Chapter Text
"Mingi, you're late."
The omega nervously shuffled his feet. Mingi stared into the eyes of his disappointed mother. He gave her a guilty smile, to which the woman only sighed. His grandmother patted Mingi's arm in an attempt to calm him. It did nothing to soothe the young omega's nerves, but he appreciated the gesture nonetheless. The old woman wore a sweet smile.
"Dear, you don't need to be nervous. You are a very beautiful boy; the Matchmaker would be a fool not to choose you," his grandma said, her smile widening and her eyes crinkling. Mingi huffed a laugh, smoothing his clothes down in an attempt to pull himself together.
He appreciates his family's support—truly, he does. He doesn't quite see what his family sees in him yet, but he trusts them enough to go through with what they want. If this doesn't prove that he can bring his family honor, he doesn't know what will.
The tiny Song family has spent the entirety of Mingi's life preparing him for this moment, and yet, despite the years and years of preparation he's been through, he still doesn't feel prepared enough to face the Matchmaker.
Mingi feels alone, isolated. He can feel the walls start to shrink and constrict around him, the wooden flooring vibrating as if it were threatening to open up and swallow him whole, the air stuffy and heavy in his lungs, his clothes uncomfortably tight against his rigid body, and the pressure weighing on his back growing heavier and heavier by the minute.
Mingi picks at the long sleeves of his hanfu, the fabric just barely a centimeter above the ground. His hands feel clammy and gross as he balls them into fists to keep himself from bolting out of the room and back into the safety of his home. It's too late to turn back now. He had willingly left the comfort of his beautiful garden to stand here and await his fate. He had let himself be manhandled by old ladies, who gave him a warm bath and bathed him with a scented body wash, woven in and out of expensive-looking clothing he cannot afford to wear on his own, let himself be painted with coats and coats of make-up, and let himself be decorated in lavish, heavy jewelry, all in an effort to make him look like the prettiest omega in town to be presented to the Matchmaker.
The old ladies didn't spare him from their rude comments. The things they had said still swirl in Mingi's mind, as if he is being haunted by the echoes of the old women's voices.
"He is too tall; alphas may not want him."
"He is not feminine enough! He may not be desired."
"Very handsome fellow—but not very petite, no, no."
"Alphas want someone submissive, sweetheart. You will not find a spouse with your attitude, tsk tsk."
The women's blunt criticisms had Mingi growing insecure of his body.
He thinks back on the "training" he was put through by his mother and grandmother. He goes through all of them in his head to refresh his memory. His posture must be straight. Slouching is unattractive on an omega; it is unbecoming of a bride. Never hold eye contact for more than five seconds; alphas do not like omegas who will challenge their dominance. Keep your eyes below the nose to uphold respect. Do not speak without permission. Omegas are to keep quiet unless spoken to. Always respond with a "yes, sir" and "yes, ma'am" when asked a question. Talking back is rude and shameless. Never walk or stand in front of an alpha or beta. Omegas must always stand before or behind; it is rude to stand in a place not meant for omegas.
Mingi heaved a tired sigh. He slipped a hand in his pocket and pulled out a fan, flicking his wrist downward to open it swiftly. He politely covered the lower half of his face as he stepped out into the streets of his hometown. Other maidens are making their way down the road, all heading for the Matchmaker's manor. He followed suit and stayed at the very back of the line. He brought his fan closer as he listened to the town's murmurs of gossip. He kept his eyes forward, feeling uncomfortable under the scrutiny of the townspeople.
Something inside his clothes began to move. He ignored the ticklish sensation of the thing moving around against his waist. It wriggled out into his chest and slipped out from the v-line of his hanfu and crawled its way up from his arm to settle on his shoulder. From his peripheral, he smiled at his little companion. The fan hid the tiny thing from view as it scrambled closer to Mingi's face and curled itself around the back of his neck. He wore a headpiece with a veil that fell over his back, being the perfect hiding spot for his little reptilian friend.
