Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

San wants to die.

He just spent almost one hour getting lost amongst the store’s aisles, he can’t find half of the ingredients written on his list and he doesn’t have it in himself to ask for directions, because how dumb do you have to be to not know where sesame seeds are, right?

If he weren't so stubborn, he would have given up a long time ago, but he has to prove himself. Contrary to popular (Mingi’s and his mom’s) beliefs, San is a responsible adult who does grocery shopping, cooks, and doesn't rely on convenience store meals at all. 

It's been two months since he moved out of his parents' nest. Up until then, he’s been relying on them way too much, to the point where he feels like he never learned how hard it was to be an actual single parent. He is still getting used to grocery shopping with a pup, and let him tell you, it is hard. Especially with a child like Haena who has too much energy for her own good. 

Case in point: he lets go of her hand for a second, and the next, she is sprinting away, giggling. San hates the attention they’re drawing, but he is too tired to run after her, so he watches her with a sigh. 

His heart sinks when he sees what— or who caught her attention.

Mister Jeong spins around, his beautiful face lighting up with a smile. “Oh, hi, Haena!” he exclaims, waving both hands with a gentle smile as he crouches down.

Haena’s teacher. The bane of San’s existence.

They only met a few times since the start of the school year, but San would be lying if he denied thinking about him at least once a day. 

Who can blame him? Mister Jeong is perfect. 

A tall, nice, sweet, and respectful man with a gentle voice. An alpha, his traitorous brain supplies. San shakes his head to discard such thoughts.

The teacher has every married and pregnant omega and beta wrapped around his finger. San likes competition, and there is definitely an alternative universe where he goes up to him, throws some compliments his way, and asks him out on a date. 

Unfortunately, it isn't his reality. Not anymore. San might be attractive to some extent— scratch that, he is hot, but in the end, he is still a single-parent omega. He isn’t one for one-night stands and his few attempts at love are enough to remind him of the hot mess he is. He knows his place in society and does not need another reminder.

None of this seems to matter to his omega, though. His whole body could turn into jelly if he allowed it to, and he knows his scent betrays his carefully crafted expression. He always had difficulties controlling it.

Keeping that in mind, San approaches them but keeps a reasonable distance.

A knot lodges itself in his throat, his voice coming out strangled when he opens his mouth. “Hello.” He bows slightly, willing his eyes down. He winces at the sight of his half-worn-out shoes and suddenly, he feels out of place and painfully underdressed. He isn't keen on fashion, but this is bad even by his standards.

On the other hand, the alpha is neat from head to toe. The sleeveless black vest pulled over his white shirt and the tie around his neck compliment his body nicely. The hems of his shirt are pulled up to reveal his— 

No, San is not ogling.

But he looks good. As if he went on a date. 

Mister Jeong stands up. “Ah, Mister Choi.” He extends his hand for a handshake.

San grabs it without thinking but regrets it immediately. He wonders if the alpha can feel how shaky his hold is, hoping his face isn't flushing too much.

The alpha's hand is warm and soft and steady, his fingers long and delicate as they wrap around San’s. Not that San cares.

San swears the handshake lingers for longer than necessary. He pulls his hand away quickly, not wanting to come off as a desperate weirdo. He blames everything on his omega, anyway.

“Um,” he tries, but his thoughts are muddled as he meets the alpha's curious gaze. 

He glances down at his daughter, hoping for an out, only to find her narrowed eyes, as if disappointed by his behavior. It shakes him out of his daze, reminding him who he is. An adult with two jobs, a child, bills to pay, and a shopping list to go through. Not some hormonal teenager with a crush. 

“Nice to finally meet you,” San ends up saying, his false confidence faltering as soon as the words leave his lips. 

Why did he say that? They already met, and his voice is shaking, and it is so embarrassing and —

Mister Jeong’s lips pull in a gentle smile. “Pleasure is all mine.” 

San is good at eye contact but he cannot hold the alpha's gaze without looking away or fainting. He grabs his daughter’s hand to give himself something else to think about. 

“I'm sorry for this,” he says, raising their joined hand with a shaky smile.

“It's okay.” Mister Jeong crouches back down to tousle Haena’s hair. 

San’s heart skips a beat. He has to look away. His omega is already writing essays describing how they found their perfect mate, and really, he cannot deal with that right now.

“I'll leave you to it,” Mister Jeong says, holding his hand up for Haena to high-five.

San swallows down the whine that threatens to come out in protest. “See you soon,” he replies, slapping himself mentally.

He doesn't wait for Mister Jeong to answer, pulling his daughter towards their abandoned cart and darting into the furthest aisle possible.

He barely stops himself from screaming as he slumps on the cart and holds his face.

Nice to finally meet you. 

See you soon. 

Why would he say that? It is so humiliating. 

“You okay Mom?” Haena asks.

San startles, straightening up. 

Right.

He is a responsible adult. He might want to but he can not whine like a child on the ground of a supermarket because of some alpha.

He nods, only hoping he won't meet the alpha ever again.

San’s prayers fall on deaf ears, yet another reminder as to why he doesn't believe in God in the first place.

From then on, he sees the teacher everywhere. The street, the bus, and the freaking park. Granted, those are all public places, but still. It is always awkward, and San blames himself for it. He usually pretends not to see him until the teacher taps on his shoulder or waves from a distance with a huge smile. 

His beautiful smile. San could grow used to seeing it every day, but he doesn't. He can’t. 

Especially not when Mister Jeong shows up at his workplace. Of course, San makes a show of embarrassing himself once again. 

His monotone voice goes higher when he glances at the entrance where Mister Jeong stands frozen. He seems just as surprised but eventually nods his head and smiles before making his way to the freezers.

Why is he here? Why is he here? 

San does a poor job of pretending to be absolutely fine but continues to work. He stumbles over every step as if he just started working there, his face growing hot as he whispers apology after apology. 

He hates the fact that the alpha gets to see him like this, with the ugly apron that does nothing but tarnish his skin tone. He must think San was so pitiful, now.

He takes deep breaths to calm himself down, his heart quickening by the second when he realizes that it isn’t working. He cannot focus, hyper-aware of the alpha walking around the store. His thoughts are a jumbled mess, his fingers curling into fists and he just can’t do this. He will mess something up at some point, and tears start to well up in his eyes, his fingers shaking as he grabs articles to scan them. 

As soon as the last customer in line leaves, San darts into the restroom, his heart lurching in his throat as he crouches down in a corner. 

Seonghwa, his manager, jumps to his feet. “What’s going on?” He places a soothing hand over San’s back, rubbing it softly. 

The soft-touch grounds him immediately but he still feels like shit. “Can you…?” he gestures to the door.

Seonghwa nods without question and disappears. In the back of his mind, San remembers that his manager is supposed to be on a break, and promises to make up for it. 

He wipes his unshed tears and takes deep breaths. The rattling of his heartbeat relents after a few minutes, leaving him with nothing but shame. He isn't a stranger to the feeling, but it hits him harder than usual because the thoughts swirling in his mind are ridiculous. 

Why would he be ashamed that Mister Jeong knows what he does for work? Why would his opinion matter at all? Why does he suddenly hate this freaking apron to the point he wants to burn and bury it? San doesn’t even care about his parents’ opinions anymore. Well, he doesn’t care as much as he used to. So why?

Ridiculous.

He stays still until his cheeks aren't warm anymore. He pokes his head through the door to glance around the store, sighing in relief when he sees no signs of Mister Jeong.

“Thanks,” he whispers to Seonghwa who blinks in confusion.

“Some hot guy was asking for you.”

San’s breath catch in his throat, and just like that, his earlier cooling-off session is thrown out the window, his cheeks flushing hot. 

Why would he ask for him?

Seonghwa’s brows knit together. “Is he bothering you? We can—”

“Hyung, no, of course not.” He shakes his head. “I'm sorry. He's— just Haena’s teacher.” It isn't the best explanation for his irrational behavior but he can't come up with a better one.

“Ah.” Seonghwa squints his eyes. “You got a crush on him?”

He doesn't need a better explanation, apparently. They met two months ago at most, but it is scary how easily Seonghwa gets a read on him.

San considers finding an excuse, but he hates lying and he's bad at it anyway. He shrugs, ignoring Seonghwa’s chuckles.

Yunho glances at his watch with a barely concealed sigh. The students’ bus is late, and he wants nothing but to go home and eat.

“Mister,” Haena calls out, her voice barely audible over the children’s happy hollers, but it catches Yunho’s attention immediately.

She looks down, shuffling closer. She has been quiet the whole afternoon, a stark contrast from her usual loud demeanor. Yunho caught on to it and couldn't help but dote on her the entire time. 

In his defense, he is lenient with every single one of his students when they are obviously down… He thinks so, at least. He has to admit though that her little pout triggers his protective instincts and they kick in hard.

“Are you okay? The bus is coming soon.”

She nods, shuffling from one foot to another, her eyes trailing to the side. Eventually, she steps closer. “Can you call my mom?”

Yunho blinks. “What is wrong? Did something happen?”

She shakes his head, fidgeting with the hem of her sweatshirt. “I forgot my keys. I can’t go home,” she mumbles, looking down. 

Yunho connects the dots easily. From what he heard, Mister Choi is a hard worker and his alpha isn’t in the picture anymore, meaning he's most likely taking care of Haena alone. It isn’t surprising, though pretty uncommon in South Korea where children were synonyms for happy mating in most cases. 

Yunho's heart breaks thinking about Haena going from school to an empty house almost every day. 

“Of course. We’ll call for him. Can you wait on the side? I’ll be quick,” he promises, waiting for her to nod. 

She is still visibly anxious, and Yunho has to stop himself from hugging and scenting her. He considers waiting for the bus to come but Haena’s anxious expression puts him on edge. He asks Wooyoung, his colleague, to supervise his class before darting to the janitor's room. 

He finds Mister Choi’s number easily enough, but it goes straight to voicemail. Try as he might, no call goes through. His phone must be turned off.

The door opens, revealing a tiny Haena looking apprehensive. It pulls at the strings of Yunho’s heart.

“He didn’t answer, but don't worry about it,” he says with an apologetic smile.

Her shoulders slump forward.

Yunho taps his finger against the table, his mind already coming up with a few solutions. According to school rules, Haena should wait here alone with the janitor until someone comes to pick her up but they rarely follow through with this because well, it is cruel. 

The particular idea of leaving Haena alone makes his stomach churn in distress.

“Do you know anyone who could contact him?”

Haena looks to the ceiling in deep thought before shaking her head. “I don’t know their number.”

Yunho contemplates his next choices, already browsing through his apps. “Is he at work, now?”

Haena nods, peeking at his phone. 

“That’s where he works, right?” he asks eventually. 

A smile makes its way to Haena’s face but it disappears just as quickly when he taps on the store’s number. 

She grabs his thumb, eyes pleading. “We can’t bother him, though. He is working.” 

“It’s okay. I can—”

“He still has two hours. Or one. I’ll wait here.”

