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Hyeongjun has long ago accepted his fate as a beta, he knows his life is not going to be an adventurous rollercoaster like some are.
During high school, his omega friends led exciting lives confessing and being confessed to by the alphas while he watched from the sidelines, offering a shoulder to cry on when their hearts were inevitably broken - teenage alphas are nothing but nuisances, honestly.
Hyeongjun was used to the idea of maybe marrying another beta in the future or just living his life single. There is no shame and nothing wrong with that, he has an aunt who's a beta and she's single and rich and he wouldn't complain if that is him in a few years.
So that is one of the many reasons why Hyeongjun is so taken aback when a guy, clearly an alpha by the scent exhaling off of him, stops him in the middle of campus while he's making his way to the cafeteria.
Jiseok, his best friend, is there by his side as he usually is and his gaze goes from Hyeongjun to the alpha multiple times in confusion. Then a grimace and a scowl settle on his soft features, unmatching to his cotton candy colored hair too.
"What's your problem?" Jiseok says to the alpha when they remain only staring at each other. He huffs and crosses his arms for a bigger effect. "We're busy."
"Sorry," the guy says and bows at Jiseok before turning to Hyeongjun. "I'm Lee Jooyeon."
"Hi?" Hyeongjun exchanges a glance with Jiseok but his friend only shrugs, looking annoyed. They were chatting excitedly about lunch before the interruption after all and Jiseok had stated many times by text throughout the morning that he was hungry - and he used starving not even five minutes ago.
"What's your name?" Jooyeon gives Hyeongjun a smile and he sees his canines, sharp and shiny.
"I'm, uh, Hyeongjun," he replies, not giving him his full name on purpose, and notices how Jooyeon's scent, a mixture of pine cones and dew, grows slightly stronger and the way Jiseok shifts uncomfortably by Hyeongjun's side. Usually, a beta's sense of smell is not sharp but Hyeongjun has always been rather sensitive and the change is perceptible even to him. "Is there anything that you need from me?"
The question is more rhetorical than anything because, really, there is absolutely nothing that an alpha needs from Hyeongjun. All he wants is for this to be over so they can run to the cafeteria before the good options are all sold out.
"Can I get your number?" Jooyeon asks, his tone hopeful. Hyeongjun turns to look at Jiseok, who looks as perplexed as him.
"Why?" he blurts out before he can hold his tongue and Jooyeon chuckles, an anxious sounding one.
"Maybe I want to ask you out on a date?" is the response he gets and, maybe, Hyeongjun needs to clean his ears better because he's starting to hear things.
Hyeongjun laughs and turns to his friend but Jiseok is staring at Jooyeon with his mouth agape and then the staring turns into a frown.
"Are you pulling a prank on my best friend? I'll deck you in the neck if you are," Jiseok threatens and Jooyeon freezes, eyes wide and full of fear. For an omega Jiseok can look pretty scary, especially when his words come out naturally violent like now. "Aish, why are alphas such a pain in the ass?"
"This is not a prank, I swear," Jooyeon says, hands in front of himself in an act to show his innocence. Jiseok doesn't look convinced and all Hyeongjun is at the moment is confused. "I really mean what I'm saying."
Jiseok nods, his expression serious, and reaches for his backpack. He rips a page from his notepad and scribbles down something on it with a pen he had on his polo's pocket before folding and giving it to Jooyeon.
"If they've run out of the fried chicken, I'm coming back to punch you," Jiseok says and grabs Hyeongjun by the wrist. With not as much as a single glance back, Hyeongjun scurries after him and sticks close.
"What did you write on that paper? Did you really give him my number?" Hyeongjun asks once they're on the queue, well aware that Jiseok wouldn't actually do such a thing.
An evil giggle erupts from Jiseok and he cheers in happiness when he manages to get what he was looking forward to.
"I wrote a nice message to him," Jiseok replies.
"What did you write?" Hyeongjun says, following him to an empty table.
"Secret," Jiseok says and puts a finger in front of his lips.
"What are you going to do if that guy comes up to you again?" Jiseok asks when they meet up.
"I don't know," Hyeongjun shrugs and thinks about earlier. “Maybe he thought I was an omega.”
