Chapter Text
"Are you out of your dear mind?" Sunoo's voice echoed in their room, Jungwon's head shooting up at what Jaeyun just said.
They were sitting in the eldest omega's room, talking after three full days of not seeing one another.
"Sunoo, I'm too old to marry now", he exhales and, with great difficulty, looks at the two other omegas, both on his bed, "You know we need the money father cannot get right now. And there is a much bigger chance of me getting a good pay as a governess than marrying rich. To someone I at least like."
The two omegas knew that that was probably true. Their father couldn't afford to let all three of them live off of his money. Their family used to get money from their father's allowance that he got as a mayor of their town, but, as he is retired now, none of them can afford to stay here for very long.
Jaeyun has overdue his stay here anyway.
He is reaching 22, far too old for an omega to marry good now. Someone should take pity on him and marry him then.
When Jaeyun was 15, at his first ball that he attended with his parents, he met a young alpha that lived up to his expectations. Look-wise he was a given wonder, and his manners didn't disappoint. However, Jaeyun left that ball without the alpha's name, age or anything besides the fact that he knew his passion was art. He did not get a good whiff of his scent, assuming the alpha wore some aromatic oils.
Jaeyun would like to think of him as his first love. They have spent that lovely evening wondering the gardens and not one ball came near that one. Jaeyun had the most fun there and he will always think of that alpha as the first alpha that liked him.
And alphas after, that talked to Jaeyun and wanted to ask for his hand in marriage, never met his expectations.
He has told the story of that alpha only to his mother on their way home. She said that the alpha, the mere boy, wouldn't make not even close to a fortune if he proceeds to be an artist. Jaeyun kept quiet.
His third ball was with his younger brother, Sunoo.
Sunoo, now 20, has a much more fulfilling love life than Jaeyun. He is dancing around a tall alpha sergeant with broad shoulders and white pearly teeth. Their relationship can best be described as complicated, but the both of them are well aware that at any moment now, they shall marry, for both their families sake.
The sergeant was first a friend of Jaeyun's, an alpha who made sure he came home safe when their butler couldn't be there to pick him up from the park. They've known each other since very little, and most thought that the two would mate and marry one day. However, once sergeant Park Sunghoon met Sunoo, Jaeyun's younger brother, that all was wiped away.
Jaeyun was happy about his friend and brother, but he couldn't help but imagine what if it was him? Because Park Sunghoon was a good alpha, an alpha that respectfully teases and thoughtfully remarks people, omegas and alphas alike. Jaeyun wouldn't be too sad to marry such an alpha.
That is, until he was 15 and met an artist that made his breath get caught in his throat.
Jungwon, the youngest of the three, only 17, is set to marry a colonel at the age of 18, Park Jongseong. Jungwon hadn't met him yet, but since he was 14, they've been exchanging letters.
It freaked Jaeyun out when he was 19 and they started exchanging letters. Park Jongseong is his age, 19 at the time, today 22. He couldn't imagine that his baby brother was talking to one of his peers.
And even then, when their parents made Jungwon the bait, made him the sacrificial lamb of the family and threw him out there for a colonel to marry, Jaeyun felt envy run down his spine. He felt as if their parents knew no one would want Jaeyun, albeit young and ready to marry.
That didn't mean Jaeyun had no suiters when he was younger. He had plenty, and they all made him feel better, but none of them made him feel the thrill and rush that the alpha boy from his first ball did. Maybe his family knew he had standards too high for his own good? But that wouldn't stand in the way of making some money, would it?
At first, Sunoo was their choice to marry off. Sweet, adorable and sugary to the eyes, appealing, soft and delicate. However, Sunoo fought greatly for his right to choose, and their parents knew well that their Sunoo was well over promised to Park Sunghoon, then future sergeant of their army.
When they came to Jungwon, the youngest omega only blushed in embarrassment before nodding his head. He didn't have anything to lose since he didn't know what he could lose.
"Jaeyun hyung, this cannot be your last resort!" Sunoo still stood in his place, voice slightly high in pitch. Jungwon was laying on his stomach, watching the exchange.
"Sunoo", Jaeyun started, "Must you be so loud? I do not see a bad thing in being a teacher to young omegas and alphas! We had our own governess, didn't we? Remember Mrs. Sooyoung? She was so very lovely that we are in contact to this day!"
Sunoo was about to spurt some more nonsense before Jungwon sat up, "Sunoo hyung will you calm down for a second?" He pleaded, one of his hands grabbing his older brothers dress and sitting him down, "Jaeyun has the right to choose what he wishes to do with his life. We don't have a say in this."
And Sunoo, albeit with slight hesitation, calmed down and exhaled, "I apologize, hyung, but I cannot help to think how much better it would be for you to marry than for you to work."
And Jaeyun saw that. He was aware that it would be much better than working everyday and dealing with good and bad kids. But he was smart and intelligent. He felt as if his brain would go to waste if he doesn't pass this knowledge along.
Mrs. Sooyoung favored Jaeyun all throughout their childhood.
Jungwon was very calm and collected but imaginative. He thought too hard about the unimportant and as such, didn't impress their governess as she was a woman of hard work and diligent studying.
Sunoo was a free spirit that couldn't care less about reading and acting as the good omega their governess wanted them to be. He looked the part, sure, bute acted too freely for her liking.
Jaeyun was, like Jungwon, calm and collected, however what differed from his younger brother was his passion for wanting to know more from their governess. When Mrs. Sooyoung thought them about whatever they were to be thought, Jaeyun would diligently absorb it all and talk about those topics with her.
Mrs. Sooyoung used to tell Jaeyun one sentence over their teaching period: Jaeyun, my dearest omega, don't ever marry an alpha that isn't as intelligent as you.
It might've been this sentence that put him in this place first, unmarried and alone. Because that was the root of his relations with alphas.
Any time he met an alpha that took an interest in him, he asked him a few questions and realized, through time, none of them were even half as educated as Jaeyun himself. And that was saying a lot, he was an omega in an alpha world. Which led him to rejecting most marriage proposals he had gotten. And those he hasn't gotten... He will forever think about.
Mrs. Sooyoung had many hard opinions about their family. She was very adamant on 'fixing' Sunoo's wild behavior and 'taming' Jungwon's curiosity. She told Sunoo that he would never have an alpha that will like his wild brain and senseless decisions.
Yet, Sunoo found Sunghoon Park. A boy that swore on his grave that he shall wed Sunoo once he's free of duty in the land and returns to the city for good. For now, the two see each other about once every month, at the ball their town sets. And there, everyone could see their bond shine.
If not at a ball, sergeant Park sometimes stops by their house when his unit is placed near the city. Overall, their bond is strong, considering the little time they have with each other.
Mrs. Sooyoung was right about many things, but she never anticipated an even wilder Park Sunghoon coming after Sunoo.
The sergeant was one of great focus and aim, however when with Sunoo, he was playful and fun, always eager to share stories and entertain his future spouse.
Mrs. Sooyoung also told Jungwon that his future alpha will be one of not much brain to choose a scrawny little omega and mate with him.
Because after mating came children and family life, which, according to Mrs. Sooyoung, Jungwon wasn't capable of.
Day today, Jungwon gets insecure when a certain Park Jongseong mentions mating and family, because really, when he saw him, would he want a family with him? Maybe that's the reason Jungwon agreed to be engaged to someone he doesn't even know. He wants to be loved, he wants it dearly.
Jungwon got this whole arranged engagement after their father found out about the town wanting to put him away as their first mayor. He had to secure some money, so he reached out to his friends from other towns and secured Jungwon to a wealthy family, the family giving half the price of marrying Jungwon then, which still gives their family security.
"Hyung, she was lovely only to you", Sunoo rolls his eyes, "We always got on her nerves", he added and threw himself back on the bed, his back hitting Jaeyun's soft mattress.
Jaeyun exhaled at that, "Whatever she told you two wasn't the truth. She just wanted to scare you into submission", he says and Sunoo scoffs.
