Archive of Our Own

Autumn Leaves Falling

Autumn is the season of the year between summer and winter. Doyoung grimaced at the temperature of his room. The air was cold as the window was slightly open, his favorite dark blue curtain swaying slowly. It's already autumn he murmurs to himself. 

Doyoung checked his phone and found that his group nct127 has no schedule for today. He yawns, gripping his blanket so he could cuddle the plushie he received on his birthday. When was the last time? When does Doyoung feel that he belongs to his group? Doyoung cannot remember the last time he received affection from his group. He already passed the age where he could present as sub gender. Doyoung is a rur. 

Despite many members in Nct as the whole nct127, dream, and wave v. Doyoung belong to the first unit, and when his company divided them Doyoung thought eventually he will also present and belong to the nct pack. However, his birthday passed many times since he was a teenager and it never came. He is rur, someone who has no sub-gender. 

Taeyong, their group leader, is an alpha while Johnny is the pack boss. Together with Johnny, Jungwoo, Taeil, and Mark are all alphas while Jungwoo and Donghyuck are betas, Yuta and Jaehyun are omegas. Presenting is something Doyoung silently expected though he appeared nonchalant about it in front of his members, Doyoung realizes that he is slowly being alone and doesn't belong to the pack. 

The wave v has Kun and Yangyang as rur while in Dreams, Jaemin is the only rur. He could see them accepting it though Jaemin and Yangyang still have a chance because of their age. Kun and Doyoung long passed the stage of turning. Kun likes the idea because he thought he is so busy doing songs and the sub-gender will slow him down while Yangyang is enjoying his time not feeling such hormones. Jaemin is an enigma, while Doyoung knows that Dreams love Jaemin to be part of their pack, Jaemin is not fond of the idea. Doyoung has a hard time talking with Jaemin about it as sometimes Jeno, Renjun, and Jisung talk to him about their desire to have Jaemin in the pack. 

Next month, Doyoung decided to move to a different apartment. He understands that he does not belong to the pack and even though he loves to be part of them, Doyoung couldn't see the connections. The invisible rope connecting them is shaming him. Also, his feeling of being left out got stronger as the day passed on his front. He likes everyone and he is comfortable with them. Being a pack is not only about being safe but there is a need that Doyoung cannot give. He has no scent even if he likes to help Doyoung couldn't because he is simply not designed to be. His biology is rur. Something is normal, not an alpha, beta, or omega. So Doyoung has a decision. It took him three years to realize. It's a very long time of hope, oath, and prayer to present because he likes to be part of the pack.

Hope is like paper, it could crumble easily, and his determination is not strong enough because he is tired. Not to mention that he developed real feelings for their leader. He didn't mean to. Yet Doyoung fell hard and carefully pined for him. The reason Doyoung is desperate to present. No one ever knows this and they thought that Doyoung likes his own space and does not understand the sub-gender. Even though his mom makes sure he knows everything about it, to prepare him for an emergency. Yet Doyoung got disappointed and his love for him will never be reciprocated. 

'thud thud' 

Doyoung closed his eyes when he heard a knock on the door. He knew it was his member but Doyoung was tired and his mind was running in circles since he woke up. He wanted to take a nap and gather himself so when he saw them, the feeling was properly locked in, and no one would ever unravel it. 

The door opened and he heard footsteps walking into his room. Doyoung holds the plushie tightly, he hopes that person won't disturb his sleep but of course, it won't happen. 

"Doie... It's time for breakfast." Taeyong huddles him as he sits beside his bed. Doyoung is used to their leader acting like this every morning and Doyoung sometimes enjoys the act but many times he wanted to push Taeyong when he realized he likes him for the first time this week. 

Yeah, Doyoung only realizes his obsession with Taeyong this late. His chest started to move abnormally and Doyoung needed to wake up before Taeyong could catch up with his crazy heart reacting to his crush. He opens his eyes, finally seeing that his room is no longer dark like last night. The clock on the bedside table with a neon color says that it's already 7:30 in the morning. Doyoung pushes Taeyong subtly when he tries to kiss the crown of his head. Taeyong has a habit of kissing and showing affection, especially to the pack. Doyoung witnessed it so many times that it no longer hurt him when Taeyong kissed Jaehyun and Yuta, their omegas. The protective instinct of an alpha impressed Doyoung and he secretly admires that someone like Taeyong is capable of making you feel safe and sound. 

"Get away from me! It's a holiday, I wanna sleep more." Doyoung muttered sternly. His mood shifted quickly. 

"No! The members are already eating. You need to!" Taeyong insists, not letting him go. 

"Damn you!" Doyoung cursed but Taeyong ignored it and hugged him so tightly that Doyoung needed to throw a white towel of surrender. He thanked the plushie that was covering his chest, protecting him to expose more of his inner self. 

"I'm going! Oh my god, Lee Taeyong! I will just go to the bathroom!" Doyoung finally said. He still did not meet Taeyong's eyes. 

"Don't let me drag you Doie. Try me." Taeyong says, his voice is commanding and Doyoung knows Taeyong is using his alpha self. Unfortunately for him, Doyoung is a rur and it won't affect him. He doesn't even smell his scents. 

"Taeyong stop! Your smell reaches the kitchen!" Doyoung heard Johnny shout. Doyoung smirks and Taeyong sees him doing it. Taeyong grip his waist and easily manhandled him. 

"Oh my god. Put me down! Lee Taeyong! shitty alpha!" Doyoung wiggles in his grip and Taeyong shows mercy when he sees Doyoung is getting paler. He put him down on his bed and Doyoung's eyes were red because the blood went all through his head. 

"I'm going now so stop it!" Doyoung quickly runs to the bathroom without carrying his clothes. He first glared at Taeyong who only smirked in satisfaction. It flares Doyoung. 

"Wait until I'm out of this place!" Doyoung hissed at himself. He rolled his eyes and turned on the shower. Doyoung hurriedly does his routine because he's afraid Taeyong will get pissed and knock on his bathroom door. 

Since Doyoung forgot his clothes. He only has a boxer that he always organizes on the cabinet in his bathroom and a towel. He dried his hair and put on a moisturizer before he opened the door and was surprised when he saw Taeyong still standing waiting for him. 

