Chapter Text

Summary:

Filing for divorce had never been in Hongjoong and Wooyoung’s plans.

But it was happening anyway.

Hongjoong got another Omega pregnant. His Personal Assistant, Park Seonghwa.

Unable to swallow his husband’s betrayal, at the dead of night, Wooyoung seeks comfort from his best friend, Yeosang, only to find his own ex-boyfriend, San, in Yeosang’s bed instead.

OR

Wooyoung is pregnant and upset. Hongjoong cheated on him and yet Wooyoung still wanted to keep their baby. Nevermind that Hongjoong’s got another baby on the way and this other one is Seonghwa’s.

Seonghwa wanted more than anything to be a mother too. Just like Wooyoung. But does he have the heart to keep the baby whilst Hongjoong and Wooyoung’s relationship is falling apart because of it and him?

Why had he even gone into heat abruptly in the first place? Why is his superior looking at him with hungry eyes? Something is sus.

Meanwhile, Hongjoong does not fucking know how to feel about Wooyoung crying in San’s arms knowing that San still harboured feelings for his mate, them separated because of Hongjoong cheating or not.

Yunho is a good friend to Seonghwa.

Mingi is confused.

Yeosang is tired of this mess.

Chapter 1: The News

“I… cheated on you. We should… we need to get a divorce.”

Hongjoong could not have picked a worse time to break the news.

Earlier that day, Wooyoung could feel his pre-heat coming. He was so happy preparing for the planned rut-heat that would for sure result in both him and Hongjoong having a new love of their life.

Hongjoong and himself had agreed months ago they were going to try for a baby.

Hongjoong rarely came home. It wasn’t ideal and honestly probably an all-round not too sound of a decision considering how Hongjoong was always too busy for Wooyoung, let alone a pup, but Wooyoung demanded a child from his husband anyways.

It was too lonely. Too empty. His life. His home. Even his womb.

Wooyoung felt useless. Cooped up in a small town next to the middle of nowhere.

Hongjoong had them move here since it was near a mining site where he worked. The money is good. Really good. Hongjoong brought home a lot of money for them.

But at what cost?

Wooyoung, not wanting to live apart after their rushed elopement, decided to follow his husband.

Hongjoong slept at his boss’ residence more often than not after a long and exhausting day of doing god knows what, leaving Wooyoung at home in a house to big for a small village, with more time than he knew what to do with, and a soul-crushingly empty house. Hongjoong has since moved up the ranks but his workaholic ways hasn't changed at all. If anything, it's gotten worse since he became CEO. 

Wooyoung had demanded companionship. If not Hongjoong then… a child from him. A child Wooyoung could raise well in the quaint little village.

Then it happened. It rained like nothing Wooyoung had ever witnessed before. A window-rattling force that made him a bit nervous.

A low whimper escaped from Wooyoung’s throat. He was feeling vulnerable and moody, as he always did before pre-heats. The special dinner he spent tirelessly making had long gone cold, Hongjoong was late again and Wooyoung’s meticulously built nest remained soul-crushingly empty.

Wooyoung wanted to cry. To crumple up on the floor and curl up and die. He gave everything to Hongjoong. To be with him. To stay by his side in sickness and in health. But did he really deserve this from the other?

He knew Hongjoong worked really hard to bring their household good money. He always did. And Wooyoung trusted Hongjoong and never thought much of him coming home late. Wooyoung wasn’t suspicious or doubtful of Hongjoong. He simply missed him.

Not to say Wooyoung’s self-esteem was so perfect or that his trust in Hongjoong’s relationship with himself was so perfect that nothing could come between them. No. It was because Wooyoung trusted Hongjoong and who Hongjoong was that he never had a doubt in his heart that Hongjoong remained faithful, guarded the heart Wooyoung gave him steadfastly, and did anything but work during these late nights.

It was still heartbreaking that it seemed that Hongjoong deemed his work more important than his mate tonight however.

Wooyoung fought back tears.

They agreed on this. Planned this. Could Hongjoong not take a day off after months of nonstop work and late-nights for this one night and a few nights after? Hongjoong worked so tirelessly he puthimself on suppressants unhealthily flr years. He could afford coming home on time for his own rut and his mate’s heat for once can’t he? They planned for this!

Wooyoung refused to treat himself that badly and forced his tired body to their nest he built with Hongjoong’s clothes and quilts, desperately clutching onto Hongjoong’s most frequently used sweater for comfort.

He tried to call Yeosang, his best friend, who he had not seen for months now due to him now living so far away to follow Hongjoong.

Ring… Ring…

Nothing.

Wooyoung knew it was likely not personal that Yeosang didn’t pick up, but his lonely heart could barely contain the heartbreak.

Sobs started to wrack his already wrecked body.

The heat was starting to muddle up his mind.

Wooyoung could not take it anymore.

“Fuck. This.” Wooyoung cussed through gritted teeth. He forced himself to get up.

Just as he was about to reach into the drawer for his knotting dildo, he heard a slam.

The front door.

Hongjoong is home.

Wooyoung felt his own breath hitch, excitement pooling in the pit of his stomach. His legs moved before he knew they did.

Wooyoung ran downstairs and practically body-slammed the drenched figure.

The said figure groaned from beneath him.

Wooyoung froze. He sniffed the air.

Sweet.

Alphas are not supposed to smell sweet.

Hongjoong pushed himself off the ground and helped the now-dazed Wooyoung as well to steady on his feet.

“Hongjoong…?” Wooyoung questioned him with his eyes, searching. “What’s going on?”

Wooyoung could smell the rut coming off of Hongjoong, muddling his sense of everything even further but the overwhelming sensation of wrong , wrong something is wrong was so overwhelming it kept his pre-heat mood swings at bay even in front of an Alpha in rut who seems to be lucid.

Lucid.

Hongjoong is already in full-on rut. He’s early.

And Alphas in rut would only be lucid for a short while after they’ve knotted something .

Wooyoung felt his stomach drop and his body growing cold despite the heat.

Hongjoong hadn’t even said anything.

But Wooyoung could already feel it. And he was so, so afraid to be right. He felt it all. Anger. Betrayal.

“You… might want to sit down for this, Wooyoung.”

Hongjoong said.

Wooyoung was too frozen slack to protest and allowed Hongjoong to sit him down.

“I-”

“You slept with an omega,” Wooyoung said, cutting him off. Eyes wide and disbelieving even if it were his own words and there was no mistaking it.

Hongjoong shut his mouth. His lips tight.

Wooyoung’s lip started to quiver as he opened up but choked back on his words. He thought better.

He tore aside the loose collar of the white disheveled dress shirt Hongjoong wore to reveal a single mating bite. His own. Nothing new except a few bruises here and there.

Wooyoung let out a breath of relief and let go of the lapels. His inner omega soothed a little before anger came back in full force.

“What the fuck, Hongjoong? Who did you fuck? Who did you fuck while your mate is waiting for you at home after we’ve planned to spend our heat-rut together?!”

Hongjoong held both hands up. “I know. I have no excuse. I’m sorry.”

“ Who. Did. You. Sleep. With?” Wooyoung demanded. He didn’t even know why this was what he demanded right now of all things. It wasn’t as if it would fix anything or that it mattered who it was Hongjoong betrayed him for. It wouldn’t fix the hurt.

But Wooyoung had to know.

Hongjoong swallowed. “Wooyoung, you need to calm down first-”

“WHO WAS IT? WHO WAS IT, HONGJOONG?! DON’T YOU FUCKING TELL ME TO CALM DOWN-”

“Seonghwa! It was Seonghwa, okay?!”

Silence.

Hongjoong was panting by now.

Wooyoung looked at him in disbelief. Hurt flooding his heart and brain with molten fire so cold he couldn’t even look ahead right without the world being a buzzing blur. The roof of his mouth went numb. His hands were cold and trembling.

Hongjoong saw him tremble. His inner Alpha felt unparalled distress from seeing such a site from his mate. He’s supposed to keep him safe. Make him feel safe. Neither Hongjoong nor his inner wolf could take the reality that he wasn’t doing shit right to ensure the safety and security of his family.

Hongjoong tried to reach out, to sooth the omega in distress. But Wooyoung snapped the moment the tip of Hongjoong’s finger touched his skin.

“Don’t touch me!” Wooyoung screamed. He cried.

An image flashed in his mind. A warm smile. A welcoming gaze. And the face of most beautiful Omega in the world.

Park Seonghwa.

Wooyoung would’ve slumped down or even crumpled to the ground as his entire body gave away if only he wasn’t already seated on the couch.

Wooyoung broke down and kept crying and crying.

It could’ve been a minute or an hour. No fucking clue. Time blurred together.

Hongjoong didn’t know what to do. What would be appropriate to do or what he even had the right to do.

But his omega needed him.

And this time, Wooyoung didn’t protest as Hongjoong collected him in his arms and held him the entire time he broke down.

When Wooyoung calmed down a bit, there was only silence Hongjoong didn’t dare to break. He never felt so much like a failure. He didn’t notice he himself had started crying. Hongjoong didn’t make a sound. He didn’t dare to. He had no right. What right did he have to cry when he was the one who had hurt Wooyoung? But, it was undeniable, seeing Wooyoung this way, Hongjoong hurt . Hurt to see his mate so broken. Hurt that now he had to live with himself and what he had done. But that was a problem for another time. Wooyoung needed him now. No matter how much Wooyoung didn’t want him right now, he needed him. They were mates. Hongjoong was his alpha. Now more than ever when he’s so vulnerable with his heart broken and his mind heat-addled. And Hongjoong refused to leave him.

“Did you mate him?” Wooyoung finally said. His voice was hoarse, breathless and soulless.

Hongjoong said nothing.

After a moment of silence, another tear flowed down Wooyoung’s cheek from his dead eyes.

It was confirmation enough.

Wooyoung suddenly doubled over.

Hongjoong caught him and turned Wooyoung’s limp body; shocked and scared.

“Wooyoung? Wooyoung?! Talk to me!”

Wooyoung whined and moaned. “Hot…”

“Oh shit. Your heat is here.” Hongjoong said, pained. His mate’s heat very quickly triggering the further onslaught of his rut and cutting his lucid phase short.

Omegas could only have one alpha. An alpha could also only be claimed one. If another omega bites an alpha, then the previous omega will lose their alpha.

Nobody bit Hongjoong. Hongjoong is still his.

But…

Hongjoong did bite somebody else.

Alphas can have multiple omegas.

Such was a rare practice nowadays but it had happened many times in recent and distant history. This was how Emperors kept harems which could never leave him and how the Empress has a stake on the Emperor and no other omega is allowed to bite him.

For only one omega can own an alpha.

But that alpha can own as many omegas as he liked.

Wooyoung blinked back tears as his own last lucid thought started to leave him.

Such was the way of the world. It was unfair and very real.

Wooyoung didn’t want this. Didn’t want to be with Hongjoong. Not when he was so hurt and heartbroken.

But his body didn’t give a shit what he wants. And it hurts . It hurts, it hurts, it hurts and it’s too damn hot.

He wanted to be full. He wanted to swell with his mate’s child.

He grabbed Hongjoong’s drenched shirt and growled in his ear. “Take me.”

“Wooyoung I have to leave. I have to leave before-”

“You’re my alpha! Mine! How could you leave me while I-...! I-...!” Wooyoung groaned, holding in the lain and the last threads of his sanity.

“You’re not on birth control-”

Wooyoung crushed their lips together and took Hongjoong’s breath away with a searing kiss.

Neither of them were thinking right anymore.

“I don’t care who else you knocked up. You will give me my baby, Kim Hongjoong.”

Hongjoong’s eyes widened comically before once again being half-lidded as sanity left his brain when Wooyoung captured his lips once more in a heartbreakingly passionate kiss and bit his lips.

“Breed me, Alpha.”

Hongjoong snapped. With no self-control left, he tore the flimsy shirt off his mate.

They didn’t give a fuck that they were still near the still-opened front door or that the howling rain was making their rug wet.

Hongjoong trailed worshipful kisses down Wooyoung’s body from his jaw to his hip bone.

Wooyoung moaned the entire time, body trembling from both the searing heat from his core, the electricity from Hongjoong’s touches and the cold from the weather assaulting his limbs not engulfed in Hongjoong’s warmth.

It was sick. It was insane. If you told younger Jung Wooyoung, a proud and strong omega, that if his future husband cheated on him, instead of throwing him to the curb and threatening to cut off his stupid dick, he’d spread his legs and hold onto the man for dear life, he’d call you insane and laugh at you while he murders your ass in broad daylight without an ounce of fear of the accusation of homocide.

But right now Wooyoung never felt so much need in his life. He never felt so possessive of his alpha. And he wanted his alpha to possess him. He wanted his alpha to hold him down, he wanted his alpha to never let him get away, being a strong independent omega who needed no cheating alpha be damned.

The thought of leaving Hongjoong for what he’s done never had the chance to be fully formed yet amidst his whirlwind of emotions. But the thought that he might even have to think about it scared him. 

Hongjoong was his mate. He belonged to him. They belonged to each other.

Or so Wooyoung thought.

He was scared.

He wanted Hongjoong to take that choice away. To make him feel safe. Trapped and having nowhere to go. Was there a difference? Wooyoung’s heat-drunk mind didn’t care.

This was why joint heat-ruts were so dangerous and put both at such vulnerable state. Even moreso than a rut triggered individually by heat or vice versa, this was when the couple only had the single mindedness to breed. Literally. No one could think right or make the right decisions. They were vulnerable to each other and to be apart would crush them both.

Hongjoong himself must have made a collosal effort to leave whoever he had fucked and mated before to come home to Wooyoung when he could only have had one wave already when his rut was supposed to last for days.

Wooyoung didn’t give a shit.

He pulled Hongjoong down to his neck where their mating bond was as if to tell him: Look. I’m still yours. You’re still mine. It doesn’t matter who else you fucked. Who else you want. You’re mine. Mine. Mine. Mine.

Hongjoong bit the mark. Wooyoung moaned.

“Inside… In me… I need your knot. Breed me.”

Hongjoong wasted no more time.

“Such a good omega for me.” Hongjoong shoved two fingers into Wooyoung’s pussy. Rough and thoughtless. Wooyoung could take it.

Wooyoung moaned at the intrusion. He felt so dirty. So used. Betrayed. It felt so good .

They weren’t lovers anymore. They were mates sure. But right now? They’re using each other.

And Wooyoung let himself be used.

He moaned as Hongjoong played with his pussy and made a mess of him inside as if he was just a toy he can wreck.

That’s right.

Wooyoung sobbed.

Don’t try to act like you care about me.

Remembering how Hongjoong had held him so tightly and yet so gently as he broke down broke his heart even further.

It felt so good to be held. To be taken care of. To be used.

Don’t act like you still love me.

“Just fuck me!”

Hongjoong pulled his fingers out. He roughly spread the omega’s legs further and laid his entire weight on him.

Wooyoung felt crushed and trapped. He loved it.

It felt grounding. It felt safe. Even when Hongjoong was about to ruin him.

“Fuck me… Please…” Wooyoung begged as Hongjoong lined up his cock to the omega’s pussy.

His other hand played with his nipples and groped his breasts as if he were a plaything.

Wooyoung’s body trembled impatiently as Hongjoong kissed him once again while playing with him.

“Look at me.”

Wooyoung looked at him. His alpha. His mate. His everything .

He loves this man.

He still does.

He hates him.

But his heart hasn’t moved on.

Could not.

Woooying wished he could.

He wasn’t that strong.

When Wooyoung looked up, he was struck breathless by the amorous sight.

His beloved was too handsome.

Wooyoung might as well have hearts in his eyes.

“Tell me what you want.” Hongjoong said, low, a command that made Wooyoung shudder even when it was barely above a whisper.

Oh how his body loved this man.

Wooyoung angled his hips desperately so that the tip of Hongjoong’s cock would slip in his pussy.

It was too big. It wouldn’t go in unless Hongjoong forced it in.

Wooyoung wanted it so bad.

Even after everything, the thought of getting knotted and impregnated, swelling with his life mate’s pups, made him burn with want.

Wooyoung begged.

“Please… I’m so lonely… So empty. Make me a Mommy, Daddy.”

At that, Hongjoong’s eyes, for a very brief moment, softened and he looked at Wooyoung tenderly.

“As you wish baby,” Hongjoong said graciously, and slammed his long and girthy cock in the awaiting pussy all the way inside, pushing past any resistance and tightness.

Wooyoung’s jaw grew slack and his eyes widened as his back arched off the couch.

Hongjoong was so deep inside he could feel it in his throat.

Almost immediately, Hongjoong started moving. Slamming in and out so deliciously it had Wooyoung’s toes curling at the cruel invasion.

Hongjoong still had his clothes on. He was fucking Wooyoung like a common whore not worth the tenderness of lovemaking.

There was no ceremony or care to make Wooyoung more comfortable. It was enough to get his cock out of his pants to fuck into the naked heat.

Wooyoung felt like a piece of meat, split open and fucked into like some breeding bitch.

He loved it.

“Fuck.” Hongjoong cursed. “Look at you. So delicious. So pathetic. Begging for my cock after I’ve used it to fuck someone else.”

Wooyoung cried at the next thrust, feeling humiliated and so, so good. He wanted Hongjoong to keep talking. He wanted Hongjoong to degrade him more like he’s so worthless he deserved it. At least, when he felt he deserved it, he wouldn’t have to feel hurt and wronged.

“Are you going to be a good omega and get nice and pregnant for me? Hm? Tell me, little omega.”

Hongjoong held both Wooyoung’s shoulders down from the back, forcing the other down onto his cock as Hongjoong thrusted into him deeply. He grabbed Wooyoung’s neck and kissed him deeply. 

Hongjoong whispered by his ear. Wooyoung shuddered.

“I won’t give you a choice. Try and run away. I’lll drag you back here. I’ll keep you here barefoot and pregnant forever and you’ll love it. You’re mine forever. No matter what.”

“If you disobey me, if you try to run away, I’ll tie you to my fucking bed.”

“Do you understand?”

“Forever.”

Wooyoung kept crying while he nodded. 

“Yes, yes- Ah! Hongjoong!”

Hongjoong twisted a nipple and Wooyoung whined as the sensation travelled straight to his abused pussy. His entire body was getting played with and he loved it. He kept himself open for Hongjoong to use and spoil.

Hongjoong groped and smacked his breast and kept his hand on Wooyoung’s neck as he kept kissing him.

Wooyoung held the cushion behind him for dear life and wrapped is legs around Hongjoong so that the other would go deeper and pump him full of his seed.

Hongjoong took his time to thrust into him deeply and slowly this time to simply enjoy playing with and wrecking his abused body. It was driving him crazy.

“Ahh! Impregnate me, Alpha. I want it so bad. Breed me. Knot me. I need- Ah! I need it!”

Hongjoong growled and ceased kissing him to thrust in and out faster.

They must’ve gone on for hours.

After a few more thrusts, Hongjoong’s knot was growing.

It caught on the entrance a few times and Wooyoung practically vibrated from anticipation. 

Wooyoung whined as Hongjoong bent him in half, showing him the obscene view of where they’re connected.

His growing knot caught his entrance once more before Hongjoong pushed his cock back in up to the knot, showing off the growing knot to Wooyoung before it got too big.

“See that, baby? You’re going to be knocked up, doll. See how I’m going to make you a Mom, Princess?”

Wooyoung may or may not have let out a series of babbles in a pitiful attempt to beg for it.

“Hongjoong! Husband! Ah-...! My husband, please…! Please, please, please- Ah! Hongjoong!”

Hongjoong stopped playing with him to plaster himself on Wooyoung’s body and hold him down tight as slammed into the tight hole, knot and all, breaching it one last time bit hard in the junction between his mate’s neck and shoulder where their mating bite was.

The deep thrust has Wooyoung’s eyes showing whites as he came on the other’s knot. Wooyoung screamed and cried as he was nailed down but Hongjoong did not budge, pressing down heavily on the body he folded in half in a mating press.

The Omega spasmed uncontrollably as he was nailed down firmly and rutted into. Wooyoung continued to cry as he was forced to keep his legs spread and allowed the Alpha to plunder his hole and fill him up.

The knot grew and grew. Hongjoong rutted shallowly and deeply as he started to pump the screaming and squirming omega full of his cum. The tip of his cock rubbed insistently on the other’s cervix.

Wooyoung’s hand came to rest on the bulge where his womb should be as Hongjoong kept abusing his battered cervix with his shallow rutting, balls deep in his claimed omega. He felt so full. All plugged up and his womb filled to the brim with warm cum so much so his usually flat belly distended. He absentmindedly rubbed on the spot as if he were already pregnant with his Alpha’s pups.

Hongjoong noticed and placed his own hand above the omega’s and pressed.

Wooyoung came again on the spot, his head thrown back.

“Thank you… Thank you, Husband, Alpha… Thank you, thank you,” Wooyoung babbled senselessly. Grateful to be bred by his husband.

It didn’t matter that his heart was broken and that Hongjoong had betrayed him. With the knot locking him in place, Wooyoung could only allow himself to be pumped full of cum which made his inner omega and body sing happily from the borderline sadistic treatment. Something in his brain must’ve been wired wrong as pleasure and pain, both mental and physical, had long crossed in wiring.

It felt so fucking good. So safe. For now, he didn’t have to think about the even colder and lonelier road ahead without Hongjoong in it. Right now, trapped and sated, Wooyoung blacked out with the feeling of being completely and utterly possessed and safe. The feeling of home he could pretend, for a moment, he could have forever with Hongjoong, his mate, his one and only alpha, where he was inside and beside him.

For a moment, he felt well-bred and happy.

This went on for days with few breaks in between to move to their room, lock up and bright up basic supplies.

A few days later, after they’ve both had their fill of each other, Wooyoung’s heat ended early. Which could only mean one thing:

He was pregnant.

Wooyoung placed a hand above his womb sadly but fondly.

In light of recent events, this was, undeniably, rather tragic. But… Wooyoung could not help but allow a little bit of giddiness and relief wash over him.

‘I’m pregnant,’ he thought with his eyes closed, his lashes fluttering.

‘Finally.’

His inner omega sang at the idea of finally being a useful omega. Finally getting bred and carrying a pup for his alpha mate like a good omega.

Hongjoong held him from behind. Still knotting Wooyoung.

Wooyoung allowed Hongjoong to use him. It felt good to be full. And, a stupid, sick, side of him still felt safe in Hongjoong’s arms, smelling his scent and getting knotted. There was no need to think when he’s being held and kept safe in the arms of a strong alpha. His biology still hung up on his mate even if his mind rejected Hongjoong.

His heat ended early due to the pregnancy but Hongjoong’s rut was still going. He’s been miserable since he’s been on suppressants for longer than Wooyoung had and his body was giving him an especially hard time.

Ah. What’s a few more rounds of sex? Wooyoung thought. He’s already pregnant. And they’re husbands after all. What’s sex between a married couple? A mated pair no less.

Hongjoong held him, wrapped his hand around his throat, kissed him, spat into his mouth, brushed away his tears and played with his body. He left marks everywhere as if he still owned him. Owned Wooyoung.

And he did what Wooyoung had mentally checked off as the most cruel and painful torture. Whenever the rut permitted tender moments in between or during knotting, Hongjoong would rub his swollen belly full of cum, above his pregnant and stuffed womb, and whisper reverently of his love and excitement for the new pup and how much he was proud of Wooyoung for being a good omega.

Fucking rut-drunk alpha.

And yet, no matter how absurd, Wooyoung never denied him anything.

He could leave when the wave was over. Hongjoong would suffer through the rest of the waves alone and a part of Wooyoung believed Hongjoong loved him enough and was decent enough of an alpha to reign in whatever remained of his self-control to not come after Wooyoung if he left in-between waves because he didn't want to help him through the rest of his rut. Hongjoong would understand. Hongjoong wouldn’t actually ever try to hold Wooyoung back if Wooyoung actually left.

But Wooyoung didn’t.

He laid there and took it.

He parted his legs willingly for his husband and moaned sweetly whenever his insides were breached and wrecked by the impossibly large cock and knot. He locked his legs around Hongjoong and held and kissed him sweetly as he allowed the alpha to knot and breed him full. Wooyoung moaned and bucked his hips up as Hongjoong rutted into him as if he could get him any more pregnant.

As if unsure what would hurt more: to keep going or to let go. His indecision led to him looking ahead with dead eyes in between moments of pleasure as his husband used his body and made his way with him and messed with his brain.

Wooyoung caught himself in the mirror by their bed. Limp. Pathetic. Just lying here and taking it.

He looked fucked out. Stuffed so full he looked pregnant. Wooyoung felt that he never looked so good. Cock drunk and happy.

When Hongjoong was lucid enough after their next knotting, while still sitting on the knot, Wooyoung tiredly asked with dried tears:

“Did you get Seonghwa pregnant too?”

Hongjoong looked at him with a broken look in his eyes. Holding him tighter, he answered the truth: 

“Yes.”

Wooyoung cried into the older man’s shoulder as he came once more on Hongjoong’s knot at the answer. His stupid inner omega honoured to be another breeding vat and vessel for the virile alpha.

He fucking came when he heard his husband had bred another.

Disgusting.

After it passed, Wooyoung’s body wracked with shame.

“I loved you,” Wooyoung sobbed. “I loved so much. Why did you… have to do this to me?”

They were still locked together so intimately, Hongjoong’s cock still pumping his mate’s womb full of cum. Wooyoung was so full and looking pregnant and showing with his husband’s pups already.

“Was I not good enough?”

He cheated on me. He cheated on me. He fucked another pregnant before me.

He image of Hongjoong fucking into another beautiful omega, making him squirm under him as he pinned him down and mated and bred him kept replaying in Wooyoung’s mind without his permission.

Humiliation washed over him as he came once more on his alpha’s knot.

Well-bred and broken, Wooyoung took what comfort he could as he held onto Hongjoong for dear life.

Hongjoong held onto him tenderly but tightly, grounding into him with his knot as the younger’s body once again wracked with sobs after his humiliating orgasm at the thought of his virile mate successfully breeding someone else.

