❝stay strong.. p-please stay strong.❞ jisung mumbled, sitting down at one of the seats being provided outside of the room.

the sounds of nurses running around, going back and forth, the doctors being busy, and the sounds of other families being present there inside the hospital he is in is bothering him. he was told to wait outside and as much as he wanted to stay with his omega, he knew it was better for him to abide to what's being said.

he just hoped that everything will go well and nothing will happen to chenle and the baby.

❝jisung!❞

with eyes filled with tears, he raised his head and saw those who came running towards him. the pure blooded stood up from his seat and felt a body being thrown at him. he almost fell back but got to stand his ground the next second. not hesitating, he also reach his arms out and returned the hug, snuggling his face on the alpha's neck. ❝j-jaemin hyung.❞

❝how is—❞

❝relatives of zhong chenle?❞

jaemin didn't get to finish his question as a doctor came out of the room and made mention of the omega's name. he could then feel the younger's body tense from his embrace, making him move away.

jisung turned his head to the doctor. his heart was beating loudly and at an unhealthy pace, not being ready on what he had to hear. ❝h-how is he?❞

finding the boy familiar from a while ago who carried the patient, the doctor gave him a small smile and guessed that he might me close with the patient. ❝he's alright, nothing critical.❞

that relieved him but there's still one question left. ❝the baby?❞

the smile plastered on the man's face then disappeared, being replaced with a frown.

that was all it took for jisung to feel his world breaking down.

⚠️

renjun panted as he ran as fast as he could the moment he received a message from an alpha he's close with. despite of it being late, he had to argue with his parents for a good thirty minutes before he got to convince them as to why he should go out. he really isn't wearing any proper clothes, just his pajamas and a thick ass jacket he could grab inside his closet.

it was freezing cold at night, no doubt, but what concerns him the most is how his bestfriend is doing right now.

reaching the hospital, he stopped for a short while just to catch his breath. he had both his hands on his knees and took his deep breaths in.

and apparently, he's not the only one who got alarmed by the message and came as fast as he could.

❝h-hyuck?❞ the tired omega called out, his eyes staring at the tanned male that's also the same panting situation as him. ❝why are you here? are you alright—❞

hissing in annoyance, donghyuck went to him and grabbed his wrist. ❝we have no time, we need to go.❞

renjun was being pulled by the tanned omega. sure, he was worried for the younger chinese's state but that doesn't mean he lost his care for this other friend of his. he could see dark circles visible under his eyes and also how puffed it is, showing how much he cried. well, who wouldn't be devastated after breaking up with your boyfriend you've been with for so long? even though it has to be for the best, it still broke his heart that it had to happen.

❝hyuck, shouldn't you be resting?❞ the chinese still insisted on sending the male back, guessing that he's still not alright. ❝you are still recovering from your break up—❞

❝this is nothing, renjun.❞ the tanned male cut him off once more. he continued to drag the worried omega till they'd find an available lift to get in.

the older male first waited till they'd get inside an empty elevator before he could speak. ❝but you're—❞

it looks like cutting him off was donghyuck's job. ❝chenle is suffering much more than me and i can't just let him be like that!❞ snapped, grateful that they were the only ones inside there or else they'll surely get eyes from people. ❝he needs us, renjun.❞

flinching at how he raised his voice at him, the chinese moved a bit away from him while having his lips to a thin line. he didn't mean to anger him, neither annoy him. renjun was just worried for him. he may not know how it feels to be rejected by an alpha as he hasn't encountered it yet but it must have hurt a lot. not to mention knowing how much donghyuck loved his boyfriend more than anything, he wouldn't stop talking about him and he's even so proud for having a boyfriend like mark.

this got him scared to be committed. once you're claimed by an alpha, there's no way out. not even ending the relationship you two (or three) have can get you out from being the alpha's mate. then there's also being rejected by an alpha, which donghyuck is going through right now. there's a lot of rules and considerations renjun had to always keep in mind and the possibilities just scares him.

the reason why it got him thinking deeply right now because he was starting to fall for not only one but two of them.

the smaller omega that stayed silent for a whole couple of minutes made donghyuck sigh, ruffling his hair stressfully. ❝look, i'm really worried for you guys and a heartbreak can't stop me from caring about you two.❞

renjun fumbled with his fingers as he leaned to the metallic walls. ❝i'm sorry i wasn't there when you needed someone.❞

donghyuck started shaking his head. he really doesn't need his apology, nor did he have to apologize. ❝it's alright, i understand. we all have our own problems to attend to.❞ he then told him, turning to face his frowning friend, ❝chenle also told me about what he did to you. he was really guilty of it, knowing how wrong he was.❞

that then reminded renjun at how he was ignoring all his calls, all of everyone's messages. ❝it was also my fault, i slapped—❞

❝you slapped jisung.❞ the tanned male then had his eyes locked at the omega who regretted his irrational actions. the mood inside the lift was then brightened up when donghyuck started laughing, covering his mouth at how loud he was. ❝i don't wanna say it but i also wanted to slap jisung for breaking chenle's heart.❞ he said, still chuckling. ❝so i guess i have to thank you for it.❞

the omega looked down with a small smile, happy seeing that his friend slowly got his enthusiastic self back.

