Chapter Text
Jay is yet at another college party for the fourth time this month.
Since he is in his senior year, parties now were less about the excitement and more about the routine.
Showing up just feels like an obligation to meet up with his friends instead of staying at home.
But for freshman Jay, going to parties four times a month was the bare minimum.
Nothing stopped freshman Jay.
Freshman Jay was wild.
And considering he was one of the popular alphas on campus, he was living every 18 year old alpha’s dream as omegas gathered on him anywhere he went.
It was a game back then, one Jay liked to play effortlessly.
He didn’t need to chase.
They came to him.
It was easy.
Fun.
Until it wasn’t .
As Jay is in his last year now, he eventually realized that no amount of alcohol, loud music, or fleeting attention could interest him now.
The parties began to feel very repetitive.
And the thrill of being chased by eager omegas had dulled.
Especially by the end of last year when Sunoo and Sunghoon finally got together, Jay found himself watching them more closely than he cared to admit.
The way Sunoo looked at Sunghoon was so genuine, and the way Sunghoon’s arm always rested protectively around Sunoo’s shoulders made him wonder how it’d feel to have that.
It is not just Sunoo and Sunghoon.
He found himself looking at other couples, too.
And, naturally, he started craving what they were having.
It made Jay’s chest ache with a longing he didn’t fully understand.
It wasn’t that he wanted just anyone.
The omegas who threw themselves at him didn’t seem to want him.
Not really.
They wanted the title of being with Park Jay, the alpha that was born into wealth.
They wanted his name.
His status.
But, not the pieces of himself he had no idea how to share.
The thought weighed on him as he stood in the corner of yet another party, sipping a drink he didn’t care for and listening to conversations he wasn’t invested in.
Jay groaned as he could hear yet another argument that the couple in front of him were having for the millionth time that day.
“Why was he staring at you?” Sunoo glared at Sunghoon.
“Baby, I told you. I have never seen that omega before,” Sunghoon answered softly.
Jay tuned out his friends’ conversation for two reasons.
One, this conversation happens almost every week as Sunghoon is attractive and, frankly, Sunoo is crazy.
Two, he found himself distracted by a new scent that drifted through the crowded room.
It was faint at first, but Jay’s curiosity got the best of him as it stood out starkly against the overwhelming swirl of perfume and sweat that Jay has grown accustomed to.
Lavender and vanilla.
Jay froze, his alpha instincts kicking in before he could stop them. His eyes scanned the room, searching for the source of the scent.
And then he saw him .
An omega stood near the edge of the room, holding a drink and looking distinctly out of place.
He had a delicate, almost ethereal appearance that made it impossible not to notice him, even in a crowded room.
His doe-like eyes were the largest Jay has ever seen.
Blonde hair.
Petite.
And at the moment, he looked to be laughing at something his friend said, his cheeks flushed the faintest pink from either the conversation or the party's heat.
As he tilted his head back, his dimples appeared. And they made him look even softer.
He was wearing a cream-colored oversized sweater that hung loosely on his frame, the neckline slipping off one shoulder to reveal a sliver of smooth, pale skin.
The sweater’s soft fabric pooled slightly at his wrists, the sleeves almost too long. He paired the sweater with fitted light blue jeans that hugged his thighs just right.
He was gorgeous.
Jay couldn’t stop staring, which he didn't notice himself doing until the omega must have felt the weight of Jay’s gaze because, mid-laugh, he turned his head and their eyes met.
And for a moment, everything seemed to stop.
Literally, everything.
Time.
People.
Music.
Everything blurred into the background.
Jay froze, caught in the act of staring, but he couldn’t bring himself to look away.
The blonde’s doe eyes widened slightly, surprise flickering across his delicate features before quickly giving way to something softer…shyer.
He blinked, his laughter fading into a nervous but intrigued smile. His flushed cheeks deepened in color, and he instinctively bit his bottom lip.
Jay’s heart skipped a beat.
Jay really wanted to go talk to him but he hesitated.
He wasn’t the type to hesitate, but this felt different.
The omega wasn’t throwing himself at Jay like so many others had before. He wasn’t vying for attention, he was simply… there.
Jay has been attending these parties since his first week here, he knows everyone.
This omega was not like the others.
He was a new face.
And that was enough to captivate Jay completely.
The omega broke the gaze first, his lashes fluttering as he looked away when a group of people approached him. They greeted him warmly before gently escorting him out of the room, leaving Jay with the faintest trace of his calming scent lingering in the air.
Jay’s eyes followed the group until they disappeared through the door.
Among them, he recognized one familiar face.
Jake, an omega he frequently hangs out with.
Jake was friendly and approachable.
And most importantly, connected to the omega who had just walked out.
Maybe Jake could introduce him-
“You joining us, Jay?”
“What?” Jay blinked, his thoughts snapping back to the present as he turned to face Sunghoon.
Sunghoon raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
“I said, are you coming with us? Sunoo’s practically starving, and I’m not in the mood to listen to him complain all night.”
Jay hesitated, his gaze flicking back toward the door where the omega had disappeared.
For a moment, he considered excusing himself, chasing after the group to catch just one more glimpse of the omega who had so effortlessly captured his attention.
