Our only star omega

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/61994878.

Rating: Not Rated

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Category: M/M
Fandom: ENHYPEN (Band)
Relationships: Kim Sunoo (ENHYPEN)/Everyone, Kim Sunoo (ENHYPEN) &
Everyone, Kim Sunoo/Park Sunghoon (ENHYPEN), Kim
Sunoo/Nishimura Riki | Ni-ki, Kim Sunoo/Lee Heeseung, Kim
Sunoo/Park Jongseong | Jay, Kim Sunoo/Sim Jaeyun | Jake, Kim
Sunoo/Yang Jungwon (ENHYPEN), Kim Sunoo & Park Sunghoon
(ENHYPEN), Kim Sunoo & Nishimura Riki | Ni-Ki, Kim Sunoo & Lee
Heeseung, Kim Sunoo & Park Jongseong | Jay, Kim Sunoo & Sim
Jaeyun | Jake, Kim Sunoo & Yang Jungwon (ENHYPEN)
Additional Tags: Omega Kim Sunoo (ENHYPEN), Alpha Park Sunghoon (ENHYPEN),
Alpha Sim Jaeyun | Jake, Alpha Lee Heeseung, Alpha Park Jongseong |
Jay, Alpha Nishimura Riki | Ni-ki, Alpha Yang Jungwon (ENHYPEN),
Alpha/Omega, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Omega Verse, Pack
Dynamics, Pack Bonding, Pack Building, Scenting, Scent Marking,
Marking, Mating Bites, Mating Cycles/In Heat, Mating, Bottom Kim
Sunoo (ENHYPEN), Top Park Sunghoon (ENHYPEN), Top Yang
Jungwon (ENHYPEN), Top Sim Jaeyun | Jake, Top Lee Heeseung, Top
Nishimura Riki | Ni-ki, Top Park Jongseong | Jay, First Kiss, Making
Out, Making Love, Tired Kim Sunoo (ENHYPEN), Hurt Kim Sunoo
(ENHYPEN), Everyone Loves Kim Sunoo (ENHYPEN), Sub Kim
Sunoo (ENHYPEN), Subspace, Smut, Fluff and Smut, Anal Sex, Sex
Toys, Shower Sex, Overstimulation, Orgasm Denial, Orgasm Control,
Orgasm Edging, Multiple Orgasms, Dry Humping, Implied/Referenced
Sexual Assault, Nipple Licking
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2025-01-06 Updated: 2025-03-29 Words: 79,219 Chapters:
12/?
 Our only star omega
by Miri0sun

Summary

Everything was normal, sunoo was doing his job as a member of enhypen not only he was
told he was an omega. An omega in all alpha group

The thing is until 2 weeks ago nothing such as omega and alpha existed but after a
mysterious energy of a shooting star now the whole was in chaos. omegaverse phenomenon
was happened .

They didn't know what to do with this sudden change. There was no medicines yet for
blocking scent and that comes with the dangers of being an omega.

His company wanted him gone but his members weren't going to let go of their sunoo, their
omega so they need to figure it out .

❤️ Slow building with plot ❤️

Or

In a world where omegaverse didn't exist after an accident everything changed and sunoo was
an omega in all alpha group. With no scent blocker and danger of the new world the company
wanted sunoo to leave enhypen but the members refused now they need to work on how to be
a pack.

Notes
See the end of the work for notes
Chapter 1
“ you are diagnosed as an omega ”

The stern voice of the doctor echoed in the room.

It was what he feared the most to hear. Why was this happening? Why? Why him?
Sunoo clenched his teeth and hands as tears was threatening to fall down his eyes. He didn't
even completely grasped the idea of what an omega was . No one knew . How could they
know when everything just changed 2 weeks ago.

No one was different before that but after that accident everything changed. The whole world
was changing.

There was new diagnosis.

Alpha, beta and omega.

The whole world was in chaos when suddenly people started coming to hospital feeling pain
and fevers. And the doctors didn't know what was happening there was no medical reason or
problem for the reaction. But blood samples showed that something had changed in their
DNAs.
Differential test results named by the doctors were notified to public with no further
explanations yet.
Now people were separated by 3 subs.

Alpha

Beta

And

Omega.

Sunoo chewed the inside of his cheeks as tears slowly tripled down his face he brought up his
hands to wipe it away.
All his members has been tested as Alphas.
He was the only one as Omega.
He didn't know anything he just knew that Omegas wasn't a good thing. At least that's what
the whole world was believing in.

______________{two weeks earlier}________

It was another day of work , this time volunteering for a charity event in a child care that
several artists were participating.

performing on stage was becoming exhausting for all them at the end of the year, draining
their energy and overworking their body to their last drop of energy yet they didn't let the
tiredness to swipe Away their captivating smile while dancing and interacting with the small
kids that were excitedly looking forward to the festival.

they were tired yes but this was their job , to bring joy to people by their dancing and singing,
so they needed to push themselves even further to achieve that.

that's how they have gained more popularity throughout the years. The sincerity in their
behaviours toward their audience despite their hectic schedules that was demanding to cut
short of their sleep was visible in their stages, no matter how tired they were they always
shined like a globe of fire in the dark sky of the night.

Always showing their best in each performance and dancing like it was their last day that
they were allowed to be on stage

That's what made them stand out, As Enhypen, even after Four years of hardship and
dedication to their job and performance they were still able to held a huge amount of fans
supporting them by their side.

It was Christmas Eve, a magical day for everyone but specifically for the younger ones who
weren't able to sit still due to the excitement and adrenaline flowing in their bodies, so they
wanted to make it even more precious memories for those kids.
The twinkling lights and festive decorations made the field feel like a magical Christmas
wonderland. It was was filled with the sounds of music, and children’s laughter who were
running around playing games.

Sunoo was slowly peeking through the small gap between the curtains, looking out at the
people in the field enjoying the festival with his curious eyes, sparkling with excitement as he
looked around and the decorations.

In the middle of the field a Christmas tree was beautifully decorated. The tree stood
majestically at nine feet tall, with a classic triangular shape, hugely magnificent.Its deep
green needles glistened with a hint of silver from the twinkling Lights adorned with vibrant
ornaments in shades of red, gold, and silver, each bauble reflecting the soft glow of the fairy
lights.

Sunoo could just imagine the the pine scent of the tree engulfing the area surrounding it,
throwing him back to his childhood.

A hand on his shoulder makes him jump in tiny suprise.

“ what are you doing?” it was the gentle voice of his one of members. He turns his back with
a smile toward the older boy whose his sun kissed skin looked even more beautiful in the
contrast of his white clothes.

Sunoo smiled briefly and turned back to look out once again.

“ Just looking at people, they seem to be having fun, I was remembering the old days when I
was also a kid ”

Jay slowly leans his head over Sunoo's shoulder to take a look outside.
“hmm yeah it's pretty, it reminds me of the Christmas in America ”

He pulls back and put a hand around the younger's shoulder. Slowly pulling him.

" It's almost time for our performance come on, manger nim was looking for you. Maybe we
can take a look outside after the performance.”

The performance went on perfectly as they had been practicing for , all dressed in white with
a hint of gold . Showcasing the soul of Christmas in their own way with their songs. The
sound of Cheers were almost deafening to the point even they could hear it with their in-ear
on. With the performance coming to an end they were sent back to their waiting room. The
boys one by one entered the room still panting tiredly due to their performance, they were
greeted by the cheerful voices of their staff. Sunoo found an empty seat next to Jake and
walked quickly to sit down. Leaning his weight against the left side of Jake.

“ ah I'm tired don't stick to me” Jake whined with a whiney voice making Sunoo chuckle.

“ too bad hyung I want to lean my head on your shoulder ”

He said with a teasing voice and doing as he said he puts his head on the older's shoulder.
Even though he lets out a sound of annoyance he lets the younger boy to do what he likes,
smiling secretly at his antics.

They were all sitting somewhere in the room. Some busy with their phones or eating
something. Jungwon who was scrolling through his phone suddenly spoke up with a excited
voice about a news that had been surfing the whole world for almost a month.

“ the articles are saying the shooting star will finally go across the earth tonight, there is a
high chance that it can be seen passing by in Korea ”

The new information tickles unders Sunoo's nose making him sit down with a new found
energy.
“ can we go watch it?” he asked excited looking at their mangers , the expecting eyes
Jungwon also follows the older man who now was standing in it's place looking at the two
boys practically begging with their eyes.

“ the festival is packed with people it would be dangerous for you to go out ”

“what if we don't go to the festival field? We will just hang around the outside fence near the
jungle ”

This time Jay chimes in the conversation, giving a solution.

“ well I don't know..”

The manager says hesitantly. Still not sure if it's a good idea to let the boys wonder out.

“ please Jeho hyung, it's one in a life time experience ”

Ni-ki says while Jungwon adds in.
”they predicted that it will pass in 30 minutes it won't take long ”

The manager who seems to have surrounded to their words finally sighs and nods his head.

“ okay okay you guys can go but some of us will accompany you ”

With that they let out happy cheers out and quickly start standing up to wear a jacket on their
clothes since they didn't plan on freezing in the cold snow. They all made their ways from the
back stage to the opening fence that separate the area from the jungle.

The snow rests upon the ground as if it were a feather cushion, soft and shiny under the moon
light. It covers the rich, deep wood in perfect white The newly clothed trees rose as white
fairytale beings in that wintry landscape, for the grey clouds had bequeathed a bounty of
snow.
As they walk through the snow they could feel the winter's cold embrace.The wind was so
freezing that it burned Sunoo's eyes. He could sense his nose staring to numb as he heard his
sniffles.

They have been walking for a bit of time now.He puts his hands in his pockets in hopes of
saving it from the harsh cold. But the Stinging feeling in his toes due to the cold was worth it
if he could witness the shooting star.

The great shooting star that has been the hot topic of every news cover for a month. A grand
shooting star that was going to pass by earth almost circling half of the earth.

Now that they were in a place close to a mountain higher than city it was the best place to be
able to witness it.

He could hear the snow crunching sounds under someone else's shoes. That's when he is
brought out of his own mind when he feels sunghoon on his side walking by him. He turns
his head toward him curiously to see if he wants something but he feels a scarf suddenly
tying around his neck. He stops in his track surprised but lets the taller boy to do what he was
doing.

“ your cheeks are all red use this I don't need it”
Sunghoon says with an earnest voice . Sunoo shys away but thanks the older. But a sudden
high pitch voice of jake catches everyone's attention as he points out the sky.

“look!”

Sunoo slowly looks up and feels his breath trapping In his chest. His eyes widens, Stood
unblinking , taking the sight in. His Lips parted in a silent surprise.The sound of several
people gasping could be heard. But sunoo couldn't mind that now.

It felt like everything suddenly slowed down as he took it in.

He saw it from the corner of his eye just as he turned his head in the direction following it
with his eyes.
And he felt paralyzed. He almost could not believe it! He wasn't even thinking about making
a wish, all he could do was looking at the glowing star that was shining blue and purple in the
dark night. A divine glow in the night sky.

But.. there was something strange about it. It was close to earth.

too close to earth to be passing it. Before they could understand and register the information
the shooting star faded so quickly passing their sight of view when a strong gash of wind
blew through the field attacking their faces.

Sunoo closes his eyes shielding his face with his arms at the impact of the wind when just
barye minutes later a loud and blasting noise is heard, shacking the ground under their feets.
All stumbling down covering their ears and head as a strong invisible wave of energy pushes
them back.

Shrieking voice of scream and terror can be heard all around the place. Sunoo let's out a gasp,
terrified as he slowly looks around, still on his knees when he is suddenly pulled up by
rushing and panicking sunghoon
members of their staff each pulling a member as they shout to run and go.

His body is still in shock not grasping what had just happened while he lets sunghoon to drag
him along with his hand. He finally looks at the front. Seeing people panicking, running
every where toward their cars.

Finally it registered in his mind the shooting star had hit the earth.
 The Stillness Before the storm
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The ride back to the dorm was eerily quiet. The van bumped along the snowy road, but no
one spoke. Even Jake, usually the most talkative, sat in silence, his eyes fixed on the frost-
covered window. Sunoo huddled in his seat, clutching the scarf Sunghoon had given him. His
chest still felt tight, as if the energy wave from the shooting star had lodged itself inside him,
refusing to let go.
He couldn’t wrap his head around what had just happened. The shooting star had been so
close, almost too close, and when it had passed, everything had gone still. The ground had
shaken beneath them, and the sound—the blast—still echoed in his ears
He turned to look at the others, hoping to find some reassurance in their faces, but they, too,
seemed lost in their own thoughts. Sunghoon was sitting up front with the driver, his eyes
narrowed and distant. Ni-ki had his head pressed against the window, staring out at the
passing scenery, his expression unreadable and had his hood pulled low over his face, leaning
heavily against the window. Jake, as usual, was trying to keep things light, but there was an
edge to his usually easygoing demeanor, his hand tapping nervously on his knee.

The others seemed just as shaken. He glanced around. Jungwon was tapping his fingers
nervously on his knee as well, his brows furrowed. Jay and Heeseung whispered in low
voices to each other in the back seat, but their words were drowned out by the muted sound
of the radio.

"Unprecedented event... impact felt across multiple regions..." the announcer's voice crackled
through the speakers, but the manager quickly turned it off. Trying not to make the tension
worse but the sound of the radio finally makes them break the silence.
"That was insane,” Ni-ki said, breaking the silence first. His voice carried a mix of
excitement and disbelief. “I’ve never seen anything like that before.”

“Same,” Jake chimed in. He leaned forward, gesturing animatedly. “Did you see how close it
got to the ground? Shooting stars don’t do that, right?”

“No,” Sunghoon replied, shaking his head. “They burn up in the atmosphere. That one didn’t
look like it was burning at all—it was glowing.”

“More like... pulsing,” Jay added, his brows furrowed. “It was strange. Not just the colors,
but the way it moved.”

Sunoo, who had been staring out the window, finally turned to join the conversation. “It felt
alive,” he murmured. His voice was soft, almost hesitant. “Like it wasn’t just a shooting star,
but something... more.”

The van grew quiet for a moment as they processed his words.

“That’s ridiculous,” Jungwon said, attempting to sound dismissive, but his tone lacked
confidence. “It was just a meteor or something. A natural phenomenon.”

“Then why did it cause that shockwave?” Jake countered, turning toward the leader. “Meteor
impacts don’t create that. It felt like... energy.”
“Maybe it exploded when it hit the ground,” Jungwon suggested, though his voice wavered.

“Exploded?” Ni-ki leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. “Then why didn’t we see a fireball
or debris? It just... I don't know ”

“And what about the wind?” Jay asked. “It wasn’t just a gust—it was like it knocked the air
out of me.”

“Exactly!” Jake agreed, nodding vigorously.

Sunghoon sighed, rubbing his temples. “I don’t know what it was, but whatever it was, it
wasn’t normal.”

Sunoo’s eyes drifted back to the frosted window.

The question hung in the air, heavy and unspoken.

“But for now, let’s not jump to conclusions. We’ll probably hear more about it on the news.”
Jungwon said trying to make them at ease

“Speaking of which,” Jay interjected, reaching for his phone, “the internet’s probably
blowing up right now. Let me check.” He scrolled quickly through trending topics, his
expression growing more serious.

“Well?” Jake prompted.

Jay hesitated, then read aloud: “‘Unidentified celestial object strikes Earth.’ They’re calling it
an anomaly. No one knows what it is yet, but there are reports of similar impacts in other
countries.”

“Other countries?” Sunghoon repeated, frowning.

“Yeah. Here, Russia, parts of the U.S. It’s like it broke apart and hit multiple places,” Jay
explained.

“That doesn’t sound good,” Ni-ki muttered, sinking into his seat.

“Stop overthinking it, Jay hyung put your phone away until we reach the dorm” Jungwon
said firmly. “We’re all safe, and that’s what matters. The scientists will figure out what it is.
We don’t need to scare ourselves.”

The van fell into an uneasy silence again, the weight of their thoughts filling the air.
The continues ride back to the dorm was silent, save for the soft hum of the car’s engine and
the occasional sigh or muttered words. The weight of the shooting star incident hung in the
air, a lingering presence that none of them knew how to shake off. The night sky outside the
car window was dark, the distant twinkling stars offering no comfort. It had been only an
hour since the blast—the explosion that had shaken the earth and sent them all scrambling for
safety.

Sunoo leaned his head against the window, watching the city lights blur past. Deep down, he
wasn’t convinced everything was fine. Something about the shooting star didn’t feel right.
But he didn’t say anything. Not yet.
He shifted in his seat, pulling his knees closer to his body, his hands resting against his legs.
A knot formed in his stomach, a strange sense of unease creeping over him. He didn’t know
if it was the shock or something else, but he couldn’t ignore the feeling.
“Are you okay?” Jake’s voice broke through the silence, gentle but concerned. Sunoo glanced
at him, startled by the sudden question. Jake’s eyes were soft, his usual teasing smile replaced
by a quiet seriousness.
“Yeah, just… tired, I guess,” Sunoo said, offering a small smile that didn’t quite reach his
eyes. He didn’t want to admit that he was feeling off—but something about Jake’s gaze made
him want to confide in him. Still, he couldn’t put it into words, not yet.
Jake didn’t push, though he could notice that Sunoo’s body language is different, that he’s not
quite acting like himself, he seemed shaken and it’s why he asked but he simply nodded and
turned his attention back to the window. The rest of the ride passed in relative silence, each
member lost in their own thoughts, the weight of the night still hanging over them.

“We’re almost there,” Jeho hyung muttered after some time, his hands gripping the steering
wheel tightly.
The van pulled into the dorm’s underground parking lot, the tires crunching softly over the
thin layer of snow. The members stepped out one by one, the cold biting at their exposed skin
as they hurried inside.

Sunoo wrapped Sunghoon’s scarf tighter around his neck, his eyes darting to the dark sky one
last time before the door shut behind them. His mind kept replaying the sight of the glowing
star and the strange wave of energy that had knocked them all to the ground.
When they finally arrived back at the dorm, the tension didn’t immediately dissipate. The
familiar warmth of the building should have been a comfort, but it only felt stifling. As they
entered the lobby, Sunoo felt the strange sense of unease tighten in his chest. The air seemed
thicker, heavier, as though the entire building was holding its breath, waiting for something to
happen.
He followed the others upstairs in silence, each footstep echoing in the quiet hallway. It felt
like they were all walking in sync, as though some unspoken agreement had been made to
keep moving, to keep pretending that everything was normal. But Sunoo knew it wasn’t. He
could feel it in his bones.

The dorm was a sanctuary, but tonight it felt suffocating. As they stepped inside, the familiar
warmth of the space didn’t ease the tension. Shoes were kicked off carelessly, jackets
discarded without a word.
“I think we should watch the news. See if they have any updates on the shooting star.”
Jungwon voiced his thoughts
Sunoo nodded , though his stomach churned at the thought. He didn’t want to think about the
incident anymore, but the pull of the unknown was too strong. He followed Jungwon to the
living room where the others had already gathered, settling onto the couch next to Jay.
The TV flickered to life, the news anchor’s voice filling the room

“Breaking News: The Great Shooting Star Impact”

The headline scrolled across the bottom of the screen as a somber reporter stood in front of a
glowing crater, her breath visible in the cold night air.
The screen lit up with a breaking news banner, accompanied by dramatic music and a
somber-looking anchor.

“...reports are still coming in regarding tonight’s unprecedented celestial event,” the anchor
said, his voice steady despite the chaos the news implied.

The members gathered on the couch, their exhaustion forgotten as they focused on the screen.

“We have confirmed that the object in question, initially believed to be a meteor, entered
Earth’s atmosphere at an unusually low angle and trajectory. It emitted a radiant glow of blue
and purple, witnessed by millions across the globe.”

“That’s exactly what we saw,” Jake murmured, his arms crossed tightly over his chest.

The anchor continued. “The object caused a massive shockwave upon impact in several
locations, including South Korea, Russia, and parts of North America. Scientists are working
to determine its origin and composition.”
Jay nodded, his gaze glued to the screen. “They’re calling it a celestial anomaly for a reason.
This isn’t normal.
The news report shifted to grainy footage from various locations. One video showed a bright
streak of light cutting across the night sky before disappearing in a flash, followed by
screams and the sound of rushing wind. Another clip displayed the aftermath of the impact in
Russia—a barren field with strange scorch marks radiating outward, almost like veins
spreading from a central point.

“Authorities are urging the public to remain calm ” the anchor said. “While no immediate
danger has been confirmed, experts are warning that the energy released by the object may
have unknown effects on the environment .”

Sunoo’s heart skipped a beat at those words. He glanced at the others, his unease mirrored in
their faces.

“Unknown effects” Sunghoon echoed, his brows knitting together. “What does that even
mean?”

“They don’t know,” Jungwon said, his voice quiet but firm. “It’s just a precaution. They’re
probably saying that so people stay cautious.”

Jake wasn’t convinced. “But what if they’re right? What if that thing—whatever it was—did
something to the air or... I don’t know, the planet?”

“That’s enough,” Jungwon said sharply, cutting off the growing panic. “We can’t do anything
about it right now. Let’s not jump to conclusions.”

The anchor continued with updates from various scientists and officials, but Sunoo wasn’t
listening anymore. His mind was racing, and his body still felt... strange. Not in a painful
way, but in a way he couldn’t explain.

“Let’s just go to bed,” Jungwon said after a while, grabbing the remote and turning off the
TV. “We need sleep. We’ll deal with whatever this is tomorrow.”

The room remained tense after Jungwon turned off the TV. The silence was deafening,
broken only by the faint hum of the heater. No one moved. The unease from the news hung
heavy in the air, refusing to dissipate.

“Did you hear what they said?” Jake finally spoke, his voice low but insistent. “Unknown
effects on living ? That’s not something you just say if you don’t think something’s wrong.”

Jay sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Jake, stop. We don’t know anything yet.”

“But what if they’re right?” Jake pressed. “What if that energy wave—or whatever it was—
changed something? I don’t feel normal right now. Do you?”

Jay hesitated, then glanced at the others. “Does anyone?”

No one answered immediately, but the silence was telling.

"Yeah,” Heeseung admitted after a moment. “I feel... I don’t know. Tired?
Sunoo, who had been sitting quietly in the corner of the couch, finally spoke up. “I... don’t
feel sick or anything, but I feel... weird,” he admitted, fidgeting with the edge of his sweater.
His voice was soft, almost hesitant, but it drew everyone’s attention.

“Weird how?” Ni-ki asked, his curiosity piqued.

“I don’t know,” Sunoo said, shaking his head. “It’s hard to explain. It’s like... there’s this
buzzing under my skin. Like when you’re nervous, but it’s everywhere.”

Sunghoon frowned. “That sounds like shock. Maybe it’s just adrenaline from everything that
happened tonight. That's why we don't feel well”

“Maybe,” Sunoo muttered, though he didn’t sound convinced.

Jungwon stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable. “Look, it’s been a long day.
We’ve been running around in the cold, then got hit with that wave. Of course we’re going to
feel off. It doesn’t mean something’s wrong.”
It was visible that he didn't want the members to panic about it

“But what if it does?” Jake argued, frustration creeping into his tone. “We can’t just ignore
this.”

“I’m not saying we ignore it,” Jungwon replied . “But panicking won’t help either. Let’s just
stay calm and wait for more information.”

Sunoo glanced around the room, his unease mirrored in everyone’s faces. “I think... Jungwon
is right let's just let it go and stay together ,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.
The others turned to him, their expressions softening.

“What do you mean?” Sunghoon asked gently.

“I mean, if something does happen—if that energy did do something to us or to the world—
we’ll be okay as long as we’re together,” Sunoo explained, his cheeks flushing slightly under
their gazes. “Right?”

Jay smiled faintly, leaning back in his seat. “You’re right, Sunoo. No matter what happens,
we’ve got each other.”
Jungwon cleared his throat and added . “We will always stick together. Whatever’s going on,
we’ll figure it out. Together. That's what we have always promised”

“Yeah,” Ni-ki chimed in, his usual playfulness replaced by a rare seriousness. “We’ve been
through worse. We’ll handle this too.”

Jake sighed, finally letting some of his tension go. “Okay, fine. But if I grow a second head or
start glowing, I’m blaming all of you.”

The attempt at humor broke the tension, and a few chuckles rippled through the group. Even
Sunoo managed a small smile.
"Imagine having two Jake's yapping all the time that's horrific" Jay chimes in adding to the
joke, earning a smack from the said boy.

“All right,” Jungwon said, his voice softer now. “Let’s get some rest. Tomorrow’s a new day,
and hopefully we’ll will better”

The group began to disperse, heading toward their rooms. As Sunoo walked down the
hallway, Sunghoon called out to him.

“Hey, you okay?”

Sunoo paused, turning back with a tired smile. “Yeah. Just a little shaken up, I guess.”

Sunghoon nodded, stepping closer and lowering his voice. “If you feel... off or anything, let
me know, okay? I’ll keep an eye on you.”

“Thanks, hyung,” Sunoo said, his smile growing just a bit brighter.

As he closed the door to his room behind him, Sunoo leaned against it with a sigh. He still
felt that strange buzzing under his skin, a quiet hum he couldn’t quite shake. His head felt
fuzzy, his skin prickling as if tiny needles were running just under the surface.

He glanced out the window, where the faint glow of the moon reflected off the snow. In the
distance, the stars glittered as if nothing had happened. But Sunoo knew better.

Something had happened. And deep down, he felt it was only the beginning.
Chapter End Notes

A late chapter but a long one it's building on the tension the story is slow burn . Tell me
do you like it? The next chapter will be uploaded soon and it won't take that long
Leave comments when you are done reading
 Chapter 3
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The next morning, was too quiet . The familiar sound of Jake playing music in the kitchen
was missing, and the usual banter of the others had yet to start. It felt... odd. The dorm wasn’t
usually this silent, even on their rare off days.
Sunoo woke to the sound of his alarm blaring, the usual jarring wake-up call that usually had
him groaning and turning it off with a quick swipe. Today, though, it was different. His body
felt heavy—like the weight of the entire night’s events was pressing down on him. He
blinked against the sunlight streaming through his window, his eyes sore as if he hadn’t slept
at all.
His head throbbed slightly, the ache sharp but not unbearable. It was just... off. Everything
was off.

Sunoo sat up slowly, stretching out the stiffness in his body. His muscles felt sore, almost as
if he had overexerted himself the day before. But they hadn’t done anything physically
exhausting aside from the performance, and even that wasn’t anything unusual for them.

With a sigh, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, feeling the usual
grogginess of waking up too early. He dragged himself to the bathroom and splashed cold
water on his face, trying to shake off the haze. The sensation was odd—his skin felt more
sensitive, almost like he could feel the water droplets more keenly as they hit his face.

He pressed a hand to his forehead. No fever. Just that strange buzzing under his skin, softer
than the night before but still there. It irritated him it felt like his skin was vibrating

'Maybe I just didn’t sleep well' he thought, though the unease lingered.

Pulling on a hoodie, he stepped into the hallway. The scent of coffee wafted from the kitchen,
mingled with the faint aroma of burnt toast. It made his stomach churn, which was unusual—
Sunoo loved breakfast.

“Morning,” he called softly, peeking into the kitchen.

Jungwon stood by the counter, his hair messy and his face drawn. He looked like he hadn’t
slept well .

“Morning,” Jungwon mumbled, sipping from a mug. He didn’t look up, his gaze fixed on
something distant.

Sunoo hesitated. “Is everyone still asleep?”

“Yeah. They stayed up late. Probably knocked out for a while.”

Sunoo nodded, stepping closer. “Are you okay? You look... tired.”

Jungwon finally glanced at him, his expression softening. “I’m fine. Just... a lot on my mind
after last night, couldn't fall asleep well.”
Sunoo hummed in agreement, leaning against the counter. “It feels weird, doesn’t it? Like
something’s not right.”

Jungwon sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. It’s probably just the news. They
made it sound so... ominous and mysterious, we are probably just on edge”

Before Sunoo could respond, the sound of shuffling footsteps drew their attention. Jay
entered the kitchen, his eyes half-closed and his hair sticking up in odd directions.

“Morning,” Jay grunted, grabbing a mug and pouring himself some coffee.

“You look worse than Jungwon,” Sunoo teased, though his voice lacked its usual energy.

Jay shrugged. “Didn’t sleep well. .”

The others began trickling into the kitchen one by one, all of them looking equally exhausted.
There were faint murmurs of “good morning” and the clinking of plates and mugs, but the
usual lively chatter was missing, well almost.

Ni-ki looked up from his cereal. “I dreamed about fire. It wasn’t scary, though. Just... bright.
It was weird”

Sunghoon, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. “it’s nothing. Just your mind playing
tricks after everything that happened.”

“yeah” Sunoo murmured.

Heeseung was the last to make his way into the kitchen
“Morning. Any updates on that whole... thing?” His eyes flickered to members before
moving to the counter to grab a glass of water to drink

Sunoo’s heart gave a small, uneasy jolt at the mention of the shooting star. He had been
hoping the day would start with some semblance of normality, but the conversation
immediately pulled him back to the night before.

Ni-ki glanced at his phone, swiping through the headlines. “Still no concrete answers."

After breakfast, the group once more gathered in the living room, the TV once again tuned to
the news. Updates on the celestial event dominated the headlines. Scientists speculated about
the origin of the shooting star, its unique composition, and the strange energy it had emitted.

“No new effects have been confirmed as of yet,” the anchor said, “but citizens are
encouraged to report any unusual symptoms or environmental changes to their local
authorities.”
“What does that even mean?” Ni-ki muttered.

“Who knows?” Jay replied, leaning back against the couch. “They don’t know anything, and
they’re just trying to sound like they do.”

Sunoo stayed quiet, his eyes fixed on the screen. He felt... different, but it wasn’t something
he could explain. It wasn’t just the buzzing anymore. It was like he could feel the air around
him.

He glanced at the others, wondering if they felt it too.

Sunghoon caught his gaze and raised an eyebrow. “You okay?”

Sunoo hesitated before nodding. “Yeah. It's nothing”

__________
Sunoo was lying on the couch, flipping through his phone aimlessly, when Jungwon’s phone
began to buzz on the coffee table. Everyone’s heads turned toward it like it was the loudest
sound they’d ever heard.

Jungwon reached over and grabbed it, glancing at the screen. “Manager hyung,” he muttered
before answering.

“Hello? … Yes, we’re all here.” Jungwon sat up straighter as the room fell silent, everyone
straining to hear the conversation.

“Wait, what? Canceled?” Jungwon repeated, his voice filled with surprise. He glanced at the
others, who immediately perked up.

“What’s canceled?” Jake whispered, leaning closer.

Jungwon held up a finger to shush him. “All of them? For how long?” He frowned, listening
intently. “Okay. Yeah, I understand. We’ll stay in touch. Thanks, hyung.”

When he hung up, all eyes were on him.

“Well?” Jay prompted, his eyebrows raised.

“Our schedules for today is canceled,” Jungwon said, his voice tinged with disbelief.

“What? All of them?” Sunghoon asked, leaning forward.

Jungwon nodded. “Yeah. Apparently, the company wants us to stay put for now. They’re
worried about the situation with the shooting star "

Sunoo sat up straighter, tucking his legs under him. “So, what? We’re just supposed to stay
here and do nothing?”

“Pretty much,” Jungwon replied, rubbing his temples.

Ni-ki grinned, leaning back on the couch. “Sounds like a holiday to me.”

“Holiday?” Jay scoffed. “We can’t even go outside! What are we supposed to do, stare at
each other all day?”

“I don’t mind teasing Sunoo hyung,” Ni-ki teased, shooting a playful look at him.

Sunoo rolled his eyes but couldn’t stop the small smile that crept onto his face. “You wish,
Ni-ki.”

"Well let's look at the positive part we always wanted a day off we can do something fun"
Jungwon says.

As they all settled into the living room, the mood felt lighter than it had that morning and nd
everyone found themselves drawn into a casual conversation about their favorite winter
memories.

“Remember when we went to that ski resort last year?” Sunghoon said, leaning back against
the couch.

Ni-ki groaned. “Don’t remind me. I fell on my face like a hundred times.”

“But you got better by the second day,” Jungwon pointed out, his lips twitching in
amusement.

“Yeah, after Jay hyung practically dragged me down the slope,” Ni-ki retorted, shooting Jay a
playful glare.

Jay shrugged. “You’re welcome.”

Sunoo smiled as he listened, It felt good to laugh and reminisce, even if there was still an
underlying tension they didn’t talk about. He glanced around the room, noticing how
everyone seemed more relaxed now.

“Hey,” he said suddenly, drawing their attention. “Do you think we should decorate? You
know, make the dorm feel more like a holiday and festive?”

Jake raised an eyebrow. “Festive? Isn’t it a bit late for that? Christmas is over.”

Sunoo shrugged. “Who says you can’t keep the holiday spirit going? Besides, we had
planned to do it but we hadn't had time the decorations are just sitting in the corner of box. it
might also help distract us from... everything else.”

The others exchanged glances before Jungwon nodded. “Why not? We’ve got nothing else to
do. We can at least make our dorm more look like a place that human lives in it”
He says while chuckling to himself
Sunoo’s face lit up. “Great! Let’s get started then!”

By the time they dug out the decorations from the storage closet, the sun was beginning to
set. String lights, ornaments, and garlands were scattered across the floor, and the group
quickly got to work transforming their dorm.

“Sunoo hyung, you’re too short to reach that corner,” Ni-ki teased as Sunoo struggled to hang
a garland over the window.

“Then help me instead of standing there laughing! That's why you exist” Sunoo shot back,
waving a roll of tape at him.

Ni-ki rolled his eyes but came over to help, lifting Sunoo up slightly so he could reach.

“See? Teamwork,” Sunoo said with a satisfied grin as he secured the garland in place.

“Yeah, yeah,” Ni-ki muttered, setting him down.

Across the room, Jake and Jay were tangled in a mess of string lights, bickering over who
had gotten it knotted in the first place.

“I told you not to pull on it!” Jay said, trying to untangle the mess.

“And I told you we should’ve tested them first!” Jake shot back.

Sunghoon and Jungwon, meanwhile, were carefully arranging a line of candles along the
windowsill, their expressions calm in contrast to the chaos around them. And Heeseung was
helping them .

By the time they finished, the dorm was glowing with warm lights and cheerful decorations.
The group stood back, admiring their handiwork.

“It actually looks pretty good,” Sunghoon said, his voice tinged with surprise.

“Of course it does,” Sunoo said proudly. " We did pretty good"

The dorm was glowing with soft light, string lights draped across the walls and garlands
hanging perfectly in place. Everyone gathered in the living room to admire the decorations,
hot chocolate mugs in hand.

“Not bad,” Heeseung said, taking a sip from his mug. He’d been quiet for most of the day,
but the faint smile tugging at his lips hinted that he was just as pleased as everyone else.

Sunoo, perched on the arm of the couch, beamed at Heeseung. “See? I told you this was a
good idea.”

“It’s a little over the top,” Heeseung teased, motioning toward the Christmas tree they’d
reassembled in the corner, now covered in twinkling lights and mismatched ornaments.

“But it’s festive!” Sunoo shot back. “And way better than just sitting around doing nothing.”

“Agreed,” Jake chimed in, slinging an arm around Ni-ki’s shoulders. “At least we’re making
the most of being stuck inside.”
While the others laughed and joked, Sunoo’s attention drifted. His head felt a little heavy, and
there was a faint buzzing sensation at the back of his neck that he couldn’t shake. It wasn’t
overwhelming—more like an itch he couldn’t scratch—but it was enough to make him feel
off. He was feeling the same sensation throughout the whole decorating process but he didn't
voice it out not wanting to bring the mood down.

He rubbed his hands together, trying to distract himself from the feeling, now that he didn't
had much to work on and busy himself with the feeling was more visible.
“You okay?” Heeseung’s voice broke through his thoughts. He was standing beside him now,
his expression calm but observant.

Sunoo quickly plastered on a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine! Just tired from all the decorating.”

Heeseung raised an eyebrow, unconvinced but willing to let it slide. “Well, don’t overdo it.
You’ve been running around all day.”

“I’m fine, really,” Sunoo insisted, waving a hand. “You’re starting to sound like Jungwon,
hyung.”

Heeseung chuckled and ruffled Sunoo’s hair. “Someone has to keep an eye on you.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes, but the warmth in his chest was undeniable. Heeseung always had a
way of making him feel cared for without being overbearing.

After being done Sunoo walked down the hallway, his steps slow and measured, his body
feeling heavier than usual. The strange buzzing sensation under his skin hadn’t gone away. it
was almost like a hum that followed him wherever he went, subtle but constant. And he was
getting tired of the feeling.

The cold tile of his bedroom floor greeted him as he stepped inside, and he couldn’t help but
sigh. The room felt familiar and safe. He stood in the center of the room, unsure of what to
do. The bed, usually so inviting, felt like a trap. He didn’t want to lay down and spiral into his
thoughts, but he didn’t have the energy to do much else either.
Now that he was in the square of his room he felt more tired.
His body felt strange—unsettled, as if it were caught in a state between exhaustion and
something else, something he couldn’t quite put his finger on. The buzzing, that faint itch
under his skin, was growing harder to ignore. It wasn’t painful, but it wasn’t comfortable
either.

Sunoo ran a hand through his hair, pulling at the strands absently. The thought of the others
was comforting, but it didn’t completely quiet the unease. They were all feeling something
different, but they didn’t seem to understand exactly what was happening. And Sunoo? Well,
he didn’t know either. And he didn't want to talk to them about it at least now because they
just had been able to rise up their mood.

He sat on the edge of his bed, his legs stretched out in front of him, but his mind was
elsewhere. The uncertainty from the night before hung over him like a cloud, and he could
feel the weight of it pressing against his chest. But he wasn’t scared, not really. More...
unsettled. Disconnected from his body, like he was observing himself from the outside.
His phone buzzed on the bedside table, and Sunoo groggily reached for it. The screen lit up
with a message from Jungwon:

“Hyung, we’re thinking of watching a movie later. Join us, okay?”

A small smile tugged at his lips. Despite everything, the thought of being with the others
eased a little of the tension coiling in his stomach. He wasn’t sure what he was feeling right
now, but the idea of getting distracted, of being around his members, made the anxiety fade
just a little.

Sunoo typed back: “I’ll be there. Just need a shower first.”

That was enough. It was a simple message, but it was a promise to himself that he’d be okay.
For now, at least.

He stood up, stretching his arms over his head. The movement felt stiff, like his body was
reluctant to obey him. The bathroom was just a few steps away, and he could already feel the
warm steam of the shower calling to him, hoping it would bring some clarity.

The sound of the water running was a welcome distraction as he stepped into the shower. The
heat wrapped around him, soothing his muscles, but not the strange buzzing that refused to
leave. He let the water pour over him, closing his eyes and letting the droplets fall against his
skin, as if it could wash away the discomfort.

But it didn’t. The humming sensation under his skin remained, like a quiet pulse inside him,
relentless but not overwhelming. Sunoo stood there for a long while, letting the water run,
focusing on the physical sensations instead of the strange disconnection he was feeling. The
buzzing seemed to settle when the water hit him just right, but as soon as the pressure eased,
it returned.

He reached for the soap, the lather slipping easily under his hands, but then a sharp awareness
jolted through him when his skin met the suds. His body was more sensitive than usual
almost painful. Every small touch seemed to resonate deeper, like his nerves were
heightened. He closed his eyes, trying to shake off the strange sensation, but it lingered. His
skin felt like it was humming with the water, more acutely than he remembered.

It was... odd. He didn’t feel in too much pain, just acutely aware of every movement , it felt
aware of the surface that his skin touched making it feel irritated. He rubbed the soap into his
skin a little harder, hoping to dull the sensation, but the feeling only sharpened, the prickling
awareness sinking deeper. The longer he stood there, the more it felt like his body was alive
in a way he couldn’t quite explain.

After a few more minutes, Sunoo rinsed off quickly, hoping that getting out of the shower
would make the strange feeling subside. But as the water washed away, it didn’t feel like
much had changed. His skin still tingled, the sensation lingering like it had taken root.

Sighing, he stepped out of the shower, the cool air hitting his skin as he grabbed a towel. He
dried off quickly, but the whole process felt... different. More vivid. His towel brushed
against his skin, and the sensation was almost too sharp, making him hiss, like he could feel
the fibers pressing against him in a way he hadn’t before, it was too harsh on his skin but it
was never felt like that before.

Sunoo pulled on his comfiest clothes—an oversized hoodie and sweatpants. Normally, it
would feel like an embrace, soft and loose, comforting against his skin. But today, the fabric
felt almost too much. The hoodie felt heavier than it should, and the waistband of his pants
seemed to press against his skin in a way that made him wince. He hadn't feel like this just
some hours ago

He tugged the hoodie down, trying to adjust, but it didn’t help. Everything felt... too much.
His body felt hyper-aware, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that his skin was too sensitive,
that every little movement was being felt more intensely than it should.

With a sigh, he sat down on the edge of the bed again, letting his hands rest on his knees. He
didn’t feel like himself—not physically, anyway. It wasn’t like being sick or hurt; it was
something else. A heightened sensitivity that had no explanation.

Taking a deep breath, Sunoo stood up and walked toward the door. No use dwelling on it he
couldn't understand it. He’d promised he’d join them, and it was something to focus on,
something to ground him. He couldn’t stay in his room forever, not when the others were
waiting.

As he stepped out of the room, the soft weight of the hoodie against his body made him
wince again, but he pushed it aside. He smiled, forcing the discomfort to the back of his
mind, determined to join the others, even if his body felt like a stranger to him.

Sunoo walked down the hallway, his footsteps light but cautious, still feeling the lingering
tingle under his skin. The discomfort was there, but as he approached the living room,
something in his chest shifted—a warmth, a sense of belonging, a pull to be with his
members. the thought of being with them, of sharing something familiar, was grounding in a
way nothing else could be.

As he stepped into the living room, he was greeted by the sight of the others sprawled on the
couch and floor, everyone in varying degrees of comfort. The soft hum of the TV playing in
the background, the low chatter of voices, and the occasional laughter filled the space. It was
warm in here, cozy, like the world outside had paused for a moment, and inside their little
bubble, everything was normal.

Sunoo smiled . It wasn’t forced, like the ones he’d been giving earlier that morning. It was
genuine—a smile of relief, of comfort.anytime with them was comfortable .The sight of his
members, all gathered and at ease despite everything, made him feel a little less lost. A small
part of him, the part that had felt so out of place in his own skin earlier, softened in their
presence.

“Hey, you made it!” Jungwon called from the couch, his voice light and welcoming, though
his eyes still held traces of concern. “We thought you might’ve fallen asleep in there.”

Sunoo chuckled softly, though it was a little tired. “I was just getting ready,” he replied,
giving them a small wave as he walked further into the room. His gaze swept over the group,
and he felt an overwhelming sense of affection for them.

Jay was curled up with a blanket, his eyes glued to the screen, but his lips were curved into a
relaxed smile. Ni-ki was leaning against the arm of the couch, half asleep, his hoodie pulled
over his head. Jake was sprawled on the floor, his legs stretched out and his arms crossed
behind his head, a slight grin on his face as he watched . Sunghoon was on the opposite end
of the couch, reading something on his own phone but looking up every few seconds,
checking in on the movie.

The whole scene was just... perfect. It was the kind of moment that made everything feel
simpler. Safe.

“Want to join us?” Jake asked, lifting his head from the floor to catch Sunoo’s eye.

“I think I’ll make something for all of us first,” Sunoo replied with a grin. "Who wants hot
chocolate?"

A ripple of interest moved through the group. Jay’s eyes lit up. “Hot chocolate? Yes, please. I
could use some of that right now.”

Ni-ki shifted, lifting his head slightly from his hoodie cocoon. “Is it the good kind, Sunoo
hyung? The rich, dark chocolate one?”

Sunoo laughed softly. “You know it. The real deal.”

“I’m in!” Jungwon said, his voice light but excited. “It’s perfect weather for it.”

“Hot chocolate sounds like a great idea,” Sunghoon chimed in, looking up from his phone
with a smile. “I’ll help too.”

Heeseung nodded from the couch where he had been lounging, stretching out his legs. “I’ll
help too. I’ll take the job of stirring. Can’t mess that up.”

Sunoo’s heart warmed a little at the thought of them all pitching in. Despite the strange
feelings tugging at him, this felt... familiar. It was moments like this that made everything
seem okay. The small things that brought them together, the laughter and shared experiences
that formed the foundation of their bond.

“Alright then,” Sunoo said with a small smile, his energy slowly lifting. “Let’s get this
started. I’ll need someone to grab the milk from the fridge, and Heeseung, you can be in
charge of the whipped cream.”

Jay snickered. “You’re giving him the whipped cream job? You’re brave.”

“Hey, it’s essential,” Sunoo shot back with a grin, before turning to Heeseung. “You got this,
right?”

Heeseung smirked. “Don’t worry. You’ll get the perfect swirl.”

The atmosphere in the kitchen was light as everyone moved to help. Sunoo found himself
laughing more than he expected, his earlier unease slipping away with each passing moment.
He grabbed the cocoa powder, carefully measuring out the perfect amount, his hands steady.
It was almost like a ritual now—making something for everyone, a small way of nurturing
them as they had done for him so many times.

As he stirred the hot chocolate in the pot, he felt a small sense of pride. He didn’t even notice
the soft buzz under his skin as much anymore, the sensation not gone but muted in the
background. Being surrounded by his friends made everything else feel less important. The
discomfort was still there, but, he didn’t have to focus on it.

Soon enough, the mugs were filled with thick, warm chocolate, steam curling from the tops.
Sunoo handed out the cups, making sure everyone had their fill. The kitchen, just moments
ago full of small tasks and laughter, fell into a comfortable quiet as they all took their first
sips.

“Perfect,” Jungwon said after a moment, his voice warm with contentment. “It’s exactly what
I needed.”

Sunoo sat down on the floor, leaning back against the couch. He felt more relaxed now, the
simple act of sharing something warm with the people he cared about easing the tension in
his chest. His mind finally started to quiet down, and the strange buzzing under his skin
became just a background hum.

“Thanks, Sunoo,” Sunghoon added, giving him a playful look. “This is the best hot chocolate
I’ve had in weeks.”

Sunoo smiled back at him, a little brighter than before.

The group settled into the couch, some of them shifting to get more comfortable, others
pulling the blanket tighter around themselves. The movie started, but Sunoo didn’t focus
much on the screen. He found himself gazing at his members more than anything—their
faces illuminated by the glow of the TV, the comfort of the moment wrapping around him
like a blanket.

It wasn’t perfect. He still felt a little off, a little strange, but in this moment, surrounded by
them, Sunoo allowed himself to simply be. The discomfort could wait for later. Right now, he
had his members ,right here with him.

His skin felt feverish not a lot to worry about so he just pushed it to the back of his mind.

The TV had played through several movies by now, the flickering lights casting shadows
across the room, but the sound of soft laughter and the occasional comment was all that filled
the space. Sunoo hadn’t noticed how much time had passed. He was lost in the gentle rhythm
of the evening, nestled between his members, the bond they shared surrounding him like a
blanket. It wasn’t just the movies; it was the shared comfort, the unspoken understanding
between them.

But slowly, as the night wore on, the chatter began to quiet. Faces softened, and sleepy yawns
slipped out between words. It was subtle at first, like a soft sigh rising in the air, but
eventually, the weight of exhaustion couldn’t be ignored.
"Wow... I’m really tired," Jay muttered, stretching his arms above his head, his back arching
as his shoulders popped. He wiped a hand over his face, his voice thick with sleep. "I didn’t
realize how late it is."

Ni-ki, who had been sitting beside Sunoo, shifted in his seat, eyes blinking slowly. He let out
a small groan, a mix of tiredness and contentment. “Yeah... I’m kind of fading here, too,” he
admitted, his voice soft, almost lost in the drowsy haze. He leaned in a little closer to Sunoo,
his head coming to rest on his shoulder. There was something so natural, so comforting in the
way Ni-ki sought out the warmth of his presence. Sunoo didn’t mind at all. He found himself
sinking deeper into the moment, letting everything else fade for just a little while longer.

Sunghoon, who had been lounging with his phone in hand, glanced around at the others and
sighed, his face softened with exhaustion. “We’ve been at this for hours,” he commented,
stretching his legs out with a groan. "You guys are hardcore. I didn’t think I’d be this tired
after just sitting around."

“Yeah,” Jungwon agreed with a soft chuckle, his eyelids heavy, voice sluggish. “I didn’t
realize how late it was either. I’m starting to feel it now.”

Sunoo didn’t say anything right away. He simply looked around the room, his eyes drifting
over the familiar, sleepy faces of his members. He smiled softly to himself, the corners of his
lips lifting without effort. Despite the odd sensation buzzing under his skin, despite
everything that had happened earlier, moments like this felt so... normal. So real. The kind of
moment that made him feel like he belonged.

He shifted slightly, trying not to disturb Ni-ki, whose warmth was pressed against him, the
younger boy’s breath steady and slow as he nuzzled into Sunoo’s side. A quiet, almost
peaceful sigh left Sunoo’s lips. This was a feeling he’d missed—a feeling that, in the chaos of
the day, had seemed out of reach.

“We should probably get something to eat before everyone passes out,” Heeseung said,
breaking the silence with his usual calm voice. He rubbed his eyes lazily, his head tilting back
against the couch as he stretched. "Anyone want some ramen?"

Jungwon’s eyes fluttered open again, and he nodded slowly. “Ramen sounds perfect right
now,” he murmured, his voice tinged with exhaustion. "Something warm... to keep us going."

Sunoo nodded in agreement. "Ramen it is," he said quietly, his voice soft but steady, the
familiar warmth of the group making him feel grounded again. His exhaustion was starting to
catch up with him too, but he wasn’t ready to let go of this quiet comfort yet. Not just yet.

As they began to shuffle toward the kitchen, Ni-ki didn't move , his body still leaning against
Sunoo, his head resting against his shoulder so sunoo decided to just stay put. Sunoo glanced
down at him, pleased by how naturally Ni-ki had settled into his side seconds from sleeping.
His heart warmed just a little, and he didn’t pull away. Instead, he let Ni-ki curl closer, his
fingers brushing against the younger’s hair in a soft, comforting gesture. Ni-ki’s eyes were
barely open.
“Sunoo hyung?” Ni-ki mumbled, his voice soft, almost sleepy. He shifted, seeking out more
of Sunoo’s warmth . “You’re really warm…”

A quiet chuckle escaped Sunoo's lips "I’m glad you think so," he said quietly, giving the
younger a soft look, his hand brushing against his hair.
As the night wore on, the group’s laughter and conversation slowly faded, replaced by a
comfortable quiet. The flickering glow of the TV softened, and the room seemed to sink into
a relaxed, sleepy atmosphere. Sunoo could feel the exhaustion starting to creep in, the weight
of the day pulling at him, but something about being here with his members, in this familiar
space, made everything feel... okay.

Ni-ki’s cheek was resting softly against his shoulder, his tall frame curling up just enough to
fit into the space next to him. Sunoo blinked, he felt the gentle pressure of Ni-ki’s warmth,
and a soft smile tugged at his lips. The younger boy let out a quiet sigh.

Sunoo’s heart fluttered lightly at the gesture. It wasn’t anything out of the ordinary for them
—it was just Ni-ki being... Ni-ki. But there was something about the way the younger boy
nestled into his side, the quiet contentment in his presence, that made Sunoo’s chest tighten
with affection. The fact that Ni-ki trusted him enough to curl up like this, in the middle of a
room full of people, was a small but precious thing.

“You really know how to get comfortable, huh?” Sunoo whispered softly, his hand absently
brushing the hair away from Ni-ki’s forehead. The younger boy barely stirred, a quiet hum of
approval escaping his lips.

“Mm…” Ni-ki mumbled, his eyes barely open. “You’re warm... I like it here.”

