Chapter Text
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Try this on.” Kai gives him the most exhausted, pleading look he can manage— his fifth one today— yet Yeonjun ignores it with all the grace of someone who absolutely does not care.
The omega shoves another pile of clothes into Kai’s arms and nudges him back into the dressing room. At his feet sits two baskets overflowing with outfits. One's for his clients, the other is theirs. It grows a little more monstrous every minute.
They’ve been in this one store for almost two hours. Two. Hours. A measurable eternity spent with the beta being shoved in and out of the dressing room, rotating through shirts, pants, jackets, and whatever colorful, avant-garde nonsense Yeonjun plucks from the racks.
Kai should be home right now— cleaning rooms, prepping lunch, pretending not to notice Taehyun stealing snacks before dinner.
But Taehyun’s at university, Beomgyu’s at a game launch party for something he programmed, and Soobin naturally followed because he’s the face of the franchise.
Which leaves Yeonjun.
The omega, who spent an entire ten minutes whining dramatically into the group chat about “being abandoned by his mates like a Victorian ghost bride,” until Kai— who is not a pushover, absolutely not— just so happened to be mid-shower and just so happened to get dressed really fast.
…He kind of regrets it now.
“How is it? Did you like them?” Yeonjun chirps when the beta emerges in the latest outfit. Kai nods. Of course the clothes are great— He’s a fashion stylist. Dressing people beautifully is literally the omega’s superpower.
But Kai is sweating, slightly dizzy, and has never changed clothes so many times in such rapid succession. He prays, silently and with great desperation, that this is the last round.
“Let’s buy them,” The omega declares, plucking the clothes from Kai’s hands and tossing them into a separate basket already filled with pieces for Soobin, Taehyun, Beomgyu, and himself— because apparently he “missed them so much he just had to buy everyone gifts.”
“Hyung, there’s really no need—” Yeonjun glares at him with a look that could slice through metal. Kai immediately shuts up and obediently picks up both baskets, nearly tipping over from the weight.
“You never use your allowance on yourself,” the omega scolds him. “It’s good to treat yourself sometimes. And it’s not healthy to think about servicing us 24/7.”
Kai doesn’t argue, mostly because he’s physically incapable of doing so while carrying what feels like two years’ worth of purchased clothes.
“Are we done, hyung?” he asks, carefully hiding the desperation in his voice. The omega surveys the haul, proud and satisfied— like a cat that just brought home an entire family of birds as a gift. He nods.
“Let’s eat first, then we’ll go to another store.” Kai’s face crumples. Yeonjun stifles a laugh. “Don’t make that face. It’s the last one. I promise.” The beta has been lied to before. But never by someone who smells this good.
He supposes it’s not the worst situation he’s encountered in his 23 years of life.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The restaurant is warm and softly lit, lanterns casting amber light across polished tables. It’s cozy— too cozy, Kai thinks— because Yeonjun keeps leaning in like they’re sharing secrets instead of lunch.
“Open,” Yeonjun sings, lifting a piece of chicken toward his mouth. The beta blinks slowly. “I—I can feed myself, you know.” His pout is immediate and aggressive.
“My hand is already up. Don’t make me reposition. That’s rude.” Kai suppresses a flustered noise and leans forward, taking the bite. He chews slowly, mostly because he’s trying not to choke on his own embarrassment. Apparently, that’s the wrong choice.
“Why are you chewing like that?” The omega whines, shaking his wrist dramatically. “You’re taking so long. My hand hurts.” Kai nearly chokes. “I’m sorry! You don’t— you don’t have to feed me, really. I can—”
Yeonjun shoots him a look that could incinerate an entire city block. “Huening Kamal Kai. Don’t insult me.” The beta’s ears turn red. He clears his throat. “Then… Can I feed you instead?” He gestures toward Yeonjun’s plate, timid.
Kai figures it’d be less embarrassing than being the one who’s getting fed. The omega blinks, thrown off for a moment, then nods with the dignity of a pampered prince. “Hmph. I’ll allow it.” He smiles endearingly, pulling Yeonjun’s plate closer to slice the vegetables for him.
“Such a pretty omega— why isn’t he with an Alpha?”