"And she never did that to you because you were so submissive? Hyung, you stand your ground better than most alphas in this town", he smiles gently at the older, the older exhaling.
"Exactly why it would be best to be a governess", he says and Sunoo momentarily stops smiling, Jungwon sighing.
"If that's really what you think is best for you, we will always support you, always know that", Sunoo finished, standing up and walking to the eldest omega, hugging him by his neck.
Jungwon hummed in agreement, going to the two and hugging them both.
-
He cannot get his hopes up.
He is aware that this job of being a nurse to the old lady in their town isn't what he wishes to be in his life, care for the elderly and disabled, however he is eager to apply to this job because he has to start somewhere.
But how could he be better than so many omegas that applied to the same position? He isn't half as skilled as Miyeon Cho from a couple blocks away, or half as lovely as Hyunjin from the family of smiths.
However he is sure to give his best to lady Lee.
Lady Lee wasn't rich. She wasn't half as rich as they used to be when their father was the mayor. However, she was hiring and Jaeyun wanted to be hired.
Plenty of omegas with dresses less lavishing than Jaeyun's sat in that room. Most of them were talking amongst themselves, some gossiping about why the last mayor's eldest son was here.
Jaeyun understands why they are asking that, he would ask the same if not in this place.
For a split moment, he felt like he was stealing a spot for one of these omegas. Most of them come from lower income families than him, however he is still trying for the same job as them. If Sunoo was near him, he would say how they probably feel honored that they have been given a chance near someone as the one of the Sim omegas.
He watched as one by one, the omegas stood up and walked into the room where lady Lee was summoning them, taking to them one by one. All of them exited smiling and brightly leaving. Jaeyun wonders if for him it would be the same.
Once he hears his name being said by the tall butler by the door, he stands up and goes to enter the room, taking one last glance at the omegas who were all watching him.
If he succeeds in getting this job, his family, that isn't in the worst debt of all, will get money while they, who might need the job more, will not succeed. And that scares Jaeyun.
If he gets the job, he helps his family, but sets back families of so many omegas waiting here, probably to uphold their families.
He sighs shakily.
Should he do good or do bad here?
-
Dearest Jongseongie-hyungie,
I am deeply sorry for not being able to write back to you these couple of weeks. I was itching to write you a letter, but a lot was happening here at home, and I wanted to put it all into one letter.
Mother wanted to gear us all up for the incoming ball, more than before. She wants Sunoo-hyung to be engaged by the next ball, which means she wants Jaeyunnie-hyung and I to care for him more than before, so he looks as sweet as ever to meet his beloved at the ball.
Jaeyunnie-hyung has also been wanting to help father and wants to become a governess. Sunoo-hyung isn't very fond of that but he knows that he should not dote on him too much, for he is his own person and commander now, with him being an unwedded omega.
Jaeyunnie-hyung has been searching for a governess job these past two weeks but he hadn't been of much luck. At the moment he is helping one sick lady in our town as her nurse. She is lovely and Jaeyunnie is fond of her, but she isn't of rich decent, so the pay isn't so good as to help us much.
That's why Jaeyunnie isn't at home as much. So I am left with Sunoo and his wishes. He doesn't wish a lot these past few days. He has been praying diligently. I think he's afraid sergeant Park will not agree to marry. I think that is utterly foolish.
Father is still barely making ends meet and if Sunoo is to be wedded, it would help out a lot.
I know that by now, you are eager to send us money and goods, for I know that this might concern you, hyung. But just know that I won't except it. You've helped us heaps over the time and I do not think I could be of any more embarrassment than now.
How have you been, hyung? Are things going well with the commanders? You know I am always there for you and you can tell me anything.
Please write back when you can,
My sincerest wishes to you, my beloved.
Your Jungwonnie.
-
Lady Lee was a well respected albeit a bit poor old lady that resided in their town from the moment it was built.
She wasn't too hard to handle, clingy - yes, but she was never too much. Jaeyun got along with her just fine. She needed help and Jaeyun was there to help her.
His pay wasn't anything grand, some less shillings than if he worked as a governess for a town family.
However her mediocre state in society, she loved the balls this town made.
She would dress in one of her old dresses and sit around, talking to her friends and watching young couples dance.
Usually, she would ask one of her friends for advice and help in dressing up, however with Jaeyun, she was well equipped with help and opinion.
"Lady Lee", the guards greet her, "You look quite nice tonight", they said, bowing to the lady and Jaeyun, letting them inside.
"All thanks to my helping hand", she smiles, gripping Jaeyun's forearm. Jaeyun shared a fond look with her, the two omegas making their way to one of the corners of the room, on the way there they both take a glass of red wine to accommodate themselves.
Once there, Jaeyun looks around to find his two brothers and his parents.
While his eyes are flitting over the people there, they meet a tall figure clad in red uniform. Jaeyun smiles and waves at the alpha that makes eye contact with him.
Lady Lee watches him for a second before her face turns into one of recognition, "Sergeant Park", she says when the male is close to the two, the two omegas bowing to him before the alpha does so too.
"Lady Lee", he says, taking her hand and kissing it before turning to Jaeyun, "Jaeyunnie", his smile is bigger now and so is Jaeyun's.
"Sunghoonie", he says and almost goes for a hug, before he backtracks. They're in public and it would be highly inappropriate to hug or even touch an alpha who isn't your wedded spouse. It's even worse when one of them is to be wedded and the other is not. He shouldn't be calling him Sunghoonie either.
They avert their eyes to lady Lee who was already looking at the distance, waving to another elderly lady. The lady trudges her way to their corner and starts a talk with lady Lee, loud enough for the other two to whisper to each other unknowingly.
"So", the alpha starts, "Where shall I find your brother?" He asks and Jaeyun hums, looking around once more.
"I do not think my family has arrived yet. I accompanied lady Lee here", the omega says and the alpha leans his back on the wall behind them.
It's quiet for a few seconds, neither knowing what to say. Jaeyun hadn't seen the alpha in a while, approximately about 2 months ago since he was sick to go to the last month's ball.
Sunghoon decided to break it, "I have heard you decided to become a governess", he speaks up and Jaeyun resists the urge to roll his eyes.
"If you want to belittle my decision, you should just keep quiet", he says and looks away, at the two old omegas next to them that were laughing quietly.
Sunghoon snorts, "Why would I do such things?" He questions and Jaeyun quickly turns his head to him, "If anything, it is a brave act. And as a part of the military, I condone bravery, dear Jaeyun."
Jaeyun is left speechless for a second. No one has reacted good to his decision of becoming a governess, "Oh", he clears his throat, "You are the first person to think so", he tells him and Sunghoon just gently smiles.
"I am aware that most omegas your age are aching for an alpha to uphold them", Jaeyun rolls his eyes, "And you're opposing that. And it is very brave of you, dear Jaeyunnie, to go against the common people."
Jaeyun feels a smile creep up his features. Sunghoon could really surprise him sometimes. He's a special alpha to think that way.
When he makes that revelation, he remembers his parents nagging him and Jungwon to pester and pamper Sunoo up for this evening. Sunghoon should ask Sunoo to marry him already.
Jaeyun is aware that Sunoo will not confront him when it comes to this situation. So, as any good older sibling would do, he takes matters into his own hands.
"So, dearest Sunghoon", Jaeyun starts, looking up at him, "When shall you marry to my brother?" He asks, not wanting to prolong this.
Sunghoon's face reddens when he hears the words, inhaling sharply at them and looking away, "What might you mean of that?"
Jaeyun smirks, "You know Sunoo is expecting something of you. We all, as a family, are. We all like you and want you with us. With Sunoo", he wants to appear gentle and as a voice of advice and reason so his voice goes an octave higher. It seems to ease Sunghoon.
"You are aware that you want Sunoo to be an omega of a sergeant? We travel quite often, so you know. Do you think Sunoo will mind it? If he will, he'll have to wait some more time so I can move up in the range of officers."
Jaeyun is aware of it. So he smiles and puts his chin up, "And are you, sergeant Park, well aware that my brother is in love with you and willing to follow you wherever? Because if you aren't, I will have to enlighten you."