Sunoo smiled gently, feeling a little flutter of warmth spread through him. "You’re cute, Ni-
ki," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else. It was a tender, unspoken bond they
shared, a simple moment of quiet affection. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed these
little, quiet gestures. They weren’t heavy or dramatic—just moments of calm ,where words
weren’t needed.

The rest of the group, still moving about in the kitchen, didn’t seem to notice the closeness
between them. It was a subtle thing, but Sunoo couldn’t help the smile that crept onto his face
as he looked down at Ni-ki, his younger member now fully asleep, curled up peacefully
against his side.

Jungwon, who was setting up bowls for the ramen, caught the sight of them and let out a
quiet chuckle. “Guess Ni-ki’s claimed his spot,” he teased, though it was clear from his smile
that he didn’t mind. “He really does love being around you, Sunoo hyung”

Sunoo chuckled softly, but his gaze lingered on the sleeping boy beside him. There was no
urgency in his movements, no need to rush.

. Sunoo allowed himself to sink deeper into the moment, content in the simple joy of being
together, of having people who cared. He didn’t need anything more than that. Not minding
the growing warmth of his body, thinking it's just the warmth of ni-ki's body.

As Ni-ki's breathing deepened, a peaceful expression on his face, Sunoo finally allowed
himself to relax fully. Leaning his head back into the coach resting, waiting for the moment
when the others would call them to eat.

____________

Sunoo woke up with a groan, his head pounding as though someone had taken a hammer to
his skull. The soft light filtering through the curtains made his eyes sting, and his body felt
heavy, like he couldn’t quite get comfortable no matter how he shifted.

He opened his eyes, but the room seemed to sway slightly, making him close them again,
hoping the dizziness would pass. The sheets felt too warm against his skin, and when he
reached up to push his hair back, his forehead was uncomfortably hot.

He groaned softly, pressing the heels of his palms to his temples in an attempt to ease the
pain. The throbbing migraine was unlike anything he’d felt before—sharp and disorienting,
like his head was too full.

"Ugh," Sunoo muttered under his breath, rolling onto his side. His limbs were sore, as if he
had run a marathon in his sleep. Despite the warmth, his body trembled slightly, a chill
settling deep into his bones.

He didn’t like this feeling—not at all.

His thoughts were foggy The changes.

No, he reminded himself, it wasn’t.

it felt like something was wrong. The buzzing under his skin from last night was still there,
but now it was more pronounced, spreading slowly throughout his body, making him feel
disconnected from himself. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was happening,
something he couldn’t quite understand.

With a sigh, Sunoo pushed himself out of bed, but when he stood, the dizziness came back in
full force. He had to steady himself against the wall, his legs shaking as he tried to find his
balance.

"Sunoo hyung?" A soft voice called from the doorway, and he turned to see Jungwon,
looking just as tired as Sunoo felt. His eyes were heavy, and his face looked more tired than
usual. He had a hand on the doorframe, leaning against it as if he didn’t have the strength to
stand up straight either.

"Hey... are you okay?" Jungwon asked, his voice hoarse, and there was a subtle frown on his
face. He looked like he hadn't slept much, if at all.
Sunoo didn’t answer right away, his mind too foggy to fully process the question. Instead, he
gave a half-hearted smile, though it felt weak. "I think I’m just a little sick," he said, the
words sounding hollow even to his own ears. He didn’t want to worry anyone, but the truth
was, he felt awful. His head was throbbing, his body aching, and the warmth in his forehead
was almost unbearable.

Jungwon didn’t seem convinced. "You don’t look so good," he said, his voice laced with
concern as he stepped closer. "Do you need anything? I can get you some water."

Sunoo shook his head lightly. "I’ll be fine"

Jungwon’s frown deepened. "You really don’t look fine. Let me help."

Before Sunoo could protest, Jungwon had already moved to grab a glass of water from the
small nightstand. Sunoo watched him for a moment, his vision swimming as he struggled to
focus.

As he took the glass and drank, the cool water helped clear his mind, but the feeling of being
out of control, of something being wrong in his body, didn’t go away. He slowly sat back
down on his bed.

The sound of movement from the hallway interrupted his thoughts, and soon the other
members began to trickle into the room. One by one, their faces mirrored what Sunoo had
seen in Jungwon’s—worn, tired, and sickly.

Jay was the first to speak, his voice flat and strained. “I think I’m coming down with
something. My throat feels like sandpaper.”

“Same,” Heeseung muttered, rubbing his eyes. “I don’t know if it’s just the exhaustion from
yesterday, but my body feels like it’s been hit by a truck.”

Ni-ki followed close behind, pulling his hoodie tighter around his body. “I feel dizzy,” he
admitted.

“Are you all okay?” Sunghoon asked, his voice quieter than usual as he stepped in. He gave
each of them a concerned look, his eyes flickering between them.

“I don’t know,” Sunoo said, his voice shaking slightly. He hated how weak he sounded. “I
just feel... worse today. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I feel like I have a fever.”

Jungwon nodded slowly, glancing at the others. “I think we’re all feeling it. Something’s not
right. But... Sunoo, you look like you're struggling the most."

Sunoo met his gaze, but the concern in Jungwon’s eyes only made his chest tighten. “It’s
probably nothing. Just... a side effect of everything happening. We’ll be fine.”

But deep down, he wasn’t so sure. The buzzing under his skin was stronger now, and he
couldn’t shake the feeling that whatever had happened with the shooting star wasn’t over yet.
The changes they’d all felt the night before seemed to have taken root deeper than he
realized.
“Let’s just take it easy ,” Jay suggested, clearly not feeling his best either. “We all need rest.”

The group nodded in agreement, but even as they settled down, Sunoo couldn’t shake the
sense that something was beginning to spiral out of his control. The buzzing in his body was
intensifying, making him feel like he was vibrating from the inside out.

He didn’t want to voice his concerns, but his mind was racing. What if the changes they’d
experienced weren’t just a flu? What if it was connected to something more dangerous? What
if they weren’t just physical?

Sunoo’s chest tightened at the thought, but he forced himself to focus on the present, to try
and ignore the discomfort gnawing at him. He couldn’t afford to panic, not with everyone
else already feeling under the weather.

“We’ll get through this,” he murmured to himself, but it sounded more like a plea than a
promise.

Jungwon hesitated for a moment before sitting down on the edge of Sunoo’s bed. The room
was quiet, save for the distant hum of the city outside. Sunoo leaned back against his pillow,
his eyes half-lidded from exhaustion, still trying to shake the lingering dizziness.

“I was just talking to the manager,” Jungwon began softly, his voice carrying a weight of
something unspoken. “All of our schedules... they’re canceled for the next few days.”

Sunoo blinked, the news catching him by surprise. “What? Why?”

Jungwon ran a hand through his messy hair, his expression troubled. “The company said that
all of us need to rest. Too many idols are feeling sick ... and honestly, we probably shouldn’t
push ourselves. It seems like a lot of people are coming down with something.”

The words hung in the air, and a quiet wave of relief washed over Sunoo, but it was quickly
replaced with a deeper sense of unease. They were all supposed to be resting, but what was
going on with him?

“We’re all staying home,” Jungwon added, glancing at the others as they began to filter in
behind him. “No rehearsals, no shoots. Just... rest.”

A collective sigh of relief rippled through the room, but it didn’t last long. Jay, who had been
leaning against the doorframe, spoke up next, rubbing his temple. “That makes sense. I feel
like I’m running on empty.”

“I think we all do,” Sunghoon added quietly, glancing at his phone for a moment before
looking back up. “But it’s still a bit weird, isn’t it? I’ve never seen the company do something
like this without a serious reason.”

Heeseung shifted his weight, his face unusually serious. “Yeah, it’s not just exhaustion.
Something’s up.”

Sunoo’s gaze moved from one member to the other, his pulse quickening as he listened. A
part of him wanted to brush it off—tell them it was fine, that they could just take it easy and
not worry about him. But the way his body was reacting told him that something deeper was
wrong. The fever hadn’t abated, and the strange buzzing under his skin hadn’t faded either.

"Sunoo..." Jungwon’s voice was soft, but the concern in it made Sunoo feel like he was
sinking lower into the mattress. He felt like he was letting them down, even though they
hadn’t said anything. “You really don’t look well. You sure you’re okay?”

Sunoo hesitated. His throat felt dry, and when he spoke, his voice sounded weak, even to his
own ears. “I’m... I’m fine. Just a little feverish, that’s all.”

But even as he said it, he could feel the heat radiating off his forehead, the burn of it that
made everything feel distant. He didn’t have the strength to argue anymore, though. He felt
like his body was betraying him, like something inside him was shifting—something he
couldn’t control.

“You’re not fine, Sunoo,” Jay said, his tone gentle but firm. He stepped into the room,
kneeling beside the bed and placing a hand on Sunoo’s shoulder, his palm warm. “You’ve got
a fever, and you’re acting like it’s nothing. You should’ve said something earlier. Since when
have you had a fever?”
" Maybe last night?" Sunoo slowly answered
Heeseung, kneeled beside him on the other side. His eyes were filled with concern, though he
tried to mask it with a playful grin. “You need to take care of yourself. We're all sick, but
you’re the worst off.”

Sunghoon moved closer, too, his gaze searching Sunoo’s face. “This is serious, Sunoo. You
should rest. Let us help you.”

The weight of their words settled over Sunoo like a blanket, suffocating in its warmth and
care. He tried to sit up, but his body felt too heavy, too weak. He collapsed back onto the bed
with a soft groan.

Ni-ki, who had been standing by the door with his arms crossed, stepped forward, his usual
energy replaced with a quiet sense of worry. “Hyung, you need to lie down. We’ll take care of
everything. You’re not okay.”

Sunoo closed his eyes, his breath shallow. The sense of helplessness was starting to
overwhelm him. For a moment, he wanted to fight back, to tell them that he didn’t need
anyone’s help, but something inside him cracked. The warmth of their concern, their
insistence on caring for him, made the walls he had built up start to crumble.

“I’m really fine...” Sunoo tried to protest, but the words were soft and unconvincing.

“You’re not fine,” Jungwon said, his voice gentle but unwavering. He placed a hand on
Sunoo’s forehead, his brows furrowing as he felt the heat radiating from him. “Sunoo, you’re
burning up. You’re really sick.”

The others exchanged looks, their concern growing as they saw the truth in Jungwon’s words.
The atmosphere shifted. They weren’t going to let him push them away.
 “Let us help, Sunoo,” Jake urged, his voice softer now. “We’ll get you some medicine, rest.
You need it.”

Sunoo felt the tension in his chest ease just a little as he allowed himself to sink into the bed,
giving in to their care. He couldn’t resist anymore, not when they were all so insistent. He
hadn’t realized how badly he needed this—needed them—until now.

“Alright,” Sunoo whispered, his voice barely above a whisper. “Just... just stay with me for a
little while, okay?”

The others nodded without hesitation, their faces softening with affection as they crowded
closer. Ni-ki slid onto the bed next to him, gently resting his head on Sunoo’s shoulder.
Sunoo’s heart warmed at the simple gesture, the small act of comfort. He didn’t have the
energy to move, to push them away. The dizziness, the fever, the strange changes happening
in his body—it was too much to fight.

He closed his eyes, feeling the presence of his members surround him, offering him warmth
and care when he needed it most. And, for the first time since everything had changed, Sunoo
allowed himself to let go. To be vulnerable. To let them take care of him.

Chapter End Notes

I told y'all the I won't take long to upload this chapter🤭it's starting some more cute
moments to build on their relationship and bond and then everything is slowly getting
started. And it's a long chapter

How do you like it tell me your feelings about the story, leave comments after reading
 Chapter 4
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The hours had passed quietly in the dorm. The faint sounds of the TV murmured from the
living room where the others had settled in, each wrapped in their own quiet thoughts.
Sunghoon leaned against the couch, scrolling through his phone his eyes hurting as he
watched the screen, his mind wandering back to the room where Sunoo rested. He could hear
the occasional shifting from the bedroom, the sound of Sunoo's soft sighs, but there was
something unsettling about it. How came that all of them were feeling sick?

The others weren’t doing much better either. They were all battling varying levels of
exhaustion and headaches—symptoms that had started yesterday but had worsened hours ago
and now lingered like a heavy cloud over them. Their bodies were drained, their bones aching
as if they were going to break, but it was the persistent worry about Sunoo that kept them
from fully relaxing. They couldn’t shake the sense that something was wrong. The younger's
condition was different from them.

“I still don’t like this,” Jay muttered under his breath, his hand pressing against his forehead.
His headache had grown more intense as the day wore on, but it was nothing compared to the
unease settling in his chest. “I’ve never seen him like this. It's not like we had never get sick ,
but sunoo even with all the hectic schedules he rarely got sick”

They had given him antibiotics to help his feverish body but there was no sign of the
medicine effects, it was as if they hadn't given him anything at all.

“He shouldn’t be alone we need to check on him time to time” Heeseung said, his voice low
but firm. He had been pacing around the room, unable to keep still. “I don’t care how much
he insists he’s fine. He’s not. We all saw it earlier—he could barely keep his eyes open.”

Jungwon, who had been quieter than usual, frowned at the floor, his gaze distant. “I’ll go
check on him, you guys need to go to your rooms and rest as well. I'll make sure his fever
isn’t getting worse.”

Ni-ki, who had been curled up on the couch, looked up at Jungwon, his expression filled with
concern. “ He’s been acting weird. He was never this sensitive toward us insisting that he is
fine”
" He might be still shocked by the accident you know sunoo hyung he doesn't like to worry
others"

Jungwon said, already moving toward Sunoo’s room. He pushed open the door gently, not
wanting to disturb the quiet atmosphere. Sunoo was still lying on the bed, tucked under the
covers, his face flushed with fever. The faint hum of his breath was the only sound filling the
otherwise still room.

For a moment, Jungwon simply watched him, his heart aching at the sight. Sunoo’s condition
had clearly worsened since earlier. He was no longer just a little sick—his fever had spiked,
and it was making him look almost fragile, as though he was slipping away.

Sunoo’s eyes were half-closed, his expression distant. His hands twitched occasionally, as if
he were trying to grab onto something, but there was no focus in his movements. His gaze,
when it flickered open, didn’t seem to register anything around him.

Jungwon approached the bed slowly, sitting down beside him, his hand reaching out to gently
brush the hair away from Sunoo’s damp forehead. The heat radiating from Sunoo’s skin sent
a chill down his spine.

“Sunoo hyung?” Jungwon called softly, his voice almost tender. He wanted to say more, to
ask if he was okay, but the words felt inadequate in the face of what was happening.

Sunoo’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of his name, but they were unfocused, his pupils
slightly dilated. He didn’t seem to recognize Jungwon’s presence right away, his gaze drifting
aimlessly across the room. It was as though his mind had wandered far away, lost in a haze of
fever.

“Jungwon?” Sunoo murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, a little broken. It was
unclear if he even knew who he was talking to. “It’s... it’s so cold. I feel..so cold”

His words sent a pang through Jungwon’s chest. Sunoo’s voice sounded so fragile, so distant.
His breath came in shallow gasps, and he shifted uncomfortably under the blankets, not fully
aware of his surroundings.

Jungwon leaned closer, his eyes full with concern. “hyung, hey, it’s okay. I’m here, you’re
okay.” He rubbed Sunoo’s arm gently, trying to reassure him and ease his body, but it didn’t
seem to make any difference. Sunoo’s eyes just drifted away again, as though he couldn’t
hold onto reality long enough to make sense of it.

“I feel... strange,” Sunoo mumbled, his voice barely coherent now. He blinked, his gaze still
unfocused, his words slow, as if they were coming from somewhere far away. “Everything
feels blurry... like... I’m dreaming but my body...”

Jungwon’s stomach tightened. He glanced around quickly, his eyes darting to the door,
silently urging the others to come. He needed help. This wasn’t normal. Sunoo shouldn’t be
this out of it. It wasn't safe.

Sunoo shifted again, and this time, his hand reached for the side of the bed as though he was
trying to get up, his body shaking from the effort. Jungwon quickly moved to hold him back,
gently placing his hands on Sunoo’s shoulders.

“Sunoo hyung no, don’t get up. You need to stay in bed,” Jungwon urged softly, his voice
firm but caring.

Sunoo’s response was almost inaudible. “I... I’m ... I don't know..”

Jungwon swallowed hard, struggling to find words. He couldn’t hide his worry anymore. The
sight of Sunoo so dazed, so out of it, broke something inside him. He wanted to go and call
for help, but he didn’t want to leave Sunoo alone.

“Hang in there, sunoo hyung you will feel better soon,” he whispered, his voice breaking. He
squeezed his hand around Sunoo’s and rubbed his fingers gently to ground him, hoping that
something would pull him back to reality. “We’re all here. We’ll take care of you. You’re not
alone.”

The warmth of Sunoo’s hand in his was all that connected him to the reality of the moment.
But as he looked down at Sunoo’s feverish face, he knew they needed to act fast. He wasn’t
sure what was happening to Sunoo, but he was certain it was more than just a simple illness.
He gave him a glass of water to make sure he would stay hydrated, sitting by his side.
But as time slowly passed the fever continued to burn through Sunoo’s body,

Jungwon’s heart pounded in his chest as he watched Sunoo’s condition deteriorate right in
front of him. His fever had risen sharply, and Sunoo’s once bright eyes were now unfocused,
barely aware of his surroundings. His breathing was shallow, and every time he shifted, a
small whimper escaped his lips, as if even the smallest movement caused him pain.

Jungwon’s hand trembled slightly as he held Sunoo’s, his other hand resting gently on
Sunoo’s forehead, feeling the intense heat. The fever was clearly worsening, and the more
Jungwon watched, the more helpless he felt. He had seen Sunoo sick before, but this—this
was different.
“hyung,” Jungwon whispered, his voice shaking. He didn’t know what to do. The
helplessness gnawed at him, his hands trembling as he gripped Sunoo’s hand tighter, but there
was no comfort to be found. Sunoo was so hot to the touch, and his body trembled beneath
the covers, as if struggling to keep itself together. Jungwon could barely breathe through the
rising panic.
Sunoo’s lips parted, his voice weak and strained. “Hurts... everything hurts…”
“Jungwon...” Sunoo’s voice was barely a whisper, cracked with exhaustion and discomfort.
“I... I’m so... tired.”
“I know, Sunoo hyung, I know,” Jungwon said softly, his thumb rubbing over the back of
Sunoo’s hand. “You’re gonna be okay, I’m here.”
But even as he said the words, he wasn’t sure if Sunoo believed him. Sunoo’s face was
contorted in pain, though he wasn’t fully responsive. He winced every time the fever burned
through him, his breath shallow and strained. Jungwon swalloweed hard, Sunoo couldn’t be
left alone like this. He needed help.
“Shh, hyung, it’s okay... just hang on,” Jungwon murmured, trying to keep his own panic at
bay. But it wasn’t okay. It wasn’t okay at all. Sunoo wasn’t responding like he should. He
wasn’t fighting, he wasn’t talking to him—he was barely even here, lost somewhere in the
haze of fever.
Jungwon’s mind raced. He couldn’t wait any longer. He couldn’t let this go on like this. He
didn't know what to do.
“Jake! Hyung!” Jungwon’s voice cracked as he shouted down the hallway, the sound of his
voice filled with sheer panic. “Get in here, now! Sunoo... Sunoo’s bad, he’s not getting
better!”
There was a brief moment of silence before Jungwon heard quick footsteps approaching. A
split second later, Jake burst into the room, his face already filled with worry. He didn’t need
to ask anything—he could see it in Sunoo’s condition, in the way Jungwon was holding onto
him, how Sunoo’s eyes fluttered in and out of focus, how the warmth of his fever seemed to
fill the room.
“What’s happening?!” Jake asked, his voice sharp with panic. He immediately moved to
Sunoo’s side, kneeling down next to him. “Sunoo?” Jake called softly, gently placing his
hand on Sunoo’s forehead. “Hey, buddy, look at me.”
But Sunoo barely reacted, his eyes blinking slowly as if the world was too much to process.
He mumbled incoherently, barely acknowledging Jake’s presence. His face was flushed,
sweat clinging to his skin, and his body felt like it was burning up.
“Sunoo?” Jake called again, a little louder this time, desperate for any sign that his friend was
still there. “Come on, man, stay with us. Just look at me. Can you hear me”
Jungwon watched with a sinking heart as Jake’s face twisted with concern. He could see how
deeply Jake was struggling, his hands brushing over Sunoo’s hair, trying to comfort him, but
Sunoo was too lost in his fever. It was breaking both of them.
“We need to get him help,” Jungwon said urgently, his voice almost frantic. “This isn’t good,
Jake hyung. He’s not even responding anymore. What if... what if it gets worse?”
Jake’s hands were shaking as he stroked Sunoo’s hair, trying to keep his friend calm. “He’s
gotta hang on until the manager gets here, we told him sunoo is feeling sick” Jake murmured,
almost to himself. “We’ll get him help, he’s gonna be fine, Jungwon. We just need to... just
need to keep him stable.”
Jungwon bit his lip, trying to hold back tears. “But what if he’s not okay?”
Jake didn’t answer, his focus entirely on Sunoo now. He squeezed Sunoo’s hand, trying to
make him react. But Sunoo wasn’t responding. His eyes were distant, his body trembling
violently, and Jake could feel the heat radiating off him. It was clear this fever wasn’t
something they could manage alone.
“I’m calling the manager,” Jungwon said, his voice tight with urgency. He reached for his
phone, dialing their manager’s number quickly. The line rang several times before the
familiar voice picked up.
“Jungwon? What’s going on?” the manager asked, sounding tired but alert.
“It’s Sunoo,” Jungwon said, his words tumbling out in a rush. “His fever’s out of control.
He’s not getting better, he’s barely responding now. Please, . We don’t know what to do.”
There was a pause on the other end of the line. “Stay calm, Jungwon. I’m on my way. I’ll get
a doctor as soon as possible. Keep him as comfortable as you can until I get there.”
“I—” Jungwon choked on his words, panic threatening to take over. “Please hurry.”
“I will,” the manager said firmly. “Just hang in there. I’ll be there soon.”
Jungwon ended the call and immediately turned his attention back to Sunoo. His heart
twisted seeing him like this. It wasn’t like Sunoo to be so still, so vulnerable. The warmth of
his fever burned through the room, and Jungwon just wanted it to end. He needed Sunoo
back.
Sunoo’s eyes fluttered again, and for a moment, Jungwon thought he might say something,
but the words came out too slowly, too weak. “Jungwon... I’m scared...” Sunoo mumbled, his
voice barely above a whisper.
The vulnerability in Sunoo’s voice tore at Jungwon’s heart. “I’m here, hyung. I’m here,” he
said, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re not going anywhere. We’re all here. You’re gonna
get through this, okay? You’re strong, Sunoo. Just hang in there.”
Sunoo barely acknowledged him, his eyes closing again, the fever making him tremble. Ad if
he couldn't hear him , lost in the nightmare of his fever
Jake leaned over, whispering quietly, “We’re not going anywhere either, Sunoo. We’re right
here. You don’t have to be afraid.”
Jungwon reached for Jake’s hand, his grip tight. They both needed to stay calm for Sunoo's
well being.
But deep down, Jungwon couldn’t shake the fear creeping into his heart. Sunoo’s condition
was so much worse than they’d realized, and despite the reassurance from the manager, all he
could think was, what if it was too late to help?
The other members who had followed the way to the room earlier after hearing jungwon's
distressed voice,gathered around the room, their faces full of concern as they silently watched
Sunoo, not knowing how to help but unwilling to leave him alone.
Jungwon stared down at Sunoo, knowing one thing for sure: they would do anything to make
sure Sunoo got through this until the doctor comes. The doctor would help him then .
As they waited in a silence thick with worry, the room seemed to grow colder, despite the
feverish heat radiating from Sunoo’s body. Jungwon stayed by Sunoo’s side, his hand still
holding onto his friend’s limp fingers. Every few minutes, he checked Sunoo’s temperature,
hoping for a drop, but it only seemed to rise. Sunoo’s skin was flushed, and his breath was
shallow, each inhale a little more strained than the last.

Jay stood in the corner of the room, his gaze fixed on Sunoo, his brow furrowed in concern.
He was trying not to panic, trying to stay calm for everyone else, but it was hard. It was hard
to keep it together when Sunoo was in this condition, so frail .

Without a word, Jay stepped forward and grabbed a towel from the bathroom. He soaked it
under cold water, wringing it out carefully before folding it into a manageable size. He
moved to Sunoo’s side with steady hands, gently placing the cool cloth over his forehead, the
water soaking into his heated skin. The immediate relief was subtle, but Jay could see the
way Sunoo’s body shuddered a little, his muscles twitching in response to the coolness.

Jungwon watched him carefully. “Thanks, hyung,” he whispered, his voice low, almost as if
afraid the sound would break the fragile calm they had left.

Jay didn’t respond, but his actions spoke louder than words. He dipped the towel in water
again, wiping down Sunoo’s neck and shoulders, trying to cool him down as best as he could.
He repeated the process, each new cloth colder than the last, but Sunoo didn’t seem to be
getting any better. In fact, if anything, the fever seemed to intensify, his body flushed, and his
head moving ever so slightly on the pillow, as if he were struggling to stay awake.

“Why isn’t it working?” Jake muttered under his breath, his eyes darting between Jay and
Sunoo. “What are we supposed to do?”

“We wait for the manager,” Jungwon said, his voice tight. But even he wasn’t sure anymore if
waiting was enough. Sunoo needed more than this. They all needed more but they didn't care
about their pain while sunoo was burning up.

It felt like hours before the sound of the front door opening echoed down the hallway,
followed by the sound of hurried footsteps. Jungwon stood up immediately, his heart skipping
a beat in his chest. It was their manager, and behind him, a doctor— Mr.Noh _though
Jungwon wasn’t sure if the doctor’s presence would be enough to ease the growing anxiety in
his chest.

The manager stepped into the room, his eyes scanning over the group with a mix of
exhaustion and concern, but when his gaze landedon Sunoo, it immediately hardened. He
stepped forward quickly, kneeling beside Sunoo’s bed. His hand hovered over Sunoo’s
forehead before resting gently, feeling the fever for himself.

"Sunoo," the manager muttered, his voice tight with worry. “You’re really burning up.”

Jungwon swallowed hard, trying to steady his breath. “Manager, please, is there something
we can do? We tried cooling him down with wet cloths, but...”

The manager gave a slight nod, his expression grim. He stood up quickly, turning to the
doctor who had followed him in, clearly hoping for a solution.

“Mr.Le” the manager said, his voice commanding, “please try to help him”

The doctor, a middle-aged man with tired eyes, nodded solemnly. He was holding a small bag
of medical supplies, but his expression suggested he wasn’t sure what he would find. He
knelt next to Sunoo, quickly examining him.

“He’s definitely running a high fever,” the doctor muttered, but he wasn't shocked by it, as he
checked Sunoo’s vitals, his fingers lightly pressing on Sunoo’s wrist. “But this isn’t just a
typical fever. His body temperature is spiking far beyond what should be normal, and his
condition isn’t improving with basic measures.” He glanced up at the group, his expression
filled with concern. “Has anyone else been feeling ill?”

The members exchanged uneasy glances. Jungwon nodded slowly. “We all have headaches,
some of us are feeling weak or bone ache, but none of us are... like Sunoo. He has got it
worst.”

The doctor nodded thoughtfully but didn’t seem reassured. “This is troubling. The hospitals
are overwhelmed right now. There’s an unusually high number of people presenting with
similar symptoms—fevers, headaches, and body aches. No one knows what’s causing it yet.
It’s spreading quickly, and the hospitals are at capacity. And ww don't know what to do”

“What?!” Jay blurted out, his voice rising in alarm. “So... you can’t help us?”

The doctor sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I wish I could give you a better answer.
The normal medicine has no effects,We’re still waiting for results from tests, but it’s clear
that something abnormal is happening to everyone who’s been affected. As of now, there’s
not much we can do, except to try and manage the symptoms until we understand what we’re
dealing with.”

Jungwon’s stomach twisted at the doctor’s words. “So what does that mean for Sunoo?” he
asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

“It means,” the doctor began, his eyes softening with sympathy, “we do our best to keep him
in a sefe lime. Keep his fever under control, hydrate him, and monitor his symptoms. We
don’t have a definitive answer yet, but it’s important that you don’t let him get worse. Keep
him cool, give him water, and stay close to him. That’s all we can do right now.”
Jungwon felt the weight of the words like a punch to the gut. “But... but what if it gets
worse?” he asked, his voice breaking slightly.

“We’ll be watching him closely,” the doctor said reassuringly. “But at this stage, there’s no
treatment I can offer beyond what you’ve already done. We’re still waiting for results, but for
now... try to do what I said”

Sunghoon, who had been standing quietly in the corner, finally spoke up, his voice small. “So
we just wait? For how long?”

The doctor’s expression hardened as he met Sunghoon’s gaze. “It could be days before we
know anything more. I wish I had better news, but right now, this is just something that has to
run its course, the medical field is also affected by what's happening so it makes it harder to
research the cause, we have been in contact to other countries but they don't have any
answers as well it's like another pandemic. Be vigilant, take care of him, and wait for more
information.”

With that, the doctor stood up and exchanged a few more words with the manager, telling
him to hold an eye on others as well since they also had symptoms. The group was left
standing in the room, each member too numb to speak, their hearts heavy with worry for
Sunoo.

Jungwon returned to Sunoo’s side, placing his hand gently on his friend’s arm. “We’ll get
through this together,” he whispered softly, as though speaking to both Sunoo and himself.
“You’re not alone, Sunoo. We’ll stay by your side, no matter what.”

And though Sunoo’s body trembled beneath the covers, he didn’t respond. But Jungwon
didn’t need him to. He just needed to know that Sunoo could hear them, and that they would
be there when he woke up again.

But as they all stood there, the uncertainty of what was happening in the world around them
weighed heavily on their hearts. All they could do now was wait.

The clock ticked relentlessly toward the early hours of the morning, the faint sounds of the
city outside muffled by the thick walls of the dorm. Sunghoon had insisted on staying up the
entire night to take care of Sunoo. The others, feeling the sharp sting of exhaustion, had
reluctantly agreed to rest, their bodies aching with headaches that only seemed to worsen the
longer they stayed awake. But Sunghoon, though not feeling great himself, couldn’t bring
himself to leave Sunoo’s side.

“Get some sleep,” he had told Jungwon earlier, his voice gentle but firm. “I’ll stay with him.
You all need to rest. I’m not feeling as bad as the rest of you.”

Jungwon had nodded, a little too exhausted to argue, though his eyes were filled with
concern. Sunghoon’s determination, while admirable, only made him feel more anxious.
Sunoo needed them all and yet they all felt so helpless in the face of the fever that had taken
hold of him.
Sunghoon sat by the bed, the weight of his own headache pressing against his temples, but he
didn’t dare close his eyes ti sleep. He couldn’t. Sunoo was burning up, his body writhing in
discomfort, tossing and turning in his fever-induced delirium. Every few minutes, Sunghoon
would swap out the wet cloths on Sunoo’s forehead and neck, the water cooling his skin only
for a short while before it would heat up again. His hands trembled, but he refused to let the
weakness show.

It was around 3 a.m. when Sunghoon noticed a change. Sunoo’s mumbling had grown more
frantic, his words slurred and unintelligible. His eyes fluttered open for a brief second, but
they were glazed over, unfocused, completely distant. Sunghoon’s heart clenched at the sight.
Sunoo was so out of it from the fever, his mind drifting in a haze. The fever was worse than
before, and Sunghoon could feel it in the way Sunoo’s body tensed and trembled beneath his
touch.

“Sunoo,” Sunghoon whispered, his voice thick with worry, but there was no response.
Sunoo’s breathing was uneven, shallow gasps escaping his lips, and his mumbling continued
—fragments of words and half-formed sentences, a clear sign that the fever was taking a toll
on his body.

In that moment, Sunghoon couldn’t just sit there and watch. He couldn’t let Sunoo suffer any
longer, even if he didn’t know what would help. The only thing he knew was that he couldn’t
leave Sunoo in this state.

Without a second thought, Sunghoon quickly stood up, his legs wobbling slightly as he
rushed toward the bathroom. His headache throbbed mercilessly, but he pushed through it. He
didn’t have time . Sunoo needed him.

The bathroom light flickered on, and Sunghoon immediately turned the faucet in the bathtub,
filling it with cold water. He glanced back toward the bed—Sunoo was still mumbling
incoherently, his hands restlessly tugging at the blankets. His forehead was beaded with
sweat, his pale face flushed with fever.

Sunghoon’s heart tightened as he heard another unknown word slip from Sunoo’s lips. The
fever was clearly clouding his mind. Sunghoon swallowed, trying to suppress the growing
panic that gripped him. The cold water in the tub was the only thing that could cool Sunoo’s
body fast enough, and he had to act quickly.

He moved toward Sunoo’s bed, kneeling beside him. He gently brushed a damp strand of hair
from Sunoo’s forehead, whispering his name. “Sunoo, I need you to wake up for a second,
okay? We’re going to help you.”

Sunoo barely reacted, his eyes still glazed, unfocused. But Sunghoon could see his distress—
the way his body trembled under the fever’s relentless grip. Without hesitation, Sunghoon
scooped Sunoo up in his arms, careful not to jostle him too much. Sunoo was light, his body
limp and unresponsive, and it broke Sunghoon’s heart to see him so helpless.

As he stood, Sunoo’s head lolled against his shoulder, and Sunghoon instinctively held him
close, cradling him in a protective embrace. He could feel the heat radiating from Sunoo’s
body, and he knew that this couldn’t go on any longer.
“Hold on, Sunoo,” Sunghoon whispered, his voice shaky as he carried Sunoo to the
bathroom, his steps hurried but careful. “l’ll get you some relief, okay?”
"It's going to be cold, but it will make you feel better ok?" He slowly whispers to him
When he reached the tub, Sunghoon gently eased Sunoo into the cold water, the coolness of
the water immediately making Sunoo’s body react. His body jolting and snacking slightly as
he lets out gasping voice. But to his relief His temperature dropped just slightly, and the first
signs of relief came when Sunoo’s body shuddered. Sunghoon sat beside the tub, wrapping
one arm around Sunoo’s shoulders to keep him steady, pressing Sunoo’s head against his
chest. To me let him slide completely into the water and have his hair wet.

The younger boy’s eyes were closed now, but Sunghoon could feel his slight movements
against his chest, still shivering from the fever. His voice, barely above a whisper, escaped in
a broken breath. “Hurts...”

Sunghoon’s heart cracked at the sound of it. He’s in pain, Sunghoon realized with a heavy
weight in his chest. Sunoo wasn’t just out of it—he was suffering, and Sunghoon couldn’t
bear it. He hugged Sunoo closer, his free hand gently stroking Sunoo’s damp hair from
sweating, trying to comfort him the best way he could.

“I know, Sunoo,ya” Sunghoon murmured, his voice soft but filled with warmth. “I know it
hurts. But we’re here, okay? I’m right here with you. Just relax, we’ll get you better. You’re
not alone.”

Sunoo let out a soft whimper, nuzzling into Sunghoon’s chest as the older boy continued to
hold him gently. The water, while cold, seemed to be easing the burning heat in Sunoo’s body
just enough to give him some comfort. Sunghoon continued to whisper soothing words,
running his fingers through Sunoo’s hair as he kept him close, never wanting to let him go.
It's true that he enjoyed teasing the younger but he could never see him in pain.
And as the night dragged on, Sunghoon didn’t care about his own exhaustion, his own pain
that was wavering in his boy . All that mattered was Sunoo, the friend he had come to cherish
more than anything. He would stay by his side until the fever broke. He would do anything to
keep Sunoo safe.

Even if it meant carrying him through the darkest moments of this strange sickness that had
overtaken them all.

The cold water had worked its magic—slowly, but steadily, Sunoo’s fever began to decrease.
The intense heat that had radiated from his body was no longer as overwhelming. His
trembling had lessened, and though he was still pale and weak, he wasn’t in pain anymore. At
least for now

Sunghoon, sitting beside the tub, noticed the subtle changes. Sunoo’s eyelids fluttered, and
for the first time in hours, he was somewhat aware of his surroundings. His body, though still
limp, wasn’t as feverish, and his breaths had evened out slightly.

“Sunoo?” Sunghoon whispered, his voice quiet but filled with concern. “Can you hear me?”

Sunoo’s eyes blinked slowly, struggling to focus. His face was still flushed, but it was clear
he wasn’t entirely lost to the fever anymore. His lips parted, a faint sound slipping from them,
something like a soft groan.

“Hyung…?” Sunoo’s voice was weak, cracked from disuse, but there was something in it—
recognition. He could hear Sunghoon, even if he wasn’t quite fully there.

Sunghoon’s heart swelled with relief at the sound of Sunoo’s voice. He smiled softly,
brushing a damp lock of hair from his face. “Yeah, it’s me, Sunoo ya. You’re okay now,
alright? Your fever’s come down a little.”

Sunoo’s eyes flickered towards Sunghoon, but they were still clouded with confusion. He
looked so small, so vulnerable, his usual brightness dimmed by the illness that had taken him
over. Sunghoon’s chest tightened at the sight, and he gently cupped Sunoo’s face in his hands,
careful not to make him feel overwhelmed.

“You’re going to be fine, okay? Let’s get you out of this water, and I’ll help you get into
something dry.”

With a soft sigh of relief, Sunghoon carefully lifted Sunoo, his body light in his arms but still
a little stiff from the fever, not caring about getting his own clothes wet. He wrapped a large
towel around him, taking extra care not to jostle him too much. Sunoo seemed to melt into
his touch, his body too weak to resist. He rested his head against Sunghoon’s shoulder, his
eyes closing as if the effort of staying awake was too much.

Sunghoon gently carried him back to the bedroom, the towel wrapped snugly around Sunoo’s
damp form. He sat down on the edge of the chair, cradling Sunoo in his arms. The younger
boy’s body felt warm against him, but not feverishly so. He could feel the tension in Sunoo’s
body start to ease, as if he could finally relax a little now that the worst of the fever had
passed.

“Just a little more, Sunoo,” Sunghoon murmured softly, more to reassure himself than
anything. “Let me help you get changed, okay?”

Sunoo gave a small nod, his eyes fluttering open briefly. His gaze was unfocused, and his lips
parted as if he wanted to say something, but no words came. Sunghoon could see that Sunoo
was still out of it, but at least he wasn’t in as much pain now. That, for Sunghoon, was a
relief.

He carefully helped Sunoo out of the wet towel and dried him off with another towel, being
as gentle as possible. Sunoo didn’t resist, his body pliant and weak, and Sunghoon’s heart
ached at the sight of how exhausted and helpless he looked. When Sunoo’s body finally felt
dry enough, Sunghoon helped him into a fresh set of clothes—soft, comfortable sweats that
would help him rest more easily. Sunoo’s arms lifted slightly to help, though his movements
were sluggish, almost as if he was fighting the heaviness of sleep.

“There we go,” Sunghoon whispered, once Sunoo was dressed. He pulled the blankets back
and gently eased Sunoo into bed, tucking him in carefully. His hand lingered for a moment on
Sunoo’s head, pushing back the stray strands of hair that clung to his forehead.
Sunoo's eyes drifted closed again, but there was something more peaceful about him now—
his breathing steadier, the tension in his face easing. He still looked fragile, and Sunghoon
knew he wasn’t fully out of the woods yet, but he was so much better than before. And that
was enough, for now.

“Get some rest, Sunoo,” Sunghoon said quietly, his voice tender as he settled beside him. He
kept his hand resting lightly on Sunoo’s shoulder, a silent promise to stay by his side. “I’ll be
right here, okay? I'll change and I'll ne right back.”

Sunoo mumbled something incoherent, but Sunghoon caught the faintest hint of a smile
tugging at his lips, even in his sleep-deprived state. It made Sunghoon’s heart ache in the best
possible way. Despite everything, Sunoo’s presence—his warmth, his smile, his kindness—
was a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, they were all there for each other.
He quickly went to his room to change his damp clothes and was back at the side of sunoo.
He slowly slipped beside the younger's sleeping body . His fever still there but much better.
Sunghoon let out a slow, steady breath as he rested beside Sunoo, the weight of the night
finally starting to settle on him. The others were still recovering, but they would get through
this together. For now, he was content to stay by Sunoo’s side and be there for him—just like
he always had been, no matter what.

The hours passed slowly, the quiet of the room only broken by the soft rustle of the blankets
and Sunghoon’s occasional murmurs as he reassured Sunoo. He kept a steady watch over him
sleeping a bit to wake up and check on him, making sure his breathing remained even, his
forehead cool enough to stave off any lingering traces of the fever. Sunghoon, too, felt the
heaviness of his own headache.

He occasionally glanced over at the clock, knowing it was far into the night. The younger boy
seemed to be sleeping more peacefully now, but Sunghoon could see that he still wasn’t fully
recovered. His body was too weak, and the fever was still there.

The quiet of the room was comforting, but soon enough, there was a soft knock on the
door.around 5am. It opened slowly, and Jungwon peered in, his face drawn and tired, but
there was a small flicker of relief when he saw Sunoo resting more peacefully.

“Is he okay?” Jungwon asked softly, stepping inside, careful not to disturb the calm of the
room. His own head was pounding, but his concern for Sunoo was evident in his voice.

Sunghoon nodded, though his expression remained serious. “He’s better than he was. His
fever’s come down, but he’s still out of it. I don’t think he’s fully conscious, but he’s not in
pain anymore. He’s just... really weak.”

Jungwon looked down at Sunoo, his brow furrowing slightly. “I can’t believe this is
happening. All of us are sick, but... he’s the worst.”

“Yeah.” Sunghoon sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. “But he’s strong, Jungwon. He’ll
pull through. We all will.”

Jungwon nodded, but the worry didn’t leave his face. He walked over to the bed and gently
sat on the edge, reaching out to touch Sunoo’s hand. “You’re doing good, Sunghoon hyung,
thank you” he said quietly. “Just... make sure you rest too. You’re no good to him if you burn
out.”

“I will. ” Sunghoon managed a tired smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I’m just
glad he’s not in pain anymore.”

Jungwon nodded again, glancing back at the door as if debating whether to step out. But just
as he turned to leave, Heeseung appeared, looking exhausted but determined.

“Anything I can do?” Heeseung asked, his voice soft but steady. He was trying his best to
keep his concern in check, but it was clear he hadn’t been able to rest much, either.

“Could you check on the others?” Sunghoon asked. “I’m trying to keep an eye on Sunoo. The
others... they’re not as bad, right? Just headaches?”

Heeseung nodded. “Yeah, it’s just the headaches and the general weakness. But nothing as
bad as Sunoo.”

Sunghoon looked down at Sunoo again, brushing the younger boy’s hair away from his
forehead. “I just don’t want him to suffer more. I can’t... I don’t want him to go through this
alone.”

Heeseung gave him a quiet, understanding look. “He’s not alone, Sunghoon. We’re all here.
All of us.”

Sunghoon nodded, his throat tightening. It was hard to see Sunoo so vulnerable, so different
from the bright, energetic person he always was. But he also knew that this moment, this
fragile state, wouldn’t last forever. Sunoo was resilient, and the others would help him
through it. They’d help each other.

“Right. Thanks, Hyung,” Sunghoon said, his voice quieter now, a bit more broken. “Just...
make sure everyone’s okay. And if anyone needs anything, let me know.”
" I'll take care of it you need to rest to" Heeseung says softly, smiling faintly before leaving
the room, the door closing softly behind him. Sunghoon turned his attention back to Sunoo,
who had shifted slightly in his sleep. His hand moved restlessly under the covers, and
Sunghoon reached out instinctively to settle it back down, gently pressing the younger boy’s
hand against the bed.

It was nearly 6am when Sunghoon finally allowed himself to close his eyes completely He
rested his head against the pily his exhaustion taking its toll, but he kept his hand on Sunoo’s
hand, never letting go. It was a quiet promise, one that he would stay with him no matter
what.

Meanwhile, across the room, the other members were feeling the weight of their own
symptoms. Ni-ki, still curled up on the couch, had tossed and turned for hours, the headache
blurring his thoughts and making everything feel a little distant. Jay, on the other hand, had
finally given up on trying to sleep and was sitting on the floor, staring at the wall. They all
knew something was off, but they couldn’t put their finger on it.
 Jungwon had come back into the living room after checking on Sunoo. He rubbed his
temples, trying to ease the throb behind his eyes.

“You guys are holding up alright?” he asked, his voice carrying the heaviness of worry.

Ni-ki looked up, his eyes half-lidded. “I feel... dizzy. Like my head’s in a fog. ..”

Jay sighed, leaning back against the couch. “This doesn’t feel normal. I mean, we’ve all been
sick before, but this... feels different. Like it’s all happening too fast.”

“I know,” Jungwon agreed, his voice tight. “But Sunoo’s the one who’s really hit hard. He
needs us.”

Jay nodded, even though his head was swimming.

As the night wore on, their shared worries bound them all even closer together. They all knew
the road ahead wasn’t going to be easy, but they would face it as a group, no matter how hard
it got.

And, in the quiet of the room, Sunghoon’s steady presence by Sunoo’s side was a silent
reminder that they weren’t alone in this.

Chapter End Notes

🤭
Now you know why I took so long to upload the second chapter because I was writing 3
whole long chapters

Also do you like the pacing? I think it's supposed to be slow to be good but let me know.

The next update might take a while. Read it and please leave comments after reading it
and tell me what you think about it. Enjoy
 The beginning
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The morning light filtered through the curtains, a muted gray that barely managed to chase
away the remnants of night. The dorm was uncharacteristically quiet, the usual lively chatter
replaced by a heavy, suffocating stillness. It was the kind of silence that carried weight—the
kind that made even the smallest of movements feel intrusive.

Sunghoon had spent the entire night by Sunoo’s bedside, his fingers wrapped loosely around
Sunoo’s limp wrist. but he refused to move, His once vibrant, lively friend now lay unmoving
beneath the blankets, his pale face slick with sweat, his chest rising and falling in shallow,
uneven breaths.
But He had started to doze off at some point during the early hours of the morning, his body
slumped in the bed beside Sunoo’s body. His hand still remained loosely clasped around
Sunoo’s wrist, his grip light but steady—a silent promise that he wouldn’t leave his side. He
had spent the entire night watching over him, caught in a loop of wiping away the sweat that
beaded on Sunoo’s forehead, adjusting the blankets whenever he shivered, and listening to
the sound of his strained breathing.

It wasn’t just exhaustion. It wasn’t just a fever.

Something was happening to him.

Sunghoon had felt it in his own body, too—the strange heat creeping under his skin, the way
his muscles ached as if he’d been climbing the mountains, the lingering dizziness that made it
hard to think straight. But compared to Sunoo, his symptoms were nothing. Sunoo had been
hit the hardest. His fever had burned so hot the night before that Sunghoon had panicked,
pressing cold cloth after cold cloth to his skin, only for them to turn warm within minutes.

Now, as the first weak rays of morning light seeped through the curtains, Sunoo stirred. A
small, fragile sound slipped from his lips—a groan, barely audible but enough to make
Sunghoon snap to attention.
a soft voice slipped from his lips as his eyelids fluttered weakly. His body, though slightly
less feverish than before, still felt unnaturally heavy, his muscles aching as if he had been
running for miles. The fever had broken, but the exhaustion was suffocating.

Sunghoon jolted upright immediately, brushing the damp hair from Sunoo’s forehead as he
leaned in, his own exhaustion momentarily forgotten. His voice was gentle but laced with
worry.

“Sunoo?” Sunghoon’s voice was hoarse from disuse. He leaned closer, brushing Sunoo’s
damp hair from his forehead. “Hey, you’re awake.”
Sunoo’s eyelids fluttered weakly before slowly opening. His usually bright, mischievous eyes
were dull, unfocused, as if it took immense effort just to look at him. For a long moment, he
didn’t speak—just stared, his breath coming in shallow pants. Then, finally, his lips parted.
A long pause stretched between them before Sunoo finally whispered, his voice hoarse and
barely audible, “...Hurts.”
Sunghoon’s chest tightened painfully. He swallowed hard, his grip on Sunoo’s wrist
tightening ever so slightly. “Where?”

Sunoo shifted slightly, his body trembling from the effort. His hand moved weakly, pressing
against his chest before trailing down to his stomach. “Everywhere,” he croaked, voice barely
above a whisper. “I… I feel so heavy…”

“I know,” Sunghoon murmured, his voice thick with emotion. He carefully adjusted the
pillows behind Sunoo, supporting his weight as he reached for the glass of water on the
nightstand, carefully lifting it to Sunoo’s lips. “Here, drink a little.”

Sunoo’s fingers trembled as he tried to grasp the glass, but Sunghoon ended up holding it for
him, guiding the cool liquid past his parched lips. Sunoo barely managed a few sips before
turning his head away, too exhausted to continue.

Sunoo obeyed, though it was obvious even swallowing was an effort. When he finished, he
let his head rest against Sunghoon’s shoulder, his body tense but seeking comfort. Sunghoon
ran a gentle hand through his damp hair, offering whatever comfort he could give.
soft knock at the door made Sunghoon look up. Jay stood in the doorway, his face shadowed
with exhaustion. He took one look at Sunoo before stepping inside, concern etched deeply
into his features
“How’s he doing?” Jay asked, his voice quiet but steady.

“He’s awake, but he’s still weak,” Sunghoon replied, shifting slightly so Jay could come
closer. “His fever’s down, but… he’s not himself. I don’t know what else to do.”
Jay sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. He crouched beside the bed, his sharp
eyes scanning Sunoo’s face with a careful intensity.

“Sunoo, can you hear me?” he asked, voice low but steady.

Sunoo’s gaze flickered toward Jay, but he didn’t respond. His fingers twitched slightly,
curling weakly into the blanket.

Jay exhaled, pressing his palm gently against Sunoo’s arm. His warmth seeped through the
fabric, grounding Sunoo in a way words couldn’t.

“You’re not alone in this, Sunghoon,” Jay murmured, giving him a reassuring squeeze on the
shoulder. “We’ll take care of him together.”

Before Sunghoon could respond, the door opened again, this time Ni-ki stepped inside, his
expression tense. His usual playful energy was absent—his face was pinched with worry, his
hands clenched into fists at his sides.
“Is he any better?” Ni-ki asked, voice strained.

Sunghoon shook his head. “Not really.”

Ni-ki’s jaw tightened. “We should take him to a hospital.”

Jay sighed, rubbing his temples. “We can’t. The hospitals are already overflowing. Doctors
don’t even know what’s happening yet. They’re saying we just have to wait it out.”

“Wait it out?” Ni-ki repeated incredulously. His voice raising uncharacteristically “You’re
joking, right? We can’t just sit here and do nothing—”

“We’re not doing nothing,” Sunghoon interrupted sharply. “We’re taking care of him. We’re
making sure he eats, drinks, rests. What else can we do?”
Silence. None of them had an answer. the irritation of not knowing what to do was so tiring.

Their manager arrived not long after, bringing them food, his face grim. “They still don’t
have answers,” he said, looking between them. “Scientists are calling it a virus, but they’re
also saying it might be something more—something affecting people on another level.
They don’t know the full extent yet. Just keep monitoring him. And all of you—get some
rest. You don’t look much better.”

But rest felt impossible.

___________
It was the fifth day after the accident and one day after Sunoo's fever has finally started to go
down, but his condition wasn't improving further, none of them actually was feeling better.

And now all the six of them, sunoo still in his room, were gathering in the living room sitting
stiffly Infront of the tv.
The soft hum of the television in the living room was the only sound that broke the tense
silence that had settled over the dorm. The members, still battling the fatigue and confusion
from the strange illness overtaking them, sat huddled together. The lines going crazy on the
tv news.

SYMPTOMS RANGE FROM FATIGUE TO EXTREME CHANGES."

"SCIENTISTS URGE THE PUBLIC TO REMAIN CALM AS RESEARCH CONTINUES."

