Chapter Text
“Hwang Jeongguk!!”
The second Jeongguk heard Mrs. Hwang yelled out his name, he jumped out of his skin, cursing under his breath because he forgot to take care of the laundry again.
He was explaining the concept of the oppression of omegas to Dong-myeong, and he was at the most important part.
He couldn’t leave the discussion at that, not when the 10 year old was finally understanding the oppression omegas faced in the society. What if he left and Dong-myeong got confused, what if he gets the wrong idea and turns out to be nothing but a submissive omega?
Jeongguk wouldn’t forgive himself if that happened.
His mission was not to scrub floors in the foster care, but to raise a generation of omegas that can take care of themselves.
“So Dong-myeong-ah—“
“Hwang Jeongguk!” Came Mrs. Hwang’s screeching voice, right behind him. Jeongguk didn’t dare look back, but he knew well enough that her face was already red in anger.
“Yah, turn around! I called your name.”
Jeongguk gulped down, trying to put on a brave face, he smiled at Dong-myeong who was watching in curiosity about what might be Jeongguk’s fate. He probably had already forgotten everything he had told him about omega oppression.
What a waste. Jeongguk thought to himself.
Then he sighed, not wanting to anger the woman any further and finally turned to face her wrath.
His smile stretched into something friendly, something innocent and sweet. “Yea, Mrs. Hwang?”
“Why are the bed sheets not washed yet? Didn’t I specifically tell you they need to be ready by noon?” Then she pointed to the window, where a set of white sheets were still in a basket, waiting for Jeongguk to wash them.
Oh, right. Jeongguk mentally face-palmed himself.
“You see, Mrs. Hwang,” he laughed nervously, “I saw Dong-myeongie here. And when I saw his face, he looked really sad. And you know how much I like my brothers and sisters here. So my heart felt worried, and I rushed to see what’s wrong with him.”
Mrs. Hwang raised her eyebrow, clearly not believing Jeongguk’s balderdash. Truthfully Jeongguk didn’t sound convincing to himself either.
He should’ve prepared a better lie for this.
“Oh, really?” Mrs. Hwang smiled, and Jeongguk immediately knew this wasn’t a kind smile, but one that promised of an upcoming trouble. Mrs. Hwang turned towards Dong-myeong, “Is that right, Dong-myeongie? What were you sad about dear?”
“Mrs. Hwang, don’t be insensitive, you can’t ask him that—” Jeongguk immediately shut his mouth upon the glare Mrs. Hwang threw him.
Dong-myeong sniffed, turned to look at Jeongguk in question. Poor boy must’ve been confused as to what to say. “Ah…”
“You know we don’t lie here, Dong-myeong-ah. I taught you that well enough, right?” Mrs. Hwang said, “you know what happens in this household when people lie, right?”
Jeongguk felt it deep in his bones that the threat was not meant for him.
“Jeongguk wanted to teach me the history of omega depression.” Dong-myeong said without hesitation.
Jeongguk rolled his eyes, he wasn’t surprised the boy was selling him out. Who wouldn’t? When Mrs. Hwang looked at you like that, you would sell out your soul if you could.
Mrs. Hwang blinked, clearly not understanding what Dong-myeong meant. “…what?”
“Omega depression.” Dong-myeong said.
“It’s oppression, you fool.” Jeongguk barked, he couldn’t hold himself back. He spent the whole noon explaining this important topic to a fool, and now he was going to be punished.
All that effort to make the omega a bit more rebellious went down the drain.
“Jeongguk, what’s all this?” Mrs. Hwang said, her calm tone replaced with anger. “You never learn, do you? How many times do I have to tell you we don’t talk about these things here?”
Jeongguk had to hold himself back from rolling his eyes, "I'm sorry Mrs. Hwang.” He apologized, not so regretfully.
“This won’t do. You need to have a talk with head alpha.” She nodded to herself, “he will teach you a good lesson.”
Jeongguk instantly panicked, his ears ringing.
“No— no no no.”
Mr. Hwang, the head alpha of the foster care, was a kind man. But kind to people he favored.
And unfortunately Jeongguk wasn’t one Mr. Hwang even remotely liked.
Jeongguk was troublesome, too hard to take care of, never doing chores the way an omega should.
So Mr. Hwang had all the reasons to not like Jeongguk.
And when Mr. Hwang didn’t like someone he’d make sure to make life a living hell for them.
“I will behave Mrs. Hwang.” Jeongguk fell to his knees, imploring. “I will clean and scrub the whole house myself. I’ll wash all the dishes for a whole month, but please don’t send me there.”
All his begging fell on deaf ears, she wouldn’t budge and Jeongguk knew there was nothing in the world that could change that.
And that’s how he found himself standing in Mr. Hwang's office. Despite the many chairs there, Jeongguk wasn’t allowed to sit there with his worn-out garment that contained too many stains.
