Archive of Our Own

It starts with JiHoon, leader of the basketball team, pining for that cute boy in his advanced programming elective class. He doesn't know what exactly is in him, but that sharp look and those catlike lips are what invite him to come closer. He's just a guy, he tells himself, he doesn't represent anything too big, special, or life-changing, just someone to hang out with and maybe, with a lot of luck, take to his bed.

Since JiHoon noticed him, they haven't shared a single word. It is as if an invisible barrier stood imposingly in front of the figure of the thin and fragile boy, as if a cage enclosed him and kept him isolated from everything and everyone. It's a higher level, a level that JiHoon initially believes he can't reach or at least won't sacrifice for. Too far from his league even if it is almost infinite and does not discriminate against sex, secondary gender or ethnicity. Maybe it's not worth it and he is just forming a strange image in his head, an image of someone who doesn't really exist.

That's what he tells himself, what he convinces himself of without room for refutation. All until a golden opportunity falls in front of his feet and is presented to him on a platter, almost like a forbidden apple. It's too much of a coincidence for Jeong JiHoon not to take it and just let it go, which was his initial plan.

Ryu MinSeok is the one who introduces him to his nameless and unattainable boy. Starting with MinSeok, he is the eternal social butterfly on campus. An omega that flutters from here to there with imaginary sparkles coming off of his clothes, as if his aroma, vibe, simple aura were destined to attract everyone and cajole them. They met because MinSeok's boyfriend is on the basketball team, and JiHoon as a good leader, talks to all his members and keeps up with their emotions and thoughts about the team, that MinSeok can never stop talking and is attached to his boyfriend's muscular arm, is not in JiHoon's initial plan, but he still meets him and they become friends (that boy calls anything that moves a friend, so it's not that strange).

It’s about a basketball team meal inside their fraternity house. The rule was to invite someone, a maximum of two people, so that things would be busy enough during the night. They would have a meal, drink, play a little and they would just take advantage of the house to spend time together with their special people in between, it’s okay, they do it quite often, but by the time there end up being more than a hundred people locked in that house, JiHoon's plan as a responsible leader has been lost a long time ago and floats in an imaginary drift.

He decides to go with the flow and not get irritated due to the change in his plans; perhaps this is an opportunity that life gives him to stop thinking about that boy. Maybe he should talk to a couple of omegas and betas today, make new contacts, leave the stress of sports season behind and finally have something with someone with a pretty face. Yes, it sounds like a good plan that will be carried out easily, he only needs three or four beers and it will be done in the blink of an eye, yes sir, Jeong JiHoon is a natural at those things. It's simple, it's his alpha nature-

“JiHoon!” His thoughts and his walk to the kitchen are interrupted by the distinctive, strong and thick voice of Lee MinHyung who approaches him in the full extent of his trustworthy, large and confident bearing, he is undoubtedly a stereotypical alpha, although a very good person that JiHoon wants to have around beyond his duties as a leader. He comes hand in hand with his boyfriend, this already mentioned Ryu MinSeok, a chatty Chihuahua who, for some reason, has to be everywhere at the same time with his head buried deep in everyone's lives all the time- JiHoon really likes him, in fact, he's a nice omega who knows how to use his charms and brings people together by nature, only a little annoying when he puts his mind to it.

The situation is that they are walking towards him, it is the first time he has seen them since the party broke out completely, so he doesn't mind seeing a couple of familiar faces to hang out with for a while. "My friend, SangHyeokie, wanted to find something to drink, so I thought I'd leave him with you." MinSeok gets straight to the point without giving him time to breathe or process. Alone, as unflappable and carefree as nothing else he can be, he steps aside to reveal the figure that has been appearing without permission in all of JiHoon's daydreams.

It doesn't feel real at first, it's too much of a coincidence for this exact thing to be happening to him. He tries to think about what he has done well lately. Yesterday he picked up a pencil that his classmate dropped on the floor? hmm, no, it's too little for this to be the compensation...oh, maybe it was because, the week before, the cashier gave him more change than he was supposed to and he returned it? Maybe that's it! Yes, this its his payment, it has to be-

"JiHoon?" He realizes he hasn't responded when MinHyung's voice calls out to him again. This is the first time he can see him so close, he is craning his neck to get a good look at JiHoon from his place behind MinSeok's body, for a second he looks like a meerkat or a very, very funny cat with glasses who has his little ears attentive and firm to listen to everything around him. "Yes, sorry, the music is a bit loud." Lie, what can be heard most now are euphoric screams or noisy conversations from everyone present in the fraternity house. "SangHyeokie...?" He asks, testing the name on his lips, it's incredibly cute and comes out natural. "SangHyeok." The tall figure corrects him in a tone between firm and fun, still unperturbed under all the bustle of the place. JiHoon keeps noticing that this pretty guy is still a few inches shorter than him, the top of his head can fit like a puzzle under his nose. "SangHyeok." Since he is somewhat dazed and has not yet finished reacting well, he repeats it again. It's a nice name, beautiful, even. It has the perfect number of syllables to be pronounced delicately and fluidly, like butter and sugar melting on your lips.

"We'll leave you guys alone, come find me later if you need someone to be with, SangHyeokie." MinSeok smiles before turning around and pulling MinHyung as if he were his personal puppy (the taller alpha smiles, so he likes it, what's so special about that treatment?) He watches them walk away into the crowd and his eyes return to SangHyeok, who had also finished following the couple with his gaze. He doesn't seem fazed in the slightest by being dumped with a total stranger, the captain of the basketball team, and possibly one of the most popular people in college. He looks too calm, isn't he nervous to have the alpha so close? Doesn't his mere presence make him alert? For a moment it makes him just a little angry, it bothers him that this boy who looks like a complete meal is relying on alphas and their closeness just like that, he doesn't know what kind of terrible alphas are in the world?

"I'm sorry they put the responsibility on you. You can tell me where the drinks are and I'll go on my own." It's the first thing SangHyeok says, his lips barely parting when he speaks and his hands kept crossed in front of his stomach. He even speaks elegantly, it's what JiHoon notices and the first characteristic he knows he'll become obsessed with. "It's not a problem! I'll take you there, I'm pretty bored." He answers with the thought of “stay cool and relaxed” in his brain. He can't seem like a nervous wreck so quickly, besides, why? If he's a normal guy, yup, someone completely normal about whom he knows absolutely nothing and it's not that he cares that much. Not at all.

They make their way in the sea of ​​aggressive and insistent bodies. The house is very big, but JiHoon is still JiHoon and attracts people wherever he goes, which doesn't let them continue a conversation or look at each other a little longer, SangHyeok comes behind his back like a lost child, but he knows that's not the case, he still radiates natural confidence. "What would you like to drink?" He asks once in the kitchen with the entire table of drinks and snacks at his disposal, but SangHyeok seems too focused on wandering his gaze around and not paying any real attention to JiHoon. "Whatever you want, something you like." He says, an answer that at first takes him off guard, then the alpha has to breathe to not explode, doesn't he realize that JiHoon is a full-fledged alpha to whom he can't say those things? He can take advantage of it! (which he won't, obviously, the very thought twists his insides the wrong way) He can force himself into SangHyeok’s heart with some well-prepared alcohol, can't he see that?

"You can't say those things to just any alpha, SangHyeok." He comments without apparent concern, as if his words were directed into the air while he prepares an orange juice with ice and a nice straw. If he wants to put alcohol in it, he wants it to be his decision, but JiHoon won't do it.

"Huh? What do you mean?" JiHoon looks up and there he sees that little face again. His neck slightly turned to the side, lips pursed, and cheeks puffed out so concealed that he wouldn't have noticed it without his insistent observation. His eyes are cat-like, but now they seem more open and slightly rounder than before, giving him soft features that are nothing short of elegant with his sharp and marked jaw. Could he be a beta? not strong enough to be an alpha, in fact, under his casual clothes you can notice how thin and bony he is, but not soft enough to be an omega. Now it's JiHoon who tilts his head, but he wouldn't have to wonder about that now, so he dismisses it and puts it in the drawer of things to think about later.

"Well, there are plenty of alphas out there who have malicious intentions and can take advantage of those responses if you're not paying attention." "Are you going to take advantage of me?" JiHoon pauses, incredulous at the question. "No." Reply. "Then there is no problem." SangHyeok smiles at him with his lips pressed together, it's a small gesture, but he still admires when his mouth corners make the effort to lift up for him. "I think I can detect if you're dangerous or not." "Still, you shouldn't trust so effortlessly. It makes me uneasy." Maybe he's talking too much already. One more beer may be the solution to that problem.

