Episode 1 : Struggling

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.

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