" POSSIBLE GENETIC CHANGES "

.The news anchor’s voice came through the speakers, speaking in measured tones about the
strange phenomenon that had left the world in disarray.

"...researchers are still investigating the cause of these unprecedented shifts, but early tests
have confirmed that many individuals worldwide are showing signs of rapid physiological
changes—changes that scientists are calling.. gentic anomalies. Even though it's not certain
what had caused this changes the current clues are pointing at the recent accident that had
happened five days ago . A shooting star which sent massive waves of energy all around the
earth.
Authorities are advising citizens to remain cautious as further studies are conducted."

Jungwon, his eyes heavy from exhaustion and pain, flicked a glance at the screen, his gaze
lingering on the words. Genetic anomalies. The term seemed so clinical, so detached from the
chaos they were experiencing. The world didn’t understand yet. No one did.

"I don't get it..." Jungwon murmured, leaning back against the couch, his hand pressed to his
forehead, trying to ease the persistent ache there. "They're calling it genetic anomalies?
That’s all they’ve got?"
Jake’s eyes had widened in horror as he stared at the screen. He bolted upright, nearly
toppling off the couch. “This… This isn’t just an illness!” be said , his voice cracking with
desperation. “They’re saying our genes are changing, It’s not normal,” he rasped. “It’s not
just a virus.
"It doesn’t make sense," Sunghoon replied, rubbing his eyes tiredly. His own headache had
worsened since the night befor and Sunoo was still recovering, still too weak to help himself.
"They don’t even know what’s causing it. If they really understood what was going on, we
would have more answers by now. Why they don't have a clue even after 5 days?"

The entire world was in a state of confusion, scrambling to figure out what was happening
but the answers remained elusive. No one seemed to understand what was happening to them
—how their bodies were reacting, changing, morphing in ways that didn’t make sense.

As the night drew on, Sunghoon found himself alone in his room, the door shut quietly
behind him. He had stayed by Sunoo’s side for most of the day, but now the younger boy was
resting more soundly, his fever gone but still weak. Jay has offered to look out for sunoo
since Sunghoon needed to rest too. He leaned against the bed frame, his eyes slowly drifting
closed, though his mind was still racing .His mind was elsewhere—torn between worrying
about Sunoo, his family that they had been in contact several times a day , and also trying to
ignore the strange, almost suffocating heat building in his own body. It was becoming harder
to breathe. Not in the way that suffocated him with panic, but more like the air itself was
pressing down, making him feel like he was drowning in his own skin. But eventually his
tired body gave up to sleep as he pulled the blanket more on his body.

____
Heeseung was laying on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind a storm of thoughts he
couldn’t settle. His body ached in ways that felt unnatural—not just exhaustion, but
something deeper, like his very cells were unraveling and reassembling all at once.
The world outside their dorm felt distant, unreal. Every news update brought more confusion,
more fear. This wasn’t an isolated incident anymore—it was global.
A sudden knock at the door pulled him from his spiraling thoughts.
Knock. Knock.
“Hyung… can we talk?”
Jungwon’s voice was quiet, but there was something strained beneath it, something that sent a
wave of unease through Heeseung’s chest.
Pushing himself up, he swung his legs over the side of the bed and ran a hand through his
hair before moving toward the door.
He opened it to find Jungwon standing there, looking smaller than usual. His brows were
furrowed, lips pressed into a thin line, and his fingers twitched at his sides—like he was
holding something back.
“Yeah,” Heeseung said, stepping aside. “Come in.”
Jungwon entered slowly, his gaze flickering around the dimly lit room before settling on
Heeseung.
“The news,” he started, voice barely above a whisper, “it keeps getting worse.” He hesitated
before adding, “They’re talking about those… genetic anomalies again. It’s happening
everywhere, not just here.”
Heeseung exhaled, his jaw tightening. “I know.” His voice was heavy, tired. “I don’t get it
either. How the hell is it spreading like this? It doesn’t feel like some random phenomenon
anymore.”
Jungwon nodded, lowering himself onto the edge of Heeseung’s bed. His shoulders sagged,
the weight of everything pressing down on him. “It’s not just that, hyung. There’s something
in the air. Can’t you feel it?” His voice dropped, barely above a whisper. “It’s heavy. Like it’s
pressing down on us. It's.. I don't know how to describe it ”
Heeseung inhaled deeply, his head throbbing. He had felt it—like a storm building inside his
own body, a tension coiling in his muscles, his nerves buzzing with something foreign. The
way air felt more heavy.
Jungwon continued, his fingers clenching the fabric of his pants. “I don’t know how much
longer we can ignore it. This isn’t normal. It’s not just a sickness, they said genetics are
changing what if... Something worse happens”
Silence settled between them, thick and suffocating.
After a moment, Jungwon looked up again, his expression shifting. “And… Sunoo-hyung—”
He hesitated. “His fever’s down, but he’s still weak. He looks like he’s getting better, but… I
don’t think it’s over.”
Heeseung’s stomach twisted. “What do you mean?”
Jungwon shook his head, frustration evident in the way he exhaled. “I don’t know. That’s the
problem. What if the worst isn’t over? What if—what if we’re changing? If it's genetics what
if we start to change I don't know like Jake hyung said..what if our appearances change?”
The words sent a chill through Heeseung.
Because deep down, he already was aware of the danger but he didn't want to make the
younger panic even more.
He stepped closer, placing a firm hand on Jungwon’s shoulder. “Listen to me. I know it’s
terrifying. But you are doing great as a leader and you don’t have to carry this alone. We’re in
this together.”
Jungwon’s lips parted slightly, as if to argue, but the exhaustion in his eyes won out. As if
needing those assuring words from the oldest was what he needed.Heeseung gave him a
small, reassuring smile. And hugs him before he continues.
“We’ll get through this. Whatever this is,” Heeseung promised. “But don’t keep it all inside,
okay?”
Jungwon swallowed hard, then gave a slow nod. “Okay.”

Heeseung smiles lightly at him, Jungwon is their leader but he is still one of the youngest
members.

Meanwhile, in the living room, Ni-ki sat curled up on the couch, head tilted back, eyes
unfocused as he stared at the ceiling. The dizziness that had been plaguing him all day was
only getting worse.
His body felt wrong—too heavy yet too light at the same time, as if something inside him
was shifting, stretching beyond what it was meant to be.
He pressed his fingers to his temples, trying to will away the discomfort, but it was useless.
Every breath he took felt too deep, his lungs expanding in a way that felt unnatural, almost
foreign.
“I can’t do this anymore,” he muttered under his breath. His voice barely sounded like his
own.
He was so tired. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally. The others were suffering too,
but his own body felt like it was betraying him.
The worst part?
He felt so irritated around his hyungs his only expectation was when he was near sunoo.
And he had no idea why.
The buzzing sensation in his neck hadn’t faded. If anything, it was worsening, creeping along
his spine, settling into his bones like an electric current just beneath his skin. His fingers
twitched, and for a split second, he swore his nails looked longer than they should be.
The floor creaked under someone's feet.
Ni-ki barely had time to register the movement before Jake stepped into his view.
“You okay?” Jake’s voice was quiet, cautious, but warm.
Ni-ki let out a hollow laugh. “Do I look okay?”
Jake sighed, walking over to sit beside him. “Fair point.” He studied Ni-ki’s face, concern
clear in his expression. “What’s going on? It’s getting worse, isn’t it?”
Ni-ki sighed, shaking his head slightly. “I don’t know. I’ve been feeling off all day. My head
is killing me, and it feels like everything’s spinning. Do you think it’s... the same for you?”

Jake paused, then sat down beside him, his gaze thoughtful. “Yeah. I don’t know what’s
happening. But whatever it is, it's not good . I know it doesn’t feel like it now, but we’ll
figure it out. We have to.”

Ni-ki gave a faint mocking laugh but inside, the unease continued to grow. He could feel
something changing inside of him, something he couldn’t control. And the longer they went
without answers, the more the uncertainty gnawed at him and it irritated him to no end. He
didn't believe everything was fine, if it was fine why was he feeling like this?

Ni-ki exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples. “I don’t know what’s happening to me. My head
—it won’t stop buzzing. My body feels wrong. I—I think I’m losing control.”
Jake’s eyes darkened slightly. “Control of what?”
Ni-ki shook his head, frustrated. “Everything. My senses, my body, my—” He broke off, his
breath hitching. Trying to calm himself down , his anger. He really just wanted to snap at
someone and he had controlled himself almost well up until now.
A deep, sound rumbled from his throat as he growned something that wasn’t entirely human
That even shocked himself.His heart pounded, panic clawing at his chest as he clamped a
hand over his mouth.
Jake tensed.
“…Ni-ki?”

What the fuck was happening?

Chapter End Notes

Back with a new chapter. It's starting to happen, subtle changes in behaviours. Do you
like this chapter as well?
After you read it make sure to leave comments and tell me what do you think about it.

And a very important question for the continuation of the story I need to know if you
guys want with sunoo changing into an omega should his physical down there( yes that's
what I mean) change or not and stay the same?
 Chapter 6
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The sterile white walls of the National Research Laboratory hummed with quiet tension, the
rhythmic tapping of keyboards and the soft whirring of machines filling the otherwise silent
space. Scientists in crisp lab coats moved swiftly between workstations, gloved hands
carefully handling vials of blood samples, microscopic slides, and endless streams of data
pouring in from hospitals and clinics worldwide. Each piece of information brought them
closer to understanding the unprecedented biological changes that had swept through the
global population in the wake of the mysterious celestial event just days ago.

Computer monitors flickered with complex genetic sequences, fluctuating hormone levels,
and metabolic anomalies—evidence that humanity itself was undergoing a fundamental shift.
The weight of the discovery hung heavy in the room, a silent acknowledgment that their
findings would alter the course of human history.

At the center of it all, Dr. Lee Hyun-joo, the lead geneticist, sat hunched over her
workstation, eyes narrowed in concentration as she studied the latest batch of blood test
results glowing on her screen. Her long black hair tied back neatly, with a few strands
escaping to frame her focused face. Her white lab coat was slightly wrinkled, a testament to
the long hours spent in the lab. Her sharp, intense eyes were locked on the data before her,
lips pressed in a determined line. The data was undeniable. Patterns were emerging, distinct
and unshakable. She leaned closer, her fingers flying across the keyboard to cross-reference
the findings with previous samples. Reading several dates submitted from all around the
world.

“We’ve confirmed three distinct genetic shifts,” she muttered, almost to herself, but loud
enough for the room to hear. She paused, as if the weight of the statement needed a moment
to settle. “It’s consistent across every population sample it has been analyzed—regardless of
gender, or geographic location.”

A hush fell over the room as the other scientists turned their attention to her, their expressions
a mix of awe and apprehension. Dr. Kim Min-seok, one of her closest colleagues, stepped
forward, peering over her shoulder at the screen.

“Three distinct shifts...” he echoed, his mind racing. “Are you certain? There’s no anomaly,
no outlier?”

Dr. Lee nodded firmly, her eyes never leaving the data. “No anomalies. Every test that was
conducted, every piece of genetic code we've examined, points to the same conclusion. Three
categories, three new genetic markers."

She leaned back slightly, rubbing her temples. “We’ve seen subtle changes in some
individuals—enhanced sensory perception, heightened physical allure, increased muscle
mass—but until now, we couldn’t be sure they were connected. This data confirms it. The
changes are permanent, and they’re not random. And definitely not a virus”

Dr. Kim crossed his arms, processing the revelation. “So, these aren’t just surface-level
mutations. We’re talking about deep genetic alterations, rewiring human biology itself.”
Dr. Lee nodded again leaning back slightly in her chair, her eyes flicking to the screen before
her. "The U.S. was the first to name the groups—Alpha, Beta, and Omega," she explained,
her voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "They did it to categorize the changes and the
reactions we were seeing, but the names themselves are... problematic. Alpha, Beta, Omega
—it’s almost like they were applying a hierarchy, a social order."
"How is that?"
One of the newest intern to their section asked.

Dr. Min-seok who was standing over a stack of genetic samples, his attention focused on the
data in front of them answered. The tension in the air was palpable as they tried to process the
global implications of their findings.

“The names they’ve chosen—Alpha, Beta, Omega— they’re more than just labels. They
carry a lot of weight.”
Dr. Jang Min-seok, who was reviewing another set of data, looked up, adjusting his glasses.
And added"It’s symbolic, Alpha, Beta, Omega. They weren’t just looking for simple
distinctions. These names tap into pre-existing ideas of hierarchy and structure.”
As Dr.Lee saw the confusion still in the younger's face take it apon herself to explain.

"They chose the terms Alpha, Beta, and Omega based on a simple hierarchical system to
categorize them. Alpha was Named after the first letter of the Greek alphabet, symbolizing
strength, leadership. Betas Representing the middle ground. And Omegas Named after the
last letter of the Greek alphabet, Scientists viewed them as the “final” stage of genetic
variation, hence the name Omega.

" So they are separating them base on their power in society?"

The young man asked with shocked
“Exactly,” Dr. Min-seok replied, his voice low. “Alpha for strength, dominance, leadership.
Beta as the neutral, the middle ground. And Omega... they’ve made Omega seem like the
‘final’ step, almost like an evolutionary endpoint.”

Dr. Lee let out a breath, rubbing her temples. “That’s what bothers me. These terms are easy
to understand, but they carry heavy connotations. Alpha implies superiority. Omega implies...
weakness, or something to be fixed. And Beta, the middle ground, is always caught between
the two extremes.”

"It will start to shap society. There’s a clear, almost instinctual reaction: Alphas are seen as
superior, Omegas as weaker."
Dr.Min added with a sigh they were already making it a game of power.
Min-seok gave a slight nod. "The names were useful for initial categorization, but they might
be doing more harm than good now."
It’s not just scientific anymore Dr. Min-seok thought with himself. It’s societal. People will
start seeing these categories as more than just genetic shifts. They’ll start creating
expectations based on them.
As the scientists were deep in their conversation, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down
the sterile hallway of the laboratory. Dr. Lee looked up, her frown deepening as the door to
the conference room opened. A young assistant in a dark suit stood in the doorway, clipboard
in hand.
“Dr. Lee, Dr. Min-seok, it’s time,” the assistant said, his voice clipped and professional. “The
meeting with the government officials is starting in 15 minutes. You’re needed in the briefing
room.”

Dr. Lee exchanged a brief glance with Dr. Min-seok before nodding. “Alright, we’ll be there
shortly,” she replied, collecting her papers and organizing the slides they had prepared. The
weight of the upcoming meeting was heavy, but there was no time to waste. This was the first
time they would present their findings to the higher-ups, and tensions were running high.

The two doctors followed the assistant down the hallway, their footsteps echoing in the quiet
corridor, and soon they entered the conference room. The large glass walls offered a
sweeping view of the city below, but the room itself was filled with stern, stone-faced
individuals: military officials in full uniform, high-ranking members of the government, and
a few special advisors, including the president’s representative.

Dr. Lee set her slides up on the projector, her hands steady but her heart racing. She could
already feel the weight of their eyes on her.

The meeting began promptly. General Kim, a towering man in military uniform, cleared his
throat and spoke first. “We’ve been briefed on your findings, Dr. Lee, Dr. Min-seok. But we
need more. This is an unprecedented situation. The entire world is watching, and we need to
understand exactly what we’re dealing with. How soon can you offer us a full understanding
of these genetic shifts? And what do we do about it?”

Dr. Lee stood tall, adjusting the microphone as she clicked to the first slide. “What we’re
facing is not a simple mutation. This is an entirely new biological phenomenon. As you
know, the event that took place six days ago triggered massive genetic changes in humans
across the globe. We’ve classified these changes into three distinct genetic groups: Alphas,
Betas, and Omegas.”

She clicked to the next slide, showing a diagram of the three categories, with their respective
physical and hormonal traits clearly laid out. "We’ve already confirmed that these shifts are
permanent. They are not a temporary mutation or an anomaly that will revert. We’re dealing
with a new biological order, one that will shape our society and our future interactions."

The room fell into a tense silence as the officials absorbed the information. Then, Minister
Choi, a sharp-eyed woman who had remained quiet up until this point, leaned forward, her
voice sharp. “These labels—Alpha, Beta, Omega—they’re going to cause problems, aren’t
they? We can already see the tension rising between Alphas and Omegas. There’s aggression.
There’s attraction. The social dynamics are shifting drastically. How do we handle this? What
can we do to mitigate the risks?”

Dr. Lee nodded gravely, clicking to another slide showing a timeline of hormonal
fluctuations. “The genetic shifts seem to be influencing not just physical traits but behavioral
responses as well. Alphas, particularly, have shown increased aggression, a drive to
dominate, especially when interacting with Omegas. Omegas, on the other hand, have shown
heightened sensitivity, even to the scent of Alphas. It’s creating a volatile situation.”
Minister Choi exchanged a glance with General Kim, who remained unblinking. “So, you’re
telling us this is going to get worse before it gets better? That the aggression we’re seeing
between these groups could lead to violence?”

Dr. Min-seok, who had been quiet up until now, spoke up. “Yes, it’s possible. We’re already
seeing shifts in societal behavior, but we’re still in the early stages. We don’t know how the
long-term hormonal effects will manifest. There are reports of individuals having heightened
instincts to claim territory, protect mates, or fight over dominance. This is compounded by a
growing sense of anxiety among those who’ve been diagnosed as Omegas.”

“And we can’t ignore the political ramifications,” Dr. Lee added, her voice firm. “People may
start to divide into factions based on their genetic status. Alphas may demand leadership
roles. Omegas may be pushed into positions of subjugation. We’re only just beginning to see
how this will affect global relations, economies, and even basic civil rights.”
As the room quieted, General Kim’s steely gaze fixed on Dr. Lee. His voice was heavy with
suspicion, cutting through the tension that had built up during the meeting. “What about the
danger?” he asked bluntly. “Are we facing the risk of a breakdown in order? If Alphas are
already showing this kind of aggression toward Omegas, how long before things get out of
hand? Do we need to take preemptive action?”

Dr. Lee hesitated, her fingers nervously tapping against the edge of the table. She had been
preparing for this moment, knowing that the government and military would be focused on
security concerns, but the question still struck a chord with her. Her eyes flickered to the next
slide, which she had been reluctant to show. It was a video clip, recorded in a local hospital
just a few days ago, capturing the violent interaction between an Alpha patient and an
Omega.

She sighed softly and clicked the video, the footage appearing on the large screen behind her.
The camera showed a sterile hospital room with an Alpha, visibly agitated. His muscles were
tensed, his face twisted in frustration. Across from him, an Omega sat nervously, hands
trembling, eyes wide with fear.

The Alpha lunged at the Omega, grabbing him by the collar and pushing him back into the
wall. The Omega, in a panic, tried to shove him off, but the Alpha’s strength was
overwhelming. The scene was chaotic,and unsettling.

The room fell into a tense silence as the video ended abruptly. General Kim and the other
officials exchanged glances, their faces unreadable. Minister Choi, her sharp eyes narrowing,
spoke first, her voice calm but heavy with implication. “This... this is what you’re suggesting
could become the norm? Are Omegas provoking this behavior? Is it their presence that
triggers these outbursts from Alphas?”

The room was filled with an uncomfortable silence, everyone looking to Dr. Lee for an
answer. She swallowed hard, her chest tight. She could feel the weight of the room’s
expectations, but she knew the truth was far more complex.

“No, Minister,” Dr. Lee said slowly, her voice steady but tinged with frustration. “this is not
something any of them can control. The hormonal shifts are still too new. There’s no
precedent for what’s happening. We’re dealing with a completely uncharted territory of
human behavior.”

She clicked through the slides to a chart detailing hormonal imbalances in Alphas, which
showed a significant spike in aggression and dominance-driven hormones like testosterone,
as well as oxytocin, which could trigger the instincts to protect or claim. She looked up at the
officials, her eyes meeting General Kim’s with an unflinching resolve.

“This aggression—it’s not the fault of the Omegas. Alpha's has this reaction to dominant
omegas the most but they have also showed irritation toward other alphas.This isn’t a matter
of provocation or intent. Alphas are experiencing hormonal imbalances that are beyond their
control. They have no way of managing these instincts yet. In some cases, it’s a fight-or-
flight response that’s triggered by the presence of an Omega, but it’s not a conscious choice.
It's an overpowering, uncontrollable urge.”

Minister Choi’s lips tightened as she processed this. “So you’re saying these Alphas are
acting on instinct, not malice? How are we supposed to manage a society where people are no
longer able to control their most basic drives?”

Dr. Lee’s hands hovered over the controls, a flicker of doubt in her eyes as she weighed her
words carefully. “What we’re seeing is a biological shift that needs time to be understood. We
have to make allowances for the fact that these behaviors are new—unprecedented. We need
to focus on finding ways to help Alphas manage their aggression, while also providing
support for Omegas who are naturally more vulnerable. This isn’t a situation where anyone is
at fault. We’re still in the early stages of understanding how to control these new instincts.”

General Kim scowled, his fingers tapping restlessly on the table. “And what do we do about
the Omegas? If they’re going to be the trigger for such violence, how do we ensure that
doesn’t escalate further?”

Dr. Lee’s expression softened as she met his gaze. “We can’t blame any of them. Alphas are
reacting to an instinct they haven’t learned to control. Omegas aren’t responsible for
triggering that reaction. We need to be patient as we study to find solutions, and ensure that
Alphas and Omegas and betas should get the help they need.”

The tension in the room was palpable, but Dr. Lee’s words hung in the air, creating an uneasy
silence. She knew the challenges they faced were monumental, but she also understood that
she couldn’t let her research be overshadowed by fear and blame. This was a new world, and
they were all struggling to navigate it.
General Kim stood abruptly, his hands clasped behind his back. “What do you suggest we do
now? We need action, not just information. The government needs to be prepared. What
measures can we take to prevent civil unrest? What do we tell the people?”

Dr. Lee clicked to the final slide, showing a detailed list of proposed steps, with both short-
and long-term goals. “We need to start with having more will power working on knowing
these cases and further education. The people need to be informed about what’s happening
and be identified. We cannot allow misinformation to take hold.
In the long term We also need to create a support system for those who are struggling with
their new genetic identity. Psychological counseling, community outreach, public education
on what these changes mean biologically and socially.”

She paused for a moment, letting the weight of her words settle in. “But above all, we need to
address the growing divide between Alphas and Omegas. If we don’t intervene, if we don’t
manage these tensions, we risk allowing this to spiral out of control. We must find a way to
keep the peace, even if it means regulating the interactions between these groups.”

There was a long silence, the tension in the room thick enough to cut through. Finally, the
President’s representative, a middle-aged man with a lined face, spoke up. “We’re going to
have to move fast. But we also need a way to monitor the progression of these changes in real
time. Can your teams keep up with the pace of this?”

Dr. Lee nodded. “We have the resources to monitor the changes and keep refining our
understanding of them. But we need support—both in terms of funding and infrastructure.
This is an unprecedented global event, and we can’t navigate it alone.”

General Kim stepped forward, his gaze hard. “We’ll ensure you have the resources you need.
But be clear, this situation has national security implications. We can’t afford to let it
escalate.”

Dr. Lee met his gaze without flinching. “Understood, General. We’ll continue our work and
keep you informed.”

With that, the meeting concluded, and the room emptied. The scientists, now more certain
than ever, knew their work was far from over. But it had only just begun. The true challenge
would be in navigating the complex, ever-shifting dynamics that lay ahead.

__________________________________________

Sunoo settled back into the pillows, his body feeling the weight of exhaustion as he stared at
the ceiling, it's been some hours that he has been awake finally free with his fever, his
stomach still occasionally tightening with cramps. He felt like his body was betraying him, in
ways he couldn’t understand. It had been nearly a week, but still, no one had fully explained
what was happening.
The questions kept swirling in his mind. What was happening to him? To all of them? Was
this something temporary, or was this their new reality?

Jay’s voice broke through his thoughts, and Sunoo turned to see him standing by the door,
arms folded, watching him with a concerned expression.

“are you feeling better?"

"Yeah I'm better just.. my body still feels sore and tired, I still don't know what's happening "
Jay nodded, his gaze softening. “No one really does yet. We don’t know what’s causing all of
this. There’s been no explanation. The doctors haven’t been able to tell us anything solid
about why this is happening or what it means. They just guess there is some genetic causes”

Sunoo’s heart sank a little. He had hoped someone would have figured it out by now, that
some concrete answers would ease the uncertainty. But it seemed like the answers were just
as elusive as ever.

“I guess we’re all just waiting, huh?” Sunoo said quietly, trying to push back the unease
bubbling in his chest.

Jay let out a breath, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. They’ve been keeping us in the
dark about a lot of things. No official diagnosis yet. And... no clear timeline on when we’ll
get one.” He walked over to the bed, sitting at the edge and looking down at Sunoo. “But
you’re not alone in this, okay? I know it’s frustrating, but we’re all in this together. We’re
going to figure it out, even if it’s slowly. Not only us but also your family, they called a lot to
check on and to tell that they feel ok”

Sunoo nodded, feeling a strange mix of gratitude and comfort. He wasn’t used to feeling this
vulnerable and he didn't like it.

“Im thankful,” Sunoo whispered. “I don’t know what’s going on with me, with all of us but
it'll be fine”

Jay gave him a small, reassuring smile. ““I know you’re still hurting, but I think it's better for
you to come and eat something "
______
As Sunoo steps out of his room, stretching his arms above his head with a small yawn, the
others glance over at him, still adjusting to the sudden shift in routine. They’re sitting on the
couch, chatting about the unexpected one week break they’ve all had, and their eyes
momentarily fall on Sunoo.

Sunghoon is the first to notice, his gaze lingering on Sunoo’s face, noting how his skin
appears almost... smoother. There’s a subtle glow to it, like it’s become softer, even in the dim
lighting. Sunghoon frowns slightly, but then shakes his head, thinking it’s probably just the
rest and the light, nothing more. He doesn’t bring it up, but the thought lingers in his mind.

Jay, as always, is the first to break the silence with a grin. "Man, I never thought I’d say this,
but I kind of miss performing. The stage, the lights, the crowd—it feels weird not being
busy."

Jake chuckles and leans back in his seat, stretching out his legs. “Tell me about it. I miss our
crazy schedules. At least it kept us on our toes. Now I'm scared to go to performing with two
heads”

Jungwon laughs softly, shaking his head. “Yeah, we were never really ones to sit still. But
hey, we’ve all earned this break, right?” He gives Sunoo a teasing glance. “You look better
though, Sunoo. Getting some rest?”
Sunoo smiles a little, still feeling the remnants of fatigue but grateful for the break. “Yeah, I
guess I’m starting to feel a bit more like myself now. Still, it feels strange, not knowing
what’s going on with this sudden sickness.”

Ni-ki, who has been quiet, glances at Sunoo with a thoughtful look. “Yeah… I know what
you mean. It’s like something’s changing, but we can’t put a finger on it.”

Ni-ki had previously thrown the topic of what had happened between jake and him under the
rug not wanting to talk about it for now. It was scaring him and he didn't want to scare others
further.

The conversation carries on with small jokes and casual chatter, all of them trying to be
normal after what had happened recently. Sunoo smiled at them his stomach growling at him
to eat something.

He made his way to the kitchen, a little slow but determined to prepare something simple for
himself. His stomach was still uneasy, but he felt the need to eat, to regain some normalcy.
He reached for a bowl of fruit from the fridge, his fingers brushing over the smooth surface
of the apples and bananas. He was still tired, but the quiet of the kitchen was soothing.

As he began slicing the fruit, he heard the soft creak of the door behind him. Turning around,
he found Heeseung standing in the doorway, watching him with a thoughtful expression.

"Hey," Heeseung said, his voice quieter than usual. "How are you feeling?"

Sunoo smiled a bit, still half-focused on his task. "Better. Stomach’s still hurting a bit, but...
I'm alright."

Heeseung nodded, his eyes lingering on Sunoo’s face. He’d noticed something subtle when
he entered, something he couldn’t place at first. He watched Sunoo for a moment, and then
without warning, he stepped forward, reaching out gently to touch the back of Sunoo’s neck.
His fingers brushed the soft skin there, and Sunoo flinched in surprise, his hand pausing mid-
motion with the fruit in it as Heeseung's fingers continued up to his cheeks

"Your skin... it’s... softer," Heeseung commented, his tone almost hesitant and curious. "It
looks really smooth, too. I don’t know, maybe I’m just seeing things."

Sunoo blushed lightly, unsure how to respond. He hadn’t really thought much about it,
though he’d felt a difference too when he was freshing up earlier in the shower. Still,
Heeseung’s touch lingered in his mind for a moment his skin was a lot more sensitive to
anything touching it.

Heeseung, however, didn’t seem to notice the moment of awkwardness. Instead, he took a
deep breath, and his expression shifted as if he’d just noticed something else. There was a
scent in the air—sweet, subtle soft, almost like fresh flowers or the calm breeze of a spring
day. It was faint, but unmistakable. The scent curled around him, a gentle comfort, and for a
moment, he simply stood there, breathing it in, feeling the odd sensation of calm settle over
him.
 It was strange—he hadn’t noticed it before. But now that it was there, it felt almost...
soothing. Something about it felt right, like a quiet, refreshing wind that cleared the mental
fog. Maybe it was a new shampoo or body wash?

Heeseung didn’t say anything more, though. He hesitated, then offered a small smile to
Sunoo, who had turned back to his task, seeming unaware of the effect his presence had on
the room.

"Guess I was imagining it," Heeseung finally said, his voice quiet again. "Anyway, I’ll leave
you to it." He slowly ruffled the younger's hair.

As Heeseung turned to leave, he didn’t bring it up again. But that sweet scent lingered in his
mind. He couldn’t quite explain it, but it was oddly comforting. The kind of comfort you feel
on a warm, clear day when everything feels right, like fresh air filling your lungs after a long
time. He was almost reluctant to leave the kitchen, but he shook off the feeling, walking away
slowly, his thoughts a little quieter than before. As if the itching in his mind for the past
couple of days has been gone.

Chapter End Notes

Everything is slowly starting. What do you think about this chapter? It was a long one
on the doctors but I think it was necessary to know the world of this story better right?
The higher people are already starting pointing fingers at omegas...
Oh and the pheromones, are they finally blooming?!!

After reading make sure to leave comments please

 Chapter 7
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Sunoo exhaled softly as Heeseung left, his fingers lightly brushing the back of his neck where
the older had touched him. The warmth lingered, an almost phantom sensation that refused to
fade. It was as if Heeseung’s touch had imprinted itself onto his skin, leaving behind a heat
that wasn’t just physical but something deeper—something unsettling yet strangely…
comforting.

His fingertips pressed against the spot, tracing over it absentmindedly as he tried to make
sense of the reaction twisting in his chest. It wasn’t the first time Heeseung had touched him
—far from it. The members were always casually affectionate, leaning into each other during
long practice hours, draping themselves over one another when exhaustion hit. But this felt
different. Too light, too deliberate, too charged.

His pulse thrummed beneath his skin, his body oddly aware of the lingering warmth. It
wasn’t like a fever, nor was it like the discomfort he’d been feeling throughout the week. This
was something else. His breath came a little slower, deeper, like his body was trying to
process a sensation it didn’t understand.

A shiver ran down his spine—not from discomfort, but from something far more confusing.
It wasn’t fear. It wasn’t even surprise. It was just… awareness. An acute, undeniable
awareness of Heeseung. Of his touch. Of how natural it had felt and how unnatural it was for
Sunoo to still be thinking about it.

He shook his head, tearing his hand away from his neck as if that could dispel the strange
feeling creeping up his spine. *Get a grip,* he told himself. There was no reason for him to
react like this. He was probably just overly tired, overly sensitive from everything that had
been happening. That had to be it.

He turned his attention back to his fruit, forcing himself to focus on something else. The
strange warmth lingering on his skin needed to be ignored—pushed aside like an
afterthought. He picked up a slice of apple, pressing it between his fingers before bringing it
to his lips. The crisp bite should have grounded him, should have pulled him away from the
confusing thoughts swirling in his head. But the moment the flavor hit his tongue, a sharp
sensation prickled at his taste buds.

The sweetness was almost too much, cloying in a way that made his nose scrunch slightly.
Had apples always tasted this strong? It wasn’t unpleasant, but it was… overwhelming. As if
his senses had been dialed up without his permission, amplifying even the smallest details—
the crispness of the fruit, the faint tartness beneath the sugar-sweet surface, the way the juice
spread across his tongue like honeyed syrup. Why did it taste so sweet? He was sure that it
wasn't supposed to be this tasteful.

He placed the untouched apple back on the counter, his appetite suddenly waning tho his
stomach was still groaning. The sensation lingered in his mouth too intense for his liking, like
everything around him had been heightened beyond what he was used to. It was the same
with the sounds in the room—the hum of the refrigerator, the distant murmur of the TV, the
rustling of movement from the others. It wasn’t overwhelming yet, but it was noticeable.
Rubbing his fingers together absently, he exhaled slowly. this gradual changes were
unnerving.

Across the house, the muffled sounds of conversation filtered through the walls, the others
still talking, but Sunoo couldn’t bring himself to listen. Every nerve in his body felt stretched
too thin, his senses heightened in a way that left him restless. The memory of Heeseung’s
touch still lingered, an unfamiliar warmth curling in his stomach, making his skin flush in a
way that frustrated him. Suddenly the irritation was daunting on him.
He didn’t want to be alone right now it felt more irritating when he was alone. And it is
strange because sunoo never felt this irritated by anything and always enjoyed some alone
time, but the quiet in the kitchen was starting to feel suffocation, he stepped out into the
hallway, rubbing his arms as he made his way toward the living room. Maybe being around
the others would help distract him from whatever was messing with his head.

But as he entered the space, he found it empty. The TV was off, the blankets strewn over the
couch left untouched, and there was no sign of the laughter and chatter from earlier. His chest
tightened slightly at the unexpected loneliness. He had assumed the others would still be
here, but they must have gone to their rooms.

Sunoo hesitated for a moment, debating whether to just go back to his own room, but the
thought of being alone with his thoughts made him shift uncomfortably. Instead, he turned on
his heel and made his way down the hall, his feet carrying him toward one of the ni-ki’ rooms
before he could think twice about it.

His hand hovered over the doorknob before he gave a tentative knock. “Hey… you in there?”

A muffled response came from inside, and without waiting for an invitation, he pushed the
door open, stepping into the familiar space.

Sunoo exhaled, seeing Jake and ni-ki there. He felt some of the tension ease from his
shoulders. This was better. He wasn’t sure why, but right now, he just needed to be here with
someone. Anywhere but alone.

He stepped into Ni-ki’s room, stretching his arms as he glanced around. The soft glow of the
monitor illuminated the space, casting faint shadows across the walls. Ni-ki and Jake were
seated on the comfy cushion in front of the screen, controllers in hand, their focus entirely on
the game playing out before them. The rapid clicking of buttons and the occasional burst of
frustration filled the air, blending seamlessly with the sounds of the game’s action-packed
sequences.

Instead of interrupting, Sunoo quietly made his way over, settling beside Jake with a small
sigh. The room was warm , and the rhythmic back-and-forth of the game was oddly soothing.
He leaned against the side of the cushion, watching as Ni-ki’s character dashed across the
screen, narrowly dodging an attack before countering with a move that made Jake groan in
defeat.

tilting his head as he glanced at the screen. Sunoo said “How long has this match been going
on?”
Jake huffed, running a hand through his hair in exasperation. “Too long. Ni-ki refuses to
lose.”

Ni-ki smirked, not even sparing them a glance as he smoothly maneuvered his character.
“That’s because I don’t lose. You're just not as good as me”

Sunoo chuckled at the younger’s confidence, pulling his knees up to his chest as he got
comfortable. Despite the competitive tension in the air, the room itself felt warm, filled with
the kind of easy companionship that made Sunoo’s shoulders relax. He wasn’t particularly
interested in the game, but just being there, sitting beside Jake and watching Ni-ki’s
determination, felt… nice.

Jake nudged Sunoo’s knee lightly with his elbow, his voice playful. “You should play the
next round. Maybe you’ll be the one to finally knock Ni-ki down a peg.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “Not a chance. I’d lose in two seconds.”

Ni-ki grinned at that, finally glancing away from the screen to shoot him a smug look. “At
least you’re self-aware.”

Sunoo playfully shoved Ni-ki’s arm in response, earning a laugh from Jake. The room fell
back into comfortable ease, the game continuing as if nothing outside those four walls
mattered. just being here, with them, felt nice his mind finally leaving him to be in peace .

Jake groaned dramatically as he lost yet another round, tossing his controller onto the bed and
stretching his arms above his head. With a sigh, he turned to Sunoo, his sharp eyes flickering
with amusement. Then, without warning, he slung an arm around Sunoo’s shoulders, pulling
him in close.

"You're finally up and alive," Jake teased, resting his chin on Sunoo’s shoulder as if it were
the most natural thing in the world. "Took you long enough. We were starting to think you
were gonna hibernate forever."

Sunoo tensed at the sudden closeness, his body going rigid for a second before he relaxed
against Jake. "I wasn't hibernating," he muttered, voice muffled against Jake’s weight. "I was
sick." Sunoo rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips.

Ni-ki, who had been laser-focused on his game, finally glanced at them with an unimpressed
look. "Sick? you almost looked dead" he snickered, shooting Sunoo a playful glance before
turning back to his screen.

Sunoo groaned, wriggling in Jake’s hold, but the older only tightened his grip, practically
draping himself over Sunoo now. "I was sick"

"Eh," Ni-ki hummed noncommittally. "Still looking like a zombie to me."

Jake chuckled, rubbing his chin against Sunoo’s shoulder. "Don't annoy him ni-ki ya But..."
He suddenly leaned in closer, nose scrunching slightly. "You do smell kinda different
though."
Sunoo stiffened. "What?"

Jake pulled back slightly, but his arms still remained loosely around Sunoo. His brows
furrowed, like he was trying to figure something out. "I dunno. Not in a bad way. Just…
different."

Ni-ki perked up at that, pausing his game as he turned to look at them. His eyes narrowed as
he leaned forward slightly. "Wait, now that you mention it…"

Sunoo immediately regretted being in the room. He pointed his finger at the younger
"Don’t start," he warned, already knowing where this was going.

But Ni-ki ignored him, standing up and walking over with a curious expression. "Maybe he's
been rolling around in flowers like the princess he thinks he is " he mused, a teasing lilt to his
voice in a overdramatic action. Then, before Sunoo could stop him, he leaned in and sniffed
the air dramatically.

Sunoo nearly leaped out of his skin. "Yah! What are you doing?!"

Ni-ki smirked. "Checking if Jake hyung's right. And yeah, you do smell kinda weird."

Sunoo’s face burned. "I don’t smell weird! You guys are imagining things!"

Jake hummed thoughtfully, his hold still warm around Sunoo. "Maybe. Or maybe…" His grip
tightened playfully as he grinned. "We just have to get a closer sniff—"

Sunoo shoved him away, his face heating up. "Absolutely not!"

Jake stumbled back, laughing, while Ni-ki just grinned, clearly entertained. "You’re acting
suspicious, hyung," Ni-ki said, wiggling his eyebrows.

"I'm not acting suspicious why should I even act suspicious!" Sunoo snapped, crossing his
arms over his chest.

Jake exchanged a glance with Ni-ki before they started laughing.

Sunoo groaned, grabbing a pillow and whacking both of them with it. "I hate you guys."
He groaned, rubbing his temples. "You both are unbearable.
Their laughter filled the room, but even as the teasing continued, Jake’s curiosity didn’t fade.
Something was definitely different. And whether Sunoo wanted to admit it or not, they could
tell.
Sunoo huffed, crossing his arms as he sank deeper into the bed, glaring at Jake and Ni-ki,
who were still grinning .His skin still felt warm where Jake had clung to him, and the worst
part? He hadn’t hated it. If anything, it had felt… oddly comforting.

Ni-ki plopped down next to him, poking at his arm. “So, are you gonna tell us why you smell
different, or are we just gonna have to keep sniffing you until we figure it out?”

Sunoo smacked his hand away. “You are NOT sniffing me, Ni-ki.”
Jake chuckled, stretching his legs out and leaning back on his hands. “Alright, alright, we’ll
stop… for now.” He shot Sunoo a knowing look that made him shift uncomfortably. “But
seriously, you do smell kinda nice.”

Sunoo’s face burned with heat. “I always smell nice.”

“Yeah, but it’s different now,” Ni-ki insisted, squinting at him like he was a puzzle to be
solved. Then, as if testing a theory, he leaned in just slightly before Sunoo shoved him away
with a sharp glare. “Okay, okay I'll stop! But for real, maybe it’s your shampoo?”

Sunoo scoffed, throwing his hands in the air. “Yes, Ni-ki, I definitely changed my shampoo in
the middle of being sick and bedridden.”

Ni-ki shrugged his attention shifted back to his game. “Well, whatever. As long as you’re not
dying, it doesn’t really matter.”

Jake let out a lazy sigh, flopping onto his side and draping an arm over Sunoo’s lap like he
had no plans of moving anytime soon. “Yeah, I guess. But if you start glowing or floating or
something, you have to tell us.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes but let out a small laugh despite himself. “If I start floating, you’ll be
the first to know.”

Ni-ki snorted. “Yeah, right. You’d probably try to hide it until you were literally in the air.”

Sunoo had no argument for that, so he just pouted and reached for the controller. “Shut up
and let me play.”

Jake groaned but didn’t move from his spot against Sunoo, and Ni-ki tossed him a controller
without complaint. As the game started, the teasing faded into easy laughter and playful
shoves, but the thought still lingered in Sunoo’s mind.

After some time,The door slowly creaked open, and Jay leaned against the frame, arms
crossed as he glanced at the three of them sprawled on the cushion “We’re heading to the
store. You guys need anything?”

Jake immediately perked up. “Oh, we’re coming.”

Jay raised a brow. “We?”

Ni-ki stretched his arms above his head, letting out a satisfied sigh. “Yeah, I need to get out
of this house before I start growing roots.”

Jake nodded in agreement. “Same. I haven’t breathed fresh air in, like, forever.”

Sunoo hesitated for a moment before shrugging. “I wanna come too.”

That made Jay pause. His gaze flickered over to Sunoo, eyes narrowing slightly. “You sure?
You are sick you just started to feel better .”
Sunoo huffed, rolling his eyes. “I’m fine now jay hyung. I wouldn’t say I wanted to go if I
wasn’t.”

Jay didn’t look entirely convinced, and neither did the other members lingering in the
hallway. Jungwon appeared behind Jay, arms crossed as he looked at Sunoo with quiet
concern. “Are you sure, though?”

Sunghoon, who had been standing behind them with a hoodie pulled over his head, frowned.
“You still kinda look pale.”

Sunoo groaned. “Guys, seriously, I feel fine. If I get tired, I’ll tell you, okay?”

The group exchanged glances before Jay finally sighed. “Alright, alright. But if you start
feeling weird, we’re dragging you back, no arguments.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes but smiled . “Deal.”

Jungwon still looked unsure but nodded. “Then let’s go before we change our minds.”

Jake grinned, hopping off the bed and stretching. “Finally! Let’s get some snacks.”

Ni-ki pumped his fist in the air. “Freedom!”

Sunoo shook his head at their antics but couldn’t deny the small flicker of excitement in his
chest. A trip to the store wasn’t a big deal, but after everything that had been happening, a
little normalcy felt like a relief.

The soft hum of the city night felt oddly comforting as the group made their way down the
sidewalk, bundled in hoodies and jackets. The streets were mostly empty, the occasional
streetlamp casting a dim glow on the pavement. A gentle breeze brushed past them, crisp and
cool, but not unpleasant. It felt refreshing after being cooped up in the dorm for so long.

Sunoo walked between Jake and Ni-ki, their warmth radiating against his sides as they
strolled. Jake, ever the tactile one, had slung an arm over Sunoo’s shoulders, pulling him
close as they walked. Sunoo didn’t protest, though he wasn’t sure if it was because he was
too tired to or because, deep down, the contact was kind of nice.

Ni-ki, on Sunoo’s other side, nudged him playfully with his elbow. “Bet you’ll be the first
one to complain about being tired.”

Sunoo shot him a glare, though there was no real heat behind it. “I told you, I’m fine.”

Jay, walking ahead with Jungwon and Sunghoon, glanced back. “You say that now, but if you
so much as look dizzy, we’re hauling you back.”

Sunoo huffed. “You guys are acting like I’m made of glass.”

“You kinda are,” Sunghoon muttered under his breath.

Sunoo scowled, but the moment was softened when Jake suddenly squeezed his shoulders in
a one-armed hug. “Relax. We’re just looking out for you.”

The words were teasing, but something in Jake’s tone made Sunoo glance up at him. There
was a flicker of something in his eyes—concern, maybe, or something else entirely. Sunoo
wasn’t sure, but the way Jake held onto him, fingers firm but not overbearing, made his heart
stutter in a way he didn’t quite understand.

They reached the convenience store, its neon lights glowing warmly in the otherwise dim
street. The automatic doors slid open with a soft chime, and they stepped inside, the familiar
scent of instant ramen and packaged snacks wrapping around them like a nostalgic embrace.

The atmosphere was peaceful. The quiet buzz of the refrigerator coolers, the faint hum of lo-
fi music playing from the store’s speakers—it was all strangely soothing.

Ni-ki made a beeline for the snack aisle, while Jay and Sunghoon browsed the drinks. Sunoo
lingered near the entrance for a moment, taking it all in. There was something so normal
about this—something so mundane and comforting that, for a brief moment, he could almost
forget about the strange unease that had been lingering in the back of his mind for days.

Jake nudged him. “Come on, let’s find something good.”

Sunoo nodded, following him further into the store,

He trailed after Jake, his fingers brushing over the cool plastic of the snack bags as he
absentmindedly scanned the shelves. Jake, on the other hand, had no such hesitation—he was
already tossing things into his basket with an almost childlike enthusiasm.

“Ooh, these chips are good,” Jake said, grabbing a bag and waving it in Sunoo’s direction.
“Should I get two?”

Sunoo raised an eyebrow. “Do you really need two?”

Jake shrugged. “Better safe than sorry.” He threw them both in.

A few aisles over, Jay was crouched down, staring intently at the cup ramen selection. “Why
are there so many kinds? Do I go spicy or extra spicy?” he muttered to himself, completely
absorbed in the decision.

“Just get both,” Sunghoon said as he passed by with Jay, already holding a drink in one hand.
“You’ll eat them anyway.”

Meanwhile, Sunoo found himself drawn to the drink coolers, staring at the rows of colorful
bottles. He wasn’t really thirsty, but something about the chilled air against his skin was
grounding. His fingers absentmindedly reached for a bottle of peach tea, the familiar comfort
of the flavor making the choice easy.
As he straightened, he felt someone suddenly lean against him, chin resting lightly on his
shoulder.

“You should get something sweeter,” Jake mused, peeking over Sunoo’s shoulder at his
choice.

Sunoo tensed slightly at the close contact but didn’t move away. “Peach tea is sweet.” it
wasn't that sweet, he had chosen that because of the earlier when he ate the apple. He wanted
to test if this also tasted sweeter.

Jake hummed in thought before grabbing a bottle of banana milk and placing it in Sunoo’s
basket. “This suits you better.”

Sunoo shot him an unimpressed look. “I’m not a kid.”

“You kinda are,” Ni-ki said as he appeared beside them, smirking. “hyung’s just treating you
like the baby of the group.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes. “You are the baby of the group.”

“Yeah, but I don’t act like one.” Ni-ki grinned, clearly enjoying himself.

Before Sunoo could respond, Jungwon walked over, holding a small basket with a few neatly
chosen items. “Are we almost done? It’s late.”

“Almost,” Jay called from the snack aisle, where he and Sunghoon were still debating over
flavors of instant coffee.

Sunoo glanced at the items in his hands and sighed. With a quiet huff, he also got the banana
milk.

Jake grinned in victory. “Knew it.”

Sunoo shot him a look but said nothing, just letting the warmth of the moment settle over him
as they continued picking out snacks, the late-night outing feeling more like a stolen moment
of peace before the world changed again.

The walk back to the dorm was noticeably quieter than before.

“So,” Jay finally spoke, stretching his arms over his head, “We should get some fresh air
more often. Feels kinda nice to walk around instead of rotting in the dorm.”

Jungwon nodded in agreement. “Yeah, even if we’re just getting snacks, it’s better than being
cooped up all day.”

Ni-ki grinned, holding up a bag of chips he had snuck into their haul. “And it’s even better
with food.”

Sunoo huffed a small laugh. The normalcy of the conversation helped ease his nerves. This
was better. This was how things were supposed to be.
 “Speaking of food,” Sunghoon added, nudging Sunoo’s arm lightly, “since you’re feeling
better, you should eat more tonight. You barely ate earlier.”

“I will,” Sunoo assured him.

Jake exhaled in relief beside him. “Good.”

Sunoo turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. “Why do you sound so relieved?”

Jake hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck before grinning playfully. “Because if you get
sick again, we’re gonna have to carry you around like royalty, and I’m not built for that kind
of responsibility.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes, but his lips twitched into a small smile. “Right. Because you definitely
weren't just hugging and sniffing me like your life depended on it back at home”

Jake immediately choked on air.

Jungwon, who had been grabbing snacks, turned toward them. “Wait. What happened?”

"Jake hyung smelled me."

Jay snorted. "Dude, what?"

"I didn’t!" Jake insisted, though his own expression was betraying him.

" I was just saying he smelled different"

The others burst into laughter.

“Got him,” Sunoo smirked, and laughed with others at Jake's reaction.

It was good being with them, Even if, deep down, he had a nagging feeling that normalcy
wasn’t going to last much longer.

Chapter End Notes

As promised here's the next chapter hope you enjoy it this the calm before the storm are
y'all ready for the next?
Tell your opinion on this chapter. Next chapter may be soon or next Friday.

After reading make sure to leave s comment please.

Edit: there was grammatical problems and I fixed it that's why I re-upload it. Also
wanted to say the next chapter is ready and will be uploaded in the following days. Also
 😂😂 😑 just
I noticed how a lot of y'all read the story without commenting I'm watching you
kidding
 Chapter 8
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of asphalt mixed with the distant aroma of
street food from a late-night vendor down the block. The city hummed softly around them,
not as loud as during the day but still alive—cars idling at red lights, muffled conversations
drifting from nearby alleyways, and the occasional distant bark of a dog.

Their footsteps crunched softly against the thin layer of snow that dusted the sidewalks, the
ice crystals catching the glow of the streetlights and reflecting faintly. Some patches had
already been stepped through, leaving uneven footprints scattered along the path. A few
people were still out, bundled up in coats and scarves, their breaths visible in the cold air. A
group of friends loitered near a convenience store entrance, chatting in hushed voices, while a
cyclist zipped past them, their tires leaving faint tracks in the slush.

Above them, the sky stretched endlessly, clear and vast, with a smattering of stars barely
visible beyond the city’s glow. The world felt still yet restless, a quiet unease hanging beneath
the surface, unnoticed yet present.

The cold bit at Sunoo’s fingers despite them being tucked into his pockets, his breath leaving
soft puffs of mist in the winter air. He walked slightly behind the others, his steps falling into
rhythm with theirs, the gentle rustling of plastic bags the only sound breaking the momentary
silence between their conversation. His body was still exhausted from being sick, but the
fresh air helped clear some of the lingering heaviness in his chest.

Then, suddenly, something unfamiliar tugged at his senses.

A scent—sharp, slightly bitter, and tinged with something he couldn’t quite place—drifted
from nearby. It wasn’t comforting like the warmth of his friends beside him. Instead, it sent
an odd sensation through his stomach, not quite fear but something close. A strange unease
crept up his spine as his gaze instinctively flickered toward the source. It was coming from a
nearby alleyway

In the dimly lit alley, a man stood partially shrouded in shadow, his posture tense, almost
rigid. His face was barely visible under the streetlamp’s glow, but his eyes—Sunoo could see
them clearly. Wide, alert, and fixed on him with an intensity that made his chest tighten. The
man looked… distressed almost scared. Like he was caught between wanting to move closer
and forcing himself to stay put. He was sure he was watching him.

