Alpha Trauma

Dohyeon blinked as if it wasn’t a big deal.

“If we’ve eaten together, I’d know that much.”

“……”

The memory of eating hamburg steak together resurfaced. He must have recalled Wooyeon fiddling with the flower-shaped carrot garnish. “No, that’s not what I meant.” With that, Wooyeon placed a glass bottle in front of Dohyeon.

“This, what you’re selling,”

For a moment, Dohyeon’s expression changed. Wooyeon sensed something bad was coming and quickly cut himself off.

“Yes.”

“…What?”

Dohyeon asked, clearly baffled. Right on cue, the refrigerator, which had been left open for too long, started beeping. Wooyeon swiftly closed the door and turned his back to it.

“It is for sale, but… there’s nothing written on it. How did you know what flavor it was?”

“The drink?”

He nodded. Dohyeon glanced at the glass bottle in Wooyeon’s hand and replied lightly.

“I’ve had it before.”

A cold sweat ran down Wooyeon’s back. The moment Dohyeon said that, memories started flooding back. It was obvious where he must have had the drink—during tutoring sessions, when they were served one glass at a time.

“It must be… the same brand.”

Wooyeon replied calmly, reopening the fridge. Lined up inside were more bottles just like the one he was holding. He pulled out ones labeled strawberry, kiwi, and grape, and Dohyeon took them from him.

“Looks like it. They say it’s homemade, but I guess they sell it now.”

Dohyeon took two bottles in each hand—what Wooyeon had struggled to hold in both of his— and placed them on the kitchen island, adding in a casual tone, “These are all over the place these days.”

“That was close.”

But in Wooyeon’s memory, Dohyeon had always been served drinks in cups during tutoring. It was the first time he would have seen them in glass bottles like this, so it was surprising he recognized them instantly. He either had a keen eye or mistook it for something similar (likely the former).

“And with drinks like these, you can tell just by looking at the color.”

He didn’t seem suspicious at all. Finally relieved, Wooyeon resumed rummaging through the cabinets. Dohyeon stood by the kitchen island, casually watching him.

“What are you looking for?”

“Glasses. It’d be a bit much to give it straight from the bottle.”

“Why not? They’d probably drink it just fine.”

“Still, they’re guests.”

“Guests…”

Uninvited, more like. Wooyeon heard Dohyeon mumble. He didn’t bother replying and instead opened the upper cabinet. The glasses were neatly arranged, just out of easy reach.

Wooyeon glanced back at Dohyeon. He had felt this before when Dohyeon wore a coat, but now that he was dressed more lightly, his straight posture was even more noticeable. Dohyeon looked at Wooyeon with clear eyes, tilting his head slightly.

“Want me to get it?”

To be honest, Wooyeon had looked back intending to ask. It was too embarrassing to show himself struggling on tiptoes. But the moment he saw Dohyeon’s face, all his thoughts evaporated.

“I’ll get it.”

Why was he so good-looking, even when just standing there? Maybe it was because he was wearing a soft cardigan, but Wooyeon felt like he could almost smell a nice fragrance from being near him—Dohyeon’s usual fabric softener scent tickling his nose.

Wooyeon shook his head a few times and stretched his arm toward the cabinet. The height was awkward, and his fingertips barely brushed the bottom of the glass. “If only I were three centimeters taller.” That thought had barely crossed his mind when the frontmost glass suddenly tipped over.

“…!”

Startled, Wooyeon instinctively stepped back. The glass was falling directly toward his face. His hand missed it, and he shut his eyes tight, startled.

He was sure the sound of shattering glass would follow. From this height, there was no way the glass would survive. His eyelids trembled, and a chill ran down his spine. Wooyeon took a deep breath, bracing himself for the inevitable crash.

“……”

But after a while, there was no sound. Nothing hit his face, and no shards of glass scattered violently. Curious, Wooyeon slowly opened his eyes just a sliver.

“Every time I see you…”

A familiar voice began softly, so close he could feel a hint of pheromones in the air. Beyond his now clear vision, he saw someone holding the glass.

“You make it hard to look away.”

