Chapter Text
Park Wonbin was an only child and the youngest prince of his lineage. When he presented as an omega, his parents wished he would marry into another noble family and bring peace to their kingdom.
However, despite his usually humble attitude as a royal heir, Wonbin wasn’t easy.
He didn’t want to marry. He hadn’t even thought about marrying once. Wonbin preferred to be alone, to wander their palace garden, to focus on his studies.
He didn’t feel like dealing with an alpha who would expect him to be soft-spoken and obedient—qualities Wonbin only possessed when he wanted to.
His mother had given him multiple options. Over the years, multiple alphas had even tried to court Wonbin.
And yet, none of them were able to capture Park Wonbin’s heart.
He was known to have rejected multiple alphas who attempted to court him.
It wasn’t surprising, because anyone with vision would agree Wonbin was breathtakingly beautiful. His features were sharp but softened by his big eyes, with full lips and dark locks that framed his face perfectly.
His mother had called him out for his attitude multiple times, because according to her, her son was a stubborn omega. Wonbin would agree when his mother suggested another alpha to meet, but after each first meeting, he would tell her it wasn’t a match.
It wasn’t that omegas weren’t respected in society. A large percentage of the population consisted of betas, making omegas and alphas kind of rare.
Along with that, Wonbin’s status added to it—having most people respect him and even look up to him as a royal omega heir.
But Wonbin knew no one would actually want to put up with him. And he didn’t want to put up with an alpha either.
He had scoffed at the custom-made gifts alphas would bring him—as if that would make him suddenly want to kneel in submission and marry an alpha he knew nothing about.
Wonbin’s latest attempt at disagreement had made his mother frustrated. He was twenty-four, old enough to be married by now, was what his mother had told him. Wonbin was used to hearing this, but lately, his mother had been almost desperate.
He knew his mother was right. Royal heirs would commonly get married in their early twenties, perhaps even start their own family.
But for Wonbin—he didn’t like the idea of being forced into a proximity with a stranger he couldn’t stand.
The garden was one of the few places where Wonbin could pretend his issues didn’t exist. It was mid April, and the cherry blossoms in the palace garden had started to bloom and fall.
His mother, Nari, cleared her throat with a certain lilt. Wonbin recognized it immediately. He knew she was about to bring up something terrible.
“Wonbin-ah,” she began. “Have you heard the prince of the Lee family has returned?”
Wonbin blinked. Who? His fingers froze around the delicate porcelain teacup before lifting it to his mouth and taking a sip of the hibiscus tea.
“Apparently,” Nari continued, stirring her tea, “he’s been studying abroad, somewhere in America and he’s been going back and forth.”
Wonbin placed his teacup back on the saucer. His mood was ruined instantly. He knew right away what his mother was implying here.
He stared at the ripples in his tea, watching them settle into stillness before responding. “I don’t know who that is,” he said flatly.
His mother’s teacup clinked softly against its saucer as well. Wonbin braced himself, because he knew what was coming next. Another attempt to convince him to marry some alpha he could not bother to care about.
“Lee Chanyoung,” Nari murmured. “He’s an alpha, and younger than you, if I’m correct.”
Wonbin let out an awkward laugh. Younger than him? That would never work. He imagined some alpha trailing after him like a lost puppy—and the thought itself was ridiculous.
“Younger alphas are insufferable,” he muttered into his tea. He refused to look at his mother’s face, already knowing her patience was long gone.
Nari exhaled sharply through her nose, her nails tapping against her teacup. “He’s twenty-two,” she responded calmly. “And I’ve heard he’s different compared to other alphas.”
Wonbin raised an eyebrow. “And what does that mean? I don’t need an alpha who doesn’t act like one.”
His mother paused before laughing softly, which sounded too light for the weight of the conversation.
“Sweetheart, you sure do complain a lot,” she murmured, tilting her head. “And yet, you refuse every alpha I try to introduce to you. What exactly are you looking for?”
Wonbin glanced down at his teacup before taking another sip. He could feel his mother’s gaze burning into him, waiting for an answer he didn’t have.
