Archive of Our Own

In the modern era, the stereotypical “perfect couple” is usually portrayed as an omega and an alpha. But isn’t that just downsizing? Before Western influence, it was normal in Korea to have the full beta, alpha, and omega triad. In the old records of the bureau, they tell tales of how dokkaebi give challenges or gifts in counts of three. Trios are powerful, trios are the safest. And it makes sense. Beta’s, after all, can keep their better senses during their partner’s heats and ruts. On a practical level, isn’t it best to have a beta there?

Or maybe Agent Choi is a bit sensitive as a beta himself, constantly told no partner would stay for him.

He’s grown up, he’s even found himself a wonderful partner in Ryu Jaekwan, but he grew up with the constant nagging and insults, so the hurt isn’t so easily forgotten. Not many would call Agent Choi an insecure man, he knows that. Though too many times he’s found himself the one left behind. 

Even now, with their new recruit, who both fits in so well it feels like he’s been with them for years, and yet also seems as ephemeral as an exhale on a cold day.

He knows Kim Soleum won’t stay. Agent Choi has to figure out how to get him to, he’s tired of being the one staring at people’s backs as they recede into the fog.

Sunlight filters into Hyeonmu Team 1’s office through the shutters, leaving lines of gold painted across the ground and Agent Choi’s face. He twirls aimlessly in his chair. In quiet moments like this, his neck aches a terrible thing. He undoes a few more buttons of his shirt, revealing the black tank top underneath.

Ryu Jaekwan is busy with a visit to Oh Jeonghye in the Equipment Management Division, so he's by himself until Kim Soleum arrives at the office. 

He sits up straighter, smiling widely, “Agent Grapes! Good morning, how are you?”

“Ah, morning. I’m… fine.” Kim Soleum runs his hands through his hair a few times, but it remains in its messy, tangled state. His dark circles are prominent, as if he didn’t sleep a wink last night.

From what Agent Choi saw in the Baekilmong Inc. group chats, Kim Soleum might’ve been telling the truth when he said he disappeared for a month inside a Disaster. At least, his coworkers hadn’t seen him, though it’s just as likely he was prepping for his spy work. 

Kim Soleum looks like someone who’s had it rough, with bloodless cheeks and lips, but it could also be part of his facade. It garners Ryu Jaekwan’s pity when he sees their hubae flinch at sudden loud noises or when he’s nodding asleep at his desk after a long day; of all people to guilt-trip into silence, Kim Soleum picked the right person. Ryu Jaekwan is never going to go report to the higher-ups what he knows about the new recruit.

It makes it all the more strange how bad Kim Soleum’s infiltration has been. He isn’t even using an alias, it was easy to dig up his past… as little information as there was.

Agent Choi wants to know what keeps Kim Soleum up at night. He wants to crack his skull open and get all the answers to the mysteries that surround him. They go through this dance, where Kim Soleum does something suspicious, Agent Choi pokes at it like poking at an open wound and then lets the topic drop. They’re both waiting for the other one to blink first.

As Kim Soleum shuffles over to plop down on the couch, he checks his phone, “We didn’t get a call for a mission… you’re here early. Not that’s- that isn’t a bad thing.”

“I stopped by the gym. It’s old, but it’s free. You should check it out sometime, work out those arms of yours!”

“Maybe…” Kim Soleum winces. Ultimately, it’s his quick thinking that makes him a good agent, so it’s fine. Being able to run fast only helps when the horrors follow the rules of normal physics and not the dream logic they function off of.

An agent soon drops by and hands them Hyeonmu Team 1’s newest assignment. Agent Choi sifts through the files first. “Hm, this is a tricky call for help. You might have to sit this one out, Grapes.” 

Kim Soleum joins him at the desk, leaning over his shoulder to look over the papers. “What’s the report say?”

Agent Choi is momentarily distracted. Kim Soleum’s hand sits on his shoulder, and so close together that Agent Choi could count his eyelashes.

He clears his throat. Kim Soleum doesn’t question his lapse in attention, most likely attributing it to Agent Choi’s usual strangeness. “It’s a disaster that triggers when a beta, alpha, and omega enter. Your designation isn’t specified in your record- but you don’t have to tell us if it’s private. The Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau can’t force you to disclose that information.” 

… Even if Agent Choi is extremely curious. He has a beta’s nose, but Ryu Jaekwan says either Kim Soleum regularly uses strong scent blockers, or he’s a beta, too.

Kim Soleum keeps a perfectly neutral expression. He’s got a damn good poker face. At first, Agent Choi thought the skittish, scaredy cat act was just that, a part of Kim Soleum’s spy persona, but he still remembers his outburst in the faceless market. In this strange world of living ghost stories, can someone be heroic and smart, while also being a liar and a coward?

“Agent Haegeum can join Jaekwan-ah and me, even if it isn’t our normal team setups. It’s pretty mundane, once the entry conditions are met the victims are dropped in a maze. It’s only idle sanctioned, but some teens have gotten stuck inside so they need to be guided out.”

Kim Soleum hums, opening and closing his mouth a few times before saying, “We can… that is, Hyeonmu Team 1 can go.”

“Oh?”

It takes a moment for things to click in Agent Choi’s brain. “Oh. If you’re sure! When the other teams hear what Disaster we went into, they’ll be able to deduce your designation, probably. So you can still sit this one out if you want to- not that the people here are judgmental. With your track record of successes, who would dare underestimate our star rookie?”

“I don’t mind,” Kim Soleum says firmly, but he looks a bit pained. They both know the group chat will explode once the information spreads, if only because their coworkers love learning any tidbits about the Disaster Destroyer Rookie.

“Perfect! The three of us work best together.” Agent Choi knows he shouldn’t feel this way, but his heart starts to pound. In Kim Soleum’s suspiciously clean records, no designation is ever specified. 

But he’s an omega.

He feels like he’s pulled back the veil a little more on their mysterious hubae. Guilt as charged, he’s also starving to learn more.

The conversation lulls. Agent Choi brazenly powers through his, talking his mouth off. “Because it’s not stated in your file, you might not have been told this, but the Bureau is very understanding! There’s plenty of vacation time allocated for heats- and ruts. You haven’t used any of your time off yet, such a diligent hubae!”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Why’s that? Are you okay? You don’t have any health issues, do you, or…”

Kim Soleum shakes his head, “No. I’m on suppressants. I’d rather not have to deal with, um, distractions right now.”

“Those can be bad for you long term, though. You’ve only been on them for a short while, right?”

Kim Soleum pauses, mouth thinning slightly in a grimace. He quickly wipes it away, “Right.”

Agent Choi is certain he’s lying. Kim Soleum can tell he doesn’t buy it, too, but they both let sleeping dogs lie. 

The records of Kim Soleum’s time at Baekilmong go back a year’s time, and he’d bet that Soleum’s been on suppressants the entire time, at least. Probably longer.

“If you need any advice, don’t hesitate to ask Jaekwan-ah or me. Or Agent Haegeum, if you need a senior omega’s help.”

