Chapter Text
There was a legend, from a thousand years ago, the one people used to believe in. Red string theory. Soulmates. According to the legend, everyone born on this earth, is bound to have a person, who is meant for them. A soulmate. It is said that a person's soulmate is decided at birth itself, but one wouldn't recognize their other half until they turn eighteen and after they have been presented. Which means, one could potentially pass by their soulmate multiple times or even see them everyday, but wouldn't know until the conditions are met. A red string, which bends, stretches, twists, and turns but never snaps, connects the soulmates. It is tied to one's little finger and connects to their soulmate's pinky.
The string only becomes visible when both of them recognize each other through their scents. A soulmate finds their other half's scent the most attractive and comforting. But soulmates are rare now, usually if a person doesn't find their other half, they settle down with someone else they fell in love with, that is just how it works in the present day. The legend is fueled with people's belief in it, and when the belief goes down, so does the legend's power to create soulmates. But, it is said, those who find their soulmates, are bound for eternity.
Little Chay has heard the legend multiple times growing up, it was like his bedtime story. Porsche, his elder brother, has always been the one to recite this story. Chay loves when his brother narrates it for him, because he uses exaggerated hand gestures and expressions to fuel the growing anticipation and interest. This was one of the ways the brothers bonded after their parents passed away. Porsche has always heard the story growing up from his mother and now that she isn't here anymore, he took it upon himself to give that childhood to his baby brother. He spent his teenage years and early adulthood working as a bartender to keep them both afloat and also to pay away the debts.
Though Porsche was an omega, he used scent blockers to present himself as a beta. That's the only way he was able to get a job and protect himself from predators. The man knew that the world was fucked up from the moment people started discriminating on the basis of second genders, pushing omegas to be the bottom feeders. As if class discrimination doesn't already exist. The combination of both has laid foundation to the downfall of humankind. Typical human behavior.
Despite all the stereotypes and standards of the society for an omega, Porsche stood strong on his own legs. He fought, stood his ground, maintained boundaries, worked jobs, and absolutely refused to give into the orders of an alpha. He raised Chay to always be proud of himself and have self respect. As they say, siblings are similar, not the same. And Chay turned out to be someone who valued himself despite the societal pressures, and have self respect, just like Porsche taught him, but still was someone who walked away from a fight.
Porsche never pushed his younger brother to fight, he assured the boy that he would take that role on instead. And he kept his word. Chay still remembers bandaging his big brother's knuckles after he fought the loan sharks and stray alphas when they tried to mess with the duo. Chay was so thankful that he has a brother who loves him so much and cares for him.
Chay's 18th birthday took place a few days ago and that day, Porsche quite literally raced to the hospital when Chay started presenting himself. The reports came out today, revealing Chay as an Omega. "Oh.." That was the only thing that left the younger one's mouth, making the elder frown. "Are you not happy Chay?" Porsche questioned, making Chay snap out of it, "Um.. I am... It's just that.. omegas aren't treated very well right? And moreover just because we have the ability to give birth, we are just seen for that..." Chay expressed his mixed feelings and Porsche gave a small sad smile.
"I know Chay.. But remember what I told you? Don't let anyone walk over you. You are just as worthy as any other alpha. And not all omegas have to be submissive or anything like that, look at me for instance!" Porsche flexed his bicep, wiggling his eyebrows, making Chay laugh. "If you feel uncomfortable about everyone knowing you're an omega, I can get you scent blockers Chay... But don't ever be ashamed of who you are and if people around you are being assholes, cut em off. They don't deserve you." The big brother explained, pushing Chay deeper into his thoughts. Should I use the scent blockers...? Or no...?
"I think I'll try scent blockers hia..." Chay chose, deciding on Porsche's previous suggestion. "Alright, I'll buy you some tomorrow on the way home." Chay nodded and slumped on the couch. "Hia, what do I smell like?" Porsche leaned over and hugged his brother, ruffling his hair as he replied. "Caramel? I can't describe it very well, but it smells pretty sweet!" the younger brother gave him a bored look, "That wasn't helpful at all!" The elder one just laughed, "Ok lemme try again, uhhhh Candy?" Chay was sure that his brother was just playing around now. Candy and caramel? That's like saying the same thing twice at this point. "Oh my god!"
