Chapter 1: ❝[𝟎𝟎𝟏]: 𝐑𝐮𝐧, 𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞❞
Chapter Text
The sun filtered through the curtains, but Phuwin was already up before the day truly began, as if he had an internal clock pushing him to be more efficient than most. The neighborhood gym didn’t open until six, but he didn’t mind. If he didn’t run at that time, it felt like something was wrong. Not that he was a fan of exercise — at least not in a dangerous way — but that time was his, a small daily investment worth making. Sports were just an excuse, a ritual that allowed him to step into the shower and dive into the much more serious ritual for him: getting ready.
It’s a mystery why others think a few minutes in front of the mirror are enough. Phuwin didn’t understand that logic. To him, it wasn’t just a matter of putting on a shirt and walking out. That didn’t work for him. Every extra minute, a touch of foundation, blush, gloss, some hair product, and a well-matched outfit was a well-placed investment. Yes, only after that could he carry on with his day.
Although he never did it intentionally, making sure everything about his appearance reflected care made even his omega nature shine impeccably.
Breakfast, however, didn’t take up much time on his agenda. A bowl of cereal and milk? Perfect, quick, and functional. Either way, he preferred to spend his time on something more important.
That morning was no different, like the rest: a more or less organized wardrobe, backpack on his shoulder, and the right sneakers. He wore an oversized sweater that fell comfortably over his body, a pastel color that seemed to come straight out of a cloud, paired with slightly loose pants that gave him a relaxed yet well-kept look. It wasn’t an obsession, but Phuwin liked to feel comfortable, and the oversized clothes not only allowed him to move freely without worries but also gave him an adorable vibe, almost as if everything in his style was soft and effortless, just like him.
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The last step of Phuwin’s routine was always the same: waiting for his brother, who got up with the charm of someone who didn’t believe in mornings. By that time, he had already finished running, showered, gotten ready, and was ready to conquer the world or at least go to class and his practices. But his brother... Well, Joong wasn’t exactly the model of morning efficiency.
When he finally heard his brother’s footsteps in the hallway, Phuwin had already gone for his phone, checking his schedule for the day, even letting out a few internal complaints about how long it took his brother to wake up. As soon as Joong appeared in the kitchen, half-asleep and squinting, he began devouring a breakfast sandwich as if the world was about to end, oblivious to anything other than that sad, rushed meal.
"Really, Chen?" Phuwin remarked, scrunching his nose as he watched his brother devour the sandwich in one bite. "Is that your idea of breakfast? Not even the grossest beast seems as unpleasant as watching you eat that."
Joong, who was still attacking pieces of his sandwich without paying much attention, threw him a smiling glance. "Your problem, little bro, is that you think everyone needs a routine with your level of detail," he said while chewing. "Us alphas have it easy. We don’t need to do all this work, look," he added, standing up from the table while disdainfully wiping his hands and flexing his biceps with swagger.
The omega raised an eyebrow, giving him an expression of disbelief.
"Sure, alphas have it so easy," he replied, rolling his eyes. "Just let’s go already. Those biceps aren’t going to impress anyone if you keep looking like a mess inside."
Joong let out a light laugh, as if every word his brother said was a better joke.
"Aw, how cute you are. You know you don’t need to do all that," he said, moving closer to kiss his cheek softly before leaving the house, his car waiting. "With your face, you’d even look good with a trash bag."
Phuwin pursed his lips, trying to hold back a smile, but a slight complaint escaped as he watched his brother walk away, leaving him with the indignation of having his morning moment ruined.
"Please, Chen! My makeup is going to be a disaster from your greasy sandwich lips!" But, of course, it was too late. The ride had already begun, and Phuwin, as always, sat in the back, leaving the passenger seat for Dunk, his best friend and, unfortunately, his brother’s boyfriend.
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As Joong drove, Phuwin already knew what to expect: the stop at Dunk's house. Although he usually didn’t complain about taking his best friend to school, that ride had become, over the past few months, a sort of private show for Phuwin. Joong and Dunk weren’t just an adorable couple; their interactions went far beyond the simple fact of being a pair of lovestruck boys. They were ridiculously cute. As soon as Joong parked in front of Dunk's house, Phuwin couldn’t help but brace himself for the inevitable.
The alpha carefully stopped the car and turned off the engine. As soon as Dunk appeared at the door, Phuwin’s world became a collage of pastel tones and cheesy smiles. The omega approached the car with a light step, his face lit up by the biggest smile anyone could have at 7 am.
"Good morning, love!" Dunk said, leaning toward the alpha with his usual energy.
Joong, with his face softened by that expression Phuwin liked to call "lovey-dovey and scary," braced himself for the avalanche of kisses. Dunk wasn’t shy about showing affection. He planted a kiss on Joong’s cheek first, then on his forehead, followed by a couple on the nose, until he finally sealed everything with a long, sweet peck.
"They're good because you're my omega, love."
Phuwin, from the back, covered his face with a hand and sighed.
"Please!" he shouted as if that could reduce how cheesy they were. "This is disgusting! Why can’t they just greet each other like normal people?"
He turned in his seat, acting like he had an upset stomach, exaggerating the grimaces and covering his face.
"Gross!" he chuckled under his breath, but it was more of a defense to hide how happy he actually felt.
Dunk laughed, oblivious to Phuwin’s dramatic performance, while Joong replied with a voice full of sweetness.
Joong didn’t seem bothered in the slightest. In fact, he took his brother's exaggerated act humorously, as he always did, and gave a special smile to his omega before completing his morning routine with a kiss on the forehead.
"Come on, Phuwin, if it really disgusts you, I can always ask Pond to pick you up. It's not like his kisses hurt me, but your presence is annoying."
Phuwin looked at him, pretending to be offended, although deep down he enjoyed seeing his brother so relaxed, so at ease. And yes, maybe it was absurd how happy they were and how sweet they got, but he couldn’t ask for anything better for Joong.
So, even though he complained out loud, he couldn’t help but smile at seeing his brother happy, so comfortable with Dunk, and feeling that happiness that enveloped him from the inside. Despite his grumbling, Phuwin was really happy.
"Stop being so cheesy! Let’s go already!" was all he could manage before flopping back and waiting like the good passenger for the trip to begin
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Finally, after a while of teasing and exchanging cheesy smiles between Joong and Dunk, the car stopped in front of the school. Phuwin let out a sigh of relief; at least they were close, and he could leave behind that feeling of being trapped in a midday romantic movie. But what he wanted the most at that moment was to get out of the car as soon as possible... and face the next threat of his morning.
There he was.
His brother's best friend.
The silhouette of Pond appeared in the distance, casually leaning against the wall near the school entrance, right in front of the main door. The guy who, for some incomprehensible reason, was always willing to make his life more annoying. And Phuwin couldn’t stand him.
Pond looked up and saw the car stop. He gave that mischievous smile that Phuwin knew all too well. He walked toward them with a determined stride, as if he were enjoying it. When he reached the car, he leaned over to the window, greeting in a sugary tone:
"Oh, look who we have here. The sweet little omega." As if it were the most natural thing in the world, he got closer to Phuwin, giving him a pat on the head that more resembled a friendly slap.
Phuwin grimaced as he crossed his arms. He knew exactly what was coming. Pond smiled even more closely, noticing the irritation on the omega's face.
It was impossible not to notice Pond in a sea of students; his height, his build — long arms, broad shoulders, huge hands — couldn’t be ignored, especially when he looked like he could break anything he touched just by the way he moved. In fact, Phuwin and Pond were about the same height, but the massive difference between them always came with those other details: Pond was big, thick in a solid way, like a mountain. And no, Phuwin did not like being reminded of that.
It was as if his proportions were more exaggerated when they were together, every little movement from the alpha, every expression, made him feel like a child in front of a giant, even though it wasn’t true. Phuwin was perfectly average for an omega, he was even taller than many of the other omegas in the school. But for Pond, everything about him seemed bigger, rougher. And he always reminded him, with the way he looked at him and talked with that mocking smile.
"So, what’s up, Phuphu? Did you spend all morning getting ready for this beautiful day or are you just saving yourself the drama today?" Pond’s voice came from behind him, brimming with the same provocation that always annoyed him. Phuwin didn’t need to turn around to know how Pond was looking at him: those eyes sparkling with familiar teasing, expectant, knowing that sooner or later he was going to give in, even if just a little.
Phuwin gritted his teeth, irritated. "Phuphu," that damn nickname again. It was an insult disguised as affection that Pond had given him since they were kids, and it never stopped being awkward. Why had he always associated him with a teddy bear? It all started when, as a child, he had that sweet look, that mix of innocence and cuteness. Pond had said that his honey-scented smell made him seem like a fuzzy little bear, even though he had stopped being the chubby kid by then. Since then, any excuse was enough for Pond to tease him about it.
Just as he was about to give the usual sarcastic reply, Pond looked him up and down, as if scanning every detail of his appearance. His eyes quickly traveled over his carefully chosen clothes, his perfectly arranged hairstyle, and the t-shirt that always fit his body in exactly the right way. He knew Pond would find a way to joke about that too, but what he did next was even more unpredictable: he reached into his backpack and pulled out a cereal bar, shaking it as if offering him something absolutely essential.
"Here, omega. So you don’t starve. I bet you didn’t have a proper breakfast," he said, extending it to him, almost with a frown, but also with a “I’m watching you” tone, as if he knew Phuwin’s weaknesses better than anyone.
Phuwin looked at the cereal bar and let out a dismissive chuckle. He wasn’t sure whether to be more disgusted by the offer or by the way the alpha always anticipated what was going to happen next, with that annoying air of being one step ahead.
"Really? A calorie bomb?" he said, raising an eyebrow as he took the bar from Pond's hand and looked at it as if it were the most repulsive thing he had been offered that day. "Are you sure you want to fatten me up so you have another way to mock me?"
Pond pursed his lips, his smile stretching into that arrogant confidence he always had, and without lifting a finger, he made a comment that made Phuwin's chest tighten a little more.
"Maybe... I just miss those chubby cheeks you had when you were a kid," Pond commented, looking Phuwin up and down as he chuckled quietly. "They made you look more like a 'Pú,' you know? The teddy bear you used to be..."
Phuwin felt his face turn red. Oh God, he couldn’t take this. Seriously, Naravit? That teasing hit him like a thorn, and the way Pond said it only confirmed what Phuwin already knew: Pond wouldn’t miss an opportunity to remind him of the days when he didn’t mind having a few extra pounds. The omega’s face flushed for a few seconds before he could calm himself and respond.
"You’re unbearable," he whispered, avoiding letting the anger show too much. Although they knew each other well, it always felt like being poked in the ribs by Pond’s constant need to bring up parts of his life he’d rather forget. But deep down... the omega didn’t mind so much. There was always that little piece of nostalgia he couldn’t get rid of.
Pond raised his hands and smiled even wider, as if he were enjoying it from the inside. It was at that moment he took a step back and put both hands in his jacket pockets, his face so relaxed it almost seemed bored. As if nothing in the world could upset him. It was then that he raised a finger, in the tone of a perfect adviser.
"Ah, what would you do without me?" he said jokingly, giving Phuwin a soft punch on the arm, as if he were an old friend he enjoyed messing with endlessly.
"Probably, live peacefully." Phuwin rolled his eyes, annoyed that his perfect day had been ruined.
Just before turning around, the alpha gave him a playful look.
"Hey, if you make those faces, everyone’s gonna start thinking I don’t like you," he joked, with a grin so wide it was almost like he was savoring every second.
Phuwin sighed, turning around in frustration. As he raised his hand toward the school door, he looked at his brother and Dunk, who were walking a bit ahead, unaware of what was happening, as if this was already part of their daily routine. He knew Pond annoyed him this way out of habit, or rather, to provoke him, as if he was always looking for a reaction from him. But, although he understood that, it didn’t mean he tolerated it without issue.
Chapter Text
The classroom door closed with a soft creak behind Phuwin as he sat by the window, still processing what he had just witnessed at the entrance. Although it was something quite normal by now, it still made him feel… well, uncomfortable. His brother Joong and Dunk were like a factory of cheesy nicknames, unnecessary kisses, and telenovela-worthy goodbyes, no matter that they were about to see each other again in a few minutes. He rolled his eyes, remembering the last display of affection between them, where Dunk had barely finished saying "Take care, little bear," when Joong already replied with the unnecessary "I’m going to miss you, cupcake."
"It's ridiculous to say goodbye as if you're not going to see each other for years," he muttered aloud, taking out his notebooks and pens with precise movements.
Dunk, who had just entered the classroom right behind him, heard him perfectly. He took a seat next to him and turned toward him with an easy smile, the kind he always wore when he wanted to make Phuwin reconsider his constant critiques.
"Do you have something against love, or is it just that you don’t understand it because you’re not in love?" he joked, resting his chin on his hand while looking at him with that casual air that both annoyed and entertained Phuwin.
"I don’t have anything against love, but I don’t need to see it repeated every five minutes." Phuwin pressed his lips together, not even looking at his friend. He just rearranged a notebook. "Tell me, is it absolutely necessary to say goodbye as if one of you is going to war when you're going to see each other at lunch and again at practice?"
Dunk let out a short, relaxed laugh, leaning back in his chair.
"You don’t understand because you’re not in love." He gave him a playful look, shrugging casually. "But when you are, you’ll see that every moment is important, especially when you know you won’t have as much time together in the future."
The omega raised an eyebrow at that comment, now turning toward Dunk with a skeptical look.
"Please, you talk like Chen is going to another continent. He’s literally going to the local university."
"Maybe, but it’ll be different. He’ll be busier, and so will I. I won’t see him as much as I do now, so what am I supposed to do then? Wait? I’d rather make the most of every second we have now."
Phuwin wanted to respond, something sarcastic as usual, but something in his friend’s sincerity stopped him for a moment. He couldn’t help but notice the slight sadness in his voice, mixed with the sweetness he always had when talking about his relationship with Joong. Despite how exaggerated they were, maybe, just maybe, Dunk had a point. Though he would never admit it.
He just rolled his eyes, his annoyance well-practiced.
"You're still ridiculous," he murmured, turning his gaze back to the window.
Dunk chuckled softly, knowing his friend was more tender than he cared to admit, even with his constant complaints about public displays of affection.
Phuwin had decided to ignore the conversation, or at least make an effort, while he placed the granola bar next to his notebooks, everything in perfect order as usual. Though he pretended to be indifferent, Dunk knew him well enough to know he was thinking about his comment on romantic goodbyes. And, of course, he wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to push a little more.
"You know what? I think what you need is a boyfriend." Dunk leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk with a smile that made it clear he was going to tease him. "Someone to help you relax and stop being so bitter."
Phuwin turned his head slowly, narrowing his eyes in a mix of disbelief and annoyance.
"Excuse me?"
"I’m serious. A little love would work wonders on you. Look at Joong! He was just as insufferable until he met me. Now look at him, all happy and cheesy." He gestured dramatically toward the door, as if his relationship with his brother was some world-recognized achievement.
Phuwin let out a sarcastic laugh.
"Ah, sure. Because I definitely imagine myself walking back into the classroom after saying 'good morning, my sweetheart,' 'I missed you so much, little bear,' and all that... ridiculousness."
Dunk wasn’t intimidated by his friend’s sharp tone. In fact, he seemed to thrive on it.
"Well, I don’t think you’ll get there that soon. But, now that I think about it, there might be an alpha who’s not so happy about you finding someone."
The omega frowned, sensing the provocation before it even arrived.
"What are you talking about?"
Dunk raised an eyebrow with that knowing look he knew all too well, as if he’d just uncovered a juicy secret.
"Come on, Phu. Pond is clearly flirting with you."
He let out a laugh, the kind that came more from incredulity than genuine amusement.
"That’s even more ridiculous than you and Chen being a cheesy public couple. Naravit and I can barely stand each other. We obviously just dislike each other."
His friend didn’t flinch at the outright rejection of his theory. With a casual motion, he pointed to the granola bar that Phuwin had left carefully next to his things.
"Oh yeah? Well, no 'movie arch-nemesis' would be concerned about their 'enemy' not having a proper breakfast."
Phuwin stared at the granola bar like it was a piece of evidence in a complicated case. He knew Dunk was exaggerating, like always, but still... the idea that the alpha cared about him in any way... well, not that he dwelled on it, but it definitely wasn’t something he was willing to admit, even to himself.
"That doesn’t mean anything," he said, in the firmest tone he could muster.
"Of course not." Dunk raised his hands in surrender, but the mischievous smile didn’t leave his face. "I’m just saying maybe you should pay a little more attention."
Phuwin shook his head and decided the only way to win this conversation was not to continue it. Still, Dunk’s comment lingered in his mind as he prepared for the next class, pretending not to hear his friend’s giggles from the seat next to him.
The silence he had managed to establish lasted exactly two minutes before Dunk returned to the charge. He glanced at the granola bar on the desk and pointed to it with his chin.
"Are you going to eat it, or why didn’t you just throw it away?" he asked softly, though there was a hint of affectionate reproach in his tone.
Phuwin, who was trying to focus on organizing his notes, sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"In case you didn’t notice, that thing is a calorie bomb. I’m not going to eat something like that so early in the morning."
Dunk let out a deep sigh, as if he was about to lecture him.
"Phu... it’s just a granola bar."
"Not just any bar," he replied, raising it like he was analyzing it under a magnifying glass. "These are probably the ones the football team eats. You know, to improve performance and gain weight. Why does Naravit think I need something like this?"
Dunk leaned forward, resting both elbows on the desk while looking at him with a serious, almost maternal expression.
"He says it because he knows you didn’t have a proper breakfast." The omega’s tone was soft but firm, clearly showing concern. "And with a body like yours, I don’t know why you’re so worried about calories, Phuwin. You push yourself too hard, you know?"
Phuwin rolled his eyes, tired of the same speech that seemed to come from everyone around him.
"That’s what you think," he replied, crossing his arms and looking away.
"I’m being serious," Dunk insisted, straightening up a bit and resting a hand on the desk, interlacing his pinky fingers, trying to connect with him more. "I’m not saying you need a boyfriend or anything, but you’ve got to learn to relax. It’s concerning to see you like this."
Phuwin took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment before facing him again.
"Dunk, this is the year when I can’t relax. It’s the most important time."
Dunk frowned at him, the concern growing on his face as he heard the determined tone in his friend’s voice.
"Why?" he asked, though he already had an inkling of the answer.
"Because once Book graduates, the cheerleader captain position will be available, and I need to prove I’m the right person to take over."
The omega, just a few months older, sighed again, this time much heavier, shaking his head.
"But... you can’t keep going like this. You’re too focused on everything you have to do, and you’re forgetting about yourself."
Phuwin looked at him with a slight expression of frustration.
"I know. And it’s okay. I know what I’m doing."
Dunk looked down at the granola bar and then back at his friend.
"Promise me, at least, that you’ll eat it later," he said, almost pleading. "I’m not saying you need to change everything overnight, but... take care of yourself, okay?"
The seriousness in his words finally made Phuwin lower his guard a little, though not enough to admit Dunk was right. He looked at the bar in silence before adjusting it next to his notebooks.
"I’ll consider it," was all he said, turning his focus back to his notes.
Dunk watched him for a few seconds before sighing again, clearly unconvinced, but knowing that, for now, there wasn’t much more he could do.
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The sound of the bell signaling the end of class filled the air, and Dunk slumped back into his seat before starting to stretch, as if he had been frozen for decades. He let out a long sigh, exaggerating the gesture with evident drama.
"I swear... I think I froze stiff," he muttered as he put his hands behind his neck. "That history class felt endless. Did you see the teacher's face? She looked more bitter than ever."
Phuwin, who had been organizing his things with his usual precision, simply rolled his eyes, though a faint smile escaped his lips at hearing his friend's complaints.
"The history isn't to blame for your lack of attention, Dunk," he replied without stopping his task.
"It's not that," Dunk insisted, shaking his head. "It's just that her tone of voice was so... flat. How is someone supposed to get excited about learning political reforms if it feels like they're reading you the manual for a microwave?"
"Why don't you mention it to her? She’d surely appreciate it," the other omega suggested sarcastically, raising his eyebrows as he placed the cereal bar next to his books in his backpack. He didn’t want to get rid of it for some reason.
Dunk gave him a theatrically offended look, but instead of responding to the provocation, he changed the subject.
"So, what are you going to do now? Are you having lunch with me?"
Phuwin briefly looked up before quickly closing his backpack.
"No, I’m meeting Boom. You know, to discuss the next essay," he explained, though his tone suggested there was no need to go into further details.
Dunk tilted his head, somewhat disappointed, but before he could say anything, Phuwin added with a mischievous grin:
"You can go ahead with your 'little bear' though."
The comment was deliberately teasing, with enough irony to make Dunk look at him with fake indignation.
"That's because my 'little bear' makes my day better, okay?" Dunk replied, gently pushing his friend's arm as he stood up. "You should consider getting one of your own."
Phuwin shook his head, trying not to laugh.
"Yeah, sure. Right after the history teacher makes her debut as a comedian."
Dunk let out a huff before turning to leave the classroom, letting his jokes mark his farewell.
When he arrived at the cafeteria, barely holding back the urge to yawn after the history class, Dunk had no trouble finding Joong. The alpha was already waiting for him, arms open and a smile radiating warmth.
"Come here, sweetheart," Joong murmured as he wrapped Dunk in a firm embrace, leaning down to give him a quick kiss on the forehead before looking at him intently, his brow slightly furrowed.
Dunk barely had time to settle when he noticed Joong watching him with a mix of affection and concern.
"What's wrong?" Dunk asked, raising an eyebrow as he tried to understand the sudden seriousness on his partner’s face.
Joong didn’t hesitate to answer, his voice soft but with a hint of worry.
"I don’t know... There's something about your scent that's different since this morning. You always smell like vanilla, with that sweet touch that's so you, but now it feels a little off, more faint," he said, leaning slightly toward Dunk as if inhaling deeper could give him immediate answers.
Dunk sighed and placed a hand on Joong’s shoulder to reassure him.
"I’m fine, babe. It’s probably just the fatigue or the stress from the morning. You know, history first thing with the teacher looking like she wanted to rip out our souls. Nothing out of the ordinary," he replied, forcing a light smile to brush off the issue.
Joong didn’t seem entirely convinced. By nature, alphas were programmed to detect even the smallest change in their omegas, and Joong had a special sensitivity when it came to Dunk. However, he ended up accepting the answer, though he continued to seek contact with him, gently stroking his hand while Dunk took a seat.
"Anyway, if anything happens, let me know, okay?" Joong insisted, his eyes shining with a sincerity that made Dunk simply nod softly, grateful to have someone as attentive as him.
A couple of seats away, Pond lifted his head from the barely touched plate of food. Though he pretended to be uninterested in the conversation, anyone who looked closely would notice how his eyes sharpened slightly upon hearing Joong’s mention of the omega’s name.
"Where's Phuwin?" Joong asked, still with a trace of concern while absent-mindedly stroking Dunk’s hand.
Dunk sighed with patience before answering:
"He went to have lunch with Boom. I'm sure they’re rehearsing the new choreography or something," he said, shrugging as he took a sip of water.
On the other side of the table, Aou, who had been unusually quiet up until that moment for someone who was usually the life of the group, looked up when he heard the name of the omega. He tried to make the movement inconspicuous, but the blush spreading across his cheeks revealed that Boom’s mention wasn’t casual for him.
"With Boom?" Aou asked, trying to sound casual as his eyes fixed on Dunk. However, his voice, broken and somewhat anxious, triggered the first smiles from the others at the table.
JJ was the first to throw a teasing glance his way.
"Aou, don’t pretend you’re not interested. We all know you melt when you hear his name," he joked, lightly nudging Aou, who tried to hide his embarrassment by lowering his gaze to his plate.
"And who doesn’t?" added Fourth from his corner, raising an eyebrow mischievously. "I mean, how many times have you tripped in the middle of practice just because Boom walked by?" he asked, causing the whole table to burst into laughter.
"No... I didn’t trip because of that," Aou protested, even more red, trying to justify his clumsiness. "I was distracted by something else."
"Sure, distracted by Boom," interrupted Force, taking a bite of meat while speaking shamelessly. "I get it, bro. When an omega’s that cute, anyone loses their way. It happened to me in my early days with Bookie as captain—couldn’t score a goal when I got distracted by leading."
The comment made Aou bury his face even deeper into his hands.
"Stop making fun of me!" he muttered, though there was no real anger in his voice, just the nervousness of someone who wasn’t great at handling that kind of attention. "It’s not that..." he stammered. His fingers fidgeted with his food as he tried to divert everyone’s focus. "Boom’s just a classmate, like any other."
"Yeah, ‘like any other’," Force remarked sarcastically, arching his eyebrows exaggeratedly. "You look at all your classmates that way, right?"
"Enough," Dunk intervened with a calm voice, but with a smile that was both understanding and protective. "Boom is still getting used to the group. Phuwin has done a great job helping him open up, but he’s still very reserved. If you really want to get closer to him, you could try talking to Phuwin first. Believe me, he knows how to make Boom feel more comfortable."
Dunk’s empathetic tone managed to soften the atmosphere at the table, and Aou seemed less tense, though he continued fiddling with his fork on his plate.
"Yeah, Boom is incredible at choreography, but he still struggles to adjust. I think if it weren't for Phuwin, he would’ve quit in the first month," Book added, his eyes shining with pride as captain.
"I’ve always found it strange that Boom joined the cheerleading team," Sky commented from the other side of the table. "He's so... quiet. But, well, who am I to talk about weird things? Just look at this guy here," he said, pointing at Force, earning a playful shove on the shoulder.
"Boom is quiet because no one gave him a chance to open up," Dunk responded, his gaze more serious this time. "But Phuwin has always been good at that, for better or worse. He has a really sweet side when he wants to, even if he’ll never admit it."
Joong smiled tenderly as he stroked Dunk’s back, ignoring the curious stares from his friends, clearly watching them closely.
"Phuwin knows how to protect those who are important to him. It’s something that’s always made me really proud," his brother added with adoration, directing his gaze at the guys with a calmness that, somehow, became contagious.
Pond silently listened to the conversation, observing how everyone spoke about the omega and his ability to make those around him shine. Though he didn’t show it, the alpha felt something like admiration for the omega.
When everyone finally shifted their focus to their own topics, Dunk sighed and rested his head on his boyfriend's shoulder.
"Whoever ends up being Phuwin’s alpha is going to be really lucky," Dunk commented with a light smile as he moved his water glass in circles on the table.
The tension in Pond was almost imperceptible to the others, except for Joong, who, as a good brother and alpha, was always alert to anything out of place when it came to his little brother.
"Phuwin doesn’t need an alpha. He needs no one bothering him and just letting him focus on his stuff," Joong said protectively, his eyes darkening slightly.
"Oh, come on!" his omega replied, turning toward him with a small, amused laugh. "Can you imagine how he’d be if he were in love? I’m sure he’d be adorable, so... vulnerable and happy."
The alpha let out a barely audible snort, but Dunk took it as his cue to continue.
"I’m serious, Chen. That kid needs to find someone to care for him and spoil him properly. He always wants to carry everything on his own: the classes, the practice, his spot on the cheer team... Phuwin gives more than he has and doesn’t let anyone help."
Joong nodded slowly, his fingers tapping on the table in a thoughtful gesture while he looked at Dunk, reminiscing about the past. If his little brother was so sweet to others, it was because he didn’t want anyone to suffer like he had.
"I don’t like him doing it all alone. As an omega, it’s even harder for him to stay as strong as he wants to appear. He’s always been like that, even when he was younger. It’s like proving that he can handle everything is all he needs."
The conversation, though brief, sharpened Pond’s attention, though his eyes remained fixed on the plate in front of him, pretending to listen to the jokes Fourth and Force were exchanging beside him.
"Exactly, that’s why I’m saying he needs someone," Dunk insisted, now looking at Joong with affection. "And I’m not necessarily talking about an alpha, but someone with enough patience and affection to show him that it’s okay to relax a little. Don’t you think?"
"Are you saying this to me, or to yourself?" the alpha responded with a slight smirk, placing a hand on Dunk’s head and gently ruffling his hair.
Dunk leaned toward him, resting his head on the alpha’s shoulder as a soft smile played on his lips.
"I’m just worried about him, nothing more."
Joong let out a soft sigh, looking at the table with some resignation.
"You’re right. I’ll have to talk to him, although you know how difficult it is... He always ends up denying everything."
The words hung in the air for a moment, and although the conversation quickly shifted to another topic, Pond’s gaze remained attentive. Part of him couldn’t stop thinking about what Joong and Dunk had said, a mix of discomfort and curiosity bubbling in his chest. Why couldn’t he get the image of Phuwin trying so hard out of his head?
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Phuwin walked towards his locker, accompanied by Boom, who, as usual, kept his gaze low, his silent steps barely making a sound on the floor. Despite the silence between them, the omega's company felt comfortable to Phuwin. They reached their lockers, and Phuwin turned the combination dial, opening it easily.
Immediately, something caught his attention. There, on the top shelf, was his favorite strawberry milk, cold to the touch, next to a small bag of sour gummies. Both items were carefully wrapped in a light blue ribbon. On top of the milk bottle, a pink post-it had a simple message written on it that made him raise an eyebrow and, to his surprise, smile:
"Take care."
Beneath the words was a small drawing of a playful dog, as if trying to cheer him up.
Phuwin felt a gentle warmth rise in his cheeks, a blush spreading to his ears. Still holding the milk, he gently traced his finger over the label, unsure of how he really felt.
"D-D-Do you... h-have... a s-secret a-admirer?" Boom asked quietly, his cautious tone barely letting the words escape his lips, as he looked at Phuwin’s locker with curiosity.
Phuwin quickly shook his head, though the blush betrayed the calm demeanor he was trying to project.
"No... It’s probably Dunk or Joong. I mean, there aren’t many people who know the combination to my locker," he replied, though his voice wavered a bit. He tried not to make too much of the detail, but there was something about the pastel ribbon and the dog drawing that made him think it couldn’t just be something simple.
"S-someone p-pays... a-attention," Boom added awkwardly, his shy smile reflecting the sincerity of his thought.
Phuwin opened the milk bottle, taking a sip as they began walking toward their next class. The sweet and comforting taste made him smile faintly, though he tried to hide it so Boom wouldn’t notice. However, there was something about that small gesture that resonated with him, something that caused his characteristic honey-cookie scent to grow more intense, a palpable sweetness that filled the hallway around them.
Boom, walking beside him, seemed to notice immediately. The warmth of Phuwin’s scent calmed his own nerves, and without realizing it, his own marshmallow-scent began to softly emerge, mingling with the sweetness that was already in the air. The two combined aromas caused the heads of other students to turn toward them, drawn by the comforting and enveloping fragrance.
Phuwin tried to ignore the curious stares, though he could feel the slight tingling warmth in his face, intensified by the memory of the small detail he’d found in his locker.
"H-Hey, P-Phuwin..." Boom stammered, with a shy smile as he placed a hand on his own neck, visibly more relaxed than usual. "S-sometimes, a-a... small g-gesture... m-means... more than w-what... w-we think."
Boom’s sincere words drew a discreet smile from Phuwin, though he didn’t respond immediately. Somehow, those words echoed in his mind as he squeezed the milk bottle a little harder in his hand, his heart still beating with a mix of discomfort and unexpected warmth.
A little farther back, an alpha watched the scene from a distance, his eyes narrowed as he took note of the soft aromatic cloud that seemed to follow the omega with perfectly styled hair and a slightly flushed face.
"At least he took it this time," Pond murmured, feeling a light, hard-to-describe sensation warm his chest. However, seeing Phuwin’s smile as he drank, he allowed himself a small smile before continuing on his way. There was something warmer in his chest seeing that this time, the omega accepted the gesture without complaining or brushing it off.
"Take care, Phuphu," Pond said to himself, just before standing up straight and walking away, satisfied for now with having stolen a small smile from the omega.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
.
Notes:
In this story, Boom is portrayed as a stutterer, adding depth to his character. As for AouBoom, I’m still deciding whether they’ll be a secondary couple or if I’ll create a separate story for them. Any suggestions or thoughts are more than welcome in the comments! 😊💭
Chapter Text
The afternoon bathed the gymnasium in a warm light, the last rays of the sun entering through the large windows while the cheerleading team began their practice. Laughter, murmurs, and the echo of light steps on the polished wood filled the air. Everyone was stretching in silence, but Book and Santa's bright personalities soon broke the peace with some meaningless joke, making the others laugh.
Phuwin, however, seemed more focused on his backpack. Sitting on the floor, he pulled out a bag of gummy candies with a pastel blue bow and a post-it with a tenderly written note. His finger brushed the drawing of the little puppy, and a faint warmth rose to his cheeks as he remembered the gesture.
Dunk, sitting beside him, glanced at him and didn't miss the chance to make a comment.
"So? Have you thought it over?" he asked with a mischievous smile, leaning in to take a closer look. "Who’s the romantic behind the note?"
The omega sighed, but his tone betrayed him as it became slightly unsure.
"I have no idea... But I know it wasn't any of you." He rolled his eyes at Dunk, trying to hide how his cheeks turned pink talking about the topic.
"A secret admirer!" Dunk exclaimed, raising his voice just enough to catch the others' attention.
Book was the first to hurry over, with Santa following closely, almost tripping.
"Secret admirer?" Book repeated, a special glint in his eyes.
"Didn't you hate school dramas? Now you're the protagonist, huh?" Santa laughed as he sat next to the group, curiously eyeing the note and detail.
Phuwin tried to hide the note and the gummy candies behind his back, but his friends’ speed won out.
"It’s not what you think, I just..." he stammered, awkwardly, as he nervously fixed his messy hair.
Boom, hearing everything, let out a soft chuckle and, with some unusual courage, leaned in to gently bump his shoulder against Phuwin’s, as if to ease the tension.
"Is it... uh... an alpha?" he asked, slightly stammering, but with a knowing smile on his lips.
Phuwin's face turned as red as a cherry.
"Of-course it's not an alpha! And even if it were, that would be... ridiculous," he quickly said, looking away to avoid the glowing look in Boom’s eyes.
"Ridiculous? Why?" Book intervened, his usual optimistic tone. He leaned toward Phuwin while playing with one of the pom-poms next to him. "Imagine it: someone who thinks about you enough to leave your favorite things behind. It’s like something out of a cheesy romance, right? Or at least it’s someone who knows you well." He let out a cheerful laugh that echoed in the gym.
"Who would've thought?" Santa added, excited. "Phuwin, the strong and perfectionist Phuwin, winning hearts."
The others' contained laughter stopped when Milk’s acidic voice sliced through the air. She, standing farther away in the group, approached with a fake smile.
"Yeah, sure. Because the ‘poor alpha’ who saw something in him is probably desperate," she said with a tone that was poison disguised as a joke.
The air in the gym seemed to grow heavier. The looks that once sparkled now avoided meeting Milk’s, as an uncomfortable silence settled. The girl always had that ability: her way of teasing wasn't like Pond's, who would mock him for fun or to see him blush. Milk's teasing was different; her words carried a sharp, unnecessary edge—more than mocking, it felt like pleasure in hurting him. And if her comments ever crossed the line, there were no consequences; after all, she was the director’s daughter. Even Boom lowered his gaze slightly, nervously playing with the edges of his t-shirt.
Phuwin pressed his lips together, but instead of responding with his usual strong character, he tried his best to ignore her. In his hands, he still held the bottle of milk and the gummies, as if they were a reminder of something much warmer and pleasant than Milk's words. He wasn't going to let her malice spoil what was beginning to feel like a genuinely sweet gesture. Dunk crossed his arms disapprovingly, but when he looked at Milk, he simply clicked his tongue and returned to his stretching without saying more. He was determined to ignore the annoying omega's words and focus on his training. However, before he could move, Boom, who had been quietly watching, took a deep breath, visibly nervous. He tried to respond.
"Th-th-that... that was... d-disrespectful," he murmured, barely raising his voice so Milk could hear him.
She turned toward him with a malicious smile. "Disrespectful? Oh, Boom, of all people, you think you can teach me how to talk?" she said with a tone so mocking that even the other team members tensed up.
Boom diverted his gaze to the floor, his hands trembling slightly. Before he could back off, Phuwin stepped forward, his strong character surfacing. "Enough, Milk!" he exclaimed, raising his voice loud enough to be heard across the gym. "If you don't have anything useful to say, then just don't say anything."
The tension in the air was evident, and it seemed like things might escalate when the gym door suddenly slammed open, letting in the soccer team. Their cheerful voices filled the space as they walked toward the bleachers, unaware of the initial conflict.
Milk, realizing the presence of the alphas, tried to soften her attitude, straightening up and painting a fake smile on her face. "Well, that wasn't my intention. I was just joking. Right, guys?" she said in a much sweeter voice, turning her gaze toward Pond.
However, the alpha barely glanced at her. His eyes immediately focused on Phuwin, whose emotions seemed to have changed his scent, leaving a faint sour trail in the air. "Are you okay?" he asked, his brow furrowed, showing genuine concern.
Phuwin held his gaze for a moment before looking away. "I'm fine." He didn't want to talk about the incident in front of everyone. At least not now.
Dunk, who had been watching carefully, moved closer to Boom, taking his hands in a comforting gesture. "It's okay, Boom. Don't listen to her, alright? We know you're the best at all this. Milk's just jealous."
Boom shyly nodded, though his eyes sparkled with the gratitude he couldn't fully express. The feeling of having friends defend him was still something new for him, but it was nice. Dunk gave him a warm smile, his fingers lightly brushing Boom's before releasing them to avoid making him feel uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Joong and Aou walked straight toward them, leaving the other team members behind. Joong casually draped an arm around his boyfriend's shoulders, his protective gaze first landing on Phuwin, who looked angry, and then on Milk, as if evaluating the situation. "Hey, everyone," he greeted, trying to dissolve the tension with a smile. "Everything okay?"
Aou, on the other hand, seemed focused on Boom, his movements slightly hesitant as he raised a hand in a shy greeting. "Hey, Boom," he managed to say, far too cheerfully.
The omega immediately reacted, taking a step back to hide behind Phuwin, barely showing his head from behind his friend's shoulder. Aou lowered his hand, his expression reflecting disappointment for not being able to get closer.
However, just before that disappointment overwhelmed him, Boom peeked his face a little more and softly said: "H-h-hello, A-Aou." The shyness in his voice was evident, but the small smile accompanying his words made the alpha's face light up.
The small gesture didn't go unnoticed. Santa murmured something like, "That was really cute," while Book laughed softly, and Dunk just rolled his eyes with a smile.
Aou couldn't stop looking at his hands as if he had just received a treasure, and Boom, though still shy, wore a slight smile that was hard to ignore. Meanwhile, Phuwin remained lost in thought, his brow slightly furrowed as he reflected. People like Milk irritated him, who resorted to mocking and cruelty just to get a bit of attention.
The tension eased a bit more when a familiar figure entered the gym. Mix, the cheerleading coach, walked in with energy, clapping loudly to grab everyone's attention.
"Alright, team, let's warm up! I want to see those legs moving and everyone stretching before their bodies rust!" he announced in his usual upbeat but demanding tone.
The omegas began to obey, moving to prepare their stretches while the alphas, although invited by Mix to "watch and learn," simply observed from the sidelines.
However, just as the atmosphere seemed to stabilize, the gym door opened again, this time revealing Earth, the soccer coach, with his imposing posture and air of authority that never went unnoticed. His eyes scanned the place, stopping immediately at the omegas who were too close to the goals.
"What are you doing here again? How many times do I have to tell you not to use this area?" he grumbled, crossing his arms and throwing a direct glare at the older omega.
Mix raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "We're using the remaining space because, you know, it's ours too. In fact, if you're so bothered, why don't you train elsewhere?"
The alpha took a couple of steps forward, scowling deeply, clearly annoyed at his colleague. "I don't know if you remember, but this space belongs to the soccer team too. My boys need to practice their plays, and your... theatrical moves can be done elsewhere."
Mix's expression hardened, and he stepped toward Earth. "Theatrical moves, huh? My omegas do more in a single jump than your guys do running back and forth like a wild herd," he pointed sharply at the alpha's chest.
"Sure, because that will definitely win you trophies, right?" he let out a dry laugh.
As the argument escalated, the omegas and alphas on the floor looked at each other with expressions of resignation. For them, this scene was as routine as training itself. Santa even exaggerated a yawn.
"How long do you think it'll take this time?" Fourth asked as he sat cross-legged.
"Ten minutes, at least," Sky replied lazily, resting his chin in his hand.
Santa nodded. "Five if Joong decides to intervene." He gestured toward his vice captain, but Joong just rolled his eyes. He really didn't want to deal with the seniors today.
Meanwhile, Dunk murmured something reassuring to Boom, who still seemed a little nervous after the omega's intervention. Phuwin, however, barely listened, too focused on observing the dynamic between the coaches, wondering how they managed to argue about the same thing every week without running out of arguments.
"Hey, do you think they'd actually start in five minutes if we ignore them?" Aou asked timidly to Phuwin, who barely snapped back into focus to respond.
"From experience, I doubt it'll be less than ten. But if you want to do something productive while we wait, go ahead." He took another sip of his water bottle as he spoke, drawing Aou's attention back and, in passing, Pond's curious gaze.
As the coaches continued their daily dispute, the boys remained seated on the floor, some joking among themselves, others just resigned to the slight delay, now taken as part of their routine.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The gym was nearly silent after the intense workout. The only sound filling the air was the heavy breathing of the students and the laughter of Fourth, who was energetically running around despite the exhausting day, pestering one of the football team's alphas to let him practice penalties with him. His high-pitched voice echoed like a cheerful tune, lightening the stifling atmosphere.
Phuwin leaned against a nearby pillar while drinking water, observing Fourth's antics with a slight smile. That omega seemed to have an endless battery, and it was impossible not to catch some of his childish enthusiasm, even if just a little. However, that brief moment of peace didn’t last long.
Before he could notice, his bottle was snatched from his hands with a quick motion, causing a few drops to splatter on his uniform. He turned abruptly toward the source of the disturbance only to find Pond, already bringing the bottle to his lips with the cheekiest expression he could muster.
“What are you doing, Naravit?” Phuwin snapped, glaring at him.
Pond didn’t respond immediately. He just continued drinking until the bottle was empty. He lowered the bottle with a satisfied expression and let out an audible “ahhh,” as though he had just tasted the best water in the world.
“I was thirsty. Thanks for sharing, Phuwinnie.”
Phuwin blinked, incredulous, a slight blush creeping up his cheeks. Another childish nickname slipping from the alpha's lips was like a spark that ignited his irritation.
“What kind of rude alpha does something so childish? Didn’t they teach you manners at home?”
“Of course, they did, but I guess someone had to teach you not to neglect your stuff,” Pond replied, crossing his arms with a mocking smile, raising an eyebrow in challenge.
“I didn’t neglect anything! You snatched it from me, water thief!” Phuwin shot back, pointing an accusing finger at him.
“That’s not a crime, bunny. But I should worry about your manners; it must be hard for your nonexistent social skills,” Pond fired back.
Phuwin’s jaw tightened at the new nickname, feeling on the edge of exploding. Boom, who had been standing aside, gently tugged at his friend’s sleeve to calm him, but his efforts were ignored.
“You’d better hope an alpha like you isn’t going to complain about someone else’s social skills when you can’t even ask to borrow water like a decent person!” Phuwin yelled.
“I think I prefer not asking for your permission. It’d be boring. Isn’t it more fun when you get mad?” Pond quipped with bravado, placing his hands on his hips, his smile showing he was only warming up.
Around them, some teammates began to stop their conversations to watch the exchange. Fourth, completely entertained by the scene, set his ball aside and rolled it toward Sky, who muttered something about how tired they should be to still have energy to argue.
The air felt charged with their energy as Phuwin’s shouts and Pond’s sharp remarks echoed back and forth, their voices resounding across the gym like a continuation of the endless arguments between Mix and Earth. Still, the intensity they shared in this strangely familiar dynamic felt almost hypnotic.
Off to the side, Dunk and Joong exchanged a knowing look while Fourth laughed softly and said, “If this keeps up, we should start charging tickets. This is way more entertaining than any practice.”
Phuwin took a deep breath, his eyes blazing with frustration. “You always give me horrible, silly nicknames! You can’t even call me by my real name—the beautiful name my mother gave me.”
Pond raised an eyebrow, his mocking smile growing as he heard Phuwin’s complaint. “You always call me Naravit. What happened to cute nicknames? Why don’t you try giving me one as cute as yours? Let’s see if you can.”
Phuwin stared at him, completely dumbfounded by the lack of logic in that argument. “’Cute’?” he repeated sarcastically, crossing his arms. He paused briefly, frowning as he thought. Then, lifting his chin stubbornly and speaking in an exaggeratedly childish tone, he announced, “Fine, I’ll call you… Dumb Pond. Because you're a dumb, ugly, rude alpha.”
A couple of teammates snickered at the nickname while Pond placed a hand on his chest, pretending to be mortally wounded. “Dumb Pond? Wow, how creative, Phuphu. I’m melting from how adorable you are while trying to insult me.”
“Stop calling me that!” Phuwin retorted, his face fully red now, pointing his finger at him.
“I’m just telling the truth,” the alpha countered with a wink, making the poor omega grunt in frustration as he watched Pond grab the empty bottle and hold it like he was going to give it back.
Boom, from his place behind his friend, couldn’t help but laugh softly, though he was still trying to calm Phuwin by reassuringly patting his shoulder. In the end, it seemed that the dynamic between the alpha and omega was as chaotic as it was constant, leaving everyone with a mixture of entertainment and confusion.
Joong, tired of listening to the argument that clearly wasn’t going anywhere, approached with a patient smile and placed a hand on Pond's shoulder to get his attention.
“Hey, are you coming over to my place today? If you want, I can give you a ride.”
Pond shook his head but didn’t lose his smile. “Yeah, but I brought my car.”
Phuwin, who had been biting the inside of his cheek to avoid losing his temper, completely lost control upon hearing that. He ran up to Joong, grabbed him by the arm, and began complaining almost in a childish tantrum. “Why do I have to put up with him at home too?! It’s bad enough having to see his face at school! Are you punishing me or something? If it’s because I told you you eat like a pig or that you’re ridiculously cheesy, I already said I’m sorry, but please don’t make me deal with this, Chen.”
His brother simply laughed at the scene, running his free hand through Phuwin's hair to tousle it lovingly. “Calm down, little one, it’s not that serious. Besides, you’ve invited Dunk to eat with you so many times already, haven’t you? Now, deal with it.”
“It’s not the same! He’s literally your boyfriend, he spends more time with you when he goes over,” Phuwin protested, pouting exaggeratedly while trying to push his brother’s hand away. His eyes shone with determination as he searched for a solution to his dilemma.
Determined not to be left alone with the two alphas, he turned to his best friend with an almost pleading gesture. "Dunk, come home with me, please. "
His friend shrugged, a mix of regret and amusement in his eyes as he gently shook his head. "Sorry, I have to help my mom with the shop. "
Phuwin pouted, now turning toward Boom with the same pleading look. "And you, Jelly? Come with me, please."
The boy, always polite, smiled shyly while looking away. "Sorry, I... they’re waiting for me at home for dinner. "
He let out a frustrated sigh and then tried once more with Book, who was already putting on his jacket to leave.
"Book, you wouldn’t leave me alone, right?"
The person in question didn’t hesitate in his response. "I wish I could, but Force and I have a date, darling."
Phuwin barely had time to frown before Force intervened, looking at him with a teasing smile. "Don’t be like that, Phuphu. Pond’s not so bad. You should take the opportunity to spend time with him."
"Nobody asked for your opinion, Force! " he snapped, turning red with indignation.
The omega turned toward his last options, Santa and Fourth, who were talking amongst themselves while collecting their things. "Can you two?"
Santa shook his head while Fourth chuckled softly.
"We have a project to do together " Fourth explained, shaking his head.
Phuwin dropped his shoulders, completely defeated. Joong looked at him with amusement as he ruffled his hair.
"Looks like you’re out of options, huh?"
Before he could reply, Pond intervened, crossing his arms and wearing an expression clearly designed to irritate the omega even more.
"Don’t worry, Phuphu. I’ll play with you so you don’t feel so lonely."
Phuwin’s face turned red instantly, his frustration boiling over.
"You’re an idiot, ugly, and rude! " he shouted furiously, turning his back to Pond to walk off the field.
Pond chuckled under his breath while watching the little storm move away, always enjoying the show.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The brothers' house always had an air of loneliness, despite being filled with memories. Their alpha mother worked tirelessly at the hospital, taking double shifts to keep them afloat after their omega mother passed away several years ago. This had turned the three of them into a small, self-sufficient family, trying to fill the void with laughter and trivial arguments. That night was no exception.
As soon as they entered, Phuwin threw his backpack on the floor next to the stairs, declaring with a frown.
" I'll shower first."
He didn’t even wait for a response, rushing up the stairs and leaving the alphas in the living room. Joong let out a laugh as he sat on the couch, turning on the console.
"Don’t forget to come down for dinner, Phuwin! " he yelled, although he didn’t expect a response.
Pond let himself fall beside him, picking up the spare controller.
"It’s fun when he gets mad".
"It’s more cute than anything " the other remarked, selecting his team for the virtual soccer game.
However, the omega had the final word. Peeking his head over the stair railing, he shouted.
"I’ll only have dinner with you if you shower first! You’re all filthy!"
"Yes, yes, whatever you say, princess "Chen responded without taking his eyes off the screen, while Pond held back a laugh.
After a big shower, Phuwin entered his room, letting out a sigh as he turned on the desk lamp. Wrapped in a towel, he began to dry his hair with careful movements, glancing at the pajamas his brother had given him months ago. It was ridiculously childish: an oversized light blue t-shirt with a picture of a little bear sleeping on the moon, paired with shorts of the same color and tiny white stars scattered all over.
Phuwin had protested the first time he saw it, telling Joong it was a crime against fashion, but he couldn’t deny that it was comfortable, and it reminded him of the way his older brother always saw him as "his little one."
He sat at his desk with damp hair and pajamas on, resting his chin on his hand as he reflected on the events of the day. However, he quickly pushed these thoughts aside as he heard the commotion from downstairs. The sound of Joong and Pond laughing echoed throughout the house as they played their game intensely. A faint smile crossed his lips, although he wasn’t willing to admit out loud what it felt like having them both around.
Phuwin remained at his desk, elbows on the surface, his fingers nervously playing with a small scrap of paper in his hand. "Take care." It was a simple word, but the message, along with the little dog drawing, resonated with a sweetness that left him thinking too much. Beside him, the wrapper of the sour gummies lay open, but he’d only eaten one. It was hard for him to allow himself those small pleasures.
He let out a soft, almost imperceptible laugh as he stared at the note. Who would have thought of him that way? He had only allowed himself to fall in love once, but even then, he had so many fears and insecurities. Now, between endless practices, classes, and his strict routine, he couldn’t imagine where a relationship would fit. Still, it felt good to think that someone cared about him.
His thoughts started to wander, and his gaze inevitably drifted to the shelf beside his desk, where a framed photo rested carefully. He picked it up in his hands: it was a childhood photo, from a time when everything still seemed whole. Joong was there, smaller, with messy hair and protective arms around him, and between them, their omega mother, Arinya, smiling warmly as she hugged them both.
"Mom..."he whispered, allowing himself a moment to connect with the memory. Speaking to her photo always made his chest feel less heavy, even if just for a while, it was the closest he could get to having her back. He gently touched her smiling face with his thumb and let out the words that had been trapped.
"Today I found this " he lifted the note, though he knew no one would see it. " It’s silly, isn’t it? That I’m so worried about something like this."
He sighed, leaving the note on the desk while continuing to gaze at the photo.
"Although... someone went through the trouble of putting it there. Someone knows I like these things..." he lowered his voice, more to himself than anyone else ". I’ve only felt something like this once, you know? Something similar... but I ended up keeping it to myself. There wasn’t room for it, no room for... for boyfriends. Not back then, and I don’t think there is now.
He shrugged lightly and set the photo back in its place, but didn’t look away.
"But you’d tell me to give it a chance, right? Because you always knew what to say... Always. Mom, mom Nikki was so overprotective... I remember how she grilled Dunk when they started dating" his tone turned a bit more playful as he imitated his mother’s voice, exaggerating to give it strength "What are your intentions with my son? Will you take care of him? Do you know how lucky you are?" his soft laugh filled the room. "It was funny seeing him go pale. But in the end, he was the right one for Chen, wasn’t he?"
He let a pause fill the space before continuing, more slowly, as though the words carried more weight.
"If you were here... you’d know what to say to me. You’d be excited and tell me to at least try, not to dismiss it so quickly... but it’s hard, mom. Without you... it’s hard."
Phuwin closed his eyes for a second, catching the pang of pain that came from saying those words. A trembling sigh escaped his lips before he opened his eyes again. He picked up the note again and, with almost reverent motion, stuck it on the wall next to his desk.
Outside, in the hallway, Pond had stopped his walk. With a towel over his shoulder and barefoot, he hadn’t expected to hear the omega’s voice resonating from the slightly open door. Sensing his wolf unsettled at the sadness of the boy, he wanted to tell him he would always care for him, but from his position, he chose not to intervene. He simply continued walking toward the bathroom, leaving Phuwin alone with his memories and that silent yet warm message on his wall. Hoping it would have an effect.
Notes:
If you liked it, leave a comment, I really enjoy reading and replying to them 😊
Chapter 4: ❝[𝟎𝟎𝟒]: 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐲"❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The dawn tinged the sky with warm strokes as Phuwin crossed the door of his house, still breathing in a controlled rhythm after his morning routine. His hair stayed in place despite the wind, and his clothes, though suited for exercise, would never cross the fine line into negligence. Discipline was his greatest virtue, and personal appearance, an unwavering priority.
He climbed the stairs with a determined step, heading straight to his room, where the ritual of every morning awaited: a refreshing shower, careful skincare, and the precise selection of his outfit. It wasn’t vanity; it was principle. He looked good because that’s how it should be.
Dunk always said he put in more effort than anyone with a date, but what did it matter? He rolled his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose before grabbing his towel. "It’s for me, it has nothing to do with some stupid alpha," he thought, silencing the imaginary voices.
It was exhausting. No matter what he did, there was always someone with a ready comment to belittle him. Every week he was part of some rumor: that he was flirting with half the football team, that his skirts were an intentional provocation, that his mere existence was 'too eye-catching.' Some whispered with admiration, others with venom, but in the end, it didn’t matter. You learn to ignore it when you have to hear the same thing over and over.
After a relaxing shower, he faced his closet with the seriousness of someone about to make a declaration of war. His style wasn’t a whim; it was a philosophy of life. He chose a light blue, fitted sweater, so perfectly molded to his figure that it seemed like a second skin, and white shorts strategically selected to demonstrate two things: that his legs were flawless and that anyone who mocked them was simply a jealous person with no sense of aesthetics.
But the real gem was the delicate white choker that he tied around his neck with surgical precision. Omegas could wear whatever they wanted, but of course, just him wearing one was enough for someone to make a comment about how "suggestive" it was. How funny. There was something daring, almost sinful, in adorning his neck, that precious weak spot of omegas that alphas looked at with desire. As if he had worn it with the intention of attracting stares. It was a simple accessory that, by coincidence, highlighted the forbidden, the unattainable. Did an alpha get distracted by it? It wasn’t his fault they had such weak willpower.
He added a touch of blush to his cheeks for that radiant finish, like someone who was about to receive the best compliment of the day, and finished with his inseparable watermelon gloss, achieving the perfect balance between sophistication and natural carefreeness.
The message was always clear to anyone daring enough to flirt with him. He didn’t need an alpha. He had never needed one. Now, if someone fell for him... that was their problem.
He walked down the stairs with a light step, satisfied with how he looked and determined to start the day on the right foot. Normally, he went for his reliable cereal with milk breakfast, quick and efficient, but that morning he had plenty of time. He decided to treat himself to something different, oatmeal pancakes and lemon tea, his favorite.
When he reached the kitchen, he opened the cabinets looking for his favorite mug, the one with a small drawing of kittens on the edge. However, as usual, he discovered it was on the top shelf. Living with alphas is a logistical nightmare, he thought, as he stood on tiptoes uselessly.
“Always put everything on the top shelf,” he murmured in frustration, stretching his hand even further. Just as his finger brushed the edge of the mug, a larger, more confident hand passed over his, taking it effortlessly.
“Were you looking for this?” The deep voice, still laden with sleep, resonated behind him, along with a sudden warmth at his back.
Phuwin turned his head slowly, his eyes landing on a disheveled Pond, wearing a lazy expression and no shirt. The alpha's hair was tousled, as if he had just woken up from an uneasy sleep, dark strands falling messily over his forehead. His bare torso radiated lazy confidence, with bronzed skin catching the light that filtered timidly through the window. He held the mug in one hand, his long fingers loosely wrapped around it, while a nonchalant smile tugged at his lips. The way his words caressed his ear had an inexplicable effect on him, something that made each word feel like an unintentional challenge and yet, completely calculated.
He blinked several times, stunned, as if his brain was trying to reboot after a sudden crash. The sharp retort that should have automatically left his lips got stuck somewhere between his pride and his throat, smothered by an annoying knot of confusion. He tried, he really tried, to articulate something biting, some reply worthy of his verbal agility, but his mind had turned into an absurd jumble of heat and distraction.
He couldn't help it. His eyes, like traitorous magnets, once again drifted toward Pond's exposed torso, unwittingly following the path of firm muscles and the way the soft kitchen light outlined his form with an almost cruel precision. Had he always been this built? It seemed designed to accentuate how naturally he occupied the space, as if it was the most natural thing in the world to stand there, mere inches from his face, disheveled with that satisfied smile that made his patience boil.
And the worst part was that his own body decided to rebel against him. First, the subtle tingling that ran down his neck; then, the burning that spread mercilessly across his cheeks, heating them up until he felt he could light up the room with the warmth flooding his face. It was unbearable.
“G-God, put on some clothes, please!” he finally stammered, stepping back.
The alpha let out a low chuckle, leaning slightly toward him as he placed the mug on the counter. “Why? If you want to look, I can stay like this. Or better yet, take a picture, it'll last longer,” he joked, with a cocky smile that only made the blush in his cheeks deepen. For the first time, he felt shy around the guy, which was ridiculous. They'd known each other forever, and it was just Pond, not some conventionally attractive alpha he could be attracted to.
“Idiot!” Phuwin shouted, raising a hand to smack him on the chest. The alpha barely flinched, laughing even more as he stepped back, clearly enjoying seeing him so nervous.
With his ears still red, Phuwin quickly spun on his heels and refocused on his breakfast. He pressed his lips together, trying to calm his breathing as he poured the pancake batter into the pan, completely ignoring the guy.
Pond glided in with the same natural ease as a shadow invading a space uninvited. He moved through the kitchen like it was his own, completely unaware of the discomfort of his host. With a blatantly lazy air, he crossed his arms over the edge of the table and leaned his weight against it, studying Phuwin with a gaze that was too persistent, as if he was analyzing every tiny detail.
The omega, on the other hand, kept his attention firmly on his pancakes, determined to ignore him. But there was nothing about Pond that could be overlooked so easily, not when he had that big kid attitude that always managed to get into places he wasn’t called. His eyes slid over to the white choker around Phuwin’s neck, accentuating his soft and delicate skin. Such a cute thing.
Of course, leaving him alone was not an option.
A mischievous smile curved on Pond's lips before he leaned in a little further. “You’re not going to make breakfast for me too?” he asked with the sweetest false tone he could muster, his voice tinged with feigned innocence.
Phuwin huffed in exasperation, turning his back as he flipped the pancake with a much harsher motion than necessary. “On top of invading my house, you want to eat my food? What a nerve you have, stupid Pond,” he muttered.
The alpha smiled wider, delighted with the reaction. Phuwin trying to ignore him? As if that would work.
In a move as fast as it was annoying, he slid behind him without warning, and with shameless confidence, in an instant, a pair of lazy arms slipped around his waist, with the familiarity of someone who didn't understand the concept of personal boundaries. A light weight settled on his shoulder, and before he could react, the grip around his waist wasn’t forceful or invasive, but it was enough to trigger all of Phuwin's alarms. He felt the barely perceptible pressure of a big hand on his side, holding him easily, as if it required no effort at all.
Pond looked down, curiously following the size of his own hand in contrast to Phuwin's body. It was… interesting.
Too interesting.
Without thinking much, he tightened his fingers a little more, feeling the softness of the fabric against his palm and how easy it was to encircle his narrow waist with one hand. A small detail, insignificant really, that his alpha side noticed with a bothersome spark of instinctual interest. But of course, he would never admit it.
Please, Phuphu,” he whispered near his ear, stretching the last syllable of his nickname with a sugary tone. Phuwin tensed instantly, a jolt of annoyance running down his spine. “Come on, don’t be mean,” he insisted, his voice dripping with falseness as he exaggeratedly batted his eyelashes. Then he upped the ante. “Please, please, pleaaase—”
Phuwin slammed the spatula against his forehead before he could finish the last syllable.
“GET OUT OF THE WAY!”
Pond burst out laughing with all the satisfaction in the world, rubbing his forehead as he pretended to be offended. “How violent, Phuphu,” he lamented, without a hint of seriousness, that smug smile still plastered on his face. “Do you always treat your admirers like that?”
The omega clicked his tongue, turning on his heels with narrowed eyes. “You’re such a pain in the ass, did you know that?”
“A pain with hunger, in case you still didn’t catch that.”
It was incredible how quickly this alpha could drain his patience.
Phuwin closed his eyes in frustration, taking a deep breath as if he needed to gather his patience before facing the alpha again. His fingers gripped the spatula with a trembling hold, and he exhaled slowly before turning around, ready to throw another reprimand his way.
But the words never crossed his lips.
When he turned around, the alpha was closer than he had calculated, close enough to notice the subtle sweet scent floating between them, a mix of honey and something fresher, lighter… coffee. The distance disappeared in his perception as Pond’s eyes slid, almost unknowingly, to the white choker that shamelessly framed Phuwin’s neck with elegant sophistication. He’d always known it: the omega was beautiful, but there was something about that simple accessory that made him impossible to ignore. God knew he was a weak man, and if his best friend’s little brother was the forbidden fruit, then he would surely be Eve.
However, the sight of his neck was only a brief obstacle before his eyes moved up to his face, instantly trapped by the shine of lips that, pressed with impatience, reflected the kitchen’s light with a tempting softness. A subtle, juicy pink, with that perfect finish that made them seem slightly damp, ready to catch anyone and turn them into a problem.
