#MDZS #wangxian alpha/alpha modern au
((cw: omegaverse, a/b/o))
Wei Ying considered himself to be a typical alpha. Loud. Imposing. Charming. Yet, although most alphas, especially alpha males like him, had the tendency of being aggressive, he made good friends with everybody.
((cw: omegaverse, a/b/o))
Wei Ying considered himself to be a typical alpha. Loud. Imposing. Charming. Yet, although most alphas, especially alpha males like him, had the tendency of being aggressive, he made good friends with everybody.
He flirted a little with omegas females. Play-fought with the other alpha boys in his class, always seen rough-housing with Jiang Cheng especially. And like the other alphas, he generally liked the perfumed scent of omegas, turned his nose away from the heady musk of alphas.
But there was something about the scent of this other alpha in his class that he couldn't quite put a name too.
In his second year at this academy, he found himself staring at the broad, straight back of the alpha in front of him in his first honors class of the year.
In his second year at this academy, he found himself staring at the broad, straight back of the alpha in front of him in his first honors class of the year.
As the teacher droned on, something about limits and derivatives, Wei Ying narrowed his eyes and analyzed the person in front of him.
His name was Lan Zhan. He seemed to listen to everything that the teacher had to say, dutifully taking notes. He wore his uniform neat and tidy.
His name was Lan Zhan. He seemed to listen to everything that the teacher had to say, dutifully taking notes. He wore his uniform neat and tidy.
His hair was also neat and tidy—a clean bowl cut. He wore rimless glasses. His scent was.
Well. Wei Ying couldn't admit it smelled /good/. After all, it was just barely there, hidden because it was the /polite/ thing to do. But anytime Wei Ying had taken a whiff of it, he—
Well. Wei Ying couldn't admit it smelled /good/. After all, it was just barely there, hidden because it was the /polite/ thing to do. But anytime Wei Ying had taken a whiff of it, he—
expected his alpha brain to react negatively, for his body to recoil in disgust.
It didn't.
This was very strange indeed.
Jiang Cheng, his desk partner, nudged his arm and hissed, "Pay attention!"
He startled, and looked up to see the teacher staring sternly back at him.
It didn't.
This was very strange indeed.
Jiang Cheng, his desk partner, nudged his arm and hissed, "Pay attention!"
He startled, and looked up to see the teacher staring sternly back at him.
Wei Ying gave a cheeky smile. The teacher only shook his head and continued with the lecture.
He picked up his pen and sneaked another glance at the boy's back.
...Was it so strange?
He picked up his pen and sneaked another glance at the boy's back.
...Was it so strange?
He and Jiang Cheng were alphas. They had lived together since childhood so they were used to each other's scents. It was manageable for Wei Ying. But every once in a while, and especially if he was feeling irritable, the other boy's lakewater scent will veer on
the edge of unbearable—it'll turn into something less like a summer lake breeze and more like a bog in a polluted lake. It didn't help that Jiang Cheng had the tendency to pile on laundry.
Admittedly, Wei Ying was worse, but it still annoyed him from time to time.
Admittedly, Wei Ying was worse, but it still annoyed him from time to time.
Anyways, the point was, he was intrigued.
After the class was over, Wei Ying immediately jumped in front of the interesting boy's line of sight just as he made to leave.
"Hi! I'm Wei Ying! You're Lan Zhan, right?"
The other boy, frankly rudely, walked around him. "Excuse me."
After the class was over, Wei Ying immediately jumped in front of the interesting boy's line of sight just as he made to leave.
"Hi! I'm Wei Ying! You're Lan Zhan, right?"
The other boy, frankly rudely, walked around him. "Excuse me."
Wei Ying didn't take the hint. He followed him into the hallway.
"Don't be like that! Hey, listen, wanna hang out? I know some great hidden spots around campus, we can totally chill out there during lunchtime~"
"No thanks."
"Don't be like that! Hey, listen, wanna hang out? I know some great hidden spots around campus, we can totally chill out there during lunchtime~"
"No thanks."
"Ahhh, come on, not even a little bit?"
"No."
"Fine, your loss then! I was even considering sharing some of the liquor I could sneak in here~"
Suddenly, Lan Zhan froze, and sent a sharp glare at Wei Ying's direction.
"Alcohol is prohibited on campus."
"No."
"Fine, your loss then! I was even considering sharing some of the liquor I could sneak in here~"
Suddenly, Lan Zhan froze, and sent a sharp glare at Wei Ying's direction.
"Alcohol is prohibited on campus."
Wei Ying balked. "Well, yeah, that's—"
"We are underage as well."
"Well—!"
Lan zhan only "hmph'ed!" and walked off.
Wei Ying watched his retreating back with a frown.
"Hmph! So rude."
"We are underage as well."
"Well—!"
Lan zhan only "hmph'ed!" and walked off.
Wei Ying watched his retreating back with a frown.
"Hmph! So rude."
"Are you trying to court death?" Jiang Cheng scolded when he reached Wei Ying. "That's the headmaster's nephew!"
“Headmaster’s nephew? What’s the big deal? He wouldn’t even spare me a glance.”
“Shut up. You’ll leave him alone if you know what’s good for you. Not only is he—
“Headmaster’s nephew? What’s the big deal? He wouldn’t even spare me a glance.”
“Shut up. You’ll leave him alone if you know what’s good for you. Not only is he—
nominated for class representative this year, and he’s the student head of discipline for our class. He’ll directly tell on you to the headmaster if you’re up to something.”
“Psh. What could I possibly be up to?”
Jiang Cheng gave him a look.
“Psh. What could I possibly be up to?”
Jiang Cheng gave him a look.
“Don’t be ridiculous. You were thinking of something just now, weren’t you?”
Wei Ying “hmph’ed” and stalked off. “Don’t worry. By the end of the year, we’ll be friends for sure!”
“In your dreams! You guys are the complete opposite! Not to mention that you’re both alohas! It’s—
Wei Ying “hmph’ed” and stalked off. “Don’t worry. By the end of the year, we’ll be friends for sure!”
“In your dreams! You guys are the complete opposite! Not to mention that you’re both alohas! It’s—
inevitable that you’ll have a big fight one day! You guys can’t be close at all!”
Wei Ying turned his nose up. “Just watch me!”
…
“Lan Zhan, wanna partner up for this project?”
“No need!”
.
“Lan Zhan, come have lunch with me!”
“No.”
.
Wei Ying turned his nose up. “Just watch me!”
…
“Lan Zhan, wanna partner up for this project?”
“No need!”
.
“Lan Zhan, come have lunch with me!”
“No.”
.
“Lan-xiong, come with me to the convenience store after school!”
“No thanks.”
.
“Aiya, Zhan-ge—!”
“What is it!?”
Wei Ying grinned cheekily. “You won’t accept my invintations to lunch, won’t talk to me, won’t hang out with me. Well that’s fine, I can take a hint!”
“No thanks.”
.
“Aiya, Zhan-ge—!”
“What is it!?”
Wei Ying grinned cheekily. “You won’t accept my invintations to lunch, won’t talk to me, won’t hang out with me. Well that’s fine, I can take a hint!”
Lan Zhan only scoffed.
