Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Despite religiously using scent blocker and heat suppressant to hide his scent, anyone can tell Hong Jisoo is an omega solely from his appearance.

Breathtaking is an overstatement yet beautiful is an understatement.

He’s gorgeous, not in a way that take people’s breath away when he simply came into view. People would take a glance, would go on their ways, and unexpectedly took another glance, and another. Before realizing it, they are staring, falling at the charms he exudes.

Hong Jisoo, with his ethereal features. His playful cat-like eyes, honey brown irises oozing warmth and tenderness, his fluffy and slightly tousled dark brown hair, the adorable curl of the edge of his pink lips, his naturally slender limbs and body, the sensual shape of his hips and back, the prominent lines of his neck and shoulder.

When he laughs, his eyes follow suit adorably, his voice is as sweet as his scent, intoxicating those around him. When he pouts, it emphasizes the plump of his lips, oozing both sexy and cute charm at the same time. When he smirks, his eyes sharpen in a playful manner, like an adorable cat initiating playtime. When he’s just staring right there with no expression, he was a sculpture of the gods, an art exhibit presented to everyone passing by for free.

People can’t even get started on how he smells.

His scent is as potent as a field of flowers in springtime. A mix of soft floral notes as jasmine and violet, a hint of freshness from strawberry, a tint of vanilla, a dash of orange blossom, another citrus tone, and finally, most dominantly—soft, sweet, and abundance of honey.

He is the omega every alpha wants to indulge in. Scratch that, even any beta wants him.

Though, to their dismay, the most sought-after Hong Jisoo is always guarded by his three closest alpha friends.

First, there is Choi Seungcheol, the most alpha of all alpha, the charismatic, natural born leader of the pack. He is Hong Jisoo’s default guardian, growing up together as cousin. Seungcheol naturally fell into the role of Jisoo’s security dog (or wolf) since they’re young. He had witness too many alphas approaching the younger, barely hiding their ulterior motives.

Second, there is Lee Jihoon, one of the most dominating alphas, in contrast of his shorter appearance. He takes no shit from everyone and does the same in behalf of Jisoo. Seemingly to know and find company in each other from high school, the blunt and straightforward alpha had a soft spot for the omega. Someone might underestimate him on sight, but his dominant nature and vicious tongue alone can render anyone speechless.

Third and last, there's Yoon Jeonghan, an alpha beautiful enough to be mistaken as an omega. However, make no mistake, for he’s the most ferocious out of the three when it comes to Jisoo. If Seungcheol and Jihoon is someone to avoid on sight, you need to watch your back when it comes to Jeonghan. He’s ruthless and savage, the exact opposite when he’s with Jisoo himself.

In junior and senior high school, Seungcheol was intimidating enough to fend off any idiotic alphas or betas coming in Jisoo’s vicinity, and with the addition of Jihoon, they managed to keep the most-sought omega safe for so long.

University is a completely different terrain.

Now they’re older, most people know enough how exquisite and addicting Hong Jisoo is, enough for them to know better than letting go at mere empty threats. The alphas here are much daring. They didn’t care on how much Seungcheol growls and Jihoon is a second away from punching them.

Jisoo is fair game. He isn’t mated yet and everyone had the chance to have him.

Oh, if only they knew, Jeonghan personally will rip their heads off.

"Hi, Shua."

Jisoo usually didn’t bat an eyelid at this kind of resentful approach. However, at the mention of his American, childhood name, he perked up. How did this unknown and halfwit alpha find out his old nickname?

The reaction seems to be satisfying the alpha. “Shua, when are you free?”

“Get lost,” was Minghao’s immediate reply, the beta gripping Jisoo’s arm tight and escorting him out of their class in prompto.

Obviously, this wasn’t enough. The halfwit alpha and his herd of friends follow them.

“Just spare me one time, for a date.”

“I swear it’ll be good.”

“Someone needs to take a good omega like you on a date.”

The omega has passed the age of turning someone down politely when the opposite party is behaving without manners. Ignoring or turning them down stoically is effective only for half of the population. The other half? With the presence of his alpha friend. If there’s no alpha friend around him? With force.

Truth is, without any of his alpha friends, Jisoo has enough to defend himself. Seungcheol practically forces him to join all those martial arts and self-defense technique.

“I can’t be there all the time, so you need to protect yourself until I arrive, you hear me?” the older cousin stated.

But it was too hassling to start a fight in the middle of nowhere, so of course Jisoo would stick to the first option as long as he can.

Glancing over, Jisoo gave a small sympathetic smile, while Minghao is retaining a façade of calmness despite endless cursing inside. The hours of meditating do work wonders at the Chinese classmate’s self-restraint.

However, his string of patience snapped the moment the halfwit alpha reached out for Jisoo’s shoulder.

"Hey—"

Jisoo was alarmed when the alpha’s shadow loomed before him, but immediately relax at the tone of a familiar lavender scent. In a flash, the said person stands between them, fingers wrapped around the offender’s wrist tightly.

Jeonghan’s anger flares, the scent of lavender and cedarwood burning spicier and sourer. “Don’t touch him.”

The two alphas contested each other by their glare, the halfwit eventually falling back thanks to the conscience of his equally half-witted friends.

His aggression was still on edge until Jisoo held his arm gently. The tension visibly disappears and when their eyes met, Jeonghan’s gaze was steady with concern.

“Han.”

“Jisoo.”

The omega tilted his head. “You don’t need to be that tense. He can’t do anything, you know?”

Jeonghan knows. They’re in the middle of the campus, in an open wide area crowded with students, the bright afternoon sun above them. More importantly, Jisoo has proven himself enough in defending himself. But all of those doesn’t matter. If there’s the slight chance, any slight chance of them touching Jisoo, even a single graze, Jeonghan would never let it happen.

“Yeah, Soo, you can proof yourself from time to time, just to put on a show,” Seungcheol appeared.

His large, calloused hand ruffled Jisoo’s head gently. The omega relishes on his brotherly gesture, closing his eyes adorably, lips curling into a small smile. That simple show alone earned a few stares from the people nearby.

Oblivious of that fact, Jisoo beamed brightly at his friends.

“Let’s go! I’m hungry.”

“No, no, I told you, it was the egg first.”

“How was the egg supposed to hatch if there’s no chicken warming it?”

“An egg doesn’t need to be warmed! Look at those pigeons, those crows, they didn’t warm their egg!”

“They did!”

“They didn’t!”

“Guys, the food I order isn’t here yet!”

“Seok, you haven’t even ordered!”

Soonyoung, Seokmin, and Seungkwan. The trio are at it again.

Vernon watched in amusement as the omega was losing his mind in dealing with the two clowns.

Seungkwan noticed the incoming group. “Jeonghan-hyung! Just the science major I need. Hyung, please explain to these two. Birds like pigeon, crow, chicken, they need to warm their egg for it to hatch, right?” The omega leaned forward, eyes with such intensity. “Right?”

The answer was quite obvious, but Jeonghan loves messing with someone in the verge of breaking down. “What are you talking about Seungkwan? Of course, they didn’t need it.”

As expected, Seungkwan loses it, whining and accusing Jeonghan of lies while coping with Soonyoung and Seokmin’s teasing.

“I told you!”

“No, no, Jeonghan-hyung is lying!”

Mingyu had to take his usual role of putting Seungkwan back into his chair.

The canteen table was long enough to accommodate their large number. As the newcomer group took their seat, it was as natural as ever for Jisoo and Jeonghan to be seated next to each other.

On one side, Jun peered over and questioned his boyfriend. “Hao? You look kinda mad?”

“Yeah, an idiot came at Jisoo-hyung just now.”

The table showed blatant displease. Though the incident was quite often, the degree of their severity varies from alpha to alpha. There are those who immediately cower under the ministration of the trio alpha guardian of Jisoo, whereas there are those who are plain stubborn and thick-headed. They could never get used to it.

Apparently, the omega himself wasn’t that unfazed.

“He didn’t do anything, just annoying. Jeonghan came, so, no harm done,” Jisoo responded casually at the group.

A reminder of the incident is enough to tense Jeonghan again.

Jeonghan’s fingers settled on Jisoo’s waist, pulling him closer, and leaned towards Jisoo’s neck. Jisoo shivered at Jeonghan’s breath, hovering above his scent glands. The scent of lavender and cedarwood infiltrated his senses, making Jisoo feels light-headed.

“Hannie,” he tried to maintain the stability of his voice.

“Ssh,” came Jeonghan’s reprimand. “Let me scent you first.”

“You just did last Friday!”

The alpha’s grip on him tightened. “If that is enough to repel such a pathetic alpha, I wouldn’t be doing this right now.”

Seungcheol and Jihoon eyed each other with a knowing look. If the two of them is protective enough to frustrate Jisoo at times, Jeonghan is on an entirely different level.

Half the group watch as Jisoo squirmed half-heartedly, not entirely persistent on leaving his grip, as Jeonghan continue to nuzzle into the crook of his neck.

Seungkwan muttered. "So much PDA..."

"This is still tame," Seungcheol mumbles, returning his attention back to his food. “Come over to my apartment and you’ll see.”

"Jisoo, your scent is stronger today,” the alpha pointed out.

"Is it?"

Now, this is something Seungcheol took attention to. "Are you taking your meds well? If you’re not feeling good, you shouldn't go to your shift today."

"I'm fine, Hannie, Cheollie,” the use of nickname and his sweet smile effectively convincing them. “Jihoon will be there too, don't worry."

