Tangled Hearts And Classroom Smiles

Pack

The penthouse was silent in the aftermath of Fourth's heat. The room still carried the scent of their intimacy, a mix of Phuwin's steady presence and the fading traces of Fourth's heat pheromones. The soft hum of the city outside was the only sound as Fourth stretched on the bed, feeling worn yet strangely peaceful.

Phuwin had left just a short while ago, promising to check on him once he had rested. Fourth's body still ached, but the intensity of the heat had finally passed, leaving him with a strange sense of calm. For the first time in days, he wasn't overwhelmed by the insistent, primal need that had consumed him.

As he lay there, his phone buzzed from the nightstand. Fourth reached for it, already smiling as he saw messages lighting up the group chat.

Pond: How are you feeling, love? Phuwin said you made it through the worst of it.

Dunk: Nan's been great, by the way. She wants to know when you're coming home.

Gemini: Hope you're not dead from exhaustion. But seriously, glad you're doing okay.

Joong: You'll need a week's worth of rest after this, huh?

Fourth chuckled softly at their comments, his fingers lazily typing a response.

Fourth: I'm alive, but just barely. Phuwin wore me out.

Almost immediately, there was a chorus of teasing replies.

Gemini: He better have!

Joong: Should've seen that one coming.

Dunk: 👀 What exactly went down? Asking for... research purposes.

Pond: You better rest before I get there.

Fourth grinned at Dunk's message, feeling a blush rise to his cheeks. He typed back quickly, playfully dodging their teasing.

Fourth: Wouldn't you like to know? I'm not spilling any details. You'll have to ask Phuwin yourself!

The group chat filled with laughter and emojis, and Fourth felt warmth settle in his chest. Despite the teasing, he knew how much they all cared. He could feel it in their words, their constant check-ins, and how they each looked after him in their own ways.

Nan's name in Dunk's message made him sit up a little, though. He missed her, missed the familiar weight of her in his arms and her endless questions. She was his everything, and even though Dunk had been amazing with her, Fourth couldn't wait to see her again.

His phone buzzed again, this time a direct message from Phuwin.

Phuwin: I left something for you at the penthouse. Check the drawer beside the bed.

Curiosity piqued, Fourth pushed himself up and swung his legs off the bed. He padded over to the nightstand and opened the drawer. Inside was a small box wrapped in elegant paper. His brows furrowed as he pulled it out, carefully unwrapping it.

Inside was a sleek silver bracelet, simple but beautiful. Attached to it was a small pendant in the shape of a wolf, its eyes tiny gemstones that sparkled under the light. Fourth's breath hitched at the sight of it, recognizing the symbolism instantly—something uniquely Phuwin, but also a mark of their pack.

He typed quickly, his heart pounding.

Fourth: Phuwin... it's beautiful. I don't know what to say.

Phuwin: You don't have to say anything. You're one of us, Fourth. Always will be.

Fourth stared at the message for a long time, feeling the full weight of what it meant. His fingers traced over the pendant as he let out a deep breath. They weren't just teasing or playing with him. They really saw him as theirs—someone who belonged, someone they cared about deeply.

And for the first time, Fourth allowed himself to accept that. He didn't have to fight it or overthink it. He had fallen for them, one by one, without even realizing it. Phuwin, Pond, Gemini, Joong, and Dunk—they weren't just his boyfriends. They were his pack. His family.

The sound of a knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. It was soft, familiar. He pushed off the bed and padded to the door, his fingers brushing over the bracelet one more time before he opened it.

Phuwin stood there, looking a little more relaxed now that the intensity of Fourth's heat had passed. His eyes scanned over Fourth, checking for any signs of lingering discomfort. "How are you feeling?" he asked, stepping inside.

"Better," Fourth admitted, closing the door behind him. "Still a little sore, but I'm okay."

Phuwin gave a small nod, his gaze softening. "Good. You scared me for a second there."

Fourth smiled and moved closer, wrapping his arms around Phuwin's waist in a gentle hug. "I'm sorry I dragged you into all of that."

"You didn't drag me anywhere," Phuwin said, his hands resting on Fourth's back. "I wanted to be there."

They stood there in comfortable silence for a few moments, just holding each other. It felt right—natural. Fourth tilted his head up, meeting Phuwin's eyes. "Thank you. For everything."

Phuwin smirked, his lips curving slightly. "Don't thank me yet. I'm sure Gemini and Joong are going to want their time with you next."

Fourth groaned, burying his face in Phuwin's chest. "I don't think I can survive all of you."

"You'll manage," Phuwin chuckled, kissing the top of his head. "We'll make sure of it."

After a moment, Fourth pulled back, his expression soft. "I should head back soon. I miss Nan."

Phuwin nodded. "Pond's arranging everything. We'll head back together when you're ready."

"Thanks," Fourth said, feeling the weight of everything start to lift. "I'm ready."

As they left the penthouse together, Fourth felt something new settle in his heart—something steady, warm, and permanent. Whatever came next, he knew he wouldn't be facing it alone.

He had a pack now, and he was ready to face the world with them by his side.