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There was a time when humans were simply human. At least, that was what the history books said. Hundreds of years ago, nobody was born with feathers beneath their skin, golden eyes that glowed under moonlight, tails that appeared during adolescence, or instincts that made them faster, stronger, more agile, or more perceptive than ordinary humans.
Then the ANI appeared. Nobody knew exactly when it had begun.
Some scientists believed the first ANI mutation had existed quietly inside the human gene pool for generations before finally becoming active. Others believed it was the result of environmental changes, evolution, or something that humanity had yet to understand.
Whatever the cause, one thing became certain. Almost every human being carried an ANI trait. And unlike ordinary genetics, ANI did not usually reveal itself at birth. It awakened during adolescence. Usually between the ages of twelve and seventeen.
Sometimes there were early warning signs. A child might suddenly develop unusually acute hearing, or their eyes might begin reflecting light differently. Hair grew thicker in certain areas, and strange patterns appeared on their skin. While these signs were usually subtle and easily overlooked, moments of extreme tension or stress caused the more drastic traits to surface. Others became hyper-sensitive to odors, temperature shifts, or sounds.
But the actual awakening was unmistakable. For some, it happened quietly. For others, it happened dramatically. And once it happened, there was no going back.
The ANI became part of them. There were five recognized classifications. Basic class, medium class, high class, rare class. And finally, an NE (None Existent). A hundred percent human. NE individuals were considered completely human without any active ANI trait. They were uncommon. Which meant that someone without one was almost as unusual as someone possessing a Rare-class trait.
But society had never treated all ANI equally. Some traits were simply more desirable. A Basic-class trait might improve just a bit of someone's stamina, eyesight, balance, or hearing. A Medium-class trait could provide considerably stronger physical or sensory advantages. High-class traits were even more impressive.
And Rare-class traits?
Those were the ones people dreamed about. Companies searched for them, scientists studied them. Entertainment agencies wanted them. And ordinary people followed them. Especially when the trait was beautiful.
Some were prized because of their physical abilities, some because of their intelligence or their strength. And some simply because they were breathtaking.
Few of the ANI traits that had become famous throughout society especially sought by Entertainment agencies for it beauty such as Peacock, Maine Coon, Snow Leopard, Giraffe and Marble Fox. An idol with a beautiful ANI trait could become famous before releasing a single song.
Fans collected photographs of their transformations. Magazines ranked the most beautiful ANI awakenings. Companies designed advertisements around them. There were even specialized stylists trained to work with different ANI characteristics.
Which was why, when a new idol group from big company debut five members, people immediately became interested. Three of them had already awakened. Very talented, young and ridiculously handsome. The group was called—
Cortis.
………………………………………………………
The practice room was loud and sweaty.
Music blasted from the speakers as five bodies moved across the mirrored floor.
Step, Turn, Slide, Spin.
The choreography ended with five members dropping into their final positions.
"Again."
The youngest members groaned.
"Hyung!"
James stood near the speaker with his arms crossed still full with energy and completely ignoring the whining maknae. He was the oldest member of Cortis.
"Your synchronization was off."
"By how much?" Juhoon asked.
"Enough to notice."
Juhoon sighed dramatically. Only you will, not fans. 0.03 second late doesn’t count. He huff and puff.
Martin, who was sitting on the floor, looked offended on everyone's behalf.
"Hyung, we've done it like 10 times."
"Thirteen."
Martin stared at him. "That's worse."
James ignored him. His golden silky hair reflection shine back through the mirror. Lean muscle, not that small but not too tall either, golden-brown eyes and strong legs that give him an advantage in choreographing a dance. The most obvious feature was a few small black spot-on tops of his head a bit hidden under his bangs. His ANI was classified as High class. A cheetah.
It enhanced his stamina, balance, reflexes, and physical endurance. It also made him extraordinarily difficult to exhaust. Which was unfortunate for everyone else, especially his own members.
Because James used that advantage to make them practice. Again and again and again.
Behind him, Juhoon collapsed onto the floor.
"I think my soul has left my body."
James stared at him.
"Sometimes I wonder if you're actually nineteen."
"I wonder that too."
Martin snorted.
James turned glaring at the leader.
Martin pressed his lips together. He didn’t have an energy to fight a big cat right now.
Beside him, Seonghyeon was trying very hard not to laugh.
Keonho wasn't even pretending. He was lying flat on the floor. His shoulders shook.
"Keonho."
The sixteen-year-old immediately became still.
"Yes?"
"Should we or should we not continue the practice?"
Keonho looked over at his roommate to find Martin already staring back. A silent conversation passed between them—just the twitch of an eyebrow and the blink of an eye.
After a moment, Keonho finally said "No."
James narrowed his eyes.
Keonho smiled innocently.
"Traitor, you were the lead dancer. At least help me."
Keonho shrugged. "I protect my health first hyung AND my stomach. Martin hyung promise me a chicken."
"I did not" Martin yell.
Seonghyeon and Juhoon burst out laughing.
Even James's mouth twitched.
Martin looked around at his members. His pack. His chaotic, noisy, impossible pack. They were a small pack, but they were his.
………………………………………………………
Cortis had been formed for more than a year.
Long before official debut, they had become trainee together, practiced together, composing together, hanging out, arguing and even shared some clothes.
And, according to Martin, they were supposed to become a complete pack already. There was only one problem, two members were still unawakened.
Seonghyeon and Keonho.
Both now seventeen, perfectly healthy and normal. And both apparently determined to make Martin suffer. Martin had been waiting for their ANI awakenings since the day he found out they hadn't developed yet. He wasn't alone.
The fans were waiting too. Cortis's official fan community had entire discussion threads dedicated to it.
When will Seonghyeon awaken?
What kind of ANI do you think Keonho will get?
They’re 17 already. Is is normal for healthy normal boy being this late?
Imagine if one of them gets Rare class!
Please let Keonho be a Maine Coon.
- Hs’s like puppy, maybe a rare dog breed.
Seonghyeon looks like a cat type. He can match with James Cheetos.
What if they get the same ANI?
Can twins have the same ANI?
The theories became endless. Every time Cortis uploaded a new video, obsessive fans looked carefully for signs.
A second ear hidden underneath their thick hair. A strange eye reflection. A new marking.
Anything. But nothing happened.
Seonghyeon and Keonho remained completely human. Even Martin alpha was losing his mind.
………………………………………………………
"Are you staring again?" Seonghyeon asked. This had become an increasing problem lately.
Martin blinked, pulled from his trance. He had been staring at Keonho, who was lounging on the couch in an oversized hoodie and glasses, completely absorbed in a game on his phone.
Martin frowned. "What."
"The stare," Seonghyeon noted, deadpan.
"Habit."
Seonghyeon waited.
Martin merely offered a faint shrug.
Seonghyeon glanced over at Keonho—who remained blissfully oblivious—before levelling his gaze back at Martin. "You’re ridiculously impatient."
"I know."
"Then stop staring. I expect that from fans, not our leader."
"I can't help it."
"Why?"
Martin dropped his voice. "Instinct. The pack is incomplete, and with every passing days, my ANI grows more restless."
Seonghyeon stared at him trying to figure out something he can’t understand.
"We aren't wolves."
Martin's eyes narrowed. "I am and if you take a bit time to study in ANI class, you would understand."
Seonghyeon smile a bit guilty. He hate reading, he spend time more sleeping that actual study in class the company prepare for them.
"My instincts are telling me something is wrong."
Seonghyeon sighed. "Your instincts also told you that James was hiding chocolate in his room, despite his diet."
"He was, I could smell it."
From across the room, James spoke. "I can hear you."
Martin froze.
Juhoon walk out from his and James room. "What happened?"
"Nothing." Martin quickly answers.
James sauntered over and leaned against the wall, hand on his hip. "Why are you talking about my chocolate?"
Martin immediately pointed at Seonghyeon. "He started it."
Seonghyeon looked betrayed. "I did not."
Keonho looked up from his game eyes become brighter. "What chocolate?"
James stopped.
Martin's eyes widened.
Seonghyeon shake his head while covering his face with his hand.
James turned around poker face. "Nothing. You heard wrong."
Keonho blinked eye becomes suspicious. "Really?"
"Yes."
Martin playfully coughs while whisper; "He's lying."
James looked over his shoulder with warning. "Martin..."
The leader smiled hands up in surrender. "I was just joking."
………………………………………………………
Martin’s ANI had awakened when he was thirteen. It happened in an instant—one moment he was sitting in class with his peers, and the next, every sound surged with painful clarity. The clock ticking, the air conditioner humming, someone chewing gum three rows back. His head throbbed.
