Work Text:
"Earth to Yuta."
Yuta heard Taeyong’s voice blurry but he was too busy looking at the stage or more specifically, looking at who was on it.
It was the last day of the Daedongjae festival on their college campus. Which was always the most anticipated of all three days that it took place. Students from the music department would often do small performances or even artists would be invited to perform. The festival always occurs after the midterm exams of the first half of the year in order to make students release their stress after completing them. And the last day was the most anticipated of those days for the students because of the music performances. Yuta was excited since it was his last year of college so he wanted to enjoy it as much as possible. He even advanced classes in the previous year to have a smoother last year. Although he overworked himself a little too much.
That late afternoon his eyes stopped on a young man who had taken the stage with a campus band. Tall, pale and very handsome. Yuta's eyes couldn't focus on anyone else. He just kept staring at that guy who was carefully tuning the guitar. The wind that hit the stage was blowing his soft brown hair as he calmly tested the strings before gesturing to the vocalist that he was ready. Yuta couldn't say how long they played for or what type of music as his attention was only on that guy.
Anything else didn't matter.
Too bad he couldn’t smell him at that distance, there were a lot of people in the audience and he wasn't close enough to the stage, it was common for scents to mix in the middle of crowds anyway, which made it difficult to distinguish people sometimes. Although there was a faint scent of something like peaches in the hair. But it could be from anyone else.
Taeyong then snapped his fingers in front of Yuta's face, snapping him out of the trance he was in.
“Yuta!”
The alpha blinked.
“Hi?”
"What happened? You spaced out."
Taeyong narrowed his eyes at the alpha and then looked in the same direction as him.
"Sorry." Yuta shook his head to collect his thoughts again. "Something caught my attention."
"Something or someone?"
Taeyong made a curious expression.
"Huh, someone ."
The alpha then pointed to the guy who was now coming down from the stage.
"Who?"
Asked the omega looking at the group getting off the stage. Yuta just pointed at him.
"The one that played the guitar?"
Yuta nodded.
"He's really prett-"
"But isn't he an alpha?"
Taeyong said interrupting him and it was as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown on Yuta's head.
"Really?"
"I mean, as far as I know. That’s Jeong Jaehyun. I've heard things about him on campus. Tall, handsome, smart, and very nice, he's a popular freshman with the omegas. Which doesn't surprise me at all. Transferred last year, doesn't have many friends although people like him easily."
Yuta raised an eyebrow at his friend. Taeyong was a born gossip, of course he would know about anything that happened on campus. But it scared him sometimes.
He bit his own bottom lip and looked at the guy named Jaehyun again. He could be an alpha indeed. But there was something about him that caught Yuta’s attention that he couldn't explain what it was.
"I wish I could sense his scent though, just to be sure."
"Hey, don't even think about it. I don't want to have to deal with alpha fights because one of my best friends tried to scent another alpha."
Yuta just rolled his eyes.
"Speaking of alphas, where's Johnny?"
He asked while looking around.
"He said he was going to get some tacos from a stand. He was probably distracted by some omega out there. You know how he is."
The red-haired omega shrugged.
Yuta opened his mouth to respond but an arm was wrapped around his and Taeyong's neck pulling them both close until their heads touched Johnny's shoulders.
"Hey, what did I miss?"
“Speaking of the devil.” Taeyong said, crossing his arms. "Where have you been? The show is already over."
"I was eating tacos, Tae. I said I would."
"And you didn't even bring it to us? What a great friend you are."
Yuta said with a fake hurt voice.
"Ouch, you're going to make me feel guilty, Nakamoto."
Johnny let go of both of them and put a hand on his chest.
"As if you have feelings, Suh." Taeyong said as he took steps in the direction to leave the side of the crowd. "Anyway, the festival is almost over… I guess this is it."
"At least we enjoyed it last time."
Yuta said.
"Yes!" Johnny agreed. "But it's not like we can't come here next year. Although… hum, maybe not for me."
"Oh, do you have plans for next year?" Taeyong asked curiously. "It's not like you."
And it definitely wasn't. Yuta, Taeyong and Johnny have known each other since elementary school. Although at first the three fought a lot with each other, eventually their friendship blossomed and they became inseparable. Johnny was someone who wasn't used to taking things seriously and was quite fond of living in the moment. And that's why it was so surprising to them that the alpha was making plans for the future. As close as that future was.
"I know. This weekend I had an epiphany and started thinking about life."
The two looked at him as if he was talking nonsense.
"Really!" He ran to stand in front of the two. "I've been thinking. We're in our mid-twenties. It's way past our time to mate."
Taeyong coughed as if he had choked on something.
"What? No, it 's not!"
"What do you mean. Johnny?"
Yuta asked, frowning at the alpha.
"Well, how to say this…" Johnny made a thoughtful expression. "It's in our nature to want to mate, sooner or later. We're past our mid twenties and we've had our fun times, although I've been the one who enjoyed the most among the three of us but that's not the point here. Haven't you guys been feeling this urge recently?"
"No?"
Taeyong replied looking at Yuta who hesitates.
The truth is, since the beginning of the year Yuta has been feeling a strange loneliness. He thought about getting a cat but he thought that it was not it. But just like he thought it would be, it wasn’t enough. And over time he realized that his alpha was actually yearning for something more primal. Something to take care of. To protect. To share good and bad moments with him. To love. And maybe that's why being alone in his own apartment has caused him that certain loneliness.
Not that he hadn't felt that before, it's just that now it was different, it's like something was in the corner but he couldn't reach it yet. Even his ruts have been difficult to deal all by himself, something that never happened before.
"Yeah, I think I know what you're talking about."
"See? We both don't live on suppressants so we must feel this urge a lot more. That's why you." He pointed at Taeyong. "You must not be feeling this, the way we are, Tae."
"And this should be my fault?"
"Of course not, silly." He shrugged. "But don't you feel that urge? Not even a little? Have you ever imagined yourself having pups? I'm sure you'd be very annoying when pregnant."
He laughed lightly and Yuta just punched the other alpha's shoulder when he noticed Taeyong's face turning red.
"S-shut up." He turned his back on the taller one. "None of your business. Hunf."
"Calm down, Tae. There's no need to be defensive.” Johnny smiled. “But do you understand my point? My grandfather told me that it's common for us to find our mate at the age we are and that the more time passes, the more the yearning to fulfill this need of ours becomes stronger. I mean, my father didn’t feel that because he and my mom knew each other since forever so they just went with it.”
"Well, my mom is actually overly curious about my love life recently. If it were up to her I'd just be a traditional omega who doesn't leave the house and would be already mated since I was eighteen." Taeyong rolled his eyes. "But I have no intention of being like that even if I get a mate now."
"Of course Tae. This is nothing like you. You fought a lot for your independence but this is still something you want to have. Right?"
The alpha patted the red haired omega on the back.
"I-"
Taeyong looked down and Johnny smiled.
"How about we find our mates this year?"
"You’re saying it like finding someone compatible is easy."
Yuta rolled his eyes.
"Well, you certainly already have a target in mind don't you?"
Taeyong smirked at him.
"What? What do you mean?"
Johnny asked curiously.
"Well." Yuta sighed. "Not exactly."
"Please Yuta, you were devouring him with your eyes." Taeyong laughed. "But either way, it was probably a waste of time."
"Why? C'mon guys tell me."
"He probably spent the entire show staring at an alpha."
Taeyong raised a eyebrow at Yuta’s direction.
"An alpha? Really?" Johnny was genuinely surprised. "Well, I didn't know you were into that sort of thing."
"Tae, we're not sure!"
Yuta rolled his eyes.
"You're right, but I trust my sources." The omega shrugged. "Anyway, Johnny, I don't know if this could be a good idea."
"I think it's a great idea!" He put his arm around Yuta's shoulder. "How about you, Yuta? Shall we go out looking for our destined omegas? Or alpha?"
He looked at Taeyong. Yuta bit his lower lip thinking about it for a moment.
"I don't know Johnny…"
“ Destined .” Taeyong laughed. “Can’t believe you’re saying this.”
"We can make a bet! The three of us! Whoever gets their mate first wins. How about that?"
Taeyong snorted.
"Johnny this isn't a game! You're talking about someone. Someone that will change your life. Someone that you really like and want to be around. To have a life together. A family. It's a really strong commitment. It's not something to compete with."
"I know." He lowered his head. "I'm just trying to motivate you to get into this with me."
"Why are you so obsessed with this anyway?"
The omega asked curiously.
"Because… huh, I don't know. Maybe I haven't taken life as seriously as I should have."
Yuta and Taeyong laughed.
"It's not every day Mr. Suh wants to live a respectable life." Teased Yuta. “Did your parents push you into this?”
"Of course not! And I’m being serious guys." Johnny blushed. "Anyway. It's your choice."
