Chapter Text
If you’re lonely,
come be lonely with me.
Jihoon had always known that being born an omega was basically a divine punishment.
In a world ruled by alphas, being an omega was a constant misery.
Seen only as an extension of alphas, created with the sole purpose of serving them, valued only because they could reproduce. Beyond that, being an omega meant being pushed down, living with the sense of inferiority society forced on them, because to everyone else, an omega would never be as good as an alpha.
An omega who wanted a future outside of the "traditional" was the definition of rebellion. Wanting a life that didn't revolve around housework and raising pups was unthinkable. Because really, what omega in their right mind would hate their "destiny" of serving an alpha?
For years, omegas had their will ignored completely. Others decided who they would bond with and when, treating them like a piece of furniture, stripping them of any sense of humanity. They didn't get to have opinions, didn't get to express themselves; they were just another accessory for alphas, a trophy they could show off to others.
Anger and exhaustion were what finally pushed many to speak up, fueling an endless fight for omega rights that had been denied to them for centuries. The first ones to rebel were judged, silenced, even punished, but the resistance of hundreds was what kept the goal alive. And eventually, some things finally started to change.
Soon, omegas could study, vote, or work; after so long, they finally had the chance to hope for a different life without relying on an alpha. Their voices were heard, their opinions becoming just as important as those of alphas or betas. The constant struggle of past generations built the world they had now, where omegas weren't treated like worthless objects.
In the 21st century, more and more opportunities kept opening for omegas, both male and female, whether in health, politics, law, or the arts.
But it still wasn't enough.
Even with all the protests, demanding equal treatment for omegas, outside of stereotypes and ridiculous roles, still felt like an endless road.
The roles were still imposed with the same force. No matter how capable they were, people still expected omegas to want to care for the home and children, acting as if they had some natural instinct for it. It didn't matter how good an omega was at their job; there would always be an alpha ready to belittle their effort and potential.
No matter how skilled an omega was, an alpha would always earn more.
All it took was turning on the news to see how every day, the number of assaulted omegas kept rising. On the streets, at home, at work, anywhere you could imagine. And somehow, the blame still always fell on them.
Ask any omega around and they'll tell you the same, every single one has been oppressed in one way or another. And even with all the new doors opening for omegas, there were still plenty who had to rely on an alpha to survive, even when they didn't actually need to.
Jihoon had seen it with his own family.
His mother married very young, and just a few years later, he was born. She was a beautiful, intelligent omega, who had dreamed since she was a child of becoming a nurse someday, wanting with her whole heart to help those who needed it. But life wasn't as kind as she was.
Survival came first, and with the weight of the outdated ideals her family had carried for generations, she had no choice but to marry at eighteen, completely giving up any chance of chasing her biggest dream.
Jihoon didn't grow up in a violent home, or at least, not in the obvious way. He never lacked food, never worried about clothing; his father never hit him, much less his mother.
But violence didn't always have to be physical. To everyone else, his father was a responsible and respectful alpha, attentive to his family, yet they didn't see all the times Jihoon had to witness him yelling at his mother, in a way so cruel and dehumanizing it made his blood boil.
All the humiliation, all the ridiculous complaints over the tiniest things, always ending with him blaming her for everything. The hurtful words that stabbed at his mother's heart were just as damaging as a punch.
Jihoon saw her cry so many times, suffering in silence from his father's merciless treatment. He was the one who consoled her, the one reminding her she wasn't alone, telling her over and over that they didn't need an alpha to survive; he said it so many times it became exhausting.
But no matter how much he tried to support her, she always went back to that alpha who hurt her with insults and words. No matter how much Jihoon prayed to be rid of that man, his mother always defended him because "he's your father."
Jihoon didn't want a father if it meant a life of endless agony.
He wished for the day he could finally get out of that house, break free from all the problems that marriage had dumped on him, even without meaning to. Alpha, beta, or omega, Jihoon was sure he'd never be able to stand a life like that, no matter what. He still couldn't understand how his mother put up with everything, not caring about the damage she caused him in the process.
So when Jihoon presented as an omega, he knew things wouldn't be easy for him either, stuck in the same system they would never escape from.
He never hated his secondary gender, but he knew he wouldn't be like the omegas who just accepted the role society still forced onto them. He didn't need an alpha to be happy. He didn't want a bond tying him to someone else. No matter how hard it would be, Jihoon would never give up his independence just to fit into what everyone else expected.
Jihoon preferred being alone rather than risking the only thing he truly had: his future. He'd never be stupid enough to fall for a distraction that could destroy everything he'd worked so hard to build.
When music became his passion, he knew that would be the dream he'd fight for with everything he had. He didn't care how many people laughed at him for wanting to become a respected producer and composer. He didn't care how many tried to sabotage him, or how many rejected his work when he dared to knock on the doors of different companies. Jihoon wasn't going to give that up.
Being an omega didn't define his talent. And if society didn't want to see that, then he'd just have to prove it one way or another.
That was why, in such a cruel and ruthless society like Korea, Jihoon knew he couldn't aspire to much.
So at the smallest opportunity, he would leave, escape that city that devoured dreams, and somewhere far away, he'd build his own career. For now, he'd have to endure everything until he reached his goal.
For years, he lived by the rule of hard work. Double shifts, more than one job at a time, sleepless nights, anything to get even a little closer to his dream of becoming a producer.
And it's not like he had many choices. Finding a decent job as an omega was almost impossible. Most were underpaid, exhausting, and sometimes cruel. Jobs alphas didn't want, but that omegas were expected to accept without complaint. While alphas got opportunities just by asking, he had to fight for scraps.
Years spent surviving on the bare minimum, counting every bill, refusing anything that could distract him from his goal. His savings weren't just money; they were undeniable proof that he had gotten there on his own.
He'd saved almost enough. He was so close he could taste it. He just needed a little more. One last push.
That's why, when the chance to work at the Kang residence appeared in front of him, he immediately knew he couldn't let it slip by.
The Kang couple was known in Seoul for their wealth and influence in the business world. Kang Eunhyeok, a young alpha with a suffocating scent of oak and leather, had been clear during the interview, the pay was insane, enough to double Jihoon's savings in just a few months. The job was simple, "personal assistance" for his omega husband, Choi Seungcheol.
Jihoon accepted without hesitation. The money outweighed any warning his subconscious tried to send.
When he walked through the wrought-iron gate and saw the gardens, so perfect they looked designed to humiliate actual nature, he reminded himself exactly what kind of people he'd be serving.
In the main hall, under the glow of a chandelier, he met the couple. The alpha looked exactly as he did before, dominant presence, wide predatory smile. But Jihoon's attention immediately went to the omega.
Choi Seungcheol was not what Jihoon expected. Standing next to his husband, he radiated an immaculate kind of beauty, the kind only money can polish, designer clothes, flawless skin, and a sweet cherry scent. He couldn't deny his natural beauty either; dark hair falling over thick eyebrows, framing big eyes whose long lashes cast delicate shadows over his cheeks. The mark on his pale neck, clearly showing he was bonded, looked reddish, probably renewed often. He was the picture of a spoiled, pampered omega, living in luxury, whose biggest problem was deciding which piece of jewelry to wear that day.
Jihoon felt a chill of apathy. He'd dedicated his life to avoiding alpha dependence, and now his job was to serve someone who had chosen exactly that.
"Welcome, Jihoon. You already know me, but I'll introduce myself again. I'm Kang Eunhyeok," he greeted warmly. Jihoon gave a small bow in return. "And this is my omega, Choi Seungcheol."
The omega dipped his head, so instinctively it was hard to tell if it was politeness or habit. His eyes scanned Jihoon, taking him in; the strange part was that he never actually looked at his face.