That evening, he grew a second ear. His senses sharpened; his reflexes surged. When he met his own reflection, the transformation was undeniable—these new traits were now a part of him.
A Wolf. Rare class in South Korea. Strong. Fast. Protective. And, according to ANI specialist he'd ever met, extremely instinct-driven. Martin had laughed the first time he'd heard that. Until he formally joined Hive Entertainment and Cortis. Only then he understood.
His instincts were constantly aware of his members.
James was the oldest more experience one.
Juhoon was calm and quick to adapt.
Seonghyeon was shy at first, but underneath lay the same wild energy; he was remarkably observant and far more mature than his peers.
Keonho was— their youngest. Happy pills. Their group baby.
The one Martin felt inexplicably compelled to protect every five seconds. It didn’t matter that Keonho was perfectly capable of taking care of himself—he had been the best swimmer in his region and was secretly one of the smartest people Martin knew, right alongside Juhoon.
Martin’s wolf brain, however, had firmly decided: Baby. And therefore—protect, feed, check, protect again.
It was embarrassing. Naturally, everyone around them noticed, and his own group teased him mercilessly. But Martin had come to terms with it. What he couldn't accept was that Keonho still didn't have an ANI, leaving his wolf perpetually restless.
………………………………………………………
The next morning, the dorm was peacefully quiet except the sound of Juhoon trying to make breakfast.
James was already awake sipping his coffee in the living room while watching morning news.
Seonghyeon was sitting at the kitchen table monitoring his hyung cook ready to take over if something happen.
Martin standing in front of the refrigerator with eye close.
And Keonho is nowhere to be found.
Juhoon placed five plates of uneven shape of pancake on the table. "Where's Keonho?" he ask.
"Sleeping."
"Still?"
Martin nodded. "He stayed up late, maybe around 2.30 am."
"Doing what?"
"Writing."
Juhoon frowned. "At two in the morning?"
"He said he had some lyric to finish."
James walked into the kitchen smelling the breakfast and looked at Martin. "Then why are you letting him stay awake that late?"
Martin looked offended. "I didn't let him, I was awake too and you didn’t ask, he pout."
"He’s only 17 and you're the leader."
"That doesn't mean I control his sleep schedule."
"You should."
Martin opened his mouth, then closed it. He couldn't argue or rather doesn’t have the energy to argue this early.
James sat down. "Wake him."
Martin stared at him. "Me?"
"You're the leader."
"Why don't you?"
"You're better at it."
Martin sighed. He walked toward the their shared room and pushed open the door. "Keonho?"
No answer. The room still dark.
Keonho was curled beneath his blanket. His glasses sat on the bedside table with phone still charging.
Martin smiled. "Kono."
The blanket moved. "Five more minutes."
"You said that every single time." Martin laughed softly. He walked over and pulled the curtains open. Sunlight filled the room.
Keonho groaned. "Hyung."
"Breakfast."
"Not hungry."
"Juhoon made your favorite."
Silence. "What?"
Martin smiled. "Get up."
Keonho slowly sat up. His hair was messy.
Martin couldn't help it. He reached over and ruffled his hair. "Good morning, baby."
Keonho frowned. "I'm not a baby."
"To me you are."
"I'm just one year younger than you."
"Congratulations."
Keonho grabbed his pillow.
Martin immediately escaped knowing what will happen if he stay.
"Don't hit your hyung!"
"You deserve it!"
Martin ran into the kitchen laughing.
Keonho followed second after, straight to his promise pancake.
And for a few minutes, everything was normal.
Five members eating their food while still in pajama.
………………………………………………………
Later that afternoon, Cortis had a schedule at SKS building.
They were filming behind-the-scenes content where camera followed them through the hallway.
"Today we're going to ask Cortis some questions about ANI!"
The member immediately straight up and listen.
The SKS staff member holding the camera laughed.
"First question! James, your cheetah trait is one of the most popular among new-generation idols. How do you feel about that?"
James shrugged. "I'm feeling proud of it."
"Do you use your ANI often?"
"For performances."
Any advantages so far?"
"Endurance," James answered coolly.
Juhoon interrupted to tease.
"He can run forever."
James looked at his roommates. "That's an exaggeration."
"We once have morning ran for forty minutes straight because of him."
"You stop running halfway you turtle."
Juhoon frowned.
The camera focus toward him.
His ANI appeared almost immediately. Soft marble fox ears appeared above his hair. His eyes became slightly blue and sharper.
A Fox was classified as Medium class in entertainment industry, not bad but not too special either. But if it was marble fox, than it was automatically became a high class because of its beauty.
His ANI gave him excellent hearing, agility, and environmental awareness, but a bit of shy.
And, according to fans, it was adorable. The internet had gone crazy the first time Juhoon's ears appeared on camera. The clip had received millions of views.
The staff laughed happy this time they caught it live. "Juhoon, your fans love your ANI."
"I know" his aura calm down and looking soft again.
"Do you like it?"
"I love it."
This made his ears twitch shyly.
The camera operator laughed.
"That's so cute."
Juhoon smiled proudly.
Then the camera turned toward Martin.
"Martin! Your Wolf trait is also extremely popular."
Martin's wolf ears appeared. His eyes changed to silver. The transformation was subtle but striking. Wolf. Rare. A high class predator, top tier leader and extremely protective.
Fans had loved it from the beginning.
"What do you like most about your ANI?"
Martin thought about it.
"My members."
The room became quiet.
The staff smiled.
"What does that have to do with your ANI?"
Martin shrugged. "Wolves are pack animals. I highly value them and happy with this team"
Juhoon immediately grinned.
James looked amused.
Martin continued. "So I think it's natural that they were the one I like about my ANI."
The staff around them coo at the proud leader.
The camera turned toward Seonghyeon.
"And you?"
Seonghyeon smiled awkwardly. "I don't have one yet."
The staff laughed gently. "You're seventeen. You still have time."
"I know."
"Are you nervous?"
Seonghyeon thought about it. "A little."
"Excited?"
"A lot."
"What do you think you'll get?"
"I have no idea."
Then the camera moved to Keonho.
"And how about our youngest?"
Keonho blinked. "Me?"
"Are you excited about your ANI awakening?"
Keonho thought about it. Then smiled. "Yes."
"What type do you want?"
Keonho immediately answered. "Don’t care."
Everyone except his member froze.
The staff laughed. "You don’t care?"
Keonho nodded. "I'm curious, but I'm okay either way. I will accept whatever it is."
The staff frowned a bit. "That's not an answer your fans will want."
Martin crossed his arms. "They will accept it either way. Know that I’m proud of you," Martin said while ruffling Keonho hair.
Keonho smiling up at him.
………………………………………………………
That evening, the clip went online.
And the internet exploded.
CORTIS ANI INTERVIEW
MARTIN: I highly value them and happy with this team"
…
KEONHO: "I'm curious, but I'm okay either way. I will accept whatever it is."
MARTIN: "They will accept it either way. Know that I’m proud of you."
Fans replayed the exchange thousands of times.
Memes appeared.
Fans are squealing at the adorableness. Most are positive comment and words of support. They love the bond between maknae and his leader.
“Martin should be a giraffe or Samoyed. There’s no way he was a top tier predator. That was so soft I’m dying.”
Everyone can’t stop waiting eagerly for the maknae line ANI appearance.
What would Seonghyeon's ANI be?
What would Keonho's ANI be?
………………………………………………………
Summer had always been Seonghyeon's favorite season. He liked warm weather, going outside without needing a jacket. Feeling the sun with blue sky above. He liked sitting beside a window in the evening, watching the sunset paint the buildings orange.
But that summer, something was wrong. Something prickling underneath his skin. It started so quietly that nobody noticed. At first, he simply think it because of his tiredness. He was seventeen and an active idol with non-stop schedule. Being tired wasn't unusual. They practiced choreography for hours, recorded songs, filmed content, attended events, and sometimes travelled between cities. Everyone got tired.
So when Seonghyeon yawned during practice, nobody thought much of it.
"Sleep earlier," James told him after watch him yawning several time.
"I did."
"What time?"
"One."
James looked at him.
"That's not early."
Seonghyeon smiled sheepishly.
Martin immediately joined the conversation. "He's right. You should sleep before midnight."
Seonghyeon glare at him. "You sleep at two."
"I’m a grown up and a wolf."
Juhoon, sitting on the floor nearby, laughed. "That doesn't make sense."
Martin pointed at him. "Twinskii~ you're supposed to support me."
Juhoon ignore him and drinking his water.
Keonho looked up. "Juhoon hyung is right."
Martin sighed. "Nobody respects me in this household."
James walked past them. "You have to earned it."
