Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He's tired tonight.

The thought runs absently through Chan's mind as he quietly navigates through the dark dorm to his room.

He'd lost track of how many hours he'd spent holed up in the studio, tweaking at an unfinished track to no success. His hands thrum with nerves and his wrists ache from when they'd been poised stiff over his keyboard.

In all honesty, Chan had planned to stay at the studio until he'd finish the track and he'd deemed it perfect. But when he'd turned his phone on to check what ungodly hour he'd been at the studio until, he'd seen a message from Seungmin asking when he'd be home.

He winces even now as he remembers the way his chest had rumbled anxiously at the thought of his packmate waiting on his response, seeing the time stamp dated from two hours ago.

He breathes in, feeling calmer now in the stillness of the dark dorm. He can't hear any of the pack but his wolf can sense them now, safe and close to him.

Chan can feel the stress melt from his shoulders as he breathes in the dorm, the scents of their pack mingling in a way that leaves his wolf feeling settled for the first time tonight. He'd responded to Seungmin after seeing the message but he knows the boy is probably fast asleep in the other dorm by now.

He takes another deep breath as he makes a mental note to drop in to apologize to the boy in the morning for his lack of response. Seungmin will pretend he hadn't even noticed but Chan knows the boy sleeps better knowing the rest of the pack is near. Just like his alpha.

Chan pushes his door open slowly as he rolls his neck, ready to collapse into his bed soon. He's met with the soft light of his purple LEDs and he blinks as he takes in the room knowing he wouldn't have left the lights on when he'd gone to the studio earlier.

As he breathes, he catches the familiar scent of freshly washed laundry. Seungmin's scent is tinted with hints of a calm, salty sea breeze and to Chan, he smells like home. The last of his nerves bleed out as he lets the soft scent wash over him, his wolf pulled to the source of it.

Seungmin.

Chan can't help the way his feet lead him to his bed and his breath catches in his throat as he takes in the sight in front of him.

Seungmin has buried himself under a nest of blankets and pillows as if he had wanted to drown in Chan's scent, his face barely peeking out of Chan's favorite duvet. His skin is painted a warm purple by the light, half covered by the way he's curled on his side holding a pillow to his chest.

Chan can feel his chest rumbling, pleased and content at the sight of his pup, soft and unfiltered in front of him. He looks impossibly young like this, his hair falling mussed over his forehead and his pink mouth slack in his sleep. He can't tell for sure with the way Seungmin's curled up, but Chan's willing to bet the t-shirt the boy is wearing isn't his own either.

It's easy to forget Seungmin is one of the youngest in the pack with his headstrong attitude and sharp tongue. He tends to not lean on the older members and Chan has always known that Seungmin feels his strongest when he's able to be independent and figure things out on his own.

But like this, bathed in the soft purple light and so small amid the blankets he's swathed in, Chan can't help but see his pup, his youngest Omega seeking comfort in the scent of his pack alpha.

His legs have moved on their own accord, moving towards the boy in front of him like a moth pulled to a flame, until he's knelt quietly by the bed. The corners of his mouth pull into a fond smile and he reaches out to gently brush Seungmin's hair away from his eyes.

The boy snuffles quietly against the pillow, responding to the touch of his pack even in his sleep. Chan can't help but softly cup the boy's face, running his thumb over the satin skin of Seungmin's cheek.

The rumble in his chest picks up as the boy presses into his hand, chasing the familiarity and warmth of his alpha as he sleeps. Chan watches, incredibly endeared, as the boy's nose scrunches slightly and his eyelashes flutter against his cheek.

"Hyung?" Seungmin's voice, slow and hushed by sleep, floats into the quiet haven of the bedroom and Chan allows himself another gentle swipe across the boy's cheek with the pad of his thumb.

"Hi puppy," Chan whispers back softly, like an intimate, shared secret just between the two of them, "were you waiting for Alpha?"

Chan chuckles low at the indignant scrunch of Seungmin's nose and the huff the boy lets out as he hides his blush into the pillow still cradled in his arms. He's made himself look even smaller somehow, curled around the pillow like it'll protect him from the teasing.

He lets Seungmin turn away from him but doesn't miss the pink ears he can spot from where he kneels by the bed. He's about to tease the boy again when the words catch in his mouth at the sound of Seungmin's voice.

"I didn't know when you'd be home," a soft voice whispers and pauses, "Alpha."

Chan's heart clenches at the pack honorific and the quiet admittance of the statement. The boys rarely refer to him as Alpha outside teasing and the occasional need for comfort but it's so rare, so special to hear it from Seungmin.

His youngest Omega, sharp edges softened by sleep. His pup who had waited for his hyung to return home and had sought comfort in his scent to lull himself to sleep.

Chan doesn't let the statement sit in the air too long between them. Not that he could with the way his wolf is pushing, urging him to reach out to his pack member in front of him. He reaches out a hand to brush gently against the warm pink of Seungmin's ear.

"Alpha is sorry," he hears Seungmin's soft intake of breath, "I'm here now, pup."

The pile of blankets rustle as Seungmin turns toward him, wordlessly lifting the blanket he's curled under. A silent invitation to Chan.

Chan smiles fondly at the pup who's avoiding his eyes, "Can I come into your nest Seungmin-ah? You did a wonderful job."

His smile widens as Seungmin's mouth curls into a pleased smile at his words and his cheeks blush a pretty pink, his omega preening at the compliment to his nest, "Yes hyung."

Chan shrugs off his hoodie and sweats, climbing into the bed in his boxers. For all the boys complain about his lack of clothes in the dorm, he thinks this may be just what Seungmin needs right now.

His thought is validated as the pup is immediately pressing close into his warmth, nudging his nose into Chan's neck where his scent is most concentrated. He lets Seungmin breathe him in, holding him as the boy becomes putty in his arms.

Chan's skin adds to the warmth of the nest and it's quiet save the deep breaths Seungmin is taking against his neck. Chan feels the boy drag his nose up the slope of his neck, nuzzling under his chin softly. Chan breathes in the way their scents have mingled together, Chan's smoky cedarwood and geranium blending with Seungmin's fresh scent.

He feels scent drunk off the way his scent blends with Seungmin's intimately under the blankets of the omega's nest and he can tell Seungmin is in a similar state by the way the boy is pressing impossibly closer into his arms.

Silence lulls comfortably between them as Chan tightens his arms around the boy, letting him meld their bodies together. His wolf feels calm like this, so reassured knowing the boy in his arms is safe and close. He tilts his head to brush his lips against Seungmin's forehead, breathing in his scent once more.

He's already cooing at the pleased, surprised sound Seungmin lets out at the kiss when he hears a soft purr pick up between them. He feels his own chest rumble happily in response and he doesn't hesitate to pull Seungmin closer knowing the boy is embarrassed by the way his biology reveals his contentment.

"Hyung," Seungmin whines from where he's smushed his face into Chan's neck, "not a word."

Chan lets out a breathy laugh, hopelessly endeared as he presses another kiss to Seungmin's forehead, "I would never make fun of you puppy. You know I love your purr, it's beautiful just like your voice."

And because he feels like being a little shit tonight, Chan leans in to whisper conspiratorially against the shell of Seungmin's ear, "Also 'hyung'? I thought you were calling me Alp-mmh!"

His statement is cut off abruptly as Seungmin lets out an indignant noise and twists in his arms to shut him up with his own mouth. Their teeth clack at the sudden movement and Chan can feel the indent of Seungmin's braces against his lip, but it's perfect.

Seungmin kisses with intent, his lips pressing against Chan's with a mission and Chan responds in kind with a smile. He's pleasantly surprised with the method Seungmin has chosen to stop him, the boy usually resorting to slipping out of his arms and leaving when he's particularly embarrassed.

The Seungmin he gets to experience tonight is different, his self control diminished in the late hours of the night and the warmth of the bed. Chan would be a fool not to treasure this, he thinks as he brings a warm palm up to cup the back of Seungmin's neck firmly, bringing the boy even closer to him.

The slide of their lips is familiar and Chan is entirely content with the way their scents have blended between them as if the world doesn't exist past this space of their nest. It's warm and intimate now, the initial indignation of the kiss melting into affection.

As time slips by them, he can feel Seungmin slow in his arms, his movements tinged with lethargy from sleep now that the adrenaline has worn away.

Chan slows the pace of the kiss, swiping his tongue softly against Seungmin's bottom lip and tugging it gently between his teeth. He smiles at the quiet whine Seungmin lets out and presses one soft kiss after kiss against the boy's mouth.

He can feel the way Seungmin relaxes in his arms, accepting the gentle affection and curling into Chan once more. Chan wants to coo again at the way Seungmin yawns and blinks slowly, his eyelids threatening to slip close at every kiss Chan presses gently against his skin.

Chan's not sure when he'll get to experience this Seungmin, soft and sleep-adled, again. But looking at him now, skin painted by the purple lighting and eyes looking up reverently at him, Chan knows he'd wait an eternity if he had to.

"Hyung won't tease you again pup," he whispers, another secret whispered between them, "you can sleep now, I'm here"

Seungmin tucks his head under Chan's chin securely and curls a hand against his chest, their bodies intertwined at every point.

"Okay Alpha."

Chapter Text

Seungmin is well aware of his limit for socializing.

He's learned through years of school and schedules as an idol the amount of time he can hold himself around other people until he needs time to decompress. He's proud of how well he knows himself and how he can put on a mask when needed.

It's a line he's well acquainted with.

The line has been absolutely blown past and is out of his sights today.

They've all been in back to back schedules since early in the morning and he's had dance practice, vocal lessons, a shoot fitting, and now they're an hour into filming a variety show. It's been like this almost everyday for the last few weeks and he's so tired he's not even sure how he's holding himself up.

