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“Don’t you feel like Sannie is particularly clingy these days?” Seonghwa asked, taking a sip of his coffee.
Wooyoung looked up from his plate, confused. “What do you mean? He’s always clingy.”
“Well, yes,” the older omega admitted, laughing softly as he set his mug down. “But, I don’t know, he seems more protective too. Like, almost possessive.”
“Maybe he just missed me while you guys were in Japan,” Wooyoung shrugged, though his brows furrowed slightly as he spoke.
“I’m just saying, he almost growled at Mingi when he hugged you before him when we got home,” Seonghwa continued, an amused lilt in his voice.
“Maybe it’s just his cycle,” Wooyoung said, feeling a flicker of defensiveness rise in his chest. His tone was casual, but the way his fingers fiddled with his fork betrayed the unease creeping into his thoughts. He glanced down at his hands, his appetite suddenly waning.
Seonghwa tilted his head, watching him with a somewhat fond smile tugging at his lips. “I’m not trying to attack you guys. I’m just making an observation.”
Wooyoung let out a sigh, brushing a stray strand of hair out of his face. “I guess...” he muttered, trailing off. His voice was quieter now, as if the weight of Seonghwa’s words had finally begun to sink in.
Seonghwa gave him a reassuring pat on the arm before letting the subject drop, returning to his coffee.
But the thought lingered on Wooyoung’s mind for the rest of the day. Had San really been that much more clingy than usual? They were both naturally touchy, so it hadn’t seemed like anything out of the ordinary to him. And yet, as the hours passed, he couldn’t help but replay Seonghwa’s words in his head, each repetition planting a small seed of doubt. The memory of San’s warm embrace, the way his arms had tightened just a bit more than usual, suddenly felt different in hindsight.
~
Later that day, when they returned to their hotel, Seonghwa lingered for a moment outside Wooyoung’s door, watching him intently as he fumbled with his key card.
Wooyoung blinked, slightly confused by the older omega’s behavior. “What’s wrong with you?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder with a raised brow.
Seonghwa just giggled, his eyes crinkling as he waved him off. “Nothing,” he replied, but the mischievous glint in his eyes said otherwise. Before Wooyoung could press him further, Seonghwa turned on his heel, disappearing down the hall with an almost playful bounce in his step. He had been acting so strange ever since their earlier conversation about San’s clinginess, and it left Wooyoung both puzzled and slightly amused.
Shrugging it off, Wooyoung scanned his key card again, hearing the faint click of the lock disengaging. He pushed the door open and stepped into the dimly lit room, a sense of calm immediately washing over him. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast a warm light across the cozy space, and his lips curled into a gentle smile as his gaze landed on San.
His alpha was curled up in the nest they had made together the night before, surrounded by a mountain of pillows and blankets that carried their mingling scents. San’s dark hair was slightly tousled, his chest rising and falling steadily as he slept. The sight was so endearing that Wooyoung found himself pausing for a moment, just taking it all in.
He didn’t bother saying anything. Instead, he quietly slipped off his shoes, setting his bag down near the door before tiptoeing toward the nest. Sliding into the soft pile of blankets, he eased himself into San’s arms, careful not to wake him too abruptly. But the second his body pressed against San’s, the alpha stirred, letting out a low, contented hum as he instinctively tightened his hold on Wooyoung and pulled him impossibly closer.
San’s nose buried itself in the crook of Wooyoung’s neck, and he inhaled deeply, his voice a sleepy murmur. “You smell so good, baby,” he whispered, the low timbre of his words sending a pleasant shiver down Wooyoung’s spine.
Wooyoung felt his cheeks flush at the compliment, but he managed a soft, “Thank you,” his voice barely above a whisper as he nestled further into his mate’s chest. The steady rhythm of San’s heartbeat beneath his ear was grounding, a quiet reassurance that everything was right in that moment.
“So sweet,” San mumbled, his lips brushing lightly against Wooyoung’s jaw as he spoke. The affection in his voice was unmistakable, and it made Wooyoung’s heart flutter in response.
