“Wait, hold on—he’s what—?” But Sieun’s already hung up. Hyuntak stares at the screen. Pre-rut? What the fuck. He doesn’t even get a second to let it settle when Suho appears again, walking out of the bathroom, towel over his head, scanning the room like he’s looking for him.

When Suho spots him standing at the balcony, he lets out a breath of relief and strolls over like everything is normal. “Wanna sleep?” he asks, voice calm, but etched with something else. “I’ll wash up first,” Hyuntak blurts, body moving automatically past him.

He doesn’t even process Suho’s nod. Even while brushing his teeth, he’s stuck replaying what Sieun said in his head over and over. When he comes back out, his brain is still spinning. He couldn't really keep up with all that happened just tonight.

Suho’s lounging on the couch now. He glances up. “Sleeping at mine?” he asks, casual, but there’s something hopeful beneath it. Hyuntak doesn’t even answer, just stands there, expression unreadable.

Suho seems to pick up on it and stands. “Sleep at mine,” he repeats, a little more firmly. Then, softer. “Please?” Hyuntak nods. They make their way to Suho’s room and lie down, backs straight, not touching, a few inches of silence between them.

But Hyuntak isn’t really there. His mind is still caught in that call. Pre-rut. What does that even mean for them? What if everything that happened today was just hormones? Because he's the only person there at that time.

He rolls onto his side, facing away from Suho unconsciously, trying to shut the thoughts down. He ends up with his back to Suho. Maybe it’s easier not to face him when his thoughts won’t settle.

He doesn’t expect it when Suho gently drapes an arm over his waist and slowly inches closer, molding their bodies together with ease. His breath catches in his throat. Then he feels it. Suho’s unmistakable hard cock pressed right into the curve of his ass.

They both inhale sharply at the contact, surprised, stilling immediately. It’s as if the entire room freezes. Hyuntak’s eyes go wide, and when he turns slightly, Suho’s already pulled back, sitting up like he’s just realized what he’s done.

His back hits the wall, his expression panicked, an actual panic. He looks rattled. “Shit. Sorry—” he begins, eyes darting around like he wants to disappear. “I didn’t mean—I wasn’t—”

Before Suho can spiral further, Hyuntak grabs his wrist and tugs him down again, forcing him to lie beside him. “Stop fuckin’ apologizing,” he mutters. “It’s fine.” Suho blinks up at him. “No—it’s not just the fever. I mean, I’m not—I think I’m—” “in pre-rut?” Hyuntak finishes

Suho stares. Then slowly, his body deflates, sinking into the mattress. He looks up at the ceiling. “Yeah.” They sit in silence for a moment. Then Suho speaks again, quieter now. “Maybe you should sleep in your room—” “I’m staying here.” His voice leaves no room for argument.

Is Hyuntak thinking straight? Probably not. His brain’s overheating, logic trying to claw its way through the confusion. But the slightest thought of Suho pushing him away, of him being alone tonight, gnaws at him harder than anything else. So he shoves it all down.

Suho doesn’t reply, but when Hyuntak turns back to face away from him again, he feels it, a rustle. Then the full press of Suho’s body sliding against his from behind, arms wrapping tightly around his middle.

This time, there’s no space left between them. Suho’s hard-on presses right back against the crack of his ass, slipping perfectly into place. Hyuntak exhales shakily. Then Suho murmurs, voice cracked and low, “I’m not gonna do anything. Just… let me hold you like this. Please.”

There’s so much desperation in it. Just a raw need to be close, to stay. And Hyuntak, overwhelmed, still trying to hold it together, nods. Barely. But enough. He doesn’t know if Suho catches it. He’s not sure he’ll even be able to sleep like this. But he still closes his eyes.

Hyuntak had woken up about ten minutes ago. He’s still in bed, wrapped in Suho’s warmth. This time, Suho’s the one with his face pressed to Hyuntak’s chest, arm thrown over his waist. He’s actually thirsty, but debating whether to leave the bed just yet.

After everything that happened last night, getting up feels strange. And while he has a lot to process, it’s hard to think clearly with Suho’s morning wood pressed against his thigh, something he very pointedly ignored the moment he woke up.

His throat is so dry now, so he tries to wiggle Suho away. Suho groans in response, tightening his hold and pulling Hyuntak even closer, so his thigh is practically wedged between Suho’s legs. Then this shameless bastard sighs in relief at the contact and nuzzles into his chest.

Hyuntak swallows. He can feel it, even through the fabric. Suho’s… big. Not that it’s news. He’s seen it before, obviously, whenever they do it with Sieun but it’s not like he memorized the details nor something he chooses to remember. Still, now it’s all he can damn feel.

He freezes for a second, then dares to shift his leg just slightly. Enough to create a tiny bit of friction. Suho sighs again. So he does it once more, and this time Suho’s hand tightens at his back. When it’s Suho chasing the friction, seeking it, something stirs in his chest.