“I know this is stereotyping but you were taller than him,” Jiseok points out. Hyeongjun doesn’t remember that detail and he makes a face. “I’m quite sure he knows you’re a beta. Alphas may be dumb but they can smell things better than omegas, sometimes, and you smell nothing like an omega.”
Hyeongjun nods and the library comes into sight. They could just go back to the dorms and study there, they’re roommates and it would be almost the same thing, but Hyeongjun likes observing how people behave in public spaces and Jiseok always needs his coding books in the middle of his studying - they’re expensive and therefore are not available in their room.
“If the alpha tries to talk to me again,” Hyeongjun trails off, trying to come up with something before they go past the library doors. “I’ll think about it on the spot but that's in case it happens.”
“It will,” Jiseok holds the door open for Hyeongjun and leads the way towards the study rooms. “Oh look, talking about the devil,” Jiseok whispers as they look through the small windows by the door in search of an empty one and stop in front of one where Jooyeon is at. “Let’s find one far from this one.”
Hyeongjun nods and rushes after Jiseok. There are study rooms on the third floor as well and they’re mostly empty, so that’s where they settle. The Psychology and Software textbooks are, thankfully, on that floor as well so that saves them time since they won’t have to run around the library all the time.
“You know,” Jiseok says from behind his laptop, the sound of his fingers on the keyboard a calming rhythm. “Just be careful if you decide to go on a date with that Jooyeon guy. I know not all alphas are shit but I also know most of them don’t think with their brains.”
“I know,” Hyeongjun smiles and chuckles at Jiseok’s protective instincts. It’s always been like this, their classmates making tasteless jokes about betas every now and then and Jiseok already up on his feet, ready to throw punches. His school life would’ve been a lot more miserable if Jiseok wasn’t there to glare at the alphas and omegas who thought Hyeongjun was an easy target for bullying. “He doesn’t seem to be like that.”
“I’ve heard people saying that some of those popular alphas partake in bets among each other where their goal is to take a beta to bed,” Jiseok replies, glancing at Hyeongjun from behind the laptop screen. “And he looked popular”
Hyeongjun scrunches his nose at that. He had heard those rumors during his first day a week ago and he was torn between believing it or not because that meant he’d have to keep his guards up. And despite being pretty self-conscious of himself, Hyeongjun finds it hard to read other people, especially alphas since they can be unpredictable at times.
“You look like a popular omega,” Hyeongjun points out instead of saying what’s in his mind and Jiseok scoffs, shaking his head in amusement. “You’re small and cute, until you open your mouth.”
“I need to keep alphas and omegas in check,” Jiseok flips his hair and goes back to his work. Hyeongjun stares down at the textbook he was skimming through, one of the required readings for one of his lectures, and yawns. Introduction for Psychology is interesting but reading is boring, Hyeongjun would rather go through a three-hour lecture than read this for another minute.
His laptop is on, right by his side, and Hyeongjun considers ditching studies to do something else, a day neglecting his readings won’t hurt. With a quick glance to check if Jiseok is paying attention to him - he isn’t -, Hyeongjun pushes the textbook aside and brings the laptop closer, turning the screen brightness down so if anyone peeks inside the study room they won't know what he’s doing.
He searches up Lee Jooyeon because he’s curious and looks all over the internet. Just like Jiseok has said, he seems to be popular. His posts on social media are always of him with a group of friends and full of comments underneath. Hyeongjun also thinks he’s good looking, that’s usually what makes alphas popular, and he’s even more wary of him now.
For many reasons, Hyeongjun has never dated. He knows for a fact that betas are not sought after on the regular and, weirdly enough, he was never in environments with a lot of other betas as well, only alphas and omegas who were usually interested in each other. Jiseok has dated before, one alpha and one omega during high school, and none of that ended well so his interest in romance is low.
If Jooyeon talks to him again and asks him out he might accept since he looked so earnest and nice but Hyeongjun is ready to reject him if necessary. He’s quite sure Jooyeon will get bored of him anyway, Hyeongjun is not a social being and his interests are rather monotonous.
He doesn’t get caught snooping around the internet for Jooyeon but Jiseok stands up abruptly from his chair and the sound it makes as it drags on the floor almost gives Hyeongjun a heart attack.
