Art of a Pack

by azaluvx7, Shade259

Summary:

A reality show in which people are chosen from the entertainment industry to participate in a challenge, to bond and form a pack. Y/n’s just a casual artist who designs albums for artists when her manager proposes the show to her. Wondering how far she’ll go, she takes it not at all expecting to fall in love with one of the alphas or the newly formed pack.

 

Updates every January, April, July, and October.

Chapter 1: info

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Jeon Y/n

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean-American

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 23 | May 16, 2000 | Taurus

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Omega | Luna - Digital Designer | INFP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: black and midnight blue fur with white streaks | jasmine, white tea scent | gold eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Bang Chan

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean-Australian

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 26 | October 3, 1997 | Libra

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha | Pack Alpha - Producer - Singer | ENFJ

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: black fur | bergamot, ocean breeze scent | crimson eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Park Seonghwa

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 25 | April 3, 1998 | Aries

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Omega | Head Omega | Luna - Model - Actor - Singer | ENFJ

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: white fur | lily of the valley, mandarin scent | gold eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Lee Minho

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 25 | October 25, 1998 | Scorpio

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Omega | Head Omega - Choreographer | ISFP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: smoky grey fur with white highlights | snapdragons, peaches scent | canary yellow eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Kim Hongjoong

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 25 | November 7, 1998 | Scorpio

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha | Pack Alpha - Fashion Designer - Producer - Rapper | INFP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: honey blond fur with golden brown streaks| violet, white musk scent | rose red eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Jeong Yunho

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 24 | March 23, 1999 | Aries

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha | Head Alpha - Choreographer | ENFJ

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: hazelnut brown fur with white and blonde highlights | white birch, sweet juniper berry scent | cherry eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Kang Yeosang

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 24 | June 15, 1999 | Gemini

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Omega - Actor - Model | ISFP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: chestnut blonde fur with ash blonde highlights | hazelnut, neroli scent | jade green eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Choi San

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 24 | July 10, 1999 | Cancer

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Omega - Singer - Dancer | INFP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: black fur with ash grey highlights | meadowsweet, frangipani scent | pale green eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Song Mingi

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 24 | August 9, 1999 | Leo

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha - Rapper - Producer | ENTP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: black and grey fur with red and white undertones | lavender, sandalwood scent | blood red eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Seo Changbin

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 24 | August 11, 1999 | Leo

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha | Head Alpha - Rapper - Producer | ESFP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: black fur with cerulean undertones | cedarwood, balsam scent | red eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Jung Wooyoung

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 24 | November 26, 1999 | Sagittarius

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha - Dancer - Choreographer | ISFJ

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: black fur with a blonde underbelly | vetiver, amber scent | amethyst purple eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Hwang Hyunjin

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 23 | March 20, 2000 | Pisces

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Omega - Dancer - Artist | ESTP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: silver fur | cherry blossoms, berries scent | forest green eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Han Jisung

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 23 | September 14, 2000 | Virgo

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha - Producer - Rapper - Singer | ISTP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: blood red fur | black currant, sweet whiskey scent | scarlet red eyes

 

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Lee Felix

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean-Australian

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 23 | September 15, 2000 | Virgo

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Omega - Model - Dancer | ESFJ

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: shades of blonde fur | caramel, angel cake scent | gold eyes 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Kim Seungmin

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 23 | September 22, 2000 | Virgo

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Beta | Pack Beta - Singer | ESFJ

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: amber brown fur | rosemary, spruce scent | silver eyes 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Choi Jongho

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 23 | October 12, 2000 | Libra

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Beta | Pack Beta - Singer | ISFP

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: cherry brown fur | caramel, orange blossom scent | dark blue eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Yang Jeongin

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 22 | February 8, 2001 | Aquarius

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha - Singer | INFJ

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: salt and pepper fur | spearmint, clove scent | garnet red eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

Kim Woojin

 

 

𝙽𝙰𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻𝙸𝚃𝚈: - Korean

 

𝙰𝙶𝙴: - 26 | April 8, 1997 | Aries

 

𝙸𝙽𝙵𝙾: - Alpha - Singer | ESFJ

 

𝚆𝙾𝙻𝙵: dark brown fur | leather, sage scent | dark purple eyes

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

World-building notes!!!

Everyone in this book are wolves or wolf shifters. They have a wolf and a human form and can shift at any time. They're born in human forms with subgenders and can't shift until age five. Wolves don't properly present until they're of age; that includes their ruts or heats and the development of their own scents.

 

Terms:

 

Alpha

A sub-gender. Ability to impregnate other omegas and betas. Ability to command another sub-gender. Goes through ruts for their cycles. Forms a knot at the base of their cock, it locks inside the walls of an omega or beta's vagina to ensure a stronger chance of reproduction. Position in the pack to provide and protect.

Omega

A sub-gender. Ability to bear children by alphas, betas, and omegas. Goes through heats and produces slick. Has a uterus and a vagina that can withstand an alpha's knot. Position in the pack to love and comfort, bear children.

Prime Omega

A sub-gender. Ability to bear children by alphas, betas, and omegas. Can command all sub-genders. Stronger than omegas, more fertile, headier pheromones. Goes through more frequent heats compared to an omega and produces slick. Has a uterus and a vagina that can withstand an alpha's knot. Position in the pack to love and comfort, bear children.

Beta

A sub-gender. Ability to impregnate other omegas and betas, can bear children by alphas, omegas, and betas. Goes through heats and ruts and can produce slick and form knots. Has a uterus and a vagina that can withstand an alpha's knot. Their pheromones are weaker compared to the other sub-genders along with their fertility. Position in the pack to mediate, give advice to the alphas and omegas.

Pack

A group of people formed by a bond, essentially a second family.

Positions: -

Pack Alpha

Leader of the pack, makes official pack decisions.

Head Alpha

An alpha in leadership, takes care of the pack in abstinence of the Pack Alpha.

Luna

Mate of the Pack Alpha, tends to the care of all packmates.

An omega who is the sole leader of a pack.

Head Omega

An omega in direct charge and care of all the members of the pack. Gives guidance to the Pack Alpha based on the conditions of the packmates.

Pack Beta

A beta in leadership, keeps the pack settled and mediated, and assists the Head Alpha when the Pack Alpha is away.

Symbols: -

Bite Marks

A mark on the left side of the neck symbolizes that a person has a pack.

Jewelry

Female Omegas - navel piercings. Male Omegas - lip piercings. Male Alphas - eyebrow piercings. Female Alphas - nose piercings. Male Betas - helix piercings. Female Betas - industrial piercing. Pack Alphas - one of each depending on the members of their pack.

Tattoos

Some packs create a symbol for their packs in the form of a tattoo to show ownership. Most Pack Tattoos reside on the back of the hand, wrists, arms, shoulder, or neck.

Collars

Some Pack Alphas give their members collars with their name or the symbol of the pack on them.

Presenting

A stage in a person's life where their sub-genders are revealed (essentially like a second puberty). Omegas and Prime Omegas tend to present earlier than other sub-genders, from ages 12-15. Alphas tend to present around 15-18. Due to their extra reproductive systems, betas tend to present much later, around 17-22.

Heats

A cycle of time where an omega or beta is at their highest hormonal cycle and fertility rate. Their bodies produce heavy aphrodisiac-like pheromones along with slick to lure in a mate with the intention of making a baby. Their sub-genders take complete control over their body causing them to be extremely vulnerable but they are still aware of what is happening around them. They range from 3 to 7 days.

Nests

A comfort space created in a bed or a safe and sheltered area by omegas, prime omegas, and betas. They're made in many different shapes and forms.

Ruts

A cycle of time where an alpha or beta is at their highest hormonal cycle and fertility rate. Their pheromones and commands are stronger and harder to resist during this time. Their sex drive is high and they form knots more frequently. Alphas have a harder time staying lucid compared to other sub-genders during their cycles because it is the only time their alphas allow them to rest and be vulnerable. They range from 2 to 6 days.

Dens

The living space of an alpha or beta.

An area created in a bed or a safe space by an alpha or beta with the intention or purpose of an omega or beta creating a nest for them (a courting ritual).

Sub-gender eyes

An eye color that shows the status of a person's sub-gender and sense of mentality or control.

Red - A basic color of an alpha. It's also a sign that an alpha comes from a strong bloodline of alphas.

Purple - A common color shown when an alpha has a strong mix of omega or beta genes. It's also an indicator that the alpha had a high chance of presenting as an omega.

Gold - A basic color of an omega. A sign they come from a bloodline of the most basic mating dynamic, alphas and omegas.

Green - A color shown when an omega has a strong bloodline of betas and high chance of presenting as a beta.

Turquoise - A basic color for a Prime Omega. It's also a sign that they have a strong bloodline of alphas.

Orange - A color shown when a Prime Omega has a strong mix of omega genes. The darker the orange, the higher the chance of them presenting as an alpha. The paler the orange, the higher the chance of them presenting as an omega or beta.

Silver - A basic color of a beta. A strong sign of heavy beta genes.

Blue - A color shown when a beta has strong alpha and omega genes. The darker the blue, the higher the chance of them presenting as an alpha. The paler the blue, the higher the chance of them presenting as an omega.

Scent glands

An area of skin that produces pheromones in the form of an extremely thin oil-like bodily liquid. can attract a potential mate and express feelings. Appears as regular skin and is approximately 3 inches long. Can become raised or swollen when actively stimulated, irritated by constant concealment, or negative emotions. Scent gland locations: left and right side of the neck, cheeks, inner wrists, hips, and lower inner thighs.

Slick

A bodily fluid produced by omegas and betas. Has the ability to attract other sub-genders and is created when aroused.

Primal

When a person is more in tune with their sub-gender, they are considered primal. Being primal is a type of headspace, a place in your mind where your subconscious is taken over by your sub-gender/inner wolf. Your actions are that of your wolf and your instincts are stronger.

Sub Drop

An action triggered by an emotional reaction that forces their sub-genders into control to protect themselves. Can be dangerous if triggered by negative emotions or a traumatic event. The person becomes semi-unresponsive, almost as if they're in a wakened comatose state.

Feral

A person is feral when a traumatic event takes place that juts their instincts into overdrive causing their sub-gender to completely take control of their body, sheltering themselves and lashing out using violence.

Commands

An authoritative tone of voice used by alphas and prime omegas that can order and control other sub-genders to their will.

Collars

A necklace that symbols a sense of ownership or a claim made by an alpha or a Pack Alpha.

 

Bond Marks

A mark caused by the venom of a wolf's fangs when bitten into a scent gland (neck for permanent bonds, wrist for temporary bonds). The right scent glands are for mating marks. Pack marks can be placed anywhere on the body.

For wolves, pack marks are different. The pack alpha or luna will bite someone to form a pack bond with them but it won't heal over and scar like a normal wound. If accepted, the wound will close and heal, fading into regular skin but the venom of pack alpha or luna will remain in their system. The scent of the venom lets someone know they're bonded with a pack. For a visible pack mark, packs will get tattoos or piercings.

Mating Marks

A bond between a person and their mate caused by a bite on the mating scent gland (the right). They can communicate emotionally, can feel each other's emotions, and talk telepathically.

 

Communication

In wolf form, all wolves can communicate telepathically. When one person is in wolf form and the other is in human form, they are not able to communicate telepathically unless they have a pack bond or familial bond. Pack-bonded wolves can telepathically communicate in both forms, wolf or human. When a wolf bonds with a pack, their ability to communicate through familial bonds is weakened or erased entirely depending on the size of the pack they're joining and the length of time away from their familial bonds. They can still communicate when both are wolves but any other form of telepathic communication is weaker.

 

Mindscape

A place in a wolf's mind that is considered a safe haven. You go there to bond with other wolves. Not every mindscape looks the same. They're shaped based on what the wolf cherishes the most. It's a vulnerable place though and can change depending on the mental health of the wolf. Other wolves can only access your mindscape if you have a bond, otherwise it is completely blocked off to others. 

 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

☉ includes strong language, mature scenes, alpha/beta/omega dynamics

☉ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭: 08/05/2023

☉ 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: ongoing

 

Chapter 2: ◆Day 1.1◆

Summary:

the contestants meet.

Notes:

so... I accidentally published this before I could finish the chapter *.* so work with me please while I finish it 😭

◆◇◈◇◆

 

 

“Welcome back to another season of ‘Art of a Pack!’ or A.A.P.! The show where wolves of all kinds from the entertainment industry are chosen to participate in a competition for one simple life-changing goal; to form a pack.” The host beams at the camera. “I am your host, Choi Jaesung, and in just a minute, we will be introduced to this season’s wonderful contestants. First, let’s recap the show.”

 

“Last season was a bit of a disaster that had a heart-warming outcome with the Seventeen Pack. After the first season consisting of seventy contestants, the number of contestants decreased by ten each season. We’ve picked twenty wolves to compete, and it is with a heavy heart that I announce this season to be the finale.”

 

Jaesung pouts. “So sad, I know, but with it being the finale, we have a new twist for the new contestants, but first, let’s explain the aim of the game! ”

 

“The goal for the contestants is to bond and form a pack within four months! A pack alpha is chosen from the beginning, and it is their job to choose who they do and do not want in their pack. They’re given an entire week to bond with the others, and at the end of that week, they choose their packmates. For the first month… none of the other contestants know who the alpha is, so they have to work hard to bond with every player. Once the month is up, there will be a monthly evaluation, and contestants are disqualified if they are consistently unchosen by a pack alpha.’

 

“There will be challenges and chances to strengthen bonds throughout their stay, and at the end of the competition if the pack manages to pass the final test, they win an exclusively designed pack house and four hundred thousand dollars!”

“For this season we will choose two pack alphas instead of one!” Jaesung exclaims. “The object is to see how well controlled the alphas are during their bonding process with their pack while another alpha is in their territory. With that being said, let’s meet our pack alphas!”

 

 

◆◈◆

 

 

“Oh. Are we starting?”

 

‘Yes, we’re starting.’

 

“Oh okay.” The alpha clears his throat, brushing his blue-dyed hair out of his face. “Hello, my name is Kim Hongjoong, an alpha, and I’m a twenty-five-year-old fashion designer, rapper, and producer.”

 

‘Were you expected to be chosen as the pack alpha?’

 

“No, actually.” Hongjoong laughs shyly. “It surprised me. How could anyone look at a tiny alpha like me and appoint me as the pack alpha?” He lowers his head, a strained smile tugging at his lips. “As much as I appreciate it, I don’t think I’ll last long as the pack alpha once they find out it’s me, but I will try my best.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“Yeah.” He huffs out a laugh of disbelief. “Hasn’t everyone yearned for a pack at some point in their life? As an alpha myself, I’ve always wanted that… security a pack could potentially hold.” He lowers his head, shrugging his left shoulder. “Right now, it’s just me. I don’t have anyone to turn to for… anything. I’m really hoping I can experience just a little bit of that bond here.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to doing the most during this retreat?’

 

“Ah, that’s a good question.” Hongjoong sits back in his seat, brown eyes glancing to the side. “Outside of bonding with others, I think I’m looking forward to the new scenery.” He smiles wistfully. “The best of my creations come from my surroundings. I’m hoping I can create something to capture my stay here.”

 

‘Do you plan to seek out a mate during the competition?’

“Oh.” He rapidly blinks in surprise. “I– No, I don’t– That wasn’t the plan but if something like that were to happen, I wouldn’t ignore it. If it feels right, then it feels right and I’m never one to deny fate.”

 

 

◈

 

 

“Hello! It’s your boy, Bang Chan– No, I’m just kidding.” The alpha laughs, his amber eyes cresting beautifully. “My name is Bahng Chan or Chris, an alpha. I’m twenty-six years old, and I produce music for artists with a few EPs of my own.”

 

‘How do you feel about being a pack alpha?’

 

“I’m actually sort of excited!” Chan tilts his head, his blonde hair shifting away from his face. “I did come in here with the intention of just bonding with the others, but it feels kind of special to bond with the others as a pack alpha. I just hope that I don’t let them down.”

 

‘Have you ever been in a pack before?’

 

“Uhhhh, almost.” Chan nods, fingers tapping against his ripped jeans. “I almost joined a pack but it didn’t quite work out. I felt… left out, like their bond with each other was stronger than their bond with me and my wolf didn’t like it. I didn’t want to feel left out in my own pack so I decided to stick to myself, wait things out.”

 

‘What is something you’re looking forward to?’

 

“Bonding.” He grins. “As a producer, I work with a lot of different people and I enjoy making new friends, finding out what they enjoy and things like that. As for my future pack, I’m looking forward to finding out what kind of people they are and how I can make them feel comfortable and cared about.”

 

‘Do you think you have the skills to complete some of the challenges?’

 

“Oh, aha.” He briefly bites his bottom lip. “I mean I’m not the strongest in the world, but I have been an athlete for most of my life and I still keep a strong workout regime so… yeah, I’d say I’m more than capable of completing challenges.”

 

‘Any plans to find a mate here?’

“A mate?” Chan lifts an eyebrow. “I would like my own mate, yes, but I’m not going to actively look for one while I’m here. If someone comes up as a potential mate to my wolf, then I won’t deny my fate.”

 

◇◇

 

Hongjoong blinks up at the mansion, pulling his suitcases behind him. “Whoa. This place is huge.”

 

He notices a few cameras as he heads toward the front door and reminds himself to keep calm. With a little more force than usual, Hongjoong pushes open the double doors and beams at the industrial interior.

 

“Wah.” He gapes, glancing around the foyer. “This place is beautiful. Hello?! Is anyone here?!”

 

He’s met with silence and he huffs, peeking into the large living room. His eyes blow wide from the large wide couches and he leaves his luggage by the foyer as the staff instructed. The living room could easily fit twenty-five people and he’s impressed by the color palette. Hongjoong passes the kitchen and the massive dining room, heading out the patio.

 

“Holy fuck,” he mutters. “This view is crazy.”

 

The ocean is crystal blue as the sun gleams off it. The patio is also wide with a few cameras hidden around. He can see a few pools beyond the patio and vast forestry past the perimeter of the villa to his right. His wolf rumbles in approval from the sight and he wonders when they’ll get the chance to shift.

 

Hongjoong smiles, settling in one of the hanging swings. The weather is warm and the wind is soft while it gently blows against the swing.

 

The alpha sighs, shifting deeper into the swing. “Yah. Can I live here forever?”

 

He loses track of time until his ears catch the front doors opening.

 

“Hello!” Hongjoong flinches as a voice echoes through the house. “Is anyone here!?”

 

Hongjoong blinks, sitting up and heading for the patio doors. “I’m out back!”

 

He hears footsteps before an alpha with blonde hair and a soft dimpled smile greets him. “Oh. Hello.”

 

“Hi.” Hongjoong bows, his wolf feeling intimidated. “I’m Kim Hongjoong.”

 

“Bahng Chan.” He shakes his hand. Tight grip, geez. “It’s nice to meet you.”

 

This close Hongjoong can smell his scent, bergamot and the ocean breeze. Very soothing.

 

◈

“Honestly.” Hongjoong scratches his cheek. “Chan is really handsome and he has an amazing scent, but extremely intimidating. I can tell he’s got a strong wolf under his skin. If he wasn’t a pack alpha like me, I’d probably try to court him as my mate, too. He’s that handsome.”

◈

 

“Wah.” Hongjoong lifts his other hand to trace the ink laced around the alpha’s right arm. “This is an amazing design. How long have you had it?”

 

“Ah.” Chan huffs out a laugh. “I started it when I was eighteen. I just finished it up last year actually.”

 

“It’s really amazing work.” Hongjoong lets go of his hand. “Did the tattoo artist design it or did you?”

 

“I did, actually.” He nods as they move to sit. “I had the idea in my head so I drew it out. My tattoo artist just enhanced the details and added a few things.”

 

“It’s a beautiful piece.”

 

Chan smiles and glances off to the side, his ears a light shade of pink. “Thank you– Oh wow! This view is beautiful.”

 

“Isn’t it?” Hongjoong smiles, glancing toward the ocean. “The house is beautiful too.”

 

Chan hums, nodding. “I guess since you’re the only one here, you must be the other pack alpha.”

 

“Oh, thank god you brought it up.” He sighs, running a ringed hand through his blue hair.

 

Chan chuckles, sitting back in his seat. “Are you excited?”

 

“A little, yeah.” Hongjoong nods. “I really wasn’t expecting to be picked for the pack alpha position but I’m definitely up for it… You?”

 

“Yeah, I’m definitely excited.” He pats his thighs. “I’m just curious about the others more than anything.”

 

“I heard all of the alphas are coming in first,” Hongjoong tells him. “Are you worried about their behavior?”

 

Chan shrugs, crossing his thick arms over his chest. “Personally, no, I’m not worried. I can handle myself and I know how to put an alpha in check. I’ve had my experiences. The only thing I’m worried about is how they’ll act around the omegas.” He sighs. “I’m not saying they’d choose bad alphas for the show, but there are still horrible alphas in our line of work.”

 

Hongjoong scoffs, shifting in his seat. “Tell me about it. It’s the main reason why I work alone.”

 

Chan nods in understanding. “I just want everyone to get along. I hate conflict more than anything and I really don’t want to have to go there with my wolf.”

 

Hongjoong nods slowly. “Mmn. Me too.”

 

The front door opens and a loud voice startles them from their talk.

 

“HELLO! ANYBODY HOME!?”

 

 

◈

 

 

“Hello. My name is Seo Changbin. I’m an alpha who is twenty-four years old and I’m a self-produced rapper.” The wolf smiles, glancing around. “This place is nicely decorated.”

 

‘It’s a studio.’

 

Changbin smirks. “I know, just making conversation. You guys are so tense, lighten up.”

 

The staff laughs in the background.

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I have.” Changbin tilts his head, bringing attention to his onyx eyes and black and cerulean hair. “It’s been a dream of mine to be in a pack. Working alone can get a little lonely honestly and I… I can’t stand going home alone anymore.” He sighs, shaking his black hair out of his face. “Which is why I am here!”

 

‘What is something you’re hoping for during this retreat?’

 

“I’m actually hoping to meet some producers here.” Changbin nods slowly. “I know the show specifically chooses all kinds of people who work in the entertainment industry, so I’m really hoping to find some and maybe work on something new with them.”

 

‘Are you looking forward to bonding with the other alphas?’

 

Changbin leans back, crossing his thick arms over his obscenely wide chest. “I am actually. I have no issues… bonding with alphas.” He smirks and it’s dangerous how attractive it is with his side down-turned. “It’s a charm of mine if you will. They’re obsessed with me.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“A mate?” He lifts an eyebrow. “Uhhh. I don’t know. I don’t expect to.” He shrugs. “I don’t want to get my hopes up either. It’s still a risk whether or not I’ll be picked to be in the pack. I don’t want to start thinking about things that’ll distract me, you know?”

 

◈

 

‘Wah. You’re so tall.’

 

The alpha lets out a flustered laugh as he takes his seat. “I– Yeah, I get that a lot.”

 

‘Oh, my gods. I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say that out loud.’

 

He smiles, her ears turning a bit pink. “It’s alright.”

 

‘Go ahead and introduce yourself.’

 

“Hello. My name is Jeong Yunho, a choreographer. I’m twenty-four years old and I’m an alpha,” the wolf introduces.

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I have.” He nods, his black hair with blonde streaks shifting as he moves. “The idea has always been intriguing for me. Because of my job, I do know a lot of people in the industry so I have many friends, but I don’t think it would be the same as bonding with a pack.”

 

‘What’s the one thing you’re not looking forward to?’

 

Yunho wrinkles his nose. “The alpha fights.”

 

‘Really?’

 

“Yes.” He sighs. “With a competition like this, there is bound to be at least one alpha fight, especially when it comes to the other omegas. I’ve seen it happen and it’s disappointing to see so many alpha wolves lose their sense of control the second they see an omega. I’m really hoping to avoid confrontations like that here because I’m pretty easily triggered by it.”

 

‘Do you plan to seek out a mate during the competition?’

 

“Um.” Yunho flushes. “Not-Not really. That wasn’t my intention but…” He taps his knee. “I would love to find one if I meet someone that interests my wolf.”

 

◈

 

“Hello. I’m Kim Woojin, an alpha and I’m a twenty-six-year-old solo artist.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“No, not really.” Woojin shrugs. “It was never something that I dreamed about if I’m being honest. The idea is nice, of course, but it wasn’t something that I actively searched for.”

 

‘Why did you decide to join the competition then?’

 

“Um.” The alpha tugs on his black hair. “Actually, I’m really only here because I’ve been overworking myself. My manager got fed up with me not putting my health first and signed me up for the competition. I was against it at first but after realizing how worn out I was, I figured I could use a break. Bonding with a pack also doesn’t sound too bad.”

 

‘What is something you’re looking forward to?’

 

“The challenges.” Woojin smirks. “I’m a little competitive so I’d like to show my strength while here… and show off to the omegas.”

 

‘Do you plan to seek out a mate during the competition?’

 

“A mate?” His eyes widen for a second. “I mean, not really. I don’t think having a mate would benefit my lifestyle. I’d be too busy with my career and since it is important to me, I feel like I’d subconsciously choose my work over my mate. I don’t want anyone to experience being second in their own relationship so I just stick to rut-sharing or one-night stands when things get a little too lonely.”

 

‘Wah. You should be proud of yourself for coming to that conclusion. Not everyone can accept their flaws.’

 

Woojin blushes, averting his gaze. “I– Thank you.”

 

 

◇◇

 

“We’re outback!” Chan shouts back.

 

“Wow.” Hongjoong blinks. “Someone has a set of pipes on them.”

 

Chan chuckles as they stand to greet the newcomers.

 

“Hello hello hello!” A man with black hair bows and shakes Chan’s hand, eyes gleaming with excitement and recognition. “Kim Woojin.”

 

“Bahng Chan.” Chan grips his hand with a smile. “It’s nice to meet you!”

 

“Wah! Look at the view!” a shorter alpha exclaims. “It’s so beautiful.”

 

“It is.” A taller male with black and blonde hair gapes at it.

 

“What’s your name?” Hongjoong smiles, his wolf perking up and endeared.

 

“Oh.” He blinks. “I’m so sorry. My name is Jeong Yunho.”

 

“I’m Seo Changbin– Wah! Hyung! Your tattoo is sick!”

 

Chan flushes with a soft laugh as Changbin leans into his side, fingers ghosting across his skin. “Yeah? Thank you.”

 

Changbin’s cedar and tonka bean scent fills Chan’s nose and he suppresses a full-body shiver.

 

“I’m kind of jealous,” Changbin pouts. “Yours is cooler than mine.”

 

“You have a tattoo?” Woojin asks, grabbing a pillow and placing it in his lap.

 

“Yeah.” Changbin lifts his left arm and flexes. Woojin and Chan blink from the sheer size of his bicep. “I have a full sleeve and my back is covered as well. I’ll show it later.”

 

“Nice.” Chan nods.

 

“This place is beautiful,” Yunho comments, sitting beside Hongjoong.

 

“It is.” Hongjoong nods. “Very inspiring.”

 

“I was just thinking that.” He smiles, facing the older alpha. “This view alone gives me so many ideas for a dance.”

 

“You dance?” Hongjoong’s eyes widen.

 

“Yeah.” Yunho runs a hand through his hair. “I’m a choreographer. I work with a ton of different artists.”

 

“That’s amazing.” Hongjoong pats his thighs. “I do a little dancing too.”

 

“Really?”

 

“No, I’m just kidding.” He shakes his head. “I can’t really dance.”

 

Yunho tilts his head. “I don’t believe that. Everyone can dance with a little guidance.”

 

Hongjoong flushes under the alpha’s intense gaze, glancing toward the ocean. “You’re probably right. Would you teach me?”

 

He grins, bumping his shoulder. “Absolutely.”

 

◈

Yunho smiles softly at the camera before dipping his head with a deep chuckle. “Hongjoong is a cute alpha… really cute.”

◈

“Wah,” Hongjoong runs a hand down his face and turns toward the camera. “I know this isn’t really a dating show but seriously, what’s up with the attractive men?”

◈

 

“So what do you do in the entertainment industry?” Chan asks.

 

Woojin blinks. “You don’t know me?”

 

Chan gives a shy smile and shakes his head. “No, not really, I’m sorry. It’s surprising because I know a lot of people in the industry. I don’t think we’ve met before.”

 

“I’m a soloist, a singer,” Woojin clarifies. “I just put out a full album before coming here.”

 

“Really?” Chan’s smile widens. “That’s awesome.”

 

“I know you though,” he says, dark brown eyes filling with glee. “You’re the Bang Chan, one of the best producers of our time.”

 

Chan waves his hand, his scent sweetening in embarrassment. “I– No, I wouldn’t say the best, but–”

 

“I would.” Changbin settles his sharp gaze on him with his arms crossed and knees spread. Chan fights himself not to look down, his wolf deeply intrigued and attracted to the man. “You are one of the best. There’s no lie about it. All of your tracks are amazing, and your singles are amazing as well. I’ve always wanted to work with you if I’m being honest.”

 

“Me?” Chan points to himself, rapidly blinking in surprise. “With you? Seo Changbin? One of the top three fastest rappers in the country?”

 

It’s Changbin’s turn to blush as he smirks and Chan’s wolf goes mad at how hot the down-turned smirk looks on him. “I honestly didn’t think you knew me.”

 

“Are you kidding?” He leans forward resting his elbows on his knees. “I’ve been trying to collaborate with you for the longest time.”

 

“Really?” Changbin blinks. “I didn’t know that. Maybe we can work on something together while we’re here.” He glances at Woojin. “You too, Woojin-ssi. Your vocals are pretty strong.”

 

“I’d love that!” Woojin smiles.

 

“Let’s do it!” Chan holds his hands out. “I look forward to working with you.”

 

Changbin giggles at the formality but shakes his hand along with Woojin. “Yes, Sir.”

 

“Hello! Anyone there!”

 

“Oh. There’s luggage.”

 

 

◈

 

“Wah!” The alpha steps onto the platform. “This studio is pretty!”

 

The staff laughs while the alpha gets comfortable. “Hehe, sorry.”

 

‘Go ahead and introduce yourself.’

 

“My name is Jung Wooyoung. I’m a twenty-four-year-old alpha, and I’m a choreographer and a dancer.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“Um. The simple answer is yes.” He nods, tapping his fingers across his knees. “I’ve always wanted a pack, but I’m a little bit afraid of how I’ll handle bonding with others that way… I struggle to accept feelings, so I feel like that would get in the way of things. Hopefully, I can figure it out when I meet them.”

 

‘If that’s the case, why did you join the competition?’

 

“I wanted to push myself,” Wooyoung admits, twisting the blonde locs in his undercut-styled hair. “I’m twenty-four. I think it’s about time I get my head out of my ass and face being vulnerable… I just hope I don’t regret it.”

 

‘Very admirable,’ someone comments.

 

The wolf huffs, blushing and averting his gaze. “Thank you.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“A mate?” He tilts his head. “I don’t know. I don’t really find myself worthy of a mate so I’ve never looked. I’d love one, obviously, but like I said before, it’s hard for me to receive love. I don’t want to hurt anyone.”

 

◈

 

“Hi, I’m Han Jisung aka J.One!” He grins, winking at the camera. When he smells flustered pheromones, Jisung relaxes, his ears turning red.

 

“No, I’m kidding.” Jisung giggles. “I’m twenty-three, an alpha, and I’m a producer, rapper, and singer.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“Yep.” He nods. “I grew up in a big pack. The bond my parents shared with their pack members always seemed so strong, and I admired it.”

 

‘Because of your experience with packs, is there a position that you want?’

 

“No.” He shakes his burgundy hair. “No. Absolutely not. I’m good. I mean I’d be honored to be the Head Alpha but I’m definitely not qualified for that. I’m more than okay with being a regular alpha who just protects and provides for the pack.” He blows out his cheeks and then exhales, shaking his head again. “Yeah, I can’t be a stand-in for the pack. I’d break under that kind of pressure, that kind of responsibility.” He pokes out his lip. “I just couldn’t do it.”

 

‘Is there anything you’re worried about experiencing during the competition?’

 

“I’m hoping that I don’t have any setbacks.” Jisung sighs. “I have anxiety issues but I’ve been doing better recently. A lot better. I just got back from my second world tour and I put out an album of random songs I wrote for others that no one wanted. I’m in a good place mentally so I’m really worried that something will happen here and I’ll have a bad anxiety attack.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“Ummm. I would like to.” Jisung shrugs, picking at his hands. “If it doesn’t happen though, that’s fine as well. Wouldn’t want to burden someone else with my issues.”

 

 

◇◇

 

The others watch as two alphas approach them.

 

“Hello!”

 

“Hi!”

 

“Oh, my gods!” Changbin sits up. “You’re Han!”

 

“I am.” Jisung lets out a laugh of disbelief, brown eyes wide and sparkling. “And you’re the Seo Changbin. You’re a legend, man! What the fuck? It’s so nice to meet you!”

 

“Wah.” Changbin shakes his hand. “You’re so much more adorable in person.”

 

Jisung flushes as Changbin lightly pinches his cheeks, his black currant and sweet whiskey scent pumping out of him in waves. “I’ve heard that.”

 

Chan giggles at the two, shyly approaching them as his wolf has a field day from Jisung’s scent. “Hello. I’m–”

 

“Bang Chan!” Jisung gasps, smacking Changbin’s arm. “No way. You’re both here!? That’s fucking awesome!”

 

“Yep.” Chan grins, endeared by the alpha’s enthusiasm. “It’s nice to meet you.”

 

“Wow.” Jisung shakes Chan’s hand as he shifts to English. “It really is an honor to meet you.”

 

“Oh?” Chan blinks, blushing. “Your English is good. You even have an accent.”

 

Jisung pokes his cheek with his tongue. “Yeah, my fans say I have a British accent when I speak English. It’s weird though, I don’t know anyone from England so I don’t know how I have that accent.”

 

“It kind of just happens.” Chan nods, shrugging his shoulder before throwing his hands out. “Welcome to the villa!”

 

“Jisung?”

 

Jisung glances to the side and suppresses a growl. “Woojin-hyung. Hello.”

 

◈

“Of course, this fucking asshole is here,” Jisung rolls his eyes at the camera. “I can’t get a break, can I?”

◈

 

“Hey.” Woojin smiles sharply. “How’ve you been?”

 

Jisung briefly flits his eyes down his body, sizing him up before shifting on his feet. “Fine.”

 

Chan and Changbin nervously glance at each other.

 

◈

“Okay.” Chan huffs, clasping his hands together. “There’s obviously some tension between Jisung and Woojin… I should keep that in mind for the future.”

◈

 

“Aw, come on, Jisung-ah.” Woojin claps him on the back and the younger alpha grunts, throwing him a glare over his shoulder. “You’re not still upset about the song thing, right? It’s all water under the bridge!”

 

Jisung opens his mouth to respond but snaps it shut with an audible click of his teeth. “Whatever, Woojin.”

 

Jisung shrugs off his hand and heads back inside the house. “Gonna explore the house.”

 

Woojin sighs, watching him leave. “Fuck.”

 

“What was that?” Changbin frowns, crossing his arms over his chest.

 

“Nothing.” He shakes his head, sitting down. “Just some shit from the past.”

 

“Yunho?” Wooyoung blinks. “You’re here?”

 

Yunho smiles and pulls him in a hug. “Hey, Youngie.”

 

“You two know each other?” Hongjoong asks, watching Wooyoung happily rock them from side to side and playfully kiss his cheek.

 

“Yeah.” Yunho steps back as Wooyoung bows to Hongjoong. “We dance at the same studio occasionally. We teach our own classes but we bump into each other every now and then.”

 

“Oh, nice.”

 

“You’re Kim Hongjoong.” Wooyoung stares at him. “The fashion designer.”

 

“I am.” Hongjoong tugs on his pierced ear. “You know my work?”

 

“Uh, yeah?!” Wooyoung beams, stepping closer. “I have your entire Utopia collection.”

 

“Oh wow.” Hongjoong blanches, his wolf sticking to his vetiver and amber scent that lightly mixes with Yunho’s pretty white birch and sweet juniper berry scent. “That’s one of my first lines. How did you get those?”

 

 Wooyoung chuffs as he crosses his arms over his chest, jutting his chin upward. “A lot of persuasion and money.”

 

Yunho laughs as Hongjoong’s face turns a deeper shade of red.

 

“W-Well.” He clears his throat, tugging on his bracelet. “Thank you for your support.”

 

“Thank you for your work.” Wooyoung smiles. “You really are a fashion genius. I’m really excited for your upcoming work! I heard it’s going to be based on sub-genders.”

 

“It is.” Hongjoong nods, eyes gleaming from the familiar topic. “I’m still working on some things. I can’t seem to picture the right vision for the omega line, so it’s still–”

 

“I’M HUNGRY!” The group jolts as Changbin stretches his arms over his head. “I wanna eat!”

 

Chan laughs, rubbing his ear. “Gods, you can get loud.”

 

“We should work on lunch.” Woojin offers.

 

“Is there food here already?” Yunho asks, thumbing over his shoulder.

 

“Yeah.” Hongjoong nods. “I already checked out most of the first floor. There’s food in there but it’s not much. We’ll probably have to go shopping soon.”

 

“Alright!” Wooyoung claps his hands together. “I’m not a professional but I can make a mean lunch. Let’s see what we have.”

 

 

◈

 

“Wait.” The alpha gently pushes his wavy hair out of his face, the roots a dark black with the rest a blinding white. “Okay, I’m ready.”

 

‘Introduce yourself.’

 

“Hello. My name is Yang Jeongin and I’m an alpha.” He smiles, his dimples shyly peeking through. “I’m twenty-two and a solo artist.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I have.” Jeongin nods. “Now that I’m here, I’m a little nervous. I have this feeling that I’m going to be the youngest out of all of the contestants. I have an older brother, so I’m used to being babied, but I’m still not prepared for it.”

 

‘You think you’ll be the youngest? If that happens to be the case, do you think you could show your strength and assert dominance when the time comes?’

 

 Jeongin blinks, tilting his head cutely. “Should I answer that honestly?”

 

‘Please.’

 

“I’m not really worried about that.” Jeongin lets out a nervous laugh. “My wolf, we have a very strong connection and I’m not weak by any means. I know how to stand my ground and I won’t hesitate to put someone in their place if they decide to undermine me or my strength as an alpha.”

 

‘Ohhhh. So cool!’

 

Jeongin laughs as he hides his face behind his hands. “Just trying to be honest.”

 

‘What are you excited about the most?’

 

“Honestly? I’m just excited to make friends.” Jeongin nods. “Because of my position in the industry as one of the best male vocalists, a lot of people have avoided being friends with me due to jealousy, so it’s just me and my friends from back home. I’d like to connect with someone who works in my field for once without the feeling of betrayal hovering over my head.”

 

‘Any plans to find a mate here?’

 

“A mate?” He tilts his head with a thoughtful hum. “I want a mate but I… I’m poly.” He shrugs. “I haven’t met anyone that’s been okay with having more than one partner, so I’ve been waiting, and since I’m still young, I have more than enough patience to wait for that.”

 

◈

 

“Hello.”

 

‘Holy fuck.’

 

The staff burst into laughter at their reaction.

 

The alpha blinks, a shy smile tugging at his lips. “What? Is there something on my face?”

 

‘No no no. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to react out loud. Your voice just caught me by surprise.’

 

He ducks his head with a soft laugh, his black and red hair hiding his bright brown eyes. “Sorry. It is pretty deep.”

 

‘Go ahead and introduce yourself.’

 

“My name is Song Mingi.” He glances into the camera. “I’m–” The camera shakes and the staff laughs again.

 

‘S-Sorry.’

 

The camera shifts back into position as Mingi grins. “Am I that intimidating?”

 

‘No, but you are that attractive.’

 

He lifts a teasing eyebrow. “Really?”

 

There’s a squeal somewhere from the back and Mingi laughs, shifting in his seat. “Alright, alright. I’ll stop.”

 

‘Take two.’

 

“My name is Song Mingi, an alpha. I’m twenty-four years old and I’m a rapper and a producer.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I’ve thought about it a few times but I’ve never tried to join one,” he admits. “I’ve been offered to join a few packs over time, but none of them felt right for me.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to the most?’

 

“Bonding.” Mingi shifts his feet on the stool. “I don’t have that many friends in the entertainment industry so I’m looking forward to at least making temporary friends here.”

 

‘Is there a weakness you have that would possibly disqualify you from winning a position in the pack?’

 

“That is a very specific question.” He blinks. “But no, I don’t think so. I do have anxiety issues as well as depression but those aren’t things that I allow to be my weaknesses. I struggle just like every other wolf but it doesn’t make me weak.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“No.” Mingi shakes his head instantly. “Probably not.”

 

‘You’ve been known as an alpha in the entertainment industry who has never once been caught up in a dating scandal. Can you explain why that is?’

 

“Oh, that’s simple.” He nods. “I like alphas.”

 

The sound of someone spitting out their drink makes Mingi grin. “Surprised, right?”

 

‘Y-Yeah, it’s a little surprising.’

 

Mingi chuckles, crossing his thick arms over his broad chest. “I don’t have any dating scandals because I haven’t dated anyone in public. A lot of people in my field of work don’t like me. They’re jealous of my talent and my genuine personality so they don’t like me.” He shrugs. “Nothing I can do about it, not that I give a fuck anyway. But yeah, I like alphas. I like omegas and betas as well but they’re never interested in me. Alphas have always shown me the most attention so that’s all I’ve been with.”

 

‘Does that disappoint you?’

 

“Not really.” Mingi shrugs again. “Like I said, I like alphas.” He smirks. “If there is an alpha here who’s interested in me, I can guarantee they’ll be in my bed at some point.”

 

The staff burst into laughter again and he grins. “Just being honest.”

 

 

◇◇

 

The young alpha hears shoes scuffling against concrete and wheels and jolts, turning his head.

 

“Oh. Hello.” Jeongin bows.

