring the mumbles that tried to escape Seonghwa’s mouth.  “When San returns, he will take you to the gallery. Ask them for material examples. Mingi wanted to do this… but after all this drama—”  He frowned, like realizing he had overshared. Hongjoong opened and closed his mouth, but in the end, didn’t spare another glance or word to the omega before going back into the building.

How could Seonghwa eat when his stomach was full of tight knots? When only thought of food made him nauseous? Seonghwa rocked back and forth on the same bench, trying to collect himself from tears - he couldn’t slip. Seonghwa wasn’t completely clueless - he could bet that he formed this massive painful crush on Hongjoong only because of the Fated Mates thing. Why else would he fall for someone who never showed interest in him and never failed to hurt more?

Seonghwa was only an employee in Hongjoong’s Entertainment. Maybe he couldn’t fully control his emotions or even thoughts about that man. Maybe this was meant to last for such a long time until Seonghwa burned out completely. But… one thing Hongjoong couldn’t do - order him what kind of friend he had to be. Seonghwa trusted his guts when it came to friendships, he never did it half-assed. For his friends, Seonghwa was ready to go through everything. Yes, even if it meant he had to endure another cold wave from Hongjoong. 

Seonghwa messaged Yunho before returning to the building.

TO: ❤️ YUYU ❤️

[TUESDAY 2:36 PM]

Message:   If you need to talk with someone, I’m here for you. Anytime.

Seonghwa stared at the screen for a couple of moments. Of course, he couldn’t expect Yunho to answer right away. Maybe he had decided to ignore Seonghwa, but knowing that Yunho received this message and knew how Seonghwa felt made him feel better. For now, Seonghwa only hoped that San managed to keep Yunho from other reckless decisions. His announcement about the hiatus took all three of them by surprise, not only Hongjoong. Despite everything the CEO said, he wouldn't have come, leaving his work behind if he didn’t care.

Seonghwa hid his face in his palms and stayed like this for a moment as he tried to push away the rest of the emotions that still hovered in his mind. Seonghwa headed to the elevator, automatically pressing the number 25. He didn’t intend to bother Mingi with questions, but he had a solid reason to go there. Seonghwa would have rather jumped into the paparazzi's arms naked than gone back to Hongjoong’s office and asked him questions. What the hell did he exactly need from that gallery? At the same time, yes, he planned to use this excuse to confirm that Mingi was alright.

Only when the elevator's door opened and a semi-empty floor opened in front of him, did Seonghwa realize he might have chosen a bad time to come. Most of the staff were on their lunch break, and it was most likely that Mingi had used this chance to take time off for himself as well. Yet, Seonghwa had come this far, so he had to check at least.

The omega went straight to Mingi’s office behind the corner and to his disappointment, but not surprise, found it empty. The drawing tablet and the laptop on the table were switched off. The only other thing on the table was a white-blue medication box next to the keyboard. Seonghwa didn’t mean to put his nose in someone else's business, but he still leaned over to read the title on the box:  XANAX.

“Is there anything I can help you with?”

The voice startled Seonghwa like he got caught doing something illegal. What was with him and staring at belongings on the other people's tables?? He turned around and faced a girl - he might have also noticed her yesterday. Play cool. He had all the right to be there.

“I was hoping to talk with Mingi-yah. There is some business we need to discuss. Is he on lunch break?”  Seonghwa placed his hands behind his back - a silly habit of hiding his panic.

“Mingi-shi left for the day…. He was not feeling well.”  The girl answered with a little frown. Clearly, it was very unusual for him to leave in the middle of the workday. 

“I see. It can wait anyway…”  Seonghwa forced a smile.

“But… oh wait, we prepared this for you!”  She started pacing through the hallway in another direction. Seonghwa glanced at the box on the table again before following her.  “I meant to send someone to your floor later, but since you came here…”  She handed Seonghwa not one or two but five huge shopping bags. By the weight, Seonghwa could tell just how stuffed they were.

He didn’t need to ask the girl what was inside - Mingi already had warned him. Despite what happened, he still made sure before leaving that Seonghwa received the outfits - this fact painfully sank the omega's heart.

Yet Seonghwa didn’t want to let his mind wander too far and think of scenarios that might lead to wrong conclusions. He thanked the girl with a bow and returned to his desk in the office, still with a clear image of the medication on the table. Seonghwa was familiar with it because his mother had a hidden box inside her wardrobe too. A different brand, cheaper, maybe less effective but… it was all made from the same drug. Seonghwa didn’t know what shocked him more - to learn that Mingi had medication for anxiety disorder or that it triggered memories inside him. Mingi didn’t fit in the frame of a depressed person that Seonghwa used to see - which only scared him more. People were capable of hiding something like that. Was that it, or was there something more? Was Yunho aware of it?

The next hour Seonghwa passed in a weird cloudy daze - he forgot to turn back the line for the calls, and if not for an unhealthy amount of letters that started floating into his work email, he wouldn’t have acknowledged that. 

“Yes…?”  He quietly answered, when his phone rang with a familiar name on the screen.

“Hwa? I’m waiting downstairs. Joong said I need to take you to the gallery.”  San didn’t sound as enthusiastic as always, and Seonghwa couldn’t blame him for that.

Honestly, the moment he saw the medication on Mingi’s table, the gallery completely slipped from his mind. And as much as Seonghwa wanted to refuse, he had no other choice but to follow the direct orders from his boss. Did… did Hongjoong know about Mingi? Most likely.

“Give me a minute.”  Seonghwa sighed.

He went to the bathroom and tried his best to fix that distorted look on his face. When it didn’t help, Soenghwa had no choice but to use water - he splashed a healthy amount of it on his face and rubbed his neck, then took way too long to wash his hands, somehow managing to wet the sleeves. At least, the water helped drag away the biggest part of the tension, and Seonghwa could feel his mind clearing as well.

San was waiting for him next to the car with his eyes pointed at the horizon - his serious face and distant gaze were intimidating like never. Seonghwa waved from afar to give him a second to collect himself, and San did - he waved back, a soft smile blooming on his lips. Seonghwa sat inside the Rolls-Royce without a word, and San did as well, instantly driving off. He already knew where to go. Seonghwa couldn’t say the same about himself.

“Hongjoong-shi… asked for materials, and he didn’t specify. I have no clue what we are going for.”  Seonghwa confessed as if hoping San had a magical answer to this, but the red-haired man looked no less surprised.

“Did you try to ask Mingi-yah?”  He carefully asked and frowned when Seonghwa shook his head.

“One of his assistants said he had already left for the day, and I didn’t want to disturb him with calls.”  He replied. 

It didn’t solve the issue, but San accepted Seonghwa's words in silence. The omega clenched his fists, swallowing the words about the medications. He was sure San knew. He had to. 

“How is Yunho-yah?”  He slightly changed the topic instead.

“He… um… dropped? In our terms, it's called isolation. However, you want to name it, honestly.”  San quietly said, but Seonghwa stared at him confused, so the alpha had no other choice but to explain it.  “Hm… you know how omegas can drop? It’s similar to an anxiety attack when they completely shut themselves… and become unresponsive to their surroundings.” 

Seonghwa slowly nodded a few times. He heard about this during biology class years ago. Seonghwa had experienced something similar in the past and witnessed his mom go through it many times as well. Yet… he was assured it was an exclusive thing for omegas only. 

“It’s different for alphas.”  San continued as if reading Seonghwa’s mind.  “I only named it like that since I thought you might be familiar with the concept. For us, it is more like… complete isolation from the world - friends, family, or lovers - we shut down all our feelings. To put it simply - it’s like an emotional switch. It’s similar to what omegas can experience because an alpha "shuts down" their feelings, as the body tries to protect itself from hurting further. The main difference - it’s only up to Yunho-yah to decide when he wants to come back to his senses.”

Seonghwa took a deep breath. The situation was worse than he thought. The way San explained this sounded horrifying and lonely. Seonghwa didn’t want to imagine Yunho somewhere alone, lost in his dark and cold thoughts, without a single friend.

“I took him to his older brother’s place. I’m sure, whether he wants that or not, Guhno-shi will take care of him. Jongho-yah already prepared the documents, so from today Yunho is on hiatus.”  San sighed, his fingers impatiently tapping on the wheel as they waited for the traffic lights to change.

That gave Seonghwa a slight feeling of relief. Of course, Yunho had a family. Why would he need someone he barely knew? Seonghwa couldn't help it, he was very overprotective of people he grew close to because there was a time when he had no one who protected him. 

“You… talk like you know… the feeling….”  Seonghwa pointed out, overtaken by new information. There was nothing he could do to help Yuhno, right?

“Me?”  San suddenly chuckled.  “Definitely, not. But…”  He made a short pause.  “I recognized the symptoms since I had seen them before. I had seen this happen to a member of my clan.”

Clan? Seonghwa blinked in surprise. He had no clue San belonged to a clan - it sounded almost unreal nowadays. To Seonghwa’s poor knowledge, so-called clans once were packs. Through the centuries, as the civilizations developed and the concept of packs dissolved, they replaced it with a more modern word - clans. All families belonged once to one, but Seonghwa had no information about what happened to his. Not like it mattered anymore. And yet, some (very very few) clans still took this somewhat seriously. They had all the inner hierarchy, rules, rituals, and all. More or less like a royal family but bigger. If Seonghwa tried to google it, he was sure he would find only a few names of still-existing clans. He itched to ask more, but jumping right away to this topic would be a bit insensitive.

“How long did it take for him… your clan member… switch back… on?”  He hoped it was the correct way to put words.

“A few years,”  San murmured and only shook his head when Seonghwa gasped. A few years was a long time. Very long. Yunho couldn’t possibly just disappear for years.  “Joongie noticed the symptoms as well, that’s why he asked me not to let Yunho do anything dumb. Not like he tried though… he didn’t say a word while I drove him to his brother’s place.”  San glanced at Seonghwa’s terrified face and then back at the road.  “It depends on the person and reasons. I can guarantee that what pushed my clan’s member to isolation was more serious than what happened between Yunho and Mingi.”  he sighed taking a longer break between talking.  “ And Yunho-yah… will come back to us soon. Let’s respect his boundaries.”  San added the last sentences not as confident.

Hongjoong noticed that something was wrong with Yunho, and now the request to leave him in peace made more sense. Only Seonghwa was clueless as always.

“How about Mingi-yah?”

“He had it worse before.”  San shrugged, but Seonghwa wasn’t convinced. One situation couldn’t be compared to another. So what if he had it worse, but now he…  “Hwa, stop worrying. Mingi-yah can take it. If he took a day off, it means he’s dealing. I would be more worried if he stayed and forced himself to work, neglecting his feelings.”

Seonghwa didn’t agree, but couldn’t argue. San knew Mingi longer and better. 

They stayed quiet for a few minutes before Seonghwa checked his phone again. Nor Yunho or Wooyoung had replied to him. 

“You mentioned… everything is alright with Woo-yah?”  He let the question slip. If his best friend didn’t feel like communicating with him, at least he could pull out some information from San.

“Ah…”  San suddenly smiled.  “I mean… he texted me, thanked me for the sweater, and said that he feels better now. Not well enough to chat more, but he will contact me as soon as he can.”  San proudly reported, as if expecting Seonghwa to congratulate them on their marriage or something.

“You… holding on a thin thread here, aren’t you?”  The omega tilted his head because Wooyoung's words didn’t promise anything, and yet San looked like a happy kitten.

“What do you mean?”  He frowned, making a turn into a parking lot.

“Nothing… but as Wooyoung's friend, I recommend you to take things slow.”  Seonghwa smiled, deciding not to ruin Wooyoung’s reputation before the time came. He planned to protect both Wooyoung and San, but first let them figure things out themselves.

San nodded with a little pout, stopping the car, and Seonghwa braced clown himself one more time, as he had no clue what the hell he came for here.

Seonghwa turned off his laptop around five and texted Yeosang, asking for his address. While waiting, he ran through today's events and concluded this day as semi-successful. Seonghwa managed to get the material examples faster than he thought since a very lovely omega at the gallery (thankfully) has been working with KHJ for years already. Then San volunteered to take materials to Hongjoong’s studio, as he needed to talk with him about something (Definitely about Yunho and Mingi), so Seonghwa successfully avoided meeting the alpha. Later, to his surprise, he received a letter from Jongho with his updated schedule, which now included… "Lessons". They didn’t have proper titles, just numbers, times, and room numbers. Seonghwa tried to figure out how the hell he would be able to take, whatever those lessons meant, every day when he was supposed to be in the office. Yet he wasn't feeling confident enough to ask Jongho.

FROM: SANGIE ❤️

[TUESDAY 5:13 PM]

Message:  14th floor, door number 55. The passcode - 101200. Just come inside.

{Location Shared}

Seonghwa was about to reply that he was on his way, but his phone started ringing. He closed and opened his eyes, really hating the fact that he couldn’t block the line at the end of his workday and have a peaceful time with a friend. Yet all the annoyance vanished when he saw Wooyoung’s name on the screen.

“Woo-yah!”  Seonghwa immediately picked up, so close to tearing up.  “Are you still angry?”

“Hwa… no no, forget that stupid jacket. I was trying to catch up with studies all day, and the heat is killing me, so it feels like going through hell with my grandma’s winter coat,”  Wooyoung whined.  “So hard to focus on whatever teacher is telling when all I can think of is dic—”

“Woo-yah!”  Seonghwa half laughed, half sobbed, so relieved to hear his best friend’s voice and confirm he was overthinking for no reason.

“Anyway, I wanted to wait until you were back, but… I don’t think I can. Because… guess who fucking called me like ten minutes ago.”  Wooyoung spitted out, hardly holding back from spoiling before Seonghwa had a chance to guess. 

Only one person came to his mind.

“San?”  He guessed.

“No! I told him to wait—- God… Seonghwa… Jongho.”  He quickly gave up on the game.  “He called me and asked if I would be interested in coming for the interview after my heat ended.”  He breathed out, still in disbelief.  “He said it would be a paid internship, with a possibility to stay full-time after my graduation.”

“W-what?”  Seonghwa tried to put as much emotion as he could into the last word. That was the last thing he expected to hear. Of course, Yeosang had blabbered non-stop during their drunk party about how Wooyoung should join KHJ, but it was all fun and games. And now it was not.

“I know, right? I was so surprised that I even double-checked if Jongho called the right number.”  He giggled.

“What exact position are they offering? The one in the management?”  Seonghwa asked. The company was huge, but he only heard about one opening so far.

“That’s the strange part… he said… the second assistant position needs to be filled part-time since you’ll be busy with other things soon.”  Wooyoung made a significant pause.  “I hope you have the whole speech prepared to fill me with exactly what he had in mind with that.”

Here we go. Seonghwa had his answer on how he would manage to attend mystery lessons and get the work done. Choosing Wooyoung to partly fill Seonghwa’s place was an interesting, but at the same time not surprising and maybe even smart choice. They knew that Wooyoung and Seonghwa lived together and could be trusted. But what face did Hongjoong make when he decided to approve Wooyoung as an intern?

“Do I even need to ask what you answered, my future co-worker?”  Seonghwa chuckled, finally moving. He lifted his shoulder to press his phone with his head against it and grabbed the bags. Why did he look like he was leaving after a shopping spree and not work?

“Despite that only a thought of working for your Asshole makes me want to gag, am I dumb to refuse this? We already set the date for the interview. Just don’t tell anyone anything yet.”  Wooyoung sighed. Seonghwa somehow knew that by ‘anyone’ he meant San. 

Since when Hongjoong was HIS Asshole?

Either way, Seonghwa smirked, thinking how Wooyoung never skipped an opportunity to name Hongjoong different nicknames. But as soon as Hongjoong becomes his boss, that would have to stop. 

“Are you on the way back home?”  His friend asked when Seonghwa was struggling to call the elevator.

“Not yet… I have promised Yeosangie to visit him. I won’t stay long though.” 

After what happened in the morning, it completely slipped out of his mind, to inform Wooyoung about it. And as expected his friend’s reaction was all over the place.

“What…?!”  He squeaked. “Are you throwing an omega party without me?? That’s not fair!! I also want to! But… ghhrrr…”  He hissed painfully like a wounded fox.  “I can’t yet… Hwaaaaa…”  Wooyoung whined like Seonghwa could pull out a magic solution from the thin air. He could have suggested Wooyoung use scent blockers in his bathroom and take a taxi, but… his friend didn’t know Seonghwa had scent blockers in the first place, and he intended to keep it that way.

“I promise, I just want to check up on him! You better get ready for that tea before I come back. I have a lot to tell you.”  Seonghwa promised with a tiny smile lingering on his lips when he finally managed to get inside the elevator.

Seonghwa had to halt in front of the modern apartment block - it was only a ten-minute walk, and it would be so easy to mistake it for another office building. No matter how much it took him by surprise (a thought of just how much an apartment in this building could cost), Seonghwa couldn’t be more thankful. His hands were already sore from carrying these bags. 

Just as expected, the inside of the building was so clean and clear that Seonghwa saw his reflection on the glossy tiles. 

He was stopped by a guard who asked for his information. But as soon as Yeosang’s name came up, the man gladly assisted him to the elevators and offered help to carry the bags. Seonghwa was still in a daze from this smooth atmosphere and elegance that he only noted that they were on the right floor when the guard placed the bags next to Yeosang’s door, then bowed and left.

Although Yeosang said to enter without ringing the bell, Seonghwa hesitated for a moment before putting in the passcode.

“Yeosangie, it’s me!”  He loudly announced his presence, walking in.

Seonghwa had noticed several apartments on this floor, but it took him by surprise to see that Yeosang lived in a loft. Not like Seoghwa expected to see something else, it just somehow immediately sat right - everything around screamed that this place was meant for Yeosang. The light colors, soft furniture, green plants - the place was very spacious. The loft had enough place for everything and still didn’t seem suffocating. Seonghwa noticed the kitchen behind the partial door a bit further, and the light wooden stairs leading to an open second floor. The fragrance of fresh-cut citrus fruits hit him as soon as Seonghwa opened the door. The notes of the scent were so comforting and pleasing that Seonghwa couldn’t help but take a deeper breath.

After a long minute of observing, Seonghwa somehow managed to take his eyes away from the wall, which was made from glass, and opened a view of Seoul with the majestic angle of the park right in front. He pointed his eyes at the bed upstairs when he heard quiet rustling.

“Hwa?”  a low voice sobbed from under the blankets. Seonghwa immediately dropped the bags, kicked off his shoes, and sprinted upstairs.

It sounded like an emergency, but Seonghwa always took things for worse than they were, so he froze from a cute view of Yeosang covered in a mountain of blankets with pillows around him.

“Hi…”  Seonghwa awkwardly said, for the first time facing something so messy on a bed. Wooyoung would always kick everything off since his body became sensitive, itchy, and hot but Yeosang shivered like he was freezing.

The pleasing citrus scent in the loft - it wasn’t a home fragrance but Yeosang’s scent all along.

“I know it’s weird…”  Yeosang murmured, only his dark hair, big eyes and nose popping out from the blanket mess. For the first time, Seonghwa saw him with a bare face without makeup. It was the same pretty and even more precious because of the beauty mark next to his left eye.

“Weird?”  Seonghwa didn't understand. What was weird about being in heat?

“Nests… are not a thing anymore. But my grandmother used to make them when she felt very insecure. And I spent a lot of time with her in my teen years… and somehow… sometimes… it just feels right.”  He tried to explain himself, embarrassed about this, and only now realization hit Seonghwa.  “It’s shit compared to what she used to make but…”

A nest. Seonghwa had never seen one before, so he had nothing to compare it with. Yeosang ran to his safe space at KHJ as soon as he felt insecure, and somehow his nest perfectly blended with the fact, that he needed to feel safe. Everything just made sense, and Seonghwa couldn’t explain why.

“I think it’s beautiful. It looks warm and cozy. Your apartment is lovely too.”  He smiled, stepping closer.  “Is it okay if I sit on the bed?”  He asked and patiently waited until Yeosang nodded. The other omega still seemed nervous, crawling in a ball under the blankets. Seonghwa was so glad Wooyoung didn't come. He would have already jumped on Yeosang to drown him in hugs and kisses.

“We had a meeting today with the models for the fashion week and Felix brought you something. It’s downstairs.”  Seonghwa tried to clear the tense atmosphere because Yeosang still seemed stiff, his fruity scent washing the air in waves.

“Oh… Felix is always thoughtful.”  he exhaled, glancing downstairs, but didn’t move.  “You… you have to tell me everything… I was chatting with Mingi about the collection and all but he… suddenly disappeared.”  The more Yeosang talked, the more he sounded like himself, but Seonghwa couldn’t relax so easily.

“Right…” 

He tried to keep it as short as possible, with fewer emotions and more facts. Make it sound like it was not a big deal that Yunho isolated himself, cutting off all emotions and taking a hiatus. Yet Seonghwa wasn't in time to break a flow of words leaving his lips, and he accidentally confessed to seeing the medication on Mingi’s desk.

“I… didn’t mean to… see that…”  he quickly shut his mouth, staring at Yeosang, but the other omega didn’t look surprised. So it wasn’t something new. Should he ask? Did he have a right to do so? 

“You said… that San knew someone else, who isolated himself for years?”  Like reading Seonghwa's mind, Yeosang gave a clear sign not to ask further about Mingi.

“Right… from his clan? I was surprised to hear he has one!”  Seonghwa didn’t fail to follow Yeosang's thoughts. He was happy to come back to this particular topic.“Those are rare, right? A lot of people see it as an old-fashioned thing…”  It was funny for Seonghwa to say that when he came from a town where suppressants were still unacceptable.

“I guess? I don’t think it means a lot to San. I mean, that clan is huge - it probably has hundreds of members by now. I only heard San mentioning it a few times, since they have gatherings once a year or so.”  While talking Yeosang from God knows where pulled out his phone and started searching for something.  “But… how do I put it… San’s family doesn’t fit there? Like you know… sixth-generation cousin or something like that. The first line in the clan is very rich and powerful, meanwhile, San’s family is at the very end of it. San once said he only attends those meetings out of respect for his grandfather.”  Yeosang had found what he was searching for but finished his sentence before handing the phone to Seonghwa.

Seonghwa fixed his eyes on the photo of a large crowd of people. It took him a moment to gather that it was the clan San talked about. Lost in the sea of faces, Seonghwa tried his best to find San, but it was impossible.

“He is there….”  Yoesang tried to point with his fingers from afar but didn’t move closer. Seonghwa still struggled to find the person, so he handed the phone to Yeosang and took it back when the friend zoomed in the right spot.

The person in the photo was nothing like San Seonghwa knew - he stood at the back of the crowd, blended pixels had damaged his facial features, and black hair merged with everyone else. 

“Choi clan is one of the few remaining in Korea, so it’s easy to find pictures on Google. I think this one was taken a few years ago during the annual gathering,”  Yeosang explained when Seonghwa returned his phone.  “What you possibly don’t know… is….”  Yeosang clenched the device, thinking for a moment, but then gave it to Seonghwa, showing another familiar face in the crowd.

This one was clearer, as the man stood in the second row, almost in the middle. How did Seonghwa didn’t notice him right away? The man barely changed in those few years. Only his hair then was lighter, but his face up till this day remained round, framing his serious eyes.

“Hold… up… San and Jongho are from the same clan??”  Seonghwa gasped, surprised more than he wanted to show. Of course, it somehow made more sense, since they shared the same family name, but still… Choi was a popular last name, so it didn't mean they came from the same clan. Who could have known?

“Mhm,”  Yeosang mumbled, reaching for his phone and hiding it back under the covers.  “Jongho is from the second line… who is still very much obsessed with all the rules and keeping the bloodline pure, you know. The second I learned that I had a hunch that he might have a beautiful alpha by his side but…”  Yoesang nervously chuckled. “Learning that he is mated was a different story…”  He visibly shivered, covered his face, and loudly sobbed. Oh no no. Yoesang was too sensitive to this topic now.

“Sangie…”  Seonghwa reached to touch him, but unexpectedly Yeosang let another whine and pressed his shoulders closer in distress.

“Please… give me a m-minute.”

“Of course…”  Seonghwa sighed, hiding the tight pressure in his chest. 

So strange to see how different omegas reacted to the heat - Wooyoung was sweaty and clingy, and Yeosang kept hiding, scared of touch and another presence, although he knew he was safe with Seonghwa. Maybe because Seonghwa’s scent was blocked with suppressants, and only words weren’t enough to ensure Yeosang’s dazed mind.

Seonghwa went downstairs, from the pile of bags took the one from Felix, and placed it on the table. Then he allowed himself to walk into the kitchen, so pleased to find it sparkling clean. All the shelves were made from glass without a single dust. Seonghwa’s smile only grew as he gathered the right things to prepare them tea.

“I’m sorry….”

Yeosang's voice didn’t startle him, since Seonghwa could feel the approaching stronger fruity scent. But he still waited for the other omega to show up before turning around.

“For what?”  Seonghwa softly asked, putting the mugs on the wooden table and filling them with hot tea.  “I’m sorry for using your kitchen… but my mom always said that tea can help.”  Seonghwa sadly scoffed.  “Not like it did… but I guess it’s just a habit.”

Yeosang came in wearing a giant sand color hoodie-blanket that made him look three times his size. His red puffy eyes gave away about him crying just now, although Seonghwa did his best to pretend he didn’t hear the sobs coming from upstairs.

“I never… had anyone next to me… since my heat started. Only thinking of… someone near, someone touching, scares me so much. I usually spend the heat in my bed, under the blankets and pillows…”  Yoesang’s eyes shyly were pointed at his feet in fluffy socks, like he was invading Seonghwa’s personal space and not the other way around.

“I understand you… and your insecurities are valid, you don’t have to apologize. I’m just… used to Woo-yah who wants to cuddle twenty-four seven.”  Seonghwa sat down on the chair. If it were his choice to make, he would assure Yeosang never had to spend another heat alone, but…

“He really is like that?”  Yeosang chuckled nervously,  “It fits him somehow… I shouldn't be surprised. All I do is cry, honestly pathetic.”  he cleared his throat and sat at the other side, keeping the right distance.  “Painkillers help to go through it with mild side effects, and for some reason, even when sweating I feel rather cold, not hot…”  Yeosang reached for the mug.  “You can’t imagine how many times I almost asked you not to come today… it’s like all my senses are alerted all the time… like standing on the edge of a cliff."  Yeosang shook his head.  "I’m whining here about a certain alpha not paying attention to me, and yet if he did now, I’m not even sure if I would be able to let him close to me.” 

Yeosang’s anxiety made him more talkative than ever, and Seonghwa didn’t mind at all. That was the reason why he came here. Some strong feeling inside was telling Seonghwa that Yeosang didn’t want anyone around because he didn’t know just how much better it was to have help.

“B-but… I don’t regret that you are here!!”  He quickly assured, his cheeks coloring in sweet pink, and Seonghwa smiled. He knew that. 

“Woo-yah also wanted to come, imagine the chaos.”  Seonghwa scoffed, picturing Wooyoung chasing Yeosang around the place.

“Oh…”  He exhaled in surprise but without panic this time.  “Maybe… next time.”  Yeosang quietly added as he played with the mug’s handle.  “Actually… I wanted to show you this. You might have guessed from photos in my safe room, but me, Joong, San, and Mingi have known each other for years now…”  Yeosang’s hand slipped inside his pocket and took out a photo.

As he sent it through the table, Seonghwa had to clench his fits and hold back a gasp. It was the same photo Hongjoong kept framed on his table. Seonghwa tried so hard to put the right expression on his face, like seeing it for the first time. 

“San had mentioned something… but woah… is that Mingi-yah?”  He remembered who surprised him the most back then.

“I know, right? Puberty hit him hard.”  Yeosang confirmed, placing his hand back on his mug.

“So… you went to school together?”  Seonghwa guessed, his inner self screaming from excitement that he would get to learn more.

“Ah? No, no way… I mean, me and Joong did, after I moved to Seoul. But San is from Namhae, and Mingi is from Incheon. Don’t laugh now…”  Yeosang took a deep breath, giving Seonghwa a minute.  “But we met… through a server…”

“Server?”  Seonghwa blinked.

“Like… we used to play a game on the same server. Me, Mingi-yah and Sannie.”  Yoesang scoffed.  “Hongjoong was never into games much, but we were in the same music club, and I begged him to join, so he did for a while.”

Oh my God. Seonghwa was so sucked into this weird fashion world, seeing all his new friends as some higher deities with supreme knowledge and talents that he completely forgot… that they were also humans. What a normal teenager way to make friends! 

Not like beaten up Wooyoung, who found Seonghwa starving in the bus station...

He was choosing which fact he wanted to grab more - Hongjoong in the music club or Hongjoong gamer, and his face must have been weirdly frozen, installing new details, because Yeosang spoke again:

“Didn’t expect us to be nerds?”

“Oh.”  Seonghwa giggled.  “No no! I’m just trying to imagine you playing games… no, wait… I’m trying to imagine Hongjoong-shi gaming.”  Seonghwa’s smile grew from the ideas popping in his head.

“He was… um… good… as a healer. We just desperately needed one.”  Yeosang shrugged.  “I haven’t played in years though. I can barely find time to sleep, but I do know that Mingi has a giant flat screen at home and he invites San to play with his Xbox now and then.” 

Seonghwa thought he only imagined, but he did catch a sad note in Yeosang’s voice. He must be missing hanging out with them so much. Seonghwa still remembered his flushed and happy face on their night out, although he spent most of it on Jongho’s shoulders.

“I’m sorry to ask this again… but is Mingi-yah… will really be alright alone?”  Seonghwa quietly asked after a few moments of silence, where both of them were lost in their own thoughts.

“Yes, I think so. Mingi… I can’t tell you, I’m sorry. It’s only up to him to share… but believe me. He will be okay. He is strong. I dare to say he is stronger than any of us.”  Yeosang leaned a little forward as if intending to take Seonghwa’s hands, but, at the last moment, changed his mind.

Seonghwa didn’t want to show that he almost understood the meaning behind Yeosang’s words. Seonghwa only nodded, biting his lip and pushing away the story about his own experience. Who cared? He wasn’t even that close to them to ask for more answers.

“I’m so hungry though…”  Yeosang glanced at the fridge.  “How about you? Would you like to order something?”

Seonghwa lifted his eyebrows as he understood that he was hungry. He preferred homemade food, mostly because he didn’t have money for take-outs, but Yeosang opened the app as soon as he saw Seonghwa’s wide eyes. The only reason he didn’t stop the other omega was that in a week, he would finally receive his first salary for these couple of weeks at KHJ. And then… then he would treat his friends just as they deserve.

They moved to the living room with their tea, while waiting for food, already in the middle of a new discussion about Seonghwa’s new role as a model and the new collection. Seonghwa laughed when Yeosang gave his personal opinion about every model, who attended the meeting. It wasn’t his first time working with them, so he had tea to spill about everyone, and it was hotter than the one they had in their mugs. He on purpose skipped Yunho, however, but added extra knowledge about Felix’s mischief during his trainee years.

“So they already called Youngie or not?”  He asked, and Seonghwa’s jaw dropped. He kept his mouth shut just like Wooyoung asked, but how could he forget that Yeosang was the first assistant? Of course, he knew everything.

“Yeah…”  Seonghwa admitted.  “I also got my new schedule with… lessons?”

Yeosang was about to answer, but he flinched when someone rang the doorbell. And it wasn’t just a short startle. The color disappeared from Yeosang’s face - turning his skin white like paper like he was on the verge of fainting. He crawled into a tiny ball on the couch, eyes quickly filling with tears when he saw Seonghwa standing up.

“No… don’t let… don’t let them in.”  He begged in a tiny voice.

“It’s just a delivery guy, Sangie…”  Seonghwa went closer to the door.  “Could you please leave the food at the door? I have a cold and don’t want to make contact with anyone.”  He spoke loudly and clearly.

“Of course! Enjoy your meal, sir!”  A woman behind the door replied, and Seonghwa waited until he couldn’t hear her steps anymore. Seonghwa made a tiny gap, just enough to get the bags in, and then firmly shut the door.  “Food!”  He happily announced, returning to the couch. 

Yeosang was breathing heavily, his eyes following the bag accurately when Seonghwa placed it on the table as if expecting someone to jump from it.

“When I’m… ordering alone during my heats… I just sit on the bed for hours before going to take the bag. Then I have to… heat the food.”  He murmured when Seonghwa unpacked boxes with still hot food inside.

“Next time, I should bring you some homemade soup. That’s the only thing Wooyoung can eat during his heats…”  Seonghwa laughed.  “And I eat everything that I can reach… but God I would kill for strawberries.”  He laughed, trying to convince skeptical Yeosang. From Seonghwa’s body, it was easy to tell that he mostly survived on air.

“Are you for real… Hwa? That… next time I could stay with both of you?”  Yeosang asked in a small voice. Seonghwa dropped a napkin in his hand from how heartbreaking the sound was.

“Of course! Sangie… of course. Wooyoung doesn’t care where to spend his heat, we could all be here if you want to sleep in your bed.”  He assured, again unconsciously reaching to touch Yeosang, and this time the omega didn’t move. Seonghwa placed his palm on the friend’s shoulder and smiled, hoping his lips were less wobbly than his heart.  “I have spent so many… heats alone and in fear… I would never… ever want any of my friends to go through the same.”  It slipped from Seonghwa’s mouth.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry I misjudged you when we first met, Hwa. When working in the Fashion industry... it’s so easy to put people in boxes… and I… even lied to you.”  Yeosang admitted, finally putting down his defenses and leaning forward.  “Remember when I said that Hongjoong would fire me if you didn’t come back with me? He never said that… but the way you talked to him… the way you had pride to stand for yourself - it opened my eyes. Mingi tried to go against it, but for the first time in years, Hongjoong listened to my opinion and decided to hire you.” 

Seonghwa fell on the couch because of how fast this information consumed him. He knew Mingi was against him in KHJ, at first, so it didn’t come out as news but still. Yeosang’s words didn’t make sense. 

“Joong….”  Yeosang continued with a lower voice.  “He is very sensitive to scents. They irritate him so much that he suffers from migraines. And that’s why he is so strict about everyone using the suppressants, especially when it comes to omegas…but Hwa… he skipped a meeting on your first day, just to take you back home, he turned the rumors around so the dirt would go on him instead of you. Joong came for you to the pub… for fuck sake, he is about to make an entire collection around you!”  Yeosang spoke faster with each word as if he were collecting facts all those days.

“So…?”  Seonghwa asked like a fool.

“You tell me.”  Yeosang breathed out, staring into Seonghwa’s eyes.  “You tell me how you are doing something none of his closest friends or family can do.”

