Archive of Our Own

“It’s our last day on Earth and you’re wearing that stupid sweater?” Seungkwan scoffed.

Seokmin smiled at the other omega for having noticed and ran his fingers through his hair, it was getting quite long Seungkwan noted.

The older examined the sleeves of the sweater and it was obviously meant to be a gag gift. The yarn was an array of different colors that were much too bright, there was no sensible pattern and had random shapes and colors thrown about, even the shape of the sweater was slightly off.

But…

“Of course I am! It’s the first gift you gave me when we started dating. What better than this?” Seokmin laughed.

Seungkwan sighed and laid down on the couch next to his boyfriend, resting his body on the other’s. Admittedly, the ugly sweater was the most plush and softest item in either of their wardrobes. It was a good tension breaker all those years ago too.

Seungkwan grabbed the remote for the television and switched it on, letting the static-like chatter and ticking from the live video fill the room.

Not that much time left before the asteroid hits their side of the globe, only about ten hours.

Ten hours…

Some people still decided to go to work, those people who tried to seek some kind of comfort in normalcy or people who found nothing better to do.

Then there were many people who rushed to grab everything they found value in and ran away. Whether it was running to the nearest shelter or fleeing the country varied, none of them guaranteed survival but people found it better than nothing.

The two of them were not those kinds of people but were grateful to those who did choose to work and hoped that the people who fled found somewhere safe.

Even the news casters, there were only two instead of the usual three, they did their best to read out the names of shelters and support hotlines. But you can tell in the way the women’s hands trembled or how the man’s voice shook whenever he started speaking, they were scared. It was like the live video and countdown ticking behind them shook their very bones.

“Do you think it’ll hurt?”

Seungkwan looked up and saw Seokmin watching the asteroid in a daze, a mix of sadness and fear strewn across his face. Quickly, Seungkwan switched the device off and sat up.

“I don’t want to die,” Seokmin’s voice trembled.

Seungkwan wrapped his arms around him as he cried, he should’ve known, he was acting a little bit too uncaring about the situation from the moment they heard about it this week. Tears dampened the front of Seungkwan’s shirt and the smell of wilting flowers seeped into their souls.

“I don’t want to die either,” Seungkwan choked out, tears starting to form in his own eyes by seeing Seokmin tear up, “But we can’t just cry about it, okay?”

Seokmin didn’t look up, he just cried harder and hiccuped into Seungkwan’s chest. It was as though someone had stuck an apple down Seungkwan’s throat and then stabbed his heart.

Seeing Seokmin like this was like the world had already ended, caved in, and taken away all the precious moments of life they had.

“No, we can’t cry about it,” Seungkwan swallowed and wiped away his tears, “We aren’t dead yet, right? Just listen, my heart’s still beating.”

Seungkwan guided Seokmin’s ear to his chest and worked on steadying his breathing, letting out his scent of tangerines and tangerine blossoms.

“We’re okay, I’m here,” Seungkwan whispered gently.

Seokmin still cried for a bit longer in the younger omega’s arms. Seungkwan just gently played with his hair and massaged his head.

Eventually Seokmin’s breathing evened out and Seungkwan repeated the phrase, “We’re okay, I’m here.”

Seokmin hummed and nuzzled into his chest a little bit before looking up and pressing a light kiss to Seungkwan’s jaw.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered.

Seungkwan smiled gently then cupped his cheek and reassured him, “You don’t need to be, the world’s ending, I’d never expect you or anyone to just go about it all happy.”

Seokmin leaned into the hand cupping his cheek and hummed in confirmation.

“But…” Seungkwan started.

The older looked back up to face him.

“How about we live a little bit more? I still haven’t gotten my americano yet and I’d rather die right now than never get it,” Seungkwan joked lightly and pouted.

Seokmin blinked twice and Seungkwan feared he chose the wrong thing to say and face to make when Seokmin’s booming laughter echoed across the room.

“We’re going to die and you still want your americano?” Seokmin laughed, a grin as wide as the Pacific Ocean stretched across his face.

Seungkwan smiled back and said, “Well if you’re going to keep me from my americano your end is a lot closer than mine.”

That lovely smile, that lovely smile that made the corners of Seokmin’s eyes crinkle up, stayed on his face while he got up.

“I believe you,” he chuckled, “We going to hyung’s?”

Seungkwan stretched and replied, “If they haven’t closed.”

“It would take more than the end of the world for Jeonghan to close shop early,” Seokmin snorted.

The older omega waited for him by the door. While he put his shoes on, Seungkwan couldn’t help but look around the apartment.

“We’re coming back, no need to make that face,” Seokmin reassured.

Seungkwan hummed and quickly finished, grabbing Seokmin’s hand as they exited.

The apartment was small, just like the rest of town, but nearly everyone was gone. The only people Seungkwan knew were still in the building were themselves, an older omega who never left his apartment normally, and an alpha that he’s met only a handful of times.

Outside the sun was shining and clouds painted the sky with their fluffy white forms, as if to give them one last good day. Seungkwan squeezed his partner’s hand slightly as he looked up.

Yes, that’s what the universe is telling them, to enjoy their final day.

He could feel Seokmin’s eyes flicking over his face but lingering on his eyes, as if they were searching for something. The older must’ve found it, his own hold tightened as another smile graced his face.

It came as little surprise when Seokmin started skipping and gently swinging their arms. Seungkwan turned to face him, already curving his mouth up.

As the two skipped down the empty streets Seokmin sang a soft tune that Seungkwan didn’t know but echoed anyways.

They reached the small cafe soon enough like that.

Just as they thought, there was Jeonghan working the counter and talking to his husband, Seungcheol, and his brother, Jisoo. The two alphas and beta turned as they entered and waved slightly.

“Woah, Seungkwan didn’t stop you from going out with that on?” Jisoo commented on Seokmin’s sweater.

Seokmin only had a moment to stick his tongue out at the beta before the others moved on.

“What are you two pups doing here?” Seungcheol nodded at them.

Jeonghan and Seokmin simultaneously answered, “Americano.”

Seungkwan pinched his nose as the four started laughing.

“It’s a good drink!” Seungkwan tried to defend himself.

“We can tell,” Jisoo smiled deviously.

Seungkwan sighed in defeat but relaxed as Jeonghan gave him an already prepared drink. When he tried to pay the alpha waved him off.

“It’s on the house, think of it as an end of the world special for one of my regular customers,” Jeonghan waved his hands around.

“What will you two be doing today?” Seungcheol asked.

“That’s a good question, know anything good around here?” Seokmin hummed.

Jisoo groaned and said, “You sound like a tourist, you already know what’s out here.”

That got a chuckle out of them all. After some banter the conversation slowed down. Seungcheol and Jisoo had chosen to not go into work and decided to stay at the cafe, to keep Jeonghan company with the significant decrease in customers.

“Let’s see… a little bit more than nine hours, and it’s still afternoon,” Jeonghan checked his phone.

Seungcheol sighed and leaned back in his chair, “How about we all have some dinner later? Unless you two have other plans.”

Seokmin looked Seungkwan in the eye then shook his head when he couldn’t think of anything else to do.

“Oh, that’s perfect! We can bring all our favorite foods and invite a few of our friends,” Jeonghan exclaimed.

Seungkwan nodded and said, “Our place? It’s got a bigger dining area.”

The eldest three nodded in agreement.

“Great, now how about you pups head off and enjoy yourselves. Do it like you have all the time in the world,” Jeonghan’s eyes softened and something like sadness slipped into his tone.