His bare feet froze against the cold floor boards and he wasn’t allowed to close the window because when Mr. Hwang comes in he wants the room to smell of fresh air.
He had no idea when the man would arrive, and that worsened his anxiety further. So he did what he knew the best, he closed his eyes, and slowed down his breath.
Inhale, exhale.
And that's how he was taken to the woods, deep deep in the forest where its leaves had turned orange, yellow and brown.
In the forest of his imaginations, Jeongguk had found a lake. He calls it the lake of shining waters.
The lake is where Jeongguk is taken to his ideal world. And at that moment Jeongguk yearned to be taken to a world where he was somebody’s son. A world where he belonged to a family that loved him deeply and took care of him.
So in his imagination, Jeongguk swam inside the lake, let the lake pull him down down down until he could finally see a warm cozy house, a dinner table full of delicious food, and two people who sat at the table, calling Jeongguk’s name, telling him to come to dinner.
It was nice, it warmed his heart just at the same time as it stabbed it with yearning.
Jeongguk felt a little confused as the loving voices of his imaginary parents turned into something more demanding, something urgent and a bit cruel. Then he felt a hand pushing down the lake, got him by the collar and dragged him out of the world he didn’t want to let go.
Jeongguk came to his senses, his eyes blinking open, vision slightly blurry. But, he could make out the figure of Mr. Hwang, shaking him out of his reverie.
He blinked and focused his eyes on the figure in front of him. He cleared his throat, smiling sheepishly. “Hello, Mr. Hwang.”
“Sleeping while standing, are ya?” The alpha snorted, but he didn’t seem amused at all. More like condescending.
Jeongguk had learned that from a book.
“That’s some talent you have.” Mr. Hwang said.
“I wasn’t sleeping, Mr. Hwang.” Jeongguk clarified, “it’s called daydreaming. I go to this lake, and jump in it, and there I go to any place—“
“Maybe you should take a seat.”
“I am sorry, I know what I did was wrong— wait, what?”
Well, that was a first.
Mr. Hwang never told Jeongguk to sit on the chair.
“I said,” Mr. Hwang smiled, although Jeongguk could see it was a hard feat for him. “Take a seat, Jeongguk-ah.”
Now that was scary, and Jeongguk didn’t feel good about it one bit. But he didn’t want to anger the head alpha so he took a seat, the farthest one from him.
“So… I have some herbal tea here. Let me make you a cup.”
That set the alarms in Jeongguk's mind, because he couldn’t understand why Mr. Hwang was being strangely kind to him. It weirded him out, because he knew there was no good intention behind the man’s action.
“Mr. Hwang, there’s really no need—”
But he only waved his hand dismissively as he poured water from the kettle.
Jeongguk gulped nervously, his brain was already conjuring up thousands of images of what might happen next.
He wondered if Mr. Hwang was going to poison him with the herbal tea, watching him die a painful life while he laughed at Jeongguk.
Or worse. Maybe that tea was going to change Jeongguk into an alpha, so Jeongguk is stronger and does all the household chores himself.
What if he wanted to trespass into Jeongguk’s forest? Poisoning his lake so Jeongguk can’t go into different worlds anymore and he is stuck there, forever in reality.
“Ehem.” Mr Hwang cleared his throat loudly, and Jeongguk’s attention bounced back to reality. Something he avoided way too much for his own good.
Mr. Hwang slid forward the cup of tea, and Jeongguk watched with a startle that he had used the special cup for him.
Yep, I am definitely going to be turned into an alpha. He thought to himself.
He stood up with shaky legs, and took the cup from Mr. Hwang's desk. “Thank you.” He mumbled quietly.
Jeongguk sat back on his chair. Avoiding eye contact with the alpha and instead he watched his reflection distorting in the tea. He wondered what kind of poison was inside.
“I didn’t poison it if that’s what you were wondering.” Mr. Hwang said.
“You can hear my thoughts?” Jeongguk blurted out, panic rushing through him.
“What— no, I'm not.”
Jeongguk sighed in relief, “that’s good. Because, Mr Hwang, as much as I respect you, I couldn't have let you near my lake.”
“What lake?” Mr. Hwang asked, but then he shook his head. “Nevermind. I wouldn’t have understood even if you explained it to me. So just drink the tea, Jeongguk.”
Reluctantly, Jeongguk complied and took a sip of the drink. It tasted good, which confused Jeongguk to no end. Weren’t the herbal teas supposed to be bitter?
“You’re wondering why it tastes good, huh?” Mr. Hwang chuckled.
Jeongguk opened his mouth to protest about Mr. Hwang invading his brain and listening to his thoughts, but bit his tongue and nodded instead.
“They are from Bukchon Valley. You’ve heard of that before?”
