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yeonsols-garden · 4 months ago

Text

Through Turning Pages (Along careful Brush strokes)

Summary:

He was broken. Nothing more than a ruined mess never able to connect with those around him when he couldn't do something as simple as a customary greeting. Then he met her. Someone whose scent he liked. Someone whose scent he craved. And it terrified him. or Librarian Yeonwoo X Artist Haesol and make it omegaverse!

Pairing: Yeonwoo / Haesol

Tags: A/B/O, Library AU, Slow burn, Long Fic, Librarian Yeonwoo, Artist Haesol,

Word Count: 9.2k

Chapter 1: Prologue

A groan clawed up his throat and scratched at his insides, almost sputtering past dry lips as he swallowed it, refusing to let out a sound to prevent losing focus.

Currently, Yeowoo was doing one of the more dull tasks required of him. Habitually swiping book after book under the propped-up scanner. Mind wandering to anything other than the necessary but incredibly mundane task at hand. His shoulders slump while fingers absentmindedly tap away at the keyboard every so often, adding new information to the database without much thought.

The library was nearly empty, save for a few people reading quietly in the further corners, so Yeonwoo resigned himself to sorting through the endless stacks of recently acquired books. Carefully aligning their spines on the cart to be shelved later.

As he scanned each bar code, the piercing ping from the scanner grew cyclically deadening, long nails faintly clacking against the keyboard with every other word he typed. He made a mental note to trim them once he returned home.

The tediousness of his work was mind-numbing, yes. But the small silver lining in the form of crisp, fresh pine blanketing him he had grown accustomed to, and the slightly chemical, yet mellow aroma of inked parchment provided a welcome distraction, even if just marginally so, as he stole glances at the digital clock towards the bottom right corner of his computer screen. His impatience building.

The library was on the cusp of closing for the evening —sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of purple and hints of blue. Therefore he wasn’t the least bit surprised that most of the usual patrons were now gone. Leaving him alone save for the occasional rustle of pages as he flipped through newly purchased books and the chime of each one he scanned.

Yeonwoo swung his legs out in front of him. One after the other, letting them dangle in the air in an attempt to stimulate muscles he knew he would have to stretch out later. He raised his head from where it rested on his collarbone, fighting against the pull of sleep to turn honey eyes towards the open scene sprawled out before him.

Neatly organized rows of tables stretched out. Little pieces of paper, and knick-knacks from the patrons who’d forgotten to clean after themselves, resting on top. Carefully cataloged books to his right that yawned past as they patiently sat on pine shelves, waiting to be read. The sight brought a warmth flooding into his chest, helping clear some of the fog in his tired mind.

It was a small but positive testament to how his painstaking work showed some results.

The patrons had been surprisingly obedient when he’d informed them of the library rules. He didn’t know whether it was his designation that allowed for such a smooth transition, but they had made sure to heed his warning, so he couldn't complain.

Previously, the shelves would have been cluttered with all sorts of objects. Snack trays and leftover food wrappers, to random knick-knacks. Don’t even get him started on the tables.

Unlike most libraries, Yeonwoo allowed the patrons to eat there. They just had to clean up after themselves —that was his first order of business when he began working here. Now, there was minimal clutter for him to clean up. The people had done well to organize their things and leave the places they worked in relatively clean, save for a scrap of paper or a wrapper here and there. He could fix that later.

Two more hours and I’m done , he thought.

His mouth widened into a poorly suppressed yawn, an unoccupied hand instinctively rising to cover it. Yeonwoo wiped a tear nearly falling off long lashes and hurried to glide the last book under the scanner. Letting out a triumphant huff, his fingers twitched, as a yet-to-bloom grin tugged at chapped lips. He stepped back.

He always enjoyed a good stretch after a long day of work. Relishing in the momentary illusion of calm it brought, even if just for a few moments.

He brought his hands above his head, arching his back, then letting out an exhale of pure relief. Yeonwoo allowed himself to feel the pull on his muscles, letting it grow uncomfortable before releasing it. The long-awaited euphoria blissfully cascaded deep into tired bones. Slowly, he brought stretched-out hands back down to his sides once the relief subsided. The after tingle had him shuddering.

He was in desperate need of a taller chair to avoid standing for hours on end. Despite finishing his work and feeling restless, he couldn’t leave his desk without making sure everything was done in totality. Yeonwoo longed to get up and take a stroll, but the perfectionist in him wouldn’t allow it until he was sure he had done good.

He silently cursed himself along the way, begrudgingly beginning his final review. In times like this, he wanted to rush and get things over with, but much like with everything he did, he couldn’t finish unless he was sure he hadn't made any mistakes. He already had enough of those.

Meticulously, he double-checked every detail, painstakingly skimming through stacks of books on his left. Making sure everything was spelled and organized in proper order. The process seemed endless.

A relieved sigh from the back of his throat released when prompted with a green screen with white letters displaying ‘done’ in dramatic cursive.

A tired smile formed at the thoughtful gesture from his shift lead. Eunchae had always been kind to him, finding small ways to alleviate the more strenuous aspects of his work. He crouched to grab his stainless steel water bottle resting under the desk next to the stack of printer papers to be used later and steadied himself before unscrewing the cap to take continuous sips of his still-warm drink.

The hot tea flowed down his throat, going along its passage to warm his core. Yeonwoo mentally thanked Junhyuk for the millionth time. Now, the unusual Christmas gift made sense as he parted from the straw with a pop to lick moist lips, satisfied.

After placing the bottle back down where he’d plucked it from, and cleaning up the clutter that accumulated throughout the long day. Yeonwoo turned to follow the sharp angle of his desk. Reaching behind the entryway he opened the gated barrier. One of the newer additions to the place since he’d begun working here.

He did a little hop past the gateway, momentarily running his hand along the carvings. Yeonwoo always found the designs that Ha Yejin ordered to be quite endearing.

Surveying the space in front, he made his way to and halfway through the row of tables while admiring marble columns, and the shelves made of birch attached to them. Those same shelves lined with so many books that the thought of what was in their pages excited him.

Passing the tables and curling left, Yeonwoo began his exploration of the many aisles to the right and now left of him, wandered further in. Despite working in the library for several months now, he still struggled to navigate the spacious area. No amount of Eunchae’s detailed tours and guides were of any help when it came to the further reaches of the library, especially the second floor.

Eunchae, despite being a beta, had a bold and outgoing energy that was not characteristic of her dynamic. Most betas tended to keep to themselves, avoiding contact with Omegas due to the large gap between them. Never entertaining or even thinking of interacting with the other two dynamics. Especially omegas, whom they had the most complicated relationship with. Eunchae seemed unfazed by these norms.

So when the beta came to him with eagerness and excitement with an undercut of nerves permeating through every word she spoke to him, Yeonwoo couldn’t help but agree to her request. He could also be of some use to Junhyuk, so how could he say no?

With a quick flick of his gaze side to side, his eyes finally landed on what he had been searching for; a towering marble column that was the front-most part of the sought-after bookshelf. Its smooth surface had a large ebony plaque reading fantasy, contrasting nicely with the Corinthian-style marble column it was nailed to. Fingers traced along the column for a few seconds, running his hands along them, before stepping into the fantasy section.

As he browsed through the shelves, his steps took him to different sections of the aisle. Now and then, pausing when a book cover caught his eye, and stayed when the blurb on the back or first page required more concentrated focus.

While he was easily impressed, Yeonwoo had higher standards when it came to finding something that truly captured his attention. The pads of his fingers ran along smooth pine shelves. Painting damp patterns as he browsed shelf after shelf at a leisurely pace.

Somewhere far off, he heard the faint sound of a bell signaling that one of the few patrons in the library had left or someone new had come in.

His ears perked at the sound, briefly interrupting his focus on the book he held in his hands, before picking up where he left off. As someone who never quit a book halfway, he had to make sure it would be interesting enough for him to read all the way through. Sitting on a conveniently placed stool after brushing it off, he read the first chapter. Just as an introduction to know whether he would continue.

Interesting would be a severe understatement when describing how captivating the writing style of this author was and how grand the world they had thrown him into was. It was so engaging as if he really was in this world. He couldn’t wait to sink into it.

Thankfully this time, Yeonwoo remembered where he had come from and didn’t get lost in the maze of shelves. He was well aware that he shouldn’t stray too far, but as he passed the mystery section his steps stuttered and ultimately stopped.

Refusing to allow him go any further.

The books called out to him, telling him to come and take just a few more peeks.

Well, what was one more?

He slipped into the walkway after much (zero) deliberation, starting another browsing session. In his second favorite section of the library. Perhaps it was because this was where the scent of pine was the strongest, or perhaps it was because this was where he found his favorite books and authors. Maybe it was because this aisle happened to be the calmest place in the library despite its location. Making it quiet and peaceful even when the bustle of the place was at its peak. Regardless, Yeonwoo couldn’t resist, always frequenting the aisle at least twice a day, three if he was lucky.

(Except on days when things had become too much. The thoughts in his head needing immediate silencing. Only to find that he’d spend hours in between the shelves. A pile of already read books to his right and too much time having passed.)

His finger caught on a particularly interesting one. Its spine, the color of aged parchment and rough fabric, sandwiched between two other books hugging it. With a gentle tug, he pulled it out. Yeonwoo looked over the cover to reveal it had a cloth barrier with a small tear in it. It took several moments to realize there was a woman behind it. The cloth ripping right where her lips would be and dulled eyes looking back at him.

Normally, Yeonwoo would have read the blurb or at least the first page of a book before deciding whether he was interested, but this one was different. Not only was it written by one of his favorite authors, but with such a chillingly simple yet captivating cover?! He knew the mystery in this must have been good.

Carefully balancing both books in his arms, bringing them toward his chest he began making his way back to his desk. The mystery aisle wasn’t one of his favorite aisles only because it was his favorite genre, no. Yeonwoo could easily find his way back to his desk when he was done with his relatively short browsing.

Only a little more and he could rest for the weekend. He may have loved his job. However, he would never say no to the calm of his dorms and the accompanying scent of leather.

His desk came into view, and he could feel the familiar pull to get settled and sink into that awaiting chair, contentment almost overflowing into excitement.

Suddenly, the chime of the door opening rang throughout the near-empty space. Yeonwoo stopped in his tracks.

Standing at the entrance of the library, yards away from him, stood a woman. She, having not seen him just yet, paused for a moment. Letting out what seemed to be a breath before sliding the bag on her shoulder down the length of her arm. Catching the handle with her hand. She began shrugging off her black trench coat to reveal a well-fitted navy turtleneck.

The library wasn’t closed. They close at the same time, 9 pm sharp. On the dot every day. The closer the clock hands inched towards that time, however, the fewer people were in the library with him.

She tucked her coat under the arm that she held her bag with and lifted her gaze. Yeonwoo stiffened and could feel eyes on him. If not for the thick glasses and cap she wore that obscured most of her features, he knew he wouldn’t have been as composed, as he bowed his head in greeting before taking a few steps toward his desk.

He saw her pause, eyes lingering on him before bowing her head in return. A shiver crawled up his back, although he couldn’t see it, Yeonwoo could feel her gaze following him as he carefully arranged his books on the desk. He was used to being alone at this time. Being alone with someone else in this large library was uncommon.

Yeonwoo’s hands trembled as he placed them on top of the pile of books, slowly running them along the smooth covers. He could still sense her eyes on him. For some reason, it didn’t make him feel as uneasy as it usually did when people looked at him for what he felt was too long.

The atmosphere seemed to have shifted when he saw her. Something about the way she carried herself didn’t set off any of his honed alarms. Yeonwoo couldn’t figure out why, despite the fact she was the more domineering type.

Following the angle of the desk back to the gate, his fingers just grazed the surface of the dark wood. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw the stranger approach a step and enter further in. She made her way towards the further back tables, followed by setting her things down.

His eyes lingered on her a moment longer before he tore them away, reaching for the key to the gate nestled in the pocket of his baggy pants. His fingers fumbled with the keys before catching himself. He pushed it open once he turned the key albeit with a little more force than intended. Once inside, his mind still buzzed as he tried to regain his grasp on his barring.

He turned the corner after a few steps, and pushed open the door, revealing the quaint space that was the break room. The simple yet inviting setup had a small wooden table adorned with a sleek kettle and an array of teas in various tins closer to the back of the room. A comfortable lounge to the farther left of that, decorated with plush pillows of all shapes and sizes scattered along the sofa, along with blankets so soft Yeonwoo could spend all day laying in the cushions bundled up in them.

His favorite piece of furniture in the room, however, was the extremely comfortable, unfairly soft chair, tucked in the corner of the room Ha Yejin had gotten him. Yeonwoo didn’t know where she’d gotten such an expensive item, but he was grateful.

He still needed to find a way to show his appreciation for the gift, however.

Yeonwoo furrowed his brow, shame bubbling to pour down his back as he grabbed the wings of the chair. He carefully maneuvered it out of the room to line up perfectly with his desk. It was a unique mix of a rocking chair, with curved rockers, plus a wing-back chair, with soft plush cushions. Just looking at it was enough to release all the strain on sore muscles.

He picked up his books from where they rested on the walnut counter, placing them on the rocker before hooking his foot under the footrest to drag it closer to his desk. Lastly, spinning to tumble into his chair.

He sunk into the plush armchair, resting there for a while, letting himself enjoy the softness caressing his cheek. Almost hugging him. After a little more nestling into the soft cushions, he separated himself a little to kick off his shoes. Curling up into the soft cotton that cradled and dissolved all the tension of the day away.

Yeonwoo couldn’t resist rubbing his cheek against the plush cushions once more, releasing a pent-up sigh. He needed to thank Ha Yejin for this. It had been a month since she’d gotten it yet he hadn’t said a word to her about it since.

Yeonwoo appreciated the offerings people would gift him on account of his Omega status. He’d gotten lucky, for once, in winning the immediate favor of a kind shift lead and an even kinder director, the Alpha and Beta taking a liking to him over the months he had worked here.

They were endlessly kind and patient with him, never berating him for messing up. It confused him at first, and he knew this was the typical treatment of omegas. Yeonwoo, though, hadn’t been an omega for that long.

His lashes fluttered, and he forced them open before reluctantly uncurling himself and pulling his face from the soft cotton furnishing to pick up the book he’d placed by his side. As he settled himself into a comfortable position and swung his legs over the arm to sink further into the soft covering, Yeonwoo flipped to the first page and began.

The first line was what initially hooked him on his first read, even upon rereading the prologue.

The apocalyptic setting was a nice and intriguing contrast to his usual reads. Sky heavy with ash yet to fall, the depressing setting of farmers having to work in those conditions. While two Alphas overlooked them as they talked about a topic as if the farmers weren’t there. His eyes devoured the page and stopped only whenever something piqued his interest enough to reach for the sticky notes and pencil stored in the cupboard to write them down.