Jeonghan used to joke that they had all the time in the world since they were all young. Seungkwan remembered he’d say it as a way to mean don’t rush things.

It’s what kept him from taking a job with terrible pay and even worse employers when he was the most desperate.

It’s what Jeonghan told him when Seungkwan asked why they hadn’t had a wedding ceremony, only wedding Seungcheol by law.

All the time in the world to do what they want.

How nice that would’ve been.

Seungkwan gave a sad smile back and replied, “We will, thanks for the coffee hyungs.”

As they said their goodbyes and exited Seokmin turned to him and asked, “Now what?”

Seungkwan thought for a moment then said, “Now, we take care of that hair.”

Seokmin looked up and sighed, “You can’t stand it for one more day?”

“Nope,” Seungkwan said smugly.

Seokmin sighed and said, “I hope Mingyu is in, I don’t want my last haircut to be like the one you did.”

“Just because you said that I’ll shave your head,” Seungkwan deadpanned.

Seokmin made a scared noise in his throat and Seungkwan rolled his eyes. He’d never actually do that but his skill with scissors was abysmal at best, they both knew shaving his head would be mercy compared to what happened last time.

Thankfully, Mingyu was still working and they didn’t have to take those measures. The tall beta was leaning over a chair and watching Wonwoo play a video game on one of the televisions. When they walked in neither beta turned but made small acknowledging noises.

“Mingyu,” Seungkwan dragged out his words, “We need your help to fix this, please?”

The man turned around and blinked several times then zeroed in on Seokmin’s hair.

“It’s been a while since you’ve been here, but I thought you started going somewhere else,” Mingyu strode over.

Wonwoo paused his game to look over and observed what they were doing. Mingyu led them to the chair closest to Wonwoo and began making preparations.

“Are you going to do anything with your hair today?” Wonwoo asked Seungkwan.

Seokmin handed the sweater over to him as he thought.

“Hadn’t thought about it, you have any ideas?” Seungkwan looked around at them.

Mingyu set down his tools and said, “If you want I can give you a cut.”

Seungkwan hummed then shook his head, “I’m happy with the length.”

“Want to bleach it?” Mingyu suggested.

Seokmin and Wonwoo made small “Ooooo” noises and Seungkwan looked in the mirror.

“I don’t know, you think I’ll look good?” Seungkwan asked nobody in particular.

“Of course you will!” Seokmin said quickly.

Mingyu laughed then motioned for him to put his stuff down.

“Then I’ll get started on you first, it’s better for time,” Mingyu told them.

All throughout the session Mingyu talked and talked while Wonwoo quietly played his game, the older only sneaking in a comment or reaction every once in a while. Seungkwan learned that besides them, only about a dozen other people stayed in the entire town.

“That reminds me, we’re having dinner at our apartment with the hyungs. Want to come?” Seungkwan asked while waiting.

Mingyu diligently cut Seokmin’s hair and replied, “Jeonghan and Seungcheol?”

“And Jisoo, they asked us to spread the invite,” Seungkwan said.

“Wonwoo, you want to go?” Mingyu asked.

Wonwoo nodded and hummed in confirmation.

“We’ll be there, should I make anything?” Mingyu questioned as he finished cutting chunks of Seokmin’s hair.

Seungkwan fiddled with the aluminum on his head and replied, “Hannie said favorite foods so I guess whatever you like.”

Mingyu laughed lightly and put the scissors down then began making Seokmin look neat. Seokmin himself was smiling at Seungkwan by looking at him through the mirror, raising his eyebrows up and down playfully.

“Wonwoo, can you check to see how his hair is taking it?” Mingyu carefully brushed the older omega’s hair.

Wonwoo paused his game and got up, taking a deep breath and stretching his limbs, Seungkwan swore he even heard a few pops. The beta walked over and adjusted his glasses as he examined him. Seungkwan tried to stay still but must’ve put on a silly face as Seokmin started chuckling, the older now free from the cover Mingyu had put on him.

“It’s taking faster than usual,” Wonwoo finally answered.

Mingyu widened his eyes and Seungkwan shifted around nervously, the action not going unnoticed by the stylist.

“Nothing to be worried about, just means it’ll be lighter than we thought,” Mingyu reassured him.

“Gyu will clean it up soon,” Wonwoo patted his shoulder and went back to his spot.

After a small eternity of Mingyu removing the foil, rinsing, and drying his hair the beta finally deemed him ready. Seungkwan tried to look into a mirror quickly but Mingyu put his hands over his eyes.

“Let me bring you back over to your mate first,” Mingyu teased.

Mate…

Seungkwan felt his shoulders slump as he whispered, “We aren’t mated.”

Mingyu stopped moving for a second, obviously thinking something but not daring to voice it. Instead he continued leading Seungkwan over to Wonwoo and Seokmin.

“You ready?”

“Yep.”

The change in brightness made Seungkwan wince, needing to blink twice before his vision adjusted. The first thing he saw was Seokmin’s eyes smiling, his hands were covering his mouth but like that would ever stop the glow of his happiness. Then Seungkwan looked up and saw the reason why Seokmin was smiling.

He loved it.

He loved his hair.

It was a somewhat light shade of blonde that looked like the sun’s rays had decided to color his hair with their own pigment.

Seokmin’s laughter snapped him out of it. The other omega got up from his chair and his hands came up to cup Seungkwan’s cheeks. Seungkwan was then attacked by a flurry of small kisses all over his face.

“You’re so cute,” Seokmin beamed.

Seungkwan felt his chest bubbling with warmth as his face flushed. Mingyu and Wonwoo smiled at the two before moving to clean up quietly, deciding to let the two of them have their moment.

Seokmin’s happy purrs and calming scent lulled Seungkwan into content as the older rubbed their cheeks together. He was soft, his skin, his clothes, his smell, he was softer than anything Seungkwan ever knew. Seungkwan could feel the muscles in his body relaxing as his own quieter purr matched Seokmin’s and a note of tangerine was added to the flowers.

Peace and happiness.

He felt peace and happiness.

When Seungkwan finally managed to snap out of his trance, he ruffled Seokmin’s hair a little while huffing.

“Maybe I should’ve done this earlier,” Seungkwan joked.

Seokmin laughed and pulled away. Together they approached the two betas, both having gone back to the position they where in when they first entered.

“How much?” Seokmin asked as he took out his wallet.

Mingyu looked over at them and seemed to consider something before saying, “Don’t worry about it, would just be time wasted ringing you up. Make sure whatever you bring to dinner is tasty though.”

Seungkwan faked offense and said, “You doubt our ability?”

Mingyu gave them a wary look and shifted slightly to hide behind Wonwoo.

Seungkwan huffed dramatically and hooked his arm around Seokmin’s before saying, “Well then, guess we’ll have to go elsewhere! Somewhere with people who appreciate our cooking!”

Seokmin decided to match his energy and turned his back to the betas together with Seungkwan. They managed to keep up the act for all of five seconds before bursting into laughter.

“See you later then?”

“Yeah, see you guys.”

Outside the sun was no longer directly overhead but positioned in a way that still said noon. The two detached briefly to wave bye to Mingyu and Wonwoo before turning back. Seokmin’s smile was slow but grew big as they linked arms and went on their merry way.

“We still have a bit of time left before we should go get ready, what should we do?” Seokmin asked.

“How about lunch?” Seungkwan suggested.

Seokmin nodded and replied, “I like the way you think. WAIT!”

