Chapter 2: Project

Sitting back in the gray seat of his aunt's car; Ha-joon started out the window in awe. The vast cityscape swallowed the car as is drove down the narrow roads. Shops, cafes and other assorted businesses were in full steam. Ha-joon didn't know what to look at. His eyes darting around the colorful signs and beautiful building architecture. Eun broke the silence of his delight.

"You are such a child with those faces you are making." she gave a small laugh. He retreated back into his seat with discomposure.

"I've been meaning to ask since we've gotten in the car, didn't you wear a collar here?"

Eun pointed at the empty spot on Ha-joon's neck. Remembering the events from earlier; he didn't want to worry his aunt on his first day there.

"Oh I took it off and accidently lost it at the station". He awkwardly laughed trying to make light of the situation. A frown formed on Eun's face.

"Ha-joon. listen and listen to me well."

"Seoul is not the same as that farming village you are from. You have to be on guard while you are here. ESPECIALLY since you are an Omega."

Ha-joon stopped smiling. His heart dropped a bit in his chest hearing his aunt's tone.

"That sister of mine... I'm sure your mother didn't tell you the most important rules to go by here."

He shook his head no.

"Let me explain some things. For one, NEVER leave the house without a collar and NEVER take it off in public. They are meant to protect you. Whether it be from the touch to the bite of anyone who could do you harm.

Ha-joon recalled several books he had read growing up. Though not many modern material had made it to his small town; he absorbed what he could about what he was and was to become. Because of the lack of material he only knew the bare minimum of Omega and Alpha relations.

"Number two, You can go out by yourself but it is normally safer for Omega's to roam with a partner, friend or family member. I know you are capable by yourself, but it worries me". She bit her lip and sighed; not taking her eyes off the road for even a second.

"I'm a beta, and there is only so much I can do for you and prepare you for. Just don't be reckless okay?"

Ha-joon nodded.

Looking back out the window with a solem face.

The short drive from the station to his new home seemed like an eternity now.

"oh look. there's your new university" Eun pointed out.

Ha-joon looked to the left side of the car. The university was huge. His eyes gleamed like stars at its marvel. He was back being hyped now. This here was to be his new start.

"Mr. Park, the Director of the school, wants to meet you first thing tomorrow. You think you'll be up to it?" Eun side glanced at Ha-joon.

"Of course!" Ha-joon nearly jumped and hit his head on the roof.

"plus.. ." Eun said with a smile as she pulled into a car-park, "My place is only a 15 minute walk to it".

Ha-joon was feeling even more blessed. How could he have gotten so lucky?!

-----

Eun showed Ha-joon into her apartment. It was a basic living space. The entry way lead to the main sitting area. off to the right was the kitchen that had a white refrigerator, basic brown counter tops and a small stove with two burners.

To the left of the entry way was a door that lead to a modest showering room and toilet.

"come in and make yourself at home. I have a storage room that i converted for you. it's not much but..."

Ha-joon looked to her with a tear in his eye.

"it's perfect" He sniffled.

Eun held back her laughter. He really was still a kid.

"im going to run out for a few minutes. Stay here until I get back. I won't be long".

Eun left.

Ha-joon was now free to roam.

The communal space had a TV, a small floor table and a couple of floor cushions. The large window at the back of the room had a view of the side street/ alley way below.

Drawing back the white curtains; Ha-joon unlocked the window and opened it all the way. He took in a deep breath. With the immediate welcome of car fumes he coughed.

So the city air was not as fresh as the countryside. It didn't faze him. He was just happy to be there.

after throwing his bags in his room he spent the next couple minutes people watching. It was a quieter neighborhood. There were many family's and laughing children. The park was not too far from there and he was able to make out the roof of a nearby secondary school. The crowd was not as bad as the one he encountered at the train station.

The station.

He recalled his run-in with the Alpha males. Thinking back now they didn't seem as scary.

However, the onyx eyed Alpha stuck out to him. He could still remember his near straight black hair. His sharp onyx eyes that could pierce a hole through your skin. His skin was light. His thin physique.

Ha-joon started to become lost in thought. He was not that bad to look at.

"what was his name...?"

"What are you doing?"

Ha-joon jumped 7 feet. Eun had returned with a box in tow.

"Why are you so jumpy kid?" She sighed and took her shoes off.

"here". She handed the box to Ha-joon.

Opening the lid; a glistening, metallic, collar laid at the bottom. He picked it up.

"It's a newer and safer model." Eun smiled. "Take your finger and press here.." She indicated to a fingerpad on the side.