"Oh, is it some alpha instinct or something? I'm interested in that, I always wanted to learn." SangHyeok, suddenly and without JiHoon expecting it, approaches him until their chests are a forearm away. It was as if he were studying a subject, seeing how far he could push him to give him the answers he sought and then coldly documenting his results on paper. "Maybe it's alpha instinct, yeah, or I was just worried for your safety." "But you don't know me." Good point. "But I've seen you before, that's knowing." "Yes? Where do you know me from?" That hurts his ego hard, opening a small hole in his chest at the knowledge that SangHyeok hasn't even realized he's in his class. He wants to make a sad grimace, but he keeps it “cool and relaxed”. "Advanced programming, I took the elective because I am very interested in the subject and I know a lot about it." He pauses, finishing his explanation about himself and then concluding his speech with: “You stand out a lot.” The opposite eyebrows raise a little, there is fun in them. His natural peach lips parting in recognition of the words. He is too cute to walk around alone, JiHoon concludes.

"Thank you. But, I'm sorry, I didn't notice you." Another cold dagger stuck in his heart. Well JiHoon, breathe and relax, it's not the end of the world. "I know you from the basketball team, I know several guys there so I go to the games regularly. I try hard to understand, but it's useless" He lets out the lowest and almost imperceptible laugh of all and proceeds to drink some of his orange juice. His lips wrap around the straw like a second home and JiHoon has to look away or his thoughts will become too wild. Now that he has seen him up close, it feels wrong to think that way about him. "Oh, have you seen me, then?" He stumbles over his words, a common first-year rookie mistake. You can tell that SangHyeok is at least in his third year because of how comfortable he looks, how he flows with the space and intertwines with everything he sees like he owns it. Quite a spectacle.

"Well...yes? You're the captain." There's a strangeness to his grimace that shouldn't be as endearing as it is. He even forgets that he has humiliated himself as soon as that amused scowl enters his field of vision. Tiny wrinkles appear on his forehead and between his eyebrows, giving a little more hardness to his usually serene face, it is a hilarious image for his in love self. "I mean, anyway, I'm intrigued. You're finishing your first year and you've already been named captain? You must have something special." He pauses, batting his eyelashes unconsciously. “Maybe I should pay more attention to you…” It's curious to see those little ramblings that SangHyeok has, how he forgets the main conversation and gets lost in his thoughts, posing options even when JiHoon's almost black eyes are on him. It's quite a charm, really. He has no idea how he survived this long without striking up a conversation with this beauty.

"Maybe you should." His flirtation is fluid and subtle, a slight inclination of his chest and face towards SangHyeok, as if wanting him closer, wanting to hear better all that intelligent talk he lets out as soon as he opens his mouth. Said boy just smiles without showing a bit of his teeth, he always does it like that, as if it were a silly courtesy that he has to maintain with JiHoon. "I will. I promise." He answers and closes the conversation without further comments or questions, while diverting his valuable attention to the rest of the kitchen and bar. Is he running away from JiHoon's gaze? Or is that just a strange idea resulting from his insistent crush? The second, probably. "Hmm, hyung, did you come with someone else?" He asks, resting in a relaxed position against the shiny marble. Pretending to be someone carefree, pretending he knows what he's doing when it comes to someone as cute as SangHyeok. "I'm worried you won't have anyone to take you home."

He thinks he has ruined everything when there's a seconds-long silence between them, when Sanghyeok stays still and doesn't even look at him, depriving him of those curious, bouncy little brown eyes. Then SangHyeok bursts out laughing. "Huh? Did I say something funny...?" JiHoon mutters, dismayed that he had unconsciously made a fool of himself. His face scrunches in obvious embarrassment, but the beta's low, melodious laugh (because that's what he is, right? A beta) slowly soothes his cardiac, fatalistic thoughts. "It's a campus, JiHoon. I don't need anyone to take me" Oh, so that was it. Well... he's not going to let this little slip-up ruin him, he can still handle it and continue to be “cool”.

The alpha regains his confidence at lightning speed and prepares to ask words that he has not yet processed, words that his heart spits out and not his rigid mind. "SangHyeok hyung, let me take you to your residence." Oh, he stopped laughing instantly... gaffe, perhaps? He has gone too far, surely...he should have known that SangHyeok is someone who needs prior trust for this kind of thing, why can't he wait a little longer? He probably thinks he's a child, a teenager fresh out of high school who will never have any idea how to treat a man like Lee SangHyeok. "Well..." It creates a suspense in which JiHoon suffocates even more. He has always been the type of person to drown and completely lose himself in a glass of water. "I don't promise a very long way, I'm two buildings away."

JiHoon is sure that he is surviving on auto mode from that moment on. He is sure that his feet have left the earth and now his body is on its way to the highest heaven to reside there for the rest of eternity...or maybe he is just leaving his bedroom next to Lee Sanghyeok, the shorter one leading the way out of the residence with his pretty legs and hips fluttering around as if they were not the most hypnotizing sight, as if they were not the first thing that catches his eye above the starry night or a pinkish sunset.

"Will you come?" He didn't realize it when he stopped in the middle of the stone path, his feet suddenly heavy thanks to all the daydreams that had consumed his thoughts. The image of Sanghyeok and him returning to the dorms, looking for each other after class, sharing groups of friends, holding hands- Is it too much? JiHoon is just a chronic dreamer, no one will ever have to know about these thoughts and how his heart can't stop beating like a steam engine, loud and insistent. It's pathetic, if you ask him. He knows he has to stop right now. "Lead the way, Hyung." A smile as bright as the midday sun spread across his face.

They walk side by side in a step that denotes pleasure for the moment. It shouldn't be so intimate between two people who just met and barely know each other's lives, but it is (or that's how JiHoon feels in his head that's spinning around and around and around). "Hyung, are you graduating soon?" JiHoon begins, who is not a big fan of silence, he hates hearing his ears ring. "Hmm? I'm only in my third year, I still have some time left here. You're starting your second year, right?" The conversation doesn't linger too long on SangHyeok. It makes JiHoon wonder why when he looks like the most interesting being on earth. "That's right. Balancing my life between my studies and basketball is complicated, but I think I've done a good job." His answer is short, he can't wait to hear more about this guy. "Do you have any other interests?" He fights back in this little game of who can talk the least about themselves. "Well...I don't do much. I lead a book club, I tutor, I play chess in campus tournaments from time to time...I do yoga, I knit, I write..." The expression of disbelief on JiHoon's face is worth gold. From that perspective, he is a complete slacker who, when he is not on the court or in class, sits down to play video games with a bag of chips religiously.

"You do a lot of things, hyung, believe me." He laughs between sentences. “Give yourself the credit you deserve.” JiHoon murmurs, looking at SangHyeok's ever-high profile. The bow on his lips is so perfect and defined even so. He doesn't stop himself from licking and biting his own lips in response to the sight, something close to hunger forming in his chest. "You think?" The oldest finishes with a smile.

Despite the slight pace of their walk, they cannot escape the imposing building in front of which SangHyeok places his feet firmly. They have reached their destination. "Is it a residence for all secondary genders, hyung?" He asks with genuine curiosity and a latent desire to continue the conversation. They never touched on that topic in their hour and few minutes together. "Only omegas and betas, JiHoon, the alphas either reside in fraternities or have their own buildings." He answers like a mentor, putting his hands in his jacket pockets. JiHoon wishes he didn't have it so he could give him his. "Still...isn't it dangerous to leave omegas and betas together?" "I don't think it's right either, but it's a campus negligence like many others. Poor omegas who have to share a room with betas, luckily that's not my case." Each of those words slides like honey between SangHyeok's pompous, hydrated lips, so distracting that he almost overlooks the important information being given to him without asking. What did he mean? Isn't it his case to share a room with a beta being an omega? Or is it not his case to share a room with an omega being a beta? JiHoon is about to open his mouth to bring any questions to his lips, but he knows it's all over when he can only see three-quarters of SangHyeok's angular face as he turns around. "Good night, JiHoonie" He waves his hand in his direction, the door to the building is ajar to enter.

Without processing what he is going to say, he speaks. "Come see me on Saturday! I have a game!" He stumbles over the first word without an ounce of composure or elegance. "I will, I wasn't lying when I said I wouldn't take my eyes off you." SangHyeok finally answers and enters the building, only giving the thirsty alpha a view of his back wrapped in a fluffy black coat. “JiHoonie.” Being alone under the ivory light of the moon, he tests his own name on his lips, but it is impossible for him to replicate that sweet tone that SangHyeok has. Now more than ever, he won't be able to stop thinking about that cute smile with adorable teeth.

Next week feels like forever for a Jeong JiHoon who doesn't have much else on his mind other than thin hands and cat eyes. "Man, pay attention!" Moon HyeonJun's voice breaks his thoughts along with a friendly tap on the back of his neck. They are warming up to later train, but it ends up being quite obvious that the captain's mind was somewhere else far and remote. His lips pursed into a pout and he had to force his legs to move, he had to give a good performance in the next match (even if it was a friendly one) if Sanghyeok would be there. It didn't matter if it was a simple game of monopoly, a drinking contest, or the game that would decide his basketball future, he was going to impress Lee SangHyeok and capture his full attention like a moth attracts a light.

