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.

He had acknowledged it before with a smile and a sweet thank you, but for some reason, Hyuntak finds that reaction unusual. Suho is sweet, sure, but he’s also a piece of shit. Hyuntak expected teasing with a hint of affection, not this strange, almost distant vibe.

Well, it’s not like Hyuntak doesn’t know why. Suho’s probably thinking about last night and his pre-rut too. “You underappreciate this breakfast I made,” Hyuntak finally says, taking a bite of his toast while shooting Suho a side glance.

Suho raises his eyebrows briefly, then lets out a small laugh before taking a bite himself. “The eggs aren’t half-burnt this time.” “I’m a fast learner.” Suho chuckles again, and then silence falls between them. Hyuntak exhales with frustration, catching Suho’s attention.

“Stop looking so down.” Suho just stares back with that sad, almost pitiful expression that makes Hyuntak want to shake him. Why is he suddenly looking like a kicked puppy?

“Look,” Hyuntak says, “You don’t have to feel guilty about last night or whatever’s running through your head. Shit’s out of your control so don’t beat yourself up.” Suho manages a small smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “Do I really look down?”

Hyuntak rolls his eyes. “Yes, you look like a kicked puppy.” Suho chuckles, then asks, “Are you okay?” Oh, for fuck’s sake. Hyuntak stares him down, furrowing his brow. “Stop asking me over and over if I’m okay. I’m fucking fantastic. Nothing to worry about,” he huffs.

“Seriously, stop worrying about it. I’m fine.” He peeks at Suho’s reaction and finally sees him relax. Hours pass, Suho still manages to cook lunch, though Hyuntak watches him warily.

He’s suddenly become a hawk observing every move. Suho even chuckles at how intense Hyuntak’s gaze is. Sieun had said Suho’s usually okay most of the time and only gets out of it during some random hours Hyuntak doesn’t know about.

At one point, Suho hand-feeds Hyuntak some chicken tenders. Hesitant, he opens his mouth. Suho seems pleased and even licks his thumb, wiping crumbs and the spot where Hyuntak’s lips had been. Hyuntak tries to play it cool. And just like that, more hours slip by.

After what happened in the kitchen, Suho stayed in his room for an hour while Hyuntak tried to calm himself down (and his lower region), then decided to take a shower. It was only after he showered that he realized he was almost out of clothes.

Knowing they probably needed to do laundry soon, Hyuntak left his room and knocked on Suho’s door, feeling a little awkward. Suho opened it, and the eye contact between them hit Hyuntak harder than expected, but he forced himself to act casual. He’s the one who said it’s fine.

“It’s laundry day tomorrow. You should start gathering your clothes so we can bring everything to the laundromat in the morning,” he says, glancing away as casually as possible. “If you still have clothes then no need I guess.” His voice lowers towards the end.

Suho nods, leans forward, close to him and Hyuntak’s eyes stay at the flooring. Suho then chuckles that makes Hyuntak look up. Suho’s laughing a little as he reaches out for Hyuntak’s hoody to put it on his head. “Your hair’s still wet.”

“Yeah,” he answers, a bit stupid since his eyes can only follow every Suho’s move. Their chests are almost pressing. Sieun’s the person who always dries their hair, now that he has thought about it, despite their proximity of Suho right now.

Suho and Hyuntak can’t bother to do that but Sieun always makes out of his way to dry their hair every time. Since Suho’s not saying anything anyway, Hyuntak clears his throat and angles himself away. “I’ll be in my room fixing my clothes.”

He turns his back away and is about to walk away when Suho pulls him by his hood this time and Hyuntak gets annoyed and glares at him. “What? You don’t say anything and you only stare.” “Did I ever tell you you’re cute?” Hyuntak’s ears redden. “Fucking every time.”

Suho chuckles and finally leans forward, resting his head on his chin. They’re about the same height but there’s a notable difference with their overall physique. Suho’s hands stay limped at his sides, just his shin on Hyuntak’s shoulder lazily. “You smell good.”

Hyuntak freezes, heartbeat picking up. His palms itch to push him away. “I just took a bath.” A pause. “And I’m not using Sieun’s shampoo this time.” Hyuntak says and honestly, he’s not really sure why he says that.

His mind just wanders to that day Suho’s almost half-lidded eyes sniff him and follow him because of that scent. “You smell like you.” “I don’t have phe—” He yelps when Suho suddenly bites him on his collarbone so hard he feels his teeth sink in a little through his hoodie.