nomin college omegaverse au where awkward alpha jeno joins a...
bea 🐰 new fic!@jaempregs
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Sep 17, 2026
~38 min read
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nomin college omegaverse au where awkward alpha jeno joins a fraternity to prove he's not a scaredy-cat. his hazing task? break into the most popular omega sorority and steal a pair of panties. what he doesn’t expect is that one of the omegas stayed home sick that night. (🧵)
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jeno had always been awkward. too clumsy, too shy, too self-conscious, and too "soft" for an alpha. in highschool, other alphas called him a pushover. a scaredy cat. an omega in alpha's clothing. he stayed quiet or laughed it off but it stung. it always stung.
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so when he got into college, he made a decision. he was going to change. he was going to prove them wrong. and joining the most prestigious alpha fraternity on campus seemed like the perfect start. right?
4
the alpha house was everything he expected. loud, intimidating, smelling like expensive cologne and arrogance. they looked him up and down with smirks. "so, lee jeno? you're the awkward one we heard about? from seoul high?"
jeno nodded, trying not to shrink under their stares.
jeno nodded, trying not to shrink under their stares.
5
"you want to join us so badly, huh? here's the thing, we have to make sure you're not some scared little pup," the head alpha, a guy named seojoon leaned back in his chair. "which means, you gotta earn it. and we got a task for you."
jeno's heart pounded. "um– sure. i'll do it."
jeno's heart pounded. "um– sure. i'll do it."
6
seojoon's smile widened. "good. you know the omegas in the delta omega sorority? the pretty popular ones everyone talks about? they're having a movie night out tomorrow. the house will be empty. we need you to sneak in and bring us proof."
"proof of what?" jeno asked, confused.
"proof of what?" jeno asked, confused.
7
seojoon dug into his jean pocket. he held up a pair of lacy panties. the alpha smirked. "bring us a pair of these. from any of their rooms. we don’t care which omega, just bring something back. and once you do, you’re officially welcome here in the club. easy, right?"
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jeno's eyes widened. his face went red. "that's—that's wrong! that's invading their privacy. i can't just—"
"see?" another alpha laughed. "told you he was a pussy. can't even do a simple task." "too soft for this fraternity." "aww, he probably belongs with the omegas instead."
"see?" another alpha laughed. "told you he was a pussy. can't even do a simple task." "too soft for this fraternity." "aww, he probably belongs with the omegas instead."
9
jeno's hands curled into fists. the old words echoed in his head. 'scaredy cat'. 'pushover'. 'omega in alpha's clothing'.
"fine," he said quietly. "i'll do it."
seojoon clapped him on the shoulder, hard enough to sting. "that's more like it! tomorrow night. don't screw it up."
"fine," he said quietly. "i'll do it."
seojoon clapped him on the shoulder, hard enough to sting. "that's more like it! tomorrow night. don't screw it up."
10
jeno didn't sleep well that night.
the next evening, he stood outside the delta omega sorority house, his heart beating fast. it was a beautiful building, warm lights glowing from the windows, flowers in the front garden. it looked like home. not somewhere to commit a crime.
the next evening, he stood outside the delta omega sorority house, his heart beating fast. it was a beautiful building, warm lights glowing from the windows, flowers in the front garden. it looked like home. not somewhere to commit a crime.
11
jeno watched from across the street as a group of omegas got into their cars, chattering about a movie they were going to watch. just like seojoon said. the cars drove away and the house fell silent. he waited ten more minutes. then fifteen. then he finally crossed the street.
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he pulled out the spare key seojoon had given him. his stomach turned as he slid it into the lock. the fact that an alpha had a key to the omega sorority house, had probably used it before, for who knows what made him feel dirty just holding it.
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the door clicked open, and jeno stepped inside, his footsteps quiet on the tile floor, trying not to think about what kind of people he was trying so hard to impress.
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the house smelled like omegas obviously. a mix of floral and sweet scents that made his head spin. the alpha tried not to think about what he was doing. he tried not to think about how disappointed his mother would be if she knew. he just needed to get this over with fast.
15
he found the stairs and climbed them quickly. rooms lined the hallway, some with names on the doors. he picked one at random, a pink door with a small flower wreath and bunnies stickers all over it, and turned the knob.
it opened.
it opened.
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the room was dark except for the faint glow of fairy lights strung along the walls. they cast soft twinkling shadows everywhere, over a desk filled with skincare products, over the floor where a laundry basket sat. a laundry basket filled with clothes and.. lingeries.
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jeno's face burned. this was it. just grab any panties in there and go. quick and easy. no one would know. he definitely didn't notice the shape curled under the blankets on the bed. he walked to the basket and reached in.
"can i help you with something?"
jeno screamed.
"can i help you with something?"
jeno screamed.
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not a manly scream. not a dignified alpha scream. just a full, high-pitched, i've-been-caught scream. he spun around, dropping the piece of clothing he'd grabbed, and came face to face with—
na jaemin.
na jaemin.
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the na jaemin. the one everyone talked about. the most popular omega on campus. beautiful, charming, surrounded by admirers. he was sitting up in the bed, wrapped in a blanket, his nose red and his eyes watery. he was sick. he'd stayed home from going out because he had a fever.
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jeno wanted to die at this moment.
"i—i—this isn’t—i can explain—" the alpha stammered, backing up until he hit the wall.
this was it. this was how his life ended. not in a car crash or some tragic accident, but here, caught red-handed in an omega's room, taking his underwear.
"i—i—this isn’t—i can explain—" the alpha stammered, backing up until he hit the wall.
this was it. this was how his life ended. not in a car crash or some tragic accident, but here, caught red-handed in an omega's room, taking his underwear.
