Summary: After finding their mate, the pack of alphas make sure to take the best care of you, keeping you close and always protected. As they took you with them to their award show, all seemed to be going well, until it wasn't.
Read here⤷ ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
☾⋆⁺WRAPPED IN STARLIGHT ⁺₊✧
Pairing: ATEEZ Ot8 X fem! reader
Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Angst, Hurt/Comfort
Summary: Deciding to take a weekend off, the pack heads out into nature with you for a quiet camping trip. Between fresh air, shared meals, and a sky full of stars, the trip turns into a gentle reminder of warmth, comfort, and being cared for after you try to become closer with strangers.
Read here⤷ ˖.𖥔 ݁ ˖ ⊹ ࣪ ˖
✧˚ ⋆˚ SERIES*ੈ✩‧₊˚
· .• ❆ Where the cold can't reach .ೃ࿔*
Pairing: ATEEZ Ot8 X fem! reader
Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Angst, Hurt/Comfort
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Status: Finished
Read PROLOGUE here⤷ 𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Read CHAPTER 1 here⤷𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Read CHAPTER 2 here⤷𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Read CHAPTER 3 here⤷𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Read CHAPTER 4 here⤷𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Read CHAPTER 5 here⤷𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Read CHAPTER 6 here⤷𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚⋆·˚ ༘ *𝙎𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡 ⋆·˚ ༘ *ੈ✩‧₊˚
Pairing: BTS Ot7 X fem! reader
Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Strangers to lovers
Summary: After Yoongi and Jimin find a distressed omega in the mall they take her home in an attempt to settle her. Quickly getting attached, the whole all-alpha pack starts to wish to keep the girl around, going completely soft for her.
CHAPTER 00 - PROLOGUE
Pairing: BTS Ot7 X reader
Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Angst, Strangers to lovers, (might do smut in the future)
Warning
CHAPTER 01
Pairing: BTS Ot7 X reader
Genre: A/B/O AU, Fluff, Angst, Strangers to lovers,
Warnings: pretty much none for this chapter! Jus
The following chapter is listed at the end of each chapter. Hope it helps!
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Warnings: difficulty with food, stalking, swearing
The alpha had planned the outing days in advance, studying trails and routes over breakfast while you leaned against his shoulder and pointed at the little markers on his phone.
It wasn’t meant to be very difficult in any way - the total elevation gain was maybe about 500 meters, which was something you had definitely gotten used to at this point, and the moment you two would make it to the mountain ridge, it would be pretty much a piece of cake.
It shouldn’t have taken more than four hours - he even contemplated taking the small drone he had, an additional weight, but actually didn’t in the end. And he even told the bodyguards to take a break, wanting you to be fully at peace with just him keeping you company - afterall, no matter how kind, polite, and respectful the workers that rotated at the enterprise were, you were very shy in their company and often grew all shaky and worried with no real reason why.
There was a scenic clearing roughly halfway through where the two of you could eat lunch before circling back down toward Dojang-ri. Seonghwa had already agreed to pick you both up at the parking area afterward, which meant neither of you would need to rush anywhere. And the trail wasn’t frequented as much, so there would be peace for you both to have.
The oldest has packed you a bunch of snacks with Sang’s help, basically a second lunch if you were honest, and you had your newer trail shoes you were still working on breaking in - really pricey ones that offered good support for your ankle and had a nice cord lock so you wouldn’t accidentally trip, brought home by San.
Before leaving right after lunch, the entire pack had gathered near the front door as though you and Yeosang were embarking on some dangerous expedition rather than a hiking trail starting just above their house. Mingi fretted as he helped you apply the spray repellent against ticks in the garden, chuckling at your puffed-up cheeks of air as you held your breath.
"You have your phone, baby?"
"Mhm."
"Charged? With the cover?"
You nodded again, rushing back towards the entrance with him, taking long steps in tow when he felt like you were protected enough from any unwelcome bugs.
The phone case you had had an AirTag stuck to its back - not only to locate the device but also for their peace of mind lately. You didn’t always have it on you if you were around the house, but the alphas were very particular about your phone the moment you were about to leave the property and safety it provided.
You didn’t argue when Hongjoong showed you how the small metal circle worked, your little heart somehow beating with slightly less tension because of it aswell.
"You guys packed water?" Hongjoong asked, seemingly casual but himself a little unsure - this was the longest you would have gone yet, but it had been planned for a while now, and he tried to feel calm. Now back by the entrance, Mingi leaned against the wall and watched Yeosang tie his shoes while you bounced on your heels in excitement.
"Yep."
"Food?"
At that point Yeosang simply lifted his backpack, not responding to the pack alpha who only pinched his brows and sighed softly.
"We have enough food for like- two days. Right, baby?" You nodded happily, letting Yunho zip up the hoodie’s collar zipper all the way up. Eventually, after reassuring everyone repeatedly that yes, you would stick to Yeosang, stay on the trail, keep your phones on, and return before evening, you finally set off.
The first hour and half was wonderful.
The weather sat at that perfect middle ground between warm and cool, and a cool breeze would sweep past, so even if you would walk uphill, it was never actually far too hot for you. And even if he didn’t outright say it, Yeosang couldn’t possibly be more proud of you - a few months ago you would be seriously tired after a hike like this, ready to crash, and he would have to be careful that you wouldn’t accidentally stumble on a root or something - but now you’ve grown stronger and more encouraged.
By the second hour, the two of you had wandered much deeper into the forest.
The trail has narrowed, and the sounds of civilization disappeared completely. Nothing remained except rustling leaves, birdsongs, and your soft-spoken conversation. You were currently discussing a new drama that was supposed to come out that you were fairly excited about, meanwhile the alpha remained skeptical about the plot (though they had already subscribed to the paid service network, so when the first episode aired next week, everyone would be ready to watch it with you).
But then a strange sound of distant drumming rolled through the trees overhead.
Both of you stopped.
Your smile faded immediately at the loudness, and Yeosang's expression shifted too. The alpha turned instinctively towards the noise, and a second later you did as well -
The sight waiting behind you made his stomach drop.
A massive wall of dark clouds stretched across the sky. It fully swallowed the horizon behind the forest, casting long shadows over the landscape, while ahead of you, sunlight still filtered through the trees and the sky looked bright.
Behind you looked like another season entirely.
"Oh no." The words slipped from your lips quietly, a small pout in place.
Yeosang frowned too - this wasn’t supposed to happen.
He has checked the forecast multiple times prior, and twice today - in the morning and just before you guys left. You unconsciously stepped closer to him, your hand finding his forearm. The alpha immediately felt your scent shift into an odd swoop, smelling like uncertainty and concern.
His jaw tightened as he stared into the grey clouds in front of you both, thinking quickly. You were just about halfway down the trail, and it was about an hour walk to the shortcut down the hillside and to Dojang-ri. You met zero people while on the trail, and this wasn’t a well-populated area, there were no stops or places of true cover between you both and home.
"Come on, baby," his voice remained calm and steady. "Let's keep moving."
You nodded immediately, but he held your linked hands just as tight as you did his. Both of your paces had turned quicker by then, but when the nearing thunder sounded again, much closer, you flinched visibly. His other hand was quick to curve around the back of your head, brushing through your locks soothingly.
"It's okay, sweetie." The reassurance came automatically from somewhere within, even as his own concern quietly grew.
Before you could make your way much further down the trail, the first raindrop landed. It felt cold against his cheek.
Within moments rain began filtering through the canopy overhead, and Yeosang cursed internally, sighing low and long.
"Come here, babygirl." He guided you toward the edge of the trail where the trees grew thicker, soothing his palm over your temple occasionally, noticing your scent changing with fear. The branches overhead provided slightly better cover and definitely something compared to the bare trail.
The alpha dropped his backpack quickly and crouched low into the moss while you hovered beside him anxiously as he searched through the supplies.
Pushing to the side the first aid kit, the bag with all the food, the warm thermos, and the bottle of water, at the very bottom of the backpack he finally reached the folded windbreaker, only meant as an emergency for you in case you got chilly - earlier you insisted you would be okay with just a jumper like he was, but Yunho was a bit huffy at the thought and grabbed the small, easy to take, light green windbreaker just in case, tucking it into the bag.
Bless him.
It wasn’t ideal. Far from it in fact. But it was better than nothing and would have to work for now, even if he didn’t believe it would realistically keep much of the rain out.
"Arms up ‘mega."
You obeyed immediately, and as he helped you into the oversized jacket, it swallowed you whole the moment he pulled it over your shoulders.
The sleeves hung past your hands, and the hood nearly covered your eyes when he quickly plucked it on, tucking the two French braids Wooyoung did for you this morning inside for safekeeping.
He still kept a reassuring smile on, even when another crack sounded and his hand found your shoulder where he had stood back up, slightly motioning for you to sit on the moss and grass.
"It’s okay honey, you just sit here for a minute…" He spoke softly, adjusting your hood again, and shushed your soft whine when you noticed his grey hoodie already darkening with moisture.
Yet he remained standing, positioning himself between you and the worst of the rain brought along by the growing wind. Yeosang slightly bent forward to shield the phone screen as he fished it out from his pocket, but he frowned at the no-signal bar, and his jaw tightened.
"Baby, does your phone catch any signal right now?”
When you checked, you shook your head soon after, and his jaw clenched more.
The rain intensified further, and water drummed against leaves overhead, now a solid downpour. He wasn’t too worried about the signal - he knew the trail by now and had the route practically memorized and also in a printed map format just in case. The others had your location too, he reminded himself, but still his stomach felt tight with worry.
Eventually he crouched in front of you, and the movement brought him closer to eye level. A soft smile appeared on his face once more as he tucked a wet strand of hair behind your ear with a gentle touch. You worried your lip, in a bubble of uncertainty.
"Is it going to be r-eally stormy?" The question came quietly, and he found your hand quickly.
"...What if- What if there's lightning, oppa?"
The alpha's chest tightened too, and he swallowed. Because truthfully? He wasn't completely sure.
But you didn't need that answer, shaky with your back to the tree by the trail.
"It'll probably just blow over, babygirl. Don’t worry, sweetheart." His voice remained calm and impossibly steady. His thumb brushed briefly against your knee.
"I think the smartest thing we can do right now is wait here where the trees can protect us."
You hesitated but nodded.
"Okay, oppa."
"Good girl. Come on."
He held your hand tight as the two of you relocated behind a fallen tree further off the trail but at a spot where you could still clearly see it. The massive trunk taken and broken by a past wind provided shelter from the currents while tangled branches overhead blocked some of the rain.
Yeosang helped you under the big branch, slotting himself next to you soon. One of his arms circled your back quickly, and he moved you to his side smoothly, opening the backpack to get out some of the candy he put inside.
The alpha looked increasingly damp, and you weren't much better, quietly munching on the gummy bear while he watched over you. Your shorts were soaked and so were your shoes. The windbreaker had lost the battle against the rain roughly ten minutes ago, and so practically every gust of wind made you shiver more.
Yeosang still pulled you closer to his chest for warmth, tucking your face into the crook of his neck where it was still warm and fairly dry. He had you drink some of the warm tea from the thermos, holding the small cup around your hands when your fingers shook so much it started to spill, steadying it.
By the next half hour, the worst had passed, and only a light drizzle remained. The moment he felt comfortable moving you again, he packed everything away and got you back on the trail, opening the chocolate bar and watching you take a bite with soft eyes, now back on the muddy path full of puddles.
The scenic viewpoint he'd planned to show you had long since disappeared from the itinerary at that point, and at the next crossroads he chose the shortcut toward the town he had taken once with Mingi.
Home was the priority now.
You didn’t complain at the shortening of the well-planned trip, sticking close to him while water squelched in your shoes - turns out they weren’t waterproof after all.
And eventually, as you both hurried down the declining trail, the trees started to thin before a long field opened up before you. The alpha quickly took his phone out only to see the full signal was available again - he felt ridiculously relieved then. He quickly dialed the pack alpha, probably sick with worry for them both.
By the time you reached the parking area, Seonghwa's car was already waiting. The oldest alpha was outside before you guys even made it a few steps down the street, taking you into his arms with a soft coo of care and worry.
"My sweetheart…"
You must have looked miserable, drenched to the bone, hair plastered to your forehead even when Yeosang combed it from your eyes every once in a while.
The oldest pulled you to the back of the car, doors quickly opened before his hands immediately found the zipper of the windbreaker. The soaked fabric peeled away with little resistance, and just as quickly, he draped a warm blanket around your shoulders, fresh from the dryer.
"There we go… Sang, here, there’s some clothes, it’s better you change too.” The younger one thanked his hyung with a sigh of relief, climbing into the back as well, where the windows were tinted up.
By that time the oldest was fussing over you again.
“Arms up, honey… Good girl… There, nice and dry, hm? Are your shorts wet too? Oh, you poor thing- okay, okay, here darling- shoes off first-”
You obediently lifted one foot and cuddled into the blanket and warmth of Jongho's sweater. The moment Seonghwa pulled the shoe free, water literally poured out onto the pavement below. The oldest stared silently before looking further into the vehicle.
“…Jesus Christ, Sang-ah.”
Yeosang looked up from where he was pulling on a dry hoodie over his shoulders, his hair towel-dried roughly.
"Hm?"
"How much rain did you two get caught in?" The alpha blinked before continuing to dry his hair once more.
"A lot."
"A lot?" Seonghwa tipped the shoe upside down again, and more water came out.
"A lot? That's practically an aquarium..!" His expression turned sympathetic all over again as he helped you take off the other shoe too and the drenched socks. Seonghwa's hand wrapped around one of your feet briefly. Immediately his eyes widened.
"You're freezing baby..!" He had you tuck your feet under layers of the blanket soon enough, though.
When you all made it home, the two of you were practically shepherded upstairs before either of you could properly defend yourselves, soon warmed up in a practically scalding shower, and went straight to the nest.
That was one of the few times Seonghwa didn’t go crazy over eating in bed, which in fact violated several household rules simultaneously and instead watched with fond eyes at how you both slurped up the chicken broth Jongho had brought from the kitchen just minutes earlier. You both dozed off soon enough for a long nap that drifted into just regular sleeping, held tight in his arms with a heating pack against your tummy just in case.
Another thing you’ve grown fond of was the bath house down at Dojang-ri.
It was nothing too big or grandiose, but you naturally loved water, and you and your pack became the regulars soon after moving in.
It wasn’t too far into the town, the building sat tucked between a small convenience store and one of the older restaurants near the center of town, and so it was maybe a twenty-minute walk at best. Though the alphas preferred to take the car so you wouldn’t be going back home with your hair all wet.
Mingi especially enjoyed soaking up in the warm pools with you. He enjoyed watching the exact moment your feet touched the edge of one of the water when something in your shoulders seemed to fall off.
It was quite unusual building in fact.
Practically all jjimjilbang you’ve ever been to had been separated by gender, but here, in the small town surrounded by trees and mountains, the space was fairly small, so small in fact the pools and area were communal to make use of the money the town could spare to build such a facility. It opened into quite late hours but only every other day and then the entire weekend, which you enjoyed.
And, since the only space left secluded was the saunas tucked by the separate changing rooms, which you never went into anyway, your mates could enjoy your company even in the spa area.
Mingi would take you quite often, a good three times a week or even more if you asked to.
The two of you had become so accustomed to the space that the older lady working at the entrance knew your names and would give you both small treats - you gave her a painting of the town from the distant mountain viewpoint as a thank you later on, tucked behind Mingi, practically shaking with shyness. She hung the painting next to the clock a few days later. Mingi had spent the next ten minutes telling anyone who would listen that you painted it, fully shameless. After all, as far as he was concerned, everyone deserved to know how talented his omega was.
The soft-hearted alpha had spared no expense on getting you a nice swim suit - you had just one here, but it was a two-piece set, and as the policy of the bathhouse asked for a one-piece for women, the alphas were quick to use it as an opportunity to spoil you some more.
By now you had three attires you swapped through regularly - a square neckline light pair with intricate beading that almost reminded you of fish scales and pearls, one with white polka dots and fake boning with bows to tie on the shoulders, and the newest one from a luxury brand you were extra careful with, a designer halter top with some clean white details. Apparently, it was a true vintage and came even with a certificate when San bought it for you one evening.
Mingi had a designated bag for the weekly trips downtown - the black duffle was filled with an emergency swimsuit for both you and him, a clean change of clothes, slippers and some hair ties and a claw clip, multiple towels and even a special one for your hair, which was anti-frizz, tiny bottles of shampoo and soaps, lotion, tampons and lip balm, a water bottle, and some emergency snacks in case the vending machine wouldn’t work - the alpha had it all.
Sometimes another one of your mates would tag along, but only occasionally was it the entire pack - the bath house was small, and they never wanted to bother the other guests, choosing to be respectful.
If all of you went, then it was usually to Namyangju, where there was a pretty nice pool to play around in. It wasn’t as relaxing as the quieter bathhouse, though.
The alpha cherished those late afternoons - usually he would take you just before dinner so you would be all dozy and sleepy, ready for bed right after filling your tummy.
He would get you the keys at the reception desk, scent you again before helping you put on your slippers and handing you your swimsuit from his bag, pecking your forehead one last time before you separated to change. You were always timid in the long row of gray lockers, quickly swapping your attire to whichever swimsuit you chose to wear that day before you hurried to the communal showers, respectfully bowing to anyone should it be appropriate.
You would slip past the sauna doors and hurry towards the entrance to the pools - Mingi was always behind the door, waiting patiently with the bag still slung over the shoulder. Waiting exactly where he said he would be.
He would hug you tight, relieved you were back within his sight before taking the key for you, guiding you with slow steps over to the bigger room. Usually there were around four or five other people, sometimes two, sometimes none at all. The tiny town was mainly occupied by older residents, and your pack has quickly grown some level of attraction from the locals - the old women swooning at how the alphas took such good care of you.
In the big room the pools were modest - the biggest was still only a few tens of meters long, and the water came up to your shoulders even in the deep end, so there wasn’t really any jumping allowed, though you didn’t mind. There was a small calf-deep play area for little children with some toys and a little slide and some gentle fountains and a rounded warm pool and the same but a cool one.
Mingi would let you pick where you wanted to go first, setting the bag down on one of the simple benches placed to the side and letting you stabilize yourself on his forearm so you wouldn’t topple over while sliding the slippers off.
And although you had never once fallen, Mingi remained convinced every surface was a potential hazard.
Most of the time you would hold his hand and tug him towards the bigger pool made for some modest swimming, and he would smile gently at you before going down the small ladder to the side, standing tall and reaching for you. The moment your mate had a good hold on your waist, he would slowly lift you and set you in the water himself, afraid you would slip and hurt your head on the porcelain floors.
And while in the beginning the water felt cold and made you shiver and step close to his chest naturally, eventually your body adjusted itself.
Mingi was working on getting your technique better, helping you do some basic strokes - he wasn’t the strongest swimmer himself, but as the water wasn’t deep, it was never really about swimming to begin with. The older alpha spent most visits helping you build confidence in the water.
But by far your favorite thing to do in the water was to be gently dragged by him, arms around his shoulders as you rested your cheek on his collarbone and he held your waist, calmly walking through the water while you rested your eyes. He wasn’t loud in the bath house - quite the opposite, actually, letting you decide if you wanted to try a little bit of diving that day or just wanted to be held in the warm pool curled up in his lap with your eyes closed.
Doctor Yi has recommended that you spend time by the water, as it was proven in numerous studies that such activities greatly aided traumatized omegas - both physically and mentally. It wasn’t exactly proven how the mental trauma seemed to be lifted by the water, perhaps something going far too back into evolution people couldn’t understand any longer. Some said it was due to sensory regulation.
Safe to say your mates took it to heart and had you near some kind of water pretty much every day, be it the bathhouse, the Han river in Seoul, the lakes above the house, or even one of the streams in the forest where you liked to sit and listen for a bit.
The psychiatrist often spoke about sensory regulation in general. Finding things that grounded you. Things that engaged the body gently and gave your mind something predictable to focus on. Which was how Yunho accidentally discovered your fascination with the guitar.
He knew you liked music, even if you didn’t listen to it as much as they probably did, but the way you became fully enveloped surprised even him.
One afternoon he and Hongjoong had brought some equipment back from the company to work on a few songs from home. Nothing unusual. The dining table had disappeared beneath notebooks and lyric sheets while cables seemed to appear from nowhere, stretching across half the living room, tucked under carpets so you wouldn't trip up.
You had been napping beforehand.
Curled into one of the armchairs with a blanket tucked tight over you, sleeping comfortably beneath the afternoon sun spilling through the windows. You were tired, needing a little power nap before dinner and the movie planned for the evening - it made sense, you and San had worked since lunch on the new saplings of eggplants and cucumbers and much to your excitement, strawberries too.
Then the alpha had mowed the lawn with Jongho’s hand, both of the alphas efficient and strong. They had you sit and watch, a bit too huffy at the thought of you near the blades of the machine, and so you went to water the few trees growing on the property and your patch, much to their slight displeasure still.
Hongjoong had been sitting nearby, scribbling notes while the younger alpha experimented with different melodies, strumming a few chords here and adding a short progression there. He would stop halfway through only to start again and have the pack alpha either nod in agreement or hum in displeasure.
The two had become so absorbed in their work that neither initially noticed they had gained an audience.
You had woken up quietly, not even stretching as you blinked your eyes open sleepily. And by the time Wooyoung wandered into the room to start the dinner, you were sitting far more upright in the armchair, shoulder against the armrest. Your lips were parted just in the tiniest way while you followed every movement of Yunho's fingers along the strings.
The younger alpha stopped just as quickly and promptly clutched his chest, closing his eyes tight. His soft coo finally made Hongjoong glance up, soon followed by Yunho doing the same, and the soft strummed music stopped.
"Aigoo, petal."
Large fingers combed gently through your hair after Wooyoung had crossed the room to you, smiling with hearts in his eyes.
"You guys have a little fan."
He teased softly, tucking the blanket closer over you from where it had long since slipped by your movements. Your cheeks grew warmer, but before you had time to turn your shoulder on him in timidity, Yunho had sat up taller from behind the table. He looked devastatingly pleased.
"You like it, baby?" You nodded fast before you could think of being shy about it, and he just grinned further.
That evening, after dinner, Yunho brought the black guitar back out of its case. You ended up tucked against his side soon enough on the couch while he played smooth tunes for your perked-up ears just before it was movie time.
Sometimes he would sing for you quietly too, sometimes only rumbles came from his chest. And even when he intended to take the guitar back over to KQ after a week at best it has remained in the house for now, the alpha strumming some gentle tunes for you whenever you mustered up enough courage to shyly ask him to do so.
He had started to teach himself some new songs he thought you would enjoy - some from your playlists of favorites on Spotify, some completely unfamiliar to you.
Yunho had soon enough managed to get you from your shy little shell and had the guitar over your lap - it was a little too big for you, but he would fix that eventually, and for now all he would teach you were a few chords. It started with Yunho seated beside you and Hongjoong occasionally joining from the other side, teaching you patiently while you whined about your fingertips hurting.
One time, after a few days of you practicing with him every single afternoon, Yunho practically beamed with how proud he was, having gathered all of the other alphas while he had you sit to his side, watching closely how your fingers changed positions slowly for each chord as you played ‘Love me do’ by Beatles.
Your mates were silent the entire time you strummed on the instrument, getting down the memorized songs while Yunho hummed along encouragingly, whispering a soft breath of ‘G, honey, pinky higher- theeere, that’s it, good girl.’
After you finished playing the chorus, the pack erupted into a full-on applause, even standing up while your cheeks blazed and you pouted cutely. Wooyoung and San loudly called for repetition of the short song, and after even the alpha at your side asked you to play it again, you did - albeit now less nervous and slightly better.
Dojang-ri didn’t have many things to do, realistically the biggest attraction of the city was the town market forming every weekend and maybe the bathhouse if you squinted hard enough - but the settlement had it’s own antique bookstore. Well, to be truthful, it was more like a second-hand store of all kinds - there were old radios and appliances, some clothes, and old toys, but also a section entirely made of books.
When Seonghwa accidentally stumbled upon the store, he didn’t think much of it - but it was pouring rain, he cursed himself for leaving the umbrella in the vehicle, which was still a good five minutes away from the fresh fish market he had taken you to when going grocery shopping for lunch.
The rest of the pack were all in Seoul for today, but nobody really felt comfortable with leaving you all alone for the day even if you probably would be fine, so the oldest chose to stay back for a day of just you and him - a treat!
He promised you some haemultang, which you’ve asked for so cutely last night, and took you to the town’s market to look for some fresh sea food - you didn’t always like to eat it, but it was full of protein, and so he was more than happy you seemed to crave it.
The alpha held your hand tightly, even if the two familiar men weren’t too far out of sight when he looked over his shoulder, and let you pick whichever of the black rockfish displayed looked the most yummy and held the basket with his other hand when you placed in the shrimps, oysters, and clams, the frozen octopus, and the fresh eel with the scallops. Seonghwa merely smiled and paid, nodding along to everything. And now, with your catch secured and bagged with some ice to last you the short trip back home, the weather has quickly gotten worse.
With not much other choice, water splashed around your shoes as Seonghwa ushered you through the front door of the old store, politely bowing, hoping to get you out of the rain hurriedly.
He promised to rush with the car and asked you to stay in the store and look around for a minute to see if you’ll like something, reassuring you that ‘Kim Gyeonghowon-nim will stay behind with you.’ Seonghwa smiled as the huge man bowed to you low, and you shuffled at your feet.
"You don't need to be scared love." A quick scenting followed with a final kiss against your forehead before he was off again.
You were left in the cluttered but cozy store all by yourself, with the older man working at the desk while reading a newspaper and the two-meter-tall bodyguard you were way too timid to ever really talk to.
But here, there was something to discover everywhere.
As you slowly browsed the shelves full of brightly patterned clothes, buckled shoes, and chunky jewelry, you eventually walked to the back where a tall shelf of books stood, towering over the cramped space. You looked through the books slowly, and just as the big, brown-colored tome got your interest, the doorbell rang as the store opened once more, and in came slightly disheveled Seonghwa, rain coloring his blue jumper near black.
The oldest mate held your hand soon enough, visibly relieved to be close to you again. He blinked at the book you were eying, smiling gently.
"Oppa, can we stay a little longer, please?" Your soft-spoken question came like a shy song of a bird - hopeful. Still, Seonghwa visibly considered it, but sighed with regret as he leaned closer, pushing away the little damp hair off your temples.
It broke his heart every single time.
"Honey..."
He thought of the bag of seafood already probably melting in the back of the car, and the fact it was nearing lunch hour and you guys were still in town, so he kissed your head and helped you put the book back, sliding it into the tall shelf.
"I promise we'll come back, hm?" He still said kindly as he helped you buckle up in the car again, soon driving back to the house as you nodded solemnly, even if you knew he kept all of his promises.
That very same afternoon, after the spring rain had long passed and the haemultang had been eaten, the two of you returned.
When you practically pulled your oldest mate over to the back of the odd-smelling store, he looked skeptically at the tall bookshelf your steps faltered in front of. Initially when he came to pick you up, he didn’t spare the store much looking over, just wanting to have you close again - the sensitive spot seemed to be far too painful whenever you were out of sight for him.
But now that he stood here again with his heart no longer pitifully racing, he truly glanced around.
Apart from the elderly man dozing off at the front by the register, it was just him and you, the safety personnel having been left stationed outside at Seonghwa’s soft wave. The walls were painted this odd shade of yellow, and there was a grey linoleum floor that formed bumps and uneven surfaces from where it had since lifted with time. It was stained, and he heard your little sneaker sole even stick to it for a second - how could he have left you in such a place, all on your own?
Was the rain seriously that heavy and the seafood that important that he couldn’t have figured out a different solution? For fuck’s sake Seonghwa-! He cursed himself into a pit of hell, eyes straining over the weird store. What was that smell?
To you, the musty shop wasn’t a source of discomfort.
By now your finger was already grazing over the dusty spines as your eyes looked over the covers, trying to see where that hidden gem was. There were two really old photography collections with yellowed pages and black-and-white landscapes but also with photos of people - it felt way too personal, and so you closed it on instinct moments after.
You saw some children's stories with worn cloth covers and a stack of American-style comics with missing pages and faded illustrations as well as some manhwa. There was this long series of seemingly romance novels with dark red covers and a dramatic font spelling out ‘Where the Cold Can’t Reach’ and ‘Forever After the First Snow.' You moved on soon enough, an odd feeling dissipating soon after you ghosted over dictionaries and other kinds of grammar books- wait, was that the one you had in high school? Were your teachers really that ancient?
Seonghwa stood close to you, patiently waiting even as he grew more and more displeased as the time ticked on.
He didn’t want to ruin your fun - but good God, why was that plush bear missing both of his eyes? Who would even buy that thing? The old radio crackling by the register sounded vaguely haunted too in the otherwise quiet store. And was that dust or an entirely new ecosystem growing on top of that rusted cabinet?
Wait, should you even be breathing this air in here?
Eventually your attention returned to the large brown book - the same one that had caught your eye earlier. It sat high on the shelf, far above your reach. The alpha immediately knew, vision finally turning back to you after nearly being hypnotized by the horrifying caramel-colored toy with a tiny sweater.
"What is it, baby?"
You pointed subtly upwards, big eyes looking up towards him.
"Oppa, can you get that one please?"
The oldest followed where you gestured but immediately frowned. Did the shelf always loom over you like that?
Before you could stretch up toward it, Seonghwa stepped forward. ‘He should pay more attention to you’, he scolded himself, biting his lip.
"Don't stand so close, baby." The alpha gently guided you back by your shoulders, hand reaching up to pat your hair when you were safely tucked at his side again.
"This whole thing looks like it'll fall over."
Seonghwa merely hummed when you whined in response but then reached up anyway, watching with a growing frown as a small cloud of dust puffed into the air the moment he touched the book.
"Honey, this place is filthy." He finally stated, sighing long and low, still not wanting to offend the owner snoring nearby. You giggled, taking his murmurs lightly, before taking the book from him and blowing over the cover. The oldest looked personally offended, a deep rumble coming from your left in response.
"You'll get sick ‘mega."
"I can’t get sick from a book oppa."
"You absolutely can, I read a study on it a while back. Mold and dust, fungal stuff, and other… particles can be very harmful for your lungs, darling. Now let’s put it back, please." He gestured vaguely with a serious expression.
Yet, the cover creaked as you opened it, the paper a comfortable beige color with this glossy finish. You flipped past the first few introductory pages before pausing on the name, and your smile widened.
"Oh- oppa, it's Hong Gildong."
Seonghwa looked closer over your shoulder from where he had been picking invisible dust from the crown of your head.
Having read the title himself, he hummed in agreement - it was The Story of Hong Gildong, a rather old edition at that. He watched with just about the tiniest smile as you hurried to flip further into the book to look over some of the lithographically printed illustrations. And while they were faded, there were even a few that utilized color too.
You looked up, all bright-eyed, and the alpha, seemingly in a momentary daze, was already doomed.
“Oppa, can we please get it? I like the pictures."
But, unfortunately for you, Seonghwa was looking directly at the book instead, and the spine seemed even more warped now that the book had been held open for approximately a minute.
Frankly, the spine looked like it was moments from entering the afterlife.
"Angel..."
The oldest gently touched one of the loose pages, and the entire block nearly came out, and your pout deepened. As you still flipped through more pages, he watched closely with growing horror - the next page had water damage, the one after that had a suspicious stain, and as your fingers stilled as another print of a man surrounded by nature came on, there, somewhere near the middle-
Was that mold?
Seonghwa nearly had a heart attack right then and there.
"Okay, that’s enough."
The alpha carefully closed the book, taking it from your hands. Did he have that antiseptic sanitiser for you in the car still, or had that run out? What if you get a skin irritation now?
Your shoulders slumped and you pouted further. Did you not ask nicely enough?
"But it's Hong Gildong, I never read that, not even in school."
"I know, darling."
"And it has nice pictures oppa."
"I know it does, babygirl."
His voice remained impossibly soft and ever patient, even as he placed the books back between the rows of moulded dust to settle into their awaiting grave. A bit later the alpha crouched besides you, one hand smoothing your hair back while the other held your hand, fingers already intertwined.
"What if we go to Icheon instead, to check out their library, love? There are way more books there. We can even set up a library card if you want, hm? Alpha is sorry, baby, but this isn’t a really nice place, and I can’t have you run around with something so filthy, darling you’ll get sick again."
You blinked.
Seonghwa tapped your nose lightly, just until the corners of your lips lifted a little bit.
The book on the shelf was suddenly forgotten, and it didn’t take long for him to convince you to go look for books in a different place. Had he known you were craving to read so badly, he would have taken you by now! Instead, he'd accidentally discovered your forgotten interest because you nearly adopted a mould-covered book from a rather weird antique store.
And so now, Hwa would take you to the library pretty much weekly.
Sometimes you would just return books you didn’t enjoy after giving the first few chapters a read, sometimes it was to simply pick up some more. You were guilty of looking at pretty covers and nice illustrations most of the time. But who was to blame you? You (sort of) studied art, and it was your biggest passion, so it made sense.
The section on art had become your favourite.
You borrowed the thick picture book on Paul Gauguin at least four times by now, fascinated by how the French post-impressionist handled colour so well, but your favourite was probably the textbook on Minjung art. You had flipped through it many times and even asked Hongjoong to take a few photo scans in Seoul of the pages on Hong Song-dam.
The pack alpha had done so without hesitation, making sure to get them back to you printed in good colour. You felt bad about borrowing the book three times in a row.
The oldest alpha enjoyed reading as well, and so he didn’t mind driving to the city with you one single bit – in fact, he would pick out some literature himself. Now that he had more time, he got around to reading more from Baek Su Rin and some poetry too.
And on evenings when your eyes felt tired but your mind refused to settle, Seonghwa would quietly retrieve whichever book he was currently reading and settle himself against the headboard while the rest of the alphas were still getting ready to rest.
He would have you curl up with your head in his lap, your cup of tea for sleeping close by, and the alpha would calmly read for you, hand entangled in your scalp.
Most of the time it would help you fall asleep soundly enough for him to feel satisfied and click the lamp off after a bit, letting your other mates closer to sleep in a nest in the exact way that felt the nicest. It was the most important task he had assigned for himself each day after all.
And once Hongjoong would finally come himself, always the last to go to bed from the tiny studio tucked away downstairs, the pack would be finally at peace.
He would slip beneath the blankets with practised care, pressing one final kiss against your temple, letting his scent linger before gathering everyone just a little closer - like a shell they cradled the loveliest pearl, that seemed to shimmer even between murky waters.
Into the dark night with only slow breaths and occasional shuffles of sheet, the pack alpha would hush, breathing in your content scent: “Goodnight, my sweet girl."
And with a tenderness reserved only for you, he would press the softest kiss to your forehead, sealing every prayer he carried for your happiness, your health, and all the peaceful tomorrows still waiting for you and your pack.
°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Thank you so much for finishing 'Where the cold can't reach'
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Warnings: difficulty with food, stalking, swearing
It felt like an eternity had passed by when the first plum blossoms began to bloom that year. Not much longer after that, bright sunrays of forsythias followed, and the countryside warmed up, chirping birds scaring away whatever snow was left.
The outskirts of Seoul were peaceful at this time of the year.
The spring was still fresh and fragile to the touch, and the mornings left one chilly and cold as the sunshine worked away on the stiff landscape. But a change was coming, and it felt like a new breath after the constricting and stiff winter that seemed to stretch on for far too long.
It truly was like a sigh of relief when the tough ice started to melt on the once frozen-over lake just at the outskirts of Dojang-ri, marking the end of winter.
Fear not – they loved to take you ice skating there when you were up for it that day, that is, but Seonghwa’s heart could only take so much, watching you skittle along on the ‘surely far too thin ice layer’ that could crack at any time under you! When he closed his eyes tight enough, he could picture it, the spiderweb forming beneath your feet, and there you were, in the very middle-!
He huffed to the rest of the pack, refusing to spoil your fun but worried nonetheless. He couldn’t help himself but be slightly relieved it would no longer be possible to try the ice for any other day.
Dojang-ri was nice.
It was secluded and private. Safe.
It was an option to finally heal.
After the public addressing of the fragile situation, it felt like it was much deserved for them after all. It didn’t take too long before even they themselves were at their limit. It felt like an escape, a place to gather back up and restore what was once shattered and broken.
Yeosang liked it.
Yes, he was worried, all of them were.
The township was a good hour and half away from Seoul after all. Nothing too dramatic, but a sure difference. But after going on a hiatus, there seemed to be little to any reasonable worry for this. They had to do the trip a few times a week still, but it was never a big enough deal, and so there was no rush in coming back to the loudness awaiting in the main city.
Yeosang liked how nature greeted them each morning.
The cottage house they were renting indefinitely was surrounded by dense trees and a long driveway leading to the nearest village, Dojang-ri. He liked how the leaves moved in the wind, he liked to watch the sun rise and set, he liked looking at the stars forming complex constellations.
Nowadays, there are few loud noise and just as few strange people.
It felt good being in the constant company of his pack. It was like a relief to an old, burning wound that never quite healed. It was like newfound peace. Like coming back home.
And he truly believed you liked it too.
He felt his throat tighten, simply thinking back. He felt so sorry, and even when trying to apologize to you as much as he could, it felt like he would be sentenced as guilty for the rest of his life. He felt sorry thinking back to how tired and sickly you were. The stress, anxiousness, and trauma piled up far too quickly on your shoulders, and it left you practically bedridden for weeks.
What they hoped would be a quick drop – something your omega required probably to keep your mind safe as a last resort – took so much longer than any of them expected.
The alpha held a porcelain cup close, leaning onto the wooden railing as he overlooked the massive hilltop just a few kilometers away. The warmth coming from the matcha latte felt comfortable on his chin, and he sipped on the sweet liquid even though it was still far too hot for his tongue.
The man was lost in thoughts, welcomed by the crawling, slow morning.
He thought back to how shaken you were for those weeks. It was actually while you were still in omegaspace that they decided to relocate. Somehow it felt like a right move – they despised the apartment their management provided, no matter how grateful they were for how it ended up saving them from a horrible situation. It sat badly with everyone, associated with the events, with all the fear, uncertainty, and hatred. So, it didn’t take them much too long to leave it behind in search of something more comfortable. A fresh start.
It was Minjun who advised on the place, actually.
Yeosang’s eyes lowered in gratitude on instinct again, even as the slightly older man was nowhere in sight.
The fairly popular actor was close with Yunho, going far back into their school years when they shared class together. They used to be good friends and kept in contact even after naturally drifting apart career-wise.
When you were all still staying back in Seoul, Yunho had gone out for some drinks with a small friend group, hoping to let off some steam from being constantly on edge. He spoke to his close friends lengthily, nearly crying when he explained the painful situation your pack wound up in.
After the rest had left for the night as the time went on, Yunho and Minjun stayed behind, the actor careful to suggest and open up himself. Minjun’s mate, also an omega girl, Nayoon, had formed a pack with him a few years ago at that point but was mentally traumatized from her previous home when they first met.
Yunho never went into details, respecting his friend’s privacy, but Minjun has ended up advising a nature resort to be of great help to its own situation. He told the alpha how Nayoon grew stronger both physically and mentally and started to take interest in more activities again, hiking and such.
Of course, it took a while, but it worked.
To Yunho it sounded nearly magical. Like a dream.
After he came home late that night and was about to go to sleep, he told Hongjoong about the idea, mumbling half-drunk and shy, thinking that the pack alpha would brush him off with such a silly suggestion.
But much to his surprise, it stuck.
A week later they moved to the outskirts of Seoul, published a hiatus message, and decided to simply take a break. For their well-being, for their health. There was no deadline leading them back, postponing all of their shows with no further updates made by them personally, choosing to prioritize you over work. Director Noh even stood up for them when some of the managment refused to approve of their leave.
And it felt good.
Sure, at first it was a big adjustment, he thought as he smiled to himself gently, looking at the pair of herons flying over the mass of trees. But they made it work.
‘Through thick and thin,’ he repeated to himself.
His thoughts were roughly interrupted by a strangled noise coming from behind him, the awkward, nearly soundless creek making him turn around fast. But it was simply the glass doors sliding open to the balcony and Wooyoung, who hurried to push himself in through the slightly too small gap. The door was stubborn sometimes.
“Hyung, you coming for breakfast? Seonghwa made some kimchi stew, and it tastes so good- What are you looking at?”
When Yeosang turned back around, the younger alpha blinked before coming closer, squinting into the distance to try and see what it was that was so intriguing to his bandmate.
It looked the same as any other morning, though, making him pout a little bit.
“Just thinking… It’s nothing important. Should we go eat?” Yeosang’s voice was kind as ever, and soon enough the two alphas squeezed back through the gap, locking the door back up.
Inside the house it was bright and warm.
The ceilings stretched tall, the interior feeling homey and cozy nonetheless. There were wooden floors made of teak, and the wooden beams were left exposed, giving a fairly robust look. The multitude of plants aided in giving a more lived-in look, even if they’ve been here for only a few months now.
The older followed the other alpha through the large mezzanine floor where their spacious bed was. When Sang left to have his morning cup, you were still dozy and sleepy in the middle of the tousled sheets, wrapped up all cozy in Jongho’s arms.
It’s been this way for a few weeks by now, the youngest having bought that ridiculous dream interpretation book from an online second-hand marketplace, and the two of you had become tightly bound in practically a ritual every morning. You would tell your mate whatever fragments of your dream you remember, and the alpha nodded along while consulting the questionable literature, humming in all the right places.
It’s been the same this morning, Sang woke up a bit after you, comfortable as the sun just began to rise. For a few minutes he watched his younger and youngest cuddle up, while you spent all your limited morning energy on mumbling something entirely incomprehensible to his own ears.
Yet, Jongho somehow had understood every word. Or pretended well enough to satisfy your little bit of a mushy, just-woken-up mind. Yeosang still wasn't quite sure about all that.
Every sleepy mumble was followed by Jongho nodding seriously, flipping through the dog-eared pages to find just the right explanation for you all swimming in a lake of pearls.
"Really?" He would ask when you went into more detail.
The conversation had continued for nearly ten minutes, and the older alpha was completely lost even as he listened in carefully, lips parted as the maknae read a small part of the chapter on jewels: "To dream of pearls is often regarded as a favourable omen. Pearls are treasures formed slowly within hardship and therefore represent wisdom, emotional growth, and blessings earned through perseverance. Finding pearls may suggest that the dreamer is beginning to recognize their own value after a period of suffering."
The book's accuracy was questionable.
But you found it to be endearing, so they let it happen. After all, Dr Yi had repeatedly stressed the importance of nurturing curiosity wherever it appeared, and this did count as that, so who were they to argue?
And if the dreams were not pleasant for you at night, they were there too. Today, however, had been a good night.
Now, the nest lay abandoned, the sheets left unmade. Sometimes you liked to curl up, and they’ve found this was a nicer way to provide you with a safe spot to rest at all times should there be need.
The sounds of breakfast drew Yeosang fully back to the present.
He felt as if he had been drifting away constantly the past few weeks or so. Not even necessarily badly, just had been thinking a lot. Voices overlapped from the lower level, and Wooyoung was already halfway down the stairs when Yeosang finally walked over to the ledge.
Down it was just as nice as above.
The large windows, which were made of one-way glass, stretched through like ribbons, offering daylight and sun to shine through. There were a few large, comfortable carpets lying on the floors, and Sang toed the lifted edge of one to lay it correctly again.
Yet, the first thing he saw when he rounded the bannister was you.
Perched up comfortably in Hongjoong’s lap, you wore a big, oversized striped sweater and some black linen pants you could go lay back down in if you were too tired later. Your hair was still messy and barely brushed through, making him smile softly.
The packalpha sat at the kitchen table with one arm wrapped securely around your waist, thumb moving in kind circles. His other hand held a spoon full of rice you both seemed to share from his plate, steamed and fluffy. You appeared far too busy talking to eat, leaning close to him as you whispered something into his ear.
Whatever it was, it made Hongjoong chuckle and his shoulders shake lightly before he plucked another spoon between your pink lips.
"Chew first, baby," Hongjoong instructed softly, brushing a stray strand of hair behind your ear. "Then you can finish telling me."
You nodded obediently despite already looking moments away from speaking again, hand tugging on his sleeve impatiently.
Yeosang was so grateful. Perhaps that's what it was.
The rest of the pack sat by the table too, greeting him in rough, still tired voices. All were in various stages of consciousness, and to him, Mingi looked like he might just about faceplant into the bowl of stew before him. Seonghwa quickly pulled out an empty chair for Yeosang, motioning for him to sit down while sipping on a cup of coffee.
"Thanks, hyung."
The chair scraped softly against the wooden floor as he settled down, reaching forward to grab some of the stew for himself. No sooner had he done so than Seonghwa's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Sang-ah, did you leave your cup on the balcony again?"
Yeosang froze, blinking slowly, as he recalled just where he left the finished mug. He could swear he was just bringing it downstairs-!
Across the table Wooyoung immediately snorted, slurping loudly on some of the broth. Seonghwa cooked seriously well.
"There it is."
"What?"
"The face."
"What ‘face’?"
"You always make it whenever you forget something." Yeosang frowned, scowling at the younger alpha.
"I don't make ‘a face Wooyoung. ’"
"Yes, you do."
"You do hyung," San agreed, backing up his best friend while laughing softly.
"I don't."
"You literally just admitted you did forget it..!"
Yeosang groaned, shaking his head as he chewed on a bite to shut himself up from making the situation worse. The oldest shook his head fondly.
"It's fine, just leave it for now and eat."
"Sorry, hyung." He said quietly after a moment.
"I'm not upset." The older alpha reached over to straighten Yeosang's slightly crooked bangs before continuing.
"I'm just worried it'll fall." A beat passed before his gaze drifted towards you.
"And we all know how often someone runs around barefoot outside."
At that, your head snapped up, previously focused on a bit of lint stuck on Hongjoong’s sleeve.
"I heard that oppa-!" You gasped with a soft pout. The packalpha held you a little closer then, a small smile hidden behind your hair.
"You were supposed to, honey."
"I wear shoes, like, all the time."
The eight alphas stared at you, not a word spoken. You broke off their eyes soon enough, mumbling a tiny "...okay, just sometimes."
"Baby..." Hongjoong's voice held the same patience he somehow managed to will to life whenever speaking to you.
"Just last week-"
"I was watering the flowers..! They need to be watered everyday..!"
"Yes, but you can’t be doing all that barefoot. The grass was wet too, you’re lucky you didn’t get sick."
He tutted softly, running his fingers through your hair. You considered his worry, letting your cheek rest on his collarbone after a minute, a small puff of air leaving you. He made it all better soon after, popping another delicious spoonful between your cheeks to keep you from pouting anymore.
Not much longer after that, Yunho, who had been quietly eating while listening to everyone else, long legs stretched comfortably beneath the breakfast, straightened up towards the head of the table.
"Honey?" The alpha smiled even wider when you met his eyes with curiosity.
You have gotten so much better over time.
Did you even notice?
"Wanna go see if the ducklings are back after breakfast?"
Your entire face brightened up to match his. Your reaction alone made several of them smile too.
"Really?"
"Sure, if they're there."
You practically bounced where you sat. The smaller lake just north of the house had two swans and a single duck which has been raising it's children for the past week or two. They were still small, but if you didn’t disturb them, which you were always careful to not do, the small family would swim past you quite closely. Yunho has been taking you on a walk pretty much every single day, as long as you wanted, of course.
"Okay."
"Okay?"
You nodded eagerly.
"Okay, oppa. I’ll bring the camera too..!"
Yunho looked absurdly pleased with himself while Hongjoong nosed at your scent gland at your proclamation, pecking your temple.
He had bought the small, vintage, pink digital camera for you after one of your very first sessions. For being so brave, he has told you, explaining that now you can take pretty pictures of everything to remember.
Back then, you had spent several minutes simply turning it over in your hands, examining every button and dial before finally asking if it was really yours and if he meant it.
The alpha still remembered the look on your face when he said yes.
And even if he just simply wanted to share his hobby with you this way, teaching you how to adjust the settings just right and even editing some pictures for you if you asked him, it was mainly the habit of creating tangible reminders of good days that they wanted to enforce.
That morning there was nowhere else to be but here, and so they enjoyed their time together fully. It was good.
They spoke of all kinds of things - of the rain that was meant to come down later in the afternoon and of the dream you and Jongho had last night, and when Wooyoung asked Mingi and Joong about them disappearing even if you all lived together, the younger let it slip that it was a new project they’ve been working on.
"So there is a song..!"
"...there always was a song, Woo-ah."
"You said there wasn't."
"I said we're working on something."
"Can we hear it?"
"Later."
"When later?"
"When it's finished."
Groans immediately erupted around the table. The two alphas didn’t mention that you had in fact already heard it, always being their first listener when it came down to music.
The morning stretched on after that for a while longer, the space shared until everyone was full and comfortable.
You had just finished a glass of the fresh strawberry lemonade the kind lady sold down at Dojang-ri and went to get the camera after you nearly left it behind, bounding down the stairs a little too quickly for Yunho’s liking, who watched from the entryway, waiting patiently for a certain omega who had become distracted somewhere along the way.
Meanwhile, Seonghwa and San moved around the kitchen area in near-perfect sync. While the older one carefully portioned leftovers into containers for later, organizing them into the large fridge, the younger alpha unloaded the dishwasher, placing clean dishes onto the drying rack to fill again with the dirty plates and cutlery from breakfast.
So when you returned with your beloved pink camera dangling from its strap around your wrist, Yunho’s eyes found you fast, his jacket hung open while he crouched to tie his shoes, having occasionally glanced toward the hallway previously.
The spring morning was pleasant enough, but a cool breeze still lingered beneath the sunshine.
"Baby?" he called when he saw you hover unsurely at the last step, watching the backs of your two mates. Your head turned to him at the soft call.
"You coming?"
You looked down at the camera in your hands. Then toward the kitchen. Then back toward Yunho.
"...just one minute, I need to ask something, oppa..." The alpha smiled comfortably, finishing up on his right shoe.
"Okay, take your time, honey.”
San set down the plate just in time for you to patter close and latch onto his sleeve, tucking yourself under his arm to face him. His other arm found your waist to steady you naturally, just in case, as he left the rag on the counter.
"What's up, sweetheart?" He asked you kindly, brushing away the stubborn strand that seemed to spring up constantly today. Did you sleep over your hair wrong? It was really cute though.
You hesitated to find the right words, worrying the strap of the camera between your fingers before you leaned to his neck to breathe in his natural musk. The alpha stilled within an instant, caring not to disturb you and unsettle you accidentally.
“You’re okay cub, alpha’s right here.” He whispered gently, pecking your forehead after you tucked your chin over his chest once more.
"Oppa..." you mumbled after a minute, still searching for the right words.
"Hm?"
"Will we still look at the..." Your brows furrowed in concentration.
"The vegetables later, please?" His heart warmed up, and his expression softened even further.
"The garden? Sure, we can do that, why?"
Your face scrunched slightly as you pouted a little. He kissed your nose in response, dimples showing in the morning light.
"I was thinking maybe that they need more of the..." You paused, looking away as your lips opened with no true sound leaving. San waited patiently for you. Always patient.
"Fert..." you mumbled again.
"You mean the fertilizer, babygirl?" Your eyes immediately brightened as you looked up once more.
"Yeah, that…!"
A small laugh escaped him, and to his right, Seonghwa has visibly slowed down while arranging containers in the refrigerator, his own scent even lighter and more comfortable than before.
A few months back, gardening had been nothing more than an offhand comment on liking flowers from you.
Yet San had taken the comment and ran with it.
Within a week, he, Jongho, and Wooyoung had prepared a small garden patch behind the cottage, spending their time outside every afternoon. They created a modest little space surrounded by wooden edging and carefully turned soil much to your glee. At your interest, the alpha had even bought you a beginner's handbook with a spiraled spine and cute stickers to add to the last journal calendar section.
It was another thing you’ve fallen in love with.
And when you inevitably mixed up half the terminology mentioned inside, he never laughed. Whether it was confusing pruning shears for trowels or just inventing entirely new names for gardening tools, San always corrected you with endless kindness. He even took you to a large hardware store, holding your hand tight as you both filled up a cart worth of supplies to get you started.
Your mate got you a matching pair of gloves with pretty fruit slices on them and a pair of brown overalls so you wouldn’t have to worry about getting all dirty. San also bought you a sun hat to keep you in the shade, even if the sun rays were still shy and hidden behind the clouds for now.
At that point nobody was entirely sure whether the garden was meant for you or whether San was simply living out some secret gardening fantasy through you.
"Sure, we can definitely check on the spinach and radish later to see if it’s doing okay," San promised. Relief immediately spread across your face. He held you a little tighter as he spoke next.
"But you remember what day it is today, baby?"
The expression on your face turned thoughtful. A few seconds passed with your brows furrowed until they visibly eased when understanding dawned.
"Oh."
"Mm."
"Dr. Yi."
"That’s right, Dr. Yi," he confirmed.
You shifted your weight, tucking yourself a little closer. He didn’t stop you, scenting you for the much-needed comfort. The therapy sessions had become easier over time. Yes, it was still difficult sometimes, but no longer as frightening.
Definitely not like they used to be. There once was a rough patch, he thought as he gave your forehead another long, sweet kiss.
"So maybe," San continued gently, "you and Yunho hyung can go check for the ducklings first."
You nodded along.
"And then after you come back with Joongie, and if you're feeling up to it, we'll go check on the garden together. That sounds okay?”
"...promise oppa?"
The alpha crouched slightly so he could look at you properly.
"I promise, cub."
Satisfied after he sealed his vow with a gentle peck, you finally nodded to yourself. Being responsible for a garden was serious business, and you wanted to do good after all!
He was gentle when he turned your shoulders back towards the main door, where Yunho waited to take you on your usual walk, your pink rain boots all ready by his side as he held your coat.
San gave your shoulder another gentle squeeze.
"Go on now, sweetheart, have fun. Wouldn’t want the ducklings to swim by without you there to see ‘em.”
That you didn’t.
You held Yunho’s hand tightly the whole time you were outside, the same way it has become the new norm for you all. The sky hung beneath a blanket of pale clouds, and the occasional breeze tugged at your hair, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and budding leaves.
It was still early enough that the world felt quiet.
It was always quiet here, though.
The alpha led you through the trail, never mentioning or talking to the two men trailing behind you both from the moment you left the gate to the long entryway. They remained far enough away to be unobtrusive, yet close enough to intervene if necessary.
You didn’t really notice them anymore.
And when you made it to the small lake, the water shimmered beneath the cloudy sky, gentle ripples spreading across its surface whenever the wind brushed over. The grass surrounding the shoreline was still recovering from winter, patches of green slowly reclaiming the yellowed landscape, and you walked around the water surface, always staying on trail. Once Yunho spotted the animals, he gently pointed towards the mother duck.
His hand squeezed yours lightly.
"There, look, baby." Yunho laughed under his breath at your excited little gasp before instinctively lifting a finger to his lips.
"Shh."
Your hands flew to your mouth.
After that you took a few pictures, even snapping some of Yunho (you were learning to take nice pictures of people right now), he did the same as you. Only when your cheeks started to feel a bit too chilly to the touch when he ran his palms over the side of your face did you guys go back.
And so, not much longer, you were back at the cottage house, kicking off the muddy boots to not make a mess inside, scurrying over to Mingi, who was sitting on the big couch downstairs, feet stretched over the low table while typing on his notebook.
“Oppa-!”
He was already looking up the moment he smelled you nearby, long before the door was unlocked by your other mate.
"Hi, princess.”
"Baby, gimme your jacket first…!"
Yunho called from the entryway, rearranging your shoes correctly as he took off his own. You hurried back to him to do as he asked before bouncing back to the younger man, telling him that ‘the ducklings are fine and that there are still four, and that they look healthy, but that the swans weren’t there so you didn’t know about those but–’
Mingi had you drink a tall glass of some orange juice, watching fondly as your cheeks turned all pinky in the sudden temperature change.
After that it was the usual- ‘Are you hungry, darling? You wanna drink some more baby? We have some of the strawberry syrup, how about that? You wanna wear something warmer before you go? Wait, here, take the hoodie darling,’ and when Hongjoong appeared, he already had your ID card in his wallet, a cap for both him and you, and a pair of masks tucked away for later. He had just taken a shower, but his hair would finish drying before you would get back to Seoul, so it would be fine.
While Yunho went to help Yeosang and Mingi, who were preparing to go get some groceries in the small town, the packalpha came over to you, asking you if you wanted anything with you or were ready to go now, to which you just nodded from where you were clicking through the camera, wanting to be brave for them.
“You guys leaving already?” Mingi called from the kitchen, head poking out a second later.
“Yeah, I’m a bit worried about the traffic today… but we’ll be back by four the latest, I’ll text you if anything changes, don’t worry.”
"Okay, hyung.” The younger one spoke softly, coming closer with a gentle smile while his older bandmate helped you fasten your shoes properly.
The three alphas currently at home hugged you tight before leaving, making sure that you knew that they were ‘the proudest to have you as their mate,’ and that ‘they love you loads and loads and that no matter what happens it won’t change,’ and that you should ‘stick close to hyung and if anything happens you call us and everything will be okay then.’
Before you knew it you were already in the car, bundled up tight as the car warmed up, watching the world pass by.
You used to cry a lot before each session.
You couldn’t help it. The wounds were still fresh, stinging and burning no matter what you did. No matter how they soothed, there was no medicine for them.
It took nearly a month for your body to give its will back to your mind.
It was so much longer than ever before - the time that has passed between the moment your omega gave back the control to you.
It was terrifying to them. For a week or two you were sick as well, nauseous and feverish. They had an omega specialist come in to look at you twice when you were still in the old apartment and once more when you were staying in the countryside too. Not that you remembered - you didn’t have any memory of the long month that drizzled by.
Perhaps that was for the better.
It was Yeosang who somehow broke you out of the omegaspace spell cast upon you.
That evening, just about two weeks into being within the new area, it was Sang who was brushing through your hair. He had you close to his folded legs, while a wooden brush glided through your hair in slow, careful strokes, each pass gentle enough not to snag or pull.
The couch was comfortable, and the young alpha was just waiting for some of the others to get back from a larger shopping trip in the main city, having needed some essentials they didn’t have yet.
There wasn’t even a proper internet connection, and the worker coming in to fix up the barely working TV was meant to come in tomorrow morning while you will still be asleep, hopefully, so you wouldn't whimper and cry about the unfamiliar man close to your nest.
So for now, he hummed you a soft tune for you instead, letting you rest one of your shoulders on his chest with those sleepy eyes of yours.
He watched with a kind gaze how your own would flutter shut every once in a while, cheeks rosy from the warm tea he had you drink just a bit ago, all cute in his arms. The subtle noise coming from the bathroom shower didn’t bother either of you, nor the sound of Yunho’s footsteps above, putting away some laundry before it would be the time for bed.
So when he heard your breath suddenly hitch, his own glazed-over eyes widened like saucers. He felt you tremble slightly and your scent sour - what has happened? He didn’t hurt you, did he? Alarm shot through him, and his heart dropped straight into his stomach.
"Baby?" He was quick to set the brush aside.
"Sweetheart?"
Yeosang was just about to pull you to his chest when you did so yourself, turning in his lap to clamber closer, with desperate hands clutching at his shirt, suddenly crying. His brows were furrowed, his hand already finding the back of your head to cradle you closer.
"Oh, no, no, baby...What is it? What's wrong? Alpha's got-"
“...opp-a…” You whimpered, voice rough from long unuse. His own heart seemed to stop.
For a second he thought he'd imagined it.
You came back to him. Back to them.
His embrace tightened on you even further, squeezing you closer. Small tears gathered into his own eyes as he froze completely, not sure what to say, what to do, or how to make everything right again.
“Oh, baby…” He whispered into your ear finally, tiny pearls sliding down his cheeks to match yours. His arms wrapped around you so tightly it was almost desperate. Yeosang felt his throat tighten past the ability to speak no more, and he swallowed thickly, gathering you to his chest.
They’ve been waiting for weeks for this to come.
"It's okay," he whispered shakily, pressing his face against the crown of your head, eyes closed.
"You're o-kay." His voice cracked.
"You're okay, sweetheart."
But when he felt your scent turn rough and unwell, soon enough his eyes lowered again to find you, only to see your glossy lashes blinking at the unfamiliar room around you.
Right. You had no idea what was going on.
“Oppa, what happened? Wh-where-?”
Your voice wobbled and soon broke up into more cries he shushed to the best of his ability, hand finding your temple to guide the face back over to his scent gland.
What was he to do now?
How should he explain?
How can he?
"Hey, hey, hey… Shh, baby, shush… You’re okay, I’m right here, oppa is right here, honey. Just breathe f’ me now."
His mind was racing. What was he supposed to say? His pulse thundered beneath your cheek.
“Hyung…!”
He called in the end, his voice visibly unsettled, only glancing towards the stairs every few seconds, too scared to take his eyes off of you.
It didn’t take long for Yunho to practically leap downstairs. When he smelled the change in your scent, he stammered in his hurrying steps, though, blinking a few times. They didn’t smell your natural way in weeks at this point.
For a second he simply stared, with disbelief written all over his face. Then his mouth fell open.
"...Babygirl?"
He wasted no more time after that, taking the very last few metres with wide steps before dropping to his knees besides the couch.
"Oh god, baby."
His hands found your face first, and a strangled sob escaped him just after that. Yunho’s arms wrapped around you immediately, pulling both you and Yeosang into a crushing embrace , scenting you over and over, just about a thousand kisses left on your forehead.
"That’s m-my girl, my sweetest girl came back to me…" he choked out, repeating it over and over to calm his own mind. His nose brushed your skin between the endless kisses.
“Fuck, you scared me- so,” he pecked your temple, “so much baby, don’t do that ever again, okay? None of that again, please, sweetheart.”
When you noticed both of their tears, you whimpered, and your lower lip trembled further.
"W-why are you crying?"
The question came out so small.
Yunho smiled so wide through his tears then at the sound of your voice, telling you they were just so happy you were back here with them. That it meant your body was stronger now.
That it meant it would all be okay.
Yeosang’s thumb stroked beneath your eye, still finding it hard to believe.
"...we missed you so much, baby."
Not even a minute after that, Jongho had run out of the shower, hair still wet with his clothes haphazardly thrown on, shirt backwards, too scared if everything was fine. But when your eyes fully found him across the room, Jongho too made a sound somewhere between a laugh and a sob himself.
"Oh." His hand flew to cover his mouth.
"Oh my god." He couldn’t have been happier when he held you just moments after, finally smelling your healthy scent again, even if you looked confused and lost in the sudden area you ended up in.
The sweet reunion was broken up by your fingers clutching his shirt as you asked softly: “Oppa, wh-what’s going on?”
What even was this place? Where was the rest of the pack?
Jongho pressed a kiss to your temple, sharing a glance with both of your other mates, all of them hovering between the relief and happiness and the responsibility and anxiousness it brought along in tandem.
"...We'll explain, don’t worry now petal, just hold on a bit longer, come here now."
They told you everything only when the rest of the pack arrived.
Hongjoong sat besides you and held your hand while Seonghwa explained what had happened after you dropped.
About the sickness and the live. About the public announcement video. About moving here as a mental health retreat, they told you that they were on hiatus now. That they want to be here for you now, and that everything will be okay. They hinted at the ongoing police investigation, at the fact that your university has given you time off without any real repressions towards your student journey. How Sisi called San to ask about you weekly and how she took on some part-time job at a fashion museum in Icheon where they have a close family friend she is staying with for the situation to settle down.
You sat there practically silently as they spoke feather-soft with the kindest way of breaking it all to you.
But before everything could even be discussed, you broke down, unable to listen further, overwhelmed at what you’ve caused.
You were sobbing and could barely breathe for what felt like an hour, and it seemed like no matter who held you and tried to soothe you, it was beyond repair.
Your fingers were tight on Hongjoong’s collarbones when he embraced you to his chest, cradling you softly as he paced through the room slowly. The rest of the alphas were left restless and worried, Mingi’s knee bouncing in stress while Seonghwa brewed another cup of soothing tea for you to try and help.
It seemed futile. It was.
Could they admit it to themselves?
You didn’t sleep well that night.
And when morning finally came, you had no tears left to cry, eyes all swollen and painful, lashes clumped together from hours of sobbing, and your breath still shook with fragility. Wooyoung combed his fingers through your hair soothingly as he held you in his lap at the dining table.
"C'mon, ‘mega," he cooed softly, nudging the spoon closer to your lips. "Just one more bite for me."
Yet you turned your face away, even when a kiss landed on your cheek.
"...just one, please, baby."
You swallowed thickly and shook your head, mumbling that you weren’t hungry. Before he could try again, your shoulders hitched up, and so he abandoned the spoon to cradle you to his neck instead.
"Ah, no, no, okay, okay. No more, no more. Don't cry, baby. Please don't cry."
There was no need to explain why it was that you were so heartbroken over this.
You never wanted to go public as their mate, not yet, and definitely not until you finish studying. They knew that and never opposed your decision previously. But there was no way to discuss the announcement with you in omegaspace and what had to be done was done.
Now there was no taking it back.
It was like a knife lodged tight between their ribs, cutting flesh and ripping skin, tearing and screaming how they failed you - that they let this happen. They made you into this.
You didn’t want them to go on a hiatus because of you.
You didn’t want Sisi to have to move out from her packhouse to a different city simply for safety reasons.
You didn’t want a year's break from school.
You never meant for any of this, and the guilt ate you raw from within, tearing you by artery and muscle, piece by piece. A monster has found its home under your skin by now, and the guest was there to stay, feeding on glee and passion. When was the last time you painted?
It was over the breakfast table that Seonghwa had softly proposed the idea to you.
"Sweetheart?" You looked up slowly, sniffling a little. Seonghwa's voice became even gentler at that.
"Darling… We wanted to ask you something."
You lowered your gaze again, playing with the sleeve of the dark hoodie. Hongjoong reached over the table, his fingers finding yours, but you didn’t look up to his eyes either.
"You don't have to answer right away."
"And you can say no," Yunho added fast, sincerely. He felt unsure of this and wasn’t the only one feeling that way.
"Yes, that’s important," Jongho agreed quietly, leaning on his forearms. Seonghwa nodded at that, not that you were there to really see it. He cleared his suddenly stuffy throat.
"We've been thinking that maybe..." He paused carefully, forcefully relaxing his shoulders. "Maybe therapy could help."
You froze your slight previous fidgets, stilling in the alpha’s lap. Wooyoung's arm tightened around your waist in response to it, chin tucking itself into your collarbone.
"…And we found someone we'd like you to meet."
Hongjoong gave your hand a reassuring squeeze when you didn’t respond, your thumb rubbing your knuckles.
"Just meet, doesn’t have to mean anything just yet, love." His tone was calm and steady.
“...Her name is Yi Jihye, she is a doctor and specializes in omega trauma.”
You stared down at the untouched breakfast in front of you. Was that what was happening to you? You were traumatized? You let that man hurt you to that point?
The alphas told you that it was worth trying, even if it would be uncomfortable and scary at first, and that even just meeting her was a good start. They promised you over and over they would be with you there, that you wouldn't be alone in this. And that if you didn’t like it, you could stop at any time. And that this would happen only if you wanted it to happen.
You didn’t say much while your mates spoke and Wooyoung pecked your head a good hundred times.
Your lips were puffy and pink and eyes red and dull from crying. When Seonghwa finally asked the very fragile: "Would you like to meet her, my sweetheart?" it was spoken so gently that it carried like the spring breeze.
You buried your face into Wooyoung's shoulder and cried.
Eventually you nodded, though, whispering just about the softest 'okay.' The oldest held you in his arms for over an hour after that, his hand resting protectively over the back of your head, as he shushed your whimpers of fear and promised to always look out for you.
For his small mate, for his jewel and pride. He cursed himself every night and felt no salvation - not until his omega would be safe and healthy again, not until that man would be gone.
Hongjoong got in contact with Dr. Yi soon after you agreed to give it a try, having previously spoken to the older beta in person. Nobody in the pack was willing to take chances when it came to your well-being, even more on edge than they were before.
She seemed trustworthy.
He had security go through her background and had read some of her published articles as well as researched some of her past patients and had even privately contacted a handful of people who had worked with her before.
It felt safe.
She seemed like she wouldn’t hurt you, well-mannered and intelligent.
Several members of the pack had met her personally, as well as their management. They had explained the unique circumstances surrounding your situation, discussed confidentiality, and even presented the NDA that she readily agreed to sign should you decide to continue treatment with her. It didn’t matter how much she charged.
As long as it would help you, it was more than worth it.
Still, when you were finally there, sitting in the waiting room of the private clinic, you shook like a frightened doe.
The room wasn’t too big, but it was light and the air was clean. Large windows overlooked a carefully maintained garden outside, sunlight spilling across polished wooden floors.
Seonghwa held your hand extra tight that afternoon, anxious himself, though he cared to not let it show. Hongjoong was just about four paces away, going over some scheduling details and the last paperwork with the kind receptionist, another young man. He glanced back often, silently checking in on you, and every time your eyes met his, he gave you the same reassuring smile.
San was no better than the oldest, angled to face you as his eyes ran over your face in endless loops. His scent drifted around you comfortingly, yet his shoulders were tight and squared, practically a shield towards the rest of the empty room.
Even then, they remained more than supportive, smiling wide and calm, and whenever you looked up at them with tearful eyes, they were quick to swoop in to get rid of any gathered tears. When your knee started bouncing again, San reached over with a smooth motion.
"Easy, baby. You’re okay, cub."
His hand settled over your leg, and your movement stopped. San squeezed your knee gently in silent support and understanding.
Just before leaving the house, Mingi had crouched down in front of you while you stood bundled in your coat, sniffling in badly contained fear. You have promised him that you would be very brave today and would give it a try just before you left the house, and you intended to keep the promise.
Even if you wanted nothing more than to go back home and curl up in a nest with them and forget about this whole thing.
Before you really had time to worry any further, the sliding wooden door to the right smoothly opened and an older woman appeared.
Immediately, all three alphas straightened. Her long dark hair fell neatly over her shoulders, straight bangs framing a calm face. In her hand she held a small notebook in dark blue binding, and she was clothed in comfortable attire - a soft blouse along with tailored dark green dress pants.
Her scent was subdued, so you kept to yourself, getting up just as your mates did, abandoning the cushiony chair you were sitting in for the past few minutes, despite every nervous instinct screaming at you to stay exactly where you were.
"Hongjoong-ssi, thank you for making the trip today." She offered a low bow of greeting that all of you returned politely, addressing the pack alpha first just as was the custom.
"Thank you for making time for us."
Only after she greeted your two other mates did her eyes calmly move to find your form, half hidden by San’s puffed-up form.
"You must be Y/N-ssi. My name is Yi Jihye. It's nice to meet you.” You half-whispered the same back, seemingly close to tears again, wrapping both your hands around Seonghwa’s wrist in a sudden spring of fear.
His scent of calmness wafted around you in response, and San seemed to grow even bigger. But the woman didn’t comment on any of it and instead simply adjusted the notebook in her arms.
"Would you like to come in?"
Hongjoong stepped forward first while Seonghwa shushed the smallest hitch that came from within your throat, rubbing your lower back as he and San walked with you to the adjoined room too.
The place was fairly large with big windows facing the entrance. There was a dark brown wooden desk with a computer in the corner, and the grey floor was covered with a carpet-
"Just one small favor."
Your group looked over to the doctor.
"If you don't mind, I'd appreciate shoes off in here." She smiled apologetically.
"I spend half my life protecting this carpet."
A quiet laugh escaped Hongjoong, but he nodded along smoothly, quick to follow her request.
"Of course."
Your hands shook with nerves, and you thought of asking Sannie to go back home to curl up in a nest just at the unfamiliar scent of the room. It wasn’t unpleasant - there was a lone, lavender scented candle by the windowsill, but to your sensitive nose it was a stark difference compared to the fully scentless waiting room.
"Would anyone like coffee?"
She tilted her head thoughtfully, "...tea is also an option if that’s a preference."
"Coffee would be lovely, thank you." Hongjoong smoothly agreed, unconsciously trying to make the situation seem more harmless to your fractured omega. San knelt to help you with the stubborn shoe you were too shaky to undo properly, humming a tiny tune for your ears only.
"Here, baby, alpha will help..."
His voice was low enough for only you to hear, and he cradled your ankle carefully when you pulled your foot free. He swiftly rearranged all of his packmate’s shoes to be neat by the door. Meanwhile, Seonghwa had already begun gently guiding you further into the room, not giving you time to get further on edge, his hand resting reassuringly between your shoulder blades.
"There, sweetheart, let’s go sit down now, hm?"
A collection of sofas formed a large square in the center of the room, all upholstered in matching shades of soft sage green. A recliner sat off to one side near the windows, angled toward the seating area rather than the desk, making the space feel far less like an office and more like a comfortable living room.
Hongjoong stood by the edge of the big one, forming an ‘L’, speaking to the older beta with respect while she prepared two cups of coffee for him and San, who agreed to the beverage.
When she asked Seonghwa, he politely declined and said he would have some water instead, the same one you’ll have that was. The glass carafe sat on the table a few centimeters before your knees, filled with lemon water and slices of fresh citrus.
You were still an omega, and he was still your mate and still very much your alpha. They all eyed the glass carafe with some level of healthy worry.
Dr. Yi seemed unsurprised by the reaction, smiling softly.
"Of course, you may help yourselves."
He poured himself a glass first and let the water coat his tongue before he swallowed. The alpha smiled at you in reassurance when he felt your big eyes on him and poured you a glass too when nothing was amiss. Your fingers curled around the cool glass he handed to you carefully.
"Thank you." He pecked your cheek at that.
San lowered himself next to you tentatively, hand subconsciously circling your waist. And when finally everyone settled down, you looked ready to bolt, fingers clutching onto Seonghwa’s hand, who held you just as tight himself, not letting his nerves otherwise show.
San’s palm stretched wide over your lower back, and he rubbed it near constantly, smoothing over the soft top you decided to pick for today. His other hand covered yours, thumbs going over your knuckles, barely glancing at the doctor seated in front of him.
Everyone seemed to be on edge.
But Dr. Yi was a professional for a reason. She didn’t start with the accident, much to your surprise, she didn’t even mention it.
The woman asked you about art first.
She opened her notebook onto her lap and offered you a small smile, even if you didn’t look to see it.
"Hongjoong-ssi mentioned that you're enrolled in a fine arts atelier, Y/N-ssi."
Your shoulders tensed immediately at her voice directed towards you. You nodded after a moment had passed.
"...as a painting major?"
You hesitated before nodding again, before whispering that: “you do more tec-hniques and don’t really major in one.” People often got it wrong.
"I see. Do you enjoy student life?" Your fingers tightened around your Seonghwa’s even further.
Of course you did.
Or at least you used to.
Was she trying to hurt you, knowing it was taken from you?
You couldn’t tell.
You settled on a soft: "...Yes," in the end.
The lack of pressure coming from her by itself was confusing to you.
She asked about your favorite artist and didn’t press much further when your responses were small and nearly a breath, guarded.
She asked you whether you preferred working in silence or with music playing, about your atelier, and even about your opinion on Hong Sung-dam, which had your eyes widening slightly at the familiar name.
That was the first time you looked up properly towards her, even if you didn’t quite meet her eyes. You still actually looked at her. You noticed that she wore a pretty shade of mauve on her lips that would shine when she smiled gently.
"...Y-You know his work?" The question slipped out before you could stop it, sounding less hollow. Her smile widened a little and something warm flickered across her features.
"I attended his exhibition years ago and thought you might know him since he studied fine arts too."
Hongjoong watched over your features closely, noticing the first genuine spark of interest he'd seen from you all morning. For that small moment you forgot to be afraid.
The woman asked you about exhibitions then. Who you saw last. Which museums had the best ones.
"Do you usually go to exhibitions alone?" You blinked at the question before slowly shaking your head.
"No…Sisi and I used to go together."
She always gave you space to add something, patiently waiting should you want to share something more.
"...Sisi is my friend." You decided to clear up for her in the end. She asked you about which school she attended, and you told her about the fashion atelier the young omega used to be a student of.
"We call sometimes," your gaze dropped to your lap as you mulled it over, "not as much lately. It’s okay."
"I imagine things have been difficult for everyone recently."
With her voice came no judgment, no hidden meaning or such.
You swallowed and nodded once more and didn’t look up to see all the alphas sitting taller. She asked about your pack, even if she already knew a lot - but you told her that you had eight alphas that take care of you. Before you could grow embarrassed by the soft-spoken confession, a soft pair of lips pressed against your forehead, and Seonghwa’s scent stuck to you further.
"Y/N-ssi, I know today is your first session, and I know meeting someone new can be very exhausting." You didn’t really nod even if you wanted to. You were afraid of being rude towards her, she seemed kind and genuine.
Dr. Yi rested her pen against the notebook, and her voice carried calmly through the room again.
"Your mates have shared a little bit of the background with me beforehand."
Immediately, your shoulders tensed up closer to your ears, and from besides you, San's arm tightened up around your waist.
"I don't need you to explain anything today. Not unless you want to."
Slow silence settled over you all.
"Would you like to tell me anything about what happened?"
Your tummy tightened and you curled into yourself further.
If you were strong enough to look up, then you would see Hongjoong leaning on his forearms, then visibly contemplating if they should just pack it up and leave right then and there - but he wanted to give it a try himself. He needed to be brave too, after all. They all did.
Slowly, you shook your head.
"...No."
The word came out barely audible, and your voice disappeared entirely afterwards. But Dr. Yi nodded immediately without any visible disappointment, giving a simple: "Okay."
The conversation didn’t stray back to the topic after that, and after a few minutes she somehow willed you back to sharing longer sentences. When the session came to a close, you were tired.
"It was lovely meeting you, Y/N-ssi," Dr. Yi said with a small smile when you stood by the older alphas at the couches.
You thanked her softly, even when the words came out quiet but truthful. San was already crouching besides you by the time you reached the doorway.
"Let's get these on, cub." The moment you were ready, both of you bowed politely to Dr. Yi, and he guided you towards the exit. But when you stepped into the waiting room again, your head turned automatically, looking towards your eldest mates who strayed behind.
A gentle tap landed on the tip of your nose.
"They're just talking baby, they will come by soon." The alpha nudged your shoulder after he gave you a tiny peck.
"Besides, I have something much more important for us to worry about now, babygirl.”
San spoke to you all smiley as he asked about what treat you would like from the cafe just opposite on the street you all passed by coming here. And when you mumbled a soft ‘not sure oppa’, the man threatened to buy everything to find what was the most suited for his mate’s tastebuds then.
The alpha got you a big cinnamon roll in the end, while he ate a strawberry cream cake himself, offering you bites every once in a while.
You ended up tucked into the corner booth furthest from the windows, curled comfortably against the cushions while San sat tucked close besides you. You still looked unsure of yourself, but he told you about a little surprise Joongie planned for the afternoon, to which your big eyes finally lifted, and you ate with a bit more strength.
By the time Hongjoong and Seonghwa finally arrived, the tension from earlier had softened considerably. They didn’t ask you about what you thought just yet, instead letting the conversation run by smoothly. The pack alpha took a few cute pictures of you and San with your sweet treats, gushing that you were awfully cute.
The promised surprise made you very happy.
It turned out that Hongjoong decided to take you all to an arts and crafts shop just a few minutes away by car. You didn’t have basically anything to paint or draw with at the new place, and now that you were no longer in omegaspace, you were itching to create.
You looked awfully cute to them, eyes big and still a little glossy as you browsed the paintbrush section, hand linked with San, who was quick to support every tiny ounce of interest from your direction.
It was a series of: ‘Oh, but babygirl you don’t have one like that yet..!’
‘I know you paint acrylics mainly and this is for watercolours, but it seems like fun too, hm?’
‘Of course cubby, here, put it in the basket- hyung..!’
‘Oh, look at that one! Should we get a big easel too, the one for an atelier? Hm? No, my sweetest girl, 890 000₩ is just fine, alphas will get it for their baby mate- No honey, no pouting, you were so brave f’ us today.’
In the end San carried the dark brown H-frame easel to the car while the other two alphas carried two bags each filled with new supplies. Seonghwa had you look at the flyers shown by the front of the store while Hongjoong paid. They didn’t like it when you got all upset about money.
You couldn’t lie and say you weren’t excited, having forgotten about the earlier fear and stress, by now somehow contentedly mumbling about how you would like to try the oil pastels soon because you never tried those. By the time Seonghwa parked the car, you had dozed off on San’s shoulder, his coat draped over your lap and neatly tucked around you. The alpha had wanted to close his eyes only for a minute but ended up falling asleep as well. It was a long day.
You were pretty used to going to see Dr. Yi twice a week at this point.
As time passed, it became just you and Hongjoong coming to the sessions now that you didn’t crumble in fear and nerves.
Sometimes you would still cry - a while back you teared up when somehow the conversation drifted to Sisi. You were sobbing within a few moments, cheeks all pink as your chin trembled, and you rubbed too harshly at your eye in sorrow.
Dr. Yi has called Joong back into the room seconds later, fully aware he would be better help now. The pack alpha was already standing by the entrance when the therapist briskly walked over to get him, a clear frown of worry marking his face.
He didn’t say a single word to the doctor then, slipping off his shoes within seconds and hurrying over to you, where you were curled up all tense in the couch still.
“Shh, sh sh sh, baby, come ‘ere… Alpha’s here, you’re okay ‘mega… aw, my poor girl, fuck…” He spoke under his breath, barely glancing towards the beta when he heard her leave the room to give you two some privacy. By then you had already fitted yourself into his lap, hands trembling around his neck. He held you just as tight.
You hiccuped and kept on tearing up over and over the minute he got you to settle with his scent, rubbing your back soothingly as your tears marked his shirt.
He wished to take all the hurt and pain from you.
He wished for it every single night.
In the end he helped you put on your shoes while you were hiccuping on the sofa and picked you up in his arms, humming a soft tune while he carried you out of the room, sharing a few polite words with the woman, explaining he felt you needed your pack now and that he would like to take you home.
She didn’t oppose, understanding and soft, offering tissues – but Joong just tucked you closer to his chest and strode out to the car.
You went to see Doctor Yi every Monday and Thursday.
Those were the self-proclaimed Hongjoong days, or at least your mind dubbed them as such.
After you’d finally be awake enough, you’d have some filling breakfast, and by 10 it was time to leave. The packalpha would play whatever music you wanted in the car, and if you didn’t feel like having music on, he would switch it to one of those omega stations they subscribed to.
He would sit patiently in the waiting room, never leaving to go to the bathroom or to the vending machine outside while you were with the doctor a room away. He wouldn’t even listen to music, always careful to listen if perhaps he would hear your breath hitch or a small cry for him.
The alpha was still worried after all.
So, he tried to distract himself from what felt like incoming doom by bringing work over, as even on hiatus they were never truly free from those shackles.
And after you slipped out of the room, a small sweet piece of candy clutched in your palm, he would briskly come over to hold you tight as ever, breathing in your scent as he whispered: “You feel okay, baby?”
It was a small coded sentence for what he really meant to ask.
Did she hurt you?
Did you want to leave now?
Could he hold you for a minute longer?
But usually you would mumble a soft ‘yes’ and let him hold you for a while more, needing him to do so yourself.
Once he finally led you over to his seat, he gave you his phone, watching you dial one of the other alpha’s contacts, and only left when he heard the line connect, pecking your forehead.
Hongjoong would slip back into the other room then and would speak shortly with Dr. Yi, if there was anything important to discuss. She would ask about the investigation updates and anything that perhaps happened over the few days you maybe didn’t touch up on. He would ask what she thought would be good for you, if they were doing something wrong, or if he should worry.
The usual.
After you both left, Hongjoong held you close, both of you carefully covered up with face masks and some caps at least. Sometimes he made you wear your hood too.
And when you were finally back in the car, a little tight wound and sensitive from the session, he would let you pick a spot for lunch - sometimes (which was nearly the only thing he wouldn’t normally ever allow, and it was your secret) you would ask for some fried fast food or would crave sticky noodles or even just a poke bowl.
Once you asked for a waffle for lunch and had just that.
He could never say no to you behind the well-kept garden parking lot. It seemed impossible, and he was usually quite strict with you (at least compared to Mingi, for example), just how did you do it?
He pretended to not know the answer for the sake of his mind.
And after your tummy had been filled to his satisfaction and you drank enough to sate his mind, he would smile at you softly and ask if you wanted to go home yet or stay for a bit longer. Most of the time you stayed longer - because longer meant visiting an arts and crafts workshop session, and you really liked those.
The packalpha had a soft heart within his armored ribcage. It was of warmth and mush for you to rest in, curled within along with his other packmembers.
So when he saw a small flier pinned at the register in the art shop he would go to every once in a while to get some surprise gift for you, he couldn’t help but ask the tall lady working by the counter about the workshop studio sessions briefly described.
He felt a little foolish asking, worried about overstepping, but he also needed to know. The last thing he wanted was to bring you somewhere that wasn't meant for you.
But the young woman was kind and smiled brightly when he asked, setting down the box of grayscale felt tip markers he had been eyeing for you for a while now.
"Of course," she said. "We have a studio in the back where we welcome pairs to come and learn together. It's a great way to try new techniques and work with materials people don't usually have access to at home. Would you be interested?"
"Yes. Well..." He rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "My omega likes crafting and art, but I don't know if this would be... suitable for her… It’s been all very complicated for her lately. If you understand what I mean." He spoke slowly, trying to find the kind words for the young lady to understand.
She nodded with a smile again and didn’t smell at all wronged, and he felt relieved.
"Of course. We limit attendance to sixteen people at a time, but it's rarely full unless it's a particularly popular workshop. Things like bookbinding or clay work, those tend to draw more people in." She gestured toward the flyer, pointing at the linked address.
"The website goes into more detail, but creating a safe and welcoming environment is something we take very seriously. We also ask guests to attend in pairs, especially if an omega is coming along. It just helps everything run more smoothly."
“Okay…” He hummed along, thoughtful. She nodded, feeling a bit more sure with herself.
“The program for the upcoming month is published on the website in advance, so you know what you’re coming in for. But all the equipment and such are always safe, and we have multiple instructors during the workshop, so it’s completely okay to come in with no prior experience.”
He nodded at that, asking about the price point of such lessons. It didn’t sound too bad for him. Of course, he would have to look into it further before actually taking you there, needing to be sure. But it didn’t sound half bad. The cashier told him you pay up front and that they offer the first lesson as a trial for free.
Hongjoong ended up taking you in two weeks, only after he had discussed it with the other alphas. They agreed that it seemed like a cute way to get your spirits up after the draining sessions, and when Dr. Yi advised him on trying it for sure, he asked you about it, showing you the flier.
Safe to say you were ecstatic.
The packalpha was still quite guarded and huffy when he took you the next Thursday. He parked the car in the back, behind the store, just as the email had instructed and kept you close to his side when you both stood by a clean white door tucked away from the main street.
Reaching up, he pressed the bell.
You were anxious but excited, a small glimmer of hope within you calling for this to feel at least a little bit similar to what it was like to go to the atelier. Hadn’t you gone through enough by now?
Hongjoong rubbed his thumb over the knuckles and opened the door for you when the buzz sounded. He didn't tempt you to do anything differently when you instinctively filed behind him when walking through the cool corridor, naturally small and little in the new space.
He pecked your forehead just before you guys rounded the corner, a silent question - if you wanted to go still- to which you nodded a little, huffing lightly.
Soon enough a young girl greeted you, wearing a pretty embroidered leather apron all the employees used. She was a foreigner and spoke with an accent but was very kind and gentle to you both, introducing herself as Emi. She was a beta, her scent subdued and barely noticeable, and quickly invited you into the space.
After some very shy, polite hallway introductions, she guided you towards a large room adjoining the hall lined with hanging coats, many photos, and some artwork of all kinds.
“Come on, babygirl, let’s not have Emi-ssi wait, hm?” Joong hummed fondly towards you when your steps faltered halfway through, your attention caught up on the hanging tapestry with hand woven characters telling what looked like an ancient Greek myth.
You hurried after your mate soon enough, and the alpha briefly nosed against your temple as you caught up, scenting you in a way that instantly soothed the slightly fluttering nerves in your stomach.
The big room opened to a long table stretching all the way across the room with a few people seated. The tall beta led you to one of the corners still left mainly unoccupied and explained that the session will start shortly and that if you were interested in any snacks or beverages, those could be provided too.
She didn’t stay for long as the ring sounded, so she excused herself to greet another guest duo.
Hongjoong pulled out the white wooden chair for you, pushing you back in, while he sat next to your right on a black seat.
That was one of the session's rules - the lower second gender should always sit on the white seat, and if an omega attends, they can only be seated next to their pair or a different omega, never between strangers. He liked that rule. It made his heart slow down a bit and his shoulders loosen by a centimeter or two.
You blinked in awe at the creative space, shyly looking around.
The table before you was white with a few paint splatters and stains coming from use. There were multiple other stations lining the walls with specific equipment, some for jewelry making and working with soft metals, there was a station for what you guessed was leather making, and even a tiny booth with different kinds of saws for wood.
Today, Joongie told you the session was for learning oshibana, and so there were baskets filled with what felt like hundreds of dried flowers and leaves in every color imaginable before you.
