Archive of Our Own

July was such a beautiful month. The Clientele was bursting through the doors of his PC bang, the Sun was warm but not overwhelming, and there was a sweet aroma to the air. Just as if everyone was glad to be alive and couldn't help but release some happy pheromones.
Overall, sunshine, lollipops and rainbows.
That's what Suho felt like in this period of time. He entered the PC bang with a beaming smile, and Seongje immediately recoiled like a slug being thrown salt. He was smoking next to the window, looking down at the busy street.

"Seongje! I've bought sweets." He said, and it only took him a minute to realize how buzzy the other was.

His pupils were blown wide, cheeks flushed and everything. Seongje couldn't believe his eyes and his cigarette almost fell from his lips.

"Did the sweets flirt with you or what?" Seongje chuckled, walking closer to the plastic bag he brought. It was coming from a Pastry shop down the street, he knew it because he walked by every morning to get there, but he never stepped in.
The shop opened two years or so after he opened his establishment.

"What are you even saying." Suho rolled his eyes as he opened the box, revealed two beautiful slices of flavored cheesecake. Seongje recoiled even more, he hated sweets.

"You're all flushed. And don't say it's because it's sunny outside, I'm not an idiot." He mumbled, keeping an eye on the clientele.

"Well, that's because of the waiter. It's a shame I had to clock in, we were having so much chemistry." Suho lamented with heart shaped eyes.

"Too bad you have to work to get paid." Seongje mocked him. "I don't like sweets though."

"I wasn't offering." Suho quickly countered, closing the box. "These were made by him by the way. Just for me." He sighed lovingly.

"Get the fuck away from me, I might catch whatever the hell you have." The alpha responded, flicking the ash before he shooed the other away.

He wasn't into this type of thing. Others found it hard to believe because he was an alpha, but he never really had carnal desires. When he had his rut, he would call a partner that volunteered to help him with no strings attached, he only saw this person at this moment. He wasn't swayed by omega pheromones either, and barely noticed them. Ever since he presented, he wasn't receptive to pheromones, that's what the doctor said so he just lived with it.
Seongje just didn't care about something so futile. He had a business to run and just wanted to live his life. If anything, it was a good thing not to be able to react to pheromones, because he could always keep his cool and act the way he wanted. However, that also made him incredibly tone deaf to most social interactions.

In this day and age, people communicated a lot with pheromones alone. You would know when you said something wrong since the pheromones around became bitter, or when your partner was in the mood when it became all sweet and dizzying.
Seongje didn't understand any of that, which brought him to a life of endless solitude. Omegas wanted someone receptive, other alphas wanted someone supportive, and he couldn't be one nor the other.

When the day was over, he closed the place and went out to get something to eat by the convenience store. Of course, Suho was tagging along, as if he didn't have a house to return to. He kept talking about his prince from the pastry shop, an omega with pretty eyes and a threatening aura. Seongje was half listening, rummaging through the ramyeon section.

"Let's grab dessert after. I need to see him again."

"It doesn't close at this hour?" Seongje immediately asked, it was already half past eight, and the cold of the night started to settle.

"They close at nine."

"Most shops don't like last minute customers. Wasn't I supposed to be the tone-deaf asshole?" He chuckled.

"It's not my fault I'm in love!" Suho smacked his shoulder. "Come on, we'll just say hi, we won't even order anything."

Seongje had two bad habits. Smoking, and indulging in his friends’ stupid antics each and every time.
He paid for his ramyeon and they walked towards the pastry shop. The roads weren't any less busy, but at least it wasn't as hot. As expected, they were on the verge of closing, a man was wiping the counter while the other swept the floor.

"It's him, look." Suho pointed to the guy wiping the counter, and he was somewhat close to what he imagined.

"Go, I'm gonna wait here." He said with a sigh, and Suho just complied.

He lit up a cigarette and looked at his surroundings, there was a strange sweet scent in the air, going over the tobacco. He assumed it was because their kitchens were close, but just as he was about to turn to look, a stranger bumped into him.
He was taller than the other staff, yet just shorter enough so that he'd have to look up slightly to meet his gaze.

He was wearing an apron with the shop's logo, while holding a pile of boxes he probably needed to bring to the trashcan.
His eyes were a deep shade of brown, pupils blown and lips slightly ajar when he realized his mistake.

"Sorry, I didn't see you." He said softly, pausing for a second before he resumed his actions.

Seongje didn't answer him, he could barely focus on what to say since the sweet scent was now all around him. It smelled strongly sweet, like he had been thrown into a pot of peach purée. He couldn't say he hated it, but the way the scent seemed to infiltrate his lungs and scatter his mind around in uneven pieces sure was annoying.
Yet again, it probably was the pastries. The guy that was now throwing the empty boxes in the trashcan had some flour on his cheek, which would be cute if he didn't just drag that sweetness out of the kitchen to bother Seongje.

The guy then disappeared as fast as he came, and Seongje surprised himself when his head followed the movement, along with his eyes. He couldn't help himself but stared intently at the way the apron embraced his small waist, and how the scent seemed to grab his attention tightly.

"That was fucking weird." Seongje mumbled, finishing his cigarette.

Suho walked out moments after, all beaming with joy, he looked like he wasn't even walking. He was so whipped.
He looked back to wave at the omega that only gave him a nod of acknowledgement, which just pathetically brought a flush to Suho's face.

"You look dumb as fuck." Seongje commented, eyeing him with disgust.

"See, I was gonna beat your ass but I'm too happy right now." He lightly punched his shoulder.

While they walked back home, Seongje just couldn't push the thoughts of that scent away. It lingered inside of him; it was so strange. He didn't even know he liked peaches that much, he rarely ate any. It made the tip of his fingers tingle with something urgent— almost the same feeling as when he was in need of a cigarette after a long day.
Then he let out a sigh.

"Do they sell peach flavored stuff there?" He suddenly asked Suho.

