Work Text:
The first thing Yuuta does when he steps inside the café is pull his phone out of his pants pocket.
He glances around, the different scents of the customers letting his alpha wakeful, before opening the familiar group chat with some notifications popping up.
el lobo cuida su loba
[10:49] itadori:
todo said it looks like my statistics professor
(image-of-a-chicken-with-a-ponytail.jpg)
[10:50] kugisaki:
it kinda looks like todo himself
[10:52] fushiguro:
itadori get off your phone and pay attention to your class
[10:52] itadori:
i could say the same thing about you fushiguro!
[10:53] fushiguro:
my class is already over dumbass
[10:53] itadori:
oh great i hate statistics
im picking you up
[10:53] megumi:
no you dont
[10:54] kugisaki:
if your going to argue let my class finish first
i wanna watch
[10:55] inumaki:
i dont want to pick anyone up from the infirmary again
[10:56] megumi:
it was an accident
[10:56] maki:
your fist accidentally landed on that idiot alphas jaw from law department
i see
[10:57] kugisaki:
i mean he deserved that one
[10:57] inumaki:
he did
but trying to hold back your kouhai whos a head taller than you when he found out
not fun at all
[10:58] itadori:
im so sorry for that inumaki senpai
[10:59] maki:
dont act like you werent the one who scared the shit out of that law asshole toge
Yuuta can’t help but chuckle softly. The first years are always flooding the chat with messages and memes, especially during class. They definitely use the group chat more than he, Inumaki, and Maki did last year. Probably because Gojo, Geto, and Shoko were four years older — the old roommate chat had pretty much only been used by Satoru, whenever he got bored and wanted to mess with them.
[11:10] inumaki:
idk what you talking about
anyway
just meet us at the usual spot
[11:11] maki:
when you stop fighting or making out idk
[fushiguro gave this message a ‘dislike’]
[11:11] inumaki:
maki and i are waiting
He reads Inumaki’s last message, remembering why he was checking the chat in the first place.
Yuuta can't quite pinpoint when it started, but they’ve developed this habit of waiting for each other after classes so no one has to go home alone. It started as a way to make Megumi and Nobara feel safer, since they're omegas, although surprisingly, it wasn’t any of the alphas who came up with the idea, but Toge — the only beta among them.
That's why he typed his next message.
[11:05] yuuta:
you dont need to wait for me today
Almost immediately, a notification appears at the top of the screen. Out of reflex, Yuuta taps it, his thumb moving swiftly as if it’s second nature.
[11:05] inumaki:
you ok?
He had sent the message privately. Probably not wanting to make the others worry.
[11:05] yuuta:
im just with rika
she asked me to go to that café two blocks away from the college
[11:06] inumaki:
oh right
Yuuta shifts slightly, stepping forward in line with Rika beside him, still not taking his eyes off his phone. The café is packed, and he briefly wonders if he should try to save a table before it gets even more crowded.
[11:07] inumaki:
is she coming home with you
today is day 14
He furrows his brow for a second, then realizes Toge is talking about the cold.
Betas don’t have to worry about this — that’s why Yuuta didn’t connect the dots right away. However, Inumaki cares enough to mark the date, likely because he lives surrounded by alphas and omegas.
He understands well that in the middle of each month, during the night between the fourteenth and fifteenth, alpha cells renew. This process allows them to heal from injuries more quickly and maintain their strength. But it comes at a cost — it drains a significant amount of body heat, making it one of the worst days of the month for alphas.
They call it cold — as a complete opposite of heat.
Omegas, on the other hand, naturally retain more heat. It’s a cruel irony — alphas, the stronger class, are left vulnerable to this weakness. It almost feels like a cosmic punishment, a way to remind them they’re not invincible. Even though they’re biologically superior to omegas in nearly everything, this flaw feels like the universe’s way of saying every alpha needs an omega.
Today, alphas were the weak ones, and omegas were the strong.
Yuuta usually spends his colds with Rika. They’ve been together since childhood, promising to build a bond — a pack, when they grew up. Although they’re adults now and not even mated, which doesn’t seem to bother Yuuta as much as it bothers Rika.
Last year, Yuuta spent his colds at Rika’s apartment, since she lived alone. But when she had to go back to her parents' house, they began staying at Yuuta’s place, the apartment he shares with the others.
He thinks about this for a moment, his thumb hovering over the screen, before he finally replies to Toge.
[11:08] yuuta:
probably
[11:08] inumaki:
ok
nobara seemed pissed today
[11:08] yuuta:
what
why
Yuuta reflects on Nobara's messages in the group chat, but they seemed perfectly normal. Even so, if something is off with any of them, Inumaki is the best person to sense it. It’s almost a supernatural talent he possesses.
[11:09] inumaki:
idk
yet
ill find out
[11:09] yuuta:
i know you will
He pauses for a moment, glancing at the showcase filled with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies that still seem warm. Nobara recently said she’s been craving them.
[11:09] yuuta:
ill buy her something then
As if Toge had been thinking the same thing, he quickly replies.
[11:10] inumaki:
bring something for the boys too
megumi is stressed with the exams coming up
[11:10] yuuta:
maki is still not drinking coffee right
[11:10] inumaki:
right
[11:11] yuuta:
ok
ive got this
“Yuuta?” He feels Rika nudging his shoulder, and only then does he realize that they are already at the register. She has placed her order without him even noticing.
“Oh, right,” he murmurs, slipping his phone back into his pocket as he focuses on the register. He doesn’t even need to scan the menu since he knows exactly what he wants to order. “I’ll have a double espresso, a caramel macchiato, a blended mocha, an iced Americano, and an iced matcha tea.” Yuuta gestures toward the showcase. “Also, can I get six of those chocolate chip cookies? Wrapped for travel, please.”
The beta employee nods and begins to pack his items. Just then, Okkotsu’s gaze lands on the cake displayed nearby. “What flavor is this one?” he asks.
“Dark chocolate with coconut, sir,” the beta replies with a polite smile. Yuuta grins in satisfaction — it was Inumaki's favorite flavor.
“Wrap up a piece too, thank you.” Only then does he catch Rika’s confused expression out of the corner of his eye. He chuckles softly, realizing just how much he’s ordered. He’s definitely not planning to eat and drink all of this by himself — she can see that. “I’m taking it for the others. They love this place.”
Rika raises an eyebrow but doesn’t say anything as they spot one of the few empty tables near the window. They make their way over to it, Yuuta pulling out a chair for Rika before settling down across from her.
She sighs, seeming uncomfortable with the gentleman gesture that was so usual for them. This put Yuuta and his alpha on alert. “We need to talk,” she says.
He can smell the bitterness in her strawberry scent. Satoru once said that his alpha was very strong and, therefore, sometimes too primitive. Maki, on the other hand, always says he's too protective, but Yuuta can't help it.
“Is something wrong? If you're feeling unwell, I can walk you home,” Yuuta suggests immediately, concern clear in his voice. He leans slightly toward her, nose smelling her scent, eyes scanning her face for any signs of discomfort.
But Rika sighs, shaking her hands dismissively. “Yuuta, I’m fine. It’s not that,” she assures him, offering a small, tired smile.
Yuuta frowns. “Then what is it?”
Rika hesitates for a moment before finally speaking. “It’s about us.”
“Oh.” The single word leaves his lips quietly, and he blinks slowly, taken aback. They’ve been together for so long that it almost feels strange to discuss their relationship, like an unspoken constant in their lives — something he never really had to question or reevaluate. “You know you can always talk to me,” he finally says, trying to keep his voice steady.
Rika gives him a small, almost apologetic smile. “I know. That’s why I’m here.” Her tone is gentle, like the Rika he’s always known, but somehow, it doesn’t bring the comfort he thought it would. Instead, it feels like the calm before a storm. “I’ve been thinking about this for a while... before making a decision.” There’s a tension in the air, one Yuuta can’t ignore. He can tell she’s uncomfortable, and yet there’s an unwavering determination in her eyes, like she’s already walked through this in her mind several times.
“I want to break up.”
The words hit him harder than he expected. His mind races, scrambling for something to say, but no words come out. As if on cue, the waiter arrives, placing their drinks and food on the table. Yuuta watches as Rika politely thanks him, her voice sounding so calm, so normal, while his own world feels like it’s spinning out of control.