The MC drones out another question to them with a practiced smile and he can feel his own twitch up on command but he doesn't know if he's managed to look happy or if it looks like he's in pain. He can feel the warmth of Felix's palm on the small of his back and he appreciates the contact but it's just not enough.

The dress shirt the stylists put him in that had once felt elegant feels starchy and restrictive against his body. The delicate necklace that he'd admired earlier sits like a brand across his collarbones and he itches to pull it off.

He wouldn't of course. But he can't help but entertain the thought as he stares listlessly into the set in front of him.

If he pulls the necklace off, maybe he can also wipe off the layers of scent blockers covering his scent glands while he's at it. Maybe that's what bothers him the most right now.

With how busy their schedules have been this week he hasn't had time to fully scent or be scented by any of the members. There have been quick brushes against each other's neck or brief hugs but nothing close to what his Omega needs to feel settled. He feels restless, the lack of grounding from their pack scents making him feel unbalanced with a nervous thrum under his skin.

Seungmin's always been sensitive to scents around him but right now, the sterile air of the set unsettles him like nothing else.

He's snapped back into the moment when he hears the sound of Chan's laughter break through dull haze his mind is in. He takes a moment to admire their leader, the strong lines of his neck revealed with the way his head is thrown back while he laughs.

Chan has been in the same schedules with them all day if not more yet he still manages a genuine smile and energy for the show. Oh how Seungmin admires him.

The sight of Chan's wide smile brings calm to Seungmin for a moment, but he's hit with a strong longing to be closer to the older man not a moment later. Maybe he's just unlucky today Seungmin thinks as he realizes Chan is completely out of his field of reach right now.

He supposes he could casually walk over to where Chan is standing to hold onto his wrist or maybe just press against his side but there's a high chance he'll just bring attention to himself if he does.

That's the last thing he wants right now.

He knows he should probably take his eyes off chance as well before someone realizes but he's itching, dying, to just gain any sort of contact with his Alpha now. He's about ready to start walking over behind the other boys when he feels the hand on his back move to gently cup his waist.

Seungmin turn to his side and catches eyes with Felix who's looking up at him, slight concern written across his face.

Felix takes in a slow deep breath squeezing his waist, their eyes still locked together, and Seungmin is hit with a wave of fondness for his pack member. He mimics the breath Felix takes along with him and tries to let some of the tension bleed out of his body.

The breath he takes in is shaky compared to Felix's but he feels his mouth pull into a small, genuine smile for Felix. He places a hand over the one Felix has curled around his waist and pats it gently, hoping he's conveying his appreciation for the boy.

In all honesty, the contact makes him long to be home with the pack even more but the silent support gives him the push he needs to switch to autopilot the rest of the show. He manages to go through the motions along with group even as he feels his energy drain out of him bit by bit.

By the time they're saying goodbye together Seungmin feels shaky on his feet and overwhelmed by the set around him. There's so much movement and so many lights and he can feel his hands start to thrum with anxious energy. He threads his fingers together to hide how his hands are shaking as they bow and tries not to let the sound of everyone clapping grate on his ears.

They're ushered into the waiting room by the managers and he feels someone nudge him onto a couch as the rest of the pack settles down around him. There's chatter floating through the air and he can hear laughter around him, but he feels so out of touch with the moment.

He glances around and sees Hyunjin sitting on the couch with his arm slung over Jeongin casually. Jisung is laying down with his head in Changbin's lap like he didn't think twice about it. There's easy affection all around him but it's so hard even now for Seungmin to ask for what he wants.

He feels his nails dig into his palms as he clenches his hands tight trying to ground himself. He's taking in a shaky breath when he feels a hand fall onto his hair. He feels the fingers thread through his hair and scratch gently at his scalp. Seungmin can't tell who it is exactly, but by the way his body settles immediately, he knows they're pack.

His eyes slip closed contentedly and he pushes up into the hand, basking in the gentle affection. He feels the fingers slip down to his neck to deftly unclasp the necklace that's been sitting so cold against his skin. The moment the necklace is unclasped, the hand rubs the scent blocker off his neck and Seungmin suddenly feels all the tension bleed out his body.

He slumps against the couch and nuzzles into the hand, blinking his eyes up slowly at his new favorite member.

Felix.

Seungmin feels his mouth curl into a smile for the second time today at the sight of the fond, warm smile Felix wears on his face. Felix's eyes crinkle at his smile and he feels him nudge his wrist gently against his neck, scenting him for the first time today.

"Better, Seungmin-ah?" Felix says, running his hand through Seungmin's hair once more.

Seungmin can only hum back appreciatively, his instinct only wanting to take in the familiar scent of his pack member. He's content taking in Felix's scent and letting it wash over him in the way he's wanted all day.

"You know Seungmin," Felix begins and maybe Seungmin would have caught the mischievous tone in his voice if he was more coherent, "Channie hyung hasn't been scented all day. We should fix that now that your scent blockers are off right?"

Seungmin can't help the slightly distressed noise he lets out at Felix's words and his eyes dart around the room until he find their pack Alpha. He knows at some level he's operating more on instinct than reason at this point, but there's something about the thought of his Alpha not carrying his scent that unsettles him deeply.

His gaze finally catches Chan's across from him and he's not sure if the older man turned to him at Felix's words or the sound of his distress, but nothing else matters now. He feels his eyes flash blue as they lock with Chan's, the Alpha's eyes flashing a brilliant red in response.

He focuses on the adoring smile on Chan's face directed at him and he's up on his feet before realizing it. He takes a moment to press a fleeting kiss against Felix's wrist, nuzzling his nose appreciatively against him one last time.

Seungmin feels like a newborn deer with the way he stumbles across the room to Chan, his legs shaking slightly from leaving the calm he'd received from Felix's scenting. He pauses in front of Chan, weighing his options with how close he can get to the man without being embarrassed in the somewhat public space of the waiting room.

"Seungmin-ah," Chan's voice calls to him and he's broken out of his internal dilemma, "come sit with hyung." The man opens his arms invitingly and the decision is made for Seungmin.

He moves to settle in next to Chan, trying to keep an air of casualness, when a strong arm wraps around his waist and brings him into his lap instead. Seungmin lets out a noise of protest, moving to push out of Chan's arms when Chan places a gentle but firm hand on his head, guiding it to his neck.

Seungmin's nose brushes against the warm skin of Chan's next and suddenly he's boneless in his lap. He lets his legs relax on either side of Chan's lap and he curls his arms around Chan's shoulders keeping his face pressed against the Alpha's neck.

"There you go puppy," Chan's voice rumbles low in his ear as his fingers work their way into Seungmin's hair, "settle down for Alpha."

Seungmin feels the sounds of the voices around him fade to static as he relaxes fully into the hold of his Alpha. He'll probably look back on this moment with a bit of embarrassment, but right now all he needs to do his scent Chan like he's been wanting to all day.

He noses along the length of Chan's neck, trying to rub off the scent blockers that sit persistently on Chan's skin and transfer his own scent. As he nuzzles against his neck, he feels his mouth pull into a frown at the lack of scent he's getting from Chan.

He wants the Alpha's scent now.

Chan hums encouragingly at him and continues to run his fingers through Seungmin's hair, keeping the younger boy's head pressed into his neck. The gentle assurance from the Alpha weakens any last resolves Seungmin has against scenting his pack member here.

He presses closer to Chan to mouth along his neck, pleased as the surprised gasp Chan lets out under him. Seungmin doesn't lick often to scent his members, he's always been reserved against the method even while knowing it's the most efficient way to scent. He doesn't feel any reservations now though.

He lets himself submit to his instincts as he continues his ministrations on the Alpha's neck when he finally catches Chan's spiced scent bleeding through the remnants of the scent blockers. He's not ready to fully lave at Chan's neck the way some of the other pack members do, but the kitten licks he allows himself make his Omega preen happily. He can even hear Jisung cooing in the back but it's not enough to distract him now.

Seungmin feels content now, practically tasting the way their scents blend together. He feels a faint purr pick up in his chest that's immediately overshadowed by the deep rumbling Chan's body responds with. He feels settled now that his pack Alpha carries his scent and if he concentrates fully he can pick up the way Felix's scent has transferred as well.

Chan has circled one arm around his waist, the other in his hair, and it's the only thing tethering him to the waiting room right now. He's completely settled against the Alpha's chest, his weight seated in his lap and his arms wrapped tightly around Chan's shoulders as if he's afraid he's going to move away.

And Seungmin can't let him move away now. Not when their scents are finally mingling together and the scent blockers of the rest of the pack have worn away. He'd rather be settled in a nest in their dorm, but he's making do with what he has right now.

Seungmin is nothing if not resourceful.

He's still floating in his happy, pheromone cloud when he feels Chan lean away slowly. Seungmin whines immediately, tightening his arms around Chan's shoulders and nosing intently into his neck again. He's not ready to let go yet.

He channels his distress into scenting the Alpha, hurriedly pushing as much of his scent into his skin as possible and ignoring the way Chan tries to comfort him. He can hear a distressed, keening noise in the air and he realizes absently that it's coming from him. He feels himself spiral for the second time tonight when another hand joins Chan's on his back.

The hand runs up his spine comfortingly then firmly cups his neck, gently pulling away from where he's been trying to burrow into Chan's neck. He lets out another whine but lets himself be pulled back when he feels a nose nudge into his own neck.

Suddenly, he feels the dull drag of teeth against his neck and he's exhaling contentedly, immediately tilting his neck to invite the marking and scenting. His eyes slip closed as he leans into the touch, staying pliant against the hand holding the back of his neck.

"That's a good pup, Seungmin-ah," Minho's voice whispers right be his ear, "there you go, relax for us baby."

He preens at Minho's words, letting his body slump between his pack members.

Minho hums and gently maneuvers Seungmin's head back into the crook of Chan's neck. Chan is immediately holding him once more, letting Seungmin curl up against his chest.

