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“Are you aware of why I asked you in here, wooyoung?” the psych professor asked.
Wooyoung chuckled nervously, “Um- I’m not being kicked out, am I?”
The professor laughed, “Oh, oh no, wooyoung, I actually had a proposal for you”, she explains.
Wooyoung huffs a breath of relief, “Oh- okay, great, what is it?”
“I’m currently working on an experiment in scents and mates. My theory question is “can scents drive attraction more than personal attraction?”, and I want you and your team to head the experiment”, she smiles.
Wooyoung internally screams. This is a big opportunity in his psychiatric college career. Also, his team, which consists of him, San, and Hongjoong. Heading a professor's experiment would look amazing on his resume, and being a part of the research paper will definitely give him an up in this career.
He tries to gather himself before replying, “Yes! Of course, we’ll do it. That would be amazing, thank you for the opportunity!”
“Great! So the way it's going to work is by creating a brief dating game experience. We have 3 contestants and one ‘bachelorette’. Keep in mind, this is just one experiment out of many because we have to take into consideration the subgenders being paired within the game and options. To start, we will have 2 alphas and 1 beta as contestants and 1 Omega as the bachelorette,” she explains.
“What about gender?” Wooyoung asks.
“We will ask the contestants' preferences and try as best we can to find candidates that will have almost equal chances of being paired based on physical and personal attractions. All contestant will be wearing scent patches to mask their scents at the beginning of the game. Once the bachelorette has a choice in mind, we will ask them to write down their first choice. Then everyone will take their patches off, and the bachelorette will continue the game while in the presence of the scents.”
Wooyoung takes in the information. Sounds like a lot of details that will need to be ironed out, but he's assuming that's why his professor is asking for help.
“Oh, there's one more thing, we have the contestant, but we don't have an omega. I’m going to leave that up to you. Please look through the contestant's profile and try to find someone's match as best you can,” his professor adds.
Hmm, shouldn't be too hard, wooyoung thinks. He’s pretty sociable, he’ll probably find someone.
_____________________________________________________________________
“Absolutely not.”
“Why?” Wooyoung asks.
“No, Wooyoung. We can't use Yeosang for this experiment.” San huffs.
Wooyoung huffs, “Excuse you? First of all, it's not your call to make. Second of all, the experiment is tomorrow and we haven't managed to find anyone else.”
“Yeosang won't even want to do it anyway”, San mumbles.
“Why are you so against this? He’s a single omega, this benefits both of us. Or is there something else going on?” Wooyoung goads. He knows San has the biggest, fattest crush on Yeosang, but he’s too stubborn to do anything about it. So… this might be the kick that San needs to man up and confess.
“Joongie, tell San he’s being unreasonable!” Wooyoung pouts.
Hongjoong looks up from the contestant profiles, having heard this argument between the two that has been going on for 20 minutes.
“I think you should stop badgering San over this, youngie,” Hongjoong says.
“Ha!” San yells. Hongjoong shoots him a look which makes him shrink, “On the other hand, San, you shouldn't be speaking for Yeosang, he’s a big boy that can make his own decisions.”
Wooyoung pouts, “Why are you never on my side?” he mumbles. Hongjoong spares him a glance, “It's not about taking sides, darling, it's about being fair and ethical. Why can't you ask one of your many friends that you have?”
The omega huffs, “I already diiiiiddddd-uh. Everyone seems to be in a relationship at this point. Plus, Yeosang is literally all the contestants' types. Black long-ish hair, that's Yeosang, shy and cute personality, that's Yeosang, good at sarcastic banter, omega, that's literally sangie! Like the most accurate we can get. Plus, the contestants already signed a contract stating that this is not a guaranteed date or that the bachelorette owes them anything after the game. So all Sangie has to do is show up, play the game, if he doesn't find anyone interesting, then he can just leave”.
San rolls his eyes, “You know what, it's fine, ask him. I don't even know why I’m bothering to argue when I know Sangie won't do it to begin with.”
Wooyoung smirks, “He’s my best friend, Sannie, don't forget that”.
—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Sure,” Yeosang says.
“What?!”
“Ha! Told y-mmph. " Wooyoung starts, only to be cut off by Hongjoong's hand covering his mouth.
“Sangie, why are you agreeing? I thought you wouldn't be interested in this kind of thing”, San asks.