The older suddenly shouted and stopped in his tracks. The action was jarring and left Seungkwan worried as he anxiously waited for the next word.

“How about a picnic? I know a spot,” Seokmin’s eyes glistened with excitement.

Seungkwan released his held breath and smiled softly, “Stop by the store?”

Luckily the store was left open but the owner was no where to be found, all that was left was a sign that said “Take what you need but leave some for others”.

There was only one other person in the store, someone that they knew.

“Junhui!” Seokmin called.

The older omega flinched and startled by the register where he was bagging his items. Then he relaxed upon recognizing his friends. Seungkwan and Seokmin excitedly walked over to him and Junhui gave them a casual omegan greeting. It was a short trill followed by a chirp that they reciprocated then the older brushed the scent glands on their wrists, lightly scenting them.

“I thought you’d be cooped up inside all day,” Seungkwan admitted.

Junhui hummed and replied, “I thought about it but Hao decided to go into work today and I thought it’d be nice to make dinner before he gets back.”

“You’re so thoughtful hyung, Seungkwan would probably let me starve,” Seokmin teased.

Seungkwan lightly punched his side and grumbled, “Maybe I’ll make you starve today, not like you’ll feel it tomorrow.”

“Noooooo, I’m sorry, please let me have a good last meal, cereal isn’t good enough,” Seokmin whined.

Junhui smiled softly at their antics and asked, “What are your plans for today?”

Seungkwan turned to the eldest and remembered, “Oh, we’re actually having a dinner party. Do you want to come?”

Junhui looked rather surprised so Seungkwan explained, “It was Jeonghan’s idea, asked us to invite people.”

The lone omega nodded and said, “Let me call Hao, pretty sure he’s not on maintenance.”

As they waited for him, Seungkwan started mentally making a list of what they should get right now. Their apartment was already stocked with food and ingredients so it’d be best not to get too much. That way they didn’t need to worry about stopping by to drop off anything and could go have lunch right after this.

Yes, time was of the essence.

Not a single moment should be spent without meaning.

There was less than twelve hours to squeeze an entire lifetime into.

Just how-

A sharp trill snapped Seungkwan out of his thoughts and made him look up. Junhui and Seokmin were looking at him curiously.

“I’m sorry, what were you saying?” Seungkwan blinked and shook his head.

Junhui looked over him but settled on saying, “Hao said he’d like to go. Just letting you know we’ll be there.”

The oldest omega picked up his bag of groceries and started walking towards the exit.

“See you two later,” Junhui waved and sounded two quick chirps that they made back.

After he left Seokmin turned back to Seungkwan and thoughtfully said, “We should probably make a group chat, just to make it easier.”

Seungkwan hummed and took out his phone to set up a chat as Seokmin tugged him further into the store.

The entire time Seokmin wouldn’t stop talking, gesturing to premade foods and snack packages. Seungkwan found himself nodding along while pushing a small cart, trying to burn memories of Seokmin into his mind.

Nothing was out of the ordinary but today it felt important.

Even the way he looked up at the shelves to decide if he wanted white bread or wheat bread felt special. Maybe it was the look of concentration, or maybe it was how he bounced his leg and crossed his arms, it might’ve even been the shine of his eyes when he finally decided and turned around with a small smile.

When they got up to the registers there was still nobody there. Feeling off about just taking groceries they decided to leave a few bills behind while they bagged their items.

“Our last time buying groceries together,” Seokmin commented as he put away a chocolate bar.

Seungkwan nodded as he bagged a tray of premade sandwiches then joked, “You won’t have to rush back for bread and milk anymore.”

Seokmin huffed a small laugh and picked up his bag, “And whose fault is it that we always forget it?”

“Yours obviously,” Seungkwan sassed back but his smile gave away the playfulness he lacked in his tone.

Seungkwan picked up his bag and nodded, they were ready to go. Seokmin linked their arms together once more as they headed out into town.

The elder started leading him up town and Seungkwan joked about making him exercise on their last day. Almost ironically, right on the edge of town there was a small bakery. Before the end of the world, the biggest talk in their quaint town was someone new moving in.

The midsized “Grand Opening” banner still hung by the entrance, swaying gently in the wind.

Seokmin paused in front of the building and a contemplative look spread across his face.

“Want to see if they have anything?” He finally asked.

Seungkwan narrowed his eyes at the door, the small sign at the door was flipped to “open” so he nodded. Seokmin smiled at him and they walked into the bakery, a bell announcing their arrival.

Admittedly, they were planning on coming earlier but work and the asteroid had drawn their attention away. The inside had a warm and cozy atmosphere, most of the shelves were empty but there were still a few products left.

“Hello? Anyone here?” Seungkwan called out into the shop.

There was no answer.

Seokmin shifted from side to side and Seungkwan detected a hint of nervousness from his boyfriend’s smell. To try and appease him Seungkwan patted his shoulder and thought about why he would feel nervous.

Then it hit him.

“We can leave some cash on the counter and then start looking around, if someone walks in and tells us anything we can take it from there,” Seungkwan talked slowly and paid close attention to Seokmin’s face.

Luckily the answer seemed to satisfy him and after placing a few bills next to the register, they started looking around.

Seungkwan was amazed by the variety, he should’ve come earlier when the place first opened. Despite being nobody there, all of the baked goods were at least somewhat fresh, the loaves that he touched all made satisfying crackles and felt light.

Seokmin himself grabbed a few pastries, just enough for a good picnic, and a small bag of bread rolls. Seungkwan decided to just watch him gather the items on a tray and sit on a little bench by the door.

The older did a second walk through of the available items, carefully flipping over the treats and leaning in to examine them better. Seungkwan sighed and let his head rest on the wall behind him, Seokmin would probably be a while.

They didn’t talk, just marinated in the warm atmosphere together doing their own thing. It was something they usually did, letting the other do what they needed to while they relaxed or snuck in gentle affections between their task.

A small kiss on the back of Seokmin’s neck while he cooked.

Feeling Seungkwan’s hand with two finger tips while he did the bills.

A soft bump against Seokmin’s foot as he called for appointments.

Hugging Seungkwan from behind and purring in the mornings while he brushed his teeth before heading off to work.

Small times but good times nonetheless.

Seokmin here right now was without a doubt taking such a long time picking out pastries because he decided to get some for later and wants all of their friends to like at least one. Finally, he perked up and smiled down at what he did grab. Seungkwan sat up straight and inhaled deeply, like he was just waking up from a nap.

Then, something changed.

Seokmin froze by the counter suddenly and wrinkled his nose.

Seungkwan immediately stood up, on high alert as Seokmin quietly put the tray down on the counter. When he got closer, Seungkwan was finally able to get a whiff of what set Seokmin off.

Spoiled milk.

Well, not exactly spoiled milk, it wasn’t as bad but it still meant something was wrong. Seokmin looked behind the counter and shook his head, nobody was there. Seungkwan looked around and saw a slightly open door labeled “Employees only” behind the counter and pointed to it.

Seokmin hopped over the counter and opened the door a smidge more. Seungkwan walked around while Seokmin opened the door a little wider. The smell was more clear in the room but more than that they heard some noise.

Realization dawned across their faces, it was the scent of an omega in distress and crying.

Seokmin entered the kitchen not a moment after and Seungkwan followed. It was mostly empty but a little area in the corner had ingredients and tools. There was a cutting board and cut fruits, like someone had just started baking.

The crying got louder and the two quickly approached the direction where the noise was coming from.

Once they saw him instinct took over.

