"You must be mistaken, Dad," Kael muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
There was a pause on the other end. Then his omega father's warm voice returned, as gentle as ever.
"Kael, dear… when are you coming home? I heard you're studying design—if you need help with anything, you can always ask me, okay?"
Kael smiled faintly despite himself.
"I will. And… I'll come back this year."
"Good. Everyone misses you here, dear. Take care of yourself."
The call ended, the silence echoing louder than before.
Kael sat still, staring at the blank wall.
In the past six years, not once had he felt this… hollow.
But now, just hours after being around Zayden, the loneliness pressed down on him like never before.
He sighed and rose to his feet—only to stumble.
His vision swam. His legs trembled. His breath hitched in his throat.
No. Not now… It's not time yet. My suppressant—
Before he could take another step, darkness closed in.
---
He didn't know how much time had passed when he finally stirred.
A familiar scent reached his nose—mint and smoke—one that pulled him back into the present.
He opened his eyes slowly and realized he was in bed.
Beside him sat Zayden, arms crossed, concern hidden behind a carefully constructed scowl.
"Why do you suddenly have a fever?" Zayden asked, his voice lower than usual. "Are you okay?"
Kael blinked at him. For a moment, his heart skipped—then he turned away.
"I'm fine," he said coldly. "I want to rest more. Can you leave my room?"
Zayden stared at the back of Kael's head, stunned.
He had carried Kael to bed with his own hands.
Had checked his temperature. Made porridge—something he'd never done in his life.
Yet Kael's voice remained indifferent. Detached.
Something inside Zayden simmered—an emotion he wasn't used to.
But Kael was sick.
He said nothing and left the room.
---
As soon as the door shut, Kael threw off his blanket and staggered toward his wardrobe.
Suppressants.
He had to find them.
His hands trembled as he rummaged through boxes, books, drawers—
Finally, he found the hidden bottle.
He injected the suppressant into his arm and collapsed onto the sofa, breathing heavily.
"Why now?" he whispered. "Why did my cycle shift so suddenly?"
For a recessive omega like him, his cycle had always been irregular, yes—but at least predictable. Never this early. Never this strong.
"I have to see a doctor tomorrow."
He leaned his head back against the couch, sweat clinging to his temples.
---
In the living room, Zayden stood near the kitchen counter, arms resting against the edge. His brows were furrowed, his throat dry.
"Why the hell am I still smelling cherries?"
He glanced around the apartment.
The scent was stronger now. Alluring. Sweet. Addictive.
He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply—only to feel his pulse speed up.
"What the hell is this smell?"
It clung to the walls. The hallway. The sofa. Even Kael's blanket earlier…
Zayden ran a hand through his hair, confused.
He had smelled cherries before, but never like this. Not this real. Not this intoxicating.