"You ready, Minki?" The little dragon spoke. Mingi had a nervous smile, toying with the fan's handle and betraying his calm and collected facade. He glances at his draconic friend before steeling his eyes to the road ahead.
"Not at all, Wooyoungie," Mingi mutters. "I know I'm going to embarrass myself out there."
"Nonsense!" The dragon thumped his tail on Mingi's shoulder in a scolding manner. Mingi almost winced at the dragon's volume.
He is a strange thing, his little dragon friend. The dragon is his guardian. They had met during a rainy day when Mingi was at the young age of four. Back then, the dragon was as tiny as a lizard. Mingi had found Wooyoung inside their shrine, having been recently awakened. The Song family had always been inclined to spirits and mythical creatures, and they had told him his new friend was sent to protect him. Up until now, the dragon had never left his side, taking his job as his spirit guardian very seriously. He has lived with the Song family ever since his awakening—at this point, he is already part of the tiny family.
Mingi still isn't quite sure how the dragon's magic works. He can shift into a human and a dragon form, and in his tiny, noodle-like form, he can communicate using his mind. At least that's what he thinks he does. Mingi has never actually seen Wooyoung speak using his mouth in this form, so he assumed he had weird telepathic abilities.
"You're too pessimistic. You are a very pretty and a very smart omega; you can do this!" Wooyoung hissed, slapping his tiny clawed hands on Mingi's cheek. "You have to bring your family honor! Isn't that what you've been wanting for so long?"
Mingi's lips turned down in a frown. Right, he has to bring his family honor. As an only child, the future of his family falls onto his shoulders. His parents are far too old now, and he doesn't have cousins who are fellow omegas like him. The Matchmaker will choose which rich, noble Alpha he will be married off to. He'll be stuck in a likely completely loveless marriage, mated and made to bear as many pups as his spouse wants him to. He'll raise their children to either become powerful warriors or beautiful and elegant maidens. It is up to him to continue his family's bloodline and repeat the continuous cycle. Continue the tradition of alphas and betas being the breadwinners of the family and the omegas being offered up to the upper class as housewives and caretakers for the future generation. Alphas and betas bring their family name fame and glory, while the Omegas bring honor and pride. It is Mingi's job to continue this tradition for generations to come. Rinse and repeat.
Mingi was raised to believe that he was obligated to follow these traditions. After all, what purpose would he have otherwise? From a young age, all he had ever wanted was to make his family proud. He wants to prove to his family that he can be the perfect omega they have always believed he can be. Prove to them that he can be a perfect bride and raise perfectly good and healthy pups; his hopes and dreams be damned. Because from a young age, freshly presented, he already knew what he must do.
And yet, now that his time is finally coming, all he can say is, "I don't know, Youngie. I don't know if I can do this."
Mingi could feel the weight of the dragon's frown. They're nearing the Matchmaker's manor, and the nerves that Mingi had managed to keep under control are surfacing once more. The sinking feeling in his stomach returned, his palms started to sweat, and he silently pprayedto anyone above that he wouldn't sweat through his heavy makeup.
"Well, you're gonna have to be sure." Wooyoung thumped his tail one last time before hiding into Mingi's veil. "We're here."
The maidens stopped short in front of the Matchmaker's manor. They all stood in a line, patiently waiting for their names to be called. Curious bystanders stood by and watched, openly ogling the group of omegas. Mingi shifted uncomfortably under the gaze of the alphas standing off to the side. He can feel them scrutinizing him and the maidens. He never once lifts the fan from his face as an alpha approaches him. He watches the man step closer from the corner of his eye. Mingi stands at the very left end of the line, so he is the easiest to reach—thus, he is the easiest prey.
The man is shorter than him by a few feet. The alpha is trying his best to look intimidating, but Mingi is not at all fazed. The man scowls at the lack of reaction from the omega.