“Yes, yes. Uh, perhaps we should focus on the mission? It says here that there are monsters in the maze, even if it’s considered a ‘safe’ Disaster…” Kim Soleum diverts the conversation- they should focus on work.

He is a private person, and he seems very averse to discussing his designation. Maybe it’s a generational thing? Do younger folks prefer to keep that information private nowadays?

When Ryu Jaekwan returns to their office, Kim Soleum latches onto the opportunity to shift the focus off of himself. Jaekwan is confused but goes with it, showing off his repaired glass handgun. Soleum’s right arm lifts up in a thumbs up, the dokkaebi flame approving of Oh Jeonghye’s work.

“A new mission?” Ryu Jaekwan’s keen eyes catch the papers hanging off Agent Choi’s desk.

“We’ve been to this before, Jaekwan-ah! Nothing too crazy, today we’re visiting designated Disaster: 1248PSYA.1987.RA72, or ‘that maze that requires three people to activate.’ It usually gets a lot of people during the holidays out wandering the streets late at night,” Agent Choi says.

Even as they catch Ryu Jaekwan up with today’s work, Agent Choi can tell it hasn’t clicked in his head yet; he seems entirely focused on the rescue mission once hearing civilians are in trouble. 

Their hubae’s designation will dawn on him eventually, or he’ll have to let him know himself.

Kim Soleum’s identity as an omega doesn’t change much. Almost nothing at all. They’d still be crazy about him even if he were something else. But Agent Choi starts thinking about how Jaekwan is an alpha, and Soleum is an omega, and how that can affect certain things.

Agent Choi doesn’t think too hard about it. He’s still focused on the rescue mission, but as they bike out into the city, he can let his thoughts wander for a moment.

Soon, Hyeonmu Team 1 arrives at an old leafy hedge and hop off their bikes. It looks innocuous, as disasters often do. There’s an arch in the bushes, with a pathway shrouded in shadow so that it’s impossible to see how deeply it goes. In the mid-morning light, the shadows look clearly out of place.

Kim Soleum glances around nervously, seemingly daunted by the creepy atmosphere. Agent Choi still doesn’t know whether to trust this anxiety. He wants to believe in Kim Soleum more than to doubt him, but perhaps that’s unfounded optimism.

Never would he have thought he’d one day want to trust a Baekilmong agent, much less a spy. Kim Soleum is special like that- bafflingly so.

Agent Choi claps his hands together, “Let’s dive right in!”

As he walks behind them, he catches Kim Soleum pinching the end of Ryu Jaekwan’s sleeve as they enter the tunnel. No one comments on it. Kim Soleum might be afraid of being teased, but Agent Choi gets a feeling this is only making Ryu Jaekwan’s heart race. Isn’t that so cute?

He’s relaxed as shadows wash over his face, blacking out his sight before his vision clears, revealing a sprawling maze ahead of them. The sky is unnatural, vibrant purple, proving without a doubt they’ve successfully entered the Disaster. The Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau has a map of the layout, so it’s usually quick work to get everyone out safely, even with the shadowy monsters lurking around the corners.

Agent Choi expects it to be easy.

Nothing ever goes to plan, does it? The three of them find the civilians soon enough, shaken up but physically fine. Their group follows the map the Bureau provided to them, but they are forced off track to the exit because of an unavoidable horde of shadowy monsters in the way. While getting a person out of harm’s way, Kim Soleum’s arm is caught by a beast’s claws.

Working as long as he has as an agent, Choi keeps his cool, but it’s not an ideal situation to be put into.

And then- Kim Soleum is always the surprising type.

The three civilians are weeping in terror, creating a racket. Agent Choi does his best to calm them down, trusting Ryu Jawkwan to come up with their escape plan. But it’s Kim Soleum who takes charge and leads them to the center of the maze, which holds a grand fountain; he keeps his calm even as his left sleeve turns red with blood. It couldn’t have been his dokaebi flame arm, couldn’t have it? That’s rotten luck.

“Everyone, take each other’s hands and hold your breath for as long as possible. We’re going in, and it’s deep,” Kim Soleum points to the murky water of the fountain.

In any other circumstance, if a rookie told Agent Choi to jump inside a fountain within a Disaster, he wouldn’t have given the time of day- or at least hesitated before considering it- but it’s their Agent Grapes, so Choi smiles and encourages the scared teens to join hands together, and pulls them along into the fountain. Even if the outcome of his instructions is questionable, the civilians choose to trust Kim Soleum’s words; Ryu Jaekwan mentioned their hubae had a Silver Heart Badge, it’s impressive seeing its effects at play.

Kim Soleum must be a really, really good person.

The surface of the fountain’s pond passes overhead. The water darkens around them as they sink until they’re suspended in pitch black. He can feel Kim Soleum’s hand tighten in his. 

Just as Agent Choi’s lungs start to burn, he feels his feet exit the water, and then his gut drops as they plummet onto the ground.

“Are we actually back home?” One of the teenagers cries, looking around with bright eyes. 

Next to him, Kim Soleum flinches, coughing out water.

They’re all soaking wet, but the blue sky above makes it clear that they’ve made it back to Seoul, back to the entrance of the Disaster. Or, it should be the entrance, but before their eyes the leaves on the hedge wither and scatter onto the ground, revealing the plain stone wall behind it. No more strange shadows. It almost makes Agent Choi’s jaw drop.

By the time they return to their office, the sun is only midway through the sky. He anticipated the mission being a quick one, but Kim Soleum is truly something else.

After a conversation with the Jujak Team 2 leader, Agent Choi tells his team, “The clean-up team has raked up the leaves and confirmed the entrance to the Disaster is no longer active. Great work as always, Grapes-ie!”

Kim Soleum does his usual thing, speaking in a soft voice as he denies that he did anything extraordinary. Only Agent Choi looks for it, but he can see the quick grimace he makes at the compliments; their little spy had been intent on joining the Jujak division instead of Hyeonmu. It seems, despite not wanting to stand out, Kim Soleum can’t help himself when people are in trouble, taking action and using all the strange knowledge he has.

It’s somehow more fascinating to know he’s not doing it on purpose. Kim Soleum shines brightly regardless of whatever he tries to do to dim himself. 

He places a hand on Kim Soleum’s head, messing up his hair even more, “Really, you didn’t just save lives today, you’ve ensured no one else will get lost in that Disaster. It’s okay to be a little proud of yourself.”

Kim Soleum’s eyes light up at that. Their hubae can appear so nonchalant but still glow at their praise. He’s like a cat, veering closer and further away at a whim, acting cold but craving affection.

Hyeonmu Team 1 finishes for the day out quietly, no more calls or missions sent their way. 

“How about our Grapes-ie joins us for dinner. Don’t you need more meat on your bones? You’ve been shivering even after you changed out of your wet clothing.”

“It’s alright, I’d hate to interrupt you two.”

