Chapter 115 - New Lifestyle 1

Running back up to his apartment, he looks around, anxious to find his mate. To his relief, as he opens the bedroom door, there Wonho sits, on the bed, hugging the pillows. His pheromones calmed down a lot, almost unnoticed. There is only a slight sadness which he can barely sense, but he is fine. Still breathing, and reacting to his presence.

Minwoo takes a seat beside the omega. 'Hey.'

'You came back.' Wonho pulls the pillow closer to himself, hiding his face, 'This smell just like you…' he takes a light sniff from the pillow, an action Minwoo finds a bit touching, 'I thought you finally left for good.'

'I shouldn't have left you like that…'

'No, I was too much. I know it's hard to have a broken mate like me. I'm sorry I'm like this.' Minwoo gently pats Wonho's back, massaging his neck while shaking him. He is expecting Wonho to cry again, already preparing himself to comfort his partner but instead, the man turns towards him, studying him. Minwoo doesn't know how to react, what face to make. He is nervous and stiffens, afraid that Wonho might read his thoughts, whatever it is and realizes how messed up he is. However, contrary to his prediction, Wonho's face softens a bit and he gives the alpha a small smile which the latter returns, relieved.

Minwoo places his hand onto Wonho's, rubbing them softly, 'I just realized you finally said sorry for slapping me.' He grins at Wonho, 'Thought you'll never do it.' 

Seeing Wonho puls his face away in shame, Minwoo closes their distance and lies on his side, facing his partner. With one of his hand playing with the other's feet, the alpha suggests, 'We should set the rule for our 'talk'. Not to get too emotional and worked up.'

'Agreed. We never talk calmly.' Wonho stares at the alpha, his mouth pursed, thinking. 'I don't wanna have to slap you again.'

'I don't wanna leave you like this again. I kinda feel bad.' He replies, noting the calm expression on Wonho. 'And by the way, you slapping me was your fault.'

'You kinda pushed me.' Wonho retorts to which Minwoo scoffs.

'You need to control your hand too. Your slap fucking hurts.'

'Rule number two, no physical violence. There.' Wonho interrupts before the alpha can continue his whining, feeling guilty. Minwoo gives a look at the older and nods. Though he knows Wonho was talking about his own prior outburst, he cannot help but think it was directed at him and his possible future violence. Because he knows he has a tendency to act with his hands. Hopefully it will not come to that. He will make sure of it.

Caressing Wonho's cheek, Minwoo gets up and moves towards his drawer beneath the desk. He remembers buying something special when Wonho left him hanging after their first heat together. It meant nothing then, but it finally found its use now. Getting up with the small white box in his hand, Minwoo returns to his sit on the bed.

'I bought this last year. When I was crazy about you.' He glances at Wonho, half teasing, smirking as he sees the omega roll his eyes playfully, 'They're supposed to be couple rings, but I guess we can wear them as wedding rings now.'

At least there will be proof that he is taken despite not carrying his mate's scent. He hopes this will keep other suitors away and ease his hatred even just a bit.

'Why would you buy a couple ring when we weren't talking?' Wonho rests his head on Minwoo's shoulder, staring at the simple rings inside the box. By simple, he means really simple. The only pattern is the MW sign carved on the surface, and the indent on the edge of the ring, barely seen at first glance. It is actually really pretty, he just realized both their initials can be turned upside down to be the other's.

'You didn't actually reject me then. You even asked me to hang out on campus.'

'Owh, yeah.' Wonho takes one of the ring and inserts his middle finger in it, changing to his index and repeats with his right hand, finding the ring too big. 'But you're a bit creepy.'

'That's mine.' Minwoo takes the ring from Wonho and puts it on his left ring finger, grinning happily at the perfect fit. He then passes the other to his partner who again, tries to fit it on the same finger without success. 'It fits on my index.'

'That won't do.'

'Is this really mine?' Wonho glares at Minwoo accusingly.

'Yaah! It's even creepier if I knew your exact finger size, don't you think?'

'Well then I guess I'll just wear it like this then.' Wonho waves his hand in front of the alpha's face, beaming happily at the ring on his finger. It is a weird feeling, to be on the receiving end. Growing up as a male beta, he always thought he would be the one giving it to someone. But he doesn't hate the feeling either. Guess he is getting used to being pampered instead. 

On the other hand, Minwoo is staring at the misplaced ring in discontent. He bought it specifically for it to be worn on the ring finger. Quickly pulling it off, he states, 'We're changing the size. This thing's expensive.'

To that, Wonho just stares at him in shock, 'The fuck you buy an expensive couple ring for a guy you just met for?'

'Cus I'm rich and I'm crazy about that guy.' Minwoo answers honestly. He was crazy about Wonho then, when he first met the man at the lake. And he is still crazy about him now, despite all their differences. Minwoo bumps their foreheads together, ignoring the dumbfounded expression on the other. Then, he places a small kiss on those luscious lips, signifying the end of their first serious fight as an official couple.

Their situation is special, and their traumas makes it even harder for them to pursue this relationship, but Minwoo doesn't want to give up just because it is hard. And he knows Wonho is thinking of the same thing, which was why he was anxious about the suitors instead of choosing to break the bond by force. Wonho can if he wants to, the law is on his side, but he doesn't. Even in his desperate state, he chooses to endure it to be with Minwoo. And Minwoo too, wants to be with him. They just need to figure out a way to get over this together.

So they can grow stronger and remain together until they are both old and wrinkly.

Just adoring each other and driving each other crazy.