A soft smile spread across Wooyoung’s face as he let out a contented sigh, nuzzling deeper into San’s embrace. The warmth of San’s arms enveloped him completely, and the familiar scent of his alpha surrounded him, soothing every lingering thought that had been troubling him earlier. All he could focus on now was the comforting closeness they shared, the unspoken love that filled the room as they lay tangled in their little nest.
“I love you,” the omega whispered after a moment, his voice barely audible.
San hummed in response, pressing a soft kiss to Wooyoung’s skin. “I love you more, baby.”
And with that, the rest of the world melted away, leaving only the quiet serenity of their shared warmth.
Suddenly, the tranquil bubble they had created burst. A sharp wave of nausea surged through Wooyoung’s body, striking out of nowhere and stealing the air from his lungs. His eyes widened in panic, and before he could utter a single word, he scrambled out of the nest, his limbs unsteady and his movements frantic.
He barely made it to the bathroom in time. Collapsing to his knees, he hunched over the toilet, retching violently as his stomach heaved. His lunch—and perhaps every ounce of peace he’d felt moments ago—was emptied into the bowl.
The sound of rushing footsteps followed almost instantly. Within seconds, San was at his side, kneeling beside him with a look of worry etched deeply into his face. His hand moved to rub slow, soothing circles on Wooyoung’s back, his touch firm but gentle.
“Are you okay?” the alpha asked, his voice calm but tinged with unmistakable concern.
Wooyoung nodded weakly, unable to muster the strength for words. His body felt heavy, drained from the sudden onslaught. Leaning back, he allowed himself to slump against San’s sturdy frame, seeking solace in the familiar warmth of his alpha’s embrace. San cradled him carefully, his arms a steady anchor amidst the chaos.
“I thought you weren’t sick anymore,” San murmured softly, his tone laced with a mix of confusion and worry. He reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair away from Wooyoung’s forehead.
The omega gave a small shrug, his breathing still uneven as he tried to gather himself. His hands moved instinctively to San’s, fingers curling around his alpha’s larger ones. He began tracing the lines of San’s palms, his touch light and fidgety, as though the small, repetitive action could distract him from the lingering unease in his body.
San’s hands were soft and warm, and Wooyoung found comfort in their familiar texture. The alpha didn’t pull away; instead, he continued rubbing Wooyoung’s back, his motions unchanging in their steady rhythm.
“I can call Seonghwa,” San offered after a moment, his voice quiet and cautious. “If it’s something you ate, he might be sick too.”
Wooyoung hummed noncommittally, resting his head against San’s chest. The worst of the nausea had passed, but the lingering exhaustion weighed heavily on him, leaving him too tired to think clearly. Something about the moment still felt... off, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
“Can you scent me?” he asked softly, his voice barely audible as he glanced up at San with tired eyes.
San didn’t hesitate. “Of course, baby,” he replied, his tone filled with unwavering devotion. Leaning in, he pressed a tender kiss to Wooyoung’s temple before carefully scooping him up in his arms. Wooyoung felt weightless as San carried him back into the main room, his alpha holding him as if he were the most precious thing in the world.
San gently laid Wooyoung down in their nest, tucking him into the soft layers of blankets before crawling in beside him. Wrapping his arms around Wooyoung, he pulled him close, nuzzling into the crook of his neck.
“You smell so sweet,” San whispered, his voice low and soothing. “My omega.”
The deep, woodsy scent of San enveloped them both, warm and grounding. Wooyoung let out a soft sigh, the tension in his body melting away as the comforting aroma surrounded him. San’s presence was enough to chase away the lingering unease, replacing it with a sense of safety that only his mate could provide.
San pressed another gentle kiss to Wooyoung’s temple, his lips lingering for a moment as he murmured, “I’ve got you, baby. Just rest.”
Wooyoung nodded weakly, his eyes fluttering shut. The steady rhythm of San’s heartbeat beneath his ear, combined with the alpha’s soothing scent, lulled him into a peaceful state.
They stayed like that for the rest of the day, tangled in each other’s arms. San’s touch was steady and unwavering, his soft murmurs of reassurance blending with the faint hum of the hotel room. Though unease still lingered faintly at the edges of Wooyoung’s mind, the warmth of his alpha’s embrace and the quiet love that filled the space made it bearable. For now, this was enough.