Yuta looked at Taeyong and then at Johnny. Maybe he's right and it's about time he got someone of his own. The alpha has had few relationships over the course of his life. A few high school dates, a few first-year college hookups, and then a long nothing till the present moment. He thought again about that guy. Jaehyun. Yuta shook his head, dispelling the thought. Maybe his urge was getting out of hand to think about how attractive another alpha was in his eyes.
“Are you sure about that? I mean. all of this whole idea?”
Yuta asked. Narrowing his eyes at Johnny.
“Yes.”
Johnny nodded.
"What do you have in mind. Johnny?"
The alpha just smirked. A confident smirk.
"Let's hang out this friday and you will see. I have some plans!"
Taeyong sighed.
“Why do I feel like we’ll regret it?”
❀
Taeyong was definitely right.
"I have a feeling Johnny is setting us up."
The omega said in a worried tone as he looked around clearly looking for the alpha. It wouldn't be the first time that happened. But Yuta decided to believe his friend this time despite knowing what Johnny had in mind.
Whenever the alpha got an omega to hookup, he always found a way to get Yuta and Taeyong partners despite never being really interesting people for them. But it’s been over a year since the last time, so maybe things could be different. It was what he wanted to believe.
The two were waiting at the entrance of a club that Johnny couldn't stop talking about recently. He's clearly been there before to talk so much about.
"Maybe he is, but I think we should give it a chance."
"You really believed in those crazy things he said, didn't you?"
"That's not exactly it…" The alpha bit his lip. Who was he kidding? "Okay, maybe I did. Everything Johnny said… I actually felt it. I think that's even why… huh, that alpha attracted me?"
The omega opened his mouth in surprise.
"I didn't expect you to admit that." Taeyong put his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Yuta, I'm sorry if I've ever been insensitive about this. I know I may have brought the subject up a little too far this week."
"It's okay Tae." He smiled. "Let's have fun tonight. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Ah! There you are!" They heard Johnny's voice coming from behind them. "I thought you were already having fun in there already but I'm glad you waited for me, we're a trio after all. Right?" He then spun around with open arms wanting to show how he was dressed. "Am I looking good?"
"Didn't you wear that denim jacket on Kun's birthday last week?"
Taeyong asked, pointing at him. Yuta could have sworn the alpha was turning red.
"No? Haha I mean. I don't know, I can't remember!" He then looked at his cell phone. "Well, our dates are already inside. How about we go after them?"
"A date at a clu-"
"Ah! No complaints, Tae!" Johnny said, interrupting him. "I think I found someone perfect for you."
The omega narrowed his eyes at him.
"Really?"
"Yes, I'm sure he'll like you. By the way, you look really good today. Tae."
He said smiling. Yuta just looked at the scene as Taeyong looked down, clearly shy at the sudden compliment.
Yuta regretted going to that place the moment he set foot inside though.
He wasn't the kind of person who liked that kind of crowded environment. In addition to having very little confidence in his own ability to dance. He was way too insecure for an alpha sometimes.
It didn't take long for them to meet up with the people Johnny had arranged with. Two omegas and an alpha. Johnny introduced them to each other as he approached the omega called Ten and put his arm around his neck as if they were already intimate.
"These are the friends I told you about. Yuta and Taeyong these are Doyoung and Donghyuck."
"And I'm Ten." The blonde haired omega spoke, rolling his eyes. "Have you forgotten about me, big guy?"
"Of course not."
Johnny smiled at him.
"Okay, let's get you guys acquainted then."
And then the two hit the dance floor. Doyoung was quick to approach Taeyong. The alpha seemed interested and as much as the omega had been shy at first, it didn't take long for the two to be laughing and even getting too close while talking in an area of the club where there were types of couches for people who didn't want to dance just sit down and order drinks.
Yuta wished he could say that the omega Johnny had set him up that night was indeed interesting. Don't get him wrong, the boy was very handsome in his eyes. Curly brown hair and honey skin. He seemed soft and his cinnamon scent was actually good.
But things didn't go as well as he would have liked.
Even though he was trying to make conversation to break the ice, the curly haired omega seemed to be looking for something more than paying attention to him. He was looking at the surroundings of the club like he was searching for someone. Yuta was annoyed but didn’t mind it too much. He only defined that date as a real failure when he tried to flirt with him and he was quickly to reject the alpha.
"S-sorry!"
He quickly got up.
"What? What happened?"
Yuta asked, confused.
"I-I only agreed to come here today because I had a fight with my alpha and I wanted to make him jealous. It was a really stupid idea and I better stop it now before I get you in trouble."
He said quickly.
"Oh." Yuta sighed in disappointment. "Fine, at least you told me."
"I'm really sorry."
"All right." He shrugged. "I guess my night is over."
"You’re a nice guy. You will find someone."
Donghyuck then bowed his head to him again before walking away. Yuta thought about looking for his friends but he knew it would only get in their way since the only one who had had problems with their date had been Yuta. He then got up and walked towards the bar. He needed something strong to drink.
It was then that the faint scent of peaches hit him again. It was weak but still nice. He sat down at the bar and ordered the strongest drink there while looking at the people around to see if he could identify whose scent it was. He was sure that it was close.
"It's here. Sir."
When he turned to get the drink his eyes landed on that bartender. His mouth fell open in surprise.
It was him .
The guy he saw at the festival. Not only that, that scent was clearly coming from him. Yuta was sure that something was wrong with him at this point.
"Huh, thanks."
The bartender looked at him curiously.
"You look surprised. Have we met before?"
"Oh huh." It can't hurt to tell where I know him from, right? He spoke to himself mentally. "It's just that I remembered seeing you at the Daedongjae festival. You were playing the guitar…?"
Jaehyun quickly blushed.
"Oh, sorry. I know I suck at guitar."
"To be honest with you. You were good." Yuta downed the drink in one gulp. Letting the alcohol burn his throat lightly. "Huh, that was great. Can I have one more?"
He pointed the glass at the latter.
"Of course! And you're being kind. I'm not even part of the music department to play well enough, just stuff I learned on my own. I was there just because my friend needed me as the one supposed to be there… Well, wasn't there. But thanks anyway." He laughed lightly as he placed the glass in front of Yuta. "So what's your story for wanting to drink our strongest drink like it's a glass of lemonade?"
"Huh, I don't know if I should tell."
Yuta said already feeling the effect of the drink on his body. He was actually ashamed that he was a total failure that night while his friends actually seemed to be with interesting pairs.
"Oh, sorry if I was intrusive. It's just that I'm used to listen to people's problems sometimes. It's common for people who come to drink directly here to start talking about their lives.” He giggled. “So I end up being a good listener or something like that I guess."
"This kinda sounds wrong to me." Yuta shrugged and ordered another drink. "But to be honest… huh, I think I got dumped?"
"Ah, classic. Their loss, right? A handsome alpha like you."
Yuta blinked. Did Jaehyun just call him handsome? He shook his head, must be the drink working.
"Oh thanks. Jaehyun, right?"
"Oh, I'm surprised you know my name." He smiled. "Yes, that's right. I'm Jeong Jaehyun. And yours is?"
"Yuta. Nakamoto Yuta."
"Nice to meet you, Nakamoto Yuta." Jaehyun gave him a smile showing his dimples, which Yuta found adorable. He was really handsome and dimples… there was nothing he found more beautiful in anyone than dimples. He shook his head again trying to push his thoughts away from bothering him with his pheromones. He shouldn’t let himself get carried away.
"So… huh, you don't study music?"
Jaehyun shook his head negatively.
"No. I'm on a design course. Music is just a hobby, you know?"
"I understand." Yuta nodded. "I'm in architecture. I'm already in my last year though. Soon I'll have to wrap everything up and throw myself into the world." He laughed. "I don't know if I'm exactly ready for this."
"Oh, I see. Senior year? This means you’re older than me, probably… So, can I call you hyung?"
Yuta bit his lip with the arousal that he had when he heard that word coming out of the other's mouth.
No.
"You can." He smiled slightly as he ordered another drink and Jaehyun quickly filled his glass. "Are you a freshman then?"
"Yes, I am. I moved here a few months ago when the semester started."
"I see."
The alpha took one last sip of his drink and felt dizzy. That was a sign for him to stop and as much as he wanted to keep talking to Jaehyun at that moment, he believed it would be better to not get carried away by alcohol.
"Huh." He coughed lightly. "I think this is my last one. If I keep drinking like this I'll end up not making it home."
"That would be really terrible, hyung."
Jaehyun said with a slight smile on his face.
"Well, since my friends are probably going to be busy today, I guess it's my time to go."
"Really? Too bad. It's been a while since a customer entertained me like this."
The bartender said, sighing.
“I bet many would like to entertain you.”
Jaehyun blushed slightly.
“Y-you’re flattering me.”
Yuta just nodded and took off the elastic of his hair. Letting his dark hair fall over his shoulders.