Sunoo’s steps faltered for only a second, his heartbeat picking up in his chest. Something
about it was sending shivers through his body But before he could process the moment, the
man abruptly tore his gaze away and turned, walking briskly in the opposite direction,
disappearing into the darkness. As if he was running away from him, from what he wanted to
do.

A shiver ran through Sunoo that had nothing to do with the cold. His fingers curled tighter in
his pockets as he instinctively moved closer to one of his members, brushing against their
arm. He wasn’t exactly scared, but something about the encounter left a lingering discomfort
in his chest. The way that man had looked at him—it wasn’t normal.
He swallowed hard, glancing once more at the now-empty alley before turning his attention
back to the group, pressing just a little closer to their warmth as the unease refused to settle.
As they walked, Sunoo found his mind drifting back to that scent. It had been strange—
powerful in a way that made his skin prickle. It wasn’t comforting like the familiar scents of
his members; instead, it had gripped him, pulling at something deep inside him before
settling uncomfortably in his stomach.

It wasn’t exactly bad, but it was overwhelming, almost demanding his attention the moment
it reached his nose. The sensation was unlike anything he’d experienced before, and that
made it all the more unsettling. His senses had been heightened lately—he knew that much—
but this was different. This scent had cut through everything else, standing out even against
the crisp night air and the lingering smells of the city.

And then there was the man.

Sunoo swallowed, gripping his sleeves tighter as he walked. The way the stranger had looked
at him—distressed, almost urgent—sent a shiver down his spine. But before Sunoo could
even process it, the man had turned away as if forcing himself to leave.

Why? Was it connected to everything that was happening?

Sunoo pressed his lips together, shaking his head slightly. He was thinking too much. It was
just a stranger on the street. Just a scent he didn’t recognize. There was no reason to let it get
to him.

But despite his attempts to brush it off, his feet unconsciously moved a little closer to the
member beside him, seeking the warmth and familiarity of their presence.

As Sunoo pressed closer to one of the members, the movement didn’t go unnoticed. A warm
hand lightly brushed against his arm, and he turned to see Sunghoon glancing at him, brows
slightly furrowed.

"You okay?" Sunghoon asked, his voice low but laced with quiet concern.

Sunoo hesitated for a fraction of a second before offering a small nod. "Yeah, I’m fine.
Nothing happened."

Sunghoon didn’t look entirely convinced, his gaze flickering toward the alleyway before
settling back on Sunoo. But he didn’t push. Instead, he let out a small hum of
acknowledgment before stuffing his hands deeper into his pockets, his breath visible in the
cold air.

Ahead of them, Jake let out an exaggerated groan. "I swear, I forgot how cold it was until we
actually stepped outside. My ears are freezing."

"You should’ve worn a hat," Jay pointed out, shaking his head.

"I didn’t think we’d be out long enough to need one," Jake shot back, huffing.
"That sounds like a you problem," Ni-ki snickered, adjusting the hood of his jacket. "I’m
warm and toasty."

Jake gave him an unimpressed look. "You’re warm because you’re practically a walking
heater."

"Not my fault you didn’t plan ahead." Ni-ki grinned.

Sunoo let out a small laugh at their usual bickering, the tension from earlier easing just a bit.
It was strange how comforting being with them was. He focused on their voices, leaning
himself in the familiar sounds as they walked toward home. But even as he tried to push it
aside, the image of the man from the alley lingered in the back of his mind.

As they continued walking, he tried to push back the accident to the back of his head instead
focusing on what his members were talking about.

“I still think we should’ve bought more ramen,” Jake sighed, adjusting the plastic bag in his
hand. “We’re gonna run out in like two days.”

Ni-ki scoffed. “That’s because you eat like five packs at once. We could’ve stocked the whole
kitchen, and it still wouldn’t last a week.”

Jake gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? Heeseung hyung eats more ramen, ” He shot a
pointed look at Ni-ki, who just smirked happy with teasing his hyung.

Sunghoon shook his head. “Honestly, we should’ve just made a list before going. We
probably forgot half the stuff we actually needed.”

Sunoo, who had been quiet up until now, glanced up. “We did forget something. Didn’t
Heeseung hyung say we were out of eggs?”

Jay groaned. “Great. Now we have to listen to him complain about it for the rest of the
week.”

Sunoo huffed out a small laugh, finally feeling a little more at ease. “Maybe we can just
sneak some in later and pretend they were there the whole time.”

“That’s actually not a bad idea,” Sunghoon mused with a laugh.

The group chuckled, the atmosphere lightening as they neared their dorm. The conversation
flowed naturally, their usual banter returning, but Sunoo still felt the lingering weight of what
had happened earlier.
Jake and Ni-ki were wtill bickering when suddenly Before Ni-ki could shoot back a retort, a
piercing alarm suddenly erupted from their phones—a sharp, high-pitched blare that made
them all jump. The sound was unnatural, shrill and grating, cutting through the quiet night air
like a siren.

For a split second, they all froze, their bodies tensing at the sudden intrusion. Sunoo’s breath
caught in his throat as the relentless noise drilled into his ears, his phone buzzing violently in
his pocket. The others quickly fumbled to pull out their devices, confusion flashing across
their faces.

"What the hell?" Jake muttered, his brows furrowed as he stared at his screen.

Sunoo’s fingers trembled slightly as he yanked his phone out, the harsh red warning glaring
up at him. The vibration rattled against his palm, making the urgency of the alert feel even
more real.

Around them, the city wasn’t still anymore. A few other pedestrians had stopped in their
tracks, some glancing around anxiously while others pulled out their own buzzing phones. A
woman across the street was speaking hurriedly to the person beside her, her voice carrying a
nervous edge. Further down, a man who had been walking his dog abruptly halted, his
expression tightening as he read the notification. Even the occasional car that passed seemed
slower, as if the driver inside had been distracted by the sudden blare.

The once peaceful night had shifted in an instant. The crisp air now felt heavier, as if
something unseen had settled over them.

Sunoo swallowed, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. What is this?

The glowing message on their phones sent a chill down their spines.

### **EMERGENCY ALERT:**

*"Attention all citizens: A national broadcast will commence in 30 minutes. You are strongly
urged to tune in. Martial law will be in effect. Please make your way home immediately. .
This is an official government-mandated announcement."*

The words seemed to pulse on their screens, the unnatural brightness casting an eerie glow on
their faces. The alarm had stopped, but its echo still rang in their ears, leaving behind an
unsettling silence.

For a moment, none of them spoke. It was as if the world itself had stilled, caught in the
suffocating grip of those few ominous sentences. Then, like a dam breaking, the city around
them erupted into noise.

"What the hell is going on?" A man near the corner muttered, his voice sharp with unease as
he gripped his phone tightly.

"Martial law? What does that mean?" a girl in her early twenties whispered, eyes darting
around as if expecting something terrible to happen at any second.

People stopped mid-stride, turning to one another in confusion, some speaking in hushed
tones while others grabbed their companions' arms, urgency rising in their voices. A couple
jogged past them, their hands clenched together, whispering frantically. A group of friends
stood frozen by a café entrance, one of them aggressively refreshing their phone as if a new
update would appear.

The distant hum of traffic had changed. Cars that were leisurely passing through the streets
just minutes ago now sped up, tires screeching faintly as drivers, too, seemed to realize the
gravity of the situation. Headlights flashed more erratically, and the once calm sidewalks now
had a sense of hurried movement—people adjusting their paths, turning back, rushing toward
their destinations.

Sunoo felt his pulse hammer in his throat as he tore his gaze away from his phone, glancing
at the others. His hands were cold, his body rigid with unease.
"This isn’t normal,” Sunghoon muttered, his grip tightening around his phone.
"We—we should go home," jungwon finally said, voice unusually tight.

"Yeah," Jay agreed, though his usual carefree tone was absent. He stuffed his phone into his
pocket, his jaw clenched. "Now."

Sunoo swallowed, shoving his trembling hands into his pockets as he stepped closer to the
others. And for the first time that night, the cold air didn’t feel refreshing. It felt suffocating.
Nobody argued. Their pace quickened, their earlier casual conversation forgotten as the
weight of the alert pressed down on them. The once-familiar streets felt eerily different, the
usual nighttime quiet now carrying a sense of urgency, of something unnatural creeping in.

Sunoo tightened his grip on his phone, his knuckles white as he recalled the message over
and over in his mind. His heartbeat pounded in his ears, nearly drowning out the distant
honking of cars and the hurried footsteps around them. Other people on the street were
reacting, too—some whispering anxiously to one another, others breaking into a full sprint
toward their homes. A woman clutched her child’s hand, pulling him along with hurried
steps. A man in a business suit walked briskly, phone pressed to his ear, his voice tense.

The boys weren’t the only ones afraid.

A police car sped past them, its sirens eerily silent, only its flashing lights cutting through the
night. The group of teenagers on the opposite sidewalk earlier were starting to run home as
well. their faces pale.

Jake swallowed hard, his breath visible in the cold air. “This… this feels wrong.”

Jay exhaled shakily, rubbing the back of his neck. “No shit, jeayun.”

A shiver ran down Sunoo’s spine as he glanced around. The city wasn’t deserted, but it felt
like it was emptying too fast. Stores were closing hastily, their metal shutters rolling down
with loud clangs. A convenience store clerk stood by the entrance, nervously watching the
street as if debating whether to shut down early.

Sunoo moved closer to the others, his steps quickening to match theirs as they quickly moved
toward their dorm. The further they walked, the more obvious it became—everyone was
trying to get off the streets. The air buzzed with unspoken fear, and the sight of a world
reacting in real-time to the unknown sent a sick feeling curling in his stomach.

Whatever was coming, it wasn’t going to be good.

________
The hurried footsteps echoed through the stairwell as they reached their dorm building, their
breaths uneven from the brisk walk—almost a run—back home. None of them had spoken
much after the alert, the eerie stillness of the streets and the shared anxiety among strangers
making the situation feel even more surreal.

Jake was the first to push open the door, the tension in his shoulders evident as he stepped
inside. The air inside the dorm felt thick, heavier than it should have been. The moment they
entered, their eyes were immediately drawn to the living room.

Heeseung was already standing there, his phone clutched tightly in his hand, his expression
tight with unease. The glow of the television screen flickered against his face, but his eyes
weren’t on the broadcast—it was on them. The second they made eye contact, he took a step
forward, his voice low but urgent.

“You got the notification too, right?” His tone left no room for doubt.

Sunoo swallowed hard, his pulse still unsteady from the rushed walk home. “Yeah. It—It
went off while we were outside.”

Heeseung ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “The entire country is getting it.
They keep repeating the message over and over, but no one’s saying anything else. Just that
we have to watch.”

Jay shut the door behind them, locking it instinctively, as if that could keep the tension from
seeping in. “Did they say why? What’s happening?”

Heeseung shook his head, his jaw tightening. “Nothing. Just that it’s mandatory. And the
words ‘martial law.’”

The room fell into a tense silence at that. Martial law. The words felt suffocating, like
something out of a dystopian movie rather than real life.

Sunghoon dropped the plastic bags of snacks onto the kitchen counter, barely paying them
any mind. “This isn’t normal.”

“I don’t think anything’s been normal since that shooting star,” Ni-ki muttered, pulling off his
jacket with an almost aggressive motion. His voice lacked its usual teasing lilt—it was tense,
wary.

Sunoo unconsciously stepped closer to one of the others, seeking comfort in their presence,
but it didn’t help ease the tight feeling in his chest. The broadcast hadn’t even started yet, but
he already felt like they were about to learn something that would change everything. And
that makes him scared of what's going to happen? What if everything really changes?

The dorm felt different now. The usual warmth, the sense of home—it was overshadowed by
the flashing red text on the screen and the unsettling realization that the entire country was
waiting for something, something big enough to require a nationwide broadcast in the middle
of the night.

Ni-ki exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair, his fingers tangling in the strands as if
trying to ground himself. “What do we do now?”

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken fears. The sound of the television
buzzing faintly in the background only made it worse. No additional information, no
explanations—just the same urgent message looping every few minutes.

Jungwon let out a heavy sigh and sank onto the couch, rubbing his temples. “We wait.”

Those words sat uneasily in the air, offering no real comfort. Waiting felt unbearable. Waiting
meant sitting with the uncertainty, the fear of the unknown pressing down on them like a
weight.

Jake paced near the kitchen, arms crossed tightly over his chest. “This doesn’t make sense. If
it was just an update about the meteor or some science thing, they wouldn’t use words like
‘martial law.’”

“They wouldn’t send an emergency alarm in the middle of the night for something minor
either,” Jay added, his voice unusually tense. “This isn’t just news. It’s something serious.”

Sunghoon leaned against the wall, his arms folded, his eyes fixed on the countdown in the
corner of the screen. Twenty minutes left. “Do you think it’s…dangerous?”

Heeseung finally sat down, his posture stiff as he rubbed his hands together. “I don’t know.
But whatever it is, it’s big. And considering how we’ve all been feeling lately…” His voice
trailed off, but he didn’t need to finish the sentence. They all knew.

Sunoo swallowed, his hands gripping the sleeves of his hoodie. The faint scent from earlier,
the man in the alley, the way people had rushed home in fear—it all felt connected somehow.
His stomach twisted uncomfortably.

Ni-ki flopped onto the floor, pulling his knees to his chest. “Waiting sucks,” he muttered, but
there was no real complaint behind his words. Just a quiet, anxious frustration.

The tension in the room thickened with each passing second. The alarm on the TV continued
its haunting loop, the bright red text flashing persistently:

"Emergency Broadcast: National Announcement in 15 Minutes."

No additional details. No explanation. Just that ominous message playing over and over.

Jake slumped onto the couch, running a hand through his hair. "This is seriously messing
with my head," he muttered. "What kind of announcement needs a country-wide emergency
alarm?"

Sunoo sat down slowly, feeling his pulse in his throat. His hands tightened into fists against
his lap. Heeseung hadn’t moved from his spot in front of the TV, his gaze still fixed on the
screen as if expecting answers to appear if he just stared long enough. His normally relaxed
posture was rigid, jaw clenched so tight it looked painful.

Jungwon sighed, crossing his arms. "I checked online. Everyone’s freaking out, but no one
knows anything. News sites just say to wait for the announcement."

"Yeah, but why make us wait like this?" Jay muttered, pacing behind the couch. "If it's so
important, why not just tell us now?"

Sunghoon exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "Probably because they want people to have
time to make it home to watch and sit in fear. Makes them more likely to listen when the time
comes."

That thought sent a cold shiver through Sunoo. He pulled his knees up slightly, his stomach
still twisted from earlier. The streets outside had been too quiet, the hurried footsteps of
others rushing home still ringing in his ears.

Ni-ki, who had been sitting cross-legged on the floor, groaned and flopped onto his back.
"This is worse than waiting for exam results."

Jake let out a humorless laugh. "Yeah, except instead of a bad grade, it could be, like… the
end of the world or something."

"Not helping," Jungwon deadpanned.

A heavy silence followed. The only sound was the low hum of the TV, the alarm still
replaying every few minutes like a countdown to something none of them were ready for.

**"Emergency Broadcast: National Announcement in 10 Minutes."**

No one dared to move. Even Ni-ki, who usually couldn’t sit still, remained frozen near the
counter, his eyes darting between the TV and the others. The flashing red text on the screen
felt suffocating, a silent countdown pressing down on all of them.

Jungwon had barely spoken in the last few minutes, his eyes glued to his phone, scrolling
through post after post. But suddenly, he stiffened, inhaling sharply.

“It’s… happening in every country.”

The words made Sunoo’s stomach drop.

“What?” Sunghoon turned toward him, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Jungwon looked up from his screen, his expression tight. “People online are saying their
friends overseas got the same alarm. The UK, Japan, America—everywhere. Each country is
about to have their own national broadcast at the exact same time.”

A cold wave of silence swept through the room.

Jake blinked, shaking his head as if he hadn’t heard correctly. “Wait, so this isn’t just *our*
government? This is… global?”

“That’s what it looks like,” Jungwon murmured. “Every country is making their own
announcement, but at the same exact time. No one knows what it’s about, just that it’s
mandatory for everyone to watch.”

Sunoo’s fingers clenched against his hoodie. His heart pounded so hard it hurt. This wasn’t
normal. Governments didn’t coordinate like this unless something *huge* was happening—
something terrifying enough to demand the world’s attention all at once.

Jay let out a low curse, dragging a hand down his face. “Okay. Yeah. That’s bad.”

“It’s like some dystopian movie,” Ni-ki muttered, staring blankly at the TV. “First the
shooting star, then the weird symptoms, and now *this*?”

No one wanted to acknowledge it, but they were all thinking the same thing.

The past week had been strange enough—the headaches, the exhaustion, the way their bodies
felt *off*. The changes were subtle, but undeniable. Sunoo had felt it worst, his fever keeping
him bedridden for days. They’d brushed it off as stress, as a passing illness, but now… now it
felt like something much bigger.

Sunghoon exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. “So what do we do?”

Jungwon hesitated before answering. “We wait. Seven minutes left.”

Seven minutes.

That wasn’t enough time to prepare for whatever truth was about to unravel.

Sunoo swallowed hard, his hands feeling clammy. He felt like he could throw up. He didn't
even had the energy to say something.

Jake sat back down beside him, exhaling shakily. “Three minutes.”

No one spoke. The only sound was the quiet hum of the TV and their own uneven breathing.
Sunoo felt like the air had been sucked from the room, his chest tightening with each second
that ticked by.

**Two minutes.**

Ni-ki shifted in his seat, restless but eerily silent. Jay tapped his fingers against his knee, a
nervous habit he didn’t seem to notice.

**One minute.**

Jake swallowed hard beside him. “This is actually happening.”

And then—

The alarm stopped.

The sudden silence was deafening, ringing louder in their ears than the high-pitched wail had.

The flashing red text on the screen vanished, plunging the room into darkness for a split
second before a new message appeared in bold, white letters:

**"This is an official government emergency broadcast."**

The words hung on the screen for a moment, stark and emotionless.

Then—

A figure appeared.

It was the president. Dressed in a formal suit, his expression was grim, his posture stiff. The
weight of whatever he was about to say was evident in the tightness around his eyes, the way
his hands remained perfectly still on the desk before him.

Sunoo barely realized he was holding his breath.

The man exhaled and finally spoke.

"To all citizens of Korea…"

The voice was steady, but there was something in it—something almost reluctant, like he
didn’t want to be the one to say these words.

"Tonight, we bring you a message that will change life as we know it. The world is
undergoing an unprecedented event—one that has affected every nation, every city, and every
individual on this planet."

Sunghoon shifted forward on the couch, his jaw tightening.

"Seven days ago, an astronomical phenomenon occurred—a celestial body passed through
our atmosphere, releasing an unidentified form of energy that has since altered the biological
makeup of the human race."

Sunoo’s breath hitched. What?

"We have spent the past week conducting extensive research. Scientists across the globe have
come together to research this unusual phenomenon "

The screen cast an eerie glow over the room, illuminating the tense expressions on their
faces. Sunoo’s fingers curled into the fabric of his hoodie, his pulse hammering in his ears.

The president’s gaze was unwavering, his tone sharp with urgency.
“After extensive research and global collaboration, we can now confirm that this
phenomenon has fundamentally altered the genetic structure of every human on the planet.”

A sharp intake of breath from Jungwon broke the silence. No one dared to speak.

“The symptoms many of you have experienced over the past week—heightened senses,
abnormal strength, changes in behavior—are not a result of illness, but of genetic evolution.”

Sunoo’s stomach twisted. He thought back to the way his body had felt wrong in the past few
days, the fever, the way the others had started to act differently too. He wasn’t alone in it.

“The human genome has shifted, leading to the emergence of a secondary classification
system within our species. As of today, the world will no longer operate under the biological
norms we once understood.”

Jake exhaled sharply, gripping his knees. “What the hell does that mean?”

Sunoo’s mind raced. A secondary classification system?

The official’s voice never wavered, but the weight of his words was suffocating.

The moment the words left his lips, the room felt impossibly small.

Sunoo barely registered the way Jay muttered a curse under his breath or how Ni-ki clenched
his jaw. His thoughts were drowning under the weight of the announcement, under the
terrifying realization that whatever was happening to them—it wasn’t normal.

It was irreversible.

“This classification is not a matter of social status but a biological shift beyond our control.
Each individual will experience changes according to their designation, including hormonal
fluctuations, behavioral instincts, and physical adaptations.”

Heeseung was the first to break the silence. His voice was hoarse when he spoke.

“...This isn’t real. Right?”

No one answered. As if scared if they answered they would accept it.

The president paused, his gaze heavy as if weighing his next words carefully. Then, with a
small nod, he turned slightly to the side.

“To help explain this in further detail, we have brought in two of the leading experts in this
matter,” he announced, stepping back as the camera angle widened.

The screen adjusted, revealing a long table where two individuals sat beside a moderator. One
was a high-ranking military officer, his uniform crisp and decorated with medals, his
expression unreadable. The other was a middle-aged woman in a white lab coat, a medical
insignia stitched into her pocket. She looked exhausted, her eyes shadowed by what must
have been days—if not weeks—of relentless research.

The moderator, a composed-looking woman with a tablet in front of her, turned toward the
doctor first. “Dr. Kang, as one of the leading researchers studying this phenomenon, can you
explain to the public what exactly has happened to human DNA?”

Dr. Kang exhaled, adjusting her glasses. “As of now, our research indicates that the energy
released by the meteor altered the fundamental structure of human genetics. Every individual
on Earth has undergone a rapid and involuntary mutation. This is not a disease, nor is it
temporary—it is a permanent evolutionary shift.”

The words sent a visible ripple of tension through the room.

“In simplest terms,” she continued, “our genetic code has adapted, introducing three distinct
biological classifications: Alpha, Beta, and Omega. These are not just titles but represent
fundamental differences in hormonal balance, instinctual behavior, and even physical
capabilities.”

Sunoo’s breath hitched. *Alpha, Beta, Omega…* The words felt foreign, yet something
about them sent a shiver down his spine.

The moderator nodded, processing the information before turning toward the military officer.
“General Park, what does this mean for the government and public order? How is the military
handling this shift?”

The general, whose stoic face hadn’t faltered, finally spoke. His voice was deep and
commanding. “At this time, our priority is maintaining stability. This event has affected every
nation, and governments worldwide are working together to prevent mass panic. As of this
moment, martial law is in effect, but this is a precautionary measure to ensure safety. We
strongly advise all citizens to remain calm, refrain from unnecessary travel, and report any
severe medical concerns to designated emergency centers.”

The official’s expression hardened. “We also advise caution.”

The breath Sunoo had been holding got caught in his throat.

“There have been cases of extreme physical reactions,” the man continued, his voice steady
but weighted with urgency. “Heightened aggression, territorial behavior, and sensory
overload have been observed in some individuals. While these symptoms may vary in
intensity, we must emphasize that they are not to be ignored. If you or someone you know is
experiencing uncontrollable impulses or emotional instability, please seek medical attention
immediately.”

Sunghoon exhaled sharply beside Sunoo, his arms crossed tightly over his chest. The air in
the dorm felt heavy, suffocating.

“To ensure the safety of the public and assist in the transition,” the official continued,
“starting tomorrow, government-issued biological assessments will be made available
nationwide. These tests will determine individual classifications—Alpha, Beta, or Omega—
allowing medical and scientific professionals to provide tailored guidance and support.”

Jungwon tensed. “They’re making everyone take a test?”

“The tests are mandatory,” the official confirmed as if hearing Jungwon’s question directly.
“Participation is not optional. This information is crucial for public health, research, and
ensuring the well-being of all citizens during this unprecedented time.”

Sunoo swallowed hard, his pulse pounding. A test. There would be no hiding from this. The
idea of being categorized, of being told exactly what he was now, sent a nervous shiver
through his body.

The camera shifted slightly, refocusing on General Park, who took over the announcement.
His voice was firm, commanding. “To maintain order and prevent unnecessary panic, military
personnel will be deployed to assist law enforcement in patrolling public areas. We
understand that many of you are confused and afraid, but rest assured, our priority is to
protect and guide you through this transition. Curfews will be enforced until further notice,
and any disturbances will be handled accordingly.”

He let that sink in before concluding, “Until we fully understand the extent of these changes,
we urge cooperation. Stay informed, stay indoors, and most importantly—stay in control.”

The screen flickered slightly, the weight of those final words pressing down like a physical
force. The room remained silent, each of them processing what had just been said.

Sunoo’s stomach twisted uncomfortably. His mind flashed back to the man in the alleyway
earlier—that look he’d given him, the way he’d turned away like he was struggling with
something.
The weight of the announcement pressed down on him like an invisible force—

The reporter’s voice carried through the tense silence:

*"Further updates about the three subgenders will be provided by Dr. Kang in a short time.
The broadcast will continue in ten minutes."*

And then—

The screen went black.

For a single heartbeat, the dorm was silent, the weight of the announcement pressing down
on them like a crushing force.

Then the room erupted.

“What the hell was that?!” Jay snapped, launching off the couch. He ran a shaky hand
through his hair, pacing back and forth with quick, agitated strides. His breathing was heavy,
erratic. “Did they just say our DNA changed?! Do they even know what’s happening to us?!”
“They don’t.” Heeseung’s voice was quiet but sharp, his gaze fixed on the darkened screen,
fingers curled into fists at his sides. “They’re scrambling, just like us.”

Jake exhaled harshly, gripping the back of the couch like it was the only thing keeping him
grounded. “This—this doesn’t even make sense! They’re talking about genetic mutations like
it’s some sci-fi movie, and now there are subgenders?! What the hell does that even mean?”

“They’re making everyone take a test,” Jungwon muttered, rubbing his temples. “They’re
serious about this.” His voice was strained, like he was trying to keep himself composed, but
the tight set of his jaw betrayed the storm of emotions underneath.

Sunghoon let out a bitter scoff, arms crossed tightly over his chest. “And what if people don’t
take it? What are they gonna do ,force us?”

Ni-ki, who had been uncharacteristically silent, finally spoke, his voice quieter than usual.
“They probably will,” he said, eyes flickering toward the window as if expecting military
trucks to roll in at any moment. “They said it’s mandatory.”

A heavy silence fell over them.

Sunoo sat frozen on the couch, his fingers digging into the fabric of his pants as he tried to
process everything. The broadcast had confirmed it—something inside of them had changed.
Something irreversible. But the way they had phrased it, the way they spoke about *Alpha,
Beta, Omega* as if it was some biological truth… it made his skin crawl.

A test.

They were going to find out what they were.

Sunoo’s stomach twisted uncomfortably, dread creeping up his spine.

Would it explain why he had been feeling so different? Why everything around him had
seemed off these past few days?

Then a new, more terrifying thought struck him.

What if I’m not the same as them? What even does it mean to be different?

The conversation continued around him, voices overlapping, frustration and fear filling every
inch of the space.

Heeseung rubbed his face harshly, letting out a deep, frustrated breath. “We don’t even know
what any of this means,” he muttered, his voice low but tense. “Subgenders? Tests? What the
hell are they expecting from us?”

Jay let out a bitter laugh, shaking his head. “They don’t know what to expect. That’s the
problem.” His pacing didn’t stop, his fingers raking through his hair repeatedly, a nervous
habit that only made his agitation more obvious. “They’re throwing this at us like it’s a fact
we should’ve always known. Like—like this was always inside of us, just waiting to come
out.”
The thought sent an uncomfortable shiver through Sunoo’s spine. He had barely moved,
barely breathed, afraid that if he let himself react, he might spiral.

Jungwon groaned, dragging his hands down his face. “Okay, can we just—breathe for a
second? . We’re losing it already, and we don’t even have all the information yet.”

“That’s the problem,” Ni-ki shot back. “We’re supposed to just sit here and wait while they
tell us we’re changing into something else?” His voice cracked slightly, frustration and fear
mixing in his tone. “What if we don’t have a choice? They told us we are NOT human
anymore!”

Sunoo flinched, shoulders tensing as Ni-ki’s words hit too close to home. What if we don’t
have a choice?

The panic in the room was contagious, feeding into itself like a wildfire spreading out of
control. The air felt suffocating, thick with uncertainty and unspoken fear.

Jungwon suddenly straightened, his expression still tight but more composed than the rest of
them. “Freaking out isn’t going to change anything,” he said firmly. “We need to wait for the
next part of the broadcast. We need to hear what they say next.”

His words cut through the rising panic, grounding them for a brief moment.

A heavy silence settled over the room again, only broken by the distant sound of sirens
outside inflecting that the military was already at work out, an eerie reminder that the world
beyond their walls was just as lost and terrified as they were.

Sunoo swallowed hard, his fingers gripping the hem of his hoodie as if holding onto
something solid would keep him from unraveling completely. After a bit of silent suddenly
jake broke the silence
“I’m not crazy, right?” Jake muttered, his voice quieter now but still edged with frustration.
“Sunoo does smell different. He did smell off”

Sunoo tensed instantly. His pulse quickened as all eyes turned toward him.

Jay scoffed, running a hand through his hair. “This again?”

His glare sharpened, patience wearing dangerously thin. “So what? You just smelled
something different when you were teasing him, and now we’re supposed to act like that
means something? Like that’s normal?” His voice was rising, words laced with both
skepticism and barely concealed fear.

Jake took a step closer, tension crackling between them. “You think I’m making this up?” His
jaw tightened, his usual easygoing nature completely replaced by frustration. “I know what I
smelled, Jay. I noticed it before anyone else, Are you saying I'm imagining things?”

Jay scoffed again, running a hand through his hair. “I’m saying we don’t even know what’s
happening to us! None of this makes sense!”
“Guys—” Heeseung’s voice cut in, firmer this time, but before he could finish, Ni-ki’s
patience snapped.

“Both of you shut up!”

The youngest’s voice cracked with frustration, his hands clenched into tight fists at his sides.
He wasn’t even bothering with honorifics anymore, his irritation eclipsing any sense of
formality. “You’re yelling over nothing!” His eyes flickered between them, sharp with barely
contained anger. “Do you think fighting about this is gonna fix whatever the hell is going on?
The government just told us our DNA is different! That we aren’t normal anymore! And you
two are acting like some stupid argument is more important than figuring out what the hell
that even means! And yes Jay hyung sunoo hyung did smell different”

Silence crashed over them like a wave, heavy and suffocating.

Jay clenched his jaw, looking away. Jake let out a sharp exhale, his shoulders still tense but
his fists unclenching slightly.

Sunoo stiffened at the sudden shift in attention, his hands balling into fists on his lap. His
pulse hammered in his ears as all their eyes flickered to him, suspicion laced between
confusion and fear.

“It’s not just Jake.”

Heeseung’s voice cut through the room, quieter but firm. He was still standing near the TV,
his arms crossed tightly over his chest. When the others turned to him, he let out a slow
breath, his jaw clenched as if debating whether he should even say it. “I noticed it too. I just
didn’t say anything.”

Sunoo’s stomach twisted. He swallowed, feeling the lingering heat of their argument like
static in the air. His own anxiety twisted tighter in his chest

“Are you serious?” Jungwon muttered, his brows furrowing.

Heeseung nodded. “At first, I thought I was imagining it. But now that I think about it, it’s
been getting stronger.” He hesitated before adding, “Especially today.”

Sunoo’s heart pounded, an uneasy heat rising to his face. “Why are you talking about me like
I’m—like I’m some odd?!” His voice came out sharper than he intended, but the mix of
anxiety and anger churned in his chest. “I don’t even know what you’re talking about! I smell
the same!”

Jay huffed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “That’s the thing—you *should*
smell the same. But they say you don’t.” His voice dropped slightly, suspicion flickering
behind his eyes. “And now I’m wondering why.”

A heavy silence followed his words.

Sunoo’s chest felt tight. His heart pounded painfully against his ribs, and suddenly, he felt
suffocated under their scrutiny. Every gaze locked onto him, filled with confusion, curiosity,
and something else he couldn’t quite place—but it was too much.

“What the hell does that even mean?” Jay muttered, his brows furrowing deeply. He took a
step closer to Sunoo, tilting his head slightly as if trying to catch the scent for himself.

Sunoo immediately stepped back, the movement sharp, almost instinctive. “Don’t.” His voice
came out harsher than he intended, but he didn’t care. His skin crawled under their attention,
something in his gut twisting painfully.

Jay hesitated, taken aback by the sudden shift in Sunoo’s tone. Ni-ki, standing a little to the
side, frowned. “I just want to—”

“I said don’t!” Sunoo snapped, his frustration and panic boiling over in an instant. His breath
was coming quicker now, chest rising and falling erratically. “Why are you all acting like
this?! Like I’m some kind of experiment?!”
Jay let out a slow exhale, shaking his head. “No one’s saying that, Sunoo, but you have to
admit—this is weird.”

“I don’t have to admit anything!” Sunoo shot back, his fists clenched. His emotions swirled
violently inside him—fear, anger, confusion, exhaustion. “You’re all acting crazy! Do you
hear yourselves? You’re sniffing the air like animals and looking at me like I’m—” He cut
himself off, unable to finish the sentence.

Because deep down, he was terrified that they *were* looking at him like something
different.

Like he wasn’t the same as them anymore.

“We’re not crazy, Sunoo,” Jake said, his tone low and controlled, but his stance was tense,
like he was barely holding himself together. “And neither are you. But something is
happening to us. To you. We need to figure out what.”

Sunoo shook his head violently. “I don’t want to figure out anything! I just—I just want
things to be normal again!” His voice cracked at the end, and he hated how desperate he
sounded.

“You think we don’t want that too?” Sunghoon bit out. “You think we like not knowing
what’s happening to us? You’re not the only one affected, Sunoo.”

Sunoo’s breathing was erratic now, his chest rising and falling too fast. “I never said I was!”

“Then stop acting like it!”

The room was suffocating, the tension pressing in from all sides. Their voices overlapped,
rising in frustration, confusion, and fear. They weren’t just arguing anymore—they were
unraveling.
Then, all at once, Sunoo felt it.
A wave of something—something foreign, something overwhelming—crashing over him like
a tidal wave. His breath hitched as a deep, inexplicable pressure settled in his chest. His head
spun, and for a split second, everything felt too loud, too bright, too much.

And just like that, the room snapped into stillness.

A heavy silence followed his words.
.

Jake opened his mouth, then closed it, exchanging a glance with Heeseung, who looked
equally lost. Sunghoon’s brows furrowed, his usually composed expression breaking for the
first time that night. Jungwon shifted uncomfortably, fingers clenching at his sides like he
wanted to step in but wasn’t sure how.

Sunoo’s hands trembled at his sides. He didn’t know why he was reacting so strongly. He
didn’t understand why their stares felt like too much or why every fiber of his being was
telling him to put space between himself and them. It was irrational—these were his best
friends. But something about the way they were looking at him, like they sensed something
he didn’t, made his stomach churn.

“I’m not different,” he said, voice quieter now but still laced with unease. His throat felt tight,
dry. “I feel the same. I’m the same.”

But even as he said it, doubt clawed at the edges of his mind.

Because deep down, he knew something had changed.

He could still *smell* it—lingering in the air, faint but undeniable. The same strange,
unfamiliar scent from before. Strong, compelling, and terrifying in a way he couldn’t explain.

And worse—

The others could smell it too.

Sunoo barely had time to react before Jake moved first.

“Wait—Jake!” Sunoo tried to back away, but Jake was faster, stepping in close, his head
tilting slightly as he inhaled near Sunoo’s shoulder. His brows furrowed immediately.

“No way…” Jake murmured, his voice laced with disbelief.

“What?” Ni-ki demanded, moving in next, his curiosity outweighing any sense of personal
space. Before Sunoo could push him away, Ni-ki leaned in, catching a whiff of his scent. His
expression shifted instantly—his eyes widening slightly as if he wasn’t sure what to make of
it.

“Shit…” Ni-ki muttered under his breath.

“Stop it!” Sunoo snapped, shoving Ni-ki back, his face burning in embarrassment and
frustration. “What the hell is wrong with you guys?!”

But it was too late. The others had already caught on.

Jay hesitated for only a second before he sighed and stepped forward, and despite Sunoo’s
glare, he leaned in, catching the scent. His jaw clenched as he exhaled.

“you have a scent...this isn't normal” Jay said firmly, glancing at the others.

“You think I don’t know that?!” Sunoo’s voice cracked, his hands curling into fists at his
sides. His whole body was trembling—whether from anger, humiliation, or something else
entirely, he wasn’t sure.

Heeseung, who had been silent for a while, finally moved. He didn’t get too close but inhaled
subtly, and his expression darkened immediately.

Sunghoon, who had been watching from the side, exhaled sharply. “Alright, fine, I’ll check,
too,” he muttered, almost begrudgingly. He took a small step closer, tilting his head slightly
before inhaling. His reaction was instant. His lips parted slightly, brows knitting together, his
throat bobbing as if he wasn’t sure how to process what he’d just smelled.
Only Jungwon had stayed put in his place.
“It’s… different,” Sunghoon admitted, his voice quieter now. “I don’t know how to explain it,
but it’s—”

“Stronger , pulling,” Heeseung finished for him.

Sunoo shook his head rapidly, taking several steps back until his back hit the wall. His
breathing was uneven, panic clawing up his throat.

“Stop it. Just stop. Why are you doing this? Why are you—” His voice wavered, and he hated
it. He hated how small he felt under their gazes, how foreign his own body suddenly seemed.

“Sunoo,” Heeseung started, his tone gentler now, “we’re not trying to scare you.”

“Well, you are!” Sunoo snapped, his eyes burning. “You’re treating me like—like I’m some
kind of test subject! Do you even hear yourselves? Sniffing me like a bunch of dogs—what’s
wrong with you?!”

The room fell into a heavy silence.

No one had an answer. Because the truth was, none of them knew why they did it. Why the
urge had been so strong. Why Sunoo’s scent suddenly seemed like something they needed to
confirm for themselves. The moment they smelled it it felt like something in their brain just
snapped.

Sunoo pressed himself harder against the wall, his chest rising and falling with each uneven
breath. His head was spinning, his heart pounding too fast.

“I don’t want this,” he whispered, his voice raw with emotion.

And for the first time since this whole nightmare began, none of them knew what to say.

Sunoo squeezed his eyes shut, his breath hitching as the overwhelming weight of everything
pressed down on him all at once. His body trembled, his hands clutching his sleeves tightly as
his chest tightened with a feeling he couldn’t contain anymore.

A sharp breath escaped him, and before he could stop it, a quiet sob broke through.

The room, which had been heavy with tension, suddenly shifted.

The others froze, their aggression evaporating as they watched Sunoo’s shoulders shake, his
face crumpling as tears spilled down his cheeks. His hands lifted slightly, as if trying to wipe
them away, but it was no use. His emotions had completely unraveled.

The panic, the humiliation, the fear of what was happening to him—what was happening to
them—it was too much.

“Sunoo…” Heeseung’s voice was barely above a whisper, his heart sinking at the sight in
front of him.

Jungwon was the first to move, his hesitation barely lasting a second before he stepped
forward. His arms wrapped around Sunoo tightly, pulling him into his chest without a second
thought.

Sunoo stiffened at first, a choked sound escaping him, but Jungwon didn’t let go. Instead, he
tightened his grip, his hand cradling the back of Sunoo’s head gently.

“I’m sorry,” Jungwon murmured against Sunoo’s hair, his voice thick with guilt. “We
shouldn’t have—God, we shouldn’t have done that. I’m so sorry.”

The weight of his words cracked something in the others.

Jake ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply before stepping closer, his usual carefree
demeanor completely gone. “fuck… . I'm sorry sunoo I didn't mean anything We were
freaking out, but that’s not an excuse.”

Ni-ki bit his lip, guilt pooling in his stomach. “We didn’t mean to scare you, hyung…” His
voice was quieter now, less teasing and more genuine.
Jay looked as if someone had slapped him across the face, the guilt of making the younger
cry was hurting him.
Sunghoon and Heeseung exchanged looks, both of them feeling the same unfamiliar ache in
their chests as they watched Sunoo cry.

Sunghoon sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before stepping forward as well, placing a
hesitant hand on Sunoo’s shoulder. “We let it get to our heads,” he admitted, his voice softer
than usual. “But… we’re here. We’re not going anywhere you are not different.”

Sunoo’s hands clutched the fabric of Jungwon’s shirt as another broken sob escaped him, his
emotions finally spilling over.
Heeseung inhaled deeply before finally closing the distance. He didn’t say anything at first—
just gently rested a hand on Sunoo’s back, rubbing slow, soothing circles in silent
reassurance.

The tension that had filled the room moments ago melted away, replaced by something
quieter, something warmer.

They didn’t know what was happening to them.

But one thing was clear—no matter how confusing, how terrifying it got…

They weren’t going to let Sunoo face it alone.

Sunoo’s sobs gradually softened, his ragged breathing the only sound in the room. His body
still trembled, but the warmth surrounding him—the steady pressure of jungwon and Jay’s
embrace, Heeseung’s gentle hand on his back, the quiet presence of the others—kept him
grounded.

Jay slowly pulled back just enough to look at him, his hands still resting on Sunoo’s
shoulders. “l'm so sorry ” His voice was low, careful.

Sunoo sniffled, blinking up at him with watery eyes. He nodded, though he still looked
shaken.

Heeseung sighed, rubbing his temples before glancing at the others. “We need to calm down.
All of us.”

Jake exhaled heavily and flopped onto the couch, running both hands down his face. “Yeah.
That was… a lot.”

Sunghoon leaned against the wall, crossing his arms but not saying anything. His usual sharp
gaze had softened slightly, the tension in his posture easing.

Ni-ki sat down on the floor, looking unusually subdued. “We were acting weird. I was acting
weird. It’s like—” He hesitated before shaking his head. “I don’t know. It just happened.”

Jay sighed, rubbing Sunoo’s arms gently before stepping back, letting him breathe. “It’s like
something flipped in us. One second, we were just talking, and then suddenly—”

“We all started losing it,” Sunghoon finished grimly.

Sunoo wiped at his eyes, swallowing down the lump in his throat. “And you all… kept
talking about how I smelled different.” His voice was small, hesitant.

A thick silence fell over the room.

Heeseung glanced at the others before finally nodding. “Yeah.”

Jake sat up again, looking conflicted. “I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s like—it was
obvious. Like, it wasn’t just a small difference. It was… stronger?”
 “Stronger how?” Sunoo asked warily.

Jay and Sunghoon exchanged glances before Jay sighed, choosing his words carefully. “It
was pulling at us. I don’t know if that makes sense, but it was like… the moment we noticed
it, we couldn’t not notice it.”

Sunoo tensed. “That doesn’t make any sense.”

“We know,” Ni-ki groaned, leaning his head back against the couch. “None of this makes
sense! But it’s happening, so what do we do about it?”

No one had an answer.

Sunoo clenched his fists, his mind racing. Heeseung was the first to notice his expression and
immediately placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “We’re not going to freak out again,”
he promised.

Sunoo swallowed, his voice barely above a whisper. “And if you do?”

Heeseung’s grip tightened just slightly, grounding. “We won’t.”

The others nodded in silent agreement, their earlier aggression replaced by something
steadier, more protective.

Jake exhaled and stood up, stretching. “First things first, let’s get you something warm. You
still look like you’re freezing.”

“I’ll get the blankets,” Ni-ki said, already heading toward the hallway.

Jay nudged Sunoo lightly, offering a small smile. “And maybe something sweet? I think we
all need a little sugar after… whatever that was.”

Sunoo let out a quiet laugh—small, tired, but real. “Yeah… that sounds nice.”

As the others moved around, gathering things to make the atmosphere a little more normal,
Sunghoon lingered for a moment before speaking.

“The broadcast is still happening soon,” he reminded them. “We need to be ready for
whatever they say.”

Heeseung nodded. “We will be.”

They didn’t know what was coming.

But for now, they would face it together.

Chapter End Notes

The next chapter is out and it's a long one, Friday I have an exam so I uploaded it today.
What do you think about the story? Did I express the tension well?
Hope you enjoy

🤭❤️
And please make sure after reading to leave comments. More comments sooner update
lol
 Chapter 9
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The tension in the room still lingered, thick and suffocating, despite the moment of
reconciliation. The members had finally pulled away from the emotional storm that had
almost torn them apart, but the weight of uncertainty still pressed heavily on their shoulders.

The television screen remained dark, a silent reminder that the next part of the broadcast
would begin soon. The countdown in the corner ticked down ominously—two minutes until
the world learned more about what they had become.

The dorm, usually filled with the comforting hum of life—music playing in the background,
quiet conversations, or the occasional sound of someone searching for snacks—felt eerily
still. No one reached for their phones. No one fidgeted mindlessly. They were all too aware of
the time, of what was coming next.

**1:58 AM.**

Jake exhaled sharply, leaning back into the couch with his arms crossed over his chest. “Does
anyone else feel like we’re waiting for some kind of horror movie twist?”

No one laughed.

Heeseung, usually the one to brush off tense moments, just let out a quiet breath. His leg
bounced slightly, a nervous habit he didn’t even seem to notice. He wasn’t saying anything.

Sunghoon shifted, rubbing his hands together. “It’s probably just going to be about the three ..
I don't the three Shit they said,” he muttered, though he didn’t sound convinced.

Jay scoffed.

Ni-ki, sprawled across the floor with his head resting on a pillow, tilted his chin up. “Maybe
they’re going to tell us we’re all actually superheroes now. That’d be cool.” ni-ki was still
trying to break the tension from earlier.

This time, someone did let out a quiet chuckle—Jungwon, shaking his head slightly. But the
amusement didn’t reach his eyes. sunoo didn't appreciate the humour. Not with the storm
inside his head.

**1:59 AM.**

He sat curled up in the corner of the couch, his arms wrapped around his knees. He could feel
the heat of the others nearby, their nervous energy pressing into him like an invisible force. It
was too much. Too heavy. His skin felt hot, like something was bubbling under the surface.
The echoes of their earlier fight still rang in his ears, but more than anything, the unease from
the revelation gnawed at him.
He had a scent now—one strong enough that the others had noticed, reacted to, and
practically lost control over. And he didn't know how that was possible, how was he creating
a scent?
And worse… something deep inside him had felt their reactions. As if something foreign in
his body recognized it.

His gaze flickered to the screen, then to the others. Still shaken up.His stomach twisted with
anxiety.

He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, his breath coming out shaky. The warmth in his
chest hadn’t faded—it lingered, deep and unfamiliar, making his skin prickle as if something
inside him was waiting. He didn’t know what for.

The others were quiet, but Sunoo could feel their presence. It was different now, almost
overwhelming. The air between them was too thick, too charged with something he didn’t
want to name. He had grown up with them, trained with them, spent almost every waking
moment side by side since his teenage days.

So why did they suddenly feel different?

His fingers dug into the soft fabric of his hoodie as he glanced at them.

Jungwon sat on the edge of the couch, gripping the remote like it was the only thing keeping
him grounded. His jaw was clenched tight, his usual composure cracking around the edges.
Heeseung’s leg bounced slightly, restless energy buzzing under his skin. Jay sat unnaturally
still, gaze locked on the blank screen, his fingers twitching where they rested on his knee.

They all looked calm on the surface. But Sunoo knew them well enough to feel the tension
running through them, the same restless energy that wouldn’t settle.

It wasn’t just nerves about the broadcast. It was something else.

His heart pounded in his chest as he turned his gaze downward.

Jay suddenly sighed, breaking the silence. “We need to stop acting like we’re about to hear a
death sentence.”

Ni-ki let out a dry chuckle, arms crossed over his chest. “Easy for you to say. We are about to
hear some weird sci-fi shit about our own bodies.”

“Whatever it is, it’s already happening,” Jungwon murmured, his fingers tapping restlessly
against his knee. His usual leader-like calm was present, but beneath it, there was unease.
“We just need to listen and figure out our next steps.”

Jake exhaled, running a hand through his hair before shifting his gaze to Sunoo. “Are you
okay?” His voice was softer than before, careful. A bit hesitant to look into Sunoo's eyes
directly.

Sunoo hesitated, not knowing how to answer. Was he okay? No, not really. But at this point,
none of them were.

“...no.” His voice felt small.

The others didn’t respond right away, but their expressions said enough. They understood.
Because none them were okay.

Jungwon leaned forward, gripping the remote in his hands, knuckles white from how tightly
he held it. His breath came out slow and measured, but his fingers twitched slightly.

**10 seconds.**

The numbers in the corner of the screen counted down, each second stretching unbearably
long.

**5… 4… 3… 2…**

Jungwon took a deep breath and pressed the button to turn up the volume once again that
night.

The screen flickered to life. The broadcast began.

A sharp breath rippled through the room as they straightened, their eyes locking onto the
screen. The government seal flashed first, stark and imposing, a symbol of authority that sent
a chill down Sunoo’s spine. The room was dimly lit, the glow of the television casting sharp
shadows on their faces, but no one moved to turn on a light.

Then, the image shifted.

The familiar yet weary face of the news moderator from earlier appeared on the screen. Her
expression was composed, but the exhaustion in her eyes was unmistakable. She looked like
she hadn’t slept in days.

"This is a continuation of the national emergency broadcast," she announced, her voice
steady but firm. "We will now provide further explanation on the biological classifications
known as Alpha, Beta, and Omega."

The words sent a fresh wave of unease through the group.

Jungwon's grip tightened around the remote, his fingers white at the knuckles. Sunghoon
exhaled slowly through his nose, the sound almost imperceptible, but Sunoo caught it—as if
he was trying to steady himself.

The camera panned slightly to the side, revealing a long conference table. Several individuals
sat behind it—officials in suits, scientists with grim expressions, and a man in military
uniform, his posture stiff and unyielding.

At the center sat Dr. Choi Minseok, the lead researcher from earlier. A nameplate identified
him, though there was no need—the entire country had been waiting to hear from him.
A journalist sat across from the middle-aged researcher, his white coat crisp, a name tag
pinned neatly to his chest. The lower third of the screen displayed his name and title: Dr.
Choi Minseok – Lead Researcher on the Genetic Shift Phenomenon.

The journalist, a woman with a composed yet tense expression, held a sleek tablet in her
hands. She didn’t waste any time.

"Dr. Choi, the world is anxiously waiting for answers. Can you tell us exactly what has been
discovered so far?"
He cleared his throat before speaking
Dr. Choi exhaled, adjusting his glasses. The brief pause before he spoke felt heavier than it
should have.

"First and foremost, what we are witnessing is not an illness,"he stated firmly.
"It is a fundamental shift in human biology. After extensive testing, we have confirmed that
an unknown external force—most likely related to the energy surge from the meteor event—
has altered genetic sequences across the global population."

The weight of his words seemed to ripple through the screen.

Back in the dorm, Sunoo gripped the edge of his hoodie tighter, his fingers curling into the
soft fabric. No one spoke, but the air in the room felt thicker, heavier, harder to breathe.

The journalist nodded, swiping her finger across the tablet, skimming through what was
likely a list of pre-prepared questions. But nothing about this situation was routine.

"Dr. Choi, can you elaborate on how exactly these genetic changes are manifesting? What
differences have been observed in those affected?"

The doctor folded his hands on the table, his gaze steady but unreadable. "At this stage, our
research has identified three distinct biological classifications: Alpha, Beta, and Omega.
These are not roles or societal labels—" his voice sharpened slightly as if preemptively
countering speculation, "—but rather biological realities that have emerged following the
genetic shift."
The weight of his words seemed to ripple through the screen.

Sunoo felt a creeping sense of unease settle in his chest

The journalist raised an eyebrow. *"Biological realities?"

Dr. Choi nodded. "We have observed profound physiological and neurological changes
among those affected. Alphas display increased physical strength, heightened reflexes, and,
in some cases, elevated aggression in response to perceived threats. Additionally, they exhibit
enhanced sensory perception, particularly in smell and sound."