But the idea felt premature.
Desperate, even.
And so not him.
“Yeah, I’m coming,” Jay said finally, shaking his head as if to clear it.
Jay makes a disgusted face as Sunoo presses a huge kiss on Sunghoon’s cheek. Although the couple has been dating for almost a while now, they act like it has only been a month, still as starved as when they first dated.
Jay would know as he is the one who set them up together and witnessed everything firsthand.
The trio are currently sitting at one of the quads in their university campus.
A tradition that they do whenever their breaks overlap.
It’s Jay’s treat today, and as usual, Sunoo is milking it for all it’s worth.
“You’re unbelievable,” Jay deadpans as he watches Sunoo reach for yet another pastry, stacking his hands high with croissants, danishes, and a particularly large chocolate-filled puff.
Sunghoon, sitting beside Sunoo, only smirks before taking a sip of his iced coffee.
“You knew what you were signing up for when you said it was your treat.”
“I thought I was treating my friends,” Jay says, exasperated.
“Not funding a personal buffet.”
Sunoo, unfazed, delicately bites into a macaron, eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Oh, but Jay, dear, aren’t we friends? Best friends, even?” He bats his lashes for good measure.
Jay glares.
Before he can launch into another complaint about Sunoo’s gluttony, Sunghoon smoothly shifts the conversation.
“What happened to the pair project problem?” Sunghoon asks, leaning back against the bench with a wary glance at Sunoo.
“I handled it,” Sunoo replies with a grin, taking a dramatic sip of his iced matcha.
Jay glanced at the green drink with disgust, his nose scrunching slightly.
“I don’t get how you can drink that stuff. It looks like someone blended grass.”
Sunoo rolled his eyes, holding up his cup as if presenting it for admiration.
“You just don’t have the refined palate to appreciate it, Jay. Matcha is an art form.”
“Anyway, as I was saying before Jay rudely interrupted me,” Sunoo rolled his eyes and continued, “the professor switched Ethan out for this new omega that transferred.”
Jay raises a brow, the memory of the “pair project problem” coming back to him vividly.
Ethan, the self-proclaimed “artsy” alpha with questionable boundaries, had not only been utterly useless as a partner but also downright creepy.
Jay distinctly remembers the time Sunghoon stormed into his apartment, livid after finding out Ethan kept an album of candid photos of Sunoo.
“You should have seen the way Sunghoon’s veins nearly popped out of his neck,” Jay remarks, smirking at the memory.
“I thought he was going to tear the guy apart right there.”
“I should have,” Sunghoon interjects.
“The professor let him off way too easily.”
“Calm down, my alpha,” Sunoo says playfully, patting Sunghoon’s arm.
“It’s all over now. Besides, the professor set me up with this new omega. He is way better. Quiet, sweet, doesn’t creep me out. It’s a win-win.”
“Speaking of Jungwon , Jay, I think he’d be your type,” Sunoo said.
Jay raises a brow, confused.
“Jungwon? Who’s that?”
Sunoo’s grin widens.
“The omega the professor assigned to replace Ethan. He is blonde, petite, and absolutely adorable.”
Jay shrugs, leaning back on the bench.
“Never heard of him.”
“Of course, you didn't, you idiot alpha! He just transferred a month ago, I only met him like… twice.”
“Jay, I’m just saying,” Sunoo chirps, his voice lilting with mischief as he leans against Sunghoon’s shoulder, “you could stand to take some pointers from me as I am an omega. It’s not like you’re incapable of finding someone. You’re an alpha, for crying out loud. Alphas are supposed to be proactive.”
Jay narrows his eyes, pushing his drink away.
“Proactive? I’m not exactly struggling for attention, Sunoo. I just don’t feel the need to flaunt it like you two lovebirds.”
Sunghoon chuckles, adjusting his arm around Sunoo.
“Maybe you’re just too picky. We keep telling you, it’s not about quantity, it’s about quality. When’s the last time you met someone and didn’t immediately ghost them after two dates?”
Jay groans.
“Can we not make my love life the main course today? This was supposed to be my treat, remember?”
“Fine, fine,” Sunoo says, waving a dismissive hand before perking up again.
“Anyway, back to Jungwon. I had one meeting with him and he was very sweet, so you don’t have to worry, my honeybun,” Sunoo cooed, leaning into Sunghoon with a dramatic pout.
“Yuck,” Jay scoffed, pretending to gag as Sunghoon rolled his eyes but let Sunoo snuggle closer.
“Oh! I just remembered,” Sunoo exclaimed suddenly, sitting up straight.
“He was at the party we went to last weekend! You know, the one at Chad’s. Silly me didn’t realize he was there. He was with Taemin, Winter, Karina and Jake-”
Jay froze, a flicker of recognition sparking in his mind.
Jake?
Party?
Blonde omega?
His thoughts immediately flew to the petite figure with the shy smile and deep dimples, the one who had caught his eye and made him regret not talking to him the whole past week.
“Wait,” Jay interrupted, setting his drink down slowly.
“You mean the blonde one? Petite? Doe eyes? Dimples? Looks a bit like a cat?”
Sunoo’s lips curled into a knowing grin.
