Chapter Text
Living in a world where alphas are the pinnacle of the hierarchy is unbearably difficult, especially if you're an omega. Betas have it a bit easier, with a more lenient attitude. Alphas are the kings of this world. They're respected, feared, and despised, but almost no one says so out loud. Alphas establish their own hierarchy among themselves, with the more dominant alpha assuming the leadership role, while the others obey unquestioningly. Omegas have it the hardest in this world, and it's even harder if you're an idol and an omega. Even idols who are betas are treated much better, so at nineteen, Riki awaited his presentation with both dread and impatience. By all rights, he should have presented himself when he turned eighteen, but the doctor insisted there was nothing to worry about, and that it was simply a hormonal imbalance caused by heavy workloads, stress, and constant sleep deprivation. Well, Riki believed the specialist's words, but his fear didn't go away or diminish; on the contrary, it grew.
It's not that omegas were despised in the industry, no. Over time, attitudes toward the weaker sex, as perceived by others, changed for the better. Still, Riki preferred to introduce himself as an alpha or beta rather than an omega. Fans tended to think he resembled an alpha more than a beta or an omega. But they also assured him that his secondary gender didn't matter to them. They would love him no matter what. Deep down, he truly hoped to become an alpha. It would make things easier not only for him but also for the hyungs. The seniors had introduced themselves back during I-land or after debut, establishing their hierarchy. They, like everyone else, speculated about who the maknae might be, but they insisted that his secondary gender didn't matter to them. For them, he would remain Riki, their beloved maknae. Their words eased the younger boy's fears and insecurities somewhat, but obsessive thoughts still haunted him.
Heeseung was the first alpha of their pack and group, introducing himself during the survival show. Riki believed his hyung was suited to both the role of alpha and omega. He skillfully combined his soft side with the stricter side of the eldest. He was respected and admired, but never feared. Heeseung never raised his voice, always speaking respectfully and calmly. Riki never saw him angry.
The next to introduce themselves were Jay, Jake, and Sunghoon, almost simultaneously, with only a short gap between each introduction. Jake turned out to be an omega, and Riki believed there was no mistaking his introduction. He cared so much for him, Sunoo, and Jungwon that there was no doubt about his secondary gender. His maternal side manifests itself in his care for the younger members and Heeseung, while his stricter, sometimes fearful side manifests itself when someone unfairly bullies the other members or the maknae. Hyung won't tolerate rudeness from anyone, even though he appears soft and sweet on the outside.
Jay and Sunghoon introduced themselves as alphas, but this didn't affect their relationship or friendship. They constantly argued or joked with each other. Jay was a calm alpha who didn't strive for dominance, which came as no surprise. His peaceful nature and down-to-earth demeanor were beloved by everyone in their group, and Riki felt comfortable around him. Jay had cared for him more than anyone, ever since the survival show, when he was the only one who helped him with Korean after debut. The maknae was extremely grateful for this. He was the first person he became friends with and became close with. And the alpha, in turn, enjoyed caring for Riki, something he only mentioned in passing. Sunghoon, while not thrilled with the established alpha hierarchy in their pack, nevertheless obeys and listens to Jungwon and Heeseung. Riki had a special relationship with him. It's safe to say that Riki likes Sunghoon. And how could he not? Cool beauty is more attractive than anything else. And recently, the alpha decided to bulk up, so much so that Riki practically drools at the sight of his muscles. To say the alpha is handsome is an understatement. The maknae loves spending time with his hyung, whether it's working out at the gym, practicing choreography, or joking with the members.
Sunoo surprised everyone with his presentation, as both fans and members assumed he would be an omega, but their assumptions turned out to be wrong. His scent, however, was unusual for an alpha—sweet and refreshing. Riki couldn't smell it, but there was something calming and protective about it, so he often slept with Sunoo during their debut, but later matured and learned to sleep alone. He loved to tease and joke with his hyung, but Sunoo never got offended or angry, though his reactions were amusing. Sunoo was always the one Riki could turn to in difficult times and confide in, even though he preferred to solve his problems on his own. The alpha, in turn, surrounded him with care and always tried to be there for him.