A silent understanding pass between the two alphas. Today, they’ll be hanging out at the café as well.

It’s been two years since Jisoo and Jihoon started working part-time at Seungcheol’s older brother café, Heaven’s Cloud. The location nearby the campus is convenient for the students to work part-time. Seokmin joined last year and Chan joined in the last three months as part-timer.

Jeonghan watches as Jisoo worked behind the counter for a customer’s order. His movements are eloquent and smooth, navigating between the machines and pumps at the back of his hand. When Jisoo is focused, his gaze is as earnest and sincere as it gets, completely immersed in doing the task at hand. In this way, he is sometimes too oblivious to his surrounding to notice that it wasn’t just Jeonghan who was staring.

As much as Jeonghan like the sight of him engrossed in his shift, he hated how vulnerable Jisoo looked right now. After casting warning glances at one or two daring suitors across the room, Jeonghan turned back to Seungcheol.

“You know, he’ll be fine, they won’t do anything,” Seungcheol says.

Seungcheol used to be so protective of Jisoo in their first year of university, and so is Jihoon. No one can casually enter their circle without passing through the two alphas first. Now in their third year, it was too visible on how the two has laxed, limiting their direct interference and more about watching from a safe distance.

Jeonghan hated it.

Despite knowing how most situation is under Jisoo’s control and nothing bad will happen to him. They’re all adults and capable of navigating themselves properly. Still, this is the only thing Jeonghan would never let his guard down for.

After all, it’s him, himself, who understands firsthand the charm of Hong Jisoo.

Oh, how deep has he fallen. How deep he has been intoxicated.

On day one of entering university, every alpha knew the existence of Hong Jisoo. Beautiful and gentle, his presence leaving a long-lasting impression that leaves people curious for more. His scent, without any intention to, is alluring everyone high and low.

Yes, his appearance is the epitome of a perfect omega, but Jeonghan knows better than that.

Jisoo is cute and playful. He’s more into pranks and jokes than people give him credit for. He’s feisty when it comes to his own opinion, sassy when he wants to be, and pouty when he’s complaining. The younger ones especially had a soft spot for him, as Jisoo is playing and reacting along well to them, showing how outgoing and approachable the older is.

Jisoo is smart, he reads a lot and is excited in telling his newly found knowledge. From computers and machines, to plants and animals, to human and society, to recipes and ingredients, to arts and music, and much more. He’s a curious soul who dives firsthand to know more. He would explain to them about a certain topic in an animated way, eyes glittering with excitement.

Jisoo is determined and stubborn in his own ways. The calm and submissive appearance was the surface of the water. Seungcheol might’ve initiated him to take self-defense classes, but it was Jisoo who maintained his discipline up until now. He won’t give any reaction to someone’s dubious approach, but if anyone did the same to his friend, he wouldn’t let it pass easily.

Jisoo is caring and understanding. He’s observant towards the mood of his friends. Whenever Seungkwan is really upset, he would know when not to joke around and console the omega properly. Whenever Mingyu feels too ashamed of his clumsiness, Jisoo was there to help him clean up. He would stare at his friends with affections, fingers stroking their head gently when they’re being adorable.

Jisoo, everything of him, inside and outside, had Jeonghan falling deeper and deeper.

On his first year, perhaps since their first meeting, Jeonghan knew he had it bad for Jisoo, yet he was also aware of the existence of Choi Seungcheol and Lee Jihoon. This doesn’t mean there are two alphas he needs to contest. This simply means Hong Jisoo is more than what meets the eyes. He’s more than just his appearance and scent.

Perhaps, this is what makes Jeonghan different from any other alpha. Without intention and purpose, he naturally befriended Seungcheol on his soccer club and befriended Jihoon as fellow band player. Naturally, he’s connected to Jisoo.

For the first time in his life, Jeonghan took a swore and intended to hold it. He is determined to be Jisoo’s friend. Only friend, to know him better and to fall in love more, before anything else.

"When are you going to confess to Jisoo?"

Jeonghan wasn’t surprised by Seungcheol’s question.

It was obvious from the very beginning, but Seungcheol applauded Jeonghan’s patience and self-control. These last two years of getting to know Yoon Jeonghan has proven itself.

This alpha is a saint, Seungcheol thought. Both a saint and a heathen. The angel and the devil.

At this point, the omega’s older cousin has given half of his permission. The other half must come from Jisoo himself.

With a downcast gaze, Jeonghan fiddled with the straw of his americano, his other free hand tucked on his jacket, as he slouched over the comfortable chair.

Finally, his answer came. "Jisoo is kind. If he knows of my feelings, he'll definitely choose me."

Jeonghan and Jisoo, a pair of alpha and omega, far closer and intimate than the term ‘friend’ allows them to.

After two years of knowing Jisoo personally, Jeonghan wasn’t sure. When Jisoo allows someone to enter his inner circle and become his friend, he would devote all he has for that individual. Jisoo can give up anything for his most important people. Jeonghan know he was special, more special than the blood-related Seungcheol and high school friend Jihoon.

What if…

What if Jeonghan confesses and Jisoo accepted it out of courtesy for their current relationship? Jisoo treasured their friendship and so does Jeonghan. It is completely possible for Jisoo to cast away his platonic feeling and persuade himself to manifest a romantic feeling towards Jeonghan.

"I don't want his kindness nor his pity."

Jeonghan didn’t want that.

"I want his love."

A genuine feeling, born out of choice because Jisoo wanted to, not out of Jeonghan’s confession.

Seungcheol stares with his eyebrows scrunched, perhaps wondering how Jeonghan’s brain cells vanished when it comes down to Jisoo. The two of them, Jeonghan and Jisoo, is Seungcheol’s closest friend. He knew enough not to interfere more than necessary.

So, he relented.  "Fine, Han, it’s all up to you."

His lips tingled, his throat aching on saying just one single warning.

"Don't regret this later, though."

Chapter Text

“Can you stop laughing already?”

Jisoo is pouting with his iconic puckered lips, hand crossed together, gaze annoyed at the form of Jeonghan holding his stomach together.

The alpha gave one last laugh. “Sorry, sorry. I never thought you could be that silly.”

“Are you picking a fight now?”

“No, I might break my bones,” Jeonghan lightly chuckled.

He sighed, leaning back against the bean bag. “It’s just a basic mistake! Why are you teasing me a lot these days?”

“No, Jisoo, not everyday someone mistaken squid as octopus,” Jeonghan had another fit of laughter, earning him multiple hits on his back. “Well, maybe, it’s because I hold grudges?”

Jisoo tilted his head. “Grudges? From what?”

“You and Jihoon went to the movies without telling me.”

“I told you it’s spontaneous. We’re just bored after class and didn’t invite anyone else.”

“I know, but I’ve been wanting to watch it since forever! I told you to wait for me!” Jeonghan whined, putting his alpha status to shame.

“I know, I told you I forgot. I’m really sorry about it.”

“Yeah, yeah, not listening.”

The alpha turned away, exactly like a five years old kid in tantrum. Jisoo had to nudge the alpha’s leg using his foot to get his attention. “Jeonghan. Stop acting like this already.”

“What’s that?”

“What?”

“’Jeonghan’, you say?”

Jisoo let out a deep sigh. “Han.”

There came no response, Jeonghan is still facing away. Jisoo can picture the childlike pout resting on the alpha’s face.

“Hannie.”

No reaction.

“Hannieeeeeee.”

Fed up, Jisoo rose to his feet, ready to leave. “Fine, if that’s what you—”

“Wait, wait, whoa.”

Jeonghan pulled on his wrist in one quick motion, Jisoo falling on top of him, the bean bag puffing out under both of their weights.

“Hannie! Let me go!” Jisoo complained, though he couldn’t bring himself up, because apparently Jeonghan has wrapped his arms around Jisoo's waist. “Ugh.”

The alpha took the close proximity in nuzzling closer, settling his face on the side of Jisoo’s neck. Despite his verbal complaints, the omega is emitting a sweet tone, body pliant under the alpha’s caging arms.

Lavender and cedarwood, the perfect mix resembling a lush forest. Refreshing, relaxing, and it smells of home. It provided comfort, and at the same time, ignited the heat under Jisoo’s skin and does wonder to his heartbeat. He hoped Jeonghan couldn’t feel it through the thin layer of their clothes.

Their position shifted, basically Jisoo is sitting on Jeonghan’s lap, the side of his face pressed against the alpha’s chest. Jeonghan hummed a low tone as his fingers fiddled with Jisoo’s fluffy hair, occasionally raking and tangling them.

The rang of Jisoo’s phone took their attention.

The omega reached out at the coffee table for them, but Jeonghan beat him into it. With one single arm still holding onto the omega, he managed the task successfully.

“Oh, it’s your mom.”

When the phone is in his hand, Jisoo picked it up. “Hi, mom. What’s up? Hmm? Yeah, I’ve eaten. I’m hanging out with Jeonghan now.”

“Hi, auntie.”

“She says hi back.” He nodded at Jeonghan. “The others? I mean, Seungcheol’s probably out and about, Jihoon’s probably in his studio. We’re all meeting up for dinner later. Yes, the kids too.”

Jisoo waited as his mom talked, and he perked up at the mention of something. “Ah, I almost forget. Do you have info about his flight? Ah, wait, I could ask him myself. Alright. Tell auntie I’ll text him myself. Yep. Yes. Don’t worry, mom. Alright. Love you.”