The soft rustling of pages turning, the occasional crinkling and ripping of sticky notes he would place in between pages steadily increased. Pages marked with colorful notes, each one donning a scribbled word or two as a reminder of an important passage to be revisited later. By the time he reached the end of the prologue, his intrigue had escalated to a fever pitch, and the need to keep reading.

Before he would delve back into that story, however, he cautiously poked his head out from behind his desk to find the woman from earlier was no longer seated where he’d last seen her. The only trace of her presence was her neatly draped trench coat over the back of a chair and her leather bag resting on the table.

She must have gone to find a book in the library.

He sucked in a breath before settling back into the plush cushioning, furrowing his brows in concentration. One finger carefully holding his place in the pages, though now he sat up straighter.

The gentle creaking as he rocked back and forth helped his focus, debating whether or not he should get up from the unfairly comfortable chair and help. Or leave her to find what she was looking for.

Since he’d started working here, Yeonwoo prided himself on his growing patience and time management. People could spend hours searching for books and he wouldn’t bat an eye. Offering to help in some cases when he saw someone too nervous to do so themselves.

Now, however, having such little time meant they were on a time crunch. The book he was reading may have been good, sure, but he was willing to set it aside for the next few minutes or so if it meant helping someone in need.

He gently smoothed out the sticky notes in between the pages, taking a larger one to place where he left off. Reluctantly, Yeownoo began to separate himself from the comfortable position in which he lay, but before he could fully stand, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the quiet library and had him pause.

He looked up and saw her emerging from a pathway that led to the further reaches of the library, behind the dozens of tables and just in front of the lounge parallel to him. She made her way back to the desk she was currently occupying, strides long and reaching her desk in no time, two books in hand to place them atop the table.

He watched her maneuver some things before sinking back into his chair, relieved as he shifted to curl up once more, but conflicted. She had thankfully found what she needed, so logically there shouldn’t have been any reason for him to feel the creeping sensation of disappointment. Yet, it nipped at his toes like a stubborn shadow, refusing to leave him be and enjoy the rest of his time that would be over in. He glanced at the clock, one hour.

Yeonwoo observed as she settled herself, there was nothing all that unusual about how she sat down, opened her book, and started reading. Something, however, something left him unable to look away as she sat there, something tugging at him. It took him a while, but he realized, her cap was off. Her hair concealed most if not all her features but, he could subtly make out the sharp outline of her jaw and pointedly attractive nose.

What heightened his confusion about whatever this was, however, was when she held her book in one hand. Finger stuck in the pages of her latest read, to roll up the sleeves of her turtle neck and reveal pale, strikingly toned arms.

He wondered if it was just him or had the library had suddenly become stuffy. He swore he could feel his sweater sticking uncomfortably on his skin. Maybe that’s why he was being so unusual, even by his standards.

The library heater had been running all day. It must have been the heat getting to him. With the number of people that had been roaming around a few hours prior and others studying, it was no wonder even the larger-than-average library had gotten a little toasty.

Yeonwoo sprung to his feet, the chair behind him scraping against the wooden floor an inch in the process. Hastily fumbled his shoes back on, he strode his way towards the gate.

Once he opened and closed it behind him, he walked straight ahead towards the tables, only now realizing he would pass this stranger on his way to his destination. Maybe he could just wait it out? A little more heat wouldn’t hurt anyone, especially when the moment you stepped outside, the thick cloud that formed as you exhaled was instantaneous.

He didn’t have time to regret his decision. Sadly, he was already nearing the halfway mark, and he couldn’t simply turn tail now simply because of cold feet.

Yeonwoo couldn’t help but fiddle with the chain attached just below his collar. It had been a new habit of his to fiddle with it. Ever since his mother had gotten it for him now that he’d entered society as an omega.

His steps, which were previously slow and contemplative, turned quick when he reached the halfway point, eager to pass by. As his luck would have it, however, he wouldn’t be allowed to pass without interaction of sorts because then he saw her. Or at least, part of her behind thick glasses.

A shiver ran down his spine as what looked to be dark eyes behind circular lenses slowly, lazily looking him over briefly met surprised honey ones before she lowered her gaze back to her book. Then he stumbled.

Yeonwoo could barely see her eyes under the hazy lenses of thick glasses concealing half her face. But despite only catching a partial glimpse, he’d reacted like a teenager. To make matters worse, his feet caught on absolutely nothing and he stumbled.

Face heating as the embarrassment came not long after. He hurried his steps, ears tinged a tad rosy. To think he wasn’t even halfway to his destination, yet he’d embarrassed himself so much already. Racing past the halfway point, each step seemed to echo embarrassingly loud. Yeonwoo regretted his decision that morning to don boots.

He was two tables and closing in, ready to make the sharpest turn left and he would be in the clear; when he stupidly looked up from where he’d made sure to keep his gaze, to find what he assumed were her eyes on him.

By whatever force of nature he managed to keep his steps even and didn’t falter once to fall flat on his face. As he closed in, Yeonwoo had calmed down, or as much as he could if his lip catching on teeth was anything to go by. He’d reached her table and kept walking when he’d caught her bowing her head.

He paused, surprised at the action, and stood there stupidly in shock before returning the gesture.

Then scampering away from eyes he knew were watching his retreat. He couldn’t believe how much effort it took just to pass by one person, especially when the library was barren save for them.

After what felt like the longest walk of his life, face flushed and hands shaking, he turned left. Just in time to catch a whiff of something woody, and the slightest bit of sweet. He didn’t care to think about it too hard, as the moment he turned he was scurrying if not running to get away from his embarrassment.

✦•····•✦•····•✦

The thermostat let out pleasant beeps as he finished readjusting it, his reward being a little tune at the end that elicited a fond smile. Spinning around, his eyes scanned the small pocket of space he had been occupying.

The ‘room’ was hardly a room at all, and more a hole tucked into the side of the library. Nothing more than a tiny hideaway barely the size of a powder room that wasn’t of any use. He came here specifically when the temperature needed adjusting. Now that was done with, there was no reason for him to stay any longer. The air in the cramped space felt stale and devoid of any lingering scents, reminding him of things he would like to forget.

He veered towards and out of the exit, conveniently there was no door. The columns of the shelves gave him what seemed to be a warm welcome back as the amber glow of the lights shone above.

The lights.

He pulled out his phone for a quick peak of the time, humming as he turned back around to shut off the lights in the tiny space. He headed westward to start his regular cleanup.

Flicking off the computers he took some of the wipes on the front table to wipe off the desks, then did a brief sweep of the rooms before switching the lights, and locking the doors behind him. Making his way to do the same to the rooms waiting on the opposite side of the library.

Shelf after shelf passed by in quick succession as he walked, his steps bouncing along the unknown tune that was currently stuck in his head and refusing to leave him be.

He would be sure to bother Junhyuk about it once he’d gotten home. His roommate had the habit of blasting his unclothed taste in music around their shared rooms, and Yeonwoo was positive one of his horrible songs had wormed its way into his head and was currently wreaking havoc. He would have fun with that later.

The door creaked as he pulled it ajar, his hand releasing the knob to re-roll up the sleeves of his two sizes too big sweater that had decided to hang past and over the tips of his fingers. He kept the door open as he worked. Picking up wrappers and tiny objects from the most unorthodox places, one of which included the inside of one of the computers.

Yeonwoo wouldn’t ask how that happened.

With a brief flick of his wrist, he ran the sleeve of his sweater to soak up the accumulating sweat on his forehead, satisfied with his work. The room was spotless, a 180 from the mess it was minutes ago. Dusty, messy, and reeking of pheromones to be rid of once he’d sprayed a little air freshener that helped air out most of it. It used to be worse. So much worse, and he was beginning to understand why Eunchae was so desperate to have him work here. Why him though, out of every other omega, Yeonwoo still had yet to figure out.

He turned off the light and shut the door, kicking his leg into a skip, before making his way towards the stairs leading to the upper floor of the library. As the lingering feeling of sluggishness began to creep in, he reached for his phone and plugged in yellow earbuds, waiting for the Bluetooth to connect.

He’d already played one of the songs on his favorite playlist beforehand so he could dive straight into the music. He’d reached the base of the stairwell, taking his first step up, when the thoughts he’d labored to push down after that embarrassing incident regretfully came rushing back. With all their exaggerated specificity.

He still couldn’t get over it. Something as simple as a nod and a brief look of what seemed to be a dark eye left him an embarrassing wreck. Not to mention a glimpse of a strong, well-defined, forearm. Yeonwoo chalked it up to the new influx of Omega hormones coursing through his system unrestrained… somewhat.

Halfway up the steps, the gods must have pitied him, (or cursed him) because music boomed in his ears, prompting a full-body flinch. He lost footing. Felt his world tilt. Almost fell backward but grabbed the railing with a vice grip. Catching himself last minute. Lashes fluttered rapidly. One foot on a higher step than the other. Yeonwoo quickly corrected himself. Hurriedly shoving his hand in his pocket to grab his phone and viciously mashing the side buttons.

Yeonwoo let out a relieved sigh from the pits of his core when he reached the highest point of the flight of stairs. After that assault on his senses, it’s a wonder his ears weren’t ruined. Passing 3 shelves, and making his way to the small closet hidden behind the last bookshelf, he turned the doorknob to snatch up a broom. It was time to get to work.

With the music now at a comfortable volume, hoping to add a little more fun to his mundane task, he chose to play a little game with himself. The sweeps of the broom against the hardwood floors soon turned rhythmic and went along the beat of whichever song played in his ears. Quick and rushed when a fast song played, movements putting more strain on his arm muscles while being manageable. Or slow and more listless when a song with a softer melody played —giving himself some respite before it picked up again with an upbeat tune.

He found the monotonous task all the more enjoyable now. Cooled him and the thoughts waiting to burst to the forefront of his mind at the thinnest opening.

Thoughts Yeonwoo couldn't for the life of him, determine whether he liked or disliked. He wouldn’t think about it.

Sweeping had gone by in record time, and he didn’t know if it was the time crunch that prompted such a performance or the music in his ears. His eyes wandered around where he stood in between two shelves on the opposite side of where he previously remembered being. This spot seemed cleaner than the rest, and he attributed it to the fact that this area was the most closed-off space in the library. Despite being open for anyone to use.

The books here were barely touched by the usual patrons.

Yeonwoo would know since he was rigorous with inventory. One book, however, two actually, were gone. Reaching out to read the covers of the books around the two missing ones, he quickly understood that the topics of the books were based on alpha and omega studies.

He placed the books back in their respective places. Double-checking that the authors were aligned properly, then picked up the long handle of the bucket like pale, before turning to make his way back to the broom closet and back downstairs. Now that he had, he lifted his head towards one of the clocks hanging on the wall, 30 minutes.

Yeonwoo nearly jumped, making haste as he ran to the stairwell, dread crawling along his skin. Despite the urgency of the situation, Yeonwoo didn't know why, but a few shelves along his way, he paused; sniffed the air, and turned.

The scent of rich, warm sandalwood: Faint, and mixed with an undertone he couldn’t quite name captured him as he went into one of the aisles. The one he hadn’t bothered to clean earlier, given it had appeared spotless. If he had known about this, though. He would have likely stayed here for the remainder of the time he had.

Yeonwoo had never found other scents all that interesting, aside from using them to gouge emotions. Moreover, he never found anyone’s scent so overwhelming. So intoxicating. He inhaled, deeply, seeking out more sandalwood and notes of something just as captivating. Just a little sweeter. It pulled at him as he followed, reaching corners of the library even he hadn’t visited.

Sometimes when it was stronger, it enveloped and soothed him, lulling his brain and leaving him in a daze of sorts. Other times it would turn faint, almost disappearing.

It was one of those moments, the wave of disappointment that came with the loss of that intoxicating aroma that filled him with sudden clarity. The candle of warmth he followed snuffed out.

Leaving him just standing there. Cold. His eyes snapped open, only then realizing he’d closed them somewhere along the way in his impromptu game of chase.

Yeonwoo was stunned into silence.

Never before had he done such a thing. Many patrons came and went as he worked. Many with their scents starting to linger in certain areas of the library they frequented. None of them, however, made him follow their trail. Made him mourn the loss of something he had no concept of.

It must have been the new influx of omega pheromones.

A full-body shiver wrecked him, his hands quickly coming up to cover half his face in mortification. Cheeks flushed with color at the growing realization of what he’d just done.

Never before had he been more embarrassed of himself. For him to follow a scent this far into the reaches of the library? He'd heard of omega's getting scent drunk. He just never thought he'd be one of them. Yeonwoo had never been happier there was no one there to witness such an improper display.

What made it worse was he didn’t hate it. How shameful.

Turning he scolded himself before exiting the aisle. So imagine to his surprise, not long after that embarrassing incident he would take to his grave, maybe roll in it at his mortifying stunt. His eyes scanned the rows of seemingly endless shelves around him and to Yeonwoo’s horror, he was lost.

He was rendered speechless a second time, biting the inside of his cheek so hard he could almost taste the metallic liquid threatening to ooze out if he bit any harder. With how embarrassed and infuriated he was with himself, he might just do it.

Fingers brushed against soft denim, reaching into his pocket with a heaving sigh. He pulled out his phone and aggressively punched in the code before going to his messages and tapping one of the pined texts he’d made sure to keep.

Sadly, getting lost in the library for him wasn’t new. It wasn’t his fault the place was so unnecessarily big.

So, to mediate the time it would take for him to find his way back to his desk. Ha Yejin and Eunchae both came together to make a customized map just for him so he could get back to his desk.

It took a while, but eventually, he was able to pinpoint where he was in the library and began to find his way back. Soft music played in his ears, he stopped to double-check he was making the right turns before picking up pace again.

Eventually, he was able to make it to the broom closet to place said broom inside, meaning the staircase was not far off.

Just as he thought the stairs were up ahead and as he took the first step down, a fast-paced rhythm played in his ears while he bounced on the tips of his toes down the stairs, a smile on his face. It was one of his favorites.

Yeonwoo was much more familiar with the first floor than the second, so he wasn’t as glued to his phone trying to find his way back to his desk. Reluctantly pausing the music he took out his earbuds, and looked around. He needed to get back to the chair that now called his name as he longed to rest, even if just for 15 min.

He checked the time displayed on his now locked screen, scratch that, 10 minutes. He wouldn’t be able to rest even just for a moment, would he?

Yeonwoo wouldn't mourn it too long because he’d finally gotten to his destination. The now-donning realization he would have to talk to that stranger to inform them he would be closing up soon was nearing. His hands suddenly clammy.

She sat, now having crossed one leg over the other, sleeves still rolled up and hands periodically turning the pages of her current read.

Air filled his lungs, chest expanding as he let the breath in then out. Trying to gather up as much courage he could muster now that he was all but one shelf away from the study area.

