- Kitchen

@α Jeon Wonwoo Ah, right. That's why he was wearing a thick sweater in the summer. How could Yibo forget? "Oh- uhm-" He choked out as he put his hands to his sides again once the dishes were taken. Was he going to get lectured about how reckless he was? How an omega should be chaperoned for this exact reason? Yibo swallowed thickly but let Wonwoo gently touch him. He didn't mind the water. It grounded him from his thoughts even. Of course Wonwoo wouldn't do those things. He was a good man who respected him as another person; not just because he was an omega.

Eyes widened before shaking his head firmly, worried about what the other would do if that /was/ true. "It was before I got here. I.." Yibo cleared his throat as a lump formed from the memory of it. He shifted on his feet as Wonwoo wiped off his wrists. "There were a f-few times that some alph-ha was angry th-that I wouldn't li-lis-listen to them. So they punished me." There was a shrug from his shoulders before tears filled his eyes. Not of sadness or terror but pure anger. "I didn't know them." It was an unfortunate event but it did make Yibo even more cautious, his stomach clenching at the mere thought of what Wonwoo would do if he found out about the bruises on his legs or torso. With a very light smile, Yibo patted the alpha's chest and took a deep breath in an attempt to calm the other. "Don't work yours-self up over this. I'm safe now." Which was a very true statement.

@ω Wang Yibo Wonwoo looked over Yibo, his gaze lingering on the wounds that his skin bore. Yellowed greens where violent reds and violets once lay. The marks that showed exactly how roughly the omega had been handled, and how damaged he had been. "No need..." Wonwoo trailed off a little, lips pressing together as he took the dishes in hand and put them into the sink. "What's all this?" He asked slowly, turning off the water for a minute to look at Yibo, his wet hands moving to the omega's wrists, lightly lifting them and stroking the bruises with his thumbs. He wanted to know who could hurt someone like Yibo, who was so kind and gentle. It made his heart ache deeply to think of him having to endure something so terrible.

"Who hurt you? Was it someone here? You can tell me, Yibo. I can help fix it, if there's someone you're afraid of..." He trailed off with that thought, realizing now that he was getting the younger wet. He pulled away, grabbing the towel he'd already been using and drying off his own hands before he gently brushed the water from Yibo's forearms. Putting the towel down on the counter, Wonwoo leaned with his back to the sink, his therapy face back on - the forced indifference that only showed a fraction of what he was really feeling - a tiny crease between his eyes, the slightest of downturns in his lips. It was made to be calm and not alarm anybody, most of all those that he worked with .

@α Jeon Wonwoo Shaking his head, Yibo sipped at the cup that the other had given him. Oh how unfortunate this conversation had turn. At least Wonwoo was smiling again. His eyebrows furrowed together at the thought before shrugging it off. "I don't think I'll ever get m-mated." It was an honest statement. Mates seemed like too much work and who would truly want him? Some called him rude, disobedient, and cold. Of course that wasn't always true but it didn't hurt any less hearing those type of things. Even his own insecurities about his speech was another thing holding him back.

Yibo finished off his food and tea before bringing his dishes to Wonwoo. With being in a well off family; they not only had a automatic dishwasher but he never had to do anything with the dishes. "I can help." He knew the other wasn't feeling well after all and it could be good to learn these things. The omega rolled his oversized sleeves up to his elbows.

Obviously if Yibo was paying attention he would realize that he was still sporting some old injuries. Or keep in mind about hiding them. A rainbow of marks were on his skin; both wrists a light purple with yellow in different degrees, the inside of his left elbow had a hand shaped mark like he was grabbed too. Tinier, more faded marks, littered his forearms. Some scabbed over nail scratches accompanied them as well. Most of the marks were well faded but due to his fair skin, it bruised easily. Meaning the injuries would stay longer. "H-How do you... do th-this?" Yibo asked and pointed at the sink of pans and his dishes as well. It was clear that he completely forgot about them being there.

@ω Wang Yibo Washing the dishes was calming, a peace from the grill in the restaurant and a time where you didn't have to deal with customers or be perfect. Dish duty was seen as awful by most, but it was therapeutic to Wonwoo. He'd learned that one young, when working was hard. He could wash dishes and sniffle and rub his eyes all he wanted. While he was sure his parents knew that he was crying, he could always claim it was the steam from the water fogging up his glasses and making him sweat; that was the only reason he was rubbing his face on his sleeve so much. Despite his last profession working with people, he had actually hated it when he started working in the restaurant as a young teenager. How things changed over the years - How people changed - it would always amaze him.