Even though Jungwon is the second youngest, he is the leader of both the group and their established pack. Every member respected him. Outwardly sweet and always smiling, his cheerful nature held unshakable authority even over the eldest of them. Jungwon was an excellent leader, caring for each member first and himself second. He was easy to rely on, though he didn't show how difficult it was at times to cope with the weight of responsibility. Riki loved and admired him. He found his hyung sweet and funny, but there was also a different feeling in his chest. A trembling admiration and adoration.
Of the entire group, only Riki remained, awaiting the moment of his own presentation like an execution, judgment day. He preferred not to dwell on it, but the sidelong glances from those around him, the jokes of some, and the online discussions bothered him, even though he didn't show it.
**
"Ki?" he hears Jungwon's voice and looks up, looking at him from under his long eyelashes.
Jungwon is as handsome as ever. His dark hair is slightly damp from the intense choreography rehearsal and is stuck to his forehead. Riki's hand twitches to brush it away, but he stops himself.
Jungwon hands him a bottle of water, which Riki gratefully accepts and sits down next to him, drying himself with a towel. The younger boy glances at him sideways. His sharp jawline and cute dimples, his hair slightly curled with sweat. His beautiful, muscular arms, veins protruding from beneath his skin... Jungwon catches his gaze, and Riki blushes, looking down at the bottle of water in his hands and deciding to take a sip. The leader smirks and shakes his head. The pink hue definitely suits the maknae.
Jake and Heeseung are sitting in another corner of the rehearsal room, chatting among themselves. Sunghoon and Jay, as always, bicker and tease each other, which makes the leader laugh. They really are like cat and dog. But deep down, they value each other and their friendship. It's just how they express love, and teasing Jay is always fun. Jungwon especially loves doing this with the maknae, who always has a plan in mind. The leader simply can't say no to him.
Sunoo sits down next to him and rests his head on Riki's shoulder, sighing tiredly. The maknae smiles and strokes his hyung's damp hair. The youngest closes his eyes and leans against the wall behind him, letting his body relax, even though his muscles ache with fatigue and his head aches dully.
"Ki," Sunoo addresses him, and Riki chuckles. "You've been looking tired and a little pale lately. Are you feeling unwell?" the alpha asks, and the maknae considers his words. He'd been feeling unwell for the past week. He'd been experiencing bouts of fever and dizziness constantly, but he didn't think much of them. His workload had increased with concerts and awards ceremonies at the end of the year, so sickness and a slight cold were constant companions of the idol's life.
"Just tired. Nothing serious," Riki answers calmly, but he's unsure of his own words.
"If you have a cold, then get some rest, Riki," Jungwon says, and the maknae opens his eyes to look at his leader's serious and concerned face.
"Hyung..."
"It's okay to skip a day and dedicate it to treatment. If something's really bothering you, let me or any of the other hyungs know. I'll tell manager Yuki to make an appointment for you..."
"Hyung! No need, it's just a common cold or extreme fatigue," Riki protests, turning to face Jungwon, causing Sunoo to nearly fall face-first onto the floor. Alpha grumbles discontentedly, but says nothing.
"Really?" the leader frowns, and Riki nods. Jungwon sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose. "Okay, but if you feel worse, just tell me, okay?"
"Of course!" the maknae smiles, and Jungwon feels a little better.
Sunoo just gives them a knowing smirk, and the urge to tease the maknae and the leader only grows, but the alpha restrains himself. He'll still find time to spend with Riki and enjoy his attention. And he can also make the leader jealous. Let Jungwon enjoy it while he can. Soon, Sunoo will steal Riki right from under his nose. The alpha chuckles to himself, knowing it's all a joke and that he's not actually jealous of someone caring more or less about Riki. It's stupid to compete with each other when there are Heeseung and Jake.
**
Riki sighs, walking into his room and closing the door behind him. He hadn't been feeling well for the past few days. He'd been plagued by dizziness, bouts of nausea, and a constant fever. It felt like his blood was boiling inside him. This condition caused him immense discomfort, but Riki wasn't one to complain. He always preferred to deal with difficulties on his own. Especially considering that constant workload, stress, and lack of sleep can negatively impact an idol's well-being. Riki drops his bag next to the bed and falls facedown on it.