"Nice to meet you," he murmured softly, almost a whisper that could've gone unnoticed if they weren't the only ones in the room.
"My husband is a bit reserved," the alpha continued, sliding a hand around his waist. The gesture was public and protective, but Jihoon felt it more like a claim. "Your job is to make sure he's accompanied at all times. Your schedule will be flexible, but the main rule is complete discretion. Understood?"
Jihoon held back a sigh, realizing what working for a couple like this would involve. He'd probably have to endure mistreatment and humiliations. Fine. It wasn't the first time he'd dealt with that from elite people.
"Understood, Mr. Kang," Jihoon said, his voice flat, a small discomfort twisting in his chest. There was something about the alpha's presence that unsettled him.
"Jihoon will take care of everything you need, darling," Eunhyeok said, turning toward his husband with a possessiveness that made the oak scent in the room grow stronger. "Treat him well." Seungcheol only nodded, never fully lifting his gaze.
Another omega submitting to an alpha, Jihoon thought, judging him.
"Seungcheol will give you a tour of the house and show you your responsibilities. Don't worry, they're not hard, just keeping him company and making sure he doesn't need anything." The alpha stepped back, checking his expensive watch. "I have a meeting. Enjoy getting to know each other. Seungcheol, I'll see you at dinner; be good, babe."
Right before leaving, Eunhyeok turned back again. His hand grabbed Seungcheol's jaw with an unnecessary amount of force, making him look up so he could give him a goodbye kiss, except it looked rough, forced.
Jihoon looked away, feeling out of place witnessing the couple's "affection," ignoring how the omega's shoulders had tensed up.
Eunhyeok pulled back from his husband with a soft smile and one last caress before stepping away. He left with the same predatory presence he'd walked in with, leaving behind a loud kind of emptiness. In the silence that followed, Seungcheol finally straightened up, exhaling the breath he'd been holding in.
The room felt tense, marked by the uncomfortable moment from a few seconds before. Neither omega spoke; Jihoon was determined not to pry, and the other omega seemed to be quietly recovering from something.
As the seconds dragged on and the silence stretched, Jihoon cleared his throat, breaking the tension they'd accidentally created.
"I'm Lee Jihoon, I didn't introduce myself properly to you." He bowed again, a bit more confidently now that the alpha was gone. A small polite smile touched his lips, memories of working for people like this flashing in his mind. "I'm at your service, Mr. Choi."
The omega stared at him, blinking slowly as if trying to process the person standing in front of him. He hadn't moved even an inch, still standing completely still, he looked uncomfortable in his own home.
Jihoon was about to speak again, but Seungcheol beat him to it, cutting off any worry that he'd already screwed something up.
"You can call me Seungcheol. Or Cheol, whatever's easier. I don't mind," he said with a small smile forming on his reddish lips. "Being addressed formally feels kinda awkward."
The answer caught Jihoon off guard, but he nodded anyway, still unsure what he should actually call him. He had worked a couple of times for wealthy families before, and kindness or familiarity were concepts they usually didn't understand.
"Alright ...Seungcheol," he said carefully, tasting the name before letting it leave his tongue.
Seungcheol smiled again, this time more genuine, more natural than the one he'd shown with his alpha in the room.
"Come on, I'll show you the house."
He finally took the first step toward the hallway. His movements were graceful, but Jihoon couldn't miss the tension underneath, a stiffness tucked into every step.
The inside of the mansion was vast and cold, completely different from the lively first impression the colorful garden had given. White marble, art pieces that screamed their price, and spotless furniture that looked terrifying to even brush against.
The mansion wasn't enormous compared to others, but still far too big for a lonely couple. Apparently there were no kids, which Jihoon found unusual, but he refrained from asking.
The tour was monotonous. Kitchen, formal dining room, sitting rooms. Everything perfect, untouched, lifeless. Seungcheol mumbled rehearsed descriptions, his voice quiet and empty while pointing out where Jihoon could and couldn't go.
"And here," Seungcheol said as they stopped at a double door at the end of a hallway, "this is the library. I think it's where I spend the most time."
When he opened the door, the air changed. Seungcheol's cherry-sweet scent grew stronger, but mixed with something much nicer, old paper, coffee, and candle wax. Unlike the rest of the house, the library didn't look like a museum. The shelves were messy, books lay open on a table in the corner, and there was a hint of chaos, a wrinkled cashmere blanket on a chair and a thick notebook left open on a coffee table.
Jihoon felt a strange sense of connection with the place, so different from the freezing coldness outside these walls.
"It's a warm place," Jihoon said before he could stop himself, feeling the contrast immediately.
The omega looked at him like he wasn't expecting that response. His big eyes, framed by those thick lashes, blinked with surprise, cautious, almost shy.
"Thanks," he whispered after a moment, a faint warmth coloring his cheeks. "It's my space.”
Jihoon's eyes scanned the room again, noticing little details he'd missed before. But before he could say anything else, the omega gently wrapped his hand around Jihoon's wrist with a softness,and confidence, he hadn't expected from someone like him.
"Come on, I'll make something to drink," Seungcheol offered, closing the library door behind them as he led the way back toward the kitchen.
While walking through the spotless hallways, Jihoon mentally reviewed the rooms he'd seen so far, trying to memorize everything. But the question he'd been holding in finally pushed its way out.
"Seungcheol," he said quietly as they passed a huge painting, apparently from the couple's wedding, "I haven't seen much activity... where's the rest of the employees?"
Seungcheol walked two more steps before stopping completely. He turned around, the smile on his lips suddenly tighter.
"Oh. We don't have," he said, resuming his pace. "It's just you and me."
Jihoon frowned. "But, who handles everything? This house is huge."
"I do all of that. Eunhyeok doesn't like anyone else doing the chores or touching his things," he explained with a shrug, "he prefers I do it, so we avoid other people's mistakes."
The revelation hit Jihoon harder than he expected. Even if the house wasn't an enormous mansion, it was still too much for one person to handle. Knowing a single omega did all that work was alarming, and with all the money they had, refusing to hire staff made no sense.
"That's a lot," Jihoon said, feeling a knot form in his stomach.
"I'm used to it," Seungcheol replied, shrugging with a strange calmness that Jihoon found more unsettling than if he had yelled. "It's just the routine."
A weird feeling settled heavy in Jihoon's chest, something uncomfortable and sharp. He forced himself to ignore it, pretending it was nothing. It wasn't his business, Seungcheol's routine, his marriage, none of that mattered. He just had to work.
He had to stay focused. A few months and he'd reach his goal, finally able to take the next step. For now, he just had to endure the Kang mansion.
+
Being under Seungcheol's service was nothing like what Jihoon had expected.
He soon realized that personal assistance basically meant spending most days keeping Seungcheol company in the library, quietly sitting with him while he read, listening to him ramble about random little things, or sometimes just sharing the silence while each worked on their own.
At first, Seungcheol was distant. There was this invisible wall of formality between them; he barely talked, apologized for asking for anything, and did the absolute minimum to keep Jihoon occupied. It was like he measured every word, afraid of bothering him or saying something wrong. But with time, the routine and the quiet moments between them dissolved that barrier. Slowly, trust slipped in, first through Jihoon's questions about Seungcheol's books, then through small anecdotes or little comments that gradually revealed who they really were, especially the older omega, who seemed terrified of letting his true self show.
Jihoon's first impression shattered completely. Seungcheol wasn't spoiled at all; he was disciplined, smart, and stupidly good at all the tasks forced on him, from gardening to cooking. Underneath all that rigidity he put on whenever Kang Eunhyeok was around, his real personality, kind, observant, with a soft sense of humor, felt painfully different.
