Chapter Text
"Wonwoo doesn't get jealous."
"Huh."
"Okay..?"
Mingyu sighed, as his three friends looked at him in a confused manner, all of them seated at the cafeteria table.
"How did you get to that conclusion ?" questioned Jihyo.
"Whenever I talk with an omega, he doesn't seem to react that much," explained the athlete. "It's like he doesn't care."
"Perhaps because there's no reason for him to feel threatened?" shrugged Jaehyun, unsure. "I dunno, if you don't do anything bad... well, it'd be obviously unnecessary to make a scene. Plus, I can't really picture our dear student council prez exploding in an outrageous jealousy," he chuckled.
"So should I do something bad?"
"Wait. Hold on, dude."
It's Seungcheol's turn to sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. His friend can't be that dumb, can he?
"You're not thinking what I'm thinking?" he continued, voice firm and hard.
"As in?"
"Mingyu. You're seriously not gonna flirt with some random omega just to trigger the jealousy of your sane boyfriend?"
"Why emphasize the "sane" part?"
"Because if you indeed do that, you'd be the dumbest toxic alpha ever," answered Seungcheol sternly. "Tell me you're not gonna do it."
"Seungcheol. There's no point in changing his mind. You know how he is," said Jihyo, also perturbed by her friend's behavior. "It's like talking to a wall when his mind his set."
"Exactly, hyung. I just want to see Wonwoo hyung jealous… just for once. Come on, how is it fair that I'm the only one possessive in our relationship?"
"Because that's in our nature, Mingyu," laughed Jaehyun. "This is us, alphas. We can't help but feel protective of our mates, mostly in aggressive ways." He then sipped a bit of his carbonated water. "By the way, who says Wonwoo doesn't feel the same too? He could also be hella possessive of you, don't you think? He just doesn't show it, and that'd be the difference between you too."
"I agree on this one," nodded Jihyo before taking a piece of her burger. "Damn boy, for once you doesn't sound stupid Jaehyun."
"Excuse me? Oh, the way I'm gonna fuck you up after class," threatened the alpha, fist held in the air.
"I'd like to see you try," she laughed as she lowered down his hand. "Don't hit a woman, you ill-mannered."
While the two of them started bickering as usual, Mingyu is contemplating how he's gonna make his two-year boyfriend's jealousy come out of its shell. Next to him, Seungcheol puts a hand on his shoulder, regardless of his exasperation.
"I know how you feel, Mingyu. I kind of felt the same way with Jeonghan at the start of our relationship, but I figured he displays his possessiveness in a very different way than mine," he told with now a calmer voice. "Time will do its thing. So, provoking Wonwoo's jealousy by willingly flirting with someone else is a bit risky. It could backfire on you real hard. I'm serious."
"I never said I'd flirt with anybody. In fact, I may already have a plan…"
"Okay, spill it. So I can tell if you're going to break up or not."
"Hyung!!!"
"What, just preparing you in advance for the worst," said Seungcheol nonchalantly.
"He can't break up with me. He won't," growled Mingyu.
"Not to pry but how are you so sure?" suddenly intervened Jaehyun, after ending his beef with Jihyo.
"'Cause we're true mates. As simple as that. He needs me, and I need him."
"You both don't have a mark. Hell, you didn't even have sex until now," he gently reminded.
"Because he's waiting for uni to be over," Mingyu explained once again, annoyed, as if he also needed to hear himself say these words. That way he couldn’t be upset about it.
In fact, it’s true that Wonwoo is waiting for the end of year to have sexual intercourses with his boyfriend. As hard as it is for Mingyu to bare it, he endures it because he respects his decision. He'd rather be a good alpha for his omega than a slave for his desires. It is also known that alphas have less self-restriction when it comes to lust, and for Mingyu especially, his tolerance is almost on the brick of reaching zero every time he gets too close to Wonwoo. When someone is this pretty and perfect, how can you not crave physical intimacy?
However, he will wait for him. No matter what. Both of them want their first time to be special, so a few more months won't kill anybody, right?
"Okay, what's your plan, genius?" asked Jaehyun. "We're all ears."
"Be careful of what you'll say," warned Seungcheol.
Mingyu bit his bottom lip, thinking of how he should approach it. That's when Jihyo exhaled a long sigh, an amused but irked smile on her lips.
"Ha... Poor Wonwoo," she said, anticipating the future events. "He should have chosen a smarter boyfriend. Really."
❀
Jeon Wonwoo is a twenty-four years old intelligent and unshakable omega, and that's mostly why he became the student council president of Chonnam University. He doesn't have many friends, unlike his popular boyfriend, but he's well-known for his discipline and the stoic facade he wears every day. While people can easily talk to him, some others are afraid to do so, due to two reasons: his aura, and Kim Mingyu.
That tall alpha is not only the superstar soccer player of the college, he's also extremely protective of Wonwoo. With this combo, both of them form the cliché campus couple, but that doesn't stop other suitors to try sliding their way in between. Though, flirting with Jeon Wonwoo is way harder than doing it with Kim Mingyu. Most of the time, the omega won't even notice and just pass by without any care in the world, while Mingyu, infamous social butterfly, will gently reject the advance by smiling or laughing at the other party.
... and this, is what pisses Wonwoo the most.
Clever people will understand and step back, but the stupid ones won't take the hint and continue their flirting. All because of that damn alpha who likes to please everybody. If only he could act like Wonwoo, life would be so much easier.
For example, that fucking cheerleader who clings to his arms every time he sees them together.
His number one enemy.
