Chapter Text
Sunshower
Seungmin sighed. It had been four months since he was diagnosed with a chronic disease, something he inherited from his parents. He only has his mother, and six months ago, she told him she was getting married. Her new husband isn't fond of him. In fact, he wanted Seungmin out of their lives.
When Seungmin overheard his mother crying, telling him she wanted happiness and that the only way to get it was by cutting ties with him he laughed.
His mother was never much of a mother figure. She worked late, leaving Seungmin alone in their apartment. By the age of four, he was already taking care of himself.
Now, he's 26. An adult. He finished college and owns a small Korean diner in a busy part of Seoul. It started as a thesis project in his third year, with a friend who later helped him launch the business. It was built on Seungmin's blood, sweat, and hard work, many sleepless nights, tears, and frustration. And now, the frustration of watching his dream possibly fade. Despite his young age, he's the youngest owner in the district, earning respect and support from the community. They call him "Fox Kim" , a nickname that carries weight. No one dares take advantage of him. He's helped many neighboring businesses, even working part-time in their shops. Once he had enough saved, along with a loan from the bank, he began building his own.
The best thing about being part of a tight-knit community is that they treat you like family. Seungmin may be the youngest, but he's one of the most respected business owners around.
One night, while closing the diner, Seungmin was wiping down a table when he suddenly felt dizzy. The next thing he knew, he was in the hospital. That's when the doctor told him about the rare disease he had inherited. His blood levels were dangerously low. The illness was quietly progressing, slowly damaging his body. Years of pushing himself too hard to survive and study had taken their toll. Half of his body was beyond saving. The doctor said he had about a year left.
So now he sits in a café, laughing bitterly as his mother finally makes eye contact the first time since she arrived. She begins her monologue about how he's finally living his life, as if she had played a part in his success. It's ridiculous. She missed not one, but many birthdays, Christmases, holidays. She never celebrated his achievements or comforted him through his failures. His father died in an accident when Seungmin was still a toddler. And his mother? She only remembered his birthday once a week late.
It was infuriating. How dare she?
"Mrs. Kim," Seungmin starts. He never called her "Mom" until middle school, when she told him to stop calling her that.
"Seungmin..." Her voice quivers, tears falling as if she were the one who had been hurt by his indifference.
"I'm an adult now. Congratulations. You have a son, one you never treated well. I made things easy for you. I've taken care of myself all these years. You were never really part of my life. No offense, but why are you even telling me all this, like you suddenly care?"
Her tears stop. Her eyes widened at the coldness in his voice. Shocked. The sweet son she remembered was gone.
"Don't be dramatic," he says. "You know full well you haven't been a good mother, not a real one."
"Seungmin, what are you talking about?" she gasps, her cheeks turning red with embarrassment.
What? Did she think he'd just sit there and take it like all those times she only wanted to meet when it was convenient for her?
What a load of bull.
Seungmin felt dizzy. He had taken his medicine an hour ago, but the doctor warned him it was only a temporary fix. He needed to stay in the hospital for further checkups to prevent a collapse.
If he was going to die soon, then Seungmin should at least leave behind the truth about his mother's neglect. Why should a son, who should've spent his youth making friends and dreaming big, have to worry about his next meal every day? Why should he suffer while his mother was off, doing God knows what?
"I'm telling you this not for your sake, but for mine as a son who raised himself," Seungmin said quietly. "You'll never be a mother to me. You made that choice the moment you left a four-year-old to struggle alone in an empty apartment. You missed every single birthday. I went to bed hungry most nights. You never knew why I got into a fight in sixth grade. You weren't there when I had a 39-degree fever. The landlady took me to the hospital. You didn't see me suffer through freezing winters without a heater because I couldn't afford one. You disappeared for days. And only came back when it was convenient for you."
"You talk like you're important to me. Like you did something for me. Like I was the one holding you back from happiness."
"S-Seungmin... I-I..."
"No. Like I said this isn't about you. It's about me. I'm only here out of respect for the woman who carried me in her womb. That respect ends here. We should've cut ties a long time ago. And just so you understand: I am the one choosing to walk away. You were never there to protect me. I never felt like I had a mom."
"Don't f*cking contact me again. Marry whoever you want. Start a family, try being a real mother to someone else. As far as I'm concerned, you've been dead to me for a long time."
Seungmin stood and walked toward the café's exit. He could hear his mother sobbing behind him, but strangely, he didn't feel that familiar hollowness in his chest. He felt at peace. He didn't look back, ignoring the stunned faces of a few customers who had overheard. Their judgment didn't matter. He was proud of surviving.