Doyoung is still new to his feelings for Taeyong; he never gets flustered even if he shows up half-naked. Doyoung frowned when he saw Taeyong's dark eyes flicker while staring at him. Doyoung on his brat self rolled his eyes and marched to the dresser to pick clothes. He gets a dark hoodie, aware of Taeyong watching him. His annoyance was double being treated like a kid. He even tch while turning and met Taeyong staring at him. He made sure Taeyong saw his flaring expression. He succeeded in putting on his oversized hoodie, he remembers it as a gift from his brother and Gongmyung has a weird habit of picking his size even if it's Doyoung who will wear it. And Gong Myung is much bulkier and taller than Doyoung. It covers his fly, while Doyoung decides to just go to the kitchen and eat. He passed Taeyong, ignoring the alpha. 

Doyoung yawns and sits in the vacant chair. Taeyong sits beside him while the other members watch Doyoung's annoyed face. 

"Are you okay Doie?" Yuta asked, the omega put a toast on his plate and Doyoung sighed before drinking the coffee Taeyong put beside his plate. 

"We have no schedule today! Holiday man! However, this alpha" Doyoung said pointing at Taeyong who ignores him "Forces me to get up and eat! I'm still sleepy, you know." Doyoung gritted his teeth and Taeil just giggled at them. 

"Jaehyun is in pre-heat. I'm sorry that you woke up early because of him. H-He...  You know." Yuta is blushing and Doyoung nodded comprehending. 

Every time there's a pre-heat or rut, Doyoung is leaving for days and stays in a Dream or Wave V dorm. Luckily, Wave V is currently in China and Doyoung could stay in one of their guest rooms. Jaehyun's pre-heat is intense and even if the members did not say it, Doyoung knows that Jaehyun is sensitive and does acknowledge Doyoung presence who is not part of the pack. 

"How is he? I already packed my bag last night. I know that this week is Jaehyun's heat." Doyoung continued to eat his food while directly staring at Yuta. Johnny nodded vehemently while Jungwoo pouted but still they are all worried for Jaehyun. 

"I'm sorry." Yuta manages to apologize while Doyoung puts on a smile he mustered for years. He is no longer affected. 

"Taeyong hyung! Jaehyun hyung is looking for you." Mark shouted. Taeyong is quick to run and stand up. Doyoung follows them and sees Jaehyun's pink cheeks and moist eyes. He hugs Taeyong when he sees him but frowns when he puts his nose on Taeyong's chest. 

"You smell shit hyung," Jaehyun mumbled as Mark closed the door. Doyoung could feel his eyes glisten, realizing that it was him who Taeyong just huddled with a while ago. He drinks his coffee like nobody's business before continuing to eat the toast Yuta gave him. 

Luckily the members are too worried for Jaehyun and don't realize anything. Johnny who patted Yuta and Mark who looks tired after cuddling with Jaehyun sit beside Doyoung. 

"Jaehyun hyung is whinier than before," Mark explains. "I think we need to tell the doctor that his heat is intense. I'm worried." 

"Jaehyun just joined the pack. He is still adjusting." Johnny muttered. 

"He scented me hyung and I got dizzy," Mark complained pouting

Doyoung is used to them talking about their biology and even if they talk about sex, Doyoung is no longer uneasy about it. He never pries and continues eating his breakfast. Taeil noticed his silence. 

"Doie, where are you going to stay?" Taeil asked, curious. 

"Wave v? They are promoting in China. I already talked to Kun last night. They will be back in two weeks." Doyoung finished his bread before meeting Taeil's eyes. 

"Oh, right. I just remember." Taeil shrugged his shoulders and shifted the topic. Doyoung stands up and bids goodbye half-ass since the conversation never really focuses on him. He shortly got his big luggage and put on his favorite clothes and some toiletries. 

Doyoung opens his door and there are no people around anymore. Doyoung shrugged that his members do not care about sending him off. He smiles bitterly as he locks his room. 

Doyoung is in his brother's car that he borrowed two days ago. Some of his things are already in the compartment. His heart is beating tightly against his chest as he drives slowly. 

It was autumn. It's normal to feel cold since summer is ending.  

Doyoung opens the door of the apartment he bought years ago. Their company already approved of him leaving the dorm and Doyoung just decided to move in today officially. He was told to move a year ago but Doyoung refused until Jaehyun joined the pack and disliked foreign smells that Doyoung never understood until today. Kun is no longer offended, he ignores Jaehyun once the omega hissed at him. The alphas take Jaehyun away. Kun receives an apology after Jaehyun recovers, unlike Doyoung who was told to get out and smells bad every time indirectly and obviously but never receives an apology. Doyoung tried to talk it out before but the alphas in the pack are so protective of Jaehyun that Doyoung was flabbergasted once he tried to mention it only once. He never tried again. Jaehyun acts himself when he is not in the heat though. At least Doyoung approved of him acting civilized to each other. Nonetheless, Doyoung and Jaehyun's close relationship falls apart. 

"Home sweet home." Doyoung is quick to lock the door. He reminds himself to call his brother later, informing him that he has already moved in. 

Doyoung went to his room while texting his manager about Jaehyun's heat. Their manager understands Doyoung and occasionally pities him for keeping up with Jaehyun's bitchiness. Doyoung asked him to empty his room and put it in his brother's place while Doyoung was still decorating his new house. He received an okay and smiley. Doyoung texted back a bow emoji before putting his phone to airplane mode. 

No one knows the address yet. His brother has an idea but Doyoung changes his mind and chooses the studio type slightly far from their dorm and company. Doyoung lives on the high floor. He opened the window and the cold air started to fill his lungs. Doyoung stayed in a daze and never realized the pain he suppressed started to overflow, the heat crawled on his skin and tears started to stream down his face. The solitude comforts him, the heat burning him alive also comforted by the autumn air. It warms him as he continues to whimper. This is the start, right? He will move on. He won't be hurt again. He will stop praying. He has his place now. He chose to have his own. Doyoung embraced himself as he sat on the ground, the silence and vulnerability Doyoung mustered for years. 