“Poor thing, stuck with a beta—”
“What a waste—”
Kai doesn’t hear any of it. He’s too busy cutting chicken into neat bite-sized pieces and making sure he doesn’t spill rice everywhere. His brows are furrowed in concentration like he’s performing surgery.
Yeonjun, however, hears everything. His scent sharpens, the warm sweetness he usually carries curdling into something dark— vanilla turning smoky and bitter, maple burning into a sharp, caramelized edge that prickles at the back of the tongue.
A low, warning growl rolls out of his chest as he snaps his head toward the murmuring table, irises flickering dangerously as if daring anyone to keep talking.
The whispers die instantly. Kai startles, the spoon clattering against his plate. “Y—Yeonjun-hyung?” The omega’s eyes glow faintly amethyst, pupils narrowing into slits. His jaw is clenched so hard a vein appears under his skin.
Yeonjun’s hands tremble where they grip the table. He looks one second away from letting his wolf take over entirely. Kai has never seen him like this.
Is he sick? Did something trigger him? Did the food upset him? Did Kai do something without realizing?
Yeonjun can be dramatic, sure— pouting, whining, throwing mild tantrums over the little things— but this isn’t drama. This is instinct. This is distress.
“Hyung?” The beta leans in softly. “What’s wrong?” No answer. Yeonjun is still glaring holes into the murmuring table, baring his teeth, every line of him rigid and trembling with barely controlled rage.
He doesn’t know what’s happening, doesn’t know what set him off— but all he cares about is the omega’s well-being.
So Kai does something he rarely does on purpose. He pushes his scent out. Soft matcha drifts into the tiny space between them— gentle, careful, warm. It’s sweet at first, the familiar scent he always carries, but now it’s threaded with a faint, bitter undertone of worry.
Are you okay? Tell me what you need.
The effect is immediate.
Yeonjun’s wolf stutters— startled, confused, momentarily pulled away from its anger. His shoulders twitch, breath catching. The omega's eyes snap sharply toward Kai, his pupils flickering as if struggling to regain control of his wolf.
Seeing that small opening, the beta reaches out. Kai cups Yeonjun’s cheek gently, thumb brushing along the omega’s cheekbone. “Did… did I do something wrong?” Yeonjun bites his lips, conflicted. The wrath in his eyes falters a little.
“What are you upset about, hyungie? I’ll fix it." The omega hisses, eyes closing. "Let's not ruin your make-up, hm? I know you worked so hard on it." Kai trills, trying his best to soothe Yeonjun.
The omega's shoulders heave up and down, and his grip on the table loosens slightly. "I won’t complain, even if we have to go to, um… three more boutiques.” That does it.
Yeonjun melts.
Like candle wax under flame, every tense line softens— his shoulders drop, his jaw unclenches, his eyes lose their sharp glow. Yeonjun's scent returns to normal, and he offers Kai a relieved smile.
“You,” he whispers, grabbing Kai’s hand. “Are the cutest idiot I’ve ever met.” The beta bites the inside of his cheek. “…So you’re not mad at me?” Instead of answering, Yeonjun lifts the beta’s hand— still cupping his face— and presses a slow, tender kiss to the inside of his wrist.
He's scenting Kai. In public. Sweet vanilla cream with maple drizzle coats him, he can almost taste it in his tongue. Yeonjun's no longer angry. Good.
“Never at you,” he murmurs, calm and composed. “Not even once, my darling.” Kai lets out a small breath of relief, shoulders sagging. “Are you sure okay now?” he asks quietly. “Mm-hm.” Yeonjun squeezes his hands. “Let’s eat.” And they do— quietly, peacefully.
The entire restaurant studiously avoids looking their way now, thoroughly spooked by the omega who nearly growled the decor off the walls… and the beta who managed to calm him down with nothing more than a touch and a worried brow.
Kai feeds Yeonjun another bite of chicken, cheeks faintly pink. The omega trills, swinging his legs a little. “Good job,” he says softly. “Perfect bite.” Kai coughs into his fist.
What kind of lunch is this?
A date?
No. Definitely not.
…Probably.