 

Mingi smiles as he walks up the stairs with a bag over his shoulder and a suitcase beside him. “Hey. You okay?”

 

“Um. Yeah.” He sighs, hand tightening on the handle of his suitcase. “Just a little nervous about heading inside.”

 

“Ah okay.” Mingi nods slowly, letting go of his suitcase and holding his hand out. “I’m Song Mingi.”

 

“Yang Jeongin.” The younger alpha bows again, instantly shaking his hand.

 

“Would it make you feel better if I opened the door?” Mingi offers, bright brown eyes soft, pleasant, and kind.

 

Jeongin exhales deeply and takes a step to the side, nodding. “Yes, please.”

 

Mingi chuckles, finding the pup’s shyness adorable. He pushes the open and gapes.

 

“Oh, wow. This place is beautiful.”

 

Jeongin follows him, caramel-brown eyes widening as he takes in the interior. His nose quickly picks up the scent of other alphas in the villa and he braces himself for the future outcome.

 

The two wolves place their luggage next to the rest and walk deeper into the house.

 

“Oh! New people! Hi!”

 

Jeongin and Mingi watch as an alpha with cute chubby cheeks bounds up to them.

 

“Hi!” Jisung waves. “Oh! You’re I.N and Mingi, right?”

 

“I-I am.” Jeongin flushes as he shakes his hand. “You’re Han, the freak of our generation.”

 

Jisung chuckles, ducking his head. “Ah, that nickname.”

 

“It’s nice to meet you in person.” Mingi grins. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

 

“Small world,” Jisung answers.

 

“I only smell alphas.” Jeongin walks with him through the living room. “We must be the last ones.”

 

“I think so.” Jisung nods. “The others are in the kitchen working on lunch.”

 

“A group of alphas cooking?” Mingi sighs. “This could be a big disaster.”

 

Jisung huffs as Jeongin snorts. “I think Wooyoung-hyung knows how to cook though, so I think we’re safe. Yo! New people!”

 

“Oh.” Chan turns and smiles. “Hello! Welcome to the villa!”

 

Mingi pokes his cheek with his tongue as his eyes instantly flit over to his best friend. “Seriously, we have to stop meeting like this.”

 

Yunho falls into a fit of laughter as he saunters up to Mingi and crushes him in a hug. “Fate is fate. Can’t deny it.”

 

Mingi rolls his eyes but hugs him back just as tightly, his wolf ecstatic to see him.

 

“Hello, Bang Chan-ssi.” Jeongin bows. “It’s nice to meet you in person.”

 

Chan grins and ruffles his head. “You don’t need to be so formal, Iyen-ah. Call me ‘hyung.’”

 

“Right.” He sighs, scratching his tinted cheek. “Hyung, I’m sorry about the song. It really was a good song. I just–”

 

“It’s alright.” He chuckles, patting his shoulder. “It wasn’t your style. I totally understand. I’m not upset about it.”

 

“What, did you write a song for him?” Changbin asks, leaning his forearms on the counter as he snacks on a piece of meat. Jeongin’s eyes briefly dart down to his arms before he faces away from him.

 

“Yah!” Wooyoung shouts. “Seo Changbin! Quit eating the food!”

 

Changbin snickers as he dodges Wooyoung’s hit.

 

“To answer your question.” Chan shakes his head, pulling Changbin away from the food. “Yes, I wrote him a song but he declined it.”

 

“What song?” Woojin asks.

 

“‘Connected,’” Chan tells him.

 

“Ah.” Jisung nods. “Understandable.”

 

“Hyung, you’re a freak.” Jeongin shakes his head with a teasing lit in his eyes.

 

Chan closes his eyes with his head tilted back as his ears turn red. “It’s a love song.”

 

“Yeah, a love song about fucking.” Woojin snickers.

 

The others laugh as Chan covers his face with a muffled groan.

 

“They’re not wrong, Hyung.” Hongjoong chuckles as he chops up vegetables for Wooyoung. “I would’ve said it’s about love making though.”

 

“Thank you.” Chan huffs, throwing his hands up. “Have some class.”

 

“Hyung.” Yunho leans back to meet his gaze. “You said ‘no turning back once we’re connected.’ You literally said once I start, don’t run. You’re nasty.”

 

Chan pokes the inside of his cheek with his tongue as the others burst into laughter. “Yah. I’ll kill you.”

 

Yunho grins with a shrug of his shoulder. “Just saying.”

 

“Oh. It smells good in here.”

 

 

◈

 

 

“Hello. My name is Kim Seungmin, a beta. I’m twenty-three years old and I’m a solo artist.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

Seungmin pouts as he shifts his blonde bangs out of his face. They smoothly flop back in his eyes and he huffs. “Great.”

 

The staff laughs and he flushes, brushing his hair out of his face again. “Sorry.” The beta clears his throat. “I have always wanted a pack but I honestly never had the time to find one. When I was told that I was picked to be on the show, I readily agreed. I’m really hoping I’m one of the finalists.”

 

‘How do you feel about being one of the only betas?’

 

“Really? There’s only two?” He blinks. “Wah. I thought they were joking about that, but I guess not.” Seungmin tucks his hands in between his thighs. “I’m not sure. I’m proud that I was a beta that was picked but I just want to know if I have what it takes to bond with the other alphas and omegas. It’s important for the beta to make such an impactful bond with all members of the pack so I’m hoping I can achieve that.”

 

‘Essentially, you’ll be the Pack Beta once positions are assigned. Do you think you have what it takes to be one?’

 

“Yes.” He nods, his brown hair shifting along with him. “When it comes down to it, I do know how to lead and be there for other people. I don’t lose control that often and as a beta, it’s ingrained in our instincts to be both submissive and dominant. I know that I can control the pack when something happens as well as comfort the others when they need it.”

 

‘Do you intend to mate with anyone?’

 

Seungmin’s lips tug up in a shy smile as he briefly glances to the side. “Is that… required?”

 

‘It’s not but it happens a lot on this show.’

 

“Ah okay.” He nods. “I mean… I would like one… We’ll just have to wait and see.”

 

One of the staff members burst into laughter. ‘Your face is so red.’

 

Seungmin whines and hides his face behind his hands. “Don’t laugh!”

 

◈

 

“I’m Choi Jongho, a beta, and I’m a twenty-three-year-old solo artist.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“No.” He blinks. “People are weird.”

 

‘Wait, really?’

 

“No, I’m just kidding.” Jongho chuckles. “I do want to be in a pack. I almost joined my hyung’s pack but I realized they weren’t really fit for me.”

 

‘How do you feel about being one of the only betas?’

 

“Kind of cocky actually.” He grins, running a hand through his black hair with red highlights. “No, I’m joking. Um. I feel honored that I was chosen for this position. I know that if and when I’m chosen, the pack alpha will never have to worry about me. I’m a reliable beta in more ways than most.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to the most?’

 

“I think I’m looking forward to the challenges,” Jongho admits. “Especially the physical ones.” He gives the camera a shit-eating grin. “I can’t wait to see the looks on some of the alphas’ faces when they see I’m buffer than them.”

 

The staff laughs and he smiles, toning it down a bit.

 

“I’m also curious about the shifter aspects,” Jongho adds. “Like what alpha has the biggest wolf form or who’s the fastest omega? I think it’ll be fun to explore that area as a pack.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“I don’t know actually.” Jongho worries at his lip. “I’ve had my fair share of partners but no one has ever stayed. I’ve had dreams about a mate and having pups but I don’t think I’ve quite met that person… We’ll see.”

 

 

◇◇

 

“Are our alphas cooking us food?” Seungmin beams.

 

“Our alphas?” Jongho chuckles, eyeing him slyly.

 

“Hi! I’m Wooyoung!” Wooyoung waves his spatula. “Lunch is almost ready!”

 

“Welcome to the villa.” Mingi grins, eyes lingering on Jongho.

 

“SEUNGMIN-AH!”

 

Seungmin flushes and sighs deeply as Changbin rushes up to him, crushing him in a hug. “Great.” He lets his head droop dramatically. “What are you doing here, muscle-brained alpha?”

 

◈

“I’m in trouble.” Seungmin groans, burying his face in his hands with flaming bright ears. “Changbin-hyung can’t be here. He can’t!” He lifts his head, silver eyes wide and frantic. “You expect me to survive with my alpha crush in the same house for four months! Yah! Why!?”

◈

Changbin’s eyes dart to the side as a shy grin tugs at his lips. “I feel like this is a test of my resolve… because if it is, I’m going to fail it.”

◈

 

“You missed me, don’t lie.” Changbin grins. He subtly scents the beta and Seungmin melts as his familiar scent of cedar works its way into his system. Changbin chuckles to himself as he feels the beta’s muscles relax in his hold.

 

“You guys are friends?” Jisung asks, eyes bright and curious.

 

“They did a song together,” Chan responds absently, stirring a pot.

 

“Right. It was ‘Piece of a Puzzle,’ right?” Woojin asks.

 

Seungmin nods as he presses into Changbin’s side, and as Changbin chuffs at the beta, his blush deepens.

 

“That song is a masterpiece,” Jongho comments. “I love your vocals in it.”

 

The group shows their varying degrees of agreement, making Seungmin flush.

 

“Thanks. It’s really all thanks to Changbin-hyung though.” Seungmin shrugs. “He told me how he wanted it and I just sang it for him.”

 

“Don’t take all the credit.” Changbin pouts, squeezing his side. “It’s still your voice.”

 

Chan watches amused as Seungmin’s scent turns from soft and woodsy to sweet and bashful and hides his laughter into Jisung’s shoulder. His wolf knows instantly that he wants to be closer to Seungmin and his rosemary and spruce scent.

 

“They are smitten with each other.” Woojin shakes his head. “It’s so obvious.”

 

Jeongin makes a face. “I remember seeing them perform their song on stage. The chemistry between them is actually sickening.”

 

The three older alphas snicker at his scrunched up face.

 

“I wonder how long it’ll take for them to mate while we’re here,” Hongjoong adds.

 

“Give it two months.” Chan shrugs.

 

Jisung snorts. “Nah. I’ll give it two weeks.”

 

“Alright!” Wooyoung claps his hands. “Everything’s ready!”

 

“We should move to the dining room.” Chan stands up.

 

The alphas move the food and plates to the dining room. When Seungmin and Jongho ask to help, they’re quickly shot down by all of them and told to sit down and relax.

 

Jongho observes them with amusement as they set up the table, idly talking to each other. “At least they’re nice alphas.”

 

Seungmin trails the muscles bulging in Changbin and Chan’s arms as they set down a large bowl together. “Mhm.”

 

“O-Oh! It smells so good in here. Um! Hello!?”

 

 

◈

 

‘Oh wow. You’re so pretty!’

 

The omega blinks her pale grey eyes. “You think so? Well, thank you!”

 

‘Go ahead and introduce yourself.’

 

“Hello, My name is Heo Hyunjoo, an omega.” She waves shyly. “I’m twenty-two, and I’m an actor.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I have!” She brushes her midnight blue hair behind her ear. “It’s something that I really crave, so I hope that I’m chosen as a finalist.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to the most?’

 

“I’m curious about the other omegas,” Hyunjoo responds. “I’ve been around a lot of alphas throughout my life. I’ve never had an omega friend so I’m a little bit rough around the edges. I really hope that I can get close to the other omegas and learn something from them.”

 

‘Do you think you’d be an omega desired by the pack?’

 

Hyunjoo flushes as she idly shakes her head. “I don’t think so. I know it’s stereotypical but alphas do like their omegas a little bit soft and submissive and I am neither of those things. I have a bit of a sharp tongue and I fight back, getting me to submit isn’t an easy task.” 

 

‘Do you want to try for a mate?’

 

“Not really.” She wrinkles her nose. “The idea is nice, having someone you can love and rely on but that also means receiving that same kind of love. I have yet to meet anyone who has accepted me for all that I am. I don’t want to have to change and be someone that makes me uncomfortable just to please my mate. I don’t want that so I just stick to myself.”

 

‘That’s kind of sad.’

 

Hyunjoo shrugs. “It is but it’s my life and I’ve accepted it.”

 

◈

 

“Hello. My name is Kang Yeosang. I am a twenty-four-year-old omega, and I act and model.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

The omega nods with a bright smile. “I have. It’s probably the last thing on my list of dreams to achieve.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to the most?’

 

“Nesting with the other omegas.” Yeosang nods, his long black hair shifting with the movement. “Growing up, I used to nest with my older sister a lot. It’s a bonding experience that I treasure deeply, so I’m really looking forward to doing it with the others.”

 

‘Are you prepared for the challenges in the competition?’

 

“I am.” His ears flush as he smiles. “I’m a little on the bulkier side for an omega but my strength is still very much there. I think the alphas are going to be shocked whenever the time comes for shifter activities. My wolf half is really strong.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“Um. I don’t know, actually.” He taps his chin, his ears turning red. “If it happens, I’d readily accept it but I haven’t dated anyone since high school… if that even counts.”

 

He grimaces.

 

The staff laugh at his bashfulness and he pouts, ducking his head. “Sorry.”

 

◈

 

‘Wah! You have freckles!’

 

The omega giggles, taking his seat. “I do!”

 

‘Oh, my god. Your voice is so deep!’

 

‘Please ignore her. Go ahead and introduce yourself.’

 

He chuckles but nods. “My name is Lee Felix. I am twenty-three years old and an omega. I’m a model and a dancer.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“Oh, definitely!” Felix beams. “I’m really excited for this! I have always wanted my own pack to love and care for. I grew up in a pack community back home and I loved every little interaction. It’s a dream come true to be here.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to the most?’

 

“It’s a little… stereotypical, but I’m looking forward to caring for the alphas,” Felix admits with a cute blush that enhances the freckles on his cheeks. He pushes his long blond hair out of his face. “I like taking care of others. I’m aware of the way society treats alphas because of their stronger nature and all of the stereotypes, but at the end of the day, they’re still wolves who deal with the same hardships as the rest of us. They deserve love and affection just like everyone else and I intend on giving it to them.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“I hope so. Is that allowed?” He flushes, scratching his cheek.

 

‘It is.’

 

“I think if my wolf finds someone worthy, then I would allow myself to bond with a mate.” Felix nods. “During the bonding time as a pack, it’s probably inevitable for mates to form, too. I’m excited for all the potential love!”

 

 

◇◇

 

“We’re in here!” Woojin yells.

 

Seungmin and Jongho watch as the alphas noticeably perk up from the smell and sound of omegas.

 

An omega with dark blue hair cautiously steps in and bows. “Hello?”

 

“Hi!” Hongjoong smiles, excitement filling his eyes. “I love your outfit!”

 

“O-Oh, I– By the goddess.” Hyunjoo huffs, glancing down at her black and white gothic style, and smiles at him, her soft cherry scent blooming in waves. “Thank you! Do you recognize anything that I’m wearing?”

 

Hongjoong tilts his head before his eyes widen. “Oh! That shirt! That’s from my Pirate era!”

 

Hyunjoo laughs as she nods. “Yeah! I love your darker styles. They’re really unique. It’s an honor to meet you, Hongjoong-ssi.”

 

“Wow.” Hongjoong blinks, shaking her hand. “You know, I didn’t really envision that shirt on a specific sub-gender but it looks amazing on an omega.”

 

“Ah, thanks.” She blushes.

 

◈

“Yah!” Hyunjoo places a hand over her heart. “Why did no one tell me the Kim Hongjoong was going to be here!?”

◈

 

“We’re having lunch if you would like to join us,” Yunho offers, walking.

 

Yeosang smiles, walking up to Hyunjoo. “I’d love that. Hello, everyone.”

 

Jongho flushes as the omega waves at everyone and quickly introduces himself. Seungmin snorts and the other beta gently elbows him.

 

“KANG YEOSANG!”

 

Yeosang lets out a long sigh, eyes glancing to the side. “Seriously. I can’t escape you.”

 

Wooyoung shrieks as he crushes him in a hug. “Yah! What are you doing here!? You didn’t tell me you were joining the show!”

 

“I wasn’t supposed to, you know that.” Yeosang sighs as he wraps his arms around his best friend, enduring his hyper embrace. “Seriously. What did I do to deserve this punishment?”

 

“Shut up, you love me.” Wooyoung nuzzles against his cheek and Yeosang smiles softly giving him a quick soft purr.

 

“So we have another set of best friends on our hands, hm?” Hongjoong asks, idly rubbing his hand over his suddenly aching heart.

 

“Unfortunately.” Yeosang playfully rolls his eyes, making the older alpha chuckle at him.

 

“Yah! You were in three entirely different countries shooting a movie for a year! I’m allowed to miss you right now,” Wooyoung complains.

 

Yeosang sighs again but holds him closer. “Sorry, Youngie. I’m back now.”

 

“Good.” The alpha sighs, subtly inhaling his hazelnut and neroli scent. “Missed you.”

 

“Well–” Chan claps his hands with a soft smile. “I’m Bahng Chan aaaand welcome to the villa!”

 

“Is that an Australian accent I hear?” Felix steps inside, glancing around curiously.

 

Chan perks up with a shout, his wolf’s tail metaphorically wagging. “Lix?”

 

Felix beams, switching to English. “Oh! Chris! Mate, what are you doing here?”

 

Chan waddles over to him and Felix giggles brightly as Chan hugs him, rocking from side to side. “Felix! Hi, Felix!”

 

“Hey, Hyungie.” Felix leans his head on his shoulder, biting back a purr from his childhood friend. Chan tries and fails not to inhale his caramel and angel cake scent. “By the gods, It’s fate. I didn’t expect to see you here! How are you?”

 

“I’m good, I’m good.” He lets him go but holds him by his arms, amber eyes darting all over his frame. “Look at you! You look good! You were all scrawny and shit the last time I saw you.”

 

“Oh, fuck you.” Felix scrunches his nose but his smile is still as bright as ever, his wolf thoroughly pleased by the alpha’s compliment.

 

Chan laughs and hugs him again. “It’s really good to see you, Felix.”

 

Felix allows himself to blush as he hugs him tighter, purring softly. “You too, Chris.”

 

◈

“I’ve known Chris since we first learned how to shift.” Felix smiles, eyes round and dopey as he recounts the memories. “We met in Australia at a dance class. He was obsessed with my freckles as a pup and I was adamant on making friends with everyone in the class. We’ve been stuck together since then. I actually followed him to Korea after I became of age but I quickly got recruited once I came here and he was busy with producing so we haven’t had much time to reconcile.”

He smiles at the camera, shaking his fists in a cute manner. “It’s really nice to see him here and I’m excited to have him as a potential pack mate.”

◈

 

“This is amazing!” Hyunjoo points at the food as she swallows. “Who made this?”

 

“Wooyoungie.” Yeosang cuts in. “I know his cooking and this is definitely his doing.”

 

Wooyoung waves his hand as his scent puffs out. “Oh, stop. You’re gonna make me blush.”

 

Felix and Hyunjoo laugh at him.

 

“Has anyone explored the house yet?” Felix asks.

 

“I have.” Jisung swallows to speak. “It’s massive. The rooms are beautiful, too. They all have amazing views. I can’t wait to choose them.”

 

“Are there enough beds?” Chan questions, absently putting more food on Jeongin’s plate. The youngest alpha smiles even if Chan can’t see it and keeps eating.

 

Jisung nods. “Yeah, we’re gonna have to share beds I think.”

 

“I wonder how they’re going to go about organizing that,” Woojin ponders.

 

“Probably separate the alphas and omegas,” Hongjoong responds logically. “I think the two betas will get their own choice since they’re kind of in the middle.”

 

“Sounds about right.” Chan nods, watching Jeongin eat with primal precision.

 

“Hello? Anybody here?”

 

 

◈

 

 

“Hello! I’m Kim Misuk, an omega. I’m twenty-two and I’m a makeup artist!”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I have.” Misuk brushes her lavender hair out of her eyes. “I grew up in a pack so I’m very familiar with how things work. Being away from them is hard since I got so used to the security and comfort of a pack, so I’m really hoping to have my own.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to the most?’

 

“Scent sessions.” Misuk smiles shyly. “I know that it’s an intimate affair but scenting is very important for packs so I’m definitely looking forward to potentially bonding with someone’s scent.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“Oh, I don’t know.” She worries at her lip. “I’m really done with little flings and dealing with alphas who don’t really know what they want in life. I want a mate to settle down with, even if I am young. I don’t know if there’s a person for me here but I would be open to trying if they were.”

 

◈

 

“Hi. My name is Jeon Y/n, an omega. I’m twenty-three and I’m a digital artist to put it simply, but I do a lot of different things.”

 

‘Things like what?’

 

“My main job is to create album covers for artists but occasionally, I’ll create character designs for different games and shows. I’m pretty famous for making original fantasy character designs.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

Y/n runs a hand through her black and purple hair. “I have. I’ve always wanted to be a part of something so comforting. I really can’t wait to interact with the other omegas, betas, and alphas. My older brother was on this show in a previous season. I’ve met his pack and I really want something like that.”

 

‘Your older brother? Who?’

 

“Jeon Jungkook,” she answers, smiling softly. “He was in season two.”

 

‘Ah. Season two was brutal.’

 

Y/n sighs. “It was but they’re all doing well. They’re still a pack and they have two pups already.”

 

‘Aw! That’s so cute!’

 

“I know.” She pouts. “I love them so much, my nephew is one of them.”

 

‘How do you feel about being one of the first females to join the show?’

 

“Really?” Y/n blinks. “That’s surprising. I’m honored, honestly. It’s just a little disappointing that this is the final season.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“I might.” She shrugs. “But who knows? If my wolf likes them, then I will listen to her and try my best not to let my introverted ways show.”

 

The staff laughs at her and she glances to the side in embarrassment.

 

‘You’re an introvert?’

 

“Yes.” Y/n sighs. “I really… hate people actually but I came here to step out of my comfort zone… It’s a really big step, might I add.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

“We’re in here!”

 

Y/n follows Misuk into the dining room and she blinks at all of the people. “Oh… Hi.”

 

“Hello.” Misuk bows.

 

“Hi!” Felix waves along with Woojin and Mingi.

 

“Welcome to the villa!” Yunho greets.

 

“Are you guys hungry?” Wooyoung asks.

 

“I could eat.” Misuk shrugs, glancing at Y/n.

 

Y/n nods in agreement, fighting her urge to hide behind her hair. “Yeah. Food sounds nice.”

 

“I’ll get your plates.” Chan stands.

 

Y/n stiffens, recognizing him instantly and her scent sweetens, her wolf forcing her to follow him into the kitchen. “I’ll help.”

 

“Is there anything specific you want?” Wooyoung questions, grabbing some utensils. “I’m Jung Wooyoung, by the way.”

 

“Jeon Y/n,” She introduces with a soft smile. “And no, I’m not picky. I’ll take anything, thank you.”

 

“Jeon?” Chan tilts his head curiously and Y/n sucks in a sharp breath as his beautiful amber eyes meet hers. “You wouldn’t happen to have an older brother named Jungkook, would you?”

 

“I do actually.” She chuckles nervously, tugging on the sleeve of her top. “Are the two of you friends?”

 

“We are!” Chan beams, his scent blossoms out and Y/n melts inside from the heavenly bergamot smell. “What a small world. I’m-I’m Bahng Chan, by the way.”

 

“Oh, I know.” Y/n brushes her purple bangs behind her ear. “I love your music.”

 

“No shit, really?” Chan picks up her plate and they head into the dining room.

 

“Mhm.” She glances away from his prying gaze. “Because of my oppa, I’ve always loved music so I’m always open to finding new genres. I’ll never forget the first time I listened to something produced by you. You have a lot of different undertones that are appealing to the ears. It’s astonishing to pick up the little adlibs and melodies you add in the background.”

 

“Wah.” Chan flushes as she speaks, breaking apart a pair of chopsticks and handing them to her. “Wow, you really pay attention to that?”

 

“Yeah.” Y/n gently takes the chopsticks from him with a muttered thanks. “I’m almost always wearing headphones and they’re pretty expensive so I can hear everything. I took some music classes growing up with my brother because I wanted to be close to him, so the information kind of stuck to me. You really are a musical genius, you know that right?”

 

◈

“She’s pretty, smells good, and knows music?” Chan sucks in air between his teeth as he rubs his hands over his thighs. “Yah. It’s too early for this.”

◈

 

“Did you say your name was Jeon Y/n?” Jeongin asks, realization filtering across his face.

 

“Mhm.” Y/n chews on her food, eyeing him curiously and picking up his pretty spearmint and clove scent.

 

“Jeon Y/n?” Felix repeats. “As in Jeonnie JuJu? The artist who designs almost all of the characters for ‘Aviar Dynasty?’”

 

Y/n blinks her wide eyes from being recognised. “Um. Yes. That’s me.”

 

“Really?” Seungmin leans forward.

 

“No way!” Felix exclaims, chirping softly. “Your designs are fucking sick! The new update just came out and I can not stop playing that one character with the eroded soul power! Fuck, what was her name?” The omega taps his chin. “She had white eyes and grayish lavender hair…”

 

“Ah, Kalon.” Y/n grins as she picks up more food with her chopsticks, delighted to talk about a topic she knows well. “Yeah, she was super hard to create because her power is so complex. I had to design everything about her, her outfit to her weapon down to her playing style so she could be playable. She originally wasn’t ever going to be playable, but the players kept demanding it over the years. She’s a five-star character though and the update just came out. How’d you get her so fast?”

 

The grin he gives her is downright devious as he wiggles his eyebrows. “A buttfuck amount of money.”

 

“You have Kalon!?” Seungmin shouts.

 

“Ugh, you’re so lucky.” Jeongin pouts.

 

Y/n bursts into laughter completely unaware of how the alphas stare at them. “Really? That’s true dedication.”

 

“I had to!” Felix exclaims, waving his hand. “I’ve been obsessed with her since that stupid two-minute scene of her in the very first version of the game.”

 

Y/n bites her lip and lifts an eyebrow with mirth. “You’ve been waiting for her for over forty-six versions?”

 

Felix’s face turns a bright shade of red as he catches her teasing tone. “Uh… Maybe?”

 

Y/n giggles and reaches over to pinch his cheeks, encouraged by their conversation. “Awww. That’s so cute of you!”

 

Jisung joins her on Felix’s other side and the others laugh as Felix squirms in his seat, whining but making no move to stop them. “Don’t make fun. She’s hot!”

 

“She is.” She gently rubs his cheek where she pinched him and returns to her food. “She’s probably my favorite character I’ve made. I think I spent the most sleepless nights making sure her design was perfect. The detail in her power usage is why she took so long to come out as a playable character. I think the wait was worth it, no?”

 

“Yeees, oh my gods. I love playing her.” He groans. “I already have her ascended to the highest level but I’m struggling with her build.”

 

Y/n hums as she chews and swallows her food. “Want some advice?”

 

“Yes!” Felix perks up. “Wait, no. I want to figure it out…” He wrinkles his eyebrows. “No, tell me.”

 

She snickers and leans in. “She needs galaxy energy and witch eye percentage. Also, if you have Haedes in your party built as a DPS, he adds to her erosion percentage by two hundred.”

 

Felix stares at her. “You’re kidding.”

 

Y/n snorts. “I created it, so no, I’m not kidding.”

 

“Wah.” He slumps in his chair. “Seriously, you’re evil. Witch Eye percentage is impossible to get.”

 

Jeongin shrugs. “It’s not if you go to–”

 

“If you say Amara’s Domain, I’m going to kill you.”

 

Y/n cackles, slapping her thigh. “Ah! No one likes that domain.”

 

“Because it’s fucking hard!” Felix whines. “Who’s idea was it to put all the best artifacts on the domain with three of the hardest bosses in it?”

 

She actively avoids his gaze and he gasps. “Tell me it wasn’t you.”

 

Y/n shrugs, collecting the rest of her food with her chopsticks. “Alright, I won’t.”

 

Felix groans and drops his head on her shoulder. “You’re so evilllll. Evil I say!”

 

“No, she’s a genius.” Jeongin points out. “I love playing that domain.”

 

“Masochist,” Seungmin mutters.

 

Y/n chuckles and pats Felix’s head. “There there. If it’s so hard, we can play together and I’ll help you build her.”

 

“You play the game?” He snaps his head.

 

“Yeah, why wouldn’t I?” She leans forward and puts vegetables on his plate. “Eat.”

 

Felix pouts but does as he’s told. “It’s your game though.”

 

“Yeah, well, it’s still fun to see my characters in action,” Y/n replies. “It’s also how I get my ideas for new characters.”

 

“Does anyone else understand what they’re talking about?” Woojin asks.

 

“Not a clue.” Changbin sighs, eyes darting between the omegas and Seungmin and Jeongin.

 

“I think it’s cute,” Chan mutters.

 

“You also think she’s cute.” Hongjoong juts his chin out toward Y/n, keeping his voice as quiet as possible.

 

Chan sighs petulantly. “Of course, you would notice.”

 

“She is pretty cute.” Woojin nods in agreement, brown eyes lingering on her neck and cleavage.

 

“Are you going to try to flirt with her, Hyung?” Changbin grins, elbowing Chan.

 

“I don’t know yet.” He sighs, eyes trained on Y/n as she talks to the other omegas and betas. “We’ll see.”

 

“Wah! I smell food! Hello!”

 

 

◈

 

 

‘Wah. You’re so handsome!’

 

The omega smiles, revealing his dimples. “Thank you.”

 

‘Please, introduce yourself.’

 

“My name is Choi San.” He bows his head. “I’m twenty-four, an omega, and I’m a singer and a dancer.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I have, but I’m kind of anxious about it.” He scratches his wrist.

 

‘Why is that?’

 

“Because I know how I get,” San chuckles, his dirty blonde hair hanging in his face. “I get clingy pretty fast with people I’m comfortable with. I just hope the others don’t mind too much.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to the most?’

 

“It’s kind of cliche but I’m genuinely looking forward to bonding moments. I’m quiet on occasion but I do enjoy others’ company as an omega.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

“I don’t know actually.” San crosses his thick arms over his chest. “I’d be open to it though.”

 

◈

 

“Hello, I’m–”

 

‘Wah! You’re so pretty!’

 

The omega blushes as he fiddles with the rings on his fingers. “Thank you.”

 

‘I’m sorry. Please, introduce yourself.’

 

“My name is Hwang Hyunjin.” He runs a hand through his long fluffy black hair. “I’m a twenty-three-year-old omega and I’m a model and an artist.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I have!” He bounces in his seat. “I’m super excited for this opportunity. I’m really curious about this.”

 

‘Do you think you’d be given a hierarchy position in the pack?’

 

“Um. I don’t know actually.” Hyunjin taps his fingers against his knee. “If the Pack Alpha offered me the Head Omega position, I know that I’d do my best to prove that I’m worthy of the position.”

 

He nods, eyes glancing to the side in wonder. “I think it would be nice to be in control of the other omegas, taking care of them and making sure they’re okay.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

He shrugs. “If the moon goddess says it’s time, then I guess so.”

 

◈

 

“Hi. I’m Park Seonghwa, an omega. I’m a model, actor, and singer. Oh, I’m twenty-five.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“Yes.” He gives a shy smile. “Though I feel like I’m falling a bit behind compared to my friends. Most, if not, all of them are in their own packs, but I have yet to find anyone like that.” He sighs. “That’s why I really wanted to do this, and I hope things go well.”

 

‘Do you think you’d be an omega desired by the pack?’

 

“I hope so.” Seonghwa blushes, running a hand through his black hair. “That’s an interesting question to ask but I know my worth. I am desirable. I’m attractive and smart and I know how to comfort others, to be whatever it is they need from me. I’m confident about it.” He nods. “So yes, I believe so.”

 

‘Is there a position in the pack that you want?’

 

“I– Can I be honest?” He blinks, his cheek tinting. “I’ve always wanted to be Luna.”

 

‘Luna?’

 

Seonghwa nods. “The pack alpha’s mate. I’m not really sure where this dream came from but it’s something that I’ve always wanted.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

 

Seonghwa grins devilishly. “Hopefully, I can woo the pack alpha to be my mate.”

 

The staff laughs and he wrinkles his nose.

 

“No, I’m kidding… partly.” He averts his gaze. “I do want a mate though. I’m curious if my wolf will claim someone as ours.”

 

◈

 

“I’m Lee Minho, an omega. I’m twenty-five years old and I’m a choreographer.”

 

‘I thought I recognized you! Your work is amazing!’

 

Minho’s lip quirks up in a quick grin. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

 

‘Have you ever wanted a pack?’

 

“I have but I never put in the effort to join one.” The omega sits up, his purple hair glistening under the spotlight. “I put a lot of my time into dancing and choreographing and it hasn’t been until recently that I realized that I’ve been feeling a bit lonely. My hyung offered me to join his pack but I could never bring myself to even consider courting them… I’m hoping I get something out of this.”

 

‘What are you looking forward to the most?’

 

“I’m kind of an introverted person, despite my occupation, but I am looking forward to bonding.” Minho nods, eyes averted in wonder. “I’m curious about what makes the others tick and how they act around each other.”

 

‘Is there a position in the pack that you want?’

 

“Not really.” Minho shrugs. “Though since I’m so used to being in a leader position, I’d probably accept being the Head Omega.”

 

‘Do you think you’ll find a mate here?’

“A mate?” He blinks his big eyes. “Yah. Do you know how much confidence it took me to willingly participate in this competition for a pack? And you expect me to have the energy to look for a mate? Funny. You’re funny.”

 

 

◇◇

 

“Oh, hi.” Chan smiles at the tall black-haired omega.

 

Hyunjin waves, stepping inside and smilingly shyly. “Smells nice in here.”

 

“Welcome to the villa,” Hongjoong adds, eyes trained on the tallest omega.

 

“Thanks.” Seonghwa smiles, his wolf scratching under the surface and chanting.

 

“Are you guys hungry?” Changbin questions.

 

“Starving.” Minho groans. Jisung jolts from the sound and stares at him with his lips parted.

 

“Have a seat. I’ll get your plates.” Wooyoung darts away.

 

Y/n flushes as Minho takes a seat beside her. She bows to him and he gives her a soft smile. The sight almost knocks the breath out of her lungs.

 

“Hello.”

 

“H-Hi.” She clears her throat. “Welcome to the villa.”

 

The older omega observes her and Y/n shrinks into herself, her wolf both intimidated and intrigued by the pretty omega.

 

Minho chuckles and mumbles just for her ears only, “Thank you.”

 

◈

“I’ve been around a lot of omegas during my career,” Y/n says to the camera. “But the omegas here are probably the most beautiful wolves I have ever laid eyes on… It’s a bit intimidating honestly but I just hope that I can match their level during the competition.”

◈

 

“So this is everyone?” San asks, glancing around the large table.

 

“I believe so.”

 

“Wah.” Hyunjin squirms in his chair. “This is so exciting! I know almost everyone at this table.”

 

“Really?” Jeongin perks up, his scent sweetening just a bit.

 

Hyunjin nods. “Yeah. My music taste is pretty broad. I listen to everyone who’s here and–” He faces Hongjoong, bowing shortly. “It’s nice to see you again, Hyung-ah.”

 

“You too, Jinnie.” Hongjoong chuckles, resting his chin on his palm. “You sure you won’t reconsider being my model permanently?”

 

The omega smirks slowly. “I’m sure, but if you need someone to walk the runway, you know how to contact me.”

 

Hongjoong chuffs, nodding. “Noted.”

 

“Here you go.” Wooyoung reaches down and places a plate in front of San.

 

“Oh.” He glances up at him with glistening eyes. “Thank you.”

 

Wooyoung blushes and nods, subtly inhaling the omega’s meadowsweet and frangipani. “Of course. I hope you like the food.”

 

“Did you make it?” San asks as Seonghwa begins to pile food on their plate.

 

“I did.”

 

San grins, meeting his gaze again. “Then, I’m sure it’s amazing!”

 

Wooyoung sputters, his face turning red and Minho and Hyunjin laugh at him.

 

“Very smooth.” Seonghwa chuckles, eyeing the two wolves.

 

The group eats the rest of the food and idly chats among themselves, slowly getting to know each other. Sitting at the table, Y/n notices a lot of different looks between pairs. Though he doesn’t speak, Hongjoong can’t take his eyes off Seonghwa, San, and Yeosang. Jeongin and Felix talk amongst themselves along with Seungmin and Jeongin’s had a blush on his face since Felix first turned to him. Jisung hasn’t said much either but he keeps sneaking glances with Minho, occasionally glaring at Woojin whenever he speaks. Hyunjoo and Misuk talk to Changbin and Yunho with Mingi adding in every now and then.

 

“You don’t talk often, do you?”

 

Chan’s voice snaps the omega out of her analyzing and she gently smiles at him.

 

“Yes and no.” She shrugs. “I don’t really hang out with a lot of people or ever , really. It’s better to just watch everything unfold for now.”

 

“So you’re an introvert?” He grins, sitting back in his seat.

 

Y/n huffs. “Yes, that I am.”

 

“Ah.” He nods. “As an extrovert, it’s my job to adopt you and get you to open up.”

 

She snorts, lifting an eyebrow. “Is it now?”

 

“Of course.” Chan shrugs.

 

She boldly leans against the table and looks at him through her eyelashes. “And what happens when you can’t handle how I act without all the shyness?”

 

Chan chuckles and she stares at his lips and dimples longer than she intended to. “Who said I couldn’t handle it?”

 

Y/n’s heart races at the hidden meaning and before she can respond, a soft bell rings. The room falls silent as a voice speaks around them.

 

“Hello. Can all contestants please move to the back patio?”

 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

Notes:

... anyway. welcome to my first ever a/b/o reality tv show au!! kinda excited for this one so I hope you guys enjoy the drama!

please try to refrain from commenting negatively on my usage of Woojin in this fic. it's just for drama purposes and he's going to be here for a while so please don't read it if you really can't stand him.

Chapter 3: ◆Day 1.2◆

Summary:

The members of the villa are thrown a welcome party

◆◇◈◇◆

 

 

Y/n fidgets with her fingers while she sits on the side with the rest of the omegas. The breeze feels nice as it blows against her skin but it’s not enough to quell her emotions. Her eyes linger on the forest past the perimeter and her wolf aches to go run. It’s been so long since she’s been on a proper run, she almost doesn’t remember what it feels like.

 

Felix is on her left side as Seonghwa sits on the other. Many of the others are chatting among themselves, but Y/n can’t bring herself to say anything as they wait for the host to make his appearance. Felix notices her nervousness and leans into her side.

 

“Nervous?”

 

Y/n wrinkles her nose. “Is it obvious?”

 

“It is.” Felix gives her a gentle smile, tugging at his hand. “It’s okay. Here.”

 

He turns her hand around and places a ring against her palm.

 

“What’s this?” she asks, fiddling with the jewelry between her fingers.

 

“It’s an anxiety ring,” the omega explains. “It twists when you mess with it. It keeps me calm.”

 

“Oh, Felix.” She faces him. “Thank you, but I can’t take this from you.”

 

“Keep it.” He pushes her hand away with gentle brown eyes. “I have a ton more. It’s okay.”

 

Y/n protests again but Felix takes the ring from her and slides it on her middle finger. “See. Perfect fit.”

 

She slumps her shoulders in defeat before patting his knee. “Thank you.”

 

Felix smiles, nudging her side. “Don’t worry about it.”

 

A man begins to walk up the stairs, heading toward them and the others begin to fall silent. He’s tall and handsome with short black hair and a pair of silver glasses sitting on his face. Y/n instantly starts fiddling with her fingers and is taken aback by the ring. It distracts her instantly, so she keeps twisting it around.

 

The man smiles, stops before them. “Hello hello hello! Welcome to the villa!”

 

The others cheer and Y/n smiles, their scents spiking with excitement and anxiety.

 

“What do you guys think of the villa so far?” the alpha asks. “Do you like it?”

 

“It’s beautiful here.” “Yeah, it’s really nice.” “I love it.” “The kitchen is pretty!”

 

The others snicker at Wooyoung’s enthusiasm and the alpha grins, his ears turning red.

 

“That’s good to hear.” He claps his hands before bowing. “My name is Choi Jaesung and I’ll be your wonderful host!”

 

“It’s nice to meet you, Jaesung-nim.” Chan smiles.

 

Jaesung grins. “Likewise.” He briefly glances around. “I see we have another season of beautiful contestants. Can we give a hand to our first little batch of female contestants?”

 

The others clap for Misuk, Y/n, and Hyunjoo, and Felix bumps Y/n’s shoulder. She makes a face, ducking her head from the attention as her face heats up.

 

“Ladies, how are we feeling?” Jaesung asks.

 

“Awesome!” Misuk beams. “It’s a real honor to be here.”

 

“I agree.” Hyunjoo nods.

 

All eyes fall to Y/n and she gives a strained smile. “It’s nice.”

 

Jaesung huffs a laugh. “That’s all?”

 

“Sorry.” She groans, palming her forehead. “I’m still a bit nervous.”

 

“And that’s totally understandable. It’s only your first day after all.” He grins as Felix places his hand on her thigh and squeezes. “I’m sure over time you’ll be able to bond with the others and speak of bonding! I have come bearing news!”

 

“Ohhh!” “Exciting.”

 

“Since it is your first day in the villa, I have arranged a welcoming party for you all!”

 

“Party!” Jisung yells along with Yunho.

 

“Oh, hell yeah!” Woojin grins.

 

“Oh, that’s gonna be so much fun!” Felix bites his lip to hide his grin as he briefly grips Y/n’s thigh again.

 

Y/n’s heart races at the thought of partying with so many attractive people. That’s totally not gonna go well.

 

“But before you can receive your invitation, you must finish up a background check,” Jaesung announces.

 

◈

Y/n blinks at the camera. “A background check?... Didn’t we do that before the show?”

◈

 

“A background check?” Seonghwa mutters beside her.

 

“I see a lot of confused faces–” Jaesung grins. “-so let me explain. Sometime today, you will receive a portfolio full of profiles of every contestant here with a photo, name, and age. There will be pieces of information about each member not attached to the profile. The goal is to guess which list of information goes to which contestant. Depending on the amount of correct matches you make, you will receive your invitation to the party. Sounds good?”

