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Of course it rains today. Sunoo thinks to himself as he drags his feet to the bus stop. Exhausted and drained from class, it feels like his nest is basically calling to him, despite having no other scents to intermingle in the nest, it’s still his greatest comfort and the one thing he looks forward to on days like today.
He takes a quick glance at his phone, checking the time. 5:47pm. The bus is late. Again. A dejected sigh leaves Sunoo as he pulls his jacket around himself tighter, trying to prevent the wind and drizzle chilling his bones. Sunoo’s mind races with the interactions he faced today. The day seemed to never end. Everything just felt wrong today for the young omega. Usually top of his writing class, Sunoo found his mind blank today. The noises too loud, the scents around him too potent, a glance thrown his way felt like a threat.
A loud creaking sound pulls Sunoo from his thoughts, the bus’ brakes grinding as it finally arrives. A small relieved sigh escapes from the omega’s mouth. He quickly makes his way to the open doors, giving the bus driver a polite smile and nod before scanning his transport card. Instantly making his way to the back of the bus, his normal spot. He collapses in the seat and pulls his headphones out of his bag, putting them on and focusing on the world passing by as the bus pulls forward.
The bus continues its usual trek through the city, making stops as unfamiliar people exit and enter. Sunoo finds himself paying no attention, entranced by the rainy surroundings. Sunoo can feel himself drifting to sleep, but he tries his best to force himself to stay awake. Just stay awake until your stop, you can do it Sunoo. He promises himself.
Of course, he fails. Before Sunoo even realizes, he’s fast asleep, his head flopped against the window and soft breaths escaping him. His light blue sweater pulled tightly around his hands.
No one pays attention to the sleeping omega, everyone focused on their own lives. The bus doors are about to close, when a frantic voice calls out “Wait!”, the bus driver scowls, his face tight with annoyance as he begrudgingly opens the doors.
A young male enters, giving the driver a sheepish grin and scanning his card. He pushes his light brown hair out of his eyes and scans the bus, looking for an empty seat. His dark brown eyes land on the sleeping figure in the back and his heart aches. He doesn’t even know the male, but he instantly gravitates towards him. The figure is sound asleep, his cheek squished adorably against the window, his sweater pulled over his hands, and slow even breaths leaving him.
Sunghoon decides right then and there he can’t leave him to sit alone. Even if the figure is asleep, he decides he deserves to have someone next to him. Besides.. he can’t risk the possibility of someone else sitting next to him and disturbing his peaceful sleep.
Sunghoon makes his way down the bus aisle and carefully settles next to the sleeping male, a soft peach scent surrounds Sunghoon. Of course, an omega. Sunghoon thinks, and is instantly more grateful he decided to sit next to him. Doesn’t this omega realize it’s dangerous for an omega to be so vulnerable? To fall asleep on a crowded bus where anyone could sit next to him? Sunghoon can feel his own alpha instincts growing with the need to protect the omega next to him. Despite knowing nothing about him.
The bus continues the trek peacefully, Sunghoon focuses on his phone. He glances up after a few stops, realizing his stop is next.. but then he glances down. The omega is still fast asleep. Sunghoon contemplates for a few moments.. he can’t leave. He can’t. He decides right then and there, unmoving from his seat. Sunghoon sighs softly, readjusts in his seat, and turns his attention back to his phone.
Sunoo’s breath hitches, and a small whimper escapes him. Sunghoon quickly glances at the sleeping figure, noticing his eyebrows are furrowed together, his fingers tightly clutching the sweater pulled around him, and his lip quivering.
Sunghoon can feel his chest tighten, and he moves without thinking. Instantly his arm wraps around the distressed omega and soothing alpha pheromones soon fill the air, surrounding the omega with a comforting scent of cedar.
Sunghoon’s cheeks burn with embarrassment and his eyes widen, about to pull away and denounce himself as a creep, he doesn’t even know this omega’s name and he’s scenting him? However, before Sunghoon can move away, Sunoo relaxes. His face softens and his whimpers cease.