He focuses on his food and pretends his heart isn’t racing.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“Uh, I don’t think I should be here—”
“Do you want me to cause another scene, pup?” Yeonjun asks in a deceptively sweet voice. He straightens immediately. “I meant that we should go inside. Haha.” Kai reaches for Yeonjun’s wrist and gently pulls him into the shop— a lingerie boutique.
His face heats instantly.
There are people everywhere— mostly omegas browsing racks of lace and silk while their Alpha mates wait outside. A few Alpha–omega couples shop together, openly flirting, giggling, practically eye-fucking each other while comparing racy underwear.
Kai’s ears burn. He picks up a basket and nods, ready to follow wherever Yeonjun goes.
The omega moves with purpose, flipping through racks with practiced ease.
“Latex? Mm, no, too hot.”
"Linen? Soobin doesn't like it. Too scratchy for him."
"Satin? It gets bothersome when I'm in heat."
Yeonjun hums, moving on the silk section. “This is cute, don’t you think? Let’s all get matching sets.” Kai blinks at the pajama sets— smooth, cool, harmless.
He exhales. “It’s cute,” agreeing softly. “Which one do you think suits me best? Pick some for the others too.” Yeonjun’s voice is casual, but the request nearly buckles Kai’s knees. “Um…” He doesn’t trust his fashion sense.
The beta also doesn’t trust himself not to disappoint. But Yeonjun smiles— kind, encouraging. “There’s no wrong answer, pup. They’re pajamas. Take it easy.” He says sweetly. Kai inhales. “Okay.” He steps up to the rack, determination flickering.
I can do this.
He chooses a deep-purple three-piece for Yeonjun— camisole, mini shorts, and a kimono with black lace trimming. The omega’s eyes twinkled. “I like it,” he warbles, holding Kai by the arm and squeezing.
Something in Kai glows.
He picks navy-blue pajamas for Soobin— simple, comfortable.
A maroon romper with books embroidered on the sleeves for Taehyun.
A shorts-and-top set for Beomgyu, who hates being covered at night.
When he turns, basket full, Yeonjun is already smiling like sunrise. “Such beautiful picks, pup. You chose these with our tastes and habits in mind, didn’t you?” The beta’s back straightens. His chest lifts, and he preens— actually preens— like praise is a warm hand smoothing down his spine.
"Yeah, hyung,” Kai says, gleaming. His scent slips out, sweet matcha edged with pride. "Of course. I wanted to make sure that everyone will like it."
The omega chirps and rises onto his toes to kiss Kai’s cheek. He freezes. The beta's scent flutters even sweeter for a second before he wrestles it back under control. “You did well,” Yeonjun murmurs, adjusting the basket in Kai’s hands as if arranging something precious. “You always do.”
Kai swallows, hard. “I—I’m glad you like them.”
“Like them?” Yeonjun laughs, soft and musical. “Baby, I love them. I’m sure the others will too.”
Kai’s chest feels tight with affection. “You’re good at this,” He adds, brushing his knuckles against the beta’s hand. “So stop acting like you’re going to mess up every time.”
“Okay,” Kai whispers— and actually believes it. “Now,” the omega purrs, “pick something for yourself.” He scratches the back of his neck. “O…kay.”
The beta wanders a bit, Yeonjun shadowing him happily, until something catches his eye: a penguin pajama set. Tiny penguins lounging under beach umbrellas, sipping martinis like little alcoholics. “This,” he whispers, almost proud.
Yeonjun coos. “That’s perfect!” He grabs the right size and drops it into the basket. Kai feels his confidence spike, his stomach fluttering at the acknowledgement. The omega hums, linking their arms loosely.
“Now… one more section.” Kai follows his gaze. The nightdresses and lingerie section. His heart jumps into his throat. Yeonjun’s grin turns wickedly fond. “Don’t worry. I’ll walk you through it, pup.”
And the beta— flustered and helplessly obedient— nods and follows him in.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
“You think this’ll look pretty on me?” Yeonjun holds up a royal blue lacy slip dress with delicate corset details, the flowers embroidered across the chest blooming vividly in the boutique’s soft lighting.