Yeosang pouts his lips while thinking of his response. he looks adorable with his thinking face on, all the more reason to shield him from the eyes of others, and San doesnt care how possessive that sounds.
With big innocent boba eyes, Yeosang explains, grabbing San's hand, “Well, this also helps you out too? Right? And youngie said you guys are close to the experiment date. I want to help you when I can,” he says innocently.
San gives up, he can't deny that face, “Okay, yeah. Thanks, sangie, that’ll be a big help”, he says. And the smile Yeosang gives in return almost makes the whole thing okay. Almost.
Wooyoung giggles happily, “Okay great! One more thing, though, you have to act like you don't know us. Any of us because the professor will be there
Let's figure out what you're gonna wear!”
Yeosang looks at him, confused, “Why does it matter? Not like any of them will actually be into me”.
Woooung gasps, taking Yeosang's face into his hand, “Oh sangie, you sweet summer child, you have no idea how many people -” he eyes San pointedly, “would love to get the chance to go out with you.”
Yeosang rolls his eyes, “Fine, but don't go crazy”. Wooyoung squeaks and takes Yeosang's hand while dashing out of the room.
San glares at the door they left from, “You're omega is a menace”, he grumbles to Hongjoong.
“He is, but he’s my menace. Now tell me, how long have you been in love with Yeosang?”
San sputters at that, “What? What do you mean, I'm not… I’m not- ”
Hongjoong gives him a look, and San folds, “Is it that obvious?” he pouts.
Hongjoong laughs, patting San on the shoulder, “obvious to anyone but Sang, which is on brand for him, so he probably doesnt know. Although if you ask me, you should do something about it before it's too late.”
San huffs a laugh, “You're one to talk, hyung.”
San met Wooyoung in their intro psychology class, freshman year. They were partners, and after Wooyoung deemed him as “not a useless knothead alpha”, they were inseparable.
A lot of people thought they were dating, even now, they get that sometimes. What they didn't know was that Wooyoung already had his eye on a certain nerdy alpha. During their semester department meeting, Hongjoong had been giving a small welcoming speech when his cue cards fell out of his hands. San felt bad because he could tell his hyung was nervous at the time. Hongjoong took off his blazer, rolled up his sleeves, and pushed his glasses back over his hair. One look at his biceps flexing from grabbing the cards, and Wooyoung was gone. San had never seen Wooyoung desperately chase someone so oblivious to his actions. It wasn't until Wooyoung grabbed Hongjoong by the necktie at their next department meeting and kissed him that Hongjoong started courting the omega.
Other than talking about Hongjoong, Wooyoung always talked about Yeosang. San won't admit that he probably fell in love just by the small tidbits Wooyoung would tell him about the omega. A year into their friendship, San met Yeosang by chance. There was no real reason for them to meet other than they happened to be done with class early. Wooyoung invited San to go to a cafe nearby where Yeosang was holed up studying. San swore he met an angel that day. The scent of peach and lavender brushed his nose, and a deep soothing voice that made his inner alpha whine.
Although San never made a move, he didn't think Yeosang would like him the same way. San would try to flirt sometimes, and he wasn't so sure the omega got the hint. That was at the beginning. 3 friends became 4 when Hongjoong met Mingi in his Music Therapy classes. That introduced them to Yunho and then Jongho, and lastly, Seonghwa. All of them were psychology majors with different therapy backgrounds. San and Wooyoung were focused on children's psychology. Yunho, Jongho, and Seonghwa were clinical psychology, and Yeosang was art therapy.
Hongjoong huffs playfully, “and it's because I would know that you should trust me when I say you should just tell him. I do think your friendship will survive if he doesnt feel the sme, but something tells me he will.”
San sighs, “I don't know, hyung, tomorrow might ruin my chance.”
Hongjoong shakes his head, “Then don't let it”.
____________________________________________________________________________
It's the day of the experiment, and San’s professor has asked to meet with Yeosang. He and Wooyoung are trying not to freak out because they don't want to give anything away about their connection to Yeosang. Experiments are usually done with complete strangers there is no bias to corrupt the data gathered by the assistants. But they were struggling to get a last-minute participant, and this is the best they could do. What the professor doesnt know won't hurt her.
“San, please take notes while I ask Yeosang a few questions, please”, their professor says.