Sunghoon's ears are a bright red and Jaeyun is ready to tease him some more when the sergeant cleared his throat, but lady Lee spoke up next to them, "Sergeant Park?"
The both of them seem to straighten their back at her voice.
"Yes, lady Lee?" The tall sergeant asks back politely, a slight smile adorning his features, trying to appeal to the woman.
"Can I speak to you for a moment?" She asks him, turning her eyes from her friend to Jaeyun, "Alone, if that is possible."
And that's how Jaeyun found his place at a table with two other older omegas, both friends of lady Lee. He couldn't stop wondering what they were talking about. Lady Lee and Park Sunghoon know each other only from residing in the same town, that was it.
Once they both started glancing his way as they talked, he grew anxious.
Does it have something to do with him? Maybe lady Lee doesn't like him so she's trying to convince Sunghoon to not marry Sunoo. Oh god, everything but that! That is the single good deed that they were all hoping for! Especially Sunoo!
"Well what might you be thinking about?" He's startled out of his skin when the smooth voice graces his ears, the omega looking to his left where a cat like smile resided on a pair of pretty, soft lips.
"Nothing important. My employer is talking to our brother's future alpha", he huffs and fans his face.
He's been at the house of lady Lee almost full time since he started working, meeting with his family over the weekend and in town with lady Lee alongside him.
That's why his breath gets caught in his throat at his younger brother's look.
He wears a light pink gown with long sleeves and a matching head band that has two thin stripes going down his back and through the whole length of the dress. His dark hair is slightly curly, and his dainty fingers fidget anxiously under the older omega's gaze. His lips are fuller than usual, his eyes also a bit bigger.
"Weren't we supposed to let Sunoo shine tonight?" Jaeyun quirks up a brow, the two meeting eyes for a second. Jungwon takes a seat next to the older and leans on his shoulder.
Jaeyun feels underdressed. He's wearing a light green dress with short sleeves and a pair of white lace gloves. Even his shoes are his normal working ones.
"You haven't seen Sunoo", Jungwon says, "He looks like the most beautiful flower in a garden full of the most beautiful flowers!"
Jaeyun slightly smiles at his brother's choice of words but doesn't say anything about it. He instead looks around the room in search of said flower.
"Where is Sunoo? Since I see you here - oh and father is over there! - but not him, nor mother", he says and scans the room one more time.
"They're in the garden", he says and smiles even bigger, "And I was sent here to get sergeant Park out of here and to Sunoo-hyung", he gently giggles and Jaeyun smiles, "Care to join, hyung?"
He doesn't say anything, just stands up and throws out a hand at Jungwon, the younger taking it gleefully.
Jaeyun can't imagine what they look like. Jungwon, like the pretties omega in the room and Jaeyun, like a maid to him. His cheeks redden at that but he doesn't give it more thought. This isn't about him.
They reach Sunghoon and lady Lee, lady Lee stopping from her rambling to look at the two. The brothers bow and the two who were talking do as well, now all four smiling.
"Sergeant Park", Jungwon starts, a smile itching to get on his face, "Might you accompany me to the gardens? Jaeyunnie-hyung has the duty of looking after the beautiful lady Lee tonight", he says, bowing to the elder omega before looking back up at the sergeant.
"It would be my pleasure", they both bow to lady Lee and Jaeyun, the omegas bowing back again. They part ways and Jaeyun is left smiling at the two leave.
After they disappear around a corner, lady Lee turns to him, "I should have given you my robes", she bites her lip, "I have a set that would fit you perfectly."
Jaeyun smiles at her, "No need, lady Lee. I feel quite comfortable in my wear."
Lady Lee looks him up and down, "You still are an omega son of a great man who did wonders to this town. The point that you have to make your own money is embarrassing enough, you should at least have the nicest robes, my Jaeyunnie", she smiles kindly.
Jaeyun understands that she isn't fond of him working, most older people aren't, but he doesn't blame them, they are another generation.
"Thank you, lady Lee. However I feel quite content in my robes", he says again, lady Lee nodding along and taking him by the arm, resting her head there. Jaeyun's palm grazes lady Lee's hand and they look like a mother and a son, swaying gently to the music.
Outside, Jungwon led Sunghoon to where Sunoo was supposed to be. He sees his mother gently smiling and he knows that Sunoo is in front of her, looking as lovely as ever. He clears his throat, "Sergeant Park", he gets the other's attention, "Sunoo is waiting for you there", he points with his head in a direction before smiling and bowing to the other that was standing still.
Jungwon goes in that direction, taking his mother by the arm and guiding them both inside.
Sunghoon still stands there, however when he sees the bottom of a light blue dress, he clears his throat and walks towards it.
To say that he was shocked would be an understatement.
Sunoo looked outstanding. His pale skin was accompanied with light blue. A dress with short sleeves and slight embroidery at the bottom hugged his body, his light blue lace gloves wrapping around his dainty fingers. His hair, dark and slightly curly, was half covered by a light blue hat, the straps of it going down and over his shoulders, even longer than the dress. His shoes, albeit not the best visible under the dress, were a pretty white with small dainty flowers over it.
Sunghoon was left standing there with his mouth open in awe at the pretty omega.
"Say something, sergeant", Sunoo says, averting his gaze elsewhere. He seems nervous.
Sunghoon exhales and smiles, "I do not think I have ever seen an omega as beautiful as you, Sunoo-shii", he says and it draws a blush to Sunoo's face, "Do you want to take a walk around the gardens?"
Sunoo smiled widely before nodding his head, gripping Sunghoon around his arm as they walked.
It was quiet for some seconds, Sunoo nervously looking around at the garden, pointing out pretty flowers as they walked. Sunghoon was humming when he pointed them out, but nothing more.
Jaeyun gave him a heads up, he told him his family needs him to marry and mate Sunoo, and Sunoo wants to marry him. So naturally, as a bold person that he is, he should ask Sunoo for his hand in marriage.
He gets nervous every time his eyes catch sight of the omega thought. His insides turn at his voice, his skin turns red at his eyes, his whole body vibrates when Sunoo's palm touches the arm that is holding his.
At the same time he feels guilt. If there was a war to happen and Sunghoon is a mere sergeant, not a warrant officer or a lieutenant, Sunoo shall go with him. Because sergeants don't have a paid for place to live in, their wives and omegas are to go with them and hide in the cities closest to battlefields.
And it scares Sunghoon so much, to put Sunoo in any kind of danger.
"Sergeant Park", Sunoo starts, "You seem awfully quiet this evening. Is everything alright?"
Sunghoon spares a glance at him, at his shiny eyes and pretty lips that give him butterflies.
"I.." He sighs and looks around. He should tell Sunoo his worries, tell him why he is this hesitant.
He exhales one more time and when he meets Sunoo's gaze it looks sorry and sad, as if the omega is distressed by his feelings.
Sunghoon knows it's not that, he is a part of the military and as such, he learnt how to control his scent, so Sunoo can't possibly feel his emotions.
"Sunghoon", Sunoo says his name and Sunghoon almost falls back, "You don't have to tell me what is bothering you but-"
"I wish to marry you, Sunoo. I wish to mate with you", he says it finally. Sunoo gasps and takes a hand over his mouth, looking up at the alpha with wide eyes, "I want to spend the rest of my life with you and care for you as best as I can."
A pause, Sunoo sensing Sunghoon isn't done with talking.
"That's why as a mere sergeant, I cannot put you in danger to travel with me to war. It is far too dangerous, my darling", his eyes seem sorry as his palms reach gently for Sunoo's face.
Sunoo laughs, "You know I do not care for that. You are what I want and I will go wherever with you", he tells him taking his wrists into his hands.
"Don't say such things my love. I will never forgive myself if something is to happen to you", he says, "Please, I want to wait, at least until I become a warrant officer. I do not have a place to live with you, for I share a military tent with my peers. No omega is comfortable there", he says, a stray tear rolling down his eye.