Yunho’s heart sinks, the weight of her words heavy in his mind. “What time does his shift end?” 

“8 PM, I think.” She gave a half-shrug as if she already made peace with the fact that she’ll have to wait. 

Yunho nods, glancing at his watch. It is three hours from now. He is definitely not leaving her here alone. “I’ll drive you there, then.”

Haena perks up. “Really?”

Yunho nods, and his alpha immediately settles down at the relief oozing from Haena. 

He shouldn’t do that. He never did and always entrusted the task to his omega colleagues. As an alpha, bringing a pup home would be considered a courting gesture for the omega, and a direct challenge for the alpha. Yunho is plenty aware of how some of the parents look at him so he makes sure to stay professional to avoid misunderstandings. 

In this instance, he doesn’t care. He has been breaking his own boundaries with Mister Choi for a while and it would be silly to stop now.

“Let’s go,” he says. 

He feels giddy and Haena matches his state of mind, practically skipping to the door with a smile.

-

Yunho’s heart beats in his throat as they step out of his car and make their way to the convenience store. Last time, he only got a peek of Mister Choi in his cute work attire. He came back multiple times, but he was never there, and his manager always looked at him with a cryptic smile. Yunho hopes he isn’t there tonight.

Haena grabs his hand, pulling him out of his thoughts. She fell asleep in the car, so they didn’t talk much, but Yunho could practically sense her anxiety coming back tenfold.

It leaves Yunho wondering if Mister Choi is a strict mother. He doesn’t seem so, but Haena’s behavior is puzzling, sometimes.

“What’s wrong?”

She shakes her head, squeezing his hand hard. “I forgot the keys.” 

“It happens. I’m sure your mother forgets his keys, from time to time.”

Haena doesn’t reply but nods once they cross the road. “He always forgot them, before.”

“Before?”

“Yeah, when we lived with my grandma and grandpa.”

Yunho wants to pry but they’re already nearing the convenience store, and his curiosity is quickly replaced with his earlier giddiness. He squeezes Haena’s hand to show his support before stepping between the opening doors.

It is a bit funny to watch Haena greet customers as if they were old friends. 

Mister Choi is alone behind the counter, scanning article after article without much chit-chatting. He looks on the verge of passing out. He doesn’t notice them until Haena pulls Yunho right behind the counter. The omega does a double take when he sees him, his jaw-dropping when he notices Haena by his side. He almost drops the bread he’s trying to scan, barely catching it with a yelp. 

Yunho has the decency to hide his laugh, but Haena giggles loudly.

Mister Choi scowls. “Haena? What are you doing here?” he stammers, his attention darting between them, the bread and the customer. “Wait here,” he grits out, turning to the customers with a forced smile.

There’s a long line. 

Yunho could watch the omega do this all day— scanning stuff and doing stuff. He wears the store’s pink apron, and there are little pink bunnies embroidered into it. Yunho melts inside, especially as his eyes trail down to the omega’s snatched waist.

Yunho is brought back to the present when Haena lets go of his hand and pushes the back door. She gestures at him to follow which he does after giving a last glance in Mister Choi’s direction.

“We can wait here,” she says, throwing her backpack on the ground.

Yunho grabs it mindlessly, considering his next move. He didn’t think about it this far. He got to see Mister Choi, now what? 

He kind of wants to stay here. 

He glances at Haena who looks back, curious.

“Should we go over your homework?”

Her face falls. Yunho doesn't relent.

“It’s not that bad. You do this and once you get home, you’ll spend your weekend with your mom, yeah?” 

She presses her lips together in a scowl but nods. Yunho smiles. 

They begin with maths. Yunho loves teaching and Haena makes it even easier. She laughs at his stupid jokes and makes conversation in an attempt to make him forget about the homework while keeping some semblance of seriousness. She listens attentively and each time she gets it right, his alpha puffs with pride as if she were their own offspring.

It is insane, but he doesn't dwell on it.

Haena is a good student, despite her circumstances. She sometimes came to school without doing her homework, though rarer since Yunho left a note providing free tutoring services (not his proudest moment as a teacher, but it had to be done).

When Mister Choi peeks inside, Haena is the first one to notice him, straightening up. 

“What is going on? Why are you here?” he asks.

“I— I forgot the keys,” she stammers, her grip tightening so hard around her pen that Yunho would not be surprised to see it break.

Mister Choi’s chest heaves with a sigh as he finally looks Yunho in the eyes. “I’m so sorry—”

Yunho shakes his head. “Don’t worry.” It was his pleasure, after all. 

It is definitely his pleasure to see the omega slumped over himself, almost in a sign of submission. 

“No, really.” Mister Choi shakes his head. “You don’t have to stay longer. I mean, you can stay, if you want. I can get you a coffee, but it’s kind of late already. Maybe tea? Or a cinnamon roll? There’s a few left. On me,” he says everything in one breath.

So cute.

Haena perks up. “I want one!”

As if she flipped the switch, Mister Choi frowns and points a finger in her direction. “You, young lady! Did you even apologize?”

Haena slumps on the table, a pout forming on her face. “I’m sorry.”

Yunho chuckles. “It’s nothing, really. Don’t worry,” he says, patting her head, happy to see her return his smile. “I don't mind a coffee, but I'll have whatever you want me to,” he continues. He glances up in time to catch the omega’s flush and nod before darting back into the store.

Yunho sits straight when he meets Haena’s curious eyes. He reminds himself that flirting with a parent is a no and in front of their pup a huge no-no.

“You should finish that,” he points to the notebook, chuckling at her groan.

Mister Choi comes by a few times with different snacks for both of them. The silence is heavy each time. Yunho tries to break it, but the omega doesn't stay long, leaving him hanging.

It is barely seven when they finish Haena’s homework. Well, they finished an hour ago, but Yunho thought it would be a good idea to tackle some of her past difficulties. She whined about it but didn’t refuse.

He takes pity on her eventually and she falls asleep, leaning on his side.

Yunho can die in peace. He drapes his jacket over her sleeping form, heart soaring as she nuzzles into it. 

Once again, he doesn't dwell on it.

Yunho could leave. His job is done here (it was done hours ago actually), but he doesn't move. He closes his eyes.

-

The rattle of the door opening drags Yunho out of his slumber. The first thing he registers is the lack of Haena by his side. He whips his head around, his heart beating hard in his throat. He takes a deep breath when he spots her on the sofa, her face completely hidden under his jacket. Adorable.

Then he notices Mister Choi near the locker. “Did I wake you up? I'm so sorry.”

Yunho shakes his head, still recovering from his self-inflicted panic attack. His brain takes some time to process what is going on. 

The omega barely glances his way as he takes off his apron, his shoulders relaxing. 

A relatively innocent action that takes Yunho’s breath away.

Call him a fucking pervert for all you want, but his eyes dart down to the omega’s chest before he can even think about it. In his defense, the omega isn't wearing a bra and the realization makes Yunho's brain go into overdrive. 

His boobs are relatively small, the perfect size for any alpha’s hands. Most people probably miss the way they jiggle each time he moves or the hardened nipples rubbing under his thin shirt but Yunho doesn’t miss any bit of it. Of course, he doesn’t, his cock stirring in his pants.

Yunho inhales through his nose in an attempt to calm himself as the omega opens his locker. It is kind of incredible how uncaring he is as if Yunho wasn’t an alpha getting hard a few meters away.

“Should I take a shower here,” Mister Choi mutters to himself, rummaging through his stuff with cute noises each time he does, well anything. 

Yunho wonders if he is even aware of his presence.

Mister Choi seems to decide against the shower because he grabs a sweater and closes the locker.

Yunho isn't sure if he is relieved or disappointed. Either way, his brain is already filled with images of the omega in the shower, water sliding down his nape into his—

Yunho stands to his feet, shuffling to hide his hard-on to the best of his abilities.

Mister Choi startles around, eyes widening as he hides his chest with his sweater.

“Should I drive you guys home?” Yunho says, averting his gaze because he knows he won’t stop staring.

From the corner of his eye, he sees Mister Choi relaxing, the grip on his sweater loosening.

“Thank you for offering, but we live just around the corner.”

“Oh,” Yunho replies, even though he already knew. “Okay, I’ll get going, then.”

“Ah, Mister Jeong, wait.” 

Mister Choi hurries to the store. Yunho follows suit, only to find him retrieving a bag from the small fridge.  

“It’s nothing much but it’s already late and I saved some fried chicken. You don’t have to take it, of course.”

Yunho stares, dumbfounded. Is this what he thinks it is? No, it can’t be. It’s just food. 

Just food, but his alpha is acting like he’s been offered something crazy, and yeah it is crazy. In the back of his mind, Yunho registers that it isn’t a home-cooked meal, so it doesn't count as a courting gift, but still, he feels light as a feather.

Mister Choi’s smile falters. “Was that weird? I’m sorry,” he says before gasping loudly. “Do you have a girlfriend? Or boyfriend? I can add something else if—”

Yunho grabs the bag, interrupting his rushed monologue. 

”No, I was just surprised, thank you. I can’t cook so,” he trails off with an awkward chuckle. 

He curses himself mentally. Who would admit this out loud?

Mister Choi doesn’t seem to care, his lips curling up into a cute smile. “Ah, me neither. I mean I don’t cook much.” 

He yawns, stretching out. His shirt hikes up, and Yunho doesn’t know if he should look at his breast or his cute tummy peeking out. 

“I’m so sorry for today. It won’t happen again.” He bows. His shirt dips down and okay, okay, Yunho looks away this time.

“It’s okay, really. I’ll get going,” he forces himself to say. “It’s uh, cold outside. You should put something over that,” he adds.

Yunho feels bad (but not really) because Mister Choi looks grateful as he nods.

“Thank you so much.”

San watches the door close behind the alpha. He stays still for a while, his brain still grasping with the concept that is Mister Jeong.

He expects to be startled up by an overexcited pup, but she never comes so he forces himself out of his slight daze. He feels bad as he wakes Haena up. She seemed oddly comfortable under the alpha's jacket and oh fuck, he should give that back. 

She blinks slowly. 

“Let's go home,” San says, taking her hand.

The jacket burns in his hand as they close the store and start walking home. Haena is silent, allowing San’s mind to be flooded with thoughts.

He was so flustered and overwhelmed earlier, but he did a good job in his opinion. 

He didn't give up despite his already tense nerves, and most importantly didn't embarrass himself.

Though, shame persists and grows the more he thinks about it. Mister Jeong always looks at him with something in his eyes. San isn't sure if it's judgment or pity but it stresses him out.

Haena only speaks up once they're seated in front of yet another ramyeon meal.

“I'm sorry, mom.”

San shakes his head. He can't blame Haena for his incompetence and mistakes.

“You did nothing wrong, my Princess,” he says, placing a comforting hand on her neck.

“I finished all my homework. Mister Jeong helped me.”

It was definitely fueled by pity.

After work, San is so tired he tends to forget to check her homework. Mister Jeong had been nice and very understanding about it but San had been mortified. They're doing better now, but he can't help feeling embarrassed thinking about it.