“JiHoon” A thick voice reaches him from behind with some light gasps because of the exercise accompanying it, the figure soon stands next to him like an immovable oak looking for something in particular. Suspicion increases when he notices that it is Lee MinHyung. For some time now, it was as if the alpha maintained a chronic precaution against his person, an invisible barrier that was actually made of impenetrable steel. Is it due to his alpha nature? How close has he become with MinSeok? But…if something about it had bothered him, he is sure that he would already be aware and a few meters away from the omega with a restraining order on his legal record. “I heard you brought SangHyeokie hyung home last night…anything I should worry about?” A shiver runs down the captain's spine at the words; it is, without a doubt, an almost explicit threat. The scariest thing of all is that MinHyung continues jogging with that friendly resting expression on his face…What?

Silence falls like a harsh blanket between them (as quiet as a gym can be with bouncing balls and loud conversations in the corner). JiHoon has no idea how to answer, he has a feeling that whatever he says, even if it's that he'll take care of SangHyeok with everything he has for the rest of eternity, will be wrong. Tremendously wrong. “I don't think I'm understanding-” He retorts, but he knows he has failed before he even finishes his sentence. “Oh, that's exactly what you're thinking, JiHoon.” His pause is dramatic. “Hurt him and I will finish you…okay?” For the first time they look into each other's eyes and JiHoon just knows that he has to give up this time, he knows that mumbling will give MinHyung a bad image of himself and he has decided that is the last thing he wants. He nods like a docile puppy and swallows, his pronounced Adam's apple aching in his throat, generating a constant weight there, since when is Lee MinHyung so scary? He understands that SangHyeok is his friend and something different from an alpha, which awakens his instincts more easily, but he never imagined that their relationship would be so deep. “SangHyeokie hyung told me how happy he is to watch Saturday's game and I know it's because of you, so don't ruin it. I know I'm not the only one willing to break your neck-”

The isolated conversation ends there, because soon Park JaeHyuk butts in along with Kim SeongHoon who carries rather a serious expression, an unspoken concern settles there. “SangHyeok hyung?” He questions with a voice that comes out much harsher, his crossed arms also not helping much to relax his posture and calm his aura. “We heard Hyung's name, that's why we came.” JaeHyuk clarifies with a little smile on his face, he is sweating all over and his biceps stand out thanks to his sleeveless shirt. They were both already on the team when JiHoon was positioned as captain a few months ago and they made sure to give him a good welcome back then, earning a place in his heart just like the rest of the team.

But, well, that was definitely not the point now, what do they mean by SangHyeok hyung? Is he everyone's hyung at this university? Why did so many people know him before him? Suddenly, a heat settles in the pit of his stomach the wrong way, his brows taking on a furrowed appearance just as his chest takes on a higher, inflated position, trying to match these strong athletes who outnumber him. His alpha feels threatened.

“Oh yeah, JiHoonie met him recently and invited him to see us on Saturday. We were talking about that.” the way MinHyung's expression changes is something impressive and almost comical (but not for JiHoon, who has been threatened). “I invited him too about two weeks ago…” SeongHoon says, already perking up at the mention of Saturday’s game. Well, JiHoon couldn't pretend that SangHyeok was a hermit without any friends, surely many people know him and have thought the same as him, that he is beautiful and someone worth admiring. “Me last week!” Now it's JaeHyuk with that permanent smirk on his face. For a second JiHoon thinks he is making fun of him for not being in “SangHyeokie hyung's” Dongsaengs club earlier.

“I'm sure Boseong invited him since he found out about the season schedule a few months ago…” “Geonwoo did too! He made hyung a very cute invitation, he let me see it.” “Oh, what about Hyukkyu? He makes a schedule for him so he doesn't forget a game or an outing. He's psychotic” “Well, to defend him, I would be very sad if hyung misses any of our games. I couldn't play the same way” JaeHyuk finishes and the other two nod, as if he had said a universal truth, something that should be written on a sacred stone and is already the law of the world. But JiHoon, oh JiHoon who had no idea what he was getting into, can only think: What-?

The conversation ends when the coach comes for them, but he is not able to get rid of MinHyung's threatening gaze. Should he thank him for not telling the others about his intentions with SangHyeok? For sure, yes. They are all older, top-notch alphas who would break his spine in two if he messed with the hyung they loved so much. Again, what?

The long-awaited Saturday arrives and JiHoon, from the moment he opens his eyes in the morning, already has overwhelming energy to give his best today. He has already calculated everything, perhaps if he stands out too much he will be able to get a date with -you-know-who- (obviously hidden from the others) and he will be able to begin a beautiful love story that will last until the end of time and will transcend all existing barriers.

Ah yes, that is a completely realistic dream. The fresh air floods his heart when, without him realizing it, they are already warming up to face a nearby university that has just started competing with its basketball team. It will be an easy enemy so that JiHoon can show off to the fullest today (hopefully).

The stands begin to fill little by little, the majority just sit down but there are always those who carry a banner in the front row and cheer on the players with silly little dances (read, MinSeok). A laugh leaves his lips when he sees the boy already shouting when five starting players begin to come out to adopt their respective positions, he squints his eyes to be able to read the sign he is carrying... “Lee MinHyung #1 in my heart #1 in my mouth” along with many hearts of different colors, why would he expect something different from MinSeok? No idea. He's about to look away when by accident, his eyes wander about two places to the right and that's when he sees it.

Wrapped in a scarf and coat that makes him look tiny next to his crooked glasses due to the laugh he let out, the one that lifts his cheekbones and highlights the softness of his cheeks like an ode. It's the first time he has seen him laugh like that, as if he didn't have a single worry in the world and could let go of everything he knows. It's almost magical to witness, JiHoon wants to live in that moment when everyone stays silent and he just imagines the angelic sound of SangHyeok's laughter. Is that too much to ask for? Hot air expels from his lips at the longing that grows in his chest uncontrollably, he also wants to make his SangHyeokie hyung laugh that way.

Even though his legs feel stuck on the floor of the court, he knows he has to move to start the game. He walks heavily towards the center with his eyes fixed on a figure that does not yet see him, and so, without having the slightest knowledge of JiHoon's romantic problems, the referee begins with a shrill whistle that stuns his brain for a few fleeting seconds, ones that he takes to appreciate SangHyeok's profile with a sculpted and carved appearance before he turns around and their eyes meet, attracted like two magnets that have been drifting for too long. He wants to scream, wants to call his name in a tone that reflects the enthusiasm blooming in his chest, but a bump of another shoulder against his brings him back to the real world and encourages him to do his best while he can. After all, those cute eyes are already on him and that's all he needs to get going.

The first two quarters of the game carry complications with them, the team has not played together for a few weeks which has affected their synergy deeply and makes them look lost. What is individual ability in a team sport? He asks himself at the end of the disastrous and almost humiliating second quarter of the game. The mortifying memory of how he didn't respond to a rebound clearly aimed at him floods his mind and makes him hold his forehead with his sweaty right palm. JiHoon closes his eyes while the coach gives up the last few minutes of rest for individual recovery.

His lips harboring sweat in his cupid's bow latch onto a bottle of water firmly, the liquid penetrating and cooling his body like a breath of cool breeze at the pinnacle of summer. It's a bit like SangHyeok, he thinks and laughs in a whisper like a child who thinks something he shouldn't. SangHyeok who entered his life like a small wave, a wave that comes in formation from miles away in the sea, but when it crashes on his shore, it does so with grace and a slowness that catches him and settles comfortably in the depths of his being. Too much for a guy he just met? Not if that boy is Lee SangHyeok, of course.

“Captain, is everything okay?” A slap that makes him stagger falls on his back. MinHyung's skin is shiny, his hair is messy, and he evokes an unusual image when he's not wearing his thin frame glasses, perfect for his face. He always looks calm. JiHoon can't help but wonder if there is anything in the world that can make this boy nervous, but he always ends up realizing that no, nothing can distress this boy who is an oak in every sense of the word. Its shell is hard and impossible to scratch even with the sharpest claws.

“Yes, I'm sorry. Just distracted and…a little nervous.” He answers in a low voice, not being able to connect glances, why can't he be as calm as him? "Why?" MinHyung asks, “It's not an important match, it's just to open the season.” he finishes, calling JiHoon's eyes to his for a wordless discussion. “I wanted to do well-” He tries to say, but fails to be interrupted before worse thoughts reach his brain. “You're doing well, the team is just rusty,” He laughs, “isn't it about something else? Someone to do it well for?” MinHyung pricks his side with his words, many sharp needles telling him that the boy knows it. He knows who it is.