Jihoon noticed that strange shift every time the alpha came home, but he forced himself to ignore it. He kept reminding himself not to get involved in someone else's marriage. That never led to anything good for him.
Instead, he focused on his job and ignored anything that didn't directly concern him.
Without noticing, time started slipping by, and the routine settled in with an unexpected familiarity.
Saying he'd grown fond of Seungcheol would be too much, but he definitely didn't feel the annoyance he thought he'd have when living with a rich omega.
The days gave him the chance to really observe Seungcheol, to notice little details that anyone else might have missed.
One of those quiet afternoons together, Jihoon picked up on something. He'd almost been there a month, and all they'd done was stay inside the house, cleaning, talking, reading.
He couldn't help but wonder if Seungcheol lived like this before he arrived because, if so, it was a lonely and painfully dull life.
"Cheol," he called out, daring to satisfy his curiosity, pausing halfway through dusting one of Eunhyeok's shelves. There was no clause in his contract forcing him to do housework, but there he was, helping with anything he could, refusing to let Seungcheol handle everything by himself.
He still remembered the first time he tried. Seungcheol insisted he shouldn't, claiming his alpha would notice he didn't do it himself, but Jihoon insisted even harder. After a long argument, Seungcheol finally gave in and taught him how to do every task in such an exact, calculated way that it still gave Jihoon chills.
The older omega stopped cleaning the desk and looked at him fully, giving him his full attention.
"Do you spend a lot of time here?"
The question seemed to catch Seungcheol off guard. He blinked slowly before answering. "Yeah, I guess. Why?"
"Well, because you're always home," Jihoon said, deciding his nosiness was justified this time. "It's not really my business, but I assumed someone in your social position would have a pretty active social life."
Seungcheol smiled, an elegant curve of his lips that wasn't fully a smile. "I don't really have anything to do outside."
"You don't hang out with friends?" Jihoon pressed, hoping he wasn't crossing a line.
"I'm not that close to my friends anymore. You know, married life." His voice dimmed at the end.
For a moment, that smile twisted into something sad. His cherry-scented aroma flickered with a hint of bitterness, and Jihoon noticed it instantly.
He hesitated, not wanting to keep pushing, but the next question slipped out anyway. "And your family?"
Seungcheol sighed, the sadness even more obvious now, even though he tried to speak casually. "I only have my dad. He's sick, so he's in a private hospital. I go see him sometimes," he paused, unaware of how heavy his next words would be, "when Eunhyeok lets me."
The sentence dropped into the silence of the study like a weight. Seungcheol had said it so lightly, as if it were normal for access to a sick father to depend on someone else's permission.
Jihoon let the cloth fall from his hand. His mind raced.
The truth about Seungcheol's marriage, his forced isolation, the need for permission just to see his own family, was finally becoming clear.
It wasn't the boring life of a rich omega. It was the gilded cage of a man completely controlled.
+
The weeks went by fast, and Jihoon honestly couldn't tell how long he'd been working with Seungcheol anymore.
Their shared company turned into a comfortable routine that, little by little, started to feel familiar.
By now, neither of them felt awkward around the other; enough time had passed for them to really get to know each other. Jihoon had completely abandoned the idea that he'd be dealing with some spoiled, self-centered omega, and Seungcheol, in turn, didn't look as tense or nervous when Jihoon was around.
As the days went on, Jihoon learned that Seungcheol really loved spending time in the garden. It wasn't something he did every day, he was only allowed to go out once he finished all the housework before the alpha got home, and that only happened on certain days. But every time he did get the chance, Jihoon could feel the calm that washed over him.
Today was one of those days.
The late afternoon light fell softly over the huge garden, and both omegas took advantage of the warm sunset. Seungcheol was sitting on the pergola swing in the middle of the garden, writing in the small notebook Jihoon had seen the first day in the library. Jihoon, for both their comfort, sat on a separate chair just a few meters away.
Even though it was almost six, the day had been unbearably hot, so the heat still lingered. Jihoon didn't complain, even with sweat sticking to his skin; it was uncomfortable, sure, but not enough to actually say anything.
What did catch his attention was how Seungcheol insisted on wearing long sleeves or high-neck shirts all the time. Jihoon wondered how he could stand it. He'd never seen him show his arms or wear shorts, it was like he always made sure to hide his skin.
At first Jihoon hadn't thought much of it, maybe it was just personal taste, or some kind of proper standard for being married to a big businessman. But on days like this, he genuinely felt bad for him.
"Aren't you hot?" Jihoon finally asked, unable to keep it in anymore, eyeing the linen shirt with sleeves all the way to his wrists.
Seungcheol looked up, confused for a second, but understood right away once he noticed Jihoon's stare.
"It's not that hot today," he said, going back to whatever he was writing.
Jihoon didn't buy it. He clicked his tongue, tilting his head as he watched him. Something about that habit of covering up didn't sit right with him. The thought that he might be sticking his nose where it didn't belong crossed his mind, and he realized he might be making Seungcheol uncomfortable. The omega had always been kind to him; it wouldn't be fair to be rude now. So he kept his mouth shut, even if the doubt stayed, eating away at him.
He let out a long sigh, trying to quietly release the tension he'd created on his own, though Seungcheol didn't seem to notice. Jihoon stood up, stretching a little as a soft breeze hit his face; he silently thanked it, especially for the omega still writing beside him.
"I'm gonna go grab something to drink," Jihoon said, getting only a small hum in response.
He walked toward the kitchen slowly, trying to shake off the weird ideas forming in his head. He decided to make lemonade, remembering the time Seungcheol told him he didn't need permission to take certain things as long as he didn't touch the food stored in the tupperware in a specific corner of the fridge and pantry. Jihoon had kept his questions to himself that day.
It only took a few minutes to prepare everything and pour two glasses. Once he was done, he headed back to the pergola, where Seungcheol was now sitting in a more relaxed position.
He was half-reclined, legs stretched out, head tilted back on the swing's cushion, still holding the notebook, now resting over his face, maybe rereading what he'd just written.
It was a normal scene, nothing special, nothing that should've drawn attention. But in that position, Jihoon saw it. Seungcheol's shirt had ridden up just a little, revealing a small bit of pale skin. Jihoon didn't even understand how he noticed, it wasn't like anything was really showing. But right as he was about to look away, something stopped him.
There, right on that tiny exposed patch of skin, standing out in a terrifying way, was a huge bruise. A fresh one, no more than a day old.
Jihoon froze for a moment, holding both glasses, confused by the sight of such a big injury.
"Does it hurt?" Jihoon asked once he managed to move again and stepped closer to Seungcheol.
The omega sat up calmly, completely unaware. Jihoon lowered his gaze for a second and gestured toward his shirt.
Instinctively, Seungcheol looked down, momentarily lost. The second he noticed the exposed skin, his reaction was immediate, he yanked the fabric down so fast he didn't even try to hide it.
Jihoon frowned when he caught the flash of pure fear on Seungcheol's face, even if it lasted only a second before he forced a normal smile. But Jihoon, being the observant person he was, noticed the nervous tremor underneath.
"It's nothing," Seungcheol said right away. "I fell down the stairs yesterday. It hurts a little, but not as much as it did yesterday."
His hands were shaking as he set the now-closed notebook on his lap.
Jihoon set the glasses down on the little table next to the swing, slow and careful, picking up immediately on how uncomfortable Seungcheol was with the topic.
"That must've hurt a lot," Jihoon murmured, thinking about how bad the bruise looked. He wondered how badly Seungcheol had fallen to leave a mark like that.