“Was it hard?”

She shakes her head. “Mister Jeong always explains it well.”

San hums. Despite everything, he is grateful for Mister Jeong. He is a good teacher.

Mister Choi is in heat. 

It is impossible to ignore. First thing in the morning, the faint strawberry scent clinging to Haena hits Yunho hard when she skips past him with a good morning.

His breath catches in his throat, his mind reeling. Is Mister Choi home alone? Does he, god forbid, have an alpha helping him through it? How is he taking care of Haena? 

This can't be good.

Yunho reminds himself and his alpha once again that Haena is not his daughter and Mister Choi is not his omega.

Haena’s voice pulls him out of his thoughts. “Mister? You okay?”

Yunho nods, his eyes darting around the room before focusing back on Haena. “How is your mom?” 

Haena looks around as well before tugging at his hand to make him bend down. She gets on her tiptoes and cups her hands around his ear to whisper, “He's in heat.”

The confirmation only makes Yunho’s worries grow. He has a ton of questions, but they’re beyond inappropriate. He swallows around the lump in his throat and tries to come up with a way to know whether or not the omega is alone or if he is getting fucked right at this very moment. 

But then he straightens up, his worry shooting through the roof. “Did you come alone today?” he asks, his voice hushed.

During heat cycles, single omega's pups carry their pheromones, exposing themselves to dangers that should have been avoided with the scent of an alpha. 

But Mister Choi doesn't have a—

“I came with my uncle!”

Yunho blinks. He can only nod as the bell rings, startling him into action.

This might be the worst day of his life. He tries to put on a good face but he’s out of it, thinking about Mister Choi and Haena’s uncle. As a teacher, Yunho has met too many ‘uncles’ and the thought makes him sick. 

Was he Mister Choi’s brother, a family friend, or a boyfriend?

Either way, Mister Choi has an alpha in his life.

Yuhno feels a split of guilt because he is overreacting. His alpha is going crazy, for sure.

When the school bell rings, he doesn’t know what to expect. 

Nothing could have prepared him for the uncle to be Song fucking Mingi of all people. Yunho would recognize his friend anywhere despite his attempts to hide under a cap. It's useless and Yunho doubts any parents here are interested in rap celebrities, but he wouldn't know. He definitely didn't know Mingi had a friend named Choi San.

Mingi greets him with a hug before scouting Haena in his arms with an exaggerated oof. “You're her teacher?”

Yunho nods but he's too stunned to speak, slowly coming down from his high.

Mingi continues. “I should have known it was you when San talked about an alpha teacher.”

“You know my uncle?” Haena asks, her brows knitted together.

Yunho blinks his shock away. “He's my best friend.”

Her surprise turns into a sly smile as she looks at Mingi. “You have friends?” she giggles, squirming to dodge his head flick.

They seem comfortable around each other.

“You okay?” Mingi asks, glancing in Yunho’s direction.

Yunho nods, finally registering that yes, this is Mingi but he still has a lot of questions. 

Is Mingi assisting Míster Choi during his heats? The thought makes his insides churn, but he needs to know.

“Are you on babysitting duties during Mister Choi’s heat?”

Mingi pauses, and Yunho winces. He wasn’t supposed to say that. It is Mingi, his best friend, but they’re on school grounds and people are listening. He locks eyes with Wooyoung before coughing.

Admitting how he found out about the heat is weird so he settles for a lie. “She usually goes home alone, so I assumed something happened. Is he okay?”

Yunho can practically see the cogs turning in Mingi’s head as he nods. “He's fine. His heats are pretty tame lately so I’m just dropping her off.”

Haena pouts, her fingers fidgeting with Mingi’s earlobe. 

Yunho opens his lips before thinking further, but he remembers to whisper his next words. “I'll drive you guys if you wait for me?” 

Haena looks up, eyes sparkling.

Mingi groans. “How long? I'm hungry.” 

Haena jabs his ribs.

-

The whole week goes like this. Mingi picks Haena up only for Yunho to drive them and buy dinner on the way. Pizza, fried chicken, bubble tea, hamburgers— anything she asks for. 

“Thank you! I'll tell Mom you paid again,” she says each time before sauntering after Mingi. The more she does, the more it sounds like a threat, but Yunho shrugs it off. Even if he wanted to stop, he didn’t have it in himself to argue against his primal instincts. Yunho isn’t used to acting on instincts alone, but he finds it easy to let them take over when it comes to Mister Choi and Haena. There is something fragile about their situation that triggers his alpha into action. He needs to help, provide, protect, and be present for them one way or another.

That week, he learns the most he’s ever known about the Choi family, and it doesn’t help to learn that besides Mingi’s support, they have to fend for themselves alone against the monster that is Seoul. It pulls at his heartstrings and pushes him to be even more active, to the best of his ability when Mister Choi seems adamant in keeping him at bay.

The more he learns, the more curious he is, though. Despite the years of long-distance friendship, Mister Choi and Mingi kept contacts. Yunho can't remember Mingi having an omega friend, let alone going all the way to Namhae, but he apparently did multiple times throughout the years. Granted, Mingi traveled a fair share of times for work opportunities and had countless friends that Yunho couldn’t be bothered to track.

Their relationship is deeper than just friends, though. Mister Choi allows Mingi a closeness that would be frowned upon by most of society, but Yunho couldn’t care less. Mingi is weird like that. To him, the most important point is that they never spent heat or rut cycles together. The rest, Yunho listens passively, happy to learn useful information he stores in the back of his head. 

Mingi is curious too. It is obvious in the ways his brows furrow each time Yunho interacts with Haena or when he mentions the omega. Yunho expects him to go all alpha and start questioning his intentions, but it never comes. The days pass, the subtle gazes grow more questioning but he keeps quiet. Yunho knows him more than anyone else so he waits. Because, of course, he does speak up by the end of Mister Choi's heat cycle.

“Are you trying to court San?”

Yunho shrugs. The question takes him by surprise, though he is aware of how his actions might look to an outsider. He can’t deny being weirdly pulled towards the omega. For once in his life, he goes along with whatever his alpha wants, and it feels right, but he doesn’t know what his plans are. For now.

“Yunho,” Mingi says, his eyebrows twitching. “Don’t be a weirdo with him. I'm serious.”

Yunho’s jaw tightens. He might have expected this, but he can't help getting defensive. It’s in his nature. “I'm not doing anything.”

“Yunho—”

“You’re acting like I’m the devil or something.”

Mingi gives him a half-shrug as he looks away.

Ouch .

“You two are my closest friends, and I love you, but—” His shoulders slump forward. “He’s been through some stuff. I’ll kill you if you break his heart.”

Yunho snickers. Mingi has always been softer with omegas, but he lets Yunho fool around. Not that Yunho is a player, but he does enjoy it. Flirting, a quick fuck, omegas. 

Listen, he had his phase during which Mingi stood by without any comments (though he always had this judgmental stare that got under his skin). Knowing Yunho’s past, the warning is warranted, but it rubs him and his alpha the wrong way. It’s almost as if Mingi implies he and Mister Choi aren’t made for one another.

“Right,” Yunho says, his gaze unwavering as Mingi squints his eyes.

Their friendship is peculiar. They might be two alphas, but they’ve never had huge fights the way other alphas do. Mingi is too chill for that, and he knows when to back down. Yunho always had his alpha on a tight leash and though he would be more inclined to head butts, he cared too much about how people perceived him. 

Right now, though, he doesn’t care. His alpha is ready to give in to fighting mode, and Yunho would let loose if Mingi ever dared to challenge him. 

But Mingi doesn’t. He scoffs, opening the passenger door. “ He'd kick your ass. His dad teaches taekwondo or something, and you wouldn't last a chance,” he says, stepping out.

Yunho blinks. He did not know that but it's hot.

Not the dad.

-

Yunho isn't surprised when he spots Mister Choi amongst the parents waiting for their pups at the end of the school day. 

He is frowning, his arms crossed over his chest. As beautiful as always. Despite his obvious impatience, he waits politely for his turn. Yunho doesn’t mind chatty parents but today he barely listens to Yujin’s dad, unable to stop his eyes from straying to the side.

He tries to engage in the conversation but his efforts are thrown out the window as soon as he catches hints of Mister Choi’s delicious strawberry scent. The omega, like most people from the countryside, doesn’t wear scent patches most of the time and it is so dangerous for Yunho’s image. The remaining of his heat is still obvious, an edge of sugar clinging to him and would make anyone crazy. 

Yunho hopes no one notices him straightening up, his body tensing. His alpha is on high alert, struck with the need to hide Mister Choi from prying eyes, but he quells his instincts away.

The omega isn't wearing make-up today. Despite the tension between his eyebrows, his face looks softer than usual, and Yunho can't decide if he finds him adorable or intimidating. 

Probably both.

A few minutes later, Yujin’s dad leaves with his pup in tow. 

Yunho finally greets a very unimpressed Mister Choi who nods with a forced smile. 

“Can we talk? In private,” he asks.

Yunho nods, his body taut. It is hard to school himself with his usual easy-going expression when his body reacts on its own volition, his mind going overdrive because oh my god yes, we can talk in private all right.

Someone clears their throat, startling them both.

Wooyoung peers at Mister Choi with a cheeky grin before leaning on his tiptoes. “Too busy flirting with omegas again?” he whispers in Yunho’s ear before sauntering away with a giggle.

Mister Choi must hear him loud and clear because his eyes widen, a scowl forming on his face.

Yunho is going to kill his colleague one day but for the time being, he gestures inside and asks the omega to wait with Haena. 

Yunho is on autopilot for the next thirty minutes, but he does a good job of ushering the remaining students on the bus without any problem. He takes a deep breath before making his way towards Mister Choi and Haena. He ignores Wooyoung’s charged look and asks them to follow him to his class. The silence is thick, their steps loud in the corridors and Yunho feels inebriated. 

When they reach the class, Haena grabs her mom’s phone and earphones before sitting at her usual desk, not without sending them a worried glance.

Mister Choi leans on Yunho’s desk, his eyes trailing down to the papers scattered there. 

His scent is messing with Yunho’s brain. If not, he would have discarded the papers away and asked why Haena looked so worried. Instead, he breaks the tense silence with one of the questions that’s been plaguing his mind. “How was your heat?”

Mister Choi’s careful expression drops into a scowl, his eyes squinting. “You can't just ask stuff like this,” he says through gritted teeth.

Yunho waves his hand, his heart dropping in his stomach. Thank God Haena is wearing earphones right now because this is embarrassing.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to… I mean, that was rude of me, I'm sorry. I’m not thinking straight.” 

Mister Choi huffs but doesn't answer. His cheeks are flushed red, his strawberry scent sweetening beautifully. Yunho almost takes a deep breath to take as much scent in as possible, but he has half a mind to stop himself. That would be beyond rude, primitive, and typical of alpha behavior and he doubts the omega would appreciate it.