Doyoung fell asleep and there were dried tears on his cheeks. He quickly took a shower and got his phone to call his brother who was on his emergency contacts. He informs him that he has already moved in and his brother is happy about it. Doyoung is blow-drying his hair when he said about his month's break since their promotions just finished and nothing is important to his schedule. His manager also told him earlier that Doyoung is excused to settle himself in his new place. 

It takes two weeks for Doyoung to settle in. His phone is still in airplane mode. He never or forgot to change it and it made sense since he knew that the comeback is still two months away. It's already eleven in the evening when Doyoung is watching a movie. He has appliances for starters, an oven, a fridge, and some necessities. There is also a soft and comfortable sofa. Doyoung already told Kun about his plan and the man laughed at him when he said it a year ago. Kun sometimes flustered Doyoung. He never really commented about it, just hysterical laughter. Doyoung never bothered to ask him why he acted that way. 

The moment Doyoung turns off the airplane mode, his phone rings, and the caller is no other than their maknae Donghyuck. Doyoung accepts it and lazily says his hello. 

"Oh my god! You finally pick up! Oh my god! Kim Doyoung hyung?!" Doyoung frowned and put away his phone from his ear. Donghyuck's shout made Doyoung deaf for a second. 

"You scared me!" Doyoung sassy replied. He decided to put Haechan in speaker mode while lowering the tv volume. It's much safer than shouting in his ear. 

"You're the one who freaks us out hyung! Where have you been? We haven't heard from you for two weeks! The hyungs are looking for you! We are worried! Gong Myung hyung is abroad and we cannot contact him too! We're about to book a flight to see Gong Myung hyung and asked him about you! Taeyong hyung is." Donghyung stops midway and the voices change. 

"Hello? Doie?" Doyoung is confused as hell and too stunt to reply. 

"Hello? God, Hello?" The voice is desperate for Doyoung to snap back to reality. 

"Hello? Hyung?" Doyoung's heart started to hum, fast and loud as he heard Taeyong sigh. Doyoung is scared. 

"Where are you?" Taeyong's voice is stern and cold. Doyoung doesn't know why but the fear is real that he mumbled his address softly. The line ended after it and Doyoung is too scared to touch his phone again. There are so many notifications and Doyoung feels like his phone will break after receiving tons of notifications. He sighed and thought of the days he got busy. He received calls from his brother from time to time and Doyoung thought everything was fine. He never bothered to check his members since they never did. They did not contact him during the holidays and for those days Doyoung stayed alone in his room, no one ever tried to play with him. He is thankful for his fatigue since it forbids him to overthink. 

The loud doorbell echoed in his house and Doyoung almost jumped in. Well, he jumped in for the sake of being honest. Doyoung slowly opened the door and the eerie glare made him shudder. Doyoung proceeds to open the door for Taeyong and Johnny to enter. He stares at his members confused, he protectively hugs himself unconsciously. 

"Doyoung, since when did you find a place?" Johnny's voice is like acid but Doyoung ignores his stern approach. 

"Since Jaehyun presents." Doyoung's voice is low. 

"And you never tell us? We look for you everywhere! You told us you're staying in the wave v dorm! You made us worried for you! You're not a child anymore Kim Doyoung! Did you know how much Jaehyun and Yuta got affected when we were like fools looking for you?! You never inform us!" Johnny's voice thundered and Doyoung's eyes widened from the shock. He sighs trying to control his anger but Johnny's attitude is rude and Doyoung hates people acting assholes. Unknowingly, two alphas are releasing lethal amounts of pheromones and if Doyoung is an omega he would surely be on his knees, submitting. Luckily, Doyoung is rur and it had no effects on him and that made the alphas more pissed. 

"First of all, I am not a member of your pack." Doyoung starts. 

"What the fuck?" Johnny interrupted, "Do you know how much Jaehyun and Yuta-." 

"Second, I am an adult and a rur. I have no responsibility to tell you my whereabouts. Stop fucking interrupting me Johnny cause I swear." Doyoung cold glare made the alpha hold his tongue. 

"I have been planning on moving since last year. The company offered me to move in since I'm the only one who is still not present. I understand how the pack works and I know the reality that I would never be part of your pack, still, I stay because I like you guys and I think even if I was an outcast, I still have the respect I deserve. Then Jaehyun presented. Don't fucking tell me you didn't know how Jaehyun looks at me whenever he was in heat because even in his right mind, Jaehyun never apologize to me. I am never rude Johnny. I respect all of you and your fucking hormones. I never demand when I'm treated as nobody when you guys are enjoying each other. I'm not crazy demanding below my capabilities but I still feel left alone. I understand Jaehyun's heat is hard but it does not mean I never get hurt whenever you guys chase me out. This is my home so mind your manners. I will not think twice about throwing you out if you still act like an asshole. I told the manager hyung about moving the first-day Jaehyun was in preheat. He emptied my room and I know now that no one of you tried to check it out since it takes you guys two weeks to finally realize I did not come back. I never demand attention though and I don't care anymore. If you both mighty alpha are here because your omegas are crying then fucking try again." Doyoung is not even out of breath after speaking for so long and loud. Johnny's eyes were wide and there were tears in his red-shot eyes. Doyoung never looks at Taeyong. He cannot. 

"Leave my house. I am tired." Doyoung shouted before turning to his room and shutting the door and locking it. He went to the bathroom and opened the faucet so they could not hear him crying. Broken and hurt Doyoung hugs his legs as he sits on the cold tiles while the light is bright but Doyoung still feels everything is dark and his heart is ripping apart. It's too painful and he could hear his voice, a loud cry echoing in the bathroom. 

Doyoung doesn't understand why they acted jerk toward him. He admits that he never really informed them but they are on holiday. Holiday means 'me' time. They never cared before. How many years do they think Doyoung feels alone and becomes unguarded while still not presenting and when his close dongsaeng dislikes him too? Doyoung has nothing anymore. He thinks of Kun and Jaemin. How do they act without being part of a pack? Doyoung realizes Kun's indifferent eyes whenever he visits him in his studio. Jaemin's silence when he mentions the pack. Doyoung feels stupid after realizing that he is not alone. They're also hurting just like him but enduring it so they won't hurt their friends. Doyoung tears doubled, he wanted to hug them, promising that they would do it together. That Doyoung is on call away. 