The rich aroma of his double espresso fills the space between them, but his dark coffee scent, usually steady and grounding, mixes with his unease, becoming almost bitter, chaotic. He tries to speak, but his throat feels tight, his thoughts jumbled.
He thought they were fine. Normal, even. But maybe that was the problem — they were too normal. Too stable. Like they had settled into a routine that never changed, never grew, never really moved forward.
"You’re not going to say anything?" Rika’s voice cuts through his thoughts, her tone tinged with disappointment. There’s something in her eyes, almost as if she had expected him to argue, to fight for them, to ask her to reconsider, maybe even to beg. But Yuuta just sits there, stunned into silence.
"Honestly..." He finally manages to get the words out, though his voice sounds flat to his own ears. "I don’t know what to say." It’s the truth, but it feels insufficient, hollow. Rika sighs again, and he's starting to hate that sound. The more he hears it, the more helpless he feels. Like he’s losing control of something he didn’t even realize he could lose. “Can I ask why?” His voice comes out quieter than he intended, almost hesitant, like he’s unsure if he really wants to hear the answer.
“Yes, Yuuta, you can.” Rika’s frustration is unmistakable now, her voice carrying an edge that cuts through the background noise of the café. He flinches slightly at her tone. It’s a rare thing, seeing her this upset. He’s relieved the other scents are enough to keep them from attracting attention. “Because that’s exactly the problem,” she continues. “You don’t even know what’s happening between us. It’s like you’re completely unaware of it. All you’ve been thinking about for months is your pack. And the worst part is... I’m not even included.”
The words hit him like a punch, and Yuuta feels his stomach twist. He opens his mouth to respond, but nothing comes out — he is, actually, confused .
"My pack?"
Rika's gaze is piercing, her eyes a storm of hurt and, actually, anger. "Yes, your pack. And you know exactly who I’m talking about." Her voice trembles, but there’s a sharp edge to it that cuts straight through Yuuta’s confusion. "I’ve been trying to be patient. I’ve waited and waited for you to notice, to realize that things are changing between us. But you're so wrapped up in them — Inumaki, Zenin, Fushiguro, all of them — that I’m just... here. On the sidelines."
She gestures helplessly, her hands shaking slightly, and for a moment, Yuuta feels the weight of her words sinking in. He’s always thought of Rika as a constant in his life, someone who would always be there, but now, for the first time, he realizes that he’s been taking her for granted.
The guilt hits him like a tidal wave, flooding his senses. He hadn't seen it, hadn't even thought about it.
“I never meant to—" He starts, but Rika interrupts him, shaking her head, her voice growing more tired than angry now.
“I know you didn’t. That’s the worst part, Yuuta. You don’t even realize it." She sighs, her shoulders sagging as if the weight of this conversation is finally crashing down on her. “I’m not mad because you have people who matter to you. I’m mad because somewhere along the way, I stopped being one of them .”
Her words sting, and Yuuta finds himself searching her face for any sign that she’s wrong, that it isn’t as bad as she’s making it out to be, but he knows she’s right. He can't deny it, and that realization is worse than anything he’s felt in a long time.
The silence between them stretches, awkward and heavy. Rika looks down at her hands, twisting them in her lap, while Yuuta tries to collect himself, the knot in his stomach tightening with every second that passes.
“I don’t want to feel like I’m competing with them for your attention anymore.” Rika’s voice is soft now, no longer filled with anger, just a quiet resignation.
“Rika,” Yuuta starts, his voice uncertain. He doesn’t know how to say what he needs to say. Confusion swirls with guilt, and the realization that she’s been feeling this way without him noticing makes his heart sink. “I don’t understand. We’re not a pack. I would know if we were.”
He’s trying to reason it out, trying to grasp what she’s saying, but it only seems to slip further out of reach.
“Actually... how could we be?” Yuuta frowns, trying to make sense of her words. "A pack needs a pack alpha and a pack omega. We have neither. That’s just... it’s not possible.”
He thinks back to how things have changed since Gojo, Geto, and Shoko graduated last year. He and Maki were the only alphas left in the apartment, and when the first years moved in, the dynamic shifted again. Itadori joined as the only new alpha, but none of them had ever stepped up to claim the role of pack alpha. Although frankly, no one would dare challenge Maki when she was angry.
When it comes to the omegas, they’re younger — Nobara, Megumi — and Yuuta doesn’t feel any kind of maternal instinct from them that typically defines a pack omega's role.
“They’re my friends. We live together, that’s true, but that doesn’t make us a pack automatically,” he continues, more certain of this point, but Rika presses on, cutting him off.
“Maybe you just haven’t realized it yet, maybe you haven’t named a pack alpha or omega, but that’s what they are to you. A pack. You’re with them, supporting them, protecting them.” She takes a sip of her drink, which Yuuta now realizes he can't even remember what it is. “Last month, you left me alone at the restaurant on our relationship anniversary , just because Megumi's heat started.”
Yuuta remembers that night. Megumi had a late lecture at the university. He was in his pre-heat, but he thought his presence in the lecture could earn him valuable points. He believed he could attend before his heat properly began.
“He was at the university,” he murmurs, perhaps more to himself than to Rika, trying to justify his decision.
“The university that’s closer to your apartment than it was to the restaurant we were at,” she counters, frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. “Any of your friends could have picked him up. But as soon as that beta guy called you, you went running.”
Yuuta wants to argue, to defend himself, because he knows that’s not entirely true.
Inumaki hadn’t called asking him to pick Megumi up that night — the beta was already on his way to do it himself. But the urgency in Toge's voice had unsettled him, especially since speaking is painful for him. He chose to make a voice call at that moment, hurting himself. Yuuta's alpha couldn't help but move.
Almost like he needed to see them come home safe with his own eyes.
The way the scent of an omega in heat fills the air, too strong, overpowering. What if Megumi’s sweet, pina colada scent led Toge into danger? The thought of them being attacked on their way back sent a chill through him. Yuuji was on a train coming back from his brother's house, and Maki had gone out with Nobara that night. There hadn’t been any alphas around to protect them, and that worry had driven him.
“I know,” he finally admits, his voice low and heavy with regret. “I messed up that night. I’m sorry. I just got worried.”
“I know you did. I love you for that,” Rika says softly, her eyes reflecting understanding, though the pain remains. “Because you’re kind and you take care of your friends. You take care of me.” Her voice steadies. “But a pack is about the people you prioritize, the ones you think of first when something happens. And lately, I haven’t been one of those people for you.”
Then, she gestures with her chin toward Yuuta's order on the table. He didn't even need to ask them — he knew what they wanted by heart. Her expression holds a hint of amusement, tinged with exasperation, as if to say: how could I have dated someone so oblivious for so long?
“Rika, I never meant to make you feel that way,” is everything he manages to say, his voice thick with emotion. “I—”
But she gently cuts him off, raising a hand. “I know you didn’t mean to. I would never make you choose between me and them because I know you’re too kind to make that decision, even when we both know who you would choose. That’s why I’m choosing for you — for us.”
Yuuta swallows hard, his heart aching at the thought of losing her. He wants to reassure her, to tell her that she’s still incredibly important to him, but the words seem stuck in his throat. Is Rika right? Has he really already made his choice?
She continues, “It was easy to stay together for so long because it was convenient. Someone to spend our heats and colds with. But now, it feels like we’re stuck in time.” The omega finishes her drink while Yuuta hasn't even taken a single sip. “I know today is a bad day to talk about this,” she murmurs. “I’m sorry. I can still go with you tonight.” He feels a pang of regret for hurting her without realizing it, and it weighs heavily on him that she’s still concerned about him facing the cold alone.
“No, you don’t need to.” His expression is firm, but she can see a flicker of uncertainty beneath his resolve. “I’m serious, Rika. I don’t want to put you in this situation, especially after everything you’ve just said.”
“Are you sure?” She searches his face for reassurance, clearly torn. Yuuta knows that making Rika spend a night with the others, especially after how she feels about them, would be both embarrassing and uncomfortable for her.
“Don’t worry,” he says, forcing a small smile despite the turmoil within him. “I’ll find a way.”
"Are you sure you didn't trip on the street and hit your head really hard while walking home?"
Maki's voice cuts through the silence, her tone half-joking, half-concerned. Yuuta blinks, realizing he'd spaced out again. It is the fourth time during their conversation, and Maki's narrowed eyes make it clear she is onto him. Her teasing is familiar, almost comforting, but he can sense the genuine worry behind it.
