Archive of Our Own

***

Jungkook couldn’t breathe. He was practically pinned to the wall by Jeehan’s menacing glare.

The entrance was blocked off and Jungkook’s panicked tunnel vision was starting to go haywire. There were shards of glass littering the ground and every step felt like russian roulette.

“Where will you run off to, huh? You have nothing-- no one but me! You need me to live, Jungkook! Do you honestly think anyone would want you?! You’re nothing but a waste-”

The young omega shut his eyes, covering his ears with his palms as he shook his head violently. He couldn’t do this anymore.

Night after night he had to deal with Jeehan’s either drugged or drunk self. And every night, he had no one but himself to rely on.

The only thing keeping him sane at this moment was the cheap backpack clung to his back by flimsy straps.

He had one chance at this, one possibility at freedom. And all he had to do was get past Jeehan and run. He had to run like a mad man if he wanted to get out of the grip Jeehan had on him.

“You step out of this damn house and I swear-”

“Y-You swear what J-Jeehan?! I don’t want this anymore! I-I can’t stand the way you-”

A harsh slap struck down the omegas cheek. He knew he had it coming, but feeling the sting travel through his body was just as crushing as the first time Jeehan had struck him.

“What did you say?” Jeehan asked quietly, his manic shouting coming to a halt.

Jungkook bit his wobbling lip, clutching his backpack tighter. Jeehan had yet to see it, and Jungkook wanted to keep it that way.

“What did you call me?” he continued, not paying attention to the way Jungkook chucked the backpack to the side.

It seemed as though tonight Jungkook would have to spend another night with Jeehan.

“N-Nothing Alpha,” Jungkook replied, but Jeehan was already so far into his own delusion.

Jungkook was going to leave him, and he couldn’t have that happen.

“Get to your room, right now.”

Jungkook followed, keeping his lips tight shut.

Maybe once Jeehan fell asleep-

“When did I tell you to call me that way?”

Jungkook sat down on the tattered mattress like a scolded child. He had his head down, hands trembling at the hem of his shirt. He felt filthy. Jeehan had withheld his bathroom privileges for a week now. All he wanted was to wash away everything and breathe .

“Never.”

Jeehan nodded, his eyes blown out. It seemed the effect of whatever he was on was finally settling in. His eyes were a deep red Jungkook always feared. They weren’t a pretty cherry color like Jungkook often imagined his future mate to have. No, Jeehan’s eyes were the color of thick blood. They were like a ticking bomb if you looked close enough.

“Stop looking at me like that. You know I fucking hate it when you look at me with your damn blue eyes,” Jeehan seethed, his hands coming up once again, but they never met Jungkook’s skin.

Jungkook had flinched. He was now hunched over himself, his arms wrapped around his head.

He just had to hold on for a few more. If he held on for two years, he could keep holding for a few hours more.

“You leave this room and I swear Jungkook, I’ll kill you,” Jeehan whispered. His words were harsh, not once wavering.

And Jungkook believed him. He knew he probably would die, or be close to dead, if Jeehan knew what he was planning.

But he had to do it.

So when Jeehan let his body crash against the old couch in the living room, with a beer in one hand and a cigarette in the other, Jungkook peeked his head out of the room.

The mess was left the same. Shards of glass, empty take out boxes, dirty laundry-- this was soon going to mean nothing to Jungkook, and the young omega couldn’t wait.

But the door was still so far away.

He still had what looked like a mile to walk before really tasting freedom again. He had no solid plan but a bit of cash on him and a cheap prepaid phone he had snuck in one day. He had no one to call, but what good would it do him to leave it behind?

He had one change of clot hes he had chosen from his almost non-existent wardrobe. Every article of clothing was either already torn up or used as a rug to cover up stains on the ground. His shoes were almost worn to the sole and he had no jacket.

So, whatever he had in there were the only things that could get him somewhere, anywhere really.

At the sound of a snore, Jungkook jumped out of skin. Jeehan had fallen asleep, and he wouldn’t wake up until noon tomorrow. That would give Jungkook enough time to find a place to hide in the city until his next destination.

What Jungkook failed to realize, though, was the fact that Jeehan had the keys to every lock in the apartment. And even if Jungkook was opening the door from the inside, he still had to have a key.

Lucky him, the keys were in Jeehan’s front pocket, dangling like a pendulum.

They were positively taunting him, like waving candy in front of a child.

All he had to do was snatch it and he’d be able to leave forever.

He didn’t have to endure this anymore. He could start over again, he can unlearn everything that dictates his life inside Jeehan’s little perfect castle.

He could do it-- but only if he grabbed the keys and never looked back.

Jungkook was hesitant as he came closer to the sleeping beast. His eyes were like flashlights. They were a bright blue that reflected the fear that pumped inside his veins. His scent had spiked and he only hoped Jeehan was too passed out to notice it.

Jungkook grabbed onto the keys and yanked quickly as soon as his numb fingers had grazed the cold metal.

With the keys now in his hand, the walk towards the door looked even further away.

He closed his eyes and took a step forward, trying his best to step in between the shards of glass and other filth that covered the floor. The fear of stepping onto something noisy made him open his eyes and keep them facing downward.

“You’ve got to be joking.”

Jungkook held his breath before he shook his head and instantly fell to the ground.

“I-I’m sorry! I won’t do it again, I promise.”

A tsk followed the man’s sigh and Jungkook just knew tonight was going to be one of those nights.

“Get up.”

Jungkook widened his eyes, his breath stuttering against his chest. He sat still, not sure if Jeehan really meant his words.

“I said get up! Do you not fucking hear me? Are you that fucking dumb, huh? You’ve made a damn mess and guess who’ll be cleaning it all up?”

Jungkook shivered as he felt a hand lift his chin up.

“M-Me. I-I’ll clean it.”

“Lick every single fucking drop you missed. Do you hear me?”

The omega cowered under the harsh smack that followed his silent response.

“Don’t ignore me now. I asked you a question. Answer it.”

With a stinging, tear-stained cheek, Jungkook held back a sob and nodded.

“I-I understand. I won’t leave until I c-clean the mess I made. I’ll do everything you say.”

Jeehan chuckled, “You can’t say it without stuttering? Huh? It’s always ‘y-yes’ and ‘o-of c-course’ but do you ever fucking do shit?!”

Jungkook felt his chest begin to cave in. How the hell was he supposed to make it tonight? How the hell was he going to go to school tomorrow with the amount of bruises Jeehan was already leaving?

“I’ll do everything right, I promise.”

Jungkook screwed his eyes shut as he managed to speak without a stutter passing through. It sounded strained, because it was.

“Get it done in the next five minutes or you’ll be staying in your room for the next week. Got it?”

Jungkook nodded, “Yes.”

Without hesitation, Jungkook bent down. He only held back the moment he came face to face with the mess Jeehan was talking about. Cum and beer stained the already filthy floor, and he had to clean it with his tongue.

“Go on, what the hell are you waiting for?”

The omega’s eyes began to burn, just like they did every day, and he hid them behind his closed lids and choppy bangs.

Holding in his breath, Jungkook stuck his tongue out and gagged at the cold feeling of the multiple drops he was cleaning.

“Don’t spit it out. Eat it.”

Jungkook’s throat began to close as he tried his best to swallow. The taste was bitter, like what he would imagine car oil probably tastes like. He gagged silently as he continued, his breath constrained in the process.

A pained gasp left the omegas mouth as his body felt a hot flash travel from head to toe. That day Jeehan had been on several highs and Jungkook’s failure to cooperate had caused him a few nights without dinner and a sore body.

He can still remember the way Jeehan had thrown him around like a rag doll and made him sit on his knees for hours. His knees were bruised beyond function and the omega had practically crawled back to his room with quiet sobs racking his body.

---

Jungkook didn’t want that anymore. He didn’t want to be Jeehan’s pretty pet. He didn’t want to be Jeehan’s outlet when things didn’t go his way.

His omega was traumatized and Jungkook had lost all trust with that part of himself. Jungkook would often waver through consciousness. Sometimes his omega would panic and break through, leaving him even more vulnerable when Jeehan’s mood swings occurred.

His omega was so detached that it would rather try and break loose from Jungkook than trust him. He took all that trauma and stored it within his omega, deciding it was for the best if his more conscious part didn’t deal with it.

And that decision there was his second mistake.

His first was falling in love with Choi Jeehan.

***

Jungkook was now a step away from the door. He was so close to freedom. The backpack pressed against his back was the only thing keeping him from giving up and going back to his room.

He had a bit of cash, he had a phone, he had a few documents with his name on it--- he could really leave and never have to come back.

And yet his body was hesitant. His omega was scared shitless, but he had grown used to this.

He would wake up, try his best to clean himself, maybe get to have breakfast, maybe eat lunch, maybe eat dinner, and then wait for Jeehan to either tell him sweet nothings or marre his body with seething words and marks.

His body was so worn out that this was the only sure thing it knew. Going out into the world again all by himself was something he knew his body wasn’t ready for, but he couldn’t stay here longer, not if he planned on not dying before his 25th birthday.

Jungkook had so many dreams before he met Jeehan, and he could go out and chase after them now if only he unlocked the damn door.

With a click and a pop, the door opened slowly. Jungkook’s hands were shaking as he pushed it open. He had been out before, but he couldn’t remember the exact date he had last been allowed to leave the apartment. It had to be about a few months ago.

As soon as he stepped out of the doorframe, his anxiety came rushing back.

But he couldn’t stop now! He had to do it.

So, with bile threatening to rise, Jungkook closed the door behind him and took a deep breath before he sprinted away from the door. He didn’t bother looking in which direction he was going, because anywhere but there was bound to be better.

---

Seokjin was laughing again, his head tilted back as he watched Namjoon try his best to eat his ice cream in one go.

The couple had decided to take a stroll near the plaza and grab a late night snack. The streets were busy and other couples seemed to be enjoying the cool night as well.