Dohyeon had reached around from behind, catching the glass. He seemed a little startled too, as faint traces of his pheromones lingered. With a gentle sigh, he lowered his head to meet Wooyeon’s wide-eyed gaze.

“Are you okay?”

Wooyeon’s eyes widened further as his chest rose and fell. Dohyeon’s dry alpha pheromones ignited a fire in his gut. If he didn’t hold his breath, he felt like his own pheromones would come pouring out uncontrollably.

“I’m fine…”

Not at all. His heart was racing, and his head throbbed. A tingling sensation spread from his throat all the way down to his abdomen.

“I’m fine…”

He somehow managed to reply, though his voice cracked pathetically. His throat wasn’t dry, but every time he opened his mouth, it felt parched. Wooyeon took shallow breaths, blinking with a face flushed red.

“Be careful.”

Dohyeon quickly widened the distance between them. He placed the glass on the counter, then pulled three more from the cabinet with ease, a task Wooyeon had struggled with.

“…Thank you.”

Even though Wooyeon tried to hold back his pheromones, he couldn’t stop them from slowly creeping out. His face felt like it was on fire, and he thought he might be in real danger if he stayed there any longer. Hastily covering his ears, he turned away from Dohyeon.

“I, uh, I really need to… use the bathroom.”

Dohyeon didn’t have time to respond. Wooyeon quickly passed him, darting into the bedroom before anyone could stop him. There was a bathroom in the living room too, but he didn’t have the courage to pass by Garam and Seonkyu.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Wooyeon slid to the floor. He pulled his knees up and buried his face, hearing the loud thumping of his heart. It pounded like a drum, reverberating through his whole body.

“Ugh…”

He hadn’t felt this way in a long time. Back when Dohyeon was his tutor, Wooyeon used to get excited over even the smallest things. A glance or even just their fingers brushing had him in a flutter. He had always been so embarrassed just to see Dohyeon’s face that he wished he didn’t like him at all.

Dohyeon blinked as if it was no big deal.

“If we’ve eaten together, that much should be obvious.”

“…”

The memory of eating hamburg steak together came to mind. He must have remembered Wooyeon poking at the carrot garnish shaped like a flower. “No, that’s not it.” With those words, Wooyeon pushed a glass bottle towards Dohyeon.

“This is what you’re selling.”

In an instant, his expression changed. Sensing an uneasy feeling, Wooyeon quickly added the rest of his sentence.

“…Yes.”

“What?”

Dohyeon asked, bewildered. At that moment, the refrigerator, which had been open too long, began to beep. Wooyeon hurriedly closed the door and turned his back to it.

“I mean, I am selling it, but there’s nothing written on it. How did you know what flavor it is?”

“Drink?”

He nodded. Dohyeon, still looking at the glass bottle in Wooyeon’s hand, casually replied.

“I’ve had it before.”

A cold sweat ran down Wooyeon’s spine. As soon as he heard those words, memories started flooding back. Since he used to serve drinks during tutoring sessions, it was obvious where Dohyeon might have had this drink before.

“…Must be the same product then.”

Wooyeon replied calmly and opened the fridge again. Several glass bottles, just like the one in his hand, were lined up inside. As he took out bottles of strawberry, kiwi, and grape, Dohyeon took them from him.

“Seems like it. They said it’s homemade, so I guess they’re making and selling it.”

While Wooyeon was barely managing to hold them with both hands, Dohyeon easily carried two in one hand. He placed the bottles on the kitchen island and added in a light tone.

“There’s a lot of this kind of thing these days.”

“That was close.”

But according to Wooyeon’s memory, when Dohyeon drank during tutoring sessions, the drinks were served in cups. He shouldn’t have seen the ones in glass bottles like this before, yet he had immediately recognized it as the same kind. It was amazing, either he had a keen eye or he mistook it for something similar (likely the former).

“And usually, you can tell just by looking at the color.”

His face showed no sign of doubt. Only then did Wooyeon relax completely and began opening cupboards. Dohyeon stood with his back to the table, waiting for him.

“What are you looking for?”

“Cups. It’d be weird to serve it straight from the bottle.”

“What does it matter? They’d drink it fine straight from the bottle.”

“Still, they’re guests.”

