Archive of Our Own ^beta

The funeral for the next pack’s alpha was held on a snowy Thursday morning. It was almost the end of the year, and winters like this always felt the coldest. Mingi had donned his best suit, layering a long coat over himself,  but even so, the biting cold wind still made him shiver. His mother— bless her soul— had discreetly wrapped him in a thick white blanket. Grateful, he pulled at the edges to cover his front better, burying his nose into the soft fur. He could’ve retreated, following the other pack members’ trudging steps and into the chateau’s warm insides, but he refused to leave, as the pack alpha still sits right beside his son’s grave. The name ‘Yi Dae Shim’ on the marble headstone was carved hastily from the night before. The head alpha, Yi Hye, traced his finger slowly over the divot’s rough edges, his presence grieving silently beside it. 

A glance over the headstone revealed his enemy. No, not quite that extreme, his rival— Jeong Yunho, still stood stoically near the head of the grave, staring intently at the hard ground. He had the same outfit as Mingi, a three-piece suit and, over it, a long black coat. But he didn’t look too affected by the cold wind. Not once shivering when bouts of harsh winds swept through, only rubbed his red nose and ears before going back to his solid stance, guarding the head alpha. 

Unlike Jeong Yunho, who stood in a protective stance with the rest of his family, making a half circle around the grave, Mingi and his family lingered around the head alpha’s back. It has always been like this. Yunho, who came from a family of warriors and protectors, became the pack’s strength and remained the left hand for the pack alpha’s son for years. Mingi, raised in a house full of scholars had made friends with books and debates. His parents, grandparents, and even the rest of his extended family were pedagogical and put forth education above all else. 

It hadn’t always been like this. In the past, there were no designated roles for any particular family. However, after decades and as the pack grew bigger, traditions solidified. Major family clans have developed their own specialities, and while these roles were never exclusive, many of the children followed in their parents’ footsteps. 

The Song’s were advisors. Many of Mingi’s relatives worked as lawmakers, consultants, and judges. Thus why, Mingi and the rest of his family stood behind the pack leader, their presence a subtle reminder of their role in guiding the pack’s future. 

The head alpha grunted from his crouch, and Mingi immediately moved to help the Yi Hye stand, putting both hands on his arm and letting the older man slightly lean on him for support. Mingi could smell the sadness in wafts from his skin—bitter black pepper that smells almost too spicy on the nose rather than a comforting soup for a rainy day. The man wiped a stray tear, then patted Mingi’s hand softly, which he answered with a low purr. They shuffled backwards, allowing other pack members to give their final goodbyes and arrange white flowers beside and over the fresh soil. 

Mingi shifted, his arms curling tighter over Yi Hye’s own, “Are you alright, abeoji?” he asked in a low, deep whisper. The head alpha sighed deeply, shaking his head before looking back at Mingi’s concerned eyes. 

“How could I be, son?” He croaked, and the sad smile he gave Mingi made his heart ache. It’s getting harder to reign his emotions in. His eyes watered so suddenly, that his temples stung from the abrupt incoming tears. The truth is, Dae Shim was more like a brother than Mingi’s own had been. He had taught more than he could ask for and had become someone Mingi really looked up to. His jaw hardened as he clenched his teeth, determined not to break down in front of many of their pack members. He had been holding back his grief, not having the chance to cry just yet since the news of Dae Shim’s death. He had to arrange many things and had been so busy until the day of the funeral that he simply felt numb. 

Yi Hye sighed, patting Mingi’s cheek with his free hand before looking around the crowd. “Where’s my other one?” he said. Without a beat, Yunho moved swiftly around the headstone, coming to stand on the head alpha’s empty side and then mirroring Mingi’s arm, circling it around Yi Hye’s. Upon seeing Yunho’s face over the alpha’s head, Mingi looked away to will his tears back in. He cleared his throat, gazing back at chains of white flowers. 

Yi Hye let out a pleased hum, then began to turn away from his son’s final resting place. Mingi and Yunho followed, walking slowly beside the pack leader, leaving the small private family graveyard and entering the chateau’s arched walkway. They didn’t have small talk, not when Yi Hye was in such turmoil. After a short walk, Mingi realised they were heading to the pack’s conference hall, and he could feel Yunho hesitating in his steps. 

“Abeoji… maybe you should rest today,” Yunho said, softly pulling on the man’s arm so that they could slow down and turn right into the pack leader’s private quarters. Mingi thought his concern was justified. The head alpha was not in his best health. Yi Hye had been battling a chronic illness for years, his body weakened by tremors and constant fatigue. His illness was also part of the reason why his son had been forced to travel for months, meeting neighboring leaders to announce his impending coronation. It is tradition, an obligation for an heir to inform matters of his coronation and extending invitation. This then ended in tragedy when Dae Shim was ambushed on his journey home. 

“No.” Yi Hye said firmly, voice steady despite his frailty, “I shall rip all my bandaids quickly. Then I can mourn in peace.” Mingi linked his arms tighter, glancing at his parents and Yunho as the pack leader stubbornly kept walking in his shaky gait. When his parents only looked sadly at them, Yunho also linked his arms tighter. 

Yunho whined, sending his best pleading eyes, “But, abeoji…” 

The man stopped for a while, looking back at Yunho’s wide eyes, but only smiled and chuckled lightly. “That one won’t work on me, child. You could bully Dae Shim, but not me.” He walked again, dragging both Yunho and Mingi with him. Resigned, they followed with slow and careful steps. 

As they walked through the hallway, Mingi’s heart pounded. He had an idea of what was about to come. The pack’s conference hall, located on the chateau’s ground floor near their main entrance, was where the pack’s most critical decisions and discussions were made. The walk from the graveyard and conference room gave Mingi ample time to ponder his fate. Mingi knew both him and Yunho would be pushed to step up and compete to become the next pack leader. 

Mingi also understood that, as the child of royal advisors, his parents had long prepared for moments like these. The pack had many rules, one of which was that the ascending pack leader must remain unmarried. Only after their crowning could they marry, and the luna would be chosen with the guidance of the previous pack leader. 

Descendants of various prominent positions within the pack’s structure, particularly those of the same generation as the leader’s offspring, are typically aware of their responsibilities from a young age. They are expected to prepare themselves as though they, too, might one day become pack leader while also supporting the heir on their path to leadership. It was also considered highly improper to marry before one’s presentation, which is why the young men and women within the inner structure had yet to marry, as they were all waiting for the heir to ascend. Those who did marry either had no interest in or no obligation to become the pack leader.

Mingi’s alpha older brother, for example, had presented unusually early at seventeen and immediately asked the family for permission to marry a beautiful beta from a neighbouring pack. After receiving their blessing, he married and left the pack to pursue his education in another neighboring pack. The last Mingi heard, his brother was preparing to join the royal lawmakers—a remarkable achievement, especially considering he wasn’t born into that pack. He was much older than him, and because he left, Mingi had to stay. 

The normal age of presentation is twenty-one, and Mingi, at twenty, was expected to present next spring. This meant he had only a few months left before becoming eligible to ascend as the next pack leader. The thought was both exhilarating and terrifying. 

When they finally arrived at the conference room, Mingi pushed open the door and stayed to hold it so that the rest of their entourage could fill in. The room was grand; it had one long mahogany table that could seat 20 people on each side. The ceilings are high, with one massive chandelier hanging in the middle of the room. On various parts of the walls were portraits of the previous leaders, paintings, and dark blue velvet drapes. At the very end of the room, a giant fireplace crackled, emitting warmth. After making sure everybody was in the room, Mingi closed the door and quickly made his way to be near the leader. 

Mingi sat gingerly on the left side of the table, his mother on his right and the rest of his family stood in a double line behind him. Yunho sat opposite him, his father on his left and the rest of his family mirroring Mingi’s. Yi Hye was on the head of the table, staring softly at his pack. They all waited for him to speak first. When he did, everybody’s attention was on him.

“I never thought this day would come,” he murmured heavily into the quiet room. Truthfully, neither had Mingi. Yi Dae Shim had always meant to lead the pack like his father. Mingi had followed him throughout childhood because he wanted to be good. He had studied harder than everyone else and had trained in combat tirelessly to make Dae Shim proud and eventually earn his place in Dae Shim’s inner circle. Mingi respected him so much. He had wanted to become like him, to stay by his side as Dae Shim ruled. His loss, their loss, was unimaginable. 

Yi Hye cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. Mingi noticed one lone tear on the man’s cheek, which he softly wiped away. “My son is dead, and it’s my duty to ensure the next pack leader can ascend gracefully to their rightful position.” He looked at him and then Yunho, smiling softly with his eyes before putting each hand on their shoulder. Like Yunho, Mingi leaned into the touch, feeling the grounding force of the much older man. “I’ve been sick, and we all know that I am not fit to rule this pack any longer.” The pack alpha, his once-vibrant frame now weathered by time, sat at the head of the room, his voice steady but laced with the weight of his years. His words carried the gravity of a leader who knew his time was drawing to a close.

Both Mingi and Yunho involuntarily whined, “Abeoji…”

However, the man only shook his head and shushed them, “Let’s not all lie to ourselves, I don’t have too much time left.” He was always so blunt and truthful, not one to mince his words, even when talking about his coming death. 

“These two young men are like my own sons…” He looked at Mingi and Yunho’s parents. “I’d like to thank the parents for raising such fine sons that I love as much as my own. Dae Shim had loved them like siblings. Took them under his wings because he believed these two could be his most trusted companions. These young men shall continue leading this pack. Song Mingi and Jeong Yunho.” He paused, letting their names hang in the air like a promise. “They will be 21 this year and are expected to present in the first full moon of spring. If we have an alpha or a beta, they shall be the next leader of the pack.”

The room was silent, the weight of his words settling over everyone like a thick blanket. The alpha’s eyes softened as he looked at Mingi and Yunho, pride gleaming in his gaze. “But I have no doubts for these two. They’re going to present stronger.”

Yi Hye patted their shoulders, “Brought up together ever since they were little, I’ve seen how much potential they both have. I think it won’t matter much who will become our future ruler, yes?” Then, almost like an afterthought, he added, “Childhood bestfriends,” 

At that, Yunho shuddered, a barely perceptible flinch that didn’t go unnoticed. The alpha’s sharp eyes caught it, and a flicker of amusement danced across his face. He leaned forward slightly, his tone teasing but gentle. “What’s wrong, young man? Is he not your friend?”