“You’re gonna make a mess, here,” Seokjin spoke, his hands reaching into his pocket for a napkin.

“No, no, I can do it! I’ve done it before, I swear,” Namjoon proclaimed, his voice whinny and complimenting the pout he held.

Seokjin had rolled his eyes lovingly, cleaning up around Namjoon’s mouth before the alpha could protest further.

The night was truly beautiful. The sky wasn’t as crowded with fog or blinding lights, and the moon was even peeking out every few seconds.

“P-Please-”

“I already said no! God, get away, will you?!”

Seokjin knew it was none of his business, but he couldn’t help but hear the literal sound of a heart breaking into two.

Well, he was one for dramatics, but in reality something had cracked into two.

The couple had turned around, spotting a young male crouched down trying his best to fix a broken flip phone, which was really unsalvageable.

They noticed his disheveled hair, his tattered clothes, and his shaking hands piecing the phone together.

Seokjin figured the woman thought the young man was homeless or trying to mug her, and he couldn’t argue with the interpretation much.

But something felt odd.

Jungkook couldn’t believe it. Well, part of him did but he wished it wasn’t true.

The woman had looked terrified, and if he could see himself in a mirror, he would understand why.

He knew he looked like a mess, but he tried to ask the woman nicely. He didn’t want to ask a guy as he didn’t want to possibly encounter a male alpha. His omega didn’t need that added stressor.

“Excuse us, did you need any help?”

Jungkook had sprung up, dropping all the pieces he had gathered and cowered in fear of the voice that had snuck up on him.

Seokjin had jumped as well, not expecting the young boy to react in such a way. But now that he was closer, Seokjin could tell this boy was probably homeless.

“I’m so sorry for scaring you! My name is Kim Seokjin. This is my mate, Kim Namjoon,” Seokjin continued, trying his best to ease into a conversation.

Jungkook kept his head down, not sure why the couple was talking to him. Maybe if he asked them about cheap hotels they would give him an answer.

“U-Uh, do you two k-know of a c-cheap hotel a-around?” Jungkook asked softly.

It was quite hard for Seokjin to hear through the mumbling but he put one and two together.

“Well, there aren’t any in close enough proximity. You look like you’re about to pass out, I don’t think you’d make it through the hour bus ride or walk. Did you need a place to stay for the night?”

Jungkook nodded at the question, unsure if he really wanted to continue speaking with the couple. They seemed to be his safest bet out of the bunch of people he had asked already.

“I-I… yes,” Jungkook muttered out, pushing and pulling internally.

Seokjin noticed it, looking back at Namjoon with pleading eyes.

Namjoon had already known the omega was going to offer their place, and he was all for it. The young boy looked quite young and distressed. Maybe he ran from home? Maybe he was just broke and wandering about?

Namjoon didn’t know why, but he felt a need to help the omega out as well.

“Well, we can offer our spare room if you’d be interested. We live in that building right there,” Namjoon pointed to his left, careful to speak quietly to the young boy.

Jungkook had followed his finger, gasping as his eyes laid on a large complex shining like a diamond. It really wasn’t all that, but in Jungkook’s dull eyes, the average complex looked like a castle compared to the jail cell he was living in with Jeehan.

There was no way he could afford to spend the night in their spare room!

“T-That’s too expensive, I-I don’t have that type o-of money-”

Seokjin shook his head, “What are you talking about? You wouldn’t need to pay anything right now of course! I just, I want to help you out, you know-- omega to omega.”

Jungkook widened his eyes. The man, Kim Seokjin, was also an omega, a beautiful and well presented one at that.

And he was mated, so...clearly the alpha was safe… right?

Seokjin could tell Jungkook was having an inner turmoil and all he wanted to do was hug the young omega close. The boy’s eyes were practically a dead giveaway, and Namjoon had noticed as well.

“If you’d like,” Namjoon began, “I can spend the night somewhere else-”

“N-No, that’s your home!” Jungkook argued, cutting off the alpha and hiding behind his arms.

“I’m s-so sorry Alpha!” Jungkook began, practically bowing further until his forehead hit the concrete, but Namjoon was quick to sit him up before he could seriously injure himself.

“Hey, it’s okay. You have nothing to apologize for,” Namjoon began, his eyes soft as he looked at the omega. He had a scar on his cheek, a bloody scratch on the bridge of his nose, and a bruise beginning to form under his eye.

Where had this boy been?

“Are you in any type of danger? Do we need to call the autho-”

Jungkook shook his head quickly, his hands tightening around the hem of his shirt.

The danger was long gone now. Jeehan wouldn’t be able to find him anymore. There was no way he could. The only danger he faced now was sleeping on the streets.

“I-I… I don’t want to get them involved… please,” Jungkook muttered, his body shaking with nerves.

What if he reported Jeehan and he’d bribe them to return his omega back? It wouldn’t be past him to make up some bullshit about how Jungkook can’t function without Jeehan by his side. He had done that before, back when Jungkook had dropped out of college.

Who was to say he wouldn’t try something like that again?

Namjoon nodded. He didn’t want to scare the omega even further.

Jin had frowned at that, but somewhat understood why Jungkook had said that.

Omegas were still regarded as a lower subgender, so it would be more likely that they blame Jungkook for whatever had happened and offer no help.

“If you’d like, we could offer the room. It’s separate from our apartment. It’s just a small room that we use for guests, it even has its own keys. We don’t want to leave you wandering around at this hour either, not in your condition,” Jin tried to bargain, his eyes practically begging the younger to agree and just spend a night with them.

Jungkook was close to giving in, but he was still scared. But wouldn’t he always be scared? His omega was already fighting to practically jump into Jin’s arms and let the eldest omega baby him. But Jungkook couldn’t do that. It was too dangerous.

“O-Okay,” Jungkook replied, because it seemed danger loved to follow him and no matter how hard he tried to outrun it, it always caught up to him.

And to be quite honest, he’d rather have to escape again than spend the night outside with more possibilities of being hurt and possibly killed.

And if luck wasn’t on his side back then, it definitely still wasn’t now.

The couple and him had jumped at the sudden sound of thunder rolling in. The sky was no longer clear and the wind had picked up. It was quite odd, but nature was going to be nature.

And Jungkook hated storms. He definitely wouldn’t be able to make it outside on his own.

“Oh, you wont regret it, promise! I’ll run a bath for you and, have you had dinner yet? I could cook something up real quick. Also, a change of clothes, I got you covered on that-”

Namjoon cleared his throat, making Seokjin pause. His mate's eyes shifted to the other omega and Seokjin shut his mouth.

Jungkook’s eyes were shining brighter and his frail body was shaking like a leaf in the wind. Seokjin had overwhelmed him, and the lightning that flashed before his eyes wasn’t helping the ringing in his ears.

“H-Hey, sorry about that. Are you afraid of the storm, me, or-”

Jungkook shook his head, suddenly crouching down as a lightning bolt crashed onto the earth.

“S-Storm… out… I… inside, p-please,” Jungkook managed to stutter out, his legs unable to carry his weight.

Namjoon noticed this, but wasn’t sure how to help the younger. Although he looked quite malnourished, his build was still bigger than what Seokjin could probably carry. And the omega didn’t seem too fond of alphas, which was probably very justified.

“Can you move?” Namjoon still asked, letting the younger decide on what to do.

Jungkook shook his head, dreading what was probably to come.

“I can’t carry you, pup. Can Namjoon-”

Another round of thunder came about and Jungkook had let himself fall to the ground. He needed stability. He needed to feel the ground, quite literally.

Namjoon had unconsciously moved to catch him, and he did, but in the omegas panic, both of them hadn’t noticed it much.

As soon as Namjoon had gotten an okay grip on the omega, Jin was quick to lead them to their apartment. He grabbed the extra set of keys for the spare room and they entered.

“Hey, pup, we’ve arrived,” Seokjin whispered as Namjoon placed the boy on the couch. It was quite small but they figured the omega wanted to shower before going to bed.

Jungkook was still a bit stunned. One second he was on the ground with lightning blinding him and the next second he was sitting on a nice satin couch with his backpack near his feet and a bath running in the background.

A bath. It had been so long since he got the privilege to take a bath, let alone a quick shower.

Just hearing the water running and knowing it was being prepared for him made the young omega tear up. Seokjin had noticed, coming to the omegas side quickly and offering some water or anything really.

“N-No, I’m… s-sorry,” Jungkook replied, humiliation settling into his bones. He was a stranger sitting in this couples spare room with tears and snot running down his face. He was a mess to begin with and he was getting worse every second.

“No need to apologize, really,” Seokjin began, feeling a bit useless as he knew nothing he said could calm the younger.

“The towels are all on the counter, along with a spare set of clothes. Please, take all the time you need. Joon and I will be in our apartment cooking up something for you, okay?”

Jungkook could only nod and wipe at his tears like a child, it was all he could really do.

But then the couple left and he couldn’t help but rush as quickly as he could to the bathroom. He wanted to scrub away at everything; the grime, the scars on his back, the tears and snot that covered his face.

If he could, he would scrub Jeehan’s existence out of his life in one swift and harsh swipe.

But he couldn’t do that.

As soon as he stripped and threw his clothes away, because really they were nothing but scraps, he dipped his toe into the water and immediately felt like dropping to his knees and praying. He felt like a man finding an oasis in the harsh desert.

Jungkook then took no time to let himself sink into the warm hug of the water and scrub away at his skin. But Jeehan’s voice still rang around his mind.

***

“You aren’t worthy of anything, you know that, right? I’m all you have, and all you’ll ever get.”

Jungkook sat still on the alpha’s lap, trying his best not to squirm away from the other. He was completely nude, marks littering his skin in the most unpleasant way. He almost felt dressed with the way the scars on him were bountiful.

“Tell me what alpha would dream of a whore like you?”

Jungkook stayed silent, his eyes burning with a desire to let loose the water works being held back. If he let one tear slip, he would spend three nights alone in the basement room. That was his rule. If he let a noise out, that would be five nights and no running water privileges.

