Chapter Text
It’s been a while…
Nervousness seep deeply into his bones, hands clammy and his scent patch completely soaked through. The only thing that calm him down was the fact he had brought extra scent patches with him. Shaking off the bundle of nerves, Yeosang finally stepped into the wedding hall. It was complete decked out in floral arrangements and elegance—over the top in his opinion. After all that couldn’t be helped: the wedding he’s attending is his close friends—he can’t completely hate it.
To be fair, he had rsvp last minute—just like he with dress shopping. It had been a few months since he had last seen the two, he remembered just how happy they were telling him that they were tying the knot. He felt envious of the two—having the two been high school sweethearts and all. Chuckling to himself, he scanned the hall, his eyes landing on the couple standing at a table greeting and thanking the attending guests. Slowly, he wandered his way over, a smile curving at the ends of his lips once he approached the two. He had to make use of his late minute rsvp after all.
“You guys look amazing.” Yeosang noted softly, his eyes brushing over the two. He felt a kind of loneliness settle deep in his chest—envy maybe? As quick as he felt it, he pushed it aside, putting his full focus on his friends. The two smiled, their hands intertwined as if afraid the other would disappear if let go.
“I’m glad you made it, Yeo. I was beginning to worry you wouldn’t show up.” Shaking his head reassuringly. Yeosang chuckled, hand rubbing the back of his neck before speaking.
“I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to see you guys becoming one, Seonghwa Hyung.” Cooing at him. Yeosang blushed. He hated—secretly loved—it when Seonghwa treated him like a baby. It only reminded him that he was always the one being taken care of and not the one to take care of others. Slowly, a small pout appeared on his lips.
“Still so pouty, Yeosang—ow!” A slap to the arm softly echoed around them.
“Don’t tease my child, Joong.” Seonghwa lightly hissed though there wasn’t real heat to it, the love was still as noticeable in his eyes as he looked at his husband-to-be. Unable to hold back, Yeosang rolled his eyes.
“I’m heading in. You guys look great together.” Yeosang finally ended their small conversation, he wasn’t the only guest the couple had to greet. So with a small wave, Yeosang maneuver his way around guest until he saw a table full of familiar faces.
Physically Yeosang relaxed, the moment he was in view, he was pulled into a bone crushing hug. A small whimper slipped from his lips but nevertheless hugged back. Familiar with the scent of vanilla cream and cinnamon spice—warm and slightly teasing. Yeosang whined slightly. Wooyoung. He was completely drenched in Alpha pheromones, a sign of being completely off limits. A chill washed over him. It wasn’t just any Alpha, it was Wooyoung’s Alpha—San.
“Alright—that’s enough love. You’re gonna suffocate the poor thing.” Gently being peeled off him, Yeosang gave a grateful glance towards the Alpha. As much as he misses Wooyoung, he doesn’t miss the suffocating hugs as much.
“Awe~ come on Sannie!” Wooyoung whined, his lower lip in a pout as he looked up at his Alpha. Yeosang watched as he seen just how whipped San was for the Omega before him—it was disgustingly sweet.
“I forgot how cute you guys are. I think I’m going to throw up.” Yeosang sarcastically said as he made a gesture of throwing up earning a few chuckles from the other couple at the table. Smiling—genuinely now—Yeosang greeted the rest, hugging them for a moment before taking a seat beside Wooyoung.
“Can’t you believe it? Seonghwa and Hongjoong Hyung are getting married?” Mingi—another high school friend and Omega—spoke out, the excitement in his voice clear. He was practically vibrating in his seat, he would only settle down when Yunho—his Alpha—would subtly rest his hand against his thigh. The friend group was full of couples, it was almost annoying if Yeosang hadn’t found it endearing.
“I didn’t think Hongjoong had the balls.” Yunho shrugged as he chuckled thinking about the said Alpha proposing to Seonghwa. He earned a few chuckles from the others, but Yeosang just nodded. He had to give it to Hongjoong. Seonghwa was the kind of Omega who didn’t come off as a ‘traditional’ Omega. Like Wooyoung—maybe—his scent was rich, bold with a hint of sweetness but teasing—alluring.
“Come on guys. Give Hongjoong Hyung a bit of credit. Seonghwa Hyung is intimidating to an Alpha, have you seen how he was in high school?” Yeosang defended. His fingers playing with the table cloth as he stared at the alter just a few feet away from them. The table fell quiet for a few seconds before a collective of hums filled the silence.
