Jeonghan tapped his legs before making fists and biting his lips as he waited for the alpha to send him a message signifying his arrival. He was already regretting his decision but he knew it was too late to pull away right now. Honestly, he was not sure why he agreed to join the man’s family vacation in the first place. For one, fishing never appeals to him, and two, out of all the places, surely the man could do better than a fisherman’s village. Not to mention, he would be a total stranger towards the alpha’s family. It would be so awkward.

Being around families are awkward. He would never fit in. He would be an unwanted presence. They would mind him too much and start to despise him. He would only ruin the trip.

He should cancel it.

Domestic life is never going to be his thing. He would definitely hate the next few days.

Why the hell was he so stupid? What was he thinking? What the was wrong with him?

*****

‘An omega?’ Seungcheol rolled his eyes at the question. He could guess what would be said next, ‘You said he’s a friend.’

‘Eomma, Jeonghan’s just a friend.’ He answered, his hand on the door handle, ready to get out of the car. He would, he wanted to, anything to escape his mother’s nagging but he knew he would have to sit this one through. Because the moment Jeonghan sits inside the car and they move to their destination, whatever left unsaid would very much affect the whole trip. Turning his head towards his older brother who could only offer him a smile, he sighed.

‘But an omeg-‘

‘A guy.’ He insisted and turned to his mother, smiling at her to ease her worry. He knew he should have told her the fact that his friend whom he invited to join their family trip is an omega, but since they were nothing more than friends, he thought it shouldn’t matter. Well, he hoped it doesn’t matter. Obviously it does. ‘I don’t like men.’

The look on his mother told him that she wanted to say something but it seemed that she held her tongue.  It had come to this, and there was no other choice but to go through with it unless she wanted her son to tell his friend not to come. No matter how much she disagrees with this, that was too much to ask. Seungcheol was not fond of this situation either. Albeit knowing he was in the wrong, he really wanted to spend the week with his close friend. The trip might be fun when they were younger, but now it had gotten to a point where they only try to have fun out of respect for the family tradition. At least, for Jeonghan, this would be a whole new experience, and based on his time spent entertaining the man’s other firsts, it would be fun to just be with him when he experience it. To answer his stupid questions and comply with his weird requests…

…but, at the same time, he does understand the concern. His whole family was finally relieved that he had broken up with his ex-lover whom they never liked. They probably thought he was using Jeonghan as a rebound.

Except, they could never be more wrong.

*****

The notification sound from his phone alerted Jeonghan who then closed his eyes and took deep breaths. Rubbing his face a few times, he pulled open his bedside drawer. If he take the pill now, he would be able to calm himself in about an hour or so.

But...

He really shouldn’t. They would notice. They would think he hates being with them.

He really shouldn’t…

Taking the small bottle anyway, he put it inside his bag. Just in case he might need it later. The car ride would probably be silent, so he should be able to get away by sleeping it off but the trip is almost a week-long. He would be stuck with strangers for almost a week. The only time he would caught himself doing something like that is during his heat, and even then, the time would be filled with , food and sleep. No room for conversations whatsoever. He might get bored the first day and end up losing his mind, or the nightmares might haunt him at night and he would have no alphas around to help him forget it.

Jeonghan sighed. It was already too late to do anything about it. Opening the gate, Jeonghan weakly waved at the familiar face.

'Everything packed?' Seungcheol, who was waiting just outside the dormitory welcomed him with a huge smile, the one revealing his gums. Jeonghan nodded, 'Everything on your list is,’ he paused, looking around, still hesitant to go forward. 'Where's the car?'

'Right in front your department.’ Jeonghan nodded again, thankful that they didn’t come all the way here because he might end up locking himself inside his room instead. He knew the feeling is ridiculous, he never had any problem with adults, but families, a happy one especially, was never a part of his social circle. The closest he ever got to was when one tried to adopt him, but then refused for reasons. Others who ended up in the shelter are from broken families with dark histories, just like himself.

So yeah, he was not suit for a 'happy family'.

'Come on. We need to avoid traffic.’ Jeonghan followed behind, not feeling like walking alongside the alpha. The latter noticed the lack of enthusiasm and slowed down his step instead. 'It's actually better than it looks on the internet.’

'I bet.’

'Owh. Fishing's boring. So you'll have to bear with that.’

'Okay. Now you tell me.’ He sarcastically remarked, making the other laugh. Smiling along, he took a deep breath, somehow feeling a bit relieved.

At least Seungcheol would be there with him.

Everything should be okay.

*****

Jeonghan listened to Haneul's laughter as he told embarrassing stories about his younger brother, and in the front, their mother laughed while sometimes peeking towards her mate. He couldn’t see much of Seungcheol's father except his eyes, but as seen from the rear-view mirror, he too, was smiling. His friend covered his face, pretending to get mad at his older brother for revealing what was supposed to be a secret but Jeonghan knew the parents already knew about it long before.

Such a happy sight. The one he would only encounter in commercials. Heck, even the ones in the movies are not as happy as this bunch. It felt as if a host would come out any moment now telling him he was in a hidden camera or some like that.

Any moment now…

Just a few seconds from now…

…Well. Okay then. This was real life.

Jeonghan sighed inwardly, not understanding the situation he was in. Honestly he didn’t get why everyone was laughing. Haneul was definitely telling the story to him since everyone obviously already knew about it, while Seungcheol was telling him not to believe his brother while laughing. He was not purposely trying to be bitter about it, he actually tried to listen to the story eagerly at first, but he just, couldn’t understand what was so funny about the story. Everyone started to laugh so he tried to be enthusiastic at first, but that did nothing for him.

Just like always, the only one not getting it was him. The only one not a part of the fun was hi-

'So Jeonghan, how’d you meet my brother?' the older omega asked, breaking his toxic thoughts. The question made him realize how quiet it was now, and the attention was turned towards him instead. Jeonghan felt his heart shrunk.

Everyone was looking at him. Everyone was expecting him to talk.

This was it. This was his chance. If he blew this, they would regret letting him join their vacation. He needed to do this right. He shouldn’t spoil the mood. He needed to prove that he is fun.

Okay, he should answer the question.

The question…

What was the question?

His heart beating violently as cold crept down his spine, Jeonghan made a fist with his both his hands, trying to hurt himself to distract his mind. This was an attack. He was having a ing panic attack. Right now.

!

'Orientation.’ Seungcheol answered, his sudden voice making the omega flinch a bit. Jeonghan could feel himself sweating once the silence followed, signifying the time for another q