“I’m being serious. You were the best part of my night, actually.” He giggled a bit. “My friend came up with this whole idea of finding a mate and it just… didn’t work.”
Jaehyun wiped the counter with a white cloth and his cheeks were still slightly pink.
“Oh. I see.”
“Sorry, you probably don’t have this kind of problem right?” He shrugged. “Anyway, I should be going now.”
"What? No, actually…” Jaehyun bit his lower lip like he wanted to say something but he suddenly stopped himself from doing so. “Nevermind… Okay then, at least now I know that this isn't the only place I can find you. Right?"
"Yeah, although I've never seen you on campus."
"Maybe it’s because our majors are different, hyung.”
Yuta nodded.
“Might be. I would remember if I saw you before.” He giggled. "But anyway. Thanks Jaehyun. See you around?"
Jaehyun smiled widely. Showing those cute, beautiful dimples.
"See you around. Hyung."
He nodded and then turned to go after his friends. He looked around for Taeyong to make sure the omega was okay. Though he was on suppressants to keep most of his omega scent and pheromones in control, Yuta knew how some alphas could be. Always trying to force the omega to get what they want from them. But when he saw him. Taeyong looked good . Better than that, actually. He was with Doyoung's tongue in his mouth.
At least he's having fun. Yuta thought. He then looked for Johnny who was having fun dancing while Ten wasn’t around.
"Hey, Johnny." He approached the tallest one. "I'm a little dizzy, I’ve drank too much. I'm going home now while I can still stand."
"Oh." The alpha looked surprised. "Already? What about Donghyuck?"
"Oh, him. Yeah, it didn't work. He wasn't interested." He shrugged. "Not that it matters. It's okay."
"I'm sorry, man."
Johnny sighed.
"Where's your date?"
"Ten? We're not really on a date. We're friends, actually. He's probably seeing someone else. I barely saw him leave."
"What? So you just found partners for both of us and got nothing for yourself?"
"Yeah. Kind of. Is it weird that I haven't met anyone?"
"Let's get out of here."
They left the dance floor to speak properly.
"What's the meaning of it all, anyway? All that discourse for nothing. "
"Man, I meant what I said before, I still want it. It’s just…"
"Why did you only focus on us?"
Johnny sighed, rolling his eyes.
“It’s just… Tae.”
Yuta blinked. The other alpha was biting his lower lip like he had just admitted something he shouldn’t.
“Tae?”
“Yeah.”
His gaze was shy at Yuta.
“Well, fuck .”
“Yeah, I’m the worst friend that he could ever have.”
That could be a big deal for Taeyong.
Ever since he had his first heat, Taeyong made them promise not to get involved with each other. Spend heat or rut together? Never. It's not a simple thing to ask and mating a friend wasn't something he had in mind. Taeyong said he loves both of them dearly and didn't want things to change between them. So he was always on suppressants. That way his scent wouldn't bother them when his heat was around or something. Though he wasn't just thinking about it since for him being an omega was sometimes a burden when you were trying so hard to be independent.
Yuta respected Taeyong for that.
And now with Johnny falling for him. Well, he didn’t know exactly the extent of Johnny’s feelings for Taeyong but things were making sense now. It was never about Johnny finding a mate, it was about Taeyong finding a mate so nothing between them would change. As ridiculous as it sounds.
“Johnny, look…” He lost his balance a bit and held the alpha’s shoulder. “I can’t advise you right now because I’m drunk already, but… Huh, you shouldn’t be trying to get someone for Taeyong. You can’t force him to be with someone else just because you can’t handle your feelings.”
Johnny sighed and nodded.
"I… I know. I’m fucking stupid. I'll think about how to solve this, okay? I'm sure it's just a crush and it will soon pass."
"If you say so." Yuta shrugged. "I should get going, are you going to stay?”
“I will get Taeyong and leave. Doyoung is probably a bad date anyway.”
“Well, I don’t think so.” Yuta giggled. Doyoung was surely something. “He was surely into something with Taeyong back there.”
“What?”
Yuta cleared his throat.
“Sorry. I’ll call a cab. Watch him since you're still going to be here."
Johnny looked back at the crowd and bit his lower lip. He seemed worried.
"I would never fail to protect him."
"Great."
❀
Luckily, the effect of alcohol wasn't that strong on him, as soon as he got to his apartment he was quick to take a cold shower to come back to himself. He sat on the edge of his bed with the towel still over his wet hair as he thought about Jaehyun. There was something about him that Yuta still didn't understand. That peach scent was something he couldn't decipher, normally he should have known what he was just by that, but Jaehyun was different. Yuta really couldn't tell if he was alpha or not. He looked at his cell phone and decided to do a brief search on the other's instagram.
When Taeyong said ‘his sources’ he was certainly talking about his own friends, so he stalked through a few profiles until he actually found him. Maybe that way he could find out more about Jaehyun. He dried his hair while looking at the pictures. Jaehyun was very handsome, he had to admit. Yuta was pretty sure those pictures weren't even able to capture the beauty he saw in the latter though.
There were pictures of him with his family, before he left to study design in Seoul, apparently. Then pictures of him with friends, he recognized Jungwoo, who Yuta knew was an omega, maybe he was his omega because they had a lot of pictures together but it was weird how in none of them they seemed to behave like a couple. Then Yuta stopped at a picture. It was Jaehyun smiling gracefully with the sea behind him. His brown hair was big and fluffy and Yuta wanted to touch it so badly.
He felt his cheeks burn and he rolled over.
There was another one where he was in front of the mirror in black pajamas. Another of him inside a record store. But what he liked the most was the photo of him on a small bike, ripped jeans and a white sleeveless T-shirt. His arms weren't big, but he could tell the other one definitely worked out. Yuta licked his lips as he looked at his exposed neck. His dick twitched in his shorts and then, suddenly, he turned off his cell phone.
"What the hell?"
He said to himself.
Was he really... thirsting over another alpha?
❀
The following days didn’t get any better. Why? He started seeing Jaehyun a lot more than usual. It was as if fate had decided they needed to cross paths over and over again. Each time, Jaehyun would smile, revealing those soft, pretty dimples, and Yuta would struggle to breathe properly.
Taeyong insisted Jaehyun was an alpha. Still, the omegas in the design department were always around him, like those teen movies where the romantic interest was always surrounded by other people who were in love with him.
"Yeah, maybe you're right, I..." he sighed as he sat next to Taeyong on the campus courtyard. "I don't know why this is happening."
"There, there." Taeyong patted his friend's shoulder lightly. "If you two become friends, maybe things will be easier. You said he seemed nice, though I still don’t know where you guys talked."
"Oh, he's a bartender at that club."
Taeyong thought for a few seconds before snapping his fingers.
"The one we went last week?"
"Yeah, after that… huh, well, that omega left, I went to the bar to drink and was surprised to see him there. It was… a good conversation."
"And you still can’t tell if he’s an alpha or not?"
"Aside from the faint smell of peaches, I really can’t say. It’s not sweet like an omega, but it’s also not strong like an alpha. Betas scents are weird most of the time, so it doesn't match either."
"Indeed." The alpha could have sworn he could see gears turning above Taeyong's head. "He’s probably on suppressants, but it’s kind of rare for an alpha to be on them."
Yuta sighed.
"I need to stop thinking about him."
Taeyong looked at him with a sympathetic gaze.
"If you want an alpha, there’s nothing wrong with that, Yuta. You know I’d support you."
"I know." He shrugged. “But enough about me. What about you? I remember seeing you getting pretty… close with that guy… Doyoung? Right before I left."
"Oh." The red haired omega lowered his head. "He was being nice… until he tried to scent me."
"What? Seriously?"
Taeyong nodded.
"Luckily, Johnny was still there and stepped in. He almost started a fight. It got a little tense." Maybe it was just Yuta’s imagination, but the omega definitely blushed when he mentioned Johnny.
"Oh my god, Tae. I should have stayed."
"No, it's okay now… huh, it's over anyway."
Yuta opened his mouth to keep talking, but that faint scent hit his nose again. Across the hall, Jaehyun was walking by, chatting with a girl. An omega. Her arms were linked with his, and Yuta bit his lip at the sight. Maybe this was what he needed to finally stop thinking about him.
"Does that answer your questions?"
Taeyong asked, also watching the scene unfold.
"I think so."
Maybe Yuta had finally understood that this would only bring headaches. Moving on was the best option. Still, whenever he bumped into Jaehyun, the other seemed happy to talk to him. That scent of peaches, even subtle, always found a way to reach his nostrils and leave its mark. But Yuta had learned to ignore it. He’d also decided to follow Taeyong’s advice. If he got closer to Jaehyun and they became friends, he would figure out what he was and maybe this would pass for good, right?
Wrong.