❝but we have to know that jisung changed, he really is doing everything for chenle now.❞ throwing his arm over the shorter omega, the tanned male passed him his usual smile. ❝and not all alphas are what you think they are.❞

renjun was being pulled close and it made him giggle after remembering how much he hated that specific kind way back then and look at him now, falling for two of them. ❝chenle made me realize that. he sure is lucky to have someone like jisung.❞

donghyuck squinted his eyes, finding something missing in that statement. ❝i'm pretty sure it's jisung who's lucky to have a sweetheart like chenle.❞ he completed it, saying that the two are simply lucky for having each other. in the mood to tease him, the tanned male started nudging the shorter one. ❝hey, you also have two waiting for you.❞

he may not voice it out but the smile on his face says it all. but his lips curved down to a frown as he was worried back again for the tanned omega. ❝and you?❞

❝me?❞ wandering his eyes anywhere, donghyuck tried his best not to worry his friend more by still having a smile plastered on his face. ❝well, mark and i got to talk.❞

the omega widened his eyes upon hearing that. ❝then what happened?❞

the familiar sound coming from the elevator then saved donghyuck from being pressured in telling him, pulling the curious omega out as soon as they finally got to a specific floor. ❝that's saved for another discussion.❞

for now, they have to worry about chenle.

those who were waiting outside a specific room turned their heads to the side and caught two omegas running towards their way, breathless. they wanted to question about how they looked like they just got up from their bed after seeing them just in pajamas while they were wearing suits but they knew it wasn't the right time for it.

❝is chenle inside?❞ that was the first thing donghyuck asked upon approaching them, having the omega beside him finding air.

❝a-are w-we allowed to g-go inside?❞ even though he still was panting, renjun managed to question.

jeno first stared at the other before being the one to nod at the omega's question, stepping aside from the door for them to enter. they all wanted to get inside, especially xiaojun who was worried of all for his roommate, but the doctor who came to check up on omega told them that it was best to leave him alone first, give him time to think. it was more preferred to have someone dear to the omega to be there and comfort him, xiaojun was afraid to get inside and say something wrong. after all, he doesn't know how a mind of an omega works. but now that his friends are here, it's probably alright for them to go inside.

donghyuck took hold of the door knob and was about to twist it open but then felt the grip of his friend by the hem of his shirt tightening. turning back around, he saw a worried jaemin taking the omega's wrist.

with a smile, renjun raised a hand on the alpha's cheek and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. ❝i'm alright, jaemin.❞

the smaller's eyes also went to the pure blooded that's giving distance thinking that he needed it and also gave him a smile.

the tanned male saw it all and can't help but roll his eyes at how sweet they can be at a wrong time. also, it was this obvious for the two feeling something for the omega yet it took renjun this long to realize it. funny how it's always donghyuck who flexes his boyfriend— ex-boyfriend, to his friends and make the two be more single and now here he is, witnessing his friends having a better relationship with their significant other.

❝renjun, let's go.❞ he took the smaller's hand and pulled him along after seeing that the alphas' gazes on him were starting to change.

getting inside the room, the two of them quietly closed the door and took careful steps on approaching the omega sitting by the bed. his scent lingered around the four corners of the room and let the two of them smell distraught from him. he was in pain not just physically but in all aspects. he had empty thoughts, having nothing inside his head.

and even when raising his head up to see his friends, that wasn't enough to put a smile on his face.

seeing this side of their once playful and childish friend hurt them. it broke their heart upon having to see him looking so gloomy and eyes showing no emotions.