"Yeah, kind of..." Seungcheol let out a nervous laugh that Jihoon pretended not to hear.
"Do you have a first aid kit? I can help you-"
"No!" Seungcheol cut him off instantly, making Jihoon flinch, even though he'd only been trying to help. "I mean, yes, I do, but it's fine, I'm okay..." His voice grew quieter with every word, curling into himself. "Eunhyeok helped me clean it up last night."
Jihoon stared for a few seconds, thrown off by his panicked reaction, though the mention of the alpha calmed him slightly, or at least that's what he told himself. He figured Seungcheol probably wasn't alone when he fell, since his husband was always around.
"Right, of course..." Jihoon whispered, feeling embarrassed for sticking his nose where he shouldn't.
Silence settled between them, heavy and awkward, thick with the tension Jihoon had unintentionally caused.
Seungcheol seemed to search for his gaze, but Jihoon avoided it, too embarrassed to look at him. Instead, he sat back down on the chair under the pergola and grabbed his glass of lemonade.
Jihoon tried to think of anything else, anything to erase the moment from his mind, already dreading the awkwardness he'd brought on them for the rest of the day. He was about to force himself to ignore the entire situation when Seungcheol cleared his throat.
"Thank you..." he said, catching Jihoon's attention this time. Jihoon looked confused. "For worrying."
"It's nothing," Jihoon said, brushing it off. After all, it was normal, human, even, to worry when you saw someone with a bruise like that, right?
"Still," Seungcheol whispered, with a tense smile, "thank you."
The way he said it, so small and fragile, made Jihoon look away immediately, that strange warmth in his chest flaring up again, something he didn't want to examine too closely.
"Don't worry about it," he mumbled, taking a sip from his glass just to keep his hands busy. "Just try not to fall so often."
It was a lame joke, kind of clumsy and probably rude, but it worked. Seungcheol let out a soft laugh, a sound that eased the thick air between them a little.
"I'll try," he said.
Silence fell again, but this time it felt lighter. Seungcheol went back to his notebook, though Jihoon noticed his hand trembling.
Jihoon stared at the garden for a few seconds, trying to convince himself that the knot in his stomach didn't mean anything.
+
It was only a matter of time before Jihoon realized there was something off about the Kang marriage. Little actions, little details that set off alarms in his head, but not enough for him to actually say anything out loud.
Seungcheol wasn't very open about his marriage either. Just mentioning Eunhyeok seemed to scare him, instantly changing the subject. Jihoon had no way of knowing anything beyond what they allowed him to see.
He knew arguments and disagreements were normal, but he had never seen the kind of fear Seungcheol showed whenever his alpha got close.
The memory of that one time he arrived early was burned into his mind. He'd walked into the main room after opening the door with the key they gave him as staff, holding the bag from the bakery he'd stopped by right before heading to the mansion.
For a second, he thought no one was home, since he didn't see either of them anywhere. He was about to grab his phone to call Seungcheol, but a sound coming from a far room stopped him.
Jihoon froze in the middle of the room, unsure. The noise came again, clearer this time. It was Eunhyeok's voice, firm and loud enough to echo even through the closed door, wherever they were.
"Why don't you ever listen to what I tell you?!" the shout was so sharp that Jihoon stopped dead in place. The alpha voice laced every word.
If it hadn't been for the silence in the house and how attentive Jihoon was, he wouldn't have caught Seungcheol's reply, barely a whisper, full of insecurity.
"I'm sorry, I thought-"
"You don't have to think! That's what I'm here for!" Eunhyeok snapped. Jihoon could smell the anger even from where he stood, burning and bitter in his nose. It got worse when another scent mixed in, sour, trembling. Fear.
Something slammed against a surface. Jihoon's chest jumped involuntarily.
"When will your tiny little head finally understand that?" Eunhyeok's tone softened, but it was fake, sweet on the surface, but full of anger and manipulation underneath. Jihoon could hear it clearly. "If I tell you something, you do it. If I ask for something, you follow through."
"I'm sorry, alpha, please..." Seungcheol's voice again, barely audible. The desperation in his plea was obvious.
"Just shut up, Seungcheol, and learn your place as an omega once and for all," Eunhyeok cut sharply.
Then came dead silence. Heavy, suffocating. And after a few minutes of that, Jihoon started panicking. He thought about going over, stepping in just to make sure Seungcheol was okay, but he didn't get the chance. Footsteps interrupted the thought.
Jihoon startled, nerves shooting through him at being caught listening. His feet scrambled for something to do and the only plan he came up with was pretending he had just walked in. It was stupid, but surprisingly, it worked.
A door opened somewhere down the hall, and moments later, Eunhyeok appeared, composed, calm. No trace of anger on his face, just that perfect smile that never reached his eyes.
"Oh, Jihoon," he said when he spotted him in the room, "you're early."
Seungcheol showed up right after, though his steps were way slower than his husband's. His eyes were red and swollen, shining with the remnants of held-back tears. And even though he kept himself half-hidden behind the alpha's frame, Jihoon noticed his hands shaking at his sides.
Jihoon fought the urge to rush over and check on him, settling for trying to catch his gaze instead.
"Yeah, I wanted to spend a little more time with Cheol," he said when he failed, completely ignoring how naturally the nickname slipped out.
Eunhyeok smiled, totally unbothered by the emotional tension choking the two omegas.
"I'm glad to hear you're doing such good work, Jihoon," he praised, then looked at Seungcheol. "See you tonight, babe, behave," he added, just a goodbye on the surface, but Jihoon heard the warning underneath.
Seungcheol just nodded, forcing a tiny smile as he accepted the kiss Eunhyeok pressed to his cheek. Jihoon looked away, a tight knot forming in his stomach, convinced it was because of what he had heard a few minutes earlier.
He would've lied if he said he wasn't waiting for the alpha to leave, but by the time Jihoon came back to his senses, it was just him and Seungcheol in the room.
Neither of them said anything at first, the silence heavy and uncomfortable for both. It wasn't until Jihoon remembered the bag in his hand that an idea hit him, an easy way to break the tension.
"I stopped by a bakery near my apartment and bought something. Thought you might like it," Jihoon said, stumbling a little over the words.
Seungcheol blinked, looking from the bag to Jihoon like he wasn't sure what he'd heard. His hands, still trembling, carefully took the bag and brought it closer to peek inside.
"It's nothing fancy. I just figured something sweet might help today," Jihoon added.
When Seungcheol opened it, his breath hitched for a second. A smile spread across his lips immediately, and the spark of excitement in his eyes didn't go unnoticed.
"Melon pan!" he exclaimed, pulling out the little wrapped bun and holding it like it was precious. "I haven't had one in years."
His voice cracked a little. He was smiling, but there was something deeper glimmering in his eyes, something Jihoon couldn't name, though it hit him with a strange pang in the chest.
"Why?" he asked without thinking.
Seungcheol kept staring at the bread, like someone might snatch it away at any moment. "Eunhyeok doesn't like me eating junk food. Says I'll gain weight," he said softly, as if that were a perfectly logical reason to deprive himself of something he loved.
Jihoon clenched his jaw. He didn't like the answer, or the way Seungcheol said it.
"I already have a different build from most omegas. They're usually smaller, not as muscular," he added, motioning to his toned arms, something Jihoon had noticed a long time ago. "Not that it helps much," he whispered, looking at them with sadness. A detail Jihoon didn't understand.
"Well," Jihoon crossed his arms, "one isn't going to kill you."
Seungcheol let out a soft laugh, the same kind Jihoon had grown used to in the last few weeks, the ones he only heard when the alpha wasn't home and it was just the two of them.