"I'm sorry," Yuuta mutters, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. He tries to avoid her penetrating stare, feeling it digging into him like she is trying to read his mind. Think, think. "I think it's just the cold. You know," he adds, grasping at the first excuse that popped into his head. It isn’t a complete lie — he is feeling a bit chilled — but nothing that would normally distract him this much.
Maki raises an eyebrow but says nothing. If she suspects he is hiding something, she chooses not to press the issue, simply handing him two drinks — a caramel macchiato and an iced Americano. The alpha was already sipping her iced matcha tea. "Take these to Yuuji and Megumi. He can help,” is all she says.
Yuuta accepts the drinks with a quiet nod. As he turns, he recalls passing by Yuuji and Megumi when he first arrived. He’d greeted them, they’d greeted him back — but the usual warmth of sitting with his kouhais and catching up had felt out of reach. His mind had been elsewhere, stuck on his earlier conversation with Rika.
"You're right," he murmurs absentmindedly, his gaze drifting across the room. For a second, an image of Toge appears in his mind, and a strange pang of loneliness tugs at his chest. Yuuta doesn’t quite understand why, but ever since he arrived, something felt off.
It’s like a piece is missing. Nobara’s absence too — it is like the usual balance of their group is thrown off.
"Where are Inumaki-kun and Kugisaki?" he asks, more to himself than to Maki, though his voice catches her attention.
Maki doesn't look up, but she replies smoothly, "Toge went to pick Nobara up. She's working at a seminar with some colleagues. You know he’s physically incapable of relaxing until we’re all home.”
Yuuta chuckles softly, the corners of his mouth lifting for the first time in a while. "That’s true," he says, recalling how Inumaki is always the first to check in on everyone, even with his limited speech. It is one of those little things you can rely on — like clockwork. Still, the thought of Toge being out there without them leaves a small, nagging ache.
As Yuuta walks toward Fushiguro and Itadori, he catches sight of Yuuji animatedly talking to Megumi, his hands gesturing wildly as he laughs. Megumi remains his usual quiet self, nodding occasionally, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips. The contrast between them is always striking.
“I brought drinks,” Yuuta says as he reaches the table, offering the caramel macchiato to Yuuji and the iced Americano to Megumi.
Fushiguro, sitting on the floor of the living room with his back against the sofa and his laptop balanced on his lap, looks up briefly. “Thank you, Okkotsu-senpai,” he says, his voice polite and measured, as always.
Yuuji, who is practically draped over Megumi, resting his chin on the omega’s shoulder, grins widely. “Senpai, you're the best!” He reaches out and takes both drinks, knowing Megumi can’t hold his while the laptop still occupies his hands.
Yuuta stands there for a moment, hesitating. He watches the way Itadori casually leans on Megumi, completely at ease, his chin resting in the crook of Megumi's shoulder like it’s the most natural thing in the world. Megumi, for all his usual stoicism, allows it, though Yuuta notices a faint blush dusting his cheeks. When Megumi catches Yuuta staring, his eyes flicker with discomfort, a hint of shyness rare on his face.
"Can we help?" Megumi asks quietly, his tone neutral but tinged with concern.
Yuuta blinks, momentarily caught off guard. He hadn’t realized he was still standing there, staring. “Oh.” His mind scrambles for an excuse, and he finds himself falling back on the same one he used with Maki. “It’s just the cold.”
Yuuji beams. “You can sit with us, then! I don't mind sharing Fushiguro.” He winks playfully, making Megumi’s expression shift from shy to annoyed in a heartbeat. Before Megumi can respond, Yuuji is already chuckling, his arm loosely wrapped around the quieter boy’s shoulders.
Yuuta laughs softly as Megumi elbows Yuuji in the ribs, earning a yelp from him. And then, there’s that familiar scent — pina colada — filling the room. It’s Megumi’s scent, soothing and unmistakable, betraying his anger, and Yuuta’s alpha can’t help but react to it.
Without overthinking it, he finally sits down beside them, though he keeps a bit more distance than Yuuji has with Megumi. It actually feels good.
“So…” Yuuta starts, his gaze drifting to Fushiguro's notes, Inumaki's message still fresh in his mind. “Is everything okay with your studies?”
Megumi shrugs. “I think so,” he responds simply, his tone calm as always. But Yuuta notices something else — something subtle. Megumi’s scent shifts ever so slightly, his hands, resting on the keyboard, seem to tense for a brief moment before relaxing again. Yuuta watches, sensing the shift.
At the same time, the scent of wet forest coming from Itadori intensifies, his alpha instincts reacting, but then, almost as if on cue, Yuuji’s presence recedes. He gives Yuuta the space to step in, letting him take the lead in calming the omega.
The familiar smell of dark coffee fills the room, richer and more intense.
Megumi breathes deeply, his chest rising and falling in a slow, steady rhythm. His eyes close for a brief moment, and Yuuta can see the tension start to drain from his body. If it were anyone else — any other alpha — trying to assert this kind of gentle dominance, Megumi would likely push back, feeling overwhelmed or cornered. But now, his muscles soften, his scent stabilizing as he relaxes under Yuuta’s and Itadori's influence.
Yuuta’s own alpha hums in quiet satisfaction, content to provide the reassurance Megumi seems to need without even realizing it.
“What about you, Itadori?” Yuuta asks, smoothly changing the topic to avoid overwhelming Megumi. His attention shifts to Yuuji now, giving the omega some space to relax.
Yuuji grins sheepishly. “I think I can pass,” he replies, his optimism making both Yuuta and Megumi chuckle. “But, man, computer architecture is no joke.”
“We can try studying together,” Yuuta offers. Megumi's usual stoic demeanor softs with a small smile. “I don’t know about literature,” he adds, glancing at Fushiguro, “but I had computer architecture last year. Study sessions could help us focus more…” He and Yuuji are both in the same major, software engineering.
"Or at least keep Itadori from falling asleep halfway through," Megumi adds, an ironic smile tugging at his lips.
Yuuji laughs, nudging him playfully. "Hey, I only fell asleep once! Okay, maybe twice."
Yuuta chuckles, watching their easy banter. He is about to say something when the door swings open, and Nobara and Toge step inside. His eyes instinctively follow them. Inumaki didn't even need to see him before signing for Kugisaki. Yuuta brought cookies. Your favorite.
Okkotsu almost laughs. Inumaki simply knew he would buy the cookies she likes.
"Thank God," Nobara almost purrs with satisfaction. But as she moves closer, Yuuta catches something else, a faint but unmistakable scent in the air. A smell of burning clings to her caramel usual, and Yuuta’s alpha immediately reacts, feeling a surge of protectiveness. He doesn’t like it at all.
He can tell the others notice too.
When Kugisaki returns from the kitchen, holding a cookie like it’s the most precious thing in the world, Maki follows close behind. She’s already moving in, scenting Nobara with jasmine tobacco, letting her alpha scent wrap around the omega.
The first thing Yuuta does is glance at Inumaki, knowing the beta would definitely be aware of what's going on with Nobara and whether they should be worried. But Toge just sits on the couch, casually slipping his legs into Maki’s lap, who is already seated. It’s a sign that things aren’t urgent, and Yuuta feels a little more at ease. Nobara finally settles, perching herself on the arm of the couch next to Zenin, her posture still carrying a bit of tension.
“How was your day, Nobara?” Yuuta asks gently, his tone neutral but attentive. He can feel the subtle shift in the room — everyone is listening now, even if they’re pretending to go about their usual activities.
“Ugh, stressful,” she groans, her voice heavy with frustration.
“Wanna talk?” he offers, his gaze steady. He notices how Nobara’s eyes flick over to Inumaki, searching for reassurance. The beta gives her a small, almost imperceptible nod, and that seems to be all she needs. She leans into Maki, resting her head on the alpha’s shoulder, and Maki's hand immediately begins running through Nobara’s red hair, her touch gentle and soothing.
“It’s just that seminar,” Nobara finally admits, her voice quieter now but laced with annoyance. “One of my colleagues, an alpha, is bothering me.”
The moment the word "alpha" leaves her mouth, all three alphas in the room subtly straighten, their postures shifting. Yuuta feels the familiar buzz of protectiveness hum through his veins, and even Megumi, who had been typing away on his laptop, stops mid-sentence, his frown deepening.