However, Wonwoo cannot allow himself to display any sign of anger or possessiveness. He should be better than that. He needs to be unwavering. That's how he is: a young man having a hard time communicating his feelings. This is why Mingyu fell for him, he saw under that mask and never stopped diving deeper and deeper, until all parts were discovered.
Well, except for his ugly jealousy...
... and sex.
"President. Should we end the meeting here?"
His mind abruptly stopped with that sentence. He quickly regained his composure and thoughts by organizing the documents on the table.
"Good idea. We just discussed the booths placement. Therefore, next time we'll debate on how to manage each activity, is that good for everyone?" he resumed in a calm professional tone.
"Yes!" replied the student council in unison.
"This Friday, seven o'clock in the afternoon, no one late. Don't forget," concluded Wonwoo. "Good job to all of you, get home safe."
"Thank you, president!"
The members picked up their belonging before leaving the room, except two of them.
"Matthew? Do you have something to talk about with Wonwoo?" asked Soonyoung, the vice-president.
"Just a few questions regarding the event," answered the alpha.
The blond short-haired boy looked at him for a moment, not hiding his suspicion.
"Shall I leave then?" he suggested towards Wonwoo, a hidden meaning as in 'Do you want any back up?', which of course, the latter caught on.
"It's okay. You can wait for me at the door, we'll be quick. Isn't it, Matthew?"
"Obviously."
Soonyoung nodded then proceeded to exit the room, not before giving the other alpha a nasty side eye. After the sound of door closing, the tattooed boy slowly approached his president until they were less than a meter away. Wonwoo immediately stood his ground.
"Well, what is it?" he demanded.
"I wanted to know if we could get paired for the night. You know, during booth time."
"Why would you want that?"
At that question, Matthew smirked and came a bit closer.
"You know exactly why."
"So there are no other reasons apart from that?" said Wonwoo dully, his buried annoyance letting out for a moment. The alpha shook his head. If his president is imperturbable, he could do the same. He won't lose his face. Noticing that, Wonwoo internally sighed and turned around, closing his bag. "I see. Then, the answer is no."
"No?"
"You heard me the first time," spoke Wonwoo with a tone leaving no place for discussion.
"Come on, I promise I won't do anything. I just want to spend time with you," insisted Matthew.
After swinging his bag on his shoulder, he faced the alpha again, expressionless. "Last time I checked, I clearly remember telling you I have a boyfriend, I'm not interested, and that apart from project-related inquiries, you should leave me alone. I don't want the mood of our council to be affected by something so ridiculous, therefore you should think alike."
"I know, but I can't stop," justified Matthew poorly. "See, I'm attracted to you and I want a chance with you. Fuck, you're not even mated to Kim Mingyu."
"This matter doesn't concern you in any way."
Wonwoo is so sick of hearing the same thing over and over again. Why do people care so much about this trivial detail? He's got values, and if he wants to give himself to his boyfriend after graduation, then so be it. Furthermore, Mingyu doesn't seem to mind it, like the considerate alpha he is. Unlike that Matthew guy.
"I think I made myself clear, one more time. So please respect my boundaries and don't bring up this kind of subject ever again, Kim Matthew," strictly concluded Wonwoo. "Now, you can go home, I will have to lock the room."
"You know, this behavior makes you ten times sexier, if you weren't aware of that," chuckled the alpha, as he obeyed.
"I see. You're a masochist."
"What if I am?" laughed Matthew.
"Please, leave."
"Fine, fine. See you on Friday then, Wonwoo," he waved goodbye, not forgetting to wink at him one last time.
"Fuck. Repulsive," muttered Wonwoo under his breath, before locking the door behind.
"Hey, are you okay?" Soonyound asked as he instantly came to his friend. "He didn't do anything wrong, did he?"
"Flirting, like usual. I swear no matter how hard I go on him, he still keeps trying. It's frying me," sighed Wonwoo, walking now side by side with the blond. "Do I seriously need to swear at him, or punch his face so he can leave me alone? How far do I have to go? Gosh, he's detestable."
"You should let me step in, one day. You know, from alpha to alpha," suggested Soonyoung.
"No no, wrong idea," he shook his head. "Firstly, because that would affect the group, and secondly, people might mistake you as my boyfriend."
"Okay, then Mingyu should do the job."
"That's worse, and you know why," said Wonwoo sternly.
Indeed, Mingyu is aware of Matthew's existence. First time he heard about the guy was when some girls in the hallway chatted about him courting "a glasses guy with a personality cold as ice". He didn't hear the name before they made their description, due to loud noises, but he was fifty percent sure it was about Wonwoo. Consequently, he decided to wait for his boyfriend after the weekly council meeting to see if his suspicions were true, because who the fuck would dare to flirt with his omega?
That's when he saw him.
A tall alpha, tattoos on his arms and short hair dyed pastel green... and his body too damn close to Wonwoo. Maybe he could have been imagining things, so he waited a bit before assailing him. Of course, that fucker was following his omega like a thirsty dog, and from what he could hear, he had the audacity to ask Wonwoo on a fucking date. The latter, undoubtedly faithful, rejected him with his stoical aura.
It was only when he dared putting his hand on his shoulder that Mingyu came out of his hiding place, lunging at the two of them, and took Wonwoo by his wait as he shouted at the other alpha, emitting raging pheromones. However, Matthew, who is not one to back down, also had the bad idea to defy him. Thus, an overwhelming flow of strong alpha scents filled the corridor, making all the omegas bolt off. It was so intense that Wonwoo, who's usually composed around Mingyu's pheromones, started to have his legs shaking.
