Chapter Text
The air smelled of pine and damp wood, and the golden light of the setting sun danced across the rippling surface of the lake. Beomgyu crouched near the edge of the dock, leaning precariously forward as he dipped a finger into the cool water. He watched the ripples fan out, his reflection distorted and broken by the movement.
“Gyu!” Daehyun’s voice carried from behind, playful but firm. “If you fall in, I’m not jumping after you.”
Beomgyu glanced over his shoulder, grinning as Daehyun approached with two steaming mugs in hand. “You’d just let me drown? Worst boyfriend ever.”
“I’d drag you out eventually,” Daehyun replied, rolling his eyes as he sat down beside him. “But not before taking a picture.”
Beomgyu scoffed, reaching for one of the mugs. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I would,” Daehyun teased, watching Beomgyu blow on the surface of the hot chocolate before taking a tentative sip. He reached out, tugging lightly on the hem of Beomgyu’s sweater. “But seriously, sit down before you actually fall.”
With an exaggerated sigh, Beomgyu shuffled back and plopped down beside him. “Happy now?”
“Very,” Daehyun said, his smirk softening as he looked out at the lake. “You’re too pretty to risk getting fish slime all over you.”
Beomgyu flushed, hiding it behind another sip of hot chocolate. “You’re so annoying.”
“But you love me.” Daehyun’s arm draped around his shoulders, a gesture so casual yet so intimate that it sent a flutter through Beomgyu’s chest.
It was Daehyun’s idea to go to his family’s cabin. A weekend away to escape the chaos of Beomgyu’s parents’ divorce. His mom’s nagging, his dad’s cold indifference—it had all been too much. But here, in the quiet embrace of the woods, none of it mattered.
They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, the stillness of the lake and the chirping of distant crickets wrapping around them like a warm blanket. Beomgyu’s shoulders relaxed, the weight he hadn’t even realized he was carrying lifting slightly.
“You know, my family’s planning a trip to Jeju next summer and...” Daehyun broke the quiet first, his tone unusually thoughtful.
Beomgyu turned to him, one eyebrow raised. “And?”
“And you’re coming with us,” Daehyun said simply, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
Beomgyu blinked, caught off guard. “You never even asked me.”
“I didn’t have to,” Daehyun replied, his grin widening. “My mom’s already picking out which room you’ll stay in. She likes you more than she likes me at this point.”
Beomgyu laughed, the sound bubbling out of him before he could stop it. “You’re making that up.”
“She said, and I quote, ‘Make sure Beomgyu doesn’t have to deal with your nonsense, or I’m taking him home with me.’”
Beomgyu laughed harder, the tension in his chest unraveling as he shook his head. “Your mom’s too good to me.”
“Can’t blame her” Daehyun said, his voice softer now, more earnest.
Beomgyu just smiled, his gaze dropping to the steaming mug in his hands. “You think it’s okay if I go? I mean, we’ve been together for less than a year. I wouldn’t want to make anyone uncomfortable”
“You won’t,” Daehyun said softly, setting his mug aside and taking Beomgyu’s hand in his. “I want you there with me. Always.”
Beomgyu looked at him, his chest tight with something too big to name. He leaned in without thinking, his lips brushing Daehyun’s in a kiss that started soft but deepened as Daehyun’s arms wrapped around him.
When they pulled back, Daehyun rested his forehead against Beomgyu’s, their breaths mingling in the cool evening air. “Careful,” he murmured with a small smile. “You’re going to make me fall for you all over again.”
Beomgyu laughed, shaking his head. “You’re the worst.”
“And yet, you’re still here,” Daehyun said, grinning as he kissed his cheek playfully.
“Thank you for this,” Beomgyu said softly, voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Daehyun tilted his head, his dark eyes searching Beomgyu’s face. “You won’t ever have to find out.”
The memory warmed him, filling his chest with something tender, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. But as he gazed at the lake, the colors began to bleed, the serene image warping.
The ripples grew violent, the water darkening to an inky black. The sun vanished, replaced by an oppressive, suffocating gray sky.
“Beomgyu,” Daehyun’s voice called again, softer now, but wrong.
Beomgyu turned to see the cabin wasn’t a cabin anymore. The porch was gone, replaced by a sterile, too-bright room. The scent of pine replaced by something artificial and cloying.
He blinked, disoriented, finding himself in a massive bed, swallowing him in layers of pristine white sheets and pillows that felt suffocatingly soft.
As he sat up, the room came into focus—spacious, immaculate, and strangely cold, despite the sunlight. A vanity table stood by the far wall, holding an array of jewelry he didn’t recognize. His heart skipped.
This wasn’t the cabin or his bedroom.
“Mommy!” a child’s voice broke through the silence.
Beomgyu turned sharply to see a little girl, no older than five, bounding toward him. Her bright smile and sparkling eyes should have been comforting, but they weren’t. They were too perfect. She climbed onto the bed, clutching a doll in one hand. “Mommy, the baby’s crying again. Can you come?”
“B-baby?” Beomgyu stammered, his mouth dry.
The girl tilted her head, her expression almost unnerving in its sweetness. “Daddy said you’d help.”
Before he could answer, another voice chimed in, soft and familiar. “Beomgyu.”
He looked up to see Daehyun standing in the doorway, holding a small bundle wrapped in a pastel blanket. The man’s face was serene, his smile painfully gentle.
“It’s your turn,” Daehyun said, stepping into the room.
Beomgyu’s breath hitched. “My… what?”
“The baby needs you,” Daehyun said, placing the bundle in Beomgyu’s arms.
The weight was heavier than he expected. Slowly, his trembling hands pulled back the edge of the blanket. A tiny face stared back at him—features eerily similar to his own. The baby cooed softly, its little hands reaching up toward him.
“You’re such a natural,” Daehyun murmured, his tone warm but unsettlingly hollow. “This is everything we wanted, isn’t it?”