 

“Oh, no.” “Sounds great!” “Ugh! I suck at guessing!” “Me too.”

 

Y/n grins from the responses and a boost of confidence fills her. As a bit of a people watcher, she’s a master at picking up on things about others. It’s what makes her such a wanted artist in the industry. This’ll be a walk in the park.

 

“Before that happens, I want you guys to go ahead and choose your rooms and bedmates,” Jaesung continues, clamping his hands together and resting them on his thighs. “There are two rooms with five beds in them. One room is strictly for the alphas and the other room is strictly for the omegas. The first rule of the villa! Alphas are not allowed in the omegas’ room and vice versa.”

 

He emphasizes this by staring down every single one of them.

 

◈

Misuk wrinkles her nose at the camera. “Off limits? The bedroom is where all the action is! How are we supposed to bond intimately if we’re not allowed in the others’ rooms?”

◈

 

“There will potentially come a time when this rule no longer stands but until then, the rule stands.” Jaesung points between Seungmin and Jongho. “Betas can pick and choose which room they wish to inhabit.”

 

Jongho grins as Seungmin sticks his tongue out at Changbin. The alpha rolls his eyes with an amused grin and Chan huffs a laugh beside him.

 

“You are more than welcome to pick and choose a different room every night if you wish to switch to bond with the others,” Jaesung speaks directly to the two betas. “You two have the important job of making notes on the others to help the two pack alphas within our midst.”

 

“When will we know who the pack alphas are?” Seonghwa asks.

 

Jaesung grins. “At the end of the month.”

 

A collection of groans sound through the area making Jaesung laugh.

 

“I know, I know. Such torture.” He shakes his head. “You guys will be fine. The reason we are keeping this hidden is so that there aren’t a lot of people jumping down the pack alphas’ throats trying to gain their attention. We want you all to bond openly with each alpha without there being an ulterior motive.”

 

“Second most important rule!” Jaesung smiles grimly. “No wolf forms until the allotted time.”

 

Felix blinks. “Eh?”

 

“Seriously?” Woojin questions.

 

Jaesung nods. “Yes, seriously.”

Y/n huffs. “Great.”

 

“As you all know, your wolfskin is very fundamental,” Jaesung says. “It’s a part of who we are. For most of us, our wolves control many parts of our lives and in others, they don’t. For this challenge, we want you to work with your wolf to feel out who you vibe with without meeting their wolfskin face to face. That step will be saved for last as the ultimate test.”

 

The contestants grumble but agree nonetheless.

 

“Last thing and it’s rather unfortunate that I have to say this but–” Jaesung puts on a serious face. “-no violence. Please refrain from physically fighting that includes biting and scratching and please, do not try to pull out someone’s hair.”

 

Y/n snorts while Yunho shakes his head.

 

“We got it, Jaesung-ssi.” San nods.

 

Jaesung finishes up the rest of his little speech about being kind and open to everyone in the villa. Afterward, the group excitedly disperses back into the house to explore the rooms on the second floor. Y/n laughs softly as the omegas rush ahead of the alphas, the thundering sound of their footsteps echoing throughout the villa.

 

Felix throws the double doors open and the omegas pile into the room. The room is spacious and beautifully decorated with comfortable neutral colors. There are five king-sized beds that look dangerously comfortable to sleep in with a wall of windows showing off the view of the ocean. A wardrobe stands against the furthest left wall, loaded with blankets and pillows, and it sinfully invites Y/n to take them and make a nest.

 

“Wow,” Y/n mutters. “This room is bigger than my apartment.”

 

“Right?” Hyunjoo agrees.

 

“Look at these blankets,” Seonghwa mutters in awe, running his fingertips across the row of gray fabric. “These are like… the best quality nesting blankets known to wolfkind. I didn’t even think these things were real.”

 

“You don’t have any already?” Minho asks, running his hand along the mattress in silent wonder. “I refuse to use anything but this brand for nesting.”

 

“No.” The older omega sighs. “I could never afford it, and now that I can… it just never felt right to buy it for myself.”

 

“Ah.” Hyunjin nods, slowly. He gets it. “You wanted it as a courting gift?”

 

Seonghwa flushes, turning away from the nesting blankets. “Something like that.”

 

Felix grins. “We’ll make sure to mention that should any of the alphas here want to court you.”

 

Seonghwa sputters and the younger omegas laugh at him.

 

“Seriously,” Yeosang says, staring up at the ceiling, splayed out on one of the beds. “How can a bed be this comfortable? This is just not fair.”

 

“I know, right?” San grumbles on the bed across from him. “Can I live here forever?”

 

Y/n smiles softly. “I know what you mean… Despite this being a new space, this bed really gives me the urge to nest.”

 

“It’s too bad we can’t make a significant nest quite yet.” Misuk sighs, crossing her arms over her plump chest.

 

“When do you think they’ll start letting us fully nest?” Felix asks with a small pout.

 

“I don’t know.” Seonghwa sighs. “But we can do something small and these beds are big enough. Maybe later on we can maybe work out who’s sleeping where and work on small nests with our bedmates.”

 

“Works for me.” Hyunjin shrugs.

 

The others mumble different levels of agreement.

 

“Just a note,” Misuk says, shyly holding up her hand. “I’m a pillow freak for my nests.”

 

San perks up. “So am I! Should we sleep together?”

 

“Sure!” Misuk beams, her vanilla scent pumping out.

 

San returns her bright smile causing the other omega to blush.

 

“Excuse me, lovely omegas!” The others turn toward the door as Seungmin leans against the doorframe with a smug look on his handsome face, his eyes flitting across the room.

 

“Hey, Seungmin.” Felix smiles. “Did you need something?”

 

“The alphas have brought it upon themselves to bring everyone’s luggage to the second floor,” Seungmin responds with his nose in the air as if he’s the royal announcer making the omegas giggle at his antics. “Please claim what is yours.”

 

“Why thank you, Sir Seungmin.” Misuk curtsies with a precise form.

 

Seungmin smiles bashfully as Felix and Hyunjin follow her lead.

 

Minho huffs a laugh, eyeing them. “Cute.”

 

“Alright.” Y/n pushes herself off the bed, heading out of the room. “I’ll go first.”

 

“Have you figured out where the bathrooms are yet or were you guys just fawning over the beds?” Seungmin asks with a smirk on his face.

 

“Don’t tease.” Seonghwa shakes his head as some of the omegas blush. “It’s a comfortable space.”

 

Seungmin grins, shrugging his shoulders. “Just asking. There’s one attached to your room and it has your wardrobe and a vanity room as well.”

 

San and Hyunjin push open the door on the right wall and immediately exclaim. “Look at all this space!”

 

Hyunjin rounds the corner and gapes at the size of the closet. “Wah, can I have a closet like this?”

 

“Do you even have enough clothes for a closet this size?” Yeosang asks, peeking around the corner.

 

“Absolutely.”

 

Yeosang snorts. “Mind giving me a tip?”

 

“Yeah, sure!” Hyunjin smiles, turning to him. “I’d love to. Maybe I can dress you up in my clothes and possibly figure out a style you like.”

 

Yeosang nods, crossing his arms over his chest. “Okay. Thank you, I’d appreciate that.”

 

Y/n enters after them and blanches, dragging in her suitcases. “Oh wow. This is a lot of space.”

 

“Pretty cool, right?” Hyunjin grins. “It’s nothing like my closet at home but it’s still a good space.”

 

Y/n lifts an eyebrow. “Your closet is bigger than this? I have a hard time believing that.”

 

The taller omega shrugs. “Well… technically, part of my closet is two of the rooms in my apartment so… yeah, it’s pretty spacious.”

 

Y/n chuckles as she picks a spot in the middle of the closet. “And you wear all of those clothes?”

 

“Absolutely.” Hyunjin nods. “It took me a while to figure out what I wanted to wear here. It was so hard.”

 

“I know, right?” The two omegas watch as Felix comes in lugging three large suitcases almost as tall as him. “It took me weeks to figure out outfits.”

 

Hyunjin laughs, helping him pull in a suitcase. “These things are huge! How did you even find something this big and sturdy?”

 

Felix flushes. “Through a very deep search of online shopping.”

 

Y/n nods to herself, putting away her pants. “Nice. That’s usually when you find the best stuff.”

 

“Oh, you get it!” Felix perks up with a bright smile.

 

She huffs a laugh, her face warming. “I only shop online… social interactions scare me.”

 

Hyunjin snorts. “Cute. I’ll be back. Gonna grab my stuff.”

 

“Okay.”

 

“So Y/n.”

 

“Hm?” She hums, finishing up with her undergarments. “What’s up?”

 

“Do you know what you’re gonna wear tonight for the welcome party?” Felix asks.

 

Y/n sighs deeply. “Not really. I have a few things in mind.” She tilts her head in thought. “Actually, I just hung it up. Hold on.”

 

She rifles through the hangers before pulling one off and holding up a short tight white dress. “What do you think?”

 

“That’s hot! You should wear that!” Felix frantically nods. “Oh, that would look good with some strappy heels, too.”

 

“I was thinking that too.” Y/n places the dress back on the rack with a blush. “I… I don’t go out much so my party clothes are limited. I had to shop for them before I got here.”

 

“Well, if and when we become a pack, I am immediately changing that.” Felix grins. “Gotta live your twenties to the fullest and that includes going out and getting trashed.”

 

Y/n’s scent sweetens in embarrassment and Felix laughs at her while she hides her face behind her hair. “Well, when that happens, I’m relying on you then.”

 

Felix gets so happy that he actually chirps and it’s adorable. Y/n starts to laugh at him before he rushes over and crushes her in a hug. She squeaks from the sheer strength of the hug before shyly hugging him back. Her wolf delights in the touch and urges her to pat his back, so she does, relaxing the muscles in her body.

 

“This is gonna be funnnnn!” Felix exclaims, rocking them back and forth.

 

“Oh, are we hugging?” a new voice asks. “Let me in.”

 

Felix and Y/n fall into a fit of laughter as Minho walks over and bear hugs them before picking them up and twirling them around.

 

“Hey! Don’t forget me!”

 

Hyunjin rushes forward and tackles the three omegas to the floor. Minho groans as he takes most of their weight, and Y/n and Felix laugh at him as Hyunjin nuzzles against their cheeks.

 

“Yah. Hwang Hyunjin.”

 

Hyunjin tenses at the danger in his voice. “Y-Yes?”

 

“If you don’t get off me, I will fry you to pieces.”

 

Hyunjin scrambles off the small puppy pile, and Y/n and Felix snicker at him.

 

Minho grins as he sits up, pulling the younger omegas up with him. “Just kidding.”

 

Hyunjin lets out a relieved sigh, placing a long slender hand over his heart.

 

“A little.”

 

Y/n unpacks the rest of her clothes alongside Felix, Hyunjin, and Minho. Felix and Hyunjin keep the conversation going the most but Minho interacts a few times. She notices that he likes to observe like she does. Her wolf keeps drawing back to him the most and she’s curious as to why.

 

After they finish, Felix drags them back into the room and the four of them cuddle and talk about random things until a staff member knocks on the doorframe. Minho picks his head up off Felix’s shoulder as Y/n detangles her fingers from Felix’s strong grip.

 

“Y/n and Hyunjin.”

 

The two omegas in question sit up in the bed. “Yes?”

 

“It’s time for your challenge,” they say. “The others did it while you were unpacking.”

 

“Okay.” Y/n stands up with a stretch. “We’re coming.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Y/n is led to a room in the furthest corner on the first floor and is told this is where she will be recording herself every day. There’s a schedule set up with time slots for each contestant and hers is around nine-thirty every night. She thanks the staff and gets comfortable in the chair under the table, making sure she’s aligned with all the camera angles.

 

There’s a vanilla folder in front of her with her name on it and she hums to herself, flipping it over. There are twenty pages with a solo picture of each member with basic information under it: name, age, and occupation.  There are other pages full of information ranging from likes and hobbies like who taught themself how to dance and who reads books outside of work for a hobby to little TMI information like who was close to joining a cult and who drools in their sleep.

 

“Okay,” Y/n sighs. “Let’s see… from what I saw today, this should be a pretty easy challenge.”

 

◈

“I’m actually scarcely good at figuring people out,” Y/n tells the camera, fiddling with her top. “It’s an artistic thing. I have a lot of faith that I’ll come out at least in the top three winners.”

◈

 

Y/n finishes the challenge in ten minutes flat, matching each list of information to a profile picture before placing them back into the folder and taking her leave. She smacks into someone’s firm chest the minute she steps out of the room but strong hands grab her before she can topple over.

 

“Whoa, sorry! I’m sorry, I’m sorry! Are you okay?”

 

Y/n lifts her eyes and smiles at the short wolf she recognizes as one of the alphas. “Y-Yeah. I’m fine. Thanks for the catch… Changbin-ssi? Right?”

 

The alpha lets go of her waist with a nod. “That’s me. And you’re… Y/n, right?”

 

She smiles, glad he remembered her name as well. “Yeah. We haven’t really gotten the chance to talk.”

 

“We will.” Changbin bobs his head, crossing his thick arms over his chest. Y/n briefly glances at them as his muscles shift from the movement. Wow, he’s super ripped. “It is the first day after all. I don’t think we could get to everyone even if we tried.”

 

“Ah, yeah. That’s true.” Y/n shakes her head, averting her gaze before her wolf can conjure up any inappropriate thought. “I’m not sure I’d survive if there were more than twenty people here.”

 

“I know, right?!” Changbin exclaims and she finds herself smiling at the exasperated look on the alpha’s face. It makes his tough persona look almost as if it never existed and exchanges it with a soft, sweet alpha. “When they told me how many people were gonna be here, I almost backed out.”

 

Y/n whines briefly as her shoulders drop. “Me too but I told myself that I would go through with it.” She gives a half shrug. “You only live once, right?”

 

“Right.” He smiles softly, intense onyx eyes glazing over her face before they dart toward the room behind her. “Oh, are you finished with your challenge?”

 

“Yeah.” Y/n tucks her hair behind her ear as she averts her gaze. Her attention is a little stuck on his cedar and tonka bean scent.  “Are you done as well?”

 

“I was just about to go in now, actually.” Changbin sighs, uncrossing his arms to run a hand through his black and cerulean hair. The color looks so deep that Y/n wonders if it’s actually dye or his natural hair color. “I feel like I’m gonna suck.”

 

He glances at her with a down-turned smirk on his lips, quirking his eyebrow. “Wanna give me a hint?”

 

She snorts, shaking her head. “No, that’s cheating.”

 

The alpha pouts. “Worth a shot.”

 

Y/n giggles before bravely patting his shoulder. “I’m sure you’ll do fine. I can tell you’re smarter than you look.”

 

The alpha flushes, his ears turning red as pleased pheromones flit from his scent gland. “You think so?”

 

“Mhm!” She smiles before bowing her head to avoid his heavy gaze once again. “I’ll… I’ll see you around.” Y/n hurries away before glancing over her shoulder, meeting his lingering gaze. “Good luck with the challenge, Alpha!”

 

Changbin watches the omega leave in mild amusement before he sighs. “Guess I’ll do my best then. Can’t let a cute cheer like that go to waste.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

An hour and a half later, the entire villa had finished with the challenges and eaten dinner. They were told to get ready and once they’re finished, they’ll be separated, and taken to different parts of the villa before they’re called in order of the results of the challenge.

 

Y/n sits diligently still as Felix and Misuk tend to her face and hair. She had admitted to not having much experience with makeup outside of eyeliner and lip gloss so Felix took it upon himself to doll her up. Misuk as well.

 

“You know,” Felix says. “I can tell you don’t wear makeup often. Your skin is like crazy healthy.”

 

Y/n shrugs with her eyes closed as he applies eyeshadow to her skin. “I don’t wear makeup but I do take care of my skin. I didn’t really feel… feminine not knowing how to do my makeup so I found a skincare routine that worked well for me. It keeps me a bit confident considering everything I’m lacking.”

 

Felix’s hand tenses where it holds her chin as Misuk stops fluffing out a curl. “Just because you’re not an expert on makeup doesn’t mean you’re not feminine.”

 

“I know.” Y/n blinks her eyes open when she feels him pull away. “I do, it’s still something I’m working on I guess.”

 

The omega nods, briefly worrying at his lip before he remembers his own makeup and removes it. “We’ll work on it then. I’ll teach you everything I know!”

 

She smiles as he beams at her and reaches up to squeeze his hand. “Thanks, Felix.”

 

◈

Y/n’s eyes dart to the side. “I like Felix… He’s pretty and nice… I haven’t really met many omegas like him so it’s refreshing to know all omegas aren’t so… evil .”

She nods at her statement, facing the camera. “Really hoping we’re part of the same pack by the end of this.”

◈

 

Y/n and Felix talk idly as he finishes up her look before Misuk exclaims behind her. “Done! Wah, these are the best curls I’ve done yet!”

 

“I thought you were a makeup artist?” Hyunjoo asks, adjusting her skirt across the room.

 

“Oh, I am!” Misuk smiles. “But I also do hair. It’s kind of required.”

 

“You’re pretty good at it,” Seonghwa says. “She looks like a different person.”

 

“In a good way, right?” Misuk fiddles with her acrylic nails.

 

“Yeah.” Seonghwa smiles. “She looks beautiful.”

 

Y/n flushes from the compliment as Felix turns her head this and that way with a deep hum. “I like it… but it’s missing something.”

 

Hyunjin perks his head up from the other side of the massive vanity table. “Ah.” He makes his way around the table before cupping her face as well. “Hmm… lip liner. It’d look good with her shape of lips. What color are you wearing again?”

 

“White,” Y/n responds, her head getting slightly hazy from the sweet scents permeating from the two omegas before her.

 

“I have a color for you, hold on.” Hyunjin rushes off. “Felix, go get ready. I’ll finish her makeup.”

 

“Okay, thank you.” Felix makes to move but Y/n grabs his wrist.

 

“Hey,” she whispers. “Thank you for doing this.”

 

Felix smiles, shifting her grip to his hand, and squeezes it. “Of course. Let’s have fun tonight, okay?”

 

Y/n nods. “Yeah, let’s do it.”

 

Felix gives her hand one more squeeze before sauntering away whistling a song and tugging his shirt off. Hyunjin comes back with a pencil and lipstick in his hand, and Y/n sits still again as he instructs her to keep her lips relaxed or pursed. 

 

“Wah,” Hyunjin mutters. “Felix did such a good job enhancing your features. You look gorgeous.”

 

Y/n’s face heats up in embarrassment as she fights the urge to squirm. “Th-Thank you.”

 

Hyunjin lifts a perfectly arched eyebrow and chuckles. “Cute. You can’t handle compliments, can you?”

 

“No.” She huffs, brushing her hair behind her ear. “No, not at all.”

 

Y/n faces the mirror and gasps at herself. Felix did a black and white smokey look with highlights on her cheekbones and nose. Hyunjin’s nude-colored lip liner along her lips draws attention to them and she briefly smirks before her chest flutters at how alluring it makes her look, how desirable she is. She looks like a siren.

 

“Wow,” she utters. “I look…”

 

“Beautiful?” Hyunjin offers, peeking over her shoulder with a smile as he meets her gaze through the mirror.

 

“Stunning, I’d say,” Hyunjoo says with a wink.

 

“Really?” Minho speaks up, ripping his gaze away from her. “I’d say she looks rather breathtaking.”

 

Y/n’s scent sweetens so much it has Hyunjin’s head spinning behind her in slight arousal along with some of the other omegas in the room. Minho lifts his head with a look of surprise from such a strong reaction. She must not really be used to compliments like this. He makes a mental note to give her more for the rest of the retreat.

 

Y/n clears her throat. “Th-Thank you. I’m– I–” She huffs in frustration and gets up, dodging under Hyunjin’s arm. “Just… gonna get dressed.”    

 

The omega scurries away to the closet and Minho watches, amused.

 

“Hyung.” Felix pouts. “You scared her away!”

 

“I think she’s more flustered than scared.” San chuckles. “It’s been a while since I’ve been around an omega so flustered that it actually affects me.”

 

“I know, right?” Yeosang huffs, fanning his flushed face.

 

“She’s really shy,” Seonghwa says, adjusting his hair in a mirror. “I can tell.”

 

“Well,.” Hyunjin places his hands on his hips. “We’ll just have to get her to open up and that starts tonight.”

 

Felix and Misuk nod in agreement as Hyunjoo and Minho grin.

 

“Sounds like a fun challenge.” Seonghwa grins. “Let’s do it.”

 

Y/n calms herself while she dresses, and once she’s done, she stands there and stares at herself in the full-body mirror. She feels different and a little vulnerable. The dress hugs her figure perfectly and with it being so short, it shows her inked legs.

 

 

No one knows about them but it’s about time someone besides herself sees them. She didn’t go through all that time getting the designs just for no one to see them… well at first anyway. Originally, she only got the tattoos for therapy. Nothing like spending money on new things. She’s just never had anyone she’s wanted to show them to. Now she does.

 

(a/n: ignore the hand. it's just her legs.)

 

With a deep breath, Y/n finishes putting her outfit together with silver accessories and a pair of strappy black and white heels before she exits the closet, stepping into the vanity room. Multiple gasps sound as she straightens her dress out.

 

Y/n lifts her head with a shy smile. “So? Thoughts?”

 

Hyunjin rapidly blinks his eyes before he rushes to the main bedroom, screaming over his shoulder. “Stay right there! I’m taking pictures!”

 

Felix walks up to her and cups her face. “You look absolutely beautiful, Y/n.”

 

Her wolf pushes at her skull with a sudden rush of affection, and Y/n grips his hands, leaning into his touch as she resists the desire to scent him. “Thank you, Felix.”

 

“Hey. Are you guys ready? Most of the alphas are– Oh, wow.” Seungmin stops as he enters the vanity room. His eyes dart over all of the omegas dressed up before he notices Y/n and Felix. “Well. I feel underdressed.”

 

“Don’t.” Seonghwa pats his arm as he passes him. “You look very handsome, Seungminnie.”

 

Seungmin flushes from the compliment as Seonghwa leaves the room and the other omegas share their own compliments toward him. Hyunjin rushes back into the room with an expensive-looking camera in one hand as he waves the other.

 

“Come, come, come. I need to take pictures of you.” Hyunjin gestures toward a seat.

 

Y/n goes and listens intently as he instructs her on how to pose and what faces to make. He makes Felix take some pictures with her as well before he asks Minho to join them along with San and Yeosang, the other omegas having left already. He shows them the pictures after, and Y/n can’t get over how beautiful and… free she looks.

 

“Wah, these are so good,” San exclaims, turning to Hyunjin. “Do you take pictures as a hobby?”

 

Hyunjin nods. “It’s just… a thing I do. It’s fun.”

 

“You’re really good at it,” Seungmin tells him, glancing over his shoulder. “I’m a photographer myself.”

 

“Really?” The omega perks up. “You have to show me your work!”

 

Seungmin flushes under his beautifully intense gaze. “Yeah, sure.”

 

“Knock, knock,” a staff member announces themself as they knock on the doorframe. “We’re ready to get things started. Come with me please.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Y/n sits by herself on the back patio, enjoying the soft breeze of the evening. The sun is setting and it looks absolutely beautiful over the horizon. She finds great joy and peace just looking at it. She’s been told to wait there a few minutes before the invites to the party start in order of who got the most correct. She’s not sure if anyone’s been invited yet but she’s slightly getting anxious from the wait. Jaesung never said there would be a reward for this or anything so she’s guessing it’s just an ice-breaking type of challenge.

 

Some minutes later, Y/n is told to follow the lit path down to the beach and she goes with a slight bow. She walks down the stairs from the patio and passes two massive pools with lawn chairs spread out across a wooden. When she questions why there are two pools, she realizes the second one is a jacuzzi and not a pool.

 

Walking further down the stairs to her right is a platform that’s set up with gym equipment. To the left is a hang-out area surrounded by trees with large hammocks and hanging beds falling from them. She briefly wiggles in excitement to try them out and continues along the path.

 

A few minutes later walking along the newly marked path along the beach, Y/n approaches a large slightly raised platform with couches and chairs in the far corner, tables full of finger food, and an extravagant bar with a bartender standing behind it. There’s soft, comfortable music playing from the three speakers in the three corners and Y/n smiles, bowing to the bartender before glancing around some more.

 

She’s the only one there. Which means she essentially won the challenge. She smiles to herself in pride before stepping up to the bar.

 

“Hello.” The man smiles. “What can I get for you?”

 

“Um. I’m not sure.” She gives a sheepish look, tapping her nails across the bartop. “I don’t drink too often.”

 

“Okay.” He nods. “Is there a specific sweet flavor you like?”

 

“Peach.”

 

“I can work with that. Give me just a minute.”

 

The beta makes the drink and Y/n watches him for a few seconds before facing the view. The sun is in the middle of setting now and Y/n gapes at the revealing stars as the daylight disappears.

 

“Here you are.”

 

Y/n jolts before she accepts the cold glass filled with an orange-pinkish color. “Oh! Thank you.”

 

Y/n sips on it and rapidly blinks her eyes at the blossoming taste on her tongue. “Wow. That’s… sweet.”

 

The bartender chuckles, crossing his arms over his chest. “Doesn’t taste like alcohol, does it?”

 

“Not at all.” She gives the glass a look of wonder. “It’s really good! Thank you. I’ll come back for more later.”

 

“You got it.”

 

Y/n bows once more and walks over to the other side of the platform, staring out at the moving water and lightly swaying to the music. A few minutes later, she hears a sharp cheer. The omega turns her head and stills, the breath punching out of her at the sight of the grinning blond alpha heading her way. Chan’s dressed nicely in a sheer black long-sleeve cross-wrap shirt with a very low v-cut revealing rows of abs the omega blatantly stares at and a pair of white jeans that hug his thighs perfectly. As he walks forward, the silver chain on his neck catches her attention and she briefly bites at her lip as the strong urge to mark up his neck fills her chest. Y/n finally meets his gaze as he waves at her and she reminds herself to breathe.

 

“H-Hey.” She waves back, her stomach fluttering. “You look… amazing.”

 

“Thank you.” Chan grins as he saunters up to her and she hates and loves how attractive his walk is. The alpha stops a foot away from her and she watches as his eyes darken, briefly flashing a pretty crimson red, glazing over her outfit down to her inked skin. “You look absolutely radiant. I love your tattoos, they really suit you.”

 

Y/n’s chest flushes as she briefly shifts her weight, eyes darting away from him. “Th-Thank you. I– I’ve had them for a while but never got the chance to show them off.”

 

“Really?” Chan lifts an eyebrow and jerks his head in a way that catches her wolf’s attention. He smirks when her eyes meet his. “Thank you for being brave enough to show them to me, to us. It’s an honor, truly.”

 

The omega lets out a breathless laugh as she waves her hand. “It’s-It’s nothing. I just– Goddess, you’re such a flirt.”

 

Chan laughs as she playfully smacks his arm. “I’m just trying to tell the truth but here.” He rolls up his right sleeve. “I’ll show you mine in return.”

 

Y/n gapes at the design on his arm and reaches out to touch it before she can stop herself. “Wow. It’s beautiful.”

 

From his shoulder down to his elbow is an intricate swirl design with flowers and ocean waves while his forearm is a beautifully detailed wolf with a clock in the background and the forest under the wolf’s head. It was absolutely beautiful.

 

 

“The wolf tattoo is relatively new,” Chan tells her as she lightly traces her fingertips over the eyes of the wolf. “I got the waves to symbolize my home.”

 

“Australia, right?” Y/n asks, removing her hand as she sips her drink.

 

“That’s right.” He nods. “How’d you know?”

 

She smirks. “The accent… and it was in your profile.”

 

Chan chuckles, dropping his sleeve back down. “Ah, I see. Congratulations on first place, by the way. I didn’t expect it would be you.”

 

“Is it because I’m quiet?” Y/n lifts an eyebrow.

 

Chan’s chest tightens as she stares at him and his wolf scratches at the surface with very inappropriate urges. “It is.”

 

“I’m an observer.” She shrugs. “I knew I’d win that challenge since it was explained to us.”

 

“Confident, huh?” He grins, eyes briefly darting down to her lips. “I like that.”

 

Her scent sweetens at the hidden compliment and Chan smirks in triumph. The omega turns toward the sunset as she sips on her drink again and nudges her head. “There’s a bar over there.”

 

“Oh?” Chan turns around and beams. “Cool! Thank you. I’ll be back.”

 

Y/n nods as she takes another generous gulp. She sighs to herself as she glances at the drink. “Why is this so good?”

 

“Oh. I came in third. Too bad.”

 

Y/n turns her head and smiles at him. “Hey, Minho-ssi.”

 

The older omega approaches her with his hands in the pockets of his black slacks as he adorns a beautiful purple silk button-up that matches his hair with the first three buttons open to reveal flawless skin and a slightly plump chest. The necklace he has on draws attention to his neck and that same urge to bite comes up to the surface.

 

He briefly bows his head. “Hey, beautiful.”

 

Y/n ignores the pet name as she faces the sunset again. “I didn’t say this earlier but you look really nice. The silk looks rather… scandalous on you.”

 

Minho chuckles as he brushes against her shoulder, turning toward the sunset as well. “Thank you. I’m hoping to fluster a certain alpha.”

 

“Is that so?” She faces him with a smirk. “Which one?”

 

“All of them truthfully,” he mutters with a smug look in his eyes, watching the waves shift. Y/n giggles at that and he glances at her with a sudden warm feeling in his chest at the sight of her pretty smile before he quickly averts his gaze once she opens her eyes. “But to be specific, Jisung or Changbin.” He glances over his shoulder and Y/n turns too to watch Chan happily chatting with the bartender. “Or Chan.”

 

Y/n hums in understanding, a bit of a wolfy rumble filling it as her heady eyes trail along the muscles in his back through his shirt. “I understand why.”

 

“He looks good.” Minho shakes his head, the peaches in his scent sweetening beautifully in arousal. “I thought he was handsome , to be polite, in all of his pictures but in person?” He whistles as he nibbles on his lip, eyes darting down to his butt. “I could just ruin him.”

 

He says it with a growl that has Y/n shuddering. She agrees with him though in a different sense. She’d let that alpha ruin her if she got the chance.

 

Chan turns, sensing their gaze and lights up at the sight of Minho. He quickly walks up to them with a drink in his hand and both omegas tense from his walk. Y/n curses her wolf, pulling herself together and lifts her drink to sip at it again.

 

“Fuck, he’s so hot,” Minho mutters under his breath.

 

Y/n chokes on her drink and the older omega laughs, gently patting her back.

 

“Whoa, you okay?” Chan settles a hand on her arm as she catches her breath.

 

“Y-Yeah, I’m fine. I’m okay.” She clears her throat, waving her hand.

 

“Make sure you take it easy.” Chan frowns, removing his hold on her. “It’s still the beginning of the night.”

 

“I will.” Y/n nods, clearing her throat again. “Thank you.”

 

“What are you even drinking?” Minho takes her glass and takes a sip before his eyes widen. “Wow. That’s… sweet.”

 

She huffs a laugh as he takes another big swig. “But it’s good. Gods, what is that? It’s kinda strong.”

 

“I-Is it?” Y/n blinks innocently, taking the drink back. “I can’t really taste the alcohol.”

 

“Do you have a high tolerance?” Chan asks, sipping from his own.

 

She shrugs, watching in amusement as Chan scrunches his nose while the drink goes down his throat. “I don’t know. I only really drink wine and that’s only sometimes.”

 

Minho lifts an eyebrow and she finds herself wanting to squirm under his gaze. “Try not to drink too much of that then. You’ll get drunk pretty fast or at least eat something. I noticed you didn’t eat much at dinner.”

 

Y/n flushes as Chan lifts his eyebrows in surprise. “Sorry… ‘m still getting used to eating with so many people.”

 

“That’s okay.” Chan smiles. “Just take it easy.” He sighs, slightly tilting his head back. “I feel like a couple of people tonight are gonna fuck shit up and try to get everyone blackout drunk.”

 

Y/n laughs at that as Minho smirks. “What if I’m one of them?”

 

Chan playfully glares at him. “Then, I’m watching you, Omega.”

 

Minho’s smirk turns devious as he steps forward and briefly cups Chan’s chin. “You can watch me all you like, Alpha .”

 

Chan lifts his eyebrows with a slightly dark and challenging look in his amber eyes as the male omega stalks past him. Chan watches Minho’s hand teasingly drag across his chest and shoulder before fully walking away. His ears turn red as he pokes his cheek with his tongue and hisses, sucking his tongue against the roof of his mouth.

 

“Yah, that man.”

 

Y/n briefly waves her hand in front of her face at the sudden amount of arousal to cool herself down from the slight show. “Guess he was serious.”

 

“About what?” Chan faces her.

 

She shrugs, sipping her drink again. “It’s a secret. You’ll see.”

 

Chan groans and begins to pester her for details when a soft voice cuts him off. “Oh wow. This is a nice setup.”

 

Y/n and Chan turn to the other omega and Chan rushes over to help him up the stairs.

 

“Ah.” Seonghwa takes his hand. “Thank you. Good evening, Chan-ssi.”

 

Chan flushes as he waves him off. “You don’t have to be formal with me. Call me ‘hyung.’”

 

“Alright.” Seonghwa bows his head before turning to Y/n and smiling brighter. “Hey, Y/n! You really do look stunning.”

 

Seonghwa wears a classy all-black outfit. He’s got a pair of flowy black pants, a loose black low v-cut shirt that’s tucked into his pants, a long black coat with laces on the outside of the sleeves, a few chokers on his neck, and a sleek, slim pair of black loafers.

 

 

“Thank you, Seonghwa-ssi. So do you.” Y/n steps closer to him, fixing one of his chokers. “I love the chokers.”

 

The older omega gives her a half smile. “Thanks. It’s… a comfort for me.”

 

“Ah.” She nods. “I know what you mean.”

 

“What are you drinking?” Seonghwa asks Chan, changing the subject. “It looks… interesting.”

 

“Bacardi.” He shrugs, holding it out. “Want to try it?”

 

Seonghwa thanks him softly as he takes the glass and sips it. He flinches immediately and coughs. “Gods, that’s…”

 

“Has a punch to it, huh?” Chan huffs a laugh as he takes the drink back and Y/n giggles behind her hand. 

 

“Yes, to put it simply.” Seonghwa grunts.

 

“Yeah, it’s not for everyone.” Chan shyly rubs the back of his neck.

 

“Here.” Y/n lifts her glass. “Try it. It should help.”

 

Seonghwa furrows his eyebrows before gently taking the glass with rings littering his slender fingers and sipping. He groans immediately, lightly tossing his head back. “Oh fuck , that’s good.”

 

Before either can respond, Seonghwa knocks the rest of it back in a few gulps and Y/n watches in amazement as Chan cheers him on, his accent slipping through. His lips smack once it’s done and he moans again. “Fuck, I need like three more of these. Hold on, I’ll get you a refill. Sorry, jagi.”

 

Y/n giggles as he rushes off to the other side of the platform, his jacket flicking in the air from the wind. Chan watches her smile and resists the urge to scoop her up and cuddle her to death.

 

Y/n catches his gaze and gives him a shy look. “What?”

 

“Nothing.” Chan shrugs, eyes glazing off to the side. “You just… You look really beautiful, that’s all.”

 

Y/n’s mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water as her entire body heats up. “O-Oh. I–” 

 

“YAH, EVERYONE! THE PARTY IS HERE!”

 

The voice startles Y/n and she flinches so hard that she subconsciously takes a step back, her heel catching on the edge of the platform. She yelps as she’s knocked off balance. Chan’s arm snaps out and grabs her by the waist, hauling her into his chest and twirling them around.

 

“Shit, you okay?” he asks, his eyebrows furrowed as he holds out his other hand that’s drenched from the quick movements.

 

Y/n lets out a shaky breath as she holds onto him and nods. “Y-Yeah. Yeah, I’m okay. Thank you for grabbing me.”

 

“No problem.” He exhales, releasing the sudden tension in his back from the rush of instincts.

 

As Chan lets her go and she briefly grieves the warmth, she notices his hand and whines. “Oh, gods. Your hand! Here, let me clean it up.”

 

“No, it’s–” Chan starts but Y/n ignores him as she grabs his other hand and yanks him across the platform. “Oookay, then.”

 

She grabs some napkins and wipes his hand, placing the drink on the counter. Chan watches, amused and intently as she frets over him, muttering some pretty explicit curses under her breath and establishing a thing of wipes from thin air and cleaning the stickiness of the liquor off his hand.

 

“Hey.” Chan grabs her wrist, stopping her from cleaning his hand for the third time. “It’s okay, it’s clean. Thank you, Y/n.”

 

The omega gives him a reply but he doesn’t hear it as she fidgets around with her flustered jasmine scent, throwing the wipes into the trash and dashing past him.

 

◈

Y/n groans as she hides her face behind her hands. “Ugh, I can’t believe that just happened! Not only did I get scared like a fucking skittish bunny but I just had to spill his drink and fuss over him like a freak! Gods, I’ve never been so embarrassed!”

She drops her hands with a pout and a whine. “It was instinct I swear! I didn’t mean to just… fret over him like that. Gods–” Y/n runs a hand through her black and purple hair. “He’s gonna think I’m weird now. Great.”

◈

 

“Wha– Wait!” Chan turns to catch her but she’s already across the other side of the platform surprisingly fast, approaching Seonghwa and Minho. He sighs, dropping his hand. “Was it what I said?”

 

“Don’t think so.”

Chan flinches and faces the other alpha who’s sipping on a drink. Changbin adorns a black cotton short-sleeve button-up that shows his intricate tattoo sleeve on his left arm, a pair of black jeans, and a plethora of bracelets and rings. The shirt is tight on him and Chan takes a minute to admire the man’s stature. He’s built like a fucking tank. Chan wishes he could get that big and broad.

 

 

“What do you mean?” Chan frowns.

 

Changbin shrugs, eyes trailing over the three omegas chatting. If anyone catches him staring at Y/n’s legs and tattoos, they’re a liar. “I just think she’s a little shy. She clearly just had an omega moment. Did you not see her eyes turn gold?” He turns to Chan as he asks the question.

 

“I…” Chan blanches, trying to think about their interaction. “No… I didn’t. I wasn’t even paying attention to that.”

 

Changbin snorts. “‘Course not.”

 

Chan shoots him a look and the younger alpha shrugs again, holding up his hand. “‘M just saying.”

 

Chan goes to scold him when a head of dirty blonde hair catches his attention and the two alphas watch as the omega walks up the platform with wide wondrous eyes. San has on a dark gray jean jacket with a tight black shirt under it accentuating his chest and a pair of gray and white ombre jeans, finishing it off with a pair of nice black shoes.

 

San slides his hands into his pockets as he glances around, and Y/n lifts her head. “Oh, San-ssi! Hey!”

 

San smiles softly and bows. “Hello, everyone.”

 

Chan and Changbin go over to the omegas and the six of them chat idly. Changbin complains about how hard the challenge was and Minho tells him he was bullshitting considering he came in fifth place. The two instantly start bickering and Chan simply laughs at them as Y/n and Seonghwa watch, endeared while San walks off to get himself a drink.

 

So caught up in the interaction, none realize the betas standing there until one of them cuts in with a sarcastic remark. “You two argue like a divorced couple.”

 

Seonghwa laughs at that as Changbin and Minho glare at him. Chan chuckles under his breath as Y/n waves at them. “Hi, Jongho, Seungmin.”

 

Jongho gives her a smug smile as Seungmin bows his head with a small wave. “Hey.” “Hi.”

 

Jongho has on a half-black, half-white leather jacket with a black shirt under it and her eyes linger on the few chains around his neck along with a pair of ripped jeans that show off his thick, muscular thighs.

 

 

Seungmin’s brown hair is swept out of his face to reveal his forehead and she takes a minute to admire how much more attractive he is with his entire face revealed, her wolf happily agreeing. He adorns a black bomber jacket with a white baggy shirt under it, a pair of charcoal baggy cargo pants, and pristine white shoes.

 

 

“Did you guys want a drink?” Chan asks, nudging his head toward the bar. “There’s a bartender.”

 

“Ah, no.” Jongho slides his hands into his pockets. “I think I’m gonna wait until everyone gets here.”

 

“Me too,” Seungmin agrees.

 

“That’s fair.” Seonghwa nods.

 

Seungmin lifts an eyebrow as the omega takes another sip of his drink. “You look a little tipsy already yourself.”

 

Seonghwa briefly grins, lifting the glass to his lips. “I won’t say I’m not.”

 

Y/n snickers. It’s quite obvious Seonghwa is a little tipsy with his pink ears and the way his eyes lazily glaze over everyone. It’s a cute but alluring look on him.

 

Y/n quietly interacts with the others as they wait for the rest of the contestants to join them. She sticks to Minho’s side, avoiding Chan’s gaze until she can get over her slight mishap. The alpha has tried to catch her eye multiple times but she’s adamant about not looking at him. Even if everything is telling her to just look at him.

 

He’s really nice to just look at. 

 

Minho notices her hiding because, of course, he does and allows her to stick to his side. At some point, Minho had wrapped his arm around her waist and kept it there, idly tapping his ringed fingers against her hip to the beat of the music. She absently presses into his side and after a while, she ends up completely under his arm, resting her head on his shoulder. By the time she realizes the raised voices, multiple others have shown up.

 

Hongjoong is in the left corner wearing all-black with a fancy fedora hat, suit jacket, a half skirt over a pair of black slacks, and some sleek boots.

 

 

Yunho stands beside him in a similar color palette with a black leather jacket, shirt, and a pair of ripped jeans.

 

 

Mingi is there too and she perks up at how nicely he’s dressed. He has on a burgundy velvet suit with a low-cut black shirt and rows and rows of chains, necklaces, and a choker around his neck along with rings on his fingers that dance as they tap against his glass.

