Chapter Text
Gun's mother always makes it a point to remind him that he can (and must) be choosy when it comes to choosing his life partner. Omegas are loved, treasured, and when paired with the right alpha - they'll be set and cared for their entire life. Even if Gun doesn't wholly consider himself a very traditional omega, it's in his nature to yearn for a family of his own. A husband. Offpsrings.
''...what if the one I like already has someone, mae?''
She cards her fingers through his hair lovingly, smiling at Gun through the oval-shaped mirror of his vanity table. ''Are they mated?''
Gun shakes his head, reciprocating her affectionate smile with one of his own when she gently kisses him on the forehead. ''Do you believe that he's the one for you, lukk?''
''From the very moment I saw him.''
Gun has met his fair share of alphas, mostly introduced by his parents, but he hadn't felt that click.The instant connection.
''Then, you should fight for what you want, lukk. Like i always say - you'll know if he's the one. If I hadn't fought tooth and nail for your por, he would have ended up marrying that bit-'' His mother, who is mostly refined and demure - a woman of class, hasitly brings a hand up against her mouth for the near slip of tongue. ''Whatever it is, you don't get the life you want by wishing for it, Gun. If you want it, you'll have to make sure you stop at nothing to get it.''
- / -
''Kanghan, this is my peer mentee - his name is Gun.''
Gun instantly knew, just like how his mother had told him.
Kanghan Krittin Sukprasert.
They lock eyes, but Gun is careful to feign an air of nonchalance, though he's all too aware of how the fourth-year student straightens up the moment he catches a whiff of the omega's scent. The university deems it mandatory for omegas to be on suppressants (obviously), but a thoroughbred alpha like Kanghan would have no problem sniffing out Gun's natural scent beneath the synthetic smell of suppressants. Warm candied apples. A hint of butterscotch. Sweet. Enticing. Sailom's saying something, but Kanghan hasn't pulled his gaze away from Gun yet, subjecting the omega to an intensity that would have him wet with want if he was in heat. The alpha has yet to utter a word, but Gun couldn't care less - his aura was undeniably masculine, and it was clear that he was someone who hasn't spent his life being told 'no'.
As selfish as it is, Gun could care less that the alpha was already in a relationship. Sailom was a genuinely nice beta individual and Gun would feel guilty about the plan that's about to be put into motion if it wasn't for the fact that he believe it's every omega for themselves. It was crucial that he play this game correctly until he has Kanghan eating out the palm of his hand. He wanted the man obsessed to the point where he would stop at nothing to make Gun his.
He's fine with taking his time as long as Kanghan ends up his.
Day by day, as Gun grows progressively closer to both Sailom and Kanghan, he learns a few things about the alpha that he thinks he can use to his advantage. Kanghan seems like the sort of alpha that doesn't like an excessively clingy omega, nor does he entertain those who shamelessly throw themselves at his feet. That's more than fine with Gun - he's always been independent to a fault despite being doted on my his parents, so much so that some alphas had found it a turn off. Still, that was only because Gun didn't find them capable and worthy enough to see him in his natural omegan state. Yet, it's also clear that Kanghan would appreciate a partner that would submit to him in certain circumstances, who wouldn't question his authority as an alpha. There were things that Sailom and Kanghan couldn't see eye to eye to, and Sailom wasn't the type to just defer and lower his head just because Kanghan told him to. The more time he spent with them, the easier it was to see the cracks in their relationship. Sailom was far too occupied with his extra-curricular activities and part-time jobs on top of school, and Kanghan was beginning to feel neglected.
A neglected alpha was bound to stray.
Still, he pretends to sympathize with Sailom when his mentor confides in him, reassuring him that Kanghan would understand in due time. Day by day, he starts showing Kanghan more care and concern, siding with the alpha when Kanghan tells him about Sailom cancelling their dates.
''Has it always been like this?'' Gun asks, injecting some sympathy into his tone.
''Ever since I brought him home to meet my family last year. He thinks that my family looks down on his, so he's doing all these to just...I don't know - to prove that he's not with me just because of status and money.''