~
“Can you help me with my outfit?” Wooyoung asked, his voice slightly strained as he fidgeted with the fabric at his sides.
Jongho stepped up behind him, his hands steady as they found the zipper on Wooyoung’s back. He tugged at it carefully, his brows furrowing when it didn’t budge.
“It feels tight, no?” Wooyoung asked, glancing at Jongho’s reflection in the mirror.
“A little bit,” Jongho admitted, trying to shift the angle of the zipper without forcing it. “I’m sure it’s fine, though. Maybe it’s just the way you’re standing or the material being stiff.”
Wooyoung’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t get it,” he muttered, his frustration bubbling over. “It was fine when I got fitted. Did I... Did I gain that much weight?”
The words hung heavy in the air as Wooyoung absently rubbed his stomach. His thoughts began to spiral, old insecurities creeping back with every passing second. He’d noticed a bit of bloat here and there recently, but he’d brushed it off, refusing to let the thoughts fester. Now, standing in front of the mirror with the unyielding zipper mocking him, they came crashing back.
“Hey.” Jongho’s voice was firm but kind as he moved to face Wooyoung. He reached out, taking Wooyoung’s hand in his own and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You look beautiful. Stop being so hard on yourself, okay?”
Wooyoung’s gaze dropped to their joined hands, his lips curling into a small, sheepish smile. “Thanks, HoJong,” he murmured, the warmth in Jongho’s expression easing some of his tension.
Jongho smiled back, giving Wooyoung’s hand one last squeeze before letting go. “I’ll go grab a stylist and see if they can help with the zipper.” With that, he stepped out of the room, leaving Wooyoung alone with his thoughts.
As soon as the door clicked shut, Wooyoung turned back to the mirror, his faint smile fading. His hands trailed down the sides of his outfit, tugging lightly at the fabric. He scrutinized his reflection, his eyes lingering on the subtle curve of his abdomen.
A sigh was building in his chest when strong arms suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind. The familiar warmth enveloped him, and Wooyoung instinctively leaned back, melting into the embrace.
“Hi,” he whispered, a genuine smile tugging at his lips despite his earlier worries.
“Hi,” San replied, his voice soft and low as he buried his face in the crook of Wooyoung’s neck. He inhaled deeply, his breath warm against the omega’s skin, before pressing a series of featherlight kisses along the delicate curve of his neck.
Wooyoung’s hands moved up to rest on San’s forearms. “Is everything okay?” he asked gently.
San hummed in response, the vibrations sending a pleasant shiver down Wooyoung’s spine. “Mine,” he murmured possessively, his teeth grazing Wooyoung’s neck before sinking in just enough to leave a fleeting mark of his claim.
Wooyoung couldn’t help but laugh softly at San’s sudden display of dominance. “I’m yours,” he replied playfully, tilting his head to give San more access.
“Only mine,” San insisted, his hold tightening slightly as he nuzzled further into Wooyoung’s neck, his scent warm and grounding.
The moment was interrupted by the sound of the door creaking open. Jongho stepped back inside, a stylist following closely behind. He froze in the doorway, raising an eyebrow at the sight of San wrapped snugly around Wooyoung like a protective blanket.
“Are we interrupting something?” Jongho asked, his tone dry but tinged with amusement.
San didn’t move. If anything, his grip on Wooyoung tightened, and he buried his face further into the omega’s neck, letting out a low hum of annoyance.
Wooyoung flushed, gently prying himself from San’s arms. “You’re fine,” he said with a nervous laugh, shooting San a quick look that silently begged him to behave.
The stylist stepped forward, her professional demeanor unfaltering as she assessed the situation. After a brief discussion and some trial-and-error attempts with the zipper, they decided to swap Wooyoung’s outfit for a more comfortable option.
Wooyoung stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the hem of the new shirt. It fit well and still looked good, but it wasn’t what he had envisioned. A flicker of disappointment crossed his features as his mind wandered back to the earlier insecurity.
