* * *

“What?”

“Let’s go. Us too.”

“Where to…? Wait, are you talking about a wine bar?”

“I said let’s go for round two. I’ll pay for this one.”

Siwon’s mouth gaped open.

“Are you crazy, hyung? What do you mean, a wine bar? Stop saying weird stuff and let’s just go have some more beer. If we walk a bit further, there’s a nice pub. The side dishes there are—”

“If you’re not coming, I’ll go alone. See you, Jin Siwon.”

With no room for persuasion, Junhee abruptly turned his back, leaving Siwon to hurriedly chase after him.

“Hey, hyung! Seriously, what’s gotten into you? I don’t even like wine. I told you, let’s just have beer.”

“You say you don’t like it without even trying it.”

“Well, yeah, that’s true, but… just because it’s expensive doesn’t mean it tastes good…”

As Siwon hesitated, fumbling for words, Junhee quickened his pace.

All that was on his mind was the building where the wine bar was located.

Nothing else mattered.

Why do people think things done by the rich are so special anyway?

Department stores, wine bars, parties, horseback riding, golf…

He hated the fixed mindset that separated himself from the high society people who enjoyed such things.

Perhaps the sight of Siwon saying, “What do you mean, a wine bar?” overlapped with his own shabby past, fueling his determination even more.

If the only difference is having experienced it or not, then just experiencing it should be enough.

Once that wall is broken down, wouldn’t they realize that they’re just like him?

A vague sense of confidence bubbled up inside him.

“If you’re coming, stop talking and follow.”

“Ha… Fine, let’s go. I’ll come. But are you really okay, hyung? You’re not saying this because you’re drunk, are you…?”

Ignoring Siwon’s concerns, Junhee strode across the night streets.

---

“Sorry, but we’re reservation-only.”

The unexpected rejection felt like a cold splash of water, instantly sobering him up.

Blocked at the first hurdle of this upper-class experience—right at the doorstep.

No wonder there weren’t any people outside such a renowned place. So this was why.

Yet, it felt too humiliating to just turn back, so he grasped at straws and asked.

“Is it impossible to use the place without a reservation?”

The question caused a small crack in the employee’s professional facade.

“Normally, rooms and tables are reservation-only, but the bar seats are available without one. However, today the entire venue has been reserved.”

“Reserved?”

“Yes, the entire wine bar. Sorry, but if you’re not invited by the host, entry is strictly prohibited.”

The employee emphasized “strictly prohibited” with deliberate pauses.

After that, he plastered on his business smile again and glanced up and down at Siwon, who stood beside Junhee.

From his roughly worn canvas shoes, his mismatched tracksuit, to the sports brand duffle bag slung over his shoulder.

Siwon wasn’t completely oblivious, and sensing the employee’s gaze, he tugged at Junhee.

“Hyung, it’s fine, let’s just go.”

Junhee realized that instead of shattering Siwon’s notions, he had only reinforced them.

Just as he was on the verge of snapping and asking why the employee was looking at them like that—

“I told you it was today! How could you forget my birthday!”

Someone exited the building, phone pressed to their ear.

Naturally, Junhee’s eyes were drawn to the person.

“…Member Moon Doyoung?”

Junhee’s eyes widened.

“What? Everyone else has shown up with a partner, and they’re practically staring daggers at me waiting for mine. Are you messing with me on purpose, or…”

As Moon Doyoung’s voice grew louder, their eyes locked.

Recognizing Junhee at once, Doyoung cut the call abruptly.

“Whatever, just go to hell. Don’t ever think about seeing me again and stay locked up in your house forever!”

Even after ending the call, they seemed unable to let go of their anger, breathing heavily on the spot.

After a moment’s hesitation, Junhee approached and greeted them, thinking it would be impolite to leave now that they’d recognized each other.

“Hello, Member Moon Doyoung.”

“…What brings you here, Junhee?”

Doyoung’s sharp eyes, slightly wet at the corners, turned towards Junhee.

He knew Doyoung liked to dress up, but today they looked even more dazzling.

“I was having dinner nearby with my brother and decided to move to another place. But we were turned away, so we were just about to leave.”

Both the employee and Siwon seemed quite shocked as Junhee and Doyoung began to speak familiarly.

“Oh, sorry. I rented this place out today, for a birthday party.”