Courage gathered and ready, he was about to take a step forward, but something from the corner of his eye caught his attention. He took steps towards it. The bookshelf to his right pressed against the wall had something peeking out of one of the books on the middle shelf.

A glossy black screen reflects the light that hits it from above. He moved to pluck it out. Quickly realizing halfway through it was a phone, he hurried and snatched it up to bring it close.

Yeonwoo inspected the object to promptly find it was dead, a pout forming on his lips. Pulling out his phone, he opened the calendar to remind himself that come Tuesday he should put up a sign of sorts to alert the patrons about the missing phone.

Lost and confused about how exactly to go about finding the owner, Yeonwoo was pulled out of his trance when that all-encompassing scent of sandalwood and an undertone he just couldn’t pinpoint took hold and overwhelmed his senses.

He didn’t have time to turn around and lay eyes on the person who’d had him running around the upper floor of the library like some foolish omega pup. He had never smelt someone that intrigued him before. And a large hand gripped his shoulder before he could turn to do so.

Yeonwoo froze.

“Excuse me?”

An Alpha.

The buzzing in his ears and immediate numbness that consumed his senses was all he could process. Increasing terror nipped at his toes to grab and plunge him into that bottomless well of hopelessness, he had not felt it in so long, but it came back with just as much familiarity and force. As if it never left.

Hey, Yeon Nyeon you miss me ~

He could not hear the voice calling out to him, the hand on his shoulder shaking him, shifting. They had moved a step towards him.

He smacked the hand away, moving away and finding his back pressed against the wall. Somewhere, a voice similar to his told him he was cornering himself.

You ready for some fun?~

There was no reason for him to be scared. No one was here with him. He wasn’t here with him. It was just him… him, and a stranger.

I have a lot planned for you today, Yeon Nyeon~

The same stranger who now stood in front of him, as he clutched the phone, eyes fixed on the floor. Yeonwoo tried to breathe, but he couldn’t. Something clogged his airways. Wouldn’t let him get a lick of air and the place said stranger touched burned.

He barely registered them stepping closer. Bringing up his hand, palm forward, signaling for them to stop where they stood.

He tried to calm himself, though muffled as he could barely hear himself through the fog. What did Yeseul say to do when in times of distress? What did she say— Scents.

Yeseul told him to release comforting notes of his own to help calm himself.

He couldn’t.

He’d blocked them off.

S uch a pretty face like that, too bad you’re nothing but a beta tester~

Everything was fine seconds ago. He was fine seconds ago, and all it took was one brief touch to send it all crashing down. He could feel the tears threatening to fall as he closed in on himself and everything around him turned static.

Everything was shaking.

I can fix that though. What’d ya say, Yeon Nyeon?~

Could feel himself detaching.

Why not be my bitch~

He couldn’t breathe.

Who would have thought the class knot-hole is an omega after all!~

Breathe. Breathe. You idiot. BREATHE . Just breathe.

Something. He didn't know, but something was reaching him through the fog. Calling him through the haze.

So he answered, desperate for something other than the cold.

It came to him in slow, deliberate soft waves. Smooth and velvety as it lingered a while. Getting him used to its presence before enveloping him whole in a warmth he vaguely remembered as he slipped back into himself.

Sensation reawakened as his toes twitched. Legs came next as the numbing, cold tingle that locked them in place dissipated, and he stumbled. Feeling had not yet traveled to his upper body. Resulting in a tip in balance and Yeonwoo prepared to be met face-first with the cold hardwood.

Warmth surrounded him. The warmth of a person.

All his senses came rushing back, crashing into him all at once. Sight. Smell. Sound as the blood rushed to his ears. Touch. Touch came the moment he felt warm, large, secure arms holding him, making sure he didn’t fall.

Teary-ridden eyes looked up to meet stunningly dark ones. Almost black, deep purple, looking down at him, face blank, but eyes shone with what, if he looked close enough, would realize worry. That is if he wasn’t so mesmerized by how they pulled him in, dark as a starless sky, yet calming, warm.

Yeonwoo didn’t have time to monologue about this woman who’d saved him amid an embarrassing display of weakness. Simply because, as if he was hit by a 10-ton truck, he heaved in breath after breath, coughs sputtering between every other inhale. All he could smell was rich and warm sandalwood, along with that undertone he finally deduced.

Rose.

She smelled of sandalwood, of rose, and she reeked of Alpha.

Yeonwoo remembered what sent him into his panic in the first place, and pushed himself away from her hold. Tears falling from renewed honeydew eyes. Shame crashed down on him as he struggled to catch his breath. Only increasing 10-fold when the alpha released more of that scent to calm him. Silently telling him to calm down.

And Yeonwoo listened. Let himself breathe with slow, steady intakes of air. Inhaling more of that ever-growing intoxicating scent that had his knees weak and goosebumps take form.

A deep female voice surrounded him. Slow, careful instruction the alpha gave, making his head spin. She ran her hands up and down his back, fingers feather-like in their touch. Trying to comfort. Yeonwoo tried to steadily calm himself. The smooth voice telling him to breathe, though good in intention, did little to help.

He was hot.

Knowing this wouldn't help, he shifted away from them. The warm touch was now gone, and he mourned it a little, before bringing his hands to his chest to feel the rhythmic beating of his heart.

His breathing soon stabilized as he pressed his head against the cool wall. Rise and fall of his chest more fluid and less aching as air mixed with soft notes of sandalwood and tints of rose providing all-encompassing warmth. Though that touch was gone.

After what felt like forever and no time at all, Yeonwoo breathed. Really breathed and wiped now-dried tear stains from red cheeks.

It was slow, but eventually he turned around. Facing the person he now deemed his savior. Yeonwoo knew he shouldn’t, but he was regretful he’d chosen today to start using scent blockers again. Junhyuk was right.

He opened his mouth to apologize for his display, “I-I’m Sorr-”

“Are you okay?”

The voice was deep yet warm and sultry, just as rich as her scent that still refused to leave him. Still supplying comforting notes of sandalwood. Yeonwoo honestly didn’t know if he hated it as much as he usually did or if he liked it, and wanted more. That alone terrified him.

She took a step forward, and Yeonwoo flinched, head still hung low. He couldn’t look at her. Not after that shameful display. He didn’t sense any movement from her after that. Yeonwoo didn’t know whether to be relieved or terrified of that.

“Are you okay?” She asked again, having taken a step back. Her tone changed from a request to a demand, her voice hinting she was concerned.

Seconds, minutes passed, he fiddled with his thumbs before he began the process of gathering his energy to respond. He was tired. More so than before. Slowly lifting his gaze to meet hers, those deep eyes bored into him. As if she could see through him, and his back felt hot.

He briefly saw a flicker of concern, only for it to shift when she looked down at his hands. Yeonwoo looked down himself to realize he’d been picking at his nails, a habit of his, and brought them to his sides to hopefully ease the concern of this alpha whose name he didn’t even know. The sullen silence stretched between them, thread-thin and fragile.

“I– I’m fine,” He managed to stutter after who knows how long. Fingers twitching to pick at his nails once more but stopped when he could have sworn her eyes narrowed at him. The only sound he could discern was the erratic drumming of his heartbeat. He wished he could be devoured by it.

The alpha looked at him expression neutral but clearly unconvinced by the blatant lie.

“You couldn’t breathe for almost 5 minutes, you’re not fine.” She told him, and Yeonwoo cringed.

He bowed his head, “I’m really fine. Sorr-sorry for the trouble.”

When he’d raised his head to look at her, he saw nothing once more. Honey eyes found his shoes more interesting.

“You were clearly not ok, so I helped…. it was my fault for scaring—”

“No, no” He shook his head. “It wasn’t your fault I’m just…” Stupid.

She looked him up and down and Yeonwoo could feel his cheeks warm, “You apologize a lot, don’t you.”

It wasn’t a question. It was a fact, and he didn’t know what to say because it was true. Junhyuk always told him to stop, but he never could, so he didn’t say anything at all.

The alpha turned to bend down and pick up the phone Yeonwoo only now realized he dropped and took slow, very slow, steps towards him to present it to him.

“Here.”

He looked down at the phone and took it from her, plastering on his best smile, “Did you need something?”

She eyed him, before answering, “I want to check out before closing hours.”

Yeonwoo looked around, to distract from his rising blush, and snatched his phone off one of the gaps on the shelves to look at the time. They were past closing time.

Gasping, the familiar shame crept into him once more, only for him to regain his composure when that scent enveloped him again. He looked up, hands close to his chest, to find she’d taken a step closer.

“Is that a yes… or.”

Yeonwoo flushed, “Yes! Plea– Please follow me.” He spun around and walked, ears aflame.

The walk back was quick. The alpha, followed him, three steps behind him the whole time. Though Yeonwoo could feel her… observant gaze trailing every part of him on the way. It burned. Such treatment, Yeonwoo had read, was typical of alphas.

Alphas must keep their distance at all times from an unmated omega, lest there is a situation that needs intervention. He’d never gotten such treatment, given he hadn’t been an omega for that long, but it was much appreciated after that embarrassing and unbecoming display he showed.

Yeonwoo told her to wait at the front of the desk while he went around and opened the gate in a hurry. Not even bothering to close it, and sped to the desk. Once he got behind the desk, some nerves from earlier dissipated a little. He looked up. Now that he could get a better look at her. He couldn't keep from pausing for a second. Really looking at her.

Glasses were long gone, leaving nothing but chocolate brown hair to frame her features, it was the first time Yeonwoo realized… she was beautiful.

His panic had rendered him unable to process it, but now that he had calmed significantly.

She was stunning.

A sharp jawline that accentuated high cheekbones, 80 parts handsome 20 parts beautiful. A pointed chin that added to her already striking features, fit for a noble. Perfectly symmetrical, straight nose so well-placed and proportioned along her face, Yeonwoo couldn’t help but follow the trail it left, up to meet eyes that he found were overlooking him, finally meeting.

Those eyes. Deep, bordering black, purple that reminded him of starless nights and the darkest of purple hydrangeas. They pulled him in, not letting him go as her musky, warm scent encompassed him, pulling him in further. The epitome of an Alpha.

She places the books on the table, snapping him out of his daze. He fought back another blush, thankfully succeeding as he woke up the computer for it to display the screen he was last on. It didn’t take long for him as he clicked around and typed a few things in for the application to load and show him the screen that would allow him to do his work.

Clearing his throat, Yeonwoo reached out a hand, “Your —Your library card please?”

His voice trembled as she took one last sweep of her eyes over him to reach into her pocket.

She placed it into his palm seconds later, her finger brushing against the bottom of his palm. Dangerously close to the scent gland just underneath the protective covering on his wrist. Yeonwoo sucked in a breath.

He quickly swiped the card, the machine letting out a beep that did little to help wake him from the alpha scent-induced haze she caused. Her scent still lingered around him. It was worst that he didn’t hate it. A shuddered breath escaped him when she reached over to retrieve the card, holding his gaze as she flicked her wrist to graze the top of that very covering.

Yeonwoo had never been more aware of another person, much less an alpha. He didn't know whether he wanted to slap the hand away or urge it to give him more.

He could feel her eyes watching, observing every movement as he passed her books under the scanner with trembling hands, though all he felt was warm. All-encompassing, all surrounding warmth as his cheeks flamed, and his chest rose and fell. Trying to breathe but now for an entirely different reason.

Yeonwoo would have normally been in tears by now. So how was this alpha different?

He quickly grabbed a bag from the half-empty dispenser under the computer, bagging her books and offering it to her with both hands.

He looked her in the eyes, only to find she was doing the same, piercing gaze of starless midnight sending shivers down his spine.

“I- I'm sorry for the trouble I caused. I hope- I hope you'll give the library another chance… I'll do better next time.”

The phrases Eunchae hammered into him to say whenever a customer left was the farthest from his mind as the sandalwood scent mixed with more rose, turning the slightest ting of sweet that Yeonwoo almost didn’t catch it.

Reaching over, the alpha carefully took the books from him, smooth, large hands engulfing his as they moved to take the bag. Lingered, and only increased his blush.

How indecent.

Bag at her side, Yeonwoo’s hands moved to rest behind his back in an attempt to hide the warmth he was sure had traveled from his neck to the tips of his fingers.

Her eyes met his. Making sure to trail his every feature before she spoke, that voice just as if not more intoxicating than her scent, sent his goose bumps alight, “I’ll be sure to.”

She held his gaze for a moment longer. Tension that hung in the air between them, strung tight like a fragile thread, ready to snap at any moment. He broke that thread when dipping his head in thanks for her patronage. Just as he raised it to look up again, she turned.

The slightest, blink and you’ll miss it smile donned her face before she fully turned away from him, and walked out the door. The chime of the door closing clearing his foggy mind.

He blinked, sandalwood still surrounded and sending his thoughts into a frenzy, her earlier words replaying in his mind, 'I'll be sure too.'

Yeonwoo flushed as he sank into his chair, the intoxicating scent and softness surrounding him making it worse. Warm hands that caressed his back, engulfing his hands in their own, leaving her scent on them. He didn't know whether her coming back excited or terrified him.

Notes:

Hope you enjoyed that first chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Comments are always appreciated and I love getting them so don't be shy about sharing your thoughts. As long as there respectful I don't mind at all.

This is an ongoing work and I will be updating it. I already have the outline for the story ready to go writing it is the next part.

I hope you'll all enjoy the journey of Yeonsol falling in love again that I've crafted and go insane over them as much as I do.

->->->Chapter 2<-<-<-

14 notes · View notes

yeonsols-garden · 4 months ago

Text

Through Turning Pages (Along careful Brush strokes)

Pairing: Yeonwoo / Haesol

Tags: A/B/O, Library AU, Slow burn, Long Fic, Librarian Yeonwoo, Artist Haesol, angst, pack dynamics

On AO3

Total Word Count: 39k

Chapter 2: January I

Threads of gold, gentle upon everything they touched, danced their way through expansive glass walls and ceilings. Soothing rays illuminated the sun room in hues of amber and marigold, allowing warmth to spill throughout the space, enveloping all they touched in a comforting embrace. Plush pillows of various shapes and sizes lay scattered across the floor. Some of them adorned with calm pointy-eared felines, their tails idly swaying to and fro as patches of light bathed their backs in warmth and bliss.

Delicate fingers traced soft fur, gently scratching and stroking the feline’s back. Bamee's eyes slowly close in bliss, his tail lethargically swishing back and forth with each gentle touch.

"You like that, Bamee?” Yeonwoo asked, tilting the cat's chin up to meet a familiar golden gaze. "Tell me if I’m being too rough, ok?"

Bamee pulled away from his grasp, only to lay his chin on Yeonwoo’s thigh, waiting. He couldn’t help the soft laughter that spilled past upturned lips.

"You're so cute. And to think you were clawing at me only a few weeks ago. You like me that much now, don’t you?” he cooed.