A murmur filled the room, deep and whispered chuckles sounded in the wide chamber, and Mingi had to control himself not to spring up from his seat and strangle Yunho for ruining the moment. Yunho stared back at Yi Hye with wide, panicked eyes, shaking his head and raising his hands in front of his chest to defend himself, “I- abeoji, it’s not like that, I—,’ 

The alpha raised his eyebrow, curiosity piqued, “Tell me, son, was I wrong to assume your friendship?” he pressed. Mingi saw how Yunho’s jaw tightened, how the slightly older man’s mind seemed to run over a mile a minute trying to string the perfect political reply that wouldn’t ruin the both of them. When Yunho’s eyes darted to him, Mingi looked away, refusing to meet his gaze; he refused to help. It’s Yunho’s fault for not being able to contain their animosity to himself. 

Yunho was quiet for an awkwardly long time, the silence stretching uncomfortably. Mingi’s fists clenched at his lap, his frustration simmering because Yunho’s silence was going to make everything worse. However, when Yunho finally replied, Mingi wanted nothing more but bash his own head and shower the wooden table with his tears. 

His voice, a low timbre, spoke low and clear, “I don’t think he ever liked me much, abeoji…” Mingi’s head snapped up, eyes blazing. Now he’s pissed. Because why the fuck would Yunho say that in front of the pack leader? How dare he make it seem like this was all on him? As if he was a hateful child that couldn’t stand the thought of having someone else be better than himself? His body went rigid, and Mingi could barely feel when his white blanket fell from his shoulders.

The pack leader turned to him, expression unreadable. “Why, I never noticed that…” he said, tone light but still consistently probing. “Is it true, Mingi?” 

Now, it was his turn to stammer, caught off guard by the direct question. While it wasn’t fully true, Mingi could not bring himself to lie and deny the accusation. Mingi didn’t not like Yunho, but there were quite a lot of times in which the other guy seemed to grate at his nerves. Mingi could never really explain it, but sometimes, seeing Yunho in the same room made him want to crawl out of his skin or just leave altogether. His mind raced, searching for the right words to explain himself— that no, he did not hate Yunho, but tolerating him took extra energy, but before he could form a coherent and pacifist response, the alpha laughed— a deep, warm sound that filled the room. 

“You don’t have to explain anything to me,” he said, eyes still twinkling with mirth, as if he found Mingi’s and Yunho’s complicated rivalry funny. “I was young too, you know. I remember how it felt to be so full of fire, wanting to be the best at everything.” 

His gaze shifted to the families gathered around the room, expression turning thoughtful. “Maybe it is also our fault,” he mused. “We’ve put them against each other too many times; it turned into dislike. We’ve compared them too much.” He sighed, a hint of regret in his voice. Mingi whined, a high, regretful sound, because he hated to see the pack alpha blaming himself for something he had no control over. Mingi’s and Yunho’s rivalry is their own and should remain private, bearing no hindrance to the pack dynamic. The pack leader raised his hand, combing a hand through Mingi’s locks, “It is my fault. I am sorry. But Dae Shim had loved both of you like brothers, and I have always seen you as my sons.” 

The room seemed to wait in bated breath as the alpha’s words settled over them. Mingi could feel his mother’s hand finding him from under the table, settling his tremors. The alpha’s eyes returned to them. “Don’t fight, yes?” His tone was firm but kind, “I trust that at the ceremony, you will both fight seriously but then reconcile as brothers again.” 

With his words, Mingi’s chest tightened, his frustration giving way to something deeper, something he couldn’t quite name. Yunho’s shoulder also relaxed slightly, though his expression remained guarded. The next few months will be complicated. No more childhood games and no more childish resentment. The future of the pack is in their hands, and they both have to put their shit together to ensure smooth power transfer. Despite the weight of responsibilities that seemed to choke him from within, Mingi spoke with a steady voice, “We’re not going to dissappoint you, abeoji.”

The alpha smiled a genuine, warm smile that seemed to erase all the tension in the room. “I know you won’t,” he said softly. “Both of you are the future of this pack. And together, you will be stronger than you ever could be apart.”

As the meeting ended, the weight of the alpha’s words lingered. Mingi and Yunho exchanged a glance, their unspoken rivalry momentarily set aside. Mingi moved first, extending a hand for a firm handshake, and he couldn’t hide the relieved sigh he let out after Yunho accepted it warmly. The road ahead would be challenging, but for the first time, they both felt a fragile hope for unity. 

“My blanket…” Mingi murmured when he finally realised he no longer had the white fabric in his hands. After the pack meeting, he immediately helped the pack alpha back to his room. Then, he walked his family back to his home, completely forgetting the blanket his mom had given him. He jogged back to the conference hall, not wanting to leave his blanket overnight in the conference room and then having to retrieve it the next day. It had been a long day, and he hadn’t slept properly in days. Mingi was determined to sleep in tomorrow, he wanted to mope all morning and he wasn’t about to let his forgetfulness ruin that plan. 

The door wasn’t fully closed when Mingi arrived back at the conference hall. Peeking through the door gap, he was surprised to find Yunho still in the same seat he had occupied earlier. None of his family was in sight; the guy sat alone, staring blankly at a spot on the table. Mingi slowly pushed the door open, making the hinges creak and startling the occupant. 

“Oh, it’s just you,” Yunho said. His voice was rough, as if he had been crying. Mingi quickly realized he had been— Yunho’s eyes were red-rimmed, his nose flushed. The slightly older man rubbed his eyes, sniffed, and gestured to the chair across from him— Mingi’s previous seat. He figured Yunho was trying to say something, so he accepted the silent invitation, stepping inside and taking his seat. 

But Yunho didn’t seem to have anything to say. He let his tears trickle silently, wiping them away with a tissue now and then. Mingi hated seeing other people cry; it always made him feel uncomfortable. His eyelids stung, and he had to force himself to look away to keep himself from tearing up. When the silence became unbearable, Mingi finally broke it, “You okay?”

Yunho shrugged, playing with the crumpled tissue in his palm, “I don’t think so.” His hands kept scrunching around it, creasing it further. “It’s just… he’s my brother. I look up to him, he’s my role model. Now he’s—,” Yunho choked up, and had to clear up his throat a few times before being able to continue, “He’s gone. And it’s just so sudden, I still can’t believe that he’s just not here anymore.” He leaned forward, cupping his face and wiping it roughly. “It’s too surreal for me to process.

“I’ve always wanted a big brother, you know? Not that I don’t love my younger brother, it’s just that— he’s everything I ever wanted from a big brother. You know, when he’s not busy with pack duties, he’d come by my house and play with my brother. He made time for us.” Yunho said it all with trembling breath. Mingi knew that. Dae Shim told him that when he went to Mingi’s, sitting in his living room and eating his mother’s cooking.

“I always imagined him ruling the pack,” Yunho said, his voice breaking, “and the both of us would still follow him around even in the years to come. Dae Shim, and his two brothers,” Yunho looked up, staring right at Mingi, “The three of us would make an amazing team.” Yunho stopped talking after that, his brows furrowed. His mouth opened a few times as if he wanted to say more, but then he only smiled sadly, looking at Mingi with wet eyes. “Well, I don’t have to explain this to you. You know how I feel. He’s your brother too.” 

Mingi hummed. Something felt logged in his throat, and he didn’t trust himself enough to reply verbally. 

“You didn’t cry.” Yunho asked, “Why didn’t you cry at the funeral? I saw you holding it in.” 

Mingi scowled, “I don’t know. I can’t cry in front of people.”

Yunho looked baffled, as if he Mingi’s reason made no sense to him, “Why not?”

Mingi leaned back into his chair, his eyes tracing the wood pattern on the table. “It’s a weakness,” he said softly. “I’d hate to show that in front of people.” He wasn’t sure why he was sharing this with Yunho, of all people. Maybe it was the rawness of the moment, their shared grief hung heavy in the air. Or maybe because Yunho had just bared his own emotions so openly, his wet cheeks a stark contrast to Mingi’s carefully crafted composure. For whatever reason, it felt fair— balanced, even— to let his guard down, just a little. 

When he looked up again, he found Yunho staring at him, his expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. The look stirred a flicker of annoyance in Mingi. This is why we don’t get along, he thought bitterly. They were too different, always clashing over the smallest things. Mingi hated how Yunho seemed to judge him, how he always had to correct or challenge him, as if Mingi’s way of handling things was somehow wrong. It had been happening for years— Yunho’s quiet disapproval, his subtle attempts to ‘fix’ Mingi, as if he were a problem that needed solving. 

“No it’s not.” Yunho said firmly. His voice carried an edge to it, a hint of exasperation that made Mingi’s jaw tighten.

“What?” Mingi asked, he wasn’t sure what Yunho was disagreeing with this time. 

Yunho sighed, bringing a hand to his head to mess up his tidy locks, “Crying,” Yunho clarified, his tone softening slightly. “It’s not a weakness. It’s normal to have emotions. Besides,” he opened his hand, “it was all family there. No one would’ve judged you for crying over your brother.” 

Mingi stared back, his annoyance fizzling into something else— something he couldn’t quite name. Yunho’s words were earnest, his gaze unwavering, and for a moment, Mingi felt the walls he had built around himself begin to crack. But he refused to let Yunho win. He quickly looked away, his fingers tightening around the edge of the table. 

“Easy for you to say,” Mingi muttered, his voice low. “You never care what other people think.” A trait that Mingi had always thought unwise. Between the both of them, they were supposed to be the future pack leader’s people, Yunho should be mindful of what other people think. 

Yunho let out another heavy sigh as he leaned forward, “I care,” he said. “I just don’t let it control me. There’s a difference, Mingi-ya…” He paused, searching Mingi’s face. “You don’t have to be so hard on yourself, you know. It’s okay to let people see that you can also be vulnerable.” 

He didn’t respond immediately. Mingi wanted to argue, to push back against Yunho’s word, but Yunho was right. For so long, he had seen vulnerability as something to hide. But Yunho’s words challenged that belief. Maybe it was also the sincerity in Yunho’s voice or the exhaustion that had settled deep in his bones. Either way, he couldn’t bring himself to fight back. Instead, Mingi sat there in silence, the weight of Yunho’s words pressing down on him. 

The room grew quiet again, the hearth crackling as the only sound in the room. Mingi bit his lip; it was slowly getting more uncomfortable having to share the same space as Yunho. Mingi didn’t know if there was anything left to say; however, for the first time in a long time, he felt seen— not as the perfect, unshakable rival, but as someone who was allowed to feel, to grieve, and be human. 