“No,” Beomgyu whispered, his heart racing. He tried to put the baby down, but his arms wouldn’t move. They clung to the infant as if they had a will of their own.
The little girl giggled, climbing into his lap. “Mommy, don’t cry. Daddy says you’re happiest when we’re all together.”
“I-I’m not crying,” Beomgyu muttered, though tears were blurring his vision. He turned to Daehyun, desperation clawing at his voice. “What is this? Why are you saying this?”
Daehyun’s smile didn’t waver as he stepped closer. “You’re pregnant again, Gyu. Isn’t it wonderful?”
The words sent a cold, sharp wave through him. He looked down, only to see his stomach swelling beneath his hands, growing larger and larger. His breathing grew shallow as the weight of it pressed down on him, making it harder to move, harder to breathe.
“No, no, no—” Beomgyu’s voice cracked as he tried to push himself away, but the little girl clung to him, her laughter growing louder, echoing unnaturally around the room.
The baby in his arms began to cry, the sound piercing and relentless. His vision darkened at the edges as Daehyun loomed closer, his smile growing unnervingly wide.
“You’ll stay with us forever, won’t you?” Daehyun whispered, his voice dripping with sweetness that felt like poison.
Beomgyu screamed, jolting awake.
He was in his apartment, the air stale and heavy. Sweat drenched his clothes, and his chest heaved with each frantic breath. His stomach churned violently, and he barely made it to the bathroom before doubling over the toilet, retching.
“Gyu?” Yeonjun’s voice carried from the hallway, followed by the sound of socked feet padding closer. “That’s the third time this week you’ve woken me up like this. Do you have the plague or something?”
Beomgyu groaned, resting his forehead against his arm as he clutched the porcelain edge.
The older omega leaned against the doorway, arms crossed and one brow arched. “I swear, if you’re pregnant and didn’t tell me, I’m demanding child support. Or at least naming rights. Let’s go with Yeonjun—it has a nice ring, doesn’t it?”
“Shut up,” Beomgyu muttered, his voice hoarse and weak.
Yeonjun’s smirk faded when he saw the tension in Beomgyu’s hunched shoulders and the pallor of his face. “Wait… you aren’t pregnant, right? Like, actually?” His teasing tone dropped, replaced by genuine concern.
Beomgyu’s silence stretched too long.
“Okay, nope. Taehyun!” Yeonjun called over his shoulder, his voice sharp. “Get in here! Beomgyu’s either dying or hiding something, and I don’t like either option!”
“I’m fine!” Beomgyu snapped, though his trembling hands betrayed him.
“Yeah, fine people totally have their heads in toilets at dawn every day,” Yeonjun retorted, crouching down beside him. “What’s going on?”
Beomgyu didn’t answer, his mind replaying the nightmare in vivid detail. Daehyun’s words, the baby’s cries, the weight in his arms… his stomach twisted again.
“What is it?” Taehyun’s voice joined the mix as he shuffled down the hallway, his bedhead giving away that he’d just woken up. He stopped short at the sight of Beomgyu slumped against the bathroom floor. “Shit, the medicine I gave you didn’t work, then”.
“Don’t freak out,” Yeonjun said, flailing his hands in the air like a man very much freaking out. “But Beomgyu is pregnant!”
“Calm down, we need to check first”, Taehyun replied calmly.
Before either could say anything else, the apartment buzzer sounded, startling them all.
“I’ll get it,” Taehyun muttered, turning on his heel.
Moments later, Ning and Aeri walked in, both holding suspiciously large paper bags.
“Special delivery,” Ning announced with a grin. “Pregnancy tests, moral support and snacks, just in case.”
“You told them but not me?” Yeonjun exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air. “This is betrayal of the highest order.”
“I didn’t tell anyone because I’m not pregnant!”
“Yeah, we figured it out on our own,” Aeri chimed in, her voice soft but matter-of-fact. She set the bag on the counter and walked over to Beomgyu. “Skipping meals, zoning out, looking like death. And you almost fainted on me yesterday”.
Taehyun leaned against the bathroom door, arms crossed. “I asked them to come. Your heat was late, remember? I connected the dots.”
Beomgyu let out a small groan of embarrassment, covering his face with his hands.
Ning plopped onto the couch. “So, are we placing bets? Alien parasite or baby?”
“Not helping!” Aeri shot her a glare before turning to Beomgyu with a softer tone. “Look, Gyu, just take the test. At least then you’ll know what’s going on, okay?”
Beomgyu sighed deeply, nodding. There was no escape now—not from the reality of the situation, or his friends.
“Oh my god, did all of you know but me?!”, Yeonjun exclaimed.
How did I get myself into this mess?
The answer was really easy…because it had everything to do with one person in particular.
Maybe it wasn’t obvious to everyone, but Beomgyu had a talent for ignoring his problems—a skill he’d refined over the years. And lately, it was far too easy to lean on that habit, especially since Daehyun had gone radio silence for the past month.
So, yes, distractions were a welcome escape. His job at the TV station, where he was still treated like the errand boy, kept him busy enough. At least now, he had a few friends to pass the downtime with: Jihoon, who always saved him a seat at lunch; Minseo, who never missed the chance to talk shit about the senior producer all of them hated. Even Seungmin, who flirted a little too much, made his days working bearable.
But if he were being honest, the real distraction, the one that left him breathless, flushed, and unable to focus on anything else, was…someone else.
Choi Soobin.
Whatever they were—whatever this thing between them was—had spiraled out of control faster than Beomgyu could comprehend. It wasn’t just attraction; it was something primal, an overwhelming need that gripped him whenever they were close. He didn’t fully understand it, never in his life had he felt such an intense pull toward someone. Spending time with Soobin, no matter the activity, felt addictive. Beomgyu craved the alpha’s touch—the firm grip on his thighs as he lifted him, the possessive hold on his chin during a kiss, and the marks left behind on his hips, a reminder of their heated encounters. It consumed Beomgyu entirely.