Bamee let out what could be the cat equivalent of a huff, his tail swishing irritably behind him and head held high. Yeonwoo's soft laughter turned into a playful giggle, but it was quickly cut short when Bamee's tail raised and aimed to smack him square in the chest. The impact was faint, but he was nonetheless offended.

Yeonwoo pouted, "Someone’s quite feisty today, aren’t we?” He couldn’t help but tease the feline with a soft tickle under the chin.

Bamee simply growled back at him, the tilt of his head towards Yeonwoo’s hand informing him he held no remorse. Instead of offering an apology, Bamee nuzzled his head to forcefully meet Yeonwoo’s hand. The purring that accompanied the gesture, though barely audible—a silent, impatient demand for the omega to stop teasing and indulge him already—was all it took to earn his forgiveness.

Yeonwoo smiled. How could he refuse when rewarded with such an adorable display?

Yeonwoo finally gave in to the cat's haughty demands, allowing his hands to sink into soft fur, letting his fingers massage at and run through now well-groomed fur. He reveled in the sensation of delicate hairs gliding between his fingers as he alternated between gentle strokes upwards and tickling under the cat’s chin. Bamee's purrs were low and melodic, steadily growing louder with each pat. Yeonwoo couldn’t help but wonder what it felt like.

As they fell into a steady rhythm, Yeonwoo beamed at the way Bamee arched his back for his hand, like a wave cresting and welcoming him to shore. Each time his hand reached the tip of the feline's tail Bamee would glide it back down, beckoning him for more. The grin that radiated along pleased features grew increasingly painful. The weight of Bamee in his lap, the feeling of warmth blooming in his chest, complemented by the secure grip of its tail wrapped tightly around his wrist. His jaw muscles were on the cusp of straining, but he couldn’t help it.

Three months.

Three months is how long it took for Yeonwoo’s unwavering patience and dedication towards helping this charming black cat open up to and trust him, to come to fruition. The rush of endorphins he felt was akin to a torrent of pure bliss. He would have leaped for joy if doing so meant he wouldn’t disturb the peaceful atmosphere.

With every nudge of Bamee’s head pushing further into his palm, his lips tugged upward. The soothing vibrations of Bamee's purrs reverberating through his lap, Yeonwoo soon found himself happily humming along to the rare display. With each tickle under the chin, Bamee's tail tightened around his wrist. An even wider grin bloomed on his already bright features. He radiated such warmth and joy that it rivaled the golden rays that filtered through glass walls.

The moment he laid eyes on the newest addition to the wide selection of cats at the cat café—a beautiful black cat curled up in its farthest corners, its striking gold eyes bearing into him, resembling his own.—that had been the moment Yeonwoo fell for Bamee. The familiar look of fear yet longing reflected at him reminded Yeonwoo so strikingly of himself. How could he not ache and hurt at the sight? How could he sit by and do nothing?

The task was easier said than done.

Numerous scratch marks, bites, and fierce snarls were directed his way at every turn. He’d wondered if this was how Yeseul felt at times: rejection after rejection leading to increasing doubt, thoughts that no matter his attempts, Bamee would never grow to like him.

Then one night, under the glow of pale moonlight filtering through glass ceilings, illuminating tear-stained cheeks, his attempts bore fruit. Bamee, who was nothing but hostile towards him, chose to sit by his side offering him comfort.

Now, here they lay. Yeonwoo lay nestled in a sprawling nest of plush cushions, Bamee perched on his lap, relishing the soft pets he would reward him with. Nearby, another cat’s soft fur tickled his ankle as she slept near his foot, soft purrs resonated, and his quiet hums mimicked them to match her soothing cadence.

It was this peaceful—and all too familiar—scene that greeted Nam Junhyuk as he slowly pushed open the door. Yeonwoo at the heart of the room, that troublesome black cat resting in his lap, another one sleeping near his stomach. Junhyuk smiled, he had observed the occurrence many times over; however, it never failed to fill him with pride. Much like his ability to soothe a crying child in seconds, animals adored Yeonwoo. Junhyuk couldn’t blame them; it was one of many traits that drew people towards the omega. Coincidentally, it was also one of the few traits the omega himself held pride in.

Pushing the door ajar, one or two cats grazed his ankle, only to hiss on their way out, a head of brown hair and bright eyes peeking out from his side. The excitement in them barely contained let loose when she saw what lay hidden behind mahogany doors.

Yeonwoo had grown lax, laying on the cushions with Bamee tucked close but startled at the sudden creaking of the door.

"Yeonwooooo!”

His eyes snapped open, heart dropping to the pits of his core as delight—and terror—nipped at him. His hands grappled to push himself to sit upright, reaching for the underside of Bamee's belly to move the cat away. He received a less-than-pleased hiss in retaliation, but the disgruntled feline ultimately complied. He didn’t have time to mourn the loss of comfort. It was good he had successfully moved the cat near his thigh farther away because he could make out a short brown blur of energy flinging toward him from the corner of his eye, and what he swore were dog ears.

Yeseul had her arms outstretched, eagerly waiting to embrace him in what could either be the most comforting or most painful hug of his life.

"Yeonwooooo!” She exclaimed as he had barely scrambled to his feet after making sure there were no felines in the nearby vicinity. Knowing Hong Yeseul, she was sure to fling herself at him at the last minute.

He sighed.

His prediction was correct: Yeseul flung herself towards him and Yeonwoo luckily managed to dodge just in time, sidestepping her advance at the last moment. Instead of him, Yeseul met face-first with the pile of pillows he had set up for her. He wasn’t cruel after all, what if she’d kissed the floor instead?

Yeseul fell onto the pile with a dull thud just as Junhyuk closed the door and made his way towards them.

"Hyung!” Yeseul whined, slamming a frustrated fist down to meet carpeted floors, "You’re so mean! I haven’t seen you in, like, forever! And this is how you greet me?!”

Yeonwoo gave her a sidelong glance, "It’s only been a week.”

Yeseul groaned and buried her head in the pile of pillows she’d landed in to let out a muffled scream, "It’s been the longest week of my LIFE, HYUNG!”

"It’s only been a week, and you’re already embarrassing yourself,” Junhyuk had reached them and now claimed his spot—always to the right of Yeonwoo—as he prepared to lecture the beta once more, "If I knew all it took was a week for you to slip, I could have made you go crazy a long time ago.”

Junhyuk pondered with a less than pleasant expression on sharp features, and Yeonwoo now gave him a sidelong glance.

Yeseul glared up at Junhyuk and pushed herself up to stand. The wide strides she made towards the pair were comical coming from someone of such short stature—not that Yeonwoo had any say in that matter.

"Now I know you’re not talking Hyuk-ah.” Yeseul poked a finger at Junhyuk's chest as she looked up at him, eyes narrowing, less than pleased, "You can’t tell me anything when you were moping around with me all week. In fact, it was you who started this in the first place! I come over, then the next thing I know, we’re on the couch eating ice cream and crying our eyes out to shitty rom-coms. You can’t tell me shit!”

Junhyuk’s brow twitched, "Am I the one who came over to our place and the first thing you did instead of, oh I don’t know, saying ‘Hi Junhyuk, how are you’ or, oh my god who would have thought, a ‘How was your day!’ You just barged in, raided our fringe for that ice cream, and demanded I watch those shitty rom-coms?”

"Oh, you are not pinning the blame on me right now!”

"I’m not pinning the blame on you if it was there to begin with!”

While those two engaged in their heated conversation, a whisper of velvet, like the most delicate of flower petals, brushed against the skin of his ankle, soft and inviting. Yeonwoo looked down to find a familiar sunlit gaze looking up at him. He wouldn’t deny that he looked at the feline. Just a little.

Junhyuk and Yeseul’s argument in the background—something about who was the favorite?— faded as Yeonwoo bent down, softly smiling as he picked up the cat into what he hoped was a comforting embrace.

“Did the two dogs fighting scare you, Bamee?” Yeonwoo asked as he walked over to the little pile of pillows and blankets, “Don’t worry, Yeonwoo’s here. I won’t let them anywhere near you, OK?”

Bamee’s tail brushed against the back of his neck as he rubbed his cheek against the cat’s fur and Yeonwoo suppressed a full-body flinch in fear of dropping the calmed and now lax feline. He would have to get over the discomfort eventually. What better way to start than cuddly little animals?

Warmth surrounded him as Yeonwoo sat on pillows warm to the touch. He let out a content sigh while he lay Bamee in his lap. Just add a few blankets—honey eyes glazed over as slender fingers ran through soft fur; maybe some clothes, the scent of smooth leather and dandelion, or something warmer yet all-encompassing, and then maybe, just maybe, it could almost be perfect. Just a little more.

A loud meow broke through his thoughts and Yeonwoo smiled down to find Bamee chin up and demanding. He huffed an amused laugh. Someone was getting quite bold now, weren’t they?

“Now look who's begging me for head pats, how cute.” Yeonwoo teased as his fingers scratched behind a pointed ear. He smiled, voice light and gentle, “All you have to do is ask, Bamee; no need to be so rude.”

Instead of a thanks, Bamee simply placed his chin on Yeonwoo’s shin, expectant. Yeonwoo chuckled at the cat's adorable attempts to reject him yet still expecting Yeonwoo’s affection. How could something be so cute?!

He ran smooth fingers through what was now undoubtedly the softest fur known to man, no question. Bamee was enjoying himself to his fullest hogging up all of Yeonwoo’s attention, and he personally wouldn’t have it any other way. Why would he care about two dogs barking and yelping at each other—something about proving who was the best—when he had such a respectful feline in his lap, cutely asking for his attention instead?

It was warm and comfortable…

Or at least it would have been if a head of brown and, what he was now positive were, poodle ears weren’t making a mad dash for him. With a cat in his lap no less. How disrespectful.

Yeseul and Junhyuk’s little contest seemed to have reached its boiling point and it now seemed his time to mediate another one of their spats. Were these two really adults? How childish.

Junhyuk yelled after Yeseul, chasing her as she came at Yeonwoo and the poor omega sighed. They always left chaos in their wake. Pillows flew every which way as Yeseul threw them at Junhyuk in her fatal attempt at slowing the alpha down. Junhyuk threw them back and one would have almost collided with Yeonwoo’s face had he not dodged in time. Their banter grew all the more loud, piercing, and frankly insufferable the closer they got.

“Hyung, who’s better, me or Junhyuk!”

“It’s obviously me, you dumbass! I’m the childhood friend.”

“Bullshit, with how long I’ve known Hyung, I can be a childhood friend too.”

“Oh, you really wanna go now, huh! Trying to come after my position.”

“It was never your position to begin with if I was able to take it so easy. Can’t even defend something so simple and you call yourself an alpha!”

“Hong Yeseul!”

“Nam Junhyuk!”

The corner of Yeonwoo’s lip twitched as he repressed a groan.

Were they being serious right now?

“Hyuuuunngg! Save me!”

Yeseul ran at him full speed again and Yeonwoo didn’t miss the smile she failed at suppressing through fake tears. These two were ganging up on him, how immature. He wanted to smack some sense into them.

The beta practically dove at him aiming to bury herself in his arms —hopefully bury her nose in his neck and by some twist of fate finally smell his scent. What she didn’t calculate was that first, Yeonwoo had an adorable feline in his arms he would not toss away. And second, Yeonwoo was not in the mood to indulge the beta’s antics. He shook his hand out, tucked his middle finger behind his thumb, and smiled as Yeseul lessened the gap between them, puppy-like, expectant, unaware, and unassuming. How cute.

"Flick!"

The sound lightly echoed as the beta abruptly stopped and fell on her backside, with an expression of such utter shock it must have been either mind-altering or gut-wrenchingly painful. Poor girl.

Yeonwoo loved these two, he really did, but there were times it felt like he was a mother overruling unruly pups who constantly tested him. Running around wreaking havoc everywhere they went. Causing utter embarrassment and shame whenever they accompanied him, and then turning around and having the audacity to pull at his heartstrings. Given his condition, he wouldn’t be surprised if he were left infertile, but who would have thought his experience in motherhood would be found, not in adorable children, but in his friends.

What a life he lived.

Nam Junhyuk, the traitor he was, was currently making his way to the door.

“Nam Junhyuk, get over here right now or you will be getting no dinner from me. You can order takeout for all I care.” His voice, though soft and even, carried an air of something sinister that sent a chill down Junhyuk's spine.

The next thing Junhyuk knew, he sat in front of the less-than-pleased omega alongside a dejected Yeseul as she lay on the floor despondent and holding her head in her hands, muttering incoherent insanity. One hit was all it took for the beta to lose it. Junhyuk would have laughed at her if he himself, wasn’t so terrified.

Yeonwoo was adorable, that much was simply a fact. The newly “presented” omega had them both wrapped around his finger when they weren’t wreaking havoc at the sheer excitement they felt at his progress. How could they not?

That being said… Yeonwoo could be terrifying.

Junhyuk shivered. His eyes were firmly placed on the plush carpet underneath him and hands clutching his knees, knuckles white. The smile donning the omega's face, despite the gentle way his fingers raked through the cat's fur, was straight out of a horror movie that sent Junhyuk's hair on end. He told Yeseul this was a bad idea.

“Yeon—” Junhyuk tried to speak up but Yeonwoo, bringing a finger to his own lips as he pet that troublesome cat, with his other hand, shut him up. Junhyuk never hated cats more.

“Yeseul,” the omega called, and Yeseul stopped her wallowing on the floor to look up expectantly only to be met with a warm but distant gaze, “Sit up. What are you, a child?”

Yeseul shot up immediately. In seconds, she was up and scrambling to seat herself in front of the newly presented omega, her head downcast in shame and regret. Man Yeonwoo could be terrifying. Even more so when you couldn’t smell an iota of his feelings or intentions. It had always been a struggle gauging Yeonwoo’s emotions, not because he wasn’t expressive, but because he had gotten better at hiding the feelings he didn’t want anyone to see over the years.

The alpha and beta sat there in fear, awaiting their just desserts for their previously childish actions. It was one of Yeonwoo’s off days and instead of allowing him the quiet he was seeking, they’d opted to argue over something so trivial and, worst of all, ruin the progress he’d made with the cat he’d been toiling at earning the affections of for over three months now. They’d messed up, big-time.

Each stroke of Yeonwoo’s hand through ebony fur that glistened in the afternoon sunlight was painful. Every sigh that escaped the omega’s lips had their hair standing on end and nails digging deeper into their shins. Whenever honey eyes met terrified mint green and deep brown ones, they felt like shriveling into nothing at the sheer disappointment in them.

Yeonwoo enjoyed himself as his hands caressed soft fur. Bamee was ever more respondent now that he’d quieted the noise of the unruly pair and he wouldn’t have it any other way. The warmth of the sun aided in the mellowing of his previous irritation, golden rays seemingly fawning over his very figure, complementing his every feature. Bamee was such an obedient little thing when you praised him a tad. How cute.