“I wanted to impress him,” JiHoon murmurs, “I haven't done anything relevant today.” MinHyung rolls his eyes and laughs like it's the stupidest thing he's ever heard. Is he really dealing with an alpha right now? Because JiHoon looks like a puppy who only bats his tail for his owner. “But you have done like ten points, I think? We’re at thirty-four now!” exclaims the alpha, trying to infect him with his serenity and inexhaustible optimism. “You also made a really good shot from our side of the court, I'm sure he saw it.” Of course, that doesn't convince the insecure soul that JiHoon can be, why does he always have to see his biggest mistakes? as if they were the main attraction…It's frustrating, he wants to be satisfied just one time in his life. A heavy sigh is born and expelled from the base of his lungs, an agony he doesn't know how to face stuck there.

He is about to reply to say something worse when the coach warns that there are only about two minutes of rest left before entering the third quarter. “You don't have to be the best for him, if that's what you're worried about. He already likes you like that.” MinHyung mumbles just to the two of them and it takes JiHoon a few brief moments to catch what he really means. "Eh?" He tilts his head and deepens his scowl at an alpha who now looks a little embarrassed, as if he's stuck his nose in where he's not wanted. “What do you mean by that?” JiHoon asks with newfound authority and curiosity. He raises his head and his eyes look for a response from MinHyung who seems to want to ignore the situation as soon as possible. “Minhyung.” Although said boy is older than him (a few months only), JiHoon is still the captain and from whom MinHyung has been receiving orders during the last semester, so he can't complain now, it's too late.

“Do you think he never noticed you? That he never mentioned you to us after a game?” The alpha responds with cheeks tinted a pale pink, clearly speaking against his will now. “He admires you. He likes you,” MinHyung replies, “and that's an understatement.”

Something inside JiHoon collides, like a burst of meteorites crashing into his weak, longing planet. His breathing falters and a drop of sweat from his forehead makes its way to the ground, hitting there like the beginning of a rain, like the one he experienced right after dropping SangHyeok at his residence the other day. He remembers thinking: “Thank goodness the rain didn't get him” and he continued on his way back. “What about the others? Aren't they like in love with him?” For some reason, he can't bring any more intelligent questions to his lips, not able to get more information out of MinHyung just yet. “You mean the guys? They’re literally hyung’s little brothers and I can include myself in that,” He laughs, “you know, we feel very protective of him because of that.” He puts an emphasis on the last word that continues to intrigue JiHoon, but for now he won't ask, he just wants to finish this game and have a long conversation with the boy of his dreams.

“Come on, guys!” The coach encourages with his raspy tone, the one that denotes experience. JiHoon walks out onto the court at the head with his other four players, leaving the rest of the team behind so they can take their seats from the uncomfortable stone bleachers. He wants to concentrate, he really wants to find that focus within himself that will allow him to finish and win the match, but his mind returns to his most recent realization.

SangHyeok knows him, SangHyeok has had his eyes on him for a long time, SangHyeok lied to him that night leaning against the kitchen counter. He had no qualms about letting out a “I haven't seen you before” from those beautiful, naturally pink lips. “He just likes to make things interesting, he hates everything dull. He wanted to tease you, push you a little.” MinHyung's last words that helped seal his doubts repeat in his ears, the blood inside reverberating like a band drum. A smile breaks his face, and when he least notices it, he already hears agitated cheers and ridiculous chants from the audience. This guy is really something. Ah, SangHyeok, SangHyeok, SangHyeok.

The last two quarters of the game passed like a blur in his mind. Now he is sure that he can give his best without pressure, so his goal is to demonstrate why he was really chosen as captain at such a young age. He manages to score twenty-two more points, leaving Seoul Central University at 102 points and his rivals at 98 at the end of the game to finally finish that final quarter that frees him from his responsibilities for today. As the referee announces the end of the game, the stands explode in a bustle that JiHoon had never paid attention to so closely. It leads him to realize that he actually did well today, that he managed to bring home a victory along with the rest of his team. He feels satisfied with himself.

Their brief moment of enjoyment is interrupted by people now running from the stands towards the players. Some just to congratulate them in a normal and ordinary way, but others (read, MinSeok again) jump to hook their legs on their boyfriend's waist and kiss his face with clicks that are too loud for those next to them (read, JiHoon). He's about to give up on his wait and just go out looking for a certain little person like a deranged man, but when the sea of ​​people parts to let in a SangHyeok who looks at him with charming shame, he knows that everything in his life has been worth it.

“Hyung!” His excitement is breathed in the air like a fresh, summer breeze. He feels warm despite the cold seeping through the sleeveless shirt he wears. Is this the effect of Lee SangHyeok and his subtle bunny smile? Those teeth that stick out without permission…unfair, terribly unfair to his heart and arteries that jump without thinking. “Hi, JiHoonie.” He says, bringing their bodies closer, like within a forearm's length. “You did very well.” Although there are no legs wrapping around his waist like in his fantasies, these shy words are enough to plant a seed of bliss inside him. “I couldn't take my eyes off you…I usually just look away and focus on other things, I don't understand sports that much,” he takes a breath, “but you stole my attention today.” Sanghyeok finishes with a sincere smile, one of his hands close to his own heart to warm it. JiHoon wants to take it between his fingers and kiss her until they are one, until he has enough of his hyung’s flavor. Needless to say, that doesn't happen, the only thing there is room for now are shy smiles and fleeting glances that escape from each other. There's a pinkish tint on SangHyeok's cheeks that he can't ignore now, when the noise from the court begins to dissolve and only footsteps are left leaving the place. “Thank you so much, hyung.”

He stops for a few seconds, taking courage. “Hyung, you know- I've been thinking…” The words come out low and hurried, so much so that the older man has to get closer until he's almost under his chin. He's not exactly small, but next to JiHoon and his much broader frame, he feels that way. “Mhm?” SangHyeok mutters as he stops, it's too close to act normal. Other clumsy words leave his lips, none of them completely understood, but he knows he needs to talk, he needs to ask his hyung out now before the confidence and adrenaline rush that that match brought dissipates and is reduced to nothing. “How about...you and me, just us-” “I can't hear-” SangHyeok's words are interrupted by an arm wrapping around the older man's thin shoulders. Even now he can hear voices behind him, something combined with laughter and kissing.

“SangHyeokie hyung, captain, aren’t you going to the team dinner?” JaeHyuk's excited voice destroys all his plans in a second, like a little paper note with a confession that is crumpled and thrown into the trash by the teacher. He wants to sigh, he wants to kick, he wants to go to his bedroom and roll around in the sheets until he gathers enough courage again. “Hyung doesn't usually go…but he seems free today, doesn't he?” JaeHyuk asks again and JiHoon can't help but wonder if this was his initial plan, to ruin his time alone with SangHyeok. “Huh? Yes- I'm free…” There is a dull, almost disappointed tone in the voice that previously sounded confident and excited as it complimented the team captain. He manages to connect their gazes for a second and only can see some embarrassment, the blush still persistent. Well, another day it will be.

After the awkward interaction (only for JiHoon and SangHyeok, the others seem as lively as ever), JiHoon is forced to stay with MinHyung and MinSeok on the way to the fast food restaurant. The couple, who cannot stop touching and kissing, leave him out of any interaction while he can only look at SangHyeok's thin back through his fluffy coat and scarf still religiously wrapped around his snowy neck. He is surrounded by the other boys, JaeHyuk keeps an arm on his shoulders, BoSeong is next to him humming animatedly about anything, SeongHoon only keeps his hands clasped while he looks at his hyung as if he were hanging the stars... and the others, Hyukkyu and Geonwoo, are just on the sides enjoying the scenery and the few words that come out of their hyung’s mouth, always so calm and planned.

“Oh, HyeonJun, Wooje and Joonie were planning to join later. Those two wanted time alone and HyeonJoonie wanted to go to his residence for a while, you know he gets overwhelmed when there's too much noise and too many scents…” Geonwoo breaks out of his silence to comment with a glow on his face that JiHoon hadn't seen before. Yes, he saw them together several times, even hugging at the end of a game…oh. Well, he can ask later what exactly happens between the two since they are quite private, they don't usually see HyeonJoon during the off-season. He is like a slippery squirrel.

The walk to the restaurant is a good fifteen minutes that JiHoon spent sulking, although he was quick to grab a table and a good seat, curiously SangHyeok followed him like a lost and anxious kitten. Oh, so now they're sitting side by side...JiHoon smiles knowingly as he looks at the table shyly, something inside him tells him that his hyung is doing the same thing, that he wants to try to hide the persistent peach skin blush on his cheeks. “What are you going to order, Hyung? Ask for whatever you want, I'll invite you.” The childish embarrassment passes, so JiHoon decides to get a little closer with the menu in his hands so they can take a look at it together. His attention is immediately captured by the wide selection of desserts displayed one by one next to their ingredients. He can tell that SangHyeok is also interested, he knows it by his big, expressive eyes, accompanied by cat ears that his imagination draws. What should he do when SangHyeok is so cat-like? Can't he imagine him with cute little ears and a tail wrapping around his waist? …Well, maybe that's too much.

