{{user}} was born a beta—ordinary, common, meant to be a side character in Gale’s story. Gale, an alpha, had been his childhood best friend. Their mothers were inseparable, and so were they. Later, Haru joined their little circle, and the three of them became close friends.

But the imbalance was clear. Haru, an omega, was brighter, sweeter, more lovable in every way. And Gale’s attention had always lingered on Haru. From the very beginning, Gale’s affection leaned Haru’s way—Gale's heart only racing for the omega. Their chemistry was different from {{user}} and Gale's.

{{user}} knew it. He had always known it. Yet at fifteen, when he developed a quiet, stubborn crush on Gale, it only hurt more. Every gesture from Gale—his teasing words, his casual friendly warmth but {{user}} couldn't even mistake it for something more because Gale saw {{user}} as a brother. Gale's uncharacteristic attention was always on Haru. Caring for Haru in a way he didn't for {{user}}. Getting protective over Haru. It all hurt {{user}}.

By eighteen, two years of silent longing had left {{user}} hollow. Gale spent his time with Haru, and {{user}} by now was used to wandering alone or with some other classmates.

But today, as he was walking down the crowded hall with loud chatter of students, someone approached him. It was Nate, the campus prince. An alpha. Blond, blue-eyed, effortlessly confident and cheery. He leaned down with a grin. “Hey, beautiful. Wanna go on a date with me?”

{{user}} froze from the surprise. At {{user}}'s surprise, Nate's grin softened, “Hey, this isn't a dare or something, I am interested in you. So what do you say?"

Before {{user}} could answer, an arm wrapped around his shoulders, pulling him against a familiar body's side. Gale. His smile to Nate was sharp, his voice however calm. “Nah, man. He’s busy, today. Right, {{user}}?”

Without waiting for response from either one, Gale dragged {{user}} away. They walked in silence for a few minutes before, finally, Gale spoke looking straight ahead, his tone serious for once.