Pretending To Be Cool

Xia Yan is the charismatic leader of D.A, a top-tier five-member boy band in a society governed by ABO dynamics. All members are Alphas, with Xia Yan and his bandmate Xu Cong holding rare S-rank status. Despite his public persona as a dominant Alpha, Xia Yan suffers from delayed differentiation, a condition that has left his biological sex undetermined since birth. His family is also unique, consisting of two Alpha fathers, making the prospect of him being an Omega seem impossible to his management and fans. During a signing event, a fan asks about his differentiation, causing Xia Yan to experience sudden dizziness and physical discomfort, hinting at the impending change. That night, he dreams of differentiating into an Omega, a scenario inspired by a fanfiction shared by his teammate Lin Qixu, which he finds absurd and distressing.

The next day, while filming an advertisement, Xia Yan feels increasingly unwell. During a dinner with his bandmates, he loses his appetite and steps outside for a smoke. There, he is overwhelmed by the pheromones of nearby Alphas, triggering a severe differentiation crisis. He collapses and manages to call Xu Cong for help. Xu Cong rushes to his side, and together they drive Xia Yan to a private hospital. The intense pheromone release affects the other four Alpha members of the group, causing them physical distress and confusion, particularly Lin Qixu and Xiao Ning, who feel an inexplicable urge to submit to their captain. At the hospital, Dr. Li stabilizes Xia Yan and administers strong suppressants to Xu Cong, noting the latter’s unusual physiological response to Xia Yan’s condition.

When the test results are revealed, the entire room is thrown into chaos. Despite previous tests indicating a 99% probability of Alpha differentiation, the medical reports confirm that Xia Yan is an S-rank Omega. His pheromones are identified as rose and rum, a scent that is both alluring and oppressive. Manager Bai Yu initially reacts with denial and anger, accusing the doctor of falsifying results, but Dr. Li stands firm on the medical evidence. Xia Yan, though internally devastated, maintains his composure in front of his team, masking his shock with professional detachment. He accepts the diagnosis but is deeply concerned about the implications for his career and the group’s image.

The company decides to keep Xia Yan’s Omega status a secret, labeling his absence from activities as a gastrointestinal illness. This decision is driven by the fear that revealing an Omega in an all-Alpha group would destabilize their brand and alienate their fanbase. Xia Yan is forced into isolation to manage his unstable hormone levels and heat cycles. During this period, he reconnects with his family, informing his Alpha fathers of the news, which leaves them shocked but supportive. Meanwhile, his relationship with Xu Cong deepens; Xu Cong remains the only team member unaffected by Xia Yan’s aggressive pheromones, finding them calming rather than threatening. This unique bond becomes a source of comfort for Xia Yan as he struggles to adapt to his new identity.

After a few days of rest, Xia Yan returns to a public event, where he faces the harsh reality of his new sensitivity. The crowded environment and mixed pheromones cause him significant physical pain and discomfort. Xu Cong stays by his side, subtly protecting him from other Alphas, including Zong Yi, the leader of their rival group Forest. At a private party, Xia Yan demonstrates his protective nature over the younger member Xiao Ning, intervening when the boy interacts with a beta actor known for his predatory behavior toward Alphas. Despite the physical toll, Xia Yan continues to perform his duties with professionalism, though he privately acknowledges the difficulty of adjusting to life as an Omega after twenty-three years as an Alpha. The story concludes with Xia Yan and Xu Cong sharing a quiet moment, highlighting the evolving dynamic between them as they navigate the challenges of Xia Yan’s transformation.