He swallowed, too late to hide it.
“You have... shiny lips,” his voice came out as a whisper, softer, as if his thoughts had escaped without permission. He didn’t even think his brain would be able to form a coherent sentence.
Phuwin blinked, feeling the alpha’s gaze fixed on his mouth. For a moment, his mind thought it might be innocent interest, maybe wanting to know the brand so he could gift it to some omega he’d been rumored to have conquered, and he forced himself to respond casually, trying to maintain his composure.
“It’s watermelon gloss,” he said simply, and as if he needed to prove it, he pressed his lips together in a slight movement that made the glossy shine even more obvious.
A mistake. A huge mistake.
Because if the sight of his lips had caught Pond’s attention, that small gesture sealed his fate. The alpha squinted, as if processing something much more interesting than a simple comment. Then, still mesmerized, he murmured,
“Honey and watermelon… sounds like a good combination. I wonder if it really tastes sweet.”
Phuwin felt his brain short-circuit.
The phrase took exactly a second to settle in, but when it did, it was like a blaze running through his body from head to toe. He never mentioned the product tasting like honey; the only thing related to honey was his pheromones. A fierce heat rose up his neck to his cheeks, setting every inch of his skin on fire while his grip on the spatula faltered, his fingers barely managing to keep it from slipping out of his hand.
“Why are you bothering my little brother so early?” Joong’s exasperated voice burst into the moment with the subtlety of a bomb. Before the alpha could react, he delivered a smack to the back of his neck, making him yelp exaggeratedly as he clutched his neck.
“Ouch! It was just a joke, relax!” he complained, frowning, but Joong only looked at him with narrowed eyes, clearly not buying his innocence.
The omega squeezed his eyes shut, exhaling again. This time, however, the heat in his face had less to do with frustration... and more with the embarrassing thrum of his own heart.
Phuwin ended up making hotcakes for everyone, although he continued to murmur under his breath about opportunistic alphas and their inability to leave him alone. Soon, the three of them were sitting at the kitchen table, with towers of freshly made hotcakes in front of them. The sweet smell mixed with the hot coffee the alphas had made and his beloved tea.
The conversation flowed naturally into trivial topics. Complaints about the workload, teasing comments, an argument about who had finished the last box of cereal without telling anyone. Nothing out of the ordinary until the topic took a more serious turn.
“By the way, Phu, mom said she won’t be home again tonight,” his brother commented between bites, with the ease of someone who was far too accustomed to hearing that kind of news.
The fork halted halfway before returning to his plate.
“Another double shift?”
“Yeah, looks like there were several new cases in her ward, and everyone had to stay. You know how it is.”
Phuwin knew exactly how it was. Since their other mom passed away, the hospital had become more than just a workplace—it had become her refuge. An escape wrapped in endless shifts, urgent files, and white lights blinking at odd hours. She made sure both of them were okay, that they had everything they needed, but rarely took a moment for herself. As if resting would mean admitting that there were too many empty spaces at home, too many memories trapped in the corners.
He felt a lump in his throat and looked down, sliding his finger along the edge of his cup.
“Do you think they’re giving her decent food? Hospital cafeterias aren’t always that great... And I’m not sure she has time to go out and find something.”
Joong glanced at him out of the corner of his eye before softening his expression.
“Well, we could take her something tonight if you want.”
A third voice interrupted, with the same lack of discretion as always.
“If we go, can I choose the dessert? She probably likes something with chocolate. It’s universal, right?”
The sharp look he received in response spoke for itself.
“No one invited you, and we’re not bringing her junk. She needs real food. Something nutritious, not the nonsense you eat.”
“Hey, chocolate is nutritious if you think about it. Pure energy.”
Arms crossed in a clear gesture of disapproval.
“Uh-huh. As if you were an expert in nutrition now.”
His brother’s barely concealed giggles didn’t help at all, but in the end, he let out a resigned sigh. Because despite everything... he already knew he wouldn’t get rid of his presence.
“Just don’t get in the way, okay?”
A satisfied smile immediately appeared in front of him, triumphant, as if he had just won something.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The hallway was a parade of yawns and dragging steps. Despite the hustle and bustle, the students' enthusiasm seemed to still be caught in the sheets, resisting the start of the day. You could see backpacks hanging from one shoulder, sleepy expressions, and a few failed attempts to be less disheveled before the first class.
Among all the red and white uniforms, their group stood out not for order or discipline, but for the chaotic energy that surrounded them. Joong walked with the sluggish steps of someone who had clearly gotten up less than ten minutes ago, Dunk made up for his lack of energy by chattering about some topic that only seemed to entertain him, and behind them, Pond stretched halfway with his hands in his pockets, as if the world still hadn't convinced him that being awake was a good idea.
"I'm telling you, these practices are a show. The football team and the cheerleaders can't stop fighting for the space, and I'm not just talking about the field. The coaches don't fall behind either. I don't know how they feel so comfortable fighting over the space on the field when everyone has to be there, and when I say everyone, I mean it with emphasis!"
Joong, who at that moment seemed to have more coffee in his veins than thoughts, lifted his gaze for a second, half awake.
"The war between Mix and Earth has been red-hot for years," he said in a bored tone while taking a sip from his second cup of caffeine that morning. As if speaking about the most normal thing in the world. "If it weren't for the fact that they both seem like they're about to kill each other with their yelling, we'd think they were going to declare it at any moment."
Dunk stopped, exaggerating a slight startle and looking at his boyfriend. He knew certain rumors surrounded the coaches. And not that he was nosy—he'd rather call it staying informed.
“So, is there really something between those two?” he asked, expecting an "inside scoop" that only the sub-captain of the football team would know, given the closeness he might have with the coach.
Pond, who had stayed quiet up until then, walking behind everyone with his hands in his pockets and a permanently unfocused expression, decided to chime in with his comments.
"Oh yeah, there's something, or at least that's what I think," he said sarcastically, watching Dunk swallow the answer and stay thoughtful for a good few seconds. "I imagine that when they aren't fighting for space on the field, Coach Earth gets distracted watching him give instructions. I could swear I've seen him as if he's the last omega on the planet."
Joong's laughter broke through the silence like lightning as he threw an amused and teasing glance at certain two people.
"Nothing weird about it. I guess it's like they say, those who fight, love each other. They love that, don't they? The more noise, the more feelings kept hidden."
Phuwin, who had been trying to ignore the topic up until then, looked up from his phone with an almost incredulous expression. In that instant, a spark of indignation appeared in his eyes as he heard the absurd comparisons being made between him and Joong with the two coaches. He couldn’t stand it, so he tried to refute it with the first thing that came to mind.
“Ridiculous!” he huffed, watching as everyone, even Pond, was already imagining ridiculous practice scenarios. "Mix and Earth together... that's really out of place. No one can imagine that after yelling at each other on the field, they end up having coffee as if everything is normal."
Although their attention didn’t last long on the topic when a familiar figure approached them with shy steps. Boom appeared beside them, gripping the straps of his backpack as if it kept him anchored. He looked at Phuwin with an awkward smile, avoiding making direct eye contact with the others.
“Good morning, Boom,” Phuwin greeted first with a warm smile, his voice softening the atmosphere around them. Boom, with his face slightly flushed, looked up just long enough to briefly make eye contact with the omega before immediately looking away, keeping his gaze on his own shoes. He wasn’t exactly good at eye contact.
“H-h-hello,” he responded, a little shy, his words a bit stilted, but full of the warm tone that only he could convey.
But then, a whirlwind of energy burst into the hallway. Aou appeared on the scene, filled with enthusiasm unusual for the time of day, staying true to his ability to walk into any room and make it his own.
“Good morning, guys!” Aou greeted with his vibrant voice, quick steps, and the gleam in his eyes that made him look like a little kid. He walked straight toward the group, flashing smiles and greetings at everyone. But as he reached the side of the brown-haired omega, he stopped and stared at him intently. A spark of recognition crossed his face before he let out a cheerful shout. "Oh, wow, Boom! You look... great today!”
Boom froze like a statue, his eyes wide. He opened and closed his mouth, unsure of what to do, feeling the heat of embarrassment accumulate in his cheeks. The look Aou was giving him was anything but subtle; it was pure attention. Something Boom didn’t know how to handle.
Aou, feeling like he had invaded Boom’s personal space a bit too much, nervously laughed as if trying to lower the temperature of the situation. But the awkwardness of his comment was so far from what could be considered a subtle compliment that all that came out of his mouth was a completely clumsy wordplay.
Phuwin felt good about that small gesture. Maybe it wasn’t much, but he knew the boy well and understood how hard it was for him to socialize. People had been cruel to him in the past, and he couldn’t blame him for being afraid to trust others. More than anything, he was glad to see him as a friend.
“It’s not that you... look bad the other days... it's... it’s just that...” he hastily babbled, his own cheeks suddenly flushing, getting more nervous by the minute. “I like your sweater today! It’s amazing!” he added, pointing to Boom’s sweater with an exaggerated gesture, which seemed more like a desperate attempt to save the situation.
Boom felt like he was standing in the middle of a tornado of discomfort. He tried to respond. The alpha was incredibly adorable when he got nervous.
“T-t-t... t-thank you,” he finally whispered. “Y-you... look good too, A-aou.” He gave his best effort not to trip over his words and speak clearly with the dark-haired boy, who seemed to regain color in his face, making him laugh softly while covering his mouth.
The friends watching the scene smiled amused, and Phuwin couldn’t help but grin at all the tenderness. The atmosphere was light and warm, like the sun beginning to shine brightly through the halls. However, that peace wouldn’t last long.
Milk's arrival to the place was almost like a dark cloud eclipsing a bright day. She appeared at the end of the hallway, her steps firm and accompanied by the inseparable Love, who at least had the decency to greet the others with a small smile and a nod when they were near. Phuwin just gave a brief nod, while Joong and Dunk responded reluctantly with a wave.
Milk, on the other hand, ignored everyone and went straight to Pond with the possessive and childish attitude she always seemed to adopt when he was around. “Pondie~” she hummed, hanging from his arm with excessive force. The others could almost hear the air leaving his lungs in a sigh of resignation. “You didn’t reply to my messages last night.”
Pond tried to shake her off with a slight movement of his arm, his expression reflecting complete indifference to her complaint. “I stayed at Joong’s house. I wasn’t paying attention to my phone,” he replied with a disinterested calm that only intensified the omega’s persistence.
“That’s not an excuse!” she shrieked, hooking herself back onto his arm, this time with more strength, while trying to get his attention with an even sweeter voice. “Don’t you know how worried I was?”
Behind them, Dunk couldn’t resist Milk’s ridiculous attitude. With a barely suppressed laugh, he puffed out his cheeks like a pufferfish and pursed his lips in a crude imitation of the omega’s pout, swinging and recreating her absurd and childish tantrum while hanging onto his boyfriend, who, visibly amused, silently looked at him. He raised his hands as if he were in one of those Turkish soap operas his mother liked, pretending to be on the verge of tears as he whined in a pitiful tone, “Pondie~! Why didn’t you reply to my messages?”
Boom, noticing the performance, couldn’t help but laugh quietly, a genuine and sweet sound that caught Milk’s attention. The omega quickly turned to give him a sharp look, filled with disdain. Her cold eyes made him take a step back, subconsciously leaning toward Aou for some protection.
Aou, who had been watching the whole interaction with growing annoyance, narrowed his eyes, evaluating every detail. Something about the way she behaved caused him distrust. It wasn’t just Milk’s intentions that bothered him; it was the way she, with a simple approach, managed to disturb the balance of the small omega group. Dunk and Phuwin looked uncomfortable, as if everything around them made them uneasy, while Boom seemed nervous, trying to avoid the situation.
Aou’s gaze toward the omega grew colder, his eyes calculating, as if he were assessing his next move. He could feel the tension escalating between the present company, and he wasn’t going to let Milk turn that area into her battleground.
Milk, noticing it, not only ignored his presence but focused more on Pond, as if trying to keep his attention solely on her. Without wasting time, she took a step closer, if that were even possible, with a coquettish smile, a single goal in her mind.
“Hey, Pondie,” she began, her voice soft and full of insinuations. “I was thinking… why don’t we go out this weekend? I’d like to spend some time with you… alone.”
The alpha looked at her with a calm expression, neither too friendly nor too sharp, rather indifferent, but his tone was clear and firm in his response.
“Sorry, Milk, but I already have plans,” he replied, without changing his voice. Then, without pausing, he added, “I’ll be with Phuwin and Joong.”
The refusal wasn’t exactly a surprise to her, but it still sparked a bit of annoyance. She knew Pond always stayed with those two brothers, especially behind Phuwin. Her smile, which had been a reflection of confidence, faded, replaced by a shadow of irritation. To her, the boy was the obstacle keeping her from getting Pond’s attention. In her mind, he had something she would never get: the absolute attention of such a desired alpha. She gritted her teeth, the poison of jealousy bubbling inside her.
“Oh...” was all she could say in an attempt to show indifference, but the tone in her voice revealed an anger that was building up at full speed.
Phuwin noticed her look but remained unconcerned; the topic had nothing to do with him. He was just there because his friends hadn’t moved to go to class yet, still stuck in the gossip. That didn’t concern him—neither the rejection nor anything happening between them. She knew perfectly well that her whole façade of kindness held not an ounce of affection for him. In fact, she didn’t even care to understand the constant competition Milk seemed to feel toward him.
The omega tried to compose herself, smoothing her blouse as though she could shake off the discomfort, and smiled, but the smile now looked more like a forced grimace.
“Ah...” she said, her voice trying to sound sweet but barely concealing her frustration. “How nice...” She rolled her eyes with a shamelessness that only discomfort allowed. “Well, you know, it’s fine… enjoy yourselves then!” She forced a laugh, but the tone never reached that genuine lightness.
“Can we go to class already?” Phuwin finally said with an exasperated sigh, breaking the awkward silence that had settled over the group.
Pond, taking advantage of the comment, skillfully slipped out of Milk’s grip. “Yeah, sure. Let’s go, before the teacher calls roll,” he said quickly, walking toward Joong without waiting for a response.
Milk looked at the others as if the whole group was responsible for Pond slipping away from her, but she decided not to comment further. As she fixed her hair, she threw one last hostile look at Boom before begrudgingly following the alpha, dragging Love behind her.
“What’s up with this girl?” Dunk murmured quietly enough for only those nearby to hear.
Boom breathed a sigh of relief and stood up straighter next to Aou, who was still with his arms crossed and his jaw clenched. Seeing him more relaxed, the alpha gave him a light pat on the back, a bit softer than usual, and smiled kindly.
“It’s fine, Boom. Don’t let that nonsense get to you.”
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Notes:
I would like to ask if there is any cliché you would like me to add and think would fit the story. For example, sleeping in a place where there is only one bed, a bus trip where they sit together, etc. I’ll read your suggestions to think of more scenarios worthy of the Wattpad era!!
Chapter 5: ❝[𝟎𝟎𝟓]: 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐲❞
Notes:
Thank you for the idea comments, they inspired me a lot, and especially a big thanks to @Tahiyaorsha for inspiring me with their creativity, not only with this chapter but also with a fundamental part of the story. (っ◕‿◕)っ
Chapter Text
The training was progressing energetically. The voices of the coaches echoed between the sound of sneakers hitting the floor and the labored breaths of those repeating their moves over and over. In the middle of the session, a poorly executed jump caused the landing to be less clean than Phuwin had expected, but before he could try again, the annoying feeling of being watched distracted his attention.
He bent down to stretch his legs with the ease of someone who had perfected each movement, making sure his skirt didn’t lift too much despite the safety shorts underneath. Next to him, Dunk and Boom’s lively chatter mixed with the buzz of the training, but his focus was interrupted by a presence that was far too familiar. From the bleachers, someone took a drink of water with apparent indifference, although the way their eyes shifted toward him betrayed their true intentions.
"Wow, such dedication, huh?" Pond’s mocking voice came just as Phuwin finished adjusting his posture. "Don’t you get tired of trying to look so perfect all the time? I mean, we get it, you’re the pride of the team."
The omega clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he looked at the alpha with disdain.
"And you? Don’t you get tired of being here wasting time instead of practicing with your team?" he retorted with a fake smile. "Oh wait, I forgot... you’re probably afraid the others will realize you’re not as impressive as they think."
A carefree laugh was the only response he got before the alpha leaned a little toward him with that irritating attitude that made him even more unbearable.
"And you? Aren’t you afraid the wind will lift that little skirt of yours? You wouldn’t want to give everyone a free show, right?"
Shocked, he opened his mouth, but instead of words, his hand acted first, pushing firmly against the alpha’s chest. Not enough to make him stumble, but enough to make it clear that he wasn’t going to tolerate his nonsense.
"You’re disgusting!"
Another laugh echoed in the air. With his arms crossed and a satisfied smile, the alpha simply returned to his own training, enjoying the moment. After all, annoying him never failed to get a reaction from the omega.
Meanwhile, not far away, Milk watched them with a tense expression, her fists clenched against her thighs. She felt frustration boiling in her chest. Not only did she feel rejected by Pond, but every interaction between the omega and him only reinforced that feeling of helplessness.
«"What does Phuwin have that I don’t?"» she thought bitterly. «"Why is it always him who ends up stealing all of Pond’s attention?"»
Everything about him drove her crazy; his cheerful and confident personality, his closeness with others, and above all, his good looks, always highlighting how attractive he was in everyone’s eyes.
With a small huff, Milk turned her gaze away from the omega. "He must think so highly of himself. Always making everyone believe there’s no one more likable than him. What’s so special about him?" she thought, feeling the poison of jealousy sliding through her veins once again. To Milk, Phuwin was just a "cocky" and popular guy. He was always surrounded by people, smiling effortlessly, pulling everyone out of their comfort zones with his dazzling attitude. He seemed to be the center of attention wherever he went. If it wasn’t Pond paying attention to him, it was everyone else: Joong, Dunk, Aou, Boom... even Book, the cheerleading captain, was constantly showering him with public praise. Every compliment Phuwin received stung a little more, as if everyone around him was unconditionally drawn to him.
The competition between them was even more evident, since they both shared the same dream: to be the cheerleading captains. Milk didn’t doubt her ability to lead the team. She had worked hard to prove her worth, and deep down, she believed she should be the one in charge. But when she compared how Book, the current captain, treated her to how he treated Phuwin, she couldn’t help but feel belittled. While Book showered him with praise, offered advice, and recognized his efforts, all she got were corrections after corrections. It seemed like nothing she did compared to the shine Phuwin radiated just by being himself. All the training, all the rehearsals, all her efforts seemed to fade in front of that bright figure, like a sun, stealing the light in every room and with every word he spoke.
Despite it all, she was convinced she deserved a place among the popular crowd. She was cute, talented, and had good taste. So why did they treat her like she had a contagious disease? Every time she tried to get closer, she noticed how the conversation would die or how the looks would awkwardly shift away. She didn’t understand what she was doing wrong. Why was only Love interested in being her friend? Wasn’t anyone else able to see how valuable she was?
The worst part was that even Boom, with his clumsiness and that annoying stutter, seemed to be more accepted in the group than she was. How was that possible? He had no charisma or presence, yet there he was, laughing with everyone as if he truly belonged. Just the thought of it exasperated her. If anyone should be in that circle, it was her. To top it off, even that scrawny alpha, Aou, seemed interested in Boom. Boom! As if there were no better options. It was ridiculous. She couldn’t understand what anyone saw in him, what was so special about him that someone like Aou would pay attention to him. Meanwhile, here she was, with all her beauty and elegance, with no alpha after her. None. It was like she was invisible.
But that didn’t matter. In the end, she only needed one, and that was Pond. She had always been convinced they were destined to be together. They were the perfect couple in every way: the captain of the football team and the future cheerleading captain. He just had to realize it. And she wasn’t going to let anyone get in her way.
Least of all Phuwin.
If she already had to endure seeing him take all the attention within the team, she wasn’t going to let him steal what was hers. Pond belonged to her. And when they were finally together, when everything turned out as it should, everyone would realize how wrong they were to reject her.
"It’s never enough," she muttered to herself, under her breath, just as she saw Book telling Phuwin he was doing an excellent job. "I hate him..." she said with clenched lips, while subtly watching Phuwin from across the room. It wasn’t just his friendship with Pond that bothered her, but the fact that everyone saw Phuwin as someone to "support," and his steps were unquestioned. On the contrary, she had to be more than perfect, even her own plans, her ideas, her way of being. No one understood the real struggles she faced.
Love immediately noticed that something in Milk seemed off. Her scent, usually like an elegant perfume of fresh roses, had a different fragrance today, more faint, like wilted petals. It wasn't the first time she'd seen her like this, with pursed lips and a hardened gaze, fixed on a single point with an intensity that seemed to consume her from within. Love followed the direction of her eyes, meeting the same scene as always: Pond and Phuwin arguing, forgetting everyone around them.
She took a deep breath and approached cautiously, sitting next to her with the gentleness of someone who had already learned to walk on unstable ground.
"Milk... are you okay?" she asked softly, with the usual sweetness in her tone.
The other omega barely glanced at her before turning her attention back to the distance.
"I'm fine," she responded curtly, not bothering to hide her bad mood.
Love, however, didn't give up so easily. She rested her elbows on her knees and watched her closely, her head slightly tilted, as if trying to decipher what was going through her mind.
It was impossible not to look at her. Milk had always been dazzling in her eyes, with an almost untouchable beauty. Her skin, flawlessly white and well-cared for, reflected the light with a subtle glow, as if she had never known imperfection. Her lips, always with a natural red hue, had that perfect shape that made every word she spoke seem rehearsed, even when it was filled with poison. And then there were her eyes, dark and intense, with a sharp gleam that sometimes turned cruel without her noticing.
But what fascinated her most wasn't just her appearance, but the elegance with which she moved, the way she always kept her back straight, her chin held high, as if she were made to be admired. Even when she was upset, even when her brow furrowed in annoyance, Milk remained impeccable. Perfect in her own unreachable way.
Love swallowed discreetly, feeling that familiar pang of affection in her chest, the same one that always reminded her that she would never look at her the way she looked at her.
"You know you can talk to me, right?" she insisted, her voice warm, hopeful. "I don't like seeing you like this..."
The omega let out an impatient sigh and crossed her arms, her posture rigid as if trying to keep the frustration at bay. "You always say the same thing," she muttered. "You don't need to worry about me all the time, Love."
She looked away for a moment, fiddling with the folds of her skirt. Of course she cared. She always had. Since they were little, since they'd shared every dance competition, every exhausting rehearsal, every disapproving look from Milk's mother when something wasn't perfect. She had always been there, always in her shadow, always ready to hold her if she fell.
"It's just... I care about you a lot," she said softly, as if afraid her words were too strong, too obvious. "You mean a lot to me."
But she didn't even seem to listen. Or maybe she did and just didn't care. She just huffed, looking away with annoyance.
"If you really cared about me, you'd help me get Pond to notice me," she said, with no emotion. "Instead of being here wasting time with nonsense."
Love felt a stab in her chest. It wasn't the first time Milk had brushed her aside like that, as if she only served to fulfill her whims. But as always, she masked the pain with a faint smile, lowering her gaze as warm sadness tangled in her chest.
"Sure... whatever you want, Milk."
Even though her chest felt heavy, she knew there was nothing she could do about it. She couldn't fight for what she felt. She didn't even have the right to try. They were omegas. Two omegas. The world had always taught her that those kinds of feelings were wrong, that they could never be anything more. How could Milk, with her desire for perfection, with her obsession to fit the ideal image her mother had imposed on her, ever look at her with different eyes? Sometimes, in the most painful moments, she found herself wishing she were an alpha.
The sound of a laugh interrupted her thoughts. Love turned her head just in time to see the dark-haired guy running away, easily dodging an angry Phuwin who was chasing him after some prank. They were so different, yet everything about them seemed to fit.
Pond shone effortlessly, with that carefree confidence that she admired so much.
At that moment, Love understood Milk’s envy of Phuwin. Because she felt it herself toward Pond.
If she were like him... if she had that loud presence, that imposing height, if she could be beautiful the way alphas were... maybe Milk would love her.
All the thread of her depressive thoughts was suppressed by some not-so-unusual shouts.
The guys from the football team and the cheerleaders had stopped to watch how the two coaches were on the verge of a physical confrontation, exchanging shoves and sharp words.
“I’ll make the announcement!” said Earth, with his arms crossed and a completely serious expression, as if he were making a crucial decision. “This match is for my boys, so I’m the one who has to do it.”
Mix, unfazed, made a disdainful grimace before gently shoving him with his shoulder. It wasn’t a shove meant to move him, but to make it clear who had the last word.
“So what? You always make the important announcements,” Mix replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “We also need to practice our cheers, you know? So I’m making this announcement, got it?”
“It’s like watching two kids fight over a toy,” commented Force as he approached everyone who had gathered to watch their coaches argue, bored. He simply leaned on Book, resting his chin on his omega’s shoulder. Everyone present agreed with him.
Earth, now annoyed, shoved Mix harder, trying to take control of the situation by making the omega stumble. But Mix wasn’t having it. With a fluid movement, he stood up, jumped slightly back, brushed off nonexistent dirt from his hands, and, with surprising speed, lifted a leg, kicking one of the footballs that had been left lying around, hitting Earth in the head with a direct shot. The dry, resonating sound of the impact made the whole gym fall silent for a moment.
Earth’s face twisted from the blow, and everyone present couldn’t help but let out a collective laugh, though they tried to hide it.
“Well, well, nice kick, Coach Mix!” said Fourth, with a mischievous smile and eyes shining with amusement as he watched from the corner of the gym. “Maybe you should consider switching teams. You’d look pretty good in football.”
The laughter grew among the guys, and Mix, without losing his composure, turned to make an exaggerated bow. Despite the chaos, the tension finally dissipated. Earth, still looking grumpy, sighed and gave the long-awaited announcement.
“Well, well, fine…,” said the alpha in a low voice, a bit embarrassed by the whole scene. “The friendly match against the rival school will be next week. So, get ready, everyone. We need to be ready for the season.”
Mix, who had been waiting his turn to shine, couldn’t help but raise his index finger arrogantly toward the cheerleaders, as if he had been the one to organize everything.
“And don’t forget that my team will also be ready to get the crowd excited!” he said, winking, with an overly confident smile. But when he realized that it had actually been Earth who made the announcement, his expression changed to one of annoyance, complete with a pout. He crossed his arms, sighing softly. “Yeah, of course, always him…” he muttered to himself, not so subtly, as a small tantrum started to form.
The football team couldn’t help but laugh at Mix’s change of attitude, while the cheerleaders exchanged amused looks, not too surprised. Earth, however, looked at Mix with affection, unable to resist a slight smile as he saw his playful attitude. He couldn’t help but feel a certain sweetness toward him, even if he was a bit dramatic at times like this.
Chapter 6: ❝[𝟎𝟎𝟔]:𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫❞
Chapter Text
The soccer field was livelier than usual. Despite being a friendly match, the excitement of playing against another school always brought a special kind of energy. Players from both teams gathered in small groups, some catching up with old acquaintances, others exchanging playful banter about who would win this time. The cheerleaders were no exception; between stretches and last-minute adjustments to their uniforms, they were also chatting with members of the opposing team.
Phuwin stood next to one of the rival cheerleaders, a friendly omega who was enthusiastically talking about how hard it was to find a good hair gel that could withstand sweat. He nodded with interest, adding a comment or two about his own hair care routine, when a familiar shadow appeared beside him.
"Well, well..." Pond’s voice had that annoyingly confident tone he knew all too well. "Since when do you like socializing with the competition?"
The omega rolled his eyes before even looking at him.
"Since I don’t spend my day bothering others for no reason," he replied with a falsely sweet smile.
Pond ignored the jab, resting a hand on his hip while his gaze lowered, clearly analyzing the omega’s uniform.
"Though I have to admit..." his smirk widened. "I like it better when you wear a skirt."
His expression hardened as he crossed his arms. "If you’re done with your nonsense, you can leave. I have more important things to do than listen to a shameless footballer."
"More important than enjoying my company? How cruel."
The rival cheerleader coughed discreetly, as if unsure whether to intervene or run away, and Phuwin clenched his jaw. The idea of people watching them argue—again—was unbearable.
"Aren’t you supposed to be warming up for the match?" His tone was impatient, but his gaze also held a hint of annoyance.
"For what? I already know we’re going to win." The alpha shrugged with irritating confidence, as if victory was an undeniable fact.
"Arrogant." He frowned, crossing his arms.
"And handsome." Pond smirked before looking at him boldly.
Before he could fire back with a well-crafted insult, someone else approached.
"Naravit!" a cheerful voice called out.
Neo, the captain of the rival team, joined the conversation with the confidence of someone unfamiliar with shyness. He wasn’t particularly tall or intimidating, but his scent immediately marked him as an alpha. He greeted Pond with an easy smile and a relaxed posture. They weren’t exactly friends, but as captains, they were expected to uphold sportsmanship and shake hands before and after the match. However, it seemed the other had been quite entertained with a certain omega before his arrival.
Neo noticed him quickly—he was cute. His attention always drifted toward bold omegas, the kind who knew what they wanted and didn’t hesitate to take it. He wasn’t one for serious relationships. Complicated feelings, attachments, and tangled emotions had never been his thing. He preferred casual encounters, where both parties knew exactly what they were getting into—no expectations, no complications. Someone who flirted fearlessly, with mischievous smiles and teasing words. But this omega… he was interesting.
He had a great body, that much was undeniable. His legs were firm and pale, sculpted with discipline. The outfit he wore clung in all the right places, highlighting the definition of his waist and the curve of his shoulders. Neo let his gaze trail over him, taking in every detail at a leisurely pace, as if evaluating something he already knew he would like. He usually didn’t go for omegas like him, but with a body like that… maybe he could make an exception.
"I didn’t know you had such a cute boyfriend, Naravit," he commented casually, casting an appreciative look at the cheerleader.
Pond’s frown appeared instantly, irritation sparking up his spine. He didn’t like that look. The rival alpha wasn’t just watching Phuwin—he was scanning him shamelessly, his gaze heavy with an all-too-obvious intent, as if he was already deciding what to do with him. His fingers twitched against his palm as he watched Phuwin choke on air, clearly caught off guard by the sudden attention. His frown deepened. He knew his rival. Maybe Neo was used to omegas falling at his feet with just a glance, but Phuwin wasn’t like the others. And if he thought he could get close to him so easily, he was dead wrong.
"We’re not dating!" the omega corrected immediately, almost disgusted at the mere thought of being paired with the other. He straightened his back rigidly, as if his life depended on it. "I don’t even think we’ll ever be friends."
Neo raised an eyebrow, his smile curling playfully.
"Oh? So you're single?" His tone had that perfect mix of curiosity and mischief, light enough to sound casual but with an undeniable intent behind it.
Phuwin blinked, caught between discomfort and surprise. Not only was this guy ridiculously shameless, but now he was looking at him with genuine interest, his full attention locked onto him as if he had just stumbled upon something particularly entertaining.
"That’s none of your business," he snapped quickly, his back straighter than usual in an attempt to maintain composure. But his treacherous cheeks took on a faint pink hue.
The alpha let out a low chuckle, the kind that seemed to slide directly over the skin.
"Come on, there’s nothing wrong with a little conversation, cutie." His voice dropped just slightly, adding a more suggestive undertone as he tilted his head casually. Then he paused deliberately, as if debating whether to speak or let the tension linger a little longer.
In the end, he chose the latter. He leaned in just a bit—enough for the sweet scent of honey to fill his senses, for the omega to notice his closeness without it becoming intrusive. "I’m jealous that you cheer for the opposing team," he murmured, his smile turning dangerously smooth."Though… if you cheered for me, I think I’d play a lot better."
Phuwin’s mouth fell open, completely stunned, feeling the heat rush to his face without knowing exactly how to react. An impatient click of the tongue cut through the moment.
Pond crossed his arms, his rigid stance making his irritation painfully clear.
"Too bad we didn’t come here to play dating games," he said sharply, his tone as sharp as a knife, devoid of the usual humor that characterized him.
Neo shifted his gaze toward him, as calm as if the other’s words were little more than the whisper of the wind. There was something about his expression that made him look even more infuriating—an unmistakable spark of amusement, as if he was deliberately enjoying Pond’s irritation. Which only worsened his mood.
But instead of taking the bait, Neo simply refocused on the omega, completely ignoring his own team’s cheerleader, who had wisely decided to back away before getting caught in the growing tension.
"But he said he’s single," Neo replied with false innocence, letting his gaze sweep over the omega with the same intensity as before. "I don’t see anything wrong with admiring his charming beauty."
Pond clenched his jaw, his fingers digging into the fabric of his own jersey. Not only was Neo shamelessly flirting, but he was doing it knowing full well how much it pissed him off. And the worst part? His best friend’s little brother, instead of shutting it down immediately, seemed too stunned to even react.
That infuriated him even more.
Phuwin wasn’t sure what unsettled him more—the blatant boldness of Neo, with that self-assured smile and teasing aura that made him feel like he was being undressed with his eyes, or the intensity of Pond’s burning glare beside him, as if he were trying to make Neo disappear with just a look. It was as if the air around them had thickened, like both alphas were silently staking their claim. He was so overwhelmed by the density of their scents that he actually considered replying to Neo—throwing out some sharp remark, something to pull himself out of this ridiculous situation. Anything to make it clear that he wasn’t going to be part of this little game.
But before he could, an irritatingly high-pitched voice, completely out of place, interrupted them—snapping him out of his thoughts and dragging him back to reality in the most uncomfortable way possible.
"P'Pond!"
Milk appeared with her usual flair, moving confidently in her sneakers as if she were strutting down a runway. Her long hair swayed elegantly as she approached with a firm stride and, without wasting time, clung to Pond’s arm just as she had done a million times before.
“What’s going on here?” she asked, her voice clear and challenging, but with a smile that couldn’t fully mask the suspicion in her eyes. The look she shot at Phuwin was anything but friendly, as if she were searching for an excuse to unleash all her irritation on him.
Love followed like a shadow, her figure much more timid and restrained in comparison. Her shoulders were slightly hunched as if trying to make herself invisible, and her gaze darted quickly between the others and the ground, unable to hold eye contact for long. She wanted to greet them—it was the polite thing to do—but something about the atmosphere made her hesitate. This was not the right moment, and she knew it.
Neo, still wearing his easygoing smile, raised an eyebrow at the new addition to the drama. If there was one thing he liked more than cute boys, it was gossip, and now he had a front-row seat to a juicy one. His eyes glimmered with amusement as he scanned the omega from head to toe, as if deciding what to do with such delicious information.
“Ah, so she is your girlfriend,” he said with a mocking smile, glancing at Pond with clear entertainment. His voice was soft, but thick with sarcasm.
Milk straightened immediately upon hearing the question, as if the entire world had suddenly begun spinning in her favor. The sparkle in her eyes left no doubt—she truly believed this was the moment she had been waiting for all her school life.
“Yes!” she declared with exaggerated pride, pressing herself even closer to his arm, as if trying to mark her territory once and for all. But before she could bask in victory, Pond responded—bluntly and without a second of hesitation.
“No.”
The word landed like a cold slap, sharp and undeniable. His tone showed not a hint of emotion, and his words hung in the air with the weight of an uncomfortable truth.
The silence that followed was thick, filled with tension, as everyone processed what had just been said.
Phuwin, who had been holding back his frustration for a while now, couldn’t stop a chuckle from slipping out. He tried to cover it up quickly by bringing a hand to his mouth, but the amusement was already evident.
Neo, on the other hand, didn’t even try to hide his delight. A loud laugh escaped his lips, and he leaned slightly toward him, his face adorned with an expression of pure mischief.
“Oh… how interesting,” he teased, crossing his arms with a smile that left no doubt about how much he was enjoying this—“Looks like someone isn’t on the same page.”
The omega blinked, as if she had just been slapped across the face. Her expression, initially filled with surprise, slowly morphed into something else. The confusion gave way to a growing anger, painting itself onto her face with each passing second. The blow to her ego was far harsher than she had expected.
“Pondie…” her tone turned into a pitiful whimper, as if pleading for his words to be gentler. At the same time, she tightened her grip on his arm, searching for a reaction that would validate her. She knew they weren’t a couple, but the alpha had never been rude to her—he was actually the one who treated her the nicest out of everyone in the academy.
But Pond, who had already been stewing in frustration from the presence of a certain someone, didn’t offer her the comfort she sought. With a sharp movement, he shook off her grip, freeing himself from her hold as if it were a mere nuisance. His lips pressed into a tight line, as if struggling to contain the anger boiling inside him.
“Don’t start, Milk,” he muttered, his voice low and heavy with irritation. He ran a hand through his hair in frustration, as if trying to clear his head, but instead, his hand remained clenched, his knuckles turning white from the effort of tightening his free fist.
Phuwin couldn’t help but notice. His anger was evident not just in his furrowed brow but also in the way his jaw tensed whenever Neo spoke, in how his shoulders went rigid every time the rival captain leaned just slightly in his direction.
Naravit was upset.
Very upset.
And he... kind of enjoyed it. It was a taste of his own medicine.
Milk, on the other hand, looked on the verge of a breakdown. Her cheeks were flushed, not with embarrassment, but with the sheer humiliation she was experiencing. She straightened her posture and lifted her chin as if trying to salvage the situation.
"I don’t understand why you're acting like this," she said, letting out a tense laugh. "We're always together; it's normal for me to assume we're a couple."
Neo let out a low whistle, clearly enjoying the show. Pond, however, didn’t look amused at all. The tension between them remained thick, and Phuwin was already considering making a run for it when a familiar voice broke the moment.
"Phuwin... can we talk for a moment?"
The omega turned his head and found Aou, who, to his surprise, wasn’t radiating his usual hyperactive energy. His hands fidgeted nervously, and his gaze avoided his, as if internally debating whether he should even be there. Any other time, Phuwin would have teased him about how unusual it was to see the alpha so... restrained, but at that moment, all he could do was nod immediately, accepting the chance to escape the uncomfortable situation.
"Sure," he responded quickly, stepping toward him.
But just as he was about to leave, Neo spoke up in his usual carefree tone, the one that made it clear he had no shame or intention of backing down.
"Hey, since you’re not anyone’s boyfriend... mind giving me your Instagram?"
Phuwin blinked, confused. Not because he didn’t understand the question, but because he struggled to process that Neo had actually said it. That guy’s audacity had no limits. But there was no need to make a scene. It wasn’t like handing over his username would lead to a kidnapping, and if the alpha turned out to be annoying... well, the blessed block button always existed.
Beside him, he felt Pond’s body tense instantly. He didn’t need to look to know that his jaw was clenched and his frown was so deep that he’d probably have a headache later.
"Uh... yeah, sure."
He pulled out his phone, and within seconds, they had exchanged accounts.
Without warning, Pond grabbed Neo by the collar of his shirt and yanked him back with a roughness that made it clear his patience had reached its limit.
"You got what you wanted," he growled, shoving him in the opposite direction with barely restrained force. "The game starts soon, and our coaches are waiting."
Neo, far from looking annoyed, burst into laughter, finding the whole situation way too amusing. "Relax, man, I was just making conversation," he replied with a smirk, but he made no attempt to resist as he was practically dragged away.
"See you later, cutie!" he called out, raising a hand in farewell before disappearing.
Phuwin watched the scene unfold, arms crossed, one eyebrow raised as his gaze lingered on the alpha’s broad back.
Was that... a jealous outburst?
He stood there for a moment, analyzing how Naravit had intervened with almost instinctive speed. The way his expression had darkened, the rough gesture he had used to cut the conversation short... it all gave him the sense that something else was going on. Like an alpha staking his claim, not tolerating anyone getting too close to his omega.
But the second that thought crossed his mind, he quickly dismissed it, shaking his head. What was he even thinking? He was just his best friend's younger brother—surely Pond saw him as someone to look after, not as someone to be jealous over. After all, Chen had always chased off plenty of alphas and betas who tried to flirt with him. Naravit wouldn’t be any different.
Better to focus his energy on his friend rather than silly thoughts.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Aou led Phuwin away, as far from their teammates as possible, as if he feared someone might overhear what they were about to discuss. The soccer field stretched out before them, vast and quieter, and although he was used to moving between the white lines with the grace of someone accustomed to cheering, he had never felt entirely comfortable in a space so dominated by alphas. Alphas always seemed so sure of themselves, and though none had ever been particularly cruel or malicious, they were imposing and territorial, as if the field belonged solely to them.
But Aou was different.
The alpha, usually full of energy and confidence, now looked completely out of place. He was restless, as if he was about to say something important but couldn’t bring himself to do it. His hands fidgeted nervously, as if he didn’t know what to do with them, and he kept casting furtive glances at him—and occasionally, at a figure on the other side of the field.
Boom.
The omega was practicing one of the cheer routines with the squad, completely oblivious to the attention he was receiving.
Phuwin observed the dynamic with an amused smile, his eyes narrowing with a playful glint of mischief. “Why do you look so nervous?” he teased, tilting his head to the side as if he truly couldn’t understand the situation. “You look like you’re about to confess. But I warn you, you’re not my type, okay?”
Aou reacted as if he had been electrocuted. His expression shifted from surprise to embarrassment almost instantly, as if he hadn’t expected to be thrown off so easily.
“What?!” he exclaimed, scandalized, giving Phuwin a light shove on the shoulder—harder than he had intended due to his nerves. “Don’t be ridiculous! You’re not my type either!”
Phuwin couldn’t help but burst into soft laughter at the indignation painted on the boy’s face, enjoying far too much seeing him out of his element. Aou wasn’t the type to get flustered easily; he always seemed to have everything under control. But now, something had completely unsettled him. His firm posture, which usually exuded confidence, was slightly cracked.
Aou huffed, crossing his arms with a frown, his gaze fixed on the ground as if searching for a way to escape the embarrassment clearly engulfing him. Suddenly, he let out a heavy sigh, as if surrendering to his own hesitation.
“Listen, I need your help,” he said, his tone more serious than usual—almost uncharacteristic, which made the omega pay even more attention. “I want to ask Boom out.”
Phuwin’s eyes widened slightly, and a flicker of understanding formed in his mind. Oh. That explained so many things.
“And why don’t you just do it?” he asked, his voice calm, as if discussing something unimportant. He still didn’t understand what any of this had to do with him.
“Because if I do it just like that, out of nowhere, he’ll definitely reject me,” Aou admitted, clearly frustrated with himself. “But if I suggest a group outing, with more people, then maybe he’ll say yes.”
It took him only a second to connect the dots. A slight smile curled on his lips as he processed what Aou was saying.
“So you want me to come along so he feels more comfortable.”
The visible relief on the alpha’s face was undeniable, as if he had finally said what he needed to say.
“Exactly.”
Phuwin, with his usual sharp gaze, assessed Aou from head to toe. It wasn’t common to see an alpha being so shy—least of all him—but there he was, a tall alpha, usually full of confidence, now looking like a scolded puppy. His ears were slightly flushed, a detail that didn’t go unnoticed.
It was… kind of cute.
And while his first reaction was to feel a spark of sympathy for the alpha, he also knew that didn’t mean he would let him off the hook so easily. After all, this was about Boom, and even though the guy was older than him, he still felt the need to protect him. He had his own plans to make the most of this little display of vulnerability to make sure Aou’s intentions were good.
A mischievous smile curled on his lips as he placed his hands on his hips and leaned in slightly.
“All right, I’ll help you.”
Aou let out a long sigh, as if he had been holding his breath this whole time. His shoulders relaxed, and his expression lost some of its stiffness.
“Thanks, really, man. I owe you one.”
Phuwin held his gaze with a smile that, while seemingly friendly, hid a spark of mischief. “But on one condition.” He raised a finger, taking his time to savor the moment.
The alpha’s brief relief vanished in an instant. His brows furrowed, and his posture tensed again, alert to whatever Phuwin was about to say.
“What is it?” he asked cautiously.
Phuwin leaned in just a little, lowering his voice as if he were about to reveal a secret.
“I’ll only help you if you win the match.”
The confusion was immediate. Aou stared at him, as if waiting for some further explanation that would clarify the logic behind such an absurd condition.
“…What?”
Phuwin shrugged with a feigned look of innocence, though amusement danced in his eyes.
“My friend isn’t going out with a loser.”
The alpha blinked, processing those words, and for a moment, his face went through a whirlwind of emotions—disbelief, indignation, and finally, resignation. He let out a huff, crossing his arms.
“You’re unbearable.”
“I know. Chen tells me that all the time.”
Aou shook his head, but instead of looking frustrated, his expression was still lighthearted. He ran a hand through his hair, then rolled his shoulders as if getting ready to step onto the field right then and there.
“Fine.” His voice was steadier now, more confident. “Then get ready to watch the best match of your life.”
Phuwin couldn’t help but laugh, shaking his head. That remained to be seen.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The Match Begins.
The whistle blew sharply through the air, marking the start of the long-awaited friendly match. Adrenaline coursed through the field like an electric current, igniting excitement in both the players and the spectators. The stands were packed. On one side, GMM Academy students waved their flags and chanted their team’s name with enthusiasm. On the other, the rival school’s supporters were just as loud, waving banners and cheering with equal fervor.
But beyond school pride, something even more important was at stake. It was said that the team that won the first match of the year would set the tone for the season and, with it, become the top contender for the local championship. It wasn’t just an unfounded myth—last year, this belief had proven eerily accurate. Their team had fallen in this very same opening match, and the ones who had defeated them had gone on to claim the title.
This wasn’t just a friendly match. It was a declaration of war.
Amid the rising tension, the cheerleaders fueled the excitement with their synchronized chants, their voices cutting through the roar of the crowd. They were the spark that kept the atmosphere alive, making sure not a single player forgot what was at stake. Phuwin stood at the front with Boom and Dunk, following the routine with overflowing energy under Book’s lead. However, the moment the music stopped, Dunk wasted no time focusing on something else: cheering for his boyfriend.
“Come on, Teddy Bear! You got this, my love!” he shouted, his excitement bordering on the ridiculous.
Phuwin sighed, crossing his arms.
“Do we really have to do this too?”
Beside him, Boom shifted uncomfortably.
“I-I think Phu’s brother is d-doing a great job w-without our help…”
But the omega was relentless.
“Don’t be boring! Come on, both of you! At least give me a heartfelt ‘Go, Archen!’”
Phuwin pinched the bridge of his nose before finally raising his voice.
“Go, Chen, give it your best!”
Boom followed, though with much less enthusiasm.
“D-do your best…!”
Dunk clapped, satisfied.
“That’s the spirit!”
Meanwhile, on the field, the intensity of the game continued to rise.
From the very first minute, Aou proved why he was considered one of the team’s star players. His speed, his ability to weave through opposing players, and his precision in passing were impeccable. His movements were clean and calculated, each play executed with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what he was doing.
However, if Aou was the image of well-thought-out strategy, Pond was the embodiment of fury on the field.
From the first clash with an opposing player, it became clear that the alpha was playing with an unusual level of aggression. Every tackle he made carried an intensity that bordered on dangerous, and while he had yet to commit a serious foul, the tension in the air was undeniable.
It didn’t take long for him to receive his first warning.
“Naravit, calm down! This is a soccer field, not a boxing ring!” Earth shouted from the sideline, his tone full of authority.
But Pond barely reacted, his jaw clenched and his eyes locked onto the ball.
The warning came too late. Five minutes later, a tackle that was far too rough against Neo earned him a yellow card.
The stands erupted in divided reactions—some booed, others cheered.
From his position, Phuwin watched the scene with his arms crossed, a frown of irritation on his face.
“Idiot,” he muttered, more to himself than to anyone else.
“Sh-should we cheer for him too...?” Boom asked cautiously.
Dunk grimaced in doubt.
“Hmm... maybe after he stops looking like a raging bull.”
The match continued with a heavier energy. Aou was still shining in every play, but now he had to compensate for Pond’s lack of control, making the game even more demanding. Neo, for his part, seemed to be enjoying the competition, returning every challenge with just as much intensity.
The score was tied, and the clock showed no mercy.
The cheerleaders resumed their routine with renewed strength, their voices rising above the noise of the opposing team’s squad performing for their own crowd.
“One, two, three! Let’s go, GMM Academy! To victory!”
The time on the scoreboard seemed to be running out faster than usual. The sun was no longer at its peak, but the heat still lingered over the field, mixing with the sweat and heavy breaths of the players. Every muscle ached, every step felt heavier, but no one was willing to give up.
Aou had scored two goals, both assisted by Joong, and though their team was giving it their all, the tie remained unbroken. The air felt tense, charged with the anxiety of knowing that any mistake could cost them the victory.
Their captain was the only one who wasn’t playing with technique or calculated precision. His game was all brute force and endurance, as if his sole purpose on the field was to collide with every player who dared stand in his way.
And the main target of his rage was, of course, Neo.
Every time the captain of the opposing team tried to advance, Pond was there, blocking him, pushing him to the limit of what was allowed. The referee already had his eyes on him, Earth had warned him more than once, but he simply couldn’t let it go.
His alpha clawed at his chest, seeing Neo as a rival, a personal challenge. As if defeating him was more important than winning the match.
From the stands, the cheerleaders kept chanting, but the tension was so strong that some of the cheers had started to falter. Phuwin pressed his lips together in frustration.
"What are you doing, you idiot?" he muttered, watching as the alpha wasted another opportunity to advance just to keep blocking Neo.
Desperation took over. It wasn’t his match, it wasn’t his competition, but for some reason, seeing Pond lost in his own rage made his omega restless, howling to try and calm the alpha. Even Dunk was looking at him suspiciously, noticing the pheromones meant to soothe a certain alpha.
Then, without thinking too much, Phuwin cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted.
"Naravit! Focus!"
It was a clear, strong sound that easily cut through the field.
And it worked.
Pond froze for a fraction of a second, turning to the side of the field where the omega was. As if the call had been a bucket of ice-cold water, his gaze cleared from the fury that had clouded it, and for the first time in the entire match, he seemed to remember what was really at stake.
This wasn’t a duel with Neo.
With a swift movement, he intercepted the ball at the exact moment the opposing team tried to advance. He received it with his chest, controlled it, and started running as if his life depended on it.
The opposing players tried to catch up, but it was too late.
The time on the scoreboard was running out.
Sweat dripped down his forehead, his legs burned with exhaustion, but he didn’t stop.
And when he finally reached the perfect position, when the goal was right in his line of sight…
He shot.
The ball soared through the air with incredible force, like a projectile launched with surgical precision. The opposing goalkeeper leaped to catch it but wasn’t fast enough. The sound of the net shaking with the impact echoed across the field just before the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the match.
The field exploded.
The stands filled with euphoric cheers, the players of GMM Academy threw themselves on top of each other in celebration. Aou jumped onto Joong, hugging him with triumphant laughter, while Dunk, from the cheerleading line, screamed as if he had just won an award.
The end of the match left the entire stadium in a whirlwind of emotions. The GMM Academy players gathered, celebrating with laughter and hugs, while the cheerleaders danced in the stands, their cheers of excitement echoing across the field. Phuwin, though exhausted and drenched in sweat, couldn’t stop smiling. The victory was theirs, and that made him feel invincible for the rest of the season.
Meanwhile, Pond stood in the center of the field, seemingly in a trance. Though the victory was his, something was bothering him. When he turned to greet the rivals, Neo approached, his gaze briefly passing over Phuwin, who was surrounded by his friends celebrating, before locking onto him again.
"It’s going to be an interesting season, Naravit. I’m sure we’ll be seeing each other again." he smiled, a hint of mystery in his voice, his eyes gleaming with calculation.
Pond nodded, but the smile on his face wasn’t one of triumph. Instead, it looked more like someone struggling to understand what had just happened—not just on the field but within himself.
"We’ll see, Nimtawat." he replied, his tone deeper than usual.
Neo gave him one last glance before turning to console his team, who were disheartened by the loss. For his part, Pond couldn’t help but follow Phuwin with his eyes, watching as he remained surrounded by his friends, basking in the victory. A wave of discomfort washed over him as he thought about how he had acted during the match, about how his anger had taken over him for a moment.
"I'm an idiot..." muttered to himself, feeling ridiculous.
That was when he felt a light smack on the back of his head.
"What’s wrong with you, Naravit?" Earth appeared behind him, irritation clear on his face. —Didn’t we tell you to calm down? You’re the captain, you’re the one who should act the least like a rabid wolf.
Earth’s scolding was as direct as always, but it didn’t go further than that. He didn’t have time to continue when a group of students began surrounding them, congratulating them on a well-played match. The attention quickly shifted to the chaos of celebration.
In the middle of it all, Dunk was completely immersed in his own world, where his team’s victory meant, above all, a victory for his boyfriend. In an instant, he threw himself onto Joong, hugging him and showering him with endless kisses.
"You’re a genius!"he exclaimed, his lips pressed against his alpha’s face.
Joong tried to downplay it, blushing slightly as he attempted to escape his boyfriend’s embrace.
"I didn’t even score a single goal for you, teddy bear. What are you celebrating?" he asked, trying not to laugh as he struggled to break free.
Dunk, however, wasn’t deterred.
"You didn’t score, but without you, no one would have!" he responded enthusiastically, grabbing Joong by the waist and looking at him with adoration. "I don’t care what you say, to me, you’re the best."
Joong couldn’t help but smile, accepting his boyfriend’s affectionate onslaught. Even if it was true that he hadn’t been the star of the match, the feeling of victory was still his, and having his omega by his side only made it all the more special
Chapter Text
Saturdays were sacred for Phuwin. They were his days to pamper himself like the prince he deserved to be. Normally, at this hour, he would be in his living room wearing his pajamas covered in little bears and stars, wrapped in his fluffiest blanket, with a refreshing face mask on while watching some 2000s classic. Probably something starring Lindsay Lohan or Hilary Duff, with a cup of lavender tea in one hand and his phone in the other, scrolling through Instagram between iconic scenes.
Of course, not everything was perfect. Joong and Pond rarely let him enjoy his peace in complete silence. It was a weekly tradition for them to invade his space, complaining that he took over the TV as if he actually paid for it (which, clearly, none of them did). They would try—unsuccessfully—to snatch the remote from him. Usually, they gave up after a while and ended up watching the movie with him, though not without making annoying comments about the romantic drama of the moment.
But now, here he was.
Surrounded by people, endless lines, and loud conversations blending into absolute chaos. The air conditioning wasn’t enough to make up for the heat from the crowd, and if he took one wrong step, he risked being swallowed by the tide of frantic shoppers. Did people not realize that online shopping existed in 2025?
All because he had decided to be a good friend to Aou.
And being a good friend, apparently, meant sacrificing his well-earned rest to accompany him on his mission of the day.
"Remind me again why I'm here instead of in my bed with a collagen mask," he muttered, dodging a woman carrying three giant bags that nearly crushed him.
Aou hadn’t dared to invite Boom after the match. According to him, it was because the omega looked too pretty, and that intimidated him.
Phuwin preferred to call him a coward.
After all, Boom was Boom. The sweetest and calmest omega they knew, with naturally rosy cheeks and a shy smile that made people want to protect him. There was nothing intimidating about him… unless you were Aou, and your brain completely shut down every time that omega looked you directly in the eyes.
So, given that Aou was impossible, he took the initiative. He had come up with the most absurd excuse about wanting to go to the movies after the post-game celebration. Nothing too elaborate, just a casual comment after the thrill of victory, but enough for everyone to agree.
The problem was that while he was sharing his idea with Dunk, Boom, Joong, and Aou… Pond overheard.
And of course, he invited himself.
"I didn't invite you," he snapped, arms crossed when they met at the mall entrance.
Pond, with his sports jacket slung over one shoulder and that annoyingly confident smile, just shrugged.
"You didn’t need to. I know I’m always welcome, Phuphu. You shouldn’t be surprised."
The omega exhaled tiredly. How annoying. But he couldn’t get rid of him now without making a scene, so he decided to ignore him as the group headed toward the theater section.
The mall was packed. It was a Saturday afternoon, the worst possible time to be there if you hated crowds and long lines. The hallways were full of people carrying shopping bags, kids running between adults, and couples clinging to each other like the world was ending tomorrow.
"So, what movie are we watching?" Joong asked, glancing up at the bright marquee displaying the week’s new releases.
"Anything but horror," Dunk immediately intervened, looking serious.
Phuwin raised an eyebrow. Dunk had an obsession with horror that was borderline concerning. If someone left him alone in a haunted house with a serial killer, he’d probably end up asking for autographs instead of running. In fact, everything Phuwin knew about horror movies, he had learned against his will, a victim of Dunk’s bizarre idea that an omega sleepover wasn’t complete without a good dose of screaming and psychological trauma. While other omegas brought skincare masks and chocolates, Dunk showed up with collections of exorcism films and chainsaw-wielding murderers. And the worst part? He always said the same thing: "Don’t worry, this one’s more suspense than horror," right before playing the goriest scene in modern cinema.
"Since when are you scared of horror movies?"
"It’s not for me," Dunk subtly gestured toward his alpha with a nod. "I just don’t want someone clinging to my arm all night."
Joong frowned, crossing his arms. "I don’t do that."
"Oh, really?" Dunk shot him a mocking look. "Because last time we watched a horror movie, you nearly ripped my arm off when the ghost appeared."
"That didn’t happen."
"Teddy bear, you dislocated my shoulder."
"You're exaggerating!"
Phuwin rolled his eyes at their bickering but didn’t comment. His attention was elsewhere.
Aou and Boom were standing in the ticket line together, and the alpha looked as stiff as if he were about to take a final exam.
The plan was simple: get Aou to relax, talk to Boom, and—if luck was on his side—maybe even ask him out for another day. But from the way he could barely hold the omega’s gaze without blushing, the odds were not in his favor.
Boom, on the other hand, didn’t seem to notice anything unusual. He was just standing there, waiting for his turn, looking as pretty as ever, with that neutral expression he usually had when surrounded by too many people, completely unaware that he was on a covert date. His brown hair fell gently over his forehead, his lips curved in a faint smile, and his posture was relaxed… too relaxed compared to Aou, who looked like he was about to panic.
"I’m going to kill him," Phuwin muttered to himself, narrowing his eyes.
Pond overheard the comment and let out a quiet chuckle.
Ever since the omega had suggested going to the movies, he had been acting weird, with that suspicious look of someone plotting something. For a moment, horror gripped him—what if this wasn’t just a casual outing? What if it was a date? Worse, what if it was a double date with Neo? It would make sense if he thought Phuwin had invited a couple and an almost-couple.
The mere thought made his stomach churn, so, without the slightest shame, he showed up with his best friend, ready to use him as a human shield if necessary in case the omega decided to attack him for crashing his date.
To his relief (and a wave of comfort so strong it almost brought tears to his eyes), he realized Phuwin wasn’t planning to flirt with anyone. In fact, he was too busy playing matchmaker for his friend.
Which meant that, at least for tonight, he had no competition.
"Leave him alone. Not everyone can be as direct as you," he remarked.
Phuwin turned to the alpha, crossing his arms in exasperation.
"Since when did you become the lawyer for cowards?" he snapped, raising an eyebrow. "If you like someone, the best thing you can do is confess instead of suffering in silence over a love that might actually be mutual."
His tone was firm, filled with conviction, as if he spoke from experience. And in a way, he did. He couldn’t stand seeing people waste their chances out of fear, especially when it was obvious they could get what they wanted if they just had a little courage.
Pond clicked his tongue, feigning disinterest.
"I’m not a lawyer for anything. I just enjoy seeing you frustrated."
Naravir tried to sound arrogant, but the confidence he once had in his words had crumbled slightly. The omega’s remark made him uncomfortable, hitting a sensitive spot. He forced himself to push the thought out of his mind. He wasn’t going to let a random comment keep circling in his head. Or at least, that’s what he told himself as he looked away with feigned indifference.
Phuwin pressed his lips together. If there weren’t any witnesses, he would’ve kicked his shin. He turned back toward the line. Boom was saying something to Aou, smiling with the most genuine smile Phuwin had seen since they became friends. But instead of responding like a normal person, the alpha choked on his own saliva and coughed awkwardly.
"For the love of God..."
He couldn’t watch anymore. If Aou didn’t do something soon, he would do it himself.
"Aou." He called out in a casual tone, but loud enough for him to hear. "Dunk and I will go buy the snacks. You take care of the tickets."
Aou blinked, feeling an unexpected lump in his throat. For as long as he could remember, he had never had trouble talking to people. He always found something to say, a joke to crack, a conversation to start… He was even friends with the supermarket ladies who gave him secret discounts! But now, standing in front of Boom, his mind went completely blank. As if all his social skills had gone on vacation without telling him.
But this was Boom. And he liked peace and quiet. He probably wasn’t into guys who talked too much and got into trouble without realizing it.
Aou remembered perfectly the day the omega arrived at school. He wasn’t the type of person who caught attention right away, but Aou noticed him from the very first moment. There was something about the way he walked, shoulders slightly tense, as if always bracing for the worst. His stutter had been evident since day one, and while many seemed uncomfortable or even impatient when he spoke, Boom never let that stop him from being kind. He always responded with a smile, even when others laughed behind his back. He never raised his voice, never seemed angry.
But Aou saw it. He saw how Boom sometimes clenched his fists, how he looked away when someone lost patience with him.
And yet, Boom remained himself. Calm, kind, steady at his own pace.
Aou shifted uncomfortably, feeling every word he wanted to say getting stuck before coming out. He didn’t want to be annoying. He didn’t want to ruin it. But what if staying silent ruined it too?
"Me? Alone?"
"Well, you and Boom." Phuwin gave them an innocent smile. "Do whatever you think is best. Turns out I was wrong, and the movie I wanted to see isn’t playing this weekend."
The alpha swallowed hard. Boom, unaware of any ulterior motives, simply nodded slightly. And with that, Phuwin turned away, dragging his friend toward the concession stand, leaving him completely alone with his crush.
"Tell me you didn’t do that just to torture him," Dunk whispered, eyeing him suspiciously.
Phuwin smiled with the satisfaction of someone who had fulfilled their duty. "Torture? I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m just an innocent omega buying innocent sweets."
Completely absorbed in his conversation with Dunk, he didn’t even notice the exact moment Pond approached.
But the couple did. Joong and Dunk exchanged a quick glance.
They both saw it with absolute clarity: the way Pond leaned in, lowering his head right to Phuwin’s ear, his hand resting with excessive familiarity on the omega’s waist. The closeness was undeniable, the gesture almost instinctive, as if the alpha wasn’t even aware of how natural it was for him to invade the other’s space like that.