The days passed, and no matter how much Yuta tried to convince himself to move on, Jaehyun always seemed to find a way to appear in front of him. At first, it was quick encounters in the campus hallways, casual greetings, that beautiful smile that always left Yuta a little breathless. Then came longer conversations, whenever either of them had time between classes.
Jaehyun seemed to have this strange talent for starting a conversation about anything. Sometimes he’d talk about his job at the bar, his hobbies, other times about his teachers, or even silly TV shows he watched to relax. Yuta found it fascinating how Jaehyun could make even the most mundane topics feel interesting.
But it was still difficult to say what Jaehyun was. That undefined scent of peaches always felt stronger when Jaehyun was talking to him but not enough for him to be able to tell. Omegas most of the time were looking at the other and it always made it difficult for Yuta to believe he wasn’t an alpha. If their instincts were reacting to Jaehyun. That only means one thing, right?
Yuta tried to believe that.
❀
He waved at Jaehyun, who was passing by on the other side of campus, and Taeyong raised an eyebrow, curious.
“Oh?” He gave a mischievous smile. “I see you two are getting closer.”
Yuta cleared his throat, realizing the omega was standing next to him.
"Yeah, he's nice." The alpha shrugged. “I’m following your advice, Tae.”
"I noticed." Taeyong crossed his arms. "Well, I hope this is working out for you. Although... Well, he's still on your mind, isn't he?"
Yuta scratched the back of his neck, trying to hide the flush rising in his cheeks.
“I… I’m trying, okay? He’s... He's nice to have around. We’re getting along.”
"I didn't say he wasn't."
Taeyong shrugged, but his smile slowly faded. His gaze drifted away, lingering somewhere in the distance across the courtyard.
"At least he's talking to you and not pretending you don't exist."
Yuta raised an eyebrow.
"What do you mean?"
Taeyong sighed, his expression serious now.
"It's Johnny. He's acting... weird. Like he's avoiding me."
That sharp pang of discomfort hit Yuta immediately. He knew the reason, of course, but remained silent, biting his lower lip to keep from saying anything.
"I don't get it." Taeyong continued, frowning. "He invited us to the club that day, and everything was fine, right? Doyoung was his idea, even though he was an idiot. Now Johnny keeps avoiding me. It almost feels like it's my fault our date went wrong."
The omega rested his face in his hands and pouted. He looked genuinely upset and confused. Yuta took a deep breath, forcing a calm tone.
"Maybe he's just trying to sort things out in his head. You know, he's been acting weird lately."
"Maybe…"
Taeyong replied, though he didn’t sound convinced. Yuta watched his friend. He wished he could tell the truth, but it wasn't something he should do. It wasn't hard for him to understand that Johnny must feel guilty for putting Taeyong in that situation. He thought about what he could do to make his friend feel better and an idea came to mind.
"Do you know what we should do?"
Taeyong looked up at him.
"What?"
"Go to the club, relax, dance. I think it'll be good for you."
"You, Nakamoto Yuta , inviting me to the club?"
The omega seemed surprised by the suggestion, and Yuta just shrugged.
"Well, I know how much you like to dance."
“I hope this doesn’t have any ulterior motives.”
Taeyong crossed his arms and pointed his chin in Jaehyun's direction, and Yuta blushed.
"Huh, I-if Jaehyun is there, what can I do?"
The omega rolled his eyes and sighed.
“Well, maybe it’s a good idea either way.”
❀
Yuta had been thinking about it ever since he'd said goodbye to Taeyong earlier. Of course, he wanted to help his friend, but he also thought it wouldn't be a bad thing if he could also have Jaehyun around.
He took longer than he'd liked to choose his outfit. He didn't want to look overdressed, but deep down, he knew exactly what he was doing. He put on the tight black tank top that accentuated his torso, completed it with the dark leather jacket and matching pants. Before leaving, he fixed his hair in the mirror, running his hands through it until it looked ‘purposefully styled, but messy enough to look natural.’ Finally, he picked up the perfume bottle and sprayed it on his neck and wrists.
The scent shouldn't have been too strong, but it was strong enough for Taeyong to notice.
"You... put on perfume?"
Yuta blinked quickly, surprised, and coughed as if he could hide it.
"I always do."
He replied lamely.
"Liar." Taeyong smirked. "I've never seen you so dressed up just to come dance."
"Don't start."
Yuta grumbled, pushing the omega's shoulder as they walked in together, trying to hide the heat in his cheeks.
The club was packed, colorful lights piercing the smoke in the air, and the heavy beat of the music reverberated through the space. People danced, laughed, and pushed each other gently to make room on the dance floor. It was a sight that reminded him why he disliked environments like that, but he tried to ignore it. Despite being there as an idea to cheer Taeyong up, there was only one name echoing in his mind.
Jaehyun.
Yuta tried to get into the mood, following Taeyong to the dance floor, but he noticed his friend's gaze fixed in on the other side. Following his line of vision, he saw Johnny, leaning against the bar, laughing at something another omega had said. The redhead's smile quickly faded, and Johnny realized they were there too late. After the omega had wrapped her arms around Johnny's neck and kissed him.
He opened his mouth to say something, but Taeyong had already turned to leave. He didn't understand why, but Johnny quickly came toward them.
"Why did you bring him here!?"
Johnny asked Yuta, who looked at him confused.
"Me? I was just trying to cheer him up since you're apparently ignoring him."
Johnny raised his eyebrows.
"I..."
Yuta sighed.
"Go after him, Johnny."
" Fuck. "
Johnny muttered under his breath and took off running in the direction Taeyong had gone. Yuta stood there for a few seconds, watching the alpha leaving the club after the omega. The uneasiness lingered in his mind, and he bit his lower lip. He had thought about going after them, but maybe that was Johnny’s moment to explain himself. Especially since Taeyong had clearly been upset.
He took a deep breath and turned around. He walked to the bar, stuffing his hands in his jacket pockets as he crossed the crowded dance floor. He leaned against the counter, hoping to catch the bartender's attention, whose back was turned, but the first thing he noticed was the absence of the peaches scent, and then when the bartender turned around, it was someone who certainly wasn't Jaehyun.
"Good evening. What would you like?"
The silver-haired beta raised an eyebrow, giving him a curious look as he calmly arranged the glasses. Yuta blinked, confused for a second, but quickly composed himself.
"Any drink. Strong."
The glass was placed before him minutes later. He swirled it around in his hands, took a sip… but it didn't feel right. The liquid burned his throat, but it didn't bring any sense of satisfaction. He stared at the flashing lights on the ceiling. It was really a terrible idea.
“You don’t look like you enjoyed that.”
Yuta raised an eyebrow and looked at the beta.
"Huh?"
"Your drink. You don’t seem like you wanted to drink it."
He pointed to the glass in Yuta's hands.
"Oh, sorry. I... Huh, sorry. I was hoping to find someone else in your place today."
"Ah." The other seemed to understand immediately. "Something came up. I had to fill in."
"I see."
Yuta muttered, trying to hide his disappointment, and the silence lasted only a few seconds until the bartender frowned, as if remembering something.
"You're... the alpha who chats with Jaehyun, aren't you?"
Yuta's heart skipped a beat. He looked away, hesitant. How does that beta know who Yuta is?
"...I am."
The beta smiled, almost amused.
"I thought I recognized you. I'm sorry to disappoint you tonight." He said, leaning slightly over the counter and lowering his voice. "But maybe you’re lucky. Jaehyun just left. Who knows. You might run into him.”
The bartender's eyes flicked discreetly to the back door, which led to both the inside and the side exit.
"Huh, wouldn't that be a problem?"
The other shook his head and winked at him.
"It could be our secret."
The beta smiled like a cunning fox, and a chill ran through Yuta's body. It felt wrong, he couldn’t help but want to see Jaehyun. There was something in him that told him he was getting too carried away by his feelings, but then he downed the rest of his drink and walked toward that door.
❀
The cold air of the street hit Yuta's face as he stepped through the side exit. The muffled sound of the music still echoed behind him, but something else caught his attention: the scene a few meters ahead, on the dimly lit corner.
A tall alpha stood facing Jaehyun, his hand braced against the wall, right next to the blond's head. Jaehyun looked smaller, shrunken, as if he'd lost all the confidence he'd always carried. As if he were being intimidated.
That made Yuta's blood boil.
"Hey!"
Yuta's voice cut through the silence of the alley, making both of them turn their heads toward him.
"Mind your own business, man."
The alpha let out an annoyed growl, and Jaehyun just lowered his gaze without saying a word.
"I don't think he's enjoying your company."
Yuta's voice was cold, almost threatening, but he didn't quite comprehend what was happening in front of him. Why is Jaehyun being intimidated by another alpha? Yuta wondered. Jaehyun seemed strong enough to easily escape fights with other alphas, but he was there, cornered, looking like a puppy. Something was clearly wrong.