“Mhm…I want ice cream, but it's too much for me.” JiHoon instantly looks at the menu, the only options that contain ice cream are cups of multiple flavors and toppings. The alpha frowns. “But won't it make you cold? It’s freezing outside and it’s not exactly warm here either.” He reasons while looking at the older man's profile with curiosity. Fortunately, the others seem immersed in their conversations and individual menus, they have some time before SangHyeok is stolen from his arms again. “That doesn't matter. There are more ways to warm up,” he says, “actually, I was just asking if you wanted to share it with me.” His voice is suddenly low, with a suggestive tone that JiHoon never thought could come so naturally from those smart lips. Is he flirting with him? “There are more ways to warm up…” SangHyeok's voice repeats in his mind like a mantra, exactly what ways? In his mind there are only those that involve two bodies dangerously close.

“Yeah, I also quite like ice cream. Besides, I can’t let hyung freeze, I have to take care of him.” He mumbles the last part, but knows SangHyeok has heard when a soft laugh leaves his lips and is drowned in his palm. Once the waitress arrives at the table to take the order, everyone pronounces their order, including JiHoon who speaks for both of them since SangHyeok is resting his eyes against the back of the sofa. He doesn't blame him, the lights are too bright here, almost piercing his retinas mercilessly. At least, he lives the joy of being able to observe the entire opposite face without worries. It seems like his lips are set in a permanent smile, his cupid's bow so pronounced that JiHoon doesn't doubt that the god of love has granted it to him himself. It's hypnotic.

In the middle of the wait, the restaurant doors open with a sharp ringing of a bell and three bodies enter, the first shaking his boots on the entrance mat while the other two have an almost secret conversation while holding hands. JiHoon knows how hard it is to be the third wheel, so he can only feel sorry for HyeonJoon. “Joonie!” Geonwoo shakes his hand even though the boy had obviously seen them already. The three of them walk over and take the available seats (Geonwoo forces SeongHoon to move away from him to fit HyeonJoon between them), waiting for the food to arrive on the table. Apparently, HyeonJun and Wooje sent a message saying what they wanted to eat.

“Why not come directly to us…?” MinHyung asks the couple sitting next to him. They both look at each other knowingly and MinSeok just wants to hit his forehead with his palm, his boyfriend can be a little innocent sometimes, yup, that giant of 1.80 centimeters tall and the body build of a semi-God. “Their business, MinHyungie, you don't want to know.” MinSeok murmurs, planting a kiss on his alpha's cheek. Deep down, he also wants to leave to finally have some time alone and do everything they couldn't due to the arduous week of training. His stomach warms at the thought, his insides flutter and his thighs clench. MinSeok has to force himself to breathe or his pheromones will spread throughout this small restaurant with little or almost no ventilation. He is the type of omega who hates odor patches, so he has to work three times as hard to regulate his emotions.

The food doesn't take long to arrive and before JiHoon can wake SangHyeok from his micro sleep, the boy is already leaning over the table with his bright eyes fixed on the prize: the cup of ice cream that rises accompanied by a cherry on top. With his naked eye, JiHoon can see cookies, vanilla, chocolate and raspberry ice cream. They're not his favorite flavors, he's always preferred something less cloying, but he's determined to try them all today if that's what SangHyeok wants (or if not, he can just eat whatever his eldest doesn't like. He's not going to hurt anyone by pretending about his taste in ice cream for one night).

“Hyung, you go first.” JiHoon murmurs with a permanent smile on his lips, the moment feels intimate even if his surroundings flutter with conversations, footsteps and jingling bells. SangHyeok glances at him as he nods, takes a long, thin spoon and without waiting too long, stabs it into the vanilla ball at the top, displacing the cherry under a few more layers of ice cream. He brings that white consistency to his lips with natural elegance, squinting his eyes when it reaches his taste buds and delights them. JiHoon can't take his eyes off him even if he was being threatened by it, it's beautiful, it captures his gaze and tattoos his retinas with that image of SangHyeok turning his face to give him silent approval. “It seems like you liked it, that's enough to make me happy.” He tries subtle flirting, but when there's no reaction other than another spoonful landing on those rosy lips, he knows he has to be more direct. “You make a very cute expression, I wish I could take a photo and keep it for myself.” Is that weird? Apparently not, SangHyeok looks pleasantly surprised and in an uncharacteristic gesture, he looks away with shame that is visible for miles. He can already imagine the blush building behind those cheeks, he wants to be bathed in that baby pink hue.

Eventually, JiHoon discovers that no flavor of ice cream can be too cloying if he's sharing it with the boy sitting next to him. He has to pause between spoonfuls to breathe, collect himself, and look around to see if anyone at this table has realized how lost he is for Lee SangHyeok. Hmm...it seems not...oh, BoSeong, SeongHoon and JaeHyuk's gazes are on him suddenly, they look so intimidating with their arms crossed against the back of the chair- oh, they've already turned away. Strange, like they were just supervising the interaction.

“JiHoonie, won't you eat more? It will melt and soon they will start ordering alcohol” SangHyeok leans against his body, lending his warmth for a few seconds. That nickname feels too sweet on his tongue, he's afraid he'll get dizzy just from it. “You don't like that, hyung? Don’t you drink?” He asks to keep the conversation going as he puts a couple of slow spoonfuls into his mouth, all to prolong this moment. “No, I don't drink. But they do enjoy it a lot…” he pauses, “I can handle it once in a while, but most of the time I pack my things before it starts. “That’s the reason I never go to post-game dinners.” He finishes, but it seems that his lips itch to say something else. “Hence why we didn't know each other before… it's a shame.”

That conversation he had with MinHyung in the locker room returns to JiHoon's mind. SangHyeok had already had his sharp, cat-like eyes on him for quite some time… how good he is at hiding those little things just for some more excitement. JiHoon isn't going to tell him that he knows until many, many more conversations (and hopefully, after many kisses).

“It comforts me to think that we have plenty of time to get to know each other now.” JiHoon says, his elbow resting on the table as he admires the opposing profile for the tenth time that night. Even though he doesn't know SangHyeok's secondary gender yet, he himself is still an alpha, so initiative and unintentional flirtatious tone is what runs in his blood. “I want to meet you, hyung.” He raises his gaze, connecting it with the opposite one. “You're not a very open book and I only like that more.” He chuckles, delighted that SangHyeok's reaction is the same. “Maybe I can answer some of your questions when we get out of here…” It's a flirtation that bounces back and forth non-stop. JiHoon can't enjoy it more.

Without him realizing it, the small cherry that was at the bottom of the glass is between SangHyeok's lips, but it's only half. He breaks the skin of the fruit with a droplet sliding across his lips until they are soaked in crimson red. “Here.” He murmurs once he's finished with his half, bringing what's left to JiHoon's plush lips. By pure instinct he parts his lips and lets the cherry be gently wedged between them, he is not aware of when its sweet taste contaminates everything in his mouth, his mind is a haze in which there is only room for the satisfied expression that Sanghyeok is putting on at this moment. Like a proud cat, he thinks to himself. “It's my favorite part but I thought you might like some, am I wrong?” JiHoon hurriedly shakes his head, nervous that his reaction will be misinterpreted as rejection.

What was that?

His eyes remain unusually open as the cherry piece is crushed between his teeth. Sanghyeok continues to look at him. “Thank you for considering me, hyung” He murmurs, both lost in that little world they have created. The attraction is palpable, he swears he can reach out and grab a handful of it. As if they were enveloped in a haze of romance.

“Hyungie, JiHoon, do you want something to drink?” HyeonJun asks, always one of the most enthusiastic when it comes to getting blackout drunk. He feels sorry for Wooje now, he knows how annoying that alpha gets. “You know I don't drink, HyeonJunie.” SangHyeok murmurs, earning a “sorry” in a tone too soft to come from HyeonJun. JiHoon just shakes his head, expectant of what will happen now, the boy next to him told him a while ago that he prefers to leave when they start drinking. “Hyung?” He asks quietly, receiving a melodic hum in knowledge, Sanghyeok already putting his phone back in his pocket and fixing the knot on his unattended scarf. He's about to leave. “Can I accompany you? I will go to my residence later-” Oh, it seems that he has raised the tone of his voice too much. Geonwoo is quick to interrupt him.