“You already know I don’t want to marry in the first place,” Wonbin said quietly. “But if I have to, I don’t feel like putting up with an alpha who is going to order me around or expect me to act like a—” He gestured vaguely. “Never mind.”
His mother sighed before humming, a sound that could only mean she was holding back words. Wonbin knew this game she was playing. She wanted him to ask, to be curious about Lee Chanyoung and bite the bait.
But he remained stubbornly silent, swirling his tea slowly.
“Your father wants you to marry more than I do,” Nari said slowly. “But if anything, I think it’s better to marry into another royal family. It wouldn’t be as complicated.”
She paused for a moment before continuing. “Your father has been keeping an eye on a few royal families with alphas around your age, and he seems to like Lee Chanyoung.”
Wonbin’s fingers twitched around his teacup. His father always wanted the best for Wonbin. If his father liked Lee Chanyoung, Wonbin wondered what was so special about him. He couldn’t be that interesting, right?
He didn’t respond, and his mother exhaled softly before she spoke again. “I’m close with his mother. She has raised a humble, caring boy. Why don’t you give him a chance?”
“Why are you two so obsessed with this Lee Chanyoung?” Wonbin finally asked, setting his teacup down with a clatter that made the porcelain tremble. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
His mother shook her head before giving him a smile. “I’ve heard he has rejected both female and male omegas recently,” she said, swirling her tea again. “He’s picky like you and probably looking for the ideal partner that he can’t seem to find.”
Wonbin scoffed, rolling his eyes. Rejecting both female and male omegas? Lee Chanyoung sounded like he was full of attitude, and he wasn’t interested in dealing with that.
“And that makes you and Father think I should marry him?” Wonbin muttered, flicking a fallen petal off the table with a quick motion. “Because he’s apparently as difficult as I am? I think that means we would only clash.”
Nari set her teacup down before reaching for Wonbin’s hand, her grip firm. “I’m not saying it’s decided, or that you two would work,” she murmured. “But it’s another opportunity for you to meet someone, sweetheart.”
Wonbin pulled his hand away, the warmth of his mother’s grip lingering. “I don’t have a choice, do I?” he muttered. The garden air smelled too sweet suddenly, the cherry blossom petals drifting around.
Nari’s silence stretched a second too long, which was enough confirmation for Wonbin. “Right. I guess I don’t,” he said flatly. He stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the stone, and turned toward the garden path.
His mother didn’t call after him. She never did in moments like these.
The garden’s serenity usually soothed him, but today the cherry blossom trees made him feel trapped. It felt as if the petals were clinging to him—giving him insistent reminders of duties he had no desire to fulfill.
Wonbin went upstairs and locked himself into his chamber. It was a master bedroom with a balcony overlooking the garden with cherry blossom trees he usually loved, matching with the omega’s own scent.
Today, the view felt suffocating.
Lee Chanyoung. The name wasn’t even familiar to Wonbin, and yet it pissed him off to even hear the alpha’s name.
What was worse, was that his father had likely already made up his mind. He would attempt to have Wonbin meet Lee Chanyoung. It didn’t matter whether Wonbin wanted to or not.
It was just like all the other times, when Wonbin had rejected every alpha who came across his path.
The next day, his expectations came true. Wonbin was asked to dress properly. His father had requested his presence in the throne room.
Wonbin picked out a silk white suit from his wardrobe. It was elegant, but not too flashy. Just enough to show he cared about his appearance.
Wonbin’s father, Guwon, was already seated on his throne when Wonbin entered the throne room.
“Good afternoon Father,” Wonbin said smoothly, taking a seat in the smaller chair beside the throne.
Guwon gave his son a nod. “You look well,” he said with an unreadable expression. “Though I suspect you know why I called you here.”
Wonbin crossed his legs, tilting his head. “Lee Chanyoung,” he murmured. The name made his jaw tighten. “Mother mentioned him yesterday.”
Guwon’s lips twitched into a small smile. “So you were listening.”
