Aoto

“Aoto!”

“Kenzo, Junko,” I exclaim, approaching the table where my best friends are seated in the coffee shop. “Sorry I’m late,” I add, flopping onto the chair beside Kenzo and across from Junko.

“That’s fine. We already got you a hot lemon tea and two lemon scones.” Junko pushes a tray toward me.

“Thank you.” I shoot her an appreciative smile before taking a sip of the tea. “So, how was your week? Are you enjoying university life?”

Kenzo and Junko exchange a look before the former begins, “You know we’re freshmen in the business department at Elite Chikara, right? Well, turns out Yu-jun Yoon is in the same department, and we see him almost every day.”

“And? I already assumed you’d run into him. He told me back in January he’d be attending Elite Chikara,” I say casually before shoving half a scone into my mouth.

Kenzo continues, “Even though the semester only started a month ago, Yu-jun is already the most popular student on campus. Everyone wants to be associated with him.”

After finishing the scone and taking another sip of tea, I comment, “Not surprising, considering he’s one of the most handsome men in the world, heir to the Yoon Group, and a Dominant Alpha. It’s always been like that—people wanting a piece of him.” I pause and grimace. “But why are you telling me this? I have nothing to do with him.”

Junko bursts into laughter, pointing at my belly. “Nothing to do with him? Then whose kids are growing inside you?”

Kenzo chuckles. “Exactly. Even if you’ve decided not to tell Yu-jun about the twins, he’s still their father.”

I roll my eyes, huffing, “I know, I know. But why mention his popularity? Are you trying to make me jealous? Hate to break it to you, but that won’t work because I don’t have feelings for that bastard anymore.”

Junko’s laughter fades, her expression turning serious. “Actually, what we really wanted to tell you is that he’s been hanging out with Sota… a lot.”

A sharp pain strikes my chest, my heartbeat quickening. “Sota and Yu-jun are meeting a lot on campus?” I breathe out, wincing. “Are they dating again?”

Kenzo responds, “Rumors about them having a special relationship are everywhere. Yu-jun is known for being unapproachable, dismissive, and rude to those who try to interact with him. Aside from his rich friends, Sota is the only one he pays attention to.”

Junko frowns. “Honestly, Yu-jun openly favors Sota—he seeks him out at the medical department almost every day during lunch and even waits for him whenever Sota has free hours from his internship.”

“Though we don’t think they’re dating since rumors also say Yu-jun spends his nights with different partners at a specific hotel,” Kenzo observes, watching me closely. “From what you’ve told us about Yu-jun’s feelings for Sota, he wouldn’t dare cheat on him again, right?”

I nod. “Yeah, he wouldn’t. So, he must be trying to win my brother back. But…” I pause, biting my lower lip before taking a deep breath. “Does Sota reciprocate?”

Junko and Kenzo exchange a nervous glance before turning back to me, their silence answering for them.

I mumble, “I saw Sota this morning, and he didn’t mention Yu-jun. He must be hiding their relationship from me because he doesn’t want to upset me.”

“But he wasn’t bothered when you told him about your pregnancy, was he?” Kenzo frowns.

I shake my head. “On the contrary, he was excited to become an uncle.”

Junko looks pensive. “Hmm… What if he’s trying to make amends with Yu-jun for the sake of your kids?”

I shake my head again, my brows furrowing. “I doubt it. I’ve made it clear I’ll never tell Yu-jun about the twins.”

Junko sighs, “Then Sota must still like him, and since you confirmed you won’t pursue Yu-jun, he’s acting on his feelings.”

Kenzo reaches for my fist on the table, covering it with his hand. “Are you okay, Ao? This must be upsetting.”

I force a smile and lie, “I’m fine. I’m too busy preparing to give birth and raise the twins to worry about my brother’s love life. As I’ve said, that weekend with Yu-jun was just my unexpected heat and his rut. He doesn’t even remember it.”

Junko throws a hand in the air. “You’re right, Ao. Let’s not talk about those two Alphas anymore. Let’s focus on your pregnancy instead.” Her lips curl into a mischievous smile. “How about we find a potential papa for your babies? There are plenty on campus.”

Kenzo grins. “Yeah, you’re one of the most beautiful Omegas. You could get a partner in the blink of an eye.”

I take a bite of the second scone and sip my tea, deliberately ignoring them.

“Why are you ignoring us? We just want someone to take care of you and the babies,” Junko pouts, folding her arms.

“I don’t need anyone but myself. Besides, I have my mom, dad, Sota, and you two to help me,” I smirk, draining the rest of my tea and rising to my feet to order another.

Noticing where I’m headed, Kenzo calls out, asking for a hot chocolate and chocolate cake, while Junko requests a cappuccino and a chicken sandwich. I nod and, on impulse, decide to order two pieces of lemon cake for myself as well.

After fetching the drinks and food, I settle back at the table, bracing myself for my friends’ inevitable concerns about my pregnancy and future as a young mother.

As expected, the moment I’m comfortable in my seat, Junko fires the first shot. “Ao, how do you plan to raise the twins and attend university without working? Will Aunt and Uncle Kikuchi help you?”

Kenzo follows up. “Do you need money now? I don’t have much left from my allowance, but I can give you some.”

