Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

  Punn had always had to work hard to gain the approval of his father.

  His father had expectations and if Punn didn't meet them then he was seen as a disappointment. It had always been that way.

  So Punn had tried his best to meet all of his father's expectations and for the first sixteen years of life he did. But then came the day of his presentation.

  His father had always told Punn that he expected him to be an alpha. It was never really an option for him to be anything else so when one morning when he was sixteen he suddenly woke up feeling strange he knew he was presenting.

  Everyone usually presented when they were sixteen but there were some that presented earlier and some who were late bloomers. Everyone in the gifted program had presented already but even though Punn was the only one left who hadn't they all expected him to be an alpha. They said it made complete sense considering his power and multiple personalities.

  They had been wrong though because on the day of Punn's presentation he soon realized he wasn't an alpha. He was an omega.

  He didn't remember much from that day or more like days. His personalities had quickly taken turns taking over and the next thing he knew he was waking up to find Claire and Wave sitting on the couch.

  "You're awake." Claire was the first to notice and the beta stood up and approached his bed. Wave followed behind her.

  "What happened?" Punn asked.

  "Five days ago you, or well your paranoid personality, called Claire telling her you'd presented as an omega." Wave said. "We informed the school and a nurse was immediately sent to check on you and give you an injection."

  "Five days ago?" Punn asked shocked he'd been not in control for so long.

  Claire nodded.

  "All your personalities except the dark one came out during the past 5 days. We weren't allowed to see you until yesterday and we spent the entire night trying to persuade them to let you come back." Claire said.

  "I'm surprised Dark Punn didn't make an appearance and try to become the permanent one." Wave said.

  "Does my father know?" Punn asked.

  Claire and Wave shared a look and that's the only answer he needed.

  "You guys can leave." Punn said, turning on his side and facing away from them.

  "Punn-" Claire started.

  "I'm awake and back in control. There's nothing to worry about anymore. Dark Punn isn't going to come out and wreak havoc." Punn cut her off.

  "We're not here just to make sure your personalities don't cause trouble. We're here because we care about you and want to make sure you're okay." Claire said.

  "I'm fine." Punn said.

  "You're fine? Lies. I can clearly see you're not fine." Claire said.

  "Claire." Wave interrupted what was probably going to be a long speech. "Let's go and give him some time to think."

  "But-"

  "Claire." Wave said.

  Punn heard Claire let out a frustrated sigh.

  "Fine, but I'll be back with dinner." Claire said before storming out.

  Punn knew Wave was still standing there.

  "If you have any questions you know how to contact me." Wave said before the omega also left.

  Punn waited until Wave was out of his room and the door was closed to turn around and grab the trash can and puke. He didn't really have much in his stomach to puke but apparently his personalities had been eating so he puked whatever they'd eaten.

  When he was finally done he got up and walked over to his bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror and without hesitation punched it when he saw his reflection. He slid down to the floor, his hand bloody and throbbing.

  'Weak.' He heard his angry personality snicker.

  Punn sighed.

  After all his hard work to get some praise and approval from his father and be the perfect son he'd lost it all again. His father's worst nightmare had come true.

  Punn was an omega.

Chapter Text

  "Don't forget to water the plants." Wave said as he walked back and forth from his bedroom to the living room couch where he had two luggage bags opened.

  "You're only going to be gone for two weeks. They'll be fine." Punn said as Wave walked out of his bedroom with a stack of clothes and over to the blue luggage bag.

  "Don't kill my plants Punn." Wave said as he tried to make the stack of clothes fit.

  "Are you going on vacation or moving out?" Punn asked as he watched Wave struggle.

  "Ha ha ha very funny." Wave said, sitting on the luggage bag and trying to zip it.

  Mon and Claire walked out of Claire's bedroom just then and Punn decided not to question when exactly the alpha had arrived and gone into Claire's bedroom. He hadn't even heard the front door open all morning meaning Mon had probably spent the night. Both girls laughed when they saw Wave.

  "What is happening here?" Mon asked amused.

  "He has packed his entire wardrobe is what is happening." Punn said rolling his eyes.

  "Shut up!" Wave yelled.

  "Wave, you don't need all that for two weeks." Claire said pointing at the mess on the floor and the second luggage bag that was obviously not going to close.

  "Here, let me help." Mon walked over and pressed the bag down so Wave could close it.

  "Thanks." Wave sighed and then looked at his second luggage bag and everything he had on the floor that he planned on taking. "I might have overpacked."

  "Not even I packed that much. I have a medium sized luggage bag and a small shoulder bag and that's it." Claire said walking over to the kitchen where Punn had been watching from amused.

  "I have one luggage bag packed." Mon said.

  "Okay, so I might be panicking." Wave finally admitted.

  "I'll help you figure out what you need and don't need and try and fit everything in one luggage bag." Mon offered.

  Wave and Mon opened the luggage bag they'd just closed and started going through everything making three piles. One for definitely, another for maybe, and the third for not needed.

  "Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Claire asked Punn as she prepared breakfast for herself and Mon. "It's going to be fun."

  "And be a third wheel to Pang and Wave or a fourth wheel to Mon, Korn and you? No thanks." Punn said as he took a sip of his coffee.

  Claire's face turned pink.

  "There is nothing going on between Mon, Korn, and I." She said quickly looking down at the frying pan.

  "I have eyes." Punn said.

  "Whatever, but Ohm and Namtaan are going too. You won't be a third wheel…or fourth wheel." Claire said.

  "They're going to tease Pang and Wave the entire time and because it's a free trip." Punn pointed out.

  "Punn…" Claire sighed.

  "I'll be fine by myself and besides Jack and Jo aren't going. If something does happen they're like five minutes away." Punn said.

  "What are you going to do here all by yourself for two weeks? Come with us. If you want to stay in the rental house the entire time then so be it but at least come." Claire said.

  "I won't be by myself." Punn said defensively. "I…I have things to do…with people."

  Claire raised an eyebrow. "We're in our third year of university and you've made zero new friends since we were fifteen and got placed in the gifted program together." Claire said.

  "I'm going to a gathering at a bar tonight." Punn said remembering his group members for one of his classes had all agreed to meet at a popular local bar near the university. Punn had obviously declined but Claire didn't know that.

  "You? At a bar?" Wave suddenly joined the conversation. "That's the worst lie I've ever heard."

  "What's that supposed to mean?" Punn asked defensively.

  "You hate crowded and loud places." Wave stated.

  "Well I'm going tonight." Punn said.

  "Then you won't mind sending us pictures of this bar gathering you're going to right?" Claire asked, smiling.

  "I'll send you pictures." Punn said smiling back.

  "Um, we're kind of on a time crunch here. We're supposed to meet the others in thirty minutes." Mon said.

  "Shoot!" Claire said and quickly returned to making breakfast.

  Punn observed his friends finish packing, getting dressed, and run around the apartment making sure they didn't forget anything. Sharing an apartment with Wave and Claire was one of the best and worst decisions Punn had made.

  Best decision because he was never truly alone to self wallow in his problems and dark thoughts. Wave and Claire were always around or dragging Punn with them wherever they went. They helped keep his other personalities at bay and when they did come out they knew exactly how to handle them. And the personalities, except Dark Punn, actually liked them. Some more than others but they didn't cause as much trouble whenever Wave and Claire were around which was good.

  Worst decision because they knew him too well. If Punn woke up in a dark mood they knew immediately something was wrong and did their best in figuring out what it was and what to do to help. Punn couldn't lie to them because they knew when he did. After he'd presented as an omega back in high school Punn had really spiraled. He had a lot of dark spots in his memory of the rest of the school year that year. His personalities had all found it very easy to come out during that time due to the fact Punn was mentally weak from dealing with his father's disappointment and constant verbal and sometimes physical assaults due to the fact he hadn't presented as an alpha.

  "Okay, we're leaving." Claire announced as she stood by the front door with Mon and Wave. They had already made a trip down to the car to put their luggage in and had just come back up to say goodbye.

  "I left some frozen meals in the freezer. They're from Pang and Namtaan. All you have to do is heat them up." Wave said.

  "I know how to cook." Punn pointed out.

  "But you forget to eat." Mon said, crossing her arms. "So if you forget to eat and are suddenly hungry just pop one of the frozen meals in the microwave and eat."

  "I'm not a child." Punn said.

  "Just promise to not ignore our texts asking how you are and that we won't return to find you sick because you haven't been taking care of yourself." Claire said.

  "I promise." Punn said and started pushing them out the door. "Now go. You're going to be late."

  "Don't forget the plants." Wave said.

  "Don't forget to take your medication." Claire said.

  "It doesn't work." Punn said, earning a look from Claire. "Okay, okay, I'll take it. Now go!"

  "Bye." Mon said.

  "Don't kill the plants." Wave said. "Take care Punn."

  Claire pulled Punn into a hug. "Text or call if you need us." She whispered before pulling away. "See you in two weeks. I'll bring you a souvenir."

  "Have fun." Punn waved as they walked towards the elevator, entered the elevator, and the doors closed.

  He received a text a minute later.

  Ugh. He was going to have to go to the gathering at the bar tonight. There was no way he was going to let Claire win. He knew if he did then she would drag him to some party or something of her choice for lying.

Chapter Text

  Punn already hated the place and he hadn't even been there longer than a minute.

  It was rowdy, packed, and everyone was already a little drunk.

  He would endure it for a few minutes. Just long enough to get a picture and then leave.

  "Punn!" One of his classmates spotted him surprised but gave him a welcoming smile. "We didn't think you'd come."

  Punn gave him a forced small smile. Just because he didn't like going out didn't mean he was rude with his classmates. He made sure to have a good relationship with them at school even though he always declined to hang out.

  "I decided to finally come and see if your gatherings are as fun as everyone says." Punn said.

  He laughed like if Punn had said the funniest thing ever and Punn just chuckled awkwardly not finding what he'd said very funny.

  "Come on. Let's tell the others you're here." He said wrapping and arm around Punn and pulled him towards the crowd. "Look who's here everyone? It's Punn!"

  After a few minutes of forced interaction Punn was finally able to escape his loud classmates. He was starting to get a headache from being around them already.

  'We should leave. What if they pull a prank on us?' He heard Paranoid say in his head.

  'Then we show them who they dared to mess with! I can take them down!' Angry said.

  "Nobody is fighting anybody. Shut up." Punn mumbled out loud.

  'We can't let them look down on us!' Angry yelled.

  'Nobody is looking down at us. On the contrary they like us because of how smart we are. We are at the top of our class.' Perfectionist said.

  "You guys are making my headache worse. Just shut up and go back to sleep or something." Punn mumbled.

  He didn't hear anything in his head anymore after that.