Wooden presses sat neatly stacked beside sheets of paper in varying textures and thicknesses. Tweezers, delicate scissors, glues, frames, and trays of carefully sorted materials covered the work area. You still held the pack alpha’s hand underneath the table tightly, your shoulder touching his, but you were looking forward to it all.
Hongjoong was attentive during the session.
At first he sat rather tall in the chair, measuring the strange people with watchful eyes even if there was nothing to be afraid of - a pair of older women, chatting idly while selecting pink flowers for their grandchildren's gift as a reward for passing the exam season, a pair of a man and a woman, laughing softly at the front of the table, and one last group of four, seemingly on a double date of some kind.
Would you enjoy those?
Should he take you to something like that when you feel better?
There wasn’t really a reason to be wary about sharing you with his close friends anymore, was there?
He was especially watchful when a different instructor, who has introduced herself as Seoyun, came to explain to you once the time to start came around. Your cheeks were all flushed when the lady asked which flowers were your favourite, suddenly too shy to answer to the strange beta - Joong was quick to step in to help, telling her you like forget-me-nots the best.
And so, while you selected the pressed petals and leaves you liked the most, he was more than content with helping you, arranging the best flowers in neat rows for you to select simply when going to glue them on the thick sheet of paper you selected. He tried to breathe calmly when he watched you use the small scissors to cut off some stubborn stems, but he stayed visibly tense.
Only after about an hour, when you seemed to clearly forget the strangers around you and got fully encompassed into creating your second picture, did he start to make one of his own, smaller, full of tiny, delicate blue flowers forming a pretty heart.
And when the time has passed, he has bowed low to the instructors, holding a paper bag with the four frames clicking together inside, thanking them profusely while you zipped up your jacket, looking at the tapestry again.
Hongjoong brought you back next Monday for hapa zome. The next Thursday it was for the basics of oil pastels (you even brought your own set for that one which excited you greatly).
When he thought about it, you missed about a handful of sessions in total whenever he took you to Seoul that week.
You looked forward to the lessons, and the reason why hurt him raw and made him want to tear the world apart because he knew what you truly wanted was something that they couldn’t give you.
But for now it seemed close enough to calm your damaged heart, and he would just give you extra kisses to aid.
The usual art sessions weren’t the only activities you’ve grown accustomed to by now.
The alphas have supported practically every single passion or interest you’ve developed over time while staying in the area, no matter how big or small. You saw a book on bird-watching at the antiquarian bookstore in the town? Hm, but shouldn’t we get you some binoculars to go with it? You see a pretty puzzle game with a picture of kittens in an online ad? But darling, you don’t need to ask, alpha will get his wallet, should we get the one with the puppies too?
The alphas would even try and bring home things they thought you might enjoy even if you didn't outwardly mention them.
By now you’ve acquired an expensive candle-making set from Yeosang and an at-home gel nail polish set with an UV lamp from Jongho. You practiced doing some nail polish on them as well, painting all of their pinkies. The maknae even let you try some of the cartoon stickers that came in the box.
So, it wasn’t a big shock by any means when Wooyoung, having gone to the main city to settle a deal with Prada of some sort, came back home one evening with a large paper bag from Lululemon - a brand you’ve only ever heard of from Sisi.
The alpha seemed very giddy as he set the stuff down, arms now full of something far more precious after the long day - you.
“Petal, I bought you something, come, I want you to tell me what you think, my ‘mega. Alpha missed you, baby.”
He nosed at your cheek gently, calling soft hellos towards the rest of the pack, mainly occupying the living room for now - Yunho has bought a new video game that just came out, and except for Seonghwa, who was doing last steps in preparing dinner, all of them were huddled up tight at the carpet and sofa, watching the alpha play.
Mingi was stretched out in the middle of the couch, having been holding you close while you were on his phone, texting Sisi from it. Where did you leave your phone again? Oh, you’ll have to look for it later…
You held his hand as he walked you over to one of the chairs empty by the dining table just a few meters away from the pack, smiling at you all, full of excitement. Clearly, whatever it was, he was curious of what you'd think.
“Go on, baby, open it all up now..! I had them pack it up in the store for you, I hope you like it, petal.” At his proclamation the oldest turned from where he was reheating some of the soondubujigae from yesterday's lunch.
“What is it?” He asked with curiosity glinting up, expression soft as he watched you reach for one of the bags and take out the tissue-paper-wrapped bundle. Wooyoung closed the fridge with a can of coke in hand, drinking slowly, much to the older alpha’s impatience.
“Oh, cute..!”
His growing curiosity got healed at your little gasp, both of the men turning only to see you grinning, holding up a heather-grey long-sleeved wrap top. It had a pretty bow to tighten it up and looked airy and nice.
Your brightened-up eyes met Wooyoung's, and to anyone watching, he seemed like a man who must have struck gold. With his chest puffed up in pride, he stood by the chair next to you, fingers drumming over the backrest in eagerness.
He didn’t rush you but watched how you pulled out the next piece with just as much appreciation - you didn’t really need new clothes, you had enough at the old place in Seoul, but you couldn’t get to it for now, not fully at least.
With the soft pair of loose black sweatpants carefully folded over by Woo for you, you took out the next small bundle - a pair of shorts from the same fabric. By then Yunho had paused the game, and the rest of the alphas were looking over with just as much curiosity and appreciation as you were, listening to your happy gasps and soft thank-yous.
“Go try it on, I wanna see petal..!” The young alpha chuckled, pecking your forehead after you kissed his chin in a kind thank you. He had good taste after all and looked very pleased with himself.
“Yes, yes to a fashion show!” San called from the couch, watching closely with the softest eyes imaginable. Seonghwa was quick to agree, saying there’s time before dinner for the runway walk.
“A proper runway walk,” Yunho added with a wide smile. At their gentle persuasion you nodded with a smile yourself and went to the bathroom downstairs, giggling sweetly, closing the door behind you. The moment the lock clicked into place, the teasing voices outside became muffled, and the bathroom offered odd quiet.
You had just settled the white bag on the counter, shimmying from the pair of baggy jeans you wore that day, kicking them off, curious about the fit of the new pants yourself - only for your eyes to widen and your breath to shallow.
The pair of jeans was stained from the inside already by now, and your underwear was ruined by the fresh blood.
"Oh."
The tiny sound barely left your lips. You must have started your period a few minutes ago and not realized.
How could you have forgotten?
You wouldn’t get your period when you were in omegaspace, that was quite normal, as your body wouldn’t allow itself to spend energy on something that could be potentially solved later when the time was better.
But now that you’ve come back to yourself, your next cycle has come up, and you were no longer as stressed out with everything - it made sense. But understanding it did absolutely nothing to ease the dread pooling in your stomach - what should you do?
"Oh no, no..."
With the new clothes forgotten, you briskly walked through the room, humming to yourself in worry.
There was no way there were any pads or tampons in here. You didn’t bring any with you even to the other apartment in Seoul, and you really didn’t think your mates would have thought of those - it wasn’t their fault. There were simply too many things happening lately, it seemed.
Still, with shaking hands, you opened the cabinet under the sink, ghosting past the hairdryer and some cleaning tools only to come up empty. You bit your lip, looking through the cabinet for fresh towels and stocked-up shampoos and such - but came up empty.
You stifled a soft whine with the back of your hand, letting your teeth gently mark the flesh in anxiousness. You gulped, looking in the bathroom for something to solve this - but other than toilet paper, which was no way sufficient for the entire night, there was nothing.
If you missed your period once, it was bound to be heavier too, no?
How were you supposed to go through the night and not stain anything with nothing to use? And how-
A knock interrupted your thoughts, by now feverish and shaky. When did you start to breathe so quickly? You didn’t even notice.
“Baby? Everything okay in there?”
Wooyoung was more than excited to see the haul try-on he has bought for you but the moment he noticed how bitter your scent has suddenly shifted, having been waiting just a few paces past the door at the kitchen entrance, he was quick to frown and make his way over. His smile had disappeared almost instantly.
Was the clothing not to your liking?
But you seemed so pleased with it earlier?
Did he misread you?
He felt the rest of the alphas tense up at his call, the other pack members noticing how your scent was no longer sweet and sugary how it usually was, instead bitter and burnt and wrong. Seonghwa abandoned the cutlery drawer just as quickly, closing the distance to his younger member within seconds.
"What's wrong?"
"I don't know." The younger one shook his head and tried calling towards you again, even softer this time, just a small coo. Perhaps you didn’t like the way the clothes fit? Could that be it?
Now by the door the oldest alpha felt your fear and anxiousness become palpable and frowned in unconcealed worry. But you were doing okay today, what has changed it?
“Sweetheart? Open the door, please, hm?” The oldest called inside when you didn’t respond to the younger alpha, knocking again. He tried to keep his voice calm but found it difficult to do so when you didn’t acknowledge either of them.
The silence stretched.
“What is it?”
At that point the rest of the pack members hurried over as well, visibly uneasy. At Hongjoong’s question, the other two alphas could only shake their heads in no true answer, knocking again. By the door, the pack alpha had felt it - the thread of panic coming through your scent. His eyes immediately sharpened.
But inside, you could barely hear them over the sound of your heartbeat within your ears.
It was late and there was no way any of the stores in Dojang-ri were still open. It was a pretty small town, and you didn’t even know which bigger store could possibly have any period products. Maybe a gas station? But how were you going to get to a gas station at 10pm? Gosh, how could you have forgotten all about it? If you kept your phone on you more carefully, you would have noticed the notification from the tracker app and wouldn’t be-
“ ‘mega open the door for me, right now.”
At the sound of Hongjoong’s tense voice, your head whipped to the side, and you blinked twice. As if the air had finally started to move again, you heard their worried voices outside the doors, calling towards you.
You watched the doorknob shake and rattle as a clearly agitated San growled at how the locked door wouldn’t give in too easily.
You swallowed thickly, closing your eyes to stop your mind from making untrue conclusions. Those were your mates, and you were in a bathroom, not the apartment hall, not in Seoul, not alone, not with that man-
Your sob broke through the otherwise quiet room as you slid down the wall opposite to the doors, drawing your knees to yourself as you cried.
What was wrong with you?
Why did this keep on happening to you?
Why can’t you simply forget it and move on?
You heard your heartbeat grow louder and louder, like drums in a quiet room rapturing your eardrums. And your eyes were a blur, so much so that it was just the light turning into streaks that you could see. Your vision didn’t clear up even when more light flooded the room and you watched with messy vision how the door skipped open with great force.
Before you knew it, your face was held in San’s hands.
You whimpered loudly at his scent, restless and worried, but still him, no stranger. You weren’t there anymore.
Why didn’t your mind understand that?
"Fuck, baby, you scared me, Jesus Christ- Come here, come to me- Oh fuck, okay-” The exact moment the alpha went to pull you off the cold floor was the right moment he noticed that it was blood on the inside of your thighs.
“Baby, did you start your period? Are you okay?”
You smelt Yunho and Seonghwa close- and Jongho, he was kneeling on the tiles right next to you- But your frizzled mind only seemed to centre when Hongjoong’s scent flooded your senses. Before you knew it, your shoulders had gone limp, and your cheek had slumped into his collarbone. Air filled your lungs back up fully, and only a choked hiccup has left you.
“Shh, my love, tell alpha what’s wrong, hm? Alpha will fix it for his ‘mega, for his best girl.” His voice was all honey and calm, almost unbroken even in the chaos of the situation. The complete opposite of how he felt. Truthfully, seeing you collapse into a panic spell still scared the life out of him. It brought up too many bad memories.
You whispered to his ear, all shy and cowardly as you clenched your thighs together - even if he didn’t even as much as flinch at the sight of the blood, his arms only tightening when you tried to move off of his lap. You whimpered that you forgot about it completely and that you have nothing and how the door scared you, whining soft apologies.
He hushed you gently, cooing kindly for you to stop the small tears. You felt San shift closer where he sat cross-legged besides you on the bathroom floor. One of his hands settled over your knee immediately, rubbing gentle circles through the towel Jongho had draped around your waist moments earlier.
"Oh, sweetheart."
Seonghwa's face practically crumpled. Without hesitation he reached over to smooth your hair back from your forehead, his touch impossibly careful.
"That's not something you need to apologise for."
"Oppa-"
"No honey." Hongjoong cut in before you could continue spiralling, a deep rumble crawling from his chest that made you quiet down. His hand cupped the side of your face, gently encouraging your eyes to meet his.
"We aren't upset, baby, there has been a lot going on.”
“You’re still recovering princess…” Mingi hummed from close by, and you felt him circle your ankle kindly.
“Getting your period is actually a good thing, if you think about it." Yeosang offered himself, voice thoughtful. You looked at him with a small pout, and the alpha offered a small smile.
"It means you're healthy."
Seonghwa nodded, saying a small: ‘Exactly.’
"It means your body is doing what it's supposed to do." Hongjoong pressed another kiss into your hair.
"That's always something worth celebrating for us…” His fingers brushed gently through your hair.
"A healthy omega is always a good thing… And if anything, we should be the ones to apologise."
At this resolution the other alphas were quick to nod and hum along, apologetic eyes meeting you fleetingly.
“We should've thought ahead, forgive us, please, baby." San whispered, rubbing your knee subtly, looking down. They knew that you could get your cycle at any point after you came back to yourself but had been preoccupied with everything else, so much so they’ve forgotten as well.
The sincerity in his voice made your chest ache. Without thinking, you nosed quietly against the warm skin beneath his jaw, and the man’s reaction was immediate. San practically purred.
"Oh."
You nudged at his scent gland for a bit longer, subconsciousness in place for now. The alpha's grin widened.
"...oh she likes me."
"San-ah."
"Did everyone see that?"
"Nobody missed it."
"I think she likes me."
You buried your face in his shoulder before slumping back into Hongjoong.
And while you waited for Yunho and Mingi to come back from the emergency shopping trip to wherever was still open, he held you still to his chest, towel wrapped around your hips. Every now and then he would press a kiss into your hair, as though reassuring himself that you were still there and no longer crying or scared.
You watched the game now Jongho has taken over playing with some curiosity, the alphas needing to appear calm and collected to not worry you further. Yeosang fed you small bites of the stew with some warm rice, and your once wet eyes have nearly fully dried by then.
But even if that evening didn’t go as smoothly as he once hoped, Wooyoung was far from giving up.
So a few days later, once the cramps had eased and the exhaustion had finally left your body, he announced that the postponed fashion show would be happening at this moment and that the runway carpet was to be cleared immediately. As you walked into the living room with a pretty, matching sporty set on, down to an adorable polka dot headband and leg warmers, you felt unsure of yourself then, feeling a little under the weather that day, even though the clothes were truly nice.
"Okay..."
Your voice came out hesitant as you stepped fully into the room, closing the bathroom door behind you. The previous bickering between Yeosang and Wooyoung stopped, and all the now eight gathered alphas were quick to turn towards your figure.
Silence followed.
"Oh my god."
Wooyoung looked genuinely emotional.
"You look adorable- Oh my god, come here, baby, let me see..!"
You followed his soft coo, letting his hands gently rest on your waist from where he was sitting on the armrest. Every time you glanced up, all you found were kind smiles of love.
"Actually," Mingi tilted his head, leaning closer to adjust the sleeve of the wrap-around top, "the leg warmers are really cute. "
"Thank you." The young alpha grinned smugly, taking just a second of a break from taking photos of you.
"I wasn't talking to you..." The other alpha was quick to grumble with no real harm in his voice, grinning when he noticed your cheeks warmed to that pink he liked to see.
“And now that petal has acquired her pretty outfit, we shall move on to the next part of the gift..!” Wooyoung announced, chest all puffed as he took pride in making his mate look so pretty in the clothes he has chosen.
You looked up with a small pout from where you were currently being spun around between Yunho’s knees, the older man impossibly careful when he guided your movements.
Before anyone had time to ask what the alpha was talking about, he was already going over to the front door, not even tying his shoes, disappearing with suspicious urgency.
You blinked in confusion but watched with some curiosity as he locked the door back up behind him, two bags in hand - even bigger this time. His grin only widened when he saw everyone's confusion. The young singer crossed the room quickly before setting both bags directly in front of you, now comfortable over Yunho’s thighs, his hands rubbing the sides of your waist.
“Here, baby.”
You peeked into the big white bag, only to take out a rolled-up yoga mat - one pink and another sleek black. He eagerly crouched beside you, practically vibrating with happiness.
“Now we can try yoga together in your pretty set..! Or pilates, that’s really popular lately, you want to try that petal…?”
The excitement in his voice softened near the end.
Wooyoung was still grinning wide but didn’t impose his idea even when he had hoped you would enjoy it. Much to his honest glee you nodded happily, asking him if he would try it with you - to which he happily agreed, of course.
Nowadays you and Wooyoung would sometimes do exercises together.
Either it was yoga, which you quite enjoyed, even when you weren’t as flexible as the lady in the videos you guys would move along to, it was a fun and relaxing way to move your body. Many of the tutorials he has found involved both of you collapsing halfway through while complaining dramatically.
"Oppa, you said this was beginner-friendly…"
"It said beginner-friendly."
"Look at what she’s doing..!"
"Yea, no I don't think she's a beginner."
You would whine sometimes but always tried again soon enough.
Sometimes you and Woo would even take your mats outside, but only when it was really sunny and the grass wasn’t wet, otherwise Seonghwa would get a heart attack.
A few times the others would join in too if everyone had time at once, you liked that the best. Those days would result in at least one person usually ending up lying flat on the mats, claiming they could no longer move. But with the eight familiar scents lingering in the warm air and laughter carrying across the yard, you found yourself looking forward to those afternoons more than almost anything else.
One time, when it was very warm and the sun was beating down on you all like it was early summer, the garden behind the house buzzed quietly with insects, and leaves rustled every now and then whenever a breeze decided to pass through.
Eight mats had been spread across the yard, water bottles abandoned nearby in the shade while a woman on the laptop balanced impossibly on one leg and somehow still had enough breath left within her lungs to explain proper posture. That woman was a menace, you’ve already long since decided.
"We'll take thirty seconds in balasana before moving into the next sequence." Her somehow always cheerful voice announced. A collective groan echoed through the garden in response.
You had folded forward immediately and somehow actually managed to doze off.
Only a few moments have passed, but when everyone turned to the left to do the next warrior pose, Mingi was the first to gasp and chuckle softly, abandoning the mat he had placed next to you to crouch low to check if you were okay, with the smallest ‘Aigoo…’ leaving him.
"What?" Wooyoung looked up and then followed Mingi's gaze, stretching to see past his shoulder. The younger alpha gasped with a big smile stretching wider, standing normally.
"No way."
"What?"
"What happened?"
The questions came one after another until Mingi crouched carefully beside your mat, his expression having long since softened.
"Aw, sweetheart."
Within seconds everyone had gathered around, captivated at the sight.
One large hand settled carefully against your shoulder - Mingi’s touch couldn't have been any gentler, as he cooed gently, watching your eyes stay shut. A few amused snorts sounded behind him, and the alpha smiled to himself.
"Princess."
Your nose scrunched, and this time your eyes fluttered open, a small sleepy sigh leaving you. As you realized what must have happened, you pouted a little, watching the woman now demonstrating something completely different than the pose you'd last seen.
You blushed in shyness, whispering that you ‘didn't mean to,’ going up to sit up and try to play off the situation as if it didn’t happen.
"...okay, let's keep going," you whined at San’s chuckles, still embarrassed when he pressed a kiss to your temple in affection. But, the moment you attempted to stand up, the alphas were quick to protest.
"No, baby, stay." You froze, turning to look at the pack alpha, kneeling on the grass to the side.
"What?"
"You were asleep, baby."
"So?"
"So, you're tired." The alpha looked entirely serious, making you whine and your shoulders slump.
In the end you found yourself tucked beneath the shade of the patio with a cold drink and a glass straw, half the pack fussing over whether you needed a snack while the other half continued discussing your accidental nap like it was a historical event needing to be recorded. Months later, they would still bring it up, and you would still get shy and blush about it.
But yoga wasn’t the only thing you would spend time doing to benefit your body’s strength and well-being.
You had actually grown very fond of hiking.
Now that nature was all surrounding and there seemed to always be a place to go for some fresh air and bright sunrays, you loved to spend time in nature. Yeosang would take you quite often actually, though all of them went on a walk with you every once in a while.
The older alpha just took you the most often.
The valley itself seemed cradled by rolling hills and dense forests, winding trails cutting through the landscape in every direction. There always seemed to be somewhere new to explore, some path you hadn't taken yet, some hidden stream or viewpoint waiting around the next bend.
He offered a peaceful but reliable companionship, never disturbing the melodies of the songbirds or the swivel of leaves when it didn’t feel quite right. The forests surrounding the area offered countless hiking trails, ranging from gentle paths that wound lazily between the trees to routes that climbed much higher into the hills overlooking the valley.
Whenever you felt up for it, Yeosang would take you to those viewpoints, happy to spend time with you.
The first time had been beautiful, not too far from the house either.
The second time had been just as beautiful, a small tower overlooking the valley town.
But the third time had taught you an important lesson. The lesson being that beautiful views often required an unreasonable amount of effort and that your legs still got easily tired and cranky.
When you went to reach the mountain peak that day, the alpha didn’t even as much as draw a quick breath while you felt like death was close as ever, holding tight onto the wooden rail as you climbed the steps carved into the mountain stone. The man kept you within sight at all times, always a step or two behind you or to your side, not really ever in front of you - what if you stumbled and fell?
You slowed down, heaving a long breath before turning to face the man who smiled towards you encouragingly.
"Oppa…how much further?" you pouted, sighing as your legs burned and cried in tiredness. It wasn’t a long hike, but gosh, it was steep. The older alpha considered, looking into the distance before smiling calmly, saying that it was ‘not too far now.’
You narrowed your eyes at him in response, huffing slightly.
"...you said that twenty minutes ago." But you still turned obediently and continued on even if you wanted to sit down and rest.
And if you were really struggling and seemed way too tired in his eyes, he would hold your hand and walk a step before you, nearly pulling you upwards for the next few minutes so your feet could rest a little. And if you would stop and refuse to go further fully, whining and
slumping against a nearby tree, he would be there too, swooping in to carry you for a few minutes on his back. You buried your face against his shoulder before he could see your smile and sighed fondly, never once seeming tired himself. A few minutes later, when the trees finally opened up and the entire valley stretched out beneath you, all the complaints disappeared instantly.
There had only been one time Yeosang's peace in the outdoors had truly been broken.
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Warnings: difficulty with food, stalking, swearing
A pair of magpies brisked about just at the tippy top of a bare tree.
The birds jostled and shivered in the cold, dark morning. Their glassy, beady eyes reflected the world around, all big and snowy. The wind picked up and blew through their feathers in a harsh current. The birds huddled closer, the branch shaking, making the fresh snow drop to the ground below.
The area was quiet – there was little reason for it to be loud after all.
The small garden in between the expensive houses stood as a small sanctuary, guarding a fragile peace from the chaos of city life beyond it. The smaller bird spread its wings and flew away soon after, disappearing into the dark morning.
Mingi was exhausted. And stressed.
Mainly scared, though.
Terrified actually.
The tall man was used to carrying himself with loud and unashamed confidence. He was a breath of fresh air, boisterous, clumsy, but tender when need be. But over the past few days, it was as if that brightness had shrunk, tucked somewhere between his tense shoulders.
It's been difficult for everyone, he reminded himself.
A lot has happened to him in the past, that much was certain. They have gone through a lot as a completed pack - more than most. But it was as if nothing was ever of such weight as this, as you hovering on such thin ice – and he nor any of them having any option, any real way to make it safer. He could hear it crack when he closed his eyes for long enough.
It tore him apart from within, it did.
If there was one thing he had always prided himself on, it was that he was so in tune with his instincts. He felt you near before he even met you after all. He feels his chest flutter when you look at him for help. He looks up automatically without any other reason but having just felt something only to see your big eyes on him already. He is always near when you stumble on stairs leading to your school. They were there when it was too hard for you to eat, when even getting out of bed felt impossible.
So why weren’t they there when you truly needed them?
Why wasn’t he there when you hurried home in the dark, followed by that creep?
Was there a worse way to fail you as your mate?
He tore away his gaze from where it lingered on that lone bird, sat high on a tree just before the building. It took flight moments later, but he didn’t see it happen. His throat burned and the air felt too heavy for a short moment.
Mingi braced his forearms on the ice-like countertop, letting his head hang low between his shoulders.
He despised himself at that moment.
Oh, if there were only a way to fix all this without hurting you any further. Forget him, he thought. Forget them all, his mind rambled – he needed you to feel better, or he would never heal himself.
His mind spiraled, restless and unforgiving.
After all, was there a worse punishment to behold for failing you? Anything worse than watching his mate, his baby mate he swore to protect every night before he went to sleep, fall apart right before his eyes?
Oh, but it was like torture.
What was the suffering of Cassius compared to his? Like honey and lilies, must it feel-
“Mingi-ah? You good?”
His head shot up at the sudden voice cutting the quiet. The young alpha blinked a few times, trying to clear his head from that thick fog with little to no avail.
Yunho hovered uncertainly in the pristine kitchen. The older idol looked on concerned, unsure if he should step in closer and comfort his pack member or let him be and will away at his sorrows in peace.
Being an alpha was complicated.
Like slippery slope was the space between being too fragile and open, all far too treacherous.
Mingi nodded quickly, clearing his throat before he too finally spoke.
“Yeah… I’m just waiting for the water.”
His gaze strained away once again, stilling on the warming kettle next to the large sink. Yunho frowned lightly, unzipping his jacket as he stepped closer after a minute passed.
Just before the younger, a clean cup sat, the contents of one of those simple instant coffee packets covering the bottom. It felt odd, seeing the dishware they weren’t used to having around. At home it was the cups you’ve made they mostly frequented. This place felt nothing like that. It was as if they were stuck in a hotel room, everything general and impersonal without knowing when they could-
“You sure?”
He hummed absentmindedly while the older hovered on unsure feet. He ended up leaning his hip on the counter and watched on without saying anything else as Mingi poured the boiling water into the cup, the small spoon clinking against the sides as he swirled it around.
Yunho sighed softly, air leaving his lungs almost agonizingly slow as he closed his eyes for a moment, head tilted back as he stretched his neck.
Why was it so achy all the time lately? None of you had properly rested in days.
“Make sure you lock the door after the food gets here, alright? There’s that blue… thing- but I got something more normal too, just in case.”
A small pause followed.
“Don’t forget her vitamins and-“
“I won’t.”
The elder looked to the other alpha at his sudden interruption. He didn’t say anything for a moment, letting his chest deflate.
“Right.”
In the end he settled on patting Mingi’s shoulder shortly.
“I should go before Hongjoong gets on me for taking too long.” He muttered, a faint attempt at lightness that didn’t quite land.
The rapper followed after his footsteps and watched quietly as Yunho pulled on his shoes and a face mask, holding the mug in his hand, resting it against his ribs.
Both of their eyes were tired when their gazes met again.
“I’ll see you for the live later… just… take care of her until then. And if anything happens, call us. Right away. You know the deal.”
“I will, hyung. Stay safe.”
Yunho nodded before he mumbled a soft: “You too Mingi-ah,” soon slipping past the doors and abandoning his younger bandmate. When the door closed, it was all still for a moment before the young man leaned down slightly, taking a small sip of the hot coffee.
His brows scrunched up lightly at the taste, but he took another gulp soon after.
When Yeosang shook him awake that morning, Mingi’s first thought was that something had happened. That something was wrong, that you weren’t okay.
It was as if that was their natural response lately.
It made sense.
But you were still blissfully asleep, much to his immediate relief.
You looked wrecked, tumbled between multiple blankets and the heavy duvet, cheek curled up into San’s chest with your back pressed to his front. San always offered his warmth welcomingly, his eyes still closed but his arms moved soothingly up and down your side in feather like touch. You seemed worn down in a way that made his chest tighten just by looking at you. It was warm, warmer than usual, and minutes after he kicked back the heavy duvet that used to cover him, tucking it around you instead.
The pack was more than careful when they slid off the bed, not meaning to intentionally disturb you. When Hongjoong noted the way you were still curled up between San and Mingi, he whispered and asked them to stay with you for the start of the day. The rapper leaned lower to press his lips over the back of your neck in response, more than happy to spend time with you.
The packalpha seemed to forget that they were your mates as well. It was a reward to be in your company, a treat nothing else compared to.
If anything, it felt like something they didn’t deserve.
But still, what was being discussed in the meetings was crucial. Especially now. They needed to go over the public responses again, and Mingi would have to go through the live segment preparation later, needing to be briefed on any new media training in the complicated, fragile situation they found themselves in. There were also the whole police debacle and the updates the private firm has promised to bring to the table for today.
Everything felt like it was balancing on a knife’s edge.
They would hear about everything important later, promising their leader that they will keep you safe until everyone comes back again with silent nods.
And so, the alphas got ready while you stayed close to them both, sleeping in odd peace. Whenever he allowed himself to breathe in your scent, he stopped for a small moment, noting something lingering under your natural sleepy self, but he tried to shake off any worry, not meaning to disturb you by any means. He tried to calm himself down, reminding himself of the chlorine from the pool they didn’t have you wash off properly last night.
Still, it made his brows pull together.
San soon got up himself, helping the younger man hold you close so you wouldn’t wake up from the sudden chills. He slid off the mattress after he sat still for a beat or two, just watching your chest rise and fall in content.
Mingi stayed behind with you for a bit, nosing at your neck and cheek comfortably.
It was Seonghwa who popped his head in through the open doorway later, knocking softly against the frame before leaning in.
“Mingi-ah,” he called gently, his voice so low it was nothing but a whisper.
“Come here for a minute.”
The young man hesitated. His eyes flickered back to you.
“…Just a minute, it won’t take long.” Seonghwa added, a little quieter this time.
With a small sigh, Mingi nodded. The alpha reluctantly followed his elder, all gentle and unhurried as he made sure you wouldn’t wake when he also left behind the mess of sheets, scenting you for the last time.
He stretched, huffing as his joints popped, and behind him, the bedroom door clicked shut softly.
“San-ah is gonna go get some groceries soon. Stuff we didn’t bring. Do you need anything? Can you think of something for Y/N-nnie that would make her feel any better?” Seonghwa spoke softly, his warm voice a stark contrast to Mingi’s raspy hum of thought.
“We need tissues… straws for her…” He spoke his mind out loud, thinking slow. He was so tired.
The oldest walked a step before him towards the living room, the large space open. San sat on the couch, phone in hand as he typed something quickly, Wooyoung stuck to his side, looking at the screen as well.
He saw Hongjoong through the balcony door outside, speaking on the phone, posture tight. For a second his own mind blanked, and he could only think of something having happened again.
Oh, what was it now? Couldn’t the world just leave you alone for once?
“We’ve got those down already, don’t worry. I meant more the small things. Something she’d like… We thought about that candy she likes - the American one, - oh what is it called again…”
“Reese’s, I’ll look in the store, don’t worry, hyung.”
San spoke up from across the room when Seonghwa ran a hand through his hair, mumbling about his memory getting bad. Mingi gave a small nod, though his brows still pulled together slightly.
“But will they even have those?” he asked.
“Aren’t they only in those specialty shops?”
San shook his head, sparing him a short glance. Both still wore their sleepwear, loose wide pants comfortable compared to the far more put-together looks the others sported. The rapper didn’t even have his shirt on yet.
The older alpha was already pushing himself up a little straighter on the couch. He looked just as tired but there was something firm in his voice when he spoke.
“I’ll find them,” he said simply. “If they don’t have them, I’ll go somewhere else. I don’t care. She’s getting them.”
Jongho huffed a small laugh from across the room, where he sat at the dining table, shoveling breakfast down his throat far too quickly along with still-dead-looking Yunho. Mingi exhaled softly through his nose before speaking again, voice more tired now, words slightly slurred at the edges.
“…Maybe we should get something we can do here, too.”
Mingi dropped unceremoniously next to San.
His notes app was open, and after a short look, he saw the things already sorted into the stores- it was mainly groceries, paired with things like mouthwash and dish soap. The list was longer than he expected. But it made sense, the apartment was practically bare, and they only took so much stuff.
His mind drifted, uninvited, to the meeting from yesterday - the firm, serious tone of the security team as they explained, again and again, that going back home wasn’t an option. Not now. Not anytime soon.
They haven’t broken that fact to you quite yet.
Apparently, it became the greatest new Seoul sensation – their apartment.
Even when full of security, the moment sasaengs swallowed it up, it was like a death zone. Those weren’t they fans. There was no way any of them or their staff could stop by and pick up anything. He felt another pang of guilt at the thought of their previous neighbours.
“What do you mean?” Wooyoung asked, eyes searching his for a minute. Mingi’s tongue darted past his lips to wet them, clearing his throat again.
“Just… stuff to keep her busy,” he said quietly. “If she can’t go to school now, and we have to stay pretty much inside for- well, obvious reasons…there is only so much we can do- I mean she was never into TV so much, so…” He tried to get his point across, leaning all his weight back into the plushness behind him. It felt too stiff. He didn’t like this apartment. Was it because you didn’t seem to like it much?
“No, that’s a good idea,” Yunho spoke up, setting his utensils down. His voice was soft but more awake now. “Mingi’s right.”
He glanced between them, thinking.
“Maybe a game?” he suggested. “Or a book… something she can focus on for now.”
Seonghwa nodded, expression settling into something more certain.
“You guys can stop by a store after lunch,” he added gently. “Pick something out for her properly.”
“She was telling me all about this author the other day…” Woo muttered, brows furrowing as he tried to remember. “Fuck- what was his name…”
His gaze drifted somewhere else for a moment, thinking back.
He’d been driving you to your lessons, listening as you talked so softly and excitedly about some European writer he couldn’t even begin to pronounce. Wooyoung clicked his tongue quietly and crawled through the depths of his mind. He remembered telling you to write down the name of the book for him, but he also remembered that you never ended up doing so, humming that it wasn’t a bother he should carry.
“Hyung,” Jongho spoke up suddenly, voice simple but firm. “You should get her more socks. And panties. Probably clothes in general.”
Everyone looked up briskly when the maknae spoke simply. The youngest looked over the open space in slight question, shoulders lifting slightly.
“I mean- realistically, we can’t go back for her things,” he added, a bit more awkward now under their attention. “And she can’t stay here with, like… four pairs of socks.”
His cheeks warmed as he looked back down at his food, shovelling another bite into his mouth like it would save him. The oldest sighed out.
“No that’s true, good thinking, Jongho-ah.” Seonghwa spoke soon as he pinched his nose bridge.
San was already typing again, thumbs moving quickly over his phone. Somewhere further down the hallway, a door opened, and footsteps followed – but it was just Yeosang who appeared a moment after. The man took a one over the room, blinking in slight confusion.
Seonghwa glanced over.
“We’re figuring out what to buy,” he explained. “Can you think of anything? For Y/N-nnie?”
The oldest voiced, swiftly having the younger alpha nod in understanding slowly, stepping closer. He picked up a cup he must’ve left behind earlier to finish getting his stuff ready for the day, fingers curling around it as he thought.
“A hairdryer…?” He offered softly, sitting down on a free chair, angled towards the rest.
“Yeah, definitely.”
San nodded quickly. You had a habit of going to bed with your hair still damp, and it drove them insane, especially now when it was cold. It didn’t matter that they kept you bundled and safe and that the air in the room was always warm enough, they just didn’t like it – not a single bit.
“Oh- Mingi,” San added suddenly, glancing back at his phone. “Breakfast- we ordered from that French café again, okay? It’s under a fake name, so don’t worry.” He frowned slightly. “Wait, I’ll send it to you.”
A second later, Mingi’s phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, scanning the order details before giving a quiet nod.
“Got it.”
Not much longer after that the packalpha stepped back in the room, tucking his phone away. The air he allowed in for the few seconds was uncomfortably cold, the morning crisp and dark.
“Everyone ready?”
He took one over the place, and everyone soon hummed in agreement. The pack filed out not much longer after, detouring into the bedroom to whisper their soft-hearted goodbyes to you, scenting you one by one. You slept still, breath fanning out over the pillow tucked into your arms. Wooyoung breathed out a small laugh, barely audible.
Was this a good enough replacement for their comfort?
San was one of the first to leave, pulling on his shoes as he spoke quietly.
“I’ll go now. The mall should already be open- I won’t take long.”
Mingi only hummed in response, nodding faintly. Hongjoong lingered just a second longer near him, clicking his tongue as he closed the door of the bedroom slowly.
“Be careful with her,” he said, voice low but firm. The younger rapper met his gaze.
“I will.”
The leader gave a small nod before following the others to the entrance, sliding a face mask on as well.
Mingi stood there for a moment, exhaling slowly through his nose. He felt too awake to even try sleeping again. So, he decided on working on some music through his laptop, trying to sigh away all his dreadful thoughts as he prepped a cup of coffee.
When Yunho finally left as well, he did as he planned, carefully walking into the bedroom you slept in with tiny, careful steps before he retrieved his MacBook and headphones. He barely disturbed the air with how quietly he moved.
Still, he paused for just a second longer than necessary, eyes flicking toward you - still sleeping, still soft.
“…Good,” he whispered under his breath, more instinct than thought. A minute later, he turned and left you to rest some more.
The idol ended up choosing to settle on the kitchen table to try and get something done. The screen glowed faintly in the quiet apartment as he started working, fingers moving slower than usual.
The world didn’t stop.
Even when it really, really should have.
Mingi barely got through making the initial beat, too distracted, when his phone started to vibrate against the table, only to see an unknown number. He frowned but picked up.
“Hello?”
“Hello, um-“ the voice on the other end stumbled a little, all young and nervous.
“I’m here to deliver your order, but security stopped me at the entrance, and I-uh…”
“Oh-right,” Mingi straightened instinctively, voice evening out, calm and steady as he spoke to the worried teen.
“That’s my fault, sorry about that.”
He leaned back slightly in his chair, gaze flicking briefly toward the hallway in thought.
“Would it be alright if you handed it over to one of the security guards?” He continued, tone polite but firm, as he sat all tall and broad-shouldered, even when there was no one else in the room.
“The area’s restricted right now, so it’s a bit complicated.”
There was a small pause, and the teen’s voice cracked awkwardly.
“Ah- yes, of course, that’s fine.”
“Thank you,” Mingi said, softer now. “Could you ask them to bring it up to the apartment? It’s the third floor, they will know.”
“Okay, I will.”
Mingi let out a slow breath, phone lowering back to the table. His head turned again, almost automatically, toward the bedroom. No noise greeted him, and he felt a small relief flutter deep in his belly. His focus drifted once more, only to be awoken back in time by a curt knock.
The alpha stilled, even if he knew who it was.
He stood carefully, steps silent as he approached the entrance. Still, he didn’t open it right away - just leaned closer slightly, checking through the peephole first.
He wasn’t taking any other risks.
He moved to the set of locks only after he was very sure that it was one of the security guards of the area. Still, he only cracked the door open at first, keeping his body angled in the gap, broad shoulders blocking most of the view inside, guided by instinct.
The tall man with glasses stood there, composed, holding the large paper bag with the café label. Mingi bowed his head slightly in thanks, his voice low as he showed his gratitude once more.
He took the package, grip firm but careful, eyes flicking once over the hallway before he pulled the door closed again the moment the interaction felt complete, making sure no more scents of the outside could get in. Then he locked back up.
Checked twice.
Only then did he move further into the apartment again.
Your mate sorted the food out with sluggish movements, his hands heavy as he put the cheap, plastic cutlery to the side in the bin. He opened the clear lid on the cardboard bowl with mild interest, gazing upon the bright blue smoothie bowl – the fruits stacked above the ocean of flavor in neat, pretty rows, chopped coconut flakes all over like the snow outside.
It looked appealing enough for him to approve, and so he took just the tiniest spoon from the side, letting it sit on his tongue for a moment before he gulped it down –
Good, he thought.
There was no immediate bitterness, it wasn’t chalky or had a texture you would hate right of the bat. Nothing jumped at him that made him think you would make you frown or push it away. It was sweet and tasted like blueberries and overnight oats.
It was good.
Good enough for his mate to try for herself.
Slowly, he went through the rest of the order, shaking his head with a small smile as he looked over just how much there was – entirely too much for you and him for a single meal.
There was that bowl, but also two flaky almond croissants you loved with powdered sugar dusted on the top, to the side of the bag was a still warm sandwich with some fresh avocado, tomato, figs and leafy vegetable he couldn’t remember the correct name of – he smirked as he thought of Hongjoong eating this right up. An orange juice in a tall to-go cup, some French toast (how fitting), and another box of roasted toast with some omelettes he assumed was meant for him as you never really liked eggs too much.
Did you not like protein produce on purpose just to worry them?
He thought and shook his head with a tiny smile, putting some of the food that needed it into the bare fridge. He missed the small photos of you and them they kept back home on the surface of the doors.
Mingi ate slowly after that. The food was nice - it always was from that café - but his mind drifted far past his meal as he clicked through the news on the expensive laptop before him, glasses perched on top of his nose bridge.
And right there it was.
Smacked in the middle of the very opening page. His expression hardened almost instantly.
“…Oh for fuck‘s sake,” he muttered under his breath.
Goddamn, that creep made it to the news with this entire excuse of entertainment to the world.
His jaw tightened further as he clicked the article open, fingers pressing harder than necessary against the trackpad. And as he waited for it to load up, his rushing thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the bedroom door being hurriedly opened and quick footsteps patting over the cold floors, rushing somewhere further down the hall.
Mingi froze for half a second before he was on his feet.
His eyes were wide as he hurried to push back his chair carelessly, making it nearly topple over. He abandoned his cold, unfinished coffee and the still open article, long legs taking him to the hallway.
Something was wrong.
He could smell it.
“Baby?!”
His voice came out louder than he meant, panic already threading through it as his eyes darted to the open bedroom door where they had oh so carefully tucked you in to sleep in for as long as your heart desired left open.
He didn’t spare it much longer, eyes going even wider as he heard you choke through the ajar door leading to the huge bathroom. The alpha didn’t wait more, breath held tight with that nowadays familiar worry over you.
He moved fast, heart pounding in his ears as he pushed the door open-
And his mind was already yelling in havoc at what he saw.
You were slumped against the toilet, shaking, small and fragile as your body heaved again. Each time your tummy would let up, you would whimper a sorry song, just about the softest call for help.
He was by your site in an instant, dropping to his knees without a second thought.
“Oh, baby, okay, okay- c’mon, off the floor.”
He sensed his ribs constrict as he felt you shake like a leaf against his chest from where he slid right onto the floor behind you. He helped you move into his lap carefully in between your heaving breaths as you whimpered, his big hand fast to gather your hair away from your face while the other held you with impossible care by your middle.
“Easy, easy… I’ve got you, alpha’s here,” he repeated, softer now, grounding, even as his chest tightened painfully at how hard you were shaking. You cried in pain as another wave took over, fingers trembling over the cold porcelain.
“Shh, it’s okay- go on, let it out, baby, tummy’s just trying to get all bad stuff out, that’s okay…” he coaxed, leaning forward slightly with you, his hand smoothing over the side of your head in slow, grounding strokes.
His own heart was pounding far too fast. Could you feel it?
He tucked himself closer only for his eyes to widen once more – and it wasn’t at your soft gasping breath this time. The heat seeped through your clothes, through his own, startling in a way that made him suck in a quiet breath.
His brows knit together rapidly, worry tightening sharp in his chest as he pressed his cheek briefly against your temple.
You were burning up.
The next thing his mind finally felt like registering was your scent. It hit him properly now, slipping past the sharp tang of sickness. Milky. Warmer. Smooth and oddly sweet in a way that made something deep in his instincts spike like swords and spears.
You have dropped right into that safe embrace of omega space.
So this was the limit, it seemed.
“...Oh, princess,” he breathed, his voice dropping even further, something aching slipping into it.
His grip softened somehow, impossibly more careful as his thumb brushed slow, reassuring circles into your side. He leaned in slightly, pressing his face into your hair for just a second, scenting you - grounding you, grounding himself - before pulling back just enough to check.
His eyes flicked quickly, scanning, needing to make sure there was no blood-
Thank god.
He dipped his head, brushing his nose lightly against your hair again, scenting you once more, trying to steady the way his thoughts were starting to scatter. He needed to get some medicine in you, the moment your stomach would settle. And you needed to drink something, all dehydrated now- And San, he had to call San and Hongjoong--
You slid into his chest with more heaviness, his thumb quick to swipe against your chin to get rid of the mess, humming soothingly. You breathed slowly, eyes all far away as they bore into the wall just in front of you both, tightly huddled in the cold bathroom air.
“Does your tummy hurt, ‘mega?” he asked quietly when your body seemed to give you a break. “Feels bad?”
Mingi coaxed an answer out of you, grazing his fingers tenderly through your hair and off your hot forehead.
Oh, why did they not realise earlier?
Was this why you smelt off?
Why was it so warm this morning?
“What hurts, honeycomb?” he tried again, voice barely above a whisper. “Tell alpha, hm?”
In the end you just shook your head, a small cry leaving you as you tucked your nose under his jaw. His heart melted into smooth mush, protective instinct flaring hot and overwhelming.
“Oh, my sweet princess…”
He pressed his cheek to the side of your head, holding you closer.
“I know… I know, it feels really bad right now, huh,” he murmured, voice low and steady despite the way it threatened to break.
„Alpha will make it all better ’mega. I promise.”
Carefully, he shifted you in his hold after another minute or two passed without you throwing up, guiding you so your head rested over his collarbone more securely, tucked safe beneath his chin. Right where his scent was naturally the strongest.
Right where it was the safest for you.
One arm stayed firm around your middle while the other slid under your thighs.
“C’mon… up we go, my sweetheart…”
He lifted you slowly, giving you time to adjust, letting you cling to him as he rose to his feet, worried the motion would make your stomach disagree once more.
“Legs baby, need you safe- there you go… good girl…“
Your legs tightened weakly around his waist, arms curling into him as he steadied you, one hand coming back to support your back.
He reached back briefly to flush properly, the sound making you whine, the noise barely there. It made his mind race. You sounded really weak.
“Shh, sh-sh-sh, ‘m sorry, I’m sorry…” he murmured quickly, pressing his cheek to your head again, eyes momentarily closed. “All done now, no more noise, baby.”
His nose brushed through your hair once more, scenting you instinctively, trying to ground both of you as his mind raced ahead- what you needed, what to do first, how to make it all better-
This wasn’t the first time you’d fallen sick like this.
You were fragile - an omega through and through - and sometimes your body just decided it had its fill and that was that.
They knew how to take care of you.
He knew how to take care of you, he reminded himself.
But the circumstances were never worse. He had absolutely no clue as to where any medicine was in this place, or if there even was any to begin with.
You were warm, too warm, all melted against him, skin damp and clammy where your face nuzzled into the curve of his neck. Your breaths came uneven, little whimpers slipping out, muffled against the softness of his skin.
A thermometer? He had to check your temperature to make sure you didn’t need to go to the doctor right away.
That happened once- the heat of your body was so high during an extra bad flu you caught in school that they had swept you up and off you all went to an ER omega health specialist. It was practically midnight and was probably one of the worst nights of his life – but this week took the golden place by now for sure.
His chest tightened again, a low, aching squeeze.
“Shh…I’ve got you…” Mingi’s voice was a low hum, steady and warm, vibrating gently through his chest as he looked around the room anxiously. He moved slowly, every gesture measured, careful not to jostle you. One arm tucked under you, the other resting over your tummy, gentle pressure keeping you warm and safe with him.
“It’s okay, ‘mega… alpha’s got you. Alpha will make it all better.”
A soft whimper escaped you. You clung a little tighter, but so impossibly weak still.
“I know… I know it feels yucky, hm,” he murmured, pressing his cheek briefly into your hair.
He shifted slightly, reaching toward the cabinet behind the mirror, careful to keep his hold steady as he nudged it open.
Empty.
“…Right,” he muttered under his breath.
Of course it was. He felt your scent shift again, doing such an odd swoop that it made him unbelievably uncomfortable and protective once more. He scented you again, chin-tucking you closer.
“Baby, you tell alpha if tummy starts to feel all funny again, okay? Don’t hold it in ‘mega.”
He pressed a soft kiss into your hair before moving again, quicker now, scanning the room with growing urgency, repeating the two words like a mantra in his head.
Thermometer. Medicine.
Anything.
His eyes flicked over every surface, every shelf, every drawer. But apart from their toothbrushes, some toothpaste and the bag filled with your hygiene things, the room was practically empty.
“C’mon, goddamnit, just give me something…” He muttered, frustration sharpening his tone despite himself. The words slipped out quietly, strained, before he softened again as you shifted against him.
“Sorry, baby… ‘m sorry,” he murmured, smoothing his hand over your back. “Alpha’s here…”
He sighed in frustration, noting of the last place he had yet to check. Gritting his teeth in displeasure, he toed the dry mat left by the built-in bathtub, rubbing your back calmly.
“I just need to check one more place, yeah?” he murmured softly. “I’m gonna put you down for just a second- right here, nice and soft.”
So carefully - so impossibly carefully - he crouched low with you, guiding you onto the mat, one hand never leaving you as his mind hurriedly cried out about the possibility of you slipping back and hurting yourself by falling.
You blinked up at him slowly, shoulders quivering as your own hand reached up to hold onto the hem of his shirt.
“I’m right here, ‘mega, not going anywhere,” he promised softly, his own palm covering yours as he angled himself the other way.
“Just gonna look under here real quick, okay?”
He reached for the cabinet beneath the sink, heart hammering, every instinct screaming to hurry up- but apart from pipes, dust and a seemingly forgotten hairpin, there was nothing under the sink either.
Mingi felt despair claw over his mind. There was no way they took a thermometer with them, and he doubted they even had time to take medication apart from the usual supplements they kept for you.
Oh, but what now?
He inhaled slowly, closing his eyes for a second as he willed himself to be calm among the storms. Your mate turned back towards you, hands heedful as they gathered you right back up, his hand stroking away the fine baby hairs stuck to your face uncomfortably, noting just how glossed over your eyes were. Were you this hot when he set you down, or was he imagining things?
“Honey? Does your tummy feel bad right now? D’ you think you might be sick again baby?” He hated having to make you think when you were all dazed and slipped into that honey, mushy, vulnerable state. That, of all times, that, was the time he and your other mates were meant to be there to step in and think for you. It was practically impossible for you now, of course it was.
Even just dropped, you were truly theirs to take care of, and now you were sick on top of that.
You took a minute to understand his words, but he was patient, his lips pecking your fire-like forehead. In the end, you shook your head, all small and fragile, before cuddling closer to him.
You would be his death one day. Did you even realise that? He would skin himself of all flesh and muscle until his marrow would remain should it make you feel no pain again.
He smiled gently, pressing his lips softly to your temple.
“Thank you, baby, what a good girl, always so, so good for me…” he whispered, letting you feel the warmth of his calm, even though his heart still raced.
With painstaking care, he lifted you fully, cradling you against him as though you might shatter if he let go for even a second. His fingers brushed over your back and along the curve of your shoulders, trying to soothe away the discomfort and clinging hotness of your illness, but all to no avail, it seemed.
Step by careful step, he carried you out of the dim bathroom, moving faster now that he held you, the weight of you pressing warmth into his chest, back toward the kitchen.
He rifled through cabinet after cabinet, panic flaring a little each time he came up empty. Every passing cupboard was like a spike burrowed into his chest – should he just take you to the hospital and not risk it?
But what about anyone recognising him?
What would happen if they saw him with you, their mate whose terrified face was being plastered all over the news?
He felt as if he was going to throw up himself for a second.
“Hang on, okay? Oppa’s right here…”
He fought to remain steady, murmuring gentle reassurances against your hair as he finally grabbed his phone. Fingers shaking slightly, he dialled Hongjoong, voice soft but urgent in its low hum, standing in the middle of the kitchen, holding the phone to his ear as he tried and comfort your small whimpers.
It took agonisingly long, the nearly mocking sound of the constant hum frustrating him even further. He cradled you slightly, holding you closer. The seconds felt like hours, each one stretching painfully on and on-
And then, the call connected.
Instead of Hongjoong, it was Yeosang who answered, his voice quiet and concerned.
“Hey, uh, Hongjoong left his phone. He stepped out to talk to the police for a minute, so-”
“Hyung, she’s sick.”
Mingi cut him off without meaning to, voice tight.
There was a pause.
“…What?”
“She was just throwing up, and she’s really hot, hyung, like-” His words stumbled over each other, breath a bit uneven as he glanced down at you again.
You needing to go to the hospital was something none of them wanted to have happening. Especially now. Oh, but why was everything going wrong these past few days?
A quiet whimper left you against his shoulder, your fingers curling weakly into his shirt as you heard the faint sound of your other mate’s voice. Mingi’s breath hitched.
“…awh, baby, I know, I know,” he murmured immediately, turning his head to press his cheek briefly against yours before focusing back on the call.
“Hyung, she’s in pain-”
“Okay, okay- hold on.” Yeosang said quickly, already moving. There was the sound of a door, muffled voices in the background.
“We’re still in the meeting, I’m going to get the others. Don’t hang up.”
And so, the line didn’t disconnect, but the phone shifted, followed by rustles of movement, a few voices growing louder and the door shutting loudly.
“Mingi? What happened?”
Yunho’s voice this time breathes a little unevenly. Behind him, there was a quiet rush of low but urgent voices overlapping.
“Y/N-nnie is sick,” Mingi said again, quieter now but no less strained.
“She’s… she’s not doing too well, hyung.”
He carefully hoisted your clammy body up higher into his chest, lips pecking your flaming temple in natural movement. In the background, he heard his older packmember, his voice quick and not too loud, explaining swiftly to the rest.
There was a small shuffle, then Seonghwa’s voice came through, steadier but tight at the edges.
“Mingi-ah.”
“…hyung.”
“Does she need to see a doctor?” he asked gently, but directly.
“You need to tell me honestly- Does it look serious? You need to make sure she doesn’t need to see a doctor.”
Mingi swallowed, glancing down at you again, his hand instinctively moving back and forth over your thigh.
“I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice dropping. “I mean- she threw up a bunch, but there wasn’t any blood or nothing, I checked, it was just normal, I guess- but she’s really warm, and I can’t find a thermometer anywhere…” He breathed in consciously and slowly, trying to calm his slightly racing heart.
The oldest huffed out a strained breath, frustration slipping through.
“Fuck… Yea, I didn’t take that…” He tried to correct his language, and appear steady in the nerve wrecking situation, knowing just how worried Mingi probably was – they all were when it came down to your health.
“Alright, we’ll figure it out.”
A brief pause- then, sharper, the older alpha having turned away from the phone-
“Yunho, call San. Tell him to get a thermometer and medicine, tell him to hurry.”
Seonghwa came back on the line, voice lowering once more.
“Alright, listen to me.”
The rapper only hummed in response, cooing to you softly when your hand tightened on his collarbone. He took in your scent carefully, making sure no sharp scent of sickness would jump out at him, worried you would throw up again.
“Slow movements, okay? Don’t jostle her too much. And watch your scent, she’ll pick up on it if you panic, and that’ll only make it worse for her.”
Mingi nodded even if Seonghwa wasn’t there to see it.
He knew that. Realistically, he did know the basic steps on what to do when you got sick – keep you safe, keep you warm, keep you hydrated, get some medicine in you the moment it was possible, stay close – he knew all this.
“Did she eat anything before this? Something that might not have sat well? The pool, did she perhaps drink some of the water accidentally?”
“No, no, she woke up and went straight to the bathroom- she didn’t eat nothing yet. And definitely no pool water.”
“Alright, just making sure. Is she warmer than you?”
That was smart, he must give him that.
It made sense – omegas were naturally a bit colder than alphas and betas, a natural biological occurrence in order to maintain more of their energy when situations required it. If you had a fever, a good way to tell how serious it is was by comparing it to their body warmth. Why didn’t he think of that sooner?
Mingi shifted slightly, bringing the back of his hand to your forehead, then your cheek, then again, trying to make sure.
“…Yeah,” he murmured. “I think so.”
“By a lot, or just a little?”
He hesitated, checking again, even slower this time, shushing your whimper when he had to move you from being buried under his chin for a minute again.
“I… I think just a little, hyung. But- I’m not sure.”
“Uh-huh. Is her voice slurred at all? Even just a small bit.”
“No hyung, she dropped. I think she got overwhelmed and just was startled by the pain.”
The oldest breathed out low and slow, and he could just about picture his brows creased in anxiousness. He held you a tad more rigid at that thought.
“…Ah. Okay. Wait for a bit-“
The phone picked up some more movements before he heard the idol speak once again, a bit further, as he must have turned away from the device again: “Jongho-ah, go get Hongjoong. And Yeosang, please go talk to Director Noh.”
“Mingi-ah, it’s probably the best if you try and get her temperature to go down for now, just until San gets there. Maybe like a washcloth or even a cooler bath could help for now.”
The rapper's mind cleared at the smooth advice, thinking himself. He murmured something in soft agreement in the end, tucking you even closer for now.
He wanted to sob at this point.
By the time San finally arrived home, breathless and frazzled with anxiousness, you were being cradled within a half-full bathtub, the water just meek over tap warm, and your mate had you rest against his chest. You shook like a leaf, Mingi shushing your small whines constantly, heart broken and mind in havoc.
The minute he heard the front door locks switch out of place, he squared up, pressing you even closer to his damp chest, a tight scowl marking his expression. But the moment he heard the older singer, he let his protectiveness drop again, and he breathed in your scent to try and calm his racing heart.
Talk about trauma.
“Babygirl? Baby, honey, where are you? Mingi-ah?”
San sounded worried, no doubt having driven near the speed limit to get home as soon as possible. At the sound of your other mate, you whimpered, full of pity and sadness, glossy lips feverishly pink from how you had been nibbling on Mingi’s scent gland for the past few minutes, hoping for his scent to be more full and nice. Yet the alpha was too on edge to provide that at the moment.
He didn’t dare yell back, not wanting to disturb you since you were so sensitive to noise in omegaspace, instead cradling you closer, palms smoothing over your bare back. It didn’t take too long for San to find you both, having abandoned the many bags at the shoe rack, and hurried into the apartment further.
San’s breath caught up at the sight that opened in front of him.
You looked so small curled up against Mingi’s broad chest, trembling, making the lukewarm water form waves breaking at your skin. Your eyes were barely open, glassy and unfocused, lips parted around weak little breaths as you instinctively pressed your face against your alpha’s neck, searching for a magic balm in your pain.
“Oh, honey…” San whispered immediately, voice dropping into that careful tone all of them used whenever your omega was frightened or overwhelmed. At the sound of him near, your lashes fluttered. A faint whine left you, weak and miserable, arms twitching like you wanted to reach for him but didn’t quite know how.
“I’m here,” he soothed instantly, crouching beside the bathtub, hand finding your feverish skin. “Alpha’s right here, sweet thing. Tummy’s giving you trouble, huh?”
Mingi looked utterly exhausted already.
His damp hair stuck to his forehead, eyes slightly red-rimmed with stress as he kept one arm securely around your middle beneath the water. The moment San moved close enough, though, some of the panic melted from his face, relieved help had arrived.
“She’s burning up, hyung,” Mingi mumbled quietly. “Been shaking for like the past half an hour too…”
San’s expression softened even further somehow, hand immediately reaching to cup your cheek, crouched low on the warm tiles. The heat against his palm made his brows pinch, an uneasy sigh leaving him.
“Awh, poor baby,” he murmured. “My little omega slipped up while sick, hm?”
You made another tiny noise at that, instinctively turning your face into his hand, nosing at the scent gland lingering by his pulse point. The singer’s scent flooded a little stronger immediately in a natural response.
“It’s okay, cub,” he promised softly.
“Alphas are gonna make it all better now.”
Then he leaned down low, pressing just about the gentlest kiss to your burning forehead. Mingi sat up taller behind you, making the water move further.
“A towel, hyung…”
“Yeah, don’t worry.”
San stood quickly, immediately grabbing the fluffy peach-pink towel hanging from the drying rack - your favorite one, still carrying traces of all eight alphas’ scents from the laundry being done still back home. It was bound to disappear the moment they put it to wash in here.
“Okay, sweetheart,” he cooed as he returned, uneasy about how to approach the situation for the best outcome. “We’re gonna pick you up now, yeah? Nice and easy.”
You barely reacted beyond a weak whimper. Of course you did. There was little your mind comprehended at this time, slow as if each thought was treading through honey rivers. Even the simplest sentences proved too difficult now.
Together, the two alphas carefully shifted you upright. Water streamed down your body instantly, droplets rolling over your skin while you shivered pitifully from the temperature change, whimpering at the pain coming from all over your body. The second your balance wobbled, San tucked you securely against his chest, wary not to loose his own balance.
“There we go,” he soothed.
The towel wrapped around you immediately, cocooning your body while San lifted you fully from the tub like you weighed nothing. His cheek rested against the top of your wet hair instinctively, one large hand rubbing slow circles into your back beneath the towel.
You melted against him at once, small puffs of air brushing against his chin.
“That’s right cub,” he praised quietly. “Stay close, baby.”
Mingi climbed out after you both, drying himself off in rushed, messy motions before pulling on his sweatpants with fumbling hands.
“Hyung did you get the thermometer?” he asked quickly, still glancing over every two seconds to make sure you were still okay.
“She has a fever, no?”
“Definitely.” San adjusted his hold on you before gently undoing the top of his jacket.
“I got medicine too.”
The second the fabric parted enough to expose his scent gland, your omega reacted instinctively. A tiny needy sound left you as you buried your face closer.
Both the alphas slowed down. San nearly melted into the marble floors.
“…There’s my baby.” He hushed, closing his eyes. Your trembling eased just the slightest bit while his scent wrapped around you further. Mingi stared for a second with helplessly fond eyes before snapping himself back into motion.
“Hyung, maybe a jumper?”
“Please.”
“Okay, yeah.”
He hurried off toward the bedroom, footsteps quick against the apartment floor before returning not even a minute later with fresh clothes bundled in his arms.
“I got the hoodie Yunho-hyung wore last night,” he explained quietly. “Maybe the scent will help…”
“It will,” San nodded immediately, trying to keep them both sane.
The two of them worked together carefully after that. The younger crouched in front of you while the older alpha held you securely upright against his chest, both of them speaking softly the entire time so you wouldn’t get startled anymore.
“Baby, lift your leg for me?”
“That’s it, such a good girl…”
“So good for us, honey.”
Your brain barely processed anything beyond warmth, scent, and the familiar voices.
A tiny broken sigh escaped you as soon as Yunho’s hoodie dropped over your shoulders.
“There she is,” Mingi whispered as your face peeked out, sounding seconds away from crying. San looked down at your sleepy, pained, flushed face tucked against his chest and brushed damp hair away from your forehead gently.
“Alright,” he murmured softly after a second. “I got the stuff for her. Let’s go to the kitchen, and sort it all out.”
Mingi nodded.
The world outside served morning light by the time they carried you out, careful not to overwhelm your sensitive senses anymore. San kept you tucked against him the entire walk while Mingi hovered so close he practically walked into the older alpha twice.
Neither of them wanted to be more than an arm’s reach away from you right now.
Once in the kitchen, Mingi sat down first before San carefully settled you into his lap, only letting go when he was positive you wouldn’t somehow tumble off.
“There we go,” the rapper whispered to soothe, large palms rubbing slowly over your sides once he had you settled against his chest. One hand eventually slid beneath the hoodie to rest against your tummy, trying to warm you up when he noticed you trembling again, lips ghosting over your temple. You made a weak little sound and curled closer automatically.
“I know, princess…” he mumbled against your temple, sighing.
Meanwhile, San hurried toward the mountain of shopping bags abandoned near the doorway earlier, returning with his arms nearly full.
It looked like he had bought out half the pharmacy.
Mingi blinked, a broken teasing smile finding its way to his lips.
“…Damn, hyung.”
San ignored him completely as he started unloading items onto the counter one after another.
Two thermometers - a digital ear one and a regular one too. There was liquid fever medicine and a specific liquid nausea medicine, both for omegas only. Some cough syrup and digestive relief packets. Fizzing electrolyte tablets to put into water. Some new vitamin gummies. A heating pad with a cute pink polka dot pattern. He brought several different teas specifically for upset stomachs and fever recovery too, and more soft tissues with lotion in them because your nose got red quickly when you got sick.
“…you bought the entire place.” He huffed a fragile laugh, tucking you closer.
San huffed without shame while ripping open one of the thermometer boxes with a little too much force.
“…you would’ve done the same.”
Mingi didn’t oppose him. And so, the older alpha scanned the instructions briskly, brows furrowed in concentration while he set the thermometer up.
“Okay… under the tongue…” he muttered mostly to himself, a small frown among his eyebrows.
Soon he approached carefully, his expression softening again the second your bleary eyes never quite found him.
“Babygirl,” he cooed quietly, crouching beside Mingi’s chair, palms sliding up and down your bare tights for comfort. Your skin was already slick with sweat, and you were out of the water for barely any time.
“Alpha needs to check your temperature, okay?”
You looked miserable.
Your fever made your eyes glossy and unfocused, instincts leaving you clingy and dazed while your body clearly ached all over. Even sitting upright against Mingi seemed exhausting, making you slump over to one side.
“I know,” San soothed instantly at a small swallowed cry that left you. “Just for a second.”
He guided the thermometer gently toward your lips, hand resting against your jaw. The second the cold metal touched your tongue, though, you whimpered in distress, brows pinching while you tried weakly to turn your face away.
“Oh, baby,” San cooed immediately, free hand cradling your cheek.
“I know it’s cold, honey, oh, I know.”
Mingi tightened his hold around you instinctively, rubbing your tummy slower beneath the hoodie, scenting you over and over.
“You’re okay,” he whispered near your ear. “Just for a little bit, princess. Then all done and no more of that.”
Your eyes watered from sheer overwhelm more than anything else. Everything felt wrong and uncomfortable to you at that moment. San’s expression turned impossibly gentler somehow as he brushed his thumb beneath your eye.
“No tears,” he soothed softly. “Alpha’s right here.”
Carefully, patiently, he held the device, making sure to never knock your teeth.
Then, after an agonising while, a small beep sounded.
Both alphas looked down instantly, Mingi quick to lean over your shoulder to look closer.
“…37.3,” San read quietly.
Mingi’s arms tightened around you immediately. For a second neither of them spoke, sharing an uneasy glance. To anyone else it probably wouldn’t seem catastrophic, but omegas naturally ran colder than alphas and betas. Your normal body temperature hovered around thirty-five degrees.
Thirty-seven point three was already too high.
Thirty-eight meant hospital time.
“…Okay,” San exhaled slowly, forcing calm into his voice despite the concern flickering across his face, trying to sort his thoughts out. “Okay, we caught it early.”
The younger man looked at him anxiously. “But it’s bad, no?”
“It’s not hospital bad,” San answered honestly, already reaching for the second thermometer, ripping the flimsy plastic off.
“But we really need to keep checking often and get some medicine into her.”
You whined weakly the second you saw him lifting another device.
“Last one. I promise cub.” he soothed instantly, gently angling your head to access your ear better, tucking some hairs behind it. The ear thermometer upset you less, though you still squirmed and whimpered at the strange sensation while San shushed you gently the entire time.
“Nearly done now…”
Beep.
The singer checked it.
“…Okay, it’s the same.”
Mingi cursed softly beneath his breath.
Your stomach twisted unhappily at the tension in the room, omega instincts making you even more sensitive to their worry, a whine leaving you. Immediately San abandoned the device on the table.
“Hey,” he murmured, crouching back in front of you. “None of that, baby. Everyone’s calm, yeah? Alpha’s calm.”
He pressed a kiss to your forehead again before reaching for one of the liquid medicine bottles, reading over the instructions hastily.
“’gonna help with the fever and tummy,” he explained softly while measuring the dose carefully. “Need you to drink it up f’ me.”
You didn’t process his words. But when the syrup touched your tongue, your face scrunched up in quick response. A distressed noise escaped you as you tried weakly to push the little cup away.
“Shh, honey,” Mingi soothed, holding you closer. “Just a little bit more, not much left.”
Between the two of them, they somehow managed to get most of the medicine into you. Still, the second you swallowed the last mouthful, your stomach lurched violently and your entire body tensed in the alpha’s arms.
A hiccup escaped you as you started to cry in distress, feeling wrong again. Your breathing turned uneven a second later.
“Baby?”
But you couldn’t get the words out through the haze and panic fogging your hazed over brain. You only whimpered helplessly, eyes suddenly filling again with tears while your stomach cramped hard enough to make you curl inward.
Then you gagged. Mingi reacted instantly.
“Oh fuck- okay--”
He stood so quickly the chair nearly toppled backwards all over again, arms tightening around you while he rushed toward the sink just a few steps away. San was right behind him immediately, one hand rubbing your back the moment Mingi held you between himself and the countertop, hand lifting your hair away.
“It’s okay, princess, ‘s just the bad stuff again,” he tried to calm you.
But nothing came up even if your body dry heaved miserably.
Again.
And again.
Every retch made frightened little noises leave you while tears spilt helplessly down your cheeks from how badly it hurt.
“Oh, sweetheart, shh…” San whispered brokenly.
Mingi looked downright frantic by the fourth dry heave wave.
“Shh, shush,” San answered quietly, still rubbing your back. “I know.”
Eventually the gagging eased enough for your body to slump limply against Mingi’s chest again, exhausted and trembling, fingers tight on his wrist.
Both alphas exchanged worried looks.
“…Bed, a nest,” San decided softly. “Let’s just try and let her sleep it off for a bit.”
Mingi nodded again.
San finally paused long enough to shrug off his outdoor jacket and kick away his shoes before following the younger alpha toward the bedroom. Even then he stayed close enough that his fingers kept brushing over your arm reassuringly every few seconds.
The young rapper settled into bed first before carefully pulling you against his chest beneath the blankets even if he absolutely didn’t feel like sleeping. San joined you both moments later on your other side, immediately tucking you close between their warmth.
“There we go,” Mingi whispered, kissing the back of your head.
San reached over to smooth your hair away from your sweaty forehead.
“We should text the others about the temperature and stuff,” Mingi mumbled quietly, not looking up away from you for too long.
“Yeah,” San agreed immediately. “Good idea.”
He grabbed his phone from his pocket, shuffling a little awkwardly, before quickly updating the group chat while the other alpha kept you tucked impossibly close.
You fell asleep not even ten minutes later. If there was one positive in you being in omegaspace it was probably that.
But even asleep, you stayed curled inward, one hand weakly tangled in Mingi’s shirt like you still needed to make sure he would stay there.
Your mates were anxiously careful with you, San’s movements slow as he pulled another blanket higher over your shoulders. They were worried to speak much too loudly and wake you accidentally, sharing a few understanding glances instead.
Mingi still fought bravely the sleep away for nearly another half hour after that, eyes constantly opening again every time you shifted or whimpered. But eventually exhaustion caught up to him too.
So, when the other idol looked over at some point only to find the younger alpha slumped half against the pillows, one arm still wrapped tightly around your waist even in sleep, his brows furrowed with lingering worry.
He couldn’t help himself but to be angry at the world for letting this happen to him, to you, and to his entire pack.
Gosh, how could this have happened to them?
For a moment, the vocalist simply watched the two of you, trying to will his mind into being at peace, but it was too difficult, and he too was exhausted. And so, when he gave up on it himself, carefully, trying not to wake either of you, he pulled his phone back out and snapped a couple pictures for the others, wanting to at least attempt to soothe them. Yunho sounded very worried when he called him, rightfully so, though.
An omega’s health was no joke after all.
His heart squeezed painfully while sending the pictures.
After another hour passed of staying as awake as possible, he very carefully slipped from under the duvet. The second your brows twitched unhappily, though, he immediately soothed a hand over your hair, scratching behind your ear gently.
“Shh… alpha’s right here,” he whispered.
Only once you settled into Mingi’s chest did he move.
He returned a minute later carrying the heating pad tucked beneath one arm along with the ear thermometer and a cup of steaming coffee he sat down on the bedside table. The heating pad had been wrapped in a soft clean towel before he slid back into bed beside you.
“…There you go,” he murmured softly, resting it gently against your tummy beneath the blankets. You barely even twitched, but frankly, he took it as a good sign, if anything. So then, carefully, so, so carefully, he brushed your locks aside and checked your temperature again with the ear thermometer.
He looked at the screen the moment the digits appeared.
“…37.2,” he whispered quietly to himself.
It was still way too high, but a little lower.
'Small victories, small victories,' he chanted in his head to still his worried heart. They would take anything at this point.
San, awake between you both, finally reaching for the coffee after discarding the godforsaken device, opening the news article the younger mumbled to him about earlier, reading quietly while keeping one hand over the heating pad over your stomach the entire time.
Maybe like an hour passed that way, but he didn’t keep track of the time, brows furrowed in carefully stilled anger. It was long enough for Mingi’s alarm to eventually vibrate weakly against the mattress somewhere in his pocket.
The rapper groaned softly the second he woke, the alarm was briskly turned off as immediate panic sat across his face before his eyes landed on you still asleep against them.
“…Baby?”
“She’s okay,” San whispered immediately, not wanting you to wake up. “Still sleeping.”
Mingi visibly deflated in relief before rubbing tiredly at his eyes. He sighed, helping your other mate hold you instead as he slipped away, just sitting on the edge of the mattress for a minute or two, watching your chest rise and fall slowly.
Finally, the younger man leaned down carefully, pressing the softest kiss against your eerily warm forehead.
“I’ll come back soon, princess,” he whispered.
“Sleep lots for me, okay? Need ‘u to feel good when I come back.”
You didn’t stir, not even when San instinctively helped burrow you deeper into his chest.
He was scared about leaving you behind when feeling this way but had no choice but to hurry and get ready to go to the company. Your mates spoke in hushed whispers so they wouldn’t wake you, quietly discussing what was the best course of action now.
“You want me to order food or something?” Mingi asked softly while pulling on a clean hoodie, a mask already under his chin.
“’s better if you stay with her instead of cooking.”
San just shook his head, no hunger within sight.
“No, I don’t think she should eat anything big right now, especially if she can barely keep the medicine down.” He rubbed your tummy gently through the blankets. What a troublesome little thing.
“I picked up crackers and some light stuff at the mall. It’s still in one of the bags in my car, though. I’ll go grab it later.”
Mingi nodded reluctantly after another beat passed by.
“…Text me if anything changes.”
“I will.”
“And if she hits thirty-eight-”
“We go straight to the hospital. I parked close to the elevator, don’t worry.”
The rapper swallowed hard before looking at you one last time. Then finally, but very reluctantly, he left, making sure to click all the locks shut behind him again.
The apartment went quiet again after that. At some point, exhaustion dragged San under too, and he matched you soon enough.
But even then, when the front door finally unlocked hours later, his eyes snapped open right away.
Voices filtered quietly through the apartment. How much time has passed?
Fuck, was it the afternoon already?
He had just closed his eyes for a minute and--
“…’re asleep?”
“Probably.”
“Keep your voices down.”
San sat up almost immediately on instinct, one arm tightening protectively around you where you slept curled up into his warmth. He wanted to calm down, wanted to tell himself nothing was wrong, that there was no way anyone else knew all the correct lock combinations and the pin patterns and had the chip too, but it was raw and fragile, the space they’ve created around you.
A moment later Yunho, Jongho, Yeosang and Mingi slipped into the bedroom carefully, a sheepish smile marking the oldest’s lips when he made eye contact with dishevelled, visibly tight San.
All three visibly slowed down at the sight that greeted them.
“Oh…” Yunho breathed quietly.
“Fuck,” Mingi whispered, already looking devastated all over again. He was hoping by the time he would be back, you would be bouncing around, full of glee and happiness and no longer sick. You were just as sickly as before, though.
“She looks done…”
You were still just as flushed, hair all messy against San’s shirt. You were breathing slightly too warm against his neck while the heating pad rested over your stomach beneath the blankets, by now barely warm. San rubbed your back slowly.
“Yeah,” he admitted quietly. He had checked your temperature twice by now and was left worried each time.
“She isn’t feeling good.”
The room filled with worried silence instantly, the mates shuffling closer as if called by nature. Then Jongho carefully approached the bedside table, moving with the same slowness all of them always used around you in omegaspace, even if you were still visibly asleep.
“Lemme check,” he whispered, finding his hyung’s eyes. San nodded with no words, sitting up a little taller without disturbing you. Very gently, the maknae brushed sweaty strands of hair away from your forehead and ear before checking your temperature with the ear thermometer.
All four alphas watched him, and when his face fell slightly, theirs did the same.
“…Still 37.2.”
The tense silence was broken by a low-spoken curse, mumbled by Yunho, who ran his hands through his hair.
When you woke up, the room was dim, and you felt like you were on fire. Slowly you blinked open, a broken whimper escaping your aching throat as you clumsily sat up a little taller. For a minute or two you were left fully confused – where were you?
It made sense.
You hadn’t had time to truly accustom yourself to the new apartment yet, and especially in omegaspace unfamiliar places were tricky. Your thoughts were sluggish and frizzed around the edges, memories slippery and difficult to grasp.
But then your nose twitched weakly.
You could smell your mates close, and it was okay then, your lazy brain tried to explain as you slowly sat up among the mess of blankets and pillows spread on the couch.
When did you move here?
You didn’t remember, slow and dizzy as you whimpered and whined slowly, hoping your mates would come by to help. Why were you feeling so badly? Oh, but your mind wasn’t helpful now, circling back to your alphas – you wanted them to be here, why were they not? You felt all hot and sticky and uncomfortable beneath the blankets, and suddenly your omega couldn’t understand why no one was there holding you anymore.
And so, one of the blankets tangled around your ankle as you tried to stand, nearly making you trip before you caught yourself weakly against the couch arm.
Another whimper escaped you, louder this time.
It felt all so hot and uncomfortable, your limbs hurting as you whimpered a little louder, trying to call for your mates without words too hard to form. You swallowed when your stomach did an unnatural flip, whining, looking around for your pack – but they were not within sight, and as your body started to feel cold again, your slow head decided your mates will fix it, because your alphas make it better, and you didn’t feel too good now, all confused and weak.
You could smell your pack stronger somewhere nearby, though, and your fevered omega latched onto that instinctively.
Alphas make it better.
Step by step you walked through the empty kitchen, blinking slowly at the simmering pot on the stove in confusion, left on low heat.
But not even that cleared the fog in your mind, and like bee guided by the smell of honey, you trudged clumsily past the living room into the hallway towards where you could smell your mates.
Why did they not sleep with you?
It was so cold. Why was it so cold all of a sudden?
As the door came closer, you braced your hand on a wall, stumbling a little as your breath hitched up. But the alphas’ voices were closer now, just behind that bedroom door, and that was Jongho oppa laughing at something Yu oppa was saying, and then-
As you finally made your way to the door, you felt as bad as ever, left dizzy and bleary-eyed in the dim hallway. Whimpering loudly to call for the alphas in your discomfort, you heard their voices grow quiet immediately, and as you reached to paw at the shut door handle clumsily, you were just about to get the door open and-
"Baby, no!”
Your head turned so quickly you had to shut your eyes for a second, and the hallway tilted around you. By the time you could focus your vision again, Yeosang’s hands were on your shoulders, guiding you briskly away from the door.
“No, no, no, fuck,” he breathed out anxiously, his voice far more panicked than you’d maybe ever heard directed at you before.
“Honey, what were you thinking?”
Your face crumpled instantly. What did he mean?
Yeosang looked genuinely horrified.
“You can’t go in there right now,” he whispered quickly, crouching to your level while trying to guide you backward toward the living room. “Baby, they’re doing a live, no-”
A confused cry escaped you. What was he even saying? Your head registered his anxiousness, his terror, and you were left helpless in understanding why. Were you in danger?
But words were too foreign for you now, impossible to form and understand fully, your body rendering you useless in that for now. As the alpha guided you back towards the couch, you could tell just how wrong something was based on his scent, burnt and clearly bad. Your eyes warmed with tears in response.
He was already worrying himself sick over your fever, all of them were. Earlier he’d been resting with you and San on the couch, but eventually the older alpha had gone downstairs to grab the remaining shopping bags from the car while Yeosang took over making dinner.
He’d only stepped away to the bathroom for a minute.
Just one minute.
And somehow in that tiny gap you’d woken up alone and gone searching for your mates.
“No, baby,” he murmured again, much softer this time while guiding you carefully toward the nest, tucking you under the mountain of blankets as if that would fix the situation. “No, no… we told you to wait here for alphas, remember?”
You didn’t.
You didn’t remember anything from this afternoon, in fact, probably having been too dazed and tired to comprehend much at all.
Yeosang visibly had to compose himself before speaking again, breathing in slowly, as he turned in the direction of the hallway before looking back up at you.
“You can’t go into the room during a live, honey,” he explained gently, kneeling in front of you.
“The cameras are on. When cameras are on, you must stay put ‘mega.”
He told himself over and over in omegaspace you weren’t fully in control rationally, but this just made a messy situation catastrophic.
There was absolutely no way the viewers didn’t hear you through the door.
But he couldn’t let his mind spiral when you looked at him with teary eyes and a wobbly lip, clearly out of it.
Why wouldn’t your alphas come hold you? They always held you.
Why was Sangie so upset with you?
The alpha’s heart cracked straight down the middle at your constant whimpers.
“Oh baby…” he whispered helplessly, arms enveloping your warm torso.
Then, further down the apartment, the bedroom door finally cracked open.
Yunho stepped out smoothly, having excused himself under the guise of needing the bathroom. The alphas tried to play it off, joking even as they shared uneasy glances.
They were lucky their scents couldn’t be transferred through the live, obviously very worried. One look at his face told the other alpha immediately that everyone inside had heard you crying through the door.
And probably heard Yeosang calling for you too.
The taller singer’s eyes widened slightly the second he saw your tear-streaked face, pearls running down your cheeks.
“Oh fuck…” He whispered, just wanting to curse the entire world out at this point.
Why could they just not be left at peace with you?
With their sweetest girl, never meaning no harm. He felt his head spin at the thought of what the clips of the live would imply. And this was meant to fix everything. And it just ruined the situation completely. There was no way they could hide you at this point. His vision blurred.
Still, he approached calmly to the best of his abilities, his voice dropping into that impossibly gentle tone he always used with you after you dropped.
“Sweetheart,” he murmured while crouching beside Yeosang.
“Why’d you get up without Yeosangie, hm?”
But you just sobbed, confused at their wrong scents. Yunho closed his eyes briefly before rubbing a careful hand over your hair, tutting softly.
Your omega couldn’t handle this – them being angry about something you did, but you not understanding why.
They were never sad about you looking for them before, so why now?
Another sob escaped you before your stomach suddenly lurched violently. Both of your mates straightened up instantly.
“Oh-”
You gagged hard, your tummy cramping. Yunho reacted first, standing up at lightning speed, his gentle hand finding your arm in support.
“Sink, sink. Now.”
Yeosang scooped you up just as fast, carrying you quickly into the kitchen while you dry-heaved miserably against his shoulder. Tiny, frightened whines left you between each gag, tears soaking into his shirt. Why did this keep on happening?
“It’s okay, let it out,” he soothed frantically, not even caring about his shirt. But there was nothing but spit that left you.
“It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re okay ‘mega.”
But again, nothing came up. Only painful empty heaves left you.
Yunho rubbed your back firmly while holding your hair away from your face, trying to keep his own panic from showing. He couldn’t just leave you now if you were this bad, but he also needed to get back to the bedroom, or this would just spiral to hell.
“Breathe in,” he encouraged gently, squeezing your hand. Were they always this shaky?
“Slow, my baby. Slow.”
Eventually the retching eased enough for you to sag limply against Yeosang’s chest again, exhausted and shaking. The man hoisted you up, scenting you thoroughly to try and rid you of the sickly scent.
“Oh honey…” he whispered brokenly. “Gosh, you feel so warm…”
You only whimpered weakly, completely worn out now. You didn’t understand what was happening, small and scared. Yunho exchanged a worried glance with Yeosang over your head before forcing another soft smile onto his face for your sake.
'If you’re calm, she is calm, if you’re calm, she is calm-'
“Okay,” he murmured gently. “No more walking around by yourself, hm? Alpha’s gonna stay right here now.” The younger one nodded immediately, already carrying you back toward the couch while keeping you tucked impossibly close, shushing your pained cries.
Just then the main entrance sounded, the mates staring towards it before they visibly deflated once more when they smelled San coming in, all big with the multitude of bags in his arms.
How did he even manage to carry all of that? No wonder he took so long.
The moment he noticed the burnt scents of, like, everyone, he dropped the stuff before rushing further in, shoes kicked off somewhere behind him. His eyes were wide as he took in Yunho and Yeosang holding you on the couch, shushing your cries.
“Shit, shit, what’s wrong? Baby? My baby?”
His palm found your knee as he rubbed it furiously up and down, eyes fleeting over his band mates. When he left a few minutes ago you were still asleep on the couch and seemed fine, did your fever get worse? Shit, did he need to take you to the hospital?
“San-ah she nearly walked into the live, it was an accident, she didn’t realise…”
At Yunho’s quiet explanation, his lips were left slightly opened as his eyes widened before he schooled his expression back to being calm.
Eventually he nodded, whispering a small ‘okay’.
“…I think you can hear her in the live.” The oldest of the three mumbled weakly in the otherwise quiet room. His hand was gentle from where it was rubbing over your back repeatedly.
“And the live is still going? Hyung you should go back, it’s gonna look even worse.”
Yunho bit his lip before he got back up wordlessly, pecking your temple and going back to the bedroom.
“Okay, baby,” San said softly after a moment, his voice carefully even despite the way tension sat heavy in his shoulders. He brushed your hair back from your damp forehead before forcing a tiny smile onto his face.
“How about you watch something for a little bit, hm? “ He willed himself to stay calm in the situation, even though he too was near breaking point by now.
You blinked up at him through watery eyes, still curled halfway into Yeosang’s chest, visibly exhausted from crying and the sick spell. The confusion in your scent was still there, milky and distressed all at once, but the panic had dulled enough that you weren’t clutching on to the alpha’s hands anymore, and your breathing had slowed significantly.
“There we go,” Yeosang whispered immediately, kissing the top of your head. “That’s our good baby. Always so good for us.”
San swallowed hard at the tiny sound you made at that, something soothed and needy all at once, before he reached for the remote sitting abandoned on the coffee table. His fingers moved quickly through the menus, bypassing loud shows and complicated k-dramas before settling on some brightly coloured cartoon with soft music and simple dialogue.
He lowered the volume until it was barely above a murmur before setting the remote aside again. You only shifted closer instead, knees pulling up slightly as Yeosang adjusted the blanket around you, tucking it tight around you.
Your eyes stayed fixed on the screen after that, following the simple animation with slow concentration while San rubbed absentminded circles into your calf, already entranced by the moving pictures.
From down the hallway they could faintly hear Mingi’s muffled voice continuing the live, steady but strained around the edges. Every now and then another member spoke up, probably trying to fill space for him.
After a while your breathing started evening out again, the awful hiccuping cries tapering into occasional sniffles. Your body gradually melted heavier into the couch cushions, eyes drooping more and more each time the cartoon changed scenes.
“There she is,” San whispered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.
Together they helped ease you down properly, arranging the blanket over you carefully so you stayed warm. You made a tiny sound of protest when Yeosang shifted away, instantly reaching after him.
“I know, angel,” he soothed immediately, catching your hand, kissing your knuckles. "We'll be right here.”
“Just by the stove,” San added softly. “We need to finish up dinner, baby, but we’re watching you the whole time. Promise, not going nowhere.”
Your sleepy eyes searched their faces for a moment before finally relaxing again once Yeosang pressed another kiss against your forehead, scenting you. They would have to check your temperature in a while, and you were just about in time for another dose of medicine too.
“Promise,” he repeated gently.
Only once you settled back down did they finally move toward the kitchen.
And the second they were out of immediate earshot, the carefully maintained calm cracked to pieces.
San dragged both hands over his face with a stifled groan, pacing once near the counter before stopping himself. His voice dropped to a low hum.
“We have to call Joong.”
Yeosang looked miserable immediately.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, wringing his hands together.
“I literally just went to the bathroom for like, two minutes, San-ah. I didn’t think she’d wake up yet, I-”
“Hey.” San cut him off instantly, softer this time. Yeosang’s eyes flickered up.
“It’s okay.” San shook his head firmly, though frustration still burnt underneath his exhausted expression. “It’s not your fault, not hers either.” His jaw tightened briefly as he looked around the apartment briefly.
“This just fucking sucks in general.”
Yeosang looked close to crying anyway. They all knew very well how bad this could get.
If viewers had truly heard you clearly, and if someone had already clipped it, this entire thing has already been blown out of proportion, and this just added a cherry on top.
San exhaled sharply through his nose, glancing toward the living room again to make sure you were still resting. Your eyes were closed by now. He thanked the universe for the Omegaspacemark-trademark-sleepiness then.
“Fuck's sake,” he muttered quietly. “This was already more than enough as it was.”
Before Yeosang could answer, San’s phone suddenly began vibrating violently against the counter.
Both of them froze before the younger quickly reached for and snatched the phone off the counter almost immediately, fingers fumbling slightly around the edges of it in his rush to silence the violent buzzing before it could carry into the living room.
His eyes darted instinctively toward the couch first, putting it on speaker if the volume was at its lowest.
You were still asleep.
Curled beneath the blanket with your cheek smushed into the cushion, breathing deep and uneven in that heavy, floaty way omegas always did whenever they slipped too far into space. The colourful light from the cartoon flickered softly across your face, muted music still playing quietly enough not to disturb you.