"Yeah, actually. They've been selling it more this week, I guess because it's the season." Suho explained as he shrugged. "Why are you asking?"

"Let's go together next time."


---

Seongje didn't sleep well that night.
He was basically consumed with thoughts of that man and the scent of peaches that stuck to him, he knew he would need to taste it.
Maybe if he tried it and it turned out to be not as good, then he would finally let it go.

He had the type of brain that just wouldn't let go of something. It didn't happen often, but when it did, it bothered him for weeks. Whether it was hairless cats when he was 9, or spiders when he was 13, he could be passionate about things to the point it would bother him. He had to know everything about it, this was the only way to quench his thirst.

So he wasn't surprised when this whole peach thing made him research if it was the season, and how long it lasted. Even after that, he was still in need of something. He really needed to go back there.

Suho went with him. Not only because he was in love with the waiter, but also because he was a supportive friend.
Even before they walked in, Seongje was hit by the sweet scent, his fingers getting a little tingly again. However, he was already there, standing inside of the pastry shop so he couldn't back down.

There were couples. A lot of couples were sharing beautiful pastries, and that just bothered Seongje in a way he couldn't understand.
He walked straight to the counter to order, he was met with a short Guy with glasses, and a taller one that was making milkshakes a bit further. Then Seongje remembered he was the one from last night, still wearing that cute apron.

A smile appeared on his face before he could contain it, and he didn't care if he was staring too much.

"Hello." The short guy said with a smile, a little confused at the way the customer was staring at his friend.

"Hey, it's good to see you." Suho smiled warmly, looking around for a second. "Sieun-ah isn't there today?"

"No, he had an exam. Gotak is covering for him."

"Yet unfairly not paid twice as much." The guy spoke before he turned, surprised by the sight of the newcomer. He briefly looked at Seongje and acknowledged him with a nod. "Can you imagine how tired I am right now?" He told Suho as he took off his apron. Unfortunately for Seongje.

"It's not even noon yet." Juntae laughed at him.

"Ah, don’t remind me." He grabbed the plate with the milkshakes he just made and walked towards one of the tables.

"Just do your work and stop complaining." Suho laughed, "oh, and this is Seongje. It's my friend."

"I'm his boss." Seongje corrected.

"Oh so that's how it is between us?" Suho pushed him a little, "This is Juntae and Hyuntak."

Seongje was so comfortably sat in the peachy aroma that filled the air he could barely focus. He was strangely comfortable, and the urge to leave quietly died down. Then his eyes found Hyuntak, and didn't lose him again. The clients seemed to love him, all smiling giddily when he came by to take their orders, he wondered why.

He sure was pretty, but it couldn't be all.

When he came back, he looked at Seongje with wide eyes. That was probably the appropriate reaction to being stared at with such intensity by a complete stranger. That was embarrassing for Seongje too, but he couldn't help himself.

"Would you like to order something?" Hyuntak asked, his voice growing a little softer.

Seongje thought about a dessert he could eat easily, but his head felt empty. He really should've prepared better for this moment.

"What do you recommend?" He said, while everything and everyone blurred out in the background. Suho was chatting with Juntae about something, but that didn't matter.

"Uh," he looked down at the display for a second, and Seongje loved the way he bit on his lower lip, thinking about what to offer. "What about peach cobbler? It comes with whipped cream on top." He said.

Do you come with whipped cream on top too? Seongje thought, and he wasn't even bewildered with himself. Somehow, it sounded so natural to want to tell him such things, like he was the one bringing out this side of him.

"Did you make it?" He asked, not wanting to end their interaction so soon.

"Uh, yes. I make most of our desserts." Hyuntak seemed a little proud of himself.

"It looks good." He simply said.

Hyuntak smiled a little and thanked him, "To go?" He asked as he started arranging his order.

Seongje nodded. He was being weirdly quiet and polite, so Suho squinted at him suspiciously.
He grabbed his order, fingers unintentionally grazing over Hyuntak's in a way that made his internal monologue go crazy. His skin was so soft and warm, did he feel like this everywhere?

Why was he being like that? It was so unlike him. Even when he got interested in weird stuff, it didn't do this to him. The sweet and peachy aroma that haunted his mind was one thing, and the pretty Baker making flowers bloom in his chest was another.
The alpha walked out with sorrow.

"You've been acting weird since yesterday." Suho told him as they ate together in his living room in front of the TV. A horror movie was playing, but none of them cared as much as usual.

"You notice things now? Has your brain grown?" He teased him, hoping it would just bring an end to the conversation.

"You fucking asshole." Suho took his dessert away, that he hadn't even opened. "Pissing me off won't cut it this time. Answer the damn question."

"What question? Give it back before I beat your ass." He rolled his eyes and tried to reach for the pastry.

"What's with you looking at Gotak like that?" He insisted, pushing Seongje with his leg while he brought the cobber higher backwards.

"The fuck you mean? Do not piss me off right now."

When he got close to it, Suho just slipped off of the couch like a child. He couldn't believe his eyes. "Do you like Gotak?" He asked plain and simple, and Seongje stared at him.

Then, he laughed. The thought was just so improbable that he couldn't help him. He didn't like him. At all. He only knew his name and where he worked, that was just not enough for Seongje to like him.
Maybe for other types of Alphas and omegas, it was easier to fall in love due to instincts, but he just wasn't like them. He was an alpha, too, but he wasn't as easy as the others. He had control over himself, thanks to being immune to pheromones— and he liked it that way.

There was just no way he liked Hyuntak. He just liked the pastry shop and the peachy smell it held between its walls, just like any other person would.

"I don't like him, I just like their desserts." He shrugged. "Now give it back."

"You said you hate sweets like two days ago?" Suho countered. "And you keep looking at him like.. I don't know but it's creepy as fuck!"

"Okay, let's just open it and see if I like it." Seongje was so fine with him. "Stop yelling like a fucking lunatic in my living room."

"Okay, fine." Suho handed him the slice. "I want to see you eat it."