  Punn walked over to the bar and ordered a drink and then his phone went off.

  It was Claire.

  "Aren't you supposed to be on vacation?" Punn answered.

  "Aren't you supposed to be at a gathering?" She answered back.

  "I am. Can you not hear the noise?" Punn asked.

  "Really?" Claire asked, surprised.

  Punn held his phone away from his ear for a few seconds so she could hear the noise.

  "Heard that? I'm at the bar like I said I would be." Punn said once he had his phone back against his ear.

  Punn could hear Claire telling the others that he hadn't lied and was actually at a bar.

  "So you're sending me the pictures you promised?" Claire asked.

  "Yeah." Punn said.

  "Are you having fun?" Claire asked.

  "Lots of fun." Punn said, looking over at his drunk classmates. He was getting out of here as soon as he got a picture.

  "Are you being sarcastic?" Claire asked, sighing.

  "Me? Sarcastic? Please." Punn said.

  "He's being sarcastic!" He heard Wave yell.

  "Do you have me on speaker?" Punn asked.

  "Yeah." Claire confirmed.

  Punn sighed. "Guys I am fine. Just enjoy your vacation and forget about me. I'll still be here when you get back." Punn said.

  "Don't drink too much and be careful. You should've taken Jack or Jo with you if you were going to drink." Pang said.

  "Wave smack your boyfriend for me please." Punn said and a second later heard Pang make a pained sound.

  "Just because of my status as an omega doesn't mean I can't take care of myself. Have you forgotten what I can do?" Punn asked, rolling his eyes.

  "I'm just saying as a precaution." Pang defended.

  "Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever." Punn said. "I'm hanging up. Don't call me again until your vacation is over."

  "Text one of us when you get home!" Claire quickly said before the call ended.

  "Here's your drink." The bartender said, placing it in front of him with a smile.

  "Thanks." Punn said before grabbing his drink and walking back to his classmates. He was going to get the picture, probably another drink afterwards, and then leave.

  Twenty minutes later Punn was sitting back at the bar sending Claire the stupid pictures he'd taken with his group mates. It was obvious Punn's smile was forced but his five group mates were so drunk they couldn't even tell. He did feel a bit bad for just using them to get Claire off his back. They were nice people and always invited Punn to join them when they made plans even though Punn always declined.

  Punn was waiting for the drink he just ordered when he sensed trouble.

  He glanced around trying to spot what was making him on edge when he spotted them and they spotted him.

  'Let me out! I'll handle them!' He felt and heard Angry immediately trying to take control.

  "Stop." Punn hissed under his breath.

  'They're going to cause a scene and tell everyone about our past.' Paranoid said and Punn could feel like starting to get agitated.

  'Everyone keep calm. Let me handle it Punn.' Perfectionist said.

  "I can handle it on my own. All of you be quiet and don't you dare try and come out." Punn ordered just before the group of three reached him.

  "Told you it was him." The leader told his two friends.

  "Do I know you?" Punn asked unbothered.

  The leader looked genuinely offended.

  "We went to high school together. You and your little gifted friends thought you were so much better than the rest of us." He said and Punn could tell the guy was annoyed and starting to release pheromones.

  "Ah, yeah. You were that asshole who could never get over the fact I always scored higher in every test and assignment than you." Punn said smiling. "You were also jealous that I got chosen for the gifted program and you didn't. Huffing and puffing around school like if it was my fault you didn't qualify."

  "I should've gotten in!" He snarled, earning some looks and if Punn was like other omegas he would be submitting and trying to get out of there but he wasn't. "My score was just a bit lower than yours and that idiot Pang got in."

  "You just didn't make the cut. What do you want me to do about it over five years later? Grow up." Punn said, rolling his eyes.

  "Easy for you to say when everyone knows the only reason you made it was because of your father." One of his friend's said.

  "Maybe you shouldn't be talking when I clearly remember kicking your ass more than once back in high school." Punn told him.

  'I kicked his ass more than once back in high school!' Angry yelled in Punn's head but he ignored him.

  "Or have you forgotten how you got your ass kicked by an omega?" Punn asked.

  The alpha pheromones being released by all three guys were really starting to stink up the place and everyone was starting to look over trying to see what was going on. Punn felt bad for the omegas he saw having to run out of the place because it was getting too much.

  If Punn was just like them he'd also be running out about now but he wasn't.

  "You think you can talk to us that way just because of who your father is? Well guess what? Daddy isn't here to use his power and money to protect you anymore." The leader said. "Do you think we don't know you've basically been disowned? That's the reason you're studying in some mediocre university isn't it? Daddy wasn't willing to pay for his disappointment of an omega son to go to the best one."

  "No, I'm studying in the university I am because I had choices to pick from unlike you who only got accepted to one." Punn said.

  That did it.

  Punn was ready to dodge the hand but before he even had too a hand shot out and pushed the guy away.

  "You're upsetting the customers and causing a scene. Leave." The bartender who had served Punn his drinks said standing between Punn and the asshole and his friends.

  "That lowlife omega insulted me!" The guy yelled.

  "Maybe because you insulted him first. Either way you three are the ones releasing pheromones that are upsetting everyone else here. Leave." The bartender said.

  "Who do you think you're talking to? Do you know who I am?" The asshole asked.

  "Do you know who you are talking to? The owner of this bar so get the fuck out before I call my friends over there over here to drag you out!" The bartender said pointing at a corner where a group of tough looking guys and girls were sitting and standing watching. They looked ready to head over the second the bartender gave them a signal to.

  "You're going to regret this." The head asshole snarled and then glared at Punn before storming off.

  "I'll go make sure they don't hang around the area." A guy stepped forward and said.

  "Thanks Prem." The bartender said. "Take Knot with you just in case."

  The guy nodded and walked away.

  "I had that handled you know?" Punn said.

  The bartender turned around and for the first time Punn took notice of his appearance. He wasn't bad looking.

  "I'm sure you did but they were making my customers uncomfortable." He said, giving Punn a dimpled smile.

  "Punn!" One of Punn's groupmate ran over followed by the others and some of their classmates. "Are you okay?"

  "I'm fine." Punn said, uncomfortable with all the sudden attention. "I'm heading home though."

  "Okay, do you want one of us to walk you to your car?" Another of his groupmates asked.

  "Uh, no, I'm fine. I'm taking a taxi." Punn said.

  "I'll walk him out and make sure he gets in a taxi safely." The bartender or bar owner to be more precise said.

  "Oh, thanks P'Bright!" One his classmates said.

  Punn wanted to argue that he would be fine on his own but honestly just wanted to leave already so he didn't and just said goodbye and headed out. The bar owner followed and stood next to Punn as he waited for the taxi he had just called.

  "Do you normally fight alphas?" He asked Punn after a minute or two of awkward silence.

  "If they're annoying assholes who need to be put in their place yeah." Punn said truthfully.

  Surprisingly the bar owner laughed.

  "What's so funny?" Punn asked.

  "Nothing." He said. "You just give me the impression that you get yourself in trouble a lot."

  "My friends would agree with you." Punn said, sighing.

  He was pretty sure someone had recorded part of what had happened and Claire and the others would see it circulating on social media. He'd then receive dozens of calls and messages from them scolding him for almost getting into a fight when none of them were around.

  "I take it your name is Punn?" The bar owner asked. "Your friends inside said it."

  "Ah, yeah. That's my name and those people weren't my friends. Just classmates." Punn said. "And your name is…?" Might as well know his name if he knew his.

  "Bright." The bar owner said smiling once again showing his dimples.

  "Ah, you must be the Bright my classmates talk about. You've got the most popular hang out place in the area." Punn said. "Even my friends have mentioned it to me."

  "That's me." Bright said.

  A taxi pulled up just then.

  "Well it looks like your ride is here. Stay safe Nong and don't go getting into anymore fights." Bright said opening the taxi door for Punn.

  "Thanks." Punn mumbled and got in.

  "Bring your friends next time and I'll give you and your friends a free drink." Bright said.

  Punn looked at him confused but nodded. He closed the door and gave the taxi driver his address. He looked back as the taxi drove off and saw Bright still standing there just staring after the car with a smile.

  Weirdo.

  His phone started ringing right then and Punn groaned when he saw it was Claire. She'd probably seen something about what had happened already. He hit ignore, sent a quick message in the group chat, and then turned off his phone.

Chapter Text

  "If you're in a bad situation then you avoid escalating it! They could've hurt you Punn!" Claire exclaimed.

  It was two weeks later now and everyone had returned from their vacation. Punn had somehow managed to convince Claire not to head back home two weeks ago when she'd seen the videos posted on social media about Punn's altercation with those asshole alphas. Jack and Jo had hung out with Punn during the remainder of the time the others had been on vacation. It was obvious Claire had told them to not let Punn out of their sight until she and the others got home.

  Now everyone was gathered in Punn, Wave, and Claire's apartment listening to Claire scold Punn. Punn just nodded every time it seemed appropriate. Arguing with Claire was a lost cause since she always won.

  "If that Phi hadn't stepped in you could've been seriously hurt." Mon said.

  "I could've totally taken them." Punn mumbled.

  Wave nudged Punn to be quiet.

  "Claire, I'm fine." Punn said, standing up and walking towards her. "Now do you really think the best way to spend your first day back from vacation is scolding me? You guys must be exhausted from traveling."

  "Punn is right." Pang interjected before Claire could continue. "I could really use a drink."

  "Me too." Ohm said.

  Everyone else agreed.

  "That's good because the Phi who helped Punn out was the bar owner and he told him to bring his friends next time and he'd give us a free drink." Jack said with a grin.

  Punn glared at him.

  "P'Bright right?" Namtaan asked.

  "Yeah." Punn confirmed.

  "Let's go!" Ohm exclaimed standing up.

  "I don't feel like going out and drinking." Punn said trying to escape to his room but Wave quickly grabbed his arm.

  "You're coming with us. You're our ticket to free drinks." Wave said and didn't let go.

Chapter Text

  "I can't believe you're using me to get free beer." Punn said as Pang drove.

  Wave was in the passenger seat. Claire and Punn were sitting in the middle row of the van. Mon and Korn were sitting in the back. The others had taken Jack and Jo's car so they didn't all have to squeeze into one. They'd tried it once and it was the most uncomfortable experience of Punn's life. Ohm had ridden in the trunk of the van along with Jack and they'd ended up with their feet up in the air by the time they'd gotten home. It was a disaster.

  In their defense they'd all, except for Wave and Pang, had been drunk off their asses.

  "Well believe it because we're here." Korn said laughing.

  They all got out and saw the other's walking towards them.

  "I haven't even been here since that night. We don't even know if the bar owner is here tonight. I can't just walk in asking for free drinks." Punn tried protesting.