Junhee had already gathered as much from overhearing the phone call.

“Yes. Belated congratulations. I hope you have a wonderful time. Then, we’ll take our leave.”

Junhee lightly bowed and turned to leave with Siwon.

“Wait, Yoo Junhee!”

Moon Doyoung called out urgently, stopping him.

He looked around at the employee and Siwon, then pulled Junhee towards the stairs.

“This isn’t the best place… Could we talk over there for a moment?”

“…I’m sorry, but I think it’s going to be difficult.”

“Please, reconsider, Junhee. Would I ask this lightly? Just think of it as helping someone, just this once, okay?”

The proposal made by Moon Doyoung at the emergency stairs wasn’t entirely unexpected.

Junhee rubbed his forehead and sighed softly, repeatedly.

Perhaps the alcohol was wearing off, as a headache began to throb.

No matter how many times he thought about it, the answer didn’t change.

He might have wanted to step into a wine bar, but not like this.

“It’s not that I want to say this, because it’s humiliating. But I really don’t want to lose to those people. But the damn Alpha who was supposed to come… Anyway, that bastard didn’t show up, and those snobs are glaring, waiting for my partner. I’m seriously going crazy.”

Junhee’s resolve hadn’t wavered despite Doyoung’s pitiful plea, but the words “that damned Alpha” caused him to unwittingly nod in agreement.

Doyoung vented, trembling with anger.

Judging by the alcohol on their breath, it seemed they’d already had a few drinks.

“Seriously, all Alphas are useless. They think they’re God’s greatest creation, but they’re nothing without Omegas. They’re just half-complete beings!”

Junhee closed his eyes and nodded quietly.

There wasn’t a single false word in what Doyoung was saying.

“That’s right.”

“See, that’s why I knew I could talk to you, Junhee! So, can you reconsider my offer? I promise I’ll repay this favor. I swear.”

Though he understood Doyoung’s predicament, playing the role of a partner was another matter entirely.

“…I understand your feelings, Member Moon Doyoung. But since you’ve already introduced your partner as an Alpha, it might only complicate things if I suddenly show up.”

Junhee looked at the anxious Doyoung, who was nervously chewing on her nails.

“I did hint that my partner is an Alpha… But, well, I’ll figure it out somehow. It’s better to show up with a Beta than to have no one at all!”

Eventually, Doyoung bit her lip like a child on the verge of tears.

On one’s birthday, a day that comes only once a year, surrounded by people with partners, to be the only one left alone as the party’s host…

Junhee unconsciously recalled the times he sat alone during every parent observation class.

During sports days, athletic meets, entrance ceremonies, and graduation ceremonies… Junhee was always alone.

His mother, the director, was always busy, and Junhee was not her only child to care for.

Because he didn’t want his younger siblings to be hurt, Junhee persuaded the director mom to attend their entrance and graduation ceremonies instead, saying he would be fine.

He was always alone like that. He thought it was no big deal, that he was used to it, but looking back, it was all a wound.

“Junhee, please… Just save me, just this once.”

Junhee’s pupils faintly trembled.

Unable to completely erase the memories of the past, he found himself constantly dragged around by them, hating how pathetic he was.

With a self-deprecating sigh, Junhee cautiously made a suggestion.

“…Then, let’s do it like this.”

---

“What’s up, Doyoung? Where have you been all this time?”

“The cake arrived a while ago, but no one could find you, so everyone was looking for you. Huh? Who’s that behind you?”

As soon as Doyoung, who had been gone for a while, returned, people quickly gathered around her.

Their gazes flitted curiously past Doyoung to the unfamiliar man standing behind her.

“Oh, I guess I’m a bit late with introductions. My partner couldn’t find the building, so I stepped outside to bring him in.”

Doyoung, whose makeup was now perfectly touched up, had his eyes sparkling just as brightly.

“…Hello.”

“He’s not really the type to attend social gatherings, so he might feel a bit out of place. Could you all be understanding?”

“Totally new face. His baby hairs are so fluffy… Ah, maybe that was a bit rude.”

“Oh my, look at those broad shoulders. Do you work out?”

“Yes… Just as a hobby, a little bit.”

Doyoung gently linked her arm around his thick forearm.

Siwon looked down at him, startled, but eventually let it be.

‘…If it weren’t for Junhee’s request.’

* * *