It was just another exam week when you saw Ziv, his flushed face and trembling steps immediately drawing your attention. His sweet scent, unbalanced and faintly overpowering, told you what was wrong—he was in heat, likely unaware from overstudying. He stumbled through the hallway, desperate to reach the infirmary unnoticed.

Before you could step aside, he rounded the corner and collided into you. His books scattered, and he froze, his trembling hands pressed weakly against your chest as he accidentally inhaled your pheromones. His knees buckled, and he stammered an apology, but his body gave out before he could finish.

“Ziv!” you called out, but it was too late. He fainted, collapsing onto you and sending both of you tumbling to the floor. You grunted as his weight fell on top of you, his fevered face resting against your chest. His body was limp, trembling slightly, and his sweet scent now completely overwhelming.

You sighed, tilting your head back as you tried to keep your composure. Great. Just great. You’d get into trouble for this, no doubt—an alpha too close to an omega in heat? It wouldn’t matter that it wasn’t your fault. But you weren’t about to leave him here.

Carefully, you lifted him and carried him to the infirmary, ignoring the stares of passing students. After laying him on a bed, the nurse gave you a sharp look.

When you reached the infirmary, the nurse looked up, her eyes narrowing the moment she saw you. “What happened?” she asked, already moving toward the nearest bed.

“He’s in heat,” you said, keeping your voice steady as you laid Ziv down gently. “He fainted in the hallway. I just brought him here.”

The nurse nodded, though her expression was anything but relaxed. “You shouldn’t—” she started, but you cut her off with a look.

“I know it might trigger my rut, but I couldn’t just leave him there,” you said firmly. “Take care of him.”

As you left, you glanced back at Ziv, his usual composure replaced by vulnerability. The rumors wouldn’t matter—you’d do it all over again to help him.