Work Text:
It was Ten’s first day working here, and he hopes it would not last long.
In a 2×2 karaoke box with colorful lights, a large screen, microphones, an ashtray someone had cleaned earlier, and a drawer full of items meant for hosts, Ten tried to calm his unstable pheromones.
He wasn’t in heat, but Omegas new to this job always leaked a little scent when they were nervous. Thankfully, the boss give every omega worker a special suppressant so they can prevent unwanted heat but also endure the Alpha's rut effect. They also have a legal protection law if there was abusement during 'transaction'. However, no matter how legal and safe this place is, in the end, this workplace is still prostitution disguised as a karaoke place. If it's not for his future, Ten probably would not even think to step his foot here. But he really in need, and he did not want in debt. This is the only fast way to get fat amount of money he needed. And that's why here he is, waiting nervously as a fresh 'Karaoke host'.
Ten kept his wrist close to his nose, checking if he needed to apply that suppressing mist again.
“Irasshaimase, welcome. Irasshaimase, welcome. Ira—”
He stopped murmured in preparing when the doorknob turned. His instinct kicked in instantly. Ten stood up, his hands folded with a small and polite posture.
“Irasshaimase! Welcome, okyakusama.” He bowed deeply.
And he froze the moment he lifted his head.
Not because of the significant tattoos crawling over the man’s neck and hands which means this man is part of Yakuza. Also not because the man radiated unmistakable alpha energy that felt like a heavy pressure in the air.
But because this alpha was ridiculously handsome.
Omegas sometimes got overwhelmed by strong and scary looking alphas, Ten had seen scary Alpha before. But this one wasn’t scary—he was breathtaking. The type of face that probably sculped with care by the moon goddess. And that, for an omega trying to work professionally, was ten times more dangerous.
Ten took a tiny step back, his scent flaring in panic before he managed to swallow it down.
The alpha scowled, quite hard. His brows nearly touched. Ten almost imagined a comic-style irritation symbol popping out near his head.
“New kid?!” the alpha barked, voice deep.
His Alpha voice made Ten’s knees weaken for a split second. But he forced himself to stand still.
“Y—yes, okyakusama,” Ten stammered.
“Not Japanese?!” the alpha demanded again.
Ten shook, then nodded, too nervously to make sense. “Thai. I’m from Thailand.”
The alpha exhaled, the air shifting with his pheromones. It's sharp sandalwood smell, but also controlled like he did not want Ten to smell his scent. That control was the only thing keeping Ten from accidentally scenting the whole room with fear. The Alpha guest then finally sat in the middle of the bench, radiating territorial dominance without meaning to. Alphas like this didn’t have to try, their presence is enough to filled any enclosed space.
“Full-time here?” the alpha again asked as if he's going through job interview with Ten.
“I—I work part-time,” Ten answered, sitting beside him as procedure demanded.
“No need to sit so close. Over there. Sit in the corner,” he snapped.
He's so un...usual, Ten tought. Alphas usually liked omegas near them, but this one wanted distance. Ten had no idea whether to feel relieved or offended. He slid all the way to the edge of the bench, trying to keep his scent neutral.
“M—mister—”
“Two hours. Package number two.”
Ten immediately left to pick up beer and snacks. When he returned, the alpha was flipping through songs without focus.
For thirty minutes, he didn’t sing, didn’t talk, didn’t even look at Ten. Just sat there, scrolling through his phone while Ten sat obediently, keeping his scent suppressed.
This was… not what Ten expected at all.
He’d heard from Yuuji—another omega in this work place—that the first week was the hardest. Omegas with Ten’s face type usually got flooded with alpha customers wanting to “test” the new host. Their pheromones always reacted to fresh omega scent.
Yet this alpha?
This alpha might as well have been made of stone. A handsome, terrifying, and confusing stone.
Ten was halfway through wondering if he should be grateful or insulted when—
“Used to be so easy to give my heart away… ♬♪”
Ten’s head snapped up.
The alpha’s voice. It sounded good. It's deep and raspy. Almost too smooth for someone who radiated such restrained dominance.