“It wouldn’t be a bother. Not at all,” Ryu Jaekwan says- but it’s in his monotone voice, so it’s not reassuring. His poor Jaekwan-ie! Kim Soleum will learn how to read him better with time.

They can’t convince tonight, but Ryu Jaekwan and he see Kim Soleum off as they all clock out, walking home in the opposite direction from them. Ryu Jaekwan’s gaze lingers on him, growing more and more fond.

“One day, we’ll rope him into coming home with us. And then we’ll never let him go,” Agent Choi says.

The corner of Ryu Jaekwan’s mouth quirks up as he laughs quietly. Little does he understand how serious Agent Choi is, a plan coming to fruition in his mind.

Agent Choi is kissing his partner before they even properly get the door shut.

Usually they can muster up a little decorum, but they’re both restless today. Ryu Jaekwan nips at his lips, deepening the kiss as he slams Agent Choi up against the wall.

Choi presses his palm against the front of Ryu Jaekwan’s pants, feeling the large length straining under his touch. “You’re already so hard. You’ve been easier to rile up as of late, you think your rut is coming up? The timing would make sense.”

They trade a few more kisses before they part.

Ryu Jaekwan nods soundlessly. “I feel- in the shower this morning, I… and now, again.”

A grin slowly overtakes Choi’s face, “Did you imagine Kim Soleum while you rubbed one out in our shower?” 

“Choi!” he shouts in a scandalized tone.

“I’m not hearing a no.”

Ryu Jaekwan turns his head away, but the blush is spreading over his cheeks tells on him.

“I bet you loved seeing him today after the mission, when his clothes were all wet and sticking to him. And when he took off his jacket, his hard nipples were poking through his sheer shirt-”

“Choi.”

They move clumsily over to the bed, discarding their uniforms on the way. Ryu Jaekwan will click his tongue later at the mess they’ve made before folding all their clothing, but for now, they move without hesitation.

They fall onto the sheets together, and Choi rolls over to grab the lube from the bedside table. He slips off his boxers, the last of his clothing. He then props one leg up as he wets his fingers with lube, putting on a bit of a show for his audience. Ryu Jaekwan watches as if entranced, eyes following as he sinks his fingers into his asshole.

Very nosy, unimportant, ignorant, and rude people have questioned how the logistics work between an alpha and a beta. It’s simple: Ryu Jaekwan fucks him, and sometimes Agent Choi does the fucking. They’re a couple and do couple things, unsurprisingly.

It takes a little more prep and a lot more lube, but Choi can even take his knot during his ruts. He’s happy to be scented by his partner, and helps alleviate Ryu Jaekwan’s instincts whenever and however he can. 

He only ever draws the line at biting his neck. Ryu Jaekwan never presses him on that.

Choi stretches himself quickly, ignoring the slight sting as he slips in a third finger. He’s just as worked up and eager as Ryu Jaekwan, as much as he teased him. Choi couldn’t focus for the rest of the work day after seeing Kim Soleum in such a state, the thin white cloth of his shirt made so sheer from the water it was basically see-through, hugging the soft curves of his chest and stomach.

They all changed quickly, but the image is burned into his eyelids.

“I’m ready,” Choi announces, shifting to lie down on his back.

“Are you?” Ryu Jaekwan asks. It’s to be considerate, but in his low voice it almost comes off as mocking, which makes Choi’s gut swirl in pleasure. He wouldn’t mind if Ryu Jaekwan was a little meaner during sex, more emblematic of the aggressive alpha stereotype…

But even as Ryu Jaekwan bends him in half, he’s careful around where he grips Choi’s leg. 

Choi fell during the mission. One little fall, didn’t even break skin. His knee is slightly reddened, not even bruised, but Ryu Jaekwan noticed when it happened and he’s mindful of it now, even in the midst of getting ready to fuck him.

Ryu Jaekwan presses the tip of his member against Choi’s wet hole. There’s a moment of resistance as the bulbous head catches at his rim, but then Ryu Jaekwan is sliding into him.

He doesn’t slam right in, instead filling Choi up slowly, inch by tantalizing inch. Ryu Jaekwan’s cock stretches him to his limit, and it’s perfect. Even as Choi’s legs tremble, his whole body is engulfed in heat. He pulls his partner closer despite there already being so little space left between them. His joints protest at the abuse- he isn’t as flexible as he used to be- but he ignores it as he surges up to kiss his partner.

Choi wiggles his hips, urging him to move faster, but they keep the same pace until Ryu Jaekwan’s hips push flush against him. He lets out a shaky exhale.

He’s so full, Choi feels close to bursting. Then, Ryu Jaekwan draws his hips back, pausing before thrusting forward, jostling them. The force of it sends Choi's head back onto the pillow.

Ryu Jaekwan keeps a steady pace, never speeding up. It’s powerful, though, sending a jolt of electricity through Choi whenever his cockhead hits in just the right place.

His dick weeps onto his stomach, leaking and leaving a shiny trail of precome as it remains untouched. 

He can hear Ryu Jaekwan’s breathing grow ragged, getting closer to the edge. They both are. Choi clenches down harder around the member inside of him. He might’ve babbled something incoherent about harder, more, faster. 

Ryu Jaekwan shudders and shoves himself in as deep as he can go, and comes, filling him up to the brim. Choi follows soon after, making a mess all over his stomach and chest.

Ryu Jaekwan pulls out carefully and collapses next to him in bed, exhaling in contentment. 

Choi’s muscles buzz pleasantly. He would be happy sinking into the mattress and passing out for the evening, but they still need to eat dinner. And- to talk!

He props himself up on his elbow, smirking as he stares his partner down. “Did you realize what today’s mission means for Kim Soleum?”

Ryu Jaekwan huffs, seemingly unimpressed with the continuing conversation of the hubae. “That… he really is a Disaster destroyer?”

Choi laughs, “That’s also true!”

He got a feeling Ryu Jaekwan didn’t consciously put the pieces together yet. 

Choi learns in close, brushing his lips against Ryu Jaekwan’s ear, “We’ve entered the maze Disaster before- do you recall it? It was with Agent Haegeum because of the entry condition. It means our Soleum-ah is an omega, no doubt about it.”

“Oh. That’s true,” he says with a false calm. But Choi can see as Ryu Jaekwan’s cock, so soon after orgasm, twitches in interest. There’s no hiding the bit of excitement.

Ryu Jaekwan schools himself, flattening out his expression and steadfastly ignoring his dick. “Even so, that doesn’t mean much right now. I don’t think he even realizes how we feel for him, we’re a long way out from sharing our cycles together. Or scenting each other, or sleeping in his nest…” 

Ryu Jaekwan works himself up, Choi can see his eyes glaze over as he imagines it all.

Choi can’t help but grin when he notices Ryu Jaekwan shifting his jaw, surely losing himself in the fantasy of getting to bite Kim Soleum, to claim him.