Seongje grimaced. ".. And I'm the creepy one?"

He opened the box and was underwhelmed with the lack of aroma. It wasn't as strong as it was in the shop, and clearly not as sweet; he even brought it closer to his nose, but it was the same thing. He almost wanted to throw it out, because it was just not what he was looking for. There had to be one that smelled exactly like what had been haunting his mind and making him hungry for it.

"What's wrong?" Suho asked, and Seongje took a bite.

"Nothing. Let's just go tomorrow again." He was so calm about it, probably not as shocked as Suho at such a change of behavior.

"What? Why?" Seongje didn't stop eating, despite usually being disgusted by sweets. "I mean I would go to see Sieun, but why would you?"

"And why don't you mind your fucking business?" His reaction was definitely childish but at this point, that's all he could say.

He finished the whole thing and possibly had the best sleep of the century.


---


Going back was the best decision of his life.
Even if he was dissatisfied with the cobber from last night, he had enough money to try one pastry a day until he would eventually find which dessert smelled so good.

Hyuntak was very talented and the fact he was the baker was one of the reasons he always finished them. It just looked like he put so much love and attention in the small slices, and that didn't go unnoticed to someone as attentive as Seongje.

"Oh, it's you again." Hyuntak told him when he arrived at the counter. "Seongje, right?"

The alpha had to physically look away from his gentle smile not to die on the spot. How could someone be so fucking charming?

"Yes." He simply said, shoving his hands in the pockets of his black and red windbreaker.

"Did you want something in particular today?" He placed a piece of cardboard in front of him. "I got a menu in advance."

The attention brought a smile out of him. "Thanks." He held it, touching his hand in the process again, but purposely this time. He watched Hyuntak’s face turn a little pink, and before he could comment on it, a customer called for him.

"Just a second." He excused himself, walking over there.

He wasn't only pretty, he was also considerate. Now Seongje wondered about his caste.

He had a peach pie that day. It didn't smell the way he wanted, but he still finished it. Something about Hyuntak’s pastries was how light they were; they weren't as sweet as other shops would make them, but they were soft and warm, they felt just like a hug would.

It really made him change his stance about desserts.

---

"Something smells good there." He told Suho as he watched him sweep the floor after a long day.

Suho looked at him with relief. He was finally talking. "Good? How?"

"Peaches. I have to find out where it comes from." Seongje explained, lighting up his nth cigarette of the afternoon. "When I find it I won't think about it anymore."

"That makes sense." Suho frowned, that wasn't the answer he was waiting for; but again, Seongje tended to be a bit obsessive sometimes, this wasn't out of the ordinary.

He remembered when they first met. Suho was looking for a part time job and he found this place. Decent distance from his apartment, good pay, and most importantly, they were hiring in urgency. Seongje was playing in a corner, testing a computer he just bought. It was supposed to be too old, overheating after barely 30 minutes, but Seongje just wouldn't throw it out. He kept it somewhere for some reason, and that was one of many occurrences.

So when they started visiting the shop each and every day of the week, hoping to find which dessert was the origin of such a wonderful smell, Suho didn't think further. He couldn't deny it smelled like peaches in there, but Seongje apparently needed something very peculiar.

"You must like peach desserts." Hyuntak commented on their fifth visit, handing him a box of peach pavlova. "I mean, since you visit so often."

"I only like yours." He said with a simplicity that shouldn't have existed.

Hyuntak smiled a little, shaking his head. His cheeks turned pink and the scent of peaches became a bit sweeter, "I don't know if you're being serious when you say stuff like that."

Seongje frowned in confusion, Hyuntak barely looked him in the eyes and he didn't like it. "It's only the truth."

"Ah, well.. it's nice to hear." Hyuntak shrugged, his smile widening. Seongje thought that was the prettiest thing he saw in his life. "I made you a drink today." He said, handing him a milkshake. It was creamy, orange and pink at the bottom, with sprinkles on top.

Usually, Seongje would never drink something so sweet. But he thought maybe for now, since Hyuntak had probably made it while thinking of him, he could allow it.
He felt giddy on his way back home.

---



"That's starting to look like a crush." Suho concluded as they were once again, closing the PC bang.

Seongje didn't roll his eyes as hard as he did last time. He didn't sigh as loudly either. "He's cute." He said quietly.

"What!? What did you just say?" Suho laughed, getting closer as he grabbed his shoulders, shaking him from side to side. Seongje didn't have the strength to push him away.

"Yah! Get your paws off of me." He scolded, but he let him continue because it somehow made him feel like it wasn't a bad thing.

Admitting that he was cute wasn't the same as proposing to be his boyfriend or something. He wouldn't go to such lengths, and Hyuntak was probably an alpha too, so it was only logical if he never made a move. Seongje was probably getting ahead of himself with such thoughts, but it wasn't that bad. Hyuntak was someone easy to like.

He was like a ray of sunshine. Everyone orbited around him as if he was the sole source of light in a snow storm. Sometimes during his visits, he would notice customers get flirty and even leaving their numbers on napkins. Hyuntak was polite when he declined, but it sure did stroke his ego with the way he beamed afterwards. Seongje really found him cute.

"You're very popular." Seongje commented once, staring intently at his focused face while he was making a latte.

"Yeah, kind of." Hyuntak laughed, clearly taking pride in it.

"Oh, don’t fake humility on my behalf." Seongje teased him.

"I'm not faking it, I just don't really care about that."

"Saving yourself for that special someone?"

Seongje wasn't serious when he said it, but somehow, Hyuntak paused as if he'd stepped on the wrong tile. Seongje needed a cigarette.

"I take it you don't believe in stuff like that?" He mumbled, finally looking up at him.

Seongje ran away from his deep brown eyes like they were a vortex trying to pull him in forever. "There's a lot of stuff I don't believe in."

"Yeah, you look the part."