"You did such a good job scenting our Alpha Seungmin-ah. Chan hyung was only pulling away because it's time to go home- that sounds nice doesn't it puppy?" Minho's voice coaxes an answer from him.

He nods into Chan's neck but the thought of moving from the scenting here settles like a pit in his stomach, "Don't want to move yet."

Chan hums, running a warm hand over his back, "You can build us all a beautiful nest when we get home pup. It's been a hard week hasn't it, I'm sure we would all love to sleep in your nest."

The thought of making a nest of soft blankets and pillows for his pack to sleep in together with all their scents blended together sits pleasantly in Seungmin's mind. He could make a beautiful nest to protect his pack while they all fall asleep together, something he's been longing for since their schedules have gotten so busy. His Omega yearns to go home with his pack.

His movements are sluggish but resolved as he makes up his mind, lifting his head until he's eye level again with Chan. Their eyes flash their respective blue and red once more and Seungmin can't help but stare at his pack member for a moment longer.

"Let's go home Alpha," Seungmin says resolutely and he can hear Minho hum proudly behind him, a hand returning to run through his hair.

"Okay pup," Chan's answering smile is so warm and fond it sends a shiver coursing through Seungmin, "let's go home."

--

Seungmin doesn't fully remember leaving the waiting room, their pack has streamlined the process of getting home when they need to. What he does remember is the comforting weight of Chan's hand on the small of his back the whole time and the light brushes of scenting he receives from his pack members.

They'd split up into vans and Seungmin hadn't even had a chance to distress on separating from his Alpha, Chan immediately climbing in behind him and slinging Seungmin's legs over his lap. He's sure he'd fallen asleep a bit on the car ride back, with Jeongin as a steady presence on one side and Hyunjin's arm wrapping around Chan to thread his fingers through Seungmin's hair. The van had smelt faintly of a content pack and Seungmin's soft purrs had filled the silence of the drive.

The moment the cars had reached the dorm, Jisung and Felix had taken off ready to prepare one of the dorms for the pack to sleep in together. Seungmin hadn't even needed to ask, his pack so ready to give him just what he needs right now. He loves them.

They're all home now, the couches and tables in Chan's dorm pushed out to allow the pack to sleep in the living room. Changbin, Jisung, and Hyunjin have pulled every blanket and pillow in the dorm into their nest and Seungmin arranges it all meticulously, creating a nest that'll fit the whole pack.

The pack had all settled in immediately, soft kisses pressed into skin and scents filling the air around them. They're a mess of stray limbs and whispered voices, but now in the dim lighting of their dorm, Seungmin would like to think the rest of the world doesn't exist beyond this.

He finally feels fully settled cradled against Chan's chest in this nest he's built for their pack. He lets himself lean into the brush of Chan's lips against his forehead and breathes in the scents floating around him. The rest of the members are scattered around them with Seungmin at the center of their puppy pile and he knows he's home.

Seungmin can see Felix and Jisung cuddled against Hyunjin and Jeongin already asleep in Changbin's arms. His pack, here around him, right where he can see them all. He nuzzles under Chan's chin and lets the sounds of Minho purring from where he's pressed behind him lull him to sleep.

There's so much he wants to say, so many things he wants to thank his pack for, but Seungmin knows they'll be there to listen tomorrow. Tonight, he'll let himself just have this, curled in his Alpha's arms and surrounded by his pack. Right where he belongs.

Chapter Text

Hyunjin is watching a standoff. Or atleast the closest thing they'll get to one in the dorms.

He's comfortable spectating the staring competition Seungmin and Changbin are locked in from Changbin's bed, his legs crossed underneath him and leaning back on his palms. He hadn't planned on settling down here but after the first ten minutes of observing from the doorway he'd decided they were all probably going to be here a while.

"Hyung. Put on the shirt," Seungmin breaks the silence. It's not the first time he's said this.

"Seungmin I can't put on the shirt, it's barely going to fit over my head," Changbin responds, his tone is only slightly more frustrated than the last time he said this.

"Yes you can. You haven't even tried," Seungmin responds, shaking the t-shirt he has in his hands in front of Changbin for added impact.

It's one of Seungmin's t-shirts, soft and worn in but still presentable to be worn out. It's not a bad option but considering it's one of the few t-shirts Seungmin owns that isn't absurdly oversized on him, the thought of Changbin getting his muscle mass into it is almost laughable.

"Seungmin, sweetheart, even if I get the shirt over my head, my arms are not going to fit through the sleeves," Changbin is so patient Hyunjin finds himself nodding along with his statement. He's honestly suprised Changbin has made it this long without caving, the Alpha usually giving into whatever a pack member wants after a single whine or a set of puppy dog eyes.

Seungmin has deployed both methods already, but he supposes it can only do so much when Changbin giving into his request would mean the shirt possibly getting ripped via his bicep.

Seungmin sighs at this, a mighty thing, and crosses his arms across his chest with the shirt still held between his hands. He's turned away from Changbin now slightly and Hyunjin thinks he may finally be listening to what Changbin says.

"Well I think you're just not trying hard enough," Seungmin lets out now side-eyeing Changbin from where he's turned.

Hyunjin was wrong.

Changbin sighs and looks toward the door for strength as if Chan might walk in and magically resolve this. As Seungmin huffs again Hyunjin can see the last of his resolve begin to fade, "Okay Seungmin-ah I'll try on the shirt but why don't you tell hyung why first."

Seungmin has turned back to face Changbin now and Hyunjin can spot the beginnings of the victorious smile on his face. He holds the shirt toward Changbin confidently and says, "I don't know."

Hyunjin thinks he can hear a metaphorical pin drop.

"Yah!" Changbin exclaims with choked out laugh, his tone is now exasperated yet incredibly fond, "we've been fighting about this for twenty minutes and you don't know why you want me to wear it?"

"We're not fighting I'm just telling you to wear it and now you said you would so," Seungmin presses the shirt intently into Changbin's hands and moves to pull the one he's wearing off. Changbin splutters incredulously at the action and gently swats away the wandering hands but Seungmin is on a mission.

Hyunjin pauses a beat to commit the sight to memory before he slides off the bed to stand behind Seungmin.

"Okay baby let's not go undressing hyung yet," he says with a small smile playing on his lips as he curls his arms around Seungmin's waist and hooks his chin over his shoulder.

Seungmin is standing tense with one arm still outstretched towards Changbin but Hyunjin can feel the way he relaxes slowly in his hold. He inhales, pressing his nose behind Seungmin's ear and breathing in the soft scent of laundry and ocean breeze. He knows Seungmin wasn't in actual distress but he feels calmer now confirming it.

And honestly, he wasn't planning on interfering, especially after seeing how red Changbin's ears had gone, but they did have to leave for their schedules within the next half hour.

"I think I know why you want hyung to wear your shirt," Hyunjin lilts playfully, pressing a light kiss to Seungmin's shoulder, "what day is it today?"

Hyunjin senses rather than sees the way Seungmin narrows his eyes at the statement, "...Tuesday?"

"Mmmh," Hyunjin hums encouragingly as he spots the realization dawning on Changbin's face as well, "and what day is your heat scheduled to start?"

Seungmin stills in his arms and lets out a soft sigh, "Friday."

"Good pup," Hyunjin says with a smile pressing another kiss into Seungmin's neck. He feels some of the tension bleed out of Seungmin's form and nuzzles into his neck to scent him for good measure.

Hyunjin's always been good keeping up with the schedules of the pack's ruts and heats. People would say it's due to his nature as a Beta to help manage his pack but Hyunjin just thinks he's too in love with them all to not.

"It's okay I know everything's been hectic lately it's only normal you'd forget. But now we know you want Changbin hyung to wear your shirt so he's carrying your scent even if you aren't together for schedules right?"

Seungmin sighs again, he's been doing a lot of that today, "Yeah I forgot I was in preheat. I just woke up wanting to make sure everyone was scented and this hyung was at the gym," he casts another side eye at Changbin again.

Hyunjin giggles, "Yes, we picked up on that when you wandered into the dorm at 7 in the morning, scented us all, then camped out here until Changbin hyung got back." Seungmin's so cute Hyunjin wants to shake him but he knows it's not time for that yet.

"Are you sure you can't fit into it hyung," Seungmin tries one last time, casting his perfected puppy eyes at Changbin again and holding out the shirt to him.

Hyunjin watches as Changbin stares into Seungmin's eyes with his jaw slack. He can practically see the gears turning in their Alpha's head as he now knows he's dealing with saying no to one of his Omegas in preheat who just wants to scent him.

He decides to save Changbin this time, tightening his arms around Seungmin's waist and swaying them gently from side to side, "How about we compromise? As much as I would love to see Changbin burst out of that shirt," he ignores Changbin's splutters, "I don't think the managers will as much."

Hyunjin has to suppress the urge of pressing a kiss to Seungmin's pout and carries on, "How about hyung wears your cap and lets you get in a thorough scenting before we go and you wear one of his shirts instead hmm?"

Seungmin pats his hand gently from where it's sitting on his waist, a gesture Hyunjin knows means gratitude, and sighs, "Okay but he can't take it off unless he's still scented." He finally drops the arm holding the shirt when Changbin nods intently.

"I won't I promise and you can scent me whenever you want sweetheart," Changbin says resolutely, ever in service to his pack, and leans in to cup Seungmin's face.

He presses a kiss to Seungmin's forehead and nuzzles their cheeks together, blending their scents together beautifully. Hyunjin can feel the vibration of Seungmin's purr pick up from where he's pressed against his back and smiles fondly at his members.

His smile widens when Changbin pulls away to peck Hyunjin's cheek as well before leaning back.

