Chapter Text
Shen Wenlang is a proud man. He had survived challenges and difficulties that most people would turn back at the mere sight of it. That’s why, at least around this time of the year, he allowed himself a little merry go around mindset in order to enjoy the western festivities. Although, sometimes, the bright lights and Christmas’ carols would make him feel hyper stimulated and with a slight headache.
But of course, this is a secret. No one can even think of this – can it be even considered? – soft spot of his. President Shen, pristine, stern and in all his S-tier alpha seriousness is a man with a reputation to uphold. And he carries that, not letting anyone even dare to say otherwise.
That’s why he let Gao Tu, ever so present Gao Tu. His most loyal secretary, best friend, companion – decorate his office as he pleased. A tiny tree sat prettily at the end of his desk, wrapped in a combination of gold and burgundy decorations, but not in an exaggerated way, along with some golden stars that were delicately placed over a few high shelfs to set the holiday spirit, as Gao Tu would say; Gao Tu looked proud at his work, a tiny smile adorning his heart shaped lips. Shen Wenlang thought he looked prettier than any decoration he might’ve come with and began to think how rare it was to see his secretary with a genuine smile, not the professional one that he uses at meetings while greeting shareholders or possible suitors to HS Holding.
Not that Shen Wenlang keeps track of the way his secretary smiles, he’s just very good at noticing and they’ve been together for most of the time in and out of work. In this case, it’s impossible to ignore certain things.
For exemple, the way Gao Tu efficiency translated in an impeccable work, as if he was able to read Shen Wenlang train of thoughts before it even begins. Always working overtime to make sure that everything was anything beyond perfect, paperwork and presentations done flawlessly. And his most awaited part of the day: how he manages to make the perfect tea, brewing in a way that instantly soothed his nerves. His own pheromones reverberating in calming notes.
Grounding. Familiar.
It was admirable, at least from Shen Wenlang point of view, how caring the older man was. In moments like this, Shen Wenlang let his mind wander and, not so often, would catch himself thinking about Gao Qing. Gao Tu’s beloved younger sister, who have been a long-term patient at the HS hospital for as long as he could remember, sick due being underdeveloped on her mother’s womb, that left her immunologic system fragile, threatening her second gender.
Of course, Shen Wenlang had personally given the doctors and personal caretakers of Gao Qing an order to update him on every progress or difficulties she might have. Shen Wenlang made sure to raise Gao Tu’s salary and cover most of the treatment himself, even the experimental one, for Gao Qing. He felt satisfied upon knowing that she was improving at developing her scent glands and growing fangs, meaning that sooner Gao Qing would be discharged back to a normal life.
The sudden memory of how the Gao siblings were living at the time made his expression sour.
As far as he could recall, Gao Tu’s father, Gao Ming, tormented their lives from the very beginning. Not so much different from where Shen Wenlang came from, although he’s not bragging about it either.
Clawing his way out of an heirship, his heritance, wasn’t an easy task. It earned him a life-debt with Hua Yong, the psychopath.
At the time, Gao Qing was just a child, and Gao Tu had just presented as an omega at barely twelve years old.
On the other hand, Gao Tu’s mother, Gao Yun, was able to save her son by registering him as a beta and giving inhibitors to suppress his omega nature. It proved to be a successful attempt at hiding him from Gao Ming’s schemes.
But unfortunately, much to Shen Wenlang’s dismay, Gao Yun passed away from depression shortly after.
Shen Wenlang winced at some piece of memory shared by Gao Tu, a few years ago. The way the older man paled as if touched by some unwanted ghost. “It didn’t happen immediately. It was after some time… after we had nothing more to sell. He took her too, Mr. Shen.”
Since then, Gao Tu was alone with Gao Qing and still having to deal with Gao Ming’s rampages demanding money from time to time. He had been working two to three jobs and taking extra shifts as a middle and high schooler just to be able to cover the expenses and survive.
At age sixteen, Gao Tu achieved a scholarship at Jiang Hu most prestigious high school, which had an acceptance tolerance of one scholarship student per year.
That was a little over a decade ago, when Shen Wenlang and Gao Tu first met.
At the time, Gao Tu had absolutely no idea that Shen Wenlang, out of all people, would think of him being a cutie, like a deer caught in the headlights.
As usual, Gao Tu was heading towards his next class, since Ma Heng was busy with his new girl crush, an A-class alpha named Zhou Mian Mian, until he felt something land on top of his head.
