Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Jake was happy.

It was the night of Sunghoon and Riki’s birthday party. As usual, everyone was gathered in the dorms living room with the coffee table covered by foods and drinks and their laughter echoed loudly through the room.

It was already past 1 AM, but no one seemed tired. On the contrary, the energy only seemed to grow as they drank more.  Sunoo was cracking up watching Jay and Heeseung, clearly tipsy, singing horribly off-key to the karaoke on the TV. Jungwon, who was also on the couch watching the two embarrass themselves, tried to cover his face to stifle his laughter, but it was inevitable.

It didn’t matter anyway—they were probably going to get scolded by the staff for the noise and chaos later.

Sunghoon and Riki, the birthday boys, were sprawled on the floor. Sunghoon was between Sunoo’s legs, head resting on his thighs, while Riki, beside him, was cuddled up and lying on Jake’s lap. 

That night, the celebration was twofold—not just for their birthdays but also for the contract renewal. They would have many more years together as ENHYPEN.

So, yes, Jake was happy. Truly happy. 

How could he not be?Sunghoon, along with Jay, was his best friend, and Riki… Riki was his eternal baby. Two of the most important people in his life were celebrating another year of life, along with the wonderful news that all seven members had accepted the contract renewal. 

The vibe was pure joy. The dim lighting created a cozy atmosphere, blending perfectly with the karaoke and loud, alcohol-fueled voices filling the room. Though quieter than the others, Riki smiled brightly as he watched the older members let loose and have fun.

Sunghoon, as always, didn't miss the chance to make sarcastic jokes, especially with Jay. And of course he wasn't satisfied with embarrassing himself with just Heeseung, he had to pull Sunghoon to dance too. Their movements were completely out of sync, making everyone laugh even more. Sunoo clapped enthusiastically, encouraging the duo to continue, and soon, true chaos ensued.

The living room had turned into an impromptu dance floor and karaoke stage, with Jay, Heeseung, and Sunghoon trying—and failing—to keep up with the rhythm of the music while the others cheered them on. 

But amid the chaos, Jungwon suddenly stood up, holding a glass in one hand and waving the other to get everyone’s attention. “Guys, calm down for a second! We still haven’t toasted, and the birthday boys haven’t given their speeches yet.”

The room erupted into groans, but Jungwon’s firm tone cut through the noise. “Come on, it’s tradition! You can’t skip it.”

Sunghoon let out a loud “Aishiiiii!”. Always shy, he wasn’t a fan of expressing his feelings out loud. Riki, sitting cross-legged on the floor, nodded in agreement, equally reluctant. Public speeches weren’t exactly his thing either, but he knew there was no escaping it.

“Fine, fine,” Sunghoon said, standing up and brushing imaginary dust off his pants. “But don’t expect anything too emotional. I’m not Jay, you know.”

Jay, still catching his breath from dancing, shot him a mock-offended look. “Yah! What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means you’re the king of cheesy speeches,” Sunghoon fired back, earning a round of laughter.

Riki stood up as well, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. “Do I really have to do this?” he asked, his voice barely audible over the noise.

“Yes, you do,” Jungwon said firmly, handing him a glass. “It’s your birthday too, Riki. No escaping.”

The room quieted slightly as everyone turned their attention to the two birthday boys. 

After the toast, Sunghoon was the first to speak. With a slightly embarrassed but sincere smile, he cleared his throat and looked around at the expectant faces of his members. “Okay, uh… thank you all for this. It’s been a crazy year, but I’m glad we’re all here together,” he began, mentioning the contract renewal and joking that they still had many years ahead to continue putting up with each other throat “You already know how I feel, but it’s always good to remind you of that. I wouldn’t trade you guys for anything, I don't regret choosing this”

The group erupted into applause, and Sunghoon smirked, clearly pleased with himself. “But seriously, thanks for putting up with me. Let’s keep making good memories together.”

He raised his glass, and the others followed suit, cheering loudly. Then it was Riki’s turn. He shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks pink as he looked down at his glass. Jake gave him an encouraging pat on the back. 

“Well, there’s nothing I haven’t already said to you guys, and nothing Sunghoon-hyung hasn’t already said either,” he admitted with a shy smile. “But I’d like to thank you again for always taking such good care of me. I love you all.”

At that moment, Riki tried to hide his face in Jake’s chest, though it didn’t work very well since he was much taller. His speech was short and to the point, but the sincerity in his voice was enough to make the others smile. The scene was so endearing that everyone started shouting and making noise, calling the maknae ‘adorable’ and ‘he cutest in the world.’ Jake, even while being crushed by Riki, couldn’t stop laughing, hugging the younger one affectionately "I'm proud of you", he said. 

Jungwon raised his glass again, his eyes sparkling with warmth. “To Sunghoon and Riki—happy birthday! Let’s make this year even better than the last!”

“Cheers!” everyone shouted, clinking their glasses together before taking a sip. The room quickly descended back into chaos, with the music turning up again and the dancing resuming.

The night continued at its own pace, as if time had stopped just for them. It was one of those moments that, even amid their hectic routine, would stay etched in their memories as a reminder that, no matter what happened, they would always have each other. And in that moment, that was all that mattered.

“Hyung?” Riki turned to look at Jake, pulling him into another hug.  

“Hmm?” he replied softly.

“Thank you for always being with me. I love you.”  

Jake smiled sincerely, his heart swelling with affection. There was nothing in the world he wouldn’t do for Riki.  

“I love you too.”  

Jake was in the dorm shared by Sunghoon, Heeseung, Riki, and Jay. He lay on Heeseung’s bed, the alpha casually scrolling through his phone while gently running fingers through Jake’s hair. Despite the ample space on the mattress, they were pressed together in the middle, their warmth a stark contrast to the snow falling softly outside.

They were cuddled up, Jake resting his head on Heeseung’s chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and breathing in that distinct scent that was uniquely his—a mix of subtle cologne and natural aroma, something like smoky cedarwood with a hint of fresh mint. It's wrapped around him like a comforting cocoon, grounding him in the moment.

Times like these allowed Jake to forget the pressure of being an idol. Here, he wasn’t on stage or following a tight schedule; he was simply in Heeseung’s arms, existing. The gentle strokes through his hair, the warmth surrounding him, the steady rise and fall of Heeseung’s chest—it was enough to lull him into a state of complete relaxation.

Jake closed his eyes, letting himself sink into the moment of peace, knowing that, for now, the outside world could wait. The room was quiet, except for the low hum of the TV playing some movie that no one was really paying attention to, so Jake couldn’t help but drift off a little more.

They’d spent the entire day lazing around, indulging in junk food and watching whatever happened to be on. But as much as Jake wanted to stay in this bubble forever, reality had a way of creeping back in. The clock read 10:30 PM, and with a sigh, he reluctantly sat up.

It was like they say, all good things must come to an end.

“I should clean up,” he muttered, gathering the leftover wrappers and plates littered around the room and telling Heeseung he was heading to the kitchen to throw everything away and wash the dishes they’d dirtied, along with the rest that was in the sink.

Heeseung, ever the lazy one, groaned but still offered, “I’ll help.”

Jake laughed at the half-hearted offer. “Don’t worry, hyung. It’s not much. I’ll be quick.” With that, he made his way to the kitchen, where everything was neatly organized

The space, like the rest of the house, was medium-sized but well-organized and clean. No one dared to leave Jay’s kitchen messy—unless they were looking for a fight

Jake knew how meticulous and demanding Jay was about that, so he made sure to leave it spotless. Smiling to himself, he quickly washed the dishes, thinking about how particular the alpha could be about certain things. It was almost funny, considering how messy Jay could be in other areas of life. He made sure to leave everything spotless.

When Jake finished, he took one last look around, ensuring everything was in its proper place. Satisfied, he was about to head back to the room when the sound of jingling keys and the door opening caught his attention.

It was Riki, who had left the day before and was only now returning home.

“Oh, Jake-hyung, you’re here?” Riki said, not particularly surprised. It was common to find Jake, Sunoo, and Jungwon in the dorm that he shared with the other alphas. He had a backpack slung over one shoulder and carried a convenience store bag filled with snacks. His expression was relaxed, as if he had just returned from a short walk, not spent a day away.

Jake walked over and hugged him, his excitement palpable. But the moment his nose brushed against Riki’s neck, something felt… off.

Riki smelled strange —a scent Jake had never encountered before. It was sweet, cloying, and unmistakably the scent of an unfamiliar omega. The aroma was faint, but Jake’s sensitive nose picked it up immediately. His body froze, his instincts on high alert. Without thinking, he reacted harshly, pulling away from the embrace abruptly.

“What is that smell? You reek!” Jake snapped, his voice sharper than he intended. His heart was racing, and his inner omega was screaming at him, a mix of fear and possessiveness swirling inside him.

Riki blinked, caught off guard. “What are you talking about?”

Jake inhaled deeply, trying to steady himself. His instincts were in overdrive, and the knot in his stomach tightened. “Riki, you… you smell like another omega. Where have you been?”

Riki frowned, clearly confused. “I just visited a friend. It’s no big deal, hyung. I don’t know why you’re acting like this.” His voice was calm but tinged with defensiveness.

Jake felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He knew he was overreacting, but something primal inside him couldn’t ignore that scent. It was sweet and stranger, clinging to Riki in a way that made Jake’s skin crawl. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to calm down.

“Sorry, Riki. I just…” He started, his voice trailing off as he struggled to find the right words. He felt embarrassed by his own actions, cheeks flushing with heat. He didn’t fully understand why he’d reacted so strongly.

Riki’s expression softened slightly, though he still looked confused. “Jake-hyung, it’s really nothing. I was just hanging out with a friend. I didn’t even notice any scent.” He shrugged, as if trying to downplay the situation.

Well…Jake wasn’t truly convinced. He looked at Riki again, searching his face for any clues. He knew practically all of Riki’s friends, and none of them had a scent like that.

“Who… who were you with?” asked again, hesitantly, his voice barely above a whisper. He hated how vulnerable sounded, but he couldn’t help it. However, before he could say anything else, Heeseung walked in, right on time.

“Hey, what’s going on?”His eyes flicked between Jake and Riki, noticing the way Jake was standing stiffly, his jaw clenched, and Riki looking like he’d just been scolded. He immediately picked up on the tension in the room.

“Are you okay, baby?” Heeseung says to Jake, his tone softer now, laced with concern. He stepped closer, wrapping an arm around him in a protective embrace.

“I am,” Jake replied quickly, forcing a smile. “Nothing happened. Riki just came back, and we were catching up.”

Riki nodded, though his expression was still a little uneasy. He shifted his weight from one foot to the other, clearly uncomfortable under Heeseung’s scrutinizing gaze. “Yeah, it’s nothing,” he echoed, though his voice lacked conviction.

Heeseung’s eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Jake more. “You sure? You look a little tense.”

He nodded, though his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m fine, really.”

Heeseung didn’t look entirely convinced, but he knew that forcing the issue wouldn’t do any good. He glanced at Riki, who was now busying himself with unpacking the convenience store bag, avoiding eye contact.

“What do you have there for us?”  he asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“Ramen, hyung. I was hoping you’d make some for us to eat,” Riki said, holding up a packet with a small smile.

Jake laughed, though it sounded a little forced. Heeseung, however, was already sold.

“You’ve been eating all day and still have room for ramen?” he teased, raising an eyebrow at the older alpha.