❝d-did i just..❞ the younger on the bed started to speak and they could tell how tired he was from his hoarse voice. ❝k-kill my own b-baby?❞

renjun gasped, covering his mouth and scolding himself for not being able to hold it back. he already knows what this situation was all about but he had a small hope that everything will be alright, that the baby being formed inside his bestfriend is going to be saved. ❝l-lele, no.❞

❝it's gone.❞ with tears falling down from his eyes, chenle lowered his head as he had a hand clutching on his clothed tummy. he gripped on it tight as he sobbed at what was happening to him. ❝g-ge.. it's gone.❞

despite of also getting emotional, the older chinese rushed towards the crying male and engulfed him in an embrace, letting him cry on his shoulder as much as he can.

donghyuck had his tongue gritted at the reason as to how it had come to this. he blames it all on the omega's mother but blaming won't do anything, it won't bring the baby back. he knew he had to do something, him and renjun being here isn't enough to comfort the omega that's being an emotional mess right now. scanning his eyes inside the room, he clicked his tongue after not seeing the pure blooded being present there.

just when the omega needed him.

he then left the two inside and got out, getting attention from everyone that's waiting outside. he had no time to entertain them though, he was in a hurry to find someone. ❝where's jisung?❞

jaemin's frown then deepened at the mention of the pure blooded. ❝he's by the staircase over there.❞

donghyuck's eyes followed as to where the alpha was pointing out and quickly dragged hos feet there after mumbling a short thanks. he then sprinted to an opened door and as he reached there, he let out countless of huffs after seeing a figure sitting down by the last step from the staircase.

the pure blooded's back was facing the tanned male but donghyuck immediately could tell that it was him, having to smell his scent that's also as worse as his friend's. the pure blooded had his shoulders slouching down and the omega could hear sniffles alongside with loud sobs coming from him.

it didn't take him a while to go to him and get himself to be seated right next to the pure blooded in despair.

❝what are you doing here, jisung? shouldn't you be with your omega?❞ he uttered, his voice battling with the pure blooded's cries.

❝h-hyung?❞ jisung lifted his head up that was buried on the palm of his hands and saw the older male that he hasn't seen for quite a while already.

mustering up the courage to smile, the tanned male could feel how this pure blooded's world was falling down to pieces because of the situation they are in. ❝we, omegas, don't really like to be left alone by our alphas especially at times when we need them.❞

the younger bit his bottom lip to prevent the loud cries that are at the urge of coming out from his mouth. ❝it's my fault. i wasn't there when he was in trouble. it took me too long to arrive and—❞

❝blaming yourself won't do anything, jisung.❞

his lifeless eyes stared out of space when he heard that from the tanned male. he continued to blame himself inside his head, wondering what would have happened if he arrived earlier, if he had gotten to take chenle away from his mother, if he prevented anything from happening by arriving just in time, if he had just saved their baby. thinking about the last part, jisung felt a lump on his throat and started to sob quietly.

he couldn't save their baby.

his hopes of being a father, being the best husband, and having a family of his own, gone just like that. all because he wasn't fast enough to save his omega.

what kind of person is he?

❝i know how excited you are the moment you found out he was pregnant. actually, that news also brightened my mood up during that time. it made me happy that my bestfriend is finally going to have his own family, a family that he couldn't have.❞ saying this, donghyuck started to regret not doing anything even though he knew that his bestfriend had control freaks as his parents.

he and renjun could have done something but they were just living in a comfortable life and they were afraid that the omega's family might do something on theirs if he meddles with their business. they shouldn't have let their fear take over them and had done everything to help their bestfriend.

❝i bet he was having second thoughts about it.❞ donghyuck could tell as chenle really doesn't stop messaging him about what currently happening to him. even when he would send back cold replies and just short phrases, that didn't stop the younger chinese to send him encouraging messages and also messages showing that he cared. ❝but you two finally came to a decision in keeping the baby.❞

❝i shouldn't have left him. i should have went with him. it's my fault as to why our baby—❞

❝jisung, i told you already.❞ donghyuck faced the male that's still crying. ❝blaming yourself won't do anything.❞

the said male just looked away as he continued to cry, hearing his inner alpha howling in pain. letting out a long sight, the tanned male stood up and crouched in front of the pure blooded, taking his chin and making the younger look at him. donghyuck then helped in wiping his tears.

❝you know what you can do aside from blaming yourself?❞ he mumbled, still continued to wipe his tears using his thumb. ❝be there with him.❞

❝hyung, what if he hates me for being too late?❞ that was one of his many concerns in wanting to face his omega. ❝what if he starts to despise me because of what i failed to do?❞

❝you did everything you can, ji. and you know what? that's also what chenle is doing right now.❞ donghyuck cupped his swollen face from crying. ❝he's also blaming himself.❞ he only got to be away from them for a while and a lot are already happening. ❝both of you did nothing wrong, neither of you knew what was going to happen. instead of crying and blaming your own selves, why don't the two of you be together and comfort each other? no one knows the feeling more than the both of you.❞

voice cracking, jisung sniffled as he attempted to speak despite of still sobbing. ❝b-but it's n-not chenle's fault. it's mine—❞