 

 

Her eyes dart to the side where Hyunjin stands. He wears a black suit jacket, a white button-up shirt with black stripes under it, and a pair of black high-waisted pants that compliment his long legs and figure with two chains hanging from the belt loops. He talks to Hyunjoo and Y/n smiles at how expressive the omega is dressed.

 

 

She also adorns all-black with a belted tube top and skirt and a black bomber jacket over it, a pair of black platform boots on her feet.

 

 

Jeongin stands beside them with a drink in his hand as he stares up at the male omega in awe. He has on a white graphic shirt with a black and white striped long-sleeve shirt under it, a pair of black jean overalls on top of that with a choker, multiple necklaces, bracelets, and rings on his long fingers. It makes him look cute.

 

 

Y/n slips under Minho’s arm to go over to the other omega before someone calls her name.

 

“Y/n-ah! We’re here!”

 

Y/n turns her head and beams at the sight of Yeosang, Felix, and Wooyoung coming toward the platform. Yeosang has on a patterned sheer black top with a pair of nice black slacks, his hair perfectly slicked over to the side.

 

 

Felix adorns a black button-up shirt with white stripes, a double-knotted belt holding up his black slacks, and silver chains, rings, and bracelets along his skin. The earring dangling from his ear catches her eye.

 

 

Wooyoung’s dressed up in a tan silk button-up that goes dangerously well with his skin tone, a pair of slacks, and fancy black shoes.

 

 

Y/n smiles and rushes up to the platform. “Hey, guys!”

 

Felix pulls her into a big hug and she giggles, squeezing him just as tightly. “Ugh! You look so good! You have to tell me who did your makeup.”

 

Y/n laughs as he pulls away, holding her arms. “It’s this omega I know. He’s seriously so talented. You have to meet him. I’ll give you his number after the party.”

 

Felix giggles alongside her from the small play, briefly poking her cheek with his nose.

 

“Wah, Y/n! Look at you, you look beautiful!” Wooyoung exclaims, coming up to her with open arms. She accepts his hug with thanks.

 

“A bar! Be right back,” Yeosang kisses Wooyoung’s cheek before dashing toward the bar.

 

“Have you been drinking?” Felix asks with a sly smile. “You’re a bit warm.”

 

“I have,” she sighs. “I’m also… still a little embarrassed.”

 

“How come?” he pouts before wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her along. “Talk while I get a drink.”

 

“I kinda tripped, and Chan saved me from falling, but he also spilled his drink on his hand.”

 

“Ah okay,” Felix gives her an understanding smile. “Did you do something else then?”

 

Y/n pokes out her lip. “I kinda fretted over cleaning him up. Think my omega eyes flashed for a second too.”

 

“Really?” He stops and pulls her close, lifting his other hand to cup her chin and twist her head this and that way. “Where’s your head at? Should we get some air?”

 

 The omega chuckles, gently batting his hand away. “I’m alright, Felix, relax. I’m in complete control and if you haven’t already noticed, we are outside.”

 

Felix glowers at her. “You know what I meant.”

 

Y/n smiles. “I know, but I am okay. Just… thoroughly embarrassed. Gods, he must think I’m weird.”

 

“I don’t.”

 

Y/n and Felix flinch at the sudden voice and turn to Chan leaning against the bar top, watching them from afar. He stands up taller and approaches them. Y/n bites back the urge to whine.

 

Felix presses her forward, dropping his voice to a whisper. “Talk to him.”

 

“Don’t wanna,” she harshly whispers back.

 

“Too bad.”

 

Y/n yelps as he gives her one last push, and she stops just before Chan. Felix gives Chan a look, and he subtly nods, turning to Y/n.

 

“I don’t think you’re weird, Y/n,” Chan gives her a gentle smile and leans a hand against the bar top, pressing into her space to test the waters. “If you gave me a minute instead of running away, I could’ve appreciated your gesture properly and thanked you.”

 

Felix slips her drink out of her hand and sends them a wink before rushing off to bother Hyunjin and Jeongin. Y/n makes a note to yell at him for leaving her alone before she steels herself with a sigh, meeting Chan’s patient gaze.

 

“Right… I’m sorry.” She briefly worries at her lip before she remembers her makeup and stops, settling for taking a step forward and fiddling with Chan’s bracelet. “It’s just– I really didn’t mean to spill your drink and–”

 

“I know.” Chan interrupts, settling his big hand over her own and caressing the underside of her wrist. The stimulation has her jasmine and white tea scent pooling from the gland and sticking to his fingertips. “And you didn’t. It was my fault, it’s alright. Don’t worry about it. It’s just a drink. I’m not mad or anything. I’m just glad that you’re okay, yeah?”

 

Y/n nods. “Okay. Thank you for saying that.”

 

“Of course,” he smiles. “Just wanted to reassure you. It was really bothering me.”

 

“Ah,” she flusters, her scent leaking out of her in waves causing Chan’s nostrils to briefly flare as he tries not to inhale all of her alluring smell. “Sorry. I’ll work on avoiding things in the future.”

 

“That’s-”

 

“Hey, guys!”

 

Y/n and Chan face the new voice in mild annoyance from being interrupted and it’s only then that Y/n realizes how close they are having absently moving toward each other throughout their conversation. Y/n clears her throat and takes a step back as Chan runs his hand against the back of his neck with pink ears. Woojin approaches them with a bright smile as he adorns a simple brown sweater with dark gray slacks. 

 

“Hey, Woojin,” Chan leans back against the bartop.

 

Y/n simply waves at him. Woojin sucks in a breath at the sight of her.

 

“Wow,” he gapes. “You look… amazing.”

 

She bows her head. “Thank you, Woojin-ssi. You look nice as well.”

 

The alpha gives a pleased look as he strikes up a conversation between them. Y/n tries to partake in it but she ends up ordering another drink and walking away. She notices that Misuk and Jisung showed up, meaning that everyone has arrived.

 

Misuk has on a white long-sleeve crop top with a pair of jeans that hug her figure well.

 

 

Jisung has on a white shirt with a black vest over it, a pair of black jeans with a belt and chains hanging from it along with rings and bracelets, and an earring dangling from his ear.

 

 

Jisung waves and she waves back, smirking at how Minho already has the alpha under his arm. Minho smirks back at her and winks, but it looks more like a blink from the attempt. She snorts, remembering his note on the list that he can’t wink.

 

“Y/n! Come here!”

 

Y/n faces the man and smiles, rushing up to him. “Hey, Changbin-ssi! Wah, I like your tattoo!”

 

Changbin smirks as he flexes his arm. “Thank you. Yours are fucking sick. Didn’t think a shy little omega like you would have so many complex tattoos. Scandalous.”

 

She playfully smacks his arm as Hyunjin snickers. “Am not. It’s just something I wanted to do. I am glad you like them though.”

 

Hyunjin is on one side as Felix sits cuddled up to the alpha’s other side with a goofy look on his face and she laughs. “Are you tipsy already?”

 

“Mhm.” He grins. “Just a bit. How’d your talk with Chan go?”

 

Changbin perks up at that as Hyunjin frowns.

 

“It went well.” Y/n nods. “Thank you for the push.”

 

“Of course!” Felix beams. “I’ve decided that you need to be pack with me and Chris! And Binnie-hyung too and Hyune! And-and everyone else!”

 

Y/n laughs at his enthusiasm and grabs his hand. “Well, I’m yours if the moon goddess allows it.”

 

“Wah.” Changbin gapes. “I need to write that down and put it in a song.”

 

The omegas watch amused as Changbin wiggles out his phone and types away.

 

“Well, well, well! Looks like everyone’s here!” a voice announces.

 

The music lowers and everyone perks up at the sight of the host. Y/n sidles up to Hyunjin’s side as the others crowd into a semi-circle, Jaesung making his entrance.

 

“Hello, everyone!” Jaesung waves.

 

“Hey!” “Hi, Jaesung-ssi!”

 

“I’m glad that everyone has arrived.” Jaesung grins. “You all look amazing! How’s everyone feeling after the results?”

 

Minho sniffs, crossing his arms over his chest. “Don’t like coming in third.”

 

“Least you didn’t come dead last,” Jisung mutters with a pout.

 

“Who came in first?” Misuk asks, leaning over to glance around.

 

“Y/n.” Chan grins.

 

“Really?” Hongjoong’s eyes widen. “Congrats.”

 

Y/n flushes at the sudden attention. “Th-Thanks.”

 

There are a few murmurs of conversation before Jaesung clears his throat.

 

“I don’t want to take too much of your time.” He grins, eyes glazing over a few members who are thoroughly flushed from the liquor. “I can see some of you have already indulged in the bar.”

 

“‘S really good,” Seonghwa slurs.

 

Jaesung chuckles. “I see that. Well! I’ll be quick so you all can party!” He clasps his hands together. “This was just an icebreaker challenge so it doesn’t at all affect the contest but! It does give you some bonus points, so!”

 

He points to each member as he says their name. “Y/n, Chan, Minho, Seonghwa, Changbin, and San. You all have been given bonus points for your future pack.”

 

“Bonus points?” Yunho frowns.

 

“What do they do?” Woojin asks.

 

“They’ll give you advantages for future challenges,” Jaesung says. “You can use them for other things as well. For instance, San-ssi, if you wanted to scent someone or nest with someone before the allotted time starts, you could use your bonus points for it. There will be a board in the villa that keeps track of them.”

 

There are many excited murmurs amongst the members and Y/n smiles, glad she has her own bonus points. She’s even more excited to be paired up in a pack so she can use them.

 

“With that being said, enjoy the party everyone! And for the last time, welcome to the villa!” The group cheers and Jaesung laughs, taking his leave.

 

The music kicks up immediately changing to something more upbeat and Felix instantly drags Hyunjin off to the dance floor in seconds. Many others join them and Y/n watches from the side.

 

For the next hour, everyone is mingling and drinking or dancing. There’s a lot of flirting and some meaningful conversations. Y/n quietly drinks by herself just watching until a rather cute pair rushes up to her with two drinks.

 

“Yah! You’ve been hiding all night!” Felix whines, his pretty face flushed and damp. “Come dance with us!”

 

Jisung takes her empty drink and trades it for the one in his hand. “We’re not going anywhere until you drink this entire thing.”

 

Y/n flushes, waving her hand. “Oh, no. It’s okay! I’m okay just–”

 

“Well, I’m not okay.” Felix wrinkles his nose. “I want to have fun with you and there is no way I’m letting all my good work go to waste so drink up!”

 

Felix and Jisung stare so intently at her with flushed faces and bright pleading eyes that she caves, knowing they aren’t going to let up. She sighs and eyes the colorful drink before studying them.

 

“If I get drunk, you have to promise to take care of me,” Y/n insists.

 

The two nod immediately. “Of course!”

 

“You can count on us!” Jisung lifts his nose in the air. “Now drink! Drink, drink, drink!”

 

Y/n sighs but shrugs. “Fuck it, I guess.”

 

She drinks it, slowly tilting her head back as she chugs it.

 

“Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug!” Felix and Jisung chant.

 

Their banter catches the attention of the other, and Minho and Chan watch, amazed as Seungmin hollers at her from afar. Y/n gags once she’s done, squinting her eyes and wrinkling her nose.

 

“Ugh! That was disgusting,” she whines, shaking her head and instantly feels her gut heating up. “But strong. Fucking hell, what was in that?”

 

Felix smirks. “Enough to throw you off the edge.”

 

Y/n scoffs, letting Felix take the cup from her. “That much is clear… Fuck, I can feel it already.”

 

“Let’s dance!” Jisung grabs her hands.

 

Y/n yelps as she stumbles but follows him into the small crowd of bodies. Jisung swings his hips from side to side, still holding onto Y/n’s hands. She takes a minute to breathe before she follows his rhythm.

 

“That’s it!” Jisung grins, pulling her close and settling his hand on her hips. “You’ve got some moves I see!”

 

Y/n laughs. “No, I do not. These are from my three a.m. dance sessions.”

 

The alpha laughs, closing in on her so his breath fans against her ear and she’s drenched in his scent. Black currant and sweet whiskey. It’s heady and mind-numbing and her wolf wants to lick every inch of him. “Those tend to be the best moves. Let’s see what you got.”

 

The rest of the night is a bit of a blur for Y/n. She dances with Jisung for what feels like forever and the alpha’s intoxicating scent had her head spinning and her omega brimming with aroused energy. He kept her encouraged and comfortable even if they were pressed tightly back to chest, his beautiful hands roaming over her front or holding her hips. While they were pressed together, Y/n made the mistake of meeting Minho’s gaze. The omega was staring at them like a predator latched onto its prey. She remembered him talking about seducing Jisung so she lifted her hand and beckoned him forward with her fingers. He was crowding them in seconds and she felt Jisung suck in a breath.

 

“H-Hyung.” He gasps.

 

Minho’s grin is feral as he leans forward, nudging his nose against Jisung’s cheek. “Hello, Alpha.”

 

Y/n giggles as Jisung’s scent strengthens and wiggles out from underneath them. “I’ll let you two dance.”

 

Minho sends her a wink before he pulls Jisung directly against him, and they dissolve into their own little world.

 

Y/n quickly finds herself tangled up with Felix and Wooyoung. The two of them combined is a health hazard and yet somehow she manages to keep up with them. Felix’s voice seems ten times deeper as he dances with her, singing the lyrics to the song under his breath. Despite the heavenly sound, his smile never leaves his face and he’s light as a feather on his feet, twirling her around and guiding her into different steps along with Wooyoung.

 

Some point later, Y/n is pinned between Hyunjin and Minho and she can’t tell if it was the liquor or the sensual pair around her but she’s drunk off their touch and the way they move so well with each other. Hyunjin’s lithe and graceful moves beautifully clash with Minho’s intense carnal ones and it has her dizzy in the most delicious way.

 

She is later traded to Jeongin who is a complete goner, eyes heavily lidded and cheeks rosy-red. The two dance sweetly, completely contrasting the others around them. Jeongin isn’t much of a wild, sexual dancer like the others, and it grounds Y/n, calming her down from the aroused moments with others along with his scent. Though, she’s still full of adrenaline and having fun, and it sobers her up with enough courage to ask the other alphas she’s been avoiding to dance with her.

 

Chan and Changbin are sipping their drinks in the corner chatting amongst themselves when she bounds over to them with Jisung on her tail.

 

“Yah! This is a party! What are you two doing over here!?” Y/n whines, stumbling to a stop before Chan. He instantly grabs her waist to steady her and she smiles brightly.

 

“Yeah, you’re such lame alphas,” Jisung teases, his words slurring together.

 

Changbin rolls his eyes as Chan huffs a laugh. “We’re just watching. You guys having fun?”

 

“I’d be having more fun if you were there,” she purrs, sliding her fingers through his.

 

Chan sucks in a breath as she quickly tugs on his hand. “Oh. I just–”

 

“Dance with me?” she asks, tilting her head and gazes at him through her lashes. “Please, Alpha?”

 

Chan curses under his breath, his chest tightening, and Changbin snickers, plucking Chan’s drink out of his hand.

 

“Take the offer or I will.” Changbin grins, setting their drinks aside and wraps his arm around Jisung’s waist. Jisung beams from the contact, his flushed face turning a dark shade of red. “Let’s do this!”

 

Jisung laughs as they rush onto the dance floor. Y/n takes both of Chan’s hands and drags him forward, slowly walking backward. “You coming?”

 

Chan swallows as he nods, a hundred thoughts running through his head. “Alright, I’ll dance with you.”

 

She beams and rushes to the dance floor with him. He huffs a laugh but follows with a pep in his step. Chan’s shy at first, trying to keep his hands modest and his eyes respectful but it only takes one very strong drink from Minho and a song Chan clearly knows for him to drop all hesitancy and to let loose. 

 

The chemistry between them was so palpable and strong that many of the other contestants couldn’t help but watch them. The alpha’s hands gripped every inch of her body and his scent clouded her every being as they danced in sync. She mostly kept her hands cupping his neck while they danced nose to nose singing the lyrics softly even as they moved with movements that could make even the hardest alpha break into a blush. She switches from gliding her hands across his shoulders to his biceps and chest. He spun her around at one point and Y/n knows she’ll never forget the feeling of his hips rolling against her backside, his strong arms wrapped around her waist, or his soft lips pressing against her neck.

 

To keep herself from jumping the alpha in the middle of the dance floor, she and Jisung switch partners (much to everyone’s pent-up relief), and Y/n could not stop laughing while dancing with Changbin. The alpha is light-hearted and sweet, keeping her on beat with the music as she draws sluggish throughout the night with her drunken state and making little comments about the others who were also ridiculously drunk. They noticed a certain beta hanging out by himself and the two and Felix dragged Seungmin onto the dance floor… Well, technically, Changbin threw him over his shoulder but, the same difference.

 

Seungmin blushed up a storm as the three of them tugged and teased him to dance with them. If Y/n wasn’t so drunk, she wouldn’t have been so confident to dance how she did but she was and she didn’t care, still heavily affected by her time with Chan. They stood chest to chest with Y/n’s arms wrapped around the beta’s neck as Seungmin held her closely and tightly. She notices a small tattoo of a hand mic underneath his ear and traces it from time to time, driving the beta and his wolf mad with desire. From Seungmin’s view, all he saw was a beautiful omega staring up at him with those pretty siren eyes and a scent so pretty and floral it made him crave for her to use those enticing hips for something else… and if they exchanged a slight kiss from the crazed-adrenaline state, no one else cared or commented on it.

 

She’s not sure when the party ends but it does. She somehow makes it to her room (with the help of Woojin and Yeosang) and manages to strip her clothes long enough before she passes out, oblivious to the aroused state she left her contestants… and future packmates.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Seungmin sits in a chair, rapidly blinking his eyes to keep himself awake as he sits behind a recording camera. It’s the end of the night, everyone but him and Jongho have passed out cold. Being a beta comes with a job. They were requested to make notes on everything they’ve noticed throughout the contest while the pack alphas are incognito and with the party tonight, he’s noticed a lot of things… too many things.

 

Willing himself out of his tired state, Seungmin begins to write to the mysterious pack alphas.

 

‘Potential pack mates: Chan, Changbin, Minho, Jisung, Felix, Hyunjin, Seungmin, Jeongin, Y/n, and Woojin.’

 

‘Woojin. still on the fence. doesn’t seem pack worthy, too much of a solo alpha… making weird eyes at Y/n? watch their interactions.’

 

‘Chan and Changbin. very good alphas, attentive and caring. Not aggressive even with their buff sizes.’

 

‘Jisung. total sweetheart, very social but also a little quiet. anxiety?? watch him during stressful times. clashes with Woojin.’

 

‘Jeongin. sweet. tease. cute dongsaeng. nice alpha. slight dark side? primal? dominant?’

 

‘Minho. attentive omega. subtly caring. big flirt.’

 

‘Y/n. gets along with a lot of the members. lots of chemistry with the alphas, especially with the omegas… and the beta. potential luna or head omega if she gets out of her shell some more?’

 

‘Felix. sunshine personified. gets along with EVERYONE. perfect future packmate.’

 

‘Hyunjin. brings everything together? fits in with everyone. very subtlY adores Jeongin.’

 

‘Seungmin. gets along with everyone. developing small relationships. likes the alphas a lot but won’t say anything.’

 

Seungmin sighs from exposing himself but he has to be honest. He double-checks his notes before he leaves the room and heads to bed, cuddling up with one of the alphas.

 

◇◇

 

Jongho loathes being awake right now but it would cost him if he doesn’t do the notes he’s been assigned so he sucks it up and gets to work.

 

‘Potential packmates: Hongjoong, Jongho, Seonghwa, Yunho, Mingi, Yeosang, San, Wooyoung, and Hyunjoo.’

 

‘Misuk. still a wonder, doesn’t seem to be clicking with everyone quite yet.’

 

‘Hongjoong. nice alpha. shy? insecure? needs more affection.’

 

‘Yunho and Mingi. completely smitten with each other. makes everyone feel comfortable. amazing alphas, strong sense of safety.’

 

‘Wooyoung. wild alpha, very very social. ridiculous laugh but makes everything fit like the last piece of a puzzle.’

 

‘Seonghwa. beautiful omega. strong head omega vibes. very sweet and nurturing, big factors for a packmate.’

 

‘San and Yeosang. both are sweet omegas. San is very cuddly. Yeosang has a cute aloof personality.’

 

‘Hyunjoo. gets along well with the alphas, very good thing. doesn’t bring trouble, very laid back. struggling with bonding with the omegas?’

 

‘Jongho. likes the omegas, comfortable around the alphas.’

 

Jongho nods to himself as he finishes up before leaving the room. That’s the best he’s gonna get and he finishes the night off cuddled up with one of the omegas.

 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

Notes:

tbh. i didnt feel like writing out everyone doing the challenge... bc that would take forever and its a simple guessing game so I didn't write it. but don't worry, the challenges later on in the fic will be written since they'll be more... active!

Chapter 4: ◇Day 2◇

Summary:

Contestants recover from the party and spend time getting to know each other

 

cw: vomiting

◆◇◈◇◆

 

 

The lights flicker on the next morning causing an earthquake of protesting groans from the omegas in the room. Minho curses up a storm as Seonghwa grunts in agreement, turning in their bed to burrow into Minho’s side. Minho lets him, wrapping his arm around his waist as he grabs another pillow and slams it against his face to block out the light.

 

Misuk whines. “Noooo, turn the lights offfff.”

 

San groans, face crinkled in a grimace, and buries his face in her neck, pulling her close. Misuk quickly wraps herself around him and San instantly falls back asleep as her small hands rub against his scalp and back.

 

Jongho sits up in his bed and lazily blinks, bleary eyes glazing over the different beds. “We need… to get up.”

 

“Ugh.” Felix moans from across the room. “Nooo.”

 

“Fuck that,” Hyunjoo grumbles, blindly fumbling around to pull Jongho back down. “Lay back down.”

 

The beta mumbles something about being responsible as he shifts in the bed and collapses on top of her back, briefly eyeing the tattoos across her shoulder before falling asleep.

 

Yeosang twitches before he shifts from under the cover and pokes his messy black hair out the top. His face is puffy as he squints around the room. “Hm? ‘S mornin’ already?”

 

He reaches over and pats Hyunjin’s arm. The omega hums but remains still.

 

“Hyunjin-ssi. We gotta wake up,” Yeosang slurs, pushing himself into a sitting position.

 

Hyunjin grumbles something unintelligible, burrowing into his pillow. Yeosang shakes his head before his eyes dart to the nightstand and he perks up. “Oh! They left us medicine!”

 

“Really!?” Felix perks up immediately, turning his head toward the nightstand before he groans and reaches over to grab them and the water bottle. “Thank the gods!”

 

The others start to stir with the promise of meds to quell their massive headaches. Minho grabs his set and downs them with the entire water bottle. He takes a minute to wake himself up some more, lazily blinking his pretty eyes. Seonghwa slumps against the headboard, running a hand through his dark hair, waiting for the meds to kick in. 

 

San pouts up a storm as Misuk makes him take the pills, and Seonghwa chuckles under his breath at the sight, his wolf rumbling. Minho glances to the side and watches as Yeosang lightly shakes Hyunjin awake. The omega doesn’t budge, though, and after realizing this, Yeosang sighs and slumps back into the headboard.

 

Minho takes pity on him and slides out of bed, walking over to Hyunjin’s side. He simply soaks in his beauty for a slight minute of weakness, moving his soft black hair out of his face before he begins poking his face insistently.

 

Hyunjin’s face wrinkles as he groans. “Stop.”

 

Minho snorts and keeps doing it, pressing harder with each poke. Hyunjin smacks his hand away, turning his head to the other side. Minho lifts an eyebrow before he grips his pillow and yanks on it. Hyunjin yelps as he flinches awake.

 

“Yah! Hyung, what the fuck!?” he yells. He immediately regrets it, moaning as he presses his fingers against his temple. “Fuck, my head hurts.”

 

Minho chuckles, placing the pillow back down and handing him the pills. “Here.”

 

Hyunjin perks up and takes the pills from him. “Thanks, Hyung.”

 

Minho shakes his head, handing him the open water bottle and gently running his hand through his hair. “Just take the pills and shut up.”

 

Hyunjin pouts but does as he’s told, absently leaning into the older omega’s touch as he gulps down the meds. “Mean.”

 

◈

“I like it here,” Minho tells the camera. “I know it’s only been a day but my intuition is strong. I know potential when I see it and there are nine members I have my eye on… I don’t know who the pack alpha is– though I have my suspicions- but I hope he’s seeing what I’m seeing.”

◈

 

Y/n shifts in bed from all the noise, and Felix turns to her as she rolls over and groans like she’s dying.

 

“Fucking hell, my head hurts,” she whines, fingers clutching the side of her head.

 

Y/n feels like her head’s being split open, squeezing her eyes shut against the light in the room making it ten times worse. She sits up but the movement makes her dangerously nauseous and dizzy and she gags, feeling her throat tense and her mouth water at a dangerous speed. She yanks the covers off in a panic and runs across the room. Many voices shout her name but she doesn’t stop until she’s collapsed onto the ground, hurling into the toilet bowl. Her entire chest seizes as she throws up, her heart racing trying to keep her body alive.

 

“Y/n! Oh, gods!”

 

She feels warm hands on her, a pair rubbing her back while the other brushes her hair behind her neck. She wretches for what feels like hours and once she’s done, calm pheromones cloud the disgusting scent of vomit as she finally manages to take a breath, clenching the toilet bowl to keep her steady.

 

“It’s okay, I’ve got you.” Minho’s voice is soft as he easily takes her weight.

 

She slumps against him in relief, and he pulls her back against his chest. Felix runs his hands through her hair as Seonghwa wipes her mouth with a warm wet cloth.

 

“Fucking hell, are you okay now?” Felix asks, his voice much deeper from sleep. “Do you think you got it all out?”

 

Y/n shakily nods as she pants. “Yeah. I-I think so.”

 

Minho sucks his tongue against the roof of his mouth in light reprimand, nudging his nose against her temple. “Aish, I should’ve watched you properly last night. I’m sorry, Y/n-ah.”

 

Y/n grips his arm, pressing harder against his chest. “It’s alright, don’t apologize. It’s not your fault. I don’t drink much… or at all really, so I can’t really handle liquor, and I knew that, but I still got drunk anyway. It’s my fault.”

 

“I wish you would’ve told me.” Felix pouts, eyes misty with worry. “I wouldn’t have pushed so hard.”

 

Y/n reaches up to lightly pinch his cheek. “Don’t worry about that, Felix. You were right, I needed to let loose a bit.” She gives him a weak smile. “Besides, I had a lot of fun with you all. It was worth it.”

 

Seonghwa scoffs with a light smile. “I’m surprised you remember last night with how hammered you were.”

 

“You’re one to talk.” Minho snipes back with a grin. “Did you have fun sticking your tongue down a certain alpha’s throat?”

 

Seonghwa averts his gaze, his entire face turning red, and Y/n gasps in shock as Felix peels off into giggles. “No way. Who was it?”

 

“It-It doesn’t matter,” Seonghwa stutters. “He probably doesn’t remember it.”

 

“Wrong.” The four omegas turn to the entrance of the bathroom to see Jongho leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest. “Hongjoong wasn’t that drunk. He’ll remember it alright.”

 

“You kissed Hongjoong-hyung!?” Felix exclaims.

 

“And San,” Seonghwa mutters. “And Yunho… and Wooyoung.”

 

Y/n grins. “Slut.”

 

“Me!?” Seonghwa lightly smacks her knee. “ You’re the slut! You seduced every single person on that dance floor!”

 

Y/n gapes like a fish out of water as Felix laughs a bit harder, Minho blushing but watching with a grin she can’t see. “What? No, I didn’t! Ow, fuck, my head.”

 

“That’s not what I saw.” Seonghwa smirks. “You’ve got some moves, Omega.”

 

“Hell yeah, she does,” Minho mutters and she shivers as his breath brushes against her ear.

 

“Y/n!” The omegas flinch as Seungmin bursts into the bathroom. “Are you okay?”

 

“Seungmin?” Felix’s wolf perks up at the sight of the beta. “What are you doing here?”

 

“We heard a commotion, so we came to check on everyone,” Seungmin tells her, eyes flicking across the scene in front of him.

 

“We?” Seonghwa lifts an eyebrow.

 

“Here.” Jongho bends down to hand her a set of pills and a water bottle. “Take this.”

 

Y/n thanks him silently as she takes them. 

 

“We should get something on that stomach of yours.” Minho sighs, running his hands up and down her thighs, and Y/n hums at the comfort.

 

“We as in the alphas,” Seungmin clarifies, his shoulders dropping from their tense state as he steps forward and crouches in front of her. 

 

Seonghwa stands up straight, stretching his arms over his head. “I’ll get started on some breakfast, see if I can get Wooyoung to work on it with me.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

The lights turn on in the alphas’ room and multiple groans sound in unison. Jeongin curses up a storm as he wiggles out of Wooyoung’s tight grip, fingers rubbing the side of his head.

 

Wooyoung whines at the loss, squinting his eyes and shifting around in the bed. “Wha?”

 

Chan is already up, leaning against his headboard with a puffy, pouty face as he slowly blinks his eyes, his fingers running through a beta’s messy brown hair that lays on his thigh.

 

He glances over to their bed and smiles. “Morning, Jeongin, Wooyoung.”

 

“Morning, Hyung,” the two younger alphas respond, as Jeongin gently rubs his eyes and Wooyoung buries his face back into his pillow.

 

“There’s some pills on your nightstand if you need them.” Chan nudges his chin forward.

 

Jeongin takes note of them and lets out a relieved sigh, grabbing them and the bottle of water. “Thanks.”

 

Wooyoung fumbles around the nightstand before he grips the packet of pills and sits up, grumbling. “Fuck, it feels like my head’s being split open by a dragon’s dick.”

 

Jeongin chokes on his water as Chan snorts an ugly laugh and Hongjoong cracks a grin to himself across the room while he stares at the ceiling as Seungmin laughs under his breath, hiding his face in Chan’s hip.

 

“I don’t want to get up.”

 

Chan, Jeongin, and Wooyoung glance across the room to see Changbin throwing his only available arm over his eyes, head straight staring at the ceiling. Jisung clings to his other arm with a tight grip, his face squished against his bicep dead asleep. Chan chuckles at the sight.

 

“Morning, Changbin-hyung,” Jeongin mutters before he takes another sip of water.

 

Changbin grumbles something under his breath.

 

“Get over it.” Wooyoung deadpans. “Gotta wake up, I’m cooking breakfast.”

 

“I want to die,” someone mutters.

 

Woojin sits up with his hair completely covering his eyes. Chan didn’t notice it was long enough to cover his eyes until now as the older alpha moves the strands to the side revealing glowering purple eyes. Chan flinches at the sight of his alpha eyes. Woojin scowls as he rubs his forehead and takes a minute to breathe. He reaches over to grab the pills and takes them, and after draining the entire bottle, he opens his eyes to reveal them back to brown.

 

Hongjoong, who had watched the entire thing beside him, makes eye contact with Chan and lifts his eyebrows as if he’s asking if he saw that too. Chan subtly nods and makes a motion to talk about it later. Hongjoong nods back, scrubbing a hand over his puffy face. He grabs a pillow and throws it across the space next to him successfully hitting Yunho and Mingi where they lay cuddled up in bed.

 

“Wake up, losers.” Hongjoong grunts.

 

Yunho takes the pillow without opening his eyes and hurls it back harsher than Hongjoong had thrown it, and it smacks the hell out of him, whipping his head to the side as he hisses. Woojin and Jeongin snort in amusement as Chan laughs softly. Yunho lifts his hand and flips him off for extra measure.

 

“Can we please turn the lights off?” Seungmin whines.

 

Chan glances and chuckles, rustling the beta’s hair. “Nope. Wake up, puppy. It’s time to get up.”

 

Seungmin grimaces as he sits up and pushes Chan away by his face. “Don’t talk to me in that baby voice.”

 

“Why not? You’re such a cute beta.” Chan wiggles his fingers in Seungmin’s direction and he smacks his hands away, wiggling toward the other side of the bed.

 

“Fuck off, old man.” He glares.

 

Chan keeps messing around with Seungmin, wrapping his thick arms around him and wiggling them until the beta squirms his way out of bed, grabbing a pillow and hitting him with it. Chan lets him with a soft laugh.

 

Seungmin huffs, brushing his wild hair out of his face. “Insufferable.”

 

The beta walks over to Jeongin’s side and plops down next to him, resting his head on his shoulder. Jeongin scowls at him but lets it happen, wrapping his arm around his waist to keep him there.

 

Yunho and Mingi sit up in the bed, making Jisung the last to get up. He still remains cuddled up to Changbin even after the alpha sits up in the bed. Changbin studies him, his wolf cooing at his sleepy face, before he pokes his chubby cheeks. After the sixth time, Jisung wrinkles his nose in his sleep but doesn’t budge.

 

Chan laughs. “Oh, gods. It’s gonna be a pain to wake him up during this entire thing.”

 

Changbin sighs, dropping his hand. “I think so.”

 

“So,” Mingi starts, and the members in the room jolt from how deep his voice is first thing in the morning. Well, everyone but Yunho who grins, dropping his head on Mingi’s shoulder. “How was everyone’s night?”

 

Wooyoung perks up with a grin. “I kissed the omegas!”

 

“What!?” Woojin exclaims. “Wha– When ?”

 

The alpha shrugs as he stretches his arms over his head. “Sometime during the party.”

 

“Who was it?” Mingi grins.

 

“Yeosang, San, and Seonghwa.” Wooyoung smirks. “I got cheek kisses from Y/n and Felix, too. Those two are adorable .”

 

“You kissed Seonghwa, too!?” Hongjoong blinks.

 

“Too?” Chan grins.

 

“Too.” Mingi nods solemnly. “I saw that one. It was hot. Yunho kissed him, too.”

 

Yunho smacks his thigh but doesn’t move his head, his ears bright red. 

 

“Well, I see some of you had an eventful night.” Chan chuckles.

 

“You can not be talking.” Changbin grins. His arms twitch to cross them but he stops, remembering the alpha clinging to him. “You and Y/n were practically fucking on that dance floor.”

 

Chan’s face turns a dangerous shade of red as he ducks his head, letting his blonde hair block his amber eyes, and Hongjoong and Mingi snicker at him.

 

“Ah! I saw that!” Wooyoung laughs before he wolf whistles. “You two look good together. Like really good.” He turns to the two others in his bed. “You two, too.”

 

Seungmin’s face flushes as Jeongin blatantly averts his gaze. “I didn’t do anything though,” Jeongin says, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. “But Seungmin kissed Y/n.”

 

“Yah!” Seungmin snaps up and smacks his arm. “Don’t expose me!”

 

“Really?” Chan grins along with Changbin and Woojin. “How was it?”

 

The beta makes a face before he grabs a pillow and hides behind it. “I’m not telling you that.”

 

Wooyoung snickers as he leans over and pokes the beta’s side. “Awww. Don’t be shy, Beta.”

 

Seungmin whines and smacks his hands away before promptly hitting him with the pillow as the alpha laughs. “It was a spur-of-the-moment thing!”

 

“No one’s judging you, Seungmin-ah.” Changbin shrugs, though his smug smile remains. “We’re just curious, that’s all.”

 

Before Seungmin can respond, the sudden sound of thunderous footsteps and the loud call of Y/n’s name has all of the alphas perking up. It’s so loud it wakes up Jisung with a start and Changbin grabs him to keep him steady, gently shushing him as he glances around in a panic.

 

“What was that?” Mingi frowns.

 

“I think something happened with Y/n,” Jeongin says, being the closest bed to the door. “They sound a little frantic calling her name.”

 

Chan curses under his breath as he tugs the blanket off him. “Think she might be sick. She’s not big on liquor and she drank a lot last night.”

 

Changbin, Jeongin, and Seungmin quickly follow him along with the others and they rush out of the room, knocking on the door down the hall.

 

“Hello?” Hongjoong calls out. “Is everything alright in here?”

 

It takes a few minutes but eventually, the doors open revealing a disheveled Misuk and she wrinkles her nose at the onslaught of worried alpha pheromones. San has a pillow in his arms as he leans on his knees, eyes trained on the door leading to the bathrooms. Yeosang and Hyunjin have worried expressions on their faces as Hyunjoo sits up in her bed. The others are nowhere to be found.

 

“Well.” Hyunjoo sighs, brushing her midnight blue hair out of her eyes. “I’m definitely awake now.”

 

“What happened?” Chan asks, eyes darting across the room for the missing omegas.

 

“Y/n’s not feeling well.” Misuk sighs, leaning against one of the doors. “She’s currently throwing up in the bathroom.”

 

Seungmin pushes past Chan and Changbin and rushes into the room, ducking through the doors on the right.

 

“Shit,” Wooyoung mutters. “I’ll get started on breakfast. She’ll need to eat something along with everyone else.”

 

He’s gone within seconds and Yeosang fumbles out of bed. “Youngie, wait!”

 

The alphas part for Yeosang as the omega rushes after his best friend. Hongjoong glances over his shoulder to see Wooyoung pulling the omega close and kissing his cheek before dragging him off. It’s a weird feeling but he’s glad the two of them are together, that Wooyoung isn’t alone. He decides he’ll join them after they finish checking up on the omegas.

 

Seonghwa walks through the doorway and into the main bedroom and pauses at the sight of all the alphas at their door. “Uh. M-Morning, everyone.”

 

Multiple choruses of greetings follow and the omega flushes as Hongjoong and Yunho stare at him intently. Seonghwa brushes his hair out of his face as he approaches everyone. “How did everyone sleep?”

 

“I would still like to be asleep, actually,” Jisung mutters, his eyes barely open.

 

“I second that.” Woojin sighs, ruffling his black hair. “But I’m awake now.”

 

“We should get washed up and proper,” Chan tells them, taking a moment to quell his racing heart. “We’ll let them get themselves together.”

 

The others nod in agreement and begin to walk away before Misuk and San call out for the alphas.

 

“Yes?” Yunho asks.

 

“Thanks for checking up on us.” San smiles, his dimples on full display.

 

“Yeah.” Misuk nods. “We’ll let Y/n know. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it as well.”

 

Chan chuckles and waves them off. “Just doing our jobs, you don’t have to thank us.”

 

“Such nice alphas, huh?” Seonghwa grins and many of the alphas blush like crazy. Seonghwa giggles to himself before he grabs the door handles and starts to close them, his eyes twinkling with amusement as he wiggles his eyebrows, eyes lingering on Yunho and Hongjoong. “Goodbye, alphas.”

 

He closes the door on them and they all stand around before Jeongin clears his throat. “We should… get ready.”

 

“Right.” Changbin sighs.

 

“Yah, these omegas are really something,” Chan mutters, shaking his head. “First Minho, now Seonghwa.”

 

Jisung grunts. “Don’t get me started on Minho-hyung, please. I’d rather die.”

 

Hongjoong groans, tugging on his blue hair. “Why did I come here? That omega is gonna drive me insane.”

 

“Already so smitten, Captain?” Mingi teases, throwing an arm around his shoulder to pull him away from the door.

 

“No,” Hongjoong mutters petulantly.

 

Yunho chuffs. “Sure you’re not.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

The contestants get washed up and ready for the day on their own, moving quicker at the wonderful smell of food.

 

Y/n sits splayed out on her bed, dressed in a pair of comfy sweat shorts and a tank top with an ice pack wrapped in a cloth laid on her forehead since she felt unusually warm. Minho told her that some people get a higher temperature while they’re hungover and it turns out Y/n is one of them. Right after figuring out her high temperature, the older omega pinned her to her bed and put an ice pack on her forehead with strict instructions not to move until breakfast was ready or she’d face the consequences. He had walked away muttering something about stuffing tissues in places so she decided not to poke his wrath and remain dutifully still, even if she was immensely bored and in pain from the lights and sounds.

 

The others were finishing up getting ready after taking care of Y/n. Hyunjoo is in her bed reading something on her ipad with tired eyes with San lying on her back, scrolling on his phone. With a turn of her head, she can see Felix, Hyunjin, and Misuk pampering themselves in the vanity room. Yeosang came back after messing with Wooyoung and got ready with Seonghwa before the two quickly left to help cook. Minho followed after them. Seungmin lies next to her reading a book while being on guard duty, as Minho had put it, and Jongho was beside him, reading something on his phone.

 

◈

“I want to talk to Seungmin.” Y/n sighs, eyes glancing toward the camera. “I want to but I’m so embarrassed!” She whines, hiding her face in her hands. “I can’t believe I kissed him! You’d think out of everyone last night I would’ve kissed Chan or Minho, but no, I kissed Seungmin! The beta!” She whines, shaking her head. “It’s not that I regret it! I really really don’t. Seungmin is a good kisser, but… I’m shy.”

Y/n pouts. “Besides… he hasn’t said anything either so I’ll keep quiet.”

◈

 

“YAH, EVERYONE! BREAKFAST IS READY!”

 

Y/n flinches from the scream courtesy of one Seo Changbin and groans, pressing the ice pack harder against her head. The others start to leave the room and Y/n sits up with the help of Seungmin. Before she can even stand, Minho materializes in front of her and turns around holding his hands out.

 

She blinks. “What are you doing?”

 

“Get on,” he answers over his shoulder.

 

Y/n pouts. “Minho-ssi… I can walk.”

 

Minho lifts an unimpressed eyebrow. “I thought I told you to call me ‘Oppa.’”

 

She mutters an apology and he lightly scoffs. “Just get on, Y/n-ah.”

 

Y/n sighs but complies, wrapping her arms around his neck. He grabs her thighs and hauls her up before quickly adjusting and walking out of the room. Y/n pouts the entire way down the stairs, leaning her head against his shoulder. Once they make it to the first floor, she scowls from the bright natural light and growls, turning her head into his neck. She’s met with the lovely smell of his snapdragon and peach scent and Minho smirks in pride as she slumps on his back.

