Chapter Text
Sunday, December 12, 2015
Sunoo’s small hand clutched the strap of his worn backpack as he stepped through the grand entrance of the Park estate, his wide eyes filled with a mix of awe and uncertainty. The opulent surroundings felt foreign, almost unreal, as he tried to process the sheer scale of the mansion.
Trailing behind Mr. Lee, his mentor, Sunoo’s little legs struggled to keep pace. They were given a brief tour, covering as much of the vast estate as time allowed. Once it was over, Sunoo was led to his quarters, where a neatly pressed suit lay atop his bed. It was a size too large, the sleeves needing to be folded back to fit his small frame.
As he stood before the mirror, Sunoo couldn’t help but admire the unfamiliar attire. The suit, though now his daily uniform, felt more like a costume, a far cry from the simple clothes he had always known. Yet, despite its formality, there was something about it that made him feel… different, like he was stepping into a role he had yet to fully understand.
As he drifted deeper into his thoughts, Sunoo shook his small head, reminding himself why he was here. The accident that had shattered his life at the age of six, leaving his mother dead and his father in a coma, had rendered Sunoo an orphan. His grandfather, the only family he had left, had stepped in as his guardian.
But as the years passed, age and fatigue took their toll on the old man. Realizing he was no longer capable of caring for his grandson, he made what he believed was the best decision. Using his connections, he arranged for Sunoo to be placed as a butler in the household of a wealthy family.
In doing so, his grandfather ensured that Sunoo would have a roof over his head, meals on the table, and the guidance of his long-time friend, the family’s head butler. It was a decision born of love, but one that came with a heavy cost.
At the time, Sunoo had been scared and unhappy, feeling the weight of a life he hadn’t chosen. But with no other options, he knew he had to make a sacrifice. He would trade the carefree days of childhood at the age of ten for a life of duty, and even if it filled him with unease, he would learn to accept it.
He stepped out of his room, determined to start his first task of the day by heading to the garden. As he descended the stairs, he was greeted by the sight of a young boy, around his own age, crouched beneath a rose bush.
Sunoo found himself captivated by the boy’s appearance—skin as pale as snow, raven hair framing a face marked by delicate moles that only enhanced his soft features. But what truly caught Sunoo’s attention were the tears that silently streamed down the boy’s flushed cheeks. Without thinking, Sunoo rushed over, his voice gentle and hesitant, “E-excuse me, are you okay?”
The boy, startled and slightly embarrassed, quickly wiped away his tears. “Yes,” he replied, though the shakiness in his voice betrayed him.
“Why were you crying?” Sunoo asked, his concern evident.
“I wasn’t,” the boy insisted, a defensive edge to his voice. “You must have seen wrong.” He stood up, fists clenched, and bit his lower lip, a small wince escaping as he shifted his weight.
Sunoo stayed silent, his eyes drifting down to where he noticed blood seeping from a wound on the boy’s knee. Without hesitation, he remembered his training and moved into action. Kneeling down beside the boy, Sunoo carefully assessed the injury. His hands, though small, were steady as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief.
“Let me help,” Sunoo murmured, his voice calm and reassuring. He pressed the cloth gently against the wound, applying just enough pressure to stop the bleeding. As he worked, he kept his movements slow and deliberate, making sure not to cause any more pain.
Once the bleeding had slowed, Sunoo looked up at the boy, offering a small, comforting smile. “It should be okay now, but we should get this cleaned up properly.”
The boy, still wary, glanced at Sunoo with a mix of curiosity and gratitude. Though he hadn’t said it, Sunoo could tell his help was appreciated, even if the boy was too proud to admit it.
Later that day, Sunoo encountered the boy again, this time standing next to an imposing woman. Dressed in luxurious silks and adorned with a dazzling array of diamonds—necklace, bracelets, and earrings that seemed to catch every glimmer of light—she exuded an air of sophistication and authority. As Sunoo observed her closely, he noticed that her features bore a striking resemblance to the boy’s.
Feeling a wave of intimidation, Sunoo instinctively took a step back, finding solace behind Mr. Lee’s leg.
Mr. Lee noticed the slight tension in Sunoo's posture and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. With a gentle nudge, he guided Sunoo forward, his voice calm and encouraging. “Sunoo, I’d like you to meet Mrs. Park and her son, Sunghoon,” Mr. Lee began, his tone warm yet formal. “It’s important that the two of you become acquainted, as you'll be serving as his personal butler.”
Sunghoon, the boy from the garden, turned towards Sunoo, his expression softening slightly. Mrs. Park’s gaze was both appraising and warm as she studied Sunoo with keen interest.
“This is Sunoo,” Mr. Lee continued, “He’s our new butler.”
Mrs. Park offered a gracious nod, her eyes lingering on Sunoo with a mixture of curiosity and approval. Sunghoon gave a polite but reserved smile, his earlier discomfort now masked by a veneer of formality.
Sunoo, still feeling a bit overwhelmed, managed a shy smile in return. The introduction was brief but marked a new chapter in his transition, one that would bring him closer to the world he was now a part of.