Sunoo gasps one more time, looking away briefly before making eye contact with Sunghoon, "My family... They cannot afford for me to live with them. I... I do not know where to go if not to you, my love."
Sunghoon sniffled back and brings their faces close, their foreheads touching, "My dearest Sunoo", he starts, "I wish upon all the stars that see us tonight, that my wish of marrying you is granted. I wish upon the moon that I will once be worthy of your affection. But right now, I have nothing to give you", he sniffles some more and Sunoo does as well, holding tight onto the alpha's wrists.
"Sunghoon, please, kiss me", Sunoo says, opening his eyes and putting distance between them.
Sunghoon's face, wet with tears, makes a happier expression once he sees the big eyes of his beloved, "I am forever grateful to your parents for granting me you and not taking you away. You are my biggest treasure, my love."
He kisses him then, their first kiss. Under the stars and the moon, away from praying eyes and between the flower beds. Sunghoon kisses Sunoo.
It's soft at first, lips meeting lips, their feelings unclear in it since they both are inexperienced in that field. They part for a breath before Sunoo pulls him down once more, this time with feelings.
Sunoo expresses want and sorrow for Sunghoon, expresses his wish to be with him for longer than life. Sunghoon gets ahold of those feelings and puts his hands on the omega's waist deepening it and declaring his emotions swirling from his lips to Sunoo's.
He's deeply sorry he cannot marry his love. That he cannot mate with him. His kiss conveys his deepest desire to marry him right this moment, take his teeth out and smooth the over his neck, but both are aware that that is not possible, however much Sunoo's family wishes for it.
"Sunoo get inside quickly!" They hear a familiar voice, parting from each other and putting distance between them. Sunghoon looks away as Sunoo looks at Jaeyun standing at the entry way to the gardens, mild panic written over his features.
He glances at Sunghoon, "Come with me", he tells him and Sunghoon looks down at him, carefully meeting eyes, before looking up at Jaeyun who looks hurried, one hand beckoning them to come inside.
He puts an arm on Sunoo's lower back and guides them to the other omega, the two running idly to him.
Once there Jaeyun takes Sunoo's hand and pulls him inside.
"What is the matter, brother?" Sunoo asks, eyes casting to Sunghoon who was following behind them.
"Jungwonie", Jaeyun says out of breath, "Colonel Park Jongseong is here!" He screeches out, eyes casting back to the two before back to the front.
Sunoo gasps and Sunghoon inhales quickly.
The three reach the omegas' parents, holding each other's hands and looking up at the alpha that came in, his red uniform adorned with more badges than Jaeyun had ever seen.
Lady Lee is next to their mother and Jaeyun makes an effort to stand next to her and provide her support. But right now, she was squeezing his hand in a calming manner, not the other way around.
Jungwon stood there, in the middle of the room, cheeks as pink as his dress, as the colonel got on one knee and kissed the omega's knuckles.
"Colonel Park", Jungwon utters out and the man in front of him, still kneeling, looks up at him with a soft smile.
"It's general now, my darling", he says and Jungwon, as well as his whole family, gasps and follows the man's movements as he stands up, still holding Jungwon's hand.
-
Lady Lee was a kind women. She had a house that was well kept, with it a small garden where her two dogs ran around in joy and fun as they chased one another. She was so kind to let a certain trio sit in her garden, talking over last night's events.
Jungwon was in the middle with one of his hands in Jaeyun's warm palms and the other in Sunoo's cold ones.
"I cannot believe our younger brother will be the general's omega", Sunoo mutters with a smile, his thumb going over Jungwon's knuckles.
Jungwon is a tad bit overwhelmed by everything, "I still cannot believe I've met him yesterday", he says, a small smile on his face.
Right now, his fiancé is with his father, the both of them walking around town and discussing some important matter the omega's were not invited to know.
Jaeyun only sits back and smiles, "Jungwon", he calls out to him and the youngest looks at his eldest brother, smile evident, "He looks like he really likes you", he says and Jungwon blushes again.
General Jongseong made it a big deal to everyone that Jungwon was his-to-be-omega yesterday night.
The two danced from when the alpha arrived until Jungwon was tired. They exchanged words while dancing, Jungwon smiling big before shying away and averting his gaze elsewhere from the general as to not appear too flustered.
The general was very nice and respectful and it made Jungwon's smile grow.
They've seen each other only from one picture, of fourteen year old Jungwon and nineteen year old Jongseong.
Now, Jongseong looked more grown up and polished, hair not messy but slicked back neatly, his smile shining and accentuating his sharp jaw.
"He told me I looked beautiful", Jungwon says, "And that he has never seen an omega so lovely as I", he is grinning from ear to ear as he says those words.
Sunoo and Jaeyun make eye contact, both nodding idly before sitting on the edge, their hands still intertwined with Jungwon's.
"Our dearest brother", Sunoo starts, "You seem as so he swooned you over and into his arms", he says, grin teasing.
Jungwon blushes again, taking his hands that had both of his brothers' ones in them and covers his face.
"Do not tease!" He laughs, "It is not every day you meet the alpha that is engaged to you", he shyly says, unable to stop a smile from forming.
Jaeyun laughs lightly, "Jungwonnie you look so happy", he tells him, his free hand going to caress Jungwon's cheek.
Jungwon onoy nods, "He seems like the loveliest alpha I have ever met, brothers. He is so well spoken. Only writing letters won't be enough until next year, I have to see him more after today", he says and Sunoo let's out a small laugh.
"You know that now, as a newly made general, he has more duties than ever. It brought him to our town, didn't it? However I hope it will all calm down when you two marry", Sunoo says, squeezing the youngest omega's knee.
Jungwon nods, "I hope father isn't telling him something foolish right now. Especially about our finances. I hope Jongseong doesn't mind him talking much", he says still, looking dazed and thoughtful.
Jaeyun smiles wide, "Oh? Calling him by his first name already?"
Jungwon answers to his teasing with a wide smile, "He calls me 'my darling' and 'my love'. It's different reading it from our letters and hearing it. He sounds so lovely!"
Jungwon leans back on the bench, Sunoo and Jaeyun smiling at him and leaning back as well, all giggling and smiling.
"I apologize to interrupt", a voice comes first, after it a few scents mingled up together, all of them intense to the omegas' noses.
They look to their left where their father stands with General Park and sergeant Park.
The omegas stand up and bow, all smiling at the sight of them.
"Forgive me", the general starts, Jungwon's hold on his brother's hands tightening, "However I am not sure that I have met the two of you", the alpha says as he meets eyes with both Jaeyun and Sunoo.
The omegas smile again, Sunoo getting his hand out first, "I am Sunoo, general Park, Jungwon's older brother", Sunoo says, bowing as Jongseong kisses the back of his hand.
Jongseong goes to Jaeyun and the omega pulls his hand out as well, "Jaeyun, general Park. The eldest son of our family", he says, bowing again.
The general grins at them, "I have heard lots about the two of you, you wouldn't believe it", he says and winks at Jungwon, the young omega blushing.
Their father clears his throat, "I've met general Jongseong with our town now, but I am feeling a bit tired now. Jaeyun, my dear, might you be so good to lead me to a bench inside?"
Jaeyun smiles at his father, taking him by his arm and leading him inside, stealing a glance as the sergeant gets closer to Sunoo and subtly takes his hand.
"What do you think about them?" He hears his father ask and offers him a smile at the question. He knows that, however much they need money, he will not let Jungwon marry someone who is not a good alpha.
"General Park seems quite fond of our Jungwonnie. And Jungwon seems to like him much", he says, smiling and patting his fathers arm as they enter the living room of lady Lee, some of her butlers cleaning around.
"And about the sergeant?" His father asks, "I am aware you have known him for some time", his father supplies and Jaeyun sits him down before asking for two glasses of water from the butler.
Jaeyun smiles lightly, "What might you think of him, father?"
Their father, a not so tall alpha with good build and dark black hair, always wearing suits and hats, puts his gloves down and his hat next to himself. Jaeyun sits on his other side, looking at him.