“You’re right. Seonghwa is kinda dominant for an Omega.” San was the first to speak, his head lowered slightly in shame: he had once or twice been at the hands of Seonghwa’s dominating side—it shattered his ego one to many times.
“Say, you think Hongjoong is a top or bottom?”
“Oh come on Wooyoung!” The table synchronized as they all try to push the visual image that came to mind away. Yeosang blushed at the thought before he glanced away, his hand covering his mouth from the smile that was showing. He wasn’t sure if he should laugh or cry.
“I was joking! Yall are a bunch of losers.” A pouty whine left Wooyoung, his arms crossed as he slumped in his seat beside San and him.
Naturally the table fell into a comfortable silence, the chatter of other guests buzzed in the background. Yeosang enjoyed the moment of quiet, it allowed him to collect his thoughts. Well that was before a familiar scent washed over him, his body freezing as he made no attempt to look for said person the scent belonged too—he didn’t have too, not when he knew perfectly well who it was.
“Oh thank god I wasn’t late.” A calm, deep, heavenly voice rang out as he reached the table. His scent crisp and spicy—familiar. A chill shot down his spine, a flash of their high school days clouded his mind before he finally looked over to see the Alpha he had secretly loved for years: he hadn’t noticed the small child clinging to his leg yet, maybe that was for the best.
“Jongho-ah! You finally decided to show yourself.” The others happily greeted the Alpha, hugging him as they chatted. Yeosang sat in his chair, staring, loss for words. He was just as handsome as he was back in high school—even more so now that he’s grown into his looks. A faint blush coloured his cheeks, snapping out of it. Yeosang excuse himself though he was sure no one noticed.
Blotting to the washrooms. Yeosang was quick to find a stall locking himself inside as his mind was completely taken over by memories of their friendship and his hidden feelings for the Alpha. For as long as he could remember, Yeosang had like Jongho the moment they first met. They were quick to become close friends: where Yeosang was Jongho wasn’t far behind and vice versa. He was sure he’d spend the rest of his life with the Alpha, but that dream was crushed after high school graduation. His and Jongho’s life got busy due to college and jobs, losing contact with each day that passed.
Snapping out of it. Yeosang pulled himself together, unlocking the stall. He took the few steps towards the sink, mindlessly he changed his scent patches. Tossing the soaked ones into the trash. For a brief moment, he hesitated. He wasn’t sure if he was ready to face Jongho, he was a stranger now—one with memories he held dear. Without a second thought, he made his way back out, returning to the table.
Once in view, he reclaimed his seat beside Wooyoung. He stole a glance at Jongho who sat between San and Mingi. Only now did he notice the small child clinging to him. His heart dropped, his world stopping. Jongho was a father, meaning he had an Omega. The chatting around him turned in muffled sound, his eyes burned. He didn’t want to cry, not now, not here in front of everyone. How could he be so stupid to think Jongho would ever see him as anything more than just a friend? He was completely delusional to think otherwise.
“Oh Yeosang. It’s been a long time, how are you?” A jolt shot from his chest to his ass. Jongho’s voice pulling him out of his head as he forced a polite smile. His eyes drifting from the small child to his eyes.
“I’ve been good.” Yeosang replied in a whisper as he played calm and unbothered, ignoring the tightness in his chest. Once more, Yeosang forced words out as he glanced at the child again. “How have you been?” Oh god, that damn gummy smile. It took everything in Yeosang not to whine needily at that smile. God, he just missed everything about him: his eyes, scent, and so much more.
“I’ve been good, the best as I could—I mean.” Jongho nodded. His hand subtly caressing the child’s back as she clung to him like a life line. Yeosang nodded as well, his attention drifting away from the Alpha and onto something completely different. The silence fell heavy over the table—a silent tension, unspoken words and one sided feelings.
With the ceremony beginning, Yeosang allowed his mind to wander, his eyes focused up ahead of him as he watched his two friends get happily married. It felt a bittersweet feeling inside him—envy and longing. Pulling him from his own thoughts, the collective clapping and cheering automatically made him join in as a small smile curved at the ends of his lips. He truly was happy that the two had one another, pushing aside his own bitter feelings.
“You know, the patch might keep your scent concealed, but little leaks do occur you know.” Wooyoung whispered into Yeosang’s ear, slightly leaned in as his worry oozed off him in silent waves. How could he forget Wooyoung’s keen sense of smell? Facing him, eyes widening as he only then noticed how Wooyoung’s own scent canceled out his own—even if it was faint. Sighing deeply to himself. Yeosang gave a thankful smile to Wooyoung.
