Chapter Text
When his manager told him about the invitation from Diesel, Kwon Soonyoung was elated, mind drifting to a possible trip with his mate, Jeon Wonwoo to Milan, Italy. But his excitement was short lived when Wonwoo’s manager informed that their schedules were clashing. His anticipation turned into disappointment as he listened to Wonwoo’s manager explained the scheduling conflict.
“So, there’s no way to adjust the schedule?” Soonyoung asked, pouting as he tried to keep his voice steady.
“I’m afraid not,” the manager replied sympathetically. “Wonwoo has a prior commitment with Burberry here. You know how selective that brand is, Soonyoung-ah... It’s really unfortunate.”
Soonyoung sighed, trying to mask his frustration. “I understand, hyung. Thanks for letting me know.”
He hung up the phone and sat down heavily on the couch in his apartment, staring at the invitation. He had been daydreaming about the invite ever since he was selected as the ambassador for Diesel. Italy was special to him, Wonwoo and SEVENTEEN. They visited the country for the first time for Nana Tour and it had been memorable to all of them. As for Soonyoung and Wonwoo, they promised that they would return together for a trip between the two of them.
Horangshi- I got the invite from Diesel, but Jaewon-hyung said that you’re packed during the fashion week…
WW- It’s okay babe, you’ll have fun there, I’m sure. When is the timing again? You’ve checked your calendar, right?
Horangshi-It’ll be in 3 weeks, so it’s 2 weeks after my heat, hopefully. I’ll make sure to take my suppressants too.
WW- Then it’ll be fine, you’ll be okay. We can make the most of the time we have until then.
-
“You’ve got everything?” Wonwoo asked. Soonyoung glanced up from his suitcase, his hands busy folding a pile of clothes.
"Can you give me your sweatshirt or hoodie? I want it for sleep..." Soonyoung pouted, worrying his lower lip as he fluttered his eyelashes sweetly to Wonwoo. The latter smiled lovingly. This won't be the first time that Soonyoung has to leave him for an overseas trip, but it would be his first solo trip without any of their members. Soonyoung has always been clingy to his members, especially so to his alpha, but alone, he is more than capable to take care of himself. He's independent, responsible and resourceful, and paired with his sweet personality, he tends to get everything his way. But that also worries Wonwoo.
“You don’t need to ask for something like that, Soon-ah,” Wonwoo said with a chuckle. He reached into the closet and pulled out one of his favorite hoodies, the soft fabric worn from frequent use.
“I’ll bring it back in one piece, promise.”
“Take these too.” Wonwoo passed his cashmere scarf and beanie. “Just thought it might help calm you down since you’re going alone.”
Soonyoung gave a reassuring nod, though he could sense the underlying concern in Wonwoo’s voice. “Thank you Wonwoo-yah… I’m sure it’ll be great. It’s just a different kind of adventure… I think.”
Wonwoo’s expression softened. He knows that Soonyoung has been wanting for them both to visit the city together but their commitment to the company is more important. They can always plan their next trip for the upcoming vacation together. “I know you’re capable of taking care of yourself baby, but it’s your first solo trip without the other members. Just make sure you stay safe and don’t let the city overwhelm you.”
Soonyoung moved closer to his mate, wounding his arm and linking their fingers together, his head softly lodging itself in its favorite position. “I’ll try? I’ll be fine, I’m sure… but I’ll miss you a lot. Pick up my calls, please?”
Wonwoo nodded, though his uneasiness didn’t fully dissipate. “Always. Just... make sure you get some rest, explore the city when you have the time, and don’t let anything slip past you. You know I’m always here if you need me.”
“I know,” Soonyoung replied warmly. “And I’ll make sure to send you lots of pictures. You’ll feel like you’re right there with me.”
-
Despite reassuring his mate and the rest of SEVENTEEN that he would be fine, Kwon Soonyoung couldn’t shake the growing sense of loneliness. There were too many unfamiliar faces, forced smiles, loud music, and foreign languages swirling around him. His introverted nature was starting to kick in, and the atmosphere was becoming suffocating. The endless stream of drinks being passed around didn’t help either, leaving him feeling overwhelmed.
The fashion show itself had been a great experience—he’d even managed to greet all the international artists that attended the show and snap a few photos with them. But as the after-party dragged on, Soonyoung’s energy was quickly fading. His social battery had run out, and he longed for the quiet comfort of his mate, their home, or at least for the familiar faces of his bandmates. He could feel the weight of exhaustion in his limbs, but more than that, he felt an unsettling emptiness creeping into his chest, tugging his heartstring.