“Hyung-”
“San-ah, for fuck’s sake, what happened?”
Hongjoong sounded breathless.
Not angry. Not even frustrated, really. Just genuinely worried.
The sound of movement echoed through the speaker behind him- there were muffled voices, doors opening and shutting somewhere nearby, and staff talking too quickly over one another. San could practically picture him pacing already, one hand tangled in his hair while managers hovered around him trying to fix the situation all at once.
“Management is freaking out right now,” the packalpha continued before San could answer. His voice was tense in a way that immediately made Yeosang straighten beside him.
“Listen, this is bad.”
The young man holding the phone pressed a hand hard against his forehead, exhaustion crashing into him all over again, a headache crawling over his temples.
“…I don’t know,” he admitted helplessly, words coming out rough and quiet. “I was bringing the bags up from the car, and Sangie just went to the bathroom when she woke up.”
Beside him, Yeosang visibly wilted further at the mention of it.
“She was alone for like two minutes, hyung,” he added quickly, trying to ease the guilt before it could swallow the younger whole.
“She probably woke up scared from the pain ‘cause nobody was there, so she went looking for us and…” His jaw tightened briefly.
“She heard them talking in the room and just –"
A heavy silence followed. Hongjoong cursed quietly under his breath.
“Goddamnit…”
The leader’s voice sounded muffled for a second, like he’d dragged a hand over his face.
“Okay,” he said eventually, though the word sounded more like he was trying to convince himself than anyone else.
“Okay, listen to me first. They’re ending the live soon, manager Noh texted Mingi to wrap it up.”
Another pause.
“Some staff were monitoring everything when it happened, and so…”
He stopped there.
San felt his stomach sink immediately.
“…It’s bad,” Hongjoong admitted finally, quieter this time.
“I don’t- I don’t know what to do San-ah.”
The kitchen suddenly felt unbearably small. The leader cleared his throat uncomfortably. Yeosang’s hands twisted together anxiously in front of him while the older alpha stared blankly at the counter, jaw tight enough to hurt.
Because if Hongjoong was panicking, then this had already spiralled way past what they could fix quietly. There was no way this could be ironed out.
Yeosang lowered his head, guilt practically dripping off him into puddles by his feet.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered again, his voice cracking faintly around the edges. “Hyung, I swear I only left for a second. I didn’t think she’d wake up and I would have never-”
“Sang-ah.”
Hongjoong cut him off immediately. His tone softened despite the exhaustion buried inside it.
“It’s okay,” he said firmly. “I know none of you would ever do something like this on purpose. I know.”
That somehow only made Yeosang feel worse. His eyes dropped to the floor completely after that, not lifting again, shoulders curling inward while he nodded silently even if the older man wasn’t there to see it.
Hongjoong sighed quietly through the phone before speaking again, calmer now, trying to redirect himself toward the things he could actually control.
“How is she?” he asked softly. “Is her temperature any better?”
San glanced toward the medicine lined up neatly beside the stove before looking back toward the messy couch again.
“She’s been steady at 37.2 for the past few hours,” he answered.
“No higher than that. No lower either.” His voice lowered instinctively when his eyes landed on you again.
“She just fell asleep. We’re gonna give her the next dose soon.”
“And the nausea?” Hongjoong asked immediately. “Did she throw up again?”
“No,” Yeosang answered this time, still quiet.
“Not really. She starts dry-heaving sometimes, but she hasn’t actually thrown up again since earlier.”
“And the doctor?” The packalpha asked after another second passed. “Should we take her in?”
That made both of them hesitate. Neither of them knew anymore.
San rubbed tiredly at his eyes.
“I think…” He exhaled slowly. “I think we should wait a little longer first. She might get better on her own once she settles down properly, gets some more sleep, drinks more…”
Another silence stretched between them, it was long enough that the cartoon music drifting from the living room suddenly felt unbearably loud despite barely being audible at all.
When Hongjoong finally spoke again, his voice sounded thinner somehow. More uncertain.
“Okay,” he murmured. Then quieter, he continued: “Listen… tell Yunho to call me as soon as they finish.”
San frowned slightly.
“Why?”
Hongjoong inhaled sharply on the other end. And suddenly neither San nor Yeosang could breathe in fully and properly either.
“I think…” The leader faltered.
“I think we might have to address it.”
The words landed like a physical blow.
The guilt-ridden alpha’s head snapped up finally. The singer just stared ahead blankly for a second, genuine horror slowly settling across his face.
“Hyung,” he said instantly, voice dropping into a harsh whisper. “She’s in omegaspace right now. We can’t do that without telling her first. How are we even going to explain that to her after she gets better? Hyung-”
“The clip is already all over Twitter, I saw it myself,” he admitted quietly. “People shared it almost immediately, and I don’t think…” He stopped speaking for a second, audibly struggling to force the words out.
“I don’t think we can pretend it didn’t happen.”
The kitchen fell silent again. It dawned on them all then.
You never wanted to be public, definitely not yet. And now it wasn’t even something you got to choose.
You were sick.
Confused and slipped up. Half out of your mind with omegaspace and fever.
And somehow, they had still failed to protect you from the world again.
San squeezed his eyes shut briefly, his chest aching at the thought.
Before anybody could say anything else, the bedroom door suddenly clicked open down the hallway. Yeosang turned first. San’s head snapped toward the sound a second later, panic immediately replacing whatever else he’d been feeling.
“Hyung, they just finished up,” he whispered quickly into the phone. “We’ll talk later.”
The leader exhaled shakily.
“Okay,” he murmured. “Tell Yunho to call me soon, please.”
“We will.”
The call ended quietly after that, leaving the apartment swallowed by an awful kind of silence that neither of them quite knew how to break. That was solved for them within a few seconds, though, as visibly pale Mingi hurried over with the rest in tow.
“The hell happened? Is she okay? We were so worried...” The alpha was breathless, cooing when he hurried over to you, leaving the rest by the kitchen counter. Yet, the man was more than careful, hesitating before letting his hand simply rest over your covered shoulder, biting his lip.
“There’s no way people didn’t hear that, right?” Jongho asked under his breath, already sounding like he knew the answer himself.
“Like… there’s actually no way.”
No one spoke words of comfort towards the maknae, averting their eyes.
San leaned back against the counter tiredly, putting his phone away before turning to the rest once more.
“Hongjoong called.”
That got everyone’s attention, Mingi scurrying back to hear better. Yunho’s eyes found San‘s first.
“What did he say?”
The younger exchanged a quick glance with Yeosang before answering slowly, voice measured.
“He said management’s freaking out.” His jaw tightened.
“Apparently it’s really bad.”
The room fell silent again. Mingi blinked slowly, shoulder slumped against the fridge.
“What does that even mean?”
“Someone clipped it already,” Yeosang said quietly, guilt still heavy in his voice. “Apparently it’s all over Twitter by now.”
Jongho muttered a curse under his breath immediately. Even when careful, their scents turned bitter naturally at the reality they were forced to face. San just nodded weakly, taking his time to find the right words.
“…Hyung thinks we might have to address it.” He finally spoke low, bracing himself on his forearms.
“What?” Mingi whisper-hissed so loudly that Jongho instantly motioned for him to quiet down before all five of them reflexively glanced toward the couch to make sure you hadn’t woken up. By some miracle you were still curled up.
„Dude, she’s still in omegaspace,” he whispered harshly, frowning. “What the fuck you mean, address it?”
“I know,” San said immediately, sounding just as stressed, arms raising slightly. “I know that, okay? Just- management’s losing their minds, and the public aren't much better.”
“But we can’t just do that without even talking to her first,” Jongho added quietly, though his expression looked just as conflicted. “She doesn’t even know what happened properly yet.”
“She barely understands what’s going on right now,” Yunho whispered miserably. “How the fuck would we even explain this to her after she feels better? Just be like, 'Hey baby, I know you didn’t want to go public just yet, but hey, shit happens, right…!‘ Are you actually fucking with us right now?“
San and Yeosang just shook their heads miserably, with no words of defence to share. The guilt that settled over the room after Yunho’s outburst was crushing.
After a few minutes of long silence San whispered into the air, his voice nearly breaking: “Yu, hyung asked for you to call him when you can.”
The older just nodded, sighing before making his way to the balcony, nearly shutting the glass door behind him. No words were shared, the most noise was the shuffling of Mingi as he dropped tiredly onto the couch edge close to you, both hands clasped around the back of his neck.
After a minute or two he turned off the tv, and it was radio silence just like that.
Eventually, the singer stepped back inside slowly, expression somehow even more tense than before. That alone made all of their stomachs drop.
“What?” Yeosang called softly, too scared to hear any more bad news. Yunho closed the balcony door fully behind himself before looking between all of them, an uncertain expression marking his face.
“We have to head back in.”
Jongho frowned first. “Right now?”
Yunho nodded once.
“…Yeah, right now," he said quietly, hand absentmindedly rubbing over your temples.
“We’re gonna have to do a response.” He added after a strangled second, pocketing the device as if that would push all the issues away for once.
The words landed like a blow to the gut.
Mingi looked up immediately from where he’d been sitting, just bewildered at this point. “What?”
The oldest of the bunch swallowed once before continuing with the explanation.
“It’s already been decided.” He rubbed tiredly at the back of his neck. “Manager Noh agreed with the rest of the management that 'it's the best course of action,' and apparently…” He let out a humourless breath. “Apparently we don’t really have much of a say in it anymore. Hongjoong has tried, it’s- it‘s pointless.”
“What the fuck?” Mingi whisper-hissed, trying not to raise his voice and failing anyway. “Already? They can’t just do that. I mean-”
“That’s just bullshit,” Jongho muttered under his breath, brows knitting together immediately, standing taller, ever protective. “She doesn’t even know what happened yet.”
“Yeah,” Yunho agreed quietly, swallowing the lump in his throat before he went on to the counter, gathering the most important medication into the centre.
San leaned heavily back against the kitchen counter, one hand dragging over his face while exhaustion settled deeper into his features.
“Okay, fine, let’s say we go,” he said finally, voice rough around the edges. “How are we supposed to do that while she’s like this? Does the management not understand she is sick or…” He laughed bitterly, the anger raw and pure.
Yeosang’s eyes drifted immediately toward you then, softening almost painfully. You were so vulnerable in their care, and they-
“Hongjoong said we should bring her.” Yunho’s eyes dropped briefly to the floor, tongue clicking in dissatisfaction.
“We’ll do the response and then come straight back home after, I guess-- I don’t know, I really...-”
The uncertainty in his tone made it obvious he hated this just as much as everybody else did, just leaving his words unfinished with an uncertain wave of hand.
And so, your mates were left uncertain and huffy, eventually moving to gather the essentials for you to be able to nest and some of the medicine, uncomfortable with the thought of you leaving this place for now.
Soon enough San has gathered you into his arms once more, apologising to you profusely with the softest voice imaginable. You looked impossibly sleepy still, blinking slowly against the dimmed light while San kept you tucked against his chest.
One of his hands rested protectively at the back of your head while the other rubbed slow circles over your spine beneath your shirt, trying to make this sudden change as comfortable as possible.
“There’s my baby,” he whispered softly the second your eyes fluttered open, pecking the tip of your nose.
“Hi, sweetheart.”
A tiny distressed sound left your throat immediately, moving to turn and go back to sleep, but his gentle palm moved you back. Your brows furrowed together as you looked around blearily, clearly confused why everyone was standing around dressed and tense and watching you so carefully.
Yeosang had to look away for a second, fist tight around the plush pants he brought for you to change into.
“I know, angel,” he whispered quietly while crouching beside the couch finally. “I know you’re sleepy.”
“We just gotta go somewhere really quick, 's just gonna be in and out," Yunho added gently from nearby, your medicine now gathered in a clear plastic bag.
But when your face crumpled almost instantly instead, small tears immediately gathering in your lashes as your fingers curled weakly into San’s hoodie, their carefully gathered composure shattered to pieces.
He rocked you carefully where he sat, palm sliding slowly up and down your back while you sniffled against his neck, his scent drowning you.
“You’re okay,” Mingi whispered gently while handing a fresh shirt and the pants over. “Can we put these on for me, pretty?”
You only whined quietly in response, too exhausted to fight properly. You were done, and there was nothing they wished for more than to just be able to let you sleep the sickness away.
Still, after a few more minutes of soft reassurances and exhausted cuddling, they somehow managed to get you downstairs without upsetting you too badly again – that is badly enough for you to throw up more.
By the time San moved from the elevator towards the car, you were already half asleep again, fretful and scared. The second the van door shut, sealing out the cold afternoon air, you sighed softly and burrowed deeper into his heat on instinct.
You drifted in and out the entire way there, barely conscious enough to understand you were moving. Every few minutes you’d stir weakly against San’s chest with a distressed little whine, only calming once someone’s scent imprinted onto your skin in a fresh mark.
Sometimes Yeosang would smooth your hair back from your sweaty forehead from the seat beside you, tutting at how warm you still were.
Once, when the van hit a pothole too hard and startled you awake enough to cry softly, Jongho leaned over immediately just to squeeze your shoulder reassuringly while Yunho murmured hurt apologies from the front seat.
You fell asleep after a few minutes, tiring yourself out. When the oldest went to park the van in the underground garage, the sun was setting outside already.
The fever and omegaspace had you floating somewhere way too far away, consciousness slipping in and out so easily that by the time they reached the conference room upstairs, you hardly seemed aware of where you even were. Hongjoong, Seonghwa and Wooyoung fretted over your weak form, smooth hands gentle on your firey cheeks.
They couldn’t believe this.
The second San had tried setting you down briefly near the couch lining the wall to stretch, you’d started whining in panic almost immediately, weak hands grabbing desperately for his hoodie while tears welled up all over again, sliding down your skin like waterfalls.
“No no no,” Wooyoung had immediately soothed, moving beside you without hesitation and pulling you into his side. “Okay, okay, nobody’s leaving, petal shh.”
Soon after, when everyone was seated and the meeting was about to start, you found yourself in his arms, slumped against his chest while breathing uneasily, wrapped up in one of your blankets.
The alpha pressed his cheek against the top of your head and kept rocking you slowly whenever the room got too loud after that, and you were left dazed.
You never woke fully, catching small fragments of what was happening around you- there, that was San’s scent, angry and sitting just next to you both, looking like he might actually lose his mind.
“This is insane,” he said gruffly, staring down at some paper without touching it. “She doesn’t even know this is happening.”
A cold response followed from across the table, but you didn’t lift your eyes to look at the one speaking, hearing that: “The response still needs to be made,” before you became weightless again.
Time must have passed, as when your eyes blinked open again, it was because of how wrong Seonghwa’s scent was.
You tucked yourself closer to Woo, hoping his would mask the other alphas, but it was to little avail.
“So that’s it?” Seonghwa asked then, his voice dangerously calm. “You’re just deciding all of this for her?”
The oldest alpha laughed softly then, but there wasn’t anything amused about the sound. You didn’t like it.
“No,” Seonghwa cut in sharply, anger finally breaking through.
“No, I don’t think you do.”
The room went silent, and Wooyoung tightened his hold around you slightly when you stirred further from the palpable tension.
“She’s sick,” he said, each word clipped now.
“She’s been in omegaspace all fucking day, she can barely stay awake, drink or eat, she’s terrified and confused, and you’re all sitting here talking about her like she’s a fucking scandal instead of a person.”
“Seonghwa.” Hongjoong warned quietly, his own scent burnt.
"No, Joong, because what the fuck is this?” Seonghwa snapped again. “You’re handing us scripts about her life while she’s literally asleep five feet away because she’s too sick to even comprehend what’s happening. Do you even realise what this will do to her?”
“Our priority right now is protecting the group.”
From the corner of your eye you noticed San staring at the manager.
“…Excuse me?”
“The situation is already damaging public image,” the man continued evenly after he sighed faintly, as if the conversation were becoming inconvenient.
“We’re trying to minimise the impact before things escalate further. She signed the agreement months ago,” he said flatly.
“Legally, KQ Entertainment is not obligated to prioritise her privacy in any way over the group’s reputation. It’s always been this way. You all know this, so does she.”
You heard some chairs scrape briskly, and you tucked your nose right under Woo’s chin then, the alpha responding by shielding the back of your head to hold you closer. As if that would keep you away from all of this.
“What did you just say?” Yunho hissed eerily quietly.
„Sit down,” another manager warned immediately.
“No, you don’t get to talk about her like that,” Mingi snapped, fury bleeding through his voice despite how carefully he was still trying not to wake you.
“You don’t get to act like she’s disposable, like she is a ‚situation‘, just because we’re under a contract.”
Before anything else could be said, Wooyoung picked you up, your small tears glistening in the sharp light, holding you closer as he glared at the management. “Nobody’s upset with you. You’re okay.” he whispered to your ear, voice softening on instinct, before addressing the rest that you two will in fact 'take a small breather and will be back soon.‘
He cradled you in his arms in a random dance studio after that while you cried, scared and confused why your mates were so angry.
By the time they gathered into the recording room, you had lost all sense of time entirely.
You barely even cried out in distress when Wooyoung sat you down again. Just to your right you noticed a plain white backdrop stretched behind eight neatly lined black chairs while staff hurried around adjusting cameras and microphones with rushed efficiency.
You stayed quiet then, allowing Yeosang to tuck more hoodies under your head.
“We just gotta sit here for one tiny second, okay?” The alpha had said, making your lips pop open in an unspoken question. He pecked your cheek sweetly, cooing as he looked you over again.
“No crying,” Yeosang whispered quickly, heart visibly breaking at the sight. “Baby, please don’t cry…” You didn’t even notice your eyes have welled up again.
“Alphas will be right there the whole time,” Jongho added quietly while adjusting the blanket around your shoulders over and over. “Look, honey.” He pointed gently toward the chairs only a few feet away. “See? Right there.”
You stared at them helplessly. None of this made sense.
Why were they all dressed suddenly?
Why were there cameras?
Why were Jongho and Yeosang wearing makeup?
One by one the members moved toward the chairs in front of the backdrop, every single one of them glancing back toward you constantly as they sat down. Your cheek rested against a scented fabric, lips trembling as you tried to think clearly.
The minute the camera operator finally raised a hand, the room went fully quiet.
Hongjoong inhaled slowly before bowing his head politely toward the camera, the rest of your mates following suit.
“Hello,” he began quietly. “This is ATEEZ.”
“First, we want to sincerely thank everyone who has continued supporting us over the years.” His hands tightened together slightly in his lap. “And we also want to apologise for not being fully open about certain parts of our personal lives until now. The truth is that over time, we formed a full pack relationship, and we are very grateful for the stability and love we’ve found together.”
“Part of our pack includes someone who has not been introduced publicly,” Yunho continued next after a small pause, voice slightly strained. “Someone who wished to remain private despite our careers being public.”
Their words were like buzzing in your head, left misunderstood and odd. What were they even talking about?
“Recently there was a serious breach of privacy involving our living environment. This situation has affected not only us, but also our pack, nearby residents, and staff.” Mingi spoke clearly, but it aided you in no way.
“We kindly ask everyone to refrain from sharing private information, visiting the area, or spreading unauthorised clips and discussions related to this situation.”
Seonghwa looked directly into the camera when he spoke next.
“This has been extremely difficult for all involved, and we ask for understanding and privacy moving forward.”
You completely zoned out for whatever else it was that they'd said, only registering a spark of anger in their scents again.
After a while chairs scraped back harshly. It was the leader who crossed the room the soonest before crouching beside the couch and carefully gathering you into his arms again, looking at you longingly.
He pressed a kiss into your hairline gently.
He loved you.
So much.
Did you even realise that?
That was love coursing through his veins, love for you.
It was bound to never run out, and he would never bleed out.
“All done, love, no more now,” he whispered gently.
Hii I really like your story. I hope you update soon, because I'm really looking forward to it🥺 If I may ask or request you, how did Ateez meet their omega? I'd love to know how they first met and their relationship began 😄 thank you!!💖
Thank you so much for your support, it means so much to me. I will start to update soon hopefully! I just finished a big exam today which I've been studying for for months and unfortunately I didn't have any time to write. I promise I'll get back to it very soon though, I've missed it. About the meeting - perhaps I'll do a spin of oneshot series after I finish the main story line. I already have an idea for one, perhaps this could be nice too. What do you think?
Thank you for your patience, please take care, always 🫶🪷🩷
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Warnings: difficulty with food, stalking, swearing
It started small, in a subtle shift in the air. But then it became clear once your scent twisted and soured, so much so none of them could ignore it anymore.
San’s eyes opened fast from where they were half-closed, watching over your chest rising slowly.
So did Jongho’s.
Within seconds several of them were sitting up properly, instincts snapping them fully awake. Even the few who had dozed off lightly were alert almost quickly, heads turning toward you in concern.
Your breathing had changed, and your shoulders twitched faintly under the duvet.
“…hey-” Yunho whispered softly against your back.
But before anyone could react any further, you suddenly pushed yourself upright on shaky arms, suddenly awake.
The movement startled them.
“Shh, shh-hey, honey,” Yunho murmured quickly, one hand lifting instinctively to steady you. “Easy… easy now.”
Your eyes were wide now, unfocused and glossed over in the dim light they chose to keep on just to be extra safe.
“No, no,” San added gently from your other side, voice soft and coaxing. “It’s still nighttime, sweetheart. Let’s lie back down, okay?”
Seonghwa leaned closer too, brows knitted with concern.
“Did something wake you?” the oldest asked quietly. “Is it too cold?”
“Or hot?” Yeosang added softly. “Do you want the window open for a little?”
Yunho brushed your hair back from your neck, his voice warm and soothing.
“Are you thirsty, angel? We can get you some water, just lay down for now sweetie, alphas will get it.”
But your breathing only grew more uneven with each soft word of concern, lips trembling and puffy as you frowned further. Your hands clenched weakly on San’s shirt, his hand shooting up to rest over your knuckles soothingly.
Then suddenly, before any of them could say one more thing-
You started crying again. Not the quiet sniffles from earlier with Wooyoung. No, this was different.
Your shoulders began to shake as a broken sob escaped you right there in the middle of the bed, surrounded by all of them.
For a second, their minds just… stopped functioning.
Every instinct in the room flared at once, but none of them moved fast enough to know what to do first. Hongjoong reacted first.
“Baby-hey, hey now…”
He immediately gathered you into his arms, pulling you gently against his chest. His scent flooded the air instantly- warm, grounding, and steady, the exact formula to calm your racing thoughts down.
“’s okay, sweetheart,” he murmured, sleep long gone, one hand cradling the back of your head as he guided your face into the crook of his neck. “You’re okay. Everything's good now, hush my darling.”
Your sobs only grew stronger. The pack alpha rocked you slowly on his lap, his voice dropping into that soft, patient tone they all knew so well.
“…what’s wrong, hm?” he whispered. “Talk to me, babygirl, alpha will make it all better baby.”
Around you, the others had gone impossibly still, watching anxiously.
“We’re all right here,” Hongjoong continued softly, brushing his thumb along your hairline when you didn’t speak. “You’re safe, baby. Everyone’s here.”
He pressed a gentle kiss into your temple, trying to think of what could be the possible source of your distress. Was it a bad dream?
“Mingi’s just in the bathroom, okay? He’ll be right back, then it will be all of us again.”
Your fingers clutched weakly at the fabric of his shirt.
“…wanna go ho-me oppa, ‘m s-sorry…”
You whimpered between shaky breaths, tugging on his hand in distress.
The words made something in the room crumble.
The pack alpha immediately pulled you closer, his second gender spiking up further.
“No, no, sweetheart,” he soothed quickly, his voice soft enough it barely rose above a whisper, pecking your temple. “You don’t have anything to be sorry for. Not for this. No more sorries now.”
Your body shook harder against him, the sob that followed catching in your chest like you were trying to hold it back and failing all the same.
Around you, the other alphas visibly strung up tighter.
Yunho’s large hand came up slowly, settling between your shoulder blades, where he began rubbing slow, patient circles, scent seeming distressed as well, though he tried to keep it in check.
“Aigoo, baby,” he cooed gently. “It’s okay… we’re okay.”
San leaned a little closer from the other side, his hand brushing your hair back from your damp cheeks before tucking the strands behind your ear, the cool air hitting your face.
“Shhh… easy,” he coaxed quietly, his tone warm and endlessly patient. “Nothing’s wrong cub. You’re safe, always safe with alphas.”
Seonghwa shifted closer too, careful not to crowd you but near enough that his presence wrapped around you all the same. His thumb lightly brushed under your eye, catching a tear before it could trail further down your cheek.
“We know you wanna go home, angel,” he said softly, voice gentle in a way he rarely showed anyone else. “But we just have to stay here a bit while longer, remember?”
You nodded your head weakly against Hongjoong’s chest, another whimper slipping free. San’s expression softened even further when he watched you slump against his leader.
This was torture.
“It won’t be forever,” he promised quietly, trying his upmost at making the situation appear even just a tad better. It really wasn't.
“Alphas told you that, didn’t we?”
“Shhh… that’s it,” Seonghwa murmured, brushing another tear from your cheek. “You’re doing so well, always so well, our sweet baby.”
Their scents layered over one another in the room-soft, steady, protective-each alpha instinctively trying to calm the distress clinging to you.
The bedroom door suddenly opened again.
Mingi stepped inside quickly, clearly having rushed the moment he heard the crying through the walls.
His hair was still wet, droplets clinging to the ends where he’d barely had time to towel it dry. A pair of loose grey sweatpants hung low on his hips, his shoulders still damp as he hurried across the room, his shirt forgotten somewhere on the marble countertop in the bathroom.
“…What happened?” he asked quietly, concern immediately tightening his voice as his eyes landed on you shaking in Hongjoong’s arms, stepping closer.
Your crying softened slightly at the sound of him, your body devastated now that it registered all of them were with you again. Mingi climbed onto the bed without hesitation, careful of the shifting mattress as he settled close.
“Hey… hey, it’s alright,” he murmured gently, one large hand coming to rest against your arm as he rubbed slow, comforting strokes there, vision flicking up to catch the gaze of Hongjoong who seemed to be desperate to have you settle.
“’m here now.”
His scent joined the others almost immediately, the tandem comforting in the best way possible.
“See?” Yunho murmured softly, a tiny smile grazing his lips. “Told you he’d be right back.”
It took a long time after that for the storm inside you to quiet. Eventually, your sobs turned into shaky breaths, your body relaxing just slightly against the pack alpha’s chest as the rest of the pack continued murmuring soft reassurances around you.
But sleep didn’t return.
Not properly.
By the time Seonghwa quietly slipped out of the room to shower - being the last one who still hadn’t- an uneasy rhythm had already started forming.
First, your shoulders would start tightening beneath the blanket, no matter who was the one holding you at the moment. Then, your breathing grew shallow again, and slowly, like something restless tugging you upward, you would start to try to sit up.
Every time, gentle hands caught you before you could move too far, though.
“Hey, hey… come down, come back down ‘mega,” Yunho would murmur softly, guiding you back against the pillows with tender hands.
“Lay down, baby,” San whispered gently near your ear, smoothing the duvet back over your shoulders, his own sleepy scent all around you, arms tucking you closer to his chest.
“It’s still nighttime,” Wooyoung would add quietly, pressing a calming hand over yours, his hair tussled and shirt crinkled. “Let’s try and sleep for a while longer, petal.”
Sometimes you’d listen. Your body would sag again, exhaustion finally winning as your eyes drifted shut. Eventually, your breathing would finally even out once again.
The alphas would keep their voices low, their touches feather-light, scenting you softly without overwhelming you-brushing noses through your hair, pressing quiet kisses against your temple, letting their warmth settle around you.
For a few minutes it would work in keeping your mind blissfully unaware.
But then-
The tension would creep back in like clockwork. Your hands would twitch against the blankets, and slowly you’d try to sit up again.
The cycle repeated over and over, your mind in some sort of a nasty loop they couldn’t seem to break you out of.
By now, the night had long since progressed, and several of the alphas had drifted into shallow, truly exhausted sleep around the bed, their bodies sprawled wherever they’d managed to settle. When they registered your scent souring to a degree that made them truly worry, they battled their tiredness away, though, trying to be there for you even when their bodies were at their true brink for having been absolutely overworked for the past 48 hours.
But San, Woo and Yunho stayed awake. Tucked the closest to you while the others tried to rest, their voices were barely above whisper so they wouldn’t wake anyone unnecessarily.
Wooyoung kept gently combing his fingers through your hair whenever you stirred.
“It’s okay,” he murmured softly, his own words slurring.
San rested behind you, his hand rubbing slow circles over your waist whenever your breathing changed.
You were tucked safely against his chest, ear resting right above his heart. The steady thump-thump-thump beneath your cheek filled the quiet room while his fingers continued their soft, repetitive path along your spine.
“Just try to rest, darling…” he whispered quietly, his voice thick with sleep as he scented you. His eyes were barely open now, lashes weighing too heavy as exhaustion threatened to pull him under too.
When not even their soft words seemed to do the trick, San moved slowly, trying not to disturb the loose pile of sleeping bodies around you as he crawled out from the blankets. Still, his movements caused a small ripple to go through the bed.
Jongho stirred with a low, sleepy rumble, his hand tightening faintly around your ankle where it had been resting beneath the duvet. For a second his eyes cracked open – then, he simply buried his face deeper into the soft fabric of your hoodie, which had somehow ended up clutched in his arms sometime during the night.
San watched with bated breath as the youngest settled back to sleep and only then fully slipped off the mattress.
For the next few minutes, he moved around the dim bedroom with careful steps, rummaging through bags and half-open suitcases. He was careful when tugging on the zipper and clasps, trying to keep the noise slight. When he shuffled to move to another duffel bag to his right, Wooyoung’s patience seemed to thin as he squinted towards the alpha from where he was half-lying near your legs, hair all messy and voice barely above a whisper.
“…hyung? …what are you looking for?”
San waved him off immediately, sharply turning to look over his shoulder.
“Shh.”
His whisper came with a quick gesture, reminding him not to wake the others. Wooyoung just blinked slowly at him, unimpressed, but stayed quiet, rubbing his cheek on your thigh again.
After another minute of searching, your mate let out the faintest sigh, clearly frustrated but doing his best not to show it.
Whatever he’d been hoping to find clearly wasn’t there.
Eventually he climbed back onto the bed, carefully squeezing into the space behind you again. This time, though, his phone was in his hand. He squinted at the screen when the brightness lit up his face.
“…aish,” he muttered under his breath, quickly lowering it.
Wooyoung leaned a little closer, shimmying his way higher on the mattress until San reluctantly made some more space for him.
“What?” he whispered, clearly curious.
San didn’t answer right away.
Instead, his thumbs moved across the screen quickly while his free hand returned to its place against your side, gently rubbing small circles over the soft fabric of your pajama shirt.
“Just wait…” he mumbled, frowning slightly.
For a while the only sounds were Yunho’s slow half asleep breathing, the quiet tapping of San’s fingers on his phone, and the faint humming Yunho had started again after a few minutes.
It was a tiny melody, barely louder than a breath. Just enough for you to feel the vibration of it in his chest while you lay against him, eyes scrunched close as you tried to will your rapid mind away.
San’s posture straightened slightly after another minute passed.
“…Got it.” he whispered with a smile of relief.
Wooyoung leaned over immediately, peering at the screen. His brows lifted after a second when he finally adjusted to the brightness.
“…oh.”
A small hum of approval slipped from him.
“Good idea.”
San turned the phone slightly closer to you, lowering his voice into something warm and soft when he saw your eyes barely open in his direction.
“Hi, honey…” he murmured gently, fingers combing the hair off of your forehead.
Your eyes blinked sluggishly, still foggy with exhaustion as you turned your head slightly toward him. Both alphas still gave you a small smile.
“How about we read a story now, hm? Bedtime story..? You always liked those.”
You blinked again, slow and heavy. San took that as a yes.
He cleared his throat quietly and began reading.
The story was simple, something meant for omega pups. About a small forest full of animals who were trying to gather food for winter before the chill took all the harvest away.
The alpha kept his voice low and soothing, carefully changing the tone for each character as he read.
The sleepy rabbit sounded small and timid.
The fox sounded playful, almost like Wooyoung did.
The bear spoke slowly and warmly and deeply.
Every now and then the younger alpha would glance over at the screen, a faint smile tugging at his lips as San committed fully to each tiny character voice, holding your hand in his.
The room stayed quiet around them apart from an occasional rustle of the sheets.
And slowly, your breathing began to deepen. Soon, you relaxed more fully against Yunho’s chest. By the time the sleepy rabbit in the story finally found its warm burrow to rest in at the end of the next PDF page, you had drifted off again.
Properly this time, they could smell your scent shift.
San lowered his phone slowly, careful not to disturb the fragile calm that had settled over you.
“…finally.” Wooyoung whispered.
Yunho only nodded faintly, his hand still resting gently against your back, his own eyes closed, though he found it much too difficult to rest.
This time you slept longer and about an hour or two passed before your eyes slowly blinked open again.
The room was still dim in the night's darkness, the night that seemed to stretch endlessly. The pack had shifted slightly during the time you slept, most of the alphas now sprawled across the large bed in deep, truly worn out sleep.
Hongjoong lay near the edge, one arm draped loosely across Jongho’s shoulder to rest against your calf. San had fallen asleep somewhere behind you. Wooyoung was once again curled near your legs.
Only two of them were awake at the moment.
Mingi and Yunho.
They were speaking quietly on the other side of you, their voices barely louder than whispers as they watched over their pack like guard dogs.
“…’t think she’s eating enough protein…” The older alpha murmured, rubbing tiredly at his face, careful not to shuffle the sheets too much when he lowered his arm again.
“Yeah, but she never really liked heavy stuff like that,” Mingi whispered back.
“Even before…all this.”
Yunho sighed quietly.
“I know. But she needs something.”
The two alphas stayed silent for a moment, clearly discussing something without any real words.
“Maybe we should look it up,” Mingi suggested.
“There has to be recipes or something… like meals for omegas who struggle with food.” The words felt heavy on his tongue when he spoke them. Too real.
“Probably…” Yunho said thoughtfully. “Soft stuff maybe… soups? Smoothies?”
“Yeah, or like those rice porridge things. I’ve seen people talk about them online a lot.”
You shifted slightly, your shoulder bumping lightly against something warm in the process. Both alphas immediately looked down, and Yunho leaned forward a little.
“Shh, sweetheart-”
But you shook your head faintly, eyes still heavy with sleep as your hand settled on his collarbone, tugging yourself closer to his half-sitting, half-lying form, the alpha fast to help you when you almost slipped.
“…wan’ water…” You murmured quietly. Your voice was still too soft and tired, barely above a whisper in the dark.
Mingi’s whole expression softened instantly.
“You thirsty, princess?” He asked quietly in a near relief, voice still thick with sleep but warm all the same. He leaned over the bedside table, fingers fumbling a little in the dim light before he grabbed one of the small plastic water bottles they’d set there earlier.
“…hang on, baby… here.”
He cracked the lid open quickly and passed it into Yunho’s outstretched hand.
The older shifted carefully behind you, one arm sliding around your back to lift you just enough so you could sit up against him without straining any more.
“Careful…there we go,” he murmured softly, adjusting the pillows behind you as he guided the bottle to your lips. Your mouth parted right away for him, a small smile of satisfaction on his lips.
You drank slowly at first… then more eagerly, the quiet sounds of swallowing filling the small space between them. Both of the alphas stilled.
Watching and waiting.
Relief flickered across their faces when you kept drinking, taking several proper gulps instead of the tiny sips you’d managed earlier that day. It seemed that your thirst finally caught up to you.
“That’s it…” Yunho whispered gently, holding the bottle for you so you wouldn’t accidentally make a mess. “Such a good girl, darling.”
Mingi looked downright pleased.
“...see? Told you she was thirsty.”
Eventually you pulled back, shaking your head faintly.
“No more oppa,” you mumbled softly.
Yunho immediately lowered the bottle, screwing the lid back on loosely before setting it aside, letting it roll against Yeosang's arm resting behind him.
"Okay, baby.” He murmured, brushing his fingers lightly over your arm. For a moment it seemed to them like you might settle again. But then you shifted in the alpha’s hold, brows knitting faintly together.
“…wan’ go to water now, oppa.”
Both alphas paused once more.
Your older mate tilted his head slightly.
“What do you mean, baby?” he asked gently, brows furrowed, rubbing your cheek with his thumb. Mingi leaned closer too over San’s shoulders, expression puzzled but soft, brows raised.
“Is it too hot in here?” he guessed quietly. “We can open the window a minute if you want, princess.”
You shook your head again, eyes fleeting from one to the other.
“Or… do you wanna wash up right now?” Yunho offered, trying his hardest to think of what it was that you wanted.
“Does a shower sound nice?”
Another shake, and your lips trembled faintly. The frustration showed quickly when they still didn’t understand. Small tears began threatening them again, your hands curling weakly in his shirt as you tried to explain, their own minds yelling to do anything for you to be okay again.
“I wan’ water oppa, please…” you murmured again, voice wavering. Mingi blinked at you.
Then suddenly-
“…oh shit.”
He sat up straighter.
“Oh- hyung.”
Yunho looked at him, clearly puzzled, as he scented you to calm you down.
“What?”
Mingi ran a hand through his messy hair, realization hitting him all at once.
“Big bodies of water,” he whispered urgently. “They help omegas calm down a lot. Remember?”
Your older mate’s brows lifted slowly.
“…oh.”
The rapper groaned quietly under his breath.
“How the fuck did we forget that?”
It was instinctual for omegas.
Was that why you asked Wooyoung for a bath earlier in the day? Fuck, that must have been it, mustn't it.
The steady pressure of water, the warmth, the weightless feeling-it helped regulate the second gender, especially when they were overwhelmed or anxious. A lot of omegas sought out lakes, baths, special spas or pools… anywhere they could sink into water and let their normally tensed bodies finally relax.
Some specialists even recommended water therapy for traumatized omegas, physically and mentally.
And you had always liked swimming. They couldn’t take you too often, but you always enjoyed it, even if you weren't the strongest swimmer.
Yunho’s eyes softened as a memory surfaced.
“…there’s the pool downstairs…” He murmured quietly, sharing a glance with Mingi.
Your head lifted slightly at that. Your big, tired eyes blinked up at him in the dim light. Their hearts melted further at the look.
“…you wanna go there, darling?” he asked softly. You nodded faintly, your hand tightening weakly in the front of his shirt.
“Right now?” he asked again, just as gently, brushing his thumb over the back of your hand. You nodded again, a little more insistently this time.
“…wan’ go now please, oppa.”
The way your voice came out - sleepy, small, but so, so hopeful - made something warm twist in his chest.
“Of course, darling,” Yunho said without hesitation, his tone immediately reassuring. His mind stopped its ramblings as he was set out on a quest.
“Alphas will take you.”
Mingi glanced at him, the two men sharing a quick look. There was a pang of silent understanding between them.
The moment they moved you, everyone else was going to wake up anyway. So there wasn’t much point in trying to tiptoe around it.
Yunho carefully shifted his arm behind your back.
“Okay, sweetheart,” he murmured, helping you sit up slowly. The mattress dipped as you moved, the pile of bodies around you shifting slightly. A quiet grumble came from somewhere near your legs.
San stirred. Still half-asleep, the alpha’s arm instinctively reached toward the space where you’d been lying earlier.
“Shush… my baby…” he mumbled automatically, eyes still closed as his hand searched the soft blanket. When he didn’t find you, his brows pulled together.
Another second passed.
Then his eyes snapped open.
“…'mega?”
He pushed himself up so fast then, alarm flashing across his face when his bleary eye couldn’t find you right away.
“Where-”
Yunho spoke before the panic could properly form in his younger pack member's mind.
“It’s okay San-ah.” He said, voicing a little louder than the careful whispers from earlier.
The alpha blinked toward him. He was already standing, having you tucked securely against his chest while he rubbed tiredly at his hair with his free hand.
“She wants to go to the pool.”
Mingi stretched his arms above his head with a quiet groan before climbing off the bed too, apologizing to Yeosang when he woke him up with his clumsy, tired movements.
“There's that pool downstairs…” he explained, already moving toward your luggage again. “Should I grab her swimsuit, hyung?”
Yunho glanced down at you. You were barely holding yourself upright in his arms, eyes half closed again already, fully slumped against him. But you seemed insistent on this. He sighed softly.
“…no.”
Mingi looked back at him, head lifting momentarily.
“She’s too tired to deal with that right now… just grab a shirt. It’ll be easier later.”
“Got it.”
By now the rest of the pack was truly stirring awake. Seonghwa pushed himself up on one elbow, hair falling messily across his face.
“…what’s happening?” The oldest asked, voice rough with sleep. Yunho turned slightly so he could see him better.
“She asked to go to the water,” he explained gently. “We’re gonna take her to the pool for a little while.”
Seonghwa blinked a few times, processing before he sat up a little taller.
“Oh…”
Hongjoong had sat up now too, rubbing sleep from his eyes as he took in the scene. Concern crossed his face almost instantly, seeing you tucked away in Yunho’s arms.
“The pool?” he asked quietly.
You shifted faintly in Yunho’s hold, your head drooping against his shoulder, your nose brushing up and down his throat subconsciously. He stilled automatically, eyes shutting as his body gave into that feeling of his omega scenting him. Was there any better feeling?
Hongjoong’s expression softened.
“…she asked?”
Mingi nodded, humming.
Hongjoong leaned forward, pressing his nose briefly into your hair as he scented you, his hand brushing softly over your arm.
“Alright…” He murmured after a moment. There was no way anyone was even at the pool at this hour.
Was it even openable by their key cards?
The pack alpha looked up at the two men.
“But be careful, seriously.”
“We will,” Mingi promised quickly.
Hongjoong still looked reluctant, especially the more he thought it over.
“And keep your phones with you,” he added, his voice firm despite the lingering exhaustion, barely stifling a yawn. “Come back with her soon. I’ll stay up until you’re back.”
The younger alpha frowned slightly.
“Hyung, you don’t have to-”
“I worry, Mingi-ah,” Hongjoong interrupted quietly, already dragging a hand through his hair again as he sat back down on the side of the bed, shoulders heavy. Then he exhaled softly.
“…just... don’t take too long.”
The oldest rubbed his face with both hands before looking up again, tossing the blanket off his shoulders as he sat up fully.
“Isn’t it pretty cold downstairs?” he asked suddenly.
San, now fully awake, had already scooted closer to Yunho, worried.
“Yeah, wait,” he added quickly. “You should take a hoodie for her.”
Wooyoung blinked groggily from the blankets.
“…and socks,” The younger added immediately, watching with his face still buried in the duvet you left cozy and warm. Yunho gave a quiet huff, almost chuckling.
“She’s not hiking through the mountains.”
Still, he shifted you slightly higher against his chest, instinctively shielding you from the cooler air in the room he could swear was suddenly right there.
“It’s okay.” He reassured them gently. “We’re just taking the elevator down and back up. The pool will be empty.”
He glanced at the clock in the dim lit bedroom.
“…there’s no way anyone is swimming at three in the morning.”
But San still looked uncertain, fist tight on a pillow.
“Should we come with you?” He asked. Wooyoung nodded tiredly, even if he looked entirely too close to sleep to be active in any way.
“Yeah… more people is safer.”
Yunho shook his head softly, hands rubbing up and down your sides.
“It’s gonna be fine,” he said calmly. “You guys just go back to sleep.”
He shifted your weight again, adjusting his hold as he lifted you up carefully, cooing when you automatically tucked yourself right to his chest.
“I’ll bring her pajamas so she can change and go straight to bed when we come back…though honestly I think she might fall asleep there.”
Your head had already tipped forward again. Yunho let out a soft breath.
“She’s done already," he muttered quietly and then he rubbed your back again.
“I just think her omega is really freaked out…” he added more gently to the rest of the room. “So it’s making it dificult for her to settle properly.”
Across the bed, Seonghwa and Hongjoong shared a brief glance.
A quiet understanding passed between them - the thought that maybe letting you completely crash, letting your body finally drop after holding on so long, might help your second gender calm down.
Neither of them said anything about it for now.
Everyone was too tired to be having that conversation.
By then Yunho had carefully helped you out of your pajamas, guiding the soft fabric down your arms while you leaned sleepily against him, sitting at the edge of the mattress.
Yeosang blinked when the older alpha reached across the bed and grabbed the oversized shirt he’d been wearing earlier and shed once it got too warm. He watched him pull the shirt gently over your head.
The loose fabric swallowed your small frame almost entirely. Your pajamas ended up tucked under Yunho’s arm, folded carefully with a warm pair of socks and some fresh underwear to change into later so you wouldn’t be uncomfortable.
Yeosang rubbed his eyes, then slowly pushed himself up from the bed.
“…I’ll come with you,” your other mate said quietly. Yunho looked over, barely glancing before putting his attention back to you.
“You don’t have to Sang.”
“I’m not even tired,” he instead replied calmly, lying through his teeth. But before the other alpha could say anything else, he was already pulling a loose hoodie off the floor and sliding it over his once bare shoulders.
San sighed softly.
“…be careful, please.”
Wooyoung nodded sleepily.
“Let us know if something happens…” Jongho mumbled from the blankets without opening his eyes, voice all slurred.
Seonghwa gave Yunho a tired smile.
“Keep her warm, Yunho-ah.”
“We will, we will.” Yunho promised.
Meanwhile, Mingi returned from the hallway then, arms full of towels, topped with another fresh hoodie.
“Try to keep her hair dry,” Seonghwa called gently just as Yeosang took the pajamas from Yunho so his arms were free to hold you better. “There’s no hairdryer here.”
The alpha nodded immediately.
“Already thought of that.”
He held up the hair tie looped around his fingers. A moment later he carefully gathered your hair, tying it loosely so it stayed up and away from the water later.
Before you really had time to process anything, the three alphas were already making their way out of the apartment. You barely registered some of the other mates' scenting you before slightly colder air met you.
Soon you were in the elevator, the alphas quiet as the machine descended. The huge mirrored doors stared back with tired eyes. You stayed tucked to Yunho, the hoodie Mingi found for you earlier now on your body. The soft hum of the machinery filled the space while it carried the four of you down toward the spa and gym area below the building.
A bright ding broke the quiet.
The doors slid open to a dead silent area.
The spa level was almost completely dark except for the faint glow of emergency lights along the floor. The lights finally turned on once the motion trigger noticed them stepping out of the elevator.
Yeosang walked forward first, tapping the keycard against the reader beside the large glass doors to the left. After a quiet beep, the lock clicked. The alpha pushed the door open and reached for the light switch just inside.
Soft overhead lights flickered on one by one.
The pool room revealed itself slowly-tiles in deep and pale shades of blue and purple stretching across the floor and walls, the air warm and humid. A few side doors lined the far wall – labelled showers, changing rooms, storage - but the main focus of the room was the large pool resting quietly and serene in the center.
The water was perfectly still and crystal clear.
Only a small, yellow machine hummed softly near the corner, the dehumidifier steadily pulling moisture from the air after the nightly cleaning.
At the early morning hour, the entire place felt almost surreal in its silence. The alphas stepped inside with you slowly, eyes automatically sweeping across the abandoned space for any sign of danger or distrubance.
Your eyes peeled open a little more as the warmth of the room fully wrapped around you.
And suddenly you shifted.
Before Yunho could react, you wriggled slightly out of his arms, sliding down until your feet touched the cool tiles.
“Hey-slow down, baby,” Yunho said a little too panicky, steadying you immediately. “Careful… there, slow steps.”
But even with sleepy movements, you were already shuffling toward the pool.
Your energy surprised them.
You could barely stand straight minutes ago. Be no fool, you were still sluggish, still exhausted-but clearly driven by something crawling from deeper within.
Your toes dipped into the water while both hands clung to the metal railing moments after having shimmied your way out of your socks promptly.
Mingi’s hand instantly found your waist, the alpha having hurried after you. The sharp spike of protective instinct ran through him so fast it almost made him curse.
“Easy there,” he murmured, steadying you carefully.
“Don’t jump in on us.”
Your foot tested the water again, flicking at the calm waves.
“Alright, alright,” Mingi said softly, already guiding you back a step. “C’mon baby… hoodie off first.”
He gently steered you toward one of the large white lounge chairs beside the pool where Yeosang had already dropped the towels.
The alphas moved quietly as they got ready. Their shoes were taken off, shirts pulled over their heads. They left them folded by the chairs, dressed simply as they stepped back toward the water, completely focused on you, just how they always were.
You seemed more awake in this space.
Your scent had shifted slightly too-yes, still fragile-but your omega instincts were clearly closer to the surface, as if you had dropped, but not quite there. Yeosang returned to your side, helping you slip the oversized hoodie off carefully, making sure your hair wouldn’t get caught in it.
“There we go…” he murmured gently. Then he offered you his hand.
“Let’s go slow, okay?”
You took it, fingers interlacing with his like it was all second nature to you. He guided you towards the pool steps, humming quietly under his breath as he stepped into the water first.
The warmth surrounded his legs instantly. Turning back toward you, he kept both your hands in his.
“Okay, come on, baby,” he said softly. “Nice and slow now.”
Yunho and Mingi hovered close behind you in case you slipped.
You stepped down when the alpha guided you carefully.
One step. Then another.
The warm water climbed slowly up your legs, then your waist, until it reached your chest.The oversized shirt you wore clung slightly where it soaked through, but the warmth seemed to melt some of the tension out of your body almost immediately.
It seemed like magic.
Yeosang kept his hands steady on yours.
“Good girl…” he murmured. The room stayed quiet except for soft ripples in the water lapping against the porcelain edges. Mingi eventually slipped into the pool fully as well, dipping under briefly before resurfacing and pushing his wet hair back with a quiet sigh.He rested his arms along the pool rim just to the side, watching you with soft eyes.
For a while the three of them simply stayed close.
Sometimes Yunho would hold you. Sometimes Mingi would take over while Yeosang did a few lazy strokes around you three. They kept their voices low the entire time.
"Think she’ll sleep in tomorrow morning?” The rapper murmured quietly after a while, watching with soft love how his other packmate took such good care of you just a bit away.
Yunho leaned against the pool edge beside him.
“Probably. She’s going to be completely wiped after this.”
Mingi nodded thoughtfully.
“…maybe we should grab breakfast for her from that café again.”
“The French one we had today?” The other idol asked.
“Yeah. It’s her favorite, might as well…”
The other alpha hummed in agreement.
“Maybe the smoothie bowls? I saw there was a blue one online.” The younger added.
“Kind of gimmicky but… bright stuff might get her interested.”
Yunho blinked.
“…blue?”
“Yeah.”
“Is that even omega-safe?”
Mingi shrugged slightly.
“I looked it up earlier. It’s spirulina or something.”
“Spiru-what?”
“It's algae.”
Yunho snorted quietly.
“…we’ve never tried algae with her before.”
The alpha grinned faintly.
“Well… there’s a first time for everything I guess...”
Nearby, Yeosang had you tucked close to him again. Your chin rested lightly on his collarbone while your arms circled loosely around his neck.
Your eyes had drifted closed a few minutes ago.
Your tired body floated lightly behind you in the warm water while he supported your weight effortlessly, keeping one arm wrapped securely around your back as he slowly walked through the pool, letting the water move gently around you.
Small, comforting currents brushed past your legs.
He kept all the motions slow, careful not to break that true breath of peace that seemed to dawn on you here. His scent surrounded you completely as he moved through the quiet water. And little by little, your breathing began to slow again. The warmth of the water was almost lulling him into the same heavy calm that had finally settled over you.
At some point, your breathing changed.
It was subtle at first, the way your body simply gave in.
The tiny tension that had been lingering in your shoulders melted away, your grip around Sang’s neck loosening until your arms simply rested there instead of clinging. Your head sank heavier into the curve of his shoulder, your cheek pressed warm against his collarbone.
The alpha slowed his steps.
Then he stopped entirely, waiting with bated breath in the middle of the shallow side of the pool. He tilted his head slightly, listening to the steady rhythm of your breathing.
“…guys,” he murmured quietly.
Yunho looked over first, one arm braced over the rim.
“What?”
Yeosang adjusted you carefully in his arms, lifting you just a little higher so your head was properly supported against him.
“…I think she’s out out.”
Mingi straightened from where he’d been leaning against the edge of the pool himself, expression hopeful.
“Really?”
They both moved a little closer, careful not to splash too much. Yeosang nodded once, coming closer himself. The oldest alpha leaned forward slightly, breathing in slowly at your scent.The change was obvious.
Your scent, which had been restless and unsettled for hours, finally felt deep and steady again.
It reminded him of the way it used to be before this whole thing started every night.
A tired smile spread slowly across his face.
“…yeah,” he murmured. Mingi let out a quiet breath, his shoulders finally dropped a little.
“God, that’s such a relief.”
They looked at you for a moment longer. Your face was completely peaceful now, lashes resting against your cheeks, lips slightly parted as you slept against Yeosang’s chest. The earlier tension that had made your brow pinch together was gone.
The rapper’s expression softened instantly. He couldn’t help the small fond sound that escaped him.
“Aigoo, so cute…” The older man chuckled under his breath.
“Be careful,” he murmured. “Don’t wake her.”
Your other mate lifted both hands in mock surrender, creating a tiny wave by his movements.
“I know, I know.”
Yeosang brushed his thumb lightly along your back through the soaked fabric of his shirt you’re wearing.
“The pool really helped,” he said quietly, thoughtful. Mingi tilted his head, looking between them three.
“Maybe this is the trick.”
“What do you mean?”
“We should try to bring her here more often,” the idol said.
“Or like… somewhere similar.” He gestured vaguely toward the other side of the spa area.
“I think there’s other pools here too…like those really warm whirlpool ones and what not.”
Yunho hummed.
“And the sauna. But I don’t think she would like that very much.” Yeosang considered it for a moment while shifting your weight carefully in his arms so you stayed comfortable. You never liked hot, humid air too much. It made you all wobbly and dozy. In a bad way.
“As long as it’s quiet,” he said with finality, eyes flicking up to Mingi at his earlier idea. He nodded immediately. Yunho glanced around the empty room, the still surface of the water and the quiet blue tiles stretching around them.
They all fell quiet again after that.
For a few minutes, they simply let you sleep right there in the warm water, none of them quite willing to disturb the calm they’d finally managed to give you, content with watching over you.
Eventually, though, Yunho sighed softly.
“We should probably get her back upstairs.”
Reluctantly, the alphas agreed and moved.
Yeosang carried you toward the pool steps first, holding you securely as he climbed out of the water. The cooler air of the room brushed over your damp clothes, but you barely stirred, the water dripping down all of your bodies in a steady rainfall.
Mingi immediately grabbed one of the large, plush towels from the chair.
“Here...”
Together they wrapped it around you, tucking it gently around your shoulders and legs. You instinctively curled deeper into the warmth, making them smile.
They worked quietly, carefully helping you out of the wet clothes without jostling you too much, your form resting in the quiet room. Yunho kept you supported against his shoulder while Yeosang swapped the soaked shirt for the dry pajamas, the movements slow and careful so you stayed asleep.
At one point you shifted slightly, mumbling something incoherent, but you never woke. The oldest tucked you close to his scent gland, then scented you carefully.
Soon you were wrapped up snugly in layers of towels, bundled like a sleepy cocoon as they laid you gently on one of the reclining pool chairs. You curled onto your side immediately, cheek pressed into the soft fabric, breaths coming out in soft puffs.
The three alphas paused just to look at you for a moment but soon quickly changed back into their dry clothes as well. Wet hair got roughly towel-dried, shirts pulled back on, shoes slipped into…
Halfway through pulling his shirt over his head, Mingi suddenly paused, stilling his motion.
“…wait.”
Yunho glanced over, speaking in a breath of a voice. “What is it?”
“…shouldn’t we rinse the chlorine off her?”
Yeosang blinked, biting his lip. “…oh.”
“Like… that stuff can irritate skin, no?”
The oldest idol looked down at you. You were completely buried in the towels, breathing slow and deep, looking the most comfortable you had been for the past 48 hours.
He grimaced slightly. “…I don’t know.”
Mingi waited. Yunho rubbed the back of his neck and shuffled on his feet. “…I really don’t want to risk waking her up now.”
That made both the other alphas hesitate.
“…yeah.” Yeosang admitted quietly.
“Maybe we just ask Hwa-hyung or Joong-hyung upstairs?” Mingi suggested.
The other alpha nodded.
“That’s probably better anyway, to shower there.” Yeosang added with a small shrug, carefully pulling his hoodie over your clothes once again.
Decision made, they gathered everything once more.
Yeosang picked up the wet clothes and towels while Yunho lifted you carefully back into his arms. You settled instantly against his chest, head tucked under his chin as if you’d been there the whole time. As if that was the place you truly belonged in, your true home and nest.
The elevator ride back up was fully quiet.
By the time they stepped into the apartment again, the lights were still dim, but the air was warmer compared to the hallways.
Once they finally opened the bedroom, three heads immediately turned toward the door.
Hongjoong, Seonghwa, and San were still awake.
San sat up straighter the moment he saw you, eyes gentle. “…hey…” he whispered.
Yunho shifted you slightly in his arms. “She fell asleep.”
The relief that spread across their faces was immediate.
Seonghwa exhaled softly, running a hand through his hair.
“Oh, thank god.”
Hongjoong’s shoulders loosened too, exhaustion clear in the way he rubbed his eyes, half sitting against the headboard.
Soon, Yeosang slipped quietly toward the bathroom area to hang the wet towels and clothes to dry while Yunho carried you back toward the bed, setting you into San’s awaiting arms.
One by one, the alphas who had gone downstairs took quick showers to rinse off the chlorine so the scent wouldn’t bother you while you slept. They didn’t take too long, ready to finally go to bed, so by the time Mingi returned to the bedroom, Seonghwa was already carefully settling you under the blankets, scenting you profusely.
Jongho hadn’t moved at all. Nor had Wooyoung.
But the moment you were placed beside him by the oldest, you instinctively curled closer to his warm body. Seonghwa smiled softly at the sight. “Here you go, sweetheart…”
He tucked the blanket around you snugly before leaning down to press several gentle kisses against your temple again, glad you were close again. Your brow didn’t twitch.
Mingi lingered beside the bed, unsure.
“…should we wash the chlorine off her though, hyung?”
Seonghwa paused, considering.
Then he glanced across the room toward Hongjoong.
The pack alpha looked beyond exhausted. He dragged a hand down his face before looking at you again, your small sleeping form buried safely between your mates.
A long sigh escaped him. “…I’m just really happy she’s finally sleeping.”
He shook his head faintly. “Let’s just… deal with it in the morning.”
No one argued. Instead, they all hoped your skin wouldn’t backfire on their hasty decision. Or your health in general.
One by one they settled back into the bed again, the room slowly going quiet. San curled close to your side almost immediately, one arm draped protectively over the blanket, holding you and Woo close.
Seonghwa stayed near too, fingers brushing lightly through your hair.
In the middle of the nest of warm alphas, you slept peacefully.
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Warnings: difficulty with food, stalking, swearing
A/N: I might not be able to update weekly as I am very busy with finals at the moment, for this I apologise.
Taglist: (open)
Previous: 𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Part 2/2 of Chapter 4 can be read here: 𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
When you woke again, everything was eerily still.
For a few long seconds, you stayed where you were, eyes still half-closed, breathing slowly. Taking your time with coming back to your body, you felt the warmth at your fingertips and Wooyoung’s scent-
Your cheek was pressed against the front of his shirt, one of his arms wrapped loosely around your shoulders while the other rested over your waist like he had fallen asleep mid-cuddle. The mattress beneath you was softer than the one at home, but the blanket tucked around you smelled faintly like Seonghwa’s perfume.
You shifted a little, blinking the last of the sleep from your eyes, only to come to the realization you were neither at the studio nor home, and that this very much wasn’t the alpha’s bedroom.
Your movement made your mate stir in an instant.
He hummed sleepily, his arm tightening around you for a moment before his eyes slowly cracked open.
For a second, he just took you in, clearly still waking up himself, messy dark hair falling into his eyes as he kissed the tip of your nose sleepily with a faint smile tugging at his mouth.
"Well, look who’s awake,” he murmured, voice rough with sleep.
The alpha’s fingers brushed gently through your hair, pushing a few strands away from your face as he blinked properly this time, sighing softly.
“You wanna get up now, petal?” he asked, knuckle grazing the tender skin at your cheek.
You didn’t answer right off the bat, too slow and hazy. Your gaze wandered around the unfamiliar bedroom for a moment before drifting back to him. The light was dim, curtains sealed, and the bedsheets felt unfamiliarly hard under your skin.
Wooyoung followed your line of sight, understanding immediately.
“We’re at the new apartment now, baby.” He said quietly, voice gentle, and his thumb rubbed slow circles over your arm.
“It’s not forever though,” he added quickly, nudging his forehead lightly against yours when he smelled your scent change in that way they didn’t like.
“Just for now, okay? Alphas will sort everything out soon.”
You nodded a little, though the movement was absentminded and barely there. After another moment your voice came out soft and scratchy from sleep as his fingers continued absentmindedly smoothing through your hair.
“…oppa?”
“Mm?”
“…what time is it?”
Wooyoung’s brows knit faintly, and he tilted his head slightly, reaching for his phone, arm passing over your cuddled-up form to find it on the small bedside table. The screen lit up against his sleepy face, and he breathed slowly, turning the brightness down quickly.
“…almost five.” His brows pinched faintly as he looked back down at you.
“You kinda slept through the whole afternoon.” He said carefully.
He watched your face closely before adding in a lighter tone, trying to keep things kind.
“You didn’t really eat earlier either…I’d feel a lot better if you ate something, though, petal,” he murmured. “Even if it’s just a bit.”
Your eyes drifted away again, unfocused as you thought.
“…okay,” you mumbled quietly.
Then after another moment you added, almost to yourself.
“...I think… I wanna wash up first.”
Wooyoung nodded fast, sitting up a little with you still tucked against his side, helping you when your arms almost gave out under you and you nearly slipped back to the new sheets below.
“Of course, baby.” He answered easily. His expression brightened just a bit, like he had suddenly remembered something important.
“Actually, you know what’s cool about this place?”
You looked up at him slowly, practically fully leaning on him.
“There’s a huge bathtub,” he said, almost conspiratorially. “Like a proper one, it’s built into the floor and everything.”
Your brows lifted slightly.
“We never get those, barely even in hotels,” he continued, nudging your shoulder gently, an excited smile on his face. “You wanna have a bath today?”
You shrugged a little, not quite matching his enthusiasm. Wooyoung didn’t give up though.
“I could make it all bubbly for you,” he added, wiggling his brows playfully.
“Like a fancy spa thing? It’s always in movies-!”
You let out a tiny breath through your nose, cheek resting on his collarbone as you took in his scent.
He was trying so hard.
“And if you want, I could call Hwa hyung,” he went on. “He’d definitely find you a bath bomb somewhere-”
“It’s okay, oppa, don’t worry…” You murmured softly, and your hand lifted slightly to touch his cheek, pressing a small, sleepy kiss there.
The alpha immediately softened, shoulders falling.
“…okay, baby,” he said gently, pecking the corner of your lips in an answer. He then sat up properly and held out his hand for you without rushing.
“Come on then.”
You took it, fingers lacing with his naturally.
Standing up made you realize how unfamiliar everything around you felt, your body leaning on the older man’s for a few seconds as you gathered yourself. Past the once-closed doors, the hallway stretching further was wide and quiet, the lighting soft and warm against expensive-looking black floors. It felt oddly cold and sterile, like you didn’t really belong to the space.
You really liked your old apartment, even if this one was just as nice.
You stayed close to Wooyoung without really thinking about it, and his fingers slid loosely around your wrist as he guided you further down the hall, humming softly under his breath.
“Bathroom’s right here,” he said, pushing the door open.
The room was bigger than the one at home – there was a big, wide black marble counter, a large mirror, and the deep tub he had mentioned tucked against the far wall. The pretty tiles felt hot under your socked feet as you took the space in, the alpha having stepped in further. Soon, the man leaned over to turn the water on, testing the temperature with his hand before adjusting it.
“There we go,” he murmured, voice barely audible over the faucet as steam began to curl faintly upward as the tub started filling.
When he straightened again and looked over his shoulder, it was to see you looking meek and cute, still wrapped up in Yeosang’s knit sweater, playing with your hands anxiously. The unsettled scent practically came of you in waves, and his brows furrowed.
“I’m gonna go grab you some clothes and your toiletries real quick," he said, but paused halfway to the door, glancing back at you.
“Do you want me to stay close, baby?” he asked softly.
There was nothing strange or pushy in the question, just the same gentle care you were used to, the same they always gave you. You hesitated a moment as you took a slow step further into the room, catching your reflection in the mirror.
“…I think I wanna be alone for a bit, oppa,” you admitted quietly.
“Just… to think.”
Wooyoung’s expression softened immediately.
“Of course, honey, just call if you need me, okay?” he said without hesitation, before he stepped back into the doorway, letting the door open by a fraction.
You hummed faintly.
Wooyoung lingered a second longer just to make sure you were alright before quietly slipping out, steps quick as he made his way back to the bedroom to find you what you needed.
He didn’t mention the small twist in his chest as he walked down the hallway.
It was the first time you had ever asked one of them for space.
Normally you were glued to at least one of them at all times.
But that was okay, he told himself to soothe his worry.
He slipped out into the hallway, padding quickly down toward the bedroom just to the left that they had claimed earlier as it was the largest.
The temporary apartment still felt strange to him too, with still closed suitcases lining the entrance and bags half-unpacked on the floor - but he moved through it easily enough, already scanning for the suitcase that held the majority of your stuff.
He found the pink luggage near the foot of the bed, crouching down and unzipping it carefully.
Wooyoung paused for a moment, fingers hovering over the neatly folded things inside as he thought about what would feel most comfortable for you right now.
Eventually he pulled out a pair of your fluffy heather-grey leggings, the soft flared ones you liked wearing around the dorm because they were warm even in the wintertime. Then he took the breathable white long-sleeve shirt, checking the neckline before folding it over his arm, making sure it was the one that had that wide neckline that wouldn’t brush too much against your throat or collarbones.
“…okay…” he mumbled quietly to himself before adding a fresh pair of undergarments and socks, the thick, white cotton ones you liked curling up in, before grabbing your small pouch of toiletries from the top of the bag.
Quickly brushing through it, he made sure you had the basics -the body wash, hairbrush…the toothbrush, though-
Wooyoung frowned.
“…aish…where did Yunho put that...”
He rummaged for another few seconds before realising that the older alpha had probably thrown all the toothbrushes into his bag this morning at the studio.
With a quiet huff, he crossed the room and checked his packmember’s duffel bag instead, digging through it until he finally spotted the familiar pastel pink handle.
He smiled in triumph, pulling it free.
Arms now full of hopefully everything you’d need, he headed back toward the bathroom, not forgetting a soft, clean towel for you to bundle up into after you wash up.
When he neared the bathroom, the door was still ajar.
Still, Wooyoung knocked lightly with the side of his knuckle at the doorframe, calling to you softly.
“Petal? Can I come in?”
"Yea," your voice answered from inside.
The sight that met him tugged immediately at his chest.
You were still standing almost exactly where he had left you, hands loosely folded in front of yourself, staring faintly at your reflection while the bathtub slowly filled up, like you had gotten lost somewhere in your thoughts.
Your mate didn’t comment on it, though unhid worry flickered briefly through his eyes as he settled everything on the counter.
“No rush, okay, petal?”
His fingers lifted instinctively, brushing a loose piece of hair away from your cheek before he dropped his hand again.
“When you’re done,” he added lightly, trying to brighten the mood again, “I can show you around! Proper tour and stuff.”
A small grin tugged at his mouth.
“And then we can try to find you something yummy to eat. Sounds good?”
You gave a tiny nod again, followed by a: “…thank you, oppa.”
Wooyoung had just started to step back toward the door when you suddenly moved forward instead, arms slipping around his waist in a quiet hug.
The alpha froze for half a second before completely melting, arms cradling you back.
“Aigoo… 'mega,” he murmured under his breath, and bent his head and pressed several soft kisses into your hair. You stayed like that for a moment before your voice came again, small and hesitant against his chest.
“…I’m sorry.”
Your mate stilled. His hand slowed on your back.
“…for what, petal?”
Your fingers twisted lightly in the fabric of his shirt before your fingers loosened again.
“…I shouldn’t have gone home by myself that day…” You said quietly, your voice wavering a little.
“If I didn't, then…this wouldn’t have happened…”
The words hung in the air between you.
For a second Wooyoung didn’t move, clueless.
Then, very gently, he loosened your arms from around him and sank down to his knees in front of you on the tiles.
The older man cradled both of your hands in his, thumb running over the knuckles soothingly.
“Hey…jagi, look at me for a second, yeah?”
His expression had gone very serious - not angry, upset or annoyed, just thoughtful. Like he was searching for the right kind of words, his tongue peeking past his lip for a millisecond.
“This isn’t your fault.” He said slowly in the end.
“Okay?”
He paused, exhaling softly through his nose as if still trying to piece together what he wanted to say, brows furrowed.
“There are just…” he hesitated faintly, jaw tightening for a second, “…some really awful people out there… Alphas are supposed to take care of their omega,” he murmured quietly.
“That’s kinda… the whole point.”
A faint, sad smile flickered across his face.
“And there is nothing in this world we treasure more than you.”
His eyes shone slightly in the bright lights.
“So, if anyone should be apologizing right now… it’s us. We should’ve protected you better, Y/N-ah. Forgive me.”
You shook your head again, gripping his hands tighter as you tried to will your lips to move. Wooyoung leaned forward then, pressing a very soft kiss against the front of your shirt right over your tummy in a quiet, protective gesture, before pushing himself back to his feet.
“C’mere,” he whispered and then pulled you gently back into his arms, holding you snug against his chest while his lips pressed several soft kisses across your forehead, scenting you gently.
“You didn’t do anything wrong, jagi, not a thing," he whispered against your hair while his hand moved slowly up and down your back.
It took a while before you loosened your hold on him.
Wooyoung didn’t rush you.
His arms stayed wrapped around you the entire time, one hand moving slowly up and down your spine in a steady, grounding rhythm while the other rested warmly between your shoulder blades, rubbing at your nape sometimes. His scent wrapped around you like a warm duvet.
Oh, you missed your nest.
Your nose eventually brushed along the side of his neck, right over his pulse point. The alpha promptly stilled, careful not to move too suddenly while you leaned in.
He knew you weren’t doing it consciously, but instinctively just seeking comfort, but he still softened completely, letting you scent him as much as you wanted while his heart beat a little quicker like a teen having a first crush.
Your fingers rested loosely against his cozy sweater, and neither of you spoke. The bathroom was quiet around you, save for the faint sound of water still filling the tub somewhere behind.
But eventually even your hands loosened against him. Your voice came out small and shy when you finally spoke again.
“…oppa?”
“Mhm?” The alpha hummed softly, still rubbing your back, his gaze loving. You hesitated for a moment, gaze dropping back low.
“…can we have dakbokkeumtang later?”
The question was so timid that Wooyoung blinked for a second, but then his entire face brightened instantly.
“Of course we can,” he said without hesitation. A wide smile stayed spread across his lips, the sudden enthusiasm boyish.
“I’ll start it right now.” He added quickly, lightly nudging your shoulder with his nose,
Your eyes lifted slightly, and a small smile made its way onto your lips as well.
“How about you help me later?” The man continued, his voice now so much more playful and warmer.
He didn’t mention that dakbokkeumtang happened to be his favorite dish.
Not yours.
The realization made something warm bloom in his chest, but he kept it to himself, simply brushing his thumb over your arm. When you hummed in agreement, his lips pecked the shell of your ear.
“I’ll go check if the kitchen has everything we need, who knows what’s in there.” He added lightly.
Wooyoung gave your shoulder one last squeeze before stepping back toward the door, glancing at you with soft eyes before padding away with soft footsteps.
The bathroom grew quiet once more as you slowly got ready while the steam kept on curling softly through the air.
After a while you had stopped the faucet and eventually stepped into the warm water, sinking down carefully until the heat wrapped around you. The bubbles reflected the light prettily, soft foam gathering along the edges of the tub as you adjusted the hair clip to not bother your neck.
Your body felt heavy, the warmth easing some of the tension you had been carrying the past days. You had just begun settling in when a soft knock sounded at the bathroom door again.
“…baby?”
The alpha's voice came through the wood, gentle and slightly muffled.
You blinked your eyes open, forearms resting on the tiles your head was practically leveled with.
“Yeah?”
There was a tiny pause.
“We’re missing a few things,” he said apologetically.
“Potatoes… and there’s no chicken...”
You could almost picture the sheepish look on his face.
“There’s a little corner shop right down the street,” he continued.
“I’ll run and grab them real quick, okay? I won’t be long, I promise.”
He hesitated a second longer before asking quietly:
“Is it okay if I go for a bit, honey?”
You were already curled comfortably in the warm bath, the space far too large for what one could possibly need.
“…yeah.”
You answered softly, fingers dipping back into the warm water. There was a quiet hum from the other side of the door followed by a short pause.
“…baby?”
“Hm?”
“Do you have your phone with you?”
You glanced around the bathroom instinctively.
“…no.”
Another brief silence followed. You could almost hear him thinking before faint footsteps sounded.
After a moment he knocked again, voice gentle and careful.
“Is it okay if I come in for a second?” he asked softly.
“I’d feel a lot better if you had it with you while I’m gone, petal.”
He didn’t explain further.
There was no need.
“…yeah.” You said quietly, clearing your throat before speaking again, afraid your voice didn’t carry over the large space.
“You can come in, oppa.”
The door opened slowly then.
Wooyoung stepped inside already bundled up for the cold outside - his black cap pulled low into his forehead, winter coat zipped up, and dark scarf wrapped around his neck. His facemask hung under his chin for now, ready for when he stepped outside.
The alpha’s attention didn’t strain too much in your direction, keeping his eyes respectfully away from the tub as he walked in, setting your phone carefully on the bathroom counter where you could reach it should you need it.
“Here…” he said gently, practically to himself.
Only then did he step closer to the side of the tub, crouching down slightly on the tiles so he could reach you, keeping his movements calm and nonintrusive.
His hand came up to brush lightly through your hair on the top of your head before he leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the same spot.
“I’ll be right back, okay, jagi?” he murmured.
You nodded a little, fingers catching his for a fleeting moment.
“If you need anything, you just call," he added quietly, more for his sake than yours. His thumb brushed once over your shoulder through the bubbles before he stood up again, closing the door behind you, this time fully.
You heard his footsteps pass through the hallway for a minute or so before the front door sounded, then closed. The faint electronic beep of the security system activating followed shortly after, along with the quiet clicks of the door locking.
The apartment fell fully silent after that.
Your eyes closed once more, and you sighed slowly, resting your cheek on the corner of the tub after a moment. You breathed in the scent of the body wash the alpha used to make the cute bubbles and let yourself rest for a bit. Only when your body started to feel too warm and the air too heavy with the dampness did you climb out, letting the big, blush pink towel wrap around you as you sat on the tiles for a minute, legs dangling in the warm water, thinking about everything.
You couldn’t tell how you felt, you decided after a minute.
Was it fear? Anxiousness, from what was about to happen?
Somehow, your feelings bled into the same overwhelming nothingness that pressed all suffocating to your chest.
Somewhere in your mind, you realized you were probably too tired to really think as you stared at the glossy marble walls in front of you, shoulders slumped.
You were very sad about having to stop your school – you were certain of that.
The thought alone made your throat tighten.
You worked very hard to get to that university, and even if you didn’t have many friends, you were grateful to share the space with people with the same passion as you.
And now, it was all ripped away from you.
All because you chose to walk on your own one evening.
Simple as that.
You sighed in frustration when you felt small tears spring to your eyes again. You were tired of crying, just wanting to sleep everything away in the warmth of their arms.
Pressing the heels of your palms against your eyes, you tried to breathe slowly, wanting to calm down.
Even if Wooyoung was quick to tell you none of this was your fault, you barely believed a word he had said.
It was you who had decided to only try to call only twice before going alone.
It was you who insisted on going to the café in the first place, even when San had said no.
It was you who dragged Sisi into this whole mess, and you doubted the kind girl would want to have anything to do with you now, considering that her photos were blasted on the internet for everyone to pick apart all because of you. Sure, it was only the back of the girl in the file, but you didn’t doubt for a second someone had already figured out who she was. All because she was your friend.
All because of you.
Your gaze settled on the surface of the tub, watching the pearly water shift around your calves. You pulled the towel closer around your form, fingers shaking as they sat down in your lap after you wiped away the small tears of guilt off your cheeks.
Just then you heard the doors beep loudly after they were unlocked, the screeching alarm being stopped moments later.
Your head turned in the direction of the bathroom doors, and even in your exhausted mind a spark of pure fear panged through your chest.
How long would it take for you to stop startling every time a door was opened?
Your shoulders shook involuntarily when you heard footsteps approach and only seemed to calm down when you heard your mate again.
“…Jagiya? Everything okay?” His knuckles rapped on the door once more, quicker than earlier, but you stayed seated, feet deep in the water.
“…Yeah.” You called, willing your voice not to shake.
The alpha stood outside for a second, still as he contemplated what to do next. Your distressed scent sank in deep from under the door, and it made his jaw tighten faintly where he stood in the hallway, grocery bag hanging from one hand.
He respected your wishes of wanting a moment alone - he really did - but the faint tremor in your voice hadn’t escaped him either. He already felt bad for having disturbed you three times now, but still his brows scrunched and shoulders squared as he thought of what to do.
“Okay,” he said lightly, trying to keep the tone warm again.
“I’ll start the food then. Come find me when you’re ready, okay?”
You answered a soft ‘okay’ yourself in reply, and eventually you heard his footsteps slowly fade once more.
You sat there for some time, mulling over things perhaps too much, perhaps for too long.
You heard your mate somewhere further away, some music turned on, though you didn’t really recognize any of the songs. When you finally got up, the water was tepid and the steam has since settled, making the room feel cool again. You dressed sluggishly, brushing your teeth while trying not to look in the mirror.
When you brushed your hair out you frowned when you caught your reflection – your cheeks looked flushed, but not in a cute way. Your eyes were tired, with puffy shadows beneath them that felt warm and sore to the touch. Your lips - usually soft and pouty - looked swollen and red from all the crying.
You pulled Yeosang’s sweater on again, hoping the scent would make you feel better, but it barely seemed of any help. Clipping your hair up after giving up on it looking any good down, you hanged the damp towel and put your toiletries back into the bag, leaving the bathroom slowly with your dirty clothes in hand.
You walked to the bedroom just about to the left, its doors still left open. The music Wooyoung was playing sounded much louder now that no doors divided you from it, and after you put your clothes back into your suitcase, unsure on just how to work that fancy-looking washing machine that was in the bathroom, you followed the noise.
The alpha looked up the moment he heard you approach, smiling wide even when his heart ached with worry.
You looked soft and somehow even more tired than before, and altogether so weak it made him want to just scoop you up and have you never leave a pretty nest ever again. Your movements were too slow, uncertain in the unfamiliar space, your shoulders slightly hunched beneath the oversized sweater Yunho had plucked onto you this morning.
The sight alone made something fiercely protective curl inside him.
Instead, he kept his grin on.
“Hey baby,” he said softly.
He stood at the kitchen counter, currently peeling potatoes while a large pot simmered quietly on the stove beside him. Steam curled slowly from beneath the lid, carrying the warm scent of broth through the room.
You padded closer, stopping beside him while he finished peeling the one in his hand.
“Wanna help me?” he asked, glancing down at you with a small smile.
“You can peel some if you want. But carefully, okay? Very carefully. ‘don’t want you hurting yourself…”
His voice softened slightly at the end, protective instinct slipping through without him even truly noticing.
“I’ll cut them up in the meantime, how about it?”
He set the peeled potato aside and reached over to lift the lid from the pot. The rich smell of garlic and chili filled the air as he tilted the lid so you could see the simmering soup inside.
"Look, petal, I already started the broth, and-”
Before he could continue explaining anything else, your hand reached out quietly and wrapped around his wrist, cutting off his train of thoughts.
Wooyoung blinked, eyes dropping to your small fingers clutching his forearm.
Your grip wasn’t tight, just… there
The alpha took a while to understand you just needed something to hold onto. It made something ache really sharply in his chest.
“…Hey,” he called softly.
Without any more hesitation, he set the lid back onto the pot and turned toward you fully, one arm coming around your shoulders to pull you gently against his side. He leaned down slightly, pressing his nose briefly into your hair as he scented you, his other hand rubbing your temple reassuringly.
“You okay, jagi?”
Eventually you gave a small nod and murmured that you would like to help him, your voice barely louder than a whisper.
So, he let you do just that.
He handed you the peeler, watching carefully as you worked beside him while he chopped the potatoes into neat cubes. Every few seconds his eyes flicked toward you just to make sure you were still doing fine, trying to settle that protective storm brewing within him.
Whenever he asked you about something, your responses were quiet, slow, so absentminded. Anyone seeing you would be able to tell that the earlier sadness still clung to you heavily, and it was obvious you had retreated back into yourself.
Wooyoung tried to lighten the atmosphere in all the ways he knew.
At one point he pulled his phone from his pocket and switched the music, putting on your favourite musician. The familiar songs filled the new kitchen while he continued chopping vegetables beside you, but even that didn’t seem to reach you.
You stayed quiet and timid.
Eventually, even the potatoes slid into the pot with a soft splash, disappearing beneath the simmering broth before the young alpha lowered the lid again. Steam curled like flames around his fingers as he adjusted it, the quiet bubbling filling the kitchen with warmth and the rich smell of spices.
He had just turned back toward the counter when he felt a small tug at the hem of his shirt.
He stilled just as fast.
Looking down, he saw your fingers curled into the fabric, holding on to him.
“…Jagiya?” he murmured, his voice softening at once.
Your head was lowered slightly, shoulders slumped beneath the oversized sweater, one shoulder peeking past the large neckline. When you spoke, your voice was meek, meeker than usual.
“…I don’t feel too good, oppa.”
For a split second his heart dropped straight into his stomach and pure panic shot through him.
Quick to school his expression back to that reassuring calmness, his hand came up to rest gently over yours where it clutched his shirt, easing the tight knuckles open.
"Okay," He said quietly. “…Okay, baby.”
His thumb brushed once over your knuckles.
“Thank you for telling me ‘mega.”
His voice stayed calm, warm - steady in the way someone spoke when they didn’t want to scare no further.
“Okay, c’mon,” he urged gently. “Let’s go sit down for a minute, petal.”
He guided you slowly toward the table, one hand resting lightly at the small of your back as if you might lose your balance if he let go.
“Easy does it…” he whispered when you moved a little sluggishly.
He pulled out one of the chairs and helped you sit, crouching down in front of you almost immediately after. For a moment he realized just how much taller than their own chairs at home these were. His hands settled gently on your thighs through the soft fabric of the leggings, rubbing up and down reassuringly.
“Alright baby, okay…” he said softly, searching your face, trying to calm his own racing heart.
“Does something hurt?”
You shook your head, but still, he felt his stomach twist.
“Are you hungry? Or thirsty?” The alpha brushed his thumbs gently over your thighs as he spoke.
But you shook your head again.
“…Thank you, oppa,” you whispered quietly. He was stunned into silence momentarily, wide eyes staring up at you. Then your lip trembled.
And suddenly tears began to spill down your cheeks again.
"Hey, hey, hey… What can I do, hmm? What can alpha do for his little mate? “
He moved a little closer, hands rubbing slowly over your thighs in small soothing motions, one reaching up to smooth over your waist.
You shook your head helplessly, a small whimper escaping your constricting throat.
“I don’t know o-ppa…”
Wooyoung’s ribs clenched so hard it actually hurt him.
“Okay, okay… shhh,” he murmured immediately, his voice gentle and steady. He moved without thinking, rising just enough to pull you into his arms. Your face pressed against his shoulder as he hugged you tightly, one arm wrapped around your back while the other cradled the back of your head.
“Shhh, baby,” he murmured quickly, pressing a kiss into your hair, scenting you fast. “It’s okay. It’s okay, I’ve got you...”
When your breathing was starting to hitch again, small, shaky breaths that made his stomach twist with worry, he rocked you slightly from where he stood, his hand moving slowly up and down your back, fingers quick to find your nape and angle you to his neck, the exact same spot you scented yourself only a few minutes ago.
You barely seemed to notice, though.
Another kiss pressed to the top of your head.
“Just breathe for me, yeah? Nice and slow now… theeere we go.”
It took him a moment to gently ease you back down into the chair again, though he didn’t move far, staying still crouched right in front of you like it would hurt too much to leave you even for a second right now.
It would.
His thumb brushed slowly over the fabric near your knee.
“Let’s get something in you, baby.”
He stood up quickly, moving toward the fridge, before returning with the tall bottle of orange juice he had picked up just a few minutes ago.
He wouldn't admit to himself that he had no idea what to do and how to fix everything, swallowing that tight spot in his neck.
“Look, I got you your favorite, hm?” he said gently as he poured a glass. The bright orange liquid filled the cup nearly to the top. Then your mate paused after closing the glass bottle and storing it away for now.
He opened a drawer. He checked the cabinet next.
“Ah- seriously?” he muttered under his breath.
He rummaged quickly through another drawer before huffing softly. Realizing you were watching when he turned lightly to the side, he immediately softened his tone again.
“Sorry, baby,” he murmured, bringing the glass over anyway.
“No straw today, we will get them later, promise.”
Why was it all promises lately?
He crouched down again and carefully placed the glass in your hands, guiding it to your lips slightly.
“Small sips baby.”
His hand stayed lightly around the glass while you tried to do as he asked.
“Good girl,” he murmured quietly when you managed to do so, and the color slowly returned to his face as he watched you swallow.
Wooyoung lingered there for a second, clearly thinking.
You felt your nails clinks against the cold marble under your fingers when they shook. The alpha finally reached up, brushing a stray piece of hair back from your face.
“I’m gonna be just a minute, okay, baby?” he said gently while his thumb stroked lightly over your temple.
“I’ll be right there.”
He gestured softly toward the sliding doors leading to the balcony.
“You’re okay sitting here for a second?”
When you nodded faintly, he gave your shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
“That’s my girl. Try and drink some more for now, hm, baby?”
He grabbed his phone from the counter quickly before stepping outside onto the balcony, sliding the door mostly closed behind him but leaving enough space that he could still keep you in his line of sight through the tinted glass.
The cool air hit his face immediately.
It was dark out by now, the streetlights stark against the all-surrounding late afternoon. Wooyoung ran a hand through his hair and exhaled hard and long before bringing the phone to his ear, his own hand shaking lightly.
The line clicked after a short while.
“Hello?”
Seonghwa’s voice came through, calm but immediately attentive. Wooyoung opened his mouth to speak.
„Hyung-…”
The words stalled halfway out, the man’s thoughts suddenly scattering. On the other end the oldest went quiet for only a second before his tone shifted, instantly alert.
“Woo? What’s wrong?”
Wooyoung pressed his lips together, rubbing his forehead with his thumb.
“Is Y/N-nnie okay?” Seonghwa added quickly, the worry already creeping in. The younger exhaled slowly at that.
“…She’s… not really,” he admitted under his breath. There was the faint sound of movement on Seonghwa’s side.
“What happened? Did something happen?”
Wooyoung glanced back through the dark glass again, watching the way you curled forward slightly in the chair in the warm lights shining from above you. His chest tightened even further.
“She’s just… really upset,” he said quietly. “She keeps crying, hyung. I- I can’t get her to settle.”
He scrubbed a hand through his hair again, shuffling on his feet.
“Earlier when she went to wash up she told me she thinks all of… this is her fault,” he added, voice dropping even lower. “And now she told me she doesn’t feel well.”
The silence that followed was heavy.
“…Fuck.” The older alpha muttered softly.
Wooyoung could hear him shifting around.
“Okay.” Seonghwa said after a second, voice steadier now.
“Hang on, I’ll grab Joong.”
The phone shifted, and suddenly there was movement on the other side - a door opening somewhere, voices overlapping, followed by another pause, then the scrape of something being pushed back quickly.
A moment later Hongjoong’s voice replaced Seonghwa’s.
“Woo?”
The man straightened slightly at the sound of his packalpha.
“Hyung…”
“What’s going on?” The older asked, already sounding too tense.
Wooyoung ran a hand over his face again, looking for the right words.
“I was making dinner…” He said in the end, trying to explain. “She came into the kitchen and seemed okay for a minute, but then she told me she didn’t feel good and just… broke down again.”
His eyes drifted back toward you, still just as meek and small.
“She has been crying on and off.”
Hongjoong didn’t speak right away.
“…Did she eat anything yet?” He asked finally.
Wooyoung winced.
“No…She had a little juice just now, but that’s it.”
On the other end Hongjoong let out a slow breath, and the idol could faintly hear pacing. Then Seonghwa’s voice came back from somewhere nearby, not too loud.
“Did you try calming her down with your scent, Woo-ah?” He asked gently.
“Yes.” The younger said immediately. “She settled down for a few minutes, but it didn’t last…I just- don’t know what else to do right now.”
For a few seconds the two older alphas stayed quiet. Then Seonghwa spoke again, more cautiously this time.
“…Joong.” Their leader hummed in response.
“…If she keeps spiraling like this…” Seonghwa began slowly.
“Do you think it might help if we let her drop for a bit?”
Wooyoung completely froze from where he stood, and the packalpha did seemingly the same, as he didn’t answer.