Another wave of fever grips him, and a quiet groan of discontent escapes his lips. He rolls over onto his side and wraps his arms around his stomach, rubbing it to ease the pain. Perhaps he overexerted himself during today's practice or ate something bad. Beads of sweat form on his forehead, and Riki bites his lip to suppress the painful sounds escaping his throat. His body is tense like a string, ready to snap at any moment. But just as quickly as the attack began, it ends, and his body relaxes. The pain recedes, and he breathes a sigh of relief. He hears footsteps and the members' voices outside the door, but Riki ignores them. His head is foggy, and focusing on anything is barely possible. He closes his eyes and doesn't notice how he falls asleep in this position.
Jake knocks on his door to invite him in for dinner, but hears no answer, so he carefully opens the door and peers inside. The maknae is curled up and moaning softly, causing the omega to tense up. He steps inside and places his hand on the younger's slightly sweaty forehead, only to pull it away at how hot he is. Could Riki have caught a cold? Perhaps it was the air conditioning or the breeze, as the maknae likes to wear tank tops under a hoodie or jacket, prioritizing style over warmth. Jake strokes his hair and goes to get a cold compress and a glass of water.
"Hyung? You're not going to eat?" Jungwon asks as soon as Jake goes into the kitchen to get a glass of water.
"Not yet. Riki has a fever, and I'll stay with him for a while..." Jake replies, pouring water into a glass and wetting a towel under the tap.
"Riki? Is he sick?" the leader asks worriedly, and Jake shrugs, unsure of what's wrong with the maknae.
"I don't know, Wonie. I came in to call him to dinner, but when I peeked inside, I heard his quiet groans and decided to check if everything was okay..." Jake turns around, noticing the worried looks from the other members. "I'll take his temperature, just in case he's really feeling ill."
"I'll get you something to eat, Jaeyun," Heeseung says, and Jake smiles softly at him in gratitude.
Jake silently goes back to the maknae, leaving the others with a strange feeling of unease.
"Maybe our maknae will introduce himself soon," Sunghoon chuckles, leaving the dishes in the sink.
"Why do you think that, hyung?" Sunoo rests his cheek on his hand and looks at the elder with curiosity.
"I had similar symptoms before the presentation. A fever and I was constantly sleepy..."
"And you also took it out on the punching bag," Jay reminds him with a sly smile, and everyone laughs; even Sunghoon smiles.
"Come to think of it, Hoon's right," Heeseung nods to himself. "I also had a fever, no appetite, and was sleepy. Maybe our maknae will show up soon," the eldest smiles, hoping everything will go well.
"The main thing is that he does it at home, and not during a performance, a flight, or anything else..." Sunoo sighs, worried about his maknae.
"I agree," Jungwon chimes in. "We should be prepared for someone to look after him for the first few days. His first heat or rut can be scary..."
"Yes," Heeseung nods, placing Jake's remaining food on the tray. "I'll talk to Jaeyun," and with that, he turns and follows Jake into the maknae's room.
Gradually, everyone disperses, and only Jungwon remains motionless, deep in thought about what will happen if the maknae introduces himself away from home. Should they cancel the schedule or make adjustments? Leaving Riki alone is also wrong. The first heat or rut can be scary and disorienting. The unknown is frightening, but he'll let the manager know that Riki might introduce himself soon. He should check his supply of odor suppressants and blockers and buy more if they're low. He also needs to think about what to do and how to help the maknae if something happens. Jungwon promises himself to take care of Riki no matter what.
**
Jake places the glass on the bedside table and applies a cool compress to the maknae's forehead, watching him relax. His light eyebrows are no longer drawn together, and his lips are no longer pressed into a thin line. The omega takes his temperature, and it's only slightly elevated, so there's no reason to worry. Riki will get some sleep and rest, and tomorrow he'll wake up feeling much better. He strokes his long, light hair, which he dyed especially for the upcoming video and photo shoot. Jake gently and carefully brushes the strands out of his face and strokes the maknae's rosy cheek.