The air was so tense Seongje was struggling to breathe correctly. Hyuntak walked away, probably to receive some customers. He didn't understand why a shiver ran down his spine, unwanted and displeasing.
All of a sudden, he was pissed and itched for a smoke, as well as apologizing. What for? He wasn't sure.

All he knew was that he hated this feeling.

When Hyuntak came back, he had a strange look on his face. "So.. what do you want today?"

"What do you think?"

"You've gotta start picking your food yourself." He mumbled, even though he still picked up the menu to choose something.

"I trust your judgement. You look like you know about sweets." Seongje couldn't help himself. Since he was so nice, it made sense he would know how to pick them, also there was the fact he liked the feeling of Hyuntak choosing something just for him.

A smirk appeared on his face when Hyuntak's cheeks flushed lightly, the unease from earlier vanishing completely. "Sure, okay." He played it cool, but Seongje could just feel he was flustered by that.

"It's good you don't care about their numbers." He suddenly brought back to the conversation, and Hyuntak frowned a little. "That would be annoying if you did."

A silence settled comfortably between. That was the most honest Seongje had been in weeks, he had issues believing himself. There was something relieving about it, nothing was at stake now, it was just him and Hyuntak, customers chatting in the background, and honesty.

"Why?" Hyuntak asked him.

"Because that would mean this isn't special." Seongje slipped a piece of paper forward, with his number written on it.

He probably didn't look like it, but he was boiling with embarrassment. If Hyuntak refused this right now, he would never be able to look him in the eyes again. There had to be a meaning behind all these days of chatting and looking at each other with the intensity of a laser. Even if he didn't find where that scent was coming from, at least he'd have made a friend.

"You're so weird, Seongje-yah." He shook his head as he put his number in the pocket of his jeans. "How could I not care about that."

The smile he gave him sent butterflies straight to his core. "I'll text you."

"I'll text you back."

---


He almost tried everything by now. The last time he went in, he was alone. Suho somehow managed to get a date with Sieun, so he took the day off. Was whatever he had with the omega more important than his job? Probably.
Seongje himself took much more breaks to come by and get his silly desserts.

Or rather his daily dose of the peachy scent.

And of Go Hyuntak.

He walked in and his nose scrunched up when he noticed one of the reasons he came was missing. The air was strangely empty. Of course, it smelled sweet, since they still made pastries there, but the signature scent of peaches was gone. Seongje's stomach dropped without warning, he just felt like walking out until he heard a familiar voice.

"This is supposed to be my day off. You know that right?" Hyuntak said, in civilian clothing.

He was wearing a blue hoodie, dark pants and looked like he was glowing. How long has it been since Seongje last saw him? Two days? Still, it felt like a reunion after an eternity.

"I know, just show me one last time!" A guy with red hair held his arm, shaking it with desperation.

Their closeness rubbed Seongje the wrong way.

"Ask, Juntae, I'm gonna be late." Hyuntak pulled away from him, and faced Seongje when he went past the counter. "Oh, Seongje-ah." He smiled, whatever bad mood he was in dissipating immediately.

"So you're off the clock today?" He still sounded slightly bitter, because of the previous interaction he witnessed.

"Yeah, I have a doctor's appointment." Hyuntak pushed his hands inside of his pockets. "But I'm fine though, it's just a checkup."

Seongje was reassured, so he stepped a little closer. There were no more peach desserts exposed behind the glass, he understood he probably missed the chance to find what smelled so good in here. The scent was gone too. Seongje was surely going to be disappointed for weeks.

"Peach season is over, I suppose?"

"Yeah.. it was busy yesterday and we sold everything." Hyuntak answered simply, and then they slowly started walking out as if they had made a silent agreement.

Just like that, a month and a half had passed. Seongje didn't even realize it, because he had grown used to this by now. Here he was, gaining a new habit when he was supposed to use it to stop thinking about his previous one.

Hyuntak could almost hear the disappointment in his voice, so he touched his shoulder softly, trying to bring comfort. "But it's fine, just come over when you want, I'll make you something." He suggested.

It probably was a lot for what they had at the moment, but Hyuntak couldn't bear to witness the slight pout on his face. "You shouldn't suggest something like that with that face of yours." Seongje chuckled, his eyes burning holes through.

"Yah, I'm just being nice." He immediately took his hand away from him, and Seongje missed its warmth.

"You're always nice." He added, insisting on bringing full color to his face. "Just don't be too nice to other guys, they might get the wrong idea."

Hyuntak, who was supposed to be running late, paused in his tracks for a moment when he heard this. That was just Seongje; saying something and then the opposite, everything that went through his mind without thinking of it first.
Even if he wanted to, he couldn't stay stoic with how unpredictable Seongje was, and it kind of edged him. He really didn't know whether to indulge or back off before he'd get a wake-up call. Those often hurt so bad.

"And you won't?" Hyuntak asked him, his head tilting to the side.

"Not unless you want me to." He shrugged, taking a cigarette out of his pocket. "Do you?"

"Seongje-ah, it's—" Hyuntak fully blushed now, and Seongje stepped closer. "I don't understand you."

That was a little annoying, knowing how he looked like a scared kitty being backed into a corner when he was the one making such mild advances. He let the guy from earlier wrap his arms around him like it was nothing— and it probably was different, but still. Was Seongje really that bad?
At this moment, he wished he could have a hint. He wished he could breathe in his pheromones and understand what feeling he was exactly trying to convey, what reaction was really being brought out of him.

"It's fine." He then stepped back, finally allowing Hyuntak to breathe. "I guess I got ahead of myself."

"I'm just confused... I mean, you just appeared one day and kept coming. Every time I felt like you were here for me, you just acted like I was just imagining things." He explained, voice all soft and dizzying.

"I wasn't coming to see you at first." Seongje admitted, letting the smoke drag all the way down his lungs. "Then I guess I started doing it without realizing."

"What were you here for?" Hyuntak was a little confused. Not many people came in without a purpose.

"I don't know, maybe a spice or something. I wanted to try all of your stuff to know exactly what it was." Now that Seongje explained it to someone that wasn't Suho, he understood how silly he sounded.