“You’re a life saver Woo. Thank you.” Yeosang whispered back, leaning in slightly as he gave the younger a playful nudge. With a short moment, Yeosang rolled in his own emotions, putting them into place so he didn’t repeat his first mistake. Wooyoung smiled before naturally looked over at his Alpha—San—and gently nuzzling him.
Pouting to himself at the loss of attention Yeosang glanced around, the reception was starting soon. Which meant Yeosang was going to drink as much as his body would allow him—which wasn’t much. His eyes landed on the only person he didn’t want to look at right now—Jongho—Yeosang was met with eyes already looking at him as if caught in headlights. Giving a small nod Yeosang quickly looked away. Jongho was looking at him, the Alpha he longed for was already looking at him. It sent a chill over his body, making him nervous all over again.
In quick movements Yeosang was up and out of his chair. Quickly moving towards an area less social, he underestimated his own ability to handle crowded spaces. He was already overstimulated, his social battery low, and the presence of Jongho—and what seemed to be his child—was just the cherry on top of the cake. It didn’t help that his own mind was betraying at such a moment: was Jongho married?—worst—was he mated? The very thought left a heavy ache in his chest. Maybe Jongho had an Omega already, that would explain the little girl clinging to him—the faint crisp smell of apples that were so similar to Jongho’s scent also clung to her. Shaking the thought out of his head, he leaned against the wall. He needed to endure just a little longer before he could go home.
Slowly, Yeosang returned to the group, quiet and like he never left. Like a mask, he slipped into the talkative guy they knew—well if you knew him enough. This went on as the night grew darker, Wooyoung was already drunk clinging to his Alpha well Yunho cooed at his own Omega—Mingi—who was happily eating up the attention his Alpha was giving him. As for the married couple? They were completely lost in their own world, only once and while joining the group. It was lonesome for someone like him, just silently watching his friends being happy and lovely dovey in their relationships. Sighing Yeosang rubbed his temples, he was about ready to say his goodbyes before a tap on his shoulder erased that thought completely out of his mind. Jongho?
“You seem tense. Want to sneak off?” The question was polite but knowing, Yeosang didn’t know what to say. All that came to mind was that Jongho had touched his shoulder, quickly—a little too quickly. Yeosang nodded as he got up, his eyes drifting to the sleeping girl in his arms that clung so tightly to Jongho.
“Sure. I was just thinking of leaving.” Yeosang reminded himself as he walked beside Jongho as they made their way out to the patio. The cool night air soft but warm, allowing both men to sit comfortably outside and for the child to sleep soundly.
“So, how has life been treating you?” Jongho softly asked, his hands gently held the girl—fatherly and protective. Yeosang watched silently—thinking. Shrugging Yeosang took a moment to actually think about it. How was life treating him? His eyes dotted to the sky that was filled of stars each one glimmering lighting up the darkness that surrounded them.
“Fair—if you consider that an answer?” Yeosang turned back towards Jongho. His eyes locking with his for a brief moment, honest but doubtful. Jongho hummed, a small smile appearing on his lips at Yeosang’s response.
“Understandable. You look great by the way. Brown hair suits you.” Jongho gestured towards his healthy-ish brown hair. Blushing faintly Yeosang chuckled. A sound so sweet and memorizing. Jongho stared for a moment before chuckling himself. “You still do that huh?”
“Do what?” His eyebrows knitted together in confusion. What is Jongho talking about?
“That shy chuckle you do when someone compliments you. It’s quite endearing honestly.” Jongho casually shrugged as he gently adjusts the child in his arms. Blushing even more Yeosang looks away, cursing at himself internally for feeling like he was back in high school.
“I do not… you aren’t any better. You still have that smug smirk when you successfully get under my skin.” Yeosang huffed as he subconsciously crossed his arms over his chest. His lips in a small pout as he sneaked a glance at Jongho—who by the way has that extra smirk Yeosang was just complaining about. A small whine left Yeosang as he finally gave up, he could never win against Jongho.
“Whatever.” He huffed once more. Jongho chuckled, a deep rumble that came from his chest and sat smoothly in his throat.
“Is she yours?” Yeosang quietly asked—a smooth subject change—as he gestured towards the little girl. Instinctively, Jongho’s hold tightened just a little tighter making the poor thing whine in her sleep before nuzzling into Jongho’s chest.
