Chapter Text
The lingering chill clinging against his skin is comforting. The temperature of the ice seeps up from the ring and turns the whole building cold, but Beomgyu relishes in the feeling.
When his cheeks are warm from exertion after pushing himself to nail each move out on the ice, relying on the sharpness of the blades beneath his feet; Beomgyu feels a rush.
The beating of his heart, loud and warming his body. The innermost parts of him are warm from all his movement across the ice, but his skin to the touch is cold, like he’s been kissed by the ice itself.
And when Beomgyu stands there in the middle of the ring, his chest glittering from the rhinestones stuck against the slightly sheer red material of his shirt in the artificial light of the indoor ice ring, his skates coming to a stop and a soft flurry of ice dusts around him, like thousands of crystal fragments showering him; this is when Beomgyu feels the most alive.
With the warmth of his blood after completing his routine he’s worked on for so long still lingering in his body, kept in by the jacket that his coach places over his shoulders, his name is suddenly called.
And so he goes, up to the podium, a silver medal thrusted out to him claiming his victory. His first ever silver medal. In an international competition and as an omega competing in a mixed sub gender tournament.
It’s been a long achievement of his to at least place second in a tournament, but to have won with this many people participating and being international and it being a mixed competition, Beomgyu feels as if he’s won gold. A shining memoir of his victory and dreams that he has worked hard for.
Beomgyu’s coach flies over and applauds him, showers him with praise as she massages at his shoulders, singing praise.
“Look at you!” Her hands massage his shoulders. “All grown up and winning silver medals! Internationally! The press eat this up and write articles about this, Gyu.”
Beomgyu rolls his eyes and settles closer to Soobin—his manager—who drapes an arm over his shoulder and beams down at him.
“You’ll be a role model for younger omegas, you know this, right?” Beomgyu bites down on his lip and smiles at the thought of what his younger self would be like if there had been news of an omega figure skater winning up against alphas and betas in the same competition. It’s not typical to have all the sub genders together to compete, but this particular competition is different and that's what had drawn Beomgyu to it originally and begged Soobin to get him into it after his coach agreed that it would be a good opportunity.
Beomgyu feels comforted at the thought that he could give comfort and hope to young omegas hoping to become athletes too. There weren't many in the limelight when Beomgyu was growing up, and even now the ratio of omegas to alphas and betas is glaringly large.
Beomgyu smiles and fiddles with the medal around his throat and heaves in a deep breath.
This is a start. An opening in his career that he has dreamed about since he was a young boy. With the medal clutched in his hand, Beomgyu vows to become even better.
The silver shines in his grip, glinting under the artificial lights in the ice ring and with a subtle glance, Beomgyu peers at the gold winner. A beta woman, around his age and clutching it with a blinding smile, hopping around with excitement.
That, Beomgyu decides is what he’ll go for next.
🌱
Soobin decides that it's in Beomgyu’s best interest to have a break and relax.
Beomgyu, however, would much rather jump on a plane back home and return to his ice ring and begin training again, readying himself for something larger.
But Soobin is stubborn and drags him from the hotel that they were staying in while the tournament was on and somehow throws him onto a train of all things, his luggage in hand and accompanies him to a resort of all things.
The resort is large and right on the North Coast of Australia. In the end of summer, it’s less packed with the influx of tourists that Beomgyu has heard about and when they walk into the administration building to check in, Beomgyu feels a surge of relief from getting out of the burning heat and into the cool, air conditioned room. There’s a family of four in front of them. A baby on the omegas hip and a child around five zooming around his parents legs.
Soobin waves at him when he stares up at him and Beomgyu lets out a quiet laugh when the boy goes to hide behind his fathers legs after meeting Soobin’s gaze.
Soobin pouts and Beomgyu nudges his shoulder after the family leaves and the attendant at the front desk gives them a look that makes Beomgyu shuffle closer, tugging Soobin along with him.
Beomgyu knows Soobin is going to whine at him and tell him he’s annoying and that his existence in Soobin’s life is to cause him grief and havoc. Soobin complains on the weekly that he has not had one peaceful day since he landed himself as both Beomgyu’s best friend and his manager.
Soobin is the introvert between them and would much rather not have to speak english to the outstandish looking woman in front of them just to get the key to their room, but Beomgyu gives him that glare that tells Soobin that: ‘you’re the manager and you signed up for this willingly. Deal with the consequences, Soobinnie!’
And Soobin does take pride in his job and the fact that Beomgyu is his responsibility to keep in line. No matter how hard it is when Beomgyu gets high on the thrills of life itself. Soobin is naturally protective of Beomgyu. Whether it’s his personality or the fact that he’s been friends with the alpha for so long and their bond is tight. Soobin is his closest friend.
But Soobin obeys with no more than a little grumble before he clears his throat and speaks slowly, careful to pronounce the foreign words on his tongue. Beomgyu listens carefully as Soobin converses with the lady ahead and sniffs at the air, smelling the mixed scents—a light jumble of pheromones filling the air around them.