“We’re supposed to present next week, so I’ll be rid of him soon enough,” Nobara continues, her nose wrinkling in distaste. “He’s just... too evasive, always in my space. And honestly, he smells really bad.” She grimaces.
Yuuta’s alpha flares uncontrollably at the thought of Nobara being alone with that alpha for days, working in that seminar. The protective instinct courses through him, and he can sense the same tension from the others. Maki’s hand continues to move soothingly through Nobara’s hair, but Yuuta notices the subtle clench of her jaw — a quiet signal that she, too, is holding herself back, trying not to react too strongly.
When Maki finally speaks, her voice is low, but firm. “Next time he gets too close, just give me a call. I’ll deal with it.”
Nobara snorts softly, a small smirk tugging at her lips, but there’s genuine appreciation in her eyes. “I might take you up on that, Maki-san.”
Though Yuuta knows Nobara is safe here, that she’s protected and surrounded by people who care for her, his alpha can’t quite let go of the surge of protectiveness. He feels the restlessness deep in his chest, his instincts demanding action, demanding he do more to ensure she isn’t left vulnerable. I need to stay calm , he reminds himself — knowing he is sometimes too primitive — not wanting to add to Nobara’s stress. But the tension won’t fully dissipate.
Then, suddenly, he feels a gentle touch on his scent gland — a calming, grounding presence. It’s Toge. Of course, Inumaki would notice. The beta’s soft fingers brush against his neck, his touch deliberate, soothing, and familiar. Yuuta’s alpha, which had been on high alert, almost melts under the contact, the tension in his body easing immediately.
Inumaki doesn’t say anything, doesn’t need to. Yuuta exhales slowly, his shoulders relaxing as Toge's calm, steady influence seeps into him. Betas usually have a faint scent, subtle and often overshadowed by the intensity of alphas and omegas. But Yuuta wishes he could breathe in more of Inumaki's smooth minty scent.
He turns his head slightly to meet his eyes just as the beta raises his hands to sign. I thought you would come with Rika.
Oh . That’s right. Rika. His girlfriend. Or, rather, his ex-girlfriend. He almost forgot about her entirely. Actually, he did forget — damn . The tension in his body spikes at the thought.
“There was an unforeseen,” he murmurs. He lowers his head, unintentionally avoiding eye contact with the others, not seeing the worried expressions that flash across Megumi and Nobara’s faces as they glance at Toge — a familiar apprehension that arises whenever Rika is mentioned in front of the beta, but Yuuta never noticed. “She will come later tonight,” he adds, forcing the words out as calmly as he can.
Inumaki purrs softly in response, the sound warm and understanding, a gentle balm to his nerves. Those rare moments when Yuuta can catch a glimpse of Toge's voice always bring him a sense of relief. He manages a weak smile, but at least it’s a smile.
If Inumaki notices it is a lie — and Yuuta knows he will, he doesn't say anything.
It's late enough for Yuuta to be fucking freezing .
His breath fogs up as he rubs his hands together, trying to bring some warmth back into his fingers.
Not even the steaming bowl of ramen they ate earlier could warm his body. At least he's sitting with Yuuji on the couch, helping him with a bit of computer architecture, which means Megumi or Nobara are around, and Yuuta has some omega heat to warm him up before everyone goes to their rooms — he can feel it, subtle but soothing, as if just being near them is enough to stave off the freezing night.
Soon they'll all head to bed, and he'll have to figure out how to sleep through this cold. But for now, this is enough.
Yet, there’s a lingering thought that won’t leave his mind. Yuuta knows they’re all wondering about the same thing: why hasn’t Rika shown up yet? Her absence is intriguing, especially for Maki and Toge. He can feel their curiosity, the way they glance at each other, then glance at him sometimes, expecting him to say something. It’s been on his mind too — he actually can't explain why he doesn't just tell them what happened.
The truth is still too raw. How does he even say it? It still feels strange — to think they were a couple for so long, and suddenly, they're nothing. They met him when he was already with Rika, as if she were a part of him.
Yuuta’s eyes flicker to the others. Maybe they’ve noticed how distant he’s been, but no one’s asked him directly. Maybe they’re giving him space, or maybe they’re just waiting for him to bring it up first. They must be wondering, though. Especially Maki and Toge.
He sighs quietly.
Even deeper than that, maybe he’s avoiding the conversation for another reason. Because explaining why Rika broke up with him would mean admitting she did it because she thinks they're a pack.
And it's not that he disagrees, exactly. But Yuuta isn’t sure he’s ready to embrace that idea yet. If he says it out loud, it makes it real — forces him to confront the shifting dynamics between them all.
Do they think the same thing? Was Yuuta the only one oblivious? He tries to recall any moments, any subtle looks or gestures that he might have missed — things that, in hindsight, would make it all seem obvious. He remembers that evening when Megumi had his heat earlier and wonders if Inumaki called him because of that.
But the most important question — the one that really scares him, that twists his insides in knots — is do they want this?
Yuuta’s breath hitches for a moment as the weight of that question settles on him. It’s not just about acknowledging the bond between them, or even admitting that Rika was right. It’s about whether or not they feel the same pull, the same shift toward something deeper and more intertwined. Do they want this pack dynamic, this connection that goes beyond friendship and into something more primitive, more instinctual?
What if he’s the odd one out? What if he’s the only one afraid of where this is heading? Worse, what if the others are already on the same page, moving forward without him, and he’s the one stuck in place, unsure of what he wants?
Or maybe — maybe he's scared of this question most of all.
Is he afraid of finding out they do want this? The truth, he realizes, might be even more terrifying than the uncertainty. If they feel the same, it means everything changes. It means he has to confront the reality of what they are to each other now, not just as friends, but as something more.
It means admitting he failed when didn’t notice by himself. They’re counting on him, and Yuuta is giving them nothing? All this time?
And what if they don’t feel the same? Then what is he left with?
It would mean he’s alone in this confusion, this strange in-between state where nothing makes sense anymore. Alone, in a room full of people he cares about more than anyone else in the world, but unable to share the weight of what he’s feeling.
Damn , Rika is right.
Suddenly, Yuuta feels a light touch on his shoulder, pulling his attention away from his swirling thoughts. He turns to see Inumaki beside him. You’re chilly, he signs, his expressive eyes studying Yuuta intently, as if trying to gauge his inner turmoil.
For some reason the alpha can’t quite understand, Toge, who is normally very touchy and clingy, becomes more reserved when the temperature drops for alphas. It surprises Yuuta to feel the brief warmth of Toge’s hand, which lingers for just a moment but leaves a lingering warmth that sends chills down his spine.
It’s obvious that Inumaki is thinking about Rika's absence.
“Senpai, do you want us to wait for her with you?” Itadori’s voice suddenly breaks the silence, bright and cheerful, cutting through the tension like a warm knife through butter. At this point, he’s practically hugging Megumi like a koala.
Maki isn’t faring any better, with Nobara sitting comfortably between her legs. By this time, all the alphas would probably be in their own rooms with their respective omegas. But Yuuta knows the others haven’t gone yet because they don’t want to leave him alone.
“Oh, you don’t have to,” he assures, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. “She said she would be late. I’m sure she doesn’t want to bother you, making you stay with me.” It’s a terrible lie — what is he even trying to protect? He can see it when Toge raises an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced by his words.
Yuuta continues, trying to inject more confidence into his voice. “Besides, I’m going to wait for her in my room. She has the keys, so…”
He can tell that all of them — even Maki — are looking at Inumaki, as if they’re waiting for him to decide what they’re going to do next. It’s a bit interesting, really. Had he never noticed this dynamic before? Or was he just so accustomed to it that he never stopped to think about what it meant for their group?
Yuuta shifts in his seat, feeling a mix of curiosity and anxiety bubbling within him. What does it say about them that they're waiting for Toge to lead?
Fine , Toge finally signs. The simple gesture seems to carry an unspoken authority, and as if it were the only thing they needed, the other four get up from their places almost simultaneously. The synchronicity catches Yuuta off guard, and he watches in awe as they begin to move, each one falling into line behind Inumaki, ready to follow his lead.
It’s so natural for them.
Is that what Rika saw? Yuuta wonders as they leave. Does she notice that he moves through Inumaki like this, too? The thought flickers in and out of his mind, quickly overshadowed by another: Or do they also follow Yuuta like this?