And Soobin? He was even worse. The alpha seemed to thrive on pushing Beomgyu to the edge, leaving him breathless, trembling, and craving more. The freedom of him living alone only added fuel to their fire, leading to moments of passion whenever the mood struck. And it often struck.
Like that time in the library.
They’d gone there with the best intentions. Public space, neutral ground. It was supposed to help them focus on their assignments without succumbing to temptation. For a while, it worked. But then Beomgyu glanced at Soobin’s hands, lingering far too long on the way his fingers curled around his pen. He thought about how those hands felt on him, how they gripped, claimed, marked—
Soobin caught his stare.
Beomgyu’s cheeks flamed as he quickly looked away, but it was too late. Soobin’s eyes darkened, his lips curving into that knowing smirk that always made Beomgyu’s stomach flip.
Minutes later, they were tangled in the backseat of Soobin’s car, Beomgyu straddling the alpha. There was no patience, no pretense of taking it slow. Soobin’s hands tore at Beomgyu’s clothes, yanking his sweeter over his head and pushing his jeans down his legs with an urgency that made Beomgyu’s heart race.
“So fucking beautiful,” Soobin murmured, his lips already trailing down Beomgyu’s neck, his voice thick and raw.
“Someone might see,” Beomgyu gasped, his back arching as Soobin’s teeth grazed his collarbone. That almost made him forget that they were in their college’s parking lot.
Soobin’s response was a low chuckle against his skin, his hands taking his own shirt off and then sliding down to grip Beomgyu’s bare thighs. “The windows are tinted, angel,” he said, his breath hot against Beomgyu’s ear. “No one’s seeing you like this but me. I’d never let them.”
Before Beomgyu could reply, Soobin’s fingers slipped inside his hole, finding him already slick. The alpha groaned, the sound vibrating through Beomgyu’s chest.
“You’re so ready for me,” Soobin growled, his voice laced with both awe and need.
The friction of Soobin’s fingers and the warm press of his lips against the fading hickeys of his own making, sent shivers through him. The omega’s breathing grew uneven, his body trembling with need.
“Hurry,” Beomgyu snapped, his tone breathless but demanding. His hips bucked against Soobin’s hand, chasing the friction that wasn’t nearly enough. “Please, just—”
“Shit, I don’t have a condom,” Soobin cut in, his voice strained.
“Don’t care,” Beomgyu interrupted, his hand sliding up and down the alpha’s cock. “I need you inside me.”
Soobin cursed under his breath. “I’ll pull out. I promise.”
Beomgyu nodded frantically, his body trembling with need. That was all the permission Soobin needed.
With one fluid motion, Soobin lifted Beomgyu and sank into him in a single, sharp thrust. Beomgyu cried out, his nails digging into Soobin’s shoulders as his body stretched to accommodate the alpha. The stretch and burn a perfect mixture of pain and pleasure that had him arching against the alpha with a broken moan.
The pace was relentless from the start. Soobin’s hands gripped Beomgyu’s hips, guiding him up and down with a desperation that matched the frantic beat of their hearts. The car was filled with the sound of their bodies colliding, Beomgyu’s whimpers, and Soobin’s ragged breaths.
“Fuck,” Soobin groaned, his head falling back against the seat as his grip tightened, “…wish I could cum inside you”.
Beomgyu couldn’t answer. His mind was blank, consumed by the overwhelming pleasure, the delicious burn of Soobin filling him over and over again.
When Soobin pulled out abruptly, Beomgyu whimpered in protest, but his complaint died in his throat as the alpha laid him on his back on the seats, his movements hurried but controlled.
The new angle had Beomgyu gasping, his leg thrown over Soobin’s shoulder as the alpha thrust into him again, deeper this time, hitting a spot that made his vision blur.
“Hyung,” he cried out, his hands gripping the alpha’s hair tightly.
“Shh,” Soobin murmured, his lips brushing against Beomgyu’s ear. “You don’t want anyone to hear, do you?”
Beomgyu’s answer was lost in the shuddering moan that escaped him as his climax hit, his body trembling violently. The sight of him falling apart beneath him was enough to push Soobin over the edge. With a guttural groan, he pulled out just in time, spilling across Beomgyu’s stomach.
Breathless and spent, Beomgyu blinked up at the alpha, his chest heaving.
And well, that whole encounter might be the cause of his current problem.
“You did it without a condom?!” Yeonjun’s voice sliced through the haze of Beomgyu’s thoughts, incredulous and sharp.
“It was just once! He pulled out!” Beomgyu blurted, hands raised in self-defense.
“That’s not exactly reliable, you know,” Taehyun added dryly.
“Weren’t you on the pill?” Aeri cut in, her eyebrows shooting up.
“I…”
“You stopped taking it?” Yeonjun’s voice rose several octaves.
“It was only for a few weeks, okay? But I started again after we… after the no-condom thing!” Beomgyu scrambled, his cheeks flushing.
“And when was that?” Taehyun asked, the clinical tone making Beomgyu want to crawl into a hole.
“Three weeks ago,” he muttered under his breath, barely audible.
“Three weeks?!” Ning shrieked, already pacing. “Oh my god, Gyu, you could actually be pregnant. What are we going to do?!”
“That’s what I’m saying!” Yeonjun shouted, throwing his hands into the air.
“I thought you weren’t serious!” Ning added, gnawing on her thumbnail. “Wait. If you’re pregnant, could the baby be Daehyun’s?!”
Beomgyu bolted upright, his face flushing hot with embarrassment. “What the hell, Ning?!”
“Oh my god!” Yeonjun gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Did you sleep with Daehyun and Soobin in the same month?!”
“It wasn’t the same month!” Beomgyu snapped, barely resisting the urge to throw a pillow at him. “The last time I slept with Daehyun was like three months ago. And for the record, we haven’t even spoken this past month!”
“But you’re still technically dating,” Taehyun pointed out.
