* * *

Later that evening, after closing the shop, Reese returned to the dormitory. It was still 7 pm, so it was quite early. He was thinking of cooking something for himself when he found Lan sitting on the couch. It was dark inside, so Reese thought there was no one there. Besides, knowing that the Alpha had plans, he assumed the Alpha wouldn’t be spending his weekend at the school dorm.

“Lan?” Reese called softly, approaching Lan with concern. He had already turned on the lights and now he could tell the Alpha had been crying as his eyes were red and puffy. Just from this, Reese could figure out what might have happened and clearly, it did not turn out well.

“Hey,” Lan croaked, trying to compose himself. After he drove off earlier without a destination in mind, he finally went back to the dorm as everything started to sink in. He had already expected Elven to reject him since it was clear as day that the Omega did not feel the same way, but he was really hoping that he could at least have a chance to show his feelings. He was willing to wait… but in the end, he wasn’t even given a chance. He got flat-out rejected.

Reese sat down beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. “What happened?” It was the first time he had seen an Alpha like this, so he couldn’t help but worry. Lan might not be the brightest, but he also didn’t think he was someone capable of showing this kind of emotion.

Lan took a shaky breath, wiping his eyes. “Elven rejected me. He said he values our friendship and he couldn’t see himself returning my feelings. He didn’t want to lead me on.” He explained, surprising Reese. For an Alpha like Lancel, he couldn’t believe that there would actually be someone out there who would reject him. While he understood where Elven was coming from and the decision to reject the Alpha was his right, he also couldn’t believe the Omega had not developed feelings for the Alpha this whole time. Lancel clearly treated him differently from others, and it was obvious that he liked him. If it was him, his heart wouldn’t be so strong to not notice it.

Lan is a kind man, which separates him from most Alphas who are full of themselves just because they’re born elites. Furthermore, he seemed genuine and Reese could tell he’s the type of person who would only treat the person he likes well. Not to mention, he’s a very good-looking man that if only he wasn’t straight, Reese would definitely fall for him. Alas, this kind of man is still rejected and is now heartbroken.

“Oh, Lan, I’m so sorry,” Reese only managed to say, his voice full of empathy. “That must have been really hard to hear,” he added. He had only met Lan for less than a week but he could tell that he really loved Elven. From the way he looked at him to the way he treated him, it was quite obvious.

“It was. I thought maybe… just maybe he felt the same way. If not, I thought he’d at least let me care for him not as a friend but as someone who wants to pursue him… but I was wrong,” Lan nodded, tears started streaming down his face again. Looking at his friend, Reese didn’t really know what to do or say. He could tell the Alpha was hurting but comforting someone was never his best point.

In the end, Reese decided to hug the Alpha, pressing his head against his chest. Lan was way taller than him but right now, he looked so small and he couldn’t help but feel bad for him because he had been in this situation as well. Although it was a little bit different from his, he knew the pain was the same. Back then, he had no one to comfort him, not even a friend, so it’s natural for him to want to comfort Lan. He didn’t want him to feel like he felt before.

“It’s okay to cry, Lan. It’s okay to feel hurt,” Reese said again, brushing his friend’s hair softly hoping that this small gesture would somehow comfort him because he knew if it was him, it would.

“It hurts so much, Reese… but I can’t just give up. I can’t just stop loving him. I have never loved anyone but him,” Lan whispered, his voice trembling. Listening, Reese felt a pang of sadness for Lan’s unrequited love.

“I understand. Sometimes our hearts don’t listen to reason. But maybe, with time, things will get better. Maybe he’ll see how much you care,” Reese said as he continued to caress the Alpha’s head.

“I don’t know. I hope so because it hurts… It hurts so bad and I just… I don’t know what to do. He told me to give him space… What am I supposed to do without him?” Lan sobbed as he clung to the Beta. The pain he was feeling was still palpable.

“It’s going to be okay. You’re strong, Lan. And we may have just met, but I’m here for you. Just give Elven the time he needs for now…” Reese smiled helplessly, which Lan really felt grateful for. He had been rude to the Beta in the beginning and even accused him of something he didn’t do, but Reese still forgave him and now was trying to comfort him. They may have just met for less than a week, but he was very thankful that they had become friends.

“Thank you, Reese… I wouldn’t have known what to do,” Lan nodded in defeat before he shyly pulled away from the hug. He was supposed to be an Alpha but here he was now crying like a child to a Beta.

“It’s fine. It’s the least I could do as my only friend,” Reese smiled sweetly. Aside from Leon, who was more like a boss to him than a friend, Lan is the only person he could call his friend now, so he wanted to ease his pain.