Martin stared after him. "Hyung!" Martin whine.
The room filled with laughter.
Seonghyeon smile, happy the conversation have shift from him to Martin. Because he was tired, like really tired. For some reason, his body felt heavier than usual.
………………………………………………………
Few day later, Seonghyeon stopped laughing as much. He still participated in everything but his energy was disappearing. During dance practice, he started falling behind. Not dramatically but enough for his hyungs to notice.
They were running through the choreography when Seonghyeon's foot dragged slightly during a turn.
Martin stop the music and immediately turned toward him. "You okay?"
Seonghyeon nodded. "Yeah."
"You're pale."
"I'm just tired."
James walked closer passing Seonghyeon bottle of water and touch his forehead. "You've been saying that for days."
"I'm fine."
Martin didn't believe him.
His wolf ears appeared instinctively. Straight, sensing. He was staring at Seonghyeon intently.
Something smelled wrong.
Juhoon noticed. James too.
"Martin." Juhoon call.
Martin didn't answer.
He keep smelling he air. It was subtle. So subtle that Martin couldn't explain it. His wolf senses simply recognized that something had changed. Sickness? He didn’t know.
Seonghyeon wasn't the same as he had been a few weeks ago.
"Come here."
Seonghyeon blinked.
"Why?"
"Just come here."
Seonghyeon reluctantly stepped closer.
Martin sniffed the air around his neck.
Seonghyeon immediately frowned flinching.
"Hyung."
"What?"
"Why are you smelling me?"
"I'm checking."
"For what?"
"I don't know."
Seonghyeon stared at him.
Martin frowned. "Something is different."
Juhoon looked between them.
"Maybe he's getting sick."
"Maybe."
James crossed his arms. "We should tell the manager."
Seonghyeon immediately protested. "No."
"Why?"
"I don't want to stop practice."
James's expression hardened. "Your health comes first."
"But—"
"No" James voice sharpen.
The room became quiet.
James rarely used that tone.
Seonghyeon immediately looked down. "Okay."
Martin placed a hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, We'll figure it out."
………………………………………………………
By early morning next day, the fever had taken root—sudden, aggressive, and relentless. Seonghyeon woke up encased in heat, every joint and muscle heavy with pain. When he tried to push himself up, dizziness slammed into him, making the room tilt wildly. Clutching the bedsheet, he managed a faint call.
"Hyung..."
Keonho bolted upright from the adjacent bed. "Seonghyeon?"
He switched on his bedside lamp, illuminating Seonghyeon’s trembling frame bent over the mattress. One look at Seonghyeon’s flushed face and glossed-over eyes had Keonho on immediate alert. "You look awful."
"Appreciate it..." Seonghyeon murmured weakly, his torso pitching forward as his balance gave out entirely.
Keonho quickly get up closer to his friend and help him lay down again. He touched Seonghyeon's forehead. His eyes widened. Hot…very hot. "You're burning. Martin hyung, wake up…"
His loud anxious voice immediately woke every ANI in the dorm who have better hearing and smells. Within minutes, everyone gathered around Seonghyeon bed.
James talking to the manager quietly on the corner about Seonghyeon condition.
Juhoon brought pills and water.
Martin sat beside Seonghyeon, looking increasingly distressed.
Keonho stayed close. The youngest members' roles had suddenly reversed. For once, Keonho was the one taking care of Seonghyeon. An ice bucket and small towel ready in his hand.
"Drink." Juhoon gave him the glass.
Seonghyeon took it with trembling fingers. His whole body was actually trembling.
Martin noticed and help quickly. His ears flattened.
James looked toward the manager and nod.
"We're taking him to the hospital."
Seonghyeon tried to protest but was cut off immediately by Martin with a glare. "Don’t."
James stand beside Martin looking down on him. "Forget schedules, everything. If it can’t be change, then the four of us will cover it. Health first."
"But the fans—"
"They'll understand." Martin's voice was unusually quiet.
Seonghyeon looked at him.
Martin's expression made it impossible to argue.
………………………………………………………
The news broke that afternoon.
Cortis's Seonghyeon to take a temporary break due to health concerns.
Fans immediately became worried.
The company released a short statement explaining that Seonghyeon had developed a fever and muscle pain and would be taking approximately one week away from activities to recover.
The reaction was immediate.
Fans flooding messages on Cortis social media.
They told him to rest.
Some curse HIVE for overworking their idol.
Some worried that his delayed ANI awakening might be connected to his illness.
Others insisted it was simply a normal fever and ask them to stop over react. He was a grown man.
But the theories kept coming.
- Maybe his ANI is finally developing.
- What if the fever is part of awakening?
- My cousin had a fever before developing hers.
- ANI awakening symptoms are different for everyone.
Seonghyeon was discharged from the hospital the next day. He want to recover at home since nothing serious was actually happen, only fever and fatique.
Inside the dorm, however, everything was silent.
For once, Martin was on high alert. His tail, now visible from sheer tension, thumped rhythmically against the floor. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, so he stayed right beside Seonghyeon's bed, refusing to budge.
He was guarding him. Keonho had been shooed off to James and Juhoon's room to protect their youngest from catching any virus—those who had already developed ANI possessed stronger immune systems anyway.
James found him there on the floor beside Seonghyeon bed still awake at 3 am. "You should sleep."
"I can't. Something's wrong with him, it’s not normal sickness."
James sat beside him looking at sleeping Seonghyeon who still have pale face wrapped in several layer of blanket.
"Doctors said his tests were normal and his fever is slightly down now."
"I know."
"Then?"
Martin was silent. His wolf ears were lowered. "My instincts don't agree, my wolf can’t calm down."
James looked at him.
"You can't diagnose someone with your ANI. Maybe it just because of a pack leader things"
"I know."
"Then trust the doctors."
Martin sighed. "I try, but I still don't like it."
………………………………………………………
A week passed.
Seonghyeon's fever disappeared. The follow up with doctors couldn't find anything abnormal. His hormones were normal, no trace of ANI awakening. It was as if his body had simply decided to become sick for a week. And then—Stop.
The company allowed him to return with doctor report.
But Martin remained watchful.
"You're staring." Seonghyeon looked up from his food the first morning he’s allowed to have a schedule.
Martin immediately looked away. "Sorry. "I just want to make sure you're okay."
Seonghyeon sighed. "I'm not going to be sick again so soon and I’ve rest enough for a week."
Martin's wolf ears twitched. "I didn't say that."
"You were thinking of it."
Martin looked offended. "I wasn't."
Juhoon leaned over pushing a glass of milk in front of their maknae who doze off on the table. "He definitely was."
Martin groaned.
James walked in. "Why are you all arguing this early?"
"Martin hyung is being weird, Keonho chirp in" suddenly awake.
James looked at Martin. Stop being too mothering. You’ll suffocated the kids.
Everyone laugh at that.
Martin looked betrayed.
………………………………………………………
Seonghyeon seemed better for several days afterwards to Martin relief.
Then something strange began happening. He started avoiding bright lights and keep wearing sunglasses to avoid camera flash. He became unusually sensitive to sound too and keep woke up several times during the night. He complained that his feet hurt.
At first, everyone thought it was leftover muscle pain.
And finally his appetite changed. He was hungry constantly especially for meat and protein. Every one of them noticed.
"You ate like a bucket of chicken by yourself" James hide the second bucket away from his reach.
Seonghyeon pouted looking down at the empty bucket he order for dinner. "I know."
"Are you still hungry?" Keonho ask him wide eye.
"A little."
Juhoon blinked. "That's strange."
Martin's ears immediately appeared.
Seonghyeon frowned. "Nothing strange, maybe just my appetite came back after being sick too long."
Juhoon looked at Martin. "Yeah…maybe." Juhoon lowered his voice.
James stared at Seonghyeon with weird expression.
"Say it."
"You might be close."
"Close to what?"
Martin too glanced toward James. "Awakening."
Martin eyes widened. For the first time in days, his expression became excited. "One of the babies is finally awaken?"
Seonghyeon stared at him. "I'm not a baby."
Martin ignored him. James looked amused. Martin practically looked like a child waiting for a birthday cake.
Keonho laughed. "Hyung is happy."
"Very."
Seonghyeon rolled his eyes. "You guys need to chill. Nothing’s official until it actually happens."
………………………………………………………
The following afternoon began normally. Cortis had dance practice scheduled. The five members were in the dance studio with music blasting inside. Their dance teacher was correcting formations with 1 manager and 3 staff at the back monitoring.
Seonghyeon was standing at the back before he fall down holding his legs. "Hyung, it’s hurts."
The member immediately moved crowding him. The music stopped.