After spending long hours in the cold bathroom and falling asleep. Doyoung wakes up tired and dizzy. He is glad that he stores a first aid kit and there's medicine with it. Doyoung took one pill before leaving. He heated the leftover food in the microwave and forced himself to eat. Doyoung is the kind of person who easily eats and takes medicine when he is sick. It's a habit that Doyoung adopted from his brother. 

Doyoung's phone is still in the same place as when he left it. He wanted to throw it out when it rings and Doyoung will ignore it if only he didn't see Kun's caller id. Doyoung drinks water before he walks to his soft sofa and lays down. He answered him. 

"Hello?" 

"Doyoung? Are you okay?" Kun's voice is gentle and Doyoung wishes he was physically present so Doyoung could cuddle with him. 

"No. I'm not." He admits. 

"Can I come in?" Kun is still gentle when he asks permission. 

"Yes and please call Jaemin too." 

It only takes fifteen minutes for Doyoung to hear the doorbell. He lazily walks in with a throbbing head and opens the door. Kun is quick to hug Doyoung and frowns when he sees that he is warm. 

"Come in. I have a mild fever. I'm sorry for asking you guys when I'm like this." Doyoung sits on the sofa while Kun hum and Jaemin is quiet but follows his hyung. 

"You turned the NCT outside down, hyung. The members are giddy. Yangyang is with his parents, that's why he is not here." Jaemin mumbles, his deep soft voice made Doyoung smile a little. 

"I fought with Johnny and Taeyong last night," Doyoung confessed. Kun hum while Jaemin does not react with his cute face. 

"It was chaos hyung," Jaemin said. 

"You disappeared for two weeks and they looks for you like crazy people but when they found you, you throw them a bomb. You're impossible Kim Doyoung." Kun was laughing but his eyes were worried. 

"Johnny... The first thing he asked me is... since when I planned on moving in. I know that he is the pack leader but I felt offended when he said that Jaehyun and Yuta both felt anxious and I acted inconsiderately. I tried to explain my side but he interrupted me. Pulling their fucking omegas felt bad. I like both Jaehyun and Yuta but Jaehyun has been rude to me and I endured it. I mean, I know it's my fault that I didn't inform them but... Our manager knows. I told him the first day! He emptied my room that day too. I got chased out of the dorm because of Jaehyun's pre-heat... I know that I sulked after Taeyong woke me up earlier because Jaehyun is bitching again. I plan to stay in your dorm Kun, I swear but I realize something.  That's why I went here and settled in. The comeback is still two months away. We are free to do whatever and I decided to move on that day. I feel vulnerable." Doyoung tears fall again and Jaemin is wiping them out. 

"It's not your fault." Kun smiles while brushing Doyoung's hair. 

"I like Taeyong," Doyoung confessed. Kun froze while Jaemin smiled with understanding. 

"You know we can't," Kun muttered in a low voice. Doyoung eyes flicker with how soft and delicate Kun looks at him. 

"I just realized you like Tenny," Doyoung mumbled. 

Silence 

It was silent and Kun was trying not to cry. He snorted when Doyoung smiled at him. 

"Yeah. I like him but he is the pack leader and he has responsibility. I can see Yangyang showing symptoms. He will be presenting soon. That's why he is with his family right now. Another omega in their pack." Kun's mumbled voice is raspy and Doyoung holds his hand sending warmth. 

Doyoung respects Kun's silence when Jaemin eyes mirror them. Doyoung patted the younger one. 

"I'm still not sure about it hyung. but I just think I admire him a little?" Doyoung and Kun look at Jaemin with awe. They never had this conversation before and confessing with rur still stunts both of them. 

"Jeno?" Doyoung guesses since everyone is aware of their closeness since trainee days. But Jaemin shook his head.

"Renjun?" Kun's face is comical and Jaemin smiled, shaking his head. 

"I never really thought of it. Someone close to you I can't think of Jisung though." Doyoung mumbled frowning. 

"That's funny, Jisung is my brother hyung." Jaemin's laugh wash the tension a little bit. 

"Before I said his name, Promise me hyung that you won't tease me. I'm still trying to figure out my feelings." Jaemin's voice turned soft and lower than usual. Both the older men nodded. 

"It's Mark hyung," Jaemin muttered smirking. 

Both of them blinked. Mark is... complicated. 

"Oh, that surprised me, Jaeminie," Doyoung said while Kun remained speechless nodding his head. 

"I know Donghyuck's attractions toward him and I am fine with that because like I said. I'm only crushing on Mark hyung. It will change I know or maybe fade away. For now, I'm enjoying the feeling of admiration." Jaemin smiles at his hyung. Both of them are still surprised by Jaemin's confession. 

"Mark never really spent his rut at the dorm. I don't know how he did it, though he helps to cuddle Yuta and scent Jaehyun." Doyoung mumbles thinking about Mark. 

"He helped Renjun though, and Donghyuck." Kun's eyes are large while Doyoung nodded in understanding. 

"He is part of the pack after all," Jaemin says without any press of emotions on his face. 

"Mark is very secretive. I think he only talked about his concern with Taeyong." Doyoung mumbled, a memory of Mark and Taeyong talking years ago when Jaehyun presented and how Mark looked like he was hurting.

"He invited me to the Dream pack. I said I think about it. I know that Mark hyung only thinks of the group as a whole. Jeno is the pack leader and he is also more willing to accept me but I'm not confident in joining them when I'm different." Kun and Doyoung silently agreed to Jaemin. It's hard since the needs and the hormones are different, wolves like skinship in general while rur dislike it. Doyoung personally is not a fan of it, while Kun only likes Ten's skinship. Jaemin on the other hand never really thinks about it. Donghyuck is his priority. Even if Mark never has a particular interest, Donghyuck is obvious about the affection for Mark and Jaemin as a rur has no room to interrupt them. 

"We are all idiots liking alphas." Doyoung laughed after realizing it. 

"Can I sleep here hyung?" Jaemin asked after a moment. 

"Sure Jaeminie. I love it too." Doyoung brushed his hair while Kun looked sad and pouted at them. 