He had had his fun indulging the cat in every pet or soft touch he so desired—completely forgetting the turmoil his simple actions put Junhyuk and Yeseul through. He was enjoying himself so much, cooing at the adorable creature and playing with his paws, that it took the omega time to register the weedy smell of dandelion and chemical tang of leather.

Yeonwoo’s head looked up, calm as he eyed the two terrified people in front of him. He tilted his head. Why did they always act as though they would be brushing with death himself at his slightest ire? He was just going to talk to them. They were sometimes too silly for their own good.

With one last tickle under the chin Yeonwoo patted Bamee’s back lightly, a signal he would stop before carefully picking the sleeping cat to place on a nearby pillow.

Yeonwoo turned his attention back to the near-paralyzed pair in front of him. He moved to cross his legs and arms as he eyed them. Yeonwoo had to admit: he did love toying with them like this whenever he had the opportunity. Sadly, he couldn’t keep the act up for too long. If he did, he would be met with tear-filled and mournful expressions that he couldn’t say no to. How could he when they were so pitiful? Curse his love of dogs.

After quite some time he sighed, ignoring the way they both flinched at the action. He had toyed with them enough, no?

“You both really are so childish,” Yeonwoo huffed, his tone ever the more fond and he didn’t miss how the two perked up to look at him with such hope that he couldn’t stay mad for much longer. “If you both really missed me so much, all you had to do was say so.” He pointed at a brightening Yeseul. “You, running around like that; what if you toppled on me and hurt Bamee? Do you have no shame? We’re in public. I bet all the other guests here can hear you and are wondering who's screaming like their heads caught fire.” Yeonwoo then pointed to Junhyuk, “And you, you’re supposed to make sure Yeseul doesn't go overboard, not go along with her. Why were you chasing her around like that? What are you, an unruly alpha pup?”

Yeonwoo let out a deep sigh as his words seemed to have no effect on the two once more and now only resulted in their bright smiles and them inching toward him, “You're both insufferable, you know that?” Regardless, he uncrossed his arms and relaxed his shoulders—letting them know it was fine to get close.

The two jumped at the opportunity the moment they were allowed. They’d pounced to seat themselves next to him, and the next thing Yeonwoo knew, alpha and beta had pressed themselves on either side of him. He couldn’t help the growing unease he felt. Yeonwoo swatted it away.

“Hyung, I’ll never do it again! I promise!” Yeseul pumped her fists as a show of enthusiasm, and Yeonwoo wanted to pet her head, “We’ll talk to you next time; just don’t stop making me those lunch boxes, and don’t take away the treats you give me. And for the love of God, keep the hearts; if you take those away, I’ll seriously die, Hyung. Yeonwoo, I’m begging you.”

Yeonwoo raised a confused brow.

Junhyuk followed up, “I’ll never make you mad again, Yeonwoo. I’ll do my laundry, and I’ll stop leaving my clothes everywhere for you to clean up. I’ll clean the dishes when it’s my turn, and I’ll stop playing that ‘horrible’ music you hate so much. Just don’t up and leave, man. I seriously don’t know what I’m gonna do without you.”

Yeonwoo blinked.

The two didn’t seem to register his confusion as they simply babbled on and on. Their scents became increasingly unpleasant and Yeonwoo’s expression soured.

“Now, what the heck are you talking about?” They’d let their imaginations run wild. Yeonwoo pinched them both, screams of pain erupting from them both, but he didn’t let go, “I’m stuck with the both of you anyways. How could I leave when you guys can barely take care of yourselves?”

“Hyung!”

“Yeonwoo!”

They’d jumped onto him like a pair of overgrown dogs and they’d all toppled onto soft and pillowed floors that broke their fall. Yeonwoo couldn’t help but let out a little giggle. They were both incredibly clingy to the point it was maddening. With Junhyuk to his right and Yeseul to his left, his giggles turned into full-blown laughter as they each took an arm and poked at him relentlessly.

“Guys! Pft, haah, oh my god, no! Stop!”

He didn’t know how, but soon, they’d started jabbing at him and claiming they were getting revenge for Yeonwoo tormenting them. What a stupid excuse! If they wanted to get closer to him, they could have just asked!

The tickling had gone on for long enough and Yeonwoo was getting tired, near wheezing when they’d decided to stop their petty revenge.

“Sucks to suck, Hyung; you can’t keep one on us for too long, can you? Hah!” Yeseul boasted, nose in the air.

Junhyuk chimed in, puffing his chest, “That’s what you get for scaring the hell out of me!”

“It’s not—my fault—you both—scare so easy.” Yeonwoo stuttered through labored breath as he patted the spaces next to him for them to lay next to him, “Next time you should—know better than disrupt my time with Bamee.” He humphed.

While he grumbled about his unfair treatment as he caught his breath Yeonwoo didn’t notice the pair's reluctant expressions and silent communications.

This was progress, right? Yeonwoo had never let them that close before. At best they would get a pat on the head or if they were lucky he would hold their hands longer than the usual sixty seconds when the situation called for it. Any physical contact was always initiated by them alone. The opportunity to lay next to him? Longer than a few minutes?! This had to be a dream; if not a dream, they must have been high or something because what else could explain the sudden change in behavior?

“Junhyuk, Yeseul,” Yeonwoo called, patting the spots next to him from where he lay, “Are you coming or not? The view is amazing here.”

This had to be a dream, they thought in unison.

And if it was a dream… why not take their chances? If they got in trouble for it later, it would be worth it.

Yeseul was the first to move. She’d crawled to Yeonwoo’s left in no time and laid down on her side, admiring the omega. It was at times like this that Yeseul would curse herself for not knowing Yeonwoo was an omega early into their friendship. Only omegas were as beautiful as Yeonwoo. Omegas were coveted for their innate beauty and charm that you could spot one from a mile away simply by looking at the clothes on their backs if their scents hadn’t given them away. Omegas loved flaunting their scents.

Yeonwoo had beautiful, soft features that were typical of soft omegas. Sandy brown hair that at times looked ethereal—especially now in the golden light that the sunroom showered him. It felt as though she were seeing an otherworldly being in real time, and it never failed to have her stop in her tracks and ask herself how she had befriended someone like him. Then there were his eyes. Always distant with an undertone of suppressed warmth in his every interaction. It never diminished how his very gaze could hold one captive. Unwilling to look away as he talked about the most mundane of things like how Yeseul sucked at rhythm games.

“Yeseul,” Yeonwoo peaked at her, his focus on tangerine and coral skies overhead breaking to direct towards her, “Aren’t you going to look up? What are you looking at me for? Do I have something on my face? And Junhyuk,” He turned his attention to the still-seated alpha, “Are you coming or not?”

Then there was how he had the audacity to think he wasn’t worth looking at. Yeseul wanted to murder the person who put such an abhorrent thought in his head simply for the fun of seeing them scream. They must have been nothing to look at if they’d said such blatant lies like that. Junhyuk told her as much.

Yeseul turned from her side to her back, her gaze shifting from Yeonwoo to the sky that had enamored him so much.

Her first thought was that it was pretty. Hues ranging from cream white and gold so vibrant yet calming as they drifted along a marigold backdrop so at peace and set on enjoying their journey westward. Her second thought was that it reminded her of the omega she lay next to at this moment. A dream. It really was as beautiful as he said it was, and Yeseul herself would relish this moment. Basked in the first of hopefully many moments of Yeonwoo letting them in. She couldn’t wait for the moment he would truly let his guard down and that collar would detach from his neck, scent suppressants gone, and she would be free to scent to her heart's desire. She could just take her chances now and hug him till he grew sick of her again, no?

Or she would have if Junhyuk hadn’t looked and was currently acting like a wet dog. The alpha now just sat next to Yeonwoo looking up at the sky above instead of lying down to enjoy the view with them. What a mutt.

“Hyuk-ah” Yeseul called her voice sharp, “Are you gonna lay down like the rest of us or are you gonna sit up like some stupid king looking down on peasants? You’re like totally ruining the mood right now.”

Junhyuk just hummed as he reached over to pat her head like he was coaxing a child and Yeseul huffed. Stupid Junhyuk and his stupid head pats.

Yeonwoo let out a giggle as he raised his hand. Junhyuk grabbed it immediately, as he always did, and allowed himself to be pulled down with the rest of them. With Junhyuk now at his right everything was perfect. He reached out for Yeseul to take his hand and her reaction similar to Junhyuk’s was instant.

Yeonwoo couldn’t help the pang of guilt that hit him. They had both restrained themselves too much. They weren’t a proper pack because of him. Because he was so put off by scents being on his person, the consequence of that was this disconnect. The sheer shock that both the alpha and beta displayed when Yeonwoo had begun opening up, was because it had been so long. Junhyuk’s reaction was especially painful.

The lack of any sort of verbal quip from the alpha was enough of a sign. Junhyuk always ‘complained’ about not getting anything close to physical contact from him but when he got it, it left him stunned. Yeonwoo couldn’t blame him. He’d put off something like this long enough.

“You can move closer,” Yeonwoo held their hands tighter, eyes fixated on the sky overhead. “I don’t mind.”

Junhyuk and Yeseul looked at each other, shocked, before shaky smiles donned their faces and two pairs of arms took ahold of each of his own before he could think about changing his mind. Some part of him thought that was the point. He was left squished between them but he found that he didn’t mind at all. He didn’t mind fresh dandelion and smooth leather slowly engulfing him.

“Hyung, this isn’t a dream right?” Yeseul asked, pulling him close.

“You're not going to jab me and possibly rearrange my guts if I hug you too tight, are you?” Junhyuk asked as he began circling a muscled yet warm arm around the both of them.

Yeonwoo giggled, squeezing the hand Yeseul held in her own and inching a tad closer toward Junhyuk, “I won't, I promise.”

The two beamed.

The sky filled with vibrant hues of orange and pink gradually turned blue with undertones of coral and though their time here was almost up, Yeonwoo couldn’t bring himself to fuss. How could he, when the sound of purring felines filled the air? How could he, when the smell of Yeseul’s dandelion mixed with Junhyuk leather begged him to indulge in a calm akin to car rides through freshly bloomed dandelion fields?

✿❀❁❀✿

A gentle breeze of warmth wrapped frost-nipped skin in a welcome embrace. Cheeks rosy from brisk winds that whipped at him on his brief journey, Yeonwoo let out a breath of relief before inhaling a sharp breath, hoping the warmth of his surroundings would flow into and permeate his core.

Yeonwoo had made it particularly early that afternoon. He’d woken up earlier than he was accustomed to, surprisingly refreshed and in an unusually better mood as well. It was a good thing too. Lucky for him Junhyuk was home. The alpha was typically gone by the time he woke up, so imagine his surprise, and delight, when he found Junhyuk near the counter, coffee he’d brew for Yeonwoo every morning in hand. Yuna was still sleeping, most likely perched right on Junhyuk’s now-made bed. It wouldn’t be that way when they came back.

He thanked him, not missing the pensive look the other wore as he carefully sipped the piping-hot drink. Yeonwoo let his shoulders relax, letting the warmth seep into and wake him before prompting Junhyuk to speak. Apparently, the alpha had a new client as of recently. An omega, surprisingly. Yeonwoo didn’t miss his opportunity to teasingly jab at Junhyuk. The end result was a hand ruffling up his already messy locks and his bangs covering his eyes to block his view. The subtle blush that spread across Junhyuk’s face was more than enough compensation for what was likely to be a longer morning routine.

Junhyuk most likely wouldn’t be getting home until late that night. Logistics, Yeonwoo couldn’t understand that early in the morning, breezing over his head. They’d spent the morning in a hazy, just-gotten-out-of-bed silence. There seemed to have been something Junhyuk wanted to talk with him about, but by that time the clock was ticking.

Junhyuk had insisted on dropping him off that morning. The excuse of wanting to spend one last moment before the responsibilities of adulthood took hold was a very compelling one. Yeonwoo would honestly take any excuse if it meant he didn’t have to ride the bus that morning. He was in a good mood, and the bus ride would surely sour it. Though he took the daily ride to and from work of his own volition under the guise of independence, he still had his moments of weakness.

There was logically no reason for him to worry. Negative experiences out in public were a rarity for him as of late. People were relatively respectful when interacting with him—the collar he wore was a sign he had people who took his well-being into high consideration. Since he’d ‘presented’ as an omega, Yeonwoo had taken greater notice of the drastic differences. The measures that were taken, not only by Junhyuk but the world around him, to ensure his safety and comfort were no laughing matter. Now, everywhere he turned there would be someone he could turn to. Logically speaking he was safe.

His mind may have known that but the previously dormant omega in him didn’t.

Junhyuk’s true reason for the offer wasn’t entirely lost on Yeonwoo either, however. His long-awaited doctor appointment was around the corner. Looming over the both of them like a dark cloud. They always fell back into old habits around this time.

Placing his bag on his desk, Yeonwoo was in the process of shrugging off his coat when the creaking of the break room door behind alerted him. He paused, his coat sliding off his shoulders, and subtly sniffed the air.

Peppermint and sage.

“Hyung!” a peppy voice cheered.

Yeonwoo turned just in time to meet bright, pale blue eyes that matched an equally joyful smile. The signature twin tails Eunchae hadn’t missed a day styling were prettified with bows and accessories that matched her bright eyes. She donned a pearl white dress shirt with frills that decorated the arms and wore a pale blue suspender skirt that reached just below her knees.

Her choice of attire was certainly extravagant for a beta.

She pepped her way to him and rattled off her bubbly greeting, starting her long list of compliments. From his hair to his skin to his eyes. She seemed to love that about him the most. Yeonwoo found it endearing.

Eunchae smiled, insisting on helping him with his coat. He had long learned not to be bashful whenever she did. The beta liked the little contact she would receive out of it, and it was typical for betas to tend to omegas. Yeonwoo couldn’t exactly say he felt uncomfortable. Eunchae, for all her eccentrics, was always careful when it came to contact with him.

With his coat in arms, Eunchae turned to hang it on the coat rack in the break room. “Hyung,” she chirped, “You missed so much while on break. I have so many ideas I’ve been dying to share with you.”

“It’s been three days.” Yeonwoo smiled fondly as he booted up the computer.

He heard Eunchae scrambling around the break room and was about to turn around and see what exactly could she be doing when the loading screen faded to black, prompting him for the password.

“Three long days without you Hyung are three long treacherous months in a drought-infested desert.” She dramatized, “And I had to spend it with Unnie.”

Yeonwoo clicked around opening the checkout application. “You’re exaggerating, Ha Yejin is nice.”

“Ya,” Eunchae bumped her elbow with his, startling him, “If nice is (1) berating me for not putting the books in the right place, (2) quote, unquote, ‘fraternizing with the patrons,’ and (3), this is the most important by the way, not doing enough work!” She slammed a palm on the counter, the sound echoing throughout the empty library, “It’s not my fault the people like me so much. I’m a rare talent. Maybe she should try to loosen up and not make things so difficult. Don't even get me started on how she won't leave me alone!”