"He seems quite in love with our Sunoo", he looks away, "I am afraid that Sunoo will get hurt from his position in the army", he says and looks at Jaeyun now, Jaeyun's eyes softening.
"Sunghoon doesn't want to marry him because he's aware there won't be much good since Sunoo will be the omega of a mere sergeant. He strives for a higher position so he could have a home with Sunoo. He really only wants what is best for our Sunoo", he says and pats his fathers hand.
His father puts one hand over his cheek, "Jaeyun, my dear", he starts, eyes sad. Jaeyun sits upright now, looking at his father's eyes, "Am I making a mistake?"
Jaeyun is left sitting down without a word to say to his father.
Their father has always been a strong man. He nearly never cried in front of them or their mother. He believed that it would be best for them to give them everything. When Sunoo asked for lavishing gowns, their father would invest in them. When Jaeyun asked for more books and writing materials, their father bought it for him. When Jungwon would so much as mention how good the pudding from Mrs. May's shop is, he would order at least a dozen of them for him.
He is a good man and wants only what's best for his three omegas and his wife. Jaeyun has witnessed him get into deeper and deeper debt to the town as he lost his position as mayor and, to Jaeyun, it seemed impossible for him to lose his confidant smile. Weather he'd be asking for money from his peers or when he'd reassure Jaeyun about the books he wants but wouldn't get.
So, seeing him sad, it makes him halt before answering.
"Father", he says, calming voice in play, "Sergeant Park is so in love with Sunoo he'd rather put distance between them than risk losing Sunoo. Sunoo isn't stupid either. He knows that Sunghoon wouldn't hurt him", he says to him but his father only looks away again.
"And Jungwon?" He asks, "I quite like the general, but Jungwon is to wed him, give him children and a family. What if it isn't what he wants?" He puts his hand on his knee as he leans forward a bit, Jaeyun putting a hand on his back.
"Father", he smiles, "You asked Sunoo first, to land his hand in marriage to someone. However when he said no to you, you didn't budge further. Jungwon agreed, because he knows that it is needed and he knows that... It gives him hope", he says, looking out of the french door that lead to the garden. Seeing Jungwon smile lightly at the tall general and put a hand over his arm, it makes Jaeyun smile.
"What might you incline to, my darling?" His father asks and Jaeun averts his eyes to his father, looking at him already, wide eyes in play.
Jaeyun smiled, "He was never sure if someone will love him. After some time of writing with the general, Jungwon has grown to know that he is lovable. Do not worry father, your decision saved him", he says, smoothing a hand over his back.
-
Lady Lee was laying down in her bed, her hair cap puffing up and moving as she turned her head to Jaeyun who was knitting Sunoo a scarf.
Lady Lee didn't want to admit her condition was getting worse so Jaeyun didn't budge to tell her to rest more. It was early morning right now, Jaeyun getting up around 5 in the morning to make his way to her house before she woke.
He was sitting in the sofa that was positioned by her bed, a warm scarf thrown over his shoulders and a blanket over his legs.
Over the night, it grew cold. Wind was blowing outside and the whole night it was raining. The weather has worsened severely after general Park left the town.
Sunoo snickers and says that it is because of Jungwon's sad eyes from seeing his future alpha leave and Jaeyun can only smile and agree jokingly.
But this weather was doing no good to poor lady Lee who, like most people her age, was very prone to catching colds and flues.
"Jaeyun", she said right after the clock ticks seven in the morning.
Jaeyun lifts his eyes from his knitting experiment and looks at her, a smile already on his lips.
"Call my sister, please", she says and Jaeyun furrows his brows in wonder.
"Your sister? I was not aware you had one, lady Lee", he says and lady Lee nods.
"We are not fond of one another", she says and exhales, "However I have to tell her my goodbye", she says and Jaeyun sits up in panic.
"What might you mean, lady Lee?" He asks, putting the blanket and the knitting scarf aside to go to her bed and stand next to her.
"Don't play a fool, my Jaeyun", she regards him, "You must be well aware I am at my end. And I do not want to fight it. My time has come. I only want to say goodbye to my sister. Leave on good terms and apologize. She has been nothing but forgiving to me."
Jaeyun wants to furrow his brows, tell her that in a few days she will be better and gain strength, that he will help her get better.
But lady Lee only smiles, "Please, Jaeyunnie. My sister did not see me in years", she says and Jaeyun hesitates.
Lady Lee is strong and, at times, reminds him of his father. But, unlike his father, she will not put up a front when she feels off.
"Alright, lady Lee. I will be back in a few minutes", he tells her and gets up, walks to the door and takes one last look at her thin and frail body under the sheets and opens the doors. Maybe lady Lee really does not have much time left.
He gets the pen and paper and starts writing. He writes only the beginning, only "Dear" before he is left sitting there without a sound. He doesn't know who to address it to.
He stands up, takes the paper and the pen and walks to the kitchen. There, the oldest worker of lady Lee stands, tasting some kind of soup.
"Mrs. Jang", he calls to her and she turns around, taking a moment to get in the sight of the omega. She smiles lightly and gives him permission to sit down by the table in the kitchen. Jaeyun bows in thanks and sits down, putting the pen and paper on the table.
"You look lovely this morning, dear Jaeyun", she tells him, "Might I ask what you shall need from me?" She asks and Jaeyun smiles.
She talks to him with much respect. She was a firm believer that Jaeyun's father had to stay the mayor of their town.
Jaeyun, as such, treated her with same respect, making the woman warm up to him easily.
"Lady Lee... She wanted me to reach out to her sister. And I did not possess the knowledge she had one. So I came to you asking about her, so I could write her a letter", he says, lifting the pen and paper.
Mrs. Jang only sighs, her hair hat being pushed back by the back of her hand as she wipes her face clean of sweat.
"Ah yes. I feared that would come sooner rather than later. Lady Lee has not been feeling well and I hoped it would get better but it's not getting there, is it?"
Jaeyun furrowed his eyebrows, "How did you know, mrs. Jang?"
She shrugs, "Lady Lee said once that she might forgive her sister only on her death bed. And even than, she wouldn't be sure. But it looks like she is ready to forgive", she said.
Jaeyun only furrowed his eyebrows more, "Mrs. Jang, might I ask what is the matter between the Lee sisters?" He asks her and she only purses her lips.
"I do not think it's such a private matter since all of us who work for her know this", she says before meeting eyes with Jaeyun, "So I shall tell you why you have not heard of mrs. Lee, now Mrs. Nishimura, yet."
Jaeyun nods, a bit confused at the foreign surname.
"The sisters were fairly close, lady Lee an omega that was never really interested in alphas and her sister, an alpha, that changed two wives over her life. Her first wife, a lovely omega, gave birth to their alpha son and died while she gave birth. It put a mark into the alpha sister as she was very strict with raising her son. She felt as if her son was the reason her wife died."
She exhaled, sitting down by the table next to Jaeyun.
"Lady Lee loved her nephew dearly. He was a boy full of imagination and creativity. Lady Lee gave him a safe space to express himself, knowing her sister wouldn't be there for him. Then, when the boy turned 18, his mother introduced him to her new wife, mrs. Nishimura. I must say, she is one lovely lady. Lady Lee's nephew didn't like this, he felt thrown to the side since his mother blamed him for the death of her wife but now, it's like she hadn't existed. And then..."
She stops again and sighs one more time, Jaeyun putting a comforting hand over her back.
"Young mr. Lee ran away from home before his nineteenth birthday. Lady Lee never forgave her sister for the treatment of her nephew and she still is in grieve of not helping her nephew more. Her sister has apologized multiple times to her. Lady Lee doesn't trust her apologies but it turns out she does want to make peace before she leaves us."
Jaeyun hums, inhaling lightly before puffing out air from his lips and leaning into the chair.
"Thank you for that information, dear mrs. Jang", he told her and bowed to her lightly, "I shall write her the letter now. Might you know as well where she resides? Lady Lee's sister, I mean", he asks and mrs. Jang furrows her eyebrows.
"I am not sure. I shall ask around and let you know when I have found out. For now, write the letter", she smiles and gives him a pat as he stands up.
