Chapter Text
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In this world, aside from the main kind of gender classification, which separated humans into two categories - male and female -, another classification exists. It classifies humans into three groups: Alpha, Beta, and Omega.
Beta, taking up 90 percent of human population, is what anyone would call a normal human. Alpha consisted of about 5 percent of the population, and they are what would be considered as geniuses, blessed with talents that made most seem superior than others. And the remaining ones are Omega, who, while also possessing excellent skills just like Alpha, has the special characteristic in that even the males are capable of giving birth when copulating with Alpha.
Once per three months, although it may varies in each individuals, Omega would experience a period similar to animals' mating season, which is commonly referred as Heat. An Omega in Heat would release pheromones to tempt the Alphas in their surroundings to copulate with them, rendering both sides to submitting to their carnal desires. For this reason, Omega tended to be discriminated.
Precisely because of that reason as well, most countries would hold physical examinations to determine 'second gender' when children reach the tender age of 13 or 14, right before most Omegas would experience their first Heat. The result of the examination would be revealed only to the person themselves, so to not cause unnecessary disturbance, although thereafter the person is free to reveal it to his surroundings.
Japan also adopted the custom. The government made middle schools hold annual physical examinations in order to data their youths, so they didn't need to bother to go to hospitals by themselves.
And, in my school, that physical examination was held today.
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The bell chimed, signaling the end of the all scholastic activities as of that day. Although to be honest, considering that the lesson of that day have all been replaced with physical examination sessions, the ringing tune holds no significant meaning to the ears of the students, who mostly had finished packing their school bag and seemed eager to leave the campus premise.
I'm one of those students. Leaving my desk, I approached my best friend, one of the few students who didn't seem to be in any rush in leaving the classroom.
"Hajime, let's go?"
"Aa. Wait a second."
Mutsuki Hajime, his full name, keep at his leisure pace while tidying his desk, which I don't mind at all. Once he's done, we left the classroom together. During the whole time it took us until we left through the school gate, there were students greeting us from right and left. Well, they mostly greeted Hajime though, since they're his fans.
Once we got far enough from the school premise, I opened a conversation by commenting on that fact. "They seem to be far more energetic than usual, huh? Hajime's serv- fans."
"Isn't it just because we practically have no lessons today? Also, you were about to call them 'servants' again, weren't you? How many times do I have to tell you to stop it?"
I laughed and said my apology, though I don't really feel guilty for being caught having a little slip in my speech. After all, it's not really wrong to call them that. Some of them had proclaimed that they are really willing to serve Hajime and do any of his bidding. That's how powerful Hajime's charisma is. Really...
"... just as expected from the one hailed as 'Leader of the Alphas', right?"
"... I told you not to call me that either." Heaving a sigh, Hajime sounded like he was tired of responding to my usual teasing. "Beside, to give me title like that before the examination even held today, you guys sure are getting ahead of yourself."
"But, the result of the examination must've stated that you're an Alpha, right?"
"... Well, yeah."
"See?" I let out a soft chuckle. Hajime can't possibly be anything but an Alpha. Not only that he has a naturally overflowing charisma, but he also has a charming appearance, brilliant mind, and is strong both physically and mentally.
Flawless? No.
He just looks like a flawless person. But I know that he's imperfect. Just like me, just like any others. That's why he doesn't like to be treated like he's far superior than anyone else.
"... So? How was your result?"
"Mm? What do you think they diagnosed me as?"
"... I really don't like that side of yours."
"Ahaha~! Sorry, sorry. I'll say it, so don't sulk, Hajime."
"Am not."
"Sure~... -ouch! Hey, no violence!" Taking a few steps to maintain a distance so that Hajime's quick jab wouldn't be able to reach my side again, I then continued, "Geez, I'll say it, I'll say it. They diagnosed me as an Alpha. Just like Hajime is."
"... Oh."
"Hm? You don't sound surprised."
"Why should I? Those guys been saying that you ought to be an Alpha too, for everything you've achieved so far."
Being told that, I laughed evasively. I don't think I've done anything worthy that makes me look like an Alpha. I mean, if they're talking about my academic records, even a Beta would be able to do the same as long as they're working hard.
"But, I'm glad that I'm not an Omega, at the very least."
"What, you're afraid of discrimination against Omega?"
"Mm, there's that too, but there's something more important."
Our steps came to a halt as we arrived at a level crossing, which have their gates closed for a train is about to cross. Hajime used the chance to tilt his head, looking at me with a raised eyebrow and a gaze that said he's expecting a direct answer. I couldn't help but smile as I gave him the answer he wanted,
"If I'm an Omega, there will be days when I won't be able to see Hajime. It'll be lonely."
Hajime stared at me wide eyed then, looking as if he didn't expect such answer coming from me. But, I'm just being honest. Since I befriend Hajime, my days have become much more fun. On weekends, I would found myself looking forward for Monday to come so I can meet Hajime again, or perhaps try to get him to hangout with me to somewhere. I've gotten way too comfortable being around Hajime that I'm sure I would feel lonely if I can't see him for a long time.
"... I see."
It took some time, but Hajime finally responded again. He had his gaze set back to the road across the level crossing, which was blocked from our view thanks to the passing train. I thought of teasing him again for making such a dry response, but from the corner of my eyes, I could saw a smile lingered on his face as he opened his mouth slightly as if saying something.
The sound of the train that passed before us made it almost impossible, but I managed to hear him say faintly,
"Thank you, Haru."
The warning bell's ringing finally died down and the gates were lifted up to allow people to pass, but I was standing still that Hajime had to call out to me to snap me out of my reverie.
"Ha~ru? What are you doing, zoning out like that? Let's go."
"... Ah, yeah. Sorry!"
Crossing the railroad, we resumed our walk to reach home. This time, Hajime opened the conversation, with a different topic entirely. I glanced at his face and the smile I saw earlier had gone.
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Hey, Hajime?
Is it alright to think that you'll also feel lonely if I were not around?