A paper plane.
Looking around to find the culprit, Gao Tu felt his heartbeat skyrocket and his cheeks gain colour at the sight of Shen Wenlang.
Shen Wenlang, a wolf among wolfs. Rumours said that his fortune came from Country P, that his S-tier alpha father ruled the underground with hands of steel and cruel intentions. His other father, a well-known high military omega, came only once to pay for his tuition. Entirely.
In addition to that, some even say that the divorce of his parents was due to domestic violence, but Gao Tu preferred to not believe on those words, rather believing in some sort of marriage disagreement over time, which – and for this he let his mind wonder for a bit – would suck anyways.
Shen Wenlang flashed a wolfish yet playful smirk as they locked eyes and Gao Tu just froze in place, his eyes never leaving the younger S-tier alpha as he turned his back and walked towards his own classroom.
After that, Gao Tu accidentally got in the same path as Shen Wenlang in a suspicious frequency.
Once, during lunch, he learned about that poisoned tongue and reputation of the Shen heir.
“… thin?” Gao Tu didn’t even notice that Shen Wenlang was standing right behind him, let alone being spoken to, until he felt a hard grip on his shoulder forcefully turning him around.
“Sorry?” A huff and a roll of eyes greeted him. Shen Wenlang crossed his arms on his chest.
“Not only malnourished but also deaf. I wonder if this school turned into charity’s work by now.” Gao Tu felt himself pale at the harsh words thrown at him and the laughter echoing at the cafeteria.
Before he could say anything, Shen Wenlang shoved his backpack in his lap. “Get up.” At the sight of a stunned Gao Tu, the younger rolled his eyes again. “Are you actually deaf? I said get up.” As Gao Tu scrambled to get his belongings to leave an even more stunned Ma Heng, Shen Wenlang glanced at the other boy as if he was an annoying bug and snarked before leaving. “Lowly Heng, stop bothering my secretary.”
Since then, Gao Tu became Shen Wenlang personal secretary. All his itinerary, from the fencing training, piano and violin lessons, business classes and other matters were thoroughly reviewed by him and for a reason beyond comprehension, Gao Tu liked it. He felt important, not in a necessary way, but rather useful. And in the depths of his heart, wanted.
As a matter of fact, Gao Tu knew exactly why and when he began to like Shen Wenlang in a more than just friends (or rather secretary vs. boss) way.
It was around summer, he suspected that the foreign symptoms could only be a boy crush thing, as Ma Heng would recall ‘gege, you get the hots because that young mistress is hot! There’s nothing wrong with that.’, in which he decided to fully ignore out of sheer embarrassment.
That night, he was working a double shift, the kind old manager lady wouldn’t mind letting him study at one of the tables if he had done all his chores and there were no clients at the convenience store.
It was past midnight when Gao Tu heard the doorbell ring.
Getting up before looking away from his advanced calculus homework, he greeted and flashed his best customers smile. “Welcome! How can I help you?”
The vision before him made his heart hammer in his chest, Gao Tu thought that maybe he was about to die from cardiac arrest.
Curious eyes were scanning Gao Tu’s papers on the desk before a piercing gaze landed on him. The older boy felt lightheaded.
“It’s summer.” Shen Wenlang stated.
“Hum, yes?” The younger boy narrowed his eyes at his response. An annoyed glitch passing by his dark orbs.
“Why are you studying in summer? We are in recess.” Shen Wenlang arched a brow and, curse Ma Heng, maybe he was right. Definitely. Shen Wenlang was hotter than the summer, maybe even the sun itself.
“Mr. Shen, as a scholarship student, I have about three days off.” Gao Tu answered with a weary smile. Tiresome as it was, Gao Tu felt grateful for the opportunity. Having the privilege to access such a higher education wasn’t a small feat and Gao Tu hoped that in the future, it would mean a more stable life. Such a small sacrifice was nothing compared to a peaceful outcome for him and his sister.
However, Gao Tu wasn’t expecting to see Shen Wenlang’s eyes widening in utter disbelief. “Only three days? Aren’t you in advanced classes?” He nodded as the young boy seemed to compose himself. Gao Tu knew that, besides his good-looks, Shen Wenlang was also the top student from the advanced classes as well. Shen Wenlang was about to make a remark when another boy, a beta from the fencing team, called him.