After a while, Heeseung enters the room with a tray of food for Jake and Riki, in case he wakes up hungry. The alpha sits down next to him, leaving the tray on the table and resting his head on the omega's shoulder.
"How is he?" Heeseung whispers, and Jake sighs.
"He has a slight fever, but he looks much better now," Jake replies, trying not to wake the maknae. "I think we should go to our room, and Riki should get some sleep. I'll come see him a little later to change the compress," Jake pats the alpha on the thigh and they both get up, taking the food and leaving the maknae to rest.
"The guys think he'll introduce himself soon," Heeseung says casually, and the omega chuckles in response. "I remember my symptoms, and a fever was one of them..."
"They're probably right, but a fever isn't just an alpha's. An omega's is usually much worse," Jake reasons, and Heeseung nods and helps him get settled in bed after they've eaten and showered. "I'm worried about Riki... the first rut or heat is always the hardest."
"We'll be there and help him. Whoever he introduces himself as, I'll love him just as much as I do now," the alpha smiles, and Jake giggles next to him, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Just on the cheek?" Heeseung makes puppy eyes, and the omega rolls his eyes, but kisses him tenderly on the lips.
"Goodnight, silly alpha," Jake laughs, settling down on the pillow next to the alpha and inhaling his sweet scent.
"Goodnight, darling," Heeseung whispers, kissing his hair before closing his eyes.
Heeseung hugs his omega and holds him close, letting their bodies relax. Neither of them yet realizes that Riki's introduction is just around the corner, and it will shock them, bringing with it irreversible consequences for the group.
That night, Riki wakes up feverish, but something cool on his forehead slightly offsets the warmth emanating from his body. He groans and reaches for his phone to check the time. He considers it the dead of night and closes his eyes against the bright light. His clothes stick uncomfortably to his body with sweat, and he's terribly thirsty. His mouth feels like a desert, and he downs a glass of water in one gulp. Riki dangles his legs over the side of the bed, feeling pain all over his body, and frowns. Is he sick? Or... perhaps his introduction will be very soon. The thought is both terrifying and relieving. He'll finally be able to smell his hyungs' scents, and he'll have his own scent. Riki decides to take a shower and change out of his sweaty clothes for something lighter.
Unfortunately, the cold shower doesn't do much for Riki, and afterward, he goes to the kitchen for a bottle of cold water, dabbing it at his cheeks. After a light snack, he returns to bed exhausted and immediately passes out. The next time he wakes up and opens his eyes, he sees a worried Jake standing before him. Riki blinks in confusion, and the omega exhales.
"Riki, you're still feverish," the older man says, stroking his cheek. Only now does Riki feel his body burning. "Baby, are you in pain?"
"Mm," Riki hums in response and nods. His throat is dry, making it difficult to speak. Jake picks up a glass from the nightstand and carefully helps him drink some water. "Hyung, I'm dizzy, and my body feels like it's on fire..."
"The hyungs and I think you'll introduce yourself soon," Jake says, voicing the inevitable, and Riki tenses. "All the symptoms point to it. I'm glad it's happening now, since we've been given a few days off before the ceremonies and concerts."
Riki can only nod in response. His head is a complete mess of self-image. He's afraid the hyungs will stop loving him or that he'll disappoint them.
"Jake-hyung," the younger boy calls him quietly. Jake chuckles in response, changing the cold compress on his forehead. "What do you think... what will I be?"
"Oh," Jake bites his lower lip, pondering how to answer. But he decides to be honest. "Honestly, it doesn't matter to me whether you're an alpha, an omega, or a beta. The others and I will love and care for you just like before." He ruffles the younger boy's blond hair, and Riki pouts adorably. "You're our little puma."
"Hyung!" The younger boy's cheeks flush, and Jake is touched by how cute he looks. "Thank you..." Riki adds more quietly.
"Do you want me to stay with you?"
"No, it's fine," Riki shakes his head. He remembers he and Heeseung have a date today and doesn't intend to keep his hyung. "Have fun with Heeseung-hyung," he adds with a smile.