“I was. Against my will,” Wonbin muttered.
His father exhaled through his nose, a laugh escaping his lips before he could suppress it. “I would like you to meet him,” Guwon said simply. “Nothing more. Just see how it goes.”
Wonbin glanced away, pressing his lips together. He wasn’t even nervous, but something about his father’s calm certainty unsettled him.
“And if I don’t like him?” Wonbin asked, still refusing to make eye contact.
Guwon leaned back into his throne, watching his son with a curious gaze. “Then nothing changes. I’m only asking you to meet him. Not to promise me anything.” His fingers pressed against the armrest. “But I think you’ll find him… different.”
Wonbin scoffed under his breath, his fingers curling into fists against the armrests of his own chair. As if any alpha could be different enough to hold his interest.
“You and Mother both said that,” Wonbin muttered. “What’s so different about him?”
His father smiled and it made Wonbin’s stomach twist. “You’ll find out tonight. His father and I arranged you two to have dinner at their palace.”
Wonbin’s stomach twisted. His father had already arranged something without his input, and yet pretended this was merely a suggestion. Right.
“Tonight?” Wonbin repeated, his voice flat. “Something has already been decided, right? You don’t have to lie to me anymore.”
“Wonbin,” Guwon started. “You’re my only son. We just want you to continue the royal lineage.” He hesitated before adding, “I wouldn’t speak nicely of an alpha if I didn’t think he would treat you well.”
Wonbin sighed, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back in his chair. “Fine,” he muttered. It wasn’t fine, but he knew better than to argue with his father once his mind was made up.
The rest of the afternoon, Wonbin felt uneasy. He didn’t want to meet Lee Chanyoung. He didn’t want to sit through another painfully polite dinner where some alpha would try and fail to impress him.
By the evening, Wonbin had gotten ready to meet Lee Chanyoung. Not out of enthusiasm, but his manners wouldn’t allow him to arrive looking disheveled.
He combed through his hair, the dark strands falling perfectly into place. He applied a subtle layer of lip gloss to his lips, and a touch of eyeliner, just enough to accentuate his sharp gaze.
His driver drove him to the Lee palace. The estate was bigger than theirs, with towering gates and gardens that seemed to stretch for miles.
Wonbin clenched his jaw as they passed through the gates. The last thing he wanted was to be impressed by some alpha’s wealth. He thanked his driver and stepped onto the steps of the Lee palace.
Wonbin considered turning back, but royal etiquette had been drilled into him since childhood. He straightened his posture and nodded at the guards, who bowed deeply.
Behind the tall doors of the palace entrance stood a young lady, seemingly their head maid, who bowed deeply as well before gesturing for him to follow.
The Lee palace was huge, and Wonbin couldn’t help but notice how modern it looked compared to his own home. It blended sleek contemporary architecture with traditional Korean elements.
The head maid suddenly stopped in her steps, almost causing Wonbin to bump into her. He had been distracted by the high ceilings of the palace.
“Your Highness, Prince Park is here,” the head maid announced softly before bowing and stepping aside.
Wonbin stiffened at the sight of Lee Chanyoung. He couldn’t tell if it was irritation or attraction, because Lee Chanyoung was objectively handsome.
Although Wonbin would never admit he was attracted to Lee Chanyoung at first sight.
He was taller than Wonbin had expected, with a sharp jawline and a soft smile that his stomach flip. He already hated this.
Lee Chanyoung stood near a huge piano, dressed in a tailored black suit that clung to his broad shoulders. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and the alpha’s gaze locked onto Wonbin’s.
Wonbin felt a lump in his throat before he forced his expression into careful neutrality.
“Good evening,” Wonbin said quietly, bowing just to be polite. His fingers twitched nervously at his sides.
Lee Chanyoung bowed in return. “Welcome, Prince Wonbin,” he said. His voice was rather soft unlike the sharpness Wonbin had expected from an alpha.
Wonbin’s pulse jumped when Chanyoung smiled. It was not a practiced smile of nobility, but something more genuine. It made him hate Chanyoung more.