"Innocent? No." Pond’s voice was a playful murmur, low enough for only Phuwin to hear. "More like a little devil."
Phuwin scoffed, rolling his eyes, more annoyed by the interruption of his conversation with Dunk than by the sudden proximity.
"Shut up, you weren’t even invited."
Dunk and Joong nearly burst into laughter.
The omega kept talking naturally, unaware that Pond still had his hand on his waist, holding him with the same ease as someone holding onto something that belongs to them.
"Are we buying snacks or just playing matchmaker?" Pond finally interrupted, pulling away at last, his usual relaxed smile in place.
Phuwin took a second to regain his composure before frowning and walking ahead with dignity.
"I’m getting my gummies."
The group approached the counter, and after a brief debate about what to buy, they decided to wait until right before the movie to get popcorn. They still had an hour and a half before the screening, so it was better to wait.
Phuwin browsed the shelves carefully, making sure to grab the right package. The same ones the mystery guy had given him. Not that he had feelings for him or anything, but… it was a sweet gesture. And the gummies were really good.
While he carefully picked his candy, Dunk and Joong stayed a step behind, holding hands, quietly watching the alpha standing beside Phuwin.
Pond didn’t seem to notice anything.
Or maybe he did, and just didn’t care.
Joong smirked.
"Hey, teddy bear."
"Mmm?"
"Pond has been way too touchy with Phu lately, don’t you think?"
Dunk glanced toward the alpha, who was leaning casually against the counter, looking carefree as he waited for his turn to pay.
"Too much."
Phuwin stepped up to pay, but just as he was about to swipe his card, Pond was faster.
Without a word, the alpha inserted his card first and completed the payment in seconds.
"What…?" Phuwin stared at him, stunned.
"I invite." Naravit shrugged, taking the bag nonchalantly.
"But…"
"Relax, little devil, it’s just some gummies."
Phuwin felt an eye twitch.
"I didn’t ask you to pay for them."
"I know."
Then why the hell did he do it?!
Dunk and Joong exchanged a knowing glance, the corners of their lips lifting in sync like two villains about to execute a master plan. Every gesture from Pond, every fleeting glance at the omega, and every failed attempt to feign indifference was fuel for their amusement. By the time Naravit made an especially irritating comment, their smiles weren’t just wide—they were full-blown caricatures of satisfaction. At this rate, they would either burst into laughter or, worse, start asking uncomfortable questions.
"I could pay you." The omega crossed his arms, unwilling to owe anything to the annoying alpha. The less they interacted, the better his chances of salvaging some enjoyment from his Saturday.
"I don’t want your money." Pond opened the bag of gummies with a triumphant grin, his eyes flashing with pleasure. He looked like he was about to announce he’d won the lottery, except the only "fortune" at stake here was a pack of candy.
"They’re not even yours!" The omega exploded, watching in horror as Naravit casually pulled out one gummy after another, as if he were mastering the art of villainy through sweets.
Without missing a beat, the alpha raised the bag above his head like a war trophy while Phuwin hopped around him like a desperate kangaroo.
"Stop holding them so high! You’re so damn annoying, you idiot, Pond!" He jumped again, reaching nothing but air. The alpha kept the bag just out of reach with infuriating ease.
Pond crossed his arms, the bag still high, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.
"Sorry, but I paid for them," he said, popping a gummy into his mouth with the smugness of a cheap movie villain.
"That’s not fair!" Phuwin protested, feeling his hopes of getting his gummies back slip away faster than his patience.
"They’re mine now." Naravit grinned as if he had just discovered a new sport: stealing gummies from the omega and reveling in the chaos.
Phuwin clenched his fists, glancing around. The line behind them was watching him like he was a fussy child… It was too late to go back and stand in line again. And his gummies were being stolen right in front of his eyes.
"Give me my damn gummies, you idiot!" he shouted, watching the alpha enjoy them far out of his reach.
Just then, Boom, who had been watching uncomfortably from the side, took a small step forward, stammering slightly.
"Th-th-this... is… already... b-bothering the p-people… in line..."
Phuwin looked at him, surprised by his intervention. But when he saw his friend’s discomfort, he sighed.
"Fine, fine…" He took the bag and handed it to Boom. If he couldn’t have them, neither would the alpha. Though now Pond looked a little embarrassed at being scolded.
Boom, blushing, nodded timidly, grateful, saying Phuwin could still have the gummies—he just didn’t want them to keep arguing. Begrudgingly, the omega began sharing them with the alpha.
"Sorry, Boom…" Pond said, chuckling as they walked together, Boom’s silence a little less uncomfortable.
The small incident ended in soft laughter, and the gummies were finally shared among the three, with Boom still red but at least no longer forced to be the referee of their fight.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The bustle of the mall became more noticeable in the food court. Laughter, conversations, and the sound of trays clashing against tables filled the air, but the group walked without hurry, exploring their options before deciding where to eat. Since they had to wait anyway, a good meal seemed like a great idea.
Almost unconsciously, everyone paired off.
Dunk and Joong walked ahead, holding hands with the natural ease of a couple. Aou, much more relaxed than before, walked beside Boom, bumping their shoulders together in a gesture that seemed clumsy yet intentional, as if he were testing the limits of their closeness. Boom said nothing, but he didn’t pull away either.
Which left Phuwin alone.
Or rather, with Pond.
The alpha walked beside him unhurriedly, hands tucked into the pockets of his jacket, his gaze drifting over the storefronts of sports shops. Neither of them said anything. He didn’t seem to mind the silence, and Phuwin wasn’t in the mood to force a conversation.
But with nothing else to do, he ended up watching him.
Pond was tall—tall enough that Phuwin had to tilt his head up whenever he wanted to look at him directly, tall enough that his shadow covered him whenever they walked too close. His jawline was sharp, the kind that seemed sculpted with precision, giving him a confident, mature air even when he wasn’t doing anything in particular. But what Phuwin liked most—though he would never admit it out loud—was his hair.
It always had that tousled look, as if he had just rolled out of bed without bothering to fix it, yet somehow, it looked good. Not like someone careless, but like someone for whom perfection came naturally. It made him want to reach out and tangle his fingers in those brown strands, just to see if they were as soft as they looked.
His shoulders were… attractive too. Broad, strong. It wasn’t just his height—it was all of him. He was big. Phuwin had never really thought about that before, or at least not too deeply, but now that he was paying attention, he couldn’t help but notice. His hands, for example, were huge. Big enough to completely cover his own if he ever held them.
The thought made him blink, as if suddenly realizing he had been staring too much.
He shook his head, trying to focus on anything else.
“We should buy new football cleats,” Pond commented suddenly, pulling him from his thoughts.
Joong and Aou perked up, interested.
“Are yours already worn out?” Aou asked.
“A little. And you know how Earth is—if he sees us still using the same old ones, he’s definitely going to scold us.”
“He has a point,” Joong admitted, stroking his chin.
The group paused in front of a sports store while the three football players discussed brands, materials, and designs. Phuwin quickly lost track of the conversation. To him, cleats were just cleats. He didn’t see the need to debate which had better cushioning or which helped more with precision shots.
So, with his arms crossed over his chest and a clearly bored expression, he returned to his pastime of the last few minutes: watching Naravit.
He couldn’t help it. The alpha had a presence that drew him in without him even realizing it.
Pond was still deep in conversation with Aou and Joong, gesturing with one hand while the other rested casually in his pocket. His posture was relaxed, confident, as if he never had to put too much effort into anything. Every movement of his had a fluidity that Phuwin found both irritating and fascinating at the same time.
At that moment, he couldn’t help but think back to the days when Pond was his protector. When he was little, he had been so shy that he rarely approached other kids, preferring to stay close to his brother Joong. He didn’t need anyone else—until Naravit became part of his life, when he became friends with his older brother. The change was simple; they became inseparable. The three of them, playing together, sharing everything.
Pond always scolded Joong whenever he got too rough with him, making sure no one hurt him. He’d say he was too small, too delicate… and that his clothes were too pretty to get dirty. Every time they played soccer, Pond would end up sitting him on the sidelines so he could cheer for them instead of running around with them. And when he pouted in protest, wanting to play too, Pond would hand him a freshly picked flower. In the end, he would always end up with a small bouquet in his hands and burning cheeks, never quite understanding why his chest felt so warm.
But now, as he stared at the alpha, something crept over him—something he had long avoided thinking about. Because Pond wasn’t the same with him anymore. The boy who had protected him, who made him feel special, had turned into someone who barely spoke to him. His protective nature had faded into teasing and ridiculous arguments. He tried to convince himself that it didn’t matter anymore, but the sadness still sat heavy in his chest.
“When did you start ignoring me? When did you stop being that boy who took care of me?”
That question always lingered in his mind, but he had no answers. As he looked at Pond, trying to mask his emotions, a wave of frustration washed over him. Why couldn’t he remember when things started to change? The transition from close friend to distant stranger had been so gradual yet so obvious that he didn’t even know how they had ended up like this. But if the distance between them was inevitable, then why was Joong and Naravit’s friendship still intact? They were still as close as ever, laughing at dumb jokes, trusting each other effortlessly, as if nothing had changed. He wondered if it was his fault. If he had done something to push him away without realizing it. Had he been too quiet? Too annoying? Too insignificant?
He convinced himself that it didn’t matter, that he didn’t need answers, but the question still haunted him in the deepest corners of his mind. Because if Pond could still be Joong’s best friend, if he could still be that loyal and dependable boy with him, then the problem must have been Phuwin. And that thought hurt more than any joke or taunt ever could.
Through the years of adolescence, he pretended not to care. He acted as if he no longer paid attention to what the alpha did or said. The silent gap between them had settled so naturally that it was more believable to think they were born enemies rather than that they had once been friends.
And now, standing in front of him, watching Pond wink at him with that all-too-familiar yet painfully distant smile, he could only think “What happened to us?”
“They’re just dumb memories…” He tried to drown out the emotions that threatened to suffocate him. “I don’t care anymore.”
But the knot in his chest remained tight, as if all the anger and sadness he had buried for years were slowly seeping into his very core.
The change in Phuwin's attitude didn't go unnoticed by Pond. It wasn't just the way his posture became more rigid or how he had stopped participating in the conversation. It was his scent. That sweet honey-like smell that usually floated in the air with a comforting warmth now felt more faint, as if sadness had diluted it.
Pond furrowed his brow, feeling an uncomfortable tug in his chest. His alpha instinct reacted before he could process it, urging him to get closer, to do something to bring back that bright, sweet scent that always surrounded him. But he didn't understand why Phuwin was like this. Nothing had happened... or had it?
The omega walked a little slower, with his shoulders slumped, looking at the shelves with disinterest. Pond watched him in silence, restless, not knowing what to do with the strange feeling swirling inside him. It wasn't just discomfort; it was something more primitive. Something that told him Phuwin was sad, and that somehow, he wanted to comfort him.
He stopped following Joong and Aou, took a step away from them, and approached Phuwin, almost as if it was by accident. In a casual tone, but with an underlying curiosity, he asked:
"Which cleats do you like the most?"
Phuwin froze for a second, as if he hadn't expected the question. He looked at the shoes, but his eyes weren't really there, distracted by thoughts he couldn't quite grasp.
"I don't know much about sports footwear," he said, without enthusiasm, observing the details of the cleats in front of him. The stitching, the colors, but nothing that truly caught his attention. He was there, but his mind seemed elsewhere, searching for something he couldn't find.
Pond smiled with a hint of sympathy, his relaxed tone enveloping the omega in his scent of coffee and sandalwood to offer him comfort.
"It doesn't matter, pick the ones you think are the nicest. I'll buy them."
Phuwin looked at him, feeling a strange mix of confusion and shy surprise. He couldn't remember the last time the alpha had offered him something like that. It wasn't common for their interactions to be so kind, so... simple.
He observed the cleats closely, turning them in his hands, unsure. He focused on a certain model, with its pink details and cute embroidered flowers, which drew him in, even though he knew the alpha probably wouldn't wear them. Something told him he didn't like shoes with such... soft colors. However, he was sure the design suited him, and he couldn't help but find something more beautiful about them.
"What do you think of these?" he murmured, lifting them toward him. Although the idea that a pair of shoes with pink details might not be entirely "masculine" crossed his mind, he couldn't help but feel a little excited by the delicacy of the details.
Pond moved closer, examined the shoes carefully, and smiled at him. "They're pretty nice, huh?" he commented, taking the shoes from his hands with a gentler gesture than expected. "You have good taste. They're very nice," he said, his sincere look surprised him. It was strange, but there was something in that phrase that sounded so genuine, so... warm.
He remained silent for a moment. In his memories, there had been no comments like that. Not in recent years. He remembered a more mocking, distant alpha. But now, in this moment, everything felt so natural.
The alpha called an employee, asking for the right size for those same cleats. The omega watched how he moved, with that calm demeanor that had always characterized him, but with a confidence that made him stand out. For a moment, Phuwin felt a strange sense of familiarity. As if that gaze, so fixed on him, had awakened something buried deep inside him. Something he didn't want to acknowledge.
That's when his inner omega, treacherous and shameless, decided to make an appearance. A tingling ran down his back, and in his mind, he could almost picture the ridiculous image of his other self wagging its tail with excitement, rolling on its back, exposing its stomach in a gesture of pure happiness for the alpha's attention.
Phuwin burned with embarrassment. How pathetic! He forced himself to clear his throat and look away, furrowing his brow as if that could silence his inner omega. He wasn't going to let his body betray him. Not after years of convincing himself that he no longer cared about the alpha. That he hated him.
When the alpha returned with the shoes, Phuwin couldn't help but look at him, feeling a small spark of disbelief in his chest.
"Are you really going to buy them?" he asked, his eyes shining with disbelief.
"Yes, I'll choose them because you liked them. They'll bring me luck, like when you shouted during the last match." Naravit looked at him with an expression Phuwin wasn't used to seeing on him. His voice was softer, more sincere, devoid of the constant mocking tone that always accompanied him.
Phuwin felt his heart skip a beat.
It was strange. Everything seemed... easy in that moment. As if there were no years of fights and misunderstandings between them. As if they hadn’t gone from being inseparable to becoming a pair of stubborn rivals.
For the first time in a long time, he didn't feel the need to be defensive. There was no mocking comment waiting to be met with another. No challenging look or silent competition to see who could annoy the other more.
It was just the two of them, in a crowded store, with the background noise becoming a distant murmur.
While they shared this unexpectedly sweet moment, the rest of the group couldn't help but witness the scene.
Dunk and Joong, who had initially been casually glancing around, now had their eyes narrowed and shared knowing smiles. Boom watched the two with a slight look of surprise, while Aou was already getting ready to elbow someone in the ribs for gossip.
"Are we sure these two aren’t dating?" Dunk murmured, leaning toward Joong.
"They must be in denial," his partner whispered back, crossing his arms. "Although, if this keeps up, I'd bet they'll be holding hands in two months."
"Two months?" Aou clicked his tongue, crossing his arms with a knowing air. "Nah, I give them three weeks. Have you seen how Pond looks at your brother?"
Joong snorted. "Unfortunately, yes."
"That’s not a look of rivalry, that's a look of 'I want to eat you up,'" Aou declared confidently. "I already knew all that hate couldn't be anything other than love. My mom’s novels taught me that."
Dunk laughed. "And what else did those novels teach you?"
"That any moment now, they’ll get caught in the rain, shout dramatic things at each other, and then... bam! They’ll kiss passionately," Aou snapped his fingers.
"There’s no rain forecast," Boom intervened quietly. "I-It’s dry season..."
"So?" Aou patted his shoulder. "For love, there are no seasons, Boomie."
Joong sighed. "God, I need a new group of friends."
"A-And I think... P-Phuwin is r-r-really red..." Boom fidgeted with his fingers before whispering in his slow tone.
The four of them stared at the boy, who, at that moment, with his shy smile and the slight blush on his cheeks, seemed to have no idea how obvious everything was from the outside.
"Oh, definitely three weeks," Joong confirmed with a teasing smile.
When Pond finished paying and Phuwin finally turned around to join them, they all adopted expressions that were too innocent to be believable.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?" he frowned.
"Nothing, nothing," Dunk hummed, giving him a pat on the back. "We're just really happy for you."
The omega looked at them with suspicion, but before he could say anything else, Naravit approached and handed him the bag with the shoes, wearing a satisfied smile. He wanted to take a picture of his new shoes and lucky charms.
"See? I told you. They're special."
Phuwin felt the warmth in his face return with force. And when he heard his friends stifling giggles around him, he knew he wasn't going to hear the end of this.
Notes:
This chapter turned out super long T-T but I had so many ideas that I just couldn't leave anything out. That's why the date will be split into two parts.
Don't forget to leave kudos and a comment. By the way, I'm looking for multis on Twitter in case you're interested in interacting. My profile is @rosiekku_iv. Even though I post a lot in Spanish, we can interact in English! ^_^
Chapter Text
The group left the store with a lighter atmosphere in the air. No one brought up the interaction between Pond and Phuwin again, preferring not to make the omega uncomfortable with the topic. They continued on their way, letting the conversation shift to lighter subjects, like shopping and the growing hunger taking over them.
The food court was packed with students enjoying their day off and workers coming out of their shifts, but after wandering around for a bit, they managed to find a table big enough for everyone. Without much thought, each person took their seat next to their respective partner. Joong and Dunk sat across from each other, their hands intertwined on the table, while Aou, now more relaxed than at the beginning of the date, rested his arm on the back of Boom’s chair as they talked about a band they both seemed to like.
Phuwin, with not many options left, ended up sitting next to Naravit. The space between them was so tight that every movement led to an awkward touch. Whenever they shifted positions, their legs inevitably bumped, and each time they tried to use the table at the same time, their elbows clashed in a silent battle for space.
"Do you always take up this much space?" he complained to the alpha, frowning as he tried to move his arm without success.
Pond let out a soft laugh, leaning slightly toward him. "It’s not my fault you’re so small," he replied with amusement, though unlike other times, his tone lacked mockery. It sounded light—almost playful.
Before Phuwin could respond, the waiter—a male omega with a mischievous smile and a gaze that didn’t go unnoticed—approached the group to take their orders. Instantly, he focused his attention on Pond but kept stealing quick, suggestive glances at Joong, as if he couldn’t decide who to flirt with first, deliberately ignoring the omegas.
"Have you all decided what to order?" he asked in a smooth voice, stepping slightly closer to Pond as he looked him up and down—almost shamelessly. "I know everything here is delicious, but I’m sure you have good taste, right?"
Pond, though slightly taken aback by the attention, smiled politely, unfazed. Phuwin watched him, feeling somewhat uncomfortable, barely holding back a sigh. The waiter, however, wasn’t ready to give up on his flirting so easily. He turned to Joong, his smile widening and his gaze growing even bolder.
"And you? How are you doing?" he said, leaning slightly toward him. "Though I doubt you need a menu to know what you like..."
Joong raised an eyebrow at him, clearly annoyed by the insinuation, while Dunk clenched his jaw and leaned forward, placing his hand protectively over his boyfriend’s in a possessive gesture.
"That alpha," Dunk said irritably, narrowing his eyes and making his jealous tone clear, "is taken. By me."
The waiter, slightly embarrassed by the remark, smiled again, though this time with a hint of nervousness. However, upon noticing the tension in the air, he attempted to regain his composure, turning to the rest of the table to take their orders in a more professional tone. Nonetheless, before stepping back, he cast one last glance at the other alpha, almost as if evaluating whether he still had a chance.
It was then that Dunk, visibly irritated by the waiter’s audacity, let his pheromones subtly seep into the air—just enough to make his claim unmistakable. The atmosphere was instantly filled with the intense scent of roses, leaving no doubt that Joong was his alpha.
Joong, for his part, grinned widely, more than pleased with his omega’s protective and territorial display. Instead of feeling awkward, he leaned slightly over the table, giving the waiter a deep look and raising an eyebrow smugly, as if enjoying the sight of his omega marking his territory.
The waiter, sensing the shift in the atmosphere and noticing Dunk’s subtle yet unmistakable gesture, took a step back, now fully aware that he had no chance with that alpha. With a tense smile, he shifted his gaze to Pond.
"And you, handsome?" he said, taking out his notepad and stepping closer to the alpha with a suggestive smile. "What do you feel like having today? I bet you have exquisite taste, don’t you?"
Phuwin thought that comment, combined with the way the omega smiled, would be enough to distract Naravit. It wouldn’t be the first time an alpha got swept up by such an obvious flirtation. However, to his surprise, Pond barely spared the waiter a glance before turning his attention back to him, shifting slightly to give him more space.
"Do you want to see the menu?" he asked, passing it in his direction, completely ignoring the flirty guy’s attitude.
He raised an eyebrow, surprised by the alpha’s lack of interest. Without thinking, he took the menu and, in an almost automatic gesture, brought it between them. It was a habit he had developed with Dunk when they shared a menu, so it didn’t seem strange to him to lean slightly toward Pond so they could both see it at the same time.
"I don’t want anything too heavy," Phuwin commented, sliding his finger down the options.
"Why not? We don’t have practice until Monday."
"Yeah, but if I eat too much, I’ll just feel lazy the rest of the day."
Pond let out a soft laugh but didn’t say anything else. He simply followed Phuwin’s gaze over the menu, not realizing that, at some point, their shoulders had almost pressed together, as if they were practically embracing. The alpha was holding part of his seat while Phuwin was practically leaning against his chest. Every time one of them moved, the friction between them was inevitable.
The waiter, visibly uncomfortable with the lack of attention from the alpha, cleared his throat softly, trying to regain focus.
"Do you need more time, or do you already know what you want to order?"
"We’ll order," the alpha responded, raising an eyebrow at the waiter’s boldness but not giving it too much importance, a calm smile forming on his face.
Phuwin felt a small shiver run down his spine. He didn’t know if it was because of the closeness, Pond’s indifference toward a pretty omega, or simply the fact that they were sharing space without arguing. He kept scanning the menu with a slightly thoughtful expression. There were so many options, yet his mind seemed fixated on one thing—chocolate cake. As his fingers trailed over the words on the menu, his eyes lit up with excitement. He didn’t have to think much more about it, and with a smile that made him look like a child, he quickly pointed to one of the options.
"I want chocolate cake," he finally declared firmly. His tone left no doubt that, to him, that was the only dish worth ordering.
Pond looked up at him in disbelief. His expression quickly shifted from surprise to mild scolding.
"That’s not food," he responded, shooting him a disapproving look as he crossed his arms over the table. His voice was clear, but at the same time light, as if he wasn’t sure whether Phuwin was joking or being serious.
The omega frowned, but his attitude didn’t waver for even a second. Instead of backing down, he simply met Pond’s gaze with a defiant expression, as if the decision had already been made and no one—not even him—could make him change his mind.
"Of course it is. I can eat it," he said with a smug smile, as if everything made perfect sense. He spoke with so much certainty that he could have passed as an expert on the matter.
Pond let out a small chuckle, but it wasn’t one of amusement—more of a dry laugh, as if the situation had become so predictable that he couldn’t help but feel slightly annoyed. However, it wasn’t real anger; it was more of a mix of concern and fondness, as if he felt responsible for making sure Phuwin made better choices, even though he knew it would be useless.
"It’s not food," he stated again, his tone firm but not entirely dismissive. He knew the black-haired boy had never been one to follow traditional meal rules, but deep down, he wished he would at least eat something more balanced.
Phuwin, unfazed, shot him a stubborn look, as if nothing in the world could convince him to change his mind. He decided he wouldn’t give in, and even though he knew Pond was trying to be the sensible one between them, he had no intention of backing down. He wanted that cake, period.
The alpha observed his reaction and let out a sigh, realizing that changing his mind wouldn’t be easy. He decided to try a different approach—attack from another angle, a softer, more rational one. The best way to handle Phuwin in situations like this was to avoid turning it into an argument and instead redirect the conversation in a way that might convince him without making him feel pressured.
"What did you have for lunch?" he asked, his tone turning more casual, even curious, as he glanced back at the menu, as if genuinely considering what he would order for himself.
Without looking at him, the omega answered with the same indifference he had expected. He knew Pond didn’t share his enthusiasm for salads, but in his mind, his light meal was enough.
"A salad," he said, as if it were the most unimportant thing in the world. He didn’t stop to defend his choice for even a second; to him, it was the most normal thing ever.
Pond couldn’t help but frown at the answer. It wasn’t that he had anything against salads, but… just a salad? Nothing else? He stared at Phuwin for a moment before finally setting the menu down on the table with a small, dull thud, as if trying to make him understand.
"You can’t live off just leaves," he pointed out, his tone a mix of exasperation and mild concern, looking at him with a mixture of disbelief and slight disapproval.
"Of course I can," the omega protested, crossing his arms over his chest, challenging Pond’s logic. He was convinced that salads gave him everything he needed and didn’t see why anyone would question his choice. He was almost an adult—he knew what his body needed.
Seeing that this argument was going nowhere, Pond picked up the menu again and lifted it slightly, as if it were a tool to reinforce his point. He tapped it lightly against Phuwin’s forehead—a playful but also mildly scolding gesture.
"You’re going to eat something else, and I’ll buy you the chocolate cake for dessert," he offered with a teasing yet fond smile. It was his way of conceding the dessert but only after Phuwin ate something "real"—something he considered more appropriate.
The omega’s expression changed instantly. His face lit up, and his eyes sparkled with an enthusiasm that made it clear that, in the end, all that truly mattered to him was the cake. His love for sweets had never been a secret, and the idea of getting his dessert for free—from the alpha, no less—was simply too good to pass up.
"Promise!" he demanded, extending his hand with his pinky finger curled, as if sealing an oath of honor.
Pond, surprised by how quickly he had let himself be swayed by the promise of cake, raised an eyebrow and let out a soft laugh. He found it adorable how the omega could change his attitude so fast just for a sweet treat. He took his hand and, without thinking much about it, intertwined his pinky with Phuwin’s, sealing their promise.
“I promise, Phuphu,” he said with an amused, slightly mischievous smile, knowing that, in the end, what mattered most to him was seeing Phuwin enjoy himself.
Satisfied with his victory, he smiled smugly. “So… what are we ordering?” the omega asked, leaning over the menu again, this time with the certainty that his dessert was secured.
Pond, still entertained by his attitude, let him choose while the waiter observed the scene with a mix of surprise and envy. Clearly, he no longer had any chance of catching the attention of either of the alphas. Phuwin, now more excited about his free dessert, scanned the menu more carefully. He wanted to pick something he truly liked, but also something substantial enough that Naravit wouldn’t complain.
“What if we order something to share?” he suggested, turning the menu to show him.
“Mm… this looks good,” Pond said, pointing at a chicken and rice dish.
“That’s a lot of food.”
“That’s why we’re sharing. Besides, this way, you make sure to eat something decent before your stupid cake.”
The omega rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile a little. Despite his complaints, he didn’t feel annoyed. There was something about the way Pond insisted on these things that made him feel… strange… cared for. It wasn’t like when he made fun of him. It wasn’t the same urge to punch him. It was different.
Finally, the older boy placed the order without hesitation, making sure to add the chocolate cake at the end, which made Phuwin smile in satisfaction.
“Well done, alpha. You’re learning,” he teased, crossing his arms.
Pond shot him a warning look before leaning in a little closer. “Only because we made a pinky promise.”
The low tone of his voice sent an unexpected shiver down Phuwin’s spine. He cleared his throat and shifted back slightly, pretending to study the table as if it were the most interesting thing in the world. “Well, you better not break it.”
“I wouldn’t.”
He forced himself not to think too much about it when the food arrived, distracting himself with the way Pond, without saying anything, pushed the plate closer to him, giving him the first chance to serve himself. He took the utensils and started serving himself calmly, trying to ignore the way the alpha watched him, as if making sure he was actually eating. It wasn’t a big deal—sharing a plate with someone didn’t mean anything—but the warmth of the gesture threw him off. When he finished taking his portion, he placed the utensils on the edge of the plate and pushed the rest toward the alpha with a raised eyebrow.
“Are you just going to watch me eat, or are you going to serve yourse—?”
Before he could finish the sentence, the older boy had already taken his fork and was bringing a bite to his mouth, not taking his eyes off him.
Phuwin frowned. “That was fast.”
“You were taking too long. I’m starving, still a growing alpha.”
He rolled his eyes and focused on his food, ignoring Pond’s low chuckle. Eating together turned out to be more natural than he expected. Unlike the times they were surrounded by their friends, where any interaction between them usually ended in arguments, this time it was… comfortable.
Or at least, it was until their elbows bumped for the nth time.
“Could you stop taking up all my space?” Phuwin complained, pulling his arm away.
“Your space?” Pond raised an eyebrow, holding his fork with an amused air. “You’re the one invading mine.”
“No, I’m not!”
“Yes, you are. And besides—” he leaned in a little closer, a teasing smile on his lips, “your leg is on my side too.”
Phuwin looked down and, sure enough, his leg was hooked against Pond’s. This whole time, he had thought it was the chair’s leg. But it hadn’t been intentional.
“You’re the one moving too much!”
Pond simply shrugged with an expression far too innocent to be real.
“I’m just eating.”
“Then stop doing it so close!”
“It’s not my fault you’re so small.”
Phuwin narrowed his eyes, pressing his lips into a thin line.
“At least I have table manners.”
Pond looked at him for a second before letting out an exaggerated sigh.
When the cake arrived, the omega nearly clapped in excitement, momentarily forgetting their argument. He grabbed the spoon eagerly and took the first bite, savoring the sweetness of the chocolate with a satisfied smile. But his happiness was short-lived. He had barely taken his second bite when he felt someone snatch the spoon from his hand.
“Hey!”
The brunette, with absolute nonchalance, took a piece of cake and brought it to his mouth, glancing at him sideways. “We never said it was just yours.”
Phuwin shot him a deadly glare, but the alpha only smiled, chewing leisurely.
“You know what?” the younger one narrowed his eyes. “I hope your cleats are too tight.”
Pond let out another laugh and, without warning, took another bite. “You’ll have to do better than that if you want me to stop eating your cake.”
Phuwin looked up with an almost exaggerated sweetness, his eyes shining with feigned innocence as he stared at him intently. His lashes fluttered with calculated delicacy, and his lips curved into a small, playful smile, with just a hint of coquettishness.
Pond felt a sudden heat creep up his neck and settle in his cheeks, accompanied by a strange knot in his stomach. He shouldn’t be reacting like this, not over something so simple, but there was something about the way Phuwin tilted his head slightly, the way he smirked with such effortless confidence, that completely disarmed him.
Phuwin was unfairly beautiful.
Even though this was all over a miserable piece of cake, the omega was using his charm as an infallible weapon, determined to win the little battle without even arguing. And the worst part? It was working.
Pond swallowed dryly, feeling the weight of that gaze on him. His heart, betraying him, seemed to speed up at the simple gesture. It wasn’t fair. Phuwin didn’t play fair.
“Silly Pond…” Phuwin murmured, his voice dripping with playful sweetness.
The older boy blinked, feeling his attention focus entirely on him. His eyes traced the omega’s face, lingering on the soft curve of his lips, on the way his lashes trembled slightly every time he blinked. He was… too cute. Unfairly cute.
Without realizing it, he let out a small sigh, almost dazed, before responding in a softer tone than he intended.
“Yes, Phuphu?”
“Get the hell away from my cake.”
While the dispute over the cake continued on the other side of the table, the rest of the group seemed lost in their own world. Sitting across from each other, Joong and Dunk barely paid attention to the nearby argument. The alpha, his gaze focused on his partner, picked up a napkin and gently wiped a small smudge of sauce from the corner of the omega’s lips.
"How do you always end up making a mess?" he murmured with an amused smile.
Dunk blinked, feeling the heat rise to his cheeks.
"I don’t always!"
"Always," the alpha repeated without hesitation, leaning in a little more to make sure not a trace remained.
The omega lowered his gaze to his plate, stirring his food with his fork.
"You just look for excuses to touch me."
Joong propped an elbow on the table, his grin widening shamelessly. "And what if I did?"
A fleeting glance, barely a second, but enough to betray Dunk before he pretended to focus on his food again. "I didn’t say I minded."
The alpha chuckled softly and, without caring about any wandering eyes, took his hand across the table, intertwining their fingers in a natural gesture. "So you don’t mind if I keep taking care of you?"
Dunk feigned indifference, shrugging. "I guess not…" But the way he squeezed Joong’s hand gave him away entirely.
While the conversation at the table flowed, a different scene unfolded in a quieter corner. Amid the murmuring of cutlery and dishes, a faint tapping against a glass caught Aou’s attention. He tilted his head and watched as his companion absentmindedly played with his spoon, tapping the rim of his glass in an irregular rhythm. Raising an eyebrow, he gave him a light nudge on the shoulder.
"Something wrong?"
The gesture seemed to startle him because he tensed immediately and shook his head, though his evasive gaze and slight stammer gave him away before he could hold onto the lie.
"N-no…"
Aou smiled in disbelief, setting his fork down on the plate to turn more fully toward him. "You’re a terrible liar. Come on, tell me."
Doubt flickered across Boom’s face before he lowered his gaze to the nearly empty plate in front of him. He bit his lower lip, hesitant, and finally muttered something Aou barely managed to catch.
"I-I was thinking if I-I should order a-a dessert…"
The alpha blinked, waiting for more, but when nothing followed, he let out a small laugh. "That was your big concern?" For a moment, he had feared the omega wanted to leave.
Boom shrugged, fidgeting with his napkin. "I-I don’t want to seem g-g-greedy…"
The alpha’s laughter was louder this time, and without much thought, he rested an arm on the back of the other’s chair, leaning in with a casual air. "Order whatever you want. Or better yet, I’ll order for you."
The other looked up, clearly surprised, and quickly began shaking his head. "Y-you don’t have to—"
"But I want to." Without giving him a chance to protest further, Aou raised his hand and called over a waitress with the confidence of someone who wouldn’t take no for an answer. "One of those berry cheesecakes for him!"
The color in his companion’s cheeks deepened instantly, and with no idea where to hide, he lowered his head and murmured something against his palm. "Hey… Aou—"
"What? Didn’t you want dessert?" Maybe he had been too reckless.
Boom just muttered something even softer, sinking into his seat.
"What was that?" Aou insisted, giving him another small nudge with his shoulder.
The whisper that slipped past the omega’s lips was almost imperceptible. "...T-thank you…"
Aou smiled, ruffling his hair with unexpected tenderness. "That’s what I’m here for, pretty boy," he said in a burst of confidence.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The group arrived at the cinema just in time, with only a few minutes before the movie started. The neon lights flickered above the marquee, reflecting off the massive lobby windows, where the crowd moved in a constant ebb and flow. The line for snacks advanced quickly, the sound of popcorn popping inside the machines blending with the murmur of people and the clinking of coins being exchanged at the registers. Each pair momentarily scattered to choose their own snacks—some checking the digital menu, others already pulling money from their pockets, deciding what to buy before the movie began.
Phuwin, still satisfied from dinner, kept to the side. He had no intention of adding more food to his stomach, so when Naravit grabbed his arm and dragged him into the line, he frowned in obvious resistance.
“I really don’t need anything else,” he insisted, crossing his arms as he watched the other rummage through his wallet, paying him little attention.
“Sure, sure,” the alpha replied absentmindedly, as if he were just humoring him while carrying out his own plan. Before Phuwin could protest, he had already paid for a bucket of popcorn and was holding it out with a victorious smile.
The omega sighed in exasperation, but as he lowered his gaze to begrudgingly accept it, his expression completely changed. The popcorn bucket was a special Hello Kitty edition, decorated in pastel colors with a shiny bow on the side. Ridiculously cute. He tried to resist. He really did. But his hands were already reaching for it before his brain could react. A slight tingling sensation spread through his fingers before he even processed what he was doing because by the time he considered refusing, he was already holding it carefully, as if it were something far more valuable than just a simple snack.
“This is playing dirty…” he muttered, feigning annoyance while his eyes remained glued to the design.
Pond shrugged, clearly pleased with his reaction. “Not my fault you have a weakness for cute things.”
Phuwin rolled his eyes, pretending indifference as he held the bucket with more appreciation than he wanted to admit. They kept walking toward the theater entrance, where the scent of buttered popcorn mixed with the air conditioning. Just as they were about to step inside, the alpha veered off without warning.
“I’m going to the bathroom. Go ahead,” he said, not giving it much importance.
The omega watched him walk away and, once he was out of sight, lowered his gaze to the bills and coins in his pocket. He pressed his lips together, hesitant. He had no intention of owing Naravit anything—he didn’t want to seem like he was always on the receiving end without giving anything back. But just as he was about to sigh in resignation and turn around, something at the snack counter caught his attention. Among the themed cups featuring superheroes and animated characters, one, in particular, stood out. Its design was simple but eye-catching, with vibrant colors and a logo he knew all too well alongside the main character. He didn’t think twice. He walked up to the counter with determination, took out the money, and bought it before he could change his mind.
When Naravit came out of the bathroom, drying his hands on his shirt as if he hadn’t had time to use the hand dryer, he found Phuwin leaning against the wall, arms crossed and head slightly tilted. He was holding something in one hand but was trying to act as casual as possible, as if it were nothing of importance.
“Here.” He extended it with a neutral expression.
Pond frowned slightly, raising an eyebrow in curiosity before accepting the object. It only took him a couple of seconds to recognize the design, and when he did, his eyes immediately lit up.
“Spider-Man?!”
The omega felt a sudden warmth spread across his cheeks at the excitement in his voice. “You said he was your favorite when we were kids…” he murmured, looking away with apparent disinterest. “I didn’t want you to be the only one paying for things today.”
The alpha turned the cup in his hands, looking at it as if he were holding a priceless treasure. His expression softened, almost nostalgic, and when he finally spoke, his voice carried a different tone. “I can’t believe you remember that…”
Phuwin clicked his tongue and looked away, shrugging nonchalantly. “Well, it’s not like you ever talked about anything else back then.”
That made the alpha chuckle fondly, and before the omega could react, he reached up and ruffled his hair with a gesture so natural it seemed instinctive.
Phuwin froze completely.
His heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, the sensation was too familiar—too much like the memories he thought he had buried. The warmth on his scalp, the casualness of the touch, the simple yet trusting gesture… It was something Pond used to do when they were kids, back when he hadn’t yet turned into the annoying person Phuwin knew now. His mind went blank, trying to process what had just happened, but before he could gather his thoughts, the alpha had already walked ahead, holding the cup in one hand and the popcorn in the other as if nothing had happened.
Phuwin blinked a few times, feeling the heat in his face intensify. He followed in silence, still dazed.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The theater lights dimmed, and the screen lit up with the first previews of the show. Phuwin sighed, settling into his seat with his Hello Kitty popcorn box on his lap. He glanced around discreetly, noticing a small detail that made him pout slightly. The couples had completely forgotten about the group outing.
He knew this whole thing had been a setup to get Aou closer to Boom, and it seemed to have worked—the alpha was leaning slightly towards Boom, speaking to him in a low voice while the omega toyed with the edge of his shirt, clearly nervous but delighted by the attention. At some point, it had stopped feeling like a group outing and had turned into a series of individual dates for the couples.
If Naravit hadn’t decided to tag along just to bother him, he would’ve been the third wheel for both couples.
Phuwin narrowed his eyes.
He looked down at his lap. He had popcorn that Pond had bought him. A drink that Pond had bought him. They were sitting together.
...
“Wait.” His expression tensed.
Because, if he looked at it from a different angle, it almost seemed like he was on a date too.
The thought unsettled him. He shifted in his seat, shaking his head, as if that would be enough to rid himself of the idea. No, no, this wasn’t a date. It was a cruel twist of fate. Pond was just an annoying guy who had nothing better to do than meddle in his plans.
Yeah. That was it.
He sighed, determined to focus on the movie.
But there was something even more annoying than his situation with Pond.
The air conditioning was freezing.
Phuwin hugged himself, rubbing his arms in the hopes of generating some warmth. Bad idea to have chosen such a light outfit. His white shorts were short enough to show off his legs, but not nearly enough to keep him warm. His red blouse, with its short sleeves, was perfect for highlighting his collarbones but utterly useless against the icy air circulating through the theater. He tried to ignore it, to think about anything else, but soon he found himself curling up, pressing his legs together, and tucking his hands between his thighs for some warmth.
Beside him, Pond sipped from his Spider-Man cup with complete ease, leaning back against his seat. He took slow, unbothered sips, his eyes fixed on the screen as if he were genuinely interested in the previews, though Phuwin suspected he wasn’t even paying attention. His lips pressed against the straw with that same lazy calm, fingers resting carelessly around the plastic cup. The dim glow of the screen highlighted his jawline, making his profile stand out in a ridiculous way. He looked comfortable. Too comfortable. As if the air conditioning wasn’t affecting him at all, as if the biting cold in the theater was nothing more than a light breeze to him.
Why wasn’t he cold? What kind of superhuman constitution did alphas have to withstand subzero temperatures like it was nothing?
He frowned and pressed his arms tightly against his torso, digging his fingers into the thin fabric of his blouse. He wanted to ignore the difference between them, focus on the movie, and pretend he wasn’t freezing in his seat, but soon enough, he felt the weight of a gaze on him. As if answering the question itself, the alpha turned to look at him, furrowing his brows.
“Are you cold?” he asked in a low voice.
The raven-haired boy glanced at him from the corner of his eye, still rubbing his arms insistently, trying to create friction. “What makes you think that?”
Pond tilted his head in feigned confusion, his expression barely illuminated by the flickering light of the screen. “I don’t know. Maybe the fact that you look like a shivering little bird.”
Phuwin clicked his tongue. He wasn’t in the mood to argue, but he also wouldn’t give Pond the satisfaction of admitting it. Still, the involuntary shiver that ran through his body betrayed him before he could say anything else.
“It’s colder than I expected…” he finally murmured, a little begrudgingly.
Pond rolled his eyes like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Phuwin braced himself for a joke, a sarcastic remark, or maybe for the alpha to simply ignore him and go back to sipping his stupid Spider-Man drink. But instead, Pond did something that completely caught him off guard.
Without warning, he shrugged and started taking off his jacket.
Phuwin frowned in confusion. “What are you doing?”
“Here.”
With a swift motion, Pond draped the jacket over his shoulders, covering him with the thick fabric and wrapping him in its lingering warmth.
The heat embraced him instantly, a comforting contrast against his cold skin.
And along with the warmth… came Pond’s scent.
The smell was rich and enveloping, deep notes of wood and a hint of spice blending with the familiar aroma of coffee. He recognized it immediately because it was a scent that had been present in his life since childhood, ingrained in his memory in ways he didn’t always understand.
His brain stalled for a few seconds.
He stared straight ahead, unsure whether to respond with discomfort or gratitude.
“Uh… what about you?” he asked, trying to sound indifferent, though his voice betrayed a hint of hesitation.
Pond shrugged.
“I’m not cold.”
He said it so effortlessly that Phuwin had no argument to refuse the jacket. He clenched his fingers slightly around the fabric, feeling its thick texture between his hands. After a moment, he sighed in resignation and muttered, “Thanks…”
He didn’t look at him, but he could feel the alpha’s smile widen.
The movie continued, but Phuwin could barely focus. He wasn’t sure if it was the jacket, the scent, or the warmth now wrapping around his body, but suddenly… the air conditioning didn’t seem so unbearable anymore.
He kept his gaze fixed on the screen, trying to follow the plot, repeating to himself that he had paid for his ticket and that it would be a waste to fall asleep now. But it was hard. Very hard.
The problem wasn’t the movie itself. Maybe it was good, maybe it was even interesting, but with a full stomach and warmth cocooning him completely, his body started betraying him.
The oversized jacket draped over his shoulders covered him like an improvised blanket, trapping his own body heat. The faint aroma of coffee lingered in the air, comforting and familiar, mixing with the low murmurs of dialogue from the screen. The combination of it all—the darkness of the theater, the perfect temperature, the distant whispers of other moviegoers—created the ideal setting for his eyelids to feel heavier and heavier.
He blinked slowly. Once. Twice.
He gave a subtle shake of his head, straightening his back in an attempt to regain focus. But just seconds later, the drowsiness crept in again. His breathing became slower, his blinks even lazier. He tried to correct his posture, to keep his composure every time his head tilted too much, but at this point, he didn’t even know what was happening in the movie anymore.
Sleep seeped into his bones like warm liquid. He slumped a little further into his seat, taking a deep breath, trying to hold onto consciousness, but in a brief moment of carelessness…
His head ended up resting on Pond’s shoulder.
He didn’t notice.
But Pond did.
The alpha felt the light weight against his shoulder and, instinctively, turned his head, ready to make a comment about whether Phuwin was still cold or if there was something wrong with the movie.
But when he glanced down, his lips remained sealed.
Because Phuwin had fallen asleep.
The omega’s breathing was slow and steady, his chest rising and falling in a calm rhythm. His lips were slightly pursed in an unconscious gesture, barely pressed together, highlighting the soft pink hue of the lip tint he was wearing. His eyelashes cast delicate shadows on his cheeks, and his hair had fallen slightly over his forehead, shifting with every quiet exhale.
Pond swallowed.
His heart beat strangely, too loudly for his liking, but he didn’t move his shoulder away or shift to wake him up. He just stayed there, watching the other’s relaxed face, feeling his calm breath against his neck.
He didn’t think much before moving his arm and naturally draping it over the other’s shoulders. And then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, Phuwin shifted onto his side.
With an instinctive movement, Pond pulled his legs up onto the seat, curling in on himself to find more comfort. He snuggled closer to Pond’s chest, lightly burying his face into the fabric of his shirt, seeking warmth without even realizing it.
Pond felt his chest tighten. He couldn’t remember the last time the omega had instinctively gotten so close to him. Maybe he never had.
He looked down at the omega on his shoulder, feeling the light weight and the warmth seeping through the fabric of his shirt. His eyes traced him with a softness he rarely allowed himself. Not with the intention of analyzing him or looking for reasons to tease him later, but with a silent contemplation that somehow felt too natural in that moment.
Phuwin was beautiful.
He always had been.
Since childhood, when his face was a little rounder and his smile seemed to fill all the space around him, to now, when his beauty had matured in such an obvious way that it was impossible to ignore. But the most irritating thing was that Phuwin never seemed to fully realize it, always overdoing it to look even more beautiful.
He remembered perfectly the first time he noticed it. Not in the way you notice a change, like when someone cuts their hair or gets a new shirt. No. It was in that sudden and definitive way that something ordinary suddenly becomes a point of no return.
It was summer, hot, and he and Joong were playing soccer in the park, kicking the ball between them while their laughter filled the air. And there was Phuwin, sitting in the shade with his bare feet, his hair tousled by the breeze, watching them with an intense look, as if he wanted to say something but didn’t dare.
In the end, he didn’t need to dare.
“If you yell my name louder than Joong’s, I’ll buy you an ice cream.”
He said it jokingly, not expecting much in return.
But then, Phuwin smiled.
Not just any smile. Not one of those shy or restrained smiles. No. His eyes lit up with a pure, genuine emotion, and his mouth curved into a smile so bright that even the sun seemed to pale in comparison. He stood up immediately, brushing the dirt off his knees, and with all the determination in the world, began shouting his name with almost comical energy.
Pond remembered laughing.
But he also remembered the strange feeling that settled in his chest in that moment.
A tug, a flip, something he didn’t fully understand at the time. Something he just left there, untouched, not analyzing too much.
But now he understood.
Phuwin was beautiful.
But not in the way people said it when they wanted to give a shallow compliment. Not in the superficial way they referred to good looks and nothing more.
He was beautiful in the intensity of his gaze when he talked about something he was passionate about, in the way his lips would curl slightly when he concentrated in front of the mirror, perfecting every detail of his reflection with almost artistic precision. He was beautiful in the way his hair fell over his forehead, with rebellious strands that never seemed to need effort to look good, in the way his skin captured the light, highlighting the subtle pink tone of his cheeks.
But more than anything, he was beautiful in his strength.
Because Phuwin shone.
He did so with his own light, intense, that no one had given or facilitated for him. A light he had learned to keep on by himself, even when the world tried to put it out, even when people told him he couldn’t, that he shouldn’t, that he wasn’t normal.
And Pond had never told him.
Maybe because admitting it aloud would make it real.
And making it real meant accepting what he had been trying to ignore for so long.
But now... here he was.
Sleeping against his shoulder with a steady breath, his chest rising and falling in a calm rhythm. His skin, faintly illuminated by the light of the screen, had a soft, warm glow, as if it belonged to another world. His lips were slightly parted, still holding that pinkish hue that seemed almost unreal, and his expression was so peaceful that for a moment, Pond wondered if he was really in the same universe as him.
And in that moment, unable to stop himself, one thought crossed his mind.
"I'm fucked."
He thought about how many times he had seen Phuwin grow, but still hadn’t gotten used to the way he saw him now. Not just as his friend, but as someone who meant so much to him, someone who had occupied his mind and heart without him even realizing it.
He remembered the first years of his adolescence, when the omega started to change, pull away a little, become more introverted because of the way others treated him. Pond had witnessed all of that, but he had never had the courage to reach out again, as if time had made him more distant, more complex. Why had he been so stubborn in not admitting how he felt?
The reality was that Phuwin had always been there, and despite everything that had happened between them, the connection remained. Maybe even in a deeper way, because now Pond felt that every moment by his side was a missed opportunity from the past.
He leaned slightly, making sure the boy was comfortable. The softness of his breath was the only thing he could hear above the quiet sound of the movie. The coffee scent on his jacket seemed to intensify, and Pond, almost instinctively, tightened his embrace a little more, wishing that this closeness wouldn’t disappear.
“You can’t be more adorable,” he murmured to himself, so softly it was almost a whisper. Phuwin didn’t respond, but his relaxed expression, with his eyes closed and lips parted, only reaffirmed what Pond already knew: he was completely captivated by him.
Without thinking much more, he gently stroked the omega’s hair, an involuntary gesture of affection. If someone had asked him what all this meant, Pond wouldn’t have had a clear answer. He only knew that, even though they were in the middle of a movie and surrounded by people, everything felt more real than ever.
For just a moment, he wanted to stay there, without having to deal with the complexity of words or the decisions he hadn’t made. He wanted to enjoy that moment of calm, of being with him, simply being.
But, eventually, the movie ended.
The lights flickered on suddenly, pulling them all out of the dreamlike state the darkness had wrapped them in. Phuwin shifted slightly, blinking in confusion as he felt movement around him, and only then did he realize his position.
He barely had time to pull away from Pond when Boom let out a strangled sob beside him.
“i-I-it was so s-sad...” he whimpered, covering his face with his hands.
“Why didn’t anyone warn me it was going to end like that?” Dunk complained, his eyes visibly red as he clung to Joong’s arm dramatically.
“The trailer literally said ‘a tragic story’ in huge letters,” Aou commented, rolling his eyes.
“That can mean a lot of things!” Dunk protested, his voice cracking.
Amid murmurs and resigned sighs, the group left the room with slow steps, still processing the emotional punch of the story. Gradually, each one took their path home, bidding each other farewell with hugs and comments about how they’d never watch a movie recommended by Aou again.
Phuwin walked, still half-asleep, in silence next to Pond until they reached the cinema exit. It was only when they were about to part ways that Phuwin remembered the jacket still draped around his arms.
“By the way, this is yours,” he said, extending it to him.
The alpha looked at it for a moment before giving a half-smile and gently pushing it back against his chest. “It’s cold at night. You can return it to me another time.”
Phuwin looked at him, hesitating for a second. But in the end, he didn’t argue.
And that night, back in his room, as he settled into bed, the jacket stayed in the corner of his pillow.
He didn’t return it the next day, even though he had the chance when Naravit spent the afternoon at his house playing video games with Chen.
He didn’t do it at the practice either, even though he had exchanged glances with him more than once.
And though he told himself there was no reason to still have it there...
That night, he also slept with it.
Notes:
Sorry for the delay, but you have no idea how many times I rewrote each scene because I didn’t like how they turned out. Even now, I’m not fully convinced by this chapter—I feel like I fell short on the tenderness, but I guess I’ll fix it in the future.
Not that you need to know this, but there were two deleted scenes because they became too complicated to narrate after so many changes. And to avoid stressing myself out even more, I’ll just keep moving forward with the story.
Also, for my AO3 readers, way more days have passed. On Wattpad, I published an AouBoom AU for Valentine’s Day, but I’m afraid there are so many images filled with Latin American community slang and inside jokes that adapting it into English feels almost impossible.
I.
Chapter 9: ❝[𝟎𝟎𝟗]: 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐬❞
Notes:
I'm really sorry for disappearing for so many days, but in the part of Latin America where I live, we've been experiencing intense heatwaves due to summer, which kept me tired and low on motivation. There are still a few days of heat left, but I'll try to get back into the rhythm of translations. Drink plenty of water and take care (˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶)
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Since that movie outing, Phuwin had tried to act like nothing happened, but every time he did, something inside him twisted like a nervous cat. He had no reason to feel weird. It was just a group outing! Nothing special, just an attempt to help a friend. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was different. After all, the only difference between that day and any other was that Pond had decided to behave like a decent human being. Suddenly, he didn’t know if he had entered an alternate universe or if he was just becoming paranoid. But every time he remembered the alpha's "acting normal," his mind was filled with unanswered questions, like a black hole of confusion had opened right in his stomach.
But it wasn’t just that, precisely, that unsettled him.
He was used to dealing with the annoying Naravit, the one who always had something to say, who laughed at him and found ways to mess with him without even trying. But that day... that day he had seen a different Pond. A Pond who opened the door for him naturally, who paid the bill without making irritating comments, who walked beside him without trying to provoke him.
It had been so strange, so out of the ordinary, that ever since, he felt uncomfortable just thinking about it.
They hadn’t crossed paths much in the following days. The training had become more intense with the season approaching, and although he was busy with his own captain audition prep, he couldn’t help but notice that Pond was even more swamped.
"He’s putting in more effort than ever," Joong had said in a conversation with Dunk, as Phuwin passed by unintentionally overhearing. Or at least, that’s what he told himself. "After the scolding from the match, he’s been training late into the night. Plus, he has to improve his grades if he wants that sports scholarship."
"That means less time for us to mess with Phuwin together," Dunk joked, laughing.
He didn’t react, but his steps slowed a little as he walked away.
What Pond did wasn’t his concern. Not at all.
And yet, now that he thought about it, he hadn’t seen him laugh much lately.
Nor mess with him as much.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The sun was starting to tint the field with warm hues, bathing the space in a soft golden light that seemed to bid farewell to the day. The sky turned pink, as if the sunset was painting a melancholic goodbye, dragging along the last hours of heat. Phuwin, exhausted but not enough to leave the place, stayed there for a moment longer. The air was beginning to cool, bringing with it the first chills of autumn, that fresh breeze that made his skin prickle slightly. Sometimes, after an intense training session, he liked to stay a little longer. He wasn’t in a hurry to return to the daily routine, enjoying the moment of calm before heading home.
That’s when he saw him.
Pond was sitting on the bleachers, his head resting on his arms and his eyes closed.
For a moment, Phuwin thought he was just resting. But there was something in the way his body was slumped forward, the way his chest rose and fell with a slow, heavy rhythm, that didn’t feel right.
His first instinct was to ignore it. He didn’t need to worry. But his legs made the decision before his head, and before he knew it, he was already climbing the bleachers.
He sat next to him, watching him closely. Pond’s hair was tousled, sticking to his forehead with sweat, and his sports uniform was slightly disheveled, with his shirt half out of his pants. His face, usually confident, was now marked by fatigue, the lines of his jaw tense and a dull shine in his eyes. There was no trace of the usual arrogance he used to wear like another outfit. Instead, what Phuwin saw was a guy who had clearly given everything he had, and more, in the training. He didn’t look like the imposing captain everyone expected, but like someone completely drained, as if every breath cost him an extra effort.
Phuwin frowned before nudging him with his elbow to make his presence known.
"If you fall asleep here, you’re going to get sick."
It took Pond a few seconds to react. He slowly opened his eyes, blinking as if it was hard to focus.
"Phuwin...?"
"Who else? Your fairy godmother?"
Pond gave a weak smile, but didn’t move much.
"Leave me alone..."
His voice was rougher than usual, and that only made it feel even stranger.
Since when did he care how Pond’s voice sounded?
"Don't be dramatic." He looked away, uncomfortable, and added with less firmness than he would have liked, "If you're so tired, why don't you go home?"
"I have to study," Pond murmured, closing his eyes again. "And get up early to train."
Phuwin pressed his lips together, holding back a strange feeling rising in his chest. He knew the final year of high school could be exhausting, but seeing him like this... He wasn't prepared for that. Pond had always been the heart of the team, a whirlwind of constant energy, always with a joke ready, teasing someone or provoking a reaction. It was hard to imagine him any other way. But now, sitting in front of him, he seemed so... drained. Like all his spark had disappeared, replaced by an uncomfortable calm and a palpable fatigue reflected in every one of his gestures.
He didn’t like it.
He didn’t know why, but he didn’t like it.
"If you push yourself too hard, you're going to collapse."
Pond let out a low laugh, almost inaudible, as if he found it hard to believe what he was hearing. "That sounds like something my grandmother would say." He tried to joke, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes.
Phuwin clicked his tongue.
"Well, someone has to tell you."
Silence.
The sky above them was slowly darkening, while the last rays of the sun reflected on the empty field. Phuwin didn’t know why he was still there, sitting next to the alpha instead of leaving like he normally would. Maybe it was because he looked so different than usual. Maybe it was because, for the first time, he didn’t have the energy to argue with him. Or maybe it was because, no matter how much he wanted to deny it, there was a part of him that didn’t want to leave him alone.
Phuwin sighed, resting his elbows on his knees as he looked at the horizon. The silence between them lingered, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. At least, not as much as the omega would have expected. He figured he should leave, but something in the way Pond was breathing, in the way he seemed to sink deeper into his own exhaustion, made him stay.
He sighed again and rummaged through his backpack until he found what he was looking for. Without thinking too much, he opened the water bottle and placed it on the opposite leg. "Drink." His voice sounded more serious than he intended, so he cleared his throat before adding, "If you faint, I’m not carrying your sweaty body to the nurse."
Pond slowly opened his eyes and looked down at the bottle. His fingers closed around it reluctantly, but at least he took it.
"Since when do you care about me?"
"I don’t." Phuwin crossed his arms and looked away. "But if you’re going to scold me all the time for not taking care of myself, I might as well set an example."
The alpha pressed the bottle against his forehead, letting the cold seep into his skin. His expression seemed more relaxed, but his eyes still held something Phuwin didn’t like. He wasn’t sure what it was, but it unsettled him.
Finally, he took a long sip of water, the sound of the liquid hitting the plastic bottle echoing in the silence. He placed the bottle aside and let out a deep sigh, as if all the accumulated tension in his body was seeking an escape. He stared ahead, exhaustion marking every line on his face, before murmuring, almost reluctantly, but letting the words slip out anyway.
"I can’t help it."
Phuwin raised an eyebrow, confusion crossing his face.
"What?"
Pond rested an elbow on his knee, leaning slightly forward as he ran a distracted hand through his messy hair. Strands fell rebelliously over his forehead, and his face reflected a weariness he wasn’t trying to hide. "I’m nervous." His voice, when it finally came out, was soft, almost as if he feared the fatigue in his words would betray him.
"You? Nervous?"
"Surprising, huh?"
"It’s almost terrifying."
Pond let out a soft laugh, but it wasn’t the mocking laugh Phuwin expected, nor the amusement that used to fill the air between them. This time, it was different—a brief, dry laugh that faded almost as quickly as it had come, like an automatic reflex, something his body did without thinking, more out of habit than genuine impulse. After a long moment of stillness, Pond let out a sigh, heavier than before, and spoke.
"So far, football has always just been that. A game. Something I did because I liked it, because I was good at it, and because it gave me something to occupy my time. But..." He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, not looking at him. "When Earth scolded me after the game, he said something I hadn’t seriously considered. He told me that a lot of universities are looking at me, that I actually have a real shot at getting a sports scholarship."
Phuwin frowned.
"And that bothers you? I thought you'd like knowing you're good at something."
"It’s not that. It’s just that..." Pond paused, his gaze fixed on the empty field. "In that moment, it felt real. Like suddenly everything had changed."
He didn’t say anything, but he understood what he meant. It wasn’t just the pressure of being good. It was realizing that the time they spent playing, teasing each other, training, and arguing... was coming to an end. The end of adolescence, that cycle that seemed eternal until you realized it wasn’t anymore. And with that end came the start of something much bigger, something uncertain and full of changes that pushed them to grow, to become something different. Sometimes, those kinds of transitions didn’t feel like a hard blow but like a small crack that left its mark without you noticing.
"I guess I hadn’t thought about it too much," Pond continued. "But when Earth said it, I realized I’m actually about to graduate. That it’s no longer just a game. And then..."
The omega watched as his fingers tightened around the bottle.
"...Then I thought about my dad."
The air seemed to grow denser. Phuwin knew him well enough to understand that he didn’t talk about him easily. It was a subject he avoided, something buried beneath his carefree personality and arrogant attitude.
But he knew.
He knew that Pond’s father had more than enough money to secure a future for him without worrying about the numbers, that he could pay for his college without even breaking a sweat. But what really troubled him wasn’t the money itself, but what that money meant—continuing to depend on it, staying tied to that imposing figure who had always looked down on him, expecting him to meet his expectations. And if there was one thing Pond hated deeply, it was that man. For him, dependency was a form of submission, almost like a silent defeat that stripped him of any sense of control over his life. Because, in the end, depending on his father to move forward wasn’t just a financial matter—it was a constant reminder that, in his world, he would always be under someone else’s shadow.
Phuwin swallowed, feeling a slight knot in his stomach.
It wasn’t the first time he’d thought about Pond’s story. He had heard it in fragments, like pieces of a puzzle slowly coming together over time. Disjointed words that Joong had let slip by accident, fleeting memories that their mothers, concerned, mentioned when they thought he wasn’t listening. They were stories that always seemed too sad to be real, like Pond had locked them away, protecting a part of himself he wasn’t willing to share.
His father was a wealthy man, an alpha who had left an indelible mark on his mother. He had cheated on her while they were still together, an infidelity that had shattered her in ways Phuwin could empathize with as an omega. He also knew that his mother had tried to move on, rebuild her life, and find a glimpse of happiness despite the pain that man had left her with. And she had succeeded, for a time. But when she tried to remake her life with someone else, her new partner couldn’t accept that Pond was part of that future. "He’s another man’s pup," he had said. Those words, laced with contempt, had marked him, leaving him trapped in a limbo between two worlds that didn’t fully want him.