  "P'Bright is here. I saw a classmate of mine post a picture on their social media and he was in the background." Namtarn said.

  "Still…I can't just say I want free drinks!" Punn said.

  "He offered." Ohm said, wrapping an arm around Punn's shoulders forcing him to continue walking. "Calm down. I heard taking deep breaths can slow down your body's physiological response to anger. Try that. We don't want one of your personalities making an appearance do we?"

  Punn glared at Ohm but took deep breaths. He did not want any of his personalities to come out tonight.

  "Oh, look, there he is!" Namtarn said pointing towards the bar.

  "Put that finger down! He's going to see you!" Punn reached over and slapped Namtarn's hand.

  "Too late." Jack said.

  Punn looked over at the bar and saw Bright looking over at them.

  "Let's just sit down." Punn said and he dragged Ohm and Namtarn towards an area that was empty to take a seat. "You guys are so embarrassing."

  "Since when do you care about appearances?" Pang asked, amused.

  "Since we're in a place filled with our classmates and you guys are pointing at people!" Punn snapped.

  "Leave Punn alone guys." Claire said, taking a seat next to him.

  "He's coming over here." Ohm said looking over Punn's shoulder. Punn was sitting with his back to the bar so he didn't turn around. His friends on the other hand all looked over.

  "Hi, welcome." Bright's somehow familiar voice, even though Punn had only heard it for the first time two weeks ago, said stopping next to them.

  "Hello P'Bright." Namtarn greeted him seeming to be familiar with him.

  "Hello Nong." Bright smiled at her, meanwhile Punn tried making himself invisible so maybe he wouldn't see him. But to Punn's luck Bright turned and looked at him next. "Hi, Nong Punn. I haven't seen you in two weeks. I've been wondering how you’ve been doing after what happened."

  "Ah, hi. I'm good. Great." Punn said.

  "Phi thank you for looking out for our Punn." Claire stood up to thank him. "We are all so grateful you stepped in when you did. He tends to get himself in situations that are just not safe so we're really grateful you were there."

  "Claire!" Punn kicked her.

  "Ah, it was no problem. I wasn't going to let some assholes cause a scene in my bar and possibly hurt someone just because their egos were hurt. They were making everyone uncomfortable." Bright said smiling.

  "Phi, Punn told us that you told him to bring his friends and you'd give them a free drink." Namtarn said, giving him a smile.

 "Oh my god." Punn covered his face.

  Bright chuckled. "Yeah, I did. Are you all his friends?" He asked.

  "Yes, we're his only friends." Ohm said.

  Punn decided not to comment on that.

  "I'll get you guys drinks then. What would you like?" Bright asked.

  Punn uncovered his face as his friends went around telling him what drink they'd like.

  "Punn?" Bright asked.

  "What?" Punn asked.

  "He asked what drink you'd like." Wave said amused.

  "Ah, nothing. I don't really…drink." Punn said.

  "What? Come on! Have a drink." Ohm insisted. "You're the reason we're getting free drinks."

  "Do you want me to kick your ass today? You're kind of asking for it at this point." Punn threatened.

  "We have non-alcoholic drinks too." Bright said.

  "I'll have a soda then." Punn gave in.

  Bright gave him a bright smile.

  "Okay, I'll be right back." He said and walked away.

  "He's totally into you." Namtarn said the second he was out of ear-shot.

  "Namtarn!" Punn exclaimed glaring at her.

  "I think she's right." Mon said looking at the others.

  "He is not." Punn hissed.

  "I think Namtarn and Mon are right on this one." Pang said.

  "Wave I'm going to kick your boyfriend's ass tonight." Punn told Wave.

  "I agree with him." Wave shrugged.

  "Claire, tell them they're insane. You can see emotions." Punn turned and looked at his other best friend.

  Claire sat back down next to Punn with a sigh.

  "They're right." Claire said.

  "You've all lost your minds." Punn said groaning. "He is not into me. We don't even know each other. We met for the first time two weeks ago and haven't seen or spoken since."

  "I don't know. He seems smitten already." Korn said, turning to look at the bar and Punn quickly forced him to turn back around.

  "I think your vacation has made you all stupid." Punn said. "You all spent too much time in the sun. Your brains are fried."

  His friends all shared looks but didn't say anything.

Chapter Text

  -and then a riptide came and dragged Ohm into the ocean. Pang and I had to quickly hurry in and save his ass." Namtarn said.

  Punn shook his head in disappointment as he looked at Ohm.

  They were still at the bar and everyone was telling Jack, Jo, and Punn about their trip. Everyone had at least one story about Ohm almost dying. It was a miracle he had returned alive from the trip.

  "It's getting late and I'm tired. I think I'm going to head home." Mon said.

  "Me too." Korn said.

  "You two can stay over at our place. It's closer. You guys don't mind right?" Claire turned and looked at Wave and Punn.

  "It's fine. I'm actually staying over at Pang's. You guys can use my room if you need to." Wave said.

  "I guess we should all get going then. It is pretty late and it's almost closing time." Jack said, looking at his watch.

  "Punn, here." Claire handed him her credit card. "Go pay our tab. It's on me." She gave him a sweet smile.

  "Why do I have to go?" Punn asked, looking at the others.

  "I have a cramp on my leg." Ohm said.

  "I'm massaging his cramp on his leg." Namtarn said, suddenly starting to massage Ohm's leg.

  "I drank too much." Jo said.

  "I need to stay here and take care of my brother." Jack said.

  "Too tired." Wave shrugged, not even trying to come up with a good excuse.

  "Um, I-" Punn cut off whatever weak excuse Pang was about to give and stood up taking Claire's credit card.

  "I hope you all caught something during that trip and wake up feeling like shit." Punn said as he walked away.

  He walked over to the bar where only Bright was standing cleaning. There weren't many people left in the bar and Punn was pretty sure he recognized the only other big group still there as Bright's friends from last time.

  "I'd like to pay our tab." Punn said, holding up Claire's card.

  Bright gave him a dimpled smile.

  "Ah, it's okay. You guys didn't get that many anyways. It's on the house." Bright said.

  "We're literally a group of ten and each of us ordered at least three drinks and that's not counting snacks and food." Punn pointed out.

  "It's fine." Bright insisted. "It's all on the house."

  "But-"

  "How about this? It's on the house today but you have to promise to come back and next time you can order way more things to make up for today. If that makes you feel better." Bright said.

  "Why can't I just pay today?" Punn asked.

  "Your friends seem nice. It makes me feel better knowing you've got such great friends to have your back in case the assholes from last time show up in front of you again." Bright said, looking over at Punn's friends.

  Punn turned and saw they were all scrambling to look like they hadn't been staring and trying to eavesdrop.

  "They're alright." Punn said, turning back to look at Bright. "Um, thanks for last time and I guess for tonight too."

  "No problem." Bright said. "Don't forget to come back."

  "Uh, yeah. Bye." Punn turned and headed back to his friends but not before he heard one of Bright's friends say. "Bright, you are fucking hopeless! You see a cute guy and you give our free drinks and food to him and his friends? How are you still in business?"

  "Shut the fuck up Prem! He's going to hear you!" Bright hissed.

  "What happened? Why's your face red?" Claire stood up and walked over to Punn.

  "It was on the house. Here." He handed her the credit card back. "Let's go."

  "This was all on the house?!" Ohm exclaimed.

  Punn rolled his eyes and walked away with his friends quickly scrambling to follow him.

  "We should take Punn out with us more often. Who knows? Maybe his cute face can get us free stuff in more places." Jack said, throwing an arm around Punn's shoulders.

  "His face is cute. Maybe we should." Pang said.

  "Soft too." Namtarn said as she poked one of Punn's cheeks.

  "Look at this cute face." Ohm pinched Punn's cheeks and that's when he finally lost it.

  "I'm going to kill you." Punn said and Ohm ran towards the doors screaming with Punn running after him.

Chapter Text

  Punn didn't expect to see Bright again until he returned to the bar with his friends so it's not like he walked around keeping an eye out. His thought process was that they've lived in the same area for years now and never bumped into each other before so why would they now?

  So when he went to the flower shop to pick up some flowers Wave had ordered for Pang he was shocked to walk in and spot Bright there.

  'Run!' Paranoid yelled in his head.

  'I'm not running.' Punn said as he walked the other way to get to the counter hoping Bright didn't spot him.

  Punn told the girl behind the register his name and that he was picking up an order for Wave. She took the receipt Punn showed her and went to the back room.

  "Nong Punn?"

  Shoot.

  Punn turned and saw Bright walking over holding a coral colored flower.

  "P'Bright, I didn't see you here." Punn lied.

  Bright smiled and chuckled.

  "Ah, I'm just helping a friend out by getting some flowers for his boyfriend." Bright said. "What are you doing here? Are you getting flowers for someone or…?"

  "No." Punn quickly answered, surprising himself. He didn't know why he felt the need to clarify things. "I'm picking up a friend's order."

  "Ah." Bright nodded. "Do you like flowers?"

  "I guess. I mean who doesn't unless they're allergic or something." Punn said.

  "True." Bright said, nodding.

  There was an awkward silence and he kind of wished he could know what Bright was thinking. Punn used to be good at meeting new people but he wasn't anymore. Ever since he presented he'd learned to be wary when meeting new people because you never know what they're intentions could be.

  "Sir?"

  Punn turned and saw the girl standing there with Wave's bouquet of flowers.

  "Ah, um, thanks." Punn said as he took the bouquet. She nodded and gave him a smile.

  "Well, I'll see you around Phi." Punn said, turning around and looking at Bright before heading out.

  "Bye." Bright said.

  Punn hurried out of the shop and let out a shaky breath. He stood there for about a minute confused as to why he was feeling so nervous before shaking his head and starting the walk back to his place.

  "Nong! Wait!" Bright's voice suddenly called and Punn turned and saw Bright running towards him.

  "Um, is something wrong?" Punn asked.

  Bright blushed before holding up the same flower he'd been holding in the shop except there were five more.

  "Um, for you." Bright said.

  Punn felt his face flush immediately. What the fuck was happening? And why was he feeling so nervous around Bright?

Chapter Text

  "Hey." Wave greeted Punn as he walked through the door followed by Claire and Mon. "Um, what are you doing?"

  Punn was laying on the floor in the living room staring at the ceiling.

  "Everything okay?" Mon asked as she walked around him and sat down on the couch.

  "I'm thinking." Punn said not looking away from the ceiling.

  "Okay." Mon said and glanced over at Claire and Wave, all three sharing a concerned look.

  "Oh, thanks for picking up the flowers." Wave said, spotting them on the counter.

  "No problem." Punn said.