But he doesn’t have the time to dwell on what it could mean, because the moment all the omegas leave the room, a strong, terrible chill rushes in, slamming into Okkotsu like a harsh reality check. The absence of their warmth is palpable, and Yuuta feels it cut through him, the cold settling in his bones.
“Fuck,” he mutters under his breath, a burst of frustration escaping him.
He decides to burst into his room, the chill of the hallway clinging to him as he quickly closes the door behind him. He scans the room, feeling the biting cold seep into his skin. This is just ridiculous, he thinks, hurrying to his dresser and pulling out a few shirts, desperate to create layers against the frigid air.
As he throws on a thermal undershirt, he notices his hands are trembling, whether from the cold or anxiety, he can’t tell. Come on, just get dressed. He yanks a sweater over his head, then adds a heavier hoodie on top. Still, the cold seems to cling to him, refusing to let go.
He growls in frustration, tossing aside a pair of jeans that would have only added more bulk. Instead, he grabs his thickest sweatpants and pulls them on, but even that doesn’t seem to help. He glances at the heater, which hums softly in the corner, still warming up.
It’s not enough.
He grabs several blankets from his bed, wrapping them around himself like a cocoon, but the cold still penetrates his layers. He moves to the bed and flops down, piling more blankets on top as if he can trap warmth underneath. Omegas usually nest, Yuuta thinks. There must be a reason for it.
He lies there, buried beneath the fabric, but no matter how many layers he adds, or how tightly he wraps himself, it doesn’t seem to help — it feels like he’s been thrown into an icebox instead of a warm nest.
“This is ridiculous!” Yuuta mutters, tossing the blankets off in frustration and stomping back to the heater. He cranks it up, hoping for more heat, but the air around him remains as cold as ever.
He collapses back onto the bed, pulling the covers around him again, his breath coming out in quick bursts that fog the air around him. He can't remember how long it has been since he faced a cold without an omega. How could some alphas manage it?
In a moment of sheer exasperation, he curses the biology. Yuuta never thought he was better than any omega, yet here he is, freezing alone in his bed, weighed down by the realization that he couldn't tell his friends about his breakup with Rika. He couldn't bear to admit that, apparently, he had created a whole fucking pack without her.
“What the hell am I doing?” he snaps at himself, the frustration bubbling over. “Why can't I just say it?” He feels the heat of his alpha’s anger rising within him, but it only serves to remind him of his helplessness. “Fine, I give up,” he mutters to himself, rubbing his arms for warmth.
He makes his way to the door, the cold air hitting him like a slap as he steps out of his room. As he walks down the hallway, he tells himself it’s because he wants to find something to warm him up, that there are still remnants of pina colada and caramel lingering in the living room.
There, Yuuta sinks down onto the couch, letting the cushions envelop him as he sprawls out. He stares up at the ceiling, the dark shadows of the room pressing in around him. Why did he think not telling the others that Rika wouldn’t be coming was a good idea?
He knows he could knock on Megumi or Nobara’s door, but the embarrassment grips him too tightly.
What kind of pack alpha I am? The thought surprises him, flaring up like a sudden fire before quickly snuffing out, leaving him feeling hollow. He can feel a low growl building in his throat, a physical manifestation of his alpha’s frustration.
He finds his eyes growing heavy, the weight of exhaustion pulling him deeper into the couch. He should have said something, he realizes, but the thought fades into a haze. Just as quickly as it comes, he feels himself losing consciousness.
Toge can't sleep.
It's stupid, he knows, but it happens every cold.
His omega can't stop being restless, especially when it comes to Yuuta. Toge sighs, running a hand through his hair, frustrated. Unlike Maki and Yuuji, who are wrapped in the warmth of the omegas in their pack, he spends the cold nights with Rika.
Don’t get him wrong — she is a nice girl. But his omega stirs violently at the thought of her, a primal part of him bristling at her presence. It claws at him, aching to mark its territory.
Such a stupid feeling, because Yuuta isn’t his.
He never will be. Toge's throat tightens at the thought, a dull ache spreading in his chest. Yuuta has a girlfriend . His rational mind tells him to let it go, but his omega... it keeps pulling him back, chaining him to this feeling he can’t control.
And yet, here he is. Awake, wondering if Yuuta is okay. He imagines Rika arriving, her arms wrapping around Okkotsu, holding him close. Someone who isn’t him, warming the alpha, being his omega.
Yuuta doesn’t even know his secondary gender. Inumaki never told him — so it’s his own fault, because it's better this way.
He had been acting so weird this afternoon that Toge started to wonder if Yuuta had figured it out. But Maki assured him it was unlikely.
She agreed that something was off, though.
Toge shuts his eyes, trying to force sleep, but his thoughts are a mess, until he eventually gives up. Maybe a glass of water will help. Or maybe walking around will distract him. Whatever. He just can’t stay still any longer.
He quietly heads for the kitchen. As he walks through the dimly lit dorms, he notices how eerily silent it is. Not a single sound escapes from any of the rooms. They're all sleeping, probably, and Inumaki feels some satisfaction knowing that.
Sometimes his omega instincts are too strong, too maternal.
As he reaches the living room, his mind still heavy, a shape on the couch catches his eye. He freezes mid-step, heart pounding in his chest. There’s a shadow stretched across the couch, motionless.
“Yuuta…” he whispers, barely audible.
His stomach drops when he realizes that the alpha is alone. No Rika. No warmth by his side. Just him, curled up on the couch, arms wrapped tightly around himself as if trying to fend off the cold. Panic flashes through Toge’s mind — Yuuta must be freezing . He can’t even see Yuuta’s chest rising and falling.
For a split second, Toge’s mind goes to the worst places, fear gripping him tight. Without thinking, he steps closer, his pulse quickening. His hands hover over Yuuta, unsure whether to wake him or wrap him in a blanket, anything to make sure he’s okay.
But all he can do is stand there, staring down at the person who fills his thoughts day and night, his omega instinctively wanting to please him, to scent him. A part of Inumaki aches to reach out and touch Yuuta, to be the one who warms his skin, but he doesn’t move.
He can’t. Because Yuuta isn’t his.
Fuck it, at this point . If Yuuta not being his alpha would stop Toge from taking care of him — taking care of all of them, then he would have never claimed the role of pack omega in the first place.
He knows this will expose his secondary gender. Once crossed, it’s a line with no return. But right now, none of that matters. All Inumaki wants is to warm him up.
Toge kneels in front of Yuuta, heart pounding. He starts by trying to raise Okkotsu’s temperature with his own body heat, his hands trembling slightly as they make contact with the icy skin of Yuuta's neck. The moment his fingers touch him, the cold hits like a shock — the alpha is ice cold.
Warming him this way will take too long. Yuuta needs warmth now .
Without thinking, driven by pure instinct, Inumaki rips off the scent blockers he always wears, even at home. His pulse races, adrenaline flooding his system as he presses his wrist to the back of Yuuta’s neck, rubbing his scent glands against the alpha’s. The motion is desperate, almost primitive, as if it could transfer not just heat, but loyalty, love—everything Toge can offer.
He watches Yuuta react. The alpha lets out a low, guttural growl.
Suddenly, cold hands grasp Toge’s waist, sending a jolt through him. The icy touch almost burns against his warm skin. He’s momentarily distracted, and before he can register it, Yuuta pulls him onto his lap, wrapping him in a firm embrace. Yuuta’s hold is tight, so tight that Toge feels small, almost fragile, nestled against the alpha’s larger frame.
Toge tries to move, realizing Yuuta seems a little better now. He wants to fetch a blanket, anything to further warm him up. But before he can rise, Yuuta’s arms tighten around him, pulling him back down.
“Please, don’t,” Yuuta begs , his voice trembling, soft and pleading. Those words, so desperate and raw, send a wave of heat crashing through Toge. His scent floods the room — mint, sharp and overwhelming, so strong it makes the omega blush with embarrassment at how sensitive he is, how quickly his body responds.
But he doesn’t care.
Yuuta’s touch, his grip, his voice — it all ignites something deep within Toge. A primal need stirs inside him, something far beyond reason. His mind tries to resist, to maintain control, but it’s a losing battle. His scent surrounds them both, thick and intoxicating, creating a heavy, intimate atmosphere between them. His omega instincts scream to please, and at the same time, a deeper, more primal part of him wants to give in to the moment, to be the one Yuuta needs.