"So," Changbin is smiling smugly and Hyunjin has a feeling he knows why he's just leant out of Seungmin's immediate reach, "you just wanted to scent Alpha huh baby."

Seungmin's purr stops abruptly and it's almost comical the way Changbin's shit-eating grin fades the moment the Omega bares his teeth at him. As much as Hyunjin wants to let this play out too, he doesn't want to have a pouty Changbin through schedules today either. The things he does for his pack.

"Oookay hyung you can leave now we've got it all sorted out," Hyunjin exclaims with a smile that's all teeth while turning Seungmin around in his arms. He snatches the cap off Seungmin's head, puts it on Changbin's, then pushes the spluttering Alpha towards the door.

"Yah! This is my bedroom why are you pushing me out," Changbin all but whines at them, but Hyunjin can see a fond smile tugging at his lips as he moves toward the doorway.

"It's my turn with Seungminnie now," Hyunjin teases him with a giggle as he tucks Seungmin under his chin and waddles them to Changbin's bed. He gently tugs the infamous shirt out of Seungmin's hands and drops it onto the bed before leaning back onto it.

They hit the blankets softly and Seungmin lets out a quiet "oof" but Hyunjin is pleased that he doesn't protest against the hold. He shifts them up the bed keeping Seungmin snug under his chin. He feels Seungmin curl his hands to his chest and he intertwines their legs with a gentle hum.

Hyunjin looks to the doorway to see Changbin smiling at them as he takes in the way they're curled around each other on his bed. If he focuses enough, Hyunjin knows he would hear a pleased rumble from the Alpha's chest at the sight. For all he might complain, Hyunjin knows Changbin adores this, adores them, comfortable and warm surrounded by his scent.

"Changbin hyung?" Seungmin's whisper sounds from where he's pressed into Hyunjin's neck.

Changbin coos at him and responds, "Yeah baby?"

"Why are you still here?"

Hyunjin can't help but cackle happily at the look on Changbin's face and he smacks a kiss to the top of Seungmin's head.

Changbin sighs, all-suffering and dramatic, but Hyunjin and Seungmin both know he's joking, "Fine hyung knows when he's not wanted. We have to head out soon don't fall asleep." He shoots them one last smile when they hum back at him in unison before walking out.

Hyunjin keeps one hand around Seungmin's waist and brings the other up to thread into the boy's soft strands. He brushes through them gently, smoothing out the locks that had been pressed down from the cap. Seungmin presses into his hand when he scratches at his scalp and Hyunjin stops resisting the urge to kiss the Omega in his arms.

He slides his hand down gently to cup Seungmin's cheek and nudges their noses together. Seungmin scrunches his nose and smiles and Hyunjin can't help but press his lips into Seungmin's intently. His wolf preens as Seungmin's scents tints with happiness and he presses kisses into the boy's smile, giggling at the way their teeth clack together.

He pulls back slightly, running his thumb over Seungmin's lip as he whispers, "Is there a reason why you were trying to get Changbin hyung to wear that particular shirt Minnie?"

"Honestly I didn't realize I was in pre-heat, but I might have chosen it just to see if he'd say yes," Seungmin's lips quirk into a conspiratorial smile, "I also wouldn't have minded seeing hyung's body in a tight shirt."

Hyunjin lets out a laugh at his words and rolls them over until Seungmin is laying underneath him. He dances his fingers up the boy's side and smiles at the way Seungmin giggles and squirms under his ministrations.

"You are such," he presses a kiss into Seungmin's mouth, "a little," and another, "menace," and one more kiss.

Seungmin's laughter fills Hyunjin with contentment and he looks down at the Omega with a wide smile and stars in his eyes. He might be a little menace but Hyunjin is so irrevocably in love with this boy it's a bit ridiculous really.

He leans down to nudge their noses and kisses Seungmin again before rolling off the bed and holding his hand out to the boy. Seungmin accepts his hand and steps close into his space, nuzzling into Hyunjin's neck for a thorough scenting.

"Jinnie?" Seungmin presses a kiss to the underside of his jaw, "Will you-"

"I'll wear the shirt."

Seungmin's answering smile is more than enough justification for Hyunjin to change into the shirt Seungmin has finally found a new owner for. He walks over to Changbin's closet to grab a hoodie rich with the Alpha's scent, perfect and soft.

"Come on arms up baby," he smiles at the way Seungmin protests in response. He knows Seungmin would protest to his coddling but sue him for trying.

"I'm in pre-heat not a child," Seungmin says with a pout but puts his arms up regardless.

Hyunjin hums, "I know I just want to take care of my Seungminnie." He gets the hoodie onto Seungmin and ties the strings together into a little bow.

"Tada all done," Hyunjin presses another kiss to Seungmin's pout. He smiles at the way Seungmin leans into him and is ready to kiss him again when a loud voice surprises them apart.

"Are you guys done! Come on we're gonna be late!" Jisung's voice sounds from the hallway and Hyunjin can only sigh as he places his hand on the small of Seungmin's back and nudges him out the door.

"Well it was nice while it lasted," Hyunjin whispers.

"Honestly I'm surprised they gave us that long we probably should have already left," Seungmins smiles back at him and Hyunjin can't bring himself to feel bad for making them late when he got to have more time with this boy.

They're met with the sight of Jisung, Changbin, and Chan huddled near the doorway, ready to head out. Changbin is wearing Seungmin's cap and immediately opens his arms to Seungmin when they get close. The Alpha smiles as he accepts the way Seungmin scents him thoroughly, any remaining poutiness from their previous teasing gone.

"So Seungmin finally got someone to wear that shirt I see," Jisung says with a grin, ignoring the way Seungmin narrows his eyes at him, "I thought someone was going to get into a fight before we got out of the dorm."

"What? Fight? What fight?" Chan looks up from where he'd been thumbing at his phone and looks between them confused and a little concerned.

"Nothing there was no fight," Seungmin leans out of Changbin's arms and nuzzles into Chan's neck instead, "I'm ready to go now Alpha."

Hyunjin can only laugh at the way Chan goes pink at Seungmin's words, any thoughts of a fight immediately forgotten. He really is their little menace.

Chapter Text

One spin... two spins... three spins...

Seungmin sighs as he counts every round the blades of their ceiling fan makes above him. He's been settled on their couch since dinner, his hands splayed over his lower abdomen under his t-shirt. He's not sure if he can even call it dinner considering how he'd picked at various foods until he'd ultimately given up.

It is nice though, the way the fan spins a gentle breeze on to his overly warm skin. He tries to focus on the fan's breeze instead of the mild cramping and general discomfort he's been experiencing all day.

He'd woken up this morning with pain and soreness in his belly and abdomen. He sighs again as he brushes his hands over the sensitive region of his stomach. The pain was a telling sign of his heat approaching.

His heats have become routine at this point after his presentation as an omega. He can't say he doesn't enjoy what happens during his heats, but the build up to it often leave him feeling cranky and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, he has a few days of preheat that involve dull aches and excessive clinginess to his pack before his actual heat hits.

Seungmin rolls to his side, bringing a pillow close to his body with yet another sigh. He would never admit it to his pack, but he actually loves his preheats. Not the pain and cramps of course, but the way his inner omega craves his pack members and mere proximity to them eases his cramps and helps his body feel at ease.

It helps that his instinctual need to scent and be close to the pack is always met with enthusiastic response and attention from his members. He'll never tell them, but he knows he's caught himself thinking that the cramps are worth it when they're with him.

The way Hyunjin will splay his warm, large hands over his belly when he has cramps. The way Jisung wraps himself around him and scents the hell out of him until he's left in a happy, pheromone cloud. The way Jeongin's warm hoodies that smell wonderfully of their youngest alpha always somehow make their way to him.

And he could have all that if he had let his pack know that his pre-heat had come early.

It probably won’t do him any good moping on the couch where the other members could stumble upon him. Unfortunately, he can’t muster up the energy to move (and there may also be a small part of him that would like to be discovered and then promptly coddled).

He groans and curls in on his stomach as a particularly bad cramp passes through his abdomen.

“Yah! Kim Seungmin,” speak of the devil, somebody has definitely found him out now, “why are you moaning on our couch.”

Seungmin opts to close his eyes and lean his head back on the couch. He knows that voice and he’s smart enough to know this is his last minute of alone time for a while.

He feels as the pack member who’s found him out moves behind him on the couch. It’s almost like he can feel them inching closer when—

“Ow!” Seungmin exclaims as he’s flicked suddenly right in the middle of his forehead. So much for being coddled.

His eyes have flown open on their own accord now at the surprise attack and he’s met with the sight of one, mildy disgruntled, Lee Minho.

It’s irritating really, how Minho still looks gorgeous hovering over him with his lips curled down in a frown and his eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Seungmin loves this look, he actively tries to achieve it when he picks fights with Minho for the hell of it. He’s about to retort in a way that will probably get him flicked again when another cramp ripples through his stomach.

This one is even worse than the last and its sudden nature has Seungmin whining weakly as he presses a hand over where the pain is concentrated.

It’s stunning the way Minho’s expression changes immediately at the weak whine he lets out. Disgruntled to concerned to understanding all in a second.

Seungmin is going to blame how incredibly whipped he is for this man on his heat coming up and move on.

He realizes that’s probably impossible as Minho brushes the back of his fingers over Seungmin’s warm forehead. It’s like a pavlovian response as he immediately sighs and leans into the touch.

Now Minho’s smirking and Seungmin wants so curl up and hide, but he knows there’s no escape when Minho tugs on his ear and speaks.

“Kim Seungmin if your pre-heat came early why did you not come to one of us,” Minho always knows when one of his omegas is in heat. It’s in his nature as their pack omega, but Seungmin also thinks Minho is strangely omniscient.

Seungmin sighs as he leans into Minho’s touch as the older omega brushes his hair back. It’s nice the way Minho pushes his hair back and the breeze from the fan wafts over his skin.

