#106

 

“I don’t want to seduce an alpha of the same nature even with empty words, but we’re going to do this.”

 

Chae Yoon-chan grumbled with puffed cheeks as they walked to Moon Kyung-sik’s house. Though the thoughts of the other alphas were similar, they restrained themselves from showing it.

 

“If you don’t like it, you can leave now, Chae Yoon-chan,” Joo Tae-kang casually remarked, igniting Chae Yoon-chan’s irritation.

 

“W-who said I want to leave? I can voice my opinion if I don’t like something.”

 

“I’m just saying, you don’t seem capable of keeping your expression in check when you see Moon Kyung-sik. It could spell trouble.”

 

“…I’m aware.”

 

It was absurd to have to come despite knowing it was a trap set by Moon Kyung-sik.

 

“I don’t understand why Seong Chan-young would ask us for this favor. Even if Moon Kyung-sik sent us some suggestive glances back then, if he’s a thoughtful person, it’s natural not to comply, right?”

 

“…You’re not wrong.”

 

“If it were me, I would’ve fled right after stealing Seong Chan-young’s inhibitors. That guy, even if he used Grandfather’s illness as an excuse to come, hasn’t even visited him once.”

 

The information Secretary Choi gathered about Moon Kyung-sik was shared with the other alphas by Chan-young.

 

Moon Kyung-sik, who claimed to have come for his ailing grandfather, had been keeping a low profile since arriving in the village, only wandering around Chan-young’s and his own house. Except for going out to buy essentials, he rarely ventured elsewhere.

 

“The real reason Moon Kyung-sik came to this village is because of Seong Chan-young. Otherwise, why would he keep an eye on him? For whatever reason, he’s fixated on Seong Chan-young.”

 

“It doesn’t seem like the typical alpha possessiveness toward an omega…”

 

“Exactly! I don’t get it. According to the information we gathered, he had no connection with Seong Chan-young… It’s frustrating because we can’t understand his motives.”

 

“In the end, you just don’t like Moon Kyung-sik, and that’s why you don’t want to get involved in this, right?”

 

Yoo Yi-seo chimed in. With his usual mischievous smile, he hit the nail on the head, prompting Chae Yoon-chan to let out an exasperated shout.

 

“No, that’s not it!”

 

“Then stop complaining from the beginning. At this rate, your yelling might reach Moon Kyung-sik’s house.”

 

“…It won’t go that far, you know?”

 

Even though he said it, Chae Yoon-chan covered his mouth with his hand. Although he tried to dismiss it, his furrowed brows clearly showed his displeasure.

 

“Seong Chan-young asked for our help. We’re not foolish enough to mess it up.”

 

With sincerity flowing through the gaps in his covered hand, Chae Yoon-chan’s answer came out as a muffled murmur. Everyone agreed with his sentiment.

 

“That’s right.”

 

“Me too.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“Count me in too.”

 

The five alphas were now willing to grant Chan-young’s request, not because they had learned that Chan-young’s true nature was a recessive omega, but because they didn’t want to lose him.

 

They didn’t want to see him in pain anymore, and they felt happy seeing him laugh while working on his beloved farm. Even if it meant squeezing out their remaining energy like wringing out a wet rag, they were willing to comply if it made him happy.

 

Each step felt heavier due to the weight of their respective feelings of guilt, making the journey to Moon Kyung-sik’s house feel longer than it actually was.

 

“We’ve arrived.”

 

In front of a rather ordinary black door that didn’t look like the house of a madman, the five alphas straightened their clothes meticulously and disguised themselves with carefully crafted expressions. Baek Do-jun stepped forward and rang the doorbell.

 

Ding-dong.

 

[Who is it?]

 

A very formal greeting echoed. A deep male voice. It belonged to Moon Kyung-sik, who they hadn’t even met before, but they were instantly sure of it.

 

“Oh, excuse us. Moon Kyung-sik, it’s Baek Do-jun. We met at the market before. And these are my friends who were with me then, Yoo Yi-seo, Chae Yoon-chan, Joo Tae-kang, and Seo Eun-soo.”

 

[……But why?]

 

It wasn’t the deep tone of a male alpha but rather a reserved tone that an omega would sound extremely polite. Baek Do-jun was momentarily taken aback by the fact but calmly continued speaking.

 

“We regretted declining your offer to treat us to a meal last time. If you have the time, would you consider coming to our house this time? We’d like to apologize by preparing a delicious meal for you as a gesture of apology and wait for you.”

 

He deliberately emphasized the words ‘our house.’ Their residence was a house registered under Seong Chan-young’s name, but this was at Chan-young’s request.

 

– Although I asked you to lure him here… If my guess is correct, he’ll probably warm up to you just by seeing your faces. Luring him is as simple as showing your faces, and what’s important is to scratch his heart deeply.

 

– What should we do?

 

– Show a lot of intimacy with him. Just keep it simple. If you refer to my house as our house, that should be enough. And if you express that you want to transfer that intimacy to Moon Kyung-sik now, it’ll be even better.

 

– …Will that work?

 

– It will. Definitely.