Hongjoong spoke softly even as he was still thrusting shallowly into the other, but Wooyoung wasn’t listening.

“No… No, Wooyoung, sweetheart. Don’t think that way. You’re more than enough. More than I deserve. Always have been.”

It would’ve hurt less if Hongjoong had just straight up told him he thought him worthless.

At least then Wooyoung could detach and mentally declare them both a worthless lost cause. At least then, he could call their marriage a mistake. That it was never real. That Hongjoong never loved him. Never thought highly of him. Never thought much of him.

Then he’d be able to call Hongjoong scum of the Earth, mark their years together a fake and meaningless waste of time he’d be able to cry about and heal from in therapy eventually, and save himself by claiming to be the one who got away from an awful and selfish man who thought nothing of him.

But Hongjoong made sure Wooyoung knew he thought the world of him. That he loved him. And that, somehow, this was real. This marriage was real. They were real.

Because Hongjoong loved him. Whatever the fuck that’s worth.

Hongjoong wouldn’t allow for Wooyoung to think even for a second their years together were fake. He wouldn’t allow Wooyoung to think that he lied to him, that he used him, that he thought Wooyoung was anything of his to use. He spoke to Wooyoung reverently. He spoke to him kindly. He made sure Wooyoung know they were real and that Hongjoong had never once played with his feelings or falsified anything to use him. Hongjoong was just that type of man. 

Wooyoung didn’t like that he was starting to believe it. He knew deep down Hongjoong hadn’t been malevolent. He hadn’t lied. He was fearing that he could not hold on to the idea of Hongjoong being a cheater. It was dangerous to think of Hongjoong as he was: a good husband who made a mistake. Because then it’d be too difficult to leave him. It would have been so fucking easy if Hongjoong was actually a malevolent cheater who claimed “baby I just made a mistake” but then was really a dickhead alpha cheater. But Hongjoong wasn’t like that. He hadn’t called it “a mistake”, even though Wooyoung deep down knew if he claimed it to be he’d believe him, he hadn’t played it off as anything that wasn’t a big deal. 

Hongjoong had straight out called it “cheating” and took full ownership of his actions and what he’s done, ready for whatever retribution Wooyoung had in mind for him. Ready for the responsibility of the blame. Any other alpha would have looked for excuses—drunk, omega in heat, alpha in rut, and not being entirely sane or present, tragic past because mother and father didn’t love him and he was bullied in school and needed that reassurance or that their partner wasn’t giving them what they needed whilst disguising malevolent narcissistic and/or misogynistic megalomaniac intent. Whatever. But Hongjoong wasn’t like that. Hongjoong was an adult and acted like it . He’s ready to take full ownership of his actions. Ready for the responsibility that came with it. He never ran from it . He never excused himself for it.

And that’s why Wooyoung knew, despite everything, Hongjoong will take care of him. Despite everything, deep down, he knew Hongjoong was still the same, very real, good man and good husband he was. He won’t abandon him whether another omega was in the picture or not.

Wooyoung didn’t like it. Didn’t like that it was giving him hope as if things between them weren’t fucking over.

Out of energy, Wooyoung laid down and kept his legs spread for Hongjoong to keep using his cunt. His husband touched his pregnant body all over reverently.

Hongjoong asked if he should try to leave while they’re both lucid.

Wooyoung looked at nothing on the ceiling as his body’s being used and fucked into. He shook his head.

He doesn’t want Hongjoong to stop.

If… When he stops… I might lose him forever. I’ll lose my home forever.

Hongjoong.

My husband.

My love.

My everything.

Fuck it all. Fuck reality. Wooyoung wanted to stay in this dazed wonderland forever if he could.

Wooyoung cried himself to sleep on Hongjoong’s knot, humiliated and refusing to be any offer but to be kept sated, thoroughly bred and full of cum.

“Don’t leave me… Please… Hongjoong, don’t leave me.”

“Don’t leave me for another omega.”

“I’ll be good.”

“Don’t leave me for him. Don’t leave me for Seonghwa.”

“I know he’s prettier.”

“I know he got pregnant faster.”

“I know he’s a good omega. I know he’s perfect.”

“I know I’m not perfect like him but…”

“I’ll be good. Please just keep me. You can cheat on me. I won’t bring it up. If you want to sleep with him again, you don’t have to tell me.”

“Please, I want to keep our baby.”

“Please just don’t leave me…”

Hongjoong cried too and futilely tried to hush his crying husband. At loss with what to do. All he could do was hold Wooyoung in his arms and take care of him best he could when words could not piece it all back together.

Whenever he was lucid, Hongjoong was hurting so much too. Not just from watching the repercussions of his actions, not just from how his husband cursed at him or how his heart tugged when the very same omega begged for him when he didn’t need to because he thought Hongjoong could ever leave him. The fact that he’s done what he’s done was physically painful for him. But Hongjoong would never fucking dare to claim to feel even an ounce of the hurt his mate felt. He had done this. This was his punishment. And it wasn’t even the punishment that Wooyoung had decided for him yet .

Hongjoong had no right to tell Wooyoung he was hurting too. He had no right to tell him that he loved him and that what had happened hurt him too. And so he did whatever else he could and kept holding his husband and whispering words of love and apologies even as Wooyoung collapsed in his arms from the exhaustion.

Chapter Text

It was Wooyoung who ended up leaving first.

Wooyoung woke up when the sun hasn’t risen and the room was still dark.

“Son of a bitch…” He rolled and groaned. His body ached all over but he felt sated. His inner omega annoyingly and embarassingly happy.

But Jung Wooyoung himself?

Wooyoung covered his eyes with his forearm as if doing so would allow him not to see how now his life felt as dark as this cold room right this very second.

Hongjoong whined when he rolled.

Even with his bitter mind and still feeling raw and fried with pain and exhaustion, Wooyoung’s heart tugged at the sweet sight of his—... This alpha being possessive even in his sleep.

Hongjoong must’ve been beyond exhausted. Not just because of the rut, but also the countless nights he spent staying up working. Despite it all, he had taken care of Wooyoung well in this shared heat-rut. He made sure Wooyoung was well-hydrated and ate when he could. He made sure to feed him and take care of him the best he could when he was lucid. And even in the throes of pleasure, he caught Wooyoung when he was spiraling and falling too hard and deep in his emotional distress even though Hongjoong himself was likely not doing so well either.

It’s all so fucking confusing.

Wooyoung caught himself before he thought too positively of Hongjoong. He did not want to think well of Hongjoong right now.

Fuck it. Why was he even thinking well of Hongjoong for pulling through with his responsibility of taking care of his omega mate? That’s something he’s supposed to do! Already exhausted prior to it all or not. Herculean effort or not. It wasn’t his fault Hongjoong was already exhausted from spending so many nights staying up late at night doing work.

Or doing other things. Wooyoung’s unhelpful mind supplied a dark thought. One which involves a tall, very beautiful pink-haired omega he knew basically lived in Hongjoong’s office since the omega’s workaholic boss’ dumb dog brain didn’t know what work-life balance was. 

Wooyoung shook his head as if that would shake off the sickening thought. If he thought of how long this— this affair had been going on, he’d probably lose it again.

But who fucking knows right? Wooyoung no longer knew what to believe. Yea. He’ll stick to that. He needed to remind himself of the problem here: Hongjoong cheated on him.

Wooyoung stomped cruelly on his own affections for the man and carelessly peeled himself away from the overworked alpha.

The alpha brought it onto himself. Wooyoung wouldn’t be such an emotional mess who needed that much support if he hadn’t slept with someone else! It was his fault!

Wooyoung needed to get away. Put some distance between them. He needed to think .

It hurts to be apart from the Alpha who just bred him. His pregnant body kept protesting and the mental pull to stay was so strong but Wooyoung was stronger. He put one foot in front of the other and made his way.

Hongjoong’s rut had subsided and now there was only exhaustion left. If this were before a few days ago, Wooyoung would fret and make his very good alpha something good to eat after fucking him so well.

But the Wooyoung now simply didn’t give a shit.

He walked into the bathroom and took a quick shower and walked out the door, not caring to be quiet but Hongjoong never woke up anyways.

He started their spare SUV and drove.

He drove for what must’ve been a whole two hours since that’s how long it’d take to get here.

By ‘here’ it would be Yeosang’s apartment.

Wooyoung slammed the door shut. He breathed in the heavy city air.

Perfect.

He ignored the pull his pregnant body cried to make him notice. His inner omega screaming for him to return to his alpha where it’s safe . He knew the mental toll would get worse. Pregnant omegas aren’t meant to be separated too far, too abruptly or too long from their alpha. It was detrimental. Not lethal. But it would soon evolve to nothing short of torture.

Wooyoung didn’t give a fuck.

Jung Wooyoung is a social butterfly. The country life was nice but it didn’t suit him. The city was where he belonged.

The village was more for people who were more peaceful in nature. Like Hongjoong and…

Seonghwa.

Wooyoung shook his head.

Whatever. Motherfukers are made for each other.

Wooyoung struggled not to think or anything on his way up to Yeosang’s apartment.

When he arrived, he didn’t bother to knock. He simply used his own key Yeosang had given him.

He should’ve knocked.

Yeosang’s apartment was a studio. It had no privacy. No doors to a bedroom or anything.

Wooyoung’s breath hitched.

Instead of the fellow omega, what Wooyoung found on the fucking bed was an alpha. A very naked alpha.

An alpha he knew.

The alpha cutely held onto he bolster he held hostage a little tighter before slowly opening his eyes.

If it wasn’t the sound of the door clicking open then it must’ve been the smell of distress coming off Wooyoung that alerted the alpha.

There wasn’t much light except the orange standing light by the desk which was on right now. But it was enough illumination for Wooyoung to recognize he familiar handsome face.

The handsome alpha blearily sat up and spoke first to the omega who was for some reason in distress and remained rooted where he stood.

“Wooyoungie?”

Wooyoung’s lips wobbled to a forced smile as he greeted the other breathlessly:

“Sannie.”

____

The smell of distress got San’s brain online faster than anything. But he was still sleepy.

San opened his arms. Motioning for Wooyoung to come to him in bed.

When Wooyoung wouldn’t move, San, eyes still squinting from having just been woken up, made his way out of bed (almost stumbling but no one saw that) and walked over to near the entrance of the studio apartment to gather Wooyoung in his arms.

“I missed you.” San mumbled sleepily into Wooyoung’s shoulder.

Wooyoung smiled. San was still sleepy but Wooyoung could hear the hint of excitement in his voice. “I missed you too Sannie.” Wooyoung croaked out.

He allowed San to walk them both to Yeosang’s bed. The strong smells of his sweet omega best friend and San’s own purposely soothing alpha scent put Wooyoung at ease.

Wooyoung didn’t even realize he had fallen asleep.

____

Morning came and Wooyoung slowly woke up to the sound of hushed whispers.

“Good morning sleepyhead,” Yeosang greeted him. A paper and a coffee in hand.

Wooyoung sat up slowly with his hair mussed and a blanket blanketing him like a burrito.

Wooyoung felt like death warmed over.

San transferred the last pancake from the pan to the stack on the kitchen counter Yeosang sat at before placing the pan in the sink and moving to sit next to Wooyoung.

Wooyoung allowed himself to be wordlessly pulled into San’s comforting embrace.

Yeosang placed his papers and coffee down and turned in the seat to face his friend.

He raised a brow. “So? Everything okay?” Yeosang asked. “You don’t usually come to visit this time of year. The rain is terrible.”

Wooyoung shook his head and grunted, burying his face in San’s shoulder.

“It’s good to see you too, Yeosangie,” Wooyoung mumbled.

Yeosang crossed his arms and huffed. “I kept trying to call you back after you called me a few days ago. For the love of fuck Wooyoung you scared the shit out of me. I couldn’t call back and you didn’t text me back again or anything. I drove all the way to your place a few days ago only to smell you and your husband in heat-rut. You scared the living shit out of me, made me take over shifts for days at the hospital to cover for when I had to drive all the way to your place abruptly late at night and now you show up here without saying anything. You better start fucking talking.”

Sweet, sweet Yeosang rarely ever swore. But he’s got deep eyebags and looked not much better than Wooyoung honestly. Wooyoung must’ve really scared the living shit out of him.

Wooyoung came back from his hiding spot on San’s shoulder. “Sorry Yeosangie. I didn’t mean to leave you hanging and scaring your like that.”

Yeosang sighed and ran a hand through his hair.

San decided now was a good time to speak up, taking pity on the two tired souls. “Maybe you should both eat first. It’s been a tiring week. Maybe we could all catch up after, hm?”

San smiled—way too brightly for 7am, Wooyoung thought.

But who could say no to the man who smiles like the sun? Neither Wooyoung nor Yeosang could that’s for fucking sure.

With a huff, Yeosang let it go and they all sat around the small dining table. Yeosang may not like being touchy-feely or overly affectionate, but he had a massive soft spot for these two idiots anyways. And they both know it.

Having no fear of Yeosang’s already diminishing wratch, Wooyoung plopped himself down beside him.

Wooyoung moaned after he took the first bite. The pancakes tastes like heaven .

He savoured the taste for a little bit before downing some milk. He didn’t realize how hungry and thirsty he was after all that bullshit.

San laughed. “Woah, slow down, baby. Are they really that good?”

Wooyoung paused abruptly.

San caught himself.

Wooyoung turned to see San smiling at him a bit sadly.

Wooyoung wasn’t in love with San. Had never been. They didn’t date long enough back then for it to be love. The one he loved was Hongjoong, even now. But fuck. It would have been fucking amazing if the one he loved right now is this wonderful alpha.

San was his university sweetheart. They both went to a few of the same classes and became quick friends. San claimed they fell in love just as quickly. Wooyoung, as much as he seemed easy going about it, didn’t believe in something as amazing as love happening so quickly, got scared and distanced himself.

San called it love at first sight. Wooyoung called him out on his bullshit even as his heart fluttered.

Wooyoung was insecure. San was good. Too good for him.

San never hurt him in any way that made him feel that love was real. That things were real and therefore safe and realiable.

Things happened. Snowballed. Wooyoung felt himself becoming more and more toxic by the day and could not bear to keep hurting someone as sweet as his Sannie who deserved the world.

They parted. Wooyoung left. Wooyoung met Hongjoong. Got married. And they never spoke since since Hongjoong didn’t like it.

It’s almost funny how the world could throw them back together in the same apartment on whim like this.

They didn't really part on bad terms even though the breakup was quite depressing.

“I-I’m sorry,” San apologized, hand coming to scratch the back of his head nervously. “I know you’re married and mated. I shouldn’t have—”

“It’s fine.” Wooyoung snapped. A tad more aggressively than he meant.

San’s eyes widened a bit. He looked as if he wanted to ask of Wooyoung was okay but decided that would be a stupid questions.

Wooyoung returned to his pancakes before wiping his mouth, appetite lost. 

“Hongjoong cheated on me.”

The sound of a fork clattering onto the floor was the only thing that filled the 5 seconds of silence before Yeosang let out a breathless gasp.

San’s eyes had widened for a different reason now.

Yeosang stood up. San sat straighter.

Yeosang had a really bad feeling. “He didn’t hurt you did he?”

“Other than rip my heart out?” Wooyoung laughed humourlessly.

Yeosang didn’t hold back the annoyed ‘tsk’ even when he himself was holding back tears. “I meant if he put his hands on you, Wooyoung!”

Wooyoung was literally littered in bruises.

When not immediately given an answer Yeosang moved over the table. “I swear to god if that man—”

“He didn’t, Yeosangie,” Wooyoung said, a bit dazed. It was all so overwhelming but he could not help but think this was nice. It was nice that someone gave a fuck. It was always nice to know Yeosang gave a fuck. Even if the touching display did come at a morbid price this time.

Wooyoung barely even noticed when San pulled him into his arms. It felt like he was somewhere far away. And for some reason, he had a feeling San knew this and was trying to ground him.

Yeosang let out a shaky breath, forcing himself to calm down. He did not like the far-away look on his best-friend’s face. It felt wrong . Wooyoung is such a happy-go-lucky out-going spirited person. He was strong. He was Yeosang’s guiding force in the world from even back then when Yeosang was but a naive kid his own mother worried over for being too clueless. Wooyoung is strong and clever. In every way. And a kind soul. He deserved to be always be smiling like the bright sunshine child he was inside.

Now Wooyoung looked as if if the grim reaper showed up knocking on Yeosang’s front door to ask for one Jung Wooyoung, he wouldn't give a fuck and keep looking ahead with those dead eyes.

Yeosang is an ER doctor. He’s gotten over fearing anything. The sight of blood, a missing arm or even a blown up bit of appendage.

But what can he do in the face of something so… so… emotional? Something that feels world-ending to someone he loves so much? Something like his best-friend being cheated on by the husband he loves so much? A husband who earned both Wooyoung trusts and had earned the trust of all those who loved him? Yeosang’s trust? Yeosang had long come to view Hongjoong as something of an older brother/father figure despite their close age. It was… heartbreaking. Confusing.

If this was the sort of the betrayal Yeosang felt, he could now imagine how it felt for Wooyoung. His husband. His mate .

He’s going to fucking kill Kim Hongjoong.

But right now he has to take care of Wooyoung.

“Sangie,” San called out. Yeosang snapped back to reality. San was telling him to calm down.

Right. To take care of Wooyoung he has to calm down first.

Yeosang slowly squatted and buried his face in his hands. “Oh my god… Fuck. Youngie…” He looked up to Wooyoung, covering on of Wooyoung’s hand that was on the other omega’s lap with his own. “I’m so sorry he did that.”

Wooyoung wasn’t hugging San back. Wasn’t holding Yeosang’s hand. He wasn’t moving. But he heard Yeosang’s words and the lifeless look in his eyes started to clear away and made way for tears that glassed them.

“Yeosang…” Wooyoung struggled to speak. Yeosang waited patiently. Wooyoung’s lips thinned. It was so difficult to say. But why? Fuck. Wooyoung grabbed Yeosang’s hand.

“I’m pregnant.”

The room froze.

San recovered first and pulled Wooyoung in a deeper hug.

Yeosang stuttered. “A-Are you—”

What the hell was he even supposed to ask? To say?

Yeosang was so, so scared to say the wrong thing right now. He shot San a look for clues but San had this dark look in his face that was telling Yeosang the other man was holding on to dear life whatever threads of self-control he had left. Yeosang wasn’t getting an answer from him—not when he looked as if he could kill someone with zero remorse right now, distance and the very fabric of reality be damned. 

Wooyoung was covering his mouth with one hand and sobbing into San’s neck right now as the other shushed him patiently and stroked his hair, whispering whatever words of comfort Yeosang just wasn’t registering.

When the shock wore off and Wooyoung calmed down a little was when Yeosang spoke. He didn't care that he was sore from squatting in front of Wooyoung’s chair. He barely even registered any feeling with his friend in so much distress.

Yeosang gulped, gripping Wooyoung’s hand tighter as Wooyoung came out of hiding from the crook of San’s neck and finally wiped his nose and looked at Yeosang with teary eyes.

San was the first to speak properly. Soothingly, he kept telling Wooyoung: “You were so brave, Wooyoungie. Thanks for coming here. Thanks for looking for help instead of keeping to yourself and staying there. You did the right thing.”

Wooyoung looked at San as if he were insecure and small. The look broke their hearts. 

“I did the right thing? I did good?”

Yeosang gave a decisive ‘Hn.’ and nodded. “Most definitely. It would have been stupid if you decided to stay on your own.”

“Are you… what do you want to do, Wooyoung-ah?” Yeosang stood up and grabbed his chair to sit next to Wooyoung on hold him from the other side, drawing soothing circles on his back San’s arm wasn’t covering.

“The pup? I want to keep it. Hongjoong? I… Fuck. Isn’t there an article or some shit that can help me with this? Sannie can you google it or something?” Wooyoung gave a shaky laugh and covered his eyes.

San chuckled and shook him gentle before pulling him close once more and resting his temple against Wooyoung’s head. “There might be some that can help. You don’t have to think about what to do now, though. This is hard. I say we go out for a drive and get some junk food and ice cream. My treat.”

Wooyoung pulled back.

San could wanted to put a hand over his heart. Now would be an ill time to die of adorableness but Wooyoung was looking at him with those big eyes full of hope—the omega really wanted to feel better and San’s dumb alpha brain buzzed with the satisfaction that he was clever enough to suggest something that Wooyoung seemed receptive to.

“Really? We could do that right now? But it’s still raining so bad.”

Yeosang got up. “I’ll get the umbrella. Who cares about a little bit of rain right? You need this. San’s right. Screw thinking right now. You gotta feel better first.”

Yeosang seemed to have miracled a large fucking umbrella out of nowhere. The weather outside is honestly miserable. It’s cold as fuck and the sky was raging so badly it was dark as if the sun hadn’t just risen to it’s rather high point of the day. Yeosang rummaged through his wardobe for coats and some other warm clothes and blankets before handing them over to San who proceeded to help Wooyoung get dressed warmly. 

Wooyoung seemed a bit frozen. Like he needed to command his limbs to move, but he was cooperative enough. He did need this. If he wasn't pregnant, he’d suggest getting blackout drunk but as of right now, this was probably the best idea.

“I can’t join you guys,” Yeosang said. “But I promise I’ll be back asap. You two have fun.”

Wooyoung smiled. “Thanks Yeosangie. Sorry you had to take extra shifts because of me.”

Yeosang shook his head and pulled Wooyoung into a hug by the doorway. “Don’t worry about it. Have fun. Be safe. Bring me back some chicken.”

Wooyoung laughed. Yeosang almost sighed in relief at the familiar sound.

“Definitely. Sannie’s paying afterall.”

San laughed and smiled like the sun. And if Wooyoung looked at San with that slightly saddened look as if he was missing the actual sun, Yeosang turned away and saw nothing. Wooyoung deserved to be happy. Hongjoong can deal with whatever heartbreak comes his way after Wooyoung nurses his own broken heart.

If once Yeosang found out the details of what happened he still thought Hongjoong deserved to live, anyways. He often came home from the hospital with bloodied gowns and aprons and his first aid kit has a few scalpels. Who could tell the difference? 

____

The road was full of miserable people. Traffic was terrible and the rain made it worse.

But Wooyoung’s smile and excited cheer as soon as they pulled over at the drive through and they got their orders of coffee, ice cream and burgers made it all worth it for San.

Wooyoung smiled and laughed a lot as soon as they started eating at the parking lot. San smiled and laughed along, purposely acting as if this wasn’t to keep Wooyoung away from the depression from the terrible heartbreak that just recently settled in.

Being betrayed by a husband is something. Being betrayed by a mate… San heard it was the most painful feelings in the world comparable to fucking nothing actually. At least from the stories he was told growing up, being taught to choose his mate wisely by his parents and told endless cautionary tales of mated pairs giving up on life and dying if something like betrayal or abandonment happened.

Many people choose to simply get married these days, never mating.

San had never met this Hongjoong, but he must’ve been something very special in if Wooyoung chose to mate with him on purpose.

San tried to not ask too many questions. This whole shit is heartbreaking.

San had never really gotten over Wooyoung. But what did it matter? From what he last heard, Wooyoung was married, mated and happy as can be. And above everything, San wanted Wooyoung happy—with San or not. Nothing mattered as much as Wooyoung’s happiness.

When Wooyoung dumped him, San knew he was running away from something. A fear he never told San. It broke him to consider it might be this very fear that drove Wooyoung away. The break up broke San more than it ever did Wooyoung.

This whole situation is insane, but San would never dream about ever abandoning Wooyoung right now to wait for Yeosang to come home to that apartment. He wouldn't dare leave someone so vulnerable alone. Their past histories be damned. San cared for Wooyoung and was not about to make any moves while he was at his most vulnerable—he cared for and respected Wooyoung too much for that. But he won't leave him even if keeping his distance from his mated ex was probably what would be proper and San usually cared a shitload about manners and propriety.

But now it wasn't about San. It’s about Wooyoung.

And so San could honestly say he did not expect the conversation to shift to him .

“So… you and Yeosang huh?”

San nearly dropped his burger. “Huh?”

Wooyoung grinned. “I saw you in his bed. Since when were you two together?”

San laughed uncomfortably.

“So? Are you two together or just sleeping together? Don’t worry. I won’t be mad about my ex and my best-friend together. At this point I don’t think that could bother me.”

San flinched inside at the implication that Wooyoung was hurting so much that no other potentially painful shit mattered right now in the face of his mate and husband cheating on him.

But, trying to be a good… friend, San ignored that last bit and focused on the less heartbreaking part.

“Neither,” San answered.

Wooyoung raised a brow, not believing him one bit.

“It’s true!” San defended when he saw the look . Sighing, San turned his body more fully in what little space he had in the driver’s seat which had been adjusted to give him as much space as possible.

“Alright. I was at the bar. I was waiting for a… friend, you see—”

“A fuck buddy,” Wooyoung corrected easily.

“How did you—”

Wooyoung waved it off. “I have this sense you see.”

San chuckled. Yes Wooyoung did. He was one of the most emotionally intelligent man San had ever had to he pleasure of knowing. 

Honestly how did he not know his husband was cheating then? Wooyoung would have probably caught it before anything happened.

But San very, very quickly dismissed the disrespectful thought. Wooyoung was a victim, and who’s to say Hongjoong wasn’t some world class actor? Many evil people are.

Most omegas don’t go into painful relationships because they’re stupid.

Most go into those relationships because lots of alphas as fucking liars.

“Don’t worry Sannie. I know we’re exes but I hope we could talk without… without…”

San handed him his hot chocolate, seeing that Wooyoung had eaten all of his fries. “Don’t worry. I get what you mean.”

San leaned back and continued his story if only to distract Wooyoung from his own situation. “Alright so I was waiting for my friend—”

“With benefits.”