It is hard though. He even has to force his eyes up, because why is Mister Choi wearing a v-neck? The weather might be getting hotter but this is too much. Yunho wants nothing but to tear the omega’s shirt away, scent him, sink his teeth into his neck, and turn him into a whimpering mess.

Yunho feels the need to apologize again for the onslaught of questionable thoughts. “I'm really sorry.”

“Don’t mention it,” Mister Choi says, opening his small bag to retrieve his wallet. “How much do I owe you?”

Yunho barely registers his words until San’s brows snap together. He searches for an explanation in Haena but she isn't even listening, earphones plugged in her ears. 

“What do you mean? You don't owe me anything.” 

“The take-outs? For almost a week straight. And Mingi said you—”

Yunho tunes his rambling out. 

Mister Choi has moles. One, two, three? Oh fuck, he has some on his collarbones too, but Yunho doesn't dwell on this and snaps his eyes up. The omega is now pouting. He fucking pouts, his pretty pink lips begging to be kissed. Yunho licks his lips and tears his gaze away, his vision blurring for a bit. He needs to distract himself before he says or does something stupid. He grabs his bag, fidgeting with its clasp.

“It’s nothing, really. Don't think about it.”

Yunho opens his bag to search for exactly nothing, but he doesn't want to meet Mister Choi’s eyes. He can’t tell him to leave either, because he wants to stay here and drown in his scent as long as possible.

He doesn’t expect it when the omega blurts out, “Are you rich or something?” 

Yunho’s head whips around, eyebrows rising. 

Mister Choi stares back in disbelief before straightening up with a cough. “I mean— Sorry.”  

The omega’s cheeks redden, his scent coloring with embarrassment. 

So, so cute.

Yunho’s mind clears a bit, a smile pulling at his lips. He closes his bag and balances it over his shoulder. He steps in Mister Choi’s direction, relishing how the omega has to crane his head slightly to meet his eyes. 

“I have my ways,” he says with a smile.

The omega blinks quickly. “Okay.” He deflates, but his eyes flash with determination not even a second after. “Next meal is on me, then.”

Yunho freezes, his heart skipping a beat.

It's a date, he almost blurts out, but he doesn't want to test his luck. “I— I'd love to,” he settles on saying, barely able to conceal the huge smile that appears on his face.

Mister Choi squints his eyes but nods.

Yunho cannot believe this is finally his time.

San should've said no. 

He didn't think much when Haena asked if he was free at the end of May to be one of the chaperones for a field trip to the museum. He wasn't even free and had to ask Seonghwa to cover his shift, but he loves field trips, so of course he had to make himself available.

The problem? San has been avoiding Mister Jeong ever since that cursed day. It has been more than a month since Mister Jeong cornered him with that look in his eyes.

Yes, San was cornered, played, and fooled into promising a meal. He might have sealed his own life, but Mister Jeong’s triumphant smile was enough to make him understand what he lost (in reality, he doesn't know what he lost, but he definitely lost something… He isn't dumb).

San cannot bring himself to face him again, too embarrassed by the thoughts that filled his mind not only during his heat but every day until now. Especially because he added the teacher’s jacket to his nest and couldn’t return it ever again because he soiled it for life. Thank God he hadn’t asked for it yet.

So yeah. Needless to say, San should've said no, but he realizes that only now that they're standing in front of the school gates. Mister Jeong is surrounded by a handful of omegas and a bunch of pups playing tag.

San can't do this. His love for field trips is often overshadowed by the fear of mingling with other parents who are, usually, older and disapproving of his lifestyle. He doesn't need Mister Jeong to make it harder. 

Had he been alone, San would have bolted back home. 

Unfortunately, Haena pulls at his hand, and before he knows it, everyone is looking at them. As soon as he meets the teacher’s eyes, his face breaks into a smile, that same triumphant smile and oh god, why was San so dumb? He just walked into the lion’s den. 

Of course, Haena chooses this exact moment to abandon him in favor of her friend.

San is a responsible adult, so he forces his lips into a smile and bows. “Hello.” 

“Mr.Choi, right? Nice to meet you, I'm Jiyoon.“ A woman, Jiyoon, bows back with a genuine smile. ”I’m Miran’s mother. I've been meaning to meet you, but I heard you're pretty busy.” 

Miran and Haena have been inseparable since the beginning of the year.

Jihyoon’s smile is gentle. Despite Mister Jeong's overwhelming presence, San eases into the conversation, happy to meet new people. Some of the parents’ stares linger over his unmarked neck but none of them mention it. It is better than any of his expectations, so his anxiety settles down a bit. 

Not completely because Mister Jeong’s gaze is heavy, and San knows he can’t let his guard down from now on. Fortunately, the morning passes by without much hassle. They manage two classes of twenty, so he barely has time to meet the teacher who is stuck in the front, leading them.

Even though he would have loved to befriend Jiyoon or be with Haena, he stays in the back. He is careful to avoid the alpha even as they arrive at the museum where they split into groups. Of course, he chooses the last group and he doesn’t regret it. He fusses over the shy and uninterested pups in the back, pointing to paintings and sculptures to catch their attention, compelling them to listen to the tour guide. 

He meets Mister Jeong’s questioning gaze multiple times but San always looks away first, doing a poor job of pretending not to see him. 

San is certain he’ll get through the day unscathed until they arrive at the park to take their much-deserved lunch break. 

Haena doesn't spare him a glance and sits with her friends next to Mister Jeong. San glares daggers at the alpha. Is he trying to steal his daughter now? He’s truly an ass.

He sighs and sits alone on the side to have a bigger overview of the pups. Might as well be useful. He appreciates his time alone because it never lasts for long. He is halfway through his sandwich when he is startled out of his thoughts. 

Mister Jung, the second teacher, sits beside him with a huge smile. “Mister Choi, right?”

San doesn't like him. The first time they met he implied that San was some of Mister Jeong’s groupies and he isn't, okay? He is not.

Still, he can admit that Mister Jung’s a good teacher, so he deserves some kind of attention. San nods with a polite smile and bows slightly.

“I heard a lot about you,” Mister Jung says with a sly smile.

“Oh?” San prompts, but he cannot bring himself to care. Not when Haena is being an adorable little bean, her meal forgotten as she chases her friends around with a dinosaur toy. San’s heart soars.

Mister Jung coughs loudly. “I mean— I heard some stuff about your daughter.”

San stiffens, his eyes snapping to the teacher. “What do you mean?”

Haena might not be the most studious but she is awesome in San’s eyes. If anything, her grades improved after the move to Seoul, so he's curious as to why teachers were talking about his daughter. 

Mister Jung looks like a deer caught in headlights, shaking his head with an apologetic smile. “Nothing bad, of course. Yunho loves talking about his favorite students, that's all.”

San raises a brow. Mister Jung looks away with a cough, his lips twitching as he obviously tries to conceal a nervous smile. 

San is curious, but this time he would like to stay ignorant. He doesn’t care about Mister Jeong and Mister Jung’s gossip asses. He nods and focuses back on his sandwich.

Mister Jung hums and coughs. San feels slightly bad for being so uncooperative.

“Uh, you can call me Wooyoung, by the way.”

San pauses. “Would that be okay?”

“Nobody cares, and it's not like we're on school grounds.”

Wooyoung is weirdly casual for a teacher, but San doesn't mind (as long as he is not mistaken for a Mister Jeong fan).

“You can call me San, then."

Despite himself, San lets his guard down. Wooyoung’s carefree attitude is contagious. They talk about themselves, and their job, they laugh, and it is unreal how easy it is to open up to Wooyoung.

The more they talk though, the more he feels like they're being observed. The freaking spy doesn't make any effort to hide because San meets Mister Jeong’s gaze as soon as he looks up. The alpha has the decency to avert his gaze, at least. His leg shakes, his jaw tight as he swipes a hand through his hair. 

He is stressed, San realizes. Field trips are nerve-inducing, and even through his pettiness, San emphasizes from afar.

The contrast between the two teachers is kind of funny. Wooyoung is far from looking as stressed out. If anything he is ridiculously at ease, an almost shit-eating grin plastered on his face as he waves his hand in Mister Jeong’s direction. The alpha glares at him before turning away completely. Wooyoung snickers, his hand covering his lips like a cartoon villain.

San’s eyes flicker between the two of them, unsure of what just transpired. 

“Is he okay?” San asks. Wooyoung seems confused so he continues, “Mister Jeong. He looks stressed out. Today must have been hard on him.”

Wooyoung lights up with a smile as if he just told a joke.

“It's not that bad, actually. The pups are mostly well-behaved. And the parents— like you, are really helpful.”

San nods. As if on cue a pup calls for Mister Jeong and just like that, his earlier scowl drops, replaced by his usual smile.

“Mister Yunho has a lot on his mind, that's why he looks like a corpse,” Wooyoung whispers his last words.

“No, he looks good,” San says. 

There's a beat of silence before he covers his mouth when he realizes what he just said. “I didn't mean it like that, I mean, he does look good but that's not—”

Wooyoung bursts out laughing. San doesn't feel like talking to him anymore. His cheeks flush even more as every parent glances at them, alerted by Wooyoung’s loud laugh.

San is not pouting because he isn't a child but he looks down, opting to focus on his snacks. Mister Jeong must be looking their way too, but he isn't sure. He can't be sure and he doesn't want to be sure so he refuses to look up.

“He looks good, huh,” Wooyoung repeats and leans into him as his laugh dies down.

“Well yes,” San replies through gritted teeth. He doesn't want to talk about it anymore, but Wooyoung seems to love every bit of his suffering.

“You're crazy.”

“Anyone can see that— that he looks good. You look good, too.”

“Ah, thanks,” Wooyoung grins but he waves his comment away. “You too, by the way.”

San bites back a smile, warmth spreading in his chest. He is more inclined to believe the compliment because he made some effort today.

Wooyoung opens his mouth but seems to decide against it. San was under the impression that he just spewed anything that came to his mind so it is surprising to see him hesitating.

“What?” San prompts, curious. 

Nothing could have prepared him for Wooyoung’s next word, and maybe he shouldn’t have pried. “Yunho is single.”

It is like a bomb in San’s mind. 

Was he too obvious? Not that he has a crush on him, because once again, he isn't some groupie.

So why would Wooyoung tell him that?

“Why are you—”

“No reasons. Just thinking about it. I love doing field trips with him because the parents are always hanging off his dick.”

San coughs to hide a startled laugh. “Oh my God—”

Wooyoung waves to the children playing in the grass. “They're all gone.”

“Still,” San protests. It is so inconsiderate for them to speak that way about Mister Jeong who has been nothing but respectful to him.

Wooyoung grins. “You're one of the rare ones to stay away from him.”

This entire conversation is inappropriate but Wooyoung is so easy-going he can't help but retort.

“You thought he was flirting with me the other day.”

Wooyoung winces. “Yeah, I was being funny.”

“It wasn’t.” San snorts at the scowl he receives.

“Okay, okay. But do you have someone back home?”

“No. Alphas are— yeah.” San barely stops himself from blurting out all his traumas.

“A pain in the ass, right?” Wooyoung giggles at San’s scandalized face.