“Guests…”

Uninvited ones, he mumbled under his breath. Wooyeon didn’t bother responding and opened the upper cupboard. Glasses were neatly arranged in a spot just out of his reach.

Wooyeon paused and glanced at Dohyeon. He had noticed it when Dohyeon was wearing a coat, but now that his clothes were lighter, his upright posture was even more noticeable. Dohyeon looked at him with clear eyes and tilted his head slightly.

“Should I get it for you?”

Actually, Wooyeon had looked at him because he was about to ask for help. He didn’t want to be seen awkwardly stretching on his tiptoes. But as soon as he saw Dohyeon’s face, all those thoughts vanished.

“I can get it myself.”

Why was he so handsome, even just standing there? Maybe it was the soft cardigan he was wearing, but Wooyeon felt like he could smell something nice if he got close. The familiar scent of Dohyeon’s fabric softener seemed to tickle his nose.

Wooyeon shook his head a couple of times and stretched his hand up towards the cupboard. The height was still awkward, and his fingers barely brushed the bottom of the glass.

“If only I were three centimeters taller.”

As soon as that thought crossed his mind, the glass at the front tipped over.

“…!”

Startled, Wooyeon stepped back. The glass was falling directly towards his face. His hand, which had tried to catch it, missed, and with a frightened expression, he tightly closed his eyes.

He was sure he’d hear the sound of glass shattering. A glass like that wouldn’t survive a fall from such a height. His eyelids trembled, and his neck felt a sudden chill. Holding his breath, Wooyeon braced himself for the inevitable crash.

“…”

But after a long moment, there was no sound at all. Nothing hit his face, and no shards of glass scattered everywhere. Just as Wooyeon was cautiously opening his eyes to figure out what was happening—

“Every time I look at you…”

A familiar voice spoke softly. He felt a faint trace of pheromones, very close by. In his brightened field of vision, someone was holding the glass.

“I just can’t look away.”

Dohyeon had stretched his arm around Wooyeon, as if shielding him. He, too, seemed startled, as a faint trace of pheromones lingered in the air. With a soft sigh, he lowered his head and met Wooyeon’s wide-eyed gaze.

“Are you okay?”

Wooyeon’s eyes widened as his chest swelled with breath. The dry alpha pheromones ignited something within him. If he didn’t hold his breath, it felt like his own pheromones would spill out uncontrollably.

“I’m…”

Not okay at all. His heart was racing, and his head throbbed. A warm, strange sensation spread from his throat to the pit of his stomach.

“I’m fine…”

He managed to respond, but even that came out weak and broken. His throat wasn’t dry, yet every time he opened his mouth, it felt parched. Wooyeon blinked rapidly, his face flushed red as he struggled to breathe evenly.

“Be careful.”

Dohyeon quickly moved away from him. He placed the glass on the table and pulled out three more from the cupboard. Unlike Wooyeon, who had struggled with his hands and feet, Dohyeon moved effortlessly.

“…Thanks.”

No matter how much Wooyeon tried to hold back his pheromones, he couldn’t stop them from seeping out. His face felt like it was on fire, and he knew staying there any longer would be dangerous. Hastily covering his ears, Wooyeon turned away from Dohyeon.

“I, um… I need to use the bathroom…”

He didn’t give Dohyeon a chance to respond. Wooyeon quickly ran past him and dashed towards the bedroom. There was a bathroom in the living room, but he didn’t want to pass by Garam and Seonkyu.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Wooyeon slid down to the floor. Kneeling, he buried his face in his hands, listening to his thundering heartbeat. Boom, boom, like drums pounding, the sound reverberated through his entire body.

“Ugh…”

It had been a long time since he’d felt like this. Back when Dohyeon was his tutor, Wooyeon had been excited by even the smallest things. When their eyes met, when their hands brushed, Wooyeon had always felt shy and flustered. He had wished then that he didn’t like Dohyeon, but… it seemed he was falling into the same pattern again.

With a hand on his chest, Wooyeon took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He kept repeating to himself that this was wrong, but once his heart had been opened, it was already too late.

“…I’m screwed.”

His emotions leaked out, filling the room with his pheromones. No matter how he looked at it, this time was truly dangerous.

