The Claimed Omega

It is finally September. In the past five months, Wonho had been preparing himself to migrate to a new country and start his new life. He took English classes, some beginner French, learned how to cook, how to use software related to his work, and even bought new clothes more suitable for the weather. His visa application went smoothly. He even took the time to get to know his new colleagues through emails and Facebooks. All the while, Minwoo was with him every step of the way.

It is time to leave.

Everyone surrounds Wonho who just checked in, hugging him goodbyes and giving him words of encouragement. His mother keeps asking if everything is ready for him in Paris and for the umpteenth time, he has to assure her it is.

Minwoo had already found him a small apartment in a safe neighbourhood, fully furnished. The alpha already paid a year's rent as a farewell gift as well. He promised to take care of Wonho until their bond break, and so he insisted on paying for everything for Wonho's first year there, the time needed for them to be free again. And though he felt bad for it, Wonho is thankful because it would give him enough time to adapt to his new life without any concern. Not to mention, the alpha's beta friend will also be welcoming him at the airport and show him around town, so basically, he has nothing to worry about.

All he has to do now is get on his own two feet as soon as possible.

And, surviving his heat without his alpha.

Wonho looks around the group of people, trying to find the man. Thinking about his heat always scare him so he usually tries to distract himself, but the thought just came up, and with the fact that he is hours away from leaving his mate, Wonho wanted to see Minwoo. So he can be comforted for the last time.

But there is still no sign of the alpha.

Wonho smiles to himself, trying not to show his disappointment. He looks at the clock, noting that he still has some time before leaving. It will be alright, Minwoo will get here.

Choosing to ignore the disappointment in him, Wonho focuses on his friends and family instead. He will miss them too, and he knows they will him. He may regret not bidding a proper goodbye.

'Oppa…' A sob is heard coming from his left and Wonho glances over to see his little sister starting to bawl. There is a short silence before everyone bursts into laughter. And then the laugh starts to get mixed with tears and sobs. Finding it absurd, they laugh louder again, chuckling at their pathetic state.

'Yah, you guys! Stop it! Are you tryna make me cry?' Wonho pushes his friends, hitting them. 'I can't cry now. You wanna make me stay?'

As if knowing that he may tear up soon, both his parents and Junjie, as well as his siblings hug him tightly, so tightly they start to suffocate him. Wonho distorts his face, trying so hard not to break down. Because he will. He is weak for them. He is only putting up a strong front. But the longer they do this to him, the more he feels like giving up on leaving and stay, where he belongs.

'I think we need to leave…' Junjie breaks the silence as he lets go of his hold. He softly pats on both the old folks' back to signal them to do the same. Grateful, Wonho flashes him a smile, thanking him for it.

Will he be able to find someone as understanding as his best friend in France? How will he survive everyday without hearing the man's voice? How will he survive his days without his friends?

Without Minwoo?

'Good luck Wono! Don't forget to call!'

'We love you!'

'Owh~ I love you guys too!!' The voices breaks him down from his devastating thoughts. Wonho waves them goodbye, forcing himself to grin happily until he cannot see them anymore.

Then he sighs, not knowing what else to do. He doesn't want to go in just yet. Not before he sees Minwoo. He knows that is why his friends and family left early – so he can spend one last time with his mate.

But his mate is not here.

Kicking the floor a few times, Wonho checks his watch and scans around him briefly, somehow still hoping for Minwoo's arrival. There is still two hours before his flight, but he needs to be inside at least an hour prior. Now anxious, he takes out his phone and clicks on the messages from the alpha.

No matter how much he read their messages, it always shows the same thing - Minwoo promised to be here. And yet, he isn't.

Maybe, after all this time, he decided he doesn't want to see Wonho after all? He did say he was disappointed in this decision, albeit that was said a long time ago…

Biting his lips, Wonho stares lifelessly at his suitcase.

Maybe going to France is a bad idea after all. No one will be there for him. Neither his family, nor his friends, nor his mate. He cannot speak English or French. He can only cook basic dishes. He probably won't get any mental help there due to the language barrier.

Things are better off if he stays here.

Why would he even consider exposing himself to such a challenge? Did he really think he can overcome it?

He should just go home.

He should head back to Minwoo's right now, sleep and pretend this is all a dream too good to be true.

'Is that tears?' Wonho jumps a bit at the voice right beside his left ear, caught off-guard. Staring straight at the beautiful brown orbs, he quickly rubs underneath his eyes for tears, before realizing it is dry. He then hears a laugh and stares at the alpha who looks messy, as if he just ran here.

Minwoo probably did, judging from his sweat. 'Sorry Wonie. I wanted to come earlier.'