"Where?" Martin ask while checking on Seonghyeon feet.
Seonghyeon's breathing became uneven and tears form in his eyelash. "I can't, something is pushing out."
His body double over the floor. My back…
Martin caught him. "Seonghyeon!" James rushed over helping.
Juhoon grabbed Keonho and walk back several feet letting James, Martin and their manager handle the situation.
But before anyone could do anything Seonghyeon screamed. Not from fear but from surprise.
Something sharp pressed out from his shoes. Claw?
Martin froze. "What..."
There was a cracking sound. The staff stepped back. The members stared.
Seonghyeon grabbed Martin's arm. "Hyung."
"I'm here."
"I don't know what's happening."
"Your ANI is awaken." Martin's voice was strangely calm.
Seonghyeon looked terrified. "My feet..."
"Calm down... breathe... You need to stay calm and just let it happen. It won't hurt you—your ANI will never hurt you. Try to hear his call."
Their manager shoo the female staff out and let in some security staff and medic staff before locking the door. Just to be cautious.
His shoes finally tore, exposing long, sharp, curved black talons. His feet looked rougher now, stained a faint yellow. Seonghyeon stared, forgetting to breathe. "What are those?" Martin’s wolf instincts kicked into overdrive. His ears stood at full attention, his body braced and hyper-aware. But before he could reply—
A loud crack and a rippling sound filled the room as something forced its way outward from Seonghyeon’s shoulder blades destroying his shirt fully forcing people near him to back off several feet.
Seonghyeon’s back arched. It was a bit painful for him at first, a sharp pressure building under his skin as if something had been trapped there for weeks, forcing its way out. But almost immediately after, a wave of relief followed—so sudden and overwhelming that his breath caught. It felt like a burden he hadn’t even fully understood was finally being lifted from his body.
There, in front of them stood Seonghyeon with a medium-sized wings pushing through his back. Dark feathers unfurling in trembling layers. Then they expanded rapidly, strengthening and reshaping themselves as if responding to an unseen command, until they became broad, powerful, unmistakably avian.
Everyone could only stare in awe, frozen in place.
Juhoon's mouth fell open. James immediately moved everyone backward. Martin stand the closest.
Seonghyeon looked over his shoulder and at everyone. He could see everything sharper, louder, wider. And then, he heard Martin.
"Seonghyeon."
The younger member looked at him.
Martin's wolf instincts recognized the trait before anyone else. An alpha…just like him. Top tier predator. His expression changed.
"Bald Eagle, their medic whisper. I met several people with this type of ANI before."
James immediately looked at her. With all the wings?
"The complete form will emerged for the first time but Seonghyeon can learn and hide it inside just like you and Martin tail. Yes, so does the taloon. Don’t worry." Seonghyeon, can we get closer? The doctor ask for permission.
Nobody spoke waiting for Seonghyeon reply.
Bald Eagle. One of the unusual eagle-type ANI traits in entertainment industry. Powerful and highly territorial. Known for extraordinary strength and aerial ability, and most importantly— it was considered a dominance-type ANI. Not because its users were inherently aggressive, but because Bald Eagle ANI carried strong territorial and independence instincts. They didn't easily submit to social pressure. They recognized hierarchy differently.
And Seonghyeon—Seonghyeon was suddenly feeling all of it. His wings flared.
Martin instinctively stepped forward to comfort his team member but Seonghyeon, the eagle eyes turned toward him menacingly. Martin stopped.
Something passed between them. An alpha Wolf and Alpha Eagle. Two instincts meeting. Martin's wolf wanted to establish order and regain control but Seonghyeon's newly awakened ANI wanted space, safety and familiarity.
Seonghyeon suddenly let out a territorial cackle and bend his body all four while looking fiercely at the leader.
Martin's ears flattened.
Juhoon whispered. "Oh."
James stepped forward beside Martin. "Don't push him."
"I know."
Martin took one step backward. For once, he listened to his instincts. "Okay," Martin said softly.
Seonghyeon still keeping an eye on him.
"I'm not going to force you but please let the medic team check you."
The wings trembled.
Martin slowly lowered himself on his knee to Seonghyeon's eye level. "You don't have to listen to me, you don't have to follow my instincts. But you're still my member."
Seonghyeon's eyes softened, his breathing slowed.
Martin smiled teasingly. "And I'm still your hyung."
The wings gradually lowered. The room became quiet.
Then— Seonghyeon whispered eye teary. "Hyung..."
Martin immediately opened his arms.
Seonghyeon stumbled forward.
Martin caught him. The wings folded around them both.
Martin's eyes widened. He was completely surrounded by feathers.
Juhoon and Keonho giggle softly.
James looked amused by Martin’s happy expression.
Martin glanced over the feathers, wrapping his arm around Seonghyeon’s neck and gently stroking his hair.
"It's quit huge. You think you can fly in it?"
Seonghyeon groaned. "Hyung..."
"I'm sorry." Martin laugh and tried to move. He couldn't.
The wings had trapped him, holding him close. "Seonghyeon."
"What?"
"Your wings, can you fold it? I need the medic to check on you."
Silent. "I don't know how."
The others in the room burst out laughing including the medic and security team.
Keonho pulled out his phone recording the moment and snap some picture for future blackmail.
Martin immediately shouted. "Don't you dare take a picture!"
Keonho laughed. "Too late."
"KEONHO!"
Hours later, after everything had calmed down and a quick checkup was done under the doctor's guidance, the feathers managed to retreat back inside Seonghyeon's body. "We need you to meet with an ANI specialist to learn about this specific type. The company has already arranged it, and it starts tomorrow."
Martin looked down at Seonghyeon then to manager. "Another hiatus?"
Their manager nod.
The younger looked exhausted. His shirt destroy, so as his shoes. He was back to normal except now his hair is half white which according to doctor will become completely white as he grow older and there’s small hole on his nose like an eagle. Almost invisible. It was permanent.
Martin's expression softened. "Let's go home."
Seonghyeon nodded. Can we have fish for dinner?
Anything you want buddy…James pat his shoulder which now wearing Keonho hoodie.
………………………………………………………
The journey home was uneasy as most company staff already heard about the accident in the practice room. Eyes watching the group all the way to parking lot.
Seonghyeon's was still sensitive with everything. He can clearly heard the whisper talking about him.
Martin and James stayed each at his side. While Keonho and Juhoon walk in front shielding him as best as they could without making it obvious.
Not touching unless Seonghyeon allowed it they remember the doctor advise. Let him adjust naturally. Nobody joked.
One of Cortis maknae finally awaken as alpha eagle. Strong, beautiful, yet terrifying.
But for Cortis, Seonghyeon was still Seonghyeon. Their shy member, only 17 years old, one of their youngest.
When they reached the dorm, Seonghyeon stood in the living room taking in everything with his new sense. The others let him be and part ways doing whatever they usually do. Juhoon going for a shower, Keonho and Martin in the kitchen looking for a snack and James laying down in his bed.
He looked around. Everything felt different. His senses were overwhelming. "I don't know how to do this."
Martin walk in with a bottle of soda and gave on to Seonghyeon. "You'll learn."
"What if I can't?"
"You will."
"What if I hurt someone?"
"You won't."
"How do you know?"
Everyone hyungs here have been in that phase. You need to find same vibe with your ANI and you’ll learn it tomorrow. For now, go wash up, and then we eat dinner and sleep.
Martin placed a hand gently on his shoulder.
"And we'll learn together."
Keonho quietly placed a snack on his other hand. "Here."
Seonghyeon looked at it.
"What's this?"
"Your favorite."
"Why?"
"You look like you need it."
Seonghyeon smiled.
"Thanks."
………………………………………………………
Martin always knew that his wolf ANI had been extremely compatible with his role as leader. He could calm the younger members, could sense when someone was uncomfortable and could guide them instinctively. No wonder he felt restless weeks before Seonghyeon change. His alpha can sense it long before his human side. But Seonghyeon's ANI was different. The eagle did not naturally respond to Martin's authority.
Every time Martin tried to physically calm him, Seonghyeon pulled away. He did not push Keonho and Juhoon from him. James didn’t even try.
Martin eventually sat on the floor. "Okay."
Seonghyeon looked at him. "What?"
"I surrender."
Juhoon laughed. "Already?"
Martin sighed. "I can't domesticate him."
Seonghyeon's head snapped around. "Domesticate?"
Martin immediately regretted his word choice. "I didn't mean—"
Seonghyeon's eyes change.
Martin raised both hands. "Okay! Calm down. It was a word play not exactly domesticated. You’re top predator, not house cat"
James walked past. "Don't try to domesticate an eagle."