“Well, about “going to your residence”…” He has an expression of guilt but childish malice on his face. Beside him, colors catch HyeonJoon's potato-stuffed cheeks. “I'll take Joonie today.” “And ill take Wooje!” Another voice dictates from the other side of the table. “I'll go too” And another one, it can't be anyone other than MinSeok because of that annoying Chihuahua tone he has. JiHoon goes to dramatically bury his face in his hands, but another sound different from the rest stops him. It's SangHyeok. “Does that bother you?” He asks under the watchful eyes of SeongHoon, BoSeong, and JaeHyuk. Three crows watching their next prey. “Oh- well…” He no longer knows what is right to answer, will they really break his neck like MinHyung said?

“Yes, it's a little uncomfortable. Although I know I can't stop them…I'm just very modest with my things and my space.” He ends up saying something confusing, but it seems his hyung understands perfectly. Has he found his better half? He shakes off the thought quickly, this is not the time when it seems like several people at the table are going to pounce on him and bite his head off. “Stay with me today” Silence. All conversations around him were suddenly cut off. “WangHo, my roommate, will be with his boyfriend tonight. I don’t want to be alone either.” There's a vulnerability in those words that only JiHoon seems to understand. How the older man's gaze drops to his lap where his fingers play with the dead skin around his nails... it's tender, it's fragility. “That can't be, Hyung, you're an ome-” JaeHyuk fails to finish the sentence. “You're in an omega residence, it can be dangerous.” BoSeong responds with genuine and noticeable concern, his round eyes that do not resemble an alpha fixed on SangHyeok.

“You guys have spent the night there before, I don't see what the problem is. I trust JiHoonie.” And with that, it seems that no one else is able to refute SangHyeok's authoritative but still calm tone. The older man gave a quick glance at everyone at the table, as if that would calm the suddenly tense atmosphere. “We'll be leaving now, have fun for the rest of the night! Don’t drink too much.” He ends in a much sweeter and more patient tone, the one you would use with a child to warn them about the dangers of eating so many sweets. JiHoon's weak heart clenches tightly in his chest, how is it that discovering a new tone of SangHyeok's voice can accelerate his emotions and give him free rein to his thoughts?

JiHoon has his gym bag slung over his shoulder once he has gotten up from the couch that has welcomed him for the last long hour, sending an indecipherable look and a nod to all the guys on the team who seem anything but happy. They're like mad dogs meant to protect a little kitten, except SangHyeok is a grown man (older than them, by the way), not a cat, and he knows exactly what he's doing.

He follows SangHyeok's coat tail in a religious manner. He's more than aware of his alpha status, but what's wrong with letting this cute boy lead? Just turn off his brain for a moment and follow that soft trail of violet aroma that comes from that thin back. It's delicious, how did he not notice it before? It has a touch of almonds and everything...JiHoon lets out a lost and delighted sigh. The thought that SangHyeok's bedroom will also smell this way is a comfort and a fantasy.

“SangHyeok hyung?” He asks, falling next to the boy to walk down the path towards the campus dorms. “You really don't mind if I stay with you tonight? Won't they fine you for breaking the rules or something?” There's a pout in his tone, the last thing he wants to do is get his hyung in trouble or ruin what's left of his night. Of course, SangHyeok just laughs as he looks down at the ground, his ears red thanks to the cold that hits them. It seems that there is also a trace of blush rising up his cheeks but JiHoon can't capture it well, the light from the streetlights is too dim, and the moon, high in the sky, only illuminates SangHyeok from above, creating a whitish halo in his dark hair.

“We just don’t have to let them catch us. And you will have to be quiet.” He receives another, much more subtle laugh. “I know you can do it and you are not dangerous. It’s a hunch.” He pauses, making his strides smaller for a few seconds as he thinks about his next sentence. “Besides, I wanted to be with you a little longer.” He confesses, but he doesn't seem nervous like the girls in those dramas that JiHoon watches on television, no, SangHyeok has a confidence that says he knows that he himself is good company, one that is totally worth it. He knows that anyone would be honored to be in his presence even if it's just for a little while. That confidence is tremendously attractive and JiHoon has to force himself to breathe to not make his pheromones too obvious.

"Yeah? The feeling is mutual.” JiHoon goes blank for a few seconds, flirt with him! Says a voice inside. “I don’t think I can let hyung go now that I know him.” He turns his gaze to meet SangHyeok who puts the most wonderful expression on his face. He is surprised, it is evident, but he still tries to maintain that confident appearance that characterizes him. His eyebrows are subtly raised, his eyelashes serve as a delicate curtain to protect the pretty look offered by his brown eyes, and his lips… that attribute that JiHoon has dreamed about one or two embarrassing times this week, when he dreams that sweet things are murmured to him and many other more private, daring ones, those lips are raised in a cat-like smile and parted like an invitation, as if the alpha's eager tongue could fantasize about belonging among them.

There is silence for what seems like minutes, both of their strides have returned to normal and they are already close to the residence, so close that JiHoon can remember that beautiful night a few days ago when he fell for his hyung. “Don't do it, then.” It is a murmur that can be confused in the air. “Don't let me go.” And just with those words, JiHoon knows that he is completely lost, that there is no longer a return ship to the mainland, that now there are only the crystalline and serene waters that are Lee SangHyeok.

They arrive at the residence about five minutes later made of comforting and welcoming silence even in the darkness of the night, with the campus only illuminated by the streetlights. The complex of buildings looms large and JiHoon swallows like a frightened puppy, but luckily, there's a gentle squeeze on his bicep to encourage him. “Come on, I promise it's okay, no one checks the security cameras at this hour.” A cold, icicle-fingered hand makes its way into his much warmer one and takes it firmly as they enter the dark hallways to the elevator. At first, JiHoon isn't able to feel the sensation, he's just too worried wondering if they'll be able to get in easily, but once they're walking and SangHyeok leads the way to the end of the hallway, there's a realization and something that short-circuits his brain.

SangHyeok is holding his hand. He is holding his hand as they walk. He can feel his frozen fingers, he can feel the cracks in his skin. If JiHoon moves his thumb a little he will caress SangHyeok's blunt, manicured-looking nails…oh. Yep, he's going to faint right there. Since when has life been so good with him?

By the way, that doesn't happen because SangHyeok doesn't have time for nonsense like that. He has to think and guide them both to the fifth floor to lock that alpha away from other people's eyes and other misfortunes, something like someone coming out of their room and finding this handsome, tall man with soft cheeks in front of them, and then accusing them both with the university management. Yep, they have to hurry. “Shh.” SangHyeok puts his index finger against his pompous lips when JiHoon lets out a lost sigh. Does that really matter now? No. Maybe as soon as they enter the room and are alone...with some dim lighting and a few candles...No! Focus, Lee SangHyeok!

He manages to push JiHoon into the elevator and press the number five on the worn button board. They're still holding hands but no one is going to address that, it seems. "Here." The older man mutters, digging in his pocket to find a pair of keys accompanied by a black cat keychain. He inserts one into the lock, and as quietly as humanly possible, unlocks the lock while trying to avoid disturbing the sleep of those residing in the joint rooms. JiHoon has no idea what time it is, unfortunately time flies when he's so happy, but he would bet it's around two in the morning. It's Saturday and it's more than normal to arrive so late at night, but SangHyeok doesn't take that into account, preferring to be as cautious as the sleep already accumulated on his eyelids allows him.

The door opens before the eyes of an excited JiHoon. Knowing the space his hyung spends most of his time in feels like a privilege, like an award for being a trustworthy enough alpha. The mere recognition makes his heart skip a beat and his neck sweat, JiHoon can't believe this is really happening. Will it also smell like those delicious violets he smelled earlier on the road? With subtle notes of walnuts, vanilla, baby powder and white oak wood...it must be SangHyeok's perfume. How did he not notice it before? Maybe he doesn't use it every day...

Oh, his hyung has a scent patch on the back of his neck.

Oh. Oh. ¡Oh!

His chest trembles in a mix of nervousness and anxiety at the revelation (assumption, actually). From here everything is much clearer, when they are alone and the warm lights of SangHyeok's room surround them, something close to a transparent sticker can be seen covering half of the back of his hyung's neck, climbing up to cover the side, right where his scent gland should be. How did he not see it before? And even more important...How is it that his smell is still easily noticeable when he uses one of those patches? They look expensive, the regular ones are just an all concealed white gauze that sits on the wearer's neck. However, these are transparent.

"What do you think?" SangHyeok murmurs already inside the room, turns to face JiHoon and extends one of his hands without hesitation. The alpha is not able to register the movement, only when he feels a soft and harmless prick on his right cheek he can react.

SangHyeok is caressing his cheek.

Well not caressing. More like poking, poking at his plump cheeks to see what reaction he can get from the weak man that Jeong JiHoon is. He has even almost forgotten his previous realization thanks to the tender gesture, he is about to surrender to the touch and finally enjoy the alone time that was offered to him, but that's when he remembers. JiHoon needs to clear this up now before anything else. “Hyung, are you an omega?” Dead silence.