Toge relaxes in Yuuta’s arms, his fingers tracing gentle lines along the back of the alpha’s neck, his breath syncing with Yuuta’s.
The heat radiating from Toge now, after all that cold, feels like taking a breath after being held underwater for too long. Yuuta hadn’t realized just how tense he’d been, how much he needed this warmth. It spreads through his chest, filling the void left by the freezing air from earlier, and for a moment, nothing else matters. The world outside, their worries, even the unsaid things between them— it all fades away, replaced by the simple comfort of Toge’s body against his.
Yuuta tightens his hold just a little, pressing Toge closer, as if anchoring himself in the warmth.
By the time Inumaki's scent reaches his nose, it stirs a flood of memories. He recalls the first time he caught a whiff of Toge smelling like mint, so fresh and invigorating that he thought it was just a quirk of his beta status, assuming that betas had weaker scents. But Toge is an omega, and he was in his pre-heat, which explained why the scent blockers hadn’t worked completely, allowing that sweet aroma to linger in the air.
Yuuta remembers the moment clearly, how he’d praised Inumaki, telling him it was a pleasant aroma. He’d seen the way Toge’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson, his eyes widening in surprise and a hint of embarrassment. In that instant, it all makes sense now — the way Maki had slapped his neck while Toge looked away, shyly biting his lip, as if he hadn’t known how to respond to the compliment.
It’s common knowledge among their kind that praising an omega’s scent is a subtle form of flirting .
“I’m so stupid,” Yuuta says, his voice filled with exasperation. He’s talking about everything — the way he’s been neglecting Rika, how he’s been oblivious to the fact that he’s forming a pack, and the fact that he couldn't tell them his girlfriend had broken up with him. But most importantly, he’s talking about how he didn’t realize Toge was an omega.
Inumaki lets out a soft laugh, but it comes out a bit nervous, a slight tremor in his chest that he can’t shake. Honestly, he had thought they would graduate without ever having to reveal his true secondary gender to Yuuta, that he would keep that part of himself hidden until, perhaps, the day when Yuuta and Rika would invite him to their wedding.
Maki says he's dramatic as a bitch.
Are you upset because I lied about it? Toge asks, hesitating.
“No! Never,” Yuuta rushes to assure him, his heart pounding. The way the world is, he isn’t surprised at all that an omega would resort to tactics like that to survive. Yuuta runs a hand through his hair, feeling a mix of astonishment and confusion. “I think I’m just shocked that I never noticed.”
Toge glances down, fidgeting with his fingers. Don’t feel bad , he signs, his expression softening. Alphas and betas can’t notice, especially with the scent blockers. He chuckles a bit shyly, a hint of embarrassment creeping into his cheeks. It’s easier for omegas because I can’t help some of my bad habits.
“Bad habits?” Yuuta prompts, a curious look crossing his face. He leans in slightly, intrigued.
Inumaki’s face turns crimson, and he bites his lip, the heat of embarrassment washing over him. Like when I steal everyone’s clothes before a heat , he admits, eyes darting away. Or every three months, I get... clingy. The admission hangs in the air, and he can feel his heart race as he continues. Especially with Maki, Yuji, and you. The alphas. His gaze flickers back to Yuuta, his pulse quickening. Always seeking physical touch.
The memory of those times surfaces in his mind — those weeks when he becomes almost desperate for connection, craving the warmth of their presence, needing to feel secure. And then, after a week with his family, Toge returns, exhausted, often finding himself curled up in Nobara's or Megumi's room, buried in their nest, sleeping for hours on end.
“Oh,” is all Yuuta manages to say, the realization sinking in. He nods slowly. “I see.”
Inumaki’s face burns hotter.
Yuuta knows he probably should be more surprised than he is. Or at least more confused. But, honestly, it isn’t the first big discovery of his day. The warm body, minty scent enveloping him is so soothing and pleading that he finds he actually doesn’t care about Toge’s secondary gender — he never did.
It is Toge.
He also should be more embarrassed about maintaining Inumaki on his lap, but he’s surprised to discover how perfectly they fit together. It feels natural, as if this is where Toge belongs. Is it his alpha speaking? Is it the cold?
No . Rika told him something earlier that echoes in his mind. ‘But as soon as that beta guy called you, you went running,’ did she realize Inumaki was an omega?
‘Even when we both know who you would choose,’ had she already known his alpha had chosen Toge?
“Who already knows?” Yuuta asks, his voice soft as his fingers unconsciously trace gentle circles on Inumaki’s warm skin.
I only told Maki , Toge signs, his eyes flicking downward briefly. But Megumi found out eventually. He pauses, considering.
His thoughts drift back to the time Fushiguro figured it out. It was during one of the first heats after his omega instinctively accepted the three new pack members. Toge had been restless, pre-heat leaving him anxious because his nest didn’t smell like all of them. It was driving him mad. Megumi had noticed the subtle signs — the way Toge lingered near them, the tension in his body whenever he returned to his room.
He even got mad at Yuuta for stupid little things, and the alpha couldn’t understand why.
One night, without a word, Megumi had quietly stolen a shirt from Yuuji and something from Nobara’s closet. The next day, he handed them to Inumaki, a silent understanding passing between them.
I think Nobara noticed because of Maki, but I'm not sure. His hands slow as he adds, And it doesn’t matter, anyway. It made things easier .
And it made him less lonely.
Yuuta blinks slowly, processing the information. “So... you mean everyone?”
Not everyone. Toge’s lips twitch into a small smile. Yuuji has no idea and probably will never discover it by himself . He lets out a soft laugh.
Yuuta should be more concerned about being one of the last to notice, but he finds himself almost hypnotized by Inumaki's sweet voice, laughing, vulnerable, safe.
These were parts of Toge Yuuta hadn’t seen much of, even after being close with the omega for over a year. Despite their growing intimacy, Toge had always kept certain things hidden. Now, with Inumaki relaxed in his lap, all Yuuta can think about is how badly he wants to bury his nose in his neck, to lose himself in the comforting heat of his scent, his body.
But it’s more than that. There’s the sight of Toge's neck itself, exposed for once. Usually, Inumaki would keep it hidden beneath scarves or high turtleneck jackets. Yuuta assumed it was to help cover his scent blockers, but now, for the first time, he’s seeing the truth. Toge is only wearing a plain white shirt to sleep, leaving his neck bare — and that’s when Yuuta notices it.
A scar.
It runs from one side of Toge’s neck to the other, cutting across the pale skin, stark and unmistakable.
His fingers twitch, wanting to reach out, to trace the mark, but he holds back.
"Does this have anything to do with why you pretend to be a beta?" Yuuta whispers, his voice soft, careful. He watches as confusion briefly flickers across Inumaki’s face, then sees the moment it dawns on him — Toge’s hand instinctively moves to his neck, his fingers brushing the uncovered skin, realizing he had exposed himself.
Toge’s body tenses, and Yuuta's inner alpha stirs, an overwhelming need to calm and protect him surging within. Dark coffee fills the room, strong, safe. Without thinking, Yuuta presses his wrist gently to Inumaki’s neck, rubbing his scent glands to offer reassurance.
Slowly, Toge nods.
“I get it. We don’t have to talk about it. You’re safe,” Yuuta murmurs.
Yuuta recalls something Rika once told him — it’s harder for omegas to find roommates. They usually prefer to live with other omegas, or, in rare cases, betas. The memory lingers as he watches Toge.
He remembers how surprised Toge was when Gojo, Geto, and Shoko graduated and two omegas moved into their apartment — though it made more sense when he discovered that Megumi had known Satoru for years.
Inumaki had Suguru to make him feel comfortable, but since he was pretending to be a beta, Nobara and Megumi were left without anyone to take care of them.
Toge thinks that's probably the biggest reason his omega naturally became the pack omega. He wanted to protect them — the way he couldn’t be protected himself. He felt responsible for them.
I know I could stop pretending. I trust you all, I just… He cuts off mid-sign, letting out a low, frustrated growl, his emotions slipping through. His hand moves to his scar again, this time touching it with less gentleness, more force, as if the memory behind it is pushing him to the edge.