Like a professional K-pop idol telling a story on a vlive, San ignored him. “We always meet around that time, y’know? We were good old friends and even after he moved he still drives to the bar we like a few times every other week. Sometimes just to meet me. Sometimes to meet our other old friends. He told me his new boss is a workaholic and works him to the bone so there’s not really a lot of opportunities to make new close friends in his new place and he’s quite a bit of an extrovert you see?”

Wooyoung hummed as he sipped on his hot chocolate, showing that he was listening.

It was quite nice. The shitty light in the car and the heater makes it all feel nice and cozy even with the weather pouring and freezing outside. Wooyoung had a blanket draped over him that was nice and warm too—thank you Yeosang!

“I like him a lot. He’s one of the kindest people I know so I like keeping in contact with him.”

“Do you fuck?”

“Jesus, why is that the one thing—”

Wooyoung gave him another look.

San gave in easily. “Alright yea we do fuck.”

“What’s his name? Do I know him?”

San shook his head with a chuckle. “No, no. You’ve never met him in uni I think. Though if you ever come across him I think you’d remember him. He’s really very beautiful,” San said, conveniently ignoring the previous question.

“Do you… like him like that? ”

“God no. He’s someone special. But not like that. Not like you were.”

Wooyoung was silent at that. There was a bit of guilt. He never regretted choosing Hongjoong before. Sure, he loved San. But the past was the past and he loved Hongjoong.

But…

Would my life had been better if I just toughed it out and got over my stupid trauma? Would it have been better if I had… stayed with San?

San would never have betrayed me… right?

Shit. He was beginning to not trust anyone now maybe. That can’t be good.

San took Wooyoung’s hand and squeezed it. Wooyoung finally looked at him.

“You’re right. He and I were fuck buddies. But he was also my very good friend. I like hanging out with him. And that time he was supposed to be at the usual bar even if I was the only one from this side who could make it. He never missed a meet-up before even if he was really busy throughout the week. It’s the one time he always says he got to refresh.”

“So you went without confirming he’d come?”

“Well,” San looked up a bit before giving Wooyoung a thinned out smile. “I wasn't in a very good place that time either. So I was going to the bar whether or not he showed up.”

Wooyoung frowned. “That can't be good for you.”

“Yea but I felt like I needed it y’know?” San said a bit guiltily. “But I somehow trusted he’d be there to stop me from going overboard. He’s a bit like… like my eomma in a way y’know? The eomma of my whole friend group. In a way, I sorta trust that he’ll always be there?”

“And he didn't show up?” Wooyoung’s eyes widened. “Have you checked up on him?”

San shrugged. “I did. But he didn't reply. He does that often since he moved. He works a lot. Like a lot , a lot. At first it drove me crazy but I’ve learned not too worry too much. He’s much better at taking care of himself than the rest of us. I trust that he’ll be fine. Though I won’t be lying I am a tad bit worried.”

Wooyoung didn't look convinced. Bless his kind heart. Concerned for people he doesn't even know. But that’s just Wooyoung.

San found himself smiling a lot even with the worry for his friend at the back of his mind. Wooyoung was just too precious.

“Anyways, yea he didn't show up and I was in… such a shit mood I drank myself to oblivion. I don’t know why but of all the people I dialed while in that state… It ended up being Yeosang. Somehow, I ended up at his place right before he left to look for you. He was so frantic for awhile after you called and he missed it and you never called back. It felt wrong to just leave so I stayed for awhile to make sure he’d be okay.”

Wooyoung gave him a thin downturned smile. “I guess you’re still kind ol’ Sannie huh?”

San looked at Wooyoung in such a way that Wooyoung felt like averting his gaze.

“Well they did say good things happen to those who do good. I guess fate has a funny way of working huh? Turns out, there’s an omega in distress who needs me there.”

Wooyoung chuckled, a bit sadly it was heartbreaking.

“You’ve always said that. Even back then.”

When you suggested we must be fated mates.

“And I still mean it.”

Wooyoung laughed a little louder this time. A little more desperately. It made him want to die. He sounded so pathetic but could not help the words from spilling from his mouth. 

“You suggested we were fated mates . That’s huge Sannie.” Wooyoung sighed as if resigned. “You were perfect and so sweet though. I guess I understand how that kind of confidence suits the kind of person you are.”

San was silent. His subconscious told him it was a bad idea to say what he wanted to say next, especially now, but his curiosity was too much. 

“If I was so perfect,... Why did you leave?”

Wooyoung sighed and closed his eyes before opening them to face San. He looked tired. It was as if he had done every single chore in the world imaginable in the span a few days. “Would you believe me if I told you I really was just scared? That you were so good and kind to me I was afraid that you’d turn around and treat me differently? You were perfect. And that made me afraid. Afraid to believe you. Afraid to think it was real.”

Wooyoung looked down and his lashes fluttered as his eyes darted here and there before be finally gathered himself with a shaky breath to look straight at San. “Sorry my excuses back then didn't give you any closure. I get it. I really do. And I’m sorry. This is really the truth. I was really scared. I was scared if I trusted you… trusted what we had… you’d break me one day like nothing could and I won't be able to piece myself back together. I really won't be. Especially if we were really fated mates.”

“I… I was a coward. I couldn't imagine someone so kind and perfect wanting me. It made me act out. Just to see how far I can push you so that when you cracked and revealed your ‘true self’ that would hurt me it wouldn't be when I didn't expect it.”

“But you never did crack, Sannie.”

“It was so fucking scary. And I could not believe that kind of love… the pure kind, was real.”

San had listened patiently, not interrupting once. When Wooyoung seemed to run out of things to say, San gave his hand a comforting squeeze.

“I would never have hurt you. I don’t have it in me. There’s no ‘true self’. There’s just me, Wooyoungie.”

Wooyoung was silent before letting out a quiet “I’m sorry…”

San felt his heart, painstakingly mended over the years, cracking a little. “Oh, Wooyoung-ah…” San pulled away his hot chocolate and pulled the other into a comforting hug in the awkward tight space. Wooyoung went easily.

After a moment of silence, San asked, “Is that why you chose Hongjoong? Because he hurt you in a way that made you feel like love was real?”

Wooyoung shook his head. “I… Hongjoong never hurt me. Not… before.”

Wooyoung sighed into San’s shoulder. “After you I kind of matured a little I guess? I never dared think about getting back together with you, but I just, you get it right? I wanted a mate.”

San nodded. “I understand. You wanted someone to spend the rest of your life with.”

“And Hongjoong was also just… perfect. He’s very different from you of course. But he’s kind and sweet, funny and charming. I look up to him a lot. He takes care of me very well even before we were ever anything. He’s such a natural leader and a good alpha. I guess that was what drew me to him. Before I knew it, he was the one I’d look for when I needed guidance and soon after… I… fell in love.”

Wooyoung let out what suspiciously sounded like a sob. “I guess I just wasn't that good of a judge of character huh? Guess I brought it on myself. I should’ve also seen the signs but I didn't. I’d like to think I’m sensitive to things but I guess I wasn’t good at this? I wasn’t… good enough.”

San truly feared the way that last part seemed to hold deeper meaning than Wooyoung suggested it did. Wooyoung didn't mean he wasn't good enough at catching signs. Wooyoung truly feared he wasn't good enough, period.

San held him tighter, rubbing his back as if to tell him it’s okay. “Wooyoungie.”

“Hm?”

“You did nothing wrong. You chose as best you could. You loved him sincerely. And you did the right thing coming here when you knew you couldn't be alone.”

San pulled back to look the omega in the eyes. “You are one of the bravest people I know and I’m so fucking proud of you.”

That was when Wooyoung finally, truly cracked. He nodded with an ugly sob and buried his face in San’s glorious warm chest once more. 

If he screamed and cried ugly till his throat was raw and even his sobs cracked, that was nobody’s business.

Chapter Text

Park Seonghwa was in hell.

And he felt that he deserved it.

His mating bond and pregnant body screamed for him to be with his alpha.

But Seonghwa knew it wasn’t possible. 

Hongjoong wasn’t even his. It didn't work that way despite how much his inner omega protested. This wasn't like the olden days when biting someone was all there was to tying someone to another. Now people had something called proper spouses. And Seonghwa was just not it. He lost count how many times he had to firmly tamp down on his inner omega's attempts to ruin things further.

Hongjoong. Is. Not. His! Doesn't matter that his claiming scar remained on Seonghwa's neck. Doesn't matter that he put his child in him.

And Seonghwa had something more important to consider: Wooyoung. His alpha’s proper, legal spouse and first mate, and an acquaintance Seonghwa respected and was quite fond of if anything.

Seonghwa felt so terrible he felt like throwing up. And he suspected it wasn’t even morning sickness (those won’t kick in just yet before a few weeks at least) or his lack of proximity to his new alpha (even though that felt fucking terrible especially when he was just pupped and mated)–Seonghwa felt guilty.

Sure, he held a torch for Hongjoong and had been infatuated with the man long before Hongjoong had even acknowledged his existence back during their school days.

But Wooyoung was Hongjoong’s husband. And Seonghwa would never intentionally hurt a fucking fly---let alone be a homewrecker.

Kim Hongjoong and Park Seonghwa had been schoolmates.

From the moment they met, Park Seonghwa knew Kim Hongjoong was something special. And before he knew it, he fell hard and fast for the famous and wildly popular little Alpha who always had his locker, bag and arms stuffed to the brim every Valentine’s Day.

Seonghwa was a coward. He never pursued him.

Honjoong was so handsome and popular. He was kind and so fucking clever too. With the way he breezed through school even though his focus was elsewhere, Seonghwa was sure he was a genius. With his wits and natural gifts, Hongjoong was the type who could afford to miss some days and skip or slack.

But he never did.

Hongjoong outworked everybody. The boy amazed even Seonghwa himself, who, before Hongjoong arrived as a transfer student, had been hailed the school's number one star pupil.

Somehow, they became friends. Good friends—if a bit awkward. Hongjoong felt that it was only natural that two hardworking people ended up friends. Seonghwa felt that it was a miracle.

Hongjoong told him words he’ll never forget.

‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’

And that was how Hongjoong lived. It wasn’t always healthy. Seonghwa tried to make sure he took care of himself; always cautious about being too pushy. They weren't that close but Seonghwa was someone who naturally gave too much fucks. Can anyone blame him? Hongjoong took too many extracurriculars, too many extra classes and responsibilities and serious hobbies. The constant reminder that Hongjoong was giving his own body a beating through lack of vegetables and sleep wasn't exactly difficult to remember when the reminder was always there in the form of missed lunchtimes and the bags under the shorter teen's eyes.

It helped that Seonghwa was also helplessly and utterly in love with him.

Seonghwa was drawn to him like a moth to a flame. He followed him like a lost puppy because Hongjoong was just that electric.

But Seonghwa was just one friend. One schoolmate who had a crush on him amongst many.

For some reason, Hongjoong allowed Seonghwa to stay around and remain close enough to tell Hongjoong, ‘Hey, eat your lunch,’ ‘What the hell? You need vegetables in your diet!’ ‘What are you doing sleeping here on the roof? It’s cold! Here, take my jacket!’

Seonghwa never did come around to actually confessing. No matter how many flirty remarks or extra attention he gave Hongjoong, it seemed the other didn't register it as something serious and honestly Seonghwa didn't blame him. He was grateful to simply be allowed to stand next to someone so brilliant.

He took care of Hongjoong. And Hongjoong took care of him. They shared too-small umbrellas and Seonghwa remembered to bring an extra bento when Hongjoong often didn’t. Hongjoong, already resourceful and somehow making his own money, would tell Seonghwa he was too frail, to thin, even for an Omega, and bring him out to eat often.

It made Seonghwa's heart flutter because Seonghwa disagreed. For an Omega he was too tall and too broad. Too ugly. Body with angles too sharp and a face too chubby with boring eyes. All angular and soft in all the wrong places. Not cute or beautiful at all.

Unlike Wooyoung. Jaw so sharp it could cut your finger and eyes so effortlessly sultry it could trap any poor alpha in a trance. Height just perfect to be tucked under an alpha's chin and a body that was perfectly muscular and sexy without losing it's delicate touch proper of an omega.

School days have ended. University started. They parted ways.

Seonghwa wished they could be roommates in the same dorm at least. And they were---for about a week. Then Hongjoong spent so much time out, working, he decided to rent a place closer to his workplace instead of university and left Seonghwa behind with their pictures Seonghwa “jokingly” placed all over their dorm in a pathetic attempt to feel Hongjoong’s presence when he wasn’t at home. And Hongjoong jokingly called Seonghwa his "ansaram" (wife) because of the way Seonghwa would tell him where he tossed his socks or bring him food to wherever he was working if the hours got too long and Seonghwa somehow knew. Seonghwa made a point to ignore how it made his heart flutter everytime.

And because, you see, Park Seonghwa is a coward. He grew out his bangs because he felt that his own face was unbearably ugly. He could not possibly confess outright and make Hongjoong have to choose between ruining their long-held friendship or keeping someone as ugly as him as a romantic partner.

Sure, over the years Seonghwa grew more confident in himself and his looks, but by that time it hardly matter. He missed his chance because he was a coward. He told himself it wasn't really a missed chance anyways because if Hongjoong really liked him back, wouldn't have Hongjoong at least responded to one or two or his attempts to flirt if not outright confess himself?

Somehow, eventually Seonghwa grew busy too. And unlike Seonghwa who would fight to remain close to Hongjoong, Hongjoong simply carried on with his life as Seonghwa grew busier and busier. He wanted to be a bit more like Hongjoong---working hard, dreaming big and wanting more from life.

It came at a steep cost to their friendship. To Seonghwa at least. Seonghwa could not imagine Hongjoong being all that bothered.

They grew apart.

Seonghwa called often. And then less often. And then hardly ever again.

Hongjoong was too busy. He was young and hungry. He tried to make up for it by taking Seonghwa out to dinner as often as he could, about once a month, but even that soon dwindled and stopped.

Years later, when they worked together, Hongjoong expressed his regret for not being a little more empathetic or emotionally intelligent, nearly growing apart permanently with a great friend if fate didn't choose to bring them back together at their current workplace.

But, of course, Seonghwa never blamed him. Seonghwa himself had been busy. He worked harder and harder. Wanting to be as good as Hongjoong. Wanting to work as hard as him and maybe… just maybe, start to feel worthy of wanting him.

Their friendship suffered. Seonghwa was almost grateful he never got around to man up and confess his feelings to Hongjoong. Hongjoong was a busy man. Too busy for him. He would’ve rejected any relationship. Seonghwa convinced himself it wasn’t personal. It wasn’t because it was Seonghwa. He was glad he didn’t tell Hongjoong he has fallen for him. It would’ve hurt too much. 

Hongjoong doesn’t do relationships.

Or so Seonghwa thought.

A few years passed, and after a long time of hearing nothing, a text came through. From Hongjoong.

[‘Hey Seonghwa. I know we haven’t hung out in awhile. Life’s been hell. Sorry about that. I guess we’ve been busy. Hey man, you’re still my good friend and I just want to let you know I’m getting married next week’]

There was no need for formality between them. And Seonghwa, truthfully, after so long telling himself he wasn’t worthy and wallowing in self-pity and loathing, felt numb as he read over the words: I’m getting married.

Married. Hongjoong’s getting married.

What could he possibly say other than…

[‘Oh really? Omg Hongjoong that’s amazing! Congrats! Why so sudden though? In a week?’]

It wasn’t important what happened after. And it wasn’t important how Seonghwa felt. It was in the past.

Seonghwa attended the small elopment as a witness. As a favour to an old friend who needed someone from the area to be a witness of the ceremony along with one more person Seonghwa didn’t really care to remember on that day. It had been too stressful. Weighing too heavy on his heart. He didn’t want to come. Didn’t want to watch as the love of his life promised forever to someone else.

But what can he do? Could he feign sickness when his friend invited him to the important milestone? He had to be there for his friend on the most important day of his life. 

What he felt for Hongjoong was his business. It wasn’t Hongjoong’s fault Seonghwa never had the guts to say anything and it wasn’t Hongjoong fault he didn’t feel the same. Love could not be forced. 

So Seonghwa cheered and clapped and acted flawlessly as Hongjoong kissed the love of his life. 

Jung Wooyoung is a beautiful man in all the ways that mattered and more.

He was so charming, Seonghwa couldn’t help but like him. In another world, they could’ve been close friends, he reckoned.

Wooyoung was everything Seonghwa wasn’t. Confident, outgoing, soft and sexy in all the right ways.

He was perfect.

So Seonghwa decided to be happy for them both and sincerely wished them all the best and a long-lasting harmonious marriage.

It was a fluke how Seonghwa managed to become Kim Hongjoong’s personal assistant only a year later and not too long after, with much help from Hongjoong, his personal assistant status turned to that of an executive assistant's; with his opinions and input, now thanks his current status as an EA, regarded as very valuable even to the upper echelons of the company---still mostly particularly Hongjoong of course. 

Shit happened before that. Seonghwa had lost his reputation and his previous job. He never felt so much like a failure. Another reason why he was so grateful to Hongjoong and the current life he had. 

He couldn’t find a new job. He didn’t want to work for his own family’s firm and crawl back to his parents but he was getting desperate. And it was, in fact, his uncle who had pulled some strings to help him get a new offer from another company to help him remain independent of his parents.

For a little bit, Seonghwa thought he was blessed. But, as it turned out, the universe might’ve been fucking with him anyways.

First day of work? How fucking funny it was that the boss directly above him who he cannot decline to work for, happened to be his longtime crush who he never quite for over? Who, also, happens to be fucking his husband on the very same desk that Seonghwa’s supposed to keep in order for the rest of his career in the company?

Wooyoung had laughed and yelped as Hongjoong shifted. The man was bouncing on his boss’ lap without shame.

Hongjoong, taken by surprise, had shifted abruptly in surprise, breaking rhythm. Recalling the memory, Hongjoong must’ve been quite embarassed to have a ‘stain’ in his flawless rapport as a professional. Honestly though, he was high enough in the company that he needn’t really care.

Thinking back, Seonghwa was glad he could play the swift escape he made as a flustered reaction instead of a pathetic and heartbreaking one. Seonghwa ran all the way to the bathroom and sat the fuck down. When the shock finally settled, Seonghwa sobbed. The rest was history.

Seonghwa was stuck. He’s relocated and the job was a favour from his uncle and associate. He couldn’t just turn back because he used to have a highschool crush on Hongjoong. That would’ve been ridiculous.

Now though, Seonghwa wondered if he should’ve listened to his first instinct to flee because now how could he possibly live with himself and his conscious telling him he’s fucked up royally for good?

He’s on suppressants. There’s no fucking reason why he should go in heat so suddenly and, in turn, triggering Hongjoong’s rut whilst Hongjoong himself was off suppressants.

Yes, Seonghwa knew Hongjoong was off his suppressants. He could smell him. Hongjoong has a scent that’s so very… him. A touch of both the mountains during rain which Seonghwa loved so much with a dash of the breeze from the saltiest of seas. Best of all? When he was approaching his rut, he smelled a bit of lovely scarlet carsons Seonghwa used to grow in his gardens before moving to this side of Korea.

Hongjoong smelled heavenly . Seonghwa found himself embarrassing attracted to it even without the insane desire to mate.

Pre-rut and pre-heat lasts about ten days before the actual heat or rut give and take.

During the first day of pre-rut, Hongjoong had been a bit self-conscious. He caught Seonghwa looking once or twice, and assumed what he thought (correctly) that Seonghwa could smell his rut coming. Hongjoong had rather sheepishly, which Seonghwa noted was so fucking cute , scratched the side of his head and admitted he got off suppressants.

‘We’re going to try for pups.’ Hongjoong mentioned, happy and bright even when his smile was shy.

Seonghwa thanked whatever god was up there, even when they weren’t on exactly good terms, that Seonghwa was on suppressants and Hongjoong could not smell his own scent souring from the information.

‘Congratulations,’ Seonghwa had told him with a forced smile that he hoped sufficiently delivered his sincerity instead of, you know, the fucking lie he felt his message was.

It’s true Seonghwa wished Hongjoong, and Wooyoung for that matter, all the happiness in the world—they’re both amazing people, they both deserve it; Seonghwa was still human after all; and not a perfect one.

He still carried a torch for Hongjoong and still, on the daily, considered handing in his one-month notice to him so that he can move far, far away from this place Seonghwa had long considered hell for making him face the man of his dreams on the daily. Fate dangled Hongjoong before him and made sure to punish him for waiting on the daily.

But Seonghwa is a professional. He will behave professionally for as long as he worked. That was his intention.

Then, it happened.

For some reason, Seonghwa’s suppressant, which he had taken for a whole two years, suddenly stopped working. Due to being on suppressants for such a long time, the almost immediate affect after just a day was him being thrown into his heat, not pre-heat or anything, in the office.

Hongjoong’s office.

From then, time had been a blur.

Seonghwa remembered, the few hours before disaster struck, he was talking to another higher up in the company, a man by the name Jinyoung Park. This higher up didn’t like Hongjoong and Hongjoong didn’t much like him. As a result, to avoid anything unwanted or conflict brewing where it had no place to, Seonghwa had long become the mediator in this business relationship. Normally, a man of the man’s station would feel a bit insulted if whenever there was a correspondence it was the personal assistant instead of the man in question (Hongjoong) who always replied to everything and relayed everything in person or by any other means between the two of them.

But Park Jinyoung didn’t seem to mind much. In fact, he rather enjoyed Seonghwa’s company by the looks of it and had been easy on Hongjoong for as long as it was Seonghwa who was taking care of the correspondence.

Seonghwa recalled being offered to lounge in the man’s personal break room for awhile just to chat. Seonghwa had given the man a polite smile and declined. As kind as the offer was, Seonghwa was on the job and he had work to do for Hongjoong.

On the way back to the office, Seonghwa stopped by the common 8th floor break room to take his suppressants.

And the work day went on.

Until Seonghwa blacked out and the next thing he remembered he was laying beside Hongjoong in Hongjoong’s office’s too small couch.

Hongjoong had woken up not much longer after he did.

The horror, the regret, the anger…

Seonghwa shivered.

Hongjoong walked away. Immediately. It was late at night.

And Seonghwa, naked, cold and alone ont he couch, knew where he was going.

Hongjoong was going home . Home to his husband. Home to Wooyoung.

Seonghwa felt warm tears make it’s was down his cheeks as yearning like he’s never felt before and a pull he has no fucking clue where from began to make him feel as if Hongjoong had wrenched a part of himself away by leaving.

Only after he was able to pick up the few pieces of broken heart and battered body and got home did he find out the answer why.

In the bathroom mirror, Seonghwa caught onto quite a sight. A battered body so ugly and bruised he was red, yellow and blue and purple all over. And amidst all the mess, was one scar that sent Seonghwa straight to the floor crying and screaming into his hand with the back of his palm and forehead touching the cold and slippery floor.

A mating bite.

After he gathered a bit more of his heart and scattered brains, Seonghwa checked on the date and time.

He ignored the gnawing feeling in his heart. Something in him tugging violently. Demanding an explanation as to why he’s such a shitty omega that his mate would abandon him straight after mating and breeding him. 

But the world doesn’t stop for anyone, and so Seonghwa went to fucking check where he stands in the world currently, wanting to know in how much more immediate trouble he’s in.

At first just to check to see how long he’s been out and if he still had a job .

Seonghwa sighed in relief.

It hadn’t been that long. It was still just approaching midnight of the same day. He hadn’t missed the next day’s work without notice or anything.

However, with what little good news knowing the time brought, bad, bad news tagged along.

His heat was over after just a day. Perhaps even in the matter of hours . Which meant, his abrupt heat had ended just as abruptly.

But why ?

Seonghwa wished he didn't have the answer. That night, Seonghwa cried himself raw.

He was pregnant with Hongjoong’s baby.

It had taken Seonghwa everything to gather up the courage to call for… help. Call anyone. He cannot be alone. He cannot .

Seonghwa hadn’t even decided whether he was going to keep the baby. The idea was honestly dangerous. Irresponsible and insane. But Seonghwa couldn’t say with his whole chest he wanted it gone.

He was confused. He knew from experience, if left to his own devices, he’d do something he’ll regret. And perhaps this time, Seonghwa though as he absentmindedly placed a hand over his still-flat belly, that this time he may really have to live with the consequences.

He called Yunho.

When Yunho received the call, it was at an ungodly hour in the morning, long past midnight, but the detective was a light sleeper, perhaps from all those years of training and living in relatively precarious situations, he immediately answered.

[“Hello? Hwa? Are you okay?”]

Seonghwa opened his mouth but couldn’t find any words. A sob. And then a long silence. And more sobbing filled silence.

Seonghwa could already hear the rustling of blankets being removed and a coat being put on.

[“Where are you? Are you home?”] Yunho demanded, the fucking sweetheart. Seonghwa didn’t deserve his love and care. He really didn’t.

Seonghwa nodded even when Yunho couldn’t see. He croaked out, “I-I’m… at home. I’m okay.” Lies. “I-… I’m sorry. I don’t think I can be alone right now.”

”Got it. Stay right there. I’m coming.”

Seonghwa faintly heard some sounds from the other side that sounded like worried fussing.

[“I’m okay, Min.”] Yunho said on the other line. Yunho kissed someone. [“My friend needs me right now. Think you’ll be okay on your own tonight? Okay, good. I love you.”]

Seonghwa felt so fucking bad .

[“Seonghwa? Hwa? Stay on the line alright? Keep me company. Don’t go.”]

Seonghwa nodded. He could do that.

[“Breath, Hwa. You’re alright. I’m coming.”]

Seonghwa wished he didn’t fucking have to. 

“Yunho… I’m so sorry.”

[“Shhh… None of that. Just… lay down or something okay? Make yourself some nice hot chocolate or something if you can?”]

”Don’t want to.”

[“Then make some for me. It’ll still be hot when I arrive. I promise I’m going to be there ASAP.”]

Yunho lied. But he did arrive as fast as possible. By the time it was ass crack dawn, Yunho pulled on the driveway where Seonghwa was already waiting, sitting in the cold night with cold chocolate in hand. The moment Seonghwa put away the chocolate drink, Yunho had come over and pulled him into the tightest hug.