The other alpha sneered.
“Whether he likes it or not doesn’t change a thing. A slut like that is clearly waiting for an alpha to satisfy his heat.”
Heat?
The word echoed in Yuta’s mind, confusing and strange. But his instinct overcame logic. He took a step forward, his gaze heavy. His voice was thick, demonstrating all his alpha authority.
"Last chance for you to get out of here and leave him alone."
The alpha raised his hands in jest.
“You know what? It’s all yours man, weird ass omega anyway.”
Then he backed away with a sarcastic laugh until he disappeared into the darkness. Only then did Yuta take a deep breath and move closer to Jaehyun. It was then that the scent hit him clearly. Sweet and intense, like ripe peaches. Too strong to ignore.
His eyes widened for a moment.
"Thank you."
Jaehyun said quietly, his voice trembling.
"Sorry to intrude." Yuta ran a hand through his hair, trying to compose himself. "I just felt I needed to do something. I hope I didn't... hurt your ego or anything."
"No, no. Really. You didn't hurt anything." Jaehyun tried to laugh, but it came out weak. "Thank you, hyung, really."
Yuta frowned.
"But… why didn't you fight back?"
Jaehyun lowered his head, blushing.
"Against an alpha, I'm nothing."
Yuta blinked, confused.
“But aren’t you-”
"I'm not an alpha!"
The answer came quickly, almost like a rant, and Yuta's world seemed to stop for a second.
"What?"
Jaehyun bit his lower lip.
“People always assume that. Well, I’m sorry. I don’t know why people just look at me and assume that because I’m not… omega enough? Or maybe it’s because I don’t have any particular scent and since I’m tall I just get to be an alpha?” He sighed, averting his eyes. “It doesn’t matter. Just… I’m sorry for the trouble, hyung… Could you-”
Yuta was still trying to process everything. Things were starting to make sense to him. That was why he was thinking about Jaehyun so much. It wasn’t because his urge was so overwhelming that he was thinking about sleeping with another alpha.
He was craving the omega.
A perfect, young, fertile omega.
Fuck.
“Uh, what is it?”
He asked again when he didn’t understand the omega’s last question.
“Sorry, it’s stupid.”
“No.” Yuta cleared his throat. “Sorry, could you repeat that?”
Jaehyun lowered his head slightly. His fingers pressed tightly into the hem of the sweater he was wearing.
“Huh. C-can you… uh, scent me?”
Oh.
For a second, Yuta thought he’d misheard. But no, Jaehyun was actually asking for it, his voice low and shaky, his eyes avoiding his. Yuta's heart raced, and his inner alpha vibrated with pride, as if he'd just received a confession.
"O-oh... are you sure you want this?"
His voice came out too hoarse, heavy with something he couldn’t quite hide and Jaehyun nodded slightly, blushing.
“Sorry. It's just… my heat came earlier for some reason and I don’t have any suppressants here right now, so… I just need to get home safely.”
“I can walk you-”
“No!” Jaehyun said too quickly. “N-no need, hyung. I just… If you scent me, I'm sure no alpha will come near me if I'm… If I smell like another alpha. This way, I'll get home safely.”
Yuta felt his chest tighten.
“I don't know if that would be appropriate…”
Yuta bit his own tongue.
He felt his inner alpha stir inside him. Almost as if it had a life of its own. Jaehyun pulled away slightly, and Yuta realized that by now, his pheromones were starting to irritate the omega and worsen his condition.
“Please. I promise I won't ask again. Just this time.”
Yuta hesitated. It felt wrong somehow. Like he was just taking advantage of the omega’s vulnerable state. He could really sense a sweetness now, one that hadn’t been there the other times they’d met. But it was getting stronger by the second, and he knew that the idea Jaehyun had given him was the best way to keep other alphas away from him while he made it home.
They barely knew each other for him to offer help during heat, even though his alpha was screaming at him to do just that. He had just saved Jaehyun. He should be respectful and not a wild animal like any other alpha would be in a moment like this.
But his mind was loud. He wondered how his scent would affect Jaehyun during heat and if he would cry calling his name.
“A-are you sure about this?”
“I am.”
“Okay. Then… huh…”
Jaehyun tugged down the collar of his sweater, revealing the pale, smooth skin of his scent gland.
Yuta’s heart nearly leapt out of his chest. He hesitated for a second, then gave in. He held Jaehyun by the waist and put his nose on his neck. Inhaling deeply.
That sweet scent exploded in his senses, and for a moment all he could think about was sinking his teeth in and claiming him.
His entire body screamed.
Mine.
The omega trembled against him, fingers clutching his arms like he didn’t have the strength to let go. Yuta brushed his cheek along the curve of Jaehyun’s neck, trying to calm himself, trying to burn that scent into his very bones.
When he finally pulled away, his throat felt dry and his own pheromones escaped uncontrollably.
"Sorry." His voice was low, hoarse. "I guess I got carried away... You smell good."
The omega's eyes widened for a moment.
"R-really?"
"Uh-huh. Really good."
Jaehyun shook his head, blushing all the way to his ears.
"We're both unmated, right? There's nothing to be ashamed of." Jaehyun smiled shyly. "I'm sorry, hyung. We don't know each other well enough for me to be asking you something like that..."
Yuta clenched his jaw, holding back the growl that threatened to escape.
Maybe it still wasn’t enough. He took off his own jacket and placed it over the omega’s shoulders. Jaehyun just watched him as he carefully draped it over him, his eyes wide with surprise.
Beautiful.
More beautiful than he had ever been.
“I…” He shook his head, trying to push away the intrusive thoughts. “It’s okay… Jae .”
The nickname slipped out before he could stop it. Jaehyun blinked, his cheeks darkening as he clutched the jacket tighter.
"I-I should go now."
Yuta shook his head.
"Okay. Are you sure you'll be safe?"
"I am, hyung." Jaehyun held up his pinky. "I promise."
Yuta pulled away slightly and clasped his hands behind him. He wanted so badly to kiss Jaehyun, but if he did, he might lose the control he was struggling to contain at that moment.
"But… hum, how would I know?"
Jaehyun blushed and pulled his own phone out of his pocket.
"I could text you, hyung… if you don't mind."
❀
The first thing Yuta did when he got back to his apartment was look for his phone.
He needed to know if Jaehyun had made it home safely. Maybe he should have insisted on walking him back, but after everything that happened… Maybe the omega didn’t want to see another alpha for the rest of the night. Yuta sighed. The omega wouldn’t be wrong to feel that way.
Still, he couldn’t stop wondering if he had done the right thing. At least, he thought, Jaehyun was now covered in his scent. Anyone who crossed paths with him would know he was claimed. Claimed by Yuta.
And by no one else.
That thought made his body react. He sat at the edge of the bed, trying to calm the uncomfortable pressure building in his pants. He opened his phone to see if Jaehyun had sent him anything and the screen lit up at the same moment.
[Hi, hyung. This is Jaehyun here.]
[I got home safely. You helped me a lot.]
Right after, a photo.
Yuta felt his face burn the moment he opened it.
It was a selfie. Jaehyun was smiling, his dimples showing, his eyes shining as if to prove he was okay. His ears were red, showing the embarrassment he felt for sending it. Yuta, however, could only find it absolutely adorable.
[As you can see, I'm fine. Thank you.]
"This isn't fair."
He muttered to himself.
He was falling. No. He had already fallen. From the very first moment, even when he thought Jaehyun was an alpha, something in him had been pulling him uncontrollably. Now, he understood why he had been drawn to him. An omega. A beautiful omega. Yuta bit his lower lip.
He was completely lost.
❀
Yuta was sitting in front of Johnny and Taeyong, who were looking in opposite directions. They seemed to be searching for the right words to say to him, and the alpha just crossed his arms impatiently.
“Are you guys going to talk or not?”
They glanced at each other, and Taeyong sighed.
“Yuta… uh… you… huh, would find it strange if we…”
“Spit it out, Tae.”
“Well-”
“We broke Tae’s rule.”
Johnny said out loud, admitting it as if he had committed a crime, and Yuta raised an eyebrow.
“What?”
“We…” Taeyong blushed. “I mean, we…”
Yuta rolled his eyes.
“You’re together?”
Taeyong blinked, and Johnny smiled satisfied.
“Yes.”
The alpha held the omega’s hand, who pouted at him.
“S-sorry. I know I set an important rule but-”
Yuta placed his hand on the redhead’s shoulder and sighed before breaking into a smile.
“Johnny probably broke that rule even before you did, Tae.”
The omega blinked.
“What?”
Johnny made a face at Yuta as if he had suffered the greatest betrayal.
“Seriously, dude?”
Yuta shrugged.
"Well, does it matter now?"
"Wait a minute, you already knew Johnny wanted to mate with me?"
"No…" He looked at Johnny, who was shaking his head almost imperceptibly.