Gao Tu resign himself from the exchange, partly sad for not continuing the conversation, partly relived to have the attention withdraw from him.
They’re rummaging through the aisles, while Gao Tu was behind the cashier waiting. When they finally come to pay, Gao Tu noticed that Shen Wenlang had forgotten one bottle of orange juice and a wrapped pork-belly bao.
“Mr. Shen.” The younger alpha was about to cross the door when he heard Gao Tu’s call.
“Hm?” He turned and paused as the older boy walked before him.
“You forget this.” As Gao Tu was about to hand over the groceries paper bag, Shen Wenlang shook his head.
“I didn’t forget anything.” There was a slight frown in his features while looking at the puzzled expression in Gao Tu’s face.
“But…” Before the older boy could finish the sentence, Shen Wenlang rolled his eyes and cut him off. “It’s for you, idiot.”
And with that, he exited the store, leaving behind a stunned and red-cheeked Gao Tu.
A couple weeks later, they’d fallen into a comfortable routine. Gao Tu was still working, but since assuming the role of Shen Wenlang personal secretary, the young alpha had insisted on paying him as such. At first, Gao Tu had insisted that it wasn’t necessary but who was he to keep denying a very persistent Shen Wenlang?
Watching the fencing team practice always left Gao Tu amazed. Sharp movements combined with explosive reactions and detailed footwork left him in awe. It didn’t help that Shen Wenlang, armoured in a tight fit that suggested even more broad shoulders as he grow older made him squirm in place. Part of his job as a secretary was to watch, when possible, since Shen Wenlang has declared to not disturb his own schedule, to be more culturally fit.
Shen Wenlang carried himself with an easiness and feather like manner over the piste, stabbing his opponents as if he didn’t even break a sweat. As expected of the number one athlete and president of fencing club.
“Gege, you’re drooling enough to reach the piste from here. I get it, but help your gayself a little.” Ma Heng, who decided to accompany Gao Tu in the practice watch was grinning in a wicked way. Gao Tu turned so fast that it made him see black dots popping over his vision.
“I’m not…”
“Shush with that.” Ma Heng elbowed him. “I’m sure if the young mistress wasn’t such a dick, he would make it to the Olympics. Seriously, never saw someone move so fast with a needle before.”
“He’s not a dick.” Gao Tu retorted.
“Well, he isn’t nice either.” Ma Heng deadpanned. “Besides, your opinion is invalid since you have a massive crush on him. Seriously, gege, wasn’t there any other nice chaebols built like a beanpole available? You had to imprint on the dickiest one?”
“First of all, I don’t have a crush on him.” Gao Tu replied in a rushed whisper-like tone, aware of his surroundings. “Second of all, since when acknowledging someone else’s talent means to have a crush? Besides, I know you’re just sulking because you lost the basketball match.” It was Gao Tu’s turn to smile cheekily.
“It was not fair, gege, and you know that! The advanced classroom only won because of those string-like boys that towers over everyone!” Ma Heng puffed his cheeks and pouted.
“Well, if it makes you sleep at night…” Gao Tu laughed out loud as Ma Heng decided to tickle him as a punishment. It didn’t go unnoticed by Shen Wenlang. Finished, the younger alpha unmasked himself and furrowed his eyebrows at the scene.
“I don’t recall the fencing practice being a circus.” Shen Wenlang voice boomed over. “If it’s not fitting for your uncultured taste, you’re always welcomed to leave.” His piercing gaze narrowed over Ma Heng until it seated fully on Gao Tu.
“Aye, no need to take offense, Mr. Shen.” Ma Heng slowly lifted his hand, a gest that could’ve been considered a surrender if he didn’t wear a cocky smile. “I was just teasing Gao Tu.” Ma Heng didn’t retreat his tone or gaze. “However, since practice is over, I’ll be heading out first.” He turned to Gao Tu. “Sorry gege, I have some essays waiting for me and unfortunately it wouldn’t write itself, no matter how much I pray for it.” The younger alpha sighed dramatically while gathering his belongings. Before exiting, Ma Heng leaned over and whispered in a singsong note. “He’s all yours now. Try to not pop one.” With that, Ma Heng blinked and leaved the gymnasium.
Gao Tu felt his ears growing hot as Shen Wenlang approached in large steps. He stopped in front of Gao Tu, towering over and engulfing the older boy with his frame, eyebrows furrowed and nose slightly flared.