“There’s always room for ramen,” Heeseung shot back, grinning. “Let’s eat.”

They headed toward the kitchen. Jake immediately reminded them that he had just cleaned it and that he wouldn’t do it again. “One of you will have to clean up this time,” he said, crossing his arms. “Remember what happened last time when you left Jay’s kitchen dirty?”

Riki raised his hands in mock surrender. “Don’t worry, hyung. I’ll do the dishes.”

As Heeseung started unpacking and making the ramen, Jake tried to shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in his chest. The day had been amazing and he didn't want the rest of it being paranoid. So he tried his best to calm down and be okay.

But he couldn’t. His face was set in a sickened expression. Something was stirring deep inside him—jealousy?possessiveness? He wasn’t sure, though it was enough to make his instincts flare up in a way they never had before. 

Riki glanced at him, “Hyung, are you really okay?” his voice was tinged with truly worry.

Jake forced another smile. “Yeah, I’m fine. It was nothing.”

He was lying, of course. That scent— bothered him more than he wanted to admit. It wasn’t just the unfamiliarity of it; it was the way it made him feel. Like Riki was his , and someone else had dared to leave their mark on him.

The moment that specific thought popped into his head, Jake quickly shoved it away. He must be going crazy—or worse, insane to dare to think this.

He was so lost, fighting with his own mind, that he hadn’t even touched the bowl of ramen. Heeseung noticed and nudged him gently. “Hey, you’re not eating.”

Jake blinked, pulling himself out of his thoughts. “Yeah, sorry. Just… thinking.”

The room fell into an uncanny silence, the sound of slurping noodles filling the air. Riki looked up from his bowl, gaze meeting Jake’s for a brief moment. There was something unspoken in his eyes. But before he could decipher it, Riki looked away, focusing on his food.

Later, Sunghoon appeared and joined them. His arrival seemed to lighten the mood, and the conversation flowed more easily as they chatted on the sofa late into the night. Laughter and teasing filled the room, pushing the earlier tension to the back of Jake’s mind.

When they returned to the room, Heeseung was already half asleep, but he still managed to give Jake a hug and a kiss goodnight before collapsing onto bed. “Babe. Try to get some sleep, okay?” he said, with a voice full of care. He better than anyone knew how much of an overthinker Jake could be.

“Goodnight, hyung,” Jake replied with a small smile, pulling the blanket over himself and lying down, with Heeseung hugging him from behind. Even though he was exhausted, sleep didn’t come easily. His mind was anything but quiet.

The unease from earlier simmered beneath his skin again, keeping him restless. He tossed and turned, unable to find a comfortable position. It was a terrible flaw of his—when Jake worried about something, he became so nervous and anxious that he lost all peace and sleep.

‘It’s probably because my pre heat is close’, he thought, trying to rationalize it. ‘ I always get a little weird around this time. That’s definitely it.’

So, there is no reason to worry, right? It was just his instincts acting up, like they always did when his cycle was about to start. But why did it bother him so much? Why did it feel like some kind of threat? That’s what really disturbed him.

Heeseung’s soft snores filled the room, a comforting sound that usually helped Jake relax. Tonight, however, it wasn’t enough. He knew he was overthinking (as always) but it was something he couldn't control, unfortunately for him.

 “Baby,” Heeseung murmured sleepily, “you’re moving too much.”

“Sorry, hyung,” He hadn’t even realized how much he was fidgeting.

Heeseung reached out, brushing a strand of hair from Jake’s forehead. “Let’s do it this way,” he said with a warm and reassuring tone. “How about hyung scenting you, hum? You always feel better after that.”

It was true. There is no better remedy for Jake’s anxiety than being scented by his alpha.

“Please,” he whispered.

Heeseung shifted closer, pulling Jake into his arms again. His scent—warm, woody, and unmistakably alpha—enveloped Jake like a blanket, calming the storm inside him. He nuzzled against Jake’s neck, his breath warm against his skin as he rubbed his scent gland gently along the shoulders and collarbone, marking him.

Jake closed his eyes, letting out a shaky breath as the tension in his body began to melt away.

“There,” Heeseung murmured, “Better?”

He nodded, face pressed against Heeseung’s chest, barely awake already. “Yeah, so much. Thank you, hyung.”

He kissed the top of Jake's head, arms tightening around him. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath Jake’s ear and the comforting weight of his embrace were enough to quiet his mind, at least for now. The scent of his alpha wrapped around him like a shield, pushing back the unease that had been gnawing at him all night.

Jake finally began to drift off. In Heeseung’s arms, he always felt safe.

They didn’t talk about it anymore.

The next morning, Jake woke up and went about his day as if the events of the previous night hadn’t happened—or at least, he tried his best to. Riki, apparently, had done the same.

Jake didn’t want to be inconvenient or stir up another uncomfortable discussion, so the only thing to do was let it fade away.

Three days later, Jake’s pre heat finally began.

He was curled up in bed, clutching a heating pad to his stomach. The painkillers he’d taken seemed to be taking longer than usual to work, and the cramps were so intense that the ache radiates down to his legs. It was one of those days when even moving felt like a monumental task.

To make matters worse, Heeseung had been called to the studio by the producers earlier that day. Apparently, they needed to decide some details for the upcoming album. Timing, as always, was impeccable.

It had been about two years since the members had started actively participating in the technical and creative aspects of their albums and career too. Heeseung, Jay, Jake, and Jungwon had contributed to writing lyrics and were involved in production, alongside the others. It was something they took great pride in, a testament to how far they’d come as artists. Jake understood why Heeseung had to go, even if his absence couldn’t have come at a worse time.

His pre heat symptoms were particularly strong this time. The bad mood, terrible cramps, and nausea were overwhelming, leaving Jake feeling utterly drained. He lay in bed, locked in his room, wanting to avoid both himself and everyone else. It was, as he liked to joke, for the world’s safety.

Jake didn’t like to worry or bother others about something he couldn’t control, much less be a source of disturbance. He preferred to handle things on his own, even when it was clear he needed help sometimes. 

He was scrolling through Weverse, trying to distract himself, when a message from Heeseung popped up on the screen, making a smile grow on his face.

Hee Hyung ❤️

Honey, how are you feeling?

Jake

I could be better. 

Hee Hyung ❤️

🙁 

sorry that I'm not there with you 

Jake

It’s okay, hyung. I understand.  

Hee Hyung ❤️

Riki just messaged me. He said he’s going there to stay with you.

Jake took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. 

There was no reason to feel anxious about this. He didn't want to add more paranoia to a situation that was already bad enough. Riki didn't deserve this treatment either—after all, he hasn't done anything wrong.

It took just long enough for Jake to go to the bathroom and come back, until he heard a soft knock on his bedroom door.

“Jake-hyung, are you there?” Riki’s voice called gently from the other side.

With a quiet sigh, he opened the door.

Riki stood there, his tall frame filling the doorway. One thing Jake still couldn’t get used to was how much the younger had grown. The boyish features that once defined him were being replaced by the sharp, striking face of a young man. His broad shoulders and confident stance made it easy to forget that he was still the same maknae who used to cling to Jake like a koala.

“Hey, come in,” he said, stepping aside to let him in. His voice was calm, but his heart was racing. He hoped Riki wouldn’t notice.

Riki stepped inside, glancing around the room. Everything was as he remembered—neat and cozy, with a few personal touches here and there. A framed photo of the members sat on the dresser, a stack of books rested on the nightstand, and a pile of pillows, clothes, and sheets on the bed formed Jake’s nest.

He shifted awkwardly, his hands shoved into his pockets. “Heeseung hyung said you weren’t feeling well. I thought I’d check on you.”

Jake nodded, closing the door behind him. “Yeah, it’s just my pre heat. Nothing too serious.”

Riki’s gaze softened as he took in Jake’s pale complexion and the faint sheen of sweat on his forehead. “How not? You look tired, hyung!! Do you need anything? Water? Medicine? I brought some junk food and sweets you like,” he said, holding up a plastic bag.

Jake shook his head, forcing a small smile. “I’m fine, really. Just… a little achy.” He sat down on the edge of the bed, gesturing for Riki to take a seat beside him. “Thanks for coming, though. You didn’t have to.”

Riki sat down, his expression earnest. “Of course I did. You’re always taking care of me. It’s only fair that I take care of you too.”

The sincerity in his voice made Jake’s chest tighten. “I appreciate it, Riki. Really.”

They spent a few minutes in silence. 

Riki stared at some random point in the room, his face serious, as if he were deep in thought and undecided about something. Jake could feel his uneasiness.

“Hyung… if you want… we can do it like always,” Riki proposed hesitantly. “And if you don’t want to, that’s okay too! I understand,” he added quickly, almost out of breath from speaking so quickly.

Jake bit his lip nervously, shrinking further into the pile of his nest. He knew what it meant. 

Riki kinda has a superpower—his scent had a unique ability to calm the horrible symptoms Jake felt during his pre heat. Since they’d discovered this, it had become customary for him to spend the days leading up to Jake’s heat with him. Not even Heeseung, his alpha, could soothe him as effectively as Riki’s presence and scent.

Jake hesitated for a moment wondering if this would be a good idea. But the pain became so strong that he accepted “Yeah… that would help. Thank you, Riki.”

Riki smiled, his shoulders relaxing as he moved closer and settled into the nest, sitting behind Jake and letting him rest his head on his chest. “You don’t have to thank me, hyung. I’m happy to help.”

Jake felt the tension in his body begin to ease. The younger alpha’s scent—warm, comforting, and uniquely calming—wrapped around him like water dousing a fire. Riki's steady heartbeat and soothing scent created a cocoon of safety, pushing back the discomfort that had plagued him all day. 

For the first time in hours, Jake felt like he could breathe again.

One time during the early years of the group, Jake had experienced one of his most difficult pre heats. Nothing seemed to help, and he was in constant discomfort. Riki, still a puppy back then, had offered to stay with him. His characteristic puppy scent, mixed with the faint traces of the alpha he would soon become, had worked. 

And to be honest, Jake had never fully understood why it was so effective for him. It wasn’t something he could explain logically, but it worked, and that was enough.

“You’re really good at this, you know,” Jake murmured, his voice soft and drowsy.

Riki chuckled quietly, his fingers gently carding through Jake’s hair. “I’ve had a lot of practice, hyung.”

Jake smiled faintly, his eyes drifting shut. “Still… thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Riki’s hand stilled for a moment before he resumed the gentle motion. “You don’t have to worry about that, hyung. I’ll always be here.”

And in that moment, Jake believed him.

Chapter Text

As always, the tough pre heats brought equally intense heats, and this time wasn’t going to be any different.

Jake spent three days alternating between excruciating pain that nearly made him scream and a deep, insatiable need that his body seemed to demand something he couldn’t quite name. His instincts drove him to seek comfort in Heeseung’s knot, but no matter how many times the alpha knotted him, the emptiness and restlessness persisted, like something essential was still missing.

He was giving Heeseung more trouble than usual. It had been a while—maybe since his first heats—that he’d gone through something this intense. The pain was sharper, the fever more suffocating, and the need more urgent. He could barely eat or get out of bed. Even simple tasks, like drinking water, became a struggle.

Heeseung, ever the careful one, had to double his patience and go above and beyond to keep Jake fed and hydrated. The alpha spent hours by his side, holding a glass of water to his trembling lips or gently coaxing him to take small bites of food when Jake could barely keep his eyes open.