Beomgyu’s own scent of peaches is still weak from the pheromone-be-gone patches that all athletes are required to use at any sporting event. A precaution and an important term of participation to keep any unwanted instincts at bay.
The keycards land in Soobin’s palm and he offers one last smile before gripping onto Beomgyu’s shoulder and zooming away.
“I hate you.” Soobin grits out through his clenched teeth and Beomgyu laughs at him, bouncing in his step from Soobin’s obvious dismay. “Maybe I should've let you go back instead. Why did I willingly decide to spend a whole week with you here?”
“Be quiet,” Beomgyu hisses at him and pokes him in the ribs which draws out a screech from his alpha friend. “You chose this and you love me.”
“You are such a menace.” Soobin rolls his eyes, but he then points to the elevator and pushes Beomgyu inside. “A pain. A hole in my sock. The cause of my heightened blood pressure.”
“I want a new manager.” Beomgyu grits at him, crossing his arms over his chest. “I don't think I deserve this type of verbal abuse from my manager…”
“Too bad your manager is your best friend of fifteen years.” Soobin retorts and gives him a smile that shows that he actually isn’t that annoyed with him. Beomgyu bumps their shoulders together, or more, his shoulder to Soobin’s bicep. Fucking giant.
“I got us seperate rooms.” Soobin then says. “So we can both relax.”
“Good. I wouldn’t be relaxed if I had to share a room with you.” Beomgyu mutters as Soobin punches the elevator buttons in with his fingers and then sighs dreamily. “I’m going to down beers by the beach… eat at the seafood buffets on my own.. this is where dreams are made!”
“You say I’m dramatic.” Beomgyu points at him accusingly. “Watch yourself,” Beomgyu warns Soobin. “You’re starting to seem like a big hypocrite, hyung.”
Soobin sends him a glare and as the elevator doors slide open, he thrusts a keycard at the omegas chest.
“Make yourself at home. I’ll be in once I unpack to discuss whatever the plans are. Be good.”
“I’m not a child,” Beomgyu scoffs and Soobin hurries out, running up the hallway and tapping his keycard and sliding away into his room.
Beomgyu sighs and looks down at the keycard in his hand, the bold numbers 13 standing out on the otherwise white card. Beomgyu arches a brow at the number. Beomgyu deems it must be a good omen, to have his birthday as his room. It’s been a while since he’s been on a break, a vacation away from his homeland. Beomgyu decides that this will be a good holiday. A well deserved break that will be healing and recharging.
He hums and walks out into the hall, keeping his eyes open for his room as he strolls down the carpeted hall.
He finds his room quickly, it only being thirteen doors down the hall after all and quickly enters after he unlocks his door.
It’s small and quaint, only a double bed pushed against the wall furthest to the entrance and a small table and two seater lounge. The door for the bathroom is at the left to the bed and when he goes to inspect it, there's only a shower, toilet and a small basin.
Beomgyu pouts and decides to dig into Soobin after why he didn’t deserve the luxury package. He might even wave his silver medal in his face for extra guilt-tripping effect.
And he does just that. After putting away his luggage and leaving his suitcase filled with neat piles of outfits, Soobin knocks on his door and Beomgyu begrudgingly lets him in.
The tall alpha comes in with a beaming smile, unable to hide his excitement for this trip, but Beomgyu keeps his face neutral and sees Soobin’s face slowly fall as he closes the door behind him.
“Beomgyu… is there something wrong?” He asks hesitantly, his voice weak and Beomgyu almost feels bad because Soobin has put thought into this trip and paid for it… but Beomgyu is still going to bully him. No opportunity goes to waste in this friendship.
“Where is the jacuzzi I deserve, huh?” Beomgyu huffs out, crossing his arms over his chest and jutting out his bottom lip. Soobin blinks at him, a sudden flash of worry on his face before it settles into a look of annoyance—looking straight past Beomgyu’s attempt to tease him.
“You’re cruel.” Soobin tells him. “And if you are so desperate for a… jacuzzi or whatever, there is a hot tub by the pools. A spa too, if that tickles your desire.”
Beomgyu flashes him his teeth and lets out a laugh. “It’s okay.” Beomgyu shrugs. “This is nice enough and the brochure showed a lot of things that look fun.”
“Like the seafood buffet.” Soobin says, clicking his fingers and Beomgyu rolls his eyes at him.
“I am so glad we have separate rooms. If you came back smelling like fish, I would not hesitate to throw you out of the window.”
“I know that.” Soobin says with a small grimace. “I have self worth and preservation skills, so obviously I chose seperate rooms.”
“Sometimes you are smart.” Beomgyu chuckles and Soobin gives him a look and then sighs.
“I heard there’s an ice ring around the area. Do you think you could drop me off tomorrow?” Soobin glares at him and reaches out and slaps his head gently—it still hurts because Soobin’s hands are fucking massive, but Beomgyu knows Soobin would never actually intend to hurt him. This is him being gentle… Beomgyu thinks he actually genuinely doesn’t know his own strength.