He turned, shocked, when Yibo began to sputter, wide eyes searching to make sure that the omega was alright. Was his question really that shocking? Grabbing a towel, Wonwoo began to dry his hands and reached into the cabinet for a cup, getting Yibo some fresh, cool water from a pitcher in the fridge. Once he set down the cup, he rubbed the omega's back and listened closely; it was lucky that he was patient, knowing the struggles that the other male went through. Unable to help himself, there was a short bark of laughter, all concerns of his tear-stained eyes being noticed gone as they curled into crescents. "I'm sorry, I had no clue you'd find them so similar." He could only remember bits and pieces of the male's history - Talking about family was sometimes therapeutic, and sometimes, it was a hindrance.

"Well, if not Haikuan, I hope you find someone else that you care about enough to enter into a proper relationship with. It would be good for you, I think." He stopped rubbing the other male's back and instead gave a few comforting pats. It would definitely make occurrences like this - where Wonwoo had to shove his foot in his mouth - fewer and farther between, but also, he felt like it would help Yibo adjust and continue to expand his horizons. "I'll just finish up the dishes now that I know you're not dying." He added with a kind-hearted smile, going back to the sink and taking the pans he'd used this time to wash those up now that they were cool.

@α Jeon Wonwoo With the new activities Yibo was rapidly picking up, it was only a matter of time one would not agree with him or that he would get hurt. After being sheltered for so long it was kind of a miracle he didn't have more than tiny bumps and bruises. The prospect of the two alphas meeting made Yibo nearly vibrate with excitement. Both were kind, caring, and had rather unconventional hobbies. "You might even become best friends!" He replied cheerily, thinking it would be rather endearing to see the two with patterned gloves and gardening hats.

The flinch caught him off guard but he had assumed it was because it was unexpected of him. A frown fell on Yibo's lips at what Wonwoo said about himself. That certainly wasn't true. With that logic he probably was in the same boat for the things that happened with him. There was a pause in thought when his mind sang out; you left someone at the altar!! Yibo shook his head, his thumb rubbing over the other's wrist before he pulled away.

With how Wonwoo carried himself, the conversation was over and Yibo felt bad for bringing it up. A beat of silence spread between them as Yibo finished his food and the older washed his dishes. When the question hit his ears though; the omega choked on his tea. Sputtering everywhere, coughing, and shaking his head. "N-No!" He wheezed out as he patted his chest roughly and tried to calm down. The omega had a look like he just ate the most bitter thing in the world; scrunched up and frowning. Haikuan wasn't gross or ugly. It was more of the fact Haikuan reminded him of– "He's wh-what my brother w-would have been like if he was k-kind to me, I think." Yibo coughed out again, ears pink at the subject of mates. "Ew! Wonwoo, why would you ask that." There may have been a slight whine in his voice but it wasn't like he could help it. Besides, Haikuan was extremely gentle and treated him like it sometimes with the mothering. Triple no thank you.

@ω Wang Yibo Laughing softly at the choices the omega made, Wonwoo looked at him like he was seeing the other in a new light. It was funny, because he wouldn't have chosen any of the activities that the other male seemingly adored now as things that he would have liked in the past. He'd always been... Delicate and gentle and... Well, now it was obvious that's what his parents wanted of him, but it had fit in some strange way. Maybe it was Yibo's princely looks and his practiced way of carrying himself that had lead Wonwoo to such a conclusion. Regardless of that all, the alpha was happy. Yibo seemed very genuinely happy with himself and his hobbies, and nobody could take that away.

"You'll have to introduce me to Haikuan one of these days, Yibo. It sounds like he and I will get along very well." He could imagine killing hours in the gardens with someone else; it might even be fun for a change, his solitary lifestyle now seeming more like a handicap than a protective measure. When Yibo touched him, he didn't move. Flinched a little, yes, but he wasn't quite sure why. It was pity that he was afraid of - People pitying him sounded like the worst thing that might happen after Wonwoo explained his circumstances and why he left literally everything behind. A knot was forming in his throat, and he carefully swallowed it, along with the last of his tea, leaving just a few dregs at the bottom.

"Thank you for your condolences, but I must have done something truly terrible to have such bad luck befall me. Trust me, when I figure out what it was, I'll be repenting for the rest of my life." He tried to put on a smile, make a joke, but he could feel his delivery falling flat. Maybe all this stuff still had more of a hold on him than he cared to admit. So instead, he cleared his throat and gently moved away from the omega - whose scent seemed to rise again and flush out his own sour notes of mildew and burnt coffee - and took his bowls to the sink, cleaning off the extra food that was unconsumed, and began to wash his dishes. He didn't want the other to see how his eyes shimmered with tears at the idea of life being 'unfair'; a concept he'd thought many times when he was alone, late at night. Dwelling on it wouldn't help anything though, so he searched for a new topic of conversation. "About this Haikuan - Are you considering him for a mate? You seem to talk about him an awful lot..." Wonwoo asked from his place over the sink, taking his time to make sure he didn't end up too emotional in front of the other wolf.

