Falling for the Omega Idol-Chapter 105: WAREHOUSE STOPOVER (I)

THE interior of the warehouse was spacious and orderly, with bright LED lights illuminating the polished concrete floor. Stacks of neatly arranged crates lined the walls. The center of the space had been cleared, leaving plenty of room for the contestants to gather comfortably without feeling cramped.

A long table near the entrance was stocked with bottled water and light refreshments, including different popular snacks. Nearby, a few folding chairs had been set aside, though most of the contestants remained standing or milling around in small groups. The faint hum of the overhead lights and the occasional sound of footsteps echoed lightly in the expansive space.

Haneul walked into the warehouse with Haru beside him, followed by the eight other contestants who had arrived with them. The attention of the gathered contestants shifted briefly toward the group as they entered, with some offering quick nods or greetings to familiar faces. Others glanced at them only for a moment before turning back to their conversations or whatever they were doing before.

"Hyung, those snacks look pretty good. Should we grab some and eat them?" Haru asked, his eyes fixed on the table piled with different snacks.

Haneul glanced at Haru and couldn’t help but notice the way he was eyeing the snacks, like a kid staring longingly at a candy store display. It almost made him laugh. Just as he opened his mouth to respond, a familiar voice suddenly called out his name.

"Haneul!"

Haneul turned toward the voice and saw Seojun hurrying over to them, practically radiating excitement with every step. When he stopped in front of Haneul, a huge smile stretched across his face, so bright it was almost blinding. His eyes crinkled with genuine happiness, and it was clear he was thrilled just to see him. The enthusiasm was so overwhelming that it made Haneul feel a bit awkward, though he tried not to show it. After a moment, he told himself that this was just how Seojun usually was, dismissing the awkwardness he felt.

Seojun’s voice was lively as he said, "I knew you’d pass. If I passed, then there’s no way you wouldn’t."

Seeing that Seojun was most likely just glad that he made it through the first round, Haneul finally let go of the strange thought that appeared in his mind. He smiled back and said, "Thanks. I’m glad we both made it through."

"Wow, this hyung is really handsome," Haru chimed in suddenly, his eyes fixed on Seojun with genuine admiration. "You’re really tall as well. Are you an Alpha?"

Seojun finally noticed the teenager standing beside Haneul. He had been so excited to see Haneul earlier that he hadn’t even registered the other’s presence. Now, though, the teenager caught his attention—mainly because of what he’d just said. Taking in the teenager’s smaller stature and slim build, Seojun’s first thought was that he was probably an Omega. Hearing him casually comment on his looks and even ask if he was an Alpha left Seojun feeling a little uncomfortable.

He held a rather traditional view when it came to Alpha and Omega dynamics. In his mind, Alphas were meant to protect Omegas, while Omegas were expected to maintain a certain decorum, especially in interactions with other Alphas. He was aware that this mindset was outdated and restrictive—like forcing Omegas into a predefined box—but it was hard to change.

It was just the way he was brought up, like most Alphas in their families were taught. They were raised to believe that Alphas should protect and cared for Omegas. It was a mindset passed down without question, and even though he recognized how limiting it was, it still shaped the way he viewed things.

In fact, he was ashamed to admit that when he first heard Omegas were allowed to participate in the survival program, his immediate reaction was skepticism. It wasn’t because he doubted their ability to become idols—far from it. Rather, he couldn’t help but worry about the living arrangements. Alphas and Omegas coexisting in such close quarters, in an isolated and high-pressure environment? How could that possibly be safe?

Seojun shook his head, pushing the thoughts aside, and tried to smile at the other. But before he could say a word, the kid suddenly pointed at him with an exaggerated look of mock outrage.

"Ah! I know that face! You’re thinking I’m being too forward for an Omega, aren’t you? Well, guess what, hyung? I’m an Alpha—I just haven’t finished my growth phase yet!"

Haneul raised a brow at the statement. He had also thought Haru might be an Omega, but since Haru claimed to be an Alpha, it made him pause. He remembered how, in his previous world, Haru had shot up like a bamboo seemingly overnight. Maybe in this world, he’d grow even taller. freёnovelkiss.com

As the one directly involved in the conversation, Seojun was, of course, caught completely off guard. Embarrassment quickly followed. He really should have learned by now not to make assumptions—especially after making the same mistake with Robin. It was a clear reminder that he needed to stop judging people based on his preconceived notions of what an Alpha or an Omega should look like.

"I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to offend," Seojun said, his tone genuinely apologetic. "I’m Han Seojun."

Haru pouted slightly, muttering with a hint of a grumble, "It’s fine. I get that a lot. I’m Lee Haru. Can I call you ’hyung’?"

Seojun felt a wave of relief that his slip-up hadn’t upset the other. "Of course," he replied with a small smile.

As the two chatted, Haneul couldn’t help but be reminded that these two had been part of the final debut group in his previous world. He wondered if their dynamics back then were anything like what he was seeing now. Speaking of the debut group, could it be that the other three had ranked higher on this first mission? That’s why he hadn’t seen them yet?

"Haneul hyung," Haru’s voice broke through Haneul’s thoughts. "Did you hear my question?"

Haneul blinked and turned to him. "Ah, sorry—what was it?"

"I asked if you’re the same age as Seojun hyung," Haru repeated.