“It isn’t that bad yet,” Seungmin tries to state, but the fingers brushing through his hair pull away and he’s met with another flick to his forehead.

“Hyuuung,” Seungmin whines as he tries to escape from Minho’s evil fingers, “I thought you were going to make me feel better.”

“Yah, you’re the one who said it wasn’t bad,” Minho’s not wrong, “but the point of pre-heat isn’t to suffer until you can’t take it and ask for help pup. You know that.”

Seungmin feels chastised—he does know that. It’s been a more frequent discussion than he’d like to admit, both regarding his heats and not.

He knows his pre-heats aren’t meant to make him suffer. They’re simply indicators to his body that his heat is approaching and that it’s time to rely on his pack members.

It's practically history now, but the first time he'd gotten his heat, Seungmin hadn't gotten off to get a good start. He had known immediately when his pre-heat had begun as it was something he'd studied, made sure he'd be aware of to prepare for his first heat.

But even with all the textbook recommendations for omegas to seek out their pack during their pre-heats, Seungmin had chosen to "brave" it on his own.

Except, it wasn't really braving his heat. He'd tried holing up in his room for a day while suffering through cramps and vehemently ignoring his body's pull to his pack. Lucky for him, Minho had grown tired of his locked door and evasive messages by the end of the day and stormed in fully ready to give Seungmin a piece of his mind.

Seungmin still remembers it, the way Minho had looked furious as he walked in then immediately softened when he saw the younger omega curled up in a pile of blankets and pilfered clothes from their members. After a long session of cuddles and scenting from the pack, Minho had firmly reminded him of the importance of relying on his pack during his heats.

Seungmin is broken out of his musings when Minho tugs on his ear again, more gently this time, “Your body will do a lot better during your pre-heats if atleast one of us are around.

"I know hyung," Seungmin lets himself lean into Minho's palm, "I just..."

"Kim Seungmin," Minho interrupt him as the older omega slide his palm down near his scent glands on his neck, "I know it's hard to ask. I don't like it either."

Seungmin's eyes shoot up to the older omega at the sudden admittance. He knows Minho isn't one to ask for help, but it's another story hearing him admit it.

"The first time I had a heat was the first time our pack experienced one too. Only Chan and I had presented and I didn't let anyone help me during my pre-heat. My heat hit me early and hard."

Seungmin remembers this well, none of them would forget. While the rest of them were still unpresented, there was an acute panic when they could smell Minho's scent saturated with distress and pain. Instinctually, their wolves were wired to be close during heat, without it there was a strain on their bond.

Minho and Chan had spent days on end together with the rest of the pack helping where they could until they were all absolutely exhausted by the intensity of Minho's sudden heat.

Eventually, Minho's heat had broke, but they had all had a serious talk as a pack on relying on each other and how to support each other through their cycles of heats and ruts. By the time he and Felix had presented, taking care of heats was like clockwork to the pack.

"I'm sorry hyung. I remember how hard it was," Seungmin lets himself lean into Minho's palm and scents the older omega.

Minho smiles fondly at him, "I know pup, but that's not why I'm bringing it up."

Seungmin's eyebrows furrow in confusion, but Minho continues, "Before we had that talk after my heat as a pack, Channie hyung and I had our own talk. Even after what happened, I still pushed back against him because I didn't know how to ask for help."

Minho chuckles low, "You should have seen how angry he got. It blossomed into a fight about how I never asked for help and the pack couldn't magically know exactly what I wanted. I didn't know what to ask for and Chan didn't know how to help me. It was frustrating."

Seungmin listens intently as Minho speaks, they all fought, but Minho and Chan fighting was rare. Their pack omega and pack alpha tended to function as a strong unit, intimately aware of what the other was thinking and what their pack needed.

"We eventually compromised by agreeing that when one of us needed something, we just needed to start by asking. You don't have to know what you want or need, just let the pack know so you don't need to figure it out on your own," Minho finishes by sliding his fingers from where they'd been massaging his scent glands to cup his chin.

The older omega delicately tilts Seungmin's chin up until they've locked eyes, "So..." Seungmin shivers, "Do you need help puppy?"

It's intoxicating the way Minho stares down at him, makes him want to say anything that'll make the older omega praise him. Seungmin also knows he's right at an intrinsic level, he doesn't always know what he needs, but he'd much rather his pack help him figure it out.

"Yes hyung," Seungmin feels electricity run through his body at the way Minho's lips curl up into a pleased smile, "Can you—"

Seungmin's body decides for him as a shiver wracks through him suddenly. Unfortunately, it's not the kind that has to do with how much Minho affects him. It seems he's entered the next stage of his pre-heat, cramps and an overheating body to shivers and a need for physical touch.

"Oh pup," Minho must feel the way his body shakes as he thumbs over Seungmin's cheek, "You're taking a bath, you'll feel better. Until then I'll get you a temporary solution."

Seungmin lets Minho fuss over him as he tugs the blanket on his lap up to his shoulders. He's about the thank Minho when a low whisper from the older omega makes his breath catch in his throat.

"Good boy," Minho says it so matter-of-fact, as if the words don't have Seungmin's pulse beating like hummingbird wings and his cheeks tinting a soft pink. It's unfair really, the way Minho has this hold on him.

"Hy-hyung," Seungmin stutters as he tries to pretend like his mind hasn't gone blank from two little words. But it's fruitless as with a small, yet totally present smirk and a last brush to his neck, Minho's gone. Seungmin is going to assume it's to start the bath and grab him whatever the temporary fix is.

Seungmin huffs indignantly as he watches the older omega leave and settles into the blanket Minho pulled over him. He allows himself a smile as he look down at the blanket, his hair falling over his eyes, but probably doing nothing to hide the blush on his face.

He knows he would have protested the way Minho makes decisions for him on any other day, but today he'll accept it. He'll let himself be coddled, be called a good boy.

He likes how Minho knows what he needs, a pack omega intimately in tune with the needs of his omegas. It's nice, the way Seungmin can defer to him, trust Minho to take care of him.

He can feel the pink flush on the tops of his cheeks now as he presses the backs of his hands against his warm skin. Seungmin lets his eyes fall closed as he waits for Minho, pressing the heels of his palm over his eyes.

It feels almost like a fairy's touch as gentle fingers brush through his hair, appearing as softly as the breeze from the fan above him. Seungmin relaxes into the touch as the fingers work over his scalp, massaging his skin until they work their way down to his neck.

He feels a light shiver course through him as the fingers flit over his flushed eyelids, cheeks, until they find themselves under his chin to tilt his head up towards them. It's no mystery though who's in front of him now, but Seungmin lets his eyes fall open nonetheless.

"Hi Seungmin-ah," is the only greeting he gets before someone climbs under the blanket and into his lap comfortably, leaning forward and wrapping their arms around his neck until their lips are touching his ear, "hyung sent me."

Seungmin winds his arms around them as he pulls them closer, warmth against his aching abdomen, "He called you a temporary solution, Yongbokkie."

Felix laughs, his eyes crinkling and smile wide and mischievous, "Is that all I am to you, Seungmin-ah?"

"No, of course not," Seungmin smiles conspiratorially as Felix fully settles into his laps and leans forward, "you're also a human heating pad."

It doesn't elicit the indignant reaction he's hoped for out of Felix as the other omega simply giggles and noses into his neck.

"When you smell this good, I can be anything you want puppy," Felix sighs contentedly as he nuzzles into Seungmin's scent glands, their combined scents filling the space between them wonderfully.

Seungmin feels his body release any of its remaining tensions as the high of their pheromones drapes over him like a soft blanket. The scents of warm linen and freshly baked bread cloud his system, his own scent particularly strong and sweet as Felix had noticed.

Seungmin barely fights it as his eyes slip closed, Felix still nuzzling and nosing at his neck as if he's trying to saturate Seungmin in his scent. Seungmin is just musing how its almost a hint possesive as Felix chooses the drag his tongue up the column of his neck.

"Yah!" Seungmin laughs and pushes playfully at Felix as the Omega giggles in his lap, "is that really necessary?"

Felix just shrugs as he finishes up his scenting with a last kitten lick, "I don't know it seems like your wolf would appreciate it, being this far into preheat without any scenting yet."

Seungmin sighs as he thumbs over Felix's waist, pulling him in tighter until he can hook his chin over Felix's shoulder, "Hyung told you?"

Felix hums, "I put it together. Hyung just said there was a sad, dumb dog on the couch I should go pet." His words are bubble-wrapped with a kiss pressed against Seungmin's shoulder.

He can't help but grumble childishly at Felix's words, "Hey Yongbokkie, should we team up against hyung. I bet we could take him."

Seungmins smiles as Felix's responding laugh presses more warmth into his body, their limbs so closely intertwined now. He's not even surprised that his cramps have disappeared and his body is floating in a happy, pheromone high now that Felix is here.

His arms stay circled around Felix's frame as the Omega runs his hands over Seungmin's back and nuzzles against his neck. Lights hums dance in the air as their bodies press close, the scent of pack and home making Seungmin's inner wolf more than pleased.

"There are my puppies," a voice sounds behind them, airy yet pleased at the same time, "Yongbok-ah I see you found the dog."

Felix giggles, the traitor, as they both turn to Minho beside them, "Yes hyung, one happy, scented Seungmin puppy is ready." Seungmin grumbles again, but it falls on deaf ears.

"Mmm, thank you Yongboks," Minho hums as he presses a kiss onto the smiling Omega's head, "you did such a good job scenting him."

Felix beams as Minho turns to him next, the older Omega's eyes fond as he looks over their intertwined bodies, "how are you feeling pup?"

Seungmin's about to respond when Felix nuzzles into him again and Minho decides to thread his fingers through his hair. It'd almost be too much attention at any other time, but now his pre-heat laddled brain soaks in their touches like sunlight.