“Oppa!”

“Hyung! I missed you!”

It was the first time Wooyeon had ever seen someone look so good in a trench coat. It was as if he had stepped straight out of a famous designer catalog. His tall height and straight build made the clothing’s best features stand out effortlessly.

“You’re so obvious, both of you.”

Dohyeon smiled gently as he closed the door to the club room. Even his long strides were so striking that they left Wooyeon speechless. This wasn’t what he had been aiming for when he tried to forget Dohyeon. Wooyeon forced himself to look away and took a big bite out of his hamburger.

“It’s only when he buys food…”

As expected, the hamburger soaked in sauce was not to Wooyeon’s taste. The bun was soggy, the lettuce wilted, and even the shrimp patty was flavorless. He forced down what was already in his mouth, but he couldn’t bring himself to take another bite.

Because of this, Wooyeon didn’t realize that Dohyeon had stopped talking and just kept glaring at the hamburger. The one he ate with Daniel wasn’t this bad. Was it the brand, or maybe because it had gone cold? Either way, it was harsh.

“Oppa, what’s wrong?”

At that, Wooyeon looked up unintentionally. For a brief moment, his eyes met Dohyeon’s, but Dohyeon quickly looked away, turning his attention to someone else. With his usual gentle expression, he shook his head.

“It’s nothing.”

A surge of something rose in Wooyeon’s chest. Dohyeon hadn’t even said it had been a while, hadn’t asked him how he was doing, nothing. All he did was circle around the sofa and sit as far away from Wooyeon as possible.

“Hey, class is over already? I should’ve taken that professor’s class too. He always lets out after just an hour.”

“Isn’t that professor just slacking off?”

“Maybe.”

For some reason, Wooyeon felt suffocated. His stomach churned, and he felt a little constricted. He had no appetite left, but he kept his head down and continued eating the hamburger. It was still tasteless, so he chewed a few times before swallowing.

“What’s the point of ending early? We’ll just have to make it up later anyway.”

“Ugh, that’s so annoying. Glad I didn’t take it.”

He could feel the hamburger piling up in his stomach. His throat felt narrow, and it seemed like he couldn’t swallow properly. One bite, and then another. After finishing what was in his hand, Wooyeon suddenly stood up.

“Sorry, but I have to go now.”

The wrapper crumpled in his hand. Garam looked at him in surprise as Wooyeon dropped the trash. He had eaten it all in no time, despite moving so sluggishly at first.

“You’re leaving already?”

“I have something to take care of for a group project.”

It was a half-lie, but the words came out casually. Just as he was about to turn around, Wooyeon awkwardly frowned.

“Uh, the study room…”

“I reserved it.”

A gentle voice interrupted Wooyeon. When he glanced at him, Dohyeon didn’t return his gaze this time either.

“There’s an open spot at a café near the school. Come to the main gate after your class.”

“…”

Wooyeon lowered his eyes and intertwined his fingers. A strange tightness kept blocking his throat. He bowed his head slowly, then walked toward the exit.

“I’ll see you later.”

He heard the other club members saying their goodbyes from behind him. Things like “See you next time,” “Take care,” or “Grab another burger on your way out.” He didn’t look back, but he knew Dohyeon’s voice wasn’t among them.

* * *

Oddly enough, what Wooyeon felt was disappointment. Disappointment that Dohyeon acted like he didn’t know him, disappointment that he hadn’t even looked at him, and disappointment that it had been the same last Friday as well.

In truth, there was no reason to feel disappointed. After all, Wooyeon had been the one to act like he didn’t know Dohyeon first. Strictly speaking, the one who should feel upset wasn’t Wooyeon, but Dohyeon.

“And now, we’ll gather in the same groups as last time to discuss what leadership means…”

“It’s a real case of blaming the victim.”

He had been the one who didn’t want to develop feelings, but now he was sulking because the other person distanced himself. And it wasn’t like Dohyeon had really even avoided him. He just talked to him less and made less eye contact—completely understandable considering what Wooyeon had done first.

“I’ll give you 30 minutes.”

As soon as the professor finished speaking, the students stood up to find their group members. Wooyeon sighed weakly as he watched them. To make matters worse, he saw Kang Junseong approaching.