Soonyoung and another beta immediately came to seperate them, putting Wonwoo away in a calmer place. Breaking two tall, sturdy and angry alphas was a real challenge, but they managed to pull it off. Fortunately, Soonyoung was an acquaintance of Mingyu, so he had the advantage of talking some sense to him. Matthew, on the other side, found the situation quite amusing, seeing this other big man so affected. It made him want to pursue Wonwoo more, and on that thought, he left the scene.
Only when everything was cleared, Soonyoung let Wonwoo approach Mingyu to appease him. As expected, it instantly worked, proving once again that the two were true mates.
After this day, Mingyu was determined to wait by the door every Wednesday and Friday, but Wonwoo assured him that he would be okay, and that protection isn’t needed. He's fine handling things alone. If Mingyu hadn't intervened that day, Matthew would have just left after being rejected one more time. That’s how it always was, as exhausting as it is. Plus, Wonwoo would feel suffocated if he knew he was being waited on every time. It was very difficult to convince the alpha otherwise, but at the end, he chose to fully trust his omega. Though, he suggested firing Matthew from the council as another solution.
Now, the only condition was to not let him see them together ever again, or at least close to each other. Which Wonwoo made sure of until now.
"Yeah, you're right. I don't want to take another punch in the stomach," admitted Soonyoung. "I'll pass this time."
"See? Just let me deal with it. It's gonna be alright."
They walked together until they reached the football field. As usual, Wonwoo had to pick up his boyfriend so they could go to the campus library later. Soonyoung is actually one of the rare alphas Mingyu tolerates around his boyfriend. With time, he has proven that he was only here as a friend. Moreover, someone else has caught his eyes.
"Hey isn't it..?" Soonyoung hesitated, looking at a familiar figure on the stadium.
"Yeah, it fucking is."
Wonwoo's blood pressure went up in a flash, seeing Huh Yunjin, one of the popular girls on the cheerleading team, talking to Mingyu and standing too close for his liking.
This person.
She's the enemy he was talking about earlier.
"Oh... Seems like she's at it again," grimaced Soonyoung when the girl put a hand on Mingyu's muscled arm, almost feeling his biceps like she owned it.
"Please. Tell me I'm imagining things."
"Hm... I don't think pinching you would do anything," slowly said the alpha, careful with his words. "Damn, she's reckless, and not to be pessimistic... but your boyfriend doesn't particularly look like he's rejecting her."
"Yes, because that's the fucking truth," cursed Wonwoo on a low tone. "That idiot is too afraid to hurt people and turn them down like I do."
"Didn’t she ask to take a coffee together, last time?" unfortunately reminded his friend.
"She fucking did.”
"So... what are you gonna do?"
"Nothing. I'm just gonna walk on them and pretend everything's fine, like usual. I don't want him to see this ugly side of me."
"So you would let them kiss only because you're afraid of that?" asked Soonyoung without thinking twice.
Wonwoo instantly turned his head, a dark and thunderous look in his eyes. This could almost make his alpha friend shiver. Almost. "Okay, sorry, shouldn't have said that. Noted."
"If you dare say that again, I promise it won't go well for you," he threatened coldly.
"You're lucky you're not an alpha or you would have me beg on my knees for forgiveness," tried to joke Soonyoung, but that didn't seem to pass. "Damn, Wonwoo, calm down will ya? You're almost emitting angry pheromones. What's the matter?"
"It feels like... something's off today."
"What do you mean?"
The glass-eyed omega looked at his boyfriend from afar, fists clenched and confusion starting to mix up with his anger. Indeed, something's different. Usually, Mingyu would just put a bit of distance between him and that girl, or Yunjin wouldn't go as far as to feel the athlete's muscles, but it’s what’s she’s currently doing; and Mingyu is allowing this kind of behavior without any care.
What the fuck? What's wrong today?
"He has never done that."
Soonyoung immediately understands what Wonwoo means, looking at the scene too. "Damn. That's new, you’re right."
Both of them went silent, not really knowing what to say. Mingyu is now touching her shoulder, laughing along at her stupid jokes. It's almost like he could go lower, if he wanted to. Just what is happening?
"I think you should step in. That witch has probably put a spell on him, you need to wake him up, and fast," suggested Soonyoung, sounding roughly like an order.
"That's what I was gonna do, anyway."
"Do you need me here or..?"
"No, don't worry. Either way, I'll leave this place with that dumbass."
"Okay. Then, take care, okay? And control your pheromones, I swear you were on the verge of letting them out earlier."
Wonwoo just nods at that. As Soonyoung waves him goodbye, he starts walking on the football field, one sole objective in mind: getting that bitch away from his man. When he finally reaches them, Yunjin forces a smile, while Mingyu's face instantly enlightens with love, and... something like fake surprise..?
"Hey, baby, didn't see you there! How are you today?" the alpha greeted with a kiss on his forehead. His arm then found his place in Wonwoo's lower back, its preferred spot.
"Good, and you?" he tried to answer with his usual calm tone. "How was practice?"
"Exhausting, but we're getting readier day by day for the match. I even scored ten goals today!" happily cheered Mingyu, his signature puppy smile on his lips.
"Great. Are you ready to go?"
He knows he should be more enthusiastic about the news, but he can't hide that ugly jealousy eating him from inside. If conveying this feeling is not an option, he should at least appear calm and brief on the outside. That's how he managed to act nonchalant in front of his boyfriend until now.