“But really, this time I really want to ask you for something. This homework today, well,” Wei Ying tsks and pulls out a folder from his bag. The inside was a little messy, crumpled up papers and stray crumbs everywhere.
Lan Zhan’s brow twitched
“But really, this time I really want to ask you for something. This homework today, well,” Wei Ying tsks and pulls out a folder from his bag. The inside was a little messy, crumpled up papers and stray crumbs everywhere.
Lan Zhan’s brow twitched
Wei Ying flipped through the contents of his folder and sighed.
Lan Zhan’s mouth twitched in annoyance.
“I know, I know, I never have a problem with the lesson! But this one little thing is so confusing, it just feels like the teacher pulled it out of—”
“Fine.”
Lan Zhan’s mouth twitched in annoyance.
“I know, I know, I never have a problem with the lesson! But this one little thing is so confusing, it just feels like the teacher pulled it out of—”
“Fine.”
“his a—what?” Stars seemed to shine in Wei Ying’s eyes as he jumped in excitement. “You’ll help me!?”
Lan Zhan already looked like he regretted it.
Lan Zhan already looked like he regretted it.
During lunch, it was like this. The two boys stayed behind in the classroom with their packed lunches, pouring over the contents of the homework together.
Lan Zhan’s statements were short and clipped, textbook perfect. He never strayed from the topic.
Lan Zhan’s statements were short and clipped, textbook perfect. He never strayed from the topic.
Wei Ying not-so-subtly stared at him while he explained the lesson.
Up close like this…
Lan Zhan was pretty. That was a given.
But considering that he was an alpha, it was also kind of weird to call him so.
But he was. It was undeniable.
Wei Ying didn’t listen to him talk.
Up close like this…
Lan Zhan was pretty. That was a given.
But considering that he was an alpha, it was also kind of weird to call him so.
But he was. It was undeniable.
Wei Ying didn’t listen to him talk.
He only studied the other boy with a mischevious glint in his eye and a chin in his hand.
Of course, he didn’t actually need the lesson at all. He probably understood it better than the teacher himself!
He just wanted an opportunity to get to know the other boy a little better.
Of course, he didn’t actually need the lesson at all. He probably understood it better than the teacher himself!
He just wanted an opportunity to get to know the other boy a little better.
And of course, Lan Zhan had noticed.
He’d sighed and put in his pen down. They sat somewhat close, on the opposite sides of a desk. From here, Wei Ying caught a whiff of his scent, just barely there. He still couldn’t tell what it was.
“Wei Ying. Pay attention.”
He’d sighed and put in his pen down. They sat somewhat close, on the opposite sides of a desk. From here, Wei Ying caught a whiff of his scent, just barely there. He still couldn’t tell what it was.
“Wei Ying. Pay attention.”
Wei Ying stared at him for a second. Then he laughed.
“Of course I’m paying attention, you won’t find anyone else who’d pay attention better than me!”
Lan Zhan narrowed his eyes. “Then repeat what I just said.”
“Ah—er… that was, uhm… ‘Wei Ying pay attention’…? Ahaha…”
“Of course I’m paying attention, you won’t find anyone else who’d pay attention better than me!”
Lan Zhan narrowed his eyes. “Then repeat what I just said.”
“Ah—er… that was, uhm… ‘Wei Ying pay attention’…? Ahaha…”
Lan Zhan took in a deep inhale.
“Ahahaha, I’ll pay attention, I’ll pay attention… This one here, you said…”
Wei Ying continued to feign ignorance through the lesson, and as a result, he made sure to mark every single question Lan Zhan had him do incorrectly.
“Ahahaha, I’ll pay attention, I’ll pay attention… This one here, you said…”
Wei Ying continued to feign ignorance through the lesson, and as a result, he made sure to mark every single question Lan Zhan had him do incorrectly.
By the end of the lunch hour, Lan Zhan had suspected something was up, so he simply stood up, then left the room with a huff and barely a word.
The next day, they had an exam on the exact topic.
Wei Ying had recieved full marks.
The next day, they had an exam on the exact topic.
Wei Ying had recieved full marks.
“Wei Ying, Lan Zhan,” the teacher called. “You two were the only ones to recieve full marks. Congrats.”
Lan Zhan only turned around to glare at him.
“Hahaha, it must be Lan-gege’s lesson that helped me~!”
He turned back around.
“Ridiculous!”
Lan Zhan only turned around to glare at him.
“Hahaha, it must be Lan-gege’s lesson that helped me~!”
He turned back around.
“Ridiculous!”
Wei Ying leaned back in his seat with an easy smile. He glanced over to Jiang Cheng.
Unfortunately, the other boy had only recieved a 94.
In reality, the score was actually very good! It was an honors class, after all, and for calculus, at that.
Unfortunately, the other boy had only recieved a 94.
In reality, the score was actually very good! It was an honors class, after all, and for calculus, at that.
But the gloomy expression on Jiang Cheng’s face was unmistakeable.
Wei Ying sighed and patted his back. “Don’t worry too much, you still got a good score, better than a lot of people!”
Wei Ying sighed and patted his back. “Don’t worry too much, you still got a good score, better than a lot of people!”
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes. “Why should I be upset? I studied all week, yet you don’t even have to study for a night!”
“Aih, c’mon! Me and Lan Zhan only got full marks because we studied together!”
From the front, Lan Zhan scoffed.
“Aih, c’mon! Me and Lan Zhan only got full marks because we studied together!”
From the front, Lan Zhan scoffed.
Jiang Cheng rolled his eyes again. “Yeah right.”
After class, Wei Ying rushed after Lan Zhan with a grin.
“Lan Zhan! Have lunch with me!”
“No.”
“Awh~ Come on~ Where do you usually go for lunch, I don’t see you in the cafeteria! Let me follow you then~!”
“Scram!”
After class, Wei Ying rushed after Lan Zhan with a grin.
“Lan Zhan! Have lunch with me!”
“No.”
“Awh~ Come on~ Where do you usually go for lunch, I don’t see you in the cafeteria! Let me follow you then~!”
“Scram!”
“Lan Zhan!” He ran in front of the other boy and blocked his path. “Have you tried the café down the block? I’m telling you, you have to try it at least once! Don’t worry, this gege will treat you~”
Lan Zhan walked around and ignored him.
“Ah? Come on, don’t be like that—!”
Lan Zhan walked around and ignored him.
“Ah? Come on, don’t be like that—!”
And that was the scene for the rest of the year.
Wei Ying following him around, clearly annoying the other boy, chattering about anything he could think of. He tried to get under Lan Zhan’s skin, tried to get the boy to open up in any way he could.
Wei Ying following him around, clearly annoying the other boy, chattering about anything he could think of. He tried to get under Lan Zhan’s skin, tried to get the boy to open up in any way he could.
Their classmates all secretly thought to themselves, “Cant he take a hint?”
The fact that the two boys were alphas was not strange in of itself—but everyone believed that catastrophe was bound to happen.
And it came.
Well, sort of.
The fact that the two boys were alphas was not strange in of itself—but everyone believed that catastrophe was bound to happen.
And it came.
Well, sort of.