Yeonwoo sighed. It must be nice to like someone so much.

“How did you two survive without me?” Yeonwoo teased, pulling his bag from where it rested at his feet to look at the contents, “With how much you fight, I find it hard to believe you both didn’t tear each other limb from limb .”

Eunchae sighed, pouting. “Hyung, we do not fight that much.”

Yeonwoo raised a brow at her.

Eunchae opened her mouth to rebuttal when something akin to a high-pitched shriek interrupted her, the sound steadily increasing until it reached a piercing shriek. She jumped and rushed to the break room in a flurry. The clanging of cups and spoons could be heard from inside, and Yeonwoo sighed, turning back to his bag.

Fishing out the books he’d been reading recently, he placed them to his far right. He had gotten halfway through the epic he picked up on a whim last Friday, and it was safe to say he was hooked. Half of the book now donned sticky notes of all colors and sizes. The marred pages and chicken scratch evidence of frantic ramblings.

Double checking all his other essentials were in good shape, ID, lotion, and suppressants, among other necessities, Yeonwoo hummed. He placed his bag back on the floor, just under his desk, pulling open the drawer under the desk to find a phone. The phone, unlike last time, was fully charged. He’d made sure to plug it in before leaving that day and once he saw the lock screen, he knew the owner.

“Done!” Eunchae announced, and he turned just in time to see the two mugs she held.

Yeonwoo smiled, hurrying to bridge the gap between them to take the mug she offered to him, and bowing his head in thanks, “You know you don’t have to do this every morning right?”

“It’s fine, Hyung.” She blew into the mug to cool it down before taking a sip, “I want to. Besides, it’s freezing outside and I just turned on the heater, so it’ll take a while for the place to warm up.” She sighed into her cup. “Plus I know how much you hate the cold.”

“You say that every morning.”

“And you believe me every morning.”

How could he not when she was surprisingly convincing at times?

The conversation that flowed was pleasant, and entertaining, as were all things that involved Eunchae. It had started innocently enough. Eunchae was filling him in on what happened over the weekend. Nothing all that entertaining; just filing away books, reading on the side, Ha Yejin scolding her only to give in to her whims as per usual. That is until Monday rolled around.

“So I was just going about my day, right? Doing what I do.” She paused for suspense, sipping her tea in the process, Yeonwoo grew curious, “And out of nowhere this total hottie with a capital H comes in through the door.”

Yeonwoo sighed, setting his mug down. Here she goes.

Eunchae caught his poor attempt at remaining straight-faced, nearly slamming her cup on the counter, and enthusiastically taking his hands between her own, “No, nooo, Hyung you don’t understand!” Her voice had a dangerously gruel and lower octave than usual.

“Eunchae.” Yeonwoo sighed, squeezing her hands, and slipping out of her hold to pick up his mug, “What’s Ha Yejin going to say when she finds out you were talking about some hot guy again?”

Eunchae scoffed, waving him off, “What does her opinion matter? As long as I don’t do it in front of her, it doesn’t matter. Besides, it’s not like she’s my girlfriend. Why would what she says matter?”

Yeonwoo eyed her.

It was painfully blatant to anyone with a pair of eyes there was something currently going on with the two. Yeonwoo himself didn’t know what, but the gazes, subtle not-so-subtle touches, and Ha Yejin’s ‘harsh words’ that ultimately meant nothing given how easily she gave into the beta's whims were a clear sign of some form of affection. Eunchae’s constant raving about the other in a manner that was devoid of her usual thirst, solely reserved for Yeonwoo’s ears, was not helping her. Yeonwoo knew Eunchae was dense but maybe he’d underestimated just how… thick-headed she was.

“And besides,” Eunchae waved him off as he took another sip, “who says it was a guy this time?”

Yeonwoo choked on his tea, coughing.

What an unexpected and terrifyingly dangerous development.

Eunchae, completely unfazed, hopped up and down repeatedly, losing all sense of self-respect, “Ya! Ya, I know right? So—”

He raised a hand, telling her to pause, recovering from his previous shock. Eunchae gave him a puzzled look before nodding. If he was going to hear this, he had to get comfortable. Eunchae tended to roam all over the place when excited, even more so if the topic of discussion was someone she found attractive.

Heading toward and opening the break room door, Yeonwoo grabbed, then pulled his favorite chair out towards his desk and went in to grab Eunchae’s. Her chair was somehow fluffier if not more comfortable than his. Once he’d made sure their chairs faced each other, he took his mug and let himself sink into it. Eunchae followed soon after.

Her chair practically swallowed her whole, and Yeonwoo chuckled as she struggled to situate herself, cursing Ha Yejin for “such an annoying thing” as she normally did. Yeonwoo had offered to switch with her on many occasions; he wouldn’t mind. Each time, however, he was met with a resolute “no.” Eunchae claimed it was a gift from her boss, stating if she traded it she could get fired. It was highly unlikely and such a nonsensical cover-up he had almost scoffed, almost. Yeonwoo didn’t miss the strong furrowing of her brows or the subtle spike of icy peppermint at the mere notion. How obvious.

“I definitely need to get comfortable if I’m going to tell you this: Hyung, you’re a genius.” Eunchae clapped her hands a few times before smoothing out the wrinkles of her skirt and picking up her mug from where she’d placed it on the desk.

“Well?” Yeonwoo hummed, unwilling to finish the sentence that would be a prompt for more.

“Oh don’t act all high and mighty Hyung,” Eunchae snickered behind a coy hand, “Admit it you’re curious, aren’t you? So curious it’s killing you.”

Yeonwoo took a sip of his tea, “I have no clue what you're talking about.” He simply enjoyed listening to her stories and her storytelling was nothing short of impeccable.

Eunchae cackled, only to be silenced when the bell rang alerting them of their first patron for the day.

“Oh Hyung,” She wiped a near-falling tear, “You’re such a bad liar.”

Yeonwoo hummed, “Are you going to continue or are you just here to waste my time?” He made a show of getting up from where he sat.

Waves of crisp peppermint hit his senses and he relaxed, Eunchae quickly got up to place careful hands on his shoulders and seat him back down, making sure he was comfortable.

“Now Hyung, I’m just teasing you. You’re so cute when you're mad.” Yeonwoo was not mad.

Singing his praises one minute, teasing him the next. When did he allow for such behavior from his hoobae?

“Ok, ok, I’ll start.” Eunchae giggled, eyeing him to ask if he wouldn’t leave. When Yeonwoo gave her the nod to continue, she did, “So as I was saying I was just doing what I do.”

Yeonwoo took a sip of his tea, “Fooling around I presume.”

“Hey!”

“What?” he smiled, “I’m just teasing you.”

Eunchae huffed, “As I was saying, I was sorting through the books. I fixed some of the mistakes you made the other day by the way. A lot better than last time,” He squinted, “And then I saw her!”

Yeonwoo hummed along.

“She was stunning, I’m talking drop-dead gorgeous. Long brown hair, deep enrapturing dark eyes, she looked so strong. Tall! She was sooo tall! She towered over me. I would have fallen to my knees and done anything she asked if—”

“Eunchae,” he scolded.

That description was enough to alter him to who she was talking about, and it irked him in ways he couldn’t explain.

“Hyung, you don’t get it, her face. HER FACE!” Eunchae was practically bursting at the seams. This would be particularly bad, wouldn’t it?

Yeonwoo nodded, softening his expression, “Calm down, there are people here now.”

That seemed to have calmed her down real quick, turning to find the people in the library going about their business. She schooled her expression into what could be a passable imitation of calm, the way her lips quivered in excitement tittering on the edge of insanity. She was so antsy, that she had to place her mug on the ground for fear of slipping the drink all over herself. She was trying to keep her wits about her.

“Hyung, you don’t get it. Damn it if only I hadn’t lost my phone, I could have taken a picture, and you would have seen for yourself.” She whined, kicking her feet. “She was mostly covered with glasses, and her hair covered her face but it could have gotten the right angle! OMG, she was so hot I was gonna die on the spot!”

Yeonwoo perked up. That reminded him of something. Setting his mug down to stand up, he took a step toward and reached over into the drawer. Yeonwoo opened it to unplug the phone that lay inside and handed it to her, “Here.”

Eunchae beamed, “OMG! Hyung I love you. My savior. I’ll do whatever you want from now on!” She hugged the thing as if she reunited with a lost relative, nuzzling her cheek against the flat surface, “Where did you find it? I’ve been looking for it all over.”

He shrugged, pressing his back against the soft fluff behind him, “I was doing a last-minute clean-up Friday and found it on one of the shelves.”

Eunchae paused, something like a memory flashing through her eyes and replacing her joyful expression with one that was eerily void of emotion to quickly shift back into a wide grin, “Thank you so much, Hyung!”

Yeonwoo nodded curious as to what that was but motioned for her to continue.

“Ok, OK!” She looked through her phone, wincing at what were likely missed calls and messages from a certain someone, “So, she came up to me and asked around for book recommendations. She came up to me by the way. Ha Yejin was right there but she chose me. Omg, it’s fate. Anyway, we walked around for a bit and I obviously—

He already knew what she would recommend, “Don’t tell me you recommended her—

—I recommended her Hamlet!”

“Eunchae!” He sucked in a breath and stifled a groan.

She waved him off, “What? It was the modern version so she could understand it just fine.”

Yeonwoo sighed, “It’s not a story you give to beginners.”

“Anyways, So I’m telling her about the synopsis and, AND, guess what?”

Yeonwoo peered at her, not playing along.

“Come on, Hyung. At least play along and make this fun.” Eunchae crossed her arms. How childish.

Yeonwoo sunk further into his chair, not all too thrilled to play along, but what kind of Hyung would he be if he didn’t indulge her a little, “Ok, so what happened?”

Eunchae lit up the frantic waving of her arms and little bounces in her seat resumed, “And she actually listened to me! She even asked me follow-up questions and genuinely seemed to appreciate the ART that is Willian Shakespeare and his amazingly gruesome and subtly morbid storytelling. It’s fate, Hyung. FATE!”

That was a shocker. Most people would run the moment they realized Eunchae’s adorable appearance was a trap.

“I know right? Most people dip the moment I mention Shakespeare! Too gruesome for their tastes or whatever.” She scoffed, “Well, she walked back to the checkout, and I recommended more books to her. She ended up with a stack of them by the time we were done.”

He nodded, proud, “Classic Eunchae,” For all of Ha Yejin's complaints, Eunchae excelled when it came to that aspect of her job, which was all that mattered in the end.

“Oh, Hyung,” Eunchae waved a hand, “You flatter me.”

Yeonwoo placed his cup down now that it was empty, “Continue.”

Eunchae hummed enthusiastically, “She then walked me back and she was so respectful.”

“I’m pretty sure she was going to check out her books. She had to follow you.”

“Hyung.” She batted her eyelashes at him.

He crossed his fingers, giving her a hum in response.

“Stop ruining my fantasies. Just because you have no semblance of a sex life doesn’t mean I can’t dream,” she humphed.

An image he would rather keep out flashed in his mind and Yeonwoo flushed, “not… re.” The words came out in a barely audible mumble.

“What’s that Hyung? I couldn’t hear you over the validity of my factual statement.” Trying to sound smart to hit his sore spot while it still hurts. He would get her back for this.

Yeonwoo turned away, ears a dull scarlet, and Eunchae continued, the sage undertones to her scent suspiciously light and airy, “When I tell you that face must have been sculpted by the hands of god himself Hyung, that's a once in a millennia kind of hot.”

Yeonwoo already had his suspicions about who she could have been talking about, but that was the nail in the coffin, “And then—”

“—Then as we were walking back I tripped and fell over nothing. I swear something needs to be done about these floors. They’ve got to have grunge or something,” Yeonwoo seconded that notion, “Luckily she caught me just in time and—”

If the look of predatory glee on Eunchae’s face, and what looked to be drool she wiped from her smirking lips, told him anything she was about to say something outlandish,

“They were so soft Hyung.”

Yeonwoo retreated further into his chair, hands ready to plug his ears to shield himself from the oncoming filth that she was about to spew out of a mouth that had no business saying such things in public. Her face had no right to look as innocent as it did when she spoke.

“Hyung, they were so soft and warm. She pulled me close to her chest, and when I tell you that the sandalwood and rose scent she sucker punched me with made me want to get on my hands and knees and beg her to knot the ever-living hell out of me even though I know I can’t take it?! I was gonna pass out.”

Yeonwoo's hand flew to cover his face. Every surface of his body flushed. Eunchae tended to read absolute filth, and that came out in her speech when fangirling over someone she found extraordinarily attractive. It never failed to shock and fill Yeonwoo with the undercurrents of shame every time she did so.

He didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“Eunchae!” He cracked his finger open to reveal honey eyes that glared at her.

“I said nothing wrong.” She raised her hands in surrender, “If you had your face pushed into tits like that, you’d get what I mean.” Her hands moved in a way that was especially perverted as she got out of her chair to stalk towards him, “Wait, Hyung you never told me if you like tits or ass. Wait, you probably like men. Screw it! Men can still have tits!” Yeonwoo paled, “Like Hyung, I know you’re not as innocent as you look. Don’t you dream of a hot-ass alpha like that pinning you down and knotting you? Huh!? I know you would love that, wouldn’t you? That fine-ass alpha you came in with the other day! You’ve got to have a type right?! Hyung, what’s your type?! I’m telling you, she was so hot, and that body, THAT BO—”

Bam!

“Now what the hell is this conversation?”

Ha, Yejin stood behind a cursing Eunchae, her unusually bright attire for the day reasonably dimmed by a furious expression, “Yeonwoo, you have to stop being so lenient on her. What did I tell you last time?” Ha Yejin chided him, but the terrified Yeonwoo could only sing her praises.

He was saved!

✿❀❁❀✿

The wheels of the cart squeaked loudly as he pushed, the grating sound soon fading after some movement. Yeonwoo carefully aligned each book in the final stack onto the cart, making sure to separate them by section and author. Closing the gate behind him, he plugged in his earbuds. Soothing melodies of soft lo-fi played in his ears to provide a welcome contrast to the quiet bustle of the library.

He wheeled the cart along; honey eyes scanned his surroundings to take note of every detail as he passed by crowded tables.

Some groups of students, a mix of eager and exhausted faces, clustered around the frontmost tables near his desk. The ones who sought quietude for their studies retreated to the more private rooms the library had to offer. Yeonwoo observed, sympathetic, as dense groups of young adults pored over textbooks, furrowed brows and pencils scratching at the paper while others rested their heads in defeat on mahogany tables. Midterms must have been particularly rough this semester.

Perhaps he should do something to help?