“You need to stop.”

Wooyoung hums. “Yunho is one of the rare good alphas I have met.”

San isn't surprised. Alpha teachers are rare, so he must be a good one. A good alpha and a good teacher. He opens his mouth to agree but freezes in time when he notices Mister Jeong coming their way with a shy smile.

San isn’t dumb and won’t fall for his innocent smiles anymore. He is sure the alpha waited for the right moment to catch him by surprise.

“What are you guys talking about?” he asks as he sits.

San swallows around the lump in his throat. He might be fine having inappropriate discussions with Wooyoung but he will not cross that line with his daughter’s teacher. Not now, not ever.

Despite his evil grin, Wooyoung is merciful. “Nothing.”

Wooyoung is also a terrible liar and Mister Jeong doesn’t seem impressed. He watches them suspiciously, so San forces himself to say something, anything. 

“Just about Haena.”

Mister Jeong nods, his face breaking into an honest smile. “She's one of my best students.”

It is a lie, but he sounds so genuine that San cannot refute it.

“She's adorable,” Wooyoung adds.

San smiles. He swipes his gaze around the field to find his pup, but he is suddenly hyper-aware of other parents… looking at them.

“She's well-behaved too, it's crazy. How is she better than me?” Wooyoung asks with a gasp.

San’s omega almost purrs in pride as he bows in a silent thanks. If there is one thing he wants, it is for his daughter to have decent social skills and good manners. “My parents helped a lot. They're really keen on respecting your elders and stuff like that.”

Wooyoung nods. “Wait, I'm sorry to ask this, but did you raise her alone?”

San’s breath itches. He wasn't expecting that to come up now, but he replies nonetheless. “With my parent's help.”

“Wow. But you're alone now, right?”

San wants to snap at him. Is he trying to humiliate him in front of Mister Jeong? It sure seems like it. He is not ashamed, but if he avoids the alpha’s gaze as he nods, no one has to know.

Wooyoung reaches his hand out for a handshake. “You're awesome, Mister Choi San.”

His voice is ridiculously low, but there's an edge of genuineness to it. San rolls his eyes, relaxing a bit at his antics. He shakes Wooyoung’s hand hard, pulling a yelp out of him. San giggles until something, someone jumps on his back, startling them (him).

“Boo!” It is Haena’s turn to giggle as she points at San’s startled expression.

San glares at the two teachers who chuckle. “It’s not that funny.”

"Mom,” Haena calls out, propping a flower crown on his head before hugging him tightly. “I love you,” she whispers into his ear.

San melts into her embrace, cradling the flower crown before it falls. “I love you more. It’s so pretty, thank you.”

He expects her to go with her friends, but she plops down next to them.

“Aw, are you tired Haena?” Wooyoung asks with a teasing smile.

“Nope. I wanted this,” she says, snatching the bag of chips from San’s hands with a giggle.

San hooks his chin over his knees as he watches them talk for a while with a smile. He wants to chime in, but he once again catches some parents’ eyes on them. It is unnerving.

Mister Jeong’s voice catches his attention. “Did you do this alone?”

He is pointing to San’s head— to his flower crown.

Haena puffs her chest with a nod. “My grandma taught me.”

There's a chorus of impressed oohs. 

“Isn't he handsome?” she asks, gesturing to San’s face which is, undoubtedly, reddening.

Wooyoung burst out laughing and— okay, rude. San squints his eyes, pouting. He feels a bit childish when he sees Haena mirroring him with a frown of her own.

Wooyoung shakes his head, his hands held up in surrender. “I'm sorry, I'm not making fun of him.”

It is hard to believe because he is still giggling. “Sure,” San says, crossing his arms.

“I swear! Doesn't he look good, Mister Jeong?” Wooyoung asks, elbowing the alpha.

Haena perks up. San can't be bothered to wonder why. His mind is a mess. He barely stops himself from punching Wooyoung who, once again, bursts out laughing over Mister Jeong’s splutters. 

“I— uh, yeah.” He nods. “Really cute.”

I'm not cute, is on the tips of San’s lips, but who is he to refute a compliment? It would be ridiculous anyway seeing how his pout instantly breaks into a smile, warmth spreading in his chest. Mister Jeong smiles back, ears flushed. San’s omega does somersaults, and he tries to calm down, but it doesn't work at all.

Wooyoung’s laugh turns into a gasp. He shoots to his feet, yanking San in his wake. 

“What—”

“We’re uh— we're coming back.”

San looks at him in surprise but doesn't protest. He places his flower crown on Haena’s head, telling her to be good before following the other omega to the— toilet?

“What are—”

“You're insane,” Wooyoung hisses.

He fishes something out of his backpack, thrusting it in San's hands.

Scent blockers.

San's stomach drops as realization dawns on him. He covers his scent glands with his hand.

“Don't tell me I was—”

“Stinking up the whole park? More likely than you think.” Wooyoung has an exaggerated forced smile that makes San feel dumb. “Don't you ever wear scent blockers?”

San shakes his head. “I mean, at work, yes.” The first time he had to wear one was in Seoul when he started university. In Namhae, he never had to wear them, and that was one thing he missed the most.

Wooyoung pushes him into a stall. San doesn't question him, even when the other omega follows inside. He's too mortified at the thought of Mister Jeong smelling him. Smelling the change in his scent he caused. 

He hates it because Mister Jeong, like any alpha, would feel cocky about it.

So embarrassing. Typical groupie behavior.

“Do you think he…”

Wooyoung rolls his eyes and snatches the scent blockers before turning San around to apply them to his scent glands.

San has half a mind to note how intimate this is, even for two omegas, but he doesn't feel uncomfortable. If anything, Wooyoung’s presence and snarky humor ground him and stop him from screaming into the void.

“Smelled you? I don't think so.” Wooyoung shrugs, turning San around once again to grab his wrists and apply blockers on each one. “There.” He pats his hand with a satisfied smile.

“Thank you.” San’s smile falters at Wooyoung’s grin.  “What?” he asks, crossing his arms over his chest as he braces himself for Wooyoung’s next jab.

“Be careful of not slicking up—”

San doesn't need to hear more. He exits the stall, ignoring Wooyoung’s loud cackle echoing against the walls. God, he cannot believe this is an actual teacher.

His cheeks are still hot when Wooyoung catches up, his laugh finally under control. They reach the picnic spot, thankfully talking about everything and nothing, and not any alpha. 

Haena hasn't noticed their return, being back to playing with her friends. Mister Jeong is talking to some parents. He is smiling, but it is forced until he looks their way, his expression lighting up with a genuine one. 

San smiles back, his cheeks flushing.

“This is ridiculous,” Wooyoung mutters.

San pushes him, darting in time to avoid his comeback. He giggles but squares up when Wooyoung wiggles his fingers, a silent threat that he'll kill San with a long-suffering tingling session. 

“Guys,” Mister Jeong calls out, effectively cutting their fight short.

San is grateful because he swears Wooyoung was about to bite him just now. Still, he is flustered. They've been playing like pups and surely, every parent, pup, and Mister Jeong saw them embarrassing themselves. San coughs and adjusts his disheveled clothes, scowling at Wooyoung who rolls his eyes.

Mister Jeong doesn't seem to mind. “I’ll buy some water and snacks. Do you need something?” he asks with a smile.

Wooyoung pats San’s shoulder with an innocent look in his eyes. “No, but you should go with him, San.”

San’s pulse quickens. His refusal is hot on his tongue but he meets Mister Jeong’s expectant gaze, compelling him to force a smile and make a mental note to kill Wooyoung softly next time they're alone. For now, he nods, accepting the fate Wooyoung chose for him.

San leads the way, though he doesn’t know where they’re going. He supposes there’s a convenience store or a vending machine that way. He just wants to walk in front, even though Míster Jeong is way too tall for his own good, catching up to him easily with long strides each time he tries to put some distance between them.

He just needs to escape the suffocating tension. After a few minutes, he almost opens his lips to make it stop and tell the alpha to stay back, but the words get stuck in his throat, and he knows whatever he'll say will end up against him. And humiliate him. But the silence stretches and try as he might, San can't force himself to shut the fuck up when they stop at a crossroad. The alpha's kicked-puppy expression tugs at his heartstrings. San is weak, immediately giving up to his omega's urge to make him feel better.

“Is something wrong?” he asks once they reach the nearest supermarket.

Mister Jeong perks up. He looks surprised as if he weren't expecting San to address him. As if this wasn’t his plan the whole time.

San curses internally and averts his gaze, making a beeline towards the freezers.

Mister Jeong trails behind him. “You’ve been avoiding me all day.”

San wants to play dumb but now that they're talking, he can't stop himself. “Yet here we are.”

Mister Jeong’s eyes bore into him, his expression barely changing if it wasn't for the slight eyebrow twitch. San doesn’t miss the way his eyes trail down to his lips. He doesn't think when he licks them, self-conscious. Yes, self-conscious, and not because he is trying to edge him on or something.

The alpha doesn't say anything.

Fuck.

“Look.” San starts with a sigh. “If you have some—”

“You promised me a meal,” Mister Jeong states as if that would explain his behavior.

San stares, dumbfounded. Trustfully, he spent the whole morning preparing an excuse just in case this would be mentioned. Still, he didn't expect the alpha to be so worked up about it.

And, okay! God. 

San is not clueless. Their relationship is already peculiar especially because the alpha basically provided them with food for two weeks straight during his heat. To anyone (and San’s omega), this would be an obvious display of courtship. San might be delusional, but he clung on to the hope that maybe, just maybe, Mister Jeong is a kind person who likes helping omegas in distress.

Manifestly, this was wishful thinking.

The alpha sounds upset, almost whiny and childish. It is adorable, and San wants to pinch his cute cheeks. He reminds himself that this is a grown man he’s talking to and that none of this is cute. So he scoffs, forcing the next words out despite his stammers.

“I didn’t mention a specific day.”

If Mister Jeong was trying to hide his frown before, he isn’t anymore. “You’re not being fair.”

San takes a deep breath to clear his thoughts. Until this exact instant, he had some leeway to deny what was happening, but now that Mister Jeong’s attraction to him is undeniable, his whole body is on fire. But they're also in a supermarket and it isn't the best time to talk about this. 

San gestures to the water bottles. A few seconds pass before he realizes that Mister Jeong is choosing to be uncooperative.

San purses his lips but the alpha finally moves, grabbing his arm. 

It is the first time they actually touch, and despite the layer of clothes, San trembles. He tries to wrestle away but the alpha’s next words pin him in place. 

“Are you interested in Wooyoung?”

San chokes on his spit. What the —

“He already has a mate, and you’re not his type. You’re wasting your time.”

San cannot believe his ears. He doesn’t know how to answer. Faintly, he feels himself panic, his omega in distress at the sight of the upset alpha.

“I—”

“I’m just saying. I hate seeing people being led on for nothing.” 

San reigns his panic, his anger rising. He can recognize an obvious jab but he has not been leading anyone on. 

…Has he?

