Chapter Text
Thursday
Minghao met his mate during college at Pledis University. He’s never seen the guy before, even though his mate would be someone who’s hard to miss, since his mate was literally a walking tree. Jihoon had said, “I don’t like him”, but Minghao suspected it was because of Mingyu’s height. Yeah- Mingyu was his mate.
Which sucked because he was in love with Wen Junhui- who wasn’t. Even. A. Werewolf. Godammit .
Wen Junhui, freaking Jun , was the only vampire attending Pledis University, and one of the last few vampires to actually exist on the planet. Oh yeah, he was also the guy Minghao met and developed a crush on in a year, but Jun was dumb and cute and probably straight, so yeah, Minghao’s crush was unrequited.
The idea of mates had always seemed absurd to him because he was expected to spend the rest of his life with someone you just met. And it’s not love that mates feel- it’s lust.
“Ha, that must suck.” Was what Jun had said when Minghao had talked (more like complained) to him about the whole mating system. Jun was not destined to be with someone. He could be with anyone. Especially with his dumbass beautiful face.
Mingyu was Minghao’s partner, which was how they met. At Pledis University, every student got a partner- kind of like a forced friend. Partners were there for reference if anyone needed help of any sorts, and there was a mandatory meet up for every partner once a week. Supposedly, this partner system was so that no student was completely alone.
What rotten luck that Minghao’s partner was his mate.
He stood in the auditorium (which was where partners met up for the first time) in front of the towering sky scraper that was Kim Mingyu. Neither werewolves talked to one another. They didn't have to- they were mates. As of now, they were just getting used to each other's presence.
Both werewolves knew they were bonded. It was something Minghao had often thought about. How was he supposed to know when he had met his mate? But he knew. It was a feeling that washed over him, like discovering a new color he couldn't have imagined existed. Mingyu had a warm, sweet sort of scent. There was an aura around the other boy- the other werewolf - that appealed to him. Boys did not have scents or auras- supernatural beings did. Jun’s scent was like winter air- not that it had to do with anything.
Jun appeared next to Minghao, his partner, a girl called Moonbyul, was off talking to Solar, whom Minghao had met on his first day there.
Jun was the type of person that liked physical contact, so he bounded towards Minghao and hugged his arm, “Hey, Hao!” He greeted brightly. Jun was bright for a vampire.
Mingyu growled, a low, almost inaudible sound, at the contact. Minghao scowled back.
“You’re scent is on him.” Mingyu said, his remark directed at Jun.
Jun curled his lips, “Jealous much?”
Dumb, stupid Jun. He didn’t understand how territorial a mate could get, especially an alpha for that matter. “Jun.” Minghao warned, “He- He’s my mate.” The words got caught in his throat.
Minghao did not turn to look at Jun, but he felt the vampire stiffen next to him, and then release his grip on the werewolf’s hand. “Oh.” Jun said, stepping away. His absence was very evident to Minghao, and he wished the vampire was back next to him. “Sorry, I guess.” The vampire apologized in a weary tone, and walked away, faster than usual.
“Alright students,” a voice said into the mic, “You’ve had ample time to spend with your partners, now it’s time to head to class. You will see you’re partners again next week, at this exact time. The meetup spot next week will be in the library. Have a great day!”
Minghao stared back warily at the male before him, not too sure if he liked his mate all that much. When Mingyu didn't say anything, he turned around and grabbed his backpack, prepared to leave. With any luck, he could walk off this day as a bad dream.
But there wasn't much luck because Mingyu reached out to take his hand.
Minghao would be lying if he said he didn’t feel attracted to Mingyu. It was kind of like a pulling sensation in his chest. And Mingyu was... heck his mate was handsome . Mingyu was tall, muscular, and had a radiant smile that came with beautiful lips. But like Minghao had said- He felt lust, not love.
“Meet me… meet me today. At the cafe after class.” Mingyu whispered into his ear. Minghao nodded, because it was all he could do. That guy was his mate. Jesus.
Minghao turned to look for Jun, but saw him already walking out with Wonwoo. They made eye contact for a split second before Jun turned away and continued chatting with his friend.