The Claimed Omega

'Seungyun got annoyed and bit me back.'

All three friend stares at each other, speechless at the absurd story. It is so stupid to be the truth, but too stupid to be fiction either.

It is just, a stupid story. That can only happen to Chansol.

'But you guys bonded though?' Mengyao asks what the other two is dying to know.

'Apparently omegas can mark alphas too.' All three of them form an 'O' with their mouths, trying to digest the new knowledge. It somehow makes sense since it would be weirder if alphas are the only ones able to do it. Wonho cannot help but wonder how hard he has to bite to mark someone. Considering the strength of alphas in comparison to the other two kinds, it should be fairly easy for them. Seungyun must have really meant it when he bit Chansol. Poor guy didn't even see what was coming.

Naturally playing with protector on his neck, his scar suddenly feeling itchy at the mention of 'marking', Wonho realizes another interesting thing he is curious about, 'But why aren't you guys required to wear a neck-protector?'

'Cus no omega is strong enough to force-mark an alpha!' Sangcheol mindlessly answers, looking at the younger alpha with a bemused look. 'Chansol's probably the first marked alpha in history.' He claps at his own joke, unaware of the sudden silence. As his eyes catch his mate's, Sangcheol quickly stops. Noting the tensed atmosphere. 'Shit. Wono-yah…'

'Why…? It's funny.' Wonho tries to ease the tension by laughing awkwardly. This is the very thing he doesn't want to happen - them being too cautious around him. He is fine with those kinds of innocent jokes, it doesn't trigger anything. Especially since it comes from his friends who he trusts won't have any malicious intent in their words, being simple-minded guys they are. He really doesn't want to spoil the mood by just being there.

He notices Haneul worriedly looking at his direction and gives the older a forced smile. He needs to do something before the night end with them feeling sorry for him, 'Sometimes I wonder if our Chansol is really an alpha too!'

Earning laughter from the two betas, Wonho thanks them inside. Although the others is still tensed, he can feel it easing. Wonho can see Junjie is trying to lighten the mood as well, they are communicating by glancing at each other. Junjie signals to his neck protector and Wonho nods slightly. And as soon as he does, Junjie announces, 'By the way, we should congratulate Wono! His bond is broken!!'

Junjie claps alone while the others glare at Wonho. 'See this lame collar? Wono promised to wear it once it's broken!'

Again, nobody makes any sound. Mengyao tilts his head at the person in question, wanting him to explain further. 'I, uh… it's already been more than a year.' His bond should already be broken. There were many signs to support that.

First, a year without meeting his mate. Second, other alphas were attracted to his scent during heat. Then there is the fact that he could sleep with Minwoo instead of longing for his mate during heat. According to what he learnt, that means he is already a free omega. 'I just want to forget about it and move on… Let's just forget about what happened and have fun this trip!'

'But hyu-' Chansol finally speaks after a while but he is quickly silenced by the older omega.

'Okay. We'll try not to talk about it. Let's try to have fun in this shabby place.' Haneul glares at his mate, a few seconds too long until the alpha becomes restless at his seat. Clearing his throat to pretend he was not affected by the sharp and deadly look, Sangcheol starts to collect the plastic dishes and pots before standing up.

'Since you three cooked, we'll do the dishes.'

Chansol keeps his stare at Wonho, there is a look of confusion and concern. Wonho gives him a brief smile, feels a bit uneasy.

#####

Minwoo plays with his phone, checking his mailbox once in a while although no notifications came. Wonho is out of reach and he is bored. Not that, messaging the troublesome omega is any fun.

He is already packed for home, not really needing much since his home is just more than an hour drive away. Somehow, he doesn't want to go back without meeting his friends since it is his first summer break in Korea but obviously, he doesn't have a pack like he did back in Europe who would invite him to travel even on short breaks. 

Sighing, Minwoo decides to disturb his next-door neighbour. Jeongmin is packing his stuffs in a small bag, probably for a short trip. 'Going somewhere?'

Looking up at the taller man, Jeongmin gives him a brief smile. 'Yeah. We're going for a barbecue trip then I'll send Hoshi back to his hometown.'

'Hoshi? That's the omega's name? That's a weird name.'

'It's Jinyoung. I just like to call him Hoshi.' Minwoo pouts, not understanding where that nickname came from. Though he notices the confused look, Jeongmin decides to ignore it to focus on what he is doing. 'Long story. You? Any plans?'

Minwoo leans against the door frame to think. For now, he will go back and… damn. It would be fun if his family would go for trips like they did when he was little, but his sisters are all bonded with their omegas, and both his parents are busy with their jobs so that idea is out. And he was too busy chasing Wonho to even make any friends this semester. The only close friend he has is planning a trip with his boyfriend.

God. This will be the worst summer break ever. Thank god it is only two months.

Owh, maybe he can ask Wonho to go somewhere with him? Or he can offer to send the omega back to his hometown and ask him to show around the area since he doesn't know Korea that well. That is a nice idea. Smiling, he looks back at his friend who is staring at him weird. 

'I'll send Wonho back.'

'Owh? I thought he'll go back with Jun? Both of them are from the same district so they always go back together.' He comments, and Minwoo's face fall. 

Damnit Gu Junjie.