Chapter Text
“… and that’s the basics of your semester project. You will find more detailed guidelines in your email.”
Everyone nodded at the professor.
“This project is to be done in pairs. I’ve assigned each of you to your seatmate, I’m hoping for great results from all of you. Good luck with it. Class dismissed.”
The students nodded once again before the rustling of papers began, everyone putting away their things to go home.
Well, could be worse.
He pulled his red hair away from his forehead as he looked to his right, where his seatmate was packing his things as well.
Maybe I can finally learn something about him more than name, age, and subgender.
“So, looks like we’re pairing for this,” he tried.
“Yes.” The other didn’t look up, dark bangs covering his eyes.
“Should we like, trade numbers or something?”
The other glanced at him as he slung his bag over his shoulder. “I’m very sorry Hongjoong-ssi, I have somewhere to be urgent. Can we plan this afterwards? Like, next class?”
“Oh.” At least I tried. “Yes, that’s okay. We have time.”
The other nodded. “Thank you. I think we should read the assignment beforehand too, so we can split work evenly.”
Hm?
“Actually, if you could, it would be a great favour to me if you did the division. I will work with whatever you choose.”
That had Hongjoong pausing. “Seonghwa-ssi, wait. You mean you’re not thinking of getting together to work on this?”
He looked hesitantly at him. “I – yes? I assume we will split things and then match them together closer to the deadline. It’s what I’ve been doing in other subjects.”
That had him frowning. That was so not going to work. Hongjoong only had one management course in his entire degree, he had to make the most out of it. “I don’t think we should. This is a complex project on that we are given three and half months to work on, that is worth half of our grade. I’m not gonna half ass it.”
The warm vanilla scent around them soured, the omega disgruntled.
“I think you will find my schedule too hard to match, Hongjoong-ssi. I’ve been in this situation before, whoever pairs up with me always decides they’re better off splitting work.”
Yeah, but those colleagues did not save up for 5 years to afford being here today getting a degree. “Well, I don’t know this availability of yours, but I do know I’m not other people. We’ll figure out a time to work on this properly. You shouldn’t jeopardize your grade either.”
Seonghwa sighed defeated. “Then next class we can discuss everything properly. I’ll read the assignment beforehand. I really have to go now.”
Hongjoong nodded. “Yes, next week we can figure it out.”
“See you then.”
I hope this doesn’t become a challenge.
This wasn’t the first time Park Seonghwa proved to be as illusive as the first day of classes. Nothing seemed to make him emote. If Hongjoong were to drink every time the omega had replied to him with more than five words – he would still be very sober.
And Hongjoong had been nothing but persistent in starting conversation.
“Hi, everything well? I’m Hongjoong.” “Seonghwa, I’m good.”
“Hello Seonghwa-ssi, do you have any notes from last class?” “I didn’t bring them.”
“I gotta say, I thought this subject would be horrible but it’s actually not that bad.” “Yeah.”
Having a mandatory management course had sounded horrible on paper from the start, so Hongjoong had wanted to make sure he wouldn’t die of boredom, by at least getting close with his seatmate. And his unsuccess on the task was a bummer. It had seemed ideal in the beginning – they were even the same age! What was the chance of finding someone in a college campus five years older than everyone else like him, and them ending up in their class, on the same desk?
They had ended up seated together after Seonghwa arrived dramatically late to their first class (truly dramatic, with all the fair of a door bursting open and several deep bows to the professor amidst frantic “I’m deeply sorry to be late” apologies) and Hongjoong, left alone the minute people realized he was 25 already, was sat next to the only available chair in the room.
It was the teacher that had happily pointed out that they were the same age a few minutes later (“How interesting! You can be chingus!”) but the omega had kept his now usual stoic face as a reaction.
It wasn’t hard for Hongjoong to pin down the character behind Park Seonghwa. Not when he wore it blatantly. Male omega, standing tall and unreasonably pretty with an inviting vanilla scent, always adorning clothes that screamed rich. Mysterious about his private life and focused on spending as little time on campus as possible.
Hongjoong had seen the type.