Gun inches his hand across the table, feigns hesitation for a few seconds before lightly brushing the tip of his fingers against Kanghan's. The change from tense to relaxed in the alpha is immediate. ''I'm sorry, phi. It must be frustrating.'' Gun keeps his tone demure, an indication that he agrees with what Kanghan is saying. ''In a way, it's as if you're indirectly being punished because P'Sailom is...self-conscious about his own standing.''
''Exactly. My parents would never look down on someone like that. Maybe I was too hasty - I shouldn't have brought him home. There isn't a need for him to prove anything, not when I'm more than capable of taking care of him.''
''He has his pride, phi.'' It's essential that Gun takes Sailom's side too. ''It's different for him, don't you think? I'm sure you're a reliable partner, phi.'' Praise the alpha - they like knowing that they're capable of being a provider - that was what his grandmother had told him. ''P'Sailom is lucky to have someone like you. Makes me wish that I'm lucky enough to meet someone like you.''
''I'm sure there's no shortage of alphas that want to get to know you, Gun.''
''Of course.'' Gun is well sought-after, and he needs Kanghan to know that. ''But...there's just no chemistry. No connection, you know? Most of them want an omega who'll blindly submit to them. An omega wife to bear then kids. Don't get me wrong, of course I want that.'' He has to remind Kanghan that he's a fertile omega afterall. ''If I meet the right alpha, I'm more than glad to fulfill my roles and duties, but it'd also be nice to be able to have a career of my own. I don't see anything wrong with being a traditional omega, but I also feel there's nothing wrong for us to have aspirations of our own.''
''It's not wrong. I think it's admirable.''
Kanghan nods, ''I think it's important that omegas have an identity beyond being a wife and a childbearer. I wouldn't be the sort of alpha to keep my omega confined at home.''
Gun sighs wistfully, ''Any omega would be so blessed to have you as their alpha, phi.''
''I could say the same about you, Gun.''
He lowers his gaze, but he's inwardly preening at the compliment. There really is no denying that they would be perfect for each other, and that their mating would greatly benefit both of them down the road.
All he needs is for Kanghan to be his.
- / -
Kanghan's parents had understandably been disappointed when he broke the news that he was dating a beta. But they had taken the news in their stride and told him that as long as he's happy, then they wouldn't pose any objections to the relationship.
But was he happy these days?
Sailom is barely around as it is - rushing off as soon as his last class for the day ends. Club activities, student committee meetings, part-time jobs. Kanghan's trying to be understanding, he really is - knows that his boyfriend is doing all these for a better life for his family. But there comes a point where it's getting too much. It's not as if he hasn't raised this to Sailom before, wanting them to talk to this through. When Sailom had told him months ago that he had volunteered to take on a peer mentee, Kanghan had been pissed. It was rare for third year students and up to take on peer mentees considering their course workload, but the university was taking on a new approach this academic year. He didn't understand why Sailom would want to take on added responsibilities on top of everything that he was juggling.
Gunyukhol Jiraroj.
Fuck - he couldn't help but to appreciate the omega when Sailom first introduced them. Felt guilty that he barely heard a word that his boyfriend had said. The sugary candied scent laced with suppressants was frustrating. He wanted, needed - almost wanted to stand up and press his face against the omega's neck just to get a better whiff. Was this the pull that his father always talks about? Kanghan hasn't been with an omega before considering that he's been with Sailom since their last year of high school. As an alpha, he's no stranger to omegas wanting to get to know him, but Kanghan usually pays them no mind. He was in a relationship, and he always made it clear. He's almost annoyed when Gun regards him with minimal interest, the freshman simply offering him a polite smile and a wai. Kanghan knew he was staring, but he couldn't look away.
The more time he spends with Gun, it's easy to see why the omega is so easily likable - well-liked amongst his peers and seniors alike. He was extroverted, but not in an obnoxious loud way, but more so in the manner where he brightens the atmosphere wherever he is. There's no shortage of alphas approaching him, Kanghan notes, and while it's none of his business, he can't help but to be pleased when the omega politely turns them down. Kanghan finds himself being subjected to dirty looks by some of the rejected alphas, as if it's his fault that Gun's not giving them any attention. Five months in, and Kanghan considers Gun a close friend, his beloved nong. The loneliness that he feels from Sailom not being around is replaced with Gun's endless chatter and warm laughter.