And with his foolish need to make his mother happy, he accepted what was given to him. He accepted living with his father, hoping to find love from him after being abandoned by his mother. But that house had never been his home. It had never been his family. Deep down, he had always been a stranger, an intruder clinging to a life that didn’t belong to him.
That's why, when they were kids, he was always at the brothers' house. He always found an excuse to stay late, to invite himself to dinner without warning, to show up at their door as if that was the only way he could feel like he belonged to something. Because, in his own house, he couldn’t find that sense of belonging, that warmth only family ties could offer. And he knew it, even if he never said it aloud, his real family was somewhere else, in a place where he had never fully fit in.
Pond had always been like that.
Annoying, loud, invasive.
And now, seeing him in silence, with that exhausted expression and a confession that seemed ripped from his own chest, Phuwin felt a strange pang in his heart. It was a familiar feeling, one he had experienced before, like when his omega scratched his chest during the match, trying to comfort the alpha battling his own torment. This time, without thinking, he allowed his honey scent to escape him, wrapping Naravit in a soft embrace of his essence. The sweet, warm fragrance unfolded like an invisible layer, trying to offer him some peace amidst the whirlwind of painful memories surrounding him. Phuwin couldn’t change what had happened, but somehow, he could try to ease that burden, even if only a little, with the same silent comfort he had always wanted to offer him back then.
He didn’t like it.
He didn’t like seeing him like this.
"So, you want the scholarship because you don’t want to depend on him?" he asked quietly.
The brunette smiled, but it wasn’t a genuine smile. It was a sad smile, as if the simple act of lifting his lips was a struggle. His gaze wandered for a moment, searching for something in the emptiness before his words came out, almost like a whisper. "I don’t want to owe him anything." The phrase hung in the air, heavy, like a weight he didn’t want to carry alone anymore.
The wind blew gently between them, brushing their faces and ruffling their hair slightly. Phuwin stayed silent, watching Pond, unsure of what to say. The words were stuck in his throat, and for some reason, that bothered him deeply.
He was supposed to hate him. He was supposed to be irritated by his very presence, for every word, every gesture from Naravit to trigger an impulse of anger, to want to shout at him or even hit him. But right then, at that moment, he didn’t feel rage or hatred. Something different was taking over him. Something heavy in his chest, a feeling with no name, a mix of confusion and vulnerability he didn’t even want to try to understand.
He looked at the sky, which was beginning to darken over the field, the clouds painted in purple and orange hues from the last rays of the sun. He didn’t want to argue, to keep feeding the conflict between them. Instead, deep inside, he felt something that surprised him; he wanted to hear him. He wanted to hug him.
Phuwin wasn’t sure what to say. He had grown up fighting with him, used to seeing him as a hopeless idiot, a problem with legs who never took anything seriously. But now, he was there, exhausted and honest, showing him a part of himself he rarely allowed anyone to see.
He looked away and gently kicked a stone on the ground.
"I’m not exactly sure what to say."
Pond looked up, as if his words had snapped him out of a trance.
"Huh? Since when do you run out of words?"
Phuwin clicked his tongue.
"If you were Joong, I’d probably already have said some nonsense to make you go back to being the arrogant jerk you always are. Something like, 'And you’re worried about that? You can’t even string two thoughts together without them falling out of your ears.'"
Pond let out a brief, nasal laugh, but this time it was different. It was more genuine, more real than any of the previous ones. Phuwin, however, didn’t look at him. Instead, he turned his gaze to the ground, focusing on the stone he had just kicked. The small rock slid slowly, moving away with every slight motion of his foot.
"But I understand you." His voice was softer than Phuwin expected. "I understand what it feels like to push yourself to the limit. To the point of forgetting about others."
The alpha didn’t respond right away, but Phuwin could feel his gaze fixed on him, as if he were waiting, watching each of his movements. He felt an uncomfortable pressure in his chest, a weight that pushed him to speak, but he resisted for a moment. He pressed his lips tightly together and took a deep breath, searching inside himself for some determination before continuing.
"I still have a year before I enter university, but... I have a dream."
This time, not only was his voice firmer, but despite the discomfort, he lifted his gaze. However, he avoided meeting Pond's eyes. Instead, he focused on some point on the horizon, as if the words he was about to say were harder than he wanted to admit.
"I want to become the captain of the cheerleaders."
As he spoke those words, a small sigh escaped his lips. He felt the weight of silence, so he quickly rushed to clarify. "Not just because I like it or because I want to prove I’m the best. But because..." His throat tightened a bit, but he didn’t back down. "Because my mom was captain when she was a teenager."
There was no need to say more.
Pond understood right away.
He didn’t ask questions, didn’t interrupt, didn’t try to make a joke. He just stayed silent, waiting for Phuwin to continue at his own pace.
"I guess... it makes me feel like I have something in common with her. Something I can share, even though she’s not here anymore."
He didn’t usually talk about his mother. Not because it hurt to remember her—because it did—but because he felt like talking about her didn’t change anything. But now that the words were out in the air, he felt a little lighter. He didn’t realize he was playing with the edge of his skirt until he felt the alpha’s fingers loosen the tense grip on the fabric.
Pond sighed, letting the air escape slowly before resting his head in his hands, fingers interlaced. It seemed like the world around him faded for a moment, as if the words he was about to say were too heavy to be spoken aloud.
"How curious."
Phuwin raised an eyebrow, feeling curiosity take hold of him, but also a touch of uncertainty.
"What thing?"
Pond spun the water bottle between his fingers, staring at the reflection of the sun on the plastic, as if it were the only thing in the world that really made sense at that moment.
"You want to connect with the past, and I just want to get away from it."
His voice carried a strange tone, something in it echoing memories that even Phuwin couldn’t fully understand. There was something between nostalgia and weariness, a mixture of resignation that gave him a cold feeling. In the past few weeks, he had been getting to know a different man than the one he used to know.
"It’s not that I have some big dream," he admitted, not looking directly at him. "I don’t want to be famous or do something impressive with my life. The only thing I want is..."
He paused, searching for the words with an expression that seemed as lost as the fading light of the evening.
"I want to be a better man than my father."
Phuwin felt a shiver. There was no need to explain further.
He knew enough of his story to understand how much those words meant.
"I want to have a family," Pond continued, his words hanging in the air with a vulnerability Phuwin hadn’t expected. "Not just in the sense of getting married and that’s it. I want a family like yours."
The black-haired boy pressed his lips together, unable to find a response. He didn’t know how to respond to something so intimate.
"I want my pups to love each other as much as you and Joong do. I want them to grow up together, to annoy each other, to mess around like we did, but never doubt that they have each other."
As soon as he said the word "pups," something inside Phuwin reacted immediately. A soft whisper from his omega was noticed, like a quick heartbeat he couldn’t control. His omega, so sensitive to those terms, seemed almost excited, as if the idea of a family, of someone taking care of them the same way they took care of each other, awakened a suppressed need.
He swallowed, feeling his chest tighten a little more.
Pond smiled sideways, almost shyly.
"Maybe I’ll even adopt one."
Phuwin looked at him, surprised.
"Adopt?"
"Yeah," he replied, turning the bottle with a slowness that seemed to match the rhythm of his thoughts. "I don’t know, I guess I want to give some pup the chance to receive love from the start. Not have to wait until they’re grown to know what it feels like to be loved."
The omega listened to his words, feeling as if, for the first time, he was seeing Pond in all his humanity. And for some reason, he couldn’t help but feel moved by that simple, yet profound, aspiration.
He looked at Pond, the guy who had spent most of his life teasing him, pushing him to argue, making his mind flood with frustrated thoughts and his head ache from trying to stay calm. But now, sitting in front of him, Pond wasn’t the same. There was no arrogance shield that he always used to cover himself, no layer of exaggerated confidence he wore to keep everyone at a distance. Now, he seemed more vulnerable, more human, as if everything he had been until that moment had crumbled, leaving the real guy, without masks, without defenses.
He had stopped being his worst nightmare. And now, sitting there, he was someone he could talk to about things that, at other times, he would have considered too important or private. Just two guys, sharing a moment, without the noise of everything that had kept them distant until now.
The black-haired boy sighed, feeling the frustration build up in his chest. His fingers ran through his hair in a nervous gesture, but he couldn’t clear his thoughts.
"God, it’s so weird seeing you like this."
The brown-haired boy looked at him with an eyebrow raised, as if the statement was more confusing than anything else.
"Like what?"
"Like... human." He let out a huff, staring ahead in disbelief.
The alpha blinked, then let out a soft laugh, shaking his head with something between resignation and amusement.
"Well, thanks. I thought you were the more polite of the two, but apparently not."
The omega glanced at him sideways, feeling a mix of irritation and something like relief in his chest. He decided not to give it too much thought.
"I didn’t mean it as an insult."
Pond watched him for a moment, and the smile on his face softened. It was a genuine smile, as if he had finally understood what he meant. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke, with a slight tilt of his head.
"I know."
And, for some reason, that made the omega feel less uncomfortable. Seeing him like that, without the arrogance barrier he used to keep up, swept him into a whirlwind of emotions he wasn’t ready to name.
And that scared him.
So, as he always did when things got too complicated, he stood up, shaking his skirt as if that could dissipate the feeling that had begun to form in his chest.
"I’m leaving. I don’t have all day to sit here listening to you philosophize about your future."
The alpha, who seemed to be waiting for something more, raised an eyebrow with a playful smile on his lips. His eyes sparkled with that familiar glint, but something about him, maybe the lingering tiredness in his posture, made him seem less arrogant than usual.
"Wasn’t it supposed to be you who was going to scold me to take better care of myself?" he asked, with that voice full of sarcasm and a touch of tenderness more typical of him.
Phuwin took the empty water bottle from his hands with a decisive gesture, and without even making eye contact, tossed it into his backpack. "I’ll do it another day. For now, at least try to sleep. You look like a zombie," he said, not even trying to hide the slight concern in his tone, though he covered it with his usual angry attitude.
The brown-haired boy let out a mocking laugh.
"Yeah, yeah... goodnight, princess."
He stopped for a second, resisting the urge to throw another bottle at him. But when he looked at him and saw him so relaxed, with a small smile on his lips, he decided to let it slide.
Without noticing that his heart was beating faster than usual.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The days went on, and although Phuwin wouldn’t admit it out loud, he was relieved to see Naravit in better spirits. Not that he cared that much—of course not—but seeing Pond dragging his feet and staring at the ground like an abandoned dog was uncomfortable.
Besides, his renewed energy meant he had gone back to annoying him.
"Ready to train, princess?"
"Don’t call me that."
"But you like it."
"I don’t like it!"
Since that conversation that afternoon, Pond had started calling him "princess" as often as he used "PhuPhu," and while he referred to that mocking version of him a lot more, he couldn’t deny that the nickname made him nervous.
And so, between practices, arguments, and small moments of routine, Friday came.
Phuwin had a plan.
Well, it wasn’t really a plan, but more of an urgent, almost vital need. His skin was dry, tight, and the feeling of discomfort was unbearable. He knew he couldn’t stand it much longer. The cold creeping in during the mornings and the long hours of training under the clear sky were starting to take a toll on his skin, leaving it dull and slightly irritated. He couldn’t let the cold ruin his skincare routine, not when his skin felt so far from its usual softness.
So, that night, he decided that nothing would interrupt him. The night would be just for him, and somehow, his refuge. He shed the tension of the entire day and slipped into his teddy bear pajamas. He gathered his hair into a small palm tree, that hairstyle he used to make sure nothing from his mane bothered him. He adjusted it with precision, making sure no rebellious strand slipped into his face and ruined the perfection of his self-care.
With a satisfied smile, he took his favorite face mask from the shelf. He applied it delicately, enjoying every moment as if it were a necessary ritual to maintain balance in his life. The cool sensation on his skin brought the calm he so desperately needed, as if every pore on his face could breathe better with each layer.
Finally, he snuggled into his bed, wrapping himself in the soft sheets that still smelled like his favorite perfume. He grabbed the remote and started flipping through the movie options, looking for something light, something that wouldn’t require too much thought. After all, he deserved a night without worries.
He was about to hit play when the door to his room suddenly burst open.
"I can't believe this!"
He barely had time to blink before Pond stormed in, arms crossed, with an expression of annoyance.
"Dunk ruined my alpha night with Chen."
Phuwin didn't even try to hide his disgusted expression.
"Ew."
"Not in that sense!" Pond frowned, though the idea that Phuwin even thought that seemed to offend him a little more than necessary.
"Joong and I planned to watch the game together, but Dunk showed up with a horror movie and now he's all curled up with him like a damn teddy bear."
"Oh no, what a tragedy," the omega said, with the driest tone possible.
Pond ignored his sarcasm and continued with his complaint, but halfway through his sentence, he fell silent.
He stared at him.
No, more like, he examined him.
Phuwin raised an eyebrow.
"What?"
The alpha blinked a couple of times, then... burst out laughing.
It wasn't a regular laugh, not even just any laugh. It was a loud laugh, so genuine that it echoed throughout the room, causing the dark-haired boy to furrow his brow immediately. The brown-haired one bent forward, leaning on the edge of the bed, as if he couldn’t hold himself up. Each shake of laughter seemed to make him lose even more air, until, finally, between laughs, he managed to say:
"But what—? What the hell do you have on your face?!"
The omega sighed, his patience quickly running out.
"A face mask, idiot."
The brown-haired one, unable to stop, put a hand on his stomach, doubled over with laughter, as if it was the funniest thing he had heard in years. His body kept shaking with laughter, while his gaze moved from the face mask to the little ponytail, and his laughter only grew.
"And your hair! It looks like a palm tree!" he said, sobbing with laughter.
The dark-haired boy turned red, his patience collapsing.
"It’s a ponytail!"
"It’s a palm tree!" the alpha repeated, between bursts of laughter.
The omega let out an exasperated sigh. He knew there was no way the brown-haired one was going to calm down anytime soon. It was impossible, and that just made him more frustrated. He crossed his arms and stared at him, knowing that, even though it annoyed him, his companion would enjoy every second of this ridiculous humiliation. He watched him bend over laughing again, almost crying, his face red and eyes shining with amusement.
"God, this is the best thing that’s happened to me all week," he said, wiping tears from his eyes with the back of his hand.
The dark-haired boy raised an eyebrow, looking up at him.
"I'm glad to know my self-care is your entertainment."
The brown-haired one smiled sarcastically, clearly enjoying the show.
"Princess, you have no idea."
Phuwin felt a twitch in his eyebrow. He was about to explode, but what irritated him the most was that, despite everything, Pond was taking it all with a calmness he couldn’t understand. With his jaw clenched, he couldn’t help but blurt out:
“Get out of my room.”
But, of course, the alpha had no intention of leaving. On the contrary, he dropped onto the bed without permission, still laughing softly as he settled in as if it were his own space.
“What are you watching?” the brown-haired one asked, moving a little closer to try to see what the dark-haired boy was so intently focused on.
The omega crossed his arms over his chest, keeping his gaze fixed on the screen, not wanting to show too much interest in the other’s presence.
“Nothing.” The answer was short, as it always was when he tried to keep the other person out of his business.
“Nothing?” Pond repeated, raising an eyebrow with that skeptical tone so characteristic of him. As if the answer wasn’t enough, he wanted more details.
“Nothing you’d be interested in.” This time, his tone was firmer, a clear sign that he wasn’t going to let himself be dragged into a pointless conversation.
The alpha raised an eyebrow, visibly intrigued, and stretched his neck as if it would allow him to see the screen better. But the only thing he caught was a scene with a woman elegantly dressed.
“Is it a princess movie?” The question came almost immediately, without a filter. A smile of amusement formed on his lips, as if he had already reached a conclusion without even considering the possibility that he might be wrong.
Phuwin looked at him with a mix of disbelief and disdain. He stopped looking at the screen only to give him a look full of distrust.
“Why would you assume that?” he asked, feeling the need to defend his choice of entertainment, even though he didn’t actually need to justify it to him.
Pond, of course, didn’t change his playful expression, as if he were enjoying every moment of the conversation.
“Because you’re dressed for the part,” he replied without hesitation, with that light, mocking tone that never left him. His gaze scanned the dark-haired boy's figure, focused on details that, to him, were too obvious.
The omega, already used to Pond’s jokes, couldn’t help but become exasperated. He grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it forcefully at him, hoping to silence him at least for a second.
“Shut up if you’re going to stay.”
Pond didn’t shut up. After his third “princess” and second “I should take a picture of this,” the omega’s patience reached its limit. If he wanted to laugh so much, then Phuwin would give him a reason to do so. He turned with a sharp smile, the kind of smile that should have made the alpha run for his life.
“Since you find it so funny, come here.”
His voice was dangerously sweet. The brown-haired one blinked, still with a smile on his lips, but there was something in the younger boy’s expression that made him frown.
“Huh?”
He didn’t have time to react before strong hands grabbed him by the arm and pulled him forward, making him sit up straight in shock.
“What are you doing?” he asked, noticing the determined gleam in the dark eyes in front of him.
“Bringing justice.”
With a swift movement, the omega got up from the bed and walked over to his desk. He rummaged through his things and pulled out a small black envelope with golden letters promising a miracle for the skin.
A charcoal face mask.
The dark-haired boy smiled to himself. Perfect.
Pond looked at it like it was a deadly weapon.
“Don’t even think about it.”
But the malicious smile that appeared on the younger one’s face didn’t bode well for him.
“Oh, it’s already too late.”
And it was.
As soon as he tried to stand up to escape, he felt a light weight on top of him. Within seconds, his field of vision was filled with bear-patterned shorts and a sweet aroma that enveloped him completely.
Phuwin had climbed into his lap with the skill only someone with years of gymnastics training could have, balancing with an insulting ease as he slapped the face mask onto his face before he could defend himself. The alpha let out a muffled exclamation, part surprised and part amused, but his first instinct was to make sure the other didn’t fall. His hands landed firmly on the younger boy’s waist.
There was something absurdly intimate about how close their bodies were.
The dark-haired boy’s heart pounded in his chest, but his pride wouldn’t let him stop.
“Ugh, it’s cold!”
“Stop complaining.”
“I don’t even know what you’re putting on me!”
“It’s good for your skin, you should thank me.”
Pond struggled, but Phuwin had the advantage.
“Ready?” Phuwin said, pulling something else from his desk.
Pond looked at him with horror.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Phuphu, no.”
But Phuwin was already placing the cat-ear headband on his head.
There was silence.
A long silence.
Pond touched the headband in disbelief.
Laughter bubbled up in his throat, first as a small tremor in his lips, then as an uncontrollable burst of laughter that made him double over, clutching his stomach.
Phuwin tried to hold it in. But when he looked at him properly—his skin covered in a black mask, hair messy from the struggle, and to top it off, the cat ears still adorning his head as a definitive humiliation—it was impossible.
“You look ridiculous!” he managed to say between laughs, his eyes filled with tears.
Pond looked at him with absolute indignation.
“Ridiculous?”
“Yes! Completely!”
The alpha narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms.
“If I look ridiculous, you looked ridiculous a while ago.”
Phuwin wiped the tears from his eyes, still holding his mocking smile.
“Yeah, but I look cute, you look like an angry street cat.”
He didn’t see the pillow coming until it hit him in the face.
“Hey!”
“You’re gonna pay for this.”
“How? By scratching me?”
Another pillow flew in his direction.
Amid laughter and barely believable threats, they finally settled on the bed, the remnants of their laughing fit still shining in their eyes. Phuwin grabbed the remote and gestured for the other to follow.
“Come on, stop complaining. Let’s watch something.”
Pond grunted but eventually dropped down beside him, as if the desk chair didn’t exist and the only option was to share the bed.
“What are you putting on?”
“A romantic movie.”
The alpha turned his head to look at him in disbelief.
“Why?”
Phuwin rested his chin on his hand, enjoying the chance to annoy him.
“Because you stopped having an ‘alpha night’ with Joong, now you’re having a ‘princess night’ with me.”
The warning look he received only made him smile more innocently. Without giving him a chance to protest, he pressed play.
The first few minutes passed in silence, with the alpha watching the screen with feigned indifference. Phuwin ignored him, completely absorbed in the story, until a deep voice broke the calm.
“Why doesn’t the mom let them be together?”
Phuwin blinked.
“Because she thinks it’s what’s best for her.”
Pond frowned.
“But clearly, it’s not.”
“Exactly.”
A few minutes later, another question.
“Did the guy write letters for an entire year?”
“Yes, because he loved her.”
“God, that’s intense.”
Phuwin smiled to himself.
“That’s called romance.”
The alpha scoffed but didn’t stop watching the screen.
At first, Phuwin found it amusing that he was so involved in the story, but after a while, he noticed something else. For the first time, he didn’t mind someone talking during his favorite movie.
Maybe it was because he had seen it a thousand times.
Or maybe it was because he was the one asking questions.
Whatever it was, he felt something warm in his chest when he realized that, after all this time, he had someone to share one of his favorite stories with.
The movie continued, and to Phuwin’s surprise, Pond was really invested in the story. So much so that, for the first time that night, he stopped talking. Of course, that didn’t mean his presence was any less annoying.
His bed wasn’t that small, but with the brown-haired guy stretched out on his side, occupying half the space and moving a leg every time something exciting happened in the movie, Phuwin ended up half curled up against him, trying to claim some space.
But he didn’t move away. It wasn’t like he could, anyway. Not when Pond had his arm stretched behind him, almost trapping him in the bed.
He ignored it and took out his phone when he felt a vibration.
MESSAGES:
Neo: I just saw the "Sweet Venom" choreography and almost broke my neck trying to imitate it.
Phuwin smiled and quickly typed a reply.
Phuwin: HAHA I told you not to try it without warming up first. If you get hurt, don't blame me.
Neo: What? You wouldn’t come take care of me if I end up in the hospital? How cruel.
He rolled his eyes, amused.
Phuwin: Get yourself another nurse, I’m no good at that.
Neo: Guess I'll have to settle for videos of Sunoo dancing to feel better.
Since they had chatted on those days when Pond was feeling down, Neo had turned out to be less annoying than Phuwin thought. In the end, he even apologized for being so intense during their first meeting, and somehow, they ended up talking about random things. Phuwin liked talking to someone who shared his interests, especially when he discovered that Neo was also a fan of the same band as him.
The smile barely faded from his lips when he felt something against his stomach. It was an unexpected weight, warm and firm, that took him by surprise. He furrowed his brow and looked down, only to find a disheveled head nestled right in the center of his bear-print pajamas. The fabric of the garment wrinkled under the pressure of a face gently rubbing against him, as if searching for a more comfortable position. He blinked a couple of times, trying to process what was happening, because it wasn’t every day that an alpha snuggled against him like a big street dog looking for warmth.
“What are you doing?” he asked, still frowning.
He didn’t get an immediate response. He only felt the grip around his waist tighten, as if any attempt to move him away was doomed to fail before it was even considered. The warmth of the other person’s body pierced through the fabric of his pajamas, radiating a heat that contrasted with the coldness of the room. The distinct smell of Pond, a bit of coffee and something undefined but comforting, floated in the air, seeping through the fabric of his clothes and into his personal space.
“Stupid Pond,” he muttered, lowering his voice a little.
A muffled murmur vibrated against his torso.
“Mmm.”
The vibration felt strange, a tingling that made him shift slightly in his seat, uncomfortable for no clear reason.
“What are you doing?”
“Nothing.”
The other’s voice sounded muffled, buried in the fabric of his pajamas. The grip around his waist became even more insistent when he tried to move, as if the alpha was adamantly refusing to let go.
Phuwin sighed, frustrated.
“You’re on your phone,” Pond suddenly murmured, his tone a mix of complaint and reproach.
He raised an eyebrow, puzzled.
“So?”
“You’re not paying attention to me.”
Phuwin blinked.
“…What?”
There was a brief silence before the other spoke again, his voice carrying a blend of drama and stubbornness.
“It’s our princess night,” he said, as seriously as someone announcing an important event. “You put this thing on my face, you forced me to watch a cheesy movie, and now you’re ignoring me for your phone.”
Phuwin rolled his eyes, exasperated.
“Wasn’t it you who said this movie was too intense?”
“Well, now I want to see what happens.”
“Then watch it.”
“I can’t if you’re ignoring me.”
Phuwin narrowed his eyes in disbelief, trying to make sense of the absurd logic he had just heard.
“What kind of argument is that?”
But before he could unlock his phone again, he felt the grip around his waist tighten even more, as if Pond wanted to make sure he didn’t escape. And for some reason, that gesture felt endearing. Not because of the closeness itself, but because of the naturalness with which the alpha held onto him, as if it were the most normal thing in the world to seek his warmth that way. Phuwin sighed, exaggerating his resignation, and placed his phone on the nightstand with a deliberately slow motion.
“Done, happy now?”
The other didn't respond immediately, but nodded against his stomach, sinking a little further into his lap, as if the confirmation wasn’t really necessary.
Phuwin looked away toward the ceiling.
How childish. But somehow, the warm weight against his body...
He had tried to complain. But every time he opened his mouth to protest because Pond was practically on top of him, the shameless alpha would just silence him with an authoritative "Shh" and go back to watching the movie as if nothing had happened. And now they were like this: with their legs intertwined, Pond half-lying on him, and Phuwin’s arms trapped under the weight of his chest.
When one of the more romantic scenes of the movie came up, with the protagonists kissing in the rain, Pond, still focused on the screen, asked casually, like commenting on the weather:
"Don’t you want a boyfriend?"
Phuwin felt his breath stop for a second. His heart, which had been functioning perfectly until then, decided that now was the time to start beating harder than necessary. He hoped the guy clinging to him wouldn’t notice.
"What kind of question is that?" he managed to respond.
"I don’t know," the brown-haired boy shrugged. "I just find it weird that I’ve never seen you with one."
He made a face, crossing his arms over his chest as if that could stop the heat from rising in his face.
"Alphas are idiots."
Pond let out a low laugh.
"You’re right."
"Why are you asking?"
"Because you’re cute, smart, and funny. I thought you’d have a line of alphas chasing after you."
Phuwin looked at him, trying to figure out if he was making fun of him. But the alpha's expression was completely neutral, as if he were just stating a fact. And that, for some reason, was worse. Because it meant he really thought that.
He quickly turned his gaze back to the screen, hoping the darkness of the room would hide the blush on his cheeks.
"T-that's stupid," he murmured. "It's not like I want a bunch of alphas chasing after me."
"Yeah, but one, right?"
Phuwin felt his throat dry up.
"...I don’t know."
A moment of silence settled between them. Only the sound of the movie filled the air, but Phuwin barely heard it. He shifted a little in his seat, trying to find a position where he didn’t feel Pond’s weight on him so clearly.
"It’s not that I care about having a boyfriend," he added, eyes fixed on the screen without really focusing on it. "I’ve never kissed anyone, and I’m fine with that."
Pond turned his face toward him.
"What?"
Phuwin frowned.
"What do you mean, 'what'?"
"You’ve never kissed anyone."
"Uh-huh."
Pond stared at him. Phuwin could feel his gaze like something tangible, like the warmth of it could burn his skin.
"And that doesn’t bother you?" the brown-haired boy asked.
He shrugged.
"It’s no big deal. I don’t need a kiss to live."
Pond didn’t respond immediately. He stayed silent, still watching him, with an expression Phuwin couldn’t fully read. Then, in a lower tone, he asked:
"Have you never wanted to try it with someone?"
Phuwin felt his heart beat stronger again.
"I don’t know," he murmured.
He had thought about it, of course. At some point, when he was younger, he wondered what it would feel like to kiss someone. But the idea always seemed distant, something that happened to other people and not to him. He never felt it was necessary.
He never felt the urgency.
The alpha continued to watch him for a few more seconds, then turned his gaze back to the screen.
"What a waste," he murmured.
Phuwin wrinkled his nose.
"Excuse me?"
"You’re cute. You could kiss anyone you wanted."
Phuwin felt his face burn.
"And you?"
Pond glanced at him with an eyebrow raised.
"What about me?"
"Why don’t you have a girlfriend or boyfriend?" the black-haired boy asked, still looking at the screen. "Milk’s been throwing you hints for years. Why isn’t she your girlfriend?"
Pond grimaced.
"Milk’s not my type."
"Oh."
For some reason, the answer relieved him. He didn’t think too much before asking:
"So, what’s your type?"
There was a moment of silence. Then, in a softer, almost thoughtful voice, Pond replied:
"Someone who makes me laugh. Someone who’s strong, but also has a soft side."
"Uh-huh..."
"Someone I can be myself around, without worrying about acting like an idiot sometimes."
"Mhm."
"And someone cute. With bright eyes when they talk about something they like."
Phuwin nodded slowly, still looking at the screen.
"Sounds nice."
Pond smiled to himself.
"Yeah."
The omega didn’t realize he was describing him.
And for now, that was fine.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
When the movie ended, Phuwin let out a sigh of relief. Not because the story had been particularly long or intense—in fact, he had seen it so many times that he could recite the lines by heart—but because the dramatic sighs, tragic gasps, and constant arm squeezes his companion had been giving him during the entire last scene would finally come to an end.
Or so he thought.
Because when he turned his head, the first thing he saw was Pond’s face buried in the pillow, trembling slightly as a soft sob escaped his throat. Phuwin blinked, slightly incredulous.
"Seriously?"
Naravit didn’t answer. Well, not with words. All he did was sob louder, as if sadness had suddenly taken over him and there was no way to recover. He curled into the pillow like it was the only thing keeping him alive, his eyes shining and his nose a little red.
"But, Phuphu! It's so sad!" he suddenly exclaimed, lifting his face and revealing an expression of absolute tragedy. His lips trembled, his eyes filled with anguish, and for a moment, he looked like the protagonist of a period drama who had just lost his beloved in the war.
The black-haired boy, with a patience he didn’t know he had, looked at him expressionlessly.
Pond huffed, clearly frustrated with his lack of sensitivity, and turned over on the bed with the dramatic flair of a heartbroken heroine in a five o'clock soap opera. But even in his indignation, his sobs didn’t disappear completely. He still let out little whimpers, soft and pitiful, as if waiting for Phuwin to reconsider and feel guilty for not sharing his emotional devastation.
"You’re so insensitive," he murmured, his voice a bit congested. "How can you be so... so cold?"
Phuwin held back a laugh. The level of intensity he was putting on at the moment was impressive, almost admirable.
"You know what?" the omega suddenly said, changing his tone to a more relaxed one. "I’m going to distract you a little."
Pond glanced at him from the corner of his eye, still with tears in his eyes and the expression of someone who didn’t trust the slightest bit of what was about to happen.
"With what?"
Without answering, Phuwin grabbed the remote and changed the channel with a smug smile. A colorful, absurd scene appeared on the screen, completely unrelated to any kind of romantic drama.
"Adventure Time," he announced with the fake kindness of someone who has just solved a global conflict. "I’m going to show you something that will really make you forget all the drama."
Pond blinked, confused. He stared at the screen silently for a few seconds, his brow furrowed as if he were trying to decipher an ancient riddle.
"This is what you were going to show me to distract me? Am I a child to you?"
"Yes, and it’s way more entertaining than watching two people cry in a movie..." he responded with false seriousness.
The alpha seemed ready to argue, but then something on the screen caught his attention. His expression shifted from disbelief to amazement and, shortly after, to mild amusement. He bit his lip, as if fighting a smile.
In the end, he lost.
Pond let out a chuckle, still between sobs, and that’s when Phuwin knew he had won. The absurd combination of sadness and laughter had him trapped in an emotional limbo he wouldn’t be able to escape easily.
"You’re an idiot," he said, but his tone no longer carried any trace of resentment.
As the series progressed, the atmosphere in the room shifted. The brown-haired boy’s laughter began to settle, his body relaxed, and without either of them noticing, the distance between them closed. Little by little, Pond shifted almost instinctively, until he was lying on top of Phuwin, his face dangerously close to his stomach and their legs tangled effortlessly.
Phuwin blinked when he realized something: the warmth emanating from Pond’s body was... pleasant. Comfortable, even. He decided not to think too much about it.
The series was still playing on the TV, but his blinks grew slower. Between the warmth, shared laughter, and the feeling of calm, neither of them noticed that sleep was gradually taking hold. Finally, without having planned it, they both fell asleep. The only proof that the night wasn’t over yet was the soft sound of the TV and the rhythmic rise and fall of their breaths, blending into the stillness of the room.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The morning sun began to sneak through the curtains with a deceptively shy warmth, bathing the room in its golden light. Phuwin, still caught in the sweet embrace of sleep, lazily shifted in the bed, instinctively seeking something warm to hold onto. His nose brushed against soft fabric, and before he could question the strange texture, an unusually comforting scent enveloped him.
Coffee. Coffee and something else... chocolate?
A satisfied sigh escaped his lips. Without thinking much about it, he snuggled closer to the source of warmth and comfort, burying his face in it with the absolute certainty that it was the best place in the world.
But then, a guttural sound, a kind of muffled groan, made him lazily open one eye. Confusion hit him like a bucket of cold water. In front of him, crushed against the pillow and with his mouth slightly open, was Pond.
Asleep.
Next to him.
In the same bed.
At a distance that, according to the basic rules of cohabitation and mental health, was definitely not acceptable.
He froze for a moment, blinking slowly as his brain tried to process the chaos. And when his body finally decided it should do something about it, the worst happened.
A scream that made his soul leave his body for a second and turned his peaceful morning into a scene from a horror movie.
"IN MY OWN HOUSE!"
The reaction was immediate. Phuwin jumped so abruptly he almost fell out of bed, and Pond, in a pure act of survival instinct, thrashed like a fish out of water... and ended up crashing to the floor with a deafening thud of epic proportions.
The blankets followed him in his fall, wrapping him as if the bed itself refused to let him go. A muffled groan escaped from the pile of fabric, but the dark-haired boy didn't have time to worry about the state of his (friend? enemy? emotional hedgehog?) because in the doorway, with the fury of an offended father in a soap opera, stood Joong.
"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN MY LITTLE BROTHER'S BED?!"
Phuwin, still with his heart trying to return to its proper place, looked at his brother with an expression of "I swear this is not what it looks like," though the scene—Pond tangled in the sheets on the floor and him half-sitting with a panicked look on his face—didn't really help his defense.
The alpha, for his part, shook himself like a wet puppy, trying to recover the little dignity he had left.
"I... this... it's not what it looks like..." he mumbled, still tangled in the blanket like a human burrito.
And as if the situation couldn't be more absurd, a second figure appeared in the doorway. Dunk, with messy hair, eyes swollen from sleep, and the expression of someone who had been woken up against their will.
“Baby, please,” murmured in a hoarse voice. “Can you stop screaming like you found your wife with another man? It’s Saturday. It’s ten in the morning. Some people are trying to SLEEP.”
Joong turned his face toward his boyfriend with the kind of drama worthy of an Oscar.
“Dunk, have you seen this?! My brother and MY BEST FRIEND! IN MY HOUSE! THIS IS BETRAYAL!”
“A betrayal of what?” huffed the older omega. “Of the sanctity of your filthy mattress? The two of us saw you sleep together when we brought you pizza. We even commented on how adorable you looked.”
Pond, still on the floor, let out a long, heavy sigh, as if reconsidering all his life choices. Phuwin simply put a hand to his face. This was not getting any better.
“This is serious!” insisted Joong, crossing his arms. “Can someone explain why you were sleeping so cuddled up?”
There was an uncomfortable silence.
Phuwin opened his mouth to give a somewhat logical explanation, but then, a small but very important detail hit his brain like a brick.
No. He. Hadn’t. Woken. Up.
He hadn’t woken up at his usual time, hadn’t gone for his usual morning run, hadn’t done his morning routine. He had stayed asleep. With Pond. His whole world rocked.
“I didn’t wake up to run!” he exclaimed, horrified.
They all stared at him.
“That’s what’s bothering you?” asked his brother, frowning.
The younger omega didn’t even hear him.
“I didn’t wake up! I always wake up early! What kind of witchcraft is this?!”
Pond, still trying to free himself from the blanket trap he was caught in, murmured in a tired voice.
“Not witchcraft, comfort... you were warm.”
The silence in the room grew a little thicker.
Joong blinked.
Phuwin blinked.
Dunk, with almost painful slowness, raised an eyebrow.
Pond, now fully aware of what had just come out of his mouth, froze.
“Oh, no,” he whispered.
The dark-haired boy looked at him, his expression a mix of indignation, confusion, and something else he preferred not to analyze too much.
Joong, on the other hand, threw his hands up in frustration.
“You know what! I don’t want to know anything more! Do whatever you want with my brother!”
Dunk, after a long sigh of resignation, gave Phuwin a “I’m too tired to deal with this” look and patted him on the shoulder before sitting on the bed next to him.
The door slammed open with the force of a grumpy hurricane, and in the doorway appeared the brothers’ mom, wearing her bathrobe and holding a half-finished cup of coffee. Despite her annoyed expression, her impeccably styled hair showed she wasn’t a woman who tolerated morning chaos without at least a minimal reason.
“Why’s all the fuss?” she asked, blinking tiredly as she scanned the room.
Phuwin sitting on the bed with messy hair, Pond still tangled in blankets on the floor, Joong pointing at him like a prosecutor in a trial, and Dunk, who, despite his intention to stay out of it, seemed to be falling asleep sitting up.
The dark-haired boy, with his natural flair for drama, wasted no time with his accusation.
“Phuwin slept with an alpha!” he exclaimed with the indignation of someone who had just discovered a world conspiracy.
Their mom watched him silently, took a sip of her coffee, then shrugged.
“So what? It’s just Pond.”
The answer hit Joong like a bucket of cold water.
“What do you mean, ‘it’s just Pond’?! Mom, you never let me sleep with Dunkie when we started dating!”
She raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting from indifferent to mocking in a second.
“Chen, darling, I trust Pond. But you…” she paused dramatically, glancing at Dunk, who immediately seemed to shrink in place, “… you’re capable of getting that poor guy pregnant just by looking at him. I still don’t trust you two sleeping together, actually.”
The older omega let out a strangled sound and covered his face with both hands, completely red.
“Mom!” protested the alpha.
“What? I’m just telling the truth.” The alpha took another sip of her coffee with complete calm, as if she hadn’t just dropped a bombshell into the conversation.
Phuwin, who had until that point just been observing the spectacle, let out a muffled laugh, making Pond look at him with feigned betrayal.
“Do you think this is funny?” murmured Pond, pulling himself out of the sheets as if trying to recover some dignity.
“Yes, I do,” Phuwin answered without an ounce of remorse.
Joong, still not accepting his defeat, clicked his tongue and crossed his arms.
“But mom, they’re not even dating!”
“I’m surprised they’re not,” their mom replied casually, as if she were commenting on the weather.
Phuwin felt the air in the room grow a bit heavier. Pond cleared his throat and looked away, while Joong looked between the two of them as if he had just uncovered an even greater mystery.
“Well, come for breakfast,” the alpha announced, ignoring the tense atmosphere with the calmness of someone who’s lived long enough to know when to intervene and when to let things simmer on their own. “I don’t have a shift at the hospital today, so it’ll be a family breakfast.”
With that, she turned around with the same elegance with which she had entered, leaving them all in their emotional chaos. Joong huffed and followed behind his mother, with Dunk trailing, still murmuring something about murdering his brother.
When the door closed behind them, Pond, still on the floor, sat up a little confused, looking at the omega.
“What just happened?” he asked, rubbing his eyes as if he was still half asleep, not quite understanding what had just occurred. His words came out almost incomprehensible from exhaustion.
Phuwin sighed, a little embarrassed by the situation, but also laughing inside.
“I don’t want to know, Naravit. Better not ask,” he replied, a mischievous smile on his lips as he helped Pond get up, who seemed a little lost. “Let’s go have breakfast before my mom scolds me more,” Phuwin added with a nervous laugh.
As they walked toward the kitchen, Pond looked at Phuwin with a thoughtful expression, trying to process what had happened during those chaotic minutes. What bothered him the most, though, was the fact that Joong’s words kept turning in his mind. Phuwin hadn’t reacted to the suggestion of being something more than friends other than getting embarrassed; he hadn’t rejected it with disgust like he had before.
The silence between them was comfortable, but for some reason, Pond couldn’t help but feel a little closer to Phuwin, as if the gap between them had just been reduced a little more.
Notes:
Another reason this chapter took so long is because it's 10k words long. I hope you enjoyed it.
Chapter 10: ❝[𝟎𝟏𝟎]: 𝐀 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐥𝐮𝐫𝐬❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Phuwin didn't understand how he had ended up in this situation.
One thing was sitting in a café, peacefully enjoying his coffee, and a completely different thing was being cornered by his two best friends, subjected to an interrogation that could very well be classified as psychological torture. Dunk and Boom had him trapped at the most secluded table in the café, elbows resting on the surface, their gazes scanning him with alarming intensity.
"Speak now or forever hold your peace," the older omega declared, as if officiating a wedding rather than staging an intervention. "Because there's no way you're going to make me believe that one day you two want to strangle each other, and the next you're sharing oxygen like it’s nothing."
Phuwin huffed, stirring his coffee with unnecessary aggression.
"Nothing happened."
Boom tilted his head curiously, holding his cup with both hands.
"A-are you s-sure? Because... you f-feel d-d-different."
"Different how?" the dark-haired boy asked with a frown, though a creeping sense of alarm began to climb up his spine. Everyone was exaggerating whatever was going on with that idiot Naravit. To be honest, after their so-called sleepover, things had been strangely calm. Sure, the alpha insisted on calling him princess or Phuphu, but they had cut down their fights by almost 80%. Honestly, Earth and Mix probably had more recorded arguments in the past week than they did, which was saying a lot considering they were the adults.
Dunk narrowed his eyes. The omega was convinced something was going on and that, somehow, it was his duty to play matchmaker. Phuwin was certain this was nonsense.
Did Naravit seem less annoying? Maybe.
Was Naravit handsome? He always had been—Phuwin was grumpy, not blind.
Did that mean they would start dating? No. He had other priorities.
"Your scent changes when he's around." Dunk accused again, as if Phuwin’s opinion on the matter was irrelevant, as if he needed to magically realize some feelings that clearly didn’t exist.
Phuwin felt panic settle in his chest when his omega stirred, suddenly interested in the conversation. That damn furball, as he liked to call it, only seemed to wake up when it involved the annoying alpha, dragging him into embarrassing situations. And this was definitely one of them.
"That’s a lie."
"It’s not," his friend countered, resting an elbow on the table with a calculated expression. "The other day, when Pond got close, your scent turned... How should I put it?"
Boom smiled, a mischievous glint of amusement in his eyes, delighted to be part of the conversation. If he weren’t so adorable, Phuwin would definitely hate him in that moment.
"S-sweet."
"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Phuwin nearly choked on his coffee. Each of his friends’ theories was worse than the last.
"Exactly what you heard," Dunk held his gaze, clearly enjoying this. "And besides, you've stopped complaining about him so much. Something happened."
The tan-skinned omega leaned in slightly, a suspicious sparkle in his eyes.
"Y-you’d make a cute couple."
Phuwin choked again.
"WE WOULD NOT MAKE A CUTE COUPLE!"
Just at that moment, as if the universe were conspiring against him, the café door swung open, and a pair of firm footsteps echoed on the floor. With a sinking feeling of despair, Phuwin turned his head, and there he was. Straight out of a bad teenage movie, Pond made his entrance as if he were in slow motion, with the wind tousling his hair—even though they were indoors. With his usual confidence, his football team jacket draped over his shoulders, and a relaxed expression on his face. And to make matters worse, his eyes went straight to his.
"What is this? A damn romantic comedy straight from the depths of Wattpad?"
But the worst part wasn’t that. It wasn’t the way he looked at him, nor even the fact that Dunk and Boom were analyzing every one of his reactions with the enthusiasm of scientists observing an experiment. It was the damn smile on the alpha’s face that annoyed him.
It was a genuine smile. Calm. Almost... soft.
Phuwin felt his ears burn with embarrassment.
Dunk and Boom looked at him, then at the alpha, and then exchanged a knowing glance that made it clear they weren’t going to drop this subject anytime soon. The omega buried his face in his hands. He was definitely doomed.
"So..." Dunk drummed his fingers against the table with an expectant expression.
"So what?" He barely lifted his gaze before stabbing a cherry tomato with his fork.
"Phu." Boom rested his elbows on the table, leaning in with eyes full of suspicion. "D-don’t try to p-play innocent."
"I’m not playing innocent!" he protested, quickly shoving the tomato into his mouth to avoid saying anything else.
"We’ve noticed things."
"What things?" he asked in the most uninterested tone he could manage, though the slight tension in his jaw gave him away. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know about the thorough investigation his best friends seemed to be conducting behind his back.
"Number one," Dunk raised a finger, "Pond hasn’t bothered you all morning. You greeted him in the hallway, and you didn’t even call him 'Dumb Pond' or any other childish insult."
"Maybe he was just in a good mood. I can be a civilized person, and apparently, so can Naravit."
Boom raised another finger.
"N-number two: You slept in the same bed. And not only that, but you also stayed up ch-chatting and..."
"We just talked for a while!" Phuwin interrupted quickly.
"Uh-huh, sure," the older omega smirked knowingly. "Because two people who hate each other definitely sleep together without anything weird happening."
Boom and Dunk weren’t exactly wrong, but nothing had really happened. Yes, he had slept in the same bed as Pond. Yes, they had stayed up longer than they should, talking about things they normally wouldn’t. And yes, maybe—just maybe—he had felt a little too comfortable next to him. But that didn’t mean anything.
"It was circumstantial," he said, trying to sound firm. "If Dunk hadn’t gone to bother Joong, none of it would’ve happened."
"Uh-huh," the mentioned friend smirked. "Whatever you say. Let my love for Chen not overshadow yours for Pond."
"And number three?" Phuwin sighed, resigned.
Dunk rested his chin on his hand, his expression even more amused.
"Number three: Pond looked at you during practice like he was watching a commercial featuring the hottest model in the world. That’s the face of a man in love. Trust me, I see it on your brother every day of my life."
"That’s ridiculous."
"It’s true, Phuwin," Boom nodded. "H-he had that look... l-like a puppy in love."
"That’s even more ridiculous!"
"Just tell us," the darker-haired boy grinned mischievously, "would you like something to h-happen?"
Boom handed him his water bottle, patting his back as his nerves once again made him swallow wrong, while Dunk barely held back his laughter.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Phuwin had barely had time to process the avalanche of numbers and formulas before the bell rescued him from his suffering. He closed his notebook with a restrained sigh, mentally reviewing his disastrous grade on the last exam and the inevitable conversation he would have with Mix if he didn't manage to raise his average. It wasn’t something he couldn’t fix, of course, but that meant dedicating more time to studying, and between cheerleading practice and the constant need to dodge his brother and his overly affectionate boyfriend, his free hours were a precious commodity.
He stood up with the intention of heading to his locker and maybe sending Dunk a message to help him organize a study plan. But as soon as he turned the corner, he saw him. And all his determination went to hell.
Pond was leaning against his locker with the ease of someone who knew his mere presence took up too much space, his football uniform shirt slightly disheveled, just enough to reveal the line of his collarbone and that lightly tanned skin that, much to his dismay, Phuwin knew all too well. One hand was tucked into his pocket, the other resting on the metal door, and he wore a lopsided smile that made it clear he had been waiting for him for a while. That kind of lazy, arrogant smile that always made Phuwin grit his teeth.
He didn’t need to hear him speak to know he was about to say something stupid.
"Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite omega," Pond sang, tilting his head with feigned surprise.
Phuwin felt his skin prickle, but not because the phrase had any effect on him—just out of pure rage. He wasn’t in the best mood after sitting through that damn math class. He rolled his eyes as easily as he breathed and crossed his arms.
"Shut up, Naravit."
"And miss the chance to talk to you? No way," the alpha replied, raising his eyebrows in amusement before clicking his tongue. "Besides, if it bothers you so much, maybe you should stop reacting like I’m the best part of your day."
Phuwin scoffed. Where was this guy even going with this?
"The best part of my day will be when you move away from my locker."
"Oh, Phu, how cruel," Pond lamented, placing a hand over his chest as if truly wounded. "Here I am, taking the time to wait for you, and you're so ungrateful."
The omega raised an eyebrow, not bothering to hide his skepticism.
"Waiting for me?" he repeated, a mix of disbelief and suspicion. "What an honor, but I’m fine without you lurking around me."
Pond leaned in slightly, closing the distance between them with the same nonchalance as a predator cornering its prey before it even realizes it's trapped.
"Well, I wouldn’t say that…" he murmured, his voice low enough that his breath brushed against Phuwin’s cheek. "Seeing you fills me with energy."
Phuwin felt his skin involuntarily shiver, and that only made him angrier. He tightened his grip on his notebook, hating how easily the athlete could provoke him.
"I’m going to pretend you didn’t just say that and assume there’s a logical reason for you blocking my locker."
"Oh, there is a reason," Pond said, his smile widening slightly. "Let’s just say a little bird told me you need help with math. And since I’m such a generous alpha, I decided to offer my services."
The dark-haired boy blinked, his expression shifting from annoyance to complete disbelief.
"I'm going to kill Dunk."
Pond let out a low chuckle, a deep sound that vibrated in the air between them.
"Why so much hate? Isn't it sweet of him to care about your future?"
Phuwin shot him a withering glare, but the alpha didn’t budge an inch.
"Having you as a tutor is the furthest thing from concern I can think of. It’s medieval torture."
The taller boy clicked his tongue and shrugged. "Don't say that. I'm an excellent teacher. Lots of patience, great teaching methods… and zero distractions… unless, of course, my beautiful face is a distraction for you, little grasshopper," he murmured, drawing out the words with mischief.
The omega narrowed his eyes, feeling a nervous twitch in his brow. Where did he even get so many stupid nicknames?
"If by teaching methods you mean wasting my time while playing the charming alpha, I’ll pass."
Pond smirked, amusement evident in his eyes.
"I admit the charm is a bonus, but I can make you learn, can’t I? I’ve saved your brother’s ass more than once—I can do the same for that pretty ass of yours, princess."
Phuwin’s stomach did a traitorous flip, but he forced himself to ignore it.
"You know what?" he said, straightening his back and forcing a cynical smile. "I'd rather fail than accept your help."
Pond tilted his head with feigned interest.
"You sure? Because if you don’t need help, then… why are you still here?"
The air grew heavy again, that second of tension hanging between them like an electric current. Phuwin felt his own breath hitch, his mind working faster than it should. And he hated it.
He hated the way the alpha’s scent, that mix of fresh coffee and dark chocolate, seemed to wrap around him without permission. He hated the slight tingling his closeness left on his skin. But most of all, he hated how easily he invaded his space and got away with it.
"Because my locker is here, genius," he replied smugly, pushing the door open to force him aside.
The alpha's smirk wavered, but this time, there was something different in his expression—something sharper, as if he were recording every reaction, filing it away for later.
"Right, right. How convenient."
Phuwin tried to focus on opening the lock without paying attention to him, but Pond’s gaze was so tangible he could almost feel it on his skin, burning the back of his neck with that infuriating confidence only he could have.
"You know," the alpha broke the silence, his tone slow and arrogant, "you could've just said yes from the start, and we would've saved ourselves this whole scene."
Phuwin barely spared him a glance, focusing on grabbing his books as if the other didn’t exist.
"Say yes to what?"
"To me tutoring you."
His fingers hesitated for just a second over the books—barely an imperceptible pause before he continued moving, though his shoulders tensed slightly. Then, with the patience of someone who knew they were being provoked, he slammed the locker shut and turned around with his arms crossed.
"Are you still going on about that? Can’t you just let me fail the class in peace? I've never been good with numbers, I always pass with the bare minimum, and I’m already on Coach Mix’s watch list. The last thing I need is you pretending to be friendly with me."
The alpha frowned at that response, a brief grimace slipping out before he could stop it. That wasn’t what he expected. He didn’t want to actually piss the omega off, but it seemed to come so naturally that, in the end, it was almost impossible not to get a reaction out of him.
"I'm your senior, aren’t I? I already survived that hell of a teacher. It would be a waste not to share my wisdom with someone who clearly needs it."
Phuwin huffed with a hint of disbelief. Not a single fiber of his being believed in Pond’s good intentions, but at the same time, the idea of accepting didn’t seem so bad. If only the alpha didn’t turn every conversation into a battlefield where he always ended up on the verge of exasperation. He tightened the strap of his backpack and, after a brief silence, let out a barely audible whisper. What could be worse than failing?
"If I accept… promise me you won’t make fun of me."
For a moment, the other seemed surprised. Not in an exaggerated way, but his smile softened slightly, his posture shifting just a bit, as if something in the request had caught him off guard.
"Make fun of you?" he repeated with a soft smile, without a hint of mockery. "Phu, not all of us have to be good at everything. It’s okay not to know something, you know? We all need a little help from time to time."
Phuwin felt a strange pressure in his chest, an involuntary reaction to the way Pond said it. No teasing. No condescension. Just a calmness that, for some reason, made him feel a little smaller than usual.
"Yeah, but…"
"We all need help sometimes," Pond continued, his tone dropping slightly, becoming deeper, more genuine. "Like the day you helped me on the court."
The omega’s gaze snapped up, caught off guard by the unexpected seriousness in the alpha’s voice. He wasn’t looking at him with his usual smug expression or that infuriating confidence that always got under his skin. His expression was more mature, his dark eyes holding his with something that almost looked like… sincerity. For a moment, his mind went blank, the tension in his chest shifting into something he couldn’t quite identify, a feeling that didn’t fit his usual disdain for him.
"I didn’t do it for you," he muttered at last, his voice barely more than a rasp. "It was for the team."
Pond let out a low chuckle, almost amused, leaning in slightly closer.
"Whatever you say."
Phuwin narrowed his eyes, cursing himself when he felt heat creeping up his neck. He cleared his throat, feigning indifference as he adjusted the strap of his backpack.
"See you after class," he said, attempting to sound uninterested, though he couldn’t completely hide the resignation in his words.
"Is that a yes?" The alpha smirked, tilting his head with that signature arrogance that drove him crazy.
"Shut up," Phuwin muttered, turning away before his decision could be used against him.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Pond’s room was an organized mess, the kind of chaos only its owner could understand. There were no dirty clothes scattered on the floor or forgotten food wrappers, but there were textbooks stacked in the corner of the desk, a pile of scribbled sheets filled with incomplete equations, and pens abandoned mid-problem. Phuwin glanced around cautiously, wondering if this was really the kind of environment where he was expected to concentrate. But when he remembered that his house was out of the question because of his annoying brother and that the school library was infested with depressed students, he decided they didn’t have many options.
"I didn’t see you as the kind of person who actually studies," he commented with a hint of mockery as he set his backpack aside.
The alpha, who had leaned down to pull out a couple of notebooks from a drawer, shot him a glance from below, his smirk creeping in with amusement.
"What did you expect? That I survived on charisma alone?"
"Honestly, yeah," he scoffed, crossing his arms as he watched him arrange the books on the desk.
Pond let out a low chuckle, a deep sound that felt almost too natural in the silence of the room.
"I’ll take that as a compliment."
The omega didn’t respond but accepted the book the alpha handed him and took a seat. The desk wasn’t big—nowhere near enough for two people to work on it without their bodies inevitably invading each other’s space.
"So, where do you want to start?" the alpha asked, leaning slightly toward him as he flipped through the exercise notebook.
The omega shifted slightly in his seat, aware of their close proximity but forcing himself to maintain his composure.
"Equations. I don’t know why, but I always get confused with the signs."
"Let me see."
Without even asking, Pond took his pencil and began reviewing the exercises the omega had attempted in class. Phuwin frowned but decided not to complain just yet. To his surprise, the alpha didn’t just mark the mistakes—he took the time to explain, step by step, what had gone wrong, his tone more patient and relaxed than expected.
"See? Here, you added instead of subtracting, and that changes the entire equation. If you have trouble remembering the signs, you can write them bigger or circle them before doing the operation. Sometimes it helps to visualize it better."
Phuwin nodded slowly, trying the method on another exercise.
"Like this… right?"
"Exactly." Pond smiled and, without warning, reached out to place his hand over Phuwin’s, guiding him with the pencil as he showed him another way to solve the problem.
A shiver ran down the omega’s spine. Not because it was uncomfortable, but because the warmth of his palm was… enveloping. Too much. As if, suddenly, the whole room had become smaller.
But he didn’t pull away.
"If you get used to checking the signs first, you’ll avoid half of the mistakes," the alpha continued, leaning even closer to him to point out another detail on the sheet.
Phuwin swallowed hard. The closeness was overwhelming, especially since the desk didn’t allow them to move much without bumping into each other. The way Pond’s arm brushed against his, the light touch of his breath when he spoke… it all contributed to making his brain work slower than usual.
"Ah… yeah, sure," he murmured, his voice feeling a little weaker.
He shifted just slightly, enough for the other to breathe a little easier, but not enough for the space between them to disappear entirely.
"Come on, try another one," Pond said, leaning on his hand as he watched him with interest.
The omega tried to focus on the equation in front of him, but it was hard when every time he wrote something, he felt Pond’s gaze fixed on him. As if he was waiting to see if he made a mistake just so he could help him again, as if he enjoyed this little teaching game they had set up. Phuwin pressed his lips together, writing more carefully, this time making sure to check the signs before doing any operation.
"Good," Pond said after a moment, with a genuine smile. "You did it perfectly this time."
His inner omega reacted instantly, his tail wagging slightly in satisfaction, as if the alpha had given him silent approval, a "good boy." The feeling of pride swelled in his chest, like a bubble that threatened to burst, but he forced himself to keep his composure, refusing to show it too much.
"It’s not that hard if someone isn’t breathing down my neck while I’m doing it."
Pond raised an eyebrow, his expression becoming a little more mischievous.
"Do I distract you?"
Phuwin rolled his eyes, but couldn’t stop the heat on his face from intensifying.
"Just give me another problem."
The alpha laughed softly but complied. And as they continued with the lesson, Phuwin realized something strange.
Pond was much better at this than he had imagined. Patient, attentive, calmly explaining each mistake without mocking him once. He wasn’t the image Phuwin had in his head—the guy who always teased him in the hallways or annoyed him just to get under his skin.
He was different.
Time had slipped away without either of them noticing. The room, which had been lit by the bright midday sun, was now tinted with the warm tones of the sunset. The shadows stretched across the walls, and the breeze coming through the open window carried the smell of wet grass and the distant sound of the city starting to quiet down. Phuwin didn’t know exactly how many hours had passed, only that his fingers were numb from so much writing, that his notebook now had more correct answers than mistakes, and that, despite the accumulated tiredness, he didn’t want to stop.
Pond had turned out to be an exceptional tutor. Not only was he patient, but he had a way of explaining things that made the equations seem less like indecipherable monsters and more like puzzles that just needed the right approach. For the first time, math didn’t seem like an unbeatable enemy, and though he wouldn’t say it out loud, he felt grateful for that.
"Phu, it’s late," the alpha murmured, resting his cheek on his hand as he watched him with a mix of exhaustion and amusement. "Don’t you think it’s time for a break?"
Phuwin barely paid him any attention, frowning as he analyzed the problem in front of him.
"Just one more."
The brunette snorted, but didn’t insist. His gaze remained fixed on him, watching with a patience that, not long ago, he wouldn’t have imagined himself having. There was something fascinating about the way the omega furrowed his brow, his pencil softly drumming against the sheet while his mind fought to unravel the problem.
The silence that settled between them wasn’t uncomfortable, but dense, charged with shared concentration, as if they were both trapped in the same thread of thought. Pond had no intention of interrupting him; he liked watching him like this, so absorbed, so determined. There was something genuinely beautiful in the way Phuwin threw himself into every challenge, even something as mundane as math.
And then, it happened.
Phuwin solved the exercise without a single correction.
For a moment, time seemed to stand still. The omega blinked, as if his mind refused to believe it. He ran through each number, each sign, going over the equation with an almost obsessive precision, until he finally allowed himself to accept the truth. He had done it. He had done it on his own.
The flash in his eyes was instant, a gleam so pure and radiant that Pond was left breathless.
"I did it!" Phuwin exclaimed, turning to him with overflowing emotion. "Pond, I did it by myself!"
And before the alpha could react, before his brain processed the sudden burst of joy, Phuwin had already thrown himself at him.
The hug was impulsive, unmeasured, without reservation. Their bodies collided with unexpected force, but instead of pulling away, instead of making some sarcastic comment like he would have at any other time, Pond simply stayed still, feeling it.
Feeling the warmth of the omega pressing against his chest, his breath ragged with excitement, the softness of his arms wrapping around him with a confidence he hadn’t expected.
The scent of Phuwin engulfed him completely, a sweet, warm smell that mingled with the warmth of the afternoon. For years, he had imagined something like this at the most inopportune moments, when his treacherous mind wandered down paths it shouldn’t. In his fantasies, he had always believed that such a hug would set him on fire, that Phuwin’s closeness would be enough to make his self-control collapse. But the reality was even worse. Or maybe better.
Because in that instant, with him clinging to him without hesitation, without fear, without resistance, he didn’t feel burning desire or an uncontrollable urge to claim him.
He felt peace.
And that was infinitely more terrifying.
Phuwin realized too late what he had done.
His heart, which just a second ago was beating with pure excitement, started to race for very different reasons. His mind, clouded by the euphoria of accomplishment, cleared only to deliver a brutal blow of awareness. The solidity of Pond's chest under his hands, the warmth radiating from his skin, the breath now tickling his ear...
They were too close.
Too close.
He felt the slight shift in the alpha’s posture, the almost imperceptible tensing of his muscles, the way his breath became just a bit heavier. And yet, he didn’t pull away.
He couldn’t.
Or rather... he didn’t want to.
Because when he lifted his gaze, when his eyes met Pond’s, something inside him trembled.
The light of the sunset filtered through the window, bathing him in golden and orange hues that accentuated the warmth of his skin. But it wasn’t that which made the air in Phuwin’s lungs feel insufficient. It was his expression.
Pond didn’t smile mockingly, he didn’t look at him with that irritating gleam of satisfaction that usually accompanied his provocations. There was no arrogance in his eyes, nor that exasperating confidence with which he used to challenge him. There was something else. A silent awe, a barely perceptible hesitation... and a longing so pure it made his chest tighten. In that moment, for the first time in years, the line between hatred and something else became dangerously blurred.