His eyes trail the man as he walks past him, stepping too close into his space for comfort. The pressure of Wooyoung's claws digging into his nape has Mingi standing alert. Just as he thinks the man has passed him, he feels a tug at his waist. Mingi swiftly turns around, startling the alpha into dropping what he had stolen. He took one of the jewelry hanging from Mingi's waist: a beautiful diamond pendant. He scoffed, stepping on the man's fingers as he went to pick up the dropped item and seizing it before the alpha could. He hooks the pendant back on his waist before grabbing the man's wrist to prevent him from escaping.
"You thief!" Mingi scowls. He holds the man's wrist above his head and squeezes, his grip firm and hard. The alpha sputters in shock. The man flexes his fingers as Mingi eyes the dirt coating them and the redness of his skin. The man's shock turns into rage, his face growing red as he bares his teeth at Mingi. "You wretch! Unhand me! Who are you to speak to me in such a way?!"
Mingi clicked his tongue, displeased. He tugs at the alpha's wrist and nearly smiles at the way the man almost squirms under his hold. He snaps his fan shut. "You are a cheap thief. You should be ashamed of yourself, taking advantage of unsuspecting omegas. And here I thought alphas had more pride than that." Mingi couldn't help but taunt. It was satisfying to see the man lose his composure.
The thief lowers his head and spits at Mingi's clothes. The omega grimaces, and he lets go of the man's wrist to examine the gross spot on the expensive fabric. Mingi looks up just in time to see the man approaching again, way angrier. The man raises a hand. Just as Mingi realizes what the alpha is about to do, he acts without thinking. He slaps the man across the face, the crack of the hit almost echoing through the street.
The maidens behind him gasped. The alpha's lackeys ran up to hold the man back as he began shouting at Mingi with vigor. The omega clutches the fabric of his clothes as the man hurls insults at him. His hands trembled, and he let out a shaken sigh. Wooyoung had poked his head out and nudged Mingi's nape. Silently, he thanked his friend for showing concern.
"Dishonorable witch! I'm going to teach you a lesson! You should know not to defy me, filthy omega! No respect, no respect, I say!" The man looks delirious at this point. Mingi almost feels bad.
Before the man could insult him even more, the door to the manor slammed open. A furious woman stomped her way out into the street and went straight for Mingi. She wore clothes similar to what the maidens wore, only even grander. The woman's hair is styled in an updo. Her make-up is bright and flashy, with giant hoop earrings dangling from her ears. He faced the woman and fixed his posture, then bowed respectfully as the woman stopped before him. He straightened his back and pointed an accusing finger at the rude alpha.
"He attempted to steal from me, ma'am. He—he wanted to hit me!"
The woman—The Matchmaker—glared at him. The woman stepped closer and raised a hand. She slapped him. Mingi's cheek stung. He ignored the pain to look at the Matchmaker in stunned shock. Mingi's eyes widened as the woman began yelling at him.
"What do you think you're doing?! This is unbecoming of an omega! Not only did you raise your voice at an alpha—you dared to raise your hand! Have you no respect, boy?!"
Mingi blinks rapidly. He shook his head. "No, ma'am. I—I was merely protecting myself!"
The woman made to touch him, but Mingi grabbed her wrist out of instinct, for fear of her hitting him again. The woman grew even angrier, and Mingi quickly realized his mistake. He releases her immediately. He tries to apologize, but the woman won't have any of it.
"You are a disgrace to your family!" That made Mingi shut his mouth quickly. Ouch. "You do not deserve to be a consort. You will only disgrace my name! I will not have such disrespectful and insolent maidens in my house."
Mingi cowers under the Matchmaker's harsh words. He brings his hands to his chest, hurt flashing on his face. Tears threatened to prick at his eyes, and he blinks them away before any could fall. Footsteps approached him from behind, and before he knew it, the familiar scent of his mother and grandmother filled his nose, and he was being gently coaxed away.
"Get him out of here! I will not have omegas like him under my care. He will only bring dishonor to his name! He will only taint the reputation my house upholds. You may look like a bride, but you will never bring your family honor!"
