TL | Chapter 23 | Rut

Leaving the shopping cart behind, Iden dragged Seowon all the way to the parking lot. Strangely, Iden had been quiet the whole time, and when Seowon glanced back, Iden looked worse than he had in the store. Seowon’s heat cycle was beginning too, which surely affected Iden.

Though Seowon was sure this was because of him, it didn’t make sense. Typically, when Seowon’s heat cycle intensified, that’s when Iden would go into rut. But his heat had only just started; his mind was still clear. So why was Iden’s rut hitting so hard now?

The last time they were here, when Seowon’s heat triggered, Iden hadn’t been like this… Reminded of that day, Seowon let out a suppressed groan. His own heat cycle had been weaker than usual since that incident a few days ago. Iden, on the other hand, had likely taken a rut suppressant that day. He had been acting as if he were checking Seowon’s pheromones, as if he was already suspicious Seowon might be “Ha Seowon.” Given Iden’s nature, it wasn’t surprising if he had taken an emergency suppressant, just in case.

That day, Seowon had lost control completely, but Iden had maintained his composure even while holding Seowon. Iden had kept his mind…

Swallowing down a frustrated sigh, Seowon pushed Iden into the back seat.

“Wait here for a bit.”

He intended to run back to the store’s pharmacy and grab an emergency rut suppressant. But before he could even pull away, Iden grabbed his arm, yanking him back without resistance. As Seowon stumbled, Iden caught his chin and pressed their lips together.

Iden’s tongue pushed past Seowon’s lips, burning hot as it delved inside. Iden sucked on his tongue so hard it hurt, drawing a soft moan from him. The deep kiss set his entire body alight. If this continued, they’d end up doing something right there in the middle of the parking lot.

“Stop, ugh, snap out of it!”

The moment he managed to push Iden away, Iden latched onto his lips again, unwilling to let go. Summoning all his strength, Seowon finally broke free and hurriedly jumped out of the car, shutting the door behind him. He heard a dull thump, probably Iden hitting the window with his hand. Taking a step back, he glared at the closed door, relieved Iden wasn’t coming after him.

Even without looking, Seowon knew how difficult this was for Iden right now. At least his self-restraint was commendable.

“I’ll be back soon. Just hang on for a moment.”

He wasn’t sure if Iden could hear him, but he said it anyway before turning and dashing towards the pharmacy. His own pheromones were starting to make him dizzy from the rut-induced heat.

If he’d known things would get so chaotic out here, he would’ve just stayed home.

He chuckled at the thought. What if they’d stayed at home? Would they have ended up tangled together again? Even though they had been using separate rooms, determined not to make the same mistake twice.

This heat cycle thing was ridiculous. It turned people into animals, seeking ways to satisfy their desires without a second thought.

Up until now, he thought he simply “wanted” Iden. But in this situation, he wasn’t sure if his longing for Iden during the heat was because of love or simply the instincts of an Omega.

“Please give me a heat suppressant and a rut suppressant.”

He arrived at the pharmacy and asked urgently, and the pharmacist glanced him over.

“Are you an Omega or an Alpha?”

Since Seowon requested both suppressants, the pharmacist needed to clarify.

“I’m an Omega.”

The pharmacist tilted his head, confused. Judging by Seowon’s demeanor, it seemed like he was in heat, yet there were no noticeable pheromones.

“Omega suppressants require a prescription. Do you have your health insurance card? I can check and provide the right suppressant. Or if you don’t have the card, I could look it up with your resident registration number.”

The pharmacist stood by the computer, but Seowon hesitated. Checking his resident number would show him as deceased.

“Just give me a rut suppressant for now. Something for emergencies.”

“Are you marked?”

The pharmacist was puzzled by the lack of pheromones despite the urgency for a heat suppressant, and asked. Seowon gulped and nodded. The pharmacist seemed to understand the situation now.

“I’ll give you something temporary. If you’re marked, it’s best to go home and stay with your partner. It’s beneficial for both Alpha and Omega to be together with their marked partner during these times.”

The pharmacist kindly explained what Seowon already knew and handed him the temporary suppressant for Alphas.

“After calming things down with this, make sure to go home and stay with him.”

The more the pharmacist repeated obvious advice, the more conflicted Seowon felt.

Getting home safely was the first priority. Maybe Iden still had some rut suppressants left.

With the suppressant in hand, he returned to the parking lot, but a sigh escaped him at the sight of the tightly closed back door. Opening that door might unleash something he wasn’t sure he could handle. Though his pheromones had calmed down slightly, he couldn’t tell if it was real or just his perception. He was only slightly comforted by the fact that he could still think straight.

Still, he couldn’t just leave things as they were. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and opened the back door. Immediately, Iden’s pheromones filled his senses, making his head spin. The intoxicating scent assaulted his senses, making it hard to stay rational.

Determined not to lose control in the parking lot, he got into the back seat. The intensity of Iden’s pheromones in the enclosed space made him hesitate to shut the door.

“It’s a rut suppressant. Take this and calm down…!”

But before he could finish, Iden wrapped his arms around Seowon’s neck, pulling him close. Seowon quickly braced himself against the headrest, resisting. Iden scowled in frustration, his desire evident as he gazed at Seowon, his breaths heavy and eyes wild.

Seowon’s mouth went dry, barely managing to hold onto his self-control.

He bit down on his lower lip, pulling the seatbelt to restrain Iden’s arms. Tying his hands with the belt, Iden looked annoyed, almost ready to complain. Ignoring his irritation, Seowon offered the pill, but Iden turned away stubbornly.

Instead of forcing him, Seowon popped the pill in his own mouth, took a swig of water, and then leaned forward, pressing his lips to Iden’s. He slipped the pill and water into Iden’s mouth, adding a gentle puff of air to ensure he swallowed. After hearing the satisfying sound of Iden swallowing, Seowon pulled back and checked his state. Assured that the pill had gone down, he quickly got out and closed the door.

Even with the door open, the pheromones in that small space had been overpowering. He needed to keep some distance, at least until Iden calmed down.

Leaning against the car, Seowon pressed a hand to his racing heart. His own heart was pounding wildly from the tension. Just maintaining control in the face of Iden’s pheromones felt like an immense effort.

There were moments where he almost blurted out to be held, ignoring everything. He had to swallow back that impulse again and again with all the restraint he could muster.

But even that kiss left him aching all over. Could he even make it home like this? He was now worried about his own state more than Iden’s.

Standing in the cool parking lot, he tried to steady his breath and cool the heat within him. Even if they made it home, what would happen then? At least it was better than losing control here in public. As he tried to justify the situation to himself, he felt mentally drained.

How much time passed, he wasn’t sure. Tap, tap. A light knock on the window made him look back. Iden was knocking on the backseat window, his expression somewhat calmer. When Seowon opened the door, Iden’s breathing was shallower, and he looked at Seowon.

“Untie this.”

He indicated his hands, still bound by the belt.

“I’ve calmed down enough to stay in control, so untie me.”

Judging by his eyes, which had regained clarity, it seemed his rut had subsided a bit. Could Seowon trust him now? He wasn’t so sure about his own state anymore.