San, who had been watching quietly from the corner, stepped forward and wrapped an arm around Wooyoung’s shoulders. “You look perfect,” he said, his voice steady and sincere. “My beautiful mate.”
Wooyoung glanced at his reflection, then at San’s reassuring smile. He forced himself to push the lingering worry aside, leaning into his alpha’s touch. For now, he decided, he would let it go. There would be time to deal with those thoughts later.
~
The concert went off without a hitch, their performances electric and flawless as usual. The cheers of the fans filled the venue, creating a wave of energy that seemed to lift everyone’s spirits. For a while, Wooyoung managed to forget his earlier worries, losing himself in the music, the lights, and the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
But as the final notes faded and the show came to an end, reality began to creep back in. The post-performance high slowly dissolved, leaving behind the same nagging feeling he’d been trying to ignore. After the show, as the adrenaline drained from his body, he found himself cornered by Seonghwa in the dressing room.
“So,” Seonghwa began, leaning casually against the wall, his arms crossed and a sly grin tugging at his lips. “You’ve noticed San’s behavior, haven’t you?”
Wooyoung rolled his eyes, too tired to argue or pretend he didn’t know what Seonghwa was getting at. “I told you it’s probably just his cycle. He’s due for his rut soon,” he said dismissively, running a hand through his damp hair.
“And he usually has his cycle just after you do?” the older omega pressed, his tone calm but laced with a pointed edge that made Wooyoung pause.
“Yes?” Wooyoung answered hesitantly, his brow furrowing as confusion began to set in. “What does that have to do with anything?”
Seonghwa straightened up, his expression softening but his eyes betraying a deeper concern. “Woo,” he said gently, his voice almost hesitant, as if he were unsure of how to broach the subject. “When was your last heat?”
Wooyoung blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. “I don’t know,” he shrugged. “Like four months ago?”
Seonghwa just stared at him, his silence heavy with unspoken meaning. The air in the room seemed to grow thicker, and Wooyoung tilted his head, still struggling to understand why this was relevant.
“Why are you looking at me like that?” he asked defensively, his tone sharp as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Seonghwa raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a soft, knowing smile. He didn’t say anything, clearly waiting for Wooyoung to connect the dots on his own.
Suddenly, the realization hit him like a freight train. His eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat as the weight of Seonghwa’s question sank in. His gaze dropped instinctively to his stomach, and for a moment, the world around him seemed to blur.
“You think…” Wooyoung started, but the words stuck in his throat, too heavy to say aloud. His hands hovered uncertainly over his abdomen, and a chill ran down his spine as the implications began to sink in.
“I already bought a test,” Seonghwa said softly, his voice steady and reassuring, as though he were trying to ground Wooyoung in the midst of his spiraling thoughts. “You can take it in my room if you want.”
Wooyoung swallowed hard, his throat dry and his heart hammering against his ribs. His mind raced, struggling to process the enormity of what this could mean. He felt a tremor run through his hands, but he clenched them into fists at his sides, willing himself to stay composed.
He nodded slowly, unable to form words as the gravity of the situation settled over him. Seonghwa reached out, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, carefully guiding him out of the venue.
The drive back to their hotel felt both impossibly long and far too short. Silence filled the car, broken only by the faint hum of the engine and the occasional sound of Wooyoung shifting in his seat. San glued himself to Wooyoung’s side, his presence a solid, grounding force. It was clear he could sense that something was bothering him, but the alpha didn’t press for answers. Instead, he leaned close, whispering soft praises into Wooyoung’s neck, his voice low and soothing, silently promising that no matter what, he was there for him.
By the time they reached the hotel, the air felt heavier, each step through the fluorescent-lit hallway adding to the tension. San’s grip on Wooyoung’s hand never wavered, firm and reassuring, as though he could physically shield Wooyoung from whatever storm was brewing. His fingers threaded tightly with Wooyoung’s, grounding him in a way words couldn’t.
When they reached their room, San immediately opened the door, pulling Wooyoung gently inside as if to shelter him from the outside world. He guided him toward the bed, ready to cocoon him in warmth and safety, but their moment of reprieve was interrupted.