They bow to one another and mrs. Jang goes back to cooking the broth as Jaeyun makes his way to his writing table.
Dear mrs. Lee-Nishimura,
My name is Jaeyun and I am the nurse of your sister, lady Lee.
I am writing to you since lady Lee has not been feeling well. I took the courtesy of writing you this letter after she asked of me to bring you here, in her humble manor in our town of Gyokkgun.
She fears that her end may be near and wishes to see you as soon as possible.
We hope to welcome you soon.
Have a safe trip,
nurse Sim
The kindest mrs. Jang gave Jaeyun the address and he left for the post office soon after, leaving the letter there under 'fast delivery'.
He walked the cold streets back to the manor, not minding the wind blowing in his back as much.
His eyes wander over the towns people and he meets sergeant Park, standing tall by a jewelry shop, looking through the window.
The omega smiles and walks quietly to him, wanting to scare his future brother-in-law.
"Hello, Sunghoonie", he says and Sunghoon almost jumps from his spot.
He turns to the omega and scoffs, "Have you not got better things to do than scare innocent people in your town", he says and pulls his military coat down more.
Jaeyun just smiles, "I was passing and I saw you, couldn't not stop and greet you", he smiles and Sunghoon only now bows, Jaeyun following suit.
"So what brigs you here?" Sunghoon asks him.
"I was just returning to lady Lee's manor from the post office. Care to walk me back? Or have you got smarter business to attend?" He says winking at the jewelry shop.
Sunghoon only scoffs again, "I can walk you to the manor, Jaeyun, don't make a big deal out of it", he rolls his eyes and Jaeyun only smiles.
"So what were you doing looking through the window?" Jaeyun asks him and Sunghoon sighs.
He puts out his arm for Jaeyun to take, the omega's fingers grazing the creases of his uniform.
"Something my Sunoo might like", he says and exhales.
Jaeyun halts in his walk before Sunghoon tugs him to keep on walking, "Could you not make a fool out of me by standing in the middle of the road?"
Jaeyun only gasps, "Were you looking for rings?"
Sunghoon almost stops now but doesn't, only tugs at Jaeyun to walk faster, "No. Because for one, I still am not in a good position to wed your younger brother. And if I were to propose than it would be with my grandmother's ring", he says and Jaeyun gasps once more.
"You have thought of giving her ring to Sunoo already?" He asks and his eyes light up when Sunghoon's ears redden.
"I knew he would have since I first saw him, Jaeyun", he says and Jaeyun squeals in happiness for his brother.
"Oh, he shall be over the moon because of that! He is an omega of tradition when it comes to family!" He exclaims, his yellow hat almost falling from his head from jumping so much.
Sunghoon's whole face reddens at that and he looks away, "Must you be so loud?" He murmurs and Jaeyun only giggles at that.
Jaeyun has met Sunghoon's parents, his dear alpha mother and his wonderful omega father, multiple times. His mother is quite happy with him being in the army while his father makes sure he doesn't starve or die out from hunger.
Their family is of the middle of Gyokkgun society. His parents own a bakery and share goods to others. At first, Jaeyun's father didn't want him to spend time with an alpha from a middle layer family, but once he saw them play together, it was over for his father.
His father is aware that Sunoo will marry someone of not so high background. The whole town is. But when they see the two talk and exchange loving looks, they don't mind their difference in money as much.
Sunghoon's parents adore Sunoo more than anyone. They think he is of best manners and suits their eldest son the most.
They are aware that, if they are to agree to the marriage of their son and the lovely omega, they would need to give a certain amount of money to the omega's family.
They have long before agreed that, for their son's happiness, they will do anything and pay what is needed.
"Sunghoonie", Jaeyun starts, a few steps away from the gate of the manor. Sunghoon hums at him and looks down at him, Jaeyun smiling up at him, "Take good care of yourself and train hard. I believe that your goal is near", he says and sqeezes his arm before Sunghoon smiles.
"Thank you, Jaeyunnie", he says, "To you, the best of luck with lady Lee", he says and they bow to one another, Jaeyun entering the gate and Sunghoon going his marry way down the street.
As he enters the manor, he is met by the smell of fresh soup and chopped chives.
Time to get lady Lee down for lunch.
-
Jungwon and Sunoo have always been envious of Jaeyun.
Since both of them remember, Jaeyun has been their role model.
He was the prettiest omega they knew, and he made himself appear attractive by his actions. His gentleness. His kindness. His knowledge.
He was the perfect omega in so many ways. Loved and adored.
Gentle, quiet when needed and outspoken when needed. He stood up for himself but respected everyone around him.
He was their big brother, their elder omega that both took care of them and made sure they were safe.
Now, when they see him accompany lady Lee, they both sigh when they feel his dissatisfaction.
They aren't against his idea of being a governess. Jungwon, after so many rejections coming from Jaeyun to various young alphas, thought that that would be his path.
However seeing him have to accompany the old lady Lee into her soon coming death, they see that this wasn't what he thought work would bring him.
Sunoo was awake one of those days, at the tiny hours of the next morning, when Jaeyun came home, sighing as he went upstairs and sat on the chair in his room.
Sunoo followed him inside, "Jaeyun", he calls for his attention and Jaeyun turns to him hastily.
"Why are you awake at this hour?" He asks and goes to turn around to the mirror, taking off his hat.
Sunoo closed the door to his room, "We all decided to wait for you but mother was too tired so she went to sleep and father ordered Jungwon to go. Father and I stayed up since now, he wanted to make sure you came here safe, that is all", he says and Jaeyun sighs.
"Thank you, but you really should prioritize sleep over me. It is getting cold and sleeping wouldn't be as comfortable in the morning", he says, taking off his jewelry.
Sunoo sits by the foot of his bed, "We are worried about you, Jaeyun-hyung", he says and Jaeyun gently lays his earrings on the small vanity table before he turns to Sunoo, eyes soft.
They stare at one another for a minute before Jaeyun exhales, "No need to worry", he mumbles and goes to sit next to Sunoo.
Sunoo lifts a hand and caresses his cheek, "What shall you do after lady Lee's passing?" He asks, knowing that it was a touchy topic.
Lady Lee's sister still didn't arrive to their town, to lady Lee's manor. The poor old woman has been fighting for breath for the last three days non stop, coughing and drinking warm tea.
Jaeyun is feeling rather sad because of it. He isn't sure what he expected when he agreed to being her nurse. She clearly wanted someone to lead her to her end and she seemed content enough with Jaeyun.
But what will Jaeyun do when she's gone? Sure, he won't be a nurse and have a higher chance of becoming a governess, that's the bright side, but he won't be getting any money for his family, and right now that is dire.
He exhales and lays his back on the bed, "Sunoo, darling", he gets the younger's attention, "Tell me something nice that has happened to you today", he tells him and Sunoo smiles gently.
He lays down with Jaeyun and keeps quiet for a couple of seconds before, "I helped Jungwon write a letter to the general", he says, "And you know how he is usually so secretive about these letters."
Jaeyun turns to look at him, "Might I know what the letter was about?" Jaeyun asked and Sunoo only smiled again.
"He didn't know how to tell him that he misses him", Sunoo says and giggles gently, "Jungwon said it was the general's letter that reached out to him first. Writing about how he feels emptier without the knowledge that Jungwon is near. And Jungwon didn't know what to say", Sunoo finishes and there was a smile on his lips, fond look in his eyes.
Jaeyun also looked fond and cuddled to his brother, "What did you two write then?" He asks and Sunoo giggles even more.
"He was so shy to write that he misses him so I had to write that part. At first he wanted to crumple the letter but at the end we went to the post office to send it", he says and Jaeyun smiles.
"That is lovely, my Sunoo", Jaeyun says, getting up and going to put on his night gown.
Sunoo turns around in Jaeyun's bed and lightly exhales, "How about we go and invade Jungwon's sleeping quarters?" He asks and Jaeyun giggles when he walks around the paravane, nodding his head.