Sunghoon’s jaw tensed at that, and Jungwon shifted slightly on the couch.
"Betas," Dr. Choi continued, "seem to have undergone the least amount of change. Their
biological functions remain the closest to pre-meteor human physiology, with only minor
variations in stamina and immune response."

The journalist leaned forward slightly. "And Omegas?"

A brief silence.

Sunoo barely noticed that he was gripping his hoodie tighter.

"Omegas appear to be the most biologically distinct,"Dr. Choi admitted. "Thus far, they have
shown signs of increased sensitivity to environmental stimuli, particularly temperature
regulation. Many report fluctuations between chills and fever-like symptoms, as well as
episodes of fatigue and dizziness. However, further research is needed to understand the full
scope of these effects."

Sunoo swallowed hard. That sounded exactly like what he had been experiencing.

"Dr. Choi," the journalist pressed, *"there have been reports of individuals experiencing
unfamiliar reactions to the people around them. Some claim to feel heightened awareness or
even discomfort in social settings. Is this related to the genetic shift?"

Dr. Choi’s expression remained carefully neutral.

"We have received similar reports, and we believe there may be an underlying neurological
component to these changes. However, at this stage, we cannot say with certainty what is
causing these reactions. It is possible that as the body adapts to its new genetic structure,
certain subconscious instincts are becoming more pronounced. But so far yes there has been
uncontrollable reactions"

Sunoo’s stomach churned.

Neurological component? Subconscious instincts? He didn't even know what they exactly
mean

The journalist didn’t back down. "Is there any reason to believe that these changes will
continue to evolve over time?"

Dr. Choi exhaled. "That is a real possibility. Given that these transformations occurred
suddenly, we cannot rule out further developments as the body continues to adjust. Since it's
not an virus but a genetic changes it' is believed that we will get to know more about it"

The doctor adjusted his glasses, his fingers tapping lightly against the table as he answered
the journalist’s next question.

"Doctor Choi, a lot of people are trying to make sense of the changes happening to them," the
journalist began, her voice steady but tinged with the same sense of urgency in the air. "Is it
possible to determine someone's subgender—Alpha, Beta, or Omega—based on the
symptoms we’re seeing?"

Dr. Choi exhaled, a hint of regret flickering across his face.

"Unfortunately, no. At this point, we cannot definitively determine a person’s subgender just
from their symptoms."

Sunoo stiffened as the words hit him.

“The symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, and changes in body temperature, are just
indicators of the overall genetic shifts occurring. But they don’t provide us with a clear
answer about whether someone is an Alpha, Beta, or Omega.”

The journalist nodded, her gaze intent. "So how are these classifications being confirmed?"*

Dr. Choi's expression turned more serious as he leaned forward slightly. "We’ve initiated a
series of tests to determine a person’s subgender. It’s the only way to truly confirm someone’s
classification. Until then, we can only rely on these physical symptoms, which can overlap
between the subgenders."

Sunoo felt a tightness in his chest at the doctor’s words. He had been hoping that the tension
inside him—the anxiety that had been gnawing at him all day—was something everyone
would understand without needing further proof. But now it seemed like everyone had to go
through this... test.

The journalist turned to the camera, her tone shifting. "And when can the general public
expect these tests to become widely available?"

Dr. Choi nodded slowly, his eyes momentarily flicking to the side as if considering the weight
of the question. "We are working with various health organizations worldwide to make these
tests accessible. However, in the meantime, we are prioritizing high-profile individuals,
including government officials, medical staff, and those in key positions in society. The
testing process is crucial for managing the growing situation. Although from tomorrow tests
centres will be available for general public"

The weight of the doctor’s words pressed down on Sunoo as the screen flickered to black,
signaling the end of the broadcast. His stomach churned, and for a moment, he thought he
might be sick.

He barely noticed the others as they began murmuring quietly to each other, trying to process
what had just been shared. They were too shocked to even say anything really.

The reality of it all hit Sunoo like a wave—they were all going to be tested. They had
changed they are different.

He couldn’t breathe. He didn’t understand it, but he could feel it deep in his chest that
everything was about to change in ways he couldn’t even begin to grasp.
Before anyone could notice, he stood up abruptly, his hands trembling as he made his way
down the hall into his room. His mind raced, fighting against the rising panic. He needed to
think. He needed someone to talk to.

As his fingers fumbled for his phone, the world around him felt distant, blurry. A test. A test.
What would they find? What if the test revealed something about him that he didn’t want to
face?

The moment he was alone, his fingers fumbled for his phone. He barely registered unlocking
it before pressing the contact he needed most—his sister.

It rang once. Twice.

Please pick up.

Please noona
By the fourth ring, he felt himself deflate, but then—

"Sunoo?"

His breath hitched. "Noona…"

"Hey, Are you okay?"

How was he supposed to answer that? He let out a shaky breath, pressing his forehead against
his knee as he curled into himself on the edge of his bed.

"I don’t know," he admitted, voice barely above a whisper.

His sister was silent for a moment. Then, softer—"Did you watch the news?"

Sunoo swallowed. "Yeah."

"And?"

"And… something’s wrong with me."

The words hung heavy between them.

"What do you mean?" she asked carefully.

"I feel… different. Ever since the meteor, something’s been off. My head, my body, even—"
He hesitated, gripping the phone tighter. "I know I have changed The others, too. It’s not just
me."

His sister inhaled . "Sunoo-ya…"

He could hear the worry in her voice, but he didn’t know how to explain it properly. How
could he, when he didn’t understand it himself?
"Noona…" His voice faltered. He hadn’t realized how much he needed to hear her voice. "I
don’t know what’s going on. I’m so scared. Everything’s changing."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. "I know, sweetheart. We’ve been
watching the broadcast, too. It’s a lot, I can imagine."

Sunoo nodded, even though she couldn’t see him. He was silent for a moment before his
sister spoke again, her tone softer now.

"I’ve been talking to Mom and Dad, and… well, they’ve been feeling strange too. Mom
mentioned some dizziness, and Dad said he’s been having trouble sleeping, like he just
couldn’t get comfortable."

Sunoo blinked, his heart racing as he sat on the edge of his bed.

"They both said it feels like something’s… shifting inside them. Like they can’t quite place it,
but something’s off. And now we know why"

The words hung in the air. Sunoo’s mind whirled. He’d been feeling the same—off, in ways
he couldn’t explain. And now to hear that his parents were experiencing it too, it made him
feel both less alone and more terrified.

"I don’t know what this means, Noona," he whispered.

"I know," she replied quietly. "But you’re not alone. We’ll get through this, I promise."

His sister sighed. "Have you talked to Mom and Dad?"

He hesitated. Then, almost reluctantly, "Not yet."

"You should. You are not alone in this..we also feel strange."

"Ok.. I'll call them after this"

They stayed on the phone for a little while longer, his sister offering comfort and quiet
reassurances. Eventually, Sunoo felt the urge to call his parents as well, needing to hear their
voices, needing something familiar to hold onto amidst the chaos.

When they answered, their voices were filled with the same uncertainty

"Sunoo? Sweetheart, are you okay?"

And just like that, the tightness in his chest cracked wide open.

"Eomma…" His voice wavered.

"Oh, baby," she murmured, instantly picking up on his distress. "We saw the news. Have you
been feeling sick? Tell me the truth."
Sunoo bit his lip, squeezing his eyes shut. Hearing his mom almost made him cry"Yeah."

"Oh, sweetheart." The warmth in her voice almost made him break completely. "Do you need
us to come to you?"

"No," he said quickly, shaking his head even though she couldn’t see him. "I just… I just
needed to hear your voices."

There was a pause before his father spoke up, his voice steady yet filled with concern. "No
matter what happens, Sunoo, we’re here for you. That doesn’t change."

Something in him trembled at the reassurance.

"I know," he whispered.

"Mom, I—" Sunoo’s voice cracked as the weight of everything hit him at once. "I’m so
scared."

"It’s okay to be scared, sweetheart," his mother whispered. "We’re here. We’re going through
this together and don't stay alone ok? Go to your members"
They didn’t overwhelm him with questions. They just stayed on the line, listening, letting
him cry

And for now, that was enough.

By the time Sunoo returned to the living room, his eyes were dry, but his mind was still
heavy.

The others looked up as he entered. No one spoke at first, but their gazes lingered, watching
him a little too closely.

He barely had time to sit down before a sharp vibration rattled through the coffee table.

A call.

Heeseung grabbed the remote, lowering the volume on the still-playing news as Jungwon
picked up the phone.

"Yes, hyung?"

A pause.

Jungwon’s eyes darkened. "Now?"

The others stiffened.

"Okay okay "

The moment the call ended, he turned to them, his expression unreadable.

"Manager-hyung is on his way."

A tense silence.

"Why?" Sunghoon asked.

Jungwon exhaled slowly. "We’re getting tested."

The room dropped into stunned silence.

"Pack some clothes," Jungwon added hesitantly. "We won’t be coming back for a few days."

The weight of Jungwon’s words settled heavily over the room. No one moved, no one spoke
—only the muffled sound of the television filled the thick silence.

Sunoo’s fingers curled into the fabric of his hoodie, his stomach twisting painfully. They
knew this moment would come, but hearing it out loud made it real in a way that was
suffocating.

Jay was the first to react, exhaling sharply as he ran a hand through his hair. “They’re making
us go now?”

Jungwon nodded. “Manager-hyung didn’t say much, just that we need to be ready.”

Sunghoon leaned forward, his expression tense. “And the ‘few days’ part?”

Jungwon hesitated. “I don’t know. Maybe they need time to run all the tests.”

A flicker of uncertainty passed between them. The idea of being taken somewhere unknown,
undergoing tests they didn’t fully understand, and not knowing when they’d return—it
unsettled them all.

“Why does this feel more like a detainment than a checkup?” Jake muttered, shaking his
head.

“Because it probably is,” Sunghoon responded grimly.

Sunoo swallowed hard, his thoughts racing. The entire world was going through this, but
idols—public figures—would be scrutinized even more. Whatever results they got wouldn’t
just affect them personally. Their careers, their image, their future as a group—it was all at
risk.

A sharp knock at the door sent a jolt through all of them.

The air in the room thickened as their manager’s voice called out, “It’s me.”

Jungwon got up first, unlocking the door. Their manager stepped inside, looking more tense
than usual, his usual easygoing demeanor absent. And behind him—
A soldier.

Not high-ranking, but the uniform and badge were unmistakable.

The shift in atmosphere was immediate. The presence of the military, even just one soldier,
made it clear—this wasn’t a simple medical checkup.
What’s going on?” Heeseung was the first to break the silence, his voice quieter than usual.

Their manager sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before shutting the door behind him.
“You’ve all seen the broadcast. The government is implementing mandatory testing for
everyone, starting with high-profile individuals,You need to pack,” their manager said,
getting straight to the point. “Only essentials. You’ll be transported to a secured medical
facility for testing. You won’t be allowed to leave until it’s complete.”

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Sunoo swallowed hard. He already felt strange. Different. And now there was a test that
would tell him exactly *how* different he was.

“So… we have to go?” Sunghoon’s voice was tight, as if he was trying to suppress his
emotions.

The manager nodded. “Yes. Pack a few days’ worth of clothes. We don’t know how long this
will take.”

That was when the panic truly set in.

“Why do we have to stay?” Ni-ki's voice echoed, his voice rising slightly

“Because this isn’t just about you,” their manager said, looking at them seriously. “You’re
idols. The government doesn’t want people in the public eye walking around unchecked.
They need to be sure before they let you go back to your normal lives.”

Normal lives.

Sunoo doubted anything would be normal again after this.

Jay let out a slow breath, pinching the bridge of his nose. “This is insane. We’re not sick.
We’re not criminals. Why does it feel like we’re being taken away?”

The manager hesitated before responding, choosing his words carefully. “Because the world
doesn’t know what this means yet. People are scared. The government is trying to stay ahead
of it. I know you guys are scared but this is better for you”

No one liked the answer, but there was nothing they could do.

Sunoo glanced toward the door, where the soldier still stood, unmoving. He looked young,
probably not much older than them, but there was something about the way he stood that
made it clear he was following orders, no matter how uncomfortable he felt.

Sunoo took a shaky breath and whispered, “Do we have a choice?”

The manager hesitated—just for a second—his voice also lingering a sadness before shaking
his head. “No.”

That single word made something sink in Sunoo’s chest.

He exchanged glances with the others, seeing the same unease reflected in their faces. None
of them wanted to go. None of them wanted to be tested, labeled, taken away from their
home. But what choice did they have?

“Get ready,” their manager said, his tone softer this time. “I’ll give you ten minutes.”

Heeseung said “And how long is that supposed to take?”

The manager hesitated before answering, “Until they have all the information they need.”

Jay let out a scoff. “So basically, no idea.”

The soldier finally spoke, voice firm but not unkind. “This is government-mandated. We
understand your concerns, but everyone is being processed accordingly. This is for your
safety”

The reassurance did nothing to ease the tension

Sunoo could feel the unease radiating from the others. Being told to pack like this, with no
real timeline, under the watch of a soldier—it felt more like they were being taken away than
escorted for a simple test.

Jungwon exhaled and turned to the others. “Let’s just… get ready.”
No one moved right away. It took a moment for the reality to settle in. But one by one, they
turned toward their rooms, the sound of hurried packing filling the once-silent dorm
Sunoo lingered for just a moment longer, his eyes drifting toward the dark television screen,
where mere hours ago, the world had begun to change forever.

And now, they were being swept up in it, whether they were ready or not.

The atmosphere in the dorm had shifted into something unspoken yet heavy, pressing down
on them with every passing second. Even the sounds of zippers and rustling fabric as they
packed felt too loud, breaking the fragile silence that no one dared to fill.

Sunoo’s hands trembled slightly as he shoved a few essentials into his bag—clothes, his
phone charger, a facemask, though he doubted it would shield him from whatever changes
were happening inside of him. His thoughts swirled with everything he had been avoiding,
the unease tightening around his chest like a vice.
I don’t want to go.

A soft knock on his bedroom door made him flinch.

“Sunoo, are you ready?” Heeseung’s voice was calm, but there was an undertone of concern.

Sunoo took a steadying breath before forcing himself to his feet. “Yeah. Coming.”

When he opened the door, Heeseung was already waiting for him, his expression unreadable.
But Sunoo could see it in his eyes—worry. Not just for himself, but for all of them. Without
another word, they headed back to the living room where the others had already gathered,
bags slung over their shoulders, faces tight with uncertainty.

The manager stood near the front door, checking his phone, while the soldier remained
stationed just outside, his presence a silent reminder that they weren’t leaving by choice.

“Alright,” the manager finally said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. “The car is
waiting. Let’s go.”

The reality of it all—of stepping outside, of being taken somewhere unknown, of being tested
for something they didn’t understand—felt like a wall none of them wanted to break through.

Jake exhaled sharply, gripping the strap of his bag tighter. “Guess we really don’t have a
choice.”

With that, he led the way, and one by one, they followed.

___________

The night air was cool, but it did nothing to settle the anxiety thrumming beneath Sunoo’s
skin. The black SUV waiting for them looked like something out of a spy movie—dark-tinted
windows, government plates, intimidating in a way that made his stomach churn.

They climbed in, the doors shutting with a heavy finality behind them. Sunoo found himself
wedged between Heeseung and Jay, their body heat a small comfort in the otherwise tense
space.

The soldier who had escorted them took the passenger seat in the front, saying nothing as the
driver pulled away from the dorm.

For a while, the only sound was the hum of the engine and the occasional sigh of someone
shifting uncomfortably.

Sunghoon was the first to speak. “Does anyone else feel like we’re being arrested?”
The weak attempt at a joke fell flat, met with tired glances and a quiet scoff from Ni-ki. “We
might as well be.”

Jay ran a hand through his hair. “They said it’s just a test. That doesn’t mean anything bad
will happen.”

“But they also didn’t say what happens after the test,” Jungwon muttered, arms crossed
tightly over his chest.

Sunoo swallowed, eyes trained on the passing city lights outside the window. What would
happen after? Would they be released back into the world as if nothing had changed? Or
would they be labeled, categorized, and separated?

Would they even be allowed to go back to their normal life ?

As the city faded behind them, replaced by roads leading toward more isolated areas, Sunoo
felt a cold realization settle in his bones.

They weren’t just going for a simple test.

And whatever awaited them at the medical center—it wouldn’t be something they could walk
away from unchanged.

The van continued to move in near silence , the only sounds being the soft hum of the engine
and the occasional rustle of fabric as someone shifted uncomfortably. The city lights blurred
past the tinted windows, but none of them were paying attention to the view.

Sunoo sat wedged between Heeseung and Jay, his hands clenched tightly in his lap. His mind
wouldn’t stop racing—what kind of tests would they be subjected to? What would happen
once they knew the truth? The unknown was suffocating.

A gentle nudge pulled him from his thoughts. He looked up to see Heeseung watching him,
his gaze steady but filled with something softer—reassurance.

“You okay?” Heeseung asked, voice low so only Sunoo could hear.

Sunoo hesitated before giving a small nod, though he knew it wasn’t very convincing.
Heeseung sighed, shifting slightly so his shoulder pressed against Sunoo’s in quiet support.

“I know this is scary,” Heeseung murmured. “None of us know what’s waiting for us, but you
don’t have to go through this alone.”

Sunoo swallowed. “It just feels… like we’re being taken somewhere we can’t come back
from.”
Heeseung exhaled, glancing at the others. Jay sat stiffly, arms crossed as he stared out the
window. Sunghoon and Jungwon whispered something to each other, their expressions grim.
Jake was tapping his foot anxiously, and Niki had his hood pulled up, eyes downcast.

They were all scared.

“I won’t let anything happen to you,” Heeseung said firmly.

Sunoo blinked up at him. “What?”

“To you, to the others—I’ll protect all of us.” Heeseung’s voice was unwavering, his grip
tightening slightly where his hand rested on his knee. “No matter what they find in those
tests, no matter what this means for us… I won’t let anyone decide our future for us.”

Sunoo’s breath hitched. Heeseung wasn’t just saying this—he meant it. There was a quiet
strength in his words, a promise that went beyond just comforting him in the moment.

Heeseung would protect them.

Something in Sunoo’s chest eased, if only slightly. He let out a shaky breath and, for the first
time since getting into the van, unclenched his fists.

“…Thanks, hyung.”

Heeseung gave him a small, reassuring smile. “Always.”

The van continued down the road, carrying them toward the unknown. But as long as they
had each other, maybe—just maybe—they wouldn’t be completely lost.

---

The SUV pulled up to a heavily secured facility, its high, sterile-white walls illuminated by
harsh floodlights. A tall, reinforced gate blocked the entrance, and several guards were
stationed around the perimeter. It was nothing like a typical hospital—this place looked more
like a research facility, a place built to contain something unknown.

Sunoo’s grip tightened around the strap of his bag as the vehicle rolled to a stop. His heart
pounded in his chest, a sickening feeling twisting in his stomach. The silence in the car was
deafening.

The soldier in the passenger seat finally turned around, his voice clipped but not unkind.
“We’ve arrived. Follow the instructions given to you inside. Do not wander off.”

The doors unlocked with a sharp click, but no one moved right away.

Jungwon was the first to step out, shoulders squared, trying to mask his apprehension. One by
one, the others followed, their steps hesitant as they took in their surroundings.
Beyond the gates, the facility loomed over them. Other black vehicles were parked in the lot,
and as they walked toward the entrance, they saw more people stepping out of cars—
politicians, celebrities, business executives—people whose faces they had seen on the news.

They weren’t the only ones being brought in.

Sunoo felt Sunghoon walk a little closer to him, their arms almost brushing. He didn’t
comment on it, but he didn’t pull away either.

Inside, the air was thick with the scent of disinfectant, and the bright white lights made
everything feel even more clinical. A reception desk stood at the front, where staff members
in lab coats and uniforms directed the new arrivals. The tension in the room was suffocating,
filled with quiet murmurs and stiff postures.

Their manager stepped forward, speaking in hushed tones to a staff member. After a few
moments, he turned back to them. “They’ll process you in groups. Stay together.”

A nurse appeared, holding a tablet. “ENHYPEN?”

At the sound of their name, heads turned—people recognizing them, whispering among
themselves. The realization hit Sunoo like a punch to the gut. They were not just here as
individuals. They were idols. Their presence would be scrutinized more than normal people.

“Yes, that’s us,” Heeseung answered, his voice steady despite the unease in his eyes.

The nurse nodded, gesturing for them to follow. “Come with me.”

They walked deeper into the facility, passing hallways lined with numbered rooms. The
deeper they went, the colder it felt—not physically, but the kind of cold that came from
knowing you were stepping into something you couldn’t control.

Eventually, they reached a room labeled Testing Ward 4. The nurse opened the door and
motioned them inside.

“Wait here. A doctor will be with you shortly.”

With that, she left, the door clicking shut behind her.

Sunoo exhaled shakily, glancing around. The room was set up like a medical examination
space—chairs lined the walls, a few small beds were pushed against the far side, and a tray of
unused medical equipment sat nearby. It smelled of antiseptic and something too clean, too
unnatural.

“This feels wrong,” Jake muttered, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “Like
we’re about to be experimented on.”

“They just said it’s a test, let's not worry too much” Jay tried to reason, but his voice lacked
conviction.
Sunoo hugged his arms to himself, his fingers curling into the sleeves of his hoodie. He could
still hear the whispers from the waiting room. He could still feel the weight of everyone’s
eyes on them.

This was only the beginning.

And somehow, he knew—after tonight, their lives would never be the same again.

Minutes passed in unbearable silence. Each second that ticked by only added to the
suffocating tension in the room. Sunoo could feel the anxiety radiating from the others, their
restless shifting and heavy sighs doing little to mask their nerves.

Finally, the door swung open.

A middle-aged doctor stepped inside, flanked by two nurses, each holding a clipboard. His
white coat was pristine, his name tag identifying him as Dr. Ko Jiwn. He gave them a
practiced, neutral smile—one that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Good evening,” he greeted, scanning the room before focusing on their manager. “We
appreciate your cooperation in undergoing this evaluation. The sooner we complete your
tests, the sooner you can return to your usual activities.”

The words sounded rehearsed, carefully chosen to keep them calm.

The manager nodded. “What kind of tests will they be taking?”

Dr. Ko turned his attention back to the group. “To determine how the genetic shift has
affected you, we will be conducting a series of medical evaluations. This includes blood tests,
neurological scans, and physical examinations to check for any abnormalities.”

Sunoo felt his stomach twist. Blood tests and physical test? He wasn’t scared of needles, but
the idea of someone analyzing his blood to determine what he had become made him feel
sick.

Dr. Ko continued, “Since symptoms alone are not enough to determine an individual’s
classification, blood analysis is the most reliable way to detect genetic markers.”

Jungwon frowned. “You’re saying there’s no way to tell by looking at us?”

“Correct.” The doctor adjusted his glasses. “While some people have reported heightened
senses, fatigue, and mood fluctuations, these vary between individuals. Only the genetic test
can confirm your classification.”

The members exchanged uneasy glances.

“Will we get our results immediately?” Heeseung asked.

Dr. Ko hesitated. “Your results will take some time to be out after being recorded in legal
documents first it will be sent to your company. Once processed, you will be informed .”

Sunoo’s hands clenched at his sides. So the company would know before they did?

Jay let out a scoff, clearly thinking the same thing. “That doesn’t seem fair.”

The doctor didn’t react. “It is standard protocol for public figures. The government and your
agency will determine how to handle your classification before any official announcement is
made.”

Announcement.

The word sent a cold shiver down Sunoo’s spine. Would they be expected to announce their
classifications? Would the world be watching, waiting to label them?

“Let’s begin,” Dr. Ko said, nodding to the nurses.

The cold sterility of the medical center pressed heavily around them, the hum of machines
and quiet murmurs of medical staff creating an eerie atmosphere. The members sat together
at first, but it wasn’t long before they were called one by one to different stations.

Everything about the process was mechanical—impersonal. Blood drawn, physical checks,
scans from unfamiliar machines that whirred and beeped as they analyzed their bodies.
Despite the routine nature of it, every moment felt invasive, as if they were being
*examined* rather than treated.

Their names were called in pairs, separating them into different sections of the large
examination hall. When it was Heeseung and Sunoo’s turn, they exchanged a brief glance
before following different nurses in opposite directions.

Sunoo’s stomach twisted as he was led to a partitioned area, where a nurse gestured for him
to sit on a chair beside a tray of medical equipment. The scent of antiseptic burned his nose,
and the room felt colder than before.

Heeseung was just a few meters away, seated in his own section, but a privacy screen blocked
them from seeing each other.

“Try to relax,” the nurse said gently as she wrapped a band around his upper arm, tightening
it to prepare for the blood draw.

Sunoo barely heard her over the pounding in his ears. His body felt tense, muscles rigid with
unease.

The needle pierced his skin, and he forced himself to stay still as dark red liquid flowed into
the vial. The process was routine, something he had done before during medical checkups—
but this time was different.
What are they looking for?

A strange sense of dread curled in his gut. The world had changed overnight, and now, with
his blood being collected and analyzed, it felt like *he* was about to change too.

He forced himself to breathe evenly as the nurse finished, pressing a small piece of gauze to
the injection site before securing it with medical tape.

“All done,” she said with a small smile, placing the vial onto a tray filled with others—vials
that likely contained the same unknown answers he feared.

Sunoo swallowed hard, his gaze lingering on the small tube of his blood. No matter what they
found in it, there was no turning back now.

Sunoo barely had time to process the blood draw before the nurse gestured for him to follow
her deeper into the examination area. The further he walked, the more the clinical white walls
seemed to close in on him, the sterility of the space making his skin crawl. The distant hum
of medical equipment, the occasional beep of a monitor, and the hushed voices of doctors in
neighboring rooms only heightened the unease twisting in his gut.

His footsteps felt heavier with each step.

"This way," the nurse instructed, her voice calm but detached, as if she had done this a
hundred times already. She led him into a smaller, partitioned room, where a second medical
professional, a male doctor in a crisp white lab coat, stood waiting beside a strange-looking
machine. The faint scent of antiseptic filled the air, stinging his nose.

The doctor barely looked up from the tablet in his hands, scanning through what Sunoo
assumed was his medical file. The room itself felt colder, not just in temperature but in
atmosphere—clinical and impersonal.

In the center stood a padded examination table, slightly reclined, with mechanical arms
attached to its sides. Along the adjacent wall was a tray of unfamiliar medical instruments,
neatly arranged in an unsettlingly meticulous manner. A monitor nearby displayed unreadable
data, lines of code and graphs shifting in real-time.

Sunoo hesitated in the doorway, his fingers tightening around the hem of his hoodie.

“What kind of test is this?” he asked, his voice coming out quieter than he intended.

The doctor finally looked up, offering what was likely meant to be a reassuring smile, though
it did little to ease the knot forming in Sunoo’s stomach.

"Just a routine full-body scan," he answered, setting the tablet aside. "We’re collecting
physiological data to observe how the genetic shift is affecting internal structures. It’s
completely non-invasive and shouldn’t take more than a few minutes."

Sunoo’s gaze flickered to the machine. Something about it made his skin prickle with unease.
"Lie down on the table, please," the doctor continued, gesturing toward the padded surface.

His instinct screamed at him to hesitate. Something about this felt different from the standard
medical tests he was used to. A physical check-up? A blood test? Those were normal. But
*this*?

His fingers twitched at his sides.

The nurse, noticing his hesitation, stepped forward with a carefully measured tone. "I promise
it won’t hurt. It’s just to gather more information on your current condition."

Sunoo swallowed hard, his throat dry, but he forced himself to step forward.

With stiff movements, he climbed onto the table, the synthetic material cold even through his
clothing. The moment he settled back, the doctor pressed a button on the machine, and the
mechanical arms adjusted slightly, moving into position.

Then, to his shock, two metallic braces extended from the sides of the table, securing lightly
around his wrists and ankles.

It wasn’t tight—not restraining him completely—but it sent a jolt of panic through his chest.

His breath hitched. His fingers twitched against the cold metal.

“Why—” Sunoo swallowed, trying to steady his voice. “Why do you need to hold me down
if this is just a scan?”

The doctor barely reacted. “It’s a precaution. Some subjects experience involuntary muscle
reactions during the process.”

That explanation didn’t sit well with him.

The machine above him hummed to life, a faint glow illuminating its surface as it began to
scan his body. A strange sensation spread through his limbs—a static-like tingling that made
his skin crawl. It wasn’t painful, but it was deeply uncomfortable, like something foreign was
brushing against his very bones.

He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to stay still, even as unease settled heavily in his chest.

Just a few minutes.

But every second felt like an eternity.

The low hum of the machine reverberated through Sunoo’s body, crawling under his skin like
an unwelcome presence. His fingers curled into fists against the cold metal of the restraints,
his breathing shallow.
The glowing scanner above him shifted position, casting faint blue light across his form. A
mechanical whir followed as something deeper within the machine adjusted. The static-like
sensation intensified, prickling at his nerves.

Then—something changed.

A sharp pulse shot through his body—not pain, but a deep, uncomfortable pressure that
settled in his chest, like his lungs were being measured from the inside out. His stomach
twisted as an odd warmth pooled low in his abdomen, a sensation so foreign it made him
tense involuntarily.

The machine beeped.

“Try to stay relaxed,” the doctor instructed, still watching the monitors beside him,
completely unaffected by Sunoo’s growing discomfort.

Relax? How was he supposed to relax when his body felt like it was reacting to something he
didn’t understand?

Another pulse spread through his limbs, making his muscles twitch involuntarily. His
heartbeat drummed in his ears, loud enough that he almost didn’t hear the sound of
movement outside the room.

But he did hear the door click open.

“Is something wrong?”

The voice was sharp, carrying a thread of irritation that Sunoo had never been so relieved to
hear.

Heeseung.

The doctor barely glanced up. “Not at all,” he said, his tone calm. “We’re simply finishing
the scans.”

Heeseung stepped further inside, his brows furrowed as his gaze darted to the restraints
around Sunoo’s wrists.

“Then why does he look like that?” he demanded, his voice tight.

Sunoo could only imagine how he must look—tense, his breathing uneven, body slightly
trembling from the strange sensations washing over him.

“It’s a routine procedure to know his nervous system,” the doctor replied smoothly, still
unmoved. “The restraints are a precaution. We’ve seen subjects react involuntarily to the scan
—”

“Then take them off,” Heeseung cut in. His voice wasn’t loud, but there was a sharpness to it
that made even the nurse hesitate.
Heeseung’s sharp voice cut through the tension in the room as the doctor continued to speak,
his words impassive and clinical. Heeseung's gaze flickered between Sunoo and the doctor,
his brow furrowed in concern and rising irritation. Heeseung’s voice was low, edged with a
protective urgency that ma. “He doesn’t look okay.”

The doctor, unfazed by Heeseung’s presence, adjusted his glasses and gave a long sigh. “As I
said, it’s standard procedure. The restraints are there to prevent sudden, involuntary
movements during the scan. We’ve had subjects react unexpectedly.”

Heeseung wasn’t satisfied with the explanation. His gaze hardened, his shoulders tense, and
his hand instinctively shifted toward Sunoo, as though to shield him from further
examination. “And what does that mean? Why does he look so uncomfortable?”

The doctor opened his mouth, but before he could respond, the air in the room seemed to
shift. A strange, bitter scent hit Sunoo’s nostrils, sharp and overwhelming. His eyes widened
in confusion. He instinctively looked to Heeseung, but Heeseung’s expression was dark, his
eyes narrowed as he moved closer to Sunoo, clearly not buying the doctor’s reassurances.

Sunoo’s breath hitched. The scent was stronger now, like burnt metal mixed with something
almost sour. It wasn’t just the sterile medical smell of the room anymore. Almost burning and
suffocating.

The doctor’s eyes flickered to Heeseung, then down to Sunoo, his expression unreadable but
slightly uneasy. “ I see.” he muttered under his breath. His voice dropped an octave, the
calmness of a professional now replaced by a subtle wariness. “pheromones.”

The word hung in the air, thick with meaning. Sunoo froze, unsure of what to make of it. His
body was reacting to the air around him in ways he didn’t fully understand, and the scent felt
almost… heavy. It was as if the air itself had thickened with it. Like a weighted blanket

Heeseung’s protective instincts kicked in. His posture stiffened even further, and his eyes
locked onto the doctor with a venomous glare. “What do you mean, pheromones?” His voice
was barely contained, filled with a possessiveness Sunoo had never heard from him before.

The doctor, sensing Heeseung’s rising aggression, took an instinctual step back. His hand
raised slightly, a silent gesture of caution. And to show Heeseung he is not a threat “your
body is showing a reaction triggering a physiological response because of these changes ”

Heeseung’s gaze flickered to Sunoo, the anger in his eyes suddenly replaced by confusion,
then concern. His hand reached out but stopped midway, hovering near Sunoo’s shoulder as
though unsure whether to make physical contact.

Sunoo, still trying to process everything, felt his chest tighten as his body reacted to the
pheromones in the air. His breath was shallow, and his head was starting to spin, disoriented.
His body was too aware of Heeseung’s proximity, the strange tension between them
intensifying. It was like something instinctual was pulling at him, urging him to stay closer to
Heeseung.
The doctor, sensing the danger of further provoking Heeseung, quickly backed away.
The doctor exhaled through his nose, clearly displeased by the interruption, but he pressed a
button on the machine. A soft *hiss* sounded as the restraints unlatched, releasing Sunoo’s
wrists and ankles.

The machine powered down with a final beep, and Sunoo immediately sat up, his body still
tingling unpleasantly. Heeseung stepped closer, his sharp gaze scanning over him.
The doctors voice was calm but tinged with a hint of urgency. “We can resume these tests
later. I suggest we give him some time. The pheromones are strong, and we don’t want to
cause any more stress.”

Heeseung didn’t take his eyes off the doctor, his posture still rigid, but his gaze softened
slightly as he finally turned his full attention back to Sunoo. “You okay?” he asked quietly,
his voice now filled with an underlying softness.

Sunoo nodded weakly, still struggling to get his bearings. The air was thick with something
else now—something new, and everything inside him felt completely out of sync. It wasn't
bitter anymore it wasn't suffocating. It was almost comforting? Like a ..Smoky Vanilla?

“Are you okay?” he asked once again, quieter this time.

Sunoo swallowed, still trying to steady his breathing. “I… yeah.”

Heeseung didn’t look convinced. He turned back to the doctor, his jaw tight. “What exactly
were you testing for?”

The doctor sighed, as if explaining this was a waste of time. “As I said before, we are
gathering data on how the genetic shift has affected internal physiology. The scan measures
various biological responses, including nervous system reactions and hormonal activity.”

Sunoo stiffened slightly at that, unease creeping up his spine.

Heeseung wasn’t satisfied either. “And what if someone doesn’t want to go through this
test?”

The doctor’s expression didn’t change. “It’s mandatory.”

Silence stretched between them, heavy with tension.

Heeseung, still tense but now focused entirely on Sunoo, nodded once, decisively. “Let’s get
you out of here.” He reached for Sunoo’s arm, pulling him gently but firmly toward the door.
.”

Sunoo hesitated for only a second before taking it, letting Heeseung help him off the table.
His legs felt unsteady beneath him, but Heeseung’s grip was firm, grounding him.

Without another word, Heeseung led him out of the room, his grip still lingering around
Sunoo’s wrist, as if making sure he wouldn’t be pulled back in.
Heeseung didn’t say anything as they walked out , but his hand remained steady on Sunoo’s
shoulder, a silent promise—
 I won’t let anything happen to you

Chapter End Notes

Wow this chapter took a long time to write and fix I hope everything is good. I'm busy
with exams for now .

" The medical centre is not a secretive place they will just test the high profile people
there to get the results sooner+ the military is for the reason that if an alpha and omega
shows reaction and aggression they can control them"

🤭❤️
Soooo what do you think about this chapter? After reading it make sure to leave
comments. More comments= more chapters and sooner updates
 Chapter 10
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Heeseung guided Sunoo out of the examination room with a firm but careful grip, his body
still radiating tension.

He didn’t let go until they reached one of the temporary patient rooms in the medical center.
It was small—just a bed, a chair, and a sterile-looking table—but at least it was private.
Heeseung led Sunoo to the bed and gently pushed him down by the shoulders, making him
sit.

"Here, just… take a second," Heeseung murmured, crouching in front of him, eyes scanning
Sunoo’s face like he was checking for injuries. His hands hovered near Sunoo’s wrists,
hesitant but clearly wanting to hold them. "You okay?"

Sunoo let out a shaky breath. "I don’t know." He just felt uneasy.

His body still felt strange, as if something heavy lingered in the air between them, pressing
against his skin. He shifted uncomfortably under Heeseung’s stare.

"You looked like you were gonna pass out back there," Heeseung continued, his voice softer
now. "Was it the test? Or…"

Sunoo hesitated, his fingers curling into the fabric of his pants. His heart was still unsteady,
and his senses felt heightened, especially with Heeseung this close. Yeah the test had stressed
him out a lot out of the sudden but that wasn't the sole reason.
He swallowed, then finally admitted, "The scent."

Heeseung frowned. "The… scent?"

Sunoo nodded, not quite meeting his eyes. "When you got mad at the doctor… something
changed in the air hyung. It smelled strong—bitter, almost burning." He hesitated, then
added, "The doctor backed off as soon as it happened. He said it was… pheromones."

Heeseung tensed slightly, brows furrowing. He sat back on his heels, as if trying to process
the words. "Pheromones," he echoed, testing the word like it was foreign to him.

Sunoo bit his lip. "It was coming from you."

Silence stretched between them for a beat. Heeseung stared at him, his expression
unreadable, then exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "So I just… gave off some
kind of scent without realizing it?"

Sunoo nodded slowly. "I think so. It was different from anything I’ve smelled before… but it
made my chest feel tight."

Heeseung’s gaze flickered with concern. "Tight how? Like you couldn’t breathe?"

Sunoo hesitated. It wasn’t exactly like that. It had been overwhelming, sure, but not really
suffocating. It had made him feel—he shook his head, not ready to unpack that just yet.
"Just… intense."
Heeseung exhaled again, rubbing his hands together as if trying to ground himself. "This is…
weird," he muttered. "And kinda messed up, right? We don’t even know what this means. Is it
the same reason that I can sense your scent?"

Sunoo nodded in agreement. "I think so" His fingers curled tighter around his pants. "But
hyung… the doctor looked scared."

That made Heeseung pause. His jaw tightened slightly, and something dark flickered behind
his eyes. "Scared?"

Sunoo nodded, finally looking up at him. "Like he thought something bad would happen if he
stayed too close."

Heeseung clenched his jaw, then sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Great. So now I’m
walking around freaking people out without even knowing it."

Sunoo watched him carefully, his chest twisting with an unfamiliar feeling. Heeseung looked
frustrated—but underneath that, there was something else. Maybe worry.

"It didn’t scare me," Sunoo admitted quietly.

Heeseung’s head snapped up, eyes locking onto his.

Sunoo hesitated, then added, "It was strong, yeah. And I didn’t like not knowing what was
happening. But… it didn’t make me afraid of you."

Heeseung stared at him for a moment, then let out a small, almost breathless laugh. "That's
Good," he muttered with a small smile appreciating the younger's effort to comfort him,
shaking his head. "Because the last thing I want is for you to be scared of me."

Sunoo blinked, his chest tightening for a completely different reason now. Heeseung’s words
were simple, but the way he said them—so earnest, so sure—made something warm flicker
in Sunoo’s stomach.

For the first time since entering the medical center, Sunoo felt like he could breathe just a
little easier.

And seeing that also made Heeseung to relax a bit more. But he couldn't stop thinking about
what sunoo said..that the doctor was scared.
'They definitely know more than they are letting on, they told us they can know just by the
blood test but they are going further taking more test without giving us reasons'
He thought to himself for a second before turning to sunoo again.
Heeseung exhaled, shaking his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. His eyes softened as he
looked at Sunoo, still seated on the bed, still clutching the fabric of his pants like it was the
only thing keeping him steady unknowingly.

Without thinking—without questioning why—Heeseung reached out.

His fingers brushed against Sunoo’s cheek, feather-light at first, as if testing whether the
touch was even real. His skin was warm beneath his fingertips, soft in a way that made
something in Heeseung’s chest tighten unexpectedly.

Sunoo's breath hitched in surprise. His eyes widened slightly, but he didn’t pull away. If
anything, his body stilled, like he was caught between surprise and something else—
something unspoken.

Heeseung didn’t stop. His palm cupped Sunoo’s cheek fully now, thumb gently tracing along
the curve of his cheekbone. His other hand moved on its own, resting atop Sunoo’s head,
fingers threading through his soft hair. He shouldn’t be doing this. He didn’t know *why* he
was doing this.

But it felt… right.

Sunoo’s lashes fluttered, his cheeks turning pink under Heeseung’s touch. His lips parted
slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but the words never came.

Instead, the air around them shifted.

A scent—soft, sweet, and calming—drifted between them. It wasn’t overpowering, but it was
noticeable, like the delicate hint of something warm and comforting in the air.
The air —carrying with a scent something soft, warm, and unmistakably sweet.

The earlier scent he had felt in the kitchen,That scent.

It's like a Warm glass of milk and honey.

It was subtle at first, barely more than a whisper of sweetness lingering in the air. But the
longer his hand lingered on Sunoo's head, the more it settled around him—rich and soothing,
wrapping around his senses like a soft blanket the more he felt it. The warmth of it curled low
in his chest, calming and stirring something instinctive all at once.
Heeseung’s breath slowed. He didn’t know how he knew, but some instinct deep in his gut
told him it was coming from Sunoo.

Sunoo, who looked dazed now, pink-cheeked and soft in a way that made something curl low
in Heeseung’s stomach.

The realization sent a bolt of something unfamiliar through him, and he suddenly pulled his
hands away, as if burned.

Sunoo blinked, seeming to snap out of whatever daze he’d been in. His hands immediately
flew to his own cheeks, pressing against them as if that would somehow make the heat go
away.

"I—" Sunoo started, but his voice was quiet, almost shy.

Heeseung swallowed, his fingers twitching like they wanted to reach out again. "Sorry," he
muttered, though he wasn’t sure what he was apologizing for. This kind of closeness wasn't
usual for them .
Sunoo shook his head quickly. "No, it’s—" He stopped himself, glancing away, lips pressing
together.

A silence stretched between them, thick with something neither of them could name.

But even with the tension, the scent still lingered—subtle, warm, and unmistakably
A sudden knock on the door made them both jolt.

Heeseung immediately stepped back, clearing his throat, while Sunoo nearly scrambled to
compose himself, hands still hovering near his flushed cheeks.

The door creaked open, and a nurse peeked inside, looking slightly amused—*had she seen
something?*—but her expression remained professional.

“You’ve both been assigned rooms please return to your room,” she informed them. “We
need you to settle in for now. Follow me.”

Sunoo practically leapt from the bed. “O-okay!”

Heeseung wasn’t far behind, nodding stiffly as if that would somehow erase whatever had
just happened between them. His hands clenched into fists at his sides, resisting the urge to
rub his face, to shake off the lingering warmth of Sunoo’s skin against his palm.

The walk down the hall felt too long and too short at the same time. Neither of them spoke,
the silence between them now heavier than before.

Sunoo still felt warm all over, his heart thumping loudly in his chest. Heeseung’s touch had
been… gentle. Too gentle. And that strange, fluttery feeling in his stomach? He didn’t even
want to think about it.

Heeseung, on the other hand, was hyper-aware of the way Sunoo was avoiding looking at
him. He wanted to say something—anything—to make the awkwardness go away, but his
tongue felt heavy in his mouth.

The nurse finally stopped in front of two doors. “These will be your rooms,” she said,
gesturing at the labels on each. “You’re right next to each other, so if you need anything, just
knock.”

Sunoo nodded so quickly it looked like he was trying to escape. “Got it. Thanks.”

Without another word, he practically bolted into his room, shutting the door behind him with
a soft thud.

Heeseung exhaled, dragging a hand down his face.

What the hell had just happened?

Heeseung stood frozen in the hallway for a moment, staring at Sunoo’s closed door like it
might give him answers. His heart was still beating too fast, and his hand still tingled with the
ghost of Sunoo’s warmth.

'This is crazy' he thought, exhaling sharply.' I need to pull myself together.'

Shaking his head, he turned and entered his own room. The walls were the same sterile white
as the rest of the facility, and the bed looked more like something out of a military barracks
than a hospital. He sat on the edge, running a hand through his hair.

The scent. That was the part he couldn’t shake.

Sunoo had smelled… nice. So nice that it had made his thoughts go hazy for a second. The
moment he pulled away, it was like a spell had broken, but the memory still clung to him,
unwilling to let go.

And it wasn’t just him. Sunoo had reacted too. His cheeks had turned pink, his body had gone
still, and there had been something in his eyes—something hesitant, like he wasn’t sure if he
liked it or hated it.

Heeseung groaned, flopping back onto the bed. What is happening to me?

______________

The silence in Sunoo’s room had stretched long after Heeseung’s words. He wasn’t sure how
much time had passed—minutes, maybe an hour? The overwhelming mix of emotions still
hadn’t settled, leaving his body both restless and exhausted.

The hospital room was quiet, save for the low hum of fluorescent lights overhead. Sunoo sat
on the edge of the thin bed, his legs swinging slightly over the side. His hands curled in his
lap as the sterile scent of disinfectant settled in his nose. The walls were a dull, pale gray, and
the chill in the air pressed against his skin, making him shiver.

A soft knock at the door broke the silence. A young nurse entered, her expression calm and
professional. She was holding a small tray with neatly folded fabrics resting on top of it.

“Kim Sunoo?” she asked, her voice light.

Sunoo nodded. “Yes.”

She smiled. “I’m Nurse Yoon. We need to do a quick physical test before issuing your
hospital clothes. It’s standard procedure—we want to make sure you’re comfortable in the
material we give you.”
Sunoo’s brows lifted slightly. “Material?”

She set the tray down on a side table and pulled on a pair of latex gloves. “Yes,” she said
warmly. “It seems that some people have developed heightened skin sensitivity as part of the
changes. We’ve been getting mixed responses to different fabrics, so it’s important to see
what works best for you.”

Sunoo’s lips parted slightly in surprise, but he nodded. His skin had felt more sensitive lately
—the buzzing sensation , the heat that curled under his skin whenever someone stood too
close, the way his clothes had started irritating him—it all felt magnified, now it made some
sense .

“Alright,” Nurse Yoon said, picking up a square piece of fabric from the tray. “We’ll try a
few textures and see how your skin reacts.”

Sunoo sat up straighter as she approached. His pulse fluttered under his skin as the nurse
gently took his wrist and turned it over, exposing the soft skin of his inner forearm.

“Let me know if any of these feel uncomfortable,” she instructed.

The first fabric was a piece of cotton. She brushed it lightly over his skin, the texture soft and
breathable. It didn’t irritate him, but he didn’t feel anything special either.

“Feels fine,” Sunoo said quietly.

Next, she tried fleece—cool and smooth against his skin. Sunoo’s breath hitched slightly at
the sensation. It slid across his skin so easily that it left a faint chill behind. His fingers curled
reflexively.

“That’s… different,” he admitted .

The nurse made a small note on her clipboard and then picked up a piece of wool. The
moment it touched his skin, Sunoo winced.

“Ah—” He pulled his arm back instinctively. “That’s… itchy.”

The nurse smiled sympathetically. “That’s common. Wool’s been bothering a lot of patients
lately.”

She marked it down and moved to the next material—linen. It was rougher than the others,
but not painful. Sunoo’s brow furrowed. “It’s… okay, I guess. Kind of scratchy.”

Finally, she lifted a square of silk. The moment it touched his skin, Sunoo’s eyes widened
slightly. Warm, soft, and almost indulgent. It felt like being wrapped in a blanket on a cold
day. A faint shiver ran down his spine.

“That’s… nice,” he said softly.

The nurse smiled. “Good to know. So slik and fleecehas are the ones your skin showed the
least sensitivity to.”
She set the tray aside and began unfolding a set of neatly pressed hospital clothes. The
material was a blend of cotton & silk, soft and light. “It seems like you’ll be most
comfortable in this,” she said.

Sunoo hesitated as he took the clothes from her hands. The material was soft beneath his
fingertips, calming in a way he hadn’t expected.

“You did well,” Nurse Yoon said kindly. “Some people get more sensitive than others, but
this should be comfortable for you.”

Sunoo nodded, clutching the clothes against his chest. The sensitivity wasn’t just in his skin
—he could feel the warmth lingering beneath it, a quiet hum running just beneath the surface.

After the nurse left, Sunoo sat on the edge of the bed for a moment, staring down at the
hospital clothes in his hands. The fabric was soft beneath his fingertips—a mix of cotton and
silk that felt light and soothing even against his slightly chilled skin.

Taking a breath, he stood and walked toward the small changing area in the corner of the
room. The curtain slid closed behind him with a quiet swish, cutting him off from the rest of
the room.

His fingers moved slowly as he began pulling off his own clothes. The fabric of his hoodie
and sweatpants felt heavy and slightly rough now that he was paying attention. The cotton of
his shirt, which had always felt fine before, seemed almost scratchy against his skin as he
pulled it over his head. His pants left behind a faint pressure on his calves that he hadn’t even
realized was bothering him.

So it was all because of these changes?well That's what the nurse had said.

He shook the thought away and picked up the hospital top, carefully sliding his arms through
the sleeves. The moment the silk lining brushed against his skin, he sighed. The difference
was immediate.

It was soft—softer than he had expected—and the way it settled against his skin made the
lingering tension in his body start to ease. His shoulders relaxed as the material seemed to
mold to him, warm and light without any of the uncomfortable weight his own clothes had
left behind.

He finished dressing quickly, smoothing down the hem of the shirt before pulling on the
pants. They were loose but not too much, the waistband fitting comfortably around his hips
without digging in. His skin didn’t tingle or itch the way it had before. In fact, it felt… calm.

Sliding the curtain aside, Sunoo stepped back into the room. He ran a hand down his arm,
fingers brushing over the soft fabric of the shirt.

It really does feel better.

He sat back down on the bed, curling his legs up toward his chest. His gaze drifted toward the
thin hospital blanket folded at the foot of the bed. He reached for it, running his fingers along
the edge. It wasn’t as soft as the fleece of his shirt, but it wasn’t irritating either.

His skin had been reacting so strongly to textures lately, but this… this was different. It was
like the fabric was soothing his body’s heightened awareness, grounding him in a way that
his own clothes hadn’t been able to.

A quiet knock sounded at the door. Sunoo sat up straighter.

“Come in,” he called softly.

The door creaked open, and Jake’s head poked inside, a playful smile tugging at his lips.

“You look cozy,” Jake teased, stepping into the room.

Sunoo rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. “It’s… actually really comfortable.”

Jake flopped onto the chair beside the bed, arms draped over the sides. “Yeah? Mine was kind
of scratchy, honestly. Maybe they gave you the fancy stuff since you’re cute.”

Sunoo’s cheeks heated. “Shut up hyung.”

Jake grinned. “Seriously, though. You look more relaxed than when we got here.” His
expression softened. “That’s good.”

Sunoo hesitated, glancing down at his hands. His fingers curled into the soft material of the
pants. “I think… my skin’s been more sensitive lately,” he admitted. “But this feels… nice.
Less irritating than my own clothes.”

Jake’s brow lifted. “Guess the scientists were onto something.”

Sunoo hummed, pressing his hand over his knee. The warmth of the silk against his palm was
grounding. Comforting.

Jake leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm. “Maybe your body’s adjusting faster than
ours.”

“Maybe,” Sunoo murmured.

But in the back of his mind, he couldn’t shake the feeling that it wasn’t just sensitivity—it
was something deeper. Something awakening beneath his skin.