They are sitting at a table in the studio lab while Wooyoung and Hongjoong set up the seating and partition for the game.
San agrees and sits next to the professor while Yeosang sits opposite them. He looks nervous, and San tries to give him a calming look. Pushing out his own minty and citrusy scent, which seems to calm the omega a little.
“Hello Yeosang, it's nice to meet you. Now, as you know, you are not required to actually go on a date with any of the contestants. They have also been made aware of the same thing, so don't feel pressured during the process. Just go with what you feel,” she explains.
Yeosang exhales slowly, “Okay, yeah, that makes it less intimidating if I’m honest”.
The professor smiles, “Of course! We want you to be as comfortable as possible. Although I will say, this being my 20th time doing the experiment, over 30% of the contestants court the people they met in our experiment”, she says proudly.
San stiffens, suddenly wanting to throw the clipboard at his professor's head. Extreme? Maybe, but for Yeosang? Valid.
Yeosang nervously laughs, “Oh, is that so?”
“Oh yes, even though this is just an experiment, it's always nice to see good outcomes. And I can't tell you're going to be a great contestant. You match the profile preferences pretty well, 98% in fact”, she beams.
Yeosang looks surprised at that, “Wow, I didn't think it'd be that high…”.
“Oh yes”, she puts her hand up like she's whispering a secret, “between you and me, they are all very eager to meet you”, she laughs.
San tries really hard not to let his scent change, especially when he notices the blush on the omega's cheeks.
“Okay, well, I think we should get Yeosang set up with his mic and in his placement, right, San?” the professor asks.
San nods, “yeah, um, I’ll, I’ll take Yeosang back to Wooyoung then”.
“Sorry if that made you uncomfortable, Sang. She’s a little old school when it comes to the romance aspect. But like she said, don't feel pressured.” San explains.
Yeosanh shrugs with a small smile on his face, “It's okay, it's kinda nice to know that someone might actually want to date me.”
San scoffs, taking Yeosang's hand, “Yeosang, I’m sorry, but you're insane if you think nobody wants to date you. Have you seen yourself? You're so goddam pretty and funny and- and….” San trails off, blushing as hard as yeosangs ears are. San drops his hand like it was on fire, “Um.. I- I- mean, you shouldn't be surprised, is all…”
Yeosang giggles, “Thanks, Sannie. Um, I should probably go find Wooyoung.”
“Yeah, uh, probably. I’m gonna go make sure everything else is good”, San watches Yeosang go into the next room. Fuck, he shouldve told him. He should've told him right then and there. But he couldn't ruin their experiment like this. He just hopes Yeosang doesnt end up picking any of them.
San finds Hongjoong in the corner of the room, frantically whispering to their professor. Hongjoong spots him, and it almost looks like a lightbulb goes off in his head. He gestures for San to come over. “What's going on?”
His professor sighs, “One of the contestants dropped out last minute. It was the beta, he said he wasn't feeling well, and we don't want to risk anyone getting sick. But now that means we need another contestant, and it's too late to go out and find someone…”
Hongjoong speaks up, “If I may, Professor, Sannie here is single. Maybe he could fill in?”
San couldn't wipe the look of betrayal off faster, glaring at the older alpha.
The professor hummed in contemplation, “I suppose we can since none of the other contestants know San. I think it should work, San, will you do it?”
San sighs internally, he puts on a fake smile and nods, “Yeah, no problem”.
His professor claps excitedly, “Oh good! Now let's get you set up. We are going to let you enter last and so Yeosang doesnt see you. Oh, and if you could change your voice a little, just so he doesn't recognize you, oh, and let's get you a scented patch so he doesnt recognize your smell either.”
San nods, he can't believe he’s doing this. Wooyoung comes into the room after he’s been informed on what's been going on and gives San the smuggest smile he can muster. San glares at hims too, “you and youre mate suck” he grumbles.
Wooyoung cackles, wrapping his arms around Hongjoong, “We dont sucks, we just share the same genious brain. Plus you wont be saying that when Sang picks you~”, he coos.
“We’ll see about that,” San huffs.
______________________________________________________________
San is the last one to get seated. He looks at the other two alphas seated next to him. Two looks pretty tall, with black hair and wearing glasses. The other looks to be about his height, also with dark hair, and looks about the same as his own build. Damn, maybe yeosang does have a type. There is a partition between them and Yeosang, so they can't see each other in the first round.