“You stink.” Shen Wenlang crossed his arms, the fencing uniform straining over his chest and shoulders. Gao Tu paled at the sight, before he could reply, Shen Wenlang spoke again. “That leech stanchness is all over you. It’s irritating.” Shen Wenlang huffed. “Come, you will shower before we go home. No buts.”
Gao Tu followed Shen Wenlang to the changing rooms, carrying both of their backpacks plus Shen Wenlang’s fencing bag. Before entering the showers zone, he placed their belongings in a nearby bench.
After taking off and carefully folding his uniform, placing it in a chair outside his cabin, Gao Tu entered the tiny box and thanked every single deity known to man for the shower’s stalls being individuals instead of shared ones. He began to scrub himself with soap, carefully avoiding the scent blocker patch on his left side, that securely rested on the juction between his neck and shoulder; he hoped the artificial strawberry scented soap would suffice the younger alpha’s request. The lukewarm water helped to soothe his nerves and tense muscles, Gao Tu took a mental note to shower after late practices, before going home, especially in cold days, since his small flat had a recurrence of running out of gas to warm his baths.
“… Tu?” Gao Tu was lost in thoughts when suddenly loud knocks and an insistent ruff pulled him out of his relaxation. “Hey. Don’t you dare to be dead inside, idiot.” Gao Tu could practically hear Shen Wenlang rolling his eyes.
Closing the water register, Gao Tu turned, unlocked the door and peeked over the small opening.
The sight made Gao Tu use all his strength to not faint and die on the spot.
Shen Wenlang, wearing nothing but a towel loosely wrapped around his waist, chest, shoulders and cheeks flushed due to his hot shower combined with wet hair and droplets of water still running freely along the expense of his skin.
Instinctively, Gao Tu’s eyes betrayed him to follow a drop falling from his neck to his pecks.
“My eyes are up here, you know?” Shen Wenlang flashed a very dangerous wolfish grin.
“I’m – I apologise Mr. Shen, didn’t intend to make you feel uncomfortable.” Gao Tu winced, feeling lightheaded with the sudden rush of blood stream up and down.
Shen Wenlang’s grin only became more wicked.
“As if. I figure you wouldn’t have a towel with you. I always carry an extra one to practice…” Gao Tu knew this, since he packed the other boy’s practice bag. “… So, take it and no need to return. The towel will be contaminated by that leech stanch, anyway.” With that, Shen Wenlang lifted his hand, offering a very pristine white towel that absolutely smelt just like him.
Gao Tu felt his bones become jelly as he extended an arm to grab the towel. He hoped for the patch blocker and the soap scent to mask the smell of his growing arousal. Towel in hand, Gao Tu smiled weakly at Shen Wenlang, whispering ‘thank you’, Shen Wenlang eyes lazily drifted on his neck, before landing on his scent patch.
“Why are you wearing a scent blocker patch?” All the hot and fuzzing feeling turned into lead as Gao Tu felt chills running up along his spine.
Gao Tu had to be quick and convincing.
“To block other scents Mr. Shen. The fencing practice has plenty of alphas and omegas oozing their pheromones and. Eugh. It can be overbearing at times.” Gao Tu mentally patted himself on the back for not stammering on his words.
“I thought that betas weren’t affected by scents at all.” Shen Wenlang narrowed his sight, locking eyes with Gao Tu.
“Although it’s not very common, it can happen, Mr. Shen. Some betas can be even more sensitive to scents than alphas or omegas. But since it doesn’t occur very often, it can be easily forgotten.” Gao Tu offered a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.
“And why have you never told me this?” Shen Wenlang frowned. “If I knew that you’re feeling uncomfortable, I would’ve dismissed your presence during practice.”
“No!” Gao Tu felt his cheeks gain colour, somehow, this entire conversation was more embarrassing than both standing naked. “I mean, it’s not that serious Mr. Shen. Truly. I’m just sensitive to overlapping scents due to asthma, that’s all.” Gao Tu rushed out, gulping.
The bobbing movement was followed by Shen Wenlang eyes. He didn’t look entirely convinced but didn’t press the matter any further.
“Well, if you say so. It’s not triggering an asthma attack or something, right?” Gao Tu nodded firmly. Shen Wenlang ran a hand over his wet strands of hair. Gao Tu followed the movement, noticing that Shen Wenlang would become even bigger the following years; the younger alpha adjusted back, crossing his arms over his chest. It made his pecks puff out a little.