Seonghwa stepped forward, his expression calm but resolute. “Sannie,” he began gently, his voice carrying a quiet authority that seemed to ripple through the room. “I need to borrow him for a moment, okay?”
San’s reaction was immediate. His body tensed like a coiled spring, pulling Wooyoung sharply behind him as though Seonghwa’s words alone were a threat. A low growl rumbled in his chest, his protective instincts flaring as he narrowed his eyes at the older omega. “Why?” he asked, his tone clipped and suspicious.
Seonghwa didn’t falter, his gaze steady and unwavering. He held up a hand, palm out, as though to show he meant no harm. “I promise I’ll send him back soon,” he said softly. His voice was calm but firm, the kind of tone that brooked no argument yet carried an understanding that wasn’t easily ignored. His eyes flicked briefly to Wooyoung, as if silently asking for permission, before returning to San.
The growl in the alpha’s chest grew louder, reverberating through the quiet room. His broad shoulders squared, creating a protective barrier between Seonghwa and Wooyoung. “Whatever you need to say, you can say it here,” San said firmly, his voice edged with defiance.
“Alpha,” Wooyoung said gently, his voice cutting through the tension like a soft breeze.
San froze, startled by the calmness in Wooyoung’s tone. His sharp features softened as he turned to face Wooyoung, his hands moving instinctively to cup his cheeks. His thumbs brushed gently against his skin, searching his face for any sign of distress. “Are you sure?” he asked quietly, his voice laced with worry.
Wooyoung smiled faintly, resting his hands over San’s. “I promise I’ll be fine,” he said softly, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest. “Go wash up, okay? I’ll be back before you even know it.”
San hesitated, his brows knitting together as his eyes darted between Wooyoung and Seonghwa. The protective wariness in his posture didn’t ease entirely, but slowly, he exhaled and nodded. “Okay,” he murmured reluctantly. His voice carried a quiet plea as he added, “But come back to me quick. My omega.”
Wooyoung giggled softly, his heart swelling at his mate’s words. A soft blush crept across his cheeks, and for a brief moment, the heaviness in his chest lifted. “I’ll be right back,” he promised, his tone light and playful despite the tension in the room. “My alpha.”
He leaned up, pressing a gentle kiss to San’s lips, the touch brief but filled with love. San’s hands lingered on his waist, reluctant to let him go, but he didn’t stop him when Wooyoung pulled away.
“Thank you,” Wooyoung whispered, his gaze filled with gratitude as he squeezed San’s hand one last time. Then, with a deep breath, he turned to Seonghwa and followed him out of the room.
The walk down the hallway felt like an eternity. Each step echoed loudly in Wooyoung’s ears, his heart pounding in his chest as he tried to prepare himself for what was coming. Seonghwa walked beside him, his presence steady and reassuring, a silent promise that whatever came next, Wooyoung wouldn’t face it alone.
~
Wooyoung sat on the cool tile of the bathroom floor, his knees drawn tightly to his chest as he clung to Seonghwa’s hand like a lifeline. His fingers trembled uncontrollably, the fear coursing through him making it impossible to sit still. The bathroom felt too small, too quiet, as if the weight of his thoughts had filled the space and stolen all the air.
His heart raced as his eyes remained glued to the timer on his phone, the seconds dragging by with agonizing slowness. Each tick felt like an eternity, and every breath he took felt too shallow, too hurried. He forced himself to inhale deeply, but even then, his chest felt too tight. No matter how much he tried, he couldn’t shake the suffocating pressure of uncertainty pressing down on him.
He and San had dreamed of this moment. They’d spent countless nights whispering under the covers about their future—about pups, about names, about who they’d look like more. It was a dream they’d held close, but it had always seemed distant, like something they’d reach for later, when the time was right.
But now? Now was anything but the right time. They were in the middle of a whirlwind tour, with fans, schedules, and the ever-watchful eye of the company looming over them. What if the test was positive? What would happen to the life they’d built? Would he have to stay on the sidelines, leave the tour, or even go home? What would the fans say? What would the company say? His mind spiraled into the unknown, every thought heavier than the last.