Beomgyu groaned, flopping back against the couch. “Oh my god, I’m still technically dating Daehyun.”
“Wait, when was your heat supposed to start?” Aeri asked, her tone turning more serious.
“Uhm… three months ago,” Beomgyu admitted weakly.
“And it didn’t occur to you to take a test before now?” Taehyun’s voice was sharp enough to cut glass.
“My cycle is irregular, okay?!” Beomgyu shot back, feeling cornered.
“What if you’re having twins?” Ning speculated, her pacing becoming frantic. “And one’s Daehyun’s and the other’s Soobin’s? That’s totally a thing!”
“That’s horrifying,” Yeonjun interjected, looking genuinely disturbed. “Imagine explaining that to the kids. ‘Mommy’s in an open relationship, and Daddy A and Daddy B are both technically your dads.’”
“Gyu,” Aeri said gently, sitting beside him and placing a hand on his arm. “You’re so pale. Are you okay? Should I get you something? Tea? A sedative for Yeonjun?”
“I heard that,” Yeonjun snapped, continuing his frantic pacing. “And I’m not the problem here! Beomgyu’s life could be flipping upside down, and none of you are taking this seriously enough!”
“We are taking it seriously,” Taehyun replied flatly. “You’re just being dramatic.”
“If it’s Soobin’s, though, that kid’s going to have the best dad,” Ning said, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “He’d totally be the type to bake cookies and make sure they don’t skip meals”.
Beomgyu groaned, “Can we stop talking about a baby that doesn’t even exist?”
“I mean,” Yeonjun started, ignoring him, “Soobin would probably handle this way better than Daehyun.”
“True,” Ning nodded. “If it were Daehyun, the kid would be raised by his mom anyway. She’d probably buy Gyu a mansion and visit every week to spoil the baby rotten.”
“Enough with the hypotheticals!” Taehyun cut in, exasperated. He pointed at Yeonjun and Ning. “Both of you, sit down before you burn a hole in the floor.”
Beomgyu sighed, burying his face in his hands. “If I am pregnant, it’s not Daehyun’s, okay? It’s Soobin’s. It has to be Soobin’s.”
“The baby shower sho—”
The sharp buzz of Beomgyu’s phone timer silenced the room instantly.
“Moment of truth,” Taehyun said, handing Beomgyu the tests with a calm steadiness that belied the tension in the room.
Beomgyu stared down at the plastic sticks, his heart hammering in his chest. One by one, he checked them.
Negative.
Negative.
Negative.
A beat of silence passed before—
“YES!” Yeonjun shouted, leaping off the couch and grabbing Ning, spinning her like they’d won the lottery.
“We did it!” Ning cheered.
“Beomgyu did it,” Taehyun corrected, exchanging a celebratory high-five with Aeri.
“I knew you weren’t ready to be a parent, and look! The universe listened!” Aeri grinned, throwing her arms around Beomgyu in a tight hug.
Beomgyu exhaled deeply, slumping back into the couch. “For a second there, I really thought I might be pregnant.”
Yeonjun plopped down beside him, grinning from ear to ear. “You did it, Gyu! The streak of irresponsibility remains unbroken. Truly, a victory for the ages.”
“You’re acting like I won a marathon,” Beomgyu muttered, rolling his eyes.
“Parenthood would’ve been an ultramarathon,” Ning quipped, casually patting his stomach. “Guess the baby’s just not ready for their debut yet.”
“Don’t touch my stomach!” Beomgyu complained, laughing despite himself.
And, of course, that was when the door swung open, revealing Daehyun standing there with wide eyes.
“What’s going on here?” he asked slowly.
Daehyun’s gaze swept the room, landing on Ning’s hand near Beomgyu’s stomach. Then his eyes darted to the pregnancy tests boxes strewn across the table.
His gaze returned to Beomgyu, his expression a mix of awe and suspicion.
“Right. Well, you two clearly have a lot to talk about,” Taehyun interjected smoothly, clapping his hands together. He started ushering the others toward the hallway, ignoring Beomgyu’s protests.
“Wait—don’t go,” Beomgyu called, but the door of Yeonjun’s room clicked shut behind them before he could say another word.
“Fuck,” Daehyun said, his voice low and deliberate. “Beomgyu… are you pregnant?”
“What? No!”
But Daehyun wasn’t listening. His expression softened, and he took a step closer. “You weren’t answering my texts this morning, and now I see why. You must’ve been so overwhelmed.” His voice dropped, almost reverent. “You should’ve told me, though. I—look, I know things have been rocky, but I’m here for you. For both of you. We’ll figure this out together, okay? This could be—”
“Stop. Daehyun, stop. I’m not pregnant.”
Daehyun blinked, the words taking a moment to register. “You’re not…?”
“No,” Beomgyu said firmly, pointing to the tests. “See? All negative. And how did you get in here?”
Daehyun shifted on his feet, suddenly looking less sure of himself. “I, uh… I still have the code. For emergencies. And I heard you all screaming, so I thought something was wrong…” He trailed off, scratching the back of his neck.
“We were celebrating…”
The silence that followed was almost deafening.
Daehyun lingered awkwardly by the couch for a moment before sinking into the spot beside Beomgyu, leaving a careful distance between them. “I came here to talk,” he said, his voice quieter now. “About us.”
Beomgyu leaned back into the couch, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. “You haven’t talked to me in a month.”
“You didn’t talk to me either,” Daehyun countered softly, his gaze dropping to the floor.
“Yeah…I know,” Beomgyu muttered after a beat, glancing away.
Daehyun let out a shaky breath, his hands fidgeting in his lap. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us,” he began, his voice heavy with the weight of what he was trying to say. “And I want to apologize—for pressuring you into opening our relationship, for making excuses, for… hurting you. I didn’t mean to.” He paused, swallowing hard before continuing. “I was scared. Scared that we were falling apart. I started noticing things—how you stopped smiling as much around me, how distant we’d become. You have to admit it, Gyu. Things weren’t right even before all of this.”