“…Like pushing her into omegaspace?” He finally said after a moment, his voice near silent.
“Not pushing,” Seonghwa corrected softly. “Just… helping her settle into it.”
There was a long pause.
“She hasn’t been eating properly. She barely sleeps. And she’s completely overwhelmed by now.”
The young packmember could hear the eldest worry even through the phone.
“Sometimes when an omega’s this overstimulated, it’s the only way their body can actually rest, you know this. And before you say it, I know it’s not a perfect solution.”
Hongjoong sighed, the phone picking up the sound.
“She’d be completely dependent on us for that time, hyung.” He pointed out.
“I know.” Seonghwa replied swiftly.
“But right now she really isn’t functioning properly, Joong. She obviously needs proper help. Professional help. But even if we start looking right away… getting her into therapy won’t happen overnight.”
Wooyoung could hear the faint echo of the hallway again as someone must have passed by.
“It could take weeks before she gets an appointment. If she agrees, then we’ll try private first, of course,” Seonghwa continued. “But even then there’s scheduling, NDAs, background checks...”
Hongjoong exhaled slowly on the other end.
“…I know.”
“Until we can actually get her the help she needs… we might really have to rely on what we can do for her ourselves.”
The line stayed quiet for several seconds.
Finally, Hongjoong spoke again: “…We’re not making that decision without talking to her first.”
“Of course not,” Seonghwa agreed immediately.
“But if she keeps spiraling-"
“I know,” Hongjoong cut in gently.
Another moment passed before his attention shifted.
“Woo.”
“Yeah?”
“Try to get her to drink something," Hongjoong said. “Maybe a few bites of food if she’ll take it.”
His voice softened slightly.
“And if she feels up for it… maybe try and take her somewhere quiet. Try and distract her. Maybe walk around the building for a bit, show her the fish down in the lobby or the rooftop-… just don’t go far.”
Wooyoung nodded even though they couldn’t see him.
“Okay.”
“We’re finishing up here,” Hongjoong added. “We’ll head over as soon as we can… Just stay with her until we get there.”
“I will.”
Second after the call ended, Wooyoung stood still for another moment longer, hand resting against the glass panel.
Finally, he willed his legs to move and a soft smile to stretch on his lips before he climbed back in, the warmth enfolding him whole. His eyes stayed on your form, and he felt a little better when he saw your eyes search for his when you heard him.
“Hey baby-…Oh,” His eyes widened a little when he finally noticed that your glass was now practically empty, both of your hands still holding it close. He crouched slightly beside your chair, eyes widening a little in genuine delight.
“You want some more?” he said gently.
“What a good girl you are… drinking so well.”
One of his hands came up to rub slowly over your arm, the other steadying the glass as he looked at you with reverant pride.
“Thank you, baby.”
He pressed a soft kiss into the crown of your head, relief easing through his shoulders. Seeing that you had drunk most of it on your own made something unclench deep in his chest.
Small victories, he thought.
You shifted slightly beside him then, voice quiet when you spoke up.
“’s okay… I’m not very thirsty now, oppa, but thank you…”
Your fingers still held the glass loosely when you said it. The alpha only hummed softly.
“That’s alright,” he murmured.
He took the glass gently from your hands and stood, walking the short distance to the counter before filling it again anyway with the same, cool juice from the fridge. When he returned, he set the tall drink back down in front of you and leaned down to press a quick kiss to your cheek.
“Just in case, honey.”
His hand brushed through your hair before he straightened again, glancing towards the hot stove.
“Did you keep an eye on the food for me while I was gone?” he asked, his tone warm and a little playful. You nodded faintly.
“Uh-huh.”
Woo made a thoughtful sound as he walked over to the big pot, lifting the lid carefully, and the smell made his mouth really water. He leaned over it, inhaled dramatically, and then widened his eyes in exaggerated approval.
“Oh wow.” He looked back at you with mock seriousness.
“Chef Y/N-nnie has done an excellent job, it seems.”
You watched him quietly, and even though your reaction was only a tiny hum and a slow blink, he still grinned wide, revealing those pearls of treasure.
"Seriously, baby, this smells really good.” He added, stirring the pot once before setting the lid to the side to make the sauce thicken.
“Won’t take too long now.”
Then, he wiped his hands on a kitchen towel and turned back toward you.
“You wanna see the rest of the place?”
Your eyes lifted a little, unfocused from all the tiredness.
“A little tour?” He encouraged, though his voice was soft, leaving space for you. But in the end you hummed a soft: “…okay.”
Wooyoung’s expression brightened immediately.
“That’s my girl.”
You pushed your chair back slowly and shuffled toward him, movements sluggish from exhaustion. Without really thinking about it, you reached for his hand, small fingers curling around his as you rubbed your eyes with the other. The alpha melted a little on the spot, and his fingers closed warmly around yours as he guided you out of the kitchen.
“It’s a bit smaller than home,” he told you as the two of you stepped into the living room.
“But that just means more excuses to be close and cuddle, right?”
The living room opened up in front of you with wide windows and a soft grey sofa facing a large television. There was expensive-looking wood flooring, glossy and clean.
“Look,” he continued, pointing toward the black screen. “The TV already has all those streaming services you like. There’s Netflix, the weird one with all the cooking shows…”
He glanced at you sideways.
“We could watch a movie later if you want, baby.”
You only hummed again, giving a small nod, holding his hand in yours.
"Oh, and look, the sofa...”
He pointed toward the heather-grey couch along the wall, full of small, dark, shaped cushions.
“…it folds out even bigger.” His grin widened slightly, his hand rubbing your arm.
“So, now, Yunho hyung won’t be able to complain about it being too small like he always does at home when we lie down in the evenings!” Wooyoung pretended not to notice how quiet you still were, squeezing your hand gently as he guided you back into the main corridor.
“There are three bedrooms in total.” He explained, nudging open the first door with his shoulder. “They’re pretty big though…You already saw the biggest one earlier… and the bathroom too.”
The two of you walked slowly to the end of the hall where another bedroom door stood slightly open. The alpha pushed it wider and motioned you inside.
"Look, baby,” he said softly. “The view is pretty, hm?”
The large window overlooked the quiet, expensive neighborhood below. After he pulled the heavy curtains back, more of the city revealed itself - soft lights scattered across the distance like tiny stars.
Finally, your mate flicked the light switch on the wall. After more pressing of the adjoined controls, the ceiling lights shifted from warm white into a soft wash of pink, going darker by each click.
Wooyoung gasped theatrically.
“Whoa...!”
He looked down at you with a conspiratorial smile.
“Look at that. Color-changing lights.” His fingers squeezed yours again.
“Should we make them pink later, darling?”
But you blinked slowly up at him, eyes still hazy and tired. After a moment you leaned a little closer, rising on your toes just enough to press the softest little kiss to his chin.
The alpha felt it like a spark right through his chest.
For a moment he almost laughed in relief, but the feeling didn’t quite reach his face when he noticed the way your eyes drifted downward again right after - heavy, still weighed down by something he couldn’t seem to quite pull away from you. His arms twitched with the urge to scoop you right up, to do something, anything, to make that quiet sadness leave your face.
God.
You looked so small.
And worse than that, worse than any of that…
You still looked just as guilty.
Wooyoung knew exactly what you were thinking about - the way you kept blaming yourself.
He pulled you closer before he even realized he was moving. The alpha’s arms wrapped around you firmly, one hand settling against the back of your head as he tucked you into his chest, back where you belonged.
“Hey…” He murmured quietly, pressing a slow kiss into your hair. “C’mere.”
You leaned into him without resistance, small hands bunching lightly into the fabric of his shirt. Wooyoung held you there for a few seconds, rubbing slow circles along your back.
“…Baby.” He said softly after a moment.
“Do you think you might want to try and eat now? Or maybe drink some more?”
You shook your head against his chest almost immediately, and his throat tightened.
“…‘m okay, oppa.”
The quiet answer made his chest tighten painfully. You clearly weren’t.
Why were you lying to him?
Instead of asking, he swallowed the tight feeling in his throat and kissed your temple again. “Alright.” He murmured, keeping his tone reassuring.
“That’s okay.”
For that moment he just held you, thinking.
Then an idea slipped into his mind.
“…Oh,” he said softly. You shifted a little in his arms.
“You wanna see downstairs for a minute? There’s this big aquarium in the entrance lobby.” He explained. “Like- a huge one. With all kinds of fish.”
He tilted his head a little, watching your face carefully.
“…wanna go look at it with me, angel?”
For a moment he expected you to refuse, but to his surprise, you gave a small nod, chin tucking to his collarbone just as quickly.
“…okay.”
Wooyoung blinked, surprised, then quickly brightened right back up.
“Oh. Okay, yeah. Let’s go then, petal.”
He led you back towards the entrance hall, quick to put the key card and keys in his pocket. The alpha didn’t put on his keychain yet to the new set, the tiny pink hippo probably still lying somewhere in his own unpacked luggage on his old pair of keys. He bought it with you when you went to the national zoo – it was still summertime back then, the sun was bright and the animals were energetic.
It was a good day.
When you tentatively reached for your jacket on one of the metal hooks nearby, he looked up from where he was pulling your shoes from the shoe rack.
He cooed softly to get your attention and hummed, "No, no, baby. It’s warm in the building, don’t worry, honey, we won’t go too far.”
Then Wooyoung crouched down in front of you without another word, smiling up at you wide.
“Lift your foot for me, baby.”
You did so slowly, one hand resting on his shoulder for support when you wobbled a bit. The alpha slipped your shoe on properly before tying the laces with quick, practiced movements. Next, he stood up and slid on his own shoes, and then he stepped out first, guiding you beside him before pulling the door closed.
When the lock clicked loudly behind you and the dreadful alarm sounded, you flinched slightly.
In an instant his hand squeezed yours tighter, his chin grazing over the top of your head.
“Shh,” he murmured gently. “‘s just the door, baby.”
When you nodded a little and blinked from the scare, he led you behind him soon after. If he didn't look stressed or worried you would automatically be calmer yourself, your mate reminded himself. He couldn't linger on this, not now.
He passed by the metal elevator door, choosing the larger opening instead.
“Let’s take the stairs,” He said lightly, hoping the open air and space would make you feel better.
The stairwell was wide and softly lit, with modern concrete steps leading down toward the lower floors with expensive lights right under each step. They turned on just a bit before you both each time, making him gasp theatrically. You barely smiled.
Wooyoung made sure to slow his pace automatically for you though, staying just half a step ahead so you could follow without feeling rushed. For a while the only sound was that of your joined steps.
But halfway down the next level, footsteps suddenly echoed from below.
A tall man appeared around the corner a moment later, wearing a baseball cap and a long, dark brown coat, one hand holding a phone loosely as he climbed, typing something quickly. Wooyoung glanced up automatically and then did a tiny double take.
The man looked up too.
For a brief second their eyes met.
Your mate’s shoulders widened subtly, and he came to a stop, one arm reaching behind him to guide you closer to his back, his protective instincts flaring up when he smelled the other alpha-
But the man just gave a polite bow, his eyes never straying to you, and continued past you up the stairs.
Wooyoung waited until he disappeared before leaning closer to you.
“…Baby, I think that was Ji Chang-wook-ssi, I swear that was him.”
He whispered, eyes a little wide as his arm rubbed up and down your side when he hurriedly spoke, visibly excited.
You didn’t even recognise the name but still hummed along.
“You know… the actor from Healer?”
You gave another quiet hum, still walking slowly beside him, shrugging your shoulder after you shook your head a little. Wooyoung stayed stunned for a little longer in disbelief but kept up the pace with you.
“That’s crazy that he's here,” he muttered and rubbed the back of his neck.
“I should’ve asked for an autograph or something.”
Eventually the staircase opened into the building’s main lobby. You took it in slowly, breathing in the purified air. The large space was sleek and quiet, with white marble floors reflecting soft lighting overhead. A reception desk stood near the entrance, where a woman looked up as you approached. Her smile was polite and professional, and she was typing something on a computer before her.
“Good evening.”
Wooyoung bowed slightly in greeting himself and kept guiding you forward, smiling when you did the same, even if your gaze stayed lowered.
The alpha didn’t comment on the security personnel posted near the entrance.
There were at least 10 people, much to your surprise, and your eyes widened a bit. Instead, your mate steered you gently toward the far side of the lobby, hand on your lower back.
“There...!” He called softly.
The aquarium stretched nearly from floor to ceiling along the wall.
It was gigantic, considering it was in a lobby area of an apartment. The lights shimmered softly across the glass, blue and silver reflections dancing over the polished floor. Tiny bubbles drifted upward in lazy trails while the fish moved through the coral structures, their colors catching the light every time they turned. As you made your way to it, you passed by a few leather lounge chairs and a low coffee table, along with big leafy plants that softened the modern, mainly undecorated, cold interior.
Wooyoung crouched slightly beside you, hand in yours.
“Look at that…” He murmured, glancing at you a little, only to be more than satisfied when he saw your glossy eyes follow the water surface.
A bright blue fish swam past.
“Ah, baby…! Is that Dory?”
Your eyes followed the animal slowly through the water before it disappeared among a thick leafed plant. For the first time since leaving your home, your focus seemed to settle on something different than all the anxiousness and horrid things happening to you all.
Wooyoung felt a small flicker of relief, and his arm slipped around your waist again.
“There’s so many,” He commented softly, cautious not to break your bubble. A tiny crab scuttled along the sand near the bottom, and your finger lifted slightly, a tiny smile on your lips when it battered closer.
“…oppa.”
Wooyoung leaned near immediately, his cheek brushing yours.
“Hm?”
You pointed at the crab, and his face brightened instantly.
“Oh! Yeah baby, wow, look at those chelae...”
He smiled down at you warmly, pecking your temple smoothly.
“Such good eye, petal.”
One small fish darted past the others and disappeared behind a curved rock, and your eyes followed it with quiet concentration. Beside you, the alpha kept one arm loosely around your waist, his hand resting warm against your side. His thumb rubbed slow, absent circles there, partly to comfort you and partly because he couldn’t seem to stop touching you tonight.
“See that one?” he murmured softly, leaning closer so his voice stayed low and gentle. “The little yellow one.”
You blinked slowly, eyes tracking where he pointed.
“Mhmm.” A faint hum left you as the same fish drifted past the glass, moving quick in its space. Wooyoung smiled a little.
“Should we count those?” He suggested quietly, glancing to watch your reaction.
“The golden ones with the huge eyes.”
You didn’t answer right away, but after a moment you nodded faintly.
“Okay,” he murmured. “Let’s see…”
He lifted a finger toward the tank, never touching. With each of the same species that rushed past, he squeezed your hands, giggling softly. You kept watching the water, gaze slow but finally focused in a way that made something in his chest loosen up. It wasn’t much, but it was something - your attention staying on the water and the drifting bubbles, instead of sinking inward again to think of the bad things.
Wooyoung was about to point out another that sneaked past when his phone buzzed suddenly in his pocket.
The vibration startled him slightly, but you barely reacted, still watching the tank with curiosity. He promised himself he would take you to the national aquarium the moment things calmed down.
Why hadn’t they taken you earlier?
“It’s okay, baby.” He murmured quickly, giving your waist a reassuring squeeze. “Just my phone.” He shifted a little and pulled it out with his free hand, glancing down at the screen swiftly.
“Hello?”
The response came immediately. Your mate stayed so close you could hear the noise lightly, but you barely listened, eyes dancing over the pretty view.
“Wooyoung-ah, where are you?”
Oh, but you recognized Hongjoong who sounded all breathless and tense, like he had been rushing.
“We just got to the apartment. The place is empty. Is everything okay? Where did you go?”
The younger alpha instinctively glanced down at you. You were still staring at the aquarium, finger lightly hovering over the glass but not quite on it where a fish swam past. His smile softened further.
“Yeah, hyung,” he said quietly. “We’re okay.”
He adjusted his tone carefully, making sure it stayed light by you.
“I brought Y/N-nnie downstairs for a bit.” His hand brushed gently over your arm, and he smiled wide when you looked up at him at the sound of your name.
“We’re in the lobby looking at the big aquarium.”
Another yellow fish slipped past the coral. Wooyoung pointed toward it quickly, making sure you wouldn’t miss the sleek animal.
“Hey baby,” he murmured to you, covering the phone slightly with his hand. “Is that another one?”
You blinked slowly. He lifted the phone back up to speak properly.
“Sorry, hyung,” he continued. “We’re… busy counting fish right now.”
There was a short pause on the other end. Then Hongjoong exhaled sharply.
“For fuck’s sake, Wooyoung.”
The words weren’t really angry, more relief spilling out through stress.
“You could have texted,” Hongjoong muttered.
“We thought something had happened.”
The younger winced slightly.
“I’m sorry, hyung,” he said quietly. “I didn’t think you would get h-”
But another fish swam by, and he nudged you gently instead of finishing his sentence.
“Seven?” He murmured to you, the question kind on his lips. You nodded slowly, agreeing.
“Good job, baby.” He praised softly, ruffling your hair a little, before focusing back on the call.
“We’re just by the aquarium.” The alpha repeated again. On the other end, the pack alpha let out a long breath.
“Okay…We’ll coming down now.”
A faint rustle sounded through the phone, followed by the man’s voice again.
“Just stay there, alright? We’ll be there in a minute.”
“Okay..!” Wooyoung replied and soon lowered the expensive phone again, sliding it back into his pocket. Then, he leaned slightly closer to you again, his voice returning to its gentle murmur.
“Alright,” he said softly.
His finger lifted toward the tank again.
“Let’s see if we can find number eight petal…”
For a moment Wooyoung just watched you watch the water.
The blue glow from the aquarium softened the tired lines in your face, and he gently rubbed his thumb along your side again. Your eyes were so heavy it felt like all your strength was needed to even keep them even open.
“Hmm…” He said thoughtfully. “Maybe they’re hiding.”
But then, another bright fish darted through the bubbles.
“Oh- wait, was that-”
He cut off mid-sentence when sudden footsteps echoed sharply across the lobby, and his head turned instinctively toward the stairwell hall, his arm holding you just a tad tighter now. Several tall figures came through almost at once, having hurried down the stairs rather than waiting for the elevator.
The first alpha barely slowed down at all.
“Baby-”
Mingi crossed the marble lobby in such quick, long strides that it actually surprised Wooyoung.
The alpha wrapped his arms around you the moment he got close enough, pulling you into a tight hug before he had even fully stopped moving.
“Oh, princess…” he murmured softly, one large hand settled behind your head while he bent slightly, instinctively scenting you - checking, grounding himself, making sure you were really there and safe.
You hugged him back weakly, arms looping around his middle, putting his insides in putty.
A second later the rest of the group reached you.
Hongjoong slowed beside you first, relief flickering openly across his face. His hand came up to cradle the side of your head as he leaned down, brushing his nose gently through your hair.
“You’re okay…” He murmured quietly, more to himself than anyone else.
Seonghwa soon stepped closer, his arms slipping around you in a soft hug while he pressed his cheek lightly against your temple.
“Hi sweetheart…” He grunted under his breath, pecking your forehead. Yunho crouched slightly in front of you while San moved in beside Wooyoung, resting a reassuring hand against your and his back. Yeosang and Jongho stayed close, fingers carding through your hair after a minute.
Within seconds you were surrounded by warm, familiar scents, and the world seemed to spin just a bit steadier now. Mingi loosened his hold just enough to look down at your face.
“You okay, baby?” He asked quietly, eyebrows high.
You nodded faintly, though your eyes drifted back toward the aquarium almost immediately. He bit his lip, quick to tell by your scent that there was something clearly bothering you.
Yunho glanced at the tank, then back at you.
“What were you guys doing down here?” He then asked gently, lowering himself a little so he was closer to your eye level. You lifted your hand slowly and pointed toward the glass, careful not to knock it.
“…looking at the fish with Woo-oppa.”
Wooyoung gave a small nod. His chest swelled.
Was this the most you’ve spoken in the day?
It sure felt like it.
“We were counting the small yellow ones.” He added quietly, ruffling your hair once more. Seonghwa smoothed it down, tutting at the younger pack member.
Yunho’s face softened at the revelation.
“Oh, really?” He said warmly and followed your gaze down the tank.
“Which kind do you like the most, sweetie?”
You were quiet for a moment, but then you pointed toward the bottom of the aquarium.
“…the crab.”
All of the alphas looked, leaning close. Near the sand the tiny crab was still struggling stubbornly with a rock that looked much too big for it.
Yunho smiled immediately, wide and bright.
“Ohhh…That little guy?”
You nodded slightly.
“…I like him.” Your voice was too small, smaller than usual, but it made several of them melt instantly.
“Aww…” Yunho cooed softly, making sure you could smell his feather light, happy scent. Yeosang leaned a little closer to the glass.
“He’s very determined.” He chuckled warmly. Wooyoung nudged your arm gently.
“Y/N-nnie spotted him earlier, I didn’t even see him!” He told the others, a proud smile on for all to see. Hongjoong’s thumb brushed slowly across the back of your hand, where he had taken it and never let it go.
“You’ve got good eyes, love.”
For a few quiet minutes they stayed there with you, watching the fish drift lazily through the tank while trying to keep the conversation gentle and easy.
But you didn’t say much more after that.
Eventually Hongjoong glanced at Seonghwa briefly, then looked back down at you. His fingers squeezed your hand when he spoke up over the gentle ruckus.
“I think we should head back upstairs now, yeah?”
You didn’t protest and simply nodded.
The pack alpha kept hold of your hand as he guided you inside the expensive lift, his thumb brushing slow circles over your knuckles. The others followed right after, filling the space easily - the elevator was bigger than the one back home, but with all of them there it still felt warm, and they stayed close anyway.
For a while there was only the soft noise of the elevator beginning to rise.
You stood tucked slightly against Hongjoong’s side, still a little too quiet and unfocused for their liking, from everything bearing down on you by the minute.
“Hey.” Mingi said suddenly, nudging Yunho with his elbow.
“Tell them what happened earlier hyung..!”
Yunho huffed out a laugh immediately.
“Oh my god, don’t even start.”
“What?” Wooyoung asked, glancing over from where he was leaning on the railing. Mingi grinned back.
“Manager hyung in the meeting today-”
That alone made San start chuckling quietly, his laughter soon turning uncontrolled. Yunho dragged a hand down his face like he already regretted his younger pack member bringing it up.
“So we’re sitting there right,” he began, glancing between Wooyoung and you, clearly trying to keep the story fun.
“Everyone’s got their notes, the meeting’s about to start…”
Mingi leaned against the elevator wall, already laughing loudly as well, with San no better besides him still.
“And manager Noh-nim walks in with this huge iced coffee and tries to sit down.” Yunho continued telling. Wooyoung tilted his head, shaking his head at the hyenas going near feral next to him.
“…Okay?”
Yunho pointed at him.
“Except the chair wasn’t even there.”
There was a split second of silence.
Then San completely lost it, bracing his arm against the metal.
“He just-”
San made a dropping motion with his hand.
“-sat straight into the air. The c-offee went everywhere!”
“Everywhere.” Yunho repeated, shaking his head, expression dire. “Notes, the table, the floor- the whole lot-”
“And he tried to pretend nothing happened!” Mingi added, wheezing.
“Like we didn’t all just watch him fall.” Wooyoung snorted under his breath despite himself.
“No way. Manager Noh-nim is too serious for all that.”
“I swear," Yunho said, still laughing softly himself.
They were clearly trying - keeping their voices warm and animated, hoping to pull even the smallest reaction from you. It wasn't even that funny, not even for them.
But you just stayed quiet, gaze lowered.
As the laughing went on your head drifted closer to Hongjoong’s shoulder without you really noticing, your nose brushing faintly against the collar of his shirt as you leaned in for his scent. The older one immediately wrapped an arm around you, pulling you a bunch closer.
“Go on, baby.” He murmured softly under his breath, lips grazing your head.
Next to you both, Seonghwa had been listening to the others with a faint smile… until he noticed the subtle shift in your scent.
Nothing sharp - not distress- but the soft, natural sweetness of it had turned slightly bitter, like the fragile edge of an overwhelmed emotion was starting to surface again, something that has been occuring far too often lately.
He knew more than well how tired you still were. Sensitive. Still too shaken.
The oldest’s expression sharpened immediately.
Without saying anything, the pack alpha gently pulled you closer against his chest, his nose brushing into your hair as he scented you again and again, much more closely this time. His hand ran up as he rubbed slow circles along your arm.
“It’s okay, pup.” He murmured quietly.
But Mingi was still not finished through with the story.
“…en the assistant tried to hand him tissues but-”
“Guys. Let’s tone it down a little.” Seonghwa’s voice cut in gently, all the alphas looking up in sync.
Mingi blinked, expression confused.
“…hyung?”
But then he noticed your scent properly.
The way you were tucked against Hongjoong’s chest, breathing in his scent slowly while he held you close. The packalpha’s eyes lifted briefly toward them – not quite angry, just protective.
Understanding hit instantly. The younger’s smile dropped.
“…oh. ‘m sorry.” His shoulders slumped slightly lower.
Yunho rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. San reached over and brushed his hand gently down your arm, his voice softer now, laughter long gone.
“...Didn’t mean to make it loud, baby.”
The elevator quieted again after that.
The alpha kept scenting you lightly while Seonghwa’s hand settled against your back, rubbing slow, comforting circles there, both watching over your expression should it change.
A moment later the elevator chimed again, and the doors slid open onto the floor, where the apartment now claimed by your pack was.
You barely realized what was happening around you soon after.
You remember Hongjoong talking to you while he helped with your shoes, but he took you to the foreign living room only moments after. Perhaps you didn’t respond during the right time, forgetting the cues. Your second gender-muddled brain was too slow at telling you: “Hey, he was asking you what you want to drink, this is the time to say something!”
Somewhere in your mind you saw the rest of the alphas file around, setting the table quickly as you rested against the packalpha’s chest on the couch – his scent was close, so it must have been him.
But when did you go to sit down? You couldn’t tell.
Every once in a while one of the other men would step closer, but it always took you too long to blink your eyes open when you finally registered a new scent – and so they would just coo, peck your forehead, and leave you with the leader to help with dinner.
Before you knew it you were being fed – small pieces of tender, sweet but spicy chicken popped between your puffy, glossy lips. Sometimes it was a potato, sometimes a spoonful of the thick, filling sauce full of flavor. You barely chewed, only now realising you were sitting on Joong’s lap after your nose turned to automatically tuck into his neck.
You didn’t eat much, nor drank much either, much to their worry. Once you whimpered at the next bite Yunho led your way so heartbroken it made them all still and stop, the packalpha slowly stood up with you tucked to his arms.
“Okay, let’s go to bed baby, it’s been a really long day, hasn’t it?”
Hongjoong’s brows stayed creased with worry at your absent responses, cheeks warm and eyes practically half-closed. Not to mention that sad-smelling scent that seemed to engulf you whole. Were you coming down with something? Should he take you to an omega specialist? Was it something far more serious?
His mind ran with a million ideas as his shoulder pushed the door of one of the large bedrooms open. He sighed when he heard the rest of his pack members' voices of concern, soft to not bother as they talked about what possible things could they do at this point to make you feel better.
Slowly, he let the door click shut, holding you even closer when you stayed quiet and sad like a heap of misery in his arms.
Meanwhile, at the kitchen dining table, the space fell quiet not long after Hongjoong disappeared down the hallway with you safe in his arms. The food was still warm on the table, bowls half full, and so was the one of their leader, making them worry even more.
For a while the only sound was the soft clink of dishes as Jongho slowly stood and began stacking plates that no one had really eaten from, putting the food back to eat later.
Wooyoung’s chair got pushed back as he leaned against the kitchen counter just then, arms folded tightly over his chest. The alpha’s gaze stayed fixed on the floor, replaying the entire afternoon in his head, searching for every little thing he might’ve done wrong.
Yunho glanced toward him from the table, anxiousness written plainly across his face when he handed the maknae the bowl abandoned by you and their pack alpha.
“…Did she drink anything today?” he asked quietly.
Wooyoung dragged both hands down his face before answering.
“A little,” he said after a moment, his voice rough with frustration. “Some juice earlier.”
San, who had been pacing slowly between the couch and the window since you both disappeared to rest, stopped mid-step.
“And water?”
Woo shook his head immediately.
“Barely.”
Yeosang frowned softly, arms loosely folded as he leaned against the back of a chair.
“Did you try giving her something sweet?” he asked gently. “Sometimes she drinks more if it’s sweet… Maybe some water with some syrup, or…” When the older alpha turned and stood to try and file through the nearly empty pantry, he came out empty-handed, his scent turning burn and bitter.
Jongho hummed in quiet agreement as he gathered up another unused plate, Seonghwa by his side to help.
“And a straw,” he added, almost absently.
“She always drinks better with a straw.”
The moment the words left his mouth, Wooyoung’s head dropped back with a quiet groan. He pushed himself off the counter and walked over to the fridge, agitation written all over his posture.
“There are no straws here,” he muttered, opening the door with more force than necessary.
“And I completely forgot to buy some earlier.”
Cold, blue light spilled into the dim kitchen as he reached inside and grabbed the tall glass bottle of juice.
“I’m actually so fucking stupid.”
He held the bottle up toward them, shaking it lightly, the liquid sloshing inside.
“Look.”
The bottle was still nearly full. Maybe a glass-worth gone. No less.
A heavy silence settled over the large, bare kitchen.
San’s shoulders sagged as he dragged a hand through his hair as well. Mingi slowly dropped into one of the chairs at the table again, elbows resting on his knees as he stared at the bottle like it might somehow change if he looked long enough.
Yunho quietly pushed his bowl away from where he was poking at the chicken for the past few minutes. “…I’m not hungry anymore.”
When Seonghwa finally spoke, his voice was soft enough that it didn’t break the calm of the room.
“I think…” he started very carefully, fingers resting lightly against the table edge, “…we might need to talk about therapy.”
The reaction was immediate.
San stopped pacing. Wooyoung looked up sharply. Mingi leaned back in his chair, brow furrowing.
The oldest held their gazes gently, in no way defensive.
“She’s not doing well,” he continued, tone mindful but steady.
“We all see it.”
His eyes flicked briefly toward the hallway where his mate’s scent led.
“…we can comfort her. We can stay with her, take care of her, help her through the bad moments… but some things are just…bigger than what we can fix on our own.”
Mingi exhaled slowly through his nose, his shoulders squaring.
“But hyung…” he murmured. His fingers rubbed tiredly over his face before he could really finish the thought.
“…people from outside already took enough from her.”
San nodded immediately, the protective tension returning to his chest as he stepped back towards the table.
“She’s finally somewhere safe.” He said quietly.
“The last thing she needs is some stranger poking around in her head and making her relive everything again, hyung. The police was enough as it is.”
Wooyoung leaned his hip against the counter again, arms folding tightly. His jaw tightened slightly when he spoke under his breath.
“NDAs only do so much.”
Yeosang tilted his head thoughtfully, eyes stuck on the tabletop.
“It’ll freak her out like crazy.” He said softly.
They all knew it would.
You struggled to really explain things even to them.
Your thoughts tangled up too easily, words getting stuck somewhere between your heart and your throat, and sometimes you just couldn’t do it.
“She barely tells us anything when something’s wrong.” Wooyoung muttered, staring down at the floor again, before his eyes lifted to Seonghwa’s.
“And we’re her mates, for fuck’s sake.”
Jongho paused mid-step, a plate still in his hands from where he was standing by the dishwasher.
“That might actually be why it could help.”
Everyone looked at the young alpha. His expression remained calm and thoughtful.
“She trusts us… If we’re there with her… if she knows we won’t leave the room… maybe it won’t feel so scary for her.”
Seonghwa nodded slowly, trying to calm the protective alphas down. His own heart hurt at the thought of you in a room, all alone, while someone you barely knew asked you all about the incident. There was no way that would end up well.
They all knew it.
“We’d be careful.” He reassured the sharp-smelling room. “Private clinic, someone who works with omegas…someone discreet.”
But San still looked too uncertain, whispering into the room after a quiet beat passed.
“…what if they hurt her more?”
“They won’t.” Seonghwa replied softly.
There was that quiet certainty in his voice.
“We won’t let them.”
The words hung in the air like a quiet promise.
Just then, somewhere down the hallway, the faint creak of the bedroom floor echoed as Hongjoong shifted his weight.
Every alpha in the room instinctively looked toward the sound.
Their omega.
Their girl.
Wooyoung sighed quietly, rubbing the back of his neck as he shut his eyes tight.
“…She cried almost the whole afternoon hyung.”
He admitted after a moment, looking towards the oldest. His voice had softened now, the frustration fading into something heavier. Seonghwa’s eyes were kind on his packmember as he sighed softly.
“I tried everything… Wouldn’t settle unless I held her, and even then...” His fingers tapped restlessly against the counter. San’s expression softened immediately, arms circling the younger’s shoulders.
“…Did she say what was wrong?”
Woo shook his head.
“Not really.”
A pause. Then, quieter-
“’ just kept saying sorry.”
The apartment fell quiet again after that.
Back in the spacious bedroom, the curtains had been pulled closed, shutting out the dim city lights. Only a small lamp glowed softly on the bedside table, casting warm shadows across the room.
For a few long minutes, Hongjoong had simply stood there with you cradled against him, your face buried in the curve of his neck while he tried to steady the restless storm of thoughts running through his head.
Eventually he let out a slow breath.
One hand remained cupped gently around the back of your head, fingers threading lightly into your hair, while the other kept you tucked close against his chest. He walked over to the bed and sat down carefully, the mattress dipping beneath his weight.
His brows pulled together faintly when he felt it. Just a little firmer than what they were used to at home.
Nothing terrible, but not quite right either.
Hongjoong filed the thought away automatically. Something they had to fix later.
But right now, you mattered more.
“Okay, babygirl…” he murmured softly, his voice low and warm near your ear.
“Let’s find you something comfy to sleep in, hm?”
He tried not to let it show on him, what his mind turned into when you didn’t answer.
Your shoulders stayed small and quiet when he gently guided you down onto the middle of the bed, his hands lingering a moment longer than necessary as he instinctively pulled the heavy duvet around you.
But the moment his arms slipped away, your eyes opened a little wider.
A tiny sound -barely more than a breath- escaped your throat the minute he stepped back.
Hongjoong’s heart squeezed painfully once again that day.
“Shhh, shush sweetheart,” he soothed promptly, his voice soft as he leaned down to brush a quick kiss to your temple.
“I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere, okay? Just grabbing something for you.”
His scent thickened instinctively in the air around you before he stepped away.
He crouched beside the sturdy pink suitcase resting near the end of the bed, flipping the lid open and immediately digging through the neatly packed clothes.
T-shirts… Sweater... Socks…
His movements grew quicker as he searched, brow furrowing with quiet frustration. A moment later he finally spotted the soft cotton pajamas tucked near the bottom.
“Ah- there we go.”
Relief slipped into his voice as he pulled the set free. He recognised it as one of your favorites immediately. He would have to praise Jongho and Mingi for getting that one later.
“Fucking finally.”
He shut the suitcase again and stood up, turning back toward the large bed-
-and his breath caught up for just a second.
In the short time he’d been searching, you had curled up right in the center of the bed.
All tiny.
Your knees tucked close to your chest, the heavy, white sheet and duvet gathered around you like a makeshift nest, your hands clinging to the blanket where his warmth had been only minutes ago.
Hongjoong’s chest hurt, and a soft sound left him before he could stop it, something deep and instinctive ripped from his throat.
“Ah… honey…”
His movements slowed automatically, careful and deliberate as he helped you out of the clothes you’d been wearing. There was nothing rushed about the way he worked - every motion oh so gentle, pliant, patient, almost reverent. If anyone had been watching closely, they might’ve said he moved like a sloth, taking his time with each sleeve, each layer, making sure you never felt tugged on.
You barely reacted, letting him guide you.
Hongjoong murmured soft little reassurances under his breath as he worked, though he wasn’t sure if you were really even hearing them.
“There we go… just like that…”
The soft cotton pajamas slid over your arms, the familiar polka-dotted fabric settling around your shoulders. He pulled the long sleeves down carefully before beginning to fasten the tiny pearl-white, heart-shaped buttons along the front.
His fingers worked slowly, one button at a time.
Just as he was finishing the one near your waist, the bedroom door creaked open.
Yunho‘s and Mingi’s scents drifted into the room immediately. The shift in the air was instant, the familiar presence of his pack easing something naturally wound tight in Hongjoong’s chest. His shoulders loosened a bunch, though his body still hovered protectively near yours.
You only blinked faintly at the movement near the door, lids all heavy.
The two alphas stepped inside quietly, careful not to disturb the fragile calm that had settled over the room.
“…Hyung?”
Yunho’s voice was soft, almost velvet-like in the quiet space.
He moved a little closer to the bed, one large hand resting lightly on the corner of the mattress as his gaze settled onto you. You were half-sitting in the middle of the bed, partly beneath the duvet, Hongjoong’s scent wrapped thick around you as your cheek rested against his bicep, too tired to do otherwise.
The younger alpha’s eyes flickered briefly toward their leader, watching the last careful movement of his fingers as he smoothed the fabric of your pretty pajamas. Hongjoong’s scent still filled the room, protective and steady.
But beneath it, there was barely any trace of you.
“…We’re just about to go to bed…” Hongjoong said after a moment, voice quiet but steady as he glanced toward them. His hand kept moving slowly up and down your side, a gentle, absentminded motion meant to reassure both you and himself.
“...You need something?”
Yunho shook his head softly.
“No, hyung.” His gaze lingered on you, eyes warm and a little worried as he took in your half-lidded stare and the way you leaned into the alpha’s touch. “We just wanted to check on you both, is all.”
Behind him, Mingi had already started moving around the room quietly. He gathered the clothes Hongjoong had taken off you earlier, folding them loosely over one arm before picking up the bundle that had been discarded beside the pink suitcase.
“I’ll go throw these in the wash.” He murmured, more to keep the quiet away rather than because anyone needed to hear it. The room settled again after that, cool and dim.
Yunho’s eyes drifted back to Hongjoong, noticing the faint tension still sitting in his shoulders.
“…hyung,” he said gently after a moment.
“Do you want to go wash up first?”
The pack alpha blinked at him, like the thought hadn’t even crossed his mind yet. The other alpha gestured faintly toward the door through which Mingi had slipped just seconds ago.
“Or I can go instead if you’d rather stay...?”
For a second Hongjoong didn’t answer.
He just looked down at you again, sighing softly. Your cheek rested against his chest now, lashes heavy, your breathing slow but uneven in that fragile way that told them sleep wasn’t coming easily tonight.
The pack alpha swallowed.
If you were asleep now there was a bigger chance he would be here to help when you awoke later, right?
Then, quietly, he spoke:
“…Actually.”
The word came out softer than he expected. He dragged a tired hand down his face, the motion brief but revealing more exhaustion than he’d probably meant to show.
“I might… take a quick shower now.”
His voice stayed gentle, but there was a thin edge of weariness there now, the kind that came from an entire day of holding himself together for someone else. Hongjoong leaned down slightly, brushing his nose softly through your hair before looking back up at Yunho.
“Could you stay with her for a minute?” he asked quietly.
“I won’t be long. I promise.”
Yunho’s answer came immediately.
“Of course, hyung.”
There wasn’t even a hint of hesitation in his voice. Sometimes the leader forgot they cared about you just as much as he did.
Carefully, the younger man stepped closer to the bed. His movements were slow and deliberate as he leaned down and gently slid his arms beneath you.
“Hey there, sweetheart…” he murmured softly, trying to make you not startle.
Still, the moment Hongjoong’s arms began to withdraw, a faint, unhappy sound slipped from your throat. Yunho’s heart panged instantly.
“I know, I know,” he cooed quietly, voice warm and soothing as he drew you against his chest. “It’s okay, angel. Hyung’s just going to wash up for a second.”
Your nose instinctively brushed against his neck as he settled you into his hold. The moment you caught his scent, your body visibly relaxed, eyes closing shut.
The tension left your shoulders almost instantly, your weight slumping softly against him.
“…there you go,” Yunho whispered.
He shifted carefully until his back rested against the tall headboard, pillows bunching behind him as he half-sat, half-slumped into the foreign bed. With one arm around your back and the other gently guiding the duvet, he tucked you securely beneath the covers.
Your ear settled right over his heartbeat.
Hongjoong moved beside him, helping pull the duvet higher around you both before smoothing the blanket near your shoulder. Yunho’s hand began moving slowly through your hair, fingers gentle as they brushed over your scalp.
“Shh… that’s it,” he murmured softly.
Your arm stayed limp where it rested against his chest, your breathing gradually evening out to the steady rhythm beneath your ear.
The pack alpha watched the two of you for a moment, the tightness in his chest easing just slightly. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to your forehead.
“I’ll be right back, baby.” He whispered quietly. You didn’t respond.
Hongjoong straightened, moving quietly toward his bag. He rummaged through it quickly before pulling out a pair of soft pyjama pants and a clean shirt.
The leader hesitated for only a second longer before heading for the door.
When his younger pack member gave another reassuring nod, the pack alpha finally slipped out into the hallway, leaving the door open just enough as he disappeared toward the bathroom. He only shuffled slightly when a dull ache started creeping into his neck, trying his best not to move you.
Ive been loving your new fic! Do you know when youll post again?? I love the hurt comfort!! Cant wait to read more whenever you are ready!!
Thank you so much for your support 🩷 I am planning on releasing the next chapter sometime this week! Unfortunately I have not been able to edit and post it yesterday, as I've been busy with other schoolwork I couldn't put off.
Thank you again, and please take care of yourself 🫶
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Warnings: difficulty with food, stalking, swearing
A/N: There will unfortunately be no update on 5/4/2026, as I'm swarmed with schoolwork, please forgive me. Hopefully I'll be able to update by next week. Please take care of yourself.
When Hongjoong stepped fully back into the dim hush of the living room, for a split second he just looked at his pack.
Steady warmth still surrounded the nest, and all was peaceful and calm.
He felt his chest ache at the thought of breaking it apart.
He stood still, watching you - curled small between Yunho and San, face fully settled for what felt like the first time all day. Your cheeks were warm, your lashes casting dark shadows - your expression was finally - finally - at rest. No tension, no fear lingering in the lines. Just soft, quiet sleep. And he was about to rip it away.
Was it some cruel curse cast upon him?
He knelt down by the edge of the blankets, the fabric shifting under his weight, and gently gripped Seonghwa’s shoulder just a little firmer than usual.
“Hyung,” he murmured quietly.
“Wake up.”
Seonghwa’s eyes burst open almost instantly. The oldest blinked away his sleepiness in seconds, and by the time he took one look at Hongjoong’s face, he was already sitting up.
“What happened?”
Hongjoong didn’t answer yet, worrying his lip between his teeth as he bent over the rest of his packmates. He reached across and tapped Jongho’s arm, moving Yeosang's thigh next.
“Guys. Wake up.”
The youngest inhaled sharply, eyes already scanning the room before he was even fully awake. Yunho blinked blearily and tightened his hold around you protectively, his forearm coming up to cradle the back of your head closer to his neck. Mingi pushed himself up on one elbow, hair a mess, eyes narrowing in concern.
“…hyung?”
“Everyone, you need to wake up,” Hongjoong said quietly but firmly.
“Now.”
At his tone, everyone was alert soon after, blinking away any remaining sleep. Yunho shifted carefully so he didn’t jostle you too much as he too lifted himself on an elbow.
“What’s going on?” he asked, his voice low.
Hongjoong kept his voice steady as he breathed out.
“They posted everything.”
A beat of silence followed.
“Everything?” San asked, that thin line of hope quick to disappear at the remorseful look the older one shot him.
“Yeah. Photos of the building, our unit number… It’s already circulating on X, Pann, Instiz- We need to leave. It’s not safe here anymore.”
The air changed immediately.
Wooyoung swore under his breath and started to stand fully, scent spiking sharply with anger as he brushed a pillow away with his ankle. His leader reached out fast, gripping his wrist before he could step away.
“Don’t,” he said quietly but firmly.
“Calm down, Woo-ah.”
The younger’s jaw tightened. “Hyung-”
“Your scent,” Hongjoong cut in softly.
“You’ll freak her out, and we need her as calm as possible. We cannot have her drop on us right now.”
That sobered him quickly, the alpha forced a slow breath, nodding stiffly, hand running through his hair as anxiousness beat at his ribs.
And, in the very middle of the nest, you stirred.
It was the sudden shift in the room - the tension - that pulled you from that tender rest. Your eyes blinked open sluggishly, unfocused and heavy as your fingers tightened on Yunho’s shirt. When the alpha looked down, he sucked in a breath, eyes closing for a moment to gather his thoughts.
You looked small. Confused, your cheeks still sleep-warm and soft in the dim light-
“Oppa…?” You mumbled, pouty as your head turned slightly toward the rest of your mates.
Every single one of the alphas' heads turned toward you at once.
Hongjoong moved hastily, kneeling in front of you so you saw him first, calming his breathing.
“I’m so sorry, babygirl,” he said gently, brushing your hair back from your face.
“I know you’re sleepy, I know...”
Your brows knit faintly when you felt the pack alpha's kind hands start and move the warm blankets off of you.
“What…?”
“The photos were posted,” he explained softly. “So we need to go to the company for a little while, okay?”
Your eyes blinked again, slower this time as your brain tried to catch up.
“Go… now?”
“Yes, honey,” he murmured, hands quick under your arms as he pulled you up carefully to sit properly.
“Cars will be here in about fifteen minutes. I need you to get up f’ me, alright? Just for a tiny bit. Alphas will take care of everything else, I promise.”
You looked around at the others, still half-lost in sleep. Yeosang nodded reassuringly when your eyes met his, coming up to stand with a reassuring smile.
“Just a small trip, angel, then we go back to bed.”
The pack alpha stood, turning back to the group.
“Fifteen minutes,” he repeated voice far sharper now. “Essentials only. IDs, wallets, phones, chargers, some clothes...”
Mingi quickly straightened.
“Jongho and I already packed some stuff earlier. Her suitcase is ready.”
Hongjoong exhaled sharply in relief. “Good. Thank you.”
Seonghwa was already moving past the nest. “I’ll grab her documents and medicine.”
San nodded and headed toward his room. Yunho moved to gather his phone and wallet after he helped you prop up against the maknae instead. Wooyoung disappeared down the hallway, muttering swear words under his breath but keeping his scent clean not to alert you.
The apartment shifted from serene sleep to haste urgency in seconds.
You were sitting upright now, but your hands were starting to tremble as awareness crept in.
Were you all moving?
Did you need to leave everything behind?
What about school today?
Before your mind could spiral any further, Jongho knelt in front of you, taking your hands gently, having smelt your scent souring.
“Everything’s gonna be okay ‘mega.”
“We’re right here, princess,” Mingi added softly, brushing your shoulder.
“As long as we’re here, nothing happens to you.”
Still, your breathing wobbled, your eyes turning glossy. Mingi glanced at Jongho, then nodded toward your room, the other man agreeing silently.
“Let’s get dressed first, yeah? You’ll get cold like this baby.”
You looked down at your short pajama set like you were only just noticing it. They always kept you warm during nighttime. But outside it was freezing, and a soft, thin cotton pair of shorts and a top wouldn’t keep the chill away.
And so, they guided you gently to your feet, steady and supportive, before you found your footing on the wobbly mess of softness beneath you.
Once you finally made it to your room, Jongho moved quickly but carefully, pulling open your closet and one of the large drawers further down. He grabbed a pair of soft sweatpants you liked, the loose, plush ones that never itched. The older alpha took you to sit down on your bed, eyes kind.
“Arms up f’ me, baby,” Mingi murmured gently as he helped you slide out of your little pajama top, changing it for a warmer long sleeve. They helped you step into the sweatpants, tugging them up carefully so you didn’t trip accidentally. Jongho pulled a random hoodie from off your chair - black, oversized, with an embroidered logo.
“Here,” he said softly.
They guided your arms into the sleeves, pulling them down over your head. The fabric swallowed you, warm and faintly scented like Hongjoong. You clutched at the hem instinctively.
Mingi smoothed your hair back. “There we go, good girl.”
Your eyes were so big now, sleep and fear mixing together as your hands found the younger’s sleeve.
“Are we in trouble?” You asked quietly.
Jongho’s expression softened immediately.
“No, baby, no.”
“We are just being careful,” Mingi added, thumb rubbing a slow circle into your shoulder.
“That’s all.”
From the hallway, Hongjoong’s voice floated in, steady and controlled.
“Five minutes, everyone...!”
The soft cotton of the alpha’s hoodie was still bunched in your fists when there was a light knock on the doorframe. San stepped in, already dressed in his heavy, black coat, hair hastily pushed back, and a duffel bag slung across his shoulder. His eyes went straight to your face once he passed the opened door.
They softened moments later.
“Hey,” he said gently, crouching a little so he was closer to your level.
“Do you want to take anything else, my baby?”
He unzipped the duffel slightly, showing you the contents at the top. He didn’t mention all the clothes beneath.
“I got your phone…headphones, charger…your sketchbook, pencil case..." He offered a small, hopeful smile. “All the important stuff but-”
You stared at him as his hand brushed past the items he listed, brows furrowing when he thought of anything else that was too important to leave behind.
For how long would you be away from the home anyway?
When he looked back at you, your bottom lip was trembling.
And before any of them could brace for it, you were already leaning forward and wrapping your arms around his waist tightly.
“I don’t wanna go, o-ppa,” you whimpered into his chest. The sound shattered something in him.
San dropped the duffel immediately to hold you properly, one arm wrapping around your shoulders, the other cradling the back of your head, fingers entangling between your messy, sleep-ridden hair.
“I know,” he breathed, leaning down to peck the crown of your head.
“I know, my sweetest angel.”
Your fingers fisted into his shirt, tears soaking through the fabric as they finally spilled over.
"Don't wa-nna go, oppa,” you repeated, voice small and cracking, your big, wet eyes finding his, trying to make him understand - but he already did.
The alpha pulled you closer to his heart.
Mingi moved to both of you instantly, hand coming up to rub slow circles into your back, his own calming scent drifting around you. Jongho shifted to your other side as well, steady and grounding.
“Shhh, baby,” Mingi murmured softly.
“Hush now, my princess.”
“We gotta keep you safe,” Jongho added, voice low and even.
“We can’t stay here right now, baby.”
Your breathing started to hitch, quiet sobs sounding in the room.
“What about all of our things? Are we l-leaving everything?” You asked between quiet sobs, pearly eyes glancing towards the painted rocks still lying by your desk.
“No, no,” San answered immediately, pulling back just enough to look at you. His thumbs wiped gently at your cheeks.
“No, sweetheart. We’re not leaving anything behind.”
“If there is something you forget,” Mingi promised, “we’ll send someone. Don’t worry about a thing.”
Jongho nodded firmly.
But, even then you shook your head weakly, overwhelmed.
From the hallway, footsteps approached quickly. Seonghwa appeared in the doorway, already dressed, his expression crumpling the second he saw your tear-streaked face.
“Aigoo… babygirl,” he sighed softly. He crossed the room in two steps and crouched in front of you, brushing your damp hair back from your cheeks, palms cradling your face.
“Come ‘ere,” he cooed gently. San helped guide you into Seonghwa’s arms, and the oldest gathered you close, one hand rubbing slowly up and down your back.
“It’s okay darling,” he murmured.
“We’ll all be together the whole time...”
They had so little to comfort you with, and their words seemed of small value to your heavy mind. You clung to him, sniffing softly, hands lacing with his, as your nose tucked under his chin.
He let you, closing his eyes for just a minute.
“We have to go now,” Seonghwa said carefully after a moment, his voice still warm.
“Cars are here.”
From the living room, Hongjoong’s voice carried faintly. He spoke in a calm, controlled manner into the phone again. Most of the others were already at the entrance, slipping on shoes and lifting bags when they spotted you slowly shuffling toward them as well.
When you saw it properly - the line of suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks lining the outside hallway - your breath stuttered again. You made a small, distressed sound, head turning to look for your closest mate for comfort automatically.
“Shhh,” San soothed immediately, stepping in close again.
“It’s all alright, cub.”
What a liar he was.
Seonghwa knelt in front of you without hesitation, his mind set on distracting you from what felt like impending doom.
“Foot up, baby,” he said softly. When you did as he said, he helped you into your shoes carefully, tying them snugly so they wouldn’t slip. His hands were steady despite the tension in the air.
Your own shook like leaves.
San stepped forward the moment both your feet were firmly on the ground, arms outstretched with your winter jacket - the thick, baby pink one with the cream-colored fluffy lining.
“Arms,” he said gently.
You obeyed automatically, still sniffling, and he helped you into it, zipping it all the way up and adjusting the hood so you were truly warm, pulling it over your head. Mingi leaned down and pressed a soft kiss onto your forehead, shuffling his own jacket on hastily.
“Good girl,” he whispered again, like some kind of mantra that would keep you from falling apart on them.
Seonghwa stood up soon after and took your hand firmly in his. But before leading you out, but soon he leaned down slightly, scenting you in a slow, grounding inhale near your temple, meant only to calm your nerves.
“Let’s go, darling,” he said quietly, cooing when you whimpered in response. The cold hallway air brushed your cheeks, and for a moment you watched Yunho kneeling by one of the backpacks. To your left, Yeosang was already ahead, hauling two suitcases, the light pink one unmistakably yours.
He glanced back at you immediately, smiling calmly.
You and the eldest followed soon after, a dark green duffel slung over his shoulder, his other hand holding yours tightly as he slowly led you to the other alpha, already waiting by the large, metal door.
And so, once inside the elevator, you stayed tucked between Seonghwa and San, Yeosang standing close in front, blocking most of the open space from your view. The rest of the alphas were still trailing behind.
Your rushing thoughts were broken by the older one's voice.
“It’s like a secret mission, baby,” San tried gently, nudging your shoulder, a small spark in his eyes.
You didn’t smile, your forehead leaning onto his arm in response instead.
His heart clenched.
Yeosang reached back and squeezed your shoulder, sighing softly. Your eyes were all glossy by the time the elevator doors finally slid open with a ding that felt too loud, familiar fear sitting heavy in your chest.
When the chilly air of the underground garage greeted you all, the two dark minivans were already parked near the exit, engines running. Seonghwa tightened his hold on your hand and gently guided you forward.
“It’s okay darling,” he repeated softly.
“Let’s go sit down now, hm?”
You didn’t reply.
San stayed close at your back, one hand hovering near your waist as if afraid you might disappear if he didn’t keep you within sight. Yeosang walked slightly ahead, the two suitcases firm in one hand as the wheels rolled on the pavement.
One of the staff members - the designated driver for the night, or was it the morning? - hurried around from the front of the first van when he saw you all approaching.
“Good morning,” he greeted quietly, bowing his head respectfully to the alphas despite the urgency, making sure his eyes didn’t stray to you for too long.
His expression was serious but calm, and the older man was obviously wearing scent blockers. You had no clue what his second gender was, and so you just stuck closer to your mate’s side.
“We’ll leave as soon as you’re ready.” He said as he moved to the back, popping open the trunk. Seonghwa gave the others a quick look.
“I’ll go sit with her,” he murmured under his breath, already shifting direction, his other arm going up to turn your shoulder smoothly. He lowered his dark green luggage near the other packmates without ceremony and led you toward the sliding side door next to you.
The door glided open with a soft mechanical sound. The older man bent, his arm quick to find the latch under a seat to move it to the side and give you access to the back.
“Up you go, my darling,” he said gently, arms quick to lift you by your waist to the edge of the closest seat, quick to climb up behind you. Your eyes burned as you took in the odd scent surrounding the van - you were so used to their cars taking you, the sharper, clean leather scent did nothing to calm you down.
Behind you, more footsteps echoed as the rest of the pack filtered into the garage - Jongho and Mingi carried additional bags, Yunho had a backpack slung over one shoulder, Hongjoong was still on his phone but scanned the area constantly. Wooyoung trailed close behind him, eyes just as sharp.
"Here, honey.” Seonghwa hummed as he reached for the seatbelt, carefully pulling it over your chest before it clicked in the lock. You shifted anxiously, a small whimper slipping out when the unfamiliar scent of the vehicle wrapped around you further.
He unwound his scarf without hesitation and tucked it carefully around your neck, adjusting it so it sat all snug and warm.
“Aish…” he muttered softly under his breath.
“We forgot yours.”
His hand smoothed over your hair apologetically, and he leaned low to peck your forehead. A moment later, Hongjoong’s head appeared through the open door to the side, reaching around the seat in the back to see you both better.
“Everything okay?” he asked softly, his voice entirely different than it had been on the phone minutes ago.
When you didn’t respond, eyes closed from sleepiness mixed with horror, and your nose just tucked further into the scented fabric, he sighed.
Seonghwa gave him a small nod in reassurance instead, knuckles grazing your arm kindly.
“She’s being such a brave girl.”
It made Hongjoong’s expression soften even more.
“Yeah. She is.”
He murmured quietly, utterly heartbroken, before stepping out of the vehicle for a brief moment to exchange a few final words with the driver. Just then, Wooyoung climbed in and slid into the seat beside you, careful not to jostle you. The oldest alpha remained on your other side, helping your other mate put the angled seat back to how it had belonged previously. Each motion was so careful, like you might shatter if they weren’t careful enough. Hongjoong sat by the driver who joined you all soon enough, and Yeosang was the last one to go in the same car as you.
The rest of your mates were already piling in the other vehicle, and when San waved at you and Wooyoung tried to get you to wave back, you just whimpered, tucking into yourself further. The alpha’s expression faltered, but he reached across as far as he could anyway, clasping your hand in a firm, grounding squeeze.
Soon the van rumbled to life and set in motion.
City lights streaked across the glass in blurred lines of orange and white, the world still dark and asleep. The van stayed quiet except for the low rumble of the engine and the occasional murmur from the second vehicle over the radio. Hongjoong spoke about something with the driver at the very front, voice tight and tense, but his words were too far away for you to make out.
For a minute or two your eyes closed, but you never knew how to properly sleep while sitting up, and so you were left anxious and sleepy all the same.
You felt hollow.
The drive to the company passed in a blur. After a few beats you stopped sniffling, but much to their despair your eyes stayed just as glossy, just too far away to reach and so distant.
When Seonghwa tried to break you out of the spell it didn’t work, none of their soft words helping at all. In the end they stuck to talking to you tenderly, even if you barely responded, your scent harsh and unsettled, so much so it was impossible to ignore.
He shifted slightly closer, tracing slow strokes along your arm.
“Hey,” he murmured, voice soft.
“We’re nearly there, darling.”
Wooyoung leaned in, his voice quiet but bright in a way that was so clearly forced even to his own ears.
“How about this,” he suggested gently.
“When we get to the studio, you make us a little nest. Just a small one, doesn't have to be big. Does that sound nice?”
Your lashes fluttered faintly, but your eyes stayed closed.
They knew you loved to nest.
It was their ultimate tactic at bringing you comfort when nothing else worked.
“We brought some blankets,” Seonghwa added, voice soft.
“Yeosangie even packed the pink fluffy one you like, hm?”
Wooyoung nodded eagerly beside you, not letting his scent sour when they got barely a whine in response.
“Yeah. We can cuddle as much as you want baby.”
As much as you wanted, or at least until the morning where the real chaos would begin.
But no matter their musings and gentle touches, your scent in the enclosed space stayed just as sharp, anxious, unsettled, and thin in a way that made every alpha in the vehicle feel like something inside them was splintering.
Seonghwa leaned closer as much as he could, brushing his nose gently into your hair, scenting you slowly.
“Not much longer now my darling,” he whispered even if it did nothing to help. “Hold on just a few more minutes baby.”
The younger alpha pressed his forehead lightly to your shoulder when your fingers tightened on his, breathing out through his nose.
And so, when the godforsaken van had barely come to a full stop, the door was already slid open and the cold night air spilled inside the closed space bruising your cheeks.
For a split second you hadn’t seemed to register the motion stopping at all.
Still, the oldest alpha leaned across you quickly, his fingers caringly gentle as he unclicked your seatbelt with practiced ease. The soft sound felt too loud in the quiet garage, but before you could even so much as flinch, he had already pulled you into his chest, arms cradling you close.
Seonghwa scented you slowly. Thoroughly. Chin grazing over your temples and neck over and over while his hand cradled the back of your head carefully.
“Oh, honey...” He murmured into your temple. He despised how usual it has become over the past few days for you to break apart.
His soul was in pieces.
A fragile sound escaped your lips - barely a whisper if anything - when your eyes finally opened after what felt like an eternity.
Oh, but he was going to start crying himself if this would go on any longer.
Outside, the other van had since parked, and Yeosang and Wooyoung hurriedly adjusted the seats to make space for the three of you to get out. The oldest guided you toward the door with strong, careful hands before you even realised it.
San was already waiting, molars grinding in barely contained worry.
The minute your shoe-clad foot touched the van’s edge, he stepped closer and gathered you up against his chest, one arm sliding under your knees, the other strong and secure across your back, rubbing your side. The movement had been steady and practiced, shielding in a way that made the others exhale softly in relief even if the parking lot was practically empty. You whimpered the second you were lifted, small tears drifting down your cheeks.
You just wanted to go back home.
“Shhh, baby,” San cooed, pulling you closer so your face pressed against the warm column of his neck where his scent was the strongest. So tender when he felt you shake did he speak:
“I’ve got you. Let’s go lie down, okay? Just gonna go inside.”
Your fingers weakly fisted into the collar of his jacket, shaking from anything but the cold. Your breaths puffed up in small clouds that caught your attention, eyes drifting up to follow wherever they disappeared of to.
Seonghwa hovered close just half a second after, watching the way your nose instinctively brushed San’s scent gland with creased brows.
“She loves San’s scent,” he mumbled quietly to Hongjoong who stood next to him just as worried, voice threaded with worry.
“It usually settles her right away…”
The packalpha stepped closer then, his own expression tightening when he saw your eyes so unfocused and glossy, beads of tears gathered along your tear line. The man clicked his tongue softly, the sound gentle but firm, and leaned in close enough that his scent layered over your other mate’s.
“Hey,” he murmured, fingers grazing over your cheek.
“Look at me, sweetheart.”
Your lashes fluttered, but your gaze hadn’t quite found him, making his stomach do an uncomfortable flip. San shifted you subtly then, angling your nose closer to his scent gland.
“Breathe in,” he whispered.
“That’s it. Come on, my baby. Need you to breathe in, nice and proper now.”
But your shoulders stayed too tense, hands shaking just as they had been for the past half an hour, and it really seemed they pushed you too far at that moment.
Seonghwa’s chest tightened visibly.
“She’s barely reacting Joong-ah,” he said under his breath to his younger mate, unable to hide the tremor of concern.
“Even to him.”
Yeosang had moved forward then without a word.
His younger packmember had carefully transferred you into his arms when he was close enough, and you had settled against him as if guided by instinct, your head falling heavily onto his collarbone.
When he adjusted his hold slightly, you had let out a small, distressed whimper.
“Sorry angel,” he had murmured instantly, cooing while pulling you a bit closer.
“I’ve got you. I’ve got you.”
He had unzipped the collar of his jacket just enough to expose more of his neck, subtly guiding your nose there without forcing it, his palm flat against the back of your head.
The moment had been so careful it hurt to watch.
For a long second, nothing had changed.
But then your shoulders sagged, just a little, and that tightness in your neck went down by a pitch. He smelled your scent sweeten, even if not by a lot by some kind of a miracle.
Yeosang had closed his eyes briefly in relief.
“There you are 'mega,” he had whispered, rubbing the back of your head. Hongjoong had exhaled slowly, the tension in his posture easing by a fraction.
“It’s probably best we let her sleep,” he had said quietly.
“Let's just- just get her somewhere warm for now.”
They had all nodded, but the rest of the pack stayed hovering around anxiously. They could handle tears and whimpers, but the minute your mind wandered somewhere far away they couldn’t quite reach was when things started to spiral.
The driver had opened the trunk, and before any of the alphas could start unloading their hastily packed luggage, Hongjoong had spoken up again.
“Take only what we need for today,” he had instructed calmly.
“Leave the rest for now, manager Noh-nim will take care of it.”
Mingi had grabbed a backpack and Yunho had taken a duffel. Wooyoung had slung another bag over his shoulder without complaint, just as Seonghwa had done before him.
Before anyone could say anything else, Yeosang had started his march toward the elevator entrance with you tucked securely in his arms, humming low under his breath - something steady that made his chest rumble in just the softest way. San stayed like glue at his side, one hand constantly petting through your hair, his scent practically drowning you.
Yunho had hovered close behind too, fingers brushing gently over your shoulder whenever your breathing hitched. The lights in the garage were turned on, but it was still dim, and the air smelled faintly of cleaning solution and early morning crisp.
While they waited for the elevator to come by, the alpha had shifted you slightly and opened his collar a tad more, letting your nose press properly against his skin. When your breathing finally really deepened - even if it still wasn’t fully calm, but still less fractured, and a win is a win - his jaw had slackened slightly with relief.
“Good girl, our best, best 'mega,” he had whispered, pecking your forehead repeatedly.
When the elevator doors opened on the fourth floor, the light from the hallway spilled in, far brighter than the dim garage below. Only the first few ceiling lights had been switched on, but it was still way too awake considering the hour.
You whimpered softly, turning your face to bury it into Yeosang’s neck.
“Shhh, shh, sweetheart,” he hushed immediately, tightening his hold and angling his body slightly so he shielded your eyes. His lips brushed your temple. San stepped closer on instinct at your discomfort, his chest pressed to the alpha’s arm as he smoothed his palm through your hair in slow, repetitive strokes.
“Just stay tucked in, you don’t gotta look baby,” he murmured.
Halfway down the corridor, a young beta staff member hurried toward them. She slowed immediately when she saw the way you were curled in your mate’s arms, her expression softening into something respectful.
“Good morning,” she said in a low voice, bowing deeply.
“Manager Noh-nim asked me to take you to the studio.”
Hongjoong returned the bow, equally polite despite the exhaustion lining his face. “Thank you for coming in early.”
“Of course.” Her gaze flicked up briefly.
“The smaller recording studio has been prepared. We’ve opened the windows for a while and adjusted the ventilation system, one of the other staff members is finishing airing it out now, so it should feel better.”
Yeosang adjusted you slightly when your fingers twitched at the unfamiliar voice, and San leaned closer again, pressing his nose briefly to your hairline, scenting you profusely.
She continued speaking gently:
“Manager Noh-nim has just stepped outside to greet the detectives at the main entrance, he said he’ll join you shortly.”
Hongjoong’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly, but his voice remained steady.
“I understand.”
“There will be a first briefing meeting once everyone has gathered,” she added. “We’ll notify you when it’s ready to begin.”
The pack alpha glanced at you and at the way your lashes trembled faintly against your cheeks.
“I’ll stay with my pack for now,” he said.
“Please come get me when it’s time.”
“Yes, of course,” she replied softly.
The beta walked slowly, making sure her shoes barely made a sound on the polished floor as she led them down the familiar corridor and toward the smaller studio.
The room she opened for the pack was modest - it wasn’t their main studio, but one of the secondary recording rooms mainly other producers used. There was a small couch pressed against one wall, dark, covered in suede fabric, clearly meant for two or three at most. A wide carpet covered the center of the room, worn but clean. Beyond the glass partition, the recording booth sat empty, dark and quiet.
The air still carried the faintest trace of cleaning solution and unfamiliar scents that bothered just enough.
“Please let me know if you need anything at all,” the staff member said gently, attempting to be helpful in the horrible situation. Mingi stepped forward slightly at that, voice careful.
“Would it be possible to check if there are any unscented blankets in storage?”
Her eyes flicked behind him in unharmful curiosity, but his shoulder shifted in a way that held you beyond sight.
Her gaze dropped in respect just as quick.
“Of course, I’ll look right away,” she reassured him.
“And I’ll bring some water.”
“Thank you,” Seonghwa replied warmly, bowing low from where he remained just a step behind the younger man.
As soon as the staff member left, the room shifted from polite professionalism to that soft vulnerability you were used to.
Yeosang lowered himself onto the couch first, holding you carefully to his chest still before sliding your coat and shoes off for you. San then slid in beside him, close enough that his thigh pressed against Yeosang’s, one arm wrapping around both of you on the backrest after the alpha put the discarded garments to the side.
You made a small, sleepy sound and buried your face deeper against Yeosang’s collar when your eyes fluttered open a little.
“I know,” he whispered, brushing his lips against your hair.
“New place, huh.”
Jongho soon crossed the room and switched off the remaining overhead lights, leaving only a small lamp glowing in the corner. The shift from ceiling light to lamplight softened the room fast.
“There,” he said quietly, smiling in your direction. “Better.”
Yunho cracked a window for just a moment before adjusting the ventilation panel, trying to cycle out any lingering scents, though it seemed futile. Mingi and Wooyoung carefully pushed a small table further against the wall, opening more of the carpet space.
Seonghwa knelt by the bags and began pulling things out with quiet focus - hoodies, jackets, spare shirts, anything soft was soon gathered on the carpeted floor in a pile. The maknae soon joined him on the ground, reaching through a different bag himself.
Even if they didn’t speak, their intention was obvious.
Hongjoong stood by the thermostat, pressing the buttons with a faint frown. “Why is it still so cold in here?” he muttered to himself, increasing the temperature a few more degrees after Yunho closed the window again.
Behind him, Yeosang tilted his head slightly so he could look at you better.
“Hm…,” he murmured softly, lips grazing your cheek.
“Would you look at that, baby.”
Your eyelids fluttered, too heavy.
“Will you make alphas a pretty nest?”
The alpha asked delicatly, brushing his thumb along your cheekbone to wipe away any remaining wetness.
“Our little ‘mega makes the coziest ones.”
San smiled faintly and leaned closer, nose brushing yours in a gentle caress.
“The softest, prettiest ones. Nobody does it any better.”
“That’s right,” Wooyoung chimed in softly from the floor.
Yeosang carefully shifted you so you were sitting on the couch cushion instead of fully in his lap, angling your body so you could see the softness forming on the carpet.
For a moment, you simply stared at it, blinking.
Then recognition flickered faintly, and your fingers reached out sluggishly toward one of the sleeves of a hoodie after the oldest outstretched toward you, coaxing you closer to the soft space.
“That's it,” Seonghwa encouraged, his voice warm just like his gaze over you--
But the second you noticed Yeosang’s warmth missing properly, you made a distressed little sound and turned, clumsily shimming your way back into his lap, as though the couch had tilted beneath you and was about to swallow you whole.
He gathered you instantly, wrapping both arms around your middle and pressing a kiss to your hair in response to that fear that spiked up within you.
“Okay,” he murmured. “We’ll do it together. That's okay.”
Before the pack could lean down further to try and help, a soft knock sounded and the door opened again. The staff member slipped inside, careful not to widen the door too much before placing several water bottles down, mindful not to walk any further into the fragile space.
“I’m very sorry,” she said quietly.
“I couldn’t find any unscented blankets. Only ones that have been washed with detergent.”
“That’s alright,” Hongjoong replied, eyes polite despite his slight frustration.
“Thank you for checking.”
“If you need anything else, please call,” she added, her voice barely above a whisper, eyes stuck to the ground not to do any further damage. They bowed low in thanks, and she slipped out just as quietly soon.
Yeosang stood up cautiously, still holding you, and lowered himself onto the carpet this time along with you, settling onto the edge of the carpet with you tucked safe between his legs.
San leaned forward, helping arrange the jackets into a softer mound while Yunho added the fuzzy throw over the top. Mingi placed his own coat down without hesitation, making sure to turn it over so that the hard buttons wouldn't ache anyone. Jongho folded a hoodie to use as a makeshift pillow. The quiet alpha then guided you down slowly, letting your head rest against his arm while his body curved protectively around your back.
You hesitated again when your cheek touched the unfamiliar fabric of the carpet accidentally, your shoulder tensing slightly.
San immediately laid down in front of you, his forehead almost touching yours as he tried and set a good example.
That usually worked aswell.
“I know,” he whispered. “Alphas are here, baby.”
Wooyoung curled near your legs, draping his own coat over your knees. The maknae settled at your other side, one arm braced protectively near your back. Yunho and Mingi settled against the couch, knees pressed to the edge of the nest, their long limbs far too big for the small space. Seonghwa lowered himself to sit nearby, close enough to smooth your hair whenever your breathing hitched.
Hongjoong crouched beside you for a moment longer before standing tall.
“Lay down proper, baby,” Yeosang coaxed softly, tucking the layered jackets more securely around you.
“Let's just close our eyes for a minute...”
You whimpered again, all small and uncertain.
“It’s like camping,” Wooyoung whispered with a faint smile.
“Indoor camping.”
But you didn't want to indoor camp, you just wanted to go back home, back to your real nest, back where they would keep you safe. Did they not understand?
You didn’t have the strength to quite smile back, but your hand laced with his when he reached closer.
It was too soon when Hongjoong’s phone vibrated softly in his pocket. He stepped away to answer it near the door, speaking in low, controlled tones. When he returned, his expression was composed and calm, as if nothing could disturb him at this point.
“I’ll go to the first meeting now,” he said quietly, eyes meeting the other alphas. Seonghwa immediately pushed himself up to stand.
“I’ll come with you, I’m not tired.”
Liar.
Hongjoong nodded, smiling a little. Soon, they both crouched beside you.
Seonghwa brushed your hair back, leaning down to press a lingering kiss to your forehead. He inhaled deeply, his scent sticking to your skin.
“Sleep now, ‘mega.”
Hongjoong cupped your cheek briefly, thumb stroking once beneath your eye, lips brushing the tip of your nose sweetly.
“If anything feels wrong,” he told the others, voice quiet but dead serious, “come get us immediately.”
The rest of the pack nodded solemny.
The door closed quietly behind them after they slipped out, their movements mindful to not alert you any further of their impending absence. Then Jongho reached over and switched off even the small lamp, plunging the studio into near darkness, only the faint glow from the equipment panel and the thin line of light beneath the door remaining.
Every time your breathing evened out, it would catch again. Every time your body softened, it would tense once more. Small whimpers slipped out of you before you could stop them, so fragile and confused.
The entire rest of the night felt wrong.
Not catastrophic - not enough to send anyone scrambling to call Hongjoong or Seonghwa back - but wrong in that subtle, aching way that left all of them strung tight.
The room was unfamiliar.
The air hummed differently.
The couch loomed too close.
The nest was smaller than it should have been.
Yes, the alphas kept you tucked in close how they usually did, hushing every shaky breath and distress, but no matter how softly they whispered or how tightly they held you, you found it impossible to fully settle.
Time dragged on.
Whenever your breathing began to slow, when it seemed like sleep might finally take you, your fingers would twitch or your shoulders would jerk. You whimpered again, small and uncertain, your hand curling into San’s sleeve as if testing whether he was still there.
His hand was fast to hold yours then.
“I’m here, honey,” San whispered without hesitation, pressing his forehead lightly to yours, lips ghosting over it next.
“Shh… Don’t cry baby, I’ve got you. I’m right here…”
Wooyoung inched closer to your legs, brushing his thumb back and forth over your ankle in slow, repetitive strokes as he curled up in a tighter barrier around you.
“Rest that pretty mind for me, you’ve done enough thinking tonight, petal.”
Your lashes fluttered. Your breathing slowed - almost.
For a few fragile seconds, it seemed like you might really drift off.
But then your body jerked faintly, a tremor running through you as though your thoughts had stumbled over something unseen. A soft, distressed sound left you before you could swallow it down, fear clouding your usually sweet scent.
Yeosang was there to hold you then.
His arm tightened around your middle, firm but careful, pulling you flush against his chest. His other hand cradled the back of your head, guiding your face into the crook of his neck where his scent was the warmest, making sure to turn your spine slowly so you wouldn’t hurt yourself.
“No,” he murmured, lips brushing your hair.
“No, baby. Don’t be scared. We won’t let a thing happen to you again, not a single thing. Shhh…”
He pressed a slow kiss to your temple, breathing you in as though anchoring himself as much as you.
What have they done to deserve this? To have their smallest mate all afraid even when under their care?
Mingi leaned forward from where he sat propped against the couch, exhaustion in his posture but warmth in his voice, always there for you.
“It’s still nighttime," he would remind you gently. “We’re supposed to be sleeping right now, yeah?”
His hand reached down to smooth once over your shin through the coat covering you. Yunho, back pressed against the couch as well, thigh next to his pack member, continued rubbing slow circles into your shoulder without pause. He hadn’t stopped once since you finally lay down. His voice came low and steady from above you.
“Everyone’s resting. Let’s rest too, baby.”
San’s fingers slid down to lace gently with yours, squeezing once. Jongho, who had been silent near your other side, eyes deep-set with worry, reached over and brushed his knuckles lightly over your forearm-once, twice - and then left his hand there, a quiet reminder of his presence.
It took nearly an hour before your body finally gave in to exhaustion.
Your breathing evened out for longer than a few seconds.
Then longer.
Then longer still.
Yeosang froze when he felt it - that subtle shift from restless to truly sleeping in the way you slumped against his chest when the rest of your previous tension gave out and dissapeared.
He didn’t dare move.
When a full minute passed without a hitch in your breathing, they exchanged small, cautious glances in the dark.
Relief came quietly - San’s shoulders sagged just a fraction, Mingi leaned his head back against the couch and closed his eyes for the first time, and Jongho exhaled slowly through his nose.
Eventually, sleep pulled at Yeosang too, now that he knew you were safely resting for the rest of the night, as he hoped.
His breathing deepened, though his arm never loosened around you, holding you just as close as before. San drifted off next. Wooyoung’s head dipped forward against the edge of the nest, his body folded over in a way that would leave his muscles all achey when he woke.
Only Yunho, Mingi, and Jongho remained blinking awake in the dark, bodies uncomfortable from the cramped space but too wary to adjust.
It was impossible to tell how much time had passed when the barely-there knock finally came.
Yunho’s shoulders tightened up first.
Mingi’s head lifted from where it had been resting back against the couch.
Jongho’s gaze snapped toward the door in an instant.
For a second, they all held their breath - but you remained undisturbed, breathing still just as slow and even.
The door opened only a fraction, controlled carefully so it wouldn’t creak or let the brighter hallway light spill too far inside. A thin blade of pale light cut across the floor before stopping. Seonghwa slipped in sideways, one hand still on the handle to guide it closed behind him with quiet precision.
His eyes searched the dim room in a rush, scanning over the couch, the carpet, the shape of bodies gathered too closely together - until they found you.
Curled up small in the middle of the nest, your face remained softened in sleep. No tremor in your shoulders now. No restless twitch of your hands.
The relief that crossed his face came quick, his posture loosening by degrees, the tension he’d been carrying since he left easing out of his shoulders.
He stepped further in, careful of where his shoes touched the floor. His mouth opened slightly-
Yunho’s free hand lifted firmly.
Finger pressed to his own lips, eyes sharp despite the exhaustion carved into them. The other hand never stopped its slow, automatic motion against your shoulder - steady circles, over and over, as if afraid that stopping even once might undo the fragile peace you had finally seemed to find.
Don’t.
Seonghwa froze mid-step, expression softening into a small, apologetic smile. He dipped his head in acknowledgment, silently promising he wouldn’t make a sound, as he reached for his phone instead.
He dimmed the brightness all the way down before typing, thumbs moving quickly but carefully. A second later, the quiet vibration of notifications pulsed through the room, softened by layers of fabric and hands that caught their phones quickly before the sound could travel any further.
Mingi shifted just enough to grab his, shielding the screen with his palm. Jongho followed, angling his body away from the nest so the faint glow wouldn’t reach your face. Yunho waited, your breathing remaining undisturbed, before glancing down at his packmember’s screen.
Seonghwa had sent a text to their ATEEZ group chat - the one they strictly used for band-related issues only and frequented far less than the chat they had with you.
The only light in the room now came from the dim glow of their screens, reflecting faintly in their tired eyes. They read in silence, taking in every word slowly.
When they reached the end, they exchanged brief looks, sighing softly.
It would do.
Seonghwa watched them, searching their expressions for dissent, for doubt. When none arose, he shifted slightly, tilting his head in silent question.
With slow, deliberate movements, the maknae untangled himself from where he had been sitting against the wall. He adjusted his hoodie and stepped carefully over the edge of the nest, mindful not to disturb even the air around you.
Mingi followed, stretching his stiff legs with the smallest grimace before stepping away just as quietly. Yunho stayed sitting, his hand remaining on your shoulder, continuing its steady motion, thumb brushing small arcs into the fabric covering you.
Seonghwa met his eyes and mouthed softly, ‘You sure?’
The alpha looked down at you first, then nodded resolutely.
Seonghwa’s expression softened in gratitude, affection, and maybe even quiet pride before he stepped backward toward the door. The two alphas slipped out ahead of him, their movements nearly soundless. The oldest packmember lingered half a second longer, eyes resting on you one more time, before he eased the door closed, the room shrouding itself back into darkness.
Eventually, despite himself, his own eyes drifted shut.
It wasn’t real sleep, only shallow, fractured minutes at a time that made him more tired if anything. Every shift in the building’s noise pulled him back to awareness instantly, his gaze snapping down to check on you, on his packmembers, ever protective even in exhaustion.
When the morning came, it felt far too soon.
You barely registered them waking you up - when Mingi slipped back in sometime earlier, the hallway outside was already louder. Voices carried faintly through the soundproofing, hurried footsteps echoing down the corridor as more nervous, stressed-out staff arrived.
The posting of the photos online seemed to have swept a wave of agitation across the entire company.
When the alpha quietly stepped in, he showed his phone screen to both San and Yunho, the alphas already awake, though they stayed in their spots, keeping you close.
It was already a few minutes past six, and there was no other option but to wake you up again.
Yunho’s jaw tightened faintly. He sighed softly, clearly wanting to let you sleep longer, to grant you just a little more peace, but he nodded in understanding and shuffled up to stand taller.
Together, the three of them began the delicate task of waking you.
San leaned closer first, brushing his nose lightly against your temple. “Baby,” he murmured softly, fingers brushing away the stray hairs off your forehead. His voice was too deep in the cold air of the foreign room.
“Wake up...”
Your eyes fluttered open only halfway before slipping shut again, and you burrowed further into Yeosang’s chest soon after, the older alpha’s eyes slowly blinking awake at the commotion.
Mingi reached for the water bottle near the wall and passed it to San, who guided you gently upright, one arm wrapped securely around you when you swayed with sleep. He cracked the lid open and pressed the bottle to your lips.
“Go on, baby,” he coaxed gently. “Drink up.”
You took a small sip, already leaning to move away and go back to sleep, but his hand on the back of your head stopped you before you could move any further.
“No, honey,” he murmured, tipping it slightly again. “Have some more, please…there you go.”
You drank a little more this time, blinking slowly as the cool water refreshed you, waking up to the coldness in your throat. Yunho praised you softly, and when your tired eyes met his, he leaned over to smooch your forehead quickly.
Mingi crouched in front of you next, offering you an exaggerated smile.
“Some staff are bringing breakfast over soon, and I heard there are croissants," he continued playfully, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “Hongjoong-ie hyung specifically asked for one with almond filling inside. I wonder who that could be for?”
He ruffled your hair, standing up and stretching with an exhausted sigh.
By the time you were on your feet, you felt much more awake but still tired and dazed by what all has been happening these past few days. Once Yunho, on whose chest you were currently leaning on unceremoniously, noticed then that you had shrugged off your hoodie sometime during the night, he reached down, picked up another soft sweater from the pile, and pulled it carefully over your head, adjusting the sleeves so your hands were covered.
“There,” he said softly. “Much better.”
Soon enough the alpha lead you over through the door to the much louder hallway. He didn’t care one bit that staff were already hurrying through the hallway, only bowing respectfully in greeting. No matter who passed by, he kept you tucked against his side, cooing softly when you blinked at the brightness and petting your side kindly.
When he pushed open the restroom door and you noticed the sign, your steps hesitated, your hand tugging on his sleeve, making him lean low to hear your shushed whispers.
“It’s the male one, oppa…” you protested weakly.
Yunho just chuckled softly, brushing your hair back from your face.
“I won’t let anyone come in, baby.“ The alpha hummed reassuringly.
“Promise.”
Washing your face only aided in being more aware, and when San, Wooyoung, and Yeosang slipped in shortly after, each grabbing toothbrushes from a small toiletry bag the older brought, you were already brushing your teeth. The bathroom was filled with the quiet, mundane sounds of morning you were used to, yet the environment felt different and sparked discomfort within you.
You stayed at their side, staring sleepily at your reflection while San stood close behind you, one hand resting reassuringly at your waist. The packmembers stayed quiet, only humming half-spoken replies and short sentences, too exhausted to do otherwise.
And so, after you finished, San took you back to the timid, small studio where a large paper bag now sat on the coffee tables pushed back to their previous place.
The alpha settled you gently on the couch this time, brushing his thumb along your jaw before he quietly changed his shirt near the wall. He hummed under his breath as though this were any other morning as he shuffled through a duffel bag you recognized as his.
You moved slowly but obediently, unpacking the food onto the table after he sweetly asked you to do so for him. You recognised the name of the café – it was the freakishly expensive French-style one from the very city center where the line was always far too long. Their pastries were to die for, though, and the pack sometimes spoiled you with a sweet treat from the pricey store.
When Mingi popped in a few minutes later, accompanied by Yeosang, Yunho and Wooyoung, he ruffled your hair lightly again, careful not to move you too much, before stepping back.
“I already ate, princess,” he said, voice warm. “But you have to eat loads for me, okay?”
The croissant was very tasty, even if you didn’t have the energy to finish it whole. After a few bites from the youngest’s strawberries and cream dessert, you slumped back in your seat and refused any other spoons heading your way.
When Yeosang looked at the time, you were calmly sipping on a cup of fresh orange juice, eyes dull and slow, completely out of it. San sat next to you, running fingers through your hair you mumbled about not having a brush for right now, the alpha having claimed he would fix it.
When the quiet alpha mumbled about it being time to go, they moved efficiently, folding paper bags, stacking empty containers, and quickly wiping the table clean. Yunho capped the juice and tucked it away for you to have later, having been relieved you were at least drinking better than yesterday – and if an overpriced orange juice was what it took, so be it. Wooyoung gathered the napkins and slipped them into the trash. San wiped your fingers carefully, as though you might not notice the crumbs otherwise.
Before you fully registered the shift, you were back on your feet, sweater sleeves tugged down low over your hands. San’s palm rested firmly at the small of your back as they guided you into the hallway.
When the dreaded conference room came to view, your steps instinctively slowed but you followed with no other protests when the door was pulled open for you.
Somehow, it was even busier than yesterday and far less structured – or at least at the time you entered.
You recognized director Noh, speaking to a pair of people you had no clue about. As your eyes swept over the rest of the room timidly, you noted some other familiar faces – there were the same attorneys as yesterday, though now huddled close with even more people, all shuffling near an open laptop on the table, obviously deep in a tense discussion. Some people filtered in and out quietly, closing the heavy door with deliberate care each time. You saw the contracted private investigative firm workers standing near the water dispenser, as well as Detective Sargeant Lee, flanked by other officers, currently speaking in a clipped tone to the rest of your mates.
The alphas sat quietly, attentive and obviously paying attention to the older woman, barely letting the tiredness show.
When San pulled you in their direction, you slowly started to make out their conversation, the worker’s previously quiet tone becoming more clear by each step you took.
“…ding on intent and the nature of the material, there may also be violations of the Personal Information Protection Act and unlawful distribution statutes. We’re reviewing whether additional charges apply, and-”
And then Hongjoong looked up.
The moment the pack alpha's eyes found your meek form, he excused them smoothly, and all four of them stood almost in unison, chairs sliding back in a soft chorus against the floor. The leader reached you first, hands cradling your forearms as he pulled you close to a hug. Your arms wrapped tight around his slim waist, his fingers gentle and caring on the back of your head.
"Hey, babygirl…” He hummed, lips grazing your forehead slightly, not enough to attract any attention, but a step closer to soothe his hurting. Seonghwa brushed his knuckles against your cheek, eyes searching yours carefully.
“Morning, sweetheart,” he said quietly, the darkness under his lids too prominent.
Mingi and Jongho moved subtly to your other side, their broad frames instinctively creating a barrier between you and the open room, hovering and watchful in the open space.
“You okay? Did you sleep a bit?”
The packalpha asked next, worry lacing his tone, as he pulled back just enough to look at you properly. His thumb brushed beneath your eye, careful and slow.
The alpha didn’t mention the fact that he himself slept barely an hour in total.
Now, with his world tucked safe in his arm, his exhaustion felt distant and foreign.
What mattered he had, and he felt better.
You hummed in reply, nose brushing his neck, and without hesitation, he leaned down a fraction, arranging himself so you could press closer, giving you better access without making a show of it. His chest unclasped when he felt you breathe in his scent, and he closed his eyes in relief.
Both of the younger alphas' shoulders squared further, now truly shielding you from the multitude of people still in the room.
Too soon did the calm moment break, Hongjoong having gently brushed his nose over the top of your head before guiding you to the seat beside him, saying a tender: “Stay close, baby.”
Before you knew it, he was already pulling the chair out slowly and waiting until you were fully settled before taking his own. His palm lingered at the small of your back, warm and grounding, before it shifted to your thigh under the desk. Seonghwa soon sat down next to you, eyes warm and smile soft.
The room stayed busy, even after you entered, and barely anyone paid much attention to you all. Hongjoong leaned towards you then, lowering his voice so only you could hear.
“We finalized the response, baby,” he explained.
“It’ll be released at seven.”