21
jaemin turned on the night lamp for a clearer look. he looked at jeno, then down at the clothing on the floor. a pair of his panties, lacy and pink. then back at jeno’s horrified face. the alpha shut his eyes, expecting jaemin to scream, call him a "pervert," and call the police.
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what he didn't expect was to hear jaemin giggled. not an angry laugh. not a cruel laugh. a genuine, cute giggle that made jeno's brain short-circuit. wait, did he hear that correctly?
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"wait, i remember you. you're the alpha from the library, right?" jaemin said, his voice a bit hoarse from being sick. "the one who dropped all his books and turned bright red when i helped you pick them up? that was you?"
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jeno remembered. two weeks ago. he'd been so flustered by jaemin's pretty face that he'd dropped his entire backpack. jaemin had knelt down and helped him, smiling the whole time. jeno had literally run away afterwards. he even forgot to thank the omega.
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"y–yeah, that was me," jeno croaked. "i'm so sorry. this is stupid. i didn't know you were here. i thought everyone was gone. it's my fault— i–i mean, i shouldn't have come. this is so wrong. i'm a terrible person. i'll leave. i'll never come back. please don't call the police—"
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"hey, hey, slow down." jaemin sat up more, patting the edge of his bed. "why don't you come here. sit." jeno stared at him like he'd grown a second head. "w–what?" "sit. you look like you're about to faint. and i'm the one who is sick here." jaemin sniffled and grabbed a tissue.
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"and stop apologizing. you’re giving me a headache, and i don’t need another one."
the alpha didn’t sit. he couldn’t. his legs wouldn’t work. he felt confused. was jaemin not going to call the police on him? not do anything at all? scream? kick him?
"wait—you’re not… mad?"
the alpha didn’t sit. he couldn’t. his legs wouldn’t work. he felt confused. was jaemin not going to call the police on him? not do anything at all? scream? kick him?
"wait—you’re not… mad?"
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jaemin tilted his head. "oh, i'm annoyed. someone breaking into my house is not my favorite thing. but you?" the omega smiled. "i'm not sure why, but i can tell you're clearly not some creep. you're just... someone who got talked into something stupid by some jerks. am i right?"
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jeno's mouth opened and closed. then opened again. "how did you—"
"the alpha fraternity." jaemin rolled his eyes. "they've pulled this kind of thing before. sending new pledges to do dumb, disrespectful stuff to prove they're "real alphas". it's pathetic."
"you knew?"
"the alpha fraternity." jaemin rolled his eyes. "they've pulled this kind of thing before. sending new pledges to do dumb, disrespectful stuff to prove they're "real alphas". it's pathetic."
"you knew?"
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"everyone knows." jaemin sneezed, then groaned. "they're a bunch of dumbasses who think omegas are beneath them. they're not worth your time, you know." jeno looked at the floor. "i'm sorry.. i just wanted to prove i wasn't... weak. pathetic. all the things people say about me."
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jaemin was quiet for a moment. then he said, "you dropped an entire backpack full of books because i smiled at you. i don't find that's weak. it's kinda adorable, actually." jeno's head snapped up. jaemin was smiling at him, warm and genuine despite being sick and exhausted.
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"you really think those alphas are worth proving yourself to?" jaemin continued. "guys who think stealing from omegas is a fun challenge? guys who'd probably call me names behind my back while trying to get in my pants?"
jeno shook his head slowly.
jeno shook his head slowly.
33
"didn’t think so." jaemin pulled his blanket higher. "you seemed different. nicer. i can tell, so don’t let them turn you into someone you’re not… hold on. i haven’t caught your name yet."
"huh? oh—it’s jeno—lee jeno," the alpha stammered.
"jeno. that’s a really cool name."
"huh? oh—it’s jeno—lee jeno," the alpha stammered.
"jeno. that’s a really cool name."
34
they talked for a while after that. jeno didn't know how it happened. one minute he was standing by the door, the next he was sitting at the edge of jaemin's bed, listening to the omega complain about his fever and talk about his major (fashion design) and ask about jeno's.
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"i'm taking early childhood education," jeno admitted, slightly embarrassed. "i want to work with kids. they make me feel happy and i feel happy around them." jaemin's eyes went soft. really soft. and proud. like the alpha had just said the most precious thing in the world.
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"you want to work with kids?" jaemin asked, his voice gentle despite sounding hoarse from the sickness. "that's so sweet! most alphas i've talked to mention how kids annoy them or how they would never want to get near them. but you?" he smiled. "you're very kind and thoughtful."
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no one had ever said those words to him like that. like it was something good. something worth being. "you think so? you don't find it lame?" jaemin shook his head. "no. not at all. and i know you're going to be a great father someday."
yes, a father to your child— wait, what?
yes, a father to your child— wait, what?
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eventually, jeno realized he'd been there for over an hour. he stood up, flustered. "i should go. you need to rest. and i've bothered you enough." jaemin waved a hand. "you didn't bother me. this was the most fun i've had while sick." he paused, then carefully climbed out of bed.
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jeno looked away so fast he nearly gave himself whiplash. because jaemin was wearing the shortest shorts he had ever seen in his life. they were barely there. paired with a long-sleeve baggy t-shirt that swallowed his frame, sure, but the shorts?
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they made it look like he wasn't wearing any pants at all. just endless legs and the alpha was going to pass out. he was actually going to pass out right here in this omega's room.
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how had he not noticed before? oh right. blankets. jaemin had been wrapped in blankets the entire time, buried under them because of the fever. jeno had no idea he was laying there in basically just a shirt and "underwear".
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"jeno?" jaemin's voice came from behind him, feeling amused. "you okay there?" "i'm fine!" the alpha squeaked. "totally fine! just—looking at—this wall! you have a very interesting and pretty wall, i–i like it. i wish my wall was this good. with pinks and bunnies.. everywhere."
