Crave

32 - ache on her skin

After strolling around more, the group decided to leave. By now, the sun had set and Zaire felt tired. The heels of his feet ached and his body felt heavy. The omega wasn't used to being out for so long unless it was for work. Woo could feel the exhaustion from the omega's scent. Before going home, the group decided to have dinner out. Zaire placed his teddy bear in the back seat and let Joon hold it.

Two vehicles drove smoothly along the road until a small Korean restaurant came into view. It was decorated prettily outside with many roses and tulips. When they entered, Zaire saw a calm setting. He saw many tanks filled with cute fish everywhere, and the walls were covered in pieces of art. Soft music played in the air as the group went to the corner area. Woo made Zaire sit first next to the wall before sitting next to him. Joon sat down next to his brother as Jonathan and Liam sat facing them.

An elderly lady in a black uniform greeted them kindly. "Welcome back, kids. Please let me know what you would like to eat today."

She handed out menus and left the group alone for a few minutes. Woo handed a menu to Zaire who seemed hesitant to choose. The omega looked at the menu and decided to pick Jjajangmyeon. He let the alpha know who ordered for him which the omega felt thankful for. He felt a bit shy to be out, just hanging out with Woo's friends. He hoped he wasn't bugging their time together. All his doubts got washed away as Liam began to speak.

"Zaire, it feels nice to have you hang out with us." The blond man said and the omega smiled weakly.

Joon leaned on his brother's side, chin on the alpha's broad shoulder. His brother's face remained blank, used to his affection. "I'm so happy you came with us, Zaire. Thank you."

"We're going to take you to so many places, watch." The blond man said and Jonathan nodded in agreement.

Twenty minutes later, the group's food arrived. Jonathan and Liam had ordered spicy Gochujang noodles while the brothers had ordered BBQ pork ribs. For drinks, Woo and Zaire drank cold water while the others had soda. No one touched their food until the omega took his first bite. Zaire chewed on the delicious noodles slowly, glad to be in the corner. Woo remained silent at the table as the others spoke to Zaire. From time to time, everyone kept handing the omega side dishes. He declined a few politely, and the group didn't force him to eat this time.

Woo observed everyone at the table in silence as he ate. He noticed how Jonathan filled Zaire's glass with water when it was close to being empty. His onyx-colored eyes then went to Liam who spoke to the omega sweetly. Even his brother made him pass a plate of ribs for the omega to try. The alpha looked at Zaire who didn't seem overwhelmed or stressed, just a bit shy. The three men were attentive to Zaire and for some reason, it pleased Woo.

An hour and a half later, the group was done eating. When the bill came, Woo pulled out his wallet to pay. Before he could hand his card, Jonathan stopped him. The alpha tried to pay but the taller vampire didn't let him. "Put it away, big guy. This is my treat."

Jonathan placed his own card on top of the bill and swatted Woo's hand away gently. The group cleaned up the table, setting their dishes in a large tray neatly before standing. Zaire watched as Woo and Joon bowed slightly at the old woman who had given them menus earlier. As they walked out of the restaurant, Zaire felt full and sleepy, tired from the long day.

After a few hugs from Liam and Jonathan and a sweet goodbye, the group parted ways. Joon made Zaire sit in the front seat again and sat in the back with the giant teddy bear. The omega looked at the sky through the window, full of bright stars. Unable to help himself, the omega leaned back in his seat and closed his eyes. Woo didn't wake him, sensing that Zaire was tired. He drove in silence, seeing even Joon dozing off in the backseat.