“I’m… not doing anything.”  Seonghwa breathed out.  “I don’t know.”

Seonghwa froze, looking away. It was the truth. He didn’t try. He didn’t want it. He didn’t ask for it. He never… he never wanted this pain. Who cared that Hongjoong did all those touching things (for him??) but in reality, never held more than a mere second of eye contact with Seonghwa?

Yeosang never got his answer, and Seonghwa was thankful he wasn’t forced to give one. After that, they finally got back to eating and brought back casual conversation. However, Seonghwa caught himself head replaying Yeosang’s words again and again. Secretly he wanted to learn the answer, even if his intuition said the truth would only hurt him more. The only thing that finally distracted Seonghwa from thinking about his aching and damned crush, was when Yeosang mentioned lessons again.

“Oh, about the Lessons!”  Yeosang exclaimed, after finishing half of the kimchi rice in his box.  “It’s just different things… you will need to learn how to walk, speak, and other things… also, I’m pretty sure, now they include English classes for models as well.”

“Why do I need to learn how to walk?”  Seonghwa asked conflicted.

“Because now you are walking like a banana-shaped fuck. No one will let you go on stage like that.” 

Yeosang’s voice went back to almost normal, and he was already sitting so close that their thighs were touching. Seonghwa could feel his warmth and soft citrus scent better than before. He scoffed as a response - years of hiding and trying to stay invisible made him hunch, yet he recently tried to get rid of this bad habit.

“I need to take another painkiller… my heat is so weird. The worst days start somewhere in the middle of it…”  Yeosang stood up and slowly walked upstairs. Seonghwa sadly smiled, taking this chance to look at his phone. Somehow he was lucky today. While talking with Yeosang his phone rang with work stuff only a few times, and none of them were worth attention.

“What the fuc—” 

Seonghwa rarely cursed out loud, but now he almost did because as soon as thought about Hongjoong still sketching a new collection in his studio his phone screen lit up, and  CAPTAIN DEVIL  appeared on the screen.

“Seonghwa, your phone!”  Yeosang shouted from upstairs since it was still ringing.

He was fucking holding it in his hand. He just didn’t want to talk.

“H-hongjoong-shi?”  Seonghwa inhaled deeply before answering, at the same time, his eyes met with Yeosang's, who halted on the last step.

“At nine there is an event, and I need you to be there. I will introduce you to the press as the company’s new model.”  His hoarse voice declared without any introductions. Nothing new.

“T-today?”  Seonghwa soundlessly gasped at the thought. No. He was not ready. He wasn’t a real model yet! Even Yeosang said he didn’t know how to walk properly.

“No, tomorrow….?”  Hongjoong groaned.  “Why always dumb questions? I will send San to pick you up at eight-thirty.”

“I’m…. I’m not at home. I’m at Yeosang’s place.”

Hongjoong didn’t answer for so long that Seonghwa even checked if the line was still connected. 

“He-llo?”  He stuttered, trying to confirm that the alpha was still there.

“Why?”  Hongjoong asked quietly.

Why? Why what? Why wasn't he at home? Or why was he at Yeosang’s place? Why… why either of these matter?

“Give me that phone, before you start crying.” 

Seonghwa realized that Yeosang was standing next to him with an open palm only when the other omega spoke. 

“Yeosang wants to—-”

Seonghwa was about to inform Hongjoong, but Yeosang grabbed the phone before he could.

“What do you want from that poor boy after his work hours?”  He listened.  “Yeah yeah, no work hours… whatever. Hm?”  Yeosang rolled his eyes, his eyes twitching.  “Yes, I’m friends with Hwa, so what? Mhm… which one? KQ Showcase?”  He glanced at Seonghwa.  “I will get him ready.”  Yeosang then listened for a little bit longer, his stare unfocusing.  “I’m not angry at you Joong, so stop. I’m enjoying my days off.”  Yeosang hung up and gave Seonghwa his phone back.  “Build some thicker skin, will you? The tables have turned, you shouldn't be afraid of losing this job. Now Hongjoong needs to be scared about losing you.” 

Whatever that meant. Not like Seonghwa could argue with Yeosang. His fear of Hongjoong wasn’t based on the job… It was personal. Way too personal.

“Do I need to go?”  He whined instead.

“Sadly yes. I can’t go, Mingi is off… You have to be there, or Hongjoong will be alone.”  Yoesang nodded, walking towards the bags with clothes that Mingi’s assistants packed.  “Let’s see if we can use anything here.”

“Does he need to go?”  Seonghwa whimpered again. Those events were happening almost every day, and didn’t he cancel his whole schedule to focus on the collection? Yeosang confirmed this when they were talking before.

“Good question. Maybe something came up. Or someone.”  Yeosang started pulling out one thing after another. Someone?  “Woah... Mingi-yah clearly went overboard.”

“Why can't I go like this..?”  Seonghwa sobbed. If he desperately needed to make an appearance there, what was wrong with his outfit? Mingi also chose it for him.

“Hwa… you can’t. This is too casual. I don’t know how to explain it better… Also, your bare face is lovely, but I will help you put on makeup.”  Yeosang pulled something made from black leather and stared at it for so long that Seonghwa frowned. Help.  “Joongie is so annoying! He randomly decided to introduce you to the press! Now! In that specific showcase! On your first day as a model??”  Yeosang hissed, standing up.  “The only thing I can do is make sure that he would have to fight for your attention with the rest of the audience.” 

Seonghwa trembled like a leaf, while Yeosang was determined to pick his outfit. He even ran upstairs to get something from his closet.

“How do you feel about skirts?”

Excuse me?

Yeosang was like a fish in water. He often seemed tired and overworked, but Seonghwa had no doubt he enjoyed his job so much that even his heat didn’t stop his enthusiasm as he jumped around Seonghwa, trying out different combinations until he was satisfied. He didn’t know when exactly Yeosang video called Wooyoung and placed the phone the way he could see everything. So instead of one, Seonghwa had to deal with two friends, who fought about some details like two kids trying to dress one doll. It took longer than Seonghwa wanted, but he was sure that no matter what, he would never understand this hype… Fashion wasn’t his thing. It gave him more headache than pleasure.

Somewhere in the middle of Yeosang, painting his face, Seonghwa’s phone rang, and this time it was San. They had lost track of time, but Yeosang only pushed him down to sit on the chair.

“I’m not letting you go with half-assed work.”  He mumbled, then pressed the answer button and the speaker.  “San, I need fifteen minutes more.”  He said.

“But… we will be late.”

“Beauty requires sacrifices.”  Yeosang waved with his brush at Seonghwa’s phone, although San’s camera wasn’t on. It made Wooyoung laugh.

“Wooyo-yah, you are also there?”  He asked in shock and a bit of sadness.

How the hell San could tell that it was him only from one sound? 

“I’m on another phone, Sannie.”  Wooyoung giggled.  “Helping Yeosangie to decorate Hwa, like a Christmas tree.”

“Ah… Hi, Woo-yah. Are you feeling better?”  San’s voice immediately changed into dreamy.

“I am. After all, I have the best sweater to keep me company…”  Wooyoung answered, switching to his flirty tone as well.

Seonghwa almost choked, while Yeosang glared at the screen. 

“Ew. What sweater??”  Yeosang blurred out, fixing his stare on Wooyoung, who proudly stood on his feet to demonstrate the cloth in question.  “Is that San’s???”  Yeosang spat out, pressing the brush so hard against Seonghwa’s cheek that he flinched.  “Oh! Sorry, Hwa.”

“Is he wearing it now??”  San almost shouted.

“You can bet I am,”  Wooyoung confirmed with blushing cheeks. 

“Hwa will be downstairs in ten minutes.”  Yeosang pressed the end button on Seonghwa’s phone and then breathed out. Good that not only Seonghwa felt awfully embarrassed to witness that. 

“Why don’t you just invite him over to spend the rest of your heat with you?”  Yeosang hissed at Wooyoung, who was smiling like a devil.

“I just love teasing.”  Wooyoung shrugged with the calmest expression.

“So you are not serious about San?”  Yeosang slowly asked, and as usual, Wooyoung mumbled something unclear. Seonghwa also avoided Yeosang’s eyes. And their friend didn’t dare to ask more, maybe he decided he didn't want to know the answer.

Seonghwa left the rest of the bags at Yeosang’s place, only taking one with an outfit for tomorrow. Before letting Seonghwa go, Yeosang quickly hugged him, and it sent warm waves through Seonghwa’s back. He knew how much effort this gesture required for Yeosang now, and he appreciated it.

“Call me after.”  Before closing the door.  “And thanks for coming.”

“Us!”  Wooyoung corrected from the phone in Yeosang’s hand.

“If I survive.”  Seonghwa left, with a heavy heart. Almost as heavy as his new boots.

Yeosang gave Seonghwa a moment to appreciate his work in the mirror before walking him out, but Seonghwa still stopped in front of the mirror on the first floor’s hallway to glance at himself again. When Yeosang mentioned a skirt, he had big doubts, but now Seonghwa understood the thrill. He still wore pants, yet the long black skirt, supported by a leather belt, was attached to them and covered one of his legs. As if that wasn’t enough, Seonghwa nearly shouted in fear when Yeosang pulled out a dark turtleneck crop top, and then a leather jacket. It took a long persuasion from both of his friends to try it out. Only after Seonghwa finally changed his clothes in the bathroom, he admitted that everything matched perfectly. As finishing touches, Yeosang, from his personal collection, added leather fingerless gloves and silver chains. For the first time, Seonghwa saw Yeosang so proud of himself.

The omega brushed his dark hair back, dazed by the reflection of silver chains dropping down from his neck and hugging his bare waist. At first, the glossy metal against his skin felt weird and cold, but he soon got used to the ticklish yet somehow pleasant feeling. Seonghwa itched to lick his dark cherry-red lips, but Yeosang spent a ridiculous amount of time applying the lipstick with the tiny brush, so Seonghwa somehow resisted the urge out of respect. Not to mention that the skin on his face never felt this smooth. Although, in Seonghwa’s humble opinion, Yeosang overdid applying both eye-shadows and eyeliner, there was nothing he could do about that now.

“Sannie, sorry for making you wait.”  Seonghwa pulled his eyes off and rushed out when his phone vibrated again.

“Hongjoong will—- oh.”  San lifted his eyes from the phone at Seonghwa.  “I’m sure he won’t mind.”

Seonghwa scoffed.

“Keep telling yourself that.”  The omega still laughed, rushing inside the car.  “Can I leave this bag inside? I will take it before going back.”

“Sure sure, I will take you back anyway.”  San started the car, again glancing at Seonghwa with a raised eyebrow.  “Yeosang did this on purpose, didn’t he?”

“Did what?”  Seonghwa asked, honestly clueless. Then he caught San scanning him back and forth.  “Mingi combined this outfit.”

“Then they both did it on purpose.”  He confirmed, driving off.

San made the music louder, humming to familiar melodies as they drew through empty streets. It is funny how after a certain hour this part of the city seemed dead, and instead of the center, San chose the exit to suburban areas.

“This weekly showcase always happens at some famous designer's place. It’s sort of a private event, so I was surprised that Joong wanted you to make an appearance, but… maybe it was a smart move.”  He changed his mind after a moment.  “Only the elite from the press are allowed to attend it, so… making you get used to this little by little… might be better than throwing you right into hell… especially after what you had to endure…”

Seonghwa frowned from unpleasant memories that the press left him last time he had to deal with it. One of the reasons, why he decided to go with a stage name, was so no one could connect those previous rumors with him. Even Seonghwa had to admit that he barely resembled that guy paparazzi caught on camera with Yunho. Could it be that Hongjoong called him there today because he was actually… considering Seonghwa’s feelings?

“You like lyric songs.”  Seonghwa noticed since San always chose to hum slower songs on the radio.

“Sort of… just confirms… that I’m an incurable romantic.”  The red-haired alpha laughed.

“Oh, you are?”  Seonghwa asked but wasn’t surprised to learn it, just a little bit sad because Wooyoung was the opposite.

“Can’t help it. I grew up watching my parents crazy in love for each other. And I want exactly the same now.”  San giggled, shamelessly admitting his dreams. Seonghwa respected that. He never thought about what kind of relationship he wanted in this life, maybe because he was too afraid to even consider it.  “Do you… think Wooyoung is romantic?”

Seonghwa would lie to say he didn’t expect this question.

“Um… Sannie… don’t take this personally, please. But I had never seen Woo-yah acting romantically with anyone. He is… like a bird… if you trap him in a cage, it will scare him away.”  Seonghwa tried to explain it as gently as he could.

“Maybe he just hasn’t met the right person until me.”  San sounded as confident as ever, sending a smirk toward Seonghwa, and the omega answered with a smile as well.  “I don’t intend on forcing him into anything he doesn’t want though. I’m even more patient than Yunho-yah.”

Seonghwa felt horrible laughing at that, but the thought of Yunho chasing for years after Mingi made him anxious. In Mingi’s place, Wooyoung would have sent Yunho to court already - in the best case… or the worst made sure he lost the privilege to think with his dick again.

“Alright, we are here.”  San stopped next to the giant gates and waited until they slowly opened. 

He didn’t lie about privacy. Although the place that flared in front of his eyes reminded him more of a mansion than someone’s home, Seonghwa still gazed at the building with an open mouth. He naively hoped that the entire family lived in this place, not just one designer. Why else would they need this giant garden at the back? Was that a freaking fountain in the middle of the backyard?? Seonghwa’s legs were already shivering, although he was still in the car.

San killed the engine and wiggled his eyebrows.

“Ready?”

Seonghwa was now staring at the lights on the first floor. Shut doors didn't stop the music sounds from coming out.

“Never.”  He sighed, and with those words, the doors opened. Two people ran out, jumping through the stairs. They kept giggling and softly pushing each other. Lost in their own worlds, They didn’t notice their car and soon disappeared in the garden.

“Ughh… and no one cares, of course.”  San let out an annoyed sigh.

“Hm… is something wrong?”

“Bet my ass they are high and went to take some more. It’s pretty common among younger models…”  He still stared in the direction where two people went, but it was too dark to see anything.

“Wait… you mean drugs? Like actual drugs?”  Seonghwa blinked in disbelief.

“Why are you so surprised? As if musicians and actors don’t do the same.”  San spoke still irritated.  “Fame does all kinds of shits to people… although they try to cover it with things like overwork and diet… such bullshit.”  San then pointed his eyes at Seonghwa.  “Don’t even get near people like them, don’t try to talk with them. KHJ has a very strict policy about drugs, as in, if someone finds out, you can kiss your career goodbye.”

“San? Me?”  Seonghwa scoffed. A little bit scared, but certainly not because of himself.  “I have never even smoked in my life.”

“Uh… that innocent? At least I know you drink.”  San teased already playfully.

“And I’m better at handling it,”  Seonghwa answered, with another laugh and opened the door. 

“You sure? I think I was the one helping you get into the car.”  San winked, amused by Seonghwa’s eye roll.

Seonghwa’s palms were already sweating from anxiety on the way here, but it got worse as he walked to the door with San by his side. Seonghwa knew he could trust him. San never failed to ensure that Seonghwa reached his destination safe and sound. The omega noticed how San’s expression had changed as well - him entering into bodyguard mode. They stopped at the entrance, where San shook hands with a buff security guard.

“That’s Mars.”  He introduced Seonghwa, and the man nodded after a glance at the tablet in his hand.  “Are we very late?”

“Not so much. I think Hongjoong-shi is in a private meeting now.”  The security guard listened to someone talking into his earphones and then opened the door for San and Seonghwa.  “Come back later, I have something funny to share.”  He then added with a less serious voice, and San nodded with a little giggle. No doubt he was familiar with the guards here.

Whoever owned this place had a very expensive taste and too much money. There was absolutely no reason to have marble statues inside your home, or several stairs… there was no reason for breathtaking cashmere furniture, golden wall patterns or red carpets, and expensive human-size paintings. Seonghwa almost felt like he entered a 19th-century Royal mansion or a museum. From so many new things, his eyes failed to follow the people who suddenly invaded his private space.

He thought San said it was a private showcase. But then why every corner of this giant space was occupied by people? Hard to tell which of them were models, designers, staff, or press when anyone could easily take the spotlight.

No… no… that wasn’t his place. That’s not where he wanted to be.

“Mars, would you like something to drink?”  San gently placed his palm on Seonghwa’s shoulder as if feeling that the man was close to losing his calm posture. 

He didn’t wait for Seonghwa's answer, and led them through the groups and pairs, politely letting down at least several people who tried to stop them. Seonghwa couldn’t pay attention to any of this - he had to remind himself that breathing was a crucial part of survival.

“Sannie, I’m not sure… how… I don’t know.”  He whispered through his teeth when they reached a bar.

A bar. Seonghwa shouldn’t be surprised, because easily this building could fit a separate room with a whole restaurant as well. But he still felt awkward when San guided him to sit on a high chair at the bar, further from curious eyes.

“I understand. I will find Joongie and tell him to get over this as soon as possible.”  San assured Seonghwa with a smile, although his eyes remained alert.  “Stay here, alright?” 

Seonghwa realized he was holding on to San's jacket, only when the man tried to move away. The alpha quietly swore, his eyes wandered around, and then he leaned a little bit in. San said it before, not everyone was born to do this. Seonghwa’s social anxiety, crowds where he clearly couldn’t tell anymore who was who, where the second gender under the strongest suppressants, blended into a non-existing scent, turned everyone into a potential threat.

“You don’t need to talk with anyone. Get yourself a drink. I will be back with Joong before you know it.”  San intended to calm him down one more time, and although Seonghwa didn’t want to let him go, he had no choice. The omega somehow managed to relax his fingers, and the material slipped through them.

Maybe Seonghwa didn’t need to talk to anyone, but what if they talked to him?? The omega watched San walking into another room, and soon he disappeared behind the corner. Seonghwa closed his eyes and slowly breathed out, setting his focus on contemporary sounds combined with endless chatters, and the air filled with a sharp mixture of expensive perfume. The only thing Seonghwa needed to do was wait.

“Do you want something to drink?”

He was startled by the voice from behind. Seonghwa turned his head at the bartender with a lovely smile. He patiently waited for Seonghwa to collect himself, since he was the only one at the bar without a drink. San did say he could order something. Seonghwa’s knowledge about drinks ended with soju and beers, and he had no clue what those fancy bottles behind the bartender’s back were. 

“I… don’t know. Um… Could you recommend something?”  He intended to sound as less nervous as possible and succeeded since the bartender’s expression didn’t change.

“You look like someone who would enjoy Mimosa.”  He nodded with a smile and then went to work. 

Mimosa? Why did it sound like the name of a plant or something? Seonghwa followed with his eyes the bartender, who spun the bottles around, turning this into a little performance. Seongwha enjoyed that much more than the yellow drink that appeared in front of him a few minutes later in a long champagne glass. No. Definitely something he didn't want to try. 

Since the bartender stared at the omega, with an excited expression, Seonghwa tasted the drink and made himself swallow the bubbly dry liquid. Why was it so sour?

“Very… interesting.”  He lifted the corners of his lips, and the bartender only giggled, seeing through Seonghwa right away.

“A glass of cranberry juice on rocks.”  A confident voice next to Seonghwa appeared, and the bartender finally looked away. Seonghwa didn’t feel like he had to pretend anymore - he quickly pushed his glass away.

The new incomer stopped near Seonghwa, so he couldn’t escape the man’s eyes. He held a professional camera in his left hand, while the right one rested on the bar’s surface. Seonghwa blinked as he recognized the round features and sparkles in his eyes. They saw each other only once, but how could Seonghwa forget someone he stared at for three hours?

“Seon— oh, sorry, Mars, isn’t it?”

News traveled fast. It hasn’t been even a day. Whoever was responsible for that, Seonghwa appreciated it. Yet, he had to admit - he didn’t remember the photographer's name. He was the one responsible for the photo shoot yesterday, guiding Seonghwa through the poses, and they didn’t talk much after it. Yet it felt so good to see a familiar face.

“Right… It’s so rude of me… but I don’t recall your name,”  he admitted with a shy smile.

The man received his juice in a little bottle, and while pouring the red liquid into a low glass with ice, his expression softened.

“I don’t think anyone introduced us properly. Everyone calls me Maddox.”  The man said, raising his glass, and Seonghwa did the same, although he didn’t dare to take more of that liquid in his mouth. It was only fair for them to call each other by fake names.  “Don’t want to brag or anything, but after yesterday’s photo shoot I’m drowning in glory.”  He laughed, and Seonghwa joined him with a little tingle in his chest.

“I’m sure you are a wonderful photographer.”  The omega assured him. Seonghwa didn’t have a chance to see any other of Maddox's works, but he was here, in a so-called Elite event, and that meant something.

“Most of it depends on the model… and I can recognize ones that were born to be on stage.”  The man didn’t mention Seonghwa’s name or anything, but the way he presented the words addressed him enough. Seonghwa's cheeks instantly blushed from the beta’s compliment.

“I don’t know what I was doing…”  He tried to let this all down as a joke, but the man didn’t seem like he wanted to give up.

“Then imagine how it will be when you do know…”  He took a sip of his drink and lifted his camera.  “May I?”

Seonghwa wanted to convince the beta that all this modeling thing was temporary, and he doubted he could ever get used to this. But all those thoughts got washed away when Seonghwa caught himself staring at the camera’s lens instead of the man’s face. Something that moment snapped inside him, just like the last time. As soon as Seonghwa didn’t have to face someone directly, his body relaxed, naturally following his instincts. Seonghwa approved the request with a nod, before slightly tilting his head, his jawline, and part of the neck tensing to the movement.

“Damn…”  Maddox whistled after taking a few shots and staring at the result on the screen.  “And you dare to tell me you don’t know what you are doing?”

“I don’t!”  Seonghwa raised his arms in defense,  “I’m just following… instincts, I guess?”  His eyes widened because the man didn’t seem to believe him at all.

“It’s like a demon takes over you and leaves as soon as I let the camera down.”  Maddox kept teasing, clearly enjoying seeing Seonghwa’s pouty expression. That was the most ridiculous thing he heard.

They both laughed again after a moment of silence, and Maddox moved closer to show Soenghwa the pictures he had taken. Those cherry dark lips were popping out - Seonghwa thought when the man showed the profile portrait he had taken. 

“I will fight to be in charge of your photo sessions.” 

Did sound like a threat or a promise - Seonghwa couldn’t decide, but he didn’t take the man seriously. It would be nice to have one main photographer he could trust, but either way, Seonghwa didn’t expect to have many photo shoots. Maddox showed him more photos from tonight, which only confirmed his guess that Maddox was talented but humble to admit it.

“I like this one a lot…”  He switched to the next photo, but Seonghwa wasn’t paying attention anymore.

Through the heavy fragrances in the air and every presence stuffed in the room, the scent of forest and rain sank in waves. Seonghwa’s head spun at the same moment when his eyes found the source at the other side of the hall. Hongjoong shone in his pure glory, surrounded by designers, models, and other inspirations like himself. He smiled, his gaze gentle but determined. And that moment Soenghwa fell a little bit deeper, a little bit harder… a little bit more painful.

He could only guess that San told Hongjoong where Seonghwa was because not a moment later, the alpha’s dark eyes were on him. Separated by an enormous crowd, Seonghwa still felt an irresistible pull towards him - an instinct that told him to run, to fly… to reach until nothing could separate them.

“Mars? Are you feeling alright?”  Maddox placed his hand on Seonghwa’s shoulder, and only then the omega understood that tiny sobs were coming from his chest. He couldn’t move. He couldn’t go. He would never reach.

“Just… a bit… weird.”  Seonghwa somehow managed to push the words out. 

The sensations that mercilessly hit his body seemed to hurt more than usual. He saw Hongjoong a few times today, they even had… a conversation (if you call it like that), but neither of those interactions felt like something sucked our air from his lungs. Seonghwa couldn't look anymore, but he knew Hongjoong was staring, he was burning… judging.

“Would you like to go outside for a bit? You look so pale…”  Maddox offered, helping Seonghwa slide off the chair. 

The omega slowly breathed in when some of the pressure left his body, and only then dared to raise hesitant eyes again. Hongjoong’s attention was already somewhere else. On someone else. A stranger tall man was holding onto Hongjoong's arm possesively. Seonghwa just knew the other person was also an alpha. Both of his and Hongjoong's poses screamed how comfortable they felt around each other. Hongjoong nodded with a smile lingering on his lips when the other one whispered something into his ear.

“Who… who is that?”  Seonghwa heard himself asking.

“Hm…?”  Maddox's eyes were shooting from one corner to another, trying to understand what Seonghwa was asking about. Finally, he seemed to comprehend.  “Oh, that’s…”

“Maddox, hey, working overtime again?”  San came to them first, greeting the photographer.

“Anything for my models.”  He shrugged.  “Still waiting for you to give me a chance as well.”

“In your dreams.”  San scoffed, then let his eyes at Seonghwa.  “Sorry, they were in the middle of a meeting. I had to wait for them to wrap things up.”

Wrap things up. What things? The more Seonghwa gazed, the clearer he heard Hongjoong’s voice in his head:  “I don’t need Fated Mate.”  Why would he need a mate, fated or not, if he already had someone in his life? What was Seonghwa even thinking? One of the most famous people in Seoul, the dominant alpha at that, for what possible reason a person like Hongjoong would be single?

While Seonghwa was overthinking and overhearing San’s and Maddox's conversation, both of the alphas reached them too fast for Seonghwa to regain control of his legs.

“So that’s… your new model, Joong? I can see now…”  The new alpha spoke first, his eyes shining with power, lips full of self-confidence. He was a beautiful person - strong and powerful - nothing like Seonghwa.  “I’m Eden, a Fashion designer, and Joong’s mentor.”  He introduced himself offering a hand, and Seonghwa, still lost between pain and reality, pressed his fingers.

“Mars,”  Seonghwa answered without a need. Eden already knew.

“Do you like my home?”  He wondered.

Seonghwa barely held back from helpless laughter. Of course, this incredible mansion had to be his home.

“I need a minute with him before this whole press thing.”  Hongjoong interrupted impatiently before Seonghwa had a chance to answer Eden.  “Follow me.”  He gripped Seonghwa’s wrist as if knowing the man couldn’t move on his own and dragged him away.

Seonghwa mindlessly followed the alpha, focusing on the pressure around his hand. Never thought that Hongjoong's first touch would feel like this. Cold, rough, painful. Never imagined that only this single grip could build so much fear inside him. 

They were soon in an empty and narrow hallway, separated from everyone else. Hongjoong released Seonghwa as his fingers had burned. The omega's back hit the wall for support as he braced to take the man’s burning look. He didn’t know what wrong he had done. He just knew… he did.

He was taken aback a bit by the fact that Hongjoong hadn’t said a word yet, only gazed. His pupils dilated, jaw tensed, his fists firmly clenched. If someone could eat with their eyes, then Hongjoong was feasting - either it was anger or any other thing Seonghwa couldn’t name. He had all right to think that the man was hardly stopping himself from… something.

“Why… why you… why do you do that? Why are you making a fool out of me?”  Hongjoong spoke slowly, articulating each word, and the repetitive tone only put more weight on his words. When Seonghwa didn’t reply, Hongjoong took a step towards him.  “Is it… hard… to… follow? Is it hard to do what you are asked? One thing!”

Seonghwa flinched, almost sliding down on the floor. The lump in his throat was so heavy that no sound could leave, and if he tried that would be a cry. But what… What did he do wrong again? Why did he keep doing things wrong? Why was he so useless? Why was he so bad?

“Is the revenge you are seeking? Coming here of all places without scent blockers and dressed like this??”  Hongjoong spit out, reducing the gap between them again. 

The scent blockers. Seonghwa must have gone out of his mind to forget about them. When he washed his face and arms at the office before leaving, trying to calm himself down, he must have… washed them off. And the clothes… everything… It wasn't even his fault that Yeosang did that. Was it too open? Was it somehow disrespectful?

“For fuck sake— speak! Have you swallowed your tongue?!”  Hongjoong couldn’t contain his anger anymore, and his low voice followed by a groan, broke the last string in Seonghwa’s chest.

“I didn’t do anything on purpose!!”  He shouted through the pain.  “I wanted to go home! It was you, you who called me here! It was Yeosang who put this on me!”  Seonghwa needed to let it out. He needed to pour it before fear took over his mind again.  “It was my choice to wash my neck and wrists, to cool my mind, because seeing Yunho’s and Mingi’s fight was too much! How I was supposed to know? What I’m supposed to do to make you fucking happy? Why do you always… hate….”  Wrong word.  “Why do you despise me so much?!”

Hongjoong opened his mouth, but instead of another yell, he only blinked. Seonghwa’s vision from emotions had blurred so much that he barely saw the man anymore.

“Why… are you crying?” 

He caught Hongjoong's voice again, but it was so different, so unreal that he thought it happened in his head and not reality.

“I’m not.”  Yet he murmured the answer. 

But he did. He shattered in front of Hongjoong like glass, and neither embarrassment nor pride didn't stop him from that.

Hongjoong sighed. Seonghwa heard his deep inhale and even longer exhale, then another question. Quiet. Calm. Almost gentle.

“Why are you crying?”  He repeated.

Because Seonghwa was scared of Hongjoong. Scared to the core of his alpha nature. Scared of those feelings he still had no chance to understand. Scared of the fact that he was destined to bear the pain alone if he wanted to continue staying by Hongjoong’s side. At the same time, perfectly aware that the man would never be as close as Seonghwa needed him to be.

“I’m scared.”  He answered, bringing his arms closer to hug himself around his bare waist.  “Of you.”  He added if it weren’t clear enough.

“Of me? I scare you?”  Hongjoong didn’t step closer, but the distance between them was agonizingly small - Seonghwa couldn’t move away without touching the man.  “Star…”

No. Seonghwa couldn’t let him do this. He couldn’t let Hongjoong play that card anymore - call him by the nickname that brought a burning ache, with the sweetest voice, only so he could cut with the sharpest knives another minute.

“Don’t… I’m sorry I forgot to apply scent blockers again… I’m sorry I didn’t put on proper wear… I’m sorry… Hongjoong… I’m... sorry that my scent is so repulsive.”  Seonghwa blurred out, one sentence quieter than the other. 

The omega pressed the back of his hand to his eyes, trying to collect some of the tears, so he could see the man in front of himself. See the expression full of disgust and regret. Seonghwa thought if he let Hongjoong hurt him enough then maybe… maybe he could let go?

“Repulsive?”  He questioned as if offended.  “Star… your scent is driving me…”  Seonghwa couldn’t see clearly, but he felt Hongjoong’s tone dropping, his body leaning forward, and his groan coming from the deepest part of his chest.

What?

Seonghwa’s head rested against the wall, his body paralyzed, lost in the forest, surrounded by the fire, drowning in rain. Hongjoong’s rich scent filled his lungs like no oxygen could. It felt like his feet sank and his soul levitated. God. it felt… so good. So fulfilling, like there was his place. No… like there was no other place in the universe just this. Only now.

His body shivered in response to Hongjoong’s near presence, of the man’s fingers so close to the silver chain on the omega’s waist that he felt a strong pull as if Hongjoong was a magnet of a different pole.

Seonghwa slowly moved his hand away, just to meet the man’s eyes staring into his soul.

“You really… don’t feel the same?”  Hongjoong’s lips moved, his eyes fixed on him.

Same as in scent? Same as in anger? Same as hate? Love? Passion? Pull? What? What was the same??

“Please… I don’t understand… Please don’t…”  Seonghwa stopped his lips from trembling by pressing them into a thin line.

For a very long moment, Seonghwa thought he would shout again. Or he would do something else and force Seonghwa to answer the truth, but the warmth was gone, the rain had ended, and the wind cooled Seonghwa’s skin. Hongjoong stepped back, his shoulders relaxed, his handsome face lost like never.

“Clean your face and come to the main hall. You can go home after the presentation.”  He said in a distant but calm voice. He made a little pause and then spoke again.  “I’m sorry for scaring you. It was never my intention. I….will… This needs to stop. We need to solve this.”  He added somewhat awkwardly and then left Seonghwa alone. Thank God that wall was strong enough, and he didn’t collapse right after.

The omega couldn’t explain how he reached the bathroom with shaking legs or what magical makeup Yeosang used on him, so the only thing that gave him out were red eyes. Seonghwa took off the leather gloves and held on to the edge of the sink until his knuckles were pale. He stared at his reflection, replaying the conversation with Hongjoong again and again. What did he need to solve? How would he do that? 

Nevertheless, there was no reason for him to get this close, almost breathing into Seonghwa’s skin. Same as Seonghwa couldn’t explain why despite being scared, he didn’t feel the urge to push the alpha away like he had done a hundred times with other men. He could let Hongjoong yell at him, ask the weirdest questions in the most unreasonable tones, and still take it. Again. Again. And probably as long as needed.

Hongjoong said that Seonghwa’s scent drew him… how? Insane? Angry? Like he could not stand it. So different from what Seonghwa felt… no forest, no haven, no peace… Hongjoong was like a match, and Seonghwa was a fire that burned him in flames. 

Today was probably the first and the last conversation they had on this topic. What else there was to say? The alpha said he would solve this. 

“Mars!” 

Seonghwa noticed Eden waving at him as soon as he walked out of the hallway. He was standing surrounded by the press, in front of a wallpaper with a black background and fancy white capital letters KQ. Seonghwa looked around hoping to find San, since he couldn’t scent Hongjoong, but the bodyguard was nowhere in his sight, and San’s tall build would be hard to miss.

Before Seonghwa dragged more unnecessary attention, he found his way towards Eden, eyes down, hands humbly pressed against his sides. As soon as the alpha could reach him, the man hugged Seonghwa around the shoulders and pulled the omega to stand by his side. 

Seonghwa immediately got blinded by flashlights. But not like the last time in the street, everyone here kept their distance, politely waiting for their turn, and the omega could feel his face softly heating as he finally registered that Eden didn’t let his hand down.

“Time to introduce you to the world.”  The alpha smiled, then pointed his eyes at the cameras.  “Mars is the new KHJ model, as I heard from Hongjoong-shi, a hidden gem that they almost missed out.”  Eden began loudly and clearly.

Hongjoong said that? He really did? If that’s the truth, then where was the man himself? Why did he leave Seonghwa to go through this alone after making him come here? Because of what happened in the hallway? 

“It’s my pleasure to work for KHJ…”  Seonghwa bowed and then gave a little shy wave to reporters. Some of the model girls gasped and giggled at the back.