“Oh, so you did notice him.”
“I didn’t say that,” Jay retorted quickly, though his ears betrayed him, turning the faintest shade of pink.
Sunghoon chuckled.
“Wow. You’ve been holding out on us. Did you talk to him?”
“No,” Jay admitted.
“I just… noticed him. That’s it.”
“Noticed him,” Sunoo repeated, drawing out the words with exaggerated glee.
“Park Jay, the untouchable alpha, noticing a sweet little omega at a party? Oh, this is juicy. ”
Jay rolled his eyes.
“You’re making it weird.”
“Oh, no, no,” Sunoo said, leaning forward with a conspiratorial look.
“You made it weird the second you noticed Jungwon. And now I’m invested. ”
Jay sighed, running a hand through his hair.
“Can we drop this? It’s not a big deal. He probably doesn’t even remember me.”
“Oh, trust me,” Sunoo said, his grin widening.
“If Jungwon saw you, there’s no way he would forget. You’re kind of hard to miss on campus. He probably already heard about you before he even met you, one way or the other.”
Sunghoon nodded in agreement, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.
“He’s not wrong. The omegas here go crazy for you. You’re practically a campus legend.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Jay muttered, though he couldn’t deny he’d noticed the attention.
He just didn’t care for it.
“No, seriously,” Sunghoon continued, his tone more pointed now.
“You’ve probably got half the omegas on campus fantasizing about you, and the other half making up stories about how they ‘know’ you. You should see the way they talk about you in the dorms. It's kind of wild.”
Jay sighed.
“That’s not exactly flattering. I’m not interested in random attention.”
“Sure, but the thing is,” Sunghoon added with a shrug, “not everyone gets that. Some of them probably think you’re fair game until you make it very clear you’re not.”
“I don’t play games, and I don’t lead anyone on.”
“We know,” Sunoo said quickly, his tone more reassuring.
“But not everyone does. Omegas can be… persistent. And let’s be real, you’re not exactly the type to go around correcting every rumor.”
Jay frowned.
Sunoo then cleared his throat dramatically, drawing both Jay and Sunghoon’s attention.
“Anyway, you better behave,” he warned, wagging a finger at Jay.
“Jungwon is the softest omega that has set foot on this campus. If you even think about breaking his heart, I will personally make your life miserable.”
“Baby,” Sunghoon said with a chuckle, pulling Sunoo closer, “you know Jay is over his fuckboy phase. Jay can be a gentleman when he wants to be.”
Jay rolled his eyes.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Hoon. Really inspiring stuff.”
“It’s true,” Sunghoon teased.
“You’ve actually been tame this year. No hookups, no unnecessary drama. What gives?”
Jay shrugged, “I got bored. It’s all the same after a while.”
“Aw, our little Jay is growing up,” Sunoo cooed mockingly, clasping his hands together like a proud parent.
Jay gave him a pointed look.
“I’m literally older than you.”
“And yet, I’m the one who has to keep you in line,” Sunoo retorted with a grin.
“Which is why I’m saying this now. Jungwon is off-limits unless you’re serious. He’s too good for anyone who isn’t going to treat him right.”
Jay agrees.
Jungwon stays in the back of Jay’s mind throughout the week until the next party Jay is summoned to.
The moment he spots Sunoo walking in, Jay straightens from his spot on the couch. But it isn’t just Sunoo who catches his attention.
It’s who’s beside him.
Jungwon.
The omega looks just as pretty as he remembers.
His scent once again invites Jay subtly and makes its way to Jay as if it were meant for him alone.
Sunghoon is not around yet so obviously Jay has to chaperone Sunoo in his stead, which leads him to stand up and make his way through the crowd for the two omegas.
If Jay is using that as an excuse to get introduced to Jungwon, no one has to know.
Well, Sunoo will know.
But it’s Sunoo, who cares?
As he approaches the omegas, Sunoo spots him first, a sly grin spreading across his face as if he already knows what Jay is about to say.
“Well, well, look who decided to join us,” Sunoo teases, nudging Jungwon lightly.
Jay ignores the comment, his gaze already focused on Jungwon, who looks up at him with those wide doe eyes that seem to disarm him instantly.
He’s up close now, and Jungwon’s calming, sinful scent wraps around him subtly, pulling him in further.
“Sunghoon’s somewhere around the back,” Jay says curtly, crossing his arms.
“So I’m here to make sure you are safe.”
Sunoo smirks, clearly enjoying Jay’s attempt at being nonchalant.
“How noble of you,” he says, his tone dripping with mock sincerity.
“But you know, Sunghoon won’t be happy if I don’t go find him soon. He’s probably wondering where I am right now.”
Jay raises a brow.
“Then go find him.”
“Oh, I will,” Sunoo says with a playful grin, already backing away.
“But that means Jungwon will be in your care until I get back. You can handle that, can’t you, Jay?”
Jay knows exactly what Sunoo is trying to do, and he’s not about to give him the satisfaction of reacting.
“I can handle it,” he says evenly.
“Perfect,” Sunoo chirps, giving Jungwon’s arm a reassuring squeeze before turning to leave.
“Don’t let him scare you, Jungwon. He’s all bark and no bite!”