"That doesn't sound convincing."
"Tae." Johnny cupped the omega's face and made him look at him. "It's been a while since I told Yuta that… uh, well, that I had feelings."
The redhead looked at Yuta in disbelief.
"And you didn't tell me?"
"Why would I?" He raised an eyebrow. "You had a very specific rule, Tae."
"That’s still no reason to go behind my back."
He let go of the alpha’s hand and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
"Betrayal!"
Johnny grabbed him by the waist and pulled him close.
"Oh, please, Tae. It's over, and we understand each other. Besides, if Yuta didn't tell me anything, it's because I asked him to."
The omega raised an eyebrow at him.
"I'm not sure I believe it."
"Well, believe it, Tae."
Johnny pulled him close and pouted. Taeyong watched him for a moment before giving up on the alphas and leaning his head down to kiss Johnny on the lips.
Yuta smiled slightly. He was happy for them, genuinely. But when he looked away, he felt a strange pang in his chest.
He thought of Jaehyun even before the sweet scent of peaches reached his nostrils.
"Hyung."
The soft voice made Yuta turn around immediately, his eyes lighting up when he saw him there.
Jaehyun stood before him with a shy smile on his face, the jacket Yuta had lent him folded in his arms. He wore a pink sweater with sleeves that were too long, covering his hands and making them look like little cat paws. Beautiful. Cute. More than Yuta thought possible.
For a moment, he was simply speechless.
"Jae… Hi."
He smiled, and the omega blushed and reached out to hand him the jacket.
"Sorry to bother you." he said shyly. "I-I just wanted to give it back."
Yuta took it, but his fingers hesitated. Part of him didn't want to take it back. Seeing Jaehyun wearing his jacket had given him a strange, warm, almost possessive feeling.
"You... don't have to return it..." His words came out before he could even think. "It looked good on you anyway.”
Jaehyun clutched the folded coat to his chest with a wide smile that made his dimples stand out even more.
"Really, hyung?"
Yuta nodded.
"Huh, did any other alpha bother you?"
"No, thanks to you, hyung, actually, and I'm here to thank you and... err, propose something."
Propose something?
Yuta blinked. Jaehyun’s ears were even redder now, and the omega was having trouble looking the alpha in the eyes.
"W-would you... hum, would you like to have dinner with me? This Friday? I-If you're free, of course. I'll cook. I mean, as a thank you for the other day. For helping me."
Yes.
"Jae, you shouldn't, you don't owe me anything. Seriously."
"I really want to, hyung."
The words were low, almost a whisper, but firm enough to cut through Yuta's confusion. He took a deep breath, feeling the scent of peaches envelop him again.
How could he say no?
"...Then I accept."
Jaehyun hugged the jacket to his chest, a wide smile spreading across his face, dimples deepening.
"Great! I promise I'll make something delicious, hyung." Jaehyun said shyly. "Do you like anything in particular?"
Yuta felt his chest swell with pride at having such a beautiful omega in front of him wanting to please him like that.
"I like takoyaki or any type of Japanese food. But honestly, whatever you make will be good, Jae."
Jaehyun giggled softly.
“Okay.”
Jaehyun turned to walk away, but before he did, he looked back at the alpha.
"Er... C-can it be at your place?"
Yes.
Yuta was surprised by that. An unmated omega wanting to go to an unmated alpha's place was certainly a choice. But Yuta was the best alpha for Jaehyun to do that with, right? Better him than anyone else.
"I'll send you the address."
"Okay!"
Jaehyun pouted and then ran to the other side of the campus without looking back.
Yuta smiled, putting his hands on his hips. He couldn't be happier.
That was when a voice behind him shattered the moment.
“What the hell just happened here?”
Taeyong asked in disbelief, while Johnny stood there with his mouth half open and completely speechless.
❀
Yuta was nervous.
Nervous was an understatement, actually. His stomach had felt like a whirlpool ever since Jaehyun had asked to make dinner.
Taeyong couldn’t believe it when he heard the story about Jaehyun. But then he noticed the sincerity in the alpha’s voice and admitted that, actually, this was huge and it changed everything. And it really did.
Johnny, on the other hand, believed it way too easily and even commented that it had to be fate. Especially because, according to both of them, neither could smell the supposed peaches scent that Yuta described.
It was something only he could sense.
As if Jaehyun had been calling out to him from the very beginning.
Wanting his attention.
Maybe that was exactly what made him even more anxious as he set the dining table that Friday night.
Candles? Ridiculous.
Flowers? Too much.
But keeping the house clean and smelling nice while he waited for the omega felt like a good start. He dressed up as best he could, pulling his black hair back into a ponytail, but didn't quite like it, so he let it down again. He also opted for a simple, casual outfit. A gray shirt and black sweatpants. It would be something at home. Intimate. He didn't need to dress up as if he were going to an expensive restaurant.
“It’s just a simple dinner.” he kept repeating to himself. “Just a thank-you dinner.”
But every time he thought about Jaehyun knocking on his door with that shy smile and those hands hidden by the oversized sleeves of his sweater, Yuta was certain: this wasn’t just a dinner.
When the doorbell rang, Yuta felt his heart race like it was about to jump out of his chest. He took a deep breath, ran a hand through his hair, and opened the door.
Jaehyun was there.
With a grocery bag in his hands, the pink sweater falling over his fingers, and that shy, beautiful smile on his face.
“Hi, hyung.”
His voice came out soft, but filled with a sweetness that made the scent of peaches flood the doorway and Yuta needed a second to remember how to breathe.
“Hi, Jae.” He stepped aside, trying to sound calm. “Please, come in.”
The omega obeyed, taking off his shoes before entering. His curious eyes roamed around Yuta's apartment, taking in the decorated walls and the clean, organized living room. His smile widened as if he understood the effort Yuta had put in.
"First... Huh, I wanted to apologize." Jaehyun lifted the bag and blushed. "I wanted to make takoyaki, but... I couldn't find the right equipment. So I thought okonomiyaki would be good too. It's... simple, but very tasty."
"Perfect."
Yuta replied without hesitation, and realized he wasn't talking about the dish itself. Jaehyun chuckled softly, looking away.
"Then... I'll need your kitchen, hyung."
"It's all yours." Yuta pointed toward the kitchen. "Do you... Do you want help?"
The omega shook his head.
"No need, hyung."
And for a moment, as he watched Jaehyun cross the room with light, hesitant steps, Yuta had the strange feeling that his apartment had never felt so alive.
It wasn’t long before the sound of sizzling filled the kitchen, and the smell of fresh cabbage mixed with noodles and sweet sauce drifted through the air. Already far better than any instant noodles he usually ate at night.
Yuta leaned against the doorframe, quietly watching as Jaehyun moved around the kitchen with delicate precision. His long sleeves were rolled up to mid-forearm, carefully kept out of the way as he stirred the okonomiyaki batter.
"I'm not going to lie…" Yuta broke the silence with a soft laugh. "I'm surprised you chose this dish."
"Really?" Jaehyun looked up, chuckling shyly, before deftly flipping the batter in the pan. "I'm not a big-city omega, hyung. I didn't have many options growing up. So… learning new recipes was my way of having fun."
"I see." Yuta arched an eyebrow, intrigued. "Well, it's been a while since I've had okonomiyaki, so I'm really glad you're making it."
"I'm glad, hyung." Jaehyun blushed, his fingers gripping the spatula tightly, before turning his gaze back to the pan. “I like this one because it's different every time, you know? You can change the filling, the sauce, the seasonings… it's never the same. It’s… it's always perfect for making something different for my mate .”
Jaehyun looked embarrassed the moment the words slipped out. He glanced at Yuta over his shoulder and bit his lip, before lowering his gaze again, pretending the sizzling pan needed all his attention. As if that could hide the weight of what he had just said.
Yuta, meanwhile, stood frozen, his heart beating far too fast for someone who was supposedly just waiting for dinner.
When Jaehyun finished the preparations, Yuta stepped in to help set the table. The words between them were few, almost cautious, but the tension in the air spoke far louder than anything either of them could have said.
With gentle movements, the omega adjusted the edges of the okonomiyaki on the plates and set them on the table. He slid one across to Yuta, finally lifting his eyes with a shy, uncertain look.
“I… I hope it tastes good.”
Yuta picked up his chopsticks calmly, though inside, it felt like his hands were trembling. He broke off a piece from the okonomiyaki and brought it to his mouth. The flavor spread warm and comforting. He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring each bite as Jaehyun watched him nervously.
"This is amazing, Jae." he said, taking another bite and then smiling at the omega. "Thank you for this."
Jaehyun's dimples appeared immediately, and he lowered his gaze, biting his lip to try to contain a smile wider than he should have.
"I really wanted to do this for you, hyung."
He’s so beautiful.