“Talented, beautiful, but innocent and humble… a rare diamond these days.”  Eden only laughed at Seonghwa’s inexperience. The alpha let his hand down, but his brown eyes remained on Seonghwa.  “Where did he find you?”  he asked quietly, so no one else could hear through the music.

Seonghwa didn’t have time to answer, nor did he know what, when more people came in and reporters started taking group pictures. Seonghwa was somehow pressed in the middle of the mass, his eyes running from one camera to another, and the pressure only grew in his chest. It was overwhelming. He had no clue what to do, how to behave, and what they expected from him. Now all those lessons in his new schedule finally made more sense. By looking at the other models, Seonghwa felt like he needed to learn not only how to walk, but how to stand as well.

“You never answered how you like my home.”  Eden must have been desperate to get some kind of dialogue from Seonghwa because he asked again, although most of the press had already focused on other people now, and Seonghwa was free to leave.

“I think… it’s… unique.”  Seonghwa searched for the best word to describe this place.

Unexpectedly Eden laughed, purely like Seonghwa was a comedian. It was a short laugh, but it left a certain impression. Seonghwa could never reach the skies where this person was standing.

“It’s just a gallery that I own, I don’t actually live here. Do you think I’m such a weirdo?”  Eden scoffed and ran through the jewelry on his wrist, his expression softening.  “When I saw you… I felt a weird deja vu.”

“W-why?”  Seonghwa frowned. He really didn’t feel like he had seen Eden somewhere else before. It would be hard to forget someone like him.

“I was Joongie’s senior at the university. That’s how we met. When he first came to our club, showing off his sketches… I thought… he had no talent, no right vision, or ambition… honestly no future as a designer.”  Eden took a breath, pouting his lips a little bit. 

Seonghwa’s jaw dropped. He imagined teenager Hongjoong from the photo joining the university’s design club with a pure dream, just to getting spit in his face by his senior. And yet… Hongjoong was one of the most famous designers now. Seonghwa didn’t want to feel pride rising in himself, but he did.

“That boy was more stubborn than the whole football team. Everything he knows, everything he has today is thanks to me.”  Eden continued with a giggle, not looking at Seonghwa anymore.  “Not everyone would sacrifice their life and soul for one dream that didn’t assure them anything.”  He licked his bottom lip.  “Looking at you, I feel almost the same, although there is one major difference between you and him… you don’t want to be here, do you? You know you don’t belong here.”

Seonghwa couldn’t feel hurt or mad by that statement. Eden, without knowing anything about him, saw right through and that left Seonghwa completely speechless. Not the boldness, not his confidence, and not even his alpha presence… the most disturbing part about Eden was that he effortlessly could see the people through.

“What’s your relationship with Hongjoong-shi?”  Seonghwa asked before he could stop himself. The alpha tilted his head, his beautifully shaped eyebrow slightly raised.

“That’s really… none of your concern.”  He answered coldly. The sudden duality in the designer’s behavior left Seonghwa immobilized. Again, he couldn’t be angry - it wasn’t his business.  “But you know your place.”  Eden shook his head, a clear sign that he was about to leave Seonghwa alone.  “You are mistaken if you think you are the only ‘star’ for him.”

San came for Seonghwa only when the omega gave him a call. The red-haired alpha had no clue where Hongjoong was, showing an honest surprise not to find him in the same room as Seonghwa. It meant the man was still somewhere in this building and purposely left Seonghwa with his… mentor, teacher, friend, lover, or whatever status they shared with Eden (the last one hurt the most). San agreed to take Seonghwa home without arguments and didn’t try to pull out words from the omega. Seonghwa’s face spoke for him - he had enough of this madness for one evening.

When Seonghwa came back home, he unsuccessfully tried to reach Yeosang. Yet that changed nothing. Whether Seonghwa wanted it or not, he still had to survive Wooyoung, quite literally in the sense of the word. His best friend spent an absurd amount of time running around him, appreciating Yeosang’s work in live. Seonghwa didn’t mind that because after he could rest in Wooyoung’s tight embrace, that gave him enough comfort to let go of sobs and shivers without any fears. He didn’t shed any tears while talking, but they sat hugging on the couch, wrapped in blankets, and surrounded by snacks for a long time. And Wooyoung was more than happily smooching Seonghwa’s cheeks whenever he made a longer pause between words. It didn’t take Wooyoung long to add Eden to his ‘Asshole’ list and nominate Maddox as a flirt. However, Seonghwa didn’t think that the beta photographer was courting him. 

Seonghwa knew he could search more about Eden on his phone, but why would he need to do that when he had a talking Wikipedia next to himself? Wooyoung was already scrolling through the websites before Seonghwa asked. Which was good, since he didn’t want to look as desperate as he felt. 

“Okay, just wanted to confirm something… but it sucks that I have to be right all the time.”  Wooyoung rolled his eyes, slowly brushing through Seonghwa’s hair on his lap.  “So, Eden is the owner of the KQ agency - like ninety percent of nowadays models come from there, including our dear fallen Yunho-yah.”

“Woo-yah, it’s not funny. Yunho-yah hasn’t answered me yet… and what if he never will? What if… he will be gone for years?”  Seonghwa was about to lift himself off Wooyoung, but his friend only pressed him down to stay in place. His caramel scent was still sharp, although he was already in the middle of his heat. Seonghwa decided not to risk arguing when Wooyoung's hormones were all over the place.

“I give him two weeks. Max three. If he doesn’t come back after that, I will kick his door off myself.”  Wooyoung hissed, staring at his phone as if Yunho was there.

“You don’t know where he lives.”  Seonghwa tried his best to kick some sense into him.

“But my soon-to-be boyfriend does.”  Wooyoung nodded with smugness all over his face. Seonghwa opened his mouth, but Wooyoung quickly shut him with his free hand.  “Anywaaaay…. Going back to Eden. As I thought he is one of the shareholders of KHJ, bet my ass he has a place on the board of directors.”

“What…? Sorry, what is that again?”

“You for real?”  Wooyoung raised his eyebrow.  “Shortly, that’s a bunch of powerful people that control the company. They make major decisions and stuff by voting. Some people are from inside, but a big company such as KHJ must have some from outside as well.”

“I thought the CEO is the most powerful?” 

Seonghwa had no idea how things in the business worked, but if Hongjoong wasn’t the most influential person in his own company, then what was the purpose of being in charge?

“I mean… he technically is. The board of directors is not above the CEO, but… if all of them voted against him… they could potentially fire him. Oh My God, imagine!”  Wooyoung laughed so loudly, leaning on Seonghwa with his entire body, that Seonghwa didn’t dare to question what he was thinking about.

The next moment Wooyoung almost dropped his phone on Seonghwa's face, when it started vibrating. It was Yeosang. Seonghwa quietly whined, as he had no strength to repeat everything, but did his friends ever care about that as long as they could get gossip?

“Yeosangie, you won’t belieeeeveee!!”  Wooyoung answered the video call still with a witchy smile on his lips, then kissed Seonghwa's cheek despite his groans, and took the wheel into his hands.

3 WEEKS LATER

Seonghwa woke up that Friday morning only with one thought - one more day, and that was it. One more Friday, one more event, and he would be off for the entire week. The upcoming heat didn’t sound that bad, as long as he could get a long-awaited break. In reality, these three weeks passed in the blink of an eye, but it didn’t make him less tired. Who could have thought, that learning how to walk straight could be this hard? Why did no one force him in school to take English lessons more seriously? Why are vocal and speech lessons even a thing?? 

Seonghwa had so many questions, but every evening felt too drained to ask. One day chanced another - he worked in the office until lunch, then Wooyoung replaced him for the afternoon so Seonghwa could attend his lessons, photo shoots, or events. Sometimes he had appointments with designers and tailors, as if his measurements could change so fast. Seonghwa was dragged here and there, called back and forth until the thought of collapsing on the bed was the only thought left in his head. 

No one was surprised that since the first day, Wooyoung blended into the company and team so well, like he had been working there since the beginning. The fashion industry fit him naturally so that by the end of his first week, Wooyoung could easily take most of Yeosang’s work. Partly he had to do so, because at the end of the first week of June Hongjoong, Yeosang, and San left for a business trip to New York, yet the office still needed to be maintained. Seonghwa found it funny that Wooyoung was pissed not because of the mountains of work but because Yeosang was gone during his birthday, and now they had to wait to throw him a party.

Without Hongjoong around, Seonghwa didn’t have to use scent blockers, and for the first time, he started enjoying lunch with everyone. The other day he even received an approving nod from Mingi, when for some wild reason the beta decided to measure Seonghwa’s waist with his palms, not with the tape. 

However, no matter how hard Seonghwa tried to search for more good things about Hongjoong’s absence, scent blockers were the only one he came up with. The third day after they left, with his face buried in Hongjoong’s jacket, Seonghwa had to admit he missed the forest scent. ‘Missing’ was a very weak word for the actual throb in his heart, but Seonghwa was too ashamed to think of another. Two weeks without Hongjoong's presence in the office opened such a deep void that Seonghwa sometimes wondered how he still couldn’t see that hole physically. It wasn’t all about his ‘one-sided crush’ or whatever, since the doctor’s words from his first visit now started making so much sense. Staying apart for too long was bad… so bad that Seonghwa set the countdown timer on his phone and looked at it every time he held the phone as if the numbers could go down because of that.

“You look ill…” 

Seonghwa didn’t hear when the office door opened until Wooyoung entered. With his new Oreo hairstyle, he made an impression without even trying. Not to mention that his fashion taste had always been top-tier. His friend slammed his bag on Yeosang’s desk.

“Thanks.”  Seonghwa rolled his eyes after he pressed send on the email and, with a much lighter heart, shut down the laptop. He couldn’t argue, he felt awful, although it was still the middle of the day - hard to tell if it was because of Hongjoong or the approaching pre-heat.  “Your classes ended earlier?”

“Maybe you should just call it a day? You don’t have any lessons today, right?”  Wooyoung didn’t give up. He cupped Seonghwa’s face between his fingers so their eyes would meet.

“I’m fine, Woo-yah.”  Seonghwa pushed him away, ignoring his pouting. Even Wooyoung’s touch irritated him, and it definitely wasn’t normal.  “I have to see Mingi after lunch, then attend the event tonight, and that’s it.”

Finally.

The event wasn’t important since KHJ had nothing to do with it. But Seonghwa wanted to be there no matter what, and he had a very determined plan to make Mingi go with him. 

“Doesn’t sound too bad.”  Wooyoung shrugged.  “Yeosangie said yesterday, that their plane is landing around seven.”  He said with the most neutral voice, but Seonghwa felt the intense gaze as if Wooyoung was waiting for him to jump around.

But oh, he knew. Seonghwa had the flight schedule saved in his notes.

“Right… Waiting for Sannie to come back?”  Seonghwa gave his best to smile, although he knew Wooyoung’s answer.

He and San didn’t have much time together before the alpha left on the business trip, but from Wooyoung’s behavior, Seonghwa knew that everything was pretty much clear in their case. Wooyoung strictly refused to call San a boyfriend so far, but just another day during dinner, he admitted they had been sex-texting to each other for a few days now. Seonghwa's extreme reaction, as he choked on his meal, only made his friend smile wider. At least one of them had it easy.

“He wanted me to meet them at the airport, but I have plans, so…”

“With whom?”  Seonghwa got up, fixing the silk-like material of his dark jacket.

“Friends…? From my uni.”  Wooyoung answered, already at the desk, his eyes on the screen, checking the work that still needed to be done. 

Seonghwa waited for him to explain further. Of course, he knew Wooyoung had friends at the university, but why would he skip the chance to spend this evening with San after the man just come back? He could go out with his groupmates any other day.

“Woo-yah…?”

“Can you please get me something to drink on your way back? I would kiss you all over if you could buy my favorite juice at the convenience store nearby. I forgot to do so on the way here.” 

Wooyoung proceeded to talk in the same neutral tone, and Seonghwa felt like he had all the right to feel hurt by this ignorant tone. And here he thought they had no secrets? More or less. Wooyoung didn’t question him again about Hongjoong’s jacket, so maybe Seonghwa could count this as even now. Not like he was not allowed to have more friends.

“No need for kisses.”  Seonghwa sighed and left, although Wooyoung suddenly looked like he was about to say something.

He waved to a few familiar faces on the way down. First, Seonghwa stopped at the second floor to grab his lunch. He thought about sitting alone, but then he noticed familiar dark hair and scooted over to a friend.

“Jongho-yah, don’t mind the company?”

“Mars.”  He greeted Seonghwa with an unexpectedly cute smile.  “Not at all.”

Seonghwa told Jongho many times that he could call him by his real name in their natural conversations, but Jongho still stubbornly refused to do so until they were ‘safe’ behind KHJ doors. Seonghwa never expected it to happen, but he became closer to the alpha, especially in these few weeks. Because of the lucky coincidence, his and Jongho’s lunch times matched most of the time, and after a few interactions, they ended up sitting at the same table. Sharing a meal in cozy silence with Jongho was something Seonghwa grew to enjoy. His daily hour of peace.

“A lot of work today?”  Seonghwa asked after swallowing a few bites and making sure Jongho didn't have his mouth full.

“There is always a lot of work. But I will leave early. Want to go home and take a shower before going to the airport.”  Jongho said, politely putting his phone down as soon as Seonghwa started speaking. He was reading the news.

“Oh…?”  Seonghwa raised his eyebrow.

“There are some documents Joong needs to sign as soon as possible, and then San-ah begged me to drive them home because he is tired.”  Jongho helped Seonghwa to catch up with his thoughts.  “Want to join?”  He added after Seonghwa kept staring, absorbing the information. They could have called an actual driver for that but instead made Jongho work overtime - these little things brought a smile to Seonghwa's face.

“I… um… would? But I need to go to the SMTown event.”  Seonghwa answered as excitedly as he could. But Jongho was hard to fool.

“Need or want?”  Jongho curiously blinked.  “Yunho-yah will be giving an opening speech there, right?”

Seonghwa pressed his lips into a thin line. He saw it on the news at the beginning of this week, and alive or half-dead he needed to be there. Mingi lately was obsessed with working on the collection so much, staying in KHJ until unhealthy hours, that Seonghwa hoped the beta didn't have time to read the news about other companies' business. He planned to lure Mingi out to that event for a change. Especially since the company planned to present a new collection of semi-formal wear, and he knew Mingi might be interested in seeing that.

“Yes,”  Seonghwa admitted, almost crying into his plate.  “I haven’t heard from Yunho-yah in three weeks, Jongho-yah. No one is speaking about him… no one would say anything. I just… I just want to make sure he is alright.”  He tried to assure Jongho that there was no way he wanted to pressure Yunho into doing something if he didn't want to.

“I think the rumors are speaking enough.”  Jongho pushed his phone towards Seonghwa so the man could see the screen. 

“A-another one?”

Seonghwa took the phone to see the screen better. His eyes ran through the article about Yunho. He got caught hanging out with some female alpha girl. The pictures as always were too blurry to confirm something, but it was at least the third similar article in the past two weeks. Seonghwa could only wonder if it was the same girl or not. He carefully observed Mingi’s behavior every time he saw a new rumor, but the beta didn’t show any signs that he saw it. Or he… hid that well. Maybe too well. Because Seonghwa simply refused to believe Mingi stopped caring about Yunho so easily.

“Do you believe them?”  Seonghwa pushed the phone away.  “That can be literally anyone. Remember rumors about me? The press can make a giant bubble out of nothing, and now Yunho-yah has no one to protect him!”  Seonghwa immediately started defending his friend, although Jongho hadn’t said anything to offend him yet.  “This is the first time he will make a public appearance in weeks, and I have to know why the hell he decided to go with SMTown! Not us! Why hasn't he replied to our messages? Why does the press treat him like trash? I will grab him and ask him directly in the face if it’s so hard for him to answer that damn phone!”  Seonghwa didn’t feel how he raised his tone, making several people around them look back. Yet Jongho’s face was as straightforward as ever, he remained still in his seat.  “And I planned to bring Mingi-yah together without him knowing about Yunho so they could face each other like adults! And no one can escape!”  Seonghwa loudly put his chopsticks down.

“Passionate speech…”  Jongho said with his little nod.

“Crazy idea, right?”  Seonghwa hopelessly sighed. Who was he kidding? Obviously, this plan was ridiculous.

“Crazy.”  Jongho agreed.  “Let’s do it.”

Already in line at the convenience store with Wooyoung’s drink, Seonghwa was still smiling. He didn’t expect Jongho to join his half-assed plan. The opposite actually, Seonghwa was sure the alpha would mostly try to talk him out of it. 

“That will be four thousand won, please.”  the cashier said, and Seonghwa pulled his credit card out without much thinking.

Even years later, Seonghwa would never forget how he loudly gasped at his phone that morning when a notification woke him up about the new transfer in his bank account. Seonghwa had more or less calculated how much he would get, and when the number significantly exceeded his poor math knowledge, Seonghwa thought he was still dreaming or someone had made a mistake. He called Yeosang, who guessed that it might be because Seonghwa was on two contracts, plus he had worked overtime, and those hours counted as double.

“Why are you panicking, Hwa? The first rule, if you get more money than you should, just take it and pretend you knew it all along.”  Yeosang laughed, then went silent too fast.  “Gotta go, Hongjoong is being a pain in the ass again… what’s with his fucking moods lately…” 

That was the last time he talked with Yeosang on the phone. During the rest of one and a half weeks, they only exchanged some messages, but Seonghwa didn’t fail to notice the most random hours of Yeosang's replies. 

Seonghwa proudly sent half of the promised rent for Wooyoung and, for the first time in his life, bought a full bag of groceries. He would never forget how the lady at the milk product aisle glared at him confused, when Seonghwa sobbed, realizing that he could buy his favorite yogurt without worrying if he had enough money to afford it.

“I have your drink, Woo-yah,”  Seonghwa said, opening the office door.

Wooyoung flinched, quickly minimizing the page on the wide monitor, although Seonghwa still was in time to notice that his friend was looking at a photo.

“Well, now you have to show me….”  Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, not in the mood for more children's games.  “Jung Wooyoung,”  he warned. Pissed Wooyoung was one thing, but has he ever encountered pissed-off Seonghwa? Better not.

“It’s nothing…”  He chuckled nervously, reaching for the drink in Seonghwa’s hand, and bit the bottom of his lip when Seonghwa didn’t give him it.  “What if it’s San’s nude photos? Would you still want to see them?”

“We both know if it was… San’s… photos… you would have proudly turned the monitor more so the whole office could see them.”  Seonghwa crossed his arms against his chest. Wooyoung was the only person in the entire world he didn’t want to lose. He couldn’t stand the thought of his best friend hiding things from him. For the second time!

“Ah… I don’t want you to get upset… damn…”  Wooyoung sighed in distress, but slowly moved his head back to the monitor and opened the tab.

“Why would I—-”  Seonghwa’s arms fell beside his sides when he saw the photograph. He pressed the poor plastic bottle between his fingers harder.

It was a photo of Hongjoong and Eden at the New York fashion event that they were attending. Hongjoong’s arm on the other alpha’s waist or Eden’s smile hidden in Hongjoong’s now darker brown and wavy hair - Seonghwa couldn’t decide which one made him want to cry more. Hongjoong’s soft smile with his eyes closed, and his head down opened another hole on top of the existing void inside the omega’s heart. He missed. He missed him so much. Fuck.

“Hwa?”  Wooyoung quietly called him.

Seonghwa cleared his dry throat, dropping the bottle with the drink on the table.

“Why would I be upset over… them?” 

Seonghwa wanted a scoff but the sound reminded more of an injured rabbit. Especially that the title of the article shone in red like a traffic light:  “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL COUPLES OF THE NEW YORK’S FUSION FESTIVAL.”

He had a plan to fulfill. No time to think about his fucking Fated Mate, who didn’t give a damn about him now.

“That just proves that Hong—”

“Alright, good luck with your friends tonight! See you at home!”  Seonghwa waved, rushing out. His empty head ignored everything that Wooyoung tried to blabber out. 

Seonghwa smashed his back against the elevator’s wall once he rushed inside. He had to resist the urge to press his palms against his face so his make-up would stay in place. Still, one traitor tear managed to escape, and Seonghwa wasn’t in time to stop it.  Stop it. Please stop it.  Since that night at Seonghwa’s first private KQ event, Hongjoong barely talked to him, unless it was something about business that needed to be done urgently. Most of the time, the man stayed in his studio, working on the sketches, then left for New York to present their upcoming collection. It felt like Seonghwa was still standing alone in that narrow hallway, dead scentless foreset, where Hongjoong left him.

On times like that, when Seonghwa’s heart would bleed about the things and feelings that were out of his control, he was glad to have someone like Mingi by his side. He knew their situations were very different, but… still.

“Mars!”  One of Mingi’s assistants greeted him with an enthusiastic wave. Seonghwa pushed his sadness to the corner as he had to concentrate on the mission now.

“Hi Soo-shi!”  He waved back with a little smirk.  “Is Mingi-yah at his office?”

“Last I checked he was!”  The girl was so tiny, she was almost drowning around the material she tried to measure. Seonghwa chuckled with a nod and took a deep breath before going towards Mingi’s studio.

Jongho’s plan was simple but way better than Seonghwa’s. Mingi had to go with him to the airport, and later they planned to grab dinner with the trio to discuss things they had missed. Jongho said that SMTown's new collection had caught his attention even before he learned about Yunho. He heard a rumor from one of his friends that one part of that collection resembled the KHJ's Cyberpunk collection they released two years ago. Jongho planned to let it slip and then check the photos the next day, but everyone knew that Mingi wouldn’t tolerate any form of copies of his clothes in another place. He would fight.

“Mingi-yah… Hi!”  Seonghwa walked in, waving for the man who, despite the air conditioner, was lying on his table like a melting ice cream.  “Did… something happen?”

“Fucking… SM…”  He sighed, not raising his head.  “Jongho-yah just called to tell me that they're possibly copying our ideas. Now I feel the impulse to go and see it by myself, but Jongho refused to go with me…”  he hissed.  “I think this is more important than picking up kids from the airport, right?”

Mingi’s head was pressed against the table, so he couldn’t see how a smile raised on Seonghwa's face. Who could have known that Jongho was so good at masterplans? Seonghwa came closer and, without much thought sank his fingers in Mingi’s now fully blond fluffy hair. Seonghwa never told him this, but that hairstyle fit him really well.

“I would go with you.”  The omega innocently said.  “I have no plans today anyway.”

“Huh?”  Mingi didn’t push Seonghwa’s fingers away, but he slightly turned his head to see the man next to himself.  “It’s your last day before a week off, why would you do that…?”

“Because… I want to. I will spend a week in my bed… why not?”  Seonghwa ran through the beta’s hair one more time with a cute smile on his face.

Don’t be suspicious. Don’t be suspicious.

“Bless you.”  Mingi suddenly straightened his back, his eyes widening gratefully.  “This way, I don’t need to talk with anyone.”  Then he blinked, took his glasses from the table, and put them on.  “Who… who… put this outfit on for you?”

Seonghwa slowly let his arm down and then glanced at himself from above. He was wearing a white shirt, black high-waist tailored pants, supported by a wide belt, a long light-material jacket, boots with slight heels, and a wide but short necklace that perfectly fit around his neck. He loved the feeling of it. How could he mess up something so simple??

“I did…?”  He answered in fear of his designer’s judgment.

“You… just might be the best student I ever had…”  Mingi stood up, taking Seonghwa’s hand and making him spin around a few times.  “Damn, these pants make me want to bark.”  He excitedly frowned and clapped his hands.  “Do you know the genius who designed them, I wonder?”

By this time, Seonghwa already was used to Mingi’s expressions so much that one more entry into his collection only made the omega laugh.

“Have you heard of Song Mingi?”  Seonghwa smiled wider,  “Talented, beautiful, astonishing, showstopping, brilliant…”  Seonghwa giggled when Mingi opened his arms with tiny waves of his palms, encouraging the omega to continue.

“Like a song to my ears…”  Mingi smirked and then collected his phone and wallet from the table.  “The place is a two-hour ride, we better move.”

“Yes, sir!”  Seonghwa nodded and followed the beta out.

While he waited for Mingi to finish giving the last orders to his team, Seonghwa lingered next to the elevators. After what happened with Yunho, Mingi skipped work only for that one day, the next one coming in early in the morning as nothing happened. Like Yunho never existed. Like the situation they were in didn't stress Mingi out so much that he had to take anxiety medication. Seonghwa patiently waited, but the designer never slipped again. Of course, Seonghwa had no clue what was happening after work hours, and secretly, he was a bit afraid to learn. Seonghwa’s loyal character didn't let him believe that Mingi could have moved on so quickly.

FROM: JJONGIE ❤️

[FRIDAY 4:00 PM]

Message:  Did it work?

TO: JJONGIE ❤️

[FRIDAY 4:03 PM]

Message:  We are leaving now.

FROM: JJONGIE ❤️

[FRIDAY 4:04 PM]

Message:  👍

“Is that Woo-yah?”  Mingi asked when he noticed Seonghwa smiling at his phone.  “Did you ask if he wants to join?”

“Ah, it seems he has plans tonight with friends.”  Seonghwa shrugged, hiding his phone in his pocket.

“That’s rude. Last week, when he got drunk at the Elegance Expo, he said we are his only friends.”  Mingi rolled his eyes, fakely offended.

“They are just some groupmates.”  Seonghwa sighed, as he still was a little bit suspicious of Wooyoung’s answer.

“Fine fine. I will remind him of this on Monday when he asks me to treat him to dinner after work.”  Mingi, still in his very much offended mood, pouted. They had reached the parking lot, but Seonghwa halted when he saw the man confidently walking towards his white Tesla.

“Wait wait… you will drive?”  Seonghwa asked. He didn’t plan this. What if… what if Mingi meeting Yunho would cause him another panic attack? What then? What would Seonghwa do? There was no one he could call to pick them up fast enough. The omega was so sure Mingi had asked his driver to take them there that he didn't consider another possibility.

“Can you believe it, the things I do for this? I have a license for a reason.”  Mingi answered without looking back and opened the car.

Fuck. Seonghwa wanted to text Jongho again, but the beta glared at him. 

“Mooooove….”  Mingi urged the omega and changed his regular glasses to black sunglasses. 

Two hours with Mingi in the car might have sounded like a drastic adventure for some, full of lectures about fashion and clothes, but honestly, Seonghwa was more there for his jokes and swears at foolish drivers on the road.

“What an actual fuck— yeah, no one taught you how to use the fucking index, or what?!”  Mingi shouted while showing an international 'what-the-hell' sign with his hand.  “Go take a bus, you idiot! For the love of—”

Mingi wore a tailored three-part suit that made him appear like an honest businessman. He was one moment swearing, and the other one yelling ‘VERY NICE’ together with a K-pop band called  Seventeen on the radio. The duality was real.

The only person Seonghwa felt at ease with was Wooyoung, although each of his friends was different. Yeosang, somewhat serious yet needy sometimes for attention, in Seonghwa’s eyes was like a little pretty Maltese puppy with a character. San always gave out that sort of older (although he was younger) brother energy, and Seonghwa never missed a chance to chat with him or drive to places. He became closer to Jongho as well. Since the first day, he reminded Seonghwa of a bear who had a hidden knife if you pressed it too hard, and that hasn't changed. He was still cute to watch (not touch), trustworthy, and apparently could plan great mischief if he wanted to. Still, Jongho was very hard to see through. It initially was Yeosang's problem, not Seonghwa's, yet recently they started sharing the same heartaches; Jongho having a mate, Hongjoong with Eden - a painful reality they lived in.

“Not an intersection but a fucking crossword… how I'm supposed to know where to turn when they all are stuck to each other's asses!”  Mingi’s annoyed hiss woke Seonghwa up. The beta took off his sunglasses but realized he couldn’t see without them and put them back on.  “Do they know any other colors besides fucking red? On every… freaking corner… we will reach the event only tomorrow at this pace.”

Seonghwa snorted. This kind of ride was exactly what he needed today.

Despite Mingi’s mumblings, they had arrived on time for the opening speech. The beta left his jacket inside the car, staying only with the waistcoat and white shirt as a top. It added an extra charm to his handsome build. 

If Yunho doesn't turn off his emotionless switch after seeing this Mingi, then he might have a solid reason to doubt that Yunho was in love with the beta in the first place  - Seonghwa thought.

“Good evening.”  Seonghwa smiled at the guard at the building’s door, since Mingi, after two hours non-stop of raging, suddenly became oddly quiet and shy.  “We are from KHJ Entertainment.”  Seonghwa was sure they had received an invitation but didn't bother to check. They had too many of them incoming all the time.

The guard quickly nodded, most likely recognizing Mingi, and let them in. Seonghwa didn’t plan this, but they went straight to the bar to take a few remaining seats there. They had to make a quick stop since reporters wanted to take some pictures. Seonghwa still wasn’t used to this, but after spending literally hours every other day in front of the camera, it didn’t bother him as much. The only thing he couldn’t look at was his photos on the media - Seonghwa somehow managed to skip them all, even if Wooyoung never missed a chance to send him some.

Mingi quietly placed his hand on Seonghwa's shoulder for the photo, and the omega did the same. The beta usually was more enthusiastic about this. 

“Mingi-yah, you alright?”  Seonghwa managed to ask through the loud bass noise in the background once they sat down.  “A virgin strawberry daiquiri with extra strawberries for me, and he will have a bottle of sparkling water,”  Seonghwa ordered without hesitation when he noticed the bartender.

“I… don’t know if I can do it.”  Mingi sighed, staring at the rings on his fingers.

“Do what? Hey… Mingi-yah?”  Seonghwa leaned forward, placing his palm on the man’s hand. 

“Y-yunho will be giving an opening speech.”  he breathed out.

Fuck. Fuck. He knew.

“Oh.”  Seonghwa gasped.

OH. FUCK. What now? Was it the right time to call Jongho? Now?

“I thought I could… I could do it.”  Mingi repeated. Seonghwa hurried to take the bottle of water and hand it to the beta, ignoring the glass with his cocktail.

“You didn’t care about… those clothes, did you?”  Seonghwa finally connected the dots. His plan had failed before he even thought of it. Of course, Mingi knew. He probably had followed the news, searching for Yunho’s appearance as well.

“Bold of you to assume I haven’t contacted their designer to make sure of it long ago.”  the beta answered, bringing the bottle closer to his lips.

“Mingi-yah… we could… we could leave… okay? We don’t have to be here.”  Seonghwa heard himself saying when sudden regret washed everything else. Why did he think he could force Mingi into this?

“Then I will never know why he is not answering me. Then I will never know… why he… with that… alp-”  Mingi’s voice sounded broken, yet Seonghwa was the one who shivered.

“Song Mingi!!”  A loud voice greeted them, and Seonghwa pointed his eyes at an athletic man confidently walking towards them with a warm smile.  “In my life, I never thought I would see you in a place like this! Slap me, someone!”

Mingi’s stare froze for a bit, and then, in a split second, his face changed. The same face Seonghwa had been seeing for the past three weeks - nothing but a mask he wore, fooling everyone, even himself.

“Someone has to be the star of the evening.”  Mingi laughed, jumping off the chair and meeting his friend. They shook each other’s hands and started the conversation. Seonghwa looked at them with a raised heartbeat and blood running in his ears. How could he fail like this?

The next moment he was almost knocked off the chair by a group of loud young models when they walked right into him.

“Oops!”  One of them laughed, but his face showed nothing but mockery.

“Please watch where you are going,”  Seonghwa said as politely as he could in this situation.

“Why so serious, omega?”  Another from the group snorted. 

Seonghwa didn’t bother to guess how they figured out his second gender so fast. They were either drunk or high, maybe both. He only shook his head, not giving them the pleasure to make fun of him even more. Seonghwa heard them laughing even more after it.

“Did you meet Mars already?” 

Thank God Mingi remembered to introduce him as well. Seonghwa gladly found his cocktail behind himself and then walked toward the designer and his friend.

“Not yet officially, but I heard about you a lot from my mate.”  The man confirmed, suggesting his hand to Seonghwa.  “I’m Bangchan.”  He introduced himself.

“Is Felix here as well?”  Then Mingi wondered, but the alpha shook his head. 

So that was Felix’s mate. Seonghwa felt his muscles relax after hearing that. Something about Bangchan and Felix together just felt right. He bowed a little bit to the alpha and then took a sip of his non-alcoholic sweet cocktail. It took him a little bit to find something he truly enjoyed sipping in these events, but now Seonghwa finally knew his preferences.

“I’m afraid business about your collection stole him again. He had an appointment with a tailor today.”  Bangchan pressed his lips as if complaining.

“Oh, I’m so so sorry, Chanie.”  Mingi couldn’t sound less apologetic.

They kept talking, and the event was running late. Nothing new, everyone was used to these things. That also gave more time for Mingi to put his thoughts somewhere else, and maybe Chan’s strong presence in this could help when the time came. 

Seonghwa's glass was still quite full when his head started feeling woozy. He blinked a few times, glancing at the glass - he did ask for a virgin cocktail. Could it be that the bartender misheard him? Seonghwa took another sip. Really… There was no taste of alcohol in this strawberry 'smoothie'. Then why? Why suddenly did his knees feel weak and his mind cloudy?

“I… need to…. go to the restroom…”  Seonghwa blurred out, placing his drink back on the bar. Mingi, in the middle of an intense conversation about brands, only quickly nodded.

Seonghwa tried so hard, but it felt like ages before he found a restroom door in the backstage, further from everyone. By the time he broke inside through the swinging door, his body was already shaking and, his stomach sick. He gripped the edge of the sink, leaning over it. Why suddenly it felt like every bone in his body was stretching? Why did the dim lights in the bathroom hurt his eyes? Seonghwa had no other choice but to cover his face, hiding from the pain, now leaning down on the sink with half of his body. 

It hurt. Everything inside him hurt. Burned. He needed to go. He needed to go out. Now. Seonghwa swung back and forth, trying to find the balance and walk straight, but he ended up leaning on the door and falling out. On someone.

“Hey!”  The person shouted, pushing Seonghwa from himself, and the omega hit the wall. He whined, sliding on his knees, and covering his ears.

Was the music always so noisy? Was the air always so heavy? Was there something drilling into his bones? Seonghwa whimpered first quietly, then louder when harsh hands gripped him. Every, even the slightest touch hurt. And lights… lights were painfully blinding. Why was everything so loud??

“Wait! Wait… don’t touch him! Fuck off, okay? I will deal with it.” 

Another clangorous sound appeared. It made Seonghwa curl into a ball until he heard the same voice. No matter how much he wanted to disappear, he couldn't ignore it.