Porsche laughed even harder at his brother's 'wtf' face before he spoke, "Ok ok last one, Dessert!" Chay just stared at his brother, "I hope your pillow is warm on both sides tonight." That was all the younger one said before he left the room, leaving behind a laughing Porsche. The boy doesn't know why on earth Porsche is laughing, his jokes weren't even funny. Goodness.
Why does almost everything happen at 18? Second gender, adulthood, university, license, and anything else that slipped Chay's mind. When the boy was around five or six, he used to dream about becoming an adult, and now that he is finally one, he just wants to be a child again. Last week, he has given an interview for his dream university for architecture, after preparing for weeks. The boy's hardwork paid off and he actually got in.
When Porsche got to know, he immediately agreed, without even glancing at the fee details. Chay knew Porsche was already calculating the number of shifts in his mind. The younger one even offered to get a part time job to help, but his suggestion was quickly shut down. Don't worry about the money. I'll take care of that, you just focus on your education. Chay knew what that meant, more shifts, more work. Hopefully, he can get a job on the campus.
Soon, Porsche was helping him pack his stuff, shedding a few tears in the process, reminiscing about those sweet memories that they made together in the house. "Hia.. I'm not going to war..! I'll visit when I get semester breaks!" Chay tried to comfort his brother, but even his own voice cracked, giving away his true emotions. Sitting admist the half packed bags and suitcases, sat the brothers, wrapped in each other's embrace, crying and trying to comfort the other at the same time. "Please take care of yourself okay?
If anything is wrong, call me at once..! I'll come as fast as possible.... And don't hesitate to ask for money, I'm earning good money now.." Chay just hugged his brother tighter in response, placing his head on Porsche's shoulder. He can faintly catch Porsche's scent, even through the scent blockers that the elder one uses, it smells like coconuts and chocolate.
"Hia.. you smell like coconuts..." The younger one pulled back wiping his tears, watching Porsche do the same. "Really? Damn... I forgot what my scent even was like, it's been what? Uh five years since I started using them." Porsche explained, making Chay smile. "At least you like coconuts!" The younger one exclaimed. Somehow, they got the packing done. Porsche bought him weeks worth of scent blockers so that Chay has enough time to get accustomed to the environment, once he does, he can go buy the pills himself.
Stepping into such an enormous campus, Chay felt overwhelmed. He had no friends here, it is a new place, totally new environment, and Porsche wasn't with him. He managed to drag the two suitcases, along with a big backpack to the dorm building. The man sitting at the reception, looked up at the newcomer, who greeted him politely. "Name?" the man asked, his boredom evident in his tone. "Porchay Pichaya Kittasiwat." Chay replied, the man checked the list and looked back at the boy once his name was ticked off. "You're a beta?" Chay just nodded, putting on a facade. Revealing himself as an omega in a campus, where he doesn't have any friends yet and no other means of protection, puts him at a higher risk.
"Alright. You'll be sharing the room with an alpha." Chay's head snapped up, "Huh? Can't I get a room with another beta phi...?" The man just shook his head. "Sorry kid, we can't place two alphas in a room. The last time we did, they almost killed each other. Omegas can't be placed in a room with an alpha, too risky. So betas are placed to balance everything out." If Chay's soul could travel out his body and slap himself once or twice, it totally would. So Betas and Omegas in a room wouldn't hurt right? The heck.
"Room C-615. But don't worry though, you're sharing a room with a senior. When he has classes, you probably won't and vice versa." Chay sighed in relief, at least he won't have to deal with an alpha all the time. He dragged his luggage, all the way to the C block and took the elevator up to the sixth floor. Gosh, the view is breathtaking from up here, no wonder they charge a hefty amount of tuition fee. He unlocked the door with the given key and noticed the empty side of the room, his side.
The opposite one, is kept neat and clean, but he could smell the faint hints of something, probably from the alpha. He decided to worry about his roommate later and began unpacking his stuff and set up his room. Once done, Chay sent a quick message along with a photo of the dorm to Porsche, updating him. Chay flopped on the bed and decided to take a small nap, since the orientation is tomorrow and he has nothing planned for the day.
The university, apart from bearing good reputation for education, it's also known for providing spacious and comfortable dorm rooms. And it was true, the dorm had two rooms with attached bathrooms, one for each student, common living room with a television, dining space, and a big balcony. Chay has been sleeping for at least two hours, he fell asleep faster than he realized, since he spent the entire day dragged heavy luggage around.