Sunghoon feels his entire body go rigid, his breath catches as the omega relaxes further and to Sunghoon’s surprise scoots closer. Until their shoulders are touching, and then Sunoo’s head gently rests on Sunghoon’s shoulder.
The alpha suddenly has forgotten how to breathe, and he knows his cheeks are definitely bright red right now. Sunghoon doesn’t dare to move, convinced the tiniest movement will wake the sleeping omega. He stares down at him in absolute shock as a small content sound leaves the omega’s lip and he softly nuzzles closer to Sunghoon. Sunghoon’s heart is racing, threatening to burst out of his chest. The soft scent of peaches filling his senses as the omega goes lax against him.
A few moments pass, and Sunghoon swears he’s about to pass out from lack of oxygen when Sunoo stirs. The omega’s eyes blink once, twice, and he freezes. Realizing he has not only fallen asleep, but is cuddled up to a stranger. A stranger whose scent is clouding his nostrils, cedar, deep, warm. Alpha.
Sunoo’s gaze slowly travels up, meeting panicked wide brown eyes. Sunghoon immediately jumps back, so fast it’s almost comical as he almost topples out of his seat and instantly starts rambling.
“I am so sorry!” The alpha’s face is crimson red, his voice shaky as he continues, “I- I think you were having a nightmare and I– I accidentally scented you. I am so sorry! I didn’t– I mean, I would never take advantage of you! But, uh, I mean– you nuzzled against me and I didn’t want to wake you.. Oh my god.” The alpha blurts out, his voice high pitched and anxious.
Sunoo stares at the embarrassed alpha, his expression blank. Sunoo remembers fragments of his dream, bits and pieces of the nightmare, then remembers feeling warmth, safety, and instinctively moving towards the comfort. Sunoo’s cheeks slowly flush a light pink.
“I… I nuzzled you?” He asks softly. “A little..” The alpha answers, hiding his face in his hands, self-conscious and groaning softly.
The image of himself asleep and nuzzling into this alpha’s shoulder passes through Sunoo’s mind and before he realizes what he’s doing, a small laugh escapes him. It’s soft, warm, and beautiful. Sunghoon slowly removes his hands from his face, risking a glance towards Sunoo, expecting to see embarrassment, or even disgust on the omega’s face. Instead, he sees a soft smile, full of gratitude.
"Thank you.. for staying with me. And for letting me rest against you.” Sunoo says quietly.
Sunghoon feels warmth returning to his face, giving a small nod of his head. “It’s nothing.. again I’m sorry.. I should’ve woken you up.” Sunoo chuckles and shakes his head, “It’s best you didn’t. I would’ve been grumpy, I get moody when someone wakes me up.” Sunghoon smiles at that, and replies. “Good to know.”
They fall into a comfortable silence after that, Sunoo glances around the bus, realizing they’re the last two left on the bus. A robotic voice fills the air, “Final stop” the voice announces. Sunoo’s eye widen in shock as he turns to Sunghoon “This is the last stop?” Sunghoon looks as panicked as Sunoo. “Oh shit..” He mumbles.
Sunoo looks flustered as he stares at the other male in disbelief “You missed your stop?” Sunghoon looks sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck as he nods slowly. “Yeah.. I didn’t want to leave you alone..” Sunoo’s cheeks flush at his words, his heart racing.
The bus pulls up to the terminal, screeching to a stop. The bus driver glances in the mirror and calls out “Are you kids gonna keep flirting, or are you going to get off?” He asks, a hint of amusement in his voice and a knowing look in his eyes.
Both of their heads whip up “We’re not flirting!” They say in perfect unison, their cheeks a matching shade of red. The bus driver chuckles, “Sure” he mumbles as he opens the doors to the bus.
Both Sunghoon and Sunoo grab their belongings and quickly exit the bus. Sunghoon seriously considers disappearing into thin air right then and there. Sunoo’s cheeks are still flushed a light shade of pink. The night air is cool, the sky clear as the bus rumbles away. They both stand there awkwardly, neither knowing what to say, but neither eager to leave.
“..So..” Sunoo starts awkwardly. “..So..” Sunghoon replies. Sunoo chuckles softly and steps forward slightly. “I guess I owe you.. for missing your stop..”. Sunghoon shakes his head, waving his hands in front of him. “Oh no! It was no problem, you owe me nothing.” He says frantically.