"Wait a minute, I need to speak with him for a moment. Can I?"
But damn, that bitch is complicating everything.
"Sorry. We have to go to the library," answered Wonwoo neutrally.
"It's just two minutes, it won't kill ya, will it?"
"We're already late."
Huh Yunjin is well aware of who Jeon Wonwoo is. In fact, as Mingyu's number one suitor, she learnt everything there is to know about the infamous student council president. Therefore, the vision she established on him is the exact same as Wonwoo's: they both hate each other's guts. Though, one is more expressive about it.
Does Mingyu know that? Wonwoo truly wished not, but unfortunately that’s not the case. Even if they never talked about it, the silent stares, the unspoken words, and all the discreet gestures led Wonwoo to think Mingyu is well conscious of the problem, and that adds to his annoyance. Why can't he address the matter? Does he not want to hear Wonwoo's side? Is he scared of losing Yunjin? Is she really important to him? More than his own boyfriend?
This is the kind of questions Wonwoo keeps replaying in his head every time he sees the duo side by side.
So yes, the unshakable student council president has insecurities about his relationship thanks to this.
"Late? Why? Is this really important? You don't even know what I want to talk about," she smirked. Oh, the way he wants to make her eat the ground right this instant.
"I don't really care. This was planned way before that," Wonwoo doesn't even know why he's justifying himself, he should just ignore her.
"Well, I'll tell you either way. It's about the upcoming match and how we're going to arrange our choreography depending on the players positions on the stadium."
"Okay."
"Wonwoo, I think it'll be fast. Don't worry," spoke Mingyu.
Is he for real? Taking her fucking side? Wonwoo cannot believe it. What kind of game is he playing?
"Mingyu, we have plans. Remember?" he tries not to sound like a crazy controlling partner, but the context makes it very hard to believe.
"Plans? What kind of plans? I'm curious," grinned Yunjin.
"The kind of plans that doesn't-"
"Wonwoo booked a table at a restaurant, and then we’ll go on the Namsan Tower! That's why we need to stick to our schedule," happily interrupted Mingyu, not even casting a glance at his boyfriend.
The latter immediately stared at him, eyes wide open. What the hell? Did he just cut him off to answer her instead? Wonwoo's stomach is starting to churn with spite. Maybe Soonyoung should have pinched him actually, because right now, Wonwoo feels like waking up from this nightmare... and his raging pheromones are starting to make their way through.
Nothing good will come.
"I see, then I will be quick."
Yunjin hastily took Mingyu’s hand, planning to lead both of them away from Wonwoo, but that's without counting on the omega’s quick reaction. In a swift movement, he cuts their link by blocking Mingyu's arm. The audacity of that fucking cheerleader should be studied in books.
"I think I made myself clear," he said now in a low tone, betraying for a moment his facade. He's cursing himself for that. "We need to go."
"Wonwoo, wait-"
"No. We are leaving. Let's go."
As he turned away, not leaving any room for discussion, Mingyu exchanged a quiet knowing smile with the cheerleader, a gesture Wonwoo failed to see, too clouded by his irritation.
"Well, I think it will wait then, sorry Yunjin" Mingyu obeyed. Fucking finally. "But we'll talk again tomorrow, okay?"
"Of course," she sighed, accepting her defeat. A defeat accompanied by a secretive wink. If only Wonwoo could have seen that too. "See you tomorrow, Mingyu."
As the couple walked back to the campus, the omega suddenly feels some kind of displeasure. However this time, it's different from everything he experienced so far, and the main reason is Mingyu's arm that's still around his waist. Right now, his only desire is to yank that touch away from him, because how could he take her side all along? Did he really not have any compassion for him, or how he could have felt?
Despite that, Wonwoo doesn't dare to do it… due to the fear of creating a big argument between them, and possibly losing his true mate. Everything is so paradoxical, the amount of conflicting emotions makes him awfully overwhelmed, and Wonwoo is trying to overcome it. He cannot let that affect him. He doesn't want to burden Mingyu, he doesn't want to cause any problem, so he swallows it all.
He swallows his emotions just like he always did.
Right now, he acted like a crazy boyfriend, and that’s good for nobody. He needs to regain his composure. Fast.
"Baby... are you okay?" asked Mingyu carefully.
"Yeah, I'm fine, don't worry," he answered quieter than expected.
"I love you, you know that?"
The alpha makes them stop in the middle of the alley, a few students passing by too. Wonwoo hesitates for a bit before looking into his boyfriend's eyes. These dark orbs which, no matter what happens, contain all the affection and care he could give to the omega, and that may be enough for the latter to feel comforted once again.
"I know," he tried to smile a little, though there's no doubt he failed at it.
"I love you so, so much, my Won. Don't ever forget it," reassured Mingyu by pressing light soft kisses on his forehead, the tip of his nose, before ending on his lips.
As their bond is unbreakable, Wonwoo can only melt into the feather touch, deepening the kiss between them. Yeah, he may act nonchalant, but he will always be a sucker for Kim Mingyu, the popular soccer player of Chonnam University. Huh Yunjin saw it through, and now she knows his weakness.
He can't help but feel scared.
For him.
For Mingyu.
For their relationship.
❀
"So you just did nothing."
"I let this nasty face betray me when I was supposed to hide it," Wonwoo defended himself. "Is that good for you?"
"Yeah. So you did nothing, indeed."
"Shut it, will you? I'm still pissed thinking about it."
