CR | Chapter 4.8

While they had been living together for quite some time, unlike him who hadn’t added a single clause, Kim Donghwa was diligent in adding to the rules. Though there weren’t many clauses, it was still bothersome.

Initially, he was against Kim Donghwa’s attempts to control him, who was born free-spirited enough to be kicked out by his parents. Wi Woori snatched the paper from him, ready to strike out any absurd rules, only to smile inadvertently upon reading.

“Is this all?”

“Yeah. I told you it wasn’t about dislikes.”

Oh, it wasn’t, huh.

This clause actually pleased him.

No overnight stays – No exceptions

Indeed, it pleased him.

With Kim Donghwa’s manifestation, he absolutely shouldn’t spend nights away. With his handsome face and attractive body alone, people would get entangled, not to mention his alluring pheromones. And he was an alpha!

For some reason, alphas were more respected than omegas in this community, so if Kim Donghwa stayed out overnight, it would surely upset him. Even without manifestation, staying out was a no-go.

Pleased, Wi Woori nodded gently, saying, “Okay.” He decided not to ask why Kim Donghwa wrote something he liked for once, fearing that his unpredictable nature might lead to the clause’s removal.

“Why don’t you add any?”

“Because you handle things well on your own.”

“Well, I do handle things well.”

Does that mean you added the no overnight stay rule because of me?

Even though he always slept at home after drinking.

Pouting slightly, he handed the paper back, and Kim Donghwa reattached the rules to the fridge. It was funny how rules had to be stuck there as if they’d only be noticed when fetching beer.

Just then, the food arrived. Considering Wi Woori couldn’t handle spicy food, they ordered a mix of fried and soup dishes, and for variety, several skewers he liked.

“Quick, sit down, the movie’s starting.”

“Uh-huh.”

Finally sitting side by side, Kim Donghwa spread out the snacks messily in front of them, leaning back to open a beer with a crisp pop.

Wi Woori immediately hushed him with a “Shh,” focusing on the screen. Kim Donghwa couldn’t help but smile at his concentrated round head, seeing only the studio logo.

Sending that message to watch a movie was part of his plan to take Woori out on a date, but sensing his reluctance, they decided to watch at home. Good thing he liked the idea.

Wi Woori, whose attention span was abysmal, never watched a movie in one sitting. This time too, it was clear he’d start dozing off soon, leaning against him, claiming he wasn’t sleeping while insisting not to turn off the movie, just like a father on a weekend.

“What movie is it?”

“I don’t know, I just picked it with my eyes closed.”

“What? You didn’t even check the plot?”

“Just watch, it’s starting.”

“It’s just the logo.”

When he kept picking at the details, Wi Woori shot him a sharp look. His eyes were so fierce that Kim Donghwa made a mock squeal before Woori gently rested his head on his shoulder.

The fresh, bouncy pheromones softly wrapped around his nose, bringing back flashes of the night before. Kim Donghwa instinctively crossed his legs, though it was pointless since he was already in a cross-legged position.

Wi Woori looked down, then back at him with an expression of disbelief at his sudden twitch.

“Kim Donghwa has no sense.”

“Huh?”

“Stop getting hard and just lie still. What a weird thing to do during a movie.”

“Oh.”

Kim Donghwa bit his lower lip in frustration. Regardless, Wi Woori turned back to the screen.

“Be quiet, it’s starting.”

Not realizing it was his fault. The pheromones Wi Woori released with each head shake were particularly cruel. His heart started to beat wildly around then.

⛧⛧⛧

Tomorrow is Kim Donghwa’s regular check-up day. Please use the afternoon time as it might get crowded around lunchtime. Thank you.
Kim Donghwa, who was preparing to go out, stared at his phone in the dressing room. When his traits first manifested, the doctor had told him to come back for a recheck a month later. Apparently, the dominant or recessive nature could only be determined after the manifestation period.

It had already been a month since his manifestation. “Hmm,” Kim Donghwa grimaced and scratched his eyebrows. Although he was getting ready to leave for the hospital, for some childish reason, he didn’t feel like going just thinking about it.

However, since he was going to the hospital anyway, he intended to discuss his recent rut and ask how he should handle future ones. He also thought that mentioning he had an omega at home might lead to wiser solutions.

Fully prepared, he swung open his door only to bump into Wi Woori standing blankly in front of his room. “Eh?” he tilted his head, puzzled, when Woori suddenly said, “Good.” His tone was oddly resolute, which was quite perplexing.

What’s good about it? Confused, Kim Donghwa was about to raise his eyebrows when Woori called out, “Hey.”

“Let’s go together.”

“Why?”

“Just because!”

His confident demeanor seemed to question why a reason was even necessary, as if it was only natural for him to tag along.

If Woori didn’t know about his manifestation, he would have found a way to leave him behind, but there was no hiding it now. Maybe it would be better to hear the results together. After a moment of thought, Kim Donghwa nodded in agreement.

“Let’s go together.”

“Alright!”

Wi Woori smiled brightly. It seemed he was already prepared to go even if he had been told not to. Like Kim Donghwa, he wore his hat low, completely covering his small face with the brim.

How can someone’s face be so small? Even though it was a sight he’d seen many times, he still found it fascinating. Kim Donghwa kept glancing back at Woori, who was following him with a big smile, looking like he might start humming any second.

⛧⛧⛧

When they arrived at the hospital, contrary to the message’s guidance, it was not crowded even though it was right after lunchtime. After getting his blood drawn and rubbing the alcohol swab a few times, they were soon called into the examination room. Kim Donghwa turned to look at Woori, who was following him.