  Claire walked over and looked down at Punn.

  "What's wrong?" She asked.

  "Nothing." He said but then got a startled expression and wrinkled his nose.

  "Those flowers are pretty." Mon said, pointing at the vase with six coral flowers on the living room table.

  "Yeah." Punn said and then suddenly sat up. "Claire, your perfume is strong."

  "Excuse me?" Claire asked, sniffing her shirt. It smelled normal to her.

  "It smells like you poured the entire bottle on yourself." Punn said.

  "Um, Punn, she smells normal. I don't smell anything strong either." Wave said walking over concerned. "What exactly do you smell?"

  "I don't know…" Punn said wrinkling his nose. "There's a lot of different smells." He said.

  "Give us some you recognize." Mon said.

  "Um, lilac?" Punn nodded. "Yeah, lilac and peppermint. There's also a hint of coconut and mango and I think I smell strawberries."

  "Oh my god." Claire said at the same time Punn suddenly stood up and rushed into the shared bathroom.

  Claire, Mon, and Wave rushed after Punn and found his throwing up. Claire quickly sent Mon to the kitchen to prepare a tea remedy specifically for what Punn was going through at the moment. She also sent Mon because she knew the alphas' strong scent would overwhelm Punn in such a closed space. Next Claire told Wave to open the windows and sliding balcony door so their scents wouldn't cause Punn to throw up again once he came out of the bathroom. She rubbed his back as he threw up and felt Wave return a minute later. She let him take over since the presence of another omega would help Punn more.

  "I think…I'm…done." Punn said after a few minutes where he wasn't throwing up any longer.

  "Come on. We'll help you." Claire said grabbing an arm meanwhile Wave grabbed the other and helped him out of the bathroom.

  "The tea is done." Mon said. "Um, I think I should leave so Punn doesn't start throwing up again. I'll go buy some more ingredients and things you might need for Punn and leave them outside your door."

  "Thank you Mon." Claire gave her a smile.

  "Feel better Punn." Mon gave them all a smile before leaving.

  "What's wrong with me?" Punn asked as they sat him down on the couch. Wave stayed by his side meanwhile Claire walked over to the kitchen and grabbed the cup of tea Mon had made.

  "This will help." Claire said and held it up to Punn's lips.

  "I'm capable of holding it." Punn said, annoyed.

  "No, you're not so shut up and drink." Claire said.

  Punn did as he was told.

  Nobody said anything for the next few minutes meanwhile Punn finished the entire cup.

  "Better?" Wave asked once he was done.

  "Yeah." Punn said. "Now can you tell me what just happened? You two seem to know."

  Claire and Wave shared a look.

  "Can you stop that?" Punn snapped.

  "Sorry." Wave said. "Punn, we believe that you're finally able to smell scents."

  "What?" Punn asked, shocked.

  "Those smells you mentioned, they were all scents." Claire added. "You can still smell them in the room right?"

  Punn could still smell them.

  "They're our scents." Wave said. "I smell like lilac or peppermint or roses and lilies most of the time. It's kind of a mixture and it all depends on my mood but it's mostly a flowery sweet smell."

  "And the strawberries and mango must've been me. It's not a strong scent but considering I live here my scent is stronger in the apartment." Claire said. "The other smells and the stronger ones were Mon. Her scent was probably the reason why you suddenly felt ill since she's an alpha and her scent is more heavy."

  "You probably didn't feel sick before we got here because Mon's scent wasn't present." Wave said.

  "How is this possible?" Punn asked, feeling anxious. "I haven't been able to smell scents ever. I mean I can smell scents of things but I've never been able to smell someone's scent. That's the entire reason why I take all those pills and have to go to the doctor every two weeks."

  "Well…" Wave said. "You remember what your doctor said about what might be the reason as to why when you presented you never got the ability to smell scents or react to pheromones?"

  "No. That's not it." Punn immediately shut it down.

  "Punn…" Claire placed a hand on his shoulder.

  "No!" Punn yelled.

  "Punn…you met your true soulmate." Wave said.

  "Punn, who gave you those flowers?" Claire asked even though she already knew the answer.

  "Fuck." Punn said, putting his head in his hands.

Chapter Text

  "Are you sure you feel okay enough to go to class?" Wave asked.

  "It's been over a week. I can't miss two weeks of classes. I'll get behind and never be able to catch up." Punn said as he ate breakfast.

  "Are the new pills working?" Claire asked as she joined them in having breakfast.

  "I guess. I mean I'm not in the bathroom throwing up due to your scents right now. That has to mean something." Punn said.

  Claire pursed her lips.

  "Maybe you should take just one more day off. I'll stay with you and we can go and take a walk and test out if the new pills are helping." Wave offered but Punn was already shaking his head before he was even done.

  "I can't miss class." Punn said.

  "Well I can't say I agree with you just going to class like nothing. I'm not a big fan of you testing out if the pills are working by going on campus where there will be hundreds of scents everywhere you go." Claire said.

  "I'll be fine." Punn assured her.

  "Fine. Just text or call any of us if you don't feel good or need help." Wave said.

  Punn nodded.

  "So when are you going to talk with P'Bright and tell him you're true mates? Your doctor said she highly recommended you tell him since he might be able to help." Claire said, ignoring how Punn choked on his food halfway through her comments.

  "Here." Wave gave Punn a glass of water.

  Both Claire and Wave waited for Punn to recompose himself.

  "I'm running late for class. I'll see you guys later." Punn quickly said as he got up and grabbed his bag before practically sprinting out of the apartment.

Chapter Text

  Punn had a headache.

  Claire and Wave had been right.

  He definitely shouldn't have tested out his new medications by going to class. His doctor had advised that he eased himself slowly back to being able to be around crowds but he hadn't listened. So now he was in a restroom stall on campus puking.

  He had felt fine at first. But after thirty minutes of being stuck in a classroom with fifty people he quickly started feeling overwhelmed by all the scents. He quickly grabbed his things and rushed to the closest restroom.

  That was an hour ago.

  He scrolled through his messages and saw Ohm had sent him a ton of lion emojis with no context. He shook his head and opened the group chat with Claire and Wave. He debated on what to say before hitting send. He got a reply almost immediately from Claire saying her morning class got canceled so she'd head over to campus to help Punn get back home.

  Punn knew he was going to receive a lot of I told you so's but he'd take them as long as Claire got him back home. His head was killing him.

  He decided he was feeling well enough to finally leave the restroom and wait for Claire somewhere else so he finally exited the restroom stall. He washed his hands and then splashed some water on his face before leaving.

  He found an empty table under a tree in front of his faculty building and sat down to wait. It would probably take Claire half an hour to arrive so he made himself comfortable and laid his head on his arms on the table. He could feel a migraine coming. Hopefully it didn't hit until after he was back home and could lay down in bed with his curtains closed and in total darkness.

  Punn hated the entire situation he was in. If he couldn't attend classes then he'd have to take the semester off and that would put him behind. He knew he could catch up but it still sucked that he would miss a semester.

  Well, there was a way that wouldn't require him taking the semester off. But he didn't really want to think about it. Think about him.

  "Nong?"

  It was like Punn had somehow summoned the one person that could solve his problems but he'd been avoiding.

  "Nong Punn, are you okay?"

  Punn squeezed his eyes closed tight before sighing and opening them as he looked up at Bright standing next to his table looking at him worriedly.

  Punn truly didn't understand why the universe was against him these days.

  "P'Bright, what are you doing here?" Punn asked, sitting up and trying not to show any discomfort. His head was pounding now.

  "Ah, one of my Nong's asked for some help with something. I was just leaving when I saw you. Are you okay?" Bright asked, sitting next to him.

  Punn had been trying not to breathe in the alpha's scent but now that he was sitting next to him it was useless. Bright's scent was all around Punn now and it was…amazing. He wanted to get closer and rub his nose against his neck.

  "Nong?"

  "Um, yeah, I'm fine." Punn said and quickly got up. He needed to get away from Bright before he did something extremely embarrassing. "I actually need to be somewhere right now but it was nice seeing you. I'm just gonna go now and-"

  "Nong, you're not okay." Bright said, suddenly glancing around at their surroundings and the people around.

  "Of course I am!" Punn protested.

  "Nong, I don't think you realize it but you're releasing a lot of pheromones right now. People are starting to notice and it's not safe for you to be out in the open in this state. Is there someone I can call to take you home or I can drive you-"

  "No! I can go on my own." Punn cut him off.

  "Nong Punn, that is not a good idea." Bright said, frowning and getting up as well.

  "Don't get close!" Punn blurted when he saw Bright about to take a step closer.

  It was taking all of Punn's willpower not to get close to Bright.

  "Punn!"

  Punn and Bright turned and saw Pang and Wave running towards them. There were people looking their way.

  "I got your text. What a coincidence that we happened to be in the area." Wave said, taking his sweater off and quickly putting it on Punn. It smelled like both Pang and Wave and helped block Bright's scent a bit.

  Punn had been practicing being around scents, the main problem being alpha scents, with the help of Pang and Mon during the past two weeks. Now that he could actually smell them it seemed that their scents helped to soothe Punn whenever he was stressing. The others scents helped as well but since Punn needed to get used to alpha scents Pang and Mon had been a great help.

  The others had been pleased to find out they could help Punn now with their scents.

  "P'Bright, we're going to take Punn home now." Wave said.

  "Do you need a ride? I can-"

  "No!" Wave exclaimed and turned and shared a look with Pang before turning to look back at Bright again. "Our friend Claire is picking us up."

  Pang wrapped an arm around Punn's shoulders and used his scent to block Bright's even more. He was startled when he heard a low growl though and looked over and saw Bright staring at them. Punn didn't seem to notice though and was too busy trying to not only control his pheromones but keep the other Punn's from coming out.

  "Um…" Wave said, looking at Bright and Punn back and forth. "We're going to go now."

  "Yeah, I think it's best considering the circumstances." Bright said and both Wave and Pang had a feeling he knew something but it didn't make sense. How could Bright know that Punn hadn't been able to smell scents until recently?

  "We're going to go now." Pang said steering Punn away feeling protective over his very vulnerable friend at the moment.

  "Um, can you give my number to Punn when he feels better. I think we need to talk." Bright said as he quickly scribbled down his number on a piece of paper and handed it to Wave.

  "Uh, yeah." Wave said taking it. "Bye Phi." He quickly caught up with Pang and Punn.

  "What's that?" Pang asked looking at the piece of paper.

  "I think P'Bright might know." Wave whispered after he made sure Punn wasn't paying attention.

  Pang sighed. "Let's get Punn home and then we'll talk with the others." Pang said.

Chapter Text

  "How would he know?" Claire asked.