He paused, searching your face, his eyes glancing at the clock mounted on the wall. There wasn’t much time left, and his heart panged with guilt.
“I need you to read it first for me, love. Just to make sure you’re okay with it.”
You nodded, shoulders low and curled into yourself, making the oldest reach over and thumb the nape of your neck in comfort. Your form lightly slumped towards him as you waited, the packalpha having stood up next to you.
It barely took ten seconds before Director Noh was handing him a paper with some text printed over, but the realization dawned on you soon enough – this was the paper that would change your lives.
Hongjoong accepted it immediately and held it steady in front of you, angling it so you wouldn’t have to lift your arms too much. As you leaned forward, he pressed a soft kiss into your hair, subtle enough to pass unnoticed. His scent followed, warm and grounding in the sterile air of the room.
Hello,
This is KQ Entertainment.
First, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all fans who continuously support and care for our artists.
We have recently become aware of unauthorized images being circulated online that depict our artists and certain private locations. This matter constitutes a serious violation of privacy and legal rights, and we are treating it with the utmost urgency and seriousness.
KQ Entertainment has taken immediate measures to ensure the safety and protection of all individuals involved. We are actively monitoring the situation, and any additional unauthorized materials will be promptly addressed through removal requests and comprehensive legal action against those responsible for the creation and distribution of such content.
We respectfully ask the public and members of the media to refrain from sharing, reposting, or further disseminating any unauthorized materials. The continued circulation of such content may cause significant harm and may also result in legal liability.
We deeply appreciate the continued trust and support of our fans. Please be assured that the safety, privacy, and well-being of our artists remain our highest priority.
Thank you.
KQ Entertainment
Your eyes moved over the text, but you barely absorbed any of it.
Your mind seemed to be moving far too slowly for the past few days, and so you just nodded faintly. Still, the alphas searched your face carefully, eyes scanning for hesitation.
“Are you sure?” Seonghwa asked, voice barely above a whisper.
You nodded again, eyes finding theirs for a small moment before you looked back down.
When a pen made its way to you, you added your small signature right next to the rest of your packmates. Hongjoong had turned toward you fully then, one hand lifting to cradle the back of your head, shielding you slightly from the room, making sure you were actually looking at him when he spoke.
“I’m so, so sorry, baby,” he murmured under his breath.
“I never wanted this to happen to us. Not like this. Not-…”
His thumb brushed slowly along your hairline, soothing and repetitive, to calm you or him you couldn’t tell. His words soon died in his throat, eyes shut tight before he schooled his expression back to its calm state. He sucked in another breath, too sharp and controlled, after you whispered it was okay.
It wasn’t.
Manager Noh approached the table with a folder tucked neatly against his side just then, posture composed but face drawn from the long night, looking over the pack.
“The statement will be released by seven sharp… once it goes live, the PR team will monitor domestic portals, international platforms, and community forums. We’ve prepared takedown templates and coordinated with legal counsel for immediate escalation, if necessary, as we have discussed...”
He glanced toward the packalpha briefly before continuing, looking at the time swiftly.
“Following the release, we should proceed with a structured response plan, so that’s internal security review, schedule adjustments, and further coordination regarding protective measures at the apartment buildings. We should also discuss contingency planning depending on public reaction.”
You turned slightly smaller in your seat as the attention shifted again, fingers curling loosely in your lap. The room felt stuffy and odd, like you didn’t belong among that structured atmosphere.
Hongjoong inclined his head politely.
“Thank you, Manager-nim.”
Seonghwa echoed it just as smoothly, his voice steady despite the fatigue beneath it, the other alphas saying the same.
You dipped your head as well, a soft, almost inaudible, “Thank you,” slipped from your lips.
But his expression still softened in acknowledgment before he stepped away to resume discussions with the legal team that motioned him over.
Sergeant Lee soon continued outlining next procedural steps with the alphas again, coming over with a new, still warm, printed paper with too much written on it to properly read through when it passed by you – you heard her say it was about the new, formal complaints being filed and coordination with cyber investigation units, whatever that meant, and she was currently talking about documentation forms for potential prosecution.
Hongjoong and the others re-engaged, their tones professional and focused as they asked about timelines and jurisdictional cooperation.
Beside them, you slowly drifted.
The lady’s words blurred together again, that legal terminology you barely understood any of is like a distant echo now. You tried to follow her sentences, you really did, but exhaustion tugged heavily at you, and soon after you completely gave up on paying attention any further.
Minutes ticked away.
A staff member stepped inside briskly a while later, tablet in hand. It was the same beta that greeted you by the entrance all those hours ago, you realized, embarrassingly late.
“Excuse me, everyone, the statement has been released,” she announced softly but clearly.
“It’s live across all official channels, and we’re monitoring responses now.”
A subtle shift rippled through the room.
Someone murmured about trending keywords. You felt Seonghwa straighten up slightly to your left. Director Noh stepped forward, clasping his hands together after abandoning his seat.
“Alright,” he said with a small nod.
“Thank you, everyone, for your patience. We will begin the strategic meeting shortly - we’ll review initial public response metrics and media framing and outline adjustments to promotional schedules for the upcoming weeks. Security will also present current recommendations regarding residence and studio access.”
Hongjoong’s attention shifted back to you the moment their head manager stopped talking.
Tenderly - so gently it was painful - he reached behind you and pulled your chair back from the table a few centimeters, creating a small pocket of space just for you to gather in. The alpha turned the chair slightly, so you were faced toward him better, and soon his hands came to rest lightly on your knees.
“Baby,” he murmured softly, hands brushing the hair that was framing the side of your face away. “Do you want to stay for this part? You don’t have to, honey.”
His eyes searched yours slowly.
“Would you rather go rest, love?”
Your lips pushed into a small pout, eyes glossy with fatigue and unshed tears. You looked so small sitting there, Yeosang's sweater's sleeves half-covering your hands, and it made his mind scream at him to do something.
Hongjoong’s expression softened further, eyes closing for a second.
“Manager Lee-nim is here,” he added gently. “She offered to stay with you for a bit, if you’d like. You remember her, hm, baby?”
You did.
Their main makeup artist was a kind, older woman, always careful with you during long schedules. She had let you play with her expensive products one too many times. You had even borrowed the makeup to do Wooyoung’s look when you were bored out of your mind months ago.
Before you could respond, Seonghwa leaned closer from the other side, voice low and impossibly sensitive.
“Honey,” he murmured, brushing his thumb lightly over your sleeve-covered knuckles.
“Alphas will handle everything here, that’s our job. But-”
His brows drew together faintly as he fought to find the right words.
“Your body’s gone through a lot these past days, you barely sleep and eat-”
The alpha’s forehead almost brushed yours after he stopped himself.
“We can’t have our baby hurting herself any further, can we?”
His fingers squeezed yours gently.
You hesitated, silence dragging between the three of you in that vulnerable, sacred minute, then looked up at them with something almost hopeful.
“...can I go to school oppa?” you asked quietly.
The innocence of it all made Hongjoong’s chest tighten.
The pack alpha immediately took both of your hands into his, warming your fingers between his palms, rubbing them in a soothing motion.
“Baby…” he cooed softly, leaning impossibly closer, pecking your knuckles repeatedly.
“No. Not right now.”
Your pout deepened slightly.
“It’s not safe for you right now love,” he explained, voice full of apology.
“But, we’ve already spoken with management, they contacted your school this morning. We’re working on a solution, okay? I promise, my ‘mega… but for now, you can’t. I’m really sorry.”
Seonghwa nodded gently in agreement, brushing your hair back from your temple, shushing the heartbroken sound that left your constricted throat.
“Just for a while, honey, until things calm down. I promise, darling, no longer than that.”
You were quiet for a few seconds more, shoulders slumping slightly in reluctant understanding, nodding slowly.
“…Can I stay with Manager Lee-nim then?” You asked again, voice smaller than before. You always grew timid when they refused a request, even in a nearly whispered question.
Hongjoong’s expression brightened just a fraction with relief.
“Of course, baby,” he answered, pecking the top of your palms again. Then he stood, letting out an exaggerated little groan as he stretched his arms over his head, shoulders rolling dramatically. With his hand on the small of your back, he hummed under his breath, standing in front of the rest of the pack, now turned to give you their attention when they felt you come close.
“I’ll go take ‘mega to stay with Manager Lee-nim for now, I’ll be back in a bit.”
The older alphas cooed at your shy eyes, humming things like: “Have fun and rest lots,” and “Don’t worry about a thing, baby, alphas will take care of everything, you go play,” followed by: “Make sure you drink and have something to eat later, okay?”
By the time you and the pack alpha slipped past them, your cheeks were pink and warm.
He didn’t tease you about it.
Instead, his fingers slid down to lace with yours, holding your hand as he led you into the hallway.
Hongjoong held your hand as he took you through the familiar corridor - it was the one that led to their main studio at the back, as well as both of the dance practice rooms they used most often. After a few moments, he opened a door you recognized: the dressing room.
He allowed you to step in first, a gentle smile grazing his lips as he moved just a step behind you.
The older woman looked up when she heard the doors move, but her expression settled as soon as she recognized you two. She bowed respectfully, both of you following suit, before Hongjoong placed a palm lightly on the small of your back, slightly ushering you forward when your feet seemed to freeze.
You knew this place - the bright mirror lights framed the long counters, their glow reflecting across bottles, palettes, hair tools, and neatly organized trays. It was always a little crowded when all eight of them were preparing for schedules, but right now it felt calm and spacious.
“Ah,” the older woman said gently, setting aside the cloth she had been using to wipe down one of the tables.
“Good morning, Hongjoong-ssi, Y/N-ssi.”
Her mouth seemed tighter than usual, but that kind, familiar spark in her eyes was still right there.
“I was wondering,” your mate began softly, voice polite but warm, “if it would be alright for Y/N-ah to stay with you for a bit?”
Hongjoong ushered you further, his voice low as he ran his fingers through your hair, watching over you fondly for a moment before his gaze met the beta again.
“She’s still tired, and it’s been… a lot this morning…”
The woman smiled reassuringly, faint wrinkles around her eyes deepening. “Yes, of course,” she said without hesitation.
“I was just cleaning up anyway. I could definitely use some company.”
When you turned slightly toward the counter, distracted by the colorful clutter of makeup products, Hongjoong bowed more deeply than usual toward the older woman.
“Thank you,” he had said quietly then.
Consolation crossed your mate’s face, knowing you’d be safe and sound for the rest of the morning. But still, he kept his voice professional, scenting you subtly, before rubbing your arm one last time so you wouldn’t notice too much.
“I’ll come check on you later, baby,” he murmured gently.
“Y/N-ssi, would you like to help me depot some of the palettes? It’s easy, here, I’ll show you…”
She demonstrated slowly, popping one of the small eyeshadow pans from its plastic casing and placing it into a magnetic palette sorted by color.
The pack alpha smiled at you encouragingly when you glanced over your shoulder, watching closely as the beta guided you to the back of the room where she had a bunch of products already set up.
You only looked up at the makeup artist when she called your name again, and when you turned to look for the alpha once more, he was already gone.
You wanted to be brave, so you listened carefully, sat with her when she asked you to, and helped quietly with her current task. One by one, you popped eyeshadows from old containers, placing the small, colorful tiles into the color-sorted magnetic pans.
The older woman didn’t speak much, but when she noticed your movements slowing, she began chatting lightly - of the new puppy her husband brought home, how her son was learning to count, a movie she thought you’d like...
Minute by minute, your form softened.
By the time you completely filled up the peach-toned pinks palette, more time had gone by than you realized. Your hands grew tired from holding the metal tool so tightly, she quickly gave you something else to do: “Here, you can wash the brushes if you want - that’s good. Now, how about helping me wipe the mirrors?”
Her thanks were genuine, and when she noticed your movements slowing further, she had you sit in one of the swirly, plush chairs your mates usually occupied. She handed you her expensive tablet and stylus, switching on a drawing program you soon recognized.
“I remember you like drawing,” she added with a small smile. “You can sketch if you want.”
Your mates hadn’t told her much about you when she first met you, except that you loved art and drawing.
You didn’t protest.
You opened a new file, playing with a few settings before finding a feature that added a face stencil - so you could sketch makeup look ideas.
Before you knew it, you were in your space, calm and content, even if tired, listening to the soft sounds of lids closing, water in the basin, and the disinfectant spraying.
You somehow managed to forget about it all for a while then.
When Jongho popped in later, steps smooth and light, your cheeks were already puffy and warm, eyes closed as you curled small and tight in the seat like a tiny kitten. His heart lurched when he didn’t spot you right of the bat, but after hurrying further into the room, he noticed you--
It had his chest swelling.
The maknae practically melted on the spot, walking to you slowly now, careful in the way alphas moved when trying not to disturb something fragile. His hand caressed your exposed shoulder as he thanked the makeup artist - she just nodded, smiling over you fondly while continuing to put hair styling tools away, quiet and mindful not to startle you awake either.
“I’ll take her now…”
She bowed, waving her hand as if it were nothing.
The alpha leaned down to take the now-turned-off tablet from your loose grasp, leaving it on the table just in front. Then he bent low, scooping you up slowly. When your eyes eased open a little, Jongho quickly pulled you closer against his chest, one hand coming up to cradle the back of your head.
“Shh, shush cutie,” he hummed softly, his voice dropping into that warm tone he always used when you were half asleep.
“’s just alpha, baby… you’re okay.”
Your nose brushed instinctively against the front of his shirt, breathing in his scent. Your body relaxed again seconds after, the last bit of awareness slipping away as exhaustion pulled you right back under.
When you woke up again, the first thing you noticed was Wooyoung’s scent.
When your eyes blinked open, you had to nudge your face forward a bit to see properly, the hoodie on which your head was propped nearly falling away at your movements. Your bones felt heavy and tired, a big yawn slipping past your lips when you rubbed your eye a little.
Pushing yourself up on your palms, your back straightened a little, your mind fuzzy and slightly dizzy when you sat up a bit, the cool leather beneath your hands stark to the once previous warmth you were tucked in.
You stayed there for a moment, breathing slowly while your head cleared, slowly taking in your surroundings.
It took you a solid minute before you realised you were in the backseat of a car, no one else sitting in it – though the moment your head turned a little to the right, your mind, even if lazy and sluggish, recognized your mates outside the windows promptly.
The underground garage lights cast pale pools of brightness across the concrete floor outside, and shadows stretched long across the space as two tall figures stood beside the car doors, conversing.
Even over the closed doors of the car you finally recognized as Wooyoung's, you could hear your mates speak, their voices low but tense in that controlled way they used when they were trying not to let any frustration spill over.
San was leaning against the door nearest you, one broad shoulder resting against the metal, and Mingi stood close beside him, his tall frame partially blocking your view through the window. Your shoulders lowered, and you pulled the heavy, wool coat smelling of Seonghwa a tad closer.
“...saw.” The older had said, his voice hollow over the glass panes.
“Protective fans are trying to shut it down but…” he shook his head slightly, facing away from you.
“It’s spreading faster than they can report it.”
Mingi’s form tightened so much you saw it even in the dim lights.
“...the detectives told me something else just earlier, hyung."
San glanced at him immediately.
“What?”
Mingi looked truly irritated now, the kind of frustration that made his shoulders tense. You didn’t see him angry often, or at least at you.
Not like this.
“…her school information is already circulating on some platforms.”
San went completely still. For a second he just stared at him.
“Are you serious?”
“Yeah.”
Mingi shuffled lightly at the concrete floor, clearly trying to keep his temper under control. His scent under control.
“They’re trying to take it down, but screenshots already exist.”
San mumbled something under his breath, too quiet for you to make out, shaking his head.
“They can’t give her a fucking break, can they?”
“No,” Mingi replied, his voice just as heavy. “Apparently not.”
San pushed himself off the car door then, pacing a few steps away before running both hands down his face before turning back towards his pack member.
“I don’t give a damn what they say about us,” he muttered.
“They can call us whatever they want.”
He shook his head. You could practically feel the anger pulsing off him in waves.
“But dragging her into it? She has nothing to do with this.”
Mingi nodded grimly, crossing his arms. Their conversation was cut short by hurried footsteps echoing lightly through the garage. Both of them turned quickly, shoulders squaring up.
You felt your chest tighten when your mind milled over what they had just spoken about.
Someone already figured out who you were.
You gulped, trying to set your head straight, fingers tight on Seonghwa’s sleeve, not wanting to cry anymore.
As the steps grew closer, your mates shuffled a little on their feet. You heard more voices but only recognized them when the trunk of the car opened and you could hear them clearly. It was Seonghwa’s voice that you noted first, calm and measured, his scent barely reaching you.
“…ave about an hour in the end,” he was saying, shifting something heavy in the trunk. “It’s not much time, but it’s still better than nothing.”
A bag rustled as it was moved.
“The security team has already been notified,” he continued. “They’re waiting for us at Hannam-dong.”
It was Yunho who hummed in acknowledgment, barely audible over the backs of the seats you were leaning on now.
“Management arranged everything for now, it’s quieter and the building security is stricter... Hopefully it won’t be for too long though.” The oldest said, as he huffed, and you heard a zipper being tugged, and a faint creak of metal was audible next.
“I’ll go with Hongjoong-ah and the rest in a few minutes,” he added. “They’re still finishing up with the filed reports-”
“What has gotten into the two of you?”
Wooyoung’s tone was teasing, but there was clear tension underneath it.
“You smell pissed.”
Silence followed for a second, but then more things moved into the trunk.
“The detective stopped me in the hallway earlier.” Mingi said so quietly you barely made it out.
“When I was heading after San and Y/N-nnie.”
The mood shifted instantly, so much so you didn’t even need to see them properly to know.
“…and?” Yunho prompted carefully.
“He told me her school location is already circulating online.”
Total silence followed.
So you really didn’t overhear earlier. No, this was very much real.
“You’re kidding.”
“I wish I was.”
“They’re trying to remove it, but screenshots are already spreading.” San added, and you heard some murmurs follow, though you couldn’t understand well enough.
“Is she okay?” Yunho asked immediately, voice softening with worry.
“She’s still sleeping?”
San hummed automatically.
“Yeah, she’s okay, she was dead asleep when I took her earlier, she must have been exh--”
But as he spoke, something made him glance toward the car window beside him unconsciously, to check on you.
And he froze.
Through the slightly tinted glass he could see you clearly now, sitting up in the backseat, Seonghwa’s coat clutched in your hands, eyes wide and glossy when they met his shocked ones.
The alpha’s breath caught.
“Baby-?”
The word slipped out of him in a small gasp.
Before anyone else could react, he reached for the handle and pulled the door of the expensive car open, cold air rushing in. San immediately crouched down beside the seat, eyes scanning your face with concern, hand dipping in to pet your hair, any traces of his anger long gone.
“Hey,” he murmured softly, one hand already reaching for yours, finding it amongst the heavy, scented fabric.
“Hey, sweetheart… did we wake you? Aw, I’m sorry.”
You shook your head a little, still in shock. “It’s okay oppa.”
Was it though? Was any of this okay?
Your pouty lips trembled a little as you thought about everything harder. The alpha reacted instantly, cooing softly as he climbed into the back seat fast. You heard your other mates crowd around the entrance and heard Seonghwa scold Wooyoung when he cursed loudly.
San tucked your sock-clad feet closer to himself, one arm wrapped securely around your shoulders while his other hand began slowly rubbing along the sole of your foot through the fabric. When he leaned down to scent you, the tension in his shoulders softened slightly.
A small smile appeared on his face when his eyes met you for a fleeing second, even though his thoughts were racing a mile a minute.
He had absolutely no clue on how to fix the situation they had just made a hundred times worse.
This was most definitely not the way they wanted to break that reality to you.
“It’s a bit cold, hm? ‘you want your jacket, baby?” He glanced around the seat, movements a bit clumsy.
“We thought you’d want to lay down for a little longer, but- ah, your shoes are here, wait, cub…”
Your mate bowed down, hands quick to find your boots stacked neatly under you. You didn’t protest when he slid them on, one of your feet in his lap at a time when he tied them up. You barely reacted at all, simply letting him handle you. He tied the laces slowly, making sure they were comfortable before moving to the other foot. His fingers worked carefully, almost absentmindedly soothing your ankle afterward as he worried his lip.
You didn’t quite register the rest of the alphas speaking outside hurriedly. Before you could sink too deeply back into your thoughts, another familiar presence appeared beside the door.
Seonghwa leaned down slightly, resting one hand against the frame as he looked at you.
“Did you sleep well, honey?” he asked gently.
Your eyes lifted to him, and you gave a small nod. The eldest alpha brushed a few strands of hair away from your forehead with careful fingers.
“We’re going to head to the new apartment now, alright?” he explained softly.
“I’ll wait here for Hongjoong-ah and the others, then we’ll come right after you.”
Another small nod from you.
“Good girl,” Seonghwa murmured fondly. The oldest gave San’s shoulder a light squeeze before stepping back.
“Drive carefully.”
Wooyoung slid into the driver’s seat, running a hand through his hair before starting the engine. Yunho settled into the passenger seat beside him, already glancing back toward you with quiet concern. They greeted you, but when they barely got any response in return, all the alphas shared a quick glance. The last door opened and closed quickly as Mingi climbed in beside you and San in the back, the alpha reaching over to gently squeeze your knee.
"Hi, princess,” Mingi said softly, offering you a small smile as he ran your hair away from your eyes. “You slept like a rock back there. That’s good.”
Until you didn't.
Wooyoung pulled the car slowly out of the garage after he made sure all the seatbelts were in place.
“Seriously,” The younger added from the front seat, forcing some lightness into his tone. “You missed Yunho hyung snoring. It was so good.”
“Lies,” Yunho replied immediately, glancing back with mock offense, remembering the short nap he shared with you a few minutes ago after his head felt like it was seriously gonna blow up if he listened to one more meeting. He had curled up with you and Jongho in the tiny, cramped up studio again, only mumbling barely coherent words to the maknae when he woke up at the noise.
You stayed silent, your mind running haywire, past taking in their real words.
Did this mean you wouldn't be able to go back to school anymore?
Ever?
The car had only been moving for a few minutes, and Wooyoung and San were already bickering about a new trend they saw on TikTok. Yunho occasionally chimed in with amused comments from the passenger seat, while Mingi sat close beside you, one arm resting along the back of the seat behind your shoulders, rubbing up and down as he stared out of the window, lip worried between his teeth. Truth to be told the alphas were walking on eggshells, terrified of what they'd done.
Your eyes followed the passing streets through the window, still a little foggy, and the weight of Seonghwa’s coat gathered comfortingly around you. San’s fingers absentmindedly traced soft circles along your wrist where he still held your hand, his thumb brushing over the scent gland.
Before you could stop yourself, you spoke up.
“Oppa…”
Your voice was quiet, hesitant, but it cut cleanly through the car.
San and Wooyoung stopped bickering mid-sentence.
“…does this mean I can’t go to school again?”
You could hear a pin drop in the silence that followed.
Wooyoung’s hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. Yunho’s head turned slowly from the passenger seat towards you, eyes wide. Mingi went still beside you, the same way San did.
For a moment, none of them knew what to say.
Your fingers twisted nervously into the sleeve of Seonghwa’s coat, eyes glancing up to meet theirs anxiously, naturally seeking reassurance.
“Sweetheart--” Yunho started before being cut off by his pack member who drove.
“No, no, no.” The alpha added quickly from the front, his voice softer than usual as he glanced back at you through the mirror, still mindful of his driving.
“Don’t think like that, okay, petal? It’s not like that.”
San squeezed your hand tightly, the other hand finding your chin.
“Baby, hey,” he murmured, turning toward you more fully, his thighs touching yours.
“Don’t worry about that right now. It’s going to be okay, yeah? We’ll figure it all out.”
“People forget things like fish,” Wooyoung said, trying to sound reassuring.
“Seriously. The internet moves on in like- three days.”
Mingi leaned impossibly closer, practically caging you between him and San’s legs.
“We’ll figure something out, princess,” he said carefully, rubbing your cheek. “Maybe- maybe you could finish the rest of the year online for now, or-”
The sound that left you was a small, broken little whimper that shut the alpha right up.
“I d-don’t want online,” you whispered, shaking your head as you met your eyes with his, the alpha’s eyebrows high and eyes practically desperate to make you feel even a split bit better.
But your voice trembled, and before anyone could respond, your words spilled out faster, tangled with sadness and fear.
“I want to be with Sisi… a-and I like my classmates…”
Your breathing hitched as you closed your eyes tight.
“…even if they- don’t-don’t like me--”
The last words dissolved into quiet sobs as you tried to catch your breath, hands shaking. Your shoulders curled inward as you folded into yourself, hands clutching the eldest’s coat tighter around you. Tears slid down your cheeks like big drops of pearls.
If you hadn't gone on your own from that café, this would have never happened.
San’s heart dropped straight into his stomach, his hand shooting up to hold your forearm as he tried to move closer.
“Woo-ah pull over.” Mingi said immediately, his voice breathy and strangled when he pulled away the hand you were wiping your eye with too roughly for his liking, cooing softly.
Sooner than not, the car slowed and rolled to the side of the road. And the moment it stopped, the younger alpha clicked your seatbelt off within the time San turned fully toward you, his arms wrapping around you before you could shrink further into yourself and dissolve into sobs and cries.
“Hey, hey, hey-” he breathed softly, pulling you into his chest. His calming scent was like a cloud around you, and it eased your mind just a bit. Mingi moved at the same time, helping guide you closer to his packmember, hand stopping at your temple.
Your sobs came harder now that you were in their arms.
“I just-just want to finish school like n-normal and- and--”
You cried quietly, your voice breaking against San’s collar, the alpha angling you closer to breathe at his scent gland. The alpha’s chest tightened so much it truly hurt at that point.
“Aigoo, baby…” he whispered, his voice syrupy sweet.
You felt the other alpha’s large hand come up to cradle the back of your head, fingers threading gently into your hair, letting his scent stick to you.
“Shh, sh-sh-sh, hey,” he murmured, his voice thick with despair after his own eyes had already started to sting.
“It’s okay, princess. It’s okay.”
In the front seat, Wooyoung pressed the heel of his hand against his mouth for a moment, blinking rapidly before turning around in his seat.
“Hey,” he said softly, his voice wobbling despite the smile he tried to force. “Look at me, jagi.”
But your cries continued as you tucked yourself closer to the alpha, the man rocking you gently in his arms, pressing one kiss to the top of your head after another.
“No one is taking school away from you,” he murmured desperately. "Okay, baby? No one. We won't let it, alphas won't let them cub.”
But the truth sat heavy in his throat.
Even then did his hand rub slow circles over your back as he thought of a way to make you feel any better. His chest rumbled when he felt your form shaking with every too-small breath you took, and that tiny tremble in your fingers when you gripped his jacket just above his heart-
“Alphas will fix it ‘mega, we promise.”
Mingi nodded quickly beside him.
“But-”
“No buts,” Yunho said quietly from the front seat, turning fully around now. His expression was soft, cheeks shining faintly.
“We’re your alphas, sweetheart,” he reminded you gently. “It’s our job to solve the hard stuff.”
San pressed another kiss into your hair. “Just breathe f’ me now,” he whispered into your hair.
“Okay, baby? One thing at a time.”
You didn’t hear the front doors opening over that constant hum in your ears.
Your body had already worn itself thin.
Between the sleepless nights and barely eating and drinking anything these past few days, you had nothing left to give. After a few minutes your sobs dwindled into small hiccups, your breathing slowly evening out as the two alphas held you close, their hands never stopping their soothing motions.
Your eyes closed after even more long minutes went by, the alpha’s scent close. Neither San nor Mingi moved when your weight went slack between them. The alpha adjusted his hold instinctively, tucking your head more securely under his chin while the younger carefully brushed the damp strands of hair away from your face.
Yunho had stepped out quietly, careful to close the door without a sound. You didn’t see him outside the door, this time far enough that his voice didn’t carry at all.
They weren’t making the same mistake again.
He spoke on the phone, not turning once to face away from your direction, his tone tense.
When the car slowly began moving again, it was the first time any of them had ever broken their nearly sacred rule of only driving when you were properly buckled in.
San simply held you tighter, one arm wrapped securely around your middle while the other cradled your head against his shoulder. Mingi stayed pressed close beside him the entire ride, occasionally leaning down to press quiet kisses to your temple. Wooyoung drove very carefully the rest of the way, both hands firm on the wheel, and once the car made its way past the security perked up all over the perimeter of the entrance, the rest of their mates were already there at the underground parking lot, pacing outside the car.
Hongjoong couldn’t stand still near the parking line, arms folded tight across his chest, Yeosang stayed beside him while Seonghwa spoke quietly to him. Jongho leaned against the wall nearby, though even he looked tense.
The moment Wooyoung pulled into a parking spot, they moved.
San stepped out first, still holding you carefully in his arms as if you weighed nothing at all. Your head shifted slightly against his shoulder, but you didn’t wake, your cheeks still faintly blotchy pink from crying too much.
The packalpha’s hands hovered over your shoulders before his expression darkened and he shook his head in disbelief.
“What were you thinking?” he asked quietly, the calmness somehow making it worse.
No one answered.
His tired eyes moved slowly over all of them - San, Mingi, Wooyoung, Yunho - before finally landing on Seonghwa.
“Hyung.”
The oldest didn’t protest and simply lowered his gaze slightly, accepting the reprimand. Hongjoong exhaled slowly through his nose, running a hand back through his hair as if he were trying to physically push the exhaustion away.
San’s arms instinctively tightened around you when he smelled his scent burn.
“…we didn’t mean for this, hyung.” Wooyoung muttered under his breath, his own voice shaky and fractured.
“I know you didn’t,” Hongjoong replied tiredly. “But that doesn’t really change the result, does it."
Silence followed. Mingi’s hands tightened into fists before he loosened them.
“We’re sorry.” He said quietly.
“…not me you should be apologizing to.” Their leader murmured, his spine straightening up, hand incredibly gentle when it caressed your warm cheek.
“Alright,” he said after a moment, his voice calmer now though the stress and fatigue still lingered heavily.
“We don’t have much time…let’s just go.”
The remains of the pack followed his steps, few of the alphas slinging some of the bags over their shoulders, though they left many behind to be taken later. San cradled you close when the silent elevator arrived at one of the top floors the apartment was at. The alphas didn’t speak, rest for a few soft coos coming your way.
But your eyes stayed closed, having truly tired yourself out beyond any quick repair.
There was no large hallway that greeted them, practically standing in front of the sleek door to their new place already. Hongjoong moved to it and began entering the lengthy code into the keypad beside it before swiping a keycard and using another key. After a short pause the lock clicked open, the leader slid in silently, and the moment was followed by the quiet beep of the alarm system shutting off.
Soon the pack members walked in slowly, abandoning the stuff in the entryway as they spread out. San stayed just inside right next to their bags with you still sleeping in his arms, refusing to set you down even for a second, guilt eating him whole, soft kisses dropped to your forehead periodically.
The men moved through the new space methodically and carefully.
First they checked the bedrooms – there were fewer than they were used to, but it was nothing that made them too worried. Jongho stepped out onto the balcony to inspect the locks from both in and out while Yunho moved from window to window testing the latches right next to him. Yeosang crouched low to look under the beds while Hongjoong walked slowly through each room, scanning everything with tired but sharp eyes.
After a few minutes it was Seonghwa who leaned slightly out from the hallway, his voice gentle.
“San-ah.”
San immediately looked up, eyes big.
“It’s okay,” Seonghwa said softly.
He barely took in the apartment itself - the high ceilings, the expensive-looking furniture, the wide windows overlooking the city in a different view than what they were used to.
His focus never really left you.
The alpha lowered himself onto the couch slowly, adjusting you against his chest so you stayed comfortable, moving away one of the hard pillows from under his arm. For once no one commented on the fact that he was still wearing his shoes or his coat.
The oldest then eased your jacket from your shoulders, folding it neatly before placing it aside, helping his younger unlace your shoes before he carried them to one of the heaters under the windows Mingi was fiddling with.
San brushed your hair back from your forehead, thumb tracing softly over your temple as he looked down at you.
“…I’m sorry, baby,” he whispered softly, lips grazing your forehead.
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
You blinked slowly, confusion lingering, but let them guide you.
Your fingers instinctively found Hongjoong’s on one side and Mingi’s on the other, a quiet reassurance that made your chest settle. You were happy to be close to them again as they carefully led you to one of the studios they often occupied.
When the studio door opened, warmth greeted you first – and then the familiar smell.
Your head lifted slightly.
Yeosang smiled approvingly at the tiny change in you.
“Yeah,” he said softly. “That one.”
Your favourite restaurant. The one all the way across the city, the one you rarely got because it was too far, too inconvenient - but you always lit up when you ate from there.
“We got your favourite for lunch today,” San said, guiding you toward the large couch.
His hand never left your back. Wooyoung grinned, unable to hold it in.
“You deserve something special,” Yeosang murmured, helping you sit down slowly. “For being so good for us today.”
“So brave,” San added, sitting close and pulling you gently into his side once more. The rhythm of his hand along your back was slow, reassuring, steady.
Hongjoong crouched slightly in front of you, brushing your hair back carefully. Seonghwa, Yunho and Jongho opened the crinkly bags on the coffee table, and before you knew it, a still-warm corndog appeared, held out by the youngest.
Your hand lifted instinctively, but San was already there, guiding your wrist with his own, steadying the movement.
“Alpha will help,” he murmured, adjusting it in your grip so you wouldn’t have to think about it. And so, you leaned forward, taking a tentative bite, and his other hand found the back of your head, rubbing gently, slowly.
Mingi’s expression softened immediately, relief visible in his eyes.
“That’s it,” he praised under his breath, glad to see you eating.
Hongjoong stayed crouched in front of you, reading your small expressions more than the food. “Does it taste right?” he asked softly, tucking away any flyaways.
You nodded faintly, chewing slowly.
“Of course it does,” Yeosang hummed from beside you, warmth threading through his tone.
“They make it the best, right, angel?”
Seonghwa settled onto the couch beside San, whose one arm curved around your shoulders naturally, tucking you in against him while you ate. Yunho and Jongho moved to sit on the floor by the coffee table, long legs folded comfortably as they sorted containers and opened lids.
When you paused after another bite, staring somewhere unfocused, Hongjoong gently tapped the corndog with his finger.
“One more, sweetheart,” he coaxed softly. “Then you can rest a second.”
You obeyed without protest, taking another small bite.
“That’s my girl,” he murmured, pride evident in his tone.
After a few bites, your hand slackened again against the alpha’s wrist. San smoothly took over holding it entirely, guiding it back toward you only when you leaned in automatically.
“Small bites sweetie,” Yunho reminded quietly from the floor, glancing up with a soft smile. “No rush.”
Mingi reached over the table and stole a bite from something else, then leaned back toward you, back resting against the foot of the couch.
“Want to try this?” he asked gently, already holding the chopsticks with a manageable piece to your lips before you could answer.
You blinked at it, tired, but opened your mouth anyway, letting him feed you the creamy noodles.
“There we go,” Seonghwa whispered approvingly, rubbing your hand slowly. “Sharing feels better, right?”
Wooyoung plopped down cross-legged near the table, after he went to quickly discard an empty box, dramatically holding up a sauce container.
"Okay, but this with the fries? Elite.”
“Don’t overwhelm her, hyung,” Jongho muttered, though his tone was fond as he watched his elder guide a fry to your lips.
Hongjoong finally rose from his crouch, and took some food for himself, though he didn’t go far and instead took the seat right in front of your knees on the floor, close enough that your socked foot brushed his thigh. He didn’t move it away.
Every few minutes someone nudged another bite toward you.
“Here, baby.”
“Try this one.”
“Good, hm?”
Praise followed each swallow like it was the most natural thing in the world. At one point your eyes drooped fully shut between bites. Hongjoong immediately noticed.
“Two more bites and then you can curl up, okay, baby?” The packalpha murmured gently, thumb brushing your knee.
You made a faint sound that might have been agreement.
They shared the food easily between themselves as well - passing containers, stealing pieces, and chatting quietly - but every few moments, someone checked in on you.
Always you first.
By the time you’d eaten enough for them to be satisfied, you were half-melted into the couch, cheek resting against San’s chest, fingers loosely tangled in Hongjoong’s sleeve where he’d moved up beside you.
The rest of the afternoon blurred a little.
Some of them slipped out one by one for short meetings - managers, legal briefings, quick check-ins - but never all at once. Someone was always with you, where you stayed part asleep, part awake.
When it was time for their dance practice, they brought you into the larger mirrored room with them – you didn’t even remember entering clearly.
San set his duffel near the wall and guided you down beside it, kneeling by your side.
“Sit here, okay, baby? So we can see you.”
You nodded, sleepily pulling your sketchbook from his bag he opened for you, his quick hands taking out the pencil pouch belonging to you. The alpha left a sweet peck on your forehead before he moved to the others, stretching until their choreographer came in.
Then, the music started, so loud you felt it in your bones.
The floor shook when they all jumped in unison, startling you slightly from your bleary eyes. They moved in sharp synchronization across the floor - precise, powerful, and controlled, making your eyes unconsciously follow them.
Completely different from the softness they showed you.
You watched for a while.
Then you started drawing, having missed doing so. You sketched quickly, playing around with different kinds of silhouettes. You skillfully captured Yunho’s long lines, Wooyoung’s angles, and the tension in Hongjoong’s shoulders when he concentrated.
Occasionally one of them would glance toward you mid-routine, just to check.
But you seemed okay, having found your phone in the alpha’s bag after a while when you got bored of the same song playing over and over, your earbuds plugged in as you concentrated on your sketchbook. Hour later, exhaustion crept in quietly once more.
The room was warm from their movement, and you shifted closer to San’s duffel, curling on your side without really thinking about it, turning your back in their direction, not even paying attention at the visual sign of trust you showcased. The stiff fabric smelled like him.
You were asleep before you realized it.
When Yeosang noticed, he stilled mid-conversation with Seonghwa about timing in a particularly difficult sequence. He walked over carefully during the next water break.
You were curled tight, cheek pressed to the canvas bag, sleeves of the large hoodie pulled over your hands again.
He was careful he wouldn’t wake you, having taken his large coat from the pile of bags, they left in the corner nearby and draped it gently over you. He tucked it around your shoulders, easing the fabric beneath your curled form so it wouldn’t slip away. His hand brushed down your back once, slow and warm through the hoodie.
No one said anything, but the music didn’t play as loudly as it did before.
When they woke you up, it was Yeosang once more.
He slid one arm carefully beneath you, the other supporting your back, lifting you slowly to his chest. The sudden shift pulled a soft, sleepy whine from you, your hands instinctively clutching at his shirt.
“Shh,” he soothed immediately, tightening his hold just enough to reassure. “It’s okay.”
Your face tucked automatically against his neck, nose brushing against his scent gland as you breathed him in. Your arms slid up around his neck, clinging loosely.
“Oppa…” you mumbled, voice thick with sleep.
“What’s happening…?”
He adjusted his coat over your shoulders again, cocooning you inside the warmth it provided.
“Nothing bad,” he promised quietly. “The others just went to change and freshen up in the bathrooms. They’ll be back soon.”
You hummed faintly, still not fully awake, only now noticing the different clothes he wore.
“Manager Noh-nim stopped by,” he continued gently, rocking you just slightly out of instinct. “He said there’s one last meeting for today. Just one. Then we’re done.”
Your grip tightened a little at the word meeting.
“It’s the last thing,” he reassured softly.
“After that, we go home.”
Your nose pressed closer to his neck, breathing him in deeply like you needed the confirmation.
“’m tired,” you whispered.
“I know, baby,” he murmured. His hand moved slowly up and down your back. “It’s been a long day, hm...”
The studio door opened quietly.
Mingi stepped in after, hair slightly damp from washing his face, movements slowing immediately when he saw you bundled against Yeosang’s chest.
“Oh,” he said softly, voice dropping to a whisper.
“She just woke up,” Yeosang explained quietly.
The younger crossed the room in long but careful strides, stopping close enough to brush his fingers against your leg where it hung over Yeosang’s arm.
“Hi, sleepy,” he murmured, eyes fond.
You barely lifted your head, eyes half-lidded, when you smelled his scent.
“Oppa…”
He smiled gently. “Yeah. I’m here.”
One by one the others filtered back in, quieter than usual, their clothes fresh, faces washed, sparing soft glances in your direction. Wooyoung was the only one who almost spoke at full volume before Jongho elbowed him lightly.
“She’s exhausted,” Seonghwa observed under his breath, his brows furrowed.
Hongjoong stepped closer, studying your face carefully. Even from where he stood, he could see it - the way your eyes struggled to stay open even when you tried and maintain the kind conversation with Jongho and Woo, the faint shadows beneath them, the way your body simply sagged in Yeosang’s arms.
“It won’t be long,” he said firmly, though his tone toward you stayed gentle. “Okay?”
You didn’t really answer. You just nodded faintly against Yeosang’s shoulder.
After a few more quiet minutes, they decided it was time.
“Angel,” Yeosang murmured softly near your ear. “We have to go now, okay? Just to the conference room.”
A small frown tugged at your mouth, but you didn’t protest. Your arms tightened briefly around his neck before loosening again. Mingi stepped in to help adjust the coat more securely around you. San smoothed your hair back from your face.
When Yeosang carefully lowered you to your feet, you swayed.
San was there instantly, one hand steady at your waist.
“Careful,” he murmured.
You blinked slowly, trying to orient yourself. The studio lights felt too bright now. Your limbs too heavy. You let them lead you to a conference room you didn’t recognize, and after bowing with as much energy as you could muster, you slumped towards the seat Seonghwa pulled out for you.
“No more after this,” Seonghwa reminded you gently from your side. “Promise.”
“Last thing,” Yunho added softly as he passed by to sit himself.
The second meeting blurred entirely.
You sat between Hongjoong and Yunho in a smaller conference room. Voices droned. Terms floated past you. Not everyone from the morning was present anymore.
You had no energy to worry about how you looked, Yeosang’s big coat swallowing you whole.
“Injunction timing…”
“Media liaison coordination…”
“Digital sweep updates…”
Your head felt heavy, the only thing you were taking in was the tone of the measured conversation – it stayed serious, controlled, and tight the entire time, just as it had been that morning.
Hongjoong’s hand rested over yours on the table, thumb occasionally brushing against your knuckles without him looking at you. Yunho’s knee pressed warmly against yours beneath the table, steady and grounding.
“…we should prepare for relocation as a precaution,” one of the legal advisors said carefully. “If the situation escalates, moving to the secondary apartment would be the safest immediate response.”
Your brain snagged faintly on relocation, eyes blinking.
Hongjoong’s posture straightened subtly.
“How soon?” he asked, voice calm but firm.
“As soon as possible,” management replied. “We suggest beginning to pack essential belongings by tonight. If we need to act quickly, we don’t want delays.”
Seonghwa nodded once. “We understand,” he murmured.
“Security systems are already installed there,” another staff member added. “We’d only need confirmation.”
Yunho’s hand squeezed yours gently when he felt your fingers twitch.
You were too tired to panic. Too tired to react at all.
The conversation continued above your head like distant thunder.
You were very tired.
By the time someone said, “That should conclude today’s agenda,” your eyes were half-closed, and it all felt surreal. Chairs shifted. Papers were gathered as people murmured while filing out of the stuffy room.
Jongho was the one who reached you first this time.
“Hey honey,” he murmured softly, crouching beside you after he pulled your chair back lightly to come closer. “All done.”
You blinked up slowly, disoriented. “Mm…?”
He didn’t wait for you to fully wake.
Instead, he slid one arm beneath your knees and the other around your back, lifting you carefully to his chest. You barely made it halfway into a sleepy protest before your body gave in. The moment your cheek touched his shoulder, you melted against your mate completely.
Jongho adjusted his hold instinctively when he felt your muscles untense, one large hand spanning your back securely. “I got you…,” he said quietly.
Hongjoong stood up next, watching you for a second longer than necessary.
“She needs to sleep,” Seonghwa murmured, knuckles brushing over your cheek.
“Yeah,” Hongjoong replied softly. He ran a hand through his hair before looking at the others.
“Not all of us can go home yet.”
They understood immediately.
“We still need to finalize the relocation plan with management,” he continued. “And confirm the security sweep timeline for both apartments. If we’re packing tonight, we need clear instructions on what’s being transferred first.”
The alphas nodded.
“...we’ll also need to coordinate schedules. If she moves, someone has to be with her at all times.” The packalpha’s gaze flickered back to you, fully asleep now against the maknae’s chest.
“Mingi,” he said gently, “can you take them, please?”
“Of course,” The younger man answered immediately.
“You and Jongho take her home. Start packing the essentials, just in case. Keep it calm. Don’t let her wake up to boxes everywhere.”
Jongho adjusted you slightly higher against him as he nodded quickly.
You didn’t stir.
“We’ll be back as soon as we can,” Hongjoong promised, stepping closer to press a soft kiss into your hair. You didn’t wake for their goodbyes and barely stirred when they stepped into the hallway, the two men quietly walking to the elevator, keeping you wrapped up in Yeosang’s coat still.
The car ride was silent at first.
Jongho was careful when he pulled you to the back seats, hurrying to guide your head to his shoulder. One of his hands rested securely over yours in your lap, thumb occasionally brushing over your knuckles without thinking.
Mingi drove carefully, movements smooth and unhurried, the world already dark, the winter unforgiving. Streetlights passed in soft streaks across the windows justas they have that morning.
For a few minutes, neither of the alphas spoke.
Then, the older lowered his voice. “We should start with her closet.”
Jongho nodded faintly in agreement, his movements subtle to not disturb you. “The essentials first. Comfortable clothes.”
“And her schoolbooks," Mingi added quietly with a small, painful smile. “She’ll notice if those disappear.”
A curved lip touched the youngest’s mouth as well. “Pack a few. Leave the rest for now.”
Silence settled again, heavy but calm.
“What about dinner?” The driver asked after a moment.
“She barely ate earlier.”
Jongho glanced down at you, at the way your mouth had fallen slightly open in sleep. “…something easy and warm.”
“Soup?” Mingi suggested softly.
“And rice,” the other added. “She eats better when it’s simple.”
Your older mate hummed in agreement.
“I’ll start cooking when we get back. You stay with her for now, we should probably pack together.”
Jongho’s arm tightened just slightly around you when the car turned. “Of course.”
By the time you reached home, it was early evening.
The apartment was quiet when Mingi unlocked it, and you let the alpha hold the door open for you before you slowly shrugged off the huge coat, biting back any yawns.
Much to their relief you were too tired to tense up and cry at the sound of the door. At least this time, that was.
The familiar scent of home wrapped around you gently, grounding you in a way nothing else had been all day.
You felt a bit better now, forgetting to associate your home with the incident in your sleepy mind. Much to their relief once more.
The older alpha locked the door, then turned immediately, eyes scanning you like he needed visual confirmation you were still okay.
"Tired?" Mingi asked gently, stepping closer.
You gave a small nod.
Jongho crouched to help you with your shoes before you could even bend. “Don’t fight it,” he said softly. “You’ve had a long day, baby.”
You toed them off slowly anyway, movements sluggish. Mingi brushed his hand over your hair once, careful and warm.
“Do you want to go nap for a bit, princess?”
You hesitated.
“I’m okay,” you murmured, though your voice still carried sleep.
The alphas exchanged a look.
“Come, angel," Jongho coaxed quietly. “Let's try for a bit.”
He took your hand before leading you to the living room, murmuring under his breath that ‘Hyung will get all angsty if you leave his sight.’
You let him settle you down on the couch first before he sat beside you. A second later, he shifted and tugged you carefully into his side, adjusting until you were tucked against his chest.
“Just a minute,” he mumbled, voice already softer.
You curled instinctively toward him, cheek pressed against his hoodie, breathing evening out almost immediately. Mingi watched for a few seconds, the sight easing something in his chest.
Then he quietly moved toward the kitchen.
The apartment filled slowly with the gentle sounds of cooking – water bubbling, a spoon stirring, and the quiet rhythm of chopping - on the couch, Jongho hadn’t meant to fall asleep, fully intending to watch over you.
But the warmth of you against him, the steady quiet after such a long day - his breathing slowed, and his head dipped slightly against yours, chin tucking you to his neck.
By the time Mingi started the vegetable broth, both of you were asleep, curled up tight together.
And when you woke up again, everything felt warm.
Heavy. Safe. The way you liked it.
Jongho’s arm stayed draped securely over your waist, his chest rising slow and steady behind you. The faint scent of him filled your lungs when you breathed in.
You shifted just slightly, but that was enough.
His eyes opened, instinct cutting through sleep without hesitation. His hold tightened before he even fully focused.
“Baby? You okay?” he murmured, voice rough with sleep but instantly soft for you as his nose nudged the side of your neck, breathing in your scent to note any panic.
You blinked up at him, still hazy. “Just don’t wanna sleep no more…” you whispered in the end.
He studied your face for a moment, checking. The alpha made sure your eyes were clear and that you weren’t disoriented or scared from a nightmare.
“Sure honey?” he asked quietly, thumb brushing once over your hip where his hand rested.
You nodded faintly. From the kitchen, the soft clink of a spoon against a pot paused.
“You two awake?” Mingi called gently, voice lowered like he’d been careful not to disturb you while cooking the quick dinner. You pushed yourself up slowly at the sound of his voice, sleeves of your hoodie sliding over your hands again as you rubbed at your eyes.
“Mmh.”
“Come ‘ere,” the alpha said, softer now. “It’s almost done.”
Jongho sat up with you immediately, one hand at your back as if you might tip over without it. “Easy,” he murmured. “Take a second.”
You leaned into him for balance without thinking. Your mate stood first, then guided you up carefully, hand warm and steady at your waist the whole way to the kitchen.
The older was waiting by the stove, spoon already in his hands. Steam curled up gently between you. He cooed softly when he saw your sleepy expression, hand reaching out towards you.
“Hi, baby.”
He then dipped the spoon into the broth, lifted it carefully, and then blew on it, movements slow and deliberate, before offering it to you.
"Be careful, princess,” he murmured. “still warm.”
You leaned forward obediently, lips parting just slightly, but enough for him to plop the spoon between them. Warmth spread through your chest almost immediately. Your shoulders dropped without you meaning to.
“It’s tasty...” you said quietly.
The relief that crossed his face was almost immediate, subtle but real. “Yeah?” You nodded again.
“Good,” he murmured, brushing his knuckles lightly against your sleeve.
“That’s good.”
Jongho stayed close behind you, hand resting at the small of your back.
“Do you want to eat now, baby?” the alpha asked gently. “I could plate it for you properly.”
You hesitated, gaze drifting toward the front door like you expected the others to walk in any second. Or-
“…’wanna wait for the others,” you murmured.
The two alphas exchanged a brief glance in understanding.
“Okay,” the youngest said immediately, voice warm against your ear. “We can wait a little.”
Mingi set the spoon down, wiping his hands slowly on a kitchen towel as he gathered his thoughts. He approached you carefully, like he didn’t want to startle you out of that fragile softness, hip leaning on the counter when his hands cradled your cheeks.
“But,” he added gently, lowering his voice, “we should pack a tad bit tonight, baby.”
Your fingers curled deeper into your sleeves.
“We just need to be prepared, princess,” he murmured softly, thumbs brushing lightly against your skin. “We don’t know yet. But everything is going to be okay, I promise.”
Jongho leaned down closer, voice low and cooing, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “Just a tiny bit for tonight, angel,” he added. “Nothing big. We just fill your suitcase for now and call it a day, how about it? The rest of the things we’d put in ours, and that would be plenty.”
He hoped it wouldn’t come to a situation when this was even needed to begin with.
You nodded slowly, the tension in your shoulders loosening just a little. “Okay oppa…”
The alphas smiled softly, the older one's arm curling at your waist as he led you through the hall to the very back, where your room was.
“Here we are, angel,” Jongho murmured as they reached your room. “Sit for a moment, mkay?”
You eased down onto the bed, legs curling under you, still drowsy from your nap. The maknae brushed a strand of hair back from your face, thumb lingering lightly at your temple.
Mingi went to the closet, stretching up and carefully pulling the pale pink suitcase down from the top shelf. He set it gently on the floor, kneeling before unzipping it slowly, pushing the lid open.
“Wanna do it yourself or just watch, babygirl?” he asked gently, eyes grazing over your cozy form.
“’just watch…”
He hummed back, muttering a soft: “Okay princess.”
Your other mate then pulled open the closet door and they began murmuring quietly to each other, so softly you could barely hear the words but enough to follow along.
“Hyung… clothes mainly, right?” Jongho whispered.
“Yeah, comfortable. Pyjamas, tops, and a few pairs of pants,” Mingi replied gently, reaching for a folded long sleeve before he tucked it inside.
“And a swimsuit,” The older added quietly after a while, glancing toward you. “Just in case. You know, there is a pool in the new apartment complex.”
“Good idea,” Jongho murmured with a soft nod, glancing back at you with a small smile as he pulled out a sweater, putting the empty hanger back after he gave the garment to his pack member.
“Come with me, baby,” Mingi said softly after a moment, having stood up and holding out his hand for you now.
“We’ll pack your toiletries together. Jongho-ah will put away your schoolbooks.”
You let him guide you to the bathroom, the alpha’s fingers brushing lightly over yours in reassurance. He pulled a small, soft, light blue fabric bag from a shelf.
“Here,” he murmured, lifting it gently.
He placed the items in front of you, one by one, cooing softly as he went, praising you when you gave him something you wanted on your own accord. “Toothbrush… yes, hairbrush too, my good girl… moisturizer… sunblock… no need for cleanser baby - you can use mine, it is gentle enough for omegas too, princess.”
He reached for the small hair ties, holding them between his fingers. “And these,” he whispered softly, slotting them into the bag.
“And deodorant, scent blockers...”
He zipped up the baggie for you, pecking the top of your head. You looked up at him, voice soft when you spoke up. “Oppa...?”
Mingi turned, eyes warm and patient. “Yes, baby?”
“I want to take some makeup as well, please…” you asked hesitantly, fingers fidgeting with the edge of your sleeve.
“Of course, princess,” he murmured immediately, a soft smile touching his lips after he praised you for telling him what you wanted all by yourself.
You held his hand when you made your way back into your room, your mate leaving you at your table with the bag to fill it up the rest of your way. You sorted through your makeup slowly, considering many products but only settling on a few essentials you liked the best.
As you opened another drawer down your spacious desk, your eyes sparked with genuine excitement – for the first time since yesterday afternoon.
Your mates’ heads shot up when they smelled the new brightness of your scent that had only just appeared, only to see you pull out a clear ziplock bag happily. Before either of them could ask, you were already turning in the chair to face them, eyes finding theirs with just the smallest smile adorning your lips that melted their insides.
“Oppa? Can we paint rocks later, please?”
Mingi’s eyes widened in slight shock.
He searched in the back of his mind and after a few moments realised where the filled-up bag came from – that was months ago. It was from the day you all went on a walk to the Han River. You beamed with pure glee back then, it was sunny and warm, and you and Wooyoung had great fun looking around for pretty-shaped rocks.
He had no idea you still had them, though.
“Of course, angel! We could do it right after we finished packing, how about it?” The youngest was quick to encourage that innocent excitement they cherished like nothing else when it came to you. The older alpha nodded along, smiling wide.
Whatever you wanted, they would do. Especially today.
Meanwhile, as you were finishiping up with your makeup selection, Jongho moved quietly around the rest of your room, picking up a few small items you might need: a pair of slippers you always forgot to wear, a claw clip by your bedside table, and a soft scrunchie you sometimes tied your hair up with...
Mingi called out from your bedside table, brows furrowed. “Princess? Where’s your phone charger?” You turned from the table, lip tint in hand.
“Um… I think it was still with San oppa, my other stuff too…”
The alpha smiled gently, coming close to comb his fingers through your hair. "Okay, baby. Just making sure. Can you please look if Jongho-ah took all the schoolbooks you would need?”
You nodded to his request, settling down by his side at the full suitcase now, as both alphas ran through what they took for you – the soft sweater you liked, the long sleeves that wouldn’t irritate your skin, and a pair of plush flared leggings along with another comfortable pair.
Your older mate slotted in the now full hygiene bag, an incredibly soft towel, and Jongho showed you the schoolbooks he knew you frequently used a lot when studying – the art history one, the big one specifically about contemporary art, and the one for Korean. You nodded along, thanking them softly as they zipped the suitcase up.
“I’ll put it in my room for now, okay, angel?” You thanked the kind-hearted alpha when he stood up and was quick to roll the luggage away to his room down the hall – out of sight, out of mind.
Before you could actually dwell on any of it for even a minute, Mingi was already ruffling your hair. He chuckled when you whined and smoothed down your hair with caring hands.
“Do you want to paint them now, princess?” he asked softly, his chin momentarily facing the direction of your desk, where the crinkly plastic bag lay waiting.
You blinked once, before smiling a little, and humming in reply. Mingi smiled warmly, caressing your face before he pulled you up slowly to stand.
“Rock painting it is.”
The alpha listened closely to your gentle mumbles when you hummed about just exactly what you would need. He was eager to take practically all of the things without you even asking, only setting the small bottles of expensive acrylic paint carefully in your arms after checking you’d got a good grip on them.
The large tub of gesso went under his arm, brushes tucked between his long fingers, and the little but heavy plastic bag of rocks rustled in his other hand. He even grabbed a pallet when you looked at it for a few seconds in contemplation.
And then, he led you back to the living room with a gentle hand at your back, thumb rubbing small soothing circles through the navy-blue hoodie.
Before you even reached the table, he was already pulling a chair out for you, making sure it didn’t scrape too loudly against the floor after he left all the supplies on the desk. You settled down, knees folding under you automatically as your mate rearranged everything out in front of you in neat little rows.
He pecked your forehead when you thanked him softly, cooing: "Go on, princess, pick the one you liked the best. The most important decision of the day.”
Mingi didn’t mention the fact that there were some far more crucial things handled that day. No, the most important one was being handled at that moment, when you reached for the rocks and opened the bag carefully.
Just then, Jongho stepped into the room, quiet but steady. He smiled at you both before stepping away to the kitchen, and you heard faint sounds of the cupboards opening.
When the maknae appeared again, he carried two tall glasses of juice. He placed yours down first, leaning lower to scent you quickly.
You thanked him softly before glancing up at him.
“Oppa,” your voice was small but hopeful. “…will you paint with us too, please?”
His expression softened instantly at your soft question.
He crouched slightly so he was more at your eye level, brushing his thumb gently along your jaw and chin.
“Of course, honey,” he promised warmly. “Just give me a few minutes, okay? You can start without me. I’ll be right back.”
You searched his face for a moment, as if weighing his words and tone. But he smelled calm, like steady cedar and honey, and it quickly settled the tiny flutter in your chest.
“Promise?”
“Promise,” he repeated, pressing a soft kiss to your temple before standing again.
And then he was gone down the hall. You didn’t see the way he closed his bedroom door quietly, didn’t see him kneel by his own suitcase while methodically stacking only the essentials inside. He kept his breathing even and his scent steady, careful for it not to change and alert you, even as his mind dwelled and circled with anxiousness at the thought of abruptly abandoning their own home.
Back in the living room, Mingi hummed a tune while opening a drawer in the kitchen, reaching for one of the pretty, pink glass straws they kept there for you, before returning to the large table partially occupied by you. He plucked the straw into your cup wordlessly, his chin grazing the top of your head, before he settled a cup of water just before you for the paintbrushes.
By then, you had already selected a few of the rocks you preferred the best to the side, carefully looking over the rest - some were smooth and oval. One was flat and wide. Another was smaller and almost heart-shaped. The alpha pulled out a chair from next to you, sitting down slowly to not startle you accidentally.
He smiled so fondly it almost hurt.
“Could you pick one for me too, princess?”
You nodded quickly, fingers reaching for the stone heart almost immediately. His chest tightened as he thanked you, rubbing your shoulder blade, internally screaming.
He helped you open the stubborn lid of the large, white tub and grinned when your nose nudged just under his jawline in soft thanks. The alpha’s hands were incredibly careful when he reached over to pull up Yunho’s hoodie’s sleeves before you could even reach for a brush.
You were meticulous as you primed the rocks for the paint to hold on better, and you giggled a little when Mingi accidentally applied too much. The sound was light and unrestrained, shoulders lifting as you hid part of your smile behind your sleeve.
The alpha immediately brightened at the noise, exaggerating his concentration even more just to hear it again.
“See? This was why you are the true artist here,” he said seriously, nodding toward your perfectly coated rock that you set to the side for it to dry while you worked on the next one. “Mine is already failing.”
“It isn't,” you protested softly.
“It absolutely is,” he insisted, glancing at you from the corner of his eye before lowering his voice conspiratorially. “I think yours is just prettier because you touched it.”
Your cheeks warmed, and you focused back on brushing careful strokes across the smooth stone. The repetitive movement settled something deep inside you - brush dipping into water, soft tap against the rim, smooth glide over the surface...
Mingi watched the way your shoulders slowly loosened. He noticed the way your scent softened.
Good, he thought quietly.
Stay here. Stay with this.
He rinsed your brush without being asked, and when the water turned cloudy, he stood up before replacing it with fresh water a moment later, like it was part of a practiced routine. He rolled up the stubborn sleeve when it kept falling down past your wrists.
When he stepped away for just a moment, pecking your temple and mumbling about just going to the bathroom, he came back to find your nose scrunched up, brows furrowed as you bit your lip, hand pulling at the lid of the pretty glass container.
The alpha was quick to hurry over to help, cooing softly when he took the paint from you. "Here, baby, alpha will help…there you go. What other colours would you like?” he asked, hand petting the back of your head.
You glanced back at him, thoughtful. “…Red. And white too, please, oppa.”
“Good choice princess…” he murmured immediately, as if you’d just given the most profound answer possible.
Mingi reached for the correct little glass tubs and twisted them open for you before you even tried again, setting each lid down neatly so they wouldn’t roll away. The faint scent of acrylic drifted up, sharp but comforting in its familiarity. He slid the palette closer, and with a cleaned paintbrush, he took out small, careful amounts so you wouldn’t waste any - he knew you hated that.
You thanked him gently and settled down - you painted the majority of the round stone red and then added a thin black line down the centre.
Your movements were meticulous, brows furrowed in concentration while just the tip of your tongue peeked past your lips. Your mate didn’t interrupt, watching over you fondly before he too set out to make his own piece.
And so, after a few minutes passed, you looked up when he huffed quietly - his back leaned back, eyes taking in the result of the battle he had just faced.
The green creature stared back, lopsided and uneven, its head a little too round, its legs not quite matching. One eye sat slightly higher than the other. It was supposed to be a dinosaur.
A quiet giggle escaped you before you could stop it.
Mingi turned slowly.
“Is it that bad?”
“No,” you insisted quickly, biting your lip to hold back another laugh. He studied it again, then sighed dramatically.
“Princess,” he said gravely, “I think it needs professional help.”
“Can you fix him for me?” he asked, sliding the rock carefully toward you like it was a delicate patient. “Just… a little?”
You nodded right away and took the pointed, thin brush from where he handed it to you. You dipped it into black and leaned closer, adding small, precise outlines around the dinosaur’s body. You smoothed the curve of its tail, defined its tiny arms, and evened out the eyes just enough so they looked intentional rather than accidental.
The alpha sat next to you, watching every movement closely while one of his hands lay by the small of your back.
When you looked it over after a moment and handed the pack member the finished rock, he smiled wider than before. Mingi pressed a soft kiss to your temple in gratitude, and you melted a little under the silent praise, shoulders relaxing.
Footsteps echoed faintly from the hallway, the scent of your other mate growing stronger.
Jongho soon appeared in the doorway, calm and steady, sleeves pushed up slightly.
His gaze softened immediately when he saw you at the table, paint on your fingers, one shoulder practically rested against Mingi’s chest while you concentrated.
“Ohh,” he murmured, stepping closer. “Look at all of this.”
You perked up instantly, holding up the ladybug first for him to see.
“I made this.”
He bent at the waist so he was closer to your level, one hand settling warmly at your shoulder, rubbing over the collarbone soothingly. The maknae felt his mind lighten, seeing as you were doing okay.
Mingi was truly the master at distracting you, it seemed.
Jongho gasped like you’d just revealed a masterpiece in a museum.
“Angel,” he breathed, “that is the cutest ladybug I’ve ever seen.”
Your cheeks warmed shyly as you thanked him.
The other alpha couldn’t battle the smile at the sight of you soaking in the praise and then gently brushed his knuckles down your arm.
“I’m going to go clean up my room real quick,” he hummed casually. “I’ll be back soon, okay, princess?”
You glanced at him, but there was no tension in his scent, no rush in his tone - just the same warmth, and so you stayed in that calm haze they had somehow managed to put you under in the early evening.
“Okay, oppa,” you said.
He squeezed your shoulder once more before slipping down the hallway quietly, his steps calm and slow.
Jongho didn’t wait for long to sit down at the chair, shifting Mingi’s masterpiece away to dry up. You hesitated a second before pushing another rock toward him.
“I primed one for you oppa,” you said quietly.
“If… if you like it…?”
He picked it up, turning it in his hands. It was the small, square-shaped one you chose earlier. His eyes softened immediately.
“Of course I like it, honey,” he said gently. “You picked perfectly.”
Then he looked at you again, and there was something especially warm in his gaze. You beamed at that softness - truly beamed. He then reached for the paints, considering them before glancing at you.
“I think I’ll paint a mountain range,” he said quietly. “With a sunset behind it.”
Your eyes lit up, your foot resting against his stretched-out calves under the table subconsciously.
“Which colors should I use for the background?” he asked, like it mattered deeply.
You looked over the palette, thinking hard.
“Orange,” you decided. “And a little blue, complementary colours look good together.”
He nodded once, taking the colours you recommended.
The man started with dark strokes along the bottom of the rock, forming soft triangular peaks. His movements were steady and controlled but gentle. The mountains rose slowly under his brush. Then he blended orange into blue above them, careful not to overpower the surface, letting the colours melt into each other.
No one disturbed the quiet, almost sacred space of the living room, the atmosphere not broken even when he nudged your glass slightly closer to you.
“Have a sip for me, sweetheart.”
You leaned forward and drank through the pink straw obediently.
“Good girl,” he murmured absentmindedly, still blending the sky.
You continued adding tiny stars to your new, now dark blue rock, shoulders loose, breaths even and light. It felt safe.
How it was supposed to.
When Jongho finally added a thin line of bright yellow where the sun dipped behind the mountains, he tilted the rock slightly toward you.
“What do you think, honey?”
You leaned closer, studying it carefully, humming in thought.
“It’s pretty,” you whispered.
The maknae’s chest puffed up big in response, his shoulders squaring at the praise from his littlest mate. He tried to hide it, but the quiet pride was obvious in the way his lips curved.
After a few minutes Mingi returned quietly, like he was stepping back into something sacred. He lowered himself into the chair on your other side without scraping it, oh so careful.
He typed something briefly on his phone, then hummed under his breath, before sliding it into his pocket again.
“Seonghwa hyung says hi,” he told you softly. “They’re on their way home now.”
Your mate didn’t mention the now packed bag placed in the corner of his room, not a word about the fact that he placed one of your heavy plushies that could warm up in the microwave in the middle of his things. Your mate brushed a lock of hair behind your ear kindly, his scent sticking to your skin.
Your brush stilled mid-motion, your gaze flicking up.
“Do we need to clean up right away…?” you slowly asked, small and tentative, clearly not wanting to abandon the almost-finished constellation you were working on now in front of you.
Both of them looked at you instantly, and the softness that crossed their faces was immediate.
“Of course not, princess,” Mingi said gently, resting his palm between your shoulder blades, rubbing small circles into the fabric.
“You can paint a little longer,” Jongho added, thumb brushing slowly over your knee under the table, after washing his brush in the cup.
He was finished with his work now, but the alphas were more than content with watching over you working for now.
After a few minutes, the older one leaned down, voice lowered just for you as his chin grazed your temple in a tender gesture.
“I’m going to start warming up food, m‘kay? You stay with oppa.”
You nodded easily, trusting them. The rapper then pressed a soft kiss into your hair before disappearing further down the room into the kitchen, the faint sound of cabinets opening blending gently into the background.
Jongho stayed by your side, the quiet sounds of the stove turning on and the rice cooker opening kind to your ears.
After a few more minutes, the youngest pulled you to sit on his lap, huffing about it being too cold for you (which wasn’t even true). The alpha stuck to his excuse though, arms wrapped around your waist as you added the final details.
And then, when the locks switching sounded and the loud melody called from the doors, the alpha was right there to shush your hitched breath before your anxiety could grow any further.
Jongho’s arms tightened on you, his chin rubbing the top of your head as he cooed to comfort you. “Shh, baby, it's alright…”
From the kitchen, Mingi echoed softly the moment he picked up on your reaction, “Just your alphas, princess.”
When the voices from the hallway flooded the apartment, your shoulders dropped in response, and you curled up against the youngest in relief. He hummed in reassurance, waiting for your breathing to calm down.
“Sweetie, we’re home!” Wooyoung called brightly, only to be immediately interrupted.
“Shoes,” Hongjoong scolded sharply. “Take off your shoes first Woo.”
“Hyung, I was going to-”
“No, you weren’t.”
You felt Jongho’s chest rumble with quiet amusement beneath you, thumb rubbing slow circles into your side. Soon after, soft steps crossed the hallway, before Yeosang’s head popped from behind the doorway.
He paused for just a second, visibly taking you in, settled all safe, warm, sitting in your mate’s lap with leftover paint on your fingers. The alpha crossed the room in slow, quiet movements.
Soon he bent slightly, brushing his nose gently along your temple and cheek, scenting you softly. It was subtle, protective, as he breathed in the way your scent had calmed compared to its spikiness earlier that day.
You tilted your head toward him, offering more access without even thinking. He smiled faintly at that, pressing a soft kiss into your hair before his gaze dropped to the table.
“You made these darling?”
You nodded, suddenly shy.
Before he could examine them properly, Wooyoung barreled in behind him, far less composed.
“Aigoo, so cute!”
You beamed under the praise. Then you excitedly held up Mingi’s dinosaur.
“This one is Mingi oppa’s-”
Wooyoung leaned over Yeosang’s shoulder to look closer. There was a pause.
And then he snorted.
“Hyung,” he said, barely holding back laughter, as he turned to face towards the kitchen. “Why does it look like it ran into a wall?”
“Yah!” Mingi protested. “It’s abstract!”
Wooyoung continued laughing to himself dramatically, taking a photo of all of your creations. “It’s… post-modern dinosaur!” The older alpha defended, though his own smile exposed him. He soon appeared in the doorway with a wooden spoon in hand, narrowing his eyes playfully.
“Watch it.”
Wooyoung just grinned and leaned down to press a quick kiss to the top of your head.
“You did good, sweetie,” he said warmly, completely sincere beneath the teasing, before he went to help his packmate with the dinner.
Yunho stepped in next, tall and soft-eyed, offering you a gentle smile.
“Hi,” he greeted quietly, crouching low so he was closer to eye level, hand caressing the back of your head.
“Can I see?”
Jongho loosened one arm so you could hold up the finished ladybug easier.
Yunho’s expression melted. “That’s adorable,” he said. “You painted the dots so evenly. What a clever girl we have, hm?”
San slipped in beside him, gaze scanning you first before anything else. He rested a warm hand briefly against your shoulder, grounding.
“We do.” he rumbled, eyes kind. You perked up at their tender musings.
Hongjoong entered after shrugging off his coat just then, the packalpha’s presence calm but commanding as always. The stress lines around his eyes softened the second he saw you.
He too stepped close, brushing his fingers slowly through your hair, pushing it back from your face.
“There’s my pretty girl,” he said gently.
You leaned into the touch automatically. He examined the rocks carefully, lifting the starry one. “Pretty, good job babygirl.” He approved.
“And this?” he asked next, lifting Jongho’s sunset mountain.
“She picked the colors,” Jongho said immediately, pride unmistakable in his voice.
Hongjoong raised a brow. “Orange and blue?”
You nodded. “They are complementary oppa,” you said softly.
A small smile tugged at his lips. “Very smart.”
Seonghwa came in last, closing the door quietly behind him. He looked tired, his shoulders slightly slumped, socks padding against the floor, but when he saw you nestled between your mates, his entire expression warmed.
He approached slowly, almost reverently.
“Hello honey,” he murmured. You reached for him instinctively, and he bent down lower so you could wrap your arms around his neck. He held you carefully, inhaling deeply like he needed to reassure himself you were truly there, before leaving a soft peck on the side of your neck.
“I painted,” you told him softly.
“I can see,” he smiled, pulling back just enough to admire the collection. “They’re beautiful.”
Hongjoong exchanged a look with Seonghwa soon after.
“Alright, baby,” Hongjoong said softly. “Let’s clean up now, yeah?”
Seonghwa nodded gently. “We’ll have dinner soon.”
You nodded obediently, letting Jongho gently slide you off his thighs. The maknae, Yeosang, and San immediately moved to help you gather everything, while the other alphas dispersed in the space, prepping dinner.
Brushes went into the cup, lids got screwed back onto paint tubs, the painted rocks carefully stacked in your palms, and the table got wiped clean.
After all your supplies were safe back in your room, you all gathered to eat.
Dinner was even more quiet than usual, the alphas all tender and soft. The difficult day had settled heavily into everyone’s shoulders, exhaustion threading through the air. Hongjoong watched you carefully between bites of his own food, making sure you were actually eating and not just drifting somewhere they couldn’t reach.
Every time your gaze went unfocused for too long, someone gently called for you.
“Another one darling,” Seonghwa hummed softly, offering you a spoonful of rice from where he sat to your side. “A bit more.”
They rotated naturally, spoon after spoon, and by the time you finished, your eyes were already heavy. You washed up quickly after, the warm water soothing against your hands and face. And by the time you stepped out of the bathroom, blinking sleepily, Yeosang was already waiting by your bed, hairdryer in hand.
The alpha gave you a small smile. “Come here angel.”
You shuffled over without protest. He sat on the edge of the bed and gently pulled you into his lap, manhandling you gently so that your back rested against his chest. The damp towel got draped over your shoulders, and a moment later, warm air began to hum softly around your head.
His fingers were careful as they moved through the damp strands, lifting sections gently, oh so mindful to never tug. The warmth lulled you further in that comforting haze, your body going slack against your mate’s chest. Your fingers played with the fabric of his sweatpants absentmindedly, rubbing the soft material between your thumb and forefinger as you breathed in his scent.
Then, there was a gentle knock at your door before Hongjoong peeked in, the hairdryer being turned off momentarily. The packalpha’s voice was barely above a whisper, a cozy pair of loose pants paired with a soft black shirt on.
“Baby? ‘you want to make us a nest?”
You blinked slowly at him, processing what he said before you nodded. He smiled gently before leaving, humming a low ‘Okay sweetheart,’ as he went.
By the time Yeosang deemed your hair dry enough, combing his fingers through it slowly, the living room was transformed. Blankets were brought out, pillows stacked on the floor where there was once a coffee table. One of Seonghwa’s oversized hoodies was tossed onto the pile, and Yunho brought the thicker comforter to use as a makeshift mattress. San stood by the tall lamp, and dimmed it to a golden, warm light that wasn’t too bright.
They stayed more than patient as they waited for you to finish, not hovering to unsettle you in that vulnerable form of yours. They praised you caringly when you looked up at any moment, rearranging everything the way you liked it. Eventually, one by one, they settled around you, movements slow and careful not to disturb that sacred space you invited them to enter.
Yunho pulled you gently against his chest first, wrapping his long arms around you easily. You tucked your face beneath his chin without hesitation.
He exhaled deeply the second you settled against him.
Sleep took you quickly by some miracle, your breathing evening out within minutes. Yunho smiled faintly against your hair - and then, just as quickly, his own exhaustion dragged him under too, even when some of the lights were still on.
The living room grew quieter, the pack soft-hearted the moment your eyes truly closed.
San shifted closer to you, arm wrapped by your waist. Jongho stretched out along the side of the nest, and Mingi tucked a blanket more securely over your shoulder before he too lay down, abandoning his phone. Wooyoung mumbled something to Hongjoong half-asleep, the older humming a reply.
Eventually, only the oldest were awake, and after checking all the locks of the apartment, they too settled to sleep, breathing calm and content, trying to leave the stress of the long day behind.
It was the persistent vibration of his phone under the pillow that pulled Hongjoong out of sleep that night.
The leader blinked slowly, vision unfocused, disoriented by the darkness before his eyes adjusted - there, that was Yunho’s arm draped over your waist, and that was Mingi half-curled near your legs, Seonghwa’s hand still loosely threaded through your hair-
The living room was dim, washed in faint orange from the streetlight filtering through the small gaps by the curtains.
The phone kept vibrating.
He carefully shifted, easing his arm out from beneath the blanket without disturbing you or his pack mates. He stilled automatically when you whined all small in your sleep but didn’t wake, nestling deeper into Yunho’s chest.
3:17 a.m.
His eyes screwed shut at the sudden brightness.
The caller ID made his stomach drop instantly.
Director Noh.
Hongjoong inhaled slowly before answering, keeping his voice barely above a breath as he worked on freeing himself from the sleeping nest, carefully pulling his foot from under Seonghwa’s thigh.
“…Manager-nim?”
There was the faint sound of shuffling papers on the other end, doors closing, and then--
“Hongjoong-ah,” Manager Noh greeted, voice low, tired and strained. “I’m sorry to call at this hour.”
That alone told him everything.
Oh this was bad.
He pushed himself carefully to his feet, stepping over the edge of the nest and moving toward the hallway so his voice wouldn’t carry, closing his room’s door behind him carefully.
“What happened?” he asked quietly.
Another pause.
“They’ve been posted.”
His fingers tightened around the phone, as he felt cold dread fill him.
“…Posted where?”
“Multiple platforms, first on X, with an anonymous account. It was picked up within minutes...It’s already been reposted to Pann and Instiz. Nate is starting to thread it-”
Hongjoong leaned his shoulder against the wall, closing his eyes briefly, the tightness in his chest taking over again.
“How long have they been up?”
“About twenty minutes. They caught it early, but not early enough to prevent traction.”
His jaw clenched as he cursed under his breath.
“And it’s everything from the email?”
“Yes. Every photo has been posted.”
A slow exhale left his lungs, ice flooding his veins. This was really bad.
“The building security has been alerted, we’ve requested increased presence. But Hongjoong-ah,” his voice lowered, so serious even the packalpha straightened up.
“You can’t stay there.”
The alpha’s gaze flicked back in the direction of the living room.
“It’s not safe,” Noh continued. “Even if most fans are harmless, it only takes one...We’re finalizing the response we drafted yesterday, the one regarding privacy violations. Legal has been looped in. The police have been notified and are monitoring the posts. We’ll sort the response primarily with you for now so the others can rest once you arrive, but you cannot remain in that apartment.”
“What about the secondary apartment?” he asked quickly. “Can we relocate there now?”
There was a pause followed by a frustrated exhale.
“The staff member who has the keys isn’t picking up,” Noh admitted. “We’re calling repeatedly, but he’s probably asleep. The moment we reach him, we’ll move you there. But until then, the safest controlled location is the company.”
Hongjoong’s jaw tightened.
“Grab essentials only,” Noh said firmly. “Two vehicles are en route. Fifteen minutes, maybe less, they’ll park discreetly. I’ll call as soon as they get there.”
Hongjoong ran a hand through his hair.
“She’s asleep,” he said quietly.
There was a softer pause.
“I know,” Noh replied.
“I’m sorry.”
“She doesn’t handle sudden stuff well at night.”
“I understand,” Noh replied. “Someone will prepare a studio. She can sleep there, bring whatever helps her settle. She can sleep anywhere, but you cannot keep her in your packhouse, Hongjoong-ah. It's not safe there for any of you right now. Security will monitor the lobby until you’re out.”
A few seconds were left quiet between them.
Then, the packalpha spoke with finality, sighing through his nose.
“I understand…We will be there soon.”
The call ended after that.
For a moment, he just stood there, phone still in his hand, then his hands began to shake - just a faint tremor in his fingers.
He squeezed his fists tight before releasing them, consciously slowing his breathing before stepping out of his room to the silent hallway again.
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
You were tired - the kind that sinks into your bones and won’t let go, no matter what you do.
Your eyes were too heavy to hold open, your muscles too slack to move, and all you wanted was sleep. Much to your dismay, your rest was already interrupted, your arm being gently shaken. No matter how softly you whined it wouldn’t let up.
A soft protest slipped out of you, face scrunching as a small whimper followed.
“I know baby, it’s early, I know…”
His voice barely reached you. You huffed, trying to turn away, only for that stubborn hand to stop you, pulling you slowly upright instead of letting you curl back up. Your eyes finally cracked open, and then- there was Yunho, his lips moving, voice low and warm, so much so you couldn’t even catch the words.
It felt off.
The living room was quiet now - too quiet - the usual low rumble of the morning voices that you’ve grown used to over the months absent, the blankets no longer dipping under the weight of bodies that had kept you boxed in all night in a cocoon of warmth.
Somewhere between one breath and the next, your eyes slipped close. And once they opened again, you were still sitting upright, back against something solid and warm, your cheek pressed to soft cotton that smelled like clean laundry and something deep and familiar.
A large hand stroked slowly up and down your shoulder, lips grazing the tippy top of your head.
“Awh baby…easy, hey…” Yunho murmured, his voice still husky with sleep but still much steadier than yours felt.
“You nodded off again, angel. I know you’re still sleepy, but I need you to get up honey.”
You made a small, protesting sound, somewhere between a whine and a sigh, your head lolling forward before he caught you gently, guiding you back against his chest, angling your nose towards his scent gland. His chin rested lightly atop your head as he adjusted you, one arm wrapping around your middle to keep you right there.
“Mhmm,” he soothed when you tried to sink back down. “I know, it’s too early, isn’t it... Come ‘ere.”
His palm slid up to cradle your jaw, thumb brushing softly under your eye when you blinked in slow confusion. The nest was stripped of all warmth except for him. The blankets were folded back, pillows abandoned. The air felt cooler now that your mates were no longer fit tight into such a small space.
Your brows pulled together faintly.
Before any other thought could fully form, a voice carried from further down the large room.
“Yunho-ah,” Hongjoong called, not sharp, just measured.
“Did you wake her up?”
Yunho’s chest rose in a quiet sigh behind you.
“Mhm,” he answered back, his chest rumbling in a way that comforted. His tone changed just slightly from when he addressed you earlier.
“I did.”
You stiffened a little as your foggy mind started to finally clear, rubbing your eye, the alpha gently pulling your knuckles away from your face the moment he noticed.
Memory came back in slow pieces.
Yesterday. Sisi. The café. The walk back home.
The alpha pressed a soft kiss to your temple, letting his lips rest there for a second longer than usual.
“C’mon, sweetheart,” he whispered, arm rubbing over your shoulder blade kindly. “Let’s get up now, yeah?”
You didn’t argue.
You didn’t have it in you, tongue still feeling like it weighted at least hundred pounds.
He shifted first, planting his feet on the floor as he knelt, before gently manoeuvring you with him, resting you against his chest. When your legs wobbled, his arms tightened immediately, large hands steady at your waist.
“Careful ‘mega,” he murmured again, voice dipping all warm and honey as he allowed you to find your balance against him.
“Don’t rush.”
You let him guide you, taking slow steps toward the bathroom once you both untangled from the sheets at your feet as if you were in some kind of a cruel ball.
The apartment was awake now – just to your side dishes clinked, and you could hear the low hum of the coffee machine and someone’s quiet footsteps crossing the kitchen floor.
The bathroom light was far too bright when Yunho flicked it on.
He didn’t let go of your hand while he reached for your toothbrush, humming when you yawned again. He was quick to prepare both yours and his - a fresh bit of toothpaste lined neatly across the bristles after he rinsed them.
“There we go,” he said gently, pressing it into your hand. You blinked at it for a second like you’d forgotten what it was like to move. He smiled softly at you in the mirror, starting to brush his own teeth beside you.
After a beat, you followed – too slow, sluggish, eyes boring into your reflection.
The quiet rhythm of brushing together felt strangely safe.
Familiar. This was how it was supposed to always be.
Your shoulder bumped his bare arm and he nudged you back lightly, almost playful, but gentle to never let you topple over.
Always so careful with you.
The room was chilly, the way any tiled bathroom is, and so you stuck close to the alpha’s side to combat your shivers. When you finished, he rinsed your toothbrush for you without even thinking about it before leaving it in the cup full of others.
“I’m sorry.” He said just so suddenly, voice quieter now, eyes dropping to you through the mirror.
You looked up from your daze you slipped into unconsciously, wide eyes startling upwards.
“We didn’t grab your pajamas last night… It must have been uncomfortable. We just… wanted you close sweetheart.” He had to clear his voice, forming his words slowly.
You shook your head immediately, small and quick.
“It’s okay oppa.”
Was it?
Your throat tightened without warning the longer you thought.
“I’m happy-,” you added, but your voice wobbled.
“I’m h-appy I’m safe with you.”
The tears came before you could stop them - not big, loud sobs, just soft ones that broke his heart. Your hands curled into the front of his shirt and your breathing hitched, shoulders shaking.
Yunho reacted instantly.
“Hey- hey, baby, shh,” he hushed, pulling you into him, one broad hand covering the back of your head as he held you close to his neck. “It’s okay. You’re okay. 'm here now.”
Your crying not letting up only made him hold you closer, his comforting scent clouding the closed of space. And somewhere, deep within him, the alpha realised this wasn’t going to be any easy fix, much to their fear.
The bathroom door creaked open barely a second later.
Yeosang stood there for half a second, hair still sleep-tousled, before his expression already dazed over with concern.
“Hey…what happened?”
“’just overwhelmed.”
Yunho murmured quietly, rocking you gently when you choked on your cries for a second, nose nudging at your pulsepoint to smell for any danger immediately. Yeosang stepped closer without hesitation as well, long fingers brushing through your hair carefully so he wouldn’t tug.
“Awh, angel,” he whispered, voice low and smooth. “Breathe, honey...”
Your muddled up mind found it easy to follow their instructions, Yunho’s chest expanded slowly as he took deep breaths with you while you listened. Sang stayed close, brushing stray strands from your forehead, watching you with quiet focus.
Inhale.
Exhale.
His thumb wiped beneath your eye.
“There she is,” he murmured when your breathing steadied a little.
“Our brave girl.”
Yunho pressed another kiss to your temple, leaning into it.
“Let’s get dressed, yeah? We need to go to the company later.” He smiled at you, his arms resting over your elbows comfortingly.
You blinked up at them in response. “Company?”
“Just a meeting,” Yeosang assured gently, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.
“You don’t need to worry about it yet. We’ll explain in the car.”
They didn’t overwhelm you with details just yet. It was already enough for now.
You glanced away, thoughts drifting, but all was cut short when Yeosang lightly tugged your hand towards him.
Your room felt different when they led you back inside - lighter. The windows must have been cracked open yesterday, fresh sheets tucked tight, your blankets fluffed and folded neatly at the foot of the bed, no longer laying by the small nook behind the furniture.
The sharp edge of your distressed scent was gone.
Now, it smelled like clean cotton and the essential oil they sometimes used in your room specifically. And faint traces of them.
Yunho opened your closet while Yeosang sat you down on the edge of the bed, rubbing your knee. He hummed, pleased as he looked at the large poster San left at your desk, praising yours and Sisi’s work.
“Comfy today." The older decided softly, pulling out a pair of loose, black, soft pants. The alpha placed them on the bed by your side, before he leaned back to sort through the wide array of tops you now owned – they spoiled you. A lot. Picking out a breathable, cream white long sleeve he gave it to you, smiling gently.
When his fingers brushed through the different sweaters and hoodies on the hangers you spoke so quietly they held their breath: “Can I… wear one of yours oppa?”
Both of them paused, before Yeosang’s mouth curved gently, his hand rubbing small circles on the little of your back.
“Of course you can. What a sweetheart you are, telling us what you want.”
Yunho didn’t ask which.
He disappeared, and then came back with one of his hoodies-dark blue, oversized, warm, still holding his scent woven deep in the fabric.
You changed from your pajamas, movements tired and sluggish while they walked around the room, turning the heater lower and switching on the air purifier they got you, making sure to be more than respectful of your privacy, but still close enough should you need anything.
When you hummed softly towards them, Yunho pulled the hoodie carefully over your head himself, smoothing it down over your arms before leaving a soft smooch on your forehead the moment you peeked out once more.
You immediately tugged the sleeves over your hands, burrowing into the warmth it provided like a wounded deer half frozen over during winter.
“Our pretty mate,” he murmured fondly, fingers carding through your messy hair, calming the tiny bird nest you sported right back down.
Yeosang hummed in response, agreeing gently, your blush deepening. By the time they led you to the dining table, the apartment nearly buzzed, and you barely understood how, considering the early hour.
Did you just not hear it when you were woken up?
Hongjoong sat at the head, laptop open, blue-light glasses slipping low on his nose as he scrolled through emails. A half-finished coffee sat beside him, brows drawn tight in focus. He looked tired-all of them did. The alphas were pushing through the deep exhaustion from barely sleeping a wink. How could they, after all.
He looked up the second you entered, and his expression softened instantly. His hand slowly lifted in your direction from where you slowly padded into the room, one hand in Yeosang’s while your other mate’s palm rested on the small of your back. The packalpha gently beckoned you over, sighing in tiredness.
Your mates pecked your cheeks, mumbling something about getting their things ready to leave soon.