And the way the clothes calmed it made him wonder if the scientists already knew exactly
why.
The room was silent, The quiet buzz of the overhead lights mixed with the occasional distant
sound of footsteps echoing down the hallway was the only sounds. Sunoo sat on the edge of
the bed, knees drawn toward his chest, his arms loosely wrapped around them.
The softness of the hospital clothes helped settle the lingering tension beneath his skin, but
the stillness of the room left too much space for his thoughts to roam.

He sighed and slid down until his back hit the mattress, his gaze drifting toward the ceiling.
The white panels above him were cold and sterile, matching the grayish hue of the walls.
Even the air seemed too clean, the filtered scent of disinfectant lingering faintly in the room.

His hand lifted to rest over his chest, feeling the quiet thrum of his heartbeat beneath his
palm. His skin felt warm beneath the fleece of his shirt, but the hum beneath it—the quiet
awareness—refused to fade.

His senses were still sharp. Too sharp.

The scent of other people lingered faintly in the air despite the closed door. He could pick out
hints of different things—something bitter and sharp that might have belonged to one of the
doctors, something cold and clean like metal, and underneath it all… something warmer. A
faint sweetness that reminded him of candy.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

A soft knock at the door startled him. His eyes flew open, and he sat up slightly.

"Come in," he called, his voice quiet.

The door creaked open, but no one entered right away. A soldier stood in the doorway, his
uniform crisp and dark. His eyes scanned the room with quiet efficiency before settling on
Sunoo.

"Is everything alright?" the soldier asked, his tone polite but guarded.

Sunoo blinked. "Yes, I—I'm fine."

The soldier nodded. "If you need anything, just let one of us know."

Sunoo hesitated, sitting up fully. "You're… here for security?"

"Yes," the soldier confirmed. "Orders from the higher-ups. They want to ensure that everyone
is… stable."

Sunoo’s gaze lowered. Stable.

The soldier hesitated a moment longer before turning to leave.

"Wait," Sunoo said quietly.

The soldier stopped, glancing over his shoulder.

Sunoo’s fingers curled over the edge of the blanket. "Do you… know why this is
happening?"

The soldier's gaze darkened slightly. "No. That’s above my clearance."

Sunoo bit his lip. "But you’ve… seen other people like this?"

The soldier’s expression tightened. "Yes." His eyes flickered toward the floor, a shadow
crossing his face. "Some are adjusting better than others."

Sunoo swallowed. "And the ones who aren’t?"

The soldier hesitated. His gaze flicked toward the floor for a brief second before meeting
Sunoo’s eyes again. "Violence."

Sunoo’s breath caught. "Violence?"

The soldier’s expression didn’t change. "Some people aren't adjusting well to the changes."

Sunoo sat up straighter. His heart pounded against his chest. "You mean… people are
attacking each other?"

The soldier’s mouth tightened. "Some are losing control. Some Fights have broken out ,If
things escalate, our orders are to maintain control."
The soldier’s tone was flat. " it’s better to be careful and Stay in y
our room unless you’re called for testing."
"Get some rest," he said before stepping back into the hallway. The door clicked shut behind
him, leaving the room even quieter than before.

Sunoo sank back down onto the bed, his heart pressing uneasily against his ribs.

His hands rubbed over the soft fabric of his pants. He should have felt better. The clothes
were comfortable, the room was safe, and yet…

That strange hum beneath his skin—the quiet thrumming of awareness—remained.

He lied down turning onto his side, curling into the warmth of the bed His eyelids felt heavy,
but sleep still wouldn’t come.

Because no matter how much comfort he tried to find in the silence, the growing concern
didn't let him.

Violence.

Stay in your room. Be careful.

It was really unsettling.

_________
An hour passed slowly.

Sunoo sat cross-legged on the bed, a thin paperback novel resting open on his lap. The
fluorescent light overhead buzzed faintly, casting a pale glow over the crisp white walls. He
wasn’t really processing the words anymore—his eyes drifting over the same line three or
four times before realizing he hadn’t absorbed any of it.

His mind kept circling back to the soldier’s warning. Violence. The cold, matter-of-fact way
he had said it made Sunoo’s skin crawl. He had seen nothing unusual so far—besides the
strange scents hanging in the air and the sharp tension humming beneath his skin—but the
idea that people were losing control over… whatever this was…

It made his stomach twist.

He sighed, flipping another page without really reading it. His head leaned back against the
wall, eyes drifting toward the small window across from the bed. Outside, the sky was
overcast, heavy clouds stretching endlessly into gray nothingness. The entire building seemed
to hum with quiet tension beneath it.

Knock knock.

Sunoo’s head snapped toward the door. Once again

The door opened, and a nurse stepped inside, her smile professional but not unkind. She was
young, maybe late twenties, with dark hair tied back in a neat bun and a clipboard in her
hand.

“Kim Sunoo shi"

Sunoo sat up straighter. “Yes?”

The nurse’s smile widened. “We need you for one more test. It’ll be the last one for today.”

Sunoo hesitated, his gaze dropping to the book in his lap. His fingers curled over the edge of
the cover.

“Do I… have to?”

The nurse’s smile softened. “It’s standard procedure. You just need to answer some questions
After this, you’ll be able to rest properly.”

Sunoo sighed quietly and closed the book, setting it aside on the nightstand. He slid off the
bed and stood, brushing down the hem of his hospital shirt. His legs still felt a little shaky
beneath him, but he followed the nurse without complaint.

As they walked down the hallway, Sunoo noticed more soldiers stationed along the walls than
earlier. Their stances were rigid, expressions blank beneath the brims of their caps. He
couldn’t tell if they were watching him or just surveying the hallway, but the weight of their
presence made his skin prickle.

The nurse seemed to sense his unease. “It’s just a precaution,” she said lightly. “Try not to
think too much about it.”

Easy for her to say.

They stopped at the entrance to another examination room. This one was smaller than the
last, with a single medical bed in the center and various monitors lining the wall. Another
nurse sat at a desk, flipping through papers, but looked up when they entered.

“Ah, Sunoo shi,” the nurse said with a tired smile. She was older, her graying hair neatly
combed back. “Please, sit.”

Sunoo sat on the edge of the bed, his hands settling over his knees. The nurse remained sitted
as well , setting her clipboard aside .

Sunoo sat stiffly in a sterile white examination room, his hands clasped together in his lap.
The chair beneath him was cold, the air in the room crisp with the unmistakable scent of
disinfectant. He tried to focus on the rhythmic tapping of the nurse’s pen against her
clipboard, but his heartbeat thudded unevenly in his ears.

The nurse, a woman in her late thirties with a composed yet gentle demeanor, adjusted her
glasses and offered a small smile. “There’s no need to be nervous,” she reassured him. “This
is just a routine evaluation. We’re gathering information to understand what’s happening to
everyone.”

Sunoo forced a nod, but his fingers tightened slightly around the hem of his sleeve. Routine
or not, nothing about this situation felt normal.

“I’ll ask a few questions about how you’ve been feeling over the past week,” the nurse
continued, clicking her pen open. “Just answer as honestly as you can. There are no right or
wrong answers.”

Sunoo inhaled shakily and nodded again.

The nurse gave him a moment before asking, “Let’s start simple. Have you been experiencing
any unusual fatigue or headaches?”

Sunoo hesitated before answering, his fingers twitching. “Yeah… for the past few days, I’ve
been feeling exhausted, even when I sleep enough.” He exhaled slowly. “The headaches
come and go, but they feel different from normal ones.”

The nurse tilted her head slightly. “Different how?”

“They’re heavier, like there’s pressure behind my eyes or at the back of my head,” he
explained, rubbing his temple as if the memory alone brought the sensation back.
She hummed in understanding, jotting down notes. “I see. And what about sensitivity to
smells?”

His breath hitched slightly. He had expected this question. “Yeah,” he admitted. “At first, I
barely noticed, but after a couple of days… it’s like some smells became too strong all of a
sudden.”

“Can you recall any specific scents that stood out?”

Sunoo hesitated. Heeseung. His mind immediately recalled the sharp yet strangely grounding
scent that had enveloped him earlier. The way it had affected him. His cheeks warmed
slightly, and he quickly averted his gaze.

“…Some people’s scents feel different now,” he said vaguely. “Like they linger longer than
before, and some are just… more than they used to be.”

The nurse didn’t press him on the hesitance in his voice. Instead, she nodded and jotted down
another note before glancing up.

“How about appetite? Any changes?”

Sunoo chewed the inside of his cheek. “I feel hungrier than usual, but sometimes, I also feel
too nauseous to eat much, whenever I eat it feels like the taste is just too much...killing my
appetite.”

She studied him for a moment before offering a reassuring nod. “That’s not uncommon. Next,
have you noticed any mood swings? Heightened emotions?”

He exhaled slowly. “I guess? I’ve been more irritable, but also…” He trailed off, unsure how
to phrase it.

“Easily flustered?” she supplied, a small knowing smile on her lips.

Sunoo’s ears burned. “…Something like that.”

The nurse chuckled softly. “That’s alright. Many people have reported similar changes.”

Her understanding tone made him relax—if only slightly.

“Moving on,” she continued. “Have you felt any physical discomfort? Aches? An increase in
body temperature?”

Sunoo frowned slightly, thinking. “I feel warm a lot. Like my body temperature is higher than
normal.”

The nurse’s pen stilled for a fraction of a second before she nodded and wrote something
down.

“That’s useful to know,” she murmured. “Alright, last question—have you felt any instinctual
urges? Or an odd pull toward—or away from—certain people?”
Sunoo stiffened. His pulse quickened slightly as fragmented moments from the past few days
flashed through his mind—how his skin prickled in the presence of strong scents, how he felt
weak around certain people, how Heeseung’s touch had felt too comforting.

“I…” His throat felt dry. “I don’t know.”

The nurse studied him carefully. She noticed the way his hands fidgeted, the way his
breathing had grown just a bit shallower.

“It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right now. We’re still figuring this out together.”
she said gently, setting her clipboard down for a moment.
Sunoo swallowed hard. He hadn’t realized how much tension he was holding in his shoulders
until she spoke.

“…Right,” he murmured.
Sunoo’s hands curled over his knees. “Is this… bad?”

“Not necessarily,” the Nurse said. “But it means your body is still adjusting.”

Sunoo’s gaze lowered to the floor. His heart was beating faster than it should have been.

The nurse reached for his clipboard, making a few notes. “Alright, Sunoo shi. That’s enough
for today. You can return to your room and rest.”

Sunoo stood, his hands slipping into the pockets of his hospital pants. “Okay… thank you.”

she paused, glancing back at Sunoo with a thoughtful expression. "Before you go, I just want
to make sure to you, you're alright."

Sunoo blinked at her, caught off guard. "Huh?"

"You seem… tense," she observed, her gaze scanning him as if she were piecing together an
unseen puzzle. "I’ve been doing these evaluations all day, and while plenty of people are
anxious, you…" she hesitated, choosing her words carefully, "You’re carrying something
more than just nerves."

Sunoo’s fingers curled around the fabric of his sleeve. He wanted to deny it, to brush off her
words like he always did when someone noticed his discomfort, but the weight of everything
—the strange sensations, the reactions from the others, the way Heeseung’s presence had
grounded him yet also set something fluttering in his stomach—was starting to suffocate him.

The nurse took a step closer, her voice softer now. "If something feels different—if there’s
something specific that’s been troubling you—I promise, you’re not the only one. And you
don’t have to deal with it alone."

Sunoo swallowed hard, his throat dry. "It’s just… a lot," he admitted. "Everything is changing
so fast, and I don’t even know what is happening to me."

The nurse nodded in understanding. "That’s fair. No one expects you to figure it out
overnight. Even us are learning with you" She hesitated, then added, "You’ve mentioned
sensitivity to scents. Have you noticed any strong reactions to specific people?"

Sunoo stiffened. The image of Heeseung flashed in his mind—his warm touch, the
comforting yet unfamiliar scent that had settled around him.

"I'm not sure..yes I think, one of my friends" he murmured, looking away.

The nurse studied him for a long moment, then gave a small hum. "Alright. Well, if anything
more does stand out to you later, it might help to take note of it. Sometimes, recognizing
patterns can make things less overwhelming."

Sunoo exhaled shakily, nodding despite the unease twisting in his gut.

The nurse gave him one last reassuring look before turning back to her notes. As she wrote,
her expression shifted slightly—curious, almost contemplative.

"One last thing," she said as she closed the file. "Have you felt… weaker in certain
situations? Like your body doesn’t quite respond the way it used to?"

Sunoo hesitated, remembering the way his legs had felt unsteady earlier, how the air had felt
too thick when Heeseung was near, how his pulse had quickened at just a touch.

“…Maybe,” he admitted.

The nurse’s lips pressed together thoughtfully, as if she had already suspected as much.
"Alright. That’s helpful to note."

She didn’t explain what that meant, but the way her expression shifted told Sunoo that she
had an idea—even if he didn’t yet.

"That’s all for now," she said with a small smile. "Try to rest when you can. We’ll call you if
we need anything else. And I promise everything will be alright"

Sunoo nodded with a tired smile

He had answered her questions. He had been honest.

So why did it feel like she had learned more about him than he knew about himself?

Stepping out of the examination room, Sunoo let out a slow breath, his nerves still rattled
from the long questioning. The hallway stretched ahead of him, stark white and eerily quiet
except for the occasional murmur of medical staff moving in and out of rooms.

But the moment he took a step forward, something hit him—a wave of scent.

It wasn’t just the sterile hospital smell anymore. The air was thick with something else,
something heavier, clinging to his senses like an invisible force.
His breath hitched.

Some scents were sharp and commanding, making his muscles tense involuntarily. Others
were overwhelming in a different way—subtle yet lingering, curling in the back of his throat.
His hands clenched at his sleeves, his body reacting before his mind could even process why.

The disorienting feeling made him stumble slightly, and before he could regain his balance, a
firm hand suddenly caught his arm.

“Careful there.”

Sunoo’s head snapped up, his wide eyes meeting the face of a soldier. The man was tall,
wearing a dark uniform with a badge he couldn’t quite read. His grip was steady but not
rough, his sharp gaze flickering over Sunoo in quick assessment.

“You alright?” the soldier asked, his voice neutral but observant.

Sunoo swallowed hard, forcing a nod. “Y-Yeah, just… a little dizzy.”

The soldier’s expression didn’t change, but his grip loosened as he steadied Sunoo. A glance
at the ID badge clipped to his vest revealed his name—**Sergeant Kim Jisoo.**

“Do you need me to escort you to your room?” Jisoo offered, his voice laced with
professionalism. “It’s protocol to assist if any of you are feeling unwell.”

Sunoo hesitated, but the hallway still felt suffocating, the scents pressing in from every
direction. His head was light, his body unsure, and right now, the idea of getting back to his
room quickly—without getting lost or stumbling in front of others—was more appealing than
wandering alone.

“…Yeah. That’d be helpful,” he admitted quietly.

Jisoo gave a curt nod and adjusted his stance slightly, positioning himself beside Sunoo as
they walked. His presence was steady, grounding in a way Sunoo didn’t expect.

As they passed by a group of other soldiers stationed along the corridor, a few glanced their
way, but no one questioned it. They were here for security—watching, observing, making
sure everything remained orderly.

Still, Sunoo couldn’t shake the feeling that some of them were staring at him just a little too
long.

He kept his gaze down, focusing on each step until they reached his room.

Jisoo stopped just outside the door and gestured toward it. “Here you go. If you need
anything, just call for assistance.”

Sunoo nodded, gripping the handle. “Thanks.”

The soldier gave a short, approving hum before stepping back, resuming his post a few feet
away.

Sunoo slipped inside and shut the door behind him, pressing his back against it as he exhaled
deeply.

The room was the same—plain, sterile, quiet—but as he took a breath, he noticed something
else.

The overwhelming mix from the hallway was gone, but there was still a faint trace of
something familiar lingering in the air.

Heeseung.

It wasn’t as strong as before, but it was there. Unlike the suffocating scents outside, this one
didn’t make his stomach churn. If anything, it made something deep inside him… settle.

He sat on the edge of his bed, arms wrapped around himself as he tried to calm the lingering
unease from earlier. He still felt overwhelmed—his body reacting in ways he didn’t
understand. The scents in the hallway, the strange tests, the way his chest felt tight when
Heeseung was close… None of it made sense.

A knock on the door startled him from his thoughts.

Before he could even respond, the door creaked open, and Jake strolled in casually, hands
stuffed into his pockets.

“Dude, I’m so bored,” Jake groaned, flopping down on the chair near Sunoo’s bed. “They
finished my tests, but now they won’t let us leave our rooms. What kind of prison is this?”

Sunoo blinked at him, still trying to shake off the haze in his mind. “You’re… not supposed
to be here, right?”

Jake shrugged. “Probably. But no one stopped me.”

Sunoo huffed, but he couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. Jake always had a way
of acting like things were normal, even when they were anything but.

“Anyway,” Jake continued, stretching his arms behind his head, “how was your test?”

Sunoo hesitated. “It was… fine.”

Jake raised a brow. “You don’t look fine.”

“I’m just… tired,” Sunoo admitted, looking down at his hands. “Everything feels… weird.”

Before Jake could respond, the door opened again.

This time, it wasn’t Jake sneaking in.

It was Heeseung.

The moment Heeseung stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. His gaze immediately landed
on Sunoo, scanning him as if checking for injuries.

Jake sat up straighter. “Oh. You too?”

Heeseung ignored him, his focus entirely on Sunoo. “Are you okay?”

Sunoo opened his mouth to respond, but for some reason, the words wouldn’t come out. His
throat felt dry.

Jake, oblivious to the sudden tension, sighed dramatically. " Sunoo’s fine, aren’t you?”

Sunoo hesitated, then nodded. “…Yeah.”

Heeseung didn’t seem convinced. His gaze flickered toward Jake. “What are you doing
here?”

Jake scoffed. “Keeping him company. What, am I not allowed?”

“You shouldn’t be here,” Heeseung said, crossing his arms. “They told us to stay in our
rooms.”

Jake rolled his eyes. “So? I was bored. And Sunoo looked lonely.”

At that, Heeseung’s expression shifted slightly, shaking his head since he knew he couldn't
argue with jake. He stepped closer to Sunoo’s bed, standing beside it.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asked again, quieter this time.

He had smelt a bitter scent to the honey when he was in his room, he didn't know what it
meant, he just knew it was about sunoo.
Sunoo hesitated but gave a small nod.

Jake scoffed. “Seriously, why do you look more relaxed now? You were all tense earlier, but
the moment Heeseung hyung walks in—”

Sunoo stiffened, heat rising to his cheeks. “That’s not—”

“I’m just saying,” Jake interrupted, tilting his head. “It’s kinda weird.”

Heeseung shot him a sharp look. “Drop it, Jake.”

Jake put his hands up in mock surrender. “Fine, fine.”

Sunoo, still flustered, tried to change the subject. “Did they say what’s next for us?”

Jake shrugged. “No idea. I think they’re still sorting out the tests or whatever.”
A moment of silence passed between them.

Then, without thinking, Heeseung reached out and gently placed his hand against Sunoo’s
forehead.

Sunoo froze.

His touch was warm—steady. It wasn’t the same cold, clinical touch of the doctors. It was
comforting.

“…You don’t have a fever,” Heeseung murmured, his brows furrowing. “But you still look
pale.”

Sunoo’s breath caught in his throat.

Something warm curled in his chest, and before he could stop it, a soft, sweet scent filled the
air.

It was faint, but it was there.

Jake suddenly stiffened. “…Uh.”

Heeseung, too, went still.

Sunoo’s eyes widened as he realized what had just happened. But now, with Heeseung’s
touch, his body was reacting again with the scent.

His cheeks burned, and he quickly pulled back, breaking the contact.

“I—I think I just need rest,” he stammered, his heart racing.

Heeseung blinked, as if snapping out of a trance. He slowly pulled his hand back, looking at
it as if it held answers he didn’t understand.

Jake, still tense, rubbed his nose. “Okay, that was weird.”

A heavy silence settled between for some minutes.

Jake was the first to break it.

“Well,” he drawled, leaning back against the chair with a lazy smirk. “That was interesting.”

Sunoo shot him a wary glance. “…What was?”

Jake lifted a brow. “You. and .Heeseung hyung. The weird little moment you guys just had.”

Sunoo’s cheeks warmed instantly. “It wasn’t—”

“Oh, come on.” Jake grinned. “You were literally glowing.”

Heeseung scowled. “Shut up.”

Jake hummed, tapping his chin. “But for real… you two actually smell different now.”

That caught their attention.

Sunoo and Heeseung exchanged a look.

“…Smell?” Heeseung repeated.

Jake nodded. “I don’t know how to explain it, but before, everyone just smelled like people.
You know, normal.” He scrunched his nose. “Now? Heeseung, you kinda smell… strong?
Like spicy or something. Not bad, but definitely… a lot.”

Sunoo turned to Heeseung instinctively, as if expecting to catch the scent himself.

Jake then turned to Sunoo, blinking.

“But you?” He exhaled dramatically. “You smell so much better.”

Sunoo nearly choked. “W-What?!”

Heeseung’s expression darkened. “Jake.”

Jake held up his hands, grinning. “I’m just saying! If I had to choose between Heeseung’s ‘I-
will-punch-you’ scent or Sunoo’s soft-and-sweet one, I’d pick Sunoo any day.”

Sunoo buried his face in his hands, ears burning. “Oh my God, stop.”

“Why?” Jake teased. “It’s true. It’s actually kinda nice—”

Heeseung stepped forward suddenly, making Jake lean back. “Okay, you’ve made your
point.”

Jake blinked at him before laughing. “Ooooh. Someone’s getting jealous.”

Heeseung stiffened. “I am not—”

“You totally are,” Jake cut in smugly. “Man, you’re so easy to read.”

Sunoo, still flustered, peeked up through his fingers. “Can we talk about something else?”

Jake smirked but decided to let it go. “Fine, fine. But seriously… we need to figure out
what’s happening to us.”

Jake leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, his usual laid-back demeanor returning as he
stretched out his legs. He glanced between Heeseung and Sunoo, then sighed, clearly still
thinking about the strange events of the day.
“So, my test wasn’t that bad,” Jake said, trying to shift the focus away from his earlier
teasing. “The doctor was, like, super clinical about everything. Barely even talked to me." He
made a face, then continued, “But there was one thing he said that stood out.”

Heeseung tilted his head slightly. “What do you mean?”

Jake scratched the back of his neck, looking a bit uncomfortable now. “I’m not sure if it was
just me, but when he was doing my blood tests and stuff, I overheard him talking to another
doctor. He mentioned the whole pheromone thing.” He paused, catching Sunoo’s confused
expression. “He didn’t exactly explain it well, but…” He shrugged. “Apparently, the genetic
shift that’s happening to us isn’t just affecting our physical traits. The scents are part of it. I
think it has something to do with how our bodies are responding to the genetic changes.”

“I think the doctor was implying that our bodies are literally rewiring themselves. So, the
scents… it’s all part of how we’re changing. I guess it’s like how animals have scents to
communicate or… I don’t know, attract each other?” He shook his head, clearly still unsure
of the details.

Heeseung’s gaze hardened, his thoughts swirling. “So —this is happening to everyone.”

Jake nodded. “Yeah. The pheromones anything the fuck they call it, the genetic shifts, all of
it. It’s global. But they didn’t really explain much more than that. Honestly, they don’t seem
to have a solid grasp on what’s going on, but they’re sure about the connection between the
changes and those damn smells. That also explains why you two have a scent...as weird as it
is , it's still good that we finally have a reason” He said.

Sunoo remained silent, his mind racing. The idea that their genetics were changing on such a
profound level… and the way the scents had started to impact him, to influence his emotions,
was terrifying.

Sunoo exhaled slowly. “I don’t know what’s going on, but whatever this is, it’s changing
everything.”

A short silence.

Then Jake leaned back with a sigh. “Well, at least if we all turn into two headed bears or
dogs, we’ll still have each other.”

Sunoo groaned. “Jake hyung, please.”

Heeseung sighed, rubbing his temple. “…I hate that you’re not entirely wrong.” but he
couldn't not smile.

Jake grinned. “That’s why you guys love me.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes, but despite himself, he felt lighter. And smiling

Maybe things were terrifying. Maybe nothing made sense.

 But at least, for now, he wasn’t facing it alone.

Chapter End Notes

Soooo how are you feeling about this chapter? You like it? It the pacing good? Is it not
boring? I think it's okkk not bad

Edit: thank you for your lovely comments 🙂❤️

The next chapter will take a bit more time . Please make sure to comment after reading
and tell me which part was your favourite thing.

More comments= more chapters & sooner updates 🤭❤️❤️

 Chapter 11
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
Sunghoon’s eyes fluttered open to the dim glow of the sun light filtering through the blinds.
His body felt heavy, weighed down by a sluggishness that had been clinging to his limbs for
the past week. His head throbbed faintly behind his eyes, and when he sat up, a dull ache
settled deep in his chest. He rubbed at his temples, trying to shake off the fog in his mind.

The room was quiet. Too quiet. The faint hum of the ventilation system buzzed in the
background, but it wasn’t enough to drown out the uncomfortable awareness pulsing beneath
his skin. His throat felt dry as he rubbed the side of his neck, his muscles felt sore in a way
that felt unfamiliar as if he had been going to the gym all day week.

He glanced down at his arm where a faint bruise was already forming from the blood draw
yesterday. They had taken more vials than he expected—too much that led him to be dizzy.
He could still feel the lingering sting of the needle and the strange coolness of the alcohol
swab as the nurse pressed down on his skin.

And then the sensory test.

Sunghoon’s jaw tightened at the memory. They had handed him a series of fabric swatches—
cotton, silk, wool—pressing them against his skin and asking him to describe how they felt.
Most of it had been fine. The cotton was soft, the silk smooth. But the wool had irritated his
skin, the rough texture scratching uncomfortably across his palm. It wasn’t unbearable, but it
had left him tense afterward.

He had caught the way the doctor’s gaze lingered on his readings, the subtle exchange of
looks between them when they thought he wasn’t paying attention. It was making him
frustrated that they didn't tell him anything.

Sunghoon rubbed his arm absently, his fingertips brushing over the bruise. His heart was still
beating too fast his body seemed to have more energy despite the aches, and the strange heat
simmering beneath his skin hadn’t gone away. His senses felt sharper, more acute—like his
body was adjusting to something he couldn’t quite name.

The feeling hadn’t left since the meteor strike. And no matter how much he tried to shake it
off, he couldn’t ignore the way his body seemed to be changing.

He leaned back against the headboard, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. His breathing was
steady, but his chest felt heavy, the dull ache in his muscles refusing to fade. His fingers
tapped absently against his thigh as his mind drifted .
He had always been quiet, more comfortable listening than speaking. The others often filled
the silences with their voices, but Sunghoon never felt the need to compete. He preferred to
observe, to sit back and take everything in. His mind worked better that way—seeing
patterns, catching the unspoken tension in the air, noticing the subtle shifts in body language
that others overlooked. He had noticed everything since the first day but he didn't want to
being the one to bring it up.
A knock at the door pulled his attention, but he didn’t move much just slightly straightened
his back. His eyes tracked the door as it opened, his expression blank as two nurses entered.
One of them—a woman with short brown hair—carried a tray of food. The other, a man
holding a clipboard, was already glancing over the notes in his hand.

“Good morning,” the woman said, setting the tray on the small table beside his bed. “How
are you feeling?”

Sunghoon’s gaze flicked toward the tray. Simple Porridge, fruit, and water. His eyes lingered
on it for a moment before he answered, his voice low and even. “Fine.”

The nurse smiled faintly, but he could see the doubt behind her eyes. She didn’t push it. “eat
something,” she said.

He didn’t respond. His gaze followed the male nurse as he stepped closer, already unrolling
the blood pressure cuff. Sunghoon extended his arm without needing to be asked, his
movements smooth and controlled.

The cuff tightened around his arm with a mechanical hiss. Sunghoon’s gaze stayed fixed on
the window, the thin white curtains barely stirring from the air conditioning. His heartbeat
thudded steadily in his ears—just a little too fast. He knew what the nurse was going to say
before the words even left his mouth.

“Heart rate’s still a little high,” the nurse muttered, writing something down on his clipboard.

Sunghoon said nothing. His eyes flicked toward the clipboard, catching the tension in the
man’s grip as he jotted down the numbers. The nurse's eyes lifted, studying him too carefully,
too long.

“Did you sleep well?” the nurse asked.

Sunghoon’s jaw shifted slightly. “Enough.”

“Any nausea?”

“No.”

“Muscle aches?”

Sunghoon’s gaze sharpened. His hand curled into a loose fist against his side. “I said I’m
fine.”

The nurse’s eyes narrowed slightly before he lowered the clipboard. He stepped back without
another word. Sunghoon tracked his movements, his expression blank as the nurse made a
note.

The female nurse lingered. She hesitated, then gave a small smile.
She pulled up a stool, sitting down across from him. “I need to ask you a few more
questions,” she said, tapping at the screen of her tablet. The male nurse just standing behind
him
Sunghoon’s gaze flicked to her hands, watching the subtle movement of her fingers. His jaw
tightened. “Didn’t you already get everything yesterday?”

“Yes,” the nurse replied evenly, “but some details only show up after the initial changes have
settled in. This is just a follow-up.”

Sunghoon didn’t respond. His eyes remained fixed on the floor, his foot pressing against the
cool tile beneath him.

The nurse’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before she spoke again. “Have you
experienced any dizziness or faintness in the last 24 hours?”

“No.”

“Headaches?”

“No.”

She tapped at the tablet. “What about heightened sensitivity? To light, sound, touch?”

Sunghoon’s gaze sharpened. His jaw flexed subtly. “…A little.”

The nurse’s eyes lifted toward him. “In what way?”

Sunghoon’s fingers curled into the hem of his sleeve. He hesitated. He hated this part—being
forced to explain things that didn’t make sense even to him.

“Touch,” he said finally. His voice was low, flat. “Some fabrics felt… off yesterday.”

The nurse’s expression didn’t change, but Sunghoon could see the brief flicker of curiosity
behind her eyes as she typed out his response.

“Did it feel painful?”

“No.”

“Uncomfortable?”

Sunghoon’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “Just different.”

She hummed softly, her eyes scanning the screen. “And sound?”

Sunghoon’s gaze darkened slightly. His mind flashed back to the day before—the low
murmur of voices bleeding through the thin hospital walls, the sound of heels clicking down
the hallway, the sharp clang of metal instruments in the distance.

“…Louder than usual,” he admitted.

The nurse wrote something down. “And scent?”

Sunghoon’s eyes narrowed slightly. His shoulders stiffened beneath his shirt.
“yes” he said quickly.

The nurse’s eyes lingered on him for a second longer before lowering back to the tablet.
“Noted.”

The silence stretched between them. Sunghoon’s gaze drifted toward the window again. His
hand twitched against his thigh.

The nurse’s gaze flicked down to her tablet again, scrolling through something before looking
back up at him.

“Alright,” she said, her tone brisk but not unkind. “Next, I need to update some of your
physical stats.”

Sunghoon’s expression remained impassive, but his shoulders straightened slightly.

“Height?”

“Six foot.”

She glanced at him over the rim of her tablet. “Exactly in centimetres?”

Sunghoon’s brow twitched slightly. "181.”

Her fingers tapped at the screen. “Weight?”

Sunghoon’s jaw flexed. “About seventy-three kilograms.”

“Any change in appetite?”

Sunghoon hesitated. His gaze drifted toward the tray of untouched food. “…Not really just
sometimes .”

The nurse made a small noise of acknowledgment as she typed. “And sleep?”

Sunghoon’s gaze sharpened. His fingers curled slightly into the blanket beneath him. “…
Light.”

“Meaning?”

“I wake up more from the noises.” His tone was flat.

The nurse wrote it down without commenting. “Noted.”

She glanced at him again. “Your resting heart rate was slightly elevated yesterday during the
sensory tests. Do you usually experience that?”

Sunghoon’s gaze darkened slightly. His mouth flattened into a thin line. “No.”
Sunghoon’s gaze flicked toward the floor, his fingers still curled into the fabric beneath him.
He wanted to go out

“Posture looks good,” the nurse added, her gaze briefly sweeping over him. “Have you
experienced any balance issues?”

“No.”

“Coordination?”

Sunghoon’s brow twitched. His gaze sharpened. He was getting irritated but he kept his
cali“…No.”

The nurse’s eyes lingered on him for a beat longer before her attention returned to the tablet.

“Alright,” she said, her tone lighter now. “Just one more thing.”

Sunghoon’s gaze narrowed.

“Have you noticed any… strength differences?”

Sunghoon’s mouth pressed into a thin line. The memory flicked through his mind unbidden—
the easy give of the weights during his workout the day before, the way he’d pulled the
hospital cabinet open too hard and nearly sent the contents flying.

“…yes.”

The nurse’s eyes sharpened slightly but kept her smile. “ok,” she said. “Just make sure you’re
careful.”

Sunghoon didn’t respond. What he should even say?

The nurse closed her tablet with a soft click and stood. “That’s all for now. Thank you for
your time.”

Sunghoon watched as she walked toward the door. His gaze stayed cold, blank.

“Try to get some rest,” she added over her shoulder before stepping out into the hall. The
door clicked shut behind her.

Sunghoon’s gaze lingered on the closed door. His hand twitched against his thigh, the tension
beneath his skin refusing to settle.

Rest. Right.

His gaze drifted toward the window. His reflection stared back at him—calm, composed. But
beneath the surface, that strange hum beneath his skin hadn’t faded.
And he wasn’t sure it ever would. A second knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts.

“Sunghoon hyung?”

Ni-ki’s voice was low, his head appearing around the doorframe. His hoodie hung loosely off
his shoulders, his hair slightly tousled as if he hadn’t bothered to fix it after getting up.

“You awake?”

Sunghoon sighed, rubbing his face he was at ease that it was a familiar face. “Barely.”

Ni-ki stepped inside, leaving the door slightly ajar. “They put us in rooms next to each other.”

Sunghoon raised a brow. “Lucky me.” he said with a teasing smile.

Ni-ki’s mouth twitched. “Figured you’d be up already.”

Sunghoon’s gaze drifted toward the window. A faint outline of trees and gray sky was visible
through the frosted glass, but it was too hazy to see any real detail. The light filtering in was
pale and cold.

“You sleep at all?” Sunghoon asked.

Ni-ki shrugged. “Couple of hours. You?”

Sunghoon shook his head. His mind had been restless all night, stuck between the sharp edge
of awareness and exhaustion.

Ni-ki leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his chest. His eyes were sharp despite his
casual posture. “You okay?"
Sunghoon didn’t answer right away. His hand drifted over his knee, fingers curling slightly.
“As much as I can be in this place.”

Ni-ki’s gaze flicked toward the door, his brows drawing together slightly. “Feels like a
prison.”

“Yeah.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment. Sunghoon's head tipped back, resting against
the wall. The air felt too thin, the scent of sterilization lingering in his nose. His muscles were
tense beneath his skin, though he couldn’t explain why.

“They’re going to call us for more tests soon,” Ni-ki said after a while.

Sunghoon’s eyes opened. “How do you know?”

Got a feeling.”

Sunghoon’s lips curled slightly. “When did you get so intuitive?”

“Spending too much time with you,” Ni-ki replied, smirking.

Another knock at the door made them both sit up straighter. The door opened, and a nurse
stepped inside, holding a clipboard.

“Park Sunghoon?”

Sunghoon’s gaze sharpened. “Yeah.”

You have another round of testing in ten minutes,” the nurse said. “Please be ready.”

Sunghoon nodded, his expression unreadable as the nurse left the room. Ni-ki laughed a bit
“just joking,the nurse told me after the questioning they did ”
Sunghoon sighed and stood, brushing his hair back from his face. He crossed the room
toward the small closet where the hospital-issued clothes were folded neatly on the shelf.

“You coming?” Sunghoon asked over his shoulder.

Ni-ki leaned against the doorframe, his gaze steady. “I’ll catch up.”

Sunghoon paused at the door, his hand resting on the frame for a moment before slipping into
the hallway.

Sunghoon followed the nurse down a long, sterile hallway, the sound of their footsteps
echoing faintly against the polished floor. The walls were lined with closed doors, the faint
hum of medical equipment and distant voices filtering through the gaps. The coldness of the
air made his skin prickle beneath the thin material of the hospital-issued clothes.

The nurse stopped in front of one of the doors and swiped her key card against the panel. The
lock beeped and disengaged.

“Please come in,” she said, stepping aside to let him pass.

Sunghoon hesitated for a moment before stepping inside. The room was stark white,
furnished only with an examination table, a chair, and a sleek metal console built into the
wall. A doctor stood beside the table, a clipboard resting in his hand. His expression was
calm but unreadable.

“Park Sunghoon,” the doctor said, glancing at his notes. “We’ll be conducting a series of
neurological and physical tests today. Please sit down.”

Sunghoon lowered himself onto the table, his hands resting on his knees. His gaze drifted
toward the overhead lights, which buzzed faintly, casting harsh shadows across the room.

The nurse stepped forward with a tablet. “First, we’ll start with a response test.”

“What kind of response test?” Sunghoon asked warily.

“We need to assess how your body reacts to certain stimuli, it's a test that everyone gets on
the day two” the doctor explained. He pulled on a pair of latex gloves. “You may experience
some discomfort. Please let us know if you need to stop.”

Sunghoon’s jaw tightened, but he nodded.

The nurse wheeled over a tray containing several metal tools and thin strips of cloth. She
picked up a small, pointed instrument and gently pressed it against the back of his hand.

Sunghoon barely reacted.

“Pressure sensitivity is normal,” the nurse noted.

She switched to a cold, smooth rod of metal, pressing it against his inner wrist. The chill
seeped into his skin, raising goosebumps along his arm.

Sunghoon’s breath hitched slightly, but he held still.

“Cold sensitivity is slightly elevated,” the nurse said, typing into the tablet.

The doctor stepped forward. He held up a slim device resembling a handheld scanner. “This
will measure nerve response and muscle activity.”

Sunghoon’s eyes narrowed. “How?”

The doctor pressed the scanner to the side of Sunghoon’s neck. A low hum vibrated through
his skin, sending a shiver down his spine. His muscles tensed involuntarily.

A spike of heat bloomed at the base of his throat, curling down his chest. His hands clenched
into fists at his sides.

“Response is heightened,” the doctor said, noting something on his clipboard. “Interesting.”

Sunghoon’s gaze sharpened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

The doctor’s expression remained calm. “We’re still determining the full range of changes.
Heightened sensory input could suggest increased neurological sensitivity.”

Sunghoon’s shoulders stiffened.

“We’re going to test muscle control next,” the nurse said, moving toward the console.

“What kind of muscle control?”

The nurse pressed a button on the console. Thin, flexible cuffs extended from the side of the
table, locking gently around Sunghoon’s wrists and ankles.

Sunghoon’s breath quickened. His pulse thudded in his ears.

“This is just a strength test,” the nurse said calmly. “We’re going to apply gradual resistance.
Try to resist the pull.”

Sunghoon’s muscles flexed automatically as the cuffs began to tighten. A subtle pull tested
the strength in his arms and legs. He gritted his teeth, resisting the pressure.

The resistance increased. Sunghoon’s breathing quickened as his muscles burned under the
strain.
“That’s enough,” the doctor said, pressing a button on the scanner. The cuffs loosened
immediately.

Sunghoon let out hus breath as he flexed his wrists. His skin tingled where the cuffs had
touched him.

“You’re stronger than average,” the doctor noted.

Sunghoon rubbed at the faint red marks on his wrists.

The nurse approached with a small clear vial. “Final test.”

“What is it?”

“Saliva sample,” the nurse said. “It’s to help determine if there are any chemical markers
related to the genetic shift.”

Sunghoon’s lips pressed into a thin line. He took the vial from the nurse, swiped his tongue
against the inside of his cheek, and spat into the container.

The nurse took it without comment, setting it aside on the tray.

“You’re free to go,” the doctor said. “For now.”

Sunghoon slid off the table. His muscles still felt tense from the strength test, his nerves
buzzing.

As he opened the door, Heeseung and jay was standing in the hallway.

“You good?” Heeseung’s gaze swept over him, his expression sharp despite the casual tone.

Sunghoon exhaled. “Fine.”

Heeseung’s eyes darkened slightly. His hand came up, brushing over Sunghoon’s wrist where
the faint red mark from the cuffs remained. His fingers lingered a second too long before he
pulled away.

Sunghoon’s pulse kicked up despite himself.

“Let’s go,” Heeseung said. His voice was low, steady.

Heeseung’s presence beside him was steady, his pace unhurried but sharp. Sunghoon could
feel the subtle tension in his posture, the way his gaze kept flicking toward him, as if he was
assessing for signs of weakness.

They rounded a corner, passing a pair of soldiers stationed near a set of reinforced doors.
Their eyes tracked Sunghoon and Heeseung as they walked by, but they didn’t speak.
Sunghoon’s gaze drifted to their hands, resting near the black holsters at their sides.
“They’ve increased security,” jay said quietly.

Sunghoon’s jaw tightened. “Yeah. I noticed.”

A sharp sound—a door opening—echoed down the hall. They both turned toward it. A nurse
stepped out of a room, followed by Jake. His hair was slightly damp, his hospital-issued shirt
rumpled. He blinked when he spotted them.

“Hey,” Jake said, rubbing the back of his neck. His smile was crooked but thin. “You guys
done too?”

“Just finished,” Sunghoon replied.

Jake sighed, rolling his shoulders. “What did they make you do?”

“Strength tests,” Sunghoon said. “Sensory response.”

Jake’s expression darkened slightly. “Same.” He rubbed the inside of his arm. “so we really
are taking the same test. the doctor asked a lot of weird questions.”

Heeseung’s brows lifted. “Like what?”

“About instincts.” Jake’s gaze sharpened. “And aggression strength.”

Sunghoon’s eyes narrowed. “Aggression?”

Jake nodded. “The doctor said they’re trying to figure out if the... shift is causing an increase
in natural aggression. Apparently, they’ve already seen some cases of... instability.”

Sunghoon exchanged a sharp look with Heeseung.

“What kind of instability?” Heeseung asked.

Jake’s mouth tightened. “They didn’t say exactly.” He hesitated. “But they did mention
pheromones.”

Heeseung’s gaze darkened. “Pheromones?”

Jake nodded slowly. “Yeah. The doctor didn’t explain much, but he hinted that it’s... changing
how people react to each other.” He exhaled sharply. “And not in a good way.”

Sunghoon’s chest tightened.

“That explains the extra guards,” Heeseung muttered.

Jake’s gaze sharpened. “It’s worse than they’re letting on.”

" But really how is it your doctor at least explains some things to you?" Heeseung asked.
" Lucky me I guess I have charms"

Jake’s gaze flicked toward Sunghoon. His nose scrunched slightly.

“By the way... you smell better?”

Sunghoon stiffened. “What?”

Jake grinned. “Seriously. Iast night when I came to your room because I was bored you smelt
like shit but it's good now?” He glanced toward Heeseung. “You notice it too ?”

Heeseung’s expression remained impassive, jay's gaze lingered on Sunghoon’s flushed face.

Sunghoon just rolled his eyes “Shut up.”

“Hey, I’m not complaining,” Jake said, smirking. “If this whole thing means you start
smelling like dessert, I’ll consider it a win. Well you don't smell as good as sunoo”
"Jake I swear if you continue talking I'll punch you "
Jake’s brows lifted. “Relax. I’m not going to—”

The sound of hurried footsteps down the hall made them all straighten. A nurse appeared at
the end of the corridor, speaking rapidly to a soldier standing near the wall. The soldier’s
expression tightened.

“Something’s happening,” Sunghoon said.

They all turned toward the sound of voices rising down the hall. The tension in the air
sharpened.

A loud crash echoed down the hallway. A door slamming open. A sharp, angry sound
followed—a growl, deep and low.

The soldier near the wall tensed, hand going to his holster.

Jake stepped closer to Sunghoon instinctively. “What was that?”

The nurse’s hurried steps turned into a run. The soldier followed, his hand steady on his
weapon.

Heeseung’s eyes narrowed. He started toward the sound.

“Heeseung—” Sunghoon called after him.

“I’m checking it out,” Heeseung said, his voice cold and sharp.

Jake’s gaze darkened. “We’re not supposed to—”

Another crash. A sharp, broken sound—furniture splintering.

A voice shouted—cut off by a strangled sound.

Heeseung was already moving.

“Come on,” Jake said, grabbing Sunghoon’s arm.

They ran down the hallway, turning the corner just in time to see two soldiers arriving outside
a room, struggling to contain the scene inside.

A young man was pinned against the wall, his eyes wild and unfocused. His chest heaved
with erratic breaths, his hands curled into shaking fists. The air around him felt charged—
thick with something heady and dangerous.

Across the room, a you girl sat on the floor, clutching her arm. Hee breathing was rapid, her
eyes wide with panic.
And that wasn't why their eyes widened , but the third person in the room was what shocked
them
Ni-ki stood between them, his body tense, his hands raised gripping the men's collar.
Sunghoon could see the subtle ripple of strength in Ni-ki’s posture, the barely controlled
tension coiled beneath his skin.

Sunghoon’s breath caught. Ni-ki’s scent—sharp and cold—was palpable even from where he
stood.

“Stand down!” one of the soldiers barked.

The other snarled, his body trembling. His gaze darted toward the girl on the floor, his pupils
blown wide.

Ni-ki moved. Fast.

In one swift motion, he grabbed the man's s slammed him back against the wall. He thrashed
violently, but Ni-ki’s grip held firm.

“You need to calm down,” Ni-ki said, his voice low and dangerous.

The other growled, struggling harder.

Sunghoon’s chest tightened.

The tension in the room spiked as they saw the young man's hand twitch. He was calculating
his next move—ready to act.

“Ni-ki!”

Sunghoon’s sharp voice made Ni-ki’s head snap toward him.

That brief second of distraction was all the he needed. He surged forward—

Ni-ki twisted sharply, using the momentum to shove him face-first into the wall. The black
hair man breath left him in a choked gasp.

The soldier finally rushed forward, seizing the men’s arms and restraining him.
Ni-ki released his grip and stepped back, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

The girl on the floor whimpered.

Sunghoon’s gaze shot toward Ni-ki. “You okay?”

Ni-ki’s expression remained closed-off, but his hands were trembling at his sides.

“I’m fine,” Ni-ki said coolly. He turned toward the girl, his gaze softening slightly. “Are you
hurt?”

She shook his head quickly, still wide-eyed with fear. There was another scent a strong one
that made sunghoon to want to close his nose

A soldier grabbed the crazy man by the back of the neck, dragging him toward the door.

“What the hell is happening?” Jake murmured.

The soldiers moved swiftly, securing the struggling alpha with reinforced restraints before
dragging him toward the exit. His head hung low, breath coming in harsh, ragged gasps. The
heavy thud of his boots against the floor echoed down the hall as they disappeared from
sight.

Ni-ki stood frozen in place, his chest still rising and falling with sharp, measured breaths. His
hands trembled slightly at his sides, the tension in his frame lingering even though the
immediate threat was gone.

“Sir, you need to step back,” one of the soldiers ordered, already moving toward him. Two
others followed, one of them speaking into a radio attached to his vest.

“I’m fine,” Ni-ki said, though his tone was tight.

“We need to confirm that.”

A nurse slipped between the soldiers, a clipboard tucked under her arm. She was young, with
dark hair tied back in a neat ponytail, her expression calm but focused. Without hesitation,
she approached Ni-ki, her eyes sweeping over him with clinical precision.

“Please sit down,” she instructed, gesturing toward a nearby chair.

Ni-ki’s jaw tightened, but he reluctantly sat, his gaze still flicking toward the injured omega
on the floor.

The nurse crouched in front of him, clicking her pen. “I need you to focus on me for a
moment, okay?”

Ni-ki’s gaze finally shifted toward her.

“Follow my finger,” she said, raising her hand and moving it slowly from left to right. Ni-ki’s
dark eyes tracked the movement without hesitation.

“Pupils responsive,” she murmured, noting something on her clipboard.

She leaned in a little closer, studying his expression. “Any dizziness? Nausea?”

“No.”

“Headache?”

“No.”

“Chest pain?”

Ni-ki’s mouth curled slightly. “No.”

The nurse didn’t react to his sharp tone. She reached forward and took his wrist, her fingers
pressing gently against his pulse. After a moment, she released him and nodded.

“Your response is steady,” she said, standing. “But your stress levels are high.”

“I wonder why,” Ni-ki said dryly, his gaze flicking toward the empty doorway where the man
had been dragged out.

The nurse’s expression didn’t shift. “You handled yourself well. But next time, let the guards
take care of it.”

Ni-ki’s eyes narrowed. “That wouldn’t have ended well for the girl.”

Her gaze sharpened, but before she could respond, a second nurse hurried toward the injured
young girl, kneeling beside him.

“Are you hurt?” she asked gently.

Her eyes were wide and glassy. Her breath came in short, quick bursts as she sat curled
against the wall. Her hand was clutched to his chest, trembling.

The nurse’s gaze dropped to his hand—and the crescent-shaped bite marks along the soft
flesh of her palm.

“Shit,” the nurse whispered under her breath. “Let me see.”

She flinched, his whole body tense.

“It’s okay,” the nurse said softly, her hands steady as she coaxed the injured hand away from
her chest. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

Slowly, she allowed her to inspect the injury. The bite marks were deep—red and already
bruising—but the skin wasn’t broken. The nurse sighed in relief.
Ni-ki’s gaze lingered on her His eyes darkened slightly at the sight of the bruising.

“I’ll be fine?” the girl whispered, though her voice was shaky.

“Let me help you up,” the nurse said, offering her arm. She hesitated before taking it. Her
steps were unsteady as she stood, but the nurse supported her.

Ni-ki watched as they led him toward the medical bay.

Sunghoon, Jake jay, and Heeseung approached slowly.

“He’ll be okay,” Sunghoon said, but his voice was low.

Jake’s jaw clenched. “What the hell was that?”

“It’s what you said in the hallway,” Heeseung said darkly, his gaze following the retreating
form of the injured girl

Sunghoon’s gaze sharpened. “The pheromones.”

Jake exhaled slowly. “If that was because of scent alone…”

Ni-ki finally stood, his body still tense. “They didn’t say it would be this bad,” he muttered.

Jake’s expression tightened. “Maybe they didn’t know.”

A loud chime echoed through the hall, followed by the sterile voice of the facility’s intercom.

*“All residents, please return to your assigned rooms immediately. Security protocols are
now in effect.”*

“They’re not telling us everything,” he said quietly.

“And we’re just supposed to sit here and wait?” Jake asked.

No one answered. The tension in the air settled like a thick weight, pressing down on their
shoulders.

“We need to be careful,” Heeseung said. His gaze drifted toward Sunghoon and Jake, then
settled briefly on Ni-ki.

Ni-ki’s eyes darkened. “I’m not going to sit back and do nothing.”

“We’re not asking you to,” Sunghoon said. His gaze sharpened. “But we need to know what
we’re dealing with first.”
A tense silence followed.

Finally, Heeseung exhaled. “Let’s go. We should get back to the rooms before they decide
we’re a problem too.”

Jake scoffed. “Too late for that. Ni-ki literally attacked that man”

____________

Ni-ki sat stiffly on the edge of his bed, his hands still curled into tight fists against his knees.
His knuckles were pale from the pressure, and the tension in his frame hadn’t fully eased
since the fight. His gaze was sharp and distant, fixed on a crack in the sterile white wall.

The door to his room creaked open. Sunghoon stepped inside, his expression calm but
watchful. He closed the door behind him and leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed
over his chest.

“You okay?” Sunghoon asked, though his tone was low and measured.

Ni-ki’s jaw tightened. “I’m fine.”

Sunghoon’s eyes narrowed slightly. “That’s not what it looked like.”