Beomgyu winces and rubs at his head, glaring up at his friend.
“You’re an idiot.” Soobin concludes. “The whole point of this trip is to relax and have a break from skating.”
“I’m an athlete,” Beomgyu shrugs. “It’s always on my mind.”
“Well, for once get it out of your head. This is a break, an era of recharge and a treat for that silver medal you won.” Beomgyu beams at the mention of his victory.
“Go into the sun. Bathe in those rays! Get some vitamin D! You are supposed to relax here, Gyu. Stop thinking about the ice and think about the sun… go for a swim… I don’t know.”
“So comforting to see you care about me… I hope you packed enough sunscreen… I’ve heard about the hole in the ozone layer here, I’m not about to fry myself in the Australian sun for some vitamin D.”
“There are literally sunscreen dispensers here, Gyu. You are not going to fry.”
“Bold of you to assume that. Have you checked the UV index today?”
“Why can’t you just enjoy your time here? Slather yourself in sunscreen, I do not care, just have fun!”
Beomgyu gives Soobin a smile. “I am thankful.” He says and Soobin blinks at him. “I promise I’ll try to rest… relax and recharge like you are so adamant that I do.”
“Good.” Soobin huffs out. “Will I meet you back here at six for dinner? Let’s go to the restaurant here.”
“No seafood.” Beomgyu says as his answer, beginning to push Soobin out of his door. “No seafood.” Soobin sighs as Beomgyu shuts the door in his face.
Beomgyu decides that he should let loose. Let himself relax that Soobin is so obsessed with him doing. Maybe it’ll do him good and when he goes back to Korea—and returns to the ice—he’ll have a renewed love and energy for the sport he’s spent so much time practicing and perfecting.
Beomgyu changes into a pair of swimming shorts and a loose white t-shirt before he slings a towel over his shoulder and slips a pair of slides on before leaving his room, his keycard in the tote bag with a bottle of water and his sunscreen that he’ll have to reapply after a few hours.
The resort is large and Beomgyu is slightly overwhelmed at all the activities he has access to and all the people buzzing around. Beomgyu just hopes that no one here is an ice skating fan and recognises him without Soobin to protect him by his side.
Beomgyu isn’t shy, he actually likes it when people recognise him. It gives him a sense of success and makes him want to train harder, make himself better. But in a foreign place and as an omega—sometimes it’s scary.
He hasn’t had unpleasant interactions with fans, but Beomgyu has heard many stories of the harassment some omegas in the sport industry go through. Beomgyu is pretty confident he won’t come across anyone. He doesn’t get recognised much anyways, he’s still making his name and face known in the industry.
There is a spa like Soobin said. Several beta women are standing at the entrance and call out to him, pointing to the board that lists all the massages and face masks they offer. Some of it seems nice, but Beomgyu declines politely and tells them he will be back later. He might drag Soobin here with him just so it’s not so awkward with the language barrier that is giving him a little bit of a hard time. He has to listen extra carefully and he is quiet as he talks, making sure he tries his best to pronounce the words.
The moment he goes outside, Beomgyu thinks about going straight back inside, but he sees the ocean on the horizon. A stretch of golden sand, an endless abyss of turquoise blue that simmers under that blazing sun.
He stares for a bit before there’s a sudden splash of water and a squeal from a child. Beomgyu startles and takes a few steps backwards, crashing against someone that was walking past.
The child stares at him with wide eyes and the guilty perpetrator startles herself when a woman’s voice yells out at her, obviously scolding her for splashing a passing stranger.
There’s a hand on his waist, steadying him to stand back upright. The scent of ginger reaches his nose first. Sharp, strong and spicy. Beomgyu heaves a breath, savouring the depth of the obviously alpha scent that’s coming from the person behind him.
Beomgyu turns as the scent of cedar mixes into the scent, turning it full bodied and strong.
The alpha isn’t much taller than him and his hair is dyed with blonde highlights. It’s almost sleazy, Beomgyu thinks. But it also suits him and Beomgyu has only just met this man, but he’s hot. And with his scent, god, something stirs in Beomgyu.
“Sorry.” Beomgyu says in English, brushing his hair behind his ear as he bows on instinct.
“That was random.” The alpha says back and when his voice hits Beomgyu’s ears, a sudden realisation hits him.
He has seen his face on billboards back home, his performances playing on tv and the adverts for his concerts being almost irrelevant by the absurdity of how fast they sell out. He’s a top artist and he’s walking alone in some resort in Australia, like he’s not a celebrity that is well known overseas.
Choi Yeonjun.
The solo idol that had the world hooked from the time he stood on his debut stage. An artist that has countless number of rewards.
Beomgyu feels a little breathless and when he sucks in his scent again, he thinks he's feeling the absolute awe of being starstruck.
“You know who I am.” Yeonjun says with a small smile as he cocks his head to the side.
“Of course I know who you are,” Beomgyu scoffs out, returning to their first language. Yeonjun cocks a brow at him. “You’re like… famous famous.”