Mingi could only look away in shame. He feels Wooyoung nudge his cheek, the dragon letting out a soft chirp. Mingi only patted his head, telling him he'd be okay.
•⚜────⚔︎────⚜•
The sound of rustling leaves and the fresh smell of spring is calming. Mingi took a lungful of fresh air, letting it wash over his body like a cold wave of water on a hot summer day.
Pink petals and flowers fell from the trees, dancing in the air as the wind swept them up. Mingi holds out a hand as a flower falls, landing on his palm gracefully. He admires the beautiful petals while they are still fresh and healthy, knowing they will wilt in just a few hours.
He went straight into his family's garden when they returned from the village. He wanted to hide away for awhile to process his emotions on his own. He had sat himself down on a marble bench under a blossoming cherry tree, his favorite place to de-stress and meditate. Mingi is heartbroken. The Matchmaker's rejection hurt.
He felt ashamed—unworthy. He disappointed his family. Becoming a consort was the only thing his family ever asked of him, and he blew that chance away like it was a mere speck of dust. And over something so utterly stupid at that.
Mingi could only be mad at himself. It was his fault for getting riled up. It was his fault for not thinking straight. It was his fault for allowing that thief to distract him. It was his fault for falling into the man's trap. Everything was his fault.
From the corner of his eye, he sees something long and red wriggling its way to him. He watches his reptilian friend stand before him and disappear into a puff of red smoke. The smoke rises, almost consuming Mingi into its hazy cloud. A few moments later, a clawed, scaly hand pokes out of the red cloud and waves the smoke away. Instead of his small, travel-sized companion, a man now stood where the tiny dragon had been.
He had long black hair that reached his shoulders, with bangs falling gracefully over his eyes. Clad in only loose, black robes, the man bent down to Mingi's eye level, hands propped up on his hips. Black scales covered his arms up to his elbows as well as on his feet up to his knees. On the sides of his neck, the same black scales ran up and around his jaw, up the sides of his face, and stopped at his temples. The pitch-black scales shined with specks of metallic red, and when the light hit them just right, they glowed in various shades of iridescent red, orange, and yellow.
Mingi stares into the yellowed eyes of his friend. The dragon—now human's— irises are slit, his pupils wide and dialated. Reds and oranges swirl in his irises like pools of molten lava, and Mingi almost finds himself hypnotized by them. He couldn't be happier to see Wooyoung.
The shifter cooed softly. One of his clawed hands reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Mingi's ear, his fingers lingering on his jaw. A warm, scaly palm pressed into Mingi's cheek, and he almost let out a sob at the comforting gesture.
Wooyoung clicked his tongue twice and shook his head. "I know you well by now, Song Mingi. Berating yourself and drowning in your self-pity isn't gonna make you feel better."
Mingi shifted slightly so Wooyoung could sit beside him. The shifter wiped his tears away with the heel of his palms, his clawed hands running through Mingi's dark hair to help soothe the dejected omega. Mingi could only peer down at his friend through his wet lashes, not trusting his voice to be used.
"Cheer up, Mingi-yah, you're not completely helpless! You don't need to be a pretty housewife and raise a dozen pups just to bring your family honor," Wooyoung attempted to reason, his voice rising to a slightly higher pitch as if he didn't believe his own words. Even Wooyoung has doubts about him.
"Young-ah, what else am I supposed to do?" Mingi's voice is hoarse, his throat dry and scratchy from crying for who knows how long. "I had only one job and completely blew it! No other houses will take me in after the scene I caused. No other Matchmaker will take an interest in me, and no alpha will want a mess of a maiden like me to spend their life with. I'm lost, Youngie; I don't have anything else going for me. I'm gonna sit here forever and die alone!"
Wooyoung scoffed. "The right alpha will want you. Don't listen to those grandmas—look at you! You're so gorgeous and so sweet and so kind." The shifter babbled. Wooyoung's lips turned down in a frown, his brows furrowing. "And, um... Can you find something else to do? Like, ah, find a new job!"