“I haven’t done that, ever. Why are you saying that?” San asks, but his words lack any bite.

Mister Jeong’s jaw tightens and it shouldn’t stir San’s guts the way it does.

“Are you interested in him, then?”

“No!” San explodes, lowering his voice when he meets the alpha’s careful gaze. “No. I just met him, we’re barely friends.” 

“You’re already on a first-name basis.”

San doesn’t know what he’s being accused of but he feels like the biggest culprit under the alpha’s angry eyes. But he isn’t guilty of anything. 

He does want to get on the alpha’s nerves, though. Because, well, it is funny, but at the same time, his omega is screaming at him to shut up and just apologize. Submit.

He doesn't get to ponder for long because he feels something damping his underwear, startling him out of his thoughts.

Fuck.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

San doesn't think twice. “I'm going to the toilet,” he says, ignoring the teacher’s protests.

He can't believe it. Why is he slicking up in public? That never happened outside of his heat. Is this the alpha’s doing? Or his own instincts?

Faintly, he hears the alpha calling for him, but he can't focus on anything, panicking as he finally reaches the toilets. He doesn't hear it close behind him, and he knows the alpha is right there.

San turns to glare at him, willing his breath to calm down. “I need to pee,” he says, but what he really needs is to drop to his knees and submit.

Mister Jeong breathes in deeply, eyes closed as if to calm himself down. San takes the opportunity to dash towards a stall, but the alpha catches his hand and pulls him close. His eyes are wide open revealing how dilated his pupils are.

For the second time today, San is pushed into a stall. This time though, his heart beats hard in his throat as he is pushed up against the wall. “Wha— what are you doing?”

Mister Jeong cages him between his arms and leans down until they’re a breath apart, his eyes darting across San’s face, lingering at his cheeks, his moles, and then his lips. San’s breath is short, and yeah he is fucked.

“Are you interested in him?”

“W-who?” San asks, his mind hazy. He is too on edge to think, hyper-aware of how wet he is getting. 

The alpha looks annoyed. San forces his brain to catch up to the conversation as he unhelpfully puts a hand on the alpha's chest. To push him away, of course. “Wooyoung?” 

“Don’t say his name.” His words are harsh, but his touch is gentle as he cradles San’s face between his fingers.

San might be digging his own grave, but he is weak. He leans into the touch, watching as the teacher’s eyes darken. “Are you going into a rut?” San wonders out loud.

He doesn’t get an answer, and his question is quickly forgotten as the alpha rests his forehead against his. The air is thick, panic bubbling in San’s stomach, but it might as well be arousal exploding into butterflies. 

“Tell me you don’t want this,” Mister Jeong whispers, his breath hot against San’s face.

San’s eyebrows furrow. “Uh?” 

Mister Jeong repeats his words but before San can ask for further clarification, the gap between their lips vanishes. 

Fuck it.

San melts into the kiss, his arms circling the alpha’s neck to pull him closer. Their bodies slouch together perfectly as the alpha pulls him closer by the waist. He pushes his tongue past San’s lips and it is messy, so messy. There’s nothing but saliva and teeth as he laps inside San’s mouth like a dog. 

He might actually be in rut, San realizes, but his brain is too foggy to push him away, let alone be alerted.

When they break apart, San barely has time to catch his breath before Mister Jeong leans back down. San whines, turning his head to the side for some moment of reprieve. 

Bad call. 

The alpha’s lips land on his jaw, undeterred as he trails down, leaving a trail of soft kisses behind. He stops at the crook of his neck, nibbling a bit. San winces as the alpha sucks hard against his skin, most likely leaving an embarrassing hickey. 

He slumps down the wall, but Mister Jeong places his knee between his thighs, right against his clothed pussy to prop him higher. The pressure is hard against San’s clit, startling him with a tiny spark of pleasure. He lets out a strangled moan, pulling the alpha’s hair, only to be met with resistance. He can only whine and watch the alpha hovering, his eyes boring holes into him as if trying to memorize his face. 

It makes San squirm. It is painful to be so close and be unable to touch him. He gives a tentative thrust, rubbing his clothed pussy against the toned thigh between his. He moans, but Mister Jeong’s hands pin him down by the waist.

San wants to cry.

He opens his eyes to glare at the alpha who still seems expectant.

“Wha— what?” San grits out, squeezing his thighs tightly, hoping to relieve some steam with the pressure.

“Are you sorry?” Mister Jeong asks. His voice is weirdly stable for someone who looks like that.

San is ready to obey, to bare his neck, desperate to please his alpha, but his lips move on their own accord. “What for?”

Mister Jeong glowers, straightens up, and steps back. San misses the warmth almost immediately, panic coursing through his veins. He lurches forward to pull the alpha by the neck with shaky hands, pushing himself into his space. 

“I’m sorry, okay. I’m sorry,” he whispers against the alpha’s lips, pressing hurried and desperate pecks.

Had he been in his right mind, San would have been horrified at how pathetic he sounded and acted. He doesn’t know what he’s apologizing for, but he repeats the words over and over until the alpha’s expression melts into a smile and kisses him back.

San could die like this, rubbing his pussy all over the alpha’s thigh as he is kissed senselessly. He could, really, but the alpha’s cock presses into him, and yeah, it is huge. 

San needs that in his mouth.

He presses a last loud kiss and pushes the alpha who steps back easily, allowing San to crouch down. He doesn’t waste any time teasing him, immediately zipping his pants open and pulling his underwear down, jerking back to avoid the cock springing out on his face. Trimmed at the base, his pretty cock curves up, pink and glistening at the tip. San wants to kiss it so he does so, almost affectionately, pausing when the alpha hisses his name. His last name.

It is so ridiculous that San laughs.

He plants another kiss at the tip before nuzzling his cheek against the length, relishing the warmth and inhaling deeply into the musky yet sweet smell. San drips in his underwear.

“I'm about to suck you off. Please call me San,” he whispers against a bulging vein before giving it a tentative lick, working his tongue to the tip where precum oozes. 

“Fuck,” the alpha says, throwing his head back. “Then, call me Yunho.”

San hums, too focused on the task at hand. The precum confuses all his senses. There is a bitterness to it, but it is barely an aftertaste under the sweet aroma. He licks his lips, deep in concentration before his eyes lighten up. 

Honey. 

He can't believe Mister Jeong, or Yunho tastes and probably smells like honey. San can't stop licking. Yunho grits out more curses when San takes the tip between his lips to suckle like a lollipop. He tastes like one. San is all giddy at the idea of tasting Yunho’s cum. He can't help but wonder what his slick would taste like, combined with Yunho’s cum. He needs to know.

San gives a few licks and pulls away, using Yunho’s thigh to steady himself. Yunho doesn't protest, eyes filled with curiosity. 

San hesitates a demi-second before opening his zipper, his cheeks burning up as the scent of his slick grows stronger.

He looks down but feels Yunho tense. It is the only bit of encouragement San needs to open his legs wider and shove his hand into his panties. His breath itches as he rubs his folds then his hole, coating his fingers with as much slickness as possible. He can't help but let the tip of his finger slip inside, a soft whimper falling from his lips. 

Yunho’s cock twitches. “Good?” he rasps out, carding his fingers through San’s hair in a gentle caress.

And… listen.

San is a simple omega who thrives on head pats. It’s been months since he's received one from an alpha, so sue him. He isn't to blame when slick gushes out of his hole or when a smile tugs at the corner of his lips as he looks up to meet Yunho’s burning gaze. 

This is more than good.

San’s reply turns into a moan as his distracted hand grazes his sensitive clit, sending a jolt down his spine. 

He realizes belatedly how loud that was, but that's just what San likes to do. Everything is a performance in bed. Or, in the toilet, rather.

Yunho shushes him, pushing his cock slightly against his lips. 

San pecks it mindlessly as an apology. He pulls his hand out of his panties, holding it up in evidence with a proud smile. His fingers are covered with dripping slick, his strawberry scent almost palpable as it spreads further in the room. Yunho’s nostrils flare up, eyes darting between San’s hand and face.

San doesn't leave Yunho any time to speak before grabbing his cock. The reaction is immediate.  He jolts back as if electrocuted, his eyes wide open as San smears his slick all over the length.

San loves doing this because first and foremost, he loves his slick. He also keeps in mind that most alphas go crazy over this for some reason. Most alphas, not all, San learned that the hard way. So, despite his cheeky grin, he keeps an eye out for any sign of discomfort coming from Yunho.

But the alpha gives nothing away. He is obviously turned on, his cock twitching every so often, more precum oozing from the tip, but he is otherwise frozen in time, expression blank.

San’s throat tightens, his hand slowing down as regret clogs his throat, his omega howling in pain. 

If he didn't before, Yunho probably thinks he is a freak or something, now. He opens his lips to apologize, but Yunho growls low in his throat, startling him out of his imminent breakdown.

“You’re so fucking hot, baby,” he whispers, carding his fingers through the omega’s hair.

Thank god.

San is so relieved he barely registers the words, his grip tightening as he resumes his earlier hand motions and soon enough, the stall fills with Yunho's low grunts. San licks his lips, admiring his work. So pretty. Yunho’s cock glistens with pre-cum and slick.

It is admirable how in control of himself Yunho is, though. A bit insulting, too. 

By now, most alphas would have forced their way down San’s throat, but Yunho barely budged the entire time. He has his head thrown back against the wall as he bits his lips to hinder his moans.

San pouts, but it only serves as fuel to push the other over the edge. He loves a good challenge. He gives no warning and takes Yunho’s cock into his mouth. He tries to aim for the base, but he should have known better because Yunho is big and San’s gag reflex is passable on a good day.

As soon as the tip hits the back of his throat he jerks back with a loud gag, blinking his tears away. His already hurt pride takes a blow, and it doesn't help that Yunho picks up on it almost immediately.

“It's okay, baby.” He pats his head and coos, but San blocks his voice out.

It is not okay.

He will take it to the base, have Yunho lose his mind, and come down his throat. If he has to embarrass himself, be it. He opens his mouth wider, forcing his throat to relax as he slips the cock between his lips. This time, he takes his time and allows himself to lick, his face lightening up at the taste. 

“Good?” Yunho asks again, his grip tightening in his hair.

San hums happily, before forcing himself on the length, slowly, but it isn't enough because he is forced to pull away halfway through.

“Slowly, Sannie,” Yunho mutters, his hand pushing San’s bangs away. 

Humiliation courses through his veins, straight down to his pussy where he's gushing with slick but he nods and dives back in. Despite the poor job, Yunho moans and whispers praise that compels him to try again and again despite the shame and the tears in his eyes.

Eventually, it hits the back of his throat, his nose buried deep in Yunho’s pelvic hair.

Proud, he looks up. Nothing could have prepared him for the sight that is Yunho’s face right now— a total whiplash from his usual carefree expression.  

Yunho curses, gripping at his hair to keep him there. San gasps or tries to, his throat opening and tightening around the girth. He breathes through his nose, but all he can smell is Yunho’s deep musky scent that leaves him even more light-headed. 