When Lan Zhan opened the book, he was so starlted that he threw it back down on the ground.
This wasnt his composition sheet at all!
“Wei YING—!”
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—!”
Wei Ying rolled around on the floor sith his arms around his belly, only able to laugh himself to death.
This wasnt his composition sheet at all!
“Wei YING—!”
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA—!”
Wei Ying rolled around on the floor sith his arms around his belly, only able to laugh himself to death.
Lan Zhan was not amused. Not at all.
He felt his blood boiling and his heart pounding in his ears.
“Lan Zhan, what kind of things are you looking at now!? I thought you were a pure person, hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!”
Lan Zhan’s eyes rimmed red.
And he /snarled/.
He felt his blood boiling and his heart pounding in his ears.
“Lan Zhan, what kind of things are you looking at now!? I thought you were a pure person, hahahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!”
Lan Zhan’s eyes rimmed red.
And he /snarled/.
And his scent began to seem into the empty music room, dangerous and predatory.
“Aha, ahahaha…” As if suddenly understanding the predicament he was in, Wei Ying’s laughter quieted down, and he could only smile nervously. “Lan. Lan Zhan. Don’t tell me you’re actually mad…”
“Aha, ahahaha…” As if suddenly understanding the predicament he was in, Wei Ying’s laughter quieted down, and he could only smile nervously. “Lan. Lan Zhan. Don’t tell me you’re actually mad…”
Lan Zhan’s eyes were dark in fury. He trembled in place, unable to take another step forward.
“Get. Out.”
Wei Ying scrambled up and tried to soothe him. “Ahahah, Lan Zhan, don’t be angry! Alphas like us share this kind of thing all the time! Don’t tell me you’ve never seen it!”
“Get. Out.”
Wei Ying scrambled up and tried to soothe him. “Ahahah, Lan Zhan, don’t be angry! Alphas like us share this kind of thing all the time! Don’t tell me you’ve never seen it!”
Lan Zhan snarled again.
For a moment, Wei Ying was silent. Then understanding dawned on him.
“Ohhh, you haven’t? You haven’t! Oh—haha! Hahahahahahahaha!!! Lan Zhan, you’re so—!”
Lan Zhan couldn’t take it anymore. “SCRAM!”
For a moment, Wei Ying was silent. Then understanding dawned on him.
“Ohhh, you haven’t? You haven’t! Oh—haha! Hahahahahahahaha!!! Lan Zhan, you’re so—!”
Lan Zhan couldn’t take it anymore. “SCRAM!”
The sound of Wei Ying’s laughter as he ran out of the room rang in Lan Zhan’s ears for what seemed like hours.
He didn’t show up to school for the rest of the week.
“He probably transfered school because he never wants to see you again,” Jiang Cheng idly commented.
He didn’t show up to school for the rest of the week.
“He probably transfered school because he never wants to see you again,” Jiang Cheng idly commented.
“Shut up. He’ll have to come back eventually anyways! He can’t avoid me forever!!!”
Another person who was listening into their conversation in hallway, suddenly chimed in:
“I heard he got into a rut that day.”
Wei Ying turned to him.
Another person who was listening into their conversation in hallway, suddenly chimed in:
“I heard he got into a rut that day.”
Wei Ying turned to him.
“Oh, Huaisang-xiong, was it?”
Nie Huaisang nodded. “I heard, you two were talking about Lan Zhan? Ah, he’s too scary, he really is! I heard about you, Wei-xiong, it’s truly admirable how hard you try!”
Wei Ying grinned. “It’s not that hard! Tell me, where did you hear if this?
Nie Huaisang nodded. “I heard, you two were talking about Lan Zhan? Ah, he’s too scary, he really is! I heard about you, Wei-xiong, it’s truly admirable how hard you try!”
Wei Ying grinned. “It’s not that hard! Tell me, where did you hear if this?
Lan Zhan got into a rut?”
Nie Huaisang’s eyes hrew wide. “Ahhh, it was so scary! A lot of us could hear Lan Zhan yell at you to scram, then after you left, he left home, but his scent went crazy! I’m a beta and I couldn’t even stand it! Wei-xiong, I’ve never seen Lan Zhan lose—
Nie Huaisang’s eyes hrew wide. “Ahhh, it was so scary! A lot of us could hear Lan Zhan yell at you to scram, then after you left, he left home, but his scent went crazy! I’m a beta and I couldn’t even stand it! Wei-xiong, I’ve never seen Lan Zhan lose—
control like that!”
“His scent? Went Crazy? Really!? Ah, I can’t believe I missed it!!!!!”
“Are you crazy?” Jiang Cheng balked. “Do you even hear yourself!?”
Wei Ying waved him off. “Forget it, forget it! Yo, Nie-xiong, tell me, does Lan Zhan usually go into ruts?”
“His scent? Went Crazy? Really!? Ah, I can’t believe I missed it!!!!!”
“Are you crazy?” Jiang Cheng balked. “Do you even hear yourself!?”
Wei Ying waved him off. “Forget it, forget it! Yo, Nie-xiong, tell me, does Lan Zhan usually go into ruts?”
Angry veins appeared on Jiang Cheng’s forehead. “Why do you want to even know that!?!?”
“Hmm, I heard from his brother that he doesn’t go into them very often…”
“His brother? He has a brother?”
“He does! Lan Huan. He’s a senior this year. He’s easier to talk to, too!”
“Hmm, I heard from his brother that he doesn’t go into them very often…”
“His brother? He has a brother?”
“He does! Lan Huan. He’s a senior this year. He’s easier to talk to, too!”
“Forget about /that/,” Wei Ying lamented. “How are god looks? His he pretty? Is he even as good looking as Lan Zhan?”
From behind, Jiang Cheng smacked his forehead.
“Is he good-looking? Wei-xiong, the Lan brothers are practically twins from how similar they look! But Lan Huan—
From behind, Jiang Cheng smacked his forehead.
“Is he good-looking? Wei-xiong, the Lan brothers are practically twins from how similar they look! But Lan Huan—
is considered prettier becuase of his easy-going aura.”
Wei Ying pouted. “I don’t believe that!”
“Ahaha… it’s true… oh, you can see for yourself, he’s over there!”
When Wei Ying looked up, down the hallway, he could spot a tall figure among the swarm of students that—
Wei Ying pouted. “I don’t believe that!”
“Ahaha… it’s true… oh, you can see for yourself, he’s over there!”
When Wei Ying looked up, down the hallway, he could spot a tall figure among the swarm of students that—
suddenly seemed to stand out.
And he looked much too similar to Lan Zhan.
“Him?” Wei Ying balked. “Another Lan Zhan?”
“That’s right! They look like twins, don’t they?”
Wei Ying inspected the older Lan brother for a moment. He did indeed look just like a smiley Lan Zhan.
And he looked much too similar to Lan Zhan.
“Him?” Wei Ying balked. “Another Lan Zhan?”
“That’s right! They look like twins, don’t they?”
Wei Ying inspected the older Lan brother for a moment. He did indeed look just like a smiley Lan Zhan.
Wei Ying tsk’ed. “Lan Zhan is better-looking.”
Jiang Cheng scowled. “Are you done?”