❝the both of you might have lost a life that you were expecting but if you think on the bright side,❞ brushing a hand over his hair, donghyuck fixed the younger's disbelieved look and gave him a small smile. ❝you two still have each other.❞

the pure blooded nodded his head, agreeing at what was said. he then brought his hands up and wiped the remaining tears he had left. ❝do y-you think he still wants to see me?❞

is that even a question? among everyone the omega wants to see, it's the pure blooded that has to be there with him. ❝jisung, chenle needs you.❞ he then helped the younger in standing up as he looked like he already got a grip of himself. ❝and i know you also need him.❞

pressing his lips to a thin line, the tanned male isn't wrong. he turned around and was about to run back to his omega's room but surprised the older who's there with him by engulfing him in a tight hug. donghyuck almost stumbled back but lucky got his balance, chuckling at how the pure blooded couldn't hold his strength back. ❝thank you, hyung.❞

❝alright you cry baby, go and talk it out with chenle.❞ he said while patting his back.

jisung pulled away and tilted his head to the side. ❝you're not coming with me?❞

shaking his head, a nervous giggle was heard from donghyuck as he showed a sheepish smile to the younger. ❝i'll stay here, i still have something to think about.❞

he wanted to ask what it's all about but jisung now had an idea on what it is after seeing that look on his face. it then made him feel bad for being a burden, having the older comfort him when he himself is also hurting badly.

the pure blooded turned back around and took steps back up but before leaving the omega alone, ❝hyung, i hope everything goes well with you and mark hyung.❞

he then left after giving him a last glance.

still sobbing in the older's shoulder, chenle can't help but just blame himself for everything. if he should have just been careful then this wouldn't have happened. if only he let jisung go with him then this wouldn't have happened. if only he didn't just meet his mother and ran away the moment he saw her then this wouldn't have happened.

he cried and cried until he couldn't hear his voice anymore. the omega he is with continued to hush and comfort him down but somehow, it wasn't enough.

it was till then the door started to open and he actually thought it would be donghyuck as he saw him a while ago but he was wrong.

it's jisung.

seeing him just made him cry harder that before, remembering the times he had done to hurt him. the times where he would always stop him from being delusional for wanting a baby. who knows how he felt right now? imagine, what he wanted is already happening but it had to be crushed just because chenle isn't careful enough.

❝j-jisung..❞ the omega called out, making the older chinese to move away and give space for the two. his puffed eyes locked gazes with the pure blooded's swollen ones. ❝i'm s-sorry.. i t-truly am.❞ he uttered out in pain, having his heart clench seeing the younger male approaching him with heavy steps. ❝i k-know before i h-had a thought o-of taking it a-away but trust m-me, ji, i really didn't mean to—❞

the pure blooded got himself seated down the bed and pulled the crying omega to his chest. his action only caused for chenle to sob even louder, not because he hated it but because he was guilty of what he had unintentionally done.

❝hush now, le.❞ sure, jisung is hurt upon knowing this. heck, he even broke down by the staircase a while ago but he knew he had to be strong for his omega.

because donghyuck is right, they still have each other.

❝j-ji, i'm sorry. i know you badly wanted to have this child. i do too, trust me. i m-may have r-realized it late b-but i finally g-got to—❞ he stumbled with his words as he clutched on to the pure blooded's suit, drenching it with his tears. ❝p-please forgive me. i d-didn't mean t-to.. i'm sorry.❞

❝chenle, neither of us knew this would happen.❞ feeling his distressed pheromones only made him be more gloomy.

jisung can't help himself but also break down once again with the omega he had in his tight embrace. he buried his head on the shorter's shoulder and cried there. he could feel renjun's gaze on them but he didn't mind that as all he had in mind was to just let it all out.

so much for staying strong.

now being alone there, donghyuck puffed his cheeks with a frown. he had his back leaned to the wall and his eyes stared down to the ground. it didn't take moments till tears started to well in his eyes. he had his own problems to think of and yet here he is, worrying for other people. and then jisung was there saying that he hoped everything will go well back again with his ex?

it made him chuckle bitterly because even though he looked like he had already accepted his fate, he still had that tiny hope left in him.

❝i hope so too.❞ he whispered, sobs being held back.

he was silently crying there. a minute then passed and he felt his phone vibrating from his pocket. he fumbled his hand inside and took the device out, only to see who was calling it. honestly, he expected it to be his parents that are now looking for him. he did say he was just going to be out for a while but seems like he's taking too long.

but no, it's not his parents.

he didn't bother wiping his tears and just swiped the screen of the phone to answer the call, pressing it on his ear. although, he bit his bottom lip to prevent the cries from being heard.

especially when he got to hear his voice.

"love?"

⚊ t b c ⚊