The call ended and Jisoo looked up, meeting Jeonghan’s curious expression. “It’s my friend, an old friend, coming back from the US. I think I’ve told you about him before. The entrepreneur, remember? The son of my mom’s best friend? The Korean-American?”

“Oh, I remember. Suh something, right?”

The omega chuckled. “Johnny Suh, yeah. It’s been a while since we last saw each other and he’s going to be back here next week. I should text him and ask if he want a ride.”

Jeonghan watches Jisoo’s screen as he started texting the said old friend. “He looks older than us.” His hand clasped over Jisoo’s to angle the screen better. “And he looks rich.”

And obviously an alpha, Jeonghan take in.

“He’s about three years older. I told you, he’s an entrepreneur. Basically, making money on his own. It wasn’t easy, though, especially for a mixed working in the US. But he’s very outgoing and charismatic, so I wouldn’t doubt his negotiation and marketing skill.”

“It sounded like someone Choi Seungcheol wanted to be.”

“Seungcheol does know him, and I think you’re right, he did look up to Johnny.”

Jisoo fails to notice the change in Jeonghan’s tone. The omega was talking about another alpha, a complete stranger and detached from their group, in such a high regard. There’s no way Jeonghan wouldn’t react.

Putting aside the thought, he opted to switch the topic instead.

“Jisoo.”

“Yes?”

“Tell me, what is the difference between squid and octopus?”   

Stepping inside Heaven’s Cloud, Jeonghan spotted Jisoo behind the counter alongside Chan, and then some of his friend from the same circle on a table nearby. He gave them an acknowledging nod before ordering his drink first.

“Sorry, class ended late. Why did you text me to come here? I was going anyway,” Jeonghan told the omega.

Jisoo rang up his order. “I’ll give you a muffin, okay? You haven’t eaten, right?”

“Your shift is ending soon. Let’s just eat together.”

“Sure, let’s eat. It’ll be a while, so stuff yourself with this,” he handed Jeonghan a small packet of cookies.

“So, what’s with the text?”

“You forgot, didn’t you?” the omega huffed jokingly. “I told you I was going to introduce you to Johnny. He arrived last night and we promised to meet up—”

Jisoo’s eyes widened in recognition, like a deer caught by surprise and it’s cute.

“Oh, I think that’s him.”

The man who stepped in the café screams handsomeness, charisma, and sophistication. Unbuttoned loose brown shirt, revealing the white t-shirt beneath, white and black checked blazer, jeans fitting him perfectly, topped with dark brown hair styled messily yet intricately to show his forehead.  Heads turned, heeding his presence, at the arrival of a prime alpha.

“Johnny-hyung!” Seungcheol rose from his chair and the two alphas exchanged friendly hug. “It’s been a while.”

“Seungcheol, long time no see! And Jihoon, right?”

“Yes, it’s been a while, Johnny-hyung,” the shorter alpha greeted with a fist-bump.

“Johnny, over here!”

Jisoo waved from the counter, doing little tiny hops endearingly.

“Josh!”

Josh.

A nickname Jeonghan doesn’t know of.

Johnny responded with equal excitement, crossing the distance between them in a split second. He was all over the omega, thank goodness they are separated with a counter, both of his hand ruffling into Jisoo’s hair with affection.

“Josh, look at you, it’s been a while! You’ve grown so much!”

Jisoo whined, swatting the older’s hand away to no avail. Johnny only stopped once he’s satisfied, leaving the omega’s hair as messy as ever. “Johnny!”

“I’m sorry, you’re too cute,” Johnny grinned.

The cheap line cause Jisoo to roll his eyes. He hastily combed his hair as he fumed. “I’m still on shift here, I can’t serve the customer looking like this.”

“Don’t worry, I said, you look cute.”

He chooses to ignore the alpha’s cheesiness. “You never return home. Your mom complains all the time.”

“Says who?”

“My mom.”

“Those two are at the age to gossip, don’t mind them.”

Jeonghan did understand a fair share of English, even so their accent and speed make it harder to comprehend more. The word ‘cute’ Johnny uttered twice doesn’t miss his catch. Clenching his fist, Jeonghan wonder if his scent turned in proportion to the twisted emotion he is feeling right now. He hopes it does and he hopes this alpha caught wind of it.

Jisoo notices a customer hesitating to line up behind Johnny. “Ah, let me take your order first. I still have twenty minutes into my shift, so go wait with Seungcheol or Jihoon.”

“Sure, I’ll wait for you,” Johnny slipped into a smooth Korean. “I’ll just have one iced americano.”

The omega confirmed his order and finished his payment. Only then he notices Jeonghan still standing next to the counter as if he’s stuck there.

“Johnny, this is Jeonghan, my friend. Jeonghan, this is Johnny, my friend from US.” He gestured at both of them. “I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

The two moved over, freeing the counter for the next customer. Jeonghan was about to head towards group’s table when the older alpha stopped him.

“Hi,” Johnny offered his hand for a handshake, a friendly smile lingering in his lips. “I think I’ve seen you before from Josh’s photo.”

It took a moment for Jeonghan to lower his pride and accept his hand. It would be downright rude to turn down a friendly gesture from Jisoo’s old friend. “Hi, so Jisoo talked about me a lot, huh.”

“He did, actually. He mentioned others too, but mostly it’s you. Thank you for taking care of Josh.”

Thank you for taking care of Josh.

It sounded more like an insult compared to a praise, an entirely different feeling compared to when Seungcheol or Jisoo’s mom said it.

The two alpha’s eyes met, and Jeonghan can see it, the challenging spark from Johnny’s gaze. It was enough to spur him on.

Jisoo finished up on the other customer’s order when Jeonghan arrives on his side at the counter.

“Hannie? Is something wrong?”

Jeonghan stepped forward, body almost touching against each other, a hand sneaking to the back of his waist to keep Jisoo from moving back. He drinks in Jisoo’s flustered expression, eyes wide and mouth hung open in surprise at the sudden closeness.

“Hannie?”

Gently, his other free hand started rearranging the omega’s hair, fixing the stray strands properly. The combing he had done himself is adequate, yet Jeonghan can do better than that. The way they are standing so close together make it more than a friendly gesture. The alpha took his sweet time especially on sorting out the bangs, making sure it frames the omega’s face perfectly.

Too close, too many times his fingers gazed Jisoo’s skin, too intimate.

Jisoo has to suppress a comfortable sigh. He can’t relish in these feelings. They’re in public, out there for everyone to see.

“Now, that’s better.”

The alpha’s voice is much lower, reserved for the two of them.

“T-thanks, Hannie.”

“No problem,” he said with a small smile.

Before leaving, Jeonghan’s touch trails down from Jisoo’s hair to his neck, lingering there for a single second. The heat just permeates, leaving Jisoo speechless, leaving everyone to see the display, especially a single, certain alpha.

Jeonghan made sure the statement is loud and clear.      

Switching his place with Jihoon and ending his shift, Jisoo went to his friends, where he saw Johnny in the midst of sharing his business insight. Seungcheol, Soonyoung, and Seokmin are listening attentively, literally at the edge of their seat, while Seungkwan and Vernon are discussing another thing, and then there’s Jeonghan entirely in his own thought.

Jisoo pulled a chair and sat next to Jeonghan, snapping the alpha out of his headspace. “Cheol looked like he could start a business right here and now.”

Jeonghan scoffed. “Not like he had the money to.”

Ignoring Seungcheol’s glare, Jeonghan shifted closer to Jisoo, placing his hand on the top of his thigh. “You didn’t make yourself any drink?”

The omega would usually make himself a frappe or milkshake after his shift. He slumped into his seat with a huff. “A little lazy.”

“Here,” Jeonghan handed his water bottle, the lid already twisted off. “Drink more or you’ll shrivel up.”

Drinking his fill and returning the bottle, Jisoo notices that Johnny had been staring.        

“You’re as popular as ever, Josh,” Johnny pointed out, gesturing vaguely towards two alphas and one beta on different area of the café, away from them. They’re the ones who has been glancing at Jisoo’s figure for the past hour or so.

Jisoo shrugged and Seungcheol helped him respond. “The same as always. They don’t have the guts when any of us are nearby.”

“Well, it’s all good if nothing happens, but I figured it would still be annoying. Do none of you have a partner yet? Or mated?” the currently oldest alpha questioned.

A collective awkward laugh and grin came from their group, Vernon and Seungkwan avoiding each other’s gaze, while Seungcheol’s judging eyes are drifting between Jeonghan and Jisoo.

“None, we’re an unlucky bunch,” Seokmin wallowed in self-pity.

Johnny laughed heartily. “No, no, there’s nothing bad about it. Everyone has their own timing. I’m not trying to brag or anything, but I’m still single too.”

“What?” “Really?” “You, Johnny-hyung, single?” came their response, causing the said person to chuckle more.

“I am. I’m just focusing on my career right now. I mean, I’m in for a date or two, but I’m not down to really dating unless I’m sure about the person. I’m going to be really serious when it comes to dating and marriage in the future.”

Soonyoung gasped in awe. “That is so cool, Hyung.”

“Really? I thought it was an old-fashioned kind of thinking.”

“No, that’s awesome!”

Subsequently, Johnny leaned forward, his whole attention towards Jisoo. “Still, Josh, you are an exception to this. If you didn't find any suitable mate in the near future, don't worry. Just tell me anytime and I'll take care of you."