Yeonjun then barks out a laugh at him and shrugs. “I guess so.” He looks around him and Beomgyu follows his eye line and finds two security guards hanging around, clearly both staring at them and watching his every move.
Yeonjun sniffs at the air too, confident, a bit cocky, but Beomgyu can't help but think it’s hot, especially when Yeonjun licks his lips and blinks at Beomgyu. “I recognise you, too.” He says and Beomgyu lets out a shocked laugh.
“Choi Yeonjun watches ice skating for pleasure?”
The alpha gives him a smile and nods. “It’s pretty.” He says. “I’ve always wanted to try it myself.”
“I saw you won silver yesterday.” Yeonjun smiles widely at him. “I was just watching for fun. First time seeing anything like that, actually. You were really pretty on the ice.”
“I’m always pretty.” Beomgyu shoots back and Yeonjun raises a brow before he laughs, nodding along, agreeing. Beomgyu’s skin tingles and he’s almost certain if the pheromone concealer patch hadn’t worn off entirely yet, Yeonjun would be able to smell the scent of his interest peaking up.
“Your name is Beomgyu, right? Choi Beomgyu?”
Beomgyu sucks in the smell of cedarwood and spicy ginger again and nods.
Yeonjun peers at Beomgyu who shifts under his gaze, suddenly a little flustered by the attention he’s receiving from the alpha.
Beomgyu suddenly feels a little out of place in the middle of this resort, standing in front of a celebrity that is staring at him. Beomgyu almost feels like he shouldn’t be doing this and that he’s breaking some unspoken rule by even talking to Yeonjun.
Beomgyu shoots a look back at the guards watching him and Yeonjun and turns back to the alpha, suddenly bowing and without saying another word, he speed walks away, not even sparing a glance at the alpha as he heads right to the ocean, escaping the alphas strong gaze.
🌱
Soobin cocks a brow at him later that night as they are seated in the restaurant, waiting for their food to arrive.
“What are you thinking about so hard?” Soobin asks him, absentmindedly playing with the fork set out on a napkin.
Beomgyu looks at him, his hand tucked under his jaw and propping his head up. He gives Soobin a look and the older sighs, raising a brow at him. “And don’t you dare to claim it's nothing. You’re transparent, Gyu. I can see right through you.”
And Beomgyu knows that it’s true. He can’t hide anything from Soobin. Somehow he always figures it out and Beomgyu has to confide in him for both of their benefits.
“It’s not much, really.” Beomgyu tries to say but Soobin gives him that face. Beomgyu grimaces and groans.
“I just… I met someone today and I…”
“Oh.” Says Soobin. “Maybe you should get laid.” He says without Beomgyu even needing to admit that he felt immediate attraction.
But isn’t that a common occurrence for celebrities… And Beomgyu knows Choi Yeonjun has great sex appeal. Beomgyu has seen plenty of his photoshoots—sultry and dark. Sexy and sleek, messy and dirty. He’s an icon, a trendsetter and an overall star.
Beomgyu regards his self worth to be high, but thinking about how he is very much attracted to Yeonjun makes him feel like some deluded omega fantasising about something he’ll never get.
But that look. The intensity of Yeonjun’s eyes, the way his name sounded coming out of his mouth. His knowledge of Beomgyu’s recent victory—it all makes Beomgyu feel like his stomach is erupting and maybe he has to cross his legs together when he thinks about the depth of his scent.
And the fact that Soobin has understood that Beomgyu is clearly interested is a little humiliating. Fuck him and his empathic ways and being so observant.
“I can’t fuck him,” Beomgyu hisses out, his eyes widening. He recalls the way the guards stared at him and is intimidated at Yeonjun’s popularity all over again.
Beomgyu is still trying to process that he has bumped into Choi Yeonjun in this resort in Australia of all places.
“He’s out of my league…” Beomgyu frowns and shakes his head. He could definitely pull him if he wanted to. Hell, Yeonjun had even called him pretty and agreed with Beomgyu’s statement of always being pretty earlier today…
And perhaps he’s overthinking, but Beomgyu has never felt so… entranced in his life.
“Bitch,” Soobin scoffs as the waiters finally come and deliver their food. “You could pull anyone you wanted. One little bit of flattery and you’ll have all the alphas wrapped around your finger.”
“You’re an alpha.” Beomgyu shoots back and Soobin glares at him. “Not me.” He clarifies. “I’m immune. I’ve seen you at your worst too much to be attracted to you.”
“Ouch,” Beomgyu rubs at his chest, pouting. “I am so glad… my worst nightmare is having to marry you if I’m forty and unmarried…”
“Right back at you.” Soobin says as he shovels food into his mouth. “But, seriously,” he puts his fork down and Beomgyu knows things are about to get real. Soobin has that knowing look in his eyes. That I’m-going-to-give-you-advice-and-you’re-going-to-take-it look. Beomgyu mentally braces himself.