Suddenly, a hand struck down onto his cheek.

“I can’t fucking hear you. Tell me!”

Jungkook let his head fall, the sting so sharp.

“N-No alpha would ever want me. I-I’m just a d-dirty whore.”

Jeehan chuckled, his whole body shaking by the time he ended. He was hysterical, off his hinges as Jungkook began to cry.

A few nights alone in the basement seemed perfect right about now.

Jungkook scrubbed and scrubbed, his skin raw and burning as the water overflowed over his body. His arms were bright red, and his neck was practically just muscle and bone with the amount of scrubbing he was encouraging.

All he could hear were Jeehan’s raunchy words stabbing at him like knives.

“I find it hard to believe that you’ve got nothing to say but sorry. Do you know what you do to me, Jungkook? You hurt me. Day and night. You make me feel unworthy of a piece of meat like you! How humiliating is that for me? You like to make me feel this way?! Look at what you made me do! Look!”
- ---

Jungkook couldn’t breathe. Jeehan was right. If only he had listened to him, been obedient, been the perfect omega for his alpha… maybe Jeehan wouldn’t have become the monster he now was. Maybe then he’d have his perfect love. Maybe then-

“Hey, are you alright in there? It’s been an hour and the food is getting cold,” Jungkook heard from the door of the room. It was quite faint due to the bathroom door being shut as well.

“I-I’ll be right out,” Jungkook managed to reply, his body shaking as it realized the water was no longer warm.

He still had suds in his hair, so he dunked his head real quick and washed away what he could. As he stepped out, dried himself off, and dressed his body, the grumble of his stomach couldn’t be ignored further.

Seokjin and Namjoon were already at the table, their meals done but a bite was left to accompany the young boy.

“S-Sorry for taking so l-long,” Jungkook said quietly, not sure if he could take a seat at the table.

The food looked absolutely delicious. Jeehan normally ordered terrible take out or cooked something diabolical for himself, leaving Jungkook to starve for the night, or day.

“No need to say sorry, please, take a seat. I wasn’t sure what you would like but,” Seokjin began, his voice cut off by the younger's happy munching.

Each bite brought new hunger. It was so tasty and Jungkook had never really been a fan of fatty meats, but the meat right now was the best and his favorite thing at the moment.

Even if instead of a meal, the couple had only offered him banana milk, he’d still be all over it like he was now with the mighty bowl in front of him.

After a while, the three finished and no other words were left to speak as Jungkook thanked them for the meal, washed his own bowl, and retreated to his room with a bit of hesitancy.

He felt weird being in a new place. The bed sheets weren’t worn out to his liking like the ones he was used to. He wasn’t talking about the mattress Jeehan gave him, no, he was talking about his bed back in his childhood home.

But anything was better than the cold streets.

Or so Jungkook thought.

Not even an hour into trying his best to fall asleep, he couldn’t. His body was still so tense and he couldn’t breathe if he really let himself go. It felt a lot like when he was younger and he would trick himself into thinking he would stop breathing in his sleep. He would spend minutes taking in deep breaths that caused him to panic more. It was a cycle only his mother could break, afterall, hearing your child sob in the middle of the night wasn’t something you could ignore.

But Jungkook was determined to just sleep, and when he finally did, he wished he hadn’t been so bold.

***
“Did I say you could do that?”

Jungkook suppressed a pained noise. His lips were bleeding and his cheek was throbbing in pain. His hands were restricted by a coarse rope that dug into his soft skin. He had been bad today. He had messed up too many times and Jeehan was going to make sure he learned his lesson well. He deserved this for being bad. He messed up and he had to learn.

“N-No Alpha.”

Jeehan raised a brow at the younger man's answer.

“Then why did you do it? Did you do that to hurt me? Because it worked, Jungkook. I’m hurt, and you did it all by yourself. It’s your fault Jungkook. It’s your fault.”

Jeehan held a pained face, his hands balled into fists. He was pacing back and forth as Jungkook sat there helplessly.

‘It’s not. It’s not my fault, please,’ Jungkook thought.

With his teeth clenched, Jungkook let himself sag towards the ground, his body nothing but a sack of bones and useless tissue.

“But you can make it better, Jungkook."

Those simple words made Jungkook look up with wide and hopeful eyes.

“I-I’ll do anything Alpha! Anything for you. I’m a good boy, I swear!”

Jeehan hushed him softly, placing a calloused hand against the omegas tattered jaw.

“Anything? You’ll hold your breath for me? Hmm?”

Jungkook hiccuped into his nod, already feeling lightheaded, but he could do it!

“Hold it until I say so, got it?”

Jungkook took a deep breath.

He tilted his head back, thanks to Jeehan’s rough hand.

He squeaked out a cry as he felt Jeehan grip at his throat and apply pressure with no regards to his safety.

He let fat tears roll down his cheek as he watched Jeehan smile at his pain.

Jeehan was happy. Jungkook had done it. He made his Alpha happy and that was all he needed to be content.

So why was he slowly passing out, even though his hand was tapping on Jeehan’s hand? Why was he not taking the warning? Why was he squeezing tighter? Why was he manically laughing? Why was Jungkook letting him do this?

Why couldn’t he breathe?
---

Jungkook was positive his heart was giving up when he sat up and bumped heads with a worried Seokjin.

The omega had heard the younger scream bloody murder and had rushed in without thinking. Jungkook had been shivering in bed, his hands gripping at anything to keep him rooted. At some point it seemed like Jungkook had held his breath and suddenly gasped.

“Hey, it’s okay, you’re safe. Look, nothing is going to happen,” Seokjin began, a tear of his own working its way down his cheeks as Jungkook held him closer and allowed Seokjin to do the same.

It was odd for Seokjin to not even know the omega’s name and be holding him this way, but something in him couldn’t care less. The young omega was clearly in distress, and he knew that if he were in that spot, he’d want some reassurance as well, even if it was just for a while.

But that night had repeated several times over the course of the week. The very first morning they had together, Jungkook muttered his name quietly to the couple and had asked for a few more days with them.

They were both more than happy to keep helping the omega, but obvious questions began to make rounds around the table.

And so they came into an agreement.

Jungkook would live with them for a while longer until he could get on his own feet, and for the time being he could pay rent by either helping out at the restaurant the couple owned or earn some cash from the old couple down the hallway for running a few errands.

Very rarely did Jungkook go and help out at the restaurant during busy hours. Although it was the time he was most needed, the couple understood that the young omega was still trying to find his way around in large crowds. Jungkook would often come into the apartment shaking and blue-eyed from the smallest uncomfortable interactions.

His nightmares were also still prominent, and now the omega claimed the couch as his bed most nights, if not all. Seokjin normally joined him when he was too tired to go up to his room.

And Namjoon began to do the same.

Jungkook was practically stuck to him like a koala most nights when things got really bad about two months in.

The alpha had been shocked, as was Seokjin, but they ran along with it. And by the fourth month of living together, Jungkook’s nightmares weren’t as bad and he had gone back to his room.

He still went to the couple sometimes for extra TLC, but he mostly spent his time alone.

By his seventh month, the couple had learned a lot about Jungkook, and vice versa.

They now knew very well who Choi Jeehan was, and they knew about the trauma the alpha had caused Jungkook. They also knew that almost every alpha in Jungkook’s life had been a spawn of the devil, excluding Namjoon. They knew Mr. and Ms. Jeon weren’t really involved in Jungkook’s life but the family was still very nit picky and quite grooming. Even though Jeehan was no longer there to forcefully keep Jungkook from seeing his family, Jungkook had decided to not even bother with it for the time being.

The couple knew Jungkook was very much capable of moving out, but a part of them still wanted the omega around. Jungkook had quite literally wriggled into their hearts and they wanted to protect the younger, but he was a grown adult with his own dreams and so, when Jungkook had suddenly announced that he wanted to enroll back into college with the bit of money he had saved up, the couple knew he would be flying out of the nest soon.

A year had now passed and Jungkook was still planning on living with them before fully diving into university. His nightmares were almost gone but his omega was still quite stubborn and uncontrollable at times. His heats were even worse. He didn’t crave for any sexual release and so it was more difficult to really satisfy his urges and the pain that washed over his body. He normally spent these with the couple cuddled up on either side of him and a cute movie on with some snacks. Other times he would just cry until it went away when the couple weren’t able to help, either because Jungkook didn’t ask for help, or heat schedules were jumbled up.

But despite all the ups and downs, Jungkook was still standing, and he wasn’t done fighting.

“I… think I’m ready to enroll into college again,” Jungkook spoke one night.

The couple had anticipated it but hearing it come from the omega himself made them feel very proud. Jungkook had already grown so much in the year they had been together. Although it was still difficult for him to control his omega in highly emotional situations, he could at least notice when episodes were near.

“I think that’s great Jungkookie! So, where are you planning on going?” Namjoon first spoke, his eyes soft as he looked at Jungkook.

He could tell the younger one was radiating with joy and his eyes were bright blue full of love and happiness.

“Well, I actually already applied and got accepted… I’ll be taking online classes for my first semester back and, well, I was hoping I could still stay here until I move out to an apartment closer to campus?”

Seokjin nodded eagerly, his heart soaring for the younger. He almost felt like a proud brother as he watched Jungkook smile from ear to ear.

“Of course! You won’t be getting rid of us that easily. You’re a part of our family now, pup,” Seokjin added, his eyes soft and glowing as well.

Jungkook and Jin often did this. It was a way for them to feel loved. Jungkook was still very self-conscious of his flashlight-like eyes. He knew that in situations like these it was clear he was feeling loved and taken care of, but in public it was a whole other story.

Here in his home, right by Seokjin and Namjoon’s side, Jungkook could let himself feel and not hold back.