Hongjoong clears his throat, approaching the podium in front of them so they can all see him. “Okay, my name is Hongjoong, and I will be leading this experiment. I’m going to go over the rules one more time before our bachelor can start asking questions.”
The alpha explains that the first round consists of Yeosang asking each person a question. And they get points based on whose answer Yeosang likes best. They will all be wearing scent patches. In the second round, all of their patches come off, and Yeosang will do the same as before. The points will be calculated however, it is ultimately up to Yeosang in the end who he chooses. After Yeosang chooses, the partition will be removed and the assistant will take statements from each volunteer to see what their reaction is by seeing each other's physical appearance, and if that would've changed anything for them.
“Alright, now that we’ve gone over the rules, I’m going to let Yeosang go ahead with his first question”.
San hears someone shift in their seat and then, “Contestant number one, what's your idea of a perfect mate?”
“Well, for one thing, an omega, one who can cook and clean, although if they're hot enough, they don't have to be skilled at that”, he laughs.
San cringes, what kind of an asshole-
“Of course, if they enjoy doing those things to begin with, well, that's just a bonus,” he finishes.
“Uh… sounds like you want a mother”, Yeosang says bluntly.
San snorts. One thing about Yeosang was his quick comebacks. Never piss him off because he could clock you into submission if he really wanted to.
“Contestant number two, describe your personal charms”, Yeosang continues.
“Well, I believe it should be my responsibility to make my future mate feel that I truly see their virtues beyond physical attraction.”, he explains.
Yeosang hums, “I’m kinda impressed, that was actually very thoughtful, ” he smiles.
San rolls his eyes, “and fake too,” he mumbles.
“What was that?” Yeosang asks.
San buffers, “Oh, uh, never mind”. It's not that he didn't agree with what the alpha said, he just doesnt believe that the alpha actually means it without an ulterior motive.\
“Number three, do you think an Omega can support both a marriage and a career?”
San knows Yeosang is trying not to roll his eyes at the question, and so is he. These questions were, unfortunately, made by the professor who has never thought to change them over the past 20 years. But oh well, nothing they can do now, “I think an omega can create a successful career to also make a marriage work.”
“What does that mean?” yeosang asks, and fuck if san knows what that means he’s still thinking about yeosang being impressed by contestant number two.
“Why don't you ask contestant number two?” he says gruffly. Fuck, where is this word vomit coming from?
Yeosang laughs awkwardly.
Luckily, Hongjoong interjects, “Okay, uh… that was round one. Now I’m going to ask Yeosang to take off his patch, and when Yeosang asks you a question, you take off yours before you answer. Yeosang, when you're ready.”
San knows when Yeosang does because he instantly smells peach and lavender. He’s just extra annoyed that these two bums get to smell it too.
“Contestant number one, do you believe in kissing on the first date?” Yeosang asks.
Contestant one takes off his patch, and the smell of intense patchouli comes through. San never liked that smell, he doubts Yeosang would either.
Contestant one fidgets in his seat, “Oh well, I think that depends on the omega.”
“Contestant number two?” Yeosang continues
The smell of sage and rosewood coats the air. “Well, what else is there?” he says in a teasing tone.
Yeosang laughs, and San is mentally sending death glares this guy's way.
“Contestant number 3?”
San takes off his blocking scent patch and immediately switches it with a scented one. The smell of min chocolate comes up, “No.” San immediately grumbles, “I- there are a lot of other things to do, like standing and looking at each other from far away. Far, far away.” Don't ask him where that came from, he’s just annoyed right now.
“Okay… you don't have to be so angry about it. Um- do you drink continent three?”
Sans' heart sank a little, he doesnt know why he’s getting all defensive right now, “Um.. sometimes” he answers lamely.
“Contestant 1?”
“Beer, none of that weak cocktail shit” he laughs. San scoffs, Who is this guy??
“Right… contestant 2?” Yeosang awkwardly continues,
“Oh, I love a good red wine,” he says, and San smells Yeosang push out a little more of his scent. That's Yeosang's favorite drink of choice. San feels like he’s gonna crash out.
“Bet he likes it chilled too,” San mumbles.
