Jeonghan took a look around his new room. It was big, at least, bigger than his room at the shelter. There was even a tiny kitchen where he can cook simple meals, a mini fridge, and his own bathroom, a huge improvement from his old room which consist of a bed, small table and his wardrobe. Staring at the space, he wondered how he should fill the room. He never bought anything he didn’t need as it requires space which he didn’t have back then, but maybe he should start buying some. A few books, CDs maybe. Or even some random mini statues just to fill in the space. He had money to spend anyway. Moreover now that he entered college and received his first allowance from the scholarship, he should have enough even after all the clubbings he planned to do on days with no morning class the next day.

Laying down on the bed, Jeonghan stared at the ceiling.

This would be his room from now on. He wouldn’t be expected to wake up at seven every day to help out with the shelter, nobody would wake him up if he overslept, and nobody would say anything if he messed up… Everything he ever wanted was finally happening but he felt weird. He felt somewhat empty. Just like the room.

Turning around, Jeonghan took out his sleeping pills, the only thing that helps him sleep free from nightmares. He should stop depending on them as much since he no longer had his therapist available 24 hours a day, nor had them living in the same building as him to prescribe the pills when he need them. If he require a new prescription, he would have to get himself diagnosed by the school therapist. Not to mention, the place only opens until 6 in the evening. But that was not why he dreaded the school therapist so much. It was because he seriously did not want to go through that again, telling someone about his vulnerable self. But if he don’t do it, it would harder for him to get other medicine to help with his conditions. Especially during heats…

‘.’ He breathed in and out deeply, trying to control his respiration. He could control his panic attacks better now but recently, the pressure of starting a new life alone, far from his omega family, triggered it quite frequently. He really need to stop overthinking.

Everything should be just fine. He need to stop worrying.

Tomorrow, after meeting all his new dorm-mates, and maybe a few classmates, he would feel better. Things would turn out just fine…

*****

Seungcheol walked around the dormitory, excited to explore. He already met his neighbours – two seniors, one from his major and another from a different one – who greeted him as soon as he walked into his room. In the corner-most of the floor, he discovered a small lounge with a couch and a few chairs and a small television which somehow thrilled him. He doubt he would be using it much as he never watched much shows or dramas to begin with, but he definitely could imagine himself hanging out here with his new friends.

Bzz. Bzz. Taking out his phone, noticing his lover’s name, the alpha smiled as he made his way inside the lounge hoping to call the omega. They haven’t been talking lately since both were busy packing up for their respective universities. Woo Ri decided to go another university to pursue fashion design. Though he was disappointed that they would finally be apart for the first time since they knew each other, he understood that fashion is not this university’s strong point so he let her go, Luckily, her college is also located in Seoul so even though they would not be able to see each other every day like they did, at least both of them would still be in Seoul. They would still be going out for dates on the weekends.

‘Hey! Are you done unpacking?’

Not really… We’re walking around.

‘Cool.’ Seungcheol waited a few seconds for her to ask him about his day, then decided he should lead the conversation. Phone conversations were never their thing since they were always together but considering they would only meet once a week, the alpha thought they should start doing so now. But honestly, it felt awkward. He didn’t know what she was doing and couldn’t comment on it, and she seemed like she was busy too. On the other hand, if he hang up now, he felt like they would give up phone conversations all together. Opening his mouth to start another conversation,

I’m a bit busy. Talk to you later. Beep.

‘Oka-‘ He looked at the phone, still a bit caught off-guard that the omega hang up on him so suddenly. Well, not that he actually asked her if she could talk before calling anyway. She could have already started her orientation unlike his which starts tomorrow.

He should try again tonight. Or tomorrow. He really missed listening to her voice.

*****

‘Owh god.’ Jeonghan rolled his eyes when the seniors asked them to gather in their respective groups, yet again. For the past two days they had been forced to do group activities which were childish as ice-breaking sessions and honestly, he had enough of it. They kept the freshman up until late at night screaming nonsense, had them running around getting signatures from random people, all those sadistic stuffs. His group members didn’t help the situation either, he couldn’t get himself to open up like he should.

Not that he was completely at fault about it. How the hell should he react when the first thing they told him was the fact that they read his book? Everything about him, about his lifestyle, they already knew. How the hell should he act normal and try to make friends with them like nothing happened? It would only be a one-sided conversation.

Not that he didn’t try, it just got boring after a while. Besides, none of them were the same major as him. In a week time, he won’t even interact with them so really, it was just a waste of time. He didn’t fancy their naiveté and excitement either.

How he wished this torture would end soon. He just want to start learning about famous writers and poems, which was basically why he applied to a university in the first place. Not to socialize.

But…. He promised to try and have fun. His therapist told him he should try to make friends and indulge himself in the innocence of these people to regain what he lost during childhood. He already promised her he would. But it was hard. Really, really hard.

‘Leaders of each group, come and get your first clues.’ Jeonghan stood up as instructed and took a piece of paper from the ballot.

Great. More running.

Heading back towards his excited teammates who were eager to start the race, he gave them the piece of paper and all six of them got excited. As soon as the whistle blew, everyone dashed outside, along with Jeonghan who wished his body would cooperate with his brain and just drop to the ground so he could pretend to be hurt and sleep in his room.

This race better be worth his sweat.

*****

Seungcheol lifted his head from his phone to see what the ruckus was about. His batch mates were excitedly whistling and catcalling, he wondered to whom. Still far away from the source as he was at the end of the line, he inquired to his friend in front of him, ‘The omegas are here.’

Omegas? Were they nearing the omega dormitories? A brief referral to the map revealed that they were actually somewhere near the medical department, and their omega dormitories were further back. He doubt senior omegas would receive that kind of response… that would be weird.

‘Owh hell no. Dude, that’s the omega!’ Seungche