The moment Arthur nodded, Natalia closed the distance.
Her lips pressed softly against his—hesitant at first, testing the boundary between affection and something more. But the second their skin touched, something deeper sparked to life. Arthur's breath hitched, his fingers still fisting the fabric of her shirt like it was the only thing keeping him grounded.
It wasn't rushed.
It wasn't lustful.
It was delicate—almost reverent.
The kind of kiss that says: You're safe with me. I see you. You matter.
Arthur's eyelashes fluttered shut. His trembling faded. All he could feel was her—her warmth, her scent, the grounding pressure of her hands cupping his waist, holding him like he was something precious.
His heart, once anxious and caged, now bloomed in his chest.
Natalia kissed him with a patient certainty. Her eyes were closed, her heart pounding every time one of those soft, vulnerable sounds escaped his lips. Little groans, small breaths—so fragile, so honest.
She made him feel like that.
She was kissing him now.
An omega.
After five long years…
There was no turning back.
She would claim this omega.
Natalia pulled back slightly, just enough to rest her forehead against his. Their breaths mingled—warm, uneven, trembling.
"Was that okay?" she whispered, voice husky and low.
Arthur couldn't speak. He just nodded again, wide-eyed and dazed. His cheeks were flushed a vivid red, lips parted, eyes glassy—like sunlight dancing on water.
He blinked slowly, still catching up.
"I—I…"
"It's okay. It's okay. Calm down, Arthur," Natalia soothed, gently rubbing Arthur's back when she felt the panic starting to rise in him as his breath was growing fast and heavy.
She tightened her hold, leaning his head onto her chest. He didn't resist.
"D-Did you…l-like it?" Arthur whispered, voice barely audible. His gaze was on the floor, body still pressed to hers.
He still couldn't believe it.
They kissed. Damn it—they really kissed.
"I did, Arthur," Natalia said softly. "I'd kiss you again."
Arthur flinched at her words—his body tensed. As if he hadn't dared to expect her to say something kind.
"I… I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. I—I like you…" he muttered, guilt heavy in his voice. He had already confessed, in a way—his body had released his pheromones, inviting her to mate.
When an omega isn't in heat, they only release mating pheromones to someone they truly want—to the one they desire deeply. It's instinct. A raw, involuntary cry to stop enduring their feelings alone and let the other person know.
Most alphas can control their pheromones better. Omegas often can't. And usually, it's the omega who confesses first—because their body doesn't wait. Their feelings slip through.
Because of that, many omegas lose friends. They get rejected, humiliated. But if you're a lucky omega… the one you want responds.
And Arthur?
He was lucky.
He never would've had the courage to confess—especially not this early.
But his body acted first.
And Natalia responded—with her own pheromones.
He was shocked.
He still couldn't believe it.
She accepted him.
And that kiss…
God, that kiss.
'My first kiss… it felt so good.'
Arthur was swept away in the moment. But now? His brain caught up, and panic kicked in. What if she didn't really want it? What if she just went along with it because he was acting out?
But Arthur didn't know Natalia very well yet.
She wasn't the kind of person to do something she didn't want.
If she didn't like someone, she wouldn't even let them get close—let alone kiss her.
And Arthur didn't know much about alphas, either.
They don't respond unless they want to. They don't get manipulated by pheromones.
It's always the alpha's choice.
Accept or reject.
And she accepted him.
"Arthur, you don't have to apologize," Natalia murmured, gently stroking his back. Her heart thudded harder than it should've. Holding him like this—so close, so vulnerable—made her greedy.
"I might have made you uncomfortable…"
"You didn't, Arthur," she replied firmly. "And I wouldn't have kissed you if I didn't like you back."
"...R-Really?"
"Yeah," she smiled, brushing his nape with her fingers, feeling him shiver at her touch. "But remember this, Arthur—don't try to run away from me or ignore me because you feel guilty, okay? We kissed. So… you're mine now."
Arthur's stomach fluttered, heat rushing through his body as her hand slid around his waist, teasing gently. A small, embarrassed moan escaped him before he could stop it.
Honestly, Natalia expected him to panic. Maybe even avoid her. From the way he apologized and worried, it was clear how insecure he felt.
Why?
'God, he's perfect.'
"...W-Why would you like me?" he whispered.
"Why are you asking that?" she countered, voice soft but full of intent. "You want to know something interesting? You're special, Arthur. I've never felt this impatient to respond to an omega's pheromones in almost five years. I like you. And I want us to keep going. I want to see where this can lead."
"…T-Thank you."
Arthur couldn't hold it anymore. Tears spilled over. This—this was a dream come true. He'd spent so long preparing himself to love her from a distance.
To be miserable, in silence.
"Why are you thanking me, silly?" Natalia asked gently. "Don't cry…"
She hadn't expected that. But it made her heart ache in the best way.
"Do you want to come inside? Let's put the necklace on," she said after a pause, glancing at the floor where the necklace laid, forgotten.
"Ah… the necklace."
Arthur perked up slightly, eyes still wet but filled with a bit more light. Then he looked down again, embarrassed.
Natalia smiled playfully, hugging him tighter, teasing.
"The n-necklace…"
"Yeah."
"I need to pick it up."
"So?"
"Mmm… C-Can you let go?"
"No."
"Ah?"
Arthur blinked, confused, staring at her now.
'So cute…'
"I'm just kidding. There you go." Natalia finally let him go, and her arms immediately felt… empty. She watched him step back slowly, trying to find his balance again.
Sigh.
Natalia had to admit it—she wasn't in love yet when their kiss happened. Not exactly. But she liked him. And she could fall for him. She wasn't about to say that aloud though—because she knew Arthur would feel guilty for rushing her.
But still… She was happy.
Happy he likes her. Happy he let her kiss him. Happy he confessed...
Natalia watched him walk past her awkwardly, heading toward the necklace.
'Hopefully… you won't break my heart if I trust you, Arthur.'
Old wounds still lingered in her chest—ones she kept hidden.
But for Arthur…
She wanted to try again.
To trust.
To love.
To protect.