And so that night the three of them decided to have a little sleepover in the living room. Jungkook was sandwiched between the two. He mostly clung onto Namjoon but loved to be Seokjin’s little spoon. It was, in other words, their own little pack nest and Jungkook wasn’t sure how he was going to make it out there all alone without this little circle of love and trust.

His answer came about in the next few weeks.

“Iced latte with extra whipped cream?”

Jungkook perked up on his seat. The cafe was rather empty but it still felt very cozy. The young omega seemed to be the only lone customer but the couples or friends that gathered around were too busy to even notice him, and quite literally.

On his way back to his seat, Jungkook hadn’t really been paying attention. The counter and his seat weren’t that far apart, so he kept his eyes on his cute whipped cream design on his latte rather than where he was heading. He was stressed with classes already and all he wanted to do was enjoy his cute little drink in peace.

But instead of bumping into his chair like he was expecting, Jungkook collided with a stern chest and another cup of coffee.

This cup of coffee was steaming angrily, as was the owner of the cup.

“Ugh! You idiot! You just ruined this suit, do you even know what it’s worth?”

Jungkook quickly looked up, his eyes beginning to burn with fear. The man was clearly an alpha. His eyes were red with anger and he stood taller than Jungkook, cornering him against the nearest table.

Everything was going too fast. The alpha’s angered scent was suffocating Jungkook and before he could even speak to apologize, another scent came rushing in and completely disoriented Jungkook for a split second.

“Don’t lay a finger on him, are you insane? You walked into him. He did nothing,” a new voice called out, earning a scoff from the other alpha.

Jungkook took this chance to look up and sure enough, the second alpha held the other’s arm mid air. Had he arrived any later, Jungkook would’ve gotten struck, no doubt.

The mere thought of the alpha’s hand on his skin immediately made Jungkook want to throw up. Had he really been that careless?

“Whatever, you’re not worth my time. But you better watch your back,” the alpha replied, mostly directing the last words to Jungkook. He yanked his arm back, fixing his suit before throwing another rotten look towards Jungkook. Jungkook simply shrunk further into himself, releasing a breath once the alpha had left the coffee shop.

Everyone in the cafe was staring at them, eyes wide and some mouths whispering to each other. Jungkook was already getting soggy and the stares everyone kindly (not) offered were too critical.

“Hey, are you alright?”

Jungkook couldn’t even speak. He was speechless as he nodded and quickly gathered his things. He was so close to escaping but the other had already caught up to him.

“Are you sure? You don’t-”

Jungkook shook his head again, now taking a second to look up.

The alpha was rather beautiful. It was quite rare to find an alpha with the energy this one displayed. His face was quite defined but his eyes were soft and almost too emotional for a simple stranger like Jungkook.

“I-I’m fine. T-Thank you,” Jungkook muttered, his own hands shaking as he continued to gather his things.

The alpha had stepped back, giving the omega his space before eventually watching him stumble out of the caffe with confused eyes. His head was unsure about leaving the omega all by himself, but he wouldn’t be dumb or rude enough to follow the other when it was clear the omega wanted nothing to do with him.

Everyone around had already lost interest in what had happened and resumed with their conversations, but the alpha still stood rooted to his spot.

He only hoped the omega would reach home safely and not have to deal with any other rude jerk.

Studying at the cafe was now either a hit or miss. Jungkook still wanted to keep with his promise of moving out soon, but with the way things had played out at the cafe shop a week ago, Seokjin was a bit worried about Jungkook. Nonetheless, Jungkook had already decided on an apartment complex not far from campus and the couple.

It was perfectly nestled in between a beautiful park and a little pond where Jungkook had found the cutest little duckling family just a few days ago. His nightmares were down and although many would see it as childish, Jungkook felt immense pride in himself each night he managed to fall asleep on his own.

Namjoon and Seokjin were his first guests--- only guests, really. They had brought over Jungkook’s favorite blanket from their house and the three had watched a movie all snuggled up together.

“You know, we’re only a phone call away ok?”

Jungkook chuckled at Seokjin’s words. Namjoon wasn’t looking so great either.

“I know, dad . I promise I’ll come over every week, and I’ll swing by the restaurant whenever I can, just like I always do,” Jungkook reassured the couple, his own heart feeling a bit heavy as they said their good night’s and he closed the door behind them.

Now the apartment was silent, except for the leaky faucet in the kitchen. It was a rather cheap place, but Jungkook was content with his little space. It felt cozy and it was all for himself.

And although Jungkook really wanted to keep imagining his life in his little space, he really needed to get going on his homework.

Classes were the same as he had remembered. Although he had dropped out early, Jungkook knew he wanted to get back in and really try this time. And well, it wasn’t like he didn’t try before. It was honestly only Jeehan’s fault.

***
"Are you serious? You're taking that dumb ass class? Are you even smart enough to understand what they ask ? "

Jungkook closed his notebook the second he heard Jeehan. He never understood why he hated Mr. Kang, or his Literature class.

"I asked you a question. You're not going to reply?"

"Y-Yes, I'm taking this class. W-Why are you upset?"

Jeehan laughed like a maniac, "Are you seriously asking me this? You pay more attention to your fucking homework than you do to your alpha, and you ask me why I'm upset?! Are you serious?! I should lock you up for that one-"

Jungkook froze in his seat. No. Not the locked room again. He had to spend two weeks there last time, and it was for something minor, nothing like this.

"N-No, J-Jeehan-"

"What did you call me?"

Jungkook bit his lip, drawing blood as he felt Jeehan throw him over his shoulder and march with heavy steps towards the basement.

"A-Alpha, I-I'm sorry! I won't ever do that! I promise!"

Jeehan threw him onto the mattress and stripped him bare.

"You stay here for the next few days and maybe I'll let you go out to your dumb ass class. Maybe. In the meantime, think about how fucking messed up you are.

You think anything else is more important than me? I'm your alpha. You need me. Without me, you're nothing Jungkook. Repeat it."

Jungkook sobbed into the hand that clenched onto his jaw.

"Repeat it!"

"I-I'm nothing without you A-Alpha. I need y-you. I need you here with m-me."

"Keep repeating it until I let you out. Got it?"

"I'm nothing without you A-Alpha! I n-need you! I need you here w-with me!"

"Good."
---

Jungkook took a deep breath. It wasn’t worth it to let Jeehan’s words seep into his mind like that. Over the course of a year, the alpha still rendered him helpless at times, especially those in which he felt humiliation take over his very being.

Take for instance the encounter he so wonderfully bumped into again . It was the same coffee shop, and Jungkook should’ve known better than to go back, but they were having a seasonal tasting event and Jungkook just had to be there for the sweet potato latte.

This time Jungkook had been seated already, joyfully sipping on his latte before he felt a cold drink spill all over his body. It dripped from his chocolate hair all the way down to his lilac boots.

“Sir, I am so sorry! I-I’ll be right over with a towel, I-I’ve never done this before, I’m so sorry!”

Jungkook looked up with wide eyes. There stood a frightened omega with the guiltiest face, and right behind her was the alpha Jungkook had met before with a smirk playing on his lips.

His body was still processing everything but as soon as the waitress had teared up, Jungkook had done the same.

Omegas were rather sensitive to each other, as were the other subgenders to themselves. It was clear the girl felt terrible and the final straw that broke the camel's back was the alpha trembling with laughter.

“You both look pathetic! I told you to watch your back pretty thing,” the alpha spoke, causing both of the omegas to look down in shame.

And it was Jeehan all over again.

***
“God, Jungkook! Get your ass here,” Jeehan shouted from the front door.

His nose was flared up, ears red and steaming, Jungkook could only guess at what his problem was now. Everything seemed to set the alpha off these days and he wouldn’t be surprised if something as simple as a disorganized shoe rack tipped his scale.

“Y-Yes?”

Jeehan laughed, groaning towards the end as he set his eyes on Jungkook.

“You and that fucking stutter. When are you going to get tired of playing the victim, hm? You look pathetic Jungkook. You know I hate it when you talk to me like that. Fix it, got it?”

Jungkook only nodded, not trusting himself enough to answer with words. Jeehan’s little rant had calmed the alpha down from the previous irritant, but it came swinging back as soon as Jungkook had excused himself.

“Where do you think you’re going? I’m starting to think you’re forgetting who owns this place, who owns you . You’re making a fool out of me Jungkook. I’m not gonna let this slide each time you come and beg for my forgiveness.”

Jungkook bit back a sob. He hadn’t forgotten, but he wished he had.

“Tell me you love me Jungkook. Come on, be a pretty thing for me, only for me,” Jeehan whispered, letting his arms wrap around Jungkook’s small waist. His grip was painful but Jungkook couldn’t do anything else but lean into the alpha.

“I love you alpha, only you.”
---

After the manager had eventually showed up, Jungkook had decided to simply shut himself in, not bothering to try and make it to Seokjin’s dinner plans. He spent that night alone in his little apartment, but eventually gave in and went over the next day to talk to Seokjin. It had been a huge relief to let go of all the weight on his shoulders, but he still had school to worry about.

Mr. Kang was pacing back and forth between his desk and the white board when he called out to Jungkook. The rest of the class was either asleep or trying to keep up with his instructions.

Jungkook was simply trying to calm the headache that was raging on behind his closed lids. The pain was relentless, no matter how many times he rubbed at the base of his neck. Even his sunglasses weren’t helping him.

It was clear he was unstable the moment he stepped onto campus today, everyone could tell.

“Answer the question Mr. Jeon,” his professor began, almost chastising him like a high school teacher with his tone.

“I-I’m sorry, what was… the question?” Jungkook replied, his voice dying out by the end. Everyone’s eyes were on him and he swore he heard some comment about ‘Isn’t it that weird omega you were talking about the other day?’.

“Mr. Jeon, I expect you to be paying attention in class. You don’t want to drop out again , do you?”

He was in a spotlight he didn’t want to be, and his professor was adamant to let him burn in the light.

“I-I was paying attention! I was just having a headache-”

“Excuses, Mr. Jeon. Those are excuses, not the answer I want. What is the answer?”