The bed was soft, pillows were fluffy, and the comforter was heavy, the boy could probably sleep for an entire day if left alone. But unfortunately for Chay, the sound of the main door opening and footsteps woke him up. The boy was about to open the door to check when he heard knocks on his own room door. Chay broke up with his comfy bed for a moment and walked over to the door as the knocks were persistent and opened it. He was immediately hit with the alpha’s voice before he even saw the man's face.
"Who are you?" The man's voice was flat and void of any known emotion. Chay looked at the man before him, silky hair that was neatly styled, dark eyes that could probably pierce his soul, sharp cheekbones, dangly piercing, and pressed white shirt neatly tucked into black slacks. "I'm Porchay-" before Chay even has the chance to introduce himself to this man, he cut him off. "Why are you here?" Chay was starting to get a bit annoyed, the least thing that the man could do is let him talk.
"As I said, I'm Porchay, a new student. And I was assigned this dorm." The man scanned Chay from the top to the bottom, before his eyes settled on his face. The unknown man's face bore an faint frown as he spoke, "This dorm? I specifically told no roommates." he said, more to himself and picked up his phone. As he dialed someone, he glanced at Chay, "You may want to start packing your stuff." That made Chay frown, this time actually pissed. Nope, I'm not packing and unpacking all over again! Who does this man think he is??
As his roommate cut the call, within a few minutes, the dorm receptionist rushed into their dorm, nervous and panicked. "Khun Kim..!" The man, now he learnt the name, Kim, just looked calm, but a bit annoyed. "Was I not clear enough when I told no roommates?" Kim, gestured to Chay, who stood still at the entrance of his room. "Khun Kim, the thing is... There are no other rooms available... And your brother gave permission to assign roommates... We are very sorry Khun Kim.." the receptionist rambled the details, trying his best to explain. The man was adamant though, his eyes narrowed at the panicked person as he walked to him.
"So. You snitched to my brother?" The receptionist crumpled to the floor panicking, "N-no Khun Kim..! Khun Kinn called us personally to ask...!" Kim just sighed as he whipped up his phone to contact someone else. Chay just watched all of this in utter silence. What the actual hell is going on?
Chay watched as Kim spoke on the phone and when he cut the call, he looked defeated. He waved off the receptionist, who bowed and left as fast as he could. Then the man turned his head back to Chay and turned around, walked to his room, and slammed the door shut, leaving Chay standing there. What the heck is that dude's problem??? See, this is why Chay hates dealing with alphas, they're so bratty and want everything to go their way. Porsche has warned him several times before coming here, about alphas like Kim.
Chay just sighed and closed his door before laying back down on his bed. He can worry about his grumpy, bratty roommate later. But for now, going back to sleep it is.
The next day, by the time Chay woke up, freshened, got ready, and walked out, the alpha was gone. That made the boy smile in relief, Thank godddd!!! He was dressed in a formal white button up along with some black pants, which seem to be the dress code. Chay made sure his hair looks presentable and he took his scent blocker for the day as he walked out the door. The campus was very big, students used bicycles and personal vehicles to travel, but the boy didn't know that nor he had any bicycle or vehicle, so he just walked.
He likes walking anyway. Elizabeth lol. Chay laughed at his own thought and walked to the hall were the orientation was about to take place. The hall was packed with new students, all excited to be there. Chay found himself an empty seat, somewhere in the middle row, where he has a clear view of the podium. The boy beside him, turned to Chay and introduced himself. "Hey, I'm Ohm! And you?" Chay replied to the other boy's question smiling, "Hi Ohm, I'm Porchay!" Is this how we all made friends? Well this is better than being stuck with no friends anyway.
The boys shared about their backgrounds and hometowns, moving to their courses, then settling on roommates. Ohm, who revealed himself to be a fellow beta shared further, "Yeah! I'm roommates with an omega, he's pretty nice and social, we're good friends now!" Chay's eyes widened a bit, "Damn, it's been what? A day? And you're already friends with your roomie?" Ohm nodded and chuckled at Chay's expression.
"Being friends with your roomies is pretty good man~" Chay just sighed, "I wish I can relate." Ohm frowned, "Why? What happened??" Chay began to explain everything that happened the day before, and Ohm just listened. But once Chay revealted the name of his roommate, Ohm's eyes widened a bit. "No wonder you're annoyed. You're placed with THE Kim Khimhant Theerapanyakun!" Chay gave Ohm a confused look, not understanding his outburst. The other boy noticed it and explained further.