Yunho fidgeted in his seat, his gaze dropping to the floor. “Sorry if that was too much. I know how much you hate being seen as weak, but I just—” he stopped mid-sentence, eyes pointedly avoiding Mingi’s, and reached for something on the seat beside him, “Here you go, princess,” He said, smiling as he held out Mingi’s white blanket, neatly folded into a perfect square. On the top layer, embroided delicately in a light blue thread on its corner, was the word ‘princess’. “I figured you wouldn’t come back for it, so I was planning to drop it off at your house.” 

Mingi’s eyes narrowed as he snatched the blanket from Yunho’s grasp with more force than necessary. “Don’t call me that,” he snapped, his voice sharp and defensive. But Yunho didn’t seem to be too fazed by Mingi’s sharp reaction. 

“Well, it’s written there, and I know your mother calls you that.” He pointed out, casually raising both hands as a show of surrender. 

“She’s my mother,” Mingi retorted, his voice tight. “When you do it, you’re mocking me.” 

Yunho’s smile faltered, and he shook his head. “I’m not mocking you,” he said earnestly. “My mother mentioned you love that nickname.” Mingi thought he sounded sincere. It carried a hint of curiosity, as if Yunho was trying to bridge a gap between Mingi’s defensiveness and his own harmless intention. 

Freezing on his seat, Mingi couldn’t help his fingers when they tightened around the edges of the blanket. He hadn’t expected that. The nickname princess had always been an inside joke in his family. Even some elders in the pack, on rare occasions, called him that. It was a term of endearment and, for his mother, a reminder of her love and the care she had always given him as her youngest child. Hearing it from Yunho felt… different. Intrusive, almost. But Yunho’s words gave him a pause. 

“Your mother… told you that?” Mingi asked, quieter now, less defensive. 

Yunho nodded, folding his hands on the table, “Yeah. She said you always light up whenever your mom calls you that. I thought maybe it would make you smile.” 

Mingi looked away, his cheeks flaming. Because Yunho wasn’t wrong, Mingi loves that nickname. Also, he was embarrassed about getting agitated over nothing because Yunho’s intention hadn’t been to mock him, after all. He had been trying to be kind in his own way. Still, the nickname felt too personal, too tied to memories that were his and his alone. 

“I… I don’t like it when other people call me that,” Mingi admitted after a moment. His voice barely above a whisper. “It’s… it’s special. From her.”

Yunho nodded again, his expression understanding. “I get it,” he said simply. “I won’t call you that again. But for what it’s worth, I wasn’t trying to make fun of you. I just thought… maybe it’d make you feel a little better.” 

Glancing back to the other boy, he was surprised to see how sincere Yunho looked. He had always assumed Yunho’s teasing was meant to provoke him, to get under his skin. But now, Yunho— with flushed cheeks after crying and remnants of tears in the corner of his eyes— looked honest. Perhaps Yunho had been trying to connect with him in his own awkward way. 

“Thanks,” he replied, hugging the folded blanket to his chest. Yunho smiled a small, genuine one that sent warmth to Mingi’s body as if he’d been doused with a steaming pot of tea. It was an unfamiliar feeling, one that left him both comforted and slightly unsettled. He wasn’t used to this side of Yunho— open and sincere. 

With his objective secured in his arms, Mingi awkwardly stood up. He had spent more than enough time with Yunho today, and the emotional weight of their grief and conversation was starting to wear on him. He needed to leave, to retreat to the quiet of his room and process everything that had happened. Pushing his chair in, he gave Yunho a curt nod before walking away. But before he could reach the door, a niggling thought tugged at the back of his mind, refusing to let him leave without adressing it. 

Mingi whirled around, his voice cutting through the quiet and fragile peace. “Oh, you owe me, by the way,” he said. 

Yunho’s face, which had been open and warm moments ago, now shifted into a mix of concern and confusion. “For what?” he asked, brow furrowing. 

“For throwing me under the bus in front of abeoji. You shouldn’t have said what you said in front of him.” He said. 

Yunho shrugged, though his expression was unapologetic. “Well, I’m not about to lie to him. You’ve never liked me much.”

Mingi sighed, his grip on the blanket tightening as frustration bubbled up once again. “I don’t—just—whatever,” he stammered. It was always such a roller coaster of emotion talking to Yunho. He hated how Yunho could easily dismantle his composure with just a few words. Besides, Yunho couldn’t be more wrong; Mingi wasn’t even sure if he ever truly hated him. Annoyed? Absolutely. Yunho’s constant judgement, his habit of disagreeing with Mingi’s every move, his infuriating ability to always be one step ahead— it was unbearable. But hate? No. At the end of the day, they were pack, bound by loyalty and the shared goal of supporting Dae Shim. He never truly hated Yunho, though he wasn’t sure about the other. Seeing that he kept making Mingi miserable. 

But explaining all of that felt like too much effort, especially now, when exhaustion weighed heavily on his shoulders. Instead, Mingi waved a dismissive hand, his voice firm but weary. “Just don’t air out any unimportant business in front of him. He doesn’t need to hear about our petty fights, abeoji is sick and busy enough as it is.”

Yunho’s gaze softened, and this time, he didn’t argue. Instead, he simply nodded accepting Mingi’s words without fully agreeing with it. Mingi turned on his heel and walked away, blanket still clutched tightly to his chest. As he walked the empty walkway of the chateau, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something between them had shifted— something small but significant, like the first crack in a dam. 

As spring slowly approached, the air in the pack buzzed with anticipation. Parents busied themselves preparing presentation rooms for their sons and daughters, eager to celebrate the next stage of their lives. Yet, Mingi remained steadfast, refusing to let the excitement distract him. He attended his classes as usual, dedicating himself to his studies, and even began accompanying Yi Hye to pack meetings. Where Mingi went, Yunho was never far behind. The two spent increasing amounts of time with the pack leader, learning the intricacies of pack governance and sharpening their skills through intense sparring sessions.

It was to everybody’s surprise that they started to clash publicly. While there had always been tension between them, it had been contained—biting comments and pointed questions reserved for their classes and academic debates.  Now, their clashes spilled into public view, even during meetings with the pack elders. Their arguments were sharp, their words cutting, and the tension between them was palpable. The pack, though, dismissed their behavior as typical for youths on the cusp of presentation. Volatile emotions and heated confrontations were common as the spring full moon drew near, a natural side effect of the hormonal changes sweeping through their bodies.  

Uncontrolled pheromones and smells started attacking Mingi daily, leaving him on edge and sensitive. He found himself growing increasingly impatient, his temper flaring at the slightest provocation. Yunho, ever the provocateur, seemed to bear the brunt of Mingi’s frustration. In class, Mingi lashed out when Yunho questioned him, his words sharper and defensive. Yet, despite their frequent clashes, Mingi could also see the shift in Yunho’s behaviour. 

The Yunho he had seen on the day of the funeral— vulnerable, sincere, and surprisingly kinder than he thought—was gone. In his place was a colder, more distant version of the boy Mingi had known for years. Yunho’s face became stiff and unreadable whenever they were together; dare Mingi say he had become meek. His usual teasing was no longer, replaced by a quiet detachment. He didn’t rise to Mingi’s bait, and many times, Mingi felt that he held himself back from their usual back-and-forth. It was as if a wall had been erected between them, and he had no idea how to break it down. 

Though he refused to admit it, the sudden distance gnawed at him. He told himself that it didn’t matter, that Yunho’s detachment was just another tactic to get under his skin. But deep down, he knew it was more than that. The absence of their usual banter left a void, one that Mingi hadn’t realized he relied on until it was gone. He missed the fire, the challenge, the way Yunho could push him to be better, even when it infuriated him. 

So Mingi pushed. He pushed Yunho harder in their spar, swung his weapon harder, and once, beat him so hard that Yunho, for the first time in all the history of them sparring, had to forfeit. It caused quite a stir around the pack. Yunho, known for his stubbornness and his hate for losing, had bared his throat and admitted his defeat in front of Mingi. 

It spooked Mingi so much that he stopped wanting to spar with Yunho. It didn’t feel fun anymore because Yunho kept giving up and giving Mingi the ‘wins’. Mingi had no idea why Yunho decided he no longer wanted to be fair when they sparred, but it didn’t matter anymore because by then, Mingi had stopped wanting to be in the same room as him. Yunho reeked of pheromones and sometimes, made Mingi so dizzy he couldn’t think straight. 

It was mostly because the full moon was inching closer, even Mingi could feel his pheromones wafting out of his body. Mingi was ready, though. He’d have his rut and present as an alpha. 

He was confident that by the time the ceremonial fight came, Mingi would be stronger than Yunho and would have no problem beating him to become the next pack alpha. 

Mingi woke up feeling as though he was drenched in hot water, his body burning from the inside out. Every inch of his skin felt feverish as if steam were rising from his pores. He groaned, his hands instinctively clutching his pulsing stomach, the sensation overwhelming and unfamiliar. His damp sleep shirt clung to his body, the fabric irritating his sensitive skin. Tears pooled in his eyes as he curled into himself, the reality of his situation crashing down on him like a tidal wave

Heat. He was in heat. 

His first moan was hoarse, his throat parched from the heat coming from inside his body and he had no choice but to call for his mother when his knees buckled as he tried to get himself into his presentation room. He vaguely registered the wetness between his legs and promptly screamed out of hysterics when, instead of finding a knot, he found himself slicking clear fluid. 

Mingi didn’t remember much of his first day. He remembered both his parents barging into his room, remembered when his father picked him up to deposit him into the heat room and stroking his hair before leaving hurriedly to gather whatever supply he might need. The presentation room, the same one his brother had used years before, had nothing an omega might need. The walls were lined with soft cushions, and the bed was sparse of blankets and pillows. Mingi, despite himself, felt like his world was about to end knowing there was nothing in the room he could make a nest out of. 

Some last lucid memories before he was in a full blown heat, was of his mother wiping his tears, promising him that nothing was going to change and his father hastily throwing blankets, pillows, and bottled water into the room, before both of them rushed out of the room. 

He blacked out a lot after that. Mingi had learned that the first presentation would always be difficult. For alphas, their rut would have them pounding the walls, howling for an omega to help. For betas, their presentation would be spent on their own bed, with mild fever with no signs of knot or slick. For omegas, their heat would have them begging for relief because apparently, some people couldn’t stand it when their body feels like it was on fire from the inside. 

It was also his mistake for not preparing to become an omega. Mingi had learned how to handle himself when his first rut would eventually hit, but he never prepared himself to have heats. After shredding himself out of his clothes, Mingi burrowed himself into the mountain of blankets on the bed. And through shameful tears and denial, pressed a finger onto his puffy rim because it was the only thing that managed to snuff out most of the rolling fire in his stomach. 