As quickly as it starts, Ryu Jaekwan shakes his head, returning to reality. “I don't think Kim Soleum is in the proper mindset to enter a relationship right now. He- he used to be different, you know? Charismatic, confident, and self-assured. It comes back in moments, he’s still a kind and dedicated person, but he went through something awful. He needs time to heal from that.” 

Ryu Jaekwan is an honest, upright man. Any fantasies he may entertain will, regardless, remain fantasies.

He has better self-control than Choi.

“Okay, yes, you’re right! Our clever Jaekwan-ie, correct as always. I’ll try to learn some patience.”

He loves Ryu Jaekwan for his noble traits. But right now, he’s too trusting. He trusts Kim Soleum too much, even though he’s clearly a spy, and he trusts Choi to be content with the status quo.

Choi knows Kim Soleum isn’t here to stay, not yet. Once he gets whatever that damned company wants from the Bureau, he’ll be gone as swiftly as he appeared. They don’t have time for patience if they don’t want him to slip past their fingers.

Even with the variables to account for, Choi feels assured that the future only holds blessings for them all.

He reaches out, brushing his hand over Ryu Jaekwan’s chest, “If you’re still feeling restless, we could go another round before I get started on dinner.”

“No, that…” as he speaks, the alpha’s cock starts to harden up again. With such a short recovery period, his rut will arrive quickly. “Well. One more round couldn’t hurt.”

They go for a couple more until Ryu Jaekwan is left exhausted on their bed. Agent Choi knows he’ll be cursing his sore ass by tomorrow morning, but for now he feels pleased with himself.

The following day, Agent Choi is on high alert. Oh, he acts aloof, especially around his dear partner and their suspicious hubae, but he watches everything.

With the confirmation that Kim Soleum is an omega, this also means he’s scentless because he’s on scent blockers, strong ones at that. Ryu Jaekwan says he can’t smell anything from him, and even a beta like himself will give off a weak scent.

It could be because of his status as a spy. If his emotions got too intense, they would be able to smell the guilt, anxiety, and whatever else he may feel.

More likely, it’s because Kim Soleum is embarrassed to be an omega. But that isn’t quite it, it’s not something typical, like being ashamed of the submissive stereotypes- it’s something deeper ingrained, apparent when he clams up talking about alphas and betas, too. It’s like the whole system is baffling to him and he’s decided he’s better off acting as if it doesn’t exist.

It’s odd.

Agent Choi scrolls up and down the same document on his computer, staring at the blank space where he’s supposed to write his mission summary. Eh, Ryu Jaekwan will cover that for them. He continues to let his attention wander from work.

He notices as Kim Soleum shivers in his seat, dressed in only his button-up shirt. Dry by now, obviously, but if the sunlight pierces him at the right angle, it illuminates the shape of his arms through the thin cloth. Since his uniform jacket was destroyed in the maze, Kim Soleum is waiting for a new one to arrive.

 Oh, how he wishes he could walk over and unbutton the shirt, and see for himself the expanse of Kim Soleum’s body without any barriers between them.

Because he’s on high alert, he hears the constant typing from Ryu Jaekwan- and how loud the silence becomes whenever he pauses. Agent Choi is not the only one keeping a close eye on their hubae.

Ryu Jaekwan sighs softly before standing up and approaching Kim Soleum. He wordlessly shrugs off his jacket, handing it to him. Kim Soleum seems hesitant at first, but after plenty of insistence, he accepts the coat. 

He drowns in the size of it, and it’s adorable. Agent Choi’s heart shakes at how precious he looks dressed in Ryu Jaekwan’s big clothing.

Ryu Jaekwan is taller than both of them, and extremely well built, the epitome of an alpha. He’s extremely easy on the eyes! Agent Choi has seen him fight monsters with his bare hands (not the ideal or safest way to deal with them, but when the time calls for it…) And yet, he takes the time to be gentle with Kim Soleum. Ryu Jaekwan would never become a domineering kind of alpha, forcing around omegas or flaunting his ego. When he had learned Agent Choi was a beta, he didn’t bat an eye about their perceived ‘incompatibility.’ 

He didn’t abandon Agent Choi.

Perhaps, even if he knew Kim Soleum was a spy, Ryu Jaekwan would not abandon him, either.

Agent Choi knows and he hasn’t kicked their hubae out. At first, he wanted Baekilmong Inc. to expose its underbelly, gaining an upper hand for the Bureau. Now… now, things are different.

Agent Gomyeong passes by their office, waving to Kim Soleum, “I heard that Hyeonmu Team 1 destroyed another Disaster, congrats you guys! At this rate, there’ll be no disaster left for us to deal with!”

It’s a joke, one that Agent Choi laughs at with them. They all laugh, but internally, his mind swirls.

The Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau has fewer and fewer people in their ranks as time moves forward. In this last batch, they accepted the most new recruits they have in a while but it still doesn’t feel like enough. Every day, there are new Disasters being found, ruining innocent civilians' lives, all while Baekilmong chooses to profit off that suffering; they have the resources and knowledge to do what the Bureau does, but all they care about is profit. It’s all enough to make one sick to their stomach in disgust. 

No matter how hard they work, there’s always more to do.

When Agent Choi first joined the Bureau, he was idealistic. Determined. He thought he could do anything. He still believes in those ideals, but every year it gets more difficult to upkeep them. He once dreamed of saving the world, ending all Disasters and retiring at an old age, satisfied with his accomplishments.  

As the number of Hyeonmu Team 1 shrank over the years, his disillusionment grew. You cannot save everyone, no matter how much Agent Choi wishes he could.

At one point, he found himself doing stupidly dangerous things all in the name of trying to save even one more person. Agent Choi was dancing on a line of self-destruction, his spirit worn down by the repetitive, thankless work they do. Their agents die in the shadows, so the civilians can live in ignorant peace in the light. And right when he felt like he was on the edge of an unknown, daunting precipice, Soleum dropped into their lives.

With his arrival, Kim Soleum brought with him waves of change. It started with Looky Mart, and has only grown exponentially from there. He got every civillian out- the very dream Agent Choi has been chasing.

Kim Soleum is an idealistic, determined person just like he used to be. Agent Choi feels like Soleum has returned that part of him to himself, somehow. It was a sorely needed reminder. Even Ryu Jaekwan seems more passionate as of late.

He fits in perfectly next to Agent Choi and Ryu Jaekwan. Kim Soleum is perfect for them. Instead of returning to those corrupt company bastards, shouldn’t he stay where there are people like himself? Instead of being forced to act against his morals, shouldn’t he continue to save innocents and uphold justice? Their work isn’t easy work, but Agent Choi knows he sleeps better at night, assured that he’s doing the right thing.

Agent Choi can tell how much Kim Soleum loves the work they do; he always strives to save as many people as possible, finishing off Disasters so they don’t last another day to harm civilians. He doesn’t know how someone so purehearted ended up at Baekilmong but shouldn’t it be Agent Choi’s job to save him? 

Even if he didn’t know it at the time, even if he still doesn’t understand the extent of it, Kim Soleum has saved his life. So now, despite not being asked, Agent Choi will act.