  They were all gathered in Claire, Wave, and Punn's apartment.

  "I don't know but I'm just saying it seemed like he knew something." Wave said.

  "He can't know about me not being able to smell scents until I met him. That's just impossible." Punn pointed out. He was feeling better now that he was home and surrounded by familiar scents only.

  "Then it's something else." Mon said.

  "Maybe he's drawn to you like you are to him." Namtaan said.

  "I think it's pretty obvious P'Bright likes Punn." Ohm snorted.

  "I think what Namtaan is saying is that maybe P'Bright knows they're true mates." Korn said.

  "That makes sense." Claire nodded. "I could probably confirm our suspicions if I see him."

  "Ugh, I hate this. I can't go to class because I can't stand being in a room with dozens of different scents. I can't go out and be in public places with lots of people for that same reason. I'm going to end up having to take the semester off." Punn sighed.

  "Maybe you should talk to P'Bright and try out what your doctor recommended." Pang suggested.

  "I'm not doing that!" Punn exclaimed.

  "Punn, I don't think you have much of a choice if you want to be able to go back to classes." Wave pointed out earning himself a glare from Punn.

  "Look, P'Bright is a nice guy." Namtaan said standing up and walking over to take a seat next to Punn. "I know this is all new for you and it makes you uncomfortable to ask for help but he's your true mate, soulmate, the person who the universe decided was perfect for you. He's not going to pressure you to do anything you don't want and if he tries then you have us to deal with him. But you need his help so your life can go back to normal and every time you're in an enclosed space you don't start feeling awful because of all the scents around you. You can take some of us with you when you meet up with him if that makes you feel better." She placed a hand on his shoulder.

  "Namtaan is right." Claire said from Punn's other side. "I've done some digging in the past two weeks on P'Bright to make sure he really is good enough for one of my best friend's. From what I've gathered P'Bright is a pretty great guy. I am confident that if you explain the situation to him he'll help and do things at your pace."

  Punn sighed but reached over and picked up the piece of paper with Bright's number from the coffee table.

Chapter Text

  Punn pulled on the loose thread of his sweater as he got out of the car.

  "Stop doing that." Claire said, slapping his hand.

  "This is crazy." Punn said.

  "No, this is what you should've done two weeks ago." Wave said.

  It was two days since Punn had texted Bright and asked if they could meet up and talk. He hadn't told him everything through text but he had mentioned that it was important. Bright had quickly responded agreeing to meet up and even didn't question when Punn mentioned they had to meet somewhere where there were no other people and that Punn was bringing three friends. Bright had offered up his bar to use as the meet up place. They didn't open until sunset so they could meet up during the day. Punn had agreed.

  And now here they were.

  "Do I knock or…" Pang said as they reached the front doors.

  "Um…" Punn didn't know.

  Before they could decide the doors opened and Bright stood there with a…well bright smile.

  "Come in." Bright said, moving out of the way. "We can sit down in here or in the back patio. Which do you prefer Nong Punn?" He looked at Punn.

  Punn hated that one look from Bright caused him to freeze but it did.

  "The patio sounds nice." Claire came to his rescue. "The fresh air might actually be a good idea."

  "Okay, follow me." Bright said.

  "It's very rare for someone so young to own a bar." Claire said once they were seated outside around a table.

  "Yes, well, I saw the bar was for sale my senior year and before I knew it I was the new owner." Bright said.

  "Are you planning to work here forever or will you use your degree to find a job related to what you studied?" Wave asked.

  "Ai'Wave!" Punn smacked him for his rudeness.

  "What? I'm just curious if he has any plans for his future?" Wave said.

  Bright laughed.

  "It's okay. I didn't get offended Nong Punn." Bright assured him. "And to be honest I don't know. My father insisted I go to university and get a degree so I did. Buying the bar was honestly the first adult choice I made for myself."

  "So your father doesn't approve of the bar?" Pang asked.

  "Ah, it's not that he doesn't approve but…it's complicated." Bright scratched his head.

  "How so?" Claire asked.

  "This might shock you but my parents are the owners of the clothing brand Land of Something." Bright said.

  Claire almost fell out of her chair.

  Claire couldn't believe what Bright had just said.

  "Your parents are the owners of one of Thailand's most popular clothing brands?" Claire asked.

  "Yes." Bright nodded.

  Claire now truly believed in fate.

  There was no way it was pure coincidence that Punn's true mate's parents were not only wealthy but they were huge advocates for omega rights and outspoken about how male omegas were treated in society.

  Claire has heard nothing but good things about them and all the charities and movements they supported.

  The universe was making up for the fact that Punn's father had been a shitty person by giving him a true mate that not only seemed like a great guy but his parents were good people too. Claire knew Punn would be welcomed into their family and possibly have the chance of having two parents who actually cared about him.

  Punn could have never foretold that Bright was actually the son of two of some of the wealthiest people in Thailand.

  "Just because he has money doesn't mean I'm going to approve of him." Wave told Claire suddenly and Punn felt his face heating up.

  "Ai'Wave what the hell are you talking about?" Punn exclaimed.

  Wave turned and looked at Punn.

  "I came here to support you but I also came here to see if P'Bright was worthy of you." Wave said with a straight face. Pang facepalmed next to him.

  "Um, forgive me if I'm interpreting all of this wrong but…" Bright said, looking at all four of them but his eyes stopping on Punn. "Nong Punn you feel something between us too don't you?"

Chapter Text

  This was the perfect moment for Punn to start explaining his situation to Bright but for some reason he couldn't form any words. All he could seem to focus on was the fact that Bright was looking at him, and only him, and giving him all his attention.

  Claire cleared her throat.

  "Phi, you feel something when you're around Punn?" Claire asked Bright.

  "Uh, yes." Bright said a bit embarrassed as he looked away from Punn and over at Claire.

  Punn felt a need to have Bright look at him once again.

  "How long have you…felt something?" Claire asked.

  Punn felt bad that he had his friends doing most of the talking when he was supposed to be the one to talk to Bright. Claire, Pang, and Wave were just supposed to accompany him as moral support.

  "Um, to be honest, since the first day we met." Bright said, shocking everyone, including Punn.

  Bright looked at Punn as he continued explaining.

  "That night that Punn walked into the bar I had been feeling anxious all day." Bright explained. "Like there was something I was missing or needed to do. I spent all day on edge trying to figure out why I was feeling that way but it wasn't until the night that I figured out why. When he walked in, all the anxiety I had been feeling all day was suddenly gone and instead I was filled with this need to get closer to him. Of course, I didn't approach him since I could tell he seemed tense already about being here. I kept an eye on him all night though and even took his drink orders but I didn't really say or do anything about how I was feeling towards him."

  Punn was quite shocked that he hadn't noticed Bright looking at him that night but it kind of made sense. He had been so focused on not being rude to his classmates and just getting the darn picture for Claire so he could leave that he obviously wasn't focused on anything else.

  "And then those asshole alphas showed up and started talking with Punn and stinking up the place when he didn't back down. I tried to keep myself from interfering since Punn seemed to have it handled but stepped in immediately when I realized one of them was going to hit him." Bright continued. "And then as you all probably know I kicked them out and spoke with Punn. It was also the first time he and I looked into each other's eyes and when we did I felt a spark. It didn't seem like he felt anything though so I didn't say anything and just waited with him until his taxi arrived. I really wanted to ask him for his number but I didn't think that was such a good idea considering what had just happened so instead I told him to bring his friends to the bar next time and I'd give them all a free drink hoping he'd be back."

  There was a silence that followed Bright's explanation and everyone seemed to be waiting for his reaction. But Punn didn't really know how to react or what to say.

  He felt a bit embarrassed to be honest.

  Embarrassed that his first meeting with Bright had been him arguing with some stupid alphas and getting himself into a dangerous situation that Bright had had to step in and help.

  And he had embarrassed himself in front of Bright every single time they'd bumped into each other since then too.

  Punn was a mess.

  Claire kicked Punn and gave him a look that he knew exactly what she was thinking. She was telling him to stop acting so shy and just talk to Bright.

  And she was right.

  The entire point of this meeting was for him to talk to Bright and explain exactly what was going on and that he needed his help.

  "Pang, Wave, and I are going to go to the restroom." Claire said, standing up and clearly lying.

  "What?" Wave asked confused as Claire grabbed his arm and pulled him up and Pang followed. "No we're not."

  "Yes, we are." Claire said, giving him a look.

  "But-"

  "Pang grab his other arm." Claire ordered and Pang did as she said.

  "Hey!" Wave exclaimed glaring at Pang.

  "Sorry, but before we left Claire made me swear I would follow her orders." Pang apologized.

  "What did she threatened you with?" Wave asked.

  Pang whispered something into Wave's ear and Wave's face turned bright red and turned and looked at Claire clearly embarrassed.

  "Claire!" Wave exclaimed.

  "What? You think I didn't know you sneak Pang into our apartment most nights?" She asked with a smile.

  "Five minutes." Wave told Bright as he glared at him but he didn't look as intimidating as he thought considering he looked flustered and clearly embarrassed. "No funny business. I'll be back and if I find out that-Claire!" Wave was dragged off by Claire.

  "We'll try to keep Wave away for as long as we can so you two can talk." Pang said before following after his boyfriend and Claire.

  Punn turned and looked at Bright and saw he was already looking at him.

  "There's something I need to tell you and I kind of need you to just listen and wait to ask questions until the end because if I don't just say it all at once I might not be able to finish." Punn said.

  Bright looked concerned.

  "Please?" Punn asked.

  "Yeah, of course." Bright quickly nodded.

  "Thanks." Punn said and took a deep breath.

  Prior to heading to meet with Bright all his friends had gathered at the apartment and helped Punn figure out how to explain things to Bright. Everyone had agreed that he would have to be told about the fact they all had powers since Punn's multiple personalities would have to be discussed with him so he understood why he needed his help.

  "This is going to sound crazy but just hear me out." Punn said.

  And then Punn started telling Bright all about Ritdha and the gifted program and what had happened.

Chapter Text

  Bright sat there and listened to Punn's crazy story about students who had powers and fought against the corrupt adults and how they all became a family and learned to control their powers. It all sounded insane and for a moment he thought it was Punn's very weird way of rejecting him but he could tell from the very serious way he explained everything that he was not lying.

  And that meant Punn had powers and so did his friends Claire, Pang, and Wave who were all clearly listening into their conversation from a hidden spot somewhere.

  Bright had so many questions but like he promised Punn he didn't interrupt him and listened.

  Punn's father sounded awful and Bright was furious about the way he'd casted Punn aside when he'd presented as an omega. He was glad Punn had his friends then and that they'd all helped him.