"I will visit Yangyang. Maybe next time?" They laughed and adored Kun's cuteness. 

They eat dinner and Doyoung fever is almost gone. Jaemin said he will watch a movie before going to bed and stayed on the sofa since Doyoung said not to sleep with him so he couldn't catch his cold. Jaemin agreed without any problems. 

Jaemin is busy watching when his phone rings. He answered it without minding the caller. He already called Jisung he will stay in Doyoung hyung's place and remind Jeno so he won't act stupid again. 

"Hm?" Jaemin hums, eyes on the tv. The scene is turning interesting now. 

"Jaeminie?" Mark asked in the other line. Jaemin just hums again, not caring about the person in the other line because he is busy watching. 

"You're not home?" He asked.

"Yeah. I sleep in Doyoung hyung place. He has a fever." Jaemin informed him, still eyes on the tv. 

"Did you eat already?" 

"Yes hyung, how about you?" Jaemin asked out of habit. 

"I-I already eaten. uh, uhm, are you watching?" 

"Movie hyung... And I will sleep in the living room because Doyoung hyung is afraid that I'll catch his cold. Don't worry much hyung." Jaemin mumbled, his focus being on the scene where the kid says his idea to the townspeople so they could have water. 

"Is it good?" Mark asked, interested. 

"Yes. I like it very much hyung." Jaemin informed

They talk about the story and Jaemin did not realize how late it was. Doyoung is smirking when he goes out to drink water and finds his dongsaeng in a call, Jaemin is telling Mark about the movie. 

"I think you need to sleep now hyung. Just watch it on your own!" Jaemin said in an annoyed voice. 

"We've been talking for hours! Are you using me since you cannot sleep? Just drink milk hyung." Jaemin's irritated voice makes Doyoung laugh. The younger frowned and rolled his eyes. 

"Hyung please, just sleep. Good night." Jaemin bid farewell. 

"Jaeminie! alright alright... Hyung is sorry. I'll sleep. Goodnight." Jaemin hummed and sighed after throwing his phone away so he could concentrate on the movie. 

"Did Mark always call you?" Doyoung asked curiously. 

"Hm, when he's not in the Dream dorm. He made me tell him stories. And sometimes when I don't answer him he gets mad." Jaemin shivers to the memory of when Mark got mad at him ignoring his call.

"He keeps asking me how the members are! I'm not the caretaker hyung!" Jaemin rolled his eyes. Annoyance is evident in his expressive eyes. 

"Are you sure you don't like Mark yet?" Doyoung eyes frowning. 

"Nope." Jaemin shook his head vehemently. 

"Hm, it's tough," Doyoung commented, hiding a smile. 

"Yeah. that kid is a genius hyung! He created a wind generator so the village got the water! They were starving." Jaemin is so enthusiastic about telling him the plot that Doyoung head throbs. 

Doyoung bids goodbye to Jaemin and receives a sweet goodnight. Mark Lee huh, Doyoung thought. 

The next day, Jaemin wakes up with a cold and Kun tells them he catches it too. Jaemin when sick only likes to sleep and Doyoung lets him. He still feels sluggish but not on the first day. 

Doyoung felt bad that he called Jeno and Mark to pick up Jaemin. He couldn't take care of him when he had a cold too. Doyoung already forced Jaemin to drink medicine and eat the food he ordered. After a few minutes, his door rang. 

Doyoung opens the door only to see Renjun, Jeno, and Mark looking at him. Doyoung let them in and Renjun halted when he reached the living area where Jaemin was lying.

." Jeno! Mark hyung! Get them out of here!" The two alphas are quick to run, which made Doyoung flinch. 

"Alpha pheromones are everywhere! Hyung! It's bad for rur to get exposed to these kinds of pheromones. The alphas release a lethal scent when they are mad. Oh my god. Jaemin! Doyoung hyung!" 

The two trios called paramedics as Renjun felt dizzy and almost stumbled to the door. Mark and Jeno growled while carrying Doyoung and Jaemin reacting to the dominating alphas. Renjun breathed hitch when he reached the hallway. He feels dizzy and Renjun is worried for Doyoung and Jaemin who are more exposed than for how many hours. 

The paramedics come while spraying something in Doyoung's apartment so the pheromones will be washed away. Doyoung is critical when he reaches the hospital since he is more exposed while Jaemin is also sick. Renjun realized Kun and called Ten to inform them. 

Taeyong and Johnny look at Doyoung while he wears an oxygen mask. He cannot believe he forgot that his pheromones also could affect someone? Johnny too! "Fuck!" Taeyong curses.

It takes them three days when Kun wakes up while Jaemin wakes up the next day after Kun. 

"The patient inhaled too much of lethal pheromones. Their body is not customized to it, that's why they will feel weaker. I advise having an alpha who can scent them from time to time. We are all pushed away from the lethal pheromones but their body will feel the withdrawal and they will get sick. They need to be scent at least once or twice a day when they feel dizzy." The doctor informed them. 

The only members present there now are Taeyong, Ten, Mark, Renjun, and Jeno. The rest are in the dorm because they have no permission from the manager. Also, too many people are forbidden to go to the hospital.

"Mr. Na and Mr. Qian only need once or twice to be back to normal. Just don't expose them to omegas and betas pheromones because it could trigger sickness to them. I suggest a separate place without any sub genders. While Mr. Kim inhaled a lot and it will take time before he woke up. His hormones will change and I'm afraid that he could act as an omega since his body absorbs more and is already mixed with his blood. He will feel like he was in heat but only his body releasing the poison. I want you to be patient and support their needs." The members bow after receiving the news. It's extreme and scary. Taeyong is bound with guilt. 

"Shit!" Jaemin curses when he wakes up and his head is hurting like someone just hammered them. He checks the surroundings, there is no one in the room beside a flower.

"Jaemin?" Jeno went after him and hugged him. Mark also went to them while Renjun goes home since he is forbidden to be close to Jaemin, Kun, and Doyoung. 

"My head hurts like a bitch." Jaemin mumbled. Jeno looks at him with sympathy still near Jaemin. 

