"What did you find?" I asked.
"Proximity helps," Jin-ho said, moving to sit at the edge of the nest, his notebook open on his lap. His ink-stained fingers traced over handwritten notes as he spoke. "Being near bondmates, even without completing the bonds, can stabilize the connection. It's why you started feeling better almost immediately when Jae-won-hyung found you."
I nodded slowly, remembering how the soul sickness had eased the moment Jae-won's scent had washed over me in the park.
"There's more." Min-jun's voice was gentle, almost hesitant. "Scenting. It's... it's supposed to help significantly. The exchange of scent between bondmates can calm the incomplete bonds, help them settle. Reduce the fever and the aches."
"Scenting?" My voice came out smaller than I intended.
"It doesn't have to be anything intense," Jae-won added quickly, his thunderstorm scent flickering with something like nervousness. "Just... closeness. Skin contact. Letting our scents mingle with yours. It's supposed to tell the bonds that pack is here, that you're safe, that you're being cared for."
I thought about it. The idea of being that close to them, of letting them scent me — it should have terrified me. A week ago, it would have sent me running.
I'd woken up surrounded by their scents, and it had felt like safety. Like coming home.
"How would it work?" I asked, my voice steadier now. "The scenting?"
"However you're comfortable with," Hwan said immediately, his golden eyes earnest. "We could take turns. One at a time, so it's not overwhelming. Just sitting close, or... I mean, scent glands are on the neck and wrists, so light contact there. But only if you want. Only when you're ready."
"You'd stop if I asked?"
"Immediately." Jae-won's voice was firm, his dark eyes holding mine. "No questions. No arguments. You say stop, we stop. Always."
They mean it, my omega said quietly.They really mean it.
I believed her. I believedthem.
"Okay," I said slowly, testing the word. "We can try that. The scenting. But slowly. One person at a time." The relief that flooded through the room was palpable — scents brightening, shoulders relaxing, careful smiles spreading across faces.
"Thank you," Tae-min said, and the sincerity in his voice made my throat tight. "For giving us a chance."
"You earned it," I said simply. "With the letters. The food. The patience. You showed me who you are, and... I want to know more."
"There's something else I should mention," I added, remembering. "My friend Jeni. She's probably worried sick about me. I need to let her know I'm okay."
"Already handled." Hwan pulled out his phone, a small proud smile on his face. "Tae-min got her number from the company directory since they have worked before…. We textedher last night to let her know you were safe. She wanted to come see you, but we told her to wait until you were awake and ready for visitors."
I stared at him, warmth blooming in my chest. "You contacted Jeni?"
"She's your best friend," Tae-min said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world, shrugging one shoulder. "Of course we contacted her. She deserves to know you're okay."
They'd thought of Jeni. They'd reached out to her, made sure she wasn't panicking. They'd taken care of not just me, but the people I cared about.
"Thank you," I said, and my voice came out thick with emotion. "I... thank you."
"You don't have to keep thanking us," Jae-won said gently, his hand reaching out to cover mine. "This is what pack does. We take care of each other."
Pack. The word didn't feel as scary as it used to.
"I should call her," I said, reaching for the phone Hwan was offering. "Let her hear my voice."
"Take your time." Min-jun gathered the tray and rose to his feet, his movements graceful despite his broad frame. "I'll make more food for later. And if you want, we could all have dinner together tonight? A proper meal, everyone at the table. No pressure. Just a chance to start getting to know each other."
"I'd like that," I said softly. His smile was like sunrise, warm and bright and full of hope. The others began to file out of the room, giving me space to make my call, each of them pausing briefly as they passed.
Tae-min squeezed my ankle gently, his touch warm through the blanket. "I'm glad you're okay."
Jin-ho paused at the edge of the nest, his dark eyes soft. "I finished the song. When you're ready, I'd like to play it for you."