Ni-ki’s gaze sharpened. He ran a hand through his hair, his fingers threading roughly through
the dark strands. “What do you want me to say?”

Sunghoon took a step closer. His sharp gaze flicked over Ni-ki’s hands—still tense, his
fingers trembling slightly despite how hard he was pressing them against his knees.

“Start with what happened,” Sunghoon said quietly.

Ni-ki’s mouth pressed into a thin line. He exhaled slowly, the breath sharp and uneven. “I
heard something.”

Sunghoon’s brows lifted slightly. “Heard what?”

“A scent.”

That made Sunghoon pause. His posture straightened. “A scent?”

Ni-ki’s eyes darkened. “It was sharp—aggressive. But underneath it, there was something
else. Someone vulnerable. It was strange I felt it”

Sunghoon’s jaw tensed.

Ni-ki’s gaze turned distant again. “I followed it without thinking. Down the hall, near the
examination rooms. The scent was getting stronger, and then I heard a crash.”
“What kind of crash?”

“Glass. Maybe metal.” Ni-ki’s hands curled tighter. “When I turned the corner, I saw him.”

“The man ?” Sunghoon pressed.

Ni-ki nodded once. “He had an that young woman backed against the wall. She was shaking
—looked like she was about to collapse.”

Sunghoon’s eyes sharpened. “What was the man doing?”

Ni-ki’s expression darkened. “He was too close. Breathing heavily. Eyes completely blown
out.” Ni-ki’s lips curled slightly. “He was..—forcing it.”

Sunghoon’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“I didn’t think,” Ni-ki admitted, his voice low. “I just moved.”

Sunghoon’s gaze sharpened. “What did you do?”

Ni-ki’s mouth curved into something close to a sneer. “I grabbed him.”

Sunghoon’s brows lifted slightly. “And?”

“He tried to fight back.” Ni-ki’s jaw tensed. “Threw the first punch. After that, it got messy.”

Sunghoon’s eyes darkened. “Messy how?”

Ni-ki’s gaze flicked toward his knuckles. The faint bruising across them stood out starkly
against his pale skin. “He went wild—completely lost control. The scent coming from him
was suffocating. He was trying to overwhelm the us.”

“And you stopped him.”

Ni-ki’s gaze sharpened. “I didn’t give him a choice.”

Sunghoon’s jaw flexed. “How far did it go?”

“Far enough that the guards had to step in,” Ni-ki said bitterly. His hand twitched. “you were
there hyung you saw how crazy he was .”

Ni-ki’s expression darkened. “she Shaken. But I think she’ll be okay.” His gaze sharpened
slightly. “he had bitten her like a wild animal .”

Sunghoon’s brows knit together.

Ni-ki said. His tone turned colder. “He bit her.”

Sunghoon’s gaze sharpened.

“It’s not supposed to be like this,” Ni-ki muttered, his voice low. “Whatever this change is—
it’s not normal.”

Sunghoon exhaled slowly, his eyes narrowing. “No, it’s not.”

Ni-ki’s gaze turned toward the closed door. His jaw flexed. “If this is how things are going to
be, people are going to get hurt. What if we hurt someone?”

Sunghoon’s gaze darkened. “You’re not wrong.”

“And I’m not going to stand by and let that happen,” Ni-ki said coldly. His eyes narrowed,
his tone sharp. “Not when I can stop it.”

Sunghoon’s eyes lingered on him for a moment longer. He didn’t speak, but something
settled behind his gaze—understanding.

Finally, he stepped away from the wall. “Get some rest.”

Ni-ki’s gaze didn’t waver. “I’m fine.”

“You’re not,” Sunghoon replied. His tone was calm, but his gaze was sharp. “And you’re not
going to prove this by running yourself into the ground.”

Sunghoon didn’t push further. He watched Ni-ki for a moment longer, then turned toward the
door.

Before he left, Sunghoon said quietly, “You did the right thing.”

Ni-ki’s expression didn’t shift, but his hands finally relaxed against his knees. His gaze
lingered on the closed door long after Sunghoon was gone.

Ni-ki was still sitting on the edge of his bed when the door to his room opened but this time it
was almost slammed open.

Heeseung stood in the doorway,. His eyes were dark, the tension in his shoulders almost
palpable.

“What the hell were you thinking?” Heeseung’s voice was low but sharp, like a blade sliding
from its sheath.

Ni-ki didn’t flinch. His gaze remained steady as he leaned back against the wall, arms crossed
over his chest. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Heeseung’s jaw clenched. “Don’t play dumb with me.”

For some reason he didn't want to back out
Ni-ki’s mouth curled slightly. “You’re going to have to be more specific, hyung.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about,” Heeseung snapped. He stepped inside, closing
the door behind him with a sharp click. “That fight. The.”

Ni-ki’s eyes darkened. “Yeah. What about it?”

“You shouldn’t have gotten involved.”

Ni-ki’s gaze sharpened. “And why not?”

“Because it wasn’t your fight,” Heeseung said, his tone dangerously low. “You could have
gotten hurt. You could have made it worse.”

Ni-ki’s mouth curled into a sharp, bitter smile. “And what should I have done? Let him keep
attacking that poor girl? Should I have just stood there and watched?”

“You should have let the guards handle it,” Heeseung snapped. “That’s their job.”

Ni-ki’s eyes narrowed. “The guards weren’t there yet”

Heeseung’s jaw tightened. “They would have gotten there.”

“Would they?” Ni-ki’s tone sharpened. His eyes flashed dangerously. “And what if they
didn’t? What if something worse happened before anyone showed up?”

“You don’t know that would’ve happened.”

“You don’t know it wouldn’t have,” Ni-ki shot back. His voice sharpened. “You weren’t
there. You didn’t see his face.”

Heeseung’s gaze darkened. The air in the room thickened slightly—icy and sharp.

Ni-ki pushed himself off the bed, his steps measured as he crossed the small space between
them. He stopped just short of Heeseung, his gaze level with the older’s.
It was the first time since their debut he was standing up this guarded toward the oldest.
“What would you have done if it was Sunoo?” Ni-ki’s voice dropped to a low, dangerous
tone.
The thought just came out of his mouth. He didn't know why but what really triggered him
was the way that girl gave him a similar pull that sunoo had these days.
Heeseung’s eyes flashed. His jaw flexed.

“What if it was him backed against that wall?” Ni-ki continued, his voice cutting. “What if
that man had attacked him or one of the members ? Would you have stood back and waited
for the guards?”

Heeseung’s mouth parted slightly, but no words came out.

Ni-ki’s gaze sharpened. “Yeah. That’s what I thought.”

Heeseung’s scent flared dangerously—sharp, cold—but Ni-ki didn’t back down.

“I didn’t care who it was,” Ni-ki said, his voice low and even. “I wasn’t going to stand there
and let it happen.” His gaze sharpened further. “And if you’re telling me you would have?”

“I’m not saying that,” Heeseung snapped. His eyes darkened.

“Then what are you saying?” Ni-ki pressed.

Heeseung’s mouth tightened. His shoulders were tense, his breath sharp.

Ni-ki’s gaze didn’t waver. “Exactly.”

Heeseung’s hands curled into fists at his sides. “You could have lost control. We don't what
could happen”

“And?” Ni-ki stepped closer, his gaze cutting. “You think I don’t know that?”

Heeseung’s scent thickened. The air between them felt heavy.

“If that’s what it takes,” Ni-ki said, his voice low, “to stop something like that from
happening again—I don’t care.”

Heeseung’s gaze sharpened dangerously. His breath quickened.

“You’re not the only one who can protect them, hyung,” Ni-ki said. His gaze darkened. “And
you’re not the only one willing to fight.”

Heeseung’s jaw clenched so tightly Ni-ki could see the muscles shift beneath his skin.

The tension between them buzzed dangerously, like a fraying wire about to snap.

“You think this is a game?” Heeseung’s voice was low and cutting. “You think this is about
pride?”

“I don't think that helping someone is a game!” Ni-ki shot back.

Heeseung’s gaze flashed dangerously.

“You’re not in control if I want to stop someone,” Ni-ki said quietly. “Get used to it.”

For a moment, neither of them moved. The tension between them was sharp enough to cut
through the sterile air.

Finally, Heeseung’s gaze hardened. “just Stay out of trouble is it hard to understand? Why are
you acting...”

Ni-ki’s eyes narrowed. “Try and stop me.”

Heeseung’s breath sharpened he felt if he stayed they would start a fight, ni-ki was still tense
not like his usual carefree self. He took a step back, his eyes lingering on Ni-ki for a long
moment before he turned toward the door.
The door clicked shut behind him.

Ni-ki stood in the center of the room, his shoulders still tense. His breath came slowly, but his
heart hammered hard against his ribs.
Even himself has no clue why he was acting like that toward his hyung.

_________
It was dinner time the safety protocol was removed and they could come out of their rooms
again.

The dining hall was quiet except for the soft clink of utensils against plates and the low hum
of conversation. The tension from earlier hadn’t completely faded—if anything, it had settled
into something colder, more controlled.

Jay and Jungwon entered together, their steps quick and purposeful as they scanned the room
to find the others. Heeseung was already seated at the table with Ni-ki and Jake and
Heeseung, but the atmosphere at their table was unusually heavy. Ni-ki was still tense from
the earlier fight, while Heeseung sat stiffly, his gaze fixed on his food .

Jay slid into the seat across from sunghoon, setting down his tray with a sharp clink. Jungwon
sat beside Jake, his gaze flicking toward the empty seat next to Ni-ki.

“Where’s Sunoo?” Jay asked immediately, glancing around the room as if he’d somehow
missed him.

Jake shook his head. “He’s not here yet.”

“He was supposed to finish his last test a while ago,” Jungwon said, frowning. “He should be
back by now.”

A beat of silence passed before Heeseung stood abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the
floor. He scanned the room again, his jaw tightening. “Did anyone see him after the test?”

The others exchanged glances.

“No,” Ni-ki said, his voice low.

Jay’s gaze sharpened. “We should check on him.”

Just as Jay stood, a nurse walked past their table, holding a clipboard close to her chest.
Heeseung stepped toward her. “Excuse me.”

The nurse turned, her expression polite but guarded. “Yes?”

“do you know if kim Sunoo finished his test?” Heeseung asked, his tone sharp.

The nurse’s expression shifted slightly. “yes. He’s resting.”

“Resting?” sunghoong’s gaze narrowed.

“After his last test, he reported feeling unwell,” the nurse explained. “It’s nothing serious—
we’ve had a lot of similar cases . He’s been advised to rest for the night.”

Jay’s brows furrowed. “Why didn’t anyone tell us?”

“There was no need to worry you,” the nurse said calmly.

“Can we see him?” ni-ki pressed.

The nurse’s expression tightened. “I’m sorry. He’s been ordered to rest undisturbed. Visiting
is restricted for now.”

Heeseung’s jaw tightened. “Why?”

“It’s just precautionary,” the nurse replied smoothly. “We’re monitoring his vitals to make
sure there’s no adverse reaction to the testing.”

Jake sat up straighter. “What kind of reaction?”

The nurse hesitated for a moment. “he is feeling some pain ,We’ve handled it.”

“Handled it?” Heeseung repeated coldly. His scent sharpened, cutting through the air like
frost.

The nurse’s gaze flicked toward him warily. “I assure you, Mr. Sunoo is being well taken care
of.”

Heeseung’s gaze darkened. His posture stiffened.

Sunghoon’s mouth tightened. “When will we be able to see him?”

The nurse hesitated. “Likely tomorrow morning.”

“That not enough,” Heeseung said.

The nurse’s polite expression didn’t falter. “I’m afraid that’s the current policy. You’ll be
informed if his condition changes. Or we needed help”

Heeseung’s jaw flexed.

“Please finish your meal,” the nurse added, her voice cool but firm. “We’ll keep you
updated.”

She turned and walked away, her heels clicking softly against the tile floor.

A tense silence settled over the group.

“What the hell was that?” Ni-ki muttered.

“They’re hiding something,” Jungwonsaid darkly.

“You think something happened during the test?” Jungwon asked.

Jake’s gaze flicked toward Heeseung. “What if they’re not telling us everything?”

A heavy silence followed those words.

Jake exhaled slowly. “He’s okay, right?”

Heeseung’s gaze darkened. “He better be.”

Jungwon’s eyes lingered toward the hallway leading to the examination rooms. His fingers
curled into a fist on the table.

“If they’re not telling us everything,” Ni-ki said quietly, “we’ll figure it out ourselves.”

Jake’s gaze flicked toward Ni-ki, noticing the sharp edge to his tone. He exchanged a look
with Jay, who nodded subtly.

“he will be alright,” Heeseung repeated, his voice low and dangerous.

The others silently hoped.

___________

Sunoo lay curled on his side, the thin hospital blanket doing little to ease the chill creeping
under his skin. His head throbbed—sharp, relentless pulses behind his temples—and his body
felt painfully sore, his muscles tensing with each shallow breath. His skin prickled
uncomfortably, and the faint remnants of antiseptic in the air only made it worse.

A quiet knock at the door barely registered in his foggy mind before a nurse stepped inside,
clipboard in hand. She was young, with neatly tied hair and a calm expression that didn’t
match the sharp discomfort blooming in Sunoo’s chest.

“Mr. Kim?” her voice was gentle but clinical. “How are you feeling?”

Sunoo’s throat tightened. He shifted slightly, his fingers curling into the sheet beneath him.
“It…still hurts.” His voice was quiet, almost strained.

The nurse’s gaze flicked toward the heart monitor beside his bed. The soft, rhythmic beeping
was steady—but too fast.

She approached his bedside, setting the clipboard down. “Where does it hurt?”

Sunoo forced himself to sit up slightly, wincing as a sharp pang shot through his side.
“Everywhere but my stomach.. feels worse,” he admitted. His chest felt tight, his muscles
aching as if he’d run for miles. His skin buzzed uncomfortably, the sensation bordering on
unbearable.

The nurse hummed softly, her eyes scanning over his tense form. She pressed the back of her
hand gently against his forehead. “You’re also havia fever.”

The nurse pulled her hand away and made a note on her clipboard. “Your vitals are slightly
elevated, but nothing outside the expected range.”

Sunoo’s eyes snapped open. “Expected range?” he wanted to snap at her.

She gave him a carefully measured look. “We’ve seen similar cases.”

Sunoo’s jaw tightened. “So…do something about it!”

The nurse hesitated. “We’re monitoring it.”

“That’s not—” Sunoo cut himself off with a sharp inhale as another wave of pain curled
through his chest, making his breath hitch. His arms trembled slightly as he gripped the edge
of the blanket.

The nurse’s hand hovered near his arm, but she didn’t touch him. “Try to relax. We don’t
want to risk triggering a stronger response.”

Her lips pressed into a thin line. “Stress increases the symptoms. It’s important you stay
calm.”

“Stay calm!?” Sunoo’s voice sharpened. His eyes narrowed at her, frustration mixing with the
lingering pain in his chest. “You’re telling me to stay calm when you don’t even know why
this is happening?”

The nurse’s expression remained smooth. “We are still learning how the genetic changes
affects”

Sunoo’s breath sharpened. “So tell me what's happening!.”

The nurse hesitated just a little too long. “Not yet.”

Sunoo’s heart pounded painfully against his ribs. His head spun. His body ached. His skin
prickled with discomfort, but beneath it all, something deeper, something unfamiliar, pulsed
beneath the surface.

The nurse adjusted his blanket, her hands careful but detached. “Try to rest,” she said. “you
will be taken to a doctor shortly .”

Sunoo bit his lip hard enough to hurt.

Sunoo’s chest tightened painfully. His gaze followed her as she straightened, made a final
note on her clipboard, and turned toward the door.
Just before she left, Sunoo’s hand shot out, grabbing the edge of her sleeve. His fingers
trembled. “Wait.”

The nurse glanced down at him, expression cool. “Yes?”

“What if it gets worse?”

She studied him for a moment, her gaze unreadable. “It might.”

Sunoo’s heart twisted painfully. His grip on her sleeve tightened.

“But you’ll handle it,” she said simply. “Because that’s what people do when things change.”

Sunoo’s hand slipped away as the door clicked shut behind her.

He lay back against the thin pillow, staring up at the sterile white ceiling as the faint hum of
machinery buzzed in the background. His chest rose and fell in shallow, unsteady breaths.

It hurt. And no one seemed to care.

Time passed slowly as the pain got worse.
And worst of all—some part of him knew this was only the beginning. Sunoo’s eyes
squeezed shut as another wave of pain crashed through his body. His head throbbed
relentlessly, a deep, stabbing pressure right behind his eyes that made it hard to think. His
stomach twisted violently, a gnawing ache that pulsed beneath his ribs, sharp and nauseating.
He pressed a shaky hand against his abdomen, curling in on himself as his breathing
quickened.

“Ugh…” His breath hitched as a cold sweat broke out across his forehead. His body trembled
as another jolt of pain shot up his spine, curling through his muscles.

The heart monitor beside him beeped sharply, the rhythm growing erratic. The nurse was
already at his side, her eyes sharp and focused as she checked the screen.

“Mr. Kim?” Her tone was brisk now, a hint of urgency creeping into her voice. “Where is the
pain coming from?”

Sunoo’s hand tightened against his stomach. “My head… my stomach…” His voice was
barely more than a strained whisper.

The nurse’s expression sharpened. “How long has it been ?”

“I-I don’t know,” Sunoo gasped. His hands curled into the sheets beneath him as another
surge of pain rolled through his abdomen, sharp enough to make his back arch slightly.

The nurse pressed her hand gently against his wrist . She checked his pulse at his wrist, then
placed a hand flat against his stomach through the thin hospital gown.

Sunoo flinched at the contact, his muscles seizing involuntarily beneath her touch. His skin
felt too hot, too sensitive—like his nerves were on fire beneath the surface.
“I-I don’t know what’s happening,” Sunoo whispered, his voice cracking. His head was
pounding so hard he thought it might split open. His stomach twisted painfully again, and he
curled forward, a strangled sound catching in his throat.

The nurse’s hand pressed more firmly over his stomach. “Does the pain radiate outward?”

“Yes,” Sunoo gasped. “It—it keeps getting worse.”

Her expression darkened. “We need to check your abdominal cavity.”

Sunoo’s breath hitched. “Why?”

The nurse’s gaze sharpened. “Because Your body is adjusting to something internally.”

His eyes widened. “Adjusting?”

But the nurse was already moving toward the door, pressing a button on the wall. “Prep the
ultrasound room,” she said into the speaker.

A moment later, the door swung open, and two orderlies entered. One of them pushed a
medical gurney toward Sunoo’s bed.

“Careful,” the nurse instructed. “He’s hypersensitive.”

The orderlies moved toward Sunoo. One of them, a tall man with short black hair, leaned
over him. “We need to take you for a scan, Mr. Kim.”

Sunoo’s body tensed as they carefully lifted him onto the gurney. The sudden movement sent
another wave of pain through his head and abdomen, leaving him gasping for breath.

He could barely process what was happening as they wheeled him out of the room, the bright
overhead lights flashing across his vision as the hallway passed in a blur.

“Wh-what’s wrong with me?” Sunoo’s voice trembled as the pain in his stomach twisted
tighter.

The nurse walked alongside the gurney, her gaze steady. " Don't worry we just need to check
how your organs are doing.”

They reached the sonography room quickly. One of the orderlies opened the door, and the
nurse guided Sunoo inside.

The room was colder than his hospital room, the low hum of machinery filling the space. A
wide examination bed stood in the center beneath a mounted screen. The nurse helped Sunoo
onto the bed, carefully guiding his trembling form to lie flat.

“Try to breathe normally,” the nurse instructed as she adjusted the machine’s settings.
Sunoo’s breath hitched as the cold gel was spread over his stomach. He flinched at the
sensation, his nerves still buzzing painfully.

A doctor entered the room—a man with salt-and-pepper hair and calm eyes. “Mr. Kim, this
might feel a little uncomfortable.”

Sunoo’s breath sharpened as the probe was pressed gently to his skin. The pressure sent a dull
ache radiating through his abdomen, but it was nothing compared to the pain twisting inside
him.

The screen flickered to life, displaying the grainy image of his internal organs. The doctor’s
eyes narrowed as he carefully traced the probe across Sunoo’s abdomen.

“There,” the doctor murmured. His finger tapped the screen.

Sunoo’s gaze darted toward the monitor, but he had no idea what he was supposed to be
seeing.

“What is it?” the nurse asked.

"Give me his medical report" the doctor calmly said as the nurse gave him the records. He
slowly went through the papers.

Sunoo’s breath quickened. “What does that mean?”

The doctor’s gaze was unreadable. “It means his body is already adapting to the genetic shift.
Faster than expected.”

Sunoo’s heart pounded violently in his chest. His stomach twisted painfully again, and his
fingers dug into the edge of the bed. “W-what’s happening to me?”

The doctor’s gaze lingered on the screen.

“But—”

“You’re not in danger,” the doctor said smoothly. “But your body is responding unusually fast
to the changes. It’s why you’re feeling pain.”

The doctor didn’t answer directly. Instead, he pulled the probe away and gestured toward the
nurse. “Monitor his pain levels and keep him on a low-stress regimen. I'll send someone to
help with his pain”

The nurse nodded. “Understood.”

Sunoo sat up slightly, his body trembling. “You’re not going to tell me?”

The doctor’s expression remained unreadable. “you will know it soon, Mr. Kim.”
The nurse wiped the gel from his stomach and carefully helped him sit up. Sunoo’s body
screamed in protest, his head spinning as he tried to steady himself.

“We’ll return you to your room,” the nurse said gently. “Try to rest.”

Sunoo’s heart pounded painfully against his ribs. His breathing was uneven as the orderlies
lifted him back onto the gurney.

As they wheeled him back down the hall, Sunoo’s mind spun.

Faster than expected.

Unusual response.

What was changing inside him?

His chest tightened painfully. His hand drifted to his stomach, where the ache still lingered
beneath his skin. His pain didn't let him to wonder more.

Sunoo barely registered the sound of the wheels of the gurney rolling over the smooth
hospital floor as they pushed him back toward his room. His body trembled from the
lingering pain radiating through his stomach and head, his skin still overly sensitive to every
shift of air. His eyes fluttered shut as the ache behind them throbbed relentlessly.

The nurse guiding him glanced down, her brows furrowing in quiet concern. As they reached
his room, the orderlies carefully lifted Sunoo onto the bed. He flinched as his body made
contact with the mattress, his muscles stiff and unresponsive from the pain.

“We’ll administer a pain reliever,” the nurse said softly, kneeling beside the bed. Her hand
was gentle but steady as she adjusted the blanket over Sunoo’s trembling form. “It’ll take a
few minutes to take effect.”

Sunoo’s eyelids cracked open. His mouth was dry, and the dull pressure in his abdomen made
it difficult to breathe. “What’s… wrong with me? Please”

The nurse’s gaze softened, but she didn’t answer directly. Instead, she reached for a small vial
and syringe from the tray beside the bed. She tapped the vial with a practiced motion,
drawing the clear liquid into the syringe.

“This will help with the pain,” she murmured. “Lift your shirt a little.”

Sunoo hesitated but did as instructed, his trembling fingers raising the hem of his hospital
gown just enough to expose his lower stomach. His skin twitched as the nurse pressed her
gloved hand over the side of his abdomen, searching for the right spot.

“You’ll feel a small pinch,” she said quietly.

Sunoo’s breath hitched as the needle slid beneath his skin. A cool sensation spread through
his abdomen as the medication entered his system. The initial sting of the needle was quickly
replaced by a subtle warmth, dulling the sharpest edges of the pain almost immediately.
The nurse withdrew the needle and pressed a cotton pad over the injection site. “It’ll take full
effect in about five minutes.”

Sunoo’s head fell back against the pillow as his muscles relaxed, the ache in his stomach and
the pressure behind his eyes starting to ease. His eyes drifted shut for a moment, his breathing
evening out as the worst of the discomfort faded.

The nurse stood, adjusting the IV line at his side. Then, she pulled a tablet from her tray,
glancing at the data displayed on the screen. Her brows knit together.

“Your body is stabilizing,” she murmured, half to herself. “But your reaction is still stronger
than expected for someone at this stage.”

Sunoo’s gaze fluttered toward her, his lips parting slightly.

The nurse hesitated. Then, after a pause, her gaze sharpened. “You need rest. But…” She
glanced toward the door. “There’s something else we can try to help your body settle.”

She scrolled through the data on the tablet, her eyes scanning the genetic profiles of the other
members. “Yes…this might help are you comfortable with your friends?” Her expression
settled into quiet understanding.
What's up with this sudden question?
He slowly nods.
“If your body is reacting this strongly, it might help to introduce a familiar one.”

Sunoo’s heart skipped. “What?”

The nurse’s gaze didn’t lift from the tablet. “Your system might be searching for balance,”
she explained.
“It could help I'll need to discuss it a
With a doctor.” she taps on her tablet device for sometimes , most likely asking about her
request from a doctor and after some time The nurse turns toward the door.

“I’ll request one of them now.”

She pressed a button on the wall panel, speaking calmly into the receiver. “Please have Mr.
Yang Jungwon escorted to Room 203. Ensure security is in place.”

Sunoo's body was in a haze by the pain and the medicines

A few minutes later, the soft sound of footsteps echoed down the hall. The door opened, and
Jungwon stepped inside, escorted by a soldier dressed in black tactical gear. The soldier
remained by the door, standing stiffly with his hands clasped behind his back.

Jungwon’s expression was tight with quiet concern as he approached the bed. His eyes
immediately softened when he saw Sunoo’s pale face and the tension still lingering in his
posture.

“Hyung…” Jungwon’s voice was soft as he approached the side of the bed. His gaze flicked
toward the nurse, silently asking for direction.
The nurse nodded. “Sit with him. Just stay close.”

Jungwon hesitated for only a moment before sitting on the edge of the bed. His hand
instinctively brushed Sunoo’s wrist, his thumb grazing the thin skin there.

Sunoo’s breath trembled as he felt the warmth of Jungwon’s touch. A subtle scent drifted
toward him—something grounding and steady, like fresh linen and cool rain. His body
unconsciously leaned toward Jungwon, his breathing slowing.

“Hey,” Jungwon murmured, his eyes softening. “are you fine?”

“I don’t know,” Sunoo whispered.

Jungwon’s brows furrowed. He slid his hand up to Sunoo’s wrist, letting his thumb stroke
slowly over the fragile bones beneath the skin.

“You’re shaking,” Jungwon said softly.

“I…” Sunoo’s breath hitched as a wave of calmness began to settle over him. His muscles,
which had been rigid for hours, began to relax under the weight of Jungwon’s quiet presence.
His scent—cool and steady—wrapped around him like a protective layer, easing the tension
in his chest.

“It’s helping,” the nurse observed quietly.

Jungwon’s gaze sharpened. “Helping with what?”

The nurse hesitated. “Your scent is stabilizing his hormonal response.”

Jungwon’s hand tightened slightly over Sunoo’s wrist. He glanced down at Sunoo’s flushed
cheeks, his quiet breathing. Slowly, his gaze softened.

“It’s okay,” Jungwon murmured. “Just rest.”

Sunoo’s body sank deeper into the bed as his eyes fluttered closed. His chest rose and fell in
slow, even breaths. The ache in his head and stomach was still there, but it no longer felt
unbearable.

Jungwon remained at his side, his hand still wrapped around Sunoo’s wrist. His thumb traced
small circles over Sunoo’s skin as his gaze stayed locked on his face.

Sunoo’s lips parted slightly, a soft exhale escaping as his body surrendered to the quiet
comfort surrounding him.

And even as sleep began to pull him under, his hand stayed curled beneath Jungwon’s steady
touch.
Jungwon stayed by Sunoo’s side, his hand never leaving his wrist even as Sunoo’s breathing
deepened. The quiet hum of the medical machines faded into the background as the tension in
Sunoo’s body slowly ebbed away. His lashes fluttered against his cheeks, and his chest rose
and fell in an easy rhythm.
Jungwon’s hand shifted slightly, his thumb brushing the inside of Sunoo’s wrist in a slow,
unconscious pattern. The faint warmth of Sunoo’s scent—sweet and delicate, like honey and
milk—lingered in the air, mixing with the cool steadiness of Jungwon’s own scent.
Jungwon’s jaw tightened at how natural it felt to sit there, how instinctive it was to stay close.

The nurse checked Sunoo’s pulse one last time, her fingers brushing the thin line of his wrist.
She glanced at the monitor beside the bed, noting the steady rhythm. “His levels are
stabilizing.”

Jungwon’s gaze remained locked on Sunoo’s face. “So… this is because of my scent?”

“Yes,” the nurse confirmed. “and also the meds ,It’s a natural response.”

Jungwon’s brow furrowed. His hand curled around Sunoo’s wrist protectively. He couldn’t
explain why he felt so defensive about it—why the idea of anyone else being close to Sunoo
made his chest tighten uncomfortably.

The nurse’s expression softened. “You can stay here for a while. It’s helping him. A soldier
will be right outside the door”

Jungwon nodded, his grip on Sunoo’s wrist tightening slightly before he adjusted the blanket
over Sunoo’s chest. Sunoo stirred faintly beneath his hand, a soft sound escaping his throat.

Jungwon leaned down slightly, his voice barely above a whisper. “ I'm here, hyungi okay?”

Sunoo’s brows relaxed as his breathing evened out further.

A knock at the door pulled Jungwon’s attention away. He straightened as the nurse opened
the door, revealing Heeseung standing in the hallway. His gaze sharpened immediately when
he saw Jungwon sitting at Sunoo’s side.

“What’s wrong?” Heeseung’s voice was low, tense. His eyes flicked from the monitors to
Sunoo’s pale face.

“He was in pain,” Jungwon said quietly. “They gave him something for it.”

Heeseung’s jaw tightened as he wanted to stepped further into the room, but he was stopped
when the soldier hold his hand not letting him go inside.His eyes narrowed toward the nurse.
“What kind of pain?”

“Abdominal and head pain,” the nurse replied calmly. “It’s subsiding now.”

Heeseung’s gaze darkened. He wanted to move toward the bed without hesitation, settling on
Sunoo’s other side. His hand brushing Sunoo’s hair to calm him .

“You didn’t tell us he was hurting this badly,” Heeseung said, his voice cold.

The nurse’s gaze remained level. “He didn’t report the severity until it escalated. We
responded as soon as we could.”
He felt like they were lying but he couldn't say anything.
Jungwon could feel the weight in Heeseung’s voice—the quiet, dangerous edge beneath his
tone.
“I’m fine,” Sunoo’s voice was barely audible, his eyelids fluttering open. His eyes were
heavy, hazy from the pain medication.

“You’re not,” Heeseung said quietly.

Sunoo’s cheeks warmed faintly beneath the weight of their attention. Heeseung’s gaze
lingered on him for a moment longer before shifting toward Jungwon.

“Why were you the one called?” Heeseung’s voice was quiet, but the weight behind it was
unmistakable.

The nurse spoke up. “Jungwon’s scent was the most compatible with Sunoo’s readings. His
presence helped stabilize Sunoo’s system.”

Heeseung’s gaze sharpened at that. His jaw flexed, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Compatible?
When are you guys going to explain what's really happening to us?!”

Jungwon’s hand tightened on Sunoo’s wrist. His lips pressed into a thin line. Heeseung’s eyes
darkened, his gaze cutting toward Jungwon with something tense beneath it.

“I see.” Heeseung’s hand lifted from Sunoo’s hair, his expression unreadable. “So they’re
treating him like… what? A test subject?”

The nurse’s gaze sharpened. “We’re working with the data we have. His condition is still
unstable.”

“Don’t talk about him like he’s some lab experiment,” Heeseung’s voice dropped.

Jungwon’s gaze flicked toward Heeseung. He could feel the tension in the air sharpening
between them, the quiet hum of dominance curling at the edges of their words. But the
soldier behind him makes him worried that if Heeseung continued something would happen.

Sunoo’s fingers twitched beneath Jungwon’s grip. He opened his eyes halfway, his gaze
finding Heeseung’s face first. “Hyung… it’s okay.”

“It’s not.” Heeseung’s tone was quiet but unyielding. “They don't tell us what's happening,
they know and they don't tell us they keep us here testing on use without telling us"

Jungwon’s hand curled over Sunoo’s. His gaze remained steady as Heeseung’s eyes met his.

“If it’s helping him,” Jungwon said evenly, “then it’s fine. For now hyung stay calm”

Heeseung’s gaze flicked toward Jungwon, lingering there. Something dangerous passed
between them—finally realising what Jungwon was saying, he was warning him about the
soldier .

Sunoo’s eyelids fluttered, his cheeks flushing slightly beneath the weight of their combined
attention.
" You will be here Jungwon?,” Heeseung said finally. His eyes softened as they drifted back
toward Sunoo’s face. His hand brushed lightly over Sunoo’s knuckles before pulling away.

“I’m staying,” Jungwon said.

“Fine,” Heeseung said quietly. “But if anything happens, you tell me immediately.”

Jungwon’s expression didn’t change. “I will.”

Heeseung’s gaze lingered on Sunoo for a second longer before he finally stepped out of the
room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Jungwon’s gaze softened as he turned back toward Sunoo. His thumb traced over Sunoo’s
wrist once more.

“are you feeling better?”

Sunoo’s lashes fluttered. His breathing slowed beneath Jungwon’s quiet touch. “Yeah,” he
murmured.

Jungwon smiled faintly. His hand stayed where it was, steady and grounding.
Sunoo hesitated, then whispered, “Can you… lie down with me?”

Jungwon’s brows lifted slightly, surprise flickering across his face before it melted into
something warm. He stood without hesitation, quietly pulling back the blanket and sliding in
beside Sunoo.

The mattress dipped beneath his weight, and Sunoo instinctively shifted closer, his head
resting near Jungwon’s shoulder. Jungwon’s arm curled protectively around his waist, his
hand resting lightly on Sunoo’s arm.

Sunoo’s eyes drifted shut, his breath steadying as the warmth from Jungwon’s body seeped
into him.

“…Better?” Jungwon murmured, his voice low and careful.

Sunoo’s lips curled faintly. “Yeah.”

Jungwon’s thumb brushed absently along his back, soothing and grounding. The steady
rhythm of Jungwon’s breathing mixed with the rainy scent slowly pulled sunoo into a haze.

As Sunoo’s body finally started to relax, sleep creeping in at the edges of his mind, the pain
was gone.
He didn’t know why it made him feel so safe—but in that moment, it didn’t matter.

For the first time since the tests began, Sunoo felt like the tension beneath his skin was
starting to lift. And even though he wasn’t sure why—he wasn’t sure what it meant—it was
easier to breathe with Jungwon beside him.
_____________

It was the fourth day at the medical center.

After the intense episode with Sunoo’s pain and Jungwon’s quiet but steady presence calming
him, the days that followed had settled into something quieter—almost routine. The initial
tension that had clung to the air since their arrival had softened, though the underlying
uncertainty remained, a quiet hum beneath the surface.

Sunoo had woken that morning feeling groggy but not in pain, which was already an
improvement. The lingering ache in his muscles had faded, leaving only a faint heaviness
behind. His body still felt sensitive, but the sharp discomfort from before had dulled.

The tests had grown less frequent as well. After the first two days of invasive blood draws,
physical examinations, and sensory tests, the medical staff had pulled back. Now, it was
mostly quiet check-ups—routine questions about how they were feeling, monitoring their
vitals, and adjusting whatever medications they had been given.

Sunoo sat up slowly in his bed, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as soft sunlight filtered in
through the thin curtains. Across the room, a tray of breakfast sat untouched on the side table.
He wasn’t hungry yet. His stomach still felt delicate, and even the idea of eating made him
hesitate.

A knock at the door drew his attention. The nurse from the night before peeked in, her smile
soft. “Good morning, Sunoo shi. How are you feeling today?”

“…Better,” Sunoo said quietly, voice still rough from sleep.

“That’s good to hear,” she replied, walking over to check the monitor beside his bed. “No
tests today, so you can rest”

Sunoo nodded, watching her quietly as she adjusted the IV line before slipping back toward
the door.

He leaned back against the headboard, exhaling slowly. His mind drifted back to the previous
days—Jungwon’s steady hand on his arm, the warmth of his body beside him as Sunoo fell
asleep. He could still remember the sound of Jungwon’s heartbeat, steady and grounding.

And the others had been calmer too. Heeseung had sat with him the day after, not saying
much but keeping close, the quiet weight of his hand resting on Sunoo’s knee as they sat
together in the common area. Jake and Jay had tried to lighten the mood with quiet jokes, and
Ni-ki had fallen asleep on the couch beside him at one point, his arm draped loosely over
Sunoo’s shoulders his head resting on his shoulder.

They were adjusting—slowly—but Sunoo could feel the shift between them. A quiet
understanding forming beneath the surface. Even if they didn’t have all the answers yet, even
if the tests weren’t over… they weren’t alone.
 Sunoo sat on the edge of his hospital bed, his legs swinging idly over the side as the early
morning light filtered weakly through the frosted windows.
He ran his hands through his hair, sighing softly.

A sharp knock at the door broke his thoughts. Heeseung appeared first behind him it was
Jungwon, peeking his head inside. “They’re letting us go,” he said, his voice even. “We’re
going home.”

Sunoo’s head lifted sharply. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Heeseung stepped fully into the room, crossing toward him. “They just told us. The
results were sent to the company already, but…” He trailed off. “We can go home.” he said
with a smile.

Three days of tests, questions, and uncomfortable glances. Three days of feeling like a
specimen under glass it felt like it was finally over .

Chapter End Notes

Ok the next chapter is up yup yup. How do you feel about this Chapter? Which part is
your favourite?
The pacing is good? Not "boring as fuck" ha ? 😂
Make sure after reading to leave a comment. Thank you for all your love.

More comments= more updates 🤭❤️❤️

Edit: I'll be a busy in the next three months but I'll try to keep the update as usual.
 Chapter 12
Chapter Notes
See the end of the chapter for notes
The drive back to the dorm was unusually quiet. It wasn’t just exhaustion—though they were
all drained—it was the weight of everything that had happened in the past few days. The
medical center, the tests, Sunoo’s pain, the unspoken changes between them… all of it
lingered in the silence, thick and unshakable.

Sunoo sat between Jungwon and Sunghoon, his body slightly curled in on itself as he stared
out the window. The city lights blurred past, familiar yet distant, as if the world had moved
on while they were trapped inside that sterile building.

But inside the car, it wasn’t just the memories that felt overwhelming—it was the air itself.
The space was thick with their scents, clinging to everything, pressing against Sunoo’s skin.
Some of them still hadn’t completely figured out how to regulate their own pheromones, and
the mix of it all—alpha pheromones, agitation, exhaustion—was suffocating.

Heeseung, sitting in the front passenger seat, must have felt it too. With a quiet sigh, he
reached for the window control, cracking open the glass just enough to let in the crisp night
air. The difference was instant. A cool breeze swept through the van, thinning the dense
mixture of their scents, allowing everyone to breathe a little easier.

Sunoo let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding. The tension in his shoulders eased
slightly, but fatigue still weighed down his limbs.

Jungwon, beside him, noticed the shift and nudged him gently. “You okay?”

Sunoo blinked slowly before turning to him, managing a small, tired smile. “hm.”

Jungwon also hummed in understanding, not pushing for more. His presence was steady,
calm—something Sunoo had always found grounding, even before everything changed.
Without thinking, Sunoo leaned his head against Jungwon’s shoulder, eyes fluttering shut as
the rhythmic hum of the car lulled him into something close to peace.

Jungwon stiffened slightly at first, as if surprised, but then he relaxed, adjusting his posture
so Sunoo could rest more comfortably. He didn’t say anything, just let him be.

On Sunoo’s other side, Sunghoon shifted, glancing down at him from the corner of his eye.
He didn’t say a word either, but his arm, which had been resting on his lap, subtly moved
closer—hovering, protective, but not quite touching.

The wind from the open window played with Sunoo’s hair, and for the first time in days, he
let himself fully exhale.

The steady hum of the car and the cool breeze from the cracked window made the
atmosphere more bearable, but exhaustion still clung to all of them. Sunoo remained still
against Jungwon’s shoulder, his body heavy with fatigue, but the warmth between them was
grounding in a way he hadn’t expected.
For a while, neither of them moved, just breathing in the fresh air and letting the tension from
the past few days settle. Then, without a word, Jungwon shifted slightly and let his own head
rest gently against Sunoo’s. His weight was solid, a quiet reassurance.

Sunoo had always thought of Jungwon as strong—not just physically, though he was. Despite
being one of the youngest, he carried himself with a quiet resilience, often taking on burdens
he didn’t need to. But in this moment, leaning against him, Sunoo realized Jungwon was just
as exhausted as the rest of them.

Instinctively, Sunoo’s fingers twitched before reaching out, slipping his hand into Jungwon’s.
It wasn’t dramatic or even deliberate—just a natural response, a silent comfort. Their fingers
curled together, and Jungwon didn’t pull away.

Instead, he let out a slow, steady exhale, his grip tightening just slightly, like he needed the
reassurance just as much.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. The world outside the car felt distant, still.

The rhythmic motion of the van, the soft murmurs of the other members, and the night breeze
filtering in through the window all blurred into a quiet haze. Sunoo focused on the warmth of
Jungwon’s hand in his, the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

Jungwon didn’t say anything, but his grip stayed firm, as if anchoring himself just as much as
he was anchoring Sunoo.

Sunghoon, sitting on Sunoo’s other side, had been silent the entire ride, his gaze fixed on the
city lights streaking past. Normally, Sunghoon was reserved, but tonight, his silence felt
heavier. He wasn’t just lost in thought— but just staying silent .

A quiet sigh left Sunghoon’s lips, and Sunoo turned his head slightly to glance at him. The
older’s jaw was tight, his fingers curled into his lap. Sunoo knew they were all struggling to
adjust, but Sunghoon seemed especially tense.

The moment stretched on, the car rolling steadily through the streets until the familiar sight of
their dorm building came into view. A subtle shift in the air passed between them, a silent
understanding that once they stepped inside, they’d have to face everything waiting for them
—the company, the world, the unknown future of their group.

As the van pulled to a stop, Jungwon finally lifted his head from where it rested against
Sunoo’s, giving his hand a light squeeze before letting go. “We’re home,” he murmured,
voice laced with exhaustion.

Sunoo nodded, but he didn’t move right away. Home. It should’ve felt like a relief, but
instead, it only made his chest feel tighter.

The van rolled to a slow stop in front of their dorm, the soft hum of the engine cutting off,
leaving only the quiet rustling of their movements as they prepared to get out. No one spoke,
but there was an unspoken understanding between them—something had shifted, and
stepping back into their dorm felt heavier than before.
Sunoo was the last to move, hesitating for just a second before Jungwon gave his hand
another reassuring squeeze. He turned to find Jungwon’s eyes steady on him, a silent promise
that he wasn’t alone. Sunoo nodded slightly, letting out a quiet breath before finally stepping
out of the van.

The night air was crisp against their skin as they made their way to the entrance. The dorm
building, usually a comforting sight, felt almost foreign after the sterile walls of the medical
center. As they reached the door, Heeseung was the first to step inside, flipping on the lights.
The familiar space—couches, shoes scattered by the entrance, the faint scent of home—
washed over them all at once.

“We’re back,” Jay murmured, his voice quiet but carrying a weight none of them could
ignore.

Sunoo stepped in slowly, his fingers brushing the fabric of the couch as he walked past,
almost as if grounding himself. The space was the same, but everything felt different. After
what happened everything was different.

As he stood there, looking around, he felt a lump form in his throat. It was overwhelming—
not just being back, but the realization of everything they had been through. The days in the
medical center, the tests, the fear, the pain—none of it had been a dream. And now they were
back in the place where things had once been normal, but normal didn’t exist anymore.

Ni-ki let out a deep sigh before dropping onto the couch, running a hand through his hair.
“Feels weird,” he admitted.

“Yeah,” Jake agreed softly, standing near the kitchen counter. “Like we should be relieved,
but…”

“We’re not,” Sunghoon finished for him, his voice unusually quiet.
They were all scared of the results that were kept hidden from them, something so private and
vulnerable to them but they weren't the first ones to know about it.
No one knew what to say. The weight of everything hung in the air, pressing against them.

Sunoo’s gaze flickered toward their shared rooms, a sudden wave of exhaustion crashing over
him. He wanted to cry, to hide, to pretend just for a little while that things were okay. But
instead, he swallowed down the lump in his throat and turned back to the others. His
emotions too overwhelming.

“I think I’m gonna shower,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jungwon nodded, watching him closely. “Get some rest after, okay?”

Sunoo gave him a small smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes, before turning toward his
room. As he walked away, he heard the others settling in, their voices softer than usual, their
movements slower.

They were home—but none of them knew what that meant anymore.
____
Sunoo stepped out of the bathroom, the warmth of the shower still clinging to his skin as he
rubbed the towel against his damp hair. His body felt lighter, but his mind was anything but.
He exhaled softly, letting the towel drape around his neck as he walked over to his closet.the
steam curling around him as he exhaled deeply. The shower had washed away the exhaustion
clinging to his body, leaving him feeling refreshed for the first time in days

The nurse’s words echoed in his head.

"Your skin seems more sensitive now—especially to synthetic fabrics. It’s best to stick to soft
cotton or natural fibers for comfort."

It wasn’t something he had ever had to think about before, but after days of wearing the
hospital’s clothes and feeling discomfort in his clothes before that he couldn’t explain, he
knew better than to ignore it.

His fingers ghosted over the different fabrics in his wardrobe before settling on a loose white
cotton T-shirt. It was soft and familiar, hanging comfortably against his frame. He paired it
with black shorts that reached his knees, simple and unrestrictive.
The fit… it was just a little different. Not by much, but if he paid enough attention, his
clothes were looser than before. His black shorts, reaching just past his knees, felt less snug
around his waist. His slim, pale hands—almost porcelain under the warm lighting—stood out
even more against the dark fabric.
As he moved toward the mirror, he hesitated for a moment. It was the first time in days he
had a moment alone, a moment to really see himself.

The reflection staring back at him felt almost unfamiliar. His usually bright yes were
glistening even more despite the exhaustion visible in it.They shined more than before, the
light catching them in a way that made them seem almost too bright, too clear
, his skin paler than usual, prone to dryness from long days without his skin care and lack of
rest, looked smoother, untouched by stress. His black hair, still damp, stuck to his forehead in
messy strands but unusually softer. There was something different—something he couldn’t
quite name.
He tilted his head slightly, running his fingers along his arm, over his collarbone.

Everything about him looked the same… yet different.

Slowly, he lifted a hand, brushing his fingers over his collarbone, down to where his a lively
buzz had been resting on his neck for the past several days, the spot sensitive to touch. He
swallowed. Everything that had happened, all the changes, all the tension—it had settled into
his body in ways he couldn’t fully grasp yet.

For a brief second, he thought about how the others had seemed different too, they felt and
look different. The way they looked at him, the way they lingered close, how Jungwon had
held his hand in the van like he couldn’t let go.

Shaking the thought away, he ran the towel through his hair one last time before tossing it
aside. He needed to sleep. To clear his mind..well maybe after grabbing something to eat.
_____

Sunoo padded into the kitchen, the soft sound of his footsteps barely audible against the quiet
hum of the dorm. The towel still hung loosely around his neck, soaking up the last remnants
of water from his damp hair. His face still held the flush of warmth from the shower, his skin
dewy under the dim kitchen lights.

He opened the fridge, scanning the shelves for something light to eat. His appetite hadn’t
fully returned, but his body craved something—anything—to ground him after the past few
days. Settling on a small bowl of leftover rice and some fruit, he set it on the counter and
reached for a spoon.

Before he could take a bite, a familiar presence appeared behind him.

Ni-ki.

Without a word, the younger boy wrapped his arms around Sunoo from behind, his tall frame
easily maneuvering around him. Sunoo let out a small noise of surprise as he felt Ni-ki’s chin
rest against his shoulder, his hold firm but not overwhelming.

“Ni-ki,” Sunoo sighed, stilling under the sudden embrace.

Ni-ki didn’t say anything at first. He just held him, his arms securing Sunoo in place, his
body pressing close. His warmth seeped through Sunoo’s loose cotton shirt, and Sunoo could
feel the slow, steady rise and fall of his breathing.

“You smell clean,” Ni-ki finally murmured, his voice muffled against Sunoo’s shoulder.

Sunoo blinked, caught off guard by the comment. “I just took a shower…”

“I know.” Ni-ki tightened his hold for a second before loosening it slightly, swaying them just
a little.

Sunoo sighed, his initial surprise softening into something more familiar. He reached up,
patting one of Ni-ki’s arms wrapped around his waist. “We were literally together all day.”

Ni-ki just hummed, unconvinced, his body still latched onto Sunoo’s smaller frame

Sunoo sighed softly but didn’t move away. Even though Ni-ki hadn’t been as openly
affectionate for the past few years, something about the way he was clinging to him now told
Sunoo that he needed this. Ni-ki’s mood was off—he could feel it in the way the younger
boy's hold lingered, in the way he seemed to press closer, as if looking for something
unspoken. Reminding him of the new debuted ni-ki who clung to him whenever he felt sad.

Sunoo let his hand rest on Ni-ki’s arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. “What’s wrong?” he asked,
voice quiet.
Ni-ki didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he let out a long sigh against Sunoo’s shoulder, his
grip tightening for just a second before loosening again just a bit. “I had a fight with
Heeseung-hyung.”

Sunoo frowned, tilting his head slightly to glance at him. “When?”

“Before we left the medical center.” Ni-ki shifted, finally pulling back just enough so Sunoo
could turn and face him properly. His arms still loosely hung around Sunoo’s waist, but the
weight of them felt less desperate now.

Sunoo studied his face. Ni-ki’s usual playful glint was missing, replaced with something
heavier. A subtle pout on his face “What happened?”

Ni-ki looked away, his lips pressing into a thin line before he exhaled sharply. “He said I
shouldn’t have gotten involved in that fight,” he muttered, frustration clear in his voice. “That
it wasn’t my place to step in.”

Sunoo’s brows furrowed. “The one with that man in the medical centre?”

Ni-ki nodded, jaw tightening. “Yeah. I told him that if I hadn’t stepped in, no one else would
have. What was I supposed to do? Just stand there and watch?” His voice rose slightly, the
irritation bubbling up again. “He acted like I was reckless, but what if it had been one of us?
What if it had been you?”

Sunoo’s heart clenched at the sincerity in his voice. Ni-ki rarely let his emotions show like
this—he masked things behind teasing and bravado. Acting all grown up, But right now, he
wasn’t hiding anything.

He reached up and flicked Ni-ki’s forehead lightly. “Ow—what was that for?” Ni-ki
grumbled, rubbing the spot.

“For stressing yourself out over this.” Sunoo sighed, shaking his head. “You did what you
thought was right. That’s not a bad thing.”

Ni-ki looked at him, searching his expression. “Then why does it feel like I messed up?”

Sunoo hesitated, then gave a small smile. “Because you care about Heeseung hyung and
Heeseung-hyung cares in his own annoying way. He probably just doesn’t want you getting
hurt.”

Ni-ki scoffed. “He has a shitty way of showing it.”

Sunoo chuckled softly. “Yeah, he does.”

For a moment, they stood there in comfortable silence, Ni-ki’s hands still resting on Sunoo’s
waist. Eventually, Ni-ki sighed again, this time softer. “Thanks, hyung.”

Sunoo tilted his head. “For what?”

Ni-ki shrugged. “For letting me sulk on you.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes but smiled. “Anytime.”

Sunoo gave Ni-ki a knowing look, a small smirk playing on his lips. “ but I know why you’re
telling me all this.”

Ni-ki blinked. “What?”

Sunoo turned in his hold, crossing his arms. “You want my help apologizing to Heeseung-
hyung, don’t you?”

Ni-ki hesitated for a second before scoffing, turning his head to the side. “No, I don’t.”

Sunoo just raised an eyebrow.

