Chapter 98 - Meeting The Parents 1

'Is this really your favourite food here?' Minwoo stares at the greasy crab stick they just bought from the stall with big '#1' signs written all over. He wonders why anybody would line up to buy this junk which doesn't even look appetizing to begin with. Looking back at his omega who seems to ignore him while enjoying his own with a blissful look, Minwoo takes a bite.

Nope. Meh. Number 1 his ass.

He doesn't know what has gotten into Wonho, but the older has been in a good mood ever since they got out of Seoul. Right now, Wonho is screaming along with the songs playing in the radio, annoying Minwoo once in a while by changing the lyrics to insult him. Nothing too severe, just the occasional 'Minwoo is an idiot' and 'Minwoo got no jams'. God knows what the second one means. He wants to do the same to the omega but unfortunately, he doesn't know enough Korean songs playing on the radio to do so. Minwoo prefers English songs over his native ones since he grew up with it. The only Korean songs he knows are the old ones from his parent's collection, which he doubts will be playing unless they tune to the oldies. So now, Minwoo just accepts the playful joke his partner is doing to him. At least it keeps Wonho entertained, and that is enough to make him feel good as well.

'Yah. Aren't you going to stop?' He pretends to be annoyed as Wonho keeps headbanging along the rock song while repeating some stupid words over and over, just like the lyrics. Except, Wonho is screaming 'slave'. Sometime Minwoo wonders whether his mate is actually a sadist.

'Aren't you supposed to love me? Aigoo, is the bond broken?' Minwoo turns towards the man and tries to look at the scar from their bonding before feeling his head being pushed away. Pouting, Minwoo clicks his tongue while turning his attention back towards the road. He hears Wonho laughing beside him and smiles to himself.

As long as Wonho's having fun.

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'Let's stop somewhere first…' Minwoo suggests as they finally reach Wonho's hometown. The latter had calmed down since he first noticed the places he grew up in and started to point it out to his mate. And a few minutes before, Wonho suddenly suggested they take a detour so he could guide Minwoo around town. Not failing to notice the change in his tone, Minwoo realizes that Wonho is anxious, just like him, and he keeps dragging the time outside as a result. Unfortunately, they will have to go back sooner or later, and Minwoo prefers soon.

Parking the car near a shopping street, Minwoo pulls his mate towards the nearest restaurant. They aren't going to eat anything; they just need to relax and there are just no cafes in sight. Ordering their drinks, both the males sit down silently, each with his own thoughts.

Wonho told Minwoo the reason why he wanted the alpha to come back with him, and it is not because he wants to officially introduce Minwoo as his mate. It is because his bond is still not broken, and he cannot face his parents alone. Though Minwoo is disappointed to learn about that, he realized that he is partially at fault. First, for claiming Wonho, and second, for keeping the bond intact. Twice. Even though he didn't do it on purpose.

He is scared, owh he is. But he knows Wonho is even more nervous than he is. He knows how much Wonho loves his parents, and how weak he gets in front of them. When Wonho told him that Junjie had to be the one who spilled what happened that night in his place, Minwoo realized how much this visit meant for him. Which is why he couldn't refuse it despite his own fear.

Not saying a word, Minwoo feels a hand on his own, and puts his other one on Wonho's. His mate's hands are really cold. He tugs on that hand a bit towards him, and reading his mind, Wonho gets up and moves to sit beside him, allowing Minwoo to drape his arm around his shoulder. 'It'll be alright.'

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Wonho stands in front of the door, regretting his decision to come back. He still has his hands in his pockets, he cannot find the courage to twist the knob to get inside. And funnily, he even hides his scent, to his own family.

What if they don't like Minwoo? Or worse, what if they blame Wonho for not being strong enough to reject him? The thoughts scare him. Turning back to look at the alpha who is waiting a few steps away, he suggests, 'Let's go back.'

'To where?'

'Campus.' He answers as he makes his way towards the gate. But before he could go past his alpha, the man stops him. Wonho sighs.

Wonho pushes the doorbell and bites his lips, waiting for someone to open it. Deep inside, he wishes that nobody is home so they can call it a day and blame it on luck. Seeing his anxious condition, Minwoo finally asks, 'Don't you have a key?'

'I have.' With that, Minwoo nods and keeps his silence, understanding the omega's intention.

Before long, both males hear footsteps from inside and cross their hearts. Minwoo literally feels his heart threatening to jump out, seeing the knob turns and automatically, he recites the introduction he has been practicing in his head. Even then, he manages to mess it up. Now, he wishes he had taken Wonho's offer earlier to run away.

'Oppa!' Wonho releases his breath at the sight of his sister, accepting her bear hug. She is heavy. Getting a well-deserved hit for his comment, Wonho releases the hug.

'Omo.' She comments when she finally notices Minwoo's presence, looking at both of them in confusion. It is obvious that she recognizes the stranger's scent, based on the horror in her face and that only adds to Wonho's worry. 'Can you call eomma and appa?'

'Sure.' She gives the alpha one last look before turning to her brother, concerned, and runs back inside to call the two owners. Glancing back at his mate, Wonho invites him inside and shows him the living room. He takes a seat beside Minwoo with their backs facing the door so they can see his parents the moment they come out from wherever they are. Wonho wants to offer his partner some water, but decides against it, afraid that his parents might show up while he is in the kitchen. So, they both just sit, looking around the house Wonho grew up in. Before long, they see Seunghee again, but she is heading out. 'I'm going to the gym.'

Wonho forces a smile towards Minwoo, hiding his anxiety. The only time Seunghee 'goes to the gym' is when she wants to get out of the house, for whatever reason besides working out. And he can guess why.

'Won, is this your new mate?'