Seokmin held his hands in the air, as if what he said can't be that harmful. Both of them are waiting for the professor to arrive in the classroom. It's that time every Friday: the English course that the duo has taken, along with Mingyu. Soon, the latter will come too. Is Wonwoo eager to see him? Maybe. His inner omega and heart can't lie: that handsome face of his always does its effect. Even after what happened two days ago.
"Let's change the subject then. Is everything ready for the festival?" questioned the alpha next to him. "Since it's being held next week."
"Yes, we just need to adjust some changes here and there, and we're good," proudly smiled Wonwoo.
"Finally, it's been two weeks since you've been exhausted nonstop. I know it's useless to say this, but don't push yourself too much, okay?" worriedly expressed Seokmin. "I mean, at least, you'll finally be able to enjoy yourself at the event."
"Unless something goes wrong."
"Right. I love how you always look on the bright side."
"Sorry that I'm not a happy-go-lucky guy like you."
"You should copy me sometimes, I swear it could do you good!" grinned the alpha. "I've been known to enhance a lot of people lives."
"Like the kid of last time?" cruelly reminded Wonwoo.
"This... was an exception. If his dad had come a little later, I could've stopped his crying," confidently said Seokmin. "It was just a matter of time."
"He began bawling tears the moment you spoke to him."
"You are... misinterpreting things and I don’t like it. I am deeply disappointed in you, Wonwoo. I thought you’d be better than that." said the alpha eyes closed, trying to appear unwavering.
The omega just chuckled. Every moment is suitable for teasing Kim Seokmin. He may not appear like that on the outside, but sometimes his bratty side loves to come out. This is one of the many reasons his friends like him. Out of nowhere, he could manifest it and harmlessly belittle anybody. The contrast with his usual rigid posture is almost hypnotizing, fascinating, and it does affect one person in particular.
If you ask Kim Mingyu what his biggest kink would be, he'll probably answer: "To tame the brat in Jeon Wonwoo". He already got a taste of it in the past, and it is fucking addicting. Thus, picturing what it'd be once naked, tangled in bed, makes him feel unholy things. He swears he could die just thinking about shutting Wonwoo's filthy mouth with his cock, before bending him over a counter, or a table. They could've had a playful argument right before, and it'd push Mingyu's adrenaline to its max. The rest would simply be making his omega submit to him until dawn. Mercilessly. Pasionnately. Madly.
That's how he craves Wonwoo every single day.
Yet, again, he needs to act like a proper boyfriend and respect his omega's values. But damn, his mere presence is just a walking sin.
Speaking of the devil.
"Hey, your football jock is here," notified Seokmin.
Wonwoo's head immediately shoots up, looking around before landing on a certain spot behind the glass wall. "You're in the same team as him, shut up."
"Heh, don't flatter me," jokingly gestured the alpha, earning a grimace from his friend.
"Idiot."
Both looked through the glass, waiting for the alpha to come inside, but alas, the latter seems busy on his phone, like he's waiting for something, or someone.
"What is he doing?" questioned Seokmin.
Wonwoo doesn't respond, simply watching every move. That's when a group of girls make their appearance. He quickly furrows his brows. This augures nothing good. In fact, all the calmness Wonwoo was feeling earlier slowly dies down when one particular girl steps up and begins talking to his boyfriend, while seductively putting hair strands behind her ear. All her friends are exchanging looks together, smiling, giggling, and checking Mingyu out too… and that moron is beaming at them in return, as always.
Suddenly, the girl holds her phone up and gives it to Mingyu, probably asking for his socials. Okay... this is nothing new, he's already seen this picture before.
Unfortunately, what happens next is not usual at all.
Mingyu happily obliges.
He's currently typing all his usernames for the girl.
She's biting her fucking lip, and he enjoys every second of it.
Until now, he had always politely declined this kind of demand. So why today? What has changed?
Wonwoo feels like he needs to punch something. Someone.
"Wonwoo. Are we seeing the same thing or..?" faltered Seokmin, unsure of what to say. When he looked at his friend, the latter had his jaw clenched, fists ready to be thrown, and an undeniable fury in his eyes. "Wonwoo... are you okay?"
The omega doesn't say anything back. Instead, he just rises up from his seat and proceeds to walk towards the door. Seokmin's awareness rises right away. He hurriedly grabs Wonwoo's wrist, but to no avail. He doesn't even cast a glance in return. His gaze is locked on the scene unfolding before their eyes. Unanticipatedly, a displeasing smell starts emanating in the room, making almost everyone react. The alpha grimaces but still keeps his focus intact.
"Wonwoo, snap out of it! You're releasing pheromones!"
"I'm gonna kill him. How dare he give his fucking number to that fucking bitch?" muttered Wonwoo in a low murderous tone.
"Stop," anxiously said Seokmin. "Do you want to go out so I can help you calm down?"
"If I go out, it'll only be to smash that stupid face of his. Let me go."
"No, you're scaring everyone. Snap out of it!"
"I don't fucking care. How can I do nothing when my boyfriend is flirting with someone else?"
It feels like the demon had possessed the omega's whole body, and Seokmin doesn't know what to do. He never dealt with this kind of Wonwoo before.
"You need to get back to your senses, please," he kept pleading.
He can't afford to let Wonwoo act like this publicly. He knows how much his friend is attached to being stoic everyday. He doesn't want him to regret later on. He has to protect his values, even if they're not aligned with his own. By emitting such strong scent, he's already opened a significant breach in its facade. He can't allow that to go further.
So what he does next is to force Wonwoo back to him, using his force to hold his shoulders. As if in a trance, the latter doesn’t fight back. Mind too hazy with wrath. By looking in his eyes, Seokmin then whispers so only both of them could hear.