“You are a catch. Don’t put yourself down like that. Choi Beomgyu, silver medal winner, pro figure skater! You’re pretty, too. If you want him, go get him. Wrap him around your finger.”
Beomgyu stares at him before he laughs, shaking his head in disbelief at his friend's sudden enthusiasm.
“You really think so…?”
It might be the effect of Choi Yeonjun, but Beomgyu thinks he had seen interest in Yeonjun’s eyes. In his scent, thick and heady. Heavy and powerful.
Beomgyu smells the ginger wafting over from Soobin’s dinner and gulps.
🌱
In the morning Beomgyu wakes with his muscles straining a bit. It’s always like this. Two days after a long day on the ice his body fights back, and he aches.
He eats breakfast with Soobin and heads straight back to the spa he came across yesterday.
Beomgyu had thought bumping into Yeonjun after seeing him once yesterday wouldn’t be very likely. And after running away from him without saying a word, Beomgyu wouldn’t even know where to start if he did come across him again.
And at this point, he can’t tell if the world is trying to help him out or cause him grief.
Choi Yeonjun is standing in the entryway of the spa as Beomgyu arrives, reading the sign while the attendants talk about the packages they offer.
Beomgyu is just about to leave, pretending he was never there, but before he can make his getaway, Yeonjun turns to him, an eyebrow already cocked at him.
Yeonjun must’ve recognised his scent and now that it is stronger, the effects of the patch gone now and the smell of peaches is stronger, sweeter. Yeonjun’s scent is strong and a wave of ginger makes Beomgyu swallow, shifting on one foot to the other.
“Are you going to run away again?” Yeonjun says, but his tone is light, teasing.
Beomgyu frowns at him and crosses his arms over his chest. “I didn’t run away.” He replies but Yeonjun cocks a brow at him and scoffs before shrugging.
“What are you here for…?” Beomgyu asks quietly. He’s not about to leave and sacrifice his massage just because some hot-ass famous alpha is here, too. Beomgyu can be brave.
“I dunno,” Yeonjun shrugs. “A massage sounds nice. I’m meant to be relaxing here… so I guess that’s what I’ll do.” Yeonjun’s eyes flicker to the board and back to him. “And what about you?”
“My muscles are tight.” Beomgyu replies. “After the tournament… it’s usually the worst two days later for me.”
“You should get a deep massage, then.” Yeonjun concludes and points at an option on the sign that Beomgyu honestly has trouble reading. It’s in swirling cursive and Yeonjun smiles softly at him. “Forty minute depth massage,” Yeonjun reads out for him. “What do you think?”
Beomgyu frowns and stares at the alpha. “Are you usually this friendly to everyone who recognises you?” He asks softly, a little hesitantly. He doesn’t want to seem like some deluded omega in front of him.
“Do you think I’m being friendly?” Yeonjun tilts his head and Beomgyu swears the alphas scent deepens. A musk of cedarwood and invigorating ginger. Beomgyu takes a deep breath through his nose, savouring the strong scent.
Beomgyu decides to push it.
It’s not likely he’s ever going to see him back in Korea ever again… and if Yeonjun seems interested too… then Beomgyu should take this chance.
“I think you’re interested in me.” He says and when Yeonjun smiles and laughs, Beomgyu is suddenly nervous that he is going to call him insane. But he doesn’t.
Instead, Yeonjun turns to the attendant and asks for a forty minute massage for them both before he looks back at Beomgyu.
“I have a feeling it might be mutual?”
Beomgyu blinks and chuckles, giving him a knowing look. “I don’t know.” Beomgyu says, pulling the strings to see just how far he can take this. Beomgyu wants to know the boundaries. He needs to know.
“It depends on what we both want…” Beomgyu says, his voice trailing off to leave it open—an invitation for Yeonjun to tell him explicitly what it is that he wants from this all.
Yeonjun, however, does not take this right away. He smiles, and by the way his eyes darken, that tells Beomgyu his interest in him isn’t at all pure—but neither is Beomgyu’s attraction for him.
Beomgyu lets out more of his scent. Not much, just a whiff. A faint puff of ripe peaches, a tease and an invitation to tell Yeonjun that he really is interested in him.
Yeonjun smiles, a murky sly one. Cocky and confident and ever so attractive. Beomgyu feels a sudden flash of heat, a pulse of excitement flooding through him from Yeonjun’s reaction.
He turns away and walks into the spa, looking over his shoulder and gesturing for Beomgyu to follow.
Beomgyu stands behind Yeonjun at all times, following him as he talks to the spa staff who try to make pleasant small talk while they take them to the massage rooms out the back. Yeonjun replies happily with the alpha and beta women, but he keeps sparring glances back at Beomgyu— gauging his reaction.
“How long have you been skating?” Yeonjun asks causally as he drapes the soft white robe over his body, only a pair of dark boxers underneath the thin, white fabric. Yeonjun’s eyes linger on his bare neck as Beomgyu stands there in his own robe tied shut around his waist.