It’s beautiful on its own, but seeing the omega holding it to his body makes Kai’s breath hitch until he feels faint. He looks everywhere but at Yeonjun— eyes darting toward the ceiling, the floor, a display of silk robes— anything less dangerous.
“Um… I’m not— I don’t know…” he mutters. “Hueningie,” Yeonjun purrs, sweet and coaxing. “Look at me when I talk to you.” His voice switches, wry and authoritative. Kai obeys instantly, head turning toward him as though pulled by a string.
The omega lifts the slip dress to his torso, angling it the way he does when he fits clients, waiting patiently.
“Well?”
“I… think it’s pretty,” Kai blurts out, the answer comes out small and uncertain. Yeonjun’s lips purse. “Oh. You don’t like it that much.” The beta jolts upright. “What? No! That’s not— I just don’t really know much about these things. I have no experience with picking lingerie, hyung.”
“Hm.” Yeonjun’s pout deepens, his whole expression melting into something theatrically forlorn. “Yeah. It’s okay. It’s okay if you don’t want to help. I just thought since you picked such beautiful pieces for us earlier, you had an eye for these things.”
The downturn of his lips, the faint crease between his brows, even the subtle droop of his scent— all of it tugs at Kai’s conscience. He recognizes the guilt-trip, knows the omega is laying it on thick, but it still makes something in him twist.
Yeonjun is too cute, sulking like that, almost delicate in his disappointment. The beta exhales softly. “I think… it’s too simple for hyung. And another color suits him better.” He pauses, surprise flickering across his features. “Really?”
“Yeah. Um…” Kai extends a hesitant hand. “Let me show you.” Yeonjun places his wrist in the beta’s palm without hesitation, allowing himself to be led deeper into the boutique.
People watch them— omegas glancing curiously, Alphas sniffing the air, some pairs openly flirting while their partners feign interest. Kai doesn’t notice and instead focuses on the rows of lace and velvet, carefully scanning the displays until something catches his eye.
He reaches for a maroon baby doll dress. The velvet cups shimmer under the soft lighting, lace trimmings forming elegant crisscross details across the chest. A long slit runs down the middle, the skirt airy and delicate.
“This,” he stammers. Yeonjun’s eyes light up immediately, but before he can comment, Kai continues awkwardly, “Um… so the hyungs can see you wearing the undies.” His face burns at the admission.
Is this still professional? Is he going to get fired?
Helping with cooking, laundry, and room maintenance is one thing. Preparing nesting materials, allowing the alphas to scent him during pre-rut, assisting in setting up the mating room— those are expected duties for an attendant.
But this? Picking outfits to set the mood?
Kai supposes it makes sense. Another task to support the pack. If fashion is Yeonjun’s expertise, care-taking is his. He finds the thought oddly grounding, even a little exciting. Another role to fill. Another way to be useful.
Unless he gets fired.
“I know you like showing off, hyung,” he adds under his breath. Yeonjun smirks. “I do. I love this. You're right, this color suits me better." His gaze drifts, landing on a couple a few racks away.
Kai's still employed.
Yay.
Yeonjun’s smile has an edge to it now, the expression sliding from pleased to predatory-sweet in a way only an omega with something to prove can manage.
Without warning, he steps closer and loops both arms around Kai’s, pressing himself flush against the beta and nuzzling his cheek into his shirt with deliberate, syrupy affection.
“W—What—” The beta nearly stumbles with how fast his heart jumps, breath catching in his throat. Kai’s fidgets with the basket in his hold, his matcha scent fluttering out in startled wisps.
He tries— feebly, uselessly— to tug his arm back, but Yeonjun only clings tighter, the weight of his body warm and teasing. Across the aisles, the omega who had earlier called Yeonjun a “poor thing” stops dead mid-sentence, lips parting.
Her eyes widen, then narrow, then flick down to Yeonjun’s arms wrapped around Kai like a victory flag. Her Alpha boyfriend— still clutching his phone— finally glances up with a confused grunt.
Yeonjun’s grin reaches his eyes, prideful and arrogant. “I wish you could see how good your choices are,” he croons, voice honey-thick with pride. The omega’s eyes flick mischievously toward Kai, then deliberately toward the girl watching them.