Sunoo smiles, “I’m Kim Sunoo.” For a moment, Sunghoon just stares before he remembers he’s supposed to actually reply. “Oh! I’m Park Sunghoon!” He practically squeaks out.
“It’s nice to meet you Sunghoon.” Sunoo smiles softly. Silence once again settling over them. The silence is broken by Sunoo’s stomach loudly grumbling, his eyes widening in surprise. “You didn’t hear that…” Sunoo mumbles in horror. Sunghoon blinks, then laughs before he can stop himself. A genuine, unabashed laugh escaping him. Sunoo groans in embarrassment, “Don’t laugh! I slept through dinner!” Sunghoon coughs, trying to stop laughing, “I- I’m not laughing!”
Sunoo is pouting now, his eyebrows furrowed “You are!” Sunghoon’s laugh dies down, but the smile doesn’t leave his face. “I’m not laughing at you.. I’m just laughing because you're kind of adorable.” The words leave the alpha’s mouth before he can think about it, and it’s now his turn to look horrified.
The omega’s lips curve into a gentle smile, the same one from the bus as he softly whispers. “I think you’re adorable too.” Sunghoon’s heart races, but Sunoo isn’t done talking. “Would you want to find something to eat with me?” Sunghoon doesn’t even hesitate to agree. “I’d like that..” He smiles.
They both walk through the city. The city is different at night, quiet, gentle.. calm. The wind has died down since earlier, but it’s still chilly outside. Sunoo walks with his sweater still around his hands, Sunghoon’s hands rest in his pockets. Neither of them speak, only occasional glances thrown at each other. But the quiet is comfortable, not awkward.
They approach a convenience store, and Sunoo is buzzing with excitement. No longer sleepy, his eyes wide and calculating as he scans the shelves. Sunghoon watches with growing curiosity, watching as the omega moves with purpose. He realizes just how expressive the other male is, how he tilts his head as he thinks, how his nose scrunches when he reads something he doesn’t like, how his eyes light up when he finds something he was looking for. Cute. Sunghoon thinks to himself. Mine. His alpha supplies.
They both pick out their snacks of choice, Sunoo has gimbap and tteokbokki, Sunghoon carrying a pack of instant ramen. “All done?” Sunghoon asks and receives a nod in return. “I’ll pay.” Sunghoon offers, which causes Sunoo to immediately frown. “You don’t have to, you’ve already done enough.”
Sunghoon shakes his head, his voice firm. “I want to, and I haven't done anything.” “You stayed, you missed your stop, you.. scented me.” Sunoo replies. Sunghoon immediately flushes, “Don’t remind me.” He mumbles, “But seriously, I’m paying.” Sunghoon insists, already moving towards the counter. Sunoo pouts, but complies, knowing this is a battle he’s already lost.
They move to a table, preparing their foods. Sunoo speaks up, “Next time, I’ll pay.” Sunghoon swears his heart skips a beat. Next time? Sunoo seems to realize the words that left his mouth as he stutters, his eyes wide, “I mean– only if you want there to be a next time. I wasn’t suggesting anything–” Sunghoon cuts him off, a wide grin on his face, his cheeks aching from the force of it “I’d like that.” Sunoo smiles softly in return.
They finish cooking their food, making their way outside to settle on the curb. The cool air causes the steam from their food to wrap around their faces. They eat slowly, humming in satisfaction. “This is so good..” Sunoo hums. Sunghoon grins, his voice teasing, “Worth falling asleep on a bus for?” Sunoo chuckles, his voice light. “Maybe not that good.. but it was worth meeting you.” He realizes what he says and instantly diverts his gaze to his tteokbokki, his ears burning.
Sunghoon’s voice is soft as he replies, “I agree.”
By the time they finish eating, the store has grown quiet. Sunoo stands with his now empty container, “Thank you.” he whispers. Sunghoon glances up, confused. Sunoo reaches his hand out for Sunghoon’s trash, “For dinner.” Sunghoon hands his trash over, shaking his head softly, “It wasn’t much.”