@α Jeon Wonwoo The touch made Yibo's hand twitch before he pulled his hands away. He shook his head, smiling warmly at the other. "Haikuan-gēgē offered bu-but no. I tried skateboarding instead. It-It's really fun." The activity might have seemed like something Yibo would avoid but now with the freedom that most alphas have in his life; that was the perfect choice.

"I think I-I'll dye my hair soon." He did want it to sound like a joke but Yibo had been thinking about it. Obviously that would have to wait. With a new burst of energy; he was able to shovel 4 big bites into his mouth with cheeks bulging. Then the story came. In all honesty, Yibo didn't expect Wonwoo's story to be so... heartbreaking? Awful? No, lonely. Wonwoo's life was lonely and he had no clue. How has time treated him so badly? Yibo thought it was utterly unfair.

Yibo was quiet and he sipped at his– now cold –tea. What could he say? Could he help in some way? Wonwoo was always so kind and honest with him, he didn't deserve this. Quite the opposite in fact. With a very tentative and slow hand, Yibo put his hand on the other's wrist. Touch light enough for the alpha to move away. "I'm sorry for your loss." He whispered as he held eye contact with Wonwoo. Yibo tried one last thing in hopes it could alleviate some stress or pain from his dear friend; letting a calming scent cover them like a light blanket. Omegas were known as caretakers so this should be an easy feat for him. "Time ha-hasn't been kind to you. It's n-not fair."

@ω Wang Yibo Listening to the other while he ate provided Wonwoo with the reassurance he needed that Yibo was living well, even outside of his parents' means. That made his heart warm and his smile grow from professional to genuine. "Instruments, huh? Next you'll tell me you're taking up gardening?" He laughed a little, reaching over to run his index finger across Yibo's light callouses. They were smaller than most but still - it was a change from the constantly baby-smooth appearance of the other male he'd known previously.

"I'm glad to hear that you're finding hobbies that suit you, rather than ones picked out for you. That's got to be a really good feeling." He would have continued, but the abrupt change of topic caught him off guard. Well. That was a story and a half, and he wasn't sure that Yibo would do well hearing it all, but it was worth it to at least give the male the cliffnote version of events.

"Well, I was doing well with both businesses, but then... My mate, he uh... He passed away. I felt like a jinx, so I began to worry about the business, and the firm, so... I gave up, honestly. I gave up on a lot of things. I sold the business to the manager of the restaurant - on paper only, of course. I didn't take any money from him. I left the firm, found some people to live in the house while I was gone, rent free as long as they treated it as their own, and I came here. My parents had sent other kids they'd fostered or adopted through here. For humans, they were... They were good people." He swallowed, then leaned back in his chair, taking a deep drink of his tea. The memories were hard to recount, but he was still alive, and he hadn't killed anyone else, in his own mind; maybe this place reset his jinx. He was still apprehensive to test the theory though. "Ah, so... That's my story. It hasn't been very long; less than a year, in fact."

@α Jeon Wonwoo With a tentative hand, Yibo rubbed his nose at the air around them. His own scent nearly suffocating him and masking everything else around him. Usually he was more in control of his emotions since he was raised with the classes on teaching that talent. Why was he losing control now? Yibo closed his eyes and willed his scent to mellow to at least amber and various wood mixtures.

He glanced at Wonwoo for just a moment before focusing on eating again. After the whole talk; he wasn't /actually/ hungry anymore but the alpha went through so much trouble to make it. A soft hum in agreement was all Yibo had energy for at the moment, focusing on eating and being teased by the memories of his past. There was a time that Yibo was late to his class with Wonwoo; the first and only time actually. He was so caught up with spending time with his childhood best friend in the stream near his home that he lost track of time. Wonwoo had just smiled and told him how important it was too have a good support system. Yibo couldn't stop smiling that day even though he was dripping all over his dry clothes, making them stick unpleasantly. The happier memory made him feel more relaxed; just like the warm food and the company started to do again.

After a few moments of gathering his thoughts and taking sometime to answer, Yibo nodded. "I don't have classes anymore so I get t-to do things for fun now. I-I'm just nervous ab-about talking with other people." Even if he hadn't been leaving his room much, that didn't mean he wasn't enjoying himself. "I painted something e-earlier and now I have blisters on my hands an-and callouses on my-my fingertips from playing instruments so much." Yibo laughed a little, holding his palms out for the other to see the few callouses. It was a small thing for most but for Yibo it was the best thing he's seen. "My body aches from dancing too. I like i-it." This didn't really mean he was adjusting well with basic needs but it did mean he was enjoying himself. "H-How long have you been here?" It was an abrupt question but he just wanted to know how the other ended up here.