Yuta thought, letting out a soft laugh just to disguise how enchanted he was by that smile. That ever-sweet scent of peaches, wafting through the air and making his chest tighten.
❀
When the plates were empty, Yuta got up to collect them and put them in the sink. He tried to sound casual, but his voice came out slightly hoarse.
“Do you… want dessert? I have ice cream in the fridge.”
Jaehyun looked up, still smiling softly.
"That would be great."
Yuta served two bowls. He didn't want to rush; he wanted Jaehyun to stay longer. So instead of returning to the table, he stopped in front of the couch.
“Do you… do you want to watch something?”
The omega hesitated for a moment, before nodding with a shy smile.
"I'd love to."
Jaehyun quickly got up and followed him into the living room. The couch felt too small when the omega sat down next to him, too close. The warmth radiating from him made Yuta’s heart race, and for a moment, he had to focus on keeping his breathing steady.
"What kind of movie do you like? I have a few options here."
He asked, trying to sound casual as he fiddled with the remote.
"Whatever you choose is fine, hyung."
The omega nodded, almost without thinking, and Yuta swallowed hard. He could feel the scent of peaches intensifying, sweet and intoxicating, and with each passing second, his mind seemed to dissolve into jelly. His alpha roared inside him, wanting, demanding, but Yuta closed his eyes for a moment, telling himself he couldn't. Jaehyun was just being kind to him. Like he always was. He was just thanking Yuta for helping him the other day.
"Hyung."
The low voice pulled him from his thoughts, but it took him a while to realize.
"Yuta."
The hoarse sound, laced with a shy firmness, ran down his spine and sent a shiver up the back of his neck. He slowly turned his head, clearing his throat to give the omega his attention.
"Sorry, I spaced out."
Jaehyun wasn't looking directly at him. His fingers rolled the spoon in the bowl, the gesture nervous and delicate, and he made a cute little pout with his lips.
"Hyung. Can I ask you something?"
Yuta nodded quickly.
"S-sure. What is it?"
He took a deep breath before blurting out, almost in a whisper:
"Do you... do you find me attractive?"
For a second, the world stopped.
Yuta's grip on the bowl tightened so much it could have cracked. His alpha had known the answer from the first moment he saw him. From the first smile when he was up at the stage playing a guitar. He took a deep breath, fighting not to sound desperate.
"Yes."
Jaehyun blushed immediately. His pheromones escaped in a chaotic rush, flooding the air, delicate yet intense, so sweet that Yuta almost lost his breath. He could sense what the omega wanted, and his self-control was slipping by the second.
“T-then why didn’t you… make a move on me?”
His voice wavered, and his ears grew redder and redder. Yuta bit his lip hard, trying to hold back the growl that threatened to escape.
"Because I wasn't sure what you were. At first, my friend told me you were an alpha, so… I didn't want to invade your space. Or cause any discomfort."
"I see."
Jaehyun lowered his gaze, his long eyelashes casting shadows across his face.
"Did I hurt you?"
He asked, his chest tight. He didn't want to hurt that beautiful omega.
"A little, but I'm used to it." he admitted. "I thought you didn't want me or that you already had someone. The first time I saw you at the bar, I thought you were really handsome and I was hoping you didn't have a mate."
Yuta adjusted his position on the couch and tilted his face to get a better look at the omega.
"It's impossible not to want you when your scent has been in my mind ever since I first saw you."
Jaehyun turned his face toward him, his eyes wide, shining as if he couldn't believe what he'd just heard.
"Do I really have a scent for you?”
The alpha bit his lower lip and nodded.
"It's intoxicating, Jae."
The omega shivered and lowered his eyes.
"W-what's it like?"
Before answering, Yuta leaned in slowly, bringing his face closer to his neck. He took a deep breath, as if needing to memorize every note of that sweet scent that only he seemed to smell. The scent of peaches spread across his chest, warm, addictive, and drew a heavy sigh from his lips.
"It's sweet. I mean, it's even sweeter now, like peaches... velvety. Just... Just you.” His voice was husky against Jaehyun's skin. “It's like you were made just for me. Like it was meant to be.”
“L-like it was meant to be?”
Yuta wanted to devour him whole now. He was sure Jaehyun knew, because his pheromones were completely out of control. And the omega wanted it too. It was mutual. He bit his lip.
"Yeah."
Jaehyun placed both hands on Yuta's thigh and tilted his head slightly. Their faces were so close now.
"Then why don't you claim me?"
Jaehyun's words seemed to pierce Yuta like a blade. His body reacted before he could even think, his chest heaving, his fingers clenching tightly against the couch's fabric to keep from jumping on Jaehyun. The alpha swallowed hard, his breath heavy against the omega's face.
"Do you know what you're saying, Jae?"
His voice cracked, low, as if hanging by a thread.
"I know." Jaehyun replied without hesitation, tightening his grip on his thighs, his gaze steady despite his flushed cheeks. "I want you, alpha."
His alpha roared inside him, driven mad by those words, the sweet scent of peaches spreading more and more through the air. The sight of Jaehyun was sinful. Pupils dilated and mouth slightly parted. Cheeks rosy. The omega was vulnerable and ready for Yuta to do whatever he wanted.
In a sudden movement, he grabbed the omega's chin and pressed his lips to his. Hungry. The kiss was desperate, deep, filled with all the tension he had pent up until now. Jaehyun moaned softly, clinging to his shirt as if he had been waiting for this moment all his life.
The scent of peaches exploded in the air, thick and addictive, making the alpha almost gasp.
"You don't know how much I've dreamed about this…"
He growled against Jaehyun's mouth, before moving down to his neck, where he inhaled deeply. The omega arched his back, whimpering.
"Then show me, hyung… show me how much."
Instinct roared inside Yuta, shattering any shred of rationality. He grabbed him by the waist and pulled him onto his lap, holding him there, moaning at the way the omega's body fit perfectly against his.
His hands slid over the warm skin beneath his sweater, exploring shamelessly. Jaehyun trembled, but it wasn't fear. It was pure desire, the pheromones escaping so intensely they left Yuta dizzy.
"You're mine, Jae... only mine ."
The alpha laid him against the couch again, covering him with his body, kissing him even more urgently as his hands moved lower, marking the pale skin of his waist with his fingertips. The omega whimpered and offered his neck. Yuta growled against his skin, sinking his teeth into his bare shoulder. Not the final claim yet. Not enough to break the skin but a warning, a promise. Jaehyun moaned, his eyes closed, his mouth parted.
"Hyung..." his voice was low, shaky, but thick with desire. " Please ..."
His lips were red and wet from their messy kisses. Yuta could no longer think of anything but the warm body beneath him. The omega pressed against him, his hips instinctively seeking more contact, eliciting a guttural growl from the alpha.
He lifted Jaehyun's sweater until he was completely free of it. The omega squirmed as the fabric was ripped away, leaving his chest bare, smooth and inviting. The alpha ran his entire palm over his chest. Squeezing it and watching the omega whimper in his hands before latching onto one of Jaehyun's nipples, sucking hard.
The omega moaned loudly, his head thrown back, his fingers digging into Yuta's black hair.
But that wasn't enough.
He pulled away after leaving both of the omega's nipples wet and burning red, then continued his kisses down the omega's toned abdomen until he reached the edge of his pants. With a quick tug, he removed them and the underwear. Leaving the omega completely exposed before him.
His small cock was hard and red. Jaehyun hid his face with his arm, flushed, his chest rising and falling in rapid gasps. As if he were slightly embarrassed.
"Hyung... I-"
Yuta removed his arm and forced him to look at him. His dark eyes burned with desire.
"I want you to look at me."
He took off his own shirt and smirked at the way the omega stared at his body.
Then he cupped the omega's small member and smiled. It was as cute as Jaehyun. And without further warning, he enveloped Jaehyun with his mouth. The moan that escaped the omega was almost a scream, loud and desperate, reverberating through the apartment. He writhed, gripping Yuta's hair, unable to control his hips as he thrust upward in search of more.
The alpha moaned against him, as if the pleasure itself lay in having him like this, surrendered and vulnerable. With each suck, with each flick of his tongue over Jaehyun's little cock, the omega seemed to lose himself even more, his entire body trembling, his eyes glazed and teary.
"H-hyung, I... I’m gonna cum-"
It made the alpha suck even harder. He gripped his hips tightly, forcing him to endure every second until Jaehyun exploded in a hoarse cry. His entire body arching, pheromones overflowing in dense waves as he came on the alphas mouth.
Yuta swallowed it all, letting nothing escape, and only then did he climb back up. Licking his lips. Jaehyun tastes just as sweet as he thought he would. He kissed him again. Making Jaehyun feel the taste of his release in Yuta’s tongue. He was barely breathing, but he still smiled against the alpha’s lips, flushed, his eyes shining with tears and pleasure.
"You're crazy, hyung."
Yuta licked the omega’s lips.