Hyuntak let out a laugh, and oh, wasn't it the most beautiful sound Seongje had ever heard. His eyes closed and dimples appeared on his cheeks, Seongje wanted to kiss him all over.

"You can't be serious." He shook his head, but Seongje didn't budge, just looking at him with that satisfied smile because he was the one that pulled that laugh out of him. Not that red-haired twit. "You didn't need to go that far. Just describe to me what it smells like and I'll make it for you."

"I wouldn't know what to compare it to." Seongje answered. "The only thing I haven't tried is.. peach chiffon pie."

"Come by and I'll make it for you." Hyuntak concluded without hesitation.

"So that's a date?" Seongje asked, flicking the ash.

Hyuntak hesitated for a moment, "Yeah." He smiled, and then they parted ways because he was really going to be late now.


---


Hyuntak entered the hospital later on and got to the doctor's office. She was the one he had been seeing for years, so there was a bond of trust between them that went over the Caregiver-patient one.

He rubbed his nape, felt the scent patch still tightly hugging his skin and was a little reassured. Hyuntak knew it wouldn't fall off, but with the luck he had, it might even explode if he wasn't careful.

"You're late." She told him simply as he sat in front of her as per usual.

"Yeah.. something came up at my job." He lied, well.. half-lied.

"Sure." She sighed, checking his patch. "How are you feeling?"

"Great. I feel so much better now."

"That's a good sign, it means you can go back to wearing them. Just not all the time." She instructed, there was some more to it than care and Hyuntak knew it. Accusation.

"I know, I know." He nodded, understanding what was at stake.

Hyuntak was an omega. That's just what he was, but he struggled to accept it for his whole life. He had worked on his body to be tall and strong, wore patches like a second skin and took suppressants at a dose he knew was unhealthy.
He didn't want to be an omega, never wished for it. How was he supposed to just accept that the trajectory of his life would be changed forever and there was nothing he could do about it?

He had to give up on taekwondo because it was swarming with alphas and their scents were messing with him. He had to give up on his girlfriend at the time because she said she would've preferred to be with a beta. Which was perfectly understandable, but hurt nonetheless.

Hyuntak started punishing his body for it, which backfired in the worst ways. He became incredibly sick, suffered in ways that kept him awake at night, crying and cursing whoever got to choose what he was supposed to be.
It worried his friends and family to see him ruin himself like this, but what was he supposed to do?

Every time he was in heat, he became helpless and couldn't control himself. His body suddenly decided he didn't deserve autonomy, and if he didn't have Baku to help at the time, he didn't know what he could've done to himself. That need was burning under his skin, making him shiver and writhe with cold sweat running down his body. The worst part was the slick. It was so much and Hyuntak just didn't know what to do with it.

His life became so much better after the unhealthy antics— but not for long.
Being sick and exposed to his peer's opinions were even worse than an unexpected heat in the summer.
He couldn't stand to look at Juntae and Sieun and tell them he hated being an omega, when they both were, and seemed to be living comfortably. He felt horrible when it clicked to him that this wasn't a punishment, it wasn't the worst thing that could happen to him, it wasn't the end of the world. It was just life.

The world was changing and people were doing their best to change their perception of castes. Omegas weren't weak, nor fragile, and Sieun was a good example of that. They weren't stupid and scared all the time, because Juntae wasn't any of those things. Hyuntak didn't need to be any of those things either, he didn't need to change because of that. He could be who he wanted, unapologetically.

So he did, and got better.

It turned out he could still do taekwondo with other Omegas and betas, he could still be hot-headed and fight just as well, he could still stand his ground. There was something for him in this world, whether as an Omega or anything else.
Even though it wasn't that easy, because his heat cycle and scent glands were all messed up, he could accommodate being an omega and it wasn't too late.

Hyuntak had issues keeping them in check. Overwhelming his friends more often than not, when he was excited, and becoming bitter than citrus when he was annoyed. His perception of other's scents too, when he became painfully aware of how it was just a casual part of life. Everyone brought their own aroma to the table, and it merged into this messy smell that irritated him.

When the peach season arrived, summer was banging at his doors like an obsessive ex, and he realized he could walk out and nobody would notice his scent. He could merge in the crowd like a ghost, the worst that could happen was the stares of someone with a more sensitive nose. Luckily, that was rare.

He started working at Baku's shop around that time; so, the peach scent in the air could be confused with the sweets, and he didn't have to focus too much on his pheromones.

"You can only wear them for work, and change them after a few hours." The doctor added before Hyuntak left.

He stepped inside of his apartment, and that's when it hit him. Was he really going to be okay with Seongje being there if he couldn't even control his pheromones? Until then, he subconsciously acted like Seongje was a beta. He seemed very unaffected by pheromones, and Hyuntak didn't have the opportunity to smell his.

Still, He needed to make sure.

He got into the bed after he had showered, texting Seongje. Since they texted often, he could go straight to the point.

TakTak
You're a beta, right?

Seongje answered almost immediately.

Je

Nope
I'm an Alpha
But I can't smell pheromones.

TakTak

What?
Like at all?
How's that possible?

Je
Idk
That's just life.
Why

TakTak
Since you're coming over
I can't control mine

Je
K
Dw about those things

Hyuntak sighed in relief, nothing could go wrong now.

Je
So ur not a beta?

TakTak
I'm an Omega.

Je
I should've known. with how pretty you are

“Yah!” Hyuntak read this and immediately shut off his phone, holding it against his chest to stop the way it skipped a beat. Seongje wasn’t so good with compliments, but they worked every time; he wondered if their suddenness was part of his evil plan to seduce him, or if it really was instinctual. Hyuntak didn't know which one was better.

Je
Don't tell me I startled you
Lm tell you this is only 1% of my power

Hyuntak chuckled.

TakTak
How are you even more flirty like this?