That earned an immediate heated response from the table.

Soonyoung, Seokmin, and Seungkwan are literally screaming, Seungcheol and Vernon has their eyes wide, Jisoo was stunned as a statue, and Jeonghan… Jeonghan was glowering in disbelief.

Did this alpha really just say that? Towards Jisoo?            

“Johnny—"

“Your mom told me, since we’re both older, it’ll be nice if we can get along. And maybe, if things go well, choose each other as mates.”

Another bomb dropped and another eruption of reactions from the table.

Jisoo looked thoroughly perplexed and out of it. “J—Johnny, I’m sure they’re just joking around.”

“I know, but I also think they’re secretly hoping for us to work out,” Johnny winked at him. “We’ve known each other for long and our family is close. A pair of alpha and omega, and we especially get along well. It might sound convenient, but I wouldn’t do it if it’s not you.”

Jisoo was about to open his mouth for a witty response. Then, the scent of a spicy lavender and bitter cedarwood invaded his senses, so dense that it fills him with dread, suffocating his lungs and clenching his heart. His head freezes in place, limbs and fingers slightly shivering, and Jisoo didn’t dare to turn and see Jeonghan’s expression.

“You can’t have him.”

The alpha’s voice is a chilling, cold blade.

“Jeonghan,” Seungcheol warned.

“If those words came from Jisoo or his parents, I will accept it. But you’re not, not even remotely his mate or his lover,” came Johnny’s calm retort.

That does it.

Seungcheol jumped to his feet, blocking Jeonghan who was about to lunge towards the still seated and composed Johnny. “Jeonghan! He’s just joking! Right, Johnny-hyung?”

Johnny simply stared in amusement.

“Johnny-hyung, you are just joking, right?”

At Seungcheol’s pressing demand, Johnny relented. “Yes, I’m just joking. It is just a ‘what if’ situation.”

“Hyung, calm down.” It was Soonyoung.

“Hyung, you’re scaring Jisoo-hyung and Seungkwan.” Next came Seokmin.

Jeonghan gained clarity, quickly scanning the table at the concerned faces of his friends. Seungkwan was a little wary and shaken, hidden behind Vernon. But Jisoo… Jisoo was still staring at whatever it was across from him blankly, sitting silently in his shock.   

Only now Jeonghan smells his fear, the floral and honey scent seems to have wilted and muted. He immediately sits back down, lowering himself to meet the omega’s eyes. His hesitant hands are hovering around Jisoo’s arm, debating on whether to hold it or not.

“Jisoo.” He carefully says, consciously controlling his tone.

Their cautious gazes met.

“Hannie.”

His voice is soft and timid. Thankfully, the omega doesn’t show any aversion when Jeonghan touched him, much to the alpha’s relief.

“Jisoo, I’m sorry.”

The omega shook his head, pressing his lips firmly. “I’m okay, I’m just surprised.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know what came over me. I was too protective for no reason, I’m sorry.”

“No, no, Johnny is a stranger to you. You’re just protecting me.” Jisoo turned his head and meet Johnny’s levelled gaze, later returning to Jeonghan. “I’ve known Johnny for long and so does my family.” It was the omega’s turn to hold the alpha’s hand and squeeze it reassuringly. “So, don’t worry, Jeonghan. He’s just joking around and he meant no harm.”

No, no, that’s not it.

Jeonghan knew Johnny wouldn’t dare to harm Jisoo. The alpha was affectionate, and if it’s not romantic, it was clear he treasured Jisoo. The problem wasn’t that.

For once, someone who would really be able to take Jisoo away, appeared.

“… Right. You’re right. I’m sorry for scaring you, both you and Seungkwan.”

Jisoo let out a small smile, much relaxed. “Both of us are fine.” He patted Jeonghan’s cheek gently, giving him a silent reminder.

The alpha understood the meaning well. Fuck him and his alpha pride, he didn’t want to upset Jisoo. So, Jeonghan swallowed every ounce of his ego, and addresses Johnny with due respect.

“I’m sorry for losing it.”

The words tasted stale in his tongue.     

Chapter Text

“Cheol, we ran out of drinks.”

Jihoon announced towards the group huddled in the living room, a tight soccer game between Jeonghan and Seungcheol, the later cursing loudly as the former scored, whilst Jisoo is scrolling on his phone, buried inside a fluffy blanket. At Jihoon’s beck, they took the chance to pause the game.

“We should buy them before we start our marathon,” Seungcheol says, leaning back against the sofa.

Following their dinner with the complete group of thirteen, the four of them went to Seungcheol’s apartment, in the same building with Jisoo’s and Jeonghan’s. This place is basically their basecamp, a default place to hang out and waste time together.

Seungcheol lifted his fist up. “Two people. Let’s go. Rock, paper, scissors!”

Jisoo frowned at his nonexistent luck in rock paper scissors. The omega mumbled. “Fine.”

“Soo, you can’t go with rock all the time,” Seungcheol laughed in satisfaction.

“Says who.”

“Who am I to judge. Okay, one more, rock, paper, sci—”

Jeonghan was up on his feet, tugging on Jisoo’s wrist as he says. “Okay, let’s go.”

Jisoo blinked, letting himself off the sofa and dragged towards the door. “Where to?”

"We're buying drinks, right?"

"But you didn't lose, Hannie."

"If you're going, then I'm going too."

Jisoo clammed his mouth shut, hoping the warmth in his chest doesn't manifest into a blush.

“It must be colder outside now. Do you need more layers?”

“Nope, I’m fine.”

The two settled with their jackets, before confirming the stuffs they have to buy and departed from the apartment. The nearest mart was a ten minutes’ walk away. As it is quite late into the night, the road is quite empty aside from one or two passerby. 

They walked side by side in silence for a while.

“Jisoo, I’m sorry for this afternoon.”

The omega knew the events is still bothering Jeonghan. The man is transparent when it comes to his mood. He fondly chuckled. “You’ve apologized, Hannie. Why are you still hung up about it?”

Because Jeonghan was clearly overreacting for a friend. At this point, no one can deny on his feelings toward Jisoo. It was like a dam threatening to be broken, like a ticking bomb. Jeonghan has suppress his feelings too much that he had no control over it.

A hand squeezed his arm gently. “Hannie. It’s fine.”

No. It’s not.

What is Jeonghan supposed to do now?

“Don’t you think I’m out of place? Getting mad for you? When Johnny proposed the idea of you two as… mates,” Jeonghan struggled to get the last word out.

Jisoo pondered. “To be honest, a little. Not because of you, but just because I know Johnny. He has always treated me as a younger brother. You don’t know Johnny enough to know how free-spirited and loose his tongue is. He sometimes says things randomly. That’s why, you shouldn’t bother, Hannie.”

In a more reassuring tone, he added. “You’ve apologized and Johnny is chill too. Just let it go, Hannie. It’s fine.”

A certain gust of cold wind blew at them and Jisoo visibly shivered, scrunching his face endearingly.

Jeonghan laughed. “I told you to dress warmer.”

“We’ll be quick, no worries,” the omega insisted.

For the rest of the walk until they reached the mart, Jeonghan wrapped his arm around Jisoo’s shoulder, pulling him closer, body pressing side by side to share their warmth.

“Should we buy snacks too?”

Jeonghan peered to the aisle across and spotted Jisoo. He sauntered over with two one liter bottles of soft drink.

“Go ahead.”

“Should we buy ice cream too?”

“Sure.”

“Ah, Cheollie almost ran out of tissue too.”

“Right.”

“And shampoo. And detergent.”

“Jisoo, let’s just buy whatever we need for today, and let Cheol do his own grocery shopping tomorrow, alright?”

Jisoo laughed as he was doing this on purpose to test Jeonghan’s limit. “Well, I figure you’re strong enough to carry anything, Hannie.”

“I am, but not worth the hassle for someone like Seungcheol,” Jeonghan grumbled, eventually breaking into a grin himself. He nudged his shoulder at Jisoo’s gently. “Let’s go.”

They settled in only buying the bottle of drinks and a few snacks. Jeonghan naturally carry the grocery bag and they stepped outside to return to the apartment.

It is quite cold and windy outside, still Jisoo liked this kind of atmosphere a lot. Traces of tranquility lingered in the air, a comforting silence enveloping them. There’s a certain charm when it comes to feeling more of your body heat. He rubbed his fingers together, relishing in the warmth.

Jeonghan notices his slightly red cheeks, exposed fingers and neck, and he stopped in his tracks.

“Hannie?”

“Wait up,” Jeonghan told him.

The alpha put the groceries bag down and went to take off his outer jacket. He set them on Jisoo’s shoulder despite the omega’s complain.

“Jeonghan, you’ll get cold.”

“I can stand this. Just do me a favor and use it. I’m damn worried.”

Jisoo blushed at how honest he was. “Are you sure? If you catch a cold, I won’t take responsibility for it.”

Jeonghan huffed into a laugh. “Are you sure you’re that heartless, Hong Jisoo?”

“I am, if my friend is an idiot.”

He lightly pinched the omega’s cheek and Jisoo flinches at his cold fingers.

“Hannie, your hands are cold.”

“Must be from the cold bottle.”

“You need your jacket more than I do.”

“I have pockets, you know.”

“That kind of thinking won’t save you.”

“I have my own way of doing things, the Yoon Family way.”

“Your mom will be ashamed.”

“Hey.”