Sometimes, in rare moments when his consciousness returned, Jake felt an overwhelming urge to cry. The frustration, pain, and exhaustion piled up, and all he wanted was for it to be over. Sensing his desperation, Heeseung whispered words of comfort, stroking his face and promising that everything would be okay—that it would all pass soon. The alpha’s presence was soothing, but even that didn’t seem enough to ease the intensity of the heat.

Luckily for him, the cycle ended before the usual five days. When the pain finally subsided and the need for a knot all the time began to fade, he felt an immense relief, as if he had survived a battle.

His body was still tired, but his mind was clearer, and he could breathe without that constant sense of urgency.  Unfortunately, his schedule for the next few days was already all packed.

As soon as he turned on his phone, a flood of notifications popped up. Among them, a message from his manager caught his attention: the staff at Tiffany & Co had reached out, wanting to start shooting for the next campaign.

Jake sighed loudly, his shoulders slumping. He knew they’d contact him soon, after all, they did the same campaign around this time every year.

His body was still begging for more rest. The recent heat had left him drained, and the thought of spending hours in a studio, posing and smiling, wasn’t exactly an inviting thing. But he couldn’t complain—it was one of the group’s most important contracts.

That’s why, despite everything, two days later, Jake and Sunghoon found themselves at the Tiffany & Co. studio ready for the Valentine’s Day campaign shoot. This time, the brand wanted something different: the photos would be featured in a special edition fashion magazine dedicated solely to the two of them.

The campaign would explore different facets of love, represented in two distinct shoots, each with its own unique aesthetic yet connected by the narrative of Jake, Sunghoon, and the group. The idea was to portray love as both sweet and intense, depending on the perspective and moment.

The first set was designed with a soft, clear backdrop, decorated with white, pink flowers and balloons that delicately contrasted with the pastel tones of the scene. Jake wore an androgynous outfit: a feminine high-neck blouse in light pink and wide-leg pants. Delicate accessories, like a pearl necklace and small earrings, completed the look. 

Sunghoon, on the other hand, wore a pastel blue button-up shirt and light pants, perfectly harmonizing with Jake. The photographer guided them with soft instructions, ‘Jake, tilt your head slightly to the side, and Sunghoon, hold his hand carefully. That’s it, perfect!’and they exchanged shy smiles and soft glances, capturing the purity of a love that’s just beginning.

The second set was completely different. The lights were dim with candles scattered around the set and heavy curtains creating a dramatic and sensual atmosphere. The theme was vampiric, dominated by shades of red and black. Jake wore a deep red smoking jacket with black lace details, and his makeup emphasized the mood—smokey black eyeshadow and a nude pink lip. 

Sunghoon, meanwhile, was dressed in a black suit with red accents, no shirt underneath, exuding a bold, sensual look. The photographer wanted passion. ‘Now, I want intensity,’ he directed, adjusting the camera. Sunghoon gripped Jake’s waist tightly, his vampire teeth poised near his neck, as if ready to bite.

Their undeniable chemistry between them infused the shoot with a strong, intimate energy. They exchanged penetrating gazes, as if lost in each other, consumed by love. The results were definitely going to be incredible.

After two days and a half of intense work, they finally wrapped everything up. The team clapped, cheerful and grateful for their dedication. Jake felt exhausted but satisfied, he and Sunghoon had given it their all. 

The photographer approached them, smiling widely. 

“You guys were insane!,” he praised, shaking their hands. “The higher-ups are going to love this. And the magazine is going to look spectacular!”

Jake thanked him with a tired but genuine smile. He couldn’t wait to get out of there. The only thing on his mind now was going home, stuffing himself with ramyeon and Coke, then crashing in Heeseung’s bed to sleep until the next day. The thought of a hot shower and a night of rest sounded like paradise.

As they changed in the dressing room, Sunghoon glanced at Jake with a mischievous grin, noticing how quickly he was getting ready to leave.

“Looks like someone’s got plans for the night,” he teased, pulling his shirt over his head.

Jake laughed, tossing a sock in his direction.

“Yeah, and those plans include staying away from you for at least 24 hours, or more.”

Sunghoon feigned offense, placing a hand over his chest. 

“Ouch, Jake. That hurt. That really hurt.”

The month ended and the days passed in a whirlwind.

Their beloved vacation had come to an end, and they were back to their hectic routine at full speed. Countless decisions needed to be made about the comeback: What would the title track be? Which songs would make the final cut? While they already had most of the tracks in mind, the album wasn’t completely finalized yet. What would the mv look like? How would the choreography flow? And what about the outfits?

On top of that, they had to organize the group’s schedule as well as individual schedules for each member. They needed to decide who would appear on variety shows, who would do interviews, and how to balance it all without conflicting with anyone’s rut or heat. It was a logistical puzzle that required meticulous planning and coordination.

And, of course, they had to start working out the details of the next tour too.

It was overwhelming, to say the least. The workload was immense, and the pressure was palpable. Heeseung was practically living in the studio, spending hours perfecting tracks and fine-tuning details. Jungwon, on the other hand, was camped out at the company, buried in meetings and schedules, trying to ensure everything ran smoothly.

The dorm now felt like a revolving door of chaos. Members came and went at all hours, dark circles under their eyes and coffee cups permanently in hand. Despite the exhaustion, there was an undeniable undercurrent of excitement—a shared determination to make this comeback their best yet, just as they always did.

After all, this was their dream—making music, performing, sharing their art with the world, and bringing joy to their fans.

Yet, amidst all this chaos, Jake couldn’t help but notice that Ni-ki had been unusually distant. He was often missing during the rare moments of free time, slipping away without explanation. It was obvious, even without him saying a word, what was happening.

Jake shouldn’t have cared.

For some reason, it bugged him more than he wanted to admit.

And that was exactly what was on his mind as he and Heeseung sat there, shoving down bowls of instant ramyeon. They’d been  scolded more  times than they could count about their trash eating habits, but ramyeon nights were sacred—a ritual that had pulled them closer and, eventually, led to their relationship.

Food had always been a tricky subject in the group. Only Jay could cook something truly edible. The others? It was safer for them to stay out of the kitchen. With their relentless schedules and back-to-back tours, meals usually came from room service, delivery apps, or whatever fast food was easiest to grab.

Only recently had Heeseung learned to cook anything beyond instant noodles and eggs, and Jungwon had shocked everyone by doing the same—much to Jay’s pride. The rest, however, seemed determined to steer clear of the kitchen for the foreseeable future.

So, as usual, Jake and Heeseung were laughing and eating. Tomorrow, they only had work in the afternoon, meaning they could sleep in a little longer.

Then, out of nowhere, Riki walked in. He simply waved, mumbled a quick goodnight to both of them, and headed straight to his room.

Jake’s eyes followed his every move, his expression betraying his thoughts without him needing to say a word.

“You don’t need to worry about him, you know that?”  Heeseung said, his tone gentle but firm. “He’s not a kid anymore, he can handle himself”

“I know, hyung,”  Jake replied, his voice quieter than he intended. “ It’s just… he’s been kind of distant lately.”

Heeseung nodded, stirring his ramen thoughtfully. “I think he’s just growing up. He wants to be a little less dependent on us. He’s been seeing someone, you know? 

Of course Jake knew. How could he not? The late nights, the way Riki seemed to glow whenever he came back to the dorm, and that strange scent lingering on him on that fateful day, it was obvious, even if no one talked about it.

He bit his lip nervously, not liking much where this conversation was going. He didn’t want to admit how much it bothered him—how much Riki had been bothering him lately.

Heeseung noticed his silence and chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. “Don’t worry, Mom. I don’t think this will be the same as last time.”

Jake forced a laugh, but the nickname stung more than he expected. 

Being called “Mom” was an inside joke between them, a playful nod to how Jake often took care of the younger members. After all, he was the oldest omega. 

But tonight, it felt like a reminder of everything he shouldn’t be feeling. He shouldn’t be this concerned about Riki. He shouldn’t be affected by his distance. And he definitely shouldn’t be feeling… whatever this was.  

Besides, he already had an alpha. Heeseung was right there, by his side. All of this felt wrong in all ways.

“Yeah,” Jake muttered, pushing his ramen around with his chopsticks. “Last time was… something else.”

Riki's first love had been Sunoo. And it didn't end well.

Riki was someone who had been forced to grow up far too quickly. He left Japan behind to chase his dream of becoming an idol and the journey was anything but easy. He had to learn a new language, adapt to a foreign culture, and face pressures most teenagers couldn’t even imagine.

I-Land had been a brutal, exhausting battleground—not just for him, but for everyone involved. Every move was scrutinized, every mistake could cost them their dream. Riki fought tooth and nail to secure his spot in the group, but the cost of that fight was a childhood cut short.

To be fair, all of them left with scars. Jungwon, for example, hated even mentioning it more than anyone else.

And Riki was only 14 years old at that time, still navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence. He was learning how to handle his emotions, his identity, and his gender—he was just a baby alpha, after all.

All of it under the glaring spotlight of the entertainment industry. His lack of maturity in certain situations was understandable, even expected, but it didn’t make things less difficult.

Sunoo, on the other hand, was older. Not by much, but the gap felt significant.

He is closer in age to Sunghoon than to Riki and Jungwon, and carried himself with a quiet confidence that came from already having weathered some of life’s storms. He was sensitive, empathetic, and deeply attuned to the emotions of those around him. But that same sensitivity also made him vulnerable.

Like everyone else, he had his own wounds. Some unresolved issues that was only later that he found the courage to express his feelings out loud. To finally say what had been bothering him, even though some of the members had already noticed the subtle changes in his behavior.

So, their dynamic was complicated from the start. Riki with his youthful exuberance and occasional lack of tact, sometimes said or did things without realizing how they might affect Sunoo. Jokes that were meant to be lighthearted occasionally landed wrong, unintentionally hurting his feelings. 

Riki’s immaturity and Sunoo’s sensitivity created a fragile balance—one bound to tip eventually.

The truth was, Riki’s feelings for Sunoo had been real. He admired his warmth, kindness, and the effortless way he connected with others, his smile and personality. But admiration and love weren’t the same, and he was still learning the difference. His emotions had been raw, unfiltered—a storm he didn’t yet know how to navigate.

Sunoo cared for Riki, too. He saw his potential, his passion, the weight he carried. But he also recognized the gap between them—not just in age, but in experience and emotional maturity. He tried to be patient, to guide Riki when he could, but even his patience had limits.

The breaking point came quietly, as these things often do. There wasn’t a dramatic fight or a single moment of betrayal. Just a series of small misunderstandings, unintentional hurts, and unspoken frustrations that piled up until whatever they had slowly crumbled.

What might have blossomed into something beautiful, instead left to wither, never given the chance to truly grow.

Over time, he and Sunoo found a way to move on. They learned to navigate their new dynamic, to rebuild their friendship on a foundation of mutual respect and understanding. It wasn’t easy, and there were moments of awkwardness and hesitation, but they made it work.

Jake couldn’t help but worry that history might repeat itself. 

He was older now, more experienced, but still so young in so many ways. The thought of him getting hurt again—or worse, was enough to keep Jake awake at night. And as much as he wanted to protect Ni-ki, he knew he couldn’t shield him from every heartbreak or from everything. 

Deep down, he knew this wasn’t just about Riki growing up too. 

It was about the way Jake’s heart raced whenever Riki was near, the way his breath caught when their eyes met. It was about the feelings he couldn’t name—the ones he wasn’t supposed to have.  