Ten’s pheromones fluttered at the sound, a soft wave he quickly tried to suppress. He didn’t want to accidentally scent at an alpha he was serving, it would look unprofessional.
But gods, his voice…
“...I found out that love was no friend of mine…”
Ten found himself nodding along, his heartbeat picking up. Omegas sometimes reacted to voices, especially alpha voices. And this one was unfair. When the song ended, the alpha finally turned toward him.
Ten tensed, holding his breath so his scent wouldn’t betray anything.
Just as he opened his mouth, the door slammed open.
Ten yelped fell off the bench, and accidentally let out a puff of startled omega scent.
A red-haired alpha, his ponytail bouncing almost comically, stood in the doorway with the same family tattoo.
“Aniki! Eh? You haven’t started yet?”
Ten gulped. Him with two dominant Alphas in one small room. His suppressants didn’t cover this scenario. Ten scrambled into a kneel, trying desperately not to leak scent again. The red-haired alpha walked toward Ten with sparkling eyes.
“Oh, you pretty looking omega, aren't you?”
Ten swallowed. Omegas reacting too visibly could be dangerous. He kind of understand what Yuuji said before—
“Yuta…” the first alpha muttered.
“Aniki, you haven’t tried him yet? Can I—”
“YAMAGUCHI YUTA!”
The shout carried enough Alpha pressure to make Ten’s skin prickle.
“What? What is it, Taeyong-aniki?” Yuta asked carefully. The mischievous attitude was gone, replaced with respect entirely. Ten even could feel the fear from Yuta when he answered to his aniki.
Taeyong. His name was Taeyong. They're probably siblings, kind of looked like with different face shape type.
Taeyong then ordered Yuta out, his tone alpha-firm but not aggressive. Yuta sulked out with not really alpha-like attitude, leaving Ten trembling and confused by the way Taeyong’s pheromones gradually softened into something calmer, almost shielding.
“Sorry about my brother,” Taeyong said.
The apology itself was already unusual. Alphas rarely apologized to omegas they just met.
Ten nodded awkwardly, still unfazed from his confusion.
"Don't you know this place is dangerous?" Asked Taeyong, now with a sharp kind of tone like before.
Ten again just nodded, more confused. Why this Alpha asking such a question? This work place is indeed doing shady activity but they are famously never chase or force someone to work here, let alone an underage. They even use small test before you can start work here. He knew best that Ten worked here willingly.
Taeyong snap the table, "then why you're here?!"
Ten flinched, can't help but let his scent puffed a bit. It's clearly he's afraid of this Alpha.
"Why don't you answer me?!"
"I... I need money." Ten finally muttered his words. "Once I get them, I'll quick." He said shortly just so Taeyong did not get angry at him.
But Taeyong did not satisfy with Ten's answer. Realizing he might make Ten scare, he releases his comfort scent that makes Omega calm. It's something that comes naturally with Dominant Alpha like him. And it works. But again, why would he did that? Ten tought to himself, confused. Why did Taeyong sound like he was his disappointed father?
Taeyong kept staring, as if demanding he continue.
“I really need money. My online business failed, and… I’m running out of time to re-register for next semester.”
“You’re in school? University?” Taeyong asked.
“University…” Ten said softly.
“How much?” Taeyong reached for the gray coat he had draped over the bench.
“Eh? Without extra service, per-hour is a thou—”
“Not that! Your tuition! How much?!”
Ten gave the number. Taeyong nodded, then pulled out a stack of 10,000 yen bills without counting and slammed them on the table.
“Quit today. Right now. If you still need work, go to this person,” he said, tossing a black business card at Ten. His scent getting faint as if he's trying his best to mask it. But Ten setill can sense it. Even since the first time that Alpha step foot in this room. Such a good scent of sandalwood and hint of musk.
With a trembling hand, Ten reach the card Taeyong thrown. It was a clothing shop card, with a name and number. Did Taeyong somehow know Ten studied Fashion Design? Or was it coincidence?
“Tell them Yamaguchi Taeyong recommended you.”
Ten was still processing everything as Taeyong stood.
“What are you waiting for?! Take the money and leave!”
“But… but I don’t want to owe—”
“I don’t feel owed. Take it now or I’ll drag you out myself!”