The finger that poked his cheek descends in slow motion until both of SangHyeok's hands are at his sides. Judging by how he is not able to connect his gaze with JiHoon's, his lips are wrinkled in a grimace and he does that cute tic of his of adjusting his glasses even if he doesn't need to, SangHyeok is embarrassed. "Yes, you are right. I wanted to tell you myself…” Pause, recovering the breath that began to fail due to his nerves. “I have some complications, I'm not a normal omega-” The older man can't even finish when JiHoon takes the direction of the conversation like a lightning bolt, he doesn't like that expression on SangHyeok's face, he wants to see him smile as beautifully as he did a few minutes ago in the elevator, gesturing for JiHoon to keep his voice low with that touch of amusement that never leaves him when they're together. “I like you like that! If you were beta, alpha, omega- well, that's what you are. There is no complication that could lead me to ignore my feelings for you.” He can't stop, he has many things to say and clarify now if that means not to lose his hyung's charming little smile. “I only said it because I was curious and wanted to clarify it, it's nothing more, hyung.” He bends down slightly to take the smaller man hands in his, he is smiling with tender concern.

SangHyeok wanted to kiss him at that very moment.

“You can tell me that right now, if you're not too sleepy—or tomorrow, or whenever you want, really.” His voice slowly lowers the hurried pace it acquired and his smile relaxes into a comforting grin, he wants to let his hyung know that he will be there to take care of him without wavering in his position for even a second. He wants to be a trustworthy alpha. “Okay, whatever you say.” SangHyeok murmurs. If the environment wasn't so quiet, JiHoon wouldn't have been able to hear it. “I can see if I have any clothes for you from the other guys.” His hands end up letting go and SangHyeok does exactly what he promised, rummaging through his small, cramped closet. "Oh- no need, I have some change of clothes here, besides I wouldn't like to smell other alphas while I'm with you..." He murmurs, but he knows that the omega has heard him when he closes the closet and laughs silently. “Just knowing that they were here already makes me anxious.”

“But now it's just you. Isn't that a good sign?” JiHoon can't see him properly because he's searching for said clothes in his own gym bag, but those words are enough to let him know that things are calm again, that his hyung has regained that serenity that characterizes him and makes him so pleasant and beautiful. Like a calm sea, like a slightly soft rock. “You're the only one I want here now.” Well, that's the other thing, it seems that SangHyeok has unleashed his flirtatious side without even letting him know. His tone of voice has hoarse and rather slow nuances, as if each syllable was carefully thought out to shake the insides of a certain Jeong JiHoon.

JiHoon could say that it's just cute and ignore his other thoughts, but no, in this environment of warm lights and subtly combined aromas he can't ignore it, he finds it tremendously sexy. Hot, even. This more risky and “in charge” facet of the elder lights a flame inside him that should not be very common for an alpha.

Does it have to do with their age differences? Maybe, or maybe JiHoon was just molded like that, to be a much more docile and malleable alpha. He likes the idea of ​​SangHyeok taking control, ordering him around, grabbing the back of his neck firmly to push him into a kiss…

“...I'll go change, hyung.” JiHoon dares to say, feeling like a blushing teenager avoiding all the questions and slightly romantic comments. He knows he's red up to his ears, but no one will broach that topic for now, he hopes the dim lamp can hide his silent longing. “Okay, the bathroom is there.” SangHyeok pauses, a somewhat malicious smile on his lips, a terribly attractive mischief. “For now, I'll think of a bed for you…Or do you want to sleep with me?” “I'll be right back!”

While JiHoon carefully closes the bathroom door and dramatically slides to the floor, SangHyeok really has to think of a bed for his visitor. When he invited him, he didn't exactly notice that, he was more focused on spending a night near that boy who sparked his interest without a warning. He wanted to be with him, to feel close to an alpha who had made his hidden but fierce omega flap his imaginary wing incessantly, what was wrong with that? Besides, SangHyeok is not stupid, he noticed JiHoon's attraction for him from the first word they shared and he just wants to take advantage of that soon, he is not the type of person who dances around the other until the attraction is suffocating, no, he likes to be direct when he has the opportunity.

Okay, now, the makeshift bed. Being an omega with such intense heats thanks to his “condition”, nesting and planning a comfortable space is one of his favorite activities, so he does not skimp on blankets, pillows or stuffed animals for company. He knows he can build something comfortable for JiHoon to have a restful, well-deserved night's sleep after that match (which he didn't understand much about, just that they won by a couple of points). The thought of pampering an alpha shouldn't light a fire in his lower abdomen as strongly as it does, there's a tender desire to prove how good he can be and not just as an omega, but as a partner.

In his tiny closet he easily finds those cloud-textured blankets that he uses to get through his most difficult moments (not just heats, but rather any overwhelming moment that requires isolating himself from the world in a well-planned nest, in a comfortable one that molds to his shape. Almost like a hug). He's lucky that the floor is naturally rug-like and acts as a base for his first cream-colored blanket, his favorite when it comes to textures for his hot, sensitive body. He knows that they are impregnated to the finest thread with his natural aroma, but he doubts that it is something that will bother JiHoon, he can always give him some medicine so that the smells are not so strong and abrasive for his inner alpha if he needs it. SangHyeok stops to listen for a moment, hearing the water running from the faucet in his bathroom, the alpha must be washing his face and finishing his nightly routine. SangHyeok knows he has to hurry up and finish.

He chooses one of the pillows on his bed since he doesn't have a spare one (and even less space to store them, the room is full of WangHo's things without leaving space for one more unnecessary purchase), and places it on the headboard accompanied by a stuffed animal of a kitten's face, so that he can accompany JiHoon on a night away from all the things that are familiar to him. Finally, SangHyeok chose two more blankets, one of them to delimit the edge of the improvised bed and thus make it more cozy, and the other just to cover the alpha from the freezing night that keeps filtering through the old and worn windows even if they are firmly closed. It is easy to notice that the building is old, that the university itself is pretty old (not counting recently built buildings, all made of smooth bone-colored concrete that differentiate and raise the status of the campus. They do not belong to SangHyeok or JiHoon's faculty, anyway), that many accommodations are needed for each secondary gender or mere aspects for a good quality of life. Still, SangHyeok loves this campus that has seen him discover himself and has welcomed him between its chopped brick walls, paths whose vegetation grows between the cracks and interesting residents like JiHoon.

SangHyeok stands up from the ground and looks at his creation in admiration. It looks like a cream cloud with pops of color like his stuffed animal or pillow with floral patterns. His chest swells with satisfaction, pride that he's been able to provide for the alpha he's interested in. “I'm done, I'm sorry if it took me too long…I promise I didn't touch anything in your bathroom, just some toothpaste.” JiHoon says as he turns off the bathroom light and half-closes the door where he came out. He is carrying a ball of dirty clothes in his hands and his hair looks much fluffier and softer than before when it was full of sweat from physical activity. It smells like something between deodorant, warm spices and grapefruit. It's obvious that he has removed his scent patch and SangHyeok wants to bounce off the walls of happiness. From what little he can pick up from their distance, JiHoon’s natural aroma is delicious and homely like spiced tea at midnight.

“Oh- what is this?” JiHoon notices it before the older man can react and guide him to the small nest he's put a lot of thought into. SangHyeok pouts inwardly, he wanted to introduce it in a suggestive tone and a position a little sexier than standing in his dotted socks. Of course, he doesn't intend to do anything of that nature with JiHoon, he just finds it amusing at the mere thought of making this alpha nervous. The thought of pushing him a little, perhaps provoking, appeals to SangHyeok. “I made it for you. I’m sorry if it has too much of my scent…tell me if it’s a problem.” SangHyeok crosses his fingers in front of his abdomen to stop moving them with obvious nervousness. Even though he is a generally calm person, he has his weaknesses that he struggles to hide from the eyes of others, as if no one ever saw his full face.

“It's not a problem, SangHyeokie.” JiHoon murmurs, taking small steps until the distance between them is a forearm's length, non-existent if they tilt their necks a few centimeters and allow themselves to be confused by each other's aroma and taste. “You are very thoughtful, thank you. I’ll have to buy you something or spoil you a little too.” The alpha smiles tenderly. At those words SangHyeok's heart really feels like a mischievous butterfly hammering and wanting to be released. For a second he swears the blood is pumping in his ears and his fingertips have frozen in surprise. The word softens him like a metal at the hottest fire, “pamper,” it repeats itself a few times in the back of his brain, a much less logical and more romantic space.

If no one stops him, SangHyeok will have no choice but to stand on his tiptoes and plant a kiss on those pompous lips now.