Monday, November 9, 2024
Sunoo woke early, the pre-dawn light barely filtering through the curtains of his modest room. He slipped into his neatly pressed school uniform, the crisp fabric a daily reminder of his responsibilities. Today, however, carried an added significance—it was testing day for their secondary genders.
As he buttoned his shirt and adjusted his tie, his thoughts drifted to the weight of the day. The anticipation of the results weighed heavily on him, mingling with the normal routines of his duties. Though he was expected to be a beta, the unknown always carried its own brand of unease.
He shook off the lingering uncertainty and focused on the task ahead. Sunghoon, his charge, would need to be awakened soon. The thought of their changing dynamic since Sunghoon had presented as a dominant alpha was a constant undercurrent in their interactions. The shift in their relationship had been subtle but unmistakable, leaving Sunoo to navigate this new terrain with careful consideration.
He made his way down the hall to Sunghoon’s expansive bedroom, the polished floors echoing softly under his steps. The grandeur of Sunghoon’s room stood in stark contrast to Sunoo’s simple quarters, a testament to their differing roles and statuses.
Sunoo paused at the door, taking a deep breath before gently knocking. “Sunghoon, it’s time to wake up,” He waited for a response.
Sunoo pushed open the door to Sunghoon’s room, where the soft glow of the morning light revealed the disheveled state of Sunghoon’s bed. Sunghoon lay sprawled across the covers, his expression still deeply enmeshed in sleep.
“Good morning, young master,” Sunoo said, his voice steady but soft as he approached the bed. He gently shook Sunghoon’s shoulder. “It’s time to get up.”
Sunghoon stirred, his eyes still heavy with sleep. He glanced at the clock on his nightstand, then, in a half-asleep haze, reached out and pulled Sunoo down onto the bed, wrapping his arms around him. The sudden touchiness had become a new norm since Sunghoon had presented as an alpha—a fact Sunoo had learned to accept, though it remained a persistent challenge to grow accustomed to.
With his face buried in the pillow, Sunghoon let out a muffled complaint, “Didn’t I tell you to stop calling me that, especially when it’s just us?”
Sunoo hesitated, slightly flustered, before replying softly, “Sorry, force of habit.”
Sunghoon stretched and yawned, still holding Sunoo close. “Is it that time already?”
“It is,” Sunoo replied, slightly flustered as he tried to untangle himself. “You need to get ready for school.”
Sunghoon’s arms reluctantly loosened their hold, and Sunoo managed to sit up, smoothing out his uniform. Sunghoon groaned softly, pushing himself up on one elbow. “Alright, I’ll be down in a few minutes.”
As Sunghoon shuffled out of bed and made his way to the bathroom, Sunoo quickly tidied up the room. He gathered Sunghoon’s school supplies and checked the schedule for the day. His thoughts drifted to the testing that would take place later. While it was a routine event, it always added a layer of pressure to the day.
Sunoo stepped out of the room and headed downstairs to prepare for the day. He made sure the breakfast was set and that everything was in order before Sunghoon joined him. By the time Sunghoon arrived, dressed and ready, the house was filled with the aroma of coffee and the faint sounds of morning bustle.
They left the house together, Sunoo driving their usual sleek car to the school. The ride was quiet, with the occasional hum of the engine filling the space between them.
As they approached the school gates, Sunghoon finally broke the silence. “So, the testing today. I’ve heard it’s pretty straightforward.”
“It usually is,” Sunoo agreed, keeping his tone neutral. “Just a procedure. I’m sure everything will be fine.”
Sunghoon glanced at Sunoo, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Do you think it’s strange, how we’re expected to go through this every year?”
Sunoo considered the question, his gaze focused on the road ahead. “It’s part of the protocol. Ensures everyone’s roles are clear and that everything runs smoothly. For us, it’s just one of those routines we have to follow.”
As they reached the entrance of the school, Sunoo gave Sunghoon a nod before heading towards the administration office for his testing. Once he entered, the usual hum of student chatter and the usual morning hustle had dimmed down. The nurse's office, located in a quieter corner of the building, was a stark contrast—its walls lined with medical supplies and the faint scent of antiseptic hanging in the air.
The nurse, a kind-faced woman with neatly pinned-back hair and a warm demeanor, looked up from her desk as Sunoo approached. “Good morning, Sunoo. Ready for your testing?”
Sunoo nodded, his expression a mix of nerves and resignation.
The nurse gestured towards a nearby examination table. “Please have a seat. It won’t take long.”
Sunoo perched on the edge of the table, his eyes wandering to the array of medical instruments neatly arranged on a nearby tray. The nurse prepared a small kit, her movements efficient and practiced. She pulled out a sterile needle, a small vial, and a set of test tubes.
“So, this is your last year of testing,” the nurse said as she gently cleaned Sunoo’s arm with an antiseptic wipe. “Since you haven’t presented yet, the results will likely be consistent with your previous tests. However, it’s still important to complete the procedure. We’ll have your results by the end of the week.”