“I am done with this for today,” Jiseok announces and starts gathering his things. Hyeongjun feels guilty for not accomplishing anything academically speaking but at least he knows a little more about Jooyeon - he’s not happy at the interest that was piqued within him but that’s his own fault for acting stalkerish.
They cross paths with Jooyeon in the queue at the cafeteria a few days later.
They’re in the middle of talking about their morning when Jiseok nudges Hyeongjun on the side with his elbow and motions with his head at the long-haired figure coming in their direction with a tray.
“Hello again,” Jooyeon greets with a smile and Jiseok looks away, grabbing Hyeongjun by the shoulders and swapping places with him. “Would you mind if I paid for your lunch?” he asks, his smile so big it shows his gums and Hyeongjun feels sheepish at having it being directed at himself. Upon closer inspection, Hyeongjun notices Jooyeon’s plate is already empty and he notices him staring because he lets out a just a second and rushes off to put that away in its rightful place. “So what do you think?”
“But you already finished eating,” Hyeongjun mumbles and turns to look at Jiseok but his friend is busy scrolling through his phone. “Uh, I guess I wouldn’t mind,” Hyeongjun says not to leave him hanging and rubs his arm, avoiding Jooyeon’s eyes.
Jooyeon stands by his side, looking like he’s trying to contain a whole bunch of energy inside his body by the way he’s holding his hands and moving his feet.
“What’s your major?” Jooyeon asks and Hyeongjun lifts his gaze and turns to face him, so he doesn’t come off as rude. “Mine’s Physical Education.”
Hyeongjun holds back the yeah, I know from coming out. He doesn’t want to incriminate himself for his stalking sin and look like a weirdo, and nods.
“Psychology,” Hyeongjun replies and gives Jooyeon a small smile.
“And what about your friend?” Jooyeon tilts his head. “I also haven’t gotten his name.”
Jiseok jumps in surprise when Hyeongjun pokes him with a finger.
"Name and major,” Hyeongjun whispers in his ear and Jiseok pockets his phone with a surprised look in his eyes.
“Oh my bad, Kwak Jiseok,” he smiles and offers a hand that Jooyeon gladly shakes. “I’m in Software Development.”
“You must be so smart,” Jooyeon exclaims and Hyeongjun stifles a laugh, catching a glimpse of Jiseok’s prideful look and not missing the way he stands taller and puffs his chest out slightly. “All I’m good at is running after a ball.”
“Not to brag but yes, I am very smart,” Jiseok says and Hyeongjun slaps him playfully, rolling his eyes. “But flattery won’t get you anywhere.”
Jooyeon waves a hand in front of himself and shakes his head. He’s about to say something but it’s now their turn and Jooyeon quickly pays for Hyeongjun’s and Jiseok’s lunch.
“You didn’t have to,” Jiseok says but sounds very happy about the money he has just saved. “But thank you.”
“No problem,” Jooyeon grins, putting his wallet back into his backpack. He checks the time on his phone and gasps. “Oh shit, sorry, I have to run. I hope we can talk more some other time.”
“Wait, I though-” Hyeongjun stops when Jooyeon fleds off from the cafeteria. I thought you were going to sit down with us. He’s not disappointed but Hyeongjun assumed this was an excuse to do exactly that.
“I like him,” Jiseok says and starts walking. “He’s so into you and you didn’t even move a finger. I wonder what goes through his head.”
“I’m a little concerned,” Hyeongjun mumbles but Jiseok doesn’t hear him, already a few steps ahead. He follows his best friend, his mind still trying to figure out what just happened.
It’s the middle of the afternoon and Hyeongjun is alone in the library, working on a small assignment given for his Anatomy class. Usually, Jiseok is with him but one of his lectures was rescheduled and he couldn’t miss it because, well, Jiseok is a dedicated student and he says that when it comes to his major, if one lecture is skipped all hopes of passing with flying colors is lost.
He’s focused on naming all the muscles in the upper part of the human body when a soft knock on the door disrupts the quiet in the room. Hyeongjun looks up, pencil still on his lips and he makes eye contact with a familiar pair of eyes through the glass.
