Aphmau and Ein decided to take a couple of days off school to process everything that had happened. During this time, they spent countless hours talking, sharing their thoughts and feelings, and simply being there for one another. Aphmau was a constant source of support, never leaving Ein's side.

     On the second day, Aphmau suggested, "Maybe it's time to tell mom. She'll understand, Ein. She's one of the most supportive people I know."

     Ein hesitated but then nodded. "Okay. I trust you."

     They went to Aphmau's house, where Sylvanna was in the kitchen preparing dinner. She turned, smiling warmly at them. "Hey, you two. How are you doing?"

     Aphmau took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Mom, Ein has something important to tell you."

     Sylvanna's expression became serious as she looked at Ein, concern and curiosity in her eyes. "What is it, dear?"

     Ein took a deep breath, his heart pounding. "Ms. Sylvanna, there's something I need to tell you. I... I'm pansexual. And when I told my dad, he reacted very badly. He hurt me, both physically and emotionally. That's how I ended up...in the hospital. I was so scared to tell anyone else, but Aphmau's been amazing. She's supported me through all of this."

     Sylvanna's eyes softened with empathy and love. She walked over to Ein and enveloped him in a warm hug. "Ein, I'm so sorry for what you've been through. But know this: you are loved and accepted here. You are perfect just the way you are, and we are here for you, always."

     Ein felt tears welling up again, but this time they were tears of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Ms. Sylvanna. That means so much to me."

     Sylvanna smiled gently and wiped his tears away. "Call me mom, dear. And remember, this is your home too."

     Meanwhile, Aaron was struggling with his own feelings. He had been avoiding Aphmau and Ein since the incident, guilt gnawing at him. He knew he had overstepped and hurt Ein, and it tore him apart. Determined to make things right, he decided to reach out.
 
     When Aphmau and Ein finally returned to school, they found themselves the center of attention, their absence having sparked rumors and speculation among their classmates. Aphmau stayed close to Ein, ready to support him through any awkward encounters or curious stares.

     During lunch, they found a quiet spot under a tree in the schoolyard. Ein was still on edge, but Aphmau's presence helped him stay grounded. Just as they were settling in, they saw Aaron approaching from a distance.

     Ein tensed up, but Aphmau gently squeezed his hand.

     "It's okay," she whispered. "Let's hear him out."

     Aaron walked up to them, his expression a mixture of determination and remorse.

     "Hey, can we talk?" he asked, his voice subdued.

     Aphmau nodded. "Sure, Aaron. Let's talk."

     Aaron took a deep breath, shifting his gaze between Aphmau and Ein. "Look, I need to apologize. I had no idea about werewolf culture or what giving that handkerchief to Ein would mean. I didn't know it would start this whole mess."

     Aphmau's eyes flashed with anger.

     "You didn't know? Aaron, you should have learned about this stuff! How could you be so careless?" Her voice rose, sharp with frustration. "Do you have any idea how much trouble you've caused for Ein? Do you even realize how much pain he's been through?"

     Aaron flinched at her words, guilt etched on his face. "I know, Aphmau. I'm sorry. I really am."

     Aphmau opened her mouth to continue berating him, but Ein gently placed a hand on her arm, stopping her.

     "Aphmau, it's okay," he said softly. "He's trying to make things right. Let's give him a chance."

     Aphmau's anger subsided slightly, though her eyes still held a hint of frustration. She took a deep breath, nodding. "Alright. But Aaron, you need to do better. You need to understand what you're getting into."

     Aaron nodded earnestly. "I will. I promise."

As Aaron stood there, trying to make amends, his thoughts drifted to his father. The stern, unyielding man had always expected perfection from him. What would he say if he found out about the mess Aaron had caused at school? What would he do if he discovered Aaron trying to make friends, trying to fit in?

Fear gnawed at him. His father had always been strict, valuing discipline and control above all else. Aaron knew that if his father found out about this incident, it would only confirm his belief that Aaron was too distracted by friendships to focus on his studies. The possibility of being withdrawn from Phoenix Drop High loomed over him like a dark cloud.

As the thoughts churned in his mind, Aaron's determination wavered. He wanted to make things right with Ein and Aphmau, but the fear of his father's reaction held him back. The risk was too great, and the consequences too severe. He needed to tread carefully, find a way to reconcile without drawing too much attention to himself. He couldn't afford to make another mistake.