“Morning baby,” he said quietly. You shuffled closer at his motion, and he leaned in to press the softest, most deliberate kiss to your lips, hand lingering on your jaw as he breathed in your scent.
“Sleep okay?” he asked against your hair, pecking the top of your head with his eyes closed, those pent-up nerves finally easing at having you close.
You nodded faintly. You were tired though, it was still far too early for you. Outside, the world was still dim, wrapped in that soft, in-between hush that was always there before morning fully wakes.
Seonghwa was already sliding a bowl toward your usual seat before you realised it - fruit of different kinds cut neatly, light yogurt on the side and a bit of chopped nuts on the top. Something gentle on your stomach, nothing overwhelming.
“Eat a little first,” he said softly, brushing your shoulder as he passed, suppressing his yawn.
You slid off Hongjoong’s thigh when he patted your hip softly, dropping into the seat to his side instead. Your legs folded under you as you tried to get comfortable, pouting in tiredness as you picked up the spoon to eat.
Mingi emerged from the hallway just then, hair damp from his shower, towel slung over his neck as he hummed a little tune. The alpha wore a pair of dark brown jeans and a white tank top that peeked out under his opened zip up. He leaned down without hesitation when he neared you, kissing the top of your head, palms gentle on both of your temples.
“Morning, ‘mega.”
You mumbled a soft reply, though it was barely comprehensible – not that any of them minded.
Chewing slowly, you picked at your food, just not feeling like eating much. Seonghwa, who had been leaning casually against the counter with his arms folded loosely across his chest while he waited for the water to come to a boil, stood taller the moment your movements slowed and your spoon stopped clinking against the porcelain bowl.
Without saying anything at first, he walked over quietly and stopped beside your chair, hand coming to gently cradle your nape.
“Doesn’t taste good baby?” he asked gently, his voice low and warm, eyes oh so soft.
You shook your head faintly. “’s okay oppa.”
What was it?
“Is it too sweet?” He tried again, brushing his fingers lightly over your shoulder in a soothing motion. He thought of the little dollop of honey he had put in earlier, hoping it would appease to your tastebuds and coax your appetite. Was he wrong?
You gave a small shrug in response.
Seonghwa hummed softly, nodding as though he understood completely. There was no frustration in his expression, only patience.
“Alright, baby,” he said calmly, trying to shoo away that nagging feeling inside his chest.
“Would you like something else instead? There’s still some rice, I can warm it up for you. Or make some toast? Maybe something more savory would sit better today?”
You loved sweet breakfasts – he knew that. Much to his surprise even your usual favourite didn’t seem to do the trick this morning.
You shook your head again, the movement even smaller this time, big eyes all downcast in a way he hated.
“Just not too hungry, ‘s all...”
Mingi, who had been standing near the fridge, his shoulder leaning on it as he adjusting his watch, paused mid-motion.
He studied you quietly across the room for a moment before stepping closer himself. Sitting down on the once empty spot next to you when he reached you, his hand settled on the back of your chair, his thumb brushing absentmindedly over your shoulder blade in slow strokes.
“‘Mega,” he murmured softly, bending down slightly so he could see your expression better, his own face impossibly soft.
“You might not realise it, but your body needs to eat, princess.”
You pouted faintly, your eyes still heavy with sleep as you slumped backwards. He reached forward carefully and tilted your chin upward, so you had to look at him.
He didn’t look in a way that was stern or demanding, instead all you saw was that gentle, sweet worry.
“Yesterday was a lot,” he said quietly. “You barely ate, and you didn’t sleep much either.”
You looked away again, your spoon dragged a slow, lazy circle through the yogurt as if you were trying to avoid the conversation altogether, before you let it plop back down and shimmied yourself from his gentle hold, shoulder turning on them both. Your chin rested on your hand by the corner of the backrest, eyes staying on the floor just in front, and your feet curled under you as your mind pondered.
Across the table, Hongjoong slowly closed his laptop, the soft click of it shutting seemed louder than it should have been in the quiet room.
The packalpha removed the blue light glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose briefly before turning slightly over to you, close enough that his knees brushed lightly against yours.
“Hey,” he said softly.
You looked up at him automatically.
His hand came up to cup the side of your face, his thumb resting just beneath your eye. His voice dropped lower, tired but steady.
“We need you to eat before we leave,” he said softly. “Please honey. At least a bit more.” His hand continued to smooth over your hair, thumb grazing your temple in quiet reassurance.
What would happen after they told you about the photos?
He wasn't delusional to actually think you would happily eat up after learning all about that.
You hesitated for a second, and then finally dipped your spoon back into the bowl, taking a small, sleepy bite. All three of them visibly softened at the sight of you chewing again, shoulders untensing.
“There you go,” Seonghwa praised gently from your side, his palm warm where it rested between your shoulder blades. Praise always worked on you. Simple, with no room to read between any lines for no words that existed.
“That’s good.”
He spoke softly, lingered for a second longer before he stood pack up from where he was crouched to your side, hearing the kettle start to boil.
Hongjoong’s fingers slipped through your hair again, slow and fond.
“Good girl,” he murmured quietly, pride and relief mixing in his tired voice, before he took a sip of his coffee, taking his phone out to type a reply when it buzzed.
Mingi left the chair next to you after a beat or two, taking the few steps towards the kitchen space. The alpha reached for one of the small containers kept near the counter and shook out your vitamins into his palm before placing them carefully in front of you along with a glass of water. A low hum sat in his throat.
You immediately puffed your cheeks, swallowing the small piece of strawberry.
“Oppa…Not today…”
His eyes narrowed almost playfully - but there was no real room for negotiation when he leaned his hip on the table next to you. His heart panged as he looked you over, but he wouldn't let up.
Never with your health.
“No can-do baby,” he said simply, smiling apologetically. “They’re important.”
“They’re weird…” You mumbled, eyes big as they stared up at him, all sorry and reluctant. You never liked swallowing pills, always having preferred to take medication in a liquid form, but even that was just as horrible. Vitamins were no different.
“They’re specifically formulated for omega health.” Hongjoong added without looking up from his laptop that now sat open again in front of the man, typing quickly.
“Which means you’re taking them.”
You looked scandalized.
“It’s just ma-rketing...”
You huffed, shaking your head, as if you had just uncovered a corporate conspiracy. The packalpha lifted a brow in response to your outburst, his nimble fingers never stopping over the keyboard.
Where did all that energy come from?
“Is that so?” he asked mildly, a small smile tugging up the corner of his lips.
“Yes,” you insisted, crossing your arms lightly.
“Th-They just put ‘omega health support’ on the bottle and charge more.” Mingi bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling, clearly entertained, his fingers drumming over your thigh.
Hongjoong finally leaned back in his chair, turning his attention to you fully now.
“You think we didn’t check the formulation before buying them?”
Your stubborn expression faltered by just a tad bit.
“They contain additional iron, omega-3s, and hormone support supplements tailored to your biology,” he continued calmly. “I read the research paper attached to the brand’s clinical trials. We all did.”
Then, softer: “We would never make you take something unsafe baby, you know this.”
You finally sigh, picking up the small rasberry-shaped vitamin, and popped it into your mouth. Mingi hummed approvingly, pushing the glass of water closer so you could wash it down. You took it from him, swallowing with a small, reluctant gulp.
“Good girl,” Mingi cooed, brushing a loose strand of hair behind your ear.
"See? Wasn’t so bad.”
But before you could relax completely, Seonghwa appeared beside the health cupboard again, soon handing Mingi a small brown dropper bottle.
“And this one too, just for today, baby,” he said, tone easy, already turning back to the dishes. That always seemed to work – as long as they didn’t seem too concerned, you would unconsciously ease up yourself. Even if just by a hint.
Hongjoong huffed out a laugh, eyes twinkly when he met his packmates gaze.
You stared at the bottle like it had personally offended you, newfound resilience born from somewhere within. At least you’ve forgotten about what had happened yesterday, even if only for a moment.
“Oppa no...”
“Yes honey. It’s just herbal,” Seonghwa replied calmly, already turned away again, dishes clicking slightly as he piled them into the dishwasher. “For stress.”
You looked at Mingi who read over the small glass bottle description, as if only remembering now what they had gotten for you a few weeks ago before your finals started and they got worried about you barely breathing correctly one night. That was just before a big test, but still, the mates were anxious about your mental health in tandem.
You never had it though since your stress dissipated after that afternoon, and you got a bit better on your own once the mark was received. Mingi seemed satisfied enough, quickly cracking the lid open, taking your spoon from where it was left abandoned among the tangerines, strawberries and blueberries.
“It’ll help, just for today.” He repeated.
Your lips trembled faintly when you whined, big eyes glossy as you stared towards Hongjoong who only gave a glance, his jaw set tight. Not even crocodile tears seemed to be of any help in this.
“It will make you feel better baby. I promise.” He still spoke softly, holding your gaze with quiet authority.
Before you realised, Mingi was crouched slightly to your eye level, the spoon full of the brown liquid raised to your lips.
“Tastes a little weird, I know,” he admitted.
They always tried everything before they gave it to you after all. Just to be safe.
“But it helps.”
You huffed, but even then your pouty lips still wrapped around the spoon he offered. The liquid hit your tongue sharp and bitter, and you immediately scrunched your face.
Quick regret.
Mingi laughed quietly. “Yeah, I know.”
Once you swallowed it down, he was fast to hand you the refilled glass of water. The alpha watched carefully, then smiled warmly once you set the glass down empty.
“See?” he murmured, brushing your hair back. “So good for us.”
You looked a little miserable, but when he leaned in to press a soft kiss to your temple, your shoulders loosened. Hongjoong cooed from over his seat, his eyes compassionate. “Thank you, babygirl.”
“Proud of you,” Mingi added gently, knuckles brushing over your cheek before straightening up, stretching.
“I’m gonna go finish skincare.” He disappeared down the hallway next, leaving you bundled in Yunho’s hoodie and faintly bitter-mouthed.
Seonghwa returned moments later, placing a warm cup of tea into your hands. You blinked up at him before thanking him softly, having your mate softly kiss your forehead in an answer.
“Be careful,” he murmured. “It’s warm.”
You wrapped both hands around it, letting the steam kiss your face. His gaze softened at the sight, taking the half full supplement glass away.
You ate the rest of the breakfast slowly and quietly, your feet resting over Hongjoong’s ankle under the table. The apartment hummed around you - quiet footsteps, someone checking car keys, a soft call about a lost phone -when you finished, Hongjoong slightly tilted his head.
“All done?”
You nodded, humming absentmindedly, too focused on Wooyoung and Yunho playfighting over a charger by the sofas. He glanced at the bowl.
“Everything?”
You hesitated, eyes shooting back towards the man, his brows lifted. You scooped the last two pieces of fruit into your mouth obediently. A small smile tugged at his lips.
“Good.”
You stood, picking up the bowl instinctively.
Yeosang immediately stepped forward from where he was filling a waterbottle by the sink. “Here angel, I’ll take it.”
“I can-”
“I know,” he said softly, holding eyecontact. “But I’ll do it.”
You handed it over, fingers brushing his. “Thank you oppa.” You clung to the alpha’s back as he stood by the sink and rinsed the bowl, eyes slipping shut for just a second-just enough to drift-
“Baby?”
San’s voice carried down the hall, soft, calling. At your mate’s expression your head turned instantly, fingers growing looser on the fabric of Sang’s own hoodie.
“I’m in my room..!” he added.
“Go on now, angel.” The alpha hummed, patting your hands before they released and you moved away slowly. You padded down the hallway, hoodie sleeves pulled over your hands again, nose twitchy.
When you pushed the ajar door of the alpha’s room further, it was to see San kneeling by his open duffel bag, neatly folding a hoodie into it.
He looked up the moment you appeared in the doorway, eyes kind and warm.
“There you are.”
His room was still dim, the main overhead light turned off, all brightness coming from his bedside table lamp. His bed was made roughly, a plushie you faintly recognised as the one Jongho had won for you at the arcade peeking from behind a pillow.
When did you leave it there? You were just looking for it the other day.
You stepped inside quietly, inching towards his bed before he cooed softly, hand catching your wrist. He wouldn’t allow himself to preen at the thought for too long – at the thought that his littlest mate reached to his sleep driven scent all on her own, that his littlest mate seeked out his bed to rest in – his, noone’s elses--
He looked at you with a small, gentle sigh, thumb brushing lightly over your wrist.
“Aigoo, cub… I know,” he murmured softly, voice low and warm.
“But no naps yet. Maybe later, in the car, yeah? We’ll head out soon.”
He shifted slightly, opening his arms.
“Come ‘ere, baby…”
You only hesitated a beat before stepping in. He guided you down between his thighs, sitting cross-legged, arms wrapping around you in an easy hold.
“What do you want to bring today?” he asked, lips brushing against your ear. “Anything special?”
You blinked for a moment, your sleepy mind trying to take in what he said, before you bit your lip. Your energy seemed to leave you after your tiny outburst over the supplements, leaving you pliant and muddle-minded once more.
You turned in his grip lightly, meeting his eyes.
“How long… are we staying?”
His shoulders dipped just slightly before he left a smooch on your forehead in response, jaw tightening. His hands felt firmer on your waist now, but just as soon they loosened as he sighed.
“Probably the whole day,” he admitted softly.
Your fingers curled into the fabric of Yunho’s hoodie. The alpha noticed the shift in your scent immediately. He didn’t comment - just stood up, arms lifting you with so little effort before he sat you on your feet again. His hand stayed in yours when he slung the bag over his other shoulder and pulled you slowly toward your room.
“Okay,” he said gently, setting his mind straight, trying to ignore his instincts to curl up with you and let you sleep as much as you needed.
“Let’s see...” You sat down on your bed again, all pouty and cute as he set the duffel bag by your side, softly asking you to open it up for him please. You complied, tugging on the smooth zipper slowly.
The packmate moved around your space carefully, respectful, gathering your headphones from your schoolbag, your phone charger and your sketchbook. He slid the pencil pouch into his bag without rushing, kindly asking if you wanted to also take that book you were meant to finish for one of your classes. You mumbled a barely there ‘yes please’, all soft edges while playing with the zipper, barely paying attention.
“...I wanna do my makeup,” you said after a moment.
He smiled, fingers combing through your hair.
“Alright.”
When he was sure everything you might need was packed, he stepped out, leaving the door slightly open with the bag back over his shoulder, quietly asking you if you needed anything. You shook your head, already half elsewhere. And so, he told you he will be in the living room then, leaving you to your thoughts.
You settled at your desk, taking your time. The quiet routine soothed you. Sun block. Foundation. A little blush. Dark brown mascara. Vanilla scented lip gloss that wouldn’t bother your sensitive nose.
Once or twice, someone passed by the doorway, checking in on you.
“Doing okay?” Wooyoung asked gently at one point, his voice tender in a way the usually playful alpha wasn’t.
“Mhm...” You hummed in response, eyes not looking up from the small mirror you used to be precise with your lashes.
They didn’t interrupt you further, content knowing you were safe and sound.
When you finally stepped back, taking a satisfied one over in the mirror, Jongho appeared at your doorframe.
“Ready to go, honey?”
You nodded, pushing your chair back as you tidied everything back into your makeup bag silently, the alpha waiting patiently for you, soft smile grazing his face. When your fingers tightened on his, he scented you, letting the mate claim linger on your skin.
You hugged him close, before you both made your way to the crowded apartment entrance. Coats came down from hooks. Scarves wrapped. Keys jingled. You slid your boots on, smiling faintly when the youngest tied pretty, double-knotted bows on them. Yeosang tugged the zipper of your jacket higher.
None of your mates even mentioned that the coat you’ve worn last night was nowhere in sight.
“Everyone, we’re taking two cars today,” Hongjoong explained calmly from where he was taking a face mask from an open pack.
“It’ll be easier later when we go back home.”
“Warm?” Sang asked softly from your side, arm going up to rub at your elbow. You nodded.
Seonghwa was the last to start pulling his coat on, having gone through the apartment one last time to check all windows were in fact closed. The kind alpha showed you your phone, putting it in your jacket’s pocket, smiling.
“Here honey, you left it in the kitchen.”
You looked up at the oldest, giving a small, tired smile.
“Thank you, oppa,” you murmured softly, fingers brushing over his hand. He gave a quiet hum, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to the top of your head.
“It’s nothing, baby. Always,” he replied, voice low and steady, as he stepped back to quickly lace up his own shoes.
From the hallway, Mingi’s soft call floated toward you.
“Princess, come now. We should get going.”
His palm outstretched in your direction in an invite, rings all shiny and pretty, having you move towards your mate instinctively.
The walk to the underground garage was quiet. The sky was still deep indigo from what you saw through the windows. It wasn’t even seven yet. The alpha’s eyes occasionally flicked to your form, guided between Mingi and Wooyoung to make sure you were keeping pace, the group moving together.
Your breath puffed faintly in the cold the moment you entered the underground parking lots, thanking softly to Yunho that held the heavy door open for you and his packmates.
Hongjoong paused near the cars and looked toward you, eyes soft beneath the low light of the garage.
“Baby,” he murmured, stepping closer so his voice carried towards you better. “Is it okay if you ride with me today? We need to talk about what’s going to happen today,” he said softly, his voice calm but firm.
“And it’s important you understand, so you’ll be safe, okay?”
You hesitated just a fraction, too tired to be any quicker, then nodded slowly, shoulders relaxing at the warmth in his tone. You stepped towards him, fingers wrapping into his sleeve lightly.
“Good,” he said, a small smile tugging at his lips. He reached out, brushing your hair back lightly from your face.
“C’mon, babygirl. Let’s get you settled, hm?”
You followed his lead, the car lights blinking to light just a second after. San slid into the driver’s seat of the BMW. The packalpha sat down beside him after opening the backseat door for you, helping you with the seatbelt. You were tucked into the back between Seonghwa and Yunho soon after.
The moment everyone was ready to leave, San smoothly pulled out of the parking lot, the other car with your mates following a few paces behind. The pack alpha switched on the radio soon after, going through the different stations before he was satisfied.
The calming song was quiet in the space.
Your hand stayed tightly in Seonghwa’s as you looked out of the window, the sky dark. For a few minutes, no one spoke, and you could only hear the low hum of the engine and tires against pavement along with the low sounds of the omega station.
Yunho shuffled from next to you, pocketing his phone away before his hand reached to the back of your head. You rested against his palm, trying to ignore that anxious buzz all around you.
Then Hongjoong exhaled slowly.
"We need to talk a bit before we get there.”
Your fingers tightened in your lap. Seonghwa’s hand immediately covered them, abandoning his bag, in which he was searching for something moments ago, to lace his fingers through yours.
The pack alpha turned in his seat so he could see you properly. His heart shattered for what felt like the millionth time these past few days at the sight of your watery eyes.
“Baby,” he started softly, “I need you to listen to me for a minute, okay?”
You nodded faintly, already sensing the shift, bottom lip wobbly without even meaning it. The alpha‘s voice dropped even more, careful with every word.
“Something else happened after we got home last night.”
Your brows pulled together, a soft sound leaving the back of your throat in question to hard to form. Yunho left a peck at your temple, closing his own eyes as he looked away after, biting his inner cheek.
He hated this.
They all hated this.
San’s eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, checking your expression, sighing at your scared confusion - too much at once. The packalpha’s eyes didn’t strain from you.
“Management received an anonymous email at night.”
There was the smallest pause - not hesitation, but gentleness as the man chose his next words carefully, vision dancing over the lamplit street they were passing through, world slowly waking up.
“They were sent photos,” he said quietly.
You blinked.
Your stomach dropped, your throat tightening at the thought of just exactly what this would mean.
Seonghwa’s hand tightened slightly around yours, their scent calming, but they could only do so much. Your heart was pounding as your hazy brain connected the dots of what was to come.
“Of you yesterday… At the café, with Sisi, and you walking home...the apartment.”
You felt the air thin in your lungs, a whimper escaping your constricted throat. At the broken sound, the two alphas next to you sprang up impossibly closer, Seonghwa's soft rumbles sounding to your side as Yunho scented you profusely, trying to anchor you back down.
No one mentioned the shine in his eyes.
Your mate’s hand, which had been resting loosely on your thigh, moved to cradle the back of your neck again, his fingers tender when they neared your scent glands by the pulse points.
“Slow breaths,” he murmured. “Just breathe, baby.”
Your voice trembled slightly when you finally spoke up.
“I-s that why we’re going in?”
“Yes,” he nodded. “Today is an emergency meeting. Just the management, our legal team, the head of security, and police officers.”
Your head lifted slightly at that, eyes widening, the alpha having noticed immediately.
San’s quiet rumble called out to you in comfort from the driver’s seat. “It’s okay,” he said softly and steadily.
“They’re not there to scare you. They’re there because this seriously crossed a line.”
“Yes,” Hongjoong added gently, expression pained.
“Honey, what happened yesterday was criminal behavior. Management also contacted a private investigative firm that specializes in stalking cases. Their job is to identify the sender and assess the risk properly, they will help.”
Silence settled again, far heavier this time.
You too were quiet for a moment.
San’s jaw tightened subtly as he drove, protective instinct humming beneath his calm exterior. Seonghwa’s thumb stroked over your knuckles again, slower now, the idol leaning close as he kissed your forehead, whispering sweet nothings under his breath.
Hongjoong’s eyes softened further.
“They’ll need your statement, baby.”
A small, fragile sound left your throat, and your fingers tightened painfully around Seonghwa’s hand. You didn’t want go back there – the wounds were still too fresh and oh did they hurt.
“I know,” Seonghwa soothed at once. “I know that sounds scary.”
You shook your head faintly, eyes glossy now, and he sucked in a breath in response. To your right you heard Yunho’s head hit the window in despair.
This was bad, and there was nothing they could do.
He hated feeling so helpless and raw.
“You’ll just explain what you remember,” the packalpha continued tenderly from the front. “What you saw. That’s all, baby, alpha promises.”
Another small, distressed sound left you.
The scent of rain and something indescribable hit you, your shoulders sagging just the tiniest bit in response to his scent. Hongjoong turned fully in his seat, reaching back to rest his hand on your knee, eyes searching yours.
When did Yunho drop his jacket over your lap? He didn’t even notice.
“It’s going to be okay,” he said gently, voice steady and warm, even if he felt his world falling apart right in front of him.
“Alphas are here. We’ll be with you the whole day. The entire time.” His palm fitted right over the soft fabric clad over your knee, squeezing.
“And if anything feels like too much,” he continued, “you say so. We take a break, we have a drink or go for a walk for a bit. Or we stop immediately. Okay? I swear, baby.”
You didn’t answer, eyes stuck on your intertwined hands. Your throat felt too tight, and each breath felt like torture. Your fingers still trembled faintly in Seonghwa’s white-knuckled grip.
San cleared his throat gently from the driver’s seat, trying to not let his emotions affect him.
“You’ve met some of the managers before, cub,” he said, trying to keep his tone light, with a soft smile that didn’t really reach his eyes. “Remember? When you signed the NDA at the beginning?”
From the back, Yunho murmured softly, head shaking.
“Not the best memory, San-ah… she was shaking the whole time.”
San winced a little, hands tightening on the steering wheel.
“Right.”
He thought of the way your hands trembled, so much so the papers slipped right from your grasp.
Seonghwa hummed quietly beside you, warm and grounding, staying strong.
“But it worked out, in the end, didn't it?” he coaxed towards you softly, his chin gently grazing over the top of your head, chest straining over the seatbelt.
You sniffled faintly.
“It was scary,” he continued gently. “But nothing bad happened. They were kind. They helped you through anything you didn’t understand.”
He thought of the way the all practically steamed with anger and fury when they felt like one of their managers was a tad bit annoyed by your questions.
Your breathing wobbled again.
“It turned out alright,” the alpha repeated softly, brushing his nose into your hair, trying to convince both you and him at the same time.
After a moment, you gave just about the tiniest nod.
Hongjoong caught it, shoulders easing just a fraction.
“It’s very scary. We know,” he whispered.
That was when the tears finally spilled over – not loud, just soft, overwhelmed crying. The same way you broke that morning. Small broken shallow breaths left you as your mind spiraled over everything that happened and what would likely happen.
What if the photos got published?
Seonghwa immediately pulled you tighter to his side, his arm wrapping securely around your shoulders.
“Oh, honey...” he murmured into your hair. “I know, baby. It’s a lot today, isn’t it?"
You tried to turn toward him fully, hands reaching for the loud fabric over his chest to pull yourself over his thighs, just how you always liked when it all got too much, but the seatbelt held you back.
Your fingers fumbled with it clumsily, a whimper leaving you as your tears blurred everything around you.
“Hey, hey,” Yunho said softly, rubbing your shoulder from your other side, his frozen form coming back alive right that moment.
“Not yet, sweetheart.”
“Seatbelt stays on,” San called gently, though his voice was tight. He gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles now.
“Just a few more minutes, pup.”
“We’ll be there soon,” Seonghwa promised, angling himself closer. “And then you can sit with me, okay? Parking lot cuddles, hm? That sounds nice, no?”
You cried quietly against him, nose pressed into his chest as much as the belt allowed, his own form leaning towards you. The alpha cursed the expensive car model for being too spacious – he wished the seats would be closer, especially now.
Seonghwa lowered his head, scenting you carefully, letting his pheromones wrap around you like a quiet tide, but it seemed to be of any help. Your other mate leaned closer too, rubbing slow circles between your shoulder blades, trying to not react at every heartbreaking cry that left you.
He was too sensitive to when you were upset, his mind yelling at him to do something- anything--
Towards the front, Yunho spoke quietly to Hongjoong, trying not to let you hear the worry in his voice when he leaned forward, hand never abandoning your side.
“Hyung… maybe we give her a minute before going in. She’s really scared. I don’t want her slipping.”
The packalpha understood immediately what he meant – omegaspace was not what either you or they needed right now. And based on the way your stress and anxiousness were practically suffocating them all with the urge to fix everything and make you feel better, you were tethering on the edge of just that.
Hongjoong checked the time on the dashboard, jaw tightening slightly. His phone had already buzzed twice with messages since they sat down in the car.
"Managers and legal are all there already,” he murmured, looking at his younger pack member, before checking the time again.
San let out a low, restrained rumble, brows furrowed deeply.
“She obviously needs more than a minute, hyung. She’s fucking terrified.”
“I know,” Hongjoong answered immediately. Not defensive, but tired and strained.
“I know. I’m sorry. I really am.”
The packalpha’s chest hummed with nerves as the car slowed when they approached the underground company parking. The barrier ahead stayed closed for a second, a red light blinking when San leaned out of the window to scan the entrance card, nodding at the security staff.
Seonghwa kept murmuring into your hair.
“Stay with me… breathe slow, baby...”
The barrier finally lifted, and the alpha drove in smoothly, jaw set tight. The other car followed just seconds after them. The moment he parked and the engine cut, the oldest reached for your seatbelt immediately, unclipping it with quick fingers.
“I’ve got you,” he whispered, cooing. Before anyone could even open a door, he pulled you fully into his lap, wrapping both arms around you tightly.
You clung to him instantly.
“Shh… oh, baby, I know,” he murmured, rocking you slightly.
“I’m right here. Come closer…”
He tilted his neck slightly so you could press into his scent gland properly, and the moment you did, your breathing hitched again - but softer this time.
“That’s it, just like that,” he whispered.
“Breathe me in. Good girl.”
Yunho reached back to stroke your hair, slotting himself against your back, hands kind on your calves, rubbing slow, reassuring circles. San stayed very still in the driver’s seat, staring ahead, jaw tight but controlled as he listened to your nearly constant whimpers.
Hongjoong turned fully in his seat to face you both, his own seatbelt long gone.
“We have two minutes, Hwa,” he said quietly.
“Then we really need to go.”
Seonghwa nodded faintly but didn’t rush you one bit, holding you just as tight, if not tighter.
"Stay with me, ’mega,” he whispered into your hair.
“You’re safe with us.“
Your cries had softened into sniffles now, your body still trembling but less frantic, too tired as you slumped to his chest.
Then, from outside the car, you all heard doors shut and footsteps hurrying over.
Mingi was the first to reach the door in the back, followed closely by Jongho and Wooyoung. The door opened carefully just then, cold air sharp against your cheeks, making you tuck closer to the warmth beneath you.
“Aigoo…” Mingi breathed, voice dropping when he saw you, brows furrowed.
“Princess…”
Wooyoung leaned down slightly, cramming himself next to your mate to see better. Jongho’s voice was lower than usual, steady as he cooed. “You’re alright.”
You weren’t crying as much anymore, but your fingers were still tight in Seonghwa’s coat, and Yunho’s hands were careful when he reached to open that death grip to make sure you wouldn’t hurt yourself, not wanting to startle you.
Mingi looked toward the front seats, worry clear in his eyes.
“What happened?”
San let out a low, restrained sound in his chest – it wasn’t anger at them, just frustration at the situation.
“What do you think?”
He muttered under his breath, voice rough as his fist stayed lying over the top of the steering wheel, glancing at the alpha through the rearview mirror, shaking his head.
Wooyoung’s posture stiffened slightly, but before anything could escalate, Hongjoong spoke calmly, steady even in the nerve-wracking situation.
“It’s okay,” he said firmly. “Everyone breathe.”
He opened his door and stepped out next, rounding the car toward your side. The other alphas instinctively shifted, letting him approach first.
“She’s our strong girl,” Hongjoong sighed quietly as he opened the back door fully, comforting himself rather than anyone else. Seonghwa reluctantly loosened his hold just enough for his packmember to reach in, his hands all warmth and safety as they slid carefully under your arms, plucking you from his elder's hold.
“Hey, baby,” he murmured, voice soft again. “Alpha’s here.”
He pulled you gently into his own chest, holding you upright against him as he scented you slowly, careful to be there for you to lean against when you fumbled with your footing.
“That's it,” he cooed. “Good girl. Doing so well.”
Your face tucked against his shoulder, cheeks flushed, lips soft and swollen from crying.
“We’re going to go upstairs now,” he murmured. “You hold my hand, and I’ll take care of you, okay?”
You nodded faintly, fingers finding his immediately. The rest of your mates filled out soon after, and the minute the car was locked, they were all already leading you through the lot.
You’ve been through here countless times, but it still felt much different today, even if the setting was familiar. Hongjoong’s hand stayed firmly around yours, his thumb brushing over your knuckles in slow, grounding strokes.
“It’s just a short ride up,” Yunho murmured near your ear, his voice warm when you all waited for the elevator to lower to the underground floor.
“Do you remember the floor, angel?”
You hesitated, shoulders rising slightly, as you met his warm gaze. Your voice came out barely audible.
“…F-Fourth, oppa.”
There was half a second of silence - and then all of them reacted at once, smiles almost too wide.
“That’s right,” Seonghwa praised softly.
“What a clever girl we have,” Mingi added, smiling down at you, ruffling your hair slightly before smoothing it down.
Hongjoong huffed a quiet approving sound. “Good job, baby.”
Your lips twitched just a little at that, the faintest smile pulling there before you ducked your head again, shifting closer to his side. Wooyoung gasped dramatically.
“Oh! I saw that. That was a smile. Hyung, did you see? That counts.”
Yunho chuckled under his breath, nodding along, knuckles rubbing your cheek in affection.
The elevator arrived with a soft chime, and they shuffled in together. It was a tight fit, their broad shoulders bumping, warm bodies on every side of you, but it wasn’t overwhelming - if anything, it felt like being in a nest again, and your eyes closed for a second.
You felt safe, surrounded by familiar scents and that familiar warmth they brought along.
The ride up was quiet except for the low hum of the machine. Seonghwa kept one arm lightly around your shoulders. Yunho’s fingers traced absentminded, soothing circles against your sleeve. And when the doors slid open, bright white light spilled in.
You squinted immediately, lifting your hand to rub your eye.
San caught your wrist gently before you could.
“Ah-ah, no, baby," he reminded softly. “Not good for you, yeah? You’ll irritate it.”
The alpha brushed your hand down carefully instead, thumb grazing your knuckles in reassurance. Further in the back, Wooyoung whined about it being too bright.
Hongjoong adjusted his hold on your hand naturally and stepped out first, guiding you with him. The others flowed around you again, keeping you shielded as they moved into the hallway.
It was busy - far busier than you were used to.
Staff members were already moving quickly between rooms, some carrying folders, some speaking in hushed but urgent tones. The atmosphere was different much tighter, more alert.
A manager passing by paused and bowed respectfully, a cup of coffee from the machine in hand. “Good morning.”
The boys bowed back automatically, greeting him back.
Startled, you bowed quickly too, a tad too deep, shoulders tense as you bit your lip, internally scolding yourself for not being more wary.
The packalpha hushed you tenderly though, whispering a soft, "You're alright.“
Normally, when they brought you here after school, it was later into the day. Quieter. Most of the staff was gone, and the halls were dimmer and softer.
You’d go straight to the studio and curl up on the couch while they worked or maybe sit by a coffee table and do your schoolwork. But today it was anything but that, much to your dismay. The air practically buzzed with attentiveness and unfamiliarity, leaving you feeling even smaller than before.
Your grip shifted from Hongjoong’s hand, and your other palm curled around the sleeve of San’s coat when someone stepped a little too near. His arm immediately curved subtly around you, unmistakably protective.
“Just staff,” he murmured, leaning over to brush his lips over your temple quickly when your breaths came short and shallow anyway.
They stopped in front of a large, grey door labelled 'Conference Room 3.‘
For a second, no one moved.
Then, the pack alpha turned toward you completely. He stepped closer into your space, one hand coming up to gently cup the back of your neck before he angled your face to the side. The alpha leaned down just enough to scent you properly again, chin brushing your temples and neck carefully.
His voice stayed low as he looked you over once more.
“Everything is going to be okay,” he murmured. “If it gets too much, you let us know, baby.”
You nodded faintly, eyes still on the floor. Hongjoong gave your hand one last reassuring squeeze before he reached forward and opened the door--
The room was bigger than you expected. And fuller.
The long conference table was already occupied, humming with tight conversation. At the head sat the company’s main executive manager, with two senior management staff beside him, whom you recognized.
Then, a few other familiar faces - department heads you’d seen in passing before, or so you thought - people who had been present when you signed the NDA all those months ago, just like San had said.
On one side of the table sat the company’s legal counsel - two attorneys and a paralegal, laptops open, folders neatly arranged. Across from them were the security representatives - the head of security and one member of that private investigative firm Hongjoong told you about earlier. They had files spread in front of them, professional and composed, and you suddenly felt underdressed compared to their crisp suits.
And, closer to the end sat two police officers.
One wore a standard suit jacket with a badge clipped at the belt that you saw when she stood up—a Detective Sergeant. Beside her sat a uniformed officer - likely documentation, you reasoned in your mind.
You hadn’t expected that many people.
Your steps slowed instinctively.
You tucked closer to Hongjoong’s side, fingers tightening around his hand. Your eyes dropped fully to the floor when you recognized the scents around you. The room smelled of alphas and a few betas, that much you could tell even if it was muted by scent blockers.
Sure, the blockers kept it from overwhelming you, but your instincts still registered your surroundings.
The moment you all entered, your entire pack bowed low – and the entire room stood and did the same in return.
“Good morning.”
“Thank you for coming.”
The greetings overlapped politely.
You bowed quickly - maybe a little too deeply once again, your heart pounding. Hongjoong’s thumb pressed gently against your knuckles again.
“It’s okay,” he murmured under his breath from your side.
A few of the managers stepped forward right away to greet the members individually. Your pack alpha stepped half a pace forward, shifted subtly, placing himself just slightly between you and the room.
“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” he said, voice calm and controlled.
“We appreciate it.”
His hand remained firmly around yours. When it became clear you weren’t going to speak, he gently introduced you instead.
“This is our mate,” he said carefully, tone measured. “Y/L/N Y/N.”
Simple.
They were still protective when it came to you afterall – now even more so than before.
“Thank you for being here,” he added softly again, glancing down at you in quiet reassurance. You nodded faintly, but your gaze stayed lowered.
Across the room, the detective sergeant stood and stepped forward just slightly, not too close, keeping a respectful distance. Her voice was calm, even.
“Good morning, Y/N-ssi. I’m Detective Sergeant Lee. I specialize in harassment and stalking cases.”
She gave you a small, reassuring nod instead of offering her hand. It would’ve been inappropriate and disrespectful after all, considering your second gender. You were clearly mated and under pack protection.
“We’re here to help keep you safe.”
The uniformed officer beside her- Park Hyun, a Police Captain, as he introduced himself – gave you all a polite bow as well.
“We’ll just be listening for now,” he added gently.
Hongjoong watched the exchange closely. So did San. And Seonghwa. The alphas took in every movement. Every shift in tone.
But when everything remained professional, they breathed out slightly, untensing.
At the far side of the room, Mingi and Yunho quietly moved to greet the head manager and legal team, speaking in low voices about procedural timing, while Wooyoung and Jongho exchanged brief words with the security.
The alpha felt the subtle tremor in your hand.
“Let’s sit,” he murmured.
Your mate guided you to the chairs prepared near the center of the table, arranged carefully. He pulled your chair out himself. And, once you were seated, Seonghwa took the chair on your other side soon after, his thigh pressing lightly against yours in grounding contact.
Hongjoong sat near but slightly angled toward you instead of the table. Soon after, the others followed, making sure to always stay by you.
The main manager – Director Noh, who you knew the best out of all the people - stood at the head of the table. He stayed composed, glasses resting low on his nose in the early morning.
“Good morning, everyone,” he began evenly. “Thank you once again for coming on such short notice. We all view this as an emergency situation, and we appreciate your immediate response.”
A quiet murmur of acknowledgment circled the table.
"We’ll begin with a summary of events to ensure alignment. After that, we’ll discuss response strategies.” You stayed quiet, eyes practically glued to the corner of the table where you sat, listening closely.
Director Noh continued though.
“The incident occurred yesterday afternoon and continued into the late evening. Choi San-ssi, Y/S Y/N-ssi, and Han Siah-ssi were, in varying degrees, all victims of the situation... After Mr. Choi departed from a café location where he had been with both young women, photographs were taken by an unidentified individual believed to be operating in a stalking capacity.”
A screen at the front of the room displayed a neutral presentation slide.
It seemed as if everyone leaned closer. You felt Hongjoong’s thumb rub over your knuckles from where he held your hand in his lap. You bit your lip tight to keep it from shaking.
"Subsequently," he continued, “Y/S-ssi was followed to the packhouse apartment. Additional photographs were taken of the surrounding residential area, including clear shots of the building entrance and the exact unit door.”
The words landed heavier than the first part. Your breathing thinned just slightly, and you felt Seonghwa’s arm shift more securely behind your chair.
"There exists,” Director Noh said carefully, “a significant number of images. Several clearly identify Choi San-ssi. Others capture both Y/S Y/N-ssi and Han Siah-ssi. The apartment location is visible and traceable.”
A pause follows, and the older man clears his throat in the pin-drop silence.
“As everyone understands, this is a highly concerning development.”
Across the table, Detective Sergeant Lee leaned forward slightly, pen poised, hair pulled back from her face.
“When were the materials delivered?”
The head of corporate security responded promptly.
“Last night, 22:07.”
“What was the method ethod?”
“Anonymous email. Created shortly before sending, deleted within twenty minutes... The domain is overseas.”
“We’ve preserved the header data,” one of the legal staff added.
“Any message attached?” she asked. “Demands? Conditions?”
“No,” an attorney answered. “No ransom request. No explicit threat. No conditional statement.”
That seemed to weigh heavier than anything else. Even you knew that.
Still, your eyes lifted slightly, confused if it was just your tired mind or if you were too uneducated to even understand what they were talking about fully. Hongjoong was watching them talk attentively, his thumb brushing your palm absentmindedly. Seonghwa’s fingers gently rubbed at the side of your neck in comfort when he noticed your confused gaze.
The police officer, Park, looked up from his notes. “Has digital tracing begun?”
“Yes,” the security director confirmed. “We’ve initiated IP trace requests through the provider. Our IT forensics team is analyzing embedded metadata within the image files and cross-referencing timestamps with CCTV footage from a three-block radius of both the café and the residence.”
The private investigator beside him added, “We’re also contacting nearby businesses for camera access.”
“Expected timeline?” the Detective Sergeant asked.
“Initial results within forty-eight hours,” the security director answered.
Director Noh folded his hands once the major questions seemed to have been answered.
“At present,” he said steadily, “we are evaluating two primary response tracks.” Then, a new slide appeared:
Your stomach twisted. You understood what this meant maybe a bit too well.
Hongjoong’s scent deepened subtly - not overpowering to bother anyone, just enough that you could breathe easier.
“If the photos are not released,” the company’s senior legal advisor explained, fingers folded neatly over a printed brief, “we recommend silent containment. Increased private security presence, enhanced digital monitoring, and preparation of legal filings in advance - but not submitted unless necessary.”
“And if they are?” one of the department managers asked quietly.
“Immediate injunction filing,” the attorney replied without hesitation.
What did that even mean?
“Simultaneous public statement acknowledging unlawful invasion of privacy, condemning stalking behaviour, and confirming legal action is underway.”
Hongjoong spoke then for the first time since the briefing began, his voice steady and controlled:
“What level of detail would that statement include?”
“Minimal,” Director Noh answered. “No confirmation of residential specifics. No elaboration on personal details. It would be framed strictly as malicious targeting and criminal harassment.”
Beside you, Seonghwa’s hand remained lightly around your knee under the table. You didn’t look up. When the tightness in your chest grew too sharp, you leaned slightly toward him instead, your shoulder brushing his arm.
The alpha adjusted instantly and subtly, allowing you the contact without disrupting the room’s composure. Hongjoong’s palm still rested against yours, thumb moving slowly back and forth.
Across the table, Detective Sergeant Lee continued:
“Given the absence of financial demand or explicit threat, we are operating under the assumption this is fixation-based behavior rather than extortion-driven.”
“...meaning?” one of the junior managers asked carefully.
“The individual may be seeking escalation,” she explained. “A reaction... Recognition... A sense of closeness to the victims.”
You didn’t dare to think about that possibility for far too long.
Director Noh nodded gravely. “Which makes unpredictability our primary concern.”
Police Constable Park flipped a page in his notebook.
“Have there been prior incidents involving residential proximity?”
A brief glance passed between management, your packmates, and corporate security.
“Nothing of this scale,” the head of security replied after a moment. “There have been isolated cases of fans approaching the building perimeter in the past, but no confirmed surveillance pattern or documentation of the specific unit until now.”
You saw Hongjoong’s jaw tighten subtly.
“What about Han Siah-ssi?” Detective Sergeant Lee asked. “Is she under protection?”
“She has been informed,” Director Noh confirmed. “Temporary escort services have been arranged, and her family pack has been briefed.”
For a second, your chest loosened-
Only to tighten again when one of the attorneys added,
“If the materials are released publicly, their spread will be immediate. We must assume attempted doxxing will follow.”
Your fingers curled hard in the packalpha’s hand, his brows furrowed. His grip answered instantly. Seonghwa leaned closer, brushing his nose lightly near your hairline in a brief, instinctive scenting. So subtle it looked like nothing more than adjusting his posture. His fingers pressed gently at your nape.
You didn’t speak and instead focused on inhaling slowly through the layers of familiar scent around you. Just the way they always said - in for four, out for four...
Director Noh switched to another slide, outlining structured steps you barely understood.
“The core objective, should be containment without amplification.”
Silence followed.
Detective Sergeant Lee broke the silence after a minute passed. “Identification will be prioritized… escalation patterns like this tend to repeat if not interrupted early.”
The word repeat made your stomach do an uncomfortable flip.
Hongjoong felt the shift in your breathing proptly. His thumb resumed its slow stroke. You felt your oldest mate’s thigh press more firmly against yours. And the discussion continued, but you soon zoned out.
“Media leakage probability…”
“Digital footprint minimization…”
“Reputational safeguarding…”
“Victim privacy precedence…”
Your head felt light, and your eyes tired. The discussion shifted after nearly an hour of procedural details.
“There is one more matter,” Director Noh said evenly. “Contingency housing.”
What did contingency mean?
Your head lifted slightly at that point. Across the table, you saw one of the senior managers nodded solemnly.
“In the event that the photographs are released - or if any kind of escalation occurs before then - remaining at the current residence may not be advisable.”
A map of a different neighborhood appeared on the screen, accompanied by a photo of an upscale apartment.
“The company maintains a long-term lease on a high-security apartment in Hannam,” the manager continued. “It is in a significantly more discreet area, there is, of course, controlled access, a private underground entry… No publicly visible unit directory.”
Seonghwa’s arm shifted slightly behind your chair, pulling you gently closer as if to shield you from the implications. If only he could take this all away.
You didn’t deserve for this to happen.
“This unit has been used previously for temporary artist relocation during security threats,” the legal advisor added. “It minimizes exposure while investigations proceed.”
The room went quiet before Director Noh looked right at Hongjoong.
“We would like to know whether the pack would be willing to relocate temporarily should it be advised.”
All eyes shifted, your eyes glancing up at your pack alpha with questions written into them.
Your packmates locked their eyes as if communicating nonverbally. Hongjoong remained composed, hand folded neatly in front of him on the table. His other hand under the table held yours securely, tightening momentarily when your big eyes met his.
“We would need to discuss it,” he said calmly, voice firm but gentle. “But at this moment… I believe it is the safest course of action.”
Your fingers clenched slightly around his.
Move?
The man’s thumb immediately traced a reassuring circle over your knuckles.
Seonghwa too leaned closer, his shoulder resting lightly against yours, his scent calm and steady.
“We will always prioritize our mate’s safety,” Hongjoong continued quietly, thinking before he spoke. “If relocation ensures that, then we will cooperate.”
The security team lead nodded.
“In that case, we’ll prepare access clearance immediately. There will be enhanced personnel rotation, with two guards minimum on-site at all times.”
“Internal security review will also be conducted,” Director Noh added, the tone precise and measured.
The officer spoke up: “Which brings us to another concern we have. How was this even possible?”
The room grew very still once more.
“The individual photographed the exact unit door,” the man said, his voice flat but weighty. “That suggests more than street-level surveillance.”
The security lead’s jaw tightened. “We are still reviewing building logs. Access cards, delivery records, camera blind spots-”
“You suspect insider information?” the detective asked plainly.
“We cannot rule it out,” Director Noh replied carefully. “But at this stage, we have no evidence of it.”
The implication hung heavy, and your stomach twisted again, having you feeling sick.
The alpha's scent deepened, like a quiet anchor amid that storm brewing around you all. The oldest leaned closer on your other side, hand resting gently over yours and your intertwined fingers with Hongjoong’s. “It’s okay, baby,” he murmured softly. “We’re right here, hm?”
Yeosang spoke up gently from further down on your left. “What about her school?”
Several heads turned toward him.
“Her finals are next week,” he continued evenly.
“…how do you advise we handle that?”
It was painful to even voice.
The captain did not hesitate. “Given the level of planning involved in this incident, we do not consider it safe for Y/N-ssi to move freely without controlled supervision at this time.”
Your throat tightened, your mouth going dry.
“Additionally,” the detective added, voice steady and professional as she glanced in your direction, “if the photographs are released publicly, her academic environment could be compromised.”
You blinked slowly trying to process what they just said.
“I d-” you started softly, but your voice faded when Hongjoong’s hand squeezed yours gently under the table. His eyes were so apologetic it hurt when you met them briefly.
The detective continued, not unkindly. “Once clear images circulate, identification becomes simple. Facial recognition through social media alone would narrow location quickly…we strongly advise not underestimating this risk.”
Your eyes stayed lowered, tracing the polished wood of the table.
“It may not be a single individual,” the captain added. “Planning of this degree suggests coordination or at least advanced fixation.”
Hongjoong nodded slowly.
“If necessary, we will arrange academic accommodations.”
His thumb brushed over your knuckles again, oh so gentle.
“We can contact the university administration discreetly,” the legal advisor offered. “Medical leave documentation can be issued if required.”
The word leave made your chest ache. Far more than the moving situation, even if that by itself was enough to leave you fragile and shaky.
You loved your school – sure it was stressful sometimes, and you had to work hard often, but you lived for what you studied. You did not want to sacrifice something like that. Hongjoong felt your scent shift and leaned closer, shoulder brushing yours, shielding you subtly from the room.
“We’ll figure it out,” he murmured softly into the side of your hair, pecking it fleetingly.
Director Noh took a measured breath. “Finally, we need to outline the structure of the potential public statement.”
The presentation continued, showcasing a draft structured already:
“If the materials are not released,” Director Noh clarified, after a minute silence while everyone leaned close to read it over, “no statement will be made. Silence minimizes amplification.”
“And internal leaks?” Wooyoung asked quietly.
“Zero tolerance,” the manager replied. “NDAs are being reissued today.”
The meeting continued for several more minutes, the group discussing timelines, contact points, and next steps, but your mind was drifting slightly, mulling over everything that happened in the past 24 hours.
You stayed quiet for the rest of the time, shoulders curled into you as you made yourself smaller. The meeting wound down gradually.
Officer Park stood first, his chair loud as it moved over the floor.
“Very well,” he said, voice steady and procedural. “Thank you for your cooperation. Our next step will be to formally record the statement of Y/S Y/N-ssi regarding the incident.”
Your spine stiffened, that nervous spell that seemed to dissipate the longer the meeting went on coming back in full force. The police worker’s gaze found your trembling form, eyes turning kind at your visible nerves.
You didn’t look up to see, though, both hands clasping Hongjoong’s wrist now, who tried to calm you down subtly.
"We may later request supplementary statements from Choi San-ssi and Han Siah-ssi depending on investigative needs. For now, we’ll begin with Y/N-ssi.”
Director Noh nodded once. “Understood. Thank you, everyone.” Then he looked toward the members.
“If I may, we’d like a brief word with the group.”
The room began to separate into quiet motions - staff collecting documents, security exchanging low murmurs as everyone started to get up.
Before you realized it, your pack was around you once more. San crouched slightly so he was closer to your level.
“Easy does it,” he murmured, brushing his thumb gently over your wrist, carefully untangling your tight fingers from where they still white-knuckled his hyung’s forearm.
Yunho tucked a loose strand of hair behind your ear, sighing at having you close. Seonghwa’s hand found the back of your shoulder, warm and steady, biting his lip at the daze you wound up in.
“We’re so sorry,” Wooyoung whispered, barely audible.
Mingi’s jaw was tight in a way you recognized, the man was hurt, not angry.
“’s okay oppa…” You mumbled softly, letting Jongho run his fingers through your hair.
Hongjoong stepped away, mumbling something you didn’t entirely hear before he moved toward the officers, the police members discussing something beforehand.
“Excuse me… is it possible,” he asked politely, voice controlled, “for me to remain with her while she gives her statement?”
There was a brief pause when the captain exchanged a look with the detective.
“Ordinarily,” the captain replied carefully, “that would not be permitted. Statements are typically taken individually to avoid influence.”
Hongjoong nodded once, his shoulders lowering when he glanced back towards you – your shoulders were all shakey while Mingi held a cup with a bright blue straw to your lips.
“I understand.”
The detective studied you for a moment, all pale, fingers trembling slightly in San’s sleeve while the pack worked in tandem to distract you.
“Given the circumstances,” she said slowly, “we can make an exception conditionally… We understand your mate is an omega, and in highly stressful situations like this, an omega can enter omegaspace. That is not something we want to inadvertently induce while the statement is being taken.”
Her eyes met Hongjoong’s, sharp yet considerate.
“If it becomes necessary, you will be permitted to remain with her. We will begin privately, and if we observe that Y/N-ssi is struggling significantly, we will call you in. She may complete the statement with you present at that point.”
The captain continued, his voice professional while he spoke: “We will be exceptionally careful and attentive. This is not our first time handling cases where an omega has been targeted or stalked, and we are experienced in managing such situations to prioritize their safety and well-being."
Hongjoong’s shoulders shifted in subtle relief, and he bowed his head immediately.
“Thank you. I appreciate the consideration.”
When he returned back to you, his expression softened there and then. You sat practically in Yeosang’s lap while he rubbed at your sides, head rested over your shoulder. Before you, Wooyoung and Jongho kept a brave façade while animatedly telling you about something, obviously trying to make you smile while the rest of your mates stayed around you. It worked a little, much to his relief.
“Okay,” the pack alpha said gently.
Your eyes were already glossy when you looked up towards him. Your mate cooed, stepped closer, and cupped the back of your head lightly, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead.
“You’re going to be okay, baby,” he murmured.
You swallowed, fingers intertwined with Yeosang’s now, your mate’s lips pressing to your temple repeatedly.
“The officers are just going to ask questions,” he continued calmly. “You tell them what you remember. If you don’t remember something, you say that. That’s it… And if you need me,” he added quietly, thumb brushing once beneath your eye, “you ask for me. Understand ‘mega?”
You nodded slowly, chin trembling.
You didn’t want to leave your mates any time soon.
He gave you one more small, grounding squeeze at your shoulder, hands gently lifting you off of his pack member. Hongjoong shot the rest of his pack a calm gaze, all the alphas tense.
“And listen carefully,” he said, his voice dipping softer and steadier when his gaze found your form once again.
“Just listen to the officers and answer like the good girl you are.”
You breathed in shakily, taking in his calming scent. He felt no better than the rest of his pack, wanting to hold you just as close and not let you out of his sight. But he realised more than well that it wouldn’t help the situation – he needed to stay calm and strong, if not for anyone, then for you.
“O-Okay...”
The officers approached slowly, smiling at you kindly when they got closer. Your big eyes shot up at your mate again, but he simply smiled reassuringly.
The Detective Sergeant gestured gently toward a smaller adjacent room to the right of the large presentation screen still lit up.
“This way, please.”
The pack alpha nodded, humming at you in approval when you waved towards the rest of the pack, the alphas calling soft encouragement and praise in your direction. He held your hand when he walked you there.
The room was quiet compared to the steady noise in the conference room next door, the window blinds open to show the winter day outside.
His hand came up to smooth your hair once more as he stood by the open door.
“I’ll be right outside,” he promised, and waited for your nod before he stepped back, closing the door softly behind your form.
You stood still for a few seconds before you finally turned around, heart hammering, the tip of your finger aching slightly as you bit into the knuckle in anxiousness.
The room was smaller, with the same neutral-colored walls. In the middle was a simple table with three chairs in total. Detective Lee was already seated, her posture professional but relaxed, hands folded neatly in front of her.
The captain stood by, filling a cup at the nearby water dispenser, and glanced up as you entered, giving a small, reassuring nod. You shuffled forward, hesitant, finally lowering yourself into the middle chair, keeping your gaze on the floor.
A small recording device sat in the center of the table, flanked by a laptop and stacks of papers-some neatly filed, some slightly askew.
“Would you like something to drink? Water, tea…?”
“No, thank you,” you replied to the captain fast, voice small.
The words tumbled out before you could even think, instinctively remembering your mates’ repeated warnings: ‘don’t take anything from strangers’.
Did this also apply to police officers?
His warm smile didn’t falter. “That’s perfectly fine,” he said, setting the cup down in front of you anyway, just in case. You fidgeted with your hands in your lap, knuckles white, before finally letting out a shaky breath.
“Y/S-ssi,” the captain began kindly, taking a seat. “For the record, please state your full name and date of birth.”
Your voice trembled as you responded, small and uncertain. “Y/L/N Y/N, and… my birthday is-”
You faltered slightly, and your fingers tightened in your lap, clinging to themselves for a moment of grounding.
Detective Lee nodded once, her tone calm.
“Thank you. Just answer the questions as clearly as you can. If there’s something you don’t remember, it’s okay to say that.”
If you looked up, you would have seen her smile. But you didn’t.
They started gently, asking about basic identifying information – your university. Year of study. Residence duration. They stayed calm and didn’t rush you when your voice shook.
Then the captain folded his hands when he asked you about your relationship with your mates and about Sisi. The detective followed momentarily, softer: “Please tell us about yesterday. Start wherever feels easiest.”
Your hands trembled slightly in your lap, and you spoke quietly, finding your words slowly. They didn’t interrupt, nodding along when you described the slow morning you had with San, how Sisi and you worked at her school project, and how your mate took you to the café later. When you and Siah left afterwards and how you walked home.
“When did you first feel that something was wrong?” the detective asked gently.
You paused, and your throat tightened as you remembered what happened yesterday in more detail.
“When I… heard footsteps, after I went through the alleyway,” you whispered, as your fingers twisted together. The captain noticed immediately.
“Would you like a short break?” he offered.
You nodded faintly.
“Of course,” he said. “Please, take a moment.”
The recording didn’t stop even when they discussed something quietly between themselves, giving you a minute to calm down. Finally, when you shifted closer again, they paid attention to what you had to say once they asked you to describe the person following you last night.
“I-I didn’t see their face,” you whispered, trying to piece together just how tall they could have been.
They asked about the distance he kept.
Whether the footsteps matched your pace.
If the individual ever spoke.
You answered as best as you could, previously never even straining to think about his footwear.
When your voice shook too much, the detective slowed her tone even further. You blinked hard, nodding at another comment, fingers playing with the sleeve of Yunho’s hoodie.
“Did you notice anyone inside the lobby?”
You shook your head. "No."
“Did your access card function normally?”
“Yes.”
“Did anyone follow you through the door?”
“...I don’t think so.”
Your hands were cold, but you kept going. They never pushed you harshly. Never doubted anything you said.
When they asked about the photos, you felt your eyes burn.
“I didn’t know,” you whispered. “I was asleep.”
The detective nodded gently. “That’s understandable.”
You blinked the tears back. You wanted to be brave.
By the time the captain finally said, “That concludes our initial statement,” your shoulders felt heavy and your mind so tired.
“You did very well,” The Detective said sincerely, thanking you for your cooperation after she turned the recording device off.
“We may follow up later for clarification,” the captain added. “But for now, this is sufficient.”
You nodded faintly, your hands were still shaking when you stood up slowly, pushing the chair back. The captain led you towards the closed door patiently, his hands never straining towards you.
You thanked him when he opened the door for you, both of you bowing respectfully.
The door had barely opened before they were all on their feet, having been sitting at the conference table for what felt like an eternity. They were long since finished with their private meeting and all bounced their knees nervously the longer the door stayed closed.
San reached you first.
His arms wrapped around you fully, pulling you into his chest without hesitation. You folded into him immediately, tension you hadn’t realized you were holding finally cracking loose. Eyes brimming with tears again now that it was over.
“Shh, shh… it’s okay,” he murmured immediately, arms wrapping around you fully, pulling you into his chest like he’d been holding his breath for hours.
“All done now. No more questions.”
“It’s over,” Seonghwa’s voice came softly from your left, his hand smoothing down your hair. “No more.”
Hongjoong stepped in close, not rushing to pull you from their arms - his scent wrapping around you as naturally as breathing. His fingers slid to the back of your neck, thumb warm against your skin as he caressed your scent gland.
“My baby listened so well.” He murmured, voice low and honeyed, meant only for you. Your breath hitched as you closed your eyes, your head dropping against his heartbeat.
“You answered everything,” he continued gently, pressing his forehead briefly to your temple. “Sat so nicely. Stayed so brave for us.”
A soft whimper slipped past your lips before you could stop it.
Mingi’s large hand rose slowly, resting against the back of your head, careful not to crowd you, but unable to resist the need to hold you. His thumb traced a feather-light path beneath your damp lashes.
“Such a good girl,” he praised quietly, his voice low and tender.
“So good for us today.”
Your shoulders trembled, exhaustion settling into your bones.
Behind him, Wooyoung bounced lightly on his heels, excitement leaking through the edges of his restraint.
“Can we show her now?” he asked, barely managing to keep his voice down. Seonghwa shot him a pointed glance, but the curve of his lips betrayed his own quiet amusement.
Stepping forward, the oldest extended his hands with careful deliberation, inviting but unpressured.
“Come here, love,” he whispered, the warmth in his tone wrapping around you like a soft blanket.
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
A/N: Unfortunately, this chapter and all those that will likely follow are far too long to be posted on Tumblr in a single post. I have tried to fix this but failed to find a solution, and I'm very sorry. Therefore, all upcoming chapters will be posted divided in half - I realize this is not ideal, and once again I apologize for the inconvenience. Both parts of each chapter will be posted and accessible at the same time.
Taglist: (open)
Previous: 𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Part 1/2 of Chapter 1 can be read here: 𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
He helped you tidy the rest of the living room, and waited patiently while you quickly grabbed your phone and keys that you had spent embarrassingly too long searching for – you barely used them at this point.
(When you didn’t see them right away, San was quick to remind you that you could just come to the studio after you finished, but you whined, saying you wanted to start studying for that horrid art history test coming up next Thursday.)
He helped you into your coat the way he always did - holding it open behind you, guiding your arms through the sleeves, and then smoothing the fabric down your shoulders once it settled properly.
“Scarf.” He murmured.
You huffed but lifted your chin obediently so he could wrap it loosely around your neck, not too tight so it wouldn’t bother your scent glands. Then, he leaned down slightly - the routine always the same.
A soft press of his nose to your hairline.
Another to your temple.
One more at the side of your neck, lasting a few seconds.
But soon enough, you all left the apartment, hands linked with Sisi as you told her all about the building – that there was a garden on the roof, and a private gym in the basement of the complex, though you never really went there.
Siah giggled as you reached the stairwell. You opted for the stairs instead of the elevator, descending flight after flight until you reached the sublevel parking garage filled with expensive cars of your neighbors. Siah slowed slightly, clearly impressed. You tugged her along little confidently toward the section where your mates usually parked.
You looked up at San curiously, silently asking which car he wanted to take today. He smiled gently in response, pressing the key fob, and the black BMW several rows down blinked to life with a soft chirp.
Pulling Sisi excitedly behind you, San reached the car first and opened the backseat door, his hand automatically resting along the top of the frame to shield you both as Siah climbed in. You waited until she was settled before hopping in after her.
“Careful,” he said gently.
You hummed, sliding across the seat so you could sit right beside her instead of on the other side.
San paused.
One brow lifted slightly when he noticed you had tucked yourself snugly next to Siah instead of leaving space between you.
“I wanna sit with Sisi, oppa,” you said quickly, already lacing your fingers with hers.
He studied you for half a second, then nodded gently.
“Okay, baby.”
He closed the door carefully once you were both settled and walked around to the driver’s seat. When he sat down, he adjusted the mirrors and immediately turned on the heater, the car pretty chilly, making your chin tuck into your scarf.
“Seatbelts,” he reminded gently next.
You and Siah scrambled at the same time, clicking them into place. San didn’t start the engine until he heard both locks settle properly; only then did he nod once and pull out slowly.
He drove like he always did with you in the car – very careful, deliberate, smooth turns, slow stops, no sudden movements. His hand rested lightly at the bottom of the steering wheel, while the other adjusted the temperature slightly warmer, eyes flicking between the road and the rearview mirror.
You and Siah quickly dissolved into giggles, your knees bumping.
“She literally said,” Siah whispered dramatically, turning her phone toward you, the class group chat showing, “‘If he flips his hair one more time during this critique, I’m going to lose it.’”
You gasped. “Stop. Did she actually say that? But isn’t he also in the group chat?”
“Yes!” Siah scrolled, trying not to laugh. “And then Minjae replied with a voice note.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“What did he say?”
Siah pressed play but kept the volume low. You both leaned in even closer. You could barely hear it, but it was clearly a very serious tone explaining “'the importance of maintaining one’s silhouette while presenting creative work.'”
You choked on your own breath. “He’s actually just crazy.”
Siah grinned. “He acts like he’s in a documentary all about himself.”
You tilted your head thoughtfully. “He kind of does.”
San exhaled softly through his nose – suspiciously close to a laugh, shaking his head. His eyes flicked up to the mirror again.
“Is this the same Minjae you said was handsome?” He emphasized the word, making you blink innocently and pout.
“Objectively.”
Siah bit her lip to stop smiling.
“Mm, is that so.”
San hummed. Siah dissolved into quiet giggles again, pressing her hand over her mouth. He shook his head faintly, but the corner of his mouth betrayed him.
A few seconds later, soft music filled the car, making you freeze where you were leaning into Siah’s side, scrolling through the chat logs and giggling.
It was the omega station.
The one curated specifically for soothing frequencies and meant to comfort omegas that for one reason or another had a hard time stuck in a car. It was another genius marketing, you really had to admit. Your alphas alone paid for at least four monthly subscriptions, claiming each of the stations was only good in a certain way.
As you said – genius marketing.
And right now?
It was playing a gentle instrumental version of a nursery rhyme. Your ears burned in embarrassment as you heard San softly hum along.
You slowly glanced toward the front.
Your mate drove completely unbothered. You shifted awkwardly in your seat as Siah tilted her head.
“It’s cute,” she said.
“It’s not.” you mumbled, blushing even more.
San glanced up at you in the mirror briefly, smiling. “You sleep better when it’s on.”
“That’s not the point.”
“It is the point.”
Siah giggled softly. “It’s okay. My dad actually really likes lullabies, for whatever reason…” She laughed as she thought about it. You hid your face in your hands dramatically.
San’s voice softened, as his eyes tried to find yours in the reflection once again. “’mega.”
You peeked at him, lips pouty, practically hiding in the scarf you wore that day.
“You’re allowed to like soft things, baby.”
The alpha didn’t turn the station off for the rest of the ride, and despite your embarrassment, your shoulders loosened slightly after a few minutes.
When you arrived at the café, San parked close by to the entrance. The parking lot was not at all empty, but it shouldn’t have surprised you, considering how famous the place was, or so Siah said.
Before you could even turn to open the door, he was already turning around in his seat, seatbelt gone.
“Mask, baby,” he said.
You obediently pulled it from your bag, sliding the pink face covering on. He reached to the back to adjust the straps behind your ears, smoothing your hair down gently. His fingers lingered just a second longer than necessary by your jaw, gently rubbing it with his thumb.
“Stay close to Siah-ssi,” he murmured. Then he pulled out his wallet and handed you his sleek black card.
You blinked.
It was most definitely not the first time they had given you their card – it was actually a fairly general occurrence, much to your shock and discomfort.
You mentioned the ridiculously overpriced school buffet? Here, my darling, make sure to buy something tasty. You offhandedly talked about the new art store in the expensive neighborhood that caught your eye on the way home? Of course, sweetheart, here you go. You even dared to speak about a pretty sweater you saw online? I’ll go get my wallet and you find the site in the meantime baby girl, we will look together what other cute things they might have.
“Oppa-”
“No arguments.”
“But I have my-”
He shook his head, effectively silencing you.
“Siah-ssi is a good friend,” he said firmly. “I want you to buy her anything she wants. From me. From all of us.”
You glanced at Siah, who looked startled, eyes wide and lips glossy.
“That’s not necessary, San-ssi, I-” she began.
“Yes, it is.” San replied kindly but left absolutely no room for arguments.
“Thank you for being good to her.”
He held her gaze for a second longer before looking back at your blushy self.
“I would come in and do it myself,” he continued, glancing at the time on his watch, “but I need to head to the company. Manager-nim will be on my case if I’m late to this meeting.”
He looked at you again, softer now.
“I’m sorry I can’t be with you.”
“It’s okay, oppa,” you said quickly. “I’ll stay with Sisi.”
He nodded, though he still looked fairly reluctant, jaw set tight.
“I’ll make it up to you later, baby,” he promised quietly. You smiled as he brushed his thumb lightly over your cheek, pulling the mask up just a tad bit higher.
“Call if you need me. Anything.”
You nodded obediently. “Okay.”
San stepped out first, walking you both to the entrance with his arm resting gently on your lower back. He held the door open for you and grazed his chin fondly over the top of your head as he whispered a soft goodbye.
Only when you were safely inside did he finally turn back toward his car.
Inside, the café smelled like cinnamon and roasted sugar. It was busy, just as the parking lot predicted, but the atmosphere was nice, the guests chatting idly all around you as you took it in.
You and Siah stepped up to the counter together after a minute, eyes scanning the menu specials listed above the employee. The young woman wore scent blockers, strong enough that you had no clue what her subgender was.
You played it safe, letting your eyes stray only to her chin and never higher, keeping to yourself.
“Hi… We would like two chai lattes please,” you said softly, glancing at the menu to double-check. “Without caffeine, please.”
The lady hummed, quickly typing on a touchscreen before her as you spoke.
“And two pieces of the carrot cake, please,” Siah added, her voice more clear than yours.
You smiled as she pointed toward the cake display, the pretty treats too perfect to pass up.
“Anything else?” the worker asked, only glancing up for a second. You shook your head, mumbling that that was all, as you asked to pay by card for the entire order before your friend even had time to open her bag.
Soon enough, she pushed a few more buttons on the card reader, and you placed San’s card gently against the pad before pocketing it back into your coat quickly, afraid you might lose it.
Siah looked at you, elbow gently bumping yours. “You really didn’t have to do that. I’ll pay you back, okay?”
You shook your head as you both waited for the order to the side, smiling at your friend.
“It’s from my mates,” you said softly. “I think San was very happy to finally meet you better. Don’t worry about it, they would refuse anyway.”
Her smile turned warm as she hugged you tightly.
It only took a moment before your order was ready. You took the beverages placed on pretty colored ceramic plates and the sweet snack to go with them, before finding a small corner table by the window in the very back.
You let your coats hang on the back of the chairs, took off your face masks, and finally tasted it after Siah insisted on taking a picture – which she sent you right away. You silenced your phone at its buzz, not wanting to bother the other guests, and took a careful sip.
The chai was creamy and fragrant, the spice gentle and comforting. You nodded happily at the taste.
“Ahh, this is really good,” Siah murmured.
“It’s really tasty.” You hummed happily, cheeks slightly pink from the warmth inside the café.
Siah groaned softly. “I’m going to go broke if I come here too often.”
You giggled in response, shaking your head. She pointed her fork at you. “You’re coming with me next week.”
You nodded happily.
“I’ll ask later.”
She laughed. “They really are careful with you, huh?”
You shrugged shyly, taking another slow sip. “They worry.”
She softened. “Yea, I know.”
You took another slow sip, savoring the warmth, when Siah suddenly remembered something, her eyes going wide as she set her own cup down.
“Oh! Did you hear about the cafeteria?”
You blinked. “What about it?”
“They’re renovating the whole buffet section next month.”
You froze mid-bite. “What?”
She nodded dramatically. “Closed for six weeks.”
“Six weeks?!” you whispered loudly, scandalized. “That’s practically a semester.”
“I know,” she groaned. “Everyone’s complaining. Especially the seniors.”
You bit your lip, thinking. “I mean I barely go, but still, damn…”
You both spent a good amount of time at the place, your drinks long finished as you savored the last piece of the cake. You practically forgot about the time, happy to spend some with your best friend.
But as Siah pulled out her phone to show you the newest makeup brand release you had both been more than excited about-
“I should go,” Siah said softly, glancing at the time, frowning slightly. “I still haven’t studied for art history at all. If I fail because of it, I’ll actually cry. Kim gyosu-nim is brutal.”
You laughed gently. “It’s gonna be okay, but yea, I should honestly get going as well; I haven’t even read through the fourth chapter yet.”
“I’m sorry Y/N-nnie, I wish I could stay longer-”
“Don’t be.” You squeezed her hand. “I’ll bring the finished poster on monday, okay? I’ll finish that bottom corner tonight and send you a photo later.”
The omega thanked you, genuinely grateful. You both cleared your cups and walked together toward the bus stop from which Siah’s connection would go. T
The sky was already shifting - soft pink melting into pale gold.
Winter evenings always came too quickly, you thought, bundling up tighter into your scarf.
“Are you also going by bus?” Siah asked you, glancing up from where she was going through her bag to find her bus card. The electronic screen above on the station spelled out that her bus should be there any minute – you were lucky.
“Not sure, I’ll call my mates after you leave, don’t worry,” you assured her, hands deep in your pockets, your fingers absentmindedly playing with your phone and the fancy black card San had given you for today.
Soon enough, you saw the bus approach.
You hugged extra tight, happily giggling at how great the day had been.
You had so much fun.
“Text me when you’re home!” you called after her softly, waving behind your scarfed nose. She did the same just as enthusiastically as she waited for all the passengers to exit before she got on.
You waited patiently until her bus pulled away before taking your phone out, smiling at the notifications on your screen. Clicking the first chat you saw, you dialed Yeosang’s number, holding the phone to your ear as you watched the cars pass by on the busy street, the street lights having just turned on, making you look up at the street lamp just a few steps behind you.
It rang.
And rang.
And then beeped, with an automatic voice explaining that the caller wasn’t answering and to please leave a message.
You tried Yunho’s contact next, but it too went straight to voicemail. Hongjoong had mentioned something important today, and San had said something about a meeting just before he left.
You bit your lip gently, thinking as you shuffled your feet.
All of them were probably in the same room, more than busy if they didn’t pick up.
You held your breath for a second, thumbs ghosting over the group chat but not actually typing.
It wasn’t dark yet, and your apartment wasn’t far. You realized you didn’t have your wallet with your own bus card, and the regular bus ticket felt unnecessary when you were only a twenty-minute walk away.
You quickly typed into the group chat before you could contemplate it for too long.
You smiled a little to yourself, feeling responsible. You didn’t like it when they spent money on you – but they barely ever allowed you to even try and say no. To them, it was such a given, honestly, sometimes it scared you just how easy it was for them to buy you something.
San’s black card still felt heavy in your pocket, and it made you feel much better to not use it for anything else but what he had given it to you for.
So, as no immediate response sounded in your pocketed phone, you turned on your heel and started walking back home, relatively familiar with the area once you got onto the main road again.
You made sure not to bump into any people around you and kept to yourself, eyes staying low and safe. The air was cold enough to nip at your cheeks, but it felt refreshing, even when little clouds of puff left your nose and curled upwards, heading somewhere far above.
The sunset painted everything in soft orange.
Sure, the passing cars were a bit loud, but soon enough you took a different turn so you could walk through a nearby park instead of the street.
You used to walk a lot when you were younger, but nowadays you didn’t have much time for it as you wished you did. The only thing perhaps missing were your headphones (and perhaps your mates), but it was okay, and you just listened to the sounds around you – the familiar crunch of snow under your boots, some children playing further down the park, and a man rushing past you, his steps busy as he spoke quickly into a phone.
You hummed a soft tune when you exited the park’s gates soon enough and walked a few more minutes along a road. Then, without thinking too hard about it, you cut into the alley shortcut - the one you had found accidentally when you were out walking with Jongho weeks ago.
You remembered the walk – the alpha had asked you if you wanted to go see the swans and ducks in a pond nearby, having you nod immediately. It had been a nice, long walk, where you giggled at his jokes and Jongho had taken loads of photos of you with the swans. You had slipped your hand into his sleeve at some point, fingers curling into the fabric because your gloves were thinner than you had admitted. He didn’t comment on it. He just shifted closer, subtly blocking the wind whenever it picked up too sharply.
It was cute.
Later, you both stumbled upon this exact spot, and he had hated it immediately.
He had gone quiet right away.
Not necessarily tense, just alert. His steps slowed, shoulders squaring slightly as his gaze swept the narrow passage, the blind corners, the lack of lighting. You had teased him for being dramatic back then.
“It’s just a shortcut,” you had said, bouncing lightly on your heels, happy to spend time with your mate and excited for the movie you were meant to watch with the others tonight.
But his mind hadn’t eased, as he stepped a little in front of you, large frame instinctively blocking the open end of the alley while he scanned the other side. When some foreign voices sounded from somewhere deeper inside, you had startled – and he had turned so quickly, hand already hovering near your wrist.
“Not this way,” he had said gently, but firmly.
Back then you had rolled your eyes, but you had followed him anyway. Jongho had chosen the longer road back that day, even though it added almost fifteen minutes to the walk.
You remembered how his hand had stayed at the small of your back the entire time afterward.
When you mumbled about him being silly he had only squeezed your shoulder lightly and said nothing, but his jaw had stayed set tight until you were back on the open street.
In the end, you had giggled and promised you’d never use it alone when he had mentioned it while helping you out of your coat.
But now, thinking about that test you really hadn’t prepared for yet, it didn’t seem that bad. ‘It’ll shave a good few minutes off,’ you rationalized, and it was still daylight – it would definitely last until you passed this area.
There was no one in the direction you would take, making your mind ease up a little. And you still had your phone, so nothing could really happen – you told yourself as you started to make your way through, hands tightening into little fists deep in your jacket’s pockets.
Halfway through, you heard it.
At first, you weren’t sure if it was real, thinking maybe your nerves were exaggerating the memory of how freaked out Jongho had been back then. But as you exited the narrowest part and saw the next street below, you were more than sure you could hear footsteps behind you.
You told yourself it was nothing.
Seoul was a huge city, where loads of people walked every day. But you felt your heartbeat quicken just a smidge when you felt the presence behind you. You could hear them slow when you slowed. Speed up just as you did. Take all the ridiculous turns you could think of while still walking a familiar area – you really did not need to get lost right now.
‘Okay,’ you told yourself, trying to stay calm.
You ignored the fluttery feeling deep in your tummy telling you to look for your alphas right now, really not needing to fall into omegaspace. You bit your lip, trying to calm your breathing as you tried to remember everything your mates had drilled into you about staying safe in situations like this – but that had been so long ago, back when they explained to you what their lifestyle actually meant – back when you had only just met them.
You settled on not turning around and not panicking, trying to seem as natural as possible as you turned another corner and stepped into a brighter street, where the streetlights seemed to work better.
You felt relief wash over you slightly, thinking this would help. You knew you weren’t that far from the area you lived in, relief flickering briefly – until you caught the reflection in a store window just across the street.
The figure was a good few paces behind you, head lowered, a dark hood on and a face mask covering them more than well enough. They were too far to smell their scent as well.
Your stomach dropped, that fluttering, anxious feeling blooming into something sharper in response. It was most definitely not your imagination – that person behind you was very much real.
You instinctively reached for your own face, only to realize it was left bare.
You had taken your mask off at the café and never put it back on.
Stupid. So stupid.
You felt your fingers shake as you tucked your nose into the scarf as deep as it would go. Slowly, and as calmly as you could, you pulled out your phone, steps never slowing as you searched for the pinned contact.
You dialed Hongjoong. No answer.
You called Seonghwa. No answer.
One by one you called each of your mates – repeating the cycle twice – but still, nothing.
Panic bubbled up, and your mind briefly jumped to Sisi.
Should you call her? But what would she do? She was an omega, probably already home, her father was sick so he couldn’t even potentially come to help.
Before you knew it, the sky dimmed further, blue creeping in.
You turned into your neighborhood – the expensive area you always considered secure. But as you thought further, dread coiled in your chest, making it even harder to breathe.
You could not lead whoever this was to your home – to the packhouse. This would put your mates in trouble – what if the packhouse address got revealed? Your lips trembled in despair. This was getting worse by the minute.
You veered left.
Then right.
Circling closer toward the pricey apartment complex. Should you just go and ask the security for help? Did they even remember your face? You never even spoke to them. Were they all alphas? You could not go to them then, that could turn messy quickly–-
Why was it getting so hard to think clearly?
Your mind seemed to fumble with what course of action to take – and this was what your mates had drilled into you even further – that if that happened you needed to come to them straight away, so you wouldn’t get hurt.
They had told you so many times: “It’s a natural stress response, but you really need to listen to your body when it happens angel, please. Alphas will help, but you need to tell us.”
What were you supposed to do if you could not tell them?
You couldn’t remember.
The footsteps didn’t disappear, and your breathing grew shallow. Then, you noticed that convenience store further down the street, lights bright against the dimming surroundings. You hurried toward it, heart pounding as you pushed the door open, your hands fumbling a bit too much.
The bell chimed above you, startling you slightly to go further, unable to stop yourself to look over your shoulder – but it was too dark outside, and too bright in, and you could barely make out anything in view.
A teenage clerk looked up from behind the counter, and you could smell him immediately – an alpha, unmated. You froze, eyes dropping to the ground as you tried to think, your grip on your phone in your pocket tight as a vice.
Asking for help meant crossing boundaries you were raised not to cross alone. Especially not you, an omega. He was unfamiliar – you had come to this place only a handful of times and he was never the one working.
“I-” Your voice faltered, your throat going dry, as he continued to stare you down, the way only a cocky, arrogant teen could. Did he not smell your distress, or did he simply not care?
he clerk just kept chewing his gum lazily.
You couldn’t do it.
Hastening your steps, you went past him and wandered down an aisle instead, pretending to browse, trying to steady your breathing, your ears perked up to listen for that loud bell should it sound again. But it never did.
You stood by the canned foods, head lightly tilted toward the entrance, shaking. Maybe they had left. Maybe you were overreacting, and there had never been anyone really following you.
You waited another minute or two, making sure to stay in the far back of the deserted store so you wouldn’t be visible from the entrance door. When you didn’t hear the bell after you counted to 100, you hurried out.
Your steps were quicker than before, breathing labored as you took the quickest route home, nearly jumping out of your skin when a car drove past. Then, your apartment building came into view. You didn’t turn too obviously but tried your best to look around – but nothing. You didn’t hear anything, but that odd feeling never sated.
You approached the first metal gate outside of the complex and fumbled with your keys, nearly dropping them twice before you managed to beep the chip and open the gate to slip inside, shutting it behind you right away.
You practically ran the next few tens of meters toward the main entrance, fingers shaking so much you had a hard time putting in the long code.
When the heavy door buzzed open, you didn’t wait any longer. Usually, there was a security personnel in this area – one or two people, but still. They were nowhere in sight when you got in, but you barely thought of it, rushing toward the stairs and making your way to the hallway of your apartment, which took up the entire area.
You whimpered, eyes glossier than before as you tried to find the right key, taking agonizingly long before you finally got the door to open, once again dialing the security code on the inside to unlock the alarm.
Turning around, you locked the door twice, and for a second, you just stood there, shoulders shaking as you took hurried breaths, tears spilling over.
You slipped down against the wall, hands trembling as you fished out your phone.
Your stomach dropped.
There were so many notifications it took you a few seconds to scroll past them.
Your ringtone.
You had turned it off earlier at the café. Even the vibrations.
How could you forget?
Your hands started trembling harder, and before you had time to do anything else, the screen lit up again, Seonghwa’s photo bright in the dark hallway. You hadn’t even turned on the light yet.
You answered immediately after your shaking fingers finally willed themselves to move.
“H-Hello-”
“Baby?” His voice was far too tight, and you heard ruckus in the background.
“Baby, where are you?”
“I’m home,” you whispered, and then the tears spilled over, rolling down your cheeks as you hiccuped.
“O-ppa- someone- I think someone was following me-"
The line went silent for half a second, everything going still for that small moment.
“What?” he breathed.
“I-I cut through the alley and I heard- and there was someone and I didn’t-” Your words dissolved into sobs. Your breathing turned uneven, instincts spiraling even further, stomach twisting now that you finally heard your mate’s voice.
“I tried to call- none of you-” You curled into yourself, chin shaking so hard you could barely speak.
“Hey, hey, baby girl, breathe.” Seonghwa said quickly, the alpha’s voice softening instantly despite the thick coiled tension humming underneath his skin, eating at his every breath.
“You’re home. Did you lock the door?”
Your mind took a minute to clear from that odd haze.
“Y-yes.”
“All of them?”
“Yes.”
You whimpered, voice breaking at your cries.
“Good. My good girl. You did good.”
You curled into yourself on the floor, crying harder now that it all dawned on you.
Your whimpers broke his heart into pieces.
In the background, you heard raised voices. Someone snapped, and it went silent for a minute. Seonghwa said something, but you couldn’t make out the words well enough. Then the line shifted, some rustling, and you heard-
“’mega.”
Hongjoong’s voice was controlled, sharp, and strict, enough that your vision stopped swimming just for that moment he spoke.
“We’re coming home right now, baby-”
“Oppa, I’m sc-ared,” you whimpered, slipping further into that feeling when your limbs got too hard to move, vision blurring.
“A-Alpha-”
“I know, baby, I know. I need you to be strong for me right now,” he said right away. “Just a little longer now, babygirl. Listen to me ‘mega, baby, I need you to go to your room. Now.”
Your room.
The furthest one inside the apartment. You used to tease them about that – how it was the only room with two locks instead of just one – and neither of them had ever been used.
And now- You slowly stood up, knees too wobbly for your liking. The world spun a little as you whimpered, holding the phone to your ear tightly.
“Okay,” you whimpered, having the packalpha praise you for listening so well right after. You heard them moving quickly, footsteps echoing as they rushed out of wherever they were, voices calling over each other.
“Stay on the phone, baby,” Hongjoong ordered, cooing when you whimpered a soft ‘okay’ again. You were halfway down the hallway when-
The doorbell rang.
The electronic chime sounded deafening. It made your breathing hitch and quicken even further, whatever calmness had arrived from hearing your mates speak long gone. You froze. Then-
Knocking.
Harder by each second, relentless and hurried. And a male voice yelling at you through the door.
“Open up!”
Your blood turned to ice when you heard him try and get the door open, the doorknob rattling so loud you really thought it might give out.
“I just want to meet Ateez’s little mate,” the voice called, mocking sweetness dripping from every word.
“You’ve been hidden long enough, haven’t you?”
You choked on a sob, arm flying up to your trembling lips as you bit on your wrist to keep the scared yelp in. Your shoulder bumped into the wall as you tried to make yourself smaller, afraid like never before.
On the phone, the pack exploded.
“Don’t open the door!” San roared in the background.
“To your room!” Jongho snapped.
“Lock the door,” Hongjoong commanded, voice breaking through the chaos. “Now, ‘mega!”
Somewhere in the depths of your mind, you realized the voice your mate used was a true pack alpha command. You had never heard it coming from him.
Ever.
You stumbled the rest of the way, muffling your cries of fear as you felt the walls practically shake from the way the man was trying to force the door open.
You closed your bedroom door shut and twisted the lock with shaking hands before fumbling with the small, added bolt on top you had only ever used once when the pack got it installed.
You curled into the corner of your room, hiding behind the bed with phone pressed to your ear, crying openly now, your lungs barely inhaling any air as you heard the doorbell chime continuously.
“They know,” you whispered. “They know about me-”
“We’re calling security, baby,” Seonghwa said. You could hear him speaking to someone else at the same time. After a moment passed he spoke again: “They are on their way.”
“You’re safe, my baby, safe,” Hongjoong said firmly, though you could hear the fury beneath it.
He knew more than well that especially your door was enforced. It was even fire-rated.
“Stay where you are. Don’t make a sound.”
The banging continued.
Your omega instincts fully crashed over you now - small, overwhelmed, desperate for your alphas to make you feel better as you stayed curled up tight on the floor, half hidden behind the corner of a duvet overlapping the bed frame. Your curtains were drawn tight, and you felt cold air coming from the direction of the window panes.
“A-Alpha-,” you sobbed, trying to stay as quiet as possible, choking on your breaths as tears poured down your cheeks and got soaked up in the scarf.
“Almost there, baby, just a little longer,” Yunho promised in the background. Hongjoong felt his chest clench, his own breathing stopping for a second as he tried to keep his mind leveled. You heard the engine roar to life through the phone, doors slam, and voices overlap.
“My ‘mega,” Hongjoong said, breath already uneven like he was moving fast.
“Security is in the hallway now. You don’t need to do anything. Don’t move. Stay exactly where you are, baby. Did you lock your room, sweetheart?”
You nodded shakily after your mind finally realized what his words meant, and you whimpered a broken: “Ye-ah-“
He breathed out slowly in response.
“My good, good girl. Doing so good for alpha. Just a little while longer, not much further now.”
The knocking outside your apartment door had stopped.
Your pulse continued drumming loud and clear in your ears, while you held your phone clutched so tightly your knuckles ached.
“It’s okay,” Yunho said gently. “Everything will be okay, my sweet mate. Make a little nest if you need to.”
“Yes,” Seonghwa insisted softly. “Go on, my baby, surround yourself, it will help.”
You didn’t really register the instructions, but your hands moved on instinct, without your mind even commanding them, and before you knew it you were pulling one pillow close, then another that lay just above you so you didn’t need to move.
You tugged the duvet to yourself, anxiously moving and rearranging the pitiful excuse for a nest around you, crying softly. You just wanted them here. Your breathing came in sharp, broken pulls.
On the other end, Seonghwa was talking to security in the background, but you could hear him slightly considering how close to your ear you cradled the device, its imprint definitely on the side of your face.
“…-k the cameras right now. Post someone there until we arrive.” The alpha demanded. You could barely hear him over the blood still rushing in your ears. You choked on a sob, breathing turning even messier than before when the nest barely helped you.
“’mega,” San said urgently, taking the phone away from Hongjoong, who was now arguing with the security. “Listen to alpha. Breathe in for four. Can you do that f’ me?”
“I- I can’t-”
“Yes, you can, baby.” Seonghwa cut in, firm but not unkind.
“In for four. Out for four. Come on, with me now."
You slowly followed your packmate’s instructions as he exaggerated his own breath to help you follow the right rhythm. It helped - barely, but it still did something – yet you whimpered all the same when he followed over the phone: “Good girl, baby. So proud of my strong girl.”
“What can you see?” Yeosang asked quietly, voice tight with fear. They were pros at calming you down, but this was not the kind of setting they had ever encountered.
You swallowed another whimper. “M-my desk.”
“Good girl. What else?” Yunho pressed, shushing you gently when you started crying again.
“My cu-rtains.”
“Keep going, baby, doing so well.”
Their voices layered around you, steady and controlled despite the beating panic underneath. How had this even happened? How was it possible that their security had failed this badly?
You hiccuped through the exercise, gasping, trying.
“We’re in the garage.” Seonghwa said, and you could hear the car doors slam.
