Su Wanyan eased the bedroom door open with a quiet creak, stepping inside just as Mo Xingxue was in the middle of changing little Mo Yan’s diaper. The sharp, unmistakable stench hit Su Wanyan’s enhanced nose with full force—amplified and pungent in the enclosed space. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Yet she didn’t flinch, nor did her expression shift in the slightest. She simply closed the door behind her with gentle care and moved to sit on the edge of her own bed, watching the pair with soft eyes.

Moonlight filtered through the half-drawn curtains, painting Mo Xingxue in an ethereal glow. The soft silver light traced the elegant lines of her profile, highlighting the gentle curve of her neck, the long sweep of her lashes, and the tender focus in her phoenix eyes as she cared for her daughter.

Every movement was graceful and unhurried, filled with quiet maternal devotion. She’s really beautiful, Su Wanyan thought, momentarily transfixed. The sight stirred something warm and protective deep in her chest.

A flicker of guilt soon followed. Realizing she had been staring rudely at her best friend, Su Wanyan flinched and quickly averted her gaze. She sighed softly, lying back against her pillows and patting the space beside her in search of her phone.

However, it wasn’t there. I must’ve left it in the living room, she realized. With a small huff, she stood up and headed out again, her footsteps light on the floorboards.

As she passed by the kitchen, Su Wanyan caught sight of Qin Yuran washing dishes at the sink, her movements peaceful and rhythmic amid the gentle splash of water. Song Meiyu sat at the nearby table, chatting with her in low, companionable tones. The two women were absorbed in their conversation and didn’t notice her passing.

Su Wanyan offered a fleeting, silent smile and zoomed past without interrupting, the warm glow of the kitchen lights fading behind her.

In the living room, the other four guests lounged comfortably on the sofas, engaged in calm conversation. Their voices created a low, relaxed hum that filled the space.

Su Wanyan’s attention went straight to her phone resting on the coffee table. She walked over and picked it up, the cool metal familiar in her palm.

"How’s Mo Xingxue?" Han Jiho asked suddenly, his tone carrying genuine concern.

Su Wanyan glanced up after securing her phone. "She’s alright now," she replied softly, her voice steady and reassuring.

Han Jiho nodded thoughtfully. "Thanks for your hard work. You need to keep a close eye on her in this state." His words were measured, laced with quiet understanding.

Su Wanyan felt a spark of shock ripple through her. Was he referring to Mo Xingxue’s heat? How did he know? The question swirled in her mind as she looked at him with open puzzlement.

Han Jiho simply winked at her, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes. Then he brought his right hand to his left palm with a soft clap. "Right.. make sure you gather many blankets around her tonight."

Su Wanyan mentally noted the advice, filing it away with care. Han Jiho leaned in slightly and gestured for her to come closer. Curious, she stepped nearer. "Lend her your pheromones, will you?" he whispered.

Su Wanyan’s expression turned questioning. Han Jiho sighed, a touch exasperated but patient, and explained in a low voice, "When omegas are in heat, they’re naturally in a vulnerable state. If she smells an alpha’s pheromones, it would calm her down more easily. As if she was in a protected cocoon."

Su Wanyan’s eyes lit up with newfound understanding. "Got it," she responded, grateful for the insight.

Han Jiho smiled kindly and patted her shoulder. Su Wanyan straightened, warmth spreading through her at the supportive gesture. How does he know all this stuff? she wondered briefly, before mentally chiding herself. Idiot, he’s also an omega. She nodded gratefully once more, and Han Jiho waved it off with a modest smile.

"What were the two of you talking about?" Zhao Yichen questioned. Han Jiho merely rolled his eyes on Zhao Yichen, "None of your business," he responded. Zhao Yichen whined, and Su Wanyan laughed at the interaction.

Just then, PD Xu Cui strode into the room. "Don’t forget to vote on the app, you guys," he reminded them firmly, scanning the group.

They all chorused a respectful "Yes," and the PD nodded in satisfaction before leaving. Su Wanyan turned on her heel and made her way back toward the bedroom, the hallway lights casting long, gentle shadows at her feet.

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Back in their room, Mo Xingxue was rocking Mo Yan gently in her arms, swaying with a slow, soothing rhythm. The baby cooperated beautifully, her tiny eyelids growing heavy until she drifted off into peaceful sleep. Mo Xingxue smiled down at her daughter, pure love shining in her eyes like starlight.

For a fleeting moment, Gu Chengze’s face flashed unbidden through her mind. She staggered slightly, a wave of unease tightening her chest, but she quickly regained her footing, breathing deeply.

She hugged Mo Yan closer, inhaling the comforting milky scent of her baby to ground herself. The door opened softly then, and Su Wanyan stepped inside, flashing a bright, reassuring smile.