For now, he pushed those thoughts aside. There was too much to do, too much at stake. The comeback, the schedules, the endless meetings—they needed his focus. And maybe, if he buried himself in work, he could ignore the ache in his chest.  

Because the truth was, Jake didn’t know how to stop caring. And he didn’t know how to stop wanting something he could never have.  

The sound of the chair being dragged more to his side woke him from his thoughts. He felt Heeseung's arms wrap around him, pulling him closer. The alpha had always been perceptive, and it was clear he had heard the noise—the chaos—loud and clear inside Jake’s head.

“I get it. You care about him, baby. We all do. But you can’t control everything. Sometimes, you just have to let people figure things out on their own.”

Jake sighed, leaning back on Heeseung's chest. He knew Heeseung was right, but that didn’t make it any easier. Letting go had never been his strong suit.  

“Yeah,” he said finally, forcing a smile. “You’re right, hyung.” 

Heeseung tightened his embrace, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Jake's head.

The next day, when Jake woke up and checked the group chat messages, he saw that Jay had informed everyone that Jungwon’s heat had started and that they would be taking the day off.

Jake couldn’t have been happier. Sometimes, when the company was feeling generous, they would grant days off during the omegas’ cycles. Typically, there were five days of heat, with an additional day for recovery—almost a full week of rest. Given how relentless their schedules had been lately, any break was a welcome relief.

But what truly caught Jake’s attention was another message. Riki had sent it, inviting him out for lunch and a shopping trip to the mall.

He felt a mix of surprise and excitement. How long had it been since he’d spent time alone with Riki?  felt like ages. Lately, their interactions had been limited, as was common knowledge, so even outings with the other members had become rare, let alone one-on-one time.

So, he quickly accepted the invitation, a small smile tugging at his lips when he let Heeseung know about his plans. The alpha seemed equally pleased—both for Jake and for himself—and explained that he had also received an invitation. He was planning to head over to Beomgyu's dorm to spend some time with the guys, playing games and enjoying their break too.

Jake laughed loud, knowing they would probably spend the day gaming and drinking themselves into oblivion. “Have fun, honey. I love you,” said, smiling softly as he got ready for the day.

“I will,” Heeseung replied, leaning in to press a quick kiss to Jake’s cheek “Have fun too, and I love you more.”

The weather was mild, so he opted for comfortable clothes—a cozy hoodie and jeans. His nose was red at the tip, and he hoped it was just an allergy and not the flu. The last thing he needed was to get sick during their already packed schedule. He grabbed his wallet and headed out, heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. 

The thought of spending the day with Riki, even if it's doing it normally like they always did, felt like a breath of fresh air.

When they arrived at the mall, they went straight to the food court. Riki burst out laughing when he heard Jake’s stomach growl loudly, earning a playful glare from the omega.  

“Stop making fun of me,” Jake said, swatting Riki’s arm lightly. "Respect your elders!!"

“Hyung, how can I not? Your stomach sounds like it’s about to start singing!” He teased, laughter echoing through the bustling food court.  

Jake rolled his eyes but couldn’t help smiling. It wasn’t his fault—they had woken up late, and skipping breakfast seemed like the logical choice when lunch was just around the corner.  

They placed their orders and found a secluded spot in the restaurant, a cozy corner with a couch low lunch table. The warm yellow lighting and the comforting aroma of food created an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Jake sighed contentedly, sinking into the soft cushions. 

They silently hoped no sasaengs would come after them. The last thing they needed was to deal with invasive meetings during their rare moment of peace. All he wanted was to enjoy a quiet lunch with Riki without any interruptions.

The group frequented this place often, mainly because of Jay. The alpha had taken on a self-proclaimed culinary role, visiting restaurants to give detailed, almost professional reviews of the food, ambiance, and service.

Jake had teased him once, saying, ‘You should post your reviews online. Who knows? You might go viral.’

He clearly disagreed. ‘ What if I accidentally bankrupt someone with a bad review? I can’t have that on my conscience.’

Jake had laughed even harder, ‘ I didn’t know you were so respected in the gastronomic world.’  

The memory made Jake smile as he glanced around the familiar restaurant. There's nothing better than disturbing Jay's peace and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction whenever he managed to ruffle the alpha’s feathers.

So since Jay particularly liked this place, the other members had quickly grown fond of it too. Over time, their visits had become a regular occurrence, and the manager had even started reserving a private area for them—a quiet room with tables tucked away from the main crowd. It was a small gesture and they appreciated it deeply.  

However, Jake was feeling extremely embarrassed—in a funny and endearing way. He fidgeted with his fingers, which were almost entirely hidden by the oversized sleeves of his sweatshirt. He wasn’t sure how to start a conversation, and the silence between them felt both comfortable and awkward at the same time.  

He could feel Riki’s gaze on him, the younger alpha smiling softly at Jake’s nervous mannerisms.  

“What are you looking at, huh? You brat,” he said, trying to sound stern but failing miserably as his voice came out more flustered than intended.  

Riki chuckled, his eyes crinkling with amusement. “Nothing, hyung. You’re just so cute.” He laughed again when Jake’s cheeks turned a shade of red, groaned and covered his face with his hands. 

“Yah, stop teasing me! Why are you so happy and smiley today?” pointed out, his tone light and playful.

“I’m happy because you agreed to go out with me, i miss you” Riki said, his voice softening just enough to make Jake’s heart skip a beat. He froze for a moment, his cheeks heating up even more, quickly trying to play it off, shaking his head and muttering, 

“You’re such a fool, that’s what.”  

Riki just grinned, clearly enjoying the effect his words had on Jake. The omega couldn’t help but smile too, despite his embarrassment. There was something about Riki’s carefree energy that made it impossible to stay flustered for long.

Soon enough, they fell back into their usual rhythm, chatting and laughing over their meal. It felt just like before—easy, natural, and full of warmth.

After lunch, they wandered through the mall, browsing stores. Riki pulled Jake from one shop to another, stopping to look at everything, even if they had no intention of buying anything. His enthusiasm was infectious, and Jake couldn’t help but smile at his excitement.

He felt light and happy, more content than he had in a long time. Even though their outing wasn't anything drastically different from their usual.

They even stopped at a Tiffany & Co. store. Riki insisted that they go in and see if they had anything from Jake and Sunghoon’s campaign.

To Jake’s horror, there it was—a large, glossy poster from Tiffany & Co.’s Valentine’s Day campaign. And of course, it was the photo from shoot two, the one where he and Sunghoon looked particularly provocative. The image showed the two of them dressed in sleek, tailored suits, their poses intimate and charged with tension.

Jake’s face flushed as he stared at the poster, feeling a mix of pride and embarrassment.

Riki had the audacity to pull out his phone and position them in front of the poster for a selfie. Jake couldn’t even say no before he snapped the photo, capturing Jake’s pink cheeks and awkward smile as he beamed beside him.

They spent the rest of the day like this, walking around and wasting time at the mall.

When they arrived at the dorm, all the lights were off, and the silence revealed that no one else was home yet.

Jake and Riki threw themselves onto the couch in the living room, each grabbing their phones. Jake sent a quick message to Heeseung, asking what time he’d be back. As he waited for a reply, he noticed a notification from Riki in their group chat, asking where everyone was and when they’d be returning.

Sunghoon replied, saying that he and Sunoo had gone out to dinner at his parents' house and weren’t sure what time they’d be back, maybe they would even sleep there.

So that was it. Heeseung was out playing games with his friends and had no plans to return anytime soon. Sunghoon and Sunoo were also out, and Jay and Jungwon were busy with Jungwon’s heat.

it was just Jake and Riki, alone in the dorm until further notice.  

“Hyung,” Riki called out, breaking the silence.  

“Hmm?” Jake replied, still scrolling through his phone.  

“If you don’t leave to your dorm, we could keep doing something. What do you think? We could watch a movie or just talk.”  

Jake found it cute. Even after spending the entire afternoon together, Riki still wanted to hang out more with him.

“Maybe. Do you want to watch something here in the living room or in your room?” he asked, glancing up from his phone.  

"I prefer my room. I want to stretch my legs,”

Jake laughed, standing up and playfully slapping Riki’s legs. “Then let’s go.”  

But as soon as Riki opened the door to his room, Jake realized he might have made a big mistake.  

Riki’s room was flooded with his scent. It was strong and potent, a clear sign of an alpha marking his territory. Alphas were naturally territorial creatures, and it was more than common for them to release pheromones to mark what they considered theirs, sometimes without even realizing it.  

For some reason, this was affecting Jake more than usual. He felt his nose burning with the smell, a cold chill run down his spine, and his hands trembled slightly. 

There was something else too—a strange, unfamiliar sensation in his chest.

He hesitated at the doorway as Riki walked in, casually picking up the clothes strewn across the bed and tossing them onto a computer chair.

“Sorry, it’s a bit messy,” Riki said, glancing over his shoulder at Jake. “Come in, hyung. Make yourself comfortable.”

Jake took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, and stepped inside.

They settled into bed, side by side. Another big mistake.

Riki turned on the TV and glanced at Jake. “Do you have any recommendations, hyung?” he asked, scrolling through the options.  

But Jake’s head was spinning, and he couldn’t think straight. In bed, Riki’s scent seemed even more stronger, enveloping him completely. It made sense, after all this was where he slept every night, so his pheromones were most concentrated here.

Jake began to feel his heart racing, his body growing hot and restless. He tried his best not to seem strange, so he grabbed the remote and muttered, “I’ll choose something”. He ended up picking the first random movie he saw, not even paying attention to the title.  

Riki raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. “Hyung, are you feeling okay?”

“Not really,” admitted, though he wasn’t about to tell the truth. “I think it was something I ate today,” he lied. 

He was feeling off, and there was no way he could hide it, but he didn’t want to explain why—especially since he didn’t understand what was happening himself.  

Once again, Jake was losing control because of his instinctive reaction to something he couldn’t quite name.  

Riki turned to face him, his expression a mix of concern and panic “I think it was the two milkshakes you had. Too much sugar is bad, you know. Do you want some medicine?”  

“No, it’s fine,” Jake said quickly, shaking his head. “It’s just a weird feeling. It’ll pass soon.”  

The young alpha looked like he still wanted to protest, but Jake silenced him by wrapping his arms around him and resting his head on Riki’s chest. For some reason, everything felt better after that. 

Riki was so much bigger than him, so it was easy for Jake to curl up against him. He could feel Riki’s heart beating rapidly, matching the pace of his own.  

The air conditioning was on, blowing cool air into the room, but he still felt hot. His skin tingled, and his thoughts were a jumbled mess. So, he closed his eyes, trying to focus on the sound of Riki’s heartbeat and the faint hum of the TV in the background to calm down.

Riki hesitated for a moment before gently placing a hand on Jake’s back, his touch warm and grounding. “You’re really warm, hyung, you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m,” he whispered, though his voice wavered slightly, not sure if he was trying to convince Riki or himself.  

Jake shrank even more into Riki's arms, and they remained silent. Until suddenly, he felt the tip of Riki's nose lightly brush his neck. It was a simple touch, but it meant a lot. His hand stayed on Jake’s back stilled for a moment, then began to move in slow, soothing circles.  

Riki was scenting Jake. It was something instinctive, alphas did when they sensed someone in their pack was stressed, sad, or unwell. A way to comfort and reassure, a natural response to care for those they felt responsible and love for. 