  Then Punn explained his current predicament.

  "Do you feel fine now?" Bright asked immediately, concerned that his scent might be making Punn feel bad.

  Punn looked surprised by his question but quickly hid it and nodded.

  "Um, I do. I think it might have to do with the fact I'm wearing clothes that belong to my friends and they all scented me this morning before I left." Punn said a bit embarrassed and a pink blush appeared on his cheeks which Bright thought was cute.

  "I'm glad." Bright said. "So you haven't been able to attend classes because all the scents overwhelm you?"

  "Yeah and I really can't miss any more classes or I will fall behind too much. Luckily my professors have been very understanding but I really do need to start attending all my classes soon and catch up on everything I've missed." Punn said.

  "How can I help?" Bright asked.

  "Uh…" Punn looked like he was struggling to say what was on his mind.

  "Cuddling!" Claire suddenly ran towards them from behind a statue and both Punn and Bright were startled when they saw where she'd come from. How had she even managed to sneak behind it without them noticing?

  "Claire!" Punn exclaimed, glaring at her.

  "P'Bright I think we can all just be real here." Claire said, taking a seat next to Punn.

  Bright saw Pang and Wave come out from their hiding spot behind some bushes and walk over as well.

  "You were the cause of Punn being able to finally smell pheromones and scents. There's obviously some kind of connection between the two of you since you seem to feel some type of way towards Punn that's nothing like you've ever felt towards anyone else." Claire said. "And Punn is still struggling to get used to everything but his doctor recommended that being close to the person who triggered his ability to smell pheromones and scents might help."

  "His doctor said your scent might help him not get overwhelmed by all the others since yours is special to him. She recommended scenting him daily or whenever he's going to be out and about surrounded by a lot of people and she also suggested you two cuddle. Your presence alone will help him but skin on skin contact is preferred so there aren't any accidents." Wave said.

  Bright looked at Punn who looked extremely embarrassed but wasn't denying anything his friends said. His face was bright pink by this point and it looked like he was close to pouting.

  Bright really fought the urge to get closer to him and just pinch his cheeks. He was so cute.

  "Nong, would me…scenting you and us cuddling really help?" Bright asked, feeling a bit embarrassed himself asking but he wanted Punn to be the one to say it.

  "Yes." Punn said.

  "And is that something you'd like me to do?" Bright asked. "If you're uncomfortable I can just stay close to you and accompany you to your classes. Wave mentioned that would help too and I don't want you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable."

  "I was thinking we could start with you accompanying me to my classes and then move to cuddling and…the other thing once we both know each other better." Punn said. "Not that you have to do any of it. You're probably very busy with your bar and stuff and-"

  "Nong, of course I'm going to help you." Bright quickly reached over and placed his hands over Punn's on the table. He'd been scratching at a scab from nervousness and it had been starting to bleed. Bright didn't like seeing Punn hurt himself so without thinking he'd reached over and grabbed his hands to stop him. "Whatever you need just let me know."

  Punn looked down at their hands on the table and Bright didn't hold them tight enough that he couldn't pull them away if he wanted to. He then looked up at Bright and nodded.

  "Thank you P'Bright." Punn gave him a small smile.

  Bright immediately returned his smile with one of his own.

  "I will be the maid of honor at their wedding." Claire suddenly declared.

  They all sat around the table and talked for a few more minutes before Punn finally suggested they go and let Bright start getting the bar ready to open in a few hours.

  "Nong." Bright called as Punn, Claire, Pang, and Wave were leaving.

  The others clearly heard him but continued walking towards the car meanwhile Punn stayed behind.

  "Yes?" Punn asked.

  Bright suddenly offered Punn a shirt and he looked at it confused.

  "It's a shirt of mine covered in my…scent." Bright explained. "I want you to take it to use in case you need to."

  "Oh, um, thank you P'Bright." Punn said blushing as he took the shirt from Bright.

  "Your friends are waiting for you so I won't keep you any longer." Bright said looking over Punn's shoulder where Punn knew Claire, Pang, and Wave were staring at them not even trying to pretend they weren't trying to eavesdrop. "Call or text me if you need anything or just want to talk."

  Punn nodded.

  "Take care." Bright said.

  "You too. Goodbye." Punn said and quickly turned, with Bright's shirt now in his hands, and headed to the car.

  "Not a word." Punn said when he saw all three of his friends look at the shirt and open their mouths ready to tease him.

Chapter Text

  It was the first day Bright accompanied Punn to his classes and Punn already hated it.

  Well, he didn't hate the fact Bright was with him. It was kind of…nice having him there. Usually Punn was a loner and besides when he met up with the others during lunch and time between classes he was alone most of the time on campus. And he preferred it that way since he spent most of his time at the library doing homework and such things but for some reason Bright's presence didn't bother him.

  What did bother him were the looks they were getting.

  Punn had just come out of his first class of the day and had three hours until his next and last class for today.

  Usually he'd go and have lunch with one of his friends but none of them were available today for some strange reason that they totally assured him it wasn't just a ploy to let Punn and Bright spend time alone.

  So Punn had gone to the cafeteria and he and Bright had gotten some food and sat down.

  That's when Punn realized how much attention they were getting from people.

  Punn did his best to conserve his composure and not let the glances and whispers get to him but they were making him uncomfortable.

  "Are you not hungry nong?" Bright asked.

  Punn looked down at his plate of food that he'd barely touched.

  "No." Punn lied.

  "I'm done eating. Is there somewhere else you want to go to spend the rest of your break before your next class?" Bright asked.

  "Yeah, let's get out of here." Punn said standing but before Punn could grab his tray Bright grabbed it for him. "Thanks."

  Bright gave him a smile and they walked over to the trash can.

  A few minutes later Punn reached his destination and sat down under a tree. There was no one else around just like he knew there wouldn't be in this part of the faculty.

  "You don't have to spend my break with me. You can go and catch up with whatever you usually do right now and I'm keeping you from doing it." Punn said.

  "I usually start preparing the bar to open but I already assigned someone to take care of my usual things." Bright said and then smiled. "Besides, I want to be here with you."

  Punn felt warm for the rest of the afternoon he spent with Bright.

  "So how was your first day with P'Bright going with you to classes?" Wave asked that evening when Punn arrived at the apartment.

  Pang was playing video games on the TV while Wave worked on something on his laptop.

  "It was okay." Punn said determined not to let his friends know how calm and relaxed and happy he felt after spending the day with Bright.

  "You felt fine?" Pang asked not looking away from his game but clearly listening to the conversation.

  "Yeah, no dizziness, no nausea, no blurry vision." Punn said. "I'm going to go get changed. Is Claire making dinner tonight?"

  "Yes, she ran to the store to buy some ingredients. She said it should be ready in an hour." Wave said.

  "Okay. I'll be in my room." Punn said.

  Punn locked his bedroom door and then hurried to his closet. He found Bright's shirt where he'd left it hidden that morning and quickly undressed down to his boxers and put the shirt on.

  It was big on him and usually Punn hated clothes that didn't fit him perfectly but in this case he didn't mind.

  He liked that Bright's shirt was big on him.

  He also liked Bright's scent on it.

  He sniffed it and laid down on his bed thinking about the day.

  The day he'd spent with Bright following him to all his classes and around campus. Then Bright had driven Punn home and asked him if he could call him later to say goodnight.

  Punn had agreed.

  Punn was agreeing and doing a lot of things he normally wouldn't and he didn't know how to feel about it.

  He felt happy whenever he was with Bright but at the same time he couldn't help but think about the only reason he did was because he was an omega and Bright was apparently his true mate. If he wasn't an omega and Bright wasn't his true mate he probably wouldn't be feeling this way.

  Which led to him thinking about what his father said when he'd found out Punn was an omega.

  "So how was everybody's day today?" Claire asked during dinner.

  Korn and Mon were joining them tonight and of course Pang had stayed to eat with them.

  "The usual." Wave said.

  "I learned that…" Mon started talking about something she'd learned in one of her classes today.

  Punn tried to listen and pay attention to what she was saying but he was distracted.

  He'd changed into some house clothes before coming out of his room for dinner and hidden Bright's shirt once again. This time under his pillow.

  He didn't know why he felt the need to hide it but he thought it must be an omega thing. He wasn't going to ask any of his friends though. It was already embarrassing enough that he didn't know anything about being an omega due to the fact he hadn't been able to smell pheromones until a few weeks ago. He wasn't going to start asking Wave and Korn questions. He felt like a failure already.

  "-nn?"

  Punn looked up from his bowl and saw everyone looking at him.

  Well except Pang who was blowing on his hot bowl of soup but he knew he was listening.

  "Um, sorry…what?" Punn asked not having heard the question.

  "I asked how your first full day back to classes went? Did you feel okay?" Mon asked with concern.

  "Ah, yeah. It went okay. I felt fine." Punn said.

  "That's good. I'm glad." Mon gave him a smile.

  "So P'Bright's presence helped." Claire said and Mon smacked her arm. "What? We're all curious here about how it went between them today. I mean they spent the majority of the day together."

  "Um, yeah, his presence did help." Punn said. "Everyone's scents and pheromones weren't unbearable and I could actually pay attention in class."

  "That's great." Korn gave him a smile. "You seem more relaxed."

  "He does, doesn't he?" Claire said, looking at the others.

  "The other Punn's haven't been bothering you lately have they?" Wave asked, ignoring Claire, which Punn was thankful for.

  Claire was obviously looking to get Punn to admit he was attracted to Bright and that was something Punn was not ready for.

  "No, they haven't. I can feel they're more relaxed as well." Punn said.

  "Let us know if that changes and they start giving you trouble again." Pang said before turning to the rest of the table. "So I got the job at…" Pang started talking about his new job taking the focus off Punn.

  Punn was very thankful for Wave and Pang who knew when he wasn't ready to talk about something and had his back. Claire tried to be patient but she just couldn't help but want to know everything going on with everyone.

✨️·.·´¯`·.·🌙 ·.·´¯`·.·✨️

  "How did it go with your cutie today?" Tutah asked.

  "From the smile that hasn't left his face the entire night I'm confident to say it probably went very well." Prem said.

  "Bright?" Arthit called when he still hadn't answered Tutah's question.

  "It went well." Bright said. "I accompanied him to his classes and then I gave him a ride home."

  "You still haven't explained to us why exactly you're doing it." Tutah said.

  "Well…" Bright said, looking at his friends sitting in their usual spot in his bar. He gave them the short version.

  "I knew there was something the moment I saw you looking at him that first time he was here. He immediately captured your interest the second he walked in." Knot said.

  "I think it's so romantic that they're true mates." May said smiling.

  "Bright has never been good at hiding when he's interested in someone." Arthit said.