It’s how he's returning the favor.

It may be strange falling in love with someone you know you can’t trust. Agent Choi knows it, he felt mad as the realization first washed over him, slowly yet surely. But it’s not like he can deny the truth. Denying his budding emotions would’ve complicated everything, not helping anyone, especially when Ryu Jaekwan was upfront with him about how he felt for Kim Soleum.

The three of them would be happy together, if only Kim Soleum would give in.

It’s Agent Choi all by his lonesome heading to the Bureau the next day. Kim Soleum, their dutiful hubae, is already waiting in the team’s office when he arrives.

“Look at you, so eager to work! We’re taking it easy after the big mission. You can prepare the files for the Baekho agents. Feel free to nap on the sofa. Whatever you want, Jaekwan-ah is off, so we can be slackers.”

Kim Soleum sits up straighter, frowning at the news, “Is Agent Bronze alright? He didn’t get hurt during the Disaster, did he?”

“No, no, he’s okay. A bit under the weather is all.” Right now he’s probably sweating out a fever in his pre-rut. He makes quite the sight then, whimpering into the sheets as he desperately jerks himself off, coming multiple times without relief...

Agent Choi has thought about it plenty, and he’s not jealous of whatever omegas and alphas have going on. Heats and ruts seem like more trouble than they’re worth. EVen if he could change his designation, he’d stay a beta. All the medications, the leaking, emotions, and hormones must be a hassle, even if one is used to living with those symptoms.

“You’re so worried about him, but you got injured the worst. The civilians got out without any blemishes, all because of you.”

“I-I’m okay. It looked worse than it was, I’m healed by now.”

Hm. “Wow, the only times I’ve known injuries to disappear that fast are with supernatural help!”

Kim Soleum grows pale, remaining silent. 

“Like with the dokkaebi. Did your little guy offer some help?”

His hubae nods quickly, murmuring ‘something like that’ before returning back to the computer to work some more.

He has a stunning poker face, but Agent Choi has discerning eyes. He can tell people apart by their veins, and he can see when Soleum's eyes dilate the slightest bit, the skin of his throat bobbing in time with a frantic heartbeat. The day of their first meeting, he sat by his new hubae's hospital bed and watched as his face twisted up from a nightmare- even the best spies can't act while alseep. He's nervous, so often he is afraid and never shows it. 

Of course, Agent Choi has picked up on the fact that Kim Soleum has various strange trinkets gathered from his days at Baekilmong, which include a handful of healing items, maybe even a regeneration potion. He apparently offered his ‘last one’ to Ryu Jaekwan, but Agent Choi has tailed him. He knows every once in a while Kim Soleum returns to his company, most likely to give mission updates to his superiors, or to offer the secrets he’s learned about the Bureau.

It's fine. Or, it's not, but Agent Choi has been keeping secrets himself, putting a plot together to make things okay.

They have Ryu Jaekwan, waiting at home for Agent Choi to return quickly to help him alleviate the tension of his rut. It can sometimes last for days even with assistance. He’s always happy to help his partner, but during this period Ryu Jaekwan’s mind is focused on one thing, and one thing alone.

And then there’s Kim Soleum, an omega who barely seems to realize he’s one, suppressing every aspect of himself. Once he’s in heat, how will he deal with it? He’ll have no idea how to follow or satiate his instincts.

Agent Choi, as a beta, is aware that it’s his responsibility to keep his better senses as omegas and alphas lose their minds to their desires. Though, that thinking is a bit reductive. In an isolated situation, Ryu Jaekwan would never push Kim Soleum’s boundaries, even at the height of his rut. They’re still humans, not animals.

An omega in heat will smell tempting to an alpha, like the promise of a buffet that can satisfy you in the best ways, but Ryu Jaekwan would turn his head away from it. The kinds of people who would have folded would’ve folded- rut or not.

Agent Choi is here to speed things along. His mind is clear and he knows exactly what he needs to do.

During lunch time, he stops by a cafe. Before he returns to the Bureau, he lets a few pills dissolve into one of the drinks.

When he returns, he knocks on the door, announcing his entrance. “Hey, Grapes-ie, I got us drinks.” 

Agent Choi holds up the coffee he got for himself, and the grape soda he got for his hubae.

He watches with keen eyes as Kim Soleum smiles, gratefully accepting the gift as he unscrews the lid, not noticing the bottle has already been opened; he takes a long sip.

The timing can shift with how quickly the medicine kicks in. It can take several days, depending. Agent Choi has a feeling that their hubae will be speedy and exceed expectations as always.

As their day comes to a peaceful close, Kim Soleum still appears fine.

Agent Choi sticks close to him, wrapping an arm around his left shoulder, keeping him close. “Why don’t we stop at Jaekwan-ah’s place to wish him well? We can bring some ‘get better soon’ gifts for him!”

Kim Soleum may feel uneasy around Agent Choi, because he suspects that he suspects he’s a spy, but he was friends with Ryu Jaekwan before any of this sordid business. It’d be heartless to refuse Agent Choi now, if only for Ryu Jaekwan’s sake. And it succeeds! Kim Soleum agrees, however reluctantly, to follow him.

It almost makes Agent Choi jealous that he didn’t get put on murder mountain lodge duty that night. Precious time lost, and oh, the bond they could’ve had by now!

They visit a nearby market, perusing the goods. As they pick out some pears and peaches, Agent Choi keeps close tabs on Kim Soleum. As they walk down the long roads, passing by various stalls, he can see Soleum’s energy begin to flag.

Agent Choi mindlessly tosses a few fruits into the basket.

“Oh, and we can’t forget the soy milk,” he drops a carton of milk in there as well. Kim Soleum slowly nods along to what he said, but Agent Choi is certain it went over his head.

Is it already working?

Agent Choi tosses some coins to the seller and ends their little shopping trip early. He rushes them along to the apartment. Agent Choi may have a beta’s nose, but even he can smell the difference in Kim Soleum, whose usual scent blockers are now failing.

There’s only one reason that could be.

The moment Agent Choi unlocks the front door, Kim Soleum takes a step back, flinching at the strong smell of an alpha in rut. He had said Ryu Jaekwan wasn’t feeling well, he never specified how. 

Agent Choi knows he’s in the wrong. Doesn’t mean he’ll stop now, not after getting so far.

“Uh,” Kim Soleum says, looking absolutely baffled, unsure what to say next. Agent Choi can’t blame him- this situation exceeds any bounds of rationality. Is he thinking now, ‘have I somehow misunderstood my seonbae, is there a reasonable explanation for bringing me here?’ 

Surely, he can’t assume the worst right off the bat. Even if the most obvious answer is also the most outlandish one.

“Come on in,” he waves for Kim Soleum to follow him inside.

Whether it’s because their hubae thinks a beta like him is oblivious to the smell of rut, or if he has been on suppressants so long he’s struggling to read the room properly, or worse of all, if he’s choosing to trust Agent Choi despite all the warning signs- Kim Soleum follows him into the apartment.