Gao Tu prayed to not being gaping at the sight.
“Gao Tu.”
Gao Tu was taken back; it was not always that Shen Wenlang used that tone with him. Soft.
“If my scent ever makes you feel uncomfortable, just tell me. Understood?” In moments like this, Shen Wenlang looked and sounded as the boy he was. Not the arrogant heir or sharp-tongued S-tier alpha.
Gao Tu treasured and hoped to sew these moments in the depths of his heart.
Oh, if only Shen Wenlang knew.
While heading towards the younger next class, a very determined girl approached them both in larger steps. Gao Tu felt a lump on his throat as she stood before them.
Jin Xian wasn’t trying to hold her smile as she lifted a tiny letter on her hands. “Shen Wenlang, please accept my feelings.”
Shen Wenlang expression was totally blank before he opened his mouth. “No.”
Her demeanour faltered, but the omega girl didn’t seem to back down.
“I’m sorry, what?” Jin Xian blinked, clearly taken by surprise. Shen Wenlang scoffed and rolled his eyes.
“Is everyone in this damn school deaf or something? I said no. I don’t want it, nor do care about your feelings. Is it clear enough or do I have to draw it for you?”
Her cheeks reddened as her eyes displayed nothing but rage, not an ounce of shame on sight.
“How dare you talk to me like this? Are you insane?” Her eyes narrowed at Gao Tu. “Is this because of him?” She snarled, pointing an accusatory finger at Gao Tu.
Shen Wenlang smiled wickedly. Before he could say anything to worsen up the situation, Gao Tu spoked.
“Ms. Jin, I’m sorry for Mr. Shen not being able to reciprocate your feelings.” Her honey cake scent turned acrid. “I guarantee you it has nothing to do with me either.”
It didn’t see to calm her, but she recoiled. Jin Xian was the school sweetheart and worse than being rejected, was to lose her composure.
“Pray tell, Jin Xian…” Shen Wenlang drawled in a mocking tone. “What a useless omega like you could offer me besides whining? There must be something worth a thought in this thick skull of yours at least, no?”
Humiliation flickered briefly in Jin Xian eyes, but she was faster to compose herself. “Well, Shen Wenlang. Not much can be said against you, a perfect prince. President of the fencing club, top student of advanced classes, dirty rich.” She spat the words. “You even have a butler, how fitting.” She narrowed her eyes, voice satin as ever. “But I bet it get lonely sometimes. Say, butler.” She landed an icy gaze on Gao Tu. “Do you even know what you’re supposed to do, or you just lay there, limp as a pillow?”
Gao Tu paled. His eyes burned with unshed tears at the implications, a doll to use and nothing more. He thought of his mother.
Before heading to the cafeteria, the girl flashed a smile at Gao Tu. Then came a whisper under her breath, venomous. “I hope you’re having fun with him, scum pet.”
Shen Wenlang eyes flashed golden; the reply came in a low voice. “You should be more kind.”
The next day, Jiang Hu high school was fevering at the sudden expel of Jin Xian, due to her family being involved in the case of money laundering in the past government.
“I wasn’t expecting this to happen but. She kind of had it coming.” Was Ma Heng solely speech during lunch after.
Gao Tu pretended to not see the triumphant smile spread across Shen Wenlang’s face for the entire week after that.
Two years later and a few months before high school graduation, Shen Wenlang discovered that Gao Tu was, in fact, an omega.
The memory tasted bittersweet on Gao Tu’s tongue.
He wasn’t supposed to have his heat this early, but a sudden explosion of luring pheromones between two A-class alphas in the cafeteria was enough to making him feel like spiralling.
Nauseated, he needed to go back to his class and take the suppressant inhaler.
Shen Wenlang’s eyes glowed a sublet gold as he watched the scene unfold. All the alphas hyper aware. Possessive and submissive pheromones invading the space on an alarming rate.
“Irrational animals, all of them. We should go back to class and – Gao Tu, are you ok?!” The younger alpha eyes bulged as he watched his friend’s face go paler by the second.
“In-inhaler…” Gao Tu’s voice broke as he whispered.