”Silly Hwa. Let’s go inside so I don’t freeze to death, yea?”

Yunho’s perfect. He knew exactly what to say to make Seonghwa feel as little guilt as possible. Always making it seem as if whatever brought Seonghwa convenience or comfort was something of favour to Yunho himself. Seonghwa knew his tricks but never called him out on it.

And for now, he allowed Yunho to coddle and comfort him.

Seonghwa felt so fucking guilty. He didn’t deserve this. Didn’t deserve such a gentle friend doting on him after he had probably just ruined lives . Heck, he most definitely ruined Yunho’s night with his beloved too.

Seonghwa knew Yunho was with someone. Yunho told him.

After highschool, Seonghwa, having received awful advice, took the advice to move on from Hongjoong (which he now knew was a fucking futile task, truly) by dating someone else.

Yunho was his very first and last rebound. Yunho was so sweet and kind and after he confessed his feelings for Seonghwa, Seonghwa realized he was an awful fucking human being for messing with Yunho’s heart like that.

They broke up, but Yunho and Seonghwa had someone never really cut off contact. They’ve become good friends. And when Yunho found love, for real this time, Seonghwa was really, truly fucking happy for him.

“Ready to talk about it?”

Seonghwa hesitated but then slowly nodded.

He called his workplace for a leave. Hongjoong was not in either as it turns out. The other assistants handled things well, thank the fuck god. And so there was Seonghwa, wrapped in a blanket like a burrito and fed onigiri by the insistent giant who had the audacity to tell him he needed nutrients when Seonghwa knew for a fact Yunho’s own diet consists of takeouts and convenience store coffee after long nights of being on cases as the city’s detective.

“I…” Seonghwa felt his throat closing up.

Yunho rubbed his back patiently as he sat next to him, coffee in the other hand. “Slowly. It’s okay.”

What had Seonghwa ever done to deserve this angel. Bless him.

Seonghwa felt tears he thought had dried begin to fall again slowly.

”I’m pregnant.”

Yunho’s face remained gentle. Practiced as a professional’s would be without a single twitch. Between Seonghwa’s confession and some horrors he had to listen to as an officer of the law… Seonghwa supposed it made sense that Yunho was able to remain so calm.

”And mated.”

At that, Yunho’s eyes widened a little before he reeled whatever he felt about it back in.

”And…? Are you upset about it?” Yunho wrapped an arm around Seonghwa. Seonghwa didn’t retract from the touch and so Yunho held him tighter. “You weren’t forced were you?”

Seonghwa paused. To be honest? He wasn’t sure.

But he ultimately shook his head. His heat must’ve triggered Hongjoong’s rut. If anything, it really was his own fault.

”No. He… didn’t mean to.”

Yunho frowned. “I’m not sure what that means.”

”I went into heat. I trigger… his rut.”

Yunho turned Seonghwa to look at him. “Who’s rut?”

Seonghwa didn’t mention it, but Yunho was holding him a little tight. Suddenly, Seonghwa felt that his throat was very dry, and Yunho’s usually calm eyes looked as if it were burning holes into his soul.

”Hongjoong’s.”

Yunho’s eyes widened.

“Your boss ?”

Seonghwa turned away, not daring to look Yunho in the eyes.

What Yunho didn’t say was ‘Your married boss?’ but they both knew it was what they were both thinking.

When Seonghwa gave no reply, Yunho pulled him back in his arms. “Oh, Seonghwa-hyung…”

Seonghwa obediently allowed Yunho to tuck Seonghwa under his chin and hold him comfortingly.

”It’s going to be alright. You’re not gonna be alone in this okay? Whatever you choose to do, you have me okay? If you need an alpha through this, I’ll come over more often, I promise. I’m sure even Mingi will understand.”

Seonghwa let out a broken sob. “I’ve troubled you so much. I don’t want to be a burden.”

Yunho chuckled and kissed the crown of Seonghwa’s head before pulled away to tilt Seonghwa’s chin up to look at him. “Hwa, there’s never a second in which I thought so.” Seonghwa tried to shy away from his eyes. Yunho pulled him back. “Hey, hey, look at me. Look at me.”

Seonghwa did look at him.

Yunho looked into his eyes, his big, warm hands on either side of Seonghwa’s arms. “It’s going to be alright. Okay?”

Seonghwa slowly nodded. “Okay.”

There was silence as they both remained in each others’ arms.

”I think…”

Yunho shifted a little. “Yea?”

Seonghwa’s hand rested utop his belly. “I want to keep it.”

Yunho: “Seonghwa-“

”I know-. I know I have no right. Hong-,” Seonghwa started but was cut off.

”Hyung!” Yunho looked at him, looking a bit horrified. “Of course you have the right. It’s your baby. Any choice regarding the pup is yours and yours only to make. Forget Hongjoong, hell, forget Wooyoung when it comes to this one choice. I know you’ll do right by them and treat their situation with respect, but when it comes to your pregnancy, it’s your choice and your choice only what to do with it. Hongjoong doesn’t have to be in the picture for you to make a decision.”

Seonghwa was speechless. He had never seen Yunho more sure of anything in his life, save for probably when Yunho admitted his feelings to Seonghwa in the past and when he confessed his budding romantic love for his childhood friend, Song Mingi.

”I… I just don’t want to hurt them. It might not be just my life that’s affected. But then again…” Seonghwa turned to Yunho. “Do you think it’d be okay if I never tell Hongjoong?”

Yunho paused. “Seonghwa-hyung, what he chooses doesn’t have to affect your decision, but, honestly, he should at least know .”

Seonghwa swallowed tightly, looking away. “Yea. I suppose so.”

A day has passed. Yunho went home worried. Very worried. But Seonghwa assured him that at least thanks to him, Seonghwa felt stable enough now and that it was alright to leave. Truly.

Then another day went by.

Then, when Seonghwa returned to work, looking for Hongjoong, the alpha was nowhere to be found.

For a fucking while.

Seonghwa sighed. He only had so many days off permitted leaves left.

There was… another person who he needed to speak to.

Seonghwa was no mistress. If he were, then it’d be Hongjoong’s job to talk everything out with Wooyoung and take responsibility over what happened. The existence of a mistress was the husband’s fault.

But he was not. And Wooyoung… was just another person in the mess they were all in. It wasn’t even Hongjoong’s fault. It was Seonghwa’s if anything.

Seonghwa tried to call Hongjoong’s residence.

Nobody picked up.

Seonghwa began to be a little worried.

And so, Seonghwa took what remaining time he had, and made a trip to his best guess on where Wooyoung would be.

Seonghwa didn’t know that Wooyoung and Hongjoong spent the last few days in joint heat-rut.

By the time, Seonghwa visited their house, the house was empty with. very strong smell, even Seonghwa could smell it from the front lawn.

The smell of Hongjoong had his body shiver and his body all tingly. He felt a pull to come closer but of course, he did fucking not. He wasn’t so shameless as to break in for the sake of burying his face in Hongjoong’s dirty laundry and pillows to sate his pregnant and mated inner omega yearning for it’s alpha.

Seonghwa asked around. After a little bit, and deducing from the lack of cars or lights being turned off despite it being daytime, Seonghwa figured they weren’t home. Neither of them.

See, Seonghwa didn’t really know Wooyoung.

But he knew his schedule. His close friends. What clothes Wooyoung liked to wear and which tailor he liked his suits picked up from when Hongjoong wanting him to go to galas with him.

Seonghwa was Hongjoong’s personal assistant afterall—and Hongjoong made Seonghwa many requests and gave him many orders to take care of his husband; all which Seonghwa did well. Really well.

Seonghwa took care of Wooyoung as if he were his own little brother. Seonghwa couldn’t tell which part of it was sincere and which part of it was overcompensation for the guilty feeling he had for feeling jealous over Wooyoung.

Anyways, he never meant Wooyoung any harm and so if he remembered all of Wooyoung’s emergency contacts and addresses so what? Was he stalking? May-fucking-be. But you see, guilt is a funny thing. And Seonghwa is desperate .

Wooyoung wouldn’t welcome him. And Wooyoung himself might be in a delicate situation.

But… Seonghwa needed to speak to him. And preferably soon before Hongjoong loses his husband forever because their relationship became unsalvageable because of Seonghwa .

If it came to that , Seonghwa wouldn’t be able to live with himself. Wooyoung and Hongjoong were good people. They were in love. They were planning on having pups together.

Seonghwa didn’t want to ruin that for them.

Seonghwa held his belly many times on the way to Yeosang’s—Wooyoung’s friend’s place.

The PA only ever met Yeosang a few times. Everytime there was a “family” event, Yeosang was always included, upon Wooyoung’s insistence. And so, Seonghwa himself was somewhat acquainted with the man.

He just hoped that it would be awkwardness that greeted him and not a cold stone wall he appropriately deserves as the potential wrecker of an idyllic marriage.

And so that’s how Seonghwa found himself in front of a door. Just a door. An ordinary door.

Seonghwa never saw anything more terrifying in the world.

Wooyoung’s there. He can smell him. He can smell Hongjoong too. But it wasn’t a smell that was purely Hongjoong. Hongjoong’s scent seemed to be weaved meticulously to Wooyoung’s.

As a mate’s would be.

Seonghwa adjusted the scarf around his marked neck, took a deep breath and knocked.

Once.

Twice.

____

Yeosang opened the door on the hesitant 4th knock.

”Coming, coming.”

And the smell of Hongjoong hit him. The scent was weaved into another’s. And in an instant, Yeosang, who’s clever but is usually clueless about a lot of things, understood in an instant.

This was the Mistress.

The Mistress seemed to be a sensible and sensitive man because he somehow immediately noticed Yeosang’s distress and tried to alleviate it.

“I-I…” the Mistress stuttered. “I’m not here for trouble. I just… need to talk to Jung Wooyoung?”

Yeosang was silent. What the fuck was he even supposed to do? He should be doing something right now. React in some way, shouldn’t he? Tell this bitch of a mistress to fuck off and run to tell Wooyoung?

But…

It would have all been a lot easier if this mistress didn’t look so goddamn apologetic.

Yeosang had heard of mistresses coming to their boyfriend or sugar daddy’s wives’ homes to cause chaos and sow discourse. He had heard how they looked as if they were looking for trouble and how they indeed were. All without the regard of the wife. Without the regard of the couple’s legitimate children, if present.

But this mistress looked so goddamn pitiful. He didn't at all fit the look of the scorned omega who’s man wasn’t him enough money and attention and was throwing a tantrum.

And really like, true to his words, he wasn’t looking for trouble.

“I-I’m Park Seonghwa,” the Mistress said in a pitifully small voice.

Yeosang absentmindedly nodded. “I know.”

Park Seonghwa is beautiful. Yeosang wasn’t one for romance but if he were Wooyoung he’d be devastated for so many reasons and this was one of them. Nevermind that Wooyoung himself is an exceptionally stunning man, Seonghwa had that beauty that would bring men to ruin. Seonghwa could make alphas wage wars on his behalf and make people bite each other’s heads off for a chance to hold his favour. If Yeosang was born looking like that, he can’t imagine being insecure a day in his life.

But Seonghwa looked as if he was anything but secure and comfortable. He looked as if he saw himself as the scum of the Earth.

Yeosang would have agreed that the homewrecker was… if he wasn't looking at him.

“Is Jung Wooyoung here?” Seonghwa asked.

Seonghwa is an Executive Assistant. He’s used to being confident and assertive and faking it when he doesn’t feel like it.

But right now, he just wasn’t capable of putting on any type of show.

He was desperate. And all he wanted was to do something, anything, that might fix things a little. He’s just so nervous about making it worse instead and that he’s crossing lines and boundaries to get where his heart felt he needed to be to do the things he needed to do to just… not be the worst human being on the planet.

Yeosang sighed. “Even if he was, it wouldn't do him good to meet you. Not this early anyways.”

The incident was fresh. The wound was still too raw. Having Seonghwa here would be like rubbing salt and pouring vinegar on a fresh wound. It just shouldn't be done.

“Maybe I could pass on a message?” Yeosang asked. He didn't know what he was doing or if it was even the right thing to do. But he felt that Seonghwa was, on some level, suffering and Yeosang hated people suffering despite knowing whatever pain Seonghwa felt could not possibly be comparable to that of Wooyoung’s and that Yeosang wasn't even sure if pain was even what Seonghwa felt. 

Yeosang shouldn’t trust homewreckers. What if Seonghwa was playing some kind of game here? One that would hurt Wooyoung?

But Seonghwa seriously, for realsies, for the love of god does not look the fucking part and that was driving Yeosang crazy thinking of possible scenarios.

An overly empathetic and dangerously considerate (considering it’s his best friend heart on the line) thought crossed his mind.

What if this had all been a misunderstanding?

But how could it be?

This was Park Seonghwa . Kim Hongjoong’s EA. He worked so closely with the man there is no fucking way he does not know his boss is a married man.

Seonghwa shook his head. “I’m afraid this is a matter too private for Mr. Jung to not be the first to hear of it from me… I’m sorry but can I trouble you for your number? I… if it’s alright, would really like to be informed if he was home and would be okay to talk.”

Yeosang huffed. I don’t know if “okay” is a word you can use in this scenario . But against his better judgment Yeosang nodded. “Alright. But if you ever hurt him, I won’t hesitate to end you along with his shithead soon-to-be ex-husband.”

Seonghwa nodded in understanding and let out a small, sad smile. “Of course. Mr Jung is lucky to have a friend like you. I’m glad. Truly. I won’t overstep. I promise.”

Seonghwa left with a polite bow.

Yeosang rested his back against the wooden door before sliding down to the floor.

Aw fuck. He should have at least slapped the bitch no matter how helpless and pretty he looked. At least he’d have solid proof to tell Wooyoung how he’s on his side. Now he’s a messenger of the homewrecker and about to deliver unpleasant news of a possible confrontation to his friend. Yeosang won’t encourage the meet-up. He’ll simply bring the news. Wooyoung should at least know Yeosang will always have his back.

Seonghwa never stopped shaking even as he walked away and Yeosang had closed the door. Part of him was grateful Wooyoung wasn’t there and so the difficult talk didn't have to happen right then but a part of him was also annoyed that he had worked up the courage to do all that and it had come to nothing and now he had to wait for next time. Seonghwa’s heart’s gonna stop from all the anxiety building inside of him, he swears.

Seonghwa sighs. Well, nothing to do but wait now.

____

Wooyoung came back to Yeosang’s place in a relatively better mood after having cried his eyes out.

He spent the day with San. 

Wooyoung insistent he have some alone time. San disagreed. As much as he wanted Wooyoung to have his space, San had a feeling such a thing could be dangerous.

Failing to convince him, Wooyoung pouted a lot till San chuckled and made a compromise. Wooyoung can come with San to work. He’ll leave Wooyoung be for awhile but Wooyoung would still be within the vicinity, sitting under the sun and surrounded by good ol’ nature for some natural antidepressant effects. Once the rain did actually let up, San drove them to his farm.

San did a little work and greeted the others working on the farm. Wooyoung spent the time watching swans, sitting on a wet log while he waited for San. San wanted him to come inside the house but Wooyoung wanted to walk around and ruin his shoes.

San had quickly run into the house to grab Wooyoung some boots. The gentleman squatted down and changed Wooyoung’s shoes himself. Wooyoung had giggled as he done so but was too depressed to protest much as he enjoyed the pampering before San went back to work for a bit—mostly instructing people and inspecting things.

San joined him a few hours later, bringing with him another absurdly sweet hot chocolate, just how Wooyoung liked it.

Wooyoung suspected San still had work to do but didn't pry.

They enjoyed each other’s company till it got dark.

“I don't want to monopolize all your time.” Wooyoung said sheepishly. “You already helped me out so much.”

San shook his head. “Nonsense. I’m well overdue for a holiday anywyas. And there's nothing more I’d like than to spend it with you.”

Wooyoung averted his gaze, choosing to watch the swans on the lake. The swans looked so pretty. And a pair looked so cute together and making a heart with their necks as their heads pressed together.

“Even in my current state?” Wooyoung asked.

Without missing a beat, San nodded. “Even in your current state.”

San drove him “home” to Yeosang’s. It hurts Wooyoung a little to think of how he can't really come home to his own home right now because that place is Hongjoong’s as well. But honestly he’ll treat this as a fun sleepover so, pshh, who’s sad? 

Yeosang greeted them tiredly, his 9th cup of coffee-covered-sugar of the day in hand. 

“You’re back.”

Wooyoung mock pouted and draped himself over Yeosang, hanging onto his best-friend’s neck like a dead weight. “What? Thought you could get rid of me so easily?”

Yeosang huffed. “Psh. I wish.”

Wooyoung gasped and stood up, smacking him. “You bitch!”

Yeosang chuckled. “I’ve got news for you.”

Wooyoung had walked off to help San place the blankets from the car on Yeosang’s bed and the chicken takeout on the table.

“Your husband’s mistress wants to talk to you. In person.”

Wooyoung dropped the takeout Pepsi on the floor.

Yeosang screamed as the sticky substance threatened to come near his Hehetmon plushie. 

Chapter Text

Seonghwa paced nervously all morning.

Inane thoughts flooded his mind the whole time that can't be food for the baby.

Is he doing the right thing? Can he in good faith delay this? Wooyoung must be grief-stricken. Being betrayed by your husband could feel life-ending. Let alone your mate .

But what if he delayed this and Hongjoong and Wooyoung’s relationship becomes unsalvageable as they’re too far along in the divorce proceedings or some new snowball effect gives them a reason for animosity between the two neither deserves? What if the complications become too complicated with time it becomes impossible to untangle later?

And… if Seonghwa was in their position, he’d want someone to have the decency to fucking tell him right away wouldn't he? Maybe it wouldn’t change things but he’d have the right to fucking know . Wooyoung had the right to know.

Seonghwa sighed.

No use delaying this then. Even if Seonghwa did want Wooyoung to have a little more time to heal a little. Seonghwa was afraid that such a thing would take too long anyways. It wasn't a one day, two day process. It could take years. Now’s kind of a bad time as ever. 

Yeosang had texted Seonghwa. A simple, no signature text saying “Wooyoung said ok” and no other context. But none needed anyways. Seonghwa knew right away it was Yeosang and knew right away that this was probably his only chance to meet the omega with as little animosity as possible. He simply cannot make the omega anxious over confrontation and then now show up. That would be disrespectful and irresponsible and not something their already strained relationship, or lack thereof, could take.

“You sure you wanna do this?” Yunho asked, handing Seonghwa’s shawl from the dryer. 

Seonghwa had crashed at Yunho’s place. Mingi was away on a business trip with a very well paying client and so the extra bedroom opened up which Mingi had explicitly told Yunho he didn't mind if Seonghwa stayed over if he needed.

They hadn't told the other of the details of what happened but Mingi was a smart man—a family lawyer of his calibre honestly had to be and deduced most of the important bits easily enough from just catching a whiff of Seonghwa’s shifted scent with milky undertones.

‘I didn't know you were expecting? Congratulations!’ Mingi had blurted out with that same goofy smile he always wore without even asking if Seonghwa wanted the pregnancy.

Yunho’s lips had thinned in an instant however and immediately Mingi knew he had probably stepped over a line.

However after that Mingi shifted to his ultra-sharp, T-type who’s very well versed in emotional workings of mankind, mode and immediately announced he was packing his suitcase to deal with an absurdly well-paying client who wanted an in-person consultation and nothing else would do for a very simple case so he would be back soon but Seonghwa would be more than welcome to stay in his room.

Seonghwa gratefully took his shawl from Yunho.

“I’m sure. I can’t blow him off now .”

Yunho sighed but nodded. “Just… be careful, hyung.”

Seonghwa snorted. “Wooyoung-ssi isn't going to hurt me. He’s not that type of person.”

“And how can you know that?” Yunho raised a brow. “Not that I don't trust your judgment…”

Now it was Seonghwa’s turn to raise a brow. They walked towards the front door and Seonghwa grabbed his coat and handbag from the coat hanger. 

“Okay, fine. So I think you see the good in people all too much. Sure Jung Wooyoung-ssi is the victim here but so are you! Honestly I smell foul play and I don't like my friend taking the whole brunt of it. And you say Mr. Jung is there with his friends? You’ll be alone in enemy territory.”

“It’s not enemy territory, Mr. Detective Jeong Yunho,” Seonghwa said jokingly as he made sure he had everything he needed. Wallet, keys, lint-roller for extra comfort, wet wipes…

Yunho brushes his hair back in frustration. He knows he’s probably exaggerating. From what he’s heard Jung Wooyoung is quite the sweet omega. But who knows how people can react after bad shit goes down? Wooyoung might’ve been sweet then when to him Seonghwa was just a sweet EA who supported his husband well in professional endeavors.

But now? Wooyoung is going to be in his own turf with his friends, while Seonghwa’s gonna be going there alone .

“I’m gonna wait outside the building,” Yunho decided.

Seonghwa bulked. “Don’t you have a job to go to?”

“I’ll call in sick. I haven't used any of my days anyways. I am not leaving you alone in this, hyung.”

Seonghwa paused. His friend was a sweet man and usually acted like an overgrown golden retriever, but Seonghwa knew he saw many horrors in his line of work and domestic disputes that lead to horrifying scenarios are one of the more common ones.

The finality in Yunho’s eyes made Seonghwa sigh…

But there’s no fucking way he’d let Yunho use his hard earned off day to waste on a part of Seonghwa’s fuck-up.

“Yunho. I will be fine. Go to work. I’ll call you when I get out of there alive.”

It was Yunho’s turn to sigh. He nodded, defeated. “Alright, maybe I am being a little extra but it’s only cuz I care about you…”

Seonghwa patted the taller man fondly on the shoulder. “I know, baby. But it’s really not that big a deal safety-wise alright? Look at me.” Seonghwa flicked the bottom of the other’s chin. It didn't take much—Yunho’s much taller than him after all. “Do I look like someone careless?”

Yunho gave him a difficult smile. “You look like someone too kind and sees the good in people all too much. But no… you’re not careless.”

“So you’ll listen to me and go to work? You won’t waste your day away tailing me?”

Yunho sighed and nodded. “Yes, Eomma. Straight to work.”

Seonghwa chuckled, stood on his tippy toes and kissed the top of Yunho’s head. Yunho tipped his head down to help with a giggle, looking every bit the sunshine golden retriever Seonghwa knew him to be—even when his smile still looked uneasy.

“Good boy.”

____

Truth was Seonghwa wished, quite selfishly, that Yunho tagged along. It would’ve been really good for his nerves.

But he sincerely did not want to be of bother.

Well, two things can be true. Seonghwa pulled over at Yeosang’s apartment’s public parking lot.

Two things can be true. Just like how Seonghwa had been sinfully covetous of another omega’s husband, but at the same time trying his darndest the whole time to treat that relationship with respect by vowing to himself that his feelings will die with him and he’ll be six feet under before he ever even attempt to seduce Hongjoong.

Look where that led.

Seonghwa rubbed his face tiredly. The pregnancy was draining on it’s own and imagining the pile of work he’ll come back to once his off days are over makes him unsettled. But more than anything…

Good fucking god how am I actually supposed to talk to Wooyoung-ssi?

Seonghwa placed a hand over his womb. Warmth spread over him even when whatever excitement he should be feeling about the life growing inside of him had been damped by both the feeling of loss because of how far he was from his supposed mate and how he’s quite literally about to declare that he was putting a permanent distance very, very soon after offering his mate’s mate whatever proper apology and what little explanation he could.

He rubbed at his still-flat belly. “It’s okay, little one. Eomma won’t let anything happen to you. I know it’s difficult that we won’t have your father around but it’s gonna be okay, alright? You’ll have me, Uncle Yunho and even Uncle Sannie. Mingi and Jongho will be more than happy to meet you too. They’ll all be great to you. But first Eomma has to do this, okay?”

Seonghwa felt slightly guilty at his little one. Unlike what he tried to convince Yunho, to put it quite mildly, Seonghwa really wasn't comfortable with this situation.

Well, here goes nothing.

Seonghwa rang the doorbell.

_____

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

Yeosang paused his pacing for the nth time that afternoon just to turn to Wooyoung to ask the question again .

Wooyoung laughed, getting slightly annoyed at the repetition, but amused at his friend’s excessive concern more than anything.

Yeosang resumed pacing around the room for a good two seconds again before stopping again.

“What if he’s actually looking for trouble?”

Wooyoung raised an eyebrow. “Is he? You’re the one who said it doesn't look like he was, Sangie.”

Yeosang clicked his tongue in annoyance. “I know what I said! And I know I could be dense about certain things sometimes! I’m just looking out for you, man. Oh god.” Yeosang rubbed his face in frustration and a good amount of tiredness. The last shift at the hospital had been a bitch.

Wooyoung looked at him with pity and grabbed his wrist to tug from where he sat on the bed with San hugging his waist. 

“C’mon, Yeoyeo. Just relax. I should be the nervous one, not you.”

“So why aren’t you?!” Yeosang protested weakly before getting in bed.

Wooyoung and San easily adjusted so that all three of them are lying down haphazardly on Yeosang’s too-small bed.

“Cuz I have you two, don’t I? Are you saying that if he did come here to cause some shit that yours and Sannie’s guns from all those hours at the gym are just for show?”

San giggled and Yeosang huffed.

Yeosang: “Of course not! But I just—... I just…” Yeosang groaned and buried his face in one of his pillows. “I don’t know if your lack of concern is because you know what you’re doing and what you can handle or because you’ve finally lost it and about to commit to doing something I’ll regret letting you.”

San giggled and held them both close. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you both.”

Wooyoung kissed Yeosang’s cheek. “You heard the man, Sangie. Sannie will protect us both.”

Yeosang never lifted his face from the pillow, very much looking the part of planning to suffocate himself to death. “Yippie.”

San forcefully yanked Yeosang up, concerned about the lack of air getting into the other’s lungs. “Young-ah is smart, Yeosangie. You know how he looks after us even back then. He’s savvier than us both in this.”

