Chapter Text
They didn't call it secondary gender at first.
The announcement came a few decades ago, folded reminders about students and the upcoming school year. A new health directive. A genetic irregularity observed in a small percentage of the population. A mutation, they called it. Scientists categorized it as Alpha, Beta, and Omega.
Almost overnight The laws had pivoted quickly; health directives were issued, school handbooks were updated, and mandatory checks were established. On paper, society had accepted it. Decades of legislation made sure of that.
Healthcare systems raced to keep pace, producing suppressants as quickly the government demanded them. Things had calmed down in those decades. Currently, the process is done through childhood where secondary gender starts to appear. Schools are required to help students and educate them about their body. Precaution, and care. It's why parents are there to escort their children. After all, you can't just leave the kids alone with information that changes them, right?
Even though, people are being watched even before something truly changes within them.
'Beta' the papers said as if that explained the silence that followed. The doctor recommended taking pills just like to other students.
Soohyun stared at the 'B' sign in his paper. A letter printed in bold ink that he did not quite understand at the time. He knew it has something to do about him.
I mean why would you expect an elementary schooler to know? They're at the age of five, learning about how to count with their fingers.
While the teachers smiled at him, the doctors spoke with gentle finalityas if there's nothing more to say. His parents nodded, relieved. There was nothing wrong about being a beta, Soohyun thought. That's what they implied anyways.
Soohyun slipped the paper into his bag, the letter 'B' disappearing along with it. There were more important things to worry about, like writing practices, scraped knees, and how medicine tasted bitter. He doesn't like medicine and how the taste always lingers. Whether he likes it or not he takes it just like anyone else and he would be praised for obedience. Soohyun decided early on that some things shouldn't be tolerated even if adults say it's good for you.
Elementary school passed peacefully. Middle school followed, louder but bearable. Middle school ended with more questions than answers.
Highschool came.
High school was different immediately; words changed around him.
Alpha. Omega. Names that used to be said casually sounded different now. Betas were still spoken casually, but not lingered longer in the air. Soohyun noticed them the way he noticed background noise: present, but not directed at him. No one looked his way when they talked about it or others in that matter, Soohyun kept the same routine: wake up, uniform, class, lunch, class, home. He studies in his free time and it kept people from talking to him.
The system felt clearer here if not better. When it was a health inspection they all will be gathered with no exception. The nurses say it's regulation and monitoring - reasons that meant to make sense for Soohyun.
He watched his classmates line up to receive the small case of pills. Everyone seemed to know themselves as they occupied spaces with more certainty, holding conversation like they already know each other. It was a relief, in a way, to finally have a name for the static in his head.
Soohyun bit his nails without realizing it; soft pressure at the edges, he didn't go far enough to hurt, just enough to feel steady. He adjusted his grip on his pen and forced his hands away from his mouth. The habit didn't exactly disappear.
The following days were ordinary, marked by the same scraping of pens and the lectures of the teacher. The classroom was noisier than he was used to; he kept to himself, half-listening to the world until a name stood out: "Jung Eunsung."
The name landed differently, not heavier, just clearer. Like a bell in the middle of noise.
Soohyun didn’t know why he noticed it. Maybe because it came with a pause or simply because they were too loud as if broadcasting it to the whole class.
“Not here yet,” someone said.
“So he’s late?” another voice laughed.
Jung Eunsung.
Soohyun repeated the name in his head. It was a name that is easy to pronounce, another ones that are often mentioned in passing. On the board, the homeroom teacher was writing lessons, reminders, and assignment. Chalk dust drifted in the air. Soohyun focused on that instead of the conversations behind him.
The teacher announced the first quiz of the quarter. Many complained. Soohyun studied, hand writing the material until his notes were neat.
The quiz came the following week then the results were announced two days later.
Anticipation made the students restless, someone at the back made random guesses. The teacher stood in front with a stack of papers began calling names.
"Third place-"
A brief clap
"Second place, Lee Soohyun"
A pause. Second Place? Him?
An applause, a compliment from the teacher. He walked into the front, the paper crumpled upon receiving, then returned to his seat. He waited until the next name was called.
"First place. Jung Eunsung" a round of applause, "I knew it" Someone said.
That name again. The name that showed more than the person did. He looked at his own paper. Two mistakes. Merely two mistakes but enough to determine who would place lower.
On the board, later that afternoon, the teacher wrote the top scores for record keeping.
1. Jung Eunsung
2. Lee Soohyun
Soohyun stared at the names longer than necessary. The difference was frustratingly small, just two questions missed because of a careless mistake. Soohyun took a deep breath, ranks often shift. It was his fault for letting his guard down. He won't let it happen again. He'll take the first place next time.
Still, the name appeared again.
Written on board. Announced by teachers. Carved into the rankings.
First place - Jung Eunsung
Without ever meeting the man, Soohyun knew him. A man now involved in his ordinary life.