Hooking one of Gao Tu’s arms around his shoulders and with a firm grip on his waist, Shen Wenlang marched his way out of the cafeteria, golden eyes glowing dangerously, daring anyone to stop him.
At some point, being so close to the alpha made Gao Tu unconsciously lean closer to his neck, his nose almost brushing the sensitive skin. In that state, Gao Tu missed the way goosebumps run through the other boy.
Feverish and already feeling the first signal of the upcoming wetness between his legs, Gao Tu was seated carefully at his desk chair, meanwhile Shen Wenlang rummaged through his backpack with nervous fingers.
“Don’t you dare die on me! Where’s this damn inhaler?! Don’t talk to me your dumbass, focus on breathing!” Shen Wenlang’s voice sounded sluggish as Gao Tu use all his strength to keep conscious.
It all happened so fast.
Gao Tu’s inhibitor patch had fall off due to his sweat drenched skin and his pheromones invaded the room, in an explosion that petrified Shen Wenlang.
He paused, inhaler in hands, staring down at Gao Tu with an open mouth. “You – omega?” Was all he managed to stutter while Gao Tu felt his eyes stinging.
There was no turn back now, Shen Wenlang, notorious for hating and despising omegas knew that he was pretending to be a beta. Hiding. Lying.
Before Gao Tu could’ve said anything, Shen Wenlang calmly placed the inhaler on his hands, which he immediately puffed. The younger alpha didn’t say a word, watching Gao Tu as his breathed more even. He felt the shame, but looking at the Shen Wenlang eyes, searching for hate, betrayal, anything, he found nothing instead. Shen Wenlang’s usually fierce eyes stared back at him completely blank.
“I need you to do exactly as I say, understood?” If he wasn’t feeling ashamed enough, Shen Wenlang’s commander voice itched something so deep and delicious, slick coating his briefs, that Gao Tu prayed to die right then. “You’re having an asthma attack. Wait.” He narrowed his eyes at the inhaler on Gao Tu’s hands. “Do you even have asthma?” The taller boy let out a scoff. “Whatever. Those animals back in the cafeteria triggered you so bad to the point of giving you an asthma attack. I brought you here so you could fetch your inhaler and not get something worse like a seizure for not being able to breath and die as a result.” Gao Tu only nodded at his words.
“What about…” This. The smell of an omega almost in heat. Me. Gao Tu was too ashamed to voice it out loud. Thankfully, Shen Wenlang’s sharp mind didn’t seem to waver.
“While carrying you, we accidentally bump into Situ Weilian backpack, and his pheromone scented perfume broke inside and spilled over. Anyway, we’re reeking not only with our scents but with those douchebags as well, so I really doubt it would make a big difference.”
“But doesn’t he smell like rosemary?” Gao Tu sounded as dizzy as he felt.
It was hard to say exactly what passed through Shen Wenlang’s face, but he shrugged. Not minding at all. “Well, it’s not as nice as sage, but it does the job at covering.” And with that, Gao Tu fainted.
Gao Tu woke up at the hospital feeling his head pounding. He wanted nothing more but to crawl out of his own skin and hide forever. That didn’t get better at the sight of Shen Wenlang eying his doctor with an annoyed look, the younger alpha seated next to his bed while the doctor checked over his clipboard.
“Oh, you’re awake. Welcome back Tu-ah, how are you feeling?” The doctor asked in a calm tone, which could’ve soothed his nerves a little, if the memories of what happened and how he ended up like that didn’t strike him like a punch.
He felt his heart throb and his stomach churn.
The cafeteria. Being carried all the way to his class. The scent block patch falling. His own pheromones going wild.
Shen Wenlang knows.
Tears started to sting his eyes, but Gao Tu refused to let them fall. It was already humiliating being on that situation, crying would only make it worse. And he would look like what the young alpha had always hated: helpless, useless and manipulative omega.
He hated himself the most.
Shen Wenlang didn’t say a world, looking at Gao Tu with that same expression back then. Completely blank.
“I’m happy to inform that you’re stable, Tu-ah. You may get a headache or feel a bit nauseous, but that’s because your hormones were imbalanced due to being on suppressants and then exposed to extreme levels of submitting pheromones from high-class alphas. Although your rascal of a classmate almost caused a havoc because of this…” Doctor Ling flashed a distressed look before composing himself again. “He kindly provided soothing pheromones to balance your hormonal levels, increasing the speed of your recovery. Who would’ve known you guys have over ninety percent of compatibility. And for that…” Doctor Ling forced smile. “I must thank you, Mr. Shen. Regardless of your manners, it’s my duty as a health professional to recognize when someone help. Thank you for being a good friend and taking care of Mr. Gao.”