It didn't take long until Jake felt his body flooded with a wonderful sensation, one that made all his hair stand on end. Riki's hands circled his waist and pulled him closer. 

Then, almost imperceptibly, Riki shifted. His lips brushed against Jake’s neck, just the faintest touch, so light that it could have been an accident.

But it wasn’t.

The kiss was soft, hesitant, as if Riki himself wasn’t entirely sure why he’d done it. He pressed another kiss just below Jake’s ear, then stopped, as if waiting for a reaction.

Jake’s breath hitched. But he didn’t pull away. He didn’t say a word.

And that was all the permission Riki needed. He kissed along Jake’s neck, lips trailing upward until they reached his ear. With a gentle nip, he pressed his teeth lightly against the tip of Jake’s ear, just enough to send a shiver down his spine.

Jake bit his lip to suppress a moan, his body trembling under the sensation. He was in a trance, completely lost. Not only Riki’s pheromones overwhelming his senses, but the touches were burning his skin, and the young alpha’s large hands squeezing his waist, holding him close in his lap, were driving him crazy.  

Riki’s scent was everywhere, so strong, filling Jake’s lungs and clouding his thoughts. It's a mix of fresh peppermint, earthy cedarwood, and a hint of sweet grass. Unique, just like him.

The warmth of Riki’s body against his, the way his fingers pressed into Jake’s hips, the low hum of his voice as he murmured something Jake couldn’t quite hear—it all blended together into a dizzying haze of desire.  

His heart raced more, pulse thundering on his ears. Every touch, every breath, every whispered word sent sparks shooting through his veins, and he felt like he was teetering on the edge of a cliff.

He could feel Riki getting harder beneath him too. He didn't want to leave. The temptation was too good, he wanted more, he wanted to let go but a small, rational part of his mind screamed at him to stop. 

This was wrong. This was dangerous.  

Before he could do something he would regret, his body reacted. 

Heat pooled low in his stomach, and he felt the middle of his thighs getting wet and warm. So he froze, astonished.

Three seconds later, panic set in. He scrambled off the bed, legs barely supporting him as he stumbled toward the door. He didn’t look back, didn’t dare to. He ran straight to Heeseung’s room, locking the door with trembling hands.

Jake was sure Riki had noticed. How could he not? It would be impossible not to, his pants were almost completely wet.  

What the fuck was this?  

Riki went after him, almost immediately, knocking on the door desperately. “Hyung, I’m sorry, please,” he pleaded, his voice trembling with regret.

Silence.

“Hyung, answer me. Forgive me, I… I didn’t mean to do that,” He continued, his words heavy with guilt and remorse.

Silence.

Jake took a deep breath, his hands shaking and nearly white as he gripped the sheets tightly. He could hear the sincerity in Riki’s voice. The younger boy clearly felt terrible, and Jake hated being the cause of that guilt.

“It’s okay, Riki. I’m not mad,” finally replied, his voice soft but strained. “I just need to be alone right now.”

Even if he was dying inside, the last thing Jake wanted was to make someone worry because of him. He hated the thought of Riki blaming himself, but he couldn't bring himself to open the door. Not yet.

“I’m just not feeling quite right now,” he added, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Has the discomfort returned?” Riki asked.

“Yes,” Jake admitted, not lying. The malaise had really returned and with full force this time. He felt nauseous and anxious.

“Please come to me if you need anything. ll stay in my room”

"Okay”

He heard Riki hesitate for a moment, as if he wanted to say more. Jake knew he wasn't completely convinced but then footsteps retreated down the hallway.

He let out a shaky breath, shoulders slumping as the tension in his chest eased slightly. He lay more in bed, trying to calm down, for a while but it was clear that it wouldn’t be easy. 

The heat pooling in his core, the trembling in his inside thighs—it all seemed to grow worse with every passing second. His mind was spinning, replaying the sensation of Riki’s body so close to his, his scent, the feeling of their lips on his skin…

The fever was taking over. He felt wet, uncomfortably soaked. The urge to relieve the tension was overwhelming and Jake didn’t want to give in, but he knew the arousal wouldn’t go away on its own.

With a shaky breath, he slipped out of his panties, his legs trembling as he spread them slightly. His fingers brushed against his folds, tracing between the lips of his pussy. His clit throbbed, begging for attention, and all he wanted was relief.

Jake started touching himself slowly at first, trying to steady his breathing, but the urgency quickly took over. He bit his lip to stifle a moan, his body betrayed him in ways he couldn’t control. He was already on the verge of insanity

One of his fingers reached his aching clit, rubbing and circling it as his two fingers for the other hand, disappeared, buried deep into his cunt. The wetness dripped down his wrist, and his hips started moving fast, riding it as fast as he could. 

Images danced in his mind, vivid and intoxicating. Heeseung was there, his alpha , his anchor. He could almost feel Heeseung's strong hands gripping his hips, voice murmuring naughty words as he moved inside, fucking him hard with dick reached places Jake’s curt fingers couldn't.

He was so empty and needy it hurt.

And then Riki’s face appeared too, his intense gauze locking onto Jake’s. His hungry eyes stared at, almost devouring him.

‘Hyung,’ Riki’s voice echoed in his head, low and teasing. ‘You look so good like this, you will let me do whatever I want with you?.’

Jake’s breath hitched as the images overwhelmed him, flooding his mind. 

Yes, he would.

He would let Riki do whatever he wanted to him . He would be a good hyung, a good omega.

He would take Riki's knot like a good omega, let him breed him and

“Fuck”, he pressed deeper, trying to muffle his moans with his free hand. He was a mess, torn between guilt and desire, but his body seemed not to care. It craved release, and Jake was powerless to resist.

He felt the hot tears stream down his face. He was so hypersensitive, every nerve alight with a burning need that he couldn’t ignore. He yearned for touch—any touch—other than his own, craving the comfort and connection that only Heeseung or Riki could provide.

So the pleasure started building, sharp and insistent, until it finally crashed over him in waves. He bit down hard on his lip to keep from crying out, trembling as the tension drained away.

But the relief was short-lived.

Almost immediately, a new sensation took hold—a deep, throbbing ache in his lower abdomen. Jake gasped, curling in on himself as the pain intensified. It wasn't just arousal anymore; it was something far more.

His heat.

It was starting.

Something was wrong. Something was definitely wrong

His heat wasn't supposed to come now. What was going on?

Panic surged through him as the realization hit. The cramps were already unbearable, and he knew they would only get worse. His body was demanding he knew what it was for.

Desperate, Jake scrambled out of bed, going directly toward the pile of clothes he’d discarded earlier. He fumbled through his pants, searching for his phone with trembling hands.

When he finally found it, he didn't hesitate. He dialed Heeseung’s number, his breath coming in shallow gasps as the phone rang.

“Baby?” Heeseung’s voice was calm, steady, and so familiar it made Jake’s chest ache. In the background, he could hear the sound of voices talking and laughing loudly. The feeling of guilt took over him, he couldn't believe he was ruining Heeseung's night.

“Hyung,” Jake choked out, his voice breaking. “I—I need you. Please.”

Heeseung’s tone shifted immediately, sharp and urgent. “What happened? Are you okay?”

“No,” he whispered, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. “It hurts. I think… I think my heat is starting.”

“Your heat?” Heeseung’s voice was laced with surprise, but there was no hesitation in his response. 

“I’m on my way. Hold on, baby. I’ll be there soon.”

“I’m sorry for disturbing you,” He murmured, trembling with both pain and guilt.

“Hey, don’t apologize,” Heeseung said firmly, his tone softening. “You’re not a disturbance. It's going to be okay. I’ll be there soon.”

The line went dead, and Jake clutched the phone to his chest, trying to steady his breathing. The cramps were relentless, and the heat was spreading through his body like wildfire. He felt exposed, vulnerable, and utterly desperate.

But Heeseung was coming. His alpha was coming.

Jake curled up on the bed, hugging his knees to his chest as he waited. The minutes felt like hours, each wave of pain sharper than the last. But through it all, one thought kept him grounded: Heeseung would take care of him. He always did.

Chapter Text

Riki liked to think of himself as a lucky person.

When he was just a little kid—an innocent pup with big dreams—he often imagined himself becoming a global superstar like his favorite singer, Michael Jackson. Or maybe a famous K-pop idol like SHINee, which let’s be honest, felt slightly more within reach than the first option.

His parents supported him unconditionally. After all, he came from a family of dancers—it was in his blood.

And luck had favored him. 

Riki was privileged to spend his childhood and early teenage years performing on various shows in Japan. His talent opened doors to unforgettable opportunities, like the time he danced alongside with SHINee in a special performance—a dream come true and a memory he still holds close to heart. He joined multiple dance crews, trained at renowned studios, and held his own workshop.

Then came the golden opportunity: he made it to South Korea as a trainee and secured a spot on I-LAND. The competition was fierce, but Riki’s determination and talent shone through. In the end, he debuted as a member of ENHYPEN.

So yeah, Riki likes to think he’s a lucky person. In many ways, he knows he is.

Just not in everything.

Especially not in love.

His first romantic relationship ended under what could only be described as... complicated circumstances (If it could even be called a real relationship at all).

Riki had never liked anyone before Sunoo. He’d always been focused on achieving his dreams. Sunoo was the first to truly reach him—simply by being himself: pretty, gentle, radiant, and patient in all the ways Riki wasn’t.

He was just an eager puppy at the time. 

Their bond began to blossom during the program. They grew close when they were stuck in the Ground together, and from then on, they became inseparable. In the early years of their group, Riki even used to sleep next to Sunoo.

It was innocent. He missed his family and his hometown a lot, so Sunoo made space for him in that cramped bed. They’d cuddle tightly, falling asleep wrapped in each other’s warmth.

But what nobody knew—or perhaps expected—was that beneath Riki’s quiet confidence lay so many insecurities. Feelings, especially the vulnerable and sensitive kind, were hard for him to express and show them correctly. Putting them into words? Nearly impossible.

By the time he began to understand his own heart, it was already too late.

The combination of inexperience—understandable, considering how young he was at the time—lack of previous experience, immaturity, introversion and self-doubt turned the perfect recipe for withering whatever he and Sunoo had before it could truly begin.

It was sad, because all that remained were fragile what-ifs and the bitter aftertaste of something unfinished.

The change between them was excruciatingly obvious—a chasm where there had once been effortless connection. The tension hung thick in the air, so palpable Riki could almost see it shimmering between them like waves.

Gone were the days when a single glance across the room could convey an entire conversation. Where comfortable silences had once been filled with quiet understanding, now they stretched taut with unspoken words. The inside jokes that used to make them dissolve into laughter now died on their tongues, too dangerous to voice.

Their interactions had become painfully measured, each exchange carefully curated to avoid the landmines hidden beneath the surface.

“Good morning.” “Good afternoon.” “Good night.”

Robotic. Hollow. Words stripped of the warmth that used to linger in sleepy smiles and shared coffee cups.

“Did you eat?”
A question that once carried genuine concern, now reduced to empty politeness.

Even the simple “How are you?” sounded foreign in their mouths—mechanical, like lines read from a script neither of them wanted to perform.

The worst moments came when they accidentally slipped—when Riki instinctively reached for Sunoo’s wrist to emphasize a point, to call him closer, only to freeze mid-motion and pull back as if burned. Or when Sunoo would start to lean into Riki’s space out of habit, only to catch himself and step away.

Those aborted gestures hurt more than any argument ever could—sharp, silent reminders of what used to be.