Jaemin smells something like mint and it helps his headache. He pulled Jeno closer to him and found his neck. He buries his nose to Jeno's neck while Jaemin's hands tremble, holding him tightly so he smells more of Jeno's. His eyes flicker with relief, his head is getting better.

"Jaemin?" Jeno asked. 

"Stay. My headache is fading." Jaemin insists does not care even if he clings to Jeno. 

"Oh, I see. Are you feeling okay?" Jeno asked with concern in his voice. 

"A little. What happened? I only remember drinking cold medicine." Jaemin mumbled, annoyed that Jeno's smell is fading on his nose. The ache is getting back and Jaemin feels like being attacked in the head again. He pushes Jeno and looks at Mark. 

"Mark hyung I'm sorry but Jeno's smell is fading. Come here." Jaemin hugs Mark without inhibitions. 

The fresh smell of forest and grass invades Jaemin's nose. His hug is so tight that Jaemin feels like he was in the oasis. Jeno looks at Mark raising his bro while Mark only frowns at the youngest. 

"Shit. You smell so good, hyung. More." Jaemin muttered under his breath. He let Mark sit in the bed and continued to cling his arms to his neck and hug Mark. The elder kept quiet and let Jaemin smell him. 

"Jeno starts explaining now that I'm still thinking straight." 

Jeno sighed and opened his mouth. 

"So you mean I was poisoned? Kun hyung?! Doyoung hyung?! Oh my gosh." Jaemin accidentally sided his lips to Mark's neck which caused the elder to flinch. Jaemin whispered his sorry but did not receive a reply. 

"Yes. Luckily it can be treated. You just need to be scented frequently by alpha and avoid being with omega and beta for two weeks." Jeno informs Jaemin. 

Jaemin yawns, while nodding his head. After more minutes, while Jeno explains, Jaemin is already asleep on Mark's hold. 

"Fuck you Jeno." Mark cursed after taking Jaemin to his bed. 

Jeno smirks at his hyung. 

Kun wakes up earlier than Jaemin but the first time he wakes up, no one is in the room. Kun is dizzy and his brain is hurting too much. He passed out. The second time is when he finally sees someone in the room. Ten is staring at him while Lucas is pouting. 

"Shit! My head!" Kun keeps frowning while he sits. It's not that heavy, unlike the first time. Lucas hugs him with affection. Worries on his face when Kun's eyes flicker with the smell. He hugs Lucas unconsciously and buries his nose in the alpha. 

"You smell good and my headache is fleeing. What happened?" Kun looks at Ten who is seriously staring at him. 

"Hyung, wait, can I sit properly?" Lucas asked and Kun does not like the idea of Lucas moving out.

"Wait! I need to, I mean stay close to me." Kun says, still confused, that he likes Lucas beside him. Lucas smells of bamboo and it makes Kun feel more calm and collected. However, the ache is still there. 

Ten started to explain everything and Kun's eyes widened in disbelief. He started to ask what happened to the two and Kun was informed that Doyoung inhaled more and that it affects his blood too. 

"Call the doctor Xuxi." Kun pouted when Lucas left. Ten is looking at him while Kun starts to frown from the headache that is coming back again. 

"Ten..." Kun's voice is soft. He pulled Ten to him after smelling a tree bark with a combination of vodka coming from Ten's direction. He is desperate and Kun is not feeling anything awkward hugging Ten like he was his lifeline. 

"God, you smell much better, Ten. I like it so much." He mumbled, not aware how Ten froze on his words. He buries his nose into Ten's neck and Kun feels like he could think of anything again. 

"I feel good now," Kun informs the still mute Ten. 

When Kun is not being flustered by their position. Kun got bored and buried his nose more in Ten. He is almost kissing him but Ten is yet to say anything after ordering Lucas to call the doctor. The silence calms Kun and he falls asleep. 

"Mr. Qian still needs alpha scents. His blood is not responding to the medicine. I'll prescribe him another with vitamins. I hope you understand his case. The two males nodded. The doctor tells them while Kun is still sleeping. 

It's the 5th day and Doyoung is unconscious. Kun is luckily responding to one of the medicines and having a process of recovery. Jaemin on the other hand becomes clingy to Jeno and Mark which sometimes surprises the younger. 

Renjun, Chenle, Jisung, and Donghyuck are so worried. They wanted to help you. 

"Jisung can come here," Jaemin said groggily, he sometimes feels like everything is in fog and he cannot focus. 

"He will come later! He is worried so much about you." Jeno said while taking care of his food. 

"I'm sorry, my head is starting to hurt again." Hot tears stream down his face and Jaemin feels like he is about to pass out. 

"Are you okay Jaem?" Mark is quick to rescue him and puts his hand on Jaemin's waist and guides Jaemin to his scent gland so he could smell Mark better. 

The smell of forest and grass attacked his nose and Jaemin could breathe again. He is sobbing because the pain is unbearable. He really hopes to get better soon. 

"Yeah, I'm here in the hospital. Jaemin is not okay, I'll put the camera on him. Mark hyung is helping Jaemin." Jeno mumbled as Renjun, Donghyuck, and Chenle appeared on the screen. 

"Is he okay?" When they see Jaemin sobbing in Mark's arm. 

"He has a severe headache, the doctor says it will happen until next week before he can endure it mildly. He needs to continue to be scented until it no longer affects his head." Jeno explains, that the camera is rolling from Jeno's phone and the members express their sympathy and worries for Jaemin. Jeno ended the call when Chenle said that Jisung is on his way when Jeno is video calling them. 

"Let yourself sleep, Jaemin," Mark whispered to his ear. Hugging the younger tightly. 

"I like your smell hyung, like fresh, forest and grass. It subsides my throbbing head. I like it very very much." Jaemin kisses Mark's scent gland without thinking anything, he is focused on the smell that is helping him. 

Jeno could see how Mark's nape and ears turned red. He sighs to his embarrassed hyung. Jisung came after minutes of waiting and was surprised to see his hyung cling to Mark like a koala. It looks intimate, the way Jaemin buried his nose to Mark's scent gland. He searched for Jeno's eyes but the older one just shrugged his shoulders and continued to play on his phone. 

"Hyung," Jisung called Jaemin and the latter opened his eyes. Jaemin frowns, still in a daze, and smiles when recognizing Jisung. 