“Man, it’s such a pain. Why do they make us do presentations?”

Junseong sat naturally next to Wooyeon, and the other three group members gathered around as well. Wooyeon felt a faint alpha pheromone and shifted away from Junseong.

“What should we do for our topic?”

During their last meeting, Junseong had volunteered to be the group leader. No one else had wanted the role, and he had shown unexpected enthusiasm. Wooyeon, disheartened by being in the same group as him, didn’t interfere with the group’s work.

“If we give the presentation in a foreign language, do we get extra points?”

Junseong looked at Wooyeon as he said this. Wooyeon glanced at him, and Junseong awkwardly scratched the back of his head. Wooyeon moved his chair aside and addressed the other group members.

“I’ll give the presentation. Another sunbae told me that professor gives good grades even if you don’t do well as long as it’s in a foreign language.”

“Oh, you will? In that case, Wooyeon will present…”

He must have had indigestion. The way his stomach turned at hearing “Wooyeon” made him feel like he was going to throw up. It would’ve been nice if the other three group members had been more active, but they just kept quiet and followed Junseong’s lead.

“Let’s start by drafting an outline. Wooyeon, can I borrow your pen?”

Before Wooyeon could respond, Junseong reached for his pen. The way he leaned in made Wooyeon flinch and pull back. Junseong hadn’t been this friendly before, but he kept closing the distance, acting as if they were close.

“We can just run the script through a translator…”

“No need to use a translator.”

Wooyeon answered dryly as he pressed his hand to his chest. His stomach was twisting painfully, probably from the stress. Junseong stared at him with wide eyes, trying to assess the situation.

“Why? Does your stomach hurt?”

For a moment, he was at a loss for words because his gaze at Wooyeon was filled with concern. Wooyeon unknowingly responded in a bewildered voice.

“Are you worried about me right now?”

Junseong blinked. His blank stare at Wooyeon made him look completely foolish. Soon, he furrowed his brow with an embarrassed expression.

“No… he just looked like he was in pain.”

In the past, he would’ve immediately spewed out insults. He might have laughed at Wooyeon, saying that he was in pain because he ate so much. He would never have asked in such an embarrassed tone, “Is it wrong to worry?”

“…Just finish drafting the outline.”

Wooyeon pressed his chest and swallowed dryly. His stomach felt like it was being pricked with needles. Junseong seemed annoyed, but without saying anything further, he changed the subject.

They were supposed to give a presentation about the qualities a leader should have. However, between the team members who were silent like clams and Junseong complaining, “It’s not like you’re mute…,” Wooyeon instinctively realized that this group project was doomed. It was a miracle they had even managed to draft an outline.

“Hey, by the way.”

As Wooyeon organized the presentation content, Junseong casually spoke up. Wooyeon didn’t respond, but Junseong continued anyway.

“Is the name Seon Wooyeon common?”

Click, the tip of Wooyeon’s mechanical pencil broke. Pretending nothing happened, Wooyeon pressed down the eraser and continued translating “the definition of leadership” into English. Junseong, resting his chin on his hand, was watching Wooyeon’s profile.

“I know someone named Seon Wooyeon.”

“…”

“The surname Seon is pretty rare, and Wooyeon isn’t exactly a common name either.”

Chapter 22. Cherry Blossom Rain (6)

Wooyeon gripped the pencil and stared at Junseong, trying to figure out his intentions. Despite starting with what seemed like a meaningful topic, Junseong simply smiled as soon as their eyes met.

“But they look totally different.”

It didn’t seem like he was trying to provoke him. Junseong wasn’t intelligent enough for that. Unable to find a response, Wooyeon secretly clenched his teeth.

“That guy… was just something else. Short, but fat as hell.”

A wave of nausea surged up. His cheeks twitched, and his lips stiffened. If he hadn’t forced himself to stay composed, his expression would have crumbled.

“He wore ridiculously large glasses and acted like a total loser. In every way, he was different from you.”

The disgust in his gaze flew like daggers. Even his trembling shoulders seemed to convey genuine contempt for Wooyeon’s past self. Meanwhile, Junseong marveled at the current Wooyeon before him, saying, “But you’re really pretty.”