Of course he doesn't, because JiHoon, who sometimes doesn't know how to read the room very well, interrupts him. “Won't you put on more comfortable clothes, hyung?” Oh, right. SangHyeok is still in his street clothes not counting his shoes, he hasn't even chosen his pajamas. “I'll be right back, make yourself comfortable.” The older man smiled barely, searching in a drawer of his closet until he found a pair of fine fabric pajamas with white patterns. He quite enjoys high quality fabric rubbing against his skin since he is an omega so receptive to any stimulus.

He enters the bathroom instantly, closing the door behind him and leaving JiHoon with the room to himself. Can he bury his face in those blankets and soak up SangHyeok's scent now? He just has to be careful not to let the older one see his actions. He lets out a satisfied sigh and kneels on the pile of blankets, already feeling how they wrap his skin in a warm embrace, protecting him from the night that unfolds outside and sneaks into the room without caution. He can't resist simply lying face down against the pillow and hugging the stuffed animal next to him, it's as if his entire body recognizes SangHyeok's scent and feels impossibly drawn to it, as if his only purpose now is to be soaked in those blooming violets.

Of course, the scent is not exactly the same as he perceived it before, at that time SangHyeok was wearing a patch that retained his scent and distorted it slightly. Now, this whole factory smells like something natural, like something dangerously close to…a heat. It smells like violets, vanilla talc, nuts and natural musk with some lust as top notes. JiHoon has to be careful not to get dizzy when he recognizes it, SangHyeok spent his last heat wrapped up in all this and has left his scent desperate for relief everywhere. It doesn't take long for his mind to paint a very tempting situation that includes lack of clothing, excited faces, and timidly spread legs.

Because that's another part, it just smells like SangHyeok here. He has passed his heat alone.

The bathroom door opens with a click and a squeak before JiHoon's thoughts can reach more dangerous corners, corners he shouldn't be exploring in this space and time. Maybe tomorrow, being alone in his room, carrying his hyung's scent on his clothes...No! How bold and disrespectful, if SangHyeok could read his mind he would kick him out and never speak to him again- “Are you comfortable there?” There's a subtle, slightly embarrassed laugh in his ears - oh, of course, he still has his face buried in the pillow like a horny teenager. “I'm sorry…” “Don't apologize, it’s fine. Let's go to sleep.” SangHyeok says, crawling to the head of his own bed to wrap himself in his own blankets. JiHoon really wishes that bed didn't exist, that their only option was to sleep cuddling in the makeshift nest. Is that too daring?

“I'll leave my lamp on for a while, I hope you don't mind.” JiHoon hadn't even noticed, but all the other lamps (about four or five) that had been illuminating them for this short time had already gone out, completing their duty for the day. Now only a cute white mushroom-shaped lamp remained, radiating warm light inside. It was strangely charming like many things in SangHyeok, yes…although at the same time, no. JiHoon prefers to describe his hyung as “naturally charming”, a natural paradise. “It helps me sleep.” Now it's just a murmur, already affected by the weight and comfort of his own blankets, JiHoon can't help but turn to look at him. He has to raise his gaze since the bed is at a different height than his, but the subtle pain in his neck is worth it, SangHyeok is already looking at him with his half-closed, glasses-less eyes, being illuminated by the golden glow of the light.

The alpha swears he can see stars forming against SangHyeok's smooth, slightly shiny skin. Does he use any magical cream? “Good night, JiHoonie.” “Good night, hyung.”

They both close their eyes even in front of each other (at different heights, unfortunately) to try to get some rest. It has been a hectic day and it seems that the night is ready to lull them to sleep, but that simply does not happen. Five, ten, fifteen minutes pass until JiHoon has to change his position to be on his back, what is this he's feeling? Why is he just now feeling that romantic aura that awakens his heart and leaves it beating with warmth?

After a few minutes, he realizes that he can't calm down. It's like a little drop of anxiety...being so surrounded by things from the boy he likes, being in a makeshift bed prepared by that beautiful omega, the mere knowledge that he passed his heat here...and of course, having said boy just an arm's length away, having his kissable lips, his high cheekbones, his hair that is surely as soft to the touch as it looks...What is the feeling exactly? It's as if his inner alpha is acknowledging SangHyeok's presence in his life as a companion. Is this what it's like to be in love?

“Can't you sleep either?” The omega's sleepy voice crosses his ears like a caress under the sunset, it seems that sleep has made his vocal cords sweeter than they already are. It's charming. “I can’t…I’m sorry if I bothered you, hyung.” “Not really, don´t worry.” And again there are a few minutes of silence where only the blizzard outside and his own heart can be heard. “Maybe I have something that can help with that.”

He's going to turn his head and ask what it is with natural innocence, but as soon as his eyes catch the opposite small body getting rid of its own blankets and slowly crawling down to his makeshift bed, he has no words. No one says anything as SangHyeok makes his own way through the cream blankets and covers himself with them to build warmth around his body. He rests half of his face on the pillow they now have to share and they look into each other's eyes. “Does it bother you?” SangHyeok asks, but he already knows the answer. He knows JiHoon dies for him, dies for some contact tonight and for the rest of his life. “No, don't worry.” A simple answer to maintain his dignity, amazing.

The blankets collide and form a creamy, fluffy sound as the alpha turns to face each other. It's the same view he got before, but much closer. Like having a photo of your crush and zooming in until you see their birthmarks that reflect constellations. He can't deny that he's nervous, he doesn't know what's next.

A minute of silence happens. A moment to evaluate the situation of both parties.

They look at each other. JiHoon doesn't know if SangHyeok wants to talk a little longer, sleep like this, or is just waiting for him to give up and close his eyes, isn't it kind of awkward to do it face to face? Maybe too intimate for a first time. They continue looking at each other. “Uhm…” JiHoon hums, trying to break the discomfort that, it seems, only he feels. “What's wrong?” “Will we sleep like this?” “I’m really just waiting for you to turn around.” Oh. Well, the almost six-foot alpha will be the little spoon.

There's no point in denying that it made his heart race. That implicit dominance, ignoring their secondary genres, just doing what they feel at the moment. If SangHyeok feels like he wants to hug him and JiHoon feels like he wants to be hugged, there's nothing left but to surrender to the feeling and do it.

“Okay, good night, hyung.” He's nervous but finally ready to sleep, he thinks this will be his last look at SangHyeok before they close their eyes, so he takes a second to admire. He is very beautiful like this, so beautiful that he only wants a kiss from him, his attention and affection. There is nothing he wants more now, but it seems that the night is finally over and there is nothing left but deep sleep...yes...but…he can't fool himself, he really wants it, really, very much, infinitely, completely, please-

Then he receives it. There is a brush against his cold lips of even colder lips. SangHyeok is careful to turn his head at the right angle so that their noses can't collide and it's just a moment of enjoyment, a moment to end the night and make a silent promise, that it won't be the last time their lips will be together like a lock with a lost key. JiHoon, unfortunately, couldn't react much at first so the older man had to take the lead and move his lips in a somewhat more intense, somewhat closer and a little wet action.

SangHyeok's enchanting scent also carries over to his lips and even his saliva, it's addictive as JiHoon is now wrapped in a bed of violets where he can dance, spin, sing and just be. There is freedom on Lee SangHyeok's lips.

The kiss begins to be built by both parties once JiHoon has overcome his daydreams and manages to realize that this is the here and now. He moves his lips over the opposite ones, bites the lower one and outlines the upper one with his tongue, filling everything with his warm spices flavored saliva. His hands, free and autonomous, go to the thin, small waist, giving the flesh a squeeze, a grip that screams “focus only on me.” The encounter takes a long time to finish, no one is sure if it was thirty seconds or ten full minutes, they can only assure that it felt like paradise itself. “JiHoonie…” The older man murmurs when there is a space to separate his lips a mere insignificant millimeters, the thought that just tilting his neck a little is enough to fall back into that spiral of sweetness is exciting, it lights a forbidden fire in his lower part. “Will you kiss me like this in the morning?”

“Forever, if you let me.” He murmurs, but that alpha confidence has already faded, now only Jeong JiHoon and Lee SangHyeok are left looking forward to the future. “I'll let you if you're the little spoon.” The alpha laughs at his elder's nonsense and prepares to plant one last kiss on his cheek, just below his eye. He can almost feel his eyelashes fluttering, they're dangerously and sweetly long.

“Good night, hyung.” “Good night, JiHoonie.” They murmur with one last look before the alpha turns around and rests his broad back against SangHyeok's much more fragile chest. It takes them a few more minutes to stop laughing like children at the absurdity of the situation and position, their laughter is perceived as free, without a care in the world and in complete harmony with the humanity of the other. It's sweet, but sweet like a spiced violet tea in the middle of the afternoon.

They end up falling asleep in total safety in each other's arms, both hands with interlocked fingers held on JiHoon's abdomen. Now, there is nothing left but to let the night disperse among the shadows and wait for what the new day may bring.