He glanced around the room, catching sight of his manager briefly before losing him in the crowd. No one seemed to notice the discomfort gnawing at him, the fake smiles and shallow conversations making him feel more isolated than ever. All he wanted was to slip away quietly, but leaving without saying goodbye and raising suspicion was becoming more difficult as the night wore on.
He absentmindedly sipped from a glass handed to him, trying to maintain some semblance of composure. But as the minutes ticked by, his head began to spin. The room, already hazy from the flashing lights and music, seemed to distort around him. Soonyoung frowned, placing the glass down quickly. Something was wrong.
He felt the heat rising through his body—his omega instincts flaring up in panic as the realization dawned on him: he’d been drugged as he could feel his pre-heat symptoms making his body wired and tense. Reigning in his emotion, he made his way to his manager grabbing him to the nearest empty space.
“Hyung, give me Wonwoo’s scarf,” he demanded, his voice tight. “Do you have the suppressant pills?”
Bae Heesung’s eyes widened as he quickly rummaged through his bag and took out the scarf. “You’re not due yet, Soonyoung-ah, why the pills?”
“I think there was something in the drink that I took just now and somehow it’s making me having pre-heat symptoms. You don’t have it hyung?” Soonyoung’s voice was calm but his manager could see the panic behind his eyes. He could also smell the faint citrusy scent that is significantly Soonyoung; a sign of his pre-heat.
“Let’s get out of here, you’ve taken the suppressant pill before coming here, it’s barely 6 hours and we can’t risk taking another one after that drink… I don’t want you to get sick.” Heesung reasoned, his protectiveness kicking in. Soonyoung has always been so sweet and gentle with him and seeing the possibility of his artist being exploited was making him angry. He quickly escorted him out of the party towards the parking area behind the building, calling for the bodyguard who was with driver.
“We have to wait here for a while, Soonyoung-ah, Moohyuk and the driver are coming from the airport after fetching Jeonghan. His flight to Paris has been delayed to tomorrow night.” Heesung informed, frustrated that they needed to wait for at least another 15 minutes. “You okay?”
Soonyoung nodded, burying his nose in the scarf wrapped tightly around his neck, his hand hanging on to their couple necklace for comfort. He needed to stay calm to make sure he was coherent and lucid until he’s safely back in his hotel room. But a whiff of strong alpha scent coming from his left scared him.
“Hyung, let’s go…” Soonyoung said quietly as he grabbed Heesung’s arm tightly, dragging his manager to the front of the building. Heesung glanced over to a group of alphas who were approaching, seemingly intent to close in on them. Being a beta, he could barely distinguish any smell from an alpha, but this group’s scent was invasive, overpowering. Heesung’s protective instincts surged as he quickened his steps. Soonyoung was gripping his arm tightly, the usually composed idol now trembling slightly, his body clearly reacting to the drug and the pre-heat symptoms starting to surface.
“Stay close to me,” Heesung whispered, guiding Soonyoung toward the entrance. His voice remained calm, but his eyes were sharp, scanning for an escape route. The street outside was crowded, but not with enough people to deter the alphas from making a move. Soonyoung’s scent—citrusy and sweet—was growing stronger, signaling his vulnerability, and that was drawing unwanted attention.
“I’ll handle this,” Heesung muttered under his breath. But before they could reach the exit, one of the alphas, a tall, broad-shouldered man, stepped in front of them, blocking their way.
“Leaving so soon?” the alpha said, his voice low and filled with a dangerous edge. His eyes flicked between Soonyoung and Heesung, and a smirk curled on his lips. “Seems like someone’s in need of some comfort.”
Soonyoung’s heart raced, his hand tightening on his scarf and the pendant of the couple necklace. He could feel his temperature rising, the drug coursing through his veins, making it harder to think clearly. The primal fear of being claimed against his will surfaced, but he pushed it down, trying to remain composed. He couldn’t afford to lose control, not here, not now.
“Move,” Heesung said firmly in English, stepping in front of Soonyoung, blocking him from the alpha’s view. His voice, though quiet, carried a weight of authority. But the alpha and his group didn’t budge, their gazes predatory as they lingered on Soonyoung’s scent.
“Soonyoung,” Heesung murmured under his breath, “stay behind me, no matter what.” Before Soonyoung could respond, another alpha from the group circled around, stepping dangerously close.
“It’s not every day we get to meet an omega this pretty,” he cooed, “so pretty and sexy… Why don’t you let us help you through that heat, baby?” The lecherous tone in his voice made Soonyoung’s skin crawl.