 

◈

“Minho-oppa is nice,” Y/n says, her fingers fiddling with each other. “Like… really nice. And he’s pretty… and smells good… I kinda wanna kiss him too…” she glances off to the side. “Too shy for that either.”

◈

 

Chan looks up the moment they enter the room and frowns at the sight of Y/n looking so worn out. Then his eyes dart down to her exposed legs and he flushes, staring intently at her tattoos. Minho settles her into one of the last open seats before sitting beside her.

 

“Wah!” Y/n presses her hands together, eyes glazing over the food. “Breakfast looks so good.”

 

Wooyoung beams, tilting his nose into the air. “Of course, it does! I made it!”

 

Yeosang smacks his arm. “Just say thank you like a normal person.”

 

“Hwa told me you guys came to check on me.” Y/n has a slight look of wonder in her eyes as she meets the gaze of every alpha. “Thank you for that, that was sweet of you all.”

 

“Ah, it was nothing.” Wooyoung rubs the back of his neck as many of the other alphas blush from her words.

 

“It’s not nothing.” She ducks her head, giving him a soft look. “I really appreciate it.”

 

“We’re just glad that you’re okay,” Changbin says, tugging at his pink ear.

 

“You are okay, right?” Jeongin asks, heavy caramel-brown eyes glazing over her figure.

 

Y/n smiles and nods shortly. “For now.”

 

“Good.” The younger alpha drops his tense shoulder as he turns his head, nodding and muttering to himself. “Good, that’s good.” 

 

“Shall we eat?” Chan asks.

 

The others turn to him and Woojin expectantly, and Chan balks. “What?”

 

“You two are the oldest,” Jisung reminds them. “You eat first.”

 

Chan frowns before he remembers where he is. “Right. Well, in my house, the youngest eats first. I’d like to continue that here if that’s alright with everyone.”

 

Woojin perks up. “I like that actually. We should do that.”

 

The others nod in agreement before they turn to the three youngest. 

 

“Who’s the youngest out of you three?” Mingi asks, gesturing between Hyunjoo, Jeongin, and Misuk. “You’re all born in ‘01, right?”

 

“February for me,” Jeongin speaks first.

 

“I was born in August.” Hyunjoo shrugs, turning to Misuk.

 

“Ah.” Misuk cowers under all the eyes. “I guess I’m the youngest. I was born in October.”

 

Chan smiles softly at her. “Then, go ahead and eat.”

 

Misuk flushes a brighter shade of pink before she picks up her chopsticks. “Alright, thanks for the food.”

 

After her first hum of happiness, the others dig in. Breakfast is a slightly quiet affair with most of them being hungover and the others respecting their states and speaking in soft levels. Minho fills up Y/n’s plate for her and gives her a pointed look to eat it all. She thanks him with a small squeeze of his thigh before she eats, relishing in how it gives her a bit of energy. She immediately thanks Wooyoung for making something greasy and the alpha waves her off, telling her to just eat some more.

 

After breakfast, Y/n is carried off by Minho with Changbin close on their heels. Felix places a pair of sunglasses on her nose before he darts away with Jeongin and Seungmin, Hyunjin following after them.

 

“What are these for?” she grumbles.

 

“Getting some air,” Minho responds.

 

Changbin rushes forward to open the back patio door. Y/n squints against the natural light and whines.

 

“Nooo, it’s too bright,” she complains, briefly kicking her feet.

 

“Too bad.” Minho grins, adjusting his grip on her as they walk down the stairs. “The air will be good for you.”

 

Y/n grumbles under her breath and drops her head back on his shoulder. “Meanho.”

 

Changbin cackles as Minho glares at her over his shoulder. “That’s a cute nickname, Hyung.”

 

“I will stomp out your insides,” Minho utters, turning the corner onto the hangout area.

 

A few others are already there and Y/n waves as Minho walks straight past them to the furthest corner, placing her down in the last empty hammock.

 

“Hey, Y/n.” Yeosang smiles softly. “Feeling any better?”

 

“A little, yeah.” She sighs, shifting around in the hammock as Minho tucks a blanket around her body. “I wanna sleep.”

 

“Then, take a nap.” Wooyoung shrugs, leaning against Yeosang’s side.

 

“A nap sounds nice actually,” Y/n mutters, eyeing the way Minho frets over the blanket. “Oppa.”

 

“Hm?” Minho grunts, not meeting her gaze as he shifts the blanket around once more. Y/n reaches out to grab his wrist and tugs him into the hammock. Minho lets out a yelp as he stumbles, catching himself on his hand before he can fall on her.

 

“Yah.” He scowls down at her. “What are you–”

 

“Lay down with me.” Y/n pats the space next to her. “You’re not gonna stop fretting until I’m relaxed so just join me.”

 

Minho glares at her even as his ears turn red but he mumbles about stupid omega instincts and crawls into the bed-hammock behind her. Yeosang and Wooyoung snicker at him and Minho glowers, hiding most of his face behind her shoulder. Y/n shakes her head, ignoring them as she gets comfortable, sliding the sunglasses off her face. They lay side by side, curled into each other without touching. Y/n doesn’t cross the line to touch him, assuming he’s not quite ready for that so she sticks to herself, humming as the sunlight keeps her warm.

 

“Oh, she’s asleep.” Y/n blinks and glances over her shoulder at the sight of Chan with Woojin and Jisung flanking him. “Or not.”

 

“Hey.” She smiles softly. “Did you need something?”

 

“We wanted to check on you.” Woojin shrugs, sliding his hands into his pockets. “Make sure everything is okay.”

 

“How are you feeling?” Chan asks, tilting his head as he crosses his arms over his chest to keep himself from jumping her.

 

Y/n shrugs, hiding her eyes from the alpha’s prying gaze. “Better. I’m gonna take a nap since I’m a bit tired.”

 

Jisung blinks innocently. “Can I join?”

 

She snorts. “Sure.”

 

Jisung scrambles forward without missing a beat and squirms his way in between her and Minho. Minho groans and protests as Jisung collapses on his shoulder but doesn’t move.

 

“Don’t mind me,” Jisung says, closing his eyes and wiggling once more. “Just gonna sleep here, thanks.”

 

Chan and Woojin laugh at him as Y/n shakes her head, settling her head back down onto the pillow. “Sleep well, you guys.”

 

It doesn’t take Y/n very long before she passes out, her wolf content with Jisung’s blackcurrant and Minho’s peach scent surrounding her.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

“You know–” Woojin’s voice jerks Chan out of his stare and faces him. “-she’s not going anywhere no matter how hard you stare at her.”

 

Chan ducks his head as his ears turn red and Wooyoung and Felix snicker at him. “Sorry.”

 

“What are you worried about?” Woojin asks, patting his shoulder. “She’s had some medicine and food. A nap will do her some good.”

 

Chan shrugs, sitting back on his chair. “It’s not that I was just worried about her. I was watching Minho too. Just noticing how quickly he’s caught onto her and Jisung.”

 

“I noticed too.” Felix scrunches his nose. “It’s cute.”

 

“Very.” Yeosang nods, a small smile on his pretty lips. “But I think it’s an omega thing. It’s very easy for us omegas to get along, so we tend to bond faster compared to other relationships.”

 

“Really?” Woojin tilts his head, blinking curiously.

 

Yeosang nods as Felix perks up. “It’s been scientifically proven that omega bonds are arguably stronger than a mating bond between an alpha and an omega.”

 

“Why is that?” Chan frowns, eyes curious. “Is it like a kin thing?”

 

“Somewhat.” A new voice joins them, and Yeosang and Wooyoung’s faces and scents light up as Seonghwa slides up to them. “You could look at it that way if it makes sense to you. It’s just like how a mother or father’s instinct kicks in whenever they see a lost pup. Once an omega picks up on another, they have instincts to befriend and care for.”

 

“Interesting,” Woojin mutters, glancing over to the other three in the bed hammock. Minho has his arm wrapped tightly around Y/n, pressing her and Jisung to his chest. He smiles to himself, slightly wishing he was Jisung.

 

“Hey, Hyung.”

 

Chan and Woojin turn their heads at the call as Changbin comes walking up decked in workout gear. “Do you wanna–”

 

“Absolutely!” Chan jumps out of his chair, bouncing on his toes. “Let me get changed and I’ll join you.”

 

Changbin huffs a laugh. “Didn’t even let me finish.”

 

Chan grins and claps him on the shoulder. “Give me ten and I’ll work out with you.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Felix peeks around the corner, staring as some of the others work out. Changbin is spotting Chan on a bench as Jongho does some bicep curls on a chair across from him. Yeosang is there as well as San doing some core workouts. Hyunjoo’s in the corner squatting what looks like more than Felix’s weight and he watches all of them in awe.

 

“Boo!”

 

Felix screams, nearly jumping a foot in the air and whipping around. Seungmin stands there with a smug grin on his face as Hyunjin howls with laughter, bending at the waist.

 

The omega glares at the tall beta. “Yah, that’s not funny.”

 

“What are you doing?” Seungmin grins, leaning against the wall as Hyunjin sits on one of the steps and spreads his legs.

 

“Staring at the good-looking men working out.” Hyunjin smirks.

 

Felix scowls, kicking at Hyunjin’s ankle. “It’s not nice to sneak up on people.”

 

“Why won’t you just join them?” Seungmin asks, jutting out his chin. “You look like you want to.”

 

The omega sighs, rubbing his arm as he glances off to the side. “I don’t know… I want to but… they’re all so… built .”

 

“Ah.” Hyunjin nods. “You’re intimidated by the big muscles.”

 

“A bit, yeah.” Felix pouts. “But also… they’re really attractive and I’m–” Hyunjin snorts. “I’m scared to work out in front of them. I think I’d hurt myself from staring so hard.”

 

Hyunjin laughs again and Felix glowers at him, his face bright red enhancing his freckles as Seungmin smacks his shoulder.

 

“Quit laughing.” Seungmin scolds. “And forget about them. You should hang out with us. We’re better.”

 

“What were you guys about to do?” Felix asks, bright brown eyes wide and alit as his scent flits out in interest.

 

“I was wondering if you wanted to play some games with me and Jeongin.” Seungmin juts his thumb over his shoulder, gesturing toward the villa. “Hyunjin was gonna potentially join us.”

 

“Oh!” Felix beams. “Yeah, sure! That sounds like fun!”

 

Felix grabs Seungmin’s hand and tugs him up the stairs. Hyunjin picks himself up with a small smile and follows them, muttering about how cute Felix is. 

 

Jeongin is already sitting on the carpeted floor of the massive living room when they walk in with Seonghwa and much to their surprise, Yunho and Mingi are there as well with Yunho sitting in between Mingi’s thighs. Misuk sits in the corner of a couch, tugging a blanket over her legs, and Hongjoong is curled up around a sketchbook in an armchair across from them, headphones plastered to his head.

 

“Oh, you’re back!” Jeongin perks up. “Yunho-hyung and Seonghwa-hyung are gonna join us!”

 

“Cool!” Felix rushes forward, flopping to the ground in between Seonghwa and Jeongin. “What are we playing?”

 

“Can we play a shooting game?” Yunho asks. “This TV is massive and I can guarantee the surround sound is gonna be awesome.”

 

“What about Valorant?” Seungmin offers.

 

“Yes, please!” “I’m down.”

 

“Sounds like a plan.” Seonghwa nods.

 

The group quickly gets set up and with all the controllers taken, Hyunjin sticks to cuddling on the couch by himself, scrolling on his phone. He listens to the others play video games for a few hours, laughing at a few fights breaking out and Felix and Seungmin’s colorful language. Hongjoong takes his headphones off now and then to figure out what the commotion is about before going back to his sketching with a small smile on his face.

 

Misuk cheers them on as Mingi drags them down, calling out the members’ wrong-doing even though he isn’t good at the game. Yunho kicks him for it each time. Hyunjin keeps an eye on Misuk after a slight switch in her scent when the others dog-piled on Felix after he saved them from losing, being the last one alive. He doesn’t want to assume anything but he’d hate to deal with drama so he simply just watches.

 

During one of their roughest rounds, Wooyoung comes stumbling around the corner with glistening tan skin and messy hair and Hyunjin reaches out to catch him.

 

“Whoa, you okay, Hyung?” Hyunjin frowns.

 

“Mm.” Wooyoung rubs his eyes, balancing himself on the back of the couch. “Yeah, sorry. ‘M still a little tired from the nap.”

 

“Why won’t you sit down then?” he asks.

 

The alpha opens his mouth and yawns, “Gotta make lunch.”

 

“Oh.” Seonghwa turns his head but keeps his eyes on the screen. “I’ll help you after this round.”

 

“Alright.” Wooyoung sighs. “I’m gonna wash up first.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

“Y/n-ah, Jisungie, wake up.”

 

Y/n grunts and buries her face into something soft and shifts her leg over them.

 

A soft chuckle sounds behind her before someone starts to poke her back. “Y/n, Jisung, you gotta wake up. You slept through lunch.”

 

“Go’way,” Jisung mutters, pulling Y/n closer. “Shleepin’.”

 

Y/n groans, tightening her hold on Jisung. “Wha?”

 

“It’s time to eat.”

 

Y/n frowns, registering his words before she glances over her shoulder to see Changbin smirking down at them. She huffs and drops her head back down on Jisung’s chest and he grunts, shifting closer. “I’ll eat later. Wanna sleep more.”

 

Changbin sighs. “Fine. Then you leave me with no choice.”

 

Y/n screams as he suddenly grabs her and lifts her off Jisung, setting her down on his shoulder and causing Jisung to jolt up in a panic. “Yah! What the fuck are you doing!?”

 

“It’ll be hours before we eat dinner,” Changbin tells her as he sets her down on her feet. “You both need to eat now.”

 

Y/n takes a minute to catch her breath from the sudden display of strength while Jisung wiggles out of the hammock. “How long were we asleep anyway?”

 

Changbin shrugs. “A couple hours.”

 

Y/n wrinkles her nose as she turns from him. “That was the worst way to wake up. Never do that again.”

 

Jisung nods in agreement. “I prefer soft touches and face kisses please.”

 

Changbin rolls his eyes as Y/n snickers. They make their way up to the house but pause at the sight of many of the others in the pool and jacuzzi.

 

“Hey, guys!” Yunho waves from his place on Mingi’s back in the pool. Hongjoong waves from the jacuzzi along with Hyunjoo and San.

 

“Well!” Woojin calls out, wrestling in the water with Chan and Jeongin both in a headlock. “Look who’s awake!?”

 

Chan grunts and Jeongin ducks underwater just in time for Chan to grab Woojin by the shoulder and throw him over his head, several feet away on the other side of the pool before waving at Y/n and Jisung. “Hey, guys!”

 

Jeongin pokes his head up, brushing his wet hair out of his eyes, and smiles at them, waving. “Hi!”

 

Hyunjin, Seungmin, and Jongho burst into laughter from their place in the jacuzzi as Seonghwa chuckles under his breath. Felix gapes from the display of strength and Yeosang reaches over to close his mouth before any water can get in it.

 

Minho shakes his head from the side of the pool as he approaches Jisung and Y/n, muttering. “Alphas.”

 

Woojin emerges from the surface, shaking his hair out with a wild alphan grin, and wipes the water from his face, brushing his hair back. “Hi.”

 

“Whoa.” Felix blinks before turning to Chan. “Can you throw me like that?”

 

“I know, right?” Wooyoung jumps onto Chan’s back. “Me next!”

 

Chan snorts, catching Wooyoung and spinning around. “What am I? A machine?”

 

“Come on, put those big alpha muscles to work,” Wooyoung teases, playfully smacking Chan’s broad shoulders.

 

“Oi! You’re an alpha too!” Chan laughs, glancing at him over his shoulder.

 

“Yeah, but your muscles are bigger,” Wooyoung comments, squishing his shoulders and biceps. “Look at all this meat.”

 

Y/n chuckles, waving back. “Hello, everyone.”

 

“This looks fun!” Jisung grins.

 

“You’re not doing anything until you eat.” Minho scowls.

 

Jisung huffs. “Fine.”

 

Minho looks at Y/n with a concerned furrow of his eyebrows. “Do you feel any better?”

 

“Mhm!” She nods, fiddling with the hem of her shorts. “I think after some more food, I’ll feel brand new.”

 

“Good.” Minho sighs, his shoulders sagging.

 

“Changbin-ah!” Wooyoung shouts from his place on Chan’s shoulders as Chan holds Misuk’s hand, helping her settle on Yeosang’s shoulders. “Get your ass in here! We’re gonna play chicken! Lix needs a partner.”

 

“I’m literally right here! You don’t have to scream!” Changbin shouts back, jumping into the pool.

 

The two alphas start bickering, and Minho settles a hand on Y/n and Jisung’s back, ushering them inside. “Ignore them. Come on.”

 

Minho tells them to get changed before they eat, claiming he’ll make their plates, so Y/n and Jisung head upstairs.

 

“You think he’s gonna be like this for the rest of the contest?” Jisung asks her.

 

She chuckles. “Probably… I… I kind of like it, being taken care of.” She shrugs, rubbing the back of her hand. “It’s nice.”

 

Jisung nods. “I know what you mean. It’s been a long time since anyone’s taken care of me.” They walk further down the hall in silence before he speaks up again. “Even if I don’t find a pack here, I think I’ll be glad I experienced even a sliver of what one would be like.”

 

“I know what you mean, but Jisung–” She reaches out to grab his wrist and tugs at him. The alpha hums, glancing back at her. She smiles, tilting her head. “Let’s try to be positive about this, okay? You never know what’ll happen.”

 

Jisung blinks, staring down at her with a surprised look on his face to be brought so quickly out of his negative thoughts before he blossoms into a bright smile. “Yeah, let’s do that.”

 

Y/n flushes and lets go of him. “R-Right. U-Um. I’ll–” She points at the door to the omegas’ room before darting inside and swiftly closing the doors behind her.

 

Jisung blanches. “Uh… Was it something I said?”

 

◈

“Am I crazy or does Jisung have a heart-shaped smile?” Y/n flushes. “No, I’m totally crazy.”

◈

 

Y/n quickly changes into a cute white and green bathing suit with a white coverup before heading back downstairs to eat. She talks idly with Jisung and Minho about the little things. Minho tells them that the group hasn’t heard anything from the host so they’re assuming it’ll be a free day.

 

“You think there will be a challenge tomorrow?” Jisung asks with stuffed cheeks.

 

Minho reaches over and pokes it. “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

 

“Sorry, Hyung,” he mutters, swallowing his food.

 

“I think so, though.” Minho sighs, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back into his seat. “I’m curious to see what they’ll do this season.”

 

“Me too.” Y/n bobs her head. “They do different things every season but I know the one thing they do is the individual sub-gender challenges.”

 

“Ah, that.” Jisung sighs. “I am so getting my ass kicked for that.”

 

Y/n snorts, picking up her last thing of food. “I know, right?”

 

“Then, we’re going to have to fix that.” Minho smirks. “I’m claiming you two as mine… and Felix.”

 

Jisung snorts as Y/n sputters, choking on her water. “Really, Hyung? You’re not even the pack alpha, you can’t claim us.”

 

“I don’t have to be the pack alpha to do that.” Minho grins.

 

Y/n shakes her head. “Don’t let them hear you say that.”

 

“That’s fine.” Minho pushes himself up with his hands on the table. “I have a few other alphas, omegas, and a beta to claim as mine as well. They just don’t know it yet.” Minho takes their plates. “Sit for a minute before you leave. They’re gonna pounce the second you go out there.” 

 

Y/n sighs, slumping back in her seat. “Knew it.”

 

She sits with Jisung as their food settles, picking at her bathing suit cover trying to figure out what to say. The alpha starts humming a song, and Y/n bobs her head to it.

 

“What song is that?” She tilts her head, eyes curious. “I don’t think I’ve heard it before.”

 

“Oh, it’s mine.” He smiles shyly at her. “It’s something I’m working on. Can’t quite get the bridge down so I’m stuck with everything else.”

 

“Can I hear?” Y/n timidly asks, leaning closer to him.

 

“Oh! Uh, sure.” Jisung picks up his phone and flicks through it. “Hold on.”

 

Jisung shows Y/n the songs he’s stuck on and a couple of others, and Y/n allows herself to fangirl, giving him her honest opinion about everything with a few suggestions. Jisung hangs onto her every word, nodding and humming along, and writes down her suggestions. Her jasmine and white tea scent is strong while she talks and Jisung’s wolf loves the smell.

 

Just as Jisung offers to play another one, eager to hear her thoughts, they flinch as the back door slams open and a barricade of thundering wet footsteps and yelling heads toward them.

 

“What the–” Y/n flinches as Chan, Yunho, Changbin, and Mingi round the corner. “What are you–”

 

“Get ‘em!” Changbin shouts.

 

Jisung curses up a storm as he stumbles out of his chair but Y/n’s caught first, grabbed by Yunho, and dragged out of the dining room as the other three alphas go for the last two.

 

“Yah! What the hell!? Put me down!” Y/n screams, squirming in his hold.

 

“Absolutely not!” Yunho shouts back. “You’ve had enough time to eat and chill!”

 

Yunho shakes his hair and pulls her closer and she shrieks as cold water gets all over her. “Yah! Yunho, you jerk! You’re getting me wet!”

 

“That’s the point, Princess.” He grins at her.

 

Y/n flushes as she squirms and she panics when the pool comes into view, clinging onto him. “Yunho, no. Don’t!”

 

He stills. “Do you have your phone on you?”

 

She frowns. “No.” The alpha grins down at her and keeps moving and she screams. “Wait! Yes, I-I meant yes! Yes, I have my phone! Yunho!”

 

Yunho holds onto her hips as he falls backward into the pool and she’s immediately engulfed by the cold water. Yunho lets go of her and she shoots up to the surface, sputtering as she brushes the water out of her eyes.

 

“Yah! Seriously!” Y/n whirls on him, splashing a wall of water at him.

 

Yunho just laughs, ducking his head to protect his eyes. “You’re welcome.”

 

“Whatever,” she grumbles, wading in the water.

 

Yunho’s eyes widen and he grabs her, pulling her out of the way. Y/n turns to see what has him panicking and stutters out a laugh. Jisung hangs upside down in Mingi’s grip as he comes running and jumps into the pool, muffling Jisung’s scream. Chan and Changbin aren’t far behind him with a kicking and screaming Minho in their grasp.

 

Felix hisses, pressing into Jeongin’s side. “Yikes. He’s gonna be pissed.”

 

Yeosang and Misuk nod in agreement.

 

The three of them come tumbling into the pool and the group waits in silence. Changbin and Chan come up to the surface first with victorious grins before they glance around.

 

Minho hadn’t come up yet.

 

“Shit,” Chan curses before he dives back into the water.

 

Jisung sighs as he tugs off his shirt and throws it out of the pool, glaring up at Mingi. “Jackass.”

 

Mingi grins. “You’re welcome.”

 

Chan comes back up to the surface with a limp Minho splayed out against his chest and everyone panics, rushing forward to him.

 

“Minho?” “Minho-ssi!” “Oppa!”

 

Y/n stares at him and watches the way his lips twitch up before he moves as swiftly as a cat, grabbing Chan and dunking him under the water. Minho stares Changbin down as he does it and Changbin shouts, immediately sensing danger, and tries to get away but Minho swims across and jumps on him, letting all of his weight push him under and keeps him there.

 

“Drown, fucker!”

 

Y/n startles out a laugh as Chan comes back up, whipping his hair around. “Yah! You can’t trick me like that! I thought you drowned!”

 

Minho shrugs, releasing his grip on Changbin and letting the alpha come back up for air. “Shouldn’t’ve fucked with me.”

 

“Wah, seriously.” Felix places a hand over his chest. “I thought we were in trouble.”

 

“This is what happens when you pull shit like that.” Jisung shakes his head. “Whose idea was that anyway?”

 

Everyone points at Wooyoung and the alpha lets out a cackle before he freezes at the sight of Minho staring him down.

 

“Oh fuck,” he mutters.

 

Minho smirks, condescendingly as he walks forward. “Wanna have a chat?”

 

“Does it involve kissing?” Wooyoung perks up before he falters as the murderous intent in his eyes intensifies.

 

“If you want your will to breathe revoked, that can be arranged.” Minho smirks, idly stalking through the water toward him.

 

“Uhhhhh.” Wooyoung laughs nervously. “I-I think I’ll pass actually. N-Nothing to talk about here– AGHHH!”

 

Wooyoung screams as Minho rushes toward him. Wooyoung tries to hide behind some of the others but Felix dodges out of the way and Yeosang shrugs off his touch, briefly holding onto him to slow him down.

 

“Suffer.”

 

“Sangie, come on!” Wooyoung whines, squirming out of his hold. He risks a glance behind him and yelps, swimming away, but Minho’s faster, wrapping his arm around the alpha’s neck and tugging him in a chokehold.

 

“Wait– Ack!” Wooyoung gasps, fighting in his hold as Minho pulls him to the deep end. “I-I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Hyung, wait–”

 

Minho dunks him underwater for a few seconds before pulling him back up. Wooyoung gasps and hacks, spitting out the sudden mouth full of water, and Minho lets him catch his breath.

 

“You gonna apologize?” Minho lifts an eyebrow.

 

Wooyoung pants. “Depends… will you kiss me after?”

 

Minho responds by shoving his head back underwater and holding it there for five seconds longer before letting him come back up.

 

“Okay– fuck–” Wooyoung throws into a coughing fit and Minho looses his chokehold a bit to give him more air. “Fuck– Damn it–”

 

“Apologize.” Minho shakes him.

 

“I’m sorry! Hyung, I’m sorry,” Wooyoung whines.

 

“Good.” Minho shifts them and turns him toward Jisung and Y/n. “Apologize to them too.”

 

“Sorry,” Wooyoung pouts.

 

Minho lets him go with a pleased smile and the alpha rubs his neck with a wince.

 

“Note to self,” Hyunjin says. “Don’t get on Minho-hyung’s bad side.”

 

Y/n shakes her head as she swims up to Wooyoung. She cups his face and kisses his cheek. “There. Stop pouting.”

 

The omega swims away before he can retaliate and snickers to herself as he screams at her. “Yah! Come back! I want another one!”

 

“Can we play chicken volleyball now?” Misuk asks, ignoring Wooyoung.

 

“Have you played before Y/n?” Yunho asks, leaning back against Mingi’s chest as the alpha wraps an arm around his front.

 

Y/n pushes herself onto the edge of the pool and strips her soaked bathing suit cover off her body completely unaware of how over half the alphas stare her down for it. “I don’t think so, but I think I get the gist of it. Isn’t it just playing volleyball in chicken form? Like someone sitting on someone else’s shoulder?”

 

“Yep!” Felix nods. “It’s super easy!”

 

“Says the person on top,” Woojin mutters.

 

“Should we team up?” Yeosang asks, already making his way over to Yunho who lets go of Mingi to meet him halfway.

 

“Oi, Chris!” Felix shouts. “Get over here, mate!”

 

Chan chuckles but treads through the water. “Impatient.”

 

“Wanna team up with me?” Woojin asks, swimming up to Y/n with curious eyes.

 

“Oh, sure!” Y/n perks up.

 

Woojin gives her a dazzling smile before he turns around and sinks into the water. “Climb on.”

 

Y/n scoots to the edge and slides her legs over his shoulders. Woojin holds out his hands and she grabs them before yelping as he stands to his full height, bouncing once to get her further settled on his shoulders.

 

He chuckles, glancing up at her as he settles his hands over her knees. “Good?”

 

“Yeah, sorry.” She smiles back, tucking her feet behind his back.

 

“Good.” Woojin moves further into the pool, watching the others team up.

 

On one side of the pool, there’s Felix and Chan, Yeosang and Yunho, Wooyoung and Changbin, and Misuk and Jeongin. Next to Y/n is Jisung on Minho’s shoulder and she frowns.

 

“Yah!” she calls out. “This isn’t even!”

 

“Ah, true.” Yeosang taps his chin.

 

“Seonghwa-hyung!” Mingi calls out. “Be my partner!”

 

Seonghwa wrinkles his nose before he sighs, pulling himself out of the jacuzzi. “Alright, I’ll play.”

 

Y/n blanches as his tattoo is revealed, a set of flowery vines running from his shoulder down his arm. It suits him.

 

 

“Wanna join them?” San tilts his head toward Hyunjoo.

 

The omega shrugs. “Sure.”

 

“Yay!” Misuk claps her hands. “This’ll be more fun now that I’m not the only girl.”

 

Woojin glances up at Y/n, frowning. “Does she not see you?”

 

Y/n shrugs, her wolf growing agitated from the comment. “Dunno.”

 

“Don’t get too excited, Misuk.” Hyunjoo grins as she approaches the pool with San. “We’re gonna wipe the floor with you guys.”

 

San ducks down into the water as Hyunjoo places her hands on his shoulders. He grabs her foot and in one swift mood, he lifts her and Hyunjoo slides onto his shoulders, briefly placing her hands on his head to balance herself before holding onto her knees.

 

“Oh? We’re trash-talking, huh?” Yunho smirks.

 

“Let’s not,” Chan huffs.

 

“Why not? Trash-talking is good for the soul.” Minho smirks, running his hands up and down Jisung’s thighs.

 

“Why am I not surprised that you think that?” Changbin shakes his head, shifting Wooyoung’s weight on his shoulders.

 

“Hey, Changbin.” Woojin snorts, jutting his chin forward. “You sure you’ll be okay with Wooyoung-ssi?”

 

Changbin glares at him. “And what is that supposed to mean?”

 

“Well, I mean, you’re most likely to drown first.” The alpha teases, briefly shrugging his shoulders.

 

Wooyoung throws his head back with a laugh as Changbin’s face turns red. “Yah! Leave my height alone. I can carry Wooyoung just fine, thank you!”

 

Y/n shakes her head and playfully tugs on Woojin’s hair. “Don’t make fun.”

 

His face is full of amusement as he glances up at her but he sends her a small remorseful smile, shifting in the water again to keep them wet.

 

Mingi helps Seonghwa onto his shoulders and Seonghwa rapidly blinks his pretty eyes as Mingi stands to his full height. “Whoa. I feel like this is cheating.”

 

“It is cheating.” Misuk pouts, crossing her arms over her plump chest. “You have one of the giants in the group.”

 

Yunho snorts. “How is this our fault that we’re tall?”

 

“I think it’s a bit fair,” Y/n offers, shrugging as she absentmindedly draws mindless circles against Woojin’s scalp. “You guys have Yunho-ssi and we have Mingi-ssi. That’s fair enough height-wise.”

 

“True.” Yeosang shrugs.

 

“Which side starts the game?” Chan asks. “Rock, paper, scissors for it?”

 

“Are we betting?” Jeongin says.

 

“Oh! Let’s bet on something!” Wooyoung shouts.

 

“How about, the losing team has to clean the floors in the house.” Minho glares at Chan, Yunho, and Changbin across the water. “You know… since you got pool water everywhere.”

 

“Uh oh,” Woojin mutters.

 

“That’s boring!” Wooyoung pouts.

 

Y/n snickers. “It’s a fair punishment though. It’s not good to let that chlorine sit there.”

 

“Fine.” Chan sighs. “Losing team has to clean up the house. Deal?”

 

Multiple groans sound in response and Y/n shakes her head. “Then, don’t lose.”

 

Chan smirks. “I have no intention to, baby girl.”

 

“Ohhhhh~” Wooyoung howls.

 

Y/n feels her face burn as she averts her gaze from the alpha. “Whatever.”

 

Jisung blinks. “I just realized I’m the only alpha on top.”

 

“It’s because you’re light.” Minho tilts his head back. “I’m pretty sure you couldn’t carry me.”

 

The alpha pouts, crossing his arms over his chest. “I… I could! You never know.”

 

Minho chuckles, patting his thigh. “Relax. I’ve got you. I don’t have thunder thighs for nothing.”

 

“Truth,” Y/n and Woojin respond in unison. Woojin glances up at her and they fall into a fit of laughter.

 

Minho smiles to himself as he watches them. Cute.

 

“Should the girls go against each other?” San asks.

 

“That works,” Yunho adds.

 

Y/n glances at Hyunjoo. “You wanna go?”

 

Hyunjoo shrugs, placing her hands on her hips. “Doesn’t matter to me.”

 

“Okay.” Y/n huffs. “I’ll do it then.”

 

Woojin walks toward Jeongin and Y/n meets Misuk’s gaze. “Ready?”

 

Misuk smirks. “Get ready to lose.”

 

Y/n rolls her shoulders. “We’ll see about that.”

 

“I’ll call it,” Seungmin says from his place on the edge of the jacuzzi, resting his head on his forearms. “Ready?… Gawi… bowi… bo!”

 

Y/n and Misuk flick out their hands, revealing two fists and they both sigh.

 

“Best out of three then,” Seungmin says as Wooyoung and Changbin walk forward with the ball in Wooyoung’s hands. “Gawi, bowi, bo!”

 

Y/n holds out her palm as Misuk holds up another fist.

 

“Damn it,” Misuk hisses.

 

“Gawi, bowi, bo!”

 

Y/n flips out two fingers as Misuk holds out her palm, and she cheers. “We go first!”

 

“Here.” Wooyoung gives her the ball, and she thanks him before Woojin walks them back to the other side.

 

Y/n tosses the ball over to Hyunjoo. “You can hit first.”

 

“Thanks.” She smiles before facing the other team with blazing eyes. “Alright, let’s fuckin’ do this!”

 

The first round is a bit rough as everyone gets used to relying on someone else’s weight in the water but they figure it out by the end with Misuk’s team winning.

 

The second round gets competitive very fast. Seungmin and Jongho’s commentary does nothing but rile everyone up. Y/n learns that Hyunjoo and Jisung have very dirty mouths when they’re hyped up and upset. Woojin has kept strong as her legs throughout the game, and they work fairly well outside of the few times they’ve bumped into Hyunjoo and San. Y/n’s team wins the second round with a strong spike from Jisung.

 

The last round was the roughest with longer rallies and too many close calls to losing points. During the last rally, Y/n will never forget the adrenaline running through her veins when Woojin dove forward and she managed to save the ball from hitting the water. Jisung miraculously set it back up in the air and Seonghwa hit the ball, pretending to hit it softly faking out the other team.

 

The “spectators” in the jacuzzi go wild with cheers as Y/n and Hyunjoo tackle Seonghwa off Mingi’s shoulders. They come back up to the surface with bright laughter as Seonghwa brings them in close for a hug. Mingi and Woojin lift Seonghwa in the air, hooting and hollering, and Y/n glances over at the team to see them sulking. Chan has a smile on his face though, completely content with the outcome.

 

“Oh, come on!” Wooyoung whines. “That’s not fair. You’ve got like secret athletes over there!”

 

“It’s not proper sportsmanship to whine like a baby, Woo,” Hyunjoo teases.

 

The alpha sticks his tongue out at her and Hyunjoo giggles, winking at him.

 

“It was a fun game at least,” Jeongin speaks up. “You guys are surprisingly really good at this.”

 

“Especially Y/n.” Felix grins, swimming over to her. “I didn’t think you’d be that good.”

 

“I didn’t either.” She snorts, letting him pull her into a hug. “I didn’t really do sports in school, and yeah, I work out, but that’s nothing compared to this.”

 

“True.” He pulls her along and she sinks into his chest, letting him drag her around the pool. 

 

Y/n spends some time messing around in the pool with Felix and Jeongin before getting caught up in a splash fight with the alphas. She hides behind Chan and he glances back at her before dunking water on her head.

 

“Yah!” She sputters, wiping her face. “You’re supposed to be protecting me here!”

 

Chan chuckles. “Sorry, sorry.”

 

He ducks down into the water and she lays on his back. Chan swims away from the fight, and she laughs, wrapping her arms around his neck. Y/n slyly inhales his bergamot scent and her wolf rumbles in approval, even if it’s a bit damp from the pool water.

 

“So,” Chan says over his shoulder. “You okay?”

 

“Mhm!” She beams, idly tapping her fingers against his chest. “I’m right as rain.”

 

“That’s good.” He keeps swimming through the water, easily avoiding the others messing about. “I know you’ve probably been asked that a lot. We were just worried about you.”

 

“I know.” She leans her head against the space between his neck and shoulder blades, lifting her arm to swirl her fingers through the water. “I appreciate it a lot.”

 

Chan hums and they continue to swim around in comfortable silence. An empty floaty passes them and Chan grabs it. “Want in?”

 

Y/n nods, dropping off his back. “Sure.”

 

Y/n pulls it closer. She yelps when his big warm hands settle around her waist and hoists her onto it. She quickly gets comfortable, the floaty squeaking from her wet body but she eventually finds a comfy position and relaxes. 

 

“Good?” Chan asks, holding up his thumb.

 

Y/n nods, responding in English. “All G.”

 

He cracks a smile at her cute accent and grabs the end of the floaty. Cute.

 

Chan pushes her around some more and they talk comfortably with each other. They pass Jisung as he leans against the edge of the pull and Chan grabs him, pulling him into their chat.

 

The alphas start up another pool game, roping Chan into it, so Y/n sidles up to Jeongin with Jisung, climbing onto his back and watching them play around as she talks to him about singing.

 

The alphas start a goofy swimming competition using some of the omegas as weights to slow them down, so Y/n decides to join, choosing to climb on Changbin’s back. He grabs her thigh to keep there and starts bragging about how he’s gonna win. Chan gives him a daring look and Y/n hates how attractive it makes him look. Then, Chan comes in first with Minho on his back, and Minho brags about it to the others even if he didn’t do anything. It causes an outrage of banter between Minho and Changbin, and Y/n watches amused as they get into each other’s faces, shouting. She would’ve thought they were serious if it wasn’t for the goofy grins on their faces and Changbin’s cedar scent pumping out in waves of endearment.

 

They spend the rest of the afternoon in the pool up until dinner where the omegas take it upon themselves to make dinner. It’s after they’re eating that the betas speak up.

 

“So,” Jongho says during a moment of silence. “Can we ask you guys something?”

 

“What is it?” Hongjoong faces the beta.

 

“We were thinking–” Seungmin clears his throat. “-that we should have a little evening walk on the beach.” He shrugs. “To bond and stuff.”

 

“Oh, that sounds fun!” Misuk beams, clapping her hands.

 

Seonghwa nods, smiling softly. “I like that idea.”

 

“Should we dress up?” Hyunjin asks, blinking expectantly. “Treat it like a little date?”

 

“Should we?” San perks up.

 

“It’ll give us a chance to show off some more.” Wooyoung grins. “I’m down.”

 

“Then we’ll head out after dinner then.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Y/n gets washed up and clean with the others and hurries to get changed. She adorns a cute white and black flowy maxi skirt with a black cross-crop top. She contemplates putting on a pair of sandals but brings them along just in case.

 

Hyunjin finishes at the same time she does and smiles, wrapping his arm around her neck. “Hey, you. Haven’t gotten the chance to talk to you much today.”

 

“Ah.” She pouts up at him. “I know. I’m sorry. You should’ve joined us in the pool!”

 

“Oh no.” Hyunjin pulls most of his weight off her as they head downstairs. “No, chlorine water and I do not get along well. I’ll only allow that once or twice a year.”

 

“How come?” She tilts her head curiously.

 

He frowns. “I don’t know. It just dries out my skin like crazy and I hate how lightheaded I get afterward.”

 

“Ah.” She bobs her head. “Understandable.”

 

“It was fun watching you guys though,” Hyunjin says, sliding his hands into his pockets. “I think this is going to be a lot of fun.”

 

Y/n hums in agreement. “I think so, too… which also means no quiet time.”

 

Hyunjin snorts, his cherry blossom and berry scent washing over her. “You’re right about that.”

 

They head outside and wait for everyone to finish up. They stand together, watching the sunset and listening to the waves.

 

“So pretty,” Hyunjin mumbles.

 

Y/n nods. “Agreed. It’s kinda inspiring actually.”

 

“Yeah?” He glances down at her. “What does it inspire you to do?”

 

She hums, boldly resting her head on his shoulder. Neither omega notices the eldest alpha appear and when Chan notices them chatting, he silences his steps to eavesdrop on them.

 

“I’d make a character surrounded by the ocean. Maybe give her this backdrop of a tidal wave that shifts around in a spiral when she waves her hand.”

 

Hyunjin tilts his head. “Sounds cool. Is it hard animating water in 3D?”

 

She snorts. “Gods, you have no idea, but I’ve mastered it.”

 

“Could you show me some time?” Hyunjin asks.

 

Y/n meets his gaze and nods. “Yeah, I can.”

 

He smiles and she smiles back, bumping his hip. “What about you? What does it inspire you to do?”

 

“Paint,” he answers honestly. “But I’d do it in watercolor, maybe add some sparkles to it so it’s as if the waves are glistening.”

 

Y/n brightens. “That sounds pretty! You should do it!”

 

Hyunjin nods. “Just might.”

 

The sound of multiple voices jolts them out of their little bubble and they watch as the last of the group approaches them. 

 

“Let’s go!” Wooyoung shouts.

 

Y/n smiles and Hyunjin drops his arm to grab her hand and tugs her down the stairs and onto the beach. Before she can get any further, someone grabs her from behind and lifts her into the air, making her yelp.

 

“Yah!” She glances down at the alpha, recognizing him by his scent. “Put me down!”

 

Chan chuckles behind her but does as he’s told, setting her gently onto her feet. She turns and smacks his arm. “Jerk.”

 

He smiles. “Hello, little one.”

 

“Hi.” She shakes her head, her heart racing from the little pet name. She darts behind him and jumps onto his back, her arms dangling over his shoulders. Chan easily catches her, holding her weight as Y/n glances toward the sea, briefly meeting Hyunjin’s gaze. The taller omega winks at her and she wrinkles her nose. “It’s so beautiful out here.”

 

“It is.” Chan sighs blissfully. “You know… the sea is my first love.”

 

Hyunjin snorts beside them with Minho on his other side. “Really, Hyung?”