“I don’t know how true that is. And we don't exactly hang out together much, San. You drunk dialed me is why I was even the one to pick you up… and right now you’re still somehow here.”

San shrugged. “It’s where I need to be. And we did hang out once or twice back then and that was enough for me to see how Youngie protected you from situations you’re not even…”

Yeosang sat up. “Finish that sentence.”

Wooyoung laughed and hugged Yeosang from the back. “Woah, woah, children please. No need to fight in my honour.”

Yeosang shrugged him off.

Wooyoung lifted his arms in defeat but giggled as he did. “I know how much I can handle, guys. Seriously, don't worry.”

“You really don't mind your husband’s mistress coming here?” Yeosang lifted his brow. “You don't hate him for what he’s done? If it were me, I’d want him dead.”

Wooyoung laughed mirthlessly. “Believe me I hate that bitch. But if there’s something I know about Seonghwa, he’s not someone who’ll really have it in him to try shit. Not physically in this sense at least. This will at least be perfectly safe.”

Yeosang frowned. “You don't know what. What if brings a knife and just stabs you?” Yeosang asked.

At the same time, San rubbed the sleepiness out of his eyes and actually sat up and registered what Wooyoung said. “Did you just say Seong—? ”

The doorbell rang.

____

Wooyoung is a common name.

But San isn’t.

Hongjoong isn’t.

And Seonghwa isn’t.

Yeosang opened the door.

Seonghwa’s eyes widened.

San was the first to make a sound.

“---Hwa? Hyung ?”

Seonghwa opened and closed his mouth stupidly before saying barely above a whisper, in disbelief: “Sannie?”

Wooyoung looked back and forth between the two. “Oh hell no.”

Yeosang let Seonghwa in and Seonghwa politely thanked him and bowed as he passed the doorway. “You two know each other?” Yeosang asked as he offered Seonghwa a seat.

“We… do.” Seonghwa answered at the same time San answered with a simple “Yes.”

San frowned and actually sat up on the edge of the bed. He held Wooyoung by the waist. 

Such a gesture wasn’t missed by Seonghwa.

Suddenly, something clicked for Seonghwa but he kept his mouth shut.

Wooyoung looked back and forth San and Seonghwa. “Holyshit. Don’t tell me you’ve slept with my husband and my ex-boyfriend.”

Seonghwa raised both hands in denial and frantically shook his head but his words weren't exactly convincing. “I- Uh- It’s not– I mean I did but-”

San got up and placed a hand on Seonghwa’s shoulder. “It’s not like that, Wooyoungie.”

“Don’t ‘Wooyoungie’ me, San!” Wooyoung snapped. “You’ve lost the privilege.”

“Wooyoung—”

“Talk later.” Wooyoung could feel his blood pressure rising. “I have business with this bitch first.”

Unhappy about Seonghwa being called a bitch, San instinctively warned him. “Wooyoung!”

“I said later !” Wooyoung entirely misinterpreted San. In his mind Seonghwa is a bitch and a bitch’s relationship with anyone would surface-level at best. Physical at least. In anger, it did not even cross his mind that San and Seonghwa might be genuine friends.

Yeosang remained quiet, on the side and ready even as he prepared tea for all of them. It’d be nice to at least have something warm to drink, no?

But Wooyoung didn't care even as Yeosang placed the cups on the coffee table.

Wooyoung’s eyes landed on where San touched Seonghwa’s shoulder.

“Wooyoung…” San repeatedly patiently. “I do know him. He’s my friend . I know him. I haven't heard shit from his side but I know him and I know he’s not here for trouble. Seonghwa-hyung would never…”

“Sleep with someone’s husband?” Wooyoung let out a bitter laugh. “Get on with the program, San-ah. He already did.”

Wooyoung turned to Seonghwa. “Unless you’re here to somehow tell me you miraculously didn't—even though I wouldn't believe it. And that this was all some big misunderstanding ? ” Wooyoung said the last part extra mockingly even as tears began to well in his eyes.

Seonghwa held himself the best he could.

“... I…” Seonghwa could feel San’s expecting, hopeful , eyes on him and resisted the urge to close his eyes and hide in shame. “I did sleep with your husband, Mr. Jung. And I’m…” Seonghwa did not want it to sound mocking. “I’m really, really sorry.”

“Don’t—” Wooyoung choked. Anger rising to dangerous heights as he’s holding back from punching the other omega whilst at the same time holding back his tears.

“But it’s really a misunderstanding!” Seonghwa added. “Please…” Seonghwa would get on his knees and beg if only it were proper in this day and age. “Please don’t be angry at Hongjoong-ssi. He— It was my fault.”

“Damn fucking right it was.” Wooyoung said with venom. “I- I don't care what they all say- what? That a real man can’t be stolen? That a loyal man is a loyal man no matter how many whores are in a room you place him in? I don't give a fuck .”

He does. He does give a fuck. It hurts him to no end that Hongjoong couldn't resist the temptation to cheat on him.

He does believe a real man can't be stolen. He had once believed no matter how beautiful Hongjoong’s assistant was that it didn't matter—his Hongjoong was loyal. Unfailingly.

But if he wasn't…

Why the fuck did Wooyoung have to find out now ? Now that they’re married? Now that they had long mated? Why? Why now? Why not way back then? Why not never?

It wasn't fair. And in that moment, it felt to Wooyoung that if Seonghwa didn't exist, none of this would have happened.

He would still have his home. Not perfect but amazing. Not perfect but perfectly loving.

Seonghwa just had to take it all away.

It was all his fault. And Wooyoung would never forgive him.

Seonghwa robbed him of his home and now the omega had the audacity to say sorry ? For what? A peace of mind? The fucking bitch doesn't deserve it!

The moment Wooyoung started crying, San took his hand off Seonghwa, wanting to hold Wooyoung but didn’t dare. He didn't have a choice but to stay away anyways when Wooyoung hissed. “Don’t touch me…”

Yeosang walked over and Wooyoung immediately buried his face in his best friend’s neck.

Seonghwa looked at the sight with a heavy heart.

It hurts.

It hurts but he had no right to say.

It hurts but he had no right to claim any of that pain.

He was the “mistress”.

He was the criminal. Not the victim. He had no right to anything. 

But he wanted to do right by Wooyoung. By Hongjoong. Forget about Hongjoong being his mate or boss. Hongjoong was his friend—one who he owed so much to. And Wooyoung was his dearest friend’s beloved. How dare Seonghwa hurt either of them?

He did not dare. He could not have.

That was why he’s here. To explain it all.

But looking at Wooyoung crying in Yeosang’s arms, Seonghwa found his jaw locked and his voice locked in his throat and nowhere to be found.

How could be speak boldly with Wooyoung so broken?

He understood how he came across as mocking. His very presence here was an insult to Wooyoung and Hongjoong’s still-standing bond.

But what can he do?

Seonghwa watched till Wooyoung calmed down a little. He gulped before speaking.

“I… I truly am sorry, Wooyoung-ssi. I apologize for my presence. For everything. But I really am not here to further hurt you. I’m really just here to give you an explanation I really do think I owe you.”

Wooyoung sniffled but gathered himself up enough to nod. Seonghwa had, undoubtedly, been nothing but polite. Wooyoung wasn't daft. He could read people and social cues well. This wasn't an underhanded insult. Seonghwa was trying. For what? He didn't know. But Wooyoung could at least grant him an audience for this bit of decency.

“A-And–,” Wooyoung choked out before he drank the warm to stop his hiccups. “What might that be?” His eyes never left Seonghwa’s shawl—undoubtedly worn to cover the mating bite out of some kind of shame and/or respect.

Seonghwa took a deep breath and stood up straighter. 

“It was an accident. My suppressants suddenly stopped working and when I was conscious, Hongjoong was there… I– He… We really aren't… a thing. It was a freak accident. He rushed home to be with you immediately. I took my suppressants that day but my heat suddenly came anyway. It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. I should’ve been more careful. I should’ve seen the signs. But I didn't and somehow Hongjoong-ssi must’ve been roped into my mess. I… I know he cares a lot about you, Wooyoung-ssi. He—... he really never meant to hurt you.”

“He mated you.” Wooyoung said quietly.

Seonghwa gulped. He nodded.

Wooyoung detangled from Yeosang and sat on his own, eyes tired and almost lifeless. “You’re pregnant, aren't you?”

Once again, Seonghwa nodded, looking down as if he wanted to curl up and disappear.

Wooyoung almost pitied him.

Seonghwa had always looked so tall and majestic. Beautiful and every alpha, beta and even omega’s wet dream. He looked so small and pathetic right now. Submissive to a fellow omega. A younger one even. Wooyoung wondered where Seonghwa’s pride was. Was he not ashamed? Humiliated? Why is he so… docile?

What a drag.

At Seonghwa’s answers, Wooyoung let out a bitter smile.

“Thought so. I could smell him on you. And the scent of milk too.”

The scent of milk often signified an omega was pregnant. It was common knowledge; instinctive in it’s nature.

“A rapist can’t use drunkenness as an excuse for raping someone, Executive Assistant Park,” Wooyoung said, leaning an elbow on the bedframe and leaning his jaw on his bony fingers. “How can heat-rut excuse either of you?”

“I’m not here to make excuses,” Seonghwa said.

“Oh?” Wooyoung asked, morbidly curious at this point. 

“I’m here to beg you for your forgiveness even though I know I don't deserve it and I do not expect you to forgive me.” Seonghwa said, no lies in his voice. “And I’m here to tell you that I take full responsibility for my actions. I may be pregnant and mated but I do not plan to get in between yours and your husband’s relationship, Wooyoung-ssi.”

Wooyoung scoffed as if to say ‘What relationship?’

Seonghwa understood and looked at him with sadness.

“I… I’m also here to appeal on behalf of your husband, Wooyoung-ssi.”

“Hongjoong sent you?” Wooyoung asked, eyes widened slightly.

Seonghwa immediately shook his head.

“No. I’m here only because I decided I had to speak to you,” Seonghwa said. “I just… I understand what you mean, Wooyoung-ssi. But CEO Kim wasn't just hit with any rut haze, Wooyoung-ssi. This was… different somehow. Perhaps for biological reasons I don't quite understand at the moment but, please, I assure you neither of us were conscious at all. Neither of us intended for it to happen.”

It was all more convincing and coherent in his head. Now, once he said it the best he could, Seonghwa realized it all sounded like cheap excuses.

Wooyoung looked at him with eyes which were even. Somewhat unimpressed. Somehow upset. And, something which made Seonghwa want to squirm where he sat on the chair Yeosang dragged from the dining table, somehow a bit of pity.

“It’s nice seeing you again, Executive Assistant Park.” Wooyoung said with no sincerity. “I think it’s getting late for you, no?”

The sun is high up in the fucking sky.

Seonghwa nodded and placed his cup down.

“Indeed I should to take my leave.”

Seonghwa bowed and stood up.

Yeosang showed him to the door. Yeosang, for one, maybe it was because he was a third party, maybe because that made him just a tad bit more impartial, but it seemed that Yeosang looked to be taking him seriously.

Seonghwa smiled weakly to his host. “Thank you for the tea, Yeosang-ssi. It was lovely.”

Yeosang chuckled. “So you’re a great actor but a terrible liar. That’s a relief at least.”

Seonghwa hadn’t drunk shit.

Wooyoung and San were having a rather hushed, rather aggressive conversation back there. Seonghwa didn't care to eavesdrop. His mind was full enough as it is.

Coming here was indeed a mistake, Seonghwa thought sadly. Instead of Wooyoung getting more time to grief, Seonghwa had probably rubbed salt over the wound and accomplished nothing. How useless. Seonghwa felt tired—defeated.

Just as Seonghwa left and Yeosang closed the door, he heard San calling for him:

“Seonghwa-hyung! Wait!”

Chapter Text

Yeosang didn't slam the door—because he’s not fucking barbaric.

But as soon as the door clicked closed any hint of civility disappeared.

Without so much as a second of warning, Yeosang grabbed San, who was already rushing towards the door, by the collar with both hands and slammed him into the wall, uncaring that they knocked down a coat rack on the way.

Wooyoung flinched a little but did not come to help. He would have yelped if he wasn't so numb.

Yeosang’s face was so close to San’s and his voice was dangerous even as it started out calm. 

“When you two were together, San, you had the audacity to call yourself Wooyoung’s fated mate. I’m so fucking glad we never became friends in the stupidly short time you two were together because holyshit I want you dead right now. Why the fuck are you taking that mistress’ side?!” Yeosang’s voice had turned to a holler and his fangs were out by the time he got to the last syllable.

Wooyoung sat stunned. “Yeosangie…”

Yeosang is one of the strongest Omegas Wooyoung knew. Heck, he’s probably one of the strongest person Wooyoung knew full stop. It was honestly a bit scary. 

“Just because Wooyoung didn't end up marrying and mating you , he now doesn't deserve you giving a fuck about whether he’s been wronged huh?”

Yeosang slammed San into the wall again. His fists itching to punch that face.

San winced, feeling blood in his throat but did nothing more than hold Yeosang’s wrist—not tight enough to hurt him. Just a silent gesture to plead Yeosang to let up. A submissive one—nothing like how an alpha should be reacting to a literal bodily threat.

San said nothing in his own defense.

But what he said next… he honestly could not say anything worse.

“Seonghwa- hyung is not a mistress.”

Yeosang let go of him. Anger dissipated. Only disappointment left.

Wooyoung had turned away.

A moment of silence before Yeosang rubbed his own face in frustration. “I should’ve let you drunk drive yourself to death from that bar.”

San looked hurt but honestly he understood it.

He understood what it looked like.

“Is he your fuck-buddy you told me about?” Wooyoung asked from where he sat on the bed.

San didn't answer.

Wooyoung half-laughed. “Looks like that whore ’s more than a friend, San. Have you been fucking him when we were dating too?”

San’s eyes widened. “What the— No! Shit. Wooyoung, it’s really not what you think—”

“Again?! It’s not what I think? Oh my god.” Wooyoung covered his face in his hands. Yeosang left San to collect his friend in his arms. “Holyshit I’m cursed.” Wooyoung sobbed and laughed. “I’m gonna call this the ‘Seonghwa’-curse, what do you think?”

“Wooyoung, please. I can explain—” 

“Get out, San.” Yeosang rubbed Wooyoung’s back. “You’ve done enough.”

The alpha’s heart thrummed to a panic. He did not want to leave now.

If he left now, there’s probably no reconciling with Wooyoung ever again. San would not be able to live with that.

But there’s another reason other than him overstaying his welcome as to why he probably really needed to go.

A quick glance outside and San could see Seonghwa walking towards his own car.

Alone.

Seonghwa’s alone.

Shit.

The gesture is, of course, largely misunderstood by Yeosang who huffed out a laugh.

“I didn't want to give the mistress any reason to be able to accuse Wooyoung or his circle of insanity if that ever matters in court, but I’m about to beat you up for the whole neighborhood to hear if you don’t leave my apartment right about now , San.”

San raised his hands. “Please. We’ll talk probably later.”

Wooyoung, with shaking his head without even looking up: “Don’t even—” 

“Please!” San begged. “I— you mean so much to me, Wooyoungie!” San actually got on his knees. “Please…” he brought his hands together. “I-... I don’t– I did not at all intend to be anything but supportive of you. I really didn't. I don't care that we’re not together. I care about you!”

The two omegas remained silent. Yeosang with wide eyes. Wooyoung, utterly unimpressed; and if his heart thumped a little at the heartfelt and desperate display, that’s no one’s business.

San heard a car engine.

“I have to go. I’m so sorry. I have to go. I have to speak to him. I really— fuck. This is fucked up. I know. I understand. I know what it looks like. I swear on my departed mother’s name it’s really not my intention to hurt or offend you. Just please—”

San got up and bowed deeply.

“Please don’t block me. Please don’t freeze me out. I—”

“Fuck. Wooyoung, I’m so sorry.”

“I will explain. I promise. I promise.”

“Please don’t hate me.”

“Yeosang, thank you for saving me.”

“Shit. I’m sorry. I’ll see myself out.”

San let himself out the door and ran like hell.

Wooyoung blinked tiredly in half disbelief, half exasperation. 

“What the hell just happened?” Yeosang looked at the door, bewildered.

Wooyoung licked his dry lips. The absurd performance almost made him forget his sorrows for a moment. 

So the two motherfuckers really do know each other.

What a crazy day. Fucking hell.

“Fuck if I know.”

____

There’s a very simple reason why now there’s a fucking problem.

As much as San loved and still loves Wooyoung to death, there’s a difference they cannot reconcile:

Wooyoung does not believe Seonghwa.

San does .

It’s fucking absurd.

San was someone who didn't care for excuses. If you were disrespectful, then you’re disrespectful. If you’re a cheater, then you’re a cheater.

If you’re a rapist or a cheater, he didn't care if you were drunk—the crime has been done and so it has been done.

San knew, between them, Seonghwa was usually the one who’d make “Maybe he has neck pain?”-type of excuses for if a junior did not bow as he walked past and show him the proper respect.

San wasn't like that. Seonghwa heard from the stories San told in the past. He and Wooyoung were similar in that regard. They did not care for excuses.

So why the fuck did San believe Seonghwa?

Because he knew Seonghwa. He knew Seonghwa better than anyone. Better than his parents. Better than even Yunho.

Seonghwa would make excuses for everybody .

But never himself.

The entire time, San, puzzled and hurt and unable to reconcile the imagine of his friend Seonghwa with homewrecker Seonghwa found himself in a crisis.

Furious for Wooyoung.

Puzzled, frustrated, upset and angry for and at Seonghwa.

The rest of the world would call Seonghwa a mistress, called it a day, and they wouldn't be wrong .

In fact, even if Wooyoung or Yeosang decided to abandon civility and slapped the shit out of Seonghwa the moment Seonghwa stepped foot into the vicinity, internet people would most definitely cheer.

But San didn't have such privilege to think so simply of the situation.

Because he owed his righteous fury on Wooyoung's behalf, but he also owed his concern for his friend who he could not, would not believe had done such a thing .

Because Seonghwa is his friend.

Because Seonghwa is his packmate.

Because Seonghwa, quite fucking literally , in the most fucked up but true of circumstances, is in the most literal sense of the word San’s Eomma.

____

An Eomma who’s also his fuck-buddy but that’s besides the point.

San and Seonghwa became friends and Mother-and-Son out of the most absurd but unfortunately not uncommon enough of a circumstance in their world.

From a very young age, San understood his family, although not confined by any physical walls or anything of such, belonged to a cult.

And San’s father is a higher up. In the outside world, Mr Choi is a politician and businessman. Their family covered many more… shady dealings with other more legit businesses. Countless of them.

San could never want for any material comfort. For that in particular, he had it all. His family was great at making a show of being humble. It kept them in favour of many communities even outside their space. But such displays of humility were far from the truth. Even if San never wanted to go to school or pursue any degrees, he’d be set for life and would live in luxury for as long as he stayed within the family.

But San, years before he met Wooyoung in college, understood his family’s dark dealings and was unhappy.

His family spoke of honour and bond. They spoke of pack and family.

And San grew up believing in all that. His manners were impeccable not because he feared his caretakers but because San knew of honour and had the backbone to carry it for his family.

Until he understood what his family was.

San’s older sister, Haneul, had disappeared when she found out—the two Choi siblings of the main house somehow growing up very different than expected. Honourable, but truly so. Unlike what the rest of their family were.

Suicide, many said. An irresponsible act by an irresponsible girl.

San did not believe it one bit.

San had cried. Screamed and shouted that it was all a lie.

San grieved. Even if it wasn't suicide, he knew she was probably dead or worse.

On top of it all, he grieved his chance of freedom.

San could not leave, if he wanted to one day find out what happened to her.

And what happened to his own mother.

Now, his mother, he knows, is dead . He saw her body. She had a wake and a funeral.

San cried and held her hand one last time before his father told the 14-year-old he was being an embarrassment and that men, an alpha especially, presented or not, do not cry .

San did stop crying eventually.

But he could not keep up his fake smile as, like an insult, just days after his mother’s death and sister disappearance, his father whom he once respected had brought home an omega closer to San’s age than his own.

The omega, almost as tall as San’s own father even at his young age, bowed shallowly in greeting and a few soft words; appropriate for their stations. But the ringing in San’s ears out of barely restrained anger rang so loud San barely registered a word.

“This is Seonghwa. He will be your new Eomeoni. Be good to him. You’re his problem now. Anything you do will reflect on him and will then reflect on me. I expect there to be no problems in my household. Your mother failed her duties and you’ve seen what happened and how your sister turned out. See to it that you too do not fail me, San.”

San felt that it was absurd he didn't combust into flames and burned the main family mansion down.

This omega ’s supposed to be his new Eomma? He doesn't even look legal! He could barely even pass as sixteen!

Turns out, that’s exactly because Seonghwa was exactly fucking sixteen.

Mr. Choi said a few more things before grumbling and picking up a phone call. He kissed Seonghwa’s cheek and patted San’s head, a cruel mimicry of affection, and muttered about some pesky business partner of the sort before fucking off.

Seonghwa, the child bride , with a flawlessly beautiful smile, had nodded and expressed his wish for Mr. Choi to be careful and return safely and politely tried to escort the man to the door. San’s father, very pleased with his new wife, had declined the offer and in what San could only see as twisted affection had stroked Seonghwa’s cheek before actually leaving.

They were finally alone.

San stayed rooted on the ground. Frozen more than anything. He wanted to flee. He did not want to see this omega.

Fury bubbled in him at the thought that a fucking child had been impudent enough to take his mother’s place.

His eyes subconsciously landed on Seonghwa’s pristine neck.

“-It’s a pleasure to meet you, San-nim—”

“No mating bite…?” San more mused to himself more than anything.

Seonghwa at least had the grace to look uncomfortable. “Ah… yes. I haven't really had m-my first heat, you see? I haven't fully presented yet. They know I’m an omega though—”

“So they just married you to my dad anyways? How is that even possible? How is that even legal ?” San refused to believe it.

Seonghwa’s smile looked almost bitter.

“Well apparently there’s a lot one could be allowed with ‘parental consent’,” Seonghwa said with a small smile. If San had been calmer, he’d notice it was a sad one.

“Mistress.”

Seonghwa blinked. “Pardon?”

“So how long had my father kept you on the side? Are you the reason why he killed my Eomma?”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened. San only wanted to laugh cruelly. So the whore is a great actor.

“San-nim—”

“You’re not my Eomma. You’ll never be my Eomma. You’re just a Mistress, even if you’ve married my father. Aren’t you disgusted by your own existence? Please, do us both a favour and go kill yourself, whore.”

And with that he left.

San would regret saying that forever for the rest of his fucking life.

As it turns out, Park Seonghwa was married into the Choi family not because of an affair.

But because his family fucking sold him.

An agreement, they called it. Between the Chois and the Parks.

“We had to snag him before the Kims did.” San’s uncle, Jongho’s father, a few of the more decent alphas in this mess of a crime den and cult had told him. “It was a political move. A smart one, even I had to admit actually. We prevented a lot of bloodshed and gained a bargaining chip.”

Jongho’s father placed an arm over San’s shoulder as he plopped himself tiredly beside him on the white leather couch during that particular family gathering.

They watched the Park Seonghwa, young and sixteen, looking like fresh meat on display in what on all accounts was an underground ball held in a common convention centre—San wouldn't doubt if someone said the Chois or one of their equally shady partners owned, greeting everyone as if they hadn't screwed him over as a collective cult.

San almost admired him then and there.

His uncle sighed beside him before yawning. As much as it was tragic, an omega in such an unfortunate situation was not too odd of a thing to make a big deal of.

San begged to differ but what can he do?

San merely gripped his glass of juice tighter—it was silly but somehow the culty crime syndicate though he was too young for wine unless it was for ceremonies and yet thought it appropriate to marry off a 16-year-old unpresented omega like a breeding stock.

“How is he so… Okay with all this?” San asked to no one in particular. His uncle had heard the daring question, however.

His uncle chuckled. “Is he now?” His uncle sat up and moved closer to San, his face beside his as if he didn't want anyone hearing. “You have to be more observant if you want to survive in this world, Sannie. Even my Jongho wouldn't miss it.”

San frowned.

“Can’t you see the poor thing is shaking?”

He, in fact, cannot.

“Look at his fingers when he’s not paying attention.”

Ah.

“The poor thing has a lot to refine too. Just like you,” Mr Choi said. “He’s like you, you know. Didn't know of… all this for a long time before he did. He went to school. Just like you. I heard his grades were good. He’s part of some dance club too. My brother indulged him and allowed him to continue.”

San was silent, processing the new information as he watched the said omega.

The omega followed his father like a lost puppy. More than some malevolent force attempting to take all that was San’s, he looked… pitiful.

San turned away. Refusing to see anything not to hate in the omega.

“Such a young and sweet thing that one.” His uncle said with a smile San can't read. “I almost feel sorry for him.”

It was odd to hear his Uncle, part of this fucked up family, feeling sorry over anything.

To young San, even though it was difficult to reconcile the image of his perfect and perfectly honourable family with that of a cult-like crime syndicate feeling anything human like “sorry”.

A good family can feel things.

Bad people don't feel . Bad people are bad people and are somehow bad. They have evil feelings or none.

And San is still very angry at Seonghwa.

San didn't care. Seonghwa, if he was anything decent, anything but a fucking whore , he would have had the backbone San would imagine San would have in his situation.

He should’ve clawed his way out of the arrangement. Refused to his last breath, especially knowing a child, San , was involved in the arrangement and would be hurt by it. He should’ve maybe even done something more noble and commit suicide declaring he refuses to perpetuate the cycle and ruin lives. He and every other omega in the same situation. If enough omegas killed themselves every time this arrangement happened, the alphas would get the message, right? That part of this fucked up tradition and system would stop right?

Turns out, older San did find out omegas did die for this cause. At this day and age where they had phones and computers and the fucking internet—it still happened.