“Hyung…? Hyung… are you alright?”  Yunho asked, like shouting through a megaphone. Too loud!  “It’s me… it’s okay, it’s me… look at me,"  he repeated again and again.  "Seonghwa,  look at me .”  Yunho strictly ordered.

Seonghwa felt a sudden tingle somewhere deep inside which he couldn't resist, and instantly followed the alpha's command. He found himself looking at dark yet gentle features and worried eyes. Yunho was so close, but his profile started blurring too fast. It hurt… it hurt to see. Seonghwa tried to tell him how badly it hurt but only gagged when the man wanted to lift him. It hurts!

“Oh my God… Hyung… are you high?”

Chapter Text

Still in a trance from the alpha’s command, Seonghwa couldn’t form an answer and only mindlessly stared at Yunho. It was different from those alpha’s back in his home town, who used to command omegas the most disgusting things, as they used their non-suppressed pheromones to get deep in their minds. Yunho was different. He didn’t have a scent. He just wanted Seonghwa to look up. He was different - and yet, at that moment, for Seonghwa he was the same.

Seonghwa squirmed or intended to do so, trying to get away from the alpha, but his grip was iron, and Seonghwa’s body hurt too much. He gaped at Yunho in disbelief and fear, and the dark-haired man’s expression shifted as if he understood what was happening.

“Hyung… I….”

“Hey, is he good?”  Another voice finally made Yunho look away, releasing Seonghwa from the chains. He closed his eyes again and covered his ears, hiding. Wishing to become small.

“He is just feeling sick. I will take care of this,”  Yunho answered. 

Despite Seonghwa’s whimpers, the alpha lifted him off the floor. This time successfully, Yunho made him stand on his feet, although Seonghwa’s knees were pathetically giving up. An incoherent sob escaped his lips from Yunho’s hands on his shoulders. Seonghwa wanted that other person to take the alpha away. 

“You need to find someone else to do that. We are almost forty minutes late with the opening. Go on the stage.”  that other person sounded annoyed. 

“I will not leave him.”  Yunho's growl scared Seonghwa until the last cell. He tried to shrink and slip back on the ground, but the alpha held him in place almost effortlessly.  “Find someone else to read from your fucking cards.”

The next moment Seonghwa was half carried and half dragged away somewhere. He tried to chase away the dizziness and fight, his wobbly hands grabbing the air. Seonghwa was sure he had successfully scratched something at least several times, but it didn't change anything.

“Hyung… hyung stop… damn it… that’s me! It’s me, it's Yunho!”   The alpha repeated nonstop but sounds melted into one like a giant ball of noise, and Seonghwa couldn’t separate the words anymore.

And it didn’t matter. It didn't matter what the alpha’s name was. He made Seonghwa do things, and he would want more. They always wanted more. Seonghwa was losing the last drop of air in his lungs - breathing became pointless. He felt a push, and his legs were too frail to fight against the strength. Seonghwa desperately caught air when his knees hit the hard floor. The pressure on his nape forced out a loud gasp, and the next second everything, that was piling up until this moment, came out. Seonghwa grabbed on something, what appeared to be a toilet seat, and coughed a few times from the repulsive taste in his mouth. 

His body was shaking more by the second, but his head cleared up a little. Seonghwa pressed his cheek against the plastic seat, breathing out although he couldn’t breathe in. He coughed again, desperately trying to find a way to get some oxygen, and that only sank him more into panic.

“Hyung… hyung, please… Please listen to me. Please listen… shhh… Hyung…” 

Somewhere in the background, sometimes on and sometimes off, he heard a voice, felt hands on his back, and hair, presence kneeling behind him. Seonghwa wanted to faint, so if that man did something to him, Seonghwa wouldn’t feel, he wouldn’t know.

“You need… you need to breathe… listen, you need to breathe. You will be okay. I promise you will be… okay…”  the voice kept giving empty promises.

Seonghwa stuttered, grabbing his chest, as if trying to push at least a little bit of oxygen into himself, yet he continued to hyperventilate, his own body refusing to submit. Seonghwa flinched from the light press on his face, which happened to be a piece of folded toilet paper. That caused another gasp, although the touch was gentle and well-coordinated. The hand rubbed his lips and cheek, making another wave of tears leave Seonghwa's eyes. 

Don’t hurt… please, don’t hurt.

“It’s okay now… Hyung it’s alright…”

When sounds returned to him, Seonghwa sobbed, and this way the air finally reached his lungs. Only small gulps of so-needed life force, but it was somewhat of a start. Seonghwa shivered, tilting his head as a sign for the alpha to move his hand away from him. The omega gave himself a minute, and the alpha in front of him seemed to respect that for now. Seonghwa could feel his phone vibrating in his pocket but couldn’t focus on it now.

“I will take it, alright? Your phone… from your jacket.”  The man spoke loudly and clearly, and although Seonghwa’s body painfully tensed up, the alpha still touched his side to take out the device.  “It’s… it’s Mingi.”  Seonghwa heard Yunho silently swear.  “Mingi, it's Yunho,”  he answered.

Seonghwa finally focused his eyes enough to get a clearer view. He was using the toilet seat as a pillow, and the alpha - Yunho, despite wearing a glamorous and expensive outfit, sat next to him on the floor. 

“Seonghwa Hyung is with me. He is not well.”  He spoke into Seonghwa’s phone. Voice quiet, like a scolded child's.  “You are here? In SMTown?”  He paused.  “We are in the backstage. In the bathroom. Bring some still water.”

Yunho slowly let the phone down, staring at the screen with an unreadable face - emotions that a person with suppressed feelings would never be able to make. Then Yunho noticed that Seonghwa was looking at him. Only now, the fact that it was Yunho and no one else, completely sat in Seonghwa’s head. Yunho. Not someone else. Seonghwa let his warm facial features sink into his overwhelmed mind - the man had a long fresh scratch across his cheek. It’s him. Seoghwa did it to him.

“Hi…”  Yunho sadly smiled, slightly tilting his head, his gaze gentle.  “You’ll be alright. Mingi is coming here…”  he added, a little unsure, glancing at the door. Seonghwa knew for sure Yunho was thinking if he should leave. But something stopped him.

Yunho reached to touch Seonghwa’s hand, but the omega only slowly blinked at the gesture, and Yunho understood.

“I’m… I am sorry, Hyung if I scared you.”  he nervously touched his own face, and then they heard the door open.

“Seonghwa-yah??”  Mingi showed himself in between the doors within seconds. It was a tense and awkward long moment when all three of them only stared at each other. Or more like Mingi and Yunho had slipped into their inner fight, trying to figure out how to behave next to each other.

“He was drugged, I think,”  Yunho spoke first, still on the floor, his fingers weirdly hanging in the air, as he intended to touch Seonghwa’s hand.  “I found him next to the bathroom, disoriented.”

“Fuck.”  Mingi breathed out. It felt like both Mingi and Yunho decided to ignore their problem for the sake of Seonghwa.  “Seonghwa-yah, here…”  Mingi squatted next to him, opened the bottle of still water in his hand, and placed the neck next to Seonghwa’s lips.  “Drink… the more you drink, the better.” 

Seonghwa managed to lift his hand and hold on to Mingi’s wrist while swallowing a few gulps down his hurting throat.

“How could this happen?”  Yunho hissed, and the angry sound coming from him made another wave of shiver run down Seonghwa's back. Thankfully no one noticed.

“Must be the fucking drink.”  Mingi cursed one word after another, some of which Seonghwa didn’t understand.  “We need to take him out now. Before someone comes in. Seonghwa-yah, can you get up?”

Not a chance. Seonghwa barely followed their conversation, his mind so empty that no other feelings or thoughts interrupted in between. Despite tears and itching eyes, his vision almost came back to normal, and sounds weren’t as irritated as before. But he still felt weak and disturbed. Hard to tell if all of it was because of drugs or because the alpha had triggered him.

His soundless answer was clear.

“We can leave through the back door,”  Yunho confirmed, leaning in to help Seonghwa, but as soon as the omega saw the alpha invading his space again, he almost dropped himself on the beta.

“Shit—” 

Mingi somehow managed to catch Seonghwa, before both of them fell on the floor. They exchanged looks with Yunho. After that, the alpha stood up and walked towards the door.

“I will make sure the hallway is empty,”  he said before leaving.

“Did… did he hurt you in any way?” 

Mingi slowly asked in disbelief when Yunho was gone, but not like Seonghwa was in any state to form a sentence yet. He managed to shake his head, holding on to the beta for dear life, when the man lifted him off the floor. Mingi seemed in a dilemma about how to handle Seonghwa.

“Hold the bottle for a second.”  The beta gave Seonghwa the water, after helping him wrap hands around his neck. Seonghwa soundlessly gasped when Mingi, with an easy move, lifted him on his back.  “This is the second time I give you a piggyback. No one had this privilege before.”  He snorted as if checking Seonghwa’s reaction, but the omega focused on the bottle in his hand. He wasn’t sure what the beta talked about.

Mingi kicked the swinging door open. Immediately, the noise from the stage reached them - the show already started. Someone gave an opening speech instead of Yunho, but the alpha, who waited for them a little bit further, didn't seem bothered by this at all. With one wave of his head, he showed to follow him, and Mingi did, wrapping his arms a little bit stronger around Seonghwa’s thighs.

“Who drove you here?”  Yunho asked when they successfully reached the back door without meeting anyone.

Seonghwa hid his face in Mingi’s shoulder because it was still too bright outside for his sensitive eyes. He missed what the beta answered and only felt his body vibrating from his low tone. Seonghwa sighed deeper - the outside had its pros - the air wasn’t stuffed, and Seonghwa’s lungs couldn’t be happier about it.

Being carried by Mingi felt more stable than standing on his legs right now, but Seonghwa was still glad when he was let down and guided to sit on the edge of the seat, his legs still outside. He leaned against the seat with his side and sighed.

“Do you still feel sick?”  Mingi asked, hinting a worry. Not only for Seonghwa but for his car as well.

“No…”  Seonghwa finally managed to blurt out a word.  “Just… weak.”  When he didn’t manage to open the bottle cap for the second time, Mingi rushed to help.  “T-thanks…”  he took a gulp, then lifted his eyes.  “Thank you, Yunho… I'm sorry for... scratching you.”  he collected the strength to say it to the alpha.

“You scared me, Hyung… so much.”  Yunho quietly admitted.  “One moment I was ready to call the ambulance. I’m still not sure, maybe we should seek help? Hell knows what was in that drink.”

Mingi rubbed his forehead, pressing his lips together, lost in thoughts. Seonghwa couldn’t help but notice how Yunho and Mingi, even at such a small distance, tried to keep away from each other, both standing on opposite sides of the car.

“If Seonghwa-yah feels like he needs to, we can go. But…”  Mingi licked his bottom lip before continuing.  “We don’t have any real proof that he was drugged and didn’t take it willingly. If they take a blood sample if the information leaks out… I don’t know if…. Unless you want to go to the police right after.”

“We don’t need to go. Anywhere. We don’t need the trouble. I will be fine.”  Seonghwa answered as fast as his tired mind let him. He knew what Mingi meant. If someone from KHJ found out, they would not only fire him but also make sure he would never find a decent position anywhere again. And Seonghwa, for obvious reasons, was more than eager to keep his job.  “I just need five minutes before moving. It’s… not that bad anymore. I… didn’t drink a lot of that cocktail.”  Seonghwa nodded, keeping his eyes slightly open, enjoying that the sounds around him were clearer. Water did help a lot.

“We just gonna keep our mouths shut,”  Yunho said simply.  “If someone, anyone, asks, you got a stomach bug.” 

“Those brats at the bar did it.”  Mingi rarely sounded as pissed as he did now. “I fucking knew this place is rotten from the core.”

“Anyway, what are you both doing here??”  Finally, Yunho relaxed enough to point to a topic neither Seonghwa nor Mingi had prepared for.  “You will never make me believe that KHJ has business with SM.”  He added, eyes shooting between the beta and omega.

“What are  you  doing working for SM? After you announced a hiatus?” 

While Seonghwa’s tired brain tried to think of a smart answer, Mingi shot the question back.

“Shouldn’t you be inside?? Thanks for your help. We can manage from here.”  The beta continued in the same low voice when Yunho didn’t immediately reply.

“Stop… please...”  Seonghwa interrupted, seeing how Yunho’s face darkened within seconds. None of them were in the right headspace to deal with this now.  “We came to see you, Yunho-yah. We came because we miss you.”  Seonghwa just decided to play with open cards to see how it went.

“Oh, about you, Hyung, I don’t have doubts, but you want me to believe that… he came for the same?”  Yunho scoffed. The wound in his chest must be bleeding as much as before.  “I don’t work for SM. Another model asked to replace him because he had to leave for business. And not like I did, because they wanted me to leave Seonghwa Hyung there on the floor and go read their freaking cards… fucking heartless bastards.”  Yunho’s face twisted from different emotions.

“Yunho-yah…”  Mingi looked like he swallowed a large lump in his throat, ready to speak.

“But sure, Mingi, go ahead… blame me like you always do. Tell me things I did wrong. Tell me how I fucked up again. How disrespectful I am… how…”  Yunho closed his eyes as if stopping himself from more words that could hurt them both.  “You know what, I don’t give a fuck what you think… I don’t.”  Yunho covered his mouth, eyes pointing in the opposite direction, his chest trembling in waves. 

At that moment, something clicked in Seonghwa.

Yunho never did turn off his emotions, did he now? He made everyone believe that while he remained suffering inside. The wound in his heart was as fresh as it was three weeks ago. Meanwhile, everyone lived on, but he stayed in the same blind spot.

“I texted you… I called you.”  Mingi clenched his fists so hard that even Seonghwa, from a distance, felt the discomfort.  “I… thought you wanted to talk,”  he added after a pause. 

Seonghwa saw how much effort it took for Mingi to speak calmly. How badly he wanted that. Just how much it meant for him as well.

Yunho shook his head, looking away, blinded by his own pain that only grew over long weeks.

“It doesn’t matter anymore.”  The alpha let his hand down, his jaw softly shivering before Yunho pressed his lips, trying to control his emotions.  “Mingi, it doesn’t matter. Let it go. I already did.”

Seonghwa thought that the century-long silence, with the heart-shattering expressions on their faces after Yunho’s words, would never end. And no matter how much Seonghwa wanted to interrupt, that wasn’t his place to say. He could only feel a little fragment of the pain they both felt.

“Fine,”  Mingi finally said in a neutral tone, opening the driver’s door and putting his sunglasses on.  “Do you need a ride or anything? Or are you going back?”  He directed the alpha not to look at him.

“Actually, can you take me back to my brother’s place?”  Yunho replied emptily, receiving a quick nod as an answer.  “Are you feeling good enough to go, Hyung?”

Seonghwa was feeling like shit, and it was rare for him to curse, even in his thoughts, which only proved how badly his insides were twitching from pain. On top of that, he finally felt a weird urge to change his sheet before going to sleep, and it could mean only one - his pre-heat was right there to remind the disgusting part of himself he hated.

“I will lay down on the backseat if you both don’t mind,”  Seonghwa whispered, climbing inside.

“You can use my jacket as a pillow,”  Mingi said, watching Seonghwa pressing his knees closer to his stomach.  “I’m so sorry this happened. You sure you don’t want to do anything about it?”

“We could try to find them.”  Yunho seconded Mingi.  “And—”

“No, please. I appreciate it, really I do… but I just want to go home if that’s alright.”  Seonghwa sighed, carefully folding Mingi’s jacket to put it under his head. 

He wouldn’t be able to get out of the car anyway now, plus again it wasn’t all just the drugs, but also his pre-heat and, in general, shit condition because of the lack of one specific alpha.

Seonghwa shivered, realizing that Hongjoong’s plane must have landed already. What if he had agreed to go with Jongho to meet them? Would that have made any difference? But then.... then Mingi wouldn’t have gone to see Yunho. Seonghwa wasn’t sure if this meeting only made things worse between them, at this point. No, Seonghwa didn’t regret it. At least he got to see Yunho, even if, for most of the time, the alpha brought him more fear than happiness.

“Seonghwa Hyung…?”  Yunho’s silent voice called him. Seonghwa somehow managed to lazily open one eye, only then realizing they were already on the way.

“He is probably sleeping. Leave him in peace.” 

When Mingi answered coldly instead, Seonghwa sighed, now feeling an urge to reply, so they wouldn’t find another opportunity to fight. It felt like a sound got stuck somewhere deep in his throat. Seonghwa needed several attempts to speak. 

“Yunho-yah?”  Although he sounded pathetic, in the silent car, it echoed loudly enough.

“I’m sorry I didn’t answer your messages, Hyung.”  Yunho continued after a moment. Seonghwa couldn’t see his face, but the fragile sound was enough for him to imagine.  “My phone was off. I thought it would be better this way, I swear, I thought of turning it on multiple times… but…”

Seonghwa saw Yunho leaning between the seats to see Seonghwa better - his honest expression and round sad eyes. And yet Seonghwa thought that those words shouldn’t be addressed to him. Maybe they weren't, only Yunho couldn’t bring himself to say this to the beta.

“Yunho-yah… I understand. I just… wanted to know you are okay.”  Seonghwa sighed, trying to form sentences in his tired mind, and it took him a ridiculously long to say what he did.  “Are you okay?”  Then Seonghwa asked, wishing to know the answer, but his body gave up on staying awake again.

The next time he woke up again from sounds, but this time they weren’t directed at him. Seonghwa evaluated himself before waking up enough to hear the voice. He wasn’t sick anymore, only weak, his throat dry, but the bottle next to him was too heavy to lift. Seonghwa stayed still but slowly let the words take shape in his ears.

“So wait… what exactly is happening now?”  Mingi asked someone.

“I just dropped San-ah at his place. Yeosang also decided to stay there.”  Jongho’s voice was a bit unclear, coming from a speaker like he didn’t have a good connection.  “They plan to order food and play games or something….”  weirdly, but Jongho sounded off at the end.

“Yeah, Sannie has my Xbox. I asked him to give it back, but his dumb ass forgot.”  Mingi sounded almost possessive like the Xbox was a person and not a thing.

“He said something about texting you to come and join them,”  Jongho answered, still in the same tone. Seonghwa wasn’t close enough with him yet, but it did sound like he secretly wanted to be invited too.

“Maybe? I’m driving, I couldn’t check.”  Mingi sighed.  “I would go, but I have to take Hwa home.”  He paused.  “And Yunho,”  he quietly added.

“Yunho? Yunho-yah is with you?”  It was one of those rare moments when Jongho showed more emotions in his voice. 

“Hi, Jjong.”  Yunho greeted after clearing his throat like he hadn’t spoken in a while. While Seonghwa was out, nothing happened - this thought made him sad. Both Mingi and Yunho chose to sit in silence, instead of using the chance to clear things at least a bit.

“Good to know you’re alive, kiddo.”  It was possible to hear a smile in Jongho’s voice.

“Jjong, I’m older than you.”  Yunho scoffed, almost sounding like himself for that one moment. 

“You sure?”  Jongho almost teased the older alpha.  “If you want to go to San-ah’s, I can take Seonghwa-yah home, by the way. Why is he so quiet?”

“He is sleeping. Stomach bug.”  Yunho answered maybe too fast but still convincing enough for Jongho not to ask further questions.  “And you can let me out next to the KHJ. I will take a taxi from there.”

“I still have to take Joong home anyway. It’s in the same direction if I’m not mistaken.”  Jongho then said quietly, but still clearly enough.

“Yikes, my angry boss is there, and you didn’t give me a chance to prepare myself. Joong?”  Yunho called, nervously chuckling, and Seonghwa held his breath, mentally preparing himself for the man’s low voice. 

But instead, Jongho spoke again.

“He is asleep. Has been since we left the airport. He doesn’t look good, honestly. San said they had to call a doctor in New York because he almost collapsed during one of the events. Good that Eden was with him.”  Jongho continued talking in the same tone. 

Seonghwa dug his nails into the seat under him, his heart rate shooting up, making the world, even with his eyes closed, spin from Jongho’s words. There was no way that Hongjoong felt even worse than Seonghwa did. Hongjoong? The same alpha with bitterness as his only emotion towards Seonghwa? The same powerful CEO who had no weak spots in everyone’s eyes? Seonghwa so anxiously waited for more information that even Eden’s name slipped through his ears.

“What?? What did the doctor say? Why didn't anyone bother telling me?”  Mingi exclaimed angrily like it would have been Jongho’s fault. Seonghwa could feel how the car's speed increased a bit after that.

“Exhaustion? Overwork? Same things we've been telling him for ages. But Sannie said they couldn’t confirm one hundred percent. He is prohibited from leaving his house this weekend.”  Jongho said and probably didn’t believe his words. Mingi and Yunho scoffed like one.

“Good luck locking that workaholic down.”  Mingi sighed, his voice still very much in disbelief.  “Should we try though? I might have a rope somewhere.”

“I don’t want to lose my job,”  Jongho replied, missing the joke, or not. It was hard to tell.  “Anyway, if you want me to take Seonghwa-yah, I can be next to KHJ in twenty minutes or so.” 

“We’re almost there. See you soon.”  Mingi said his goodbyes with a clear hint that the interrogation about Hongjoong wasn’t over yet.

Seonghwa, now fully awake, still pretended asleep with another tense feeling rising inside. He was processing the fact that he would see Hongjoong today. Even if it was only for a twenty-minute ride, even if the man would be sleeping (better). This time, Seonghwa at least had time to mentally prepare himself for the scent that would fill his lungs - it almost made him sob out loud.  Please please  - his inner self pleaded. Even if it was for a moment, he needed that today so much before another week without it.

By now, Seonghwa had memorized all the turns towards the company so well that he knew where Mingi pulled into the parking lot next to KHJ. The beta stopped the car and killed the engine. Seonghwa’s little inhales were louder than the silence in the car.

“I should get going.”  Yunho then said after an entire minute of the tension. Seonghwa could understand him, they spent two hours like this, and even if Yunho wanted to learn more about Hongjoong it might have been a bit too much for him.  “Thanks for… taking me back. Tell Hyung goodbye for me.”

Seonghwa felt a breeze entering the car when Yunho opened the door.

“You… you were serious?”  Mingi’s words were nothing but a small whisper. 

“About what?”  Yunho asked, still inside the car.

“That you let it go.”  Although it sounded impossible, Mingi said even quieter than before.

“What do you want to hear, Mingi?”  Yunho sighed.  “I’m paying for my mistakes now. Sorry, it had to involve you too.”  The alpha sounded clear as day, and yet something stopped him from getting out now.  “I wish I could say something more, but…”

“You always had something to say!”  Mingi interrupted as his patience turned into crumbs.

“Yeah, I did. And I’m sorry that wasn’t enough. I’m sorry, I’m not what you needed.”  Yunho breathed in.  “I gave everything I could. There is nothing else left. I’m sorry, Mingi.”  Seonghwa heard a rustling when Yunho intended to leave.

“Stop apologizing!!”  Mingi shouted, causing even Seonghwa to flinch in the back seat, but hopefully, they were too busy with their stuff to notice that. The omega still couldn’t resist slightly opening his eyes, when he heard the doors shutting. He saw Mingi leaning over Yunho, holding the door handle.

“What are you doing?”  Yunho asked, his voice heavy.

“You don’t understand.”  Mingi sounded completely terrified.  “Four years of you screaming how much you love me and how you need me to love you back, yet you still don’t understand a thing!!” 

“What?... I don’t understand what?”  Yunho was exactly the opposite - the louder Mingi spoke, the quieter his answers were.

“How am I supposed to love  you  when I don’t love myself??”  Mingi spoke in such a devastating tone that Seonghwa stopped pretending he wasn’t awake. By this time, they both probably realized he had woken up anyway. Or not.

“You—”

“You wanted me? Me? You know that these come in a package, right?!”  The beta continued like he had been meaning to shout his lungs out for way too long. Seonghwa now clearly saw him angrily opening the glove compartment in front of Yunho.

He started pulling out something from there, dropping everything on frozen Yunho’s lap. Seonghwa couldn’t see clearly what that was. The omega only heard rattling sounds, like little plastic bottles with something inside them. He tried to count. Three? Four? At least five bottles.

“Mingi-yah… what is… what is this?”

“Me! The one you think you love doesn’t exist! I’m just half of that illusion you had created. The other half is ugly. And I kept it away from you because you don’t deserve this…”  Mingi leaned back in his seat, his breathing more chaotic by every second.  “I’m just a mentally unstable suicidal freak… How would I love you? How do you imagine… that?”

“You never—”  Yunho’s whole body was turned to Mingi.

“Never told you?”  Mingi laughed sarcastically.  “How do you even start this kind of conversation? Hi, I’m cuckoo bananas in my head, so I am unable to feel, but I’m selfish, so love me, admire me, want me because I need it to keep myself sane.” 

Seonghwa wasn’t sure who sobbed first - he, trying to cover his lips so Yunho and Mingi wouldn’t notice, or the beta, when Yunho leaned at him, dropping all the boxes on the floor off his lap.

“Mingi-yah…”  he tried for hell knows what time to speak, but Mingi still didn’t let him.

“And you are here apologizing for shits, but I’m the one broken! And you know that broken things can’t be the same again!”  He kept pouring his heart into Yunho’s shoulder but didn’t try to push the man away.  “After that night, you also kept apologizing! You always do that! Always make me feel worse, it’s my fault— mine—“

“Mingi!”  Yunho grabbed Mingi’s shoulders and with one move, pulled him into a hug. In dim shadows and street lights falling on the car, Seonghwa saw Yunho’s hand on Mingi’s nape, holding him tightly so the beta couldn’t move away.

“Why didn’t you answer? How could you not answer?? I’m your friend! I’m yours…”  Mingi sobbed so loudly that Seonghwa felt tears in his own eyes.  “I waited… and waited. How long would you have made me wait if I didn’t come today?!”

“Mingi-yah… calm down, I’m begging… you’re shivering,”  Yunho whispered, his face close to Mingi’s ear.  “There wasn’t a day I didn’t think about you. I wanted to isolate my feelings… and I almost did, but only thought, that I wouldn’t be able to think about you, had changed my mind.”

“I can’t… I don’t know… I can’t give you… what….”  Mingi failed to calm down, he seemed to shatter even more with each word Yunho said.  “Because what… What if I hurt you? What if I hurt you the same as I hurt myself?”

Seonghwa slowly sat up, wiping those few tears that escaped his eyes, and wishing to get out. Give them some space and privacy. None of them needed him here. Seonghwa and Yunho’s teary eyes met, and then the omega opened the door as quietly as he could and got outside, shutting the door after himself.

Oddly, the summer evening wasn’t as hot as Seonghwa expected. Or maybe the inner shivers made him tremble. He breathed in, hugging himself around the waist, staring at the skyscraper in front as if seeing it for the first time. Most of the lights were off, but it still stood there impressively powerful and dazing just like a month ago.

“Seonghwa-yah? Are you alright?” 

The omega raised his eyes at the speaker, having no strength to show surprise when it happened to be Jongho. Seonghwa had never seen him dressed so casually - jeans and a long-sleeved thin sweater. As Seonghwa saw his hair messily falling on his forehead, he realized that Jongho was the youngest from his friend group. Sometimes, because of his serious approach, it was very easy to forget that.

“Our plan worked.”  Seonghwa weakly smiled, stepping closer to the alpha, skipping all the details in between that no one needed to know.  “I think they will talk, at least.”

“Is that the stomach bug? Do you want to go to the hospital? You’re pale.”  Jongho ignored Seonghwa’s efforts to act as if nothing happened. The man caught him by his shoulders, and only then Seonghwa realized that his knees were giving up.

“Thanks, Jongho-yah…”  Seonghwa managed to correct his balance, and Jongho immediately moved his hands away.  “But I just want to go home. That's all I need, don’t worry.”

And hopefully, he could see Hongjoong in that car behind Jongho. But the windows of his Mercedes were too dark, and Seonghwa. He even tried to inhale deeper but only scented the heavy city air. Maybe he was wrong, maybe he misunderstood Jongho’s words during the call. That wouldn’t be surprising, knowing how tired Seonghwa felt.

“Get comfortable. I will be back. Give me a minute to talk with those two.”  Jongho nodded and walked towards his car to open the doors for Seonghwa.

“Tell them I said goodbye.”  He asked, feeling only slightly guilty about walking away without a word. He had already broken their privacy enough times today. The rest was up to Jongho.

The omega hesitated before taking Jongho's offer when the alpha opened the back door. Seonghwa wanted to sit in the passenger seat in front. Although Jongho said before that Hongjoong was sleeping, there was always a possibility he might wake up. Not to mention other reasons. First and probably most important - Seonghwa didn’t plan to meet him today, so he hasn’t applied scent blockers. No matter how much his inner self wanted to be close to the alpha, only the thought of this ending up the same as in the KQ Event made Seonghwa sicker.

The seconds were ticking, and Seonghwa had to make a move before Jongho suspected something. Seonghwa first looked inside before climbing in, his senses instantly becoming stiff. He was there. Hongjoong. The omega instantly held his breath just for the sake of stopping the man's scent from reaching his lungs too fast. Jongho raised his thumb, once Seonghwa was inside, and gently closed the door. Then the cool dim darkness surrounded him.

Seonghwa closed his eyes, leaning back in the seat, and only after counting until three breathed out, letting the man’s scent sink into him. He noticed right away that it was different than usual - faint. Very light, like someone had dug out the trees, like there was no green like the sand had taken over, consuming it all. 

He slowly opened his eyes and found him again. Hongjoong was across from him. His head rested against the head of the seat, his lips slightly parted although his expression was restless. Seonghwa never saw his bare face - without makeup, he somehow looked even younger. A little bit more familiar to Seonghwa's soul, but not to his eyes. Jongho didn’t lie… Hongjoong was weak. The omega breathed in once again, feeling how the void that had been killing him for weeks disappeared - like it never existed. So that was what he needed? Hongjoong’s silent presence? Not even love, not voice, not deep gaze, only this little… this little - to be able to breathe with him. No fear, no heartache… if it always would be this simple.

Seonghwa’s hand shivered, but he didn’t reach out to touch Hongjoong’s dark brown curls covering his forehead and eyes, no matter how badly he suddenly itched to do so. He tried to calm his heart, completely dazed as if walking in the forest. And with every step Seonghwa took, he saw more green, more vitality, more… just more. Just in another universe, another dimension, another life.

The next second he was already looking at Hongjoong’s opened eyes. It was a weird moment because even after being caught staring, Seonghwa couldn’t look away. Hongjoong eyelids heavily moved, still drowsy.

“I’m in hell…” 

The alpha’s raspy voice took Seonghwa’s breath away. Hongjoong felt like he was in hell, while Seonghwa, for this moment, lived in heaven. Seonghwa moved his fingers back; he didn't realize his hand was already in between them. The omega opened his mouth to apologize, but his eyes widened in fright when Hongjoong suddenly caught his wrist. The alpha held tightly, but not painfully. Desperately. Their locked stares, the pull, the scent, their burning touch - everything felt wrong and, at the same, right. Hongjoong closed his eyes as if he were in another wave of agonizing and endless suffering.

“Fuck it. Fuck everything.”  He cursed and pressed Seonghwa’s wrist to his lips.

Softer than anything Seonghwa’s fingers touched, hotter than the thousand suns - the drums in his chest screeched from the sensation that the touch of Hongjoong’s touch raised. The man sank his mouth more, pressing the inner part of his bottom lip to Seonghwa’s scent gland on the wrist as if deepening the kiss. The omega sharply inhaled through his teeth, eyes still fixed on the delusional view - Hongjoong’s lips willingly on his skin. Seonghwa’s stiff fingers relaxed, fingertips brushing against Hongjoong’s soft bangs on his forehead.

Seonghwa had no space for any thoughts or actions, he had no desire to do anything to stop it or encourage him more. Seonghwa wasn't even sure what he was feeling at that moment. Something that still hasn’t been named in any dictionary around the world. 

Hongjoong, with his eyes still firmly shut, slightly smiled into Seonghwa’s wrist with a pure relief painted across his face, and then, instead of letting the omega go, he led Seonghwa’s hand towards his throat. The alpha groaned at the feeling that must have hit him. Hongjoong was  scenting  him. The omega, before he could stop himself, for the first time moaned into the completely unknown sensation of someone else's scent floating into him. An alpha. Hongjoong. His forest.

Seonghwa completely lost himself, his muscles relaxing, his lips parting.

“Hongjoong…”  the omega sang with the deepest voice he ever got out from his throat.

The alpha's eyes snapped open to the sound, and Seonghwa’s hand helplessly fell on the seat between them. The omega gazed at Hongjoong's terrified expression confused. His chest vibrated before he released a tiny sob. His wrist, where the man’s fingers were just a moment ago, was freezing. 

But instead of helping him in any way, Hongjoong almost kicked the door off and ran away, leaving Seonghwa in complete darkness. It hurt. Hurt more than the words the alpha told him during the event, more than learning his relationship with Eden. Because Seonghwa’s preheat messed up his brain into disgusting animalistic thoughts - he was unwanted. Not needed. Pathetic omega. Useless omega.

The driver's door opened.

“Hongjoong!!”  Jongho shouted but remained next to the car.  “What the—”  the man stuck his head inside and glanced at Seonghwa. The omega only guessed how distorted his expression was because Seonghwa knew he was already crying without realizing it.  “Screw that,”  Jongho said, sitting in and starting the car.

They drove through the city, only with the soft piano music in the background, but it took Seonghwa a while until he could move his hand from the spot where Hongjoong dropped it. The omega moved it closer to himself like it wasn’t a part of his body anymore. Dark and negative thoughts were still waving inside his head.

“I am… not good at words like… San or others.”  Jongho admitted breaking the uneasy atmosphere.  “It’s even harder to say something when I don’t know what happened. But something did. Do you want me to say something?”

Seonghwa almost always admired Jongho’s ability to see through it all, but this time, he wished that the man hadn’t because no matter what, it was wrong. Everything about this was so wrong.

“I like the piano…”  Seonghwa whispered, looking through the window at the flashing lights. They were blurry from the transparent pearls that just didn’t stop gathering in his eyes. One day - Seonghwa promised to himself - he would become stronger, but not now.

“Alright,”  Jongho replied, making the music a little bit louder and they again drowned in their usual mutual silence. 

The rest of the time in the car had disappeared under the soft notes and Seonghwa’s silent sobs, and when Jongho parked Seonghwa needed a moment to make himself move. He secretly wished for this to last longer, so he wouldn’t have to go back home and face Wooyoung and the pain.

“Do you need… help?”  Jongho didn’t urge him to leave. It was a simple offer.