Ten’s knees nearly gave out. But he grabbed the money and his bag as fast as possible. In the chaos, he remembered something.
“M—my boss—”
“I’ll talk to your boss.”
Ten nodded fearfully and hurried toward the door.
“If I see you here again, I’ll burn this place down with everyone inside.”
Ten reflexively covered his ears with a tiny “sorry" that made Taeyong snort in amusement. His expression softened for a second, and Ten paused.
Realizing Taeyong is lowering his guard, Ten curious to to ask, why did Taeyong care?
But even before Ten say something, Taeyong snapped again.
“WHAT?! WANT ME TO BURN IT NOW?!” Taeyong barked, expression returning to terrifying.
Ten shook his head frantically and bolted.
Just before he exited, he heard Taeyong already asking the boss for another host.
So Taeyong did come here for sex? Was he mad because Ten was new? Even if Ten was new, he knew what he needed to do. It was just sex, after all. Every Omega learnt how to please an Alpha during school too. It's not something taboo for him.
Before closing the door, Ten looked back. Their eyes met. Taeyong clicked his tongue and shooed him away.
Ten left with body shivering. Tomorrow, he would visit the person on the card. He wasn’t planning to use Taeyong’s money.
"Are you sure once is enough?" Ateasing voice asked.
Taeyong nodded faintly, pulling his pants back on, lighting a cigarette before putting on his shirt. He had smoked six today, something rare he did.
Akira, the Omega host he usually hired, pouted.
“A month without visiting, and now you only go once? Hmph. Are you weaker with age?” he teased, wiping himself with a wet tissue.
Taeyong didn’t respond. His mind wasn’t here, not even during the sex. Rubbing his forehead, he realized what he had done. Even if it was just prostitution, Taeyong never used his hosts as substitutes for someone else. But today had been different. He hadn’t seen Akira.
He’d seen him.
Ten. Chittaphon Leechaiyapornkul. Taeyong had memorized the full name instantly once the boss tell him his story.
“Taeyong-san~ Come again tomorrow, okay? I can do it for free, only for you. You can even call me if you're going througj your rut." Akira purred with heavy Japanese-accented English. For him, being requested by Taeyong wasn’t about money, it was the chance to sleep with such a handsome Alpha.
Fully dressed, Taeyong left without another word. Leaving Akira who kept calling after him without care. His head full with anything else.
Several enforcers standing outside the Yamaguchi clan house bowed deeply as the Alpha siblings entered. Behind Taeyong, Yuta walked in with AirPods plugged, chatting with Winwin, the omega owner of house mode which one of Yamaguchi connection he befriended—which he hopes their relationship grow more than that.
Whenever the young masters arrived, two servants would run to arrange their shoes. Yuta always went straight to his room, while Taeyong approached his mother, who usually sat in the engawa, legs folded neatly as she practiced calligraphy or knitting.
“Okaa-sama,” Taeyong greeted, sitting across from her as she prepared matcha. His brow lifted slightly, she only performed a tea ceremony during important occasions.
Taeyong wasn’t Nana’s biological son. Nana, Alpha daughter of an old Japanese yakuza family, had married a wealthy Korean businessman, Jiyong, Taeyong’s biological father, an Omega Male that hold such a power both in Korea and Japan. However, Nana treated Taeyong like her own, but the grandfather had chosen Yuta to inherit the family. Taeyong didn’t care a bit, he had no desire with the family business anyway.
“I met a man who resembles the one from my dreams, okaa-sama,” he said.
Nana paused, eyes softening.
“What does your heart say?”
Taeyong clenched his fist. He shook his head slowly.
Nana resumed whisking, then handed him the chawan.
He stared into the cup. The green froth almost formed a silhouette. His chest tightened slightly. He drank it in one go when his eyes start to see someone's face within the green foamed.
Taeyong had been visited by strange dreams which more like a continuous film for a week now. The dream has no sound, just aroma, yet he understood the story. An Omega male figure with slightly long blond hair. An Omega who resembled Ten. With the same pheromone scent.
When a week passed with that strange dream, Taeyong finally told his dream to Nana. She said dreams could be more than dreams. He needed to look within them.