By the second day, Mingi realised he needed to have something in him. His body, a tempest of need and desperation, was begging for Mingi to do something. The heat had not subsided. If anything, it had grown more intense, a relentless storm that left Mingi writhing and gasping every time he accidentally grazed his cock on the mattress. The blankets and pillows his father had thrown into the room were now scattered haphazardly, some damp with sweat, others tangled around his trembling limbs. His nest—if it could even be called that—was a chaotic mess, a reflection of the turmoil inside him.

Mingi's mind was a fog of desire and shame. He had never felt so out of control, so consumed by something he couldn't fully understand. The slick between his thighs was constant now, a humiliating reminder of his omega nature. He tried to ignore it, tried to focus on anything else, but his body wouldn't let him. Every touch, every movement, sent jolts of pleasure and pain through him, leaving him breathless and aching.

He needed something—anything—to ease the fire burning inside him. The thought of asking for help, of admitting just how much he was struggling, made his stomach churn with embarrassment. But the alternative—spending the rest of his heat in this agonizing state—was unbearable.

With a trembling hand, Mingi reached for the bottled water his father had left. His throat was dry, his lips cracked, and he gulped down the cool liquid greedily. It provided a brief moment of relief, but it wasn't enough. His body craved something more, something he couldn't quite put into words.

He glanced around the room, his eyes landing on the pile of blankets and pillows. His omega instincts screamed at him to build a nest, to create a safe space where he could ride out the heat in relative comfort. But his hands shook too much, his mind too scattered to focus on the task. Instead, he dragged a few of the softer blankets closer, arranging them into a makeshift nest around him. It wasn't perfect, but it was something.

As he settled into the nest, Mingi's thoughts turned to the stories he'd heard about omegas and their heats. He'd always dismissed them as exaggerations, tales meant to scare or titillate. But now, trapped in the throes of his own heat, he realized just how real—and how overwhelming—it all was. The need for an alpha, for someone to ease the ache inside him, was almost too much to bear.

Almost.

A name sat on the tip of his tongue, and Mingi was mortified when he realised that he did have someone in mind. Someone he knew could handle him, could put out the fire in his trembling body, could challenge him but at the same time take care of him. Mingi clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms as he fought against the instinct. He didn’t want to give in; he didn't want to admit that his body and mind was betraying him in such a fundamental way. But the heat was relentless, a constant pressure that left him gasping and trembling.

Groaning pitifully, Mingi reached for one of the pillows, pressing it against his face to muffle his cries. He couldn't let his parents hear him, couldn't let them know just how much he was struggling. He had to get through this on his own, had to prove that he was stronger than his omega instincts.

But as the hours passed, Mingi's resolve began to waver. The heat was too much, the need too strong. He found himself reaching for the blankets again, his fingers trembling as he tried to build a proper nest. It was a slow, frustrating process, but eventually, he managed to create something that felt vaguely comforting. The soft fabric surrounded him, cocooning him in a sense of safety that he desperately needed. Surrounded by familiar smells and soft textures, Mingi finally felt safe enough to venture more. 

With his body partially covered by the blanket, he opened his legs and let his hands wander further south. He touched his cock, noting for the nth time the lack of knot, and finally reached even further down. Gulping a nervous breath, he breached his hole with a finger and immediately moaned in relief. A slight crook of his finger had him arching and riding out his first proper orgasm. His cum spurted and covered his lower stomach. It felt so good, and Mingi had to force himself to take a breather before going again lest he hurt himself. 

He had been avoiding this. On the first day, he only went as far as pressing a finger on his hole, not quite going in because he was afraid. Now that he was finally brave enough, Mingi’s head turned, he couldn’t believe how good it felt to have something in him. 

Mingi's breath came in ragged gasps as he lay there, his body still trembling from the intensity of his orgasm. The relief was fleeting, though, as the heat within him quickly began to build again, a relentless tide that refused to be ignored. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions—shame, desire, and a deep, aching need that he couldn't suppress.

He knew he couldn't stop now. The heat demanded more, and his body was all too willing to comply. With a shaky breath, Mingi reached down again, his fingers slick with his fluids. This time, he didn't hesitate. He pressed two fingers inside himself, the stretch sending a jolt of pleasure through him that made his toes curl. He moaned softly, bringing a pillow to his face so that his moan was muffled by the pillow. 

The sensation was overwhelming, but it was also exactly what he needed. Mingi moved his fingers slowly at first, exploring the new and unfamiliar territory of his own body. But as the heat continued to rise, his movements became more frantic, more desperate. He needed more—more pressure, more friction, something.

His mind drifted back to the name that had been lingering on the tip of his tongue, the person he had been trying so hard not to think about. Yunho. Mingi tried to push the thought away, but it was no use. The image of Yunho filled his mind, and with it came a wave of longing so intense it nearly brought him to tears. Mingi did not know why the thoughts surfaced. While he heard that sometimes, an omega’s heat made them honest with their needs, Mingi found it ridiculous for wanting to have his rival on his bed. 

Maybe, his loathing was just so intense that those emotions became something else in the haze of his heat. Still, Mingi couldn’t rid Yunho’s face from his mind. He imagined Yunho's strong hands on his body, his deep voice whispering words of comfort and encouragement. He imagined the way Yunho's scent would envelop him, calming and arousing him all at once. 

The fantasy was too much, too real. Mingi's fingers moved faster, deeper, as he chased the pleasure that seemed just out of reach. His breath came in short, desperate gasps, and he could feel the pressure building inside him once more. He was close, so close, but it wasn't enough. He needed more. With a frustrated cry, Mingi reached for one of the pillows. He pressed it between his legs, grinding against it in a desperate attempt to find some semblance of relief. The friction was good, but it wasn't enough to push him over the edge. He needed something more substantial, something that could truly satisfy the ache inside him. 

In the end, Mingi had another orgasm, one that sent him convulsing on the bed, slick gushing out of his hole, yet his heart ached for something missing. Crying softly into a blanket, he just wished for the heat to be over. Mingi didn’t think he could stand a second more of his heat. In the end, all he could do was pull his blankets closer, smothering himself with pillows and fabrics, hoping he’d pass out before another wave of arousal clouded over him. 

On the third day, Mingi spent more of his time lucid. Sometimes he could hear his parents knocking on the door, asking if he was alright, though he couldn’t really answer them, opting to grunt when the knocking didn’t cease. The urge to fuck himself stupid lessened, opting to lazily grind onto the pillows as he fingered himself to relieve himself. 

He had a few orgasms, small ones that made him shudder and cry softly, but he was glad that it didn’t hurt as much as yesterday. But, having lucidity meant that Mingi couldn’t stop himself from thinking about having a heat partner. He couldn’t stop his traitorous mind from conjuring Yunho’s face in his head. 

Now, his feelings were all mixed up. Because, up until before his heat, Mingi was sure he hated Yunho. Hated the way Yunho affected him so much that Mingi didn’t know whether he wanted to impress him or just piss him off. Now, he wished for the familiarity that was Yunho and had to let himself wonder about what he presented as. 

When the thought became unbearable and instead made him more desperate, Mingi had to ride his pillow until he orgasmed again. Mingi chased the thoughts off of his head by making himself lose his mind instead. 

It was vicious. However effective, as it sated him enough that when one particular big orgasm hits him, Mingi had no problem surrendering himself into a deep sleep. 

By the fourth day of his heat, he was utterly spent. His body felt like it had been wrung dry, every muscle aching, but his mind was no longer foggy from the relentless waves of fever and need. He’s relieved that the worst was finally over. But now that his mind was clearer, he couldn’t help but despair, he could no longer become the head of the pack. He didn’t know when he became so ambitious to become one, but with Dae Shim gone, Mingi thought he could continue what Dae Shim had wanted to do, to make sure the pack prospered and become a great leader. 

When his mother knocked on his door, he felt well enough to answer and let her in. Seeing her mother, an alpha, bringing him a cup of warm tea as his father, an omega, hovered in the background made his heart churn. They both came in, sitting with Mingi in between them. Mingi had wrapped himself with blankets, leaning onto the head of the bed. He was embarrassed, but both his parents showed no sign of disgust at the smell of the room. 

“How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice gentle. 

At her voice, Mingi suddenly felt like a kid again. Confused and had no clue what to do. He shook his head, tears streaming down his face. “I don’t know, mama. I just… I don’t know.” 

His mother pulled him into a tight embrace. “It’s okay to feel this way, Mingi. Presenting as an omega is a big change, but it doesn’t define who you are. You’re still the same strong, capable person you’ve always been.” 

Mingi buried his face in her shoulder, smelling her scent, his tears soaking into her shirt. “But I wanted to be the pack alpha. I wanted to lead the pack, to make a difference. I wanted Dae Shim dreams to live on. Now… now I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” Mingi could feel when his father’s hand started combing through his hair.

“There are other ways to lead, Mingi. Being an omega doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference. And who knows? If Yunho presents as an alpha, he might want you to be his luna. You could still lead the pack, just in a different way.” His deep voice soothed Mingi. 

Mingi pulled away from his mother, his eyes wide with disbelief. “Yunho? My luna? Papa, Yunho is my rival. He wouldn’t want to be with me like that.” 

His father smiled softly. “You might be surprised, Mingi. Yunho cares about you, even if he doesn’t always show it. And you two have always balanced each other out. It could work.”

Mingi shook his head, his mind reeling. He couldn’t imagine Yunho, his childhood rival, wanting him as a luna. It felt like a fantasy, a dream that was too good to be true. 

In the end, Mingi asked to be left alone. His parents had no qualms about leaving him again, only gently reminding him to drink some water and eat his snacks before going out and shutting the door firmly. Curling up into a ball, Mingi only managed to hold back his tears for a few seconds before bursting into tears once more. 

Everything became too complicated, and Mingi’s clouded mind refused to think about it. Because if only Yunho had liked him and if only Mingi had never felt so intimidated by him, maybe they could’ve become friends. 

When the heat finally broke on the fifth day, he spent the entire morning in bed, too exhausted to move. His mother had brought him food and water, her presence a quiet comfort as he slowly regained his strength. By the afternoon, Mingi felt well enough to sit up and talk. He found himself sitting across from his mother in the small, sunlit sitting room of their home. The air was warm, the scent of tea and fresh bread filling the space, but Mingi’s mind was anything but calm. He stirred his tea absently, his thoughts swirling with anxiety and uncertainty.

The pack gathered to celebrate the presentation of the young people who had come of age. The air was filled with laughter, music, and the scent of food. Mingi, still feeling raw and vulnerable, hesitated to join the festivities. But his mother insisted, gently encouraging him to step outside and face the world.