“No. I’m fine.”  Physically   Seonghwa felt better since the moment he saw Hongjoong. There was technically nothing wrong with him, yet he felt devastating. Because Seonghwa would have rather drank another spiked cocktail than deal with crushing emotions. “Will you… join the game night at San’s?”  Seonghwa wasn’t even sure if that was happening or if Mingi decided to go after all, but didn’t know what else to ask. Honestly, anything but the elephant in the room.

“No one invited me, so no,”  Jongho answered simply, but Seonghwa registered an odd note in his tone. Sadness. He would have invited Jongho to watch a movie or something, but not today.

“Thank you for taking me home. Rest well, Jongho-yah.”  Seonghwa replied, finally opening the door.

“See you in a week.”  the man nodded.

Seonghwa noticed that the alpha's car didn’t move even when the omega was out. Only when Seonghwa opened the outer door, did the car’s light turn on. It was so sweet of Jongho to ensure Seonghwa was inside before driving off. Jongho was a good person. He tried his best. Even if it didn't seem so sometimes. No matter who his mate was, they were lucky to have him.

Incredibly thankful for the elevator, Seonghwa got out on the right floor and went to the door. He was met by darkness. Wooyoung wasn’t back yet. Maybe it was better that way. Definitely, better. For the first time in a while Seonghwa wanted to be alone. His best friend's energy was something he couldn’t match now.

Seonghwa walked to his room, dropped his phone on the nightstand, and sat down on the cold bed. After a long exhale, Seonghwa let his body completely break, falling on the mattress. He closed his eyes, still in disbelief that yet another crazy day in his life had ended. The most unbelievable of all, to be honest. For now - he dared to think.

Seonghwa crawled more into his bed, not bothering to change. He closed his eyes, bringing his hands closer to his face, like wishing to hide. And then he smelled it. The forest on his wrist. Seonghwa was so hurt by Hongjoong’s reaction that his mind completely ignored the fact that he still had the alpha’s scent on himself. Stronger than ever before. Not even Hongjoong’s jacket smelled as strong as Seonghwa’s wrist now.

“Hongjoong… why…”  nuzzled, pressing his lips against his skin - the same place where Hongjoon’s mouth was as if he could still feel him there.  “Why…” 

He wasn’t sure what kind of answer he needed to that one word. Seonghwa never felt sexually attracted to anyone, even his heats were weird. As in, not typical for an omega, especially for a dominant one. Since what happened in his home town before he escaped, even when hormones made him aroused during heat, Seonghwa had never felt his own slick. Like he was so fucked up inside his head, so scared that his body blocked any access to feel. Not like anyone knew about that except for him. Not like it would ever matter.

Seonghwa gasped into his skin when he understood that he had been thrusting his hips against his sheets, searching for any kind of friction to relieve himself. It scared Seonghwa to the core because this arousal didn’t come from his heat. All of it was because of that forest and rain scent that soaked into him, messing everything up. Seonghwa groaned in frustration, trying so hard to resist, but his hips kept moving, free hand bringing one of the pillows down, so he could hump against it.

Seonghwa cried, pushing his face against his wrist. How badly he hated this. How badly he wanted to stop but couldn’t.

“No… no…”  he gritted his teeth almost painfully, trying to control his body, but it was off his hands already. The omega inside him had given up on something it desired the most, and Seonghwa was so painfully hard inside his tight pants that it drove him crazy.

Wooyoung would have stopped him. Wooyoung wouldn’t have let him do this. He would have kicked Seonghwa to wash off Hongjoong’s scent before it was too late. Now Seonghwa was just a pathetic omega, trying to feel any kind of relief, using the scent that caused nothing more than misery. 

Seonghwa closed his eyes so hard that his eyelids started to hurt. He would rather feel pain than let himself imagine Hongjoong’s mouth on his wrist, the inner part of his lips wetting his skin, then pressing Seonghwa’s wrist to his scent glands.

Seonghwa dug his nails into the sheets, a moan escaping his lips when the tension exploded inside into a million pieces, his vision going white. Seonghwa came inside his pants, his hips continuing to shiver even after he went down from his high.

“I’m… I am sorry…. I’m sorry…”  he loudly broke right after. Seonghwa gripped the edge of his sheets, rubbing his wrist too hard. Until his skin became red and twitched in pain so much that it hurt more than his heart.  “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”  Seonghwa was so embarrassed, so conflicted, and paranoid that he could barely breathe. 

The sobs coming deep down from his chest were meant for his mother, for the last promise he made to her. And yet here he was, falling in love with an alpha, pleasing himself to his scent. The guilt Seonghwa felt couldn’t be measured in any words or actions. He was pathetic. Pathetic omega. Pathetic human as well. Bad son, who even after his mother’s death managed to break the promises.

Seonghwa opened his eyes the next morning feeling much better than he deserved. His thoughts from yesterday kept coming back to him, but Seonghwa tried to ignore most of them - he knew that low self-esteem wasn’t a part of his true self. He didn’t hate himself, only one part that couldn’t be changed. Seonghwa breathed in a little bit, waiting for his cramps to hit, but nothing happened. So it wasn’t his preheat? He felt puzzled about what was going on with his body. 

He cried himself to sleep last night, so he felt absolutely disgusting. Seonghwa groaned, getting off the bed and slowly walking towards the bathroom to take a shower. He tried to ignore the mess he found after taking off his pants but was glad that only his underwear suffered, so he wouldn’t need to go through a guilt trip, taking his pants to dry cleaning.

Seonghwa always spent a ridiculous amount of time in the shower, but today, he stood there until his skin almost wrinkled. His mind ran through the things that happened yesterday, but it seemed like they were already distant when he had a whole free week in front of him. Seonghwa was in the middle of drying his hair, only with the towel around his hips, when he heard his phone ring.

Seonghwa went out, running through his dark strands with his fingers. He didn’t notice how his hair got long again. One of the days, he had an appointment with a hairdresser after coming back to work, as Mingi had explained that it was not up to Seonghwa anymore what kind of hairstyle he would have to wear.

Seonghwa blinked when he saw the caller’s name. He just thought about the beta, and he saw MINGKI ❤️❤️ flashing on his screen, with a silly Mingi’s photo, showing off his tongue, that Yunho took on their night out.

“Mingi-yah! Morning, how are you?”  Seonghwa breathed in before answering. He tried to sound as cheerful as possible, although his mind was empty, still not recovered from yesterday’s breakdown.

“It’s Yunho. I don’t have my phone with me, but I wanted to call you, and Mingi-yah is still sleeping.”  The alpha responded so naturally that Seonghwa’s jaw dropped but at the same warmth filling his chest

“Hi, Yunho-yah…”  He giggled.  “I guess… you talked it out then?”  Seonghwa carefully guessed.

“Um… honestly, we barely spoke after. I drove us back to Mingi’s place, and stayed over… but nothing happened. He clung to me the whole night though.”  Yunho sounded rather happy about that than worried.  “But this call was supposed to be about you. Jjong was so suspicious about that stomach bug, but I think I convinced him. Are you alright?”

Seonghwa’s eye twitched as he dragged his sheets off his bed, with a free hand to keep himself busy and not say something he would regret.

“I’m feeling fine. Really! Throwing up must have helped and… I just slept it off, I guess.”  He tried to answer as shortly as possible.  “I don’t think Jongho-yah suspected anything.”  Seonghwa couldn’t remember him asking doubtful questions. 

“Good then.”  Yunho sighed in relief.  “I’m just so glad I was the one who found you, Hyung. Although… it seemed like you… were terrified of me.”

“Ah…”  Seonghwa cleared his throat.  “I think… I was in general triggered by what happened and couldn’t understand much. I’m sorry.”  he successfully lied with a shaking voice.  “But… I’m also so glad and thankful it was you, Yunho-yah. Are you coming back?”  Seonghwa finally could ask the thing that was bothering him the most.

“I don’t know yet,”  Yunho admitted.  “Although I managed to stop myself from isolation, I don’t know if I’m ready yet. And things about Mingi-yah I heard yesterday… I still can’t wrap my head around some of them. I don’t know how he managed to hide it for so long. I feel… I feel so guilty for pushing him to do things.”  Yunho quietly groaned in frustration.  “And I don’t want to force him to tell me anything if he is not ready. At the same time, I want to protect him so badly. I’m just afraid it will be the same as before… and I can’t take it anymore.”  he confessed in a quiet voice.

Seonghwa listened to this with a small smile on his lips. He stopped in the middle of the room with sheets pressed against his chest, wishing he could see Yunho's eyes.

“I might not know much about relationships… but he just spent the night holding on to you, Yunho-yah. He missed you so much.”  Seonghwa said without a doubt in his voice. 

“I… know he did. I missed him too. It’s just so complicated, Hyung.”  Yunho sighed deeply, and Seonghwa heard a little thud sound as if Yunho had hit his head against the table.  “There are things… other reasons why I needed to take a break.”

“Is it somehow related to that girl you've been seeing?”  Seonghwa asked, with a frown. It was hard to understand why Yunho would be fighting against the obvious.  “Oh… oh sorry Yunho! it’s… not my business.”  Seonghwa was quick to get himself back together, but still dropped his sheets on the floor. Who pulled his damn tongue?!

To his surprise, Yunho laughed, with a little stifled snort.

“You mean my sister-in-law?”  He kept giggling.  “She’s five months pregnant and kept dragging me out for walks every day, saying she needs protection while my brother is at work. I know she was just worried about me sitting at home all the time.”  A soft smile in Yunho's voice didn't disappear as he continued talking.  

“Oh… oh… oh my Yunho-yah!”  Seonghwa found himself giggling from the instant relief and even weird happiness.

“She is also a foreigner, so I got the chance to practice my English! See, only good things. She is an angel.”  Yunho sounded relaxed about a different topic, and Seonghwa’s heart fluttered hearing him talk like his usual self.  “Talking about the alphas…. Did you manage to kick Hongjoongie out of the car or something?”  He then asked.

“Ah… no. He woke up and… left.”  Seonghwa admitted, suddenly falling into a weird slumber again. Only a thought of yesterday made him want to crawl back to bed.  “He didn’t… tell you anything?”

“No, he went alone in the opposite direction. Anyway… I think Mingi texted him later, and he replied he was home already. Hell knows what was going on in his head. I swear he is not even trying to act nice.”  Yunho made a dramatic sound with his lips, and Seonghwa could almost see him rolling his eyes. 

Seonghwa decided to let it go before they accidentally went to a dangerous topic that since last time (about him being in love with Hongjoong) was hanging on a thread. As long as Hongjoong was safe at home, it didn’t matter.

“Yunho-yah, you said there are other things… why do you need a break? Did something else happen?”  Seonghwa wondered. Yunho didn’t need to question that the omega was listening to his every word.

“Just… something happened… and… had to go to see my doctor but… oh, I think Mingki is up. Don’t worry about me! Let’s talk again soon!”  Yunho promised with rushed words and ended the call before Seonghwa got a chance to answer.

“Yunho-yah…” 

Seonghwa sighed, various scenarios running through his head. Why would Yunho need to see a doctor? He looked healthy, as always. But so did Mingi. Seonghwa was reaching for sheets on the floor when several notifications popped on his screen. Seonghwa pressed Wooyoung’s name first out of habit. He had left him a voice message. Yesterday. Seonghwa must have been already asleep when he received it.

FROM: WOO-YAH❤️

[FRIDAY 11:56 PM]

Voice message {00:15}:  

I’m staying over at a friend’s place. Don’t wait for me. I will try to come back tomorrow in the afternoon. 

Seonghwa frowned at Wooyoung’s voice, then listened to his message again. It was only fifteen seconds long yet made Seonghwa’s heart drop. Something was wrong. He knew how drunk Wooyoung sounded. He knew his angry or annoyed voice as well - this didn’t fit in any of those categories. Sad? No… not even that. He just was… off. Like he had forced those words out. And according to the app, Wooyoung didn’t come back online since he sent this. Seonghwa immediately tried to call him - but the phone was off. The most frustrating thing was that Seonghwa had no idea what friends he was with nor where they went - he had nothing to grab on.

He instructed himself to stop overthinking before he started to lose his mind from worrying. There were so many possibilities. Wooyoung's phone died, and he had nowhere to charge. That was probably it. It was just a little bit past twelve - Wooyoung still had enough time to return until the late afternoon. Of course, he would explain everything then. He would listen to what Seonghwa had to say as well.

Seonghwa let down his eyes at the phone again, and the device slipped from his fingers on the sheet with a loud gasp that escaped his lips. He quickly leaned down to pick up his phone again, when an initial wave of panic passed away. Was he imagining things? No, he wasn’t.

Seonghwa only with that damn towel around himself, kneeling on his dirty sheets, pressed the phone so hard in his hand as if scared the letters might disappear. Hongjoong had texted him. Three times. And each of them brought a different spectrum of emotions.

FROM: CAPTAIN DEVIL

[SATURDAY 9:09 AM]

Message:   Has your heat already started?

Excuse me?  Seonghwa read it twice to make sure he understood it correctly. The reason why Hongjoong asked for this had to be related to work. Why else would he even bother to text?

FROM: CAPTAIN DEVIL

[SATURDAY 9:15 AM]

Message:   If not, we need to talk. 

Talk?  Seonghwa held his breath. As in a call? Or did Hongjoong want him in the office? Wasn’t he told to stay at his home this weekend? Did it mean Seonghwa would have to go to his house? He almost choked on this thought. No way, there was no way he would go there alone.

FROM: CAPTAIN DEVIL

[SATURDAY 9:16 AM]

Message:   About our problem.

Their  problem?  What exactly Hongjoong was referring to? Which event? What time? Whose feelings? At the KQ Event Hongjoong said he would solve this (whatever he had in mind), but did he find a solution? Was there one to begin with? Seonghwa almost whimpered, remembering what he did yesterday, affected by Hongjoong’s scent. This couldn’t get worse, right? That was as bad as his crush went?

Seonghwa slowly started typing, then deleted, and started typing again. Deleted. Hongjoong texted three hours ago and hasn't tried to call. Maybe it wasn’t that important? Maybe Seonghwa didn’t have to reply. Was he panicking? Very much. Was he still trying to collect words to answer? Not sure.

Seonghwa kneeled on the sheets until his knees started to hurt, and he became cold. But by the time he was almost satisfied with the answer. He deleted it one more time, wrote again, and then just pressed send before he changed his mind.

TO: CAPTAIN DEVIL

[SATURDAY 12:25 PM]

Message:   Hello, Hongjoong-shi. I am still able to meet if needed.

Why did he sound like this? Like an idiot? Hongjoong left him crying yesterday in the car, and all Seonghwa could do was jump right back to him. If he had told his heat had already started, then what? The omega hissed at himself before standing up. What if Hongjoong didn’t reply? 

He had to cross out this thought when, the next moment, his phone vibrated. Judging how Hongjoong’s eyes were on stuck screen most of the time, that man probably slept holding onto his phone.

FROM: CAPTAIN DEVIL

[SATURDAY 12:26 PM]

Message:   At the reception ask them to show you to the right floor.

{Location shared}

Seonghwa pressed his lips together, realizing he was right. Hongjoong wasn’t at KHJ now. For some reason, he always imagined that a CEO like him would have a house somewhere in Seoul’s suburbs, although an apartment did sound like a better solution for a person with a busy life. Seonghwa’s fingers shivered so badly, that it took him a few times to press the link which redirected him to the map application. Seonghwa blinked when he realized that he was looking at Seoul Sky, very well known as one of the best observatories in the city. Seonghwa, obviously, never visited the place himself but would be an idiot not to know the place, where stars in Seoul were the most clearly seen. He exited the app and clicked the shared link again, but still ended up on the same location.

TO: CAPTAIN DEVIL

[SATURDAY 12:30 PM]

Message:   I can come to the Observatory in two hours.

Seonghwa sent the message in case there was a misunderstanding, but what he got back wasn’t a reply. It was a simple thumb reaction to his message. 

Fuck. What would he wear? At his thought, Seonghwa put his phone to charge and rushed to his wardrobe. This place had changed a lot since he started working in KHJ and even more when Wooyoung joined. With Mingi’s order, his best friend took out most of Seonghwa’s old clothes, leaving him only a few sweaters, which Seonghwa had to hide in the deepest parts.

Not like his outfit now really mattered, not like Hongjoong was interested in his wear… and not like this was a… date. Seonghwa still couldn’t understand what Hongjoong might be doing in the observatory, and why had chosen that place to meet. He didn’t even mention the observatory itself. He said that someone at the reception would show him the way to the right floor. God, what if he had an apartment there??

After a bit (a lot) of consideration, Seonghwa chose an outfit he meant to wear at work one of the days as well. He thought that a loose long-sleeved white shirt matched quite well with brown high-waist pants. Seonghwa sighed when he had to take suppressants, but waited until the last moment, before leaving the apartment to apply scent blockers. His body instantly protested, when the spray stuffed his scent glands. After almost two weeks of not using this devilish thing, it was hard to come back to the nauseous feeling. Seonghwa was glad he had only a very light meal but still sat down on the floor against the door and waited until it became bearable. He also noticed that he didn’t have much liquid left in the little bottle of scent blockers. No wonder, since he kept using triple doses every day.

Still sitting on the floor, Seonghwa put on one shoe, then reconsidered his life choices and put on another one. He still was no good with makeup, and recently Wooyoung did it for him before leaving for morning classes. But this time Seonghwa was alone - he did whatever he could, so his face wouldn’t give out just how fragile he was inside after yesterday’s meltdown.

“You can do it, Park Seonghwa.”  He said out loud, standing up.  “How could this get worse?”

Only if he knew. He should really stop asking this question.

Reaching the Sky Tower wasn’t hard, the real challenge came when Seonghwa had to find a way to get inside. He entered through the main door just to find a giant line at the ticket stall. Seonghwa was not sure where it began and ended. He tried to ignore people, giving him a death glare, as he went towards the information desk and patiently waited until a foreign elderly couple finished torturing the poor lady with their questions listed on a sheet of paper.

“Good afternoon. How may I help you?”  The young girl politely smiled out of habit, looking at the screen when Seonghwa came closer.

“Hi… I was wondering if you would know where the reception is?”  Seonghwa asked, sounding less confused than he felt. The girl lifted her stare with a raised eyebrow. Seonghwa didn’t miss how she corrected her posture, her gaze becoming softer.

Oh, darling, if you only knew.

“Are you visiting any kind of office or a resident?”  she sweetly asked.

“I’m not sure. If you could look that up by name? It’s Kim Hongjoong.”  Soenghwa felt dumb for not asking Hongjoong more, but surely he would have felt even worse if he had asked and the alpha ignored him.

“Hongjoong-nim owns a studio on the 116th floor.”  She immediately answered, not even needing to look it up.  “Are you one of his models?”  He could hear her spirits going up to this idea.

Seonghwa breathed out.

“Just a… employee at the company.”  He admitted.  “Can I use those elevators?”  he pointed at the line of people.

“You will have to wait for hours to get there. Also, you need to sign in the registration book. The reception for the private and official visits is actually on the other side of the building.”  She explained with the same smile on her face.  “I could show you?”

“No need. I feel bad for taking your time here.”  Soenghwa bowed before rushing away, leaving her with a very disappointed expression.

Seonghwa walked around until he saw another glass door with the company names listed on the side in a silver frame. He couldn’t find anything related to KHJ and, for a moment, hesitated before entering. Maybe there was a third entrance somewhere?

“Good afternoon…” 

He decided to give it a shot anyway and bowed to the huge guard, who stood inside next to the door. Understandable, since the middle of June was boiling, and inside was blessed with an air conditioner. 

“I’m here for the meeting with Kim Hongjoong?”  Seonghwa said as if not stating but asking when the man gave him a questionable look. The guard looked honestly bored to the core - without a single word, he pointed at the register desk with a young man working behind it. Seonghwa went there and repeated the same question.

“Who is asking?”  the young man asked in a neutral tone, but his look was somehow a little bit too personal. Like Seonghwa wasn’t the first coming for this. 

“Mars.”  He answered.

The receptionist pressed a few buttons and held the phone next to his ear.

“Hongjoong-nim, you have a visitor… Mars?”  He listened.  “Yes, sir.”  the man again went quiet.  “Understood.”  then he ended the call and looked up at Seonghwa, even colder than before.  “Elevators on your right. 116th floor, the last door in the hallway,”  He said and then let his eyes down.

“I don’t… need to sign in the book?”  Seonghwa wondered, just in case the young man forgot.

“Hongjoong-nim didn’t want you to sign.”  His attention was already on his screen, but Seonghwa still noticed a judgmental frown that made him feel oddly dirty. Seonghwa walked away with his head down, not bothering to say anything else.

Once he was in the elevator and pressed to the right floor, Seonghwa felt his muscles tense. Only a powerful CEO would choose to own a studio in Seoul’s tallest building when he had his skyscraper. Seonghwa never had a chance to test it much, but he felt like he might have a fear of heights. And how about those looks he had received? Seonghwa didn’t expect himself to be the first visitor here, but he was far away from whatever those judged him to be. 

Seonghwa blinked, his head suddenly clearing from the view that opened in front of his eyes. Since one part of the elevator was from glass, suddenly the world got pushed under his feet while the breathtaking landscape of Seoul took place instead. Seonghwa still hasn’t found a moment to visit the terrace at KHJ, but this made him forget that tiny bit of regret he felt about it.

The sun was still up, but it didn’t stop Seonghwa from being overtaken by a powerful view of the gorgeous city with the Han River as the main accessory highlighting its greatness. Was Seonghwa supposed to feel big or small, looking down at blending tiny figures and cars? At some point, even the buildings started to remind him of toys. This view simply didn’t exist in real life, right? How could he feel so alone in a place with millions of people? He could scream from the bottom of his lungs, and no one would notice. No one would hear - no one would care who he was or where he came from.

However, his little dreamy journey ended before Seonghwa could enjoy the view properly. If he could, he spent hours just sitting here, waiting for the sunset and then night to come. And maybe then, for the first time in months, Seonghwa could see stars. That must have been the only thing he missed from his home town. A clear night sky - the time when he felt a little bit more connected to nature, less like a part of this cruel world. Constant city lights and pollution didn’t let him learn if stargazing would make him feel the same here.

Seonghwa was surprised at how fast and incredibly light this trip was but then walked into a closed space surrounded by doors and offices. Seonghwa was thrown a little bit back by reality - the reason why he came there today. He recalled the receptionist's words about where to find Hongjoong’s studio, but even without that Seonghwa already knew. The hallway was full of his scent, stronger and warmer than in the office. The light notes of the campfire played in between, making Seonghwa’s stiff body relax, although he still didn’t know the cause that made him feel that way. The scent sang to him, like luring him into a trap.  

Was it because of what happened yesterday? Or was it because of his approaching heat?  Please, don’t let him fall apart now. Seonghwa stopped next to the door, with Hongjoong’s name in a silver frame. He knocked twice before pushing down the handle, expecting to meet a room with tall windows and another view of the city. Instead, he found closed curtains and warm lights - not too bright, just enough to feel comfortable.

The first thing Seonghwa noticed in the spacious room was the artistic chaos - the one that Hongjoong’s ‘official’ studio in KHJ lacked. The materials covered the floor like a carpet, mannequins lined up like giant dolls - some half-dressed, others used as hangers. Seonghwa’s eyes ran from the crowded magazines and fashion books on the shelves to pinned pictures, notes, and drawings on the walls.

And Hongjoong, like the main prize, sat on the floor in the middle of endless mountains made from papers and sketches. The man's curly hair was pushed up with a red headband, opening a clear view of his forehead and eyes; he held a pencil between his lips, eyes running through the notebook pages in his hands. Seonghwa cleared his dry throat, gaze sinking into the alpha's outfit preference - an oversized white pullover and ripped jeans, his bare feet on the floor crossed in a lotus pose.

Seonghwa didn't know how long he stood stunned as if expecting that this was Hongjoong’s never-mentioned twin and that the real man was hiding somewhere else. Not only did his mind freeze, but his body also reacted in the oddest ways - Seonghwa's heart loudly pounded in his chest, with those heavy thuds he could hear even at the back of his head.

Hongjoong slowly raised his almond eyes from whatever he was looking at, the pencil still between his puff lips, and darted at Seonghwa, his gaze stuck between curious and intimidating. Another wave of shivers ran through the omega's back, his heart skipping at least a few beats. Although Hongjoong was wearing some makeup today, Seonghwa saw his raw expression - only for a moment, but a real one. Like back then in Jongho's car.

Hongjoong closed the notebook, taking the pencil out from between his lips, but still pressed the flat end of it against his chin. His tongue played with the piercing on his bottom lip, eyes still holding Seonghwa in place, the corner of his lips curving into a familiar grin.

“Will you close the door today or not?”  The man’s voice tinged in Seonghwa’s ears, waking him from a weird yet soft delusion.

Right. Here he was.

“Sorry…” 

Seonghwa quickly did as he was told, then kicked off his shoes, staying with the socks, but remained in the same place. He had been here less than a minute, yet chills already run down his spine from the cooler temperature than in the rest of the building. With these air conditioner settings, no wonder Hongjoong needed a sweater.

Hongjoong’s eyes were already back on the notebook in his hands, although it was closed. Only now, it completely sank into Seonghwa’s mind - they had never been alone in the same room before off work (except for that one time when Seonghwa caught Hongjoong sleeping). In the office, there was always someone else coming here and there, or calling back and forth - working privacy was basically impossible, and now… now it felt unnatural. Kinda awkward.

“There is something for you on the table.”  Seonghwa was glad Hongjoong spoke first because he had no clue what to say. The omega blinked, carefully walking around the materials. The table was a pure mess covered with sewing materials and even more sketches. 

'Something for you' - Hongjoong said - funny phrase for a chaos like this. Something what? Seonghwa scanned the surface several times until that 'something' caught his attention. A magazine. With his face on the cover. Seonghwa picked it up faster than he realized what he was seeing. 

“It’s going to be out in stores at the end of next week, but you might want to see this before,”  Hongjoong said, and Seonghwa then slowly turned to the man.

“That’s me. On the ATEEZ magazine cover.”  Seonghwa let his mouth drop.

That photo of him with the long black sweater/dress from the first photo shoot. It didn’t matter that Seonghwa barely looked like himself with that gaze in it. Seonghwa still felt like he was sort of played.

“Facts. Congratulations?”  Hongjoong raised his eyebrow.

“I was told… they will only use the dress, I mean sweater, design for some outfit choices at the end of the magazine! Why… why am I on the cover??”  Seonghwa didn’t mean to sound so distressed, but Hongjoong was clearly holding back his smile, looking him straight in the eyes.

“I’m not the senior editor of the magazine. I only approve the last design before release.”  The man replied, shifting his pose, so he would face Seonghwa and dropping his notebook to the side. Seonghwa didn’t expect to get his full attention so suddenly. There was always a phone in Hongjoong's hands, so Seonghwa almost waited for the man to take it out. Hongjoong didn't.

“So you did approve this…?”  Seonghwa had no clue how the whole preparation of this magazine worked, so he could only catch on words.

“Well it’s printed, isn’t it? What do you think?”  The man grinned.

Seonghwa barely held himself back from hissing. Now Hongjoong was just straightforward teasing him. The omega flipped the pages until the last one, where he found all the names of the models. ' Cover Model: Mars.'  letters in italics released some of the tension inside him. So at the end of the next week, this was going to be everywhere in the stores. Officially accessible to the public. A magazine with his face on it.

“Why…. why did you want me to see this?”  Seonghwa asked, breathing in heavily.

“Would you rather learn about it from the calls that will fall on you?”  the man asked in surprise, maybe even confusion like he wasn’t expecting this question.  “You know just how many places offering contracts for photo shoots will want you to work for them?”  Hongjoong’s tone was low, but Seonghwa still caught a darker hint in his words.

“I work for KHJ.”  Seonghwa blinked at this. Why would he ever consider working somewhere else when his hands were full? Unless they would do photo shoots under the KHJ name? He meant to ask that but saved his words before he had achieved a daily limit.

It seemed that Seonghwa finally managed to crack the ice in Hongjoong’s face as the alpha stared at the omega for a long moment and then covered his mouth as if hiding the expression that tried to break in.

“Jongho-yah will find you a decent manager.”  the man promised, clearing his throat and then taking back his notebook. 

Seonghwa didn’t know what to do with this new information. He would need a manager now. It would only make sense - the company was investing money in him with all those lessons he had been attending. He put the magazine back on the table, somehow suppressing the wish to snap a photo for Wooyoung. Hongjoong seemed too interested in his notes for the moment, but Seonghwa still didn’t risk it. Instead, he looked at mannequins against the wall. One of them had a black leather corset with stunning silver ornaments.

“You like it?”  He heard Hongjoong’s question but didn’t take his eyes away.

Seonghwa loved it. He never felt such a pull toward a piece of clothing, but the corset brought something Seonghwa didn’t know he had in himself - the way he wanted to know how those beautiful silky laces threaded in grommets felt against his body was almost weird.

“It… looks tight,”  he mumbled out.

“Corsets are meant to highlight a beautiful waist.”  The man answered slowly, like putting in a personal input, and Seonghwa almost felt his knees go weak.

Seonghwa turned at Hongjoong, and their eyes met. His serious icy gaze and Seonghwa’s surprised eyes were fixed for a little too long, and Seonghwa felt how he started running out of air.

“Hongjoong-shi, why did you want to meet today? It didn’t sound like it was about the magazine?”  Seonghwa said first, walking closer to the man, avoiding the materials on the floor. Wasn’t his visit here already too long? Seonghwa was sure that Hongjoong couldn’t handle staying with him in the same space for longer than ten minutes.

The CEO didn’t seem in a rush to reply. Maybe he just wasn’t used to being pressured to answer, instead, he always ordered around.

“I heard… you were not feeling well yesterday.”  Seonghwa spoke again, this time with a softer voice. He was already standing closer. Only a few steps away from the man on the floor. Hongjoong sat with his palms on his thighs, back straight, pose alert. So Seonghwa stopped and didn’t dare to make any other move.

“Yesterday…”  Hongjoong pushed out the word, like speaking was a part-time job he passionately hated.  “What I did was inappropriate.”  The man shot a gaze straight into Seonghwa’s soul, and the omega thought he might want to kneel for that man. Thankfully didn't.

What? What just happened? Did… did Kim Hongjoong just apologize to him?

“I was off… the scent blockers. I didn’t know we would meet, so it’s not entirely your fault… we were both tired.”  Seonghwa heard himself answering, although his inner self was screaming. He probably had one chance in his lifetime to accept Hongjoong’s apology and enjoy the power but instead made this all feel like an accident.

One of Seonghwa’s sides was preparing for another lecture, while the other expected a silent treatment. But the last thing he expected was for Hongjoong to smile - maybe it was only a slight twitch of his beautifully shaped lips, but the smile was still meant for him. More than that, they were having a normal conversation. Like two civilized people. If Seonghwa was in a dream he didn’t want to wake up. Something so tight unwrapped inside him at that moment. How can a person without putting in any effort be so attractive? Honestly, what Hongjoong said and did was the bare minimum, and here Seonghwa was about to melt.

Seonghwa was gathering the courage to bring up Hongjoong’s health again, wishing to ask what he was working on now and confess that this free outfit style made him look like a different person in a good way; also wonder why the man would have a studio in a place like this and keep the curtains closed. Seonghwa wanted to ask something, ask anything just to keep this going for a little bit longer.

But there was one enemy Seonghwa had, and it always interrupted at the worst possible timing - Hongjoong’s phone vibrated, and the man lifted a few things around himself until he found it. Hongjoong took a deep sigh only staring at the screen, and then stood up.

“I have a table reservation for lunch.”  He said casually, then walked towards the wardrobe on the other side of the room, grabbing his sweater on the collar and pulling it off himself with one smooth move.

Seonghwa's head spun at how fast he turned around, but he was in front of a giant mirror, so his eyes were still pointed at Hongjoong, now only in a white T-shirt. The man didn’t seem bothered by Seonghwa’s presence. He even turned to the omega, their eyes meeting in the mirror.

“So?”  Hongjoong raised an eyebrow.

So what? Did he ask something, and Seonghwa missed it? When the man lifted his arms, took off his headband, and fixed his curls, Seonghwa, in a speed of light, pointed his eyes at the feet. His heart flipped from a glimpse of a tattoo on Hongjoong’s upper arm, peeking through the T-shirt sleeve.

“I didn’t hear you, Hongjoong–shi…”  He mumbled,  feeling the man coming closer.

“You’re so easy to distract, Star.”  Seonghwa was perfectly aware that Hongjoong caught him staring. The alpha stopped by Seonghwa’s side, their gaze again meeting in the mirror.

Seonghwa didn’t want to think that way, but Hongjoong’s confidence and his own humble posture somehow intertwined so well. Both of them only looked at each other’s reflection caught in a weird but mutual moment - they did look good next to each other. 

Or Seonghwa was being delusional again? Most likely.

“I still need to talk with you.”  Hongjoong turned away, killing the moment, then took a short black jacket off the chair nearby.  “Are you good to go?”

Interesting way to invite someone for lunch.

“Well, I came because you wanted to talk with me, Hongjoong-shi.”  Seonghwa reminded and followed Hongjoong who was already putting on his shoes in a weirdly attractive way.  “I could help you clean around here?”  Seonghwa suggested. They wouldn’t leave all those things on the floor, right?

“It  is  clean.”  Hongjoong wasn’t rude, he honestly sounded a little bit disturbed.

Right. Artistic chaos.

Seonghwa was afraid of going into the elevator. It would be awkward to stand in such a cramped space with Hongjoong while watching the romantic view of the city. To his relief, a small group of people came out at the same time from another room, and they seemed familiar with Hongjoong. While the CEO held a short talk with one of them, and Seonghwa stayed at the back, invisible on purpose. No one was interested in who he was. Which was nice, and Seonghwa relaxed. He preferred to be in the corner rather than in the middle of attention. 

The last time Seonghwa got to sit in Hongjoong’s car, he was too drunk to register, but now he focused on the man's silver Maserati. Sitting in the passenger seat next to Kim Hongjoong felt different from doing the same with San or Mingi. And something… something was so attractive about Hongjoong driving a manual car by choice, his right hand remaining on the gearstick, while he handled the wheel with the left. Seonghwa waited for the awkwardness to hit, but it didn’t. The pleasant forest scent around him, the flying view of Seoul, the most handsome man, even the quiet music in the background… It made him happy. Seonghwa wanted to blame his upcoming pre-heat, but couldn’t stop singing inside. He didn’t mind the silence. He didn’t mind Hongjoong’s serious face. Seonghwa thought he wouldn’t have asked for anything else. Just this. Even in the most platonic way.

