A week flew by and still Jihoon couldn't get over his conversation with the receptionist.
He visited her desk everyday with questions only for her to not show up.
Her colleague said she had taken a sick leave but the omega couldn't shake the feeling that there was something amiss.
"Do you have a crush on her or something?" Seojun asked when he saw Jihoon standing in front of her desk again.
It was a Friday and he stood dejectedly in the reception, a frustrated look on his face.
"You've been coming here everyday," Seojun pointed out.
Jihoon's ears reddened and he let out an embarrassed cough. "It's... not—"
Seojun chuckled at the omega's red face, nudging his shoulders playfully. "Look at you blushing."
"Ah, Senior..." Jihoon scratched the back of his neck.
They walked towards the cafeteria, the omega feeling a little bit lost.
Junghoon was still not coming to school. It had already been a week.
Was the alpha in some sort of trouble?
"Ah... Jihoon?" Seojun called, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Yes?" Jihoon blinked confusedly at him and Seojun chuckled.
"You've not ordered anything."
The omega looked around, realizing they were at the cafeteria.
He blushed in embarrassment at the pointed look the server was giving him. "One blueberry muffin," he muttered quietly, staring at the floor.
The woman grunted and got his order, rattling off the bill.
Jihoon pulled out his wallet only to be stopped by Seojun's voice.
"I'll pay, Jihoon."
The omega shook his head. "But, Senior—"
Seojun shot him a pointed look. "I'm offering, Jihoon," he shrugged, taking out the money from his wallet.
"Are you going to pay or not?" The server cut in impatiently. "I don't have all day," she snapped and Jihoon was momentarily taken aback by her rudeness.
Was it a norm to be rude in this city?
Was it a Seoul trait?
Seojun, on the other hand, only laughed. "Still prickly as ever," he paid and they walked away with their various orders.
"Thank you, Senior..." Jihoon dipped his head but the other waved him off.
"It's alright."
"Jihoon?" a voice called and the omega turned, eyes widening in recognition.
"Ah, Hi."
Seungmin approached them with a smile, dipping his head in greeting. "Good to see you both!" he beamed, looking at the both of them.
Jihoon nodded. "It's good to see you too, Mr Lee."
"Why so formal?" Seungmin chuckled, rumming a hand through his hair. "Aren't we friends, Jihoon?" he asked, faking hurt.
"Oh..Yes.." Jihoon admitted, ears heating up.
"He takes time to warm up to people," Seojun sighed from beside him and Seungmin smiled in understanding.
"That's okay."
Jihoon said nothing, staring at his muffin instead.
Seojun clapped his shoulder. "Why don't we go out tonight?" he suggested, looking at the both of them.
Seungmin hummed in agreement. "That will be good. We can catch up that way."
"I know a good bar," Seojun said animatedly, eyes bright. "It's the perfect hanging out spot."
"What do you say, Jihoon?" he asked, turning to the omega.
Jihoon shook his head. "I don't think I can make it," he whispered.
Seungmin frowned. "Why?"
The omega swallowed, gears turning up in his head as he tried to come up with an excuse.
"My friend and I have plans to see our family for dinner," he lied.
That was bullshit.
Seungho was out of town and Jihoon would never dream of going to see his father.
He kept his face neutral, hoping they couldn't see through his pathetic lies.
Seojun let out a regretful sigh. "That's alright, Jihoon."
"Maybe next time, then?" Seungmin proposed hopefully and Jihoon gave him a smile.
"That would be great."
The other seemed satisfied with the answer before looking at Seojun.
"I actually have something to show you," Seungmin said. "The file you asked for?"
"Ah..." Seojun nodded. "Let's go then."
Seungmin glanced at Jihoon with a smile. "See you later, Jihoon!" he waved and walked off, Seojun behind him.
The omega watched them go with a sigh. He bit into his muffin, nearly spitting it out.
The muffin was just as horrible as the server!
"I always wondered how people ate that," a voice said behind him.
Jihoon spun around quickly, heart thumping in his chest. "Junghoon..." he breathed.
After nearly a week of not seeing him, the alpha was even more handsome than he recalled. His hair was pulled in a man bun, a few strands falling over his forehead.
It gave him an edgy look, exposing those dark eyes that never failed to give Jihoon a whiplash.
"Mr Kang," Junghoon said in a lieu of greeting.
"You haven't been attending class all week," Jihoon pointed out dumbly, eyes roaming over the other's face.
"I got held up with work," Junghoon admitted, putting his hands in his pockets. His lips pulled up slightly. "Did you miss me?"
"You wish," The omega replied, rolling his eyes.
Jihoon did miss the alpha.
But he wasn't about to tell him how much his absence bothered him and the times he nearly dialled his number to check on him.
Maybe, he was being dramatic.
"I know a bakery nearby that sells amazing pastries," Junghoon said, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Let me take you there."
Jihoon frowned.
"It's not a bother at all," The alpha said. "You will love the place."
Ten minutes later, Jihoon found himself holding a blueberry muffin. He bit into it, closing his eyes with an appreciative groan.
"This is delicious," he mumbled, taking another bite.
Junghoon hummed, taking a sip of his drink. "I'm glad you find this delicious."
The omega beamed gratefully at him, finishing his muffin. He looked around the bakery.
It was a small, quaint space. The designs were minimal but homely and the customers looked satisfied.
One of the servers approached them with a paper bag. "Here's your order," she dropped it on their table and Jihoon frowned.
"We didn't... order that."
"I got it for you," Junghoon said calmly and gave the money. "Keep the change," he murmured and the server bowed gratefully.
"Junghoon...why did you—" Jihoon gestured to the big paper bag.
"I noticed you liked them," The alpha shrugged.
He said it like it was the most reasonable thing in the world and the omega felt his heart skip at the caring act.
"Thank you," Jihoon whispered and Junghoon hummed, standing up.
"Let's go."
Minutes later, they stood in front of Jihoon's apartment.
"I guess..." The omega hugged the paper bag to his chest. "... I should go in now."
"I actually went away for a week to see if I can get myself back together," Junghoon confessed quietly.
Jihoon stared at him, slightly confused.
The alpha stepped closer. "But nothing will ever be the same again, Kang Jihoon."
The omega's heart hammered in his chest and he tightened his grip on the bag.
What was Junghoon insinuating?
He tensed in anticipation as the alpha leaned till their faces were inches apart.
"What do you mean?" Jihoon whispered nervously, licking his lips.
The alpha's eyes followed the movement and he smirked. "I don't want to be apart from you, Kang Jihoon."
Without waiting for a response, Junghoon kissed him.