Minghao had always known that, as the only omega in a pack full of alphas, his first heat would be intense. He had braced himself for it, prepared as much as he could—but nothing could have truly prepared him for the overwhelming wave of warmth that crashed over him so suddenly.
At first, it was just a strange tingling in his limbs, a restless feeling that made him squirm against Jeonghan's side. He figured it was just exhaustion from the long day, but then came the heat.
A deep shiver ran down his spine, his breath hitching as his muscles weakened. His ears twitched as he instinctively clutched at Jeonghan's sleeve, a soft, helpless whimper slipping from his lips.
The entire room froze.
All twelve alphas immediately turned their attention to him, their eyes darkening slightly as Minghao's scent changed—sweeter, heavier, completely intoxicating.
Jeonghan was the first to react, his sharp instincts kicking in as he cupped Minghao's flushed cheeks. His hands were cool against the omega's overheated skin. "Hao?" His voice was soft, but concerned. "What's wrong, baby?"
Minghao didn't answer right away—he couldn't. He just curled closer to Jeonghan, his small frame trembling as he buried his face into the alpha's chest.
Joshua, sitting on Minghao's other side, quickly pressed a hand to his forehead. His normally gentle expression turned serious. "He's burning up," he murmured, glancing at Seungcheol and Wonwoo, who were already on high alert.
"It's his first heat," Seungcheol confirmed after taking a deep breath, his alpha instincts sharpening.
Jun, who had been sitting on the floor, was next to Minghao in an instant. His cat ears twitched, his tail flicking as he nuzzled into the bunny's shoulder, his voice a soft, reassuring purr. "You're okay, bunny," he murmured. "We've got you."
Minghao let out a small, high-pitched whimper, his fingers clenching around Jun's shirt, seeking comfort. His body felt too hot, too sensitive, too needy.
"It… hurts," he finally admitted in a small, breathless voice. His bunny ears trembled, and his tail twitched anxiously.
That was all it took for the pack to spring into action.
"I'll get the nest ready," Dino said quickly, already rushing toward Minghao's room to gather all his softest blankets and pillows. He also grabbed several of their shirts—because Minghao loved their scents when he felt vulnerable.
"Seokmin, bring water," Mingyu instructed, already moving toward the kitchen.
"Woozi, should we get him something to eat?" Vernon asked, glancing at the omega's flushed face.
Woozi, though usually logical and calm, looked just as concerned. "Not right now. He won't be able to focus on food until he's settled."
Jun, still nuzzling into Minghao, felt the omega squirming restlessly in his arms. His small body was seeking warmth, seeking comfort. The way he clung to Jun's shirt, trying to bury himself deeper into his scent, made Jun's heart ache.
Minghao whimpered when Joshua shifted, as if afraid the alphas would move away from him.
"Oh, sweetheart," Jeonghan cooed softly, his voice dripping with affection. He gently lifted Minghao into his lap, cradling him. "We're not going anywhere, I promise."
The rest of the pack gathered around, creating a protective circle of warmth and safety.
Hoshi, normally full of energy, was gentle as he stroked Minghao's soft bunny ears, whispering comforting words. Wonwoo carefully wrapped a blanket around Minghao's shoulders, tucking it securely.
Once Dino and Seungkwan returned with the nest prepared, they carefully moved Minghao, laying him in the soft pile of blankets. But as soon as they tried to move away, Minghao let out a high, needy whimper, his bunny ears folding down.
He reached out blindly, his fingers clutching at Jun's sleeve. "D-don't go…" he whispered.
Seungcheol was the first to react. Without hesitation, he climbed into the nest, pulling Minghao into his arms. "There, little one," he murmured, pressing a soft, reassuring kiss to Minghao's forehead. "I've got you."
Jun was next, curling around Minghao, pressing his nose into the omega's fluffy hair. "You smell so sweet, bunny," he whispered, his voice full of affection. "Let me hold you."
One by one, the rest of the pack joined them, creating a warm cocoon of comfort.
Joshua tucked the blankets securely around Minghao, Jeonghan stroked his hair, and Woozi—though usually hesitant—sighed before pressing a small kiss to the omega's temple.
"You're so spoiled," Woozi muttered, but his hands were soft as they combed through Minghao's hair.