Beomgyu’s chest tightened. The words hit like a slap, not because they were untrue but because they weren’t. Memories he’d tried to push down rose to the surface: late-night arguments about meaningless things, the way their silences had grown longer and heavier over time, the empty ache that lingered even when Daehyun was right next to him.
But there were good memories too. Nights when Daehyun held him after a rough day, the way he’d bring him chinese takeout late at night just because he knew Beomgyu liked it, the easy warmth of their early days when they could laugh about anything.
Daehyun used to be his anchor in a world that felt like it was constantly shifting beneath him. The alpha used to mean safety for him, a place he could run to every time his world felt like falling apart.
Daehyun sighed, breaking the silence. “I don’t want this to end,” he said softly. “Let’s close our relationship. No more Minji, no more Soobin—just us, focusing on what we have.”
Beomgyu’s throat felt tight, his mind racing. Not long ago, this was exactly what he wanted to hear. But now, the idea of ending things with Soobin felt like cutting off the one part of his life that made sense.
“That’s what you wanted, right?” Daehyun pressed, his voice uncertain.
“It was,” Beomgyu admitted quietly. “But now I—”
“I love you,” Daehyun interrupted, leaning forward, his hands trembling as he reached for Beomgyu’s. “You’ve always been there for me, Gyu. You’re kind, patient… you’re the one for me.”
The one.
Beomgyu had once believed that too. He’d believed it so strongly that he ignored the creeping cracks, the way his heart felt heavier with each passing day. He used to think losing Daehyun would be losing everything—stability, love, belonging. But now… now, he wasn’t so sure.
“Your dad’s wedding is next week, right? Your mom told mine,” Daehyun asked suddenly, catching him off guard. “I know it’s going to be hard for you, but I’ll be there. By your side.”
“You’d come with me?” Beomgyu asked, his voice smaller than he intended.
“Of course,” Daehyun said, his voice softening. He leaned in closer, his hands cupping Beomgyu’s face. “That’s what we do, right? We’re there for each other.”
Beomgyu closed his eyes against the tears threatening to fall. He couldn’t stop the memories flooding back—their first date, the way Daehyun’s hand lingered on his cheek as he leaned in for a kiss, the warmth that used to fill him whenever Daehyun smiled.
“Everything will be okay,” Daehyun murmured. “After the wedding, we can go to my parents’ cabin for a few days. You love it there, don’t you? Remember the last time? You fell in the lake, and I had to carry you all the way back.”
Beomgyu let out a small, wet laugh, now realizing he started crying. “I remember,” he whispered.
“So let’s go,” Daehyun urged, his hand now cupping Beomgyu’s cheek. His touch was achingly familiar. “We’ll get back to that. To us. I know we can make this work again.”
The tears came faster, and before Beomgyu could stop himself, he leaned into the alpha’s touch. “Dae…”, Beomgyu wanted to say yes. He wanted to let Daehyun take him back to that place, to the simplicity of what they used to be. But the words wouldn’t come.
“Baby, please,” Daehyun whispered, his voice cracking. “I can’t lose you. Just give us a chance.”
The warmth of Daehyun’s hand, the tenderness in his voice—it pulled at something deep inside Beomgyu. So when Daehyun leaned in, his breath ghosting over Beomgyu’s lips, Beomgyu didn’t pull away.
Their lips met in a kiss that started soft, hesitant, but quickly deepened as Daehyun pressed closer. Beomgyu’s hands found their way to Daehyun’s shirt, clutching the fabric as if holding on would stop the world from crumbling around him. Daehyun’s fingers trailed to the back of Beomgyu’s neck, tilting his head to deepen the kiss further.
For a moment, Beomgyu let himself sink into it—the familiarity, the comfort, the illusion of safety. His chest ached with the memory of when this felt like everything he’d ever need.
Daehyun pulled him closer, his mint scent familiar, and for a fleeting second, Beomgyu wanted to believe they could fix this. But as the kiss went on, the hollowness crept in. No matter how tightly he held on, it wasn’t enough to fill the void.
When Daehyun pulled back, his expression shifted. “You’re in heat,” Daehyun murmured, his lips brushing over Beomgyu’s temple. “That’s why you’ve been feeling off, isn’t it? I’m sorry I didn’t notice”.
Oh.
The nausea, the exhaustion—it all made sense now. He’d heard of omegas experiencing these symptoms before their heat, but it had never happened to him until now.
“Don’t worry, let’s pack your things. We’ll go to my apartment.” Daehyun said quietly, brushing his fingers over Beomgyu’s scent gland.
Beomgyu flinched at the touch, instinctively pulling back and covering his neck with his hand. “I can’t,” he whispered, his voice cracking.
“It’s okay, I think some of your things are still in my place from last time”.
Last time. He spent his last heat with Daehyun—it was normal for them, something intimate and safe. But now, it felt like those moments belonged to someone else.
Beomgyu shook his head. “Dae, I can’t.”
“We’ll figure something out,” Daehyun said, already pulling out his phone. “Maybe a hotel—some of them have heat services. I’ll take care of it. Just get your stuff.”
“No, Daehyun,” Beomgyu interrupted, his voice firmer now. “I don’t want to.”
"Why? We-"
"Please, just go".
Daehyun froze, his hands falling to his sides. His lips pressed into a thin line, and for a moment, it looked like he might argue again. Instead, he exhaled shakily, standing up but not moving away. “Gyu, I can’t leave you alone like this.”
“I’ll be okay,” Beomgyu said, though his voice wavered.
Daehyun hesitated, his hand lingering in the air as if he wanted to reach for Beomgyu again but knew he couldn’t. “Think about what I said, okay? About us. I meant it—I love you.”
He lingered in the doorway for a moment, glancing back at Beomgyu like he was hoping for a reason to stay. When none came, he left, the sound of the door closing behind him echoing in the silence.