And the whole group sensed the shift too, each member affected in their own way. The natural chemistry they'd once taken for granted now required conscious effort, forced smiles, and a deliberate avoidance of once-comfortable patterns—all in the name of preserving some sense of normalcy.

They moved around, trying to fit a gaping hole.

But somehow, they found their way back to each other.

Rebuilding what was broken took more than time—it required conscious effort, deliberate choices, and the courage to be honest with themselves and with each other. Time, patience, and relentless communication became their lifeline.

And the healing wasn’t linear. There were stumbles along the way—moments when old wounds threatened to reopen, when the ghosts of past tensions resurfaced without warning, making them withdraw momentarily, hesitant to share a thought or feeling for fear of history repeating itself.

But they persevered. Riki knows, without a doubt: it was all worth it.

They learned how to navigate those fragile moments. A knowing glance, a deliberate step forward when instinct urged retreat—these small acts of courage became their new language. Slowly, the space between them transformed from a minefield into sacred ground where they could meet without armor.

Now, he and Sunoo are better and closer than ever. Sunoo stands beside him today not just as a packmate, but as someone whose understanding runs deeper than ever before.

Riki truly treasures, cherishes, and loves Sunoo deeply. Their bond, once fractured, has been painstakingly reassembled—not in the way Riki once imagined, but into something stronger at the seams.

Happily, the past stays where it belongs—as a memory. But the lesson stayed with them.

It shaped who Riki is today, pushing him to grow.

What he took from the experience went beyond just understanding relationships. He learned more about himself—his emotional patterns, how to voice his needs and emotions clearly, why boundaries matter and more. The heartbreak hurt, but in the end, it taught him something invaluable.  

Around this time, another event occurred that would change Riki’s life forever.

He began to grow closer and closer to Jake.

The omega had entered Riki’s world like the first golden rays of dawn—natural, inevitable, illuminating everything without asking permission. He was summer embodied: a warm breeze that rustled through Riki’s walls, shaking loose what needed to fall away, leaving everything fresher, brighter in his wake.

Riki, overwhelmed by emotional chaos, had started isolating himself, unsure how to cope. But Jake came and found him, offering quiet rescue in the form of open arms and soft, grounding affection.

He met Riki in that fragile moment and became a steady flame amid the uncertainty.

Jake didn’t just offer comfort—he became Riki’s anchor. His hugs, his care, his calm presence… it was everything Riki hadn’t known he needed, always leaving him yearning for more, even when Jake was right there. His embrace became sanctuary; his steady heartbeat against Riki’s ear, a metronome guiding him back to equilibrium.

Their bond deepened with each passing season. Riki could never quite explain what thrummed beneath his skin whenever their gazes locked—it always made his chest tighten with something he couldn’t name.

Before he even realized it, he was wrapped in a bubble—one where Jake was the only thing t hat existed . The only thing that mattered . 

Jake had become his center of gravity. And Riki no longer remembered how to—or wanted to—orbit anything else.

The only thing he could see .

Jake, who never hesitated to give Riki what he wanted.  

Jake, who knew his needs before he voiced them.  

Jake, who moved to fulfill them without a second thought.  

Jake, whose presence had become as vital as breathing.  

Jake...

The name echoed in Riki's mind like a mantra, sweet and dangerous. 

But all of this was just Jake taking care of him, right? Normal pack dynamics—the natural way of things? Just ordinary pack behavior. Nothing more than biology, instinct, the natural ebb and flow of their dynamics.

After all, Riki took care of him too. Their care was reciprocal, give-and-take was perfectly balanced, wasn't it?

When pre-rut fever flushed Jake’s cheeks, he transformed—feverish skin, desperate hands, his usual composure unraveling into needy whimpers and plaintive moans.

It was always Riki he sought, with single-minded determination, pressing close until there wasn’t a sliver of space left between them. His nose would drag along Riki’s neck, inhaling deeply, as if Riki’s scent was the only oxygen he needed—the only thing that could soothe the fire burning through his veins.

And Riki—

Riki was powerless to resist.

He’d gather Jake into his arms, letting the omega slot against him like a missing puzzle piece, letting that intoxicating cinnamon-and-summer warmth seep into his skin until his own blood sang in response. Riki would bury his face in Jake’s hair, committing every gasp, every shudder to memory. 

And even days later, Jake’s scent still clung to him, leaving his nerves alight, his pulse unsteady—haunting him.

More than that—Jake leaned on Riki for comfort, safety, and quiet reassurance.

When the world became too loud, it was Riki’s shoulder where Jake rested his head. When anxiety coiled tight in his chest, it was Riki’s voice that could gently unravel the tension with just a few murmured words.

Not because Riki was an alpha, or even his packmate, but simply because he was Riki—the one who knew exactly when to tease and when to stay silent, when to pull Jake into conversation and when to simply sit beside him in the dark.

They built their own rhythm: a private language, unspoken routines, always carving out time for each other. Stolen lunches squeezed between hectic schedules, eating huddled in dressing rooms with their knees knocking together as they shared bites of each other’s meals. Late-night walks along the Han River, the city lights shimmering across the water, and marathon gaming sessions that bled into dawn whenever they could steal the hours.

It was all effortless. Natural. Like they were always meant to fit together this way.

Jake memorized how Riki took his coffee without being told. Riki instinctively grabbed Jake’s favorite snacks at the convenience store. And the way they could sit in perfect silence for hours… spoke more than words ever could.

Then came the ironic and a devastating truth

Jake belonged to Heeseung. 

In fact, they are just waiting only for retirement to make official what everyone already knew, the company’s restrictions were merely a technicality

And Riki would never fight with Heeseung for the right to mate Jake. Never.

Not when Jake still sometimes looked at him with that lingering fondness—the kind reserved for puppies who’d outgrown their clumsiness but not their place in the hierarchy.

To Jake, he’d always be the maknae first , an alpha second. The boy he looked after because Riki was only fourteen when they met.

So, the mixed signals didn’t matter. Riki wasn’t foolish enough to feed a hope that would only bring him nothing but another broken heart. The mess with Sunoo had been painful enough—it taught him some fires were better smothered than fed.

He’d never have the courage to risk it again.

And then there was Heeseung.

Heeseung mattered. Mattered so much it ached.

He wasn’t just the eldest alpha of their pack—he was Riki’s first hyung. The steady hand that had guided him through every uncertain step, from puppy to young alpha. When Riki stumbled, it was Heeseung who caught him. When he doubted himself, it was Heeseung’s quiet confidence that reminded him of his own strength.

Countless nights found Riki seeking refuge in Heeseung’s bed, clinging to his warmth like a lifesaver. And Heeseung never turned him away. He’d simply fold Riki into his arms, letting him soak up that comfort and stability without ever asking for explanations.

Riki’s admiration for him bordered on reverence. Heeseung represented everything Riki aspired to be—patient where Riki was impulsive, measured where Riki was reckless. His love for Heeseung ran just as deep as what he felt for Jake, just as intense in its own way.

Only different.

(Wasn't it?)

Challenging him would betray every unspoken rule of pack and brotherhood.

So Riki did the only thing he could—he buried those dangerous feelings deep, sealing them away where they couldn’t hurt anyone. And if he pretended long enough, maybe he could even convince himself they’d never existed.

However, it only highlighted another painful truth:

He was the only one without a mate.

Riki’s head throbbed like never before.

He sat on the edge of the bed, back pressed against the cold wall, curling tighter into himself. His fingernails left crescent moons in his sweat-dampened palms, each rapid heartbeat pulsing behind his eyes in time with the phantom pressure of Jake’s body still imprinted against his own.

His mind replayed every moment in excruciating detail.

Should he chase after Jake again? The rejection had been clear enough.

The slam of the door still echoed in his bones. Jake’s expression—pupils wide with panic, his voice trembling and unsure, nervous as he spoke behind the locked door.

Shouldn’t he insist?

Or maybe… maybe he should just let the dust settle. Pretend it never happened. Erase the memory of Jake in his arms—both of them dizzy with want, teetering on the edge of something they might regret later, yet burning with the rightness of it.

But Jake had responded , right? It wasn’t just pheromones or instinct—there had been real want there.

Desire. Raw and real. The weight of Jake in his arms, the addictive warmth of his skin, his scent, the desperate little sounds he'd made—it all played on loop behind Riki's thoughts.

He let out a heavy sigh, dragging his fingers roughly through his hair until his scalp tingle.

Stupid. So fucking stupid.

He always ruined everything. Always.

Why was he like this? Why did he turn everything good into a mess?

Jake was probably locked in his room now, never wanting to see him again. How would they face each other after that?

And the worst part? Some traitorous corner of his mind still clung to the way Jake’s fingers had trembled when he pushed him away—as if one part of him hadn’t wanted to. As if he wasn’t sure whether he should stop.

How would he face Heeseung too? How would he pretend to himself that none of this happened?

Suddenly, his phone starts to buzz violently against the nightstand with the screen flashing a name in bold letters that sends ice through his veins. Riki's eyes widened when he saw what the name was.

Jiyeon.

All this time... he hadn’t even thought about her. Not for a single second.
While he’d been consumed by thoughts of Jake—he hadn’t spared a thought for Jiyeon. Not one.

What kind of shit boyfriend forgets his own girlfriend?

He sighed harder, clenched his fists, and punched the mattress. Everything was getting worse by the second. He let the call go to voicemail. He’d call her back when he felt more like himself. Right now, he wasn’t even sure he remembered his own name.

Riki hadn’t planned for any of this. The dating thing—it had just happened. He wasn’t the type to get into random relationships. In fact, he was quite reserved.

And now, with contract renewals finalized and ENHYPEN barreling toward their eighth year, his schedule overflowed—world tours, comebacks, relentless rehearsals. Romance was a distraction he couldn’t afford.

But then Kim Jiyeon had danced into his life at 2:00 AM in HYBE’s dance studio.

They had bumped into each other a few times, exchanged polite nods, but Riki had never really stopped to pay attention to her.

One night, he’d returned to grab a forgotten earbud and found her instead—drenched in sweat, muttering curses under her breath as she repeated the same eight-count for what looked like the hundredth time. As part of the dance crew for one of HYBE’s girl groups, perfection wasn’t optional—it was mandatory.

“Need help?” The words tumbled out before he could stop them. When she turned, something inside Riki shifted—the exhaustion in her eyes giving way to something bright and unguarded.

“God, yes.”

And just like that, they fell into rhythm: his hands guiding her hips, her laughter when she nailed the move, the way she pressed a water bottle into his hand after the practice. Jiyeon learned fast—scarily fast—her movements sharp yet fluid, like quicksilver.

So, they started meeting up often. And then one day, Riki realized he was counting down the minutes until he could see her again.

Jiyeon had slowly begun to fill the space in Riki’s heart, without asking for anything in return.
She was vibrant, lively, and their energies matched so well. She never complained about canceled dates, secrecy, his impossible schedule, or the restrictions of idol life.

She understood, and with her, trusting felt easy—safe.

He wasn’t exactly hiding Jiyeon from the others—but how do you explain something so delicate when your history with love is littered with almosts? Every time he’d cared, it either crumbled to ashes or was never returned. He was afraid. He’d been so unlucky with love. The thought of sharing it—of exposing something this fragile—felt like tempting fate. What if saying it out loud made it real, and being real made it break?

His thing with Jiyeon was too precious, too new. Riki couldn’t bear the thought of losing her.