“Almost there, I promise.” The packmates didn’t even wait for the elevator, their footsteps echoing as they ran upstairs, taking the stairs two at a time.
“We’re here, baby.” Hongjoong said again, voice closer now, sharper.
You heard the apartment door get unlocked, the door banging against the wall. You sobbed louder when that dreaded call of the door sounded again, just how it had been doing a few minutes ago continuously.
“It’s us, baby,” the packalpha said immediately, trying to soothe you. “It’s just us.”
Their voices flooded the apartment immediately, raised and worried. Footsteps rushed down the hallway toward you.
“’mega, baby--" Seonghwa called softly from outside your bedroom door, his palm resting against the door.
“It’s us.”
But even as you recognized his voice behind your door, your limbs felt like molten iron, too heavy to move-
“It’s alpha,” the packalpha spoke, firm but gentle.
“Open the door for me ‘mega.”
At the tenderly spoken command, your hands left your phone on the floor among that sad nest you had made as you slowly shuffled toward the door, your broken whimpers sounding so close they left them utterly heartbroken.
Your fingers trembled so hard it took two tries to unlock the second latch.
The second it clicked open, Hongjoong was there.
He took one look at you – shoes still on, jacket half-zipped, scent thick with fear and panic in the air – and he gathered you up instantly.
You collapsed into him, sobbing as you tried to curl up into his lap. Your scent broke further, bitter and terrified.
“It’s okay.” he murmured against your hair.
“Shh, I’ve got you, baby.” He pulled your legs up to help you curl into yourself and guided you to his scent gland by his neck – the moment you caught a whiff of his scent, your shoulders slumped into him, his hold tightening so you didn’t slip away.
The rest of the pack flooded in around you.
San’s gentle hands steadied your shoulders. Seonghwa’s fingers smoothed through your hair as he knelt next to you, scenting you desperately, his own eyes glossy.
“It’s okay, it’s okay, jagi,” he whispered like a mantra, his own hands shaking as he helped Hongjoong adjust you against his collarbone, the packalpha’s eyes nearly overflowing with tears as he left hundreds of kisses on the crown of your head.
Jongho and Yunho carefully eased your shoes off, then your scarf and jacket, movements slow and deliberate, making sure both of their hands stayed visible at all times.
“Nothing’s in here,” Yeosang said quietly after a quick scan around the room.
“Check everything.” Hongjoong ordered sharply, his own heartbeat finally slowing down.
Wooyoung and Yeosang stepped out, the younger having been quiet the entire time, his own breath trembling. They moved through the entire apartment thoroughly – closets, bathrooms, the balcony, under every single bed – double-checking every corner.
You clung to the packalpha, crying until your throat ached. You barely realized what they said, fingers curled so tight against the alpha’s sweatshirt it hurt – after a minute, one of them eased your hands out, but you barely noticed.
Eventually, they carried you to the sofa.
Seonghwa sat down and pulled you higher into his lap, cradling you tightly after Hongjoong gently placed you in his arms. He pressed his nose into your hair, scenting you again, letting you curl up the exact same way you had done with his older packmate.
“Baby, drink." He called in a tender whisper, holding a tall glass of water you hadn’t even noticed one of them getting to your lips.
The alpha shushed your soft sounds, and when your trembling hand tried to hold the glass closer, it instead knocked against it, making it spill a little and your mate suck in a sharp breath and you sob.
“Shh, baby, shh, it’s okay, it was an accident, it’s okay…”
He hummed, cradling you even closer when you pawed at the water stain left on his chest. He thanked San quietly, who was quick to pull out a few napkins and wipe some of the moisture away.
He didn’t care. Didn’t even glance down.
His entire focus was on you – the way your lashes clumped together with tears, the tremble in your lower lip, the uneven hitch in your chest.
You whined, wanting to say sorry, but your tongue could barely move. Seonghwa brushed his lips over your forehead before nudging the glass against your lips once more, this time Yunho steadying it while you sipped, the water like a balm against your raw throat.
“Good,” Yunho murmured softly when you managed another sip. “That’s it. Small ones. Doing so well.”
In front of you, Mingi knelt.
He exhaled, slow and calm, like he was forcing himself back into his body, one hand coming up to cup your cheek carefully.
“Look at me, baby,” he said gently.
It took effort.
Your eyes lifted sluggishly, glassy and overwhelmed.
“There you are,” he breathed, voice cracking despite himself.
“You’re safe. You understand? You’re home. We’re all here.”
San pressed close at your side, warm and solid, one hand rubbing slow circles between your shoulder blades. Jongho sat on the arm of the sofa, large hand resting against your calf, squeezing in a grounding, steady pressure so you could feel him there.
After a few minutes, Yeosang and Wooyoung returned with their arms filled to the brim with blankets and pillows, dropping them on the ground while Mingi pulled the coffee table away to the side. Yunho switched off the overhead light, leaving only the warm lamp in the corner on.
“Let’s go down, jagi." Seonghwa murmured gently. He hummed to you encouragingly, slowly lowering himself to the ground and letting you slide just before him, still held tight between his knees should you want to curl back up.
For a moment, you just sat there, breathing unevenly.
But after a few encouraging coos, the alphas watched fondly as you shakily moved the bedding materials just the way you liked it, praising your work vehemently. You sniffled and tugged a blanket closer, spreading it out with slow, uncertain movements. San helped smooth one corner without taking over. Jongho folded another blanket and placed it within reach instead of arranging it himself.
Mingi pressed his palm flat against his chest like he was overwhelmed, exaggerating his expressions just the right amount to please that soft, mushy omegabrain in charge.
“Look at you. Strongest girl in the world.”
You made a tiny, shaky sound at that.
Wooyoung grinned softly, brushing your hair back from your face. “Designer nest. Ten out of ten.”
“What a pretty nest, my baby,” Hongjoong smiled calmly, kneeling just before the first fluffed-up blankets.
“Can your alphas come in as well?”
You blinked up at him slowly before nodding and whispering the softest: “Yes, alpha…” that had all of them beaming.
Hongjoong’s smile turned impossibly gentler, pride warming his features instead of the earlier steel calmness.
“Thank you, my baby,” he murmured like you’d given him something precious.
He didn’t move immediately.
He waited, sitting still to make sure you didn’t tense. To make sure your scent didn’t spike again. Only when you shifted a blanket slightly to make space did he take it as an invitation. Slowly, deliberately, he crawled forward and settled at the front of the nest, close enough that your socked foot brushed his thigh.
One by one, the packmembers slowly moved into the nest, curling up against you, slotting you in the middle. Some stayed sitting, while others lay down, taking their time with their movements. You allowed Seonghwa to carefully maneuver you lower, head tucked into his lap while his fingers brushed through your locks. The other alphas eased you against them, their gentle touches reminding you of their presence should you start to spiral.
They spoke quietly, Wooyoung and San both practically face to face with you as they lay right in front, their hands gentle on your shoulders, neck, and cheeks. They stayed so close their foreheads almost bumped when they shifted.
They hummed a small tune you didn’t recognize but seemed to know well. Their harmonies fit together naturally, something they’d done before a night like this.
Every once in a while, one of them leaned close and left a peck on your cheek or the tip of your nose, making your eyes flutter closed slightly before reopening, glossy as ever.
The oldest alpha was no different, holding you close against his thigh so you didn’t slip away, his own back curling every minute or so as he pressed a kiss to your forehead, his breath fanning over the crown of your head.
You drifted in and out, exhausted.
When you came to again, it was when Jongho shifted carefully from where he’d been seated, making sure not to jostle the nest as he reached for the bowl he had placed outside it. The faint, familiar scent of tteokbokki filled the warm air between you all.
“Did you warm it up for long enough?” Yunho asked quietly from where he sat further to your right, his hand rubbing your knee over the duvet they had covered you with earlier.
The maknae hummed in response, voice softer than usual, like even volume might bruise you right now. He knelt close, one hand steadying the small fork while the other supported the bowl. He didn’t rush, just waited until your eyes cracked open again, heavy and unfocused. Seonghwa eased you back up to rest against his chest.
You watched as some of your mates were asleep, Hongjoong and Yeosang nowhere to be seen. Before you had time to ask, Jongho brought a bite toward your lips, blowing on it just before.
“Just one bite,” he murmured, and your lips parted automatically when he brought it closer. You took it, slow and distant, barely chewing before swallowing.
The alphas watched like it was the most important thing in the world.
“Good girl,” Seonghwa hummed immediately, thumb brushing along your jaw. “Just a little. That’s okay.”
You drifted again, consciousness slipping like sand through your fingers. Sounds blurred. The warmth of the nest pressed in closer. Someone adjusted the blanket under your chin. Someone else smoothed your hair back.
When the door beeped again as Hongjoong and Yeosang returned from speaking to security, you almost jolted upright in fear, if it weren’t for Seonghwa’s quick reaction, the alpha having fallen asleep while sitting with your head against his thigh.
He’d only been dozing, head tipped to the side against the sofa, your weight warm in his lap. But the second your breathing changed – that tiny hitch, that sharp inhale – his eyes flew open.
“Hey- hey baby, I’ve got you,” he murmured instantly, arms tightening around you as he pulled you flush against his chest. You were already shaking.
San, Wooyoung, Jongho, and Yunho, all restlessly sleeping around you, blinked awake quickly to hush your scared whimpers. San was up on his elbows in a second. Wooyoung blinked hard, disoriented for half a heartbeat before leaning in. Jongho sat upright immediately, broad shoulders squared, while Yunho’s hand found your ankle again like instinct.
“It’s okay,” San whispered quickly, brushing your cheek. “It’s okay, baby, ’s just the door.”
Your heart raced so loudly you barely heard him. Another soft shuffle of movement followed – footsteps in the hallway. You made a small, broken sound in your throat, hand shaking Yunho’s forearm as if trying to alert him.
“Shh, sh-sh-sh,” he breathed, cupping the back of your head. “You’re safe. We’re all right here.”
Seonghwa pressed his nose into your hair, inhaling deeply, leaving his scent on you. “It’s just Joongie and Sangie,” he murmured against your crown. “They went to talk to security, my darling.”
As if on cue, Hongjoong’s voice carried from the hallway, calm, clear, and steady. It worked well on that constantly humming mind of yours.
“It’s just us, baby.”
Your body still trembled, but the panic spike started to ebb when Yeosang also appeared in the doorway a second later, expression softening immediately at the sight of you clinging to Seonghwa.
“She okay?” he asked quietly.
“She thought it was-”
San cut himself off gently, stroking your shoulder instead, smiling at you with such soft eyes. “Just startled.”
Hongjoong stepped closer, crouching near the edge of the nest again. “Security confirmed patrol’s doubled tonight,” he said quietly in the direction of the other alphas, but his eyes never left your form.
You swallowed hard, fingers clutching Seonghwa’s shirt again as he rocked you just slightly. “‘s alright. Your body’s still on high alert. It’s normal.”
Soon enough, they soothed you back down. Your eyes stayed closed longer, only opening when Hwa softly whispered that he would be right back as Mingi took his place instead, curling up with you in his arms, kissing your head repeatedly, letting his own scent mark you. Every time you whimpered in a dream, someone shushed you softly.
Some of them slept, some stayed awake, watching over the nest protectively.
Then Hongjoong’s phone buzzed.
He sighed, rubbing his jaw, left a last peck on your knuckles, and stepped away quietly, picking up the call. His voice was carefully quiet, staying close enough that he could still see you should anything happen within that minute he expected to be gone while talking to their main manager.
Mingi sat quietly, playing with your hair draped over his thighs.
He frowned when he realized you were still wearing your day clothes. His jaw tightened lightly as his finger grazed the fabric of your jeans, sighing before gently kissing your temple again. When he sat back taller, he looked toward his pack alpha, only to see his expression had changed.
Mingi’s own brows furrowed before he tucked the blanket closer to you. When the pack alpha returned, he didn’t speak at first, blinking slowly and sighing as he gently shook all the sleeping men awake.
One by one, the alpha’s worry dissipated the moment they saw you were still resting calmly. They stayed quiet as Hongjoong showed them the screen.
His thumb shook a little as he scrolled through the dozens of photos.
You and Siah at the café – laughing.
There was no doubt it was you – your coat draped over the chair, hair, sweater – everything matched.
Their breath hitched.
San’s hand at your lower back when he led you to the café. Close-ups of his face, such quality that any fan would undoubtedly recognize him.
Photos of you waiting with Siah at the bus station.
A photo of you standing alone while on your phone.
You walking home.
Your posture gradually tightening.
Your fear visible frame by frame.
A close-up of your terrified face.
The last image –
The apartment door.
The alphas stayed silent, while their minds roared and screamed like never before.
It was not meant to go this way – not like this.
They tried to stay calm, mindful of their scents turning bitter – they didn’t want to wake you up.
Hongjoong told them quietly that this was sent anonymously to management minutes after the incident. That there was no message, nothing the sender asked for.
“That means this isn’t about money. Not yet.”
San’s jaw clenched so hard it clicked, his voice low, almost shaking. “They wanted us to know.”
Mingi’s hands curled into fists on the blanket above your shoulders, but soon he let go, smoothing the wrinkles out, every bit protective.
Hongjoong swallowed, anger and something close to despair flashing across his face before he nodded.
He lowered the phone slowly, locking the screen before the glow could spill across your face. His jaw worked once, twice. When he spoke, his voice was barely above a breath.
“We don’t react emotionally,” he said, looking at you. “Not tonight.”
San looked like he might argue – shoulders rigid, hands trembling with restrained fury – but he swallowed it down. Hard.
“Management is tracing metadata,” Hongjoong continued. “The images were compressed before being sent. That means intention… planning.”
Silence settled heavy.
You shifted faintly in your sleep at the subtle change in the air, not fully waking, just reacting to the surrounding tension. Instantly, every alpha’s posture softened. Their scents pulled back, controlled with effort. Mingi stroked your arm slowly until your breathing evened again.
“Management called an emergency meeting,” he said, keeping his voice low even though you were still sleeping. “First thing tomorrow morning.” A few of them tensed immediately.
“How early?” Yunho asked.
“Seven.”
Wooyoung scoffed under his breath, looking at your closed eyes.
“Of course.”
“They will want legal present, no?” Yeosang added, already piecing it together.
Hongjoong nodded once. “Lawyers. Company security. They’re contacting cybercrime and filing a report... Police will be involved.”
That word hung heavier than the rest.
Police.
Mingi’s hand stilled in your hair. “She’ll have to give a statement,” he said quietly.
It wasn’t a question.
Hongjoong exhaled slowly through his nose, heart shattering as he whispered, “Yes.”
San’s jaw tightened again. “She’s barely stable right now.”
“I know.”
“She shouldn’t have to relive it tomorrow,” Seonghwa murmured, tightening his hold around your hand instinctively. “Not after today.”
Hongjoong looked at each of them in turn.
“They’re not asking to bring her to intimidate her. They need her account while it’s fresh. Timeline, details, anything she noticed, height, gait. Stuff like that matters so much.”
Wooyoung shook his head, frustrated. “I don’t care what matters. She’s exhausted.”
As if to emphasize it, you shifted slightly in your sleep, brow faintly furrowing before Yeosang smoothed it out with his thumb, cooing softly.
Mingi swallowed. “What if this pushes her back into omegaspace?”
Hongjoong’s voice stayed steady, but there was strain beneath it.
“We don’t have the luxury of pretending this didn’t happen.”
No one argued.
“If we want protection orders, patrol increases, digital tracing, criminal charges –” he continued quietly, “–her statement is part of that foundation. Trust me, no one wants this less than I do.”
Silence settled again. “We tell her in the morning,” he decided. “After she eats. After she’s calmer. Not tonight.”
The packalpha cleared his throat, eyes serious as he addressed the group of alphas in a low voice.
“Due to that last photo…” His voice dropped slightly, a weight behind it. “…management strongly recommends we leave the apartment for some time. Until this situation settles.”
San frowned immediately, sitting taller. “Leave? Like… now?”
“No,” Hongjoong said firmly. “Not immediately. But we need to be prepared. Management is already arranging a different apartment in another part of Seoul for a few weeks. It’ll be temporary, just while things cool down and we secure evidence.”
Mingi’s brow furrowed. “If that sasaeng posts these photos online, what then?”
Hongjoong’s jaw tightened as he closed his eyes for a second before speaking. “Then we’re prepared. We’ll escalate immediately. Legal, police, management – everything.” He paused, letting the information sink in.
“We’ll discuss the details at the meeting tomorrow. I just wanted you all to know it might happen, so it isn’t a surprise.” He glanced at you, resting form, before continuing:
“I really hope they don’t.”
Yeosang bit his lip, thinking, running his hand through his hair. “And Y/N’s school? It’s the last week before holidays… all her exams are next week.”
Hongjoong hesitated, eyes softening slightly as he glanced at his pack. “I… don’t know if it’s safe. We’ll talk about it tomorrow, with management, and the police, and everyone. But…”
He swallowed.
“…she probably can’t go.”
Wooyoung exhaled sharply. “But that’s… her finals. That’s important.”
Seonghwa’s hand tightened slightly over the pillow placed near you. “We’ll figure something out. Maybe we can get them postponed? Online? Something… fuck, this is bad.”
They fell quiet, the realization settling over them.
Even with all their experience, the idea that someone could get so close, so personal, without any warning, left each of them unusually still.
Wooyoung shifted slightly, almost imperceptibly, before rising and slipping quietly from the room. His scent lingered faintly in the air for a moment, strained, heavy with worry and sorrow – but he moved deliberately, careful not to disturb you.
San’s sharp senses caught the quiet stifled sobbing, carefully rising himself and following his packmate.
He found Wooyoung’s bowed head just further down the hall, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “Hey,” he murmured softly. “It’s okay. Don’t let her wake up.”
Wooyoung inhaled sharply, voice breaking as it came out almost as a whisper. “I… I just…”
San tilted his head, letting him lean lightly against him, sharing the burden without words.
“I know. I feel the same. But she’s asleep, and she needs to rest. Let’s breathe for her, yeah?”
Eventually, they returned. Wooyoung knelt beside the nest first before settling gently beside you. He slid an arm under your shoulders, pulling you carefully into his chest, off of Mingi’s legs, the older alpha leaving another peck on your temple as he stretched out, letting your head rest against him.
His breath fanned over your hair as he hummed softly, a grounding warmth you didn’t consciously register in your sleep.
The alphas stayed near the entire night, not once letting you stay unprotected. Their eyes stayed sharp even if they were tired like never before, wanting to keep you close and safe.
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
A/N: Unfortunately, this chapter and all those that will likely follow are far too long to be posted on Tumblr in a single post. I have tried to fix this but failed to find a solution, and I'm very sorry. Therefore, all upcoming chapters will be posted divided in half - I realize this is not ideal, and once again I apologize for the inconvenience. Both parts of each chapter will be posted and accessible at the same time.
Taglist: (open)
Previous: 𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
Part 2/2 of Chapter 1 can be read here: 𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
You didn’t know what time it was when you jolted awake.
Your heart leapt into your throat, panic blooming instantly, the only thing on your mind being that you were late. The only thing you circled back to was that you must have slept straight through your alarm, missed your morning drawing lecture, and everything that followed.
You felt your breath quicken, your body breaking from that soft sleepy haze and already trying to push upright, to scramble out of bed.
Where was your phone?
How come your alarm hadn’t rung?
A warm arm tightened around your waist.
“Shh...”
San’s voice was thick with sleep, sounding in a low rumble against the back of your neck. His chest pressed firmly to your spine as he tugged you back into him, anchoring you before you could twist away any further.
“It’s okay,” he mumbled, lips brushing lazily against your hair, his mind only waking to register your distress, yet too comfortable to truly wake.
His calming scent wafted around you like a spell as his fingers tightened on your waist. “Alpha is here, my baby.”
You blinked, disoriented, vision blurry. The room was dim, winter light barely filtering through the curtains, making the painting above you just barely visible.
Saturday.
Your body sagged all at once, the panic draining out of you so quickly it left you shaky. A small, embarrassed sound slipped from your throat as you relaxed back against your packmate.
San made a quiet cooing noise in response, one hand sliding up to cradle the side of your head in comfort as he curled you closer to his front.
“Oh, sweetheart…” he murmured instead, voice low and thick with sleep.
“Your head’s been working too hard all week, hasn’t it?”
He mumbled sympathetically, his voice warm and rumbly. His thumb traced slow circles against your scalp as he brought the sheets further around you both with his other arm.
“Go back to sleep, my cub. No school...”
You exhaled, long and trembling, letting your weight settle fully against his chest as the rest of the earlier panic left your bones, only for him to respond by holding you even tighter. His scent wrapped around you immediately, grounding you from those senseless hurried worries, steadying you in a way that made the tightness in your tummy loosen.
“Sisi’s coming later, remember, baby?” he added gently, his own instincts easing up now that your panicked scent had dissipated.
“You can stay right here with me until then...”
The reminder drifted through your sleepy thoughts like something soft and barely recognized.
Sisi.
The project.
A promise you had made like a week ago before the finals had swallowed you whole once again.
San shifted slightly, pulling the blanket even higher around your shoulders, tucking it beneath your chin with absentminded care. His nose nudged the back of your neck, scenting you slowly, reassuring himself that you really were okay wordlessly. His hand spread gently over your tummy, thumb brushing back and forth in a slow, grounding motion.
“…just be my good girl and rest for a bit more now, hm?”
The alpha hushed, voice barely louder than a breath. Your fingers curled into the fabric of his sleeve in response, resting further into his forearm curled under your temple. The steady thump of his heart beneath your back was slow and even, easing your mind to slow down further.
Outside, the world was still and quiet.
Just the faint hum of the apartment and the distant sound of someone moving in the kitchen, to which your mind tied Seonghwa, who was probably already awake, always there every morning. It was usually him who greeted you first when you finally stumbled out of whoever’s bed you shared for the sweet, warm sleep last night, asking you how your rest had been.
But for now, you felt small in the best way.
Tucked in tight to that heat-radiating sleepy alpha, whose body shielded you from exams and percentages and the looming weight of marks that hadn’t been released yet.
San leaned in further and pressed one more lazy kiss onto the very crown of your head.
“Sleep,” he murmured again, his voice dipping into something instinctive and warm.
“Alpha’s got you.”
And this time, your eyes really slipped closed, burrowing deeper into that guarded, precious lazy morning you hadn’t had in what felt like forever.
Before you knew it, the weekend had arrived, and with it the day Sisi was coming over.
Right.
It had been last week afternoon when Sisi had asked you quietly if you would come over to her place to help with her project for her fashion design class.
The moment had been delicate, the pretty and usually confident omega you admired hadn’t looked at you right away when she asked. She had just kept adjusting the strap of her bag, voice carefully light.
Casual. As if it didn’t matter all that much.
But beneath the surface was this fragile little space, tucked away to be left alone and approached only if no other way was necessary.
It had been a different thing entirely compared to going out for an occasional local art museum visit or eating lunch together if your schedules aligned.
Going to a different pack house was something that made your chest flutter-especially at the thought of someone trusting you so much to invite you in, like a true friend.
It wasn’t that you had never gone to a different pack house – Hongjoong, Wooyoung, and Yunho had already brought you to their family a few times, and the others had promised to do the same when the timing would be right, something that had left you feeling a little shy, your blushy cheeks and hesitant eyes acknowledging the thin ice without naming it outright.
The idea of being together somewhere much more private, even if only for a school project, felt both exciting and a little intimidating. But you liked Siah a lot and had been genuinely happy she thought of you for aiding her with this.
“I really want to go,” you had told her quickly all those days ago. And you meant it. “I just… I need to talk to my pack first.” You whispered the last part barely audibly, wide eyes jumping over anyone who was still packing their bags away after the lesson had ended, not wanting to attract the wrong kind of attention you never quite enjoyed.
Sisi had nodded immediately, relief flickering across her features as her nervousness disappeared.
She understood. Of course she did.
Being an omega meant nothing was ever entirely in your hands to decide, the pack always having a word in - not in a restrictive way, or at least definitely not in your pack. But in a protective, instinctual way – your alphas had always wanted to know where you were. Who you were with. Who else would be around.
The general idea was enough for them-anything to sate that worry constantly pressing into their chest when you were no longer within sight – something that simply came with being their mate.
“Just let me know after you talk to them,” she had said softly, offering you a small, reassuring smile. “We can figure it out.”
You had both lingered in that shared fragile space for a second after that, exchanging a shy little smile, as if you were both quietly recognizing that this was new territory-stepping closer in a way-without having to spell it out loud.
It had been easy to say yes to Sisi-much easier than it had been to persuade your alphas to really let you go.
You could still remember how strained the dinner table had felt that night.
You had brought it up softly-fingers nervously playing with the pretty promise ring adorning your hand, after Yeosang more than gently commented on the fact that you barely touched the meal before you.
“Sisi asked if I could come over next Saturday to help her with her project.”
The shift had been immediate as all eight pairs of eyes lifted at once.
Hongjoong had straightened first. His shoulders squared subtly, chest puffing almost comically before he caught himself. His posture felt calm-just a bit too calm.
“No, baby.”
Just two words, his voice filled with finality and a tone too firm for you to argue with right away.
The other alphas had followed instantly, scents sharpening with disapproval, masking the worry deeply rooted within.
“It’s not safe, pretty girl,” Yunho added, eyes flicking to you, as if making sure you really understood.
“You’d be there the whole day, little flower?” Seonghwa asked gently, tilting his head, as he adjusted the sleeve of your hoodie that stubbornly rolled back down over your hands.
“But didn’t you want to go visit that new ice rink Saturday morning? We promised to take you, remember?”
“What if their alpha gets territorial, princess?” Mingi’s voice was soft, almost pleading to you, his hands tightening slightly around his chopsticks.
“We need you to be safe, and we can’t do that if you’re all on your own, ‘mega.”
You shrank under the sudden weight of their concern, cheeks warming, but irritation sparked somewhere, something much unlike yourself. You huffed softly, crossing your arms stubbornly as you let your own cutlery drop, chin tucked close.
The alphas around you cooed and tutted in comfort, Jongho’s hand reaching out to gently ruffle your hair, making you whine louder even if you melted into his touch at the same time.
“Sisi is my friend,” you murmured, voice small, knees curling up close to your chest.
“She’s an omega,” you’d added quickly, as if that would solve everything, big eyes meeting theirs for just a second before they dropped back to your shaky hands.
“You’ve seen her before.”
They had seen her, that much was true.
Even if only briefly—passing greetings, guarded and careful, taking their face masks off only once it was just you and them. It was nothing substantial.
Nothing that would ease the instincts of a fully bonded alpha pack.
“It’s still another pack’s house,” Yeosang had said gently, but his jaw had been tight as his eyes watched over you, his body leaning on his forearms. “Customs exist for a reason, sweetheart.”
That’s right- that societal custom.
At least one alpha or beta accompanying their omega when visiting another pack house.
A sign of protection. Representation. A show of strength, whatever that even meant in today’s terms.
You were still far too shy for that.
The idea of one of them accompanying you made your stomach twist. They were known and quite easily recognized. They were always very careful when you went out in the public with them, always wearing face masks, always keeping you close.
What would happen if Siah’s sister recognized them?
You already knew Sisi wasn’t familiar with their band—finding out by accident when you forgot to change your lock screen before going to school. But your friend hadn’t commented on anything else apart from noting that the photo was very cute and giggling that she was jealous you already found your mates.
She hadn’t said a word about the fact that they were on national television just a few days prior or that the new, popular radio show they were doing then was in any way familiar to her.
The alphas already guarded you like watch dogs, getting protective and growly the moment your wellbeing was even remotely questioned.
The thought of one of them standing in Siah’s living room, looming and intimidating and very much famous, made you want to burrow into the ground.
You’d mumbled that they were overreacting into your curled-up body, too shy to look up when they huffed in response, clicking their tongues in quiet exasperation, but there was no bite in it—never when it came to you.
"We just want to make sure our brave girl stays safe.” Wooyoung had said, watching your reaction attentively, resting back against his chair.
Hongjoong had leaned forward then, leaving his forearms on the table, eyes soft but unwavering.
“Do you understand," he’d asked quietly, “what an unfamiliar alpha could do if they decided to push?”
Your breath had caught then-not because you didn’t know-but because you did. The vulnerability of your second gender was never anything abstract. It was biological, deeply rooted in instinct.
It was dangerous in the wrong hands.
Still, you’d frowned stubbornly, barely looking up to really meet your pack alpha’s gaze.
“Sisi would never let anything happen.”
San had sighed, rubbing his face. “That’s not the point, baby.”
Baby.
You knew more than well that they weren’t angry—it was something inside that made them so worried. They loved you—even if it still felt a bit too early to say that out loud—but they all knew. You were the most precious thing the world had given them, and they could never truly explain what it was like to even just think of losing you.
Truthfully, they were terrified. Scared of the wrong kind of people discovering you. Scared of a world they understood far too well.
You and your mates had already chosen not to publicly announce you—not because they weren’t proud, but because they knew what obsession could turn into.
They knew the burden of this lifestyle, and they would rather carry it alone than let it ever touch you—or at least until you were ready. It still was a far too sensitive subject for many fans in the industry, the fact that many of the music groups they were technically colleagues to had already formed a pack—and it was rarely only the musicians being part of it.
The public eye could never learn this—it could very much all fall apart.
Over the next few days, you didn’t give up.
You didn’t argue or insist on anything—that had never been your way, and you knew better than to think being bratty would ever work on them.
Instead, you softened.
You whined a little when they teased, pouted when your suggestions were brushed aside, letting your lower, vulnerable form coax them without words. Sometimes a small whimper escaped when you leaned against them, head tucked into a shoulder, eyes wide and pleading without even realizing it.
It had started in the car with Yeosang.
He drove with easy confidence, one hand on the wheel, the other resting near the gear shift. Every time he changed gears, the faint brush of his pinky against your knee sent a little shiver of comfort through you. His scent, faint of cedar and something soft, like sun-warmed fabric, wrapped all around you, steadying the nervous flutter in your chest.
You had been quiet for five whole minutes, looking out the window with a pout rather than switching the radio station constantly while telling him all about a drama happening between your classmates.
Yeosang knew that was dangerous.
“Okay,” he sighed fondly, glancing at you. “What’s going on in that head?” His voice was low, teasing just enough to make you flush, but gentle enough that you didn’t feel scolded.
He was always careful with you.
You turned toward him in your seat, lip jutting out just slightly.
“I really want to go.”
The alpha didn’t need clarification.
His jaw tightened gently in response, that soft tone in which he spoke was already more than enough to guess the answer.
“Angel…”
“It’s just for a school project,” you insisted softly. “Sisi really needs help. She told me she doesn’t trust anyone else with composition the way she trusts me.”
Yeosang’s grip on the wheel flexed.
“Honey, you don’t know her pack,” he repeated—but it lacked the earlier sharpness.
“We don’t know her pack, and quite frankly, barely her.”
“But I won’t be alone, oppa,” you murmured. “She’ll be there the whole time. And it’s daytime. And it’s for school. You always tell me how important school is.”
He huffed a small laugh at that, his pretty, long dark hair moving in sync.
“That’s not fair. Don’t use my own words against me.”
You leaned closer, resting your cheek against his shoulder carefully so you wouldn’t distract him.
“I just… I don’t want her to think I don’t care.”
Yeosang's scent shifted noticeably into something much softer now.
"You don’t have to worry about that, little flower,” he said, voice tender. He glanced at you from the corner of his eye, a small, reassuring smile playing on his lips.
“I know you care. We know you care.”
For a moment you both stayed quiet, looking out of the window with your lips all pouty again.
“It’s not that we don’t trust you,” he eventually continued, voice quiet. “You know that, right, my ‘mega?”
“I know.”
“It’s everyone else. It’s very important you understand that, baby.”
Your fingers curled into the fabric of his hoodie sleeve, his hand resting on your thigh loosely. “I’m not fragile.” You whined, even if you knew more than well just how soft you sometimes were.
“I know you’re not.” His voice was firm, but warm. “But you’re ours. That means we worry. That’s… part of it.” Yeosang murmured as his hand made a barely-there gesture at him and then you.
You mumbled something under your breath.
“What was that?” His brow lifted as if challenging any defiance, a teasing glint bright in his eyes when he glanced back at you.
“You worry too much, oppa.”
The alpha chuckled, but his thumb came up to gently tap your thigh. “And you, my love, don’t worry quite enough.”
˖᯽ ݁˖· ─
You were committed to making your pack say yes.
The day after you talked with Yeosang, you were back at school. When the short but well-earned lunch break finally arrived, you found Sisi in her atelier, your usual lunch spot for whenever your schedules aligned, and made sure to sit just a little closer than usual once you settled beside her.
Siah was already seated on the floor by the low cutting table, the majority of her classmates having left to get some fresh air while she stayed behind, now unpacking her lunch from a pastel tote bag she wore that day. The moment she saw you, her whole face lit up.
“Oh my god, Y/N-nnie, you will not believe what happened this morning,” she blurted before you’d even fully sat down. You blinked, immediately perking up as you shuffled closer, knees bumping.
“What?”
She leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice even though you were alone. “Lim gyo-su-nim went absolutely feral on Minji-ssi. Like - full lecture voice. In front of everyone. There were even those from photography atelier, taking photos for their own finals.”
You gasped softly, hand flying to your mouth. “She did not.”
“She did,” Sisi insisted, eyes wide.
“It was a whole thing, I’m telling you-- because Minji-ssi used synthetic fabric instead of sourcing sustainable like the brief said for her project. And gyo-su-nim just-” Sisi straightened dramatically, mimicking the professor’s posture.
“‘If you cannot respect the integrity of textile tradition, perhaps you are in the wrong discipline.’”
You dissolved into quiet giggles, shoulders shaking as you leaned against her.
“That’s so scary. Poor Minji-ssi, gosh…”
“I know!” she whispered-laughed.
“I nearly cried, and it wasn’t even about me.”
“That’s because you’re sensitive,” you teased gently, shoulder bumping hers.
“You’re one to talk,” she shot back, nudging your knee.
You huffed but smiled, settling fully beside her as you both began unpacking your lunches together, setting that sleek, pretty metal lunchbox in front of you. You popped it open with a soft click.
Seonghwa had packed it neatly, as he always did - cut fruit arranged in careful little sections, rice shaped into soft triangles, tiny containers labelled in his tidy handwriting if they weren’t see-through.
Your best friend slowly glanced down at her own spread - a croissant half-wrapped in parchment, an apple rolling slightly toward your knee, and random two snack bars peeking out of a crumpled reusable bag.
“…Be honest Y/N-nnie,” she said, narrowing her eyes playfully. “Did a five-star chef pack that, or are your mates just showing off?”
You gasped softly, feigning offence as you nudged the apple back toward her. “They are not showing off.”
She leaned closer, inspecting the tiny labeled containers. “‘Frui-'‚ oh my god, they labelled them. Who does that?”
“Seonghwa oppa,” you replied simply, trying not to seem too smiley yourself, though the warmth blooming in your chest and spreading up your cheeks completely betrayed you.
“He cuts the fruit smaller because he said it will be easier to eat during lectures.”
Sisi stared at you for a long second before dramatically pressing a hand to her heart, closing her eyes. “That is so freaking sweet.” You giggled in response, nodding, as you handed her the second fork he had packed and opened the container filled with small pieces of sweet fruit, the juice glistening against the metal lid.
“Here, unnie,” you said softly, nudging it toward her. “Before you steal the kiwi without asking.”
Her eyes snapped open immediately. “Oh, I was absolutely going to.”
“I know.”
As you shared your lunch, trading pieces of fruit, rice, and pastries back and forth while bumping shoulders every few seconds, you suddenly reached for your phone. Sisi eyed you suspiciously. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” you said, already balancing your phone carefully against your water bottle so that the angle would catch both of you.
The kind omega immediately scooted closer anyway.
You leaned into her shoulder, cheek brushing hers, while she threw up a peace sign with a dramatic grin. The neatly packed container sat perfectly between you in the frame - labelled lids and all. You both smiled wide, soft and bright.
Click.
You glanced down at the photo, satisfied.
“Ohh, we look cute,” Sisi said, immediately leaning over your arm to see. “Send that to me right now.”
“I was going to,” you huffed lightly, though your thumbs were already moving. And, before you could think of it too much, you forwarded the message into your pack’s group chat as well.
The replies came almost immediately.
˖᯽ ݁˖· ─
That evening, long after you had dinner together, you curled up in Hongjoong’s lap in his home studio. Your legs hung to the sides of his as you rested your front to his chest, half asleep already.
The room was dim except for the soft blue glow of the monitor and the warm strip lights lining the edge of his desk. He never liked the bright, cool-toned lighting and always made sure to adjust it to a much warmer toned setting when you were around – a habit he had developed after you scrunched your face up in discomfort a long time ago.
His studio had a comfortable vibe - not messy, but lived-in. The alpha’s vinyls were stacked neatly on a low shelf against the wall, some leaning slightly from being pulled out too often. A small rack of clothes stood near the corner, full of jackets, layered pieces, and fabrics in blacks and creams that smelled of his scent mixed with his favourite cologne.
The desk itself was crowded in the way only a producer’s desk could be: a MIDI keyboard pushed just beneath the monitor, studio headphones resting over a mic stand, and cables carefully looped instead of tangled. A notebook lay open to the side, pages filled with slanted handwriting, half-written lyrics boxed in pen.
The cover was filled with strawberry-themed bunny stickers you had stuck on the notebook a few months ago along with Wooyoung – but the pack alpha never went to replace the piece of stationery, only ruffling your hair back then.
He looked a bit silly now in some of the production meetings, but he never cared. Not a single bit.
The soft glow of the screen illuminated his focused expression, his brows slightly drawn, lips pressed together in quiet concentration. One earbud was tucked in with whatever he was working on playing, the other ear left open – for you, should you need anything.
A way for him to also be alert for reasons you always giggled at and called silly instincts.
Even when Hongjoong worked, he always worked around you.
His arm rested securely around your waist, firm but relaxed, keeping you anchored against him as if it was the most natural thing in the world. His fingers traced slow, absent circles over your hip through the fabric of your warm sweater – absentminded and grounding.
Every now and then, whenever he clicked through files or adjusted a track, his chin would tilt down slightly, brushing the top of your head. A silent check-in, his scent sticking to your form as he breathed in yours, making sure no signs of distress or such were present.
You rested your head against his chest, cheek pressed to the soft cotton of his long-sleeved shirt, listening to the steady rhythm beneath. Your entire form burrowed into him, melting against that comforting warmth only he and your other mates seemed to provide.
After a while, you spoke, your eyes peeling open just barely.
“Oppa…”
“Hm?” His hand stilled immediately, simply pulling you closer into his lap, as if you were to slip away at any moment.
“This makes me sad.”
The mouse stopped moving. He slid the earbud out completely, the faint music cutting off as he set it down on the desk.
“…come here, baby girl." He adjusted you so you were sitting more upright on his lap, one hand coming to cradle the back of your neck. His eyes were much sharper now, worried, attentive. “Talk to me.”
You swallowed before you spoke, voice quiet and tender.
“It feels like I’m losing a friend,” you admitted quietly.
“If I can’t even go help her. She asked me because she trusts me.” Your gaze stayed on the fabric of his sleeve, from where you played with it, trying to distract yourself. The alpha let it, not moving his arm by even an inch.
Hongjoong studied you carefully. His thumb brushed slowly along the side of your neck, grounding you, before he gently lifted your chin up, eyes searching yours before he shut his own tightly, sighing quietly.
“What exactly would you be doing there?”
You sniffled softly, frustrated at yourself for getting emotional in the first place. You rubbed at your eyes with the heel of your hand, his own hand shooting up quickly to pull it away, tutting softly.
“Sisi studies fashion…you know that.”
He nodded once, his lips kindly pecking your forehead when you took a minute or two putting your thoughts together.
“She’s a year older,” you continued. “She had to design her own garment based on a current fashion trend. She chose lace and made this jacket - it’s really pretty, oppa, she is so clever-“ Your brightened eyes met his attentive, firm gaze. He leaned down once more, ghosting his lips over the crown of your head.
“She already made it and did a photoshoot. Now she has to make a presentation poster with the photos and design concept.”
“And she wants your help with making composition,” the pack alpha murmured.
“Yes.”
He was quiet for a long moment, and you curled right back into his chest instinctively, like you always did when things felt uncertain. His arm came around you without a thought, pulling you in until your ear rested over his heart again, his nimble fingers brushing through your hair gently.
This was never about Sisi.
They had never disliked her.
Sure, the alphas didn’t know her well, but they had never forbidden cafés, exhibitions, or study sessions before.
Of course, at first, they were cautious – listened to the way she treated you over phone calls and watched out attentively if you came home with any sign of distress caused by her – but when none ever happened, they eased.
This was about her pack house.
About stepping into another alpha’s space. Another completely different dynamic.
Another set of instincts.
“Darling, you understand… that this is different,” Hongjoong finally said softly, almost to himself.
You looked up at him. “I like her, oppa.”
“I know.”
His thumb brushed gently beneath your eye again, catching whatever lingering dampness you hadn’t realized was still there. His touch was careful, his hands oh so soft.
“And I don’t want you resenting us.”
His hand tightened around your waist, pulling you impossibly closer. “And I trust you,” he added firmly.
“This has never been about trusting you.”
You shook your head immediately. “I just… I want to be normal sometimes…” Your voice grew smaller with each passing word, lips suddenly turning wobbly.
That did it.
His jaw clenched, just briefly, and then slowly softened as he exhaled through his nose. You felt the shift before he even spoke, his eyes closed for a moment.
“Okay,” he said slowly.
Your breath caught. “Okay?”
He nodded once, already thinking three steps ahead.
“But, only a few hours. Morning only. Not during mealtime.” His tone shifted subtly, not any colder, but far more firm and structured. “I’ll drop you off, and I’ll pick you up.”
Relief bloomed so fast in your chest it almost made you dizzy.
“I’m coming inside first,” he continued. “I need to meet her pack alpha.”
You nodded quickly, right away. “Okay.”
He wasn’t finished, his hands taking your face, cradling it near.
“And if I feel like something’s off,” he added, eyes locking onto yours, “you’re leaving. No arguing. I need you safe, baby. Always.”
You swallowed and nodded again, softer this time.
“Okay, oppa. I promise.”
His gaze searched your face, not in a way to intimidate you on purpose, but to make sure you understood the true weight of what kind of trust he was giving you.
After a long second, he sighed quietly, leaving a long kiss on your forehead.
“Okay.”
The smile that broke across your face was blinding. You threw your arms around his neck, nearly knocking his chair back. He caught you easily, one arm locking around your waist, the other bracing against the desk to steady you both.
Laughing under his breath, your mate nuzzled his chin against your temple, dragging it there slowly before pressing his nose into your hair. He inhaled softly, scenting you in that absent, grounding way he always did when you were excited.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you-” You babbled into his neck happily.
“You’re lucky you’re so cute, baby girl,” he muttered fondly, thumb hooking under your chin to steal the little pout right off your face with a soft kiss.
You were already squirming in his lap, reaching for your phone. He huffed lightly, putting one of the earphones back on. “Unbelievable.”
“I need to let her know- oh my god, oppa, she’s going to freak out,” you rushed, nearly dropping your phone in your excitement. He just shook his head, one hand still secured firmly at your waist so you wouldn’t topple off him in your chaos.
Hongjoong watched you for a second - that brightness in your expression, the way your shoulders had relaxed entirely as you practically slumped against him now.
His hand slid up your back slowly, warm and steady.
“Morning,” he reminded gently.
You nodded immediately, not even looking away from your phone. “Morning only.”
“And you text us when you arrive.”
“I will.”
“And if we call-”
“I answer,” you finished automatically.
That earned you a soft hum of approval against your hair and a tender peck on your temple, the alpha pulling you back against his chest, soon enough back to his newest project, content with you tucked safely in his arms.
And then Friday came – yesterday you went to school like normal, the only difference being the bright buzz and smiles you gave each and every one of your packmates, having them chuckle when you held onto Hongjoong extra tight when he left early that morning with Mingi to a production meeting.
Wooyoung teased you gently, leaning against the wall with exaggerated drama, crossing his arm: “Ah,” he sighed, shaking his head. “We have such a pack alpha girl, don’t we…” San snorted softly from the kitchen.
Sunlight poured in through the tall windows at the end of the hallway, catching on dust motes and the metal edges of display boards covered in student work.
You adjusted the strap of your bag on your shoulder, weaving through clusters of students toward your next lecture. Your fingers unconsciously tightened around the sleeves of the oversized hoodie you were wearing - Mingi’s hoodie - breathing in the warm, familiar scent practically soaked into the fabric.
It grounded you automatically.
You were just about halfway down the corridor when Siah appeared from around the corner. Her usually confident stride faltered a little as she spotted you, making a beeline in your direction, smiling, yet it didn’t quite reach her eyes in the way you were used to.
“Sisi?”
You tilted your head a little, fingers unconsciously tightening on the hoodie sleeves, breathing in the alpha’s scent for comfort.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her arm resting on the strap of her backpack.
“Hey.”
“Everything okay?”
She hesitated, glancing around the busy hallway. A group of alphas rounded the corner loudly, their voices echoing off the lockers. Sisi waited for them to pass before she leaned closer to you, lowering her voice.
“My mom and dad are sick,” she said quietly. “We think it’s food poisoning or something, we went to that restaurant yesterday night... They’ve been throwing up all night.”
Your stomach dropped slightly. But Sisi kept up a brave front.
“Oh no…”
She nodded quickly. “Yeah. It’s probably nothing serious. Just bad seafood or something... So, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to come over tomorrow.” She bit her lip, looking genuinely upset. “I don’t want you getting sick in case it’s something else... You know, omegas and all that.” She huffed, a little giggle leaving her.
You blinked.
The project. The agreement. Hongjoong meeting Sisi’s dad. The hours of persuasion.
“Oh...” You swallowed, brows furrowing even further in concern.
“But what about the poster?”
She stepped closer, lowering her voice, shy in the open space. The vulnerability in her expression was unusual for her - shy in a way she rarely let herself be.
“Would it… be okay if I came to your place instead?”
Your heart skipped, big eyes staring up at the slightly taller girl.
“I mean,” she rushed on, words tender, “only if that’s okay with your pack. My sister will stay home to take care of my parents tomorrow, but they said it’s okay if I go on my own, and I know your mates are protective, and I don’t want to cause trouble if I go alone because of the customs but-” Her voice trailed off as she caught herself.
You were already thinking, before you nodded, your hesitant hand reaching to rub at her shoulder in comfort. “I don’t mind at all,” you said softly. “But I should ask oppa first. Do you have a little bit of time?”
Her expression immediately shifted, relief flickering through her features.
“Yeah, of course,” she nodded quickly. “I understand. I can wait.”
Her smile was hopeful as she leaned against one of the nearby lockers, taking her own phone out and typing something quickly.
You stepped aside into a quieter corner of the corridor near a tall window where the noise dulled into a distant hum. Finding your own phone buried somewhere far too deep in your backpack, you pressed Hongjoong’s contact.
The alpha picked up on the second ring.
“Hey,” his voice was low and steady among the light sounds in the background, the alpha probably between schedules.
“Everything okay?”
That was always their first question. You felt your tummy flutter as you realized it.
“Yea, I’m okay,” you answered quickly.
A pause.
“You sound small,” he said immediately, voice sharpening just a tad bit. “Baby, are you feeling sick?”
Your heart softened at the sharp edge beneath his calm tone. “No, oppa. I’m not-”
“Does your head hurt? Did you eat?”
“I ate,” you insisted, even though lunch had been rushed.
He didn’t need to know that, you told yourself.
“Just-- Sisi’s parents are sick. It’s probably food poisoning or something... Um… so she doesn’t want me coming over for tomorrow.” You took your time forming the correct words, but the alpha stayed patient no matter his busy schedule.
You could practically hear his posture change through the phone.
“She told you that?”
“Yeah.”
The pack alpha stayed quiet for a second longer.
“That’s responsible,” he muttered. “Good.”
Not knowing exactly how you should ask, you ripped the bandaid off. “She asked if she could come to ours instead – oppa, I really want to spend time with her, please.” You rushed out, voice soft and vulnerable despite your effort to sound calm.
Silence again, much longer this time. You knew he was running through scenarios in his head – about everything, really, just how he always did.
“You’re not feeling off at all?” he asked again.
“No, I’m really okay.”
“You’d tell me?”
“Yes, oppa.”
A soft exhale.
“Okay,” he said finally. “She can come. For the morning.”
Relief flooded you, a smile making its way on your face. “Really?”
“Yes. But one of us is staying in the house. Who’s coming with her? You said she is an omega, no?”
“She asked if it’s okay for her to go alone… um, since her parents are sick, her sister is taking care of them… Is that okay?”
Hongjoong thought for a moment longer before responding: “That’s fine… We’re still working tomorrow. Comeback prep.” His voice shifted slightly into a structured tone again. You could hear papers shifting faintly on his end.
“San recorded his lines first, so he can probably stay from morning into early afternoon… I’ll talk to him and text you later, okay?”
You smiled to yourself.
“Okay.”
“Okay…Baby, if you start feeling unwell at any point, you call me. Immediately.”
“I will.”
“And if I come home and something feels off-”
“I know,” you murmured fondly. “I wouldn’t lie to you, oppa.”
“Good girl.”
You could hear the tiny smile in his voice now.
“Thank you, Joongie oppa,” you said softly after a beat longer.
His tone warmed just a fraction further.
“Of course, ‘mega.”
Saturday arrived before you knew it.
You had chosen to sleep in San’s room last night, the alpha having gently ushered you to his space after he found you still awake in your room late at night, grumbling that it was in fact time for bed, and pulling out a pair of fresh pajamas from your closet.
He held you close even in sleep, one arm under your neck, the other draped securely over your waist. Your back stayed pressed to his chest, his breathing slow and even against your shoulder as his body shielded you from whoever came into the room, practically keeping you invisible.
And, as you both dozed off again that morning, one by one, the busy pack woke.
You didn’t fully stir, but you felt them.
The mattress gently dipped.
A warm hand brushed your hair back, away from your neck.
A soft kiss got pressed to your forehead.
“Bye, angel,” Yunho whispered.
“Sleep, baby,” Seonghwa murmured.
Wooyoung smoothed your blanket up higher before he left. Mingi tucked your feet back under it, closer to San. Jongho’s hand lingered briefly, protective even in a quiet goodbye.
They moved quietly, careful not to wake you too much in the far too early hours to be working.
You drifted in and out of sleep, hazy and content, until you felt fingers tracing slow lines up your arm.
“mega,” San’s voice was husky with morning warmth. “Morning.”
You hummed sleepily, burrowing deeper into him, turning to tuck yourself against his scent gland.
“We’ve got time, baby…” he assured softly. “Go back to sleep, cub.”
You did exactly so, letting the alpha tuck you further into the sheets as you fell asleep once again.
When you woke up, the room was brighter. San was no longer in bed, but you heard the faint sounds of movement from the kitchen further down the hallway.
You held the hoodie he had left behind for you close to your chin, bleary eyes fluttering every once in a while.
He returned a little while later, freshly showered, hair damp, dressed casually in a pair of loose black pants and a pretty, dark grey knit sweater.
Your mate leaned over you, chuckling gently at your cuddled-up form.
“Okay, sleepyhead. Up.”
You whined quietly, blinking up at him.
He smiled, combing his fingers through your hair gently.
“Come on, pretty girl.”
“Oppa,” you mumbled, reaching for him, his hand quick to hold yours as his thumb brushed over your knuckles gently. San chuckled and scooped you up effortlessly, sitting back against the headboard with you bundled in his arms.
“You’re too cute like this.”
You nuzzled into his chest, still hazy.
“…’s warm,” you mumbled, making him chuckle louder, his chest shaking, much to your dismay.
He stood carefully, carrying you to the kitchen like you weighed nothing. He settled into a chair and kept you in his lap while he fed you small bites of breakfast he had warmed earlier.
“Chew,” he reminded gently when you tried to rush.
“I am,” you whined, only just now waking up, hand wrapped around his wrist.
“No, you’re not.”
You huffed but obeyed, frowning while he laughed. Your mate wiped a bit of juice from the corner of your mouth with his thumb, smiling fondly.
“My messy ‘mega.”
You whined, embarrassed, pulling yourself closer to his chest, feet resting across his thigh. He adjusted automatically, one arm banding tighter around your waist, the other steady at your back like you might somehow tip over without him there.
When you finished eating, he set you down only long enough to rinse dishes and put everything away. You could hear the soft clink of porcelain and running water from the kitchen while you stayed curled on the couch, playing on your phone.
San prepared your tea - the gentle herbal blend that the pack preferred for you specifically, the one they had collectively researched, cross-checked, and practically interrogated a nutritionist about. It was supposedly good for digestion, mild headaches, fatigue, stress regulation… It was nothing medicinal, just supportive, and they had made you have it nearly every day.
The marketing around those kinds of products had exploded in the last few years – most brands absolutely ravished by the fact that omegas were naturally more sensitive to illness and health issues and the fact that a mated alpha especially was willing to do just about anything to make their mate safe.
A few years ago, a large international study had concluded and suggested that lower second genders – in other words omegas - metabolized certain stimulants and toxins differently. Slower liver enzyme activity on average, increased sensitivity to caffeine spikes, and stronger inflammatory responses to alcohol and nicotine exposure. It wasn’t dramatic in the way tabloids made it sound, but it was enough to shift public conversation.
Now, your pack always checked the label for ‘Gentle on secondary physiology’ on every single product they bought when grocery shopping.
You never liked coffee, finding the taste far too bitter and unpleasant to enjoy – but green tea you loved and drank quite a lot.
When the alphas found out just how much you were drinking, especially when stressed out, they had sat you down, explaining to you as gently as they could that you were hurting yourself in a way they couldn’t bear. That they didn’t like the idea of you pushing through exhaustion with stimulants when your body already ran a little more sensitively.
Since then, you had been on a hunt for an alternative, and this ‘tea’ herbal mix Jongho bought when they went to Japan for a concert a few months back had been the best yet.
“No theine,” San reminded, setting it in your hands. But he didn’t make a big deal of it. Still, he watched until you took the first sip.
“I know.”
He sat down next to you, eyes soft and caring as he gently pulled the little pajama top lower from where it had ridden up along your side.
“Say it.”
You sighed dramatically. “Caffeine and theine are bad for omegas.”
“Not bad,” he corrected softly. “Just harder on you.”
You amended obediently. “Harder on me.”
“Good girl.”
He left a long kiss on your forehead, pulling you snug against his side, his hand resting securely at your waist while you sipped. Your mate sat by your side until you finished the warm drink, waiting for you to really wake up as he tilted his phone towards you, watching funny tiktok videos together.
By the time he took the now cool mug away to wash for you, you stretched, yawning.
“What time is it…?” you called gently, the alpha’s movements stilling in the kitchen before he responded. “Almost 8:30, baby.”
“Okay…” you mumbled to yourself, walking back to your room to sort out what you’d wear, having San look up for a second before he closed the dishwasher’s doors.
After you applied some little bits of makeup, feeling better about yourself with the cute pair of baggy jeans and a soft hoodie on, you smiled up at San when he came into your room slowly, currently sorting through some colored papers you had.
The alpha stayed close by, kindly helping you take whatever you deemed necessary to the living room kindly.
“Um…the glue sticks…,” you listed, thinking, placing the items into San’s awaiting hand.
“…scissors. The big ones and then the little detail ones...” You whispered almost to yourself, sorting through your school supplies pouch and then one of the cups full of stationery sitting on your desk.
The alpha gently took them away from your hold, measuring you with a stern look.
“Don’t run with them.”
“I won’t!”
“’mega.” His chest rumbled, and you knew not to tease any further, leaning on your tippy toes to leave a small peck on the underside of his tight-set jaw.
“I won’t,” you repeated, softer.
He carried everything to the living room, setting it neatly on the coffee table. “Anything sharp stays in the middle,” he said automatically.
You rolled your eyes when you thought he wasn’t looking, huffing lightly before ordering the old magazines you kept for collages, meant to be cut up.
But of course he noticed.
“What?” You asked innocently, legs tucked under you as you sat pretty by the low but large table placed between the couches and the giant flat screen you always considered a bit too big.
“You’re huffy.”
“’m not.”
“You are.” He held your gaze until you broke it to look away, pout on full display. He sighed dramatically, folding his arms, grumbling something nearly incoherent along the lines of: “’just need you safe, is all.”
You shuffled closer and wrapped your arms around his waist from where you could reach, big eyes glossy as you looked at him, cheek resting against the side of his leg.
“Thank you for staying, oppa.” You said gently.
His arms immediately came around you, firm and secure, eyes squeezed tight as he battled a heart attack caused by love. He pressed a kiss to the top of your head. “It’s nothing, my baby.”
When the doorbell eventually rang a few minutes later, San’s hand found your lower back immediately. He scented you once again (just like he had been doing for the past ten minutes continuously) before he moved to answer it.
You hovered just behind him, peeking around his arm shielding you as the door opened carefully.
Siah stood there, timid and neat and visibly nervous, hands clasped in front of her. You giggled softly at seeing her so out of place, her usually bright expression delicate. San tutted under his breath and nudged you back behind him gently without even looking, though his eyes flicked to you for half a second in mild reprimand before turning neutral, assessing the omega before him.
“Hello,” she said softly. She smelled like laundry detergent – you realised she must have worn scent blockers.
“I’m Siah, I’m Y/N’s friend from school…um…” Her voice trailed off, turning a little unsure, and she shifted her hands forward, just a bit closer towards San – revealing a pretty tin held between them both.
“I baked some cookies for you. As a thank you. And… and a custom gift.”
San blinked.
You watched the exact moment his posture shifted. His shoulders, which had been subtly squared, eased just slightly, his hand reaching behind him to gently clasp at yours, thumb brushing your knuckles.
“That’s very polite,” was the first thing he said, voice warm but still measured.
“Thank you for coming, Siah-ssi.”
She bowed deep in response, the alpha copying her gesture.
“Thank you for having me.”
You beamed and stepped around him when his arm finally lowered, grabbing her hand gently, handing your packmate the tin.
“Come in!” You chirped.
San stepped aside to allow her through, but he didn’t go far. He watched attentively as Siah slipped off her coat, moving quickly to take it from her before she could awkwardly hold it, and hung it on a free hanger.
“I’m San, by the way,” he said as he hung it neatly. “Don’t worry about formal language. There’s no need.” Sisi bowed again instinctively.
“Thank you, San-ssi.”
You were practically bouncing. “I’ll show you around, Sisi!” You smiled wide, jittering with excitement, as you linked your hands together.
San closed the door carefully, locked it, and then trailed behind you both into the living room.
Your best friend squeezed your fingers nervously.
“Your place smells really nice,” she whispered as you guided her toward the living room.
“That’s because they deep-cleaned yesterday,” you whispered back dramatically.
“I heard that,” San said mildly from behind you, making you giggle and Sisi smile shyly. You guided her into the open living room space where the large windows allowed morning light to trickle in.
“You can sit wherever you want, don’t worry.” Your voice was kind as you both made your way to the coffee table filled with supplies already. Sisi sat next to you on the soft rug, spine straight and polite in the unfamiliar space she took in slowly.
She bumped her shoulder lightly into yours. “You look really happy here.”
Your expression softened automatically as you rubbed at your forearm mindlessly. “I am.”
San pretended not to hear that part from where he quietly monitored from the adjoined kitchen space, though the faint curl of satisfaction at the corner of his mouth said otherwise.
The alpha moved slowly, conscious of startling your friend as he set around preparing some water for you to share.
“Okay,” you announced proudly, pulling out a pristine sheet of thick cardstock. “I already have the format they require. Same dimensions your teacher emailed about.”
Sisi’s eyes widened. “You already cut it?”
“Mhm!” You nodded eagerly.
“I did it last night. Um, the margins are measured too, so we don’t mess up spacing.”
She stared at you like you had just revealed an ancient superpower before hugging you tight for a second, smiling wide.
“You’re actually an angel.”
“It’s okay,” you said softly, placing the large cardstock carefully over the table. She huffed a laugh and quickly shrugged off her tote bag, placing it beside her before rummaging inside.
“Okay, wait until you see these.”
She pulled out a stack of glossy printed photos still kept in a large envelope, clearly done at a proper printer shop, and fanned them out for you to look at. You gasped.
“Sisi.”
“I know.”
They were stunning. Clean shots of the lace garment on neutral backdrops there were close-ups of stitching, texture shots, and a few editorial-style images she must’ve staged herself.
“You did a whole photoshoot with your sister?” you whisper-gasped, eyes glancing up at her briefly as you flipped through them one by one. The bright omega tried to downplay it, but her cheeks flushed bright.
“I borrowed my cousin’s camera. Oh- did you know that the old warehouse behind our building is available for projects? It’s even free if you go before noon!”
You picked up one photo – her sister, who you recognised from Sisi’s lockscreen background, half-turned, fabric flowing behind her.
“This looks like a magazine spread.”
“That’s kind of what I was thinking,” she admitted. Your eyes lit up instantly.
“Yes. Magazine-style collage. That will look really good with these photos.” She scooted closer to you automatically.
“Okay, so maybe one big focal image here-” she placed the strongest garment shot slightly off-center “-and then we layer smaller detail shots around it?”
You started rearranging with careful fingers. “And we can overlap slightly, but keep white space so it doesn’t look messy.”
“I thought we could do text boxes that look like captions,” she added.
“Ohh, yes. And pull quotes!” you gasped. “Like designer commentary.”
She grinned. “Fake interview snippets.”
You both leaned over the board, shoulders bumping occasionally as you shifted photos back and forth, testing spacing. You were both so absorbed that you barely noticed San approach until a gentle clink of glass reached your ears.
He set a clear carafe down carefully on the edge of the table - water with mint leaves and thin slices of lemon floating elegantly inside. Two glasses followed – one plain, while the other had a pretty pink glass straw already resting inside, clinking lightly as it shifted with movement.
You immediately whined softly, eyes wide.
“Oppa…”
He blinked down at you, completely unbothered. “What?”
“You didn’t have to-” you gestured vaguely at the straw.
He just raised a brow. “Hydration.”
Sisi looked between the two glasses, clearly trying to understand what she walked into. Your mate glanced at her politely.
“Would you like a straw as well, Siah-ssi?”
“Oh- I mean- sure…?” she said, a little unsure, blinking at you while your shoulders slumped lower.
The alpha nodded easily.
“My Y/N drinks better when she has one.”
Your entire face flared up in response.
“Why would you say that?” You whisper-whined, all pouty.
He looked genuinely confused.
“It’s true though.”
Sisi pressed her lips together, clearly fighting a smile.
“I’ll take a straw too,” she said quickly, very graciously pretending this was completely normal. San hummed softly and disappeared toward the kitchen once more, obviously more than pleased with himself so far.
You buried your face in your hands briefly.
“Ignore him, please.”
“I think it’s cute,” Sisi whispered gently, smile soft.
“It’s embarrassing.”
She just laughed gently in response. San returned moments later with a second glass straw, which he then placed neatly in Sisi’s now filled glass before handing it to her. Then he went to step back, giving you both space.
You reached for his pant leg before he could retreat.
“Wait, oppa - look at this.”
He paused immediately at those pretty eyes staring up at him all cute and wide and crouched beside you, one knee lowering to the rug without hesitation.
You reached for the glossy photos and held out one of the modeled warehouse photos Sisi took. San’s hand gently wrapped around yours to still the shaky fingers so he could look at the photo properly.
“Sisi did this all by herself.”
Your older mate studied it carefully, his expression thoughtful as he hummed low in his chest, chest rumbling behind you. Sisi sat a little straighter without meaning to.
“That’s nice,” he said after a moment. “It looks well thought out.”
Her shoulders visibly relaxed. You beamed proudly like you personally directed the shoot.
“I told you she is good.”
Sisi ducked her head shyly.
“Thank you, Y/N-nnie.”
San gave her a small approving nod before straightening slightly. His hand brushed gently over the back of your head as he stood back up and moved to one of the couches, opening his laptop and pulling a pair of glasses on.
But his eyes flicked up every few seconds.
You started pulling out the magazines, spreading them across the floor. He watched how you leaned into each other, how Siah’s barely-there scent remained calm and respectful. You were both cutting out different fonts from old fashion magazines, flipping pages back and forth across the living room floor. Glossy papers were scattered everywhere.
“Oh- this one!” Sisi said, pointing at a bold serif headline.
“The ‘R’ is perfect.”
You leaned over her shoulder to see it better.
“Oh wait, yes - cut that one. And maybe that ‘A’ too, what do you think?”
She hummed in agreement but glanced at you before reaching across the pile of stationery on the table.
“Can I?”
You nodded quickly, flipping through one of the magazines.
“Yeah, of course! Take anything… oh, what about this for the background?”
You asked, pointing at a photo of clouds, as you quickly arranged it with the other motifs you had selected so far for the top right corner. Sisi approved quickly, happy you were both on the same page.
Then you reached for the x-acto knife.
San straightened instantly from behind the open email inbox.
You didn’t notice at first, far too focused on lining up the metal ruler along the edge of a photo to get a crisp edge.
But you heard the sharp inhale from across the room.
“Mm,” the alpha started.
You glanced up behind you briefly, head tilted just a smidge.
“What?”
“…Nothing.” His eyes stayed alert on your movements, though.
You narrowed your eyes slightly before returning to your cutting board as the blade glided down the paper in one smooth motion.
San’s jaw tightened even further.
“Baby, careful,” he said, trying for casual and not quite managing it as his jaw rested against his hand clenched in a fist.
“I am…” you replied quietly without looking up, biting your lip gently in concentration.
“You’re very confident.”
You paused, finally looking at him properly.
“What?”
Sisi let out a tiny laugh beside you.
San exhaled slowly through his nose.
“You’re holding it very close to your fingers, baby girl-"
“But I always hold it like this.”
“That does not reassure me.”
You huffed softly, but you adjusted your grip slightly anyway.
“See?”
He didn’t respond verbally, but his shoulders eased by maybe half an inch.
Maybe not even that.
You leaned forward again, tongue peeking out unconsciously as you concentrated on trimming a narrow strip of text next.
San physically leaned forward on the couch, his instincts yelling at him to do something.
You were still cutting letters when the conversation drifted naturally, the way it always did when your hands were busy. You talked about anything and everything – her classmate’s projects, your own, and what had been going on lately, discussing the snobby, tall, handsome but insufferable Kang Minjae with just a little too much passion.
When you both agreed that he was in fact objectively pretty, San got up abruptly, saying something about a snack, and disappeared into the kitchen, making you both giggle when a cupboard got closed with just a tad bit more force than what was needed.
But soon after that the alpha came back, carrying a plate full of different kinds of snacks – exotic fruits (or at least very summery ones) that were nearly impossible to find during winter, gimbap, Sisi’s cookies, neatly cut rolled omelette, and some array of cheese – even though San knew more than well just how picky you were about that in particular.
You both thanked him happily as you stole a strawberry before the alpha even had time to set the plate down as he scolded you softly to be careful.
“Do you like strawberries?” He asked Siah politely, rubbing your back gently after refilling your glasses.
“Yes, thank you.” The girl answered, straightening after she realized just how comfortable she had gotten by now.
“What about lunch? Any allergies?”
She shook her head quickly.
“No, I’m okay with anything.”
San nodded once, satisfied. You looked up at him, eyes wider than before. He just smiled at you again, leaving a soft peck on the crown of your head before standing back up and going back to sit down behind you both with his laptop open.
By the time lunchtime approached, he didn’t ask her to leave, instead he simply said, “You can stay and eat with us,” making you smile wide and kiss his cheek as you thanked him softly.
By now most of the large poster was finished, as you both worked hard. You didn’t even notice your mate snapping a few photos of you both practically nested within papers and supplies, only noticing far later into the day after he sent the picture into the group chat.
In the kitchen, you heard the familiar sizzle of teokkbokki hitting the pan, and your eyes lit up instantly, head snapping up to look at the back of your mate while he cooked you all a meal.
“Is that-?” you called softly, an excited smile already on your face already.
“Maybe...” San called back.
You and Siah exchanged gleeful looks.
Soon enough the apartment smelled spicy and sweet, comforting and warm. You cleaned up the table a little after San gently asked you to do that for him, putting the poster away so it didn’t get ruined. You both sat cross-legged at the table while San set the plates of steaming teokkbokki down.
He stayed standing for a moment, watching, but then he sat beside you.
Siah poked at her plate with her chopsticks.
“I tried to make something else too, apart from those cookies… but, uh… it didn’t really work out.”
You squinted, trying not to laugh, but your voice turned kind as you spoke on.
“You mean the ‘brownies‘? It’s okay unnie, everyone messes up sometimes." You smiled at her sympathetically. You actually really liked to bake, even if you didn’t have much time for it lately.
Her cheeks tinted pink. “Okay, maybe it was in the oven for too long.”
“Maybe, but the cookies were very tasty so-“
“Open.”
San picked up your chopsticks, leaning down slightly, voice soft but firm as he slotted himself next to you.
You froze.
“O-Oppa,” you whispered urgently, glancing at Siah, genuinely shy now. He blinked at you patiently.
“What?”
“I can feed myself,” you said, cheeks burning.
“I know you can,” he replied simply.
“Then why-”
“Open, baby.”
Your face flared further, your fingers hiding within your sleeves. You glanced at Sisi, who looked up for a fleeting second before smiling reassuringly.
“It’s okay, it’s natural,” she said, eyes warm.
“My brother does that with his mate too. I don’t mind.”
San didn’t tease, and he didn’t smirk - he simply waited, holding the bite patiently, a gentle look on his face. You whined softly but leaned forward anyway, letting him place the tteokbokki gently into your mouth.
The spicy-sweet flavor was familiar, just like the way your mate fed you kindly.
He wiped a bit of sauce from your lip with a napkin, completely unbothered by this whole thing, much to your mortification.
You nuzzled your cheek against his shoulder instinctively, still a little embarrassed, but safe.
The afternoon felt easy after that. You finished the collage while San cleaned the kitchen quietly, both of you smiling happily. The only part missing was to write Siah’s major and course information in the low corner, where the glue still hadn’t dried fully.
“It’s really nice,” Siah breathed.
You grinned proudly, high-fiving your friend enthusiastically.
“Oppa!” you called brightly towards his direction. “Come look!”
There was a pause, then the sound of a plate being set down. Your mate walked over, drying his hands, expression already softening at the sight of you both sitting side by side on the floor, poster between you looking as cute as ever.
He crouched down slowly next to you both, scanning the finished poster carefully. His eyes moved from the focal image to the cut-out lettering, the layered textures, and the spacing - he took all of it in.
He hummed thoughtfully.
“This looks great,” he said finally. “The layout is clean. And the typography choice doesn’t overwhelm the images.”
Siah’s shoulders lifted slightly with relief.
“Really?”
He nodded once.
“Really. You two worked hard. Good job.”
You puffed up a little at that, the alpha ruffling your hair with a fond smile.
“Wait,” he said suddenly, reaching for his phone.
“Don’t move.”
Before either of you could react, San stepped back slightly and angled the camera.
“Sit closer, baby.”
You scooted into Siah’s side right away, making her laugh softly as your shoulders bumped.
“Hold it up,” San instructed gently, eyes staying on the phone screen. You both lifted the poster carefully between you, just under your shoulders, so your faces still peeked out.
“Smile.”
He exaggerated his own expression, making you giggle and Sisi burst out laughing.
Click.
He checked the photo, then took another for good measure.
“Perfect,” he murmured. You scrambled up and hurried over to peek at his phone. Tugging on his forearm when he took a second too long to lean down. “Let me see!”
He tilted the screen lower so both you and Siah could look.
It really was an adorable photo - the two of you flushed and smiley, the huge poster held between you like a trophy, only halfway visible since it was so big.
Siah smiled softly at the image, looking up.
“Can you send it to me as well, please?”
“Sure, can you please forward it to Siah-ssi, baby girl?”
San replied calmly, fingers entangling themselves into your hair just by your scalp as you hummed happily, taking your phone out to send it to her, checking the messages you missed as well.
You turned back to the poster, looking up at Sisi.
“Do you want to take it home today?”
She hesitated for a moment, thinking. “I… came by bus,” she admitted. “I’m scared it’ll bend.”
You looked down at the still-drying glue corner.
“That’s true,” you mumbled.
She looked at you hopefully.
“Could you keep it for now? And maybe bring it on Monday?”
Your instinct was to answer yes immediately - but you glanced up at San first. He was already watching you.
“Of course,” he said easily, before you could even ask.
“We’ll keep it safe.”
Relief flooded your classmate’s expression. “Thank you.”
You grinned, hugging her tightly, making the alpha coo loudly. He then took away the poster after telling you both gently that he would put it away in your room for now.
Soon enough you were both cleaning up the messy crafts area - you gathered little curled strips of cut-out letters while Siah stacked leftover magazines.
As she tossed a handful of scraps into the trash, she said casually, “Oh– I meant to tell you, there’s a new café near the Naksan park. They make really good chai lattes, apparently.”
Your ears perked up immediately, one of your favorite treats mentioned. It didn’t beat Wooyoung’s hot chocolate, but it was up there.
“Really?” Your head turned so quickly she almost startled, giggling louder.
“Yeah, my classmates went yesterday, they wouldn’t stop talking about it.”
You turned slowly toward San who was wiping down the table from any remnants of glue, his eyes quickly meeting yours, already knowing what was to come.
“Alpha,” you began sweetly.
“No.”
“I didn’t even say anything.”
“You were about to.”
“Please?”
San exhaled slowly through his nose.
“Is there theine in it? Wait, what even is in it...” he asked immediately, already pulling out his phone to look it up.
“It’s chai,” you argued gently. “It’s mostly spices. Um... Cinnamon, cardamom… Plus I could probably get it without caffeine.” He narrowed his eyes slightly.
“You’ll ask?”
“Yes.”
“You won’t just assume?”
“I will ask. I promise oppa.”
Siah nodded quickly in support next to you. “They can make it decaf. I’ve seen it online, omegas have it all the time.“
San looked between the two of you, before he averted his gaze, sighing.
“Only this once,” you added quickly, voice soft.
“It was a special day for me oppa.”
He studied your face carefully, the way your eyes were already going soft and glossy - not intentionally, just in a hopeful way that had his heart melting.
“…You were impossible,” he muttered.
You shuffled closer, fingers lightly catching the hem of his sleeve.
“Oppa please,” you whispered.
There was a long pause. Both Siah and you visibly holding your breath. San closed his eyes briefly, sighing again.
“…Fine,” he said at last. “I’ll drive you, I need to go to that meeting anyways. But you won’t stay for too long, promise me.“
You gasped happily and immediately hugged him around the waist. “Thank you, thank you-” You beamed.
“Easy cub,” he murmured, steadying you.
He couldn’t believe in himself.
You had him tied around your finger, and you barely even realised it...
Summary: Between exhausting finals, late nights at the atelier, and the quiet warmth of your pack waiting at home, life settles into a fragile kind of peace. Still, the world beyond your pack isn’t always as gentle. When the wrong eyes finally notice you, the fragile balance keeping everything together begins to crack and their world seems to start spinning in the wrong direction.
Warnings: none for this chapter, please enjoy!
Words: 7372
°❆⋆.ೃ࿔*:･𓂅 ⋆❅‧₊˚
It was wintertime, snow drifted down slowly, settling over rooftops and sidewalks in a soft white layer.
You had always loved this season - the quiet way the world seemed to slow down and the excuse to wear thick socks around the apartment and wrap yourself in oversized coats when you went out. Though the thick wool scarves sometimes bothered your sensitive skin by your neck when you moved too much, you endured the slight discomfort for the sake of the winter scene unfolding outside.
You just wished December wasn’t quite so overwhelming.
Whoever claimed that studying fine art was leisurely had clearly never experienced finals week right before Christmas.
The thought made you sigh as you squeezed your eyes shut for a moment, willing the sting away. It wasn’t that you didn’t like your major - you loved art, more than anything - but creating under pressure, and constantly trying to prove yourself, felt heavier when deadlines stacked one on top of the other, leaving you breathless, tired, and worn thin.
Most days you were home before six.
Now, somehow, the days dragged on, keeping you at school long after the sun had dipped below the horizon. Your pack, who had always stood firmly at your side, felt unease curl deep in their chests each time you stumbled through the door past dark, only to push yourself to sleep hours later.
Your pack always tried to greet you gently, as if sudden movements might startle you further.
Their worry wasn’t loud or suffocating - it lingered softly in the way San would pull you into his chest for just a little longer than usual, in the way Yeosang would ask if you’d eaten while brushing his fingers through your hair, and in the crease between Seonghwa’s brows whenever you yawned mid-sentence.
Yet no matter how tender their voices were, you kept insisting you really were okay. Just busy, just a little overwhelmed. "It would settle down soon," you promised them quietly, though it felt like it was meant more for their sake than yours.
And you truly believed it.
Finals were close. Once they were over, you would breathe easier. Then, you would curl up between your mates without a sketchbook balanced on your thighs and spend evenings tangled together on the couch instead of hunched over projects. That thought, of being tucked safely back into their warmth where you belonged, carried you through the longest days.
When you finally found your phone and checked the time, your nose scrunched.
It was eight already.
It wasn’t the late hour itself that bothered you, staying late at school didn’t annoy you as much as it probably should have. It was the thought of them at home, checking the time, their scents turning subtly sharper with worry as they imagined you still working alone in the studio.
You blinked at the flood of notifications on your lock screen. You had forgotten about it completely while working in the atelier, leaving the device lost somewhere in your bag, so focused on perfecting your final piece that the outside world faded away.
Leaning against your small locker in the nearly empty hallway, you tapped the most recent missed call and began playing with the cuff of your sleeve.
Only a few studio lights were still on - one across from yours, another near the end of the corridor… The building wasn’t entirely deserted, but the quiet pressed in gently.
The call connected quickly.
“Hey, darling. Everything okay?”
His voice was warm despite the worn edge beneath it.
They had been practicing nonstop for their upcoming world tour, spending hours every day at the studio. They were exhausted too, though they were always careful not to let it show too much around you.
Normally, the pack would insist you come along so you wouldn’t be alone at the apartment, preferring to keep you within sight, within reach.
Lately, however, it was you who had been disappearing into your own workspace.
You hummed softly, cheeks warming at the familiar comfort in his tone. “I just finished at school. How are you?”
Your eyes flickered down the hallway out of habit, keeping your voice gentle. Your mates reminded you often to stay alert, to avoid unnecessary attention. Not because they wanted to limit you – it was never that - but because they knew more than well that the world could be unkind, especially when someone as soft as you moved through it alone.
“Better now that I’m talking to you,” he replied, amusement threading through his words when you made a small embarrassed sound.
“Yunho will come pick you up. Can you wait inside until he gets there? I don’t like the idea of you standing outside in the dark.”
You shifted your weight, instinctively wanting to protest.
“I can take the subway, it’s really-”
“No, sweetheart.” His voice stayed gentle, but there was no real room for argument.
“Alpha will come get you. Just stay inside where it’s warm for me, okay?”
You softened immediately.
“…Okay, oppa.”
“That’s it. Good girl.”
Heat rushed to your face at the praise, a small flutter blooming in your chest. A door opened further down the corridor, pulling your attention away. You looked up and brightened instantly.
“Oppa, Siah-unnie’s here. I’ll call you later!”
A quiet chuckle came through the phone.
“Alright. Say hi for me. And text when you’re with Yunho.”
“I will! Bye!”
“Bye, darling.”
Siah was already walking toward you, her long legs carrying her easily down the hallway. She looked effortlessly put together as always - loose trousers, a crisp white shirt, a fitted black knit vest layered neatly on top, and a striped tie sitting perfectly at her collar. Being a fashion student suited her.
“Y/Nnnie~,” she called lightly.
You stepped into her hug without hesitation, her scent wrapping around you, clean and elegant - sandalwood softened with something slightly unfamiliar that you had never quite identified. It was calming in its own way.
“How was today? I’m so tired,” she groaned, though her smile never quite faded.
“Me too. I’ve been here since eight,” you admitted, the faintest pout tugging at your lips.
Her eyes widened in sympathy. “That’s way too long. We should just live here at this point.”
You both laughed quietly, shoulders brushing as you exchanged stories about the day - a torn canvas during critique, a near accident with a forgotten iron in her department. Sharing the small disasters made them feel less overwhelming.
Your phone buzzed gently in your pocket, pulling you from your thoughts.
Fishing it out, you noticed a missed call from Yunho - and the time. It had already been a few minutes.
“I gotta go,” you murmured softly, glancing at your best friend with an apologetic look. “My mate’s waiting for me outside…”
She let out a quiet laugh, teasing you half-heartedly about being so doted on. Heat crept up your cheeks immediately, and you ducked your head feeling shy.
As you both zipped up your coats, you made your way toward the entrance, your steps falling into an easy rhythm. The hallway was quiet now, the hum of distant ventilation the only sound between you.
"Are you taking the bus?” you asked softly. “Do you want a lift? I’m sure oppa wouldn’t mind at all-”
Siah’s smile only widened, reaching out to smooth down the hair smooshed by the scarf you wore.
“I drove today, don’t worry… Are you still coming over this weekend? For the project?”
There was the slightest pause after her question, like she was trying not to make it a big deal.
You hesitated for a second too - not because you didn’t want to, but because neither of you had ever stepped into the other’s space before. Somehow that felt bigger than grabbing lunch or studying for art history together.
You had met a few months ago at the start-of-year gathering.
You remembered standing near the wall for most of the evening, clutching a paper cup and wishing you could shrink a little smaller.
You had tried to join a group of girls earlier, but their polite smiles hadn’t reached their eyes, and so after a few awkward minutes, you had drifted away, cheeks burning, feeling more like an inconvenience than a classmate.
You had been seconds away from texting the group chat you shared with your mates, knowing they would drop everything to come get you, when you accidentally walked straight into someone. You had both stumbled back, apologizing at the same time when you caught her scent.
Another omega.
It had surprised you. Omegas at university weren’t unheard of, but they weren’t common either. Some packs preferred keeping their omegas closer to home, sheltered, and protected in different ways.
Yours had never been like that.
Your alphas supported your education wholeheartedly, proudly even (though they were undeniably protective in their own manner).
Conversation with Siah had unfolded naturally after that.
She hadn’t rushed you or spoken over you. When you rambled nervously, she listened with an easy smile. When you trailed off, unsure, she filled the space gently rather than letting it turn awkward. She would ask you with genuine curiosity and would patiently wait for your answer.
Siah was kind.
By the end of the evening, you had completely forgotten about everyone else, laughing over embarrassing childhood stories and silly family traditions. The tight knot in your chest had loosened without you even noticing.
You had gone home that night smiling, your pack immediately picking up on the lighter edge in your scent as you told them all about your new friend.
Siah was very different compared to you.
Fierce and unapologetic, she never let anyone - beta or alpha - push her around. Her style was loud and playful: bright clothes, bold makeup, and hair dyed in all kinds of fun, unexpected colors. She strode through the halls in tall heels without a second thought, even if it meant towering over an alpha she passed, and she always spoke up whenever something felt unfair.
The way she could meet a stranger alpha’s gaze without flinching never failed to make your heart hitch and your eyes widen, a mix of awe and nerves twisting inside you.
Despite your differences, she became someone steady in your life.
On lighter weeks, you would meet for boba after class, wander through thrift stores, or visit museums. Whenever you went out with her, your mates would drop you off smiling and pick you up beaming. Woo had joked once that it was Sisi who was your true mate this whole time.
Your mates were more than happy about your friendship, glad that you had someone by your side who treated you with kindness and respect.
None of the alphas had really met her yet - only glimpsed her in passing, brief moments too fleeting to mean anything. But they trusted that she would understand once she learned who they truly were, that is, if Siah even knew about the band, of course. You were too shy to approach the topic on your own, stating that you were still waiting for the right moment.
When she had shyly asked for your help with her final project, you had agreed without hesitation.
For her clothing collection class, she needed to design a garment entirely on her own, inspired by a current fashion trend. She had chosen lace - delicate, intricate, and somehow a play at the societal construct of being an omega - and wanted your help creating a poster collage to present her concept.
The idea of working together somewhere more private felt both exciting and a little intimidating. But you wanted to be brave like her, and so you agreed, happy to spend more time with her.
“Yeah, Saturday,” you nodded now, feeling a small flutter in your chest. There was a shared understanding in that moment - that stepping into each other’s homes meant stepping a little closer.
But Siah still lived with her family pack, making it feel less overwhelming somehow. You wouldn’t be alone, and neither would she.
As you pushed open the main doors and stepped outside, cold air rushed against your cheeks. Snow continued to fall, catching in your lashes and on the shoulders of your warm coat – the one Yeosang surprised you with a few months back.
The parking lot was mostly empty now, save for a few cars you didn’t recognize and one familiar black SUV with its headlights illuminating the deserted area.
You turned to Siah and wrapped your arms around her once more. “Text me when you get home, okay?”
“You too,” she replied, squeezing you tight before letting go. The driver’s door of the SUV opened just as you hurried closer. Your mate stepped out, tall frame unfolding from the seat, eyes scanning the lot carefully before settling on you.
The moment he spotted you, his shoulders visibly relaxed.
Snow dusted his coat within seconds, but he didn’t seem to notice. Or care for that matter.
Yunho barely had a second to brace himself before you stumbled the last step into him, boots slipping slightly on the thin layer of snow. He caught you easily, large hands settling around your waist as a soft laugh left his chest.
“Careful, sweetheart,” he murmured, lowering his head as he scented you, his movements slow and thorough, making sure you were truly there and safe. His shoulders loosened even further with a quiet sigh of contentment.
“Hi,” he added warmly, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead. “It’s good to see you too, pretty girl.”
You clung to the front of his coat for a moment longer than necessary, breathing him in, before he guided you toward the passenger side. He opened the door for you, one hand hovering protectively above your head so you wouldn’t bump it as you climbed in.
And, once you were settled, he reached over without hesitation, drawing the seatbelt across your jacket and clicking it securely into place.
“…There,” he hummed softly with a smile, brushing his fingers through your hair where snowflakes had begun to melt. “All safe.”
The car was already warm, with soft music playing quietly in the background. When Yunho slid into the driver’s seat, he didn’t start the engine right away. Instead, he looked at you - really looked at you - eyes soft in the dim light, in a way they could only ever treat you.
You fiddled with the sleeves of your coat.
“…I missed you all today.”
Your words came out small and honest. Yunho closed his eyes for a brief second, exhaling through his nose before leaning over again to press a longer kiss against your forehead.
“We missed you too,” he said gently. “You don’t even know how much, baby.”
Only then did he shift the car into reverse, carefully backing out of the parking lot. Snow continued to fall, the roads slick and shining under streetlights.
As the car made its way through the scarcely filled streets, he clicked his tongue softly.
“Why didn’t you pick up when I called earlier?”
You let out a tiny whine, shrinking into your seat just a little.
“I was still talking to Siah-unnie…”
He shook his head, though there was no real frustration in his expression. Just concern.
“Still, princess,” he murmured. “At least text… Alphas worry.”
His hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel before he consciously relaxed them again, blinking away thoughts he didn’t voice. Nighttime, empty parking lot, strangers - his mind always ran through possibilities you never even considered.
“How was your day?” he asked instead, voice softer now. “Was everything okay?”
By the time you reached the apartment, the lights were already on in the living room, most of the pack having arrived already. Warmth spilled out into the hallway as Yunho unlocked the door. You barely made it two steps inside before Jongho appeared.
“Hi,” he said simply - and then you were in his arms.
You jumped into him without hesitation, legs wrapping around his waist as you buried your face near his scent gland. He made a low, fond sound, one arm securely under your thighs while the other rubbed up and down your back.
“There she is,” he cooed softly. “Long day?”
You nodded against him.
“Alright. Shoes off first,” he murmured gently.
“Then we can cuddle properly.”
He lowered you carefully back to the floor, immediately dropping to his knees in front of you. You watched him blink up at you as he began untying your boots, fingers quick and practiced.
As he slid the first one off, he pressed a light kiss to your knee through your jeans. Then the other. You giggled quietly, warmth spreading through your chest at the man’s antics.
Behind you, Yunho finished shrugging out of his coat. He stepped close enough to press a soft kiss against your temple before lifting your bag off your shoulder.
“I’ll put it away,” he said, already heading toward your room.
You didn’t protest, knowing it was futile. By now you knew more than well that the alphas preferred for them to take care of little things like that. To take care of you.
Jongho slipped his hand into yours once your boots were neatly set aside by the heater, where the snow could melt the rest of the way.
His grip was warm and steady as he guided you toward the kitchen and living room area. The lights were dimmer there, soft and cozy.
Seonghwa and Wooyoung stood by the stove, talking quietly while something simmered gently. The scent of dinner filled the space, wrapping around you like another layer of warmth.
You slipped out of the youngest's hold and padded across the floor, as quiet as you could manage -which wasn’t very, considering how excited you were.
Still, Seonghwa only pretended not to notice, focusing very intently on stirring the pot in front of him.
As if he couldn’t smell that sweet, sugary scent the second you stepped into the apartment.
You came up behind him and covered his eyes with both hands, pressing yourself against his back. Deepening your voice as much as you could, you asked, “Who am I?” Wooyoung snorted immediately, already turning toward you with a grin he couldn’t hide.
Seonghwa let out an exaggerated gasp.
“Oh no,” he said, playing along perfectly. “I’ve been attacked.”
Anything to make you happy.