Je
It's easy to be when you're not distracting me with your big beautiful eyes

TakTak
Okay I get it
Wtf
I'm gonna sleep now

He tried to be cool but Seongje really was making it hard. He had a way with words in such a stupid way Hyuntak felt like an easily impressed teenager.

Je
Sweet dreams pretty

Ah, he was fucked.



---



Seongje chuckled as he turned off his phone, picturing perfectly well the way Hyuntak's face would turn pink in annoyance.
He couldn't have imagined that Hyuntak was an omega with such a build; but then small omegas were nowadays nothing but a stereotype. Since people evolved and interacted with the world, they changed constantly for the better and for the worst.

Seongje was blind to pheromones, Suho's ruts were mostly non-coital, for instance. They both were very different from the average alpha, and that was fine.

He accepted that fact as soon as it came, and didn't think it would make his life too different to what it was. Both his parents were alphas, so he wasn't surprised to be one, yet while they panicked over him not releasing any pheromones, he was okay. The smell of cigarettes then replaced his lack.

Hyuntak texted him his address, and he felt a little giddy. How was he supposed to act when he got there after being so bold over text? These past few days were nothing but flirting bordering on horniness— and he regretted nothing— but wondered if Hyuntak wouldn't be so cooperative face to face. After all, Seongje knew how annoyed he was to hide his shyness.

He stopped in front of the door, checking one last time if it was the right one before he knocked.
Immediately, the place felt hotter, and something twitched inside of him when it came back. That peachy scent. That was it.

Hyuntak opened the door, dressed casually. His hair was a little wet, as if he came out of the shower, and Seongje's mind couldn't help but wander.

"Hey." He spoke softly, stepping aside to let him in.

However, Seongje was frozen in place. He looked at his peer, brows furrowed, as he took in the peachy scent. It had been so long since he felt it, the burning ache in his stomach and the tingle in his hands. His body went overdrive and he didn't know how to react.

"Is.. is everything okay?" Hyuntak asked, waving his hand in front of the other's face.
Seongje felt the intensity of the peachy aroma increase, so he leaned closer by instinct, holding his wrist as he pressed his nose onto it. "Seongje, what—" Hyuntak stammered, heat rising inside of his body.

Not only was this extremely sudden, but Seongje wasn't in his usual state of mind. There was some confusion and fear, but arousal quickly overcame those. "...it was you." He muttered, bringing Hyuntak closer to him with a hand around his waist.

He pushed the door close with his foot, pressing Hyuntak's back against the hardwood. "Fuck, you smell so good."

"Seongje-ah, wait..." He started softly, face as red as it could get, as he tried to pull away.

When he did, he faced Seongje. The alpha pupils were dilated, his mouth ajar with the need to breathe in as much of Hyuntak as he could. "I don't get it.."

"Ah, this is so fucking stupid.." he grunted, bringing his face in the crook of his neck. This time, he placed gentle kisses everywhere he could, relishing in the overwhelming scent he had been chasing for weeks. "I didn't even realize.."

"What?" Hyuntak visibly jolted when he felt his lips trail so lustfully over his skin. "What do you mean? You said you couldn't— Ah, wait a second.."

Seongje backed up to look him in the eyes once more. "I don't get it either, Tak-ah.. I can't help myself right now."

"You can't just.. scent me like this." He explained, looking down at the position they were in.

"Why?" Seongje got even closer, hands lowering slowly until they reached his hips. "How does it make you feel?"

Hyuntak was silent for a long moment, looking up at Seongje with something indescribable in his eyes. Staying like this, it didn't feel that bad.

"Good." Hyuntak admitted, and stopped pushing him away. That didn't go too well for a first date. "A little too good."

"Then why should I stop, mhm?" He let out a soft grunt, nose grazing over the exposed skin. "I've been going insane because of you."

Slowly, a puddle of heat was pooling in his lower stomach, and before he could answer, another scent captured his nose.
Something rich and spicy, covered with the smell of tobacco, and Hyuntak became weak again. Seongje was drowning him in pheromones. If he had trouble keeping his in check, now he completely let go. The mix of the sweet and spicy scents filled the room and fogged up their minds, both of them fell into the trap of the other, completely tangled.

Hyuntak felt the alpha start kissing up his neck to his ear, gently biting the lobe, then moved to his cheek and stopped right in the corner of his lips.
They stared intensely in each other's eyes, as if communicating telepathically. Seongje inched closer and closer until their breaths merged together, and they were almost panting.

"Tell me you want this too." Seongje muttered, voice dripping with lust and desire.

Hyuntak then pushed forward and linked their lips together, sealing them in a hungry kiss. Hyuntak tasted mint and tobacco on his tongue, and gripped the back of his shirt when the other started sucking on his. He gasped, feeling his legs grow weaker under the weight of the other's touch.

"Seongje-ah..." As he felt the other push his thighs between his legs, grinding it slowly while he devoured his mouth.

Hyuntak couldn't believe what was happening. Surrendering to an alpha for the first time ever since he accepted what he was, letting his pheromones fill the room without shame, grinding shamelessly against his muscular thigh. This could only be a dream.
Seongje smelled so perfect, making him want to push him away and reel him in at the same time, he chose the most pleasurable one as of now.

"Tak-ah.. you smell so good." He grunted, hands settling on his backside to help him grind with more intensity. "I want to taste you all over."

Hyuntak let out a lewd moan. He shivered, head falling onto Seongje's shoulder, and his scent wrapped around him like a bubble of comfort; that's when he felt it, the slick, starting to drip out of his entrance, getting his underwear wet and sticky.
Just like it was calling for Seongje, the alpha gripped him tightly, fingers teasing the waistband of his pants.

"Tak-ah, let me taste you." He mumbled against his mouth, biting on his lower lip while he squeezed his ass. "Yeah?"

"Huh?" He managed to let out, utterly baffled by such a demand. In parallel, he leaned into the touch like he needed it more than anything else. Hyuntak was so confused.