  "You're one to talk." Bright said.

  Arthit immediately blushed and Kongpob, who was sitting next to him, chuckled.

  "Whatever." Arthit said a bit grumpily. "So when can we meet him?"

  "Ooh, yes!" Prae exclaimed excitedly. "When can we properly meet him? We've all seen him but never been introduced or spoken to him."

  "Um…" Bright knew Punn was still processing everything and it was still too soon to introduce him to his rowdy and crazy group of friends. And Bright also felt wary of any of them meeting him for some reason. He trusted them all and knew they'd all like him but he just wanted to keep Punn all to himself a little longer.

  "Okay, okay, you obviously aren't ready for us to meet him." Prem said. "Take your time but you better introduce us before you two get hitched."

  "We're not going to get married any time soon Prem!" Bright exclaimed but he couldn't help but picture his wedding with Punn.

  "He's imagining it." Tutah said.

  "He's head over heels for that boy." Em sighed.

  "It's romantic!" May said.

  "I can't believe P'Bright found someone before me!" Prae protested.

  "When are you and Kongpob getting hitched?" Prem asked Arthit.

  "Ai'Prem!" Arthit yelled.

Chapter Text

  Punn checked his phone for the tenth time in the last thirty minutes.

  "Are you waiting for a text or call?" Claire asked with a smile.

  They had decided to watch a film after dinner. They were currently on their second film of the night.

  "I'm just checking the time. It's late and I've had a long day. I think I'm going to head to my bedroom and go to sleep early tonight." Punn said, standing up from the couch.

  "Good night Punn." Mon and Korn said.

  "Good night." Wave said.

  Pang was too focused on the film to hear them.

  "Night." Punn said as he walked towards his bedroom.

  "Tell P'Bright hi from us." Claire said in a knowing voice as Punn closed his bedroom door.

  Punn felt his face get hot and refused to turn and look at her.

  Punn sat on his bed and waited, staring at his phone for five minutes, until he finally decided to distract himself or he was going to go crazy waiting for Bright's call. They hadn't really agreed on a specific time and it was still early so Punn needed to stop just staring at his phone.

  He ended up changing back into Bright's shirt and some boxers to help calm himself down. He swore to just wear it for half an hour and then change into his usual sleep shirt once he felt more content.

  Punn ended up watching a TV series on his laptop while he waited. He must've dozed off because next thing he knew his phone was vibrating and ringing and he opened his eyes to find Bright's name on the screen asking to FaceTime.

  Punn quickly picked up and paused his laptop.

  "Hello nong Punn. It's later than I planned to call but my friends wouldn't leave the bar and-" Bright suddenly froze.

  "Um, I think you froze P'Bright." Punn said frowning. "Can you hear me? Should I hang up and tr-"

  "You're wearing my shirt." Bright cut him off.

  Punn immediately felt his face getting warm and wanted to throw the phone across the room in embarrassment.

  "And you look like you just woke up. Did I wake you? Were you sleeping already?" Bright asked.

  "Ah, um, I fell asleep watching a series." Punn admitted.

  "I should let you sleep then. You must be tired." Bright said.

  "No, it's fine." Punn found himself saying. "Tell me about your friends."

  Bright seemed to hesitate but when Punn sat up in bed and waited he seemed to make up his mind.

  "Well, my friends…" Bright told Punn about some of the stories his friends had told him today about what they'd been up to.

  Punn listened and found himself falling asleep as he listened to Bright's soothing voice.

✨️·.·´¯`·.·🌙 ·.·´¯`·.·✨️

  Bright had expected Punn not to answer anymore when he called him. It was later than the time he'd originally planned on calling but his friends had stayed later than usual teasing him so he couldn't get home earlier.

  So he really hadn't expected Punn to pick up which is why when he did he immediately apologized for calling so late. As he was apologizing though he noticed Punn was wearing the shirt he'd given him covered in his scent. Next he noticed Punn's usual perfectly styled hair was wavy and looked rumpled like he'd been asleep. His eyes were blinking a lot too like he'd just woken up and he looked really adorable.

  Punn insisted he was fine and then proceeded to ask about Bright's friends. He avoided the question about the shirt so Bright decided not to mention it again for tonight. He knew the younger was very shy about things that had to do with them being true mates.

  Instead Bright started telling him about his friends.

  Bright watched as Punn nodded and listened to him looking content. He did notice when Punn's eyes started closing though and he laid down on his side and placed the phone leaning against something so he could continue to FaceTime Bright but not have to hold the phone any longer. Eventually Punn's eyes closed and didn't open once again and Bright stopped talking and just watched as Punn slept for a few seconds.

  "Goodnight Punn." Bright whispered before ending the call.

  Bright woke up in pure bliss the next morning.

  He checked his phone and saw Punn was already awake and had sent him a message.

sorry about falling asleep last night

i guess I was tired

you don't have to pick me up today

i can just get a ride with wave and pang and we can meet up at school 

  Bright didn't feel right not picking up Punn. His instincts were telling him to do everything possible to make sure Punn was safe and in this case it meant driving him to school. But he also didn't want to push so he texted him back agreeing to meet in front of his faculty.

don't worry about last night :)

and if you're sure you don't need a ride then I'll meet you in front of your faculty

Bright debating on sending one more text he had in mind but in the end he sent it.

you look cute when you're asleep

  Bright locked his phone and quickly got ready for the day.

✨️·.·´¯`·.·🌙 ·.·´¯`·.·✨️

  "Pang we are not getting a cat! You forget to feed yourself and you think you can keep a cat alive?!" Wave said from the passenger seat.

  "I do not forget to feed myself!" Pang said from the driver's seat. "And fine. Not a cat but how about a hamster then?"

  Punn watched as Wave and Pang continued to bicker on the way to campus.

  It was kind of entertaining.

  Punn knew they weren't really arguing. This was their weird way of taking the next step in their relationship without either of them actually saying it. It was nice to watch as someone who had been there since the very beginning.

  "Punn can you please explain to Pang why a hamster is a terrible idea?" Wave turned and asked Punn.

  "Don't bring our son into our argument honey." Pang said.

  Wave seemed to malfunction since he just started making weird noises. Pang had left him speechless.

  Pang shared a smile with Punn through the rearview mirror.

  "We're finally here." Punn said a few minutes later as they got out of the car. "Now I remember why I rarely ask for a ride from you two. You squabble like an old married couple."

  "That's a compliment." Pang said.

  "You're impossible." Wave said as he walked around the car and joined them. "Punn, is P'Bright here?"

  "Umm…" Punn took his phone out and saw the last text he had from him was from ten minutes ago saying he was about fifteen minutes away. "He should be here any minute now."

  "We'll wait with you." Pang said.

  "It's only a few minutes." Punn rolled his eyes. "What could possibly happen?"

  "We'll wait with you until P'Bright is here." Wave insisted.

  "Suit yourselves." Punn sighed and started walking towards his faculty building.

  Punn led Wave and Pang to a table under a tree. It was far enough away from people that their scents wouldn't bother him but close enough to be in view of the parking lot. Bright would easily spot them when he arrived.

  "So now that it's just the two of us tell me all about your late night phone call with P'Bright." Wave said.

  Punn glanced at Pang and back at Wave.

  "He doesn't count. He's too busy playing that stupid game on his phone against Ohm." Wave said.

  "Hey! I thought you said you supported me in beating Ohm?" Pang looked up from his phone to pout at Wave.

  "I do. I'm just kidding." Wave said patting his head. Pang grinned and went back to playing his game. Wave shook his head at Punn. "Anyways, so tell me."

  "How do you know we talked on the phone last night?" Punn asked.

  "You kept glancing at your phone the entire time we were watching the movie last night and you woke up this morning in the best mood ever." Wave said.

  "That doesn't mean anything." Punn tried.

  Wave gave him a look.

  "Okay, fine, we FaceTimed last night." Punn said. "To be more precise I fell asleep on FaceTime with him so he probably saw me drooling in my sleep and is questioning the fact I'm his true mate."

  "He is not. Punn, I think you might be the only one who doesn't realize how much P'Bright likes you. Not just because you're true mates but because he finds you attractive and cute and-"

  "Okay, you can stop now." Punn said embarrassed.

  "I bet he thought it was cute that you fell asleep." Wave said. "Look, stop overthinking things an-"

  "Found you." Punn was suddenly grabbed by his sweater and pulled up off the bench. He then came face to face with a very familiar alpha. "Thought you were going to get away with insulting me did you? Well you were wrong. I'm here to see you apologize for getting us banned from that bar."

  Punn glared and tried to keep himself from breathing in the asshole's pheromones. Unlike last time he was actually being affected by it and his four friends, two more than last time, weren't helping.

  "Let go of him Pram before I break your arm." Pang was suddenly next to Punn releasing his own pheromones and looking close to biting Pram's arm off.

  "If it isn't Pang." Pram said grinning and then looked behind Punn. "And his little bitch Wave."

  Punn winced and the next second Pram was on the floor and Pang was standing in front of Punn and Wave. Wave pulled Punn a few steps back and Punn could tell he was anxious.

  Punn suddenly felt like he had run into a brick wall as all the alpha pheromones hit him at once. He felt Wave wrap and arm around him to keep him from falling.

  "You're going to pay for that!" Pram yelled as he touched his bleeding nose that Pang had broken. He stood up and got right in Pang's face. "I was going to leave you and your bitch unharmed since my problem is with your friend but now you've earned yourself a lesson. There's five of us and one of you. Do you honestly think you can keep them safe?"

  "Any of you fucking touch them and you'll end up in the hospital in need of getting your hands reattached." Pang growled.

  "This is a school." Wave spoke up. "In case you haven't noticed, everyone is looking and people have run off to get some professors and security."

  "Do you think I care?" Pram laughed. "By the time help gets here it'll be too late."

  Punn gagged at the new wave of pheromones being released.

  "What the fuck is wrong with him?" Pram suddenly asked and Punn could feel him looking at him. "Wait…don't tell me. That sweet scent…is that him?" He laughed. "Fuck. Who would have thought that little bitch had such a strong and sweet scent. Is he in heat or something that he's releasing so much of it and pheromones? I'll gladly give him a hand and forget all about the other day."

  Punn felt disgusted.

  He also felt like such a burden.

  It was because of him that Pang and Wave were now in trouble.

  "What do you say Punn?" Pram asked.

  "Fuck off." Punn managed to say.

  "I'll forgive you and let your friends go." Pram continued like Punn hadn't said anything.

  Pang was suddenly attacked by three of Pram's friends. They held him down on the ground.

  "I'll fucking kill you!" Pang yelled as he trashed and tried to get the three guys off him. "If you fucking touch them I'll fucking kill you all!"