Male omegas were not very common, so one born into high society was treated like a precious trophy. Seonghwa was just like all those chaebol descendants he caught on TV. Probably worked as a model for some prestigious brand the alpha couldn’t even afford to look at, judging by his clothing, and was taking a business degree late only out of need so he could eventually fulfil a role within his family’s company. He most likely felt forced to take the degree when nepotism should have been enough, since in class he always looked like he would rather be very much somewhere else. And probably didn’t want anyone to judge him for his lineage, which explained his quietness.
The only sign of vulnerability Hongjoong had really seen were the bags under Seonghwa’s eyes, but he had to give it to him. Even rich people weren’t immune to juggling tiring modelling gigs with a college degree. Hell, Hongjoong was currently surviving on savings and DJing earnings only and even like that he sometimes dreamt of more sleeping hours.
Still, he wasn’t one to think a person’s upbringing turned them into assholes, especially with the stereotypes society had about alphas like himself (that he fought against daily). He remained curious about the solitary omega. It was why he still tried every class to start a conversation with him. But for the past month, since the semester had begun, his success had been null.
This has to change.
They needed to find a common ground, even if for the sake of the project only.
I’ve put too much at stake for this degree to condemn any because of some management course.
»«
It was easier said than done.
Hongjoong had thought that with a subject of which they only had two classes per week, Seonghwa would put a little more effort into arranging meetings to work on the project, but for the past three classes the omega had brought up more than twice again the idea of splitting work and doing it with minimal communication.
It was getting on Hongjoong’s nerves.
He had gotten the omega’s phone number on that following class as agreed, but his responses by text were just as curt as the ones in person.
[You]
Hello, it’s Hongjoong from management class
We didn’t have much time today
to discuss the project because you left in a rush
but I have the next two afternoons free
How about we meet up tomorrow to start?
[Park Seonghwa-ssi]
Hello Hongjoong-ssi
I’m sorry but I don’t have time for that
It’s better if we talk in class
[You]
Hello, Hongjoong here
Would you be available this weekend to meet up?
[Park Seonghwa-ssi]
Hongjoong-ssi I’m afraid I’m working
I apologize
“Seonghwa-ssi, good afternoon.” Hongjoong cornered him as soon as he realized the omega had arrived early to class.
“Hello.”
“I’m very sorry and I don’t mean to pressure you, I’m sure you’re a busy person, but it’s been two weeks, we really should meet to begin the project.”
Seonghwa looked at him through expressionless eyes. “I’m sorry. It’s hard for me to have free time.”
“And I totally respect that. But it really is important that we don’t let this drag.” He let his cheeks colour naturally. “I have to admit I’m not the best at things like management. I don’t want to delay this and jeopardize our grades.”
“It is not the easiest for me either.”
Outside of that one text where Hongjoong got confirmation that Seonghwa worked – in modelling, for sure – this was the most emotive answer he had ever gotten from the omega. He had to make use of it. “It’s really good that we feel the same then. Would you have time these next days? I don’t have any gigs, I’m free whenever.”
“Gigs?”
“Oh. Yes, I DJ sometimes at this bar.”
Seonghwa nodded calmly. “That’s interesting. I’m sure you’re very good at it.”
“Thank you, I like to think so too. But would you have time?”
“For the project?”
“Yes, any time these days.”
Seonghwa stayed pensive for a while. “Hmm I think I can make it tomorrow morning. In case you don’t have classes. But it really has to be early.”
Hongjoong looked inquisitively. “How early?”
“Like, 8am. I have class at 11, so it would be okay for me.”
Well, Hongjoong didn’t have class until 1pm, and getting up for anything at 8am sounded absolutely abhorrent, but if it was the only chance of catching Seonghwa available… he sighed internally. Oh well.
He smiled reassuringly. “I’m available to. Where should we meet?”
Seonghwa shrugged, “Maybe a study room? The one in building A?”
He frowned. He didn’t want to be on campus at 8am unless forced to. “How about a coffee shop? Since it’s so early, that way we can have breakfast too.”
“I don’t mind. But I think I will be having breakfast home if that’s okay.”
Hongjoong wondered if Seonghwa’s family had a personal cook that would make him his perfectly tailored morning order.
Now that would be the dream. He would have breakfast at home too.
“Of course. I’ll have the coffee for both of us. I don’t know if you recommend any place, but there’s this one café I’ve been meaning to go to that I saw some influencer recommend, it’s not that close to campus but it must be okay. It’s called Bean n’ Beam -”
Seonghwa’s eyes widened, “NO.”