And the alphas who didn’t care, still didn't care. It wasn't that their eyes were blind. Their hearts were---if they had any.

Younger San, in response to Seonghwa trying to be cordial with him from time to time, replied with a classic petulant: “Go kill yourself.”

One time, Seonghwa was looking at the sky, unable to sleep, and walked the mansion at night and just so happened to sit on a part of the roof that was San ’s spot.

The moonlight hit his skin just right and made him glow beautifully.

San didn't know how he had it in him back then to utter such hateful words when Seonghwa’s large sad dead eyes looked back at him with resignation.

Seonghwa has a bottle in hand he snagged from Mr Choi’s collection no doubt.

San forgot how it got there, but San stood on the large windowsill, looking at where Seonghwa sat on the roof and told him as per usual: 

“Why don't you go kill yourself?”

This time, Seonghwa laughed .

“You have no fucking idea how much I want to , San-ah.”

Seonghwa drank again.

San’s eyes widened in alarm at how much he downed at once.

“Hey–”

Seonghwa tossed the bottle without care.

It tumbled down and crashed somewhere below the roofs, creating a ‘SMASH!’ sound that sounded so loud in the night.

Seonghwa looked down with a chuckle. “Oops.” He tried to stand up with a wobble.

San felt his heart almost stop when Seonghwa slipped. Seonghwa gracelessly fell on his ass and somehow stopped himself from falling to his death.

San let out a breath he didn't know he was holding but didn't feel at all calm.

Sure he kept telling this bitch to go kill himself, but he was an angry kid! He’s allowed his feelings! He didn't need to feel bad or live with the guilt of actually having someone die in front of him after he cursed at them to die. It wasn't fair alright! He was the wronged one here!

At least that’s what San told himself. In truth, perhaps the caring little boy from the past who’s smiles are all sunshine and true before his mother died was still there. That San was still there. Human and decent and did not like bloodshed or others experiencing pain or death.

San beckoned Seonghwa to him, even outstretching a hand. “Seonghwa… come over here.”

Seonghwa only giggled and got back up with a wobble but made no move to come over.

“ Please …” San hated that he needed to beg this person.

But as much as he hated Seonghwa, he couldn't let alone human being die because unfortunately before revealing to him what pieces of human garbage they were, his family taught him all sorts of morals and shit; like that life was precious and little San, the fool, took those lessons to heart and could not let that innate care for human life go.

Seonghwa isn't sacred. But his life is. And San will not have his death on him.

Seonghwa walked up to the ridge of the ridge roof with surprising grace and walked it as if he was walking a pirate ship plank.

“I’m a coward, San-ah…” Seonghwa said, tears rolling down his face.

San felt himself starting to tremble. He too got on the roof. Slowly. As if he was afraid he’d spook Seonghwa and cause the other to fall to his death. 

But Seonghwa wasn't spooked. Nor was he afraid. He walked backwards and everytime he wobbled as he did and did so without looking where the roof’s end caused San’s heart to skip every time.

“Seonghwa… don’t…” San raised both hands cautiously.

Seonghwa let out a shaky breath.

San moved cautiously. Every step San took forward, Seonghwa took dangerously backwards.

“San-ah… did you have a good day today?”

“Stop walking and I’ll answer you. You can’t hear my answer if you’re dead.”

Seonghwa did. He blinked. Dazed. But obeyed. San did not dare to even breathe.

“No. I didn't.” San answered.

Seonghwa tilted his head, and daresay, concerned. “Why?”

San rolled his eyes. Okay he did not value Seonghwa’s life that much. He wanted Seonghwa to live now but it didn't mean he stopped being annoyed at the other’s existence. “Because my father married a stupid omega who chose now to be suicidal instead of any other time before he decided to crash into my life.”

Seonghwa stopped moving. Every little movement. So did San.

“I didn't mean to hurt you, San.” Seonghwa began crying. “Really. I’d rather die. You don't have to tell me. I’m better off dead like you said.”

Seonghwa sobbed ugly. “I’d really rather die…” Seonghwa wobbled as his thin frame was wracked with sobs.

“H-hey, hey!” San quickly walked forwards but stopped when Seonghwa flinched at his movements. Shit.

He has to distract him. Somehow. He’s drunk right? What do you do with drunk people? Treat them like toddlers, no? Heck if San knows. San had never been drunk in his life.

“D-did you have a good day?” San wanted to slap himself at the poor attempt but that was the only thing he could think of.

Seonghwa shook his head, honestly. “No. I don’t even know what it’s like to have a good day.”

Something in San’s heart tugged at the confession.

Seonghwa only kept babbling as he tried to rub his tears away but new ones kept streaming down his face. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.”

“You didn't hurt me.”

A lie. His very existence had hurt San but he didn't have to be reminded right now . San wasn't that cruel.

Seonghwa wasn't convinced. He laughed weakly. “It’s okay. I know it’s better if I’m dead. I know. Believe me I know. I’m not strong enough to change it all. But I’m not strong enough to just die either. I’m pathetic and better off dead, I know . I’ve known it forever. I just… just needed a little courage, you know?”

The bottle of liquor was gone but they both knew.

“Seonghwa, no.” San shook his head, truly fearful as he inches closer once more.

As expected and San dreaded, Seonghwa took a step back.

San was only human. The frustration was too much. “God fucking damnit Seonghwa stop moving backwards! Just fucking come here!” he snapped.

San looked at him with tears in his eyes. “Yes I’m angry. Yes I hate you for coming here. But I’m just a kid alright?! And you took my Eomma’s place, how can I not be mad?! But it doesn't mean I want you dead!”

Seonghwa didn’t believe that last part.

“Okay, alright, I did, but that’s normal ! It’s not because of you !”

Seonghwa’s lips wobbled. “How can it not be?”

“Because you’re a kid too !” San screamed in frustration. “Because you’re a victim too! I know that! I know that! I’ve always fucking known that! But I needed someone to blame alright? And that was wrong of me and I’m fucking sorry ! But it’s fucking unfair if you’re gonna kill yourself and make me have to feel sorry okay! Aren’t I the victim here?! Don’t I have the right to feel fucking angry without you making it about you and making me feel like the bad guy?!”

San was out of breath.

Seonghwa let out a sigh and forced his lips to a thin smile; looking dangerously sober.

“I know. This is selfish of me. I do know.”

San held his breath.

“If… it means anything, please know, San-ah, I never meant to take your Mother’s place.”

“I’m sorry.” Seonghwa said with a smile.

And fell backwards.

San didn't know how he fucking did but he had lunged forward just in time ans caught Seonghwa by the arm.

His whole body was in pain . San roared in frustration as his body immediately ached as it felt as if his arm was about to be torn off.

San wasn't a big kid back then and Seonghwa was definitely taller than him by quite a bit but San refused to let go.

With a combination of adrenaline and a heavy dose of a fucking miracle , San managed to hold on.

Seonghwa looked up with fearful dead eyes. He was trembling. Afraid of death. But not moving. Numb to it all.

“Grab onto the roof and pull yourself up goddamnit!” San screamed.

When Seonghwa did nothing, San began to cry.

“Fuck you!”

“Fuck you! Fuck you! Fuck you! FUCK YOU, PARK SEONGHWA!” San screamed.

He was honestly surprised no security or maids or even those goons his father sometimes stationed outside their mansion had been alerted.

“San… let go, San.”

“You have no right!” San cried. “If you die, they’ll just replace you, don’t you know?! What are you trying to do? What are you trying to prove now ? You can't make it up to me this way. You can't do anything this way!”

“There no other—”

“Live! Then figure out a way goddamnit! I don’t care!” San cried. “I don’t care… I’ll help you if I have to. Just live goddamnit. Don’t…”

San could barely hold on. He can't even look at Seonghwa anymore. It’s taking all his strength to just hold on. San hung his head down.

“Just live… So what if I hate you? Fucking fuck… I don't fucking know. Just… just live goddamnit.”

San looked at Seonghwa, fully ready to face the reality than he won’t be able to hang on and that Seonghwa will die.

“I don't know what you went through before you came here… but if you want to make it up to me , you… you can't do that dead, you hear me?”

San hung his head down once more.

Seonghwa looked up to him. A tear which wasn't his landed on his cheek.

“Live and make it up to me …”

Just as San felt Seonghwa’s arms slipping, San suddenly felt the hold not as slippery and it took him a moment to register that Seonghwa’s arm hand turned from slack to rigid.

And that a hand had come up to hold onto him .

San gasped, immediately helping Seonghwa pull himself up.

They both fell and stumbled on the roof and both nearly fell to their deaths before the tumble stopped and Seonghwa fell into San’s arms as San himself landed on his ass at a junction between the roofs.

San groaned in pain.

“Fuck. Fuck. I’m sorry.” Seonghwa got off him and they both laid breathlessly on the rooftop.

“Ah…” San closed his eyes and breathlessly breathed the stale night air of the city. “If you ever say ‘Sorry’ one more time, I’m punching your face.”

“Sorry–” Seonghwa was too tired and not-sober to slap a hand over his own mouth when he noticed his mistake.

San chuckled at the slip up. Chuckled . Still breathless. But he did. Fuck. Maybe that shit show had made him lose his mind a little.

“Let’s go. It’s not safe to sleep here.”

They both somehow got back inside.

Seonghwa all but collapsed when San brought him back just across the windowsill. Asleep.

San didn't know what possessed him. Perhaps it was because he didn't want his efforts to be for naught. Perhaps he didn't want the pain in his ribs and arms to be for nothing and that’s it, but San simply closed and locked the window and slept sitting up against the wall under the window just beside Seonghwa’s collapsed figure for the rest of the night.

It wasn't until the next morning that San realized their relationship was about to change forever.

“Oh my god.” Seonghwa had his hands on his face, clutching it in horror as he watched San get up groggily. “I’m so fucking sorry…”

San slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes. The sun had long streamed into the hallways. “‘mornin…”

“San, I’m so so sorry.”

San groaned. “‘s too early for this bullshit… shouldn't you be having a hangover?”

Seonghwa is, in fact, having a hangover.

Seonghwa smiled thinly. “Well—”

“There you two are!”

A maid gasped and ran towards them.

San was suddenly very awake.

Seonghwa sat up, hissing and willfully ignoring the throbbing pain in his head.

“What’s wrong?” Seonghwa asked.

The maid looked frightened. “The Master took his morning stroll in the gardens this morning.”

Oh no.

“And he stepped on a glass shard. The top of the bottle was still intact so he knew it was his bottle of gin.”

The maid fiddled with her fingers nervously. Definitely a young hire with the habit not disciplined out of her yet.

“He thinks it was the Young Master who did it and he wants to see Mistress Park and Young Master right this instant.”

San shrugged off Seonghwa attempt to help him stand up.

“Fuck this. Let’s get it over with. Where is he?”

The breakfast table. San’s workaholic father was somehow still home.

Usually, every morning he had San and Seonghwa sitting with him around the table, doing some sort of sick impression of a normal happy family. San could hardly stomach it on the best of days. Not when he has to call someone barely a year a little older than him “Eomma” and be civil with the said omega as the omega did his best to also not rile San’s father up.

Today they missed breakfast.

San’s father slapped him across the face. The sound was loud and sickening.

Seonghwa gasped, covering his mouth.

San thought resentfully for a moment that Seonghwa was just like some of the maids. Sometimes kind and genuinely what San would consider good people but too fucking weak and fearful for their lives and jobs to do anything. It’s fine. Whatever. They’re not that kind and that was just human. It’s okay.

But against any and all of San’s expectations, as San’s father pulled back to fiddle with his belt, a determined look grew on Seonghwa's face as he pulled his hands away from his face and began walking towards the two.

San’s eyes grew wide and he found himself shaking his head, mouthing ‘no’.

But the moment Mr Choi pulled his belt and held it in his hand, Seonghwa was already standing over the beaten down San.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

This time, San did notice Seonghwa was trembling.

And now, a little older and wiser, San was sober enough to learn a new thing about Seonghwa: Seonghwa was a coward and had self preservation instincts to stay alive and do what he can to keep living… but those instincts only go as far as so long as no one else will pay the price for it.

San realized, as if hit with an epiphany in that moment, that, sure, Seonghwa's existence was an insult and a blow to San but Seonghwa never intended to take up his new post as the wife of a culty crime boss to hurt San.

He intended to take the post and never bother San. And even if he did bother San, San looked back on their interactions and found Seonghwa only ever tried to care for San if anything.

It’s infuriating as Seonghwa is not his mom, but Seonghwa probably felt obligated to anyway and that was really all he tried to do so far.

Seonghwa wasn't perfect. He wasn't brave enough to kill and martyr himself. He was just human . He wanted to live on. He wanted peace. He lived on and shit happened and he’s trying to live with it and attempt, whenever he fucking could, to make it better.

San’s heart did funny things as Seonghwa insistently did not fucking move.

“Husband.” Seonghwa said with surprising bravery even as San could feel Seonghwa’s nerves. “This… this isn't right. Please don't do this. It wasn't San. It was---.”

A sickening crack sounded in the air.

In the future, San could admit he was ashamed at how he froze in that second.

Truthfully, if such a strict hierarchy in their household didn't exist, backed by such strong community backing, San knew Seonghwa could make for a formidable and imposing presence. But real life has context and sheer prowess and strength means nothing when you’re not the alpha of the family. Alpha of the community. Because the invisible hand of the community, even in their physically isolated household, was stronger than what any individual omega’s, no matter how brave or competent or strong, authority.

“Are you, an omega, standing against me ? Your alpha husband?” Mr Choi said more than asked, bewildered. “Have you forgotten your fucking place?!”

And San’s father struck him with the belt again.

Seonghwa had no place to retaliate or even defend himself in this regard. His physical capacity for such proved irrelevant when the consequences of further disrespect was so dire. Seonghwa took the beating and he crumpled to the floor if only to appease the head alpha’s anger.

San gasped. Neither of them were any match to a full-grown long-presented alpha with superior alpha strength and authority and San’s father lived amongst danger daily. He’s far from untrained.

San moved towards Seonghwa without thinking but Seonghwa, bigger and taller than San at that time, pushed San away just in time for Mr Choi to pull out a fucking gun and pressed the barrell against his own wife's forehead.

For a morbid moment, San was amazed that Seonghwa didn't so much as flinch.

Clearly, this wasn't Seonghwa’s first rodeo.

“Don’t think for a moment that you have any say in anything, Seonghwa. Everything you have is because I grant them to you. Everything you’re allowed even as an omega in this world is because I indulged you.” Mr Choi pressed the barrel more and more insistently.

Seonghwa, with surprising strength, held San’s arm behind him to keep San protected behind him.

“Don’t make me regret it. Do you understand, omega?”

They all knew the children wouldn't be able to fight the man.

Seonghwa looked down. Submissive.

“I do understand, Alpha.”

San wanted to puke.

Instead of curling around himself more protectively, Seonghwa shifted so that he would bare his belly, his most vulnerable spot, to the alpha.

All the Choi alphas and their partners might have forgotten their humanity, but San hasn't entirely and he remembered, he fucking remembered, that the Seonghwa, baring himself before San’s alpha father, in front of a fucking gun, for San’s sake is no more than a fucking  teenager---not much less of a child than San himself. And yet there he stood between his armed alpha husband and San for San. To protect San who was not even his own pup. In fact, San was the pup of another his father had married and bred. If anything, it would be in Seonghwa's best interest for San to be dead to clear the way to inheritance and power for his own future pups.

In that moment, San saw the truth: Seonghwa was a good, good person. There's no denying that anymore. Seonghwa's not perfect, because he's human, but he's good.

The alpha licked his lips at the display. His anger was partially forgotten.

San immediately grew sick .

They all knew what the alpha was thinking. 

San knew what his father wanted. So did Seonghwa by practically offering what he offered.

Seonghwa wasn't mated.

Seonghwa hadn't even presented. He hadn't had his first heat. He can't be bred.

He was married to the alpha, but their marriage had never been consummated.

The alpha never had a taste of Seonghwa. Not fully at least.

There's a sick rule in their cult’s scripture San remembered.

And San’s father was nothing if not a devout believer. His honor was sick like that. 

Alphas can mate as many omegas as possible. Even young and unpresented ones especially if it’s in the name of “helping out” the omega’s unfortunate circumstances or family situation.

All was alright as long as the marriage was “consensual” and if a child was married then the alpha had to have the decency to wait till they are of age and presented to mate properly and consummate.

Seonghwa hadn’t needed much to convince San’s father to break the last rule.

San’s father had never fucked Seonghwa before.

But dear god anyone could see that he wanted to. And Seonghwa, even so young back then, wasn't blind.

San deleted much of his memory from that day. It made him guilty to absolve himself of such a memory when Seonghwa was involved but he convinced himself it didn't matter much if he had forgotten much of the details.

He remembered the gist of it.

It was a day and night before he saw Seonghwa again.

San could’ve escaped the house. Could’ve just gone anywhere now that his father’s forgotten his transgression, and it wouldn't matter. Seonghwa is San’s father’s lawful wife anyways. He’s his omega. There’s nothing for San to do. He can’t bring the police. What would they do even if they fucking dared ? Storm in and say “Hey! Get off your wife cuz that’s technically rape!”

He can’t fight his father alone, let alone the goons and endless rows of servants and security guards.

He remembered the moans and the screams and the cries.

He remembered Seonghwa looking fucked out and broken and his eyes more dead than usual as he reeked of cum, blood and slick the next day when San saw him and, in a silent apology and thank you, carried the omega who had stumbled out of the master bedroom mid-afternoon when Mr Choi was gone and fed Seonghwa breakfast in bed.

Seonghwa found it in himself to laugh and wave off San’s worries during the late brunch.

“It’s no big deal.” Seonghwa winced. “What’s sex between a married couple?” 

San remained silent and scooped another spoonful of mashed potatoes onto Seonghwa’s bowl. Seonghwa didn't want to eat if San didn't so he had the maids bring in another serving. But San was in no mood to eat.

Seonghwa thankfully didn't protest too much and did eat.

“This is not normal. You know it isn’t,” San said, solemn.

Seonghwa swallowed his mouthful and looked at the thoughtful teen. Seonghwa couldn't help it. He pinched San’s cheek.

“Hey!” San smacked his hand away. He rubbed the sore spot. “Don’t do that, I’m not a kid.”

Seonghwa laughed. “You’re only, what, fifteen?”

San snorted. “So much for being my Eomma, you don't even remember my birthday.”

Seonghwa smiled. “Well, you never told me.”

San was silent for a moment. 

Seonghwa stuffed another morsel into his mouth, not expecting an answer. It wasn't long ago that San had the habit of telling Seonghwa to go kill himself after all. There’s no changing that overnight.

Or so he thought.

“July 10th.”

Seonghwa froze and turned to San.

San grinned, a little mischievously. 

“And, yes, I’m fifteen this year, Eomma . Turning sixteen soon.” He said with a mocking voice.

Seonghwa swallowed and smiled. He pinched San’s cheek again, longer and with more force this time. And San whined again.

“And Eomma will be sure to remember it this time, pup.” Seonghwa said with a teasing lilt.

For the first time in years, San laughed, feeling a little warm and not just because his cheek stung.

San wouldn't feel so bad if this was a one-off thing, but if there was something San knew was infuriating about Seonghwa was that he was consistent and insistent.

San’s father puts his hands on San once in a while. San accepted it as a fact of life. It wasn't anything new, even before Seonghwa came along.

It was just that that was the first time Seonghwa had witnessed it.

But unfortunately not the last time.

And everytime Seonghwa meddled on whether San saw it or not.

He placated Mr Choi. Over and over again and each time his beguiling ways became more effective than the last.

But it wasn't because he became that much better at arguing or lying.

It was because of what happened behind the scenes.

Everytime San tried to, very uncomfortably mind you, bring up the topic that Seonghwa should fucking stop whatever it was he’s doing because it’s making San feel guilty like nothing else, Seonghwa would give him a noncommital laugh and wave off his concerns.

“You study well so you can have a shot at doing whatever you want, Sannie. Maybe one day you can escape for good. Leave your father to me. Don't worry about him. Focus on your own life. This is my life, San-ah.”

San didn't remember when he started calling Seonghwa “hyung”.

“Hyung, you can’t keep letting him rape you.”

Seonghwa would give him that look with a smile so lifeless San wanted to punch something. “Is it rape if I let him though?”

Yes it was. It fucking was.

It didn't matter that they were married.

It didn't matter that Seonghwa is of age now after a couple years.

What mattered was that Seonghwa didn’t want it .

He got what he wanted, Seonghwa would confess to San when cornered to speak, and that was enough for Seonghwa.

It was enough for Seonghwa that the man was in a good enough mood almost consistently when at home to almost never beat San.

The beatings got rarer and rarer till it was indeed very close to “never”.

But San was never happy about it knowing what it cost.

But his alpha was eager and Seonghwa said he would have no choice in the matter eventually anyways. Seeing no choice in the matter, did his best to please his husband.

After he realized the wonders a good mood and good sex did for San’s safety and interactions with his father, Seonghwa used it for San ’s advantage.

And it drove San insane .

“No more,” San actually said in tears as he bathed Seonghwa after a… rough night.

Seonghwa looked at the crying figure of his stepson. Wet fingertips touched San’s face.

“Don’t cry, Sannie.”

Seonghwa used to be embarrassed—never wanting to allow San to see him in such a vulnerable state. Let alone to wash off the dried blood and cum between his legs.

The warm water turned slightly pink and San cursed.

“Fucking hell what’s wrong with him now ?”

Seonghwa was silent for a moment. “He wanted to take you out of his will.”

San didn’t know why and didn't care. “And why should that matter?! You- you- you entertained him because of something so stupid this time?!” San cried.

Seonghwa abruptly sat up, wincing as he did, but his eyes remained gentle yet fierce as he took San’s face his hands.

“Sannie. Oh, Sannie. Fuck. Even if you don’t like me I am your E-... I am your hyung . I have an obligation to you . And so does your father. It’s your birthright. It should belong to you even for just an apology for being born in this situation. With that money you can at least buy your way out .”

San hung his head. “Hyung… fuck that.”

Seonghwa clicked his tongue unhappily and flicked some water in San’s direction.

“San-ah, he wanted to rewrite his will to include his mistress and bastard children.”

San didn't react.

“And exclude you ,” Seonghwa spoke gently now. “And they’re not like my arrangement with your father that was strictly business—”

“You were sold . It wasn't business.”

Seonghwa pointedly ignored him.

“This one is your father’s actual mistress. He likes her. He’ll try to make her happy. Even at the expense of you .”

San chuckled. “Knowing you, aren't you sorry for his bastard child?”

Seonghwa sighed. “I am. But he’s her responsibility.” Seonghwa patted San’s head. “You’re mine.”

San looked at Seonghwa. Beautiful. Like a mermaid in a tub. He knew why he hated this man so much before. San, till this day, was still someone who didn't believe in excuses. Didn't believe in morally grey.

But still.

How can he hate Seonghwa?

“I called you Mistress before.” San said.

Seonghwa looked at him with cute, puzzled boba eyes. “What about it?”

“I’m sorry,” San said sincerely.

Seonghwa chuckled. “No. Don't be. Your feelings were valid. And you were right.” Seonghwa played with the water. “If I were stronger, I’d make no excuses and would’ve… found another way if it meant not messing up a child’s life.”

San looked at Seonghwa for a long time as he sat by the tub.

“You were good to me, Hwa.”

Seonghwa smiled. “You made it easy.”

San shook his head. “I didn’t. Not at first at least.” San pressed his forehead to Seonghwa’s.

Seonghwa closed his eyes and savoured the touch.

“Things were fucked up… you tried to make it better in whatever way you could. I’m older now than you were back then and… I don't think I would’ve done better than you.”

Seonghwa shook his head. “Sannie is braver than me.”

San half-laughed and wholeheartedly disagreed. “ You are brave because you’re so kind. No one had ever been kind enough to be brave enough to defend me. Not my relatives. Not any servants in this house. But you were.” He hugged Seonghwa, uncaring that he was wet and still in the tub.

“Oof!” Seonghwa laughed as he was pulled into the hug. Despite the firmness, San was gentle. Seonghwa was merely surprised. “What’s gotten into you today, hm?”

“Let’s run, Hwa.”

“Huh?”

San pulled back. And Seonghwa looked almost afraid.

“W-What do you mean?”

“Run,” San said. “I have money. Come with me. We can fake IDs. We can enroll in school. Or we can just… tell my father we moved away and then stay somewhere different. If he finds us, we’ll just move again. Whatever. Come with me. Let's not live like this anymore.”

Seonghwa gave him a sad smile. “You make it sound so easy…”

“How about your family?” San asked. “Surely now that they're in a better place politically and financially, they’ll aid you.”

Seonghwa never did speak of his past family. Everytime San asked, Seonghwa always insisted, ‘You’re my family now, San-ah. Why does it matter?’

“They might help.” Seonghwa said but didn't sound very convinced by himself. “But not before demanding why I couldn't make it work with my husband and then insisting I do it their way if I am leaving. It’d be a like jumping from one prison to another.”

Seonghwa sat up, for the first time that night showing a bit of a will for something. “We’d have to get jobs. Preferably those that pay in cash. Lay low. Enroll ourselves to school far away when we could. Forging papers in Korea is dangerous, San-ah, it’s better if I take your files from your father.”

San felt his smile grow.

“We should go before your first heat.”

San never felt more thrilled to be in with Seonghwa in anything.

Seonghwa, thankfully, is a very late bloomer.

By the time he had his first heat, they’ve long escaped, struggled, and lived.

Seonghwa didn't go back to school for awhile. He took jobs that paid in cash and insisted that San finish his highschool at the very least before Seonghwa even entertained enrolling in university mostly because, even with their funds, they can't afford it. Seonghwa insisted it was San’s money to use when he finally needed lots of funds for university or to start his business. Seonghwa refused to touch it and refused to allow San to touch it.

He told San such amounts are difficult to come by later but San didn't know that because he was born into money.

Seonghwa insisted he learn how to use and invest the money before touching that saving that was cut off from the family as possible.