“Yeah. She is.” The admission that the little girl in Jongho’s arms was his made whatever happiness he felt faltered just a little. Forcing a smile Yeosang nodded. His eyes linger on the girl for a moment, he noticed how she had his button nose and round eyes, how her hair was her black but wavy—clearly not his hair. A small pout appeared on his lips before he mumbled. “Cute.”
“She’s beautiful.” Yeosang finally spoke aloud. His eyes slowly lifting as he looked at Jongho who was once again staring at him. “What’s her name?” Yeosang added, locking eyes with Jongho. He waited patiently as Jongho stayed silent for a moment to long before letting a breath out, a small proud smile on his lips as he looked down at his sleeping child in his arms.
“Jiho, Choi Jiho. She’s 3 years old.” Yeosang hummed, nodded as he took in the new information he was being told. Jongho was 22 or 23 when he had Jiho? Yeosang thought to himself. The time line of when he last saw Jongho was a small window from high school graduation. The frown on his face was deep, Jongho noticed and chuckled.
“Don’t make that look. I was stupid and naïve at the time. I married second year of college to her mother. Call it what you may.” Jongho explained bitterly. Yeosang’s frown deepen as he stared blankly at Jongho. Shaking his head he allowed the silence to fall over them, he needed to process the information. A bitter feeling settled as he realized that Jongho was indeed married and still very much involved with his child’s mother.
“Well, congratulations then.” Yeosang gave a small smile—not towards Jongho but towards the sky. He wasn’t sure what to feel exactly, he just felt bitter.
“Oh! It’s not to be celebrated. Her mother is a piece of work. The divorce was a nightmare.” Jongho quickly cut off as he looked at Yeosang. The complete horror of being congratulated for his failed marriage clearly shown on his face. Yeosang felt relief wash over him, but that didn’t mean he could feel happy just yet. “She’s still very much involved in mine and Jiho’s life.” He added. Yeosang nodded.
“Oh… I assume you’re glad you didn’t mark her then?” The question hung in the air for a moment before Jongho finally nodded. Some kind of relief showcased off his face as a small smile laid on his lips. Yeosang hummed at the non verbal reply.
“Do you have anyone—if you’re willing to sure that is!” Jongho reassured as he asked a question for Yeosang. Surprised, Yeosang thought about it. Not once has he laid eyes on any other Alpha. He just never found anyone who succeeded his feelings for Jongho. So shaking his head, Yeosang chuckled awkwardly. “No. Still very much alone.”
“That can’t be true. You’re one of the most beautiful Omega’s I know. You must have at least one Alpha pining for you?” Jongho casually and unknowingly complimented Yeosang. His own bewilderment of the Omegas singleness amazed him. He had already figured Yeosang was taken given the natural beauty said Omega had. Yeosang on the other hand was blushing deeply at the words Jongho had just uttered from his mouth, never had he thought Jongho would have called him beautiful so suddenly and casually.
“I- well…. I just haven’t found the right Alpha.” Yeosang stuttered as he looked away. He needed to collect himself, feeling hot and shy. How could Jongho just drop such a thing on him? “I guess you could say I’m quite picky?” Yeosang finally spoke after a few seconds of internal battle. His voice much calmer and cheeks less rosy. Jongho took note of how his words affected Yeosang, and honestly that set a small flame within him.
“Picky? Alpha’s aren’t food Yeoyeo.” The nickname rolled off Jongho’s tongue so easily and naturally sending a shiver down Yeosang’s spine. It had been so long since he’s heard the name slip from Jongho’s lips.
“Yeoyeo? I think your subscription ran out years ago, Jjong.” A light teasing tone filled the air between them. Easy and natural. Jongho let out a hearty laugh as he gently tossed his head back, his arms wrapped snuggly around Jiho who squirmed slightly in his arms. Yeosang couldn’t help but also laugh, smooth and blended nicely with Jongho’s laugh.
“The same goes for you Mr. Kang. Jjong is waiting for a renewal.” Jongho laughed as he locked eyes with Yeosang. A thoughtful look crossed Yeosang eyes before nodding. What was there to lose now? If Yeosang couldn’t be more than just a friend to Jongho, he’d happily stay as his friend.
“Fine. Just don’t call me Mr. Kang again. It makes me sound old.” Yeosang physically cringe making Jongho laugh again.
“Sure, sure. Whatever you say bossy.”