"You know we can stay with you," Jake smiles, but Riki shakes his head. "Okay, if you insist," the older sighs dramatically, and Riki rolls his eyes with a loud tsk.
Jake giggles and gets up from his bed, heading out of the room.
"I'll let the others know you might be introducing yourself soon. Someone was planning on staying home today," Jake glances at the younger, who nods back, settling back into bed.
"Okay, hyung. Have fun," Riki mumbles, and Jake smiles, nodding to himself.
As soon as the door closes behind his hyung, Riki lets a few tears fall onto the pillow. His entire body is cramping and twisting, as if someone is deliberately stretching his limbs. His bones are under such pressure that he's afraid they'll snap. The pain is unbearable, incomparable. His stomach is twisted into a spiral, ready to burst from the strain. Riki bites his lip until it bleeds, tasting a metallic taste on his tongue, mingling with salty tears. He tosses and turns in bed, feeling his entire body burn. He curls up into a ball and, exhausted, passes out.
**
"How is he?" Heeseung asks as soon as Jake appears in the living room.
"Not good, still feverish," Jake sighs, his odor betraying obvious anxiety. "Maybe we should stay?"
"Hyung," Jungwon says from the kitchen. "We'll stay in the dorm today. Sunghoon-hyung and Jay-hyung might go to the gym, but I don't think they'll be there all day. Sunoo-hyung was planning to rest and take care of his health. I wanted to do the live today, so we'll keep an eye on Riki."
"Okay. Keep an eye on him, Wonie. If anything happens, text or call us," he asks the alpha, and Jungwon nods with a nervous smile. "We're going," Jake and Heeseung say goodbye to the leader, who waves them off.
Jungwon looks at his coffee, confused. He has no idea how to help Riki during the introduction. If he's an omega, his scent will drive them all crazy except Heeseung, who already has a mate. Alphas who have marked their omega are immune to the pheromones of other omegas, even during heat. But if he's an alpha... then things get much more complicated. Alphas can't stand other alphas during rut, and when they smell one, they become overly territorial and aggressive. Not all of them, though. For example, Jay is calm and allows other alphas to take care of him, just like Jungwon. Sunoo simply doesn't leave his room, and Sunghoon is a little more territorial. In Heeseung's case, it's simple—he's rutting with Jake. Still, both options will bring challenges for the leader, but deep down, he hopes Riki will be an omega. Their pack needs an omega.
"Wonie?" Sunoo's voice breaks his reverie, and he shudders.
"Mm? I met Jake and Heeseung. They said Riki wasn't feeling well?"
"Yeah, one of us should check on him in a couple of hours," Jungwon replies, taking a sip of his now-cold coffee. The leader grimaces and pours it into the sink. "I need to run some errands. Let me know if you're going to see Riki."
"Okay," Sunoo nods, staying in the kitchen to make himself breakfast. Jungwon goes back to his room.
Riki doesn't know how long he slept, but as soon as he wakes up, the first thing he realizes is that his whole body feels like one erupting volcano, and his nose is assaulted by a mixture of different scents wafting through the air. He doesn't immediately realize the scents belong to his hyungs, but there's another one among them—cloyingly sweet and berry-like. Strawberry, the maknae realizes, but it takes him a while to realize the scent is coming from himself. The air is filled with the scent of dark chocolate, slightly bitter but leaving a pleasant aftertaste; warm, freshly baked bread; cool, refreshing mint; the pleasant floral scent of jasmine; spicy cherry and caramel.
The maknae groans as his lower abdomen literally clench with pain and he feels something wet leaking between his legs. Riki's heart pounds wildly in his chest as he pulls back the blanket and sees a large wet spot beneath him. His pants are also completely soaked and exude a strawberry scent. And it is at that moment that he realizes he is introducing himself, not as an alpha as he had hoped, but as an omega. If the strawberry scent wasn't an indicator, the slick he secretes is clear evidence of his new status. He is an omega. Riki feels tears streaming down his hot cheeks and allows himself to sob. His chest tightens with an oppressive sense of loneliness, as if he's missing something.