  Pram ignored him and took a few steps forward to stand right in front of Wave who was shielding Punn.

  "If you don't agree to come with me in the next ten seconds I'll have my other two friends drag Wave away." Pram threatened.

  Punn couldn't let that happen.

  He knew Pang just needed to calm down a bit and get a hold of himself so he could use his power. If he went with Pram that would give Pang enough time to do so.

  "I'll g-"

  Punn watched in shock as Pram was suddenly grabbed by the throat and slammed against the tree. He heard a crack but didn't know if it was the tree or Pram.

  "You're going to fucking regret the day you were born." Bright said as he held Pram by the throat.

  "Are you okay?" Pang was suddenly by Wave and Punn's side.

  Punn looked away from Bright and Pram and saw Bright's friends were taking care of Pram's. They weren't hitting or fighting them but they were holding them down on the ground as security and some professors ran over.

  "I'm fine. I think Punn is in shock. He can't stand on his own and he's releasing extremely distressed pheromones." Punn heard Wave say.

  "Punn?" Punn heard Pang say and then arms around him. "Punn, it's okay. We're okay."

  "It's all the scents and pheromones. He still isn't used to it all. He must be overwhelmed like last time but it seems much worse this time. We should take him to his doctor. She said too if anything like this happened." Punn heard Wave say.

  "I'll call Claire. She's the one who has gone with him to the doctor the most. Maybe she knows what to do." Pang said.

  "P'Bright!" Wave called. "P'Bright leave Pram to the security guards."

  "He threatened Punn and you. He needs to be taught a lesson." Bright snarled.

  "P'Bright I know your instincts are telling you to rip Pram to shreds for threatening Punn, and Punn's distressed pheromones aren't helping, but Punn needs you right now. Only you can help calm Punn down. You have to choose between teaching Pram a lesson or helping Punn." Wave said.

  "Where are we taking him?" Bright asked and Punn suddenly sensed him right next to him. He was releasing calming pheromones just for Punn.

Chapter Text

  “Are you feeling better?” Doctor Nita asked.

  “Yes.” Punn said.

  “I'll keep you here for one more hour and then you can go home.” She said as she wrote something down on her clipboard. “Can I ask you something?” She asked without looking up and still writing.

  “Yes, of course.” Punn said.

  “The gentleman who carried you inside the clinic, is that the alpha you told me about?” She asked.

  Punn felt his cheeks growing warm. He knew what her actual question was.

  “Yes.” Punn said. “That's P'Bright…my true mate.”

  Doctor Nita looked up with a smile.

  “I'm glad.” She said as she walked over.

  “Why?” Punn asked, confused.

  “Punn I've been your doctor since you were sixteen.” She said as she stopped next to the bed Punn was laying on, resting. “In the past almost five years I've heard and seen you worry about your future as an omega who can't smell pheromones and your multiple personalities condition. But ever since you met Bright you've seemed happier and your body seems to be adapting to all the changes well. You can smell pheromones and although you're still learning you can release them too. Bright seems like a great young man and he obviously cares about you a lot. I'm glad you're giving yourself a chance to live a normal life.”

  “I…I'm still not sure that being with P'Bright is a good idea.” Punn said. “Yeah, I can smell and release pheromones now but I've still got my multiple personalities. They won't ever go away and P'Bright is someone from an important family. I think he deserves someone by his side who doesn't have all the baggage I do.”

  “You're true mates.” Doctor Nita said. “That means you're compatible and that doesn't just mean physically but in everything. The universe knew about your family situation and everything you've been through and gave you a mate who has parents that are welcoming of omegas and advocate for their rights. Bright is accepting of your multiple personalities from what you've told me. He's patient and isn't pressuring you to be with him and asks you what you need. I'm not saying you have to be with him because you're true mates but I am saying to give him a chance and don't run away just because you're scared.”

  Punn nodded.

  “Okay.” Doctor Nita said. “Would you like me let your friends and Bright in? They were really anxious when I saw them before coming in here to check on you.”

  “Yeah, it's fine.” Punn nodded.

  She gave him a smile before opening the door and stepping out. She closed the door behind herself but not even a minute later it was opened and his friends stepped inside followed by Bright.

  “How are you feeling?” Claire asked, the first to reach him, as she grabbed his hand for comfort.

  “I'm fine. Doc said I should be okay to go home after an hour.” Punn said. “I'm sorry for everything.”

  “Why are you apologizing? You didn't do anything. It was those assholes!” Wave said furiously. Pang placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. “I'm sorry. I just…”

  “I know.” Punn said. “Thanks.”

  “I'll make sure Pram and his friends aren't allowed on school property again.” Claire said.

  “I already spoke with someone at the school so that happens.” Bright spoke up for the first time.

  Claire turned and looked at him.

  “Thanks phi.” Claire said.

  “Don't worry about it.” He said. “They'll also be facing possible expulsion from their university. Their behavior is unacceptable in any school.”

  “Not that I'm not happy to hear that but how? Usually the entire thing would be blamed on Punn and I for being omegas and Pram and his friends would be let off with a slap on the wrist. Another case of alphas just being alphas and why omegas shouldn't be allowed to go to university. I mean that's how the conservative news channels would frame it.” Wave said.

  “My parents know the dean of Punn's faculty so I called them to ask them to explain to him what had happened and make sure those alphas weren't allowed back on university property.” Bright said. “But when my parents heard what happened they insisted on calling their university and making sure they faced major repercussions for their actions.”

  “Do your parents know about…” Claire glanced at Punn and then back at Bright. “You two.”

  “I didn't mean to tell them until Punn was ready but I kind of let it slip during my phone call.” Bright looked at Punn. “I'm sorry nong.”

  “Uh, no, it's fine.” Punn said trying not to think about the fact Bright's parents now knew of his existence because he would freak out. “They're your parents and you were asking for their help for me.”

  “Um, Claire, Wave and I are kind of hungry. Do you want to go get something from the vending machine with us?” Pang asked, clearly trying to leave Punn alone with Bright.

  “Yeah.” Claire said catching on quick. She turned back to Punn. “We'll be back in fifteen minutes.”

  Punn nodded.

  “No funny business phi.” Claire told Bright as she walked past him.

  “I promise.” Bright told her.

  “We'll be right back.” Wave squeezed Punn's shoulder before letting Pang pull him out of the room after Claire.

  The door shut after Pang.

  “How are you feeling nong?” Bright asked taking a few steps closer to the bed Punn was laying on.

  “Much better.” Punn said. “I don't really remember arriving at the clinic. What exactly happened?”

  “You were really out of it. I had to carry you to Claire's car and she drove us all here. Doctor said you were drunk off the pheromones. Since you aren't used to such aggressive pheromones you got drunk. You didn't want to let go off me when we arrived here.” Bright said.

  Punn felt his face heating up.

  “Doctor said it might have been because we're mates and my scent soothed you.” Bright said. “She made me fill out some forms so I was added as your true mate to your file in case of an emergency by the way. She said she wouldn't process it until you woke up and agreed so if you don't want me to be added to your file then I can tell her to-”

  “No, it's fine.” Punn cut his nervous rambling off. “It's best you're added. In case of an emergency like she said.”

  There was an awkward silence.

  “I should've driven you to school.” Bright suddenly said. “If I'd been there when those assholes approached you I could've stopped everything sooner and you wouldn't be here.”

  “It's not your fault that Pram is an asshole. You don't even know them.” Punn said.

  “I was so pissed when I arrived on campus and saw what was happening. I'm not an aggressive person and I don't like violence but in that moment I really wanted to-” Punn grabbed Bright's clenched fists and gently unclenched them.

  “Let's stop talking about Pram.” Punn said. “So your parents know about me.”

  “I'm sorry.” Bright said. “I really wasn't planning on telling them until you felt ready. I know that you're still getting used to the idea of us being true mates and all these changes. I didn't want to add one more thing for you to stress about.”

  “It's fine P'Bright.” Punn said. “It wouldn't have been fair for me to ask you to keep such a big secret from your parents. Clearly you are close with them.”

  “I am close with my parents.” Bright agreed. “How about your parents? Are you close with them?” Bright seemed to remember what Punn had told him about his father because his eyes widened.

  Punn let go of Bright's hands and started to pull away but Bright quickly grabbed ahold of them.

  “I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked.” Bright said, squeezing his hands in his gently.

  Punn sighed. “No, it's okay.” Punn said. “I'm not close with my father. He raised me as an alpha and made sure I knew I needed to be number one in school and in everything I did. He had very high expectations of me and I did everything he asked of me. I studied all the languages he asked me too. I took part in everything he told me too. I became the number one student like he expected of me. But I couldn't give him what he wanted the most. I couldn't give him an alpha son.” Punn bit his bottom lip hard so as not to cry remembering the first day he'd spoken to his father after he'd presented as an omega. “After doing everything he asked for the first sixteen years of my life I finally couldn't do something so that was the end. He disowned me. I was still able to finish high school but once I graduated I was on my own. Claire, Wave, Pang, and my other friends could've gone to any university they wanted but they all chose to stay with me and follow me here. They knew I wasn't going to ask them to stay. I couldn't do that. But they still chose to stay beside me and help me figure out my future. They're the only family I have and I wouldn't have it any other way.”

  “Then I guess I'll have to get all their approval first.” Bright said.

  Punn looked at him confused.

  “Before I start officially courting you.” Bright explained.

  “Courti…you don't have to do that!” Punn immediately protested, his face was getting warm once again. “Nobody does that anymore.”

  “But I want too and it won't be as over the top as you're probably thinking. I know you wouldn't like it but I'm still going to court you once I get your friends approval and yours, of course. We can get to know each other in the process and go on dates.” Bright said.

  Punn didn't know what to say.

  “I'll be driving you to and from school from now on.” Bright said. “If you don't mind.”

  “It's fine.” Punn found himself agreeing easily.

  Bright grinned.

  They talked some more about a random topic until Claire, Wave, and Pang returned with snacks for Punn and Bright. The five of them spent the remaining hour just talking. Well Claire, Wave, and Pang talked with Bright and Punn occasionally chiming in. Punn fell asleep at some point and the next time he opened his eyes he was in the backseat of Claire's car with his nose buried into Bright's neck.

  Punn apologized immediately but Bright just explained that Doctor Nita had said he'd be tired for the rest of the day and being close to Bright would help. Bright then gently pulled Punn back into the same position he'd woken up in and let Punn decide if he wanted to bury his nose in his neck again.

  Punn decided that if he was asked tomorrow he'd say it was the aftereffects of the events of that morning and buried his nose into Bright's neck once again. Bright wrapped an arm around Punn's waist and rubbed his back, soothing him.