They laughed, Jeonghan’s fingers is now cupping his cheek warmly, lightly squeezing it. Jisoo reached out to Jeonghan’s arm, holding onto it gently.

Jeonghan immersed himself in the presence of Hong Jisoo.

He wonders how the hell he managed to fall so deeply for this person? Every part of him, he loves it so much. His smile, his laugh, his voice, his expression, his eyes, his hands, his hips, his fingers, his waist, his neck, his shoulder, his legs— Jeonghan can go all day long and it will never be enough to describe how he loves Hong Jisoo so much.

Before realizing it, Jeonghan was just staring dazedly at Jisoo, too engrossed to notice the omega blushing from head to toe.

“H—hannie?”

And he especially loved how his name, his nickname, sounded from Jisoo’s voice.

Slowly, Jeonghan’s hand dropped from his cheek and wrapped it around Jisoo, caging him safely within his arms. One of his hands cradled the back of the omega’s head and the other around his shoulder. With a soft sigh, he buried his face on the junction of Jisoo’s neck and shoulder.

The familiar scent of vanilla and honey.

Oh, how he yearned for this scent so much.

“It’s cold,” the alpha muttered, the rumbling of his voice travelled through Jisoo’s skin.

“T—then we should hurry back.”

“But it’s fine,” he continued, his head caressing deeper into him. “I can get warmth from you like this.”

If Jisoo is already blushing before, now he’s completely flushed, cheeks reddening and chest hammering in frenzy. Jeonghan is obviously being too flirty right now. It’s like he dropped every of his boundaries and decided to linger around the line. It’s not weird for Jeonghan to initiate skinship, but this is the first time he’s ever so vocal about it.

Things are never clear between them.

There’s this pain of longing and yearning. For now, Jisoo wants to let them all go. He decides to give in, caving into Jeonghan’s warmth and protection, snuggling deeper into his hold.

“But seriously, Cheollie and Hoonie is waiting.”

It was empty talk. Jisoo didn’t want to separate just yet.

Jeonghan smiles. “Give me a few more minutes.”

Both of them stayed in their position for a while, indulging in each other’s presence, breathing in each other’s scent. Vanilla and honey mingling with lavender and cedarwood.

A phone buzzed with an amazingly great timing.

Jisoo squirmed out of his hold despite the blatant displease from Jeonghan. The alpha relented, releasing him halfway, as the omega skimmed over the chat notification.

“They wanted ice cream if we’re still near the mart.”

“No, we’re nowhere near the mart.”

“We’re only halfway, though.”

“Just ignore them and let’s go back.”

They reluctantly separated and finally continue their walk.

Back in the apartment, Jisoo was taking off his jacket when his phone buzzed repeatedly, a tell-tale sign of a call instead of a simple notification. The name ‘Johnny’ was plastered on the screen, and the omega immediately snapped his head up, checking if anyone notices, and thankfully none. They're busy with their own activities, Jeonghan distributing the drinks to Seungcheol and Jihoon, still engrossed by their match.

He stepped into Seungcheol’s room, closing the door behind him, and took the call.

“Johnny? What’s up?”

“Josh,” came his voice. “Can we move up our plan to tomorrow? When are you free?”

“Sure. My shift is done after 5. We can have dinner together. Did something come up?”

“Something did, yeah.”

After a moment of silence, he added.

“I need to ask you for a favor.”

“What? Pretend lover!?”

Jihoon’s eyes almost bulge out of his socket.

Earlier this morning, Jisoo had texted Jihoon, saying he had something to consult about later at the break of their shift. The two are now on the second story of the café, where there’s almost no customer, out on the balcony and seated next to each other.

They have really chosen the cold outdoor to have this conversation. Still, the shock makes them forget the wind blowing at their faces.

Jisoo nodded solemnly. “Johnny said his mother is arranging him with an omega and have him marry soon in Korea. He thinks she wanted to tie him down, so he’ll remain here forever. But Johnny said he wanted to focus on work. He wanted me to act like his pretend lover for two weeks, until he leaves Korea. Just to avoid his mom’s arranged meeting.”

The shorter alpha’s mouth is suspended open. “That’s very drama-like.”

“I know.”

Jihoon hummed, the gears in his mind turning quickly. “Well, people have their own circumstances. But it won’t work. Both of your parents know each of you well, can you really lie to them?”

“I said that too, so Johnny said we can pretend he’s wooing me instead. If he’s pursuing me, it becomes a reason not to go to the arranged meeting.”

“Why don’t he find someone else? You’re not the only omega he knows in Korea.”

“He said I’m the only one having a fair chance to convince his mother in a short time.”

Knowing how kind Jisoo is, he must be inclined to help Johnny however he can. If it’s any other alpha, Jihoon will be vehemently against it. It’s like a classic drama trope leading to more misunderstanding. Nevertheless, it’s Johnny, an older friend both Seungcheol and Jisoo look up to.

He decided. “If you’re not against it, it doesn’t hurt in helping Johnny-hyung. Just one thing you have to promise me. Make sure to explain it properly to Seungcheol and Jeonghan, okay? The four of us will have to understand first before you tell your decision to Johnny. Got it?”

Jisoo had an inkling what this is about. “Do you think Jeonghan will be against it?”

“I think he will.”

“Why?”

Jihoon gazes at the omega, steady and straightforward. From the trio, Jisoo always liked how Jihoon is the most logical. His blunt personality results in him against beating around the bush. At times, Seungcheol and Jeonghan would unconsciously coddle the omega, while Jihoon did no such things.

“I think you know the answer, Jisoo. You just don’t want to admit it. The question is now, why won’t you admit Jeonghan is in love with you.”

Jisoo sighed. “Even Johnny asked me the same thing.”

“He did?”

“When I hesitated, he asked, ‘is it because of Jeonghan’?”

You have feelings for him, right?

Of course, Jisoo does. Who doesn’t? Who wouldn’t have feelings for the Yoon Jeonghan?

Jeonghan is the perfect combination of beautiful and handsome, of gentleness and playfulness, of kindness and teasing, of consideration and stubbornness, of intelligence and wit, of angel and devil. He has it all, appearance, personality, brain, attitude.

Most importantly, he treated Jisoo as the most important thing ever existed on earth. It wasn’t an understatement. Yoon Jeonghan basically worshipped Hong Jisoo. When he stared Jisoo with overwhelming fondness, the caressing tone of his voice, the devotion in his fluttering touches, the intoxicating scent teeming of endearment and affection.

The omega wanted to cry.

How could Jisoo not fall for him?

“Well?” Jihoon repeated, trying to pull Jisoo’s focus back.

Jisoo turned to face him properly, trying to level his feelings. “Is he really, Jihoon? To be honest, no offense, I don’t get alphas. I know how territorial and prideful your instinct could be. Jeonghan has been together with me for so long. I know he’s a good friend, but for the intimate gesture, for all I know it could be for show.”

The alpha frowned. “No alphas care this much for an omega he didn’t have feelings for.”

Jisoo once thought of that too. Pursing his lips, he continued. “It’s confusing, Hoonie. Do you remember? He kept setting me up with alphas he thought is suitable for me.”

“Ah,” the alpha’s eyes widened. That hit a point.

“That alpha you went together at your last date? He’s not good for you. I found someone from my church’s circle, though. Do you want to try meeting him, Jisoo?”

When Jeonghan said that more or less a year ago, Jisoo can feel his heart dropping.

He tried to stabilize his heartbeat, keeping himself calm. It wasn’t a one-time occasion.

Slowly, Jisoo recounted. “Remember last year, when he introduced us to Soonyoung?”

Jeonghan has said. “Soonyoung might act like polar opposite at times. A crazy, hyperactive tiger and a cuddly, cute hamster. But he’s the most hardworking person I know. He’s really gentle and kind, attentive to his friend’s needs. If you’re not against younger alpha, Soonyoung might be good for you. Try to get to know him, Jisoo.”

“Ah,” Jihoon grimaced.

What is Yoon Jeonghan thinking?

Jisoo felt the frustration he tucked away, hidden beneath the layer of his feelings, bubbling up to the surface. He really felt like crying now. “What kind of alpha sets up the omega he has feelings for with another alpha? I really have no idea, Jihoon.”

Only now, Jihoon get why Jisoo acted like this, like nothing intimate is happening between him and Jeonghan. Putting himself in the omega’s place, Jisoo must’ve felt frustrated. Why is Jeonghan treating him like his omega, but setting him up with another alpha?

“Nowadays, he didn’t do it anymore. But I can’t get it out of my mind.”

Jihoon raked his hair back in exasperation. “I can’t speak for the person himself. I don’t know what he’s thinking either.” He leaned forward, his hand clasping at Jisoo’s clenched one. “But everyone knows he cares only for you, nobody else. If that’s not something to start with, I don’t know what else.”

The omega wasn’t convinced enough, so Jihoon continued.

“You two might be too fixated on the friendship you have now.” Jihoon can’t imagine being this roundabout about their feelings. “Just, imagine, Jisoo. Can you imagine Jeonghan with someone else? With another omega? Do you think your friendship is worth more than of him being someone else’s? Of you two not ending up together?”

He would be beyond devastated. Jeonghan is half of his world. No, Jeonghan is his whole world. He has turned from a stranger into an irreplaceable person within the two years they came to know each other. He can’t imagine living without the alpha now and into the future.

Jisoo’s crestfallen expression was a clear answer.             

“Then I think it’s worth a shot asking him,” Jihoon helped draw the conclusion.