“Shit—”  Hongjoong breathed out, disturbing their cozy silence, when the music stopped, and instead San’s name flashed on the car’s touch screen. 

“Yes, San?”  He answered, giving a glance to Seonghwa to stay quiet.

“Joongie, are you sitting home like a good boy?”  San’s voice came from the speaker with a soft laugh.

“Where else?”  Hongjoong lied so naturally like he would be doing it every day. 

“Really? So if I said I’m in front of your house?”  San reacted calmly, but Seonghwa could tell he knew Hongjoong well enough to be suspicious.

“Then why the hell are you calling? You know the passcode.” 

Hongjoong answered in the same tone, and Seonghwa hoped the smile wasn't showing on his face. San and Hongjoong were teasing each other for sure, although Hongjoong’s expression was hard to read as always.

“Anyway, I just ended the meeting with the security team. Someone did try to break into—”

“Sure, call me later about that. I'm cooking now. Can’t speak.”  Hongjoong suddenly interrupted San in a strict tone, his eyes fixed on Seonghwa only for a moment, but enough to understand that he was the reason why Hongjoong stopped San from finishing the sentence.

“What? Didn’t know you can cook!.”  San answered confused, but still laughing.  “Okay. Jokes aside now. So remember when a week ago…”

“I’m busy. I will call you later about this.”  Hongjoong interrupted again, this time with a harsher tone than before. 

If they weren’t in the middle of the street, Seonghwa would have shown Hongjoong to stop somewhere. The omega could have easily waited until they were done with the talk because it did seem important if San called on Hongjoong’s day off. But they were about to drive into a difficult roundabout, and Seonghwa even heard a car honk.

“Hongjoong, you’re not at home!”  San suddenly realized as he heard additional noises.  “Where are you—”

“Busy. Talk to you later.”  Hongjoong said and ended the call, giving a death glare to the car next to him. If Seonghwa had been that driver, he would have already crashed somewhere.

San didn’t try to call again, and the rest of their trip was spent in silence, but now Seonghwa had another topic to think about. What exactly did San have in mind? Did someone try to break into the company? Or… somewhere else. Maybe Hongjoong shouldn’t waste time with him if he was needed somewhere else.

“We can talk right now, Hongjoong-shi. I don’t have to….”  Yet when Seonghwa gathered the courage to speak, Hongjoong was already parking.

They ended up going to the restaurant anyway. Seonghwa had repeated to himself that it wasn’t a date, more like a business meeting, right? However, the more time passed, the more suspicious Seonghwa became, thinking what was keeping Hongjoong from speaking. The man was always straightforward when it came to something he needed. Something held him back now.

Seonghwa didn’t expect them to have lunch in a three-Michelin-star restaurant but was still surprised to find this place looking… normal. Probably something he could also afford now with a good (amazing) salary. It was a modern and aesthetic bistro, actually full of busy people who seemed to be either working while eating or deep in their conversations. Seonghwa was still looking around, appreciating the photo-worth place with the mirrors, bright ceilings, beautiful bar, and green plants against the windows.

The waiting staff didn’t ask Hongjoong’s name, confirming Seonghwa’s guess that he was a frequent guest there. The waitress gave them a minute to sit down at their desk next to the window with the view of a busy street before coming back.

“Good Afternoon, Hongjoong-nim, would you like to look at today’s menu or would you like your usual?”  she spoke in a friendly voice, with that kind of sweet note on top that made Seonghwa a little bit irritated.

“Usual. And sparkling water as well.”  Yet the man answered completely uninterested in her, already typing something on his phone. For the first time, Seonghwa was glad to see that phone in his hands.

“How about you, sir?”  She then gave attention to Seonghwa.

“Umm… actually, I am not very hungry. Can I have tea—”

“Oh, my God… you’re that new model! Mars, right?!”  the girl suddenly snapped, making Seonghwa flinch, and Hongjoong raised his eyes from the phone.  “I’m sorry!”  she quickly waved her hands.  “I just follow every event… and I saw your picture on today’s news from yesterday’s SMTown Event, you went with… with Song Mingi, right?”  her cheeks blushed from an emotional talk.  "I'm so sorry... but you're so handsome in person..."

“Ah… ye-s… that's me... what...”  Seonghwa pushed out, his cheeks turning bright red as well. It was the first time someone recognized him in public and it felt weird. Plus Seonghwa wasn’t mentally prepared for this.

“Is that considered a norm now? To behave like this?”  Hongjoong raised an eyebrow at the waitress.  “Can we have lunch in peace?”  His clenched fist on the desk was a clear hint that he wouldn’t tolerate unsupervised fan behavior.

“Yes, sir…. I’m so sorry…”  She deeply bowed, then quickly double-checked what tea Seonghwa wanted and disappeared with the order.

“And the magazine is not out yet…”  Hongjoong spoke to himself because his eyes were back on the device.  “You didn’t want to eat?”

“No, thank you.” 

Seonghwa somehow collected himself after this awkward situation.   Despite scent blockers, Seonghwa felt like he could eat, but this whole situation was stressful enough. He just wanted, finally, for the man to speak, before Seonghwa started daydreaming that this might be something more. 

Hongjoong put the phone down only when a different waitress returned with their drinks. Seonghwa got a little heart-shaped cookie next to his tea and almost giggled at how badly he wanted to take a picture of it. Seonghwa quickly peeked at Hongjoong, hoping he would be looking somewhere else, but the alpha’s eyes were fixed on the omega. Only now Seonghwa realized he was softly smiling.

“I won’t judge,”  Hongjoong said as if reading Seonghwa’s mind.

“Ah… no nothing like that.”  Seonghwa waved hands, pushing a few strands behind his ear.

“I found a specialist in France, who… is known for his research about pheromones and scents….”  Hongjoong’s change of the topic was a little bit sudden and caught Seonghwa unprepared, but here he was soon breathing in every word.

“Oh?!”  Seonghwa straightened his back, his chest suddenly filling with a weird and heavy tension. Hongjoong was searching for a solution after what happened.

“I got… an appointment at the end of October,”  he continued.

“October?? That’s like… in more than four months!”  Seonghwa’s jaw dropped.

“Yes, well… if you have better suggestions…?”  Hongjoong licked his lip (this habit was really disturbing). Seonghwa remained silent.  “I would need you to come with me…”

“To France??”  Seonghwa snorted. He had never even been inside an airport, not even talking about leaving the country. Hongjoong’s face remained the same.  “Well… if that… if that would help you?”  Seonghwa’s voice was shaky as he answered, but not like Hongjoong asked in the first place. He just stated. Again, such a weird way to invite people.

Seonghwa was already shitting his pants, and nothing was confirmed yet. Was there even a way to prove that he was lying about the scent? So what if Hongjoong found out the real reason? Then what.

“Until then… I need your help as well.”  Hongjoong voice and eyes made everyone else in this restaurant disappear. 

He wasn’t using any demanding tone. For the first time, he was actually asking. His gentle tone with open gaze made Seonghwa lean in, and believe that Hongjoong was as honest as he could. Seonghwa saw a different kind of man again, and maybe, as for now, it became his favorite version of Hongjoong.

“How…?”  Seonghwa quietly whispered, waiting for a secret.

“Joong, sorry I’m late.” 

Demanding, powerful, and low voice. A laugh at the end of the sentence. Seonghwa didn’t need to look back to know who that was. Seonghwa leaned in his seat, taking his heart-shaped cookie between his fingers, so he could put his anxiety somewhere else. Of course, Hongjoong wasn’t planning to eat here alone, and Seonghwa wasn’t on his priority list. Or in any list at that.

Eden walked to them, then casually leaned to Hongjoong, one hand on his shoulder, and placed his lips on the alpha’s head. The cookie fell from Seonghwa’s hands. Eden wasn’t surprised even a bit that Seonghwa was there.

“Did you already ask him?”  Eden questioned as if Seonghwa wasn’t there.

“I was just about to…”  Hongjoong shook his head, his eyes losing those little sparkles that gave silly hopes to Seonghwa.

“Ask me what?”  Seonghwa didn’t think he could continue ignoring this treatment. He was still hoping for the best, but slowly losing as well. Eden’s appearance, his behavior, and even the smile on his lips - everything was sending him to the edge.

“Nevermind—”  Hongjoong raised his palms as if trying to close the topic.

“Ask me what, Hongjoong?”  Seonghwa repeated, pulling out the courage from hell knows where. Probably from pain.

“Oh wow, slow down the attitude. You are in a public place.”  Eden laughed, but eyes remained cold.  “For some crazy reason, it seems that your pheromones help Joong to feel better. Until we find out why… you should…”

“We?”  Seonghwa stood up.

“Eden, stay out of this.”  Hongjoong inhaled, but not as sharply as he would with someone else. He also stood up, but the other alpha just shrugged, taking his place on the chair next to Hongjoong’s.

Seonghwa didn’t say his goodbyes to Eden. He didn’t leave money for the tea. Hopefully, the owner of KQ can afford to pay an extra few thousand won. The omega walked out, and Hongjoong, for some reason, followed him. Seonghwa thought he might have won a bit today, but he forgot that he was dealing with the beast, who sold his heart for career and money.

“You told Eden what happened in the car?? How could… you…?”

Seonghwa didn’t mean to complain at first but still sounded like that. Hurt. He sounded so hurt. Even worse. He blamed Hongjoong. Seonghwa wanted him to feel guilty. Sadly, that wasn’t as simple. But he felt so betrayed for some reason, that Seonghwa was ready to do or say anything so Hongjoong would at least feel that little bit of ache Seonghwa felt. How dare he… how dare he so simply to just…

“No wait, don’t answer that… you both are full of shit. And red flags! What did you want from me? Let you scent me now and then?! I think I told you on my first day at work - I don't want our second genders to be involved here.”  Seonghwa fumed, while Hongjoong only stood and listened. It weirdly reminded him of how Seonghwa shouted at Hongjoong during his interview, but at that time, his heart wasn’t bleeding as much as it was now.  “You are so full of shit, Kim Hongjoong! So... wrong. And you attacked the poor waitress for her behavior, when yourself... oh God, I'm so dumb for believing that...”  Seonghwa breathed in, cutting off his sentence. He was so angry his lame-ass swears didn’t hurt the alpha.  “Listen, you will never get your hands on me again. Am I clear? I will not help you. Go back to your lover.”

The ways this man could make him angry like no one else could. Seonghwa had never been as pissed as he was now, and everything was building into a giant pile, while the alpha only could look at Seonghwa speechlessly. That only made him feel worse. Hongjoong didn't miss a chance to shout at him last time, where was his courage now? Where was that fucking dominant alpha in him?

“That’s the last time you treated me like this, Hongjoong. I don’t care what Godly status you have in the industry if you forget how to be a human.”  Seonghwa took a deep inhale, waiting for any kind of reaction. Even if that would be anger. Anything at this point. But Hongjoong had nothing to scare him with, he couldn’t take away more than he already did. 

So Seonghwa raised his chin, saving his pride to stay in control, and left without looking back.

Seonghwa was so angry (about being hurt and used he wasn’t even thinking anymore), that he decided to go back by foot instead of taking a metro. He thought at least that way he could calm his mind, but he just kept on thinking about what happened, and how he let himself be fooled by Hongjoong’s unexpected nice behavior. And again, how did he fall in love with such a bad person? Right, freaking Fated Mates thing. How to delete that? Seonghwa was determined to go back home and, finally, do his research. 

However, after an hour and a half of walking Seonghwa had to admit that his expensive Louis Vuitton shoes were good for everything else but walking long distance. To his further irritation, he had to take a bus to get back home.

Seonghwa unlocked the door still fuming but already with tears in his eyes, so glad he held back until he crossed the threshold. He turned the light on and immediately saw Wooyoung’s shoes. He should have heard Seonghwa, so the omega quickly wiped tears, waiting for Wooyoung to run from his room and meet him, but nothing like that happened.

He then went closer to Wooyoung’s bedroom and softly knocked.

“Youngie?”  Seonghwa called quietly, hoping his voice wasn’t shaking as much as his heart. When no one answered, he opened the door, only a bit, and noticed a large ball under the covers - Wooyoung was sleeping.

He must have had a hard party yesterday if he went to sleep without contacting Seonghwa and asking where he was. No matter how much he needed his best friend, Seonghwa respected his wish to sleep and was about to close the door, but then heard a very quiet sob.

“Woo-yah?”  Seonghwa whispered into the darkness, stepping in.  “Are you… are you crying?”

He didn’t need a direct answer, only another sob, and he was already next to Wooyoung’s bed. Seonghwa didn’t turn the light on but knew the friend’s room enough to easily find him. Not a moment after Wooyoung was already in his safe arms. 

Seonghwa pulled him closer, receiving a long painful whine in response, but Wooyoung clung to him so desperately that even if Seonghwa tried to see how he hurt him, he wouldn’t be able to.

“Woo-yah… I’m here, it's alright… it’s okay now.”  Seonghwa sighed, shivering together with his best friend.

His shoulder quickly soaked in Wooyoung’s tears, making Seonghwa’s heart shatter into microscopic pieces. His anger and problems vanished at that moment. Outside of the heat, Seonghwa had never seen Wooyoung cry. It was like he wasn’t even familiar with the term sadness, but everyone had their limit. Knowing Wooyoung, Seonghwa was almost afraid to learn where his friend’s line was. He took a deep breath of Wooyoung’s sweet honeycomb scent. He was off suppressants. Did he walk back like this?? Did something happen on the way back??

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here when you came back. I’m here now… I am here now for you, Woo-yah.”  Seonghwa hugged him tighter when in response Wooyoung only sobbed harder. He could handle a lot of things, but not his best friend, who was like his soul brother, broken like that.

He held Wooyoung in silence for a while until his shoulder became numb, and his hands hurt but even then nothing changed, as if Wooyoung had held his tears and emotions for years and decided to let them all out now.

“Do you want to lie down?” 

Seonghwa asked for both of them, so it would be easier. He didn’t understand if Wooyoung nodded to the question or if it was another sob, but Seonghwa led them to lie down anyway. Wooyoung hid his face in Seonghwa's neck, for some reason shivering even more.

“Sorry, I had to go outside, so I used suppressants.”  Wooyoung must have searched for his scent,

Instead of an answer, he only held on to Seonghwa harder. Wooyoung had never been silent for so long. Seonghwa didn’t know what to think anymore. Maybe something happened to his parents?

Seonghwa flinched when he heard Wooyoung’s phone vibrating on the nightstand. He leaned over his friend to reach for it - the phone was on a charge, only ten percent, and its cracked screen also didn’t slip through Seonghwa’s eyes.

“Oh… it’s Sannie… do you want me to—-”

Yet before Seonghwa finished his sentence, Wooyoung grabbed his phone and threw it across the room. The device loudly fell on the wooden floor and despite that, kept vibrating in the deafening silence, that they drowned in. It continued for a long while and then stopped.

“Is… is it San…? Did he do something?”  Seonghwa asked in a frozen voice, although he would have found it very hard to believe. 

As expected, Wooyoung shook his head but still didn’t say a word. Seonghwa sighed and gave up, for now, drawing calming circles on the friend’s back until he felt Wooyoung’s muscles relax against his body. His sobs formed into longer inhales and exhales when he fell asleep. Seonghwa decided to use the time and bring some water.

He somehow managed to free himself from Wooyoung’s hands and not wake him up. Seonghwa walked out, on the way, picking up Wooyoung’s phone. Once out Seonghwa one more time glanced at the phone’s screen. In the light, it appeared even more messy - one part of the screen wasn’t even active anymore - the LED screen was smashed. Seonghwa had no clue how the device continued to function with this.

He was about to try calling San back and tell him that Wooyoung was sleeping but then stopped when he noticed something red on his sleeve. The mirror in the hallway was just there - it was enough for Seonghwa to raise his eyes at his reflection, and he dropped Wooyoung’s phone again. Why was his shirt covered in blood stains??

Seonghwa had never spun around as fast as he did now. He ran back into Wooyoung’s room, turning the light on, and Wooyoung jumped in the bed from distress, hiding under the blanket. 

“Wooyoung!”  Seonghwa kneeled on the bed.  “Wooyoung, please… please… oh God… please…”  he tried to beg him to remove the blanket as gently as he could but still ended up stressing his friend more until he managed to pull down the sheets.

Wooyoung’s beautiful face was a mess - or at least a big part of it. He had an open wound under his left eyebrow, a bruise on his cheek, and another ugly scratch on his lip. Seonghwa noticed dried blood here and there too - on his nose and jaw. Not to mention that he was still wearing the same outfit he had on himself yesterday, but now it was dirty and ripped in some places.

“Wooyoungie…”  For the first time in a long while Seonghwa shed tears not because of himself. This view threw him back to the day when they met at the station. It was a very cold November day, and despite today being the complete opposite season, Seonghwa shivered the same.

“No… don’t ask,”  Wooyoung begged in the same weird voice he had in the voice message.  “Don’t ask…”  he leaned in, and Seonghwa locked him in his embrace again.

How could he not ask? How could he not be worried? Someone beat him up. Someone hurt his friend. Someone did it and… not the first time. Call it a sixth scent, but Seonghwa knew it was the same person from the last time.

“Woo-ah, please… let me… let me take a look, let me take care of your wounds, okay?”  Seonghwa somehow managed to collect his words through tears.  “I won’t ask… I promise,”  he whispered, although he already wanted to break his promise so badly.

It took Wooyoung a while, but finally, he agreed. Seonghwa found the first aid kit in Wooyoung’s bathroom, ignoring the blood stains in his sink, but it certainly added another knife into his heart. Whoever did this, may they burn in hell. Seonghwa was sure they would. 

“Let’s change into something better, okay?”  He walked to Wooyoung’s wardrobe, thinking of taking San’s sweater but quickly changing his mind into another comfortable outfit that Wooyoung liked.

Wooyoung sat on the corner of his bed like a broken marble statue, and Seonghwa had to remind himself to remain strong for his friend, just like Wooyoung was for him so many times. While he helped Wooyoung to change clothes, Seonghwa’s eyes counted emerging bruises on different parts of his body.

Seonghwa wasn’t a doctor, but he took care of his mom enough times to know how to handle such wounds. As Seonghwa cleaned Wooyoung’s face, he tried to convince himself that those weren’t as bad as they looked, but the reality was different.

“Woo-ah, please… who hurt you? Do you want… Do you want to go to the police? I will go with you. I will hold your hand, whatever it takes. We can ask someone else to join… we can ask San…”  Seonghwa carefully suggested, keeping his voice as soft as he could. He tried to gently touch Wooyoung’s face, but his friend stopped Seonghwa’s hand. 

“I don’t want to see San. I don’t want to see anyone else. I don’t want to go.” 

As childish as this sounded, Wooyoung’s voice was cold as ice, and Seonghwa found himself incapable of saying anything else.

“Do you want me to sleep here with you tonight?”  Seonghwa tried again and this time received a little nod.  “Alright, I will just change and come back.”

Wooyoung nodded again, climbing back into his bed and hiding under the covers. Seonghwa rushed to go to his bedroom, change into one of his home outfits, and wash blockers off his scent glands. He had to stop himself from texting someone - anyone who could help them, because Seonghwa genuinely didn’t know how they would solve this. He wanted to convince Wooyoung to go to the police but didn’t know how.

Seonghwa noticed several notifications in their group chat but didn’t open them. It was better like that. If both he and Wooyoung stayed quiet, everyone would think that they were just having a nice weekend. Sleep today, talk tomorrow. Tomorrow, when Wooyoung calmed down from shock, Seonghwa would ask him again. Maybe they could call Yeosang too… maybe he could come to visit them.

With these comforting thoughts, Seonghwa left his phone in the bedroom, got a few bottles of cold water from the fridge, and went back to Wooyoung. It wasn’t that late, but here they were both under the covers, lost in their thoughts, lying in the darkness. Wooyoung hugged Seonghwa’s arm, letting out a distorted sigh.

“Tomorrow… Tomorrow will be a better day for both of us.”  Seonghwa said quietly. Wooyoung hummed, but it wasn’t promising.

Or so he thought. But in the middle of the night, Seonghwa woke up from pain. It was still mild but struck him so suddenly that he jumped in bed, startling Wooyoung as well.

“Hwa…?”  his friend whispered, his hand still on Seonghwa’s arm.

“I think… I think it’s my heat.”  Seonghwa inhaled, carefully lying back, and breathing deeply. What happened to preheat, his cravings, and his weird urge to clean? How did this skip the whole stage?

“Do you need a towel or something?”  Wooyoung wondered as if ready to get off the bed, but Seonghwa stopped him with a tight grip. He shouldn't move with those bruises all over his abdomen and thighs.

“No need. I don’t… um… my body doesn’t produce the slick.”  Seonghwa closed his eyes when another wave of pain hit him. Nothing to be proud of, but years of hiding his heat made him good at tolerating pain, Seonghwa didn’t let a sound out.

“What? How is that possible?”  Wooyoung lifted himself with a little groan.

Seonghwa took another deep inhale. He could feel fever spreading through his face and in other parts of his body. It must have been around dawn and the effects of the suppressant had faded completely. 

“Hwa?”  Wooyoung touched his shoulder, when Seonghwa didn’t react.

Fuck. It hurt more than usual. It started to burn. Seonghwa took one more breath in and then opened his eyes to find Wooyoung’s silhouette in the dark. Right. It would be his first time to spend heat with someone.

“Um… just… I don’t… know. It just doesn’t.”  Seonghwa groaned out words, placing his palm on his stomach. It felt like something started twitching his insides. 

“But… it’s not normal? Did you tell this to a doctor?”  Wooyoung’s voice broke a little bit

But did he have a right to be worried now? Not after making Seonghwa stressed so much and not saying anything about his injuries. 

"Wait, take the painkillers.”  Wooyoung finally understood the assignment, leaning over to reach them on the nightstand (he must have taken some of it himself).

Seonghwa, with the help of his friend, swallowed the pill and fell into the sheets again. He had no explanation of what was going on with his body. Seonghwa knew his heats very well and was always prepared, but this time it struck differently. Not only did full heat hit him right away, but also in a severe amount of pain - quite literally Seonghwa felt like someone dropped a cart of bricks on him.

“It usually takes around twenty minutes for them to work.”  Wooyoung was still in the same position, and Seonghwa felt him just staring like he had something else to say.

Seonghwa wasn’t afraid of Wooyoung, but the realization came a bit late - like any other omega’s, Seonghwa's scent was the strongest in the heat, and Wooyoung had never smelled it before. Just like it was the first time Seonghwa scented Wooyoung's fresh caramel notes during his heat, which usually he didn’t have.

“How is it? Bad?”  Seonghwa let out a low chuckle and immediately regretted it. He slowly shifted to his side, pressing his knees to his stomach.

“It’s… it’s like… flowers. Like… wild forest flowers…”  Wooyoung seemed a little bit dazed as he said that.  “I had never smelled anything like that before.”  He confessed, lying back next to Seonghwa.

“Must be because I’m from the countryside.”  Seonghwa painfully snorted, taking another method - silly humor helped to drag his thoughts away from still growing pain. Plus, the heat in his body caused a weird twist in his head. Seonghwa was afraid he might become delusional anytime soon.

“Yeah… it’s… not to sound like a simping alpha, but it’s dazzling… your scent. Kinda… makes even for me hard to think.”  Wooyoung swallowed, but Seonghwa only lowly hummed instead of answering. 

Well, at least, he didn’t stink for Wooyoung as he probably did for Hongjoong. Seonghwa almost told Wooyoung that it must be because he was the dominant omega, but the cramps hit at the right time, and Seonghwa only coughed instead of words. Right. Keep your mouth shut.

“Woah, you are burning up already. Is it… always so severe right away?”  Wooyoung pressed his palm against Seonghwa’s forehead.

“No… never.”  Seonghwa had no explanation either but one more word would make him want to throw up. So, instead of talking, he buried his face into a pillow and waited for the painkillers to hit.

It was sort of funny and, at the same time adorable, to see how Seonghwa dropped all his problems when he found Wooyoung injured and crying, and his friend just did the same for him. Seonghwa held on to this precious thought, breathing slowly and steadily while Wooyoung remained by his side, stroking his head, telling him soothing words, promising that it would pass away soon. And Seonghwa believed in Wooyoung.

Not only the painkillers didn’t work, but the ache kept getting worse, to the point that four hours later, Seonghwa didn’t know anymore which pose to use, so he could endure it. Wooyoung did everything in his power to help - starting with heat pads (which only made Seonghwa’s fever worse) and ending with damp towels, fever medication, and lots of water - nothing worked. 

“I don’t know… what else to do…”  His friend whined in worry, just staying close, the same way, Seonghwa did.  “It’s so much worse for you than for me…”

Seonghwa assured Wooyoung that it had never been this bad, but couldn’t talk. He wished he could just pass out and wake up a few days later when the worst would be over. Sadly. His body refused to take anything other than water, and even that became hard to swallow at some point.

The time became meaningless. Seconds stretched into hours, months, years, centuries - yet the misery was endless. Seonghwa didn’t know if he stopped crying because the fever made him dehydrated faster than he could consume water or because there was so much pain that no other emotions could show. Sometimes he was able to hold back the groaning, especially when he felt Wooyoung falling asleep next to him. Seonghwa wished he could be in his place so much, but there was no way he could fall asleep in this state unless someone took mercy and smashed his head somewhere. Would that work?

Just a little bit more, just a few hours more, and it would be better - Seonghwa repeated this over and over like a mantra. There was no space for anything else in his mind, and if his mind tried to push his thoughts into that one specific alpha, Seonghwa gritted his teeth so hard he almost felt like he could break them.

“Hwa… Hwa!!” 

Through the screams, Seonghwa finally heard Wooyoung calling him, and only then understood that he was the one screaming. Seonghwa didn’t know for how long already - he tried to bite his hand, then a pillow, then crawl into a ball - any possible pose and thing. And once he thought it couldn’t get worse, it did.

“Make it stop! Wooyoung, make it stop… Please… please…”  As soon as his friend’s voice finally reached Seonghwa’s ears he screeched into the pillow, not being able to hold it back anymore. His hand found Wooyoung, he wasn’t even sure what part that was, but Seonghwa squeezed as hard as his cramped body let him.

Seonghwa tolerated pain, but everything had limits. Not when his insides were twisting inside out, not when every muscle in his body felt like it was set on fire. He saw no beginning and no end. He would have done anything for this to stop - in the most literal sense of the phrase.

“That’s it! I’m… I am calling an ambulance. That’s not normal, Seonghwa…. It’s been two days, your fever is not going down! Your body will burn… this is… this is insane.”  Despite Seonghwa’s protest, Wooyoung jumped off the bed. He sounded so scared, although Seonghwa was the one in agony.

It wasn’t the first time Wooyoung brought that up. Seonghwa faintly remembered him talking about doctors from the very start, but the thought of someone else stepping into their apartment or touching him when he was in his most fragile state, scared Seonghwa more than the eternal pain. He pleaded not to call anyone, but surely his friend didn’t hear, nor did he understand the broken sounds Seonghwa made.

Seonghwa’s hand gripped the air, while he tried to push himself forward. He tried so hard but couldn’t lift himself off the bed.

“Hwa, you will fall! Oh–shit—”

The fall didn’t hurt as much as his whole body and it only made Seonghwa more frustrated. He half fell on Wooyoung, who ran to catch him but fell as well. Wooyoung almost matched the painful sob, since Seonghwa must have pressed one of his bruises.

“It’s too late, I already called. They are coming, don’t worry, you know they only send betas right? You’ll be safe, Hwa. Really.”  Wooyoung groaned, pushing him back on the bed. Seonghwa somehow rolled on it and crawled to the furthest corner, where no hands could reach him, panting hard as if he just finished the whole marathon. He thought he could trust Wooyoung. Seonghwa felt like even his best friend had betrayed him.

No one. No one in this world needed such a pathetic omega as Seonghwa. He couldn’t trust anyone.

“I’m sorry…. I’m so sorry Hwa… but… maybe they will have something that could help you…”  Wooyoung remained in his place further from Seonghwa, probably feeling just how insane Seonghwa’s pheromones went from anxiety.

Seonghwa covered his ears, drowning again in pain because even that was better than his friend’s betrayal. 

“He is here… oh yes, I’m alright. Just… an accident.” 

Wooyoung came back when Seonghwa was ready to climb the walls from the ringing in his head as if the pain in every cell wasn’t enough already. As if his body was demanding something, and he couldn’t understand what it was. Because, for sure, he wasn’t aroused in any way, he only wanted to beg someone to knock him out.

“Seonghwa-nim, do you hear me?”  a soft woman's voice asked, but Seonghwa was in no condition to answer. If he tried to open his mouth he would probably throw up - good question what because he hasn’t eaten in days.  “How long is this going on?”

“Two days? A bit more? I tried to give him painkillers… something from fever… but it only got worse… I just… don’t know anymore.”  Wooyoung’s voice was shaking as he tried to explain.  "He hasn't eaten anything either... he is just in pain and it's getting worse..."

“Is he mated?”  The woman still hadn't touched Seonghwa, but she was so close that he could feel her. Seonghwa now only waited to be beaten, to be humiliated.

“No…”  Wooyoung answered.

“Are you two in a relationship?”  she then asked again.

“No… nothing like that. We are just flatmates.”

“This doesn’t look normal… why is he in a dry heat? You should have called us earlier.”  She kept talking now, making extra sounds, like searching for something. Seonghwa tried so hard to focus on the conversation that he added additional stretch to his muscles. He needed to know what they would do to him. How they would hurt him. 

“I didn’t know!”  Wooyoung was already crying.  “He said something about… how his body doesn’t produce slick during the heat… but I didn’t know…”

“Okay, calm down. You will stress him out more.”  The woman sighed, and   Seonghwa felt how she sat on the bed next to him.  “I will give you something to smell, okay? No matter how your body reacts, there is nothing shameful about it… it’s just a material with alpha pheromones. It will help you to relax, and we can talk, okay?”  She kept talking and talking to Seonghwa, but the omega didn’t give her any reaction.

Alpha? Did she bring an alpha with her? Would they hurt him? Seonghwa whined when he attempted to get away, but he felt paralyzed.

“Shhh… it’s okay, here…” 

As soon as Seonghwa felt some material against his nose, the most disgusting and repulsive scent hit him with such force that Seonghwa couldn’t stop himself or give any kind of warning - he gagged and threw up - mostly gastric juice mixed with water because his stomach was empty. Then Seonghwa started choking, his mind going blank, but thankfully, the same woman was fast to react and roll him to the side, until the omega spat out the rest, ready to collapse in that whole dirt. He didn’t care anymore. He barely understood what happened.

“We are taking him to the hospital.”

That was the last thing Seonghwa heard more or less clearly, then it turned into the mist of screams, suffering, and chaos.

Seonghwa opened his eyes and had to close them again because it was this bright. He was… okay. Only okay, but not good. It didn’t hurt anymore but his muscles were sore and stiff. He also had a sense of dreadful emptiness and deep loneliness that pushed him to burst into tears. But the lack of emotions didn’t let him do so. In general, he was so… useless. Seonghwa slowly inhaled and smelled disinfectants, and strong cleaning products. Hospital. The smell of a hospital.

“Seongie…?”  

Wooyoung’s whisper made him open his eyes again. That was probably the only sound that could make him do that.

“Hiii….”  his friend was sitting on the chair next to Seonghwa’s bed but once he woke up, pushed himself closer. 

Seonghwa let his image sink into his head - Wooyoung was wearing a mask and dark sunglasses inside. The view could be funny if Seonghwa didn’t know the reason behind it.

Seonghwa wanted to speak, but dry mouth didn’t let him. Like reading his mind, Wooyoung quickly reached for the bottle of water next to himself and helped Seonghwa swallow a few gulps.

“What… what happened?”  Seonghwa sighed. The pillow and bed were so uncomfortable.  “Is it over… my heat?”  He asked hopefully. Maybe he managed to sleep the whole week.

“Um… they had to suppress it.”  Wooyoung took Seonghwa’s hand.  “It’s been around five hours since we came here. They tried everything… your body didn’t respond to any medicine. It was horrible… you were in so much pain…”  Wooyoung’s sad voice was heartbreaking, and Seonghwa felt only worse. Wooyoung should be resting, recovering, or going to the police but not sitting here to babysit Seonghwa. 

“Ah….”  Seonghwa tried to remember but couldn’t.  “Did they tell you why?”

“No matter how many times I repeated they still checked you, searching for a mating bite! Doctors kept saying that this body reaction is only possible if the omega is separated from their mate during the heat!”  Wooyoung spoke angrily - his emotions shifting between despair and rage.  “But then they ran some tests, trying to find out why your body is not producing any slick… and they said that you’re not mated. Obviously, I was right!”  Wooyoung was talking louder and louder, while Seonghwa tried to connect the dots. 

And when he finally did, Seonghwa almost got sick again. He knew the answer. He knew why his body made him go through that hell. He knew why he reacted like that to some random alpha pheromones. Deep inside he knew it all along. All this time, his brain subconsciously tried to bring Seonghwa to think of someone (and only) who could help.

“What… what is it, Seonghwa-yah?”  Wooyoung probably noticed the way Seonghwa’s eyes widened.

The ward door opened, and the doctor walked in. His eyes were tired, like had less sleep than needed, or maybe had seen a little bit too much.

“Seonghwa-nim, firstly, you have an incredible friend, but a little bit too loud.”  the doctor spoke. He must have wanted to make a joke but glared at Wooyoung in a way that Seonghwa was sure they had beef.  “We have sent your results to your doctor and, also rescheduled your appointment for today’s evening. You can discuss everything with him.”

Seonghwa nodded because he had nothing else to say, and not enough strength to speak.

“We used strong suppressants to end your heat, but you have to understand that was a one-time thing. We have two months to find out what happened, so you will never have to go through this again… alright?”  The doctor pushed out a smile, but it didn’t touch his dark eyes.  “Your friend, Wooyoung-nim, said you never had such strong heat before? Do you have any idea what caused the change?”

“I told you he doesn’t know!”  Wooyoung responded instead of Seonghwa frowning at the doctor. Only then did it click for Seonghwa that the man was an alpha, not beta. It explained a lot, Seonghwa was so numb that he didn't even notice the doctor’s sharp features, which was an obvious sign of his second gender.

“You did nothing to help him!”  Wooyoung continued ranting.  “You are a doctor, or not? You know how dangerous suppressants are for omega in the heat!!”

“If we hadn't suppressed his heat, Seonghwa-nim might have had a cardiac arrest. That wouldn’t have helped him either.”  The doctor calmly said, with slightly raised eyebrows at Wooyoung, then again looked at Seonghwa.  “Your body might feel stiff for a while, but whenever you feel better we can send you home. I’m not your doctor, so I can’t say more about your condition, but if you have any questions, I will do my best to explain.”  He again attempted to smile.