Yuuta doesn’t want him to justify anything. That’s why he gently takes Toge’s wrist, pulling his hand away from the scar. Without a word, he leans down and presses a soft kiss to the back of Toge’s hand. “You don’t need to explain yourself.”
The omega nods, but continues to sign, anyway. I just prefer not to attract attention.
Yuuta smiles gently. “It worked. I mean, if all the alphas are as dumb as I am,” he jokes lightly, trying to ease the heaviness in the air.
Inumaki chuckles softly.
But Yuuta can’t help the question that’s been on his mind. His voice drops, hesitant. “You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to, but... what about your heat?”
He doesn’t want to be misunderstood, but the thought gnaws at him. If there had been an omega going through their heat just a room away — especially if that omega was Toge — wouldn’t he have noticed?
I take suppressants , Toge signs, meeting Yuuta’s gaze calmly. And every three months, I spend my heat at my parents’ house. That explained the frequent visits home.
Yuuta feels his chest tighten at the thought. His alpha stirs, restless, as the image of Toge enduring his heat alone, far from the pack, fills his mind. A deep ache forms in him, and Okkotsu feels as if he’s failed as an alpha. He should have been there. He should have known.
“If you’d told me— I mean, told us... we could’ve helped you,” Yuuta murmurs, his voice strained with guilt. “Like we do with Megumi and Nobara.”
Inumaki notices the way Yuuta’s fingers fidget and the unmistakable worry in his voice. He can’t help but laugh, the omega’s soft chuckle at least easing Yuuta’s tension for a moment.
I know , Toge signs, smiling slightly. But it was better this way.
The answer doesn’t sit well with Yuuta. His hands, protective and firm, pull Toge closer against his chest, as if by holding him tighter he can make up for all the times he wasn’t there.
Sensing Yuuta’s unease, Toge adds, a bit shyly, Besides, I had your clothes, remember?
Yuuta’s breath hitches, his mind going back to all the times he had caught Toge wearing his shirts or hoodies without thinking much of it. Now it makes sense. His omega had been scenting him, marking him even when Yuuta hadn’t noticed.
The room falls into a soft silence. Inumaki watches as Yuuta’s gaze turns inward, recalling every small moment that had brought them to this very place. All the silly misunderstandings, the unspoken words, the tensions that had somehow pulled them closer instead of apart. A quiet smile tugs at Toge’s lips before he playfully hits Yuuta’s chest, a gentle nudge to shake him from his thoughts.
We also don’t need to talk about Rika if you don’t want to , he signs. It's an invitation, but also a promise that Yuuta doesn’t need to say anything he’s not ready for.
Yuuta looks at him, pausing for a moment. “She broke up with me.”
Toge had suspected something like that. At least after finding Yuuta alone on the couch. Still, hearing it confirmed tugs at something deeper in him. Now it made sense why Yuuta had been seeking comfort without realizing it, drawn toward warmth and familiarity.
Is Toge just a replacement?
That thought flashes through his mind, and suddenly, the minty sweetness of his scent turns bitter. He knows he said being second doesn’t matter, but it still hurts more than he expected. The shift is subtle, but Yuuta, always attentive, notices immediately. His eyes widen as he rushes to clarify, “she said we’re a pack. That’s why she broke up with me.”
Oh. Toge's mind goes blank for a moment, his thoughts freezing in place.
"Oh." The word slips out, more like a soft gasp than a proper response. So Rika had noticed.
It's not the most noble thought to have after hearing such personal news, but Toge can’t help it. She isn't wrong, after all. They are a pack, and in a way, it makes sense that Rika saw what they are forming before Yuuta did. But still, it stings a little, realizing that Yuuta might not have noticed on his own, that he might have needed that gentle push from her to see the truth of it all.
And yet, the truth is there. Yuuta’s here, holding him close, no longer hiding from what’s been right in front of him all along.
“You knew,” Yuuta murmurs. It isn’t a question. There’s no accusation in his voice, but Inumaki can’t quite read the emotions behind it either. His omega stirs uneasily, unsure whether Yuuta is upset or angry, and that uncertainty drives him a little crazy.
Toge starts signing, I think, at some point, your alpha and my omega just… His hands slow down, his thoughts slipping from his fingers. Yes . He finally sighs, looking away for a moment before forcing himself to ask, Does that bother you?
The question hangs in the air, vulnerable and exposed, like a delicate thread waiting to be either cut or pulled tight. His omega itches to know, heart pounding in his chest as he watches for any shift in Yuuta’s expression.
“No,” the answer finally comes, and Toge feels a wave of relief wash over him, letting him breathe properly again. “Actually, I think I’m surprised precisely because it doesn’t.”
Inumaki blinks, processing Yuuta's words. The tension in his shoulders eases as he tries to understand what the alpha means. If it doesn’t bother him, then what does that mean for them? For him?
Yuuta’s expression softens, and he continues, “It feels… right, in a way. I've chosen you. I’m just not sure if I know how to be the... pack alpha?” The words sound strange coming from his mouth, addressing this role to himself. “Properly.”
Toge’s heart races at the admission, and he can’t help but smile softly. It’s more than he hoped for, igniting a warmth in his chest. The realization that their bond was never a mistake, but rather a natural progression, fills him with a sense of belonging he didn’t realize he craved so deeply.
His inner omega stirs with excitement, eager for acknowledgment. Don’t worry, you’re doing great, he signs. Yuuji adores you— he thinks you’re the coolest. Maki respects you, which — you know her — means a lot. The same with our omegas. They feel safe around you.
Yuuta smiles, his alpha clearly pleased by Toge’s words. There’s a glimmer of pride in his eyes that makes Toge’s heart flutter.
“I presume it was you who dealt with the Nobara situation?” Yuuta asks, recalling the bad burning scent that had lingered earlier. He remembers how Kugisaki had looked for Inumaki's approval before telling the others what happened.
Yeah. We talked on our way back home , Toge replies. She said they never stay alone, and he also never tried to touch her— just being so fucking insistent, like most alphas.
As he rolls his eyes, Yuuta can’t help but smile at the way Toge talks about their pack, the fierce protectiveness evident in his words. He watches Inumaki, admiring the way his expressions shift, the way he glows with passion for their omegas.
“You're a good pack omega,” Yuuta says, and Toge freezes at the words. In any other moment, he might find it embarrassing how his omega audibly purrs in satisfaction when the alpha says that, but right now, he couldn’t care less.
That's because you always got my back, alpha, Toge signs, a shy smile on his face. They trust I can take care of them because they know you will take care of me.
“I don't think I did it well,” Yuuta replies, a frown creasing his brow as he still feels bad about not being there for them the way they had stood by him.
“Yuuta…” Toge whispers softly, his voice barely above a breath. “You did.” Even with his voice cracking and his throat aching, Inumaki continues to assert, “You did.”
Yuuta's expression softens further, a blend of affection and determination filling his gaze as he leans in closer, resting his forehead against Toge’s. “I will compensate,” he promises, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around them like a warm embrace.
Toge tries to shake his head in refusal, but Yuuta doesn’t let him. The alpha's grip on his shoulders is gentle but firm, grounding them both in this moment.
“Just… just let me compensate. I will be a good alpha for you. For them.” He won't let it end like Rika.
Without thinking, Toge leans into Yuuta’s touch, his head resting gently against the alpha’s chest.
His heart races with emotion as he signs, knowing damn well they still have so much to talk about, but finally feeling his omega complete. Fine. I’ll hold you to that.
Nobara stumbles upon a funny scene while sneaking out in the middle of the night to steal some cookies.
It’s so amusing that she can’t resist. She had to go back to the hallway, moving on her tiptoes with a grin on her face. First, she wakes up Maki with a gentle shake, barely containing her laughter.
Maki groans, rubbing her eyes but following Nobara’s urgency. They head for Itadori and Fushiguro’s rooms next. Nobara bangs on Itadori’s door, but there’s no answer. With a raised eyebrow, she tries Megumi’s door instead. It swings open, revealing both boys stumbling out, half-awake and confused. Nobara gives them a sly look, but says nothing about them sharing Megumi’s room— at least, not yet.
After all, there’s something much more interesting to talk about.
"I knew there was something wrong. That stubborn idiot," Maki hisses, crossing her arms tightly over her chest.
They all stand in the doorway, staring at the scene in front of them: Toge and Yuuta curled up together on the couch, Toge's head resting on Yuuta's chest, both fast asleep. Maki’s sharp gaze catches the absence of Rika’s presence. If she wasn’t around, then they probably weren’t together anymore, they all think. That would certainly explain why Okkotsu had been acting so off all day.