Martin frowned. "I was trying to help."
"You were trying to lead."
"I'm the leader."
"Not everything needs to follow you."
Martin looked at Seonghyeon.
The intimidating eyes stared back.
Martin sighed. "...Fine."
Seonghyeon's eye settled.
Martin smiled. "He's going to be difficult."
James nodded. "Very."
Juhoon grinned. "I like him."
Keonho laughed. "Me too."
Martin looked at all four members. He shook his head. "Fine." A smile slowly appeared. "Welcome to the pack."
Seonghyeon smiled back. Calm.
Martin looked toward the youngest. Keonho was sitting on the couch, completely human, glasses perched on his nose trying to read before getting distract by Martin and Seonghyeon.
He blinked. "What are you looking at?"
Martin smiled. "Nothing." His wolf ears twitched. "Your turn next."
Keonho stared at him. "Don't pressure me."
Martin laughed. "I won't." But deep inside, his wolf keep on waiting.
………………………………………………………
The first few days after Seonghyeon's awakening were peaceful. The company arranged for an ANI specialist private lesson mostly for Seonghyeon and some for the member to learn together.
News about Seonghyeon awaken had been shared. Schedule were push back for the group to adjust.
His Eagle ANI was deeming uncommon in entertainment industry. Usually people with this ANI type hold higher level job with it intelligent and sharpness like in law or security dept.
The specialist explained that Bald Eagle users often had unusually strong instincts regarding territory, independence, and personal boundaries.
Seonghyeon listened carefully.
Martin listened even more carefully.
"Does that mean he can't follow a pack hierarchy?" Martin asked.
The specialist glanced at him. "He can."
Martin brightened.
"But?" "On his own will."
Martin's smile disappeared.
Seonghyeon immediately looked amused.
The specialist continue. "Your Wolf ANI is naturally inclined toward group leadership. His Eagle ANI is naturally inclined toward independence because eagle do have mate but they’re not living in pack.
Martin crossed his arms. "So we just need to adjust."
"Exactly."
Seonghyeon nodded. "I can do that."
Martin looked at him.
Seonghyeon smiled. "You're still my leader."
Martin's wolf ears perked up and looked incredibly pleased.
James quietly shook his head.
Juhoon whispered to Keonho. "He looks like kid getting his sweets."
Keonho nodded. "He's been waiting for that sentence."
Martin heard them. "I heard that."
"Good."
………………………………………………………
For a while, things really did improve. Seonghyeon learned how to fold his wings and hide it. He learned how to control their movement. He learned that flapping them in dorm was a terrible idea.
The first time he tried, its stretch out the whole small living room knocking and breaking things around.
James banned him from practicing in dorm except in practice room which clearly empty and larger.
Seonghyeon looked embarrassed. "Sorry."
Martin patted his shoulder. "You're learning."
Seonghyeon learned to trust his own instincts without letting them control him. But there was one thing nobody had prepared for. The Bald Eagle had chosen something, or rather someone. A person it wanted nearby constantly. That person was his same age brother Ahn Keonho.
It started with something small.
Seonghyeon simply attentive of where Keonho is. Sitting at the kitchen table, playing games on his bed, sleeping, eating, he noticed him whenever he entered or left a room.
At first, nobody thought anything of it.
Then Martin start notice more. Everytime Keonho move, Seonghyeon's eyes immediately followed.
Martin narrowed his eyes. "Why are you watching him?"
"I don't know."
That answer bothered Martin. "Do you feel uncomfortable when you can't see him?"
Seonghyeon paused, thinking. "...Maybe."
"Why?"
Seonghyeon looked toward Keonho. The younger boy was completely unaware of the conversation.
"I don't know."
His ANI simply wanted the boy within sight; that was the best explanation Seonghyeon could give. Keonho made his instincts sharper—amplifying his need to protect the boy and keep him safe. Whenever Keonho left without him, Seonghyeon felt agitated, but the moment Keonho returned, he automatically relaxed. It wasn't a choice Seonghyeon consciously made.
Martin didn't like that answer. Not one bit. Because Keonho had always been his baby—his to protect, his to care for. Martin had never questioned that dynamic. Until now.
………………………………………………………
The situation became more obvious one night. Cortis slept in 2 shared rooms. James and Juhoon while Martin with the twins. That arrangement had worked perfectly before. It didn't feel like that anymore.
One night, Martin woke up because he heard something moving and saw Seonghyeon walking toward the youngest bed.
"Seonghyeon? Why are you awake?"
Seonghyeon stop and hesitated. "I can't sleep."
Seonghyeon looked toward Keonho's sleeping figure.
Martin's stomach dropped. "You want to sleep with Keonho?"
Seonghyeon nodded. "I feel better when he's nearby."
Martin stared. "His bed is just next to you. You can't just wake him."
"I won't."
Martin rubbed his forehead. "Go back to bed."
Seonghyeon's stood still. "No."
Martin blinked. "What?"
"I want to stay near him."
The wolf inside Martin immediately bristled. "Seonghyeon."
Martin and Seonghyeon looked at each other. Neither spoke.
James sighed from the doorway. Both of them didn’t notice when did he arrived and open the bedroom door.
"Please don't start another dominance argument at two in the morning."
"We aren't arguing," Seonghyeon said.
Martin took a breath. "Seonghyeon, go back to bed."
"No. he still stubbornly stood in the middle of the room."
Martin's wolf ears appeared.
Seonghyeon's eyes shone through the dim light.
James immediately stepped in between them.
"Enough."
Both stopped.
James looked at Martin. "You're making this worse."
Martin frowned. "I'm trying to not let him disturb Keonho."
"Were you? James giving him a knowing look."
Martin opened his mouth but nothing came out.
James looked at Seonghyeon. "And you're making Martin nervous with this unnecessary peculiar behaviour."
"I don't mean to."
James sighed. "This is going to be a long week."
………………………………………………………
The next morning, they discovered that Seonghyeon had won.
Keonho woke up and found Seonghyeon sleeping beside him.
He blinked. "What are you doing here?"
Seonghyeon looked embarrassed. "Sorry."
"You came in while I was sleeping?"
"I couldn't sleep."
Keonho rubbed his eyes. "Why?"
Seonghyeon looked guilty. "I wanted to be near you."
Keonho laughed softly. "Okay."
Seonghyeon looked surprised. "Okay?"
"I don't mind."
Seonghyeon relaxed immediately.
Keonho reached out and gently touched his half white hair. He carefully ran his fingers along one of the softer strands. "They're beautiful."
Seonghyeon looked almost stunned. Nobody had ever touched his hair like that. The hyungs had been too careful towards his new development.
But Keonho wasn't afraid. He simply admired them.
Seonghyeon looked away blushing.
Keonho laughed.
From the bathroom door Martin watched. Something inside him twisted. Not anger. Something more confusing. His place had always been obvious. He was the leader. He protects his pack. Now Seonghyeon somehow took his place with Keonho. Martin didn't know what to do with that feeling.
………………………………………………………
It got worse. Seonghyeon never leaving Keonho side. He started sitting beside Keonho during meals, movie nights and car rides. If Keonho left, Seonghyeon waited for him. And if Keonho was needed somewhere else, Seonghyeon will appeared not long after.
Martin became increasingly tense.
James noticed. Juhoon too.
But nobody knew how to fix it. Is it because of pack hierarchy, alpha instinct?
One evening, they were watching television. Keonho came and sitting down beside Juhoon. Then Martin and Seonghyeon came together and both was heading towards the empty seat next to Keonho before they both stop and looking at each other.
The atmosphere became uncomfortable.
James slowly lowered his drink. Juhoon stopped eating the popcorn.
Keonho still oblivious looked between them. Then he stand up and sit beside James on the floor. You guys can have that seat, he smile innocently.
James let out loud laugh. "Yes, both of you can have that seat."
Both of them awkwardly sit together while watching the movie. Half through it, Seonghyeon looked at Martin and whisper quietly. "I don't want to fight with you."
"Neither do I."
"But you're angry."
"I'm not angry, Martin eyes was still on the tv screen."
"You are."
Martin looked away and let out a breath. "I'm just..." He couldn't finish.
Juhoon add in. "You're threatened by Seonghyeon."
Now everyone was looking at him.
James sighed. So we will have the conversation now?
Martin looked down while Seonghyeon eyes look sad.
Silence.
Keonho stared at him. "Why? Did Seonghyeon do something?"
Martin finally said it.
"Because you were my baby. Our pack baby." There, he said it out loud.
Everyone went silent.
Keonho blinked. "Hyung."