“Dinner should be ready soon,” Chanyoung said, gesturing toward a tall doorway. “Would you like to wait in the garden? The evening blooms are just starting to open.”
Wonbin hesitated. It was a transparent ploy. Alphas always used gardens as romantic staging grounds, to come off as if they were genuinely interested in the omega.
He knew that it was always a set up. Alphas only wanted him to be able to brag about courting such a beautiful, royal omega.
Wonbin considered refusing, but the slight tilt of Chanyoung’s head made him relent. “Okay.” His tone suggested he was only doing Chanyoung a favor. The alpha’s smile didn’t waver as he led the way, giving Wonbin space to follow at his own pace.
They walked along the garden paths, some stones disappearing behind bursts of flowers. A fountain murmured quietly in the center of the garden.
Chanyoung didn’t try to fill the silence, which unnerved Wonbin more than forced small talk would have. He was used to alphas attempting to impress him, which always turned Wonbin off.
But Chanyoung simply walked beside him as if they had known each other for years. Wonbin could smell his scent beneath his scent blockers. It was something citrusy. It wasn’t overpowering, but it made Wonbin feel uneasy.
“Are your parents not here tonight?” Wonbin asked, breaking the silence. His fingers brushed against a cluster of blooming blue hydrangeas. A petal flew towards him, and he reached out to grab it.
Chanyoung glanced at him, and Wonbin refused to make eye contact. “They wanted us to have space,” the alpha said with a smile.
Wonbin paused mid-step, the petal crumpling between his fingers. He wasn’t too sure how to respond to that.
The alpha paused as well, turning to look at Wonbin fully. “What’s wrong?” Chanyoung asked, his voice softer now.
Wonbin exhaled sharply through his nose, flicking the crushed petal to the ground. “It’s ironic,” he said flatly. “Usually, an alpha’s parents interrogate me about lineage or fertility within ten minutes of meeting. But yours… aren’t even here.” He glanced at Chanyoung, studying his reaction. “Why?”
Chanyoung tilted his head, the sunlight of the sunset catching the sharp angle of his jaw. “Would you prefer an interrogation?”
“No,” Wonbin said quickly. “It’s uncomfortable,” he blurted out before he could stop himself.
His cheeks warmed as soon as the words left his lips. It was too honest. He never admitted discomfort to anyone, let alone an alpha he barely knew.
“I see,” Chanyoung’s lips quirked. “Then why are you making an issue out of this?”
Wonbin froze before his fingers twitched at his sides. He was afraid he had pissed the alpha off, and that was not what he had intended to do. It just felt new to him, to have space and properly meet an alpha instead of being questioned right away.
Chanyoung studied Wonbin’s stiff posture, the way his fingers kept curling into fists before relaxing again. The omega was coiled tight with tension.
“I—I’m sorry,” Wonbin murmured in embarrassment. “I wasn’t trying to create any issues.”
Chanyoung let out a soft laugh. “You don’t have to apologize,” he said, stepping closer to examine a blooming hydrangea at the edge of the path. “I would rather you say what’s on your mind.”
Wonbin stared at the hydrangea as well—it was a delicate blue bloom. The color blue meant stability, serenity and peace. They were all things Wonbin lacked right now.
Chanyoung watched his posture, and the omega was clearly uncomfortable with the silence. He took a step forward and paused when Wonbin stiffened further. “It’s alright,” he murmured. “Let’s go back inside.”
Wonbin just nodded, following the alpha along the same path back. In the dining hall, Chanyoung pushed back the chair for Wonbin.
The gesture was sweet, but for some reason it made anger coil in Wonbin’s stomach. He always hated being treated like a delicate omega, like someone who needed help pulling a chair out.
Dinner was served—an extravagant spread of traditional Korean dishes with a modern twist, plated like edible art.
The meal should have been delicious, but Wonbin barely tasted anything. He was too nervous to focus.
The silence was awkward as they ate, and Wonbin could feel Chanyoung’s gaze on him the entire time.