“You can’t hide forever, Mingi,” she said, her voice firm but kind. “The pack needs to see you, to know that you’re still the same person you’ve always been.” His mother stood, caressing his cheek, “Besides, Yi Hye wanted to talk to you tonight, he asked if you would come to dinner at the market. You know that restaurant you love. Maybe it’d be a great idea to mingle in the city and join the fair until your meeting time?”

Reluctantly, Mingi agreed. He dressed in simple, comfortable clothes, avoiding the elaborate outfits many of the others wore. As he stepped outside, the sunlight felt harsh against his skin, and he could hear the noise of the fair and celebration from his house, it was overwhelming. But he stood his ground; he wanted to enjoy the day. He might not be able to become a pack alpha, but that didn’t mean his world was over. Yi Hye might’ve had something important to tell him, and he wouldn’t miss it. 

As he started walking, Mingi couldn’t help but feel out of place. He was tall and awkward, his body still adjusting to the changes brought on by his presentation. He didn’t fit the image of a traditional omega, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that he didn’t belong. He shook those feelings off, Mingi had no time to care about fitting an image. 

He decided to take a shortcut. Weaving through small roads in between houses. However, as he rounded the corner, getting into a small alley a block from his house, he skidded to stop himself when he was met with a man he was not too familiar with. Mingi knew of him, knew that the guy was an alpha, lived on the outskirts of town, and few people were friends with him. Dizzyingly holding onto the side of the wall, Mingi didn’t realise how heightened one senses were after a presentation. 

The man was tall and broad-shouldered, his presence commanding. And most of all, he smelled dangerous. Mingi’s heart raced as the man’s eyes scanned him, a smirk on his lips. “Mingi, right?” the man said, his voice deep and smooth. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Mingi blinked, startled. “Uh, yes. That’s me.”

The man’s smirk widened, his gaze lingering on Mingi with an unsettling hunger.. “I just wanted to say, if you ever need help with your next heat, I’d be more than happy to assist.”

Mingi’s breath caught in his throat, his face flushing with embarrassment. How did this man know about his heat? Had word already spread through the pack? His mother wouldn’t say anything to the public, nor his father. Where did this man hear the news? He felt exposed, vulnerable—like prey caught in the open. The man—Youngmin, he called himself—took a step closer, and Mingi instinctively stepped back, his back pressing against the wall behind him.

“No, thank you. I’m fine,” he blurted out, voice sharper than intended. Mingi wanted to leave, the desire to stay at the market vanished. All he wanted now was the safety of his nest, the comfort of his own scent. But Youngmin didn’t take the hint. Instead, he leaned in, inhaling the air between them with a shuddering breath.

“Aw, why not? I’m Youngmin, by the way, we’ve met. Years ago.” 

Well, Mingi didn’t remember. Didn’t even want to remember anyway because now his instincts were telling him to run and not look back. The man, even as he was coldly dismissed by Mingi, still did not give up. Instead, he was walking closer, crowding him against the wall, his voice dropping to a murmur.

“Wow, truly a high grade omega. You smelled deli—” Before he could finish, Mingi shoved him back with enough force to send the alpha stumbling into the opposite wall. Youngmin blinked, momentarily stunned. He seemed to forget that Mingi, despite being a newly presented omega, had spent years training as a fighter. If not for the lingering exhaustion from his heat, Mingi knew he could have taken him down properly.

But he was too drained for a fight. Instead, he turned on his heel and strode away, his pace quickening until he was nearly running. The moment he reached home, he locked the door behind him, his hands trembling. He must’ve made quite the noise, because his father peeked into the foyer.

“You alright son? I thought your mother said you’re going to the fair.” His father said, and he must’ve sensed his distress because he walked closer to pull Mingi into a hug. He just folded into his father’s arms, burying his face in the older omega’s shoulder. His father smelled like safety—like home.

“Changed my mind,” he muttered, steering them toward the living room, “Someone ruined my mood, and I don’t feel like going anymore.” 

Reaching the living room, his father hummed, settling onto the sofa while Mingi stretched his legs across the cushions, resting his feet in his father’s lap. "Who ruined your mood?" he said as he took Mingi’s foot with an amused smile. 

He shrugged, “This… alpha. I don’t know him, but,” Mingi hesitated. He wasn’t sure if this was a topic he wanted to discuss with his parents. Sure, his dad was an omega, he’d know what kind of unsavoury experiences could happen to an omega. But the man was rude, and Mingi didn’t miss the sexual undertones the man had for him. The words felt too heavy, too humiliating to say out loud. An alpha offered to help me with my heat. Just the thought made his face burn.

Though Mingi didn’t have to tell the story in detail because his father looked resigned as understanding dawned on his face, “Let me guess, did he offer to help you with your heat?” Mingi’s face heated up, immediately looking away so that his father couldn’t see how red he had become.

“Happened to me, too.” His father said firmly. 

His face snapped up. His father smiled wryly, “Some alpha really are jerks. Back then, I was already married to your mother,” Mingi sat up straighter, “even worse, she was already pregnant with your brother. Still didn’t stop that idiot from approaching me.” His father added, almost like an afterthought. 

“What happened pa?” At Mingi’s urging, his father got comfortable and started talking. 

“I was walking around after my heat. Your mother stopped me, but she craved cantaloupes, and I have to buy them from the market.” 

“What did you do?”

“Cursed him out,” his father smiled, eyes crinkling with amusement, “Didn’t stop him from following me, though. Mingi curled in on himself. Being an omega is going to be worse than he thought. 

His father reached over, patting his knee. "It’s never our fault, Mingi. Remember that." 

“Nobody helped you?”

“Well, a good friend helped me out,” his father glanced at him, lips quirking, “Jeong Myeonghu,” Mingi blinked, familiar with the name, “Yunho’s father.”

Ah, of course it sounded familiar. At the mention of Yunho’s name, Mingi flushed. He hoped his father didn’t notice the way his breath hitched. It was bad enough that he’d spent his heat imagining Yunho’s hands on him—now he had to hear about how their parents had history too?

"He threatened to beat the guy up if he didn’t leave me alone," his father continued. "Funny how fast that alpha backed off when another one stepped in.” His father smiled warmly, “Myeonghu told me Yunho had a rut. Seeing the way his father always treated others, I know that boy would also be such a good alpha.”

Now, there was a storm in Mingi’s head. This was news to him. Mingi, while he definitely expected it, still couldn’t believe that he’d lost his chance to become the head alpha because his only opponent turned out to be the only eligible candidate. What’s going to happen to him now? Has this ever happened before? What’s going to happen to an omega that was once a part of the royal inner circle? Will Mingi become a distraction? A threat? 

Mingi wanted to stay quiet, to bury himself into a mound of blankets and never come out again. However his curiosity kept scratching the back of his mind. 

"Pa," he finally asked, voice small. "Has this ever happened before? Like… with two candidates, one becoming alpha and the other omega?"

His father contemplated for a while before nodding, “Happened before, yes. Not too often, but counting the ones I’ve known from other packs, a few, yes.”

“What usually happens?” 

His father got comfortable in his seat, “If they were friends? Usually they ended up together. If not…” His father hesitated, “They urge the omega to marry into another pack.”

No. It’s not enough. Mingi needed to know the worst thing that could happen to him other than married of with some stranger. His throat tightened, “What’s the worst story you’ve heard?” 

His father’s expression darkened, “Mingi—,”

“Tell me,” Mingi pressed. “The worst one, the one you’d hate to happen to me.”  

His father looked hesistant, but ended up talking, “Married to be humiliated for life.” He said quietly. “There was a pair who grew up as rivals. When one presented as omega, the alpha took him as his luna—but not out of kindness. He made it seem like charity. Humiliated him. Forced public matings. Made sure everyone knew the omega was beneath him."

Mingi’s stomach turned, “What happened to them? Where’s the pack now?” 

His father shrugged, “Gone. Lost a turf war.” He sighed heavily, “An alpha who can’t protect his own luna can’t protect his people. A head alpha and luna have to be balanced, match each other with their own strength. They have to trust each other."

But Mingi stayed quiet, still mulling over the fact that an omega could be humiliated so badly. His father seemed to know, so he reached out, cupping his cheek, “But that’s ancient history, sweetheart. Don’t let the stories scare you into having an alpha for yourself. Your mother was a very good alpha; I was the one who pursued her.” He looked amused, mirth shining from his eyes, “I know I’d have beautiful children with her.” 

He patted Mingi’s cheek, looking into his eyes, “Yunho is not like any of those alphas in the story, he’s like my son too, you know. I’ve seen him grow up. I could tell what kind of person he’d be, and if he is to become the pack alpha, he’d be a very kind one.”

Mingi desperately wanted to believe him. But he couldn’t do so easily. Yunho and him were rivals. Out of pettiness, for these past few weeks, Mingi had always made sure they didn’t agree with one another. Now, Mingi regretted having such petty thoughts. Because now, Yunho had the upper hand, he could banish Mingi if he wanted to. Even if Yunho was such a good kid as his father made him seem to be, there’s no telling what kind of alpha he’d become. What if Yunho wanted revenge for all the times Mingi agitated him? Mingi was so scared he’d become another abused omega that he was forced to be mated in front of the public.

His father chuckled, standing up and ruffling his hair. “Have faith in people, dear. Instead of getting sent off, you might be getting proposals. 

The truth was, Yunho had never harbored any negative feelings towards Mingi. Annoyance, perhaps— and even that was mostly contained to their academic debates and their routine sparring sessions. Much of their animosity came from being constantly pitted against each other. Who’s stronger? Who’s smarter? Who’s better in this and that? The pack loved to compare them, and the weight of those expectations chipped away at any chance of camaraderie. However, despite the constant bickering, endless comparisons, and their unspoken tension to become the better companion for the future pack leader, Yunho had always seen Mingi as someone irreplaceable. An equal, his very own companion, and if Mingi weren’t so cold toward him, he might’ve called him his best friend. 

Had Yunho presented as an omega, he would’ve asked the younger if he’d let him be his luna. Had they both presented as an alpha or beta, Yunho would still have asked Mingi if he’d like to rule together. If duty demanded Yunho to marry and have heirs, he would, but he’d still put his heart and life in Mingi’s hands. After all, Mingi had been an integral part of his childhood, his mirror, and Yunho, young as he was, didn’t think he’d ever be ready to let Mingi go. Mingi might be the only other person in the pack who had shared the same experiences, raised as an asset for the future leader. 

The younger had been the only constant in Yunho’s life, woven into his earliest memory of living and had made space into the foundation of his identity. His affections, even if they were not returned, had kept him going, had kept him close to Dae Shim because Yunho always wanted to be close to such brilliance.  Letting go of Mingi wasn’t an option—not now, not ever. 