Jeongguk shook his head and took another sip of the tea. He had to hold himself back from chugging it down in one go, because this drink is meant to be enjoyed. Meant to be tasted carefully. It wasn’t some random tea Mrs. Hwang made when Jeongguk had a bad cold. It was something Jeongguk's ideal family would give him every night before sleep.
Jeongguk sighed in content. “So tasty. Where is Bukchon valley, Mr Hwang?”
“Oh well, it’s a bit far from here, and it takes half a day to get there. But it’s a beautiful village. Full of lovely people. I went there once myself.”
Jeongguk nodded in fascination, eager to hear more of Bukchon Valley. This felt like good material for his daydreams.
“People there are mostly farmers, and they harvest their own crops too. One of the villagers brought in a lot of grain a while ago.”
Mr. Hwang paused for a moment, gauging Jeongguk’s reaction.
Then, he said, “do you want to go there, Jeongguk-ah?”
“I uh—“ he gulped nervously, “I mean— it seems like a wonderful place there. I would love to, but—”
“If I said you had an opportunity to go there, live a nice life, would you take it?”
Jeongguk frowned. What was he trying to get at?
“Opportunity?”
Mr. Hwang sighed, his patience for Jeongguk clearly running thin, but it seemed like he was holding himself back from lashing out like he normally would. “There is a family looking for someone who could help them around the farm.”
“Oh…”
“But there is a problem, and that is something we have to solve, and keep it a secret between us.”
“What… what is it?” Jeongguk leaned in, curious.
“These people are specifically looking for an alpha. So we gotta do something about that.”
Jeongguk’s eyes widened like saucers, he snapped his eyes towards the tea that was almost finished.
He knew it. He knew this was the plan all along.
As if on cue he felt sick immediately, and felt his body acting strangely.
“I knew it. I knew you were going to change me into an alpha when you gave me this tea.” He stood up with shaky legs, feeling his head dizzy.
Mr. Hwang was looking at him in confusion. But in his imagination, Jeongguk could see two big horns sprouting from his head. He imagined him laughing a monstrous laugh, his figure growing larger and larger until it loomed over Jeongguk like a menacing threat.
“Jeongguk.” Mr Hwang called his name and everything vanished immediately. The horns, the gigantic body and the villainous laughter.
Jeongguk was never brought back to reality so fast.
“It is scientifically impossible to turn an omega into an alpha. Stop with this nonsense and sit back down immediately.” For the first time in that meeting Mr. Hwang’s tone was finally changed into a cruel one like it usually is.
“Oh.” Jeongguk said blankly, his chest feeling lighter, traces of sickness long gone. He cleared his throat in embarrassment. “So… how are you going to send me as an omega when they already want an alpha?”
Mr. Hwang smiled, and it sent an ominous shiver down his spine. His intuition told him he was by no means going to like Mr. Hwang’s plan.
“It’s very simple actually. The whole thing will be solved with one tiny little lie. You just say you are an alpha, and then you’ll get your one-way ticket to Bukchon Valley.”
Jeongguk looked at Mr. Hwang for a while, cogs turning in his head. Then he let out a snort which led to a burst of laughter. “Mr. Hwang, how can you say such a thing?”
He laughed some more, while Mr. Hwang watched him patiently, and at the same time not so patiently.
He sure as hell was going to get in trouble if he didn’t get himself together.
Eventually his laughter subsided and he took a deep breath.
“Suppose I lie and say I am an alpha. My scent is the giveaway that we are lying.”
That’s when Mr. Hwang put a small tin on the desk.
Jeongguk looked at him in question.
“What’s that?”
“This is called a scent blocker.” Mr Hwang pushed the container towards Jeongguk. “Just what we need to hide your scent.”
Jeongguk took the container and examined it, it looked just like any other ointment. But this was the first time Jeongguk had seen a scent blocker.
“So like, I just have to put this on my scent gland?” He asked skeptically.
The thought of hiding his scent made Jeongguk feel uneasy. He loved the way he smelled of vanilla and lavender.
Mr. Hwang nodded. “It will last for a day though, so you must apply it regularly if you don’t want to be caught.”
Jeongguk bit the inside of his cheek, “that… is not a tiny lie anymore.”
“Well, maybe. But who cares, Jeongguk-ah? You’re getting a way out and it’s a win for all of us ain’t it?” The head alpha said, exasperated.
Jeongguk smiled, but his heart broke a little. He already knew he was not favored in this household. He knew the two of them were looking for ways to get rid of him.
And it hurt. It hurt because he wanted to belong somewhere, but the only place he was stuck in was just a small house with people who couldn’t put up with him.
But still, it also felt wrong to lie like this. Jeongguk, despite his many flaws and shortcomings, was not one to pretend. And more importantly, if a family were to take him in, he didn’t want to begin a new life with a lie.