But then Hyuntak stops, not yet brave enough to continue this little game, especially in the morning right after everything. So he slowly maneuvers his arm beneath him and pushes himself up. Suho stirs, blinking up at him sleepily with one eye open. “Mornin’...”

Hyuntak touches his head, threading his fingers through Suho’s hair for a few seconds before sitting up, looking down at him. “Morning.” Suho moves his head to the side now, arm loosely draped over Hyuntak’s lap. “Five minutes,” he mumbles.

Hyuntak huffs a small laugh. “You don’t have to get up. Sleep more.” “Then you sleep too,” Suho mutters back, voice thick and slurred. “I’m thirsty.” Suho doesn’t answer at first, so Hyuntak’s hand mindlessly goes to Suho’s fringe, holding it up so he can see his whole face.

Then Suho finally nods, eyes still shut. “Okay. But don’t run away.” Hyuntak feels a little offended but laughs softly. What, did he traumatize Suho so much that every time they sleep together, Suho thinks Hyuntak’s going to run away the moment they wake up?

He can’t help but feel sorry for him and find him cute. “I’m not, you dumbass,” he says, finally getting up from bed. He shoots Suho one last look before leaving the room.

He leaves the room and heads straight to the kitchen, downs a glass of water, and slumps against the dining table, cheek resting on the surface. He should probably lay out everything that’s happened over the past week just to figure out what he’s actually gotten himself into.

Okay, well, it’s not like the whole progress is bad. It’s fast, but the turn of events can actually be considered better for Hyuntak. He likes it, genuinely. There are still no words, most things remain unspoken, but somehow, in some ways, Hyuntak can feel Suho’s heart.

It’s not like he has anything to deny, since from what he’s heard, Suho’s been trying to get close to him for a while now, both in the past few months and especially over these last two weeks.

He forces down the smile creeping on his face when he remembers the coffees Suho used to secretly give him. Slick bastard. “He’s so fuckin’ nice,” he mumbles.

He doesn’t know if Suho can feel it too, but in the past days, Hyuntak has been trying to make himself break down the walls he’s built around Suho. They’ve gotten bolder, and it’s only a matter of time before something happens. At least, that’s what Hyuntak thinks.

He stands up and walks to the bathroom, still deep in thought. The biggest problem now… is Suho’s rut. He hadn’t imagined Suho’s rut would happen while Sieun wasn’t home. If it had been just the first week of them being together, Hyuntak would have left home quickly.

But now, with everything that’s happened between them, leaving isn’t really an option anymore. Hyuntak doesn’t want to leave. He’s not even thinking about it but he can’t help wondering what’s going to happen.

How long is Suho’s pre-rut supposed to last? What’s he like when it really hits? Hyuntak’s never been around an alpha going through rut before. His only close alpha friend is Humin, and all he knows is Humin stays locked in his room when it happens.

Sieun’s heats were easier to handle. In the year they’ve been dating, he’s only had two— one with Suho, and one with both of them. Sieun’s always been a little sensitive to pheromones but Suho managed to calm him down, even when he was overwhelmed.

He remembers how red Sieun got, crying sweetly and asking for both of them. Sieun’s so fucking adorable that time, both Suho and Hyuntak almost lost their minds. So yeah, he understands omega heats.

But as he looks in the mirror now, he lets out a startled breath at the sight of his neck. He hadn’t noticed last night, too busy processing Suho’s rut. Now he sees a few faint bruises near his throat, reddening into violet.

His fingers brush over them, and his mind flashes to the way he had pulled Suho by the hair. He flushes. He’s only recently accepted what it feels like to be on the receiving end of Suho’s gentleness, his soft laughs, his quiet stares, the touches that linger. But this?

Being wanted like that, hungrily, possessively, is something else entirely. It’s terrifying. And exhilarating. He doesn’t know what to expect. He finishes washing up, grabs his phone, and sends Sieun his usual good morning text.

Then, seeing Sieun’s message from earlier asking to call around this time, he dials.After two rings, Sieun picks up with the front camera on. Hyuntak grins, despite himself. Sieun’s probably getting ready for bed.

“Hi, baby.” “Hey. You just woke up?” Sieun adjusts himself on the headboard. “Almost an hour ago.” “Suho’s still asleep?” Hyuntak hums and nods, curling up on the couch. “How are you?” Sieun’s tone is softer now, different from last night when he’d teased him.

Hyuntak swallows. “I’m okay. Just… still a little confused.” “I figured.” Sieun gives him a knowing smile. “I knew you’d overthink it. I would too. Sorry for dropping all that on you last night.”

“It’s okay, Sieunnie...” Hyuntak scratches the side of his neck, camera angled carefully to hide the marks Suho left. “Do you want to know what he’s like during pre-rut?” Sieun asks.