And yet, as Yunho stood on his bedroom balcony, gazing with a heavy heart into the window of the Song’s family abode, he couldn’t stop wondering if Mingi felt the same. Did Mingi see him as more than a rival? Did he understand the depth of his loyalty, the quiet devotion that had always been there, even when they clashed? 

Another thing Yunho couldn’t ignore was that Mingi was an excellent people person. Charming and effortlessly likeable, he always has ways with people out of Yunho’s reach. He excelled in public relations, and if Yunho were smart, he would never pick a fight with someone like Mingi—simply because he had many friends. In this aspect, they couldn’t be more different. While Mingi looked aloof and cool, he was far from distant; he cared for everyone as if they were his close friends. Yunho, on the other hand, looked warm and inviting but was always very guarded, carefully choosing and picking the people he surrounded himself with. 

This was precisely why Yunho was so adamant about not making Mingi the enemy and, instead, a friend. More, if Mingi allowed him, Yunho had always found Mingi attractive. Nearing their presentation, Yunho had held himself back from provoking Mingi in any way. He backed down in debates and bared his neck when they sparred because Yunho wanted Mingi in his team. He realised, almost unconsciously, that he had been taking care of Mingi, catering to him in his quiet way. 

As he walked back inside his room, he sat back down on his bed to again let himself wonder how Mingi presented. It wasn’t fair to Mingi, but Yunho hoped he had turned out to be an omega. It would make courting him easier, Yunho thought, though he quickly pushed the idea aside, knowing how selfish it sounded. He’s not even going to entertain that idea, he felt guilty enough for imagining Mingi with him in his room throughout his rut.

He also hadn’t seen the Mingi for a week. Most of the newly presented younglings had mingled back into to city, announcing their status on the fifth day after the full moon. He did too, expecting to meet Mingi somewhere in the bustling street. But he hadn’t shown up, not even when the pack leader invited them for dinner at a local restaurant near the market. This was strange because Mingi would never miss any summons from the pack leader, he’s in a too important position in the pack to miss one. Yi Hye seemed to agree because upon seeing Yunho without Mingi in tow, he decided to hold off on any important news. 

Yunho sighed, looking down to tidy the crease of his pants. He was all dressed up, Yi Hye had summoned some of the pack elders, his parents, and him for a meeting. He hoped Mingi would come, too. It’s been a week, it should be enough time if Mingi decides to isolate himself after the presentation, right? Yi Hye must’ve summoned them to prepare them for the ceremonial fight, so Mingi had no excuse not to come. 

Sure enough, Mingi was already there when Yunho arrived at their formal pack meeting room. He couldn’t help but smile at everybody, including Mingi who was sitting in his usual seat, looking at his lap. Yunho sat across from him, smiling and hoping to catch his eyes, but Mingi resolutely avoided his gaze. 

The pack leader smiled at him, patting his shoulder before folding his arms on the table. 

“Now that everyone is here, let’s bgin,” Yi Hye said, his voice calm and commanding. “We finally have the person who will be continuing to lead this pack,” 

Yunho’s brow furrowed in confusion. What did that mean? Shouldn’t he and Mingi fight it out at the ceremonial fight? But before he could voice his thoughts, Yi Hye continued, “The position,” he looked to Yunho, “Is yours.” he said softly, as if he was regretting having even have to say those words loudly. Sure enough, Yunho knew why, because a quick glance at Mingi, showed how devastated he was. 

“Mingi has presented as an omega and, as such, is no longer eligible to compete for the role as the head of the pack.” Yunho’s breath caught in his throat, his mind reeling. The look of absolute devastation on Mingi’s face made Yunho’s heart, ache. He even felt guilty, because not even thirty minutes before he arrived in this room, he had hoped for Mingi to become an omega, not realising how disappointed Mingi would be with the limitations his sub-gender bring. He wanted to say something, to reassure Mingi, to say that ‘nothing would change between them, and he’d always come to Mingi if he wanted a challenge because he is the strongest person Yunho knew,’ but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, he kept his expression neutral, raising an eyebrow to mask his shock.

Yi Hye, however, had looked over to Mingi, and seemed to misinterpret Mingi’s crestfallen expression as resentment. “I hope the two of you can resolve your issues and work together,” he said, gaze shifting between Yunho and Mingi. “I’ve seen the both of you since you were young. And I have no reason to worry for Yunho because I know he will do his job very well.”

“As for you, my dear boy,” Yi Hye said, reaching a hand to hold Mingi’s forearm, “You could still play a vital role in this pack. If both of you managed to work around your issue, maybe both of you could rule together, with Mingi as the luna.” He said with finality. 

Yunho could feel a shiver down his spine. Because deep down, Yunho knew that was all he ever wanted. Have Mingi by his side. But Mingi’s face showed nothing. He stayed quiet, so quiet, that Yi Hye sighed and retracted his hand from touching Mingi’s arm. “Keeping you in the pack, if not as Yunho’s luna, could disrupt the balance. You were, after all, one of the candidates meant to lead.” With that, Mingi’s face finally showed terror. He looked at Yi Hye with eyes filled to the brim with water that stubbornly refused to glide down his cheeks. 

His heart thumping with ache, Yunho had to look away. This is his first time seeing Mingi cry. Mingi’s mouth opened and closed, wanting to say something. Yunho knew there was so much thing Mingi wanted to say because his brow furrowed and his breath caught too many times for it to be accidental—he was holding himself back. 

In the end, Yi Hye was the one who cruelly shut down all of Mingi’s arguments, “I’d like to avoid any internal conflict. You’d know why, dear boy,” 

The room fell silent, the weight of Yi Hye’s words hanging heavily in the air. Yunho’s mind raced, wanting to say that he’d do it, he’d ask Mingi to be his luna. The thought was both thrilling and terrifying because he didn’t know what Mingi would think of that. Again, however, before he could, Yi Hye added, “I won’t throw you away without reason, Mingi. We have a few alliances down by the sea. Their newly presented alpha might be open to the idea of having a foreign omega. It could strengthen our alliances and ensure stability.” 

Yi Hye kept talking, but Yunho could barely hear anything else. He saw how Mingi had paled, hands gripping the edge of the table until his knuckles turned white. Yunho could feel the tension in his own shoulder, and his jaw clenched the more his thoughts spiralled. The thought of Mingi leaving the pack, being sent away to marry some alpha he didn’t know, sent a sharp pang through his chest. He could never let that happen. 

The meeting ended shortly after, though Yunho barely remembered any of it. His mind was a haze, his body moving on autopilot as he nodded and murmured “yes” to everything Yi Hye said. The head alpha dismissed everyone, and after the pack elders and their parents filed out of the room, Yunho and Mingi were left behind, instructed to “work on their issues.” Yunho wanted to be the first to say something, to bridge the gap that had widened between them, but before he could even open his mouth, Mingi broke.

The dam holding back Mingi’s emotions shattered, and he burst into sobs. Tears streamed down his cheeks, his shoulders shaking as he crumpled under the weight of everything he had been holding in. Yunho froze, his words catching in his throat. He had never seen Mingi like this—vulnerable, raw, and utterly broken. For all their years of rivalry and tension, Yunho had never witnessed Mingi fall apart so completely.

Yunho swallowed hard, his chest tightening as he watched Mingi cry. He wanted to say something, to offer comfort, but nothing felt adequate. What could he possibly say to ease Mingi’s pain? So he waited, his hands clenched at his sides, until Mingi’s sobs subsided into small hiccups and desperate attempts to regain control.

When Mingi finally stopped crying, he didn’t look at Yunho. Instead, he stood abruptly, his movements stiff and mechanical, and turned to leave. Panic surged through Yunho, and he hurried after him. “Mingi, wait,” he called, his voice tinged with urgency.

Mingi stopped but didn’t turn around. His shoulders were tense, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. “What do you want, Yunho?” he asked, his voice cold and distant, like a stranger’s.

Yunho hesitated, his mind racing. What did he want? To fix this? To make things right? He wasn’t even sure where to begin. “I… I didn’t know Yi Hye was going to say that,” he started, his voice faltering. “About you being my luna, or… or leaving the pack.”

Mingi finally turned to face him, his eyes blazing with a mix of anger and hurt. “Of course you didn’t,” he snapped, his voice sharp and bitter. “Why would you? You got what you wanted, didn’t you? The pack alpha position is yours now. Congratulations.”

Yunho flinched at the bitterness in Mingi’s tone. “That’s not what I wanted,” he said quickly, his voice rising in desperation. “I never wanted to take this from you. You know that, right?”

For a moment, Mingi’s expression softened, but the pain in his eyes remained. “It doesn’t matter what you wanted,” he said quietly, his voice trembling. “It doesn’t matter what I wanted. This is how it is now. I’m an omega, and you’re the future pack alpha. That’s the reality I have to live with.”

Yunho’s heart ached at the resignation in Mingi’s voice. He wanted to step closer, to close the distance between them, but his feet felt rooted to the ground. He wanted to reach out, to reassure Mingi that they could figure this out together, but the words wouldn’t come.

Instead, he blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. I can court you, Mingi. You can be my luna.”

The moment the words left his mouth, Yunho regretted them. He hadn’t meant to sound so abrupt, so careless. He had hoped for a blush, maybe, or even a flicker of confusion. But what he got was far worse. Mingi’s face went blank, all emotion wiped away as if Yunho had struck him. It was as if something inside Mingi had snapped, and Yunho felt a chill run down his spine.

“Don’t fucking mock me,” Mingi said, his voice flat and devoid of its usual fire. The anger in his eyes wasn’t hot and blazing—it was cold, icy, and it cut through Yunho like a knife. “Don’t say shit you don’t mean. Better yet, don’t take pity on me. I don’t want to owe you anything. I’m not your fucking charity case, and I—”

Yunho was honestly terrified of the way Mingi suddenly stopped. His rant cut short as if he couldn’t bear to finish the sentence. He looked away, his shoulders slumping as if the fight had drained out of him entirely. For a moment, he seemed to check out of reality, his gaze distant and unfocused. Then, without another word, he gave Yunho a slight bow, his movements stiff and formal.

“I’ll take my leave, alpha.” Mingi said, his voice hollow. 

There was no more chance for Yunho to talk, to fix whatever it was he had ruined between him and Mingi, because the younger turned and quickly walked away. Yunho stood there, rooted to the spot, his chest aching with a mix of guilt and frustration. Again, like many weeks ago, Yunho was left alone with his thoughts by Mingi, left to wonder why every words he said seemed to hurt the younger man more. 