"Wonwoo. Everyone is looking at you. Think about how you need to stay neutral. Don't let that affect you, you will only feel remorse right after. You're better than that, that's what you always wanted."
As expected, these words carried their effect. In the blink of an eye, Wonwoo regained full consciousness.
For a moment, nobody dared to move in the room.
Seokmin holds his breath, and finally, Wonwoo's gaze lower, looking now tired.
"Fuck... are you okay? How are you feeling?" slowly asked the alpha.
"I don't know... I-... It's the first time something like that happened to me," answered Wonwoo, still in a trance.
He suddenly remembers being in a classroom full of students, which means everybody witnessed his behavior. Everyone saw his weakness. His breathing starts pacing up again, and a distressed lump forms in his stomach. Seokmin gets it instantly. He has to shield his friend from all the prying eyes.
His big arms wrap around Wonwoo, so he could calm himself down. Meanwhile, he growls at everyone staring at them. As the class president, no one dare to disobey him. At this point, he doesn't care if he gets mistaken as one of Wonwoo's suitors, the wellbeing of his friend goes above anything else. He still checks outside the glass wall to see if his dumb football mate has been watching everything from the start, but surprisingly, he's not there anymore.
Just the group of girls who are looking at the scene with curious eyes.
Where the hell did he go?
"Are you feeling better?" he softly spoke after a few moments. Thankfully, all students seem to have returned to their previous activities, which is helping Wonwoo to regain his composure.
"Yeah, thank you so much, I... don't know what I could've done without you," hesitated the omega in a low and weak voice.
"Don't worry about it, I will always have your back, no matter what."
He gives him a sincere smile. Wonwoo then turns around to look outside the classroom, looking a bit panicked.
"Shit... Did he see me in that state..?" However, his brows furrows when he notices Mingyu's absence. "He-He's no longer here?"
"Yeah, I don't know where the fuck he went, that dumbass," sighed Seokmin.
"Do you think he smelled my pheromones?" hurriedly asked Wonwoo.
"There's no way. Remember, all rooms are built to block scents," reassured the alpha. "But, I can't really tell if he's been watching us all along. Deep down, I really hope not, because that'd mean he stayed and did nothing to calm you, to protect you," he finished with a slight growl.
"I just want to get over it quickly, I hate this feeling," said Wonwoo exhaustingly. "Are there any traces left in the air..? I can't really tell."
"No, don't worry, one of the students has opened the window. You're safe."
"Thank God..."
At the same time, the professor finally comes in the room, greeting everyone. The two friends sit down, still in the afterglow. Wonwoo takes out his books slowly, under the attentive eyes of the alpha. Even if both of them are now doing their own things, he's grateful that someone like Kim Seokmin has such a careful and considerate demeanor towards him. He couldn't have asked for a better friend.
Unfortunately, now he's starting to doubt if Mingyu would've done the same...
The feelings he experienced this week have been a rollercoaster. Maybe he shouldn't doubt the capacity of his boyfriend, but after everything that happened, he can't help but feel vulnerable. His insecurities are starting to get the best of him. It's horrifying, and Wonwoo doesn't what to do. Is he paranoid? Is he too obsessive? Did he make a big deal out of something trivial? Maybe he misunderstood everything. Can he really blame Mingyu?
He might be the problem, actually...
Perhaps he should just accept Mingyu's nature and think positively.
He could've been the bad guy from the start, and the alpha is simply just a pure soul. Maybe what he's been doing all along was staining Mingyu's honest heart.
Therefore, the best solution would be to step down... and leave him alone. Rather than being with someone so serious and fucked up like Wonwoo.
His mind is spiralling. He feels like he drained all of his energy for nothing.
How come only one man has so much power over him?
Wonwoo is so scared...
❀
Wednesday has arrived quicker than anticipated. It is now two days before the festival organized by the student council, and Wonwoo feels like he's been underwater for the past days. Not only because of the anxiety of doing everything perfectly, but also due to someone in particular. All the negative thoughts and deprecative questions have been replaying in his head every morning to night. As paradoxical as it is, the only times he felt like he could finally breathe were when he was in the company of his boyfriend, alias the issue itself.
Because every moment they spent together, Wonwoo felt seen and loved. Mingyu has the talent of making feel special with every word, every gesture, every look. Even if he wants to put distance between them, at the end, all is useless. The alpha will always embrace him with a cruel addicting affection.
He sighs as he closes the door of the council room, putting the key in his bag before turning around. Today, he will go to the library alone. Mingyu has football practice until late hours, as the big match is this Sunday.
His usual self would go pass by the stadium to wave, or steal a quick kiss to his boyfriend's lips, but he doesn't feel the necessity today... When he thinks about Mingyu running on the field, he now has the image of Huh Yunjin in the picture too. He hadn't been able to forget it.
How could he not?
"Wonwoo, hey!"
He immediately looks on his right to see Soonyoung and Miyeon together.
"Oh, what are you doing here?" he questions them with a small smile. "Soonyoung, don't tell me you forgot something inside."
"No, don't worry about it," chuckled the blond haired-boy.
"You're on the way to the library, right?" asked his female beta friend.
"Yeah, why?"
"Maybe you should breathe some fresh air instead, go somewhere else. You'll be able to study tho, just a change of scenery. I think it'll do you good," suggested Soonyoung. "Plus, we'll be able to talk too."
"I don't understand. Why do you need me to...," he trailed off, confused.