“Are you alright?” Chanyoung asked halfway through the meal, his chopsticks hovering over his plate.
Wonbin’s grip on his own chopsticks tightened. “I’m fine,” he lied. He focused on the intricate patterns of the porcelain plate beneath his food, anything to avoid the alpha’s gaze.
Chanyoung exhaled through his nose. “I know you don’t want to be here. I apologize if I caused any discomfort.”
Wonbin’s chopsticks clinked against his plate. He blinked up in surprise. Most alphas pretended not to notice his discomfort—or worse, they took it as a challenge to try harder.
“It’s not your fault,” Wonbin said slowly, staring at the now finished dish in front of him. “I just don’t—” He cut himself off before he could finish the sentence. I just don’t want any of this.
Chanyoung studied him for a moment before nodding slightly. “You don’t have to explain,” he said, setting his chopsticks down. “But I would prefer it if you didn’t lie to me.”
Wonbin’s head snapped up at that. Most alphas would have dismissed his reluctance as something personal. But Chanyoung’s gaze was neither offended nor pitying him.
The silence stretched uncomfortably before Wonbin sighed. “Fine. I don’t like being set up,” he admitted finally. “I don’t like feeling like I’m being handed over like some—” He gestured vaguely, unable to find the right word.
“I don’t want to marry, and I hate all of this,” he muttered.
Chanyoung leaned back in his chair before he exhaled softly. “I don’t want to marry either,” he admitted casually.
The omega blinked, his chopsticks hovering mid-air. “Then why this?”
Chanyoung’s lips curled up into a smile. “Because my father asked,” he said, shrugging. “We’re in the same boat. There’s no need for you to take your frustration out on me.”
Wonbin’s chopsticks clattered onto the plate with a sharp sound. The silence in the dining hall thickened.
Chanyoung’s words sounded like disapproval to Wonbin, and he wasn’t used to that. Not once had an alpha ever made him feel like they didn’t want him.
But now, Chanyoung had dismissed him by casually admitting he didn’t want to marry either. To Wonbin, it felt as if perhaps he wasn’t worth the effort.
“I wasn’t taking my frustration out on you,” Wonbin snapped, his voice sharper than intended. His fingers pressed into the edge of the table.
Chanyoung raised an eyebrow. “Weren’t you?” His tone was light, almost amused, as if Wonbin’s anger meant nothing to him.
Wonbin didn’t respond, holding himself back because the anger coiled too tight in his chest. He pushed his chair back with a scrape against the marble floor and stood up from his seat.
“Excuse me,” he said quietly. He asked the servant for directions to the restroom.
The servant led Wonbin down the hallway. He entered the restroom, locking the door behind him. He washed his hands with cold water, an attempt to calm the heat prickling under his skin.
The mirror reflected his flushed face. He was embarrassed to be seen like this in front of an alpha. He quickly splashed a handful of cold water against his cheeks.
Lee Chanyoung had made Wonbin feel like his frustration was some childish tantrum to be dismissed.
It wasn’t supposed to go like this in the first place. He had prepared himself for suffocating politeness, for an alpha’s desperate attempts to impress him.
But Lee Chanyoung hadn’t even tried to impress him. And yet, Wonbin was irritated either way, but in a different way than he usually would be.
After another five minutes, Wonbin returned to the dining hall. The table had been cleared, and Chanyoung was still in his seat across from Wonbin.
His sleeves were rolled up now, and the muscles in his forearms shouldn’t have been so distracting. Wonbin swallowed hard before taking his seat again.
The silence between them was uncomfortable. Wonbin could feel Chanyoung’s gaze on him, and he felt trapped in his seat.
Chanyoung cleared his throat before speaking. “I apologize for what I said,” he murmured. “I didn’t mean to imply your feelings were invalid.” His gaze flicked up to meet Wonbin’s. It was too direct, and Wonbin glanced away instantly. “I just dislike dishonesty.”
The sincerity in Chanyoung’s voice was disarming, unlike the sharp tones Wonbin was used to from other alphas. “It’s fine,” he said quietly. “I overreacted.”