Suddenly, the Lan suddeny began to walk in their direction.
“Oh, he’s coming this way…”
Lan Huan walked up to them with an easy smile.
Jiang Cheng scowled. “Are you done?”
Suddenly, the Lan suddeny began to walk in their direction.
“Oh, he’s coming this way…”
Lan Huan walked up to them with an easy smile.
“Huaisang,” he greeted. “I saw you looking this way. Are you alright?”
“Huan-ge,” he greeted back. “Oh, no, nothing’s wrong.”
Lan Huan nodded. “I hope your studying has been well. Mingjue has been worried about you.”
Nie Huaisang only laughed nervously.
“Huan-ge,” he greeted back. “Oh, no, nothing’s wrong.”
Lan Huan nodded. “I hope your studying has been well. Mingjue has been worried about you.”
Nie Huaisang only laughed nervously.
Then he suddenly gestured to the people next to him. “This—this is Wei Ying! And Jiang Cheng.”
Lan Huan only nodded in their direction with an easy smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
And then he looked at Wei Ying, “You’re Zhanzhan’s friend, right?”
Lan Huan only nodded in their direction with an easy smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”
And then he looked at Wei Ying, “You’re Zhanzhan’s friend, right?”
For a moment there was only an awkward silence.
The group tried to figure out who he was talking about, but then.
“Pfft—!”
Wei Ying tried to hold in his laughter and he covered his mouth with his palm.
“Y-You mean—!?”
Jiang nudged him harshly.
The group tried to figure out who he was talking about, but then.
“Pfft—!”
Wei Ying tried to hold in his laughter and he covered his mouth with his palm.
“Y-You mean—!?”
Jiang nudged him harshly.
Nie Huaisang only looked away, also stifling a laugh.
“I heard from around that my little brother made a friend recently,” Lan Huan continued. “But it seems as though something interesting happened the other day.”
Wei Ying cleared his throat. “Ahaha, well you could say that…”
“I heard from around that my little brother made a friend recently,” Lan Huan continued. “But it seems as though something interesting happened the other day.”
Wei Ying cleared his throat. “Ahaha, well you could say that…”
“You must be mistaken,” Jiang Cheng interjected. “Wei Ying’s only been messing with him here and there! I’ve been trying to get him to stop. No way your brother wants to be his friend.”
Lan Huan only smiled bitterly. “I see.”
“Ah—wait! But I want to be his friend!”
Lan Huan only smiled bitterly. “I see.”
“Ah—wait! But I want to be his friend!”
“Is that so?”
“Yeah! Uhm, Lan Zhan’s not mad at me is he?”
“Mad at you?” Jiang Cheng repeated. “That wouldn’t even begin to cover it!”
Lan Huan laughed pleasantly. “I see. Well, he does seem to he angry these days.”
Wei Ying deflated. “Oh…”
“Yeah! Uhm, Lan Zhan’s not mad at me is he?”
“Mad at you?” Jiang Cheng repeated. “That wouldn’t even begin to cover it!”
Lan Huan laughed pleasantly. “I see. Well, he does seem to he angry these days.”
Wei Ying deflated. “Oh…”
“But I know a good way to help you make up with him,” he smiled.
Wei Ying lit up. “Make up with him?”
“Mn.” The senior then leaned in, and whispered something to Wei Ying.
Slowly, a small sliver of hope began to grow in his heart.
…
Wei Ying lit up. “Make up with him?”
“Mn.” The senior then leaned in, and whispered something to Wei Ying.
Slowly, a small sliver of hope began to grow in his heart.
…
On monday, Lan Zhan returned to class.
Wei Ying rushed in front of the boy’s desk. “Lan Zhan!”
The boy ignored him.
“Eh?” Wei Ying cocked his head to the side and tried to get a good look at Lan Zhan’s face. “Lan Zhan? Ignoring me, are you?”
“Sit down,” Jiang Cheng grouched.
Wei Ying rushed in front of the boy’s desk. “Lan Zhan!”
The boy ignored him.
“Eh?” Wei Ying cocked his head to the side and tried to get a good look at Lan Zhan’s face. “Lan Zhan? Ignoring me, are you?”
“Sit down,” Jiang Cheng grouched.
During class, Wei Ying hardly paid any attention. He anticipated for the lunch hour, barely able to keep his excitement down. As a result, his leg bounced up and down and he glanced at his wristwatch every couple minutes. Jiang Cheng glared at him every time.
Finally, when class ended, he hurridly packed up his things, and suprisingly, without any spare glance at his peers, ran out the door.
He didn’t notice Lan Zhan’s fleeting gaze at his retreating back.
He didn’t notice Lan Zhan’s fleeting gaze at his retreating back.
Anyways, he ran out of campus and down the block, and entered a small café with an easy smile.
When he came back, carefully carrying a plastic bag of purchased goods in tow, hardly 20 minutes had passed in the hour. Which was good. Because it meant that he still had time.
When he came back, carefully carrying a plastic bag of purchased goods in tow, hardly 20 minutes had passed in the hour. Which was good. Because it meant that he still had time.
“On the roof,” he muttered. “On the roof…”
The school had three floors, and so he trekked up to the top and through the entrance that led to the roof.
The roof area was open for students to use during lunch time, and Wei Ying was not suprised to see a couple of students—
The school had three floors, and so he trekked up to the top and through the entrance that led to the roof.
The roof area was open for students to use during lunch time, and Wei Ying was not suprised to see a couple of students—
hanging around. The area was completely enclosed in chain link fencing, and there were a couple of benches for students to lounge on.
Lan Huan told him that Lan Zhan liked to spend his lunches here most of the time.
Lan Huan told him that Lan Zhan liked to spend his lunches here most of the time.
When he glanced around, he did indeed, spot the lonesome figure sitting peacefully on a bench.
Wei Ying’s lips curled up. “Lan Zhan!!!”
When he heard his name being called by that familar voice, Lan Zhan looked up through rimless glasses.
Wei Ying’s lips curled up. “Lan Zhan!!!”
When he heard his name being called by that familar voice, Lan Zhan looked up through rimless glasses.
Wei Ying marched forward to stand in front of him.
And then he sighed and began to pack up.
“Eh? Lan Zhan, wait, no need for that, no, don’t leave! I promise I’ll make it worth your while!”
The other boy only gave him an unimpressed look.
And then he sighed and began to pack up.
“Eh? Lan Zhan, wait, no need for that, no, don’t leave! I promise I’ll make it worth your while!”
The other boy only gave him an unimpressed look.
Wei Ying grinned cheekily and shoved the bag into his face. “A present for you!”
Lan Zhan blinked.
“Here, don’t be shy! Take it!”
It was obvious the other boy was apprehensive, but he took the bag nonetheless.
Lan Zhan blinked.
“Here, don’t be shy! Take it!”
It was obvious the other boy was apprehensive, but he took the bag nonetheless.
Excited, Wei Ying sat down next to him and watched him take out the contents of the bag.
“Surprise!” Wei Ying cheered as Lan Zhan open the tiny white box. “I got you a cake!”
It was a slice of strawberry shortcake, to be exact.
Lan Zhan’s face was expressionless.