"I guess not..." Seungcheol lifted the bun, inhaled its sweet smell, and closed his eyes for a moment like he needed to hold on to that warm feeling before it slipped away. "Thank you, Jihoon. Really."
Jihoon felt a strange warmth crawl up to his ears but shrugged it off. "It's nothing."
"It is to me," Seungcheol murmured, barely above a whisper.
Silence settled again, but this time it was gentler, softened by the moment. Neither of them said anything else, though Jihoon could feel something inside him, the omega in him, curling happily at seeing Seungcheol smile.
"I'll make some tea. We can share it," Seungcheol said, stepping closer and taking Jihoon's wrist to lead him to the kitchen, something he'd gotten used to doing, and that Jihoon didn't mind at all anymore.
The fear faded, replaced by the scent of sweet cherries mixed with Jihoon's own, muted by his suppressants.
Seungcheol looked happy, and that was enough. That was when Jihoon realized he'd do pretty much anything if it meant getting rid of every trace of fear in Seungcheol's life.
+
Seungcheol wasn't the only one who had started opening up more.
Without even noticing it, Jihoon had begun lowering his guard too. The trust that had slipped between them showed itself in the smallest, simplest ways.
Before, he would've avoided any conversation that wasn't strictly necessary. Now, without knowing exactly when it changed, he found himself looking for Seungcheol's gaze just to share an observation, a small complaint, even a tiny victory from his day.
The omega who once swore he just wanted to focus on his work so he could leave as soon as possible was the same one who now accompanied Seungcheol on his walks through the garden every day, who listened to him talk about trivial things, and who sometimes just stayed quiet whenever the other omega got clingier than usual, even though Jihoon normally hated physical affection from others.
He convinced himself it was nothing but habit; maybe his omega naturally connecting with the other.
But little by little, he found himself doing and saying things he would never do with anyone else, yet somehow felt comfortable doing around Seungcheol.
One of those days, Jihoon dared to bring his laptop, the one he'd worked so hard to buy and used for his personal projects.
Taking advantage of one of the quiet moments in the library, he pulled it out while Seungcheol read on the couch beside him. He put on his headphones, knowing the other omega wouldn't leave his book for a while, giving him the perfect window to dive into his own world.
It only took a few minutes for everything around him to blur out, swallowed by the warmth he felt whenever he worked on his tracks. His fingers moved precisely over the keyboard, adjusting volumes, listening to a bar, going back, adding a note, getting completely lost in the mix.
He was so focused he didn't notice the exact moment Seungcheol closed his book. He didn't hear him get up from the couch, or approach him, or lean slightly over his shoulder to see the screen. He only noticed when a soft shadow fell over part of his keyboard.
Jihoon flinched lightly and took off one earbud. "Why are you so close?"
"I was looking," Seungcheol said, still hovering there, now staring directly at him, his voice carrying that warm, innocent tone that always disarmed Jihoon. "What are you doing?"
The question hung in the air for a moment. Jihoon hesitated. "Something I've been working on," he answered, trying to sound casual.
Seungcheol's eyes went back to the screen, studying the details of the project. Then they lit up completely.
"You're a producer?"
"No, not officially yet," he replied quickly. He looked away, feeling a strange heat crawl up his neck. "But I want to be."
Seungcheol looked at him, expectant, waiting for him to continue.
"It's always been my dream," Jihoon said, not really understanding why it felt so easy to admit it in front of him, when he was so used to people laughing whenever he dared talk about it, "but the big companies here don't want to hire a rookie omega, so I want to do it on my own."
The silence stayed steady, giving him space to keep talking. Seungcheol moved carefully, still paying full attention, until he was sitting right beside him.
"I've been saving up, practicing, taking small jobs whenever I can. I'm closer than ever, I just need a bit more time, and this job is going to help me finish what I'm missing."
Seungcheol listened like every word was something precious. His eyes held a mix of emotions, interest, excitement, nostalgia, and something that looked a lot like understanding.
"As omegas, you know they tell us certain jobs are impossible," Jihoon continued, since Seungcheol still hadn't said anything, "but I'm not giving up. I know I can do this. I'm good at what I do, I just need the chance to prove it."
The silence that followed was immediate. So long that Jihoon felt his confidence start to slowly crumble.
It wasn't the first time he'd opened up like this. And not the first time he expected a response that would shut everything down.
He was so used to hearing them that he could almost predict the version that would come from Seungcheol's lips.
Jihoon clenched his jaw, bracing himself for the worst, not daring to look up. His fingers tensed over the keyboard, as if any hurtful comment could shatter him in two.
"I admire you so much," was all Seungcheol said.
Jihoon's head snapped up, startled.
Seungcheol looked like he was fighting with himself, searching for the right words. His hands rested quietly on the table, close to Jihoon's, like he wanted to move them even closer.
"Fighting for the dream you love is brave," he murmured. "And trust me, yours isn't impossible. You're going to make it, Jihoon. I know you will."
Jihoon didn't know what to say right away. The compliment hit him with so much sincerity it left him defenseless. No one talked about his dreams like that. No one ever took them seriously.
The warmth in his chest spread through his whole being, a feeling so foreign to the coldness of the mansion it made him feel a little afraid.
"Thanks, Cheol."
He hated how small it sounded, how clearly it showed just how deeply those words had touched him.
Seungcheol's smile was barely a movement, soft, almost shy, but more than enough for something inside Jihoon to crumble just a little bit more.
"Do you wanna hear it?" Jihoon asked, surprised at himself for even offering. His tracks were something sacred, something intimate and only for him; he could admit he was almost selfish with them. But for some reason, he didn't want to be that way with Seungcheol.
"Can I?" Seungcheol tried to sound calm, but the excitement was obvious.
Jihoon gave a small nod, not trusting his voice. He moved the cursor, opened the track, adjusted the volume. His fingers trembled a little, betraying him, but he didn't stop.
Seungcheol leaned forward, closing the distance between them like it was the most natural thing in the world. Jihoon felt the slight brush of his arm against his, a tiny touch that still sent a shiver through his whole body.
He took off his headphones and gently placed them on Seungcheol.
When the music started, neither of them said a word. It was an unfinished mix, basically a draft, warm chords, a soft rhythm that slowly built, small layers of sound that said more about Jihoon than any words he could ever use.
Seungcheol closed his eyes when the first bar played. Not dramatically, just enough to really listen. Jihoon held his breath without realizing it, feeling his throat tighten.
He wasn't used to being seen like this. To someone listening to his music like it actually mattered.
The track ended before he even noticed; he only realized it when Seungcheol opened his eyes slowly. He kept them fixed on Jihoon for a moment, too direct, too honest, enough to make Jihoon's hands tremble again.
"It's amazing," he whispered, his tone impossible to describe.
"It still needs work," Jihoon rushed to say, stumbling over the words, "but..."
"I'm sure you're going to get what you want. The world deserves to hear your talent," Seungcheol said firmly. Jihoon dared to meet his eyes, feeling the sincerity in them.
An odd feeling took over his chest, his heartbeat suddenly pounding way too fast.
That simple encouragement, so natural and genuine, struck him like lightning. Jihoon couldn't stop the tiny smile that tugged at his lips, and for the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to relax, just a little, feeling like someone actually understood what it meant to fight for his dream.
"Wait," Seungcheol said just as Jihoon was about to continue. The omega stood up, taking Jihoon's wrist so he'd stand too. "Come, I wanna give you something."
Confused, Jihoon followed without arguing. Seungcheol guided him across the library, passing a few shelves until they reached one of the walls.