“No… I mean, I don’t know… I just feel sort of emotionless… like… empty.”  Seonghwa tried to put his tangled thoughts together. It was hard.  “Do I have to go to the doctor today?”  He finally asked, feeling like he could just go home and pass out for the rest of the week.

“The sooner we start tests, the sooner we can find out the cause. Seonghwa-nim, you seriously scared the whole ER. We have never seen anything similar… “  The doctor sighed. Seonghwa understood that he might be the reason for his tired eyes.  “The ‘empty’ feeling you have now it’s completely normal after… this. Your body went through a lot.”

“I’m sorry… and thank you…”  Seonghwa apologized like he was in control of this.

“What are you saying? You don’t have to apologize, Hwa!”  Wooyoung frowned, pressing his fingers tighter.  “How about you just go, please? If there is nothing else you can do for him.”  Wooyoung only quickly glared at the man, before turning back at his friend.

The doctor remained still, his eyes fixed on Seonghwa like Wooyoung didn’t exist.

“I really don’t know what to ask… I just feel like everything is too much now.”  Seonghwa answered and hoped it would be enough. The doctor must have understood the hint, he politely bowed and left the ward.  “I’m sorry I scared you, Wooyoungie…”  Seonghwa tried to lift himself a bit. With Wooyoung’s help succeeded. God, he was hungry.

“Scared?? It’s not even enough to describe— Seonghwa, I didn’t know what to do, I was in literal panic!”  Wooyoung transferred himself from the chair on the bed to hug Seonghwa around the shoulders.  “By the time we came to the hospital, you looked like you were about to have a stroke. I’m not exaggerating, I swear.”

“Did you… did you tell anyone?”  Seonghwa blurred out, holding with one hand on his friend. 

“No, of course not. I called on Sunday evening to Yoesangie and said I need to take this week off… he understood it was because of your heat, and said he would cover me.”  Wooyoung nervously laughed.  “I can’t show up with my face either.”

Seonghwa had no clue what day today was. Monday? Tuesday? Did it matter now?

“What happened to you, Woo-yah?”  Seonghwa hated how everything around them was not giving him even a slight chance to take a second and breathe. Too many things were happening, one after another.

“We can talk about it later, okay?”  Wooyoung moved back to look at Seonghwa’s face. 

Seonghwa couldn’t be one hundred percent sure if Wooyoung was looking directly at him because has wearing sunglasses, but Seonghwa could almost tell that he was lying. Wooyoung didn’t want to share with him what happened. Seonghwa remained silent.

“Let’s get you something to eat and go home to rest, how about that? After we sleep a bit, I will go with you to the doctor, alright? We’ll solve this together, promise.”  His friend jumped off the bed to search for his wallet and ran out, probably to the cafeteria, leaving Seonghwa in a deep and messed up train of thoughts.

Wooyoung should have promised to take care of himself first, before anyone else.

Seonghwa squirmed in the chair in front of the doctor's Byun desk, waiting for the doctor to show up after they took his blood in the clinic. He couldn’t help but feel anxious. The papers from the hospital must have reached this place already, and if Seonghwa remembered right, last time, it took them only twenty minutes to get his blood test results. If Wooyoung were in any better condition, Seonghwa would have felt so much better to have his friend by himself now, at least for emotional support. Now he couldn't be so selfish to ask that. Once they finally came back home from the hospital, Wooyoung went to his room, and when it was time to leave, Seonghwa found him sleeping like a log. He didn't want to wake the friend up, knowing that he was the reason Wooyoung didn’t rest in the first place.

A little bit more than a month ago, Seonghwa sat in this very same chair, with pissed Hongjoong by his side. That time, he learned they were Fated Mates - since then nothing good came out of it.

So Seonghwa had the right to be scared, right? This wasn’t a pleasant place to be.

“Seonghwa-nim, right?” 

The doctor Byun entered just as Seonghwa finished counting the little black dots on the curtains for the second time. The omega nodded a few times, greeting him with a polite bow. The doctor came in, his eyes fixed on some papers in his hands, but as soon as he sat down, the man pushed them to the side as if the information there was useless.

“How are you feeling?”  He then asked in a soft voice.

Seonghwa stared at the beta doctor with a slight tilt of his head. That wasn’t supposed to be therapy, right? He only came here because he wanted to hear the test results and what they could do about his heat now. Also, monthly doctor visits were a part of KHJ policy. Seonghwa just needed some answers, not more questions.

“Alright,”  Seonghwa replied in a quiet voice.

“I want to believe you, but I can’t.”  The doctor sighed.  “With those results on the paper, I should put you back into the hospital.”  Doctor Byun leaned in.  “Seonghwa-nim, please answer me honestly… have you taken the vitamins I have prescribed?”

“No…”  Seonghwa exhaled, figuring out there was no point in lying.

“Right. Since last month, you have lost five kilograms. Instead of gaining weight… Underweight puts your health at risk. Your heart is overworking, trying to keep your body stable. Please tell me you understand how dangerous that is.”  The man’s professional tone had fainted as worry grew in his voice.

“I understand,”  Seonghwa replied in a robotic motion.  “I… feel sick most of the time, and I can’t eat.”

“How often are you using the scent blockers?”  The doctor asked as if seeing Seonghwa right through.

“I used them every day at first. But I haven’t used them for almost two weeks now, since Hongjoong-shi was away.”  Seonghwa breathed in, mentally preparing to force himself to ask for more.  “I’m out though… if you could prescribe more, please…”

The doctor looked at Seonghwa blankly as if the omega had offended him personally. He brushed off his brown hair back, taking a very long inhale before speaking again.

“You are already out? Seonghwa-nim, did you miss the part when I said last time not to overdose? Scent blockers are meant for rare occasions, not everyday use.”  The doctor slowed his words like talking to a child, and Seonghwa guessed that his excuses wouldn’t help.  “What you do could be considered drug abuse. As a professional, I can’t prescribe them anymore. You have to understand. You’re hurting yourself.”  The doctor patiently continued with soft hand gestures.

“But Hongjoong-shi… he can smell me, and it… causes misunderstandings at work.”  Seonghwa tried to remind the doctor of the original reason why he started using the scent blockers.

“Then he… or both of you need to search for reasons why this is happening. Scent blockers are not a solution.”  The doctor shook his head, then pointed his eyes back at the papers. How could Seonghwa tell the doctor, that he didn't want to search anything with Hongjoong?  “I’m also worried about your hormone levels. The report we got from the hospital is very concerning. Everyone is confused. I haven’t seen a case like this either.”  The doctor took a pen, marking something down.  "Dry heat... high fever... severe pain... muscle cramps... non-existent reaction to any of the medications or alpha's pheromones... this is... a very difficult case..."  he kept speaking, but mostly to himself.

Maybe he expected to hear Seonghwa’s comment on this, but honestly, the omega didn’t know what to say. His heat had traumatized him so much that Seonghwa's brain refused to think deeper for now. 

“Can you please answer me a few questions?”  The doctor asked when Seonghwa remained silent. He waited until the omega nodded and looked right into his eyes.  “Are you sexually active now?” 

“No.”  Seonghwa cleared his throat.

“Have you ever been sexually abused?”  The doctor didn’t let his eyes down, although his gaze became softer. Seonghwa never had a father, but he imagined if he did, the man would look at Seonghwa like that.

His mouth went dry, memories flashing like a movie tape at the back of his head. Was he? Did that count? What was the line between abuse and sexual abuse? Seonghwa’s eyes ran around like he could find a poster with possible answers on a wall. He didn’t know. Everything was blurry.

“I don’t remember.”

Doctor Byun stayed silent, taking notes about hell knows what. Seonghwa watched his hand lightly slide through the paper. The man didn’t raise his eyes but spoke again.

“I have a few guesses… about what happened to your heat. But we need to go back to the start. Your body not producing the slick during the heat is a sign of trauma that you might not even realize having. How long… this is going on?”

“For… almost two years now.”  Seonghwa clenched fists on his thighs. 

Of course, it was a trauma. Doctor Byun didn’t say, but Seonghwa knew he was waiting for a continuation. He could lie. Or he could finally seek the help that he needed.

“What we are talking about here… does it stay only between us?”   the omega   then asked.

“Yes. None of your words will leave these walls without your approval.”  the man confirmed, putting down the pen and leaning back in the chair. Seonghwa nodded, so glad his emotions still remained numb.

Seonghwa walked out of the clinic after almost an hour, feeling only slightly better than the first time a month ago. Although after hearing his story, the doctor had promised many things, including therapy, Seonghwa knew Doctor Byun could never find a reason behind what happened to him. Seonghwa told the doctor everything except the fact that he was indeed bonded against his will with someone who would hate Seonghwa even more if he learned about it.

 I don’t need Fated Mate.

Seonghwa took out his phone on the way to the metro. He still hasn’t opened the messages in the group chat, and the notification showed the preview of the very first one sent on Saturday afternoon.

[GROUP CHAT: DRUNK PARTY]

{Jeong Yunho changed the group chat name to KHJ Besties & Hongjoong}

Seonghwa didn’t bother to open that for now, instead, he opened another chat, and this time typed without much thinking.

TO: CAPTAIN DEVIL

[TUESDAY 7:32 PM]

Message:   If you still want my help, I will talk to you again. In an hour.

{Location shared}

Chapter Text

Soon after sending the message, Seonghwa entered the metro and lost the service once he reached deeper levels underground. He could only sit in the rain pondering if Hongjoong had read the message, and if he had, would he care to reply. And if he did would he even have time or mood to come? 

The omega could have tried to fool himself, convincing himself of trying to hold a pity party for the CEO, but the reality had turned the tables around. It was Seonghwa who needed Hongjoong. It wasn't all about his ridiculous crush on the man. Seonghwa had realized his life was on the line here. If he had to go through one more heat like this one… if they need to suppress it…. If… 

Seonghwa had survived and escaped that toxic place not to give up. Hongjoong couldn’t become his end. The omega couldn’t let him win that way. And if there was a way for this fated mates thing to end, Seonghwa was willing to wait until they went to France. And he was sure that with the bond his feelings for Hongjoong would disappear too. Just like that. Seonghwa had decided that all of it was connected.

Lost in his thoughts, Seonghwa had missed his stop, where he had to switch the lines. Then was forced to wait for the train to go back. Eventually, although he had texted Hongjoong an hour, now Seonghwa was the one late. Or not. There was a ninety-nine percent chance that the alpha wouldn’t quit whatever he was doing (most likely work) just because Seonghwa suddenly was in the mood to talk.  What’s gotten into him?? He shouldn’t have sent that message in the first place!!

Seonghwa ran out from the metro station, impatiently tapping his phone, waiting for the signal to come back, as he crossed the street and stopped in front of the tea house. The omega raised his eyes just as he opened the KakaoTalk application, and his hand helplessly fell by his side.

Seonghwa saw him right away. Although the tiny red-roof tea house was as stuffed since it was like fifteen minutes before the close time. Hongjoong’s posture stood out, making everyone else look at a moving background. Seonghwa heavily swallowed, his eyes running through the man’s wavy hair, which he didn’t bother to comb or control in any way today, to his unusually concerned face and slightly knitted brows. If Seonghwa didn’t know any better about Hongjoong not showing any emotions, he would think he was even sad, clearly out of his comfort zone. For him. Hongjoong came here for Seonghwa.

“I’m sorry, are you going in?”  Someone asked behind the omega’s back, making him flinch in response.

“Oh, right! Sorry.”  Seonghwa hurried to open the door and sneak into the crowd.

He had waved for the elder beta couple out of habit since Seonghwa had visited this place more than once in the past weeks. By buying tea (which he had no place where to fit anymore) as his gratitude for saving him that one horrible day from the press. Either way, that little 'hello' gesture he gave was nothing but pretend because Seonghwa’s attention belonged to no one else but on the alpha.

Seonghwa knew the symptoms of an omega dropping. His mom would be stuck in that headspace for a very long time. Seonghwa, when leaving the health center, was sure he had started to experience something similar, or close to it - his emotionless state, his attempt to reach the alpha without having any idea what he would say - it all sounded like a last silent call of help before he drowned himself in the corner of his room, face buried in his knees.

But the forest scent instantly filled Seonghwa full of something he had lacked. The darkness that had been pulling him out from emotions, the void Seonghwa had felt of being the useless omega - who couldn’t even handle his heat - didn’t matter anymore. He didn’t know how hard he would fall after they parted ways again, but at that moment, he was alright. 

Seonghwa couldn’t explain how Hongjoong managed to find a free table when the tea house was this busy and sat there like nothing - only with a cup of water instead of tea. The alpha raised his head from his phone, the same moment when Seonghwa entered, like feeling him too - which he most likely did, since the omega was off scent blockers.

“I know I’m late.”  Seonghwa started, before letting the alpha point it out. Why was his heart pounding so hard? The omega begged the alpha wouldn’t notice his wobbly lip. Seonghwa sat in front of Hongjoong, almost waiting for the alpha to call out his scent, but Hongjoong didn’t. 

The man only sat there, looking at Seonghwa, like they were two strangers who just met on a blind date. But they were not strangers. Nor was this anything close to a date. The omega glimpsed around and already saw the beta lady - the wife of the owner coming towards them with a cup of tea.

“On a date, Seonghwa-yah?”  She softly asked.  “This young boy was so lost here without you…”  she smiled at Hongjoong, and Seonghwa could swear he saw the alpha’s eyebrow twitch.

“Ah, nothing like that!”  Seonghwa was quick to deny it, his cheeks suddenly flaming up.

“Last time you were with another alpha, right?”  She continued like nothing, and Seonghwa inhaled so sharply it hurt his lungs.

“Can we have a private talk here?”  Hongjoong finally huffed his first words. His posture shifted, as the man leaned forward. He raised an eyebrow but it hid under his loose strands falling on the man’s forehead.

“I know you’re closing in ten minutes…”  Seonghwa added to make Hongjoong’s words softer because it did sound like the alpha tried to chase the owner of the shop away.

“You can stay longer, dear…”  She blinked in surprise at Hongjoong’s words but remained calm and polite to the omega.  “We’ll be cleaning and all… you will have more peaceful surroundings for your first date.”  but then smiled at the alpha  “Don’t be nervous.”  the lady ended with a little smirk to the man and left them in peace.

“S-she… didn’t mean anything by it!”  Seonghwa waved his hands. As much as he was already regretting choosing this place for the meeting, the omega felt so relieved that he got his emotions back.  “She and her husband were the ones who saved me from the press! And the alpha she talked about was San-ah!”  Seonghwa quickly explained, nervously reaching for his mug with strawberry tea. Instead of Hongjoong’s eyes, Seonghwa chose to stare at the collection of rings on his fingers - one of them had a little moon engraved in silver. The omega again noticed that only one nail on Hongjoong’s finger was colored black.

“I didn’t ask that.”  The alpha replied, making Seonghwa’s eyes shoot up at him. From this close, he could see the dark chocolate color around Hongjoong’s pupils. It wasn’t completely lost in the void like Seonghwa had already gotten used to seeing.

Wait. Again. Why did Seonghwa think Hongjoong unexpectedly would be worried about the omega meeting other alphas? Of course not. Just like he didn’t look a bit worried that Seonghwa came here when he was supposed to be in the middle of his heat. The spike of relief that Seonghwa felt after seeing and smelling the alpha got thrown off a bit. Like always. Hongjoong effect.

“I wasn’t sure you’d come.”  Seonghwa tried to start the conversation again, reaching for the spoon on the little plate to mix the honey, which he knew the lady had already added. Just the way he liked.

“I was nearby.”  Instead of leaning back as always, Hongjoong moved in over the table, making the gap between them even thinner. Seonghwa pressed his lips together, finding it hard to believe. What business would Hongjoong have in this area??

“Is… San-ah waiting for you?”  Which would make Seonghwa feel a bit worse for not pushing Hongjoong right into the topic.

“No. He is busy with more important things.”  Hongjoong breathed out, his expression more blank than the empty sheet of paper.

More important? Things? That’s who Seonghwa was. Why, just why couldn’t he stop expecting some sort of grand change from the alpha? Was it because the last time Seonghwa scolded him before leaving? It was deserved, wasn’t it? And he would do it again if the omega felt threatened. Or not. Better just get over this, before Seonghwa’s bubble of positive emotions risks exploding.

“You’re the one who wanted to talk, Hongjoong.”  Seonghwa sighed, reminding him what this was all about.

“I feel like I should hear you out first, Star.”  the alpha said, his eyes calm as the man retreated a little bit back in his seat. Sounding as simple as ever, maybe even polite. “Or not. Up to you. You were the one who texted now.” he then just had to add something to slap Seonghwa in the face, right?

“Aren’t you tired of acting like you don’t care about anyone? Even yourself??”  Seonghwa suddenly snapped, taking out the teaspoon from his mug, maybe a bit too fast, making an unnecessarily loud sound. And maybe he drew attention. And maybe he didn’t care because his eyes were stuck on the alpha.

“Acting?”  Hongjoong huffed.  “To be different from others, it’s not an act. And it’s not a curse to be alone in this.”  he shrugged. Probably for the first time, not even glancing at his phone when the device vibrated next to him. 

So Seonghwa’s irritation was something amusing for him??

“How about lonely?”  Seonghwa pressed his lips together, not giving up on this. He needed to prove to Hongjoong that his behavior wasn’t rational sometimes. So yes, everyone figured by now that the man was bad at showing emotions. Didn’t mean he had to make it negatively whenever he felt unsure about how to behave.

“Lonely? Oh… Star.”  Hongjoong’s eyes widened as he had invested himself in this odd conversation.  “There is so much more behind being unique.”

Unique? So that’s how Hongjoong saw himself. Alright, Seonghwa couldn’t completely disagree. His dedication, and ambitions. His talent to lead people, to achieve, and not to give up - was unique, and it didn’t take long for Seonghwa to start admiring him for it. Again, the omega was no different from everyone else. 

Except that Seonghwa was sitting now in front of the most powerful man in the industry and having this bizarre… deal meeting? Or whatever this was meant to turn into. The omega found himself clenching his fist because all Hongjoong did was talk in puzzles. As always.

“What are you seeking with this, Hongjoong? For real?”  Seonghwa asked, dropping all the honorifics, and his attempts to figure out the man, as he had a clue this would never work out. Not between them. The omega wasn’t sure he would receive an answer, because why would Hongjoong explain what was going on in that mystery logic of his?

“Maybe for someone the same.”  The alpha picked up his words, smile gone. His gaze pointed right at Seonghwa’s eyes, his pupils dilating in curiosity. 

“But then…”  the omega stuttered, his palm sweating from the tension.  “But then you won’t be unique… if there is someone like you.”

“Nor lonely.”  Hongjoong arched the corner of his lip up, like closing the case. 

This would have solved their entire problem. And that would have been a perfect moment for Seonghwa to confess that Hongjoong wasn’t alone in this. At least Seonghwa knew what was happening to his body, while the alpha had no other choice but to overcome his pride and ask for help.

Seonghwa was so invested in this talk, only now noticed that they were the only ones left in the tea shop. That being said, it seemed that Hongjoong felt more relaxed now that there were no other people around.

“I have… some requests if you want my help,”  Seonghwa started again because otherwise the silence could last between them forever, and he didn’t want that. He wanted to hear Hongjoong speak.

“Go on.”  The man nodded like they were in a serious business meeting.

“I’m not going to use the scent blockers anymore.”  Seonghwa paused as if thinking, should he mention that the blockers made him sick or that the doctor refused to prescribe them because of health issues? That would make his argument stronger, right?

“Alright.”  However, the alpha replied, taking Seonghwa a little bit (a lot) by surprise. 

That was it? All this month, Hongjoong pointed out every time Seonghwa didn’t use the blockers. Even made a drama over it at the KQ event, just so… he accepted the condition this easily. Was he this desperate to achieve something?

“O-okay…”  Seonghwa stuttered from this unexpected turn.  “There is more…”

Hongjoong licked his piercing on the bottom lip. Like holding back a little something that was about to slip through his mouth, but at the end just made a little nod, allowing this to continue.

“Don’t call me Star. I don’t like that.”  Seonghwa had no intention to go further into discussion about this. Hongjoong didn’t need to know.  “I know it’s a part of the collection’s concept, but I’m not a thing. I have a name.”  He spilled out everything at once.  “And I know in your hierarchy I’m no one, but… I do not deserve this kind of treatment from you.”

“Treatment?”  Hongjoong’s smile disappeared as soon as Seonghwa mentioned the nickname. The alpha gave him a stare as if that request had touched him very personally. 

“I don’t want you… to tell your… Eden… what’s happening between us. You hurt me. It was personal.”  Seonghwa found the courage to admit, although he couldn’t look Hongjoong in the eyes.

“My Eden?”  Hongjoong scoffed.  “Well now… that’s not fair, isn’t it? Can you promise not to say a word to Wooyoung then or to… any of your new friends?”  He didn’t say the names, but Seonghwa knew who he was implying.

Seonghwa jolted his head back, their eyes meeting in action. Gaze locked, scents spiking in the moment. Seonghwa breathed in the fresh forest, and he could see his own reflection in Hongjoong’s face as the alpha did the same… whatever scent Seonghwa reminded him of. Was it Seonghwa’s pride? Or something else that didn’t let him clearly see the picture until now. So that’s how it was…

“I won’t tell anyone.”  Seonghwa breathed out, his heart restless from the eye contact that they still held.

“I won’t tell anyone,”  Hongjoong repeated in the same motion. Sealing the deal. There was no way back from this now.  “Anything else?”  he asked, turning his eyes away to his phone, and whatever moment they had, just like back then in his studio, was over.

Seonghwa shook his head. There was nothing else in particular he wanted. Well, there was. But Hongjoong would never give him that. The alpha checked something on his phone, lips pressed tightly. Maybe Seonghwa should have asked Hongjoong to keep himself off the phone whenever they were having a conversation. 

“Fuck…”  Hongjoong muttered to himself, typing something.

“You need to go?”  Seonghwa guessed by the way the alpha shifted in his chair.

“Soon.”  Hongjoong cleared his throat when his phone started ringing. He simply muted it, but Seonghwa was sure he saw Yeosang’s name flashing on the screen. 

Wasn’t he aware of where Hongjoong was? What if no one knew? What if Hongjoong came here without telling anyone? No way.

“Hmm well…”  Seonghwa hadn't even touched his tea and now it already wouldn’t taste the way he liked. Should they just part ways? Either way, they had… decent conversation.

“Regarding what you told me last time…”  Hongjoong set his phone aside again, his back straight, hands on the table. He looked like he was about to spill a very well-prepared speech that he memorized and the only thing he lacked were the PowerPoint slides.  “I always respected your wish to keep second genders out of this. I don’t know if you ever noticed, just how much I tried to keep my distance, just as you requested. I wish no misunderstandings despite my needs. Whatever is going on, it’s temporary and it’s platonic.”  the alpha tilted his head, his thumb playing with one of the rings on his fingers, while Seongwha forgot he needed to breathe.  “Trust me, I will… do everything in my power to end it. You don’t have to be worried. I won’t… frighten you anymore.”  Hongjoong made a little pause, like waiting for any reaction from Seonghwa, but the omega was too stunned to speak.  “And… I will not touch you in that way. I don’t… need you to let me scent you. I just… need. Something. Anything.”  His confident voice became quieter, as the alpha had forgotten the end of his so-well-written text. Hongjoong looked away.

Seonghwa followed Hongjoong’s motions, and they both only watched an elderly couple cleaning around. It was a very fragile moment - Seonghwa wanted to cry because everything Hongjoong said was the opposite his heart desired, and yet the alpha was making sense. Everything he did made sense. Seonghwa felt guilty because it was also his fault for making Hongjoong go through it.

“I… still have your jacket. It should be full of my scent by now.”  Hongjoong didn’t need to know that Seonghwa literally slept with it.  “If… that works for now.”  Seonghwa heard himself whisper, as he was strangled by tears that tried to escape.

“Yes.” 

Hongjoong stood up after that, getting ready to leave, and Seonghwa knew he had no right to stop him. Surely, he was busy. Of course, there were more important things. And it was Seonghwa who misunderstood everything. Hongjoong was trying to stay away… because Seonghwa asked him to. And everything from his side always was and would be platonic. That was the end. Seonghwa agreed to help him in the simplest way possible. To survive. Until this would be over.

“I thought… you don’t like my scent.”  Seonghwa heard himself saying, transparent tears rolling down his cheeks. He couldn’t care less whether Hongjoong saw them or not. It didn’t matter how he would interpret that.

“I never said that.”  His calm voice came from above. Seonghwa didn’t see but he heard the man typing as he spoke.

“Then how… how do I… smell?”  He pushed out so hard that a painful sob got stuck inside his throat. Hongjoong was already passing by him, and all Seonghwa wanted to do was hold on to him.

It felt like the alpha won’t answer. Maybe a part of Seonghwa didn’t expect him to.

“Lavender.”

Seonghwa shot his head up, upon hearing those words from the man. Lavender? One of the sweetest scents among the wildflowers. The last time Seonghwa heard that he smelled like lavender was when his mom held him in her arms, as he was still a child. Together with all the other flowers. A loud sob finally escaped his mouth, as something inside him was falling, breaking into pieces. He had failed. He had failed so hard. Lavender. Stars. Forest - his home. Everything. It was too much of everything.

Seongwha couldn’t be alone anymore. He couldn’t handle carrying the weight of the truth. He didn’t want to be alone in this. Even if Hongjoong would never love him. Now. He had to tell him now. He had suffered so much. His heat was so painful. So… agonizing. He was so pathetic. He needed the alpha. He needed—

“Hongjoong—”  Seonghwa whispered.

But the alpha was already walking out.

Seonghwa remained in his seat, just staring at the cup of water that Hongjoong hadn’t touched since Seonghwa came. He cried way too much for that alpha in the past month, but this time couldn’t be compared to any others. For the first time, it was Seonghwa’s fault. Because he was a coward. He didn’t want Hongjoong to know about Fated Mates, because lying to himself that all of this could be fixed was easier than accepting the reality that despite them being mates it didn’t affect Hongjoong the same as it did Seonghwa. They weren’t destined to be together. They saw this world too differently. Seonghwa couldn't be with an alpha. He had promised.

“Oh, darling, the date didn’t go that well?”  The lady came closer to Seonghwa, collecting the cup with water and the untouched tea. She knew that Seonghwa didn’t touch. When the omega only pushed a wobbly smile instead of an answer, she rolled her eyes.  “I liked the red-haired more anyway. Don’t cry over him. He is not worth your tears.”  She gave an encouraging nod, following a little pat on Seonghwa’s shoulder.

The omega didn’t have any strength right now to explain, and some voice in his head did say that she had a point. Not about San being better or anything like that, just… he shed too many tears.

Seonghwa still had to answer something so he wouldn’t sound too rude, but then he felt his phone vibrating. He was almost sure he would see Wooyoung’s name since it had been hours since he left, but to Seonghwa’s surprise, it was Yeosang.

“Sangie?”  Seonghwa responded instantly without thinking. He has been so disconnected for these past few days, that it felt weird to answer someone’s call suddenly. Even Seonghwa’s tears had stopped.

“Hwa… I’m so so sorry to disturb you, I know you’re on your break, and Wooyoung is not picking up.”  Yeosang sounded so nervous, panting hard like he was running somewhere.  “I really wouldn’t call if….”

“Yeosang-ah, it’s fine. Really.”  Seonghwa rushed to calm him down, his heart pressing the rib cage from worry, as he tried to guess what could have happened.

“Listen, I know it’s going to sound crazy. But did you hear anything from Hongjoong?”  he mumbled.  “I’m talking with Seonghwa, yeah.”  Then he said to someone else.

“Ummm…. No?”  Seonghwa replied, literally, at that moment, through the window, watching how Hongjoong drove past the shop.

“Well… of course. We’re just um… not to sound dramatic, but losing our shit. Almost a few hours ago, Hongjoong left in the middle of the meeting, without saying a word, and no one heard from him since then. The tracking system is showing that his phone was last seen next to yours and Wooyoung’s place??”  Yeosang spilled everything in a rushed but lost tone. He sounded devastated, like a parent who lost their child. 

Seonghwa had no clue someone like Hongjoong would have a tracking system in his phone. Did all of them have one? It would be weird to question that now, wouldn’t it? Seonghwa was bad at lying, even worse when it came to lying to his friends. He would better just sit in silence than talk. 

“Ah… I… don’t…”

“Of course, you don’t. I’m so sorry, Seonghwa-yah. It was a very important meeting. Joong had to approve a model for tomorrow’s photo shoot, but he left just before the model arrived, and now it’s too late! And we have no one to replace the model with.”  Yeosang sounded like he was on the verge of crying.

“I can replace him.”  Seonghwa immediately said, clearly from the impulsiveness. But that was who he was - model replacement. That's what Seonghwa has been doing for the past month. So it didn't sound too odd.

“What…?”  Yeosang gasped after a long moment.  “But… aren’t you in the middle of your heat?”

Well damn it. At least someone cared. 

“It… didn’t come.”  Seonghwa pushed out the words, and it sounded like he was rather anxious than worried.  “I already consulted my doctor about it, so don’t worry.”  the omega quickly added to calm his friend before Yoesang had another reason to panic. He already had enough weight on his slender shoulders.

“I’m so sorry… Seonghwa… can I— wait, Hongjoong is calling! I will call you later, okay??”  Yeosang rushed to say his goodbyes and hung up.

Seonghwa had predicted many scenarios of how the alpha ended up here, but Hongjoong running away from an important meeting, without saying a word, leaving everyone worried about his sudden disappearance, wasn’t one of them. For Seonghwa? Out of desperation to get what the alpha needed from him?

After another small talk with the owners, Seonghwa left the tea house and returned home. Of course, he found Wooyoung in the living room, his hands crossed against his chest, gaze burning Seonghwa in hellish flames. Although with that bruise on his face and wounded lips, Wooyoung was rather like a small angry kitten.

“You didn’t wake me up!”  He immediately started, before Seonghwa even took off his shoes.

“You could have called me—”

“Hwa, my phone barely reacts. The screen is smashed, it wouldn't charge!”  He hissed, and only now Seonghwa remembered that. Which instantly pushed him to feel guilty in front of Wooyoung.

“Woo-yah…”  Seonghwa sighed, coming in, and dropping next to Wooyoung.  “I’m sorry… my head was so full or… rather empty. You were sleeping. I wanted you to rest. This heat took everything from me… I didn’t even have a chance to thank you or take care of you…”  Seonghwa sighed, leaning against the back of the couch, his voice quiet but he wasn’t lying. He just didn’t want to fight. Not with Wooyoung.

Maybe it was good that his best friend was as exhausted. It stopped this fight that neither of them needed. Seonghwa heard Wooyoung sighing in desperation, and then the next moment he leaned back against the couch next to Seonghwa, intertwining their fingers.

“What did the doctor say? Did they know the reason behind your uncontrolled heat?”

Wooyoung’s voice was soft, his thumb drawing circles on Seonghwa’s hand. It was sort of nice to just stay like this, eyes closed, holding hands, trusting each other. To certain content. Seonghwa was so blessed to have Wooyoung in his life. That would never change.

“Not yet… but they are working on it. So soon, hopefully.”  Seonghwa promised Wooyoung to calm him down. Because Seonghwa himself knew the answer better than anyone else.

“Took you ages to come back…”  Wooyoung admitted.

“I missed a stop on the way back.”  Seonghwa sadly chuckled, which was still half of the truth.

“Sounds like you.”  He agreed.

“Woo-ah…”  Seonghwa then opened his eyes and waited until his friend did the same before he talked. There were so many secrets he was keeping from his best friend, but what happened on Friday shouldn’t be one of them. Seonghwa wanted him to know that he was drugged.

“Mmm?”  He softly smiled, nuzzling closer like a cat. 

“On Friday…”

“No.”  The Wooyoung cut Seonghwa sharply like a knife.  “Seonghwa, no. Don’t try to ask. Don’t mention. Pretend that nothing happened. Pretend that it’s nothing. It would be easier this way.”

Seonghwa’s lips parted as he tried to connect the dots in his head, which he finally realized. Wooyoung thought Seonghwa was asking about him . Which was on Seonghwa’s to-do list, but he simply didn’t want to pressure Wooyoung right into talking about the topic that hurt him.

“Woo-yah, you can’t ask me to find my best friend hurt like that and expect me to do nothing.”  Seonghwa watched him in disbelief.  “Fine, if you don’t trust me enough, let’s go to the police… and…”

“It’s nothing to do with trust!! And we are not going to the police.”  As was expected, Wooyoung suddenly flamed like a match. ”It was an accident. It was nothing. There is no reason for you to get involved.”

“Woo-ah, you are not being rational. Why are you so afraid? Of telling me? Me? I care about you, just like you care about me.”  Seonghwa let go of Wooyoung’s hand, certainly more shocked than he showed.  “Accidents don’t happen twice. Or maybe more? Wooyoung-ah, who hurt you?”  Seonghwa sounded more like a parent than a friend now, but he couldn’t care less about that. He wouldn’t let go of this. He knew what was best for his friend.

“I don’t want to tell you. How else am I supposed to phrase for you to understand? I don’t want anyone to get involved with this.”  Wooyoung stood on his feet. Which pulled Seonghwa to do the same when he noticed that Wooyoung was on the verge of tears.

“It will be easier if you share—”

“If you can’t deal with your emotions, Hwa, it doesn’t mean I’m the same.”  Wooyoung tensed his jaw to lock in the emotions that he was so  good at dealing with. Seonghwa felt how his shoulder fell. He didn’t know it would hurt so much to see that his best friend refused to share something with him. But then… wasn’t Seonghwa the same?

Seonghwa’s phone started ringing before he had to answer. Maybe it was better this way. Because Seonghwa didn’t know what words to choose anymore. It was Yeosang calling him back.

“Sangie? Hi, again.”  Seonghwa cleared his throat so he would sound normal. 

“Seonghwa-yah, so… I talked with that… boss.”  Yeosang made a pause.  “He agreed to replace the model with you tomorrow. Not like he had another choice though... that idio— boss. Is it really okay with you?”  he then asked in concern.

“Yes, Sangie. Just send me the time later.”  Seonghwa couldn’t help but break a smile when he heard Yeosang holding himself back from cursing Hongjoong at work. Seonghwa should have felt a little bit guilty about this, but couldn’t.

“Yeosangie!!”  Wooyoung interrupted with an unnecessary shout.  “Wait, what is going on?”