Jungwon chuckles softly, his dimples appearing as he watches Sunoo disappear into the crowd. Jay shifts awkwardly, feeling the weight of the silence that follows.
“Hi,” Jungwon says quietly, his voice so soft that Jay almost has to lean in to hear him.
He glances up at Jay briefly before looking back down at his hands, which are nervously fidgeting with the hem of his sleeves.
“We haven’t properly met before. I’m Jungwon.”
Jay blinks, momentarily caught off guard by how timid the omega seems.
“Jay,” he replies, his voice instinctively lowering to match Jungwon’s softer tone.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
Jungwon nods quickly, still not quite meeting Jay’s eyes.
“You too,” he murmurs.
Then, Jungwon’s smile widens just slightly before saying.
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” he says.
“Sunoo talks about you a lot.”
Jay groans internally, already imagining the embarrassing things Sunoo must have said.
“Should I be worried?”
Jungwon lets out a soft laugh, shaking his head.
“Not really. He’s pretty fond of you. Though he did call you ‘grumpy but secretly a teddy bear.’”
Jay snorts despite himself.
“That sounds like something he’d say.”
There’s a comfortable pause as Jungwon looks around the room.
Before Jay can say something to ease the tension, someone stumbles through the crowd, bumping hard into Jungwon’s shoulder. The omega takes a small step back, startled, lips turning downward.
“Watch it,” Jay snaps before he can think, his voice sharp as he glares at the person responsible.
The alpha who bumped into Jungwon pauses, looking Jay up and down with mild irritation before muttering, “chill, dude, it was an accident.”
Jay doesn’t back down, his shoulders squaring.
The alpha in front of him visibly hesitates before muttering another half-hearted apology and moving on.
Jay huffs, turning his attention back to Jungwon.
“You okay?”
Jungwon nods quickly as he rubs his shoulder.
“I-I’m fine. Thank you,” he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.
Jay gestures toward the stairs.
“Heeseung and Jake are probably upstairs playing games. You want to join them? It’s quieter up there.”
Jungwon blinks, his lips parting in surprise at the suggestion.
“Sure.”
Jay hesitates for a moment before curling his hand loosely around Jungwon’s wrist. Jungwon follows without a word, his cheeks already beginning to flush a soft pink.
Neither of them speaks, but the reddening of their cheeks and the way Jungwon’s scent grows just a touch sweeter speak volumes.
Jay feels the warmth of Jungwon’s wrist under his fingers, and his chest tightens at the realization of how delicate it feels, how naturally protective the touch makes him feel.
As they walk through the crowd, the room feels simultaneously louder and quieter.
The chatter and music blur into white noise, leaving Jay acutely aware of Jungwon’s presence behind him.
Jungwon shifts closer as they weave through the clusters of people. And when the crowd thickens, Jungwon’s hand instinctively moves to rest lightly on Jay’s back, his fingers just barely grazing the fabric of Jay’s shirt.
It’s a subtle touch meant to steady himself, but to Jay, it feels monumental.
The warmth of Jungwon’s hand sends a wave of electricity down Jay’s spine, his alpha instincts roaring in approval.
Jay doesn’t dare look back, afraid that his expression might give away just how much the small gesture affects him.
Jay leads Jungwon into the second room down the hall and pushes the door open to reveal Heeseung and a few of his friends, their laughter loud, clearly fueled by the bottles scattered on the table
Jay sits next to Heeseung, making him across Jungwon, who immediately takes refuge next to Jake.
They start playing the board game that they have set up.
It’s one of those strategy-heavy games that Heeseung insists on playing whenever he’s a little too tipsy.
Jay loses.
Terribly.
"Heeseung, you cheated!"
“You’re hopeless,” Heeseung laughs as Jay groans in frustration, tossing his cards onto the table.
But Jay barely hears him.
His attention is entirely captured by the sound of Jungwon’s giggle. Jungwon’s dimples are on full display as he covers his mouth, clearly trying to stifle his laughter at Jay’s exaggerated tantrum.
The alpha keeps stealing glances at Jungwon throughout the whole night.
And each time, when Jungwon shyly meets his gaze and quickly looks away, Jay’s heart flutters just a little more.
It’s been half a year since Jungwon transferred into his new college and he could gladly say he settled in quite well.
He was worried at first as he knew it’d be hard but landing Sunoo as his project partner was the best thing that ever happened to him as he clicked with the boy so fast.
From the first day they met, Jungwon could tell Sunoo had such a beautiful, enigmatic personality and Jungwon really admires that.
Frequent classes allowed Sunoo to gradually introduce Jungwon to his friends, ensuring that the shy omega wouldn’t feel out of place.
Jungwon had met Jake not long after, and the two bonded easily over them just simply being omegas. And what eased the friendship was probably Jake’s soothing chamomile scent as it was such a bonus to Jungwon’s shy personality.
Heeseung and Sunghoon followed not long after, both welcoming him without hesitation.
And then there was Jay.
Dreamy Jay.
Jay was different.
Jungwon has found himself very attracted to the older alpha from the moment he met him.
He wasn’t like the other alphas Jungwon had encountered before.
He was patient, observant, and far from pushy.