“Surprise!” Wei Ying cheered as Lan Zhan open the tiny white box. “I got you a cake!”
It was a slice of strawberry shortcake, to be exact.
Lan Zhan’s face was expressionless.
“Why?”
Wei Ying didn’t take the question to heart. “Ahaha, I wanted to apologize for last week. And ypu always rejected my invitation to go to this place, so I figured that I should just bring it to you! How is it? You like it? Try it—quickly, quickly, try it!”
Wei Ying didn’t take the question to heart. “Ahaha, I wanted to apologize for last week. And ypu always rejected my invitation to go to this place, so I figured that I should just bring it to you! How is it? You like it? Try it—quickly, quickly, try it!”
Lan Zhan only sighed, but he took a plastic fork, unwrapped it, and slowly cut a piece of the cake.
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
Wei Ying laughed and nudged his arm, almost jostling the boy. “You’re welcome!”
Lan Zhan’s brow twitched, and he took a bite.
…
“Thank you,” he said quietly.
Wei Ying laughed and nudged his arm, almost jostling the boy. “You’re welcome!”
Lan Zhan’s brow twitched, and he took a bite.
…
Slowly, unintentionally, Wei Ying had creeped into his space and his life without wanting it. Lan Zhan was fine to go to school and gradute without friends, because he had his brother, and his brother was all he needed.
Wei Ying toppled that entire ideology inside out.
Wei Ying toppled that entire ideology inside out.
Wei Ying would come invade his private space on the roof every other day. If he wasn’t on the roof, he was in the library, and somehow, Wei Ying managed to follow him there too—chattering his ear off and getting shushed by the librarian one too many times.
Wei Ying tried to get him to engage. Other times, he was fine with being the only person to talk. It worked out, and it didn’t.
“Lan Zhan,” He’d whine on a particularly difficult day. “You’re boring. You’re so boring. I’ve never met an alpha this boring…”
Lan Zhan only sighed.
“Lan Zhan,” He’d whine on a particularly difficult day. “You’re boring. You’re so boring. I’ve never met an alpha this boring…”
Lan Zhan only sighed.
(Why do you want to hang out with me then!?)
But Lan Zhan would think about it all day, and then all night.
Was he really that boring and stuffy? Would Wei Ying only be entertained for just a little while, then throw him away when he got bored? Like he was just a thing to play—
But Lan Zhan would think about it all day, and then all night.
Was he really that boring and stuffy? Would Wei Ying only be entertained for just a little while, then throw him away when he got bored? Like he was just a thing to play—
and carelessly flirt with like some pretty little omega—
Lan Zhan would stay up that night, thinking. At 3 am, only slightly earlier than he would normally wake up, he’d trek to the kitchen and take out his frustrations on some poor, unassuming bread dough.
Lan Zhan would stay up that night, thinking. At 3 am, only slightly earlier than he would normally wake up, he’d trek to the kitchen and take out his frustrations on some poor, unassuming bread dough.
His uncle was worried when he found him working in the kitchen at five in the morning. His brother kept tight-lipped, but worry crossed his features, too. He didn’t give them an answer.
How could he tell them about this?
How could he tell them about this?
By the time he got to school, he felt his frustrations had all been released that morning, but worry still swirled in his gut like a parasite.
But when Wei Ying came in the class, he immediatly looked at Lan Zhan and beamed at him, like nothing was wrong at all.
But when Wei Ying came in the class, he immediatly looked at Lan Zhan and beamed at him, like nothing was wrong at all.
“Lan Zhan! Lan Zhan, Lan Zhan!”
He realized there was nothing to be worried about.
He nodded once in Wei Ying’s direction and looked back down at his book. He heard Wei Ying laugh and sit down behind him.
He realized there was nothing to be worried about.
He nodded once in Wei Ying’s direction and looked back down at his book. He heard Wei Ying laugh and sit down behind him.
At lunch, Lan Zhan pulled out something from his bag, delicately wrapped in wax paper, and began to uncover it.
“Wei Ying,” he called out.
Wei Ying perked up.
“Wei Ying,” he called out.
Wei Ying perked up.
They were sitting on the roof again, on the ground with their backs to the wall. Lan Zhan always made sure to lay a blanket whenever they sat on the ground like this.
Wei Ying watched with curiousity as Lan Zhan unwrapped what seemed to be fluffy-looking bread, and ripped off—
Wei Ying watched with curiousity as Lan Zhan unwrapped what seemed to be fluffy-looking bread, and ripped off—
a generous piece.
“Here.”
Wei Ying stared.
“For me?”
Lan Zhan’s ears burned.
He nodded only once. “Mn.”
Wei Ying beamed and accepted it. The bread was indeed as fluffy and cloud-like as it looked, and it was very sweet.
“Good!” He cheered.
Lan Zhan’s lips twitched.
“Here.”
Wei Ying stared.
“For me?”
Lan Zhan’s ears burned.
He nodded only once. “Mn.”
Wei Ying beamed and accepted it. The bread was indeed as fluffy and cloud-like as it looked, and it was very sweet.
“Good!” He cheered.
Lan Zhan’s lips twitched.
Wei Ying shared things too, because of course he did.
He showed Lan Zhan his latest comic floppies that he purchased that weekend, hidden in his bag. Lan Zhan did not understand them, but he listened when Wei Ying tried to explain all the stories. Wei Ying showed him art and—
He showed Lan Zhan his latest comic floppies that he purchased that weekend, hidden in his bag. Lan Zhan did not understand them, but he listened when Wei Ying tried to explain all the stories. Wei Ying showed him art and—
memes and silly cat videos, but not dogs, because dogs were scary.
He shared music too. He’d pull out his android phone and plug in his ear buds, place one in his right ear, and the other in Lan Zhan’s left.
“Lan Zhan, listen to this!”
He shared music too. He’d pull out his android phone and plug in his ear buds, place one in his right ear, and the other in Lan Zhan’s left.
“Lan Zhan, listen to this!”
And he’d play the most weirdest, incomprehensible noise Lan Zhan had never heard before.
(Their music tastes clashed greatly. Lan Zhan liked clasical and opera music. He liked quiet music. Not this noise, that practically made his ears bleed. He politely listened to the end.)
(Their music tastes clashed greatly. Lan Zhan liked clasical and opera music. He liked quiet music. Not this noise, that practically made his ears bleed. He politely listened to the end.)
…
When the weather got colder, there were naturally less students that hung around on the roof.
But Wei Ying persisted. Lan Zhan didn’t seem to mind. After all, they were both alphas that naturally ran warmer than most.
However, Wei Ying greatly underestimated the cold today!
When the weather got colder, there were naturally less students that hung around on the roof.
But Wei Ying persisted. Lan Zhan didn’t seem to mind. After all, they were both alphas that naturally ran warmer than most.
However, Wei Ying greatly underestimated the cold today!
They sat on the ground again, listening to Wei Ying’s playlist, something calmer and peaceful this time after he realized Lan Zhan wasn’t used to heavy metal, and he tried to supress a shiver.
But Lan Zhan noticed anyways.
“Are you cold?”
But Lan Zhan noticed anyways.
“Are you cold?”