You bit your lip, trying not to giggle.
“…Is it…” He hummed thoughtfully, tilting his head as if truly unsure.
“…Joongie?”
You burst into soft laughter, unable to hold the act any longer, and shook your head even though he couldn’t see it. Wooyoung leaned closer and kissed the very tip of your nose, smiling at you so brightly it made your chest warm.
Seonghwa gently peeled your hands away from his eyes, turning halfway in your arms.
“Then who could it be?” he mused, lowering his voice as if the mystery truly puzzled him. Just as your lips popped open to answer, you felt fingers suddenly dig into your sides.
Laughter spilled out of you uncontrollably as the tickling continued, hands warm and relentless against your ribs. You twisted away from Seonghwa, only to be caught securely in someone else’s arms.
San.
“Oppa!” you gasped between breathless laughs, trying to squirm away as he continued his assault. Wooyoung didn’t hesitate to join in, fingers brushing along your waist while he grinned wickedly.
“Say you love us the most~," he teased.
You nodded quickly, cheeks aching from how hard you were smiling. San finally relented, pulling you close instead. His arms wrapped firmly around you, solid and grounding. He pressed a long kiss to your cheek, lingering just a little.
“How was your day?” he asked softly, brushing a stray strand of hair away from your face. “You tired?”
You nodded, a yawn slipping out before you could stop it. Immediately, his expression softened.
“Come here, ‘mega,” he murmured, guiding you carefully toward the couch.
Yeosang was sprawled there, half-awake, blinking slowly at the sudden movement. He had clearly only just woken from a nap, hair slightly tousled, eyes still heavy, a blanket half kicked off his form.
“…Yea,” you mumbled again, rubbing at one eye.
San made a quiet cooing sound at that, pulling your palm away from your eye with a soft coo before easing you down onto the couch. Yeosang shifted without complaint, opening his arms instinctively.
You crawled into his space like you’d done a hundred times before, as he leaned down to scent you gently, slow and soothing, before tucking you closer to his chest. His fingers began combing through your hair in lazy strokes, his scent sticking to the locks.
“Hey, angel…” he whispered, voice still rough with sleep.
Your eyes fluttered shut almost immediately. The warmth of his body, the steady rise and fall of his breathing, the low hum of conversation from the kitchen - it all blurred together as you rested your eyes for what was meant to be only a second.
But seconds soon turned into minutes, Yeosang’s hand never stopped moving in your hair, and before long, he too drifted off again, chin resting lightly against the top of your head.
The sharp beep of the front door unlocking pulled you from sleep far too early.
“I’m home~!” Mingi called out loudly, completely ignoring the late hour.
A chorus of hushing followed immediately.
“She’s sleeping,” someone scolded quietly.
Mingi froze mid-step while tugging at his untied shoes.
Then he looked up.
And there you were - sitting up slowly on the couch, much to the other alphas' protests, hair messy, lips puffy from sleep, and eyes bleary and unfocused.
He melted instantly.
“Aigoo…” he chuckled softly. “Princess…”
You blinked at him, still waking up.
“Look what oppa brought you,” he said proudly, stepping closer and holding out a small paper bag, as if presenting a crown jewel.
He set it gently on the couch in front of you, ruffling your hair with careful affection, breathing in your calm scent. You stretched, stifling another yawn as you reached for the crinkly bag.
The moment you peeked inside, your whole expression changed.
Your favorite boba.
Any trace of sleepiness disappeared as you straightened up, eyes lighting up. The alpha grinned, clearly pleased with himself. From across the room, one of the older members shook his head fondly. “You’re going to spoil her.”
Mingi only shrugged, leaning down to press a quick kiss to the top of your head.
“That’s the point,” he said simply.
“Thank you, oppa!” you chirped, leaning up to press a soft kiss to your mate’s cheek. He smiled so wide his eyes nearly disappeared, toothy grin on full display, happy he pleased his younger mate.
You struggled with the plastic wrapper around the straw for a second too long, fingers fumbling in your sleepy state. The alpha noticed immediately.
“Here,” he murmured, crouching back down in front of you. His bigger hands took over gently, unwrapping the straw and pushing it through the lid with an easy pop. “There you go, baby… Tasty?”
You nodded eagerly, already sipping. Your cheeks puffed slightly around the straw, eyes bright as the sweetness hit your tongue. You hummed in approval and tilted the cup toward him in silent offering.
He laughed softly and took a sip himself, careful not to take too much. “Mhm. Worth the stop.”
After another fond look at you, he leaned down to kiss your forehead. “I’ll just go drop my stuff in my room. I’ll be right back for dinner, okay? Stay with your alphas, princess.”
You nodded again, still focused on your drink.
From the kitchen, Yunho’s warm voice called out, “Dinner’s ready! Everyone, come eat.”
Yeosang sighed quietly behind you, stretching before finally sitting up fully. His hand lingered at your back for a second longer than necessary, as if making sure you too were fully awake.
“Let’s go eat, angel,” he murmured tiredly. You shuffled toward the table with your boba still in hand, happily letting each of them sneak a sip when they leaned over to try it.
The large table filled quickly - plates set down, utensils placed with practiced ease. The atmosphere was soft, familiar, and something you always cherished.
But something wasn’t quite right as you looked around between sips.
“Where is Joongie oppa?” you asked quietly.
Seonghwa immediately glanced at you, sensing the slight shift in your tone. He stepped closer, his scent steady and calming, as he watched over you kindly.
“He’ll be home soon, honey. Don't worry,” he reassured gently. Then, with a small smile, “Now - one or two eggs?”
You bit your lip, humming absentmindedly as you thought. The conversation around you continued easily, the clink of cutlery and low laughter blending together. You mumbled something under your breath and slid off your chair.
Every head lifted in near sync.
“Baby?” San’s voice came a little firmer, the alert edge in his tone barely noticeable. His arm stretched out instinctively, catching you lightly by the side before you could fully step away.His thumb brushed along your waist in a grounding motion.
“What’s the matter? We’re eating now, cub.”
There was a subtle edge there, protective and watchful. He scanned your face, brows drawing together slightly. A few of the others followed suit, calling for you softly.
“Sit back down, sweetheart.”
“Come now, it’s your favorite baby girl."
But you only huffed, tugging lightly on San’s arm. His hold tightened just a fraction, as if asking without words.
“Just a minute…” you mumbled, avoiding his eyes.
Your scent shifted in a way that called out to them even louder, not distressed, but unsettled enough for them to notice. San held your gaze for another heartbeat, then slowly let go. His hand trailed down your arm reluctantly.
“Okay,” he said quietly.
“But hurry, ‘mega,” Yunho added gently from across the table. You hummed in absentmindedness and padded down the hallway.
Their voices faded behind you, blending into a distant murmur with each step.
The apartment felt quieter here. More still. Almost empty.
Your fingers curled into the sleeves of your hoodie as you approached his door. You hesitated only for a second before pushing it open.
Hongjoong’s scent wrapped around you immediately. It was familiar, grounding, and warm in a way that made your chest ache when you stepped inside.
His room was dim, lit only faintly by the city glow through the curtains. The large bed with its grey sheets sat neatly made. The dark rug beneath it softened your footsteps. The large painting you had given him now hung proudly above his bed.
Hongjoong had smiled wide when he had placed it, saying softly that it was the first thing he saw each morning - and that he couldn’t help but think of his muse at the very start of his day. Your lips curved faintly at the memory.
But the room lay quiet. Bare.
Of course he wasn’t there. They told you he wouldn’t be.
So why did you come?
The question circled uselessly in your head as your breath began to hitch. Your palm pressed against your chest over the soft fabric of your hoodie, fingers curling tightly as if you could hold something in place.
Your eyes landed on the framed photo on his desk of all of you together, smiling and safe.
Your lip wobbled.
You bit down gently on the tip of your finger, a nervous habit you didn’t even realize you’d fallen into, trying to steady yourself. His scent was everywhere in the room, woven into the sheets, clinging to the air, but he wasn’t.
It felt wrong.
And your mind wouldn’t quiet. It kept circling him. His laugh, his voice - the way he always checked your shoelaces before you went outside. The way he tucked you in when you got too sleepy on the couch.
You knew he would come home.
Even if it was late, even if you would already be asleep. Hongjoong always kissed your forehead goodnight to keep any bad dreams away. Every single one of them did. Non-negotiable.
It sated something deep within them, something they could never truly explain.
But even as you realized this, the ache wouldn’t ease.
You shuffled toward the bed, movements clumsy and unsteady, and climbed into the center like you’d done countless times before. Curling onto your side, you buried your face into his pillow, breathing in his scent. It was too complex and layered for you to imagine and place properly, only ever really noting something warm underneath it all that was just him.
A soft whimper slipped out before you could swallow it back.
Tears rolled slowly down your cheeks, soaking into the fabric as you squeezed your eyes shut.
If he walked through the front door right now, everything would settle, you were sure of it. The pack would be whole again, and this strange, restless feeling would subside.
You barely heard the hurried footsteps in the hallway, instead it was the sound - that deep, sad rumble, heartbroken from deep within-that pulled you back.
“Aigoo… my princess… come here…”
Mingi’s voice was thick.
When you lifted your head slightly, he was already crouched near the bed, shoulders rounded as if trying to make himself smaller. His hands were open, palms up, careful and slow.
Somewhere in your mind it registered that you must have smelled so distressed, so much so that you seemed afraid of every sudden movement.
You curled even tighter on his hyung’s bed, cheeks flushed, eyes glossy and wet. Your scent - sad and confused - filled the room in a way that made his chest ache.
He’d heard you.
Just the faintest whimper as he stepped out of his own room after putting his things away.
His head had snapped up instantly, his body moving before his thoughts caught up. Now, seeing you like this, he sucked in a sharp breath and squeezed his eyes shut for a second, fighting the surge of instinct roaring through him.
His omega. Upset. All alone.
The alpha wanted to fix it. Immediately. Completely. Take the feeling out of you and carry it himself, if only he could, he would--
“Hey… hey…” He murmured softly, inching closer to the bed. “What happened, hm? Why are you hiding in here all by yourself?”
His voice was soft as ever, gentle. Careful not to startle.
“You could’ve called us,” he added quietly. “We’re right there, baby.”
He rested one hand lightly on the mattress first, giving you time, before slowly reaching to brush his knuckles against your sleeve.
“Can I pick you up?”
He asked, even though every protective instinct in him already screamed to gather you into his arms and never let go. Keep you closely cradled to his heart, warm and safe from that harsh outside world.
Sniffling softly, your small hands clutched at Mingi’s hoodie, and he leaned down slightly to press your face gently into the curve of his neck.
His scent was calm and grounding, wrapped around you like a soft blanket, and you inhaled it deeply, swallowing down another whimper as your arm curled tightly around his torso.
Mingi’s arms responded automatically, gathering you closer, chin tucking your head even nearer as he breathed slowly, deliberately.
The alpha carefully pulled you to his chest as he rested his back against the headboard. He didn’t know if he was trying to calm himself or soothe you, but it didn’t matter. You were here, and that was all that counted.
“…You’re okay. I’m here, ‘mega,” he murmured, lips brushing softly against your temple. He leaned back, letting you rest against him completely.
Whatever comfort you needed - holding, rocking, quiet words - he would give it. As long as it helped you feel safe, he would stay right there.
For a moment, there was nothing but quiet.
The faintest sniffles reached his ears, and his fingers weaved gently into your hair. He didn’t need to ask what was wrong, to him it was obvious in every small shiver, every uneven breath.
“Oppa will be home soon, princess… shh…” Mingi’s voice was soft and careful, a low rumble vibrating through his chest as he shifted slightly, reaching for his phone, the only solution he could think of right then and there-- but you whimpered immediately at the movement, and he froze, pulling you even closer against him.
“It’s okay, baby… I’m right here,” he whispered after a beat, lips grazing the top of your head as he pressed a slow kiss there.
Your mind, still restless and hazy, wandered back to your pack alpha, how he was out there somewhere, busy, and how you were silly for worrying… but the feeling didn’t fade. Not yet.
Your nose stayed tucked into the crook of your mate's neck, chest rising and falling against him as his fingers combed softly through your hair, patting your back in small, soothing motions.
A faint creak in the hallway made him lift his head just slightly, alert.
He tightened his hold on you without a word, softly shushing your quiet whines, eyes narrowing in worry, protective of your vulnerable state.
Then the door opened.
Yunho’s head peeked around the frame, eyes immediately scanning the two of you. His own brows furrowed at your anxious, bothered scent, yet he restrained himself, keeping his distance for the moment.
“Sweetheart… what’s wrong?”
His voice was soft, careful, each word deliberate, cautious not to scare you. Even from a few steps away, he could feel your distressed scent layered with Mingi’s calming presence.
When you didn’t answer, Mingi shifted slightly, tilting his head so his chin nudged gently against your temple, his voice dropping to a tender whisper:
"…Our ‘mega is just worried about Hongjoongie-hyung…aren't you?”
A small nod was all you gave, your face still buried against his chest, shoulders trembling faintly. But even as the shivers ran through you, his warmth and steady presence made your body relax just a little, grounding you in the moment.
Yunho cooed softly, sliding closer, his hand brushing against your ankle nestled between Mingi’s calves.
“Alpha will be home soon, sweetie… he’s just at the studio for now. Nothing’s wrong, my darling…”
You sniffled lightly, and both alphas responded almost instinctively, their voices cooing in unison, their calming scents wrapping around you like a protective shield.
“Come here, cutie…” Yunho whispered, gently lifting you from Mingi’s hold. The younger alpha let out a quiet sigh as he helped settle you back to your feet.
The two of them couldn’t resist it, their instincts pushing them to wrap you up in their arms, hands cradling yours, guiding you gently.
Your stomach twisted at the thought of how messy you must look - puffy eyes, flushed cheeks, tousled hair, lips trembling - but neither of them said a word. Yunho’s knuckles traced over your cheek as he peppered soft pecks across your forehead, grounding you with quiet affection.
Working almost in perfect unison, they distracted you with gentle touches and fleeting kisses, communicating in fleeting glances before leading you from the dark room toward the growing noise of the pack.
The murmurs of concern reached you first as you rounded the hallway, their protective presence never leaving your side.
A small whine escaped your lips as Yeosang’s worried voice floated to you, the scent of concern filling the air, but Mingi’s hand tightened on yours. His lips brushed the corner of your mouth in a soft, grounding gesture, gently pulling your attention back to him.
“Darling?” Seonghwa’s voice came first as he rose from the dining table. Your eyes stayed shyly fixed to the floor, fingers still trembling, but the soft coos and careful movements of the alphas slowly coaxed you to lift your gaze.
“Good girl… come here…” His words made your breath hitch. With a few careful steps, you let him pull you into his lap, the rest of the alphas sighing softly around you, satisfied to see you finally settled and comforted.
The oldest’s hands traced gently over your sides, inhaling your scent with a quiet tut at your distress. Mingi and Yunho shared a slow, exasperated sigh as they settled themselves nearby, their eyes soft and watchful. At the questioning glances of their bandmates, their shoulders slumped further.
“Hongjoong…” Yunho murmured almost inaudibly, careful not to upset you any more. Seonghwa slid the straw between your lips, his fingers brushing loose strands of hair from your forehead, watching you sip the boba contentedly.
Wooyoung slipped his phone into his pocket, one hand ghosting over your back as he stepped quietly into the hallway, closing the door behind him.
No one commented, everyone seemed to understand.
All the alphas bent their attention entirely onto you, working in unison to mask any trace of worry, letting the little shakes of your lips pass unnoticed while keeping you distracted and safe.
“…Here, cub…” San cooed, piling another bite of food onto Seonghwa’s plate for you, his chopsticks gently guiding it between your lips. Yeosang poured broth into a bowl, quietly humming, while Jongho launched into a light conversation about your art project, his teasing words one of the most effective distractions you had ever known.
“Is it tasty? … Here, sweet princess, have some more of the radish,” Mingi encouraged, holding a bite close for you.
You allowed them to pamper you, letting the warmth of their care seep in as they chatted about their day, telling you about all the new dance moves, studio rehearsals, and small fun moments that made you giggle despite yourself.
Before you realized it, Wooyoung slipped back into the room, his eyes lighting up when he noticed you.
“Cutie… should we make hot chocolate before bed?”
You nodded eagerly as Seonghwa quietly shifted you off of his lap, letting you pad after the younger alpha toward the kitchen. None of the alphas complained about sugar so late at night, even though they knew very well that it was no good for omegas at such a late hour.
The pack knew how much this little treat meant to you, and no one had the heart to stop it when you finally truly smiled in what seemed like ages.
Hot chocolate with Wooyoung was always something special.
Rich chocolate, smooth almond milk, and occasionally a little whipped cream if you were extra good – you loved it. He never used canned toppings, saying that it had to be whipped by hand (something he would never admit he did purely to show just how competent at providing he was).
The kitchen glowed softly, the small light illuminating the cozy space. The rest of the alphas lingered nearby, cleaning up the table, shushing you gently whenever you tried to help.
It was only once you reached for an empty bowl from Yeosang that a final soft rumble echoed from an alpha’s chest - and before you knew it, San had lifted you onto the counter, grinning down at you.
“Come help me here, petal!”
Wooyoung had said warmly, pecks dusting your cheek as you settled beside him. Of course, “helping” was more a matter of guidance than actual work, the alphas’ main concern was keeping you happy, safe, and involved.
You watched carefully as the young man stirred the warm milk, whisking it gently.
“Can I have some too?”
San’s hands rested warmly on your thighs, his nose nudging yours in a soft, bunny-like kiss. You giggled, nodding, pouring a little more milk into the pot as his lips grazed your cheek in a silent thank you.
“Let me help,”
The older alpha said, and the younger handed him the chocolate to cut into small pieces. You didn’t mind - you were just happy to be here, surrounded by their warmth, their care, and the soft, comforting chaos that always made you feel loved.
“Petal, when does your class start tomorrow?” Woo asked softly, closing the fridge after placing back the milk carton.
"I think at eight again,” you murmured timidly, a small smile grazing your lips. “When will you leave…?”
San leaned in closer, slotting himself further between your thighs, his fingers splayed over your waist. The alpha hummed, chest rumbling in content, chin brushing the top of your head as he breathed in slowly, savoring the closeness.
“Some of us have to go for vocal training early… but either Mingi or Hongjoong-hyung can drop you off, don’t worry, flower. Should we have breakfast together? If we don't need to leave too early?”
You nodded eagerly, letting your mate pull you just slightly away from the stove, leaving the whisk and warm pot of almond milk momentarily unattended.
Wooyoung carefully dropped the cut-up chocolate pieces into the liquid, while San stirred slowly for you, the warm drink deepening in color as the sweets dissolved.
Their conversation was soft and calm, letting you help in small, careful ways. In the background, a few of your other pack members were lounging on the couches, playing video games, their laughter ringing warmly through the apartment.
“Here, try it, ‘mega…” Woo murmured, blowing gently on a spoonful before offering it to you. You smiled, ready to compliment him, only to be distracted by a faint beeping from the corridor.
San chuckled softly at your widened eyes, placing the whisk aside and gently setting you down from the counter before you could clumsily jump down yourself. He worried over your safety constantly, and seeing you hurry made his chest tighten every time.
But before either alpha could react any further, you were already rushing to the door.
Your pack alpha’s winter jacket crinkled loudly as he locked the main entrance behind him. Hongjoong barely had time to turn before your arms were wrapped around him, nose and chin pressed against his jacket’s collar.
“Mhm—hahaha, hey silly pup…” he chuckled softly, dropping his bag and shrugging off his beanie and facemask, pulling you close.
A soft whine escaped your lips when he created the slightest distance between you.
“I’m just gonna take the jacket off, ‘mega, then alpha will cuddle you properly…” he whispered, gently removing the garment before guiding you back into his arms. You clung to him, face buried into his neck as he closed his eyes, leaving a tender peck on your temple, inhaling your scent deeply.
Hongjoong looked up as someone approached, smiling gently at one of his younger mates, who huffed in mock offense.
“Petal, San and I are busy making chocolate, hyung~ don’t distract us!” Wooyoung teased, his hand gliding over your back. You relaxed further under the comforting presence of all three alphas, finally allowing the tension of the day to ease.
“Hmm, is that so…? Well then, can I have some too, baby girl?" The pack alpha asked playfully.
You beamed, intertwining your fingers with his as your younger mate guided you back to the kitchen. Hongjoong stayed close after that, asking gentle questions when you clung to his sleeve, half-draped over him.
Earlier, the pack alpha had stayed behind, abandoning deadlines to come home when he learned of your distress.
Now he cradled a warm porcelain mug, the one you had made him months ago, while wrapping his other arm tightly around your side. You leaned into his chest, sipping the chocolate as the other alphas bantered quietly.
Finally, all was calm and content, the pack gathered together.
Hongjoong smiled faintly as Yeosang lost yet another round of a game, setting the warm mug aside. He pulled you close, wrapping both arms around you, chest warm and steady.
Half-asleep, you nestled between his collarbone and throat, face pressed into the dizzying, intoxicating scent of your pack alpha you oh so missed. His lips traced gentle paths along your temples, hands cradling you close, fingers combing carefully through your hair as your breathing evened out.
“Shh… I’ve got you, baby,” he murmured softly against your skin, voice low and warm. “Rest now, ‘mega. No more worrying, hm?”
His thumb traced soothing circles at your waist, holding you just a little tighter when you instinctively burrowed closer.
“Sleep, my little muse,” he whispered, pressing one last gentle kiss to your hair. “Alpha’s here.”
And wrapped in his arms, surrounded by the quiet presence of your pack, you finally let yourself drift into the much-deserved sleep.
Summary: Deciding to take a weekend off, the pack heads out into nature with you for a quiet camping trip. Between fresh air, shared meals, and a sky full of stars, the trip turns into a gentle reminder of warmth, comfort, and being cared for after you try to become closer with strangers.
Warnings: Blood, light swearing, scary stories (you can always skip that section, it's beginning and end will be marked 𖹭)
Words: 9208
⋆˙⟡⊹ ࣪ ˖✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧⊹ ࣪ ˖⋆˙⟡
"Are you sure, pretty girl? It's been a good few hours since we last ate; did you have a snack on the way?” Wooyoung asked gently, his bright eyes taking in your sleepy form.
When the alpha didn't get a response from you, he subtly turned his chin to Yunho, on whose shoulder your heavy head rested, his arm wrapped around your shoulders as he kept you comfortable, even in the otherwise quite claustrophobic car.
The older raised his hand to brush through your hair, keeping his voice gentle as he answered his pack mate: "You had a tangerine a while ago, didn't you, cutie?" But you were too tired to respond, content with just closing your eyes again in the company of your mates.
Neither of them was annoyed; they were more than proud that their omega was comfortable enough to show it by being pliant and vulnerable around them. There was something buried deep in their chests that purred at that thought.
You allowed Wooyoung to unlock your seatbelt for you, and Yunho gently manhandle you lower, having you curl up on the back seats with your head in his lap as the alpha petted your head in soft motions full of affection and care only comparable to an alpha who's truly smitten by their lower second-gender mate.
“Alphas will get you something; rest now, petal.” The younger alpha whispered gently, adjusting the fuzzy blanket for it to envelope you fully, leaving a soft peck at your temple. You barely heard the words the alphas exchanged, happy to fall back into the dreamland you've been in and out of since the very early morning you and the pack left the city.
You loved and cherished so many things – art of all kinds, animals, reading, baking... But among the things you cared for the most was nature. One of the things that never failed to particularly amaze you was the night sky.
Your grandfather had taught you to read the constellations when you were much younger and everything seemed to be easier, and he was the one to give you your own telescope to watch the stars with. You still had it, even if it was tucked away far under your bed in your grandfather's house.
You grew up in the Jeonbuk province and came to study in Seoul only a few months ago. Since meeting your mates, a lot has changed, but your love for astronomy has remained. And, as December approached, you couldn't help yourself and be a little selfish (even if your mates corrected you weren't being so very vehemently later) and softly padded from your room in the apartment you were mostly staying at with your mates as of late.
It was late in the evening, some of the alphas having already gone to bed, with you nodding at Seonghwa's gentle ushering to rest soon, as the older man brought you a cup of tea. It was a mix of herbs meant to help with sleep – something your mates were quick to pick up on. But you shied away at the subject, and so for now the second oldest settled in caring for your diet to his best abilities and tried to subtly make you feel better. Such teas therefore became a regular occurrence whenever the alphas found it a good time for you to go rest for the day.
"Here, honey...What are you working on, darling?” The alpha had asked as soon as he walked into the room, already seemingly more than ready for bed himself – he wore a pair of wide grey sweatpants from a brand whose logo you didn't recognise with a tight black sleeveless top, with white socks peeking out from underneath the legpants.
As Seonghwa carefully shuffled into your space, conscious not to disturb you – you were an omega after all, and it was always their biggest priority to not startle you and keep you calm and content at all times since you came into their care – he quietly settled the pretty cup at your desk. It was quite a special cup – a fond memory of you shared with Yeosang, from when he took you on one of your very first dates, after you agreed to allow the pack to court you in May.
The alpha chose to take you to make pottery for the whole day. And while you had dabbled a fair bit in the art of clay before, Yeosang made it special, as he took you to make porcelain that day. Your mate had helped you pour the white mixture into the moulds you chose and smiled at you fondly as you used paints on other cups already glazed for the appointment by the artisan of the workshop, and with gentle hands helped you remove the drying cups, vases and bowls out of their moulds later to prepare for firing.
You loved that day, and you were reminded of it whenever any of your mates used some of the porcelain pieces you made with your alpha that special afternoon. Whenever Yeosang drank his tea, it was usually from one of the cups you made together, and the pretty alpha would always kiss your head when he passed you by in the shared space, cradling the dishware close.
Seonghwa crouched down next to you kindly, looking up at your seated form – you always liked to paint when sitting; your back often hurt otherwise. Taking your free hand in his, the alpha left a caring kiss on your knuckles, breathing in your scent with a content smile.
"Thank you, oppa... It's for New Year's; I like making cards every year...” You answered softly; having the older man watch you with such soft eyes, one could think he might melt right then and there.
"What a thoughtful omega we have, hm?” He said, rubbing your back in peaceful motions. You blushed in response, softly protesting only to be shushed gently, the alpha getting up again to lean closer, leaving a caring peck at the corner of your mouth.
"I like it, honey. Will you make one for your oppas too?” He asked, chuckling airily as he stood behind you, his chin resting on top of your head as he observed what exactly you had created – a few sketches laid messily on the spacious desk, with scissors, glue and pencils scattered around. You cut out cardboard stencils from an old pamphlet and used paint to stipple the design on a piece of paper.
You hummed, nodding, only to have your mate kiss the crown of your head tenderly again. „...could you give one to manager Noh-ssi oppa?” Seonghwa cooed in response, rubbing your shoulder. "Of course, darling. I'm sure he will love it; such a sweet gift from my kind omega...how many are you making anyway?”
„Just eleven... I'll send one on to grandpa too, and one for Seob Gyosu-nim...” The alpha cooed even louder at that, feeling his chest tighten at your kindness not only to your closest family member but also to your professor, who led the atelier at which you studied.
"What a good girl you are, darling. Alpha is so proud...are you making one for Iseul-ssi too?" Seonghwa asked very carefully, his arms tightening around your form as his palm rubbed up and down your side. You bit your lip a little, lowering your eyes as you shook your head a bit.
"N-No, we don't talk anymore, oppa."
You mumbled, going back to laying down the stencil again, feeling shame burning in your tummy. You didn't have anything to be ashamed of, you wanted to think, but you found it hard to.
Since moving here in late spring, you had been having a very hard time making friends. And while your mates were some of the best company that you enjoyed especially a lot, they too knew that you needed friends who were girls – or omegas at least. There was only so much they could do.
But your class was quite small, and with only three other girls among all the other men, your classmates weren't exactly the most welcoming, for one reason or another. It broke your mates' hearts when they heard about the way they would treat you, ignoring your requests when you asked them oh so kindly to borrow something for only a moment, not even looking up when you somehow built up the courage and sat down next to them at lunch break, and scowling at you whenever you answered the teacher's questions during theory lessons.
Your mates tried their very best – San had brought Haneul, his older sister, to a few cute dinners with just you and him. But after you finally broke out of the nervous spell of being around your mate's family member, who showed such deep affection to you throughout the whole meal, cutting the meat for you and frying it for you at the Korean BBQ place he took you, you found out, bittersweetly enough, that Haneul got a very exciting job opportunity and had to move to Busan.
You were really happy for the kind girl – you bonded over your shared love for history, as she was a history major, and you went to the national museum with San one time too – but deep down you were sad you lost the only girl-friend you had.
One time, Jongho had taken you to a food festival downtown, and you awkwardly chatted a little bit with one of the workers at a tteokbokki stand after your mate encouraged you to do so, smiling at you the whole time and rubbing your back softly throughout as you tried to make a friend – the girl, Iseul, was quite nice, even as she stared at you oddly when you mentioned your mates. You even exchanged phone numbers, but after a while she stopped responding, and you felt dumb and bothering and tried to forget it.
You didn't tell the alphas about this though, too ashamed to.
Seonghwa's scent spiked up at your revelation, his shoulders squaring. The alphas had a hard time understanding what seemed to be the issue with you making nice friends that you would truly get along with – they couldn't understand what they could possibly mind about you.
"It's okay, darling. Do you want to talk about it? Alphas are always here for their pretty girl.” He reminded you gently, his brows furrowed, as he brushed your hair away from your neck.
"It's okay, oppa." You mumbled. The alpha stayed quiet for a second before he moved around the room almost inaudibly. The pack has long since kept one room empty for their mate, the one they had always felt deep in their bones would eventually find their way to them – you. But since you slept with your mates more often than not, letting them cosy you up with their warmth and cuddles, they helped you rework the space for more of a painting studio, where you could freely create and have all that you needed.
Of course they kept your bed and storage spaces intact, should you ever need privacy, but they were mostly unused. Seonghwa closed the curtains for you, doing the routine check around the room for what you didn't even know – something so primal and instinctual, you allowed the alphas to perform each and every night as they walked through the apartment.
When you asked them about it a long time ago, it was Wooyoung who laughed at San crouched down by your bed, peering at the nothingness under it. "Alphas are just being silly, petal; don't worry about it. San looks funny, doesn't he?”
"I'll be in the living room, darling; just come find me when you're ready, and we will go to bed, hun. That sounds okay?” Seonghwa spoke in the quiet room, making you look up and nod, a small smile on your face as you thanked the alpha. After a few moments he left you to your crafts, tucking your hair behind your ear.
But you couldn't help yourself, and so you abandoned your workspace and the cup of tea, making sure to turn the light off, and in your cute pyjamas you made your way to one of the very last rooms in the very large apartments.
Knocking softly, you knew it was pretty late in the night, especially for you as a naturally sleepier omega, but some of your mates liked to work during the night whenever creativity hit them – and your pack alpha was the peak of this phenomenon.
As you opened the door slowly, yawning cutely, Hongjoong was already looking at you with heart eyes. You looked awfully cute, he decided, shuffling in wearing fluffy white socks, sleep shorts and a hoodie that fell beyond your fingertips – his hoodie. When did you even take it?
„Hey baby,” the alpha said, his voice raspy just how it always was when it had already been a few hours of him working in a studio. He turned in his chair, fully facing you, himself wearing comfortable clothes – a warm brown long sleeve with a pair of baggy black jeans. With his hand gently outstretched, you only needed to take a few steps closer before he gently took you closer, pulling you between his legs as his other hand found its purchase at your waist.
„... couldn't sleep?” He asked, a look of gentle worry on his face with his brows furrowed just the tiniest bit. You shook your head, pulling the sleeves of the hoodie over your palms. "I didn't go yet, oppa." But at this his brows lowered even further, as the alpha leaned back, his thumb gently running over your tummy.
"It's late; come, I'll take you to bed, baby girl." The pack alpha said finally, seemingly thinking that you were too unsettled to go to sleep on your own – only natural for omegas. As the oldest pack member stood up, you whined softly, having him take a surprised breath, his hands tightening on you.
"What's wrong, 'mega?" Hongjoong asked you quickly, his body naturally releasing his calming scent. „Wanna talk with you...” You whispered, shy of your sudden reaction. At your cute confession, the older smiled, carefully manhandling you to sit on his lap instead, mumbling something about your legs being tired after a long day (even if you were only at school today).
„What's going on, hm?” Running his fingers over your side, he held you close, kissing your cheek. Not knowing how to start, you didn't say anything for a while – you were always shy when having requests. Even if you knew your mates were always more than willing to make all your wishes come true.
Your fingers tightened on his, his thumb caressing your knuckles in response as the alpha patiently waited for you to speak. „Oppa... I wanted to ask if... if we could go on a trip, maybe? I understand if we can't go, and it's okay; I just—"
„Of course we can. Do you have a place in mind, cub?” The pack alpha smiled at you fondly, gently stopping your ramblings.
"I would really like to go see the Geminid – it's a meteor shower, oppa, and it's only once a year, and I never got to see it properly."
"Aigoo, of course alphas will take you, baby girl. Anything you want, alphas will give you. Thank you for asking.” Hongjoong left a long kiss on your forehead, his fingers quickly typing out the natural occurrence you were talking about on his laptop. As he scrolled through Google with you held close, he hummed, rubbing his chin over the top of your head.
„Whatever makes my omega happy.” He said with finality, gently letting you hop off his lap, as he told you to hurry to bed now. Thanking him, you left a sweet kiss on his chin, padding out to find Seonghwa to go to sleep. The pack alpha stayed up a bit longer, planning a nice weekend trip for the whole pack. Messaging his management, he asked for a leave for the weekend, claiming it was very important, as he booked a place at a camping site in a national park in North Gyeongsang for the upcoming weekend.
And so, as Saturday around the middle of December rolled around, you and the rest of your mates got up very early, Jongho having carried you down the stairs after you nearly fell off due to the icy layer, had it not been for Yeosang's quick reflexes and all shuffled into the vehicles. Hongjoong had arranged for two rather large caravans to be added to the cars the pack were taking for the weekend trip, already set up and ready to go.
You were too tired to keep up with everything, even if you were buzzing with excitement deep down. You allowed for Jongho to gently settle you into the seat, Yunho already next to you as the maknae sat down as well. It was Hongjoong who drove in the car, with Yeosang sitting up front too. This was the self-proclaimed quiet car, as the rest of the alphas left in the other vehicle after you, your mates scenting you quickly as you stayed bleary-eyed.
You slept most of the journey so far; about 3 hours had passed when the soft rumbling of the car came to a stop. Yunho has been holding you close the whole ride, with Jongho sleeping himself, your hand in his. The older alpha had been scenting you profusely the whole time, his (since the others would never admit they were doing the same) calming scent filling the entire space in a matter of minutes.
Still too sleepy to be active yet, Hongjoong turned around from the front of the car, smiling at you, carefully running his knuckles over your cheek to not disturb you. Snapping a quick picture of you and Yunho sleeping together, he said to the other two alphas that they will stop to fill the tank and get some food at one of the restaurants placed along the highway.
Leaving you with Yunho to rest some more, the others climbed out, just as the car Mingi was driving pulled into the spot next to them. As the group came together again, the alphas bounced over, excited about the trip – sudden but more than appreciated.
„How is Y/N?” Mingi was quick to ask, shutting the door behind him. Yeosang leaned against their car, answering gently, "She's been asleep since the start; she's with Yu." The others couldn't resist, ignoring Seonghwa's half-heartedly meant call to leave you to sleep if you're tired – you need it – and all huddled near the closed door beyond which you were cuddled up close with Yunho.
Even if muffled by the glass, their cooing, meant both for you but also to tease the other alpha, was quick to awaken the man, who scowled at them, flipping them off as he tightened his grip on you. Laughing, the group members spoke after reuniting, the maknae line filling Jongho in on how Seonghwa sang to all the girl group music they were listening to on the way, having the older grumble and growl.
“Oh, but she must be hungry too, hyung!” Wooyoung gasped, biting his lip in worry.
"I think we should let her sleep Woo-, I said we should—" But the younger ignored his pack alpha and opened the car's door instead, having Yunho look up from his phone as he scrolled while caressing your shoulder with his other hand. „Petal, we stopped to get some food; what would you like?” The young alpha asked, smiling widely as you fluttered your eyes slowly, ignoring the other alphas behind him who told him to leave you to sleep.
“Oppa...?” You mumbled, sitting up, yawning. Yunho kissed your head at your soft call, leaving his scent on you, even if it wasn't much needed. Wooyoung smiled cheekily, leaning down himself to plant a cute kiss on the tip of your nose. "Hi, pretty. What are you hungry for?” You shook your head, leaning your head on the older's shoulder once more, as you whispered that you weren't very hungry.
And so, as Wooyoung tucked you away a few moments later, you dozed off again, only to be woken up by San, apologising softly at your soft whines from where he was pulling you back up to sit nice and proper. "I know, baby, I know, but alphas need you to sit up now; we will leave soon, and we need you safe, sweetheart... There, good girl... Here, rest on alpha 'mega...” He cooed, carefully pulling your seatbelt on for you, and helping you lean your head on Mingi's shoulder. They must have been switching places, as Yunho pecked your temple and slid out of the car, leaving the space for Wooyoung, who sat down before San could, having the other alpha growling and the younger laughing loudly.
After having slept pretty much fully from Seoul all the way to the Yeongyang National Park, you felt well rested. It was the late afternoon by now, and as the sun set pretty early, it was the perfect time to set up your camp for the one night you would be staying, as you and the pack planned on leaving tomorrow afternoon.
You held Yeosang's hand as Hongjoong and Seonghwa stood by the desk at the entrance to the campsite, validating the reservation that was made for the weekend. There were few other people here too, hence the other alphas huddled close around you and kept you near in the unknown environment. 'Instincts,' Mingi mumbled into your hair as he rubbed his chin over your head, letting his scent stick to you.
Your pack parked further down the designated area, wanting privacy, keeping their career but mainly you in mind. Having gained all your energy back, you hopped around with Wooyoung, giggling at the crunchy sound of the lightly snow-covered grass on the field.
"Here, petal, may I take a few photos of you? Just for me and the other alphas to keep as a memory.” You nodded, a bit shy, as your mate took photos of you, making you laugh at his silly ways as he over-exaggerated playing the photographer they have for their photoshoots.
„-and now look over the shoulder... Yes, very nice. Yes, that's good, very good, very nice... Don't laugh, pretty; he always says that!” Wooyoung laughed loudly himself, no malice in his words as he giggled with you at the ways of their main photographer.
Soon after, the others from the maknae line came to you as well, and you had loads of fun chasing the alphas around even if you were never quick enough and you knew they were letting you win. The sun was starting to set as your joined laughter sounded around, but never quite loud enough to disturb the other visitors or the nature surrounding.
“Push him, sweets!” Jongho called, roaring with laughter himself, as he held your legs tight over his shoulders, stumbling on the ground as Wooyoung tried to push you off, though he was more than careful sitting on top of San's shoulders. Mingi, filming the dramatic chicken fight, was laughing at San, who cursed the alpha for being too heavy, even if he didn't mean a single word.
„But it's Woo – I can't—” You called softly, your hands resting on the older alpha's shoulders as he laughed at you, cutely poking you himself, as Jongho and San stumbled around, keeping balance.
“Yes, you can; push him!” Mingi called, laughing louder, as Wooyoung scowled, calling at his hyung. „Don't tempt her like that!” Just as your mate called you, you did apply a bit of pressure, though it was enough for your mate to set the pair off balance and nearly fall.
As Jongho and Mingi cheered, you were carefully set down before the maknae picked you up again, spinning you around, calling you the best player of chicken fight in the entire universe as you blushed.
„Yah! Come here! San-ah, Woo, Mingi, all of you!” At the call of your older mate, you all looked over towards the caravans where the alphas had set up a large tent adjoining the vehicle spaces. And so, you hurried over back to the setup, laughing the whole way as Wooyoung teased you about letting you win, even if he just couldn't admit that you caught him off guard.
Seonghwa took the last few steps towards you, his own warm boots crunching on the cold grass as he smiled wide. Catching you in his arms, he picked you up effortlessly, holding you to his chest as he nuzzled his nose against your chilly one.
„Having fun?” You hummed, giggling as you left a sweet kiss on his cheek, wiggling out of his grasp and hurrying behind the other alphas, crouching to walk in as San held the entrance open for you. Quick to untie your shoes, you kicked them off clumsily, full of energy and excitement as you hurried through the others still removing their own boots, your warm socks slapping over the crunchy plastic underlining on the entrance-tent floor.
“Darling, be careful!” The second oldest called behind you as he took your discarded boots with him inside the caravan space to which you disappeared, placing them near one of the heaters blasting warm air, heating up the space.
„Oppa-!” You called happily, with Hongjoong and Yunho currently standing by the kitchen part of the space, preparing dinner for the pack. Shocked at your energetic entrance, the pack alpha was quick to abandon the rice cooker with which he was fiddling and pick you up as you tumbled into him, laughing at your clumsy nature as you smiled teethily. "What got my girl so energetic, hm? Should alphas let you nap for 6 hours more often?” Yunho chuckled to himself, patting your back, as you allowed the alpha to spin you around, giggling.
Setting you down on the built-in seat nearby, you didn't stay for long, sliding off when you heard the others coming, bouncing on your heels. Seonghwa gently scolded you for running around and not being careful enough, but he gave up as he noticed it came in one ear and out the other, his gaze soft as he watched you jump around San, who shared your excitement about whatever silly idea it was that Mingi proposed.
Having pulled San further down the caravan space, into the other one where all of them will be sleeping later, Wooyoung, Seonghwa and Yunho settled into a comfortable space as they made dinner together, freeing Hongjoong to go along with Yeosang to ask about borrowing a telescope at the entrance of the national park just a few minutes away.
"Here, baby, we can sleep all together tonight, like we do back home." The alpha told you softly, showing you the majority of the other caravan, having been reconstructed to hold multiple mattresses pushed together to create one large space. It was one of the caravans specifically made keeping packs in mind. Perfect for such an occasion.
You nodded happily, thanking the alpha as you both dramatically dropped onto the bed back first, giggling simultaneously. The evening went on, as you all sat outside where you ate your meal, huddled close as the winter chill started to set in. You loved it – the nature was beautiful, it was peaceful, and there was nearly no light pollution at all, allowing you to watch all the stars with no worries with a borrowed telescope.
“Look, oppas, that's part of Sagittarius; that's your sign, Woo-oppa.” You pointed, having the said alpha smile wide and kiss your forehead. You watched the stars for a while, gasping once you saw a few falling stars, marking the start of the Geminid shower that was only meant to peak later.
Your mates and you watched in peace, talking and having fun, as Jongho and Hongjoong sipped on beers they refused to let you try, gently reminding you that it's no good for you. They were always very serious about your health. And alcohol could be more than harmful for omegas, at least so did the recent studies say.
As the time went on, you decided to go wash up in one of the facilities just across the field at the camping site, where there were quite nice bathrooms kept. After you proposed you'd like to go, some of the alphas were quick to say they too want to wash up tonight and not in the morning – and it definitely didn't have anything to do with the fact that it was dark, and you would be otherwise going on your own.
And so, you took your cute hygiene bag you packed up last night, a fluffy towel, and your packed pyjamas, warm enough to keep the chill away. It was a pair of fleece-lined sweatpants you got from Yeosang a while ago, a long sleeve, and a hoodie, this time from Wooyoung. You barely wore your own at this point, you thought, your cheeks heating up.
„Ready to go?” Mingi asked, holding a towel and his other things, already wearing his boots. You nodded, letting the alpha lace up your shoes for you and zip up your jacket. With a soft peck on your lips, you both got out of the tent, seeing San and Yunho already waiting for you outside, chatting idly.
As you walked across the field, you laughed at their jokes, not letting the dark surroundings get to you – you came here for the dark, you reminded yourself, trying your best to not be scared.
"Okay cutie, one of us will be here the whole time, so if you need anything, you just call, yeah? Can you do that for us, sweetie?” Yunho asked you, crouching down low as he rubbed your fingers, keeping the slight chill away. You nodded, tucking your chin in your jacket as San handed you your things, as he wouldn't let you carry them yourself.
So, you walked into the separated bathroom space, holding your things tight to your chest. To your surprise you weren't the only one here; a girl similar to you was standing just by the sinks as she brushed her teeth. She smiled at you gently, looking away just as quickly as you did. You bowed low, remembering to always be respectful, as she did the same.
You kept quiet, doing your business, as did she. After you climbed out of the shower, which ran with mainly cold water, you pulled on your warm clothes, trying your best to keep the shiver away.
Approaching the sink next to the girl who was doing her skincare by now, you smiled shyly, taking out your toothbrush – rummaging through your little toiletry bag, only to find no toothpaste. You bit down on the whine, knowing it was no big deal. Your mates were just next door, and Yunho also said one of them will be outside at-
„Oh, do you need toothpaste? You can borrow mine!” You jumped a little in surprise at her voice, to which she giggled cutely. You couldn't tell apart her scent well, as she wore scent blockers, and you didn't know exactly how to approach her when you couldn't recognise her second gender.
„O-Only if it's really okay...” You whispered, looking down at your hands timidly, suddenly very shy. But the slightly taller girl only smiled prettily, fishing out the little tube and handing it to you. „It's no bother, don't worry. What's your name? I'm Jiyoo.” She answered with no malice in her voice, her dark eyes looking at you kindly.
She was very pretty, you noted, suddenly feeling more self-conscious as you took in yourself in the mirror. „I'm Y/F.” You said softly, smiling at her yourself. When she didn't strain away, you took it as a good sign, starting to brush your teeth next to the effortless girl.
"Awh, such a cute name. You're an omega, no? I'm a beta, but my younger sister is a 'mega' too, but you're way cuter~!” She giggled, her eyes sparkly as she applied her moisturiser. You hummed, nodding.
„How old is your sister?” You asked after a moment, washing your face. „22, I'm 25.” Not being able to hide your excitement, you smiled wide: „I'm 24! We're nearly the same age!" At this she too smiled bright, the happiness shared. You spent a few more minutes with Jiyoo, as she told you about her and her friends with whom she had been camping out for the past week – they were a trio of friends from a nearby city who have a YouTube channel for which they were recording a video out here.
„And what's the video topic?” You asked curiously, as you both leaned against the sinks, talking now comfortably. "Oh, it's quite niche; we explore old ghost stories and stuff like that and see if they are true or not. It's really fun!”
„When I was younger my grandpa used to tell me scary stories if I got bad grades.” You giggled softly, looking away, trying not to think about just how much you didn't like those. But you wanted to seem brave in front of your newly found almost-friend, and so you kept up the brave face.
„I used to scare my sister if she didn’t want to do some chores with me!” Jiyoo laughed, telling you about how once her little sister, Nabi, told on her to her parents. „If you want, we are having a few beers by our tent; you could join us for a while!” The kind beta said, a pretty smile on her face.
You blinked a little. Was she your friend already? How exciting! Hesitating a little, you took your stuff. You knew you shouldn't drink. It was no good for omegas, as it could cause health issues. „I don't know if I can; I'll ask my mates."
"Oh, you found your mates? Congratulations!” She gasped, bright-eyed. You thanked her softly, mumbling about giving you just a moment. As you opened the door to the bathroom, you were greeted by all three of your mates already waiting for you. Just how long have you been talking with Jiyoo?
"There you are, we were getting worried, princess. Is everything okay? Who were you talking to?” Mingi rushed to ask you, caressing your face gently as he pecked your forehead. You opened your mouth to answer but instead heard the doors open again.
„Hi, I’m Jiyoo!”
For a few seconds no one answered the sunshine-like girl, the alphas standing taller as Mingi pulled you subtly closer. „Jiyoo-ssi is my new friend, oppas.” You whispered softly, looking away as your mates exchanged glances, not saying a word.
“Y/n, you can call me ‘unnie’, really, it’s okay!” You smiled brightly; it's been a long time since you had such a close friend who allowed you to call them 'unnie'. This was special, you thought.
„I see.” San said, his voice carefully neutral, as his hand found its way around your waist.
„Me and my other friends have a tent just there; I thought maybe me and Y/N could go and chill for a bit there?” Jiyoo asked, her voice wavering a bit in the end as she looked at you a bit awkwardly and confusedly. Pursuing your lips and the protectiveness of your mates, you carefully left their warmth behind, taking a few steps closer to your new friends and smiling reassuringly at her.
"I'll be back in a few minutes, oppas. Please, I really want to go." You said softly, kissing the underjaw of all three of them, and squeezed San's hand as he tried to pull you closer to stay with them. This was the closest you've come to a friendship in a while, and you wanted to give it your best.
"You have your phone, right, princess? So you can use the torch on the way back?” Mingi asked, not taking his eyes once off the pretty beta. No genius was needed to know that the phone wasn't just for the torch. Stopping for a moment, you realised you didn't. “Um—”
"Here, sweetheart. You know the password; come in 10 minutes tops. It's getting late; you wouldn't want to miss the stars, hm?“ Yunho tucked his phone into your sweatpants pockets, his brows furrowed a little. Neither of them mentioned that Yunho's phone had an AirTag on the case.
Leaning in close, San spoke quietly, with urgency leading his voice: "Y/N, are you sure about this? Alphas would prefer for you to stay with them.” You looked up at him, glossy-eyed, huffing softly. "I just made a friend, oppa..." trailing off. Your mates knew just how lonely you'd get sometimes. They were no fools.
„Please,” you whispered, looking into San’s eyes. After what felt like an eternity, his fingers gingerly loosened on your hand as he sighed out. You mumbled a thank you and followed Jiyoo, who started to lead you towards her tent not too far off, a few lights emitting from their area.
„Whoa, your mates are kinda scary.” She giggled, trying to lighten the mood. You apologised softly, mumbling, “Just protective.”
"No, I get it; there are lots of bad people out there. It's better to stay safe. But don't worry, I'll walk you back to your place so you don't go on your own. How about it?” You nodded your head, smiling prettily, appreciating the gesture. You wouldn't like walking on your own in the dark.
As you looked over your shoulder towards the bathroom spaces, your mates stood there still, watching closely where exactly it was that Jiyoo was taking you. As you came closer to their tent space, in front of it were three foldable chairs, two already occupied by one other girl and a boy, both seemingly around your age.
„Guys, I brought a friend! This is Y/N!” Humming, the other girl barely spared you a glance as she fiddled around with a camera, but the boy bowed down to you, adjusting his glasses. „Here, you can sit on my spot; I have one more chair inside.” As Jiyoo disappeared for a small moment, you awkwardly sat down next to them. You wanted to make friends – you really did. And if this is what it took, so be it.
„I'm Dowon, and she is Chaerin. And you're ... Y/N?” You nodded, keeping a well-mannered smile on your face. „It's nice to meet you.” You said kindly. „I told Y/N-nie we would show her the footage we took today. Can we?” Jiyoo appeared once more, much to your comfort. This was really awkward, you thought, fidgeting with your fingers. Chaerin only grunted in response, but Dowon nodded. „Sure, if she wants.”
„Today we went to record a small segment by one of the streams deeper into the woods, in that direction,” Jiyoo continued, pointing her hand just down towards where you and your mates had set up your camp. You could see it well; it was not that far, you promised yourself.
𖹭𖹭𖹭„Do you know the story about this area?” You shook your head, facing the other three again. Dowon sat up a bit better from where he was holding a pack of cigarettes. „You want to know?” You shrugged your shoulders, not sure.
You didn't like scary stories, especially not about the place where you were momentarily. But you didn't want to seem like a loser in their eyes, not if you could really have friends now. And so you decided to be brave. You pulled your jacket tighter and hugged your knees to your chest, your fingers wrapped tightly around Yunho's phone, as if the device could protect you.
Dowon broke the silence. “Have you ever noticed this forest doesn’t have a name?”
Jiyoo shot him a warning look. “Don’t start like that.” You said nothing. Your fingers curled into your sleeves. He smiled anyway.
“It used to. There was a village here once. Houses, barns… even a shrine up on the hill.” His voice was easy, like he was talking about the weather. “It’s in the old records. Before they were ruined.”Your shoulders tensed.
“All of it burnt down in one night,” Jiyoo said quietly. “No storms. No fighting. Just fire.” Somewhere far off, wood creaked as the wind pushed through the trees. You flinched and hoped no one noticed. Chaerin did. She glanced at you, then looked back into the dark, abandoning the camera.
“When people came the next morning,” Dowon went on, “there was nothing left but stone foundations. Still warm. And footprints in the ash.” You swallowed. “Footprints…?”
“Bare feet. Running,” Jiyoo said. “But they didn’t go far.”
“Why?” Your voice came out smaller than you wanted. Dowon tilted his head.
“They stopped at the tree line.” The forest seemed to lean in.
“And mixed in with them,” Jiyoo added, “were other tracks. Apparently.” You shook your head slowly. “L-like animals?” Chaerin let out a short, humourless breath.
“Split hooves,” Dowon said. “Too big to be deer.” You pulled your knees tighter to your chest. “Three people saw it,” he continued. “Standing between the burning houses. Half man. Half goat. Long arms. Bent legs. Watching the flames like they belonged to him.” Your mouth went dry. You didn't like this. “It didn’t run,” Chaerin said suddenly, her voice low. “Just stood there. Turning its head.” You looked at her. She didn’t look back.
“After that, nobody rebuilt anything,” Jiyoo said. “They left the forest alone.” A faint sound drifted down from uphill—water sliding over stone. Were you imagining things? Your head snapped up.
“Don't worry, it's just one of the streams above the hill,” Dowon said. “Clear most of the year.”
“Except once,” Jiyoo said. You hugged yourself tighter. “Once…?”
“Once a year,” she replied softly. “On the night the village burnt.” Dowon lowered his voice. “The water turns different. Thick. Like blood.” Your breath hitched. You tried to hide it.
“Animals won’t drink from it,” Chaerin added. “Won’t even cross it.” The silence that followed felt heavy. “Old maps don’t even name this place,” Dowon said. “Just a warning.”
“Do not build. Do not stay,” Jiyoo murmured. A branch snapped behind you. Your throat tightened.
“Y/N-nie,” Jiyoo said softly, not looking at you, “do you know where you’re sitting?” You shook your head.
“Right where the shrine used to be,” 𖹭𖹭𖹭
Dowon said. For a moment, the sound of the stream grew louder—then stopped. No one spoke. You didn’t move.
„Y/N? Let's go, baby.”
You flinched embarrassingly too much, making Chaerin snicker quietly, as you turned around, only to come face to face with your mate. You felt little tears well up in the corners of your eyes at the sight of your pack alpha.
You jumped up from the chair, not looking back at any of them, and rushed to the waiting arms of your alpha, standing just a few tens of metres ahead. „Oppa...” You whimpered, clutching yourself to him. Hongjoong breathed in your scared scent, his shoulders tensing.
"What happened, cub? What's wrong?” He asked with worry, hands tightening around you, as he pulled you to his chest. „Just want to go back...” His chest rumbled deeply at your confession, his arm guiding itself around you as you timidly turned around to wave at Jiyoo, who looked guilty. „Sleep well! Don't worry about the stories, Y/N-nie!” Her other friends didn't say a word as you were led away by Hongjoong, whose scent was seemingly upset.
„Oppa?” You mumbled, looking up at his face, his brows furrowed deeply. Neither one of you looked up at the sky. Your pack alpha didn't say anything for a while, simply leading you briskly back to your campsite. As soon as you climbed into the tent, it was first Seonghwa who rushed to you, his eyes filled with worry. What were you thinking? The other three alphas had long since been scolded for letting you walk away like that.
But before the second oldest could hold you, Hongjoong held up his hand, speaking to you. "Baby, you know you cannot be doing this. That was so reckless – do you have any idea what could have happened? You can't be walking away with strangers!” You felt your eyes well up a little.
You just wanted to make new friends, you thought, your lips pouty. Crouching down before you, the pack alpha started to help you out of your heavy winter clothes, carefully unzipping the thick jacket and unlacing your boots, all while scolding you. "You must be careful; it's dark, and we don't know anyone here. You can't be walking away with anyone. Why didn't you take at least your alphas with you, huh? Oh god...” Your pack alpha shook his head, sighing.
You bit your lip in shame, looking down at your hands. „Quick to bed now, go, 'mega.” Hongjoong said, his voice leaving no room for argument as Seonghwa approached you once again, this time not stopped by the pacing pack alpha oozing with angry scent.
The second oldest rubbed your back as you sniffled a little, leading you towards the back of the van, from where you could smell the rest of your mates. But when you whimpered for his attention he stopped, turning to you, only to come face to face with your teary eyes.
Sighing, he closed his eyes, biting his lip, before he pulled you close into a hug. Kissing your head for a long moment, he held you tight. „You silly girl...what were you thinking, huh? Leaving your alphas like that?”
„'I’m-m sorry...” You cried softly, your fingers clutching on his jumper, as he sighed. "I know you are, honey. I know.” For a moment he held you close in the kitchen area, breathing in your scent, now that he knew you were safe.
The moment the other three alphas ran into the caravan, rambling about how you were smitten by a creepy-sounding beta girl who took you to see her other friends, Seonghwa knew right off the bat why it was you followed her. Of course he knew.
The moment Hongjoong heard what happened, the pack alpha briskly walked out of their tent, his spine straight and his hands clenched, as the alpha went to get his omega back. Seonghwa hadn't seen him so angry in a while; that was certain.
"Come now, darling, let's go to bed. Or Joongie will be really upset.” You nodded solemnly, walking towards the back of the caravan. The light was still on as the alphas stood all around the room in a different state of anxiousness.
“...thinking, goddamnit?!”
"I was thinking about making my omega happy, you—"
"Yunho.”
Ending the argument, Yunho turned around from where he stood, brushing fingers through his hair as Yeosang stood near him, his own scent burnt with anger. All of your mates seemingly deflated the moment they laid their eyes on you. Safe and sound, except for the few little tears in the corner of your eyes.
"Sweetheart—" Yunho jumped to you, his hands wrapping tight around you. One by one, you allowed the alphas to scent you and hold you, apologising to each of them softly, as they scolded you with nothing but care lining their voices.
„Come here, you silly baby.” San called for you, lifting one of the many blankets thrown over the bed area, shushing you as you whimpered in shame, and climbing into the bed with the rest of them. "' won't do it again, oppa, promise..." you whined, crawling close to the alpha who was quick to wrap you up tightly.
„Oh I know you won't, cub.” With Mingi's heartbeat under your ear, you and the rest of the pack came to relative peace.
After a few minutes, Hongjoong too came to bed, kissing your forehead many times as he settled down by the corner of the bed, the place nearest to the entrance. But you couldn't seem to find sleep. You tossed and turned, and no matter how many pecks and kisses San and Mingi left on your forehead, you couldn't seem to find sleep just yet.
San dozed off with the rest of your alphas, leaving you in the care of very tired Mingi, who watched you with nearly closed eyes as he ran his knuckles over your cheek over and over. You clutched his shirt, deeply burrowed underneath blankets even if their bodies were more than enough at keeping you warm.
Eventually, sleep did claim you, fuelled by Mingi's scent that was calming and relaxing, helping your eyes close much to the alpha's relief. But as you finally rested your eyes, all you could see was fire, all-consuming. As you ran and ran, panting, your fingertips burning, you came upon the stream, rushing to the water to ease the burning, only to realise you were bathing in blood. As you whimpered and yelped, in the distance, you heard calling. Looking up, your eyes caught upon a deer – a really tall deer, with broken legs, staring at you, unblinking – only it wasn't a deer at all-
„...up! Please wake up,” yelping, you sat up, your eyes blurry with tears as you were left a whimpering, meek thing from your nightmare. As your vision cleared a little, you came face to face with Hongjoong, your mate... There was no deer; you were safe, with your mates, in your nest...
„Oh my god, baby...” your oldest mate whispered, pulling you close from where you were clutched by Mingi to his chest, who now rested his cheek on your back instead. You couldn't see it in the barely spared darkness of the room, but there were small, unshed tears in his eyes.
„You scared the shit out of me...” Hongjoong spoke lowly, his voice heavy and deep from just having woken up. You hiccuped a little and started crying, crawling onto your alpha's lap, who was quick to envelope you in his arms, rubbing reassuringly at your sides, as his eyes widened even further in worry as you pushed your back to his chest – the exact position an omega falls to should they feel seriously threatened and scared. The kind of instinctual position they never wanted to trigger, to see you in.
“Hey, hey, shh, omega...” Seonghwa called softly, his heart breaking at your soft cries. The other alphas, previously as near you as possible after you woke up, took a few careful shuffles back at your visible distress – but only after Seonghwa waved them all to. Their instincts called for them to help, to go closer. But you needed space.
“Y/N, baby, alpha is right here. Sh-sh-shh now, omega, settle...” Hongjoong said, his own arms holding you as tightly as he could allow to not hurt you, as you pushed your legs high up to your chest, sobbing in fear.
"'mega, hush now, alphas are here with their mate; we're safe, you're safe...shhh..." As Seonghwa said calmly to you, his hands gingerly settling on your knees, carefully pulling them away from where they were clutched close to you, afraid you would hurt yourself. Your fingers clutched onto the oldest hands, who held you back just as tightly.
The whole room was overflowing with a calming scent, but above it all, all they could notice was the scared one belonging to you. Slowly, you allowed Seonghwa and Hongjoong to ease your cramped-up body back to loosen up, as they hushed your soft cries and whimpers. Turning you to face his chest instead, the moment the pack alpha guided your face closer to the soft junction at his neck, your tense shoulders deflated and your body relaxed at nearly an instant, having all of your other mates breathe out a sigh of relief.
„There you go, our good girl... Just breathe in and out, just like that ... In...and out...” The oldest closed his own eyes as he willed his tears away. For the next few minutes he held you close, cradling you as the other alphas left gentle kisses anywhere and everywhere – your back, shoulder blades, temples and head, hands and waist, well of it.
After you calmed down a bit more, you didn't let go of Hongjoong, who seemed no better, his hand entangled in your hair while the other wrapped around your mind section, holding you to his chest.
With a shaky voice you told the worried alphas about the scary stories Jiyoo and the others told you and your nightmare, wiping your tears with your sleeve, feeling small and silly.
"I'm s-sorry, I sp-oilt everything..." You spoke shakily, looking down. At your voice the alphas tensed up once again, exchanging worried glances. The pack alpha pushed your chin up with his fingers.
„You didn't ruin anything. It's okay to be scared, sweet baby. Alphas are always here to protect their cub, even if she does silly things we would rather her not do again...is that clear?” You nodded, sniffling as you hid your face in his neck.
Hongjoong crawled to the centre of the bed, lying down on his back with his hands holding you to him as you stayed close. It was very early morning by now anyway, and none of them were expecting to sleep anymore, not after such a scare – you woke up Mingi first by your whimpers and tossing, and right after, San. And as they try to rouse you, the whole pack was on alert, with Hongjoong trying to wake you up but to no avail. It was very scary for them too, watching their omega be absolutely terrified.
„Pretty girl, how about we make bracelets? I bought you a kit along the way!” Wooyoung broke the sad mood to the best of his abilities, swallowing the lump in his throat. It was true; the young alpha bought you a little play set at the gas station when you stopped on the way here. He planned on doing it with you home, but now seemed just as appropriate a time.
And so as you shrugged a little, the young man took it for an answer as good as any, quickly running to his bag to get it. With you sat on his lap, drenched in their scents by now, Hongjoong spent the whole rest of the night helping you tie cute beads onto some strings, encouraging you along the way. All the alphas had to make a bracelet, Woo claimed. No one protested – not at the way your eyes slowly got their brightness back.
By the end of the morning you had a set of eight bracelets on your arms, and you had since forgotten about the terrifying accident. After you helped your alphas pack up in the late morning, they were careful to keep your attention from the place where the tent you visited last night stood, now seemingly long gone with no trace left.
You didn't even realise that the car was passing it by, absolutely entranced by Jongho's and Yeosang's phones, on which they were showing you a new fun game they learnt.
You would be okay, San told himself as he drove with Hongjoong sitting right next to him. You were their strong girl after all. Even if you were silly sometimes.
Summary: After finding their mate, the pack of alphas make sure to take the best care of you, keeping you close and always protected. As they took you with them to their award show, all seemed to be going well, until it wasn't.
Warnings: Blood
Words: 5622
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･݁˖ ❀ ⋆｡˚
"Are you sure, honey? We can always figure something else out, a single phone call with manager Noh-nim...“ Seonghwa asked softly, his warm hand caressing the soft spot just above your collarbone. You didn't let yourself dwell too much on the fact that that's where the pack mark goes, your cheeks heating up. You and the pack had a lot to go still before that would happen, you huffed to yourself.
Nodding, you avoided the older alpha's gaze, shuffling at your feet. Your gaze wandered away from his concerned eyes, looking around almost in a haze – so many noises you had to think so hard about to even place, the closeness of all too many staff members that brisked around in fleeting steps, and the scents – the scents –
„Honey?”
The rapper's voice was quick to guide you back to where your mind belonged. His nimble fingers gently brushed through your hair at the very end of your neck, having you whine almost inaudibly – but nothing could escape the alpha, it seemed. Pursuing his lips, Seonghwa was quick to school his brows back to their neutral state from where they were scrunched up just a second ago.
"...come here, let me hold you for a minute, love..."
Pulling you close, you melted into his embrace, breathing in his scent – soft but somehow distinctively dominant, perfect in every sense. His arms wrapped tightly around you, guiding your nose to the crook of his neck, right to his scent gland. As you breathed in deep, a soft rumble from the bottom of his chest rewarded you in approval. Only lightly could you smell him, the scent blockers working unfortunately too well. Carefully and gently, he ran his chin over the crown of your head and your temples, sighing out in content.
„...There, all better,” he chuckled softly, running his hands over your back.
"It's okay, oppa; it's only for a little while."
"Only a little while, that's right, my love... We will be back before you know it.” You nodded solemnly, letting his tender hands manoeuvre you to the dark couch in the room. The alpha couldn't help but coo at you softly.
You were so tired, having been exhausted from all the stress piling up at you all at once – school, the holidays, and now the media and sasaengs stress, all new for you – he wished he could just take it all away, break you out of this spell of anxiety, but all their attempts were futile, it seemed.
You allowed the older to help you settle down, cosying you between the haphazardly thrown jackets and jumpers – their jackets and jumpers – softly humming a tune for you. Your fingers tightened around his as he crouched down just before the couch, looking at you fondly.
And with as much courage as you could muster, you looked up, curled up in the messiest nest imaginable. It was barely anything, but this was far from the ideal situation to begin with.
It was just about the start of December.
Your school was loading you with projects and assignments, and they themselves were drowning in promo shoots, competitions, dance recitals and now, newly, you.
The soft, sweet omega seemed to have dropped straight out of heaven, Seonghwa thought, as he brushed a strand of your hair behind your ear.
"Are you sure you want to eat later, honey? There's plenty of food here, and anything you want, alphas can get you. Just say the word and—”
"Seonghwa-ssi! Two minutes!”
But the alpha didn't even glance back; the only reaction he showed was the way his palm tightened around yours, his thumb brushing over your knuckles tenderly.
“You are going now, oppa...?” You mumbled sleepily, staring up at him with big glossy eyes. He sucked in a breath, closing his eyes for a second.
"Soon, honey, but I'll be back before you know it, remember? Remember what Joongie oppa told you, love?” He encouraged you gently, his other hand adjusting the hoodie you wore around your neck, pulling the hood up. He couldn't help it, not after he noticed the slight chill in the room. And his stage outfit was relatively warm too, the elaborately detailed white jacket going well with the black slacks.
He could only imagine how you were feeling, your body naturally just a degree or two colder than the alpha's healthy range. And the hoodie, Yunho's, he could tell by the smell, was ordinary, not one of those nice ones lined with fleece so soft and cosy it would always keep you warm.
He sighed out as he noticed your little socks peeking just under your jeans. He asked you if you wanted to change into something comfy – it was just after your school hours when you got here. You looked tired as ever when he finally saw you in the sea of staff by one of the back entrances. The alphas arranged for you to be picked up by one of their managers and dropped off at the venue as soon as your school ended – you agreed after their gentle persuasion that they would prefer you to be close rather than home all on your own.
The other night when you discussed this with the pack, they didn't let you know what truly worried them, the alphas only exchanging subtle glances as you cuddled up with them in the living room, closely held by Yeosang on his lap with your legs draped over Jongho.
"We would feel a lot better if you stayed with us, baby. It gets dark early, and you're at school till late... Alphas get worried for their 'mega, baby,” the pack alpha had said, looking at you with a soft frown.
„But I can just get a subway home, it's okay, oppa... I don't want to bother manager Lee-nim...” You mumbled quietly, your voice growing shyer and shyer with each passing word, having Yeosang lean closer and press a warm kiss to your temple. Your fingers tightened on the sleeve of his hoodie as a few of the pack members growled at your last sentence in disapproval.
"Nonsense, cub, you don't bother anyone. She offered to pick you up when we mentioned it, and even if she didn't, she would never ever be bothered by you.” San said, his voice strong as the alpha sat up, his shoulders wide and square in disapproval. You quickly hid your gaze, suddenly finding the few rings you wore very interesting.
"Sweetheart, you know Manager Lee-nim; she is the one who let you borrow the makeup, remember? You played with it and did Woo's makeup, hm? Or would you like to go with a different staff member, cutie?” Yunho chimed in, leaning forward on his knees, his tender gaze meeting yours as he giggled at the memory.
„Yah, hyung, I looked gorgeous, and my pretty girl did a great job! You're just jealous!” The younger smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief as he bumped Yunho's shoulder. The older just laughed, looking down, his cheeks turning pink.
”And is manager-nim really okay with it? Because I—”
“It's more than okay, honey,” the older alpha answered, his gaze steady with no room for argument. Slowly, you nodded your head a little, whispering a soft 'okay oppa', leaning your head on Yeosang's chest, content with listening to his heart for the moment.
"Alright, baby, then alphas will arrange for the pickup, and you come to the venue after lessons... One of us will come get you by the staff entrance so you aren't on your own, hm? You can rest in the backstage, and we will come get you as soon as we can. That sounds good?” You mumbled a 'yea' to Hongjoong's proposal, making the alpha smile.
“Thank you, baby.”
You couldn't tell then and there what really caused the pack members to ask for you to go. After all, you have been spending time with them nearly all the time – in the morning, one of them always saw you off, no matter how hectic their schedule was, scenting you profusely and kissing your forehead just outside your university, and you were almost always picked up by one of them too, as your lessons ended late. And you barely ever stayed in your dorm, sleeping over by theirs more often than not.
Sure, it's been a few months, but things have been going good, great even – you fit right in with them. Of course you did – you were their mate. An omega mated to eight alphas. You couldn't be taken care of better.
Seonghwa sighed out – the alphas asked for you to pack something comfortable for tonight, as god knows how long the award show will take, but you wouldn't give in, no matter what they tried.
They spent the whole evening last night with you in the living room, going through the clothes you have acquired with you over the few weeks of staying in their place, trying their best to convince you that 'no, sweet baby, it's really not a big deal if you wear a tank top and your neck will be visible to the staff, your scent is beautiful and no-one could ever be bothered by it,' and that 'yes, my love, it really is okay to wear sweatpants around the staff, even if there are cameras'.
But all to no avail.
You weren't officially announced as their mate – the thought of you being picked apart by the nasty sasaengs and all other kinds of media made Seonghwa's jaw clench painfully. You were the sweetest thing ever, so polite and kind, saying your "thank yous" and "please" all the time, hard-working as ever and just an all-around such a good girl. But the netizens would never care.
And so, you were shy as ever in front of the cameras that recorded them backstage, even if you were always meticulously censored and protected at all costs so that hopefully no one would catch on before you were all ready, before you were ready.
What would happen if the cameras somehow caught you in cosy pjs, mismatched warm socks, and your messy hair? you fretted.
And as Mingi tried to comfort you that it would not happen, you whimpered, their hearts breaking into a thousand pieces. Seonghwa pulled you to his chest then and there, tucking your face to his scent gland as his calming scent wafted around strongly.
As he measured the other alphas with a glare, he said with finality, "I think that's enough for tonight, guys."
And now, he frowned at how uncomfortable you must be, in your school clothes still, too scared to be truly comfortable in public just yet. But he knew you would get there some day, and all would be well soon.
„Seonghwa-ssi, one minute!” At the faraway yell of the staff member, he gently leaned closer, leaving a small peck just above your nose.
„Darling, Alpha has to go now, okay? Just nap for a bit, and we will be back before you know it. Keep the badge on, honey; don't take it off, please.”
You didn't even respond to him, your eyes fluttering shut before you knew it, cuddled up on the couch between the mess of clothes they placed down for you before. The alpha adjusted the badge spelling 'VIP - ATEEZ' on your neck, noting the bracelet saying the same.
The room was much quieter now, as most of the makeup artists left for a different area of the venue to eat and rest until later. Seonghwa smiled at you fondly before turning away, taking the glittery microphone from the staff, and adjusting his earpiece as he took hurried steps towards the stage.
As he approached, he lined up by his pack members, who looked at him with concerned eyes after noticing your smell wrapped around him. „Is Y/N okay?” Hongjoong asked, the other alphas listening in closely. It was already a big hustle anyway to have one of them leave just before going onto stage to get you, but they made it work.
Seonghwa nodded, saying, “Yeah, she’s asleep.” Their shoulders dropped simultaneously, it seemed. It was scary for them too – they were used to bringing you around the company, but this was the first time you attended an award show with them – practically a concert – and that was different.
As their earpieces sounded in unison, they said a few words of encouragement before going onto the stage, the loud cheers of the fans nearly drowning them. And so, just like that, the night went on, having them perform a variety of their songs in front of the packed stadium.
All went well, with the alphas doing well in hiding any kind of worry behind their strong stage appearance – worry for you. After the last song and the polite thanking of everyone, the members were quick to hurry back to their designated seats – they couldn't find you just yet, even if they wanted nothing more.
The scandal that would ensue should they get up during the performance of any other group would be huge. So, the alphas just bounced their knees nervously, their scents agitated.
Who wouldn't understand? After all, there were very few omegas in general and even fewer in the venue, and you were left on your own, barely scented with no pack mark. Of course, the pack was more than worried.
'But the show must go on', Yeosang thought to himself, his hands in tight fists. They barely could pay attention to any of the other performances, no matter how great they were. All they could think about was their sweet mate.
You, on the other hand, have been resting peacefully – until you weren't.
Seonghwa was careful enough to release his calming scent just before he left, leaving you in a comforting bubble. You lay still, curled up tight, with your arms wrapped around Jongho's hoodie, based on the smell.
No one else was in the dressing room apart from you when you were woken up by discomfort. Something wet and sticky was running down your face, and as your bleary eyes opened, you wiped your cheek on the sleeve of one of the jackets, only to whimper in surprise when you saw the deep dark red stain left behind.
Sitting up dizzily, you coughed a little when you tried to breathe in through your nose, blood splattering just past your puffy lips. Whimpering again, you clumsily wiped at your nose and lips, your fingers tainted red.
Confused and scared, you could barely think straight, worried about what might have just happened to cause you to bleed so profusely from your nose. Your vision still hazy from the disturbed nap, you whined loudly, calling out a soft “Oppa?” seeking the alphas, which were usually never far from reach.
But no one answered.
Clumsily you sat up, coughing and swallowing the blood that started to trickle down your throat. No matter how much you wiped at your face, the blood kept coming, tainting your hoodie and the floor with more and more drops. Standing up, you closed your eyes at the dizzy spell that overtook you, biting your lip.
You knew you had to get someone to help, tears welling up in your eyes when you saw your reflection in one of the pretty mirrors by the side of the dressing room where an array of makeup tools still lay. The pack alpha always told you to look for someone for help when your mind gets fuzzy and it's hard to think about what's right to do next, to find them, or one of the staff members if you couldn't help yourself.
Hongjoong always said that.
And so, in that tired and confused state, blood trailing down your face, the metallic taste in your mouth making you gag and whine, you clumsily opened the door to the dressing room.
Whimpering even louder at all the options, you only saw what felt like hundreds of closed doors, each having a small label describing to which music group the area was designated. No one seemed to be wandering the halls just because, and all the staff you knew had disappeared.
You didn't know that many idols yet – your mates were very careful and selective with whom got to know you, keeping your utmost safety on their mind at all costs.
And so, as your vision swam, your fingers shaking as you leaned on the door, you were too anxious to open the door that stood just before you, the label spelling out 'STRAY KIDS'. But to your surprise, before you could will your confused and tired mind to think even for a little bit longer, the door opened on its own.
And out came a young man, looking no older than you and your mates were, his eyes widening almost comically in shock at your state.
"Oh – are you okay? What—”
The alpha gasped, taking a tentative step closer, his hands outstretched towards you. You sniffled, a soft whimper leaving you, as you looked towards where the stage and the main event were located, praying that for whatever reason one of your mates would come walking to you – but it never happened.
„Hey, you should sit down—” The idol fretted, his eyes wide in worry as more and more blood came gushing from your nose.
„C-Can you take me to my m-mates please...?” You whimpered, glossy eyes staring up at him in a haze.
He didn't say anything for a little moment, before it seemed to click for him, noticing you were by the 'ATEEZ' dressing rooms.
„What's your name?” He asked gently, moving to hold the door open for you as he gently ushered you back into the room.
„Y/S Y/-N...” you whispered softly, whimpering as you saw the blood drops leading a trail towards the couch, to whom the alpha took you again, careful not to touch you.
You were an omega after all, that much being obvious the moment he noted your scent – soft and sweet. And he was an alpha, and leaving his scent on you, even accidentally, would lead to a lot more trouble. He was also an idol. And you were mated, the subtle scent on you mixing with yours loud and clear. Even more trouble.
"I'm Han Jisung. Who's your pack alpha? Is it someone from the staff?” The alpha said as gently as possible, trying his best to not let his nerves show. There was a lot of blood, and as he handed you a box of tissues, it barely seemed to help at all.
You sat down on the couch again, whimpering softly at the fading scents of your mates. Choking a little on the blood trickling down your throat, Jisung sucked in a breath sharply.
„Put your face down. Y/N-ssi...there, good...what's the name of your alpha?”
„...Kim H-Hongjoong...” The alpha perked up at the familiar name.
„Hongjoong hyung? From ATEEZ?” You nodded shakily, your fingers wrapping tight on the jacket that you were sitting by. Jisung said something else, but you could barely hear him over your heart booming in your ears quickly, your vision swimming as you ducked your chin lower, the blood rushing from your nose dripping all over your jeans.
You closed your eyes, feeling nauseous at all the red liquid coating your hands, your clothes, all over your chin, nose and lips, the jumpers of your mates. You whimpered at the thought, not liking that the clothes were being ruined.
Just how upset would your mates be when they learnt you completely messed up the clothes they so kindly prepared for you tonight?
No help seemed to be any of the tissues you held up to your gushing nose, soaked up nearly immediately. This was really scary, you decided, fluttering your eyes open just a sliver to look for Jisung, only to find him gone.
When did he leave?
You didn't even hear the doors shut, disoriented and tired. Sniffling only to cough up more blood, you curled up into yourself tighter, closing your eyes once again.
You felt funny, like you were floating, your heart beating in your ears in an almost overwhelming way. Louder and louder, going thump-thump-thump.
You gasped and whimpered in shock when you felt the touch on your face. You slowly fluttered your eyes open, your vision swimming for a little moment, only to come face to face with San.
His brows were furrowed, his eyes frantic, and his lips were moving, but you somehow couldn't hear anything he was saying; the world around you underwater.
The alpha was kneeling down before you, his black jacket crinkled, his hair slicked back for the award show performance. And, by his hands, you noticed a small red smear – and all came back to you, the imaginative lid placed over the world lifting.
"...to face down, baby, please." Finally his voice reached you, the alpha speaking quickly with the kind of worry lacing his words that you had never heard coming from him quite like this before. You blinked the haze away, whimpering loudly, your own bloody hand reaching for him, finding its purchase on his forearm.
"Oppa..." San took your hand in his in an instant, not flinching at the sticky warmth now on his own fingers.
"I'm here, cub. I'm right here. Now face down, baby; it will help." The older man said quickly, and only then did you really notice the pressure his other hand was gently applying on the back of your neck, allowing him to angle your face down.
„There you go, good girl...” He encouraged you softly, his anxious scent clouding all the area around you. Slipping his hand from yours, he took a few tissues, carefully holding them to your bleeding nose.
“Alpha is here, cub; it's okay now.” San said reassuringly, clenching his jaw in worry as he noticed just how much you were bleeding. And god knew for how long too; his chest tightened even further at that thought.
Did you fall and hit yourself by accident?
Is your nose broken?
Should he take you to the hospital?
His own mind was running haywire. Just then did the door swing open, and in came running Mingi. The alpha took a few long steps over to both of you by the couch, hastily kneeling down like San did just a few moments ago.
"Hyung, they didn't have any ice, but I got some water from the fridge, and I asked for medicals, but the beta is busy now, and we can't have the alphas touch her—"
"I know Mingi, I know, goddamnit—" San breathed out, counting to five mentally, trying to calm himself down.
There was a medical team, but for some reason there was only one beta among them, as no idols were omegas. You whined at the sudden coldness on the back of your neck, your eyes snapping to face the younger alpha, who only smiled at you in reassurance.
“Sorry princess, but it will help, cutie; Alpha promises.”
“What happened, baby?” The older one asked tenderly, his fingers delicately squeezing just above your nostrils.
”...I do—don't know...” You mumbled shakily, whining, having Mingi gently kiss your temple. "It's okay, princess, it will stop soon. Just a nosebleed.”
The alpha paid no mind to the fact that his stage outfit was white and his pants and coat were stained with blood as he carefully wiped away at your chin and lips with a tissue. San frowned further as the bleeding kept on going, his thumb running over your knuckles – to calm you or him, you didn't know. He clicked his tongue softly, taking more napkins.
"Fuck..." He mumbled, Mingi leaning closer at his loud concern. „...it's not letting up.” The younger alpha pursed his lips at that, his long fingers running through your hair, his scent wrapping around the strands.
"Did you fall, princess? Does anything hurt?” You shook your head a little, your teary eyes finding his, making the alpha sigh out and give your forehead a long kiss.
"I woke up like this..."
“Okay, baby, just hold on a moment; you're our strong girl, hm?”
“Come here, princess...” Mingi mumbled quietly, carefully pulling you onto his lap to lean against his chest, holding the cool bottle to the back of your neck. Just then you accidentally breathed in through your nose, the iron taste coating your tongue as you coughed, swallowing the nasty-tasting liquid.
"No, no, baby, you have to spit it all out; you can't swallow it, my cub, here..." San fretted, alarms sounding off in his head. If you swallowed too much blood, you were bound to throw up, and that would most definitely help.
Cupping a hand under your lips, he gently said, “Spit it out, cub.” Listening to the alpha, you willed yourself to let the spit and blood coating your mouth drip onto his palm. Your mate didn't say a thing, just tutting softly when you coughed a little again, wiping the mess into a different tissue.
„Good girl,”
The younger praised, pecking your temple as his palms rubbed your waist in reassuring circles. It took a good few minutes before the blood slowed down even a little, the alphas exchanging worried glances that slowly eased up as time went on.
Very carefully San wiped at your lips and nose, catching the blood as much as possible. “See, already better, baby girl.” He whispered, smiling at you reassuringly. Just then did the door open again, your eyes opening tiredly again to see a staff member.
“San-ssi, Mingi-ssi, you're to receive an award now; please come to the main stage immediately.” The older man left no room for argument, barely glancing at the bloody napkins everywhere.
„A minute please!” San called, not even turning back as he continued to caress your cheek and hold your nose to stop the bleeding.
„Please come immediately; your bandmates are waiting on stage.” You felt Mingi's hands tighten around you, his scent spiking up in annoyance. Your mates weren't dumb – they too saw Jisung hastily rush to them to tell them about what was happening. And the only reason why all of them weren't here at the same time was simply because of the possibility of a huge scandal, since a girl group was just performing.
And so, Mingi and San, who sat closest to the backstage entrance, were those who went – carefully weaving in between the other groups and idols, politely bowing to everyone.
But fear not – as soon as they slid through the doors to the backstage, they sprinted through the maze of corridors, taking the quickest route to their designated area. When they finally made it, their chests heaving, it was first your distressed scent that greeted them, pooling around the entire area. And once inside the room, San could only gasp at the blood surrounding your fragile, curled-up body. It was all over your face, dripping from your chin onto your legs as you clumsily tried your best to wipe it away, only to make a bigger mess.
„Baby? Oh my god...”
The older of the two rushed to you, dropping to his knees by your form, Mingi only a step or two behind him, his own shaking hands finding your shoulder in a comforting touch. But you didn't even look at them, your eyes closed shut as you whimpered softly, your breathing raspy and shaky.
„Hey, hey, princess, come now, what happened? Where does it hurt?” No response greeted the younger alpha, his eyes widening in worry as San pulled out many tissues and gently started to dab at your face, catching as much blood as possible.
“Fuck, that's a lot, hyung...” He said quietly, carefully cleaning around your chin himself. The older alpha didn't spare him a glance, only growling a little in distress. They expected bad, but not this bad.
„Get some ice; we have to put it on her neck Mingi-ah, and look for the medical team; there should be a beta.”
„Okay, yeah.” Your mate answered hastily, dropping a quick peck on your temple, leaving you with San. The older one kept on talking to you kindly, asking you questions, but you didn't seem to hear him, though your whimpers let up after his calming scent seemed to reach you.
The others knew something bad was going on; that much was obvious. The alphas felt their chests tighten at the drama this would cause – them missing while receiving an award, streamed live. This was bad.
"Baby, cub, listen, okay? Can you do that for me?”
The wide-shouldered man asked tenderly, trying his best to hide the urgency in his voice. You looked up at him, with the most vulnerable eyes he has ever seen on you, having him clench his jaw even tighter. His mates would understand – but the media would never, he reminded himself.
"We have to go now, baby, but we will come back really soon, okay? Before you count to a hundred, I promise. Stay right here and keep holding your nose like this – ...there you go, good girl...” The alpha's heart was breaking at your confused eyes, your shaking hands holding a few tissues by yourself now.
Carefully, Mingi placed you on the couch, rubbing your back, his own eyes concerned and worried. This was far from an ideal situation.
"Hold on just a bit more, princess. It will be okay.” And so with him giving you the cool bottle to hold on your own, ignoring his instinct to have him do it himself, he too got up. It felt wrong – no, even worse – to leave you behind like this, shaking and scared of all the blood. But they did what they had to, following the staff member with quick steps to the main stage where the lights shone bright as ever on the rest of their bandmates, waiting anxiously.
As soon as San and Mingi climbed the few steps, the crowd roared with cheers and clapping, but the world seemed separate from everything else but their mates, whose eyes didn't hide their upmost worry.
And, as Hongjoong spoke with a schooled expression and clever language, thanking everyone profusely, San could only exchange a few glances with the others, mouthing subtly to Seonghwa: 'it's bad'. The older alpha breathed in sharply at that before he too calmed his expression to a soft smile for the cameras.
It almost dragged on forever, it seemed, and they could not think about anything else – not the award, their fans, or the media – but you. Finally, as the last applause sounded around, they bowed low and started to make their way off of the stage.
With that, the award was completely forgotten, all of them rushing to the backstage.
„What do you mean 'bad'?! What happened? Is she okay?” Seonghwa rushed out, agitated worry clouding his mind.
„I don't know; she was bleeding from her nose when we came there, and there was so much blood—”
“And it wasn't stopping, hyung, and the only free workers from the medical team are all alphas!” The two men rushed out. A low curse rang out from the group as their steps hastened. As the room came closer and closer, they noticed the door was open – something they most definitely didn't do.
Rushing in, Yunho sucked in a breath, noticing you weren't alone – but he calmed down just as quickly. Sitting in the middle of the couch was you, looking tired and scared, with your eyes glossy and scent distressed, in his hoodie, stained and dirtied now.
And sitting next to you, far enough not to impose, was their main makeup artist – manager Lee. The older beta was saying something to you kindly as she ran a small washcloth over your face, having you nod a little in response. The bleeding has mainly stopped now, it seemed, much to their relief, even if your surroundings were still flooded by bloody tissues.
„Love?” Hongjoong called, his hurried footsteps stopping only once he was very close to you, his hands laying down on your knees as he crouched before you.
With a shaking hand you wiped away the stray tears, whining at all of their attention – Yunho now sat tentatively close to you, running your stray hairs behind your ear, and Jongho sat on your other side, his arm wrapping around your shoulders.
"'m sorry, oppa..." You whispered, feeling bad for all the trouble they must have gone through. The kind makeup artist stood up, waving off Yeosang and Seonghwa, who were quick to bow deeply as they thanked her profusely for staying with their mate.
"No apologising, baby. Alpha just needs to know you're okay,” the pack alpha said, leaving no room for argument.
The entire night you were fretted over – and they never returned to the music show after, ignoring their managers who advised them to go back to sit by the audience.
Closely held in Wooyoung's lap, you let Jongho cut up the fried chicken into small pieces, and as you ate, you occasionally placed some between Wooyoung's waiting lips, receiving a gentle peck in return. The alphas didn't let you out of their sight that night – or the day after, being worried about the blood loss, scared you might pass out and hurt yourself.
And, as you went to sleep that night, wearing Hongjoong's shirt, you allowed Seonghwa to hold you tight, his scent all around as he left kiss after kiss on your temple.