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jaemin giggled, that laughter already living rent-free in his head. "you don't have to be embarrassed, you know. i'm decent. mostly. now turn around. i want to show you something."
mostly?! jeno's brain screamed. is jaemin trying to say he usually dresses in less than that?!
mostly?! jeno's brain screamed. is jaemin trying to say he usually dresses in less than that?!
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jeno squeezed his eyes shut. he took a deep breath, and slowly turned around. his face was already red. but when he actually looked at jaemin, really looked, his face somehow found a way to get even redder. he didn't even know that was possible.
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jaemin was standing by his dresser, and in his hands, he was holding something. panties. white. lacy. delicate. definitely nicer than the one on the floor. prettier. sexier. the kind of underwear that belonged in a magazine, not in some awkward alpha's trembling hands. like his.
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"here," jaemin said, holding it out like he wasn't holding pure sin between his fingers. "take this one instead." jeno stared. his brain short-circuited. smoked. died. was resuscitated. then died again. "what—why—that's—" he couldn't form sentences. words didn't exist anymore.
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"the one you grabbed before is old and boring. and dirty." jaemin smirked, a teasing smile on his face. "if you're gonna sneak into an omega's room and steal panties, at least take a nicer one. this is my favorite, actually. my precious. and too pretty to sit in a drawer anyway."
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jeno's mouth opened and closed. no sound came out. he was vaguely aware that he looked like a goldfish. he couldn't bring himself to care.
jaemin walked toward him. slowly. walked toward him with that panties, in those shorts. that smile.
and jeno's soul briefly left his body.
jaemin walked toward him. slowly. walked toward him with that panties, in those shorts. that smile.
and jeno's soul briefly left his body.
49
"jaemin, i can't—i'm not—this is yours and like i said before, this is wrong—" jeno finally managed, his voice cracking in ways it hadn't since middle school. how could he be this flustered, right in front of the prettiest omega on campus? he definitely looked like a tomato now.
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"no, if you go back empty-handed, they'll just make your life hell." jaemin pushed the panties into jeno's limp hand. the lace was soft against his palm. too soft. this should be illegal. "take them. show them you got them. get into that stupid fraternity if you still want to."
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he looked up at jeno. "but only if you promise not to become like them." jeno looked at him, then down at the white lace in his hand. then at jaemin again. his messy hair, red nose, glowing under fairy lights, dressed like a dream and smiling at him like he was something good.
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"i promise," he whispered.
jaemin's smile widened. he reached up and patted jeno's head. the alpha was about to combust on the spot. "good boy. now go before i sneeze on your handsome face." he climbed back into bed, pulling the blankets up.
jaemin's smile widened. he reached up and patted jeno's head. the alpha was about to combust on the spot. "good boy. now go before i sneeze on your handsome face." he climbed back into bed, pulling the blankets up.
53
jeno still stood there, frozen, clutching the lace like his life depended on it.
"oh, and jeno?"
jeno turned. jaemin was already wrapped in his blankets, only his face visible. flushed from fever, yet still looking pretty. angelic.
"i'm looking forward to our next meeting."
"oh, and jeno?"
jeno turned. jaemin was already wrapped in his blankets, only his face visible. flushed from fever, yet still looking pretty. angelic.
"i'm looking forward to our next meeting."
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after saying goodnight to jaemin, he fled. the white panties burning a hole in his pocket now. his face was still red, his heart still pounding, his brain still replaying the image of jaemin in those shorts, holding out the panties, smiling like jeno was someone worth smiling at.
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before he knew it, he was back at the alpha house. they were waiting for him. seojoon was lounging on the couch when jeno walked in. the other alphas were scattered around, playing cards, scrolling on phones. they all looked up when he entered.
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"well?" seojoon raised an eyebrow. "did you get those panties?"
jeno's hand instinctively went to his pocket. he felt the lace there. jaemin's favorites. pretty like the omega. and then he heard jaemin's voice in his head. he slowly shook his head. "no, i didn't take anything."
jeno's hand instinctively went to his pocket. he felt the lace there. jaemin's favorites. pretty like the omega. and then he heard jaemin's voice in his head. he slowly shook his head. "no, i didn't take anything."
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seojoon's smirk faltered. "what do you mean, no?"
"i mean no." jeno's voice was steadier than he felt. "i went in. i saw it was wrong. so i left. i'm not doing this. not for you. not for anyone."
for a moment, there was silence. then seojoon stood up, his expression darkening.
"i mean no." jeno's voice was steadier than he felt. "i went in. i saw it was wrong. so i left. i'm not doing this. not for you. not for anyone."
for a moment, there was silence. then seojoon stood up, his expression darkening.
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"what a pussy," seojoon's voice dropped. "you had one job. one simple job. and you couldn't even do that? you're pathetic, you know that? a waste of an alpha. no wonder everyone calls you worthless. stupid. an omega in alpha's clothing. even your own kind doesn't want you."
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the words were meant to hurt. and they did. they always had before. but this time, something was different. "you know what, seojoon?" jeno said quietly. "you're right. i'm not like you. and thank god because why would i want that?" seojoon blinked, surprised by his responses.
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jeno pulled out the spare key. he held it up. "you gave me this. a key to the omega sorority. you guys have definitely used it before. many times. done who knows what. broken into their space. stolen from them. harassed them. and you expect me to be proud to join this sick act?"
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the room went still. quiet.
"i wonder," jeno continued. "what the authorities would think if they found out about this little tradition of yours. breaking and entering. theft. harassment. i'm sure the university would love to hear about it. the omega sorority definitely would."