Jeongguk sighed wistfully, “it’s just… it’s not right, Mr. Hwang. Weren’t you the same person who taught me it’s not good to lie to others?”
Mr. Hwang laughed, a loud boisterous laugh that bordered on hysterical. “Oh, Jeongguk-ah. You are funny sometimes.” Then he stood up and moved around the desk, walking towards Jeongguk and sitting on the chair next to him.
Jeongguk had to stop himself from flinching, because the heavy smell of leather invaded his senses in an unpleasant way. “Listen to me, boy. You are not going to like what I have to say but I think you need someone to knock some sense into you.
You are a burden here. An omega is supposed to help us around the house chores, you not only don’t do that, but also cause more trouble for Hee-jung and other omegas. What’s worse is that you spend the time you should be working on blabbering nonsense about omegas.”
Jeongguk swallowed the lump forming in his throat, refusing to cry in front of this man, in front of an alpha.
“I understand. You don’t want me here.” Jeongguk said.
Mr. Hwang sighed, then he patted Jeongguk on his shoulder. “You are not a bad kid, Jeongguk-ah. But I think you need a better family to teach you things we weren’t able to.”
Jeongguk sighed heavily, nodding his head. He turned the scent block in his hands, looking at it thoughtfully. “Okay Mr. Hwang. I understand what you want. I guess— I guess that’s what I want too. A new life. It’s for the best, isn’t it?”
“I’m happy you finally understood, Jeongguk-ah.” The alpha patted Jeongguk on his back, “it is for the best, after all.”
+++
That night Jeongguk went to bed without eating dinner. Not that anyone asked him to join him for the dinner table either. It seemed like Mrs. Hwang had forbidden all the kids from talking to Jeongguk, because not a single kid said goodnight to him as it was time to get ready for sleep.
So Jeongguk hugged the ragged doll tighter, the one he hated for its ugliness and the musty smell that assaulted his nose. But still, it was the only thing that made him feel less lonely that night, so he took whatever comfort he could get.
Funnily enough he woke up early the morning he had to leave, and not because Mrs. Hwang would come yell at him every time he overslept. This time it was his body not letting him sleep too much.
He didn’t know how long he’d been staying in his bed like that, staring off at some spot on the ceiling. His mind was weirdly blank. He wasn't thinking about anything particular. He just lay there and let the silence around him settle a peace in his chest. Eventually, the anticipation of how the day would turn out was what drove him out of bed. He sneaked a glance out the window to see that the sun was about to rise. A shiver ran down his body, he hugged himself against the cold, the robe he was wearing was so thin it barely protected him from the early morning chill.
He poured the water from the pitcher, washing his face, all the while shivering when the cold water hit his face. He then dressed in his long shirt, trousers and suspenders, and then buttoned up a waistcoat worn pale from years of use.
A weird sense of nostalgia rushed through him as he packed his stuff up, which was very few in number. Just another pair of worn out trousers, a few books and a patchy old hat.
And of course, the scent blocker that was on his bedside table. He looked at it for a while, the sight of it bothering him so much. He didn’t feel good that he was starting his new life with a lie, moreover he didn’t want to miff the people who were taking him in. But at the same time it wasn’t like he had any other choice than to lie.
Eventually he plucked the courage and applied the substance on his scent glands, hating the cold contact against his skin.
He didn’t feel any different, but he noticed the occasional whiff of his scent had disappeared just after a few moments. And he hoped that it was enough.
Eventually he saw himself out, holding his carpetbag and the patchy hat on his head, he’d put it on for good measure because he wanted to look presentable. On his way out it was only Mr. Hwang who gave him a cold, empty farewell.
He also gave him a note bearing the name and the station he had to get off, Mr. Hwang told him the man coming after him will be wearing a plain black suit and a hat. He was a man in his sixties, a beta, and his name was Jeon Myungsoo.
Jeongguk had already memorized the name by heart. He hoped the man he will meet will be someone kind and gentle.
Mr. Hwang had gotten him a carriage to take him to the train station. Jeongguk got on, and took one last look. He was startled when he noticed two of the kids had already woken up, looking at him from behind the curtain. Jeongguk smiled, his heart warming up, and he waved at the kids goodbye.
He left the foster home, putting all the memories behind and carrying only hope for the future.
+++
He had got off the train minutes ago, sitting on a bench, his feet dangling off. He was getting impatient, energy buzzing with anticipation of seeing Mr. Jeon.
So when he felt like he was on the verge of being overwhelmed, he closed his eyes, took a deep breath and tried to slow down his racing heart. He pictured the same forest, the lake of shining waters and dived deep into the lake. Where he could imagine his ideal world forming.
This time he imagined himself in a tea party, wearing fancy clothes, something opposite the faded waistband he was wearing. Now the people in his imagination had a name.
The Jeon family.