The alpha hesitated. “… no?”
“Yes. I mean, no! I don’t think we should go there. It’s just…” He put his thoughts together while blushing slightly (not that Hongjoong found it absolutely endearing), “I’ve been there. Their coffee is not so good. I think we should go to this other one I went to once, closer to campus.”
Hongjoong was no coffee shop expert, so he would take his word. “That works for me.”
Seonghwa nodded. “I’m glad. Then, I could send you the location and we’ll meet there?”
“Of course. 8am. I’ll be there. Thank you for making the time.”
“It’s only my obligation.”
“I still appreciate it. But now I think it’s better if we sit.” He pointed to his left. “Professor’s here.”
»«
Meeting up with Seonghwa the first time was doable. He still kept mostly quiet and was eerily reserved, but he was never rude and always seemed to find whatever Hongjoong revealed about himself interesting.
He may have no preference between alphas and betas and omegas – he had been in flings with people of all subgenders – but he wouldn’t deny that speaking with a pretty omega that presented a calming and sweet scent around his alpha didn’t affect him in the slightest.
It definitely boosted his alpha’s ego a little.
They managed to conjure up a draft of the report they had to write, where they should do research to make a project that didn’t look like a poor Wikipedia copypaste, and what work they should prepare for their next meeting.
And in the meantime, Hongjoong promoted idle chat.
“What is it that you’re studying, Seonghwa-ssi?”
“You mean my degree?”
He nodded.
“It’s business and marketing.”
Hongjoong gave himself a pat in the head for that one. As he had predicted, Seonghwa was studying business – definitely to join the family’s corporation.
He chuckled. “Less risky than me then. I’m in music production. I’m only taking this management subject because it’s mandatory. Though it makes sense, even when my creative part tells me I’m wasting time. There’s only so much you can do with your musical knowledge if you don’t know how a business works.”
Seonghwa agreed. “I can imagine. But if it’s only this subject then you will have more opportunities to focus on the part I assume you like.” He smiled, “You should be thankful for it. Not everyone has the chance or courage to take a course more focused on the arts.”
“You’re absolutely right.” He paused as he considered Seonghwa’s tone while speaking. “Did you ever?”
“Ever what?”
“Consider that. A career in the arts.”
Seonghwa shrugged. “Not all youth dreams can be fulfilled.”
That gave Hongjoong enough context. People tended to assume that heirs to large businesses with comfortable wealth had it easy, but perhaps the pressure he had faced years ago with unsupportive parents – who wouldn’t finance their “gay son’s artsy whims” – wasn’t so different from the one faced by people like Seonghwa, who were born with a role bestowed upon them.
No child grows up saying they dream of being a businessman.
Maybe Seonghwa didn’t even like to be a model.
But before Hongjoong could even show some words of support, the omega was speaking again. “And besides, as you grow older, you realize that dreams and priorities change. And that’s okay.”
»«
Things turned a bit south the second time they met up.
Because Hongjoong was getting a little tired.
They were gathered in a study room inside campus (as per Seonghwa’s request), at 6pm (as per Seonghwa’s request), ten days later (as per Seonghwa’s availability), and Hongjoong had just pulled up his part of the work he had done home. Seonghwa meanwhile…
“I’m sorry Hongjoong-ssi, I know we compromised with developing different SWOT analysis so we could compare and combine them, but I really did not have time to. It was hard to make it here today already. I really am sorry.”
It was exhausting to seem like he was the only one worried about their work.
“So… then you haven’t managed to prepare anything for the project yet?”
“I really am sorry, it has been hard, and I will try my best to be a better worker for the next step. I really will. But still, I’m sure that your analysis is really well done, and that if we see it together, we can make small improvements and use it. I fully trust Hongjoong-ssi to be the leader in this project, even if we’re just two.”
This could not be it. Hongjoong was not going to let a full semester roll by where he pulled the work and Seonghwa caught the ride just because he had things to do outside of college. Hongjoong had them too.
He had to say something.
Maybe it wasn’t his place to, but he figured he wasn’t the only group Seonghwa was involved in in college, and perhaps no one had taken the courage to tell him the words he was about to. Words that he meant as advice and help.