“Finally,” Nobara says, arms crossed, her head tilted in satisfaction. Not because she wanted Yuuta to break up with Rika — although she had some issues with the omega, mostly because dating Yuuta had left Inumaki feeling down —, but because he and Inumaki had finally stopped dancing around each other.
Megumi, standing silently beside her, gives a slight nod in agreement.
Maki squints at Yuuta, noticing the multiple layers of clothes bundled around him, more than usual. She steps forward, her face scrunching up in disbelief. “This dumbass tried to get through the cold without an omega. Stupid,” she mutters, shaking her head, not bothering to lower her voice. Nobara snickers at Maki’s blatant disapproval, the sound echoing softly through the room.
“I mean, he survived, didn’t he?” Itadori pipes up, leaning against the doorframe while defending his senpai and pack alpha. He gestures at the pair on the couch. “Look at him, he’s completely out.” He pauses, squinting at Yuuta, then adds, his voice rising slightly, “Or... is he dead from the cold? Oh my god, should I start panicking?”
Megumi rolls his eyes, crossing his arms as he leans against the wall. “He’s not dead, Yuuji. Don’t be ridiculous.”
Nobara, still watching Yuuta and Toge, glances at Yuuji, half amused, half incredulous. She shakes her head, almost intrigued by how oblivious and clueless he can be.
Maki raises an eyebrow. “So, what now? We just leave these two here?”
Nobara, now hanging off Maki’s waist with her arms wrapped tightly around her, is practically draped over her. She knows the cold is biting, making her cling even closer to the taller alpha. That had been the reason Nobara had slipped out of the room in the first place— knowing that if Maki woke up, she’d convince her to give up on the cookies in exchange for cuddling under the blankets.
The omega shrugs but snuggles deeper into Maki’s side. Although she tries to focus on the funny situation at hand, her omega is purring inside her at the sight of the pack alpha and pack omega reunited. The warmth of nesting calls to her, tugging at her mind. The sudden urge to curl up with her alpha and the pack makes her shift restlessly. She casts a glance toward Megumi, only to notice he’s staring intently at the couple on the couch, probably feeling the same instinct to nest as she is.
“Inumaki-senpai likes to stay in our nests after a heat,” Megumi comments suddenly. Definitely not subtle, but at least effective.
Maki seems to catch on to where the instincts of the two omegas are leading them, though it’s Itadori who responds, surprising everyone. “Oh, I can understand him— Fushiguro’s nest is really warm.”
Megumi's face turns bright red, and Nobara arches an eyebrow, turning to Fushiguro and leaning in provocatively. “And what happened to ‘no staying in my room’?”
Megumi grunts in embarrassment. “Shut up.”
Nobara laughs softly at his flustered expression, and Maki shakes her head, a smirk tugging at her lips.
“Ok, ok. Stop arguing, you two. Yuuji, you come with me. Let's go for some blankets and clothes for them,” Maki orders, her tone brooking no argument. She knows separating alphas and omegas during the cold isn’t the most intelligent idea, but she also understands that two omegas will work faster in a nest than just one.
Itadori nods enthusiastically, eager to help.
They start to work as quickly as possible. Nobara and Megumi pull out clothes and blankets that Maki and Yuuji had brought, impregnated with their scents, and toss them onto the growing pile, constructing a cozy nest.
As they are about to finish, Megumi meticulously adjusts one of the corners of the blankets, ensuring everything is perfectly aligned. He tends to be a bit of a perfectionist with his nests, wanting every detail to be just right.
Nobara, on the other hand, crouches down nearby, focused on snapping photos of the unsuspecting couple sleeping on the couch. The soft light filtering through the window highlights Toge's peaceful expression and Yuuta’s protective grip around him. Nobara smirks, finding the scene too cute to pass up.
Itadori’s laughter echoes from the hallway as he notices Kugisaki taking photos of them, arms laden with more blankets and a couple of pillows. He drops them onto the nest pile with a thud, Maki follows closely behind, balancing a stack of clothes on her arm, her brows furrowed in concentration.
“That should do it,” Maki declares, glancing at the omegas working at the nest with satisfaction before turning her attention back to the sleeping pair. It’s clear she’s ready to rouse them. “Alright, lovebirds, time to get up!” she calls out, her voice ringing with playful authority.
Inumaki groans, blinking awake as he tries to gather his thoughts. Confusion washes over him as he looks around, trying to make sense of his surroundings. The sight of the four of them standing there, watching him with amused expressions, finally jogs his memory. It takes a moment for him to realize he’s still curled up in Yuuta’s lap.
Toge attempts to sit up straight, but Yuuta, who has stirred slightly without fully waking, grumbles about the absence of heat. “Noo, come back,” he mumbles, instinctively pulling Toge closer with possessive ease, wrapping his arms around him tighter.
“Yuuta!” Toge exclaims, a hint of urgency in his voice as he tries to push at Yuuta's chest, half-heartedly protesting. He can’t help the flutter in his stomach at the warmth of the alpha’s embrace, but he knows they need to get up.
Yuuta merely grunts, snuggling his face into Toge's neck, breathing in his scent as if to anchor himself back into sleep.
The sound of laughter from their pack is what wakes Yuuta up. Toge turns to look at the others, blushing slightly at the realization that they’re all witnessing this intimate moment. Guys, come on, he signs, trying to maintain some semblance of dignity, even as he feels a smile creeping onto his face.
"Change of plans— sleepover," Maki announces with a smirk.
It’s when Inumaki finally sits up that he takes in the sight before him: Megumi and Nobara kneeling inside a large nest in the middle of the living room, a cozy mound of blankets and clothes carefully arranged around them. He settles himself comfortably on Yuuta's lap, who seems to sense the shift in mood and doesn’t try to pull him closer anymore.
Toge measures the nest meticulously, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction as his omega instincts bloom within him. It’s especially fulfilling to know it was crafted by his two omegas, who are now watching him anxiously, their expressions eager for his approval.
He finally nods slowly, a smile spreading across his face as he feels the pack scents radiating from the nest. This pleases Megumi and Nobara so much that caramel and piña colada starts to fill the air, reflecting the happiness and relief washing over the two omegas.
Maki and Yuuji breathe out sighs of relief, their earlier tension dissipating. It’s a funny scene, really. Two big alphas trembling and freezing in the cold because they refuse to get closer to their omegas until the three of them grant permission to enter the nest.
It’s a common rule among their kind. Yuuta, as the pack alpha, being the only one allowed to be this close to the nest.
Come on. Enter. You’re freezing, Toge signs for Maki and Itadori. Almost immediately, they step into the nest, eagerly seeking the body heat radiating from the two omegas, instinctively guided by the pack's unspoken rules.
With a chuckle, Yuuta gently lifts Toge, helping him slide off his lap and into the nest before following suit. As he joins the group, Megumi and Nobara exchange triumphant glances, their hearts swelling with pride as they watch their pack settle into the cozy embrace of the nest they crafted. Their inner omegas hum with satisfaction.
Toge snuggles deeper into the blankets, inhaling the familiar scents of his pack— comforting and warm. He and Yuuta lie facing each other, their eyes locking for a moment, and a silent understanding passes between them.
You know what? Okkotsu signs suddenly, probably not wanting to bother the others. He looks contemplative. Rika broke up with me because she wanted to start a pack but thought I already had one.
Yuuta glances around, noticing the warmth emanating from Megumi and Itadori as they spoon together. The sight brings a smile to his face. He can see Nobara curled up, sleeping soundly against Maki's chest behind Toge, her features relaxed in slumber.
And then there’s Inumaki, just lying there, ethereal and pretty, his eyes softly reflecting Yuuta as if he had been doing it forever.
Suddenly, he whispers, “hey,” his fingers twitching with a gentle urge to reach out. “You’re beautiful, you know that?” The words spill out before he can second-guess himself, and he watches as Inumaki’s eyes widen slightly in surprise.
Inumaki’s cheeks flush an even deeper shade of pink, but he manages to smile shyly, his lips curving upward in a way that makes Yuuta’s heart flutter.
The alpha takes a deep breath, letting the scent of his pack wash over him, grounding him in this moment. It smells like home.
And she is right.