It wasn’t just Jay’s sharp jawline, the way his dark eyes seemed to see right through him, or the way his deep voice sent a pleasant shiver down Jungwon’s spine.
It was the way Jay made him feel safe, cared for, and somehow special without even trying.
Jungwon admitted this to himself, late at night when he was alone, that it was probably more than just a passing crush.
And then there was Jay’s scent.
It was unlike any alpha scent Jungwon had encountered before.
It was a blend of amber and cedarwood.
It lingered subtly, never overwhelming, but always present.
The first time Jungwon noticed it, they had been sitting together during a group study session. Jay had leaned closer to point something out in Jungwon’s notes, and the faint scent of cedarwood had washed over him, making his heart race and his thoughts scatter.
Ever since then, Jungwon couldn’t help but notice it every time Jay was near.
The scent seemed to change ever so slightly depending on Jay’s mood.
Calmer and richer when he was relaxed, sharper and more focused when he was serious.
But no matter the variation, it was always grounding, always safe.
Jungwon hated how easily it affected him.
One whiff, and he’d find himself leaning a little closer, as if drawn to the alpha without meaning to be.
And when Jay spoke, his low voice paired with that intoxicating scent was almost too much to handle.
Late at night, when Jungwon allowed his thoughts to wander, he wondered what it would be like to have that scent surrounding him completely.
To bury his face in Jay’s shirts, to let that warmth wrap around him fully.
The thought made his cheeks burn hotter, and he always scolded himself for letting his imagination run wild.
But it was becoming harder to deny how much he wanted it.
Wanted Jay.
Their friendship had shifted subtly over the months, settling into something that felt almost natural.
It was in the little things Jay did.
The way he always seemed to anticipate Jungwon’s needs without being asked.
On chilly evenings, when Jungwon rubbed his arms to fend off the cold, Jay would shrug off his jacket without a word and drape it over Jungwon’s shoulders.
The first time it happened, Jungwon had stammered out a protest, but Jay had only given him a casual, “you’ll get cold,” and left it at that.
Now, it has become routine.
Jungwon didn’t even have to ask.
Jay would always notice.
And each time, the jacket carried that familiar scent, wrapping Jungwon in a warmth that lingered long after the night ended.
Then there was the way Jay always let Jungwon have the booth seat whenever their group went out.
Jungwon preferred the corner but Sunoo and Jake often beat him to it. Jay, however, had started subtly guiding Jungwon toward the spot, his hand light on the omega’s lower back, ensuring he got there first.
“You like sitting here, don’t you?” Jay had asked once.
Jungwon nodded shyly, his cheeks warming.
“Yeah, I do.”
“Then it’s yours,” Jay had said simply, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
Jay’s generosity extended far beyond gestures like giving up a seat or sharing space.
It was thoughtful and always tailored to Jungwon’s needs.
It wasn’t just about making the omega feel comfortable.
It was about showing that he noticed every small thing that mattered to him, even the ones Jungwon didn’t voice aloud.
When Jungwon had mentioned offhandedly that he loved warm curry during colder weather, Jay had quietly filed it away.
Weeks later, when Jungwon’s heat had hit unexpectedly, Jay had shown up at his door with a container of homemade curry.
The memory of that moment still warmed Jungwon’s chest.
But more than the food itself, it was the thought behind it that made his heart flutter.
Jay hadn’t waited for Jungwon to ask. He had anticipated it, gone out of his way to make something with his own hands, and delivered it without expecting anything in return.
It was the same with everything else Jay did.
If Jungwon craved something, Jay found a way to get it.
A Kinder Bueno that he couldn’t find on campus? Jay brought it to their next study session, saying he’d “just happened to see it.”
A Ralph Lauren sweater Jungwon had admired in a shop window but deemed too expensive? Jay had casually handed him the exact one a week later, claiming it had been “on sale.”
At first, Jungwon had protested, insisting that Jay didn’t need to go to such lengths for him.
But Jay had always waved him off, as if making Jungwon happy was the simplest, most natural thing in the world.
It wasn’t just the big gestures, either.
It was the little things.
It was in the way he paid attention, noticed the small details, and acted without hesitation, as though Jungwon’s happiness was second nature to him.
And as much as Jungwon tried to convince himself that he didn’t need to depend on anyone, Jay’s actions slowly chipped away at that resolve.
With every kind gesture, every thoughtful act, Jay made it harder for Jungwon to imagine his life without him.
Jungwon knows Jay’s background.
He even heard about it before even meeting him.
Everyone on campus had.
Whispers about Jay had circulated through campus corridors long before Jungwon transferred.
He’d heard it all.
That Jay was untouchable, that he had everything handed to him on a silver platter, that omegas fawned over him while alphas envied him.
Some stories painted him as aloof and cold, others as charismatic and chivalrous.
But the Jay Jungwon had come to know was far from the intimidating figure described in those stories.
He wasn’t just a Park heir or some handsome alpha shrouded in mystery.
He was thoughtful, attentive, and, in his own quiet way, deeply kind.
He never flaunted his privilege, instead using it to quietly make life easier for those around him, especially Jungwon.
And then there were the study sessions.