The ceremonial fight was a tradition as old as the pack itself— a time for challenges, for proving strength and for settling disputes. Yunho stood on top of the biggest rock in the clearing, overseeing the masses circling the fight ground, and gripped his wooden staff tighter. His face felt stiff. Carefully masked into something akin to serious blankness rather than restless wait. He’s waiting for the pack alpha to finish the opening ceremony, for the crowd to silence and get it through their heads about how serious this event would be. Because this was where Yunho’s ascend to become head alpha could be nipped away. Any alpha or beta from the pack who deemed the ascending future alpha not worth the title can be challenged for a fight for the throne. 

Yunho should have been worried about this, but it paled from his other problem. As the days passed, Yunho couldn’t shake the image of Mingi’s devastated expression from his mind. He knew he had to do something to prove to Mingi that he wasn’t just another rival, that he cared about him in a way that went beyond competition. But how? He couldn’t help but get lost in his thoughts. For the last few days, Yunho couldn’t even sleep properly because he kept dreaming about Mingi crying in that meeting room.

He was so deep in his thoughts that he only remembered where he was when a man bravely walked forward to stand on the clearing. He had a large built, bulging muscles, a few centimetres over Yunho, and cocky smile on his face. It took Yunho a few moments to remember his name. Seo Youngmin, from a family living on the outskirts. An alpha, a few years older than him, Yunho remembered him being a bit of a troublemaker. 

Youngmin wasted no time, pointing at Yunho, “I challenge you,” the young man’s eyes shifted to his right, and Yunho could feel the cold dread creeping up his neck. “For him.” Yunho didn’t have to turn to see who the man was pointing at; the shocked gasps around him told him enough. 

Yunho felt anger, his hand shook, gripping his wooden staff tighter into his fist. “He’s not—,” his own words choked him, because technically, such challenges were allowed. But no, Yunho would never let anyone treat Mingi as if he was something to ‘win’. “Song Mingi is his own person. Besides, have you discussed this arrangement with him?” Because he doubted this man had done the very thing that made the challenge more of a ‘romantic gesture’ than a crude claim. 

He didn’t expect this. He at least expected another alpha to challenge him for the throne, he never expected someone to challenge him for Mingi. If Mingi wasn’t so important to him, Yunho would’ve entertained him. It happened before. Yunho read it in a book containing the pack’s history—an alpha, a friend of the ascending leader, challenged for a beta she loved, and the head alpha humoured her by play fighting, forfeiting and then walked the beta to the female alpha at the end of the fight. It was a romantic gesture. 

But not this one. This was a crude claiming move, something that was intended to mock both him and Mingi. Seo Youngmin was an asshole that was looking to demean Yunho’s leadership. 

Youngmin picked up a similar wooden staff from one of his family members, twirling it easily in his hand. “No, not yet. But I believe he had known about my intention, I offered to be his heat partner, you see,” he said, staring straight at the man on Yunho’s right. 

Yunho glanced back, believing what was said a lie, but Mingi’s silence and red face felt like a crushing weight on his chest. His own face felt hot, heat and embarrassment, painting it a similar shade to Mingi’s. Though Yunho couldn’t say for sure, he knew the man intended to humiliate him, too. Mingi and Yunho had always come as a package. Friends or not, the pack knows they were, for each other, an anchor. To have someone outside his circle claiming Mingi right under his nose is an offence Yunho would never tolerate. Seo Youngmin weren’t even their friend; a stranger between the pack ranks looking for chaos. 

“I just wanted to make things clear,” Youngmin didn’t seem bothered about the crowd’s disapproved murmurs, “You can’t go after him when I win him in this fight, fair and square. You also can’t send him away, he will be mine after I win.” 

Yunho hated his confidence. Did he think Yunho would be an easy opponent? He trained his whole life for this, his ascend to the throne wasn’t something easy. He was first a soldier and a student, growing under Dae Shim’s wings.  “If you win.” Yunho hissed. 

“Yes, alpha,” Youngmin smirked, “When I win.”

The crowd murmured, their excitement palpable. This wasn’t just a fight for leadership or honor—it was a spectacle, a drama unfolding before their eyes. Looking to his right, Mingi looked as if all the life was sucked out of him, leaving behind only a shell. His face is pale, but he showed no other sign, the perfect cold face of a statue. Yunho couldn’t read him. Surely he’d hate to be claimed by some rude stranger, right? Should Yunho fight seriously? Should Yunho let Youngmin win, at the cost of his pride severely bruised, but ensuring Mingi ended up with an alpha who was willing to fight for him? The thought made Yunho’s stomach churn.

At the elders’ urging, Yunho finally stepped down to the same level as his challenger. He decided he’d fight lightly at first, testing Youngmin to see if the man was even capable of protecting Mingi. Maybe Yunho had been too harsh in his judgment. After all, he’d only heard rumors about Youngmin. Perhaps the man wasn’t as bad as people said. If he was willing to publicly challenge Yunho for Mingi, maybe there was some merit to him.

But as they both prepared their stances, Youngmin decided to speak. His voice was low, dripping with arrogance, and his smirk made Yunho’s skin crawl.

“I was walking around town on the full moon, you know,” he smirked, his tongue darted out to lick at his lips, “Imagine my surprise when I heard moans from the Song youngest’s room.”

Yunho’s frown deepened. While it wasn’t forbidden to walk around town on presentation night, it was unusual. What had Youngmin been looking for? The shops were closed, and most people were indoors, either presenting or supporting their loved ones. The thought of Youngmin lurking outside near Mingi’s home made Yunho’s blood boil. 

Youngmin continued, his tone smug as they began to circle each other, assessing each other’s strength, “I knew I was lucky. I never imagined I’d get to claim someone so important in the pack. I was ready to settle with some other common omega.” He grinned wider, “I knew their house had no basement, so I sat all night and pressed my ear to the walls, listening to him whimper, begging for someone to fuck him.” 

Yunho’s grip tightened on his wooden staff, his knuckles turning white. He was no longer facing a challenger—he was facing a predator, listening to a freak, a man who had violated Mingi’s privacy in the most despicable way. The fight could no longer be light. Yunho’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he stared Youngmin down. 

Youngmin, oblivious to the storm brewing in Yunho, kept talking, his voice dripping with malice, “I know you’ve seen that ass. He’d make a high-quality breeding bitch,” 

Oh. That was it.

Yunho swung. His first strike was fueled by pure fury, a wild, uncontrolled blow that caught Youngmin off guard and sent him staggering backwards. The crowd gasped, the sound barely registering in Yunho’s ears. He didn’t care about the audience or the rules of the fight. All he cared about was making Youngmin pay for his words, for his actions, for even daring to look at Mingi.

He moved with purpose now, every action deliberate. He wasn’t just fighting to win—he was fighting to hurt, to teach Youngmin a lesson he would never forget. His strikes were precise and relentless, each one landing with a sickening thud. Youngmin, despite being older and larger in build, was no match for Yunho’s skill and ferocity. He had been trained since childhood, his movements honed through thousands of hours of practice. And for the first time in his life, he fought with the intent to kill.

The wooden staff became an extension of Yunho’s rage, cracking against Youngmin’s defences with brutal force. Youngmin tried to counter, but his movements were clumsy and panicked. Yunho saw red, his vision narrowing to the man in front of him. The ringing in his ears drowned out the crowd’s cheers and gasps, leaving only the sound of his own heartbeat and the sickening impact of his strikes.

When he saw an opening, he swept Youngmin’s leg out from under him, sending the man crashing to the ground. Yunho didn’t hesitate. He threw his wooden staff aside, dropping to his knees and pinning Youngmin down with a knee to his chest. His fists flew, each punch landing with a satisfying crunch.

The first hit to Youngmin’s jaw felt cathartic, a release of all the anger and frustration Yunho had been holding in. The second hit was for Mingi, for the violation of his privacy and the humiliation he had endured. The third hit was for himself, for even considering letting such a dangerous man claim Mingi—Yunho had almost doomed him. 

Youngmin tried to fight back, but Yunho was unstoppable. His punches came faster and harder, each one driving home the message: You don’t touch him. You don’t even look at him. Yunho’s fists were a blur, each strike landing with brutal precision. He vaguely heard Youngmin screaming, his voice cracking as he begged to be let go, shouting that he forfeited. But Yunho hated the sound of his voice—hated the way it reminded him of the vile words Youngmin had spoken about Mingi. So he punched him again, this time square in the jaw, silencing him with a sickening crunch.

By the time the elders intervened, pulling Yunho off of Youngmin, the man was a bloody, broken mess. Yunho stood, his chest heaving, his fists bruised and bloodied. He looked down at Youngmin, his voice low and dangerous, each word dripping with venom. “If you ever come near him again, I’ll kill you.”

The crowd was silent, the weight of Yunho’s words hanging heavy in the air. He turned to scan the faces around him, his breathing still ragged. Some looked shocked, even fearful, but Yunho didn’t miss the awe and admiration in others’ eyes. Violent or not, he had proven himself—a leader who would stop at nothing to protect his pack, especially those he cared about.

“Lock him away,” Yunho commanded, his voice carrying across the clearing. “Or banish him from the pack. I will not let this predator near any omega ever again.” 

The crowd murmured, the gravity of Yunho’s words sinking in. A few pack members stepped forward, dragging Youngmin away from the clearing. Yunho watched as they disappeared into the crowd, his fists still clenched, his body thrumming with adrenaline. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself, but his mind was already racing. The fight wasn’t over yet. There could still be other challengers, and Yunho needed to be ready.

As if on cue, one of the pack elders stepped forward, his voice booming across the clearing. “Any other challengers?” he announced, his gaze sweeping the crowd.

The silence that followed was deafening. No one dared to step forward. Yunho’s display had been too raw, too powerful. The message was clear: he was not just a leader in name—he was a force to be reckoned with

Then, suddenly, Yi Hye was beside him. The pack leader’s presence was commanding, his expression proud as he raised Yunho’s fist into the air. “I present to you,” Yi Hye declared, his voice ringing out, “our new head alpha!”

The crowd erupted into cheers, the sound washing over Yunho like a wave. He stood tall, his chest swelling with a mix of pride and relief. But his eyes immediately sought out Mingi, who stood at the edge of the clearing, his expression unreadable. For a moment, their gazes locked, and Yunho felt a flicker of something—hope, maybe, or the beginning of understanding.

The ceremonial fight had left Mingi’s mind in a whirlwind. He had watched Yunho defeat Youngmin with a ferocity that was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. The way Yunho had fought, the way he had protected Mingi’s honor without a second thought—it had stirred something deep within him. But now, as the crowd dispersed and the adrenaline faded, Mingi was left with more questions than answers. Because he was prepared to accept whatever proposal the winning alpha gave. He just didn’t expect Yunho to beath Youngmin to inch of his life. 