A sharp beep from his phone snapped him out of his thoughts, the sound slicing through the air like a knife. His body tensed, his pulse thundering in his ears as the timer reached its end.
Seonghwa’s hand tightened around his, the older omega leaning closer. Wooyoung turned to look at him, his wide, tear-filled eyes locking onto Seonghwa’s calm and steady gaze. The warmth in Seonghwa’s expression didn’t waver, his smile quiet but reassuring. “Are you ready?” Seonghwa asked softly, his voice gentle but grounding, like a tether keeping Wooyoung from drifting too far into his fears.
“No,” Wooyoung whispered, his voice cracking. His throat felt dry, and the word barely made it out. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to take another deep breath. “But I have to know.”
Seonghwa nodded, his movements deliberate and careful as he reached for the test on the counter. The silence stretched between them, thick and heavy, as he flipped the test over. Every second felt like a lifetime, Wooyoung’s breath catching in his throat as he braced himself.
Pregnant .
The younger omega gasped audibly, his eyes locking onto the single word as if it held the weight of the entire universe. “I’m pregnant,” he whispered, the words tumbling from his lips in a barely audible gasp. Tears welled in his eyes, blurring the letters, but nothing could erase the truth in front of him.
Seonghwa didn’t hesitate. He pulled Wooyoung into a tight embrace, his arms wrapping securely around him as he pressed his nose into Wooyoung’s neck. His scent was warm, soothing, a silent promise of safety and understanding. Wooyoung clung to him, his tears spilling over as the enormity of the moment crashed into him all at once.
“I’m pregnant,” Wooyoung repeated, his voice trembling with disbelief. He wasn’t sure if he was saying it to Seonghwa, to himself, or to the tiny life growing inside him, but voicing it out loud made it real—undeniably, unchangeably real.
Seonghwa’s hold tightened slightly, his comforting pheromones washing over Wooyoung in steady waves. “You’re going to be okay,” Seonghwa whispered, his tone soft but sure. “We’re going to figure this out together. You’re not alone.”
Wooyoung let out a choked sob, his emotions a swirling mix of fear, joy, and disbelief. The tears fell freely now, but the panic that had gripped his chest was beginning to ease, shifting into something warmer, something laced with hope. He didn’t know what the future would hold, but in Seonghwa’s arms, he felt the faintest spark of courage begin to grow.
For a long while, they stayed like that, wrapped in each other’s embrace. The cool tile beneath them and the quiet hum of the bathroom faded into the background, replaced by the steady rhythm of Seonghwa’s breathing and the reassurance of his presence. Slowly but surely, the weight of the moment began to lift, replaced by the fragile beginnings of determination.
Wooyoung closed his eyes briefly, drawing strength from Seonghwa’s unwavering presence before the soft knock at the door broke the quiet. He pulled back slightly, turning his head toward the door as Hongjoong’s familiar voice came through.
“Are you guys okay?” the alpha asked, his concern evident despite the gentleness in his tone.
Wooyoung took a deep, steadying breath, wiping at the tears still clinging to his cheeks with the sleeve of his hoodie. He glanced at Seonghwa, searching his expression for reassurance, and found it in the warm, steady smile the older omega offered him.
“Yeah,” Wooyoung called back, his voice trembling just slightly but carrying honesty. “We’re okay.”
Seonghwa’s smile deepened as he brushed a stray strand of hair from Wooyoung’s face. “Congratulations,” he whispered, the single word brimming with quiet pride.
Wooyoung’s lips curved into a faint but genuine smile, his chest swelling as the weight of the word began to settle over him. Congratulations. It sounded so foreign, so unreal, but as he let it sink in, it didn’t feel as heavy as before. The burden of uncertainty was still there, but beneath it, something brighter had begun to take root.
From the other side of the door, Hongjoong’s voice returned, carrying a trace of amusement this time. “Good,” he said, the tension in his tone easing. “Because San is getting kind of restless, and I don’t know how much longer I can keep him from breaking this door down.”