Jungwon had always been a diligent student, but college was harder than he’d anticipated. Especially since he transferred in his last year due to his family moving to Seoul.
Jay, who had a quiet knack for understanding complicated concepts, had started sitting with him during late-night study sessions.
“Here,” Jay would say, sliding a notebook across the table, his handwriting neat and precise.
“This might help.”
And it always did.
Jay never made a big deal out of it, but his patience and willingness to help meant everything to Jungwon.
The way Jay leaned in to explain something made even the most confusing topics feel manageable.
Jungwon had lost count of how many times he’d fallen asleep during those sessions, only to wake up with a blanket draped over him and Jay’s scent lingering in the air.
It wasn’t until a few days later, during one of their usual hangouts at the quad, that Sunoo noticed.
Jay and Sunghoon usually joined them but they had classes this time.
Jungwon had been sitting next to Sunoo, quietly listening as his friend went on about these brownies that his friend Felix made that Jungwon should try.
Sunoo’s hands were flying as he gestured animatedly about how good they were, his words coming out rapid-fire.
"The brownies were so good that Hyunjin, this handsome alpha, asked to court him-"
But mid-sentence, he froze, his nose wrinkling slightly as he turned to Jungwon.
“Wait a second,” Sunoo said, his voice dropping suspiciously.
“Why do you smell like…”
He trailed off, leaning closer to Jungwon and sniffing dramatically.
Jungwon’s eyes widened, and he instinctively leaned back.
“W-what are you doing?”
Sunoo narrowed his eyes, his expression shifting from amused to deviously curious.
“You smell like Jay,” he said pointedly, crossing his arms.
Jungwon flushed instantly, his hands gripping the hem of his sweater.
“I-I do not!”
“Oh, you absolutely do,” Sunoo said with a knowing smirk.
“That’s definitely Jay’s scent. Care to explain why you’re wearing it like it’s your personal cologne?”
Jungwon fidgeted, his cheeks burning as he tried to come up with a reasonable explanation.
“It’s not like that! He just… lent me his blanket the other night when we were studying. That’s all.”
Sunoo arched his brow.
“Is he scenting you?”
Jungwon blinked in confusion.
“Oh my god, is he scenting you without consent? That motherfucker, I told him-”
Jungwon’s eyes widened in alarm, his hands waving frantically to stop Sunoo mid-rant.
“No, no, it’s not like that!” he blurted out, his voice high pitched with panic.
“He didn’t scent me on purpose. It was just… the blanket, okay? It already smelled like him because it’s his!”
“I was going to give it back!” Jungwon protested.
“Sure you were,” Sunoo said, leaning in closer.
“But if it’s just studying , why do you smell like you’ve been wrapped up in him all day? Hmm?”
Jungwon’s blush deepened.
“Sunoo, please stop.”
Sunoo gasped, clearly enjoying himself.
“Oh my God. Is there something going on between you two? Are you and Jay secretly a thing? Is that why he’s always so nice to you?”
“No!” Jungwon exclaimed.
“We’re not a thing. He’s just… being nice.”
Sunoo gave him a long, skeptical look.
“Jungwon, I love you, but you’re the worst liar I’ve ever met. Jay doesn’t just ‘be nice.’ He’s been all over you since the day you met. And now you’re walking around smelling like him? Come on, spill.”
Jungwon groaned.
“There’s nothing to spill. He’s just… thoughtful. That’s it.”
Sunoo didn’t look convinced, his smirk growing wider.
“Thoughtful enough to scent you without even trying? Yeah, okay. Keep telling yourself that.”
Jungwon sighed, slumping back in his seat.
“Okay, maybe he did it subconsciously…”
Sunoo’s grin softened into something more supportive.
“Jungwon, trust me. Alphas don’t let omegas walk around wearing their scent unless they want them to. You know Jay is smitten by you.”
Jungwon stayed silent.
He doesn't disagree.
Tired of the library, Jungwon decided to study at this new boba place near his dorm that Sunoo has been raving about.
Jungwon sat by the window, his fingers wrapped around his boba drink. He was enjoying the peaceful afternoon and had his laptop open, his lecture notes neatly positioned next to it.
“Jungwon! Fancy seeing you here.”
Jungwon looked up to see Heeseung and Jake approaching, bobas in hand and bright smiles on their faces. He offered them a small wave as they slid into the seats across from him.
“You didn’t tell us you were coming here,” Jake said, placing his drink on the table.
“I didn’t know I had to,” Jungwon replied with a soft chuckle.
“We’ll let it slide,” Heeseung teased. But then his nose wrinkled slightly, and his brows furrowed as he leaned in a little closer.
Jake sniffed the air too, his expression shifting from curiosity to surprise.
“Whoa,” he said, blinking at Jungwon.
“You smell like… Jay?”
Jungwon nearly choked on his drink, his cheeks heating instantly.
“W-what?”
Again?
“You’re wearing his scent. It’s all over you. Are you two…?”
“No!” Jungwon exclaimed, his voice a little too loud, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables. He quickly lowered his voice, his face burning.
“We’re not mated. It’s nothing like that.”
Jake raised a brow, his grin teasing.
“So, you’re telling me you’re walking around smelling like Jay, and it’s nothing ?”