The young omega looked up at them with tears in his eyes as he clutched his hand, his bleeding hand. Chan, Seungkwan read his name tag, looked even more panicked when he fully registered that they were there.

Before his scent could spoil even more Seokmin overwhelmed them with his calming scent. It was magic, as if the steely room had fallen away and now they were in an open field of plush grass and small flowers.

Chan visibly relaxed and Seungkwan took the chance to ask him, “What happened here?”

The baker flinched but relaxed easily again upon inhaling more of Seokmin’s scent as they kneeled next to him.

“Uh, I was just getting ready to make a fruit tart but then I got distracted and..,” Chan trailed off and sounded a distressed mewl as Seungkwan took his hand.

Seungkwan knew the cut must hurt and upon further examination it was a bit deep but nothing was too concerning, he wouldn’t need stitches. Seokmin on the other hand was focused on keeping Chan calm and asking him some questions.

“Do you have a first aid kit or anything in the shop?” Seungkwan eventually asked.

Chan turned back with a worried expression and mumbled, “By the door, second self.”

Seungkwan got up and started searching that area, paying attention to the next questions Seokmin asked.

“You new around here? Haven’t seen you in town,” he began casually.

“Yeah, moved in last week. Before all the,” Chan waved his uninjured hand around, “you know.”

Seungkwan found the kit and looked through it haphazardly, it had all the basics and was good enough to clean and bandage him up. Grabbing only what he needed, Seungkwan moved back to the other two omegas.

“I’ve come here before, with my brother to decorate and my parents to make sure everything was okay. Everything is still okay now, I have my shop and my apartment, it’s everything I ever dreamed of,” Chan started tearing up as Seungkwan cleaned his wound.

“But, why do I miss my parents and little brother? I’m not supposed to miss them,” Chan weeped while the cut was finally bandaged.

Seokmin released more calming scent and patted the distressed omega’s head.

“Any good son misses their parents, especially now,” Seokmin tried.

Chan looked up hopefully and Seungkwan chose to talk, “We were deciding whether or not to take a train and fly to go see our parents but we settled on staying together. We did have a video call and ate breakfast with them earlier though.”

Seungkwan secured the wrap and nodded at him.

“That sounds nice,” Chan mumbled.

Seokmin ruffled his hair once again and smiled, Chan let out a small chirp at the action.

“It was, and I’m sure if you called them right now they’ll answer,” Seokmin beamed.

The energy in the room finally picked up and Seokmin eased off on his scent, letting Chan’s scent of sweet whipped cream peak through.

“I will, thank you, both of you,” Chan said while wiping his tears.

Seungkwan gave him a small smile then stood up and offered him his hand.

“If you feel like it you can come to our apartment for dinner later. Our friends will be bringing food and they always like new faces,” Seungkwan offered.

Chan’s eyes lit up and he nodded, “I’ll be there, just send me the address.”

After a short exchanging of contacts Chan saw them out the door and waved as they walked. Seokmin’s smile stretched wide as they walked, happy having helped another human.

“Think we still have time for that picnic? It’ll be getting late soon,” Seungkwan wondered aloud.

Seokmin merely squeezed his hand and said, “Well, hyung did say to spend today like we had all the time in the world. I’m sure they won’t mind us being late to our own party, just for today.”

Seungkwan dipped his head down and smiled as blush dusted his cheeks.

Just for today, today they can be late.

There’s still time.

Seokmin took them a small way out of town to a forest and led them off the path. After another short while of walking through the trees, the older took a sudden turn and almost like magic they arrived.

Surrounded by tall trees was a clearing of lush green grass with tiny flowers and a calm stream to the middle. The angle that sunlight came in from highlighted the gentle atmosphere as a feather-like breeze played with the flora.

Seungkwan stood still as he looked upon the beautiful scenery.

A deep breath of the pristine air had Seungkwan relaxing. It smelled like Seokmin, like his pure scent had taken on the form of a place.

“What do you think? Was it worth it?” Seokmin asked, a small bit of uncertainty under his bright tone.

Seungkwan nodded, in a daze, and whispered, “More than worth it.”

Seokmin smiled softly and gently grabbed his hand, taking Seungkwan to the stream. In some places flat stone separated the greenery and the water, Seokmin dusted off one of the larger slabs and sat down. Seungkwan followed him down and was surprised at how pleasantly warm the rock was, it felt like a heated floor.

As Seokmin took out their lunch from the grocery bags, Seungkwan had to ask, “How did you find this place?”

Seokmin smirked and said, “It’s a secret~”

Seungkwan harmlessly kicked his leg and the older started laughing.

“I got lost while hiking a couple days ago, the trees were blocking the reception so I just wandered around for a bit until I got here,” Seokmin gestured around, “I made sure to map this place after that, I thought it would be nice to take you here.”

Seungkwan made pleased chirps and said, “It is nice. I love it.”

“I’m glad,” Seokmin chuckled.

They ate sandwiches in comfortable silence, well not that the world was silent. The rushing breeze tickled their ears and ruffled the vibrant greenery around them, and the small stream steadily grounded them to the present.

It’s a nice day today, Seungkwan thought, admiring a passing cloud.

While they might’ve enjoyed the sandwiches in peace, once they moved on to other foods they started chatting again. Reminiscing, unraveling, even apologizing for things the other had long forgotten and forgiven.

“I never said sorry for ruining that job interview,” Seokmin muttered.

Seungkwan glared at him, confused, while stuffing a roll of gimbap into his mouth.

Seokmin choked out a laugh and elaborated, “You know, you had to do it from the computer and I came in all loud. You didn’t even stop me from putting kisses all over your face, that interview lady had to speak up. Still feel like an idiot for ruining that.”

Realization dawned upon Seungkwan and he quickly swallowed to speak, “No no no, you didn’t ruin it. She thought it was funny and cute, they called me back for another round and I got the job.”

Seokmin widened his eyes, “Really?! I thought that was a whole different thing-“

Seungkwan shook his head and sighed fondly, “No, you’re an idiot, but you’re a cute one. Reason I have my job might be because of that.”

Seokmin stared and blinked rapidly then smiled and said, “I think having all those recommendations and connections is what got you that job.”

Seungkwan ate another piece of gimbap and teased, “All of those things and they’ll forever remember you coming up to me, sitting in my lap, and ignoring the open computer.”

Blush dusted Seokmin’s ears and he ducked to whine, “I forgot I sat in your lap.”

Seungkwan laughed wholeheartedly at his boyfriend’s reaction and patted his back to comfort him. Seokmin looked back up at him with his lips pressed thin and eyes glimmering in amusement.

Just like that they sorted everything out, from missing clothes to big events that had happened.

“You remember the day we met?” Seokmin asked.

Seungkwan nodded, “You were crying because an alpha dumped you over your scent. I told you that whatever moron dumped you because of that didn’t deserve you anyway.”

Seokmin winced at the recollection and said, “That day I was going to drop out.”

“What?!” Seungkwan shouted.

“I didn’t think I was good enough for school, and after what happened it was the final straw,” Seokmin looked off into the distance, “But when I saw you I thought maybe I should stay.”

Seungkwan gripped his sleeves tightly, never having heard this part of the story. Seokmin’s face turned soft as he recollected more.

“The moment you came to my side I knew two things. One, I was done with trying to date alphas. Two, I wanted to be with you,” Seokmin looked back at him.

His smile wasn’t the usual smile, burning brightly and lighting up the world like the sun. This smile was special, warm and comforting, like hot chocolate on a cold day.

Seungkwan felt himself tear up and shouted, “You sap! You’re making me cry!”

