"How can someone be so rude," Jihoon hissed, taking off his soiled jacket. After a brief inspection, he sighed in relief that his shirt was at least spared.
The omega caressed his scent patch, the lack of scent putting him on edge. "How hard is it to apologize?"
He exhaled, staring quietly at his reflection in the mirror.
"You are new here?" a voice asked and the omega jumped in fright.
A man stood a few feet away from him, a friendly smile on his face.
"You scared me," Jihoon whispered, trying to calm his racing heart.
The other chuckled, zipping up his blue tracksuit. "I'm sorry for that."
"I'm Hwang Seojun," he introduced himself, extending a hand.
"Kang Jihoon." The omega replied curtly as they shook hands.
Seojun smiled at the other's wary stare. "I'm the basketball coach. You?"
"English Literature."
"A lecturer. That's nice."
Jihoon watched as the other hummed before going over to the mirror to fix his hair. He quickly stuffed his jacket in his bag,
Seojun threw him a glance over his shoulder. "Have you met the other staff members?"
"No."
"So... first day troubles?" The other asked, turning to face him. "I heard you complain a while ago."
"Just had a little mishap," Jihoon shrugged, feeling a bit conscious of Seojun's stare. "Though... my first class was okay."
"You are young for a lecturer," Seojun pointed out and the omega barely held himself from rolling his eyes.
"But that is also a good thing," he continued, smiling at him. "The students will open up more to you because those stuffy, old professors can be very cranky," He added with an eye roll and they both shared a quiet laugh.
They stepped out of the restroom and Jihoon bowed his head.
"I have a class now. See you later, Mr. Hwang."
Seojun raised an eyebrow at the address. "Just call me Senior. Mr Hwang sound so old."
"Alright, then."
"See you later."
"Okay."
His next class was a bit difficult.
"Is he the new lecturer?"
"Lecturer? That's impossible!"
"Why is he dressed like that?"
"I bet you he is an omega!"
Jihoon ignored the chattering and politely introduced himself.
"Are you an omega?" a voice cut him off rudely and his smile faltered at the condescending tone.
He glanced at the student who asked the question, a buff looking boy sitting with his legs on the table.
"I don't see how that's any of your business," Jihoon replied coldly and started the lecture.
The students barely paid attention to him, preferring to whisper in small groups instead and the omega felt dejected and moody.
He immediately walked out as soon as the lecture was over and made his way out of the institution, grateful he had no more classes.
Jihoon took the train home to avoid paying a ridiculous transport fare, playing mobile games to pass the time.
Too tired to even eat, the omega only took off his scent patch and collapsed on the bed. He closed his eyes with a sigh, the comforting scent of peaches luring him to sleep.
"He was so..ugh!"
"Hmm."
"He ruined my lucky hoodie, Seungho."
"He should be hanged for that."
Jihoon pouted at his friend's uninterested replies to his woes.
"You are not even listening!" he complained sulkily, nudging the other with his toe which his friend promptly smacked away.
They were sitting on the single couch in their apartment, each holding a bowl of ramen noodles.
Seungho shot him a glare, mouth full of noodles. "I am listening."
The omega pursed his lips. "He nearly ruined my first day."
His friend smirked. "Is he hot?"
Jihoon gasped, smacking his shoulder. "He is a student!"
"Is that a yes?"
"I don't know!"
"He totally is!" Seungho loudly declared, giggling.
"That's not the point." Jihoon scoffed and his friend hummed teasingly.
"You've talked about him for hours now. It's definitely a point."
"I won't talk about him again." The omega declared, nose scrunched in annoyance.
"Suit yourself."
"How did your classes go?"
Jihoon sighed at the question, dropping his empty bowl.
"The first was good... the second was suffocating..." he rubbed his arms, scent souring.
"I think they... look down on me for being an omega. Just like the rest of the world does," he blinked away his tears, digging his fingers into his skin.
"These damn societal norms," The other omega scoffed, patting his arm in silent comfort. "I wanted to punch my boss today," He admitted, causing Jihoon to stare at him in bewilderment.
