The school corridor was louder than usual.
Students gathered around the notice board, their voices interfering and the excitement racing through. The exam results were out. Some were smiling. Some were disappointed. A few were shedding tears in quiet corners.
And then there was Nobita.
His posture was just behind the crowd, with his hands resting on one shoulder and his fingers twitching over the strap. He looked slightly embarrassed. The sound of his heart was audible in the room. Each result day had the same feeling, of hope that barely survived and fear which always triumphed.' Despite their differences,
He already knew. Still… he walked forward.
A list of names was displayed on the board, organized into rows.
1st Rank – Dekisugi.
2nd Rank – Shizuka.
3rd Rank – Suneo.
….
….
…. 18th Rank – Nobita.
There was a brief moment of silence.' Then the laughter started.
"Of course he failed again.". What is your interpretation of the statement "He's an omega."?
The thought of Shizuka could be a distraction for you.
"Pathetic.".
Every word strayed from its intended meaning.' Nobita's ears burned red. His throat tightened. He didn't shed tears as he had already learned that crying only gave them more reasons to ridicule him. But his chest hurt. Not because of the rank.
They felt he was entitled to it.
An omega.
As if his worth hinged on that one word.
He silently walked away from the board.'".
And that's when Dekisugi arrived. He was immediately embraced by the crowd.' Teachers smiled. Students moved aside. Alphas stood straighter. Betas greeted him with respect. Even the noisiest voices softened.
"Dekisugi got first again!".
"As expected—he never falls.".
"No one can beat him.".
Perfectly poised, Dekisugi smiled with a polite hello. He glanced at the board with a casual expression, not bothered or doubted. He already knew his place. First. Always first. But then…. A scent reached him. It wasn't loud. It wasn't sweet. It was deep.
He sensed something unfamiliar, both sharp and warm. His steps slowed. He experienced a surge of alpha emotion that was unprecedented.'". His chest tightened in an unusual manner, not out of pridefulness. Danger?
No. Interest. Dekisugi turned his head. He looked directly into Nobita. The Nobita was not universally commended. The shaking omega was ridiculed, not due to the nervousness. Nobita, with a back that was slightly bent and eyes closed, still in silence, but struggling to survive.
For the first time ever…. Dekisugi didn't see weakness. He saw suppressed strength. The scent grew stronger. And suddenly Dekisugi understood. This omega wasn't ordinary. Shizuka was spotted smiling as he stood next to Dekisugi.
"Back to first," she gently stated.
His usual humble answer was anticipated by everyone. But Dekisugi wasn't listening. He remained attentive to Nobita. Shizuka followed his gaze, surprised.
"Nobita…?" she whispered.
Dekisugi didn't respond. Over the corridor, Nobita felt it.' A gaze. Heavy. Strong. Watching him. He lifted his eyes slowly. And met Dekisugi's stare. The whole corridor vanished briefly.', No laughter. No crowd. No rankings.
Only the omega- and alpha are used. In a position of being subjected to something dangerous and certain. Nobita's heart skipped violently. "Why does he gaze at me...?" asked him. A pull was felt by Dekisugi in his breast.
Not competition.
Not superiority. Something far worse. Claim. On that day, a rivalry began and persisted. When an Alpha identifies a strong Omega... is the reason. It's time to move on from the exams..........
It becomes about fate.