“Seonghwa-ssi,” he started, “I apologize if what I am going to say sounds wrong or condescending but…” He watched as the other’s eyes dulled, but he figured he should continue, “You’ve mentioned before that you have work, and I know juggling things is hard, but if you’re taking a college degree then you ought to prioritize it sometimes.”
Seonghwa remained silent but there was a frown growing on his face.
“And I see how you don’t like to say much about where you came from, but it isn’t hard to see that you must have a supportive background, a good family… I mean, you dress so well – I think I’m not wrong in assuming that you’re studying to become a relevant part of your family’s corporate world. That for the past years you’ve been dedicating yourself fully to marketing yourself and the company. Anyone can see how you walk with the gait of a model.”
The silence was becoming louder.
“But I… Seonghwa-ssi, the reason I’m only taking a degree at 25 is because no one was willing to support me, and I had to earn my keep for years. And I don’t want to sound selfish when I say this but if you could express with your family that you need to dedicate more time to school, ask for help with the costs so you could do less hours at work… I think it would be a gain for all involved.”
Was Seonghwa turning red?
“Because like in this subject, you will have moments where your work affects your group’s success too. Like today, where I already did –”
“SHUT UP!!!”
Hongjoong halted. What?
“Shut up, shut up! Stop saying shit about me! I’ve done literally fucking nothing to make you assume fuck all about me, so shut the fuck up!” Seonghwa blurted out into his face with an expression the alpha had a hard time deciphering. It wasn’t rage only. There was exhaustion in there too, sadness. His scent was souring.
The two stood there for a few seconds eyeing each other, Seonghwa still with his piercing gaze, while Hongjoong looked back wide-eyed at the outburst.
What is happening?
Seonghwa broke the eye contact first and got up, startling him out of his own seat, and making him notice from the corner of his eye that he wasn’t the only one flabbergasted. The study room had gone quiet around them, curious about the noise. He didn’t have time to think about it though, as the omega started gathering his papers inside his bag with fury.
“Hey, where are you going, the projec-”
Seonghwa lifted his head and gave him the most murderous look Hongjoong had ever been at the end of. “I have literally somewhere to be so much more fucking important right now that here putting up with these assumptions. I’m going home, Kim Hongjoong.”
“B-but, what did I –”
“Whatever you think you went through to be here today, whatever rags to riches story you have –” he laughed with no emotion, “Trust me, you’ve got it easy.”
“Wait, I didn’t mean to sound condescending to your life, I just –”
“I have a daughter!”
Hongjoong’s words died in his throat.
… What.
He stared.
“Yes.” Seonghwa’s tone was sharp. “I’m a single mom. No support. No family. Just me and her. I’m not some important person like it seems you’ve conjured up in your mind, and -” he paused to take a deep breath, “every single second that I’m here when I don’t have to be in class or at work, it’s precious time I’m losing with my baby.”
“Seonghwa-ssi -”
“And this is why I don’t tell anyone shit about my life. The response is pity, and it doesn’t even matter, because even when I keep silent people make assumptions I didn’t ask for anyway. Though I gotta say, thinking I’m ‘busy and rich’ is definitely an upgrade from ‘lazy and hanging off my peer’s work’.”
He turned to leave.
Hongjoong was in a turmoil.
How come…?
How had Seonghwa hidden such a detail? There were just no signs…?
He was very sure no one else in class knew. Including the teacher.
“Seonghwa-ssi, I apologize.” He tried to call for him. The was no need for the omega to leave just because Hongjoong was an idiot. “I didn’t know, I – My assumptions were just me trying to know you better, so we could make this project -”
Seonghwa turned back with an angry glare. “Save me the pity, please. I’ll do my part of the work separately, like I asked you to from the start, thank you very much. So I can be with my daughter like I should.”
He turned once again, before hesitating and taking a step closer to the table. His scent invaded Hongjoong’s nostrils, upset and sour.
“And just so you know, I am under no obligation to share anything about my personal life with you, but, if you’re so curious, I wear the clothes that I do because my best friend is working for a fashion company and saves the defected pieces for me because I literally cannot afford clothing for myself if I want to buy some for my baby.”
With that final statement he turned and strode out of the room, leaving Hongjoong to stare as the door closed with a bang, conflicted and guilty.
Around him, the horde of students remained silent.