     As the tension between them hung in the air, Aphmau tried to lighten the mood.

     "So, there's this big project coming up in Mr. Smith's class," she began, her tone casual. "We need to choose partners and come up with something creative. Any ideas?"

     Aaron and Ein barely registered her words, their focus locked on each other. Aaron's eyes were filled with a mixture of regret and hope, while Ein's were guarded, unsure of what to expect. The intensity of their silent exchange seemed to drown out everything else around them.

     Just as the silence threatened to stretch on indefinitely, Garroth approached.

"Hey, Aphmau," he said, breaking the spell. "Can I talk to you about something?"

     Aphmau turned to Garroth, nodding. "Sure, Garroth. What's up?"

     She glanced back at Aaron and Ein, giving them a moment to collect themselves as she stepped aside with Garroth.

     Aaron took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves.

"Look, Ein," he started, his voice soft but earnest. "I really want to make things right. Can we at least try to start over?"

     Ein hesitated, the weight of his past and present emotions pressing down on him. But as he looked into Aaron's eyes, he saw a genuine desire for reconciliation.

     "Okay," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's try."

...

Throughout the day, Aphmau couldn't stop talking about Garroth asking her out on a date. Her excitement was intense and she recounted every detail to anyone who would listen.

"And then he asked me if I wanted to go to the new café in town!" she gushed during lunch, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Can you believe it? Garroth asked me out on a date!"

Aaron and Ein exchanged puzzled glances, both of them trying to comprehend the appeal of going out on dates.

"What's so special about a date?" Aaron asked, leaning over to Ein.

"I don't really get it either," Ein admitted, shrugging slightly. "I mean, it's just hanging out, right? Why is she so excited?"

Aphmau overheard their conversation and rolled her eyes playfully.

"You guys just don't understand," she said with a grin. "It's not just hanging out. It's spending time together in a special way, getting to know each other better."

Aaron and Ein nodded, still not entirely convinced, but willing to let Aphmau enjoy her excitement. As they continued through their day, they occasionally found themselves glancing at each other, sharing the same confusion and a newfound sense of camaraderie.

Later in the day, as they stood in the hallway between classes, Kawaii~Chan and Travis approached Aphmau, their expressions brimming with curiosity and excitement.

"Kawaii~Chan heard that Garroth~Kun asked you out on a date!" Kawaii~Chan squealed, practically bouncing on her toes. "Tell us everything!"

"Yes, spill the beans, Aph," Travis added with a grin. "We need all the juicy details."

Aphmau laughed, launching into the story again with even more enthusiasm, animatedly describing every moment leading up to Garroth's invitation. Kawaii~Chan and Travis listened intently, offering supportive comments and giggles.

Meanwhile, Aaron and Ein exchanged knowing looks, silently agreeing that they had more pressing matters to address. They walked a little distance away from the chattering group, finding a quiet corner near some lockers.

"We need to figure out this Omega situation," Aaron began, his voice low and serious. "It's causing too much trouble, and I don't want it to get worse."

Ein nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Yeah, I've been thinking about it too. We need to find a way to make it clear that I don't want this role without causing more drama. Any ideas?"

Aaron frowned, crossing his arms as he considered the options. "Maybe we can talk to someone who knows more about werewolf culture. Someone who can help us navigate this without making things worse."

Ein hesitated, a blush creeping up his cheeks. "Actually, there is one way... but it's a bit embarrassing."

Aaron raised an eyebrow, curious yet wary. "What is it?"

Ein took a deep breath, feeling his face heat up even more. "The only way for me to become an alpha is for you to scent me and... claim me as your significant other."

Aaron's eyes widened in shock, his face turning a deep shade of red. "What? That's... that's intense."

Ein nodded, equally embarrassed. "Yeah, I know. But that's how werewolf hierarchy works. If you do that, it will make me an alpha and end this Omega situation."

Aaron looked down, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. "I had no idea it was that complicated. But, uh, that's a big step. Are you sure that's the only way?"

Ein shrugged, feeling the weight of the situation. "It's the most straightforward way according to werewolf customs. But I understand if it's too much. We can try to find another solution if you're uncomfortable with it."

They both stood there, feeling the awkwardness and the enormity of what Ein had suggested.

