The hot springs lay high in the mountains, and reaching them meant hours of winding roads and swaying turns. By the time they finally arrived, the students were worn out, their earlier chatter fading into yawns and slouched shoulders.

The earlier stop in the city had been a welcome pause – a walk through the park, photos beside weathered statues, small souvenirs clutched in paper bags. But it was still a long journey, and everyone was eager for the reward at the end.

A few minutes was all it took to drop their things, and soon groups of boys and girls were already filling the baths, laughter and chatter slowly rising again.

The baths were divided — girls to the right, boys to the left — with only a narrow wall and a shared entrance separating them. Steam blurred the outlines of bodies in the water, voices echoing softly.

Shin leaned back with a sigh, sliding deeper until only his shoulders showed. “Ahhh, this is perfect after a day like that.” His tone was lazy, relaxed.

They had taken a quieter corner of the oval pool, half-hidden from the rowdier students. Yahiko, by contrast, sat close to the edge, arms wrapped around his knees beneath the water. His eyes darted toward the group of alphas on the other side.

“Yahiko.” Shin’s voice dropped, gentle. “Relax. They’re busy talking.”

“I know, I just…” Yahiko exhaled, his voice low. “Do you remember what they said back at the shop? That this trip would be unforgettable. It worries me, Shin.”

Shin’s brows knit for a moment, then he shook his head. “They’re not that stupid. Ishikawa-sensei is right behind that wall, and Hayashi-senpai’s here too. They won’t let anything happen. If anyone tried something, it’d end before it started.”

“Hayashi-senpai, do you have a girlfriend?” one of the omegas suddenly called out across the steam.

A few alphas immediately jumped on it.

“Ha! What kind of question is that? He’s an alpha – of course he does.”

“Being alpha doesn’t mean you must have a partner,” another omega shot back.

“Maybe he’s got a boyfriend instead,” another boy leaned forward with a grin.

That got a louder reaction, splashes echoing off the stone. Soon more voices joined in, tossing playful remarks back and forth. One by one they drifted toward the center of the oval pool, their chatter turning into a debate about alphas, omegas, and everything in between. The air grew lively, steam swirling with their laughter.

The chatter had risen to a playful roar when Ayato’s voice suddenly cut through, “Are you boys trying to sweet-talk me now?” His tone was half a joke, half a warning.

The pool went quiet in an instant, laughter choking back into awkward silence.

Yahiko nudged Shin, standing up to reach for his towel. “Well, that’s our cue. Time to wrap it up.”

Shin pulled a face. “But it was just getting interesting!”

Yahiko only sighed. “No chance. Hayashi-senpai isn’t the type to play along. He’ll shut it down before it gets out of hand.”

And indeed, Ayato’s tone sharpened as he straightened at the edge of the pool.

“Alright, enough. Back to your sides, no more sweet talk.”

Groans of protest rose from the boys’ bath, but no one dared argue. Slowly, with reluctant splashes, the students drifted back to their corners.

“And how did you know that?” Shin asked, still surprised by Yahiko’s prediction.

“Call it a spidey sense.” Yahiko said with a faint smile, reaching for the shelf where his clothes were folded. “I’m tired. You?”

“A bit,” Shin admitted, stretching his arms as he picked up his uniform.

They had only just turned toward the changing rooms when a burst of loud laughter shattered the calm. A moment later, three boys rounded the corner at a run, almost slamming straight into them.

Yahiko stood by the shelves, his back to them. His towel was wrapped high and tight around him. Shin, on the other hand, faced the newcomers without flinching, his own towel slung casually around his hips.

“Hey, watch where you’re running!” one of the boys laughed, brushing past.

“You were fast!” another panted.

Then a voice they both knew all too well.

“Well, well… what do we have here?” Denji’s grin spread as his eyes landed on them.

Shin shifted his weight forward, one foot braced. “What? Never seen a naked guy before?” His tone was sharp, taunting, a deliberate jab.

One of the boys snorted. “Ah, it’s Shin and his precious Yahiko.” He leaned on Denji’s shoulder, smirking.

Denji’s gaze fixed on Yahiko’s back. “Hey, don’t you want to show us what’s under that towel?” His hand shot out, reaching.

Yahiko spun on instinct, slapping the hand away. “Don’t you dare touch me.”

That only made Denji grin wider. He seized Yahiko by the towel at his chest, yanking him forward.

“Know your place, omega,” he hissed, a hot breath against his face.

Shin’s hand clamped around Denji’s wrist at once, pulling. Yahiko’s eyes burned as he forced words the words out through the trembling voice:

“Omegas can also—”

“What’s going on here?” A female’s voice cut across the room. Two girls had stepped into the changing area, their towels fresh, hair damp.

One raised a brow. “Oh, figures. Yahiko picking another fight with Denji.”

The other sighed, turning to Yahiko. “Stop it already. You only make him worse when you fight back.” Then she gave Denji a sweet smile. “Come on, don’t waste your time here. Let’s go grab something to eat.”

Denji sneered but let go. “Lucky this time.” He shoved Yahiko back and followed the girls out, the others trailing with him.

The air felt heavy once the laughter faded. Shin stepped closer, laying a hand gently on Yahiko’s shoulder. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” Yahiko said, though his voice was thin.

Shin scowled. “What a dumbass. No manners at all. I swear, if I tell Ishikawa-sensei, he’ll— Yahiko? Where are you going?”

“I want a shower.” Yahiko’s voice was flat as he turned toward the stalls.

Shin blinked. “Oh… okay. But what about Denji—”

“Later,” Yahiko murmured, disappearing into the cubicles.

Yahiko closed the cubicle door behind him, turned on the water, and sank down against the wall. Steam filled the small space, but he barely felt its warmth. His arms locked tight around his shoulders, nails pressing into his skin. Brave words meant nothing here; he was still an omega, and fear crept in where strength should have been.

He stayed there a long time, silent except for the hiss of water. Students came and went, laughter echoing briefly as showers opened and closed, then fading again. Yahiko never moved. Only when the voices died down completely did he finally push himself up.

By the time he stepped out, the baths were empty, the corridors quiet. He walked to the shelves, hanging his towel with slow hands.

“Still here?” The sudden voice made him flinch. Ayato stood near the doorway, his tone more curious than stern. “Everyone’s already asleep.”

Yahiko half-lifted his eyes, but no words came. He just nodded faintly, set the towel on the rack, and turned to leave. As he moved, Ayato’s gaze caught on his shoulder – faint bruises, the shape of fingers pressed too hard.