'So what can you show me, that my heart don't know already? Because we make our own sins and you're qualified to me.'

~

“What happened in here?” Minhyuk asked in confusion when he entered Daehyun’s messy room. Clothes were scattered everywhere on the bed and furniture along with other small items that had been tossed aside. He raised an eyebrow when he saw a small duffle bag packed with clothes and toiletries, sitting on the bed. “Are you…packing?”

“Yep!” Daehyun popped out from his closet. Minhyuk looked at him still confused. “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to the north.” Daehyun packed the last of his items inside the duffle bag. “For a week.”

Minhyuk was stunned. He couldn’t believe his ears. “What? Does anyone know about this?” “No. Only Jessica and Himchan. I asked them to cover for me.” Daehyun simply answered.

“And you weren’t going to tell me?” Minhyuk frowned, hurt.

Daehyun rubbed the back of his neck, “I didn’t want to make you worry. I already made you worry enough.”

“You’re going to see him, aren’t you?” Minhyuk accused knowingly.

Daehyun stopped what he was doing to look at him. “Min I-,” “I’m going with you.” Minhyuk said before the elder could defend himself. Daehyun was shocked by the unexpected statement. “Are you sure?”

Minhyuk placed his hands on his hips. “There’s no way I’m letting you go to the north by yourself. And I might as well get to know this omega that you broke up with Haeryung for.”

Daehyun blushed in embarrassment. “How did you know?”

Minhyuk sat on the edge of the bed. “I’ve known you since forever. Of course, I’d figure it out. There’s no other reason why you’d break up with her.”

Daehyun laughed at this, “You’re right.”

“Mm hm.” Minhyuk hummed.

“Thanks, Minhyuk.” Daehyun thanked him, throwing the younger off guard. “You’re gonna be a lot of help!” Daehyun beamed. Minhyuk’s shock morphed into a small smile. “Of course. I’m always here to help, but you owe me. I’m still not comfortable with all this.”

“I promise I’ll pay you back, for what it’s worth.” Daehyun smiled.

“So, what’s the plan?” Minhyuk asked. “I’m trying to win his game. I want to prove him wrong. And in order to do that, I have to make him fall for me.” Daehyun explained eagerly.

Once more, Minhyuk was taken by surprise and confusion by his conclusion. “So, you like him?”

Daehyun stopped to think, “I guess I do.” He smiled at his final resolve. Surprisingly enough, he felt at ease confessing that he had feelings for the omega, rather than trying to convince himself otherwise. “I’ll tell you the rest of the plan on the ride there.” He perked back up. “You should get packing. I’m leaving in half an hour.”

Minhyuk nodded with a forced smile plastered on his lips. He hated the idea of the elder staying in the north for a week. It terrified him. But the elder was going to go no matter what he said. Especially now that he had his sister’s and cousin’s support. His only other option was to go with him, to make sure that he was safe. But even then, he still felt sick to his stomach.

“I can’t believe Hyungwon bailed on me, just so he can sleep in.” Kihyun grumbled as he carried an oversized basket of fruit toward the village. Changkyun chuckled at how cute the younger was, fussing over something small. Kihyun blushed at this. “Thank you for coming with me.” He thanked.

“It’s my pleasure, thank you for letting me help you.’ Changkyun thanked with a smile.

Kihyun felt his heart sink at his words. “I’m sorry for freaking out every time you offered to help me.” He apologized. “You probably thought I was a weirdo, and that’s putting it nicely.” Kihyun’s shoulders dropped. “It’s okay. I never thought anything like that about you. Actually, I thought you hated me.” Changkyun confessed.

Kihyun’s eyes widened at this. “O-Of course not.” He quickly said. “I never hated you. I-I…it was actually the opposite of that.” He said the last part quietly.

Changkyun heard him anyway. Before he could say anything, they had already arrived at the village. “Hey guys!” Wonho waved to them. He and a group of other alphas had just returned from hunting. “You guys picked more fruit?” Wonho asked.

“Yeh.” Kihyun nodded. “It’s for Zelo.”

Wonho nodded in understanding. “How’s Yongguk?” Kihyun asked. “He’s doing fine. He’s always concerned for Zelo. We tell him that we can hunt for him so he can be with him, but he insists on going.” Wonho shrugged, “He’s pretty much back to normal. It’s just Zelo who hasn’t been the same.” He sighed.

Kihyun scrunched his brow, “I have an idea.” He perked. “Let’s take him to the city. Maybe a little bit of fresh air is what he needs. He hasn’t been out the village in over a month.”