Mingi disagreed. "I doubt anyone would hire me. It's way too tough to find a job as an omega," he sniffed, using his thumb to dab away the wetness at the corner of his eye. "I feel like I'll just become a burden to everyone."
"You are not a burden, Mingi." Wooyoung held Mingi's cheeks, his silky smooth scales feeling warm and grounding to the omega. "You will never be a burden. I'm sure we can find you something to do—I'll help you!"
"I don't know, Youngie. Maybe I'll stay and watch over the house. Maybe the maiden life was never for me—I'm not cut out for any of it. I—I don't know what else to do."
"Maybe it wasn't for you, but that doesn't mean you should give up. You're young, you've got a bright life ahead of you, and it's okay to not have everything figured out."
The shifter's tail swished in the air slowly. Wooyoung squeezed Mingi's cheeks together, prompting a laugh from the omega. "Somewhere down the line, you'll finally find something entirely for you—no more dressing up and pretending to be someone you aren't. Just because you haven't bloomed yet doesn't mean you won't turn out to be as beautiful as the others."
Mingi looked over the shifter's shoulder. He sees a low-hanging branch of a cherry tree, its petals and leaves swaying in the wind. He admires the beautiful flowers adorning the leaves like crowns. He spots a particular flower—closed, hiding itself. It's a late bloomer, its peers having bloomed already, leaving it behind. It takes its time to mature, and when it eventually opens its petals, it will be just as beautiful as the rest.
Mingi looks back at his shifter friend, the dragon sporting a wide grin. His joy is infectious, the omega finding himself smiling back. He'll be okay. One minor thing isn't gonna hold him back. He still has years and years of his life to discover things about himself, no longer being held down by the shackles of his fate. With Wooyoung by his side, he won't ever be alone. He can find purpose in life, and he'll be finally free from the life he forced himself to live.
•⚜────⚔︎────⚜•
The beating of drums startled Mingi from his chores. He looked up from feeding their chickens to the entrance of the Song family garden. Wooyoung stood alert, his tail wrapping around Mingi's wrist warily and protectively. The sound of horse hooves can be heard from the distance.
Mingi's parents ran out of the house and into the garden. His father steps out into the street. Mingi and Wooyoung went to follow but were stopped by Mingi's mother.
"Mingi, you stay here with Wooyoung," she said. Reluctantly, Mingi obeyed. They watched from the garden's entrance, Mingi's grandmother standing just a few feet behind them.
A messenger stops in the middle of the street. Soldiers line up behind him as the man clears his throat. The beating of drums stopped as the messenger took out a scroll.
"On behalf of the Emperor, I have come bearing news. The Rebellion has invaded Aurora!"
The citizens gasped and exclaimed. Mingi frowned at the news. He's heard of the Rebellion before. Their village had been one of the lucky ones that hadn't been raided by the bandits during the time they were active. The Rebellion were a group of people that were against the Imperialship of Aurora. Ever since the new Emperor took over the country, the people who had disagreed plotted against the Emperor's downfall—they wanted to kill him. They wanted to restore Aurora to its former "glory" under the brutal dictatorship of the previous ruler. They preached about maintaining order in the country, which Mingi knew was complete propaganda. Surely, a good and competent ruler is better at keeping order than an evil dictator.
"Those guys," Wooyoung muttered, "they're back? The raids stopped three years ago."
"They were probably waiting to enact their next move," Mingi whispered back. "If it took three years of absence, they were definitely plotting something. A small group like them couldn't have invaded an entire country on their own," which means they must have doubled, maybe even tripled, their numbers.
"One alpha or beta from every family will serve the Imperial army. You must leave immediately. In these scrolls are the coordinates of the training camp you will each be assigned to, as well as the signed approval from the Emperor."
The soldiers produced scrolls from wherever they kept them on their horses. As the messenger began listing off names, they handed them out to whoever stepped up to receive them.
"Mingi, your father, he—"
"The Song family!"