With a single movement of his hand, Hyeongjun invites Jooyeon into the study room, assuming that’s why he knocked on the door.
“Am I interrupting?” Jooyeon whispers, the door half-opened. “Where’s your friend?”
“Suffering in Data Management,” Hyeongjun replies and Jooyeon shivers before entering the study room and closing the door after himself.
“That’s a shame,” Jooyeon says and Hyeongjun notices he’s holding something. “I brought coffee and it’s gonna be all watery by the time you can give it to him.”
Hyeongjun stares in disbelief at the drinks Jooyeon has just placed on the table because 1) drinks are not allowed inside the library and 2) he didn’t have to.
“I got iced americanos,” Jooyeon grins and takes the seat across from Hyeonjun, taking one of the cups and sliding it in his direction. “Everyone likes iced americanos, right?”
“What did Jiseok write on that damn paper?” Hyeongjun mumbles and reaches out for the cold coffee, taking a sip and smiling in contentment. Ever since his first encounter with Jooyeon, Hyeongjun has been thinking about the mysterious and ominous way Jiseok has been behaving in regards to the note he handed the alpha. When he looks up, Jooyeon is smiling and looking at him with affection in his eyes. “What?” he blurts out in surprise, squirming under the intense gaze.
“Sorry, did I make you uncomfortable?” Jooyeon’s expression changes and he looks like a kicked puppy.
Hyeongjun shakes his head and bites the tip of the straw before putting the drink back on the table.
“I just don’t understand what you’re doing,” Hyeongjun bites his lower lip right after saying that and Jooyeon furrows his eyebrows, making them move in a funny way.
“Courting you?” Jooyeon pouts and sips the coffee, gaze still lingering on Hyeongjun.
“But I’m a beta,” Hyeongjun says, a grimace itching itself to his features. “Alphas don’t court betas.”
“Who said that?” Jooyeon asks, straightening up his posture and placing his hands on the table. "I'm quite sure that's how my parents got together."
Oh, somehow that makes sense Hyeongjun thinks to himself. Usually, alphas don't spare a second thought in regards to betas, unless they've been surrounded by them on the regular and they have a big influence in their lives.
"Please, tell me you're not interested in me because I remind you of your mother or something like that," Hyeongjun says and covers his face in embarrassment.
"Hell no, that's kinda gross," Jooyeon gives Hyeongjun a very forced smile that shows he means it and the two of them burst out laughing. "I've always enjoyed betas' company. Most of my friends and family are betas and, on top of that, omegas' scents give me an allergic reaction. I won't stop sneezing if the smell is too flowery and sweet and I don't like using my meds all the time, it's enough suffering to take them every morning before leaving the dorms."
Jiseok smells like mint, so that explains why Jooyeon hasn't had a reaction - but if he takes medication every morning, he wouldn't show a reaction even if Jiseok smelled like the strongest lavender in existence.
Hyeongjun shakes his head in amusement and chuckles, covering his mouth and resting an elbow on the table.
"You're so cute," Jooyeon breathes out and Hyeongjun glances at him with a redness on his face that he can feel by the way it warms his cheeks. Their eyes meet and Hyeongjun bites back a shy smile and looks away, disconcerted at the way Jooyeon's gaze is back to being so intense and fond. "I'm sorry I have to leave," Jooyeon says, finishing up the iced americano that was forgotten by his side. "I promised I'd play soccer with the alphas in my class," he sighs and stands up. "I'll see you around."
"Alright," Hyeongjun replies and observes Jooyeon leave the room, waving at him once before the door shuts closed.
Hyeongjun takes one deep breath and brings a hand to his chest. It's funny how, despite it all, his heart is doing fine. Nothing out of the ordinary, it doesn't feel overwhelming at all. The only thing he can't stand is how he had no control of the blush that took over his cheeks not long ago.
He finishes up his studying and rushes back to the dorms. He doesn't tell Jiseok about the encounter with Jooyeon, he doesn't need to know.
"Haven't seen your pup around us since that time at the cafeteria," Jiseok comments on a Friday afternoon. They're giving themselves a break and didn't go to the library to study, instead they're walking around campus while sipping cold drinks. "That was some weeks ago."
