Minjun clutched the paper bag of groceries to his chest. Inside, cans of soda clinked softly, the scent of fresh bread and vegetables rising from within. Dusk had settled over the city, streetlights gleamed on the wet asphalt, and the air was cool, tinged with rain and fallen leaves.
He walked faster than usual, a pleasant excitement stirring inside him. He was going to cook dinner himself, in his new apartment. The first real dinner in my own place, he repeated in his mind, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
But the smile faded when footsteps echoed behind him. Heavy. Steady.
"Hey."
Minjun froze. Ahead, at the entrance to the courtyard, a tall man stepped out of the shadows. An alpha. His scent hit sharply - thick, acrid, laced with cheap alcohol and tobacco.
"In such a hurry?" the man drawled, smirking. "An omega walking alone at night… brave. Or stupid?"
Minjun tightened his grip on the bag.
"Home." His voice came out smaller than he intended.
"Home," the alpha mimicked, stepping closer. "Or maybe better with me?"
Minjun's heart slammed against his throat. He tried to move past, but the alpha blocked the way, leaning in.
"You smell… fresh. Clean. Definitely from the rich side," he sneered.
Minjun froze, his fingers digging into the bag so hard the paper nearly tore.
"That's none of your business," he forced out, trying to keep his voice steady.
"I like it," the alpha smirked, bracing a hand on the wall beside Minjun's shoulder. "You know, an omega alone here - easy prey."
The other alpha's scent pressed down, suffocating, creeping under his skin. Minjun's body locked up, muscles stiff, breath broken. Pain twisted in his chest.
Don't show fear. Hold on.
But his knees trembled, and he hated himself for it.
***
"I'd suggest you move your hand."
The voice was calm, but carried a threat.
The alpha froze. From around the corner stepped Hyuk. Tall, steady, holding a grocery bag of his own - inside, a bottle of soju and a few snacks. He walked slowly, yet each step landed firm.
Hyuk's scent spread across the street, warm and heavy, like an unseen wall.
"And who the hell are you?" the stranger snapped, though he stepped back.
"The one who won't let you continue," Hyuk replied, never raising his voice.
Their eyes locked. The stranger's gaze faltered first. With a grunt, he muttered something under his breath and disappeared into the dark street.
Minjun exhaled, realizing only then that he'd been holding his breath the whole time. The bag in his hands trembled with his fingers.
Hyuk looked at him. Not with judgment. Not with pity. Just steady, calm.
He stepped closer, gently took the bag from Minjun.
"Let's go," he said evenly.
Minjun nodded. His voice caught in his throat.
***
In the apartment, they unpacked the groceries together. The silence felt almost comfortable. The rustle of bags, the chop of a knife, the quiet hum of the stove - after what had happened, everything seemed too ordinary.
Minjun sliced vegetables; Hyuk held out the bowl. Their hands brushed now and then, and every time, Minjun's heart stumbled.
At one point, the knife slipped in his hand. Hyuk's palm immediately closed over his wrist, adjusting his grip. Their fingers touched. Minjun startled, turning away, but couldn't hide the flush burning across his ears.
Hyuk said nothing. His hand lingered for a second longer than necessary before releasing.
***
The smell of food filled the room. They sat at the table. Hyuk opened the soju and poured them each a glass.
"I get drunk quickly," Minjun admitted, eyes darting away.
Hyuk's lips curved faintly.
"Then we'll take it slow."
They clinked glasses. The sharp burn scorched Minjun's throat, then spread warmly through his chest.
The conversation flowed easily: neighbors, strange customers, the fact that Minjun always drank tea before bed. Sometimes they laughed, sometimes they just sat in silence. But it wasn't an empty silence - it was full.
The alcohol loosened Minjun's tongue, gave him courage. His eyes lingered on Hyuk's longer than they should. Now and then, their knees brushed beneath the table, sending sparks racing through him.
***
Silence again. They sat close - too close.
Minjun noticed Hyuk's breathing had deepened slightly. His shoulder was warm, steady beside him. Minjun's gaze wandered - to his hands, then higher, to his lips.
His heartbeat pounded in his temples. Everything inside leaned forward.
He leaned in and brushed his lips against Hyuk's. Tentative. Barely there. Hyuk didn't pull away. He only exhaled sharply, as if caught off guard, too.
Minjun froze for a second, then deepened the kiss. Gentle, but hungry. His fingers trembled, almost brushing Hyuk's shoulder.
But he was the first to break away. His cheeks burned, his hands shook, his breath uneven.
"…Sorry," he whispered.
Hyuk said nothing. His eyes were dark, heavy. The corner of his lips twitched - almost a smile. He stood, gathered the plates. His movements are calm, unhurried. Yet the air was thick with tension, impossible to ignore.
***
"Good night," he said at the door. His tone was even, but his gaze lingered a moment longer.
"Good night…" Minjun whispered back.
The door closed.
Left alone, Minjun leaned against it, fingers brushing his lips. His heart still thundered, his ears ringing.
The air held the scents of food, alcohol… and the faint trace of Hyuk's pheromones.
Minjun smiled to himself - small, almost frightened.
For the first time in a long while, he didn't feel empty.