He thought about denying it, but he gave in and sighed. “I left my hoodie in the locker, and I didn’t bring the uniform jacket, ahhh…”
Wei Ying never wore the uniform jacket that was provided to him—it felt too stiff and too stuffy!
He huddled himself into a ball and shivered.
Wei Ying never wore the uniform jacket that was provided to him—it felt too stiff and too stuffy!
He huddled himself into a ball and shivered.
He only heard Lan Zhan sigh next to him, filled by the sound of rustling.
“Here.”
Wei Ying looked up to see that Lan Zhan had taken off his own jacket, and was… and was…
He placed the jacket over Wei Ying’s own shoulders.
Wei Ying’s eyes grew wide.
“Here.”
Wei Ying looked up to see that Lan Zhan had taken off his own jacket, and was… and was…
He placed the jacket over Wei Ying’s own shoulders.
Wei Ying’s eyes grew wide.
“N-no, aih, it’s fine Lan Zhan, won’t you get cold too—?”
But underneath Lan Zhan’s jacket was a pullover sweater over his uniform button-up. He had more layers on, so wouldn’t get cold either.
“It’s fine,” is all he said.
An awkward silence hung over them for a moment.
But underneath Lan Zhan’s jacket was a pullover sweater over his uniform button-up. He had more layers on, so wouldn’t get cold either.
“It’s fine,” is all he said.
An awkward silence hung over them for a moment.
And suddenly, Wei Ying felt a familar scent permeate his nostrils.
For two alphas to share clothes like this… it felt a little strange. Usually, instincts would scream that there was an outsider in your space, so alphas would naturally recoil at the smell of another’s so close.
For two alphas to share clothes like this… it felt a little strange. Usually, instincts would scream that there was an outsider in your space, so alphas would naturally recoil at the smell of another’s so close.
It was why alphas could not truly be close friends. Sure, they could be close and hang around and laugh and play…
But most deep alpha friendships like this, almost always ended in disaster.
But it didn’t matter.
Because Wei Ying was not angry or distressed or repelled.
But most deep alpha friendships like this, almost always ended in disaster.
But it didn’t matter.
Because Wei Ying was not angry or distressed or repelled.
He felt comforted.
He smiled to himself and dressed the jacket on properly, and held it to himself. Though they were of similar build, the jacket seemed to be just a little bit bigger on his frame, and it wasn’t uncomfortable at all.
It smelled good.
“Thank you!” he beamed.
He smiled to himself and dressed the jacket on properly, and held it to himself. Though they were of similar build, the jacket seemed to be just a little bit bigger on his frame, and it wasn’t uncomfortable at all.
It smelled good.
“Thank you!” he beamed.
Lan Zhan only looked down, expressionless.
“No need,” he quietly muttered.
Throughout the day, Wei Ying wore the jacket with a tiny smile on his face, sniffing it every once in a while for… reasons.
He hugged it tighter on his body.
Near the end of the day, he realized.
“No need,” he quietly muttered.
Throughout the day, Wei Ying wore the jacket with a tiny smile on his face, sniffing it every once in a while for… reasons.
He hugged it tighter on his body.
Near the end of the day, he realized.
Sandalwood.
Wei Ying held the lapels and brought it to his face, subtly sniffing it.
He smelled like sandalwood.
Not the cheap, mass-produced, sugary stuff made in candles and oils. But the real thing.
Like real, genuine, delicate and earthy sandalwood incense.
Wei Ying held the lapels and brought it to his face, subtly sniffing it.
He smelled like sandalwood.
Not the cheap, mass-produced, sugary stuff made in candles and oils. But the real thing.
Like real, genuine, delicate and earthy sandalwood incense.
It was unlike most alpha scents. Not musky or sweaty or ashy or spicy like the rest. Nothing like Jiang Cheng’s lakewater or Yu-ayi’s mala spice.
It was calming, if not a little alluring, and Wei Ying could understand how an omega could go crazy over it.
It was calming, if not a little alluring, and Wei Ying could understand how an omega could go crazy over it.
He did not take off the jacket. It followed him everywhere, enveloping his body like a warm embrace, and he hugged it to himself whenever he could.
The omega girls he usually flirted with came up to him and chatted him up. Whenever one tried to touch him, a casual hand on his—
The omega girls he usually flirted with came up to him and chatted him up. Whenever one tried to touch him, a casual hand on his—
shoulder or something similar, he’d evade it on instinct.
And he’d instinctively supress a low growl in his throat.
They hardly notice it, chalking it up to him being playful, as usual.
But they felt like something about his scent was not right—different, even.
And he’d instinctively supress a low growl in his throat.
They hardly notice it, chalking it up to him being playful, as usual.
But they felt like something about his scent was not right—different, even.
“Wei-gege,” one of them complained. “Your scent seems off!”
Wei Ying only smiled fondly and hugged the jacket closer, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
“Is that so?”
The girls would giggle, and movr on, but Wei Ying could only think about what the girl had said.
Wei Ying only smiled fondly and hugged the jacket closer, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
“Is that so?”
The girls would giggle, and movr on, but Wei Ying could only think about what the girl had said.
Since it was still forecasted to be cold well into the evening, Lan Zhan let him wear the jacket home.
He and Jiang Cheng walked side by side, making the final stretch of their trek.
The whole time, Jiang Cheng kept sniffing the air, as if there was something unpleasant.
He and Jiang Cheng walked side by side, making the final stretch of their trek.
The whole time, Jiang Cheng kept sniffing the air, as if there was something unpleasant.
“Don’t you smell that?” He complained. “I haven’t stopped smelling it since we left!”
Wei Ying perked up. “Smell what?”
Jiang Cheng stopped. “Wait.”
He turned to Wei Ying, sniffing all the while. He sniffed the air and stepped closer and closer to the other boy.
Wei Ying perked up. “Smell what?”
Jiang Cheng stopped. “Wait.”
He turned to Wei Ying, sniffing all the while. He sniffed the air and stepped closer and closer to the other boy.
Wei Ying coiled backwards. “Uhm, the fuck?”
It was Jiang Cheng’s turn to recoil. “What the fuck!?”
Wei Ying laughed nervously. “Ahaha, I can explain?”
Jiang Cheng sniffed him again. “This isn’t an omega’s scent.”
“Fuck off!!!!! Lan Zhan just let me borrow his jacket!!!”
It was Jiang Cheng’s turn to recoil. “What the fuck!?”
Wei Ying laughed nervously. “Ahaha, I can explain?”
Jiang Cheng sniffed him again. “This isn’t an omega’s scent.”
“Fuck off!!!!! Lan Zhan just let me borrow his jacket!!!”
Jiang Cheng’s face seemed to go through a variety expression at first, unable to settle on one.
Finally, he resorted to rage, and started to yell a multitude of things at Wei Ying. Like how the hell is another alpha giving away his clothes to him, was he bringing this shit home,
Finally, he resorted to rage, and started to yell a multitude of things at Wei Ying. Like how the hell is another alpha giving away his clothes to him, was he bringing this shit home,
how the fuck is his mom going to handle it, how can HE handle it—
Of course, Wei Ying only laughed it off, insisted it was fine, and reassured that he’ll keep it in his room.
