The next morning, Rion lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Minutes passed as he debated whether he should even go to school. He didn't want to face Jaekyung—not because he was terrified (well, okay, maybe a little), but because he was scared the Alpha would see right through him and figure out his embarrassing secret.
What if he realizes I have a crush on him?
Rion groaned, pulling the sheets over his face, his cheeks heating up at the thought. It was ridiculous, he knew that. Someone like Jeakyung could never reciprocate his feelings. But that didn't stop Rion from liking him.
Jeakyung was attractive, tall, and intelligent—everything that made an Alpha irresistible.
Why did he release his pheromones last night? Rion wondered. Dominant Alphas didn't usually need to release pheromones like average Alphas to attract others. Their mere presence was enough to draw people in, especially Omegas.
He had heard that some Dominant Alphas released pheromones when they were interested in an Omega.
Could it be… Teakyun is interested in me?
The thought sent Rion shooting upright in bed, his face buried in his hands. His heart pounded with excitement before reality came crashing back down.
"Yeah, right," he muttered. "As if someone like him could ever be into someone like me."
Resigned, Rion got out of bed and headed to the door.
The moment he opened it, the sound of children's laughter filled the hallway. A group of kids darted past him, playing tag.
"Good morning, big brother! Did you get home safe last night?"
Rion turned to see Leon, a boy two years younger than him, smiling brightly. At the orphanage, they all called each other siblings and looked out for one another. Leon had always admired Rion for getting into such a prestigious school on a scholarship.
"Yes, I did. Thank you," Rion replied, ruffling Leon's hair. "How about you? How was school? I hope you worked hard and didn't get into trouble."
Leon pouted. "Ow! That hurts, big brother!" he complained as Rion tugged lightly on his ear.
Rion laughed at his reaction. "Well, stop causing trouble then."
Suddenly, a stern voice called from behind. "Hey! If you two are done chatting, get to your chores immediately!"
It was Sister Monica, one of the strictest nuns at the orphanage. She was known for her sharp tongue and lack of compassion, often reminding the children that they were unwanted, lowly Omegas who should be grateful for what little they had.
"Why, you old hag—" Leon started to yell but was cut off by Rion's warning tone.
"Leon."
The boy froze, lowering his head. "Sorry, big brother," Leon mumbled.
"Look," Rion said, lifting Leon's chin so their eyes met. "People will always look down on us for being Omegas. You don't have to like it, but sometimes the best thing you can do is stay quiet. Silence is the strongest weapon you can use against your enemies."
Leon nodded solemnly. "Okay, big brother."
"Good. Now, let's get our chores done and get ready for school."
At the orphanage, chores were divided among the older kids. Rion was in charge of tidying the rooms and doing laundry, while Leon helped prepare breakfast—the only meal they got each day. After finishing his tasks, Rion helped the younger kids get ready for school before taking a quick shower and putting on his uniform.
With a quick goodbye, he left the orphanage, walking to school. The bus wasn't an option—he couldn't afford it.
"RION!"
Rion was at his locker when Chris's voice echoed through the hallway. He turned just in time to see Chris sprinting toward him, drawing the attention of everyone nearby.
"Dude, I've been calling your name forever!" Chris panted, leaning on his knees to catch his breath. "You didn't call me last night, so I was worried!"
"Oh, yeah… sorry about that," Rion said, scratching the back of his head nervously. "I just had a lot on my mind and completely forgot."
Usually, they called each other after parting ways to make sure they got home safely. But after everything that had happened with Jeakyung, Rion had completely forgotten.
Chris frowned. "You sure you're okay? You look nervous."
"I'm fine!" Rion replied quickly, trying to sound convincing.
Chris narrowed his eyes. "You sure?"
"Yes! I'm fine," Rion insisted.
Chris shrugged. "Okay… What class do you have right now?"
"Math. You?"
"Geography." Chris groaned. "Ugh, but I'm gonna skip so I can slack off. You know I hate Geography."
"Nope, not happening," Rion said, grabbing Chris by the arm and dragging him down the hall.
"Let me go, Rion! Please!" Chris whined, pouting like a child about to get a vaccine shot.
"See you at lunch," Rion said, shoving Chris into his Geography classroom and locking the door from the outside to make sure he couldn't escape.
************************************************
"As you know, there are seven continents: Africa, America…"
"Blah, blah, blah," Chris muttered under his breath, spinning a pen on his desk. He found the class unbearably boring and wished he could've skipped and go do more interesting things, but Rion wouldn't let him.
As he twirled the pen, something light hit the back of his head.
Turning around, he saw a paper airplane lying on the floor. Curious, he picked it up and carefully unfolded it. Inside was a note:
Hey, beautiful. Wanna go on a date with me?
Chris's eyes scanned the room until they landed on Henry, who was grinning and waving his hand at him. The Alpha winked.
Chris smirked, holding the note up for Henry to see before slowly tearing it into pieces. Keeping his eyes locked with Henry's, he raised his hand and flipped him the middle finger with a sweet smile. Making Henry's jaw drop to the ground.
Satisfied, he turned back to his desk, completely ignoring Henry.
Henry couldn't believe it. A lowly Omega had not only rejected him but flipped him off. Hurting his pride.
I'm Henry Moretti! he thought, fuming. If he wanted to, he could make that damn Omega beg for mercy. But the terms of his bet were clear: the Omega had to fall for him willingly.
I refuse to lose. I won't be defeated by a fucking Omega.
Henry clenched his jaw, his determination growing stronger.