They make their way to his room, hand in hand, as they trudge around in the dark, Jaeyun holding a candle in his hand.
"And what might you two be doing?" They hear a voice and both jump up, turning around to face their father, still in his day clothes.
Sunoo smiles, "We are off to Jungwonnie's room. Is that alright, father?" He asks and their father chuckles and nods.
They are about to run to the room when their father halts them, "Jaeyun, might I ask of you to stay for a second?" He asks and Jaeyun only nods, gives the candle to Sunoo and heads to his father.
His father smiles fondly at him, "How are you feeling? I have not seen you the last few days", he says and it makes Jaeyun smile at the care.
"Lady Lee isn't feeling well. We are expecting her sister to arrive soon. This month's money will arrive soon, do not worry, father", he tells him and his father sighs.
Jaeyun looks at his sad eyes once again and he is reminded of his father's worries for him and his brother's.
His father speaks up, "I am not sure for how long will we be able to pay for our butlers. For the next two months we will be able to pay, but after that... I doubt it", he says and Jaeyun feels sad as well now.
He hugs his father, "It will all work out. Trust in it", he says and they part there, Jaeyun going to the end of the hall where he can smell the burn of the candle and entering the room, his two brother's already asleep.
Sleep envelops him soon after as well, making his eyes close and his heart beat steadier.
-
They all stood outside the manor on the steps to the main gate, Jaeyun between mrs. Jang and the gardener.
"Once you see lady Lee's sister", mrs. Jang started, "You'll see who got the good looks in the family", she says.
The gardener stiffled a laugh, "Alas, she is of evil nature, unlike our good lady Lee", he says and Jaeyun can't help but furrow his eyebrows. He hadn't met the woman so he is not sure what to expect of her.
In that moment he hears the galop of horses from a carriage. The next thing he sees is a modest sized carriage with an alpha commanding the horses to still in front of the staff of lady Lee's house.
He sees a butler exit the carriage and open the door wider, putting his hand out next. There is a dark green gloved hand that meets with the white of the butler's glove, after it stepping out a woman, tall and pale, in a lavish green dress and green hat.
She steps out and turns to the carriage, her hands beckoning someone to come out.
A young boy makes his way out and jumps into the lady's arms, the lady smiling gently and setting him down.
Jaeyun furrows his eyebrows. This woman looks the part of lady Lee's sister. Her face is of the same shape and her figure resembles her, but her tall statue and the fact that she was an omega do not fit in.
He would have wondered some more if it wasn't for the woman in a long dark green coat stepping out, her pants and boots getting a bit dirty from the mud she stepped into.
Now, Jaeyun sees what lady Lee's sister looks like.
Taller than mrs. Nishimura (he assumes it's her from the way they look at each other), she stands there and evaluates the staff of lady Lee's house.
She than looks at the house and it's quiet for some moments. Jaeyun takes that time to look over their clothing.
Lady Lee's sister is wearing a white blouse under the green coat, the blouse looking more expensive than whatever Jaeyun had ever worn, if he is to be honest. Her omega's dress compliments the coat greatly, her short sleeves revealing the right amount of arm before they are hidden under the gloves.
One of her hands hold the small hand of a shy boy that is hiding behind her dress in his suit that was clearly tailored to him a few years back since it looks a tad bit too small for his body.
"Who is the Jaeyun that wrote to me?" He is startled by the voice of the woman that is standing in front of them, tall and proud. Mrs. Jang and the gardener make space for him as Jaeyun gently looks around.
He clears his throat, "I am, mrs. Lee-Nishimura", he says and bows, the rest of the staff following suit.
Lady Lee's sister lifts a well polished brow at him and he, for once, feels as if she will scrutinize him to bits.
"Lead me and my family to her. She asked for us and we are here", she says and Jaeyun is left to only listen to her. He bows one more time and tells them to follow him.
He walks the house with grace but not with a relaxed stance. He is aware this is not his house and he should abide that. Lady Lee's sister should at least see that.
As they arrive to her room, Jaeyun knocks and hears a faint voice tell him to come in.
"Lady Lee", Jaeyun starts and opens the door wider, "Your sister and her family are here", he says and the three of them enter after Jaeyun into the room of the old lady.
Lady Lee sits up and Jaeyun rushes to help her, puts another pillow behind her back as she relaxes again and thanks him with a smile, "Thank you, my Jaeyun", she says.
She averts her eyes at the family in front of her, "I wish to speak to you alone, Seojin", she says to her sister, "Jaeyun would you be so kind as to escort mrs. Nishimura and her son out of the room for now. I will call you when needed", she says and Jaeyun nods.
Lady Lee's sister looks stern as she stares at her, before looking back at her wife and son. She than looks over to Jaeyun and nods to him. He takes it as a sign to lead them out.
He closes the door behind himself and smiles at the two, "I do not think I have introduced myself fully yet", mrs. Nishimura tells him, "I am Saoko Nishimura, Seojin's wife and omega. The mother of our little Riki", she tells him, a kind smile on her face.
Jaeyun instantly likes her. He bows, his dark blue dress pooling around his feet before he straightens up and says, "My name is Jaeyun. I am lady Lee's nurse", he says and the other omega smiles.
She looks down and nudges her son, Riki, to look at Jaeyun but the little boy did not budge. He only hid further in his mother's skirt.
Jaeyun only smiled and kneeled down, the skirt of his dress spreading out even more. His long, at the end wide, sleeves ruffled as Jaeyun's hands waved to the boy that peeked at him.
"Hello, young man", he says with a wide smile that only gets bigger when the boy blushes lightly. Jaeyun gets a bit closer, "My name is Jaeyun. What is your name?" He asks him and Riki seems to stop and think.
He looks up at his mother that is smiling fondly at him and Jaeyun interacting. She nudges him with her hand and Riki stands a bit taller as he moves from his mother's skirt.
He bows at Jaeyun and Jaeyun can only giggle at the cuteness as the boy stumbles a bit, "My name is Riki."
He bites his lip and Jaeyun thinks for a moment. He eyes the boy a bit and asks him, "And how old might you be, Riki? You look quite mature", he says and it makes him smile shily.
"I will be turning six next month. Mother tells me that I shall get my own dog then", he says and smiles, big and wide, all teeth showing. His mother laughs lightly.
Jaeyun goes to stand up and ask Riki one more question when the door of lady Lee's room opens, "Saoko", the omega in question looks to the door and faces her alpha wife, standing tall and broad. Saoko Nishimura goes to take her son's hand but the alpha stops her, "Leave Riki."
She hesitates, about to voice out her concern. She looks down at Riki and than at Jaeyun.
Jaeyun gets the signal and bows, "Riki", he whispers and outstretches his arm and opens his hand, "Let's go find lollies", he smiles and the boy shines from happiness.
He looks at his mother that nods at him and he soon takes Jaeyun's hand and follows him.
The two adults are heard conversing and the door closes loudly while the small boy walks with Jaeyun down the stairs.
When Jaeyun stands on the ground floor of the manor and extends his arms to catch Riki who jumps into his arms, he spins them while the boy giggles happily.
"Come on", Jaeyun sets him down, "I think there were some in the tea room", he says and the little boy cheers. Jaeyun smiles wide.
They make their way to the tea room where a maid and a butler talk quietly. He sees them and apologizes for interrupting.
The two bow down shily as well, apologizing as well and leaving the room hurriedly. Jaeyun smiles at Riki and sits him down as he goes to a bowl on the shelf and sees a couple of sweets lady Lee likes to have around.
When he sets the bowl on the tea table in front of the sofa he goes to sit down next to Riki. He sees his coat buttons ready to pop and his sleeves tightly hugging his arm.
Jaeyun hides his smile as best as he can and asks, "Maybe you'd want to take your coat off, young Sir Nishimura?"
Riki giggles and nods happily as Jaeyun unbuttons the two buttons and slides the coat off his arms. He puts it on the armrest of the sofa and goes to turn around and take the bowl into his lap.
When he does so, Riki sits on his knees and goes to look in the bowl. His eyes shine as he sees the small wrapped pieces of sugar. He squeals in glee as he goes to take one.