"i wonder," jeno continued. "what the authorities would think if they found out about this little tradition of yours. breaking and entering. theft. harassment. i'm sure the university would love to hear about it. the omega sorority definitely would."
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seojoon's face went pale. "you wouldn't."
"try me." jeno held his gaze. then there was silence again. complete, absolute silence. he turned and walked out. no one stopped him.
for the first time in his life, he felt alive. he didn't need anyone's validation. no, not anymore.
"try me." jeno held his gaze. then there was silence again. complete, absolute silence. he turned and walked out. no one stopped him.
for the first time in his life, he felt alive. he didn't need anyone's validation. no, not anymore.
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back in his room, he sat on his bed and stared at the wall for a long time. he'd done it. he'd actually stood up to other alphas for the very first time. he'd said no. he'd fought back. then, his hand drifted to his pocket. he almost forgot. jaemin's panties was still in there.
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he pulled it out slowly, carefully, like it might dissolve if he handled it wrong. but this was jaemin's. delicate. sexy. he wondered how many times jaemin had worn this? how many times they'd touched his skin, traced his curves, been part of moments jeno had no right imagining?
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he turned the panties over in his hands, marveling at how something so small could feel so significant.
and then—
he froze.
and then—
he froze.
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written on the inside of the waistband, in small cute, neat handwriting, was a string of numbers. and underneath them, two words:
"call me <3"
jeno's face went so red he was surprised he didn't set off the fire alarm. his heart stopped. started again. stopped. did a backflip.
"call me <3"
jeno's face went so red he was surprised he didn't set off the fire alarm. his heart stopped. started again. stopped. did a backflip.
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call me. with a heart. jaemin wanted him to call. had written his number on his favorite panties and given them to jeno and told him to call. he stared at the number for a full five minutes. then ten. then he pulled out his phone, his hands shaking so badly he almost dropped it.
68
he changed the contact name three times before settling on one.
first: "na jaemin" — too formal.
then: "jaemin" — boring.
and then: "jaemjaem" — what was he, twelve?
finally, cheeks burning, he typed "jaem 🐰🩷" because the omega like pinks and bunnies. adorable.
first: "na jaemin" — too formal.
then: "jaemin" — boring.
and then: "jaemjaem" — what was he, twelve?
finally, cheeks burning, he typed "jaem 🐰🩷" because the omega like pinks and bunnies. adorable.
69
he thought about jaemin's giggles. the way he'd called jeno kind and thoughtful. that smile. those damn shorts. those beautiful legs. and then his brain, traitor that it was, supplied the image of jaemin in this panties. wearing it. the one jeno was currently holding.
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he shook his head violently at those thoughts. jeno. what were you even thinking?
yet he couldn't help it. he grinned. he pressed the lace to his chest like it was something precious, kicking his feet like a middle schooler.
maybe college life wouldn’t be as bad as he expected.
yet he couldn't help it. he grinned. he pressed the lace to his chest like it was something precious, kicking his feet like a middle schooler.
maybe college life wouldn’t be as bad as he expected.
71
a week passed. jeno still hadn't texted jaemin. it wasn't that he didn't want to. he did. he really really wanted to. every night, he would pull out his phone, stare at the contact name "jaem 🐰🩷," type out a message, then delete it. type again. delete again.
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"hey, thanks for the panties! it smelled really nice." — no. absolutely not.
"hi, this is jeno, the guy you caught stealing your underwear." — even worse. he'd rather die.
"hi jaemin, it's jeno. i still have your panties. we need to talk." — that sounded like a threat.
"hi, this is jeno, the guy you caught stealing your underwear." — even worse. he'd rather die.
"hi jaemin, it's jeno. i still have your panties. we need to talk." — that sounded like a threat.
73
so he didn't text. and every time he saw jaemin on campus, which was often, because apparently the universe wanted to torture him more, he panicked and ran the other way.
74
jaemin at the library? he suddenly remembered he needed to be literally anywhere else. jaemin at the cafeteria? his food was suddenly not that important anymore. jaemin walking toward his direction? jeno would duck behind the nearest bush, wall, or unfortunate passing student.
75
he was pathetic. he knew he was pathetic. but every time he saw jaemin's face, his brain turned to static and his legs moved on their own. away. always away.
unfortunately, he had a mission. an important one.
he needed to return the panties.
unfortunately, he had a mission. an important one.
he needed to return the panties.
76
sure, it had been great, having the panties. holding it. maybe hugging it while sleeping, not that he'd admit that out loud. ever. to anyone. but jaemin had only given his panties to him because jeno needed proof for the fraternity. and now? he wasn't joining that fraternity.
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especially after what happened a few days later. the news spread fast. apparently, one of the younger pledges got scared with jeno's "threat" and ratted out the whole fraternity. the authorities were involved. seojoon and the others were under investigation until who know when.
78
great. he didn't need their validation, their approval. he didn't need anything from them. which meant he didn't need the panties anymore either. plus, he had jaemin's number. that was enough. that was more than enough. so the panties had to go back. it was the right thing to do.
79
except he couldn't bring himself to throw the panties away. i mean, why would he do that? or leave it in his dorm. what if something happened to it? what if his friend found it? what if someone broke into his room and stole it?
so he decided to keep it in his pocket. always.
so he decided to keep it in his pocket. always.
80
he brought it to classes. to the cafeteria. to the library. to the park. to the gym. everywhere. just in case he spotted jaemin. just in case he finally grew the courage to walk up to him and return what was his. but every time he saw jaemin from afar, that courage evaporated.
81
jeno would disappear before jaemin even noticed him. it became a routine. he spot the omega. panic. hide. feel ashamed. repeat.
until one evening, at a convenience store. jeno was tired. his classes had run long, he was hungry, and his brain was too fried to overthink anything.
until one evening, at a convenience store. jeno was tired. his classes had run long, he was hungry, and his brain was too fried to overthink anything.