Touching the pad with his index finger: the collar beeped and clicked.

"It's designed that only you can take it off. and the only way to do that is with your fingerprint". Eun explained.

Ha-joon slipped it on and clicked it into place. The device beeped again. He tugged at it.

"Thank you". He gave his aunt a heartwarming smile.

---

The next morning Eun had left early for her job. She left a note on the table next to some food she had neatly wrapped in plastic.

**Ha-joon, Don't forget about meeting Mr. Park at the university today. I made you some breakfast: DON'T SKIP IT! Remember to wear nice clothes and try to do somthing about your hair. Don't forget to wear the collar and I've added my phone number below so add it to your phone.

good luck kid, I'm rooting for ya.**

Ha-joon smiled. He ate the breakfast, ironed a pair of dress pants and a buttoned up white shirt. His hair didn't cooperate with him though. He had done his best to smooth it but the waves stayed.

He walked to the front door and put on his shiny pair of black dress shoes to complete the Ensemble.

He looked down at the metallic collar in hand. As much as he actually detested it; he needed it.

He clicked it into place.

---

The walk to the University was quite peaceful. No one paid any mind to him.

A few minutes later and he was standing in front of: what he called: The doors of destiny! He gleamed with excitement. He was so happy he was about to scream.

"what is that aweful smell?"

"oh god....what IS that?"

Ha-joon turned to see some students covering their noses.

"what smell?" Ha-joon lifted his head and took in a deep whiff. nothing different from the wet dew and miscellaneous fuels from whatever contraptions were around.

"Oh crap is it ME?" He looked at himself self-consciously. But no one was looking his way.

"Ah. It must be pheromones." The one thing he was unable to smell.

Though from the disgusted looks from the students he was probably blessed not being able to smell them.

He made his way through the entrance of the school. Finding the office he got directions to the Health and Human service department. He clutched his clothes as he passed by the chemistry labs and lecture halls. The overall excitement was too much. He couldn't help but grin like a fool ear to ear.

"Mr. Choi! I have been expecting you!" An older man waved from one of the lab rooms.

"M-Mr. Park. it is an honor sir!" Ha-joon raced over and gave him a deep bow. Any lower and he would have snapped in half.

"I've heard good things about you my boy!" He slapped Ha-joon on the back.

oof.*

Wrapping his arm around him, director Park lead him inside.

" Jong-su! Come over here and meet the kid I've been telling you about!" The director beckoned a guy with glasses over to them.

"Ha-joon. This here is Jong-su! He is a junior in this department and one of the special heads of development".

"Jong-su. THIS here is the guy I was telling you about. An extensive knowledge of Compound structures of the human body. As well as an impressive score on the entry exam."

The Sunbea that stood before Ha-joon wore a white lab coat with a white buttoned down shirt. his brown hair was parted to the side and he wore square framed glasses. He had a strong jawline and light brown eyes.

Jong-su extended his hand to Ha-joon.

"Our director has said many good things about you this past week. I'm glad I could finally meet this new prodigy he's been going on about."

Ha-joon chuckled in embarassment.

"Prodigy....I'm not so sure". He shook Jong-su's hand.

Director Park excused himself over a phone call. He left the room.

Jong-su clasped his hands over Ha-joons.

"Is it true you're really unable to smell pheromones?!" It was almost as if he had been keeping his excitement locked down.

"well...yea..."

"AMAZING!" He leaned closer to Ha-joon. His eyes were showing the turning wheels inside of his head. like a mad scientist who found an interesting test subject.

The director poked his head back through the door.

"Mr. Choi! I'm afraid I'm gonna have to leave you with Jong-su for a bit. I have an emergency to attend to. This way you both can get better acquainted since you will be working together in the future.

Ha-joon nodded and looked back at Jong-su who had a smile plastered on his face. Ha-joon could have sworn he was glowing.

The director took a step out but immediately stuck his head back in the room.

"Jong-su, I forgot to mention your project is here to see you". And with that last statement the director was gone.

"Project?" Ha-joon asked himself.

"This is perfect! Now I can really see if you are unable to smell the pheromones!" Jong-su clapped his hands together.

Ha-joon was trying to figure out what he was talking about.

"Hey Jong, It wasn't strong enough this time" A cold voice came from the doorway.

Ha-joon froze. The voice felt vaguely familiar. He slowly turned and was Met with the same pair of Onyx eyes from his first day.

Ha-joons blood ran cold.

The onyx eyes looked down at him.

"Well what do you know...if it isn't the great pretender". His eyes glared.