Minghao sighed contentedly, his body finally relaxing as he melted into the warmth of his pack. His heat was still overwhelming, but the anxiety—the fear of facing this alone—was completely gone.
He was safe. Loved. Protected.
He let out a soft, sleepy sigh, curling into Jun's chest. His lips barely formed the words:
"…Thank you."
The alphas all exchanged fond smiles, pressing soft kisses to his forehead, his cheeks, his hands—anywhere they could reach.
"You never have to thank us, baby," Jeonghan murmured.
Seungcheol ran his fingers through Minghao's hair, his voice gentle and firm. "We'll always take care of you, sweetheart."
And they would.
Because their precious little omega deserved nothing less than all their love.
The heat had only just begun, and Minghao was already melting into the comfort of his pack. His small body was surrounded by warmth, cradled between the soft blankets and the firm arms of his alphas.
But the fire burning inside him was relentless.
His skin was sensitive, every touch sending little shivers down his spine. His scent—normally fresh and airy like spring—was now thick and intoxicating, making all twelve alphas hyper-aware of his state.
His breath came out in short, needy pants as he shifted restlessly, whimpering softly when the heat pulsed through him again.
Jun, who had been nuzzled up against him, tightened his arms, his cat ears twitching at the sound. "Baby," he purred softly, rubbing slow circles into Minghao's back. "Tell us what you need, hmm?"
Minghao let out a tiny whine, his cheeks flushing deeper. He buried his face against Wonwoo's chest, trying to hide from their intense gazes.
"I—I don't know…" he whispered, his voice trembling. His bunny ears drooped slightly, his small hands clutching at Wonwoo's shirt.
Joshua cooed, gently running his fingers through Minghao's fluffy hair, trying to soothe him. "Oh, sweetheart," he murmured. "That's okay. You don't have to know."
"You just tell us if something feels too much or not enough, alright?" Jeonghan whispered, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Minghao's head.
Minghao gave a small, hesitant nod, but his body was still squirming, his mind foggy with need.
Woozi, usually the most composed, sighed and reached for the pile of shirts and sweaters that Dino had brought earlier.
"Here, bunny," he murmured, gently draping Seungcheol's oversized hoodie over Minghao's small frame. "This should help."
Minghao immediately nuzzled into it, inhaling deeply. The strong alpha scent surrounded him in warmth, and his body visibly relaxed.
Seungcheol chuckled, rubbing Minghao's bunny ears between his fingers. "That's my good boy."
But Minghao wasn't satisfied yet. His hands reached out blindly, tugging at Jun's sleeve. "I want your shirt too," he mumbled.
Jun blinked, then let out a small laugh. "Oh? You wanna see me shirtless, baby?" he teased, his tail flicking playfully.
Minghao whined, pouting up at him. "Just—just gimme."
The alphas chuckled at how adorably demanding their usually quiet omega was being.
Jun hummed, slipping off his shirt in one smooth motion before draping it over Minghao's small frame. "There you go, sweetheart."
Minghao let out a content sigh, rubbing his cheek against the fabric before looking up at Wonwoo expectantly.
Wonwoo huffed out a soft laugh. "You want mine too?"
Minghao nodded shyly, his ears twitching.
"Alright, baby," Wonwoo murmured, stripping off his sweater and letting Minghao snuggle into it.
Jeonghan chuckled. "Minghao, are you planning to steal all our clothes?"
"…Maybe," Minghao whispered sleepily, his voice small and soft.
Joshua melted on the spot. "Oh, you are too precious."
One by one, each alpha draped their clothing over him, layering him in warmth and protection. Minghao sighed in bliss, his entire body finally relaxing in the comfort of their scents.
Seungkwan, seeing how small and bundled up Minghao looked, whispered, "He looks like a little burrito."
Dino grinned. "A spoiled little bunny burrito."
Seungcheol chuckled, pulling the blankets higher around Minghao's frame. "The most spoiled."
Minghao, sleepy and content, let out a soft giggle before whispering in a tiny, drowsy voice—
"…Only for you guys."
And that was all it took for the alphas to completely melt.
Their precious omega had them wrapped around his tiny little finger, and they wouldn't have it any other way.