“I’m very confused,” Yeosang says, “contestant 3, I have a feeling that-”
A timer goes off, “Oh, I’m sorry, Yeosang, but that's all the time we have left. Please make your choice, and we will let the winner know. You will get a chance to talk with them and see what you would like to do after seeing them in person.”
The three contestants, San included, are asked to step off to the side. Some minutes go by before a nervous-looking Wooyoung comes over. “Um… contestant number 2, congratulations, Yeosang liked your answers the most… uh, he also requested to talk to you, so follow me”.
San feels like the floor is falling out from right under him, his answers weren't great, but neither were the other guys?? He really thought Wooyung would at least come back and announce that Yeosang doesn't want to see any of them, despite there being a winner.
He’s going to murder Wooyung and Hongjoong once he can't get his hands on them.
“Oh, San, there you are”, his professor approaches him, “So Yeosang and contestant two, Soobin, will be going on a date. I want you to interview them for a couple of minutes at the place and just write down anything you think will give us better data for the outcomes' success”.
It looks like San is going to crash out sooner rather than later.
______________________________________________________________________
“Sannie, why didn't you tell me you were a contestant?” Yeosang asks.
“I wasn't allowed to, the professor doesn't know that you know me, remember?” San reminds him.
Yeosang scrunches his face, “Wait, how come I didn't recognise you or your scent?”
“They had me disguise my voice and wear a chocolate scent patch to change my scent a little”, San explains.
“Ah, that's smart, I really couldn't tell, you did a very convincing voice, that was cool, Yeosang laughs.
“Well, if you liked it so much, why didn't you pick me?” San pouts, he’s being petty, he knows.
Yeosang looks conflicted, “Well… I don't know, Soobin had a lot of good answers, he was charming and everything… shouldn't this be a good thing? I mean it's only one date and everything like that.”
“Everything like what?” San grumbles.
“Well, you know…”
San sighs, “Yeah, well, I’m gonna know because I’m going on your date.”
Yeosang looks surprised, “Oh, you are?”
“Yes, because I have to interview you both, you sound disappointed that I’m going”, San says, frustrated at this whole conversation.
Yeosang pouts at him, “Well, you don't have to get angry about it. I don't understand why it bothers you so much anyway.”
“It doesnt!”
“Don't shout!” Yeosang argues.
“Okayyyy”, Wooyoung says, coming in between them. “San, go grab the camera from Hongjoong. Sangie, let's go see where your date wants to take you”. He leads Yeosang away and looks back at San, who looks like a kicked puppy. Wooyoung rolls his eyes. Why are his friends so dumb?
___________-_______________________________________________________
San is crammed in a booth, in some dumb fancy restaurant, sitting next to Yeosang while Soobin sits on the omega's other side. He should've asked Hongjoong or Wooyoung to take his place. He can't stand it. He can't stand the way the other alpha is looking at Yeosang, making him laugh, sitting wayyyy too close-
San wants to leave.
“I've never been to this place before, feels very fancy”, he jokes.
San starts setting up his phone to record the conversation and interview questions.
“I agree, although I also think it has a certain romantic atmosphere. Kinda warm and intimate-”, Soobin leans into Yeosang, smiling.
San claps his hands together, drawing the attention of the other two. He doesnt miss the annoyed face the other alpha pulls, “Alright, should we start?” San asks nonchalantly.
“Um, San, Soobin was still in the middle of talking,” he chuckles awkwardly.
San wears a tight smile, “Right, sorry. Go ahead”
“Oh, was just gonna say that there's another place I know of that I think you would like”, the alpha tells Yeosang.
Yeosang smiles, “I would? Why?”
“Well, based on our introduction, I would say I think you're the type to appreciate the little things. This place is kind of a hole in the wall, but they make it up with great coffee and a homey feel.”
San feels sick. Yeosang is looking at this alpha with so much awe in his eyes, “Uh, soobin,” he interrupts again.
They both look at him as if just remembering he’s there. Yet san goes on, “Could you repeat that, I didn't press the record button…”.
—--------------------------------------------------
He should've left by now, but San can't help but torture himself by watching Yeosang and the other alpha dance together in a sea of other couples. Maybe San is a glutton for punishment, he thinks bitterly. His inner alpha is rattling in the calm cage San is trying to keep from opening. He watches as the alpha whispers something in his ear. Yeosang smiles, but it doesnt quite reach his eyes. Then he’s looking right at him. Sans' eyes meet Yeosang's, and he looks so… disappointed?