“Honestly, I was surprised too. I think this is the first rut he’s had since we all started living together. I only ever spent one with him.” Hyuntak stays quiet, listening.

“He’s already clingy most days, but during pre-rut? He’s way worse. It was tough that time we still had classes. I had to be around him constantly.” He laughs, and Hyuntak imagines Sieun annoyed yet unwilling to leave Suho’s side anyway.

“For the most part, he’s okay. Especially in the beginning. Just clingy and needy. Wants to be close to you all the time.” Sieun pauses, concern flickering in his eyes. “He’s able to control himself, really. He’s just a little whiny.”

“But… there are certain hours when it escalates. As his rut gets closer.” Hyuntak doesn’t say anything, but Sieun picks up on his silence. “You only need to give what you can, Tak,” he says gently.

“Suho’s kind. Even if he gets pouty when you pull away, he’ll understand. Especially since this is new for both of you.” Sieun’s voice softens further. “Don’t feel like you have to give more than you’re comfortable with. Suho’s handled his ruts alone before. He’ll be okay.”

That’s the problem. Hyuntak isn’t against Suho being touchy, needy around him. If it were just normal days, he’d prepare himself not to shy away anymore. If it were just kissing and cuddling, it wouldn’t really be a problem.

They’ve kissed and cuddled already, so what’s some more kissing? He’d kind of like it too, if he’s honest. He likes the way those soft lips glide on his, likes how Suho kisses with that want that is very much Suho. But this rut or whatever.. it’s something different.

“It will hurt him, though,” Sieun hesitates to say. “His pre-ruts are okay, but his rut is a different matter. He’s spent it alone before, but it always does a number on his body right after. But he’s tough like that.” Sieun says that last part like it’s meant to comfort Hyuntak.

Hyuntak stays quiet for a moment, sensing the worry Sieun hides behind his calm smile. “Really, Tak, I’m on your side here, okay? You decide what feels right for you.” Hyuntak tries to lighten the mood with a joke, “Can’t you just come home early?”

It’s not like he enjoys Sieun worrying about him this much. “I would if I could,” Sieun replies, smiling. “But honestly, leaving you guys was the best decision I’ve made this year. Should’ve done it sooner.”

Hyuntak chuckles, then shyly asks, “Did you know this is how it would end up between us?” “Would be lying if I said no. Knowing Suho, he wouldn’t miss this chance,” Sieun smirks like he knows something Hyuntak doesn’t.

Hyuntak’s a little stunned that even Sieun saw this coming. “And I knew if you gave it a chance, you’d start liking him too.” Hyuntak’s cheeks heat up.

“Suho’s lovable like that, don’t you think?” “Guess, he fucking is.” The smile that blossoms on Sieun’s face after hearing that is so wide, Hyuntak finds himself smiling too. They wrap up the call after some teasing and small talk about themselves.

Even when the call ends, Suho’s still asleep. So Hyuntak finds himself in the kitchen again, cooking eggs. Unlike the first time, he’s sure these will be good as fuck as he couldn’t take any more teasing with Suho from his eggs last time.

He watches the oil sizzle on the eggs, still lost in thought. He isn’t really sure what to do but decides to just go with the flow. It’s not like Suho’s full-blown rut will hit right away. He has a few days, he doesn’t know how many more, before he decides something.

Also, Suho hasn’t said anything. Hyuntak doesn’t want to get ahead of himself overthinking it, but then Suho might decide he’s fine spending it alone. It’s not like Suho would be forceful with him.

His mind suddenly flicks to last night, when Suho practically devoured his neck without hesitation. Would he be like that? He swallows the lump forming in his throat at the thought. He toasts some bread, puts the eggs on a separate plate, and sets them on the table.

He got impatient since Suho still isn’t coming, so he goes back to his room and finds him still asleep. “Hey,” he says, kicking his bed lightly. No response. Hyuntak sighs and sits on the edge of the bed. He pulls the blanket off Suho. “I made breakfast.”

Suho is lying on his side, one arm stretched over his face. Hyuntak slowly touches his cheek and taps it a few times to wake him. He unconsciously holds his breath when Suho takes his hand, eyes still closed, and nuzzles on his palm. “…I made breakfast.”

Suho hums. After a few pats on his cheek with Hyuntak staring at him sleeping contentedly, Hyuntak finally had enough and pulls on his cheek hard enough to make Suho yelp in pain. Suho’s now lying on his back, hand on his cheek, looking up at him with one eye closed.

“I said I cooked breakfast. The eggs are about to get damn cold,” he huffs but it’s undeniably fond. “You cooked?” Suho murmurs. Hyuntak stands, nodding, and walks toward Suho’s room. “Get your ass up here or I’m eating your share.”

They’re now both sitting across from each other. It’s easy to tell when Suho isn’t his usual damn self. He sits silently, eating, staring down at the egg and toast Hyuntak made earlier.