Chapter Text
Author’s pov:
Everyone in Rosecrest College knew William Hale.
Tall, muscular, always wearing that bored, confident smirk. A 6-foot wall of arrogance wrapped in expensive perfumes and designer jackets. Students whispered when he walked by, swooned when he ran a hand through his hair, and fought for a glance when he sat at the cafeteria.
William loved it. He needed it.
Because at home…
attention was currency and affection didn’t exist.
His parents cared about business deals, not birthdays. They treated him like an investment, not a son. So he learned early:
Don’t get attached. Don’t care. Don’t feel.
And he didn’t —
until him.
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Across the hall, unnoticed by most, walked Est Beaumont.
Slim, quiet, soft-spoken, always hugging textbooks to his chest, messy hair, oversized sweaters, and the kind of gentle smile that made people feel warm without even realizing why.
Est liked being invisible.
Attention meant danger.
Affection meant someone might notice how different he was.
Because Est was a hidden omega —a secret he guarded with his life.
His mother raised him alone after his father went to jail for violence.
He still flinched whenever someone raised their voice.
He believed Alphas were unpredictable…dangerous… unwanted.
But sometimes, late at night, when his nature whispered for warmth and safety, Est hated himself for wishing for something he had sworn he’d never want.