"Be careful", Jaeyun tells him, "You mustn't take more than a few", he says and Riki nods, unwrapping one piece of candy and putting it into his mouth.
Jaeyun smiles as the boy's eyes shine so bright.
"You must try one! They are outstandingly delicious!" The boy exclaims and Jaeyun heartily laughs now. This boy looks as if sweets were his saving grace.
Jaeyun lets him eat two more sweets and takes the bowl away. The boy whines but Jaeyun only shakes his head, "Your parents will be angry at me if I give you more."
And it goes like that, Riki munches and chews on the sweet as Jaeyun smooths his hair a couple of times.
When he's done it gets quiet for a second before Riki looks at him, "Have you got an alpha?" He asks rather boldly, "You are very pretty", he adds as an afterthought and Jaeyun is left smiling very wide.
"I do not, young Sir Riki", he smiles, "And you? You are quite the looker as well", he says and winks at him, Riki blushing.
He doesn't say anything more about the topic and looks away, more blush forming on his cheeks and ears.
He turns to him then again and bites his lip, "My hyung told me if I met a pretty omega I should compliment them", he says and Jaeyun's face morphs into one of confusion.
"Your hyung?" He asks and the boy nods.
"My older brother", he says and Jaeyun furrows his brows even more? Didn't mrs. Jang say that they had only this son? Mrs. Nishimura and mrs. Lee-Nishimura had only one son.
"Well", he doesn't know how to ask him this. He doesn't even know how to approach that subject. Should he even ask?
"Hyung comes to my room at night and tells me stories about himself and about a pretty omega he once met. He also tells me not to tell my mothers because they will get angry."
Riki is so brutally honest with him it confuses him for a second. How didn't he tell that to his parents but he openly shared it with him? Maybe it's because he found someone he could say that to. He isn't sure.
In that moment, mrs. Nishimura enters the room and smiles, "Riki dear, have you been good?"
Riki nods, "Yes! I got sweet lollies as well!" He exclaims and his mother laughs, patting his back.
"Jaeyun-shii", Jaeyun lifts his head up at the voice of the omega in the green dress, "Lady Lee wants you in her room", she smiles and bows to him, Jaeyun standing up and doing the same.
He walks up the stairs and catches a voice of a woman, "Who does she possibly think she is? Some kind of witch to put a spell on us? Utter foolery and indescribable attitude", she says and from only that, Jaeyun knows that lady Lee and her sister didn't forgive each other that easily.
He gets in front of the room and sees the woman pacing. He bows to her and she stills, looking at him. She looks at his dress and his hair before speaking up, "You do not dress as a regular town omega", she tells him.
Jaeyun smiles gently, "My father was the first mayor of this town", he says and bows once again, going to enter lady Lee's room.
"And as his omega son you have to work?" The alpha woman asks him and Jaeyun is forced to still at the door handle.
He clears his throat as he turns around, a gentle smile on his face still standing there, "It has been my choice to work for lady Lee. She has been kind enough and offered me this job", he says and turns around, opening the door and entering lady Lee's room, closing the door soon after, shutting their conversation there.
Lady Lee lays on the pillows Jaeyun had set under her head as she looks at him by the door. She sighs, "My Jaeyun", she sighs.
Jaeyun is by her side in a second, taking her hand and sitting next to her.
"When I die", Jaeyun goes to tell her that it won't be soon but she only puts up a hand to stop him from saying anything, "I want you to be at the reading of my will", she tells him and he halts.
She only nods and smiles at his reaction, "Of course you will be getting a part of my money, you served me good", she smiles, "But also be there so that my sister doesn't take anything away from both of my nephews", she seems more serious when she says it and Jaeyun can only nod.
She sighs and relaxes into the pillow. Jaeyun sees how tired she is from fighting to live.
She turns to him again, "As I have talked to my sister now, I will stop fighting death as much. So you won't be needing to wake up as early and come here every morning. I wish your family the best", she says and smiles at Jaeyun's sad face, "And you shouldn't be sad. There is a life in front of you."
It's quiet for a second, Jaeyun only staring at her as she breaths calmly with her eyes closed.
"Now", she tells Jaeyun, "bring me that omega and her son here. I at least want to meet my second nephew."
-
Both of his brothers and his parents, and even the staff at their house, has told him that black doesn't suit him.
He looks amazing in yellows, greens, blues and pinks. Lavish reds and pretty purples. White suits him as well, makes him look radiant. However black makes him stand out, not in the best way.
His skin looks paler than it actually is, his face looks sadder and his personality just isn't shown well in the colour.
However, today he had to put that destined colour on himself.
He had to go to his mother's closet and take the black dress she wore on her mother's funeral.
He had to sow a shall to go with it since his mother did not own one, as well as borrow a hat from mrs. Jang.
He put the dress on himself, feeling the warm material hug his body. His gloves were not laced, like the rest he owned, but pure dark satin. His shoes were not his usual working ones but a pair he wore to fancier outings.
The shall was draped over his back and shoulders, slipping a bit to be held in the crook of his elbows.
He took the hat that mrs. Jang gave him and sighed. It had a black veil over it and served as a cover up of a crying face.
He sighed while looking at the mirror. He always imagined a veil over his head, white and beautiful, waiting to be uncovered by him future alpha. Instead of that he is on his way to pay respect to the dead.
To his late employer, lady Lee. To the woman that, even though he was the one having to take care of her, took care of him. She provided warm food and gave money for doing basic tasks for her.
He felt as if the woman and all her staff liked him, at least a decent amount much for them to pity him when their own employer died.
None of these people had a job now. They were unemployed and without money. Some of them were in much worse places than Jaeyun and his family, swimming in thousands and thousands of debt.
He sighed again. He had no job now and, after today, will be on the hunt for one that includes maybe children. If not, he will except anything.
He stands up and goes down the stairs in their home, his mother and Sunoo waiting downstairs.
They both hug him, his mother patting his shoulder and whispering, "Don't be sad for long", she smiles kindly after it and Jaeyun bows his head before opening the gate of their home and walking out, one of their butlers bowing to him and leading him to the cemetery.
The two walked in silence, Jaeyun full of thoughts.
"Shall I accompany you through the whole funeral and the will reading?" The butler asks and the omega looks up.
He was a kind man in his late fifties. He served his family for some time and his family is fond of him.
"No need", Jaeyun tells him, "Lead me to the... The church, yes", he says as he sees more and more people gather in front of the building, all clad in black.
Churches were such a place of happiness for Jaeyun. They always held security and safety in them. He always felt as if he would be walking this same road but with his father by his side, with a white vail over his face, seeing happy faces and people that... didn't wear black.
He wasn't used to death. It was something that wasn't spoken of much, considered a bad topic of conversation. But here, lady Lee's death is their only reason to gather.
Most of the people there are the people that worked for her. He sees lady Lee's sister and her family and a few of their people. He also spots the few ladies who were lady Lee's friends here.
He gets to the church and his butler bids him goodbye and walks away, leaving Jaeyun to tend to himself.
He looks around and tries to spot a familiar face of mrs. Jang. He does see her and she smiles sorrowfully at him, but he is stopped by a small hand meeting his.
Before he even looks down he hears a high voice whisper-shout 'Riki!' into the calm air of this cold morning.
When he looks down, it really is the small boy who looks ecstatic to see him, "Hello, young Sir", Jaeyun tells him and smiles kindly at his mother, assuring her he doesn't mind.
Riki giggles and waves up at him. Jaeyun waves back.
It would've lasted longer if it wasn't for Riki looking to their left and shouting, "Hyung!" Before running away.
Jaeyun whips his head at where Riki is running to.
There stands a boy, a man, an alpha, that Jaeyun can recognize well enough.
He had seen this face around 7 years ago, at his first ball. He has seen this face in his dreams. In his imaginations of his wedding. He has seen this face, slightly younger, through the past seven years repeatedly, weekly, daily.
He was the boy, now the man, that made Jaeyun an unmarried omega, more or less so.
-