At first, Jihoon didn't notice anything unusual, he hadn't even walked to this side of the room before. Not until Seungcheol pressed his hand against the wall, revealing it was actually a hidden door blended into the paint.
When it opened, Jihoon realized it was just a small room, almost like a makeshift storage closet, but what was inside immediately caught his attention.
Seungcheol stepped in without hesitation, not minding that Jihoon had stopped in the doorway, taking everything in.
The space was tiny; the two of them could barely fit together. Stacks of boxes and objects covered with cloth filled the room, giving it an air of being forgotten, like some secret corner of the mansion no one cared about. On the floor, a small pillow and a single blanket sat off to the side, as if someone sometimes hid away in here without anyone knowing. In the corner, a pile of notebooks and messy papers caught Jihoon's eye. He couldn't tell what they were, but they looked abandoned, yet full of stories.
"Here it is," Seungcheol's voice brought him back, noticing he was now crouched and digging through a box.
He turned around with his hands full, holding a piece of equipment Jihoon recognized instantly. A mixer.
"You can use it while you're here. It'll be more useful with you," he said with a smile, extending it toward him. Jihoon froze in place, unable to understand how anyone could offer something like that so casually.
"Cheol, what...?" he swallowed, taking the mixer carefully, staring at it with a mix of confusion and emotion. "Thank you," was all he managed to whisper.
Seungcheol smiled again, clearly pleased with his reaction.
"You..." Jihoon started, unable to quiet the curiosity burning inside him. He looked around once more, then back at the mixer in his hands. "I didn't know you did music." Definitely not the smoothest way to ask. The dust on the equipment and the obvious neglect showed they hadn't been touched in ages.
Still, Seungcheol exhaled shakily, a nostalgic smile forming on his lips. "I don't anymore."
Jihoon crouched down a little, taking in the room carefully. Every item felt like it carried a story he didn't know.
"All of this was yours?"
The omega beside him hesitated, as if debating whether to hide it, but finally nodded. His voice was calm and delicate, but underneath it there was unmistakable sadness.
"Yes..." he murmured. "I used to do music a long time ago. I used to compose, and sometimes produce too, but I don't use any of this anymore. So I keep it here."
"It must've been incredible," Jihoon whispered, feeling his admiration for him grow stronger. It was a strange mix of surprise and excitement, not only was he standing in front of an omega he admired, but in front of someone who actually understood what it meant to love music, someone who once lived the same passion he was fighting for.
Jihoon felt an invisible thread stretch between them, connecting his dream to Seungcheol's past. It was strange and thrilling. He never imagined finding someone who understood him so deeply, and definitely not someone this close to him.
"But, why'd you stop?"
The question seemed to tighten something inside Seungcheol. His expression crumbled for a second before he forced a smile that revealed those pretty dimples of his.
"I got married," he explained simply, as if that alone was enough reason to give up the dream. A chill ran down Jihoon's spine, a sharp sense of injustice boiling inside him. "I have other priorities now. Music isn't one of them anymore."
He stayed quiet, not knowing what to say. Seungcheol's honesty hit harder than any encouragement ever had.
"Come on, let's go try it out," Seungcheol laughed lightly, leading him back to the library, pretending he hadn't just said something that devastating.
Jihoon felt a strange urge, part of him wanting to tell him he didn't deserve to give up what he loved, mixed with a quiet respect for the way Seungcheol accepted his reality. For the first time, he understood that behind that calm exterior was a world full of dreams that had been locked away, and he was there, sharing a piece of that world, even if only for a moment.
+
If someone had told Jihoon that his passion would end up causing problems for Seungcheol, he would've never brought it into the mansion.
Their afternoons in the library had become a comfortable routine, Jihoon experimenting and creating different tracks while Seungcheol kept him company. It felt like a moment that belonged only to them, a space where they shared something no one else could understand.
That day wasn't any different. Jihoon's laptop was open on the table, Seungcheol's mixer right beside it, and a mess of scribbled lyric sheets scattered all around. They sat together on the couch, another habit that gave Seungcheol the freedom to lean in, resting his head on Jihoon's shoulder while watching him work.
Jihoon had tried to get him to participate, but Seungcheol always stayed on the sidelines, insisting he'd lost the touch. Jihoon didn't push, noticing the nervous flicker in his eyes.
The sound of the front door opening barely reached the library, but Seungcheol seemed to hear it perfectly, his whole body going alert at the smallest noise. He sat up immediately, pulling away from Jihoon.
Jihoon was about to ask what was wrong when he saw his face.
Seungcheol blinked with a flash of something that should never exist in the eyes of an omega so beautiful and seemingly perfect. Fear.
"Cheol?" Jihoon whispered carefully, like he was speaking to a frightened animal.
"He's early," was all Seungcheol said, eyes locked on the door. Footsteps echoed from the living room, getting closer and closer, and then the alpha's voice cut through the air.
"Seungcheol?"
The way he said his name, sharp, authoritative, made Seungcheol move instantly. He didn't run. He lunged toward Jihoon's little corner, where the mixer and headphones were still plugged into the laptop. His eyes pleaded with Jihoon, hands trembling as he tried, desperately, to gather the cables and equipment.
"Hide it, please, we have to hide it," he hissed, his cherry scent tainted with a sharp spike of fear.
Jihoon froze for a second, still not grasping the full magnitude of Seungcheol's panic. "Cheol, what-?"
Seungcheol couldn't even hold the equipment properly; the cables slipped through his shaking fingers, and the mixer looked too big for how fast he was trying to shove it away. Every time Jihoon reached out to help, the omega flinched, like even being touched could be dangerous, like he'd shatter at the slightest contact.
"Just... fast... before he..." Seungcheol whispered, voice trembling, broken, not daring to look at Jihoon, too focused on hiding everything in a clumsy rush.
Jihoon's heart pounded. Instinct kicked in, his own scent, a soft hint of lavender, flowed out in an automatic attempt to soothe and protect another omega. He crouched down, grabbing cables and headphones, trying to match Seungcheol's frantic pace.
"It's okay, Cheol," Jihoon murmured, reaching toward his arm.
But Seungcheol only looked up for a split second before recoiling, like even that gentle touch could put them both in danger. His breathing was quick, almost hyperventilating, eyes shiny as if holding back tears he refused to let fall.
Jihoon swallowed hard, torn between confusion and helplessness. He had never seen him like this; the calm, composed Seungcheol he knew was gone, replaced by someone fragile, terrified of something Jihoon still couldn't understand.
Footsteps stopped right outside the library door. Kang Eunhyeok's oak scent seeped into the room, dense and dominant, smothering lavender and fear alike.
The door opened, and Seungcheol instantly straightened up, standing stiff with his head bowed and hands clasped tightly in front of him, trembling uncontrollably. Jihoon stared, stunned.
Seungcheol always changed when the alpha was around, more rigid, reserved, nothing like the version of him who existed with Jihoon. But he had never been this scared.
Eunhyeok walked in, every step radiating authority. His eyes went straight to Seungcheol, who bowed his head even lower, barely breathing, as if he could disappear if he stayed small enough.
Jihoon stood as well, placing himself at the other omega's side, fighting the urge to reach for his hand.
The alpha glanced between the two of them before inspecting the room, the scattered papers, the mixer half-stuffed into Jihoon's bag, and the closed laptop. There was no anger on his face. Just a calm, unreadable expression that told Jihoon nothing.
"Love, what were you two doing?" he asked, voice dripping with sweetness that made Seungcheol flinch.
"N-nothing, alpha. Jihoon was fixing some things and I was reading... I was just..." His lie was rushed and trembling, and entirely unconvincing.