And hell, after all that, he still went straight to the hospital and called Sunoo, his junior and acting manager of his diner. He needed to tell him the truth. He owed him that much.
"Hey, are you okay? I brought you a new book. You always read suspense, so I figured why not try some fantasy romance for once?" Sunoo said as he opened a paper bag.
It was another visit Seungmin had told him not to bother with to just focus on running the shop. But Sunoo was persistent.
"I closed early today. Jinwoo wouldn't stop whining about his date with this Letty girl... or was it Heri? Anyway, I picked up a book and brought some fruit too," Sunoo said brightly, his worried eyes catching the window's reflection.
"I thought he had a girlfriend a month ago? Wasn't it Jaeyi?" Seungmin frowned, accepting the book.
"Shhh, don't let him hear that. He's still devastated. That girl left to study abroad and only told him on the day of her flight broke up with him right there at the airport." Sunoo rolled his eyes.
"Sucks," Seungmin muttered, shaking his head.
A silence settled before Sunoo finally asked, "How are you feeling, hyung?"
"I'm... the same," Seungmin replied with a sigh. He felt more dizzy today. Using his phone or watching TV made him nauseous. Reading was all he could do to pass the time.
"Don't sleep too late, okay? And call me when you need something, it doesn't matter what time it is," Sunoo said sincerely.
"You don't have a car," Seungmin replied with a scowl.
"I'm using the company card for Uber. My safety is still a priority, hyung," Sunoo grinned.
"Yah, brat. I told you to just use my car."
"I'm working on it, okay? I don't want to scratch it, still a reckless driver," Sunoo said, pouting with his foxy eyes shining.
"I believe in you. Besides, if Jinwoo finds out I'm giving you my car once I..." Seungmin didn't finish his sentence. He just smiled.
"Hyung! Don't say that. I'm not driving your car until you're on your two feet again. Don't joke like that like you're leaving us. You have to see me graduate! We're going to celebrate at the shop, and you're going to buy me new shoes and a suit for my graduation!" Sunoo said, nose flaring in frustration but it only made him look cuter, not scarier.
"Yah! Am I your dad now? Get out of here, you little leech," Seungmin muttered, lightly smacking Sunoo's chest.
"Tch. That's why you need to get better. I don't want to go up that stage without your annoying ass."
Seungmin just shook his head. They kept talking mostly about the shop. Business was doing well. Sunoo, who was majoring in accounting, said he might need to hire another acting manager soon. His next semester was going to be hectic grad school life was no joke.
"Why not hire Hong Jisoo hyung? He just quit his job. His manager was hitting on him the guy's married and twice his age! Like, eww. He should've punched him in the face," Sunoo said, scrunching his nose in disgust.
"I'm thinking about hiring that Jungwon kid too. His mom's sick. He needs extra income to pay for school. We can offer him a good salary and let him take home food for his siblings. He seems diligent," Seungmin replied, still not facing Sunoo but he could hear the smile in the younger's voice.
"Consider it done, hyung. I'm heading out. Make sure to call me any time, got it?" Sunoo said seriously, his gaze unwavering.
Seungmin just nodded. Sunoo gave him a final wave and walked away.
And then Seungmin suddenly felt tired.
When he wakes up, it's already three in the afternoon. The window is open, and the wind is coming in, making the room colder. He feels light for the first time in months of staying in the hospital. The sun is bright, and Seungmin also notices it's raining.
"Oh."
Sunrain, isn't it? he thought. He once read that in Japanese folklore, a sunshower is like a fox's wedding. Those who believe in it will experience love and happiness. They say you can make a wish, and God will grant it as part of the celebration. Seungmin giggles at the idea.
But then again, maybe he has nothing to lose.
He extends his hand and feels the warm breeze mixed with the coldness of the rain. He closes his eyes.
"I want to live. Just this once, I wanna live my life and maybe experience love along the way."
-
That night, Seungmin developed a high fever. His doctor said the illness was progressing rapidly, destroying his insides with force. He needed strong medicine, but it made him even sicker, taking away his appetite, making food taste like nothing. His cheeks are wet when he closes his eyes, the medicine finally beginning to kick in.
After a week, Seungmin got worse. Sunoo visited almost every day. Hong Jisoo helped out at the shop, and Sunoo always told Seungmin that the man was an angel sent from heaven. Jisoo was knowledgeable and never once intimidated by Sunoo's age, he respected him. Jungwon also started working at the shop, and Seungmin heard he had begun to grow attached to Sunoo. Jisoo once joked they were like twins. Seungmin met Jisoo too, they became friends right away.