Chanyoung studied Wonbin’s stiff posture for a moment before exhaling. “Dessert will be served soon,” he said softly. “If you excuse me. I’ll be right back.”
The alpha stood up, and Wonbin watched him leave the dining hall. His fingers twitched against the tablecloth. He hated this. He hated everything about tonight, and he wanted to leave.
The way Chanyoung saw right through him was only making him feel more miserable.
Wonbin traced the delicate embroidery of the tablecloth with his fingertips. He shouldn’t have snapped. He shouldn’t have let Chanyoung see how easily he could unravel him with just a few words.
The alpha’s absence stretched too long, and Wonbin considered leaving. He could just slip out of the grand palace doors and never look back.
But royal decorum kept him rooted to his seat, his pride refusing to let him flee like a startled omega.
A servant returned with two wine glasses, pouring in some luxury red wine with precision. Wonbin watched the dark liquid swirl, the scent of ripe berries faintly reaching his nose.
“Is everything alright?” A soft voice startled Wonbin from his thoughts. The servant hesitated before placing the second wine glass at Chanyoung’s empty seat.
“Yes. Thank you,” he answered quickly. The servant nodded and bowed before retreating. Wonbin’s fingers curled around the stem of the wine glass.
Chanyoung reappeared carrying a small box, his sleeves still rolled up to his elbows. “My apologies,” he said, sliding back into his seat. “I had something prepared for you.” He placed the box in front of Wonbin.
The omega hesitated. He was used to this. Alphas always tried to impress him with luxury gifts such as jewelry and designer clothes. As if wealth could compensate for the lack of genuine connection.
Wonbin would open the gifts and pretend to be impressed. But once he got back home to his palace, the omega would donate all of them to charity without a second thought.
He stared at the velvet box, his fingers twitching with the urge to push it away or to open it. He wasn’t too sure. “I don’t need gifts,” Wonbin said flatly.
Chanyoung’s face fell for a second before he forced a neutral expression again. “I saw you at the winter gala last year,” he said softly. “You were admiring the pianist’s gloves.”
Wonbin blinked. He hadn’t expected Chanyoung to mention that. The winter gala had been months ago, a royal obligation he didn’t even care for. He would only attend such events because his parents always asked him to, and he didn’t have a good enough excuse to refuse.
But now that Chanyoung mentioned it, Wonbin recalled the pianist’s gloves—black silk with delicate silver embroidery. Every time he had passed by the piano, he watched the pianist’s fingers move elegantly, the gloves fitted perfectly to their hands.
“Oh.” The omega’s fingers froze over the velvet box, and his pulse jumped. He hadn’t realized anyone had noticed his silent admiration for the pianist and their gloves.
“I apologize if I’m overstepping your boundaries,” Chanyoung murmured, leaning back in his chair. “But I figured if I were to get you a gift… it should be something more personal.”
Wonbin exhaled sharply before flipping open the box lid. Nestled inside were a pair of black gloves. They were exact replicas of the ones he had admired at the winter gala last year.
He held his breath as he lifted one glove from the velvet box. The silk was soft against his fingertips, the silver embroidery glinting under the lights. It was an intricate pattern of delicate cherry blossoms—elegant in a way Wonbin loved.
He hesitated before quickly placing the glove back into the box. He closed it with a snap. “I appreciate the gesture,” Wonbin said smoothly.
Chanyoung’s fingers tapped lightly against the tablecloth, his gaze following as Wonbin pushed the box aside. The omega expected disappointment, but the alpha merely nodded once before signaling to the servant.
Dessert was served—an elegant arrangement of delicate patisserie that made Wonbin nauseous. The sweetness of a raspberry macaron he bit into clashed with the bitterness still lingering in his mouth.
Across from him, Chanyoung sipped his wine, and his eyes wouldn’t leave Wonbin’s face. It started to irritate him.
“Do you have a staring problem?” Wonbin asked abruptly.