"My pup?" Hyeongjun repeats and he almost trips Jiseok when he connects the dots. "He's not a pup and he's not mine."
Jiseok laughs, the sound of the liquid going up the straw and into his mouth is loud on purpose and his best friend raises an eyebrow at him. Hyeongjun admires Jiseok's nerve and shamelessness but it's so annoying sometimes, especially when it's directed at him.
"Yes, your pup," Jiseok repeats while staring straight at Hyeongjun's eyes and moves his eyebrows in a funny way, as though pointing somewhere.
"Hyeongjun-ah, Hyeongjun-ah," Jooyeon's voice calls from afar. Hyeongjun hasn't noticed they've made it to the education department buildings but he sees the tennis field to his left as well as the volleyball court behind it.
"You can literally see an invisible tail wagging behind him as he calls your name," Jiseok snorts and takes a seat on the nearest bench, crossing his legs and just watching as Hyeongjun stands like a statue, waiting for Jooyeon to get to him.
"The breeze drew in your scent all the way to the field and I couldn't focus on the game," Jooyeon comments and smiles at Hyeongjun, who turns red at the straightforward words. "I asked for a timeout and they're all taking a break right now but would you like to watch the match? We'll be done in a few minutes and then we could hang out after it's done. Oh wait, I do need a quick shower though."
"Oh, I-" Hyeongjun turns to look at Jiseok who's looking unnervingly smug, only watching them while sipping his coffee and tapping his fingers on the bench.
"Go on," Jiseok says and winks, Hyeongjun makes a face at him. "I have to work on this programming project and I'd love to have silence in our room."
Jiseok is so full of shit, he is the one who goes around dropping things on the floor and humming songs under his breath. Hyeongjun doesn't make noise at all.
But Hyeongjun's grateful that Jiseok is not tagging along because it would be worse with his playful comments and knowing looks directed at him. Hyeongjun is sure he'd end up even more flustered than he knows he will be once Jooyeon starts directing his attention to him.
"I'll see you later then," Hyeongjun says and waves at Jiseok. "Have fun coding."
Jooyeon grins and reaches out for his forearm but stops halfway, using a hand to motion for Hyeongjun to follow him and then he starts jogging. Hyeongjun attempts to go after him, still clutching the drink in his hands and a strap of his backpack, and Jooyeon's hair sways in a pretty way, his scent wafts to Hyeongjun's nose and he sighs. Unfamiliar comfort washes over him and Hyeongjun wonders if it's normal to feel that. He's not supposed to be affected by anyone's scents this way, as far as he knows, that's not how betas work.
The soccer field is farther than he imagined and Hyeongjun is intrigued at how Jooyeon even smelled his scent all the way from here. There are bleachers on both sides of the field and they're not full but they have enough people to cause a commotion with cheering and such.
"You can take a seat wherever you'd like," Jooyeon motions in the general direction of the bleachers and runs to the middle of the field when someone calls his name.
Hyeongjun is not really a sports' person and he's not quite familiar with soccer despite having played that back when he was in school but he can tell that Jooyeon plays well by the skilled way he moves his feet when the ball is in his possession. He's also clumsy though, he hastily moves around without thinking much, trips and rolls on the grass and reminds Hyeongjun of a golden retriever.
Most people who are watching the match are omegas, exhaling pheromones so strong Hyeongjun feels his nose itch. He hears cheers and names being chanted and, for some reason, Hyeongjun feels intimidated. For a fact, he knows how most omegas behave when they're interested in an alpha and this is exactly it. The smell is nauseating to him and he's about to stand up and go somewhere else for a moment when the whistle blows and everyone scatters to chat with the people who were playing.
The scent moves around and he closes his eyes, pushing away the migraine that wants to settle on his temple.
"Hyeongjun-ah," Jooyeon's gentle voice calls and he rubs his eyes before pulling his hands away from his face. "Your scent disappeared for a moment, are you alright?" Hyeongjun nods once but then he shakes his head. "Is it because of the mix of scents?"
"Too strong," Hyeongjun mumbles and Jooyeon nods, looking apologetic. "It's fine now."
"I'm sorry, I didn't know your sense of smell was this sensitive," he rubs the back of his neck and Hyeongjun doesn't like the way he looks sad for something that was not in his power. "I'll shower quickly so we can go somewhere else. Just give me ten minutes and I'll be back, okay?"