Eunhyeok smiled, if you could call that straight, cold line a smile. He approached the desk and, without hurry, slid a finger over the mixer sticking out of the bag. The touch was gentle, but the oak scent in the room sharpened so intensely Jihoon felt it sting in his throat.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Kang, these are my things. I shouldn't have bothered your husband with them," Jihoon stepped in, bowing lightly in an attempt to divert the attention.
Eunhyeok finally turned to him, and the chill in his stare felt like being slapped with ice. "Your job is to care for Seungcheol, not turn my library into a studio. Pick that up and leave, Jihoon."
Jihoon glanced at Seungcheol, searching for any hint of what to do.
He found him frozen, back slightly hunched, shoulders trembling in tiny, helpless shivers.
Jihoon exhaled softly. He had no choice. He gathered his things carefully, every cable, the laptop, the mixer, placing them in his bag with slow, deliberate movements to avoid drawing more attention.
Before leaving, he leaned slightly toward Seungcheol, whispering barely loud enough to hear. "See you tomorrow, Cheol."
Then he bowed once more to the alpha.
With a final breath, Jihoon stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him, carrying the weight of what he'd just seen and a mix of confusion and worry that wouldn't fade anytime soon.
If Seungcheol showed up the next day with a split lip and swore he'd slipped in the bathroom, Jihoon gave him the benefit of the doubt.
+
Jihoon had been lost in his own head for twenty minutes, not hearing a single word of the story one of his best friends was telling with way too much enthusiasm.
It was Sunday, his day off, so like always, he had planned to spend it at home, enjoying the quiet of his apartment. But by noon his plans completely collapsed when his two friends showed up knocking on his door like the building was on fire.
Jihoon thought about ignoring them, letting them stand there until they got tired and left, but he remembered he hadn't seen them in months, and after so many years of friendship, he knew they weren't the type to give up. So opening the door was his only option.
The moment they stepped inside, Soonyoung and Seokmin made sure he knew how much they missed him, hugging him with way too much force while Jihoon tried to pry them off as fast as he could.
Since Jihoon was determined not to leave the apartment, they decided to order food, and while they waited, the conversation started flowing.
The show they had put on to watch together was now nothing more than background noise while Soonyoung waved his hands dramatically as he told his story. Jihoon had lost the thread a few sentences in, not on purpose, but his thoughts were way louder than his friends' voices.
Weekends were his only days off, since they lined up with Eunhyeok's work schedule, meaning Jihoon wasn't needed at the mansion.
At first, he didn't mind at all. He valued those days; there wasn't a single job out there that gave a whole weekend off, especially not for omegas. But as time passed, and as his strange relationship with Seungcheol grew, an uncomfortable heaviness settled in his chest every Friday afternoon when he had to leave.
Every day, he noticed details he hadn't seen before, or maybe he'd been so focused on his own goals that he'd ignored anything that didn't concern him. But now, he couldn't look away from the fact that something was wrong with Seungcheol.
Time had given him the chance to see signs that others probably wouldn't notice so easily.
To everyone else, Eunhyeok and Seungcheol were a happy married couple, the picture-perfect traditional family anyone would envy. A strong, responsible alpha who held the household together with his job at one of Seoul's biggest companies, and a gorgeous omega who radiated warmth, always smiling softly, dedicated to their home.
They were everything society saw as a perfect pair, each one exactly where they were "supposed" to be. But if you asked Jihoon, he wouldn't be so sure about calling them ideal.
Not because Jihoon rejected the idea of being tied to someone, but because he knew no omega should reek of fear every time their alpha walked through the door. It wasn't healthy to apologize over every tiny mistake, or to silence yourself whenever you got too excited. It wasn't normal to live isolated, far from friends or family who could offer even a little comfort.
It was strange to see someone wearing long sleeves or sweaters when the sun was blazing. Hearing hurtful comments disguised as jokes or "advice" was cruel.
And above all, seeing a new bruise forming every week, was worrying. Not even the clumsiest person fell down the stairs that often, or hit themselves on the bathroom counter hard enough to leave bruises that big. Marks no excuse could ever justify.
Jihoon had all the signs he needed, but something deep inside him, a fear, an insecurity, kept him from saying out loud what he already knew.
"How do I know if someone's going through domestic violence?" he blurted suddenly, cutting off Soonyoung's story and grabbing Seokmin's attention immediately.
Both of them stared at him, stunned by the random question that didn't match the conversation at all. The silence made Jihoon shrink, instantly regretting letting the thought slip.
"You weren't listening to me," Soonyoung complained, pouting in frustration. For an alpha, those childish reactions always amused Jihoon.
Soonyoung opened his mouth to whine again, but Seokmin nudged him sharply with his elbow.
"Why are you asking that, Ji?"
Jihoon opened his mouth, trying to explain without exposing Seungcheol, wanting to say everything he'd seen without sounding dramatic, but nothing came out. He just took a deep breath, feeling uncomfortable under their attentive stares.
"It's nothing," he muttered, already regretting it.
Soonyoung and Seokmin exchanged a knowing look. Something was off with him. That kind of question wasn't something you asked lightly; if Jihoon brought it up, something serious might be going on.
"Do you know someone who might be in an abusive relationship?" Seokmin asked again, careful not to overwhelm him. "Or are you...?" He didn't finish the question, too afraid of the possibility that Jihoon might be the one going through something.
"No, no," Jihoon rushed out, realizing where his thoughts were going. "It's just... there's someone, I've noticed things but I don't know."
Silence swallowed the room again, pulling the three of them into a tense moment no one knew how to break. The weight of the topic was obvious, too delicate, too frightening to face head-on.
Seokmin opened his mouth, trying to think of something helpful to say, but Soonyoung spoke first, with a completely different take.
"I think you shouldn't get involved."
"Soon..." Seokmin warned, shocked by how coldly Soonyoung said it. His expression didn't change, still serious, firm, absolutely convinced.
Soonyoung kept his eyes locked on Jihoon, ignoring Seokmin's scolding. His stare was serious, free of any hint that he might be joking.
"You're this close to achieving the dream you've worked so damn hard for, Jihoon," he reminded him, leaning forward to really look at him. "And if you get yourself into trouble now, especially with people like that, they'll destroy everything just to protect themselves."
Those words hit him hard. Neither Soonyoung nor Seokmin were strangers to his job; he had told them bits and pieces over phone calls. They knew about the alpha he worked for. They knew about Seungcheol.
So Jihoon understood immediately that Soonyoung knew exactly who he was talking about.
"Soonyoung!" Seokmin snapped again, raising his voice to cut him off.
"And you should know better than anyone, Seokmin," he shot back, turning to him. "You helped that omega at the hospital, the one married to that politician, and all it got you was hell."
Seokmin clenched his jaw, swallowing whatever retort he had ready as his whole body tensed. As a nurse, he had seen more than enough cases of different kinds of violence. Domestic abuse wasn't new in a Seoul hospital.
"You testified against that alpha, and they accused you of defamation," Soonyoung continued, his gaze sharpening, filling the apartment with the sharp edge of anger. "They called you a meddler, gave you punishment shifts, and made you lose the promotion you'd been working your ass off for."
The beta stayed silent, unsure of what to say.
"And you know what changed?" Soonyoung turned back to Jihoon. "Nothing. The omega went right back to their perfect home with their alpha while I had to watch my mate suffer the consequences. All because he tried to help."
The silence turned suffocating, like a wall had dropped between the three of them. Soonyoung took a breath, lowering his voice, but not the weight in it.
"Just... think. If the alpha has power, money, or connections, you can't do anything. And if you put yourself where you shouldn't, you're the one who's gonna pay, not him."