@ω Wang Yibo Wonwoo could taste the difference in the air around them, Yibo's scent taking on the darker notes that were mostly covered up by flowers normally - And it burned in the back of his throat. In response, his own scent only grew more bitter, taking on the notes of the omega and returning them in kind. He didn't like the story he was hearing. He didn't like how much Yibo stammered through the story. He didn't like the implications. Basically, Wonwoo didn't like *anything* he was hearing at the moment. Being Wonwoo, though, meant that he hid it well behind the thin, polite smile that he normally bore when working. He wasn't the type to show his hand so easily when it came to his judgements.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that at least you have Haikuan through this, because that is the most important thing. A good support system is worth more than anything else, but I've told you that before." He kept his gaze down on the bowl of rice, taking scoops of it and pairing them with the eggs. Slowly but surely, he was making a dent in his dish. His body ached, and he was looking forward to going back to bed after he was done cleaning, but he was also worried about Yibo. His family had money. Money meant power, and power meant they might try to find him. It would take more than a haircut to avoid those kinds of people.

"Other than the obvious... Are you doing alright? Adjusting well? All that good stuff..." He asked, needing to know there was a silver lining around here somewhere. Yibo was a kind omega who deserved the world, as far as he'd come to tell; a little naive, but that was to be expected with how he was raised. Wonwoo wanted to be a part of helping him adjust if he needed it. Aside from continuing to work with the younger wolf, he could imagine that cooking lessons might be a good gift to give in his quest to help Yibo adjust to living without his parents' money behind him.

@α Jeon Wonwoo (I mean... I was sleepy but still!! Thank you~)

Yibo was nearly vibrating with anticipation over the fact he would get to eat. If Haikuan wasn't telling him to eat or making him food than he forgot very easily. Back then, his family had a few maids or butlers that would bring him food every now and again but since running away expecting that was long gone. His eyes seemed to shimmer with how pretty and wonderful it all looked, eagerly taking the bowls as he settled in as well. "Thank you, Wonwoo." Yibo smiled brightly at the other before digging in.

The game was easy enough and Yibo didn't mind the structure to it. It reminded him of dancing, which was always a treat for him. The omega really thought that he cooled it down enough but even after taking a bite, he still 'hafshafshafs' until it cooled down more. There was a pause in movements at the question before using a soup spoon to put some broth on his rice. "Ah... well..." if Yibo was going to tell the other what happened it probably should be now. At some point Wonwoo will find out and would probably be hurt that he wasn't told sooner. "Haikuan-gēgē is helping m-me adjust." It was a passing statement that bought him enough time to eat a bite of rice and think of his next words.

"I came here a-after gett-tt-tting jumped fo-for not listening t-to an alpha. S-Someone fr-from the mansion f-found me." Yibo said tensely, not meeting Wonwoo's eyes. The omega's scent seem to turn smokier, more like burning wood or amber. His whole situation was unpleasant and he wished things could be different. "I ran away o-on my we-wedding day too. My family doe-doesn't know where I-I am." That part Yibo was less upset about but talking about his year and a half on the streets were never fond memories to be brought up.

@ω Wang Yibo [LOL I figured you were just sleepy ;; But it was all good, no worries. ]

Wonwoo made sure to give Yibo the egg first - He could literally hear how hungry the omega was. It was only instinct to feed him, and second nature as well. That's what he did in the restaurant, and what he did in his personal life; often being called a 'dorm mom' or a 'house mom', much to the chagrin of the Alpha. He didn't understand what about cooking was so inherently feminine, but he also didn't exactly care. After setting the bowl of steamed egg down in front of Yibo, Wonwoo turned to check the rice cooker, smiling as it popped up right in front of him.

Two more bowls were produced, each with a soft, fluffy mound of white rice and Wonwoo settled in next to Yibo, finally ready to enjoy his meal with the cup of tea in his hand. "Mm, the sentence game is always fun. I'm surprised you're not asking for board games or something less... Structured." He laughed a little bit, taking a bite of egg and blowing on it before actually eating it. "I figured you might not actually need me to work with you any more... I don't know how you're adjusting to all this, or how you arrived here." He added thoughtfully, pausing to eat a few bites - a small excuse to open the floor for the omega, should he wish to tell his tale. If not... Well, that was okay too.

@α Jeon Wonwoo (Thank you. I totally drunk typed that out too so thank you for being so nice about me replying.)

The sight of food cooking made the younger wolf's stomach growl in interest. His ears turning pink in embarrassment over how loud the rumble actually was. Listening closely to what Wonwoo was saying only made his happiness a lot more obvious. A floral scent rolling off Yibo in waves like a slow tide coming in. This was one time that he felt completely calm and content to just sit. Taking in slow breaths, putting him in his favorite nook of his old home with a book he's read more than a dozen times but never getting tired of the story. Yibo swayed very, very, gently as he held his mug with sleeve covered hands.

They could actually start being friends if they wanted. It was quite a development in all honesty. He wonders if his parents would be disappointed in this turn of events or would they just make sure that he wasn't going to do anything impulsive. Yibo tried not to let the thought ruin his good mood and instead focused on watching Wonwoo's hands create a very delicious looking dish. Was he taught by his family? Or did he learn on his own? Yibo asked himself as they were both served.