Seungho slammed his bowl on the table abruptly, startling his friend. "I'll punch him one day," He promised through gritted teeth.
"Don't!" Jihoon gasped, eyes wide. "We need the money!"
They both chuckled quietly.
Seungho looked at him for a moment. "Have you called your Dad?"
Jihoon froze, heart sinking.
"Did... he call you?"
His friend hummed, crossing his legs. "He just said you should call him."
"Oh. That's..." The omega breathed, standing up. "I'll call him as soon as I can."
He heard Seungho sigh. "Till when are you going to give in to him, Jihoon?"
"Let's not talk about it, Seungho."
"Till you are dead?" His friend pressed and Jihoon glared at him fiercely.
"I said I don't want to talk about it!" He yelled.
Seungho clicked his tongue. "Do what you want then."
Thursday rolled by and Jihoon found himself getting a bit used to his new routine.
"Sir?" a student raised his attention and the omega signaled for him to go on.
"What is your personal opinion of Catherine's decision in the novel?"
"My personal opinion?" Jihoon repeated. "I do think she made the right choice."
Someone scoffed loudly and the omega bit back a sigh, already knowing who it was.
"Anything the matter, Junghoon?"
"No, Sir." The other shook his head, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Please don't mind me."
"Surely," He continued, turning to the class. "Letting go of someone you are passionate about is very difficult but Catherine let go because she knew pursuing it will only hurt them both."
Jihoon checked the time. "I want each of you to write a personal review of Wuthering Heights along with your preferred ending, okay?" he instructed, gaze sweeping all over the room.
"To be submitted tomorrow," he added.
"On Friday? The time is too short!" a girl cried out.
Jihoon smiled. "It's only a page, Aera."
"Okay, Sir." Aera smiled sheepishly, packing up her books.
He looked around the class with a frown. "Who is absent today?"
"Yena didn't come today."
Jihoon nodded. "Does anyone know why she isn't here?" He asked, looking around the class.
They all seemed as clueless as him, so he took his bag and left.
"Sir!" a voice called after him, halting his steps.
Jihoon turned, forcing a smile on his face. "Jeon Junghoon," he gritted out.
"You look happy to see me, Sir."
The omega bit his lip, brows knitted in frustration.
Of course, he would be frustrated. Jeon Junghoon was the jerk that nearly ruined his first day!
The male was attending his lectures early and sitting at the front of the class, eyes following him around as he asked countless questions.
Jihoon was annoyed at the disturbance, though his treacherous heart always fluttered, delighted at the attention.
He schooled his features, tightening his grip on his phone. "Is there anything you wanted to ask, Junghoon?"
Junghoon hummed, pushing his hair back. "Are you sure you want my personal review of Wuthering Heights?"
Jihoon nodded. "I believe I was very clear on that."
The other regarded him for a moment.
"What if it's too dark and sounds depraved?" He asked and the omega's breath hitched.
"I have very questionable tastes, Sir."
Junghoon had moved even closer and Jihoon felt dwarfed by the student's larger build and annoyed that he was a head shorter.
He raised his eyes to meet the other's dark gaze, swallowing. "That's no problem, Junghoon."
"Thank you for your assistance, Sir."
Jihoon watched as the other bowed and left. He let out a shaky breath and barged into the nearest restroom, patting his flaming cheeks.
"How can someone be so intimidating?!" The omega mumbled, closing his eyes.
"Why is he doing this to me?" he wondered, staring at his reflection. "Should I just resign?"
Jihoon shook his head. "Stupid! You need the money!"
A clatter sounded in the restroom stalls and Jihoon jumped in surprise.
"Who is there?"
One swung open and a girl stumbled out, causing the omega's eyes to widen in recognition.
"Yena?" He whispered in surprise, approaching the girl. "What happened?"
Her face was puffy, eyes red with tear streaks painting her cheeks.
"Hey—"
Yena suddenly grabbed his arm, causing Jihoon to frown.
"Please help me, Sir." she sobbed.