82
he grabbed a kimbap and a bottle of banana milk and headed to the counter.
"well, that was kinda rude of you."
jeno froze. that voice. he knew that voice. it haunted his dreams and his waking hours, not that he'd admit it. he turned slowly, already feeling his face heat up.
"well, that was kinda rude of you."
jeno froze. that voice. he knew that voice. it haunted his dreams and his waking hours, not that he'd admit it. he turned slowly, already feeling his face heat up.
83
jaemin stood there. arms crossed, lips pushed out in a pout. wearing an oversized hoodie that made him look even smaller and softer and prettier. his eyes were fixed on jeno, not looking amused.
"i–jaemin–hi–i can explain–" jeno stammered, clutching his kimbap like a lifeline.
"i–jaemin–hi–i can explain–" jeno stammered, clutching his kimbap like a lifeline.
84
"i was waiting for you to call, you know." jaemin's pout deepened. "a whole week, jeno. i gave you my number. on my favorite panties. do you know how long it took to write that neatly on lace?"
jeno's brain short-circuited. "wha–you–you wrote it specifically for me? on purpose?"
jeno's brain short-circuited. "wha–you–you wrote it specifically for me? on purpose?"
85
"well, yeah." jaemin uncrossed his arms, stepping closer. "i didn't just have my number written on all my underwear. that would be weird. i wrote it that night. specifically for you."
jeno made a sound. he wasn't sure what sound, but it was definitely embarrassing.
jeno made a sound. he wasn't sure what sound, but it was definitely embarrassing.
86
"i'm sorry," he finally managed. "i wanted to text. i really did. i just... didn't know what to say. and then every time i saw you on campus, i panicked and ran away. and i felt bad about running away, which made me panic more, which made me run away more. it was a whole cycle."
87
jaemin stared at him. then, slowly, a giggle escaped. then another. then he was laughing, right there in the convenience store. "you're unbelievable," jaemin said between laughs. "you ran away from me? multiple times?"
jeno's face burned. "hey, it's not funny!"
jeno's face burned. "hey, it's not funny!"
88
"it's a little funny." jaemin wiped a tear from his eye. "do you know how many alphas chase me? like, literally chase me. they're always trying to impress me, show off, act all cool and confident. yet you? you run away. it's... kinda adorable."
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adorable. jaemin called him adorable again. jeno was going to pass out now.
"are you hungry?" jaemin asked, nodding at his kimbap. "i was about to get some snacks too. wanna sit? or are you gonna run away again?"
"are you hungry?" jaemin asked, nodding at his kimbap. "i was about to get some snacks too. wanna sit? or are you gonna run away again?"
90
jeno's heart pounded. "i–yes. i mean no. i mean yes to sitting. i won't run away. not this time, definitely."
jaemin smiled, and jeno felt like he'd won the lottery.
jaemin smiled, and jeno felt like he'd won the lottery.
91
they sat by the window, jaemin with ramyeon and jeno with his kimbap. they talked like they did last time. likes, dislikes, about nothing and everything. jaemin complained about his professor giving him a b+ for a project. jeno talked about how he used to volunteer in orphanages.
92
it was like they'd done this a hundred times before. then jeno remembered. "oh!" he reached into his pocket. "i have something for you." he pulled out the panties. carefully folded, clean (he may have hand-washed it, not that jaemin needed to know), held it out like an offering.
93
jaemin looked at the panties. then at jeno. then back at it. his eyebrow rose. "have you been carrying my panties around? inside your pocket?"
jeno's face went crimson. "yes— i mean, no! not in a creepy way if you're thinking of it. i–i was just trying to return it to you."
jeno's face went crimson. "yes— i mean, no! not in a creepy way if you're thinking of it. i–i was just trying to return it to you."
94
"i didn't want to just leave it in my dorm, what if something happened to it? it's yours! and you only gave it to me so i could show the fraternity, but i didn't join them, and now the fraternity is under investigation, so i don't need it anymore, so i wanted to give it back—"
95
"jeno." jaemin cut him off, smiling. "breathe. and relax." jeno began to breathe properly. "i gave you this panties," the omega said slowly, "because i wanted you to have it. not for the fraternity. for you." "but—"
96
"i heard about the fraternity, by the way." jaemin's smile turned proud. "about seojoon and his buddies being under investigation. someone ratted them out. and i have a feeling that this might be connected to a certain awkward alpha who couldn't even steal panties properly."
97
jeno blinked. "how did you—"
"word spreads fast here." jaemin leaned forward. "i also heard that you stood up to them. that you threatened to report them yourself. and that you walked out with your head high." his eyes were soft with admiration. "i'm proud of you, jeno."
"word spreads fast here." jaemin leaned forward. "i also heard that you stood up to them. that you threatened to report them yourself. and that you walked out with your head high." his eyes were soft with admiration. "i'm proud of you, jeno."
98
jeno's heart swelled so much he thought it might burst. no one had ever said that to him. not like this. "but still," he insisted, pushing the panties toward jaemin. "i can't keep this. it's yours. you gave it to me for a reason that doesn't exist anymore. please. take it back."
99
jaemin looked at the panties. then at jeno's determined face. then he smiled, teasingly. "nope." he pushed it back toward jeno. "i'm not taking it back." jeno blinked. "what? but—" "i gave it to you," jaemin said simply. "it's yours now. consider the panties a gift from me."