Aaron took a deep breath, the weight of the decision heavy on his shoulders. "Alright, if this is the best way to help you, then let's do it."

Before Ein could react, Aaron stepped closer and gently brushed his nose against Ein's neck, scenting him. The act was intimate and marked the beginning of a significant bond according to werewolf customs.

Ein froze, his heart racing as Aaron's scent enveloped him. Internally, he was spiraling into panic.

  "What does this mean for us?" he thought. "I find him attractive, sure, but a relationship? The courtship?"

His mind raced through the implications, the accidental commitment now thrust upon him. He felt the weight of Aaron's gesture and the potential misunderstandings it could bring.

Aaron stepped back, looking at Ein with concern. "You okay?"

Ein forced a smile, trying to hide his turmoil. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... processing."

But inside, Ein was anything but fine. The unexpected scenting had pushed them into a complicated situation, one he wasn't sure how to navigate.

As a group of werewolves walked past, they caught sight of Aaron and Ein together. One of them, eyes widening in excitement, whispered loudly to the others, "Did you see that? Aaron just scented Ein!"

Within moments, the group was buzzing with excitement, the news spreading like wildfire. "Aaron and Ein are a couple now!"

   "Ein's an alpha!"

"He and alpha are mates!"

By the time the group had passed, the entire hallway was abuzz with the news. Whispers and excited chatter followed them wherever they went.

"Did you hear about Aaron and Ein?"

   "They're dating!"

"Ein's going to be an Alpha!"

Ein and Aaron, both flushed with embarrassment, exchanged helpless glances. The attention was overwhelming, and neither knew how to stop the rumors from spreading.

"Aaron, what do we do?" Ein whispered, his voice filled with panic.

Aaron rubbed the back of his neck, equally flustered. "I don't know, Ein. Maybe... maybe we just let it blow over?"

But as the day went on, it became clear that the rumors were only growing stronger, their new status solidifying Ein's rise in the werewolf hierarchy. The rumors quickly reached Aphmau, who was fuming by the time she found Aaron and Ein in the hallway. Her eyes blazed with anger as she stormed up to them, not giving either a chance to explain.

Without warning, she slapped Aaron hard across the face.

"How could you?! Taking advantage of my brother like that!" she yelled, her voice trembling with fury and protectiveness.

Aaron held his cheek, stunned and unable to find words.

Ein quickly stepped in, grabbing Aphmau's arm before she could land another hit. "Aphmau, stop! It wasn't like that. It was a mutual decision between us."

Aphmau turned to Ein, her expression softening slightly but still filled with confusion and hurt. "But... how could you do this, Ein? Why didn't you tell me?"

Ein took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. "I didn't want to worry you, and honestly, it all happened so fast. We thought this was the best way to handle the Omega situation."

Aphmau's anger began to melt into concern. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

Ein nodded, though his eyes were still uncertain. "We're figuring it out, Aphmau. Just... trust us, okay?"

She sighed, wrapping her arms around Ein in a protective hug. "Alright, but I'm keeping an eye on you two. No more surprises, got it?"

Ein and Aaron exchanged a relieved glance, both grateful for Aphmau's support despite the awkward situation.

Just as the tension between the three began to settle, Kawaii~Chan appeared, her eyes wide with excitement. She practically bounced on her toes as she approached them.

"Oh my gosh! Kawaii~Chan heard the rumors and just had to see for herself!" she squealed, clasping her hands together. "Aaron-kun and Ein-kun, together? This is so cute!"

Ein's face flushed deep red. "K-Kawaii~Chan, it's not exactly like that..."

But Kawaii~Chan was already lost in her fantasies.

"The strong and silent Aaron-senpai protecting the conflicted and misunderstood Ein-kun! It's like a perfect love story!" She spun around in delight, clearly already imagining all the scenarios.

Aaron scratched the back of his head, looking equally embarrassed. "Uh, Kawaii~Chan, we appreciate the support, but it's really more complicated than that."

Aphmau couldn't help but roll her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Kawaii~Chan, maybe give them some space to figure things out?"

Kawaii~Chan pouted but nodded. "Okay, but Kawaii~Chan will be watching and cheering for you two! Don't disappoint her!"

With that, she skipped away, already humming a tune about her new favorite ship.

Ein sighed, shaking his head. "This is going to be a long day..."