Jeongguk smiled, as he tried to guess what Myungsoo would look like.
He imagined him in different appearances, but none of them satisfied him.
Until he heard someone clearing his throat, and Jeongguk was once again brought back to reality. He opened his eyes, and was met with the chest of someone. He had to raise his head to see a man looking at him in question.
“Oh. Hi.” Jeongguk chirped, brightening up all of a sudden. “Are you Mr. Jeon?”
The man nodded silently. But the look on his face showed he was a bit skeptical. “And you are…” he said with a low gruff voice.
“Hwang Jeongguk, sir.”
“Ah…” Myungsoo nodded, “but, you look so frail. Are you sure you can handle hard tasks on the farm?”
Jeongguk opened his mouth to say yes, he can handle all kinds of tasks given to him. But that was far from the truth. Not sure how he would sound if he spoke, so instead he settled for nodding.
Myungsoo nodded once again. To Jeongguk, he seemed like a man of few words, but his appearance didn’t reveal anything cruel about him. Jeongguk trusted his intuition, and he felt immediately comforted in the beta’s presence.
Jeongguk hopped on the carriage Myungsoo had brought with himself, and Myungsoo helped him with his carpetbag.
The road to Bukchon Valley was everything Jeongguk had dreamed of and more.
It was early summer, the leaves were a beautiful green and the sun was shining brighter than ever and he could hear the birds chirping happily.
Immediately he forgot about all the heaviness and worry in his chest, resorting to enjoy the view instead.
“Ahjussi, it must be nice living in Bukchon Valley, right? I heard so many good things from Mr. Hwang.”
“I suppose it’s nice.” Myungsoo hummed. He spoke very little but Jeongguk never felt he was being hostile towards him.
“I can’t believe I am finally having a house to myself. Oh, if only I had a room for myself. Something big and cozy just like the one I always imagine, but oh— I wouldn’t mind if it’s small either, Myungsoo-ssi. I am not picky, of course. I will keep the room tidy, too.”
Surprisingly, Myungsoo only laughed under his breath, “You certainly have a lot to say, don’t ya?”
Jeongguk felt a blush creep on his face, and he rushed to apologize. “I am sorry, Myungsoo-ssi. I do have a habit of talking a lot when I am excited. You must forgive me, I will try my best to not speak." Then as they passed by a shepherd waving at them, he felt like he couldn’t hold it in. “Maybe talk less. You see, ahjussi, it’s very hard to stay silent when there’s so much beauty around me. You must allow me to talk a little about the beautiful scenery around me at least. It would be a shame if no one complimented the trees on their beauty, right? What if we offend them and they don’t bear delicious fruit anymore?”
Myungsoo nodded, “I suppose you’re right, Jeongguk-ssi. You may compliment the trees as much as you like.”
“Oh, thank you.” Jeongguk exclaimed in happiness, reaching to hug the man. “You are very kind, Myungsoo-ssi, has anyone ever told you that?”
“My wife said that two or three times, I guess.” Myungsoo said, clearing his throat, suddenly shy.
Jeongguk sighed, leaning back as they passed by the beautiful views. “I never saw these back in the foster house. The most beautiful thing there was just a big willow tree. But then the rude alphas in the house always carved nonsense on its trunk.”
“They did?”
Jeongguk nodded. “They are so rude, ahjussi, they always bully the omegas just because they think they can.”
Myungsoo hummed in understanding, "I guess alphas can be like that sometimes.”
“Sometimes?” Jeongguk said, flabbergasted. “Ah Myungsoo-ssi what a nice world you must be living in to have good faith in alphas. I, for one, have lost hope in alphas— there was a good word I learned in a book that describes my feeling really well.”
Jeongguk waited for Myungsoo to spare him a glance.
“I loathe alphas, Myungsoo-ssi. Loathe them from the bottom of my heart.”
Myungsoo chuckled, “That seems like a strong emotion for a child like you.” Then after a pause he added, “it’s a shame, though. If you hate alphas so much, how are you going to live with us?”
“Huh?”
“Miran— my wife. She is an alpha.”
Now that made Jeongguk gasp in surprise, “Oh, ahjussi, don’t misunderstand me. Of course I have no problem with your wife. I was just— I was just saying—”
“It’s okay, Jeongguk-ah.” Myungsoo assured him in his calm gentle voice. “You must’ve gone through hard experiences to form such a strong opinion of alphas. I hope meeting my wife can help you see the world in a different way.”
“I… I hope so too.” Jeongguk said, feeling slightly embarrassed.
Myungsoo, sensing him becoming more withdrawn, changed the topic. “So tell me more about yourself. What did you do back in the foster house?”
“Oh, I helped around with the household chores. And I had the honorable job of teaching the children a very important topic.”
“Hm? Do enlighten me.”
