The Claimed Omega

Minwoo sighs a long sigh when he sees the nurses hanging out at the registration counter. Things are not so busy lately so he always finds himself having to come back here to check if he has anything to do or if any of the doctors requests any help which he isn't aware of. And whenever they tell him there is nothing to do, some of them will start drilling him, trying to get to know him.

He hates this. At first, he planned to hide his scent to attract less attention but Jeongmin advised him not to, because it will seem rude to his seniors and other staffs. Because apparently, they would already know about him being an alpha just from the information sheet they received. Not that, he ever had that choice anyway because somehow words about him being a noble, which also translates to coming from a wealthy family, got out and the staffs became interested in his love life. And this is frustrating because as much as he wants to lie about already being married, he has no clue if any of his family or family friends come to this hospital for their check-up. What if, for some reason, the rumour spreads to his family?

His grandmother will kill him. And Wonho.

Or just kill Wonho and let him live in agony.

There is really no telling what that crazy old woman will do. And that crazy Chinese mafia butler of hers.

Although he doubts things will get to that because according to his mate, there is an average chance that he is not as popular as he thinks, Minwoo does not want to take the chance.

Before the ring, he had to repeat the same thing each time someone asked him about his love life. Once, he got so fed up, he showed Wonho's face to them to let them know they do not stand a chance, hoping that the story will spread but it didn't. He even had an idea to print their couple picture and turn it into his phone cover, but that idea was quickly rejected by Wonho through his death glares.

Which is why he is thankful that they are now wearing their couple rings. Because now, whenever someone shows even the slightest interest, Minwoo will make sure to raise his left hand in their line of sight to stop them from doing or saying whatever they are planning. Granted, he could have just worn the ring without Wonho doing the same but… he just didn't think of that idea.

Because, obviously couple rings should be worn by couples.

Which brings him to the current situation – they are now more interested in his mysterious lover. And is determined to know who Wonho is.

'Your boyfriend is a student too, right?'

Minwoo pretends a smile, now nervous. The nurses are really good at finding things out. Because they do it professionally. And Minwoo, on the other hand, is not good at keeping secrets. Especially one that he is proud of and really wants to show off.

He slipped about Wonho's gender, and that they live together. If they find out he is going to the same university, it will only be a matter of time before they know his identity.

'Owh, I just got a beep.' Minwoo turns around, fully aware that he said 'beep' instead of 'message'. Before the other can react, he quickly rushes towards the other end, hoping to bump into a doctor to whom he can offer his assistance to.

#####

'Yah, Wonho! Welcome back!' Jiwoo pats his back a few times, happy to see him after his week-long break for his heat. It was weird, and obviously embarrassing to have to tell his team members that he had to take a week leave, especially to Junghoon who never seems to be able to catch a break from work. To lessen his own concern and anxiety of being looked down upon, Wonho made an effort to offer to work from home during his heat. It initially earned him some frowns due to them not being comfortable with such new idea; they asked him to just take a break. But Wonho did it anyway, working on the project in between heats and late at nights to make himself feel better. He even made an extra effort to do some overtime leading to his leave.

And the result? No delay in schedule. Other than the slight hiccup because he had no reference in the middle of the night and had to wait for a reply from his teammates the next day, he did everything perfectly. There was no doubt his teammates are happy. Even the project manager, Mr. Kim, made time to compliment him this morning, during the progress meeting.

Guess his stubbornness is his strength after all.

Also, this is a good arrangement for his heat. He can work with this.

Wonho makes his way down with the two interns to the canteen where they usually have their lunch break. They never buy anything though, as they do not get the staff discount being interns. Instead, they brought their own lunches. And today, for some reason, Jiwoo keeps eyeing his.

'What?'

'Ginseng chicken?' She chuckles, moving her eyebrows up and down excitedly. Beside her, Dongchan shakes his head, already starting to eat his own food. Wonho pretends not to understand what she is implying and opens his packed rice, earning him a clicked tongue. 'I'm just happy you have someone to love you.'

'Don't your eomma love you enough to pack your lunch everyday?' Dongchan retorts, already trying to start a fight with her. Honestly, if Wonho doesn't know better, he would have thought the alpha has a crush on their female co-worker. But Dongchan is obsessed with omegas, like a typical alpha, and Jiwoo is nothing like an omega. She is not even close to a stereotypical lady.

'You should make your own. Give your mom a break.' Wonho adds, just to change the topic. Because Jiwoo once saw Minwoo with him outside of work, and has since becomes obsessed with them. She calls herself a fujoshi, whatever that is. If they stay on this topic, she will probably ask him how his break was, knowing fully well why he had to take the leave.