The beta squeaks. “Hyung—!”
“You don’t need to be shy, my baby,” Yeonjun drawls, loud enough for anyone nearby to hear. “You’re very good at leading me.” His fingers trace up the beta’s arm, soft and possessive. “And helping me pick lingerie too… You’re so sweet.” Kai swears his soul has left his body.
“Hyung— please—” he whispers, trying again to pry Yeonjun off him, but the omega only presses closer, chin resting on Kai’s arm like he belongs there. The woman watches with a tight jaw, arms crossing defensively.
Her Alpha boyfriend blinks between them, baffled, clearly missing the entire territorial subtext.
Yeonjun absolutely does not.
He tilts his head just enough to catch her eye, giving her a slow, lazy once-over before smiling triumphantly and nuzzling Kai again— this time dragging his cheek along the fabric like a cat marking its territory.
Kai is blushing so hard he feels delirious. “Hyung, why are you— what are you doing?”
“Hmm?” Yeonjun purrs, as if innocent. “I’m appreciating you.” He curls a strand of Kai’s hair around a finger. “I mean, you’re taking such good care of us, Hueningie. Taking care of our home… picking bedroom clothes…” His smile turns downright sinful.
“Our beta’s very talented.” Kai makes a garbled noise in his throat. “I— I wasn’t— I was just helping—” he stammers, tugging at his arm. “You’re doing more than helping,” The omega insists, squeezing tighter as if daring the girl to keep watching.
“You’re leading me.” Kai thinks he might pass out. His knees wobble. His scent flares, sweet but mortified, and he tries to flatten it down. Yeonjun, absolutely pleased with himself, gives him another affectionate bump of his cheek.
The other omega sniffs sharply and turns away, muttering something under her breath— something that sounds suspiciously like show-off.
Yeonjun cackles— bright, unrestrained, delighted. His pheromones spike instantly, filling the air with vanilla and maple— so thick with victory and pride that Kai can practically taste it on his tongue.
It rolls off him in large waves, like an omega who has not only won but intends to rub it relentlessly in his enemy’s face. Kai coughs in panic, grabbing the baby doll and stuffing it quickly into the basket as if hiding incriminating evidence.
“I think we should go home, hyung. You’re having too much fun teasing me.” He quips.
“Baby, I’m not teasing you,” The omega insists, though the sparkle in his eyes downright betrays him. “It’s only proper that you see it, right? Since you’re the one who picked everything.” Kai scoffs, fixing the basket in his arm.
“It’s not funny.” He turns sharply toward the counter and starts marching with single-minded determination, clutching the basket to his chest like a shield against further embarrassment.
Yeonjun follows behind him with a sway in his step and laughter bubbling out of him— it’s domineering and grating on the ears (it’s the most wonderful thing he has heard in years). The omega looks like he has just discovered his new favorite toy: flustered Huening Kai.
They pass the same couple again, and Yeonjun— because he’s conceited and self-assured, executes a casual, flawless hair flip that belongs on a magazine cover.
Then he reaches forward, captures Kai’s free hand, and threads their fingers together with an almost lazy confidence.
“Don’t leave me like that.” Kai freezes mid-step. His pulse leaps. He doesn’t dare look down. One glance at Yeonjun’s pouting face and he might melt into a puddle right there between the satin robes and the lace corsets.
The omega girl from before stiffens visibly. Her gaze turns to Yeonjun’s radiant, haughty expression. She scowls. Yeonjun smiles harder, showing his canines. It’s a direct hit.
“Wait!” Yeonjun calls lightly, tugging at their joined hands. “Let’s go back. What about Taehyun?”
“No,” Kai hisses, eyes locked on the counter as though it’s a holy shrine. “Do that on your own.”
“But he’ll cry if we don’t get him something—”
“Hyung,” Kai interrupts, voice low with desperation. “The counter. Please.” The older male giggles. “Aww, someone’s shy.” The beta’s shoulders rise defensively, his fingers tightening around the basket’s handle.
“I’m not shy,” he lies, cheeks glowing like embers. “I’m just… done.”