Seokmin just blinked at him and Seungkwan moved to give him a light punch but he moved. Seungkwan huffed and went after him. Seokmin’s bright smile returned to his face as scooted away and took off his shoes.

Seungkwan shot him a confused look then saw him roll up his pants and run down the small stream.

“You can’t catch me!” He taunted.

Seungkwan smiled and started taking off his own shoes and rolling his pants, “We’ll see about that!”

Seokmin walked further into the water and watched as Seungkwan came after him. The older grinned as he maneuvered around, hopping between soft grass and cool water to dodge Seungkwan’s attempts to catch him.

Seungkwan found himself panting as his playful smile gradually got bigger. He feigned annoyance whenever Seokmin got away and teased him. When Seungkwan accidentally splashed him, before he could apologize Seokmin crouched down and got him back.

Not one to let him get away with it, Seungkwan got back at him. The two of them laughed with every small splash of cool water.

Eventually Seungkwan found a small opening and went after him again. Seokmin’s face changed to one of surprise as he jumped out of the stream but he was too late.

Seungkwan managed to wrap his arms around him and made a victorious chirp. Seokmin laughed and tried to free himself but ended up making them lose balance and fall onto the soft grass.

They both paused, Seungkwan laying on Seokmin’s chest, then laughed together as they hugged.

Seungkwan rolled off the other omega and tried catching his breath. Seokmin sat up after catching his and started picking some flowers.

“What are you doing?” Seungkwan asked, still laying down and slightly out of breath.

Seokmin hummed and said in a sing song voice, “It’s a secret.”

Seungkwan rolled his eyes fondly and closed his eyes as he basked in the warmth of the sun. Minutes passed in peaceful silence then he felt Seokmin touching his head. He only opened his eyes when he heard the other laugh.

“What did you do?” Seungkwan asked light heartedly.

Seokmin looked proud of himself as he said, “I thought you’d look good with flowers, and I was right.”

Seungkwan raised an eyebrow and felt what was on his head. He was met with lush petals and intricately woven stems. Carefully, he sat up and took off what Seokmin had made.

A beautiful flower crown made from white, light pink, and orange flowers is what he was looking at.

“You made this?” Seungkwan looked up at Seokmin adoringly, “You made this for me?”

Seokmin nodded and Seungkwan melted.

He hugged him tightly and whispered, “I love it.”

“I’m glad,” Seokmin replied back.

The next while was spent with Seungkwan learning and making a flower crown for Seokmin. It was a little different, instead of pink he opted to use yellow though, and maybe the stems weren’t woven as neatly, but Seokmin beamed when Seungkwan put it on his head.

Without much else to do they lied back down to watch the fluffy clouds in the sky, admiring how perfectly they decorated the blue expanse.

Seungkwan glanced at Seokmin, watching his chest rise and fall steadily. Seeing how his eyes flicked around to look at different clouds. Admiring how perfect he looked with a flower crown and what was meant to be an ugly sweater. He should’ve known from the moment he saw him, anything Seokmin wore could never be ugly, not when the man before him practically had a halo.

How he would’ve loved to marry him one day, but there was no time, no ring, and he had nothing to give.

Seungkwan fiddled around with a flower stem as he looked up at the same blue sky.

It didn’t even have to be anything big, it just would’ve meant everything in the world to have had it happen.

“What are you thinking about darling?”

Seungkwan turned and saw Seokmin staring at him, looking like an angel, his angel. His angel that he wanted to spend far more time than just the rest of this day with.

I want to marry you.

A lump formed in his throat and his chest ached, it ached like all the love and words he should’ve had time for were going to crack open his ribs and burst out. Seungkwan felt his bottom lip quiver and a warm tear leave a streak.

He saw Seokmin’s chest rise with a staccato, his breath hitching, tearing up from watching the other cry. The older made small movements, small movements that meant everything. Seungkwan closed his eyes as he was embraced, his head tucked into the curve of Seokmin’s neck.

He was warm and soft yet the arms around his back were strong and grounding. His scent, a meadow of flowers that smelled so strongly of spring you could just feel the warm sun. His hands, gently rubbing soothing motions on his back. The steady vibration of a purr meant to comfort being made in his chest.

All so definitively Seokmin.

All so exquisite beyond words.

The universe was so cruel to end this precious human so quickly, they were still young, still had so many opportunities left. Seungkwan cried in his arms, he’s not ready yet, he’s not ready to let go yet, please don’t make him let go.

“Darling, please look up.”

Seungkwan shook his head and pressed closer.

“Okay. It’s okay, I got you.”

A hand came up behind his head and nimble fingers threaded through his hair, massaging and scratching his scalp. Seungkwan felt his lungs breath in calming pheromones at the same time but he still wasn’t ready to let go.

Seokmin didn’t force him to part and let him cry, let him shed off some weight that came from the world ending in mere hours.

Eventually Seungkwan was able to take a stabilizing breath and let Seokmin’s calming pheromones do their job. The other omega noticed and pressed a long kiss to the top of his head.

“‘M sorry,” Seungkwan mumbled.

Seokmin gently stroked his hair and whispered back, “Don’t be.”

The two stayed together in silence for another few moments then Seokmin spoke up again.

“So, what was the reason for the tears my love?” He asked.

Seungkwan swallowed thickly, he had to or else he’d waste their time crying again, then uttered, “I never got the chance to marry you, to mate you, we ran out of time.”

The hands on his body stopped moving and the steady purr died off. Seungkwan felt worry run down his back like ice, maybe he should have kept it to himself, maybe he should have-

“Who said we ran out of time?”

Seungkwan’s heart skipped a beat.

Carefully, he looked up at the other omega. Seokmin had also cried, his eyes slightly red at the corners, but those eyes also held determination.

“What do you mean?” Seungkwan felt dazed and finally released his death grip.

Seokmin smiled, that damn smile, and shifted to reach for something. Seungkwan heard a tiny snap behind him and felt Seokmin’s hands moving behind his back.

“My lovely Boo, will you marry me?” Seokmin brought his hand in front of Seungkwan’s face.

In between his thumb and index finger was a white flower with its stem tied.

A ring.

A flower ring.

Seungkwan couldn’t stop the tears if he tried. Seokmin just laughed as his own eyes watered but he managed to smile.

“I love you,” Seungkwan sobbed and wiped his tears with his palm.

Seokmin smiled wider and his tears fell as he asked, “Is that a yes?”

“Is there any universe where I’d say no?” Seungkwan countered.

Seokmin chuckled and ducked his head slightly as he cried. Seungkwan gently took his face in his hands and pressed a long kiss to his forehead.

“I’m going to marry you,” Seungkwan sniffled.

Seokmin continued crying and Seungkwan looked for the perfect flower then made it into a ring to match Seokmin’s. Seungkwan wiped his eyes and Seokmin did the same as they stood up, flowers in hand.

With a deep inhale, Seokmin took his free hand and held it tight then asked, “You ready?”

Seungkwan’s breath hitched and he laughed through tears, “I don’t even have shoes.”

Seokmin barked a laugh at that and said, “Good thing I’m not marrying you for that.”

Seungkwan blinked the water away and nodded his head, “Okay, I can do this.”

Seokmin smiled softly, small crinkles formed at the edges of his eyes, and when he spoke Seungkwan’s mind burned it into memory.

“My darling, my love, my dearest Boo,” Seokmin started, “Will you please take me to be your husband, your mate, and love me for as long as we may live?”