"Oh? Are you Jisung or I'm hallucinating?" Jisung could tell how foggy Jaemin's brown eyes were. He bit his lip and tried his best to come to Jaemin and hug his back. 

"Hyung! I'm so worried!"  

"Jaemin is resting in Jisung. Hugging him tightly and kissing his scent gland directly. Jisung is all red while Jaemin doesn't care about personal distance and only focuses on smelling the alpha. 

" Jaemin hyung is so intense. He is like an omega." Mark and Jeno look at him comically offended when Jisung giggles and hugs Jaemin better. 

"Jaemin hyung was never clingy like this until I presented and I'm glad I'm able to help him now. He is like a baby." Jaemin hum tells everyone that Jisung is indeed a baby. 

"Can Jisung stay?" Jaemin pouted to the three alphas. The visit is ending and Jaemin needs to sleep. Jeno shook his head while Jaemin was still clinging to Jisung. 

"But I like his smell." Jisung chuckles, however, his hyungs glare at him, and the maknae flinches in his seat. 

"I-I will come back, hyung. Tomorrow it is." Jisung promises, brushing Jaemin's soft hair. 

"Then Jeno and Mark hyung don't have to come. Jisung is enough." Jaemin smiles and then closes his eyes, it happens every time, Jaemin will fall asleep just like that. It is their cue to leave. 

"I hate Jisungie's presence just now," Jeno muttered while they walked to the hallway in the hospital. 

"same," Mark mumbled. 

"Your ridiculous hyungs." Jisung is laughing at them. 

"Jaemin never initiates skinship and he doesn't like to join the pack despite our invite! Then this happened! I know it's bad for him and us but I haven't touched Jaemin for years now!" Jeno's whining makes Jisung roll his eyes but does not refute him. 

"Sorry loser, at least Jaemin hyung likes me better." Jisung's smug face made Jeno frown. 

"Excuse me?" Mark's face is offended. Jeno raised his brow but did not comment on his hyung. Jisung sighs with his hopeless hyungs and continues to walk past them. 

Kun is getting better but there are times that he can't talk because he is as good as drunk while clinging to Hendery. 

"I have never seen Kun be this clingy before. It feels good." Hendery is laughing hard as he looks at Ten glaring at him. 

"You always like cuddling Hendery." Ten rolled his eyes, he was making tea and put it near Kun. 

"Ten ge, stop being jealous. You sounded like Yangyang and Xiaojun right now." Hendery snorted, ignoring the glare of his older member. 

"Hendery, I really like your smell. I like it so much." Kun sounded like a drunk mumble that made the younger one laugh. 

"Stop Kun-ge, I will be killed before your release here." 

"Hm?" Kun's eyes flicker as the fog is washing away. He could see better than the first time today. 

"Oh, Tenny!" Kun acting like a child surprised them. Ten smirked as he accepted Kun's embrace. 

"Drink your tea." Ten mumbled. 

"Kayyy"

Doyoung wakes up a week later. He feels light almost nothing as his head keeps spinning making him dizzy. His head hurts so much that Doyoung is whimpering.

"Doie?" Taeyong and Taeil are visiting Doyoung. Taeyong is quick to hug him and Doyoung feels being pulled out by something as he focuses on Taeyong smell. 

"Eh? Hyung?" Doyoung's eyes glisten in the light as he could feel Taeyong's pheromones. It smelled like cedarwood and Doyoung wanted to cling to him so much. His instinct told him to hold Taeyong and he did without a warning. 

"Doie! I'm so sorry! oh my god, I'm so sorry." 

"I will call the doctor." Taeil worriedly opened the door and walked out. 

"It's fine hyung? Hm." Taeyong sat Doyoung and tried to get away from the younger embrace so he talked to him but Doyoung did not let him. 

"Stay hyung. You smell good. I like it." Taeyong froze as Doyoung hugged him close and put his nose to his neck. His eyes were large as Doyoung clung to him. 

The doctor arrives and looks at Doyoung. His eyes were foggy and the doctor explained that it will take him days to be able to talk properly. He will be kept in a daze as the medicine works to wipe away the toxicity from his system. It will take time and Taeil and Taeyong thank the doctor before leaving as he sits next to Doyoung. 

"Doie?" Taeyong guides the younger, one so he can smell Taeyong. 

Doyoung buried himself in Taeyong making the alpha turn stiff. Taeil sighs while looking at them. When Johnny went home after finding Doyoung. Taeil never thought that Johnny would burst into tears while Taeyong is quiet and went to his room without giving them a single glance. His alpha smell made Jungwoo vomit as chaos rises to the dorm. Johnny explained everything and Taeil has no words since he admits that he is guilty and one of the people who neglect and ignore Doyoung. 

They are so used to him being considerate and forget that Doyoung is sensitive and easily hurt. Taeil never really knows how Taeyong's brain works since he often talks with Ten and to their Exo sunbae. Now that this has happened, Taeil is not sure how much their group could proceed without feeling guilty. He prayed that Doyoung could recover fast. The turn of events gives them chances and this time, they will take care of Doyoung. Properly.

The hour-long visit ends and Taeyong and Taeil are forced to go home. Doyoung sleeps until the next morning and he looks better, still pale but his eyes could recognize them now. 

"Doie, eat some food. I'd cook this for you." Taeyong smiles happily when the younger one nodded without refusing. 

Johnny is anxious while Doyoung looks at him blankly. Taeil encourages him to hug Doyoung and the younger is happy to smell the older. He hugged Johnny without reservation and it took the taller alpha a second before he flustered as Doyoung clung to him and smelt his neck as he meant it. 

"Relax Johnny. Doyoung knows it was you and he is glad that you're helping him. His head is hurting, that's why he cannot focus. 

"Oh," Johnny tilted his head so Doyoung could have better access. Doyoung giggles as his headache leave him. He feels better. 

"You smell good hyung. I like it very much." Taeyong and Taeil could see how much the Pack alpha blushes. Taeil grinned at him and teases him as Doyoung closes his eyes and enjoys the smell. 

"Doyoung will get better as long as we provide him with scents that could help him to clear his mind," Taeyong commented, he is done preparing food now. 