“Done?” Yeonjun echoes, leaning in until his breath brushes Kai’s ear. “Done because you picked lingerie for me? Or done because you saw how good you are at it?” The beta makes a wounded little sound. “Hyung—!”
They reach the counter. Salvation at last.
Kai thrusts the basket forward, determined to pay, leave, and get at least five minutes of peace before Yeonjun finds a new way to turn him into a tomato.
The cashier takes one look at the pile of items— pajamas, rompers, lace sets, and the unmistakably bold babydoll— and then at the beta’s bright-red face.
The faintest smile curls at her mouth.
Yeonjun sees it.
Yeonjun chirps.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
After dinner, the pack drifts into the living room in that lazy, satisfied way they always do after a long day of work. Kai places three neatly wrapped paper bags on the coffee table, clearing his throat like he’s about to deliver a speech he never wanted to make.
“Before anyone says anything— it’s Yeonjun-hyung’s money. I only helped pick them.” No one pays attention to that disclaimer. Soobin opens his first, carefully pulling out the navy-blue pajama set.
The fabric slides soft and cool over his fingers, and his face warms with something shy but glowing. “These are… really nice.” He steps closer without hesitation, reaching up to flick the edge of Kai’s ear playfully.
“Thank you, pup. I’ll probably sleep better now.” The beta mutters something about Yeonjun’s wallet, but the Pack Alpha’s is already admiring the stitching.
Beomgyu is much less restrained. The moment he pulls out the shorts-and-top set— light, airy, absolutely no pants in sight— he lets out a triumphant cheer. “Finally! Someone in this house respects my thermal struggles.” He ruffles Kai’s hair until his curls stand in ridiculous directions.
The beta snorts. “I know you hate waking up sweaty, hyung.” The young Alpha’s grin turns teasing. “So you do think about me at night.” Kai swats him with a throw pillow.
Taehyun is gentler. He lifts the maroon romper from his bag as if it’s fragile, tracing the embroidered books along the sleeves with a small, pleased hum. “These are beautiful…” His voice softens.
“Thank you, Hueningie.” Kai chuckles. “The books reminded me of you, Tyun. We had to get it.”
Taehyun purrs and hugs the romper to his chest. It’s sweet and calm and almost domestic… until Yeonjun decides to change the soft, wholesome mood.
“Oh, also,” he says lightly, scrolling through his phone, “Kai helped me pick lingerie.” Soobin’s head snaps up, pupils narrowing into slits. “When can we see you wearing it baby?” Beomgyu growls, deep and hungry. “Yeah, hyung. Show us how pretty it is on you.”
Yeonjun smirks, eyes half-lidded. “Someday soon. We have to wait until the time is just right,” he giggles, winking at both Alphas. Soobin swallows like he’s imagining the day right now.
Beomgyu grumbles under his breath, something about omegas being sly and wolfish.
Taehyun, however, pouts instantly. “Where’s mine?” Yeonjun points at Kai without hesitation, deflecting the blame. “He wanted to go home early, so we didn’t buy one.” Kai whips around. “Hyung! It’s your fault. You— you kept teasing me.”
Taehyun gasps, scandalized and betrayed. “So it’s because of you.” He glares at Yeonjun, who tries to act cute and offers boutique vouchers like some peace offering. “Kai really wanted to go home, honey. It’s not me, I swear!” The Pack omega doubles down.
“I— no. That’s not— hyung, please—” He looks at Yeonjun pleadingly. The oldest of the pack averts his gaze, cuddling up to the Alphas.
Beomgyu and Soobin immediately drape themselves over Yeonjun, hands running along his sides as they growl and coo, clearly affected by the lingerie confession. Kai just stares helplessly, realizing this fight has somehow become entirely his responsibility.
“Tyun, are you mad?” The omega harrumphs, flipping his hair and stomping his way to his room. “Don’t follow me!” Taehyun slams the door behind him.
“I’ll make it up to you.” Yeonjun says while cringing. “You threw me under the bus, hyung!” The beta hisses.
Kai chases after Taehyun, spending the rest of the night trying to soothe him with snacks, hugs, soft reassurances, and his clothes (half of his wardrobe ended up in Taehyun’s bed. All freshly scented.)
Such is the life of an attendant.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~