Any response has stopped short in his throat and Seungmin can't muster the energy to stop the purrs building in his throat. He's entirely unsuccessful, the low vibration of his purr filling the intimately close space between them.

He chooses to ignore the surprised gasp Felix lets out before the Omega doubles his efforts to scent him once more. It's hard to fight to keep any semblance of composure now, Felix's scenting driving him further into a happy, content high.

Seungmin barely processes it as the pack Omega joins them on the couch, presses a kiss to the side of Seungmin's head before leaning in to scent him as well. Honey and lilac floods his sense and Seungmin purrs pick up immediately in response.

It's euphoric the way Minho's scent joins both of theirs perfectly, the way Felix and Minho's answering purrs seem to almost harmonize with his own. It's beautiful really Seungmin has this- his pack's Omegas who understand his body and needs before he even can.

He lets himself soak it in, sunlight in a time he craves warmth, and nuzzles into them both to scent them in return. He doesn't try to stop his smile as Felix scoots impossibly closer in his lap to receive the scenting and Minho presses another kiss against his cheek.

He's not sure how much time has passed, minutes or hours, before Minho's voice sounds softly between them, "Seungmin-ah, are you ready to take a bath? Hyung has it prepared for you."

Seungmin takes a moment to pull himself away from the hazy, warm headspace he's in to answer Minho, "Yes hyung."

He pauses, mulling over his thoughts as his conversation with Minho from earlier plays on his mind. It's easier now though, knowing what he want, "Can you and Yongbokkie stay with me?"

Minho's answering smile is brilliant, Seungmin thinks in awe.

"Of course, puppy."

Chapter Text

Seungmin isn’t sure how all the members of the pack made their way into the hotel room he shares with Minho. It had started with one drifting in, then another two, then suddenly the eight of them were tangled up across pillows and blankets strewn across two queen beds hastily pressed together.

He’s not surprised—the pack has been growing more clingy, more antsy as they continue the tour leg, their usually thrumming, familiar pack scent slowly being muddled by all the new people and places. He knows they all feel it, the current under their skin pushing them forward to touch and scent and breathe in each other.

Seungmin inhales deeply, letting the distinct scent of pack rush through his lungs and settle over him like a warm haze. His every sense feels settled here, enveloped in the composition of each of their scents that saturate this makeshift nest.

He takes in his surroundings from his vantage point, head nestled comfortably in Hyunjin’s lap. He can feel Chan, Minho, and Changbin shaking gently with laughter across him and spots a pile that can only be Jisung and Felix tangled together beside them. As he looks up, he sees Hyunjin circling a fizzy drink loosely in his grip as he leans in intently to see something on Jeongin’s phone.

If asked, Seungmin would immediately shift all blame to the pheromone high around him. Or maybe he was listening to the movie playing low in the back. But in reality, as he languidly looks around and his eyes catch on a drop of condensation trailing down Hyunjin’s can towards him, he just gazes at it.

Then, it hits him—cold, and wet, and directly between the eyes.

His body surges up subconsciously, startled by the sudden cold in this warm cloud. He hears Hyunjin yelp as his elbow is knocked aside, the drink tottering dangerously. Jeongin throws out a hand in a valiant effort to steady the can, but the soda is already spilling, splashing out over Seungmin’s collar, sticky and cool against his warm skin.

“Ah! How did that even happen!” Hyunjin exclaims as he pulls Seungmin to sit up properly and tries to dab ineffectively at Seungmin’s soaked collar.

The commotion has drawn the pack in, voices overlapping noisily. He swears he hears Chan mutter something akin to “this is why I say no drinks in the nest,” but he’s too busy gaining his bearings to be sure.

Jeongin drops his arm still outstretched in the aborted attempt and turns to Seungmin, a large pout on his face, “I’m sorry hyung I thought I could catch it.”

Seungmin furrows his eyebrows and frowns teasingly at their youngest alpha, “Well, you thought wrong Innie.”

As he gets up, he runs his hand gently through Jeongin’s hair in thanks and accepts the small kiss Hyunjin presses into his wrist as an apology with a smile.

Seungmin leaves the bubble of their nest, humming in affirmation as Minho calls out about the dry cleaning being in the bathroom and ignoring Changbin’s holler to come back before he misses him too much.

He flicks the light on and lets the bathroom door snick shut, his eyes meeting his reflection in the mirror. He catalogues how his hair falls messily over his forehead from the cuddling and how his cheeks are flushed pink from the scent high. He looks almost tipsy, he thinks, his senses flooded by the sweet, sticky aroma of the fizzy drink on his skin and the scent of pack settled over him.

He shakes himself out of the stupor, spotting the dry cleaning on a hook behind him, grabbing the bag and unzipping it to thumb through its contents. Seungmin’s eyes catch a familiar white and orange jersey, the Giants baseball jersey he’d worn earlier on tour.

He feels an abstract curiosity form in his mind as he pulls the jersey out and flips it to see the embroidered lettering sewn across the back, “J.H. Lee”. The idea becomes more concrete as he runs his fingers along slowly the name, the corner tugging up involuntarily.

It had been one thing to wear the jersey on stage, just one of many outfits worn as they performed. But to wear another man’s, another alpha’s name across his body in their intimate, scent-saturated nest is another.

Maybe it’s a silly idea, knowingly provoking the extra-clingy and frankly already-possessive members of the pack. Seungmin decides not to dwell on it though; pack provocation is too much fun to pass up.

He peels off the soda-soaked t-shirt and runs a damp towel over his skin, trying to tamp down on the excitement he feels bubbling up.

Seungmin shrugs on the jersey, forgoing a shirt underneath and leaving the first few buttons undone. He shakes out his hair and pats lightly at pink cheeks, the flush continuing to grow as time passes.

Okay let’s see how this goes, he thinks as he takes a moment to steel himself.

Go time.

Seungmin leaves the bathroom with purpose, but not without sparing a glance at the bold letters spanning his back.

As he walks back to the bed, he notes his position on Hyunjin’s lap has been stolen by Changbin, that fucker. Before he can pick a fight, he feels fingers wrap around his wrist, tugging him forward into a tangle of limbs.

He falls with a quiet “oof” into what seems to be a puppy pile, finding himself lying across Jisung’s lap and half-propped on Felix’s chest.

“You were gone too long, Seungmin-ah,” Felix complains as he releases his grip on Seungmin’s wrist to wrap his arms snug around the boy’s shoulder instead.

Seungmin relaxes into the grip and frowns playfully at the other omega, “Lix-ah, all I can smell is the soda and dry cleaning now.”

Felix throws his head back in laughter, happy to play along, “Aw we can’t have that, can we puppy,” and he leans in towards Seungmin’s neck.

The boy pauses abruptly halfway down, his eyes looking at the jersey as if he’s registering the outfit change for the first time. His arms shift where they’re pressed against the embroidered lettering on his back and Seungmin catches the small downturn of his lips.

Experiment case one might be a success, he thinks as Felix shakes away the frown and leans in to press kisses into his neck.

He nuzzles intently as Jisung joins in on the scenting, running his palms down Seungmin’s sides until Seungmin can’t help but melt into the hold. He’s almost forgotten about the experiment when he feels the nip of teeth against the soft skin of his neck.

“Ouch Lix!” Seungmin exclaims with a laugh as Felix gives his neck another nibble before pulling away.

“Sorry Seungmin-ah,” Felix doesn’t look the least bit apologetic as he continues to squeeze the other omega, “Just couldn’t have you not carrying our scent, could I?”

“You’re right Felix,” Seungmin freezes as a new voice sounds behind him, and he doesn’t have to turn to look to know it's Chan, his pack alpha close behind him.

“We can’t have that, now, could we?” Chan murmurs amused and Seungmin can feel the warmth of his body as the alpha kneels behind him.

He’s about to roll over to face the older boy when he feels the slightest pressure against his back, fingers tracing over each of the letters on his back. He’s completely still now, his heartbeat picking up as he starts feeling Chan’s spiced scent fill the air around them.

It’s reminiscent of when he had done the same in the bathroom, what he had been doing when his mind had concocted this little experiment. But the feeling is entirely different now, the air feeling charged and Chan’s scent coming up richer around him.

Seungmin swallows as he feels fingers trail up his back and into his hair, gently tugging his head back so he can stare up at the alpha.

Chan has an impassive expression on his face, but Seungmin catches the way fingers catch at the jersey’s buttons as if they want to take it off and far, far away.

His heart feels like it’s going to beat all the way out of his chest, and he wonders if the other pack members can hear it now, if they can smell the way his scent is responding to Chan’s.

A part of him wants to give it up now, pull the jersey off, and pretend like none of this happened, but Seungmin is nothing if not dedicated to this.

For provocation’s sake. For science.

It seems to be the wrong time to get lost in his thoughts as he refocuses to hear Chan whisper, almost to himself, “Can’t have that.”

Seungmin doesn’t have a moment to ponder the alpha’s words, his eyes widening as they catch a flash of red across him before the older boy consumes him.

Or that’s what it feels like as Chan runs his fingers over the scent glands at Seungmin’s neck before diving in to rub against the skin with his own.

It’s almost overwhelming the way Chan’s scent engulfs him, mixing beautifully with Felix and Jisung’s scenting and covering every inch of him. He thinks he can hear Felix, or maybe it’s Hyunjin, giggling nearby as others join the fray, hands brushing over his body.

He’s about to pull away, to pull away and complain about being smothered by the pack, when he feels the sharp press of teeth, firm against his sensitive skin.

“Hyung!” Seungmin gasps as he arches into the bite, not the kitten nip of Felix’s, but a bite with intent—right over his scent glands.