San can't tell, but it makes something in him get up, marching straight over to them. He taps the other alpha on the shoulder, “Do you mind?” he gestures towards Yeosang. The other alpha puts on a fake smile, “Is this part of the interview?” he asks sarcastically.
San grabs Yeosang by the waist, “That, and it's a good excuse,” he whisks the omega away.
“San, what is up with you?” Yeosang asks as San starts swaying them in the crowd of others.
“You… you looked uncomfortable, I thought I'd check on you”, San makes up quickly.
Yeosanh scoffs, “What makes you think I was uncomfortable?”
“Well, for one thing, he looked like he was very close in your space.”
“Yeah, well, when one party dances with another, they are generally within a few inches together”, the omega deadpans.
“Well, speaking at the third party, the third party doesnt appreciate the second party clutching at the first part,y” he complains.
“He was not clutching at me,” Yeosang pulls back a little to look the alpha in the eye.
“Then how come you're not dancing as close to me as you were with him?” San points out.
“Why should that matter?” the omega sounds frustrated now, his peach scent becoming a little sour. “San, you're behaving like a child right now, and that is something I don't appreciate.”
“Well, if that's how you feel about it, then I won't hold you up anymore”, San snaps. He lets go of the omega and starts walking towards the exit. Although he can also feel Yeosang following him.
“San!” Yeosang calls after him. “Hold on a second. You don't get to act like a complete knothead without giving me an explanation!”
He can feel himself breathing heavily, trying not to bolt out of this restaurant. How can he explain when the very reason is right in front of him, looking so, so sad, and San wants to throw himself off a cliff for ever being the reason for that look on the omega's face right now…
Fuck it.
“Kang Yeosang, I have been in love with you for the last three years,” Yeosang gasps, but San trudges through, “Ever since Wooyoung told me about his adorable friend who was bitten by him on day two of their friendship.”
San grabs Yeosang by the hand and drags him over to a corner. “Kang Yeosang, I love the way you scrunch your nose when you're focusing really hard on something,” he continues softly.
“The way you chew with a pout when you eat, the way your head pop up like a puppy when your name is called and the pretty birthmark near your eye that you try to hide with makeup but I love you the most when your face is bare”, San notices the blush on the omegas face.
“I love you so much, but if that guy back there is who you are most compatible with, then I’m not going to stand in the way. I want you to be happy, and I’ve never seen you give another alpha the time of day the way you did that guy.” Yeosang tries to say something, but San can't stand it anymore.
“You don't have to say anything else, you don't owe me any explanations. I’m gonna get out of your hair now, I-I have to go…” San turns to leave.
He can hear the omega calling his name, but he can't see anymore as tears start to fill his eyes. He’s so upset he doesnt even realise he’s walked into the men's bathroom instead of the exit.
He just decides to stay there for a little while, until his tears dry up.
—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
San sat at the lab table in their research room with his head in his hands. To say he’s embarrassed is an understatement. He was insanely ashamed of acting like a jealous idiot. Not only did he make horribly weird for Yeosang, but he didn't get any information for their experiment either. Now Yeosang probably thinks he’s weird, and the professor will never let them head another experiment again.
San hears the door to the lab open, but doesnt look up.
“I hope you know there's a very angry omega outside right now, but I’m keeping him at bay because I told him I’d straighten you out”, Hongjoong says, coming through the door.
San looks at him, “Hyung… I’m an idiot,” he pouts.
Hongjoong gives him a sympathetic look, “That's what Wooyoung said. Apparently Yeosang talked to him and youngie said it was a disaster…”
San whines, “Hyung, it was so bad I walked into the bathroom and I was already so embarrassed that I just stayed in there for like an hour like a fool!”
“Look, there's no sense in beating yourself up over it. I heard you confessed to Yeosang. What did he say?” Hongjoongs asks.
San pauses… what did Yeosang say…, “I-I don't think I stayed long enough to hear what he had to say. I think I was too scared to hear the obvious answer that he wants that other alpha over me.”
Hongjoong sighs, smacking a hand to his face, “San, you idiot. How did he choose that guy when you didn't even give him a chance to speak! Go find him and talk to him!” the alpha scolds.