Shen Wenlang rolled his eyes and scoffed but slightly bowed his head towards the doctor.
“I will come back later to sign your discharge papers, Tu-ah. I must go now boys. And Mr. Shen…” The usual calming voice was laced with something more serious. “Please, tone down your possessive pheromones to this room in order to not distress the other patients, okay?” It must be an hallucination, but Gao Tu could swear he saw a slight blush on the alpha’s cheeks.
“Of course. Hm. Sorry.”
The beta doctor flashed a warm smile for Gao Tu before closing the door behind him.
Gao Tu wished to disappear. One thing was being at the hospital, which wasn’t an uncommon occurrence due to his constants visits to Gao Qing or taking his monthly prescriptions of suppressants and pain killers.
Another thing was being trapped alone in a room with Shen Wenlang.
He felt his throat go dry.
Before Gao Tu could say anything, he realized that Shen Wenlang was releasing soothing pheromones and the warmth he felt vanished when he thought that it was just for medical purposes. Not because he wanted.
Shen Wenlang would rather be struck by a train than get involved with an omega.
It left Gao Tu with a sour taste on his mouth.
“I’m not angry with you, if that’s what you’re thinking.” That piercing gaze was full on Gao Tu now. No anger, hatred or disgust. Blank. Which Gao Tu thought it was worse than all the other options combined. “I was. You lied. And if all of this didn’t happen, you would’ve continued to do so. I know you would’ve. Why?” Gao Tu felt his ribcage shatter and his heart broke, Shen Wenlang was no longer blank.
He was hurt.
And Gao Tu caused that. Shen Wenlang could be a lot of things, but he wasn’t a liar. Rather too transparent for this own good.
“I know you’re not a gold digger, Gao Tu. Do you really think I would mistreat or lash out at you for being an omega?” He looked exasperated, soothing iris turning rancid. Gao Tu started to feel numb.
“Disgusted.” It was barely above a whisper. Shen Wenlang eyes bulged.
“You’d feel disgusted. Manipulated. That’s what you think of us.” Gao Tu felt like he was talking as a third person, fully disconnected. Shen Wenlang’s eyes turned clouded.
“Not you.” Gao Tu’s heart skipped a beat. “You’re reliable and loyal. You work hard to achieve everything. I’m not blind to your actions as a person.” Gao Tu let out an exhale he didn’t notice he was holding. Shen Wenlang’s eyes softened, iris turning soothing once again.
With a shaky breath, Gao Tu told him everything. Why he was hiding, Gao Ming, Gao Qing, his mother.
Shen Wenlang listened carefully, his eyes turning ice cold at discovering what Gao Tu endured at Gao Ming’s hands.
In a small voice, Gao Tu asked what was thundering on his heart. “If you knew sooner. Wouldn’t you hate me?”
Shen Wenlang eyes clouded again. “I see people for what they are. It’s not my fault if they tend to lean more on their animalistic side, to take advantage of others or situations. And it’s not your fault for being born an omega. Can’t say we would meet up the same fate, but you would stand out, unlike every omega I ever met, at least. As you did and do now. If that matters.”
It did.
After everything, Shen Wenlang spoke solemnly.
“You don’t have to worry. I’m not telling anyone. If it’s your wish to live and be perceived as a beta, I have no right to interfere. However, I’m asking you as a friend: don’t take unnecessary risks that could endanger your health. I know you take suppressants and pain killers, don’t overdo it.” The last part came in a very quiet voice. When Shen Wenlang looked over, he resembled a kicked pup. “Please.” Came as a whisper.
Friend. It was a bittersweet heartbreak, but Gao Tu could live with that.
Graduation came, but since that day no one dared to even look at Gao Tu. Ma Heng spend the remaining time teasing the older boy with ‘Young mistress Shen has a secretary, but you gained a guard dog!’, while Gao Tu rolled his eyes.
However, Gao Tu was, in fact, surprised for Shen Wenlang asking him to take a picture together. He mostly huffed and said it was a stupid thing, but Gao Tu’s heart warmed on his chest. Who would’ve thought a single framed picture was able to hold so many feelings?