"Because we see your state these days, and we know what's going on with Mingyu. As your friends, there's no need to explain further," smiled Miyeon. "So, what do you say?"
Wonwoo chuckled, feeling so happy to have people like them. Guess what we say is true: the more you advance in life, the more you realize having a few real friends is better than a hundred acquaintances.
"Where shall we go, then?" he grinned at the duo.
"I don't think you ever went to the café Jihyo is working at, right?" asked Miyeon.
"Jihyo... as in Mingyu's friend?"
"And also my friend, first and foremost," she rectified. "Let me tell you, they serve the best drink ever made in Seoul. Have you ever heard of the tiramisu latte?" At that, Wonwoo shook his head no. "Then it's settled, you need to try this banger."
"Okay okay, lead the way," the omega giggled.
The three friends left the building, and as they approach Soonyoung's car, Wonwoo can't help but cast a glance at the football field standing proud, far away in the background. He doesn't know what Mingyu's doing, if he's really practicing or simply talking to...
Stop. Wonwoo almost slaps himself. He needs... to think positively. He can't fulitely damage his mental state more than it is.
The ride until Jihyo's café took only ten minutes, and the omega notices that the location is quite close to his apartment, which is very convenient. If what Miyeon said is true, he might come here another time.
"Hey Jihyo! How are you today?" happily greeted the beta.
"Oh my, Miyeon! You came, I'm so glad to see you!" The female alpha leaves the counter to hug her, a big smile plastered on her lips. "You came with Soonyoung and Wonwoo, that's great! Hope you guys are doing good. Let me give you a table so you can put down your stuff."
The trio followed her, took off their bags, then all of them proceeded to order the famous tiramisu latte. Jihyo, always the kind person she is, put a fifty percent discount on their bill. Afterwards, the group of friends sat at the round table, leaving her to attend other clients.
They began talking about classes, their shared courses, how the amount of given assignments can be unfair at times, the upcoming festival and its different booths, the artists that will be present for this edition, and all the remarkable efforts the student council has put in the preparation.
Until the most awaited topic needed to be discussed.
"Do you think I'm being too paranoid?" inquired Wonwoo, lost in his thoughts.
"Well... from what we saw in the field last time, I strongly think you had every right to be mad," expressed Soonyoung. "I mean, he was letting Yunjin touch him, and according to what you told me after, he was defending her, so... in your case, I would have lost my shit. The girl would already be six feet under."
"Of course, you're an alpha," Miyeon rolled her eyes. "Wonwoo doesn't think like that, you know it."
"Oh, you don't realize how much he resembles an alpha from time to time," chuckled the blond. "People are so surprised when they learn he's an omega, actually. I mean, look at him!"
"Yeah, don't worry, we see each other everyday, thank you," she replied ironically. "But for real, Wonwoo, I wasn't there when it happened, but Mingyu might just be unaware of what he's doing, don't you think?"
"I don't know... He's never done something like that. On one hand, he's always been so affectionate and bubbly with other people, even strangers, and on the other hand, he crossed the line only two times. That's why I'm wondering if I'm just too fucked up in the head...," sighed the omega. "I just think it's strange, because why would he, all of a sudden, start to flirt back or defend others instead of me?"
"Apart from Yunjin, did you know who were the girls last Friday?" carefully asked Miyeon.
"Not at all."
"Maybe they already knew each other, maybe they're working on a project together and they still didn't exchange contacts?"
"Are you actually defending that dumbass?" frowned Soonyoung.
"I'm not defending him! I just want to avoid Wonwoo getting delirious by picturing things differently. Knowing him, he's currently devaluing himself right now, am I right?" The silence she gets in return is enough for an answer. "See? He needs another point of view."
"Hey, don't put yourself down for him, okay?" softly said Soonyoung, holding his friend’s hand. "I know everything's hard but there's no need for you to beat yourself up like that."
"Do you really think he's not bored of me..?" asked Wonwoo in a weak voice.
"There's no fucking way, or he would be the greatest actor ever born on this Earth," answered the alpha. "I think everyone in this school, including those chasing after him, can see he's been head over heels since you two met. Plus, pheromones can't lie. You’re the first one to smell how much he desires you sometimes."
"I can't deny it," agreed Miyeon. "When you both are together, the way he looks at you makes everyone envious of what you have."
"So he's not bored of me..."
"I... really don't think so," hesitated Soonyoung. "Like you said, what he's doing is really disconcerting, but soon, I think everything will go back to normal. Either he's in a weird phase, or like Miyeon said, you just don't know anything about his background with Yunjin or this other girl."
"See? You're starting to get my point,'' proudly smiled the beta.
"But... it doesn't make sense, we always share every single detail about our life, even the most trivial ones," explained Wonwoo. "I don't see why he'd never talk about his connection with Yunjin, or if he started a new project or whatsoever."
Suddenly, a plate of cake is put on the table, interrupting their conversation. The three friends look at the direction of Jihyo who's wearing a tight smile on her face.
"Oh, sorry we didn't order this-"
"Don't worry, it's on the house." Her eyes then carefully looked at Wonwoo, whose gaze looks so tired. "I apologize in advance for butting in, but I couldn't help overhearing your conversation," she slowly said, still doubting if her actions will be beneficial. After a brief moment, she finally decides to go for it. "As Mingyu's friend, I know exactly why he's been acting like this recently."
The omega immediately widen his eyes. "What..?"
"Seriously, Jihyo?" gasped Miyeon. "Please tell us! Wonwoo can't be left in the dark like that."