"Sunoo-yah, I think this is it," Seungmin began. He coughed, and a small whine escaped his lips.
"I"
"Hyung. It's okay. Everything will be okay. I'm here. I'll never leave you." Sunoo's voice was soft the kind of voice Seungmin trusted with his life.
"It's okay if the shop doesn't continue in the future. You have your own expertise... but I still want to leave it to you. Help people like us. People who need a home." Sunoo bit his lower lip. Not a single tear escaped but his eyes said everything.
"I remember that winter when I first saw you. You looked like a wild animal," Seungmin grinned as Sunoo glared at him.
"You were so stubborn I had to stand outside and sneeze just to make you come inside and take the bone soup. Then you left without paying! Didn't even thank me." Sunoo smirked, remembering one of the lowest points of his life.
"But then you started secretly taking out the trash, carrying those heavy bags like an idiot. You could've just asked if I'd hire you."
"Hyung!" Sunoo blushed in embarrassment. Back then, he wanted to pay Seungmin back, but he had no money. He thought sneaking out the back and taking out the trash made them even. But Seungmin knew everything and later told him there was CCTV. Sunoo had been acting like an idiot all along.
"And I also remember when we became brothers. I'm so glad I adopted you as my little brother, Kim Sunoo. You became the family I never had. And I want you to become a home to someone else just like you did for me."
Seungmin cried. His baby brother cried too. It was rare Sunoo hardly ever cries unless it was too much... or he felt guilty.
"Be strong for me. Live your life and treasure our memories. Never forget this... you are my family. You are my brother. I love you."
-
At midnight, Kim Seungmin passed away.
-
Seungmin opens his eyes. A bell rings sharply in his ears and to his surprise, he's in a classroom.
"Yah, Kim! Elective!" someone yells. Seungmin glances at the person, who rolls his eyes and runs out of the room.
Seungmin looks down, he's wearing a school uniform. A high school uniform. What? A dream?
The school name isn't familiar, but judging from the materials, it's a public school.
He surveys the room. Yes, a classroom. His name tag says "Kim Seungmin," but he graduated years ago. Is this a prank?
He goes to the window. He's on the third floor. Students are running around a wide field below. And again that strange sunrain. His heart starts to race.
"Have you heard? Renjun presented. He's an alpha!" someone whispers nearby.
"What the heck? He's so slender and pretty I thought he'd be an omega."
Seungmin frowns. Alpha? What's that supposed to mean?
Classes finish, but his mind is somewhere else. He learns a few things: He's in his senior year and will graduate next year. He awkwardly approaches his homeroom teacher to ask about his address making up a story about his aunt needing his school records.
Turns out he's still in Seoul. Currently 19, turning 20 this year. Birthday: September 22. Same as before.
He lives with his mother, his father left before he was born. His aunt, who works in Taiwan, supports his studies. His mother sells vegetables in the market. He's an only child. A regular student. No honors. No special achievements. Ranked 150th in the school.
He's friends with Donghyuck and Jaemin. The guy who yelled at him earlier was Donghyuck.
"I know you're weird, but I didn't think you were a nerd either! Come on, Min!" Donghyuck grabs his arm, and they run toward the school gate.
"Hey! Wait! What the hell." Seungmin curses, and Donghyuck laughs.
"I thought Mr. PeppaPig would kill me with his paws! I already told him I couldn't help today because we have a gig. Jaemin got us a job, Kim! Finally, His boss Kim Seokjin owns Kimjin Restaurant downtown. He agreed to hire us until graduation! I can finally buy my little brother new shoes!"
Hyuck is overjoyed. Seungmin, though confused, doesn't say no.
They arrive after a short bus ride with only four stops. The restaurant is large. Seungmin, familiar with this kind of setup, doesn't feel nervous. Donghyuck, on the other hand, is shaking beside him.
"Hey. Relax," Seungmin says it's the first time his voice feels like his own.
"I am calm, Kim." Seungmin snorts but lets it go.
A tall, good-looking man walks out when they tell the waiter they're here for a job. He smiles as he greets them. They bow politely.
"I'm actually not looking for part-timers this season," Seokjin begins. "But Jaemin vouched for you guys, and said he knew people who needed a job. I told him I'd like to meet you first."
To Seungmin, Seokjin seems strong and intimidating but he senses kindness too.