Agent Choi locks the door behind them.

“Oh, Jaekwan-ah, I brought you a gift,” he says, placing a hand on the small of Kim Soleum’s back, pushing him further along.

He abandons the gift basket on their dining room table. 

By now, their house is saturated with Ryu Jaekwan’s desperate scent. Slowly yet surely, a new scent emerges; something refreshing and sweet, and completely new to him.

Ryu Jaekwan sits up roughly from their bed, smelling Kim Soleum before he sees him. He stares wide-eyed at them as they enter the bedroom. 

The alpha is stripped of all his clothing, muscles gleaming with sweat. The sheets are tousled around and have become messy since Agent Choi left this morning. On the bedside there are empty bottles of water and protein bar wrappers. Ah, he should make sure they eat a proper meal later. As the only beta present, he has to be responsible like that.

“A… gift?” Ryu Jaekwan croaks.

“Yes, a fruit ripe and ready to be dug into.” Agent Choi plucks Kim Soleum's glasses off his face, much to the man's confusion. 

He knows their hubae is clever and tricky. If necessary, he has prepared talismans and even a glass bead, but one push is all it takes for Kim Soleum to fall forward onto the bed. Agent Choi has heard omegas go boneless during heat, but that has to be an exaggeration.

Ryu Jaekwan looks at Kim Soleum as if he can’t comprehend his presence in front of him. “Why do you smell like that?”

“Smell? Do I smell?” Kim Soleum whispers. He plants his palms on the bed, arms shaking from exertion, but he fails to push himself upright.

Agent Choi is shaking too, but from anticipation. His two favorite people are set upon a stage of his making.

Ever since Agent Choi learned Kim Soleum was an omega, he’s had this idea percolating. He’s had various plans ready, like figuring out how to alienate Kim Soleum from his bosses to bar his entry back into Baekilmong or possibly to get him into the glass prison to get him to reveal all those secrets, come clean and rejoin Hyeonmu Team 1 with a clear slate.

But they’ve got an omega hubae on their hands, and Ryu Jaekwan is an alpha. 

And there’s nothing as efficient as a mating bite to ensure Kim Soleum stays with them.

He’d feel more guilty using both of their weakened states like this, but he knows all about how Ryu Jaekwan feels, just as well as he knows he loves Kim Soleum deeply. 

Agent Choi has seen how Kim Soleum blushes around them when he thinks no one is looking, all the lingering looks and forlorn longing left behind in each touch.

If there were no feelings flowing between the three of them, this wouldn’t work. But he’s certain, without a doubt, that Kim Soleum would join them if it weren’t for the damned wish Baekilmong is holding over his head. As long as he’s taunted with the impossible, Kim Soleum won’t turn away.

It’s cruel of those people to abuse someone as virtuous as their hubae. Add that to their list of crimes, too numerous to count.

Choi is reminded of his wish to undress Kim Soleum, laid out before him now, and he gets to work. He undoes the buttons of his shirt, tugging it off his shoulders. There’s some protest as his pants go next, but the true reward is when he’s fully naked before Choi’s eyes.

His limbs are lithe and pale, dotted with a few moles. His cock is fully flushed and, once freed, bounces against his stomach. And further back is Kim Soleum’s hole, glistening with slick.

Choi sinks a finger into Kim Soleum’s leaking hole. He keeps eye contact with Ryu Jaekwan as he does so, smirking in delight. There’s little resistance as he sinks down to his first knuckle.

“Woah, I’ve heard about it, but I didn’t realize how wet omegas could get during heat.”

“Heat? Wait- wait, what wet? Heat? It… it is hot in here,” Kim Soleum mumbles in a rush. His face and cock are both flushed red.

The heat inducers Choi put in Kim Soleum’s drink are fully kicking in. In better circumstances, it’s not good to mix so many different medicines together, but there’s a clock ticking over their heads. Once all of this has passed them, he knows Ryu Jaekwan and himself will dote on Kim Soleum, so this momentary transgression is acceptable.

If Kim Soleum leaves, they’ll lose this chance to be happy.

“Our Soleum smells so sweet. Doesn’t he? Don’t you want to come closer?” Choi makes a show of rubbing his nose against the scent gland, breathing in deeply.

He can see as Ryu Jaekwan’s eyes dilate, taking a deep breath despite himself.

Ryu Jaekwan moves as if he’s being drawn forward like a puppet being guided on a string; he cups Kim Soleum’s face in his hands, tilting it so his neck is exposed, letting off more of his sweet smell.

Kim Soleum whines and tightens around Choi’s fingers, gushing slick all over his hand. His cock is dripping with precome, straining with want. The sight fills Choi with heat.

“You’ve been here all day for relief. Come and accept it now.” Choi spreads Kim Soleum’s legs, exposing his hole.

 The air mixes with all of their scents, muddying the alpha’s mind.

Ryu Jaekwan would’ve normally restrained himself into bursting a blood vessel. Put into any other situation, he would’ve held himself back. But he’s already this far into his rut, and having Kim Soleum presented in front of him, flushed and moaning under Choi’s hands, proves too much.

Ryu Jaekwan’s hands shake as they take Kim Soleum’s waist, but the moment they wrap around him, the grip tightens, steady and sure. 

Choi helps maneuver Kim Soleum forward, keeping his legs apart as they drop him down onto Ryu Jaekwan’s awaiting length.

“Wait, wait- I can’t,” Kim Soleum whines. "S’ so big.”

“It is. But you can take it, right? I know you can, you’re so good for us.”

Ryu Jaekwan curls forwards, tucking his face into Kim Soleum’s nape; even now he’s careful, lowering their hubae down slowly until he’s sat in his lap. 

Choi runs his hands over Kim Soleum’s trembling shoulders. “How does it feel now?”

Their omega lets out a low moan. Then another, louder and sounding pleased.

Ryu Jaekwan rolls his hips, sliding in and out of Kim Soleum. Their hubae is more lithe than Choi, but during his heat, he can take Ryu Jaekwan’s huge cock with ease. He trusted he could.

The size of it seems to make him drool in delight. Kim Soleum’s eyes are hazy. He stumbles over his sentences, unable to form a coherent thought; he’s completely overwhelmed. 

Doesn’t Kim Soleum know? The longer a heat or rut is put off, the more intense the next one will become. When he’s ridden this out, the next one will be more manageable.

Kim Soleum wails with pleasure and Ryu Jaekwan slams into him, harsher this time. Their hips clap together. Choi is mesmerized at the point of the joining, whether the alpha’s cock disappears into him, and slides out again shiny and covered in slick.

When he sits back, Ryu Jaekwan no longer needs Choi’s help to maneuver Kim Soleum’s body. Their hubae himself shakes as he forces his legs even wider to accept Jaekwan’s cock.

“So good. So, so good,” Kim Soleum cries.

