Chapter Twenty-one

Author’s Note: This story is set in an alternate universe, in an imaginary town and country, and during an ambiguous time period.

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Kazir met up with Adisa as promised.  

They greeted each other in the lobby of their company and made their way to a new Japanese sushi restaurant Adisa had found and suggested, their conversation light as they walked. It felt almost normal, like the tension between them had never been there. And Kazir almost didn’t notice how amazing Adisa smelled. His customary fragrance was subtle, but it wrapped around Kazir like a warm hug from a friend. It was nice being in Adisa’s presence—refreshing and calming.

Kazir wondered if it was the fact of his pheromones and was perplexed over the fact that he could smell him when he knew Adisa took his suppressant. Maybe he was missing dosages.

Still, Kazir knew he couldn't say anything.

Once seated, they started out casually, commenting on the sushi and how good everything tasted. The atmosphere felt comfortable, though Kazir could sense Adisa holding back, like there was something on his mind. After a few minutes, Adisa glanced at Kazir and carefully asked, “So, are you feeling better now? You mentioned you had some health stuff going on.”  

Kazir tensed slightly but shook his head dismissively. “Yeah, nothing serious. I’m better now.”  

Adisa laughed, though it lacked most of its usual spark. “It’s strange how we’ve been getting sick—one after the other.”  

“Right,” Kazir muttered, stuffing sushi into his mouth.  

Sensing Kazir’s reluctance to share more, Adisa didn’t push it, understanding that Kazir wanted to keep his health matters private.  

They moved on to lighter topics—Kazir talked about how he had wrapped up his current project at work, and Adisa shared some amusing stories about his siblings. The conversation flowed easily again, but Kazir couldn’t shake the feeling that Adisa was working up to something.  

As they finished their meals, Kazir finally mustered the courage to ask, “So, what did you want to discuss?”  

“Huh?”  

“The important matter you said you wanted to discuss.”

Adisa nodded, fidgeting in his seat, his expression a little nervous. “There’s… that,” he muttered, reaching for a piece of sushi. He placed it in his mouth, slowly and deliberately chewed, before swallowing and reaching for his glass of water. He was taking his time.  

Kazir felt a knot form in his stomach. The atmosphere suddenly changed. He no longer felt warm and comfortable sitting across from Adisa.  

Kazir raised an eyebrow, trying to keep his voice steady. “What is it?”  

Adisa hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. He swallowed twice, his Adam’s apple bobbing before he continued. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately... and there’s something that’s been on my mind for a while now.” He glanced at Kazir, his expression serious.  

“Yes?”  

“I… I don’t know how to say this, and I don’t want to—I suppose, I don’t want to offend you.”  

“Offend me?” Kazir froze, his chopsticks hovering mid-air.  

Adisa nodded. “Remember how I was sick…” He paused and ran his fingers through his carefully styled hair. He sighed and smiled apologetically at Kazir. “There’s no easy way. I’m sorry: Are you... an omega?”  

Kazir felt like the entire restaurant went silent the moment Adisa asked the question. The question hung in the air, and Kazir felt a chill run down his spine. His heartbeat was hammering in his chest. He wasn't prepared for this.  

For a moment, he stared at Adisa, eyes wide, unsure how to respond. The casual atmosphere they had been maintaining suddenly shattered, and tension filled the space between them.  

With his world spinning and growing amorphous, he wondered if Adisa’s scent had gotten stronger, like he had just broken his bottle of expensive cologne. It wasn’t suffocating. In fact, it was calming. Beneath that vibrant citrus note, there was something softer and more comforting. And it subdued him, making him neglect his first instinct, which was to deny it, to lie as he had done for most of his life. But Adisa’s gaze was too earnest, too direct, and something in Kazir faltered.  

He slowly lowered his chopsticks, setting them on the table as he exhaled shakily. He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice calm. “Why would you ask me that?” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.  

Adisa looked deeply uncomfortable, as if he regretted bringing it up, but there was determination in his eyes too. He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly uncomfortable, but now he had no choice but to push forward. “I’m sorry.”  

Kazir frowned, his heart racing, his mind spinning. “Why would you ask that?”  

How had he guessed?  

He had spent years hiding his second gender. He had been careful, so careful, to present himself as a beta, to avoid situations where his omega side might be exposed.  

How had he known?  

“I… remember my cold?”  

“Yes?” Kazir couldn’t help but whisper.  

“I… I’m so stupid.”  

“What?” He blinked, the weight of Adisa’s words pressing down on him.  

Adisa exhaled slowly, leaned in slightly, his voice low and gentle. “I’m not trying to make you uncomfortable. I just... I—It’s been so long that I didn’t notice at first, and then I was too embarrassed to bring it up after…” Adisa blushed deeply. Kazir felt his temple drumming, blood rushing to his head. He felt lightheaded.  

“You were…” Kazir blushed, sitting back as everything that was too hard for Adisa to articulate tacitly made sense.  

They sat there in silence for a bit before Kazir stuttered out an apology.  

“No! I’m not blaming you. It happens.” Then he quickly added, “I mean, well, it wasn’t supposed to happen. I’ve always taken my suppressant as instructed, but…” Adisa stopped, holding Kazir’s gaze. He asked again, “Are you an omega?