"Mm." Yibo nodded firmly in agreement that they were just waiting for the rice now. A small smile played on his lips as he stared down at his mug, watching tiny specks of loose leaf tea float around. In all honesty, he didn't really want to do lessons. Sure they were nice but they just made him feel like a child. Besides lately, he's been able to talk with minimal to no stutters. Just around Wonwoo... well, a blast from the past is stressful for anyone. As long as the alpha was happy than Yibo could work with it. "I miss the alphabet game. You say a letter and I make a s-sentence. That was always fun." He said after a moment, turning towards the other and subconsciously scooting closer again.

@ω Wang Yibo (You're good, really! Lol I don't mind slow/late replies at all. <3)

Wonwoo turned back to breakfast now that the offer was made. He put the rice in it's little pot and set it to cook, then focusing on the steamed eggs. It was a delicate recipe, if you didn't want to burn it, so he had to use all the precision his parents had taught him. What a difference, between himself and Yibo - Their parents, their upbringings, everything about them, right down to their secondary gender. They were polar opposites in most ways, but both had good, genuine hearts. To Wonwoo, that one similarity mattered much more than all the differences that could come up between them. He nearly laughed at the thought - Money. Money didn't really matter here. Here they were a pack, and Jaeho worked hard in tandem with the other wolves to keep the house running efficiently. Money didn't really mean much to any of them anymore.

"I'm not after the money, Yibo. If you want to work with me, we can work together. This is payment enough." He motioned to the cup of tea, the brew quietly weaving through his system to wake him up, and brighten his day. With every sip, there was a little pulse - a delicate vibration on the air that you couldn't actually feel, but could sense if you shared a similar race. It was that of his own pheromones being forced through his pores; the scent of old books, dust, and paper; warm coffee with sweetened cream adding a hint of sweetness to combat all the otherwise dry smells. It was the scent of a librarian's office, a favorite study, a coffee shop with a book in hand and nothing else to do. It was his body showing his happiness, even if he didn't say as much.

No; Instead his focus was on the egg. A touch of soy, a pinch of pepper, sliced green onions - A beautiful dish once it was complete, which tended to happen very fast. Wonwoo moved to grab two earthenware bowls, cutting the cloud-like egg in half and scooping it out with a teaspoon or two of the broth for added flavor. "I guess we're just waiting on the rice then. At least that gives us time to talk, right? You can tell me what you've missed most and we can start there for lessons." Wonwoo's smile was wide and pleased at the idea of going back to teaching. He didn't even really stop to consider that there hadn't been an official 'acceptance' of his terms from the omega. Either way, he was sure that Yibo would indulge him, even if just for a few sessions. They would both benefit, and maybe Wonwoo could even help introduce Yibo around a bit more. Mostly, it would just be nice to have conversations like they used to, Wonwoo thought to himself, missing the outside world just a little bit now that he had a reminder of it in front of him.

@α Jeon Wonwoo (IN CHRIST, I thought I replied :(( )

A warm and welcoming scent that the alpha eagerly took made Yibo smile brightly. Something he never truly did unless he aced something. So of course, his teacher has seen it on his face before. With a lucky guess, was something that the other hadn't before. This was one of the times that his training of tea class actually benefitted him in the end. Yibo's hand hovered before dropping– the one he was carrying sugar –with a warm and happy smile. "You're very welcome, Wonwoo-hyung." He replied happily and put 2 spoonfuls in his own mug. What a feeling to have another person to compliment him on his talent of tea expertise.

With a very careful duck of the head, the young omega was able to hide his face. Of course nothing traced his face but he always heard the horror stories. Those omegas that cut their hair; essentially cutting off their heritage, made a very ugly scar show up to the young persons face in retaliation. Since running away; he truly had nothing to worry about. It was an excited he choice he made, something that was eager. What more eager than eager than the family that ignored your wishes and own happiness. In his own thoughts, he gave himself the amount of sugar that he would enjoy. Always the calculated alpha; Yibo never expected the other to say anything. It wasn't even that he was calculated. It was that he was so utterly kind that sometimes it made the young omega's chest ache in dreamy want with his own want. To have Wonwoo as an alpha was a blessing among their wolf.