The final dream showed him marrying the dream-figure. It cut off just before they made love, and Taeyong woke up hard and wet. He didn’t tell Nana that part. It was why he had gone back to the karaoke bar today, concerned that probably his unmet biological needs were causing the dreams.
“What about otou-sama?” he asked.
Nana smiled, her snaggle tooth peeking adorably. She can be so gentle within his family and become a beast when it comes to outsider.
“You know your father doesn’t care about these things. You can decide it by yourself…
… But your grandfather’s principles won’t change when it comes to Mating. You need to work a little bit hard for that part.”
Taeyong drained the cup and made his decision. He would wait.
One year later.
“Winwin-chan, still no news from him?”
“Maybe he hates you.”
“Winwin-chan!” Ten pouted, hugging his sketch board. After one year at this clothing shop, he had regular clients who loved his work.
Winwin—forty years old Omega that has no mate yet because he feels he still very young and insisting everyone to call her “chan”—laughed.
“Ever since you came, Taeyong-dono never visited again. Even his younger sibling. Now we only get that flirty Arashi.”
Ten puffed his cheeks. “What did I do? I even rejected his money and he got angry!”
“We’ve talked about this, maybe Taeyong-dono was drunk. He’s the softest Yakuza I’ve ever met. No, the softest Alpha ever. Hearing what he did to you feels like hearing about someone completely different.”
Ten scratched his hair. “I told you he wasn’t drunk. Whatever. I just want to say thanks to Taeyong.”
“Taeyong-dono,” Rika corrected.
Ten shrugged.
“Well, if you really need to, then you can go to his house—”
Ten shivered. “Even imagining standing in front of a Yakuza house makes my knees weak.”
“Fine, it’s up to you.”
“Taeyong-dono, he wants to meet you.”
“I can’t, Winwin-chan.”
“Why not?”
“… ”
“It’s been almost two years.”
“He has a mate yet?”
“Huh?”
“Tell him I’ll meet him if he doesn’t bond with anyone.”
“What do you mean—”
“I have other business. Talk later.”
“Taeyong-don—”
Taeyong ended the call, exhaling smoke.
Almost two years. And even without asking, he knew Ten didn’t have a mate. He knew Ten was often approached by women and men, both Alpha and Beta. Taeyong had his men watch over Ten. He knew Ten had returned to the karaoke bar once looking for him. He knew Ten sometimes visited bars connected to the clan. He knew Ten never touched the money.
Snapping his cigarette, Taeyong stared at the falling snow. His parents were abroad. Yuta was patrolling with other subordinates, only guards and servants were home.
Putting on his coat and scarf, Taeyong stepped outside. His nose start to miss that particular lavender scent. He needed to re-smell even if it's from a far.
“I’m sorry,” Ten bowed deeply. The beta girl in front of him teared up and ran off, sniffling. This week alone, Ten had rejected three confessions—two Alpha male and one beta female. He just didn’t want a relationship yet. Not because of something Winwin said. Definitely not because of that.
He repeated this in his mind.
Clutching his bag, he walked out of campus. He let a little bit of his scent to come out, the weather will make his scent a little bit masked afterall. Snow had been falling lightly all morning. He unzipped his backpack to grab his gloves. But then he pause. He smell that scent. The sandalwood and citrus scent that he really familiar with. In a second, his eye found him.
Taeyong. Yamaguchi Taeyong. Ten was certain.
Taeyong’s eyes widened as if caught in guard, and he quickly turned away. Ten ran after him, but the pedestrian light turned red. He stomped impatiently as Taeyong grew smaller and disappeared. Again, he lost sight of him.
Four years passed in a blink. Ten held his diploma, relieved. He video-called his parents who couldn’t attend. He planned to return to Thailand. But first, he wanted to find Taeyong and return his money.
But dealing with Taeyong’s family was no easy task. Ten couldn’t get anywhere near him.
Maybe because Taeyong—again—would find him first.