100
"i can't accept a gift like this!" "why not? you've been carrying it around for a week anyway." jaemin's eyes gleamed with mischief. "you're basically attached to it at this point. it would be cruel to separate you now." jeno's face burned. "that's not—i was trying to return it—"
101
"and i'm refusing." the omega leaned back, crossing his arms. "so i guess you're stuck with it. unless..." jeno leaned forward despite himself. "unless what?" jaemin's smile turned sly. "i'll take it back. but only on one condition." jeno's heart stuttered. "c–condition?"
102
"go out with me. this weekend."
jeno's brain stopped working. completely. entirely. no thoughts. just static. "a–a date?" he squeaked.
jeno's brain stopped working. completely. entirely. no thoughts. just static. "a–a date?" he squeaked.
103
"a date." jaemin confirmed, looking far too pleased with himself. "you, me, somewhere that is not a convenience store. i'll let you pick the place. and after the date, if you still want to give the panties back, i'll gladly take it. so what do you say, deal?"
104
jeno stared. he still couldn't believe what he just heard. a date. with na jaemin. the most popular omega on campus. the prettiest person he'd ever seen. the one who giggled at his awkwardness instead of mocking it. the one who wrote his number on his underwear for him.
105
"deal," he finally breathed. it was totally because he wanted jaemin to finally take back his panties. definitely not because he wanted to go out with him. absolutely not.
okay, maybe a little. okay, a lot. okay, he wanted it more than he'd ever wanted anything.
okay, maybe a little. okay, a lot. okay, he wanted it more than he'd ever wanted anything.
106
jaemin grinned, bright and beautiful. "great! it's a date then!" then, his phone buzzed with messages. jaemin glanced at them and groaned. "ugh, sorry. that's donghyuck. he says he's having a 'major crisis' with his boyfriend again. i have to go before he spams me to death."
107
he stood up, grabbing his things. he was about to leave, then he paused. he turned back, that smirk appeared again. "so, jeno." jaemin tilted his head. "you really carried my panties with you everywhere? for a whole week? to classes? the cafeteria? the library?"
108
jeno's face reached a new shade of red. scientific discovery levels of red. "i–it was for returning purposes—"
"mhm." jaemin stepped closer. close enough that the alpha could smell him. peonies and something sweet. "and did you sleep with it too? hug it close at night?"
"mhm." jaemin stepped closer. close enough that the alpha could smell him. peonies and something sweet. "and did you sleep with it too? hug it close at night?"
109
jeno made a strangled noise. how did jaemin know?! was he psychic?!
jaemin's smirk widened. he leaned in, his lips brushing against jeno's ear as he whispered, "good. i hope you did. and you still have a few more days to spend time with it until our date. and after our date..."
jaemin's smirk widened. he leaned in, his lips brushing against jeno's ear as he whispered, "good. i hope you did. and you still have a few more days to spend time with it until our date. and after our date..."
110
he pulled back just enough to meet jeno's eyes, "if you still want to give it back, i'll let you. but something tells me you won't want to." jaemin winked, then walked toward the door.
111
"oh, and jeno?" he called over his shoulder. "try not to run away from me anymore. it's cute, but i'd rather you run toward me instead. also, you better text me later. bye-bye!"
and then jaemin was gone. leaving jeno frozen at the table, his face on fire, his heart pounding.
and then jaemin was gone. leaving jeno frozen at the table, his face on fire, his heart pounding.
112
jeno looked down at the panties in his hands. then at the door jaemin had disappeared through. then back at the lace. still in his possession. still his responsibility. still jaemin's—no, his now, apparently. and then he thought about their upcoming date.
he was so, so screwed.
he was so, so screwed.
113
the days leading up to the date were a blur of panic and preparation. jeno had never been on a real date before. let alone with the most popular omega on campus. he was determined not to mess this up. so he started with research. hours of it.
114
"what to wear on a first date" "dates ideas to impress an omega" "how to be a gentleman during the first date" and so many more, his search history was a disaster waiting to be discovered. he asked some colleagues for fashion advice, carefully not mentioning why.
115
"just... have a thing. a formal thing. with someone." the blank stares he received made him want to disappear. finally, he caved and called his mom. "um, mom? if an alpha was going on their first date with an omega... what should he bring? or do? hypothetically?"
116
his mom laughed for a full thirty seconds. the alpha considered hanging up. "jeno, honey, are you going out with someone?" "hypothetical!" "sure it is." then she finally said, "bring flowers. and be yourself. any omega worth your time will love you for who you are."
117
be himself. that was the problem. himself was a flustered mess who couldn't form sentences around pretty omegas. but he nodded and wrote it down anyway.
he also finally texted jaemin. after typing and deleting approximately forty-seven messages, he settled on something simple.
he also finally texted jaemin. after typing and deleting approximately forty-seven messages, he settled on something simple.
118
"hi it's jeno. sorry for not texting sooner. looking forward to saturday."
the reply came within seconds.
"jeno!!! i was starting to think you forgot again 😤 but yay i'm excited too 💕"
then a photo appeared. jaemin, grinning, captioned "my face when you finally texted".
the reply came within seconds.
"jeno!!! i was starting to think you forgot again 😤 but yay i'm excited too 💕"
then a photo appeared. jaemin, grinning, captioned "my face when you finally texted".
119
jeno stared at his phone for a solid minute. his thumb hovered over the screen. he wanted to save it. he really, really wanted to save it. but that would be weird, right? saving a photo of jaemin before they'd even had their first date?
he saved it eventually.
he saved it eventually.
120
they texted constantly after that. well, jaemin texted constantly. jeno mostly sent short replies, trying not to say anything embarrassing. jaemin didn't seem to mind. he sent photos of his lunch, his outfit choices, cats he saw on campus.
jeno saved all of them. for reference.
jeno saved all of them. for reference.