Chanyoung chuckled, swirling his wine lazily. “I’m just admiring the view.”
The casual flirtation should have irritated Wonbin. It always did when alphas tried to flirt with him. But the way Chanyoung said it made his ears burn for some reason.
“Excuse me?” Wonbin’s fork clattered against his plate. His face flushed hot, but he refused to acknowledge the way his pulse jumped at Chanyoung’s words. “Don’t say things like that.”
Chanyoung’s chuckle shifted into a smile. It was like he knew exactly how flustered Wonbin was beneath his exterior. “You don’t like compliments?”
Wonbin clenched his fists under the table. “I don’t like insincerity,” he countered, his voice coming out sharper than he intended to.
Chanyoung tilted his head, studying the way Wonbin’s throat bobbed as he swallowed. “Who said I was insincere?” The alpha’s voice dropped lower. “Do you really think I would waste my time flattering someone I didn’t genuinely find interesting?”
Wonbin nearly choked on his wine. The liquid burned down his throat as he forced himself to meet Chanyoung’s gaze. “You don’t have to flatter me,” he said sharply. “I know my worth.”
Chanyoung’s smile didn’t falter. “Alright.” He leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table.
He was close enough that Wonbin caught the faintest trace of his citrus scent beneath the scent blockers. “And I know you were staring at my forearms this whole time.”
The wineglass nearly slipped from Wonbin’s fingers. His entire body went rigid, and he felt his cheeks warm up. “I—what?” His voice cracked. “I wasn’t.”
Chanyoung’s smile widened as if he was savoring Wonbin’s flustered reaction. “Your eyes kept drifting,” he murmured, lifting his wineglass to his lips. “Every time you thought I wasn’t looking.”
The omega’s grip tightened around his wineglass until he was trembling. He could feel the heat creeping up his neck, betraying him, and he hated it. “Where are you getting that from? I wasn’t.”
Chanyoung leaned back, observing Wonbin’s face with quiet amusement. The omega’s blush had spread to the tips of his ears, and something about it was endearing.
“You’re blushing,” the alpha pointed out casually, and Wonbin felt the heat in his cheeks intensify.
“It’s the alcohol,” he murmured, faking a smile.
It wasn’t the alcohol—he had only had one glass of wine.
Wonbin watched Chanyoung reach for the wine bottle, refilling his own glass. The alpha’s fingers lingered near Wonbin’s glass. “Do you want some more?”
Wonbin curled his fingers protectively around his glass. Deciding to be polite, he nodded and let Chanyoung pour him another glass of wine.
Dessert plates were cleared away, and Wonbin seized the moment to check his watch. He had managed to put up with Lee Chanyoung for almost two hours now. To his own surprise, the time was passing by quickly despite his discomfort.
“You were in the United States, right?” Wonbin asked abruptly.
The question surprised even himself, because he hadn’t planned on prolonging this conversation or attempting to come off as if he was interested in the alpha.
Chanyoung leaned forward, intrigued by Wonbin’s sudden interest. “Yes, New York. I go back and forth,” he said, swirling his wineglass. “How do you know that?”
“My mother mentioned it,” the omega said defensively. He didn’t want to come off as if he had been asking about Chanyoung beforehand. “What are you studying?”
“Law and music,” Chanyoung said, watching as Wonbin’s fingers twitched against the stem of his wineglass. The omega’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “Two majors?”
Chanyoung shrugged, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass. “Law for obligation. Music for passion.”
Wonbin hummed, taking a sip of wine to avoid responding immediately. He hadn’t expected Chanyoung to have interests outside the typical alpha pursuits of politics and business.
“And you?” The alpha’s voice pulled Wonbin from his thoughts. “What are you studying?”
Wonbin’s cheeks flushed at the smile Chanyoung gave him. “I do medicine,” he mumbled, knowing it was expected of a royal omega. “Health science.”
It wasn’t that Wonbin disliked health science. He just disliked the assumption that omegas should nurture, heal, anything to do with caretaking. He didn’t feel like it should be his responsibility to constantly take care of others.