Sunoo disposes of their trash and turns back to Sunghoon, “It was perfect. I was having a bad day you know? You really helped..” The words slip out before he has a chance to stop them, he instantly regrets it. Not about to trauma dump on the alpha. Sunghoon smiles softly, “You don’t have to tell me.”
The omega smiles gratefully, nodding. Sunghoon stands from the curb as well, before quietly asking, “Do you usually fall asleep on buses?” “..First time.” “Good.”
Sunoo looks surprised, “Good?” He chuckles. Sunghoon flushes, “Not good– I mean.. Good that you haven’t fallen asleep on anyone else except me… I mean– Nevermind. I’m making this worse.” He rambles. Sunoo can’t stop the giggle that escapes him, “A little.”
Now it’s Sunghoon’s turn to pout, a small chuckle leaving him.. “I swear I’m usually more articulate than this..” Sunoo grins, his voice playful, “Are you?” The alpha pauses before breaking into a grin, “...No.”
They both laugh. The air light between them. It feels easy.. like they’ve known each other a lot longer than just a few hours. Mine. Sunghoon's alpha repeats.
Sunghoon glances down at his phone, his eyes widening. “It’s almost one in the morning.” He mutters. Sunoo gasps “Really?” Reality hits them both, they have to leave..
Sunghoon looks nervous as he asks, “Can I walk you home?” Sunoo immediately denies, “Really, you’ve done enough.. I can’t ask that of you..” Sunghoon shakes his head, firm. “Please?”
The omega finds himself unable to decline further, realizing that’s exactly what he wants, so instead he gives a gentle nod, swearing the alpha perks up at that.
Sunoo heads in the direction of his apartment, Sunghoon by his side. They unconsciously walk slower, trying to prolong the time spent together. They talk about everything, and nothing. Sunghoon learns Sunoo is obsessed with mint chocolate flavored anything, which causes Sunghoon’s nose to turn up in disgust. Sunoo learns Sunghoon cannot handle spicy food at all, as much as he pretends he can. They learn each other’s favorite colors, their favorite animals. Sunoo learns Sunghoon is a dancer, Sunghoon learns Sunoo is a writer.
They turn one final corner, Sunoo stops walking. A soft, disappointed smile on his face. “This is me.” Sunghoon glances up at the building, a small apartment building, most of the lights in the windows already turned off due to the late hour. For the first time all night, neither one knows what to say next.
Sunghoon starts, “I’m glad you fell asleep.. But don’t fall asleep on anymore strangers.”
Sunoo smiles, “I won’t.” Sunghoon grins.
“I’m glad I met you..” Sunghoon whispers, rubbing the back of his neck, the words so quiet the breeze almost carries them off. But Sunoo heard, oh he heard. And his heart skips. “I’m really glad I met you too.”
Silence settles once again, warm, comforting, hopeful.
Sunghoon looks bashful as he holds his phone out to the omega, asking nervously, “Can I have your number?” The omega doesn’t answer verbally, only taking a small step forward and grabbing the alpha’s phone, typing his number into it and handing it back. Their fingers brush slightly, and Sunghoon swears his alpha howls. Sunghoon saves his number instantly, naming the contact: Sunshine ☀️ Without a second thought his thumb hits the call button, Sunoo’s phone instantly buzzing in his pocket. Sunoo looks confused.
"You’re calling me?” “..I am.” “Why?” “I was just making sure you didn’t give me a fake number.” Sunoo gasps dramatically, offended. “You think I would do that?” Sunghoon looks distraught, “No! I just– I don’t know, I panicked!” Sunoo’s face relaxes, a small smile appearing. “You panic a lot.”
Sunghoon swears he looks like a tomato right now.. His mind screaming at him. Get him in front of a pretty omega and it’s like he stops functioning. He can’t control the words escaping him.. “Only in front of you.. You’re too pretty.”
Sunoo’s cheeks warms, and his peach scent sweetens in content. Sunghoon’s cedar scent deepens in response, and they stand there silently, their scents intermingling in the air. Both of their gazes averted, but neither making a move to leave first.