Wooyoung let out a soft laugh, shaking his head at the predictability of his alpha. Of course, San wouldn’t have stayed calm—not with Wooyoung out of sight after having smelt so distressed. “I’ll be out in a minute,” Wooyoung called, his voice steadier now, with a touch of his usual playfulness.
Seonghwa gave him an encouraging pat on the back as they both stood, his gaze sparkling with affection. “Come on,” he said gently, motioning toward the door. “Your alpha is waiting for you.”
They moved toward the door together, Seonghwa keeping his steps slow and deliberate to match Wooyoung’s pace. As they reached the door, he leaned closer, his voice low and full of quiet reassurance. “If San is anything but happy, I’ll punch him for you, okay? I’m here with you no matter what.”
Wooyoung turned his head slightly to look at Seonghwa, the corner of his mouth tugging into a soft, grateful smile. His chest tightened with emotion—not from fear, but from the immense gratitude swelling within him. He let out a quiet laugh, his voice a mix of sincerity and warmth. “Thank you,” he murmured, the words so simple yet so meaningful.
When they reached the door, Seonghwa knocked lightly, and it barely took a second before the door flew open, revealing a very disheveled-looking San. His hair was a mess, his shirt slightly wrinkled, and there was an unmistakable tension in his eyes that softened the moment he saw Wooyoung standing there. It was as if the world had righted itself just by the sight of him.
“Your omega,” Seonghwa said with a teasing grin, pointing toward Wooyoung, “Returned to you in one piece, as promised.”
San didn’t even bother with words. Instead, he surged forward, his arms pulling Wooyoung in tightly as he buried his face in Wooyoung's neck. The moment their bodies touched, Wooyoung could feel the relief radiating off San in waves, his breath a little shaky as he inhaled Wooyoung’s scent deeply. It grounded him, calming the storm inside.
“I missed you,” San mumbled against Wooyoung's skin, his voice low and gruff, full of emotion.
Wooyoung couldn’t help but laugh softly, his fingers gently combing through San’s hair. “I was barely gone an hour,” he teased, though the warmth in his tone betrayed the fact that he had missed San too. The quiet ache of longing had been there all along, simmering under the surface, even after such a short time apart.
San only grumbled something unintelligible, his hold tightening as though he was afraid Wooyoung would slip away again. His grip was fierce, as if anchoring himself to the person he cherished most. Over San’s shoulder, Wooyoung caught Seonghwa’s gaze. He mouthed a heartfelt Thank you , and Seonghwa responded with a subtle nod and a warm smile before turning to head back to his own room, content in the knowledge that his friends were well.
Wooyoung leaned in and pressed a quick, affectionate kiss to San’s temple, then gently nudged him backward. “Come on, you needy alpha,” he said with a playful grin. “It’s late. Let’s get to bed. We’ll talk in the morning.”
San let out a soft growl, clearly unwilling to release Wooyoung just yet, but he allowed himself to be guided back into the room. His arms never fully loosened their grip, still clinging to Wooyoung as if afraid he might disappear again. And as the door clicked shut behind them, Wooyoung couldn’t help but smile, realizing just how lucky he was to have someone who loved him this much. It was a feeling that settled warmly in his chest, a quiet contentment that made everything seem right in the world.
~
The next morning, Wooyoung woke up with tears in his eyes. The remnants of his dream lingered vividly in his mind, filling his chest with a mixture of overwhelming emotion. He had spent the night dreaming of their pup—tiny and perfect, with San’s warm eyes and the softest laugh. In his dream, San had cradled the baby close, singing sweet lullabies in that deep, soothing voice that never failed to calm Wooyoung. He could still see it so clearly: the way San’s smile softened as he rocked the little one to sleep, the way he looked like he was holding the entire world in his arms.
The omega’s heart ached with longing, his fingers instinctively brushing over his stomach. It wasn’t just a dream anymore—it could be real. It was real. For the first time, the future they had always talked about was no longer distant or intangible. It was within reach, and that thought alone made tears spill over his cheeks.
Turning to his mate, Wooyoung’s gaze softened. San was still sound asleep, his expression peaceful, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. Wooyoung snuggled closer, tucking himself beneath San’s chin and inhaling his familiar, comforting scent. It grounded him, giving him the courage he needed to speak.