"Come on.." the taller one urged him, "What, do you want me to say please?"
In a second, Hyuntak was lifted from the ground, hips sitting right against Seongje's, legs locked around his waist. "Let me taste you, pretty please?" Hearing the lewd voice so close almost sent him over the edge, so he just nodded eagerly, unable to speak such words.

"What?" Seongje asked, lightly biting the skin of his neck, his erection pressed firmly against Hyuntak's through the fabric of their clothes. "Say it, I need to be sure."

"You're so annoying— ah.." he whined as the friction set him ablaze.

"Come on.. we don't have all day."

"Seongje.. just get on with it." Hyuntak almost scolded, and that mere reaction was enough for him.

He brought Hyuntak to the couch, placing a kiss on his lips, down to his neck, lifted his shirt to continue until he arrived at his chest. Seongje wasn't a virgin, but most of the things he knew about omegas either came from lewd otome games or from Suho.
He captured one nipple in his mouth, giving gentle licks and tentative bites, and he looked up to make sure Hyuntak was enjoying it.
Every time his back arched and he let out a filthier moan, his pheromones became ever sweeter, showing that Seongje was doing the right thing.

He held his small waist while he moved to the other, biting and sucking like there would be no tomorrow. He didn't know if it was because of the pheromones but Hyuntak just tasted so good, like he had showered in honey and just sat there for him like a treat. If kissing his skin tasted like this, Seongje grew more eager to settle between his thighs.

"Seongje-ah..." Hyuntak whimpered, placing a hand in his hair, he was blushing like a madman, eyes glossy and unfocused.

The poor Omega was already soaked, the slick basically running down his thighs. He reached for his waistband, undoing the button in hopes for something more. He knew he could've come only from having his nipples played with if he had given it more time, but ever since Seongje mentioned tasting him all over, that was the only thing he could think about.

"I know.." He answered, slipping his pants and underwear off in one go. The sight was to die for.

Hyuntak's small dick, dripping so much as it rested against his stomach, red at the tip. He couldn't have been more soaked if he tried, thighs shiny with slick as his entrance clenched around air, releasing even more. His peachy scent hit Seongje in the face, and he didn't wait a second before he kneeled and brought his legs to his shoulders.

He kissed the exposed skin of his inner thighs, licking some of the slick and savoring its taste. He couldn't help but bite gently, and leave a few marks— probably by instinct— as he made his way up to Hyuntak's tight hole.

He let his tongue circle the rim, sighing at the pleasure it brought him. "Tak-ah, you're delicious.." he grunted, savoring his hole like he had been savoring his mouth earlier.

"Ah.. ah— Seongje!" He moaned, tugging at some of his hair when the alpha bit him.

The other smirked, getting off of the pain, somehow. He went back to it. Sucking, licking, biting sometimes, and Hyuntak's head was spinning. He pressed him forward when it felt good, and then backwards when it felt too good, edging himself.
His thighs shook every time Seongje thrust his tongue inside, the feeling of warmth and wetness bringing him so far yet so close to orgasming. He could feel the way his dick twitched and spurted more and more pre-cum, even though it wasn't enough for him to come.

Seongje wrapped his hand around his cock, stroking him slowly at first, before his thighs started twitching too. "You're so fucking hot.." Seongje commented, going back to his thighs while he focused entirely on jerking him off. "I'm so hard, Tak-ah..."

"Nngh.. what— what do you..Ah!" he stammered, struggling to keep his eyes open. "Want to.. to do?"

"You're gonna say no." Seongje chuckled, fingers circling him now, as the other hand paused to tease his slit.

"Fuck— just say it.." Hyuntak was so pretty when the anger on his face made its way through the lust, a cute pout appearing on his lips. "Ah, I'm so close.." he whimpered, head falling back.

"Tak-ah.. I wanna knot you." Seongje admitted in a low growl, tongue slipping back inside of him.

The thought was all it took for Hyuntak to come apart. He came with a lewd moan, thighs shaking as his fingers tightened inside Seongje's hair. Seongje felt his insides clench around his tongue, and he delved deeper, kept sucking until Hyuntak cried out with overstimulation.
Something about him sitting on top of Seongje, driving his knot deep inside him just made the ball of heat in his body explode. Could they even allow that to happen when it was supposed to be a casual date? Hyuntak had no idea but it felt so good.

He panted, chest and tummy sticky with his cum, and he barely had the time to cooldown that Seongje had brought his tongue over the mess.

"What—" Hyuntak murmured, watching the alpha on his knees, licking the come off his abs. It almost made him hard again.

"So fucking good." Seongje commented, as he leaned up to settle between his thighs, and kissed him again.

The bulge was evident on his back pants, Hyuntak almost felt bad for him. He let his hand trail lower, cupping him and rubbing gently, and Seongje immediately moaned.
They kissed like this for a while, breaths mingling with moans and bites, Seongje sucked on his tongue and tilted his head to the side to delve further in.

"We shouldn't.. go all the way in today." Hyuntak suggested, undoing the button of his trousers.

"Princess, how can you say that while taking my dick out?" He rattled, staying still for Hyuntak to decide what he wanted to do with him.

"I just want to help you, that's it." Hyuntak tried to sound mean. "Also don't call me that."

"What? Princess?" Seongje chuckled, kissing the side of his face. "Would you prefer baby, or honey?.."

"Just shut up!" He shook his face, but Seongje saw the way he blushed. This was so fun.

Hyuntak took him out, finally, and wrapped his hand around the thick shaft. Seongje sighed next to his ear, and he started giving slow and gentle strokes, feeling every twitch and vein. He was big, warm and heavy in his hold, and he suddenly wondered how it would fit in his mouth.
Yet Hyuntak wasn't stupid. He had never sucked someone off before, and he feared he would vomit and ruin everything if he tried without preparation— especially since Seongje's size was so considerable.

"Seongje-ah, do you wanna.. maybe," he started, circling the blunt tip with his thumb as the alpha shivered. "...fuck my thighs?" He asked softly.