Seungkwan laughed and said, “I’ll love you for all eternity if you’d let me.”

“Of course I will,” Seokmin started to weep again.

Seungkwan gently brushed his fingers on Seokmin’s cheek and said, “Then I do. Will you take me to be your-“

“YES! I do!” Seokmin interrupted and bawled.

Seungkwan smiled and held out his hand. Seokmin tried to keep a neutral expression as he put on the flower ring but when it was his turn the other wailed and embraced him once it was on.

Seungkwan let himself cry again and placed small kisses all around Seokmin’s face before pressing their lips together. Calm seeped into the cracks of their souls, healing wounds and stilling their worries. Nobody else could make him calm like this, only his mate could.

His mate.

He’s really his mate now.

Seokmin pulled away from the kiss to breathe and Seungkwan felt a hand on the back of his head pull him closer. Seokmin brought their heads together and closed his eyes again. Seungkwan closed his eyes as his mate nuzzled his nose against his then stilled.

There, in a small hidden clearing surrounded by flowers, two souls wedded and shared the same breath mere hours before the world was to end.

By the time they parted to look at each other the tears were gone, leaving behind a daze of happiness and love.

“Let’s go home,” Seungkwan whispered.

By the time they were halfway to the apartment, Seokmin suddenly shouted, “OH MY GOD! WE ACTUALLY GOT MARRIED!”

Seungkwan laughed, “You just realized?”

The other looked back at him with sparkling eyes and down at their hands. A giddy smile bloomed across Seokmin’s face.

“IM MARRIED! I HAVE A MATE!” Seokmin hollered at the top of his lungs.

Seungkwan bumped his shoulder while smiling and scolded him, “What if people call someone on you for being loud?”

“THEN THEY’LL KNOW WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MATE I HAVE!” Seokmin beamed.

The older set their pace to a happy skip as he shouted the whole way back about how joyous the day was. Thanks to that they arrived before anyone showed up for dinner.

Together they got started on cooking then brought out all the chairs and tables they could find, making the setup look more like an amalgamation. Part way through cooking a knock sounded at the door and Seungkwan went to go answer it.

To his surprise it was the alpha who lived in the building, Hansol or something. Hansol held out a box of treats to him with nervousness.

“Uh, I heard you got married? Thought I’d say congrats,” Hansol said.

Seungkwan smiled and accepted the gift, “Thank you.”

Hansol gave him a polite smile and turned away to leave when Seokmin rushed over.

“Hansol-ah! Nice to see you again! Do you have any plans right now?” Seokmin asked.

Hansol turned back around and shook his head.

“Want to join us for a little dinner party then? Between us and our friends we’ll need help eating all the food,” Seokmin told him.

Hansol shifted around on his feet for a few seconds then said, “Sure, let me go grab something from my apartment.”

The alpha left and Seungkwan got an idea.

“Jihoon-ssi should be in his place, think he’d want to come?” Seungkwan asked.

“Only one way of finding out,” Seokmin replied.

Jihoon’s apartment was on the first floor and the omega didn’t really come outside. From what they knew he only came outside to take out trash and get misplaced deliveries. Still, the few times they met he was nice and nice people should be invited to dinners.

Seungkwan knocked on the door to his apartment and called out, “Jihoon-ssi, are you still here?”

Seokmin was back in their apartment finishing up their contribution to the meal so being there alone was admittedly a little nerve wracking. Seungkwan knocked on the door again with a small sigh and waited.

Nobody was answering the door and it seemed pointless to still be there when it unlocked with a quiet click.

Jihoon stood in the doorway with a wrinkled pink sweater and messy long hair. He looked up and down at Seungkwan questioningly.

“Seungkwan?” Jihoon asked.

“Hey, uh, I was wondering if you wanted to come up to our unit for dinner. Just thought it’d be nice, you know,” Seungkwan said.

Jihoon nodded along as Seungkwan talked but didn’t say yes or no to the invitation so they just stood there. As the silence stretched on uncomfortably Seungkwan clapped his hands together.

“Anyways! We’re going to have plenty of food so please stop by if you’d like, our door will be open,” Seungkwan told him then walked back.

At the apartment Mingyu, Wonwoo, and Chan had arrived. Chan was watching something in their oven and Mingyu was helping Seokmin. Wonwoo was cleaning up their tables and chairs, making it look nicer than before.

To not crowd the kitchen, Seungkwan went over to the older beta and helped make it look less like a hurricane put it together.

Over the next half hour the rest of their guests arrived.

First came Hansol, who helped with cleaning up and brought some drinks.

Then came Junhui and Minghao, they brought two large pots of something Seungkwan couldn’t identify but smelled heavenly.

Along with them came Soonyoung, one of their local delivery drivers, that brought loads of kimchi and playful banter.

After that came the hyungs. Seungcheol with a tray of various grilled meats, Jeonghan with what looked to be a type of soup, and Jisoo with an array of side dishes.

Finally, right before they started eating, Jihoon peeked through the door with some cut fruits.

Seungkwan hurriedly welcomed the omega in and introduced him to their friends. Soonyoung’s eyes flashed with recognition and then he beamed at him.

“Jihoon-ah! Come sit next to me!” Soonyoung patted the chair next to him.

Jihoon rolled his eyes and scoffed, Seungkwan expected him to sit anywhere but next to the hyper beta, yet he went over to him. He didn’t even flinch as Soonyoung scooted his chair closer, making them attached at the hip. Jihoon just looked mildly annoyed, still, he didn’t push him away or complain about it.

Jeonghan is the one that speaks up about the display, “You two know each other or something?”

Jihoon glanced at the clingy beta and said, “He’s the only delivery person that gets my address right, but he talks my ear off every time.”

“Yeah, that sounds like him,” Minghao teased and elbowed his friend.

Soonyoung stuck his tongue out at the younger alpha. Then shifted to gesture at Hansol and Chan.

Seungkwan clapped his hands and said, “Oh, right, this is Hansol, he also lives in the building. Then Chan here is new in town, he’s the one that opened that bakery.”

Chan waved at them nervously and Hansol bowed his head in greeting.

“You’re the one that opened up the bakery?” Mingyu asked.

Chan nodded and Jisoo sighed, “I was really looking forward to going there but work piled up.”

Sounds of agreement rang throughout the table. Before they got too carried away with anything else, Seungcheol told them to move all the extra chairs out of the way. As thirteen people they needed all the space they could get, so the extra four chairs were promptly moved away.

“Before we all start eating, do you two have anything you want to tell us?” Jeonghan directed at Seungkwan and Seokmin.

Seungkwan furrowed his eyebrows in confusion and Jeonghan smiled. Jisoo, ever in tune with his brother, gestured to the top of his head.

Oh.

Right.

Seokmin beat him to the punch as his happy meadow scent put the room at ease. Seungkwan felt his mate intertwine their fingers and raise their hands to show off the small flower stems wrapped around their ring fingers.

“We got married today!” Seokmin beamed.

Different reactions happened around the table initially. Some smiled for them immediately, some looked shocked, and some looked sad for them.

Like Seungkwan didn’t know he only had time to be married for five more hours.

Amongst those who looked sad initially, Jeonghan recovered the fastest and said enthusiastically, “Wow! Congratulations!”

Words of celebration made the ache in his chest go away and bloom into warmth. Seokmin held his hand tighter as he shot him a joyous look. Seungkwan melted, letting his sharp edges go down in a way that only Seokmin could make him.

An assortment of small coos and light teases spread around the table at the display.