Yibo's eyebrow arched in interest, eyes glancing to him as well. Than he remembered his etiquette and looked down again; mixing his tea calmly. "I... don't have money as I u-use to." Yibo replied honestly to the older's inquiry. Maybe it was too big of a dream to wonder if the other just— even if strangers would like to believe —/missed him/ and all his terrible quirks that made him an unpleasant omega, it was too easy to wish. Yibo moved amongst all the question. He put away the sugar and put a reusable straw in his mug before, scooting closer to the older. Oh to be close again. To be able to talk to someone who he knew wouldn't use him for his status. Since Wonwoo knew him from the get go of his status of omega. "I re-really don't have any money." Yibo affirmed and busied himself with reading the sides of the ramen bowl. If Wonwoo wanted money, it wasn't something he was going to get but company? Well, maybe, Yibo could give that to him. His eyes planted on him as he sipped at the overly hot mug of white tea for him. Always the puzzle this duo. Surely, his family would agree

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@ω Wang Yibo The scent of tea was welcoming, and refreshingly different. Wonwoo was far too used to the scent and taste of coffee, the scents that bloomed around him like a coffee shop. The mug was steaming and just slightly bitter, fragranced with a heavy hand of spices that made him feel warm from the smell alone. It was going to taste delicious, he could already tell. Pausing in his cooking to take the mug offered, Wonwoo gave an unbridled smile to the younger wolf, pleased with the offering of the omega. "Thank you." He made sure to say before taking a deep drink of the hot liquid as it was, neither wanting nor needing sugar to sweeten the taste.

It was funny, the things that you noticed about your surroundings in certain situations. With Yibo, it had been the sudden cessation of everything at mention of his hair. Was he that attached? Had it not been voluntary? He had the thought of the implications of obedience, and the Chinese tradition of Kun - However, nothing marred Yibo's face. It had to be a personal choice. He started the water in his pot, covering it to allow a boil while he whipped the eggs together with a little bit of salt and some spices. As he did, his eyes lifted to the other male, wiggling his nose to force his glasses back up. He could have said 'I see' again, but that wasn't really necessary. Instead, he hummed, looking his former pupil up and down.

"Well, considering you don't have anything in the way now, and I don't have any other clients, we could certainly go back to working together. Not like there's much else to be done at the moment, unless you have a reason not to spend time together." Wonwoo made sure to trail off the thought, not wanting to sound pushy. Sure, he was desperate for something close to normalcy - like cooking in the restaurant, or working with a client he'd known for years - but that didn't mean he was going to do it at the expense of someone else. Especially Yibo. His parents had paid handsomely to have their son work with Wonwoo, when he was the top SLP in his office group. The money had made it easier to find endearments among the fidgety nature, which soon grew into an actual adoration for the omega; so much so, that he was now willing to take on lessons for free. This was something that, while fitting with his kind nature, was not something that the old Wonwoo would have done.

@α Jeon Wonwoo When Wonwoo agreed for a cup of tea; Yibo moved like he was on autopilot. It was not only something that he was completely capable of but it was nice to know he was able to help the older wolf somehow. Something about the knowledge caused a vibration of energy through his blood. Pulling down a larger mug before going back to the tea drawer, pawing through it as he looked for the most appropriate type.

Yibo's hands paused at the question. It was bound to come up, he knew that, but he wasn't prepared to hear the chastising of cutting it off. How beautiful it was, how it was such a waste to chop it off, and how he could have kept it to his shoulder length. He hummed in agreement that it was a new and recent thing, not elaborating. The tea picked was a black chai, something to wake the other up but also to make sure it would settle an upset stomach. What Yibo didn't expect was the praise and utter understanding. His eyes quickly snapped over at the other who was moving around the kitchen easily. Blatant awe and a nice glow of flush on the omega's cheeks. Yibo's scent instantly deepened, orange blossom coming out more the happier he got. "Thank you." He said as he went back to the task at hand, steeping the black tea. "It was hard but it really... really made me feel more like myself. No more parents decisions." After a moment, Yibo grabbed the sugar and moved closer towards the alpha. "They were the ones that ended my appoint-tments. That did me no good."

@ω Wang Yibo Wonwoo smiled at the small pout, denying himself the chance to reach over and poke it - that action would be too familiar with a former pupil of his, but it did cross his mind. It was cute enough on it's own, but paired with the sheepish look at the way his stomach growled, Wonwoo was nearly cooing over the omega. "It's okay, no shame in being hungry." The alpha smiled as he moved around the kitchen to get to the fridge, pulling out the eggs and preparing to cook. He didn't really think much as he moved, going instinctually around to find the things he needed. "I think a cup of tea would be lovely, Yibo. Thank you."

Wonwoo smiled as he began to wash rice and crack eggs, his movements easy and practiced enough that he could speak at the same time as he worked, making sure to lift his voice above the din around them. "Your hair - That's recent, isn't it? You keep playing with it." Wonwoo attempted to hold conversation with Yibo, trying to learn more about the male without pushing too many boundaries. He hoped this question wouldn't be too far out of line. He'd remembered the long, beautiful hair that seemed to be a mark of pride to the parents of the omega, and a point to play with for the omega himself. He'd always admired the dedication it took to grow hair that long, when he grew tired of his own hair brushing past his lashes. "Your choice, I assume? If so... I'm very proud of you for taking such a stand. I know it can be difficult."