“That’s even worse!” Jiang Cheng barked.
“Come on, it’s not even a big deal!”
Of course, Wei Ying only laughed it off, insisted it was fine, and reassured that he’ll keep it in his room.
“That’s even worse!” Jiang Cheng barked.
“Come on, it’s not even a big deal!”
“Are you even an alpha!?”
For most, this kind of statement would be a huge blow to the ego. Wei Ying, who had no shame at all, only belly laughed.
“Fine. Whatever. When you guys eventually fall out, don’t come crying to me!”
For most, this kind of statement would be a huge blow to the ego. Wei Ying, who had no shame at all, only belly laughed.
“Fine. Whatever. When you guys eventually fall out, don’t come crying to me!”
Over dinner Jiang Cheng’s mood only seemed to turn more sour.
“I can smell it on you,” he hissed at Wei Ying.
Wei Ying blew a raspberry.
“Smell what on him?” Jiang Fengmian asked.
Jiang Yanli, who sat next to Wei Ying, sniffed the air. “I don’t smell anything wrong.”
“I can smell it on you,” he hissed at Wei Ying.
Wei Ying blew a raspberry.
“Smell what on him?” Jiang Fengmian asked.
Jiang Yanli, who sat next to Wei Ying, sniffed the air. “I don’t smell anything wrong.”
But from across the table, Yu-ayi sent a sharp glance his way.
“No. I smell it, too.”
Of course, as alphas, both Yu-ayi and Jiang Cheng were able to pinpoint the outsider smell that lingered on Wei Ying’s body. He took of the jacket and threw it in his room, but that was—
“No. I smell it, too.”
Of course, as alphas, both Yu-ayi and Jiang Cheng were able to pinpoint the outsider smell that lingered on Wei Ying’s body. He took of the jacket and threw it in his room, but that was—
only just a minute ago.
But Jiang Yanli and Jiang Fengmian were betas, and as such, couldn’t really distinguish it themselves.
Jiang Cheng’s nose continued to scrunch up in annoyance. If this was at school, that would be another story—but this was his home! His space!
But Jiang Yanli and Jiang Fengmian were betas, and as such, couldn’t really distinguish it themselves.
Jiang Cheng’s nose continued to scrunch up in annoyance. If this was at school, that would be another story—but this was his home! His space!
Having an outsider’s scent inside made the alarm bells in his head go off.
Wei Ying only laughed nervously. “Is it. Is it that bad?”
Both Jiang Cheng’s and Yu-ayi’s sharp glare was the only answer he needed.
Wei Ying only laughed nervously. “Is it. Is it that bad?”
Both Jiang Cheng’s and Yu-ayi’s sharp glare was the only answer he needed.
When he got back to his room, he shut the door and plopped on his bed with a sigh.
And sandalwood began to fill his nostrils.
He hadn’t noticed he plopped right on top of the jacket.
He only sighed again and sat up, grabbing the jacket and holding it to himself. He sniffed it.
And sandalwood began to fill his nostrils.
He hadn’t noticed he plopped right on top of the jacket.
He only sighed again and sat up, grabbing the jacket and holding it to himself. He sniffed it.
He couldn’t tell why this smell had such a reaction with the other alphas in the household. It was a nice smell—anyone could see that!
Wei Ying held it closer to his body and breathed it in deeper.
He wasn’t sure why he was so infatuated with it, but it always boggled his mind.
Wei Ying held it closer to his body and breathed it in deeper.
He wasn’t sure why he was so infatuated with it, but it always boggled his mind.
Why did he not recoil in disgust at the mere hint of another alpha’s scent, like all of the other alphas he knew? Why was he infatuated with it? Was that normal? Was that even natural?
But the more Wei Ying thought about it, the more happy he secretly was.
But the more Wei Ying thought about it, the more happy he secretly was.
He was glad he liked Lan Zhan’s scent.
Lan Zhan was good. Lan Zhan was smart. Lan Zhan was nice, if you were able to break past his icy façade.
Wei Ying brought the jacket closer to his face and nuzzled it.
He was glad Lan Zhan was his friend.
Maybe even his best friend.
Lan Zhan was good. Lan Zhan was smart. Lan Zhan was nice, if you were able to break past his icy façade.
Wei Ying brought the jacket closer to his face and nuzzled it.
He was glad Lan Zhan was his friend.
Maybe even his best friend.
…
Three years later.
Wei Ying placed the final moving box on the grount with a grunt, wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and sighed contently.
“Lan Zhan! This is the last one!”
In the corner of the apartment, Lan Zhan looked up from his spot next to the shelf.
Three years later.
Wei Ying placed the final moving box on the grount with a grunt, wiped his forehead with the back of his hand and sighed contently.
“Lan Zhan! This is the last one!”
In the corner of the apartment, Lan Zhan looked up from his spot next to the shelf.
Without needing to be asked, Wei Ying scampered over to him and helped him fill up the shelf. They filled it with storage containers and decorative pieces, all things that Lan Zhan himself picked out.
“Classes start next week,” he commented. “What do you want to do until then?”
“Classes start next week,” he commented. “What do you want to do until then?”
Lan Zhan only said, “Up to you.”
“Haha, really? Are you sure? You can’t take it back now!”
The corner of Lan Zhan’s lips only twitched. Wei Ying once learned that it was his version of a smile.
“Hm~ I want to go to the karaoke place, then the arcade! Oh, oh, and also—!”
“Haha, really? Are you sure? You can’t take it back now!”
The corner of Lan Zhan’s lips only twitched. Wei Ying once learned that it was his version of a smile.
“Hm~ I want to go to the karaoke place, then the arcade! Oh, oh, and also—!”
After unpacking most of their essential stuff, they ended up in a boba café, in the same block as their shared apartment.
Wei Ying sipped his drink and chattered about random things. Lan Zhan listened.
They had come a long way to this point.
Wei Ying sipped his drink and chattered about random things. Lan Zhan listened.
They had come a long way to this point.
Their last year or high school was a difficult obstacle, but in the middle, they found comfort in each other.
Wei Ying joked about attending the same college and renting a place together. It was a nice dream. Maybe a child’s fantasy. But Lan Zhan took it seriously.
Wei Ying joked about attending the same college and renting a place together. It was a nice dream. Maybe a child’s fantasy. But Lan Zhan took it seriously.
Their family and friends were hesitant. Of course they knew of their friendship and the close bond, but they were ultimately non-familial alphas.
It was a setup for disaster, they said. It’s not feasible. It wouldn’t work out.
It was a setup for disaster, they said. It’s not feasible. It wouldn’t work out.
Lan Huan seemed to be the only one who wasn’t actuvely opposed to it. But Lan Zhan’s uncle barely tolerated Wei Ying. He was worried that his precious nephew would be corrupted in the process. It took a ton of forcible discussions for him to actually even consider it.
Jiang Cheng was the most hurt, mostly because of the promises he wouldn’t keep. Their relationship was fine now, but the bitterness was there.
Still, Wei Ying didn’t regret his decision.
Still, Wei Ying didn’t regret his decision.
Sometimes, however, he wonders if something will go wrong along the way.