Sunoo nodded, trying to keep his focus on the nurse’s reassuring tone rather than the needle approaching his arm. He felt a brief prick as the needle entered his vein, then the slight pressure as blood was drawn into the vial.
“The testing kit we use analyzes the secondary gender markers present in your blood,” the nurse continued, her voice soothing. “Since you’re assumed to be a beta, this test is more of a formality to confirm your status. Once your results are processed, they’ll be sent to you and your caretaker. it may take up to a couple weeks.”
Sunoo watched as the nurse carefully sealed the test tubes and prepared to bandage his arm. “Thank you.”
The nurse smiled warmly. “It’s no trouble at all. You’re all set. Just make sure to keep the area clean and avoid any strenuous activity for the rest of the day.”
Sunoo thanked her once and made his way out of the office, the slight sting in his arm a reminder of the morning’s task.
Sunoo made his way to the locker room, now midway through the second period—P.E. class. The locker room was bustling with activity; the sound of lockers slamming and students chatting filled the air. As Sunoo navigated through the crowd, he realized he had forgotten his own jacket in the rush of the morning.
Spotting Jay, a friend of his, who was already in the midst of changing, Sunoo approached with a hopeful smile. “Hey, Jay, can I borrow your jacket? I forgot mine today.”
Jay, pausing to look up from his locker, tossed Sunoo his jacket. “Sure, take it.”
Sunoo slipped the jacket on, but as he started to zip it up, Sunghoon appeared seemingly out of nowhere. He took in the sight of Sunoo in Jay’s jacket with a critical eye.
“Don’t wear that,” Sunghoon said, his tone firm but not unkind.
Sunoo looked up, surprised. “Why not? It’s just Jay’s jacket.”
Sunghoon’s expression was unwavering as he maintained a hint of seriousness. “Because it’ll be too sweaty. Just take mine instead.”
Without waiting for an argument, Sunghoon reached into his own locker and retrieved his jacket, clearly marked with his name. He handed it to Sunoo and deftly adjusted it on his shoulders, pulling the collar up to his neck.
Sunoo was momentarily taken aback by the sudden attention, the oversized jacket enveloping him comfortably.
Sunghoon paused, a faint smile playing on his lips as he observed Sunoo. “It’s a bit big on you, but it looks cute.”
A faint blush colored Sunoo’s cheeks at the unexpected compliment. Sunghoon ruffled his hair before turning towards the gym. “I’ll see you in class.”
Despite the nurse’s advice to avoid strenuous activity, Sunoo found himself by Sunghoon’s side, assisting with his stretches. The class was engaged in a series of partner stretches, and Sunoo, although limited in what he could participate in, stayed close to help Sunghoon.
Sunghoon’s first stretch involved a partner-assisted hamstring stretch. Sunoo held Sunghoon’s extended leg steady while Sunghoon leaned forward to touch his toes. The stretch required balance and cooperation, with Sunoo gently guiding Sunghoon into the correct position.
“Just hold it there for a few seconds,” Sunoo instructed, his voice calm and focused. He could feel Sunghoon’s muscle tension and the subtle give of his leg as he held it.
As they transitioned into a partner-assisted shoulder stretch, where Sunghoon pulled one of Sunoo’s arms across his body, Sunoo winced slightly. He had been trying to avoid using the arm where blood was drawn earlier, but the movement was unavoidable. Sunoo’s face tightened with a flash of discomfort.
A classmate, noticing the wince, reached out and grabbed Sunoo’s arm roughly. “Hey, is something wrong?” The classmate’s hand was clumsy and unconsiderate, causing Sunoo to flinch in pain.
Sunghoon’s eyes narrowed instantly at the sight. His protective instinct flared, and he turned towards the classmate with a sudden, fierce intensity. Without realizing it, he released a wave of pheromones—powerful and dominant—into the air.
The classmate’s eyes widened in alarm, and he took an immediate step back, his expression a mix of confusion and fear. The heavy, imposing scent of Sunghoon’s pheromones filled the air, making the other students around them stiffen and exchange uneasy glances.
Sunoo, taken aback by the unexpected reaction, moved quickly to calm Sunghoon. He placed a hand on Sunghoon’s arm, his voice stable but soothing. “It’s okay, Sunghoon. He didn’t mean to hurt me.”
Sunghoon’s expression softened as he took a deep breath, the potency of his pheromones slowly fading. He glanced at Sunoo with a mixture of concern and apology. “I’m sorry. I just—”
Sunoo, still feeling the lingering effects of Sunghoon’s pheromones, took a moment to compose himself. As the dominant scent dissipated, he noticed a faint, unfamiliar undertone in the air—something he couldn’t quite place. It was subtle, almost imperceptible beneath the dominant pheromones, but it lingered in his senses, leaving him with an odd sense of curiosity.
“I’m fine,” Sunoo assured Sunghoon stedily. “It’s over now. Let’s just focus on finishing the stretches.”
Sunghoon nodded, though his gaze remained vigilant. As they resumed their stretching routine, Sunoo tried to shake off the strange sensation and focus on their practice.