 

“What?” Chan shrugs. “I’m just being honest. I loved the ocean growing up.”

 

“Can you surf?” Minho asks.

 

Chan wrinkles his nose. “A little bit. I never mastered it though. I’m more of a swimmer than a surfer.”

 

Chan tells them a bit more about his childhood growing up in Australia with Felix and they listen with rapt attention while the others mess around alongside them.

 

Changbin comes over carrying Felix in his arms and they laugh in question.

 

Felix simply beams, waving at them. “Hi!”

 

“Hi.” Y/n laughs. “What’s up with the princess carry?”

 

Changbin shrugs. “He’s a princess and he asked to be carried.”

 

“I have no shame.” Felix lifts his nose into the air. “I have achieved one of my life goals.”

 

“What, to be carried like a princess?” Minho smirks.

 

“By a buff alpha, yes.” Felix smirks, squeezing Changbin’s big bicep.

 

Changbin’s ears are red but the smile on his face is soft and endearing. Before anyone can respond, they all scream as cold water flings against them. 

 

“Oi!” “Yah!” “What the fuck!?”

 

They turn to see Seungmin, Woojin, Jisung, and Jeongin standing knee-deep in the water pretending to be looking at something interesting. Seungmin has a grin on his face though as he shifts his foot around in the water and Jeongin’s face is red from holding in his laughter.

 

“Oh no, you’re wet.” Jisung pouts, his brown eyes shiny with mischief. “Wonder who did that.”

 

Woojin snorts, placing his hands on his hips. “Might as well get in now.”

 

“Oh, you’re dead,” Minho mutters.

 

Y/n drops down from Chan’s back as Changbin sets Felix on his feet and the six of them run after them. Jisung screams as Changbin gets to him first, throwing him over his shoulder and spinning him around. Y/n and Hyunjin attack Jeongin, kicking their feet in the water to splash him while Minho, Chan, and Felix charge after Woojin and Seungmin.

 

They have a small but serious water fight that ends with them half-drenched and brimming with laughter and happy pheromones.

 

“Yah! Okay, okay! Okay !” Jisung squirms in Minho and Chan’s grip. “Yah, Hyung! Come on! It wasn’t even my idea!”

 

“Whose was it?” Minho glares.

 

Everyone stills as the question is asked and turns toward them.

 

“It was Woojin.” The alpha smirks.

 

Woojin pales as everyone stares at him. “Oh, you jerk.”

 

Minho and Chan make eye contact before everyone takes off. Jisung laughs, watching as the eight of them rush after Woojin. He runs out of the water onto the sand, dodging in between Hyunjoo, Mingi, and Hongjoong.

 

“Watch out!” Changbin yells and the others immediately split down the middle, making a path for them.

 

Chan tackles Woojin to the ground and they tussle around, kicking up sand. Y/n has a brief thought of wondering what they’d look like fighting in wolf form. Minho and Changbin join Chan as Felix wiggles his hands in between space to tickle him. Woojin thrashes with laughter , leaving himself open, and they pin him to the ground.

 

“Hurry!” Y/n shouts, dropping to the sand. “Cover him with sand!”

 

“No, wait! Yah!” Woojin cries out. Chan, Changbin, and Minho hold fast to his body as the rest of them cover his body.

 

Y/n, Hyunjin, and Felix work on his torso and arms as Seungmin and Jeongin get his legs, and once they’re done, Y/n and Felix sit on top of him.

 

“There.” Felix grins. “Now you’re stuck, Hyung.”

 

Woojin huffs, thumping his head against the sand. “Great.”

 

Jisung giggles as he waddles up to them, peering over Hyunjin’s shoulder to stare down at him. “Looking cozy.”

 

Woojin glares at him. “I’ll kill you, snitch.”

 

He smirks. “Gotta catch me first. Oh, wait! You’re a little busy at the moment. I think I’m safe.”

 

Felix and Seungmin laugh as Woojin growls in annoyance, his eyes flashing purple.

 

Hyunjin gets distracted by the sand next to them and starts drawing in it. Chan watches, smiling at the pretty picture and adds to it, purposefully entangling their hands to mess up the drawing. Hyunjin exclaims, smacking his hand away and Chan grins, pulling away. He does it again, eliciting cute complaints from the omega as his scent pushes out. Chan simply laughs and apologizes, saying he won’t do it again before he does as Felix and Minho join them.

 

Y/n, Seungmin, and Jeongin start making a sand castle on top of Woojin, much to the alpha’s chagrin, and the maknaes delight in his attitude, teasing him for being a strong foundation as Y/n laughs. Changbin and Jisung occasionally pop in to add little details to the castle before it ends up with all nine of them working on the castle together.

 

It starts a very serious castle-building competition between the two subconscious groups that goes on way past the sun setting. It isn’t until the stars are out and shining brightly that they deem themselves finished having continued by the flashlights on their phones. Woojin falls asleep sometime during then.

 

Seungmin takes a picture of him, snickering under his breath. “Cute hyung.”

 

“Well–” Hongjoong sighs, crossing his arms over his chest. “-there’s no way to determine a winner.”

 

“Yeah.” Seonghwa pokes his bottom lip out.

 

“They both look amazing .” Misuk pouts, tilting her head.

 

“I think ours is better.” Jisung grins, placing his hands on his hips, and Hyunjin nods in agreement.

 

“It is not.” Jongho glares at him.

 

“It kind of is.” Yunho shrugs, lifting his arm to gesture at their castle. “Look at the detail on theirs. They even have little people in the courtyard!”

 

“I just think it looks better because Woojin-hyung is buried under it,” Wooyoung teases.

 

“It’s a great touch, right?” Felix smirks, lifting his eyebrows.

 

Wooyoung throws his head back with a laugh as San fist-bumps Felix. 

 

“We should call it a tie,” Jeongin offers.

 

“We absolutely will not.” Minho glares. “I worked my ass off putting that little village together. I will not take defeat.”

 

“There’s a village?!” Yeosang exclaims.

 

Y/n beams, nodding. “Yeah! I suggested it. It’s over on the right. Oppa did a really good job on it.”

 

Minho smirks to himself as the group shifts to look at where she’s pointing, and they let out a chorus of groans.

 

“They have more behind the castle!? That’s cheating!” San whines, throwing his hands up.

 

“It’s not cheating.” Chan grins. “It’s called attention to detail. You can’t have a kingdom without its people.”

 

“True.” Yunho nods, tapping his finger against his chin.

 

“Is that… a blacksmith?” Hyunjoo tilts her head as she squints.

 

Minho puffs out his chest in pride as he nods.

 

“How the fuck did you even do that?” Mingi gawks.

 

The omega smirks, lifting his hands to wiggle his fingers. “I’m very good with my hands.”

 

The alphas all blush in embarrassment as the omegas and betas laugh with flustered pheromones.

 

“Wah, Hyung, that looks so cool.” Jeongin turns to him with shining eyes.

 

Minho scoffs. “Of course, it does. I did it.”

 

Y/n shakes her head as Jisung smacks his arm. “Don’t be cocky.”

 

Minho glowers at him. “Or what?”

 

Chan huffs a laugh, recognizing the murderous intent in the omega’s eyes. “Don’t answer that, Jisung.”

 

Jisung huffs but crosses his arms over his chest. “Fine.”

 

“I think they should get the win,” Seonghwa says.

 

“I agree.” Hyunjoo nods.

 

“You guys didn’t even make a castle.” Jisung scowls. “What is that? A pirate ship?”

 

“Yep!” Wooyoung bounces on his toes. “It was Hongjoong-hyung’s idea.”

 

Hongjoong smirks. “It’s called the Aurora.”

 

“Ohhhh, I like that,” Hyunjin hisses.

 

“Me too.” Felix sighs, leaning against Changbin’s side. “Ugh, this is hard.”

 

“It’s a tie then.” Chan shrugs.

 

“A tie sounds good.”

 

The group jolts at the sudden voice and turns around. Jaesung, their host, stands behind them with his hands crossed over his shoulders dressed in lazy clothes.

 

“O-Oh, Jaesung-nim.” Felix perks up, briefly bowing at him. “Hello.”

 

The others greet him as well and Jaesung smiles. “I see you’re all having fun.”

 

“We are.”

 

“But it’s way past curfew.” Jaesung chuckles, shaking his head. “Though, I am glad you guys took this time to get to know each other without having to be told, so I’ll give you all bonus points for the little castle-building contest. They’re both probably the best sand castles I’ve ever seen.”

 

“Oh nice!” Wooyoung grins, bumping Yeosang’s hip.

 

“Now get to bed.” Jaesung scolds lightly.

 

After waking up a confused and embarrassed Woojin, the group heads back to the villa with some teasing and banter. Y/n sticks to Hyunjin and Seungmin as she gets sleepier and sleepier. Sleeping arrangements are quick after they wash up and Y/n lets out a surprised sound as Seungmin collapses onto the bed next to her.

 

“Oh.” She blinks, sitting up in bed as she fidgets. “H-Hi, Seungmin.”

 

“Hey.” The beta smiles softly at her. “Mind if I sleep with you tonight?”

 

“Oh! No, that’s fine!” Y/n waves her hands. “You can sleep with me.”

 

“Aw, man.” Felix pouts, overhearing.

 

“Sorry, Felix,” Seungmin shyly responds, running a hand through his brown hair.

 

“Come.” Hyunjin grabs him as he enters the room and tugs him toward his bed. “You can sleep with me. Yeosang-hyung passed out with Hyunjoo a while ago.”

 

Felix glances over at the omega and lets out a soft laugh before rushing into the bed and collapsing on top of Hyunjin. He groans but doesn’t move, letting Felix squirm them around into a comfortable position.

 

“I’m turning the lights out!” Seonghwa calls out. “Go to sleep!”

 

“Yes, Hyungie!” San responds with a teasing lilt in his voice.

 

The eldest omega glares at him before he flicks the lights off and crawls into bed with Minho.

 

Y/n gets comfortable under the blankets with Seungmin as the room grows silent. A few others are awake, talking softly to each other. Y/n turns onto her side and tenses as Seungmin stares back at her.

 

“Hey,” he whispers.

 

“Hi.” She smiles.

 

“Um.” Seungmin lifts his hand and starts to mess with the corner of the pillowcase. “I… I wanted to talk to you a bit today but things were… chaotic.”

 

“Me too.” Y/n shifts closer so she can hear him better but regrets it as his beautiful face becomes clearer in the dark. “What… did you wanna talk about?”

 

“The party last night,” he says, eyes darting everywhere but her gaze.

 

“Oh.” She blinks. “Right… we kissed.”

 

“We did.” He presses his lips into a straight line, his brown eyes hesitant.

 

“Did… Did you regret it?” Y/n asks, her heart racing in her chest. “If you want to just ignore it–”

 

“No,” Seungmin interrupts her. “I don’t regret it, and I don’t want to ignore it either.”

 

“Oh.” Y/n breathes as her shoulders sag in relief. “That’s… that’s good. I was hoping you didn’t regret it. I haven’t kissed anyone in a while, so…”

 

Seungmin chuckles under his breath, lifting an eyebrow. “Are you asking me if it was bad?”

 

Y/n’s face burns as she pulls the blanket over half her face, nodding. The beta chuckles again before reaching forward and Y/n gasps as he wraps an arm around her waist and pulls her close.

 

“I enjoyed kissing you, Y/n,” he mutters, eyes slightly glazing with arousal and confidence. “They’re sweet.”

 

Y/n whines and buries her face in his chest, smacking his shoulder in the process. “Don’t say that!”

 

Seungmin huffs a laugh as he grabs her hand to keep her from hitting him again and interlocks their fingers together. “Okay, okay. I won’t. I’m sorry.”

 

“You know it’s… it’s still pretty early… in the competition,” Y/n speaks up, refusing to look at him as she messes with his sleep shirt.

 

“It is.” Seungmin hums, tapping his fingers against her back.

 

“And things could change further along,” she continues to ramble.

 

“They could.”

 

“I just–”

 

“Y/n.” Seungmin places his fingers under his chin and lifts her head forcing her to look into his eyes. “Relax, okay? I’m not asking you to commit to me. That would be stupid so early on in the show.”

 

“Right.” She shudders out. “Okay… so then what do you wanna do?”

 

The beta shrugs, brushing her hair behind her ear. “Nothing for now… I think we should just keep it casual. Keep getting to know each other and the others. If this is serious between us, we can talk about that later if and when it happens.”

 

“If and when?” Y/n huffs a laugh, lifting an eyebrow. “You sound confident that I’ll fall for you, Seungmin.”

 

Seungmin presses a kiss to her cheek that promptly shuts her up, her scent sweetening in embarrassment. “Your words, not mine.”

 

“Aish!” She smacks his shoulder again. “Cocky beta.”

 

Seungmin lets out a laugh before he places a hand over his mouth, remembering the others in the room with wide eyes. 

 

“Go to sleep, you two!” Minho scolds.

 

“Oops.” Seungmin blinks. “Sorry, Hyung!”

 

Y/n snickers into her pillow before quickly kissing his cheek and turning away from him, missing the surprised smile he gives her. “Goodnight, Seungmin.”

 

She jolts as he presses one last kiss to her bare shoulder. “Goodnight, beautiful.”

Y/n struggles to go to sleep with Seungmin’s warmth against her backside. She grumbles inside her head as she forces herself to sleep. Stupid handsome cocky beta.

 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

Chapter 5: ◆Day 3.1◆

Summary:

challenge day

Notes:

ugh, you have no idea how long it took me to figure out this chapter >.< sorry for the wait!! I hope you guys enjoy it!!!

Also I changed their little monologue to bold texts just so it's even clearer as like you know reality show vibes

little reminder that ateez isn't the main focus. they're more like side characters, so I'll be focusing on Stray Kids. Since it is a long fic and they will be very prominent in the story, that's the reason I've included them in the tags. Just remember they're not the main ship/plotline <3

◆◇◈◇◆

 

 

Y/n wakes up to the blissful smell of rosemary and spruce and hums contently, snuggling deeper into the source. She feels a pair of arms tighten around her waist and stills, lifting her head as the world comes back to her. Seungmin is already staring down at her with an amused expression as she comes to, and she glares at him before hiding her face in his neck again, completely embarrassed.

 

The beta chuckles, nuzzling into her temple. “Morning.”

 

“Morning,” she grumbles, fingers idly messing with the fabric of his sleep shirt. “Are the others awake?”

 

Seungmin glances over his shoulder and huffs. “Trying to.”

 

She hums in response and he turns back to her, lacing their fingers together. Her heart races in her chest as she gently tugs at his hand. Seungmin chuffs lightly and playfully tangles their fingers together, his eyes flashing silver. She’s curious then about his wolf form.

 

They sit in comfortable silence messing with each other’s fingers until the lights turn on and multiple omegas groan in complaint. Seungmin pulls her up with him and she grumbles the entire time, rubbing her face before forcing herself to stop.

 

“Morning.” Felix groans, his blonde hair a bird’s nest on his head.

 

“Morning, Felix.” Y/n sighs, sniffing softly.

 

“How did everyone sleep?” Seonghwa asks, heavy eyes darting over everyone’s frames.

 

“Early starts suck.” Hyunjoo frowns from where she’s splayed out on Yeosang’s lap.

 

San huffs a laugh. “It’s nine a.m.”

 

“Exactly.” She deadpans.

 

Misuk shakes her head from her spot beside San and drops her head on the older omega’s shoulder. San wordlessly wraps an arm around her waist to keep her close.

 

“Hyunjin.” Felix shakes the omega next to him. “Hyunjin-ah, wake up.”

 

“No,” he grumbles, reaching back to flick his hand away.

 

“Don’t make me come over there,” Minho gripes.

 

Hyunjin groans like he’s dying before he sits up in his bed, brushing his long black hair out of his face. “Fine, fine. I’m up, gods.”

 

“Good boy,” Minho simpers.

 

Hyunjin and Felix’s faces turn red as they avoid his gaze, and Y/n snickers into Seungmin’s shoulder, the beta grinning like crazy as Seonghwa playfully smacks Minho’s shoulder.

 

“Stop teasing the babies, it’s too early,” he lightly reprimands.

 

Minho snorts but says nothing, bending a knee to lean his cheek against it.

 

“What’s the plan for today?” Yeosang asks, tilting his head curiously. “Do you guys have any ideas?”

 

“I think it’s challenge day,” Seonghwa responds. “They tend to do them twice a week.”

 

“Third and sixth day.” Minho nods in consideration. “That’s probably how it’ll go.”

 

“Ugh, I’m so nervous.” Y/n pouts.

 

“Me too,” Felix admits.

 

“I just don’t want to die,” Hyunjin grumbles. “‘M too pretty to die this early.”

 

Felix smacks his thigh and Hyunjin laughs. “I’m kidding.”

 

The group talks softly amongst themselves before they hear the ruckus of the alphas and decide to get ready. Seungmin hovers around Y/n as she heads to get ready. He still looks a little sleepy and is clearly reluctant to be away from her, so she tugs his hand and pulls him into one of the bathrooms.

 

“Get ready with me?” she whispers.

 

Seungmin’s eyes light up resembling a puppy and he nods, stepping further into the bathroom. If he notices her forwardness, he doesn’t say anything as they grab toothbrushes and brush their teeth with their sides pressed into each other. He sticks to her side as she braids her hair out of her face, humming softly to keep herself awake. He shifts to wrap his arms around her waist and bury his face in his neck.

 

“Hmm.” Seungmin hums, gently running his nose along the back of her neck. Y/n relishes the touch, even if her entire body is screaming, and her heart is racing. She gently settles a hand over his forearm and walks out of the bathroom with him still attached to her.

 

The other omegas perk up at the sight and snicker at them. Minho lifts an amused eyebrow, and Y/n’s face heats up, but she says nothing, just rushing toward the wardrobe room where their clothes are. Seungmin pulls away from her and lets her get dressed, turning to do the same himself.

 

Not quite sure what the plan is for the day, she dresses casually and comfortably with a simple baggy shirt and leggings. As she checks over her outfit, she yelps as wide hands wrap around her waist, swiftly turning her around and pulling her close.

 

Y/n blinks in shock, settling her hands on his chest as the beta nudges his nose against her cheek. “Seungmin?”

 

“Hm?” He keeps touching her, his hands roaming up and down her back, as his nose trails down her cheekbone to her jaw and down her neck to her collarbones. The intimacy does not escape her as she slowly melts into him.

 

“You-You okay?” she whispers.

 

“Perfect,” he mumbles. His eyes lock onto hers and she swears she saw a flash of silver in his eyes again. “Can I scent you?”

 

“What?” She blanches. “I– We can’t.”

 

“Bonus points.” Seungmin lifts an eyebrow. “Did you forget?”

 

She deflates, averting her gaze. “I did…”

 

He chuckles. “So?”

 

Y/n squirms under his intense gaze but nods shortly. “Y-Yeah, you can– Oh !”

 

Seungmin latches onto her instantly. She both tenses and relaxes in his arms as the heat of his tongue takes her off guard. It’s been a very long time since anyone has scented Y/n to the point that she’s briefly forgotten what it feels like. With it being so foreign, she can’t help but moan and go pliant against his chest, her wolf howling inside her.

 

Seungmin’s grip is tight, keeping her steady as he meticulously scents her, the oils from her gland pooling blissfully onto his tongue and he laps up her scent like it’s water at the end of a desert.

 

Y/n’s wolf rears its eager head, taking control enough to have her whining and squirming and trying to get as close as humanly possible to him. When he’s done, she grabs him by the collar and pulls him onto her lips. Seungmin groans and she takes advantage of it, licking desperately into his mouth and wrapping her arms around his neck. They stagger back until Seungmin presses her against a door and he bends down to wrap his hands around her thighs, lifting to wrap them around his waist. She slides her fingers in his hair, tugging at his locks and he grunts, rolling his hips forward.

 

“So beautiful,” Seungmin mutters between kisses. “Smell so so good. Such a good omega.”

 

Y/n keens, tugging him closer by her legs and licking along his lips, her golden-hazy eyes peeking up at him through her lashes. “ Mine .”

 

“Fuck,” Seungmin mutters, mesmerized by her omega eyes before their lips crash again into a nasty, messy kiss. They’re both handsy and high off pheromones, completely taken with each other.

 

Someone roughly clears their throat behind them and the pair flinches, Seungmin tucking Y/n into his neck and glaring briefly flashing his silver eyes. Minho growls back, flashing his own gold eyes. Seungmin’s eyes widen, realizing his action and he relaxes, pulling away from Y/n.

 

“Relax. It’s just me.” Minho grins, shaking his head as he leans against the doorframe with the door pressed tight to his side so no one can see them. “I wanted to let you two know that breakfast is ready. You should come down and eat before they devour everything.”

 

Seungmin clears his throat and nods. “Right. Thanks, Hyung.”

 

Minho’s eyes dart between them before he snorts. “Can I join?”

 

“Get out,” Seungmin hisses as Y/n whines in embarrassment, hiding her face in Seungmin’s chest.

 

Minho’s cackle echoes through the door after he closes it and the two of them sit in silence. They lock eyes and Y/n smiles softly.

 

“I like your scent, Seungminnie.”

 

He grins. “Good.” Seungmin gently places her feet on the ground and kisses her temple, patting her hip. “Let’s eat.”

 

◈

“It is very obvious that Seungmin has put his claim on Y/n,” Minho states to the camera. “But I do not give a flying fuck.” He points at the screen. “That omega will be mine. He’s gonna have to fight me for her, I’m not giving up on that one.”

◈

 

◇◇

 

 

After composing themselves, Y/n and Seungmin head downstairs to eat. Their two seats aren’t next to each other, so Seungmin lifts their conjoined hands and kisses the back of it before heading to his seat. Y/n flushes, embarrassed by the blatant show of possession before she settles into her seat.

 

“Wow.” She sits up straighter, eyes glazing over the spread of food. “Breakfast looks good!”

 

“Eat up!” Wooyoung says, jutting his chin forward.

 

Changbin and Hyunjin move to pile food on her plate, and she thanks them softly as Felix includes her in the conversation about challenge predictions.

 

Majority of the others exchange glances between themselves, Y/n, and Seungmin. Seungmin is clearly ignoring their gazes while Y/n goes on blissfully ignorant. Either way, with the strength of his scent on her, it’s quite clear.

 

A claim is a claim. Beta or not.

 

◈

Chan sighs, running a hand down his face. “So… I think Seungmin is trying to… claim Y/n?” He makes a face. “I don’t know, but she doesn’t seem to be pushing him off. If he’s who she wants, then I’ll back off. I have my manners about, don’t want to step on any toes.”

◈

“Seungmin claiming Y/n?” Changbin hums, tapping his chin. “Interesting.”

◈

Hyunjin glances at the camera. “Claim or not, I’m not backing down. Y/n will be mine.” He coughs, his cheeks dusting pink. “But I might have to step up my game.”

◈

Misuk chuckles nervously, rubbing the side of her arm. “Why am I kinda jealous she was the first to be so thoroughly claimed in the competition?” She makes a face. “And by a beta of all people?”

◈

“I think it’s a bold move to put a claim on someone this early on in the show,” Woojin comments, patting his hands against his thighs. “I wonder what ripple effect this will start for the other members.”

◈

 

◇◇

 

A bell chimes overhead, and the members fall silent. “Can all contestants please huddle in the living room?”

 

Y/n tenses. “Shit.”

 

“It’s starting!” Felix wiggles excitedly before bolting out of his seat.

 

Y/n, Hyunjin, Jeongin, and Wooyoung quickly follow after him, the others moving at a slower pace. Y/n shouts as a pair of arms wrap around her waist and wrestle her onto the couch. She squirms around until she comes face to face with Hyunjin and beams.

 

“Hey, Hyunjin!”

 

“Hi!” Hyunjin smiles, pretty eyes cresting, and gently shifts them around until they’re sitting properly. “Mind if I stick with you for a bit?”

 

“Not at all.” Y/n smiles softly, her heart melting at his soft scent.

 

“Great!” Hyunjin shifts around until she’s settled in between his long legs, and he wraps his arms around her waist, settling his chin over her shoulder. Y/n lets him be, admittedly enjoying the skinship.

 

The others pile into the room, and Y/n’s eyebrows shoot up at the sight of Seungmin tightly gripped in Changbin’s arms. Despite the disgruntled look on his face, he’s blushing, so he must be enjoying it a little bit. Surprisingly, she’s not jealous of the sight and wonders what that’s about.

 

As her eyes dart around the room, she meets Chan’s gaze and pauses on him. He smiles softly at her, bowing his head, and she returns the smile, waving shyly. Chan’s smile turns into a smirk, and he winks at her. She bites off the sudden whine bubbling up her throat and turns from him, hiding her face in Hyunjin’s cheek.

 

Chan grins, muttering under his breath, “Cute.”

 

◈

“What was that about backing off?” Chan tilts his head, huffing a laugh. “Not a chance. She’s just too damn cute.”

◈

 

The large TV turns on, and they’re greeted with their host’s face.

 

“Hello, hello!” Jaesung exclaims.

 

“Jaesung-nim!” “Hello!” “Good morning!” “Hi, hi!”

 

“How is everyone today?” Jaesung asks, clasping his hands together and resting them against his thighs.

 

“Anxious!” Jisung shouts.

 

Many of the others nod and mutter their agreement.

 

“What do you have planned for us, Jaesung-nim?” Woojin asks.

 

“Good question.” Jaesung grins. “But the real question is… are you ready for some action?”

 

“Hell yeah!” “Nope.” “Absolutely!” “Absolutely not.” “Just not my face.”

 

Y/n snorts, the last comment from Hyunjin, and he glances at her with mirth in his brown eyes.

 

“Today is your first challenge day!” Jaesung says. “I won’t be disclosing anything until you arrive, so get in some athletic wear and meet me at the amusement park.”

 

“Amusement park?” they all exclaim in confusion.

 

“Oops.” Jaesung grins, winking.

 

The screen promptly goes black, and the others sit in surprise.

 

“An amusement park ?” Jongho questions.

 

“What the hell are we doing there?” Wooyoung frowns, standing and dropping the pillow he had in his lap on the couch.

 

“Gods, I hope we’re not getting on any rides.” Seonghwa sighs. “I’m too afraid of heights for that.”

 

Minho and Jisung nod in agreement, and Mingi grimaces as well.

 

“Well!” Chan stands, clapping his hands. “Let’s get ready!”

 

In a flurry of overlapping conversations and excited and nervous pheromones, the contestants get changed and head out in several cars to their destination. The staff mentioned it would be a while until they arrived, so many of the members brought something to entertain them. Y/n’s in a car with Jeongin, Hyunjin, Mingi, and Yunho. She sits in between Hyunjin and Jeongin drawing out a new character inspired by a certain beta. Jeongin watches, amazed at the process of her creation as Hyunjin gives her little pointers to make the character even more unique. By the time they arrive, it’s finished and when she puts it through the 3D program, they burst into laughter as she makes the character do a silly K-pop dance, a custom animation she has personally set up.

 

“Wah! That’s so cool, though!” Jeongin beams, shining a dimpled smile at her. “Seriously, I don’t know how you do it so fast.”

 

She shrugs as Yunho and Mingi climb out of the vehicle. “Years of experience. It gets easier over time.”

 

Y/n leaves her tablet in the car and climbs out, thanking Yunho as he helps her out of it. The members gather in a little pile, gaping at the amusement park from the front gates.

 

“I can’t believe they rented out an entire amusement park for this,” San says, resting his hands behind his back.

 

“It’s kinda cool.” Misuk shrugs, straightening out her spandex.

 

“Shows how dedicated they are to the show.” Hyunjoo nods in agreement, leaning an arm against Jongho’s shoulder as the beta stands with his thick arms crossed over his chest.

 

They’re guided inside by the staff, subtly ignoring the cameras around them as they peer around. Y/n ends up pressed in between Minho and Jisung and they greet her enthusiastically as if they hadn’t seen her in so long. However, Minho is just slightly more flirtatious with him, which she ignores as Jisung gives her a tight hug. They stop in front of Jaesung where he stands by the ticket booths and the host waves at them, dressed in a fancy casual way.

 

“Hello!” He grins. “I hope the ride wasn’t too long.”

 

“I think my foot is still asleep,” Changbin grunts, shifting his weight around as Felix giggles at him and Seungmin elbows him.

 

Jaesung huffs a laugh. “It’s alright. It’ll wake up soon. Now!” He claps his hands. “Are you ready for your first challenge!?”

 

The group cheers and Y/n giggles, clapping her hands in her own show of support.

 

“Today you will be playing ‘capture the food,’” Jaesung announces.

 

“Eh?” Y/n frowns along with Minho as Jisung tilts his head in confusion.

 

“Isn’t it ‘capture the flag ?’” Yunho asks, lifting his hand.

 

Jaesung shakes his head. “Nope, capture the food . It has a similar setup to capture the flag except you will gather food set up in twelve different bases all over the amusement park instead of simply taking the other team’s flag. There will be two teams with two main home bases where you will safely bring back your ingredients to cook a meal together later.”

 

Jaesung crosses his arms over his chest, shifting his weight on his feet. “Each item of food that you capture will bring your team points. There will be meat, rice, kimchi, vegetables, sauces, and seasonings.”

 

“How many points do we get for each ingredient?” Changbin asks, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration.

 

Jaesung’s grin is slow and teasing. “That’s a surprise. You won’t know until the end.” The group groans in exasperation and the beta snickers under his breath. “Obviously, the team with the most points wins the challenge and will receive their bonus points. You have an hour to gather all your ingredients. Questions? Concerns?”

 

“Only an hour?” Wooyoung exclaims, frantically glancing around. “This place is huge !”

 

Jaesung shrugs. “Let’s hope your stamina is up to par.”

 

Wooyoung groans, sagging his shoulders. “Oh, man.”

 

“Up to par, huh?” Jisung mutters, amusement flitting through his brown eyes.

 

Chan smirks, glancing at him knowingly and smugly as Minho’s lip twitches with the urge to laugh and Y/n covers her laughter with a hand against her mouth. Hyunjoo straight up laughs, throwing her head back and Seonghwa shoots him an exasperated expression, his ears turning bright red.

 

“Your team captains will be–” Jaesung’s eyes dart over everyone for a minute. “Seonghwa… and San. Please, step forward.”

 

Seonghwa blinks as he steps out of their huddle, San following after pointing at himself in shock. “Why us?”

 

Jaesung shrugs. “Omegas pick.”

 

“Nice,” Minho mutters beside Y/n.

 

“Rock, paper, scissors for who chooses first,” Jaesung says as Seonghwa and San stand in front of him.

 

They hold out their fists and in the end, San wins with his scissors against Seonghwa’s paper, the older omega pouting slightly. His eyes glaze over all the contestants with a contemplative look before he grins mischievously, pointing to his first victim.

 

“Yunho-ssi.”

 

Seonghwa instantly sends him a withering glare as Yunho perks up like a puppy and jogs up to him.

 

“You little jerk. You knew I was gonna pick him,” Seonghwa hisses.

 

San chuckles. “Snooze, you lose.”

 

Seongwha sighs, crossing his arms over his chest with a small grunt, and faces everyone once more, unaware of how Yunho and San watch him affectionately. “Um.” He taps his chin before he points. “Minho-ssi, if you please.”

 

Minho’s eyes widen before he shrugs and walks up to him with a grin on his attractive lips.

 

Jisung curses next to Y/n. “I feel bad for whoever goes against Minho-hyung.”

 

Y/n snorts. “Me too. Better hope Seonghwa-oppa chooses us.”

 

“Channie-hyuuuuung!” San calls out. “My team please!”

 

Chan laughs softly as he approaches him, Yunho slapping him on the back and Seonghwa cursing under his breath. “As you wish.”

 

“Let’s see,” Seonghwa mutters. “Oh! Hyunjoo-ah!”

 

Hyunjoo grins and salutes to the others as she walks. “See ya, suckers.”

 

“Hongjoong-hyung!” San says with a sing-song voice.

 

Hongjoong chuckles under his breath as he saunters, both of them ignoring Seonghwa’s glare.

 

“You menace.” Seonghwa sighs, crossing his arms over his chest. “Let’s see… Oh! Jisungie!”

 

Jisung ducks his head at the cooing tone in his voice and walks up to the forming team with a blush taking over his face. “Seriously, Hyung?”

 

Seonghwa laughs, pinching Jisung’s cheek as he passes him.

 

“Hey, Changbin!” San shouts, shifting on his feet.

 

Changbin laughs as he jogs up to them, dabbing up San as he goes by. “This is a damn good team so far!”

 

“Is not,” Minho jeers. “We’ll leave you in the dust.”

 

“Bring it on.” Yunho grins back.

 

Minho playfully bucks at them and Chan laughs as he pushes himself in between Minho, Yunho, and Changbin. “No fighting,” he playfully scolds before glancing at Minho over his shoulder with mirth in his amber eyes. “We’ll leave it on the field instead.”

 

Jisung quickly grabs Minho as he jumps and the group dissolves into laughter and jeers. It instantly pumps them up for competition, their inner instincts kicking a notch.

 

“Okay, okay.” Seonghwa waves his hand with a beautiful smile. “I’ll pick Woojin-ssi next.”

 

Y/n jolts as Woojin’s hand slides against her side as he passes her, but he doesn’t glance back at her. Hyunjin notices the move and makes a disgruntled face, tightly pressing his lips together in slight irritation to keep himself from growling.

 

Stupid alpha , he thinks. Always thinking they can touch whoever they want.

 

Y/n picks up on the omega’s wilted scent and taps his shoulder.

 

He jolts out of his thoughts, glancing down at her. “Hm?”

 

“You okay?” She frowns.

 

Hyunjin’s heart melts at how her pretty lips form into a pout and he nods, resisting his urge to smother her. “I’m alright, don’t worry.”

 

Her shoulders sag in relief as she cups her hands together behind her back. “Good.”

 

◈

“Yah.” Hyunjin tilts his head back in the recording room. “Y/n is so CUTE! WHAT THE FUCK!?”

◈

 

“Uhhh.” San glances over who’s left and smiles. “Little Innie!”

 

Jeongin scrunches his nose at the nickname as he comes closer. “I’m not that little.”

 

Hongjoong and Yunho chuckle at him as he settles next to Chan, the alpha wrapping an arm around his neck. He blushes at the contact but doesn’t push it away, subtly inhaling his bergamot scent.

 

“Mingi baby!” Seonghwa calls out.

 

San glares at him. “Seriously?”

 

The older omega shrugs. “You picked Yunho. It’s only fair that I get Mingi.”

 

San sighs before he goes back to picking. He meets her desperate gaze and instantly snickers, jerking his head to the side.

 

“Misuk-ah, come up here.”

 

Misuk’s shoulders slump in relief before she rushes up to his side.

 

“Oh, Jongho!” Seonghwa perks up.

 

Hyunjin sighs beside Y/n. “Don’t rush to pick or anything.”

 

Y/n snickers at him. “I thought you were worried about your face getting injured?”

 

He blinks twice. “Ah, you’re right.” Hyunjin lifts his chin in sarcastic defiance, placing his hands on his hips, reminding her of a sassy mother. “They can take as much time as they’d like.”

 

Y/n throws her head back with a laugh, missing how Hyunjin watches fondly.

 

“Yeosang-ssi.” San picks next, ignoring Seonghwa’s glare once more.

 

“Fine, I’ll pick Wooyoung then,” he retorts.

 

Wooyoung pouts as he walks forward, shoulders hunched over. “Nooo, I wanted to be on the same team as Yeosangie.”

 

“That’s cheating,” Changbin comments, eyebrows furrowed and thick arms crossed over his chest.

 

When Y/n notices the muscles in his bicep shift the tattoo on his skin, she instantly averts her gaze, shoving away her sudden rush of arousal and picks up on Seungmin, Felix, and Hyunjin blatantly staring at Changbin. She snorts loudly, slapping a hand over her mouth and the three of them glance at her.

 

“What?” Hyunjin frowns.

 

She bursts into laughter, hiding her face in Hyunjin’s shoulder. “Could you three be any less obvious?”

 

Seungmin scowls, his ears turning bright red as he turns away from her. Felix just grins, his pink cheeks beautiful against his freckles and completely unashamed as Hyunjin coughs into his fist.

 

“How is it cheating!?” Wooyoung exclaims.

 

San sighs, feeling an argument brewing, and jerks his head toward Y/n. “Y/n with me.”

 

“You two are friends! You’ll find a way to cheat together,” Changbin argues back, causing Yunho and Chan to burst into laughter, Hongjoong shakes his head while Jongho snorts.

 

Yeosang’s grin is slow and teasing as he meets his friend’s gaze. “He’s right. We would cheat together.”

 

“Shhh.” Wooyoung winks at him and it causes Changbin to exclaim. The two alphas instantly start arguing again, much to the amusement and chagrin of the others. 

 

Seonghwa rolls his eyes, ignoring their bickering. “Lixie-yah.”

 

Y/n approaches Changbin and presses a hand to his back while Felix skips over to Seonghwa with a bright smile. The alpha jolts before he glances at her with a questioning hum.

 

“Stop fighting with Wooyoung-oppa.” She huffs in amusement. “We’ll just kick his ass instead.”

 

“Hell yeah!” Changbin shouts and the other alphas on her team hoot and holler, Yeosang and Misuk laughing as Changbin crushes her in a hug. She rolls her eyes but keeps her panic down from being crushed by his melon arms.

 

…

 

She kinda likes it though.

 

Chan’s eyebrows lift a smidge and he tilts his head curiously.

 

◈

“I’m noticing things,” Chan says to the camera, sitting back in the armchair and crossing his arms over his chest with a sharp look in his eyes. “Some really good things.”

His eyes dart down to the ground, a smile slowly tugs at his full lips. “And I will be testing it this week before the choosing ceremony.”

◈

 

“Damn it,” San hisses. “How am I supposed to choose between Hyunjin and Seungmin?”

 

“I don’t know, but hurry up,” Hongjoong grunts, shifting on his feet.

 

“Fine.” He sighs. “Hyunjin.”

 

Hyunjin sighs in relief as he pads up to Y/n and Changbin, Seungmin striding over to Seonghwa’s team. He scrunches up his face as Jisung and Felix cling to him.

 

“Then, it’s settled!” Jaesung shouts, clapping his hands. “San, Seonghwa, pick a color for your team jersey and then we’ll lead you to your home bases.”

 

San picks purple while Seonghwa picks yellow and soon, some staff members approach them with blindfolds in their hands.

 

As one of them places the black cloth over Y/n’s eyes, she mutters under her breath, “Here we go.”

 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

Notes:

at first i was just gonna keep all of a day's worth of events in one chapter but it's overwhelming me so im gonna split the day

anyway! can't wait for next chapter. lots of competitive fluff going on

Chapter 6: ◆Day 3.2◆

Summary:

challenge day

Notes:

as ive been touching up on this fic again and writing it more, i get so mad that i made Wooyoung an alpha and San an omega. like UGH. I wanna switch it SO BAD but it's too late *cries in agony*

side note: i shifted the fic a little bit so now it's a wolf shifter au, i suggest rereading if you want but it's not necessary <3

A/N: map of the amusement park I'm using for a mental image <3

 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

 

 

Jisung squints as he takes off his blindfold, and he and the others examine their supposed base. Minho takes Felix, Hyunjoo, Seungmin, and Jongho’s blindfolds and tosses them on the floor.

 

“Is this the amphitheater?” Hyunjoo asks, placing her hands on her hips.

 

“The family stage, yeah.” Wooyoung huffs, tossing his blindfold into the growing pile, absently noticing the cameras around them.

 

“It’s a pretty open space,” Woojin comments, crossing his arms over his chest.

 

“It’s so big,” Felix mutters in awe.

 

“It would be a fun place to perform at, too,” Seungmin says wistfully, glancing at the seats.

 

“Mmh.” Minho nods in agreement. “Though if they run past here, it’ll be obvious this is our base.”

 

“You think we could hide out backstage?” Mingi asks, facing Seonghwa and jutting his thumb over his shoulder.

 

Seonghwa shrugs. “Sounds like a good idea to me.”

 

He holds the paper in his hands, and the others approach him.

 

“What’s that?” Jongho questions, gesturing toward the paper.

 

“It’s the ingredients as a check-off list,” Seonghwa replies, furrowing his eyebrows as his eyes flit across the paper.

 

Mingi leans over his shoulder, reading, and Seonghwa forces himself not to inhale the alpha’s scent like a madman. His lavender and sandalwood scent is so soothing to his wolf that it nearly drives him mad. Fuck, he smells so good.

 

“What are they again?” Seungmin says, letting Felix lean into his side.

 

“I know he said kimchi and rice,” Jongho mumbles.

 

Mingi hums and lists the rest of them, his deep voice ringing in Seonghwa’s ear. “Meat, vegetables, and sauces are the last of it.”

 

“Who wants to get what?” Woojin offers.

 

“I’ll stay here at the base.” Mingi leaves Seonghwa’s side, glancing around. “Since they said it’s similar to capture the flag, there’s probably a section where we can sabotage the other team. If that happens, I’ll stand guard.”

 

Seonghwa swallows. “That’s a good idea.” He glances at the others, calming his racing heart. “Any volunteers for anything?”

 

Seungmin shrugs. “I’ll get the sauces.”

 

“Lazy.” Felix smirks.

 

The beta just smiles, not denying it.

 

“I think we need the muscle to get the most important ingredients,” Minho comments. “They’ll probably have the highest points.”

 

Seonghwa nods, his back straightening as he gets over his small moment of weakness. “You should get the meat then, Minho-ssi, and choose two people to go with you.”

 

“Oh! I wanna go!” Felix offers, shooting his hand up.

 

“You sure?” Seonghwa asks with a frown. “The other team is probably gonna do the same.”

 

Felix waves his hand. “I can fight back. I’m pretty feisty. Besides, who can say no to this face?” He rapidly blinks his long lashes, poking his cheek, and Minho stares in disbelief.