There was no alpha who made him feel like this. No one else had the power to entangle him with a single look, to make his chest feel like it was on the brink of collapse, to make every rational thought in his head vanish as if it had never existed. It was absurd, illogical, unbearable, but at the same time undeniable. Because only one person had that kind of effect on him. Only Pond.
It was terrifying to realize that. He had known it for a long time, deep within himself, in those dark corners of his mind where he buried the truths he didn’t want to face. But it was one thing to pretend they didn’t exist and quite another to be here, with his heart beating in his throat, with his skin burning from the proximity, with every fiber of his body trapped in the impossible magnetism that pulled them toward each other. He didn’t want to feel this. Not for him. Not for the alpha he had sworn meant nothing. And yet, when his eyes dropped, when his gaze slid from the deep amber of Pond’s to the soft line of his mouth, all his determination crumbled.
Pond noticed it too. It was an almost imperceptible change, but he felt it in the sudden rigidity of his posture, in the way his jaw tightened just slightly, in the way his breath became a little heavier. He didn’t move an inch, but his whole body reacted, every muscle on alert, every small gesture betraying him. Phuwin could see it in his eyes, in that moment of hesitation when the alpha seemed torn between reason and instinct, between what he should do and what he truly desired.
The air between them grew thick, laden with a tension so overwhelming that Phuwin felt he couldn’t breathe. He shouldn’t be so aware of the closeness, of the warmth radiating from Pond’s body, of the subtle scent that enveloped him and now seemed more intoxicating than ever. And yet, he couldn’t ignore it. He couldn’t pull away. His heart beat so strongly it hurt, threatening to betray him. And still, it was he who moved first.
He tilted his face just slightly, awkwardly, with palpable doubt that made him tremble. He didn’t know what he was doing, he didn’t know if he should do it, he just knew that in that moment he couldn’t do anything else. Every logical thought dissipated, every memory of his childhood floated in his mind like a distant echo, as if time had blurred until it was reduced to this moment and the only person in front of him. And it was then, in the midst of all that uncertainty, that Pond closed the small distance between them.
The kiss was so soft at first that it was barely a brush. An ethereal caress, as if they were both testing the waters, as if they feared breaking the moment with too abrupt a movement. But it was enough. It was enough to make Phuwin’s stomach tighten with nerves, for a wave of heat to wash over his skin, for the sensation of Pond’s lips on his to leave him breathless. And then he understood.
Pond was kissing him.
He kissed him as if he had been waiting for this his entire life, as if he had dreamed of this moment so many times that he couldn’t hold it back for even a second longer. His lips, firm but careful, claimed him with a contained urgency, with the intensity of someone who had suppressed a desire for far too long. And, without realizing it, without thinking about it, without being able to stop himself, he returned the kiss.
He didn’t know when it stopped being just a kiss... his first kiss.
Maybe it was when the alpha’s hand, warm and sure, slid to his cheek, holding him with a delicacy that made his skin tingle. Or perhaps it was when he tilted his head slightly, deepening the contact with a longing that Phuwin could feel in the way his lips moved against his, devouring him. Everything he had known up until then became irrelevant. Every thought he had ever had about what he felt for him, every effort he had made to convince himself that he hated him, vanished the moment their bodies pressed even closer, until there was no gap of air between them.
And it was then that Phuwin felt it.
A different heat, deeper, more primal, pulsing deep within his chest. Like an invisible thread pulling at his body, urging him to draw closer, to surrender, to give in to something he had never wanted to understand. He had never felt anything like this before. His skin burned, his breath was a fragmented echo that mingled with Pond’s, and his senses... his senses were awake in a way he had never experienced. Every touch, every slightest movement of the alpha made him shiver. His scent became more intoxicating, his presence more intense, and for a moment, an instinct buried deep within him began to whisper.
"Show your neck."
"Let him mark us, our alpha."
"Alpha."
"Mine."
Phuwin was barely aware of the small gasp that escaped his mouth when Pond's hand descended down his neck, gliding with torturous slowness until it reached his back. The touch burned his skin even through the fabric of his clothes, igniting a tingling sensation that ran down his spine, making his body arch just slightly. His mind was clouded, caught between the need to keep kissing him and the unsettling feeling that something inside him was changing, that he was being dragged into something stronger than his pride, stronger than his thoughts, stronger than his own fear.
And the worst part was, he didn’t want to resist.
The way Pond held him, as if he were testing him with infinite patience, as if he were holding back from doing more, from asking for more, made him tremble. There was tenderness in the kiss, yes, but there was also something else. Something that made him feel small in the best possible way, something that made him want to surrender completely to the feeling of being held, of being guided, of being claimed.
He could swear that if he let himself go just a little more, if he closed his eyes too tightly and allowed that instinct to take control, he would tilt his head and show the alpha his neck without thinking.
But the moment that thought crossed his mind, panic hit him.
A sudden cold settled in his chest, mingling with the burning heat that ran through his body, and suddenly reality filtered through the fog of his desire. He realized what he was feeling, what his body was doing without his permission, how easy it would be to get lost in this if he didn’t stop it now. His heart was beating so loud he could barely hear anything else. He was gasping against his lips, clutching his shirt without even remembering when he had done so, feeling him so close that it was impossible to tell where he ended and where the alpha began.
And that terrified him.
With a barely perceptible tremor in his fingers, he gently pushed against Pond’s chest, not harshly, not with rejection, but enough to put some distance between them. His lips parted with a broken sigh, and as soon as the cold air of the room touched his skin, a shiver ran down his back.
But what left him speechless the most was the way Pond looked at him.
Notes:
ฅ^>⩊<^ ฅ This is a double update, so if you’ve finished this chapter, I invite you to read the next one!
Chapter 11: ❝[𝟏𝟏]: 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
But what left him speechless the most was the way Pond looked at him.
Deep and intense, lit with a golden glow that betrayed his alpha's instinctive response to the presence of his omega. It was liquid fire, pulling him relentlessly, devouring him without even touching him. Phuwin felt how that gaze enveloped him, warm and scorching at the same time, awakening something primitive deep inside him. His chest compressed with the sudden difficulty of breathing, his heart thundering so loudly he thought it would shatter into a thousand pieces. And then came the heat, dense, overwhelming, a burning that spread like gunpowder under his skin, igniting every fiber of his body with an urgent need, impossible to ignore.
He swallowed dryly, feeling the weight of the alpha's breath in the tiny space between them. And then he knew.
The kiss had made him go into heat.
The realization of this made him gasp, his lips parting in a failed attempt to hold in the air that escaped his lungs in a trembling sigh. His body shuddered, his muscles tensing in an involuntary spasm as he felt how his scent violently bloomed in the room, spilling out in thick, warm waves that saturated the air with a sweet, cloying, intoxicating honey.
It was a call, a silent plea that went beyond his will, beyond reason. He tried to hold it in, fought against the shiver that ran through his skin and against the way his chest expanded with a need he had never felt so intensely before. But it was useless. His omega had already awakened, hungry, primitive, tearing control away with the fierceness of an untamable tide that pulled him relentlessly. His mind clouded, drowning in instinct, in the feverish urgency that ignited his blood, suffocating any trace of sanity under the overwhelming weight of his own desire.
Pond tensed immediately. The omega could see in the rigidity of his shoulders, in the way his jaw hardened, and his hands clenched into fists as if he were fighting against himself. The alpha breathed deeply, clearly struggling, trying not to give in to the storm of instinct that battered him with every breath of his scent. But Phuwin didn't make it easy.
With an anxious movement, he grabbed the edge of his shirt and pulled closer, searching for his warmth as if it was the only thing that could soothe the fever burning inside him. His lips curved into a small pout when the alpha didn't respond immediately, and with a sweet, almost sing-song whisper, he let out the first of many pleas.
"Don't pull away..."
Pond gritted his teeth, his breath turning heavy.
"Omega, listen..." he tried to reason, but the omega was in no mood to listen.
Not when his whole body was crying out for the alpha's presence, not when his skin burned with a desperation that was only relieved by being close to him, not when his instinct screamed at him to hold on tighter before the distance could steal him away.
With a moan that sounded too spoiled even to his own ears, he climbed onto his lap, giving him no chance to retreat. His body moved purely on instinct, with an urgency that didn’t allow him to hesitate, guided only by the burning need pulsing in every fiber of his being. He settled easily, almost unsettlingly, pressing against him as if that was where he belonged, as if he had always belonged there, as if his body had been waiting for this moment all along. Gently, almost desperately, he hid his face against his neck and inhaled deeply, a shaky breath that enveloped him in the intoxicating scent of his alpha. His breath broke in a stifled whisper, his eyelids heavy with pleasure, surrendering completely to the fire that consumed him from within.
"You smell good," he murmured with a sleepy voice, his nose brushing the alpha’s hot skin as his fresh, spicy fragrance surrounded him completely. "You always smell good, but now it’s stronger... richer..."
The older one let out a low growl, his hands returning to his waist, but this time with a different firmness, as if he wanted to hold him without fully giving in.
"Omega... I'm serious... you need to calm down."
"I don’t want to."
His response was immediate, instinctive, with the childish boldness of an omega more like a demanding pup than the person he used to be. He shifted restlessly on his lap, seeking more, demanding more, with a shameless need reflected in every movement. His hips found a more intimate position, as if his body knew exactly where to fit, where to belong. His fingers, trembling but firm, tangled in the fabric of his shirt with possessive urgency, clinging with the determination of someone unwilling to let go. He was his alpha. His. And his inner omega, now awake and ravenous, would accept nothing less than the fullness of his presence.
Pond let out a heavy exhale, clearly losing the battle against his own patience.
"You're a spoiled brat..."
"I’m your spoiled brat," he corrected with a little smile, his lips accidentally brushing against the alpha’s skin, making him shiver in a way that ran down his back almost imperceptibly. "And you’re mine, my alpha. You should give me what I want."
Pond closed his eyes tightly, his control hanging by a dangerously thin thread.
"Don’t say things like that..."
But the omega barely listened. All he could focus on was the alpha’s scent, the warmth of his body, the way every fiber of his being shuddered with his closeness. His inner omega purred with pleasure as his arms slid around his neck, his whole body surrendering in a silent submission that cried out to be accepted.
"I don’t want to be alone..." he whispered against his skin, in a tone so sweet and vulnerable that even he was surprised.
Pond growled again, this time with a different tone, a deeper one, more primal, more surrendered.
And then it happened.
The brush of their lips was awkward at first, overwhelmed by urgency, more hunger than technique, more need than experience. But it was enough. Enough for the last thread of control still hanging by a thread in Pond to break in the air, disappearing like a muffled whisper between them. The alpha responded with an overwhelming intensity, holding him tighter, deepening the kiss until Phuwin felt his mind completely clouded. A stilted gasp escaped his throat when one of his hands slid down his back, holding him against his body as if afraid he would pull away.
Phuwin felt too much heat. Not just superficial heat, like on a sunny day, but a scorching heat, the kind that burned from the inside out, making him feel every beat of his heart in every corner of his body. His skin tingled, his limbs trembled with the fever of heat, and all he could do was seek relief in the only source of calm he had at his reach: the alpha in front of him.
Pond.
His scent was like a balm, wrapping him in fresh, spicy notes that alleviated the unbearable sensation in his chest. There was nothing else on his mind but the need to be close, to soak in his essence until his own scent was completely covered by his. But the shirt he wore clinging to his body was an obstacle. A bothersome barrier that separated him from what he truly wanted. With a frustrated whimper, he started to take it off, his clumsy fingers struggling with the fabric that stuck to his sweaty skin.
But before he could get rid of it completely, firm hands stopped him.
"Omega, no," the voice was low, controlled, but his grip trembled slightly, as if he too was struggling against something within himself.
The omega pouted immediately, his expression going from confused to indignant in a matter of seconds.
"It's hot..."
"I know, but this isn't right."
The dark-haired one clicked his tongue, resuming his struggle with the garment, but Pond firmly held his wrists. His dark eyes looked at him with a seriousness that left no room for games, though the flush on his cheeks and the way he avoided looking directly at him betrayed that he was on the verge of losing control.
"This isn't the time," he insisted, his voice becoming more tense.
The omega huffed, frustrated, and turned his gaze away with another pout.
"Let me go, grumpy alpha," he murmured, feeling his temper shift with each second that passed without receiving the attention he wanted. "Why don't you hug me? Why don't you call me cute like you do with my human side?"
Pond pressed his lips together, clearly trying to find the right words to avoid making things worse. But the omega had no patience for his silences.
"Don't you want me?" he whispered with a trembling voice, his big eyes dangerously bright. "I'm not cute for you, right?"
"What?" The older one blinked, surprised by the direction things were taking. "That's not it."
"Then tell me I am," the omega insisted, clutching his shirt with a pleading expression. "Tell me, tell me I'm cute, tell me you want me, tell me you'll give me puppies, because I'll take good care of them..."
The alpha immediately tensed, his face losing color for a moment before turning a deep red.
"Phuwin!"
But the omega didn't stop.
"I'll be a good dad," he babbled, the words slipping out of his mouth without any filter. "I wouldn't let anything happen to them. I'd be the best... the best..."
He was interrupted when he felt the familiar itch in his eyes, followed by a sting in his throat. A trembling sob escaped his lips before he could stop it.
And then the tears began.
Pond paled.
"No, no, no, omega... don't cry, please..."
But it was too late. The tears rolled down his cheeks with alarming ease, his face contorting in pure anguish as all the heat in his body turned into an unbearable emptiness.
"You don't want me," he murmured between sobs, burying his face in his chest as his honey-scented aroma grew thicker with each sob. "You're rejecting me..."
The alpha froze for a moment, feeling completely overwhelmed. He didn’t want the omega to be sad, didn’t want to see him cry, didn’t want him to think that he didn’t desire him. Because he did.
So much it hurt.
But he also knew that if he gave in now, if he took him in this state, it wouldn't be real. It wouldn't be him wanting it; it would be his instinct, and that was something he could never allow. With a trembling sigh, he pulled him into his arms and stood up with him still clinging to his neck. Phuwin protested with a whimper, his legs automatically wrapping around his waist, refusing to be set aside.
"You’re the most beautiful omega in the world," he whispered against his hair, his tone soft, almost reverent. "But we can't do this, Phu. Not like this. We're too young to be parents. I should buy you a house first, Princess," he tried to joke.
Phuwin groaned against him, his inner omega twisting in frustration.
"My human side is so stubborn... it's been making me wait for so long," he complained with a childish tone, rubbing his nose against his neck in desperation.
Pond let out a small laugh, still blushing.
"That's why I like you."
Phuwin went still. Just for an instant, but it was enough for the weight of those words to pierce the fog in his mind. "D-did you say you like me?" he stammered, lifting his gaze, the blush spreading to his ears.
"Very much," Pond smiled, gently caressing his back.
He felt his heart flip.
"Th-then..."
"Then you need to have patience. I promise I’ll win you over, your human side and your omega."
The omega pouted, looking away.
"I hate patience."
"I know."
Pond gave him a small squeeze, his tone now firmer.
"But time will give us what we want."
The omega sighed heavily, his conscience torn between his instinct screaming for more and the alpha's words that enveloped him in a strange warmth he had never felt before. He still felt feverish, still wanted more of him, still wanted him to hug him and cover him in kisses until his mind couldn't think of anything else.
"Pond..."
The alpha growled, his name sounding like a broken plea on the omega’s swollen lips. In that moment, he knew he was completely lost. There was no turning back, not when Phuwin called him like that, with that sweet voice, with those trembling hands clutching him with growing need, with his scent imbuing every fiber of his being until it drove him crazy.
Phuwin began to blink slowly, his lashes trembling with each blink heavier than the last. His body was still hot, but now the heat mixed with a comforting sense of lethargy, as if the alpha's scent surrounding him acted like a heavy blanket, cradling him in a pleasant drowsiness. He rubbed against Pond's neck, breathing deeply, letting himself be further intoxicated.
"Mmm... smells good..." he murmured with a sleepy voice, his tone barely a whisper against the other's skin. "You smell so good, alpha..."
The grip on his waist tightened for a moment before the alpha exhaled a long sigh, trying to regain his composure.
"Phu..."
"Mmm... I like it when you call me that..." his voice sounded drowsy, but full of satisfaction. "Why don't you do it more often?"
Pond pressed his lips together. Now was not the time to respond to that.
"Omega, you have to go back home," he said instead, his tone firm, though with a hint of softness. "You can't stay here."
The omega grunted softly in protest and adjusted himself better in his lap, clinging to him with the stubbornness of a small child refusing to let go of their favorite toy.
"I don't want to..."
"It's not safe for you." He closed his eyes in frustration.
Phuwin pouted and rubbed his nose against his neck.
"But I want to be here... with you."
"If you stay any longer..." Pond swallowed thickly, feeling his self-control faltering with each word spoken by the omega. "...I don’t know if I can keep resisting."
Phuwin didn't seem to be bothered.
"You don’t have to resist..."
The alpha groaned inwardly.
"Yes, I have to."
The omega shifted in his grip, rubbing against him with a soft whimper.
"You're bad..."
Pond covered his face with a hand, breathing deeply, trying to remember all the reasons why he shouldn’t lose his head at this moment.
"I’m not bad, Phu. I just... want this to happen when you're in control of yourself."
The omega made a noise of disgust.
"But I’m fine."
"No, you're not."
Phuwin looked at him with a furrowed brow, his cheeks puffing out in a childish pout.
"My place is here," he stated, tightening his arms around Pond’s neck. "In the arms of my alpha."
The alpha felt his heart flip, his inner wolf twisting with the desire to accept him, to mark him, to claim him. But he gritted his teeth and held the omega more firmly.
"Your place is where you're safe," he replied softly, though his voice barely trembled. "And right now, that’s at your home."
Phuwin huffed, but the resistance in his body began to fade, as if the warmth surrounding him was too comforting to fight. His eyelids gradually fell, growing heavier, his breath becoming slow and deep, in time with the steady heartbeat resonating beneath his ear. Pond felt him give in completely to his hold, his weight naturally settling against him. His scent, once dense with need, now lingered in the air with a more peaceful sweetness, infusing everything with the subtle fragrance of a content omega, secure in the presence of his alpha.
"You're bad..." he murmured again, his voice growing weaker. "But... you smell so good..."
Pond smiled tenderly, resting his cheek against the soft hair of the omega.
"Sleep a little, princess. I'll take you home in a moment."
Phuwin made a dissatisfied noise but didn’t resist any longer.
And minutes later, he was fast asleep in the arms of his alpha.
Pond adjusted his grip around the sleeping form of Phuwin, making sure his head rested comfortably against his shoulder before moving around the room. The omega was breathing softly, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath, completely lost in sleep, the traces of his recent caprice still visible on his relaxed expression.
The alpha looked at him for a moment, feeling his chest tighten with a strange warmth before looking away and heading to his closet. Something inside him told him that Phuwin would need some of his clothes when he woke up, and although he wasn’t sure why he was following that instinct, he did it anyway. He pulled out a sweatshirt and a pair of comfortable pants, folding them quickly before holding them against his side with one hand. With the other, he kept Phuwin secure against his chest.
He breathed deeply.
Leaving his house while carrying an omega in heat wasn’t exactly the best idea, but he had no choice. Phuwin couldn’t stay there. He walked with steady steps, silently thankful that the distance to his neighbor's house wasn’t long. It was a quiet neighborhood, but that didn’t mean it was without danger.
If another alpha were to catch the scent of Phuwin in his current state...
He gritted his teeth, his grip on the omega tightening.
He wouldn’t allow it.
He climbed the stairs to the entrance and rang the doorbell urgently, his heart pounding with a force that resonated in his ears. Several seconds passed, feeling like an eternity, before the door opened and Dunk appeared in the doorway. His expression was confused at first, brow furrowed slightly, until his eyes dropped, focusing on the figure Pond was carrying in his arms.
His eyebrows shot up immediately, surprise flashing across his face like lightning. He looked at the deeply sleeping omega, his breath calm, his body completely relaxed against Pond. Then he shifted his gaze back to him, scrutinizing him with a mixture of disbelief and suspicion.
"What the hell...?"
"He went into heat," Pond blurted out quickly, no hesitation.
Dunk blinked and opened his mouth to say something, but seemed to think better of it and turned on his heel.
"Joong!"
The hurried steps of his best friend echoed through the house before he appeared in the doorway, his expression shifting from confusion to alarm in a matter of seconds.
"What happened?"
"I don’t know," Pond confessed, trying to stay calm. "We were studying, and suddenly..."
He didn’t finish the sentence. It wasn’t necessary.
Joong sighed, rubbing his face before looking at his friend seriously.
"Bring him inside."
Pond nodded and crossed the threshold with the omega still asleep against his chest.
"We need to take him to his room," Dunk instructed.
Joong stepped forward to help hold his brother, but as soon as he tried to take him, a deep growl rumbled from Pond’s chest.
The alpha froze.
Shit.
Joong looked at him incredulously.
"Did you just growl at me?"
Pond cleared his throat, feeling uncomfortably warm.
"It wasn’t on purpose."
"Give him to me, Pond."
The alpha didn’t move. He stayed there, firm, still holding the warmth of the body in his arms, not willing to give in or offer immediate explanations. Joong narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms with an expectant air. His gaze scanned the scene with attention, analyzing every detail, from the way the omega rested against him to the barely contained tension in the alpha's shoulders.
"I’m only going to ask once," he said calmly, though his tone made it clear he wouldn’t accept evasion. "Let me carry my brother, or you’ll be alpha paste."
Pond scoffed, clearly reluctant, and slowly allowed his best friend to take the omega. His arms loosened begrudgingly, his hands taking a second longer than necessary to release him, as if his own body resisted the idea of letting go.
As soon as he did, a strange emptiness settled in his chest, a bothersome and persistent void that he didn’t know how to ignore. The warmth he had been holding disappeared too quickly, leaving him with tense muscles and a lingering uncomfortable feeling in the pit of his stomach. Joong raised an eyebrow, watching him with a mix of disbelief and barely concealed amusement.
"You’re a lost cause, buddy."
Pond refused to answer. He simply watched as they took Phuwin to his room. As soon as the presence of the omega faded while they went up the stairs, the tension that had kept his body rigid collapsed suddenly. A sudden dizziness shook him as his own energy drained, leaving him powerless at the threshold of the house. He brought a hand to his face, pressing his fingers against his temples in a futile attempt to steady himself.
Dunk crouched beside him almost instantly, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Pond, are you okay?"
The alpha let out an empty laugh.
"I don’t know."
He barely had any awareness of how much it had cost him to hold himself together until now. His chest still burned with the echo of Phuwin’s scent, the persistent sweetness of honey embedding itself in his system like a hook. His hands trembled with the memory of the omega’s warmth, and his pulse... his damn pulse kept racing, as if his body hadn’t received the message that he was no longer holding him.
Dunk frowned, tightening his grip on his shoulder.
"I’m going to—"
"No."
Joong’s voice cut through from the stairs, firm but laced with an irritation that was hard to disguise. He descended the last few steps in two strides, and with a territorial look, he pulled Dunk away from Pond, stepping between them.
"You take care of Phuwin," he ordered, no room for discussion. "I’ll take this idiot home."
Dunk narrowed his eyes.
"Joong, stop exaggerating."
"I’m not exaggerating. This idiot could go into rut at any moment."
"I was just helping him—"
"You don’t need to touch him to help him. My alpha doesn’t like it, love."
Pond blinked, feeling the conversation swirl around him without having the energy to intervene. His mind was too foggy, too caught up in the lingering emptiness that had settled in his chest, in the faint tingling of his skin where the omega had once rested.
Dunk, for his part, sighed in exasperation, running a hand over his face as if he were used to dealing with situations like this or perhaps simply resigned to them. His gaze shifted from the alpha on the ground to his boyfriend, then to the sleeping omega in his arms before finally raising his hands in a gesture of surrender.
"Fine, fine, I get it, jealous alpha."
Joong merely shot him a sharp look before turning back to his best friend.
"Let’s go."
Pond didn’t protest when Joong grabbed him by the arm and forced him to stand, holding him effortlessly when his legs threatened to give out.
"You’re a mess," the guy murmured, dragging him out of the house.
Pond barely managed to let out a dry laugh.
"I know."
⋆🧸 ˚｡ 🐼୨୧
His best friend said nothing during the short walk to Pond’s house, just held him firmly, his grip secure, preventing the alpha from collapsing onto the sidewalk like a puppet with no strings. Pond could barely focus on the path, his mind still overwhelmed by the weight of the moment, the warm and overwhelming presence of the omega that had been in his arms.
But once they crossed the door and Joong dropped him onto the couch in the living room with a practiced movement, the atmosphere shifted. Joong’s voice rose with the same confidence as always, sharp and direct, not softening the blow one bit.
“Is this finally going to make you confess to my little brother?”
Pond, still catching his breath, brought a hand to the back of his neck, the feeling of discomfort and confusion taking over as he looked away, searching for any corner of the room to avoid meeting the alpha’s eyes.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he replied, though the lie sounded empty even to him.
Joong snorted in disbelief, crossing his arms as if he wasn’t about to let the alpha escape so easily.
“Oh, please. As if I were blind. You’ve always been in love with him.”
Pond squeezed his eyes shut, wishing his best friend would leave him alone. But of course, that never happened. Joong always knew how to pressure him, how to keep digging into the places he least wanted to be touched.
“Whatever I felt or didn’t feel before doesn’t matter now,” he finally responded, his voice tense, barely holding back frustration. “After what happened today...”
He stopped, the grimace that twisted his face showing more than he wanted to admit.
Joong raised an eyebrow, no trace of patience on his face. The silence between them was heavy, like a rope about to snap.
“The only thing that happened today is that you managed to control your more animal instincts. And that confirms it for me.”
Pond let out a dry laugh, devoid of humor, almost bitter, as if that comment threw him off completely.
“What does it confirm?”
Joong didn’t hesitate, his gaze steady and clear.
“That you’re the only alpha who deserves to be with my brother.”
The weight of those words hit Pond with a sudden impact, as if lightning had struck the air between them. His breath stopped for a second, the pain and disbelief paralyzing his thoughts. His friend had never been the type to give favors just like that, especially when it came to Phuwin. His brother was his adoration, his greatest weakness, the center of his overprotection. Everything he said or did about him was wrapped in a layer of suspicion and protection. And yet, he was saying this.
He looked at him, trying to understand the seriousness in his tone, the weight his words carried. Was... was he being sincere?
Pond pressed his lips together, feeling something twist in his chest, as if those words Joong had said were pressing on a weak spot he had been trying to ignore.
“I don’t think Phuwin sees it the same way,” he finally admitted, his voice softer, as if saying those words too loudly might break something inside him.
“Why not?” Joong asked, not moving, but with that intense and piercing look that left no room for evasions.
Pond let out a heavy sigh, as if he were already exhausted just thinking about it.
“Because his omega took control almost completely. I don’t think he remembers anything we talked about... or what he did.”
Notes:
ฅ^>⩊<^ ฅ
Chapter 12: ❝[𝟏𝟐]: 𝐈𝐠𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝... 𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞?❞
Notes:
I'm sorry for not updating as I promised. I've been dealing with some issues since I moved, but mostly with university. Things have been slowly getting better, though. As you know, my first language is Spanish, and more importantly, I'm Uruguayan (a small country, but it's where this fanfic was born haha), which means my English is good, but not perfect. It's really hard for me to bring you chapters here because I constantly have to look up words I don’t know how to write (or even if they exist) as well as deal with idioms from my own language that make translating certain jokes almost impossible.
During this time, the Spanish version of the story on Wattpad has been my priority, as a way to keep it going while I deal with all of this. And now that classes have started, it’ll probably stay that way for a while since it’s just easier for me.I’m really sorry to the readers here. I love you and appreciate every comment you leave. I’ll try to come back more often with new chapters! ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Shame was the only thing he felt when his heat ended. No relief, no rest—just an overwhelming wave of humiliation churning in his chest like a weight too heavy to ignore. For days, his best friend had taken care of him while his brother looked after Pond, who apparently had also gone into heat. He didn’t want to know any more details. He didn’t want to know anything at all.
Phuwin just wanted to disappear.
He’d heard stories about awkward first times, embarrassing moments that took people years to get over... but his was a tragedy of mythical proportions. His damn first kiss had dragged him headfirst into an uncontrollable heat. Could anyone be more of a virgin than that? There had to be a statistic out there somewhere proving it: the most pathetic omegas in history. And there would be his name, engraved in golden letters.
Because if there was one thing he knew for sure, it was that Pond would never let him live in peace. He’d make fun of him until the day he died—and with his luck, probably even after that. It’d be just like when he turned thirteen and, thanks to a ridiculously strong push from a freshly presented alpha Joong, he ended up falling face-first into his own birthday cake. Pond still brought that up. How many decades would have to pass before this was forgotten? Would it become a story told at family gatherings? “Oh, remember when PhuPhu went into heat because of a kiss and vanished off the face of the Earth for a whole week?”
Just imagining it made him burrow deeper into his blankets. He felt like a scared little animal, curled up under Dunk’s patient gaze. His best friend seemed torn between frustration and understanding, and deep down, Phuwin knew he did understand. His damn inner omega had been a spoiled brat, completely dragged under by his most primitive instincts. The worst part? He couldn’t even remember what he’d said or done during those days. It was all a blurry whirlwind and—God—wet. So wet. He knew he’d cried, begged, maybe even pleaded for a certain alpha, but his defense mechanism was pretending none of it had ever happened. Pretending it was all a dream.
His heat had ended two days ago after four agonizing days of suffering, sweat, and desperation. Thankfully, his mom, Dunk, and Joong had been understanding and let him skip school a bit longer. And thanks to the weekend, he hadn’t had to face anyone or endure the condescending stares aimed at a dumb omega who couldn’t handle his own cycle.
But Pond had tried to talk to him.
The alpha had come over after recovering from his own heat. He had knocked on the door, insisted. But Phuwin couldn’t even consider opening it. His brain flooded him with every possible way the conversation could go wrong:
Option 1: Pond laughs in his face and calls him pathetic.
Option 2: Pond says he’s sorry, but it was weird and they should stop talking.
Option 3: Pond doesn’t say a word, just gives him that smug look and Phuwin implodes.
So, in every scenario, he died.
After what felt like hours, the alpha finally gave up. But he came back the next day. And the next. The result was always the same: absolute silence. Phuwin hid in his blanket cocoon, barely breathing each time he heard Pond’s voice outside the door.
Maybe he could become a hermit. Yeah, that sounded perfect. All he needed was his pink bedroom, his plushies, and a monthly food delivery someone could leave at his door. He’d never have to face anyone again.
He still didn’t understand how his heat had come so suddenly. He was careful—he tracked his cycles, took suppressants if he thought it was necessary. But all it took was Pond’s warm hands holding him, the firm grip of his fingers on his skin, the closeness of his breath...
And his omega had awakened with irrational violence.
And now, he had to deal with the consequences.
The alarm had gone off over half an hour ago, but Phuwin had no intention of moving. It was Monday, the start of a new week, and the last thing he wanted was to face the outside world.
His plan was simple: never leave his room again.
But of course, the older omega had other plans.
"That’s enough," said his best friend, standing by the bed with his arms crossed, his patience hanging by a thread. "You have to go to class."
Phuwin shrank even further under the blankets, as if that could make him disappear.
"No, I don’t."
"Yes, you do," Dunk rolled his eyes and gave him a light nudge with his foot. "I can’t keep covering for you. Mix doesn’t believe a word I say anymore."
"Tell him I died."
"Phuwin."
"That I moved abroad."
Dunk sighed, massaging his temples.
"The coach’s already asked me three times if you ran away because you’re scared of losing the captain spot."
The blankets rustled and, instantly, Phuwin’s horrified eyes peeked out from beneath them.
"What?!"
"I told him you weren’t that dramatic."
"I don’t care what Mix says. I’m never going out again. I’ll become an urban legend. The omega who vanished after an embarrassing heat," he groaned, hiding again. Dunk huffed and dropped onto the bed, landing his full weight on top of him.
"Dunk, get off!"
"Not until you accept that you’re going to class."
"I hate you!"
"Yeah, yeah. I’ll still drag you out if I have to."
He tried to squirm free, but Dunk didn’t move an inch.
"We’ve got a match on Friday. The team needs you."
Nothing.
Dunk clicked his tongue.
"Neither you nor Pond are focused. Mix doesn’t know what to do with you anymore, and Earth’s sick of scolding him. I can’t watch him get chewed out again, Phuwin."
The omega flinched under the blankets at the mention of that name.
"Then don’t watch," he muttered. "Cover your eyes."
Dunk’s gaze softened before resting his chin on Phuwin’s shoulder and whispering,
"Then you’ll die in here, not a captain, and with Pond knocking on your door for the rest of eternity."
Phuwin shivered; he couldn’t imagine a worse fate. Just as Dunk was about to push further, the bedroom door slammed open.
"Enough already!" Joong barked. He’d lost his patience days ago, tired of seeing his little brother in that state and deciding it was time to take matters into his own hands.
Phuwin didn’t have time to react. In the blink of an eye, his brother yanked the blankets off the bed and hoisted him up like a sack of potatoes, slinging him over his shoulder with ease.
"Chen, put me down!"
"No."
"Dunk, do something!"
"Sorry, buddy. I tried to do it the nice way," he said with a satisfied shrug.
And just like that, without mercy, he was hauled out of his room, kicking and cursing as his dignity was left somewhere between the bedsheets and his best friend’s laughter.
"Put me down!"
He wriggled as much as he could on his brother’s shoulder, pounding his back with his fists to no avail. The alpha didn’t even seem to notice as he walked down the hallway with steady determination, intent on getting him out of the house once and for all.
"Don’t make this harder than it has to be, Phu. We’re already late for class," he said with irritating calm.
"I’m not going to class in pajamas!"
Desperate, Phuwin grabbed the doorframe with both hands, anchoring himself like his life depended on it. Joong tried to keep walking, but when he felt the resistance, he let out an annoyed sigh.
"Fine, fine." He dropped him roughly onto the floor and stood in front of the exit, arms crossed. "Let’s talk like brothers, then."
Phuwin shot him a deadly glare, rubbing his stomach where he’d been slung over.
"I have nothing to say to you."
"Yes, you do," Dunk chimed in, walking over calmly and patting his head like he was trying to soothe a frightened animal. "You can’t stay locked up forever, Phu."
"I can try," he huffed, adjusting the sleeves of his pajamas with wounded dignity.
Joong rolled his eyes and grabbed him by the wrist, dragging him to the living room couch without giving him a chance to argue.
"Listen, shortie. What happened was completely normal."
"It's not normal to kiss someone and go into heat like I'm some inexperienced virgin! I am, but he didn't need to know that!"
"It's normal." He ruffled his hair, ignoring his cry of indignation. "You're an omega. You reacted to an alpha. So what? You don't need to feel ashamed about something that's in your nature."
Phuwin felt a knot forming in his throat, but forced himself to keep a neutral expression, clinging to the last shred of dignity he had left. He wasn't going to show how much it affected him—not in front of them.
"Easy for you to say when it didn’t happen to you," he muttered, his voice thick with bitterness that he tried to mask as indifference.
Dunk cleared his throat and awkwardly raised a hand, as if he were about to interrupt a classroom debate. "Well..." he began, but his eyes flicked nervously to Joong, who, to Phuwin's surprise, had a mischievous smile on his face. When Joong wore that expression, nothing good ever came out of his mouth.
"What?" Phuwin asked cautiously, narrowing his eyes.
The alpha leaned slightly forward, clearly enjoying the moment, and spoke in an almost amused tone.
"What Dunk’s trying to say is that we all have an embarrassing story."
That didn’t convince Phuwin in the slightest to return to class. He narrowed his eyes further and crossed his arms, as if that gesture could shield him from whatever he was about to hear.
"It can’t be worse than mine," he declared, convinced that no one could have gone through something more humiliating.
Dunk let out a nervous laugh, dropping his head as he sank into the couch next to his boyfriend. Joong, beside him, looked far too entertained, as if he’d been waiting for this moment.
"Trust me," the older omega sighed, shooting his friend a look full of resignation. "It can."
The alpha glanced at him with amusement, then turned to his younger brother, his smile growing with every passing second.
"When we first started dating, your dear best friend right here..." He pointed at Dunk dramatically, savoring the moment. "...completely forgot about his heat cycle on our first date."
"What? How do you forget something like that?"
Dunk let his head fall back and covered his face with both hands.
"It was an accident!"
His boyfriend burst into laughter, leaning forward like he was telling the best story of his life.
"He had no experience and was way too excited for our first date. We went to the mall, walked around a bit, and suddenly he started feeling weird. I thought he was just nervous because I was going to hold his hand or something, but before I knew it, he was sweating and could barely stand."
Phuwin’s mouth fell open as he tried to process the scene, then he burst out laughing.
"No way!"
Dunk sank deeper into the couch, as if trying to disappear.
"Shut up!" he protested, glaring at him. "It wasn’t funny!"
"It totally was!"
Joong shrugged, feigning indifference, though his eyes gleamed with mischief.
"I had to carry him bridal style to the parking lot while people stared. It took me half an hour to find someone willing to sell me suppressants, and when it finally wore off a little, the first thing he said was, ‘Did I ruin the date? Are we not getting married anymore?’ I repeat... it was our first date."
Phuwin clutched his stomach, laughing uncontrollably.
Dunk threw a pillow at his face.
"Stop laughing!"
Phuwin looked at them, still giggling a little, but deep down feeling something warm spread in his chest.
"See? Everyone has embarrassing moments. That doesn’t mean life stops."
The omega beside him nodded.
"Besides, Pond’s an idiot, but I don’t think he took you any less seriously because of what happened."
Phuwin grimaced and looked away.
"You don’t know that."
"Then find out." Joong’s tone was firm. "Go to class and face him. If he’s dumb enough to laugh at you, then I’ll punch him myself."
He fell silent for a moment, unsure what to say. In the end, he let out a defeated sigh.
"And honestly... Pond didn’t seem like he was laughing. Quite the opposite."
"Huh?" Phuwin lifted his head.
"He looked worried," Dunk said softly. "He’s been totally out of it during practice, and Earth has already scolded him a few times. He’s come looking for you every single day. Someone who wanted to make fun of you wouldn’t do that."
Phuwin’s stomach twisted.
"That doesn’t mean anything."
"Then what do you think it means?"
Phuwin looked down, twisting the sleeves of his pajamas between his fingers with a tension he couldn’t shake. His throat felt dry, and every word seemed to get stuck before reaching his lips.
"It’s not just about the heat..." he whispered, feeling his voice tremble slightly.
Dunk and Joong exchanged a quick glance, but said nothing. They just waited, giving him the space he needed to continue. He closed his eyes tightly, as if that might make the knot in his chest disappear, as if not seeing their expressions would let him pretend they weren’t really there, that they weren’t listening.
"I kissed him."
"Yeah, we already know that," Joong replied plainly, raising an eyebrow as if it were no big secret.
Phuwin shook his head immediately. No, they didn’t get it. Not the way he did.
"No." He pressed his lips together, hesitating for a second, but knowing he couldn’t stop now. "I kissed him before it happened. Before my omega reacted. I kissed him because I wanted to."
The silence that followed was different. Heavier. More real. Dunk furrowed his brows, seeming to process the words carefully. When he finally spoke, his voice was gentler.
"And you don’t know why you did it?"
He swallowed hard and shook his head, feeling a strange emptiness in his chest as he did so.
"I have no idea," he admitted, though deep down he knew that wasn’t entirely true.
His brother let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair before wrapping an arm around him, pulling him close in an almost automatic gesture.
"Well, in that case... maybe it’s time to find out."
Phuwin sank deeper into the couch, curling in on himself as if he could make himself smaller, as if he could avoid facing the answer he was afraid to find. His fingers drummed against his knee in an attempt to distract himself, but nothing worked. The heat in his face only grew, and his chest tightened with every passing second.
He couldn’t hold it in any longer.
"I’ve been in love with Pond since we were kids," he confessed, letting the words fall like a stone into water.
The silence that followed was so heavy he felt like screaming.
Joong was the first to react.
"What?"
Phuwin closed his eyes in frustration.
"Don’t make me repeat it."
Dunk, meanwhile, was left gaping, as if his brain was crashing from the revelation.
"Since you met him?"
He nodded without lifting his gaze, his heart pounding too fast, too loud, as if it somehow knew everything was about to change.
"When Chen and he became friends, I..." He bit his lip. "I liked him so much. I always got nervous around him because he took such good care of me... even more than Joong did."
The alpha clicked his tongue.
"Hey, I took care of you too."
"Yeah, yeah," he mumbled, "but Pond did it differently. He always helped me when I fell, gave me his dessert if he saw I liked it more than mine, even carried me on his back when I got tired on walks."
Dunk smiled softly.
"Wow..."
"I remember that too," Joong admitted, resting his elbow on the back of the couch. "He took his hero role very seriously."
Phuwin huffed, but his expression softened with the memory.
"The thing is, when summer came and Pond went to camp, I made a decision..." He swallowed. "Since I’d soon be a teenager, I was going to fulfill my dream of becoming his boyfriend."
Joong stared at him in disbelief, as if he’d just heard the most absurd thing in the world.
"You... what?"
Before he could say anything else, his boyfriend elbowed him hard in the ribs.
"Listen and don’t interrupt," he snapped, with that warning tone he only used when he really wanted him to shut up.
The older one clutched his chest with mock drama, narrowing his eyes like he’d been deeply offended.
"Okay, okay. Carry on, carry on," he said with an exaggerated gesture, settling into the couch like an audience member watching the best drama of his life.
The youngest sighed, rubbing his temples. He had already started—there was no point in stopping now.
"Back then, I felt really insecure. I had braces, wore thick glasses, and... I was a bit chubbier."
The comment brought a nostalgic smile to his brother’s face, his eyes softening at the memory.
"You were adorable with your chubby cheeks."
The annoyed look he got in return was instant.
"It was Mom Arinya’s fault. She cooked too well," he muttered, shrugging as if it wasn’t his responsibility for having enjoyed homemade food a little too much.
A soft laugh escaped from his best friend, who tilted his head slightly with curiosity.
"So you decided to change your image to get him to like you?"
His face lit up in embarrassment, but he still nodded slightly.
"I asked my omega mom, Ari, for help. She’s always been really pretty, so I thought maybe she could help me look pretty too."
The eyes watching him reflected genuine interest, as if trying to picture the scene.
"And what did you do?"
He played with the sleeve of his pajamas before answering.
"I spent the whole summer working out, I’d just started rhythmic gymnastics, they helped me switch my glasses for contacts, and finally, I got my braces off."
A low whistle broke the silence.
"So that’s why you were so determined back then. I knew something was up," the alpha said, crossing his arms, feeling the old emotion of those days resurface.
"Of course!" Phuwin exclaimed, with a mix of embarrassment and pride. "I was sure that when Pond came back from camp, he’d fall in love with me at first sight."
"And what happened?" Dunk asked, resting his chin on his hand with anticipation.
Phuwin could still remember every detail of that day, as if he were living it all over again.
⋆🧸 ˚｡ 🐼୨୧
He woke up earlier than anyone else, his chest brimming with excitement so intense he could barely stay still as his mom helped him get ready. He put on his cutest outfit—a peach-colored cotton t-shirt, freshly ironed white shorts, and his favorite sandals. He styled his hair carefully, making sure not a single strand was out of place, and when he was finally ready, his omega mom smiled and offered him something that made him feel even more special.
“It’s an important occasion, isn’t it, sweetheart?” she said, pulling a small tube of lip gloss from her vanity.
Phuwin nodded eagerly.
“Very important!”
“Then just a little bit,” his mom giggled softly as she applied a thin layer on his lips. “Now you’re ready to break hearts.”
Smiling with a mix of excitement and nerves, he ran to the living room and waited. And waited. And waited a little more, never taking his eyes off the door. His foot tapped impatiently against the floor, his stomach fluttering with anticipation. He had spent the whole summer dreaming about this moment. He had worked so hard, changed so much—and today was the day Pond would finally see him as more than just his best friend’s little brother.
When the doorbell rang, he jumped to his feet and rushed to open it.
“Nara!”
Without thinking, he threw his arms around him in a tight hug. A whole summer without the alpha had felt like forever, and now that he was finally here, everything felt right again.
“I missed you so much,” he whispered into his chest, breathing in his familiar scent.
Pond laughed in surprise, patting his back.
“Hey, what’s up with you?”
The young omega pulled back with a big smile, ready to see the astonishment on Pond’s face when he noticed his transformation.
But there was no astonishment.
No sweet smile. No kind words.
Pond looked him up and down with a neutral expression and simply said:
“Oh.”
Nothing more.
Phuwin blinked, feeling his heart shrink in his chest. Before he could say anything, Joong came running down the stairs, calling out to his friend with excitement.
“Pond!”
The alpha grinned and walked right past the omega without a second thought.
“Let’s go play ball!”
And just like that, he was gone.
Without inviting him. Without even glancing back. Phuwin stood frozen in the doorway, his chest burning with a mix of embarrassment and disappointment. He hadn’t said he looked pretty. He hadn’t touched his cheeks the way he used to. He hadn’t even noticed all the effort he had put in just to look good for him.
When he finally closed the door, he felt tears sting his eyes. His mom found him curled up on the sofa moments later, his lips trembling as he hugged his knees. With a sigh, she sat beside him and wrapped her arms around him, rocking him gently like she used to when he was smaller.
“My love…” she whispered, stroking his hair. “Don’t cry.”
But Phuwin couldn’t help it.
For days, he told himself romantic movies exaggerated. Maybe love at first sight didn’t happen in an instant—it had to be built, little by little, with patience. Maybe what happened in an hour and a half on screen took weeks… or even months in real life.
So he didn’t give up.
When his first year of middle school began, his mom helped him get ready each morning with the same care as that first day. She made sure his uniform was flawless, his hair perfectly in place, and his face fresh and cute. And every day, Phuwin left the house with the same hope—that today would be the day Nara would finally really look at him, would notice how much he’d changed, and fall for him.
But that day never came.
Weeks later, when Joong got sick and couldn’t go to school, their mom asked Phuwin to walk Pond home. It was the perfect opportunity to be alone with him, to show that, aside from looking good, he could also be fun and charming.
With his heart pounding in his chest, he walked through the halls looking for the alpha, but what he found instead froze him in place.
He stopped at the corridor, his heart still beating fast. What had started as excited anticipation quickly turned into a knot in his throat when he heard his name in the conversation.
“You really wanna ask Phuwin out?” one of the alphas asked, half mocking, half surprised.
“Yeah. He’s hot, isn’t he? And he’s an omega. Why not?”
“I don’t know... he seems kind of stuck-up.”
“He acts like he’s too good to talk to anyone.”
“That just makes him more interesting. I bet if someone put him in his place, he’d stop being so arrogant.”
Phuwin felt sick hearing them talk about him that way.
“Put him in his place?” another one laughed under his breath. “What if someone already did? They say he hooked up with an older alpha.”
His stomach twisted. That wasn’t true... he hadn’t even had his first kiss. He was saving that for Nara—and he was only one year older.
“Cut it out. Don’t talk about him like that.”
That voice.
He barely dared to look. His eyes found Pond standing among the boys, arms crossed, brow furrowed. His posture looked tense.
“Phuwin’s not like that,” the alpha added.
For a moment, Phuwin’s chest felt a little lighter.
“Then why does he act so high and mighty?” one of them insisted.
“Because he looks good and he knows it,” another laughed. “Can’t deny he’s changed a lot since last summer.”
“Yeah, but…” Nara clicked his tongue. “I don’t know, it’s not that big of a deal.”
Silence.
“What do you mean?”
“I’m not saying he’s ugly, just…” Pond looked away, thoughtful. “He’s not as special as people say.”
The air left the omega’s lungs.
“What? Come on, don’t tell me you’ve never liked him even a little.”
“No.”
Phuwin felt something break inside him.
“Come on, man, it’s obvious a bunch of guys are into him. And he’s not your friend’s brother.”
“So what?” Nara’s voice came out sharper than usual. “I don’t get why you want to ask him out, just leave him alone.”
Phuwin froze. His mind went blank, stuck on those words. Pond said it with such certainty, with such disinterest, like it was obvious, like there really wasn’t anything in him worth noticing. He couldn’t listen any longer. He turned on his heels and ran away without looking back.
His heartbeat roared in his ears.
Not that special.
Pond didn’t just not see him. He didn’t even think he was pretty. Everything he had built since that summer—all the hope that one day the alpha would see him as more than his best friend’s little brother—shattered all at once.
The image of his childhood, where the boy who played prince promised to always protect him, crumbled into pieces.
That boy had never existed.
And Phuwin had never been enough.
He felt the air catch in his throat as he ran home. Naravit had looked annoyed while he spoke, as if the very idea of someone liking him was a nuisance.
Why? Where was the boy who used to play prince with him when they were kids? The one who protected him, who promised to always look after him?
Because the boy he’d just heard couldn’t be the same. His heart pounded painfully in his chest, his eyes burned with tears he refused to let fall.
That day, in that hallway, he made a decision.
He would never love that idiot again.
Never.
He buried his feelings deep in his heart and promised he’d never confess them to anyone. Not even to his omega mom, even if it hurt. She loved Pond, and even if he hated him now, he didn’t want to take a mother’s love away from him again. So he just said he didn’t like him anymore. He hoped that, with time, those words would become true.
But the wound didn’t heal.
And something different was born in its place.
He became cruel toward him. If the alpha said white, he said black. If Pond tried to be nice, Phuwin dismissed him. Of course, he got scolded for it, but he didn’t care.
Pond gave as good as he got.
If Phuwin attacked with sharp words, he responded with teasing. If Phuwin ignored him, he provoked him. If Phuwin tried to show he didn’t care, Pond did everything he could to get on his nerves.
And so their war began.
A war that, to this day, neither of them seemed willing to end.
⋆🧸 ˚｡ 🐼୨୧
Notes:
Tomorrow there will probably be a new chapter. Although my main idea wasn't to have too much drama in this fic, the truth is I got really deep into this part of the story and had a hard time getting out of it, so I hope you're ready haha. Although in Spanish, this fight has already ended, so you'll suffer fewer weeks than the Wattpad readers. I'll try to leave you at the same point in the story this week.(˶˃⤙˂˶)
Chapter 13: ❝[𝟎𝟏𝟑] 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞.❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Phuwin shifted on the couch, unable to find a position in which his restlessness didn’t eat away at him. Joong was sitting at the other end, elbows on his knees and hands clasped together, head bowed. He had been in that same position for about five minutes. The only sign he wasn’t a stone statue was the tense movements of his breathing.
Things had escalated too quickly. His confession hadn’t been that big of a deal. Well, yes, it was a sensitive topic, but he’d said it without much expectation. And yet, Dunk had reacted as if he’d been slapped.
He himself hated the way some alphas behaved and, at the time, had loathed Pond’s words with every fiber of his being. But Dunk’s reaction... it had been disproportionate, even compared to his own reaction back then. As if the ground had opened beneath his feet and the only possible response had been rage.
He looked at his brother and pressed his lips together. It wasn’t the first time he’d seen him like this, but it was the first in a long while. He didn’t break easily. There was something in him that always kept him steady, as if his pride wouldn’t allow him to show his cracks. And yet, there he was, swallowing everything he felt.
❝Chen...❞
❝Let it go, Phuwin,❞ he replied without lifting his head. His voice was rougher than usual, a tone on the edge of emotional exhaustion.
Phuwin hesitated. He had grown up knowing every one of his brother’s quirks, he knew when to push and when to back off. But this... This was different.
❝Do you want me to...?❞ he began, but Joong straightened up suddenly and shook his head.
❝I’m just... I’m going to drive you to class.❞ His voice left no room for argument.
The omega nodded, but the unease remained, nesting in his chest with no intention of leaving anytime soon.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The rest of the day had been strange. Being around a silent Dunk was the weirdest thing in the world. The guy always had something to say—some dumb joke, some out-of-place comment that managed to make even the most serious person smile. But today... nothing. He barely spoke in class, barely reacted to anyone's comments. His expression remained unreadable, eyes fixed on the board or his notebook, as if he didn’t want to look at anyone.
Even more unsettling was seeing him without being glued to his brother. Dunk and Joong were inseparable, always together, always sharing space like they were part of the same being. If Chen was on the court, Dunk was in the stands. If Chen was in the library, Dunk found some excuse to swing by. If Chen was in the cafeteria, Dunk was waiting with a tray full of food. But today... today he didn’t even look at him.
During lunch, his brother tried to approach. He was subtle at first, like testing the waters, setting his tray one seat away, waiting for his omega to give him a sign—any sign. But he didn’t even look up. Phuwin watched the moment unfold in slow motion: the alpha slid the tray a little closer, cleared his throat, even made the effort to speak normally.
❝Hey, little bear, want to share this? I bought too much.❞ His tone was light, almost casual, like nothing had happened.
Dunk looked up for a moment. For a second, Phuwin thought he was going to answer, say something, even if it was something annoyed. But instead, he simply picked up his tray, stood up, and left the table without saying a single word.
The sound of the chair scraping against the floor seemed louder than usual in the cafeteria’s buzz. The alpha remained still, hand still extended toward the plate he’d meant to share, his expression tense, frozen in a mix of surprise and pain.
It wasn’t just that Dunk was upset. It wasn’t just a silly fight. Something had broken between them—something that had been there for years, solid as a rock, and now it was crumbling right in front of their eyes.
And the worst part was not knowing how to fix it.
Pond had also tried to talk to Phuwin, probably to bring up the whole issue, but he didn’t even get the chance. Before he could open his mouth, Dunk stepped between them, his posture rigid and his expression so severe even the alpha looked surprised.
❝Now’s not the time, Naravit. Get lost,❞ the older omega snapped, his words sharp with a rare harshness, and the darkness in his gaze made it clear there was no room for argument.
Pond blinked, stunned. It wasn’t that he didn’t know Dunk, but he had never seen him so... aggressive. He had always been the peaceful type, the one who mediated, who calmed things down when tensions rose. But now, the simmering fury in his voice and his tense body made him seem like a completely different person.
Phuwin, who until that moment had been too consumed by the weight of the tension around him, flinched as he realized what had just happened. For a moment, he even forgot his own humiliation, the mess he had unintentionally caused. All he could see was his brother—miserable and drowning in a sadness that seemed to have no solution.
And he felt guilty.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
❝You disappeared for a week and then took extra days off after your heat?❞ Mix's tone was sharp. The omega usually wasn’t this cold as a coach, but the accumulated stress was starting to show—especially with one of his most promising students so distracted lately. ❝If you can’t show commitment now, what makes you think you could handle it as captain?❞
Phuwin pressed his lips together, feeling the weight of every gaze on him. He knew Mix was right, but that didn’t make the reprimand any easier to swallow. He had barely returned and was already being cornered. He took a deep breath, ready to respond... but then, as if the day couldn’t get any worse, Milk decided to butt in.
❝Poor Phuphu, so delicate,❞ she sing-songed mockingly, leaning toward him with fake concern. ❝Are you sure you don’t need another little week off? Wouldn’t want you getting too tired waving your pompoms.❞
The omega closed his eyes for a moment, holding back his irritation. It wasn’t worth it. Not now. But Milk had no intention of staying quiet.
❝Though, well, I get it,❞ she went on, her tone overly understanding. ❝Not all of us are born with the stamina this team requires. You’ve got to know your limits. Maybe a more... relaxed position would suit you better. Something with less pressure, fewer responsibilities. When I’m captain, I’ll help you find one.❞
The stifled giggles from a few teammates made his fists clench.
❝Hey, hey, but don’t worry,❞ she continued, tilting her head with feigned kindness. ❝If at any point you feel dizzy or overwhelmed, just let me know. I can personally ask Mix to set up a special seat for you on the bench. That way, you won’t have to strain yourself too much.❞
He felt the heat of anger rise up his neck. He clenched his jaw, breathing deeply. If he opened his mouth, he’d say something he’d regret. Milk wanted to provoke him, drag him into her game, and he wouldn’t give her the satisfaction.
But then, as if the universe had decided to make sure everything collapsed in a single day—as if the pressure, the tension, and the looming sense of disaster weren’t already enough—his worst premonition came true. Phuwin saw Joong enter the court, brows furrowed, jaw clenched, and fury radiating from every step he took. His brother didn’t take a single second to assess the situation or consider the consequences of what he was about to do. His eyes were locked on a single target, his anger gleaming like a warning to anyone who dared to stand in his way—after all, this was an alpha’s fight.
And before anyone could react, before Phuwin even had the chance to open his mouth to stop him, Joong crossed the space in a matter of seconds, grabbed Pond by the shirt with brutal force, and without hesitation, landed a punch that made the air around them tremble. The impact was so strong that the sharp sound of his fist crashing against Pond’s face echoed through every corner of the gym, bouncing off the walls like unexpected thunder.
A second of absolute silence.
Then, chaos.
The screeching of sneakers against the floor, surprised shouts, and general confusion exploded like a bomb in the gymnasium. Some froze on the spot, unable to process what they had just witnessed, while others rushed to move, unsure whether to intervene or get out of the way.
Coach Earth reacted instantly, his voice booming above the commotion as he strode furiously toward the center of the conflict.
❝What the hell is going on here?!❞
Phuwin felt his stomach drop to his feet, like the ground had been ripped out from under him. He couldn’t look away from the scene in front of him, couldn’t ignore the way his brother still had his fists clenched, his body tense like a coiled spring ready to strike again. The day definitely couldn’t get any worse.
The punch had been clean, precise, with no hint of restraint. Pond barely had time to react before pain exploded across his lip, followed immediately by the metallic taste of blood spreading through his mouth. The burning sting in his skin and the jab in his jaw told him this wasn’t just any punch—it had been thrown with all the rage possible, with a clear intent to hurt.
Joong was still there, breathing heavily, eyes ablaze with fury, as if whatever self-control he’d held onto all day had vanished in a flash. His stance was rigid, threatening, and his body was still leaning forward, ready to strike again if no one stopped him.
Aou was the first to react. His shout cut through the air as he ran toward Pond, his face marked with a mix of alarm and barely contained anger.
❝What the hell, Joong?!❞ he exclaimed, reaching his friend just in time to catch him and keep him from collapsing.
Pond blinked, still dazed, as he ran his tongue over his split lip, feeling the sting of the wound. His gaze lifted toward his best friend—not with immediate anger, but pure confusion, like he couldn’t understand what had just happened, like he had no idea what he’d done to deserve such an attack.
But the answer was right in front of him, burning in Joong’s eyes like an unquenchable fire. There was no confusion in his gaze, no hesitation—only raw, seething anger consuming him from within. His alpha was in full control of the situation, radiating an imposing presence that made even the most curious step back, sensing the tension in the air like a storm about to break.
Pond ran his tongue across the wound again, tasting the blood now fully coating his mouth, but the physical pain quickly took a back seat to the confusion clouding his mind. His voice came out in a murmur, just loud enough to pierce the buzzing in his ears.
❝What the hell is wrong with you?❞
He didn’t understand. He had no idea what the hell he had done to provoke such an outburst. He could feel every eye on them, hear the astonished whispers—but none of it mattered when his own mind couldn’t process what had just happened.
Joong, however, didn’t seem interested in giving explanations. His breathing was erratic, his muscles taut, and if it hadn’t been for Earth stepping in quickly, he would’ve already gone in for another hit.
The coach crossed the distance in a heartbeat, grabbing Joong by the arms with a firmness that made it clear he wouldn’t let him get away with this. His voice thundered with authority, demanding immediate obedience.
❝That’s enough, Archen! You’ve crossed the line!❞ he warned, pushing him slightly back in an attempt to separate him from the conflict.
But the alpha wasn’t ready to calm down. His body trembled with contained rage, and even though Earth held him in place, he struggled fiercely, trying to shake off his grip. His eyes never left Pond—not even for a second—as if nothing else in the world existed and only the two of them remained on that court.
❝We need to talk, Pond,❞ he snapped, with a sharpness that made even those nearby hold their breath. His voice wasn’t just angry; it carried something deeper—a mix of disappointment and something harder to name. ❝And I don’t care how hard you try to avoid it.❞
The intensity of his words hit Pond like an electric shock. It wasn’t just an impulsive reaction. His own inner alpha felt nervous about a possible fight with someone he still considered part of his pack.
"There are things I need to clear up before you keep thinking that all these years of friendship mean nothing," he continued, his tone growing more tense, sharper. "And before you fully convince me that you're actually an idiot."
The weight of each word crashed down on Pond like an avalanche, leaving him frozen for a moment.
Phuwin, who until that moment had been paralyzed in place, felt a chill run down his spine like a whip of ice. Never, in all the years he’d known his brother, had he seen him like this. He had seen Chen angry, he had seen him frustrated, even arguing with other alphas over silly things, but this... this was different. The fury distilled in his gaze, the rigidity in his posture, the way his chest rose and fell like it took effort to contain everything boiling inside him... No, this wasn’t just anger. This was bottled rage on the verge of exploding. And the worst part was, he knew with terrifying certainty that all of this was a consequence of his confession.
His stomach twisted with a knot of unbearable guilt as he watched the scene unfold, like witnessing a car crash in slow motion, unable to look away but terrified of what might happen next.
The sound of the punch still echoed in his head when, suddenly, his body reacted before his brain could catch up. His legs moved on instinct, taking a step forward with the intention of intervening, of doing something before the situation got even further out of hand. He couldn’t let this go on.
He couldn’t let alpha get hurt.
He had to protect Pond.
"Don’t even think about it," murmured Dunk, his voice low but sharp as a blade.
The omega turned, frowning, his expression full of confusion, but the dark-haired boy didn’t let go. His grip was firm, and his face was marked with an unusual hardness toward him.
"Idiot alphas’ problems should be solved between idiot alphas," the older one continued in a scornful tone, without taking his eyes off the scene in front of them. "It’s not our problem."
Phuwin pressed his lips together, feeling caught between guilt and worry. Every fiber of his being screamed at him to do something, to stop his brother before the situation reached a point of no return. But at the same time, he knew Dunk was right. He couldn’t get in the middle of them—not when both were blinded by their own feelings, their own pride. Two angry alphas and one distressed omega was the perfect recipe for disaster.
And that was the problem. Joong was out of control, and even though he had never really seen Pond angry, he knew his alpha pride wouldn’t let him stay quiet. The tension between them felt like a minefield, ready to explode with a single wrong word.
"Let’s go," insisted the older omega, pulling him harder, forcing him to take a step back. "There’s no point in staying here."