“I was six when I first went to an ice ring. I started lessons a few months later and I guess the rest is history.”
Yeonjun gazes at him with a certain intensity, and it doesn’t leave even when the masseuses enter and begin digging into Beomgyu’s sore muscles, relieving the tension that’s built up from his hard work.
Beomgyu learns that Yeonjun had first found his passion for dancing after a dance class he went to with his mother when he was four.
Beomgyu mentions only staying for a few more days and to that, Yeonjun had sighed, but he hadn’t said anything about it. But the look remained in his eyes, smouldering and burning.
The forty minutes passes rather quickly as they talk and once they’re both dressed again and standing out the front of the spa, Yeonjun leans in, his lips brushing by Beomgyu’s ear.
“What would you say if I asked you out for dinner?”
Beomgyu’s eyes twinkle when Yeonjun pulls away and he smiles slyly, letting more of the fresh scent of peaches out, intended for only Yeonjun’s nose to pick up on.
“Depends what would happen after the dinner, of course.”
Yeonjun smirks back at him, his scent darkening and thick in Beomgyu’s nose. “Oh, wouldn’t you like to know?”
🌱
Beomgyu says yes.
Soobin gives him a look when Beomgyu rejects him later when Soobin asks him if he wants to get dinner together again, but he ends up cheering at the realisation that he can finally visit the seafood buffet that Beomgyu is certain he’s been dreaming about.
Soobin has been dreaming about fish and Beomgyu’s been dreaming about getting dicked down by a certain alpha that smells of cedarwood and ginger. They most definitely have different priorities in life. Beomgyu respects that.
And that’s how Beomgyu ends up here; pressed against the soft queen sized mattress of Yeonjun’s deluxe package room with the alpha slotted between his clothed legs, kissing him.
The room is a mix of peach and ginger, a blend Beomgyu would’ve never thought would work, but it bounces off each other, the notes blending softly together in the room.
Beomgyu shudders against his kisses, and his body hums with the build of want, of need for the alpha running his hands down his sides. All along the width of his shoulders, to the curve of his waist, down to his hips, slipping down his waistband and caressing his skin.
“Yeonjun—” Beomgyu lets out a gasp, tearing their lips apart as Yeonjun’s fingers dip lower and lower, gripping at his inner thighs.
“Hyung.” Yeonjun corrects with a certain gruffness in his voice that makes Beomgyu shiver.
“Hyung…” Beomgyu whispers back, soft, quiet and shaky. Yeonjun looks at him, his lips stretching into a devious grin at the way Beomgyu is responding to him. To his scent, to his body.
And Beomgyu wants more.
He grabs the older by the back of his neck and brings their lips together. It’s a messy kiss, no sense of direction. No rhythm, just messy, messy passion that is flying through their veins like pure heat.
Yeonjun’s hands grip harder at his thighs before he pulls his hands out, gripping at the hem of Beomgyu’s embroidered t-shirt and lifting it up.
Beomgyu lets him pull it off with ease, lets Yeonjun’s hands wander all over his chest, fingers pulling at peaked nipples and nails scraping along his scent gland, a possessive action, but Beomgyu doesn’t mind it one bit.
He responds by letting out his scent, stops holding himself back and he watches as Yeonjun throws his head back, a deep groan building in his chest as Beomgyu’s scent permeates the air around them. Thick like nectar, like sweet, sticky peach juice filling his mouth.
Yeonjun gives it back to Beomgyu. The spice of ginger, the deep tones of cedarwood. Beomgyu spreads his legs further, hooking his ankles together around the alphas hips. When he tugs Yeonjun closer he feels his obvious length against his soaking core. Beomgyu can’t help but clench in suspense, a shudder of pleasure thudding through him from even the faintest pressure.
Yeonjun rocks himself against him experimentally and when Beomgyu lets out a keen and reaches out, gripping at his shirt, Yeonjun smirks and hums.
Yeonjun undoes his own pants and lets them fall down. His shirt goes next, but he keeps his underwear on, much to Beomgyu’s dismay by the whine he lets out when Yeonjun’s fingers hook at his pants and yanks both his pants and underwear down at once.
The alpha pushes down on one of his thighs, keeping his legs open and bites down on his bottom lip. Beomgyu slips a hand down himself, his fingers circling around his clit. Yeonjun takes his hand away and slowly sinks down further along the bed until his head rests between Beomgyu’s spread thighs.
He looks up at Beomgyu with those dark eyes and Beomgyu throws his head back against the pillows, his fingers grabbing for purchase at Yeonjun’s locks and bringing him closer and closer and closer until his tongue laps at him, his lips kissing his clit before his tongue twirls around him.
Beomgyu lets out a loud whine and shudders, his back arching off the bed and harshly tugging and Yeonjun’s hair when two fingers suddenly enter him, thrusting in and out lazily.
Beomgyu’s head feels light and his body throbs, hard, painfully and so, so good with Yeonjun’s mouth against him and his fingers making a path inside him. And Beomgyu wants to be greedy. He wants more. He wants everything Yeonjun has to give to him.