Outside the campus gate, near the bus stop, Ten saw Taeyong. He dressed in all black, dark sunglasses, a fedora, and holding a bouquet of vivid lavender. Taeyong almost looked horrified when he saw him. Confused, Ten glanced behind, nothing strange. He then checked himself, does he looks so bad for Taeyong reacted like that?
When he looked back at Taeyong, the Alpha face was completely neutral again.
Behind him were unmistakable clan members. It's easy for Ten to identify them from their clothes and unfriendly expressions. A couple smoked, some chatted, some looked bored.
Unlike last time, Taeyong didn’t run when Ten start to walk his way to him.
Ten quickened his pace.
“Taeyong,” Ten panted—then corrected himself shyly, “…dono.”
Taeyong snorted. “Who taught you that? Winwin?”
Ten nodded, cheeks heating. Then Taeyong extended the bouquet. The lavender smell getting stronger, Ten suppress his own scenr quickly, concern he could danger himself.
“For… me?”
“Years in university and you still have to ask?” Taeyong replied dryly.
Ten puffed his cheeks. “It’s called a rhetorical question! You probably know if you went to school!”
Ten then gasped, covering his mouth when he realize he said something really rude for a 'stranger'. The clan members turned toward him, glaring.
But Taeyong burst into laughter, a small laugh that grew. The others clan members joined until Taeyong stopped them, looking annoyed.
Taeyong tjen reached out, and Ten flinched with the gesture. But ut turned out Taeyong only want to ruffled his hair like a cat.
“I went to university too, Ten. Graduated six years ago.”
Ten blinked. “Here? But I never—”
“In Korea,” Taeyong cut in.
Ten nodded faintly. Ah, his name made sense now.
“Forget it,” Ten said in English. “So, you still remember me?”
Taeyong snorted. Then he suddenly cupped Ten’s face playfully, making his heart almost jump.
“Even with this common face, I'd still can remember you.”
Ten scowled, pushing his hand away. Cheecks turned bright red. He twirled a strand of his slightly long, newly blond hair. “I thought people wouldn’t recognize me with new hair.”
Taeyong swallowed hard as he watched Ten play with his hair, his expression suddenly uneasy.
“You looked… kirei.”
Ten’s eyes widened. “What?”
Did he hear that right?
Behind them, one of the men suddenly started strumming a guitar, they then sang First Love by Utada Hikaru for who-knows-what reason.
“S—so… I—” Ten looked down, flustered. Taeyong stiffened like he was about to be executed. His men got even more excited, whispering and laughing.
Then Ten suddenly remembered something.
He hurriedly opened his small bag and pulled out a bank book, offering it to Taeyong with both hands.
“Arigatou-gozaimasu, Taeyong-dono!” Ten said loudly.
The guitar stopped. Everyone froze awkwardly.
Taeyong stared blankly.
Ten lifted his head. “I never planned to use the money. So I deposited it last month so it wouldn’t get lost. But they charge monthly fees. I’ll pay you back!”
Taeyong took the book, and Ten sighed in relief, until Taeyong bopped him lightly on the head with it.
“Idiot,” Taeyong muttered.
Ten blinked dramatically, holding his head.
Even so, Taeyong still slipped the bank book into the pocket of his suit jacket. The two of them stared at each other, falling into a rather suffocating silence. Both can still smell the pheromone of each other, so distinc like there's no other aroma beside them. Until the soft sound of a guitar started playing again.
Taeyong cleared his throat. "The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”*
The guitar stopped abruptly; behind them, those men all dropped their jaws in unison. One corner of Ten’s lips twitched upward, he couldn’t stop it.
“It’s… daytime, Taeyong-dono,” Ten replied, holding back a grin.
Taeyong’s mouth fell open in shock, followed by groans of frustration and protests from his men. With a reddened face, Taeyong spun around. The noise instantly died when they saw their young master furrowed with irritated expression. He then raised his right hand, lifting a single finger and those intimidating men immediately scattered in panic at his signal.
“Taeyong-dono?” Ten called out once Taeyong's suboridnate were gone.
Taeyong turned back to Ten with a mixed expression. The Alpha was clearly trying to maintain his dignity, and it made Ten think the Yakuza before him looked… cute. It's such a rare feeling for Ten to find an Alpha looking cute.