His alpha and omega have both lost their better senses, embracing their desires. Both of them are so repressed in their daily lives that Choi might be doing them a favor with this. They can let off steam. Feel pleasure.

Choi loves the show they put on, all their exclamations and the wet sounds of their bodies coming together again and again.

He enjoys himself for the moment, but the plan isn’t done yet. Choi can tell Ryu Jaekwan’s knot is going to form soon. He needs to make sure Kim Soleum takes it when it does.

Still, he slides off his pants, kicking them aside. Those two can’t expect to have all the fun tonight, can they?

He joins them on the bed, shuffling to kneel behind Kim Soleum, pressing his chest to his back. Choi grabs his erection, sliding himself against Soleum’s slick behind. The omega is producing enough to make the insides of his thighs shine; it’s more than enough to get himself lubed up. He tightens a fist around himself, finally answering his own arousal.

Choi meets Ryu Jaekwan’s gaze, as rut-dazed as he is; he leans over Kim Soleum’s shoulder to give him a quick peck on the lips. He can’t help himself, the alpha is always so cute when he gets like this.

Choi works quickly on himself, running his nails over the underside of his cock and squeezing tightly. His fingers glide smoothly up and down his length. The tension that’s been building up inside of him ever since they entered the apartment bursts, and his vision goes white. He comes hard, spurting over Kim Soleum’s back.

It takes a second for him to put his mind back together. Soon, it’s going to be soon…

Ryu Jaekwan’s knot will form soon.

Choi lingers close after his orgasm, noting how the base of Ryu Jaekwan’s cock starts to swell. The knot begins to form, at first it's unable to slow down the frantic speed at which the two are fucking each other. But when the knot catches on Kim Soleum’s rim, showing some resistance before slipping out, they both pause. Ryu Jaekwan’s hips stutter, drawing back. And Kim Soleum tries to push himself up and off the cock impaling him. They’re both reluctant, even if their instincts should want it more than anything.

Moments away, dancing on the line of everything and nothing, Choi acts. His hands dart out to fold on top of where Ryu Jaekwan is gripping Kim Soleum’s waist, and with determined force, he pulls him down again. The knot pops back inside before swelling too big to pull out again.

Despite their anxiety, his partners moan as the knot binds them together. Kim Soleum is screaming, loud enough that the neighbors might catch them. An omega in heat craves nothing more than to be knotted, and that instinct has been fed after numerous months denying himself.

Perfect. That’s it now, just a little further…

Kim Soleum weeps as he orgasms, the come caught between their chests. Ryu Jaekwan presses his hips forward, as if he could sink in a little more, more still, trying to get as deep as possible. He unloads while locked inside of Soleum, hands clenched tight where he still holds him.

“Enjoyed yourself, Jaekwan-ah?”

Ryu Jaekwan reacts to his name being called, tilting his head; he exhales roughly.

Choi grabs a fistful of Kim Soleum’s hair and pushes him closer. “All you have to do now is bite. And then he’ll never leave.”

Even while his cock stuffs Kim Soleum, in the midst of rut, Ryu Jaekwan hesitates. To the center of his heart, he’s a noble man. He doesn’t unclench his jaw.

Choi loves Ryu Jaekwan deeply for his nobility. But he can’t have that, only for tonight.

He pushes Kim Soleum’s head further, until his scent gland is right in front of Ryu Jaekwan’s nose and teeth. The smell will be overwhelming, it’ll make his gums ache with a need. Knotted together, there is no running for them. 

Kim Soleum shifts under his hand, whining in discomfort at the tugging. Choi holds him firmly. It’s only a matter of time. There’s no space between them now.

“You can do it, we’re so close, please. You can bite him, you can,” he assures him frantically. “Soleum-ah will be ours if you do. Ours, forever.”

And Ryu Jaekwan’s defenses crack for a moment. 

A moment is all they need. 

In those few seconds where desire overpowers his morality, Ryu Jaekwan opens his mouth and bites down, digging his teeth into Kim Soleum’s nape.

The omega shakes violently, crying out and coming again from the new wave of sensations. The two of them rock, swept up in the dizzying heights of their pleasure.

Ryu Jaekwan takes his time before drawing back, so there’s a clear, bloody imprint left behind claiming Kim Soleum when he’s done. They’ve succeeded, it’s there, clear as day, a contract written in blood. 

The wave of relief Choi feels makes him go lightheaded.

Kim Soleum slumps over Ryu Jaekwan’s chest. His breathing and heart rate are still elevated. Because of his abnormal heat, even after coming multiple times, he’s probably still needy and going to be for a while. 

Choi can see how Ryu Jaekwan stares at Kim Soleum in such a state, eyes dark. He’s now in rut with a claimed mate before him.

“It’s alright, you can keep going if you want to. You’re doing Soleum-ah a favor, he’s been ignoring his heats. Fuck him real good, until he passes out,” Choi says, giving the two a thumbs up.

Ryu Jaekwan wastes no time and slots his bloodied mouth against Kim Soleum’s, kissing him deeply. Despite the knot, he keeps circling his hips, ready for more.

Choi himself is exhausted, overcome with joy that his plan worked out. He’s not like them, in some state of extra horniness and seemingly unlimited stamina, so he takes a moment to lie down on the bed and relax. He closes his eyes, a lazy smile gracing his face.

After worrying himself thin, gnawing over this plan for days, it all played out as he hoped.

Choi doesn’t know how long he dozed off for, but he knows when he opens his eyes again, his dear partners are still going at it. They make a beautiful picture together, sweaty limbs tangled together and bodies glowing with their blushes.

“Ah,” Kim Soleum sighs as another orgasm is wrung out of him. There’s something to be said about the stamina a heat can offer someone.

Another knot locks the two in place. But Choi can tell as Ryu Jaekwan’s eyes dart around the room that the fog is clearing up. It looks like he’s passed the most intense period of his rut.

Choi gets up and fetches the gift basket he prepared- it was an honest gift! He knew they’d be worn out and hungry afterwards.

“Choi,” Ryu Jaekwan’s voice is stern.

“Here,” he hands him a peach.

His partner’s brow is furrowed. Ryu Jaekwan accepts the peach, but says, “You told me we would wait.”

“I did,” Choi smiles without any guilt. He knew he was lying back when he made that promise, and he’s glad to have broken it now.

“Kim Soleum has been through many hardships, we shouldn’t make ourselves yet another for him.” Ryu Jaekwan shifts forward during his speech, jostling the omega still sitting on his dick.

Soleum is evidently still out of it. He can do nothing more than moan and press himself closer to Ryu Jaekwan. Even if he’s getting ready to scold Choi, Ryu Jaekwan’s attention zeroes in on the omega; he may be through the worst of it, but he’s still in rut. 

“He’s still in the depths of it,” Ryu Jaekwan rubs Kim Soleum’s shoulder, comforting him.

Choi nods, “He’s been on suppressants for who knows how long. Now that his heat is hitting him, it’s going to hit him hard.”

Their eyes trace the bite mark on Kim Soleum’s neck.