Beomgyu sat there for what felt like an eternity, staring at the empty space where Daehyun had been. His hands went to his lips, still tingling from the kiss that had felt so much like...nothing.
When the tears came again, they didn’t stop.
x-o-x
Hours later, Beomgyu sat in the quiet of his room, his resolve solidifying.
He was going to end things with Daehyun—but not yet. Once his heat passed, and he could think without the haze clouding his mind, he’d do it.
Yes, that was the plan.
Heats weren’t new to him. With the help of suppressants and his own fingers, he could handle them alone. He had before. But since starting university, Daehyun had been there for nearly every one, and now the idea of facing it on his own left him uneasy. Suppressants dulled the symptoms, but the ache, the craving for intimacy, for the fullness only someone else could provide—that was harder to ignore.
Still, it was just a day. He could survive a day.
In the meantime, Beomgyu busied himself arranging his nest. Blankets and pillows were meticulously layered, fluffed, and adjusted until it felt right. His cheeks turned pink when he noticed Soobin’s hoodie tucked near his pillow. The faint sandalwood scent still lingered on it, comforting but fading since Soobin had left it behind on Wednesday. The last time they’d seen each other.
Beomgyu sighed, sitting on the edge of his bed. He missed him. Too much, probably, for someone who wasn’t even his boyfriend. And maybe all that thinking about the alpha did work because after padding into the kitchen for a glass of cold water—anything to temper the heat radiating from his skin—he was startled by the sound of the doorbell. Without thinking, he opened it.
And there he was. The object of all his thoughts.
“Hyung!”
Before Soobin could say anything, Beomgyu threw himself into his arms, clutching tightly at his hoodie as he pressed their lips together in a kiss that was all heat and desperation.
Soobin froze in surprise, his hands hovering uncertainly for a moment before they found their way to Beomgyu’s waist. The bag he was holding hit the ground with a soft thud as he melted into the kiss, his lips moving gently but insistently against Beomgyu’s.
When they finally pulled apart, Beomgyu stayed close, his forehead resting against Soobin’s. “You’re here,” he whispered, his voice a mix of relief and something deeper.
“Of course I am,” Soobin said softly, his hands steadying Beomgyu’s frame. He chuckled lightly. “Someone missed me.”
Beomgyu nodded against him, too caught up in the moment to deny it. He tightened his grip around Soobin’s neck, breathing in his familiar sandalwood scent. It soothed something restless inside him, the ache easing just slightly in Soobin’s presence.
Soobin pulled back just enough to grab the bag from the ground. “I brought you soup,” he said, his voice laced with affection. “Thought it might help.”
“You didn’t have to,” Beomgyu mumbled, his arms still wrapped firmly around Soobin’s neck.
“Of course I did,” Soobin murmured, brushing a hand over Beomgyu’s flushed cheek. “You’re burning up. Have you taken medicine? Is it a fever? Should we go to the hospital—”
“It’s not a fever,” Beomgyu interrupted quickly, letting Soobin’s neck go. He hesitated, his face burning even hotter, “It’s my heat.”
“Oh,” Soobin said, stepping back quickly, his ears turning red. “I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I should probably—”
“No!” Beomgyu cut him off, grabbing his hand and holding it tightly. “Don’t go.” He looked up at Soobin, his voice softening. “I already took suppressants. I’m fine, really. Just… stay for a while.”
Soobin hesitated, his brows knitting together. “Are you sure?”
“Yes,” Beomgyu said firmly, his fingers lacing with Soobin’s. “Please? I don’t want to be alone right now.”
Soobin’s expression melted, his concern giving way to a small, tender smile. “Alright,” he said quietly.
Beomgyu’s mood lifted instantly. He tugged Soobin inside, his energy shifting from shy to eager. “Oh! I have something for you!”
“For me?” Soobin asked as Beomgyu pulled him toward the dining table.
“Yep! Sit here.”
“Wait, it’s not my birthday, is it?” Soobin teased, watching Beomgyu dart into the kitchen.
“It’s in honor of your new internship!” Beomgyu called out before reappearing with a small cake in his hands and two forks. He placed everything on the table with a bashful grin.
Soobin blinked, surprised. “You didn’t have to do this.”
Beomgyu fidgeted, his hands clasping behind his back. “We were supposed to celebrate, but you got busy… and now my heat…” He trailed off, his voice quieter. “It’s the least I could do, and you know I like baking so don't worry about it”.
Soobin’s gaze softened as he reached out, taking Beomgyu’s hand. “Thank you,” he murmured, his thumb brushing over Beomgyu’s knuckles. “You’re too good to me.”
Beomgyu felt heat creep up his neck, but he smiled. And instead of sitting across from him, the omega hesitated for a moment before settling himself in Soobin’s lap. His heart raced, but he needed to be close to him—to feel his warmth, his steady presence grounding him in a way nothing else could.
Soobin looked surprised but didn’t object. Instead, his arms instinctively wrapped around Beomgyu’s waist, holding him steady. “Comfortable?” he teased softly, his breath brushing against Beomgyu’s ear.
Beomgyu nodded, his fingers fiddling with the hem of Soobin’s hoodie. “I like being close to you,” he admitted quietly, leaning back into him.
Soobin’s lips quirked into a gentle smile as he picked up a fork and offered Beomgyu the first bite of cake. “Then stay as long as you want.”
They shared the cake like that, soft laughter and quiet conversation filling the space. Beomgyu leaned fully into Soobin’s chest as the alpha recounted his hectic week and his new job. Beomgyu listened intently, his hand idly tracing small patterns on Soobin’s arm.
“Wait, you were still doing wedding shoots on top of everything else?” Beomgyu asked, eyes wide.
“I had to,” Soobin said, laughing tiredly. “I couldn’t back out of those contracts, Minjeong would’ve killed me. But today was probably my last ones—thank God. If I have to deal with another mother-in-law demanding photos of herself over the bride, I’m going to lose it.”