So Seonghwa worked and worked. 

The only person from the family San kept in touch with was Jongho.

It was from Jongho, who had somehow made somewhat of an escape on his own too—because he’s a splendidly clever young man like that, that San was informed of a job Seonghwa could do that was safer and paid better than many. It was close to the police and it was a job that wasn't such a big deal for someone with San and Seonghwa's background but many people would find too much.

Seonghwa cleaned up crime scenes. And when it was a “slow day” for crime, he cleaned up the precinct as well. Two different jobs. Same employer.

And Seonghwa made the very first proper friend ever. A guy San absolutely adored: an officer-in-training, Jeong Yunho who’d later be the Detective Jeong Yunho.

The man was kind a a golden retriever and was one of the few people Seonghwa allowed in some personal details of his life.

Seonghwa entered university late but that was fine.

By that time San worked too and it was enough for Seonghwa to simply work part-time.

Their families oddly quiet but they both figured if their families really wanted them found or dead, the cult would have long allowed them that.

San and Seonghwa simply lived their lives and eventually moved out from each other’s to experience some normalcy .

Seonghwa met someone.

So did San.

Seonghwa’s just sooo much better at being tight-lipped about it.

And by the time Seonghwa had his first heat, they'd both gotten their hearts broken.

Wooyoung had dumped San after being spooked about being “fated mates”.

And Seonghwa had long lost his chance with Hongjoong.

Each time they fucked anytime after, Seonghwa never commented if San called him by the wrong name.

Seonghwa only laughed once in a while saying it was unhelpful that “Wooyoung is such a common name.” And that San had no pictures he wanted to show Seonghwa.

“Fuck. Hwa, I’m sorry.” San buried his face in Seonghwa’s warm back.

Seonghwa chuckled. “You called me Eomma in bed and I didn't mind, Sannie. Why would I mind you calling me ‘Wooyoung’?”

San pressed his lips to Seonghwa’s back. “I didn't hurt you?”

Seonghwa patted San’s arm around his middle. “I…”

“I did, didn't I?” San frowned. “You’re a terrible liar.”

“Good enough for your father.”

“My father’s an idiot.”

Seonghwa smacked San’s arm. “Don’t speak that way of your elders, San-ah. He’s still your father.”

San smiled innocently against his back, disagreeing but saying anyways just to be a menace: “Yes, Eomma.”

Seonghwa smacked him again.

“And it’s not that I’m hurt because I’m not Wooyoung, Sannie.” Seonghwa sighed. “We’re not in love with each other now are we?”

San nuzzled to the back of Seonghwa's neck. “Unfortunately.”

“I just… wish I’m someone’s, I guess.”

San bit his shoulder, remembering a past offense. “You never did tell me his name.”

Seonghwa rubbed his face to San’s. “It doesn't matter does it? We’re never going to be together. Besides it’s not like you gave me a lot to go on either. You only described that one ex you’re still hung up on as beautiful beyond compare and sexy beyond all reason and told me his name was Jung fucking Wooyoung which, may I remind you, is extremely common !”

San laughed when Seonghwa smacked him again.

San and Seonghwa had an agreement. No introducing anyone if they’re not there to stay because neither of them could take anymore blows of heartbreaks.

And San hardly ever told anyone of Seonghwa’s existence. The nature of their relationship and the depth of it too odd and too incomprehensible for San to risk it before he was decidedly mated, he had long decided.

Seonghwa could never replace San’s dearly departed Eomma. He never could and never will. Seonghwa is only a little older than him, even if he didn’t act like it was only a little.

San cherished Seonghwa and Seonghwa doted on him as if he were still a pup, never indulging San in many details of the hardships of his own life. That was a detail for full-fledged friends like Yunho. Like Seonghwa said, Seonghwa felt obligated when it came to San. Obligated to be a pillar for him. Obligated as his hyung. And they both never brought it up, but, indeed, a little as his Eomma even if the status really was just some title the cult decided was their relationship.

Which was why San, deep down, knew why Seonghwa never called him when he was in deep shit. Seonghwa felt like he always had to be the adult even though they’re both adults and both were very close in age.

San understood it better than anyone, truly. But like hell if he wasn't going to terrorize Seonghwa for going over him when something so significant as being accidentally mated and pupped had happened! Seonghwa should fucking have pushed away whatever stupid notions about being San’s guardian and fucking told San first!

____

Seonghwa sighed. Not his car refusing to start in the middle of such a cold fucking day.

Another part of his punishment, he’s sure. He can’t even be mad at the universe for this one.

As he got out and opened the hood to fiddle-fuck with his car when suddenly a heavy weight crashed onto him and he heard a sigh of relief as the said weight refused to be shaken off and let go.

“Hyung… thank fucking god you haven’t left.”

Seonghwa slammed the hood of his car closed.

Even without the distinct overpowering scent of something complicated, a mix of distress, anger, confusion and sadness, Seonghwa could tell who it was. There could only be one person in the vicinity who gave a fuck about him. One person who would cry when he cried and whose heart would ache for him regardless of right or wrong. The body plastered onto his was familiar. Comforting. But Seonghwa deserved no comfort, and so he tried to push the other away to no avail. The younger man was simply too strong. He was an alpha afterall.

“Sannie…” Seonghwa let out a weak whine, tugging on the sleeve of the fluffy wool coat San wore. Even in distress he couldn't help but note how the seemingly new coat suited San and so did the new scents which clung onto it—must be Wooyoung and Yeosang’s.

San shook his head, still burying his face in the crook of Seonghwa’s neck from the back—an attempt to scent him, to seek or to give comfort, who knows, whilst still holding on as tightly as possible without hurting the older lest Seonghwa runs away.

“Let go, San-ah.” Seonghwa felt warm tears threatening to fall and to his dismay, the strength he had to push San away diminished the closer he was to tears. “S-Shouldn’t you be back there with Wooyoung-ssi?” Seonghwa’s voice cracked.

San paused. Clearly conflicted but seemed to have come to a decision anyways. “Yeosang’s there. He won’t let Woo do anything stupid. He’s angry with me right now. I’ll talk to him later.”

San and Yeosang weren’t friends but knowing Wooyoung for the time he did was enough to make him at least know Yeosang and of his competence especially as a friend.

“Why didn't you call me?” San was close to tears too. He held Seonghwa tighter. “What happened, Hwa?”

Seonghwa broke down. Before his body could hit the ground, San caught him, shushing him with comforting nonsense but Seonghwa wasn't listening to any of it.

“I fucked up, San. I fucked up! How’d you expect me to call you ? I’m your hyung, I can't—”

“You called Yunho, didn't you?” It wasn't a question. The way San spoke was grave.

Seonghwa had always known San was the scariest of anyone he knew if angry even when he never came to find out and never intended to. And he didn't intend to now either.

San didn't have to prompt him. Seonghwa did answer. “I did.”

San’s look turned broken, upset. “Hyung… What you told Wooyoung wasn't all there is to the story was it? Something else happened too? I don't believe a sudden heat-rut could cause you to abandon all morals like that. I don't believe it. I really fucking don’t.”

Seonghwa took the chance to push San away. The cold was biting and this whole interaction was unpleasant to say the least. Seonghwa had no intention of staying any longer.

“I’m sorry, Sannie. But not right now please? I don't— I can't justify anything . Not to Wooyoung-ssi. Not to you. Don’t make me explain why I called Yunho and not you. I— I can't. ” Seonghwa sobbed, stumbling away. “I’m wrong, I’m wrong. I’m so sorry but my brain is not working right now and I have to go home. ”

“Where?” San demanded. “Your place? Far away from here? Where your irresponsible mate knows where you live? Where that other executive you told me about has the access to the files to where you live while you’re so vulnerable? No, Seonghwa. You’re not going back there.”

“I can’t keep imposing on Yunho,” Seonghwa retorted with a weak chuckle and waved the idea off as he got in his car.

San stopped him from closing the door.

“No offense, Hwa, but you’re not in your right mind right now. I can't let you drive—”

“Go back to Wooyoung-ssi, San.”

“He has Yeosang! Who do you have right now, Hwa?! Where is Yunho? He’s at work isn’t he? Like hell I’m going to leave you alone right now!”

“I’m not going to do anything reckless, San-ah. I’m…” Seonghwa put a hand over his lower tummy. “I don’t want to hurt anyone else anymore.”

San sighed. “As if I don't know you.”

San stepped closer and leaned his face close to Seonghwa’s. Not letting the other hide from him.

Seonghwa turned his face away. San could read him so well even without coming so close. This was just…

“You’re going to lose the baby with the amount of distress you’re putting it and yourself through.”

Seonghwa wanted to open his mouth to protest but found himself unable to. He was ashamed. Like San was implying, above everything else, that Seonghwa was a bad mother too. What kind of omega was he? He can't even carry a pup right. 

“If you don't abort it first out of guilt, that is.”

“I know you want this baby, Hwa. Don’t lose it. It’ll kill you.”

Seonghwa was silent.

“You won’t be able to wash off the mark either huh? Not with the baby."

San brought him closer to hold. This time Seonghwa didn’t protest.

San’s voice was soft. No hint of any judgment. No hint of anything accusing.

Seonghwa knew what San thought of “trash” members of society. Cheaters included.

He would make the excuse of being born and bred into a shitty family situation for himself or his father. San was like that. Ownership and accountability was everything. It didn't matter where one came from or what happened to make something happen.

But here San was, holding Seonghwa close and not letting go.

“You won’t be able to live with it. Not on top of everything else,” San said, sadness in his voice.

San pulled back and forced Seonghwa to face him.

“You’re going to kill yourself.”

It wasn't a question. It wasn't a thought. It was a matter-of-fact.

San fished the car keys from Seonghwa’s pocket.

“Do what you need to do. Hand in your notice to resign. I don't care what it’ll cost you. Professionally or otherwise. I’ll bribe the shit out of those execs to give you a good record if I must. Just fucking do what you need to, Hwa. But I won't fucking leave you. Not alone. Not a chance. I’m not Yunho. You can't convince me with some bullshit mature act.”

Seonghwa could barely contain his sobs. “I knew— I knew you’d react this way is why I didn't tell you, Sannie. It’s not because I don't trust you. It’s because—... It’s because—” Seonghwa let out a pitiful cry before burying his face in his hands once more. “I’m your hyung ! How could I bear to be a burden to you? I’m already so pathetic in front of you so many times and you’ve told me over and over again how I should be moving on from him and I’m just so fucking ashamed that I can’t ! And I told you… I fucking told you that it’d be alright. That you and I can trust me to not fuck it up. That I’d keep it professional— that it didn't matter how I felt because I’m never going let anyone get hurt further because of me— even myself. But look what happened! Sannie…”

“Sannie, I’m so ashamed. What do I do? Help me… help me, Sannie. What can I do? Clearly talking to Wooyoung-ssi was a bad idea, but what else can I do? Hongjoong won’t even pick up my calls…”

San felt his blood boiling over this “Kim Hongjoong” more and more everyday somehow . Everyday he feels as if he can't possibly hate the man more, and then he does. Holyshit.

San hated the alpha for hurting Wooyoung. Now San hated the alpha even more for hurting not just Wooyoung but also Seonghwa .

“Hwa, I love you.”

“Don't you dare hurt yourself.”

Seonghwa kept crying.

San gently gathered Seonghwa into his arms, and Seonghwa, for the first time that night, allowed himself to fall into the warm embrace without protest. San’s strong arms were nice and familiar, his hold firm and gentle. It felt like… home.

“I know it’s fucked up. I know you could be right that you truly fucking fucked up. But I fucking love you and you can't go back to how you were before on that rooftop okay? Because this baby needs you. I need you. Or have you forgotten that you’re my Eomma and hyungie too? That you've promised to make up to me?”

Sure, San and him weren’t lovers. The goddess of love and romance was never impressed enough with their connection to grant them that kind of bliss together, but what remained was a special sort of friendship, not unlike what Wooyoung and Yeosang had by the looks of it.

San and Seonghwa were each other’s rock. Each other’s most consistent source of comfort.

Sure, they had other close friends—Seonghwa had Yunho.

But it wasn't the same.

San and Seonghwa shared everything short of romance in this life. An above everything: understanding.

Seonghwa could hold the most hateful status in the world and the world could hate him but San wouldn't. Couldn't. He tried. Now, more than ever, he can't.

"If you can't live for yourself, for now, at least, live for us. You can figure it out later. It's going to be okay."

"Seonghwa-hyung."

San scented Seonghwa affectionately. Seonghwa closed his eyes, letting him, breathing out slowly to bask in the calming pheromones the alpha is making sure was more than abundant for Seonghwa.

"Eomma..." San nosed around Seonghwa's neck before burying and resting his face in the other's shoulder.

"I love you."

___

San giggled as he nuzzled into Seonghwa’s breasts.

“Eomma’s so pretty.” San rubbed the soft kiss bitten skin of Seonghwa’s chest with his nose. “Even his chest is pretty.”

Seonghwa laughed. Beautiful and melodious.

San smiled into his chest.

Seonghwa smacked San’s broad shoulder. “Sannie! That tickles!” Seonghwa’s laughter turned to half screams once San started to actually tickle him.

“Alright! Enough! Enough!” Seonghwa screeched. “San! Enough!” Seonghwa spanked his bottom a few times. “For real!”

San smiled down at his hyung as Seonghwa gathered himself from under him, breathless.

Once Seonghwa gathered himself enough, he attempted to sit up straighter but could not with San’s heavy weight on top of him.

“Your knot has gone down, Sannie, get off me.” Seonghwa told him tiredly.

San hummed into the skin of his breast. “Hmm… how about round two?” San said rather than ask as he grinded down.

Seonghwa moaned.

“Eugh. You’re a menace.”

“Me?” San chuckled. “ You rode me so good I swore I saw rainbows behind my eyes.” San nosed around his scent gland. “ You on the other hand barely made a sound. C’mon, baby. I feel like I’ve failed as an alpha. I can’t even please my dearest eomma. ”

Seonghwa blushed at the bedname. “That’s—... Not everyone can scream out their lover’s name in bed.”

San smacked Seonghwa’s flank in retaliation—none too gently if Seonghwa’s yelp was any indication.

“Can’t believe my Hwa’s making fun of me. How about that boss you’re still in love with, hm? What was his name again?”

Seonghwa chuckled, pretending to ignore how good it felt to have San’s rapidly hardening cock thrusting in and out of him again. “Nice try. I've never told you.”

San lets out an exaggerated disappointed sigh. “You should. I feel bad if I’m the only one who calls you something else in bed. I know it hurts you. If you call out his name in bed, I’d feel less bad about the times I accidentally called you Wooyoung.”

San grunted and growled as he picked up the pace.

Seonghwa felt himself becoming more and more incoherent by the second.

“I- Ah! Don't want you knowing about him, Sannie. There’s no need for you to know him.”

“As if—”

“His name’s not common, baby. Wooyoung’s is. Heck, even my boss’ omega husband’s name is Wooyoung.”

San reached for the bedside for another condom.

“Shit. We’re out.”

Seonghwa hummed. “I took suppressants, Sannie. I’m not going to get pregnant and I’m clean.”

San didn't need much convincing. He nuzzled into Seonghwa's neck.

“You’re so nice to me. I’m the one who wanted another round.”

Seonghwa knew San was clean when he proceeded.

When San pushed into him, Seonghwa let out a satisfied moan.

“Fuck. So tight.” San grunted.

Seonghwa kissed him sweetly and nosed his face in affection. “Hmm, breed me, Alpha.”

San chuckled. “With pleasure, Omega.”

That night, like every night every other couple weeks when they meet, they laid in each other’s arms.

San remembered jokingly saying once: “Wouldn’t it be funny if your boss’ wife was actually my Wooyoung?”

___

No. It’s not fucking funny.

San drove without speaking, one hand on the wheel, one hand holding Seonghwa’s hand.

“I need my things from the office at least…” Seonghwa said.

San simply turned on the GPS to head to Seonghwa’s workplace.

“Do what you have to do, Hyung. Be careful. I’ll stay close.”

____

“Ah! Executive Assistant Park!”

Seonghwa knew that voice.

Seonghwa put his phone away and bowed. “Hwe-jang-nim.”

“Please, Seonghwa-ssi, I’ve told you many times, you can just call me Jinyoung.” Park Jinyoung walked over with a large smile and placed a hand on Seonghwa’s hip.

Seonghwa of course wouldn’t fucking dare to call a coworker such a casual title. Hongjoong had been an exception because they’re such long-time friends, Seonghwa often forgot when they’re in private. But with anyone else? Even simply only adding “-ssi” was pushing it.

Seonghwa shifted but otherwise didn't move.

“What’s this? A letter?”

Seonghwa kept his head low out of courtesy. “My one-month notice, Jinyoung-nim. And an urgent plea for unpaid time off. I may need to leave very soon. Sooner than company policy. But I promise to be in contact when there’s a need to train a new hire. I will be available remotely at least for sure.”

Jingyoung ‘tsk’-ed unhappily at the still-stuffy title but said nothing else of it. He lifted Seonghwa's letter and looked back and forth.

Seonghwa fought the urge to push the man away as he leaned uncomfortably close.

“This is too fucking bad, Seonghwa,” Jinyoung said. “I’ve always liked you a lot. CEO Kim not treating you well enough?”

Seonghwa shook his head in quick denial. “Never, Jingyoung-nim. My superior, CEO Kim, treats me very well.”

“Then? You can take the time off. Heck, I’m sure we can work something out to make it paid leave. You don't have to resign after. Why leave?”

“Ah… they’re… family reasons, Jinyoung-nim. I’m afraid there are no professional endeavors I’m about to embark on worth bragging about,” Seonghwa said with a little laugh to ease the tense air. Leaving was always a touchy subject this high up the totem pole. There was always a worry in there being divulgement of secrets and dirts business and non-business related that may or may not hurt the pristine image of the company or executives. Seonghwa tried his best truly to make it all seem as harmless as possible. As much as Park Jinyoung did not like Hongjoong, it’s still within Jinyoung’s interest that Hongjoong’s image remained pristine.

Park Jinyoung still looked disappointed however before he took Seonghwa’s hand.

Seonghwa cursed how empty the place was at this time.

For the first time in awhile, Seonghwa truly wished Hongjoong was around.

“Well, now that you’re leaving, it seems only appropriate I give you a proper farewell, no? Executive Assistant Park has helped me a lot after all. I’d have to deal with your boss alone otherwise.” He said with a laugh and Seonghwa kept smiling just to be polite but dared not laugh about Hongjoong .

Jinyoung tugged Seonghwa closer by the hand and Seonghwa found himself stumbling. It wasn't that Jinyoung was using any particularly impressive strength even if he was an alpha, Seonghwa was just caught off-guard.

Jinyoung said lowly in Seonghwa’s ear, a hair-raising attempt at being enticing.

“What do you say we ditch this place and head to one of my favourite spots hm?”

Seonghwa fought every cell in his body screaming to shove this man away. Seonghwa shifted backwards uncomfortably.

“Ah, that’s very kind of you, Jinyoung-nim, but I’m afraid I’m in a little—”

“Oh?” Jinyoung raised a brow.

It took Seonghwa a full second to realize Jinyoung had somehow displaced Seonghwa’s shawl a little to reveal the mating bite.

“Wow, Seonghwa-ssi. I never expected you to be one to disregard proper etiquette and mate without getting married? Or did you conveniently forget to invite this one boss of yours?”

“That’s—” Seonghwa had no excuses. 

“Or was this an accident? I thought you smelled different.”

Seonghwa prayed he did not catch the faint scent of milk.

Although mates smelled like each other a little all the time and when pupped the omega would smell even moreso of the sire, Seonghwa hoped the scenting San had given him was enough to hide Hongjoong’s scent.

Like a bell from heaven, Seonghwa heard a familiar voice.

“It’s no accident. And it’s no lie that he has to go now .”

Park Jinyoung moved away from Seonghwa as his body pushed him to seek safety in the distance as the territorial warning scent of another alpha entered the room.

Seonghwa’s eyes widened when he saw who was at the door to the office.

Chapter Text

Jung Wooyoung paced back and forth.

“Would you stop that ? Wooyoung, that can’t be good for the baby,” Yeosang tiredly rubbed his face and yanked open the fridge.

“What do you know about what’s good or not for the baby? Are you a gynecologist too now?” Wooyoung snapped.

“No. Just a doctor .” Yeosang closed the fridge door a little harder than he meant.

Wooyoung stopped and sighed, opening his arms in surrender and as an invitation Yeosang can’t refuse before Wooyoung pulled the older into his arms for a tight hug.

Yeosang sighed simply held the pregnant omega and patted his back.

Wooyoung sniffled. “I’m sorry, Sangie. Didn't mean to be a bitch. It’s just-... It’s just-”

Yeosang sat him down on the couch rubbed his back. “Just hard. I know. You’re allowed to grief your relationships.”

Wooyoung buried his face in his hands. “Holyfuck. Can you fucking believe it? Sannie ’s on his side too. I…”

“Feel so fucking betrayed?”

“Yeosangie, my other other half who finishes my sentences, I love you forever and you’re not allowed to fall for Seonghwa too okay?” Wooyoung laughed and pulled Yeosang down to cuddle. "I know San's not mine. But I... thought we were... somewhat friends at least? How could he just...?"

“Can’t breathe-” Yeosang smacked the other omega’s arm around his neck.

Wooyoung at least had the grace to look a little apologetic. ‘Oops-’ he smiled weakly and loosened his grip before giving the other a kiss right on his birthmark. Yeosang whined at the contact.

“But seriously though, you were so cool what the fuck? The way you threw him around?” Wooyoung laughed hoarsely. Yeosang couldn't help but smiling too. It’s a miracle Wooyoung wasn't his catatonic self from a short while ago. Especially after all that. “You threw around an alpha, Sangie. That was badass as fuck. And he was jacked as shit too. I’d know.”

Yeosang rolled his eyes. “Of course you would. Slut.”

Wooyoung smacked his arm. “I’ll have you know I am a married omega and it wasn't me who slept around.”

Yeosang: “...”

Wooyoung huffed out a laugh. “Too soon?”

Yeosang gave him a weird look. “ Well it’s your call.”

There was silence.

And then a sniffle.

Yeosang panicked. “Woo-”

“I’m sorry.” Wooyoung sobbed. “It must be the hormones, no? Are those supposed to kick in yet?” He fanned his face.

Yeosang handed him tissues and rubbed his back. “Cry it out. It’s okay. It’s not hormones, Wooyoungie. Anyone would have been devastated.”

“How am I supposed to live without him ?!” Wooyoung nearly screamed. They both knew who they meant. “I love him, Sangie. I still do! I wish-” Wooyoung motioned around with his hand and shook his head aimlessly. In front of anyone else, Wooyoung would have died in shame if he had to admit being so weak and hung up on someone who cheated on him. But it was Yeosang, so... “I wish my brain could just turn it off, you know? Just-! Get the message that he’s not the man I thought I married and be done! Why-...!”

Wooyoung let his arms drop to his lap. He didn't care how undignified or childish that must’ve looked. “Why am I so stupid?”

Yeosang shook his head furiously. If Wooyoung wasn’t so devastated, he’d remark how Yeosang looked so cute when mad (that scary display with San present notwithstanding). “You’re not stupid! If anything, he ’s stupid!” Yeosang scoffed. “Jung Wooyoung! I can take you coming in here and raiding my fridge like it’s yours, taking over my bed like you did back when we were roommates, and eating all my takeout chicken but I won't stand for you saying such bullshit about yourself! Hongjoong fucked up! And San’s being stupid! Curse them! Not yourself!”

Yeosang scratched his head in frustration. “Fuck. I’m sorry. I’m not good at this.”

Wooyoung grabbed another tissue to blow. “No.” He sniffled and tossed the tissue somewhere he’d have to remember to pick up later. “Thanks. I needed that. Fuck. I wish we could drink. I could really use a good ol’ blacking out right now. Ah fuck. We should go steal some of Hongjoong’s stash of expensive champagne for when this whole shit is over.”

“So the divorce?” Yeosang asked.

Wooyoung shook his head. “Nah I heard that shit could last years even if I start filing now. I don't even know if I could even live away from the alpha who mated me. I meant for when the baby is b-”

“Hold the fuck on.” Yeosang raised his hand. “You’re not divorcing Hongjoong?”

Wooyoung blinked. “Sangie, of course I- I-...”

Yeosang raised a brow. “ Want to ?” Yeosang helpfully prompted.

Wooyoung stuttered. “Y- Well! Of course? But-”

“ But ?”

Wooyoung made helpless motions with his hands before dropping them and sighing. “But we’re mated , Yeosang. We’re not just married. He claimed me.” He tugged on his collar as if to prove a point. “And he pupped me! And you ’re a doctor! You should know how difficult being apart from him is! It could be painful and- and- and what about the baby?” Wooyoung began to grow teary as he himself realized, although his points were valid, he was making up half-excuses. “Isn't it bad for the baby if I’m not close to its sire? Don’t I need to be around him and his scent for the pregnancy to go well?” Wooyoung almost sounded pleading. To who? He didn't know.

Yeosang sighed and uncrossed his arms, taking Wooyoung’s hand in his. He realized what this was.

“You’re not over him yet. That’s fine, Wooyoungie. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s only natural. It all happened so suddenly.”

Wooyoung buried his face in Yeosang’s neck and let out a pitiful whine.

Yeosang patted his head and continued talking. “The pregnancy could be riskier without the sire around, sure. And I get it. You want to keep this baby. That’s your decision to make alone. I will always support whatever you want but… you know there are options right? Even with the mating bond? There are surgeries… that can wash off marks… they’re risky and not always successful but,-... ah fuck.” 

Yeosang sighed, knowing that should be it’s own conversation with the medical risks laid out in a medical contract if Wooyoung was ever interested. “Wooyoungie, you need to know you have options . Even if you don't wash of the mark… I know washing off marks are extremely painful, so even if you don't wash off the mark you don't have to be with him. We can figure it out with the baby too. Single omega parents exist, you know? The medical field has come a long way.”