But he knew he wasn’t fooling anyone. His hyungs had noticed. They didn’t say a word—but their silence was already an answer.

Especially Jake . 

And nothing could’ve prepared him for the way Jake reacted.

He’d spent the night and day before with Jiyeon during her pre-heat. Even after two scalding showers, traces of her scent still clung to his skin—sweet, heady, and unknown . Jake’s reaction was immediate.

The omega had gone almost feral.

Jake’s pupils had blown wide, nostrils flaring as the usual warm cinnamon of his scent turned acrid—sharp and bitter, burning Riki’s throat with intensity. Riki had never seen him like that—never seen any of the pack’s omegas react so violently to an outside scent. If Heeseung hadn’t stepped in, he wouldn’t have known what to do.

The following days felt strange and strained. Riki didn’t know whether to bring it up, and since Jake hadn’t said anything either, it seemed safer to let it die in silence.

When Jake’s own pre-heat hit, Riki—despite the lingering tension—offered to help, just like he always had. But something had changed. Jake was distant, stiff. The easy warmth that once lived between them had been replaced by something guarded, cold. It made Riki’s chest ache.

He was so nervous, so afraid that Heeseung had to encourage him to go help. In fact, Heeseung had always insisted that Riki needed to stay close to Jake—always the one who reminded him that Jake needed him too. 

Also, he texted Riki today, telling him to ask Jake out.

When Riki finally stepped into Jake’s nest that day, pulled him close, breathed in his scent—it all clicked, as if a key had turned, unlocking a door to a terrifying, undeniable clarity.

He belonged there. His place was—and had always been—by Jake’s side.

But it was still easier to deny it, right to the end. Maybe it was all just unfounded noise in his head. Nothing—absolutely nothing—could make him change his mind.

And yet, Riki’s chest began to ache even more. The harder he tried to deny it, to hide, to run, the more it felt like he was suffocating—at any moment, he might completely unravel.

Everything was wrong. His clothes scraped against his skin, itching like a thousand needles pricking him all at once. His alpha roared, demanding he chase after his omega.

Jake, Jake, Jake, omega, my omega, Jake…

He wanted to scream out loud—so loud that the universe and his alpha would hear him—Jake is not his omega.

But his alpha didn’t care.

He didn’t give a fuck about what Riki wanted, thought, or did. Only snarled, furious at being rejected, focused solely on their omega, who had pulled away.

Every fiber, every nerve of Riki burned, desperate to follow, to claim, to fix it, to go after Jake.

The room started to feel suffocating, as if the walls were closing in on him. Jake’s scent still hung heavy in the air, choking him further, pushing him closer to the edge—closer to complete insanity.

He needed to get out. Now.

-His legs moved on autopilot, carrying him down the hall where the air no longer smelled like Jake, but of sterile cleaning products.

It should’ve been a relief.

But it wasn’t.

The further he got from Jake, the worse it became.

He stopped, looking around the empty hallway, completely lost, not knowing what to do. His head was spinning; he felt like he might faint at any second.

So he did the only thing that made sense—he desperately called Sunghoon.

Riki lay sandwiched between Sunoo and Sunghoon, face buried against Sunghoon's chest while Sunoo's arms wrapped tightly around him from behind. The weight of them anchored him in a way nothing else could. Here, crushed between his packmates, he finally felt safe—protected, loved.

Sunoo's sweet, candy-floral scent mingled with Sunghoon's sharper citrus notes, enveloping him as a shield. The combined fragrance soothed his frayed nerves, cooling the fire that had been raging under his skin.

He inhaled deeply, letting their presence drown out the chaos in his mind, calming and healing him.

Luckily for him— what an ironic word— Sunghoon had already been at the other dormitory when Riki called, able to come to his rescue immediately. He is a very understanding person, maybe not the most outwardly empathetic, but his maturity and personal growth made him a great advisor— and a very good listener. One of the best in the pack.

He didn't push, didn't demand answers, just held Riki with a firmness that said, ‘ hyungs is here. You're not alone ’

And Sunoo...  

Riki closed his eyes, sinking deeper into the embrace. 

The omega’s arms tightened around him, chin resting gently on Riki’s shoulder. Sunoo had every reason to hold grudges—but he chose kindness instead. Riki knew that Sunoo was honestly worried and had a thousand questions for him, behind that steady hold. 

‘What the hell had happened for Riki to come running, tripping over his own feet, in such despair?’

However, he knew how to respect Riki's time for openness.

Just for now—just for now, Riki pretends that the world outside this embrace didn't exist

There was no Jake, no Jiyeon, no impossible choices tearing him apart. 

He was home.  

Safe with his hyungs, surrounded by their affection and care.

So, he stayed like that.

Time blurred in their warmth, lulled by the steady rhythm of their scents, heartbeats, and presence. The exhaustion from everything that had happened had dragged Riki into such a deep sleep that he didn’t even remember closing his eyes.

When he woke, he wasn't sure what time it was—but the first rays of morning had already begun to fill the room. Sunghoon lay beside him, breathing steady and peaceful, one arm still draped protectively over Riki’s waist. Sunoo remained curled against his back, though his embrace had loosened into a soft tangle of limbs during the night.

Riki tried to shift slightly, hoping to relieve the pins-and-needles sensation in his trapped arm and the movement roused both his hyungs immediately. After all, when you’re squeezed between two people, there’s no such thing as a stealthy escape.

Sunoo was the first to fully surface from sleep, his usually perfect hair sticking up in adorable tufts, cheeks pink and marked by pillow creases. He blinked owlishly down at Riki, eyes still heavy with sleep—he’d clearly fallen the deepest too.

Riki smiled at the scene.

Cute.

“Riki-ah,” Sunoo murmured, voice thick and soft with sleep, “What time is it? Did you sleep well? How are you feeling?”

“Yeah, hyung. Much better. Thanks for… for being here.” His throat ached with dryness; he had to clear it before answering, his voice coming out scratchy.

Sunoo studied him for a moment, gaze soft, searching but never pushing. Then, with a quiet hum, he reached over to ruffle Riki’s hair, pressed a kiss to his cheek, and hugged him close, whispering, “I love you, aegi.”

Riki smiled faintly, leaning in to rest his face against Sunoo’s neck. His nose brushed light against the omega’s skin, grounding himself in the caress. Sunghoon started to stir, groaning as he rubbed his face. “Ugh. What ungodly hour is this?” he mumbled.

Sunoo and Riki burst into laughter at the same time. Sunghoon’s face was still puffy with sleep, eyes didn't even open properly, he obviously still wanted to sleep more. 

With a gentle, insistent tug, Sunoo grabbed his arm, coaxing him closer until Sunghoon gave in with a resigned sigh. He shuffled forward, collapsing beside the omega and draping an arm around him as he buried his face in the other side of Sunoo’s neck, his eyes closing again.

The three of them fit together seamlessly, as if their bodies had always known how to mold into this exact shape. Sunoo’s skin was warm, soft and he smelled so good and looked content, satisfied to be nestled between the two alphas, chest vibrated with a light purr.

Riki didn’t want to leave. Not ever. But then his stomach growled softly, breaking the spell.

“I’m hungry,” he muttered.

“Me too,” Sunghoon echoed without moving an inch, his voice muffled against Sunoo’s skin. He sounded just as unwilling to break their cocoon. “Riki’s making us breakfast… as payment, since we went to bed without dinner because of him.”

Riki’s mood had lightened considerably. They were sitting at the kitchen table chopsticks clicking against bowls as they passed dishes between them. The warm, savory scent of breakfast filled the air—steaming rice, grilled fish, and the rich aroma of doenjang jjigae that Sunghoon had insisted on ordering "for protein recovery".

Sunoo was animatedly recounting some ridiculous behind-the-scenes story from a recent shoot, complete with exaggerated hand gestures, while Sunghoon interjected with his usual dry commentary, making Riki snort into his soup.

Everything seems like always.

But the weight on his chest remained.

Lighter now, more manageable, sure—but still there. A quiet reminder that the past events are real.

He can't run away from it.

Riki picked at his rice, appetite fading as the words gathered in his throat. Sunoo and Sunghoon hadn’t pressed him—hadn’t so much as hinted at wanting answers—and that somehow made it worse. They knew something was wrong. They knew he was holding back. And yet, they waited. Riki was really grateful for that.

His fingers tightened around his chopsticks. 

The fear was there—the dread that the moment he started talking, they’d piece together exactly who he was talking about. There was no hiding in a pack, no secrets that could stay buried forever.

But that was the point, right? If he didn’t say it now, they’d find out eventually. And he’d rather they hear it from him.  

So Riki set his chopsticks down with a quiet, decisive clink.  

Sunoo’s story trailed off mid-sentence. Sunghoon’s teasing smirk faded into something more serious, almost apprehensive. The tension between them thickened, heavy with anticipation.

"I…" Riki’s voice cracked. He swallowed hard, and tried again. “Sunoo hyung, can I ask you something?”

Sunoo’s eyebrows shot up. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes. “It depends. Is it about sex? Or—” his grin widened devilishly—“sex between me and Sunghoon hyung?”

Riki and Sunghoon shouted in unison: "WHAT?!" 

Sunghoon’s face turned an impressive shade of scarlet as he nearly face-planted into his soup. Sunoo burst into laughter, absolutely delighted by their reactions, his shoulders shaking with the force of it.

“My god, hyung,” Riki groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Fuck no. Never. I’d rather be thrown into the sea than know about that,”

Sunoo wiped tears from his eyes, still giggling. “I’m joking. It’s just for fun, you bores”  his voice softened as he added, “But… please. Ask.”

Riki took a deep, steadying breath. He'd practiced this question in his head a hundred times, but Sunoo's ridiculous joke had derailed him completely. In a way, it helped—the tension loosened slightly, the fear receding just enough for him to speak.  

His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve, eyes darting between Sunoo and Sunghoon—both of them now watching him quietly… just waiting.

"How..." He hesitated, then pushed forward. "How did you know that you truly loved Sunghoon hyung? And not just... your omega or instincts influencing you, something like that?" He broke off, frustrated at how clumsy it all sounded, cringing with his own words.

“How do you know when… when you’re bonded to someone? Not officially, but… like your body, your alpha or omega just—decides. Before you even have a say?” he continues, trying to make sense of his question, running his fingers through his hair and exhaling shakily with anxiety. 

Sunoo's playful expression melted into genuine surprise. He was speechless for a few seconds, certainly didn't expect that to be the question.

"Wow," he breathed, sinking back into his chair. His fingers absently traced the edge of his water glass as he collected his thoughts, probably how to answer it. Across the table, Sunghoon had gone preternaturally still, his sharp gaze locked on Sunoo with quiet intensity.

Riki immediately regretted asking. His knee bounced nervously under the table—had he crossed a line? Should he have asked that? especially from Sunoo?

This was too personal, too—

A warm hand settled over his wrist. "It's okay," Sunoo murmured, giving a reassuring squeeze. "You didn't do anything wrong."

He exhaled slowly, his gaze turning inward. When he spoke again, his voice carried the weight of hard-won wisdom.

"It’s... a hard question to answer, Riki. Honestly, you don't get some... dramatic revelation. There's no lightning strike moment where you suddenly know, oh my god, I really love this person, and it’s not just because I want to spend my cycle fucking them. Oh, this is real—not just my omega craving to be bred and knotting.”