Beomgyu laughed, leaning into him. “At least the internship sounds like it’s going well.”
“I really like it. It’s a lot of pressure, and sometimes I feel like I’m not skilled enough, but I enjoy it. Even if I thought I was going to drop dead from lack of sleep,” Soobin explained.
“You’re amazing,” Beomgyu said softly. “I don’t know how you manage it all.”
“It was exhausting,” Soobin admitted, his lips brushed against the side of Beomgyu’s temple, and his voice was warm as he said, “But this makes it worth it.”
Beomgyu’s heart skipped a beat. “You’re so chessy,” he mumbled.
Soobin laughed, but before he could say anything, his phone buzzed loudly on the table.
Again.
Beomgyu glanced at it instinctively. The screen lit up with an unknown number. It was the third time the phone had rung in the past fifteen minutes.
“Maybe you should check?” Beomgyu suggested. “What if it’s work or something urgent?”
“It’s not work,” Soobin muttered.
“Then who is it?” Beomgyu asked, raising a brow.
“No one I want to talk to,” Soobin said with a small, dismissive smile. He picked up the phone, silenced it, and placed it back down.
Beomgyu watched him curiously, the faintest flicker of recognition in his chest as he watched the screen. He frowned, trying to place it, but it slipped away before he could grasp it fully. Probably nothing.
“Well,” Beomgyu said, leaning into Soobin again, “if it’s not work, then it can wait.”
“Exactly,” Soobin said, his hands finding their way to Beomgyu’s waist. “Right now, I’m here with you.”
Beomgyu felt his cheeks flush, but he didn’t move away. Instead, he turned in Soobin’s lap, his arms looping around his neck. Their eyes met for a moment before Beomgyu leaned in, their lips meeting in a kiss that was softer this time but no less consuming.
“Hyung,” Beomgyu whispered against his lips, his voice barely audible.
“Hmm?” Soobin hummed, his hands resting gently on Beomgyu’s hips.
“Let’s go to my room. It’s more comfortable there,” Beomgyu murmured, his forehead resting against Soobin’s.
Soobin hesitated. “Your room? Are you sure?”
“Just to hang out,” Beomgyu promised, giving him a playful pout. “I’m not going to jump you or anything.”
Soobin laughed nervously, but he let Beomgyu drag him down the hallway. When they reached the room, Soobin froze, his gaze landing on the nest carefully arranged on Beomgyu’s bed.
“You made that?” Soobin asked, stepping closer.
Beomgyu crossed his arms, cheeks flushing. “It’s just blankets and pillows. Don’t make it weird.”
“I’m not,” Soobin said softly, running his fingers over the edge of a blanket. “It’s… cozy. Like you.”
Beomgyu rolled his eyes but smiled anyway, pulling Soobin to sit down. “Come on.”
“You’re sure? I don’t want to mess it up.”
“It’s fine, I’m fine,” Beomgyu insisted, tugging him into the nest.
Soobin chuckled as Beomgyu nestled against his side, curling into him like he belonged there. Their conversation resumed, soft and easy. Beomgyu felt himself relax completely for the first time in days.
However, the peace shattered when the door flew open with a dramatic thud. Yeonjun stood in the doorway, arms crossed and an insufferable grin on his face.
“I’m heading out for a bit,” he announced, scanning the scene with mock suspicion. “Don’t do anything gross while I’m gone.”
“Get out!” Beomgyu yelled, grabbing the nearest pillow and hurling it at him.
Yeonjun ducked, his laughter trailing behind him as he closed the door. “Don’t get pregnant!” he called out, his teasing voice echoing down the hallway.
Beomgyu groaned, slumping against Soobin in defeat. “I hate him.”
Soobin’s soft chuckle sent a warm shiver down Beomgyu’s spine. “He’s just teasing,” he said, his hand brushing soothing circles along Beomgyu’s back.
“He’s still a menace,” Beomgyu muttered, but the slight quirk of his lips betrayed him.
The room settled back into quiet intimacy. Beomgyu noticed how Soobin’s eyes began to droop, his body leaning heavily against him as exhaustion weighed him down.
“You’re tired,” Beomgyu murmured, his fingers slipping into Soobin’s hair, stroking it gently. “How many weddings did you shoot today?”
“Two,” Soobin admitted with a soft yawn, his voice husky from fatigue. “I’ve been up since five this morning. The venue was out of town.”
Beomgyu frowned. “But didn’t you have another one late Friday night?”
“I did,” Soobin said, his head lolling onto Beomgyu’s shoulder. “And I had to finish an essay after that. I didn’t really sleep.”
“Hyung, you should’ve stayed home and rest,” Beomgyu chided, his tone soft but concerned.
“I couldn’t,” Soobin murmured, his breath tickling Beomgyu’s neck. “I missed you too much.”
Beomgyu’s heart stuttered, his cheeks warming at the confession.
“Lie down with me,” he blurted, the words escaping before he could stop himself.
Soobin blinked at him, hesitant. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea…”
“It’s just sleeping,” Beomgyu insisted, his hands clutching Soobin’s sleeve. “You need it, and I… I wouldn’t mind the company.”
Soobin studied him for a moment before nodding, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Alright. Just for a little while.”
They lay down together, the room shrinking to the quiet space between their bodies. Soobin’s arm instinctively wrapped around Beomgyu’s waist, pulling him close. Beomgyu tucked himself against Soobin’s chest, his head resting over the steady beat of the alpha’s heart. The familiar scent of sandalwood enveloped him, lulling him into a light, blissful sleep.
When Beomgyu woke up hours later, his body was on fire, the heat in his veins surging with need. He shifted restlessly, trying to find relief. Soobin stirred as well, his arm tightening protectively around Beomgyu’s waist.
“You okay?” Soobin murmured, his voice thick with sleep, his lips brushing against Beomgyu’s temple.