Before San could respond, there was a knock on the door. Hongjoong went to open it, and Yeosang appeared in the doorway. With a very angry-looking Wooyoung who is currently glaring daggers at San.
Fuck, two angry omegas was not good.
Wooyoung puts his hand on Yeosang's shoulder, “You don't have to do this, Yeosang. He should be the one making this right.”
Yeosang sighs, patting Wooyoung on the hand, “Youngie, it's okay, really. I’ve made up my mind”.
San wilts at that, here it comes. The moment Yeosang is going to tell San that they should stay friends, which is really code for I never want to see you again.
Hongjoong sighs. He goes over and grabs his omega by the hand, “Youngie, let them work it out. Besides, we've got that thing we're gonna be late for”, he says, trying to drag the omega away.
Wooyoung plants his feet. “What thing?” he pouts.
Hongjoong tries to devise an excuse before whispering into the omega's ear. Wooyoung blushes and immediately wraps his arms around the alpha, a big smile on his face. “Really? The Chrome Hearts jacket, too?”
Hongjoong rolls his eyes fondly, kissing the omega on the nose, “It's yours if we go right now, darling.”
Wooyoung squeaks happily, dragging Hongjoong out of the room.
San can't stand them sometimes, even if they're kind of cute, which he would never admit to Wooyoung. Back to reality, though, Yeosang is standing there like his usual angel self with his phone in hand.
“Yeoasang-”
“Ah! You do not get to speak Choi San, not after you just left yesterday,” Yeosang interrupts.
When he is sure San won't respond, he continues, “I talked to Wooyoung, and he said that you guys still needed that interview. After you left, I just ended up recording the interview myself on my phone. So I’m going to send that to you right now.”
San is stunned into silence… “You-” Then he hears a ding from his phone alerting him that the recording was sent.
Yeosang noticed it too, “Well, that's it. Goodbye”.
“Yeosang, wait!” San tries to call after him, but Yeosang closes the door in his face.
San stares between his phone and the door. Should he even listen to the recording? Why would he torture himself like that? Because he deserves it, that's why. San goes back and forth on the after before he ultimately chooses to listen.
He grabs his phone and finds the recording, then presses play.
The voice of the alpha comes through, “Will you have another drink?” Soobin asks.
San rolls his eyes. Oh, he hates that guy so much.
Yeosang's giggle comes next, “I’ve had so many already”, the omega says.
“Waiter, another bottle of wine, please”, the alpha says.
San frowns, he doesnt like how pushy this guy is, “He basically said no, asshole”, San mutters.
Yeosang laughs some more, “Oh, Soobin, I don't know, I’m getting dizzy…”
There is a pause in the recording before San hears the other alpha laughing again, “Oh, you're just adorable!” he said rather loudly.
Yeosng giggles, “Shhh! You're gonna wake up my neighbors,” he whispers.
Neighbors?! San can't believe Yeosang actually took this guy back to his place! What is actually happening right now?!
“What time is it anyway?” Soobin whispers back.
“Time? I guess it's around 5 in the morning,” answers Yeosang. San drags a hand down his face in frustration. He can't listen to this anymore, but he forces himself because his need to know outweighs the torture.
“Let me check, can you get the light switch?” Yeosang continues.
That makes San pause, because why are the lights off to begin with??? They're sitting there in the dark at 5 o'clock in the morning, talking, drinking-
“Let's not spoil the moment,” Soobin says.
San bangs his hand on the table. Oh, he wishes they would spoil the moment. Practically praying for a spoiler at this point. San begins to pace back and forth in annoyance.
“You now Yeosang, being here like this with you, an Alpha knows the feeling of perfect contentment. I want to make this moment go on forever.”
“God, Shut up, why doesnt he shut up?!” San begrudges.
“Oh, Soobin,” Yeosang sighs, followed by silence.
There's no talking for a couple of seconds, and San checks to see that the recording is still going. “Well, say something! Why aren't they saying anything?” San questions.
The sounds pick up again, “Soobin, there are so many things I want to say to you. What this evening has meant, how sweet you are to do this for me, but mostly…”
San sighs again, mentally preparing for an arrow straight through his heart. He can't believe how dumb he’s been. He should've told Yeosang sooner. He should've done something, anything other than running away from the restaurant. Now he;s gonna lose the only omega he’s ever actually loved because he couldnt get his shit togther.