"That's what I was gonna do," she reassuringly smiled.
"What about your shift?" asked Soonyoung.
"It's break time, so I have twenty minutes to spare."
The female alpha then proceeds to seat on the fourth seat, not really knowing how to approach the matter.
"So... Mingyu spoke to us last week, precisely on Monday, with quite a peculiar subject." She examined Wonwoo three seconds, wondering how will he react. Once she'll say it, there won't be any turn back. "He told us that you're never jealous."
The latter freezes up. "I'm sorry, what?"
"He was preoccupied because he found it unfair that he's always the one to get possessive over you, while on the contrary, you never seem to react when someone talks to him."
"Oh bitch, you can't be serious," laughed Miyeon in disbelief, until she saw Jihyo's sincere expression. "Are you???"
"So you're telling us that all he did the past week was just making Wonwoo jealous?" synthetized Soonyoung, now looking furious. "That's what fucking happened?"
"Yeah, that's basically it," confirmed Jihyo. "Seungcheol and I tried to reason with him, but you know... when Mingyu's determined, everything we say is useless. He was obsessed on the idea of seeing Wonwoo possessive for once."
"That's fucking ridiculous," chuckled Soonyoung in dry humor. "He's such an entitled toxic child with no manner. Lucky for him that I value Wonwoo enough as a friend to not castrate him the moment we'll meet again, hah."
"I don't really show my emotions... that's why he thought I've never been jealous," spoke the omega with a tiny voice.
"Dude, that doesn't excuse what he did!" growled the blond. "God, the way I want to punch him right now, it's fucking me up."
"I can see his side... but still, he didn't have to go to that extent," trailed off Miyeon. "Jihyo, do you know if he sought help from Yunjin, or the girl that asked for his number?"
"Yeah, actually. He did. Mingyu didn't want any misunderstanding between him and them because he knew rumors could start spreading."
"Woah, such a thoughtful and kind-hearted alpha," laughed Soonyoung in a murderous tone. "He really planned everything from scratch, that fucker. Hey Wonwoo, are you sure that asshole's your soulmate?"
At that, the omega automatically nodded, even though confusion was still written on his face. "There's no doubt about it... I still love him no matter what, but, I can't hide that I'm disappointed in what he did...," he slowly said.
"Thank you, for a moment I thought you were still being all lovey-dovey," sighed the alpha. "There’s still hope in this Earth, after all. Thank God."
"What are you planning to do? Talk to him about it?" asked Jihyo.
"He's gonna manipulate Wonwoo again, there's no way he needs to do that."
"Hey Soonyoung, can you let him speak?" frowned Miyeon. "We're talking about his relationship, not yours."
"I'm just protective of my friend who's been disrepected by his partner. What's the problem?" he defended himself. "But yeah, anyway, sorry. What's more important right now is how he's feeling. Sorry, Wonwoo."
"It's okay," weakly smiled the omega.
The three looked at him through affectionate eyes. They know that Wonwoo bottles up his emotions, and thus, how much his sensitivity can reach high levels when encountering disturbing situations like that. With another person, they wouldn't have reacted that intensively. Behind that hard face of his lies such a pure soul.
"I can't let it go so easily, that's for sure. I agree that what he did was not the best way to handle it... in the end, did he notice that I was jealous? Was he satisfied with it? Has he spoken about it?" Wonwoo faced Jihyo.
"Yeah... According to him, you were very obvious during Yunjin’s case, but guess that wasn't enough for him, since he repeated it" she answered.
"Right... So I can't forgive him, or I'd be the dumbest man alive."
Suddenly, his mood changes, and the previous weak dejected omega with low self-esteem turns back into his usual self. Fierce eyes, unwavering lips, and an undefeatable demeanor. Jihyo, who has never really been close to Mingyu's boyfriend, is now seeing what the infamous student council president really looks like. Therefore, her eyebrows shoot up in surprise, while Soonyoung and Miyeon are simply glad to see their friend regaining strength.
"I think... he needs to know that what he did was wrong. The matter should’ve been treated better than that," expressed Wonwoo. "After two years, I admit we need to work more on our communication... but at least, I don't do shit like that, and that's not right. I'm not someone he can play with to his heart's content."
"Preach," proudly reacted Miyeon.
"What's the next step, then?" asked again Soonyoung.
"I don't feel like confronting him right now. Since everything's so recent, either I explode in anger or break down in despair, and I can't become like this," Wonwoo shook his head in denial. "So I'm thinking about... giving him a taste of his own medicine.
"Um, develop further, sir?" probed Miyeon.
He sips on his tiramisu latte before clearing his throat, looking more serious than ever.
"Make him jealous in return. I know I just said that we need to improve our communication, but I can't see it as just a simple matter. He needs to realize that karma's an ugly bitch."
"Okay, yeah, you're so back in the game," chuckled Soonyoung. "How are you gonna do that, tho?"
"I've got someone in mind, and you already know him by the way," devilishly smirked the omega.
The blond instantly gasps. "Oh no you won’t." But his friend’s vicious expression shuts down any doubt. "Shit. Like for real?" Still no hint of any joke. Soonyoung amusingly sighs. "Oh, poor Wonwoo... You're in a big trouble."
"I don't fucking care. You disrespect me, your own boyfriend, I will find a way to get back at you ten times worse."
Miyeon just laughs at his evilness. However, seated in the opposite side, Jihyo opens her mouth in disbelief, no sound coming out.
"Oh God, now I understand why you fit each other so perfectly...," she trailed off, exasperated. "I should've just kept my mouth shut."