“Oh well, for example, I was teaching Dong-myeong about the oppression of omegas. You see Dong-myeong is an omega, but he lets the other alphas in the house bully him so easily. He keeps saying oh no I am an omega, how could I ever stand up for myself?” Jeongguk pinched the bridge of his nose, as if simply remembering Dong-myeong’s words frustrated him. “Ah, ahjussi, it bothers me so much. So I spent hours, hours teaching him how the omegas are oppressed so alphas can easily overpower them. But then Mrs. Hwang came and you know what he said?”
Jeongguk paused for dramatic effect.
“An omega DEPRESSION!!!” He exclaimed dramatically.
For the first time during their ride together, Myungsoo let out a hearty laughter. “Wow for an alpha you sure care about the omegas around you.”
Jeongguk felt a panic zap through his body because he had forgotten about the big lie in the excitement of his new surroundings. He laughed nervously along with Myungsoo. “I guess I am.”
They spent the rest of the ride in silence, Jeongguk watching the beautiful scene. It was getting closer to evening so the air had chilled a bit.
“Oh! Oh! Wait wait what’s that?” Jeongguk exclaimed suddenly. He pointed frantically to the lake that was surrounded by many trees. “That is— oh good god. That is the lake of shining waters isn’t it? It’s real, I knew it.”
Myungsoo tugged on the reins to stop the horses. “Huh?” he asked, then raised his eyebrows in understanding. “Oh, that one? That’s just the lake, Jeongguk-ah. It has no name.”
“But how can such a beauty not have a name.” Jeongguk asked. “Well, I guess it was waiting for me to name it, don’t you think so, Myungsoo-ssi?”
Myungsoo nodded in agreement, “lake of shining waters, you said?”
Jeongguk hummed, “yes, isn’t it beautiful? It’s the exact thing that I see in my imagination, Myungsoo-ssi.” Then he sighed dreamily, “ah i wish i could see it from closer.”
“Ah well, it’s getting late. It’s not safe to go there in the dark.”
“Oh, well, that’s a shame.”
“I guess I can bring you around some time earlier to see it up close.”
“Oh, you will?” Jeongguk said, his eyes welling up in gratitude. He reached to give Myungsoo a hug, making sure he hugged him hard enough so he understood the depth of his emotions. “Ahjussi, how do I thank you? Words can’t describe how happy I am right now.”
Myungsoo, stiff as ever, only cleared his throat, and nodded his head. “Of course.”
Eventually after long hours, they arrived at Bukchon Valley. Needless to say, not a moment passed without Jeongguk gasping in surprise at the beautiful fields and herds of animals.
The Jeon household was a beautiful house, with wide windows looking out over the valley. Flowers grew along the stone path, and smoke rose from the chimney. The yard was big, with fruit trees and small gardens, serene and calm, just like the valley itself.
“Oh, is this gonna be my future house?” Jeongguk sighed dreamily. “How lovely it is to live in such a beautiful house.”
“Suppose it is.”
“Hello, Myungsoo-ssi.”
Jeongguk turned around abruptly as he heard someone walking towards them.
It was a boy around his age, maybe even older, Jeongguk assumed. He had a slightly muscular build, something one could achieve by doing hard labour too often.
“Oh, Jimin-ah.” Myungsoo greeted him happily. “How have you been?”
“Doing great. Just keeping the farm running as usual.” Then he looked at Jeongguk in question, “is he the new alpha?”
Jeongguk took a step back, feeling defensive all of a sudden. He could smell the scent of cedarwood as Jimin walked towards him.
His tanned skin and heavy accent, strongly built for someone at his young age, and more importantly the cedarwood that invaded Jeongguk’s senses more and more as Jimin approached made Jeongguk sure that he was an alpha.
Which was the first strike for Jeongguk to not have a pleasant first impression of him.
The second strike came when Jimin held out his hand and shook Jeongguk’s in a bone-crushing hold. And that bright smile of his… Jeongguk couldn’t understand what an alpha like him had to be smiling about.
“Hello, I am Park Jimin.” He said with his strong accent, still shaking Jeongguk's hand. “What’s your name, kid?”
Kid.
Jeongguk snatched his hand out of Jimin’s strong grip, fighting the urge to massage his throbbing hand because he didn’t want to appear weak in front of an alpha.
“Hwang Jeongguk.”
“Oh… well soon to be Jeon Jeongguk, right, ahjussi? I heard you’re adopting him.”
Myungsoo nodded wordlessly.
“Well, Jeongguk-ssi. How old are you? I don’t think you are younger than me, right?”
“Fifteen.”
“Ah, as I said I am older than you. I am seventeen. You can call me hyung by the way.” Jimin said, ruffling Jeongguk’s hair.
By that time Jeongguk was almost fuming at the way Jimin treated him. He was almost sure his scent was everywhere, because he was that angry.