They don’t move for a few seconds, the silence broken only by their harsh breath and Yunho’s grunts. San thinks he’s going to pass out, but the alpha lets him jerk backward eventually.

San takes a shuddering breath, blinking his tears away. He jerks Yunho off to the best of his ability, which is poorly, he knows even through his fucked up brain. Of course, it doesn't satisfy Yunho who pushes his cock against San's face. He nods and takes him back in his mouth and bobs his head slowly to give himself some time to clear his head. Yunho doesn't let him have this moment either. He grabs his head, guiding him to a steady rhythm.

Yunho mutters praises and sweet nothings that would have San fall in love immediately if it weren't for the situation at hand.

“San,” he gasps. His name sounds so good in his breathy voice. “Look at me.”

San obeys, looking up to meet the alpha’s blown eyes, hollowing his cheeks around the length. Yunho is blushing everywhere, and if he wasn't full of cock, San would have laughed.

“You're doing so good,” Yunho coos, stroking San’s face gently.

San hums and swallows around his cock, pleased to feel it twitch in his throat. Yunho’s hips buck forward, most likely without meaning to because he mutters an apology. It sounds empty because the next thing San knows, Yunho tries again and pushes his cock down his throat. 

San chokes with an obscene sound but doesn’t relent, willing his lips to stretch wider to accommodate the sudden thrusts as he breathes hard through his nose. The movements are sudden, and San can barely focus. He is going crazy. There’s saliva accumulating in his mouth, slipping past his lips and intertwining with the tears rolling down his cheeks. Despite all this, he stays still, obedient, and content to let the alpha take control. 

Finally. 

Yunho hisses, dragging his cock slowly in and out, in and out. As soon as San gets used to the rhythm, he speeds up, his thrusts growing hectic as he seemingly loses himself in the feeling, closing his eyes. San allows himself to be used, his brain floating away. The sharp sting of Yunho’s balls slapping against his chin is the only thing keeping him on his toes.

“I’m coming, San, I—” Yunho warns with a moan. 

San barely registers his words, but his body moves on its own accord as his throat tightens with a loud moan. It takes a few more seconds for Yunho to tense and, with a final deep thrust, he comes down San’s throat. San swallows everything, though he doesn't have any choice as Yunho pushes his head hard against his pelvis with a groan.

He gives a last good thrust, looking down with stars in his eyes. His grip loosens, allowing San to pull back with a loud gasp, his breath so hot it turns into steam as it meets the cold air. He finally inhales through his nose and mouth, leaning against Yunho’s thighs, uncaring of the twitching cock against his forehead.

He is half disappointed at the realization that Yunho didn't knot his mouth— which means he is not in a rut. San gulps. If this is Yunho in his normal state, he doesn't want to know how he acts during his ruts. 

He blinks. He would have loved to rest a bit longer, but they’re in a fucking toilet and his knees are burning. He stumbles on his feet with Yunho’s help.

“Did I do good?” San asks. It was good, but he craves confirmation. Otherwise, he'll break into tears. 

“You’re amazing, I—”  Yunho’s words die in his throat, and he looks just as overwhelmed as San feels.

San is pulled into a kiss, and it surprises him but he stays pliant in the alpha’s hold. The taste of cum intertwined with his own slick cling to his tongue, but it doesn’t deter the alpha. If anything, it seems to egg him on, his grip tightening around his waist. San barely registers anything, content to just exist under Yunho’s care and attention. He doesn't react when the alpha’s fingers trail under his shirt, then lower until they're a breath away from his underwear.

San tenses, writhing into his hold. He grips Yunho’s hand, a bit hazy as he is reminded once again of how big it is. “What are you—”

“You didn't come,” Yunho says matter-of-factly.

San swallows. He could die with how much he wants Yunho to touch him, but he is burning, unable to voice his needs. Instead, he shakes his head slowly. “It’s okay.”

“No, I'll be quick,” Yunho chastises.

He licks his lips and leans down for another kiss, swallowing San’s whiny protest. Yunho grabs San’s ass cheek and squeezes it. The omega moans, eyes fluttering shut. Their shared body heat is way too hot, but San feels at ease basking in the warmth.

When Yunho pulls back, there's a string of saliva between their lips. San thinks it's cute. He shouldn't feel giddy over fucking saliva, yet here he is. 

He doesn't fight the urge to lean for another peck. His stomach swoops when Yunho meets him halfway before chuckling and resting his forehead against his. 

“Please,” he says. “You’ll feel so good.”

His eyes are wide open, almost imploring as he runs his hand up and down his arm, leaving him shivering. San suspects Yunho wants to do this for his own pleasure. He pouts, hiding his face in the alpha’s chest where he inhales deeply. His scent is faint, the same honey he tasted around Yunho’s cock. San wants to snatch those freaking scent blockers away.

He gulps, and before he knows it, he is talking. “I— I didn't shave.” 

San hasn't had sex in a while, and he definitely didn't think he'd have Jeong freaking Yunho’s hand down his pants today, during a field trip in a supermarket’s toilet stall of all places.

Yunho stares, unimpressed. “I don't care, Sannie,” he says, delivering a good-natured slap on his ass, chuckling at San’s gasp. “Come here.”

Yunho manhandles him around, drapes himself over San’s back, and places his chin on his shoulder. 

San complies readily, warmth spreading in his chest. Yunho knows what he's doing— the position makes San’s omega feel protected, and his breath tickling San’s scent glands makes him go limp. Yunho circles his waist with an arm and this time, his hand trails into his underwear without interruption. The alpha's cock rests against San’s ass, and he can't believe he's already hard. 

Yunho doesn't seem to mind as he presses open-mouthed kisses against San's neck, a breath away from his covered scent gland (thank you Wooyoung).

It sets San’s entire body ablaze, his legs shutting up instinctively as a gush of slick drips down his pussy. Yunho tuts, prying his legs open with his own.

Suddenly, San regrets their earlier position. He can't hide in the alpha’s chest and he feels exposed and vulnerable. No one can see, but facing the door is nerve-wracking.

Still, he obeys and tries to open his legs a bit wider.

Yunho’s fingers stroke his pubic hair like it’s a pet, his chuckle loud when San hisses at him. He doesn’t linger there for long, his fingers parting around his clit as he finally inches lower. The pad of his fingers rubs his folds gently before spreading them open, eliciting more slick to drip. 

“You're so wet,” Yunho whispers in his ear.

San’s tongue is heavy in his mouth, preventing him from voicing his growing frustration. Yunho's fingers are gentle, too gentle and San isn't surprised when they come to a stop. He is when Yunho pulls his hand out. San lets out a loud guttural whine, his grip tightening around the teacher’s arm. He hates being teased. He turns his head to protest, but his words die in his throat when he meets Yunho’s intense gaze. 

Yunho shamelessly brings his glistening fingers to his nose, inhaling deeply.

San chokes out, a mix of horror and disgust but especially embarrassment at the smell of his arousal. He tries to reach out and push the hand down, but Yunho’s already licking his fingers and groaning loudly.

San watches, mouth gaping. 

“I love strawberries.” Yunho grins, clearly proud of himself.

San should hit him for being so corny. Instead, he melts into Yunho’s arms, buzzing with excitement. Yunho kisses his temple, his fingers immediately finding solace back between San’s pussy lips. He pushes them open, stretching his hole only to snap his fingers back together, pinching his folds along with his throbbing clit. San lets out a high-pitched sound as Yunho’s finger trails lower and slips easily inside. 

San does everything in his power to not let his instincts take over— his omega is going crazy, and Yunho isn't helping.

“I wish I could eat you up,” he whispers against his neck. His breath is warm and San feels like he will explode as the alpha twirls his finger inside before pushing further.

“No,” San mewls, closing his eyes. 

Yunho hums, nipping at San’s neck, next to his scent glands. “You're so tight, fuck.”

This is dangerous, so dangerous, but San doesn't have it in himself to care. Yunho pushes another finger inside, and San wants to protest because they're too big, and he's going crazy.

Then the main door opens.

They freeze. San’s breathing hard as the footsteps stop a bit further. He tries to calm down, but it is impossible with two fingers buried deep inside his cunt. He prays for Yunho to stop, and he does until the person enters a stall and starts doing their deeds. 

Yunho places his hand against San’s mouth, and suddenly, his fingers are moving, scissoring him open. 

San shakes his head, mortified at the prospect of being heard. He has never been quiet during sex, and even with the hand over his mouth, he would never be able to stay quiet. 

Yunho shushes him, barely audible, but loud in San’s ears.

Tears well up in his eyes and San is sure he hasn't cried so much in a long time. 

Yunho’s fingers pick up speed, pushing deep into his cunt and it is too much. San arches, trying to get away and grind into the fingers at the same time, but Yunho holds him in place. San can't protest, pleasure coursing through his veins. He twitches at each move, especially when Yunho curls his long fingers and probs his walls, searching for his most sensitive spot. 

San is proud of himself at how quiet he is once Yunho finally finds it, smiling against his temple. His knees buckle under his weight, his whole body buzzing, but he is quiet and a good boy.

Faintly, San hears a toilet flushing and relief washes over him. 

Unfortunately, Yunho is evil. He decides this is a good opportunity to nudge his forgotten and throbbing clit, his fingers grinding against his erogenous zone. San tenses, his legs clamping shut with a loud moan. He tries to stop himself, his own hand clasping hard over Yunho’s, but his high-pitched moan is already echoing against the walls, loud and clear. And embarrassing.

Yunho’s fingers pick up speed, coughing to hide his laugh. 

San hates him.

The person goes away quickly without washing their hands— gross, but San wonders if they've been caught, his pulse quickening.

“You were too loud,” Yunho mutters, confirming San’s doubts. 

He mutters a sorry against the alpha’s hand as shame washes over his body. Either because they've been heard by a stranger or because he is being scolded, he doesn't know.

San also wonders if Yunho lost his mind. His tongue is more insistent as he licks his neck, right over the scent blockers. 

Everything is too much. 

The tongue, the hand over his mouth, and the finger moving with the obvious intent to make him come now.

Yunho finally lets his face go, allowing him to make as much noise as possible. To San’s horror, his hand is messy with drool, and he wants to apologize but Yunho pistons his fingers harder, hitting his sensitive spot with each thrust.

San loses control over his body and mind at some point.

“Yunho, please,” he whimpers, his voice high and pathetic. “Alpha,” he begs, barely registering his own words. He just needs to come.

Yunho’s breath itches, his wet hand slipping under his shirt to pinch his nipples. San doesn't know where to focus as Yunho grinds the palm of his hand in hard circles against his clit, arching uncontrollably into the touch, the telltale signs of his orgasm already hitting him full force.

“Doing so good,” Yunho praises, pressing a few kisses over his temple. He is so gentle that San feels like breaking down. 

Yunho slaps directly against the throbbing clit, one, two, and just like that, San comes hard, biting his lips in a failed attempt to drown out his moans. His vision turns white as he goes slack, curling into himself with the force of the intense orgasm, his legs finally giving out.