Instead of answering, Beomgyu tilted his face up, his lips catching Soobin’s in a hesitant kiss.
Soobin froze for a moment before responding, his hand coming up to cradle Beomgyu’s jaw. The kiss deepened, slow and deliberate, as Soobin tilted Beomgyu’s face to guide him. His lips moved with a gentle insistence that left Beomgyu breathless, his entire body melting into the alpha’s embrace.
Beomgyu let out a soft whimper as Soobin’s tongue traced the seam of his lips, parting them. The kiss turned hotter, messier, with Soobin’s tongue exploring him, teasing him, and coaxing little gasps and moans from the omega.
Soobin’s free hand trailed down to Beomgyu’s waist, gripping it firmly as Beomgyu pressed closer, his body seeking friction. He moved instinctively, his hips rolling against Soobin’s, the rough drag of fabric igniting sparks of pleasure.
Soobin groaned against Beomgyu’s lips, the sound low and guttural, his hand slipping to Beomgyu’s thigh, squeezing it. “Angel…” he rasped, pulling back just enough to speak. “We shouldn’t. You’re in heat.”
Beomgyu’s eyes fluttered open, glazed with desire. “Hyung… alpha,” he breathed, his voice trembling with need. “I need you.”
Soobin’s resolve wavered, his gaze darkening as he cupped Beomgyu’s face, his thumb brushing over his cheekbone. “You’re not thinking clearly,” he murmured, though his hands stayed on Beomgyu, as if he couldn’t bring himself to let go.
“I’m thinking about you,” Beomgyu whispered, his lips brushing Soobin’s. “Only you.”
Before Soobin could respond, a loud voice shattered the moment. “Beomgyu, I’m home! Put your clothes back on!” Yeonjun’s shout echoed from the living room.
The omega froze, his face flushing crimson as reality came crashing back. He quickly pushed away from Soobin, his hands flying to his burning cheeks.
Soobin chuckled, running a hand through his tousled hair. “Feeling alright?” he asked, his tone light, though his darkened eyes lingered on the younger.
Beomgyu glared at him, still mortified. “What’s so funny?”
“You did jump me,” Soobin teased, a crooked smile tugging at his lips.
Despite himself, Beomgyu let out a soft laugh, hiding his face in his hands.
The rest of the evening passed quietly. Beomgyu took more suppressants while Soobin stayed by his side, the two of them watching the movie Soobin had been talking about all week. Beomgyu even ate the soup Soobin had made for him, savoring the warmth it brought.
When the clock struck eleven, Soobin sat up reluctantly, glancing at the time. “I should go,” he said softly.
“Stay,” Beomgyu murmured, his voice heavy with sleep as he reached for Soobin’s sleeve.
“You know what might happen if I stay,” Soobin said gently, his fingers brushing through Beomgyu’s hair.
“That’s okay. I don’t mind,” Beomgyu whispered, his eyes half-lidded.
“I know you do,” Soobin replied with a soft smile. “Let’s talk about it when you’re fully awake, yeah?”
“I wish you could stay with me,” Beomgyu mumbled, his voice barely audible as he nestled deeper into his blankets. The scent of sandalwood lingered around him, comforting and grounding.
“Soon, angel,” Soobin murmured, his voice so quiet that Beomgyu wasn’t sure if he’d imagined it.
When Beomgyu woke in the early hours of the morning, his body once again aflame with need, Soobin was gone. But his hoodie was draped over the edge of the bed, a silent reminder of his presence.
Beomgyu would never admit it, not even to himself, but that night, he buried his face in the soft fabric, inhaling the intense scent of sandalwood as his hands wandered inside his underwear, imagining it was Soobin’s touch he craved so desperately.
x-o-x
The day after his heat was always heavy. Beomgyu lingered in the quiet of his apartment, the ache in his body a muted echo of the storm that had raged through him. He’d spent the morning cleaning up his nest, folding blankets, and stuffing pillows back into their corners as if tidying the mess outside could fix the one inside.
But it didn’t.
It never did.
He wanted to stay in, to cocoon himself in the lingering scent of sandalwood clinging to Soobin’s hoodie and pretend the world didn’t exist. But his phone kept buzzing, each vibration a sharp reminder of the real world pressing in.
Minji. Again.
The texts had started the moment he woke up, relentless and insistent. He should’ve ignored them like he’d been doing for weeks. Instead, he stared at her latest message, the bold letters glaring up at him.
Unknown number
stop ignoring me
its urgent
He groaned, scrubbing a hand through his hair. Maybe if he met her, she’d stop. Maybe this would finally end.
So he agreed. At least he could deal with this while he prepared himself for the biggest problem in his life.
His still, technically, boyfriend.
-DONT FUCK ON THE COUCH-
Me
im meeting minji at that ugly café we hate
kill me so i dont have to go plss
Junie
omg
i need to see that shit front row
Taehyunie
We’ll be there
The café was small and quiet, tucked into a corner of campus Beomgyu usually avoided. He arrived ten minutes late, half-hoping Minji would’ve given up and left, but there she was by the window, waiting.
Beomgyu hesitated in the doorway, considering walking right back out. But then he caught sight of Yeonjun and Taehyun seated at a table in the far corner, their casual conversation a thin veil for their watchful eyes. Their presence was more of a reassurance than he wanted to admit.
With a deep breath, he walked over and slid into the seat across from Minji.
“You came,” she said, her lips curving into a small, satisfied smile.
“You’ve been blowing up my phone,” Beomgyu replied, his tone flat. “What’s so important you couldn’t let it go?”
Minji raised an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly. “Straight to the point, huh? Fine.”
She hesitated for a second, her fingers fidgeting with her coffee cup.
“I’m pregnant.”
The words landed with a dull thud in Beomgyu’s chest. He blinked at her, unsure if he’d heard her right.
“What?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
“I’m pregnant,” she repeated, her tone firmer this time. “And it’s Daehyun’s.”
Fuck, I should’ve just block her.