The third strike that made Jeongguk sure he hates Jimin was when the boy leaned in, frowning as he sniffed Jeongguk’s scent.
“Wait, wait.” Jimin said as he stepped closer and sniffed Jeongguk’s scent once again. “Wait, you’re not an alpha. This is not an alpha’s scent.”
Jeongguk’s eyes widened, his heart pounding in fear.
How could he have managed to forget he’s supposed to be an alpha twice?
More importantly, how did he forget to reapply his scent blocker?
He was in big, big trouble.
“Myungsoo-ssi.” Jimin called out, much faster before Jeongguk could actually stop him. “Didn’t you say you wanted to adopt an alpha?”
Myungsoo approached them, confused at Jimin's question. “Yes?”
“Are you sure? Cause this guy right here sure isn’t an alpha.”
Jeongguk couldn’t stop the way his scent changed and filled all his surroundings because he couldn’t contain his emotions. “That is none of your business.” He snapped, “how can you be so nosy in people's business?”
“Wait, wait.” Myungsoo said, despite his confusion, his tone was still gentle when he spoke. Jeongguk saw Myungsoo taking a sniff of the air, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “I did sense a hint of lavender back there. So it was you after all.”
“Yah, hwang Jeongguk. Are you really an omega?” Jimin said, his friendly demeanor no longer visible. “Did you really lie to ahjussi?”
“What? No, of course not— it’s just—“
He was interrupted as the front door opened and a woman in her mid-sixties came out.
She was wearing her hair in a tight bun, her hair had grayed out.
The wrinkles on her face suggested she had spent a hard life. She didn’t look one bit kind.
Jeongguk gulped down in anxiety.
“Oh, Myungsoo. You came back.” She said, then her eyes fell on Jeongguk, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. “This is the alpha they sent you? Really?” She came forward, gripping Jeongguk's arm and examined him. “He looks so frail, doesn’t he? How is he— wait. Wait, wait. Why is he—“ she took a sniff of the scent surrounding them with a frown. Her confusion turned into shock in less than seconds.
Then she turned towards Myungsoo, “he’s an omega?” She exclaimed. “You brought an omega to this house?”
Jeongguk flinched at the way the woman’s scent turned smoky in anger. “Myungsoo! Explain yourself.”
“Ah, well. Even I am confused, Miran.” Myungsoo said his demeanor a total opposite of Miran’s. He turned towards Jeongguk, “Jeongguk-ah, what’s happening here?”
Jeongguk felt his eyes well up, and his knees gave out and he dropped to the ground, crying out loud. “Ahjussi, please forgive me. I’m so sorry!”
“Oh god, child, stand up right now, you’ll get your clothes dirty.” Miran said.
But Jeongguk only shook his head, feeling like the world was crashing down on him. “I swear I'm not a liar, it’s just— it’s just— Mr. Hwang told me if I said I am an alpha I can live with you.”
“So you lied to me.” Myungsoo said, “the whole time we were together.”
If he were to look back, Jeongguk would write this down as the moment he is least proud of. He hated, hated how he let down the first person in his life who had shown him genuine affection.
He hated himself for being the cause of Myungsoo’s disappointment.
At that moment, the guilt of it felt like it was crushing his heart.
“I am sorry. I really am sorry.” He said imploringly. “I didn’t want to, but it’s just— he told me about Bukchon Valley, told me how beautiful of a place it is and I couldn't help it. I really wanted an escape out of that house. No one wants me there, ahjussi.”
“This won’t do.” Miran said frustratedly, “get up from the ground child!” Then she turned towards Myungsoo, “we need to take him back. We can’t adopt an omega.”
“Okay, okay, I lied. I know—I’m sorry. But I will do anything you ask of me. I will do it, if not better, then at least as well as an alpha.”
Jeongguk’s eyes snapped towards Jimin when he let out a snort. The glare he sent him was enough to make the boy raise his hands in surrender. “Sorry sorry.”
“There is nothing he does that I can’t.” Jeongguk pointed towards Jimin, “Ahjussi, ahjumma, I may not be strong but I am way smarter than any alphas. I will be of good use to you. I promise.”
“Listen, child. I know you are smart, but that’s not what we need, dear.” Miran said calmly, it felt as though she was trying to remain calm and collected even though the situation seemed to have vexed her. “We need someone who can help us around the farm. You seem like the last suitable person for this job. I mean look at you!” She said while holding up his arm to show how skinny he was. “There’s no way you will endure a day on the farm. That is no easy task, dear.”
Jeongguk opened his mouth to protest, but then closed it because there was nothing he could do at that moment.
He bit his lips, not wanting to cry again, especially with an alpha like Jimin watching the ordeal in amusement.
He nodded his head, sighing defeatedly. “I understand.”