Seonghwa turned on the speaker. Wooyoung was speaking like they were not in the middle of the fight a moment ago.

“Wooyoungie!! Why are you not answering your phone??”  Yeosang’s low voice went two tones higher.

“I smashed it into the pavement. Can you believe that? It doesn’t charge! Friday went a little bit overboard.”  Wooyoung naturally giggled. A little.

Seonghwa easily would have believed him if he didn’t know the truth. Was he always such a good liar?

“Oh… are you alright? The last time I heard from you was on Sunday when you asked for this week off…”  Yeosang sounded sad like Wooyoung and Seonghwa would have abandoned him.  “But then Seonghwa tells me today that his heat didn’t come. And I don’t know what to think…”  Yeosang’s voice was getting quieter with each word, while Seonghwa and Wooyoung mentally exchanged their thoughts.

There was no reason to worry Yeosang.

“Sangie, don’t be sad… we were so worried because Hwa’s heat didn’t come on time. I went with him to a doctor and stuff… just a busy weekend.”  Wooyoung did the talking because he had the talent to make it sound like an undeniable truth.  “But we are all better now! I promise. I missed you so much. Two weeks without you too long!!”

“Ah… then…”  Yeosang sighed.  “We should meet tomorrow. How about after Hwa’s photo shoot?”  He suggested.

“Sounds good!”  Seonghwa agreed, showing a sign to Wooyoung that he would explain later about the photo shoot.

“We should celebrate your birthday too!”  Wooyoung suggested.  “Do you want to do something?”

“Ah? It’s already passed, don’t—”

“We are celebrating!!”  Wooyoug shouted over him.  “So, where do you want to go?”  then he insisted.

“We could just hang out at my place, I guess…”

“And then we go to dinner somewhere!”  Wooyoung added.  “I will… I mean Hwa will text everyone in the group chat and ask who wants to join.”  he then added with an unbreakable voice, and Yeosang clearly gave up.

“I don’t think many would join… tomorrow is Wednesday. A lot is going on… a lot of events and collections in summer.”  Yeosang sighed from the depths of his throat.  “I swear one more time Hongjoong pulls a prank on me like today, and I  am  quitting.”

“Are you?”  Seonghwa laughed, remembering hearing from Hongjoong almost the same words.

“Not really.”  the younger omega mumbled.  “Anyway, warning about group chat, Yunho-yah went a little bit wild the other day. But it’s fun to see him doing things like that again.”

“Yunho-yah is back??”  Wooyoung gasped excitedly.  “Does it mean he figured things out with Mingi??”

Oh right. Seonghwa had no time nor brain cells to tell him about this.

“Not… sure about that. But I hope so!! I haven’t seen Yunho-yah, Mingi has been locked in his studio all day long…”  Yeosang explained in a doubtful tone.  “I barely see anyone as well. You know I’m alone right now, doing everything.”  then the omega whined, making both Seonghwa and Wooyoung giggle.  “How come it’s funny??”

“Sorry, we are coming back, Yeo!”  Wooyoung promised.  “See you tomorrow then, I will come after the photo shoot!” 

“I will try to reserve a table for dinner… I guess.”  Yeosang then offered, making Wooyoung release an excited squeak. 

Saturday. 2024 June 22.

[GROUP CHAT: DRUNK PARTY]

{Jeong Yunho changed the group chat name to KHJ Besties & Hongjoong }

[GROUP CHAT: KHJ Besties & Hongjoong]

[ Kang Yeosang 5:34 PM] Yunho-yah?? What is this?

[ Choi Jongho 5:35 PM] Welcome back. Why is Hongjoong separated?

[ Jeong Yunho 5:37 PM] I’m making an order. And you are my first victims.

[ Jeong Yunho 5:38 PM] Just felt like separating him. Because he is so special <3

{ Jeong Yunho changed Kang Yeosang name to Maltese }

{ Jeong Yunho changed Choi Jongho name to Haribo Bear }

[ Choi San 5:40 PM] Yunhoooo~~

[ Choi San 5:41 PM] MISSED YOU MAN~~

[ Jeong Yunho 5:44 PM] Good. Because….

{ Jeong Yunho changed Choi San name to Mountain }

[ Mountain (San) 5:45 PM] Yo… what is this bullying

[ Haribo Bear (Jongho) 5:47 PM] Your name literally means mountain, what do you mean by bullying?

[ Mountain (San) 5:48 PM] Better than being a gummy bear I guess.

[ Mountain (San) 5:49 PM] Let me try

{ Mountain (San) changed Jung Wooyoung name to Kitten }

[ Haribo Bear (Jongho) 5:49 PM] No comments on this one

[ Song Mingi 5:49 PM] All of you have nothing better to do? Yunho, I thought you went back to your brother’s to collect stuff

{ Song Mingi changed Jeong Yunho name to Golden Retriever }

[ Maltese (Yeosang) 5:50 PM] This is so unserious. 

[ Golden Retriever (Yunho) 5:51 PM] Mingi!! I AM packing.

{ Jeong Yunho changed Song Mingi name to Princess Minki }

[ Princess Minki (Mingi) 5:52 PM] I see that. 

[ Mountain (San) 5:53 PM] Happy for you guys, but… lmao.

[ Princess Minki (Mingi) 5:55 PM] I see that. Nothing is going on, San.

[ Golden Retriever (Yunho) 5:55 PM] Who is left?

[Golden Retriever (Yunho) 5:56 PM] Oh. Well…. I have ideas but maybe for later.

{ Golden Retriever (Yunho) changed Park Seonghwa  name to Mars }

{ Golden Retriever (Yunho) changed Kim Hongjoong name to Captain }

Sunday. 2024 June 23.

[ Mountain (San) 3:00 PM] Has anyone seen or talked with Wooyoung? Or Seonghwa? Neither of them is answering

[ Golden Retriever (Yunho) 3:03 PM] Talked with Hyung yesterday in the morning. Maybe his heat started? Not sure about Woo.

Tuesday. 2024 June 25.

[ Maltese (Yeosang) 8:01 PM] WHERE IS HONGJOONG? I AM SO TIRED OF THIS. IF SOMEONE KNOWS TELL ME NOW

[ Golden Retriever (Yunho) 8:03 PM] Sangie, I see you are losing it, but it’s really… not a place to ask since we are in the same circle. I’m sure he is fine.

[ Mountain (San) 8:05 PM] He took my car if that helps

[ Maltese (Yeosang) 8:05 PM] None of you are helping

[ Princess Minki (Mingi) 8:10 PM] This chat is just a search party…

[ Princess Minki (Mingi) 8:12 PM] Not like Joong ever reads this, but I’m firing your ass and taking over the company when you are back.

[ Mars (Seonghwa) 10:17 PM] Hi!! It’s woo, texting from hwa’s phone, ‘cause mine rip. We just talked with yeo. Who wants to go tomorrow for dinner together to celebrate sangie’s birthday?

[ Mars (Seonghwa) 10:18 PM] Imma make a poll. Select who can come.

[ Mars (Seonghwa) 10:19 PM] Location and time later.

[ VOTING: Yeosangie’s birthday]

COUNT ME IN —------------ Princess Minki (Mingi); Mars (Seonghwa)

YES —--------------------- Haribo Bear (Jongho) 

HELL YES —----------------- Golden Retriever (Yunho)

OUI - yes but in French —----- Mountain (San)

The next morning Seonghwa woke up early, but since he didn’t have the photo shoot until three in the afternoon, the day started slow. He made breakfast for himself and Wooyoung, although his friend hadn’t come out yet from his room. It's not like Wooyoung and Seonghwa had another fight after they finished talking to Yeosang and sent messages to the group chat. There was nothing else to say. Wooyoung went to his room to ‘think’ about Yeosang’s present, and Seonghwa also ended up in his room.

It took the omega a while to figure out that he was alone at home, and Wooyoung had been long gone before Seonghwa woke up. He didn’t have a way to contact him right now. Seonghwa was a little hurt, but tried to set his mindset positively - he and Wooyoung could never stay apart for too long. Plus today they had a dinner party with Yeosang. And that made Seonghwa feel enthusiastic about today - it’s been a while since they all gathered together. Minus Hongjoong. The alpha didn’t even bother to read their messages.

Seonghwa was at the company around two, carrying two bags - one was for Yeosang. Something Seonghwa had bought a few weeks ago, with the idea to give it to him when they see each other next time. Just like he promised Hongjoong yesterday, Seonghwa had the alpha’s jacket in another bag. No secret that Seonghwa’s heart was a little bit bleeding. He had not even once worn that jacket, but he grew attached to it - like a necessary accessory in his bed.

“Yeosangie!”  Seonghwa entered their office, with as much natural smile as he could pull from himself. He was sort of relieved not to find Hongjoong in his office, although his scent lingering in the air stated that it hadn’t been long since the alpha left.

“Hwa! Hi!!”  Yeosang jumped from his table, rushing to meet Seonghwa. Somewhere in the middle, they crashed into a hug. 

Seonghwa tightly embraced the shorter omega for a long moment and pulled back.

“I have something for you. I know I should probably give it over during dinner tonight, but I kinda want you to open it here.”  Seonghwa said, knowing the reason why. And was sure that Yeosang would rather open it in private as well.

“Oh…”  Yeosang blushed slightly.  “You didn’t have to…”  He opened the bag and pulled out a fluffy and wide turquoise blanket. It was tightly wrapped in an additional layer, ensuring the blanket would stay scentless.

“That’s something from me to your nest.”  Seonghwa smiled, carefully touching Yeosang’s shoulder. He wanted his friend to know that nothing was embarrassing in making one, even if no one else around did. Seonghwa wished to encourage him to do whatever Yeosang felt comfortable with.

“Seong—”

“Is that a winter blanket in the middle of summer? Really?”  A low voice scoffed behind them, but Seonghwa only rolled his eyes, actually hiding an excited smile. It has been only four days, but he did miss them. He missed this place too. Weird. Seonghwa never thought the day would come when he thinks this way.

“That’s my present, and I decide if I need it, Mingi-yah.”  Yeosang rolled his eyes at the beta, standing in the door frame.  “It’s perfect, thank you Hwa.”  He then smirked, holding the bag like his biggest treasure.

“Hey, Mingi-yah, charming as ever.”  Seonghwa lightly patted his shoulder.  “You alright?”

“This close….”  he made a tiny gap between two of his fingers.  “... just throwing everything out of the window. But yes…good.”  He pushed a knowing smile at the omega.  “Yeosang told you about your heat. Are  you  good?”

“I will be! Surely. Just stress? Maybe.”  Seonghwa, with a light smile, went to place the other bag under his table. No one questioned what it was. And the omega appreciated his friends minding their business.  “Are we going to the studio?”  he then asked.

“Oh… not now. First, we'll go to the meeting. Since you’re already here. Hongjoong called a meeting to review some materials for the collection.”

“And he wanted me there?”  Seonghwa raised an eyebrow in disbelief. They do know that he did not know this stuff.

“We want you there.”  Mingi corrected.  “Yuyu also came, so I see no reason why you couldn’t. Also, Maddox can't make it today for the photo shoot, and his replacement is still on the way.”  Mingi explained as they already went towards the elevator. Seonghwa smiled because of the nickname Mingi used for Yunho. What if… just what if they talked things out already?

“You both seem so tired…”  Seonghwa couldn’t help but notice that both, the designer and the CEO’s assistant, looked like they hadn’t seen a bed in days. He didn’t need confirmation.  “Just how many times per day are you thinking of quitting?”  He then joked. A very casual joke around here.

“One time too many…”  Mingi yawned, although it was the middle of the day

“Every time I enter this building,”  Yeosang added with a plain face.  “I’m surviving on the thought that we are going for dinner today! I reserved a table at my favorite place!”

“Is it that Ramen one? The one where it is almost impossible to get a table? Please, say yes. Please, make this afternoon worth surviving.”  Mingi almost begged.

“It is!”  Yeosang smiled excitedly, giving a high five to the beta.  “Absolutely, not going to die before that!”

All three of them laughed about silly things as they went a few levels up and reached a floor with only meeting rooms. Seonghwa has been here a couple of times, only to pass some documents to Mingi. All of the rooms were spacious, some had oval desks with chairs around, and some were even bigger like conference halls. 

“After you.”  Mingi opened the door, mimicking the gentleman's tone, letting both of the omegas inside one of the rooms. It seemed that they entered in the middle of the meeting. One of the girls at the oval table was talking. Seonghwa’s eyes immediately found Hongjoong, who, of course, was sitting at the end of the table, where everyone could see him.

“Hyung!”  Yunho hissed excitedly when Seonghwa claimed a free chair next to him. The omega didn’t know half of the people here. Seonghwa smiled, squeezing tightly Yunho's fingers on the table, but didn’t get a chance to say something back.

“Stop.” 

Hongjoong said so clearly, that Seonghwa thought it was for him. He was used to the alpha saving that strict tone for him only, but Hongjoong wasn’t looking Seonghwa’s way. Although the omega was sure the CEO glanced at him through the glass door even before they entered. Of course, as Seonghwa said, he used no scent blockers.

“Stop… I can’t listen to this. Flower compositions and motives in the spring photo shoots?? Where did this genius idea come from? How about snowflakes and pearls for winter if we are so original?!”  Hongjoong’s eye twitched.  “Who approved this whole thing before the meeting? Mingi? ” the CEO's eyes shot toward his partner.

“No way…”  Mingi shook his head, sitting next to Seonghwa, and then glanced at Yeosang.  “You?”

The omega on the other side of Yunho looked like he was about to stab Mingi only for that question.

“Are you now joking with me? We have limited time! Some of us don’t have it at all! All of this for you is a game, or what?! And then you call me here to waste my time as well? How dare you come to a meeting without getting any approval from your supervisors? Three days, and all I get is this?? Now you are disrespecting not only me but the entire team!”  Hongjoong glared at the girl, who did the talking, so sharply, that she quickly sat down. Then his strong gaze went around everyone at the table.  “When I come to a meeting, I expect you to be prepared! Ideas we could work on! This is not a debate! Is that so much to ask to do the work you are getting paid for? If you are not serious about your job, then get out. I'm not holding anyone by force.” 

"Yeah?"  Mingi and Yeosang muttered at the same time.

"You both don't count."  the alpha frowned even more.

The fire in Hongjoong's scent burned everyone in this room, yet Seongwha was the only one who felt it. Only a few dared to breathe when Hongjoong talked. Meanwhile, Mingi and Yeosang did look like they had heard a lot of these speeches before. Too many.

“That’s it. We lost too much time on this. Yeosang, cancel all photo shoots for the project. Schedule a phone call with their coordinator. Those who have nothing to say - out. Next, bring me the materials.”  Hongjoong gripped his nose bridge, closing his eyes for a moment. His burning fire dried Seonghwa’s throat, like sun in the desert. Even if it wasn’t directed at him. While some of them were packing their papers, Seonghwa with his friends and a few others remained seated. 

“We will lose around thirty-nine million won instantly if we cancel this project. Later maybe more.”  Yeosang then said as he scribbled something into his notebook.

Seonghwa’s mouth dropped. How much again?? The omega couldn’t simply comprehend this kind of amount of money so fast, but he was the only one at the table shocked.

“Thirty-nine?”  Mingi flipped a few documents on the table, just as if playing around.  “Must be a shitty project, if that’s all we're gonna lose.”

Hongjoong opened his eyes and looked directly at Seonghwa. The omega didn't know what expression he was making but tried to remain calm, while his mind was going in circles, triangles, and other shapes. Hongjoong. The next moment, the burning sparkles in Hongjoong’s gaze were gone, like blown by a strong wind. The omega inhaled again, filling his lungs with the fresh forest scent.

“Mingi-yah, a word.”  the alpha then blinked and turned his eyes away. Just for a second, before that, surprise flashed in his expression. Or was it just Seonghwa’s imagination?

“Here we go. Now I will be scolded. Thank you, everyone.”  The beta rolled his eyes and got up from his seat. Yunho followed them out with a very worried expression.

“Nothing is as scary as unhappy Hongjoong during the meeting.”  then Yunho said. Seonghwa’s stare was locked at Hongjoong and Mingi, talking just outside the door. But it didn’t look like they were fighting.

“He made a lot of sense.”  Yeosang agreed.  “No one came to approve the suggestions, and Hongjoong’s time is priceless at this time of the year. If he canceled the project then, it was his last straw. He still didn't snap as much as he could. And I get him, and I feel a bit guilty, that I didn’t coordinate this better… but there is just so much of everything. And without Seonghwa-yah or Woo-yah it’s even harder.”

“I’m sorry…Yeosangie… We are coming back. It was a crazy weekend.”  Seonghwa sighed, glancing at his friend with a little apologetic smile. The doors opened, and assistants started bringing in examples of folded materials.

“It’s not your fault, Hwa. I didn’t mean it that way. Summer is… hard for us.”  Yeosang leaned on the table with a little frown.

“Every season is hard, just at a different level.”  Yunho shrugged,  “I’m still on hiatus until next week, by the way.”  Then he peeked at Seonghwa.  “Just wanted to see the materials since I came here already. Plus Hongjoong’s reactions are always priceless.”  he made a little giggle, leaning back in the seat.

“Should I be scared?”  Seonghwa wondered, holding his breath.

“No no… he doesn’t talk when he is only reacting,”  Yunho said with a knowing tone like it was his favorite hobby.  “One nod means okay. If he nods twice, he is really satisfied.”

“Never saw him smiling,”  Yeosang added.  “Okay, once…”

“The Wave collection!”  Yunho remembered with a little clap.  “The whole office was talking about it for weeks.”

“Then if doesn’t like it, he shakes his head. And finally the deadly pout of his lips…”

Seonghwa really couldn’t tell if they were just mocking him or if they were being real.

“And… what does that deadly pout mean?”  Seongwha wondered with a slightly arched eyebrow, but then Hongjoong returned with Mingi, and no one answered him. Mingi, before sitting down, dramatically looked into Yunho’s eyes and pretended he was gagging.

Seonghwa soon learned that Yunho and Yeosang were serious. Hongjoong did nothing but react with the nods and shakes of his head. He, only a few times, reached to touch the materials, but not even once smiled. Yeosang’s hands were sliding as he took notes of the examples, and Yunho next to Seonghwa couldn’t stop giggling. Only Mingi from their team did the job with comments on some things, as he could read through Hongjoong’s shakes and nods. The designers, who were presenting the materials, were mostly talking to the beta about the possible combinations.

“And then there is… the final example. For Mars’ robe.”

Seonghwa strengthened his back as if that would help him see better. Was it for him? His piece. The material was dark blue, from afar looking so soft, but also somehow a little bit transparent and sparklish.

“Hongjoong-shi, if you would like to feel the material. It’s the highest quality we could find, from….”  the assistant holding the material started to talk, but in the middle of the sentence stopped.

Hongjoong was sitting in his leather seat, dressed ridiculously attractive, eyes pointed somewhere in the distance - away from the material. Lips pursed. Hongjoong was pounting. And that made everyone at the table immediately freeze.

“Disaster.”  Mingi translated Hongjoong’s thoughts.  “Take it out. Everything.”  He waved with hand for the assistants to move faster.

For the first time, Seonghwa noticed that Mingi was slightly… pissed. And he never thought those emotions could be reflected on the beta, especially when it came to this work.

“Let’s go, Seonghwa… I will take you to a photo shoot.”  The Yeosang softly patted Seonghwa’s shoulder already up, and the omega followed, trying to catch Hongjoong’s eyes, but the alpha was still staring at the same spot, like thinking over his life. His forest scent not only just weakened, but it was barely there, spiking something else - rain.

“What will happen now?”  Seonghwa asked, a little bit worried.  “Was it just me, or did Mingi look like he was… sort of annoyed by Hongjoong’s reaction?”

“They… will have to change all the materials, because Hongjoong didn’t like the main one. As in… if there is no material for the main design, others just fall out of the context for him.”  Yeosang sighed, pressing the elevator’s button.  “Of course, Mingi was unhappy. That was weeks of his work.”

“Wait…”  Seonghwa almost laughed.  “They're gonna have to replace everything because Hongjoong didn’t like ONE material?”  Seonghwa tried to fit this so hard in his head, but couldn’t.

He didn’t even notice which floor Yeosang was taking him to. Seonghwa still waited for an answer. Yeosang genuinely looked like he saw Seonghwa for the first time. Just like on the first day they met. Only his voice was softer, which showed how much their friendship had developed.

“Seonghwa… you still don’t get it? Even after more than a month?”  The younger omega scoffed.  “His opinion is the only thing that matters here. Really. Absolutely. Without Hongjoong we are nothing.”  Yeosang said it simply, and it wasn’t the first time Seonghwa heard this. But after all this time, he took those words completely differently. 

Without Hongjoong we are nothing.

The first thing Seonghwa learned when Yeosang left him for the photo shoot, was that without Maddox there he didn't feel as comfortable. Which instantly was a little bit odd. Because he was the main photographer in the company and also he was always there for Seonghwa's photo shoots. The omega never posed for different photographers. Not like Seonghwa was afraid, but he was used to Maddox guiding him, and here… he didn’t know what to expect.

“Is there anything you would like to do with your hair?”  Seonghwa’s usual stylist behind him asked when the omega sat in front of the mirror.  “They’re quite long again. We have an appointment next week, right?”

“Right…”  Seonghwa agreed.  “Didn’t give it much of a thought, could we keep it like this for now?”

“It’s perfect for this photo shoot. I’ll just style it a little bit. But next week you might need to change a bit more maybe?. We will start photo shoots for winter.”  The stylist said with a little smile on her lips.  “Pink? Blond? Grey?”  She started naming colors.

Seonghwa took a deep breath, as the girl continued working around him. He had never colored his hair before. 

“I do like my natural color,”  Seonghwa admitted. He just couldn’t picture himself differently. Maybe because he never tried.

“I know that for the Silver Light collection, they’re planning to change your hair color, just not sure yet to what. It depends on the main design and colors…”

“Silver Light?”  Seonghwa raised his eyes at the stylist.  “Wait… is it the name of the collection?”  It just then clicked for him.

“I think they settled with it. At least that’s how Hongjoong-shi referred to it at the event in New York. Haven’t you read the articles? Aren’t you the inspiration for the collection?”  The girl questioned in surprise.

Did Hongjoong say that as well? In the articles? If Seonghwa was so important, why didn't he know anything? Also, Seonghwa couldn’t read the articles. Just thinking that he might see another picture of Hongjoong and Eden made him ill. And not like his health allowed him to read anything in the past few days.

The omega quite enjoyed the view of today’s outfit. The leather pants were something he wore for the first time, but they pressed his thighs firmly, and the feeling wasn’t bad at all. The top was in three colors, but the zippers against Seonghwa’s collarbones separated them nicely. Seonghwa was shy to admit that from all of this, he liked the metal chain choker around his neck the most.

“Hi! Mars, yes? I will be working with you instead of Maddox today.”  The photographer approached Seonghwa first, and he seemed rather friendly, so Seonghwa felt the tension leave his shoulders.

After fast introductions, the photographer showed their studio for the day. Which had been covered in water on the floor. Not too much. The low dark pool barely had water to reach Seonghwa’s ankles, but it still felt weird to step in it with his boots on.

“The photoshoot is for a fragrance that comes out in September. Not under the KHJ name, but it's an important collaboration.”  another person, who stood next to the photographer, explained. Seonghwa thought he had seen him before, but couldn’t remember the name. He nodded a few times.

“They will put my face in a magazine?”  He just wondered if there could be a chance to be featured again, but not feel anything particular about it.

“Not sure about a magazine. For now, just some Billboards and a few buses. Might be television as well. If your photos would be to the project manager’s liking, we might talk about filming an advertisement. Can’t tell yet, since we were thinking of another model before you.”  The person explained. Seonghwa’s jaw still dropped.

Right. Billboards. Buses?? Not the main ones, though right? But it still felt awkward to think that Seonghwa might see his face somewhere flashing around the city. Of course, big possibility that the project manager wouldn’t like the omega’s face, and none of this would happen.

Weird. But Seonghwa felt slightly excited about this.

Slightly.

It’s been over thirty minutes. For thirty minutes Seonghwa was posing in front of the camera, bearing with the team, who kept arguing about poses and concepts. Which they were supposed to figure out before they started this photo shoot. Without Maddox as their lead photographer, this whole thing was practically in shambles. Seonghwa had never seen everyone acting so chaotic, uncoordinated, and competitive when it came to these things. Especially since the projects seemed to be rather big. It just appeared like they were not sure what they were doing. Might be Seonghwa’s fault as well, since posing for the new photographer was harder than he thought. He just couldn’t relax completely as always.

Although the omega wouldn’t mind a little bit of artistic chaos, as long as he wasn’t involved in the mess. Yet Seonghwa spent these long thirty minutes in the water. And even if the cold water barely reached his ankles, even if the summer outside was scorching, lying in the water, inside the studio, where the air-conditioner was set so everyone could survive the heat, was a little bit too much. 

Seonghwa didn’t know when exactly his body began to shiver as the last layer of clothes, even the leather pants, soaked in coldness. The omega kneeled, shifting his weight on another leg, not having permission to change his position to get up, while three of his teammates passionately discussed their further moves.

Seonghwa looked down at his shaking fingers, pressing his wobbly lip into a thin line. He blinked a few times, convincing himself that his head spinning meant nothing. Because this just couldn’t go for longer. It would end soon.

“What is the meaning of this?!” 

Hongjoong’s voice appeared from nowhere. Seonghwa was not used to not feeling his presence. It took him a second to understand that it was because his nose was already stuffed. Seonghwa sniffed, letting some air and burning fire scent from Hongjoong into his lungs. The alpha… wasn’t happy.

“Hongjoong-shi… we—”

“Whose idea was to make him kneel in cold water while you’re sorting out your shit?!”  The alpha groaned. Not only interrupting the photographer and his assistants but making everyone else in the studio lose their ability to speak.

Everything happened so fast that by the time the omega fully focused his gaze on the alpha, Hongjoong was standing in the water, pulling Seonghwa up on his feet.

Only then did a low gasp escape the omega’s lips, when he had to grip the alpha as well to stabilize himself because stiff legs refused to listen.

“S-sorry…”  he blabbered, lost by this sudden approach.

“I got you, Seonghwa.”  The alpha spoke in a little voice that no one else, maybe even Hongjoong himself, heard.

Hongjoong was in the water because of him. Seonghwa just couldn’t comprehend this. However, they were out in a few moments and Hongjoong instantly commanded to change Seonghwa’s clothes and give him something warm to drink. Seonghwa was given a towel and showed to follow one of the stylists, but his eyes remained on the alpha, who stared at the photographer and his team as if he was about to pull a knife out of his pocket. His fire could have evaporated oceans, so little pool and a few inexperienced staff members meant nothing.

But for who? Seonghwa? For Seonghwa? Too many times the omega questioned the same things recently. 

Once Seonghwa changed into his clothes, with medicine and thermopad in his hands, he instantly felt better. Very unlikely he would catch a cold in the middle of summer heat just from this, although Doctor Byun didn’t fail to mention just how weak Seonghwa’s immune system was.

“Are you feeling better, Mars?”  The worried stylist asked, looking up at the omega sipping the tea. 

“I’m fine, really,”  Seonghwa confirmed with a shrug.  “I hope this didn’t cause—”

The dressing room door opened, and Hongjoong entered with a slight tilt of his head, making the stylist quickly bow and find her way out. The alpha scanned the omega back and forth, then stepped closer. Seonghwa couldn’t help but notice that he was still full of tension.

“Hongjoong… you didn’t have to do it for me?”  Seonghwa said, putting the mug away.

“For you?”  Hongjoong slightly raised his eyebrow.  “It’s not something I would do only for you, Seonghwa. For any of the models. This is not the treatment I allow in my company.” 

Oh. Of course, it wasn’t for him. Seonghwa heavily swallowed down embarrassment.

“I had a feeling that without Maddox it might be…”  instead of finishing the sentence, Hongjoong just waved his hand.  “You also, why would you allow them to treat you like this? Didn’t you have a voice to express your rights? How long would you sit in that water? They could have argued there for hours, then what? And this photo shoot was only for their manager to approve you.”  Hongjoong slightly shook his head, as if he was disappointed, but instead, made Seonghwa’s heart sink. It rose a heat of irritation in him.

Why was he getting scolded here??

“Hongjoong, I’ve been a model for less than a month. What do you expect? Until now, Maddox always guided me. I shouldn’t have been here in the first place today. But…”  Seonghwa pressed his lips harder to keep the rest of his thoughts away.

Hongjoong wasn’t used to getting opposed like this, and honestly, just a week earlier, Seonghwa wouldn’t have done that either, but… yesterday’s talk just made him realize something. No matter how intimidating Hongjoong was, he also was in the same deep shit. Maybe even deeper.

Not only was Seonghwa surprised by standing for himself again. So was the alpha.

“Right,”  Hongjoong replied, in a less dominant way.

“That’s it?”  Seonghwa heard himself asking.

“That’s it.”  The alpha agreed, walking towards the wardrobe and snatching a fabric bag from the table. He started taking clothes off the hangers. Then came closer to Seonghwa and placed a bag on his lap.  “Tomorrow, around seven, I will teach you how to behave during the photo shoots. Since even a month didn’t seem enough for you to learn.”

Oh God. Seonghwa didn’t know if the earthquake had started or if he was shaking too hard to touch the bag. Was Seonghwa losing his mind or did the alpha just say he would personally teach  Seonghwa how to behave in front of the camera?? A private photo shoot with HIM Seonghwa kept his mouth shut. If he had opened it, he would have screamed.

“Why are you so easy to distract… it’s just unbelievable.”  Hongjoong repeated his words in the same tone as he said them on Saturday in his studio. And to his surprise, Seonghwa almost hoped the alpha would accidentally call him ‘Star’, giving Seonghwa a reason to get angry. But he didn’t.

“Is Hongjoong here?!” 

Seonghwa heard Yeosang’s distressed voice in the distance, and someone must have pointed in their direction because the assistant ran into the room. He only spared a second to evaluate the situation before attacking Hongjoong.

“What is going on?? The manager of the fragrance project just called me, almost crying because she said you want to cancel the project. Joong??”  Yeosang clenched his fists like he was about to strangle something. Someone.

“I did say that.”  the alpha calmly confirmed.

“Why??”  Yeosang whimpered.  “Please, please don’t. Because I’m about to knock myself out if I would have to deal with yet another canceled project now.

“They mistreated Seonghwa,”  Hongjoong answered so simply, which instantly got Yeosang’s head turn at the omega.  “So it’s up to him to decide if he wants this to continue.”  the man continued, putting such weight on Seonghwa that he was getting sick. What was he supposed to say? Of course, Hongjoong wasn’t serious, right?

“Seonghwa, I will carry you every day in my hands, back home and to the office. Just please say you can handle whatever they did.” 

Yeosang actually took Hongjoong’s words for granted!

“Um… ah…. I didn’t plan to cancel anything! It was slightly my fault as well so… they tried—”

“Oh thank God!”  Yeosang wasn’t interested at all in Seonghwa’s reasoning or explanations.  “Thank absolutely fuck... I will call the manager!”  He then said, running out of the room. Seonghwa slowly turned his eyes to the alpha, who smiled like he just experienced the greatest amusement.

“You scolded people today for taking this job as a game…”  Seonghwa said rather quietly, not sure to himself or to Hongjoong too.

“For them, yes. But this is my sandbox, and I decide what I do in it and who plays with me.”  Hongjoong announced firmly, closing the topic.

Hongjoong’s answer was so childish and stubborn. Seonghwa for the first time didn’t feel any shame rolling his eyes in front of his boss. How long did it take for him to come up with such a genius sentence? Hongjoong maybe could be a little funny when he wanted.

They ended up meeting Yeosang again on the way out, and the omega informed them that Wooyoung got a new phone and just texted that he was in the building. Seonghwa couldn’t wait to get out for now. Today was still not over, but he was already overwhelmed about tomorrow. Seonghwa pressed the handle of the bag with clothes in his hand a little bit harder, fighting with excitement to see what exactly Hongjoong picked up for him.

The alpha in question, for some reason, decided to go down with both omegas. Although, he seemed to be zoned out on his phone. With the corner of his eye, Seonghwa noticed him reading an awfully long and boring-looking email. Of course, Seonghwa never thought Hongjoong was on his phone to play sudoku or Candy Crush, but he did work nonstop. Wasn’t that a little bit.. sad?

“.... don’t want to talk! I said, don’t fucking touch me!!” 

Wooyoung’s screech was the first thing that reached Seonghwa’s ears when the elevator opened. There was a tiny part in him glad he wasn’t alone at this moment, and yet it didn’t make the situation better.

Wooyoung and San were standing just a few steps from the elevators, so obviously, in an instant, everyone’s eyes were on them. Wooyoung slightly flinched as he turned at them with tears burning in his eyes, and then he rushed towards the exit, cheeks already flaming in red.

“Wooyoung—”  No less shocked eyes, San followed the omega out just like everyone else and was about to move towards his direction, but was stopped by a firm grip on his elbow.

Not by Seonghwa, however. 

“You’re not the one he needs now, San. Respect that.”  Hongjoong said in a calm but somehow low tone, sending weird vibrations through Seonghwa’s spine. The omega glanced at the CEO, although, Hongjoong eyes were fixed on San’s confused expression.

Seonghwa then dropped his bag at frozen Yeosang behind himself and ran out to catch Wooyoung. He didn’t go too far, Seonghwa practically ran into him as soon as he left the building. As if Wooyoung expected from the start that Seonghwa would come, his hands instantly wrapped around Seonghwa, and a deep sob escaped his lips. He did a good job hiding injuries on his face, but that couldn't be said about his emotions.

“Save me… don’t let them hurt me,”  Wooyoung begged in a small voice.

“Alphas…? San…?”  Seonghwa whispered, hugging Wooyoung back, like holding him for the last time. It was so hard to understand, so painful not being able to guess. He remained useless if Wooyoung refused to talk.

“Men.”

Men? Seonghwa hugged Wooyoung tightly instead of responding. He wasn’t sure what to say now. Not even sure if words were what Wooyoung needed. Seonghwa only wrapped his hands tighter around the friend’s body.

“No one will hurt you, Woo-yah. I’m here. We all are here to protect you.”  Seonghwa promised, his instincts reacting to the sound behind. He quickly turned his head and saw Yeosang, coming towards them.

“My apartment is just there… let’s go.”  He softly suggested, then must have caught Wooyoung’s wide eyes.  “No one else is coming. Joogie stayed to scold San for making drama in the office.”  Yeosang pushed out a little smile and then moved forward.