"I know you're not actually a baby." Martin's voice was quiet. It was just my nature perspective. "I was the one watching over you, care for you, help you and protect you. Not just you but everyone in this group, but you’re more special since you still haven’t developed any ANI, so my alpha sees you as the baby. And now, he looked toward Seonghyeon, someone else is taking it place."
Seonghyeon's head lowered. His hair hiding his face from view. "I didn't mean to take your place. I am still learning and maybe…just maybe my alpha sees Keonho the way you do so it act on it."
Maybe…just maybe you need to tone it down a bit. I’m not taking side, but your behaviour is a bit excessive. Juhoon quietly add in while patting Seonghyeon head. His calm dormant alpha giving opinion without making it like a treat or order.
Seonghyeon's looked at him heart heavy and nodded.
"I think, we need more class to guide us. I’m not perfect either but my wolf don't understand that." Martin struggled to explain.
Then Keonho sighed but smile fondly. "You two are ridiculous. Maybe this needed to continue and making me stress up so my ANI will finally come out."
James immediately laugh ruffling the younger hair. " Trust me, being normal human is easier."
Keonho crossed his arms apparently still not finish. He pointed at Martin. "You need to learn that being a leader doesn't mean controlling everyone and everything."
Then he pointed at Seonghyeon.
"And you need to learn that caring about someone doesn't mean you have to keep them within your eyesight every second."
Martin blinked. Seonghyeon looked surprised.
Martin smile looking at Seonghyeon. "More ANI class?"
Seonghyeon looked horrified but surrender. "More ANI class", he nodded.
Keonho smiled. "Good."
………………………………………………………
The ANI class was humiliating. The instructor made the alpha practice calming their instincts without suppressing them. Learn about boundaries and distance exercises. Martin hated it especially when they make Keonho stay with Juhoon and James room for a while so he and Seonghyeon can learn and adjust more.
Meanwhile Seonghyeon learned how to manage his territorial instincts, and something called instinct separation. He practiced focusing on objects without automatically tracking Keonho. He learned that the discomfort he felt when Keonho wasn't nearby wasn't an emergency. He didn't have to obey it.
After several sessions, things improved.
And one night, Keonho carried his pillows back into the trio shared room.
"I want to sleep here."
Martin smiled. "We'll protect you from the boring duo over there."
Keonho laughed. "I think they're tired with me already."
Across his bed, Seonghyeon sat smiling widely. "Welcome back twin. So, what do you want to do?"
Keonho face light up. " I’m hungry, let’s have picnic here."
"Keonho, it’s 11.30 pm already." Martin rubbed his face. "You cook the ramen and I’ll boil the eggs and sausages" he grinning.
"I’ll set up the floor and prepare us movie and drinks" Seonghyeon add laughing.
"Come on guys…let’s pack the ramen up" Keonho pull Martin out to cook.
………………………………………………………
When Cortis finally appeared publicly after Seonghyeon's awakening, the reaction was immediate. The first official photograph showed all five members standing together.
James with his subtle spotted cheetah markings.
Juhoon with his Marble Fox blue eyes.
Martin with his wolf eye liner.
Seonghyeon standing proudly with his half white hair.
And Keonho on the center, still completely human.
The internet exploded.
Seonghyeon looks more manly than before. His body have more muscle now.
Seonghyeon looks like a prince. Can’t wait for his hair to turn all white so I can call him an ice prince.
ANI do change people huh. They were handsome before but now there’s different aura around them. More breathtaking.
CORTIS really have the best line up.
Uri baby Keonho fighting…we will cheer for you too when the times come.
The company released short videos showing Seonghyeon learning to control his wings for their incoming chuseok special episode. One 10 second clip showed him spreading them inside training room. There’s also clip where the member play with it but what making fans coo is the clip where Keonho carefully examined closely the feathers and try to pull one before Seonghyeon smack him away.
………………………………………………………
Several months pass. New music video, new stage, new show and brands promotion. Cortis grew. Their music became more successful. Their concerts venue became bigger. Their fanbase became enormous.
And four members had clearly established ANI classifications. Only one remained. Keonho. Almost eighteen, still hadn't awakened.
At first, fans waited. Then they speculated. Eventually, the most common theory became obvious. Keonho might simply be the rare NE. (None Existent).
One hundred percent human. There was nothing wrong with it. NE individuals were perfectly healthy. They simply didn't possess an active ANI trait.
Keonho didn't mind.
When fans asked him during livestreams, he usually shrugged.
"Maybe I'm NE."
"Are you disappointed?"
"No."
"Do you still want to awaken?"
"I'm curious."
"But?"
"If it happens, it happens."
That was it. Keonho had never been particularly bothered by it and more focus on his music. He didn't need an ANI to feel complete. He definitely didn’t need other people validation.
Unfortunately, not everyone understood that.
………………………………………………………
The incident happened during a talk show with fans attendance. Cortis had been invited as guests in the studio. The atmosphere was light. They sing their new song, played small games, answered questions and talked about their recent comeback.
The MC was a bit energetic. At first, everything was fine until the topic shift toward ANI.
"James, Alpha Cheetah."
James nodded.
"Juhoon, Alpha Marble Fox."
Juhoon smiled.
"Martin, Alpha Wolf and pack leader."
The audience cheer.
"Seonghyeon, Alpha Bald Eagle."
Seonghyeon's smile proudly.
More applause.
Then the MC turned toward Keonho.
"And Keonho..." he paused. "Still nothing?"
Keonho smiled politely. "Still nothing."
The MC laughed. "Really? You're seventeen now, or were you hiding something?"
Keonho shake his head. "Nope."
"Shouldn't you have awakened by now?"
The members' expressions changed.
Keonho remained calm. "Some people don't."
The MC laughed again.
"Maybe you're just the group's ordinary human."
A few people in the audience laughed awkwardly.
Keonho still smile.
But Martin didn't.
The MC continued. "Imagine being the only member without ANI and in full alpha group on top of that. Lucky you have a very handsome face. Top of Gen 5 group based on data that we have."
Martin's eyes start to change and James noticed.
Juhoon and Seonghyeon too. The MC didn't and still continue running his mouth.
"Doesn't it bother you that your members all have these impressive traits while you're just..." he paused; "...normal?"
Silence.
Keonho's smile turned awkward.
Martin stood. Slowly.
The atmosphere changed instantly. It doesn’t need to be loud just to be heard. But everyone felt it. Every ANI in the room feel the aura shift on an alpha wolf. The room became heavy.
The MC's expression changed.
Martin looked directly at him. "Stop." One word.
The MC swallowed.
Martin's eyes were cold. "Don't talk about my member like that."
The MC's knees buckled. He dropped to his seat, unable to maintain the confident posture he'd had moments earlier.
The audience became completely silent and crew were standing awkwardly.
Martin didn't move. He simply stood there. Calm and terrifying.
And for the first time, everyone saw why Wolves are rare and top tier ANI.
Martin wasn't shouting. He wasn't threatening anyone. He didn't need to. His presence alone was enough.
James stood beside him patting his shoulder. "That's enough."
Juhoon moved closer to Keonho and pull him to stand.
Seonghyeon's trying hard to control his talon from appear. He managed to suppress them.
Keonho looked at Martin. "Hyung."
Martin's eyes immediately softened. Martin turned toward Keonho. "You want to continue?"
Keonho silent is enough to answer.
"Then we go back or go home." Martin give him a small smile.
"Are you sure we can?"
"Yes, I’ll answer to the company if I have to."
Then Keonho looked at the MC who still sitting there dumbfounded.
"You don't have to apologize to me."
The MC looked confused.
Keonho continued. "But don't do that to someone else."
The quiet studio heard all the conversation loud and clear.
Keonho's voice remained calm. "Being NE doesn't make someone less human."
The audience applauded and the hyungs smile proudly because Keonho had stood up for himself.
………………………………………………………
The incident became hot topic within hours. Fans were furious. Activist start talking about human right. Most of them defended Keonho.
"NEs are human beings—stop reducing ANI to a ranking system.
Keonho doesn’t need a trait to be special.
CORTIS is five human members, plain and simple.
As an NE myself, this is deeply offensive."
The company released a statement about entertainment ethics and sensitive issues.
The MC apologized publicly. The program removed the segment from future promotional clips since the segment doesn’t get to finish.
That night, Martin sat with the other members. He alone came back late to settle the issue with the company and told James to brings the kid home.
Seonghyeon was beside him the moment he step in, fretting. "Are you okay? Were they mad? "
James and Juhoon sat on the living room all waiting with Keonho in the middle. Dinner still untouched in the plastic box in front of them.
Martin looked at everyone touch by their worries and pull Seonghyeon to sit together.