His senses explode with Chan, with his alpha, and he’s floating far away before he registers a tongue running over the bite, carefully soothing the skin.

Seungmin supposes this is what he signed up as he takes a moment to breathe through the absolute pheromone high he’s experiencing. He inhales shakily before braving a glance up at Chan.

To his credit, the alpha looks a bit sheepish, an apologetic smile gracing his lips as the pack starts whooping and teasing Chan. He can hear Chan getting reprimanded about bite marks while they’re on tour, when he decides his voice is probably ready to join in too.

“What’s with you guys” Seungmin can guess what’s with them, “Am I a chew toy now?”

Chan’s fingers reverently run over the fresh, red mark on the omega’s neck in response, “I’m sorry pup, I—”

“Yah!” a loud voice joins the party, “Don’t you apologize hyung.”

Seungmin turns to see Changbin pushing aside a pillow to get to them. Maybe Seungmin is imagining it, but it feels like the alpha’s eyes are locked on the jersey.

“Wearing another alpha’s jersey in bed with your pack,” Seungmin wasn’t imagining it. “It’s totally wrong, it goes against everything,” Changbin exclaims as he reaches out.

Seungmin tries to wriggle away as he realizes what the boy is trying to do, but it’s to no avail. Changbin easily wrestles the omega into his arms until Seungmin’s head is locked under the boy’s bicep, his head snug below Changbin’s chin, and his chest pressed flush against his front.

The back of the jersey, lettering and all, is conveniently covered in this grip too.

Seungmin splutters as Changbin teasingly continues to fuss and the others laugh, his hands coming up to paw at Changbin’s strong arm.

He knows he shouldn’t, he knows, but he can’t help the words from tumbling out, “Fine! Fine, don’t worry hyung. If it bothers you that much, I’ll only wear it to bed from now on.”

A rumbling growl answers, filling the abruptly silent space.

Each set of eyes swirl towards the sound, finding Jeongins’s eyes wide as saucers with a palm slapped over his mouth as if it could stop the growl.

The room explodes.

“Did Iyen-ah just growl?”

“Seungmin said he was going to sleep in that jersey!”

“Oh Innie, our baby alpha is so grown up”

“I didn’t mean to! I didn’t even think it was me!”

Changbin’s grip around Seungmin has loosened in the chaos, the omega smiling wide as he takes in the animated pack around him, the pack scent thrumming strong around them.

A warm hoodie drops suddenly into his lap, a breath of lilac and honey.

“Having fun pup?” Seungmin looks up to lock eyes with Minho, the pack omega quirking an eyebrow with a knowing smirk.

“Go change.”

Chapter Text

A cold nose nudges along the slope of Seungmin’s neck as he comes to. He shifts slightly, his mind still cozily enveloped in a haze of sleep.

Seungmin tilts his jaw back to give the nose more space to cover in its nuzzling. His sleep-addled brain catalogs the nose must be attached to a body as equally cold legs slot between his warm ones and arms curl tight around his body.

The tickling sensation of hair against his jaw has him finally blinking open his eyes, heavy with sleep and slowly adjusting to the low light of his bedroom.

The body curled snug around him hasn’t seemed to notice his return to consciousness, the nose continuing its ministrations against his neck.

A slight glance down reveals his visitor’s identity, a head of long, messy blond hair tucked under his jaw.

“Lix?” Seungmin’s voice low with disuse enters the stillness of the bedroom.

“Seungmin-ah,” the boy curled around him stiffens then whispers, “Sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Seungmin simply hums in response, shifting back so he can properly look at Felix. The other boy’s impressive impression of an octopus keeps them locked tight together.

Felix’s eyes are red-rimmed and tired but his body seems awake with nervous energy, his bottom lip snagged roughly between his teeth.

Seungmin untangles a hand from between their bodies to cup the boy’s face, gently nudging his thumb over the bitten lip to pull it from Felix’s teeth.

“What’s wrong?” Seungmin smiles as Felix presses a kiss in appreciation to his hand but he can’t ignore the worry swirling in his stomach.

Felix groans and nuzzles into his hand greedy for comfort, “It’s nothing.”

Seungmin furrows his eyebrows and begins poking at Felix’s face, searching for the button that will give him an answer.

Felix wiggles away from his attacking finger and whines, “Really, it’s nothing,” Seungmin responds by evolving to a two-fingered attack.

“Okay! Okay,” Felix swats away his offending fingers and his lips pull into a frown, “Ugh it’s my fault. I got pulled into a game and the time just flew away. By the time we finished, it was so late, and I tried to sleep but I just can't. Fuck, I’m so tired and I need to be up soon and the day is going to be terrible without sleep—”

Seungmin doesn’t mean to cut Felix off, but he’s gotten the gist of it and doesn’t think descending into hysterics will help the other boy sleep any sooner. He cups the omega’s head and brings him firmly to the scent gland on his neck, releasing calm and comfort into the space around them.

Felix's body relaxes slightly into his hold and Seungmin doubles his efforts, rubbing the scent glands on his wrist along Felix’s body and nuzzling against him.

His fresh, clean scent fills the space around them, Felix’s warm bakery-like scent responding in kind until they saturate the bedroom together. Seungmin fights against the way his eyes try to slip closed at the pheromone cloud they’re creating.

Seungmin noses against the top of the boy’s head, “Sleep Yongbokkie. Let’s get some rest for tomorrow.”

And they’ll need it. Seungmin’s been trying to avoid thinking about what time it is but it can’t be too long before the day begins. He’s lucky his radio show schedule won’t start until the afternoon, but Felix has a fitting and product shoot starting early in the morning and running through the day. Then, the whole pack will be performing an award show.

Felix settles at first and Seungmin begins to drift into sleep until he registers the growingly tense line of Felix’s body against his own. He stays still, letting Felix toss every few minutes, seemingly keeping his movements small to not disturb Seungmin.

Felix continues to adjust, now turned away from Seungmin so that his back is pressed along Seungmin’s chest. The boy quiets for some time and Seungmin is about to let sleep take him when he hears a frustrated keen slip from Felix’s mouth.

“Yongbok-ah,” Seungmin’s whisper only tenses Felix further, “what do you need?”

The question lingers between them for a moment then Felix is tilting his jaw back, baring his neck for Seungmin.

“Bite,” the omega whines, “Need it. Seungminnie, I’ll fall asleep after a bite. Please.”

Seungmin freezes immediately at the plea, his eyes taking in the soft skin of Felix’s neck presented right in front of him. His mouth goes dry and he can practically feel his teeth ache as he takes in the way Felix bares his neck, so ready for him.

And he knows Felix is right too. There’s nothing that relaxes Felix more than biting and being bitten.

The pack isn’t exactly shy with their claiming affections to the point that they’ve all been pictured with bites throughout their career. But Felix is practically notorious, always eager to both bite and bare his pack’s bites proudly.

It hadn’t been until the omega had been pictured in a low-necked top with seven stark bites littered along his neck that the managers had pulled them aside for an awkward talk on pack modesty.

Seungmin wants to and he would have any other day but they’re under strict orders from the management against visible bites for today’s performance.

The award show is quite conservative, enforcing the use of scent blockers, and frowning upon anything from light bruising to full bites. The managers had called a meeting weeks ago and essentially begged them to be on their best behavior leading up to the night.

In the worst case scenario, any bite marks can be covered by makeup but that’s generally a no for Felix as well. His wolf is easily the most instinct driven out of the three omegas in the pack. He’s had to put up with makeup covering bites before, but it’s with constant discomfort, his inner omega fighting against hiding its pack’s claims.

Seungmin exhales shakily, “Lix…baby,” the petname slips from his lips as Felix winces at the apologetic tone of his voice.

“I want to, but you know we can’t,” Seungmin refrains from pressing a kiss in apology against Felix’s neck lest he make the boy’s distress worse, “Management is one thing, but you’ll have to have it covered multiple times throughout the shoots and the performance.”

It’s not fair, they should be able to follow what their instincts drive but he can’t risk making Felix’s already hectic day worse.

“It’s okay Seungminnie,” he’s sure it’s unintentional, but he can smell how Felix’s scent tinges, burnt disappointment clouding his scent. “It was unfair of me to ask. I’ll be okay. I’ve kept you up long enough—”

“Bite me instead,” Seungmin doesn’t even realize he’s said it but now that it’s out there, he knows he means it.

Felix startles, letting out a disgruntled noise and whipping around in his hold until he faces Seungmin. He stifles a laugh at Felix’s shocked expression, his already big eyes wide and pretty mouth dropped open.

“No, no Seungminnie, we can’t,” Felix’s voice rushes out, “The managers will be so upset with you. It was stupid of me to ask in the first place anyway. I’ll be okay, don't worry about me.”

Seungmin doesn’t try to stop a small laugh now. Of course, Felix suddenly comes to his senses now that it'd be Seungmin getting in trouble instead of him.

He doesn’t wait to thread his fingers through Felix’s hair, bringing the boy’s face close against his neck, “Don’t worry the managers will be okay. I’m sure they’d rather have two rested members with one little bite than two half-asleep ones.”

Not necessarily true but Seungmin can’t really bring himself to care at this point, soft light filtering into the room signaling dawn’s arrival. Felix is perpetually tired as it is. If he can help, he will without question.

Seungmin senses Felix’s hesitation as the omega’s hand comes up to rest lightly on his shoulder, “C’mon Lix, it’ll be okay. I don’t have any photo shoots and the stylists will be lax for a radio show.”

It’s not that he’s deliberately leaving out the performance, but it feels easier to not think about that for now. He’s hoping Felix doesn’t either.

“I want it,” Seungmin pulls out his last card, letting his eyes slip closed and his scent push out as he bares his neck, full submission to his omega mate.

Felix’s eyes dilate as they flash blue at Seungmin’s given trust and submission. There’s little that can hold him back now, his eyes locked in on the graceful slope of Seungmin’s neck.