Is it worth a shot? How would Jisoo cope if Jeonghan rejected him? What if Jeonghan truly feel nothing towards him? What if there was really nothing between them?

But…

How would Jisoo cope if Jeonghan chooses to be with someone else instead of him?

Jisoo didn’t want that.

“Oh, Jisoo…”

It didn’t register completely that he was crying, until Jihoon reached out to wipe away the flowing tears. His sniff broke and he began sobbing quietly. The alpha scooted closer, stroking his head and massaging the back of his neck gently. He pulled on his long sleeve, gently dabbing the omega’s wet cheek.

“Jisoo, it’ll be easier if you’re honest to your feelings. I’m always on your side, no matter what. So, decide as you wish.”

“I—I’ll think about it, properly,” Jisoo manages between sob, pausing to swallow and take a deep breath. “Just… just give me time.”

“Of course, it’s not my place to force you.”

Jisoo decided to stop crying as he wiped his own tears. Jihoon draws back to give him space, his hand now lightly massaging the omega’s shoulder to provide comfort.

Though his voice is slightly trembling, it was much clearer. “And about Johnny, I would turn him down. Lying and pretending like that didn’t sit well with me.”

Jihoon nodded. “I agree. It’s for the best.”

The small crying session does lighten the burden in his heart. Jisoo kept too much feelings alone and he rarely shares it with anyone. He is strong-hearted in the same way he is fragile. Seungcheol and Jihoon isn’t exactly the gentle type, and Jeonghan, as the object of his feelings, is out of the question. There isn’t really anyone he can share his feelings to.

The shorter alpha hoped he can be more helpful than this. But when Jisoo smiles at him, all sweet, warm, and everything nice despite the traces of tears in his eyes, Jihoon felt relief.  

“Thank you, Jihoon. Thank you for listening to me.”

Jihoon is someone who rarely gave a genuine smile. Most of them are a result of a friend’s stupid antics or a sarcastic one. This kind of smile is reserved only when it truly matters, such as when it’s concerning his precious best friend.

For you, Jisoo.

“Always.”

Chapter Text

Time seems to flow painfully sluggish when it comes down to studying.

Jeonghan groaned, leaning back against the chair. There was this constant pressure on the back of his neck, numbing his brain. He had been lacking on his study these days and tomorrow is one of the important quizzes he needed to pass.

He glances backward, spotting Jisoo relaxing on the bean bag in the middle of the room. Unlike him, the omega had his classes lax tomorrow, reading one of his lecture notes just because he can.

The alpha watched the papers held by the omega’s slender fingers. His eyes travelled upwards, finding Jisoo’s familiar features, everything is just right and fits him perfectly. The way his large doe eyes darted from lines to lines, the way his lips parted slightly in mouthing the words, and when he shifted his position, strand by strand of his soft hair flow together.

Jeonghan carefully captured every part of Jisoo and his gesture. Honestly, he wouldn’t mind staying like this for hours.

And he was caught.

“Hannie? What are you doing?”

Jisoo narrowed his eyes, throwing him a judging look.

Was that supposed to make him guilty for slacking off? Because Jisoo looked barely threatening and in fact very cute. Very.

“I’d rather do anything today but this,” Jeonghan gestured towards the stack of books and paper on his table.

As a natural sciences major, not trying to undermine any other majors, Jeonghan always felt the subject is intensely more packed, requiring more brainpower and effort. It feels like they’re trying to blow his mind apart with an overload of information. There’s too much ground to cover with an incredulous depth to explore.

Jisoo smiled at him sympathetically. “You should take a power nap. Or drink. Or are you hungry? Try to change your mood first.”

“Right, I’m hungry. I’m going to make something.”

He spun his chair around and Jisoo reacted promptly at the suggestion.

“No, Hannie! You’ll burn the house down.”

“Relax, it’s just ramyeon.”

“You ate that last night.”

Too much MSG will clog his brain. Jeonghan hummed. “Well… then what?”

“Maybe order take out? Oh, you have bread left. You can make some toast with it.”

“Alright. Grilled cheese?”

Jisoo chuckled, remembering the moment where he taught Jeonghan how to make American-style grilled cheese. Those were chaotic days. Nowadays Jeonghan probably could make one without burning them to charcoal.

“Do you want me to help?”

“Nope.”

“You sure?”

“I’m sure.”

The door slammed shut, leaving Jisoo alone in Jeonghan’s room, and he opted for a break while the alpha worked with his grilled cheese.

The omega went to his feet, stretching his body well, feeling stiff after half-sitting and half-laying on the bean bag for so long. Truthfully, he had been feeling sleepy for a while. The weather is cool and cloudy, as if it’s going to rain. The background music Jeonghan chose is classical music, a means to induce concentration, and it make Jisoo drowsy instead.

The perfect set up for a nap.

Giving up to the temptation, Jisoo went to lie on Jeonghan’s bed. If the whole apartment smells like Jeonghan, his bed is the second source of it apart from the alpha himself. He noticed a jacket draped on the back of the study chair; a jacket freshly used by the alpha an hour prior. Jisoo extended his arm and got a hold of it, pulling it onto the bed together with him.

Taking a deep breath, Jisoo plunged himself into the bunched-up jacket in his arms.

Jeonghan. Jeonghan. Jeonghan.

The scent of the alpha he is in love with is filling his senses and wafting all around him. Even with the uncertainty between them, this much is enough for Jisoo for the time being. His heart is filled and he is content.

He feels protected, he feels owned, he feels loved.

A few seconds. Just another few seconds.

And Jisoo drifted to sleep.

Jeonghan entered the room after ten minutes with two grilled cheese, one slightly charred and the other quite adequate, only to find the sleeping omega curled on his bed. He set the plate down, sitting himself on the study chair, turning it towards the direction of the bed.

Almost holding his breath, extremely conscious not to make a single noise, Jeonghan stared at Jisoo’s sleeping figure. His gentle and glittering eyes are now closed, his body moving up and down rhythmically matching his breathing.

Only then Jeonghan noticed that it was his jacket Jisoo is holding into, that it was his jacket Jisoo is burying himself in.

Pride and satisfaction bloomed within him. Most of all, anticipation.

Slowly and quietly, he moved to sit on the side of the bed.

The alpha’s gaze is fixated on Jisoo, gentle yet intense, with equal part of adoration and obsession. He didn’t dare to miss a single part of Jisoo, even if he was already familiar with it. It’s one of his hobbies and one of the things he’s extremely good at.

He reached out, the back of his fingers grazing Jisoo’s cheek and the shell of his ear. His fingers lightly combed into Jisoo’s hair, feeling the familiar strand one by one. When the omega slightly stirs, Jeonghan would stop his movement. It would be a shame to wake him up.

Jeonghan can’t even get started on describing the scent around them.

Vanilla and honey, sweet and addicting, in the middle of the abundance of his lavender and cedarwood.

It is almost euphoric.

This is what Jeonghan always wanted.

To claim Jisoo with his scent. To claim Jisoo.

Jisoo.

Jeonghan knew it better than anyone else. It wouldn’t do any of them good if they were to prolong this any longer. He knows he isn’t the perfect alpha for Jisoo. But he won’t even let a perfect alpha have Jisoo. He would never let anyone have Jisoo. He would never let Jisoo go.

Unless Jisoo says so himself.

For that to happen, Jeonghan will confess. He will tell Jisoo everything. He will say it.

“Please be mine, Jisoo.”

For now, though, he needs to wake Jisoo up, eat their grilled cheese together, continue his study session, and ace his quiz tomorrow.

After that, he will tell Jisoo.

“You look thoroughly screwed.”

Jeonghan glared at Jihoon for the remark.

The face was an obvious indication at what happened to the quiz. Jeonghan screwed up. He needs to double his effort for the finals or he would fall short on the perfect grading scale. Yes, when it comes to his grades, Jeonghan is extremely serious. He can’t waste his parent’s kindness by half-assed, barely passing result. He needs to make it good, and if he can, make it to the top of his class.

The two met on campus ground, both on their way to Heaven’s Cloud, as they always do after class. Seungcheol suspected most of the income of his older brother’s café came from their group. That earned him a slap from the older sibling.

“You shouldn’t lead Chan on like that. That kid has no talent in saxophone.”

Jihoon shrugged, pushing the glass door. “He can try whatever he wants, Jeonghan. It’s a free world.”

“It is, but saxophone is expensive. That kid has no sense of money yet. You’re—"

Jeonghan freezes.

Jihoon followed his line of sight, and there it is.

Jisoo and Johnny, sitting across from each other, on the very corner and obscured spot of the café. With this much distance between them, Jihoon applauded on how Jeonghan manage to spot them this fast.

Remembering the text from yesterday, this was supposed to be the day Jisoo turns down Johnny’s request and helps him find another solution. Even so, looking at Jeonghan’s expression, the alpha evidently knows nothing about this whole arrangement, none whatsoever.

The anger and displease this time were much under control. Jeonghan knew better than to lash out aimlessly, despite the jealousy pooling in his stomach. He convinced himself that they are probably only catching up on friendly stuffs. Just a few more days and Johnny will be back to US.

Except there was a tingle, an itch in Jihoon’s throat.

There was this urge, this frustration, this adrenaline, to do what Jihoon never does. It is really unlike Jihoon. For once, the shorter alpha is going against his principle.