Jungwon fidgeted, avoiding their amused gazes.
“He just… helps me study sometimes. And he’s nice, so he gives me his jacket if it’s cold. That’s it.”
Heeseung exchanged a knowing glance with Jake before turning back to Jungwon.
“Remind me, how did you two even meet?”
Jungwon hesitated, feeling shy under their expectant stares.
“I met him through Sunoo. We just… ended up hanging out a lot after that.”
Jake leaned forward, his elbows on the table.
“You know, you have to be careful, Wonie.”
Jungwon blinked, confused.
“What do you mean?”
Heeseung chuckled, his smirk widening.
“Jay is very popular. There are a lot of omegas and even some betas on campus who’d kill to be in your position. You’re walking around with his scent, looking all cute and innocent in your oversized pastel sweaters? You might as well paint a target on your back.”
Jungwon’s blush deepened, and he shrank a little in his seat.
“I-it’s not like that. We’re just friends.”
“Sure,” Jake said. He sniffed the air again, tilting his head thoughtfully.
“But… it could be affecting you, you know. Jay’s scent is strong. If you’re spending that much time around him, it might start messing with your heat.”
Jungwon froze, his cheeks now burning so hot they felt like they might combust.
“M-My heat?”
Jake nodded.
“Yeah. Alphas have that effect. If your body starts associating his scent with safety and comfort, it might… you know, trigger something.”
Heeseung laughed, nudging Jake.
“You’re scaring the poor baby.”
“I’m just saying,” Jake said with a shrug.
“He should be careful. Jay’s a great alpha, but he’s still an alpha.”
The library was quiet except for the faint rustle of paper.
Jungwon sat next to Jay at one of the study tables, their laptops open and notebooks spread out in front of them.
The table was tucked away in a secluded corner, giving them some privacy.
Jungwon tried to focus on the notes in front of him, his pen tapping rhythmically against the paper. But no matter how hard he tried, his thoughts kept drifting back to Jay.
Or, more specifically, to Jay’s scent.
It had been subtle when they first sat down. Jungwon had grown accustomed to it during their study sessions, though it still made his heart race every time he caught a whiff.
But tonight, it felt… different.
The scent was stronger, richer, and far more intoxicating than usual, making it nearly impossible to concentrate.
His cheeks felt warm, and he couldn’t tell if it was from the library’s heating or the way Jay’s scent seemed to pull him in.
Jungwon glanced at Jay out of the corner of his eye.
The alpha was leaning slightly over his notebook, scribbling notes.
His dark eyes scanned the page in front of him, his brows furrowed slightly in concentration.
The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up just enough to reveal his forearms, the defined lines of muscle flexing subtly as he adjusted the paper.
He wore his glasses tonight, Jungwon’s weakness , the thin frames sitting perfectly on the bridge of his nose.
Jungwon couldn’t help but stare.
Jay looked so hot.
He also looked calm, completely unaware of the effect he was having on Jungwon.
Jungwon bit his lip, trying to steady his breathing.
Focus, focus, he told himself.
But it was no use.
The more time passed, the more overwhelming Jay’s scent became, as if it were deliberately testing his resolve.
“Everything okay?” Jay’s deep voice broke the silence, and Jungwon nearly jumped.
He looked up to find Jay watching him, his head tilted slightly in concern.
“Y-yeah,” Jungwon stammered.
“I’m fine. Just… distracted.”
“Distracted by what?”
Jungwon froze, his cheeks heating further.
He couldn’t exactly say you and your ridiculously attractive scent that’s driving me crazy.
“Uh, the material,” Jungwon lied quickly, gesturing at his notes.
“It’s… a lot to take in.”
Jay chuckled softly, and Jungwon swore it made his heart skip a beat.
“Yeah, it’s not the easiest stuff. Want me to go over it with you?”
Before Jungwon could respond, Jay leaned closer, his shoulder brushing lightly against Jungwon’s.
His scent hit Jungwon full force, and he fought to keep from squirming in his seat.
Jay didn’t seem to notice as he explained the concept on the page.
But Jungwon could barely process a word. All he could think about was how close Jay was, how warm his presence felt, and how that scent, so inherently Jay, was filling every corner of his mind.
“Jungwon?”
Jay’s voice brought him back to reality, and Jungwon blinked, realizing he hadn’t been paying attention at all.
“Sorry,” he mumbled, avoiding Jay’s gaze.
“I didn’t catch that.”
Jay leaned back slightly, studying Jungwon.
“You sure you’re okay? You look a little flushed.”
Jungwon’s cheeks burned even hotter.
“I’m fine,” he said quickly.
But as the minutes ticked by, Jungwon’s body betrayed him further.
Heat began to spread through him and his hands shook slightly as he gripped his pen, trying to ignore the telltale dampness that began to gather between his thighs.
This couldn’t be happening.
Not now.
He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his breathing shallow as he tried to get his body to calm down.
But the combination of Jay’s intoxicating scent and his proximity was too much.
Every inhale only made the heat worse, his omega instincts screaming at him to lean closer, to let Jay take care of him.
“Jungwon?” Jay’s voice cut through his spiraling thoughts again.