"I think I finally understand."
Seonghyeon looked at him. "About what?"
"My instincts." Martin smiled.
"I thought being leader meant protecting everyone by controlling the situation."
He looked at Seonghyeon. "But it doesn't." Then he looked at Keonho. "It means knowing when to stand beside them and trust them."
Seonghyeon nodded. The ANI in him accepted the words. There was no resistance only respect. For the first time, Seonghyeon's instincts completely recognized Martin as the pack leader. Not because Martin forced him but because Martin show him without even realize it himself.
Unknown to all of them, the pack hierarchy finally settled naturally.
Martin stood up. "Now let’s get some plate.I’m so hungry."
………………………………………………………
They talk and joke and laugh all night since tomorrow their schedule start at 2.00pm.
James suddenly stretched his legs. "Since we're discussing rankings...my speed is still the fastest."
Juhoon laughed. "You've been waiting all night to say that."
"Because it's true."
"Your ANI doesn't determine everything" Martin add while sipping his drinks.
James pointed at him. "Exactly, top tier alpha means nothing" James make a face.
Juhoon raised his hand. I’m more adaptable and cunning. And as a human, I’m the smartest among you pabos."
Seonghyeon smiled. "Well, none of you have wings."
"Useless wings that can’t fly" James add teasingly.
Seonghyeon glare at his hyung. "I can try."
Martin shook his head. "How? By jumping from third floor?"
Keonho adjusted his glasses. "You guys are ridiculous he laugh."
Martin leaned back. His ANI is soo quiet. Content and happy. Martin looked at Keonho.
"Come here."
Keonho frowned. "Why?"
"I want a cuddle."
Keonho groaned. "I'm seventeen."
"Still a baby" Martin pull him closer and put his head on the boy neck while hugging his waist.
And Keonho, despite his complaints—smiled too and let himself being cuddle.
"Did you wear any perfume?" Martin suddenly ask sniffling the younger neck.
Keonho push his head away feeling ticklish. "No…must be the shower gel, now stop or I move away."
Martin gave Keonho a strange look before resuming the embrace. A sudden prickle of unease settled in his chest, but looking around, everyone was safe and content. He brushed the intuition aside, rested his head, and closed his eyes.
………………………………………………………
True COER know this one fact: outside of the pool, Ahn Keonho was terrible at sports—absolutely hopeless. Put him in water, however, and everything changed. He moved naturally, effortlessly, and with quiet confidence. His former swimming coach had once joked that Keonho might develop an aquatic ANI, and Keonho had simply laughed it off.
But the moment he stepped onto dry land? Total disaster. He couldn't catch a ball during basketball games, couldn't stay upright on ice skates during hockey, and constantly tumbled over his own feet playing football. He was fortunate that years of training made him a good dancer, because any sport requiring spontaneous coordination was a complete lost cause.
Cortis had to attend company sports festival. Martin, James and Juhoon had been extremely excited since the day they were inform.
"Finally!" Martin shouted as they arrived at the sports centre.
Keonho grimaced. "Why are you so excited?"
"They're about to see what we're truly capable of."
"If only they have pools in there."
"That's not one of today's games." The manager looked at him with a sympathetic face
Keonho looked at the entrance, then at Martin. "I want to go home."
"You haven't even try." Seonghyeon scold him.
"I already know the outcome."
James laughed. "He's probably right."
They chat with other idols and senior where they rarely met because of each other busy schedule. It was awkward when a junior idol bow to them since they have been in the industry not that long.
The first game was a 400m race.
Keonho stood at the starting line because he lost the rock, paper and scissor.
The whistle blew. Everyone ran. Keonho too before his foot landed strangely making his balance disappeared. His arms flew outward but somehow managed to keep running while looking like he was being pushed sideways by an invisible force.
He can hear his member screaming. "KEONHO!"
Keonho stumbled. Recovered, then somehow crossed the finish line. He didn't come last but he came second-last.
Martin hugged him anyway. "You did it!"
Keonho was breathing heavily. "I almost died."
"You did great." Juhoon said while laughed.
Keonho looked offended. "Stop laughing."
"You were running sideways with arm flapping around like a duck," Seonghyeon said face red from laughing too much. James too.
Keonho sighed. He knew what’s coming. A new meme.
The clip was uploaded online. The comments were merciless but affectionate.
Our NE king can’t run. (ToT)
Why does he move like that?
He’s so uncoordinated. Lmao.
Let him swim instead. He’s our merman not superman.
The members already long accepted it. Keonho wasn't athletic. He was the ordinary human among them. But they were proud of him, proud that he try.
And honestly? Keonho didn't mind. At least he make everyone laugh.
Cortis done a great job at sport event. How can you win when you have &Team, ATEEZ and RIIZE there. Those team like a bunch of athlete turn idol and so damn good in sport.
………………………………………………………
His eighteenth birthday was celebrated quietly. Cortis had schedules, so there wasn't a huge party. But the members made sure he had a proper celebration and greet fans on weverse live before that.
They order him food, ridiculous number of snacks even prepare some balloons. There’s also a cake that James insisted was far too large for five people.
Keonho sweet tooth disagreed. "There is no such thing as too much cake."
Martin nodded. "Finally, someone who understands."
Seonghyeon smiled. "Eat."
"I am eating."
"More."
"I'm full. You’ll been feeding me since I open my eyes this morning"
"Don’t get used to it. It’s once in a year." Juhoon reply in bored tone.
"Was it?" Keonho stare at his hyung cheekily with his boba eyes.
"You can't argue with him tonight, it’s the bday boy" Martin close Juhoon mouth with his hand.
"I know, and I can’t wait to end this day" Juhoon continued jokingly while Keonho give him a flying kiss from across the room.
They took pictures and watch Keonho opened his gifts. Keonho received a new pair of headphones from James, a custom handmade bag with his initial from Juhoon, a photo album from Seonghyeon with all of the member funny picture in the first page. And from Martin, he get a giant plush toy. Specifically, a baby seal plushie."
Keonho blinked.
"Why plushie?"
"You like cute things."
"I do not."
Everyone stared at him.
Keonho sighed.
"Fine. I like some cute things."
Martin smiled proudly.
"Good. Take care of it."
"I will."
He hugged the soft thing to his chest.
The members smiled.
By midnight, Keonho was exhausted. He had eaten far too much. His stomach was full of cake and food. His eyes were barely open. "I'm going to sleep."
Martin nodded. "Goodnight."
"Goodnight."
James smiled. "Happy 18th bday again Keonho."
"Thanks hyung."
Juhoon waved. "Sleep well."
Seonghyeon smiled. "Sweet dreams."
Keonho walked toward his room. He made it to his bed with eyes barely open. The moment his head touched the pillow—he was gone. Deeply sleep, satisfied and so so happy.
His breathing became slow and somewhere inside him, something awakened.
………………………………………………………
Morning came. Martin was the first person awake looking at his 2 roommate who’s still asleep. He walked into the kitchen, made coffee and checked his phone. Then he heard something. His ear catch a strange little noise. Almost like a squeaky.
Martin frowned. He followed the sound back to his room and opened the door.
"Seonghyeon? Keonho?"
He walked closer. Then stopped. His wolf ears immediately appeared face concentrate and focus. Something smelled different he sniffs.
Sweet, warm and fruity.
Martin stared at the bed. Specifically Keonho bed where a lump was hidden beneath the blanket.
"Keonho?"
The lump moved. A small pointed ears that feature distinctive white fur lining their edges emerged in between the black hair. The whinny sound came back.
Martin froze. "...What?"
The blanket shifted. The ear appears more clearly. Looking fluffy and soft.
Martin's mouth fell open.
Then something striped moved beneath the blanket—a tail, thick with soft, orange-brown fur marked by alternating rings of reddish-brown and buff.
Martin’s internal wolf was practically jumping for joy, his instincts exploding with happiness. "Keonho."
The blanket fell. Keonho who is a light sleeper jump awake and sit up. His hair was a mess and still groggy. Two white ears confirm, bushy tail confirm and now there’s also a distinct marked on his face with cute whiskers framed his cheeks. The large orange-brown striped tail curled lazily around his body.
Keonho blinked.
Martin stared.
Keonho touched his face. "What..." He felt the whiskers and look at Martin eyes widened. "What's on my face?"
Martin made a strange noise.
Keonho looked at him.
"Hyung?"
Martin rushed forward cannot contain his feeling anymore and jumped on the bed. "OH MY GOD." He lifted Keonho straight off the bed.
"HYUNG!" Keonho’s sudden shout instantly startled the rest of the dorm awake.
Martin hugged him. His wolf instincts were completely content and satisfied.