Phuwin cast one last glance toward where his brother still stood, his breathing heavy, shoulders stiff, back tense as if he were holding a hurricane inside. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Pond walking in the opposite direction, following his brother with a frown, wiping the blood from his lip with the back of his hand.
Dunk gave him a gentle push toward the exit, as if trying to get him out of the scene before anything else could happen. Phuwin let out a heavy sigh, feeling frustration and helplessness tangle in his chest. He had no idea how they had gotten to this point. No idea when everything had gone so wrong.
As if everything he’d been holding in finally reached its limit, he yanked his arm out of Dunk’s grip with a sharp motion, his chest rising and falling with frustration. His omega clawed inside him, his heart aching with anguish.
"What’s wrong with you?" he snapped, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and desperation. "I don’t understand anything. I don’t know what’s happening or why you’re acting like this."
His throat closed up, and his eyes filled with tears as the words slipped out before he could stop them.
"I regret saying I was in love with Pond!" he blurted out, feeling his heart shrink as he heard himself say it. "I just want everything to go back to normal. I want my friend back—the Dunk who’s annoying and funny, who’s hopelessly in love with my brother. The one who’s going to be the father of my nieces and nephews when we’re older."
Dunk, who had kept a fake air of indifference until now, let out a heavy sigh. When he spoke, his voice was lower, more contained, but full of a weight that made Phuwin’s stomach twist.
"I don’t want you to go through what I did for falling in love with the wrong alpha."
And in that moment, the younger one felt the world around him grow even more confusing.
"What do you mean?" his voice came out softer than he intended, but he couldn’t help it. There was something in his friend’s expression that chilled his blood. He frowned, trying to find answers in his eyes, but the dark-haired boy avoided his gaze. "Until this morning, I didn’t even know you had an ex. I thought my brother was your first boyfriend."
Dunk didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he let out a deep sigh and walked toward a bench in the yard, dropping onto it as if the years suddenly weighed on him. His shoulders were tense, his hands resting on his knees, and his gaze was lost in the ground with a somber intensity that Phuwin had never seen before. He hesitated for a moment before following him, but the anguish he felt seeing him so curled in on himself made him sit beside him.
It was strange to see him like this. He had always been the strong one, the one who laughed at everything, the one who turned any tragedy into a joke to downplay it. But now... now he was completely broken in front of him, and Phuwin had no idea what to do with that pain.
"Before I transferred to this school... I had to leave the last one because it was a nightmare for me," he began, his voice lower and more contained than usual. A whisper. "I fell in love with an alpha when I was fifteen. We were only together for a few months," he continued, his tone distant, as if he were narrating someone else’s story, not his own. "He was older than me, but I really loved him. I thought what we had was forever."
Phuwin listened in silence, feeling a pang in his chest with each word. He had never heard Dunk talk like this. He had never heard him speak of his past with that mix of sadness and hatred.
"I never wanted to sleep with him," he continued, his voice barely a whisper. "I was always afraid of teenage pregnancy, and I felt too young for that. He told me over and over that he was fine with my decision, that he loved me, and that he didn’t need anything more. He painted the sweetest picture of love, made me believe he understood me and respected my boundaries. And I believed him."
The older one laughed without humor, a bitter laugh that twisted Phuwin’s stomach.
"But behind my back... he said horrible things about me," his voice trembled slightly, but he cleared his throat before continuing. "He spread rumors, painted me as a slut willing to do anything. He said I was the one who provoked him, that I promised him things and then left him wanting. He made people believe I was an easy omega, someone who would sleep with anyone. And when I found out and broke up with him, it was already too late."
Dunk took a deep breath, lips pressed together as if he were trying to contain something he’d been holding inside for too long.
"I spent years trying to convince people that I wasn’t like that. That I never did any of the things they said. But the rumors had already stained me. Even my own parents doubted me."
The silence that followed was thick, suffocating. Phuwin felt it sink into his skin, into his bones, like an unbearable weight. He looked at his friend, who was still staring at the ground, fists clenched on his knees. He wanted to say something, anything, but his tongue felt clumsy in his mouth.
"Dunk..." he murmured, feeling useless.
He shook his head, letting out an empty laugh that made Phuwin want to scream.
"I don’t want you to go through the same thing, Phu..." his voice sounded rough, tired, broken. "I don’t want you to end up suffering for someone who’s not worth it."
He looked up for the first time, and his eyes were filled with a deep sadness that made Phuwin feel something inside him break.
"I thought that alpha loved me, but it was all a lie. And you..." He tried to keep his tone firm, but it cracked at the end. "You don’t really know how Pond feels. I don’t want you to be in my shoes."
Each word hit like a precise blow, a story Phuwin had never imagined his friend carried inside him. Dunk took a deep breath, his shoulders rising and falling with an almost imperceptible tremor. As if each inhalation cost him, as if his own body refused to relive that hell.
"But the worst part wasn’t him," Dunk murmured, his voice cracked at the edges, like glass about to shatter. "It was the alphas who joined in on the rumors. Suddenly, almost everyone in my town claimed they’d been with me. And since it was their word against mine, no one believed me."
Phuwin imagined the feeling of being trapped in a lie created by others, of shouting for help into a void where no one hears, where every attempt to defend oneself only adds fuel to the fire.
"The rumors even reached my dad," Dunk continued, his tone trembling, as if every syllable cost him an immense effort. "And I had to swear on my knees that it wasn’t true. That I’d never been with any of them. I never felt so ashamed as the day my dad asked me why his coworker had said his son was a slut."
The younger one felt his stomach twist.
"When my mom saw how upset I was, she understood. She believed me. And that’s why they decided we should leave. But the damage was already done."
Dunk ran a hand over his face, as if trying to erase the memories from his skin, as if the mere touch could undo the invisible scars people had left on him.
"Since then, I’ve lived with the fear that my past will follow me. That the rumors will follow me wherever I go. And it wasn’t long before I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder," his voice cracked slightly, but he forced himself to continue. "I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t go out without feeling like people were pointing at me. I had trouble breathing when I remembered it all."
Phuwin swallowed hard. He had never seen Dunk like this. He had never heard him speak with such vulnerability, with such raw pain that it was almost unbearable to hear.
"I lost two school years because my mental health worsened so rapidly," Dunk let out an empty laugh, but there was no humor in it, only sadness. "I couldn’t go on with my normal life. I felt trapped in something I could never escape... But then I met you guys. Joong and you. And things started to change."
Dunk looked up for the first time since he began speaking. His eyes were glassy, shining with a mixture of pain and affection for them.
"I told Joong everything," his voice was softer now, as if he were saying a sacred name. "He had to know. If he wanted something with me, he had to understand that everything would go slow. That I had a lot of insecurities to deal with. I entrusted him with the pieces of my heart, and he put them together to make a new one." The older one smiled, but it was a small, wounded smile. "He gave me a home, a security I thought I’d never feel again."
Phuwin felt his chest tighten. He had always known how much Joong meant to Dunk, but he had never understood just how much. Dunk let out a trembling sigh and closed his eyes for a moment before opening them again. His expression shifted.
"Or at least, that’s what I thought… until this morning," his tone turned more bitter, colder. "Because now he seems convinced he wants to defend an alpha who could be like the ones who did all this to me. Like the ones who destroyed me."
The silence that fell between them was overwhelming, a burden too heavy to hold. Phuwin didn’t know what to say in response. He couldn’t promise Dunk that Pond wasn’t like those alphas, because he wasn’t even sure who Pond really was to him. But what he did know was that the omega was terrified. That everything in his body screamed that he didn’t want to go through the same thing again.
It was unfair. So unfair that it even hurt to hear it. If he could, he would have found a way to undo the damage, to rip out each of those wounds and leave only memories of laughter, of days without fear, of nights without insomnia. But there was no way to erase what had happened, and all he could do was be there, hold him through whatever was needed, remind him that he didn’t have to face the storm alone anymore.
Carefully, he slid his hand to the older one’s arm and squeezed it gently. It was a silent gesture, but full of meaning. I’m here, you don’t have to carry this alone.
"I've always believed that omegas are at a disadvantage in this world," he murmured, his voice low but steady, not removing his hand. "Since we were little, we're taught to take care of ourselves, to be afraid, to stay on guard. They tell us we have to protect ourselves from alphas, but they never teach us how to protect ourselves from our own, from those who should care for us. And sometimes, we don’t even know who we need to protect ourselves from until it’s too late."
The older one remained silent, but his posture softened just a little.
"I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for you," the younger one continued, lowering his gaze for a moment before locking it back on his friend. "But I do know one thing, I love you. And not in the way the world expects omegas to love. I love you as my best friend, as someone who’s been with me through my worst moments, as someone I never want to lose. I can’t erase what they did to you, but I can promise you that you’ll never be alone again."
A trembling sigh escaped the older one’s lips. The tension in his shoulders didn’t completely disappear, but something in his expression softened. Phuwin allowed himself a small smile before looking down at the ground. He took a deep breath, and after a few seconds of silence, spoke more carefully.
"And that’s why I want to tell you something else."
Dunk didn’t respond, but looked at him attentively, waiting.
"My brother isn’t that kind of alpha."
There was a slight change in his friend’s posture. It wasn’t rejection, but it wasn’t acceptance either. It was a pause, as if giving him the chance to explain himself before reacting.
"I just saw him punch Pond, and he looked angrier than I’ve ever seen him in this life. He doesn’t seem to be on his side if you ask me. Chen might be an idiot, but he loves you. More than he can show, and even though it’s your decision to forgive him or not, I know he’ll never love anyone as much as he loves you." He continued, his voice firmer than he expected. "And although I’d never stick my neck out for an alpha... there’s something inside me that tells me he’s not like those alphas from your past."
The older one’s eyes clouded over with a mix of skepticism and pain.
"And how can you be so sure?"
The answer got stuck in his throat for a second, but when he finally found it, it felt strangely honest. "Because, even though it’s hard to admit… he’s done more good things for me than bad." The words hung in the air between them, heavy but true. Phuwin forced himself to continue before his friend could respond. "He’s protected me when he didn’t have to. He’s taken care of me in ways I’ve never experienced before. And I’m not saying he’s perfect. I’m not saying there aren’t things in my feelings that scare me. But..."
He paused for a moment, clenching his fists against his own legs. When he spoke again, his voice was barely a whisper.
"But maybe I’ve never wanted to know the other side of the story because I’m more afraid that he doesn’t love me than I am of hating him. My omega couldn’t live knowing he doesn’t love me..."
The older one looked at him in silence, as if trying to find a way to process what he had just heard. Phuwin wasn’t expecting an immediate response. He just wanted him to understand that it wasn’t a passing whim, that he wasn’t blinded. He knew his friend had reasons to distrust, that his story was full of scars that would never fully heal. But he also knew that, in some corner of his heart, he had already let the alpha in more than he was willing to admit. And that, as much as he denied it, terrified him more than anything else.
Dunk’s eyes darkened with an understanding that went beyond words. He had been through it. He had felt it burn deep inside his being. It wasn’t just a whim, it wasn’t just the instinctive need of an omega for an alpha. It was something stronger, more complex.
He himself had tried to deny it that morning, when the argument with Joong left him reeling. He had tried to convince himself that anger would be enough to rip it from his chest, that by hardening himself and pretending to be strong, he could stop feeling that ache in his gut, that emptiness in his chest, that damn feeling that something was missing. But now, as he listened to his best friend lay out his fears, he knew he wasn’t alone. That internal struggle, that contradiction between pride and love, between fear and longing, wasn’t just his.
Phuwin was right. Sometimes, the idea of losing the person you love is more terrifying than anything else.
He closed his eyes and let out a trembling sigh.
"I understand," he murmured, his voice barely breaking. "Because I know what it feels like."
The omega watched him attentively, waiting.
"Since this morning... since we argued... I feel like something inside me broke. No matter how hard I try, my omega still hurts. Like I’m incomplete, like something inside of me is screaming to fix it." His fingers tightened against the fabric of his pants, as if trying to hold back the tremor in his hands. "But it’s not just because I’m an omega. It’s not just because of my instinct. I can’t imagine a life without him... without Joong. No matter if he were alpha, beta, or anything else, he’s the love of my life."
Phuwin felt his own throat close at the confession. He knew that what Joong and Dunk had went beyond the dynamic of their biology. It was love in its purest, most painful, most real form.
"And although I was young and naive before," the older one continued, his gaze lost somewhere distant, "although I’ve made mistakes before... this time, I feel it in my bones. He’s mine. I belong to him."
The last word hung in the air between them. It wasn’t submission, it wasn’t blind surrender. It was certainty. Phuwin didn’t say anything. There was nothing to say. Instead, he moved with the same naturalness he had many times before and slid his arms around his friend’s body, burying his face in his shoulder. The older omega took only a few seconds to return the gesture, clinging to his friend with silent desperation. They didn’t need words. Not in that moment.
Around them, the night fell slowly, wrapping them in its silence. The world could keep turning, the wounds could keep burning, but for now, right there, in that moment, the only thing that mattered was that they had each other.
Notes:
Don’t hate any character just yet. Also, don’t forget that they’re teenagers and they’re learning about the world. Pond’s perspective is just as strong as Dunk’s. And indeed, all of this refers to the reality of women, and even though it’s a fanfic, I would like to maintain respect. Because the debate in Spanish about Dunk’s character heated up until the next chapter came out.
This part made me want to turn this fic into a saga with the aouboom and joongdunk stories.
Chapter 14: ❝[𝟏𝟒] 𝐇𝐚𝐥𝐟-𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐬❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The gym’s gate creaked shut behind them with a tired groan. Outside, the sun beat down mercilessly on the hot concrete, but the shade under the roof felt even more suffocating. The air thickened the moment they were alone, as if even the walls knew this wasn’t a conversation meant for anyone else to hear.
Pond ran a hand over the back of his neck, uneasy, not understanding how things had gotten to this point. The bruise on his jaw had started to throb more intensely, as if trying to remind him of every word left unsaid, every silence from the past few days.
"I don't get why you're acting like this. What did I do wrong?" he insisted for the third time, no longer hiding his frustration. It felt like the whole world was conspiring against him and no one had given him the script. Dunk wouldn’t speak to him and wouldn’t let him near Phuwin, whom he hadn’t seen since their kiss days ago. The coach had switched his position during practice today, and now, to top it all off, his best friend—the one he’d shared goals, matches, road trips, and even embarrassing childhood secrets with—had landed a punch without any warning.
Joong looked at him like he’d committed the worst kind of betrayal. His eyes were sharp and dark, not with anger, but with something sadder, rougher. He didn’t seem mad about the fight, but about everything underneath it.
"Do you remember when we were ten?" he asked bluntly, crossing his arms. His tone was neutral, but there was a firmness in his voice that demanded attention. Pond blinked, confused, as if he couldn’t grasp what that had to do with anything.
"What...? When we played in your yard? What does that have to do with this?"
"My brother used to follow us everywhere," the older one continued, not giving him a chance to object. "He always wanted to be around us, and even when you said it would annoy you, you never pushed him away. You’re the only person I ever trusted with my little brother. I thought you’d be the one to take care of him better than anyone, Pond."
The other boy looked down, stirred by a vague but nagging memory. Yes, he remembered. The kid who showed up with his shoelaces untied, rosy cheeks, and that squeaky little voice. Sometimes he’d find him asleep with his stuffed animals tucked into their football hideouts. Sometimes he’d just stand by the garden fence, watching them.
“He told us that... when he was little, he thought you two were really friends.”
Joong paused, taking a deep breath, as if the late afternoon air weighed heavier than it should. “He told me that one time, you said something in front of everyone. You don’t remember, do you? That you didn’t understand what was so special about ‘that kid.’ Just like that.”
Pond frowned. The memory was distant, but something in that phrase stabbed into his chest like a splinter. He knew.
“Joong... I was fourteen...”
“It’s not about your age.” Joong cut him off immediately—not raising his voice, but with a sharpness that sank deep. “It’s about how he grew up believing he’d never be enough. That everything he did, everything he was... would never be enough. That he’d never be seen as someone who could measure up to you.”
The silence that followed stretched on. Long enough for the shadows at their feet to begin to shift.
Pond didn’t know what to say. The weight of those words was falling on him with unbearable slowness. He’d never seen the younger one as someone fragile. Annoying, maybe. Intense. But not delicate. Not hurt. He had never imagined that his opinion could matter so much—enough to leave a mark.
Joong watched him in silence, as if waiting for something. Not an apology, but a flicker of understanding. A crack—however small—that might show he was starting to see beyond his own footsteps.
“Let me make it right. I don’t want things to stay like this. You’re my best friend...”
“I’m like this because I trusted you,” Joong replied, this time letting some bitterness slip through. “Because when my brother started growing up, when everything started getting harder for him, I thought at least you would be careful. I thought you saw him. That if you ever noticed he needed you, you’d be there. But no. You still don’t get it.”
And that was the worst part.
Because standing there, the boy who had grown up as his teammate—the one who knew all his inside jokes and whom he’d defended more times than he could count—was now looking at him like a stranger. Someone who had no idea how much damage he’d done. Someone who hadn’t learned a thing.
Joong didn’t walk away. He stayed right there, watching him, waiting. But not out of anger anymore. He did it out of habit—the habit of having shared so much. The habit of still believing, maybe, that there was something to hold on to. And yet, that wait was tinged with resignation. As if deep down, he already knew that this conversation wasn’t going to heal what had broken years ago, when a careless phrase lodged itself in a heart too small to understand why it hurt so much.
For a moment, the silence between them stretched like a veil between past and present. Joong remained there, arms crossed and brow furrowed, waiting—perhaps for a reaction, an apology, a truth. But Pond didn’t know how to say it. Not because he didn’t have it, but because he’d buried it for so long, with such care, that digging it out now hurt like it still had thorns.
“I didn’t come back from that camp the same, you know?” he said at last, his voice low, nearly dragging. Not to avoid the truth, but because speaking it brought him back to the little boy who had spent so long pretending everything was okay.
“Everyone thought I had fun, that it was a great experience... but they didn’t know why I went.”
“That year—the camp year—was when my mom called me. I hadn’t seen her in months. She said she had a new house, a nice place, that she wanted me to come visit. And I... I went. I was still a pup, and my alpha traits hadn’t settled yet. I thought a mother’s love could fix everything.”
His voice cracked a little. He didn’t cry, but his body sank slightly, as if the air itself had gotten heavier.
“But he was there. Her new partner.”
And suddenly, without further warning, the words dissolved. Memory took control, and it was like falling headfirst into another time, another place.
The hallway of that house was narrow, painted in neutral colors that didn’t seem like his. Everything smelled of disinfectant, of cheap men's cologne, and something else: alpha territory. The moment he crossed the door, he felt it. The invisible mark of someone who had decided that space belonged to him. That no one else should breathe too loudly without his permission.
The alpha looked him up and down as if he were an intrusion. As if seeing him there were a personal offense.
“So, you’re your dad’s pup,” he said on the very first day, dragging out the words with a crooked smile, as if venom was his native language. “You don’t look like much.”
And from then on, nothing got better. It wasn’t immediate, it wasn’t a storm. It was a constant drizzle—harmless at first glance, but enough to soak you to the bone, to set his wolf on edge. He followed him with his eyes every time he entered the kitchen, as if studying his steps was a way of reminding him there was no escape. He’d shut the bathroom door on him with deliberate precision just as he was about to go in, as if marking his territory was the only thing keeping him standing. He mocked the way he spoke, the soft and sometimes trembling tone of his voice, the way he sat without taking up space, even the barely noticeable shiver that ran through him whenever the adult got too close. There were no blows yet. Just words. Insinuations. The pressure in the air of a house that smelled like a cage. As if simply existing was a provocation, a challenge that deserved to be crushed.
“Don’t show your claws?” he would laugh, voice deep, rough like stone against metal. “Of course you don’t even smell like a real alpha.”
Nights were a battlefield in his mind. He slept with his eyes half-open, body tense, clutching the sheets like they were a shield. He listened to the footsteps in the hallway, that slow and steady walk that chilled his blood, and every night, he imagined what would happen if he entered. He didn’t. He never did. But the silence after those steps weighed heavier than any direct threat. It was a silent promise of something that could happen at any moment. An invisible blade hanging over his bed, barely swaying.
And then it happened. Not to him. To her. His mom.
The argument started in the kitchen, where the air always felt thicker. A poorly made coffee, a clumsy, distracted gesture that in any other home would have been insignificant. But not in that one. There, everything was a reason. Everything was an excuse. And when she tried to explain, the man’s voice thundered with a violence that made the walls tremble.
“How many times do I have to tell you how I like it?”
She barely stepped back. She didn’t cry. Didn’t scream. She just lowered her gaze. And he, standing in the doorway, saw them. Both of them.
His mother trembling. The man upright like an offended god. And then, the blow.
Not against her.
Against the table.
But it was worse. It was a warning.
The sound of fear turned solid.
An echo that still reverberates when the house sleeps.
And the boy he was didn’t think. He didn’t plan it. He just ran. Planted himself in front of his mother, fists clenched with more instinct than courage, chest puffed out like a small animal trying to look bigger before the predator.
“Don’t yell at her!”
The man looked at him. Smiled. Not a mocking smile, not the kind meant to claim territory. It was something deeper. Darker. As if he had just seen something grow inside him.
He crouched. Lowered his voice. Looked him straight in the eyes.
“All alphas are like this, pup,” he said. “Your turn will come. No kind of love is going to save you from what you're going to become.”
And that.
That was what broke him.
Since then, the phrase haunted him. Like an invisible mark on his skin. Like a poisonous seed that never stopped taking root. In every gesture, in every impulse, he wondered if the transformation had already begun. If that violence was also in his blood. If love was enough to stop it, or if it was, as that man had said, merely a brief pause before his nature took over.
He came back from camp with only one certainty: if there was something inside him that could blossom into violence, the best thing was to avoid anything that might give it a reason. Stay away from everything. From any gesture of tenderness that might make him forget he was afraid of himself.
And then he saw him. Phuwin. Changed. Grown. Beautiful in an unexpected way. As if time had carved him with gentle hands. He saw him walking down the hallway with that curiosity in his eyes and that quiet light in his movements, and felt dizzy. Like staring at a star up close. Like being too near something that could set you on fire just by looking at it.
He remembered the words.
Your turn will come.
So he chose the only protection he knew: silence. He didn’t bother him. He didn’t tell him how beautiful he was becoming, like he used to when they were younger. He just hid. Avoided him during recess. Pretended not to see him. Laughed louder with others. Spoke with a firm voice, almost aggressive, whenever he passed by, as if his volume was a shield. Because if one day the same thing happened to him as it did to that man—if ever a bad impulse crossed his path—at least Phuwin wouldn’t be close. At least he wouldn’t be the victim.
And now, years later, in the middle of the silence that followed every argument with Joong, with the past still vibrating in his bones, it all escaped him in a whisper.
“I didn’t do anything to hurt him…” he repeated, voice dulled by the weight of the years. “But I didn’t do anything to stay. And that was cruel too, wasn’t it?”
Even before that man, he had already learned to fear alphas. His own father was a heavy shadow in his childhood, a figure who spoke little and demanded too much, who turned affection into a battlefield where only obedience was allowed. He wanted everything: the silence, the attention, the achievements, the way one should sit at the table or say hello at the door. Everything he touched was his. His mother, his house, his decisions. Sometimes he didn’t shout—he just looked—and that was enough to leave anyone breathless. Pond knew it from early on: being an alpha wasn’t a source of pride, it was a threat. Not an identity, but a sentence. So he hated it. From the moment he understood what the word meant, from the moment he first heard it used as praise that didn’t sound right. He hated it as much as he could hate himself for carrying that mark on his skin. He didn’t want that kind of power, didn’t want to dominate, didn’t want to strip anyone of the world just because he was born a certain way. But no one showed him another path. The only thing he knew about alphas was fear. And growing up with that was like walking with a bomb in his chest, fearing the day it would go off.
Then he began to notice it, almost without meaning to. During training, between laughter and nudges, his teammates spoke the same sharp language he had heard all his life. Comments about omegas as if they were property. As if feeling was a weakness. As if affection had to hide behind shoves and absurd competitions to prove who was stronger, who had more control, more power. The jokes about bodies, about late presentations, about those who “smelled too sweet.” The laughter always came at someone’s expense. And he laughed too, sometimes, out of fear of being left out, for not knowing how to say it wasn’t okay, that it hurt, that they were raising him to repeat a story he hated.
How could he be different, if everything around him taught him to be the same?
He didn’t have a family. Not really. His mother had left one day, leaving behind nothing but a silence that his father turned into a sentence.
"Because of you," he said once. "She never wanted to raise an alpha like you."
And from that moment on, everything at home became punishment, demand, or indifference. So he had no choice but to seek warmth elsewhere.
He found it, briefly, in the Archen brothers. Joong had that calm way of existing that made him seem immune to everything Pond didn’t understand. He wasn’t a dumb alpha; he didn’t need to yell to be heard, and he had two mothers who loved him like he was the sun in their sky. He had a home to return to. He had a younger brother he cared for tenderly, not out of obligation, but because he wanted to. Pond looked at him and wondered if that was what an alpha who didn’t scare people was supposed to be like.
But then he would remember his own impulses—this fire he couldn’t trace, this knot in his stomach every time Phuwin looked at him like maybe he could be good too. And it scared him. Scared him so much that he chose silence, chose to pull away, to hide behind his arrogance. Because with those stupid alpha feelings—that blend of wanting to protect and possess—he could end up ruining everything. He could hurt him. He could become everything he had always hated.
What if he ever shouted at him?
What if he felt jealousy, rage, fear?
What if that was enough to hurt the sweet-smiling, sure-footed omega?
No, he couldn’t let that happen. He loved him too much to stay close. And too much to trust himself not to destroy him.
Then that day came. One of those days where the hallway air smelled of sweat, of poorly managed testosterone, of malicious laughter bouncing off the walls like ancient echoes. Those boys—those alphas—were talking about him. About Phuwin. He noticed it first in the twisted versions of his name between laughs, then in the tone, in the way the words slid with the same poison they used for any omega who stood out too much.
“Have you seen him this year? What a change... he’s not the little kid he used to be.”
“That waist—did he always have it?”
“He hasn’t presented yet? Because if not, I volunteer to help...”
And then—disgust. A bitter nausea rose in his throat, a surge of anger lit up his blood like he was about to explode from the inside out.
They wanted to touch him.
They wanted to talk about him like he was some shiny object anyone could just take.
And for one second—the dirtiest, the most honest—he saw himself in them. He saw the desire laced with dominance. He saw the alpha instinct he had spent so long rejecting. And he was afraid.
Afraid that Phuwin would end up under one of those stares.
Afraid he couldn’t stop it.
Afraid that one day, that stare would be his own.
Joong wasn’t there. He was home, sick, with a fever. And him... he couldn’t do anything. The school had already warned him. One more fight and he was out. One more fight and his GPA, his scholarship, his future—the only real chance he had to escape all of this—would be gone.
All of that was hanging by a thread, and still, his knuckles burned, ready to smash the jaw of anyone who said Phuwin’s name in that filthy tone.
But he couldn’t.
He shouldn’t.
Not now.
So he chose what he thought was best. The only thing he could do without destroying everything.
He laughed.
Half-hearted. Cynical.
And said, as if he didn’t care, “I’m not saying he’s ugly, just… He’s not as special as they say.”
He lied. Dragged him through the mud. Pushed him out of the spotlight of the other alphas with the only weapon he had left: fake indifference.
And when the others moved on to a different topic, he breathed. His hands were shaking. His chest felt heavy. And a voice inside his head was eating him alive: Coward.
But he forced himself to believe it was for his own good. That saying Phuwin wasn’t special was, for now, the most honest way he could protect him.
Even if he loved him.
Even if it was killing him.
After that, something changed. Phuwin started to grow distant, like an invisible wall had risen between them—taller, stronger with each day.
He became aggressive, almost like he wanted to push Pond away. And Pond couldn’t help the pain that came with that rejection. Every brief glance, every cold word, stabbed through his chest like a sharp dagger.
But deep down, he understood.
He understood because, somehow, Phuwin had figured it out—had sensed there was something in him that couldn’t be trusted. Something dirty hiding behind that tough-boy façade, something that would never be worthy of standing close to someone so pure, so real.
And even though it hurt, it was for the best. He knew it. Sometimes, distance was the only thing that could protect him.
Despite the anger and pain, Pond couldn’t help but seek him out—even if only jokingly. He’d toss little provocations, throwaway comments, like a way to keep close, to stay part of his life, even if just like that.
He didn’t mean harm. He didn’t want to hurt him. He knew his limits—had learned them over time, from furtive glances and silent gestures that spoke louder than words. But none of it was working. Phuwin drifted further away with each passing day, and Pond stayed there, trapped in this cycle of pain and pull, without a clue how to break it.
Over time, Pond began to build a stronger personality. He learned to be someone more grounded, someone worthy of respect, capable of protecting others—even if only in secret—especially Phuwin. And all the omegas who, like him, had been treated unfairly, no matter what it cost him. He didn’t care about the blows, the threats of expulsion. There was something inside him that refused to let things go on as they always had.
He learned that in such an unequal world, when you’re born with the privilege of power, the only thing you can do is fight for those who can’t defend themselves. And it was the omega mother of the Archen brothers who, before she passed, taught him that.
She had always been different. Though his relationship with her was never perfect—he had hurt one of her pups, after all—she had always understood his fears, his insecurities. She was the only one who had ever let him speak about his darkest fears, the pressure of being an alpha, the story of his father, his constant internal battle.
It was with her that he dared to share his pain, his disgust at his own nature. Despite their differences, despite the difficult moments they’d been through, she had always been there—listening, understanding, never judging him.
And now she was gone.
He could no longer ask for her advice.
Could no longer trust her with his fears.
Losing her had left a mark he couldn’t explain, because she too had suffered at the hands of the same unequal world that surrounded them. The very reason why she could no longer be with them.
The void of her absence often crushed him. No matter how hard he fought, the memory of her would always be there, like a shadow that would never leave. And now, more than ever, he wished he could tell her everything he was feeling—everything that was happening between him and Phuwin—but he couldn’t. He didn’t know how. He couldn’t risk ruining what little remained.
Sometimes, he just wished he could go back—just to hear her one more time. Her words of comfort. Her way of seeing things so clearly. But she was gone.
Notes:
This update was supposed to go up yesterday, but my internet failed and I was a bit drunk, so I fell asleep before I could fix it. It's a double update—see you in the next chapter! ( ˶ˆᗜˆ˵ )
Chapter 15: ❝[𝟏𝟓] 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐝❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Joong listened. The whole time. Without interrupting. Without moving. As if any sound might shatter something that had remained sealed for years.
Pond’s confession wasn’t just a story. It was a crack splitting open, an old wound finally oozing everything it had kept silent for too long. And as the words spilled out, Joong felt his own judgment begin to crumble. He remembered every time he had looked at him with anger, every time he had called him a coward, a hypocrite, for not having the guts to look his brother in the eye and say how he felt. How many times had he confronted him for acting like he didn’t care about Phuwin, when now he understood that all he had ever tried to do was protect him. From his own darkness. From himself.
“Pond…” —his voice barely held together.
It was strange to see him like this. He was the kind of person who always knew what to say, who got angry easily but also made up quickly. He was protective. Intense. But now he seemed small. Ridiculous. Because Joong had doubted. He had assumed the worst. He had believed Pond stayed away from Phuwin out of shame, or ego, or because he didn’t really love him. It had never crossed his mind that it might have been out of fear. Not fear of his father. Not fear of the world. Fear of himself.
“I never understood…” he finally admitted, lowering his gaze. “I thought you were like all the others. Like those idiot alphas who think they’re entitled to everything. Who only saw me as something to possess, not to love.”
He wiped his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket, ashamed. Because they had known each other since they were kids. Because they had shared everything, most of their first times had happened with the other nearby. Because if anyone should have known the difference between Pond and the rest, it was him.
“And still… I doubted you.”
The silence stretched a moment longer than it needed to. Until Joong looked up again, this time with brutal sincerity in his eyes.
“Forgive me. For not asking. For not seeing you. And for leaving you alone when you needed someone the most.”
He stepped closer, throat tight and eyes shining, but without falling into dramatics. Because if there was one thing they both understood, it was how to let pain speak without embellishment.
“My mom…” he whispered. “She told me a little, too. She never said your name, but she spoke of a boy who was very afraid. One who didn’t yet know that being an alpha didn’t have to mean hurting others. And because of him, she taught me what kind of person… what kind of alpha I would never become. I think she loved you very much. And I think that, if she were here, she’d tell you that you did the right thing. That protecting someone doesn’t always look like it does in the movies. Sometimes it looks more like walking away than staying. But you’re not alone anymore. Not ever again, okay?”
And then he hugged him. Not with that competitive energy with which they used to fight or joke. He hugged him for real. The way you hug a friend you’ve misjudged, but who, deep down, has always been the most loyal person you could have by your side.
Pond didn’t know the exact moment the air broke in his chest.
Maybe it was when Joong said his name with that trembling voice, like he was finally seeing him. Or maybe it was when he heard that his mother—the woman he had silently loved as an impossible figure of kindness, the only adult who ever offered him any love—had spoken about him, had understood him, had cared for him even in her absence. Maybe it was the hug. That warm, steady contact that didn’t demand explanations or answers. That just existed there, holding him, steadying him after so much time walking around with fists clenched inside.
The trembling started in his hands. Then moved up to his shoulders. And he couldn’t stop it—he broke.
First in a silent sob. A spasm that tightened his jaw. Then in a strangled gasp, like a lifetime repressed behind his teeth was escaping. And finally, in tears. Raw. Shameful. Real.
He clung to Joong as if he were the only solid thing in a world that had so often denied him tenderness.
“I’m sorry…” he whispered, voice broken. “I’m sorry for being such a coward.”
He tightened the hug, unable to hold himself up on his own.
“I’m sorry for not trusting you… for not trusting anyone. For not having the courage to stay… when it was all I ever wanted.”
Each word hurt, as if it were tearing something out from inside him. But it also healed. Because, for the first time, he didn’t have to pretend it didn’t hurt to have been alone. He didn’t have to laugh louder, joke harder, or fake indifference at seeing Phuwin looking at someone else. Not anymore. Not with Joong.
“I was so afraid of becoming like him…” he clung tighter, barely a whisper. “Of ending up hurting them. You. Him. Everyone.”
His fingers trembled, wet with tears he hadn’t even known he’d held in for so many years.
“And I just wanted to be different. But… I hid. I failed you, Chen. I didn’t take care of Phuwin… he must hate me. Even more now that I know he heard me being a stupid pup.”
They stayed like that for a while. Two boys clinging to each other in the middle of the storm, holding on with everything they hadn’t been able to say before. The fear, the guilt, the loneliness. And beneath it all, the unbroken thread of a friendship that hadn’t shattered—just momentarily lost its way.
Joong didn’t answer right away. He didn’t need to. Because in that hug, in the way he held him even as he fell apart, was the clearest answer of all:
I don’t hate you. I never did.
The older boy stroked his back with the same tenderness one uses to soothe an injured pup. He said nothing at first, letting Pond unravel, letting the tears wash away the old scabs of his soul. Only when the trembling began to ease and the sobs faded into exhausted sighs did he speak. His voice was steady, not angry, but weighted with a truth that came from the heart.
“You’re not alone anymore…” he said, gently touching his forehead to Pond’s—a warm, grounding gesture. “It’s time to heal.”
He gripped his shoulders, firm enough to keep him from falling again.
“I know my brother… I know Phuwin wants to know you as much as you want to know him. Even if he’s playing hard to get right now,” he smiled gently, not mocking, just tender. “Even if he’s built walls. He wants to understand, too. Because if there’s one thing you two have in common, it’s that stubborn way of protecting others by hurting yourselves.”
Pond closed his eyes, biting his lip. But he didn’t pull away.
“I won’t lie to you. The road won’t be easy. There will be awkward moments, discomfort… discoveries,” he let out a small laugh, one that didn’t quite laugh but helped him stay upright. “But I’m not going to doubt you again. Because we’re family, Pond. We’re a pack.”
He said it looking straight at him. They’d spent half their lives protecting each other, learning what that meant.
“And for that very reason… I’ll never let you become something my little brother is afraid of. Or any omega, for that matter. Because I know you. And I know you’re a better alpha than that.”
A brief silence followed—not awkward, but full of something new: trust. Something that had cracked, but now was stitching itself back together between them. With the right words, and the kind of love that had never truly left, even if it had lain dormant beneath the surface.
Joong gave his shoulder one last squeeze, and then, in a soft voice, said:
“Come on. Let’s start over. There’s no rush… but no more excuses either.”
And deep down, for the first time in a very long while, Pond felt that maybe—just maybe—he could still be a different kind of alpha. Maybe he could still be himself. Without fear.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Phuwin paced in circles around his room, hands clasped behind his neck, brow furrowed as if trying to untangle some invisible knot before him. Ever since the conversation with Dunk, his mind hadn’t stopped spinning—stumbling over memories, questions, and that frustrating feeling that his heart was beating too hard for no clear reason. But of course, there was a reason. It was Pond.
He knew who he was. What kind of person he had been around him. He knew the deafening silence, the avoided glances. Pond had been his first love—and his first heartbreak—even before he fully understood what he was feeling. And still… he couldn’t ignore that part of himself that doubted. That part that had always wanted to find something more in him, even when he shouldn’t have.
Because he was an omega.
And that came with an endless list of things he always had to consider.
Making eye contact with an alpha on the street, was it held for too long? Did it seem provocative?
Wearing tight pants to go jogging in the morning, was it a personal choice or an invitation?
Saying “no” at a party, would they take it seriously, or assume he was playing?
Even in class, if he raised his voice too much or spoke with confidence, he was suddenly “a problematic omega,” “an omega with attitude,” “an omega who doesn’t know his place.”
There was no way he could imagine Pond being that kind of alpha. He wanted to believe that distant memory—that old conversation—had only been the reckless tongue of youth. And that Dunk’s fear had no real foundation… Deep in his heart, his omega wanted to believe that was true.
He stopped in front of the mirror, hands still tense at his sides. He stared without blinking, without gentleness. He had learned to love himself, yes—but it wasn’t easy. Not when each day was a negotiation between what he could show and what he had to silence. Not when the designation given at birth came with a label others believed they had the right to interpret however they pleased.
And that’s why he understood Dunk’s fear. He understood it far too well. Because there were alphas who thought they were entitled to everything—to touch without permission, to give opinions, to judge. To raise their voice to silence you, or worse, to fake sweetness so you’d lower your guard.
And even though he knew Pond wasn’t like that—not entirely, not completely, not like them—that didn’t erase what he had felt all those years. What he still felt. Because somewhere deep in his chest, the doubt still pulsed. The insecurity. That confusing mixture of anger and longing that only comes from someone who once broke you without even laying a hand on you.
He let himself fall onto the bed, burying his face in his hands with a sigh that seemed to carry centuries.
How was he supposed to deal with this?
A gentle breeze stirred the curtains, and for a moment, Phuwin wished he were stronger. Not as an omega, but as a person. As someone who didn’t have to carry the weight of others’ decisions, the shadow of alpha dominance, a story written on his body without his consent.
He turned, pressing his face into the pillow.
Maybe, if he truly wanted answers, it was time to stop running too. Because sometimes, facing fear was the first step in breaking the cycle. And maybe—just maybe—Pond was also fighting his own monster.
The door burst open without warning, the way his brother always did when he was carrying too much to wait for permission. Phuwin shot up from the bed, irritation already at the tip of his tongue, ready to scold him for the lack of respect, for barging in, for having the audacity to—
Then he saw him.
It wasn’t his brother he looked at—not really. It was him. That figure that appeared behind Joong like a broken ghost, shoulders slumped, eyes swollen, wearing the defeated look of someone who had poured out an entire ocean just to soothe a single spark in his chest. Everything about his aura was dimmed, undone. As if something inside him had cracked, and he no longer knew how to hold the pieces together.
Phuwin was speechless. His heart sank like someone had ripped the ground out from under him. Joong, without another word, turned to him and placed a brief hand on his shoulder.
“Talk,” he said, his voice soft, almost sad. “You both need to. I’ll be outside… if you need me.”
And without waiting for an answer, he left them alone.
The door closed with a quiet click that sounded louder than it should have.
The alpha was still there, standing, not daring to step past the threshold. His eyes locked onto the omega’s with a vulnerability so bare it hurt to look at. Neither of them spoke. Neither dared to break the invisible wall that had kept them trapped for years in a clumsy dance of pride and half-healed wounds.
Until he lowered his gaze.
“I’m sorry…” The words came out broken, strangled, as if they’d had to crawl past a thousand thorns to be spoken. “For everything.”
Phuwin swallowed hard. He had expected many things—but not that. Not that raw honesty, stripped of arrogance, without the mocking smile he used as a shield. And for a moment, he didn’t know what to do with the pain that stared at him with eyes like a wounded dog.
“Why… now?” he asked quietly. It wasn’t a reproach, nor a demand. Just a need.
The other stepped forward, each movement seeming to cost him dearly. He placed a hand over his chest, as if something inside still ached, and stopped right in the middle of the room—between the bed and the door. Between the past and everything that could still be.
“Because I couldn’t take it anymore,” he said. “Because I got tired of hiding behind everything they taught me. Of hurting you… to protect you. Of hurting myself, too. I didn’t want anyone else to touch you, to look at you the way they did. But I didn’t want to… become one of them either.”
The omega’s eyes welled up—not from sadness, but from the sharp sting of understanding. Of remembering all those moments he thought Pond hated him, despised him… and realizing now it had been love misdirected, fear poorly managed.
“I should’ve faced you. I should’ve had the courage to tell you how I felt,” he went on, voice trembling. “But I didn’t. And I lost everything we could’ve been… because I was a coward.”
There was another silence—this one softer, gentler.
Phuwin climbed off the bed without hurry. He took a step toward him. Then another. Until they stood only inches apart. He looked at him with red-rimmed, yet steady eyes, as if he could finally see him—truly see him.
“Then stop running,” he whispered. “I don’t want a hero. I don’t want you protecting me from a distance. If you’re still here… if you really are… then stay. But stay for real. Not halfway. Not with fear.”
The alpha nodded, lips trembling, throat tight. He didn’t reply with words, but something in his expression shifted. Something softened. Something healed—just a little.
And even though the pain remained, even though the scars were still there, in that moment, both knew they could finally start talking about what hurt.
The silence was broken only by the sound of knees hitting the floor. It wasn’t dramatic, nor sudden. It was almost timid—like even in surrender, he knew he didn’t have the right to ask for forgiveness like that. But he did it anyway. He lowered his head and knelt before him, without pride, without masks, his gaze damp, his lips quivering. Letting go of every ounce of alpha pride he’d ever been taught. He needed Phuwin to understand.
The younger one said nothing at first. He just looked at him—at this boy who had once been everything in his childhood: protector, friend, refuge… and who, over time, had become the source of doubts, wounds, and silences that hurt more than any words.
And now he was here. Telling him everything.
The alpha told his story the best he could, showing him his most vulnerable side. He didn’t need a detailed chronology—Phuwin understood the language of guilt all too well. He saw it in his hunched shoulders, in the broken rhythm of his voice, in the way he didn’t dare lift his eyes.
There was something deeply broken in that boy in front of him. But also something profoundly real.
Phuwin leaned in, not breaking eye contact. He crouched in front of him slowly, as if each second was a rehearsal for what came next. He lifted a hand and touched the bruised cheek with the tips of his fingers. The skin was warm to the touch. A little swollen. But what moved him the most wasn’t the injury—it was how his own body responded. It was his omega, trembling ever so slightly inside, recognizing the alpha not as a threat… but as a refuge. He needed to protect him.
And then he spoke.
“I never understood why you left,” he murmured, hand still resting gently on his face. “Why you pulled away from me while staying close to my brother. I thought I was the problem. That I annoyed you… that I embarrassed you. And I hated myself so much for that. I asked myself a thousand times what Joong had that I didn’t. But now I understand.”
The alpha lifted his gaze slightly—just enough to meet his eyes.
“You wanted to protect me. But you didn’t know how. And that… that’s braver than you think.”
His words were soft, but each one landed like a blow straight to the chest.
“During my heat,” he continued, swallowing hard, “everyone reacted as expected. Like beasts. Some didn’t even respect me. But you… you didn’t just fight your instincts. No. Your very instincts were to protect me. You never looked at me like they did. You never wanted something from me I wasn’t ready to give.”
His voice cracked, but he didn’t back down.
“That makes you better than any other alpha. Because even when you were most afraid, you thought of me. Even when you were hurting, you thought of me. You never wanted to mark me, to possess me… You just wanted me to be okay. And that… that doesn’t make you a bad alpha. That makes you the best.”
The boy in front of him was breathing unevenly. His shoulders shook. New tears filled his eyes—not out of guilt this time, but relief. Of being seen. Of being understood. Phuwin moved his hand from his cheek to the side of his neck, gently brushing the spot where his gland pulsed calmly. And he smiled, just barely.
“I’m not afraid of you,” he whispered. “I never was.”
With no defensive words, no impulsive gestures, he embraced him. He leaned forward and held him—firmly, tenderly. As if they were fourteen and fifteen again, and the world hadn’t hurt them so much. As if everything could begin again, from that place. From that clean, unpretentious surrender.
Pond remained kneeling, as if he still didn’t know how to get back up. As if his body refused to move. The tears wouldn’t stop, and even though he had let it all out, though he had nothing left to explain or justify… it still hurt. It still felt like a wound that had never fully healed.
And there he was. Phuwin. So small and strong at the same time, so beautiful without even trying. With that look in his eyes, full of something warm he couldn’t name, but that felt like home. He wrapped him in his arms with a tenderness so gentle it seemed impossible. His hands held him carefully, as if afraid to break him, and his chest pressed against his own. He could hear his heartbeat—steady, firm, like an anchor in the middle of the chaos. And for the first time, Pond let himself be held.
The omega cradled him against his body and brought a hand to the back of his neck, caressing it with the tips of his fingers. Then he slowly lowered his head and placed a kiss on his cheek—warm and soft. One that asked for nothing, only offered comfort.
“Shhh…” he whispered sweetly, like calming a child just woken from a nightmare. “It’s okay now, it’s over.”
Another kiss, closer to the corner of his mouth. Another on his temple, as if drawing a silent path of affection on his skin.
“You don’t have to carry everything on your own. Not anymore.”
Pond squeezed his eyes shut, feeling how that sweetness cut through every armor. There was no desire in the touch, not in that moment. There was tenderness. And Phuwin was letting it flow, trusting himself for the first time.
“I don’t want you to ever feel alone again,” he continued, lowering his voice to a murmur against his ear, “or think you have to hide to protect others. Not with me.”
He pulled back just slightly to look at him, his hands still resting on Pond’s shoulders. His eyes were shining—but not from tears. From resolve. From the quiet light of someone who had chosen to trust.
“I know this doesn’t erase the past. And I’m not asking you to rush. I just want us to start from zero… if you want that too.”
Pond swallowed and nodded slowly. The younger one smiled—that smile that had always been a mystery to him, a mix of mischief and pure sweetness.
“Let’s be friends,” he said, with a soft laugh, half shy, half hopeful. “But for real this time. No more hiding. No more pretending we’re strangers. Just you and me… leaving our fears behind.”
And then he hugged him again. Tighter. More certain. With his heart beating loud and his omega instinct guiding him—not to submit, but to care. To offer that broken alpha a second chance.
In that moment, the marks didn’t matter. Nor the roles. Nor the mistakes. Only they mattered. Reunited. Learning to trust. Learning to heal. Together.
They ended up tangled in soft blankets and pillows scented with sweet pheromones, in the heart of the nest Phuwin hadn’t had the strength to dismantle since his last heat. There was something sacred in that space, something intimate no one else had stepped into. But now he was sharing it. Opening it for him.
Pond curled up without a word, accepting the invitation with the trembling of someone who still isn’t sure he deserves to be held like that. And it was him—the tall, strong alpha—who ended up being the little spoon. His body fit perfectly in Phuwin’s arms, wrapped in the omega’s legs, in his warm arms, in his familiar scent.
The omega’s chest rose and fell calmly, breathing at the nape of Pond’s neck, as if in that silence he could heal the scars of the years. As if by holding him like that, he could protect him—even though it was no longer necessary. Even though now, finally, they could both lower their weapons.
The world outside disappeared. The clock, the words, the noise. Everything paused. Just the two of them, sharing warmth and stillness.
It wasn’t until much later, when the whole house seemed asleep, that the older one turned in his arms. He looked at him with those eyes swollen from exhaustion, but also shining with something new. Something that resembled peace.
“Thank you…” he whispered, voice low, broken, honest. “For not hating me.”
Phuwin didn’t respond immediately. He just looked at him, so close it almost hurt. Then brought a hand to his hair and gently tousled it, playing with the rebellious strands.
“Silly…” he murmured with a smile so soft it felt like balm. “Even in your worst moment… I always loved you.”
The omega’s eyes sparkled, reflecting all that hope he had denied himself for so long. He didn’t ask for promises, didn’t speak of a future or a past. He was just there, looking at him as if he needed nothing more than that moment.
And Pond, still with a heart learning to heal, let himself be held. Let himself be loved. Let himself dream, just a little—for the first time in a long while.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Phuwin shifted slightly, feeling Pond’s warm breath against his chest. They had been in this position for a while, and although the omega tried to keep his expression serious, he found it hard not to smile tenderly every time the alpha clung to him as if he were his only refuge.
"Are you comfortable?" he asked, playing with a strand of the other’s messy hair.
"Mmm..." Pond murmured something incomprehensible and pressed closer to him, wrapping his arms around his waist. "You're softer than I remembered."
"Softer? Are you calling me chubby?" Phuwin squinted, feigning indignation. "Do you want me to kick you out of my bed?"
"Nooo!" Pond lifted his head, dramatically exaggerating the horror. "Your nest is paradise. I've never felt so pampered... You didn’t even ask, and you’ve already adopted me."
"Don't get dramatic," Phuwin grumbled, though his tone came out softer than he expected.
"So, you did adopt me?"
"Maybe..."
"And is pampering part of the package?"
"Pond!"
The alpha burst into laughter, more relaxed than he had been in a long time. Then, without thinking too much about it, he let his hand slide slowly down to Phuwin’s hip and gently pressed his fingers right at that spot he knew would make the omega shiver. And yes, the omega jumped a little.
"What are you doing?!" Phuwin snapped, trying to suppress a laugh.
"Just checking if it still tickled," Pond said playfully.
Phuwin pursed his lips, holding back the laughter and giving him a small shove on the shoulder.
"You're insufferable."
"And you're ticklish," he added, taking the opportunity to scrape his nails lightly on his side again.
Phuwin burst into laughter, squirming awkwardly as he tried to defend himself.
"Pond, stop! I swear if you don’t—!"
"Don’t what?"
"I’ll throw you back outside!"
"You wouldn’t dare! I’m a rescue puppy. You gave me shelter. You can’t abandon me now," he said dramatically as he gave in, falling onto the omega’s chest.
"Silly..."
"And you?"
"Sillier for letting you stay."
He fell silent, tightening his embrace. Phuwin felt the other’s body completely relax, trust flowing through him. He didn’t know what made him say it, but suddenly the words came out on their own, as if nothing had ever changed, as if they were always meant to be like this.
"Nara..."
The alpha tensed slightly. Then he lifted his head suddenly, eyes sparkling, as if someone had just given him a piece of his childhood.
"Did you... just call me Nara?"
The omega looked away, pretending to be annoyed, though he couldn’t help but let a small smile slip out.
"It was a slip..." he said, exaggerating his eye roll to cover his shyness. "Don’t get excited."
"It’s been years since you called me that!" the brown-haired one exclaimed, clinging to him even tighter, as if afraid it would slip away again. "I missed it! It sounds sweeter when you say it."
Phuwin bit his lip to stop himself from laughing. But he couldn’t hide the blush on his cheeks, nor the way his heart sped up from something so simple, so silly.
"Shut up... Nara."
And this time he said it softer. Like a secret between them. Like a promise that, even though they didn’t know what they were now, they could start over—with nicknames, jokes, and a love that didn’t hurt.
Pond buried his face in his neck, laughing softly. He smiled so openly that his dimples showed. He pushed himself up a little and looked down at him from above, resting on his chest, as if suddenly he couldn’t contain his happiness.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Depends," he replied, playing with one of his sleeves.
"Call me that again... when it feels right. Not every day. Just... when you really want to."
The omega looked at him for a moment, intertwining his legs with his, closer than he had been to anyone in a long time.
"Alright, Nara."
Pond smiled as if the world were just a little bit kinder from that bed.
Notes:
Next episode on Wednesday. See you! ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ - ˵ ) ✧
Chapter 16: ❝[𝟏𝟔]: 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐚 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Cheerleading and football practices sharing the same field at the same time was, according to the GMM Academy administration, a strategy to promote "sports cooperation." According to those involved, however, it was emotional torture and a direct attack on productivity—on top of the school’s already tiny budget. Although, if you asked a certain spoiled omega and a smug alpha, neither of them seemed to be suffering.
Ever since the alpha had opened up to his "rival" about the weight of his last name and the constant fear of becoming the kind of man he was raised by, the dynamic between them had changed. Not that they stopped insulting each other, of course, but now they did it with crooked smirks and a strange need to be very close to one another. So close that their coaches had already considered using a hose.
It wasn’t rare to see them pushing each other for space during stretching (despite there being plenty for both), competing over who could do more jumps or score more goals, or even arguing about which practice required more physical endurance. What was strange was seeing them laugh afterwards. Or the taller one staring while the omega stretched his leg over the barre. Or the shorter one pretending not to notice how the other kept looking his way after scoring.
While the two of them floated in this hazy cloud of provocations and hormonally-charged pseudo-reconciliations, someone else on the cheer squad was not happy about the situation.
"Everything was better when they seemed to hate each other," muttered the girl with perfectly wavy hair and the air of a secondary villain, sitting in the shade of an umbrella held by her friend. Love, beside her, merely gave a half-hearted "Mmmh" of agreement, her eyes never leaving the flawless profile of her teammate, clearly not listening to a word being said.
A few meters away, under the shared coaches’ tent, the conversation had a completely different tone.
"I'm telling you, there's something going on." The more eccentric of the two, wearing ridiculously large sunglasses and a visor no one had approved as part of the uniform, leaned in like a gossiping aunt.
"You’re seeing things, Mix. They’re just teenagers having fun…" replied the football coach, pretending to jot things down in a notebook that was completely blank.
"Lies! You saw it too. They push, they yell, they accidentally brush against each other every five minutes and—worst of all—they smile. They smile, Earth. Do you know what that means for two teenagers with a history of homoerotic rivalry?"
Earth raised an eyebrow, still writing nothing in his fake notes.
"I didn’t know that was a technical term."
"It’s not, but it should be."
The cheer coach, whose expression was a perfect blend of unnecessary drama and absolute conviction, turned back to the field with utter seriousness. In the center of the pitch, the alpha and the omega had moved on from stretching to a passive-aggressive shoulder-pushing match that looked a lot like kindergarten-style flirting. The taller one was clearly letting himself lose, as if losing was a small price to pay to see the other smile. Disgustingly romantic.
"I give them ‘til the end of the season."
Earth blinked, momentarily taking his eyes off his phone, where he was pretending to check stats but was actually looking up smoothie recipes.
"Give them until when?"
"Until they confess. Or kiss. Or sneak off to the bathroom together, I don’t know. Whichever happens first."
He placed a coin on the bench as if sealing a black market deal. His tone was that of someone who had watched way too many BL dramas and wasn’t about to miss the chance to live through one in real time.
"A thousand baht says they end up together."
A voice suddenly rose behind them, making both coaches turn around like they’d just been caught stealing from the school co-op store.
"Are you seriously betting on your students’ love life!?"
Joong stood there in full morally-indignant older brother mode, arms crossed and an expression of pure disapproval—one he had perfected after years of tattling on his brother to their moms. Both adults straightened up immediately, like someone higher up had just scolded them.
"It's not what it looks like…"
"It was his idea…"
"Hey!"
Mix’s offended protest was completely ignored, because the older Archen brother’s eyes were now locked on the field. There, the omega had just flipped the football player with a move that probably defied the laws of physics, and was now looking down at him with a mix of superiority and blush. Joong pursed his lips… but something in his face changed. He was no longer outraged. He was assessing.
"A thousand more says Phuwin will be the first to confess."
Earth looked at him doubtfully; from what little he knew about that boy, his pride was as big as his ego. Mix, on the other hand, nodded in agreement with the young alpha.
“Phuwin? Are you sure?”
“Of course. Pond will play dumb until judgment day. A thousand baht says my little brother breaks first.”
And before anyone could remind him that maybe he shouldn’t get involved in teacher bets about hormonal teenagers, he already had his wallet open and the bills laid out on the bench, like he was buying tickets to a show.
Mix turned back to the field just in time to see the omega push the footballer with both hands, mumble something that sounded like a threat, and then smile like he didn’t care at all about being caught checking out his arms.
“Ah, young love is so beautiful…” he sighed nostalgically, adjusting his visor.
Earth, resigned, scratched his head.
“I just want to win the championship. Where am I supposed to sign for that bet?”
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Unaware of the small betting network growing like a casino at the coaches' benches, the duo in the center of the field seemed to inhabit their own bubble. The awkward shoving had stopped, and now the ball spun between their feet with the same fluidity with which they were beginning to adapt to each other, as if their bodies instinctively remembered that they had been competing for years, yes, but also learning from each other for years.
The conversation flowed with a calmness neither would have believed possible weeks ago. The tone was lower, more intimate, as if every word carried a weight measured in sustained glances. It was then that the younger one diverted his eyes to the edge of the field, where Dunk was silently stretching with the rest of the cheerleading team, wearing the carefully unaltered expression of someone who had learned to hide their discomfort beneath a layer of professionalism.
"It’s not that I’m still mad," the omega murmured, keeping his gaze ahead. "But he’s as stubborn as I am. Joong is afraid of making it worse, so he hasn’t approached either."
Pond glanced at him from the corner of his eye. He thought the omega seemed tired. Not physically, but from that kind of emotional exhaustion that weighs on your back without warning.
"And you?" he asked softly. "Have you talked to him?"
A dry laugh, devoid of amusement, was all he got in response. The shorter one shook his head, running his fingers through his hair to keep it in place, even though there was no wind. He really couldn’t confess that it all started with his confession of being in love. Or that they had been honest with each other.
"If he won’t even talk to his boyfriend, imagine how little he’d say to me. He just… looks at me sometimes. With that ‘everything’s fine’ face, as if he doesn’t notice he’s struggling. He acts normal, we talk about everything, but he still doesn’t want to touch the subject of Chen."
The silence that followed wasn’t uncomfortable, but deliberate. A bridge between one’s concern and the other’s initiative. It was the older one who crossed it first.
"Then let’s do something," he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
Phuwin turned his face toward him, naturally and habitually distrustful.
"Something like what?"
"Help them reconcile. A plan."
The omega narrowed his eyes, already anticipating the kind of stupidity that could arise from such an idea in his former declared enemy’s mind.
"I don’t think getting involved in their relationship is the healthiest thing…" he started to say, but it was too late.
The alpha already had that smile. That proud, slightly mischievous expression, the one that always preceded some impulsive decision or imprudent comment that, for some unknown reason, he would end up consenting to. Not due to a lack of judgment. But because that smile made him forget why saying no had seemed like a good idea in the first place.
"Come on," the taller one insisted. "Technically, part of the problem was my fault. If we help, we fix it. And if we fix it, I won’t have to endure Dunk throwing me moral judgment looks every day. Princess, please."
Phuwin sighed. Not the kind of sigh where you let out air to rest, but the kind where you let yourself be defeated with dignity.
"Tell me you at least have a coherent idea."
"Better," the other said, taking a couple of steps back as if preparing for a great revelation. "I have a master plan. Strategic. Unstoppable."
The omega raised an eyebrow.
"What’s that?"
The alpha raised his thumb as if announcing the title of an epic work.
"Operation: Cosmic-Panda Reconciliation in Two Phases."
There was a silence. Long. Painfully long.
"Why are you like this?"
"Because I’m brilliant and you look like a panda," he replied without hesitation, and with no intention of retracting.
Despite the younger one crossing his arms and wearing an expression between disbelief and resignation, he was already completely caught in the web of the boy's enthusiasm. It didn’t help that the alpha spoke with the fervor of a general outlining a military strategy, not a teenager trying to make a pair of lovers stop acting immaturely.
"First of all," the older one began, pulling out his phone with a ceremonious gesture, "we need to establish the emotional context. Phase one: Nostalgic Restoration."
Phuwin blinked.
"Are you going to name every step?"
"Of course. We must protect intellectual property," he replied seriously, as he began scrolling through images and notes on an app clearly not made for love reconciliation plans. Phuwin could even swear he saw a grocery shopping list for his house. "The idea is simple. We’re going to take them, by accident, to the place where they shared their first kiss. According to my sources," he raised his gaze proudly, "it was in front of the props closet in the gym, after Dunk gave Joong an ankle bandage."
"Your sources?"
"Fourth. He’s a vault... unless you give him his favorite cookies and the number to Gimini. Then he sings like a bird."
The omega sighed again, this time with his hands on his hips, resigned to the fact that he was already involved in this ridiculousness.
"Alright. Phase one: forced walk to the kiss zone. And then?"
"Phase two: High-Efficacy Sentimental Stimulation. Basically, we force an indirect conversation. No 'talk about your feelings,' that would scare them off. Instead, we give them something that forces them to collaborate. We ask them both to do something for us and end up together."
"That sounds like emotional blackmail."
"Exactly. And that's why it’s so good!"
The younger one ran a hand over his face, trying to sort through the mix of secondhand embarrassment, genuine amusement, and a tiny — barely perceptible — hint of tenderness.
"This is crazy."
"Exactly. And that’s why it’s going to work. Are we doing this together, or are you going to leave me to play Cupid alone?"
The alpha’s smile was absurd. One of those that melts defenses like ice cream under the sun. And the omega, as always, surrendered to it again.
"...Only if I can rewrite that PowerPoint. That’s a visual crime."
"Deal," the other said, shaking his hand with ridiculous formality. "Welcome to the Cosmic-Panda Reconciliation in Two Phases."
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Phase one: Nostalgic Restoration
The idea was simple in its structure but extravagant in its execution, like all things done with the heart more than with logic. Phuwin, with the carefree boldness and charming cynicism of a younger brother, had taken it upon himself to move the first pieces of the plan. He didn’t say it out loud, of course, he would never do that, because it wasn’t in his nature to show vulnerability so openly, but the truth was, it hurt.