As he neared the entrance to the inner workings of the library, his eyes caught a certain pair seated in the farthest corner of the library. Two high schoolers it seemed, judging by their winter uniforms. They both lounged on the large couch Yeonwoo had insisted on adding to bring more comfort to the previously drab habitat. The girl’s features were especially charming; long, slightly curly black hair reaching her waist and a portion of it covering her left eye. The eye, he could make out from where he stood, was a dark shade of magenta. ‘Cool’ was the perfect descriptor that came to mind when describing her appeal.

Her arm draped casually over the frame of the couch, hovering inches above her companion. She pulled herself in exceptionally close to the boy, leaning into him as she explained something to him from the book they shared. An Alpha no doubt.

The boy seated next to her was nothing short of adorable. Silk blond hair cascaded down to rest just above his shoulders, framing his already enduring features like a halo. Captivating, round, pale blue eyes reminiscent of calm skies on a tranquil day. Quite an unusual pair. The alpha practically drowned herself in the boy's scent, nose inches away from an uncollared neck. His soft features and short stature were endearing, serving as a nice balance to the girl next to him. As she traced her hand along the curve of his neck, a soft blush spread across his cheeks and down towards his neck. The young boy's hands trembled to hold the book he held steady. Yeonwoo couldn’t blame him when such a gesture was so intimate in nature.

Young love. How sweet.

He tore his gaze away, blush ready to form on pale cheeks when the boy turned to talk to the girl. The blond's breath caught when the action resulted in their faces just centimeters away.

If he had watched a second longer, he would have seen the teasing smile playing on the girl's lips as she spoke to the boy, seemingly unaware of the tilt of her head bringing them closer, and how the boy jumped away to bring the book he held up to cover his equally flushed cheeks.

Yeonwoo hummed along to the melody in his ears and rounded the corner, pushing a cart filled to the brim with books. Such an adorable display did wonders for his mood. Picking up the first book in his cart to read the call numbers, his eyes scanned the shelves, paths to specific sections of the library surfacing and he soon mapped out his route for the day.

As Yeonwoo made his way to deeper corners of the library, his steps gradually took on the steady and upbeat rhythm that played in his ears. The sound of his shoes tapping against the tiled floor echoed through the columns of shelves. Occasionally, he would pass by a patron seated on the floor, completely immersed in their book of choice. He was tempted to tell them to find a more comfortable spot to enjoy their read, but with the way all of the people he passed had been so engrossed in their stories, he didn’t want to be a bother. He knew what it was to be so engrossed in a good book.

The melody in his ears shifted from smooth and calming to lively, his head bobbing along with the change in tempo. He passed by columns upon columns of shelves before reaching his destination at the farthest end of the first floor.

The act of sorting through and placing books in their designated spots on the shelves had become a soothing, almost therapeutic ritual for him. With each gentle thud of a book being returned to its rightful place, he felt a sense of tranquility wash over him. His fingers glided over the spines, carefully maneuvering them to make room for the one he held. Each book he brought home to awaiting shelves, a missing piece being added to a puzzle he didn't even know he was solving. As if all the chaos and noise of the world melted away as he immersed himself.

The scent of freshly bound books, crisp and clean, wafted through the air and filled him, enveloping him in a sense of calm. Organizing books may have seemed like a mundane task, but for him, it was a ritual. He felt a sense of security, control that he couldn't find anywhere else.

By the time he had finished re-shelving, hours had passed by in a calm haze, his cart half empty and mind euphorically quiet. Long caramel lashes fluttered open as he eased himself out of that calming euphoric haze. He took a moment, letting out a proud huff while admiring the progress he had made. Though he was satisfied with himself, he didn’t stay too long. The second floor awaited him.

Eyes staring down the looming staircase leading to the second floor, he pondered what he would do. The thought of hauling the heavy cart up to the upper floor made his muscles tense and his fingers twitch. Getting the cart up to the upper floor was sure to be inconvenient. He could still feel the familiar ghost of strain in his arms as he gripped tightly onto the handles, the wheels of the cart bouncing against each stair as he struggled to pull it upwards.

With a sigh, Yeonwoo prepared to roll up oversized sleeves and—.

“Yeonwoo?”

He jumped, turning around honey eyes meeting chestnut ones. The owner of a smooth-toned voice was several shelves away and approaching.

“Oh, Director.” Yeonwoo bowed a greeting, catching his breath at the sudden interruption.

The thudding of black combat boots against hardwood floors, as she made her way toward him, was the first part of the ensemble she wore that he saw. His habit of refusing to look alphas in the eye needed to stop. It was unbecoming of an omega. Eyes trailing upward to view the alpha in her entirety, Yeonwoo fought the oncoming wrinkle of his nose as he dissected her outfit. Today seemed to be a dark day for his director.

The hems of the pitch-black denim pants she wore were rolled up a tad higher than usual, just an inch above the ankle. Her coal-colored turtleneck instead of being tucked into her pants as she usually would—the pride of showing off an extravagant belt never one Ha yejin would waste—was left to eerily hang loose. Her already depressing outfit was topped off with a halfway buttoned-up plaid shirt. The various shades of brown and lines of black were not helping.

Ha Yejin dressing in this manner wasn’t unusual. The alpha's preference for a more grunge aesthetic was entertaining. Yeonwoo had learned to appreciate the difference in aesthetics. That wasn’t the issue.

It was the jewelry.

The director, Ha Yejin, was akin to a peacock when it came to jewelry. There hadn’t been a day where Yeonwoo hadn’t seen an assortment of rings and bracelets that donned her hands and wrists. Earrings were her favorite. She had to have had dozens of piercings combined on both ears with how frequently she changed the number and type of earrings she wore daily. How she had managed to pierce certain parts of her ears Yeonwoo hadn’t a clue.

Today she wore one ring on her right hand and a simple pair of mini hoop earrings. The necklace Eunchae gave her that Yeonwoo knew the alpha wore every day and took pride in maintaining was nowhere in sight.

Yeonwoo looked her over. She was going to bother him now that Eunchae kicked her out, wasn’t she?

The methodical clank of her boots came to a halt much earlier than he anticipated and he found Ha Yejin had stopped a shelf away.

Almond eyes scanned him, reminding him of a particularly mischievous cat as they looked over to the cart and stairs, the corners of her lips turning upward in a Cheshire grin. She pulled her hands out of her pockets, pointing at the cart, “You need help?”

Opening his mouth to decline, he quickly shut it upon realizing. He couldn’t exactly do this on his own.

Fighting a blush, he stepped aside, calming his expression, “We really need to get a lift. This has become a bad habit at this point.” How many times had she helped him with this by now? Yeonwoo was positive she was doing this on purpose. It’s not as though they were particularly lacking in funds.

Ha Yejin chuckled, reaching where he stood in no time, her strides toward him were wide but slow, delaying the moment she would have to come close.

Once she’d reached him her scent of cinnamon and nutmeg spiked momentarily, quickly retreating as she motioned for him to take a step back. His nose twitched, signaling the whispers of it wrinkling. He did as told and stepped back closer to the railing on the opposite end of the stairs. A delicate hand on his cheek, Yeonwoo watched as she crouched down, grabbed the base of the cart, and hauled it up, pushing her legs up to stand upright. How lucky.

Cart in arms and proud grin on usually tired features, Ha Yejin took a few steps toward the base of the stairwell and stopped, waiting. He nodded.

Yeonwoo walked up to pass the alpha, his light touch gracing the railing as he took the first steps upward. Ha Yejin quietly followed behind him at a distance without so much as a grunt of discomfort or protest. He would become concerned for her on their way up, worried she would crumble under the weight she was carrying. When Yeonwoo would look down at her from the corner of his eye she would smile up at him, teeth and all. He quickly turned to hide a relieved smile behind the sleeve of his oversized cardigan.

He made quick work of going up the stairs. Though his pace was steady, a small voice urged him to move faster. Ha Yejin didn’t appear to be breaking a sweat, in fact seeming to relish helping him if the blinding smile she wore was of any evidence. Nevertheless, Yeonwoo ascended at a brisk pace. She may have offered to help, but he wanted to be as unintrusive as possible. His steps finally met the second-floor landing.

Turning, Yeonwoo watched for a while. He leaned against the horizontal part of the railing, finger tracing delicate patterns along mahogany lines.

Ha Yejin was slow as she made her way up. The stomping of her boots was heavy against each tread, slow and careful not to bump into him. Completely unaware he had reached the top. How kind. He would have normally let her keep her snail’s pace as he always had, the director needed to do some work after all. However, Yeonwoo would be kind to her today.

He watched a tad longer, preparing himself for when he would have to come into close courtiers with her scent, before speaking up to tell her he had already reached the top.

Not a second after he’d finished informing her, Ha Yejin's pace quickened considerably. Yeonwoo hadn’t even the time to push off the railing, leaning against the wooden prop in slight shock. Ha Yejin set the cart down immediately after stepping first foot onto the landing, crouching down to straighten the book she had undoubtedly tossed on her way up. How insulting. If she could so easily do this task then why insist on Yeonwoo leading the way when it was only a hindrance?

His nose wrinkled in confusion.

Ha Yejin, regrettably, decided that was the moment for her to look up from her inspection of the cart, her face beaming at the expression of discontent he wore. If she had a tail, it would be wagging. The whispers of a smile began to form. Yeonwoo always had a fondness for dogs.

Breathing in the scent of pine and ink he calmed himself, steadying hands he knew were on the verge of shaking. There was nothing to worry about. Conversation with the alpha, at a distance, was very similar to her beta counterpart. Ha Yejin may have carried an unapproachable air around her, with the piercings and dark choice in aesthetic. Her features, which were constantly veering on the edge of anger or apathetic indifference weren’t helping, but the alpha was virtually harmless. Unlike Hong Eunchae who preferred to stay cooped up in the break room corner with a book in hand, Ha Yejin was quite social. Yeonwoo thanked her for that.

If anyone had anything to worry about it would be Eunchae, not Yeonwoo.

Ha Yejin pushed up from where she crouched, and Yeonwoo privately lamented no longer looking down at the alpha now that she stood up to stand just a few inches taller than him. Curse his height. She smiled at him, a cheeky thing, feet firmly rooted in place as if she didn’t have a pile of work to attend to. Yeonwoo looked back at her brow raised. She simply smiled. Teeth and all.

He sighed; sorting today's books it seems would take twice as long.

Though hesitant Yeonwoo took a step forward, aware of how Ha Yejin stood rigid, her scent of cinnamon and nutmeg waning. Good. Honey eyes observed her, steps slowly and deliberately while ambling towards the cart, and subsequently her. He may have been safe but it never hurt to be careful. Ha Yejin smiled, the perfect picture of ‘I’m not a threat’ but her breathing shallowed, open palms at her side visibly tense. He squinted at that wondering what could she possibly have been nervous about but didn’t think about it too long.

Her strong cinnamon and rich nutmeg scent came out in faint whiffs. He willed his fear down, hiding it behind a neutral expression. Sadly, suppressants only did so much.

Yeonwoo took hold of the handle once he reached the cart, slowly running delicate hands along its length to calm himself. He kept his gaze on the forest green of the handle. Never had he been more grateful to be wearing scent patches, regardless of the opinions of a few opposing parties. Ha Yejin stood at his left, rigid. Yeonwoo could feel the joy emanating from her now, eyes sparkling and previously faint wafts of cinnamon now poorly restrained, leaking out in blasts only to be forcibly restrained.

The wrinkling of his nose at the scent couldn’t be helped no matter how much he tried. It unnerved him. Ha Yejin’s scent was by all means pleasant. It reminded him of carefree baking sessions, and when paired with peppermint and a slightly grassy undertone, it brought forth the distant memories of cold nights huddled in soft blankets with two warm bodies there to keep him warm. Of gingerbread and calming tea, huddled around a dancing fire to ease his worries. The undeniable aspect of her scent that screamed alpha ruined that.

Nose twitching in discontent, Yeonwoo looked up to meet chestnut eyes and she blinked back. Her eyes scanned his face and moments later, realization dawned on her and the pleasant but uncomfortably overpowering scent waned considerably.

“Sorry, sorry, I forgot.” She apologized, scratching the back of her head.

Shaky hands calmed significantly, Yeonwoo let out a small sigh of relief, “It’s OK.” He looked her up and down, “Don’t you have work to do, director?” Yeonwoo asked, fully aware of her response.

“Bah, well, what’s a few more minutes of holding it off? Nothing serious.”

“Eunchae’s not going to like it.”

“You won’t tell her, right?” She leaned sideways to meet his gaze, “You’ll cover for me, right? Come on, Yeonwoo, you're on my side, right?”

Yeonwoo peered at her, feet kicking the brake of the cart and pushing along, “She’s going to find out eventually, director. So don’t complain when you’re both arguing again.”

“Oh, come on, Yeonwoo, don’t be like that. I know you like our walks! Come ooooon, cover for me this once, please. Besides, haven’t I told you? You can call me Yejin. Come on, say it, call me Yejin.”

He would do no such thing. Yeonwoo didn’t respond, instead choosing to push the cart along.

Ha Yejin and Yeonwoo had done this dance many times by now, so that was that. She now trailed behind him, three steps away, and teased him while he remained steadfast in ignoring her. They both knew his silence was an open invitation, and they both knew she would accept every time.

These walks of theirs were the only time Yeonwoo and Ha Yejin talked. Ha Yejin was a good alpha. She was what most alphas were in the presence of omegas. Kind, accommodating, and respectful, her added unwavering obedience to him helped. So, he was safe. However, his crippling fear of alpha scents was an insufferable hindrance. No amount of calm expressions and suppressed scents could fool her. Ha Yejin was kind. She was accommodating. She was helpful.

She picked up on his discomfort on day one of working for her.

The alpha may have been lazy and bordering on neglectful when it came to her duties but her treatment of Yeonwoo was anything but. She had adapted.

Ha Yejin had found Yeonwoo huddled in the corner of the break room. Body curled in on himself, desperately seeking some form of comfort from within. Some alpha’s scent had been coiling around him all day. It was normal. There were no ill intentions behind it, a simple form of greeting. Still, Yeonwoo hated it. By the thirty-minute mark, he had to get away. The scent of excited alpha swarming around him overwhelmed him into a panicked and terrified frenzy, resulting in him being distraught. Truly unbecoming of an omega.

The alpha meant no harm, but his omega didn’t know that.

It had learned to associate alpha scents with danger instead of the normal safety and comfort which was the basis of being an omega. It had learned to associate alphas with overwhelming control instead of the natural counterparts they were. The director trying to calm him with her very alpha scent didn’t help. The softening of cinnamon into something milder made things worse. His omega had jumped to the worst-case scenario, and he had run.

Ha Yejin had seen him at such a low point. Tears streamed down his pale cheeks as he buried his head in his knees trying to calm down. She’d left him after that. Only for seconds later to have Eunchae come barging through the door, clear worry all over her features. She closed it behind her, and calming waves of peppermint and sage surrounded them, sending him to sleep.