“Taeyong-san. You can just call me Taeyong-san,” Taeyong said.
Ten nodded, biting back a smile. He unconsiucly let his scent blooming more, as Taeyong responded with a little snorted.
Again, they fell into another awkward silence. Taeyong looked busy with his own thoughts, and Ten was curious what kind of magical sentence Taeyong would say next.
“Do you want to get coffee?”
Ten smiled upon hearing Taeyong's new questuon. Even though Taeyong’s invitation sounded a bit incomplete—he didn’t even ask if Ten had time—but at least this one made more sense.
“You’ve never been on a date before, have you, Taeyong-san?” Ten teased.
Taeyong’s cheeks flushed in embarrassment. The Alpha totally knocked by this Omega
‘Cute. Doesn’t match his outfit,’ Ten thought, amused.
But Taeyong’s expression suddenly changed, going back to his Alpha demenour. Probably he’d just realized something. He looked confident, meeting Ten’s eyes boldly. Now Ten was the flustered one.
“So… you were hoping I’d ask you on a date?” he asked with a mischievous smile. His scent start to feel little bit dominating.
Ten pursed his lips in embarrassment. “Not really,” he answered quickly. He then bowed slightly. “Thank you for the flowers, and for helping me back then. I didn’t end up taking the wrong path,” he added with a shy grimace.
Taeyong frowned in confusion.
“I’ll be going now, Taeyong-san.”
Before Ten could fully turn around, Taeyong grabbed his wrist, pulling him in just like in a drama. Ten gasped, their bodies now pressed together with Taeyong’s arm wrapped around his waist. They were practically half-embracing. And at that moment, Ten can feel their scent becominv one with harmony.
Ten cleared his throat awkwardly.
Taeyong released his waist, but didn’t let go of Ten’s hand.
“Do you have a place you’d recommend for coffee?” Taeyong asked softly.
Ten looked at him, meeting his sincere gaze. Hesitantly, he nodded.
Taeyong smiled. He then took both of Ten’s hands, holding them tightly, not caring about the curious looks people passing by were giving them.
“Right now, with the identity I have, I’m in a position where I can choose whoever I want to be my future partner. But among those choices, you weren’t one of them. And I rejected that.”
Ten’s blood raced, his heart pumped faster. He understand it very well. The clan family must have strict rule for their in law. A foreigner will be a big no.
“So I told my family that I don't care, I only want you, in hoping you also want me. But to do so, I need to know you first. And for that, I’m no longer part of Yamaguchi..."
"...Ten-san, would you get to know me? The new me. The real me. The me who has liked you ever since the first time we met.”
Ten’s mouth fell open. Taeyong released his hands.
“I won’t force you. The decision is entirely yours,” Taeyong added, clearing his throat awkwardly. He had practiced that long speech countless times over the past two years. But saying it directly to the person he meant it for felt so… difficult. So exhausting. Though he had to admit, a sense of relief was slowly settling in now that he’d finally said it.
Ten swallowed again. He could see the relief on Taeyong’s face.
“Taeyong-san, didn’t you once threaten to burn me?” Ten asked quietly.
Taeyong’s eyes widened comically, completely unprepared for that response.
“Forgive me!” Taeyong exclaimed, bowing deeply. He didn’t expect Ten to remember that part. Maybe he should accept that, in the end, Ten might not—
A soft chuckle broke his thoughts. Taeyong lifted his head to find Ten laughing while covering his mouth. The Omega looked endearing like that. Taeyong's heart felt so full just looking at the Omega laughing so freely.
Ten then extended a hand, asking Taeyong to take it. He felt he had teased the man enough. He grasped Taeyong’s hand and gently pulled him upright.
“Taeyong-san, do you like Americanos? There’s a nice café I used to go to. They have good Americanos.”
Taeyong’s expression softened, his smile spreading. Ten froze for a moment, mesmerized. Taeyong looked genuinely happy. So this was what he looked like when he was happy? Ten’s chest felt warm.
“Lead the way,” Taeyong said, squeezing Ten’s hand back. In that smile, Taeyong saw glimpses of his dreams—dreams he believed were finally about to come true.
—end.