 

Seonghwa blanches while Jisung barks out a laugh. “That’s true.”

 

The eldest nods, exhaling softly. “Yeah, okay. Wooyoung-ah, you go, too.”

 

Wooyoung salutes. “Yes, Sir!”

 

Seonghwa rolls his eyes.

 

“I think I’ll get the rice with Woojin-ssi.” He points at the last omega. “Hyunjoo, get the veggies.”

 

Hyunjoo nods. “Okay.”

 

“That just leaves us, right?” Jongho speaks up, gesturing toward Jisung. “With the kimchi?”

 

Seonghwa nods. “Yes, please.”

 

Jisung grins, shaking out his hands. “Now, I’m kinda pumped.”

 

“Just don’t lose anything.” Minho glares. “I don’t like losing.”

 

Jisung huffs as Felix and Seungmin snicker. “Yes, Hyung.”

 

The group moves backstage to take a further look around, and Mingi gets comfortable against a set of crates.

 

“So how long before–”

 

The group flinches when a siren goes off. “Challenge begins in five seconds…”

 

Hyunjoo blinks. “Well then.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

“Challenge begins in five seconds…”

 

Y/n blinks. “Oh.”

 

Yunho shakes out his hands, bouncing on his toes. “Let’s do this!”

 

Misuk wrinkles her nose beside him, the two teamed up to find kimchi. “Uh oh.”

 

“Everyone remember their assignments?” Chan asks, meeting everyone’s gaze.

 

A horn goes off as they nod.

 

He grins, and Y/n and Hyunjin’s eyes linger on his canines. “Good, go! Don’t get hurt!”

 

“Yes, Sir!” San calls out.

 

San takes off first with Hongjoong and Yeosang. The three of them are tasked with gathering the meat.

 

Changbin and Hyunjin leave next, off to find rice. As Hyunjin passes Y/n, he squeezes her hand, and she squeezes back, her wolf comforted by the touch.

 

“Good luck,” he whispers.

 

She smiles back, nodding. “Stay safe.”

 

“I’ll protect him!” Changbin exclaims, making Hyunjin laugh. “He’s in safe hands.”

 

Y/n shakes her head. “Okay, Oppa.”

 

Chan stays at the base to protect it. Y/n and Jeongin are on their own to search for sauces and vegetables, respectively.

 

Y/n’s eyes linger on the alpha once more before she walks away, anxiously looking around. For a while, she passes a few rides and notices they’re closed off, so there must be certain areas to look in.

 

As Y/n ponders where they would place the sauces in a place as big as this, she pauses at a table with a sign on it. She jogs over and sees the word ‘Pork’ on the sign with a few things of packaged pork.

 

Y/n groans. “Oh, my gods. We could have pork belly!”

 

Her task was to get sauces, but they never said anything about not grabbing anything else if they found something. Y/n hesitates but ultimately grabs a single package to keep her hands open.

 

Y/n leaves the base and keeps walking around. Whenever she sees the others on the opposite team, she clams up and hides until they pass. Pork belly has to be one of the higher points, and there’s no way she’s letting it slip through her fingers.

 

Y/n hears footsteps and takes cover behind a trash can, quickly masking her scent. She keeps her eyes peeled, and when the wolf passes, her heart rate kicks up at the sight of the familiar beta. She nibbles on her lip, waiting for him to leave.

 

Seungmin stops, his ear twitching, and Y/n freezes, holding her breath. His lips curl up without facing her, and he keeps walking. Y/n watches him turn the corner and relaxes, standing. She barely makes it two steps before her spine jumps, feeling someone’s gaze on her back.

 

“Boo!”

 

Y/n screams, nearly jumping a foot in the air, and turns around, glaring. Seungmin bends over the waist, laughing himself to tears and slapping his knee.

 

“Yah!” Y/n shoves his shoulder, holding her package of pork behind her back. “Don’t do that! You scared the shit out of me!”

 

Seungmin’s full-belly laugh falters to a chuckle while he stands to his full height, brushing away a fake tear. “Ahh, I’m sorry. It was too good an opportunity to pass up.”

 

Y/n glares at him, and the beta smirks devilishly. “Whatcha doing out here alone, hm?”

 

Y/n shrinks in on herself, averting her gaze. “N-Nothing.”

 

Seungmin hums, leaning into her space, and she tenses when he inhales, scenting the meat behind her back. “You’re lying.”

 

She lowers her eyelids. “Of course, I’m lying. You’re the enemy. I’m not telling you anything.”

 

The beta grins and steps back, lifting his shoulder. “Fair enough… Whatcha looking for?”

 

Y/n presses her lips together, her scent sweetening. “‘S a secret.”

 

Seungmin’s eyes light up with mirth as he chuckles deeply. “You’re seriously so cute, you know that?”

 

Y/n rolls her eyes and lifts her hand, tugging him down by his ear. Seungmin’s eyes widen in shock when she brushes their noses together. “Quit being a cheeky beta, and go.”

 

She kisses his cheek and darts away, keeping her package of pork hidden from view.

 

Seungmin stands there for a minute before he sighs, squeezing his eyes shut. “Focus, Seungmin.”

 

The beta scrubs a hand down his face before he walks off, ignoring his wolf howling in amusement by the pretty omega that runs rent-free in his head.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Hyunjoo tries not to get frustrated as she passes the fourth table of ingredients. She’s been searching for what feels like forever now and hasn’t seen a glimpse of any vegetables other than kimchi. Which she grabbed because, hello, every dinner needs kimchi. Why is it so hard to find some stinkin’ vegetables?  

 

She pauses.

 

What if vegetables cost the most? She thinks. That’s probably why it’s so hard to find!

 

Invigorated by her theory, Hyunjoo pushes herself into a jog to find them. As she turns a corner eyeing the massive rollercoaster, Hyunjoo pauses when she notices two others dressed in yellow vests.

 

“Well.” Hyunjoo cocks her hip out. “Look at what we have here.”

 

Yunho and Misuk pause at the sight of her. “Oh. Hyunjoo-yah.”

 

Hyunjoo grins, wiggling her fingers. “Hello, guys.”

 

Yunho’s eyes dart down to the kimchi container by her hip, and he visibly tenses. Hyunjoo lifts an eyebrow before holding up the container.

 

“Looking for this?” she taunts.

 

Misuk glowers. “Where’d you get that?”

 

“Oh. Just over that way!” Hyunjoo points to the left. “You see that building over there?”

 

Yunho and Misuk stupidly look in the direction she’s pointing, squinting. “Uhhh, yeah?”

 

“Yeah, it’s right over there next to none-ya-business.”

 

Their expressions fall flat, and Hyunjoo bursts into laughter, running past them. “Good luck finding it!”

 

Yunho glares at her purple back while Misuk pouts.

 

“Omegas are evil,” Yunho grumbles.

 

Misuk rolls her eyes. “Whatever.”

 

Hyunjoo jogs around for a few more minutes before her keen eyesight catches the end of a sign sticking out of a fake tree bush. The omega sprints to it and shoves the branches aside, revealing the word ‘vegetables.’

 

“Yes!” She cheers.

 

She pumps her fist and tucks the container between her thighs. She tugs the table out of hiding and glimpses at everything. Packages of carrots, radishes, cabbage, green onions, chili peppers, perilla leaves, mushrooms, and chives sit on the table, and she contemplates what to take. She can’t fit all of them in her arms with the kimchi, so she grabs what she thinks the others might want the most and stuffs some in her shirt. When she’s stable enough, Hyunjoo retucks the table and sprints back to base, giggling with glee.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

“Hey, Hyung. Do you think there will be a challenge when we’re cooking later?” Felix asks, blinking up at him while they walk hand-in-hand.

 

“Possibly.” Minho nods, glancing around.

 

“If it’s between our two teams, the others are screwed.” Wooyoung grins. “No one here can cook better than I can.”

 

Minho lifts an eyebrow. “Is that so?”

 

“Absolutely,” Wooyoung tuts back.

 

Minho chuffs. “We’ll see about that, pup.”

 

Felix suppresses an amused smirk while Wooyoung and Minho stare each other down.

 

To keep them from fighting again, Felix swings his and Minho’s hands, chirping. “This is so exciting, our first challenge!”

 

“I just want to win,” Minho mumbles while they backtrack toward the front gates.

 

“Hyung, why are we going this way?” Wooyoung asks. “Surely, they wouldn’t put anything this close to our base?”

 

Minho keeps his eyes peeled, sniffing. “Maybe, but think about it. They blindfolded us so we wouldn’t see anything. That means they could be anywhere, and I swore I saw something when we were outside the gates.”

 

Wooyoung huffs. “If you say so.”

 

Minho sends him a withering glare, but the alpha just grins. Felix spots something and tugs on his hand, successfully distracting him again.

 

“Hm?” He gives Felix his full attention.

 

Felix points ahead. “What’s that? By that souvenir shop?”

 

Wooyoung and Minho face that direction and squint. The shop is closed off, but there’s some kind of stand in front of it.

 

“Let’s check it out.” Minho jerks his head.

 

They jog over to the souvenir shop. There’s a table labeled ‘chicken’ with three packages of chicken thighs on it.

 

“Oh, chicken!” Felix exclaims. “It’s chicken!”

 

“Good job, Felix!” Wooyoung pats his back.

 

Felix’s light brown eyes sparkle as he smiles.

 

“Hm.” Minho tilts his head. “There’s only chicken…”

 

“Which is just white meat.” Wooyoung taps his chin. “When we’re known to eat a lot of red meat.”

 

“So there’s probably other kinds around,” Minho finishes.

 

“Oh! If there’s chicken, you think they have pork belly?!” Wooyoung asks enthusiastically, his vetiver and amber scent pumping out in waves.

 

Felix groans. “Ughh, pork belly.” He shakes Minho’s arm. “Hyung, I want pork belly!”

 

Wooyoung moans dramatically and drapes himself over Minho’s back. “Me too.”

 

Minho side-eyes Wooyoung, and the alpha launches himself off of him. “Sorry.”

 

Minho huffs while Felix snickers.

 

“Let’s see if they have it.” He stands. “Felix, take the chicken and head back to the base. We’ll keep looking for beef and pork.”

 

“Got it!”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Hyunjin walks beside Changbin in silence at first, just looking around. Then he feels Changbin staring at him and faces him.

 

“What?”

 

Changbin blinks, then shrugs. “Nothing, just looking at the view.”

 

“The view?” Hyunjin repeats, incredulously. “What view?”

 

Changbin’s lips pull into an attractive down-turned smirk, and Hyunjin instantly regrets asking. “He’s standing right in front of me.”

 

Hyunjin groans, shaking his head as his ears turn red, and Changbin giggles. “Oh, my gods, Hyung. Does that line really work on others?”

 

He shrugs, still smirking. “I don’t know, you tell me.”

 

Hyunjin rolls his eyes, a warm feeling filling his chest. “What’s so great about this view you speak of?”

 

Changbin blows his cheeks out. “You want me to pick just one? Gods, that’s gonna take all day.”

 

Hyunjin cracks a smile, his scent sweetening. This alpha.

 

“I’m serious!” Changbin exclaims.

 

The omega shakes his head. “Hyung, quit flirting with me and focus on the challenge.”

 

Changbin beams, gently bumping him with his shoulder. “Oh, so you’re aware I’m flirting with you?"

 

Hyunjin huffs, eyeing the wave pool. When he notices a table by the shore, he decides not to get his pants wet and ignores it.

 

“Yes, I’m aware.”

 

“Do you hate it?” he prods.

 

Hyunjin doesn’t respond, feeling the heat of his ears and cheeks.

 

Changbin smirks. “You’re not saying no.”

 

“‘M not saying yes either.” Hyunjin rolls his eyes again.

 

“Yah, Hyunjin-ah?”

 

“Hm?”

 

“Can I hold your hand?”

 

Hyunjin stalls and faces him. The alpha’s face is entirely sincere and serious. “What? Why?”

 

“Because–” Changbin pokes out his lip. “-it looks lonely.”

 

Hyunjin throws his head back with a loud laugh. “Wah! What the hell?” He shakes his head and keeps walking. “You’re cute, Hyung. I’ll give you that.”

 

Changbin catches up to him. “Did it work that time?”

 

Hyunjin huffs and holds out his hand. “Sure, Hyung. You can hold my lonely hand.”

 

Changbin grabs it, linking their fingers together, and the weight of his hand is blissfully sturdy. When he lifts and kisses the back of Hyunjin’s hand, the omega jolts and blushes like crazy while his wolf rumbles in approval.

 

“Seriously?” He playfully glares, his cherry blossom and berry scent heightening.

 

Changbin just chuffs, his cedar and tonka bean scent billowing out of him in waves of pride.

 

They keep walking around looking, and Changbin keeps flirting with Hyunjin. Usually, Hyunjin would be put off by an alpha flirting so heavily and obviously with him, but it’s different when it’s Changbin. The alpha isn’t pushy, and never once is he perverted about it either. They’re just honest compliments, borderline worship. His wolf heavily approves of this alpha and inwardly encourages him to keep going, despite Hyunjin growing more and more shy about it.

 

“Hyunjin-ah, look!” Changbin shouts, making Hyunjin flinch. “It’s the rice!”

 

Hyunjin turns his head, and sure enough, a table with the word ‘rice’ on it sits near a dragon ride.

 

Hyunjin lets go of Changbin’s hand and runs over to it. “Fucking finally!”

 

“Only three bags,” Changbin hums. “I’ll take two, you take one.”

 

Hyunjin shrugs and grabs one, happy to oblige. “Let’s head back to base. Do you remember the way?”

 

Changbin blinks. “Um… No.”

 

Hyunjin huffs. “Of course, not.” He turns and walks off. “Follow me, Hyung.”

 

Changbin wiggles his shoulder. “Cominggg!”

 

Hyunjin backtracks toward the base. Then a loud, shrill alarm goes off through the speakers, making him and Changbin shout.

 

“What the–”

 

“Attention, contestants!” A voice says. “You have entered the Sabotage era. You have five minutes to steal from the opposing team!”

 

A horn sounds, and the announcement ends.

 

Hyunjin and Changbin look at each other for a few seconds, eyes wide and frantic. Then Hyunjin tenses when he hears footsteps, his omega instincts going off.

 

“Run!”

 

Hyunjin takes off sprinting, and Changbin instantly follows him.

 

“YAH!” A familiar voice calls after them. “GET OVER HERE!”

 

Hyunjin whines, running faster. “Noooo! Hyung-ah, go away!”

 

Changbin yells at him. “Hyunjin-ah! Go, go, go!”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

“Attention, contestants!” A voice says. “You have entered the Sabotage era. You have five minutes to steal from the opposing team!”

 

Y/n flinches when the horn goes off and rapidly blinks. “So it is like ‘capture the flag.’”

 

Y/n surveys her surroundings and realizes she’s fairly close to the base. She trots away, deciding to defend the base so she can avoid fighting. However, a few paces later, she hears scuffling, catching Hyunjin’s scent and voice.

 

“Yah, you alphan bastard! Let go!” the omega shouts.

 

Jisung growls. “You let go!”

 

Y/n huffs and picks up the pace. As she grows closer, she sees Jisung and Hyunjin playing tug-of-war with a bag of rice and sprints forward. She jumps at the last second and tackles them to the ground, taking them off guard.

 

They go tumbling, and Y/n helps Hyunjin tug the bag of rice away from Jisung.

 

“Yah!” Jisung shouts, his voice cracking. “This isn’t fair! You can’t double team me!”

 

“Says who!?” Hyunjin grunts, dodging Jisung’s elbow.

 

Y/n gets her fingers into Jisung’s side and digs in. The alpha yelps, laughter bubbling out of his lips.

 

Hyunjin yanks the rice out of his hands with a triumphant shout. “I got it!”

 

Jisung shrieks with laughter as Y/n relentlessly tickles him. “D-Damn it! No, stop tickling– Pfft! Y/n-ah!”

 

He abruptly shoves her off him, and Y/n collides with the ground, briefly slamming her head against the concrete. She groans, clutching her head.

 

Hyunjin doesn’t get to leave when Jisung quickly recovers and goes after him.

 

Y/n shakes her head and stumbles to her feet, eyeing Hyunjin and Jisung wrestling. When she finds an opening, Y/n pounces, tackling Jisung off of Hyunjin, but Jisung takes control of their tumble, pinning her to the ground. Jisung’s eyes flash a brilliant scarlet red as he growls at her, and Y/n growls right back, showing her golden eyes.

 

“Not so fast.” Y/n grits, wrapping her legs around his waist and tossing him to the side. “Can’t let you get my teammate, Alpha.”

 

Y/n jumps on his back and grabs his arms, pinning them against his back. “Hyunjin-ah! Run, go!”

 

Jisung struggles and squirms under her, but Y/n keeps her grip tight. Hyunjin stumbles to his feet, his hair a mess around his frame, and sprints away.

 

“Damn it!” Jisung shouts.

 

Jisung throws his weight back and knocks Y/n off of him, the package hidden in his shirt falling out in the process. Y/n rolls to the side, hitting a trash can, and groans. Jisung kneels in front of her, glaring. Y/n huffs, standing up slowly.

 

“What?” She grins, feeling her wolf scratching at the surface from the rough-housing, and notices the packet behind Jisung. “Mad an omega beat you?”

 

“The opposite, actually,” Jisung replies, a growl strong in his voice as he stares her down with those beautiful scarlet-red eyes. “I’m curious if you’re just as feisty in your wolfskin, Omega.”

 

Y/n’s grin turns to a devious smirk, a purr rumbling in her throat. “You wouldn’t stand a chance, Alpha.”

 

Then she advances on him, and Jisung prepares to defend himself, but Y/n rolls straight past him.

 

“Eh?” Jisung whirls around and pales.

 

Y/n smirks, teasingly waving the package of kimchi at him. “Dropped this, hm?”

 

Jisung grits his teeth. “Shit.”

 

Y/n giggles and takes off running, calling over her shoulder. “Thanks, Jisung-ah!”

 

“Yah!” Jisung pushes himself up and runs after her. “Come back here!”

 

Y/n is a cackling mess, high off adrenaline while she runs away, and a horn blares through the speakers.

 

“Sabotage over!”

 

Jisung groans, trotting to a stop, and rests his hands on his knees, panting. “Fuck!”

 

Y/n quickly catches up to Hyunjin, and he grins when he sees her. “Hey!”

 

“Hi!” She giggles. “Where’s Changbin-oppa?”

 

“Got separated!” Hyunjin shouts back. “Seonghwa-hyung was chasing him!”

 

Y/n nods. “Race you back to base!”

 

Hyunjin’s eyes flash a pretty forest green, and he growls, picking up the pace. Y/n lets out a shrill of laughter and sprints with all of her might. Her wolf recognizes the play and fuels her to run faster. Eventually, they recognize the picnic grounds where their base is and keep running, bumping and shoving each other.

 

Chan notices them first and smiles with his eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

 

Y/n runs ahead of Hyunjin, crossing the metaphoric line. “I win!”

 

Hyunjin catches himself against one of the picnic tables, grinning. “Yeah, yeah!”

 

“Well, hello.” Chan huffs a laugh.

 

“Hi!” Y/n waves her kimchi packet. “We got rice and kimchi!”

 

Chan takes it from her hand. “Nice finds! Did you steal from anyone? You’re supposed to get sauces, and you already stopped by once with pork.”

 

Hyunjin shakes his head while Y/n nods. “Mhm! I helped Hyunjin keep Jisung from stealing the rice, and he dropped some kimchi in the process, so I took it and ran!”

 

Chan laughs, holding his hand up. “Well, alright! Good job, Y/n!”

 

Y/n giggles, high-pitched and full of glee, as she high-fives him. “Thanks! It was super fun! It’s been so long since I’ve wrestled with anyone. I almost thought I forgot how to.”

 

“You’re not hurt, are you?” Chan shifts from excited to worried, brushing a hand over her forearm.

 

Y/n shakes her head, gripping his arm back. “No! Well, my head hurts a little from hitting it on the ground, but I’ll be fine.”

 

He lifts an eyebrow. “You sure?”

 

She nods. “Positive.”

 

He hums and lets her go. “Alright. Let me know if that changes, yeah?”

 

Y/n smiles brightly, delighted that he cares. “Of course, Alpha.”

 

He lowers his eyelids in warning with a small growl in his chest. Y/n snickers and blows a playful kiss at him, feeling bratty and confident from her playfight with Hyunjin, and slips away from him. Chan watches her leave with mirth in his eyes, and if his eyes fall upon her backside, no one calls him out for his ogling.

 

Everyone except for Changbin, Jeongin, Yunho, and Misuk is scattered around the picnic grounds, eyeing their catches. Chan gathers everyone to talk about the time difference, and they plan for some members to come back early to defend while the others go out to attack the other team. Once done, they quickly head back out, and Y/n heads over to the water park with a theory in mind.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Jisung jogs to a stop at the base and collapses to the ground, groaning.

 

Jongho frowns. “Yah, where’s the kimchi?”

 

Jisung whines and waves his hand in a random direction. “The stupid… omegas… got it.”

 

The others groan in annoyance.

 

“I told you not to run after Hyunjin,” Jongho scolds.

 

Jisung pouts, but doesn’t respond. Minho sends him a withering glare, and the alpha shrinks in on himself.

 

“We need to make a plan,” Seungmin says, ignoring Jisung. “It’s only been a total of fifteen minutes. There’s no way that was the only sabotage time.”

 

Minho nods. “I agree.”

 

“Should we make a plan for the next one?” Hyunjoo asks, facing Seonghwa. “Go after them in groups next time?”

 

“I think they’re doing it in four quarters,” Mingi speaks up, catching the group’s attention from his spot at the back. “There are fifteen minutes in a quarter. Ten minutes to search and find. Five minutes to sabotage. Four times equals an hour.”

 

“Ohhhh! You’re right!” Felix perks up.

 

Seonghwa bumps his hip. “Nice thinking, Mingi-yah.”

 

Mingi just flushes, his scent pumping out for a moment from the praise.

 

“If that’s the case, we’re going to have to move a lot faster.” Woojin sighs, tapping his chin. “We don’t have a lot here right now.”

 

The members glance at the table. They have the vegetables Hyunjoo got, chicken from Felix, three things of pork, three bags of rice, and Jongho’s kimchi.

 

“That’s fine.” Wooyoung shrugs. “The first ten minutes were a test run. We know where and what to look for. Now we just have to do it faster while avoiding the others.”

 

“Then try to sabotage their things next round,” Seonghwa finishes, nodding. “We’ve already wasted a few minutes, so let’s head out and make it fast before the next sabotage. Mingi-yah, keep holding down the fort.”

 

“You got it, Hyung.” Mingi bows his head with this cool air around him.

 

The others disperse as Seonghwa smiles at him. Mingi’s been pretty reliable since the start of the contest. It warms his heart.

 

Mingi catches him staring and blushes like an idiot.

 

Seonghwa huffs, walking off, and mutters, “Cute.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Misuk sighs for what feels like the tenth time, and Yunho tries not to growl at her.

 

“Ugh, this is annoying,” the omega complains. “Why is this so hard?”

 

“Well, if we moved a little faster, I’m sure we’d catch up,” Yunho replies, letting his annoyance slip.

 

Misuk doesn’t even acknowledge it as they stop by another empty kimchi stand. “Ugh, this is ridiculous!”

 

Yunho and Misuk have been trying to find a kimchi stand, but the ones they’ve found were all empty; the other team must’ve gotten to them first. Yunho wonders who was tasked to find them; they work pretty diligently. 

 

The first sabotage era has passed, and Yunho is aching to get into some action. It’s frustrating for his naturally competitive nature that he hasn’t found anything or done anything for his team.

 

To make matters worse, Misuk has complained nonstop since the moment they left the base, and he’s getting pretty fed up with her attitude. Initially, he tried to pass it off as her being an omega, but that doesn’t mean much. He’s met plenty of fierce omegas, so she has no excuse. What was the point in joining a competition like this if she was just going to pussyfoot around and complain like a pup?

 

Yunho lifts his head when he hears footsteps. The pretty freckled omega passes by without noticing them, jogging around looking, and Yunho almost wishes he were working with him instead.

 

Misuk grunts, her lips pulling into a sneer. “Fucking Felix.”

 

Yunho frowns, looking down at her. “Something wrong with Felix?”

 

Misuk huffs, crossing her arms over her plump chest. “He’s just…” She scrunches her face and waves her hand. “-so perky! It’s irritating sometimes.”

 

Yunho blinks but doesn’t say anything. Sure, he’s noticed Felix’s bubbly persona, but he finds it endearing and refreshing. His wolf tells him something’s off about this female omega, and he listens. After this small encounter, he has no intention of getting to know her. There’s just no positive appeal to Misuk that justifies him liking her.

 

They keep searching, and eventually, they find another table.

 

“Look!” Misuk points. “It says kimchi!”

 

They jog over, and Yunho’s shoulders sag with relief when they find it full.

 

“Thank the gods,” he mutters, grabbing them. “Here, Misuk. Take them and hold onto them. I’ll protect you in case another sabotage starts while we’re heading back.”

 

Misuk’s eyes widen as she wraps her arms around the three packages. “Oh. Yeah, okay. I’ll hold them.”

 

Yunho places a hand on her lower back, guiding her away, and she goes willingly, her face a bright red. She likes the idea of an alpha protecting her, especially a tall, handsome alpha like Yunho. Her plan to act coy and defenseless seems to be paying off.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

It’s been about twenty minutes, and Jeongin still hasn’t found any vegetables, and it’s beginning to piss him off. How hard is it to find some stupid perilla leaves, carrots and whatever the fuck else they have planned? Very, apparently.

 

Jogging past some greenery, Jeongin keeps his eyes peeled. Then, something catches his foot, and he tumbles to the ground.

 

Jeongin shifts onto his butt, hissing, as he rubs his knee. “Huh?”

 

He notices the leg of a table sticking out from the tree bush and jumps to his feet, tugging the table out. His eyes fill with glee when he sees it labeled ‘vegetables,’ but his excitement falls when he finds the table empty.

 

The alpha groans, dropping his head back. “Of course.”

 

He grumbles something unintelligible, his eyes flashing red, and kicks the table.

 

Shaking his head, Jeongin takes off into a light jog and keeps searching. 

 

As he eyes the Ferris wheel, goosebumps jump across his back, and he turns around, growling.

 

“Whoa there!” The eldest alpha of the contest grins. “It’s just us.”

 

Jeongin glares at Woojin, noticing Seonghwa standing beside him.

 

“Hyungs,” he greets tersely.

 

Seonghwa smiles sweetly. “Hey, little wolf. You doing okay?”

 

Jeongin huffs, shifting his weight around. “I’m fine.”

 

“You sure?” Woojin taunts. “Looks like the pup has a little booboo.”

 

Jeongin glances down at his scratched knee and glares at him. “Will you stop that? I’m not that young.”

 

Woojin shrugs while Seonghwa chuckles. “Still a pup.”

 

Jeongin rolls his eyes. “Whatever.”

 

He turns around and jogs off.

 

“Good luck, Pup!” Woojin shouts.

 

Jeongin clenches his fist, forcing himself not to flip him off like he wants to.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Y/n jogs across the amusement park, heading straight to the waterpark area. It’s summer, so she knows it’s open because the winter side was closed off to them. It’s a bit of a stretch, but she just has to check.

 

As she nears the water park, her instincts go off, and she slows her pace, watching for any other signs of life. There are cute huts to her right, giving it a Hawaiian look, but Y/n ignores them, facing the water. It’s a lazy river that leads out to a small shore, and a quarter of the way inward, she notices a table with the word ‘sauces’ on it.

 

Y/n groans. “Fucking finally.”

 

She’s been searching everywhere for sauces, and nothing came up until now. Is there really only one table for sauces?

 

Y/n pushes into a jog but flinches when she notices something in the corner of her eye. She turns and makes eye contact with him.

 

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she mumbles.

 

They both stop, staring at each other. Then, Y/n takes off into a sprint, and he follows her. The water kicks up from their haste, and they stumble in front of the table on opposite sides, eyeing each other.

 

“Oh no, you don’t.”

 

Seungmin grins, holding his hands out. “Sorry, Sweetheart. I gotta take these.”

 

Y/n lifts an eyebrow. “Well, we’re just gonna have to fight. Can’t eat bland food.”

 

Seungmin scoffs, inching closer to the table. “Really? You’re gonna fight me?” He waves at her body. “What, you and your five-foot self?”

 

Y/n growls. “Five foot four, thank you. I can and will fight you, Kim Seungmin.”

 

Seungmin smirks, eyes turning a pretty silver, and crouches down. “Come at me, Omega.”

 

Y/n growls, eyes turning gold, and rushes forward, shoving his chest.

 

Seungmin doesn’t budge an inch and glances down at his chest. “Is that it?”

 

Y/n growls, growing agitated from his teasing, and launches at him again. Seungmin meets her head on, grabbing her shoulders, but Y/n ducks down and kicks his leg out.

 

Seungmin yelps as he slips on the unsteady ground and falls into the water.

 

Y/n cheers and runs for the table. She quickly assesses the sauces and seasonings on the table and smirks, holding her shirt out with one hand. She uses her other arm to scoop everything off the table and into the pocket she created from her shirt.

 

Seungmin huffs as he sits up on his elbows, shaking out his wet hair. “Really?”

 

Y/n glances over her shoulder and snorts. His drenched brown and blond hair hangs in his face like a wet puppy, and she falls into a fit of giggles, waddling away.

 

“Sorry, Seungmin-ah!” Y/n shouts over her shoulder. “Better luck next time, Beta!”

 

Seungmin lies there in the water, watching the omega waddle-run away. His wolf chuffs in both annoyance and endearment.

 

“Unbelievable,” he mutters.

 

When he loses sight of her, Seungmin exhales deeply, running his hands through his wet hair and exposing his forehead.

 

“Hyung’s gonna kill me,” he grumbles.

 

The beta falls back, closing his eyes and letting the water submerge him.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

As they prowl around the amusement park, Hongjoong watches and listens to the two omegas beside him flirt with each other.

 

They’ve been fairly successful with their catches so far. They’ve got plenty of beef with a good amount of chicken, but their team has unanimously agreed that pork belly is the most desired ingredient, so they’re trying to find more.

 

Well, Hongjoong is. Yeosang and San are telling each other the worst pick-up lines they can think of on the spot while bumping into each other and pushing out their sweet, enticing scents. Hongjoong thought Seonghwa’s lily of the valley and mandarin scent was perfect, but San’s meadowsweet and frangipani and Yeosang’s hazelnut and neroli scents are equally as mind-numbing. His wolf has taken a liking to the three omegas the most, and since then, he’s kept an eye on them.

 

“You’re so hot, my zipper is falling for you.” San smirks.

 

Yeosang snorts. “Yeah? How about this? I love my bed… but it’d be better with you in it.”

 

San’s cheeks turn pink while he leans into Yeosang’s face anyway, wiggling his eyebrows. “Roses are red, violets are fine… You be the six, and I’ll be the nine.”

 

Yeosang laughs, swatting San’s shoulder. “If I flip a coin, what are my chances of getting head?”

 

San’s jaw drops, his scent pumping out in strong waves, and Yeosang grins. “Do you have any room for an extra tongue in your mouth?”

 

Yeosang lifts an eyebrow, his ears pink and his scent spiking. “No, but if you’re feeling down, I can feel you up.” He runs his hand over San’s stomach, and San flusters, averting his gaze.

 

Hongjoong fights a laugh, shaking his head. They are seriously adorable.

 

“I’ve got one,” the alpha suddenly says despite himself.

 

The two omegas turn to him with shocked expressions.

 

“Oh?” Yeosang blinks.

 

“Lay it on us, Hyung!” San beams.

 

“How do you feel about doing some math in the bedroom? All you need to do is add me, subtract your clothes, divide your legs, and we can multiply.”

 

Yeosang and San’s faces turn bright red. They stop walking, their scents clashing in waves of shock and fluster, and Hongjoong laughs softly, striding ahead of them.

 

“Seriously, you two are too cute,” he says over his shoulder. “What’s the point of flirting with each other like this?”

 

San grabs Yeosang’s hand and catches up to Hongjoong. “Because it’s fun!”

 

“And it’s normal for omegas to flirt with each other,” Yeosang adds. “It’s just a thing.”

 

“Yeah! Alphas have knot-measuring contests, and omegas flirt with each other!” San teases.

 

Hongjoong rolls his eyes. “We do not have knot-measuring contests.”

 

Yeosang snorts, mumbling. “Sure, you don’t.”

 

Hongjoong shakes his head. “Come on. We gotta focus. The next sabotage is coming up.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

The moment the horn sounds for the sabotage period, Yunho takes off running. Jeongin mentioned seeing Minho heading behind the family stage with pork in his hands, so Chan sent him to check it out. 

 

As he gets closer, Yunho inhales deeply and grins when he catches Mingi’s scent, speeding up. 

 

When he gets there, he lightly jogs down the steps, approaching the stage. It’s silent, but Yunho picks up on two distinct scents. His wolf is pleased to find a certain omega there, and Yunho curses under his breath. Of course, Seonghwa-hyung is here too.

 

Yunho hates to admit it, but he has a fairly big crush on the older omega. He didn’t really think there would be anyone in the competition to catch his eye romantically. Mingi doesn’t count; he’s practically his soulmate, but Park Seonghwa is a completely different story. His wolf took one look at him and knew he had to get his paws on him, and Yunho has been trying to hold back his instincts. It’s scary how much he’s attracted to him.

 

Ignoring his attraction, Yunho approaches the stage.

 

“Yunho-yah!”

 

Yunho flinches as Mingi shouts from behind the stage.

 

“Yunho-yaaaah!” Mingi shouts. “Whatcha up to!?”

 

Yunho chuckles, slowly approaching. “Stealing your shit! Let me in, little pig!”

 

“Come at me!” he yells back.

 

Yunho pushes into a trot but falters when Seonghwa steps out from behind the backdrop.

 

“Shit,” he hisses.

 

Seonghwa smiles slowly. “Hello, pretty boy.”

 

Yunho huffs. “Seonghwa-hyung.”

 

The omega grins, wiggling his fingers as he slowly approaches. “You shouldn’t be here.”

 

Yunho’s pulse picks up as Seonghwa blocks his path, his pretty scent evading his senses. “Come on, Hyung. Don’t make this harder than it has to be.”

 

“Make what harder?” Seonghwa teases, tilting his head and exposing his lean neck.

 

Yunho grits his teeth and takes off, trying to pass Seonghwa, but the omega appears before him, shoving him back.

 

Yunho groans. “Fine. You wanna play?” He glares, pushing his scent out. “Let’s play.”

 

Seonghwa’s eyes darken with desire, and he licks his lips before pouncing.

 

Yunho and Seonghwa tussle back and forth. Every time Yunho manages to evade Seonghwa, the omega picks up his speed and blocks the entrance. They’re hurling playful insults at each other, and Yunho’s wolf eagerly soaks in all the attention. Yunho has to constantly shove him back and remind him that this is a competition, not a chase with an omega. It’s a constant game of cat and mouse, teasing and wrestling each other. It drains his time like crazy, and Yunho gets irritated.

 

Eventually, Yunho evades Seonghwa’s attack and shoves him off the stage. It’s barely three feet, so he’s not worried about him being injured. However, Seonghwa recovers quickly and lunges at him, tackling him to the ground. They roll twice until Seonghwa grabs his wrists and pins him down.

 

“Gotcha!” he exclaims. His black hair is a mess around his face, and his face is flushed from exertion.

 

Yunho huffs, his entire face pink. “Seriously?”

 

Seonghwa lets out a chuckle that distinctly sounds like a purr and sits back, dropping his weight against Yunho’s dick. The alpha stiffens like a statue, willing himself not to pop a knot like a pathetic teenager.

 

Seonghwa lifts his head, and Yunho eyes the expanse of his exposed throat. His chest shudders with restraint, his hands curling into fists. Seonghwa pushes out his scent and Yunho sucks in a sharp breath from the pheromones meant to attract an alpha.

 

“Fuck, Hyung–”

 

Seonghwa leans down, rolling his hips simultaneously, and Yunho moans, trembling as he holds himself back, his dick filling rapidly.

 

Seonghwa hums. “What’s wrong, Alpha? You seem a little flustered.”

 

Yunho opens his mouth to respond, but Seonghwa dips his head down and drags his long tongue up Yunho’s throat, and Yunho’s scent bursts into waves of lust and want.

 

Then the horn sounds. “Sabatoge over.”

 

Seonghwa kisses Yunho’s cheek and stands, walking away. He chuckles under his breath, grinning to himself. Cute.

 

Yunho sits there for a minute and groans, thumping his head against the ground. “Fuck.”

He contemplates ending his life for a moment until he hears footsteps and hauls himself up, leaving the amphitheater. That damn omega.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Y/n waits with Chan at the base after the horn sounds.

 

“Still okay?” Chan asks, facing her. When she frowns, he gestures toward his head.

 

“Oh, right.” She sits up straighter. “Yeah, I’m still okay. Thank you.”

 

He smiles. “Good.”

 

Y/n’s eyes linger on his lips yet again. Why does he have such kissable lips? That should be illegal.

 

She shakes herself off as Hyunjin jogs into the area.

 

“Anything?” Chan asks.

 

The omega shakes his head. “No. I saw Minho-hyung and got scared.”

 

Chan huffs a laugh while Y/n snorts in understanding. 

 

“That’s okay,” Chan reassures. “Maybe next time.”

 

Hyunjin nods and collapses beside Y/n, taking the water bottle she hands him.

 

“Thank you,” he mumbles.

 

She smiles as he takes a big swig.

 

“Ugh,” he groans as the rest of their team trickles into base to check in. “This place is so huge, it’s absurd.”

 

She winces. “I know.”

 

“Look!” Jeongin runs over, waving a packet of beef in his hands. “Look what I stole from Minho-hyung!”

 

“What?” Chan takes the package as Jeongin stops before him, panting. “Did you really?”

 

“Mhm!” He nods, eyes blazing with glee. “It was hard. Hyung fights dirty, but I got it.”

 

Y/n whistles lowly. “Impressive.”

 

“More like scary,” Misuk grumbles. “He’s definitely going to come for us next time.”

 

Chan makes a face. “Great.”

 

Yunho comes back, sauntering and sulking. They all watch him cross the area, but Yeosang’s eyes linger on the tent in his shorts.

 

“Uhhhhh.” San blinks slowly.

 

“You okay?” Yeosang asks tentatively.

 

“Did you get anything?” Chan adds.

 

Yunho collapses on the bench and groans. “No.”

 

“What happened?” Hongjoong questions, worry written along his face as Yunho slouches over his knees.

 

“Park Seonghwa happened,” Yunho hisses. He opens his eyes and looks at Hongjoong. “That omega is a demon. Avoid him at all costs.”

 

Y/n presses her lips into a thin line to keep herself from laughing. Hongjoong has a look of understanding and pity on his face while the others try not to laugh at him.

 

“Why is your dick hard?” Jeongin says bluntly.

 

“Jeongin!” Chan exclaims, his ears pink.

 

Yunho huffs, ruffling his black and blonde hair. “He’s a flirt and a tease, that’s why. Aish!”

 

Y/n and Hyunjin snicker at him while Yeosang and San watch him with heated expressions.

 

“Well.” Chan claps his hands together. “Let’s try again. We’ve got some good stuff so far, so we’ll have a good dinner tonight.”

 

“If we manage to keep it,” Misuk grumbles. “Minho-ssi is scary.”

 

They all grimace, and Y/n laughs softly at their matching expressions.

 

“Let’s head back out.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Hongjoong, Yeosang, and San head back out to look for more meat. It feels a bit worthless, though. They’re sure they’ve managed to grab everything.

 

They approach another table and perk up when it says ‘Pork.’

 

Yeosang rushes over and deflates when they find it empty. He faces them with his bottom lip poked out.

 

“Oh, man.” He pouts.

 

San’s chest contracts with a rush of cuteness aggression, and he and Hongjoong fight their laughter. Fuck, he’s so cute.

 

“Come on.” Hongjoong scratches Yeosang’s chin affectionately, surprising the omega. “Let’s keep looking.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Y/n’s team doesn’t manage to find more ingredients, and before they know it, the third sabotage session has started, startling them all.

 

Chan paces at the front of his base, waiting. His wolf is on edge, feeling like he’s being watched, and Chan stops, staring around the area. A moment later, he hears footsteps and watches three members of the yellow team approach the picnic area.

 

“Oh, come on,” Chan grumbles.

 

Felix grins, wiggling his eyebrows. “Heyyyyyy, Chriiiiiiis.”

 

Chan pokes his cheek with his tongue, fondness and exasperation filling his scent. “Oi, don’t do this.”

 

“Do what?” Felix teases, slowly inching closer with Wooyoung and Jongho on either side of him. “‘M not doing anything.”

 

“Felix!” Chan whines, eyes darting between him, Wooyoung, and Jongho. “Lix, come on. It’s me, your best mate. Don’t do this to me!”

 

“Sorry, mate.” Felix winks at him. “It’s just business.”

 

Jongho and Wooyoung launch forward, but Chan intercepts, shoving them back. Felix sashays over, pumping out his sweet, enticing scent and giving him sparkling, lidded eyes. Chan can’t help but watch his addictive hips sway, his hidden feelings rushing to the surface.

 

Chan’s face heats up. “Yah! Felix, stop!”

 

“Stop what?” Felix purrs, dropping his voice an octave, and Chan groans, arousal pooling into his gut.

 

Felix presses himself against Chan’s front. His captivating brown eyes take Chan’s breath away, and his eyes linger across his face, enchanted by the sun shining against his pretty freckles and glossy lips. He tries to breathe through his surprise but inhales his scent and melts, absently dropping a hand to his hip.

 

He’s always been weak to Felix and his scent. Always.

 

Felix wraps his arms around Chan’s neck. “Hey, Alpha.”