His thighs try to shut as Yeonjun tongue works over him, his stomach coiling and tensing and just as he thinks he’s about to fall over the edge, Yeonjun pulls away. His mouth is wet and glistening, his chin shining in the limited light of the dimly lit room. Beomgyu shudders once more at the sight of him. Disheveled hair and a hazy, determined look in the alpha's eyes.
“Tell me what you want,” Yeonjun says, his fingers trailing up to his chin. Beomgyu watches with wide eyes as Yeonjun sticks his two fingers into his mouth, sucking them clean.
“All of you.” He answers breathlessly.
And by the time they’re done, Beomgyu is resting against Yeonjun’s chest and covered in the thin sheet, sound asleep, and the room smells like nothing else but peach and ginger mingling together and the faint smell of sweet musk.
🌱
Beomgyu leaves the resort with a certain tenderness between his legs, a soft pang of discomfort that reminds him of what has happened over the past few days.
Wrapped up in sheets that smell like cedarwood and ginger, the warmth of a body next to his. Soft hair through his fingers, tugging him closer and closer. The bruises on his hips, the shape of broad palms.
Soobin doesn’t say anything and Beomgyu isn’t so sure that Soobin even has the faintest knowledge of where and what Beomgyu has been doing.
Beomgyu bites down on his bottom lip at the thought to suppress his giggle. Beomgyu very well knows what he’s been doing—an alpha by the name of Choi Yeonjun.
While Soobin made use of the seafood buffet and playing around in the ocean shallows like the big kid he is, Beomgyu had wrapped that alpha around him and been fucked within an inch of his life several times.
Beomgyu thinks it's been a great use of his break.
And just as Soobin shuts the car door behind him and tugs his seatbelt on, Beomgyu realises he never asked for Yeonjun’s number.
A part of Beomgyu mourns the fact that he’ll probably never meet him again (jump back into his bed…) But Beomgyu also isn’t that upset. It’s probably better this way, anyway. As much as Beomgyu enjoyed his short time with Yeonjun, the realistic side of him thinks they wouldn’t last. Not with how famous Yeonjun is and yes, Beomgyu is intimidated by that.
Beomgyu wants to build up his own image, his career by himself and not by the title of Choi Yeonjun’s… whatever they had the potential to be. Beomgyu doesn’t really want to think about that too much. Pondering about the what if’s make Beomgyu feel… some type of way and he’s not sure if it’s positive or not.
And soon enough Choi Yeonjun is nothing more than a memory to Beomgyu. Someone so far away, so out of reach now that makes Beomgyu have no choice but to try to forget.
But every time he gets a whiff of ginger, his blood grows warmer and he avoids it at all costs after a few times he finds himself dreaming about being back in his arms, Yeonjun’s head between his thighs again.
A month after returning to Korea, Beomgyu hardly ever leaves the ice rink. Beomgyu dives back in, a new passion for skating after his short break. Soobin doesn’t let him forget that it was his genius idea and that; “See! Hyung does know what’s good for you, Gyu. Now if you’d only listen more… imagine where we would be!”
Beomgyu can only sigh at him and nod along at his beaming best friend.
Soobin visits him almost daily, bringing him homemade dishes that his mother has made for him. Beomgyu misses his mothers own cooking, but he rarely finds time to take the trip with how his schedule is going at the moment. He calls and texts often, keeping his tight bond with his parents even though he’s moved from his hometown to the city of Seoul.
The alpha places the several containers filled with various dishes along Beomgyu’s counter and then cocks his head at his younger friend who is standing in the middle of his kitchen with a large, half-eaten chocolate bar in one hand. Soobin peers at him and then laughs.
“You look like someone has caught you doing something bad,” Soobin laughs, patting him on the shoulder. “I’m not going to be mad at you for treating yourself for once. In fact, that’s something else I’ve been telling you to do.”
Soobin moves around Beomgyu who daintily takes another bite of the chocolate, packing his fridge with the containers.
Beomgyu stands there, watching him as Soobin happily does his chore for him and when Soobin turns around, he’s wearing a light frown.
“Did you change your body wash or something?” He asks and Beomgyu raises a brow, shoving the rest of the chocolate into his mouth.
“No…” Beomgyu says wearily. “Why? Do I smell bad?” Beomgyu pulls at his shirt and gives it a sniff. He can’t smell anything different.
“You don’t” Soobin shakes his head, patting him on the shoulder. “I just thought your scent was a little different, that’s all.”
Beomgyu scoffs at him. “I haven’t done anything for my scent to change.” He tells him and Soobin shrugs, “my bad.”
And that’s that.
They don’t bring it back up for weeks and even if Soobin does still think Beomgyu smells different, he doesn’t mention it again.
But it’s one night at the ice rink where Soobin mentions it once more.
Beomgyu has been skating for a few hours when he is suddenly smacked with a wave of fatigue so strong he almost stumbles. Beomgyu has to take a breather at the sudden tiredness that weighs heavy in his bones. Soobin perks up from the stands and wanders over to the edge.