It hurt to see Dunk and Joong trapped in that kind of tense, uncomfortable distance, as if the silence between them were a third, permanent presence, cold and unbearable. It was like someone had turned off the background music that used to accompany their everyday lives. As if they wanted to get closer, as if they were waiting for a sign, an excuse, something that would allow them to let their guard down... but neither of them made the first move.
So yes, maybe the idea wasn’t brilliant. Maybe getting involved in someone else’s relationship was pushing it and completely inappropriate. But he wasn’t a passive spectator of other people’s misfortunes, especially not when it came to his best friend. If there was even the slightest chance that Dunk could smile again with that radiant sincerity he used to have, then it was worth the risk. It was worth everything.
The perfect moment came quickly, wrapped in the veil of a tiring afternoon. Practice had ended, and Mix, as efficient as always, had sent everyone off to shower and tidy up the court, just like Earth.
"Dunk," Phuwin called, as if he hadn’t planned anything, "Can you help me with the mats? Everyone else already left, and I don’t want to carry everything myself."
The older one looked at him with some doubt reflected on his forehead, as if his body still didn’t know how to fully relax. But after a pause, he nodded. The two of them began carrying the mats toward the storage room next to the gym. It was a place that seemed forgotten, with that legendary props closet that seemed to have witnessed more secrets than matches. Phuwin placed his load against the wall and looked at the clock as if he had just remembered something very important.
"I forgot some books in my locker! I need them for my homework," he said dramatically. "Wait for me, so we can go together, okay?"
Before Dunk could offer to accompany him or even ask anything else, Phuwin was already walking out, leaving him alone with his thoughts and, perhaps, the ghosts of a still-lingering memory.
On the other side of the wall, hidden in the long shadows cast by the stands, two figures held their breath.
"See? He's alone, right where they kissed. He’ll aim for nostalgia," whispered the alpha, with a satisfied smile.
"Now all that’s missing is Joong showing up and seeing him, and his heart will soften," murmured Phuwin, peeking his head out just a bit. "Or they’ll ignore each other even more, like they’ve been doing for almost a week."
"With a little faith..."
But faith wasn't enough.
"Archen! Come, I need you to check the position scheme for the match on Friday!" shouted Earth from the other end of the gym.
And his older brother, always obedient, left the balls in the basket and began walking toward the coach's office. The opposite side from where the omega was.
"No, no, no! Not like this!" muttered Pond, sitting up suddenly.
The attempt to back away was clumsy, a disastrous choreography dictated by hurry and nerves. Phuwin, betrayed by his own undone shoelaces, tripped, accidentally pushing Pond. The alpha lost his balance in a totally unnatural movement, and the result was a tangle of limbs falling to the ground, ending with an omega crushed against the chest of the star football player, both tangled behind the stands.
"Are you okay?!" Pond asked, his eyes wide open, his face split between horror and embarrassment.
Pond let out a soft laugh, already used to the chaos that seemed to follow them everywhere.
"Yeah... it’s not the first time you’ve been on top of me," he said, not losing his smile, as if that was just another anecdote to add to their shared history of misadventures.
"Nara!" the younger one retorted while trying to untangle himself from his partner’s legs.
Mix, with his coaching folder under his arm and his infallible ability to appear at the most inconvenient times, peeked out from behind the stands, barely pushing against one of the aluminum bars with his fingers. What he saw earned him a half-smile, the kind that didn’t bode well for the ones involved.
There they were: Phuwin practically lying on top of Pond, both with their legs tangled. From his angle, it looked more like a secret date than an accident.
"Interesting..." he murmured to himself, almost amused. "Maybe I’ll make my money sooner than I thought."
"We weren’t doing anything!" the younger one exclaimed, his voice way too high-pitched to sound convincing. "It was an accident, I swear! I tripped on my shoelaces and fell... and he was right there and..."
"Uh-huh," Mix interrupted, nodding slowly with a look of fake understanding. "Very typical of teenagers. That’s how my problems started too."
Pond, still on the ground, let out a small groan of pain as the omega tried to get up, slipping again and hitting his stomach. Phuwin blinked, confused.
"Your... problems?"
The omega placed the folder on one of the bleachers with a sharp thud and sat down with all the ceremony of someone about to tell an important, or at least very embarrassing, story.
"Well, you see, when I was younger," he began, with that nostalgic tone reserved for tragedies or urban legends, "there was a guy on the football team. A tall, dark-haired alpha, just my type. He had perfect bangs and thighs that could break bones. One afternoon, after practice, I ended up with my leg stuck between two benches, just as this alpha was entering the gym..."
Phuwin opened his mouth to protest, but Mix raised a finger to silence him, not missing a beat in his storytelling.
"...And that’s why," he concluded after a while, standing up and picking up his folder, "I learned that public places are not the best setting for romantic entanglements... or any kind of acrobatics, if you get me, guys. But, as your teacher, I’ll say you're too young to be all hormonal. Teen pregnancies are a very serious issue."
"We're not doing anything!" the younger one screamed, in the desperate tone of someone who knows it’s already useless.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever you say," the older one responded, spinning on his heels. "But if I find out tomorrow that you two are together, remind Archen that he owes me two thousand baht."
With that, he walked away, whistling, leaving behind a trail of embarrassment, silence, and two teenagers who were far too aware of their proximity and the absurdity of the situation.
"We need to go. Now," Pond whispered, helping him to his feet without looking at him directly.
"Yeah. Urgently," the other nodded, still unable to regain his normal color in his cheeks.
And they left like criminals after a failed hit, stumbling a little, not daring to speak about the topic for the rest of the day. Although both knew that Mix would never forget it.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Phase Two: Highly Effective Emotional Stimulus
The strategy was simple in theory, like all ideas that seem brilliant from afar. No direct emotional confrontations. They weren’t going to fall into the cliché of “talk it out and solve it.” That would be like asking Joong and Dunk to climb Everest without shoes. No. The key was collaboration. Forcing them to be together with a legitimate excuse, a kind of shared mission that would make them talk without actually wanting to talk.
“We need something important enough so they can’t refuse, but not so obvious that they’ll suspect,” Phuwin murmured as he doodled incomprehensible sketches in his notebook, as if he were about to present his thesis on emotional reconciliations in stubborn teenagers.
“How about the decoration for the theater club party?” Pond suggested, stretching his legs out on the wooden bench. “No one wants to do it, and Professor Tay already threatened us with extra homework if no one shows up.”
“Perfect. We ask for help, each separately, without telling them the other will be there. And when they show up, surprise, they’ll be trapped in a room full of garlands, confetti, and unresolved emotional tension.”
It was a brilliant idea. Foolproof, even. The only thing that could ruin it was... well, the universe. Which seemed to have a particular fondness for ruining Phuwin's plans.
The activity room was almost empty by the end of the afternoon. Only a few stacked tables and boxes filled with decorations from previous years, most of them covered in more dust than anything else. Pond and Phuwin had arrived earlier, preparing everything so that the "casual encounter" could happen without interruptions.
“Dunk is on his way. I told him we needed someone tall to hang the lights,” Phuwin mentioned, arranging some colored bulbs on the table.
“And Joong is coming for the heavy boxes, because of course, who else in this group has a gym-going back?” Pond added, checking his phone. “If this works, I’ll treat you to bubble tea.”
“And if it doesn’t...?” Phuwin started.
“We’ll pretend we never tried anything,” the alpha finished, giving him a pat on the shoulder.
The door to the room suddenly swung open, letting in a gust of fresh air, and there she was: hair carelessly tied in a chic bun, a bright smile, the irresistible energy of someone walking as if the world were a runway. Just behind her came Milk, dragging a box of lights with a focused expression.
The door opened with a soft squeak, letting in a breeze of fresh air... and instead of seeing their friends, she arrived: hair hurriedly tied up in a bun that somehow looked graceful, a small smile, a bit nervous, as if unsure if she was welcome. Behind her came Milk, dragging a box of lights with a frustrated look.
“H-hi, guys... we were told you... might need help with the decorations,” Love said, her voice barely louder than the murmur of the wind, not noticing the frozen gazes that instantly fixed on her.
“Who... told you?” Phuwin stammered, feeling a shiver.
“Professor Tay. He said that this year, hardly anyone volunteered to help the theater club,” the smallest omega clarified.
And just at that moment, as if the universe were executing a cruel comedy with mathematical precision, Joong and Dunk entered. Almost simultaneously.
The bad part about everyone being in the same place, in that room, at that moment, was that Joong and Love were exes. It had been long before he met Dunk, a brief relationship that ended on good terms. Joong knew, because Love had confided in him with that honesty that stung a little, about the crush she had on Milk for years. Even so, they got along fine. However, Dunk couldn’t help but tense up whenever she was near. He had admitted more than once that the omega made him feel insecure, and even though his boyfriend tried to ease those doubts with gestures and words, there was always a trace of jealousy in him.
Pond and Phuwin knew their plan had crumbled within seconds.
Especially because Milk, as if reading the discomfort in the air and deciding to deliberately ignore it, wasted no time in approaching Pond with a mischievous smile and an excuse.
The rest of the afternoon sank into thick discomfort. Dunk gritted his teeth while his scent turned bitter, a dense mix of jealousy, guilt, and sadness. Part of the pain was his own responsibility. He had felt miserable realizing that, in a moment of insecurity, he had compared Joong, the sweetest and most patient alpha he had ever met, with that idiot who had left him with scars. He hated himself for that. The anger of the moment, the irrational fear of imagining Phuwin in a similar situation, pushed him to overreact, to act from fear. And so, unwittingly, he ruined what they had. Maybe this was his worst form of self-sabotage.
Seeing him laughing, helping the sweet omega hang decorations high up on the stage, only dug him deeper. Because seeing him share such natural and tender moments with another omega reminded him of what he thought at the beginning of their relationship: he deserved someone with fewer scars. Someone who wasn’t trapped in the past. Because even though Dunk loved him with everything he had, he was still marked, still living conditioned by his history. And in his attempt to protect himself, he had hurt him. He had darkened the smile that had made him fall in love, even when he was still broken.
On the other side of the room, a silent battle was being fought. Phuwin, with a barely disguised look of annoyance, threw furtive glances at Milk every time the omega got too close to Pond. He wasn’t jealous... but something inside him burned every time he saw him laughing too close, bending down too low, or simply looking at him with those bright eyes he used when he was in charming mode.
There was something particularly irritating about the way Milk moved: light, graceful, as if her body knew exactly how to take up space without looking like it was doing so. Every time she touched Pond on the shoulder, on the wrist, just a fleeting brush, Phuwin could feel his jaw clench even more. He couldn’t stop looking, even though he tried to look busy. Hanging ornaments, taking them down, folding ribbons that didn’t need folding. All just to stay close.
“Shouldn’t you be helping on the other side?” his brother whispered at some point, raising an eyebrow as he tied a bow.
“Yeah,” he replied, without looking at him. “But there’s more mess over here.”
Milk, for her part, seemed to enjoy every second of her private show. Her smile had a sharp edge, even though she kept the sweet tone. She spoke softly to the alpha, almost as if they were sharing a secret, and leaned just enough toward him for her scent to linger for a second in the air. Every gesture was perfectly calculated. And she knew it. She knew exactly what she was doing.
“Pondie, can you pass me that tape?” Milk asked, stretching the last syllable with a poisonous sweetness.
The tall one was about to move when, in a split second, Phuwin stepped forward.
“I’ll hand it to you,” he said, with a tense smile and his knuckles pressed against the tape, as if he could tear it from the world.
The omega looked at him sideways, raising an eyebrow with an elegance that bordered on insolence.
“Thanks, Phu, how thoughtful,” she said in a sweet tone, then added more quietly, “I was wondering when you were going to stop pretending you weren’t listening.”
Phuwin didn’t respond. He just handed her the tape, with a look that was half warning, half silent plea for her to move away.
Pond laughed. A soft, almost distracted sound that floated between the three of them like an impudent butterfly. And then, without meaning to, he looked at him. At Phuwin. With that look that disarmed him. Innocent. Warm. A little curious.
And that was enough.
It was only a second, but it was enough to melt all the rage.
The omega lowered his gaze, feeling the heat rise up his neck to his ears. He hated himself a little for how easy it was for him to fall, for how a simple smile could undo all his carefully cultivated anger. But he couldn’t help it.
Meanwhile, Pond remained at the center of it all, spinning like a warm, mischievous sun, as if he didn’t know—or pretended not to know—that he had two people orbiting around him, the omega of his dreams being one of them. His smile was natural, disarming. Sometimes it seemed like he was confused by the tension around him. Other times, it seemed like he was enjoying it. As if he instinctively understood the desire and chaos he stirred up in Phuwin.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Dunk didn’t say anything for a while. There was no need. His silence was louder than any words. He had been staring off for some time, his body present but his soul curled up in some corner of his chest. The paper chain between his fingers had stopped growing minutes ago; the links hung limp, abandoned. The room was still full of voices, soft music in the background, laughter that sounded distant.
He blinked once, twice. He felt the familiar sting behind his eyes, the one that signaled held-back tears. He swallowed hard.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” he murmured, without looking at anyone. He stood up clumsily, as if his body didn’t want to move.
Joong turned his head just in time to see him walk away, his back tense, his pace too fast to be casual. His stomach twisted. Something was wrong.
Phuwin noticed it too, from his makeshift spot by a box of ribbons. It was as if the instinct to protect him was automatic.
“Dunk?” called the dark-haired one, taking a step in his direction.
But before he could move any further, Pond stepped in.
“Let me handle this.”
His voice was soft, but with a firmness he rarely used. There was no smile on his face, only an unusual seriousness, a kind of silent resolution.
Joong stopped, surprised.
“Are you sure?” he asked, uneasy.
“Yes,” Pond said to his friend, his eyes fixed on the door Dunk had just walked through. Then he shifted his gaze to Phuwin. “I think he needs to talk to someone who won’t hurt him.”
That hit harder than expected. Joong lowered his gaze, biting his lip.
Phuwin hesitated for a moment longer, but then nodded. He knew he was right.
And without saying anything more, the alpha crossed the room, leaving behind the festive glimmer. He opened the door carefully, as if there was something fragile on the other side. Because there was. Because he knew Dunk, even without saying it, was on the verge of breaking.
And he wasn’t going to let him break alone.
Notes:
Next Wednesday, another episode is coming, and this weekend I’ll be uploading the first chapter of my mafia PondPhuwin fanfic. Stay tuned and please support it! (,,>﹏<,,)
Chapter 17: ❝❝[𝟎𝟏𝟕]: 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐓𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞❞❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Pond found him sitting on the hallway floor, his back slumped against the wall and his gaze lost in a dead point far too distant to reach. Dunk hadn’t heard him arrive. Or if he had, he didn’t react. He remained suspended, as if the world kept turning around him while he stayed still within himself.
He hesitated before speaking.
“Dunk,” he called, still breathless, cheeks flushed from the effort of catching up to him.
The omega took a deep breath before turning around. His eyes shimmered beneath the flickering emergency exit light, as if the glow knew exactly where to hurt him. There was something restrained in his gaze, a gesture caught halfway between wounded pride and the longing for reconciliation.
“I didn’t expect you to be the one to follow me,” he said, lowering his gaze.
“I didn’t expect you to leave like that,” the other replied, his voice soft, aching, almost an unspoken plea. “Phuwin thought the plan might help… I believed it too.”
The older one sighed, closing his eyes as if he needed to shut down for a moment. His head leaned against the wall, not for comfort, but as though his body needed something to keep it standing while his soul fell apart inside. There was so much he hadn’t said. Too much.
“I owe you an apology,” he confessed, not daring to look at him directly. “Not for leaving… but for how I reacted toward you. It wasn’t fair.”
Pond stepped closer, arms crossed like someone trying to hold together whatever threatens to break. His jaw trembled, but not from anger. It was pure restraint.
“It hurt,” he admitted. “Because I didn’t understand where it was coming from. I thought you were mad at me. That… maybe you thought I was like… one of those alphas who cause harm. You’re my friend. I don’t want you to think badly of me.”
The omega didn’t answer right away. But his face tensed. It was a bitter grimace, as if those words had unearthed something still burning beneath his skin.
“It’s hard not to think that when the memories are still there,” he finally said, his voice deeper, more tired. “My last partner was an alpha. Very charming. Very attentive… at first. Then everything became my fault. I was ‘too sensitive,’ ‘too demanding,’ ‘too omega.’ I learned to fear kind smiles. To distrust being loved.”
Pond shuddered. Not out of surprise, but because he understood. Because that wound had a familiar echo.
“My father is an alpha,” he confessed. “And I can’t recall a single time when I didn’t feel like I had to compete for his approval. Every time I cried, he told me alphas don’t break. That the strong don’t show weakness. That if I wanted to earn respect, I had to act like one of them. But… I never wanted that. I never wanted to be like him.”
The dark-haired one finally looked up at him. His eyes were full of silent compassion, and of a shared pain that needed no explanation. In that moment, an invisible bridge stretched between them, built from truths that hurt—but also from everything that could still be healed.
“Phuwin’s lucky to have you around,” Dunk said, with a sincerity that cracked his voice. “Even if it doesn’t seem like it… I’m glad someone’s protecting him like that.”
“I didn’t want to,” he kept talking, toying with his fingertips and lowering his gaze to his lap, “but when Phu said you’d broken his heart… all my mind could think of was the worst. I imagined you used him. That you hurt him knowing how he felt about you.”
Pond furrowed his brow, confused.
“Broken his heart?” he repeated slowly, as if tasting the words for the first time. “But… what did I do? What do you mean? I thought it was because of the awful things I said about him. I just wanted him to stop being the center of attention in my old group of friends. I thought if I talked about how unremarkable he was, if I made him look like anyone else… he’d stop being a piece of meat for alphas.”
Dunk looked up. For a moment, he seemed on the verge of telling him. Of opening the sealed box that wasn’t his. But then he remembered how Phuwin had trusted him with that wound, and he knew it wasn’t his to expose. As much as he wanted to be honest, it wasn’t his story to tell.
“Nothing… forget it,” he muttered, with a sad smile. “Maybe I misunderstood.”
Pond didn’t buy it. But he didn’t push. There was something in the way the omega lowered his gaze, in that silence that wasn’t fleeing but rather protecting, that told him he shouldn’t press. Not yet.
“I never meant to hurt him,” the alpha whispered. “Phuwin is… my person. He stood by me in my worst moments. If he ever felt something more, and I didn’t realize… then I’m the one who failed.”
The dark-haired man looked at him, and this time, there was no judgment in his eyes. Only tenderness. A bitter, sincere understanding.
“It’s not easy to see what someone doesn’t dare to show. I’ve wanted that too—to have someone read my soul. It never happened.”
Silence returned. But it was thick now, full of unspoken names, of feelings that floated between them without daring to touch the ground.
The omega pressed his lips together. Just for a moment. But it was enough for everything to click into place in his mind. Phuwin hadn’t told Pond the whole truth. He had never spoken of the silent crush, of the rejection that cut like glass beneath the skin, of the heart that broke in the hollow of a fruitless wait. And now, without meaning to, he had said more than he should have.
“Forget it,” he repeated, more quickly this time. “Sometimes I talk too much. Phuwin is private. I shouldn't be the one telling you how he feels.”
Pond took a step back and sat beside the omega.
“Thank you for not hating me,” he whispered.
The omega nodded, with a broken shadow on his lips that barely passed for a smile. They stayed quiet for a few more seconds, letting the weight of everything unsaid settle before a voice dared to rise again. His tone was softer now, almost afraid to shatter something fragile.
“Dunk… why did you run away from the theater room?”
The black-haired man sighed, and for an instant, he seemed to shrink into himself, as if the question were a stone falling into an already disturbed lake. He didn’t answer right away. His gaze dropped to the floor, as if the dirty tiles might offer him an excuse, a refuge, a distraction.
“Because I knew you two… you and Phuwin… probably came up with some stupid plan to make me talk to Chen,” he said at last, with a broken smile, not mocking—just sad. “And part of me… part of me really wanted it to work.”
The alpha just stared at him, silent.
“I miss him,” he admitted, without looking up. “I miss how it felt to be with him in those days that felt safe. The good ones, before everything shattered. I talked to my therapist about it all, of course… I prepared myself. I thought I could handle it. But both back then and now, I reacted too fast. Too strongly. I saw things that maybe weren’t there. Or maybe they were, I don’t know. All I know is that I jumped to conclusions too quickly because I couldn’t bear the thought of getting hurt again. It’s like living with a trigger just beneath your skin. You never know which part of you will go off first.”
He placed a hand on his chest, as if trying to hold in an uncomfortable heartbeat, a still-warm memory scratching at his ribs.
“When I saw him with Love… it wasn’t jealousy. Not the way you think. It was fear. I hate having so many traumas,” he said, almost in anger, almost in sorrow. “Because from the moment we started dating, every step he took with me had to be measured, careful, almost surgical. Like he was walking on glass. Because not even I know how my inner omega will react. Sometimes I feel like a minefield. Joong didn’t deserve that. No one does.”
Pond swallowed hard, not daring to break the current that wrapped around them. The silence that followed was different from the one before—heavier, more intimate, more brutal. As if Dunk had just bared himself with words that barely managed to name his wound.
“But I left because I was scared,” he said at last, his voice no longer steady. “Because if I stayed, if I talked to him, if I looked at him one second longer… I knew I’d want to go back. And I don’t know if I’m ready to be loved again.”
Pond’s voice, with that strange tenderness he sometimes used when speaking of others but never of himself, cut through the silence.
“You know,” he said, almost like thinking out loud, “sometimes I struggle to remember what the brothers were like before their mom died. There are days when they feel so vivid in my memory, but not as they truly were—more like an echo… a photo you look at so many times it starts to fade.”
He let himself slide to the floor, beside Dunk, as if sitting next to him was his way of saying he didn’t have to carry everything alone.
“After that… they were never the same again. Phuwin became quieter, more guarded. And Joong… well, he always tried to be strong, didn’t he? The alpha of the house. The one who had to hold it all together while their mom buried herself in work like she could cover the absence with meetings and offices and clocks marking meaningless hours.”
He sighed, and his voice softened even more, as if the words would hurt less if spoken gently.
“The day Phuwin met you was the first time he really smiled again. I saw it, you know? I was there. His whole face lit up like he’d remembered what it felt like to be a happy kid. And he was so excited… he wouldn’t stop telling me how amazing you were, and back then he barely even talked to me, but I guess he just needed to share it with someone. He talked about how lovely it was to have a friend like you. ‘My friend is so pretty, he looks like he came out of a movie.’ ‘He’s so sweet, he brought me a cake he made himself. He’s sooo cute.’ I thought he was exaggerating… until I met you, and I understood why he spoke like that.”
Pond laughed softly, without irony, only with a gentle nostalgia.
“But what I remember the most… what I’ll never forget, is the day Joong met you. God, the poor guy was totally smitten. I’m not exaggerating,” he added, as if anticipating the other’s disbelief. “He lost his composure instantly. For weeks, he wouldn’t shut up about you. ‘Phuwin’s friend is gorgeous, don’t you think?’ ‘Do you think he likes theatre?’ ‘Did you see the way his hands move when he talks?’”
He turned toward the omega, watching him with a mix of tenderness and determination, like someone trying to hold another person up with words alone.
“I’d never seen him like that. So... unguarded. Nervous. Like just looking at you made him forget how to exist. I used to tease him about it, told him he was being ridiculous, that he looked like a love-struck teenager. And he was. He has been, since the very beginning, Dunk. Since the fucking first day.”
He touched his shoulder, not forcefully, but just enough to anchor him.
“Chen loved you before he even truly knew you. And he kept loving you even when things got hard. Even when you couldn’t see what he saw. He’s not perfect, and I’m sure he messed up too. But if there’s one thing that never changed, it’s that. He... has loved you this whole time. Even when it hurt.”
Dunk closed his eyes, saying nothing for a moment. He just breathed, like he was trying to keep his soul from slipping out of his body. Until a faint sound — the creak of a floorboard, the hushed scuff of steps trying not to intrude — broke the stillness like a held breath finally released. Pond looked up first, his eyes widening slightly, and then glanced down the hall with that blend of resignation and relief known only to those who have waited silently.
Joong was there.
Standing, body tense, eyes locked on his omega as if seeing him both hurt and healed him. He didn’t speak right away, like he needed a moment to steady himself before he could offer anything to someone else. And when he finally did, his voice was quiet, but it had that trembling edge that only appears when too much love has been held in for too long.
“I loved you even before I knew what was happening to me,” Joong said plainly, without pretense or disguise. “When Phuwin told me you were coming to the house, I don’t know why, but I got nervous. I just knew someone important was on their way. And when I saw you... it was like everything inside me turned toward you. You made me stupid. I laughed at everything you said. I got so nervous I stuttered when I talked — and that never happens to me, Dunk. Never. But with you... everything was different. Everything felt more real.”
His eyes never left him, as if the entire world narrowed to that connection, as if speaking now was the only way to keep himself from drowning in everything left unsaid.
“I loved you before I touched you. Before I kissed you. Before I even knew if you could feel the same. And when we started... it wasn’t just tenderness, not just desire. There was fear too, because I could see how much you hurt. How afraid you were. And I tried to do it right. I swear I tried. I walked carefully. Every step I took with you, I thought through a thousand times, because I didn’t want to break you. I didn’t want to touch any wounds. But the truth is... I never knew if it was enough. Because I love you so much, so deeply, that sometimes it feels like even all this love falls short against all the pain you carry.”
He took a step forward. Then another. Slowly, like someone approaching a wounded animal, respecting the other's space even though it ached not to cross it.
“I know I’ve made mistakes,” he went on, his voice cracking just a bit. “And I know your past weighs heavier than you can sometimes explain. But you’re not alone in that. You haven’t been. I’ve been here... always. Even when you pushed me away. Even when you shut the door. Even when you couldn’t speak to me, or trust me, or stay. I stayed. Because... I saw you. Not just the omega who carries scars, not just the one who sometimes can’t breathe from fear… I saw you. The one who laughs when he forgets to be afraid. The one who looks at me with eyes he doesn’t always think he deserves — but that are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
And finally, Dunk lifted his head.
And in his gaze there was something broken, yes, but also a glow that only his alpha could awaken — that part of him that had been dormant, shielded, suspended in the distance of pain until the day they met.
Joong took one last step and stood before him. He didn’t touch him. He just looked. And with the softest voice, almost a whisper trembling with honesty, he spoke.
“I know I can’t erase what you’ve lived through,” he said more firmly now, his eyes burning with something that wasn’t sorrow or pity, but a tenderness so powerful it hurt for how pure it was. “I can’t change your past. I can’t reach into your memories and make them disappear. God, I wish I could. I swear on everything I am that if I had that power, I’d use it without a second thought. I’d clean your wounds with the patience of someone restoring something sacred, erase every word that ever hurt you, every look that made you feel small, every time someone told you that you weren’t enough.”
He stepped just a little closer, and his voice softened again, as if speaking directly to the heart, not the body.
“But if I can’t give you that... then let me promise you something else. A future. A place where your steps don’t have to fear sinking. A space where each day, even if imperfect, even if clumsy, even if filled with doubts, is built to remind you that you deserve to be happy. That you deserve to be loved without conditions. That you deserve to sleep without fear, and wake knowing someone is there — no judgment, no pressure, just love.”
The alpha swallowed hard. His chest rose and fell slowly, like he was holding back an ocean that had been waiting too long to break free.
“I don’t want our story to be defined by what you suffered before. I want what we have to be so strong, so real, so ours, that one day my love can outweigh the memory of your pain. Not because you forget it, not because it vanishes… but because it no longer hurts to look at. Because you’ll have something new — something so beautiful and so yours that you won’t need to go back.
And then, almost as if he had just given himself permission to say what had been buried under a thousand layers of teenage insecurity, he let the final confession fall from his lips with devastating sweetness.
“I know we’re young. That next year everything’s going to change. Universities, cities, schedules, new people… I know that. But I also know this: you’re the love of my life, Dunk. Not just my omega. Not just my first love. You’re my person. I knew it from the beginning, before I even understood that someone could love like this. I feel it so deeply, so far inside me, that no matter how many years go by or how many miles come between us… you’ll always be the place I belong to.”
His eyes were shining, not from tears refusing to fall, but from the intensity of everything he’d just dared to say out loud.
“And if you let me, if there’s still a part of you that believes in me… I want to walk with you. I want to be the one who’s there when you’re scared, the one who holds you when you can’t speak, the one who reminds you, with every gesture, every word, every day, that love can be a refuge too. That you can be happy. With me. With us.”
The world stood still for a moment. Just Dunk and his trembling chest, just Joong and his voice shaking with truth, just that hallway and the echo of a love that asked for no perfection—only the chance to be real.
The dark-haired boy didn’t wait any longer. His chest burned, his words trembled behind clenched teeth, and his heart beat as if it wanted to break out and search for comfort on its own. He took one step, then another, until he was close enough to wrap his arms around his boyfriend, not saying a word, just surrendering to the warmth that had been calling him for so long. He held him like his life depended on it, as if by touching him he could finally begin to stop hurting.
He pressed his face against his chest, buried in the curve of his collarbone, breathing in the scent he had recognized as home from the very first time they met. He felt the alpha wrap around him too—strong, steady, with that precise kind of tenderness that never made him feel trapped, only loved.
“I’m sorry…” he murmured, voice cracking and wet. “I’m sorry I compared you to him. For letting my wounds speak louder than you. For doubting… you, Pond. I was just… scared. Scared you’d be like him. And you’re not. You never have been. But still… I treated you as if you were.”
The tears slipped from his eyes without permission, trailing down his cheeks as his body finally gave in. As if he was allowing himself to rest in someone else’s arms. Joong held him closer, kissing the side of his head softly, with a tenderness that asked for no explanations.
“It’s over now, little bear,” he whispered, voice trembling too, but with the weight of emotion, “It’s over. Don’t apologize for surviving the only way you knew how. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
The omega’s body shook with sobs, but they weren’t like before. Not desperate or painfully raw. These were tears of relief, of surrender, of that love that had been held back for far too long. He squeezed his eyes shut and clung tighter to him, like he wanted to live inside that moment. His chest still hurt, but not like before. It was a different kind of pain, like his heart was finally opening after years of being locked away.
And at the end of the hallway, standing quietly by the wall like he knew he had no right to interrupt, Phuwin watched them with an expression that held pride, relief, and a kind of overflowing tenderness that needed no words. His eyes were slightly misty, though he made no move to wipe them.
Pond saw him. And didn’t hesitate.
He rose with a deep sigh, brushing the dust from his pants with his palms, his gaze lingering a few more seconds on the couple still fused in their embrace. Then he walked down the hallway with calm, steady steps, leaving Dunk and Joong behind without a sound—like someone who knows exactly when the spotlight belongs to others.
Phuwin noticed him coming even before he reached his side, as if he could feel him approaching through his skin. He didn’t say anything right away, just turned his face and gave him that half-smile that always seemed to hide a secret behind his tongue.
“You did well, Nara,” the younger one murmured, not taking his eyes off him.
He stopped beside him—close, so close their shoulders almost brushed. As if by accident, but with full awareness of what he was doing.
“I promised bubble tea if everything went right,” the alpha said with a grin that lit up his face and showed his perfect white teeth. “And I keep what I owe.”
Phuwin laughed, that soft laugh of his that always felt like a piano note in an empty room. Then he turned slightly more toward him, not hiding the way he looked at him. His eyes lingered at the corner of his mouth, like for one second he was thinking about something he didn’t yet dare to do.
“I owe you more than that,” he said, voice low, almost at his ear. “But we can start with the tea.”
In the middle of that slow, almost meditative walk, the omega timidly extended his hand. It was a subtle gesture, almost imperceptible—one Pond might have missed if he weren’t always so attuned to every move the boy made. But he didn’t miss it. Phuwin’s hand hovered between them, like an invisible bridge, the promise of something unspoken already humming in the air. Pond, caught in the moment, looked at the offered palm—small, fragile, fingers slightly curled, skin soft and nearly untouched.
The image was so unexpected, so different from anything he had imagined, that for a moment he was speechless. The alpha stared at the hand, caught between confusion and something close to wonder. What surprised him most wasn’t the gesture itself, but the fact that Phuwin had made it. Before, he had rejected every one of his touches—no matter how superficial—with almost disgust.
Notes:
I finally managed to bring the chapter. I got caught up being sick, dealing with university, and traveling to my hometown for the elections. I really struggled to finish it, and I feel awful for those who regularly wait for new chapters. Please know that I love you all and I’m doing my best to bring them to you (╥‸╥) ♡
Chapter 18: ❝[𝟎𝟏𝟖]: 𝐓𝐨𝐨 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐞❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Saying things had improved would be oversimplifying what had truly been a slow reconfiguration. The group, with a disconcerting ease, had begun to mend itself into a different version of what it once was, as if the storm that had shaken them weeks ago had cleared the air just enough to allow a truce.
Joong and Dunk had resumed their honeymoon phase with a fervor that bordered on the indecent; but Phuwin, for now, could tolerate it. After all, having seen his brother crawl in the shadow of an almost-breakup, and Dunk turned into a silent specter, was still too fresh to dare judge their sudden euphoria. Maybe the excess affection was a way to atone, to make up for all the things they couldn’t say when it hurt too much.
Partly to avoid watching his brother devour his best friend at every traffic light Bangkok offered, and partly because of that strange unspoken agreement that now tied them together, he had started accepting Pond’s offers to drive him to class. The fourth complaint in a single week had been enough for the alpha to huff and say, in that offhanded way of his, that he could swing by and pick him up. And he, of course, couldn’t find a way to say no.
Big mistake.
Because no one had warned him how fucking attractive someone could be behind the wheel. It bordered on a fetish.
And it wasn’t just that. It was the way his hands — large, veined, steady — gripped the wheel with innate confidence; the way he settled into the seat with that shameless ease that made him seem part of the car itself; and most of all, how his jaw clenched every time he had to reverse, forcing him to twist his torso and stretch with that damnable grace only alphas seemed to possess.
Phuwin couldn’t recall a single word from the ride. Not the topic of conversation, not whether music had been playing, not whether it was raining or the sun was shining. He could only think of those hands, that jawline, that stupid grin Pond sometimes flashed him when he thought he wasn’t looking. And he was looking.
The morning was clear, warm — one of those that move with the lazy gold of a dawn reluctant to turn into day. Traffic crawled slowly, as if Bangkok, too, needed coffee to open its eyes, and inside the car, a shared silence stretched between them. Not exactly uncomfortable, but dense enough to be noticed. Phuwin kept his gaze fixed on the passenger window, though he wasn’t really seeing anything outside. His attention wandered, unruly, drawn again and again to the almost-automatic movements of the one driving beside him: the way his fingers toyed with the wheel, long and sure, with the unconscious precision of someone who’s made the trip so many times he no longer has to think about it. A simple gesture, even banal — but lately, nearly everything Pond did seemed charged with a new, strange gravity, as if the entire universe had begun leaning toward him without warning or consent.
“So… if we win four finals, they’ll send us north,” he said casually, his words sliding through the air with the ease of someone not looking for conversation, but an excuse to stay in it. Beside him, Phuwin blinked as if returning from far away, barely registering that he’d been spoken to. “Chiang Mai, a weekend before the match. They want us to stay ‘focused,’ according to the coach.”
He nodded slowly, more out of reflex than genuine understanding, and for a moment thought that would be enough, that Pond would be content with the bare minimum. But no. That alpha had never been one to settle for just enough.
“You guys are going too, right? The cheerleaders.”
“…Huh?”
The taller one laughed, low and rough, a whisper that scraped across his skin like an involuntary shiver.
“I mean…” he repeated, drawing out the word with a teasing lilt, “you travel too, don’t you? Like every year? Or did the club decide it’s not worth watching the players sweat up close this time?”
“Of course we’re going,” he replied with a clumsy sharpness that didn’t quite mask the flush creeping up his neck. “We have our own competition.”
“Yeah, figured,” the older one muttered, his eyes still on the road, lips curling with a smile that tasted like something sweet. Or forbidden. “But I wanted to hear it from you. You were so quiet, I thought you’d fallen asleep… or gotten distracted.”
Phuwin turned toward him, alerted by the tone. Pond’s smile widened, needing no eye contact to feel his effect.
“It’s funny. You were staring at my hands so hard I thought you were about to ask for a picture. Do you like them?”
The blow wasn’t physical, but it hit all the same. Like a wave of heat that surged up his spine, blooming across the back of his neck and setting his cheeks ablaze. He choked on his own dignity, scrambling for a comeback that could save him.
“You’re such a… such an idiot,” he spat at last, but his voice had dropped, grown smaller, more subdued — and that betrayed him.
“I don’t deny it,” the older one replied, maddeningly calm. “But it’s not my fault if you can’t stop looking at me.”
And then he said it. With the cruel calm of someone who knows exactly where to press the bruise.
“If you’re going to drool, at least have the decency not to look away when you get caught.”
That was too much.
Phuwin didn’t answer. Didn’t argue. Didn’t even wait for the car to come to a complete stop in front of the building. With clumsy fingers, he unbuckled his seatbelt and, in a movement heavy with adolescent awkwardness, opened the door and stepped out without a backward glance, shame detonating inside him like a silent bomb. The last thing Pond saw was the tense nape of his neck, his chin held high in a desperate attempt at dignity — one that didn’t quite hide the blush burning all the way to his ears.
The alpha lingered a moment longer with his hands on the steering wheel, watching the door close softly. He didn’t say anything. He simply let the smile — wide and satisfied — rise to his face like an inevitable tide. He loved it. Not just the blush, not just the averted gaze, but that way Phuwin tried to maintain his composure, as if merely feeling drawn to him posed a threat to his very existence.
That was when Aou approached, appearing with that sluggish gait that always made him look half-awake, no matter the hour. He stopped beside the window and cast him a lazy glance, like someone who’d seen this movie before.
“I thought you two were getting along now,” he said, raising an eyebrow as he sipped his coffee.
Pond shrugged with feigned innocence, lifting both hands as if he genuinely believed in his role as the wronged party.
“I swear I didn’t do anything,” he said, though the curve of his grin betrayed him. “I just talked. He’s the one who bolted. How was I supposed to know he gets that flustered when you compliment him?”
“Sure,” Aou muttered, without an ounce of conviction.
Pond turned his gaze back toward the entrance of the building, where the omega’s figure had already disappeared into the crowd. There had been no anger in his retreat. Only fire.
And to him, that was so much better.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The class dragged on like a slow, sophisticated form of torture — not the kind that wounds with violence, but the kind that erodes the mind little by little, a steady drip wearing down his concentration until there was nothing left. The professor’s voice slid monotonously through the room, lost in explanations about group dynamics and symbolic communication, but to him, it all sounded distant, like someone speaking from behind a thick pane of glass. The fluorescent lights pulsed overhead, the fans groaned in the background, but none of it was enough to pull him out of the whirlpool of thoughts that had been drowning him for over half an hour.
He shifted in his seat for the third time in five minutes, uncomfortable not because of the chair, but because of the invisible pressure building in his chest — a suffocating mixture of anger, shame, and something even more unbearable that he didn’t dare name. His fingers rested on the laptop keyboard, unmoving. On the screen, a blank document stared back at him like a silent judge, as if it already knew he’d lost the battle before even beginning to write.
And all because of that idiot.
He bit the inside of his cheek, harder than necessary, hoping physical pain would dissolve the other. But it didn’t work. He couldn’t erase the image. Hands on the wheel. Tendons shifting under skin. That sharp jaw clenched as he looked over his shoulder to reverse. And worse — that damn smile that curled on his lips just before he threw that poisoned comment, that whisper laced with mockery and something else... something he refused to name because it looked too much like desire.
“If you’re going to drool, at least have the decency not to look away when you get caught.”
The phrase pounded in his head like a sentence. He’d wanted to bury himself in the pavement the moment he got out of the car, to vanish among the crowd crossing campus, unaware that inside him, a bomb had just gone off. How was he supposed to look at him again? How could he pretend his heart didn’t race whenever he came close, that he didn’t lose himself in his gestures without even noticing? And how the hell had everything gotten so complicated, so fast?
It was absurd. Just a few months ago, he couldn’t stand him. Couldn’t stand his voice, his scent, his invasive presence. He was his brother’s annoying best friend — the alpha always at his house, eating their food, stealing the remote, teasing him for every little thing. His lifelong antagonist. His cross.
But now... now something was different. Something burned beneath the skin and left his chest in disarray. It wasn’t that Pond had stopped being a jerk. He still was. But now he was also warm. Gentle in unexpected moments. He measured his words when they were alone. He paid attention — like he actually listened. And that infuriating habit of smiling at him right when he blushed was his cruelest weapon. He knew exactly which buttons to press.
The worst part was that his body hadn’t forgotten. And it wasn’t going to let him be.
His throat was dry. His back, stiff. And beneath it all — like an unwanted but persistent whisper — the evidence that something inside him was stirring, out of his control. His omega condition was something he had learned to manage with discipline, with self-imposed restraint that kept him contained, always in check. He didn’t allow himself to falter. Not even when puberty made his secondary gender more present, when his body began asking for things his mind wasn’t ready to accept.
But now, after weeks of shared moments, of accidental brushes, of lingering glances, of teasing that sounded more like flirting than annoyance — his biology was beginning to betray him.
And, as if the universe had a taste for cruelty, Dunk decided to point it out.
“Phuwin…” the older omega murmured, wrinkling his nose from the seat beside him. “No offense, but... you smell. A lot.”
Phuwin turned to him, alarmed.
“What...?”
“Sweet. Way too sweet. Like someone spilled honey syrup all over the room. My nose is burning,” Dunk continued, squinting as he tried to fan himself with a piece of paper. “Are you okay? Did you take your suppressor today?”
The blow landed sharp. Unexpected. The younger boy felt his blood freeze as his hand flew to his neck on reflex, searching for the patch. It was there. He had put it on that very morning. He hadn’t forgotten. And yet...
He swallowed hard, feeling more exposed than ever.
“Yeah. I did. Maybe it’s the weather... or I didn’t sleep well.”
Dunk raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but chose not to push. He just turned back to his notebook — though not without adding in a barely audible murmur:
“Just be careful. If you smell like this now... I don’t even want to imagine what’ll happen if you get close to a sensitive alpha.”
He didn’t need to imagine. He already knew. He had felt it that morning, when Pond leaned forward to look out the window and he, weak and foolish, allowed himself to breathe in that warm scent that enveloped him without warning: wood, freshly laundered clothes, a hint of sweat, and something he could only describe as... him.
And his body had responded. With a dull heat blooming in the base of his abdomen. With a tension in his thighs that made him shift uncomfortably in his seat. With that animal need to touch, to inhale, to sink into that presence and stay there like it was shelter.
The scent now radiating from his body — that overwhelming sweetness even he found excessive — was nothing more than the consequence of a desire that had seized him with brutal force. And he hated it. Hated being so omega when what he wanted most was to pretend nothing affected him. That he could be strong, distant, untouchable.
But the body had memory. And will.
The memory hit like a slap just when he thought he’d buried it far enough. A pang, sweet and painful, that traveled through his chest, down his abdomen, and settled in the quietest part of him.
Weeks had passed, but he still couldn’t think about that afternoon without his fingers trembling.
He remembered Pond’s bedroom desk, the scattered notes, the alpha leaning over his notebook, explaining things in a voice soft and patient — like for a moment, he’d forgotten his role as the bothersome antagonist. His scent had been everywhere, soaking the air like a warm balm: sandalwood, something citrusy, and an undertone that made Phuwin think of sunny afternoons and his favorite chocolate.
First came the sting in his stomach, then the trembling in his legs, the cold sweat at the nape of his neck, the blurring of his vision. Phuwin thought he was getting sick, that something had disagreed with him, but it didn’t take long to recognize that growing pressure in his lower belly, that silent hunger, that whisper from his body demanding only one thing: closeness. Warmth. Comfort.
Since then, Phuwin had been haunted by the shame of that moment. Not because of the kiss — although that too — but because of what came after: the certainty that, in the middle of an uncontrollable heat, all he had wanted was for that particular alpha to take care of him. To wrap around him. To spoil him with tenderness, with attention, with soft words — and he couldn’t even blame that longing on his omega instincts alone.
He just wanted Pond to look at him like he did that night. He just wanted to feel him that close again.
And that... that was the most humiliating part of it all.
He shut his eyes tightly, as if the mere act of squeezing them shut could tear that memory from his mind—the one that kept pulsing stubbornly behind his eyelids. His fingers, clenched on the desk, trembled with a blend of shame, heat, and restrained frustration, and the pressure he exerted on them felt like his body’s last defense to preserve some semblance of composure. There was something physical about it all, something so deeply biological it hurt. As if his skin weren’t enough of a barrier between what he felt and what he didn’t want the world to know. As if something inside his chest was calling out to him in a voice not his own—ancient, instinctive—cracking his reason.
Driven by the absurd need to understand himself, to find refuge in someone who wouldn't judge him, he turned awkwardly to his classmate. His voice knotted in his throat, but still, he let it out—a barely audible whisper, fractured by anxiety:
“Hey... can I ask you something?”
Dunk looked up from his notebook, visibly intrigued, with that sort of caution one reserves for weighty confessions. There was something in his expression that already anticipated the strangeness of what was coming, as if his instincts had warned him in advance that this was a conversation his friend truly didn’t want to have with anyone else.
“Of course,” he replied, tilting his head.
Phuwin hesitated. His lips parted and closed a few times, as if trying to pick the right question from the swarm of erratic thoughts circling in his mind. In the end, he lowered his voice even more, almost as if he feared his own words might betray him to himself.
“It’s just that... has it ever happened to you that... your omega instincts react way too strongly to an alpha? Not because you're in heat, or it’s your cycle, or anything like that... but just because you like them so much you... don’t know how to hide it. It becomes physical. It becomes unbearable.”
The older boy blinked, as though he hadn’t expected something so direct, and then a slow, all-too-meaningful smile began to spread across his lips. It wasn’t mocking. It was something closer to recognition, to the certainty of someone who had slowly witnessed a truth finally daring to name itself aloud.
“That strong?” he asked in a measured voice, like someone testing the ground, knowing every word could shatter the fragile balance of things.
There was no answer. Just a taut silence, and the faint tremble of Phuwin’s flushed cheeks. The blush rose from his neck all the way to the tips of his ears—a silent confession that didn’t even need to be spoken.
Dunk didn’t press. He didn’t have to. His gaze said enough when he asked the next question with startling clarity, like someone finally connecting the last dots of a map he’d had in front of him all along.
“Is it because of him? Is it Pond?”
The brunet turned his head away sharply, trying to conceal the truth that was crushing him, but his silence only confirmed it. He didn’t deny it. He didn’t protest. He merely lowered his gaze and murmured, his voice heavy with a vulnerability he rarely let show:
“Lately... it’s been hard. Being around him, talking to him, even looking at him... without something inside me wanting to touch him. And not in a desperate way — though sometimes that too — but... small things. I want to brush his fingers, lean against his shoulder, get close to his neck just to breathe in his scent more deeply. Even the way he moves gets to me. The way he walks, the way he chews, the way he frowns when something annoys him. Everything. Everything makes me nervous. And at the same time... I’m drawn to it. It’s like my body... recognizes him. Like it’s already chosen him. Like it doesn’t need my permission to react this way. I feel like I’m going crazy.”
The comment hung between them like a burning coal. Dunk watched him in silence for a moment, with an almost brotherly tenderness, as though he understood more than he let on. At last, he laid a hand on Phuwin’s arm, his crooked smile neither patronizing nor mocking, but brutally honest.
“You’re not crazy. Fucked, yeah. But not crazy.”
The laugh that escaped Phuwin was brief, almost a reflex, but it held that note of hysteria that belongs to someone who laughs because they’re not sure if they’re about to cry. He ran a hand across his forehead, ashamed of himself, of his body, of that animal need that spilled out of him with such unnerving ease.
“I don’t want him to notice,” he confessed after an uncomfortable silence, the words so sincere they hurt. “I don’t want him to smell what’s happening to me. To know that he... that he affects me like this. I couldn’t handle it.”
Dunk leaned back in his seat, eyeing him like someone watching a person try to plug a leaking dam with their fingers while the water’s already up to their neck.
“I doubt he hasn’t noticed,” he replied, not breaking eye contact. “But I also doubt he minds.”
Phuwin straightened, stunned, as if what he’d just heard was blasphemy. His chest twisted so sharply he thought for a moment he’d gone lightheaded.
“What...?” he whispered.
“Nothing,” his friend said with feigned innocence, turning toward the window. “I’m just saying, some alphas might be idiots, yeah, but they’re not blind. And if he’s noticed — which he has, trust me — and he still keeps looking for you, still gets close, still makes you laugh... there’s a reason.”
The silence returned, but this time, it carried something different. It wasn’t fear or shame.
It was possibility.
And that, out of all emotions, was the most destabilizing of all.
Because if it were true... if there was even the remotest chance that this alpha felt something too — even just a little, just for a moment, through the tiniest crack — then everything changed.
Then he wasn’t alone in the fire.
Then maybe... just maybe, he was being wanted back.
And that, no matter how terrifying, made his heart race more than any heat ever could.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Friday had fallen over them like a soaked blanket: heavy, sticky, utterly exhausting. The hours had piled up one over the other throughout the week, not with the discreet cadence of a calendar, but with the violence of an avalanche that spared neither young bodies nor oversaturated minds.
The combination of training sessions, exams, and unfinished assignments had left them emotionally drained, and not even the promise of a party with music, lights, and sweaty bodies brushing against each other at Fourth’s house had managed to lift their spirits. It was as if exhaustion had seeped into their bones, their eyelashes, the way they mumbled through clenched teeth.
In the end, the solution was to stay at the brothers' house—which always seemed to become the meeting point—dress in clothes far too loose and far too comfortable, and let themselves be carried by the only energy they had left: the energy of doing absolutely nothing important.
The idea of watching a movie was met with enthusiasm, though a minor war broke out when Dunk, with his love for the macabre, tried to impose one of those gore masterpieces where everyone dies in absurd ways. Phuwin's refusal was as sharp as it was amusing. He crossed his arms, threatened to lock himself in his room if he saw even a single scene with blood, and eventually demanded something “romantic and stupid”—his exact words, which Dunk repeated in a high-pitched voice, earning a jab from Naravit.
Joong, who had spent most of the afternoon with his hands latched onto his omega like they were part of the furniture, didn’t seem too invested in the conflict. The elder barely lifted his lips from Dunk’s cheek, neck, or shoulder, ignoring even his mother’s presence. She, resigned to the intensity of their bond, merely sighed before packing her bag for her night shift at the hospital.
She had left a couple of boxes of cookies and some drinks on the living room table before saying a quick goodbye to each of them with a kiss. And although she tried to hide it, Phuwin sensed the melancholy in her gestures. It wasn’t easy to see her children so little, not even in her own house.
Perhaps for that reason—or because the atmosphere had become uncomfortably intimate for him—the brown-haired boy decided to shower too. He could still feel the sweat sticking to his back from the midday training, and if he was going to sit on the couch in the same shorts he'd worn running under the blistering sun, he'd probably end up in a foul mood.
As he undressed, he thought there was no better decision than staying home. Going out meant dealing with smells, stimuli, crowded bodies, and music so loud he couldn’t even hear his own thoughts.
Pond, meanwhile, had left a little earlier, announcing in a triumphant voice that he’d take care of the pizzas. He’d said something about showering first at his house so he wouldn’t show up “smelling like training and pheromones,” which earned scattered laughter and a few jabs from Dunk. But the older one didn’t take offense. Before leaving, he shot a quick glance at the younger omega—one of those fleeting looks that last barely a second and yet seem to drag entire minutes in their echo. He didn’t say anything else, but the smile hung between them like a provocation.
Phuwin could still feel it, even under the warm water of the shower, as if the memory of that expression had stuck to his skin.
He’d spent too much time beneath the steady stream—not because he needed to be that clean, but because the water was the only thing helping him keep his heart in place. As if every drop on his skin could quiet the wildfire that kept igniting inside him every time he thought of him.
The brown-haired boy had just finished pulling on his pajama shorts, rubbing his hair with the same absentmindedness he used to try and wipe away any unwanted images—which lately meant practically every interaction with the alpha—and the moment he collapsed onto the bed, messy thoughts and all, he heard the soft knock of knuckles on the door.
The older one let himself in uninvited, with the shamelessness that always characterized him, leaving the door ajar before flopping down on the bed without an ounce of remorse, like it was rightfully his place. His scent of plain soap and warm skin spread through the air with the insolence of someone who knows their mere presence can unbalance the room, and if Phuwin didn’t throw him out, it was only because—for once—the other was freshly bathed, dressed in light gray pajamas that made him look more tamed, more harmless… even if the effect wouldn’t last long.
“Why haven’t you come down yet?” he asked, lying on his back, one hand behind his head and the other idly playing with a fold of the sheet. “Joong already ate half a pizza. He didn’t even wait for you.”
“I was waiting for you,” the younger one replied without thinking, with that clumsy honesty that always betrayed him when he felt too exposed. “Didn’t want to be stuck alone with the lovebirds.”
The alpha chuckled under his breath, a deep, lazy sound that made the mattress vibrate beneath them.
“They’re cute. If I had a boyfriend, I’d be a thousand times worse,” he said boldly, as if already picturing the scene: his arm around a tiny omega, forehead kisses every five minutes, maybe a finger tracing down someone’s spine under the blanket.
The younger one’s stomach twisted.
The thought—one he didn’t even want to have—hit him with violent force: the image of that fictional Pond caressing someone else. An omega that wasn’t him. He hated it. Hated that imaginary version of himself getting jealous over a scenario that didn’t even exist.
He changed the subject awkwardly, turning toward him as he dropped the towel on his lap.
“You’re dripping,” he muttered, nodding toward his wet hair now soaking into the pillowcase. “Want me to dry your hair? If you keep this up, you’re going to soak my whole bed.”
“Are you gonna dry my hair like I’m your pet?” he asked playfully, though he didn’t move, didn’t complain or protest. He merely settled in a little more, giving him space—almost like he wanted to provoke him into doing it.
Phuwin swallowed hard, searching within himself for the composure necessary to approach without losing his mind. He knew nothing good could come from that gesture. That his hands were far too hungry for contact, that his pulse quickened the moment he felt the warmth of the other body beside his own. And yet, he reached for the clean towel at the foot of the bed and sat behind him, legs crossed, beginning to gently rub the alpha’s dark, damp hair.
A simple movement. Innocent, on the surface.
But his fingers trembled ever so slightly, not out of clumsiness, but from the brutal awareness of every centimeter of skin he touched, from the way the other allowed it, breathing slowly, as if enjoying the way he was being handled far too much.
And Phuwin, still unable to look him in the eye, wondered when he had started wishing he would never leave that bed.
The brunette couldn’t help it. It was almost tender, irritatingly tender, the way the alpha closed his eyes while his fingers kept tracing lazy circles with the towel over his still-damp hair. It felt like petting a golden retriever—obedient, large, warm, and muscular, who, despite his size, allowed himself to be pampered like a puppy. It shouldn’t affect him this much. It was just a hair massage, a favor between friends. Friends who, of course, didn’t touch like this. Or look at each other like this. Or think about each other this many times a day.
The older one murmured something, breaking the stillness that had only been disturbed by their interwoven breaths.
"Are you still mad at me?"
The question caught him off guard, but not as much as the unexpected seriousness in his voice. There was no teasing, none of that playful tone he used when he knew he was provoking him on purpose. Only a legitimate doubt, almost vulnerable.
"I’ve noticed you’ve been acting strange lately. Like you're always on the defensive around me. I know I can be a bit of an idiot with you sometimes, but... if I’m doing something that bothers you, I really want to know. I don’t want you to go back to hating me."
And then, the alpha turned around.
He sat facing him, their knees nearly touching, his hair still tousled from the affectionate drying. His eyes, dark and direct, searched for him with a frankness that shattered any barrier the omega might have tried to build. He didn’t think. Didn’t analyze. Had no time to listen to fear or craft a lie.
He simply said what his omega had been silently begging to say all week.
"Can I smell you?"
The silence thickened so intensely he thought for a second he had stopped breathing.
The alpha’s eyes widened slightly, but what struck him the most was seeing how his ears—those ears well hidden beneath the mess of wet hair—flushed a deep crimson. Shame struck him like a punch to the chest. What had he just said? How had something like that slipped out? What part of his self-control had given up without warning?
"I mean... I’m hungry," he mumbled, springing to his feet in a clumsy motion, as if his body knew before his mind that he needed to flee. His heart was pounding absurdly. It was madness. He had to get out. Go downstairs. Pretend everything was normal. Eat a slice of greasy pizza and swallow down his desire until it stopped hurting.
But he didn’t make it a single step.
A firm, warm, steady hand caught him by the wrist, pulling him gently. And in one swift, unexpected movement, he ended up in the older boy’s lap—one knee on the bed, the other trapped between the alpha’s legs, their faces dangerously close, their breaths blending without permission.
"Don’t run," the older one murmured without letting go. "You surprised me, yeah, but it’s not like I’m upset."
Phuwin felt the flutter in his stomach, that ridiculous vertigo that overtook him whenever the alpha used that lower, more intimate tone. So close. So damn close.
"Can I?" the older one insisted with a crooked smile and that defiant glint in his eyes. "If you’re going to smell me, I want to do it too. Fair, right?"
He didn’t know what to say. He didn’t know if he could speak without his voice cracking. Because just imagining it—that face buried in his neck, inhaling deeply his scent of honey—made him tremble. It wasn’t just desire. It was that need to feel recognized, chosen, marked in a way he couldn’t name. And still, he nodded. Once. Shaky. Afraid. On the verge of bursting.
Pond leaned in first, bringing one of Phuwin’s hands to his chest, caressing it softly with his fingers as if to calm him. Then, he moved his face toward his neck, slowly, closing his eyes.
The omega held his breath.
And then, he smelled him. Deeply. Intentionally. As if trying to memorize every particle of the scent he had longed for since discovering it.
Honey.
The alpha smiled against his skin.
"You’ve always been sweet," he whispered.
And Phuwin felt his entire nervous system implode.
The air thickened between them as if the world had suddenly shrunk to that space enclosed between two bodies: the warmth of skin barely concealed by sleepwear, the awkward rhythm of two breaths unsure whether to quicken or vanish entirely, and the nearly painful electricity born from the inevitable contact.
The omega didn’t know when his fingers had clutched the hem of Pond’s t-shirt, as if that scrap of fabric could anchor him amid the trembling that shook him from within. The older boy hadn’t moved yet, still resting his nose against the curve of his neck, inhaling with such shameless slowness it felt like he was stripping his soul bare. But it wasn’t lewd—not entirely. It was reverent. As if he was learning to know him through scent, as if smelling him was a way of memorizing him down to the marrow.
When he pulled away, his eyes gleamed with something strange. Darker. More intense.
"Your turn," he murmured.
Phuwin swallowed. He didn’t dare. But he couldn’t refuse either. He brought his hands to the alpha’s shirt and, without asking—because he already had permission—he leaned in. The scent hit him as soon as he reached the hollow between Pond’s neck and shoulder. Dark chocolate. It felt like being wrapped in a burning hug. Rich, deep, warm, with that trace of something scorched that left a lingering taste on the emotional palate. It wasn’t just a scent—it was a place one wanted to return to.
He closed his eyes and let the impulse guide him. He inhaled. Once. Twice. Three times. His nose brushed damp skin, the trace of shampoo barely masking the alpha’s natural aroma. It was intoxicating. His shoulders slackened, his hands, his will. He moved instinctively, following that line of heat rising from the collarbone until he found it: right behind the ear, over the neck gland. That sensitive zone for everyone—the most intimate. He could have settled for the alpha’s wrist glands, but if Pond could smell him there, so could he.
And he did.
He didn’t expect the reaction. Pond shuddered. All of him. As if a jolt of electricity had suddenly shot through him. His fingers tightened around the omega’s hips, and a sound barely audible—a broken exhale, a kind of restrained growl—escaped his throat.
Phuwin froze. Then smiled, just barely, with something like mischief and wonder. As if he’d just discovered the older boy’s weak spot.
"Sensitive, Nara?" he murmured with a faint curve of his lips, not pulling an inch away from the skin still trembling beneath his breath. "How curious... What am I supposed to do with that information?"
The response was a huff, but not a mocking one. Pond clenched his jaw, as if the heat was beginning to burn from the inside in a way he couldn’t contain. His voice, when it came, had a low, grating edge, like he was wrestling with something deeper than words.
"Don’t abuse your advantage," he warned, barely holding back a growl. "That area... it’s not for playing."
But for the omega, that limit only served as provocation. Without saying a word, he leaned in toward his neck again. This time slower. Hungrier. More of everything. He slid his nose over the exposed gland and inhaled deeply, letting himself be enveloped by the alpha’s dense perfume while the tip of his nose stimulated the spot just enough for Pond’s pheromones to cling to him.
And then he felt it. The shiver beneath his lips. The tremor that surged through him like lightning, from the base of the neck to the fingers still gripping him tightly in their shared warmth. It was immediate. Palpable. And dangerously addictive.
"And if I’m not playing..." he barely whispered, still too close to pull away. "What then?"
The older boy said nothing. He only looked at him with that dark, disarming intensity that seemed to unravel him completely. And in that gaze there was no irony, no irritation, no mask of confidence with which he usually hid everything. There was desire, yes—barely restrained—but also something deeper: a surrender born from recognition, as if at last his body were speaking a language even the alpha’s mind couldn’t control. As if that single gesture—smelling him there, right there—had dismantled every one of his defenses with a single breath.
For a fleeting moment, Phuwin felt invincible.
And terrified. At the same time.
He had only him.
In his lap.
Scenting him.
And goddamn happy about it.
Pond couldn’t recall the exact moment the world had reduced itself to a single thing: Phuwin, on top of him, wearing those cursed shorts that revealed far more than any self-respecting alpha with questionable impulse control should be allowed to see, his hair still damp and unruly, clinging to his cheeks in messy, tempting strands. His scent, everywhere. Honey, and something more. Honey laced with the depth of desire, that sweetness steeped in heat, wrapping around him like a perfumed, velvet trap. It was overwhelming. Unbearable. Irresistible.