 

Chan snaps back into himself and shoves Felix back, grabbing Jongho and wrestling him away from the base. Wooyoung slips through with his agile body, and Chan curses.

 

While Chan tussles with Jongho, Felix keeps pushing out his scent and playfully poking and prodding Chan's tickle spots, distracting him.

 

“Lee Felix, stop it!” Chan shouts, grunting when Jongho gets him on his back.

 

Felix’s laugh is slightly manic as he keeps teasing.

 

“I got it!” Wooyoung shouts, waving the pork belly. “Come on!”

 

Jongho abruptly escapes Chan’s hold and takes off running with Wooyoung. Chan groans, lying on his back and panting, staring at the sky blankly.

 

Felix giggles and kneels beside him. “Sorry, Hyung.”

 

He sighs. “I hate you.”

 

Felix smiles, patting his chest. “No, you don’t.”

 

Chan glares at him, but there’s no heat to it, and Felix knows it. He leans over, chuckling, and kisses Chan’s cheek, flustering him.

 

“Love you, Hyung,” Felix says, standing and waving. “See you later!”

 

“I’ll get you, Lee Felix!” Chan shouts back.

 

Felix laughs brightly. “I look forward to it!”

 

Hyunjin jogs over, passing Felix with a confused face.

 

“Hyung!” he yelps, rushing over to Chan on the ground. “You okay?”

 

Chan grunts, closing his eyes. “Omegas are demons.”

 

Hyunjin makes an exasperated face. “What? What just happened? Why did Felix look like he won the lottery?”

 

Chan’s face takes a darker shade of red. “He’s a teasing little brat. They stole something, but I didn’t catch what it was.”

 

Hyunjin curses and rushes to the picnic tables, eyes rapidly searching. 

 

He lets out a dying sound, tugging on his hair. “Nooo! They took the pork!”

 

The horn sounds a moment later, and Chan groans. “Fucking omegas.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

Changbin has been lost for what feels like forever, but he’s managed to keep all the rice he’s collected after a few close calls from the other team. When the siren goes off for the third sabotage, Changbin grumbles and picks up his pace. His surroundings catch his attention, and he realizes he’s close to the base. He moves to take off into a sprint, but something catches his eye.

 

Changbin stops and struts over to a bush. He peeks over and exclaims. “Oh! Eggs! They have eggs! Uwah!!!”

 

Changbin shifts his bags of rice under one arm and grabs the two cartons of eggs. He takes a minute to adjust everything before he walks off.

 

His wolf alerts him that something’s wrong, and a split second later, he hears footsteps, multiple footsteps.

 

“Damn it,” he hisses.

 

He pushes into a jog.

 

“Changbin-ahhhhh! Is that you!?” A voice shouts.

 

“Uhh!” Changbin calls back stupidly. “No! Wrong Changbin!”

 

The footsteps grow faster, and he huffs. “Great.”

 

“Oh, Changbin-hyuuuuuuuung!” Jisung yells. “Whatcha got there!?”

 

“Nothing for you, sweet cheeks!” Changbin responds.

 

Jisung lets out a shocked squawk, and Changbin giggles like a madman. However, he doesn’t watch where he’s going and trips over a raised block of concrete. From the sudden shift, Changbin protectively clutches the wrong ingredient to his chest as he falls to the ground. The sound of cracking eggs fills the air, and Changbin groans as his arm and hand grow sticky and wet with yolk.

 

Woojin, Hyunjoo, and Jisung burst into laughter, finally catching up to him.

 

“Need some help there, Changbin?” Woojin taunts.

 

Hyunjoo swoops in and takes a bag of rice from him, wiggling it. “Thank youuuu.”

 

Changbin grabs the first cracked egg he touches and hurls it.

 

“Puwah! What the f–” Jisung spits, wiping yolk from his face.

 

Changbin grins and sits up, grabbing the broken carton. “Want some of this? Come and get it!”

 

He throws egg after egg, hitting them all over their bodies. The impact splats around, making a mess, and Changbin lets out diabolical giggles while they shout and try to dodge, cursing at him.

 

They stop advancing on him and try to wipe the egg from their faces, so Changbin takes the chance to gather the unbroken carton of eggs and his last three bags of rice and sprints away, cackling.

 

“So long, suckers!” he shouts.

 

“I’ll get you, Seo Changbin!” Jisung yells back.

 

A second later, the horn goes off, ending the sabotage round. Feeling triumphant, Changbin finally finds his way back to base.

 

 

◇◇

 

 

After successfully gathering all the sauces and seasonings, Y/n was tasked to attack the other team during the next sabotage.

 

Did she want to go? No. Did she do it anyway?… also no.

 

When the siren went off, Y/n took one glance at Lee Minho and his wrathful eyes and noped out of there. She ran in the opposite direction into an area she hadn’t explored before and walked around, searching for anything.

 

Y/n passes the Ferris wheel and pauses when she notices the gates are open. She jogs over, looking around, and climbs the stairs toward the first car. On the floor of the car is a bucket with five big liters of soju.

 

“Eh?” She blinks. “Soju?”

 

She picks the bucket up and examines them.

 

“These were definitely not on the list,” she mumbles.

 

Y/n flinches when she hears footsteps and hides inside the cart. She’s being a bit cowardly, but she thinks she’s fought enough for the first challenge of the competition. Her still-wet leggings and shoes are proof of that.

 

Eventually, the third sabotage session ends, and Y/n tracks her way back to base. When she gets there, everyone is there except for Changbin, and she waves her hand.

 

“Hey, guys!”

 

“Hey.” San blanches, eyeing her.

 

“You okay?” Chan asks.

 

Y/n rapidly nods. “Mhm! All good over here!”

 

“Uhhhhh.” Misuk points at the bucket in her hand. “Whatcha got there?”

 

Y/n fights a grin, keeping her expression nonchalant. “I found some soju.”

 

“What the hell?”

 

Hongjoong and Yunho approach her, gently taking the bucket from her to analyze.

 

“Holy shit, no way,” Yunho gasps.

 

“Where the hell did you get this?” San asks. “Weren’t you supposed to be fighting the other team?”

 

“Oh, yeah. I saw Minho-oppa and hid because scary-oppa–” Hyunjin snorts. “-but that’s when I found them!” She gestures toward the bucket. “They were in a car on the Ferris wheel! You think they’ll be extra points?”

 

Chan shrugs, taking the bucket and setting it down on the table. “Doesn’t hurt to find out.”

 

Hyunjin pumps his fist. “Yes! Soju!”

 

“This’ll be fun!” Yeosang wiggles his shoulders.

 

“Channie-hyuuuuung!” Changbin shouts, gathering everyone’s attention. “I’m baaaack!”

 

He comes to a stop, and the others stare at him like he’s lost his mind. The alpha has a huge wet patch of clear and yellow liquid on his chest and arm, carrying bags of rice and a carton of eggs.

 

“Yah.” Chan drawls. “You were tasked to get rice, and you came back almost forty-five minutes later covered in eggs? Why?!”

 

He blinks rapidly, setting the rice down. “Uhhhhh, I got lost.”

 

Hyunjin snorts obnoxiously loud and smothers his laughter into his hand, his shoulders shaking from the effort. Y/n shoots him an amused look while Changbin blushes.

 

“Also–” Changbin shrugs, holding up the last carton of eggs. “They didn’t say anything about eggs being on the list, so I think they might be bonus points.”

 

San’s eyebrows lift in surprise. “True.”

 

“You know, this isn’t the time for a protein hit, right, Hyung?” Jeongin teases, pretty caramel brown eyes sharp with annoyance.

 

Changbin pouts. “Yah, what’s the matter with you?”

 

“He’s salty that he hasn’t found any vegetables.” Misuk smirks.

 

Jeongin rolls his eyes while Changbin chuckles, patting his shoulder. “There, there, maknae. It’ll be okay.”

 

The youngest alpha grumbles, smacking his hand away. “Whatever. I’m gonna try again.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

For the last searching period, the contestants mainly find blanks, so they retreat to their bases to plan for the last sabotage period.

 

When it starts, both teams attack each other simultaneously, and Y/n feels like she’s in a war battle. It’s a lot of wrestling and teasing, and Y/n is surprised none of the alphas shift to wolfskin with how hard they’re fighting. 

 

Y/n has Hyunjoo’s head locked between her thighs when the buzzer goes off, startling everyone.

 

“Challenge over. Please go back to your bases and wait for instructions.”

 

Y/n releases Hyunjoo, and the omega sucks in a deep breath, sitting up.

 

“Fuck.” She coughs, rubbing her neck. “You have thick– thighs.”

 

Y/n smiles sheepishly, standing. “Sorry… but thank you.”

 

Hyunjoo waves her off, coughing again. Hearing growling, Y/n lifts her head and sees Changbin and Minho standing nose-to-nose. She jumps to her feet and pushes herself between them, pumping out calm pheromones to placate them.

 

“Come on, Oppa.” Y/n shoves Changbin back. “Quit it. It’s over.”

 

“I’ll get you back, Seo Changbin,” Minho growls. “You’ve won this round, but it won’t happen again.”

 

Changbin grins, letting Y/n push him back. “We’ll see about that, Hyungie.”

 

Minho bares his teeth, his eyes flashing gold. Felix grabs his wrist and tugs him away with Seungmin’s help.

 

They head back to base and chat softly, counting everything they have.

 

“This isn’t a whole lot.” Yeosang pouts.

 

Y/n sighs, leaning against Hyunjin’s side. “Yeah.”

 

“We definitely lost,” Hyunjin grumbles.

 

Y/n hums in agreement while the others express various levels of disappointment.

 

“I’m so disappointed.” Yunho sighs, ruffling his hair. “This wasn’t how I wanted the first challenge to go.”

 

“I don’t think we’ll lose that badly, though,” Misuk tries. “Changbin-ssi and Y/n-ssi got us some bonus points, right? Maybe we’ll be closer in point count with them.”

 

“We’ll just have to see.” Chan shrugs.

 

“Hyungie,” Hyunjin calls.

 

“Hm?” Chan faces him. His wolf preens from the casual term he used.

 

“Why were you on the floor earlier?” he asks, confusion filling his face.

 

Chan makes a face, ducking his head. “Nothing…” He tugs on his reddening ear. “Felix was just teasing me, that’s all.”

 

“Wah, your ears are so red,” Changbin gapes, tugging on the other one. “What did he do to you?”

 

Chan doesn’t respond, but his scent billows out in waves of fluster and a hint of lust.

 

Yunho groans. “Not you, too. Gods, omegas are the worst.”

 

“Hey.” Y/n, Misuk, and Hyunjin complain while Yeosang and San glare at them.

 

“Don’t be mean,” San whines.

 

“Sorry, Sannie.” Yunho grimaces.

 

Chan shakes his head.

 

They chat amongst themselves for a bit, recovering from the challenge, and a staff member finally comes to collect them. They’re taken to one of the cafeterias and find the other team already there. Cameras and staff are set up around the room. There are two big tables with chairs and two grills as well.

 

“Well, well!” Wooyoung taunts beside the others around one of the tables. “The losers are here!”

 

“We haven’t lost yet, Asshole!” Yeosang shouts back.

 

Y/n snickers, settling into a chair beside Hyunjin. Chan and Yunho place all of their findings on the table.

 

Hyunjoo gasps. “Is that soju!? What the fuck!?”

 

Y/n smirks, wiggling her fingers. “Jealous?”

 

The omega glares while Felix pouts. “That’s not fair. I didn’t know there was soju!”

 

“And they have eggs, too,” Seungmin grumbles, his lips puckered in a pout.

 

“That explains why you three idiots came back covered in it,” Seonghwa hisses at Woojin, Jisung, and Hyunjoo.

 

Woojin and Hyunjoo just shrug while Jisung curls into himself. “I said sorry, Hyung.”

 

Seonghwa shakes his head and smiles, patting his head. “I’m just messing around, Jisung-ah.”

 

Jaesung comes in as the last of Y/n’s team takes a seat, and he smiles, waving at everyone. “Hello, everyone! Welcome back!”

 

“Hello!” “Hi!” “Jaesung-nim, I’m tired!”

 

Jaesung chuckles. “I bet. I see you all worked hard! Shall we continue with the last part of the challenge?”

 

“Yes!” “Yep!” “Yes, please. I’m starving.”

 

Jaesung clasps his hands together. “First, I’ll explain the point count for each ingredient, and then we’ll tally everything up and figure out which team won. That team will get their bonus points. Then, afterward, you will cook together with your team while the losing team does random dance challenges. Then you’ll eat and have fun before heading back to the villa. Does that sound alright?”

 

“Yes!” “Sounds good!” “Absolutely!” “Tell us the points!”

 

Jaesung shakes his head, smiling.

 

“As you’re aware, the ingredients were meat, rice, kimchi, vegetables, sauces, and seasonings,” Jaesung says. “And additionally, there are three types of meat, multiple vegetables, sauce and seasoning options, and two types of kimchi. However, out of all of them, only the meat and kimchi have different point values.”

 

Wooyoung hisses. “Of course.”

 

Minho sits back, crossing his arms over his chest, and hopes his guess was right.

 

“For the meat,” Jaesung continues. “Chicken was five points. Pork belly and beef were ten points.”

 

“Eh?!” “Huh?!” “Really?”

 

“Only ten points?” Y/n repeats.

 

“But it’s pork belly!” Changbin exclaims.

 

Jaesung smirks slowly. “The most important ingredient… was the vegetables. They were twenty points a piece.”

 

Y/n’s jaw drops. “What?”

 

Jeongin groans, thumping his head against the table and cursing heavily in Satoori. “Fuck this shit.”

 

Chan pats his back sympathetically.

 

“Hell yeah!” Hyunjoo shouts, high-fiving Minho and Seonghwa.

 

Jaesung waits for them to calm down before he continues.

 

“The radish kimchi was twenty points as well, but the cabbage kimchi was fifteen points. Rice was ten points. Sauces were worth two points, and the seasonings were worth a single point.”

 

His eyes linger on Y/n’s table. “And there were two extra ingredients that the purple team found, soju and eggs.”

 

Y/n and Changbin make eye contact, and he shoots her a downturned grin. Y/n laughs and winks back, feeling proud of her finds.

 

“You guys wanna guess how much they were worth?” Jaesung asks slyly.

 

“Thirty!” “Five!” “Fifteen!”

 

Jaesung nods. “The soju bottles were worth fifteen points, but the eggs were worth twenty-five.”

 

“What!?” Seungmin exclaims.

 

“Woohoo!” Changbin shouts as Yunho shakes his shoulders in triumph. “That’s all me!”

 

Y/n laughs at his antics, and Hyunjin smiles, watching him with heavy eyes.

 

“Are you serious?” Seungmin exclaims. “You wasted a whole carton of them!”

 

Changbin shrugs. “It’s not my fault. The crooked slab of concrete shouldn’t have been there, and your team shouldn’t have chased me.”

 

Seungmin sends him a withering glare, and Felix laughs beside, rubbing his back. “Calm down, Seungminnie.”

 

“Someone must really like their eggs,” Chan teases.

 

Seungmin glares at him too, resisting his urge to flip him off.

 

“Go ahead and count your findings.” Jaesung waves his hand.

 

Y/n sits up while the alphas instantly separate their ingredients to count. While the majority of them count aloud, Changbin takes half a minute to remember all the points and come up with an answer.

 

“Four hundred ninety-one,” he announces. “That’s our total.”

 

They all stare at him.

 

“Whoa,” Misuk mumbles. “How did you get that so fast?”

 

Changbin shrugs nonchalantly. “I’m good at math.”

 

“Cool.” Yeosang nods.

 

“We got ours!” Wooyoung shouts.

 

“Okay.” Jaesung nods. “Go ahead. What’s your total?”

 

“Four hundred ninety-seven,” Seonghwa replies.

 

Y/n’s entire team groans and complains.

 

Jaesung grins. “Did you lose?”

 

“Yes.” San sighs. “We got four hundred ninety-one.”

 

Seonghwa’s team cheers loudly, celebrating amongst themselves, and most of Y/n’s team glares at them.

 

“Yellow team!” Jaesung announces. “Congratulations. You have won the first challenge of the competition!”

 

“Woohoo!”

 

Y/n shakes her head at Minho’s antics.

 

“The staff will fire up the grills so that you can get to cooking, so purple team!” Jaesung faces them. “Be prepared to dance!” He lowers his eyelids. “Or suffer the consequences.”

 

Jaesung parts from them, and the contestants talk amongst themselves.

 

“Great.” Misuk sighs, plopping her hand into her palm. “Dance challenges.”

 

“Not much of a dancer?” Y/n asks.

 

She shakes her head. “Nothing choreographed, no.”

 

“It’s okay. I’ll do it,” Hyunjin says, pressing into Y/n’s side. “I’m pretty good with it.”

 

“I’ll do it, too,” Yunho adds.

 

“Isn’t that cheating?” Chan snorts. “You’re a choreographer.”

 

Yunho shrugs. “That just means I’ll never lose.”

 

Chan nods. “Fair.”

 

“I’ll do it, too, but only if no one else can guess it,” San says.

 

Y/n nods. “Me too. I’ll do the BTS songs.”

 

Chan laughs. “Now that’s definitely cheating. That’s your brother’s band.”

 

Y/n shrugs, absently linking her fingers with Hyunjin’s. “Yeah, and who better to do it than me? I’ll have you know, I was personally trained by J-Hope himself.”

 

“No shit?” Yunho’s eyes widen. “What’s that like?”

 

“Hell,” Y/n replies honestly, making the others laugh. “Absolute hell, but you’ll never catch me forgetting any of the choreography.”

 

Soon enough, they’re given the green light to start cooking, and Chan instantly takes over the meat.

 

“Who wants what first?” Chan asks.

 

“Chicken!” Yeosang and Yunho shout in unison.

 

They make eye contact and break into bright smiles and giggles.

 

Chan chuckles. “Alright, chicken it is.”

 

Y/n takes the packages and opens them, handing them over.

 

“Oh.” Chan blinks and gently takes it from her. “Thank you.”

 

Y/n flushes, her scent sweetening. “Is it alright if I help? I can do the rice.”

 

“That would be perfect, thank you,” Chan says breathlessly.

 

Y/n shoots him a smile, grabs the four bags of rice and a pot, and walks off, pouring some water into it.

 

A song starts playing, making the members flinch, and Y/n turns around, trying to figure out the song. However, Yunho and Changbin shoot to the center of the room and start dancing. The song playing is LIMBO! by NATURE.

 

Y/n lets out a breathless laugh, walking over to Chan by the grill to warm the pot and watching them. “Wow. Changbin is so good.”

 

Chan nods, a smile on his pretty lips. “He is. Yunho, too, wah.”

 

The other team cheers and catcalls Yunho and Changbin, and when the song ends, Yunho laughs bashfully, but Changbin shoots them a disgustingly cute aegyo face. Jisung and Woojin fake a gag while Minho cackles, Felix giggling into Seungmin’s shoulder while the beta stares blankly at Changbin.

 

“Never do that again,” the beta deadpans.

 

Changbin puckers her lips and speaks in a slurred tone. “Why not? You don’t think I’m cute, Seungmin-ah? Say I’m cute. Hyung’s the cutest.”

 

Seungmin makes a face and turns away, his ears burning. “I hate you.”

 

Changbin coos at him, and Chan laughs at him.

 

“Leave the beta alone.” Chan shakes his head.

 

“Here you go, Chef.” Hyunjin saunters over, holding out the seasonings. “For your use.”

 

Chan’s eyes sparkle with delight. “Why, thank you, Hyunjinnie.”

 

Hyunjin smiles, the dimples in his cheekbones showing, and Y/n wants to squish him. Why is he so cute?  

 

Another song blares through the speakers, and Y/n internally groans, cringing when she hears Kill This Love by BLACKPINK. 

 

“Why the face?” Chan asks as Yunho and San do the challenge.

 

Y/n shakes her head. “Not a fan of the band.”

 

“Really?” His eyebrows lift. “Why not?”

 

She presses her lips together, eyeing the rice. “Personal entanglement.” She shakes her head. “Let’s just say there’s a member I got into it with, and I would like to go the rest of my life without ever hearing or seeing her again.”

 

“Oh, wow.” Chan rapidly blinks. “That’s… interesting.”

 

Noticing his stiff tone, Y/n lifts an eyebrow and eyes him. “What?”

 

He shakes his head. “Nothing, I’m just good friends with them, so this is a bit awkward for me.”

 

“Ah.” She nods. “Understandable.”

 

Yeosang approaches with the vegetables cut up, and Chan takes them from him with a smile. After another moment of silence, Y/n sighs and faces Chan.

 

“Maybe… Maybe in the future, I’ll talk about it,” she tells him. “If… and when we grow closer.”

 

His eyes widen. “Right, okay… I appreciate that.” He smiles. “Though, you don’t have to tell me. It’s none of my business.”

 

“I know.” She shrugs, boldly stepping closer and placing a hand on his shoulder. “I just… I hope that I get to trust you over time. I quite like you, Chan.”

 

Chan’s cheeks pinken, and he bumps her hip. “I like you, too, Y/n-ah.”

 

Y/n flusters, her scent rushing out in waves. “Good…”

 

◈

Chan stares at the camera as if in a trance.

“She said she wants to trust me,” Chan repeats. “And that she likes me.” He points at his chest. “Me? She likes me?”

He huffs a laugh of disbelief, shaking his head. “Somebody pinch me. I did something right for once.”

He ducks his head, smiling. “She likes me… Aish, this is gonna kill me.”

◈

“Bahng Chan just said he likes me,” Y/n says breathlessly. “Like that wasn’t a dream. He said it. By the gods.”

She covers her face with her hands. “I’m the luckiest omega in the world, oh my gods.”

◈

 

“Y/n-ah, Channie-hyung!”

 

They flinch from the shout and turn while Changbin saunters over with three shots of soju in his hands.

 

“We want to toast to the first challenge of the competition. Are you guys in?” He asks, holding it out to them.

 

Y/n lights up and takes one. “Oh, yeah sure!”

 

Chan sets his spatula down and takes the other while the rest of their team gathers together. “Before we eat? Are we ready for those consequences?”

 

Hongjoong shrugs. “We have a casual day tomorrow. It should be fine.”

 

“To Y/n!” Yunho exclaims. “For finding the soju!”

 

Y/n giggles, lifting her glass. “To the team for working hard!”

 

“Oh yeah, cuz we totally worked hard.” Jeongin rolls his eyes. “Changbin-hyung was gone for most of it.”

 

“Yah, I said I got lost!” the alpha whines.

 

“To future challenges that we hopefully win!” Chan toasts.

 

Hyunjin beams. “And to Channie-hyung for holding down the fort!”

 

The team cheers, making Chan blush, and they throw back their shots.

 

Chan groans. “Oh, that’s sweet. What flavor is that, vanilla?”

 

Yeosang nods, grabbing the bottle to pour more. “Mhm. It’s good, right?”

 

He groans. “Fuck, yes.”

 

“Want another one, Hyung?” Yeosang asks, lifting an eyebrow.

 

“Yes, please.” Chan holds out his glass, and Yeosang chuckles.

 

Yeosang pours for him, giving him a little more than before, and Chan chugs it back, unaware of Changbin watching his throat. A song starts playing as he swallows, and Chan jumps in surprise, placing his cup to the side.

 

“Oh, I know this one!” Chan says. 

 

Y/n yelps as he places his hands on her hips and gently moves her to the side.

 

“Sorry, baby,” he mumbles while he passes.

 

“It’s… fine,” Y/n mutters, eyes wide in shock. Yunho, San, and Hyunjin quickly follow him to an open space, and the four men dance to Call Me Baby by EXO.

 

The other team catcalls them while they watch. Y/n is surprised by how fluid Chan moves, but it’s a dangerously hot sight. When the four of them roll their hips twice, Y/n stares at Hyunjin and Chan’s hips and lets out a surprised noise, clamping a hand over her mouth. Lust fills her scent, and Changbin shoots her an amused look.

 

“Did you just keen?” he teases, flipping over the chicken.

 

“No!” She squeaks.

 

Changbin’s smirk downturns, and he wiggles his eyebrows. “You sure?”

 

She smacks his shoulder. “I didn’t!”

 

The alpha cackles, and she curses under her breath, leaving his side to check on the rice. Chan comes back just as she covers the pot again.

 

“You okay?” he asks.

 

She nods, avoiding his gaze. “Mhm! J-Just gonna… get me another shot.”

 

“Be careful!” Chan shouts as she scurries away.

 

She shoots him a thumbs-up.

 

The contestants continue to cook and chat until the next song begins.

 

Y/n gasps. “Oh, I like this song!”

 

“What is it?” Jeongin asks.

 

“LADIDA by EVERGLOW,” Y/n answers, bobbing her head to the music.

 

“Well?” Misuk waves her hand to the center. “Go do it!”

 

“Eh?” Y/n glances around to see no one else moving. “Oh. I-I don’t know the dance. I just know the song.”

 

They look around clueless until the song ends.

 

“Well, I guess- Ah!”

 

Y/n flinches as someone cold and wet hits her, and she shields her face, hiding away. The entire team is pelted as staff shoot water guns at them. The attack suddenly stops just as quickly as it started, and they stand there in surprise.

 

“What just happened?” Jeongin utters.

 

“Was that a penalty shot?” San asks, tugging his drenched shirt away from his sculpted body.

 

“We get shot with water guns if we don’t do the challenge,” Hongjoong says helplessly. “Great.”

 

Misuk whines, brushing her wet hair out of her face, having been hit the worst. “Great. My hair is ruined.”

 

Yunho rolls his eyes so hard that Y/n fears they’ll get stuck. He turns away from her, his eyes flashing a pretty cherry red, and Hongjoong lifts an eyebrow, catching it.

 

◈

“Something must’ve happened between Yunho and Misuk during the challenge,” Hongjoong declares. “He’s had a stank face every time she says something… Interesting.”

◈

 

Smelling the finished product of the chicken, Y/n grabs the beef and pork, and Hyunjin, Yeosang, and San start grabbing plates.

 

As Y/n approaches with a big plate, Chan’s eyes light up.

 

“Hey! Try this for me,” Chan pleads.

 

He blows on the steaming piece of chicken and holds it out to her. Y/n extends her neck and takes the chicken into her mouth, sucking in more air to cool it.

 

“Sorry, it’s a little hot.” The alpha winces.

 

Y/n moans while she chews, closing her eyes. “Ugh, gods.”

 

“How is it?” He perks up like a puppy, anxiously waiting.

 

She moans, giving him a thumbs-up. “So good, uwah!”

 

Chan beams. “Think so?”

 

She swallows. “Know so. Hurry and plate it. I want some more.”

 

He giggles and grabs the tongs. “Yes, Ma’am.”

 

As Y/n holds the plate for Chan, a song starts playing, and Hyunjin chirps.

 

“Oh, it’s this one!” he exclaims.

 

He places the bottle of soju down and rushes off to dance to Love Shot by EXO with Yunho and San. Changbin loudly cheers him on, confessing his love for him, and Y/n giggles when it makes Hyunjin blush like crazy. Chan laughs as he places the beef and pork on the grill.

 

Ignoring Changbin, Y/n places the chicken on the table and separates them into two places so both sides can reach it.

 

“Noona.”

 

“Hm?” Y/n lifts her head, looking at Jeongin with a shot glass in his hand. “Oh, is that for me?”

 

He flushes but nods. “Mhm. If you want.”

 

She smiles and playfully wiggles her shoulder. “Such a sweet baby alpha.”

 

He rolls his eyes as she takes it, and she giggles, running a hand down his arm. “Thank you, Innie.”

 

Jeongin swats at her hand. “Stop it.”

 

Y/n shoots him another smile and takes the shot, humming as it warms her body. She’s not sure what it is, but she adores Jeongin and his dimples. Maybe it’s because she’s never had a dynamic with someone younger than her.

 

The beginning of another song jolts her from her thoughts, and Y/n gasps. She lifts her head and makes direct eye contact with Hyunjin before they dart to the open space. The song WANNABE by ITZY starts from the beginning, and Y/n takes the lead when Ryujin starts singing, feeling good from the alcohol. Changbin joins them a moment later.

 

“No way,” Woojin mumbles, his face warming.

 

“Look at Y/n go.” Jisung gapes, shaking Minho. “She’s killing it!”

 

Felix hollers. “Go, Y/n, go!”

 

Changbin cheers Y/n and Hyunjin on, making them laugh and giggle. Y/n poses with Hyunjin at the end, and he quickly pulls her back to their side.

 

“You said you couldn’t dance!?” Hyunjin whines.

 

Y/n shrugs. “Meh. I can dance, I’m just not a performer. I don’t like that type of attention.”

 

“You were so good, though!” Hyunjin shakes her hands. “My cousin, Yeji, would be super impressed.”

 

Y/n rapidly blinks. “Your cousin is a member of ITZY?”

 

Hyunjin rapidly nods. “Yeah! Cool, right?”

 

“Uhhh, yeah!?” She gapes.

 

Hyunjin giggles, his face pink from the alcohol and happy pheromones pumping from his glands. “It is. Your shoulder action was perfect, though! It’s hard to do that without injuring yourself.”

 

Hyunjin and Y/n chat about the dance until he gets pulled away by Jeongin and Changbin, so Y/n turns to putting out the kimchi for the table.

 

“Need help?” Misuk offers as she approaches her.

 

“Yeah, sure.” Y/n steps aside to let her in.

 

“How are you feeling about the challenge?” Misuk asks.

 

Y/n shrugs. “Neutral, I guess. The park was so big, but it was a pretty good workout. I think it was a fun way to start the season.”

 

Misuk hums, nodding. “I agree. Though it was difficult being with Yunho.”

 

“Oh?” Y/n pauses. “How come?”

 

“He’s so serious!” Misuk wrinkles her nose.

 

Y/n stares at her blankly and turns to the alpha. Yunho is goofing off with San, making Yeosang and Hongjoong laugh.

 

“You’re joking, right?” Y/n utters.

 

Misuk pouts. “I don’t know. I guess we don’t get along. I was trying so hard to get him to like me. This whole thing would be a lot easier with a mate, don’t you think?” She sighs dreamily. “The challenge was still pretty hard, and gods, I was so terrified. I wanted–”

 

Y/n’s head spins from her irritation with the omega as she keeps changing up her sentences, but she chooses to focus on one thing and cuts her off.

 

“I get it.” Y/n nods. “This whole thing is pretty nerve-wracking, but you should always do your best, you know?”

 

She shrugs her right shoulder. “And if you can’t do that, at least do it for the team, for the pack.” She gives her a heavy, pointed look. “Because that’s what we’re here for and we should never let them down, whether we know who they are yet or not, right?”

 

Misuk swallows shallowly and nods shortly. “R-Right.”

 

“And don’t just focus on trying to find a mate, Misuk-ah.” Y/n pats her wrist. “Omegas are worth more than just being mate material. We’re strong. We can’t let our smaller dynamic let us be meek and useless just to capture an alpha’s attention. It’s not good for a cut-throat competition like this, so try to remember that.”

 

Misuk nods again, and Y/n gives her a sharp smile. She walks off but pauses as another song begins. It’s pporappippam by SUNMI, and Y/n shrieks and jogs over to the dance area, Chan joining her a few seconds later.

 

Misuk watches as Y/n’s face lights up when she notices Chan and the two of them dance together, Chan playfully bumping her hips and poking her to distract her. When the song ends, Chan wraps his arms around her waist and picks her up. Y/n shrieks with laughter as he carries her back, and Misuk just stares at them, her eyebrow twitching.

 

◈

“Y/n is so serious,” Misuk complains, crossing her arms over her plump chest. “I don’t like her. Like what’s so great about her that has everyone else’s attention. She’s just a plain omega.”

She rolls her eyes, scoffing.

“Now Felix I understand.” Misuk scowls. “He’s the perfect example of an omega, but Y/n isn’t. She’s trying so hard to suck up to everyone to get them wrapped around her finger, and it’s pathetic.”

She takes up a mocking tone. “‘Always do your best,’ she says. ‘Omegas aren’t meek and useless,’ she says. Ugh! Whatever!”

◈

 

Balancing three shots in her hands, Y/n heads over to the other team.

 

Felix lights up when he notices her. “Y/n-ah! Hi hi!”

 

“Hi!” She giggles, catching some of the others’ attention. “I come bearing gifts!”

 

“Oh?” Felix wiggles his eyebrows and sets the plate of food down. “What’s that?”

 

“Shots!” She holds her hand out. “For you and Minho-oppa.”

 

“Me?” Minho rapidly blinks as he slowly takes one.

 

“Mhm!” Y/n smiles. “Good game, right?”

 

“Are you sure you should be showing good sportsmanship to Minho?” Woojin teases. “He was talking shit about you the whole time.”

 

Minho sends him a withering glare, hissing. “I was not! I was talking about the useless alphas on her team.”

 

“Where’s my shot?” Seungmin smirks.

 

“Yeah!” Jisung whines. “What about us?”

 

Y/n hisses at Jisung, pointing with her newly acquired hand as Felix sniffs the contents of the shot. “You don’t get anything since our little spat, and you–” She points at Seungmin. “-don’t get anything because you’re an annoying, sneaky little beta.”

 

Jisung whines while Seungmin sticks his tongue out at her.

 

“Ohhhh, this is apple-mango!” Felix coos. “Bottoms up!”

 

He tosses his head back with the shot and instantly gags. “Ick! Gross… but good.”

 

“Hey, Y/n-ah?”

 

Y/n stiffens from the older omega’s teasing tone and faces Minho. “Yes?”

 

“Will you pour it for me?” he asks, batting his pretty eyes at her.

 

Y/n blushes but takes the glass, cupping his chin and lifts it. “Say ‘ah’ Oppa.”

 

Surprise filters through Minho’s scent but he obediently tilts his head back, placing his hands on her hips. She tilts the cups back, and Minho swallows it in one big gulp. Y/n’s body heats up from all the predatory eyes watching them.

 

Minho winks at her, licking his lips while she pulls away. “Thanks, Kitten.”

 

She whines, running off, and Minho cackles at her.

 

“Whoa.” Jeongin pauses as she grabs a water bottle. “You’re so red, Noona.”

 

“Shut it,” she hisses, chugging back half the bottle.

 

A few seconds later, Jimin’s voice starts singing, and Y/n yelps, running to the front. Her muscle memory takes over while Run BTS by BTS starts, and she dances. She hears both teams hoot and holler at her, so Y/n puts her all into it. Despite her tipsy state, Y/n gets it down perfectly. It helps that she actually likes this song.

 

Y/n stumbles over to her team, panting. “Never doing that again while I’m tipsy. It feels ten times harder.”

 

“But you did great!” Yunho gushes. “Seriously, you dance just like your brother.”

 

She scoffs, accepting her water bottle from Changbin. “Yeah, right. So funny.”

 

“I’m serious!”

 

“You two do dance pretty similarly.” Hyunjin gently elbows her side. “It’s a good thing. Jungkook-ssi is an amazing dancer.”

 

She grumbles. “Yeah, whatever.”

 

She waves them off, so the others relent.

 

By now, all of the food is cooked and ready to be eaten, so the alphas place the last of the food on the table and they take their seats, pouring soju shots and cups of water.

 

“Last song, you guys!” A staff member calls out just as music blares through the speakers.

 

BANG BANG BANG by Big Bang plays, and the others shout in excitement. Everyone except for Y/n, Hongjoong, and Misuk jumps to their feet to dance, and Y/n wishes she had her phone to record them. They’re barely doing to choreography correctly with their intoxicated states, but it’s hilarious either way.

 

“Why is it that we won but they’re partying harder than we are?” Wooyoung complains. “That’s just not fair.”

 

Seonghwa chuckles, eyes lingering on Yunho and Hongjoong. “I’m just glad they’re having a good time.”

 

Wooyoung shoots him a pointed look, but Seonghwa ignores it, stuffing his mouth with food.

 

It’s chaotic while they eat and drink. Y/n does her best to keep up, but eventually gives up, chatting with whoever when she manages to butt in. 

 

She glances over to the other team and sees someone grimace.

 

She smirks and projects her voice. “Hey, guys!? How’s your bland food?!”

 

Wooyoung and Minho glare at her, and she cackles, slapping her hand on the table.

 

“Brat,” Wooyoung grumbles into his cup.

 

Minho’s irritation slips away from her cheekiness and makes room for amusement. It’s good to see her loosen up a bit. She was so jittery and quiet the first day… except when she’s drunk.

 

Y/n stands with a plate and a few seasonings and approaches the other team.

 

“We don’t want your pity,” Jisung whines.

 

Y/n rolls her eyes. “Fine. Then keep eating your bland food.”

 

Jisung pouts, but she ignores him, giving Minho the seasonings and heading to the opposite end of the table.

 

“Here, Minnie,” she mutters, setting a plate of fried eggs beside his food. “Take this.”

 

Seungmin rapidly blinks. “Eh?”

 

Y/n hums lazily, her scent pumping out in waves and contentment, and briefly nuzzles his temple. “Eat, Puppy.”

 

She kisses his cheek and leaves, ruffling Woojin’s black hair and kissing Jisung’s forehead as she passes by.

 

Seungmin sits there flustered for a moment before he takes one of the eggs and bites into it. He groans. “So good.”

 

“Someone has an admirer,” Seonghwa teases, poking his side.

 

Seungmin glowers at him, and Jongho chuckles.

 

“Can I have one?” Felix asks, pouting.

 

Seungmin stares at him blankly before giving in and placing one in his bowl.

 

The omega beams, wiggling his body. “Thanks, Minnie!”

 

Seungmin shakes his head. “Omegas.”

 

 

◇◇

 

 

After a chaotic dinner, the contestants are taken back to the villa. Half of them are plastered while the other half are high off adrenaline and good times. They disperse to get ready for bed, the sun setting and casting a pretty glow through the windows.

 

Y/n washes up and changes into a silk pajama set. As she finishes braiding her hair back, Seungmin exits the closet looking well-washed and sleepy.

 

Y/n coos, the alcohol still warming through her system, and saunters over to him. “Hi.”

 

Seungmin blinks as she takes his hand but squeezes him, smiling softly. “Hi.”

 

“Did you like the eggs?” she asks, a purr in her voice.

 

He flushes and nods. “I did, thank you.”

 

She hums, leaning into his space. “Sleep with me?”

 

Seungmin’s scent pumps out as he nods in a trance. “Yeah, ‘course.”

 

Y/n stands on her toes and captures his lips in a slow kiss. Seungmin hums into it, and when she drops back to her regular height, the pretty beta chases her, taking another kiss. She giggles at his eagerness and pulls him down for more kisses. Seungmin guides her back by her hips, still trading kisses.

 

“Ugh.” Misuk grunts. “Get a room.”

 

Y/n lifts her hand and flips her off, and Hyunjin and Felix burst into laughter. 

 

Seungmin breaks the kiss to get her into bed, and when they slide under the covers, Y/n presses herself against his front, throwing her leg over his hip.

 

Seungmin pats her lower back. “You okay?” 

 

The omega nods, closing her eyes. “Yeah, I just feel good.” She shrugs. “I’m comfortable right now.”

 

She sighs as they adjust again. “I hope I can work up the courage to always be this open and relaxed with everyone. It feels nice to just… be.”

 

Seungmin kisses her head. “You’ll get there eventually. Don’t worry.”

 

Y/n lifts her head and puckers her lips. Seungmin chuckles and kisses her.

 

“Thank you, Minnie,” she whispers.

 

He kisses her again and pulls her closer. “Of course.”

 

A knock sounds on the door, and Minho looks as he enters the room.

 

“Hey.” Chan smiles. “Just wanted to check on everyone.”

 

“We’re good I think,” Minho replies, his eyes glazing over the room, counting. “The only one missing is Seonghwa.”

 

Chan blinks. “Oh. Yunho-yah’s missing too.”

 

Minho smirks. “Interesting.”

 

“Oh, my gods. He actually did it,” Hyunjoo gapes.

 

Minho snorts, approaching the door. “Yep.”

 

“Did what?” Chan asks cluelessly.

 

Minho grabs the doors and slowly closes them, only leaving his body visible. “Yunho and Seonghwa had a… moment during the challenge.” He lowers his voice, making Chan shiver. “I’m sure Yunho’s blowing Seonghwa’s back out right about now.”

 

Chan sucks in a sharp breath. “O-Oh! O-Okay, um.” He clears his throat. “Right, okay. Then, I won’t wait up. Goodnight, Minho-yah.”

 

Minho wiggles his eyebrows. “Night, Hyung-ah.”

 

“N-Night.”

 

Minho closes the doors, and Chan stands there for a moment. He’s a bit surprised that the contestants are already using the sex rooms, but when there’s chemistry, you can’t fight it.

 

A pretty, freckled omega with blond hair and a sweet scent fills Chan’s head, and his wolf wants. He shakes his head and strides down the room. Not now. I’ll give it time… if I find the courage.

 

Entering the alphas’ room, Wooyoung and Hongjoong look at him.

 

“Anything?” Wooyoung asks.

 

Chan shakes his head. “Yunho’s with Seonghwa… in the private rooms.”

 

Hongjoong, Jongho, and Mingi exchange knowing looks.

 

Wooyoung chuckles. “Ohhhh. Get it, Yunho.”

 

Chan shakes his head and climbs into bed with Woojin. “Just leave it. We’ll see him in the morning.”

 

“Goodnight, Hyungs,” Jeongin rumbles, nuzzling into Jisung’s chest, the older alpha already passed out.

 

“Night!”

 

 

◆◇◈◇◆

Notes:

I have a discord server if you guys ever wanna talk and maybe get spoilers on fics and stuff 👀 hehehe

OR

feel free to yell at me on twitter!! i'm pretty active here <3

EDIT: From now on, I will be mass updating every January, April, July, and October of the year. This is my updating schedule. If I update anything outside of those months, it’s probably due to a rush of inspiration and/or time, but this is my schedule. Thank you <3

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 9 of SKZ
• Part 2 of Reality Show au
• Part 1 of Wolf AU