“Sannie?” he whispered softly, his voice barely audible.
San stirred, a low hum escaping him as he instinctively tightened his arms around Wooyoung. “Mm?” he mumbled sleepily, still half-dreaming.
Wooyoung hesitated, his heart pounding. “Remember when I was sick yesterday? And during the Japan schedules?” he asked, his voice trembling slightly.
San’s eyes fluttered open, his brow furrowing as he processed the question. “Yeah,” he murmured, his voice rough with sleep. Concern began to creep into his tone. “Do you feel sick again? Do you need me to call—”
“No,” Wooyoung interrupted quickly, shaking his head. He reached up to cup San’s cheek, his thumb brushing gently over the alpha’s skin. “I’m—I wasn’t actually ill.”
San blinked, pulling back just enough to look at Wooyoung. “What do you mean you weren’t—” he said, his voice tinged with worry and confusion. “I saw you throw up.”
Wooyoung’s lips quirked into a nervous smile as he met San’s gaze. “It was morning sickness,” he said quietly, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest. He searched San’s eyes, his own brimming with tears. “I’m pregnant.”
For a moment, San didn’t respond. His expression froze as the words registered, his brain catching up to the reality of what Wooyoung had just said. Then, slowly, his face broke into a wide, breathtaking smile, his eyes lighting up with joy and disbelief. “You’re…” he began, his voice cracking slightly. “You’re pregnant?”
Wooyoung nodded, tears spilling down his cheeks as he smiled back. “We’re having a pup,” he said, his voice soft but filled with certainty.
The alpha’s breath hitched, and he pulled Wooyoung into his arms, holding him tightly as if afraid to let go. “We’re having a pup,” he repeated, his voice thick with emotion. The excitement and pride in his tone were unmistakable, his scent radiating warmth and love as it wrapped around Wooyoung like a comforting embrace.
Wooyoung giggled, the sound bubbling up from his chest as he wiggled in San’s arms. He pressed a soft kiss to San’s collarbone, nuzzling against him. “You’re going to be the best dad,” he whispered, his voice filled with love and certainty.
“So will you,” San replied, his voice tender and full of awe. He pressed a kiss to the top of Wooyoung’s head. He brought one of his hands down to Wooyoung’s stomach, where their small bundle of life was slowly growing.
San’s hand lingered on Wooyoung’s stomach, his touch feather-light, as though he were afraid of disturbing the tiny life growing within. His thumb moved in gentle circles, an unconscious gesture of reverence and care. “Our pup,” he whispered, the words almost inaudible but heavy with meaning. His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, his lips curving into a smile so soft it made Wooyoung’s heart ache.
Wooyoung covered San’s hand with his own, intertwining their fingers over his stomach. “Our pup,” he echoed, his voice steady but filled with awe. He could feel the warmth of San’s palm against him, a quiet reassurance that they were in this together.
San let out a shaky breath, leaning down to rest his forehead against Wooyoung’s. “Thank you,” he murmured, his voice breaking slightly. “Thank you for giving us this gift.”
Wooyoung laughed softly, brushing his nose against San’s playfully. “You helped, you know,” he teased, his tone light, though his cheeks flushed a delicate pink.
San chuckled, the sound rumbling low in his chest. “I guess I did,” he replied, his grin widening. He tilted his head, capturing the omega’s lips in a kiss that was slow and sweet, a silent promise of love and devotion.
They stayed like that for a long moment, their breaths mingling, their hearts beating in perfect sync. The early morning light streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the two of them. It felt like a blessing—a sign that they were exactly where they were meant to be.
Finally, Wooyoung pulled back, resting his head against San’s chest and listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. “I’m scared,” he admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
San’s arms tightened around him, holding him close. “I know,” he said gently. “I am too. But we’ll figure it out together, Wooyoung. Always.”
A small smile tugged at Wooyoung’s lips as he closed his eyes, letting himself be wrapped in San’s warmth. In that moment, the uncertainty of the future didn’t seem so daunting. All that existed was the two of them, their love, and the incredible new life they were about to begin together.