@α Jeon Wonwoo In all honesty, this was one of the first times that Yibo had been around an alpha in a rut that wasn't family. All the stories about falling to his knees or the alpha pouncing on him as a fertile, young, omega were ridiculous. He supposed they were just that; stories.

One of Yibo's ticks was that the more relaxed he was around someone and the more passionate he was about something; the less his stutter affected him. After all it was an environmental stutter, caused by outer sources of stress. Having a familiar face– even scent –was a miracle to Yibo who was a creature of habit even though he loved trying new things. What a strange wolf he was.

Without entirely meaning to, the omega's lower lip formed into a brief pout at the offer. Always so kind to others. Yibo thought to himself knowing that if he tried to reject the offer that it wouldn't work. His stomach growled loudly at the listing of food, his arms immediately curling across it. "A-Ah... sorry. Uhm," there was a pause as he thought about the easiest thing to make. "Steam egg and rice?" Yibo asked softly, moving over to the beeping kettle and pouring the water into his bee mug. "I-I can make you some bl-black tea if you'd like?" He asked suddenly, body seeming to already fall into the familiar comfortable feeling. With both his hands he ruffled his hair, still not use to how light his head was. Considering his hair use to be all the way down to his ; even braided.

@ω Wang Yibo The additional rush of earthy sweetness that seemed to envelop the alpha made his body relax just a tad, guard falling in front of Yibo. Not that it was a bad thing, but at this time... Well, he tried not to let it fall too far, despite the warmth that it created. Comfort, in all reality; the familiarity between them a kind gesture that made him thankful to have stumbled upon the omega.

He hadn't quite expected Yibo to lean in, their proximity making his breath catch in his throat just a little bit. He waited, patiently, to let out a quiet exhale, nodding sympathetically. It was expected, to have someone find his smell comforting, even if he was nearly noseblind to it, and it was cute that Yibo felt compelled to quiet himself. He'd missed these sort of interactions, people he knew from anywhere but here. It was different to have those memories in lieu of first impressions and the shared melancholy of the stories of how they came to be in these places.

Completing his stretch, Wonwoo shook his head softly side to side and set about cleaning his glasses on the shirt of his plaid pajamas. "You don't have to do that. I'm capable of cooking, and breakfast is incredibly important. Maybe I should cook for you instead?" He offered as his glasses were put firmly back in place, blinking to re-adjust his eyes to the prescription. "What do you think? Steak and eggs? Steam egg and rice? Spam musubi?" He offered a variety of quick, "easy" dishes for them to partake in. Even if the alpha didn't feel his best, he wasn't going to just cook for himself and not for the other.

@α Jeon Wonwoo With the older man standing closer to him, Yibo subconscious let his own scent reach out more. It was instinctual for him to comfort the other. The man in front of him was always kind and listened to him more than others around him did. It wasn't surprising Yibo was just a tad protective over Wonwoo's wellbeing.

Forever grateful with how straight-forward his past teacher was, the omega hummed in response. With a furrow of his brows and a confused expression; Yibo leaned closer and sniffed tentatively at the other and shook his head firmly. "Wonwoo-Hyung, you smell v-very good. Much like-e fresh brewed coffee and sweetened milk. C-Calming even with-" His mouth snapped shut as he realized that not only was he rambling but also talking about something rather personal and intimate. Yibo nodded in understanding of hiding from the world. Same could be said for his situation. With pink tipped ears, focused hands started to put loose leaf tea into a strainer. Young eyes wandered over to Wonwoo as he stretched before going back to his task. "I-I can make you a r-ramen bowl if you want? It's the only thing I can make." Yibo admitted as he the electric kettle and went back to lean against the island, fidgeting with his sleeves.

@ω Wang Yibo The shift in posture made Wonwoo's stomach tighten. Part of him wanted to rush in and cover the male in a hug, protect him from everything and let him know he didn't have to answer if it was that bad of a memory; his more untamed half seeing the posturing as an invitation to something more. Luckily, he'd always maintained good self-control. Baring a light, soft smile that clearly read as empathy, he took a few more steps into the kitchen, moving silently as to not interrupt what Yibo was working so hard to share with him. "I see..." Was all that the male could think to say as he leaned his elbows onto the island, body pitched forward as he listened to his former pupil.

When the line of questioning turned back onto himself, however... Well. That felt like a slippery slope to attempt traversing, but he had never been a very good liar. The only real option was to be straight with the younger wolf, his lips pressed together for a moment in thought. "I'm midway through rut, so you'll have to forgive me. I don't look or smell the best at the moment." His lips curled in a nervous, but kind, little smile. "Other than that... just trying to escape the real world." That was a valid enough answer, wasn't it? At any rate, it was the truth. The sweet alpha stood up, straightening his posture and lifting his arms high over his head; stretching out and giving an involuntary yawn. "I just got hungry so I have to break my self-imprisonment to get something to eat."