Yunho catches him with a yelp, his fingers still pressing into San’s clit as he works him through his orgasm. 

San’s mind is numb, content, and slipping away as Yunho showers him with praises and kisses. He is way too tired to react as Yunho pushes him against the wall to grab some paper. 

San can't believe the alpha is crouching down to wipe him down there, but he does. His movements are almost clinical and innocent if it wasn't for the blatant staring or the persistent pressure against his clit that pulls a trail of no, no, no from San’s lips. He trembles when the alpha presses a kiss on his inner thigh, way too close to his pussy. He doesn't miss how he practically breathes into him, before pulling his underwear and pants up and cradling him in his arms.

San wants to sit down, but he remembers that they're in a toilet stall. He closes his eyes, as he is rocked softly— or he thinks so until he registers Yunho rutting against him. He doesn't mind, pleased to hear the alpha's throaty moan a few seconds later. 

San made him come twice. In his mouth and his pants. Yes, he is proud of himself, even though they just acted like two hormonal teenagers.

They stay like this for a while until Yunho’s phone rings, startling them apart. Hands trembling, Yunho grabs his phone.

“I— uh, it’s Wooyoung,” he stammers, turning his phone to show him.

San’s heart lurches in his throat. Yunho’s eyes are still wide in pleasure, his hair a mess, and his clothes crumbled. It is obvious what transpired here. 

San must be even worse. He brushes his hair back into place, feeling suddenly self-conscious. Why is Yunho still looking at him like he's the most beautiful person he's seen? 

He feels disgusting.

“You should answer,” San says, wincing at how rough his voice is.

Yunho nods, bringing the phone to his ear with a soft hello.  

San doesn't know what to do except stand and watch him. He considers stepping out of there but he truly feels disgusting, and despite Yunho cleaning him, his underwear is wet, sticky, and cold.

“Really? We didn't notice,” Yunho says into the phone, glancing at San.

San’s earlier shyness forgotten, he undresses. Thank god, his pants are baggy enough to go over his shoes without a problem. He cringes at the rush of cold, ignoring Yunho’s surprised yelp as he turns around to give him some privacy.

The alpha practically saw everything already, but San is grateful as he takes his panties off.

“I'm okay, yeah. We're coming. I mean we're arriving,” Yunho chokes out. 

San huffs out a laugh. Yunho’s ability to have this face and manage to be ridiculous is amazing.

“Start packing up. Ah, there's a kiosk I think, let's meet there?” Yunho rushes to ask but he hangs up immediately.

San wonders why they're already packing up. They were supposed to stay in the park for another two hours. 

He puts his pants back on with a wince. It isn't comfortable and still a bit wet, but he prefers this over his drenched panties.

“Are you— uh, are you done?” Yunho asks after a beat of silence.

“Yeah, sorry,” San replies sheepishly allowing the alpha to turn around. 

It is practically comical how Yunho’s eyes zero in on his underwear.

San cowers back against the wall. What is he going to do with that? He can't even think of a logical and appropriate reaction, shame burning the last remaining of his brain cells. He glances at the trash can, but Yunho steps forward to block his view.

“Give them to me,” he blurts out.

“What?” San croaks out, hiding his underwear behind his back almost protectively.

“You were going to throw them away,” Yunho stammers. “I can keep them for you until we're back at school.”

“What, where?” San asks, ears ringing. “They— the smell is—”

“I have my bag,” he argues, tripping over himself to grab the strap of his very expensive-looking satchel bag discarded on the freaking bathroom ground.

San opens his mouth to argue because he has a ton of excuses as to why Yunho doesn't have to carry his slicked-damped underwear around Seoul. He won't miss them and if anything, he would love to burn them and erase any proof of this encounter. 

But any excuses would fall short because this is exactly what Yunho wants, and San’s omega is itching with the need to please, to comply, and give the world to their— the alpha.  

San feels lightheaded, buzzing with contentment as he presents his underwear to Yunho who snatches them away with an as equally if not even more trembling hand.

“Thank you,” Yunho whispers. His entire face is red and he sounds grateful as if San just offered him a gift.

Well, it is a gift. A courting gift more exactly, but San doesn't want to dwell on it or he'll combust. Instead, he steps out of the stall without answering.

He doesn't dare to look in the mirror as he washes his hands.

-

They barely talk as they adjust themselves and dash out of the store, head hanging low. They reeked of sex, and San thought it would be a good idea to hide the smell with his perfume. It is a good idea but Yunho now smells like him in every way— his slick, his spit, and his perfume.

Not only that but it is raining, and after a bit of back and forth, San accepts Yunho’s jacket.

Yunho is not complaining. His alpha is, for the first time in a while, satiated. Seeing his omega draped in his clothes is satisfying. And he has San’s freaking underwear in his bag. He can’t wait to get home.

Despite how high he is, he forces himself to snap out of the weird daze San put him in. He doesn't want to lose his job and he certainly doesn't want to lose San.

San who is now ignoring him with a permanent pout, hiding purposefully well under his umbrella.

The attraction is mutual but San is so confusing sometimes.

“San, uh, Mister Choi,” he calls out, tripping over his words. Should he revert to calling him Mister Choi? He doesn't want to.

San acknowledges him with a hum but fails to meet his gaze. Yunho falters in his step, his pulse quickening. 

Does San regret it? He seemed to have enjoyed it, earlier.

Yunho considers what to say because he will not fuck this up. They've been playing this game for long enough. Well, it’s only been three months, but he can’t go through that again, waiting around to get noticed only to be discarded again. 

Yunho takes a deep breath. “I— uh did you like it?” His grip tightens around his umbrella, averting his gaze when San finally glances up. “I mean, I liked it, and yeah. If you're interested, I mean, I thought you liked it.”

San finally shifts his umbrella to look him in the eyes before bursting out laughing. “Wasn't it obvious?” 

Yunho wants to defend himself. Yes, he's got San coming around his fingers, yes, he got his panties, and yes he called him fucking alpha, which is insane and gets him all giddy just thinking about it. Though, does any of that mean anything when they’re walking a length arm apart under a different umbrella? In any other case, Yunho wouldn’t worry, but this is San he’s talking about. 

Yunho grits his teeth to keep his bubbling frustration at bay. “Okay,” he says slowly. “So?”

Can we meet for coffee? Or something?

He has an endless list of things to say but the words stuck in his throat. He cannot say this to San’s blank face.

Yunho is always left wondering what is going on in San’s head. He gets whiplash each time they interact, forcing him into silence. Any wrong word will pull the balance the other way and they'll be back to square one.

But the silence stretches out so long that Yunho has to stop himself before spitting out a petty never mind and storming off.

His thoughts come into a crash when San halts his pace to close his umbrella before grabbing Yunho’s hand to pull him to the side of the street. The contact sends a spark of warmth down Yunho’s spine, his frustration washing away just as soon as it came. 

His heart soars as he adjusts his umbrella to cover them both— a bit more towards San, but no one has to know. He wills himself to calm down because something is lingering in San’s eyes. 

Yunho holds on tight almost instinctively, painfully aware that San is once again slipping through his fingers. His impression is only solidified as soon as San sighs and starts speaking.

“I’m sorry, Yunho. I had fun, I think that much is obvious.” He smiles but shakes his head as he leans against the wall. “But I need some time.”

Yunho just got turned down. It is a first, it stings, and he has to swallow down whatever threatens to come out from his chest— a howl, a cry, a growl, he doesn't know but it pulls at his heart like a bitch. His alpha goes awry for a bit so he closes his eyes to take a minute to center himself. 

San doesn't help when he strokes a thumb over the back of his hand, but Yunho doesn't push him away. He craves it and he doesn't want to scare the omega away. He’s frustrated, but he can't fuck it up now. 

Though, tries as he wants, he can't stop the bitter thoughts escaping his lips. “You’re going to avoid me again, aren’t you?”

“No. I just need some space.”

Yunho gazes at him, studying San’s face as he considers his words. 

How is this different from avoiding?

In the back of his head, Yunho knows he should let go. He should forget him because, yeah, they would form a beautiful family but San is just another shitty omega playing with an alpha’s feelings.

Yet, he clings to San’s words like a lifeline, repeating them over and over in his mind until the storm that brews in there settles down.

I need some time.

I just need some space.

For once, San maintains eye contact until Yunho sighs, defeated.

He brings San’s hand to his lips and presses a gentle kiss, his eyes trailing up to see the goosebumps appearing on his arm. 

“Please don’t lead me on,” he whispers against his skin, and he knows it is unfair, but San has been unfair, too.

And he is still being unfair, apparently, because he rolls his eyes, pulling his hands away with a pout. “I never led you on because you never said anything.”

It is a losing battle so Yunho doesn't argue. He is now well aware that San is stubborn and doesn’t like being confronted. 

“Can I kiss you?” he asks instead. 

San straightens up, his eyebrows twitching. Yunho slumps forward and flutters his eyes with an exaggerated sigh. He is ridiculous, but it works. 

San visibly deflates. “Just a bit,” he says, but his words are barely audible as Yunho pulls him into a searing kiss. 

If they weren’t in the street, Yunho might have kissed him ten thousand times. 

For now, he kisses him, just a bit.

San’s cheeks are burning as they resume their walk to the park. Under the same umbrella, for some reason, because Yunho insisted. 

Once again, San should've said no. It is intimate and way too romantic for his heart. They're so close, Yunho makes sure of it, his hand hovering over San’s waist every two seconds to keep him under the umbrella.

Luckily they were only five minutes from the park, and they rushed straight to the kiosk where the students are lined up in pairs, their discussions filling the air despite the loud rain.  

San practically feels the heavy gaze of the other parents, shame curling in his guts as he detaches himself from the alpha’s hold and scurries to the side. He waves at Haena with a forced smile, ignoring Yunho’s gaze.

The alpha doesn't say anything and claps his hands to grab the pups’ attention. He takes the lead from Wooyoung easily, giving directions with a measured voice. As if he wasn't fingers deep into San’s cunt thirty minutes ago.

It is kind of hot if San was honest.

Despite the curious glances, no one questions their earlier closeness.

No one, except Jung fucking Wooyoung who beckons him over. His grin makes San pause and cross his hands over his chest. He can already imagine Wooyoung’s reaction once he figures out what happened and he is not ready to endure the teasing. 

Wooyoung doesn’t give him much choice, pulling him to the corner, hopefully far enough from prying ears.

“So?” he asks, voice hushed but excitement barely concealed.

San can't help but throw a glance at Yunho who’s now talking to some omega. San squints his eyes before turning back to Wooyoung.

“Wha— what do you mean, ‘so’?”

Wooyoung deadpans, his eyebrow rising but San’s attempt at nonchalance doesn't waver. He purses his lips, pointing at San's exposed collarbone and then to his attire. 

Realization dawns on San with a bucket of shame.

San pulls Yunho's jacket higher to hide the hickey, his cheeks burning. He glares daggers at the alpha, but this time it is warranted.

He hates his life and he hates Jeong Yunho.