“... There were better ways we could’ve done this.”

Ryu Jaekwan says that, but they both know these methods, though questionable, have been enjoyable. And Jaekwan has always been the more practical of the two of them, willing to sacrifice one civilian if ten more can survive; he understands the art of one little evil to ensure a better future.

“Yes, surely we could've done things a bit differently. But we can all talk it out later when Soleum-ah is done with his heat. For now, can’t you see he needs us?” Choi pouts. He pinches Kim Soleum’s flushed cheek, making him whine, and the sound pulls at the alpha’s heartstrings.

As they start up a new round, Choi joins in on the fun again.

They spend their weekend mostly secluded in the bedroom. Kim Soleum struggles through his heat with a desperation as if it were his first. Whenever Ryu Jaekwan isn’t filling him up, he begs Choi to fuck him, don’t leave him empty, please, he's so empty it aches.

It's impossible to ignore begging like that.

The sun is setting by the time his heat and addled mind clear up, having been wrung absolutely dry. He blinks at his surroundings, grimacing at the mess between his legs.

Then comes the not-so-fun part- the aftermath.

“Choi,” Kim Soleum says in a tone that matches Ryu Jaekwan’s scolding voice. They both can be so uncannily similar sometimes. It's cute.

“Yes, I know. I promise never to spike your drinks with heat inducers again," he crosses his hand over his heart to make his oath, nodding solemnly.

“You what?" Kim Soleum drops his face into his hands, rubbing at his temples.

“It was dishonest of me. But- you can’t say you had a bad time, did you? I know what getting fucked by Jaekwan-ah feels like, and he’s talented down there-”

“Sh. Sh. Stop rambling.” Kim Soleum blushes. “It wasn’t b-bad, but- you know you’re supposed to ask someone first?”

He pats Soleum on the back, “We will next time!”

“N-next time… Yeah, um. Yeah.” Kim Soleum coughs awkwardly, struggling to maintain eye contact with him, but his pleased scent gives him away.

Still, regardless of Choi's devious plans working, Ryu Jaekwan and Kim Soleum team up against him. His partners hold onto each other, both scolding Choi with determined faces. It makes sense, so he accepts their stern words, even if he’s mostly endeared by how they’re forming a united front- even if it’s against him!

“I have one question,” Choi raises his hand once their tirade has passed.

The two pause, waiting for him. His tone was serious enough that even as he gathers up his courage, no one breaks the silence.

“... What wish could you have that would make you spy on us for Baekilmong?”

Kim Soleum doesn’t flinch. They’ve both been talking around that truth for a long time. Ryu Jaekwan is startled, but doesn’t interrupt. He genuinely believed Kim Soleum had gotten out.

“I- I want to go home,” his voice cracks with emotion.

Choi knows from the moment the words are spoken that a chord is strung within Ryu Jaekwan. 

Homes beyond reach…

“I once lost everything.” Ryu Jaekwan says, “At first, it destroyed me. I didn’t know how to go on. If I had been offered something like a Wish Potion then, I might’ve folded. I don’t blame you, I understand it. But time will heal your wounds. Home can be rebuilt. You can… find a new home. You shouldn’t commit to something you’ll regret, doing horrible things for that company.”

Kim Soleum’s expression is guarded. Choi can see the thoughts tangling up in his skull.

Choi takes Kim Soleum’s chin, bringing them face to face, “Can’t we be your new home?” 

He runs his free hand over the newly made, scabbed-over mating bite on his neck. It makes Kim Soleum shudder.

“I love you. Is this the right time to say that? I don’t think I was hiding it well in the first place.”

“Choi, you can’t just- that is- Kim Soleum, I love you, too. You don’t have to respond, but those are my feelings.”

He can see Kim Soleum’s expression grow warmer, wavering in his resolve. Choi knew it from the start, he could tell, that even with a wish so desperate he'd sell his soul to Baekilmong, Kim Soleum genuinely loves them. With time, the Bureau and their cozy office can become a true home, a wish beyond belief made reality.

“Besides, now that you and Jaekwan-ah are mated…”

Kim Soleum’s eyes widen, “M-mated?”

“Now that he has bitten you, yes!”

Kim Soleum frantically thumbs over his neck, appearing… confused.

Sometimes it’s like Kim Soleum knows nothing about his own designation. He is so knowledgeable about Disasters, but strangely ignorant of his own condition as an omega. Ah. He’s lucky to have two seonbaes who are ready to explain anything he needs to be taught!

Kim Soleum’s anxieties don’t seem fully eased. It’d be stranger if they were instantly soothed. But they’re on track towards a better path now.

Choi has sabotaged Kim Soleum’s life as a spy, taking away his chance at a wish potion, all to keep him. But he’ll be happier, in time they’ll see. He was clearly miserable working at that insane pharmaceutical company; there's also been a part of him that's enjoyed working as an agent.

Kim Soleum is many things: a spy and a liar, and surprisingly virtuous. No matter how desperately he wants to go home, he’s not the type of person to coldly abandon his mates.

The Supernatural Disaster Management Bureau is chaotic and lively all around the Hyeonmu Team 1 office today. It’s not just because of the newest Disaster they’ve destroyed, though they’re all happy to see one less ghost story roaming the world.

No, the other agents can’t help but peek at Kim Soleum’s mating mark that even a turtleneck couldn’t completely hide. Soleum tugs at the neckline still, blushing at all the attention.

Agent Choi is good at keeping up with gossip, so he's been aware of the talk about them. There were betting pools and everything.

Even Agent Haegeum stops by with a wave, “Congratulations rookie! Not that it’s a surprise, the three of you have got that synergy expected in a triad. Keep up the good work and don’t get distracted like a flock of lovebirds.”

Kim Soleum’s face is bright red the entire time. “Thank you, thanks,” he repeats absentmindedly as he wrings his hands together. 

In the corner of his eye he notices the new recruit, Agent Mint, trying to send some message to Kim Soleum through urgent expressions, but he’s busy staring holes into the floor. She’s one of the possible spies… or she could be jealous, or concerned, there’s no need to read into it yet.

But in front of her, Agent Choi wraps an arm around Kim Soleum’s neck, pressing his fingers into the bite mark there, not fully healed still. He can feel Kim Soleum shiver under his touch as they stand side by side.

Agent Choi smiles, “Of course, Grapes-ie wouldn’t get distracted from work. He’s our amazing Disaster Destroying Rookie!”

The crowd laughs, and Kim Soleum squirms in his hold, but doesn’t pull away. Ryu Jaekwan eventually disperses the crowd, reminding them this is an office and not a social gathering. He works so hard! Though… Agent Choi is keen enough to see how the alpha is also blushing, even as he tries to hide it by curling up in front of his computer.

Isn’t this perfect? Isn’t this the dream? Hyeonmu Team 1, all together as they should be. 

As a beta, Choi has kept his better senses out of the three of them to ensure their happy ending. Now they’ll never be alone again.