“Are you coming in too?”

“Yep! That’s why I came. Ah, move. Why’s this door blocking the way?”

With an energetic reply, Woori pushed past him and burst into the examination room first. Anyone watching would think it was Woori’s traits being examined, not his own.

Woori’s state seemed unusually excited, which was both curious and amusing. Kim Donghwa followed him into the room with a chuckle, only to burst into laughter at the absurdity of the situation.

There was Woori, sitting confidently across from the doctor as if he were the patient. His shamelessness in taking up the patient’s seat was hilariously bold.

The doctor looked back and forth between them, his gaze clearly saying, ‘I called you, why is he sitting there?’ Kim Donghwa, embarrassed, nudged Woori, who just shrugged it off.

“Move, why are you sitting there?”

“Oh.”

Only then did Woori realize his mistake and quickly moved to the seat for guardians, still watching both him and the doctor intently, as if challenging them to proceed with the examination.

Should I call him audacious or just bold?

The doctor, perhaps feeling the same, cleared his throat and looked over the test results. After scanning them for a while, he looked up at Kim Donghwa with a gentle gaze. Kim Donghwa tried to maintain an indifferent expression.

“Have there been any other symptoms?”

“Yes!”

Just as he started to answer, Woori interrupted. Kim Donghwa looked at him in bewilderment. Undeterred, Woori, with eyes shining as if he knew his condition better than anyone, began to explain in detail.

“What kind of symptoms…?”

The doctor redirected the question to Woori. Was that a good idea? Woori immediately started chattering about recent events, explaining so vividly that Kim Donghwa had nothing left to say but to agree.

After listening to the symptoms, the doctor pondered for a moment before looking up at Kim Donghwa. Feeling awkward under the scrutiny, Kim Donghwa blinked back at him. The doctor leaned back in his chair.

“When you’re with your friend, I understand the symptoms. What about when you’re alone?”

“Just… not much different. I feel like my temperature rises, my body feels hot, and stuff…”

He couldn’t bring himself to say that his sexual desire was overwhelming. He mumbled his answer, and the doctor nodded as if he understood.

“It’s not rut.”

Not rut?

Kim Donghwa frowned without realizing it.

He had been certain that his symptoms could only be explained by a rut. But the doctor shook his head, indicating otherwise.

“You said it resolved in a day, right?”

“Yes.”

“It’s just manifestation fever. As you can see, since you manifested as a dominant, the symptoms are a bit strong. But a rut would be much more intense, so it’s good to prepare in advance…”

“Damn,” Kim Donghwa frowned deeply, and Woori, who had been listening to the diagnosis, interjected.

“So, if the rut comes stronger, does that mean you’ll be erect the entire time?”

The blunt question made both Kim Donghwa and the doctor choke. The doctor, as if it had been a while since he’d heard such a direct question, smiled awkwardly and furrowed his eyebrows.

“Yes… probably so.”

“Ha…”

Feeling a sense of despair, Kim Donghwa put his hand to his forehead. As he rubbed his face with his large hand, Woori’s innocent concern came from beside him.

“What do we do? Donghwa, you’re going to have a hard time.”

“…Right now, it’s more because of you. Just be quiet.”

“Why?”

Ha…

Another sigh escaped him. From talking about erections to now showing concern as if it didn’t involve him at all, everything was exasperating. As he sighed again, the doctor asked cautiously.

“Are you two living together?”

“Yes.”

With that firm answer, a faint smile appeared on the doctor’s lips.

“Then there shouldn’t be much trouble dealing with rut.”

What does that mean?

Kim Donghwa, who had been repeatedly dry-washing his face, lifted his head slightly. The doctor was looking at them both with a meaningful gaze, having evidently already guessed that Woori was an omega.

“If you have an omega partner, it’s easier. Just make sure contraception is secure. In fact, each other’s pheromones can be more effective than suppressants during an omega’s heat or an alpha’s rut. It’s even better if there’s emotional exchange.”

“What are you talking about?”

Kim Donghwa replied stiffly, glancing at Woori. When his gaze finally met Woori’s, he saw his face flushed red.

Is now the time to be blushing?

Usually, Woori would have protested, saying, ‘We’re not that kind of relationship!’ with all his might, but this time, he kept his mouth shut as if he had no intention of contradicting the doctor.

What’s wrong with him? Does he find the association distasteful? Feeling slightly offended, Kim Donghwa tried to keep his expression calm.

“So, just use a condom, right?”

“Hey, what are you saying?”

Kim Donghwa immediately nudged Woori’s shoulder in shock. Regardless, Woori kept his gaze fixed on the doctor.

“You can also take birth control pills. With a prescription, you can get them at the pharmacy. Shall I write one for you?”

“Yes.”

“Hey.”

“This one too.”

Why is he acting like this? From my perspective, it would be a good thing if Wi Woori took the initiative, but his unexpected enthusiasm was making me anxious.

Is he planning to use this opportunity to get birth control pills and do something with that guy he likes? Wait, does he know that guy’s an alpha? He said he didn’t like alphas…

As my thoughts tangled, the examination was over, and by the time I came to my senses, I was holding the prescribed suppressants and birth control pills. Kim Donghwa still rolled his confused eyes around. For some reason, Woori was smiling brightly again.

“Isn’t this a bit much?”

When I spoke grumpily for no reason, Woori looked at me with wide eyes.

“What’s wrong with that? It’s good to be prepared for anything.”

So, what exactly are you preparing for?

Kim Donghwa couldn’t bring himself to stop Woori, who was walking ahead of him. He was inwardly scared that what he was thinking might actually be true.