Jihoon's throat tightened as memories flooded his mind, every moment when he'd watched Seungcheol's whole personality collapse minutes before his husband came home.
"It's not that simple..." he muttered, looking away from Soonyoung. There was something twisting painfully in his chest, helplessness.
"It is," Soonyoung insisted. "Your contract ends in a few months. You almost have the money you need. You're so close. Are you really gonna risk all that for someone you don't even fully know?"
The harshness of those words cut through him. Not because they were cold, because they were unfair. Because Seungcheol wasn't just someone. Because Jihoon already cared more than he wanted to admit.
The silence that followed wasn't awkward anymore. It was painful.
Because Jihoon knew Soonyoung wasn't entirely wrong. That contract was the only thing getting him closer to his dream. And risking it for someone he couldn't even admit he cared about was undeniably stupid.
"And do you know how many omegas go back to their alphas after they ask for help?" Soonyoung added, clearly not done. "Hundreds. You don't even know if that omega wants help. You can't be sure they'll be grateful and-"
A sharp smack echoed through the apartment.
Soonyoung jolted, grabbing his head with a pained groan.
"What the hell, Seok?!" he yelped, staring at him wide-eyed.
"You're an idiot," Seokmin said simply.
"And that's why you hit me?!" Soonyoung practically screeched, still rubbing his head.
"Yes," Seokmin replied with absolute calm, leaning toward him, "because you're talking without thinking. And because I don't regret what I did that day at the hospital."
Soonyoung blinked, thrown off, almost disarmed. Seokmin continued:
"Did I lose the promotion? Yeah. Did they punish me? Also yes." His gaze hardened, though that warm undertone of his was still there. "But if I hadn't done anything, if I'd stayed quiet, that would've haunted me forever. Staying silent makes you complicit."
Soonyoung opened his mouth to respond, but Seokmin raised a hand, cutting him off.
"So just shut up," he finished, giving him a slight shove on the shoulder.
For the first time all afternoon, the alpha fell silent.
Right then, the doorbell rang, making all three of them jump a little from the tension.
"Food's here," Seokmin announced, standing up and pointing at Soonyoung with an authoritative gesture. "You. Come with me."
"Why me?" Soonyoung complained, still rubbing his head.
"Because your single brain cell deserves a break after working so hard," Seokmin shot back while heading toward the door.
"Hey!" Soonyoung protested, following him anyway.
The two walked toward the entrance, still bickering.
Jihoon let out a tiny laugh, just a soft puff of air, unable to help himself at the familiar scene. For a moment, the apartment felt warmer, lighter.
But it didn't last.
The tightness in his chest was still there, completely intact. His thoughts drifted back to Seungcheol.
Soonyoung's words echoed painfully in his head, like they'd carved their way into him.
And even if Jihoon wanted to believe them, even if he wanted to convince himself, a part of him knew he no longer had a choice. Because his heart had already slipped in weeks ago, without permission, without logic.
And he couldn't pull it back out anymore.
+
Everything changed that Friday afternoon, when Jihoon was packing his things into his backpack before leaving, knowing Seungcheol's husband would be getting home early that day.
Ever since the incident, Jihoon didn't dare bring his equipment anymore, even if Seungcheol kept insisting they could be more discreet; the fear on Seungcheol's face was still carved into his memory, so taking that risk wasn't an option.
Seungcheol walked up to him cautiously, stopping right beside Jihoon, hesitating in his movements like he wasn't sure if he should even be doing this.
"Hey..." he whispered. If he hadn't been so close, Jihoon probably wouldn't have heard him. He turned toward him, giving the omega his full attention. "Eunhyeok is going on a trip this weekend. He won't be back until Monday."
The air instantly felt lighter. Seungcheol's cherry scent grew sweeter, almost tangible. Jihoon only nodded, not really knowing why that information mattered so much to him.
"It's a business trip to Singapore. He leaves early tomorrow morning and won't be back until Sunday night," Seungcheol explained, pausing afterward as he played with the edge of his neat blazer. "I... was wondering if you... if you wanted to... It's fine if you say no. I mean, I just thought maybe-"
"Get to the point, Cheol," Jihoon cut in, letting out a soft laugh at how nervous he sounded.
A small pout formed on the omega's lips, bringing out the rosy color in them even more. It was something he did often, and yet every time he did it, something strange tugged at Jihoon's chest.
"I was wondering if you wanted to stay over," he finally said. "I know it's not in your contract, and I can ask Eunhyeok to pay you extra hours. I just thought it'd be nice, like a sleepover and... Actually, never mind, I don't know why I even thought-" his voice faded as he went on, clearly regretting the idea.
Jihoon felt his heart flip. It was such a simple, almost childish request, painfully at odds with how strict his married life usually seemed.
"A sleepover? What are we, in middle school?" Jihoon teased, enjoying how Seungcheol's pout deepened along with his little frown. "I'd love to, Cheol."
The omega stared at him wide-eyed, excitement lighting up his whole expression. His smile bloomed almost instantly, free of fear or sadness.
"You don't need to pay me either. It'll be like staying over at a friend's house," Jihoon added, forgetting completely how many times he'd refused sleepover invitations from his actual friends, always throwing excuses around. "But you have to promise we'll eat something good, no fancy stuff at a sleepover."
"Deal!" Seungcheol beamed, his voice jumping a pitch from excitement. "I have instant tteokbokki hidden way in the back of a cupboard. We're gonna eat on the living room floor and watch terrible movies until we physically can't anymore."
"Sounds super fun."
"You're being sarcastic," Seungcheol complained.
Jihoon couldn't help the laugh that slipped out at that. The sound filled the room with a soft warmth, almost domestic. Seungcheol rolled his eyes, though the smile stayed, impossible for him to hide. As Jihoon finished packing his backpack, he could feel Seungcheol lingering beside him, fidgeting, like something else was still stuck on the tip of his tongue.
It took him several seconds to speak, and when he did, his voice was timid again.
"We could also go out," he said softly. "We haven't had the chance to do anything together. Just those two times at the supermarket and... that doesn't count."
His fingers were back to playing with the edge of his blazer, nervous.
"I just thought... it could be nice. If you want to, I mean."
"Go out?" Jihoon asked. Seungcheol nodded.
Jihoon opened his mouth, then froze. Going out wasn't exactly his idea of a good time on a day off; he'd always preferred staying home in his apartment, resting, watching movies, creating things.
But the idea of going out alone with him, without the weight of their work roles hanging over them, hit him with a quiet, unfamiliar excitement. It would be an escape. A real moment with the man who had already carved himself far too deep into his heart.
A genuine smile tugged at Jihoon's lips.
"I'd like that," he said, closing his backpack. "We can go out, walk around, eat something... whatever you want."
"Do you really want to?" Seungcheol asked, trying to hide the excitement in his eyes, and completely failing.
"Why not?" Jihoon shrugged, trying to play it off and ignore the warmth spreading across his cheeks. "It's not every day a cute omega asks me to-"
"It's not a date!" Seungcheol interrupted, red up to his ears.
"Uh-huh," Jihoon hummed, walking past him toward the door. "Whatever you say."
Seungcheol stayed behind, wearing the softest, happiest little smile, like his chest might burst.
The rest of the night, Jihoon tried to convince himself he hadn't accepted Seungcheol's invitation for any reason other than being nice, even though someone like him had turned down so many hangouts with friends just to use his weekends to work on his tracks. And yet here he was, trying to hide how excited he was about spending the day with Seungcheol.
He couldn't even fall asleep, thinking about all the things they could do the next day, where they might go, what he'd do differently to make Seungcheol enjoy a day without his alpha around. And before he knew it, he finally drifted off.