Kai trudged through the college gates, his eyes fixed on the ground. Another day, another struggle to make ends meet. As an Omega, Kai's life was already complicated, but add poverty and the weight of his own expectations to the mix, and it felt like the world was stacked against him.

He made his way to the cafeteria, hoping to grab a quick bite before his next class. The smell of stale bread and yesterday's leftovers hit him like a punch to the gut. Kai's stomach growled, reminding him he hadn't eaten breakfast. He hadn't had enough money for lunch, either.

Kai's mom had done her best to pack him a decent breakfast, but it was hard when they were living paycheck to paycheck. His dad had left when Kai was young, and his mom worked multiple jobs just to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. Kai's younger brother, Jax, was still in high school, and Kai felt responsible for helping out as soon as he could.

As he walked, Kai's thoughts drifted to his upcoming heat cycle. He was due for his suppressants, but the cost was steep, and he wasn't sure if he could afford them this month. Without them, his heats would be unpredictable and potentially disastrous. Kai shuddered at the thought.

He pushed open the cafeteria doors, scanning the room for an empty table. Maybe he could find a corner to sit and people-watch for a bit. That's when he spotted the long line at the food counter students laughing and chatting with each other, enjoying their meals. Kai's stomach growled again, and he felt a pang of hunger.

Kai considered going to the financial aid office to see if they could offer any assistance. Maybe they could help him get back on his feet. But the thought of facing another bureaucratic hurdle was daunting.

As he stood there, lost in thought, Kai's phone buzzed with a text from his mom. "Hey, sweetie, just checking in. How's your day going?"

Kai's heart swelled with love and gratitude for his mom. He typed out a quick response, trying to reassure her that everything was fine. But deep down, he knew it wasn't. Not yet, anyway.

Kai pushed open the cafeteria doors, his eyes scanning the room for an empty table. He spotted one in the corner and made a beeline for it, hoping to blend in and avoid attention. But as he walked, he felt eyes on him, and his instincts told him to be cautious.

Just as he reached the table, a group of students blocked his path. "Well, well, well, look what we have here," one of them sneered, eyeing Kai's worn-out clothes. "The poor Omega's trying to eat with the big kids."

The group snickered, and Kai felt his face heat up with shame. He tried to step around them, but they wouldn't budge. "Hey, Omega, why don't you go sit with the other losers?" one of them taunted, shoving Kai's shoulder.

Kai's eyes stung, and he felt tears welling up. He hated being bullied, hated being weak. Just as he thought things couldn't get worse, the group started making snide comments about his scent, his appearance, and his supposed " Omega inferiority."

Just when Kai thought he was going to lose it, a loud voice cut through the chaos. "Hey, leave him alone!"

Kai's best friend, Alex, strode into the fray, his eyes flashing with anger. "What's going on here?" he demanded, standing tall and imposing.

The group of bullies took a step back, intimidated by Alex's size and confidence. "Just having a little chat with our Omega friend here," one of them said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Alex's eyes narrowed. "I don't think so. You're just bullying him because he's an easy target. Leave him alone, or I'll make sure everyone knows what kind of scum you are."

The group backed down, muttering under their breath as they dispersed. Alex turned to Kai, concern etched on his face. "You okay, man?"

Kai nodded, feeling a mix of relief, thanks to you. I owe you one, Alex."

Alex smiled and clapped Kai on the back. "Anytime, buddy. Now, let's get some food. I'm starving!"

Together, they walked to the food counter, Kai feeling a sense of safety and camaraderie with his best friend by his side.

As they waited in line for food, Kai couldn't help but feel grateful for Alex's intervention. Without him, Kai might have been stuck dealing with those bullies for who knows how long. Alex was more than just a friend, he was a protector, a confidant, and a source of strength.

When they finally got their food, Alex led the way to a table near the window. "Let's sit here, it's quieter," he said, nodding towards the spot. Kai followed, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as they sat down.

As they ate, Alex asked Kai about his classes, his projects, and his plans for the future. Kai opened up, sharing his fears and doubts with his friend. Alex listened attentively, offering words of encouragement and support.

"I'm really struggling in my economics class," Kai admitted, pushing his food around his plate. "I don't understand the material, and I'm worried I'm going to fail."

Alex nodded thoughtfully. "You know, I've been meaning to offer my help. I've got a good grasp of economics. We could study together sometime?"

Kai's face lit up with gratitude. "Really? You'd do that for me?"

Alex smiled. "Of course, buddy. That's what friends are for."

As they continued eating, Kai felt a sense of comfort wash over him. With Alex by his side, he felt like he could face anything.

But despite the comfort of Alex's presence, Kai couldn't shake off the feeling of being an outcast. He glanced around the cafeteria, noticing the way the other students looked at him,some with curiosity, others with disdain.

"Hey, Alex?" Kai asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you think I'm... weak? Because I'm an Omega?"

Alex's expression softened, and he reached out to put a hand on Kai's shoulder. "No, Kai, I don't think you're weak. You're one of the strongest people I know. Being an Omega doesn't define your worth, you're more than your biology."