After the celebration, Yunho approached him. His loose garments still had specks of blood on them, and Mingi couldn’t take his eyes away from it. “We need to talk,” the alpha said. “Just the two of us.” Mingi had nodded, his throat too tight to form words. Mingi didn’t say anything, but as he walked in the direction of his house, Yunho quietly followed.

And so, here they were, standing in the quiet of Mingi’s home, the weight of unspoken words hanging heavy in the air. Yunho broke the silence first. “Mingi,” he began, his voice steady but soft, “I want to ask you something.” Mingi saw this coming. He’s going to ask Mingi to move out of the pack. To accept the proposal he had gotten from that neighbouring pack alpha. Anything to get him off of his new territory. 

But instead, Yunho reached for his hand, grasping it tightly, “Will you let me court you, and ask you to be my luna?”

Mingi’s breath caught in his throat. He stared at Yunho, his mind racing. This was the last thing he had expected. “What?” he managed to choke out, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yunho took a step closer, his eyes earnest. “I’d like nothing more than to rule this pack with you by my side. You’ve always been my equal, Mingi. Even when we were rivals, I knew there was no one else I’d rather have as my partner.”

Mingi’s heart pounded in his chest. He felt a mix of emotions—shock, confusion, and something else he couldn’t quite name. “Yunho, this is… sudden,” he said, his voice trembling. “I don’t know what to say.”

Yunho shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. “It’s not sudden, Mingi. I’ve always had feelings for you. You’re the one who’s always been so… intense. But I’ve always admired that about you. We can do this your way, whatever you’re comfortable with. I just… I can’t imagine anyone else as my Luna.”

Mingi’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. He had always seen Yunho as a rival, someone to compete with, to outshine. But now, standing here, hearing Yunho’s words, he realized that there had always been something more between them. Something he had been too stubborn to acknowledge.

“Why did you fight Youngmin like that?” Mingi asked suddenly, his voice quiet but firm. “You didn’t have to go that far.” Yunho did, almost killed him. 

Yunho’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “Because he’s a predator, Mingi. He’s dangerous. He told me… he told me he listened to you during your heat. He sat outside your house, listening to you, and he… he said things. Things I can’t even repeat. I couldn’t let someone like that near you. I couldn’t let him win.”

Mingi felt a chill run down his spine. The thought of Youngmin lurking outside his home, listening to his most vulnerable moments, made his stomach turn. He looked at Yunho, his eyes searching for something—reassurance, maybe. Yunho looked earnest. Looked as if he wanted nothing more but to have Mingi be with him, but still, Mingi had his doubts. 

“If I agree to be your luna,” he began slowly, “would you… would you force me to do public mating rituals?”

Yunho’s eyes widened in shock, and he shook his head vehemently. “Why would I… No, Mingi. Never. I would never force you to do anything you’re not comfortable with. I wanted to marry you because—,” Yunho stopped, mulling over his words and Mingi waited until he finally found what he wanted to say. 

“I trust you.” 

Mingi’s chest tightened, and he felt a lump form in his throat. He had spent so much of his life pushing Yunho away, refusing to see him as anything more than a rival. But now, standing here, he realised that Yunho had always been more than that. He had always been there, steady and unwavering, even when Mingi had been too stubborn to see it.  He looked at Yunho, really looked at him, and realized that this was the only person in the pack who had ever made him feel something. It wasn’t love—not yet, at least—but it was something. Yunho was the only one who could stir his emotions, whether it was anger, curiosity, or something deeper. And Mingi could say the same thing, he trusted Yunho. 

“I don’t trust anyone else,” Yunho added softly, his voice filled with sincerity. “I promise I’ll treat you right, Mingi. As long as you’re willing to open your heart to me, even just a little.”

“Okay, I’ll think about it.”

Yunho’s face lit up, his smile contained, as if he was afraid that if he showed more, he’d disrupt their momentary peace and have Mingi change his mind. “That’s all I ask,” he said softly. “Take your time, Mingi. I don’t mind waiting.”

As Yunho left, Mingi sat down on the sofa, his mind still reeling. He thought about everything Yunho had said, about the way he had fought for him, about the way he had always been there, even when Mingi had pushed him away.

Yunho had been the only constant in Mingi’s life.  

He thought about the future, about what it would mean to be Yunho’s luna. It was a big decision, one that would change his views in life. But as he sat there, he realized that he couldn’t imagine ever leaving the pack. Mingi had devoted his youth for the pack and couldn’t imagine having to start anew somewhere else. 

And Yunho had been so hopeful.

Mingi thought about how it would be if he rejected Yunho’s proposal. To choose and marry someone else. But he couldn’t help but grimace as realisation dawned on him, there is no one else. No one else made Mingi spend all night studying just so that he could get higher grades. No one else drove Mingi to want to do better. Yunho might be the only one who had ever made him feel something. He was always so invested in Yunho that it blurs everything else. 

Maybe, all this time, he was always infatuated with him. 

Yunho, who had grown up with him, shared the same experiences and being brought up to fill the same role, is the only other person that could understand him.

And so, with a deep breath, Mingi made his decision. He would open his heart to Yunho, even if it was just a little. Because Yunho was right—he, too, was the only one Mingi could trust.

A few weeks later, when Yi Hye announced Yunho and Mingi’s engagement on their coronation day, it was to no one’s surprise. The morning of their coronation dawned bright and golden, the air thick with the scent of blooming spring flowers. Mingi stood beside Yunho in the grand hall of the pack house, their fingers loosely intertwined. The elders had spent weeks preparing for this day—the day Yunho would officially become head alpha, and Mingi, his luna.

It should have felt surreal. Just weeks ago, Mingi had been certain his future would be him getting sent far away, married off as a key to strengthen their relations with the other pack. Now, he’s standing with Yunho as his equal. As Yi Hye placed a ceremonial crown upon Yunho’s head, he couldn’t stop the flutters inside his chest. When Yi Hye turned to do the same for Mingi, the weight of the crown didn’t feel like a burden; it felt right.  

Yi Hye’s voice rang out, clear and strong. "Today, we do not just crown a new alpha. We crown a pair—leaders who will guide this pack together." Mingi glanced at Yunho, who was already looking at him, his dark eyes warm with pride. They had always been destined for this, even when Mingi hadn’t realised it.

Marriage changed things.

Not in the way Mingi had feared—no humiliation, no power struggles. Instead, Yunho spoiled him. Spoiled him as if Mingi was never mean to him. 

It was the little things. Like how Yunho always made sure Mingi’s favourite tea was ready in the mornings. How he’d bring him books he thought Mingi would’ve love from the market, even though Mingi had never asked. How he’d listen, truly listen, when Mingi spoke about pack affairs, treating his opinions with the same weight as his own.

And then there were the not-so-little things.

Like the way Yunho’s hands lingered when he helped Mingi into his ceremonial robes for when they hosted parties. The way his voice dropped to something low and private when they were alone, calling him "my Luna” like it was a secret. The way after their touches became natural, he got bold and learned that when Mingi did not protest, it meant Mingi wouldn’t refuse a kiss, and then kissed him—slow, deliberate, as if he had all the time in the world to learn the shape of Mingi’s mouth.

Mingi had always been stubborn, always been proud. But under Yunho’s affection, those walls crumbled easily. Because the truth was, he’d always cared for Yunho. Had always craved to be the centre of Yunho’s attention. Had always loved him in ways he didn’t realized. 

He just hadn’t known what to call it.

The rivalry, the bickering, the way his chest tightened whenever Yunho smiled—it had all been love, twisted into something fierce because Mingi was young and hadn’t known how else to handle it.

Now, he did. 

Yet, Mingi couldn’t find it in himself to return Yunho’s ‘I love yous’ immediately. Yunho said it so casually. It started with, ‘I trust you,’ a phrase Yunho would easily say when Mingi decided he wanted to make changes in their meetings. Then, Yunho started saying, ‘Of course, dear,’ when Mingi insisted that he should be the one in charge for certain things. 

The first time Yunho said, ‘I love you,’ was when Mingi took over some financial work that Yunho had a hard time with. It really was nothing for him. He saw Yunho scrunching his beautiful eyebrows one too many times when they worked together in their study room. He looked over the papers over Yunho’s shoulder, found the problems, and simply shooed Yunho away. 

He really put no thought to it when he said, ‘he’ll take care of it.’ But Yunho had responded with a relieved groan, stood up and pulled the chair out to let Mingi sit, pressed a quick kiss on Mingi’s temple and said, “My god, thank you. I really don’t know what I’d do without you. I love you,” and sauntered off to their bedroom to take a nap. 

Yunho didn’t know, but Mingi worked the rest of the evening with a flamed face and trembling hands. 

The pack adjusted quickly to their new leaders.

Yunho had made it clear from the beginning—Mingi was not just a luna in title. He was his partner in every way. When disputes arose, they settled them together. When alliances needed to be made, Mingi’s sharp mind and Yunho’s steady presence balanced each other perfectly. And when the pack celebrated, they stood side by side, their bond years old and undeniable.

He kept saying, ‘I love you,’ as if he was trying to wear Mingi down and make him say it back. But after the first time, Mingi had always settled for an answer he knew he wouldn’t stutter to say, “Thanks,” and Yunho would just laugh. 

One evening, after a long day of meetings, Mingi found himself curled against Yunho in their chambers, his head resting on the alpha’s chest. They started touching more frequently after only a week of their marriage. The cuddling came sooner than the kiss, because apparently, Yunho was an absolute cuddler in his sleep, and Mingi loved the way his husband’s weight pressed him down into their mattress—made him sleep better. 

"You’re thinking too hard," Yunho murmured, fingers carding through Mingi’s hair.

Mingi huffed. "Someone has to."

Yunho laughed, the sound vibrating through Mingi’s body. "And that’s why you’re perfect for me."

Mingi lifted his head, studying Yunho’s face—the curve of his smile, the warmth in his eyes. Oh, Mingi thought Yunho was so perfect for him, too. His chest swelled, and for a second, Mingi couldn’t breathe right, feeling as if his heart was going to expand and then burst into a mess of feelings. 

Mingi loves him, too. "I love you," he said, simple and sure.

Yunho’s breath caught. Then he grinned, pulling Mingi closer. "Took you long enough to say it."

Mingi swatted his shoulder, but he was laughing too. Because this—them—was everything he hadn’t known he wanted.

And now, he couldn’t imagine anything else.