Keonho dangled helplessly in his arms as James and Juhoon appears on the the door frame. Seonghyeon staring in shock from his bed.
"Put me down!"
"No."
"Martin hyung!"
"No."
"My feet aren't touching the floor! Why are you hugging me?!"
"Because you're sooo cute. OMG!"
Keonho stared at the others helplessly.
"What happened to me?!"
Martin finally put him down as the others gather around him looking astonish and proud.
Keonho immediately looked toward the mirror. His eyes widened looking at his new features.
Two white line ears, whiskers, mark on his face, and a magnificent striped tail. He touched it.
The tail moved. Keonho froze. "...That's mine."
Martin nodded enthusiastically. "Yes."
Keonho touched it again. "It moves."
The others laughed.
Keonho looked horrified.
"Hyung, don't laugh. I don’t know how to control it."
"Then we just need to book another ANI class, Seonghyeon pat his shoulder."
"It’s beautiful," James touched the tail but get smack by Keonho hand.
"It’s sensitive, don’t just grab it like that hyung!"
James laughed but still trying to caress the beautiful tail follow by Juhoon and Seonghyeon.
"I think I know what you are." Juhoon said slowly still amaze.
"What?" Keonho ask immediately.
Juhoon expression immediately softened at Keonho eager face. "A red panda. A rare ANI type and highly sought."
"Oh" Was the only noise Keonho made.
Seonghyeon appeared behind him and hug the boy. "Congratulations…another rare type it seems".
Martin still stares at him with that wide sparkling eyes and proud dad smile.
"Keonho."
Keonho looked at him and glare. "Don't say anything."
Seonghyeon laugh watching both of them.
"You're soo adorable" Juhoon said.
Keonho groaned. "Everyone keep saying that."
Martin lifted his hand. "I was first."
James pat the boy head near his ear. "It’s the truth."
………………………………………………………
Company was inform, Keonho schedule was cancel citing health related issues but the others continue much to their and Keonho dismay.
"His manager brought him to see an ANI specialist later that afternoon. The moment they laid eyes on Keonho, they already knew what was wrong, but they still ran a full scan and a series of tests before reading the results."
"Class: Rare. Types: Red panda. Status: Omega."
Keonho blinked. "Really?"
The specialist nodded. The room became quiet.
"That explains the smell" his manager said. Clearly already predict the future. The enthusiastic fans, more obsess fans and well his alpha teammates.
"There's something else."
Keonho and his manager leaned forward. "What?"
The specialist showed them the report. "Omega temperament."
Everyone went silent.
Keonho blinked. "What's that?"
"In ANI classification, it's a social temperament designation. It doesn't mean anything romantic." The specialist continued.
"Omega-type individuals tend to be more empathy, emotionally responsive, affectionate, and naturally calming. They often form strong bonds with their group."
His manager looked at Keonho. Then at the new ears and wide eyes. His expression became unbearably soft. "It fits" he laugh while the boy turned red.
His manager brings him back to the company as he promise with Martin earlier where his group mate are waiting in practice room after their schedule finish and to bring the report to their management.
His four hyungs quickly crowd his space citing about the foreign smell on their maknae.
Keonho frowned. "What smell"?
"Other people smell. For an alpha, we don’t like other alphas smell on our youngest or omega member. The protective instinct was natural." Juhoon inform him patiently.
"Even our own manager?" Keonho ask.
Juhoon nod looking at Seonghyeon arm wrapped around the maknae waist and their leader face on his neck. To others, it might look a bit extreme, but Keonho was a new omega, still don’t know how to control his smell from leaking. They will be the barrier around the maknae for a while.
"You smell so good, it’s so unfair" James add.
"What do I smell like?"
"Hurm… sweet. Like peach and hint of caramel underneath it. Suit your sunny personality." James tell him.
"Now can you smell us?" Seonghyeon ask.
Keonho still new to his enhance sense trying to concentrated. "Erm…he smell Martin neck who still on his shoulder blade. Martin hyung smells give him freshness like something you want after long exhausted day. "Like cold mint soda". He turn to Seonghyeon and smell his neck. "You smell like hazelnut coffee? I think. It’s not overbearing and nice." Keonho unwrapped Martin body around him ignoring the leader whine and stand up in front of Juhoon.
Juhoon let him smell his neck and wait silently.
"Hyung smells like sandalwood and paper" Keonho make a face. Even your smells looks smart, like library smells. The others laugh at that.
Lastly he turn to their oldest who usually hate being touch. James take his maknae by armed and hug him letting the boy face fall to his neck.
Keonho hug his hyung tight, an opportunity rarely happen in normal circumstances and breathe deeply. "Hyung smell safe, grounded. Like forest smell after the rain".
"I’m glad to hear that", James whisper on his ear. "And you smell like our comfort place, warm and soft!" he add.
Keonho suddenly feel tears on his eyes and bury his face on James shoulder.
The others immediately became alert.
"Keonho?" Martin call.
"Shhh…just need a minute. Damn omega hormone." Keonho said quietly. The hyung smile softly at their maknae.
"Group hug…" Martin call and all four of them wrapped their maknae in the middle whispering comforting words.
After Keonho calm down, they continue their dance practice for 3 hours before sitting down on the practice room in a circle with dinner brought by their manager.
"Your sports ability, as clumsy as them," Juhoon show them a video of red panda doing silly things and being clumsy self.
James immediately laughed.
"Red pandas are not exactly known for athletic coordination" Juhoon still continue ignoring Keonho offended stares.
"Are you saying my ANI made me bad at sports?"
"The specialist agree with it" Juhoon show him the article he read much to Keonho dismay.
"It makes sense" Seonghyeon agree.
Keonho crossed his arms.
"Red Pandas are excellent climbers" their manager interrupt. According to specialist report.
Keonho stared. "That's not swimming."
"No, just want to point out. You’re doing good at wall climbing before" the older man laugh.
Keonho rolled his eyes. "Then why am I good at swimming?"
"That's simply your talent. Your human talent." Martin immediately smiled.
"See? You're special" Juhoon try to calm down their maknae.
"Of course, clumsy but cute. I can already hear the crowd roaring. This announcement is going to send the fandom into complete meltdown!" Seonghyeon massage his head.
Keonho looked offended.
"I was expecting a seal, but got a panda instead" Martin laugh.
James pointed at Martin. "I knew it. You bought that seal plushie for him with hidden intention" .
Martin nodded seriously.
Keonho looked at him.
"What?" Martin look at Keonho. "It’s either that or octopus. I pick the cuter one."
Keonho blinked.
Martin smiled. "A huggable too."
Seonghyeon nodded. "Definitely."
Keonho looked at all of them.
"Why do I feel like my life just got worse?"
Martin immediately went to hugged him again. "It's just get better."
"Hyung!"
"You're a red panda!" The wolf's tail, if it appear right now, it definitely wagging like his human overexcited mood. "Rare class! An omega with perfect smells!" And you have 4 big tough alpha brothers to protect you!"
Keonho paused and smile. "I guess I do."
………………………………………………………
The company was ecstatic. A rare-class ANI appearing in one of their idols was already valuable. But a Red Panda and on top of that also an omega was especially desirable. The merchandise will definitely sell well.
The announcement was simple.
"CORTIS Keonho's ANI has awakened, confirming his designation as an Omega red panda. He will take a temporary hiatus to adapt and undergo specialized training."
As expected, internet exploded.
………………………………………………………
"Having lived in a dorm full of alphas, Juhoon was happy to have an omega around to soften the rough edges—especially given his own passive alpha nature. It felt like a true blessing."
Martin alpha and pack leader was enjoying every second of it babying the maknae even more with cuddles, foods and safety. He walk in front of Keonho like the Great Wall of China shielding him from sasaeng and paparazzi when the walk out the door.
James laughed. "He's really treating you like a princess now."
Keonho buried his face in his hands, mortified by their pack leader’s behavior, but decided to let it slide just as his specialist had suggested. It was common for a young, new omega—the pack leader's instincts were only natural. He just had to endure it for another year. Maybe more, knowing Martin, this could go on longer.
Seonghyeon smiled and sit beside him. "You know, Martin waited years for this."
Keonho sighed. "I already accept my fate."
The last mystery had finally been solved. Keonho had never been NE. He had simply been waiting until he’s ready.
Somehow, after all those years of being terrible at sports, all those races where his legs turned into jelly, and all those moments where his body seemed completely uncoordinated, the answer had been there all along. Plain and simple. Keonho wasn't broken. He had simply been a red panda waiting to wake up.
Martin looked down at their only omega and around at his member. His wolf instincts were satisfied. His pack was finally complete.