“Congrats, you two, let’s have this meal in honor of you two becoming mates,” Seungcheol said proudly.

Seungkwan laughed and nodded, “Yeah, let’s dig in.”

“Oldest first!” Jeonghan and Jisoo teased Seungcheol despite being born in the same year.

Just like that they started eating their feast of foods that didn’t exactly go together yet tasted better than anything they had. Sweet fruits, savory meats, and spicy noodles was a combination that Seungkwan didn’t know he needed until now.

The music in the background amplified the lively atmosphere, made talking and joking easy, even if a few were new faces. It felt like they’d all known each other for years, like they’d been having dinners like this for years, like they’d keep doing all this for many more years to come.

It was easy like that.

Seungkwan sipped at his beverage and looked around him. Hansol and Chan were smiling at each other. Mingyu was bantering with Seungcheol about something while Wonwoo massaged his shoulders between bites of food. Minghao was leaning onto one of Junhui’s shoulders while the omega talked to Soonyoung, who had Jihoon in his arms. Jisoo and Jeonghan talked to Seokmin about the details of their little ceremony.

Had there been neighbors in any of the other units the noise level would’ve gotten them in trouble but even if it did Seungkwan wouldn’t mind. They were living, loud and proud, and that was enough to justify it. Besides, the symphony of sound was people he loved, he could never hold it against them.

“Seungkwan-ah! Your face is weird!” Soonyoung called.

…

Maybe he could hold it against them.

Seungkwan smiled for a moment then put on an angry face and started arguing with his friend.

Evening turned into night as things slowed down. They ate the pastries Chan had brought and began imagining the future, what it would’ve been like, and talking as if it would still happen.

“Having a dinner like this once a month would be good, don’t you think?” Jeonghan suggested as he nibbled on a muffin.

Seokmin nodded and added, “Let’s have a different theme each time.”

“How about hotpot since it’s going to be getting colder?” Mingyu slurped up the last of the noodles.

“Malatang sounds good too now that you mention it,” Junhui commented.

“Why don’t we have both? With so many of us we can do it,” Jisoo suggested.

Seungcheol nodded, “I wouldn’t mind paying for it, this was fun.”

Chirps and sounds of agreement echoed around the room.

“I should’ve gone outside more, met you guys sooner,” Jihoon whispered and leaned into Soonyoung’s embrace.

Seokmin reached over and patted the omega’s shoulder, “You met us when you needed us, no need to talk like that.”

“Besides, there’s always tomorrow,” Soonyoung said wistfully.

Hansol nodded, “We can go out to the park, it’s the weekend so it might be crowded but it’s better than nothing.”

The table fell silent after that, the only noise coming from the warble of a woman singing about love from a speaker and the crackling of bread crusts.

Seokmin used that moment to try and brighten the mood, “This feel like a pack doesn’t it?”

Seungkwan smiled as his mate got up and glided over to Seungcheol, Jeonghan, and Jisoo.

“We got our pack alphas right here,” Seokmin hugged the two eldest alphas then turned to look at Jisoo and said, “and they got their assistant there.”

The beta gave him a flabbergasted smile, “I’m more than an assistant!”

“Hmmm, okay, you and Hannie are evil twins and Seungcheol is your main victim then,” Seokmin smiled and moved on.

Jeonghan and Jisoo did look at Seungcheol with a rather devious expression though.

“Mingyu is everyone’s helper then,” Seokmin patted his head and before Mingyu could complain he added, “Nobody else can do everything like you. You’re our jack of all trades when it comes to that!”

“Only if Wonwoo comes along to keep me company, you all will just tease me,” Mingyu mumbled and Wonwoo patted his back.

Seokmin nodded went to Chan and pinched his cheek adoringly as he said, “We got our adorable youngest too! He can make treats for us when we ask.”

Seungkwan rolled his eyes as Seokmin continued going down the line with everyone at the table. A state of happiness gradually returned to the room with Seokmin spreading around his infectious smile.

“And finally, here I have my lovely mate!” Seokmin peppered him with kisses.

“What about you though?” Hansol asked.

“Me?” Seokmin raised an eyebrow and did a silly pose.

“What are you going to be in this pack?” Wonwoo asked.

Seokmin tapped his foot and shrugged.

A beat afterwards Minghao sat up and pointed at him, “Oh! You can be like our happy virus.”

Seokmin smiled at the goofy title and said, “A virus? Me?”

With no hesitation they all nodded and Seokmin exaggerated an offended expression as he sat back down. Just like before they slipped into easily talking with each other. Seungkwan leaned onto his mate’s shoulder and nuzzled into his neck, gently placing a soft kiss behind his ear.

“You’re so good, you know that?” Seungkwan whispered to him.

Seokmin kissed his forehead and quietly said back, “I try to be.”

Soon they all picked up and cleaned what they made a mess of, a fast process with all of them working together. Seungkwan would dare say it was fun even.

It was when it got to goodbyes that everything became difficult.

Seungcheol was the first to say it. He held a bag of trash and their dishes in one hand, and ruffled their hair with the other.

“See you two soon, okay?” Their ‘pack alpha’ smiled at them.

Seungkwan felt a lump form in his throat as he smiled and said, “See you soon.”

Jisoo came up and shook his hand firmly then bowed.

“Feel free to stop by our house anytime,” Jisoo told them.

“We will,” Seokmin nodded and Seungkwan felt his bottom lip quiver.

When Jeonghan hugged him that’s when Seungkwan broke, inhaling sharply and feeling his eyes water. The alpha hugged him tighter and Seungkwan reciprocated the action.

“Hey, hey, it’s okay pup,” Jeonghan comforted, “If you want we don’t have to go yet, we can stay with you and do whatever you want.”

Seungkwan sobbed as Jeonghan offered that to him, it was tempting beyond words, but Seungkwan shook his head.

“No, it’s okay, I’ll be okay, you all should go home. We’ll all meet again, I’m sure of it,” Seungkwan smiled through tears as he looked at every one of them.

The others all came in and hugged in a tangled pile, but it was exactly what he needed, a group hug between the thirteen of them.

Just like that Seungkwan got the courage to see them off.

“See you on the other side,” Seungcheol waved and walked through the door.

“You’re not getting rid of me this easily, I’ll come back to you,” Jeonghan smirked and followed the leader.

“Even if I have to scour the universe I’ll find you guys,” Jisoo grinned and spun after Jeonghan.

“Thank you for being my family, now and forever,” Junhui bowed and walked out the door.

“You’re not lucky enough to hide from me! I’ll get you all with the spirit of a mighty tiger!” Soonyoung laughed and headed out.

“I know we’ll meet again, don’t worry,” Wonwoo said calmly and went.

“Next time I’ll do more, I’ll make sure we meet earlier, and take care of that idiot,” Jihoon huffed a laugh and went after Soonyoung.

“Our paths will cross again, I can feel it, take care until then,” Minghao smiled fondly and carried the things Junhui forgot out.

“Make sure you eat well while I’m away, I’ll get back as fast as I can,” Mingyu grinned and rushed to Wonwoo.

“Thanks for tonight. I think I’ll be sticking around, see where this goes,” Hansol hummed and strolled out.

“I’ll be sure to make you all smile next time we meet! I can’t wait!” Chan beamed and grabbed Hansol’s hand.

Seungkwan smiled at the now empty door and slowly went up and closed it. With a single tear left he pressed his forehead against the wood and inhaled deeply.

“Yeah, see you all again,” Seungkwan muttered to the door, almost like a prayer.