"Alpha," a voice inside him prompts, and Riki freezes, the silent question frozen on his lips. "I'm Noa—your inner omega." Riki bites his lip and pounds the blanket with his fists in despair. He tries to get out of bed and even succeeds, but as soon as he straightens up, another wave of pain rips through his body, and he falls to his knees, clutching his stomach. He desperately wants to be with his hyungs, with his Jake-hyung. The maknae bites his lip until it bleeds, a metallic taste in his mouth, but despite the pain, he rises to his feet and staggers toward the door of his room. His vision is blurry and he feels nauseous, tears blur his vision, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to see where he's going. Somehow, magically, he emerges from his room, whispering "help" like a mantra. In the living room, the others' scents are stronger, and Riki's inner omega purrs, though his entire body is gripped by pain. Another attack weakens his legs, and he falls facedown, hitting his head painfully.
"Riki!" he hears the voice of one of his hyungs, but he can't make out who it is. His head is buzzing from the fall and the impact. "Can you hear me?" The maknae's gaze is unfocused, and the older man's heart skips a beat.
"Hyung," Riki whispers hoarsely, and only now does it dawn on the hyung that Riki is introducing himself and that he is an omega.
The sweet scent of strawberries hits his nose, and the alpha within him growls, demanding to claim the omega and take him right here. But the older man won't give in to his instincts. Riki has long since forgotten about shame and greedily inhales the alpha's scent, groaning with pain in his lower abdomen and the desire to be closer to the alpha. To feel his skin against his, his warm embrace and kisses.
"Riki, let's take you to your room and I'll take care of you there," the hyung says, and Riki nods mindlessly, allowing himself to be lifted by strong arms and carried into the room. "Just stay here for now," he says, lowering him onto the couch. Riki groans in protest, not wanting the alpha's body heat to leave him. "Just be patient, Ki."
Riki closes his eyes, his body overwhelmed by another wave of heat, now replaced by desire. The emptiness inside him is unbearable, and the alpha's scent is driving him crazy. His hands move of their own accord, and he sheds the unnecessary clothes that cling uncomfortably to his body, and the pleasant coolness sends goosebumps down his spine. As soon as the hyung turns around, his mouth waters at the sight of the maknae, and he struggles to keep his alpha under control. He growls inside, demanding to take the omega, to mark him, and to make him his. Riki doesn't resist when his hyung takes his hand and pulls him toward him; instead, he eagerly presses his body closer. The omega's strawberry scent drives the older man wild, but he makes a titanic effort not to give in to his instincts.
As soon as he lays him down on the bed, Riki pulls him toward him and pulls him by the neck, kissing him. His lips are as hot as his body, and the alpha responds, but not with the same enthusiasm as the omega, who has crossed his legs around the older man's waist to keep him there. Riki brazenly and shamelessly releases more of his scent, clearly not realizing what he's doing. The older man breaks away from his plump lips and tries to pull away from the maknae, but the maknae whines so pitifully, tears welling up in his eyes, that the alpha finds it difficult to resist.
"Hyung..." Riki whispers pitifully, baring his neck. The elder curses under his breath and runs his nose over Riki's scent gland, savoring the taste of strawberry on his tongue. All the stop signs in his head disappear as he kisses Riki, greedily devouring his lips.
Soon, his clothes are on the floor, and the omega whines beneath him from the gentle touch and hot lips on his skin. They forget everything else, completely surrendering to passion and merging in a passionate dance. It's not just their bodies that speak, but their souls, intertwining. Alpha and omega have found each other, sharing love and pleasure. When the hyung comes to the realization of what he's done hits him like a tidal wave. He breaks out in a cold sweat and literally jumps out of bed. Thank goodness the omega doesn't wake up. The alpha shakes his head and clutches his fists. What did he do? What was he thinking? Why did he let his instincts take over? He disposes of all evidence of what happened, gets dressed, and goes to the bathroom to clean Riki off and change his clothes.
The room still smells of sex and their mixed pheromones, so he airs the room, watching the omega sleep peacefully. His scent is less intense now, and his exhausted body is finally resting and no longer burning so intensely. He glances at the maknae one last time and leaves the room, glad no one noticed him. What he doesn't know is that what happened between him and Riki will change the group's life forever.