𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 22 | chensung

4

Jisung had definitely intrigued Chenle with his confusing statement. That was why the pair now sat across from each other in the local café, sipping away at a cappuccino each. The older boy was pushed back in his seat with a guarded but interested expression that informed the other that he was able to elaborate.

"If you were, say, stronger to alpha pheromones, then wouldn't it be easier for you to drop this behaviour altogether?"

Chenle's drink was untouched as it sat on the coaster, his eyes glancing down at it to observe the steam rising. "I won't know until that happens... and that'll be when pigs fly. What do you mean 'stronger' to them?" What kind of fairytale was this boy living in?

"I've heard about it before. Sometimes alphas help omegas overcome the power of their 'voice'." That being said, it wasn't hugely popular since alphas liked having control. It was in their DNA, their genetic makeup to want to be superior. "Slowly introducing them to commands until they're used to it, and then the omegas can have a bit more willpower against it in the future."

"Sounds like wishful thinking..."

"Apparently it works though, and perhaps I can help you out. After all, it's in both of our interests to try; you would benefit and I'd be keeping my dad's word."

Chenle tapped his fingers against the tabletop and reached slowly for his drink, taking a small sip before placing it back down. If it didn't work, then nothing would be lost. If it did work, then something would be gained. The only con was that Jisung could potentially hurt him with commands but overall, the pros outweighed. He looked back up at the taller and tilted his head to the side. "What does an alpha like you think about an omega being partially immune to you?"

Jisung's face didn't change at all as he answered. "Do you think we're all megalomaniacs?"

"Yes."

It was blunt but Jisung wasn't surprised. There was an unbudging stereotype of each gender that strengthened everyday. "Black and white aren't the only colours you see. Alphas are domineering, betas are indifferent to inequality and omegas are weak bottom feeders?"

"That's so insulting to omegas, what the hell?"

"Exactly. You, for starters, don't seem like a weakling, so why did you just categorise me a second ago?" Jisung wasn't irritated or anything. In fact, he was only stirring his coffee with a splint and his cheek rested in his palm, elbow on the table. His eyes glanced up at the troublemaker briefly but mainly remained on his mug. "Anyway, are you down to try this method? It's just like a vaccination — you'd become stronger to it by being introduced to it purposefully."

"I mean, what do I have to lose except precious time?"

"Great. It'll be handy in the long run, especially with some of the alphas we go to school with."

Actually, Chenle was wondering why he wasn't being ogled by his classmates yet. "You don't seem to have told people what I am. Why?"

"...It's not my business or theirs." Besides, those unlucky few omegas at school who were obvious or known (maybe they didn't use that particular brand of suppressant that covered scent) were outcasted. Sometimes bullied physically, but others naturally avoided them. They attracted alphas, and other omegas and betas weren't keen on being around them for this reason. No one wanted to be the fixation of an alpha unless it was romantic. "I'm guessing you don't want me to."

"You can do whatever the hell you like. What annoys me are those annoying ones who sit there trying to figure out if someone with a neutral scent is beta or omega. Like, just come on out and ask. Tsk, it's not difficult."

"So if someone came up to you and asked, then you'd answer truthfully?"

"What's so taboo about a secondary gender? It'd depend on who's asking but on the whole, yeah, I would."

The ghost of a smile crept over Jisung's lips as he took another swig of his coffee. There was something disarming about an omega that didn't follow the criteria. Soon enough, his mug was empty and he watched the other work away on his own drink. "About this tolerance to pheromones, do you mind me trying it out?"

A small nod gave him the 'yes' he was looking for, but Chenle was still sipping at his mug.

"Kay. I'm only going to see where you're at, since some omegas seem to be naturally more resistant."

And a thumbs-up followed, still drinking.

Jisung's arms moved to fold and he leaned back in his chair, legs crossing. This process was going to be an experience for both of them regardless of whether or not it succeeded, or if Chenle pushed back again and completely rejected the help... like he did this morning. "Don't move."

A chill ran down Chenle's spine and he naturally froze, mug at his lips, eyes flicking to Jisung's as they held a prolonged gaze. The younger's eyes were surveying him gently while a similarly gentle scent was emitted, and it smelled fresh... like peppermint. His hands shifted the mug slightly, but as the pheromones were supposed to, they made it difficult for him to properly move without feeling panicked at disobedience.

Almost as soon as he noticed the uncontrollable panic at the mere thought of going against the demand, Jisung scratched the back of his head and looked out the window. Chenle would need a moment to recover. Cars rolled past and pedestrians occasionally looked through the glass to spy if the venue looked appealing. By the time he turned back to his company, Chenle had recovered from the compulsion and was contently sipping at his drink once again. He knew it was finished when it was placed wistfully back down on the tabletop.

"You good?"

"Yup."

"Right," Jisung began and sat forward, reaching into his school bag. "I'm going to head home now. Will you? Or should I follow you to your sketchy destination?"

Chenle tsked and grabbed at his own school bag, lifting it over his shoulder. "I'm already too late to meet up with them. You succeeded today, but maybe next time you won't be so lucky." But actually, it wasn't so bad socialising like this. Well, not so bad socialising like this with an alpha as he expected. Jisung seemed quite... laid-back. Cool as a cucumber the whole time.

"I'll see you in school tomorrow, then."

They parted ways outside the café, Jisung back to his loving father and Chenle back to his empty flat.