‘What are you? Hmm? You don’t make excuses, Jungkook. You’re a what?’

“I-I’m a good boy,” Jungkook blurted out, his hands clamping onto his mouth the second he registered what he said.

Chuckles littered the lecture hall and Mr. Kang’s annoyed expression silenced them. Jungkook could feel fingers being pointed at him, and he sincerely wished for the earth to swallow him whole this instant.

“I expect to see you in my office afterwards.”

Snickers followed the professor's words and a wave of embarrassment drowned Jungkook into utter silence and fear.

Why was Jeehan still whispering in his ear? Had Jeehan not had enough of torturing him?

When was this going to end?

Jungkook sat up straight as his professor walked into his office. The certificates on the walls were perfectly aligned and not a single spec of dust decorated them. On the desk sat a name plaque that read in cursive, "Professor Kang, Literature and Arts".

"Care to explain, firstly, why you're wearing those sunglasses indoors? It's quite rude."

Jungkook hesitantly took them off, knowing his eyes were still burning blue.

At the sight, Mr. Kang grimaced, "Put them back on, no one wants to see that."

Jungkook did as he was told, holding back the lump forming in his throat. It was fine. Mr. Kang would probably just make him do extra work and he would be on his way like nothing ever happened.

‘ I'm a good boy. ’

Why did he have to say that?! He knew better than this, and yet he dug his own grave.

"I wanted to talk to you about your behavior today. Look, Jeon Jungkook ," Mr. Kang began.

Jungkook flinched.

"I'm a college professor, I'm not a high school or kindergarten teacher. So I want you to be honest with me and tell me what the hell that little stunt was in my lecture hall?"

The omega looked down, eyes teary and yet they felt as though they were on fire.

"I-I'm sorry Mr. Kang. It w-wasn't on purpose I-I promise-"

"It wasn't on purpose? Like I could believe that Jungkook. You failed my class your freshman year and then suddenly disappeared for nearly a year and half as soon as you started hanging around that Choi Jeehan-"

Just hearing his name made Jungkook choke on a sob. He still had issues hearing the devil's name.

Mr. Kang jumped, thrown off by the sound Jungkook let off like an alarm.

"Now what? Another one of your little stunts? I'm trying to help you here Jungkook-"

"I-I'm sorry Mr. Kang, B-But I need to go-- now," Jungkook managed to let out but his head was a mess and his eyes were practically shining like flashlights.

"Jungkook you walk out of that door and you fail this class-"

One step out the door. Two steps out the door.

He was running at this point, unsure of where he was headed off to. But everything was crashing into him, drowning him and blinding him.

His head was pounding with a headache deeply rooted onto the base of his head, completely turning him insane the second he collided with something.

"Watch where the fuck you're going idiot! I could've spilled this everywhere. Do you know how expensive this is? Bet you couldn't afford it even if you whored yourself-"

Jungkook felt limp as he fell to the ground and clutched his belongings closer to his small frame. He wasn't small per say, but he definitely wasn't a match for whoever this alpha was. His eyes were glowing once again, and his headache was roaring along with the alpha’s words. 

"What the hell is wrong with you, jackass? Leave him alone. You know he didn't mean to do shit to you. You're standing in the middle of the sidewalk dipshit."

The omega widened his eyes the second he felt the other alpha join the crowd that was beginning to form around them. This alpha was set apart from the other scents that were overloading Jungkook's vulnerable headspace. He knew this scent, no doubt. But from where?

"What's this got to do with you, Kim? You have some sort of complex or something? You're always in my way, and it's about time I put you in your right place-"

Jungkook was nudged forward as the crowd closed around them, trying to get closer to the fight. He was practically trampled and his shades were quick to fly off his face and meet the ground with a shattering sound accompanying them.

One alpha was pushing the other, letting the crowd boost his confidence. The other let the push slide, simply trying to block the omega from the others, but it was futile.

"Hey! It is that omega you were talking about. What did he say in class?"

"He said he's a good boy, ha! He's fucking turned on by this, look at him!"

Shit. 

Jungkook shut his eyes and took a deep breath as he felt fingers jabbing into him, prodding at him just like Jeehan had done in the beginning to get him to shut down. He was spiralling fast, hearing Jeehan’s menacing words slowly cut at his skin and-

"Move away from him! Are you all insane?!"

Red eyes scanned the crowd and without a second warning, they all scattered about, leaving a sobbing Jungkook on the concrete.

This was just what Jungkook needed-- really.

“Hey, they’re gone, it’s ok--”

Jungkook couldn’t take it. No matter how soft the alpha was talking to him, he was still too afraid to look up and welcome further humiliation.

“I promise, there’s no one but you and I here. Can I call anyone to come get you? Your mate-”

Jungkook shook his head furiously. He didn’t want anyone to come get him. He just wanted to lay down and let his headache soothe itself. He wanted to curl into himself and cry into his pillow until he couldn’t breathe, and maybe then he’d stop feeling all the pins and needles nestled deeply into his skin.

“P-Pup, you’re scaring me here, do I need to call an ambulance-”

Jungkook curled further into himself at the name. Only Seokjin called him that, not even his own mother did it.

“D-Don’t call me that, please just--”

Jungkook paused, his lips trembling as he finally looked up and met with the alpha who was still covering him up. Jungkook hadn't even noticed that the alpha had placed his jacket over his trembling shoulders, or that the alpha was now holding an umbrella over their heads as soft rain dripped from the rain cloud overhead.

When did it even start raining?

“It’s you, from the coffee shop,” the alpha whispered, finally recognizing Jungkook up close.

“Y-You… I’m fine n-now, can I p-please just g-go?”

Jungkook stuttered through his sentence, trying his best to ignore the knot that was forming at the base of his throat. Tears were coming soon and he didn’t need any other alpha seeing him this way-- seeing him completely vulnerable and out of mind.

“I’ll go, just, take this ok?”

Jungkook widened his eyes as the alpha extended his umbrella to him, now completely under the mercy of the rain. The alpha’s brunette locks were practically already soaked by the time Jungkook had taken the umbrella and stood up. 

How much more of a bother could Jungkook be? That was what the omega was thinking as he hiccuped and fled, not once looking back at the alpha.

He had heard a shout, but it was now foggy and pushed to the back of his mind as he burst into Seokjin’s apartment complex and knocked on the door like a mad man.

“Jungkook?! My god, what happened to you?”

Jungkook simply shook his head as he let himself fall into the eldest arms.

This was home.

Kim Taehyung

That was the name written on the umbrella Jungkook had been given that day. A few weeks had passed now and Jungkook had yet to see the alpha on campus. It almost felt like the alpha wasn’t even real, or like the incident had even happened. The only evidence he had was the umbrella.

Additionally, he couldn’t even find the other alpha that he had bumped into, and no one had spoken a word about what had happened. Jungkook was back to being a wallflower and he couldn’t help but look around every once in a while to catch a glimpse of the alpha who had given him the umbrella.

Kim Taehyung

Jungkook continued to look around, but his search was in vain.

Maybe his messed up mind had really come up with a hallucination so real he managed to steal someone’s umbrella.

At least that’s what he came to believe until he looked up from his book at another coffee shop and met with the same eyes he had that day.

“You’re reading The Cloud Dream of the Nine . What do you think?”

Jungkook had closed his book, grabbed something from his bag and extended it towards the alpha.

The man raised his brows, carefully taking back his umbrella.

“O-Oh, you didn’t have to… I hope it at least kept you dry on your way home that day,” Taehyung spoke, mostly to keep the (one-sided) conversation going.

Jungkook only nodded, a bit scared to speak, but the alpha had yet to leave…

And then it hit Jungkook that he had asked a question.

“T-The book… it’s… well I d-don’t know… I-I haven’t really been paying attention,” Jungkook confessed, almost as if the alpha was his teacher.

He was a bit guilty as he knew it was a classic almost everyone knew, but here he was, staring blankly at the closed book. He probably already lost the page-

“Oh, well it happens sometimes. I know I had to read it twice to really pay attention to everything, but in a sense, that’s kind of the moral of the story,” Taehyung began, smiling at the omega kindly.

Jungkook was a bit stunned. He was having a bit of trouble reading through it, but only because of the mess going on inside his head.

“O-Oh, well, yeah… I guess,” Jungkook finished. He didn’t mean to sound rude, really, and as he watched Taehyung’s smile fade a bit, a pang of guilt ran through him.

“S-So you read it twice,” Jungkook spoke again, trying his best to carry on the conversation, but he just wasn’t used to it.

Taehyung jumped at the chance to continue, even asking if he could take the seat opposite of Jungkook.

The omega had nodded meekly, still unsure if the alpha had good intentions. Even if the alphas sweet milk and honey scent screamed safe, Jungkook couldn’t just rely on that.

“Yeah, I had to take Mr. Kang’s literature class my sophomore year. I think I still have all my notes from the book, would you like them?” Taehyung offered, his head tilting to the side.

“B-But, wouldn’t that be c-cheating? I-I can’t-”

Taehyung shook his head, but Jungkook was adamant.

“Well, then, how about I tutor you? That way it wouldn’t be ‘cheating’, it would be learning,” Taehyung bargained, kind of grasping at straws, but Jungkook seemed to be thinking about it.

Jungkook’s brows had pulled in, his eyes focused on his tea. He was really contemplating this. He did need help in that class. Mr. Kang had grown rather strict with him and kept piling assignments after what had happened in his office. Jungkook wasn’t sure how he was going to get him off his back, but maybe Taehyung could help? Besides, it would be learning, not cheating.

“O-Okay, but only if you promise n-not to give me all the answers! I… I actually want to learn, please?”

Taehyung nodded, letting the omega know that he would keep his conditions like a promise. Jungkook had smiled softly, letting his eyes fall back onto the book as the table became quiet again.