Chanyoung’s gaze lingered on him. “Health science?” he repeated, as if he sensed Wonbin’s reluctance. “Do you like it?”
The question caught Wonbin off guard. No alpha had ever asked if he liked his studies. They would only praise him for choosing such a suitable field for an omega.
“It’s alright,” he said quietly, his fingers tightening around his wineglass. He took the last sip of his wine before setting the glass down.
The silence that followed was uncomfortable. But even then, Wonbin could tell Lee Chanyoung wasn’t like any other alpha.
He didn’t try hard to impress, he didn’t push, and the gift had been thoughtful—not just expensive. The alpha just… let him be. It was unnerving in a way.
Wonbin watched as Chanyoung traced the rim of his wineglass again. The clock in the corner of the dining hall chimed softly. It was nine o’clock. Wonbin glanced at Chanyoung, who was now watching the moonlight filter through the large glass windows.
The omega realized he had been staring at Chanyoung’s profile for too long—the sharp line of his jaw, the way his throat moved when he swallowed the last of his wine.
The alpha turned his head slightly, catching Wonbin mid-stare, and the omega glanced away instantly.
“You don’t have to pretend,” Chanyoung said quietly. “I can tell you’re counting down the minutes until you can leave.”
Wonbin’s body stiffened. He hadn’t expected Chanyoung to call him out so directly. Most alphas would have pretended not to notice his discomfort. They didn’t care as long as he stayed polite.
“Am I that obvious?” Wonbin muttered. He straightened his posture, refusing to let his exhaustion show in his shoulders. The wine had left him warm, his thoughts slightly blurred at the edges.
Chanyoung exhaled through his nose. “I think so, yes. At least to me you are,” he said, and the admission made Wonbin’s pulse spike.
He wasn’t used to being seen so clearly. Most people mistook his careful politeness for compliance, and his silence for submission.
But Chanyoung had watched him the entire evening and somehow, he understood the difference.
Wonbin pushed his chair back and stood up. “Then I should go,” he said. He turned his head sharply toward the doorway, refusing to let Chanyoung see how his words had unsettled him.
Chanyoung stood as well, stepping closer towards Wonbin. “Let me walk you out. Do you have a ride?”
Wonbin hesitated, his fingers curling into the fabric of his sleeves. “My driver is waiting,” he said quietly, avoiding Chanyoung’s gaze. The alpha’s proximity was unnerving. He was close enough that Wonbin caught the citrus scent beneath his scent blockers.
Chanyoung nodded, stepping back to give him space. “Then I’ll escort you to the gates.” He turned back to the table, reaching for the box of gloves Wonbin had discarded earlier.
“And these are yours,” he added, holding them out between them. “Even if you never decide to wear them.”
Wonbin stared at the velvet box, his fingers twitching at his sides. The gloves had been an unsettlingly thoughtful gift. It implied Chanyoung had paid attention in ways Wonbin hadn’t anticipated.
“Thank you,” he muttered stiffly, fingers brushing Chanyoung’s as he took the box. The brief contact sent an unexpected jolt up his wrist.
Wonbin walked one step behind Chanyoung to the entrance hall, his fingers gripping the velvet box tighter than necessary. The grand doors loomed ahead, moonlight spilling across the marble floors.
Chanyoung paused at the threshold, turning to face Wonbin. “Thank you for coming. It was nice to meet you,” the prince said softly, bowing deep.
“Thank you for having me,” Wonbin responded. He bowed back just as deep, because he refused to be outdone in courtesy.
The night air was crisp as Wonbin stepped out of the palace gates, clutching the velvet box against his chest.
His driver was waiting by the gates, but for a moment, Wonbin hesitated. He turned back just in time to see Chanyoung still framed by the palace doors, watching him leave with an unreadable expression.
Wonbin considered going back—just to ask why Chanyoung had noticed him staring at the pianist’s gloves at the winter gala.
Maybe to even ask why Chanyoung had been so strangely kind to him today.
But his pride held him back, and Wonbin forced his way to the car.