Mingi felt a chill run down his spine. He watches as his father, old and weak, hesitantly takes a scroll from a soldier. He bows before returning to his family. Mingi's mother looked worried, touching the old man's shoulder with a concerned glint in her eye.
"Father, you can't!" Mingi protests, shaking his head. "You're in no shape to serve in the army!"
His father sends him a strict look. "I must serve the country. If it must be done, it will be done."
No, he can't just allow his father to leave home to potentially die in war. The man is old, his body not at all what it used to be. He's weakening and toeing the lines of being bedridden. He would only be hurting more under the harsh training of the training camps. Mingi won't let his father be subjected to more pain and suffering.
"Please, you can't make my father go!" Mingi exclaims toward the messenger. "There has to be someone else who can go in his stead. My father is not well to be in the army!"
"Silence, omega!" The messenger sneers. He spares Mingi a look before ignoring him and speaking to his family instead. "You ought to teach your son some manners. He should know not to speak in the presence of alphas."
Before Mingi could protest any longer, Wooyoung began tugging him away, with his tail still wrapped around his wrist. Offended at the messenger's words, Mingi went willingly.
Later that evening, dinner with his family is awkward. Wooyoung had left him alone, and Mingi felt incredibly uncomfortable without the presence of his best friend. His mother is looking down at her bowl in sorrow, his grandmother is sporting a frown, and his father is feigning calmness.
Mingi grew tired of the silence. He slams his fists down on the table, the plates and bowls at the table jumping at the force. "Father, you can't go! You'll be killed out there—you are in no shape to fight!"
His father's facade cracked. "There is nothing I can do, Mingi. This is my duty. The emperor, the country—they need me."
"But we need you, father!" Mingi almost sobs. "I'm not gonna let you leave. There—there has to be another way!"
"Mingi..." His mother began.
"I will leave tomorrow morning," his father says, standing up, his half-eaten meal abandoned. "I do not know when I'll come back. Please wait for me."
The man made to leave. Mingi stands up to go after him. "Father, please, think about this!"
"I know my place, Mingi!" His father glares. "It is time you know yours."
Mingi felt a flash of hurt in his chest. His mother made to hold him, but he bolted out of the room before she could. His feet led him to his room. He slams the door shut, falls to his knees on his mattress, and lets out a choked sob.
This isn't fair. His father shouldn't be forced to leave. He's sure the old man will die in the war. His family will be left behind—he will be left behind. His father has always been the strongest in their family. Such a loving and wonderful man shouldn't have to be killed.
Nobody will listen to his pleas. No matter what he does, he can't prevent what is about to come. He is to stay home and silently wait for his father, who may never even return. Mingi can't do anything. He's useless.
At least, not as an omega.
He dries his tears at the realization. Swiftly, he stands up, ignoring the subtle pain in his knees, and sneaks out of his room and into his father's personal office. On his way, he begins to doubt himself.
Is it a good idea? No, definitely not. He'll end up dead just like his father will be. Does he particularly care? Not exactly—though he knows he will only hurt his family if he goes through with it.
"I'll die if it means my father gets to live," Mingi murmured to himself.
The omega enters his father's office. He takes cautious steps toward the glass case where his father's armor is displayed. He rummages through his father's drawers to find the key that unlocks the case. When he opens it, he stares at the chunk of metal, hesitating.
It's beautiful. The blue metal shines, almost reflective. He's seen his father polish it a few times. The cold metal is smooth yet heavy—he would need to wear the proper clothes before he can put them on. He snagged a bag from his room on the way, so he carefully took the armor and packed it up securely. He kept the belt and slid it around his hips so he could strap the sword on.
The blade is nice and lightweight. He gives it a swish, listening to it cut through the air with a satisfied shiver down his spine. He sheaths the blade, grabs his bag, and leaves the room. He trots over to his parents' room. He finds them fast asleep.
Mingi stares at them for a while. Just then, it finally sinks into him—is this what he truly wants? Is he making the right decision? The omega shakes his head. There's no time for doubts. He can regret his decisions later, when he'll be too far away from home to go back.