Seongje looked up at him, brows furrowed and eyes as dark as they could get. "Tak-ah, you’re gonna be the death of me.."

They locked eyes for a second, unsure on how to proceed. Hyuntak thought that perhaps, just perhaps, Seongje was just as new to this as he was. 
However, the moment didn't last, because Seongje closed his legs and brought them to one of his wide shoulders. He held him firmly, kissing the side of his knee.

Hyuntak was in a position that would've been deadly if he was 70 years old. Hopefully, he was young and did taekwondo so this wasn't the worst form he could be in.
Seongje left a bite right there, licking the mark and he finally slipped his cock past Hyuntak's soft thighs with a grunt.

The sight of it just sent Hyuntak in a weird headspace, Seongje was pressed against his own dick, now all flaccid against his lower stomach.

"What's that?" Seongje spoke teasingly, as he started thrusting in deep, slow motions. The friction between their dicks was over stimulating Hyuntak, it burned a little, but he couldn't bring himself to stop.

He suddenly felt the alpha's thumb on his lower lip, his mouth parted and wet with spit. "You're drooling, Tak-ah.." he noticed, and Seongje pushed his thumb inside his mouth. "Did you want to suck me off?"

The omega let out a quiet whine, eagerly wrapping his tongue around the digit. There was something so buzzy about it. The way Seongje's grip tightened on his thigh, his tip leaking pre-cum all over Hyuntak’s. He kept sucking on his finger, even tugging at his wrist to push him further in.
"If I knew it, I would've shoved it in so deep you'd be feeling me for days." Seongje replaced his thumb with three of his fingers, thrusting them inside of the warm and eager mouth. "You would've loved it, I bet."

Hyuntak hummed around his fingers, the friction between his thighs starting to awaken his cock again. He moaned lewdly, the wet sounds of his movements filling the room like it was made to receive them.

"Fuck, you smell so much sweeter now.." he noticed, the slick making his thrusts smoother. He was able to go faster, and looked down at his omega in pure awe. Hyuntak was a mess, all of him. He was drooling all over his chin, lips swollen and red, and his dick was getting hard once more. His eyes were half-lidded with intense lust, he looked very much lost in the pleasure.
He still found a way to close his thighs some more, and Seongje knew it was only a matter of time before he spilled all over him.

"Is the thought of choking on my knot that exciting?" He chuckled, withdrawing his finger to bring them to his chest, rubbing and pinching his nipple.

Hyuntak's voice escaped in a broken moan, pretty much nodding without hesitation. Seongje couldn't wait to take him out now, to know everything about him, about what other things could get him to come apart like this.

"Hyung— hyungie, I'm so close.." he whimpered, his thighs starting to shake.

"It's okay.. come for your alpha." Seongje ordered, not sure where this came from, but with the way Hyuntak shivered, he knew he would do it more often.

He wrapped his hand around both their erections, stroking them together as he kept thrusting, he felt the base of his cock start to grow. For the first time in his life, a consuming flame took over him, that feeling was nothing like anything he ever experienced. He grunted, his grip on Hyuntak's skin turning almost painful now.

He didn't know what came over him. His rhythm became sloppy, his eyes closed, and his glasses slipped off of his face.

"Ah, I'm gonna—" he panted, hips stuttering as he shot his cum all over Hyuntak’s stomach and chest. The omega quickly followed, and he looked down at himself to find the biggest mess he had ever seen.

Seongje didn't still immediately after. He ground against him for a moment, growing addicted to the warmth this position brought him. They were both panting, and way too tired to move.
Hyuntak welcomed his alpha between his legs, wrapping his arms around his shoulders as he thought about his poor couch.

They stayed like this for a few minutes, breathing slowly, taking in each other's scents to come back down safely. It was comfortable, even though the stickiness was hard to ignore, and Seongje almost felt like falling asleep right there. The best place on earth.

"Seongje-ah.. are you sleeping?" Hyuntak asked softly, running a hand through his brown hair.
The alpha only shook his head, but stayed buried right next to his scent gland. "Let's get cleaned up."

"You smell just like me now.." He suddenly said, holding himself up on his elbows with a giddy smirk. "I like it."

Hyuntak looked up at him with wide eyes, but they really had to clean up now. "Yah, Move, I feel disgusting.."

"Mhm. Okay." He stood up, fixing his pants.

Hyuntak sat up, but then let out a gasp when he was suddenly carried over the alpha's shoulder. The worst was that he was still very much naked, and Seongje started walking through the apartment. "Yah! Put me down! Are you crazy?"

"Where's the bathroom? You said we needed to clean up." Seongje laughed, clearly enjoying riling him up like this.

"I can walk! Do you have a death wish?" Hyuntak added, dying in embarrassment since he couldn't move at all.

Damn alphas and their innate strength.

They finally arrived in the bathroom, and despite Hyuntak’s complaints, showered each other with care. Seongje was particularly gentle, compared to what Hyuntak thought he would be like.
He made sure the water was warm enough, and brought his omega in the stall. None of them cared about how small it was, they joyfully washed each other, landing discreet kisses when they could.

After that, they were dressed, and Seongje was insufferably clingy.

"I need to bake, can't you just wait over there?" He asked with a soft laugh, faking annoyance.

"If only you knew how shitty it was to have your scent right under my nose while I looked like crazy." He muttered, lips against his ear while he held his waist from behind. "There's no way I'm letting go."

"That's cute, but I don't need that right now." Hyuntak shrugged, acting like his words did nothing to him.

He couldn't lie more if he tried.

"We can just stay like that, too." Seongje proposed, and his embrace was so tender, his scent so persuasive that Hyuntak thought just this once, it wouldn't be bad to indulge. The cake could wait.

"Fine." He sighed, turning around to stare at him lovingly, "just for a minute then."

And from this day, their apartments would always smell like them; a mix of the tenderness they felt for each other, of what they showered the other in in times of distress:  Peaches, cigarettes and spice.