he next day, Nobita was absent from school.
Or the day after that.
At first, no one noticed.
Then everyone did.
Standing in his regular spot, Dekisugi had a straight-forward stance, recorded accurately and responded with precision.
But the chair beside him—.
Was empty.
No one could take the insult more seriously than the scream of empty lips....
During those days, Nobita was in an unfamiliar place.
Not running.
Not hiding.
Rebuilding.
The library was his designated study area.
He solved problems without help.
Dekisugi was not mentioned by him.
For the first time in his life, he experienced it.
He focused on proving his point through his studies.?
But to prove himself right.
"I didn't want to be chosen because of someone's strength," he whispered one night.
Being chosen is my reason and means that I am.
His omega scent settled.
Balanced.
Calm.
No longer calling.
No longer pleading.
Dekisugi felt it immediately.
The pull weakened.
It wasn't because the bond was deteriorating - it was decaying.
But because Nobita had stopped embracing it.ed.
That made him more afraid than Heat or Rut.
On the fourth day, Dekisugi stumbled upon him.
Towards the back of the library.
Sunlight falling across open books.
Nobita didn't look up.
"You were going to come along at a later time," I whispered quietly.
Dekisugi then halted short of the mark.
"You left," he said.
Nobita turned a page.
"I stepped back," he corrected.
"There's a difference.".
Dekisugi clenched his fists.
"You didn't let me explain.".
Nobita finally looked at him.
Eyes steady.
"No," he said softly.
"You didn't choose.".
The language was more powerful than vexation.
Dekisugi exhaled slowly.
"I've been living my entire life as the expectation that everyone is imagining," said him.
"The perfect alpha.
The safe choice. The predictable future.".
He approached, but he stopped.
"I desired something that frightened me for the first time.".
Nobita listened.
Didn't interrupt.
Didn't melt.
Dekisugi went on to say, "I didn't want to claim you out of habit.".
"The world thinks you require protection, so I didn't feel the need to shield you.".
His voice lowered.
You stand alone, I wanted to be with you.' The.
Silence stretched.
Nobita closed his book.
"You should've said that earlier.".
"I know," Dekisugi whispered.
Nobita stood.
It wasn't like there was no shaking.
He remained calm and said, "I won't keep my secrets from you.".
"I won't be your confusion.".
Dekisugi nodded.
"You won't be.".
Being an omega, I won't be selected.
"You won't be.".
"I won't accept half-steps.".
Dekisugi gave a thorough look to him.
Then—.
He bowed his head slightly.
He had never done something like that before.
"He stated that he would start over and repeat the action.".
"Not as your alpha.".
He met Nobita's eyes.
I want to accompany you on the way, as long as you grant me access." However,
Nobita's chest ached.
Not from weakness.
From relief.
He affirmed with honesty, "I'm not saying yes.".
Dekisugi smiled faintly.
I haven't asked for it yet.
They stood there—.
Not bonded.
Not claimed.
Not rivals.
Eventually, just two people meet in the same spot.
When Dekisugi left, Nobita spoke again....
"Dekisugi.".
He stopped.
"If you ever choose me—".
Nobita's voice was steady.
"Choose me loudly.".
Dekisugi's answer was immediate.
"I will.".