@α Jeon Wonwoo It felt like the world dropped out from under Yibo in that very second. Seeing someone from his past just reminded him that people were looking for him. Trying to pull him back into a world that was not meant for him. Yet when Wonwoo spoke in that same calming tone he used before he immediately took a breath, relaxing. That would explain the coffee and sweet cream smell. Only, now it was richer, more like freshly brewed coffee.

Right, his mate. Yibo looked down at the tea tin in his hands, hunching into himself a bit more. It was obvious Wonwoo didn't know what happened and with how kind he has been to him in the past, surely the alpha wouldn't turn him over to his family. Gently, Yibo put the tin on the island next to a mug he pulled out. While meeting Wonwoo's eyes he did smile warmly at the other even though his posture drooped a little bit more. "W-Wonwoo, it's really n-nice to see you again. A-a-ab-" Yibo huffed in frustration before taking a deep breath. Calm yourself and then push through the block. "About that, it was... a-arranged so it d-didn't work out." He finished gently before tilting his head at Wonwoo. "How are you? Are you..." Yibo's eyes trailed over Wonwoo's disheveled appearance. "Feeling alright?"

@ω Wang Yibo Wonwoo was... Irritable? Anxious? Fidgety? Something. He was just... Ugh, as he got when his rut was floating around, and rolling around in his bed wasn't making things any better. Now to top it all off, he felt his stomach rumbling. Feeling rather peckish meant that he was going to starve if he tried to stay in his room, so down to the kitchens he went. He hadn't bothered to shower yet, nor did he change out of his pajamas - whether that was willful ignorance or careful planning would depend on who he found along the way. Soft steps padded along the tiled floor, his footfalls nearly invisible thanks to the socks on his feet. He looked a mess but honestly felt worse; coffee and a snack might have made things better if he wasn't caught off guard by another body in the kitchen.

"I'm sorry--" The words came before he could even look up, adjusting his glasses in the process and stopping cold. Not only was this an omega, but one that he knew - had known? That was probably a much more accurate statement. He'd known the male once upon a lifetime ago, it seemed - when he still worked. When he wasn't hiding from the stressors of the outside world. "Mr. Wang..." Wonwoo caught himself using his small, calm, therapy voice and laughed out loud, holding up a hand as a visual pause to the conversation. "Yibo, you'll have to forgive me, I'm not quite myself at the moment. It's wonderful to see you though. Ah, is your mate with you?" He asked after a beat, looking to see if he could find a mating mark, genuinely curious as to who had been important enough for him to give up on his therapy appointments.

@α Jeon Wonwoo After staying in his room for days, Yibo was comfortable enough to take a walk around the mansion. Haikuan offered to walk with him but the omega figured he should learn how to be by himself for a while at least. Besides, spending time with one's thoughts can be a good thing. Sometimes. Yibo wandered into the kitchen after an exploration and frowned a little at how spacious it was. How was someone suppose to find anything in here? All he was really capable of making was tea and, maybe, a ramen bowl.

He started with opening cabinets which lead him to nothing of appeal. Pantry doors held a nice pork ramen bowl. 'Easy enough.' Yibo thought to himself as his stomach rumbled in hunger. Now the tea... he frowned before he started opening drawers. As he was scouring for some tea, a very familiar scent reached him. How strange, he thought but brushed it off as someone getting coffee from town. Yibo rubbed his nose before ruffling his newly shorten hair. As soon as he opened a drawer full of teabags, tea tins, and steepers a happy noise left him. When turning around however, someone from his past walked right in.

@β Jung Jaehyun The younger beta huffed loudly and even glared weakly, turning back to focus on what's supposed to become edible food. "You're right and I feel like it would be no problem as long as there's no incidents angering the owner. Having kids might lead to some restrictions but that's normal, isn't it? No need to let them see what's not meant for their innocent eyes."

@β Seo Changbin "I was just teasing, I will miss your food too of course." Jaehyun grinned at this and just began to laugh as he patted his shoulder. "I very much like it here so I don't think I ever want to move out. But if and when I do find a mate and they want a home, I will have to see what I can do for that. I would like something close to here but I don't know if that is going to be a good thing. This place has so much space as it is, I think it would be easy to be able to raise a family here."

@β Jung Jaehyun "Parents.. some of them don't know how to do their job right, what to teach their kids." he stated with a sigh following, then paused to turn around and look at the male with a raised brow. "Oh so you'll just miss my bum? What about the rest of me? And it's not like I would disappear or something like that, I'll still be around unless you choose to leave the mansion."

@β Seo Changbin "I really never have believed in that, if it was true then my parents would have proved that to me." Frowns at this as he touched his cheek a bit sighing and turning to look at Changbin and just grin a bit. "But I like looking at you and spending time with you." Tilting his head a bit, he couldn't help but give a soft laugh as a playful grin spread over his face. "I really will miss looking at your bum, its a really nice and the type that I like," he teased the other before he began to laugh.