“Ah, that,” he began, instantly catching Jeonghan’s notice. “Jisoo told me last time. Johnny-hyung is in a little trouble. His mom wanted him to go through an arranged marriage. So, Hyung asked if Jisoo can help him out of it.”

Jihoon casted the bait.

With a strained voice, Jeonghan questioned urgently. “Help? As in?”

“As in asking Jisoo to be his mate.”

The fish caught the bait, and now, Jihoon reeled in.

This is the peak of Jihoon’s evil planning. He purposely left out a lot of details, especially on the word ‘pretend’, and how Jisoo was actually going to reject the proposition.

“I wonder what Jisoo’s response is.”

That’s it, the final trigger.

Hook, line, and sinker.

Jeonghan got caught.

Without a single word, the alpha took off, striding over towards their table.

I’m sorry, Soo-yah. If this goes wrong, it’s on me.               

Jihoon thought, watching from the sideline.

“Sorry, Johnny, but as I said before, I can’t pretend to be your lover," Jisoo firmly stated.

The older alpha doesn’t look surprised in the slightest. His smile is as always, cheesy and knowing. He stirred with the straw of his iced americano. “I knew that it wasn’t a good idea, but I thought you’ll get along with it.”

Jisoo let out a small smile. “I might have. But… even if it’s just pretending, I can’t do it.”

“You’re finally honest with your feelings, Josh.”

Johnny looked so satisfied that it embarrasses the omega.

“There’s that, but I also don’t think it’s good to lie to your mom,” he conveyed sincerely. “Your mom might be a busybody, but she genuinely cares about your future. She might not understand it, but she cares about you. You rarely return here and meet her face to face. I know it might be infuriating, but do try talk to her. Try to relate to her, Johnny.”

As kind and as gentle as ever.

Johnny was both touched and regretful. Joshua is too good to be true.

“Thanks, Josh. I’ll do that.”

“No problem.”

“Thinking about it, if they find out we’re lying, it’ll make things awkward in the future. Especially your mom and my mom. It wasn’t really a great idea.”

Jisoo laughed. “True.”

“Sorry for bringing up such a weird idea,” Johnny said sheepishly.

“No problem. It must be hard on you.”

The alpha leaned back, rubbing the side of his neck. “Yeah, it was too sudden. I was back and suddenly my mom is shoving an arranged meeting at my face. I wasn’t thinking rationally. I might’ve been influenced by watching too many dramas.”

Jisoo can’t imagine the alpha watching Korean romantic dramas.

Johnny slightly perked up, as if he noticed something. “Josh, can you do one thing for me?”

“Sure?”

“After this, be sure to be completely honest to him, okay?”

Jisoo was unable to comprehend the twinkling of mischievousness on Johnny’s expression.

“Huh?”

“Good luck.”

There was an incoming sound of thumping behind him, and suddenly, the scent of bitter lavender hits Jisoo.

“Hannie!”

Jeonghan was angry, again. Jisoo rose to his feet, quickly holding back the alpha’s shoulders. He needs to act quick, before the scent of an angered alpha overwhelms him, before his omega instinct kick in and tell him to cower.

Jisoo wasn’t sure why Jeonghan is angry, until he meets Jihoon’s eyes, half excited and half concerned. The shorter alpha wasn’t interfering at all and Jisoo connected the dots.

Lee Jihoon.

His focus returns when Jeonghan grabbed his arm, forcing Jisoo to look at him. The alpha wasn’t angry. It was more of impatience. He was in a hurry and he can’t waste a single second. There’s someone he needs to chase and he won’t let anything get in his way.

“Jisoo.”

“H—Hannie?”

Jeonghan turned his head towards the other alpha. “I’m sorry, Johnny-ssi, but I need to talk to Jisoo immediately.”

It wasn’t a request, more like a declaration.

The rest happened in a flash. Jeonghan didn’t wait for Johnny’s response. He kept one hand on Jisoo, the other reaching out for Jisoo’s bag, and then Jeonghan pulled them out of the café.

A few hurried steps and then he stopped abruptly. Jisoo almost stumbled if it’s not for Jeonghan’s arm strongly holding onto him.

“Jisoo,” he says. “You’re not in your shift, right?”

“Huh?” the omega is half in a daze.

“Are you free right now? And for the next hour?”

Jisoo’s tongue is frozen and he responded with a blank nod.

“Okay, that’s good,” Jeonghan let out a quick, hasty breath. “We need to talk now. Can we go back to my apartment?”

Another nod.

“Okay.”

Jeonghan is the epitome of speed with one singular goal in his mind. To be with Jisoo, only the two of them, somewhere in a private place where they can’t be disturbed, and finally confess to the omega.

The scent is the most honest sign coming from an alpha or an omega. Regardless of Jisoo’s dumbstruck state and Jeonghan’s adrenaline induced state coming across forcefully, the omega’s scent is still sweet, merely muted and has no traces of bitterness nor sourness. It tells Jeonghan not to stop.

Reaching Jeonghan’s apartment and closing the door behind them, only then his grip on Jisoo’s wrist loosened, leading them to the sofa and sit next to each other.

For a moment, the silent room is filled with their labored breathing.

“Jisoo, I—uh…”

All the words Jeonghan has prepared disappeared. He was thinking about it all the way back and now his own mind betrayed him.

“I—Jisoo, I…”

A hand clasped on top of his and Jeonghan looked up at Jisoo. His round, wide, honey brown eyes, staring at Jeonghan intently, trickling with concern and lacing with affection. Jeonghan approached him brashly and dragged him all the way here, and the only thing Jisoo cared about was Jeonghan’s condition.

“Hannie.”

His soft voice pacified Jeonghan, pulling him back to the correct headspace.

Jisoo’s fingers lingered in the air for a moment, at last grazing Jeonghan’s cheek and settling into the side of his head. Jeonghan felt the tension melting under his touch. Gently, Jisoo led Jeonghan’s head to rest on his shoulder.

The alpha could smell the sweet tone of the omega’s scent more potently. This time, it wasn’t just vanilla and honey. There’s a hint of something calming and refreshing, like a warm glass of milk and a fresh basket of strawberry. They all blend together for a single purpose; soothing the alpha.

He let himself bask in the lulling pheromone of the omega. There was only him and Jisoo now, no one else, no one between him and the omega he is courting.

He regained a portion of clarity in his mind, his voice far controlled and composed.

“Jisoo. Did Johnny really asked you to be his mate?”

Jisoo paused. “He did, but—”

“What did you tell him? Did you accept him?”

Jisoo, do you like him?

Jeonghan saw the scene from a distance. He could tell Jisoo was smiling and laughing, a faint blush painting his cheek. Jihoon said Jisoo was going to give his response. Putting two and two together gave a conclusion he loathed.

Did Jisoo accepted Johnny’s proposal? Did Jisoo choose Johnny? Is Jeonghan too late?

“No, I didn’t.”

He held his breath. “Really?”

Jisoo affirmed once again. “I didn’t. Even if it’s just pretending, it wouldn’t be right to any of us. That’s why I told Johnny just to be honest to his parents.”

Jeonghan paused. “What? Pretending?”

Watching his perplexed expression, Jisoo knew he had to explain the entirety of what happened. His hunch is right, Jihoon does make this misunderstanding happen.

“Yeah. Johnny wants me to pretend to be his lover to convince his mom. His mom arranged a meeting for him, but he wants to focus on his career. This is why he needs an ‘excuse’ for two weeks until he returns to US. I sorted it all out with him. There’ll be no pretending or lying to his mom.”

Jeonghan’s eyes are fixated on a spot, processing the information given to him. Once realization hit him, he had to make sure once again. “Jisoo, you didn’t choose him, right?”

“I didn’t. I didn’t choose anyone,” the omega reassured.

Not yet.

The vice grip called jealousy and regret has been holding into Jeonghan all this time. Thanks to Jisoo’s soothing pheromone, it has been loosened, and then the omega’s confirmation made the constricting pressure completely off him. The dread chaining his heart is now gone, shattered, leaving him free to breath, leaving him free to indulge in the omega in front of him.

The alpha let out a deep sigh.

Jeonghan engulfed Jisoo in a hug, pressing his face to the side of Jisoo’s head, inhaling the combination of the omega’s shampoo and scent.

They have settled against each other figure, until Jisoo nudged at him, signaling him to let go. The alpha was utterly against the idea of letting go. He relented a portion of it, keeping his arm still wrapped around Jisoo, but relaxed enough to give a small space between them. With enough breathing room, they faced each other properly.

Jisoo was determined. He was getting to the bottom of it today. Now.

"Hannie, tell me. Why are you this anxious?”

Oh, right. Jeonghan needs to talk about this. No amount of preparation can prepare him for this. Blurting out his feelings, laying it all down for Jisoo to see, is the best choice. They are past the point of dancing around each other or beating around the bush.

Despite his drying throat, he managed. “I thought… I thought I was too late.”

The omega waited, holding into Jeonghan’s arm gently, the arm which refuse to let go of Jisoo.

“I saw you with him, you’re smiling and laughing. I thought you’ve chosen him. I… I was planning to tell you today. But then, I thought I was too late. I just… I need to get you away from him and talk. I want to tell you everything, about how I feel.”

Jisoo cupped his face gently, urging him to look at the omega.

He could see sadness, concern, and hesitation reflected on Jisoo’s face, together with encouragement, anticipation, and determination. It’s a foremost reminder for Jeonghan. They’re both in this together. It wasn’t just Jeonghan who is struggling with his feelings.