"I'm glad I'll be able to help this time even though I'm part of this, why is he suffering again." Johnny's voice is lower than usual and the two alphas almost didn't catch. 

"It's not your fault hyung. No one's at fault at all." Doyoung manages to murmur before he falls asleep in Johnny's arm. Johnny is too flustered to even react.

"Fuck. Now, I want to kiss him." Johnny whispered but Taeyong glared at him. 

"Chill bro," Taeil smirks as the two alphas acted like toddlers toward their members. 

Two weeks is enough for Jaemin, Kun, and Doyoung to get released from the hospital. The doctor told them that it's fine to meet the beta and omega while they need to be scented from an alpha daily. It helps them to clear their mind and for their hormones not to mess up. The medicine works more accurately in their blood. 

Doyoung likes to go home to his new apartment while Taeyong insists that he could crash in his room for two months as long as when the doctor already cleared him from alpha scenting. Another factor is that Doyoung cannot take care of himself yet.

Doyoung still feels dazed and a bit dizzy when they arrive. The members gathered at the entrance made Doyoung feel his dizziness doubled. He clings to Taeyong, while Johnny and Taeil ignore it. The members gasp as Doyoung closes his eyes, fighting the pain in his head. 

"I'm sorry guys. My head hurt like a bitch." Doyoung murmurs between Taeyong's neck. 

Jaehyun pouted while Yuta looked worried at Doyoung. Jungwoo is near him and Doyoung opens his eyes when he smells Jungwoo's apple scent. His eyes flicker looking at Jungwoo. 

"Hyung... I miss you so much." Jungwoo hugged Doyoung and the older one nodded his head as he habitually searched for Jungwoo's scent gland. 

The younger flinches as Doyoung buries his face to his neck. Taeil smirks while Jungwoo flushes red even though the member found it funny. 

"You smell apples. It's good it takes away my headache." Doyoung murmurs, pressing Jungwoo closer. 

"H-Hyung..." Jungwoo's face is funny red and Yuta is teasing him while Jaehyun is laughing so hard. 

Doyoung falls asleep minutes later and Jaehyun fusses being frightened but Taeil explains that it's normal because Doyoung cannot handle too much and he was originally dizzy when they leave the hospital. 

"I never thought I'd ever seen Doie clinging to the alphas like that. He is so cute. My god." Yuta is giggling while Jungwoo is still red, too stunt to Doyoung's clingy action. 

"I never thought I could see our Jungwoo being flustered," Yuta smirks as the younger blink. His cheeks and neck are red too. 

"Are you kidding me hyung? Doie is... He is calling my alpha instinct. I'm so flabbergasted to react. I wanna kiss him, god." Taeyong is quick to take Doyoung as an excuse to get him to his bed. Jungwoo pouted but let him carry Doyoung. 

It's dark when Doyoung opens his eyes. He feels fluffy as Taeyong snuggles with him. He is hungry and does not know the time yet. He moves and goes to the bathroom. He uses Taeyong's new toothbrush and cleans his face. The smell of the place is good like it was made by Taeyong. Doyoung liked it so much that he started to get dizzy. 

"Doie?" Doyoung heard from behind the door. 

"Coming," Doyoung answered. 

"I'm hungry." Taeyong's big eyes stay at Doyoung and tell him to go to the kitchen and wait for him to cook food. The younger one nodded like a puppy and smiled at his hyung. 

The clock says 2:00 AM and Doyoung's stomach growls. The members always forgot to close the window. The nostalgic autumn air visits Doyoung solitude. His heart starts to race as Taeyong shows up with his pajama and messy hair. He looks ethereal even wearing simple clothes. It made Doyoung blush. Now that he was fine and thinking straight, embarrassment easily flooded his memories. He couldn't see Taeyong's eyes. Doyoung eats silently. It was awkward even for Doyoung who felt overwhelmed by his feelings. 

Taeyong is an attentive alpha, they came back to bed only for Doyoung to get flustered even more. 

"Wait hyung, can I sleep in the living room or my former room? What if Jaehyun gets mad?" Taeyong's eyes darkened, staring at Taeyong bringing hundreds of electricity to Doyoung. He shivers. 

"This is my room Doyoung-ah. He is not coming." Taeyong retorted, still staring at Doyoung who looks like a caged rabbit. His cheeks flushed red and Taeyong is enjoying every bit of it. 

"My god hyung! This is so embarrassing!" Doyoung sits at the edge of the bed and covers his face. Doyoung could smell Taeyong getting nearer to him. 

"I like you clingy Doie. I'm sorry that I made you feel like you don't matter because you always are." Taeyong's gentle voice lingers in his ears and Doyoung wants to push him away. His heart is beating so loud and fast that it feels like it wants to get out of his body and goes to Taeyong. Doyoung flinches from his gruesome thoughts. Not romantic yet the idea is precise. 

"I don't know hyung. I think there's a misunderstanding. I'm not mad at Jaehyun or Johnny or the members. Never to you." Doyoung whispered, getting the courage to look at Taeyong's boba eyes. 

"It's just that... I'm a rur and... I... I think I do not belong." 

"Doie, I know you hate being interrupted but I want you to know how important you are to me." Taeyong touches his cheek and Doyoung never thought he was crying again. 

"I promise to be more mindful as your leader too. I will shower you with affection until you get tired of them." Taeyong giggles seeing Doyoung blush. 

"Eew." Doyoung managed to frown. 

"Your weird hyung. Stop." 

"Oh yeah? I'm always affectionate to you. I never thought you still feel that way." Taeyong's fierce eyes are scaring Doyoung. He couldn't point it out but he can tell that he unleashed something dangerous on Taeyong. Doyoung shuddered and looked at how beautiful Taeyong could be and how that face could mess him up. 

"Don't worry, Doie. I'll take care of you. Now, sleep." Taeyong hugs him from behind and Doyoung's mind is still wondering. He felt the beating of his heart as Taeyong touched his chest. 

"Hyung?" 

"I'm not a part of pack Doie. I stay because of you and Mark too." 

Doyoung doesn't know if he heard it right as he is slowly getting pulled into slumber. 

End.