The omega looked better this way--smiling. His eyes were a brilliant brown and his frame looked a bit more confident. His shoulders still sagged in, but who had perfect posture anyways? Jungkook’s little nose twitched every now and then as he continued to read his book, much like a bunny’s would. Taehyung was sure all of Jungkook’s friends called him a bunny, there was no way they couldn’t.

And then it hit Taehyung.

“Your name,” Taehyung began...and didn’t really continue. His sudden voice had caused Jungkook to jump in his seat.

“M-My name? What about it?” Jungkook replied, unsure of what the alpha was saying.

“I don’t know your name, I just realized.”

Jungkook widened his eyes.

Has no one really talked to Taehyung about him? Did he not pay attention to all the whispers, the rumors? Jungkook had garnered the name “That Weird Omega” over the couple of weeks, or months in all honesty, after his “stunt” in Mr. Kang’s room.

“My n-name… is Jungkook, J-Jeon Jungkook,” the omega replied quietly, his eyes directed towards the table.

Taehyung smiled, grabbing his drink before he replied softly.

“It’s a cute name.”

Jungkook was a bit confused. How was his name cute? I mean, it wasn’t anything too special. If anything, Jungkook hated his name at times. Jeehan always called him Jungkook when he was angry or happy, he never called the omega any endearing terms. It was always just “Jungkook” this and “Jungkook” that, but with several headaches following after each shout.

“Jungkook-ah? Are you ok?” Taehyung asked, his body hovering over the table as he quickly grabbed Jungkook’s drink. The omega had nearly tilted it over the edge with the way he was shaking. Taehyung couldn’t pinpoint the moment Jungkook had suddenly broken down, it almost felt like the omega had been possessed by something.

And then the omegas blue eyes began to shine.

“J-Jungkook-ah, what can I do? Can I do a-anything?” Taehyung asked gently, his voice panicked but still soft.

Jungkook could hear the alpha but he just couldn’t reply. His tongue was caught between his teeth and his throat felt like it was swelling up, rapidly. His hands came up to his throat, unconsciously squeezing and effectively making him lightheaded. He took deeper breaths but even that had failed to calm him down.

Until he felt another pair of hands gently lower his own and cup his cheeks.

Taehyung had panicked. He didn’t know if he just had to let the omega pass through whatever this was, or if he had to intervene. He was scared shitless, Jungkook looked so scared but his eyes were almost empty.

And then he noticed Jungkook had grabbed onto his own neck as though he was choking. And tears were forming rapidly and then a drop rolled down the omegas cheek and-- and Taehyung didn’t know what he needed to do but he knew what he wanted to do.

“Hey, pup, it’s ok, please. Everything is ok, just take a deep breath,” Taehyung whispered, his hands cupped around the omegas cheeks. He brought Jungkook a bit closer, aligning their eyesight carefully. He didn’t want to overwhelm Jungkook more, but maybe if he tried to calm him down like he used to calm his younger sister?

Jungkook paused as soon as he realized what the alpha was doing.

Taehyung was letting off a calming scent, and Jungkook couldn’t do much but melt at the warm embrace the alphas milk and honey scent enveloped him in.

He felt like a child, but it was better than feeling like Jeehan’s own hands were strangling him.

“Breathe in and out, slowly,” Taehyung instructed, now letting the omega take his seat again and breaking eye contact for a second.

Did Jungkook always have to humiliate himself? Jungkook couldn’t stop thinking about this.

“Jungkook-ah, do you-”

“I-I’m sorry. I just, uhm, sometimes…” Jungkook started, but he couldn’t really finish. And Taehyung’s scent was still lingering in the air, making Jungkook a bit loopy, much like having an overdose on endorphins.

“Hey, you don’t have to explain. As long as you’re okay, and you’ll be safe-”

Jungkook nodded, his mind clearing a bit as Taehyung relaxed into his own seat.

“Then you have nothing to apologize about Jungkook-ah,” Taehyung concluded, his soft smile still present. Jungkook couldn’t help but smile back, albeit barely, but Taehyung could tell. And so Jungkook excused himself and Taehyung watched with sad eyes as he once again realized he let the omega slip through his hands, but at least he knew his name, and Jungkook had mentioned he would be back here next week on Tuesday, around noon, so…

“Jungkook-ah! I have a seat here,” Taehyung called over, his eyes bright as he watched the omega look around for who had called his name. As soon as Jungkook’s eyes landed on the alpha, Taehyung couldn’t help but feel warm as the omega smiled softly.

“H-Hi, Taehyung, w-were you waiting long?”

Taehyung shook his head, pulling out a stack of papers from his bag. It was quite a thick stack but after all, he had promised Jungkook to tutor him and that was why he was here in the first place. Well, really it was his second reason but-

“So, are you ready? I have almost every analysis on The Cloud Dream of the Nine , but I promise, my papers will only be reference points. Besides, I kind of want to see how you’ll interpret the central idea of the story,” Taehyung began, taking Jungkook by surprise. The alpha talked quite fast but Jungkook felt like he was kind of getting a hang of the story now. He still had a few pages left to read and although Taehyung vowed not to spoil anything, it was quite hard to not spill all of his favorite parts in detail.

“Hey, are you okay?”

Jungkook looked up from his notebook, eyes wide and confused. He wasn’t really paying attention now but it wasn’t really… well it was his fault but-

“If you want, we can stop here. You look really pale. Have you been feeling alright?” Taehyung continued, his eyes heavy with worry.

Jungkook hadn’t been taking care of himself at all for the past week, he couldn’t deny that. But surely he didn't look too bad… right? It was just too much homework clawing at his back. He hadn’t had time to visit Seokjin and recharge properly. And to make matters worse, his heat was approaching, and he really didn’t want to deal with it.

“You can talk to me, if you’d like. I’m all ears,” Taehyung offered after the table had fallen silent. He could tell Jungkook was thinking, perhaps too much. He was nibbling on his bottom lip and bouncing his right leg often. He had done the same last time, every time Taehyung had asked a question, but he really didn’t look okay this time.

“I… I just haven’t been able to relax, I-I guess. Mr. Kang keeps giving me more things to do a-and I can’t just s-say no. And I’ve gotten a lot busier at w-work and I can’t m-miss a day or else I’ll have to--- but I can’t. I just want a d-day off but I can’t, not until the semester is over,” Jungkook let out, his words slurred as he talked too fast but Taehyung had managed to understand it.

“I don’t see why you’d have to wait until the end of the semester. There’s still four months left, that’s a lot!”

Jungkook shrugged his shoulders. Was four months really that long? I mean, it was just 16 weeks… they would definitely fly by.

Taehyung chuckled at the omegas thoughtful look.

“You don’t have to, but, if you’d like, we could maybe meet up at the park next time? You know, for a change in scenery?” Taehyung offered, his smile a bit shy as he looked down at his notes.

The omega was probably going to say no, but it didn’t hurt to ask (kind of).

Taehyung felt a bit selfish, but Jungkook was just easy to be around. He was like a nice read on a warm, cloudy day. Not many could make a sad sky look as lively as Jungkook could. It wasn’t sad, per se, but it wasn’t as bright as a sunny sky. Taehyung found that quite intriguing. It was another reason Taehyung really wanted to continue their study dates.

And he continued to think about Jungkook’s little rainy clouds as he laid in bed and pulled out his phone.

To: Jungkookie

I hope you’re feeling better, please try and get an extra hour of sleep :]

Jungkook jumped at the sound of his phone ringing. It was well past 10PM and Seokjin and Namjoon normally had dinner at this hour on really busy schedules, so who was texting him?

From: Kim Taehyung

Oh! Don’t forget to text me when you get out of class tomorrow! I want to take you somewhere

A surprise!! >W<

A surprise?

Jungkook nawed on his lips, curious but mostly confused.

Why did Taehyung want to take him somewhere, and where exactly?

From: Seokjin!!

Really?! Did you agree? :)

Jungkook sighed. Seokjin was of no help here. Jungkook had only asked for his opinion because he thought the omega would agree with him on maybe not going, but Seokjin seemed to be all for it.

It’s not like Jungkook didn’t want to go. It was more so his omega… He was still having trouble controlling himself and the coffee shop seemed to be a pretty neutral place to meet, so he was fine there. But he didn’t know where the alpha was taking him this time and he couldn’t help but be a bit scared. It was a bit irrational seeing as Taehyung had been nothing but sweet towards him, but he couldn’t just let his guard down, literally-- he couldn’t.

His guard was still up 24/7 and the only reason he let it down sometimes was to, secretly and maybe selfishly, surround himself with Taehyung’s very faint scent.

It’s not like Jungkook was someone who really cared about scents. He should be, given he’s an omega, but he had a high tolerance to people’s scents, just not certain smells. He hated cinnamon apple and sugar cookie scented candles, but Taehyung’s milk and honey scent was just the perfect amount of sweet and musk.

And Jungkook would probably be reeking with nerves. And that meant Taehyung would try to calm him like he did before.

Maybe Jungkook was a bit selfish to think that way, but he couldn’t help it.

“Ready to go?” Taehyung asked, his smile bright as he caught up to Jungkook who was standing outside his class. The two were being stared at but it seemed like Taehyung didn’t mind so Jungkook didn’t point it out, yet.

“Y-Yeah, where are we going?”

Taehyung chuckled, “Nice try but it’s still a surprise. I promise you’ll like it though!”

Jungkook pouted at his failed attempt but it was worth a try, especially when Taehyung seemed to enjoy teasing the omega. The two didn’t walk far before Taehyung’s phone rang.

“Yea, what’s up?” Taehyung answered, excusing himself for a second.

Jungkook nodded, watching as the alpha walked a bit further along.

“So you’re just hanging with Kim Taehyung now?”

Jungkook froze, turning his head slightly to find a face he wasn’t too fond of recently.

“You’re not going to answer me? I think it’s quite funny, really. You’re clinging onto him now like he’s your little knight in shining armour. Can you be any more pathetic?”