“And on top of that, his family was really rich…”

“What does that have to do with you?”

Finally, Wooyeon irritably put down the pencil. His stomach was already twisted, and now he had to listen to this revolting comment. What was wrong with this guy, and why had he tormented him all this time?

“What did he ever do to you?”

“Huh?”

Junseong reacted with a dumbfounded expression. Noticing Wooyeon’s cold gaze, he frowned, confused. Wooyeon pressed down on his aching chest, trying to control the rising frustration.

“He didn’t even do anything to you, so why are you talking trash about him?”

It was something Wooyeon had always thought but never said out loud. He constantly wondered why. Why does it matter to you that I was fat? What does it have to do with you that I was big, that my uniform was about to rip, or that I ate a lot?

“I wasn’t talking trash…”

Junseong trailed off, scratching the back of his head. His bleached yellow hair stuck up like a bird’s nest. He awkwardly shifted his gaze and then furrowed his brow in frustration.

“Then why are you getting so sensitive? I didn’t even say you were fat.”

“Shut up.”

“…”

“I’m preparing for the presentation.”

His face twisted. His sharp eyes became even more severe. Junseong opened his mouth a few times before letting out a sigh.

“Hey, your way of talking…”

“We’ll now start the presentation for Group 1.”

Before Junseong could finish, Wooyeon stood up. Before heading to the front, he grabbed the paper they were supposed to submit to the professor. The professor took the paper from Wooyeon and handed him the microphone.

As he spoke in English, the professor smiled in approval. Some students hurriedly began revising their scripts. Wooyeon tried his best not to look at Junseong as he explained the definition of leadership.

As Daniel had once said, Wooyeon’s English pronunciation was flawless. While most people found it hard to correct their pronunciation after the age of fifteen, that didn’t apply to him. In fact, Wooyeon spoke better in English than in Korean.

[A leader, as the representative of a team, should strive to ensure no one in the team is left out.]

Wooyeon suppressed a smirk as he finished his sentence. It was amusing that Junseong had written that. A leader should try not to isolate any team members—wasn’t Junseong the one who often isolated others?

[Additionally, a leader…]

“I know someone named Seon Wooyeon.”

So, he remembers. That was the first thought that came to mind. He remembers me, Wooyeon, the middle schooler he used to bully. And yet, he can casually bring it up as if it’s nothing.

“But they look totally different.”

I didn’t expect him to recognize me, but I didn’t think it would be to this extent. I wasn’t hoping for guilt, but I thought he’d at least feel some sense of wrongdoing. But, of course, people don’t change so easily.

Wooyeon managed to control his emotions and mechanically recited the rest of the presentation. The time didn’t drag on, and no one seemed to be slacking off. It seemed that only the professor fully understood, but in reality, as long as the professor understood, that was enough.

The room filled with applause. After asking a few questions in English, the professor allowed Wooyeon to return to his seat. Judging by the smile on the professor’s face, the presentation had been a success.

As soon as Wooyeon returned to his seat, he hunched over. He had felt fine while standing, but now that he was sitting, his stomach hurt again. While he suppressed a groan, Junseong, oblivious as ever, praised him.

“Wow… You’re really good at English. Are all English majors that good?”

Other team members chimed in as well. They mentioned how they didn’t have to worry about their midterm presentations with Wooyeon around. Wooyeon couldn’t help but think, “So, they can actually talk.” If they were this talkative, they should’ve helped with the outline earlier instead of staying silent.

“Group 2, please come forward.”

The second group also gave their presentation in English, much like Wooyeon. However, it was clear that their work had been rushed, and they made mistakes with words here and there. After asking some questions in English, the professor sent the presenter back without offering much praise.

Each group’s presentation lasted about three minutes. During that time, Wooyeon’s stomach finally settled, and he straightened up, wiping his pale face. The last group was presenting in Chinese.

“Everyone did a great job. Especially Group 1, you did very well.”

The professor added a few light compliments before ending the class, about 30 minutes earlier than usual. Just as Wooyeon was packing up his things to leave, Junseong called out to him, causing him to freeze.

“Hey, Wooyeon.”