"Is she sleeping?" Su Wanyan asked, already walking closer with quiet steps.

Mo Xingxue smiled and nodded. "Yeah, she just fell asleep," she replied, her gaze lingering on her daughter with that same profound affection.

Su Wanyan studied the tender scene for a moment, her own expression softening. "Oh, right," she said suddenly, remembering Han Jiho’s words. She walked to her cabinet and pulled out several extra blankets, their fabrics soft and thick in her arms.

Mo Xingxue watched with puzzled curiosity as Su Wanyan unfolded them and began arranging a nest-like structure on the bed—carefully layering, tucking, and shaping the materials into a cozy, protective cocoon.

Realization dawned on Mo Xingxue’s face. She stared in quiet disbelief and deep gratefulness at the thoughtful gesture.

Su Wanyan worked diligently for several minutes, adjusting and readjusting to keep the nest intact and tidy. When she finally stepped back, satisfaction bloomed across her features. "Here," she said, trailing off with visible embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Han Jiho said it might help you."

Mo Xingxue pursed her lips, her eyes turning teary with emotion as she nodded gratefully. "Un.. thank you."

Su Wanyan smiled warmly and moved back to her side of the room. Mo Xingxue felt her eyes sting with unshed tears. In this society—and especially in the past era—alphas rarely helped omegas, especially with nesting, viewing the process as bothersome or even disgraceful.

Yet here was her childhood friend, willingly building one for her without hesitation. She didn’t have to do any of this, Mo Xingxue thought, deeply touched.

She snapped out of her reverie when Su Wanyan spoke again. "Oh right, PD said we have to vote."

Mo Xingxue blinked away the moisture in her eyes and nodded. "Thank you again," she said, her voice trembling just a little with emotion.

Su Wanyan didn’t seem to notice the subtle shift and simply smiled. "Don’t mention it."

She settled onto her bed and opened the Love House app, scrolling to the voting section. Without hesitation, she selected Mo Xingxue’s name as her favorite guest and confirmed it. Then she exited and opened her Weebo. Her feed was filled with medical journals and articles, but one post stood out sharply:

| • Mo Xingxue and Su Wanyan the best couple in Pheromone War! • |

The headline caught her off guard amid the usual medical content. People ship me and Mo Xingxue? Su Wanyan asked herself internally. She glanced at Mo Xingxue from the corner of her eye and smiled slightly. Well, it’s just a ship. Shaking off the thought, she continued scrolling peacefully.

+-+-+-+-+-+

A few hours later, the room had grown quiet and dim. Su Wanyan finally noticed how late it had become. She set her phone aside to charge, the soft blue light of the screen fading. Glancing across the room, she saw Mo Xingxue sleeping peacefully within the nest, the arrangement clearly providing comfort.

The omega wore a thin, silky nightgown again; one delicate strap had slipped off her shoulder, revealing the soft swell of her chest.

Su Wanyan’s gaze lingered for a split second before she sharply averted her eyes, feeling as though her vision had been scorched. She cleared her throat quietly and grabbed an extra blanket, walking over to Mo Xingxue’s side. With utmost gentleness, she draped it over her friend, tucking it carefully around her form.

As she turned to leave, Mo Xingxue murmured her name in her sleep—"Yanyan....." Mo Xingxue’s brows were furrowed, and soft, incoherent mutters escaped her lips, laced with lingering unease.

Su Wanyan paused, remembering Han Jiho’s advice about lending pheromones. A troubled look crossed her face. How do I release my pheromones though? Su Wanyan wondered silently. It wasn’t her fault she’d been thrust into this world with only surface-level knowledge of ABO dynamics.

Left with few options, she closed her eyes and focused, willing something comforting to emerge. To her surprise, a gentle scent began to fill the air—chamomile, soothing and warm, like a soft embrace meant to ease the heart and calm the soul. After a few moments, Mo Xingxue’s furrowed brow smoothed out, her expression returning to peaceful repose.

Su Wanyan sighed in relief. She returned to her own bed and lay down, pulling the covers over herself. Here’s to a peaceful tomorrow, she thought, closing her eyes as quiet contentment settled over the room.

-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

hey, guys! Sorry for another slow Chapter, but I promise y’all it’ll get exciting soon. It’s just I’ve been focusing on not-so-obvious yuri these past few days and I couldn’t think STRAIGHT (get it? ’cause you know I’m watching yuri, so.... it’s not straight? y’all know what I’m talking about)

anyway, if y’all haven’t watch "My Broken Mariko" and "Soulmate" I recommend y’all to try it out. It rips your soul and heart out, but what’s wrong with a LITTLE bit of angst, right? But they do get their happy ending though (trust me, guys)