“Hey don’t be like that.” Miran said, taking sympathy. “I’m sorry it turned out this way, you seem like a good child, Jeongguk-ah. It’s just, we have no means of supporting you here.”
Jeongguk nodded, then he raised his head to meet Myungsoo who had been silent the whole time. “I am very sorry for lying to you. You are the kindest person I have met so far, so… I feel very bad that I lied to you. I hope you forgive me, ahjussi.”
Myungsoo opened his mouth to reply, but failed. So instead he nodded, waving his hand in a motion that said it’s okay.
Jeongguk picked up his carpetbag that had been lying on the ground.
That moment reminded him of the epic stories he had read, where the soldiers were defeated gloriously.
Well… there was nothing glorious about his situation, but Jeongguk felt defeated nevertheless.
He dragged his feet back to the carriage, waiting for Myungsoo to take him back to the train station.
Everyone was looking at him in pity. Jeongguk learned for the first time in his life that being pitied was something that he didn’t like at all.
“Ahjussi, can we go now?” He said, with his head held up, even though his face was wet with tears.
“Uh… at least let us invite you to supper, Jeongguk-ah. I am sure you are hungry.” Miran said, sounding unsure.
“No thank you. If I go to your house and see all the things I could’ve had, then I am not sure I will ever survive, Miran-ssi. Even the lake of shining waters wouldn’t be able to help me.”
“Lake of… what?”
“Nevermind.”
“Ah, Myungsoo-ssi, you seem to be tired.” Jimin told Myungsoo, “Do you want me to take Jeongguk-ssi to the station instead?”
“Ha! You wish.” Jeongguk exclaimed, "I'd rather go all the way alone than let an alpha like you accompany me somewhere.”
Jimin watched him with raised eyebrows, as if not understanding what Jeongguk's deal was. “As you wish, mister. Though not sure how a fragile omega like you would handle going all the way back on foot.”
“Don’t. Call. Me. Fragile.” Jeongguk seethed.
To which Jimin snorted. It frustrated Jeongguk so much that Jimin was treating him like that.
Like a bee that couldn’t sting.
Oh, if only Jeongguk had a chance. He would show Jimin what a dangerous wasp he could be.
“Ahjussi? Can we go? I won’t be able to catch the last train if we don’t move now.”
“There is no need for that.” Myungsoo said after a while.
“Of course there is!” Jeongguk argued, “how am I going to get home then?”
“You’re not going home.”
“What?” All three of them collectively said in surprise.
“I said, you’re not going home.” Myungsoo said decisively. “Not when your house is right here.”
“Yeobo!!” Miran exclaimed, “are you out of your mind?”
“Ahjussi…” Jeongguk said breathlessly, “do you mean– do you mean…”
“Yes. We are adopting you Jeongguk-ah. You are now a member of the Jeon family.”
“I am?”
Myungsoo nodded, his warm smile returned to his face when he looked at Jeongguk. And with a startle Jeongguk realized how much he had missed that. “Jeon Jeongguk. You like how it sounds?”
“Jeon Jeongguk.” He said it experimentally, as if he was tasting the words on his tongue.
He liked that. He liked that a whole lot.
“I like that so much.” Jeongguk said, voice shaking with a lot of sentiment. “No scratch that. I love it a whole lot, ahjussi!”
He ran to hug the man, and this time Myungsoo hugged him back too, laughing when Jeongguk started sobbing out loud.
“Why are you crying, Jeongguk-ah? Shouldn’t you be happy?”
“I am happy. These are tears of joy, ahjussi. I am the happiest omega in the world right now.”
Myungsoo chuckled, "I am happy to hear that.”
Jeongguk heard Miran sigh, “oh Myungsoo. What do I do with you and your soft heart?”
Then she walked towards them both, patting Jeongguk on his shoulder. Probably the best gesture of affection she could show. “Welcome to the family, Jeongguk-ah.”
“Thank you. Thank you so much.” Jeongguk said in between sobs.
After a while, just when Jeongguk had calmed down, Miran announced she will get the dinner ready.
Inviting everyone in.
And to Jeongguk’s dismay, the invitation was extended to Jimin as well.
Well, Jeongguk refused to let the presence of the alpha bring down his mood by any means.
He had made up his mind to be the happiest omega in the world on that night.
And no one, especially not an alpha, could change that.
“Here, let me help you.” Jimin said, as he moved to take Jeongguk’s carpetbag from the carriage, Miran and Myungsoo had retreated to the house.
But Jeongguk swatted his hand away. “What do you take me for, huh? I can carry my own bag. Stay away from me, alpha.”
When Jeongguk was met with silence he turned to check and see if the cat had gotten Jimin’s tongue.
But Jimin was only looking at him in wonder, no sign of remorse or his usual teasing visible. Then he let out a deep chuckle, and shook his head, as if something funny had passed through his brain.
“You really are something, aren’t ya, omega?”