121
jaemin also sent a goodnight selfie every night. hair messy, face bare, tongue sticking out at the camera. jeno almost had a heart attack the first time. he started looking forward to them more than anything. and of course, he saved all of them. still purely for reference.
122
on friday night, jaemin texted: "sooo what are we doing tomorrow? or is it a surprise?"
jeno typed: " i'm taking you out for dinner. and maybe a walk after. if you want."
"a walk where 👀"
"there's a beach near the restaurant. thought we could walk along the water after."
jeno typed: " i'm taking you out for dinner. and maybe a walk after. if you want."
"a walk where 👀"
"there's a beach near the restaurant. thought we could walk along the water after."
123
three dots appeared. disappeared. appeared again. jeno felt nervous. did jaemin not liked it? was this a stupid first date idea?
then: "jeno. that's so romantic. i didn't know you had it in you 🥺"
another text appeared: "it sounds perfect, can't wait to see you tomorrow 😘🩷"
then: "jeno. that's so romantic. i didn't know you had it in you 🥺"
another text appeared: "it sounds perfect, can't wait to see you tomorrow 😘🩷"
124
jeno buried his face in his pillow. he didn't expect that. he just thought the beach was pretty. so why not went for a stroll? and maybe he'd seen a drama once where the leads walked on the beach after dinner and it looked nice. not that he was trying to copy it or anything.
125
saturday arrived faster than he was ready for. jeno spent the entire afternoon getting ready. showered twice. changed outfits five times. he finally settled on a simple button-up and dark jeans. clean. classic. hopefully not embarrassing.
126
he stopped at a flower shop on the way. red roses. cliché, but his mom said flowers. and roses were romantic, right? jaemin deserved romantic. by the time he reached the omega sorority house, his palms were sweaty and his heart was doing something that definitely wasn't normal.
127
he stood at the door, bouquet clutched in one hand, and knocked before he could lose his nerve. the door swung open. an omega stood there. he looked jeno up and down, as if he was inspecting him. "well, well. you must be jeno."
jeno swallowed. "um. yes. hi, i'm here for—"
jeno swallowed. "um. yes. hi, i'm here for—"
128
the omega turned his head and yelled into the house, "NANA! YOUR BOYFRIEND'S HERE!"
jeno's face erupted. "w-wait—i'm not—we're not—it's our first—"
"hyuck!" jaemin's voice came from somewhere inside, scandalized. "i told you not to—"
and then jaemin appeared in front of him.
jeno's face erupted. "w-wait—i'm not—we're not—it's our first—"
"hyuck!" jaemin's voice came from somewhere inside, scandalized. "i told you not to—"
and then jaemin appeared in front of him.
129
jeno forgot how to breathe. jaemin was wearing a cream sweater that hung off one shoulder, necklace resting against his collarbone, and jeans that hugged his curve. he looked like he'd stepped out of a painting. a dream. every fantasy jeno had never let himself have.
130
"close your mouth, lover boy," donghyuck said, amused. "you'll catch flies." jeno snapped his mouth shut. his ears were burning. his entire existence was burning. jaemin swatted donghyuck's arm. "i said don't tease him! he's already nervous!"
131
"can't help it, he looks like he's about to pass out. it's adorable." donghyuck grinned at jeno. "good luck, big guy. don't screw this up." then he disappeared back inside, but jeno could swear he saw a curtain twitch in the window. and some giggling? maybe he imagined that.
132
jaemin turned to him, flushed. "sorry about hyuck. he's... a lot." jeno opened his mouth. nothing came out. he cleared his throat. and tried again. "i–you–you look—" he thrust the roses toward jaemin instead of finishing that sentence. please let the flowers say what he couldn't.
133
jaemin's eyes went wide. then soft. "jeno..." he took the bouquet, bringing it to his nose. "they're beautiful. you didn't have to." "i wanted to," jeno managed. his voice only cracked a little. "you deserve—i mean, i thought—my mom said—" "your mom?" jaemin's smile got curious.
134
"she said to bring flowers," jeno admitted. "said omegas will like them, that's how my dad impressed her at their first date." jaemin giggled. "you asked your mom for dating advice? for our date?" "i didn't want to mess up," jeno said, all flushed. jaemin's expression softened.
135
he reached out and straightened jeno's collar. "don't worry, you're doing great so far." jeno's heart soared. crashed. soared again. "ready to go?" jaemin asked, he tucked the roses carefully into the crook of his arm. jeno nodded, realizing he'd been holding his breath. "yeah—"
136
he led jaemin to his car, an old sedan that he'd cleaned obsessively that morning. he opened the passenger door before jaemin could reach for it, earning a "oh, what a gentleman" and a pleased smile. when they pulled into the restaurant parking lot, jaemin let out a small gasp.
137
"jeno, the beach.. it is beautiful." "wait until you see the food," jeno said, finally allowing himself to smile. he hurried around to open jaemin's door again. jaemin stepped out and looked up at jeno with those sparkling eyes. "you're really incredible, you know that?"
138
hearing those words, jeno suddenly tripped over nothing. jaemin caught his arm, laughing. "okay, maybe incredible isn't the word. but definitely cute." jeno wanted to evaporate. instead, he let jaemin keep holding his arm. just for a moment. maybe longer.
139
the restaurant was perfect. cozy lighting, calm music, the sound of the ocean just outside. they were seated by the window, and jaemin's face lit up when he saw the view. "this is so pretty, jeno." he leaned forward, chin in his hands. "you really went all out, huh?"
140
"i wanted it to be nice," jeno said quietly. "you deserve nice things." jaemin laughed. he shook his head. "you keep saying things like that, i'm gonna get a big ego." "maybe you should. you're— beautiful, kind, perfect, everything— you deserve to feel special," jeno admitted.