“That’s a great idea. I know he’ll have a ton of fun.” Wonho agreed. “And Youngjae, Jaebum, and Jinyoung can come too.” Kihyun suggested. “I’ll talk to Yongguk about it. He’ll be able to convince Zelo to go out with us.” Wonho said. “I’ll talk to Jaebum.” Changkyun offered. “Awesome! I’ll talk to my brother as well.” Kihyun beamed. He and Changkyun gave Wonho their baskets before splintering off to find their other friends.

Changkyun was a little disappointed that he didn’t get to ask Kihyun his question, but he was glad that the elder at least didn’t hate him. ‘It was actually the opposite of that.’ His words replayed in his mind. He wondered what the omega meant by that but decided not to think too much about it. He didn’t want to overthink things anymore. He was just happy to know that the small omega didn’t hate him.

“Um, Jae?” he entered his cousin’s cabin only to find him staring at the mirror. “Oh, hey kyun. What’s up?” Jaebum quickly turned to face him. Changkyun gave him a strange look. The elder alpha was already dressed up, ready to go out. “Are you going somewhere?”

Jaebum nodded, “Youngjae is making meet up with someone today.” He muttered to himself. Changkyun heard him but decided against asking. “I’m about to head out in a few. Did you need something?” Jaebum asked him. “Ah, it’s nothing. We were gonna take Zelo out to the city to cheer him up and we just wanted to know if you wanted to come along. But since you already have plans, it’s okay.” Changkyun told him.

“Ah~. Just let me know where you guys are going. Maybe I’ll catch up with you later.” Jaebum said. Changkyun nodded, about to walk out. “Is Kihyun gonna be there?” Jaebum asked curiously. Changkyun turned around, only to be met with his taunting smile. The younger alpha’s cheeks burned. “Whatever you’re thinking stop.” With that, he quickly left the cabin.

“So, what made you decide that you actually liked him?” Minhyuk asked as they drove to the northern province. They were already 2 hours into the drive. He thought the ride was going to be awkward and nerve-wracking. But he was surprised to have found it fun and comfortable. It felt like any other road trip they ever had. They talked and joked about anything and everything. They even played quick road trip games. The only difference were the silent nerves that poked in the back of his mind.

“I don’t know.” Daehyun confessed. “I spent weeks contemplating on what to do and how I felt. But when I saw him that night, the answer became clear.” He said, “It doesn’t any make sense. But seeing him, I felt so sure about my decision. It didn’t matter what he said. I wanted to be there. I wanted to stay longer with him. I wanted to uncover the real him. I hadn’t been more sure about anything before.” Daehyun smiled to himself. “And…it felt really good. It’s honestly hard to explain. Maybe it’s not something that can be explained or reasoned with.”

Minhyuk nodded in understanding. He understood exactly what he meant. But it doesn’t mean that it’s okay. Right?

After completing their morning chores and duties, Kihyun, Youngjae, Jinyoung, Changkyun, Zelo, Bang, Hyungwon, and Wonho went out to the city. “Alright Zelo, what do you want to do first? Today is your day. So, you choose what we do.” Wonho smiled to the youngest omega. Zelo was surprised by the statement. “I don’t know.” He said without much energy. He didn’t want to go out at all today, but Yongguk convinced him otherwise.

“Are you hungry? Did you eat breakfast?” Kihyun asked him. The younger shook his head. “So, let’s get breakfast!” Kihyun beamed. “I know a good breakfast place we can go to.” Hyungwon spoke up.

“Actually, I have a better idea.” Wonho said with a sneaky smirk. “Let’s have dessert for breakfast.” Zelo’s eyes lit up at the idea.

“Dessert?” Hyungwon questioned. “For breakfast?” Kihyun folded his arms. Neither of them was fond of the idea. “Before you turn it down, let’s ask Zelo. Zelo, do you want dessert for breakfast?” Wonho asked.

“I-I don’t know.” Zelo said, fighting back a smile. But the others noticed it anyway. “Fine. I guess we can have the dessert.” Hyungwon shrugged. “I know a good place.” Wonho said. “And it has vegan desserts too.” Wonho nudged teasingly to Kihyun. Kihyun rolled his eyes, “Just show us the place.” He shoved the elder’s arm away, earning a chuckle from Changkyun. The seven of them followed Wonho to the restaurant. It didn’t take long for them to get there and be seated.

The mood was pleasant and bright, despite the events that happened weeks ago. The group laughed and talked, lightening the atmosphere enough to where Zelo was comfortable to join in their conversations and fun. He wasn’t his usual energetic and cheery self, but they were all satisfied just seeing a smile on his face. They spoiled him to sweet treats as they ventured the inner-city, which aided in bosting his mood even more.

A small smile graced Youngjae’s lips. He was especially glad to see the tall omega smile and share a laugh every now and