"No problem," Hyeongjun nods and gives him a reassuring smile. Jooyeon smiles back and runs towards the place all the other alphas who were playing soccer are heading.
The people who were watching the match linger around, although not many are close to where Hyeongjun is. The sweet omega scent that reaches him is oppressive and he wonders if that's because of his being there. Some omegas don't like betas, especially when they're close to alphas, and he knows this is not a teen movie but Hyeongjun feels scared of being confronted by an omega about Jooyeon and getting involved in drama because of it.
Much to his relief, no one approaches him and Jooyeon comes back with a skip on his step and a smile lighting up his whole face. A few looks are thrown their way, Hyeongjun ignores it and focuses his attention on Jooyeon.
"I'm so hungry," he says, pushing the hair off his face, and drops his backpack down on the floor before sitting by Hyeongjun's side. "Are you hungry?"
"Kinda," Hyeongjun replies. He's been to the café with Jiseok but they've only gone there for the caffeine and left with no food. Besides, lunch was hours ago and the mention of a meal has his stomach making a sound of complaint. "Yeah."
"I think dinner is being served already," Jooyeon says, looking up at the darkening sky. "Do you wanna check what's on the menu? We can always go somewhere else if it's not that interesting."
The walk to the cafeteria is calming and Hyeongjun forgets about what happened while Jooyeon fills the silence with chatter. He talks about his day with such enthusiasm that it brings a smile to Hyeongjun's lips.
None of them are interested in what's being served and Jooyeon suggests grabbing a meal at the convenience store a block from the omega's dorm.
"You room with Jiseok-ssi, right?" Jooyeon asks with curiosity in his tone.
"Yeah?" Hyeongjun replies.
"Are you in the omega's dorm then?" he asks and Hyeongjun shudders at the idea.
"We're in the beta's dorm," he says and Jooyeon hums in response. "I don't think being in the omega's dorm would be a good idea."
Jooyeon laughs. "Why? Are you scared of omegas? I mean, they can be pretty annoying if they want to but they're harmless."
"I guess omegas usually like me as a friend?" Hyeongjun explains. "But Jiseokie has a big mouth and he's got more verbal during high school. A lot of our friends stopped being our friends when he started criticizing omegas and alphas openly. He doesn't like abiding to the system," Hyeongjun shakes his head and smiles fondly. "That's why I think that, if he ever gets married, it'll be a beta."
"Not you, I hope," Jooyeon jokes and Hyeongjun laughs but feels his cheeks growing hot at the implications of those words.
"I sure as hell will not agree to it," he replies and pushes away the shyness, trying to take control of how his body reacts. "But if I am not the best man, I will riot."
After that, the subject is dropped and they make it to the convenience store. Hyeongjun grabs whatever looks good and filling, getting something for Jiseok as well since he's probably working his ass off in their room, and they walk back towards the dorms.
The campus is still lively and Hyeongjun's eyes travel from couples to random groups of friends hanging out, most benches are taken and Jooyeon looks deep in thought as well.
"Maybe we could just sit down on the grass," he says and points to a place that's properly illuminated by a lamp post. "It's not ideal but it's better than being close to those normies," he points to a couple all over each other and Hyeongjun averts his gaze. "And I'm going to die if I don't eat now. Playing drained all my energy."
Hyeongjun follows and drops his things on the grass, sitting down right next to it and fishing for the food he got.
Jooyeon basically devours everything he got for himself in a few minutes and Hyeongjun, despite having started first, finishes last.
"You know, now I get why your friend wrote me that note when I first got enough courage to talk to you," Jooyeon says as Hyeongjun eats the last bite of his food and he almost chokes.
"I'm curious," Hyeongjun says after coughing a few times and drinking all the water he still had on his bottle. "He didn't tell me what he wrote in it."
"I don't know if he expects me to keep it a secret or not," Jooyeon chuckles and opens his backpack, fishing for something all the way on the bottom and Hyeongjun is not surprised that he takes out that same note. "But you can see it for yourself."
Hyeongjun accepts the paper and unfolds it.