"I must be. You taste so good, Jae. Maybe I'll get addicted."
Jaehyun purred and pulled him in for another kiss. He was still panting, his body too sensitive after his first orgasm, but the scent of peaches only grew stronger, sweeter, thicker, making it clear his desire hadn't diminished in the slightest.
"Hyung…" he moaned softly, pulling Yuta by the neck as their mouths kept crashing together again in a hungry, wet, breathless kiss. "I want more. I want you inside me."
The words pierced Yuta like fire. He growled against his mouth, pressing his hips against his body, making Jaehyun feel how hard he was already, throbbing, ready.
"I don't… I don’t think I will be able to be gentle with you right now."
The omega looked at him with pupils dilated. Yuta was being honest with him. He couldn’t hold himself back any longer.
"That's exactly what I want. I want you to claim me, alpha. I want to carry your litter."
Yuta gasped. His hands trembled as he hurriedly stripped off the rest of his clothes, until he was completely naked on top of him. Jaehyun opened his legs, making room without hesitation, his skin flushed with anticipation and his mouth watering at the sight of the alpha's dripping cock. Heavy and red.
The alpha slid his hand between his thighs, his fingers finding the most intimate spot, already wet, hot, and receptive. The moan that escaped the omega was loud, desperate, his nails scratching Yuta's arms.
"You're so ready for me..." Yuta muttered, burying his face in his neck and inhaling deeply, drunk. "You’re really made just for me."
With slow movements, he prepared him with his fingers lubricated by the omega's slick, stretching him, exploring every reaction, every contraction that made Jaehyun's body tremble. The omega bucked against his hand, begging shamelessly.
"More, hyung... please, give me more... I need you."
Seeing the omega begging for his cock made Yuta growl. He couldn't wait any longer. The head of his cock was already brushing against the hot entrance, and Jaehyun gripped his shoulders tightly, staring at him with glazed eyes.
“Please, claim me. Alpha.”
The alpha thrust in all at once, deep, eliciting a cry from the omega, who arched his back beneath him. The tight grip around him made him lose control, moaning loudly against the sweaty skin of Jaehyun's neck.
" Fuck ... Jae..."
The two of them lay still for a moment, breathing heavily, the alpha buried to the hilt inside Jaehyun. It was too much. Too good to be real.
After a few moments Yuta began to move. Slowly at first, but soon instincts took over, and his thrusts became stronger, deeper, and possessive. Jaehyun moaned loudly with each thrust, his voice breaking, his body arching like he wanted to get him even deeper.
"Hyung… Hyung…"
The scent of peaches overwhelmed everything, leaving Yuta completely drunk with desire. He gripped the omega's waist tightly, pulling him against his thrusts.
"What, Jae? What are you trying to say?"
He growled between his moans, each word punctuated by a more intense thrust. Jaehyun whimpered and held Yuta’s face with both hands. The sweat dripped from his chest and forehead.
“I want to have your pups.”
He said and Yuta could feel his knot starting to form into the omega's rim at the unashamed reveal of the other. His mind started to picture Jaehyun round with their litter. How pretty he would be. How people would look at the omega and know that he is Yuta’s and only his. Or even better, how everyone was too dumb to notice that beautiful omega there and no one was able to fill him up like Yuta was going to do. He was glad.
Jaehyun was his to breed.
His knot was getting in and out. Making the omega release delicious moans every time it got out of his hole. His fingertips scratching Yuta’s back with force as their moans echoed through the room, frantic, until Jaehyun's body contracted around him, the orgasm ripping through him too hard, tearing a hoarse scream from him. It was the same moment that Yuta’s knot fully popped inside.
The only sound that came out of their mouths was their moans. Heavy and loud. They didn’t even care about neighbors. The omega arched his back and pulled the alpha against his neck. Begging for the claim.
Yuta buried his nose in the omega’s exposed neck and inhaled deeply, feeling the warm pulse of his skin. And then, after a deep growl, he opened his mouth and sank his teeth into the exact spot where Jaehyun's neck and shoulder met. The taste of blood mixed with the sweet scent exploded in his mouth and the omega cried in his arms as he felt every shot come reaching deep. Right into his inviting womb.
Yuta felt the bond ignite within him, fiery, irrevocable. The knot pulsed again, pouring another wave of white heat inside his omega. He licked the wound slowly, then kissed it softly. Trying to ease the pain the omega might be feeling but Jaehyun’s cries were one of happiness for being claimed.
Jaehyun grew up in a small town. There, every omega’s dream was to have pups of their perfect mates but since he didn’t have any particular scent. Alphas didn’t like him. Without his scent they didn’t feel the need to protect him, to care for him. They didn’t look at him like he was a real omega and most of them were even mean to him. Calling him weird or fake omega. Having no sympathy for his feelings. Making him feel like he was going to be lonely forever even though he had just started his twenties.
He hugged his alpha and wrapped his legs even more around him. Making their chest touch. He wanted to stay there forever. In his arms. Feeling his breath against his neck and the pulsing knot filling him up with his alpha’s seed.
He was finally complete.
❀
The silence in the room felt heavy, but in a good way. It was like the whole world had stopped just for the two of them. Still locked, Yuta breathed against Jaehyun's neck. His body heavy over the omega. Feeling the faint metallic taste of blood mixed with the sweet scent that would never leave him.
"It didn't hurt much, did it?"
Yuta muttered, gently running his tongue over the newly made mark, as if he could erase any pain. Jaehyun, still trembling, stroked the alpha's hair and let out a weak, muffled giggle.
"Hyung... I swear it was the best thing I've ever felt. You don't need to worry about me."
But Yuta was worried. He held him closer, sliding his palm along his damp waist, massaging the skin as if to ensure Jaehyun was still there, breathing, smiling.
"You're so precious... I never want to hurt you."
The omega tilted his face, seeking his lips, a slow, tender kiss that contrasted with the savagery of minutes ago. Yuta pulled away just to look at him. The dimples were still there, shy, and the sparkle in Jaehyun's eyes was almost luminous.
"You're so beautiful."
Jaehyun blushed, hiding his face in the alpha's shoulder, but he couldn't help but smile.
"I’m yours now, hyung. There's no going back."
Yuta chuckled softly, caressing the back of his neck. He felt Jaehyun's body relax, surrendered, trusting, as if there was nothing left to fear. They stayed like that, embraced, until the knot began to deflate and his body finally allowed them to separate.
When that happened, Yuta carefully left Jaehyun at the couch, covering him with a blanket. He also picked up a damp cloth and cleaned his omega’s skin gently. As if he was caring for something sacred.
Jaehyun watched silently, his heart aching at the way Yuta treated him.
"Hyung, you don't need to…"
"Yes, I do." Yuta interrupted, his voice firm. "You said yourself you’re mine now, and I take care of what's mine."
Jaehyun chuckled softly, his eyes brimming with emotion.
After a while, Yuta managed to help Jaehyun get up. His legs felt a bit weak and he took him to take a real shower. He held the omega close to him all the time and Jaehyun felt embarrassed for not being able to move himself properly.
Yuta gave him one of his shirts, an oversized one. His black tea with honey scent all over it. Enveloping Jaehyun.
He loved that scent.
Ever since Yuta had scented him. No. Ever since he felt that scent when he gave Yuta a drink at the bar.
Yuta laid Jaehyun down on his bed, covering him with soft sheets. Jaehyun sank into it with a small sigh, pulling Yuta closer until the alpha lay beside him. Wrapped in his arms, surrounded by his scent too, he felt like that was the safest place for him to be.
The alpha was glad the bed he had was big enough. They were exactly how he wanted it: the omega curled up in his arms, dressed in his clothes and covered in his scent.
"You should move in, Jae."
The confession slipped out before he could stop it and Jaehyun smiled against his shoulder, his eyes already half-lidded with exhaustion.
"I'd love that, hyung."
Yuta took a deep breath in the omega's neck, inhaling that sweet peaches scent he had. Mixed with his. Now that they mated. Anyone would be able to smell Jaehyun as mates tend to have mixed scents. But he wasn’t worried about it.
Jaehyun was his.
"Now that I have an omega, I don't want you away from me ever again." Yuta kissed his cheek. “Will you take care of me and our pups?”
“I will, hyung. Nothing would make me happier.” Jaehyun's heart clenched with warmth, and he lifted his hand, touching Yuta's face tenderly. "I'm so glad I met you. I still can't believe you can actually feel my scent..."
Yuta caressed his face softly.
"It's like I said before." The alpha's voice was low. Caring. "It was meant to be."
"It was meant to be."
Jaehyun repeated in a whisper, resting his hand on his belly, letting his mind drift in the thoughts of their pups.
Sleep slowly enveloped them, and when Yuta closed his eyes, he was certain he would never feel lonely in his apartment again.
From now on, the scent of peaches would always be with him.