 

Chan-young’s eyes were shining brightly as he said those words.

 

‘I wonder if this will really work…’

 

Baek Do-jun quietly followed Chan-young’s request, but he was skeptical about whether it would work on Moon Kyung-sik. Baek Do-jun, like Chae Yoon-chan, didn’t expect Moon Kyung-sik to respond positively.

 

‘Will he refuse?’

 

Since Moon Kyung-sik was behind the theft of the heat inhibitors, giving a positive response to such a request would be strange. But Baek Do-jun’s expectations were off.

 

[When should I come?]

 

‘What?’

 

He agreed?

 

“Tonight. Is there anything specific you’d like for dinner?”

 

[ As long as it's not seafood ^[1] Easter egg: Do you guys remember how our Chan-young had an allergic reaction with seafood when he first transmigrated? This gives more evidence that Moon Kyung-sik is the original Seong Chan-young. , anything is fine. I’ll be happy with whatever delicious food you prepare. And it would be great if you had wine.]

 

‘…Who is this guy?’

 

Moon Kyung-sik’s voice through the intercom softened gradually. He was behaving as if nothing had happened between him and Seong Chan-young. There was not even a hint of remorse. Moon Kyung-sik was solely focused on the fact that the five alphas had come to visit. His voice even sounded slightly excited.

 

Baek Do-jun didn’t like how nonchalantly Moon Kyung-sik accepted the dinner invitation, especially considering the criminal acts he had committed. He decided to check with the kitchen staff responsible for the ingredients.

 

“Will that be alright? I’ll check with the kitchen staff.”

 

Still, Baek Do-jun put on his best smile, as did the other alphas. They all faithfully played their parts in this beautiful picture.

 

Just when they thought they had almost succeeded, Moon Kyung-sik raised a question.

 

[But, does the owner of the house also agree to the invitation?]

 

“Yes. We insisted on inviting you, Moon Kyung-sik ssi. Chan-young couldn’t refuse our request. He’s such a pushover.”

 

Underneath his stretched smile, Baek Do-jun felt the sharp jabbing from his companions.

 

‘Hey, when did Seong Chan-young become like that? We’re the ones who always bend over backward for him.’

 

‘That’s just talk. He’s just acting now, isn’t he? This is also Chan-young’s order.’

 

‘We should keep the lies believable. This is like stock manipulation-level fraud.’

 

‘As long as he buys it!’

 

Moon Kyung-sik seemed increasingly uncomfortable with Baek Do-jun’s desperate lie, his voice lowering.

 

[Oh? It seems like you’re good friends.] 

 

Moon Kyung-sik said in a tone that seemed to scratch at something deep within him. Baek Do-jun felt both relieved and perplexed by Moon Kyung-sik’s response.

 

“Sure. I’d like to accept the invitation. What time should I come for dinner tonight?”

 

Baek Do-jun was taken aback by Moon Kyung-sik’s unexpected acceptance of the dinner invitation, but he managed to maintain his composure.

 

“Please come around 6 o’clock. We’ll be waiting for you.”

[Well, I’ll see you then.]

 

‘Is it over?’

 

Baek Do-jun felt dumbfounded by how easily things had been resolved, just as Chan-young had predicted. As he was about to return to Chan-young’s house, Moon Kyung-sik, who he thought had ended the conversation, spoke up.

 

[Excuse me, did you mention someone named Seo Eun-soo? I hope he doesn’t stand out when I come. The same goes for Seong Chan-young ssi.]

 

“Um, yes?”

 

[I’m only interested in your four alphas, not other people who won’t catch my eye. I trust the hosts of this dinner will consider that, right?]

 

‘This gives me chills.’

 

Moon Kyung-sik clearly wanted Baek Do-jun, Yoo Yi-seo, Choi Yoon-chan, and Joo Tae-kang. He didn’t explicitly single them out in his words, but Baek Do-jun understood.

 

‘Now I understand why Chan-young said only our faces need to be shown.’

 

This strange and suspicious alpha seemed almost jealous of the connection between Seong Chan-young and the four alphas. From his tone, it seemed like he wanted to be someone significant, like an engaged partner.

 

‘But in reality, he’s just a stranger to any kind of relationship. Why…?’

 

Moon Kyung-sik’s bizarre behavior resembled someone else too much.

 

The old Seong Chan-young, who used to yearn for affection before he changed.

 

‘Seems like he thinks he deserves to be in Seong Chan-young’s position. Is he delusional?’

 

Despite feeling uneasy and disgusted by Moon Kyung-sik’s attitude, Baek Do-jun remained faithful to his role as a tempting bait.

 

“Of course. We’ll do as Moon Kyung-sik suggests.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

Even though they heard his gratitude, could anything feel more unpleasant than this, like a snake tightening its grip around them?

 

The five alphas wanted to deal with Moon Kyung-sik as quickly as possible, even if it was just for a split second.

• 1. Easter egg: Do you guys remember how our Chan-young had an allergic reaction with seafood when he first transmigrated? This gives more evidence that Moon Kyung-sik is the original Seong Chan-young.