"He's a senior. Second year. Comes from Theerapanyakun's family. So his family makes shit ton of donations to this university, and they have great control over this university, along with some other. And Kim has had roommates in the past, but they all kinda you know? Checked out of the room after a month or two." Chay frowned, "Why?" Ohm sighed, "I'm not sure about the actual reason, but the rumors are that he is pretty rude and doesn't cooperate." Chay shrugged. Their orientation started, snapping their attention back to the podium. If I can ignore him then I won't know if he's rude or not. I'll keep to myself, complete education and get a good job!
The next week passed in utter bliss for Chay. Classes, clubs, assignments, new friends, and he didn't interact with Kim at all. After that first interaction, nothing happened at all, they kept to themselves, and the living room was basically barren. The younger boy waited for any sarcastic remark or rude statement from the other one, but was met with absolute silence.
Chay was living his absolute best life. He updated Porsche almost everyday, random texts, photos, and stickers. Porsche was worried at first, but now learning that Chay was settling in, he was at ease. The younger boy learned that Porsche got a new job as well, one with a significantly high pay. Chay was very happy for his brother, now at least he won't work night shifts.
The doe eyed boy made sure that no one knows his real identity as an omega. Everyone including his new friends, all thought he was a beta, thank god for the scent blockers. That morning, he went to attend his first lecture, Foundational design principles. Ohm, along with Nin, a female alpha, whom he met a few days ago, tagged along. The three friends sat in the third row and attended the session. By the time lunch rolled around, they were racing to the cafeteria, like cats who have not eaten in one whole hour.
"So, how's it going with your roomie Chay?" Nin asked as she sat with the two boys, with her lunch tray. "I haven't seen him in a week I guess, whenever I have classes, he doesn't, and when he does, I don't. In short, peaceful." Ohm just smirked, "So he didn't talk to you?" Chay shook his head, "Nope." Ohm pushed further, "And you didn't?" Chay repeated his answer once again, "Nope." Ohm wasn't having it, "So-" Before the boy opened his mouth again, Nin whacked his head. "He just said no, are you deaf??" The beaten up boy just huffed and gave a fake pout, "I just wanna know the juicy details okay!" Nin rolled her eyes, "He just said nothing happened, how the fuck are you gonna get juicy details from that idiot?" Chay just sighed as he ate his food. "How about you Nin? How's it going with your roommate? Is she okay?"
Nin's annoyed expression went back to a more relaxed one as she turned to Chay, "Oh yeah, she's pretty friendly, we have things in common, so we talk sometimes." Chay hummed, as he ate. "I wish I can relate with you guys on this one..." Nin just sighed and patted Chay's shoulder, "It's okay, at least he isn't rude. If he is though, just lemme know. I'll beat him up for ya!" Ohm just stared at her with a 'Are you crazy?' face, "That's Theerapanyakun you're talking about." Nin glared at Ohm, "And, I come from a wealthy family too idiot, my family is business partners with his family. And moreover," She lifted her arm to flex her toned arm. "I can fight." Chay just stared at her in awe. "Wah...." The other beta boy was more scared than anything.
After a long ass day of classes, Chay finally returned to his dorm, eyes droopy and ready to sleep. As soon as he opened the main door, he was greeted with Kim sitting on the couch, sipping on a drink. Kim looked up at his roommate who just entered the dorm, letting his eyes drink in the view for a maximum of three seconds, and he looked away. Chay was just quietly walking to his room when the older man's voice stopped him. "You didn't close the door."
Chay looked back at the door, which he left unlocked, and walked back to close it. "You're a beta?" Kim asked and the younger boy just nodded. He watched as Kim downed the drink in a go and stand up. "Why don't you have a proper scent?" Chay was shocked, but masked that with confusion. "What do you mean?" Kim stood in place as he shoved his hands into his pockets. "Your scent. It doesn't smell like a beta. I can only catch hints of it, which means you're using scent blockers." Kim deducted in a calm voice.
It wasn't a question, just a finding, a mere declaration. "I am a beta. And why do I have to use scent blockers? And why are you worried about it?" Shit, getting defensive can potentially mean you're hiding something. Kim just watched him with a bored expression. "I'm not worried about you or your scent blockers. I'm trying to find out if you're someone sent to kill me." Chay stared at the man and his expression turned confused as soon as those words left Kim's mouth. "What are you talking abou-" his words were cut short by Kim aiming a gun at him.