Kai felt a lump form in his throat as he looked at Alex. No one had ever made him feel seen and understood like Alex did. He was grateful for his friend's unwavering support, and he knew he'd do anything to repay him.

As they finished their meal, Kai realized that he wasn't alone. He had Alex, and together, they could face whatever challenges came their way.

But little did Kai know, a new challenge was just around the corner ,one that would test his strength, his courage, and his friendship with Alex.

As they left the cafeteria, Kai noticed a group of students staring at him. One of them, a tall Alpha with piercing blue eyes, seemed particularly interested. Kai felt a shiver run down his spine as their eyes met, but he quickly looked away, unsure of what to make of the Alpha's intense gaze.

"Who's that?" Kai asked Alex, nodding towards the Alpha.

Alex followed Kai's gaze. "That's Ryker. He's a senior, and rumor has it, he's got a reputation for being... intense."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Intense?"

Alex leaned in, his voice low. "Yeah, some people say he's got a bit of a temper. But he's also got a lot of influence on campus. He's part of one of the most powerful Alpha families in the country."

Kai's eyes widened as he glanced back at Ryker. He couldn't help but wonder what Ryker wanted, and why he seemed so fixated on Kai.

As Kai chatted with Alex, he felt a sense of normalcy wash over him. Maybe, just maybe, things would start looking up soon. Alex told Kai about his day, sharing stories about his classes and his friends. Kai laughed and joked with him, feeling grateful for the distraction.

But as they chatted, Kai's mind kept drifting back to Ryker. He couldn't help but wonder what Ryker wanted, and why he seemed so fixated on Kai. Alex noticed Kai's distraction and asked him if everything was okay.

"Hey, Kai, what's on your mind?" Alex asked, his voice concerned. "You've been spaced out for a while now."

Kai hesitated, unsure if he should share his thoughts with Alex. But something about Alex's expression made him feel like he could trust him. "It's just... I don't know, Alex. I keep thinking about Ryker," Kai admitted, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Alex's expression changed from concern to curiosity. "Ryker? What about him?"

Kai shrugged. "I don't know. He just seems... interested in me, I guess. And I have no idea why."

Alex nodded thoughtfully. "Well, Ryker is definitely an interesting guy. I've heard he's got a bit of a reputation on campus."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "What kind of reputation?"

Alex leaned in, his voice low. "Some people say he's got a bit of a temper. But others say he's fiercely loyal to those he cares about. I've also heard he's got a lot of influence on campus, thanks to his family's connections."

Kai's eyes widened as he listened to Alex. He couldn't help but wonder which rumors were true, and what Ryker's true intentions were.

As they continued chatting, Kai's phone buzzed with another text. This time, it was from an unknown number. Kai's heart skipped a beat as he read the message.

"Hey, Kai. It's Ryker. I saw you in the cafeteria today. Want to grab coffee with me sometime?"

Kai's eyes widened as he stared at the message. What did Ryker want? And why was he being so forward?

"Alex, look at this," Kai said, showing him the message.

Alex's eyes scanned the message, his expression thoughtful. "Well, it looks like Ryker's interested in you, Kai. What are you going to do?"

Kai shrugged, feeling a mix of emotions. He didn't know what to make of Ryker's message, or what he wanted from Kai.

As he pondered his response, Kai realized that he had a decision to make. Would he take a chance on Ryker, or ignore his message altogether? The uncertainty was thrilling, and a little scary.

As Kai pondered his response, he felt a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He was intrigued by Ryker's message, but also a little apprehensive. What if Ryker's intentions weren't pure? What if he was just looking for a casual fling or a way to assert his dominance over Kai?

Alex seemed to sense Kai's hesitation. "Hey, Kai, it's okay if you're not sure what to do," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "You don't have to respond right away. Take some time to think about it, and we'll talk more about it later if you want."

Kai nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Alex. He knew he could always count on his friend to offer support and guidance.

As they continued to chat, Kai's mind kept wandering back to Ryker's message. He couldn't help but wonder what Ryker's smile looked like in person, or what his voice sounded like. The more he thought about it, the more he felt a spark of curiosity ignite within him.

"Alex, what do you think I should do?" Kai asked, looking at his friend for guidance.

Alex shrugged. "I think you should do what feels right for you, Kai. If you're interested in getting to know Ryker better, then maybe you should take a chance and respond to his message. But if you're not comfortable with it, then it's okay to ignore it or tell him you're not interested."

Kai nodded, taking Alex's words into consideration. He knew his friend was right – ultimately, the decision was his to make.

With a sense of determination, Kai typed out a response to Ryker's message. "Hey Ryker, thanks for reaching out. I'd be down to grab coffee sometime," he wrote, his heart racing with anticipation.

As he hit send, Kai felt a sense of uncertainty wash over him. What had he just gotten himself into?

Author:Do you guys think I'm moving too fast?? 🧍🏾‍♀️