Like they can’t find a way to delegate cleaning and cooking.
Or that Lan Zhan would find him too messy.
That Lan Zhan would be adverse to his scent.
The last one makes him want to curl in on himself.
Like they can’t find a way to delegate cleaning and cooking.
Or that Lan Zhan would find him too messy.
That Lan Zhan would be adverse to his scent.
The last one makes him want to curl in on himself.
But pretty soon, Wei Ying finds that his worries are all but unwarranted.
After the first day of classes, he comes back to the apartment to find that Lan Zhan had cooked a full meal already—soup and steamed baos and side dishes all wonderfully prepared and set on the table.
After the first day of classes, he comes back to the apartment to find that Lan Zhan had cooked a full meal already—soup and steamed baos and side dishes all wonderfully prepared and set on the table.
An entire feast for two university student alphas.
Wei Ying was appalled. He couldnt help but blink.
“Lan Zhan!?”
Lan Zhan only set the last dish on the table with barely any expression. A white, flowery apron was wrapped around his waist.
“Come,” was all he said.
Wei Ying was appalled. He couldnt help but blink.
“Lan Zhan!?”
Lan Zhan only set the last dish on the table with barely any expression. A white, flowery apron was wrapped around his waist.
“Come,” was all he said.
From then on, Lan Zhan cooked for just the two of them almost everyday. Wei Ying knew his best friend liked cooking, but he didn’t know to what extent that even took!
Wei Ying’s classes ran later—and he grew to always expect some sort of breakfast or dinner prepared by Lan Zhan.
Wei Ying’s classes ran later—and he grew to always expect some sort of breakfast or dinner prepared by Lan Zhan.
Lan Zhan cleaned too, and Wei Ying would come home to find something cleaned, in some way or another.
It almost felt kind of silly—they were college students, they should live like it!
But he realized that this was just a result of his friend’s upbringing.
It almost felt kind of silly—they were college students, they should live like it!
But he realized that this was just a result of his friend’s upbringing.
He learned to cook and clean at an early stage—even if he was an alpha, his uncle did not exempt him from these basic teachings.
Well, that was fine with Wei Ying—he can’t even make a proper dry noodle without burning the pan!
Well, that was fine with Wei Ying—he can’t even make a proper dry noodle without burning the pan!
But the one place Lan Zhan did not touch was his bedroom.
See, it wasn’t because he didn’t want to clean it—he offered at some point. However, Wei Ying said that he could do it himself—it was the least he could do, after all.
See, it wasn’t because he didn’t want to clean it—he offered at some point. However, Wei Ying said that he could do it himself—it was the least he could do, after all.
There was also the—and you could call it a social taboo, of another alpha cleaning your place. Wei Ying didn’t mind if it was Lan Zhan, but he wondered if Lan Zhan would mind being surrounded by the heady scent of anothers’, even if they /were/ roommates. It’s complicated.
But the more the weeks passed by, the harder it was to keep up with it.
His classes were difficult. Nothing he couldn’t handle, but his studying ran late into the night and he spent his free time napping in inopportune place. He hardly had time for himself, much less to clean—
His classes were difficult. Nothing he couldn’t handle, but his studying ran late into the night and he spent his free time napping in inopportune place. He hardly had time for himself, much less to clean—
his own room.
On the first free day he had, he sauntered into Lan Zhan’s room with a gloomy expression.
“Lan Zhan…”
Lan Zhan looked up over his glasses from where he was sitting at his study desk.
“Wei Ying?”
On the first free day he had, he sauntered into Lan Zhan’s room with a gloomy expression.
“Lan Zhan…”
Lan Zhan looked up over his glasses from where he was sitting at his study desk.
“Wei Ying?”
Wei ying only pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
Asking for a favor was hard.
“Can you help me? I’ll return the favor!”
Lan Zhan only stood up without an expression.
An hour later, his room was finally, /finally/, thoroughly cleaned.
Asking for a favor was hard.
“Can you help me? I’ll return the favor!”
Lan Zhan only stood up without an expression.
An hour later, his room was finally, /finally/, thoroughly cleaned.
“Oh thank fuck…” he groaned as he plopped into the freshly changed sheets.
Lan Zhan only straightened up some items on his desk and said, “Come to me sooner next time.”
Wei Ying’s head peaked from the comforter. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
Lan Zhan only straightened up some items on his desk and said, “Come to me sooner next time.”
Wei Ying’s head peaked from the comforter. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”
“I would never be.”
For some reason, Wei Ying’s heart skipped a beat.
“Okay,” he lamely replied.
Lan Zhan only nodded and left the room.
But he suddenly stopped at the door and turned slightly.
“You don’t have to return the favor,” he said quietly.
For some reason, Wei Ying’s heart skipped a beat.
“Okay,” he lamely replied.
Lan Zhan only nodded and left the room.
But he suddenly stopped at the door and turned slightly.
“You don’t have to return the favor,” he said quietly.
…
Slowly, but surely, their scents began to mingle.
It wasn’t something that he learned to get used to. Didn’t feel like a huge buildup or anything of the sort.
Wei Ying had woken up one day and realized he couldn’t distinguish Lan Zhan’s scent from his own.
Slowly, but surely, their scents began to mingle.
It wasn’t something that he learned to get used to. Didn’t feel like a huge buildup or anything of the sort.
Wei Ying had woken up one day and realized he couldn’t distinguish Lan Zhan’s scent from his own.
As an alpha he should have felt even just a little bit affronted. Perhaps distressed.
He was only happy.
It was the smell of home, after all.
He was only happy.
It was the smell of home, after all.
He wasn’t irritable when he was outside, no, but something in him always felt lighter the moment he stepped through the door.
When Lan Zhan wasn’t home, he took the opportunity to nuzzle their things. Mostly Lan Zhan’s things.
He felt a little bad about it every time. Like he—
When Lan Zhan wasn’t home, he took the opportunity to nuzzle their things. Mostly Lan Zhan’s things.
He felt a little bad about it every time. Like he—
was doing something he wasn’t supposed to be doing. He kept thinking about Lan Zhan walking him and catching him in the act, scolding him like a mother would.
Or would he do something else entirely? Would he even be angry? Lan Zhan never got angry at him, not anymore.
Or would he do something else entirely? Would he even be angry? Lan Zhan never got angry at him, not anymore.
If he let him, what did that say about Lan Zhan? How far would he go?
Thinking about this, he held the object in his arms, a pillow from the living room, even tighter. He huffed it deep.
He thought about the jacket he nuzzled, just a few years ago. Nothing smelled as good as—
Thinking about this, he held the object in his arms, a pillow from the living room, even tighter. He huffed it deep.
He thought about the jacket he nuzzled, just a few years ago. Nothing smelled as good as—
that. The deep, deep, sandalwood that haunted his dreams up until now, the earthy scent that he longed to drape himself in…
…
…
What has gotten into him!?
Wei Ying separates from the pillow with a frown.
Just when did this even start, exactly?
Was he some sort of omega!?
…
…
What has gotten into him!?
Wei Ying separates from the pillow with a frown.
Just when did this even start, exactly?
Was he some sort of omega!?
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