“I-I have to go,” Jungwon blurted out, standing so abruptly that his chair scraped loudly against the floor.
Jay blinked, startled.
“What? Why? Did something happen?”
Jungwon avoided his gaze, gathering his things in a flurry.
“No, I just… I forgot I had something to do. I’m sorry, I have to leave.”
“Jungwon, wait-”
Jay started, but Jungwon was already moving, clutching his bag tightly as he all but fled the library.
He didn’t dare look back, his face burning with embarrassment as he pushed through the library doors and into the cool night air.
The fresh air did little to help, his body still thrumming with the beginnings of heat, the slick between his thighs a humiliating reminder of how out of control he felt.
By the time he reached his dorm, his legs were trembling, and his breaths were coming in shallow gasps.
He fumbled with his keys, finally managing to unlock the door and close it behind him with a shaky sigh of relief.
Leaning against the door, Jungwon pressed a hand to his chest, willing his heart to slow down.
His heat wasn’t supposed to start for another week.
He’d been so careful with his cycle tracking.
Jake was right.
Jay’s scent… it had triggered something in him, something he hadn’t been prepared for.
As the warmth deepened, Jungwon slid to the floor, burying his face in his hands. He needed to ride this out alone, far away from Jay and the overwhelming feelings he brought out in him.
But no matter how hard he tried to push Jay out of his mind, the alpha’s presence lingered.
Jungwon whimpered softly, his omega instincts kicking in full force.
His heat was clawing at him, demanding comfort, safety, and Jay.
He bit his lip, trembling as the thought of Jay filled his mind.
He imagined Jay holding him, his strong arms steady and reassuring.
The thought sent a shiver through him, and he pressed his thighs together, trying to suppress the rising tide of longing.
But it wasn’t enough.
The need to nest overwhelmed him, and Jungwon found himself standing shakily, his body moving on autopilot.
He pulled the softest blankets and pillows he could find, arranging them carefully in the corner of his room.
When the nest was finished, Jungwon curled into it, his breathing shallow as he buried his face in the blankets.
But something was missing.
Jay.
His scent wasn’t here.
He cursed himself for returning his jacket that he burrowed from him last time.
Jungwon whined softly, clutching the fabric tightly.
The absence of Jay’s scent made his chest ache, his omega instincts screaming for the alpha who had triggered this need in the first place.
“I need…” Jungwon whispered, his voice breaking as tears pricked at the corners of his eyes.
He clutched his phone, his fingers hovering over Jay’s name in his contacts.
Every part of him ached to call, to hear Jay’s voice, to beg him to come over and fill this empty space with his presence and his scent.
But he couldn’t.
Before he could spiral any further, a soft knock at the door startled him.
Jungwon froze as his heart began to race.
The knock came again, and a voice followed.
A deep, familiar voice that sent a wave of warmth through his already feverish body.
“Jungwon?”
Jay’s voice was calm.
Jungwon’s cheeks burned, and he clutched the blankets tighter around himself.
“J-Jay?” he croaked, his voice barely audible.
“I’m sorry for showing up unannounced,” Jay continued, speaking gently through the door.
“I just… I was worried about you. You left so suddenly, and I could tell you, um yeah….”
Jungwon whimpered softly, his omega instincts screaming at him to open the door, but his embarrassment kept him rooted in place.
“I’m not coming in,” Jay added quickly, as if sensing Jungwon’s hesitation.
“I know you probably need space right now, but I wanted to leave something for you.”
Jungwon blinked.
“Something… for me?”
“I left a couple of my shirts by the door,” Jay said.
“I thought… maybe they’d help. They’re clean, but they still carry my scent. If you don’t want them, that’s okay. But if you do…”
Jay trailed off, his voice gentle.
Jungwon’s heart pounded in his chest as he stared at the door, his mind reeling.
Shirts with Jay’s scent? It was an intimate gesture.
Accepting them would mean accepting Jay’s offer to care for him, to court him.
Traditionally, Jungwon was taught that when an alpha gave their scent-marked belongings to an omega, it was a silent declaration: I see you. I want you. I’m willing to protect you, care for you, and build a life with you.
For an omega to accept, it was just as significant.
It meant reciprocating that trust, opening themselves to the possibility of something deeper and more permanent.
“I’ll leave now,” Jay said after a moment, his voice a little quieter.
“Take care of yourself, okay? And if you need anything, anything at all, just call me.”
Jungwon heard the sound of footsteps retreating down the hallway, leaving him alone with his racing thoughts.
Slowly, he crawled toward the door, his body trembling as he reached for the handle.
When he cracked the door open, the sight of the neatly folded shirts on the floor made his breath catch.
Jungwon picked them up carefully, holding them close as tears filled his eyes.
As he curled back into his nest, wrapping himself in one of the shirts, Jungwon felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. Once again, Jay had known exactly what he needed, and he’d offered it so freely, so selflessly.
This wasn’t just kindness. This was Jay’s way of saying I’m here for you. I want you.
Did Jay really mean it? Was this his way of saying he wanted something real with Jungwon, or was it just another casual gesture that Jungwon had misinterpreted?
Because, traditionally, by accepting the shirts, Jungwon was accepting Jay’s invitation to court him as an alpha.