“Mostly what I want to say is… San you dummy! You really had this coming to you-” San perks up at his name being said, his eyes widening as the omega continues, “for acting like such a crazy nut, and you really deserved it, and I hope you learned your lesson… because I’m waiting for you on the other side of the door”.
San is stunned in place, he huffs out a laugh in disbelief. He runs to the entrance and yanks open the door, finding a beautiful omega leaning against the frame with a smirk on his face.
Yeosang shakes his head fondly, “You dummy.”
San smiles so big, pulling Yeosang in by the hands, “Come here.” He wraps his arms around Yeosang as the two meet in a kiss.
The alpha can't help but smile into it, he’s beyond happy right now. He can smell both of their scents blending happily.
After they part, Yeosang looks up at the alpha, briefly kissing him again before smacking him on the chest.
San sputters, “Hey!”
“Don't you ever say you love me and then run away from me ever again! Got it?” Yeosang frowns.
San sighs, bringing the omega in closer, “I’m sorry. I’m… an idiot, a love-sick fool! Please forgive me, Sangie.”
The omega rolls his eyes playfully, “You are forgiven… for now”, he teases.
San's smile, which drops in the next second, “Wait a minute, what about Soobin?”
Yeosang smirks again, “Well, after you left, I basically let him down easy and explained the situation. Then I asked if he could do me the favor of recording that conversation.”
“And he was okay with that?” San asks.
Yeosang shrugs, “He said he knew what he signed up for and that it wasn't a guarantee that I would agree to anything after the show. He did, however, think that the situation was kind of funny and agreed to help me out”.
San pouts, “Never mind, thinking of him as a nice person makes this whole thing worse.”
Yeosang huffs a laugh, “Speaking of, how come you never said anything before?”
“I- I don't know, I was scared I’d ruin our friendship and that you didn't feel the same way-”
Yeosang groans in frustration, resting his head against San's chest, “Wooyung was right, we are both dumb”, he mumbles.
“Why?”
“Because San, I have liked you for like, ever! I thought you wouldn't feel the same”, Yeosang whines.
San chuckles, hugging Yeosang to his chest, “Wow, we really are dumb.” he feels the omega nod in agreement.
San gently guides Yeosang apart to look at him, “Well… what do you say we do this again? Properly this time. Kang Yeosang, will you go on a date with me?”
Yeosang chuckles, throwing himself back into the alpha's arms, “I would love to.”
The two meet in a kiss once more. San can practically feel his inner alpha purring in satisfaction. This is how it's supposed to be, this should've happened a lot sooner. He’s determined to make up for all the lost time, starting with an amazing first date.
Suddenly, the two hear a squeal, causing them to part. Wooyoung comes running through the laboratory, catapulting himself onto his two best friends. “Finallyyyy!!! Oh my god, you have no idea how hard it was to keep from locking you two in a room and forcing you to share your feelings!” Wooyoung complains while smushing their face together.
“You can thank me for that”, Hongjoong says, stepping through the door next, smiling at the bundle in front of him.
Yeosang starts to squirm and San playfully wrestles Wooyung off them, “Honestly, that would've been better than making a fool out of myself”, San says.
“No, this is good, because Yunho owes me 10 bucks now”, Wooyoung grins.
Yeosang scoffs, “You made a bet on us getting together?!”
Wooyoung giggles, running away from an annoyed Yeosang, who tries to catch his omega friend in a chokehold.
San can't help but laugh; he may not have won during the dating game, but he got something much better in the end.
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Secret behind the scenes:
Wooyoung looked around the area, making sure no one was paying attention to him. San was busy asking the contestants questions, and Hingjoong was busy with their professor. Wooyoung takes a water bottle and dumps some powder into it. This should be just enough…
He grabs a couple more bottles and walks over to the contestants. He gives each one a bottle, not being too picky on whose gonna be sent to the bathroom later… he just needs one of them to go.
Wooyoung walks back to where he sees his alpha, smiling as he slides up next to him. Hongjoong slides his arm around the omega, kissing him on the cheek. Wooyoung preens. Then Hongjoong pauses, looking over the omega curiously, “What did you do?” he questions slowly. He can always tell when his omega is up to something.
Wooyoung shakes his head, “Just my job,” he singsongs.
Making sure everything goes to plan, of course.