The stifled laughter, the mischief in the younger one’s voice, that sudden confidence with which he had sniffed him, explored him, discovered him—none of it helped. Phuwin was no longer the furious kid who used to throw insults with blazing eyes. No. The omega looking down at him from that close had fire in his blood and a kind of power he was only just beginning to wield—with charming cruelty. He had him cornered. And he knew it. And that certainty—that he could melt him with a touch, with a breath, with a careless glance—was enough to awaken something feral, something ancient, deep in Pond’s chest.
His alpha—instincts usually buried beneath jokes and awkward manners—was clawing to the surface. It buzzed under his skin, shoved at his breath. It hurt. And at the same time, it savored every second of that torture. Because there was something so damn perfect in the image before him: Phuwin, tousled and daring, wrapped in his scent, in his space, with the ease of someone no longer afraid and the flirtation of someone just starting to taste the effect he had on others.
If he stayed still one second longer, if Phuwin brushed his neck with his lips again, if he dared to inhale one more time...
He might do something he shouldn’t.
Something that would shatter everything they’d fought so hard to build.
"Do you have any idea what you’re doing?" he whispered, barely audible, voice hoarse, jaw clenched, hands gripping the back of the omega’s thighs just to stop them from doing anything else. "You’re on top of me, scenting me like you're trying to find a weakness... and I swear to you, Princess, I’m running out of willpower."
Phuwin didn’t move. He looked down at him, still kneeling in his lap, hair falling like a silk curtain around his flushed face, lips parted from ragged breath. And he smiled. Not with mockery. Not with malice. He smiled like someone realizing, for the first time, that he held the power to set the whole world on fire—if he so wished.
Pond sank back against the sheets, closing his eyes for a moment. His chocolate scent was going to cling to the omega for hours if he kept leaking pheromones like this. Probably days. It would haunt him. It would corrupt him. And even if he hadn’t said it out loud yet, the thought stirred a possessiveness he found delicious.
The air was still thick, saturated with Phuwin’s sweet scent and the heat simmering just beneath Pond’s skin, when the door burst open without so much as a knock.
"Hey, come downstairs already—Chenchen’s going for his third pizza," Dunk’s voice floated in lazily as he stepped inside, mumbling around half a slice still hanging from his mouth. But then he looked up—and froze.
"Oh."
Phuwin was still on Pond’s lap, kneeling, hands pressed to the alpha’s chest, cheeks burning, hair a disheveled curtain over his blushing face. The alpha had one arm lazily thrown behind his head, shirt slightly pushed up at the waist, and the guilty glint in his eyes didn’t help the scene one bit.
Chewing stopped. One second. Maybe two.
"JOONG!" the black-haired boy yelled with wicked glee, spinning on his heel and sprinting down the hall. "POND AND PHU CAN’T COME EAT ‘CAUSE THEY’RE HAVING SEX!"
"WHAT?!" came Joong’s roar from the kitchen, followed by the unmistakable crash of a glass shattering against the floor and an apocalyptic screech. "POND, I SWEAR TO GOD, IF YOU TOUCHED MY LITTLE BROTHER AGAIN—NO SEX UNTIL MARRIAGE!!"
Phuwin jumped off the alpha’s lap faster than he thought humanly possible, ears ablaze, stumbling over the corner of the bed as he scrambled to his feet. Pond burst out laughing—deep, uncontrollable laughter from the gut—as he watched the omega flee to the bathroom like his life depended on it.
"We didn’t do anything! Dunk’s a fucking idiot!" he shouted, though his voice cracked at the end from laughing too hard.
From the kitchen came only the sound of Joong snorting like a dragon preparing its wrathful speech while Dunk gasped for air from laughing with zero remorse.
"You’ve got five minutes to explain or there will be blood!"
Pond collapsed back onto the mattress, still laughing, shirt now completely rucked up, chest exposed, his scent tangled hopelessly with Phuwin’s in every thread of the bedding.
"Totally worth it," he murmured, still smiling, eyes on the ceiling with a kind of absurd, dazed peace. "Absolutely."
Notes:
Two chapters in the same week...should we make a wish?
Chapter 19: ❝[𝟎𝟏𝟗]: 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩𝐬❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
It was barely past seven, and the parking lot in front of the school was already brimming with movement: backpacks hitting the asphalt, poorly sealed coffee thermoses, voices still hoarse with sleep, the dragging footsteps of bodies that couldn’t quite comprehend why a school trip meant waking up even earlier than usual. The air was thick with disguised complaints, sluggish energy, and the kind of chaos that only happens during poorly planned school outings.
Joong’s car was the last to arrive, stopping with an exaggerated screech that cut through the half-asleep minds of the athletes. The first to get out was Dunk, moving with the same calculated calm as always. He wore a crooked beanie, untied shoelaces, and a serene expression, as if he hadn’t been dragged out of bed at six by his overly enthusiastic boyfriend who had zero regard for his beauty sleep. He walked like the entire world was in slow motion, and he was just modeling through the chaos.
From the back seat, Phuwin stepped out before anyone else, curling into a hoodie that fit him more like a sleeping bag—possibly belonging to a certain annoying alpha. The hood covered part of his face, and even from a distance, his under-eye bags were visible. In one hand, he dragged a half-zipped duffel bag with a water bottle poking out the side, and on his legs he wore his cheerleader uniform: a short, shiny red-and-white skirt that clashed brutally with his overall state of exhaustion. The thigh-high white socks were the only protection he had against the cold morning air.
Pond was the last to get out. He did so sluggishly, as if each second were a punishment. He wore sunglasses even though the sun had barely begun to rise. His hair was a mess, his jacket half-open, and he carried the classic air of someone who’d rather be anywhere else—yes, even in math class. At least there, he could sleep at his desk.
“If I look puffy from lack of sleep, Nara, I swear I’ll kill you,” the younger omega muttered, not looking at anyone. His voice was hoarse, low, cracked from lack of rest and tinged with the bitter tone he used as a defense mechanism when speaking to the alpha.
The named one turned his head slightly, just enough to offer him a crooked smile. He was just as tired as the omega. The night had been short for both of them, but he couldn’t be happier about it. He and Phuwin now shared almost all of their free time together—he didn’t even know when he started going to the brothers’ house just to study or hang out with the omega instead of playing video games with Chen.
“No one forced you to watch The Princess Diaries 2, Phuphu.”
“You cried during the final speech.”
“I didn’t cry.”
“You sobbed.”
Joong shot them a dry look in the rearview mirror before getting out of the car. It was too early to deal with their enemies-to-lovers routine. Lately, those two spent every possible moment together, including movie nights that he personally found silly. He preferred his omega’s horror films—at least then he had an excuse to hold him close.
As soon as his feet hit the ground, he started shouting greetings to the soccer players gathering near the rented bus, all fighting for the best seats with a view. The only one who seemed to have energy unfit for the hour was Fourth, who bounced around listing all the places and activities he wanted to do in his free time. The other athletes looked like they wanted to murder the restless omega with their eyes.
“What’s up with those two now?” Dunk muttered, gesturing toward the coaches.
Just a few meters from where the rest of the group was chatting, Earth and Mix were caught up in a scene that had become a regular occurrence at every school event: the coach argument. Earth waved a folder of crumpled papers with the intensity of someone presenting damning evidence to an unforgiving jury. Mix, meanwhile, defended himself with the only thing at hand—a half-finished cup of coffee, raised like an improvised shield—while his other hand joined in with an increasingly frustrated choreography of gestures.
But Naravit was no longer paying attention to the arguing adults or his classmates—his focus was caught by something much closer, something that had been occupying his mind since they left the house.
Phuwin.
It wasn’t the first time he’d seen him in that uniform, and yet something about the image always threw him off. Maybe it was the contrast between the pristine white thigh-high socks and his utterly exhausted expression. Or the way the skirt lifted ever so slightly when the omega bent down to check his bag, with no concern for what might be exposed. Maybe it was the almost tender way he rubbed his eyes, like a child about to fall asleep on his feet. Or perhaps it was just the fresh memory of the night before—both of them wrapped in blankets, sharing popcorn and quiet laughter, their legs brushing under the excuse of comfort and a movie they had already watched too many times.
The worst part was, the omega didn’t even seem aware of the effect he had. He kept dragging his bag awkwardly, avoiding eye contact, hidden in his oversized hoodie, masking his honey-scented pheromones with his own scent of chocolate. As if that snappy, irritable attitude could act as a shield against attention—against the stares that followed him regardless.
He blinked, forcing himself to look away. Lowered his head, pretended to check his backpack, pulled his school ID out of the inside pocket with clumsy fingers. Anything to redirect his thoughts—to ignore the barely perceptible tremble that ran through him every time his alpha side recognized that familiar scent. Sweet, enveloping, unmistakable.
"Are you okay?" asked his friend’s boyfriend softly, not raising his voice, but with that calm focus he usually reserved just for him.
"Yeah," the taller boy replied too quickly, more clumsily than usual. "Just… got distracted for a second."
Dunk turned slightly. Glanced at him from the corner of his eye, one eyebrow lifting just a little before he said:
"You got distracted… or you got lost under Phu’s skirt?"
There was no venom in the question, but it struck true. It irritated him how quickly the omega picked up on everything, as if he could read him effortlessly. He hated how precise he was at noticing the way his eyes always—no matter how hard he tried not to—drifted toward Phuwin. It wasn’t something he did on purpose. It just happened. Again and again. And the fact Dunk noticed only made it worse, because now he couldn’t even pretend it wasn’t happening.
"I think there’s a problem with the number of seats and the people going on the trip," someone interrupted, their voice calm and perfectly enunciated—so sudden it made the group jump a little.
Aou had appeared, as always, without a single sound announcing his presence. He was just there, standing a few steps away, as if he’d emerged straight from the ground. Sometimes he seemed more like a polite spirit who materialized only to deliver messages. His calm gaze contrasted sharply with the collective jolt caused by his habit of arriving unannounced.
Joong, who had never outgrown his habit of reacting with his whole body, let out a scream more fitting for a soap opera heroine than an alpha.
"Why do you always appear like that?! Do you have any idea what you’re doing to my heart?!"
The older omega, though more composed, spun around quickly, eyes widening the moment he saw the tall alpha standing there so serenely, as if he’d been with them the whole time. He had that uncanny ability to show up without warning, like a silent, well-mannered ghost who always brought important news.
"Hi," greeted Aou, unbothered by the vice-captain’s dramatic reaction. And that’s when the group couldn’t help but notice who was standing next to him.
At his side, hand held firmly but gently, was Boom. Like the other two omegas, he was wearing his cheer uniform, bundled up in an oversized coat and wrapped tightly in a white scarf that reached up to his chin. His face, framed by carefully styled strands of hair, peeked out from under Sanrio-themed hair clips, giving him that usual mix of shyness and sweetness that was so uniquely his. His expression remained neutral as always, but there was a subtle smile in his eyes.
What caught everyone’s attention was the way their fingers were interlaced.
Pond was the first to notice. He raised one eyebrow—just slightly—a microexpression that, between them, was enough to spark a thousand assumptions. But he didn’t say a word. He simply turned his gaze toward his friend, who was smiling with unmistakable satisfaction, like someone who had just accomplished a long-planned feat and was savoring the moment.
Joong, on the other hand, lacked any sense of subtlety. His inner gossip aunt took over instantly.
"Are you guys dating now?" he asked, shamelessly, voice laced with playful excitement, eyes gleaming like he’d just received the best news of the day. He knew, of course, all about Aou’s long and slightly awkward courtship since the beginning of the semester. Seeing them like this—hand in hand—just made him happy for his friend who had been crushing hard on the shy omega.
The mullet-haired boy lit up with a wide grin, clearly excited to share the news.
"Yes!"
"N-no…"
The two voices overlapped in almost comedic synchronization, making everyone turn their heads back and forth between them with matching expressions of confusion. Boom looked at him in genuine surprise, as if he’d just found out he was in a relationship at the exact same time as everyone else.
"A-are we dating?" he asked, more to confirm with the universe than to actually deny it. His voice was soft, timid, like he still wasn’t sure if he should be blushing or panicking.
"Of course we are, Jelly! We kissed—that makes us a couple," declared the other with such complete certainty it was as if he were stating an obvious fact. His smile was so genuine and bright it was hard to argue with.
"B-but you didn’t ask…" the omega stammered, cheeks growing increasingly red as he struggled to maintain composure under the laser-focused stares of Dunk and Phuwin. The idea of being upgraded from "crush" to "official boyfriend" without prior notice might’ve felt like betrayal to their friends—but truthfully, he hadn’t been informed either.
The quiet laughter that had begun to bubble up among the alphas evaporated like mist when Phuwin’s voice sliced through the air with what was about to become a legendary complaint.
"Aou…" he began, trying not to sound truly offended—but of course he was. He raised one hand, pausing dramatically before pointing an accusatory finger at the alpha. "Do you realize what you’ve just done? You not only made Boom your boyfriend without asking, but you also ruined what should have been a beautiful couple proposal. That’s the least someone as adorable as him deserves!"
The normally composed, level-headed black-haired omega let out an exasperated sigh. Arms crossed, he glanced at Boom with that protective tenderness he always felt toward him, and added with conviction:
"I can’t allow my friend to miss out on his teenage movie-worthy romantic moment. You do not have my blessing, dumb alpha. In fact, I won’t rest until Boom gets the kind of love confession he deserves. A proper one!"
His indignation seemed to infect the older omega beside him. Dunk joined the cause with a smug grin and a determined gleam in his eyes. Arms crossed, posture firm, he turned to the scolded alpha.
"Phu’s right," he said, his voice only barely masking his amusement. "You’ve got the weekend to come up with something really romantic. If you don’t, I’ll find Boom a date with an alpha who does understand what it means to be thoughtful."
Aou deflated instantly, like a popped balloon. Reality hit him square in the chest, and the look in his eyes shifted from joy to complete bewilderment. It was clear he had just realized how badly he had messed up—not offering Boom what he truly deserved: a moment full of care and meaning. The weight of his misstep pulled him into emotional freefall, and before he could say anything else, he let go of the pretty omega’s hand with a dramatic flourish.
With the kind of exaggerated movement worthy of a stage actor, he bowed forward in a deep, reverent gesture—like he was about to deliver the most heartfelt apology in history.
"Jelly…" he said, voice soft and full of remorse. "I messed up. I realize now what you deserve, and what I did wasn’t right. That wasn’t my intention… but please, let me fix it." He straightened again, now with an almost nervous smile, and added sincerely, "I’ll do my best, I promise. I’ll give you something as beautiful as you are… but it’s going to be hard. Because…" his gaze softened, and he couldn’t help looking at him with all the weight of his love "you’re so beautiful, Jelly."
The disbelief in Boom’s eyes was slowly replaced by a shy little smile, though he could still feel the heat in his cheeks. He was still getting used to the alpha’s hyperactivity and dramatics. The bow, the confession, the looks so full of… feeling? They were undeniably warm, but also strangely comforting.
It felt good to have a group of friends who cared about him—and an alpha so eager to court him. It was more than he had ever imagined.
Chen, seeing the situation reach an epic level of sweetness, couldn’t resist the temptation to jump in.
“We’re going to help you!” he said immediately, raising his hand like a volunteer ready to dedicate himself to the cause. He looked at Pond, who seemed just as excited about the chance to play matchmaker. “Don’t worry. With our help, Boom will get the most epic proposal ever. We’re not going to let this opportunity slip by.”
“Exactly,” Pond added with a knowing look. “As friends, it’s our duty to do right by him. We’ll help you plan something worthy of someone as special as Boom.”
Aou, who was already clearly overwhelmed just thinking about how to make his proposal, nodded with a resigned sigh. The idea of receiving help—of everyone being so willing to get involved in fixing his mistake—filled him with a mix of gratitude and nervousness. If there was one thing he couldn’t afford, it was failing to do justice to someone so beautiful.
The argument between Earth and Mix had reached a volume that pulled the group of friends out of their touching conversation.
“I told you to double-check the cheerleader list,” snapped the dark-haired coach, his jaw tense in that way it only got when he was on the verge of collapse.
“And you were in charge of the football players! You said there’d be eighteen, and there are twenty here including the substitutes!” the other fired back, crossing his arms like that alone would shield him from the chaos around them.
“That’s because you listed the substitutes as starters on the final form!”
“Because you told me everyone was participating in the group activities!!”
“WE DON’T NEED GROUP ACTIVITIES, THIS IS A SPORTS CAMP, NOT A SPIRITUAL RETREAT!!!”
The tension rose like a storm cloud about to burst. Some students began sitting on their suitcases, resigned to a wait that could last hours. Others, meanwhile, looked downright entertained by the scene unfolding before them.
That’s when Joong, with a mix of arrogance and practicality only he could pull off, stepped forward and raised his voice, cutting through the noise.
“Hey! I can take a few in my car!”
Silence fell like a heavy blanket. Even the coaches blinked, confused, staring at him as if unsure whether to thank him or scold him for interrupting.
“You what?” asked the darker-haired one, suspicious. “In your car? And how many seats do you have in there, Joong?”
“I can take up to six, including myself,” he replied confidently, folding his arms with a triumphant grin. “And I’ve already got the perfect group: Aou, Boom, Pond, Phuwin, and Dunk.”
The five chosen ones looked at him with varying degrees of surprise, but none of them objected. Aou, as usual, nodded calmly. Boom gave a small smile, relieved not to have to board the noisy bus. Dunk scoffed but didn’t argue. Pond rolled his eyes, but was already walking toward the car. And Phuwin… well, Phuwin was simply using all his strength not to fall asleep standing up.
Earth exchanged a look with Mix. The latter sighed, finally giving in to the most reasonable solution.
“Fine,” the coach murmured, though his tone was that of someone accepting a noble defeat. “But you’re responsible for them.”
“Of course. If I lose them along the way, I’ll make up for it with cute photos for the yearbook,” Joong replied with a grin that danced right on the edge of insolence.
“I’ll cover the car expenses,” Mix said, rubbing his temple. “Gas, tolls, whatever you need. Just don’t be late.”
“Deal.”
And so, with the crisis officially resolved, the remaining students began organizing themselves to board the bus. The cheerleaders gathered at the back with laughter and complaints about the seating, while the football players jostled and shoved each other to get spots by the windows. Earth and Mix, though still shooting the occasional dagger-like glance at each other, returned to their list and began checking off names with renewed energy.
Meanwhile, the impromptu excursion group headed back toward the car. The morning was no longer so mild; the sun had peeked through the clouds with a vague promise of heat ahead, and the air smelled of damp grass, freshly exposed asphalt, and half‑formed expectations.
“Ready,” announced the designated driver at last, shaking his hands as though he’d just solved an advanced algebra problem. “Baggage inside, six people, six seats. Everyone in.”
But as the group approached the car, reality hit with the relentless precision of faulty math.
“Little bear…” Dunk stopped beside the front passenger door, peering inside with an eyebrow raised. “This car only seats five people. Not six.”
The silence that followed was brief but intense. Joong, key still in hand, blinked once, twice, like he could reshape the vehicle’s geometry with sheer will. Aou tilted his head slightly, scanning the back cabin and realizing there were indeed only three seats back there. Pond sighed, part annoyed, part resigned. And Phuwin, who had been crouched to adjust the hem of his skirt with surgical care, straightened abruptly, a sinking feeling settling in the pit of his stomach.
“Okay, it’s not a big deal,” the dark‑haired alpha began. “We can squeeze in the back. I’ll drive, Dunk’s up front, and… the rest of you can all cram in the back.”
“No, little bear,” his partner interrupted, with an innocent smile that belied everything but innocence. “Three in the back won’t fit—with your bag and Aou’s long legs. And Boom surely doesn’t want to sit on anyone. He’s too shy.”
The omega in question squeezed Aou’s hand harder and shook his head slightly, barely perceptible. His embarrassment became physical, a quiet sigh that made him seem even smaller inside his coat.
“So…” the dark‑haired alpha asked, not fully understanding where his partner was going with that loaded pause.
Dunk shrugged with feigned nonchalance and dropped his suggestion like an arrow: direct and blunt. He was tired of the tug‑of‑war between Phuwin and Pond. It was time to push. Maybe something would finally happen, or they’d stay stuck as usual. Hopefully—he thought, glancing at them—he wouldn’t be the only one returning with a competition partner.
“Phu can sit on Pond’s lap. I mean, Pond’s light. And you two have known each other for years, right?”
Phuwin felt sleep drain from his body as if it were being physically ripped away. Heat rushed up his neck in a wave, flushing his cheeks—thankfully, his hoodie helped mask the color. His cold morning hands suddenly didn’t know where to rest.
The mentioned alpha froze in place, his sunglasses hiding how wide his eyes might be, but his jaw tensed and his shoulders stiffened. He said nothing, but his breathing grew slightly uneven, more conscious.
“I don’t…” the younger omega began, voice breaking at the first syllable—unsure, the sentence left hanging.
“It’s just for the ride,” his best friend added, as if nothing deeper was meant. “Besides, that way Boom can go with us without being uncomfortable. You’d do that for a friend, right?”
Joong let out a laugh that aimed for nonchalance but came across forced. He knew from experience how manipulative his boyfriend could be—never mean, exactly, but annoyingly skilled at steering people where he wanted them. Now he was watching him do it again, the same casual smile that had left him speechless more than once.
“God, babe… I don’t know if that’s brilliant or cruel.”
“What matters if it’s effective?” he replied, already settling into his seat as if the rest didn’t concern him.
Aou didn’t protest, but his gaze lingered on Phuwin with a hint of worry. Boom, meanwhile, let out a small, sharp sound that could’ve been either relief or resignation.
It was Pond who finally spoke, voice low, grave, somewhat dry.
“No problem. Get in now.”
He said it with such firmness there was no room for protest—a tone confident yet carrying something underneath, as if indifference was trained, not natural. He walked calmly to the rear door, opened it, and positioned himself quietly at the back seat, waiting.
Phuwin swallowed hard. One part of him wanted to vanish among the trees lining the parking lot. Another, more visceral and reckless, took a step forward.
He climbed in with held breath, every movement careful as if it could trigger a chain reaction of irreversible consequences. He’d shared space with this alpha before—even in more intimate settings lately: nights in a darkened room, whispers under blankets, hands in shared popcorn. But this was different. There was no soft bed, no movie to excuse a shoulder leaning close, a knee brushing another. There was only them, the car, a long ride ahead, and tension that had stalked them for years.
Phuwin turned sideways, awkwardly, and carefully settled onto Pond’s lap, as though the act itself might break something. He tucked his legs to one side, crossed them tightly, and discreetly tugged at the hem of his skirt to cover his thighs. His hips barely touched the alpha’s lap, teetering on the edge of the seat as if floating more than sitting. His oversized jacket draped around him like a soft armor. His hands, folded on his lap, trembled subtly.
Pond said nothing. He simply looked at him through dark glasses for a few seconds. Then, with a slow gesture—almost without thinking—he reached a hand to Phuwin’s waist, drawing him gently closer, settling him more centered on his lap. No explicit intention, no lasciviousness. Just a practical, caring move. But Phuwin felt it electrify him, a shiver along his spine. He had to deliberately purr, as an omega enchanted by attention… and he was.
“That’s more stable,” Pond murmured, voice low and neutral, barely audible above the engine’s hum. It was like a shared secret between them.
Phuwin nodded, not daring to look at him. His cheeks burned—not just from the growing warmth in the car. He bit his lower lip, eyes fixed on the window, barely seeing the passing scenery.
The car moved forward through sleepy streets, tires humming softly on the asphalt. The air smelled of thermos coffee, sports deodorant, and something else: that sweet‑timid scent that only Phuwin could give off—even when trying to mask it.
Then, without warning, the car hit a pothole—a deep one, built to test both suspension and nerves. The omega’s body jolted forward in a tiny start, and reflexively, his hands found something to clutch.
He didn’t have to search far. The alpha’s hands were already firm around his waist, gripping him—not an accidental touch. He held him tight, keeping him upright, and simultaneously drew him nearer, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“You okay?” he whispered, this time closer, his voice rough with feigned indifference but laced with concern.
Phuwin couldn’t respond immediately. His heart pounded so hard he was afraid Pond could feel it against his chest. He nodded once, very slowly, forcing himself not to move any further, to stay there, warmed by the alpha’s hands at his sides, with the steady purr of the engine blending with the rising tension in his chest.
He tried to convince himself it was just logistics. Practical. A miscalculation by his runaway brother and nothing more. But his body betrayed him. Every fiber felt over-alert, too aware of the brushing fabrics, the shared space, the smell of Pond’s chocolate scent, and the soft, firm weight of his arms.
And the journey was only beginning
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The car seemed to have entered a kind of warm, restrained lethargy. Outside, the landscape drifted by slowly, diluted by the first rays of sunlight beginning to warm the city. Inside, silence was nearly absolute, interrupted only by the soft murmur of music playing from Chen’s phone — an old song playlist, probably some nostalgic mix that neither acknowledged time nor matched anyone else’s mood.
The alpha drove with quiet focus, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel, his gaze fixed on the road as if the journey offered more than just asphalt. He alone seemed unaffected by the drowsiness that had overtaken the rest of the group.
Dunk, in the passenger seat, had surrendered to sleep several kilometers ago, his head tilted toward the window, lips slightly parted in a childlike expression of peace he still retained when he slept. In the back, Boom was curled up like a cat, feet tucked beneath him, chin resting on Aou’s shoulder. Aou had unconsciously wrapped an arm around him, possessive and protective, his head gently inclined toward that of his future partner. Between them, like a mismatched piece in an emotional puzzle, sat Phuwin.
The omega wasn’t asleep. He wasn’t even pretending. His gaze was fixed on the window opposite his seat, eyes too wide, lips pressed tightly together. He’d been in the same position for a while now — body upright, legs extended forward, resting atop Boom’s ankles, which the other didn’t seem to notice in his deep sleep. But the numbness had started to set in. An annoying tingling crawled up from his calves, creeping through his knees like a growing stab of discomfort. He wanted to move, to bend them at least a little, but there was no space — and any attempt would mean brushing against Pond even more, which was already an unnecessary torture.
Pond wasn’t sleeping either. His eyes were open, lost somewhere on the back of the seat ahead. But his body, usually so relaxed, was holding itself in a strange kind of tension. As if he was aware of every inch that separated them — and those that didn’t. As if he could feel with perfect clarity how Phuwin’s hips barely grazed his, how the omega’s back held its breath to avoid sinking against his chest. As if the silence weighed as heavily as the other’s warmth.
And then Phuwin moved — just barely. A frustrated attempt to shift position. A tiny, involuntary movement that caused a more direct contact between his thighs and Pond’s, enough to make the alpha turn his head toward him.
“Do your legs hurt?” he asked, voice low, almost a whisper.
He nodded, without looking at him. His cheeks were tinged with a deep red, as if merely admitting it was a source of shame.
The other sighed — long, resigned — and shifted carefully. He leaned against the opposite door, rotating his hips just enough to widen the angle of his body and clear the space between him and Boom. His arm stretched behind the seat, resting against the window to give himself more room. Then he raised an eyebrow slightly, gesturing — barely — for him to move.
He hesitated. Out of instinct, out of modesty, out of that cursed habit of trying to take up as little space as possible. But the persistent tingling in his muscles forced him to give in. He bit his lip and slid over slowly, awkwardly curling his legs until he could rest them in the space between Boom and Pond. Boom’s body remained nestled firmly against Aou’s, who didn’t so much as stir, still deeply asleep with his chin resting in the dark hair. That image made Phuwin feel strangely vulnerable. Like an intruder, a satellite without an orbit of his own.
But then Pond’s hands — always those hands — landed discreetly on his legs. Helped him settle in better, fold them against his chest without losing a shoe or having his skirt ride up too far. And when a fresh pothole made the whole car jolt, the alpha didn’t hesitate to wrap an arm around him — naturally — keeping him from hitting the door or slipping again onto his lap.
Phuwin stayed there, caught between the heat of Pond’s firm body and the drowsiness beginning to seep back into his thoughts.
It wasn’t comfort. Not entirely. It was something else. A precarious middle ground between physical relief and emotional tremor. But it was enough. At least for now. At least while the car kept moving, while no one woke up, while the world was nothing but the hum of the road, the alpha’s warm breath over his hair, and that tiny space where, finally, he could bend his legs without feeling like he was falling.
“Is that better?” Pond murmured, his voice full of restrained care and gentleness, woven into the way his arm still circled his waist — just enough to hold him without invading, as if afraid he might unravel between his hands.
He nodded slowly, still keeping his eyes fixed on his folded legs, cheeks flushed with heat and closeness, but also with something more intimate, something he couldn’t put into words without choking up.
“Thank you,” he whispered — so quietly he thought for a second that the alpha hadn’t heard him.
But he had. Phuwin noticed in the faint rise of his chest, in the soft breath that didn’t quite become a response.
“Sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” Pond added after a few seconds, turning his face slightly toward him. “Dunk planned this. You sitting like this — it was his idea.”
He blinked, confused at first. Then a shiver ran through his shoulders when he understood the implication of those words. Dunk knew? Knew exactly what?
“It doesn’t bother me,” he said without thinking — and though his voice trembled, it didn’t retreat. “No… it doesn’t bother me to be like this. Actually… I like it.”
Pond arched an eyebrow but said nothing. Phuwin, however, could no longer stop. The words left his lips as if they’d been waiting their turn for days.
“Your scent,” he murmured, lashes lowered as if he could hide behind them, “it’s… pleasant. It calms me. And you’re warm. It feels… like a nest.”
That was when the realization struck him — of what he had just said. Of the confession embedded in it. Of the vulnerability spilled between the syllables like warm water. His eyes flew open, and he brought a hand to his mouth, as if he could force the words back in — as if that were possible.
“You like my scent?” the alpha’s question sounded more like a statement disguised as doubt. His voice slipped between them with a different texture — lower, steadier — as if he didn’t want to disturb the delicate balance that had formed amid the chaos.
Phuwin’s lips were slightly parted, his chest held tight, his eyes fixed on his hands clenched in his lap as if they could offer him refuge. He was too aware of every part of his body—of the space he occupied, of the warmth he shared with the boy beside him, of the fragile intimacy weaving between them like a silk thread on the verge of snapping.
The alpha spoke again, this time more softly, as if his words were nothing more than a whisper amid the distant purr of the engine and the sleeping breaths of the other passengers.
“If you like it… you can stay like that. Or,” he added after a pause, weighing each word with a strange gentleness, “you can curl up against my chest. Get some sleep. We still have a long way to go... I like your scent too… a lot.”
The offer dropped like a stone into the still waters of a calm lake. So intimate, so suddenly tender. As if Pond wasn’t trying to approach him like others had, but opening a door Phuwin could choose to walk through—or not. In his own time. In his own way.
The omega lifted his gaze, as if the voice had pulled on an invisible thread. His eyes, still heavy with sleep but now wide with surprise, met the alpha’s. And there, in the dim light slipping through the window and without the shadow of sunglasses between them, something shifted.
With slow, tense but determined movements, he adjusted his posture, turned his torso slightly, and allowed his cheek to rest against Pond’s chest. The contact was immediate—warm and enveloping. The alpha’s heartbeat thudded strongly beneath the fabric, steady and deep, like a velvet-covered drum. His breathing, calm and rhythmic, joined in a quiet sway that began to slow Phuwin’s pulse like a song without words.
Pond didn’t hesitate to wrap his arm around him again, this time openly. His hand settled on the omega’s narrow waist, completing the circle of protection with a natural ease that felt strangely necessary to them both. And even though the space was cramped, even though Phuwin’s body was curled uncomfortably and his legs still lay crossed in the narrow gap between the seat and Boom, none of it mattered.
Because in that little corner of the car, where the sunlight had not yet fully filtered in, he found a warmth that wasn’t invasive. A scent that didn’t push him to the edge, but gathered him gently and held him. It was where he had always wanted to be.
He didn’t know if it was the journey, the accumulated fatigue, the early morning still weighing on his shoulders, or the way the other body seemed to mold to his with almost instinctive familiarity. He simply closed his eyes, let his breathing match the rhythm of the chest beneath his cheek, and finally allowed himself to drift.
The voices had long faded, swallowed by the steady rocking of the vehicle gliding along the road. Only the soft music remained, playing low from the front speakers—an instrumental melody, melancholic and without lyrics, blending seamlessly with the sigh of wind slipping through a slightly open window.
Joong, with steady hands on the wheel and his eyes fixed on the road, didn’t dare disturb the stillness. There was something almost sacred about that moment. The sweet weight of his friends’ sleep, the slow advance of morning, and above all, the image in the rearview mirror: his little brother asleep on Pond’s chest, as if they were made to fit that way.
The omega had curled up completely, legs tucked in, lips parted, his breathing deep and steady like a pup finally finding warmth after a long storm. And Pond… well, sleep had claimed him too. His chin rested on the younger’s brown hair, his arm remained firmly around that small waist, and his chest rose and fell in such serene harmony it was almost painful to witness.
Joong smiled faintly, with that involuntary tenderness that sometimes surprised even himself when he realized his little brother was no longer so little. His gaze lingered a few seconds longer in the mirror, as if not wanting to miss a single detail of how the two of them clung to each other even in sleep—as if their bodies had already forgotten the resentment of their early school years, the fights, the brushes disguised as indifference.
They made a beautiful pair… he’d always known. No. There was something delicate, genuine, inevitable about them. As if all that game of feigned disdain, of avoided glances and biting remarks, had just been the prelude to where they now rested.
Joong couldn’t wait. Not for what neither of them dared to name to finally come to light. Not for the expression Pond would make when he realized that his constant irritation had a name, a scent, and was now asleep in his arms wearing a red skirt and white tights. Not for the way Phuwin, so used to biting before speaking, would discover that some alphas don’t hurt when they get close—they heal.
He sighed, turning the wheel slightly as the road opened ahead like a quiet promise.
The truth, after all, always arrives.
And he would be there to watch it bloom—right beside his love
Notes:
It feels like the universe punishes me every time I try to update in English. If it's not university life, it's my laptop charger dying. I'm so tired of this haha. I'm just a guy trying to update his silly little fanfic. Let me live already 😭
Chapter 20: ❝[𝟎𝟐𝟎]: 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐙𝐨𝐧𝐞❞
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
During the first hour, the silence between them had been almost a relief. The steady rhythm of the other's breathing and the gentle sway of the car had allowed him to relax just enough to close his eyes, to drift into that unexpected warmth and the lingering scent of warm chocolate in the air. But sleep never lasted long when one was fully aware of another body pressed against their own, of the large hands still holding him, of a chest rising and falling beneath his cheek—steady, reliable, and far too comfortable.
Phuwin opened his eyes slightly, as if testing reality. And everything was still there: the warmth, the scent, the discomfort that wasn't entirely physical. He shifted a bit, just enough to stretch his legs, but the small movement was all it took for the arm around him to respond—tightening slightly, as if the other feared he might slip toward the edge again.
He moved again, nothing abrupt. He just wanted to adjust a little, ease the pressure on one leg, lean more to the side without bothering anyone else. But the shift—so subtle in appearance—caused his hip to press more firmly against the boy's crotch who was still holding him. The contact was direct. Not aggressive, but real enough that Pond held his breath as if he had choked on his own tongue.
“Phu...” he called, his voice a strained thread pretending to sound authoritative, but it came out more like a plea.
The omega blinked, feigning confusion. But he understood. God, of course he did. He felt the slight change in the other’s breathing, the way his thighs tensed, how his hands now clung to his sides with a very different pressure.
“Stop moving,” the alpha repeated, this time lower, in a voice that seemed to use every ounce of dignity he had left.
He didn’t reply immediately. He stayed still, yes, but with an expression that didn’t promise innocence. He tilted his head slightly, just enough to bring his lips close to the base of the other’s neck and let out a long sigh, as if he were utterly exhausted. The warm breath hit the exposed skin directly, and the effect was immediate.
Pond stiffened like he’d received an electric shock. His hands let go, as if he suddenly didn’t know where to place his fingers, and he turned his face toward the window, hiding the expression that rushed up his face. A blush he couldn’t possibly hide. A curse muttered under his breath, barely audible.
“Are you... uncomfortable?” the omega asked, feigning innocence with award-worthy perfection. He didn’t look at him, but the corner of his lips curved slightly, as if savoring the chaos he had just caused without lifting a finger. Lately, things between them felt tense in a different way—and he liked it.
“Phuwin,” the alpha said, using his full name. No nicknames, no softness.
Just hearing it was enough to tighten the air around them, but the shame swallowed it whole. Because his tone wasn’t one of reproach—it was restrained desperation. Like he was begging for mercy.
The omega finally froze. No pushing, no pressure. But it was already too late. The damage was done. Pond’s body, traitorous as ever, had given him away. And he knew it. Not just from the unbearable heat crawling up his neck and back, but from the knot of discomfort twisting in his stomach. He knew it because the younger one, even without looking, had definitely noticed too.
Several seconds passed. Long and agonizing.
And then, like salt on the wound, the younger murmured in a neutral voice:
“I didn’t think you were that sensitive.”
The alpha snapped his head toward him, ready to defend his honor. But he was met with those bright, open eyes, pretending indifference... even though his cheeks had started to blush too.
“Don’t say it like it’s my fault,” he muttered, burying his face into the seatback so he wouldn’t have to look at him. “I’ve got a pretty omega with an equally pretty skirt and legs-of-a-dream moving around on top of me every five seconds. What did you expect to happen?”
“Then don’t hold me so tight,” came the reply—low, not meant to provoke. Though it did.
“I’m not—” he began, but didn’t finish. The heat in his stomach was probably rising to his ears, because even without looking at him, he could feel his own breathing speeding up. That’s when he loosened the arm wrapped around Phuwin’s waist, as if trying to prove something with that gesture. But doing so caused the omega to shift slightly—just enough for his face to fall closer to the side of Pond’s neck, where the scent of his pheromones was strongest.
The dark-haired boy shut his eyes. A mistake. Because with his eyelids closed, everything felt more intense. The other’s breath in his hair. The calm rhythm of a heartbeat slowing again. And the hand still resting on his waist, trembling ever so slightly.
“I’ll stay still now,” he whispered, in a voice that didn’t sound like his own—barely audible, barely brave.
The alpha simply shifted in his seat, leaning his head back with lips pressed into a tense line and eyes closed. Pretending to rest. Pretending he could ignore the rising heat in his groin.
Phuwin let out a small, stifled laugh—the kind he didn’t share with anyone else, only with him.
“I thought you’d have more self-control, Nara.”
“And I thought you were less annoying, Princess.”
“Touché.”
Silence returned, but it was no longer suffocating. The heat was still there. The blush still burned under their skin. But something in the discomfort had cracked: now there was a note of tenderness floating between them.
Pond forced himself to close his eyes, breathe through his nose, and count to ten. But the other’s words kept bouncing in his chest.
“I didn’t think you were that sensitive.”
Yeah, well. He wasn’t with everyone.
Only with him.
The air inside the car had grown heavy. Not just from the heat—though their bodies were beginning to sweat lightly in the lack of ventilation—but from something denser, more imperceptible, slipping between the cracks like a sweet fog. Pheromones. Not aggressively present, but lingering like a persistent perfume neither of them could fully mask. Phuwin’s scent was becoming more distinct with each passing minute—that warm, nervous honey that filled the air between them and mixed dangerously with Pond’s soft, chocolatey warmth.
They didn’t say anything. Barely looked at each other. But their breaths were getting shorter. And the silence was beginning to press against their chests, as if they knew that if either of them dared to speak again, the next step would be irreversible.
That’s when they noticed it.
The reflection in the rearview mirror. Joong’s gaze.
One raised eyebrow. That was it. No teasing, no anger—but an unmistakable clarity: he had seen them. He could smell them. And most of all, he understood them far too well.
Phuwin shrank back instantly, like a child caught stealing. He straightened a little—not enough to pull away, just enough to fake something that didn’t exist: distance. Discretion. Decency. Pond, meanwhile, lowered his gaze to his lap and let out a quiet scoff, running a hand down his face as if that could wipe away the blush still burning on his cheeks.
“Crack the window a bit,” the older one muttered, without looking at him.
The omega nodded without arguing. He reached over clumsily and lowered the glass just enough for the highway breeze to begin dispersing the thick scent in the air. The fresh wind rushed in like relief, clearing the closed atmosphere and lowering the temperature—but not the tension.
They didn’t speak again.
They didn’t need to.
The car continued on its way, accompanied by the soft hum of music, Dunk’s light snoring, and the faint sound of the wind. Then, without a word, the younger pulled his phone from the inner pocket of his hoodie. He unlocked it with a quick gesture and took out a pair of earbuds. He placed one in his left ear, glanced at the alpha, and without giving him a chance to refuse, gently held the other bud to his ear with a gesture that seemed casual—but demanded silent acceptance.
Pond hesitated for a second. But he didn’t move. He just tilted his head slightly, letting the small device rest in his ear. A soft song began to play—something acoustic, slow, not quite fitting the moment but comforting nonetheless. He didn’t say anything, but the slight nod of his head in rhythm was enough.
The omega carefully leaned back again, eyes still on the screen. They shared the same song. The same awkward position. The same secret. But for a moment, they didn’t think about what it meant.
They just listened.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
The car came to a stop with a soft screech over the gravel, breaking the lethargy it had sunk into over the past three hours. The engine died, and with it, the last shared song that still faintly vibrated in the headphones of the two sitting in the back.
Phuwin slowly straightened up, feeling every muscle in his legs complain from being stuck in the same position. He stretched his arms upward, stifled a yawn, and tried to rub away the imprint the hoodie had left on his cheek. Next to him, Pond did the same, albeit more slowly, as if the warmth of the body he had just been holding onto hadn’t fully left him.
“Give me that,” the older one said casually, already reaching out without waiting for a reply. He took the bag from his shoulder with such ease that, at any other time, it would’ve annoyed him. But right now—with aching shoulders and heavy eyelids—the gesture felt like a divine gift. He nodded, letting him take it, while the alpha slung it over his own shoulder as if it weighed nothing, even though it held more skincare products than clothes.
The camp was nothing more than a group of wooden cabins scattered around a poorly marked soccer field and a central building that looked like it served as a dining hall, storage room, and makeshift office. Behind them, the forest loomed like a promise of shade and relief—though at that hour, the sun beat down with an ambition far too intense for a weekend.
The rest of the students were already gathering in front of the bulletin board where Mix and Earth, armed with printed sheets and tape, had begun posting schedules, house rules, and, of course, the infamous room assignments.
They stayed off to the side, away from the small crowd forming. The sun blazed overhead mercilessly, and bodies began moving sluggishly, searching for each other, separating into groups as the room list was posted.
“We’re gonna die here, right?” Chen muttered as he arrived, a water bottle in each hand and a defeated expression on his face.
“Most likely,” Dunk replied flatly.
The younger omega, still unwilling to stand up completely, stepped closer to Pond and leaned the side of his body against his, without much thought—just like everything that had been happening between them lately. The alpha was taller, more solid, and at that moment, there was no more appealing surface to rest his weight against than his arm. He wrapped both arms around it, hugging him like a rope around a post, as if that stability could shield him from all the awkward moments to come. His cheek brushed, unintentionally, against the shoulder covered by Pond’s soft shirt, and for a moment, he let himself close his eyes. Just a moment. Just to rest.
Pond said nothing. He simply let him lean. There was something different in his expression, as if the closeness didn’t surprise him, but felt so familiar that it brought him a quiet joy. Instead of pushing him away or teasing him, he tilted his head slightly, lowering his chin as if to get a better look at the omega clinging to him without shame. And he smiled. With a tenderness he rarely allowed himself, but that the omega managed to awaken with the simplest actions.
The room assignments were chaotic. First, because the cabins were for four people, and the number of participants didn’t divide evenly. Second, because the coaches insisted they be random “to encourage bonding and integration.” Third, because no one—neither footballers nor cheerleaders—wanted to room with someone who snored, talked in their sleep, or couldn’t control their scent.
After back-and-forth complaints, passive-aggressive remarks, and Earth’s thinly veiled threats to throw everyone on floor mats, the final list was posted, and a wave of murmurs rose like smoke in the air.
Phuwin read it once. Then again. He wasn’t sure if he should sigh or not.
Room 5B: Love, Milk, Boom, Phuwin.
Pond raised his eyebrows, pretending to be horrified.
“My condolences, Phuphu. It’s been an honor knowing you.”
“It’s not funny!” he protested, lips pursed like a wet cat and brows furrowed.
The taller boy chuckled, unapologetic, and in one swift motion grabbed his cheeks between his fingers, squishing them gently and dramatically until his face was misshapen.
“Relax. You’ll only see her at bedtime. You won’t even share the air.”
He tried to respond, but only managed a half-choked, half-laughing sound from behind the fingers squeezing his mouth. The alpha’s eyes sparkled, and his closeness had that dangerous warmth that didn’t burn—but lingered. And even though he tried not to think too much about it, he felt his other half stir like a content pup. Not growling—quite the opposite. His omega squirmed happily. As if that little bit of attention, that soft teasing, that disguised affection was enough to make him want to roll over and expose his belly in complete trust.
The alpha had gotten off easier than most: he’d be sharing a room with Joong, Aou, and Force—an ideal mix of fun and tolerable, with no tension, no threats to peaceful sleep or privacy. Phuwin knew he should be happy for him. He even smiled when he heard him say, in a satisfied tone, that he had good roommates—though he would’ve preferred a princess room for princess nights with him. But as they walked in different directions, something hit him harder than expected.
Losing the constant touch of his arm, the warmth they’d so naturally shared, and having the air turn colder than a sunny morning had any right to be.
It was a little silly, thinking about it. Maybe they’d just spent too many hours too close and too comfortable. Maybe it was because his body had gotten used to that warm scent that—though he wouldn’t admit it—calmed his pulse. Or maybe his treacherous mind just kept repeating that he couldn’t keep pretending. That he already knew. That no matter how much he clung to the habit of being annoyed, of calling him annoying, of rolling his eyes at every gesture—his childhood crush hadn’t faded. It had only grown stronger.
And now, every new closeness, every accidental brush, every teasing joke, every comfortable silence threatened to crack the shell he’d fought so hard to keep intact. His heart, used to pretending indifference, no longer found peace. It only took a few steps away from Pond for that strange loneliness to bite like a wounded pup—begging to return to the place where, even if just for a moment, everything felt safe.
When they arrived at their assigned cabin, the sun had dipped a little lower, though the air still smelled of warm wood and dry earth. The inside was simpler than he’d expected: two bunk beds, a window that barely opened, linen curtains, and a couple of empty shelves. Nothing to brag about, but at least it had a roof and walls.
Boom was the first to step inside, cautious and curious. He chose, without hesitation, the farthest lower bunk and settled in with the quiet ease that defined him. Phuwin followed without a word, dragging his bag across the floor like it weighed nothing. He climbed to the top bunk with a long sigh and let himself fall on his back, body still stiff from the trip, and the lingering scent of a certain alpha settling like a warm shadow in his memory.
Then the door swung open.
“Oh please…” Milk gasped, breathless with dramatic flair, planting herself in the doorway as if she’d just entered the worst place on earth. “This can’t be real. Creaky wood? Beige curtains? Where’s the Wi-Fi? The heating? The respect for people with standards?”
Phuwin turned his face from the top bunk, not bothering to hide the exhaustion on his face like a permanent shadow. With an arm under his head and legs crossed, he looked like a seasoned spectator of the spectacle that was Milk dragging her rolling suitcase—far too noisy for the silence of the room. The worn-out rug refused to cooperate, catching each wheel with passive-aggressive violence that only added to her frustration.
“I was born for better things than this. At the very least, I deserve a room with a private bathroom and an ocean view. Not this cardboard box with makeshift beds and a smell of mildew.”
She stopped in front of him, crossing her arms with surgical precision. She looked him over as if his mere existence was part of the problem.
“Right. I forgot some people can sleep in a pigsty like it’s a resort. Lucky you, huh?”
Phuwin raised an eyebrow, not even bothering to open his eyes fully.
“Want me to sleep on the floor so you can try the top bunk too? With any luck, you’ll hit your head on the ceiling and maybe wake up a few neurons,” he asked in a flat tone, the voice of someone who’s fought this battle too many times.
“No need,” she replied, flipping her hair back with a sigh worthy of a soap opera star. “I’ll take the bottom. Unlike you, my spine wasn’t raised on the floor.”
Boom stifled a laugh from his corner at the silly omega argument, but Milk shot him a sharp glare that had him turning to the wall in silence.
Then Love appeared behind her. She said nothing, as always, but her presence shifted the atmosphere—quietly but undeniably. She dragged her bag, plain and undecorated, with that effortless way she had of occupying space without dominating it. Her eyes swept the room, and when they landed on the only remaining bed, she gave a small nod, as if everything had already been decided.
She tried to toss her blanket onto the top bunk. The fabric won the fight and flopped over her head in quiet defeat. She paused, swallowing a frustration that didn’t burst but tightened the corners of her mouth. She straightened again, measuring the distance as if she could will herself taller.
“Ugh…” she muttered with soft resignation.
“Give me that,” said the other omega suddenly.
But her voice wasn’t haughty or sharp. It was soft—so soft that even Phuwin reflexively opened one eye. Love turned slightly, surprised, unsure whether to be grateful or hesitant. She didn’t have time. The black-haired girl had already taken the blanket without waiting for permission, and with a nimble move, stepped on the bottom bunk’s frame, stretched upward, and flung the blanket into place with unexpected efficiency. Not perfect—but effective.
“How do you survive being so tiny?” she asked, with no apparent mockery, just a near-shy laugh trembling in her voice.
“I climb things,” Love replied, not looking at her, but with a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips.
Milk climbed down, still watching her, and—like it was the most natural thing in the world—handed her an extra pillow. Their fingers brushed, and neither pulled away right away. It was brief—but not empty. It was… something.
“Thanks,” the other omega murmured shyly, tucking it under the blanket with careful movements.
She watched in silence. Then, in a voice that didn’t quite sound like hers—or maybe only did when this omega was around—she added:
“I never get used to ugly places, but… I guess if you’re here, it can’t be that bad.”
From his bunk, the black-haired omega cracked one eye open again. This Milk wasn’t the one he knew. Not the one who attacked him with the elegance of an art critic and the venom of a queen bee. With Love, she was someone else. Softer. Unsteady at the edge of something she couldn’t name.
And then he felt it.
The air shifted. A warm fragrance drifted through the room—discreet, barely perceptible… but real. Love’s scent, that delicate smell of jasmine, floated for just a few seconds, too sweet to be a neutral emotion.
Phuwin couldn’t help but feel like a nosy old lady, one of those who peeks out the window to spy on neighborhood drama while pretending to water plants. But now that he was already in the role, he couldn’t help but piece together what he’d seen with what had always seemed strange.
Thinking about it, if he did the math and stopped pretending not to notice, it was curious that out of everyone who knew Milk, the only one who could tolerate her unconditionally, the only one seemingly immune to her sarcasm, tantrums, and constant discomforting presence… was Love.
And it wasn’t that the black-haired omega was easy to like. She was prickly, insolent, sometimes so deliberately sharp even alphas avoided her when she was in a bad mood. But Love sought her out. She didn’t just tolerate her—she watched her, followed her, smiled at her with a gentleness that seemed to ask for nothing in return. And Milk, who treated the world like no one deserved her time, spoke differently to her. Still curt, yes—but more... measured. As if cruelty came harder when Love was around.
The strangest or saddest part, depending on how you looked at it, was that Love, with all her sweetness, how easy she was to like, how well she got along with everyone, always seemed to live slightly on the margins. Always a bit outside the group, always at a safe distance from loud laughter and noisy dynamics. As if she only felt comfortable near the other girl.
A quiet crush, hidden in fleeting glances and infinite patience, made all the sense in the world. It looked like she was caught on that tightrope, unable to let go but too afraid to pull.
Phuwin knew the feeling all too well.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Mix’s voice rang out like a disaster bell, announcing the end of a truce that had never existed. Standing in the middle of the makeshift field between the cabins, he raised the megaphone someone had irresponsibly entrusted to him and shouted with the conviction of a school cheerleader hungry for chaos.
“Everybody out! Comfortable clothes, mandatory enthusiasm, and zero complaints!” he yelled, his command echoing through the trees like karmic punishment for anyone dreaming of a pre-lunch nap. “And yes, that includes those who think omegas don’t sweat!”
No one was spared. Some emerged frowning, others with pillow creases still on their faces from the short break they'd been given, and more than a few staggered out with the resignation of someone who knows fighting the cheer coach only prolongs the suffering.
Earth appeared shortly after, impeccable even in his role as sporting executioner, carrying a stack of orange cones like pieces of contemporary art and a rope no one wanted to ask about. Under one arm, he held a clipboard with what looked like a scoring system more complex than an Olympic competition.
“We’re doing a team-building activity before lunch,” he announced with the tone of a substitute teacher who still believes in education.
The field was split in two, marked with fluorescent tape and orange cones arranged as if Earth had studied military tactics. In the center, a line of colorful flags flapped in the wind—three per side—planted in small stands that resembled war stakes. Off to one side, a box of foam balls waited like an improvised arsenal. The soccer coach, with an energy bordering on sadistic, raised his voice as everyone gathered hesitantly.
“Welcome to the first edition of Crash Zone! Teams of five, three flags each side. The goal is simple: cross into enemy territory, steal their flags, and return home without getting hit. If someone throws a ball and hits you, you're out. No stuffing flags in clothes or hiding behind trees. Winners get immunity from cleaning the dining hall.”
The complaints came immediately. Fourth groaned like he'd been asked to dig his own grave. Book raised his hand to ask how this would help their competitions. Earth ignored him. Mix, acting as commentator and backup referee, started reading out the teams with a smile full of mischief.
“And last, the red team: Pond, Phuwin, Sky, Gemini, and Fourth.”
The murmurs were instant—a soft, mischievous stir, like a breeze carrying hushed laughter and whispered bets. The omega crossed his arms, lips curled in annoyance. He had no desire to sweat this early. Pond, on the other hand, merely brushed imaginary dust off his shoulders with exaggerated slowness.
“I can’t believe I have to play with you,” Phuwin muttered teasingly, tightening the red armband with a sharpness that betrayed his nerves.
“Me neither. How am I supposed to concentrate with a distraction like you next to me?” the older one replied, his smile soft but loaded like a warning shot.
“I’m still deciding whether I want to kill you or use your body as a shield.”
“Use whatever you need, but if we lose because of you, I’m not washing a single dish.”
There was no time for more. The whistle blew like a gunshot, and the game began with a burst of shouts, laughter, and balls flying in every direction. Most players scattered clumsily, unsure whether to attack or defend, but Pond and Phuwin surged forward in sync. Meanwhile, Fourth weaved between cones and opponents, and Gemini stayed on their side of the field.
The first encounter was a test: enter the blue territory, dodge defenders, and reach a flag. Phuwin didn’t wait—he dashed in with near-feline agility, rolling across the ground in a move that made Book laugh out loud from the sidelines. Pond followed without being asked, throwing a ball that struck an opponent just before they could tag the omega.
“Thanks or flowers?” he murmured as they met at the boundary, flag in hand.
“I don’t need saving,” Phuwin huffed, cheeks flushed and eyes gleaming. “But if you want to keep doing it, I won’t complain.”
What followed was a dance between gameplay and provocation. Every time one advanced, the other followed. Every time danger neared, a ball came flying as a shield, an excuse to stay close, to brush against each other without it seeming intentional. Phuwin never shut up, but his complaints were light, half-biting, like he was enjoying the game more than he admitted. The older one smiled that tired but alert smile he used when he took things more seriously than he let on.
At one point, while sprinting toward the third flag, Pond asked through breaths:
“What if I kiss you when we win?”
The phrase dropped like a stone in water—heavy and irreversible. Phuwin glanced at him, still running, still laughing.
“If we win, I’ll be the one kissing you.”
There was no response. Just a fleeting look, a brush of shoulders as they returned with the last flag in hand, and an electric current that settled between them like an unspoken threat.
When they crossed the final line and Earth raised his arms like a triumphant referee, the field exploded in cheers and chatter. Fourth muttered something about “unresolved sexual tension,” but those two, in the center, barely looked at each other.
The omega tossed the last flag to Pond with a gesture that looked mocking but was actually a quiet offering.
“Here. So it looks like you caught something.”
The alpha caught it with a crooked smile, fingers gripping the cloth tightly.
“I don’t care about the flag,” he said, lowering his voice. “What I want is what you promised.”
The omega scoffed, a mix of irritation and blush that had become their shared language, and spun on his heel as if to leave him standing there—with the flag dangling from his hand and his smile half-finished. He took just two steps, brow furrowed, jaw clenched. But he stopped. Took a deep breath, like someone about to dive into freezing water, and turned back suddenly, almost harshly, not meeting his gaze, as if his body had moved before his mind could object.
He stood on tiptoe.
A brief, delicate motion. Just enough to reach with surgical precision: the corner of the alpha’s mouth. It wasn’t a full kiss, but it wasn’t an innocent cheek brush either. It landed precisely between what people say means nothing and what steals your breath. The skin where a smile ends, where tremors begin. It was fleeting, yes—but it left a burn that was anything but soft.
Pond froze—literally. Not a muscle moved. His eyes widened, surprised to feel him that close, so suddenly. He didn’t move. Not even his gaze dropped. His body stayed locked in that tense stillness, as if any gesture might shatter the moment or reveal how much he liked it. It took him a while to react, like his brain was still catching up to the fact that it had actually happened—that this closeness wasn’t a joke or a tactic. Phuwin had kissed him. He’d chosen him, right there, in front of everyone. Crossed that blurry line into what might be the beginning of something new.
And when he finally regained control of his body, when he managed to breathe again, he felt the warmth settle in his chest, spread through his stomach, lighting up his nerves. He licked the corner of his lips—slowly, almost unconsciously—as if trying to preserve the sensation or confirm it was real. He was still holding the flag, but now it hung forgotten, meaningless. The only real thing was that kiss and Phuwin’s back retreating fast, as if he had to escape his own courage.
Then—the explosion.
It wasn’t immediate. There was a second of reverent silence, as if everyone present knew they had witnessed something sacred. But the moment Dunk let out a high-pitched scream, like he’d just won a reality show, the rest followed mercilessly. Joong erupted in laughter straight from the gut, and a wave of cheerleaders began cheering like the camp had ended on that scene, as if nothing could top what had just happened. They waved makeshift streamers made of dry grass, shouted names, and some even chanted “PondPhuwin! PondPhuwin!” like it was a canon ship from a popular series. Mix clapped while fanning himself with a page of the game rules, pretending to restore order.
The soccer players, who had kept their cool until now, broke into teasing cheers and loud applause. One even raised both arms like he’d scored a goal. The youngest shouted, “Now that’s how you lead, P’Pond!” and another added with a laugh, “You sealed it, Captain!” The field roared like a stadium.
Pond, however, said nothing. He couldn’t. He stood there, cheek still warm, smile frozen halfway, chest pounding like he’d sprinted across the field. His eyes were still locked on the omega, now walking with hands in pockets and head down, as if the noise had nothing to do with him. But the flushed skin on his neck, the tremble in his ears, and the way he didn’t look back even once—betrayed him completely.
And then, without thinking, without weighing it, Pond laughed. A low, hoarse laugh—barely audible. Because for the first time in a long while, he felt like he’d truly won something.
The alpha was still smiling despite himself, still standing in the middle of the field like the kiss had stolen his words and half his balance. The noise didn’t stop. Fourth was already choreographing the scene with Book, and Joong was narrating it like a World Cup final. The blue team waved their jerseys like they had lost with honor to something more meaningful than victory. Everything was celebration, laughter, shared euphoria.
But not everyone was celebrating.
From the shadow cast by the dining hall porch, Milk stood still, arms crossed, lips pressed into a hard line. She hadn’t said a word since the omega approached. Not when he stood on tiptoe. Not when he brushed the corner of Pond’s mouth. Not even when the cheers exploded like a tidal wave around her. She stayed frozen, as if each cheer was a stone hitting her square in the chest.
“He kissed him…” Love murmured beside her, voice quiet, as if still not believing it. There was no surprise in her tone—just something softer, more melancholic. Her hands hung at her sides, still, her eyes fixed more on Milk than on the scene before them.
Milk didn’t respond. Didn’t even blink. Her jaw trembled just slightly enough for her silence to speak volumes.
Because Love knew her. Knew that stillness wasn’t indifference, but tightly bottled rage. Jealousy frozen into a statue. Because Milk didn’t stay silent out of calm, she did it because she felt too much and didn’t want the world to see her break. Love watched her grip her elbows so tightly her knuckles turned white, like she was holding herself back from saying something cruel.
He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her emotion pass through him like it was his own. Because the pain wasn’t just seeing Milk jealous. It was realizing she wasn’t jealous of him. It was knowing that for Milk, what had been affection, patience, quiet hope… had never been a real option. And still, there he was, watching her from the corner of his eye, waiting for a gesture, a word, something to pull him out of the silent void he fell into every time the omega looked at Phuwin with hatred.
The field’s uproar continued, but for the two of them, the world had frozen.
“Does it hurt?” Love dared to ask, voice low, without judgment. Just a wound naming itself.
Milk didn’t answer right away. Her eyes remained locked on Phuwin, now swallowed by the group, overwhelmed by congratulations, unable to hide the silly smile blooming uninvited. Finally, she exhaled harshly, as if that one question made her realize she’d been holding her breath.
“I don’t like losing and I won’t allow it,” she said at last. She didn’t look at him. She didn’t need to.
Love looked down not out of shame, but because he understood all too well what that meant.
She wasn’t talking about the game.
She never had.
⋆🧸 ˚｡🐼୨୧
Notes:
Hi everyone (,,>﹏<,,)
I know I've promised several times to get back to updating more regularly, and I also know I haven’t been able to keep those promises. I wanted to be honest and share that these past days or weeks it's been nearly impossible for me to keep up. I've been going through a really heavy period of depression. Getting out of bed or even thinking about eating made me feel even worse. It's frustrating not having the strength to do even the things that usually bring me comfort, like writing.
But little by little I’m starting to get back into my routine. I’m trying to reconnect with the small things that keep me going, and one of those is this space. Writing has always been something very personal and intimate for me, and sharing it with all of you made me feel seen, understood, less alone. I’d really like to take care of this space again, return to my stories, and keep sharing what I feel and imagine.
I’m sorry for disappearing without warning, for being absent, for not being able to give more of myself when I truly wanted to.
Also I wanted to let you know I’ve opened a new Twitter account to stay in touch and maybe start translating some of my AUs. The username is ppstarcyan.
Thank you for still being here. I promise I’ll try to come back gently without rushing myself but with a lot of heart.
Sending you a big hug (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ
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