“Say… Do you want to go out with me? I know someone who can get us a few drinks if you want…” Reese suddenly suggested. The Alpha had already started to calm down but he just couldn’t help but get worried for him. It was clear that he was in a lot of pain and he wanted to help him forget even for just a moment. “I know we’re minors so it’s okay if you don’t want to…” Reese added. Since Lan is a model student, he didn’t want to be a bad influence if he didn’t want to. It’s just something he offered, thinking it would help the Alpha a little.

“Okay…” Lan suddenly replied, surprising Reese but he didn’t ask for more and just nodded.

“Alright… let’s go then…” Reese smiled, pulling the Alpha up. Lan wiped his tears and nodded with a soft chuckle.

* * *

“Hey… just because Dad’s not here now, you can’t use my place as a hideout,” Leon raised one of his eyebrows, looking at Reese who had just left their place more than an hour ago and then came back with someone. He was planning to leave to enjoy the night after closing the shop when the Beta suddenly texted him that he’d bring someone just to hang out. Furthermore, he was even asked to buy a few drinks. Although he did buy them, that doesn’t mean he wasn’t going to scold the Beta afterward.

“I know, just do me a favor this one time…” Reese smiled sweetly, making Leon sigh and then look at the Alpha following behind his friend. When he got a clearer view, he looked him up and down as his forehead furrowed.

“Who is he anyway?” Leon whispered, pulling Reese closer. He had known the Beta long enough to know that he didn’t know any Alphas like the person behind him. “Don’t tell me he’s your lover or something?” he added suspiciously as he glared at the unfamiliar figure. As an Alpha, Leon had always been proud of his physique, but seeing the young man in front of him, he could tell he was far above.

“Don’t be silly. He’s a new friend of mine. The one I told you about. Also, he had just been rejected so I brought him here to cheer him up a little,” Reese lightly punched Leon’s abdomen, hoping that Lan hadn't heard Leon’s words.

“Hmmmn… Fine… Just make sure to clean up after… Also, I’m leaving so don’t bother looking for me, I won’t be here for a while… If you’re leaving and I’m still not here, just lock the door… Call me if something happens and definitely don’t drink too much, okay?” Leon replied as he instructed, putting his hand on top of Reese’s head like he was his older brother. However, since he was used to it, Reese only nodded.

“Okay… Don’t get too wasted as well or I’m telling the boss this time,” Reese teased, making the Alpha chuckle. On the other hand, looking at the scene unfold, Lan thought the two looked like lovers. If he hadn’t heard the fellow Alpha’s question just now, he would think he and Reese were actually a thing. It’s not very common since Alphas always seek to procreate in the end, but there are a lot of male Alphas who form relationships with male Betas as well. It’s not shunned upon and it’s just a matter of preference. Most Alphas who choose same-sex partners are usually those who don't plan to have kids.

“A-Anyway, this is Lancel… He’s my new friend and roommate… Lan, this is Leon. He’s my boss but also a friend…” Reese finally introduced the two, and both Alphas acknowledged each other with a handshake. They chatted a bit, introducing themselves, but after a while and having no reason to stay any longer, Leon excused himself and left, leaving Lan and Reese to go and climb the stairs to the rooftop. When they reached it, the drinks were already there chilling in a bucket full of ice.

“Do you like it? They have the best view in town. The first time I saw this, it became my favorite place…” Reese cheerfully said as he pushed the Alpha toward the chair and table. Normally, he’d be in the hammock, but since they’d be drinking, he quickly urged Lan to take a seat.

“I can see why you like this place… There are a lot of flowers around…” Lan looked around as he mentioned this. The whole building was small, being only three floors compared to its neighbors, but as a rooftop garden, it was large enough to play hide and seek for hours.

“H-How do you know I like flowers?” Reese asked, surprised, since it was true that he liked flowers. He just didn’t understand how the Alpha knew.

“Well, first of all, you’re working in a flower shop and I saw you… dancing and smiling with the bouquet,” Lan recalled as a chuckle finally left his lips, causing Reese to blush in embarrassment. He was worried Lan had seen him dancing with the bouquet earlier, but he didn’t think he had actually seen him. It was so embarrassing that his whole face turned red. If not for the fact that it was mostly dark outside despite the city lights, the Alpha would have seen how red his face had become.

“Are you embarrassed? It’s okay, you don’t need to be… I like flowers too, although I won’t be dancing like you did,” Lan assured before pulling out another tease. For some reason, even though he was still hurting from the rejection he had received, his heart felt a little lighter. He was glad he agreed to come with Reese. It had helped him forget about the things he should at the moment.

“Say… would you mind if I hang out with you from now on?” Lan suddenly asked. Reese was still recovering from the embarrassment, but as soon as he heard the request, he composed himself before he pouted.

“I don’t mind… As long as you forget about the dancing…” Reese pouted as he glared at the Alpha, making Lan chuckle again. For some reason, he really enjoyed watching the Beta's expressions. It had only been less than a week, but he had already seen so much, he wondered what more he’d see if he continued to be friends with him.

* * *

To be Continued…