He takes the scroll from the bedside table and silently leaves the room. He packs up his essentials, not forgetting to get his suppressants and scent blockers. He didn't know how long they would last him, but it'd have to suffice. By the time he leaves the house, he's carrying two heavy duffel bags.
He makes his way to the stable where his horse is. He feeds the mare before strapping her with her saddle and tying his bags on her. Before he can sneak out of the house, dread washes down his spine as the repeated thought of 'what the hell am I doing' loops in his mind. He sees Wooyoung watching him with terrified eyes.
Wooyoung—I can't leave him.
"Where do you think you're going?!" The shifter gawks.
Mingi clutches the reigns, anxiety clawing at his skin. "Um... off to war?"
Wooyoung blinks at him. "Are you out of your mind?!"
"Listen, it was the only solution I could think of!" The omega attempts to defend himself. "It's selfish, I know—believe me, I know. But I'm not just gonna sit here and do nothing. I am sick and tired of being cast aside like I'm worth nothing. I am sick and tired of being told I can't do anything because I presented into the wrong subgender. I'll prove them wrong. I'll—I'll show my family that I can protect them. I won't let my father get killed out there." He probably sounds desperate by now.
"Mingi, you are gonna get killed out there! Please, just think about this for a second." Mingi's words echo right back at him.
"I've made up my mind, Woo. It's not going to change," he says sternly, biting back the dread pooling in his gut.
"You stupid, reckless idiot!"
Mingi shuts his eyes, his chest heaving. Just as he is about to say something, he feels a thump land behind him. Startled, he looks over his shoulder to find that Wooyoung has somehow climbed onto his horse and sat behind him, the saddle barely fitting both of them. The shifter grabs the omega's shoulders and squeezes. "Take me with you."
"I... what?"
"Take me with you. I'm not letting you do this on your own."
"Wooyoung..." Mingi pleads, desperate. "You don't know what you're getting into."
"And neither do you!" The shifter counters with a huff. "Wherever you go, you cause trouble. Without me, you'll make a fool of yourself! You wouldn't last a day without me with you."
"So you're coming with me to save me some embarrassment?" Mingi cracks a grin, his anxiety gradually leaving his body. The omega shakes his head and begins leading them out of the house and into the deserted road of his hometown. They trot their way into the streets to take their leave for the forest.
"Exactly. I can't have you embarrassing yourself in front of strong, manly alphas. You might even find your Prince Charming there! I gotta make sure you'll woo them right into your bed. When we return from the war, you'll have a nice alpha to settle down with!"
"Oh, gross..." Mingi grumbles, "So you're only in this to play matchmaker; is that what this is?"
"You bet!" Wooyoung agrees with a nod.
Mingi lets the silence envelop them. The cold wind breezed through the omega's hair, finding it relaxing. He lets go of his doubts and anxiety, momentarily forgetting about his utterly stupid decision to leave home now that his best friend is here to ease his worries.
"Wooyoung, I hope you know what you're getting into."
"Of course I do. Wherever you go, I'll follow. We're in this together, yeah? If you die, I die. If we both live, then we'll return home and prove to your family that you're not just some omega."
Mingi chuckles. "I appreciate this, Wooyoung. I really do."
A clawed hand reached up to ruffle Mingi's hair. "Of course, Mingki. I don't want you to deal with all of this alone, 'kay? You've got me. Whatever thing you set your mind to—even if it's really stupid—I'll be with you. Hell, I'll fight this war for you if you let me. You've always got me, Mingi, and I'm not leaving your side any time soon."
The words pierce through Mingi's soft heart. He avoids looking at Wooyoung. He doesn't want the shifter to see him so vulnerable. With Wooyoung by his side, Mingi can accomplish anything he sets his mind to. He knows this will come back and bite him in the ass in the future, but the thought of not dealing with it alone is comforting to Mingi. He just hopes they won't regret this in the long run.