Dowon was an alpha in Jungkook’s photography class. He was often one of the idiots he bumped into on occasion, occasions that weren't so common now.

“I-I don’t-”

“Whatever, you’re a waste of time. I don’t know why I even bothered,” the alpha cut in, huffing before he turned around and left Jungkook standing there with wide eyes.

What was the point of him even doing that? And why did he look shaken up before leaving?

The omega was confused, but Taehyung’s voice reeled him back in.

“Ready to go? Sorry about that, I got a call,” Taehyung spoke, extending his hand for Jungkook, but the omega didn’t take it.

“W-Where exactly are we going T-Taehyung?”

Maybe Dowon was right. Maybe he was a waste of time, so why was Taehyung so adamant on meeting up? What was the alpha gaining from hanging out with him? He didn’t know where he was going, why he was going… What if Taehyung was just messing with him? Who would even want to be friends with him? Jeehan always said-

Taehyung was shocked as he watched Jungkook’s eyes flash a brilliant blue. He could tell the omega was spiralling again and he didn’t know what else he could do.

“T-Taehyung, where are we g-going?”

“It’s a surprise-”

“Where a-are we going Taehyung? I-I can’t go without y-you telling me, please, please-”

Taehyung nodded, letting his hands rest on Jungkook’s shaking shoulders. He had to calm him down. His scent was so bitter, it was quite frightening. He knew Jungkook had trouble controlling his scent and his eyes, but there was an itch in him that told him it went deeper than just that.

“Hey, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. We’ll just be going to this little carnival I found near the coast. I’m sorry I worked you up like this, but we don’t have to go if you don’t want to-”

Jungkook sighed, feeling a strange weight lift from his shoulders. So they were going to a carnival. But for what? Why?

“N-No, we can go… but can we take the subway?”

The omega still wasn’t sure if he would survive being in a car with the alpha, let alone the alphas car. He could just imagine the disaster.

“Are you sure? You’re bouncing your leg…”

Jungkook frowned, confused as to what the alpha meant.

“W-What-”

“You bounce your leg when you’re nervous. I want to… I want to take you out for a moment, to let you relax a while, but if you don’t want to-”

Jungkook was getting a bit dizzy. Was that something so noticeable about him, his nervous habits? No one had ever mentioned it to him before, but he did normally bounce his leg or pinch at the skin of his palm. He thought they were rather inconspicuous acts, but… 

“I… I just don’t trust a-alphas. I-I’m sorry,” Jungkook blurted out, his leg bouncing again. His hands came together and suddenly he couldn’t stop.

Taehyung was odd, very odd. He was very detail oriented, especially when it came to his work. Jungkook could notice from the way the alphas notes were practically crafted by gods. He was direct with his words. He was confident in his ways, but right now, the alpha was practically hanging onto a thread.

And Jungkook’s words made sense to Taehyung. It was quite noticeable every time they went out to cafe’s or even the library to study. The omega always kept his head down when an alpha passed by or when any alpha raised their voice, even if it wasn’t directed towards him.

Taehyung was always careful of his tone. He wasn’t normally a loud person anyways, but he wanted to gain Jungkook’s trust. He wanted to be someone the omega could feel comfortable around. And hearing Jungkook say those words was a bit discouraging. But as soon as he looked at the omega again, he knew he wanted to at least try again. He wanted to try and be someone to Jungkook, anyone.

“It’s your choice Jungkook, it will always be. We don’t have to go anywhere. I-If you don’t want to hang out with me anymore then I understand, and I’m-”

Jungkook shook his head, reaching for the hand Taehyung was about to remove from his shoulder.

“T-That’s not why I said that Taehyung. J-Just… let’s go at my pace, please? I-I still want to go to the carnival,” Jungkook nearly whispered, his cheeks burning for some reason.

Jungkook wasn’t sure why he even reached for Taehyung’s hand, but the weight of it on his shoulders felt reassuring. It felt like he was grounded, and in control. Jeehan’s touch never felt like that. No other alpha’s touch felt like that, besides Namjoon but he was practically family.

“Are you sure? You’re shaking again,” Taehyung asked, suddenly shrugging off his jacket.

Jungkook wasn’t cold, but he couldn’t find it in himself to stop the alpha from draping the jacket over his shoulders and fixing his hair under the hoodie.

“I-I’m sure,” Jungkook replied, eyes bright as they looked up at Taehyung through the hoodie.

There was no other sight as soft as the one Taehyung was looking at.

“We can leave at any time, just say the word,” Taehyung replied, a small smile fading onto his lips.

Jungkook only nodded, holding the jacket close to him as they started making their way to the subway. It wasn’t too far but the cool wind was making him shake more.

“Are you still cold?”

Jungkook shook his head, but Taehyung could tell the omega was indeed cold.

But did he have the guts to offer a simple solution?

Just as he was about to offer his own hand, Jungkook sighed at the sight of the subway entrance. He grabbed onto Taehyung’s arm briefly as he rushed them to the gate and the two ran into the train, barely making it.

It was rather silly to Jungkook and he couldn’t help but let out a little chuckle, which then escalated to a laugh that had him doubled over. Taehyung was laughing beside him, not even paying attention to the stop instructions being delivered through the speakers.

It wasn’t until the train started moving that the two realized they hadn’t taken their seats or grabbed onto the rails. Jungkook was the first to nearly tumble over, but Taehyung was quick to pull the omega in.

Jungkook was now pressed against Taehyung’s chest, clinging onto him as the train jolted forward. He wasn’t even that embarrassed as he hid his face in Taehyung’s shoulder.

Taehyung was a bit shell shocked. Jungkook had never been this close to Taehyung and he couldn’t help but feel warmth spread through his body, especially his cheeks. They were both exhaling a bit harshly, either from their sprint or the laughing they had been caught in. Each breath in was as calming as the next as Jungkook took in Taehyung’s sweet scent, and the alpha did the same with Jungkook’s.

The alpha could only describe Jungkook’s scent in four or so words; hibiscus tea and brown sugar. It was sweet and yet calming. Taehyung wanted nothing more than to completely drown himself in Jungkook’s scent, but it wasn’t something the omega would appreciate, for sure.

“What do you want to do once we get there?” Taehyung asked, his chest vibrating as he spoke. Jungkook nuzzled further, completely disregarding the way this wasn’t familiar to either of them, but it was something Jungkook couldn’t control. He wanted to stay wrapped in Taehyung’s scent for a while longer. He knew this would probably be his last chance to be this close, and maybe he was selfish, but that didn’t matter at the moment.

“I don’t want to get on any rides, if that’s o-ok,” Jungkook spoke, his words muffled but Taehyung heard them perfectly.

“We can stick to the booths, no problem. This day is all about you, so we do whatever you want,” Taehyung proclaimed, holding Jungkook just a bit tighter.

The ride was rather long, but short to the two as the train came to a stop and they pulled each other in fear they would fall.

“Come on,” Taehyung began, chuckling as he watched Jungkook look up from his shoulder.

He looked so adorable with wide eyes and flushed cheeks.

It didn’t take long for them to reach the carnival and almost instantly, Jungkook raced to the little dart booth. There were thirteen balloons taped to the wall and you had to pop at least 9 to get the grand prize, which was a five foot teddy bear that looked like it was about to burst at the seams. And Jungkook wanted it.

He took the first shot and missed, then took the next and missed again, and the next… and the next-

“Can I give it a try?” Taehyung asked as the omega was getting ready for his 8th shot.

Jungkook grumbled a bit, getting a bit too competitive, but he handed over the last darts to Taehyung. The alpha was probably better at it anyway-

“Want to play another round, boys?” 

Taehyung looked away, embarrassed as his last shot missed completely . None of the last darts had hit the balloons and Taehyung couldn’t believe it. He was a god at this game. He always won these games, he still had all the stuffed animals to prove it! And now he tries it and fails miserably? Ugh!

Jungkook started laughing though, feeling playful as the employee gave Taehyung another set of darts and the alpha continued to miss his shots.

“You’re making me nervous! S-Stop laughing!” Taehyung asked, his own voice wavering as he fought a laugh of his own. It was pretty sad as he watched his darts decline in number and no balloons popped on the wall. But getting to hear Jungkook laugh like a little kid was worth the few won he spent at that booth.

“I don’t think it’s fair, you were laughing at me, it distracted me!” Taehyung argued, not once letting his eyes fall from the omega who continued to laugh even though they were several booths away by now.

“Hey! I did nothing! You shouldn’t have been paying attention to me!”

Taehyung couldn’t argue there-- well, he could. Jungkook was almost impossible to ignore. It was like the omega had a little spotlight on him at all times, at least in Taehyung’s eyes. He was pretty, no doubt about it, but he was also still so mysterious. Taehyung couldn’t help but look at the omega every chance he could.

“What do you want to try next?”

Jungkook wasn’t sure. There were many things around here, like prizes and foods, but maybe if he could focus on his surroundings and not the alphas scent, then maybe that would help!

“The mirror house! We can try there,” Jungkook decided, on a whim really, but Taheyung didn’t protest. They made their way towards the place and as they passed by a food stall, Jungkook longed for a cloud of cotton candy…

“Two tickets please,” the employee asked, waiting for the alpha and omega to pay up.

Jungkook handed the tickets, eagerly pulling the alpha along and eventually bumping right into a mirror.

“I-I could have sworn that was the way,” Jungkook argued, rubbing at his forehead with a pout. It was cute and Taehyung couldn’t help but rub as well, very gently and with a soft smile on his face.

“No worries, are you okay?”

Jungkook only nodded before he continued to pull the alpha along. After about three more incidents, Taehyung decided to lead, but he bumped right into a mirror the second he stepped forward.

“Haha, are you alright?” Jungkook asked, holding Taehyung’s face close up. He was checking to see if the alpha got a bump, but everything seemed to be fine, except for the high blush resting on Taehyung’s cheeks. But it was getting pretty hot in the place.

