Confined Pheromone

There were two general education classes, followed by a major course. I opened my locker cabinet and organized the things I needed for today’s classes. There were quite a few printouts that I hadn’t managed to organize yet. I thought I would have to sort them out in the library after class while I was gathering the printouts.

“…….”

Suddenly, a damp, sweet scent wafted in from somewhere. Omega’s pheromones. Who could it be at school…? Omegas are particularly careful to control their pheromones. As my own pheromones began to leak out reflexively, I hurriedly controlled them and turned my body sharply.

“Uh…!”

I collided roughly with someone who had been standing close behind me. I hadn’t noticed anyone was there due to the lack of presence. The impact caused the printouts I was holding to scatter all over the floor. The person I bumped into stared coldly at the scattered printouts.

“…Baek Sanho?”

It was Sanho. His expressionless face was extremely pale. The contrast of his jet-black hair and white skin, combined with his emotionless expression, gave off a somewhat eerie feeling.

“…….”

I kept my mouth shut. I had no desire to engage in unnecessary conversation. It was partly because of that unpleasant message, and partly because of Siwoo. But more than anything… I had a bad feeling, like an instinct. Silently, I bent my knees and sat down to gather the printouts.

“…….”

Sanho’s thin legs were still standing in front of me. His old sneakers moved slowly. Just as he took a step, he stepped on one of the printouts that had fallen right in front of him.

“…This….”

I frowned and raised my gaze. Sanho’s expression, slightly lowered, remained indifferent.

“It was you. As expected.”

I thought I heard a small mutter. The sneaker that had stepped on the printout moved slightly, as if crushing it. Perhaps feeling a chill without realizing it, my shoulders flinched. It was you, as expected. What… does that mean?

“Sanho.”

At that moment, a familiar voice rang out. Hearing the voice, Sanho slowly turned his body.

“Senior.”

Someone tall was walking down the hallway from the end. Even from a distance, I could tell immediately. His light-colored hair was naturally tousled. The old sneakers that had stepped on the printout quietly retreated. His steps slowly moved away, then gradually quickened. I watched as Sanho approached Siwoo.

“Class is over?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go together. It’s fine if we just register the documents today.”

“Ah.”

I could hear Siwoo’s light laughter.

“Don’t worry. You’re going with me.”

I couldn’t bring myself to get up from my spot until Sanho and Siwoo disappeared from view. For some reason, my fingertips trembled. I slowly picked up the crumpled printouts. I stared intently at the clear footprints and the torn marks left from being crushed.

“Lee Inhye!”

A bright voice called out. Only then did I straighten my bent knees and stand up. A classmate approached me.

“Don’t you have a general education class?”

“Ah… yes.”

I mumbled while still keeping my gaze at the end of the hallway. My classmate followed my gaze and looked down the hallway.

“Oh, did you see Siwoo and that guy earlier?”

Huh? I stared blankly at my classmate.

“They went down together. Just now.”

“…Ah. I saw.”

My classmate, not noticing the lack of energy in my response, lowered his voice and chattered excitedly.

“I think that rumor is true.”

“What rumor?”

“Didn’t you hear?”

My classmate’s eyes widened.

“Baek Sanho is making a move on Siwoo.”

It was a blunt statement. My eyebrows furrowed, but my classmate continued to chatter away, oblivious.

“He’s got some nerve. Going after Siwoo.”

“…….”

“There aren’t many people who Siwoo treats well. He’s just so nice to everyone. Just because he’s a little nice, they cling to him like it’s the perfect opportunity. I really wonder if he’s an Omega or what, he’s so good at charming guys…”

“Jihyun.”

I interrupted my classmate. Huh? Looking back at my classmate, I couldn’t continue my words. What should I say? That it’s not like that? But can I be sure? If Baek Sanho really feels that way… I forced a stiff smile.

“Let’s go get coffee. Do you want to grab some coffee before class?”

I pulled my classmate’s arm, who still wanted to say more, and took a step forward. The crumpled printouts fluttered in my arms.