Prove that you're worth of Hyeongjunie's time and I might not end up chasing you to the confines of the Earth
The smiley face with the devil's horns that is drawn at the end of the message has Hyeongjun laughing out loud and he hands the paper back to Jooyeon.
"He softened up to you quite easily though," Hyeongjun comments when he's stopped laughing. "You've got through to him from the very beginning."
"Was it the free food?" Jooyeon titters and Hyeongjun joins him.
"Maybe but Jiseokie is good at reading through people's facades and seeing their true intentions," Hyeongjun explains and he remembers how Jiseok has been pushing him to Jooyeon instead of pulling him away. "And he said not long ago that you're simple minded and that simple minded alphas usually don't do things with malicious intents."
"Malicious?" Jooyeon tilts his head and pouts.
"He was afraid you were just trying to get in my pants," Hyeongjun says with no filter and Jooyeon looks so embarrassed he hides his face. "He knows that's not it now, don't worry. He's not going to skin you alive or anything."
"I never even thought of something like that," Jooyeon mumbles and Hyeongjun yawns, a little bit too loud because Jooyeon turns to him with concern in his eyes. "I'll walk you to your dorm."
"Nah, don't worry," Hyeongjun stretches his arms and stands up, brushing the grass off his clothes. "It's five minutes from here, I'll survive on my own."
Jooyeon hesitates and gets his things from the floor. "No, I want to. I like your company and wouldn't mind spending a few more minutes with you," Jooyeon confesses and Hyeongjun nods, gripping the plastic bag with the food he got for Jiseok and feeling his cheeks grow warm at such a sincere phrase.
It's quiet, just the sound of their footsteps and breathing. Jooyeon walks a step behind and Hyeongjun hums under his breath and he thinks about the shower of questions he'll get from his best friend.
The dorm building comes into view and Hyeongjun yawns, thinking about a warm shower and his soft bed.
"Before I leave," Jooyeon says when they stop in front of the entrance. "I really meant it when I said that day that I wanted to take you out on a date. I know it might've sounded absurd back then but I think you've noticed by now I'm not joking or playing with you. I really like you, your comforting personality and gentle rainy scent. Seeing and being with you gives me so much peace, I never even imagined being with an omega and I stay true to that."
Hyeongjun feels so flattered at the confession that he can't think of a proper response to something so pure and honest. He thinks back about all these years of conforming to being a beta, because well, what else was he supposed to do?
"I never considered this possibility since my parents are a normal alpha and omega couple," Hyeongjun says, being honest as well. "But I'm open to it."
Just then, Hyeongjun remembers Jooyeon's request from long ago and he finds a piece of paper on the front pocket of his backpack. He writes down his phone number and hands it to him.
"You can text me and we can arrange a date," Hyeongjun smiles and puts the pen he used in his jean's pocket.
Jooyeon stares at the paper and safely tucks it inside a book in his backpack.
"Alright," Jooyeon grins and takes one step back. "I'll think about it and text you when I come up with something."
Hyeongjun smiles and unlocks the entrance to the dorms with the password.
"Or, you know," Jooyeon says, his voice a little louder since they're a little distant now. "I can always come running to you, your scent makes its way to where I am at least twice a day."
Hyeongjun bites his lips and nods before running inside and startling Jiseok when he opens the door to their room abruptly.
"Oh, you're red in the face," Jiseok says, a teasing look on his face. He has the decency of waiting for Hyeongjun to lock the door back up before speaking again. "Did the alpha boy kiss you?"
Jiseok can easily tell that the answer is no but he teases Hyeongjun for the heck of it and Hyeongjun plays along, throwing a pillow at him. They laugh and Jiseok crushes him into a hug when Hyeongjun hands him the plastic bag from the convenience store.
Hyeongjun feels giddy at the thought of going on a date with Jooyeon. He feels stupid for conforming to what's supposedly his fate as a beta, almost accepting defeat before even trying.
"So did he kiss you or not?" Jiseok asks when he's done with the food.
"You know he didn't," Hyeongjun rolls his eyes, turning around on his bed to glare at his best friend. "But we'll go out on a date some time."
Jiseok sighs and closes his laptop, turning around on his chair to face Hyeongjun with a big smile.
"Finally."