No matter how many times he heard it, that familiar way of addressing him never felt right.

would have been fine, but

? It sent shivers down his spine.

“About what I said earlier…”

Wooyeon stuffed his notes and pens into his bag, zipping it up with force. He was planning to leave the classroom immediately, but Junseong grabbed his bag strap, stopping him. Despite Wooyeon’s silence, Junseong continued speaking.

“Ah, damn, sorry. I didn’t mean to compare you two or anything.”

“…What?”

Wooyeon’s head buzzed, the words almost sounding unreal. While he stood there in shock, Junseong awkwardly tugged on his bag strap.

“I’m saying I’m sorry. You were mad because I was talking bad about that guy with the same name as you, right?”

Junseong’s tone was surprisingly sincere. His embarrassed expression and the way he looked at Wooyeon didn’t seem like he was joking. With a sigh, Junseong lightly punched the bag.

“Why make it so awkward over something like that? I was just talking about someone I know.”

“…”

Wooyeon stared at him blankly, replaying Junseong’s words in his mind. Apologies, saying he didn’t mean to upset him—things Wooyeon found hard to believe.

“…Did you say sorry?”

It had been three years. Three years of Wooyeon being bullied, and three years of Junseong tormenting him. While Wooyeon never thought about dying, he did wonder if life was worth living. If it hadn’t been for Dohyeon and his teachers, he would still be suffering.

And yet, the apology he never received back then was now being offered, over something so trivial.

“…Ha.”

A whirlwind of emotions swept through him. His pheromones stirred, his skin prickled, and rage bubbled up inside him.

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

Wooyeon let out a bitter laugh, meeting Junseong’s eyes. Back in middle school, Junseong would’ve snapped at him for staring like that, but now he just blushed and said nothing.

“I really can’t stand people like you.”

Wooyeon yanked his bag out of Junseong’s grasp. His pheromones, sharp enough to cut, filled the air. Not only Junseong but also a nearby omega held their breath in surprise.

“You think it’s cool to badmouth others at your age?”

Would it have been different if Wooyeon had spoken up in middle school? If he had looked Junseong in the eye and protested like this, would anything have changed?

No, Wooyeon thought, not at all. Even back then, Wooyeon didn’t bow to Junseong. He ignored him, avoided him, but he never cowered. Yet, Junseong had always belittled him.

“You don’t need to apologize. Just don’t pretend to be friendly with me.”

With those final words, Wooyeon turned his back on Junseong. The only thing left behind was the heavy weight of his pheromones.

* * *

On his way to the front gate, Wooyeon collapsed onto a bench as if his body had given out. His face had gone pale again, and he felt like he might faint at any moment. Hunched over, Wooyeon let out a long, painful groan.

“Ugh…”

His stomach was a mess, completely wrecked.

The moment he left the classroom, his condition worsened. He wished he could just throw up, but nothing came out despite the constant nausea. His head spun, and his fingertips were icy cold. Feeling utterly miserable, Wooyeon pitifully wished for Dohyeon.

“I miss you… teacher.”

Whenever he felt like this, he desperately missed Dohyeon. The thought that if Dohyeon could pat his head and tell him everything would be alright, then maybe everything really would be okay—just like four years ago.

“I miss you…”

If wishing for it a hundred times could make it happen, Wooyeon would do just that. He hugged one knee to his chest. While he knew Dohyeon was waiting at the front gate, he didn’t have the strength to go that far. And even if he did meet Dohyeon, the person he would see now wasn’t

Dohyeon but

Dohyeon.

At some point, raindrops began to fall. Slowly, the rain soaked the ground, the bench, and Wooyeon. He pulled the hood of his sweatshirt low over his face, biting his lip in frustration.

“…”

If wishing for someone made them appear, then Dohyeon should have shown up four years ago. If everything had gone the way Wooyeon wanted, there would have been no lonely tears, no need to move to the U.S., no fragile hopes of returning home, and no sitting in the rain like this.

He had long since grown used to letting go of expectations. In that big house, in America, Wooyeon had learned to replace hope with resignation. Whenever memories of Dohyeon softened his heart, he’d suppress those feelings, reminding himself that such thoughts were a luxury.