"Gentleness and kindness should be traits of every Omega, regardless of their circumstances, especially when serving their suitors or suitresses," said a woman in her mid-thirties, pacing thoughtfully around Jet's study room. Madam Ling, one of Jet's private tutors, was tasked with teaching him the finer points of Omega etiquette and biology.
"Since your parents mentioned that your marriage arrangements may come soon, I'll be focusing on lessons to help you impress your future in-laws, Feng Jet," she continued, pausing to meet his gaze. "Unless you'd rather discuss another topic for the last 15 minutes?"
Jet glanced up at her. Though Madam Ling could be strict, he'd come to appreciate her gentle nature, reflecting the very traits she encouraged him to embody.
"In that case, may I ask you a few questions, Madam Ling?" he asked.
She nodded, folding her hands as she gave him her full attention.
"Do you know who my partner might be?"
She shook her head. "With your rarity as a male Omega, I expect many Alphas will respond to your family's invitations."
Jet absorbed this, then asked, "Are Alphas and Omegas meant to stay distant from each other?"
Madam Ling thought for a moment. "It depends. I've seen loyal couples maintain friendships with others, provided they respect boundaries. You could have friendships, as long as you're careful."
Jet nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"But," she continued with a serious look, "you should avoid physical contact whenever possible. Touching can lead to unintended desires and, in some cases, misuse. Now my time is up."
Madam Ling gathered her things, Jet's thoughts wandered, her words replaying in his mind. The idea of being someone's Omega—reserved, polite, always in service to another—felt foreign to him. And the thought of restricting himself, of setting boundaries to avoid stirring others' desires, seemed constricting.
But he respected Madam Ling. Her advice, though rooted in tradition, was likely meant to prepare him for the world his family envisioned for him.
Madam Ling paused at the door, glancing back at him with a hint of warmth in her stern expression. "Remember, Jet, being gentle doesn't mean being weak. Kindness can be a strength, even if the world sees it differently."
Jet gave her a grateful nod. "Thank you, Madam Ling. I'll keep that in mind."
As she left, Jet leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling of his study room. His thoughts drifted to Han. Being around him was unlike anything he'd ever felt before—natural, easy, and free. There was no need to follow rules or etiquette; they could just be themselves.
"Boundaries," he muttered to himself, a small, amused smile tugging at his lips. It felt impossible to imagine staying so distant with Han, even though he knew Madam Ling was right in her own way.
With a sigh, Jet closed his eyes and let his mind wander, waiting for his next lesson, yet secretly wishing for the freedom to make his own choices.
Not long after, Jet went out again, remembering Han's words. He looked around, a spark of hope in his eyes, but as time passed, his face fell in disappointment—Han was nowhere in sight. Just as Jet was about to turn back, a hand gently caught his sleeve.
Jet turned around, surprised to find Han standing there. "I promised I'd see you."
Jet smiled, relief washing over him. "I thought you had forgotten."
Han shook his head. "I never would."
Curious about Han's intentions, Jet followed him to a quiet spot on the edge of the village. Only a few people were left, slowly making their way out, leaving the two of them in solitude.
"This place is beautiful," Jet murmured, gazing at the waterfall before them as they sat on the soft grass.
The waterfall cascaded down in a series of smaller falls, each one shorter than the last, as if it flowed directly from the heavens, tumbling gracefully from one level to the next. The sunlight caught the spray, creating a faint rainbow that arched over the cascading tiers, while the gentle roar of the water harmonized with the rustling leaves around them. It was a mesmerizing sight—nature's own staircase of flowing beauty.
Han nodded, pleased at Jet's reaction. Not only was this a perfect spot for gathering herbs, but it was also a place of rare beauty that he wanted to share with Jet.
Jet glanced up at Han, then reached into his sleeve, pulling out a small book. "I wasn't sure if you'd be interested, but since you asked about my novel…" He opened to the first page before handing it over.
Han took the book, his intense gaze softening as he looked at it, but an awkward smile flickered across his face. Jet noticed and tilted his head in curiosity, thinking perhaps the book wasn't to his taste.
Before Jet could say anything, Han spoke first, his voice quiet. "Jet, I… I don't know how to read this."
Jet's face flushed in embarrassment as he looked down at the book in Han's hands. He scratched the back of his neck, smiling awkwardly.
"Well… I can read some of the words," Han admitted, "but it's a bit too… deep for me to understand."
Jet glanced up at him, understanding. "How about I teach you?" he offered softly. "Just point out anything that doesn't make sense, and I'll help you."
Han took a brief scan of the page, then hesitantly started pointing to one word after another, his brow furrowing. Jet leaned closer, explaining each one with a patient smile, his voice calm and steady. Han listened, following along, his gaze shifting between the page and Jet's gentle expression.
As they went on, the awkwardness faded, replaced by a quiet rhythm between them, with Jet explaining and Han nodding, slowly absorbing each new piece of understanding. The gentle rustling of leaves and the soft sounds of the waterfall seemed to echo the calmness of the moment, deepening their connection with each word shared.
When the moon had fully risen, Jet stepped back into his house to find his mother already finished with her dinner. She looked up, smiling at him warmly, though her expression shifted to one of mild reproach as she took in the late hour.
"What kept you out so late tonight?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
Jet took a seat, ready to eat. "I went to see the waterfall and got caught up reading there. I didn't realize how quickly time passed."
His mother's lips pressed into a gentle, understanding smile, though her tone held a subtle warning. "Well, next time, tell your friend that you'll need to be back before the moon is high, or your mother may decide it's better for you to stay in."
Jet paused, catching the edge of seriousness in her voice. Though she often joked, tonight she sounded firm, as if something unsaid lingered behind her words. With an awkward smile, he gave a nod, trying to ease the tension.
—-
"Keep an eye on him. I don't want his grades slipping, especially with this new habit of staying out so late."