Tentative dinner plans that always ends up cancelled no longer annoy him, not when Gun is around to keep him company. He's found a friend through Sailom, ignores the warning voice at the back of his mind screaming that he's going down a slippery slope. But in Kanghan's mind, he's just doing his job as a friend and a senior. There was nothing more to it. He loves Sailom, They were simply going through a difficult patch like most couples do.
Nothing was going to happen.
- / -
Gun isn't a helpless omega.
On the outside, he may seem like it - still, there's nothing that he would change about how he looks. He loves how Kanghan's gaze lingers on him when the alpha thinks that he isn't looking, feels the alpha go taut next to him whenever they're sitting side-by-side - knows that it's taking all of Kanghan's self-restraint to not just tuck his face against the omega's scent gland, frustrated by the suppressants layering Gun's natural scent. Funnily enough, Sailom doesn't seem to notice how close Kanghan and Gun has gotten over the span of four months.
He exits the lecture hall to find Sailom waiting for him - the older male had texted to inform him that he had a bunch of notes which he thinks might benefit Gun.
''Phi.'' Gun greets him brightly. ''You didn't have to wait for me here. I could have walked over to your class.''
''It's fine. Kanghan's having class in this block as well, and since we're going off campus for lunch, I might as well. Do you want to join us?''
Gun pretends to think about it, ''Are you sure? i don't want to third wheel your date.''
''Why not? It's been a while since I had a meal with you anyway.''
They chat for a little bit about how Gun's managing so far, Kanghan coming down the main stairs a few minutes later. He pushes down the flicker of jealousy that surfaces when Kanghan leans in to kiss him on the temple, only for Sailom to half-heartedly push him away.
''What did I say about PDA in public, Kanghan?''
''Sailom, there are other couples doing way more than what I try to do in public.''
''You know I'm not comfortable with it. Anyway, Gun's joining us for lunch.''
''Sure.'' Kanghan offers him an easygoing smile, startling Gun when he reaches for the textbooks that's Gun hugging against his chest. ''I'll help you with that.''
''There's no need, phi-'' He puts up a little fight, but gives in at the end - noting how Kanghan hadn't offered to help Sailom even though his boyfriend was carrying thicker textbooks in his hands. ''Thank you.''
''Anytime.''
They end up at a restaurant about ten minutes away from campus, Gun leaving it up to both Kanghan and Sailom to order for him. As he sits across them, he can't help but to study the couple's body language. His mentor truly wasn't comfortable with public displays of affection, inching away or brushing Kanghan off each time he leans in too close, or when he tries to casually put his arm aorund Sailom's shoulders.Neglected and touch-starved - his mentor was really making this too easy for him.
The food comes just as Sailom's phone vibrates noisily on top of the table.
''It's my brother. I'm going to step out for a bit - you two go ahead and eat.'' Sailom excuses himself from the table to answer the call.
Gun spoons two pieces of prawns onto his plate and starts to meticulously remove the outer shell. Once done, he scoops them onto his spoon and places the deshelled prawns onto Kanghan's plate instead. It's natural for omegas to want to care for alphas, and though Gun has done his fair share of scheming, it's important to keep in mind that he truly wants to care for Kanghan. His poor neglected alpha.
''Oh.'' Pretending to be surprised, Gun offers the alpha a sheepish smile. ''I'm sorry...I just...I'm used to seeing my mom do this for my dad.''
''Nothing to apologize for.'' Kanghan looks down at the prawns on his plate and then lifts his gaze to meet Gun's once more. ''It's nice to be taken care of like this without asking for it.''
''I like taking care of people.'' But Gun would never deshell a prawn for an alpha that he has no romantic interest in.
The staff returns to their table with a plate of som tam, placing it in the centre of the table before taking his leave.
''DId he get the order wrong, phi? P'Sailom doesn't like eating som tam.''
''I ordered it for you. With extra chilies - just the way you like it.''
Oh.
''Thank you, phi. You take care of me so well.'' The words linger in the air between them, Kanghan basking in the words of the omega.
Slow and steady is fine - Gun will make sure that he wins this race.
- / -