“Or I love this person for who they are. It’s not just impulse”

Sunoo continued with his gaze fixed on Riki. "And I think it’s different for everyone."

He paused, considering his next words carefully. His eyes flicked to Sunghoon—something soft and unguarded passing between them—before he turned back to Riki, offering a shy smile that gave everything away.

Riki understood and smiled back. Sunoo and Sunghoon were on the same page now, and that made him happy.

"Even though people try to separate themselves from their instincts... they’re still part of you. Your omega, your alpha—they’re not just some separate thing. They are you. And sometimes..."

He shrugged.

"Sometimes, they’re smarter than your human side. So if your wolf is telling you that this is the person you want, the person you love—well, it’s because they’re sure. Because you’re sure, even if your human brain is too scared to admit it."

"You'll know," he said more, "when their absence feels like missing a limb. When their scent comforts you more than your own nest. When even your bones seem to recognize them as home. Your wolf chooses long before your mind catches up."

Sunoo reached across the table, nudging Riki’s wrist gently with his fingertips."And if you’re sitting here, confused, terrified that you’re mistaking biology for real feelings… remember that those instincts come from you first. They don’t just invent desire out of nowhere. They amplify what’s already there."

Riki was silent, Sunoo's words sinking in.  

Could that be it? Could what happened between him and Jake be more than just instinct? More than just biology?  

Did Jake really feel the same way?  

And if he did ... What did that mean for them?  

But before he could drown in a sea of ​​unanswered questions that were swirling in his mind, Sunghoon's voice cut through the silence like a sharp knife.

“Riki.”

His head snapped up, meeting Sunghoon's serious gaze. The other alpha sat rigid in his chair, staring at him with an unreadable, direct expression.

"You're not talking about your girlfriend, are you?" A beat. "You're talking about Jake."  

The air left Riki's lungs in a rush.

That was it. No more hiding. Sunghoon had already pieced it together.

Riki's fingers twitched against the table. "How did you know?" His voice came fast, out strained. "Did Jake hyung tell you something?"  

It was clear how desperate he was. Riki hoped that, at the very least, Sunghoon would have some answers—some insight into Jake's thoughts, some clue about what the hell was going on between them. Sunghoon and Jake were best friends, proclaimed soulmates, inseparable, and they didn’t hide anything from each other. If anyone knew, it would be him.

And then he realized—he'd never even mentioned having a girlfriend.

Sunghoon exhaled through his nose, unimpressed. "No, he didn't tell me anything. But for anyone who knows how to read him, Jake's an open book."

Riki's stomach dropped. That wasn't the answer he wanted. "Then what—?"

"He's been acting strange lately," Sunghoon interrupted, his tone clipped. "I tried talking to him about it, but he shut me down. Then I started noticing things."

He leaned forward slightly. "He gets particularly irritated every time you go out. We all knew you were dating, Riki. We just didn’t say anything because you clearly didn’t want us to."

A pause. Then, the final shot:

"Heeseung hyung told me what happened between you two that day. So yeah. I put the pieces together."

But before Riki could even recover and speak, Sunoo, just as surprised as he was, said first, “What do you mean, Jake hyung? What happened between you two, Riki?”

Riki took a shaky breath. And then—he told them everything.

The words spilled out in a rush, messy and raw: Jiyeon, Jake—about last night, what had happened between them. The guilt, the confusion, the want that refused to be ignored, the desire that seemed to eat at his insides, the way his wolf had reacted.

He didn’t soften it. Didn’t try to justify it. He just laid it all out between them, his voice growing steadier with every admission. Riki really wanted to cry, all his emotions seemed to be on the surface  now that they were revived.

Sunghoon listened to everything in silence, with an indescribable expression, and Sunoo looked like he wanted to cry along with him. When he finally finished, the silence returned.

Sunoo was the first to move. He stood, rounded the table, and pulled Riki into a hug so tight it nearly knocked the breath out of him.  

Sunghoon sighed dramatically, but when Riki glanced over, the alpha’s expression was softer than expected. "Well," he said, reaching for his coffee, "that explains why Jake’s been even more of a disaster than usual."

"I don't know what to do… I don’t know how I’m going to face any of them from now on."

Jake, Heeseung, Jiyeon… he’d rather run away than have to see them again.

"Hey, aegi," Sunoo murmured, gently tilting Riki's face up. His thumbs brushed away tears that Riki hadn’t even realized he was shedding. Sunoo’s omega scent floods the space with calming pheromones, trying to soothe him. "Breathe with me, okay?"

Riki hugged him tightly again, burying his face in Sunoo’s chest. Sunghoon came closer too. He pressed a soft kiss to Riki’s hair.

“You need to talk to Jake about this.”

“I don’t want to.”

“Riki.” Sunghoon lifted his face, making him look up. His expression was tender, his eyes filled with quiet affection. “You can’t run away from this anymore. From what you told us, it’s already getting out of control.”

“You can’t avoid Jake forever. Besides being in the same group, even though we’re divided into separate dorms now… Jake, Jungwon, and Sunoo spend more time in our dorm than in theirs.”

That was true. They had moved into a new dormitory, divided by gender with each member now having their own separate room. But the omegas were always in the alphas’ dorm.

Sunghoon and Sunoo.

Jay and Jungwon.

Heeseung and Jake.

And he was the only one who was always alone.

“It won’t do any good.”

“Riki,” this time it was Sunoo who called him.

“I know you’re also afraid of Heeseung hyung’s reaction. I know how much you love and admire him. I know that the fact that he and Jake are together—especially that they're mates—makes everything worse. And that you were happy with your girlfriend until now.”

Sunoo paused, letting the weight of his words settle. The mention of his girlfriend sent fresh guilt coursing through Riki

“However, there’s no way to avoid this. Talk to Jake hyung. You need to be honest with each other.”

Sunoo’s words were truths that hurt to hear.

After all the talking, Riki stayed a little longer with Sunghoon and Sunoo. The omega even asked if Riki wanted him to come along, but he refused. He needed to be alone for a while.

He needed to take a shower too, change his clothes, and above all— think .

Think about everything.

Riki needed to figure out how to proceed from now on: about Jake, what he would say to him, how he would approach him and ask to talk about this complicated situation.

And he needed to call Jiyeon.

She deserved more than this. It wasn’t fair what was happening to her either, so it was best not to keep her in the dark. She didn’t deserve to be deceived. He needed to be honest with her and, well… end what they had.

He’d been unfair to her from the beginning, even if he hadn’t meant to be—this time he’d truly believed it could work.

Riki knew that he wouldn’t be able to have a relationship with any other omega but Jake. His alpha had made a choice and it was Jake he wanted. He wouldn’t accept anyone else.

When he finally dragged himself back to the dorm, his footsteps felt heavy, echoing too loudly in the empty hallway. Riki stood frozen just inside the doorway, his pulse hammering as he strained to detect any sign of life—half-terrified, half-expecting—to hear Heeseung and Jake’s voices.

But apparently, he was alone.

The apartment felt strangely silent—the kind of silence that strains your eardrums until they ache from the buzzing. Only the wind whispered through the windows, making the curtains dance softly. Every sound was amplified by the absence of voices.

He didn’t have the courage to check if they were in Heeseung’s room, to face whatever might be happening if he opened the door, so he rushed straight to his own and locked himself in.

Riki's body moved on autopilot: shower, change clothes, think.

The routine felt mechanical, his limbs moving on their own, disconnected from his racing thoughts. The hot water scalded his skin, yet he barely felt it—his mind too occupied, replaying all the moments with Jake, every word Sunghoon and Sunoo had told him, imagining every possible scenario that could unfold and every disaster that could come true.

But it turned out Riki didn’t even need to worry about that. 

Three agonizing days passed with no sign of Heeseung or Jake—no texts, no calls.

Their staff simply told Riki and the other members that there was no need to rush. Heeseung had taken Jake to the hospital because he wasn’t feeling well, and he had to stay for a while to run some tests. The explanation was delivered with practiced calm, but it did nothing to ease the tension simmering between them.

He and the others were still worried. What was wrong with Jake that required him to spend so much time in the hospital?

Riki’s mind conjured up increasingly alarming possibilities, none of them good.

Sunghoon called Heeseung several times, his brow furrowing deeper with each unanswered attempt. Jay and Jungwon did the same, but the alpha didn’t answer them either. Their manager kept assuring them that everything was under control, but the lack of direct communication only heightened their anxiety.

So they had no choice but to wait.

Another three days crawled by before Heeseung and Jake finally showed up.

Riki was sitting on the sofa in the living room, idly playing with his phone when the familiar sound of the door code being entered made his head snap up.

Jake looked exhausted.

There were dark circles under his eyes, standing out starkly against his pale skin, his usual vibrant energy completely absent. And Heeseung didn’t look much better—his shoulders slumped with the weight of exhaustion.

Riki stood up and walked toward them, his pulse thundering in his ears.

“Hyung—” he started, but Jake brushed right past him without even meeting his gaze, disappearing down the hall toward Heeseung's room.

He stood frozen, stunned.

The rejection stung more than he expected, leaving him rooted to the spot as Jake’s door clicked shut in the distance.

“Don’t be upset,” Heeseung said softly, pulling Riki gently by the arm and guiding him back to the sofa. “These days have been really hard on him. He’s tired.”

The older alpha lay down against Riki’s chest, hugging him and snuggling into his lap.

Riki was the only one taller than Heeseung in the group, the only one he could comfortably fit against like this when he needed comfort.

Heeseung looked just as exhausted as Jake, if not more. His body carried the mixed scents of hospital antiseptic, Jake’s faint pheromones, and his own alpha scent, now tinged with stress. The combination made Riki’s nose wrinkle slightly even as his arms instinctively wrapped around his hyung.

“Hyung… what happened?” Riki asked, his voice laced with fear. Was whatever Jake had… serious? His fingers tightened in Heeseung’s shirt at the thought.

“I don’t know for sure,” Heeseung admitted, exhaling heavily. “Jake hasn’t wanted to tell me about the diagnosis yet. He said he was too tired to talk right now… and wanted to do it later.

Riki looked even more apprehensive, his body tensing beneath Heeseung’s weight.

The uncertainty was worse than knowing, leaving too much room for his imagination to spiral out of control.

“Hey… don’t worry,” Heeseung said, sensing his distress. He tilted his head up to meet Riki’s eyes.

Heeseung’s doe eyes, usually so bright and serene—those liquid brown pools that could calm storms with a single glance—now held a strange melancholy. A shadow of sadness that Riki had never seen before clung to his hyung’s gaze like frost on autumn leaves, transforming that familiar warmth into something fragile and distant.

Those eyes had always been Riki’s comfort.

When the dark days threatened to break him, it was Heeseung’s steady gaze that anchored him. When the pressures mounted, those crinkled crescents of pride reminded him that he belonged. They were his north star—his beacon.

But now… that unfamiliar, distant expression—so lost, so startlingly vulnerable—sent ice water trickling down Riki’s spine.

The chill settled deep in his bones, a creeping dread he couldn’t rationalize away. Something was fundamentally wrong when even Heeseung’s eyes couldn’t shine.

It gave him a bad feeling—a bad omen.

“The doctor said it’s nothing serious and prescribed him some medicine,” Heeseung added quietly. “I don’t know much more… Jake said he’d prefer to tell you himself.”

So that was it.

Riki would have to wait for Jake to tell him what had happened—and worse, he still had that other matter to deal with as well.

The next few days were going to be torturous.