A cool breeze shifts around them, and a small shiver racks through Sunoo. It’s small, barely noticeable, but of course Sunghoon catches it immediately. Without hesitating the alpha slips his hoodie off, holding it out to Sunoo. “Here.” His voice is firm, but kind.
Sunoo looks panicked, “I.. I can’t take that. You’ll freeze, plus I’m literally outside my front door.. I can just go inside.” Sunghoon insists, “I won’t freeze, I’m wearing another layer. Just take it.” Sunoo pointedly looks down, Sunghoon is only wearing a t-shirt. “You’re literally not wearing another layer..” Sunghoon looks shy, as he grins. “I thought if I sounded confident you wouldn’t question it.”
Sunoo stares at the alpha in disbelief, “You’re impossible.” Sunghoon is still holding the hoodie out to him, his voice quiet. “You can give it back next time.” The words slip out so easily, a promise, not a suggestion. Next time.
Sunoo finally grabs the hoodie, sliding it on, the alpha’s cedar scent surrounding him. He asks teasingly, “Is this your way of making sure we see each other again?” Sunghoon blushes but doesn’t deny it this time, instead confidently stating. “Absolutely.”
The fabric of Sunghoon’s hoodie is warm, the scent comforting, the same scent that chased his nightmare away on the bus. Sunoo carefully presses the sleeve to his nose, it’s pure instinct. Sunghoon’s heart somersaults, and his alpha practically growls in content. Mine.
“Your scent is really nice..” Sunoo admits quietly, “I hope that’s not weird.”
Sunghoon’s eyes rake over the omega, the hoodie clearly oversized on him, and he stares. The omega looks absolutely beautiful wearing his clothes. “You look absolutely adorable.”
Sunoo hides his face in the oversized sleeves, his voice strained and slightly muffled as he whispers “You can’t just say stuff like that.. I don’t know how to respond.” Sunghoon carefully removes the omega’s hands from his face, his voice gentle and kind. “You don’t have to reply.”
Sunoo takes a tiny breath, playing with the sleeve. “...Can I tell you a secret?” Sunghoon nods slowly. Sunoo hesitates before speaking, “When I woke up.. I was scared, for exactly one second. But then.. I smelled you, and looked up.. And I thought to myself.. ‘I don’t have to be afraid of anything ever again if I can always smell this scent.’”
For Sunghoon, the world stops completely at that moment. Mine. His mind screams at him once again. HIs throat tightening with emotion. No one has ever said anything like that to him ever before.. and it makes him feel powerful. Needed. Safe.
He swallows hard, his voice hoarse when he speaks. “Can I tell you a secret too?” Sunoo nods. “When I got on that bus.. I thought you were the prettiest person I've ever seen. I didn’t even know your name.” He pauses to chuckle softly before continuing, “But somehow.. I knew I couldn’t leave you alone.”
Sunoo’s heart soars, his omega purring in absolute content. He takes a careful step forward, leaning up to place the softest kiss to Sunghoon’s cheek. His voice soft, “Thank you.” If Sunghoon had a tail, he's absolutely certain it would be wagging right now. The omega steps back and gently intertwines his pinky with Sunghoon’s. “I’ll wash your hoodie.”
Sunghoon grins, wrapping his pinky tightly around Sunoo’s without hesitation. “Take your time.”
They grin at each other one more time, the promise of next time hanging in the air.
Sunghoon watches as Sunoo slips inside his apartment, before turning and slowly making his way to his own apartment. His alpha howling in happiness, a huge grin on his face. The cold air has no effect on the warmth he feels inside.
Sunoo leans against his closed front door, an equally large grin on his face as he presses his face into Sunghoon’s hoodie sleeves, inhaling the lingering scent. His phone buzzes in his pocket. A single text on the screen from an unknown number.
“Goodnight Sunshine. Next time.” The text reads.
Sunoo instantly saves the contact, Hoonie 🩵 and replies: “Goodnight Hoonie. Next time.”
They both sleep peacefully that night, their hearts content and smiles on their faces.
Maybe falling asleep on a stranger wasn’t the worst mistake Sunoo has ever made.