Seungmin hears a breathy exhale of “thank you’s” and “I love you’s” before kisses are peppered along the line of his neck.

Pointy incisors press first against his skin before the rest of Felix’s teeth join and he’s gasping into the bite. He knows Felix is likely holding back, but the bite is still firm. Even without breaking any skin, Seungmin knows he'll have a full ring of teeth bruised into his skin tomorrow.

His senses explode with Felix, with pack, and his body melts in a puddle of jello. He feels soft kisses pressed around the bite and more intimate “I love you’s” whispered against his skin.

Seungmin feels how Felix is finally settled fully, his body entirely relaxed for the first time since he crawled into Seungmin’s bed. He can practically taste the pride and happiness Felix radiates as he nuzzles against the bite mark he’s created, their wolves preening in tandem.

He huffs out a laugh and lifts a jello arm to bring Felix into his jello body, “Sleep Yongbok-ah,” and the two omegas drift easily into sleep.

--

Seungmin wakes up feeling incredibly rested. He stretches languidly, letting himself roll around his sheets and enjoy the feeling.

A quick glance at his phone reveals he’s slept in so long, the managers should be here to pick him up for the radio show appearance within the hour.

As he yawns, he breathes in a familiar scent of freshly baked bread.

Felix.

The events of last night, or early this morning, come rushing back to him and it suddenly clicks why he’s woken up feeling this good. He brings his fingers up to press into his neck and winces, yeah that wasn’t a dream.

Felix’s scent lingers in the bed but the spot next to him is cold. Felix would have had to slip out hours ago but the sheets smell like a content, relaxed mix of their scents. Seungmin is willing to bet Felix slept as well as he did, albeit not as long.

He allows himself another moment to soak in their scents before rolling out of bed and padding into the bathroom. As he gazes in the mirror after showering, he can spot Felix’s bite sitting proud on the side of his neck even through the steamy haze.

The bright red it likely was last night has turned into a dark purplish, red ring now. It’s not too high up but well, it’s not exactly low either.

Seungmin refrains from groaning as he runs a finger over the obvious spot the bite is at. He supposes neither of them were in the most logical state last night but the bite is clear, physical evidence of how they’ve ignored the managers’ rules.

Maybe he can get the makeup artists to cover the bite before a manager spots it. Hiding it from the members is less doable and he’s less than excited for the inevitable pack alpha lecture.

Well, it’s a problem for later.

He can't bring himself to regret it, knowing it helped Felix. Not that his wolf would let him regardless, his omega crowing happily inside at the clear pack claim. He decidedly squishes down the pleased satisfaction when he catches himself smiling at the bite in the mirror.

Despite his mild nerves, the afternoon goes by smoothly. The turtleneck and jeans he pulls on before the managers bring him to the radio show is accepted easily by the stylists with an added blazer on top.

The radio program is familiar and relaxed with Minho and Jisung there with him and the turtleneck pulled neatly over the bite.

He does have to ignore Minho’s curious gaze on his neck when he itches at the raw skin under his sweater. He also pointedly ignores Jisung’s salacious eyebrow waggle at the way he’s enveloped in Felix’s scent, the beta clearly jumping to the wrong conclusion.

After the radio program, he’s rushed along with Minho and Jisung to their dressing room for the award show.

“Seungminnie!” is the only warning he gets before he immediately has his arms full of Felix.

The blonde has knocked all the air out of him and is clinging tight to him, his nose pressed against where the bite is hidden under his sweater.

Felix already has scent blockers applied, but Seungmin’s own scent is readily available as the boy nuzzles along his neck. Seungmin pushes out calming pheromones and ignores the blush that’s rising at the sudden public affection.

“Lix, it’s okay I’m here,” Seungmin reassures the omega, whispering directly in his ear to avoid gathering any more attention.

Luckily the managers are all engaged and the other members are preoccupied by styling or makeup, just sending them looks ranging from fond to surprised. Jisung lets out a "Get it Yongbok!" before Minho smacks a palm over his mouth and pulls him along to the two empty makeup stations.

Seungmin is somewhat shocked they’ve gotten away with it so far until he catches Minho’s gaze over Felix’s head, the man’s head craned all the way around to stare at them. He blanches at the pack omega’s knowing expression but is saved when the makeup artist gently tugs Minho’s chin to face her.

Crisis (temporarily) averted.

Felix tugs him to the couch tucked in the corner, practically climbing into his lap as they sit down together. He curls his arms loosely around Seungmin’s shoulders, lightly thumbing the bite over his turtleneck.

“Missed you, Seungminnie,” Felix whispers with a smile, previous clinginess sated with how they’re tangled up now.

“Lix,” Seungmin breathes, relieved by Felix’s now relaxed disposition, “You okay?”

Felix hums and rubs his cheek against Seungmin’s, “All good now. God I was itching to see you all day though. The moment you walked in, it was like I needed to check if the bite was still there.”

Felix grins playfully, “Is this how the alphas feel when they’re all clingy.”

“Yongbok-ah, you being possessive isn’t exactly a new thing—”

“Seungmin-ah, the stylists are ready for you,” Seungmin turns around just in time to see Changbin reaching toward him.

It would have been totally fine any other day. The older boy just placing a hand on the nape of his neck. But today, Changbin’s fingers happen to land right over the bite, pressing firmly on the sensitive skin and sending a shock of pack through him.

Seungmin reverts to his state of jello.

Felix supports him readily as he slumps, tucking Seungmin against him but it’s too late. Changbin’s eyes have widened comically, darting between them and clearly connecting the dots.

Seungmin tries to lean away but he learns jello can't move all that fast. Within a second, the alpha already has a finger hooked in his turtleneck, tugging it down to reveal the incriminating bite on his neck.

“Yah! You two—” Changbin’s impending speech gets cut short as Felix abruptly yanks the man down onto the couch with them.

“Hyung!” Felix whisper-shouts at him, “Please save the lecture for later. Help us.”

Changbin continues to look at them incredulously but seems to accept his new spot on the couch, "Help? What. No, I do not want to get involved with this.”

Seungmin is happy to let Felix take the reins as he takes a second to shake himself from the bite-induced stupor. Roping Changbin in is a brilliant idea on Felix's part and he appreciates the proactive move. Seungmin hadn't actually considered the next steps of keeping their little transgression concealed.

The other boy clearly has. Felix is already deploying the usual methods, expression sweet and pleading as he looks at Changbin.

“Changbin hyung.” Felix starts, inching towards the alpha.

“Nope, no way. By the way, are you both trying to give Chan hyung more gray hair?”

“Hyung, I know we weren’t supposed to but I was just so tired and Seungminnie did it for me,” Felix has a pretty pout now and Changbin has started to lean forward subconsciously.

Felix already has this progressing smoothly but Seungmin decides to at least contribute. He scooches forward until his legs are pressed against Changbin’s and places a hand on the alpha’s knee. Felix takes the cue and earnestly grabs Changbin’s hand, threading their fingers together and blinking up at him.

Changbin now contends with two of his pack’s omegas gazes and intents fully focused on him. Seungmin knows he’s going to cave, now it’s just a matter of when.

Felix has unleashed his full doe eyes at this point and when the boy parts his lips, Seungmin knows it’s the finishing move coming.

“Alpha, please.”

And, oh, that’s a dirty trick. It’s like Seungmin can see the words rush through Changbin’s psyche, the alpha’s shoulders seem wider somehow, chest puffed and lips curling into the most pleased smile.

Seungmin is fairly sure Changbin is aware of the deception going on here but he’s just too damn happy to care.

“Alright okay. Leave it to Alpha,” Changbin’s already on his feet, plotting his valiant plan to help his omegas. Seungmin’s not actually sure what the gameplan is here but Changbin tends to have a way with people and he’s all too happy to let the man take charge now.

Seungmin catches Changbin’s wrist as he turns to leave and says sincerely, “Thank you hyung.”

Changbin startles a bit, not anticipating this open gratitude from Seungmin. He recovers quickly, “Anything for our Seungminnie,” he coos cutely reaching down to pinch Seungmin’s cheek.

“Ugh,” Seungmin fake-gags, slapping the alpha’s hand away and rolling his eyes as the man walks off laughing gleefully.

He watches as Changbin subtly pulls aside a stylist before he turns to Felix, the other boy already looking at him, eyes bright and delighted.

Seungmin can’t help but crack a smile as Felix winks mischievously at him and then they’re both muffling their laughter behind shaking hands.

Changbin, as efficient as he is exploitable, returns soon with a satisfied expression.

“Okay pups, hyung better be your new favorite,” Changbin gestures them up off the couch, “The stylists found a collared shirt that should cover the bite with some makeup over it. Both them and the makeup noonas agreed to keep it quiet.”

“Hyung!” Felix smacks an appreciative kiss to Changbin’s cheek, a wide smile across his face, “You’re the best.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Changbin grins, “Let’s get Seungminnie dressed and to makeup before the managers start hounding us. And find out you tried to eat him.”

--

In the end, it’s not a perfect crime.

The top few buttons of the collared shirt the stylists put him in pop open at some point of the performance. His sweat combined with the shirt’s friction rub off the makeup, leaving the bite clear and in the open. The cameras catch it easily.

Before management can chew them out, a clip of their ending pose goes viral, making their performance the highest point of viewership of the night.

Seungmin’s in the center, completely unaware of how his open collar displays the bite so obviously. But Changbin does a double take when he looks over while Felix just proudly beams, eyes fixed right on the bite. Fans easily put together the bite's perpetrator.

Chan does sit them down for a lecture but the scolding is largely negated by the alpha’s pleased expression when he watches the clip and Minho’s approving nod over his shoulder.

All’s well that ends well if you ask Seungmin (Felix agrees).