"There are some rules I expect from my student part-timers," Seokjin says. "Jaemin told me you're graduating soon, so I expect you not to neglect your studies.
"School is just as important as this job. I'll support you if you can do your homework during slow hours. This job includes health insurance, and I'll pay you hourly, based on the full-time rate."
Seungmin feels Donghyuck practically vibrate at the mention of payment.
"No failing grades. If you're struggling, tell me. I allow emergency leaves but don't abuse it. Remember, this is a business, not a charity.
"No bullying. No violence. No threats. I know high schoolers can be hot-headed. I don't care. No harassment, no discrimination especially not against sub-genders. If you're an omega, know that I've promised to make this a safe place.
No matter your situation I've got your back."
Seungmin knew that Seokjin was saying good things, but he didn't understand most of it. Omega? Subgenders?
"Jaemin is still unpresented, and both of you are too. It's convenient for now since you won't be affected by pheromones, but don't be scared or ashamed of who you are or who you'll become."
"Jaemin is a good kid, which is why I agreed so easily. He's my pup, so I'm trusting you both to be on your best behavior. Welcome to Kimjin's Restaurant."
Seokjin grinned, and Seungmin felt his heart speed up. The man was truly charismatic and incredibly handsome.
"Thank you so much, sir! We'll remember it!" Donghyuck bowed, and Seungmin eyes wide quickly followed, startled out of his trance. He was too mesmerized by the man in front of him. He could sense Seokjin smirking at him, fully aware of the blush creeping up his cheeks.
Donghyuck and Seungmin decided to wait for Jaemin to finish his shift. They went to the convenience store across the street, and Donghyuck bought him banana milk and a corndog.
"What's wrong with you? You're so quiet. I thought you wanted a job too?"
Seungmin sighed. Donghyuck wasn't hard to be with he was expressive, open with his emotions, and easy for Seungmin to read.
"It's just... odd. I thought I died." He mumbled, sipping the banana milk that was already going warm.
"Well, you almost died. Months ago." Donghyuck shrugged.
"What?" Seungmin practically yelled. Hyuck rolled his eyes.
"Do you not remember? A motorcycle hit you. You were so focused on something, probably a damn book or whatever that you walked straight into traffic. Luckily, an ambulance was already nearby, and they got you to the hospital fast. You slept for a week before waking up. No major injuries, thank God. Jaemin and I nearly killed you ourselves when we found out what happened. All because you keep zoning out all the time."
Donghyuck shook his head, his voice edged with worry and frustration like he'd been holding it the entire time Seungmin was in the hospital.
"...I'm sorry."
Seungmin felt like he needed to apologize. Donghyuck smiled and pinched his cheek. Seungmin slapped his hand away, but Hyuck just giggled.
Donghyuck Lee was, in fact, a very talkative person. He told Seungmin he hadn't presented yet because he wanted to save up money first. The medicines required for omegas and alphas were expensive. He wasn't ashamed but he wanted to be prepared.
"What is "
"GUYS!" Jaemin came rushing toward them, face flushed. "I've been so nervous since I saw you at the restaurant! What happened? Did you get hired?"
Seungmin could usually handle beauty but Jaemin was something else. Long lashes. Big eyes. A small face. High cheekbones. Heart-shaped lips. He looked like an angel.
"Why are you wearing makeup?" Hyuck asked, frowning. Seungmin was still stunned.
"What? Doesn't it look good?" Jaemin asked innocently. "One of my co-workers asked me to be her practice model. She's the makeup artist for an upcoming play, and she was super nervous. I couldn't say no."
Jaemin smiled sweetly, and Seungmin blinked, finally adjusting to how pretty the guy actually was.
"Anyway, we got hired. No issues, just can't fail our classes. Gotta work hard and study hard." Hyuck sighed, already sounding tired.
"Jin-hyung is such a softie for an alpha. Don't worry about him."
"Yeah, he's kind... and strict."
"And intimidating," Seungmin added.
"Oh my God, this is hilarious," Jaemin giggled. "Jin-hyung is the most baby-acting alpha I've ever met. He looks intimidating, sure but only because he's handsome. Once you see him with his pack, he's like a lovesick puppy."
Donghyuck handed Jaemin a soda, finally remembering to offer him something.
"A pack? I didn't realize," Hyuck commented.
"Hey, did you hear? Hwang Renjun presented as an alpha! Like, holy shit now that's something. I get the appeal," Hyuck said, back to his usual gossipy self.