A loud noise jolted him away from the door and made dread settle deep into his bones.

A siren.

“Attention. Attention. Two hours until impact. This is the final call to move to your nearest shelter. This is not a drill.”

The message along with the sirens signaling the end made his body tremble involuntarily. This was it, this really was it, nothing else could be done.

Then, the sound got more distant, no longer right in his ears. Seokmin had closed the windows and did everything he could to muffle the noise.

The older immediately rushed over and hugged him.

“It’s okay, I’m still here,” he reassured him.

Seungkwan hid his face in Seokmin’s plush sweater and inhaled the soothing scent of him and everyone they spent their meal with. Seokmin rubbed his back until he recomposed himself.

Still, it was hard to be completely calm with what was essentially trumpets announcing the end of the world outside. A finger brushing a tuff of hair behind his ear and gentle purr made him look up.

Seokmin was smiling at him, smiling at him with a lifetime of love.

“You know, it’d be a shame,” Seokmin said.

Seungkwan opened his mouth a few times then finally got the ability to ask, “What would be a shame?”

“It’d be a shame not to dance to this song,” Seokmin guided them over to the living room and turned up the music.

It was a delicate tune, the beat slow, and the lyrics tender. Seungkwan remembers when they first went out, Seokmin didn’t care much for ballads, then it changed when Seungkwan said he liked them.

This was one of the songs they danced to.

Just like back then Seokmin eased him into a slow rocking rhythm.

“We still need to have our first dance,” he said.

Seungkwan looked at him with wonder as Seokmin led their dance. One small shift of a foot onto the next, one sway in one direction then another in the opposite, a slight parting only to be pulled in closer.

The repetition, gentle lyrics, and Seokmin himself made the rest of the world grow distant. Seungkwan rested his head on Seokmin’s chest and held his sweater’s soft yarn loosely, allowing Seokmin to hold him and rock their bodies to the music.

Seungkwan fell into the daze easily.

He trusted his mate.

He trusted the fuzzy feeling around his mind.

He trusted without a second thought.

A steady purr pulled him from his daze with a sleepy blink. Seungkwan heard Seokmin’s laugh and felt himself wake up, distantly noticing the blaring outside had stopped.

Seokmin gently kissed his forehead, “There you are.”

“How long was I out?” Seungkwan rubbed one of his eyes.

“Not too long, I just thought it’d be good to shower before going to bed,” Seokmin told him.

Seungkwan nodded and said, “Okay, you go ahead.”

Seokmin smiled and started walking to go grab a clean set of clothes.

“And Seokmin,” Seungkwan waited for him to turn around, “I love you.”

Seokmin’s face lit up as he said “I love you too.”

Seungkwan watched him go and looked around, rubbing his eyes again, the apartment was mostly clean but there were small things here and there that could be adjusted.

While Seokmin washed up Seungkwan cleaned the apartment. Made sure every chair was put in place, sweeper up any small crumbs, fluffed the couch cushions, and cleaned behind the television. He washed the dishes and dried them with a towel before putting them away, all face down.

Seungkwan cleaned until he was satisfied and took out the chocolate bar he’d been saving, waiting for a special occasion to eat it. The chocolate itself was bitter but deep in flavor and the nuts inside helped bring the flavor together.

It was good, everything was good.

Seokmin came out a minute or so later and Seungkwan hurriedly cleaned himself, wanting to get out as fast as possible. When he finished, he found Seokmin laying in their nest, sweater and flowers back on.

“How much time?” Seungkwan asked, putting his flowers back on to match his mate.

“Just over an hour,” Seokmin yawned.

Seungkwan hummed and got into the nest. Once inside Seokmin shifted around to face him.

“You have enough energy to fix up the nest?” Seokmin asked, Seungkwan noticing the tiredness in his tone.

“Yea, I can do it one more time,” Seungkwan smiled.

Seokmin gave him an exhausted smile back and Seungkwan purred with adoration at the cute face he was making. After planting a small kiss onto his cheek Seungkwan sat up and started readjusting things.

Remaking the whole nest from the bottom up would take too long, and Seokmin was already tired from the day, but adjusting it could be done fast. Seungkwan noticed Seokmin’s lethargic and gently pinned him down.

It didn’t take much effort to get on top of him, to straddle his hips and hold down his arms, nor was it difficult to stay on top of him. A testament to how tired he was. Seungkwan looked down at his face and saw how Seokmin was now looking at him through tired eyes.

“Darling? What are you doing? We can’t stop, every moment counts,” Seokmin said desperately but slower than he usually would.

Seungkwan hummed and leaned down, to nuzzle their noses and purr. He pulled away slightly and took in every inch of Seokmin’s face, trying so hard to memorize it so that his soul could remember him if his mind wasn’t lucky enough to recall.

“I’ll do the hard work for now, you still need the energy to scent me before we go later,” Seungkwan tenderly rubbed their cheeks together.

Seokmin was quiet for a beat then whispered, “Okay.”

Seungkwan kissed his cheeks and nose then moved off of him to get to work.

The edges of the nest were brought closer to them and piled higher, not intending for anyone to get in or out of the nest. Seungkwan made it so there was just enough room if they were to lay shoulder to shoulder.

Making it more protective.

The pillows inside the nest were fluffed and the blankets were untangled from each other. Seungkwan smiled as he tucked Seokmin under a thick layer of blankets. Seokmin keened for him and Seungkwan went under the blankets with him.

“This better?” Seungkwan giggled.

Seokmin nodded, “Everything is better with you here.”

Seungkwan cupped his jaw and laughed, “Such a sweet talker, even when you’re falling asleep.”

Seokmin smiled and said, “I’m not alseep yet, you said we had to scent each other before we go.”

Seungkwan kissed his cheek and said, “Let’s do that then, okay?”

Instead of answering, Seokmin let out a steady purr and his meadow scent bloom. Seungkwan bared his neck as much as he could to let Seokmin rub his scent on him.

Seungkwan refrained from purring, feeling how Seokmin was on the edge of consciousness as it was, but did make pleased chirps to encourage him. Seokmin took his time, rubbing his head and neck along Seungkwan’s shoulder, neck, and collar.

Seungkwan let himself relax, fall into the meadow Seokmin was putting him in.

Soon though, much sooner than usual, Seokmin pulled away with a small peck to his forehead and bared his own neck.

Seungkwan smiled and hugged him close, throwing chin over Seokmin’s shoulder, and staying put. He didn’t like to move around and spread his scent like Seokmin. Instead he preferred to leak his scent into one concentrated place.

Tangerines and sunny days.

They smelled like tangerines and sunny days.

Seungkwan smiled to himself then pulled away when he felt Seokmin’s chest stutter.

His mate was trying so hard to stay awake.

Seungkwan planted two kisses to his temples and said, “I’m done, thank you for giving me this.”

Seokmin smiled tiredly, he slowly wove their fingers together and dazedly kissed him on the lips. Seungkwan took his free hand and cupped his cheek, brushing his thumb back and forth.

Before Seokmin shut his eyes he whispered, “I’ll see you soon. I love you Seungkwan-ah.”

Seungkwan watched fondly as Seokmin fell asleep, purring as he went to the land of dreams. The purrs eased his mind and told his body it was time to rest as well.

He shifted closer, tangling their legs, pushing their chests together, resting his forehead on Seokmin’s, making their bodies as much as he could into one. Seungkwan felt his breathing match his mate’s as he pressed one final kiss to Seokmin’s lips and closed his eyes.

“See you tomorrow Seokmin-ah.”