“What’s up, Gyu?” he calls out and Beomgyu gives him a smile, waving him off and insisting that he’s fine.
He was feeling fine not even ten minutes ago, but now it’s like someone has knocked him over the head with a brick. He takes several deep breaths, his hands on his thighs as he breathes in the cold air, and slowly he feels his head clear and the hazy feeling in his body disappears enough for him to think he can skate off the ice.
But Beomgyu is wrong.
The moment he glides over the ice, the weight returns. Ten times as heavy and pulsing. Beomgyu goes to clutch at his head, the sudden headache splitting his vision and he has to blink away dark spots.
“Beomgyu!” Faintly, Beomgyu registers Soobin’s panicked call and the slamming of the gate opening and swinging shut, but he doesn’t respond, putting all of his effort into trying to stay upright and not pass out right on the ice.
When his knees hit the ice beneath him, he lets out a low hiss, still clutching at his head. And then, there are warm hands on his shoulders, hauling him up and tugging him against Soobin’s side.
“You should’ve said you weren’t feeling okay!” Is Soobin’s first reaction to his sudden fall. A scolding that Beomgyu knows is because he’s worried and panicked at his sudden spell, but something trembles in his heart and before he can even process that Soobin isn’t mad at him—just worried for his own sake—Beomgyu cries.
Soobin stares down at him and probably thinks he’s in pain by the way he grips him tighter and skates them both off the ring—albeit on shaky feet. Soobin is not a natural skater. Beomgyu skates off with the help of his friend holding onto him tightly, and sometimes Soobin is very competent and good at what he does, because he lifts Beomgyu up as soon as they’re off the ice, saving his skates blades and the extra movement of sliding his blade covers on to protect his skates.
“I’m okay! I’m okay! I… I don’t know why I’m crying, I’m just really, really tired…”
Soobin lets out a huff of relief as he helps Beomgyu down to sit on the first row on the stands. “You are obviously not feeling well, though… So let’s get you home, okay?”
Beomgyu sighs and nods, dropping his head into his hands as his vision swims at the movement. Soobin pats him on the shoulder and undoes his laces for him, slips on his protective covers for his blades and tugs them off of his feet. Beomgyu feels almost like a child being looked after like this, but he doesn’t have enough energy to fight Soobin. In fact, he’s thankful that Soobin had decided to come tonight in hopes of getting a drink after.
That is for sure not happening anymore
Beomgyu slips on his sneakers himself, not bothering to undo the laces to put them on. Soobin slings his bag over his shoulder and holds out a hand that Beomgyu takes gladly.
“I’m sorry we can’t go out to drink tonight… it’s been so long.”
“Be quiet,” Soobin scolds him quietly. “We can easily find another night. But after you have rested and stop overworking yourself.”
“I didn’t overwork myself.” Beomgyu argues as they exit the doors of the ring. Beomgyu is still leaning on Soobin for support, feeling like he’s walking through quicksand. Soobin raises a brow at him and Beomgyu lets out a tiny defiant huff in response. “I have been training the same hours I usually do.”
“Yeah.” Soobin agrees. “And I think it’s too much.”
“Pick that bone with my coach,” Beomgyu tells him. “If I don’t keep practicing and making routines I’ll miss my spot on the national team.”
“No you won’t.” Soobin fights him, and with a huff, he opens his car door and holds onto Beomgyu’s forearm as he sits in the passenger side. “You just won a silver medal. Don’t be so pessimistic about this.”
“It’s called being realistic!” Beomgyu tries to say, but Soobin shuts the door in his face before settling into the driver's side.
“Don’t talk.” Soobin tells him. More of a command, really. Beomgyu huffs and leans his head on his headrest, his eyelids fluttering closed. “You obviously need to rest and I’m not going to have petty fights with you when you’re like this.”
“Such a caring friend…” Beomgyu whispers.
Beomgyu doesn’t want to fall asleep in Soobin’s car, though. He knows once he does fall asleep he’ll be like a rock, floating somewhere in another dimension and untouchable in this universe. And Soobin, as strong as he looks, would probably drop him trying to get him up to his apartment. Even if he took the elevator.
So, he peels his eyes open and watches the outside world pass in a blur of darkness and muted colours.
Beomgyu looks at the bright lights of all the different promotional posters on the side of the street, on bus stops and entryways to the subway and most of them he quickly looks away, the bright light hurting his eyes and making his stomach churn.
But then one catches his eye.
Bright and unmistakable. A face he had grown well acquainted with, and when Beomgyu gazes at the poster of Choi Yeonjun’s face plastered over it—modeling for some skincare brand. Beomgyu doesn’t focus on the actual purpose of the poster, but the man who suddenly makes Beomgyu feel like he’s been thrown into the eye of a tornado itself.
Beomgyu swears he can smell the scent of ginger once more, heady in his nose and this time; Beomgyu feels sick to his stomach.