Heesung felt the tension in Soonyoung’s body increase. He could feel his artist’s panic rising, but before things escalated further, Soonyoung acted. Despite the haze of the drug in his system, his instincts kicked in. In one swift motion, Soonyoung shoved the alpha nearest to him away, his elbow connecting sharply with the man’s ribs. The alpha staggered back, surprised by the sudden resistance. But before the others could react, Soonyoung spun, his foot landing a solid kick on another alpha’s chest. Even in his weakened state, his movements were precise and strong.
“We don’t have time for this,” Soonyoung hissed, his voice trembling from the effort of holding himself together. “Let’s go, hyung.”
But the alpha Soonyoung had kicked recovered quickly, rage flashing in his eyes as he lunged forward, aiming to grab Soonyoung. In the struggle, the man managed to grab Soonyoung’s arm, twisting it painfully behind his back. Soonyoung let out a small gasp of pain as his shoulder dislocated with a sickening pop.
“No!” Heesung shouted, throwing himself between Soonyoung and the attackers, but a third alpha, quicker than the rest, grabbed Soonyoung’s waist, yanking him back with brutal force. He pulled the scarf away, burying his nose into Soonyoung’s neck, inhaling deeply as if savoring the omega’s scent. Soonyoung’s entire body tensed in disgust, his heart hammering in his chest. He knew exactly what the alpha was trying to do and he can never let it happen. Not when his mating mark belonged to Wonwoo.
Instinctively, Soonyoung covered his neck with his good arm, eyes wild with ferality to protect his mating mark. Scoffing at his effort, the alpha grabbed Soonyoung’s wrist with a cruel smile, sinking his teeth into Soonyoung’s hand, the pain sharp and excruciating. Blood welled up around the bite, dripping down the omega’s hand as the alpha licked his lips, tasting the metallic tang on his tongue. Soonyoung cried out in pain, his vision blurring as the combined effects of the drug and the physical attack began to overwhelm his senses. The world around him spun, but deep within him, a primal instinct—an omega’s instinct to protect his bond—overpowered the haze. He wouldn’t allow himself to be claimed by anyone else, no matter what it took.
Summoning every ounce of strength he had left, Soonyoung slammed his elbow into the alpha’s face with as much force as he could muster. The man staggered back, stunned, blood dripping from his split lip. He twisted away, his mind was a blur of pain, fear, and desperation to get away from the alpha. Heesung was beside him in an instant, grabbing Soonyoung’s good arm, pulling him forward. "Now!" he shouted, panic lacing his words. The rest of the alpha group had recovered from the initial shock of Soonyoung’s resistance, and were advancing again, eyes filled with predatory hunger.
“Hold on, Soonyoung-ah,” Heesung said, trying to keep his voice steady although his breath was ragged as his own heart was racing with fear and adrenaline. He could feel Soonyoung’s trembling body, the heat of his pre-heat symptoms intensifying as they made their way outside. Just as they broke through the crowd, headlights flashed across the street. Moohyuk, the bodyguard, and the driver pulled up, the car screeching to a halt.
“Soonyoung!” Jeonghan gasped as soon as the door opened. Heesung pushed Soonyoung into the backseat, climbing in right after him as Moohyuk slammed the door shut behind them. The alphas outside hesitated for a moment, realizing they had lost their opportunity, but their eyes still burned with resentment as the car sped away.
Soonyoung slumped in the seat, his body shaking from the aftereffects of the encounter. His breathing was shallow, and his dislocated shoulder throbbed with pain, but he was safe now. Jeonghan took a moment to reign in his emotions, processing the situation in front of him as rationally as he could. His omega instinct kicked in immediately and he took off his jacket, covering Soonyoung with it. He grabbed his scarf to wrap around Soonyoung’s neck, covering the scent that was filling the van.
“Gitae-hyung, do you have the spray? Please spray it, I know Moohyuk-hyung is immune to Soonyoung but I’m not sure if our driver is okay. We have to keep Soonyoung safe until Wonwoo gets here.” Jeonghan’s voice was firm and determine. He will protect Soonyoung at all cost. “Heesung-hyung you did great protecting him but please call a doctor to check on Soonyoung, preferably one who can speak English at least. We can’t risk to go to any public places, now.”
“Jeonghan-hyung… my scarf…” Soonyoung mumbled weakly, holding his limp arm, his eyes half-closed from exhaustion.
Jeonghan sighed, his heart twitching painfully understanding that it must be something important for Soonyoung to ask for his scarf instead of worrying about his dislocated shoulder. “We’ll get it Soonie... but we need to fix you up first darling, we'll get it later yeah?” Jeonghan promised, patting Soonyoung’s head. The worry in his voice was palpable, but they needed to get him to safety, and fast. “Hold on a little longer, Soon-ah, Wonwoo’s on his way.”