"Mark Lee's been eyeing him for a while now," he continued. "I think they'll form a pack soon. Right now, he's only got Park Ji and Jeno Lee under him."
Seungmin learned that those names were popular students at their school. He just shrugged, while Jaemin silently listened, not particularly interested.
Then, out of nowhere,
"I forgot where my house is."
Both Jaemin and Donghyuck turned to look at him, sharing a long sigh. Maybe... has this happened before?
"Min... why do you think you have no sense of direction?"
Seungmin sighed again.
Honestly, he wasn't sure if his friends were just dense or complete idiots.
"You got lost in the market twice when we specifically told you to stay inside Hajin Supermarket," Jaemin snorted, laughing at the memory, while Seungmin blinked he had no recollection of it.
"You're always getting lost in your thoughts. You've always been weird, but sometimes... It scares me. Like you're hiding something," Jaemin added, worried plainly on his face.
"How's your mom?" Donghyuck asked out of nowhere.
Seungmin felt his veins tense. His mother. Just...
"Forget it. Let's get you home."
Jaemin, slipping into his affectionate mode, kissed Seungmin's cheek. He turned bright red, thankful that it was already dark at least his friends didn't get the chance to tease him.
Seungmin thanked his friends before they left.
The apartment was small: one room, a cramped bathroom, and a modest kitchen extension. The living room held a worn-out two-seater sofa and an old TV. Everything was clean. A small table stood near the kitchen, with two monoblock chairs and a single piece of paper placed in the center.
Min,
Mom is in the market. Eat without me.
Mom
Beside the note were a few coins and a bill.
Seungmin felt a pang in his chest. He walked to the cupboard and found two canned goods and two packs of instant ramyeon. The mini fridge contained water, kimchi, four eggs, and a single fried fish.
A soft meow startled him.
He turned his head toward the sound and spotted a cat in the living room. The window was open, it must have wandered in.
It was a Siamese, a rare breed, but dirty and clearly a stray.
Seungmin sighed and boiled some water. Maybe I'll take you to a vet tomorrow.
The cat was surprisingly calm and affectionate. It allowed Seungmin to bathe it and even cuddled next to him after dinner.
Seungmin lay in bed, unable to sleep.
Everything felt like a fairytale, a strange story he didn't remember, or a world too different to be real.
He searched it up.
Alpha, Beta, Omega.
Subgenders. Divisions that alter behavior, biology instincts. Pack dynamics. Like wolves.
What is this world? Is this fate?
Thanks to the internet, he learned fast.
Omegas were respected members of society. They had needs that could be fulfilled by Alphas but in modern times, male omegas couldn't get pregnant anymore.
His eyes widened at the screen. Gay marriage is legal. Even in Korea.
Polyamorous packs were legal too. A pack usually had an Alpha, Beta, and Omega but even incomplete packs could function.
Sexual coercion and forced submission were strictly forbidden by law. Packs could be non-romantic. A pack Alpha had to be responsible for their members and provide for them.
Betas went into heat twice a year. Omegas experienced it quarterly. Female Betas and Omegas could get pregnant during heat, but male ones couldn't.
Still, some shady websites glamorized male Betas and Omegas as ideal sex workers because of their infertility.
He kept reading.
There were rituals like scenting and courting. Packs had to be legally registered. Alphas could marry multiple Omegas but strict laws protected Omega spouses from abuse.
Divorce and annulment were allowed.
Alphas were physically stronger three times more so than other subgenders. They had the ability to dominate others through scent and presence, but doing so without consent, especially to strangers, was seen as a threat and punishable.
He read about Alpha markings biting someone to claim them. The idea made Seungmin shiver.
It's like owning them.
But once bitten, you could feel your Alpha's emotions. It was like exposing your soul.
Packs were considered families of deeply bonded groups. Seungmin liked the sound of that.
He fell asleep before reading about soulmates, something he still thought was impossible. Even in this strange, thunderous world.
He wakes up to the sound of meowing.
Stretching out his stiff body, he rises and begins his morning ritual. He prepares food simple, warmly. The cat eats and promptly falls asleep afterward, curling up like it belongs there.
On the table, there's another note and some money.
Seungmin reads it and lip move faintly. He promises to visit his mother later, after school.
His shift at Kimjin Restaurant doesn't start until 7 p.m. four hours of work every evening.
-
He begins his day.
He feels much better than yesterday.
Still confused, still unsure but there's something comforting in routine.
And for now, that's enough.
Seungmin has a goal.
He's going to live this life no matter how strange, no matter how new
without regrets.