Ni-ki clicked his tongue, shifting on his feet. “Okay, maybe a little,” he muttered. “But it’s
not like I did anything wrong! He just—”

Sunoo placed a hand up in the air, stopping him mid-complaint. “Heeseung-hyung isn’t mad
at you,” he said gently.

Ni-ki paused, looking down at him. “You sure?”

Sunoo nodded. “I know him. He just worries in his own way, and sometimes that makes him
say things that come out harsher than he means.”

Ni-ki sighed, dropping his arms from around Sunoo slightly but not completely moving away.
“Still doesn’t make it less annoying.”

Sunoo chuckled. “True, but if you really want to fix things, just talk to him. You know he
won’t hold a grudge.”

Ni-ki groaned, running a hand through his hair. “Fine. But if he gives me a lecture, I’m
blaming you.”

Sunoo laughed, patting his arm. “Deal.”

“ also can you let me go ,You’ve been clinging to me a lot ,” he pointed out, his tone
hovering between scolding and amusement. “What’s gotten into you?”

Ni-ki didn’t immediately answer, just resting his chin lightly on Sunoo’s shoulder again. His
arms had loosened, but he still kept Sunoo close. “I don’t know,” he mumbled. “It just…
makes me feel calmer when I’m close to you.”

Sunoo blinked, caught off guard by the admission. He wasn’t sure if it was the sincerity in
Ni-ki’s voice or the way the younger refused to meet his eyes, but something about it made
his heart squeeze a little.

“That’s… weird,” Sunoo said, but there was no bite in his words.
Ni-ki scoffed, pulling back slightly to look at him. “Is it?” He tilted his head. “You don’t feel
it too?”

Sunoo opened his mouth to argue, but then he hesitated. Now that Ni-ki mentioned it, there
was something comforting about being close to the others lately. Whether it was Jungwon’s
presence earlier, or now with Ni-ki—something about their proximity felt grounding in a way
he couldn’t explain.

Still, he huffed, not wanting to admit it so easily. “ I do, but it doesn’t mean you get to just
hold onto me whenever you feel like it.”

Ni-ki grinned, his usual playful nature slipping back in. “I don’t have to, but I want to.”

Sunoo groaned, pushing his face away lightly. “You’re unbelievable.”

Ni-ki only laughed, letting Sunoo go—for now.

After finally escaping Ni-ki’s hold and finishing his snack, Sunoo sighed and ruffled his
damp hair before heading toward Heeseung’s room pulling ni-ki with him. He knew Ni-ki
well enough to understand that the younger was still hesitant about apologizing directly, so it
was up to him to smooth things over first.

He knocked lightly on the door before pushing it open. Heeseung was sitting on his bed,
scrolling through his phone with a neutral expression. At the sight of Sunoo, he put his phone
down, raising an eyebrow. “What’s up?”

Sunoo stepped in, leaning against the doorframe. “Are you still mad at Ni-ki?”

Heeseung exhaled through his nose, shaking his head. “I was never really mad. Just
frustrated.”

“ok then..” Sunoo said with a knowing smile, opening the door wider.

Ni-ki hesitantly stepped inside, his usual confidence dimmed by the situation. His shoulders
were tense, and his lips pressed into a thin line as he met Heeseung’s gaze for a brief second
before looking away.

Heeseung’s face changed immediately, his guarded expression softening just a bit. He had
spent years watching Ni-ki grow up, and despite their arguments, he could never stay upset
for long.

Ni-ki sighed, shifting his weight uncomfortably. “I shouldn’t have said what I did earlier. I
wasn’t thinking.”

Heeseung tilted his head slightly, his eyes searching Ni-ki’s face. “You meant it, though.”

Ni-ki huffed, crossing his arms. “Maybe, but that doesn’t mean I should’ve said it like that. I
get why you were mad.” He hesitated before adding, “I just… didn’t like feeling useless.”
A brief silence stretched between them before Heeseung finally sighed, rubbing the back of
his neck. “I get it. I know you were just trying to help.”

Ni-ki’s lips twitched slightly, and Sunoo could tell he was relieved.

Heeseung let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. “You’re still a brat, though.”

Ni-ki scoffed, but there was no real bite in it. “And you’re still annoying.”

Sunoo rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help the small smile forming on his lips. “Okay, so
you’re both idiots. Apology accepted?”

Heeseung smirked, finally reaching out to ruffle Ni-ki’s hair roughly. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t
pick fights you can’t handle, alright?”

Ni-ki groaned, swatting his hand away. “You’re the worst.”

Sunoo sighed dramatically. “You *both* are.”

But as he looked between them, he felt a little lighter. Maybe things weren’t completely back
to normal, but this was enough—for now.
.

___________

The CEO sat in the sleek, modern conference room, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the
edge of the glass table. The room was dim, the only light coming from the large screens on
the walls, which displayed detailed data from the recent tests. He leaned forward, his sharp
eyes scanning the rows of charts and graphs that filled the digital interface. Behind him, a
team of researchers and specialists waited, each of them ready to provide analysis on the data
that would guide their next steps.

"This," the CEO began, his voice calm but precise, "is not just about the idols. This is about
the future of the entertainment industry. The global stage is changing, and we need to position
ourselves accordingly to control the outcome."

He glanced at the screen again, focusing on the records of the subgenders—alpha, beta,
omega— a new subgenders assigned to the idols, trainees and the workers. The tests, which
had been conducted in secrecy over the past few days, had uncovered something far more
complicated than anyone had anticipated. The public reaction had been swift, and mostly
negative, especially toward omegas not only the public but the changes were more diverse in
omegas. The growing anxiety about the so-called "subgender" crisis was palpable, and the
company had to be prepared for the storm that was brewing.

"As we know," one of the media team assistant continued, "the increase in volatile emotions,
especially among the omegas, has been evident. They’re experiencing heightened
sensitivities, and some of them are already displaying aggressive behavior, particularly in
proximity to alphas or cause aggression from alphas. The pheromone responses seem to be
stronger than initially projected. We’re still working on understanding the full scope of these
effects, but one thing is clear: omegas are at the center of this disruption."

A researcher nodded, ready to add to the conversation. "Yes, sir. The data we’ve gathered
suggests that the changes are not just hormonal or psychological—they're biological. The
omegas' health is deteriorating faster than expected they have shown distressed behavioural
and weakened health. We’ve seen heightened physical reactions, especially when exposed to
triggers like scents, and the stress is causing a significant increase in their physical
discomfort."

The CEO’s gaze darkened, but his voice remained steady. "And what about the alphas?"

The researcher hesitated for a moment before replying, “The alphas are experiencing
aggression—more intense than normal—especially when exposed to omega pheromones. But
their physical and mental capacity has grown better This isn't just about attraction or
protective instincts; it's more primal. It's as if their bodies are trying to adapt to something
they can’t control, which has led to uncharacteristic behavior. Some have become more
possessive, more territorial. They show more of a aggressive behaviour toward omegas most
of the times acting on biting but they don't show that aggression towards the other
subgenders”

The CEO nodded, absorbing the information. He looked over the files once more, focusing
on the details of the idols' subgenders. Sunghoon, dk, sakura, Jungwon, Sunoo, Soobin . All
the names of his artists were there, alongside their test results. All hidden in the their
personalised folder.

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled in front of him. “What does this mean for the
public image of these idols? We can’t afford another scandal, especially not with their fans. If
they can't control these new instincts—these volatile pheromone responses—we could lose
everything.”

The head of public relations spoke up, her voice measured but laced with urgency. "The
public is already on edge. They're seeing the subgenders as a potential threat. Omegas are
being blamed for causing the aggression in the alphas, and there are growing concerns about
their ability to perform in the public eye. The negative commentary is increasing, especially
on social media. Especially it's discussed more internationally as more results has been told
to the public"

The CEO frowned but didn’t say anything right away. He wanted to think through their next
steps carefully. The problem wasn’t just the idols' subgenders—it was the perception of them.
People were scared of what they didn’t understand, and the company was standing on the
edge of a very delicate situation. They feared the changes, and they feared the what that has
changed the most.

"Then what’s our solution?" the CEO asked after a long pause. "How do we protect these
idols from the public backlash and the strain of their changing biology?"
One of the researchers spoke up again, his voice more tentative. “We’ve been studying
potential treatments for the biological symptoms. But there’s still a lot we don’t know. ”

The CEO rubbed his temples. The situation was getting worse, not better. The solution wasn’t
as simple as a pill or an injection. The world was changing, and he couldn’t afford to have his
artists become casualties of it.

"We need to keep this in-house for now," he said, his tone cold and businesslike. "The last
thing we need is for the media to get hold of this data. If the public knows how unstable the
situation is, it will only escalate. We need to manage this crisis strategically. Monitor their
conditions, but most importantly, we need to make sure the public doesn’t know just how bad
it is. We’ll start by controlling the narrative. We first will inform the idols and decide what
we will do"

The team exchanged looks, understanding the weight of the CEO’s words. It wasn’t just
about the idols anymore—it was about controlling the future of the company itself. The
subgender crisis was upon them, and they were already playing damage control. It was clear
now more than ever: survival in this new world would take everything they had—and then
some.

The CEO leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he absorbed the new information. He wasn’t
just concerned about how the idols were physically or emotionally coping with their
subgenders—he was concerned about how their roles in the industry would evolve. The
entertainment world was driven by public perception, and if their subgenders created a
disconnect with the audience or affected the idols' performance in any way, it could have
disastrous consequences.

“What about their ability to perform in the industry?” the CEO asked, his voice deliberate.
“How are the subgenders functioning in terms of their actual work? We need to know how
this will affect their performances, their group dynamics. If they can't perform together as a
cohesive unit, it’s not just the public image we’re concerned about—it’s the very foundation
of their careers.”

A researcher spoke up, adjusting his glasses as he flipped through a few pages on his tablet.
“Well, as it stands, alphas and omegas together in a dynamic are presenting challenges. The
alphas seem to struggle with control when in close proximity to the omegas, especially
during high-stress environments. The pheromone reactions are hard to manage, and in certain
situations, we’ve seen alpha members becoming more aggressive without intending to. The
aggression is sometimes subtle, but sometimes led to physical injuries”

Another specialist nodded in agreement. “That’s right. Omegas, in particular, are more prone
to emotional instability when they’re too close to the alphas for extended periods. They’re
physically weaker, and their heightened senses lead to overwhelming discomfort when the
pheromone exchange becomes intense. There’s also the issue of emotional dependence—the
omegas tend to lean on alphas more for support, which can lead to tension or conflicts in the
group.”

The CEO raised an eyebrow, processing the information. “So, omegas and alphas... not ideal
together for sustained performances. What about omegas with betas or alphas with betas?”
The researcher’s eyes lit up as he continued. “Interestingly, beta seem to offer a more
balanced dynamic. Omegas perform better with betas in the , and there’s less of the tension
we see with the alphas. Betas tend to neutralize the pheromone effects, creating a more stable
environment for everyone. They are also more attuned to the emotional shifts of both omegas
and alphas, allowing them to adapt more easily to the changing dynamics. So, beta and
omega combos are, in a sense, easier to manage.”

The CEO nodded thoughtfully, his fingers tapping on the table. “And what about a mix of all
three? I mean, for groups with alphas, betas, and omegas together. How does that balance
out?”

The researcher paused, looking over his notes before responding, “In theory, the dynamic
should be balanced, as long as the roles are clearly defined. If there are clear alpha-beta-
omega separations, the group can maintain harmony. The alphas would maintain their
leadership roles, with the betas serving as emotional mediators and stabilizers. The omegas
would require extra care, but the emotional and physical shifts could be managed more
effectively with the right support system.”

The CEO let out a small sigh of relief. "So, it's the mix we need to focus on—ensuring that
the groups are composed in a way that minimizes friction for the future groups. But... what
does this mean for the groups that already have an omega in them? And for the individual
idols who might be struggling with these shifts?"

The head of public relations, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "It means we’ll need to
adjust the group compositions carefully moving forward. We may have to reconsider group
lineups or even give omegas in certain groups more space from the alphas. It’s a delicate
balancing act, and we need to be very strategic about it. The omegas’ physical health is
already fragile, and their emotional states can fluctuate without warning. If it can't be helped
we might consider other ways"

The CEO sat back, the weight of their situation heavy on his shoulders. He understood that
the public would demand to know what was happening behind closed doors, but the more
immediate concern was the way this would affect their day-to-day operations. “We’ll have to
approach this carefully. If we keep the groups as they are, we might risk further instability. "

As the meeting came to a close, the CEO gave the team one final directive. “Focus on finding
ways to mitigate the effects of pheromone-induced aggression, especially between alphas and
omegas. Tell the researcher we will work with them on the medicines, Work with the idols
individually—if any of them need help, we’ll make sure they get it. And above all else,
control the narrative. We will try to help them until everything is safe for us as well. We can't
let this public anxiety about subgenders derail everything we’ve worked for.”

The room fell silent as everyone nodded in agreement, the weight of their tasks clear. The
future of the company—and the idols—was in their hands, and the decisions they made in the
coming days would set the course for everything that came next.
The CEO sifted through the pile of paper profiles in front of him, each file containing
detailed information about the idols and trainees under the company’s banner. He had never
felt such a weight on his shoulders. The fate of these young artists, teens, their dreams, their
futures—it all depended on the decisions made in the coming days. And some of those
decisions would be harsh.

He flipped through several files, each containing glowing reviews, performance reports, and
personal details. Some were still young trainees, others had just begun to find their footing in
the industry. But as his gaze moved from one file to another, his eyes stopped on one in
particular. It was a profile of a trainee, barely 17 years old, with the words "Omega" in bold
letters. His condition was noted as weak, even before the subgenders had been revealed he
wasn't that outstanding.

The trainee’s health had always been fragile. His file contained multiple reports of frequent
illnesses, fatigue, and a general inability to keep up with the demanding training schedules.
His performances were often affected by his health, and despite the best efforts of the trainers
and medical staff, the physical strain of the training had proven too much.

The CEO sighed deeply, running a hand over his face. He didn’t need to look further. The
situation was clear. With the new subgender dynamics shifting the balance, there was no way
the company could afford to keep trainees with pre-existing vulnerabilities. Their health
could deteriorate further under the pressures of the industry, and with the added
complications of subgender-induced instability, it could cost them even more than their
public image.

He closed the file and picked up the next, another omega trainee. This one had been
struggling for months with emotional instability, often becoming withdrawn or anxious
during group training sessions. Though the company had invested a lot of time and resources
into helping them, the signs were clear now: they were no longer fit for the rigorous demands
of idol life.

"Send them the message," the CEO finally said, looking up at his assistant, who had been
quietly waiting for his direction. His voice was firm, with an edge of regret. "Tell them their
contracts are being terminated. They’re out of the company. We can’t afford to risk their
health, or the group’s stability. Make sure they understand it’s not personal—this is just the
reality of the situation from now on ."

His assistant nodded quickly, taking the files and moving to carry out the orders. As they left,
the CEO sat back in his chair, staring at the papers in front of him. The decision was
necessary. But it didn’t make it any easier. The industry was changing rapidly, and with it, the
way they operated. For some, this shift would mean an uncertain future.

He reached for a bottle of water, his mind still whirling with the details of their future
strategy. The omegas, the alphas, the betas—the world was in flux, and his company needed
to adapt faster than ever before. He could only hope that the sacrifices they were making now
would be enough to keep their artists safe, successful, and, above all, healthy in the new
world they were all learning to navigate.
The CEO leaned back in his chair, his hands clasped together as he stared at the ceiling. The
weight of his decisions still hung heavily in the air, but something else lingered—a sense of
uncertainty, an unresolved tension that gnawed at him. He exhaled slowly, his gaze drifting
toward the stack of profile records on his desk. They were the final profiles—the ones that
still had a question mark hovering over them.

His eyes landed on the folder labeled *ENHYPEN*.

He hesitated, not for the first time, before slowly reaching for it. The company had invested
so much in them. They were one of the most promising groups in the industry, their
popularity growing each day, but with the shift in the subgender dynamics, everything was
now under a new, uncharted light.

The CEO paused, holding the file in his hands but not opening it.

Sunoo’s file sat in his hands, the image of the young idol smiling back at him, a reminder of
the talent, the potential, and the difficulty of navigating this new world. He knew what would
have to be done—decisions that were necessary to protect the company, its assets, and its
future. But in the back of his mind, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of doubt. The
consequences were going to be greater than anyone could predict.

He opened the file, the familiar report in front of him, but as he glanced over Sunoo’s profile,
he felt a pang in his chest—a strange mixture of regret and understanding. Sunoo had always
been a fighter, never one to back down. But this... this was different. The world was
changing, and Sunoo was caught in the middle of it, along with the rest of ENHYPEN.

The CEO sighed, closing the file with a soft thud. He could only hope that, somehow,
everything would work itself out before things got worse.

__________

Two days had passed since their return to the dorm, and the atmosphere was still heavy.
Though life had resumed its usual pace with practice sessions, rehearsals, and the occasional
quiet moment, something felt off. The unspoken tension lingered like a weight on their
shoulders, especially as they waited for any update from the company. It was hard to focus on
anything else when the world outside seemed to be growing more critical by the day. The fuel
smells of their intense scents made them stay in their room for most of the time and leave the
windows open even in the cold winter.
They had nothing to do beside watching the news. Even going out was nerve wracking with
the amount of military cars controlling the streets.

As they gathered in the living room, Sunoo found himself staring at the TV again, the same
reporter from before taking center stage. The channel had been showing news stories about
the subgender changes around the world, and the latest update seemed even more troubling
than before.
The screen flickered, and the news anchor’s voice cut through the silence. “Good evening.
Our top story tonight continues to be the aftermath of the global phenomenon that has
affected millions of individuals across the globe. As the world grapples with the discovery of
subgenders—alphas, betas, and omegas—intense scrutiny has followed, especially for those
whose subgenders are now publicly known. And as more individuals undergo testing, we’re
seeing troubling patterns emerge.”

Sunoo’s stomach churned as the words sunk in. It felt like the news anchor was speaking
directly to him, even though he knew they were talking about the wider issue. The report
continued.

“On social media, many are voicing their concerns. While some individuals are grateful for
the chance to learn more about their newfound identities, others have expressed fears about
the behavior of alphas and omegas, in particular. These comments have led to a wave of
debate regarding what some have called the ‘unpredictable aggression’ observed in
subgenders, particularly when interaction is between omegas and alphas. Experts have yet to
confirm the exact causes, numerous reports suggest a heightened sense of territoriality and
irritation in both subgenders.”

*“It’s visible that omegas are the ones causing all this chaos. The world doesn’t need more
instability.”*

*“Alphas are already aggressive enough—imagine what will happen now that omegas can’t
even control their instincts and causes more problems.”*

*“I don't feel safe knowing that alphas can be walking around out of control. They shouldn’t
be allowed in public spaces until they figure out what’s going on.”*

Sunoo could feel his chest tightening with each new comment. His breathing was slow,
shaky, but he couldn’t look away. The anchor continued in a neutral tone, but the words felt
sharp, cutting into him like they were meant for him specifically.

“Concerns have been raised about the ongoing behavior of both subgenders,” the anchor
continued. “Reports from several countries indicate that omegas, particularly those who have
experienced sudden shifts in their hormones, have been demonstrating increased aggression
—especially towards alphas, who are often caught in the crossfire and become more
aggressive. Experts suggest that this could be related to the drastic changes in their hormonal
and behavioral patterns, but research is ongoing.”

“The question on everyone’s mind is how to prevent potential violence between subgenders,”
the anchor finished. “The government has not yet outlined specific measures, beside placing
the material law, but for now, officials continue to call for calm and understanding.
Meanwhile, social media backlash continues to grow.”

Sunoo felt the sting of each comment, his hands tightening around the edge of the couch as
the room fell silent. He didn’t even need to look around at the members to know that they
were all feeling the weight of it. It was impossible to ignore. The world was pointing fingers.
Heeseung, who had been silently processing the news, let out a sigh. “the media always twist
things to make a bigger story. But it doesn’t make it any easier to hear.”

Sunoo didn’t say anything. He didn’t know how to respond. The weight of the world seemed
to have shifted entirely onto his shoulders. It wasn’t just the fear of the unknown anymore—it
was the fear that the world would never see them the way they truly were. They were
becoming something to be feared, judged, and criticized, and Sunoo wasn’t sure how to
navigate this new reality.

As the news report continued, more comments from social media filled the screen, each one a
new sharp edge to the growing tension. The words were like daggers, each cutting into
Sunoo’s mind.

Some of the comments were from people talking about the desire to have a certain
subgender:

*“I’d rather be a beta at this point. At least they don’t have to deal with all these hormonal
changes or whatever. They say Nothing seems to really change for them.”*

*“I just hope if not a beta I’m an alpha. They’re stronger, right? They’re the ones who are
built to lead. Omegas seem like they’re already falling apart.”*

*“I can't even imagine being an omega. Everything’s changing, and it sounds like their health
is just getting worse. Weak bodies, fragile minds...”*

Sunoo could feel the sting of those words like an electric shock. Weak bodies. Fragile minds.
His fingers tightened into fists, but he didn’t know why. He couldn’t. The comments were too
loud, too clear, and it felt like they were being broadcasted for everyone to hear. He felt it he
also didn't want to be an omega

*“ don't you guys think They’re going to end up as a burden on society? mark my words.
Alphas would be the only ones allowed to lead.”*

*“Who even wants to be an omega? They change the most and become weaker? ”*

Heeseung was the first to speak after a long moment of silence, his voice low but sharp.
“This isn’t right How they are making eachother look bad. They’re just assuming things.”

Ni-ki clenched his fists. “It’s so frustrating"

As the news segment came to an end, the screen flickered, and the anchor’s voice softened.
“Experts are urging patience and understanding as we continue to navigate these changes.
The situation remains fluid, and more research is needed. But for now, the public response is
divided. Some express fear, while others express hope for those whose subgenders have yet
to be determined.”

Sunoo turned away from the TV, his heart heavy. Even as the news anchor reassured the
public, it felt hollow. He didn’t know what the future held, but the comments online—about
omegas being weak, unpredictable, and burdensome—stuck with him. They stung more than
he could ever have imagined. Everything would be fine until he wasn't an omega. Yeah

Sunoo sat there, the weight of the news report pressing on him like a heavy blanket. His chest
felt tight, and he struggled to take in a full breath. The silence in the room was deafening as
the members tried to distract themselves, but Sunoo couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that
lingered in his mind.

He stood up slowly, walking away from the couch, his feet moving automatically, though he
had no destination in mind. He walked to his room, after entering he went to the window, the
cool glass against his fingertips offering some small comfort as he stared out at the city
below. The world looked so normal from here, so unaffected if you ignored the amount of
less people on the streets. Yet, it felt like everything inside him had changed.

Even if they have changed it would be better if he is not an omega.

The thought snaked through his mind unbidden. He swallowed, trying to push it down, but it
wouldn’t leave. He didn’t want to be an omega. Not now. Not when everything about the
world seemed to be rejecting them. The fear in people’s voices, the disgust in them.

The more he thought about it, the more the fear crept in, spiraling into his thoughts. He didn’t
want to be the one causing problems. He didn’t want to be weak, to be someone others feared
or pitied. He didn’t want to be the person who brought chaos into their lives. He was scared.

this feeling of suffocation, the weight of uncertainty, the never-ending stream of fear and
judgment from the outside world. It felt like it was all building up inside him, pressing
against his chest, making it harder to breathe.

He heard footsteps behind him, and Jay’s voice cut through his thoughts, soft and cautious.
“Sunoo?”

Sunoo didn’t turn around, too afraid to face anyone. Instead, he stayed at the window, his
hands gripping the ledge tightly as if that might keep him grounded.

“I don’t want to change hyung” he whispered, the words leaving his mouth before he could
stop them. His voice trembled slightly. “Not like this. Not when everyone’s already so...
scared.”
Jay was silent for a moment. Then he stepped closer, gently placing a hand on Sunoo’s
shoulder. “I understand. But changing doesn’t make you less than anyone else. You’re still
you, Sunoo. You’re still strong. And whatever happens, we’re here. We’re all in this
together.”

Sunoo’s breath hitched at Jay’s words, but the knot in his stomach didn’t loosen. The fear of
the unknown, of how people might see him, was overwhelming. Could he really accept who
he was if everyone around him didn't except him ?

The thoughts swirled, louder now. He was scared—of what the world would think, of how he
would be treated, of how his body was changing and what that meant for his future.

Jungwon squeezed his shoulder gently

Jay said firmly, his eyes meeting Sunoo’s with a quiet conviction. “You are stronger than you
think. And you’re not alone in this. The sunoo I knew didn't get scared of people's
expectations that easily ”

The sincerity in Jay’s voice eased the pressure in Sunoo’s chest, just a little. But it wasn’t
enough to calm the storm inside him completely. His mind was still racing, still questioning
everything.

“I’m just scared but everyone is scared,” Sunoo admitted, his voice small.

__________

Here they were, sitting in the moving car in silence, fearing the next few hours that could
change their whole entire life.
The night before, just when they thought they could finally rest, their phones rang. The call
that they have been anticipating came from the company, cutting through the heavy silence of
their dorm like a blade. Their manager’s voice had been calm but firm—Belift wanted them
at the company first thing in the morning. No explanation, no room for questions, just a
simple instruction to be ready. And they knew why, there was no reason to tell them anyway
because they knew .

After the call ended, no one went to bed to sleep. They sat on their bed, the air thick with
unspoken worries. The weight of the past week—the symptoms, the tests, the unknown—
hung over them, pressing down on their exhausted bodies. Someone would shift
uncomfortably, another would sigh, but no one could bring themselves to break the silence
.sleep never came. Every rustle of blankets, every creak of the floorboards only heightened
the tension.
By the time morning arrived, their eyes were heavy, but their minds were still racing. With
sluggish movements, they got dressed, their stomachs too knotted with anxiety to even think
about breakfast. The knock on the door came exactly on time.

A car arrived within the hour, A staff member had arrived to take them to the company, and
all they could do was exchange weary glances before stepping out into the morning light,
knowing that whatever awaited them would change everything.

the drive was filled with silence. Even the usual background noise of the city seemed muted,
as if the world itself was holding its breath. No one spoke, their thoughts too tangled in worry
to form words. The hum of the engine and the rhythmic passing of streetlights outside the
window were the only signs of movement, but even those felt distant—background noise to
the storm of unease settling in their chests.

When they finally pulled up to the company building, a staff member was already waiting at
the entrance, clipboard in hand, their expression unreadable. The moment the car doors
opened, the group was ushered inside, their steps echoing in the vast, polished lobby.
Normally, the familiar space brought some level of comfort, a reminder of how far they had
come—but today, everything felt different.

The usual hum of conversation from employees, the distant sound of music seeping from
practice rooms, even the soft chime of the elevators—none of it was there. It was as if the
entire building had been stripped of life, leaving behind only a sterile, suffocating
atmosphere.

The staff member led them deeper inside, past meeting rooms and office spaces, until the
hallways grew quieter, colder. A subtle shift in the air made their skin prickle, a creeping
awareness that they weren’t being taken to the usual floors where schedules were discussed
or rehearsals were planned. Instead, they were heading somewhere else—somewhere more
private.

Sunoo felt his pulse quicken as they turned a corner, the fluorescent lights above casting a
stark glow against the white walls. His fingers curled into his sleeves, his stomach twisting
with unease. The others weren’t faring much better—Jungwon’s shoulders were stiff,
Heeseung’s jaw was clenched, and Sunghoon’s hands remained shoved deep into his pockets,
his gaze dark and unreadable. Even Ni-ki, usually the most laid-back among them, was
unnervingly quiet, his steps just a fraction slower than usual.

Then, finally, they stopped.

Ahead of them stood a heavy door, slightly ajar, revealing the edge of a pristine white
medical room beyond. A doctor and a company representative stood waiting inside, their
expressions carefully neutral.

No words were spoken, but the weight of what was about to happen settled over them like a
crushing force.

This was it.

One by one, they were about to learn the truth.

The atmosphere on the medical floor of the company was different than usual—more clinical,
more serious. Whenever they felt sick during practices this was where they came to, but now
it felt more suffocating.
The hallway was quieter than normal, with only the soft hum of fluorescent lights filling the
air. The ENHYPEN members were seated in a row of uncomfortable, sterile chairs, each of
them looking more tense than the next.

Sunoo was sitting in the middle, his legs bouncing nervously, his fingers fiddling with the
hem of his shirt. His heart raced as the minutes ticked by. The others were silent, exchanging
occasional glances but not speaking. It was as if they were all waiting for something
monumental, something they couldn’t control, toThe door to the examination room opened,
and the company’s doctor stepped out, his expression unreadable. “Sunghoon,” the doctor
called.

Sunghoon stood first, his face calm but his steps hesitant. The door closed behind him, and
the room fell back into a thick silence. Sunoo could feel his breath catch in his throat. He
didn’t want to think about it too much, but he couldn’t help it. What would the doctor say
about Sunghoon’s results? What about his own?

The door clicked shut behind Sunghoon as he entered the examination room, and the sterile
silence of the space immediately enveloped him. The room smelled of antiseptic, its
fluorescent lights harshly illuminating the space. A single white desk sat in the middle of the
room, cluttered with papers and medical equipment, and the doctor’s chair was neatly placed
across from the examination bed, where patients typically lay.

Sunghoon stood in the center of the room, his posture straight, but there was a tension in his
shoulders, a slight nervousness he couldn’t hide. He knew this wasn’t just another routine
checkup. The subgender test, the results—it was all bigger than any of them could have
imagined.

The doctor, an older man with sharp eyes and a professional demeanor, didn’t waste any time.
He gestured for Sunghoon to sit in the chair across from him, his movements brisk, efficient.

“Please, have a seat,” the doctor said, his voice calm and even. He didn’t look up from the
paperwork in front of him as Sunghoon complied, taking a seat across from the doctor.
Sunghoon’s eyes flickered around the room, avoiding direct eye contact. His fingers
tightened into fists on his knees, but he didn’t dare speak yet. The doctor, noticing the silence,
finally glanced up at him.

“I know this is a lot to process,” the doctor began, his voice gentle, a hint of sympathy in his
tone. “But this is important, Sunghoon. You understand that, don’t you?”

Sunghoon nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. “I do.” His voice was steady, but there
was an underlying unease in his tone. He wasn’t sure whether to be hopeful or afraid, but
deep down, he knew the truth. He knew what the tests had to say.
“Good,” the doctor said, his hands shuffling through the papers on the desk. He paused for a
moment, gathering his thoughts, then looked at Sunghoon directly. “Your results have come
back. Based on the analysis of your blood and other factors we’ve tested, we can confirm...
you are an alpha.”

The words hung in the air for a long moment, and Sunghoon’s breath caught in his throat. His
mind tried to process it, but a wave of conflicting emotions flooded through him. Relief
mixed with an undeniable sense of foreboding.

hearing the words spoken aloud was still jarring. Still, he kept his face composed, his eyes
steady. “I see,” he said quietly, though his hands were still tense, fingers clenched against his
knees. The fabric of his pant wrinkled in his palm.

The doctor continued, his tone still professional, but there was a small shift in his demeanor
—perhaps something resembling understanding. “based on what we know yet, You’ll feel the
physical changes more intensely now. Your instincts will grow stronger. Protectiveness,
territoriality… that’s normal for your subgender. But it also means you’ll experience the
effects differently from others.”

Sunghoon nodded, trying to grasp the weight of the words. The doctor wasn’t wrong. He
already felt the changes—the heightened senses, the possessiveness that had crept up in
subtle moments, his urge to protect the others. He wasn’t sure how to handle it all yet.

. “This will be kept on record for future reference. You’re also going to need to take further
precautions from here on out. It’s vital that we monitor your condition"

“Understood,” he murmured, his thoughts swirling. He was an alpha. This was real. It felt
strange, but somehow… it made him somehow relieved, at least now he knew what was
wrong. He wasn’t sure how the others would take it, but right now, he had to accept this.

The doctor’s gaze softened for a brief moment. “There’s more to this than just the physical
changes, Sunghoon. You’ll need to navigate this dynamic carefully, your subgenders can be
showing aggression toward others in bad cases even losing control of their strength and biting
the other, especially reactive to omegas so you need to be careful .” He leaned forward
slightly, his voice quiet, almost like a warning. “the reactions will be stronger than any of you
are anticipating. It’s not just instinct; it’s biology. It’ll change everything for you.”

Sunghoon’s heart skipped a beat . it sent a rush of conflicting emotions through him. He
wasn’t sure if he was ready for all of it. But somehow, he had to be.

“I understand,” Sunghoon said again, his voice steady despite the storm of thoughts racing
through his mind. He stood up, the folder of hiw result clutched in his hand.

The doctor nodded, his expression unreadable but with a hint of approval. “You’re free to go,
Sunghoon. I’ll be here if you need anything.”

With a final glance at the doctor, Sunghoon turned and left the room, his footsteps echoing in
the hallway. As he stepped back into the waiting area where the others were, his mind was
still processing the information, trying to make sense of it all.
The eyes of the others turned to him as soon as he stepped out. He felt exhausted.

"Alpha" he lowly murmured before slamming down on a chair.

The door to the examination room opened once more, and the doctor stepped out, glancing at
the group of waiting members. His eyes met Jungwon’s, and with a soft nod, he called his
name.

“Jungwon,” the doctor said, his voice calm and authoritative.

Jungwon stood up immediately, a small frown tugging at his lips as he glanced briefly at the
others. There was a quiet intensity in the air, a shared understanding that the results were
starting to feel like a weight. They were all next, one by one, but it didn’t make it any easier.

He walked toward the door with steady steps, his mind racing despite his calm demeanor. He
could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his chest. This wasn’t just about the results. It was
about the changes, the unknowns. The more he thought about it, the heavier the pressure
became. What would his result mean? Would it change everything?

As Jungwon entered the examination room, the door clicked shut softly behind him. The
doctor was already sitting at the desk, the same cold, sterile atmosphere surrounding the
space. Jungwon stood in front of the desk, his posture still poised, but his fingers were
tapping nervously against the fabric of his jeans.

“Sit,” the doctor instructed gently, and Jungwon obeyed, lowering himself into the chair
across from the desk. His gaze flickered briefly to the papers on the table, but he quickly
looked away. There was something about the sterile, clinical air that made everything feel
more real, more final.

“I won’t keep you long, Jungwon,” the doctor began, folding his hands on the desk. “You’ve
had a lot on your plate already, but I need to go over your results now. We’ve done a
thorough analysis, and I’m sure you’ve already begun to feel the changes yourself.”

Jungwon nodded quietly, his hands resting on his knees, but the tightness in his chest was
starting to build. He wasn’t sure if it was the anticipation or the strange discomfort he felt just
being in this room, but everything felt heavier with each passing second.

The doctor continued, his voice clinical but not unkind. “After a comprehensive review of
your blood work, the physical changes, and other markers, we can confirm your subgender
as... alpha.”

The word felt like a weight dropping in Jungwon’s chest, but he tried to keep his expression
neutral. *Alpha*.

He swallowed, nodding slowly, trying to process the significance. It wasn’t that he hadn’t
suspected it—it was something he’d been preparing himself for, just like Sunghoon had. But
hearing it confirmed, it made him feel like something had shifted. The world felt a little bit
different now.
The doctor, as if sensing Jungwon’s internal conflict, leaned forward slightly. “You’ll
experience an increase in your physical strength, your senses will become sharper, and your
instincts will become more dominant. There’s also a shift in your emotional and
psychological state—you’ll notice a stronger pull toward those closest to you. You’ll feel it
more intensely than before, as your protective instincts are heightened.”

Jungwon nodded again, feeling a strange tightness in his chest. He could already feel it—he
had noticed it, too. His protectiveness over the others had grown in the past few days. But
especially sunoo, he didn't know why .He had always been close to Sunoo, but now, it felt
different. Stronger. There was something almost primal about it, something he couldn’t
completely control. It was overwhelming at times.

The doctor continued, not missing a beat. “Now, this is important. Being an alpha, your role
in the group dynamic will shift. You may find yourself more assertive, possibly more
territorial. This isn’t something to suppress—it’s natural. But you must be aware of how it
affects others, it can complex, and it’s vital you approach it carefully, you must learn yo
control yourself or else you could harm another.”

Jungwon’s mind was racing, but he nodded, absorbing the information. *Alpha*. There was
so much responsibility attached to that word. It wasn’t just a title. It was a way of being. He
wasn’t sure how to carry it yet, but he had no choice but to try.

“Is there anything else I need to know?” Jungwon asked, his voice steady despite the storm in
his mind.

The doctor paused for a moment, glancing down at the papers in front of him before looking
back up. “I’d advise you to start preparing yourself for the changes in your relationship with
the others. The dynamics between you and the group will evolve. As you become more
attuned to your instincts, it’s important to find balance. You’re not alone in this, but you will
need to work together to manage the shifts.”

Jungwon exhaled slowly, his shoulders tense. “Understood,” he murmured. He wasn’t sure
how all of this would unfold, but the sense of responsibility was already weighing on him.

With that, the doctor stood up, signaling the end of their conversation. “You’re free to go,
Jungwon. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

Jungwon stood up, the cool air of the room feeling heavy against his skin. As he left the
examination room, his mind was spinning, but the moment he stepped back into the waiting
area, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief. He had his answer.

He walked back toward the others, feeling a strange weight on his shoulders, but knowing
that, whatever came next, they would face it together.

As he felt the waiting eyes on him he slowly sat down.

" I'm also an Alpha"

__________

Sunoo sat quietly, his legs crossed nervously as he watched the others go in and out of the
examination room. Each member’s name was called, one by one, and with every door that
opened, his anxiety grew. He tried to focus on the conversations happening around him, the
quiet murmurs from Jungwon and Sunghoon as they spoke about their results, but it was
impossible to shake the tightness in his chest.

He kept looking down at his hands, noticing how they were trembling slightly. He hated this
feeling, this sense of helplessness he never felt this distressed he was known for having a
strong mental power but now? He couldn't control his anxiety. , as if he were waiting for
something he couldn’t control.
*What if I’m not... what if I’m an omega?* The thought made his stomach churn, but he
quickly forced it away. He couldn’t think like that. *It’s just a test. I’ll be fine. I have to be
fine.*

He glanced at the door, watching as Heeseung stepped out, his usual confident air softened.
He walked over to the others, exchanging a few words with Jungwon he heard it, an Alpha ,
and then Ni-ki. Sunoo could see it in his eyes—a brief flash of something unsettling, but it
disappeared just as quickly. *It’s fine*, Sunoo reassured himself. *They’re all going through
this too.*
Ni-ki was also an Alpha.

Sunoo didn't know how to feel, everyone up until now was an Alpha so he somehow felt
relaxed? He is also going to be an Alpha if everyone else is like that I'll too. But then the
anxiety of being different and the only odd ball lived through his mind.

Jay and Jake were next to leave, and Sunoo forced himself to smile when they made eye
contact, but it didn’t reach his eyes. They both looked a little… different. Something had
changed. He could feel it in the way they moved, the way they interacted, but no one said
anything outright.

As they came out one after another they murmured the same results.

"Alpha"

Then the door opened again, and the doctor called for him.

“Sunoo,” the doctor’s voice echoed across the room. It felt distant, like it was coming from
far away.

His heart skipped a beat, and he froze for a moment before standing up. His legs felt like jelly
as he made his way to the door, but he couldn’t stop now. He couldn’t back out. Not after
everything. Not after what the others had gone through.
When the door closed behind him, he was hit with the cold, sterile air of the examination
room again. It smelled of antiseptic and something faintly metallic, the kind of smell that
made his stomach twist. The doctor was already waiting for him, sitting behind the desk, his
hands folded neatly in front of him.

“Sunoo,” the doctor said calmly. “Please, sit down.”

Sunoo nodded, his throat dry, and lowered himself onto the chair across from the desk. He
clasped his hands tightly in his lap, trying to keep his body from betraying his nervousness.

“Are you feeling okay?” the doctor asked, his gaze sharp but not unkind.

Sunoo nodded again. “I’m fine. Just... anxious.”

The doctor gave him a small nod of understanding. “It’s perfectly normal. These changes can
be overwhelming. But we’ll go through everything calmly, alright?”

Sunoo swallowed, feeling his heart pound louder in his chest. He tried to keep his breathing
steady as the doctor looked down at the records in front of him. He could hear the faint
rustling of paper, each turn of the pages seeming to make the room feel even smaller, even
more suffocating.

After what felt like an eternity, the doctor spoke again. “Sunoo, I have the results from your
tests. I know this is a lot, but I need you to listen carefully.”

Sunoo nodded, his hands gripping the chair arms so tightly his knuckles turned white. His
mouth felt dry, and he couldn’t seem to catch his breath.

“Sunoo,” the doctor repeated, his voice softer now. “You are diagnosed as an omega.”

Sunoo’s heart stopped. The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, crushing the air from
his lungs. He felt dizzy for a moment, his vision blurring as his mind struggled to make sense
of the words.

*An omega.*

The only thing he feared, this can't be happening

he wasn’t prepared for how it would feel. His stomach dropped, and his skin grew cold. The
air around him suddenly felt too thick, like it was pressing in on him.

The doctor continued, but Sunoo’s mind was a blur, his heart racing as he tried to process the
flood of emotions rushing through him. “Your body is beginning to show signs of the
changes, Sunoo. You may feel... weak at times, your senses heightened, your emotions more
intense than usual. There will be other physical changes, but I’ll be monitoring you closely,
alright?”

Sunoo barely heard the last part of the doctor’s words. All he could hear was the thudding of
his heart, and the deafening silence in his mind. *An omega*. He wanted to cry, wanted to
scream and that was not like his past self and it was scaring him more now, but he couldn’t.
Not here, not now.

When he finally looked up, the doctor’s face had softened, as if he were waiting for Sunoo to
respond. He cleared his throat, his voice hoarse as he tried to speak.

“I... I don’t understand,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

The doctor nodded, his expression sympathetic. “It’s a lot to process, Sunoo. But you’re not
alone in this. We’ll help you through it. The most important thing is to stay calm, and to be
mindful of the bond that will start forming soon, especially with the other members. But you
need to be careful, all the other members are Alphas...it can be tricky”

Sunoo nodded numbly, his mind too foggy to comprehend much of anything right now. He
couldn’t stop thinking about the way his heart was racing, about how his body felt hot and
unsettled all of a sudden.

The doctor continued, but Sunoo barely registered it. “We’ll set up another meeting soon
today. I’ll be in touch.”

The room felt smaller now, the walls pressing in on Sunoo as he tried to wrap his mind
around what the doctor had just told him. Omega. The word echoed in his mind, but it didn’t
seem real. It was too much.

Sunoo’s heart pounded in his chest, and his hands shook, trembling at his sides. He couldn’t
sit still, couldn’t keep his thoughts straight. His breath came in shallow bursts as he tried to
make sense of everything.

“Why… why am I an omega?” His voice was barely above a whisper, cracking under the
weight of the question. His eyes were wide, filled with a panic he couldn’t hide. “The
others… They’re all alphas. Why me?”

The doctor’s face softened, and he moved a bit closer, though not too close, respecting
Sunoo’s space. “Sunoo,” he began gently, “The changes are happening to everyone. It’s not
something you could control. You didn’t choose this.”

“I didn’t choose this...” Sunoo repeated under his breath, the words tasting bitter on his
tongue. He ran a shaky hand through his hair, his damp strands clinging to his forehead. His
mind was racing, thoughts spiraling as the reality of the situation sank in. “But... why am I
the only one in the group who’s an omega? Why couldn’t it have been an Alpha, why
omega?”

The doctor paused for a moment, as if considering how best to respond. “There’s no real
answer for that, Sunoo. These changes affect people in different ways. Some people, like you,
with the genetic predisposition to be an omega. This event—the shooting star—it triggered a
shift in everyone’s genetics, but the way those shifts manifest… it varies.”
Sunoo’s heart was still pounding, and his chest felt tight, as if the air in the room had become
thick. He couldn’t focus, couldn’t breathe properly. *An omega*—that was supposed to be
*weak*, wasn’t it? *Delicate*. It was what people hated. He could already feel the weight of
the world pressing down on him, the potential for judgment and misunderstanding from the
people who adored him. From his fans, from the public, from the company..what if his
members..

“You don’t understand,” Sunoo murmured, his voice shaking as he looked up at the doctor,
his eyes desperate. “Alphas... they’re strong, they’re the ones everyone looks up to.. that's
what everyone is talking about. They’re the ones in good ones..betas everyone see them as
normal... And then there’s me...” He trailed off, his throat tightening as he spoke. “I’m going
to be seen as weak. A burden.”

The doctor’s expression softened further but concerned with the younger's reaction how
would he handle the other things that he is going to learn about his subgender?. “That’s not
how it is, Sunoo. Being an omega doesn’t mean you’re weak. You’ll still have your strengths.
Your body may feel different, but you won’t lose yourself. You’ll find new ways to adapt.
And as for how people view you—” he paused, choosing his words carefully, “—the world
will need time to understand these changes. But you don’t need to face this alone.”

Sunoo’s chest tightened again, a lump forming in his throat. He couldn’t hold back the tears
that welled up in his eyes, though he tried. His voice wavered as he spoke again, quieter this
time. “But what if they can’t accept me? What if .. What if I’m just... ?”

He couldn't even talk properly.

The doctor placed a hand gently on Sunoo’s shoulder. “, Sunoo. You’re who you are, and
that’s enough. This doesn’t change who you are at your core. You still have your talent, your
heart, your ability to connect with people. You are still the Sunoo they love, no matter what.”

Sunoo bit his lip, blinking hard to try and keep the tears from falling. *A mistake*. That was
how he felt right now. He couldn’t deny it. The weight of being an omega, of being different,
of the unknown—it was suffocating. It wasn’t just about the physical changes. It was about
how others would see him. How they would react.

The doctor stood for a moment in silence, letting Sunoo gather himself. After a long pause,
he spoke again, his tone calm but firm. “Sunoo, this is a big adjustment, I understand. But
you’re not alone in this. The others—your friends, your group—they’re going through this
too. They’ll need time to adjust, just like you will. But you don’t have to hide or be afraid of
who you are.”

Sunoo’s heart felt heavy in his chest, but at least the doctor’s words brought a small sense of
comfort, even if it wasn’t enough to ease his overwhelming fear. He didn’t know if he was
ready for this. He didn’t know if he could handle what was coming next. But the truth was, he
didn’t have a choice.

“I... I don’t know if I can do this,” he whispered, his voice breaking.

The doctor didn’t answer immediately, but after a long pause, he said simply, “You don’t
have to do it alone.”
Sunoo stood up slowly, the weight of the doctor’s words hanging heavily on his shoulders.
His body felt strangely numb, like he wasn’t entirely present. His mind was clouded, his
thoughts moving too fast and yet too slowly all at once. Every step he took toward the door
felt like he was moving through thick fog, as if reality itself was slipping just out of reach.
His eyes full with the unshed tears.

As the door opened and he stepped out into the hallway, he blinked, trying to focus. The
bright lights above seemed too harsh, making his head throb again, a dull ache that he
couldn’t shake. He saw the others in the waiting area, their faces blurred and indistinct. They
looked up at him, but he couldn’t quite meet their eyes.

Sunghoon, who had been sitting closest to the door, noticed him first. “Sunoo?” He called out
softly, his tone laced with concern.

Sunoo didn’t respond immediately. His head felt heavy, and his legs felt like they were
moving on their own, carrying him forward without his consent. He had no idea where he
was going, or even what he was doing. It felt like his whole world had shifted in an instant,
and now he was just floating through it, disconnected, unable to make sense of anything.

He stumbled slightly as he walked past Sunghoon, his vision swimming for a moment, and he
reached out to steady himself against the wall. The touch was grounding, but it didn’t make
the panic inside him subside.

"Sunoo?" Sunghoon’s voice was more insistent now, though it still held that calm, reassuring
tone. But Sunoo couldn’t respond. His mind was already racing ahead, imagining everything
that could go wrong. The others—his friends—would never look at him the same way again.
They might treat him differently, might feel burdened by him. He was already weak, already
a mistake, already too much.

His pulse quickened as he felt the tears threaten to spill, but he couldn’t let them fall. Not
here. Not now.
" I need to go to the bathroom"
He turned abruptly, heading down the hall not running but walking fast paced, the sound of
his shoes tapping against the hard floor louder than it should have been. His chest felt tight,
each breath coming in short, shallow bursts. The hallway seemed longer now, the walls
closing in, and the space between him and the others growing further.

*Why am I the only one like this?* The question looped in his mind like a broken record,
each repetition digging deeper into his heart. He wanted to scream, to shout, to get rid of the
crushing weight in his chest, but all he could do was keep moving.

He just knew that he had to get away, to be alone. He didn’t want anyone to see him like this,
panicking, falling apart. It felt like everything he had known was being taken from him, like
he was no longer the same person he had been just a few days ago.

He finally found himself standing in front of a bathroom door, his hand trembling as he
reached for the handle. Going inside he stood Infront of a sink His reflection in the mirror
startled him. He looked pale, his eyes wide and unfocused. He hadn’t realized how much his
anxiety was taking over until he saw the state he was in.

Sunoo pressed his hands to his face, closing his eyes tightly. *Calm down, calm down, calm
down...*

But it wasn’t working. His thoughts were too loud, too fast. He couldn’t calm down. He
couldn’t escape the overwhelming feeling that everything was falling apart.

The door creaked open behind him, and he jumped, spinning around to see who had followed
him. He didn’t need to see who it was to feel the presence. It was like the air had shifted, like
he had been pulled back into reality.

He hadn’t noticed Sunghoon , jay and Jungwon walking behind him until now. Sunghoon’s
gaze was soft, concerned, but Sunoo couldn’t find it in him to meet his eyes. He turned away,
focusing on the floor instead, his fingers gripping the edge of the sink to steady himself.

"Sunoo..." Sunghoon’s voice was barely above a whisper, but it was enough to snap Sunoo
out of his spiraling thoughts, if only for a moment. "It’s okay.Tell us what happened ."

Sunoo squeezed his eyes shut, fighting the urge to break down in front of them he could see
the rest of the members slowly waiting outside of the bathroom, not wanting to overwhelm
him with their presences in the bathroom. He couldn’t show this side of himself to
Sunghoon,to others not now. Not after everything. He felt like he was breaking in ways he
didn’t know how to explain.

“I don’t want to be like this,” Sunoo whispered, his voice cracking. He finally looked up, his
eyes meeting Sunghoon’s for a split second. “I don’t want to be weak. I don’t want to be
different. I don’t want them to look at me and see someone less than them.”

Sunghoon’s gaze softened, his expression pained. "Sunoo, you’re not weak. You’re not less
than anyone else. We’re all changing, but that doesn’t change who you are. "

Sunoo’s heart twisted painfully, and for a moment, he felt like he might break down
completely. But he held it back, forcing a shaky breath out, trying to keep himself together.
He couldn’t let the panic take over completely. Not yet.

He turned toward the mirror again, catching his reflection once more. He didn’t recognize the
person staring back at him. But the more he looked, the more he began to see the familiar
face—the one his friends knew, the one he still hoped to be.

“I’m not ready for this,” Sunoo whispered, more to himself than to Sunghoon.

“It’s okay to not be ready,” Jungwon replied quietly, standing beside him now, his hand
gently resting on Sunoo’s back. “But you don’t have to face it alone. Tell us what happened
hyung”

He hesitated as if saying the words would craah him and leave him shattered

"Im.. I'm the only omega"

Chapter End Notes

So here's the new chapter, how do you feel? Do you like it? 😁 It took longer to write it
but I think it's fine. It's a long chapter. Also the next chapter will take more time than
usual.

❤️❤️
Tell me which part is your favourite, after reading make sure to please leave a comment.
Love you all

More comments= sooner updates 🤭

End Notes

Hope you enjoy. Please leave comments and tell me if you like it. Do you want more?

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