“Tell me, Hannie. Tell me with your words. Because if you don’t tell me, I don’t know what to do.”

What Jeonghan has always wanted is simple.

"I want you, Jisoo."

Oh, how it feels so good and liberating, when the words are released out of his lips. Once again, to prove the gravity of reality, for himself and for Jisoo, Jeonghan repeated.

"I want you."

Jeonghan want to be the one and only for Jisoo. Jeonghan want Jisoo to belong to him, and him belong to Jisoo. Jeonghan want to be the closest to Jisoo, and Jisoo the closest to him. From now on and forever, Jeonghan want to be always by his side, and nobody else.

“Please be mine, Jisoo.”

Jisoo drowned himself in Jeonghan’s resolute gaze, resembling the gaze of a persistent predator. All the same, it was so tender, so gentle, so committed, and so dedicated. The alpha wants him, adores him. Jisoo is his whole world and Jeonghan laid it all bare only for him. The omega just wants to melt into his arms and nothing else matters.

The sweetest scent is elicited from the omega within his arms, the most divine scent Jeonghan has ever encountered before.

Affection. Adoration. Fondness. Devotion. Longing. Yearning.

Submission.

Jisoo stared up at him with half-lidded eyes.

"You can have me, Jeonghan."

Jeonghan can feel the rush of blood pumping in his veins, laced with adrenaline.

“Jisoo, are you sure you understand what you’re saying?”

He was never this sure his entire life. He nodded firmly; eyes focused on Jeonghan. “I have always wanted to be yours, Hannie. I am in love with you, since long ago.” With an impossibly honeyed tone, he added. “Please… Please make me yours.”

There are countless of lingering moments between them. The short distance between their lips, despite their breaths hovering against each other, are isolated and out of reach. The gap in the middle of them are filled with uncertainty and fear. No one dares to cross; no one dares to close the distance.

However, this time, it’s different.

Nothing restricts them anymore. From now on, they are free to convey their feelings, their affection and devotion towards each other.

So, Jeonghan presses his lips against Jisoo’s.

It slotted perfectly, lips against lips, as if they have done this countless of time. Two heat mingling, two heartbeats thundering against each other.

They parted momentarily to feel their breath on each other, their lips wet. When Jeonghan returned to the kiss, he deepened it and Jisoo complied. Pulling him closer, Jeonghan holds the back of Jisoo’s neck to gain control of the angle.

Jeonghan started kissing Jisoo’s jaw, the omega willingly tilts his head upwards to give him more access. He sucked on a spot, earning a sickeningly delightful whimper. But nothing beat kissing Jisoo’s lips directly. The alpha couldn’t get over how soft and lush those pink lips are, as sweet and addicting as it gets.

Jisoo looked ethereal, out of this world.

The two of them caught their own breath, their gazes not leaving each other's. Lavender and vanilla, cedarwood and honey. They drowned in the haven they have created, a sanctum reserved for only the two of them and no one else.

Nothing else matter.

Jeonghan has Jisoo and Jisoo has Jeonghan.

And finally, they feel complete.

If Jeonghan is touchy and clingy before, now that they’re established, it opens the door into a whole new level.

The alpha had Jisoo on his lap, Jisoo’s back against Jeonghan’s chest, fitting snuggly like a matching puzzle piece. His strong arms are wrapped around the omega’s waist, pulling him closer whenever Jisoo slid down. For the past ten minutes or so, Jeonghan had been alternating between kissing Jisoo’s temple, hair, and knuckles.

Melting was an understatement. Jisoo is basically putty under his touch.

They are in the middle of this bliss, but a thought resurfaced, and Jisoo had to ask.

“Hannie?”

“Hmm?”

“Hannie, why did you used to introduce me to other alpha?”

He can feel Jeonghan halting all movement behind him.

“…I did that, didn’t I.”

“You did.”

There was a groaning voice and in an instant, Jeonghan turned Jisoo over so they faced each other. If they weren’t cuddling on the sofa, the alpha would probably fall to his knees and beg for Jisoo’s forgiveness. The regret and shame in his expression is clear as a day. He started peppering the omega with kisses along his temples and cheeks.

“I’m sorry, Jisoo, I am really sorry. I really am in love with you, always been. I’m just an idiot back then. I love you, so much. Jisoo, you have to understand, I really—”

Jisoo pushed him to make space as he’s basically barraged by kisses.

“It’s okay, Hannie. I know, I know, please calm down," he patted the alpha’s cheek gently. “I’m just curious. I know you love me, even back then. But that doesn’t make more sense.”

Jeonghan’s eyebrows scrunched, recalling the raging emotion back then. He wouldn’t want to relive those memories if it’s not for Jisoo asking. He let out an exasperated sigh. “To be honest, I don’t know. But I think I’m denying the fact that I’m in love with you. I’m immature and a coward. I probably fall for you very early. When I become your friend, the more I spend time with you, the more I realize how I was just not right for you.”

The alpha felt he wasn’t enough.

In the early stage of their friendship, Jeonghan once thought there is something between Jisoo and Jihoon. The shorter alpha cares about Jisoo, something he didn’t show to anyone else but the omega. On the other hand, Jisoo too, is sensitive and aware of the subtle changes in Jihoon’s mood. It took him a long time to realize that’s just how Jisoo is, attentive and dedicated to the people he really cares for. If Seungcheol isn’t Jisoo’s family, Jeonghan would feel jealous for him too.

The twisted feeling made him feel like Jeonghan isn’t a worthy alpha for Jisoo.

“I thought my feelings is superficial. When I introduced you to those alphas, I was trying to prove something. I am proving my feelings are shallow and that you deserved someone better. Of course, I am extremely relieved when none of those work out. I realized it was pointless, that’s why I stopped.”

To a certain degree, Jisoo could relate to Jeonghan’s dilemma. The feeling of denial and insecurity hits home too much.               

Jisoo nodded solemnly. “Well, I won’t say it’s okay, because it makes me feel conflicted too. But it’s in the past behind us. Just never do it again, okay?”

“Are you kidding? You’re mine now. That could never happen.”

Jeonghan stated firmly and Jisoo chuckled, extremely pleased by his declaration.

Another small session of kisses happened and then it was Jeonghan’s turn.

“Now, it’s my turn to ask. Jisoo, how did you fall for me? Why?”

The question is terribly dumb. It’s like asking why is the sky blue. Well, there’s a scientific and complicated way to explain it, but that’s not the point. The point is, for Jisoo, falling in love with Jeonghan is a given, something that obviously happened because it just happened.

There’s no other explanation but…

“You’re kind, Jeonghan.”

Jeonghan’s eyes bulge out, as if Jisoo had said the most nonsense thing ever.

Yoon Jeonghan. The literal incarnation of angel and devil, emphasizing the ‘devil’ part, and here Jisoo called him kind.

Yes, Jisoo expected this reaction. Jeonghan never give credit for his own ‘kindness’.

“You’re so kind and gentle to me. I did realize you’re attracted to me at first. But then I hesitated. I wasn’t sure. Between the four of us, I’m the only omega. I wasn’t sure you’re treating me special because you’re in love with me or out of consideration. You have no other close omega friends except me. I don’t have the standard to gauge it. I’m just not sure.”

Jeonghan had to double-check. “Are you sure I’m kind, Jisoo?”

Jisoo pouted, hitting him lightly at his shoulder. “You are, at least for me. You do all those things and you say you aren’t kind, Hannie? You always make me feel like I’m the most special person on earth.”

But you are, Jeonghan muses.

They fell into a comfortable, cozy silence, their fingers entwining together.

Then, Jeonghan started chuckling. “We’re really that bad, huh? Both of us are in love with each other for a while, but then we kept denying our feelings. We’re really a hopeless case. We must be a headache for Seungcheol and Jihoon.”

“It must be pretty obvious for both of them,” the omega agrees.

“Seungcheol always asked me when am I going to confess to you. Jihoon never say anything, but I can just tell his glare is telling me to man up and confess. Every single time,” Jeonghan pauses, finally putting the pieces together. “Wait, Jihoon… Jihoon set this up, didn’t he? He purposely riled me up back then so I would just cut to the chase and confess to you.”

Jisoo laughed at how Jeonghan get the picture only now. “He did. I’m a little annoyed and it’s so not Jihoon to do this.”

“I know. It means he’s just that frustrated enough in both of us.”

The two exchanged a knowing look and laughed.

Jeonghan tighten his hold around Jisoo, nuzzling their head close. He moved his head to brush his nose down Jisoo’s neck, satisfied when the omega shivered in his hold. Settling near the scent glands, Jeonghan basked in the sweet pheromone he’s addicted to. He is now free to smell Jisoo whenever he wants, directly at the source where it’s most concentrated.

“Ah, I should’ve done this faster,” he lamented.

Jisoo smiled, snuggling further to engulf the alpha’s head in his neck. “Really? I don’t regret what happened to us. True, it’s somewhat frustrating, but I think we both learned from it. It gave us a chance to grow, so we won’t do the same thing in the future.”

Yes, Jisoo is indeed amazing.

Smiling fondly, Jeonghan pressed a kiss to his temple.

“You’re right, Jisoo. We should talk more. I wouldn’t want this whole push and pulling between us happening ever again. I want to stay close to you, all the time.”

“Me too, Hannie. And don’t worry too much. We’ll work on it together.”

“Together.”

Jeonghan would love that very much.