141
jaemin was surprised. then his voice went quiet, almost shy. "no one's ever said that to me before. it was always about getting into my pants and bragging about it afterward." "then they were all idiots," jeno said, his voice firmer than he expected. "and they deserve to die."
142
jaemin stared at him for a beat, then he burst out laughing. "oh, jeno. i didn't know you had this side. it's sexy." okay, now jeno felt like bursting into flame at that comment. but he couldn't help it, none of those disgusting alphas deserved someone like jaemin.
143
and so they ordered the meals. they ate, they talked about everything and nothing. jaemin told him about his fashion design dreams, the collection he was working on, how he wanted to start his own brand someday. jeno listened like every word was precious. because they were.
144
"what about you?" jaemin asked, taking a bite of his steak. "you want to work with kids, right?" jeno nodded. "that's right. any kind of schools, i don't mind. the kids..." he paused, feeling embarrassed. "they made me feel like i mattered. like being soft wasn't a bad thing."
145
jaemin's expression went tender. "it's not a bad thing. it's the best thing. the world needs more alphas like you." jeno ducked his head, face warm. "you really think so?" "i know so." jaemin reached across the table and placed his hand over jeno's. enough to make his heart stop.
146
"you're going to be an amazing teacher someday. and an even better father." father. jeno's brain supplied an image of jaemin holding a— no, their baby with jeno's eyes, jaemin's nose, his lips, jaemin's cheekbones. he almost choked on his rice due to his own thoughts. focus jeno.
147
after dinner, they walked along the beach. the sun had set, leaving the sky painted in soft purples and pinks. it was the kind of scene jeno had only seen in movies. jaemin's sweater caught the breeze, hair tousled, smile wide. he looked like so.. unreal.
148
"you're staring," jaemin said, noticing his gaze. "sorry," jeno said, not sorry at all. jaemin tilted his head, smirking. "do you always stare at omegas like that?" "only you," jeno admitted. then he realized what he'd said. "wait, i mean—not that i—i don't usually—you're just—"
149
jaemin laughed. he leaned towards him. "you're so cute when you ramble. don't ever change yourself. i like it." jeno stopped breathing. jaemin was close to him now. close enough that he could count his eyelashes. close enough that the peony scent was overwhelming in the best way.
150
they stood there for a moment, the waves filling the silence. then jaemin broke it. he stepped back from the alpha. "we should probably head back. donghyuck will never let me hear the end of it if i'm out too late." jeno nodded, trying to remember how his lungs normally worked.
151
when they reached the sorority house, jeno's stomach twisted. the date was almost over. "i guess this is it," jaemin said, turning to face him. jeno nodded slowly. then he reached into his pocket. his fingers found the familiar lace. his chest ached. "i have something for you."
152
he pulled out the folded panties. "we made a promise." jaemin's eyes flickered down to the lace, then back to jeno's face. "you really want to give it back?" jeno hesitated. a tiny voice in his head screamed no. but he'd promised. "yeah. it's yours. it was always yours, jaemin."
153
jaemin took it, slowly, watching jeno's expression. "are you sure? you don't want to keep it a little longer?" jeno's throat went dry. "i—i no, i don't. i should give it back to you. that was the deal we made." jaemin's lips curved. "okay. if you're sure."
154
jaemin tucked the panties into his own pocket. then he stepped closer, eyes sparkling. "oh, but jeno? if you ever want it back, or any of my other ones.." his voice dropped to a playful whisper. "i just bought a whole new collection. very pretty. lacy. i think you'd like them."
155
jeno made a sound that wasn't human. his face was approximately the temperature of the sun. jaemin giggled, clearly pleased with himself. "just saying. if you want them, you know where to find me." before he could form a response, jaemin leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
156
"thank you for tonight," jaemin said, pulling back. "i had so much fun." jeno's brain had officially left the building. "me too," he managed, voice strangled. jaemin smiled brightly. "goodnight, jeno. sleep well tonight." "goodnight," jeno breathed.
157
jaemin turned and slipped inside, closing the door behind him. jeno stood there for a long moment, hand pressed to his cheek where jaemin's lips had been. his legs felt like jelly. his heart was going to burst.
158
he started walking backward toward the sidewalk, still facing the door, grinning like an idiot.
he almost fell over the curb.
then, from inside the sorority house, he heard squeals. high-pitched and unmistakable. followed by what sounded like several voices shrieking at once.
he almost fell over the curb.
then, from inside the sorority house, he heard squeals. high-pitched and unmistakable. followed by what sounded like several voices shrieking at once.
159
"nana you sly omega!"
"can't believe you kissed him on the cheek!"
"he brought roses! that's so gentleman!"
"he's definitely at the top—no, the only alpha on the list of alphas we approve for you to marry."
"you better invite him over next time—"
"nana, you're blushing so hard!"
"can't believe you kissed him on the cheek!"
"he brought roses! that's so gentleman!"
"he's definitely at the top—no, the only alpha on the list of alphas we approve for you to marry."
"you better invite him over next time—"
"nana, you're blushing so hard!"
160
jeno stood frozen, hand still pressed to his cheek, as the realization hit. so jaemin's friends been watching. the entire time. from the moment he knocked to the moment jaemin kissed his cheek. his face burned. his soul briefly left his body. he wanted to die. he wanted to laugh.
161
he turned and left. legs unsteady, heart full, a smile he couldn't wipe off his face. he walked the rest of the way home floating on air, his cheek still tingling. and somewhere in his pocket, the panties he'd carried for so long was finally gone but somehow, he didn't miss it.
162
because jaemin had promised he could have more. and jeno? the alpha was already counting the days until he could work up the courage to ask. or until some miracle happened and jaemin offered the panties to him without being asked.
he prayed for that miracle.
he prayed for that miracle.