I chuckle, touched by their concern. I’d intended to tune them out, but sensing their sincerity, I explain, “Mom and Dad assured me they’d cover my university fees and support the twins. But since they’re already paying for my brother’s medical degree—which isn’t cheap—I decided to start working now. I want to ease their burden when I enroll at Elite Chikara, and more than that, I want to raise my kids with my own money—they’re my responsibility, after all.”

Junko waves dismissively and laughs. “Dude, your parents are offering to support you, and you’re just throwing it away? If I were you, I wouldn’t lift a finger and would take their money without a second thought.”

Kenzo nods. “What’s wrong with accepting their help? Even Sota’s getting a free ride, and your arts degree won’t cost nearly as much as his medical one.”

I scowl, surprised Kenzo thinks that way. Snorting, I tease, “I expected that from Junko—she’s always been a shrewd, money-grabbing person. But you too, Kenzo? What the hell? Don’t let her bad influence rub off on you. Shame on you. Tsk tsk.”

Kenzo rushes to defend himself. “It’s not that I agree with Junko, but you’ll be too busy raising your kids and studying to work. How will you manage? Do you even have the time? It won’t be easy being a single mom to two toddlers while spending most of your days on campus.”

He’s right. How will I balance everything? What if I end up neglecting my kids because I’m exhausted?

Coming to terms with reality, I sigh, “I get where you’re coming from—both of you—and I’m grateful to have best friends who remind me I’m not a superhuman. It’s going to be tough, but I can’t put the entire financial burden on my parents, as the twins are the result of my irresponsibility. I was careless. I assumed that being a Recessive Omega who had never gone through heat meant I didn’t need to carry suppressants around Alphas. I was wrong. That weekend made me realize that no matter how recessive I am, I’m still an Omega first and foremost.”

Kenzo slides his chocolate cake toward me with a smile. “To be honest, I was shocked when you told us you were pregnant, but at the same time, I was thrilled to be an uncle to your kids.”

Junko stands from her chair and throws her arms around my neck, hugging me from behind. “Yeah, I was stunned, but I’m also excited to be their aunt. No matter what, you can count on us—we’re your best friends.”

Warmth floods through me, my eyes welling up with tears. “Thank you, guys. It means everything to know I can rely on you because, honestly? I’m scared to death of being a mom.”

Junko tightens her arms around me. “Of course you are. You’re only eighteen—you’re still a kid yourself.”

I glance up at her, smirking, “Says the girl who’s the same age as me.”

She grins smugly. “But I’ll be nineteen in June and Kenzo in September. Meanwhile, you won’t be nineteen until next year. You’re the baby of the group.”

“Maybe, but it’s time for me to step up. I have to be the best mom I can be, and that means earning my own money,” I reply.

Kenzo, who’s been glued to his phone for the last minute, suddenly shows me a video while suggesting, “Then why don’t you try becoming a video game streamer? This guy isn’t as charismatic or good-looking as you, and he’s a huge success. He makes a living from his videos, fans, and sponsors.”

I watch as the streamer plays Universe of War, the RPG I’ve been hooked on for the past three years with Junko and Kenzo.

Junko peeks at the screen and says, “I like this guy, but Kenzo’s right—he’s nowhere near as handsome as you, and your gameplay is way more interesting. If you start streaming, you’ll be famous in no time. Sponsors and other streamers will be lining up to collaborate with you.”

Still watching the video, I ask, “You really think so? You think I could do it?”

Kenzo nods enthusiastically, responding, “Absolutely. You’d earn more than enough to raise your kids comfortably, and if you start now, you can keep the camera focused on your face and hide your baby bump.”

Junko chimes in, “Who knows? It could even open doors for you in the entertainment industry.”

“And you’ll meet way more interesting people than Yu-jun—maybe even someone who’ll make you forget that bastard Alpha,” Kenzo adds.

I’ve never considered streaming, even though I love watching streamers and playing games. As an Omega, I fear discrimination—something I’ve endured my whole life. More than that, I worry about bringing shame to my family. My dad is a respected federal agent, and the last thing I want is for his career to suffer because of people’s prejudice against me.

As if sensing my hesitation, Junko grips my shoulders and gives me a slight shake. “Come on, Ao. Don’t overthink it. Just be careful not to share too much personal information. Once you get popular, you can hire an agent to handle the annoying stuff.”

“Ao, can you hold my phone? My arm is cramping,” Kenzo complains, grimacing as he stretches his arm toward me.

“Oh, sorry. You can put it down now. Thanks for showing me the video.” I push the phone back toward him. After a brief pause, I decide, “I was going to ask my uncle for a part-time job, but you know what? I’ll give streaming a shot.”

Junko drops back into her seat, raising her coffee cup. “Cheers to the start of Ao’s streaming career and his journey to being the best mom ever.”

Kenzo and I lift our drinks as well, and the three of us clink them together. Laughter and excitement fill the air as we make plans for my new venture and the twins’ arrival.

Yet, despite the hope buzzing in my chest, Yu-jun’s words of love and the way he looked at me that wicked weekend still linger in my mind, a haunting reminder that he’s the Dominant Alpha who triggered my first heat—and the one I can’t seem to forget.

* * *