Ha Yejin had been mindful of her distance since then. She never got too close, suppressing her scent as best she could when interacting with him and maintaining a cordial work relationship.

Honey eyes caught a brief glimpse of a delighted expression as he turned the corner into the first aisle before she flinched upon notice and schooled her expression to something more neutral. The corners of his lips upturn into a small smile at the sight. How cute. It was hard to remember that Ha Yejin was still quite a young alpha. That she still needed guidance.

Yeonwoo worked at a comforting pace, sorting through books and sometimes rearranging ones that had been misplaced along the way. The alpha’s scent had waned to near undetectable levels, allowing him to let his guard down. Ha Yejin would follow him in content silence as he worked. Quiet, though not uncomfortably so as was the norm for them now.

If you had told Yeonwoo he would grow comfortable enough around an alpha that wasn’t Junhyuk a few months ago, his nose would have wrinkled in distaste at the terrible excuse of a joke. Now here he stood, calm and not a nervous tick in sight as he maneuvered the library, a young alpha but still an alpha following behind.

It had been spontaneous. Yeonwoo, similar to moments prior, was staring down the stairwell, dreading the idea of having to carry his cart up the intimidating flight of stairs. His lamenting was cut short by a surprised Ha Yejin who asked what he was doing. Many stuttering responses later Ha Yejin was following him up the steps, cart in arms and eager to help. Yeonwoo appreciated the gesture, though still not used to the courtesy alphas would offer him at the drop of a hat. His confusion peeked when Ha Yejin didn’t leave. She stood there, hands at her side and slight expectation showing through her slightly eager expression.

He had attempted the move on; but, the disappointment laced in her scent made him pause, curious. Under any other circumstances, he would have kept along his way. After her adequate response to his discomfort, however, Yeonwoo was trying to make a more conscious effort to be more than cordial with the alpha. Though he never expected he would succeed.

At his pause, Ha Yejin informed him through a sullen expression that Eunchae and her had gotten into another ‘disagreement’, again. Brushing past the alpha’s tendency to never address when the two were clearly fighting, Yeonwoo did something he wouldn’t normally do. He offered to let her walk with him. Provided she didn’t disturb his work, of course.

One walk turned into two, then three, and now it was an unspoken ritual between the two.

Eyes scanning the call numbers, Yeonwoo’s gaze traveled up, a pinched expression contorting delicate features as he looked up at the top high shelf. He should have brought his stool. A suppressed chuckle broke him out of his staring contest with the poor shelf. Ha Yejin hid an amused smile behind a ringed hand.

Cheeks flushing a faint hue of pink, Yeonwoo made his way towards her, and her laughter died down, extra focus being put into suppressing her scent the closer he got. He reached her in a few steps and held the book out for her to take.

With an obedient nod, still suppressing giggles, Ha Yejin took the book from him, going over to where he’d just been to angle the book into its rightful place with his careful instruction as he stood by the cart. Just because she was on break wouldn’t mean Yeonwoo wouldn’t make her work.

This is how the remainder of their ‘walk’ went. Yeonwoo sorted through the books and Ha Yejin stepped in to help with the shelves he couldn’t reach. A light conversation about whichever book that lay in his hands sparking here and there. It helped that they had similar tastes. Towards the end, she had taken it upon herself to reshelve the books regardless of where they were to be placed.

Letting out a loud sigh now that they had finished, Ha Yejin groaned, “I don’t know how you do it Yeonwoo. I’m so tired how are you still standing after all that?”

“Who said I’m not tired?” He yawned, arms stretching overhead to release some tension, “I’m just used to this that’s all.”

Yeonwoo was equally as tired, he simply hid it better. At this moment he longed to nestle up in his comfortable chair and allow himself a bit of respite. Sadly, his desk was likely swarming with patrons in need and others with eager questions.

As though reading his mind she spoke up after a while, “I should have gotten myself one of those chairs they look so comfortable. You think Eunchae will let me use hers?”

“Well,” Tilting his head Yeonwoo thought, “She’s more attached to the thing than she would like to admit, but if it’s you I’m pretty sure she’d let you .”

Ha Yejin laughed all hearty and puppy-like and Yeonwoo turned to see what the fuss was about, “Yeonwoo, I was being rhetorical. I didn’t think you would take it so seriously.”

He puffed out a huff of embarrassment.

“Isn’t Eunchae mad at you again? What did you do this time?”

Ha Yejin gasped behind him, “How could you assume I was the one in the wrong?”

“Last time it was Eunchae. This time I'm betting on you.”

“You bet on us?”

He deflected, “I’ll take it that means you were the one in the wrong this time?”

“Hey,” He heard her steps behind him turn from three to two, “It’s not my fault she has horrible taste in literature.”

Another book debate. He would have to add a dollar to the debate jar when he got back.

“I mean we were buddy reading this book that seemed really cute, right?” Yeonwoo nodded, “And then out of nowhere when things look like they're about to turn up I get hit with the most vile, disgusting, and depressing conclusion known to man. Like WHAT!”

Stepping to the side for her to take the cart down the stairs Yeonwoo asked, amused, “Was it Shakespeare this time?”

“No, this time,” she paused, walking towards the cart to pick it up, “I wanted to read something a little more lighthearted. We’ve read like 5 five trauma-filled stories back-to-back and I needed a break.”

Yeonwoo let her take the lead this time down the stairs, “Normally you would have held out for longer. Why the sudden change?” Ha Yejin had a horrible tendency to spoil Eunchae. Eunchae always asked for a new book or something to ‘make the library more hospitable’ and at first the alpha would deny, as was typical with her. They all knew it was for show. Ha Yejin couldn’t genuinely say no to the beta to save her life. How sad she couldn’t just out with it already.

“I wanted to set the mood.”

Yeonwoo paused, Ha Yejin had reached the bottom of the stairwell. He stood on one of the last few steps, slight shock showing as evident by subtly raised brows, "You're finally doing it?”

“What’d you mean finally?” Ha Yejin’s brows knit together as Yeonwoo passed her to make his way to the cart.

Yeonwoo hummed, “You’ve been so obvious I thought you would never just up and confess.”

Pushing the cart along, he wrecked his brain for directions on where he’d come from. Truly a horrible time for his otherwise impeccable memory to fail him.

“Well, I've been planning something big you see,” Ha Yejin fiddled with the jewel on the ring she wore as she walked forward to lead the way, “At least I was planning something and now, I'm not sure.”

Yeonwoo had been waiting for more information on what exactly prompted this particular fight. This one seemed more serious than either of them would let on. The way Eunchae looked at her phone just a few days ago told him as much. He simply didn’t want to pry into whatever was going on between them, but they were both his friends at the end of the day and his coworkers. It had been a passing glance on Yeonwoo’s part, but he had seen many instances the past week where Eunchae would go out of her way to avoid Ha Yejin. Whether it be hiding in the break room, purposefully roaming the library for longer periods, or ‘helping’ more people than she normally did long after her social battery had run out.

“What have you been planning?” Yeonwoo asked cautiously as he followed behind.

Ha Yejin turned to walk backward facing him. His brow raised an unspoken question of whether what she was doing was safe, but she waved him off, “I’ve been planning to court and ask her to be my partner.”

The cart came to a screeching halt and Yeonwoo’s hands let go of their grip on the cart handle to come up and cover lips parted in shock. He looked to the side at the rows of shelves that surrounded them, perhaps thinking he’d heard her wrong. The calm expression Ha Yejin wore told him differently. He hadn't heard her wrong.

It had confused him at first. Yeonwoo didn’t understand what was going on between them. Ha Yejin was overtly more affectionate with the beta than usual. Any and all gifts given to her by the alpha Eunchae would be displayed for everyone to see and Yeonwoo was often caught in the crossfires of her gushing rants about the present. He had simply thought they were crushing on each other and didn’t notice the other’s obvious affection.

Yeonwoo had been victim to long conversations from both of them asking him for advice on what they should do. Long phone calls long after he’d clocked off work that led into the middle of the night from Ha Yejin on what to gift Eunchae next. Eunchae often came to his place with Yeseul resulting in hangouts that were excuses to gossip. He figured Eunchae had talked all her friend’s ears off for her to come to him.

Yeonwoo may have been an omega, but he had zero experience in courting. He may have read the romance novels Eunchae would recommend but he’d never cared to analyze any of the contents. Therefore, he was utterly clueless to the fact that they were openly courting right in front of him.

They had even smelled of each other at some point.

It wasn’t the normal custom of scenting friends either. Betas scents were half that of alphas and omegas, for a beta’s scent to truly linger on someone they had to have been scenting the person for hours. Which is why they loved cuddling so much. Alphas and omegas could scent others with the simple graze of the wrist and not realize it. With betas, it was intentional.

Yeonwoo felt like an absolute idiot, face red and mouth hanging open. His friends were courting right in front of him, and he hadn’t the slightest clue. Eunchae was rubbing off on him, wasn’t she?

Ha Yejin’s expression changed from serious to playful, “What? Yeonwoo had no idea?” His cheek warmed and that was more than enough to answer her question, “Seriously? What did you think all those times I asked for advice were?

“I thought it was just a schoolgirl crush or something!”

“Really!? Oh, Yeonwoo, that’s cute! I mean, you're usually so sharp, and you’re telling me you didn’t clock that I was actively courting her this entire time?” The increasingly childish tone of her voice only worsened his embarrassment.

“I mean, I come to you for practically everything, and you always know the answer.” Ha Yejin stood to lean on the opposite side of the cart, a cheeky grin spreading across her face, “Are you telling me my favorite librarian's weakness is romance?”

The laugh she boasted when he turned to face away from her, ears red and hands shaky was loud enough to reverberate through the library. Sounds of mocking laughter sounded around him and his face turned a crimson shade of embarrassment. It wasn’t his fault he was severely inexperienced in this field. No amount of romance novels could help prepare him for such a reveal. Even more so if he never cared to absorb and dissect their contents, to begin with.

Ha Yejin pushed at the cart, causing him to shift around and face her, cheeks still red, a fierce glare directed at her, “You would think one of us with the most people gunning after them would get the signs of courting but I had no clue you where this dense? You’re worse than Eunchae.”

Yeonwoo flushed a deeper shade, attempting to push the cart along but Ha Yejin wouldn’t move, “Are we done making fun of me now? Last time I checked you’re the one who's been trying and failing to get Eunchae to notice them and who’s the one failing?”

Ha Yejin whistled at that, hands raised and palms facing him in a show of mock surrender as she chuckled, “You got me there.”

Yeonwoo pushed the cart once more, refusing to look at her and she spun out of his way to now walk at his side, still an appropriate distance away, “How... How long have you been trying to court her?” He asked after a long pause, peeking at her from the corner of his eye and Ha Yejin pointed which direction to go.

“I’ve been at it for a month now,” She responded as though she had the seconds that came after that memorized.

“How,” He peaked at her from the corner of his eye to look away when she smiled teeth and all at him, “How has it been so far?” Though Yeonwoo may have been inexperienced, he was still curious.

Ha Yejin paused to look at him before turning away. He thought the shaking of her shoulders was an indicator of her bursting into another fit of laughter but upon closer inspection, Yeonwoo realized she was... breathing? Something about it seemed erratic. Yeonwoo was about to push down his nerves and tap her shoulder in concern when Ha Yejin straightened herself out and continued to walk with him as though nothing had been amiss.

Clearing her throat with a suspicious smile on her face she answered as the opening to the front area of the library was up ahead, “Well I thought that I was doing a pretty good job of courting ya know. I gave all the gifts, and we got super close bonding over books. Though that's somewhat debatable,” She chuckled, “We even scented at some point and I was sure she understood I was courting her. But well, just today I found out that she thought I was just being nice?”

Yeonwoo winced, wanting to give his condolences.

“Whatever, I can fix that later. What I'm more curious about now is you! Yeonwoo, are you telling me you’ve never been courted before?”

Yeonwoo wanted to get back to the topic at hand, but he had no place to intrude when she obviously didn’t want to talk about it. He had no right.

They entered the front desk area of the library and the previous loud bustle quickly turned quite as they made their way in, “I’ve never been courted before.” He stated matter of fact, much to Ha Yejin’s dismay.

“Not even a courting gift?”

“No.”

“Or even clothes.”

“Never.”

“Something as simple as jewelry? Accessories???”

Yeonwoo shook his head.

As his eyes scanned the people that were now more scattered about than usual, his eyes met a pair of pale blue ones and an adorable smile directed his way. Yeonwoo returned the gesture with a smile of his own and a wave before turning to Ha Yejin.

If he had looked a second longer he would have seen the way the teen practically clutched onto his companion for dear life as he shouted within the maximum amount of volume allowed in the library. Ha Yejin saw it, though.

“Yeonwoo,” she said, grabbing his attention as he was now waving at other patrons on his way to his desk, “You’re joking... right?”

His head tilted to look at her, “Why do you ask that?”

“There’s no way you’re serious right now.” She ran her hand across her face, and it only served to worsen his confusion, “How do you see that and not understand your being courted?” Ha Yejin pointed to a row of boxes placed at the farther end of his desk.

Eunchae had suggested that they have a little contest of sorts after Ha Yejin had made a joking comment about her being lazy. The regular library goers had the opportunity two times a week to send letters of appreciation to a librarian they thought was doing a good job.

When the first week of the game finished, the moment Eunchae found that she had more letters than Ha Yejin she was ecstatic. Rubbing it in the alpha’s face with every chance she got. Then one look at Yeonwoo’s box was all it took to stun them both into silence. There were more letters in his than both of theirs combined. Yeonwoo’s box ended up filled to the brim with not only letters but also trinkets.

Yeonwoo looked at Ha Yejin puzzled, “Those aren’t courting gifts,” He pulled out the keys to the gate after setting the cart to the side and walking into the secluded area, now significantly calmer, “Those are just the patron’s show of appreciation? They just think I’m a hard worker. Why would you think they are courting gifts?”

She couldn’t possibly think that just because he was the only omega. Something like that wouldn’t be enough to have people court him now. He needed to be likable for that to be the case and being attentive to the patrons was a given. It was his job.

“Yeonwoo,” Ha Yejin called.

As he settled into his chair, he looked up to find Ha Yejin putting in the password for the computer for him. How kind.

Yeonwoo hummed as he sank into the chair.

“You,” She paused for dramatic effect and Yeonwoo sunk further into his chair, lashes fluttering close, “I say this with love and care, but you are infinitely worse than Eunchae, I should count myself lucky. You're too dense for your own good, and I pity any future partner you may have in the future.”

With that Ha Yejin all but stomped out, making sure to secure the gate behind her, leaving an utterly confused and somewhat concerned Yeonwoo to grapple with the statement.

What on earth is she talking about?

->->->Part 2<-<-<-

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