Wooyoung had gone silent.

“Youngie?”

Wooyoung nodded a little nod before lifting his head and, without warning, kissing his friend’s cheek. Yeosang simply closed his eyes and endured it this time. Wooyoung pulled back and smiled at the other wiping away his cheek.

“Thanks Yeosangie-”

Knock knock

The two omegas went silent.

Knock knock knock

Knock knock knock knock knock

Wooyoung sighed. “Sannie, go away!”

Yeosang clutched Wooyoung’s arm.

“Youngie.”

Clueless, sweet, oddly sharp in the weirdest of times Yeosang got up, his arms in front of the pregnant omega in a vaguely protective manner.

“I don't think it’s Sannie.”

There wasn't another knock for a while and instead there were odd murmurs they can't make out. 

“Scent blockers,” Wooyoung whispered. “Are you expecting a package?”

Yeosang shook his head.

Knock knock knock knock knock!

“Hey!” A voice called from the other side. “We’ve got some package for Mr Kang?”

Yeosang walked closer to the door.

“We know someone’s home! C’mon don’t be a lazy jerk! I’ve got more packages to deliver!” The voice hollered, gruffer this time.

Yeosang looked through the peephole. There were two men.

Slowly, he moved backwards and motioned for Wooyoung to take his hand—which the other did.

“What the fuck is going on?” Wooyoung whispered as they tiptoed backwards to god knows where in the cramped studio apartment.

“I don't know,” Yeosang whispered back. “They don't look like mailmen.”

Yeosang wasn't sure where to hide either. The bathroom was their best bet for now. Hopefully the men were lazy and even if they broke the door down they wouldn't search.

He fumbled for his phone.

Wooyoung’s eyes widened. “ They ?!” There’s more than one?! Why?!

Wooyoung cursed. “Shit. Fuck. I yelled when they knocked. They probably know we’re in here?”

“Hopefully they thought you were the neighbor thinking your door was knocked.”

Wooyoung looked over to Yeosang whilst also punching buttons. “Who are you texting?”

“A detective friend I know.” Yeosang said. “And another friend. You?”

“Hongjoong.” Wooyoung said almost painfully but Yeosang only nodded in understanding. “Autosent location to him.”

Wooyoung didn't trust Hongjoong with his heart anymore. How could he? But Wooyoung had always trusted Hongjoong when it came to doing his darndest to keep him safe and well-provided for. Hongjoong had always been morally gray amongst his pseudo politician nouveau rich colleagues as somewhat of a diplomat type but Wooyoung had always counted on him to care for and protect him—which Hongjoong had done unfailingly for years . Before today when he simply ran, Wooyoung would almost always if not always have someone Hongjoong trusted or Hongjoong himself to look after him whether openly visibly or not.

For some reason, even now, Wooyoung, in this way at least, had blind trust in Hongjoong.

‘Please,’ Wooyoung prayed in his heart. ‘For Sangie, and for our baby. Hongjoong, please come.’

Just as they managed to inch away into the bathroom-

BANG!

The door flew off it's hinges.

___

A civilian and a uniformed officer stood there by the office door.

“Sannie? Jongho?” Seonghwa said dumbly.

San stood by Seonghwa’s side in a second, eyeing Park Jinyoung dangerously.

Jongho, fully clad in his detective gear not unlike what Seonghwa saw Yunho wear the morning earlier, greeted Seonghwa with a bow. “Hello, Keo- Seonghwa-hyung*.” The youngest alpha in the room then turned to Park Jinyoung. “And you are?”

San pulled Seonghwa to leave but Jongho raised his hand, stopping him from trying to pull Seonghwa out the door.

"A minute, please," Jongho said calmly to the two. San did stop and Seonghwa could only look at the two confusedly.

“H-How did they get in here?!” Park Jinyoung shrieked. “Security!”

Security immediately rushed into the room but stopped when Jongho lifted a piece of paper and took off scent blocking patch, allowing the security guards to know with his potent pheromones not to come closer.

Immediately, Seonghwa was able to tell what it was: a warrant. Even with the alpha pheromones so potent in the room and was no doubt making everyone dizzy, there was no mistake as to what Jongho was holding.

Jongho had permission to enter without permission. And must’ve conveniently brought San with him.

Still, it begs the question: why is an officer of the law, a detective no less, here ?

“My apologies for entering unannounced. I am Detective Choi Jongho and I am here with a search warrant.” Jongho began his speech with professional amicability and recited the standard rights of everyone involved. The last part was what caught Seonghwa’s attention the most: “... Mr Kim Hongjoong has turned himself in for certain crimes I am at no liberty to disclose to the public as his court date has not concluded and Mr Kim is also in witness protection.”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened.

No.

It can’t be.

Something in him twisted painfully. He ignored it quite well so far but the idea that his mate is now further from reach than ever twisted something in him.

“Don’t worry,” Jongho said. “If you’ve got nothing to hide, then there won’t be a problem. Excuse me.”

Officers began to file in the room as a signal Seonghwa must have somehow missed with his thoughts in such disarray. He barely even noticed San pulling him in closer and tighter.

Park Jinyoung huffed, unhappy but decided to largely ignore the busy officers. His earlier demeanor returning as he turned to give Seonghwa and his “new companion” a nasty look.

“So you know that detective?” Park Jinyoung asked Seonghwa.

Seonghwa nodded. “Yes, Hwe-jang-nim,” Seonghwa said, happy to refer to Park Jinyoung with as a distant of an address as possible.

Jinyoung clicked his tongue unhappily. “Then can’t you negotiate him away? This is making our company look bad!” Jinyoung looked uneasy, Seonghwa noticed. As if he had something to hide. But Seonghwa dismissed it as him probably simply hiding some drugs or contraband somewhere for “fun times” with his buddies and nothing too serious. Hell, it could be just nerves from having literal officers treating the place like a criminal’s den. Honestly, Seonghwa would even pity him if Jinyoung wasn't just about to harass him before the alphas walked in.

Seonghwa gave him as apologetic of a look as he could manage, “I’m afraid Jongho is quite the upright character, Hwe-jang-nim. He’s not so easily swayed from his duties.”

Nevermind that Jongho technically shouldn't abuse his power and warrant to sneak San in but all things considered Seonghwa knew the statement to be mostly true.

Jongho was the second son of the Chois. His father was San's father's younger brother---also a second son. Him not bending the law and being more righteous than most if not all other detectives in his precinct was a miracle enough. Seonghwa had heard stories of Jongho the green and righteous officer who risked demotion over corruption and miraculously somehow still managed to be promoted to detective.

That source being none other than San.

Of all the other Choi alphas other than San, there’s only one Seonghwa would even consider somewhat of a friend.

Like San and Seonghwa, he hated the Chois.

But unlike San and Seonghwa, there was no need for Jongho to run.

When Jongho decided it was time for him to break free, he did so in the open–and declared his intentions.

When Jongho decided he wanted to be an officer of the law, a detective even, the whole upper echelon of the cult were in an uproar. A detective? Lowly post! Useful or not for the cult, it didn't matter. It was a lowly and dangerous post. Too much for the Second Son of the Chois.

The police force, according to most of the Choi elders—hypocritically since the Chois were basically a crime syndicate within a cult but still true enough, were despicable and corrupt.

Jongho’s father, clever and surprisingly supportive of Jongho, made the argument that this was a great thing for the Chois.

They’d have someone on the inside. Someone who had access to all the information, could mislead investigations if necessary, and could even vouch for the Chois to his fellow lawmen.

Somehow, Jongho’s father had managed to do what nobody else in the Choi family had done for their children:

Give them freedom. No strings attached. No fear of being hunted down in the future once the Chois thought they’ve “played around” enough.

It was true Jongho’s father made the excuse that Jongho would be useful, but everytime someone would actually try to interfere with Jongho’s work or make use of him, they’d have to go through his father. And his father…

Would laugh and say: “My son is barely above suspicion himself. Turns out he sucks at his job and his superiors don’t trust him. Give him time.”

But people forget the last part and have come to the conclusion that Jongho was useless.

Fortunately, Jongho already had his life and there’s no urgent need to pull a son of a non-main branch of the family back.

Turns out, once one gets past the initial hoo-haa of actually bargaining for freedom, one realizes that the elders simply wanted something to complain about . To have a say in. To feel important and powerful.

And Mr Choi Siwon, Jongho’s father, was a clever man and knew this very well.

Sure, they were a cult and would hunt down anyone who tried to leave.

But what could they do about someone who actually left with all of their consent who just turns out to not be useful? At the end of the day, laziness is a thing and they “don’t have time” to even think about one silly runt.

When young Jongho left to train at the police academy, Seonghwa sometimes wondered.

If only San had the same Mr. Choi as his father. If only he had the same Mr. Choi for a husband.

He didn't treat his son or wife well but he did treat them better than San’s father did his and that was enough to make Seonghwa wonder and brought tears to his eyes once or twice.

Jongho’s father did speak to Seonghwa once or twice. Mostly superficial things. And in front of others, clever Choi Siwon knew how to treat Seonghwa the way that he was expected to treat him: as a lowly omega wife.

One time, San’s father decided to beat Seonghwa in public for whatever reason. No amount of San’s cries or screaming could get the alpha to stop.

Seonghwa could only watch San beg and plead for him, feeling like a failure as tears kept running down the young alpha’s cheeks. He failed San over and over again. He can't even take care of this one boy, his one responsibility, right.

Just as Seonghwa was about to numb it all out with a resigned sigh to wait out the beating, Jongho’s father had clasped his hand on the other alpha’s shoulder and patted the alpha a few times signaling for him to stop.

San’s father is an alpha of higher ranking than Jongho’s father. More powerful and with a higher standing within the pack as he was Jongho’s father’s older brother, but to Seonghwa's surprise, the older Mr Choi did stop–to look at his brother with annoyance if nothing else.

“What do you want, Siwon?” San’s father asked in annoyance.

Siwon, Jongho’s father, simply smiled. “Seungri-hyung, looks like you’ve made your point, haven't you?” Siwon cocked his head in San and Seonghwa’s direction. “Why don’t you come eat with us? Don't waste time on this anymore. Our Eomma’s going to be sad if you don't come eat soon.”

Seungri ‘tsk’-ed and readjusted his vest before walking away.

With the older Mr Choi leaving, many of the guests who watched the spectacle left with him. The maids looked hesitant to assist Mrs Park and their Young Master San even when Seungri had left.

Siwon looked at the two pitiful teens with watchful eyes and walked over to pat San’s head.

San collected Seonghwa’s limp body in his arms and just held on, whimpering.

Siwon knew the young alpha felt helpless and still paralyzed with fear.

San was already starting to grow into his own body and Siwon won't be much taller than him much longer but he patted the boy’s head anyways.

“You okay, nephew?” Siwon asked to sober up the boy.

Slowly, San nodded.

“Good.” Siwon said. “Go help your Eomeoni freshen up, yeah? Join us after. Don’t worry, I’ll vouch for you guys. Take your time. Just make sure you come down eventually to pay your respects at least.”

In their kind of family, there’s no use running to the police.

San hastily got up, apologizing when he heard Seonghwa groan from the pain.

Siwon watched them silently. As San supported his weight and chewed his ears off, Seonghwa caught a glimpse of Siwon still not moving from where he stood. Siwon gave Seonghwa a little smile and a reassuring wink. Seonghwa smiled back. The walk upstairs felt a little less heavy.

Park Jinyoung shifted his gaze to San. “And you are?”

“Choi San,” San answered curtly. “I came here with Officer Choi.” He answered before Jinyoung could ask what his business was entering the building as he pleased. “I did not expect to see my Hyung.” He lied. “And to see him getting harassed by his superior.” San said with a dark look.

Park Jinyoung looked red from indignation. “Listen here you brat! I don’t know who you are but you better watch your mouth! Do you know who I am?!” He walked closer but San did not budge. “What are you going to do? Try to throw me in jail for something I did not do? With what money?”

San chuckled. “Sir.”

Park Jinyoung froze.

As foolish as he could be, anyone with half a braincell, especially in the position Park Jinyoung held, would be able to recognize a real warning from an alpha with the self-assurance from the very real power to back it.

“Do I look like someone who would waste time in a pointless court battle against the likes of you ?”

Park Jinyoung may be a lecher and he may be somewhat foolish in certain things.

But he wasn't completely braindead.

Anyone with half a braincell would know the implication.

There would be no court battle.

There would be no reporting.

Because an alpha like Choi fucking San would simply make problems disappear.

San smiled mirthlessly. “I know my Hyung. He’s very kind and easily embarassed.”

“I will speak to my Hyung about what he wants to do with you later. But as for now…”

Seonghwa almost choked as the pheromones in the air grew more potent in sinister warning.

“I suggest you do not abuse my Hyung’s leniency .”

Because he has me .

Not to mention Jongho, the officer who was present with San also knew Seonghwa.

At this point, Park Jinyoung understood his disadvantage.

Awkwardly, he shifted his attention to the search team.

“Excuse me.”

Jinyoung practically stormed out of the room and barked for security to dismiss them to their original posts 

Jongho watched the older man leave.

“Where is he going?” He asked the older two.

San shrugged innocently. “Probably to hide his coke or porn. Found anything?”

Jongho shook his head. “Not yet.”

Seonghwa frowned at the exchange. “What are you even looking for?”

Jongho turned to look at the other officers.  Deciding they were occupied and busy, he motioned for the two to come a bit closer.

San and Seonghwa gave each other a look from the corner of their eyes before coming closer.

Jongho spoke in a low voice. Not quite a whisper but enough to not be heard if someone wasn’t actively trying to get closer and listen in. “Officially, this is an investigation. Mr. Kim Hongjoong turned himself in for the crime of rape, abuse and violence. I’m here to make a few notes and that's all, really.”

Seonghwa swallowed.

San spoke first. “Unofficially?”

Jongho looked as if he would have rolled his eyes if the situation wasn't so dire. “If you had read my texts I sent you both 20 minutes ago, you would both know Mr Kim wanted me to escort Seonghwa-hyung and Mr Kim’s wife, Mr Jung Wooyoung, to the precinct ASAP.”

Seonghwa: “What-” 

San: “What the fuck?”

Seonghwa almost doubled over once more at the spike of pheromones. San caught him and toned it down immediately, muttering apologies as Jongho gave him a disapproving look–the younger’s arms also akimbo and hands hovering over Seonghwa in anticipation of catching him too.

San continued as he brought Seonghwa closer and, this time, letting out calming pheromones. “What is he in witness protection for really, Jongho? I understand him wanting Wooyoung there for whatever reason but Seonghwa-hyung? Don’t fucking tell me he still needs his assitant to change his fucking diapers.”

Jongho gave him a grave look. “As much as I understand you must be utterly pissed at Mr Kim right now,” Jongho gave Seonghwa’s neck a knowing look, “A whole squad is off to Mr Jung’s location right now to secure him as well. This is no joke.”

Seonghwa’s eyes widened.

Hold the fuck on.

Why?

Why would there be a police squad rushing to look for Wooyoung?

Jongho leaned a little closer and said in a lower voice:

“Hyung, you and Wooyoung-ssi, you’re both in real danger.”

Just then, Jongho’s phone buzzed.

When he pulled out his phone, San’s eyes widened at the caller ID.

“Yeosang?”

____

Story notes: 

"Keoneomma"/"baengmo": Father’s older brother’s wife. This world uses feminine terms for omega “wives” especially within this part of the world. Jongho’s father is San’s father’s younger brother. That makes Seonghwa Jongho’s father’s older brother’s wife. Thus the title and why Jongho, when he needs to in front of the Chois and their associates, will address Seonghwa as this.

*Jongho almost called Seonghwa "Keoneomma" out of habit but stopped himself and called him Hyung instead, realizing Seonghwa might not want people to know he's secretly married to a man old enough to be the older brother of a man who fathered someone as old as Jongho. Most people wouldn't do the math but if they did then they'd realize Seonghwa married someone much older likely some time ago before he got a job as a personal assistant (who then got promoted to executive assistant position), which would mean Seonghwa was very young when he married a much older man and Jongho understood that wasn't exactly something generally smiled upon.

___

Mini theatre time!

Me, rolling credits and disclaimers at the end of the 'movie' (this chapter): "So, that was fun, no?"

Wooyoung: "Fun?! You made us all suffer and still won't let Hongjoong-hyung suffer with us!"─=≡Σ(ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻

Hongjoong: "You want me to suffer too??"

Wooyoung: "Shut up, Hyung. I hate you right now."

Hongjoong: "Brat."

Seonghwa: "Well at least you're not the homewrecker. Everybody hates me." 

Wooyoung: "Hyung what?! You get to be the hot omega my stupid husband *side-eyes Hongjoong* fucked me over to knock up! Hey, Author-nim!"

Seonghwa, red as a 🍓: "Please, please don't ever use that word (omega)."

Wooyoung, ignoring him: "Why can't I be the hot homewrecker?!"

Me: "You were."

Wooyoung: "?"

Seonghwa: "?"

Hongjoong: "?"

Yeosang, Mingi, Yunho, San and Jongho, eating popcorn: "Oh?"

Me: "That draft ended super quickly."

Wooyoung: "WHY?!"

Me: "Because Seonghwa forgave you so fucking quickly (which was kinda unwise of him but..??) and it somehow worked out cuz story?!???" ಥ‿ಥ

Wooyoung: "... Checks out. *Sighs* Of course tis I who must hard carry this fucking fic." (っ˘̩╭╮˘̩)っ

Seonghwa: "What the fuck?" 😭💀

Hongjoong: "I'm tired. Time to sleep." 

Chapter Text

Wooyoung groaned.

“You’re awake!”

Wooyoung clutched his head. “Ow… Fuck. Don't scream.”

Yeosang let out an apologetic whimper that was far more emotional than anything Wooyoung ever heard from him.

Suddenly, Wooyoung is very much awake.

Yeosang carefully nuzzled into his neck and scented him.

“Sorry…” Yeosang said.

Wooyoung’s eyes widened.

Fuck.

He must’ve had some brain damage for him to only realize something really amiss now.

“Yeosangie… Where the fuck are we?”

Wooyoung looked at their surroundings in horror. Nothing was familiar. There was only one flickering yellowish light above then that looked as if it were about to give out anytime. The room smelled old. Like a cemetary or an old ride at the park no one bothered to thoroughly clean. Dusty and dirty. The floor felt like cement or hard dirt instead of proper floor and it was so, so cold.

Wooyoung shivered.

Something felt especially cold.

At every moment, he heard a clink.

His legs felt numb, but at that moment Wooyoung’s mind finally registered the weight around his ankle.

Oh my god.

Wooyoung looked at the offending thing in both horror and bewilderment. These things actually exist?

An ankle cuff connected to a chain which was connected to an impossible-to-move round weight.

Wooyoung frantically looked around. Yeosang looked at him worriedly and tried soothing him with a hand on his chest to no avail.

Wooyoung felt himself start to hyperventilate.

There was nearly nothing in that cold room.

From what little light there was, Wooyoung could make out a few things.

The room was rather large, but the area they could reach was not. Nevermind the ankle chain, half the room was barred. They were caged in.

Beyond the cage were a few large metal things with knobs. Control panels?

Wooyoung could not see the door. It must be too far away from where they were for the light to reach.

There were no windows. Which meant this is likely a basement and those metal things were heaters or some other shit use to keep buildings or large houses functioning.

Within where they were, there was only a single toilet without a lid, a faucet near it, and under the faucet was a cheap and worn plastic bucket. There was an indent on the floor to make sure the water in that supposed area doesn’t get anywhere. Oddly, that area seemed the only part of the cage properly tiled as the outside of the cage.

Is that fucking dried blood on the tiles?

Wooyoung wanted to gag.

There was also a suspicious looking wooden table seemingly rooted to the dirt floor. Wooyoung did not even want to think what that might be for.

But right now getting on it felt so tempting. The floor was so cold, the wood of the table actually looked much more comfortable.

“... Y-Yeosangie, what the fuck?” Wooyoung wanted to cry. He was scared. He was pregnant. He was in danger. Wooyoung placed a hand over his lower belly protectively.

“I-I don’t know.” Yeosang whimpered.

Wooyoung clutched the other’s hand, trying to calm both himself and Yeosang.

As fucking weird as it was, Yeosang being in distress grounded Wooyoung a little.

Yeosang was clever. Had always been. A genius even with his airheaded tendencies outside of anything that was his job. Yeosang was always clever and calm.

Wooyoung loved him to death and was always so proud of his clever friend.

Even when Yeosang had always been a little lost when it came to small things; clueless like a cute lil puppy who didn't quite figure out how to navigate it very well, a little naive and a little too trusting, Yeosang had always gotten it together when it came to things that mattered.

When it came to the matters of navigating the people side of life, had always been on Wooyoung to steer the both where they should. Yeosang’s mom had cried in relief when she found out Yeosang had this other boy, who was rather street smart and life savvy, bit him in dance class and decided he tasted like friendship because she knew Yeosang, her sweet innocent boy, would at least have one person he could grow up with who’d take care of him in this lifetime.

Yeosang had complained and said to his mom since she always wanted him out of trouble that Wooyoung was the trouble but they both knew that was only half the truth.

Wooyoung was trouble. He loved pranks and loved to play to do things “for the plot” but he was also the rock to which Yeosang relied on in much in life to be able to tell malevolence from a mile away.

As much as he was trouble, he kept them out of trouble. He kept sweet, innocent Yeosang out of trouble and away from bad people.

It had long felt like a responsibility of his, taking care of Yeosang—keeping him safe and away from bad people. Wooyoung’s nerves were so tense he felt fried. He had not one but two pups and himself. As much as he believed in Yeosang being strong and capable, Wooyoung didn’t like imagining his sweet best friend going through the rest of this nightmare alone. And his literal pup growing inside of him? Dead if he’s dead.

The heavy metal door opened. It was not unlike the door of a safe—heavy and impossible to break down even if one were to slam their bodies onto it till they dislocated their shoulders. There wasn't a single sound of footsteps indicating anyone was approaching. Either they had stood outside the door or the whole basement is soundproof—Wooyoung was willing to bet on the latter.

Two men walked in. The heavy door was left ajar. Careless. But it hardly mattered as the cage further in the room where they were remained locked shut.

Wooyoung felt whatever blood was left drain from his already pale face, making him feel almost lightheaded and numb from fear.

Yeosang was no better.

Paralyzed from fear, they could only hold onto each other.

One of the men knelt down and looked them over.

Wooyoung kept his head low. Nope. Not making eye contact. Not showing fear but not also challenging whatever the fuck this was. Nope.

Yeosang trembled and tried to make himself look as small as possible after stealing a few glances from their captors.

The two men were about their age. Alphas. Large but athletic looking. And the looks in their eyes were dark and terrifying:

Hungry.

“Oh wow. Look, hyung-nim. They really are so pretty.”

The two alphas did not bother to cover their scents. The obvious scent of arousal and hunger made Wooyoung almost let out a whimper.

“Tsk.” One of them sighed, looking at Wooyoung shamelessly, hungrily. “This one’s so good looking. Too bad the boss wouldn't let us touch him… yet.”

The other laughed and motioned to Yeosang. “Yes but this other pretty one is fair game, no?”

Wooyoung felt the suffocating and numbing feeling of a full-blown panic rising in his chest.

One of the alphas opened the cage door.

Everything after that was a blur.

“Please don’t…” Wooyoung tried to hide Yeosang behind him but they still made a grab for the other omega anyways. 

Yeosang is strong. Stronger than Wooyoung by quite a bit. But these two alphas were fucking built. They could very well be trained mercenaries for all they knew. They certainly looked the part.

“DON'T! NO! PLEASE!”

“YEOSANG!”

Wooyoung screamed and thrashed in one of the alpha’s hold but what’s a housewife to do against trained killers? He felt nauseous. Scared. So scared he felt numb. And now mixed in with it all: anger.

He watched in horror as the older alpha, the “hyung-nim”, started ripping apart Yeosang’s shirt and pants.

Yeosang didn't put up a fight.

“Are you going to put up a fight?” The alpha asked with a smirk. “But just so you know, if you fucking dare, my buddy right there will not hesitate to slit your friend’s throat.”

Yeosang struggled to remain calm. He recalled their conversation about their boss not allowing the alphas to touch Wooyoung.

“Your boss won't be happy,” Yeosang said cautiously.

The alpha laughed. “You’re clever. I like that. But know this, little omega,...”

Yeosang turned away as the man’s alcohol-smelling breath brushed his face.

“I’m not a very patient alpha.”

Yeosang didn’t know when he started to blank out.

The alphas weren’t gentle. They barely had the decency of prepping him at all. They begrudgingly gropped at hime anyways, saying something about it being better for all of them if Yeosang was wet. But they were neither gentle nor patient and at some point decided his scarcely wet hole was “good enough”.

Wooyoung cried the whole time. He must’ve.

But Yeosang hardly heard anything.

Yeosang barely registered even thinking his own muddled thoughts. ‘Why me?’ and ‘Thank god it’s me, not him.’ jumbled together in a mess of words he didn’t even put in sentences in his mind when all he could try to do was keep his wits about.

One of the alphas growled in annoyance, saying it’s not all that pleasurable when Yeosang’s so darn tight and dry.

“Use the pill,” one of them said. Yeosang can’t even tell which one spoke.

“Are you fucking insane? That shit’s expensive as hell! The boss says only use it when we gotta. From orders only.”

The other laugh. Honestly, Yeosang can’t tell what’s so damn funny. 

“So? The boss hardly makes us use that shit. It’s gonna expire before we need to ever use it. Besides, take more from the start, he don’t know. There’s a lot of that drug. The black market’s in for some fun real soon anyways. We can just take more and put a bullet in the security guy’s head if he gun rat us out.”

The other man cackled his agreement.

Yeosang didn’t know what was shoved into his mouth, only registering the gross tongue shoving the pill into his throat. Yeosang choked painfully. The kiss, if it can even be called that, was so disgusting all he wanted to do was retch.