“I-I’m fine. Do you want to just… extend our hands and walk around?” Taehyung offered, tired of bumping into things, but Jungkook seemed to be having fun.

“Sure, f-follow me though, I’ve gotten most right,” Jungkook commented, slightly sticking out his tongue to tease the alpha.

Taehyung would have never known, but Jungkook was very competitive. It was cute seeing the omega get so excited over winning a little stuffed toy, or even just a little rubber duckie from the little fishing game they did. Nothing could match the way Jungkook had smiled so brightly. And Taehyung only hoped this little outing helped the omega relax and have a good time.

“How are you feeling?”

Jungkook hummed at the question directed at him. The two were laying on the grass near the last booths in their path. They were both quite exhausted, and Jungkook still wanted that cotton candy but he didn’t have much money on him now.

“I feel… really good. I guess Kim Mang-jung was right. I-I feel like I’ve missed out on a lot in my life. I’ve never been one to notice details, but I-I have been recently. It’s been really nice,” Jungkook replied, letting out a content sigh as he stretched and let his eyes fall on the alpha who had sat up.

“If you read a few chapters of the book again, you’ll notice it’s much more than just about dreaming and falling in love, it’s about reality and dreaming colliding.”

Jungkook nodded, listening carefully to the alpha. Taehyung’s knowledge never failed to astonish Jungkook, it was one of the many things he liked about Taehyung.

“I’m glad you had fun Jungkook. Uhm, let me know when you want to do something like this again, I’m all ears. And… just know,” Taehyung began but was cut off by Jungkook’s quick hug.

It was very unexpected, but welcomed. In just a few hours, Jungkook seemed to have melted in the palm of Taehyung’s hand, as did the alpha in the omega’s own two palms.

“Thank you for today Taehyung, really. I-I had a lot of fun, and… about what I said about alphas… I-I want to trust you more, so… so just wait for me?”

Taehyung blinked several times. Was he hallucinating?

“Taehyung?”

Jungkook smiled softly as he watched the gears begin to spin in Taehyung’s head.

“R-Right! Yes, I-I’ll wait… Good night Jungkook,” Taehyung settled on, unsure of whether to drop the omega off at his apartment or here at the bus station. Jungkook had assured him that the bus station was fine, so he agreed, but as he walked to his own apartment, he couldn’t help but worry.

From: Kim Taehyung

Stay safe Jungkookie, and I’ll be sure to get you all the cotton candy you want next time! Sleep well!

Jungkook smiled softly as he arrived just outside of his apartment complex.

Kim Taehyung was just a very detailed person, nothing more. But Jungkook let himself imagine for a second, he let himself indulge in the attention.

And he had never had such a peaceful night before.

“So, how’d it go?”

Jungkook sighed as he made himself comfortable on Seokjin’s little loveseat. It was just as soft as it was last week but it was even better now that Jungkook was completely melting into it.

Taehyung’s outing last night had been one of the best nights Jungkook has had in a while. But given this, his body was sore to the heavens and he simply just wanted to rest for today. His assignments were almost done, so he let himself get a little break. Like Taehyung said, “You have to give yourself breaks, or else you’ll just end up hurting yourself”.

Jungkook understood that now. Earlier in the day he had tried to get up and get working, but his body was a minefield of sore muscles from all the walking, running, and jumping they did at the carnival.

“I-It was really fun. I think I might’ve scared him in the beginning, but who isn’t spooked by me,” Jungkook commented, his body snuggling up to the decorative pillows.

Seokjin was in the kitchen preparing them a nice cup of tea. Both Namjoon and Seokjin had been busy the week prior and had hardly had time for Jungkook.

It was expected and happened a few times while the omega was still living with the couple, but now that Jungkook could only have them around 1-2 days per week was a bit concerning to the omega.

What if his heat kicked up earlier in the month? What if he really needed to nest and his omega wasn’t satisfied with the items at his own apartment? What was he supposed to do then?

“Nonsense, I bet you he’s smitten with you,” Seokjin replied, chuckling to himself as Jungkook shook his head like a little kid.

“No one says that anymore, and besides, Taehyung is just really nice. He’s like… I don’t know. He’s always checking up on me and asking if I need help or something. He’s like… a best friend I’ve never had,” Jungkook replied, oblivious to the unamused Seokjin sitting opposite of him.

“Yeah, well, I think you should bring him over one day! I want to meet this little guy,” Seokjin teased, knowing he was pushing a few of Jungkook's buttons, but he couldn’t help it!

“I-I don’t know…”

Seokjin shook his head, “Yes you do, you’re just scared to. And that’s ok! I just think it’ll be good for you to… let some people in, even if they just dip their toe in the pool. They’ve at least tried, right?”

The eldest omegas analogies were never short of bringing a little giggle out of Jungkook. It was their purpose, but Seokjin looked kind of serious.

“Namjoon and I are here to support you in all decisions, you just have to say the word and we’re there, ok?”

Seokjin wasn’t gullible. He knew Jungkook was still worried about his own safety, and if this fear took a bit more effort to eliminate, then Seokjin would amplify the effort tenfold just for Jungkook.

“I know, I love you,” Jungkook muttered a bit shyly, burying his head further into the decorative pillows. Moments like these were the most embarrassing for him but the most relieving.

From: Kim Taehyungie

Just checking in on you :O are you also dying of soreness, or is it just me?

From: Jungkookie

Currently snuggled up on a couch

you?

From: Kim Taehyungie

Laying on the floor until it passes >:(

Sorry I made us walk around everywhere, and I also still feel bad for not getting you that cotton candy

From: Jungkookie

I had fun :P

Maybe next time

Taehyung giggled.

The big bad alpha (not his own words) giggled at his own phone as he read Jungkook’s messages.

Maybe he was a bit selfish, but knowing Jungkook had fun with him meant a lot.

From: Kim Taehyugie

As much as you’d like

Want to meet somewhere new for our next lesson?

Your choice!

Jungkook thought for a second… before chewing on his lips and typing and deleting and typing again and deleting again and typing and deleting and then ty-

From: Jungkookie

Would you mind picking me up here? It’s a friend's apartment. I'll be spending the next few days with them.

xxxx xxxxx xx

From: Kim Taehyung

I’ll meet you there pup!

Sleep tight Jungkookie 

Seokjin was practically jumping up and down as he watched Jungkook style his hair in the mirror by the front door. The younger kept on insisting that “He’s just coming over to pick me up and I’ll be back before you know it”, but something about Jungkook’s tedious preening had Seokjin doubting his words.

The two were going to go to a nearby park, and maybe even stop by a small restaurant. It wasn’t anything fancy, according to Jungkook, but Seokjin kept his opinion to himself.

Seokjin thought maybe Jungkook wasn’t ready to completely accept the fact that he was letting the alpha get closer and closer. And he understood, but couldn’t help teasing the younger.

“Oh, I think you forgot a little strand---oh yup, you got it!”

Jungkook huffed, not finding any of this funny, but he had to admit that maybe he was putting more thought into this than necessary.

“Do you think I should change? Is it too-”

Right as Jungkook was about to finish, a knock came at the door and Seokjin rushed to get the door. He kind of had to race Jungkook but still! He won and was about to look at the alpha that had Jungkook spinning about over a simple park and lunch date-

“Seokjin?”

Jungkook came up to the door, a faint blush on his cheeks as he looked at Taehyung. He was dressed in his usual vintage clothes, but he could tell he wasn’t the only one who spent more than an hour trying to look presentable-- not for a date or anything though! Hahaha.

“Y-You live here?” Taehyung repeated, his eyes wide as he looked at both omegas, one blushing and the other shocked.

“Oh my god, I can’t believe it! I thought you were still in France? What are you doing here?”

Jungkook now held a confused expression.

“You two know each other?” the young omega asked, looking back and forth between Seokjin and Taehyung.

They both held bright smiles as they rushed into a tight hug and Seokjin eventually called out Namjoon to greet the other alpha, and it was a whole other round of hugs and silly questions.

Namjoon was the first to answer Jungkook’s questions.

“Taehyungie here is a family friend of sorts. Before Seokjin and I moved out here, we used to live in Daegu. Taehyungie here was more or less my student. I sent him off to France for a year under a study abroad program, but the little rascal ended up staying there for a while,” Namjoon replied, almost like that had answered all of Jungkook’s questions, but it didn’t.

“I actually only stayed there for a couple of months after I had told you two I was staying. I ended up moving around to more rural areas. I actually only got back to South Korea about a year ago but things got really busy at the farm,” Taehyung continued, his eyes focused on the couple, and while Jungkook understood that they had many unanswered questions between them, Taehyung and he had places to be!

Seokjin was the first, and only, to notice this.

“So, you’re taking our Jungkookie out today!”

Namjoon raised a brow, unaware of any of this.

“Just a little study date, nothing more. It’s actually Jungkook’s turn to choose where to go, I’m just the driver today,” Taehyung commented, finally looking at Jungkook properly, and he smiled immediately.

“I-I wanted to go to the park near campus and maybe have lunch at the-”

“Honey Drop! Oh I love that place! Remember when we went and you had-”

“I do! I remember Namjoon had to get help from the staff because of all the dishes he ordered by accident! But, hey, at least we were fed for a whole week and a half!”

Jungkook smiled softly, feeling a bit like a child as Seokjin and Taehyung kept sharing their little stories. What more could he do but sit there and wait for the two to finish their conversation?

Jungkook knew it would be rude to cut in and end it for them, but he was really tempted to do so as soon as he noticed Namjoon reclined on the sofa, and he only ever did that if he knew he was going to be there for a while.

“Oh! W-We have a reservation f-for, uhm, H-Honey Drop and w-we gotta go like, n-now if we want to… make it, and stuff,” Jungkook finally cut in, standing up abruptly with his bag pressed against his side.

He was ready to go now.

Taehyung nodded, “I’ll bring him back here before dinner, if you guys had any plans with him-”

Seokjin nodded, because they did have plans, but was quick to stop as Jungkook shook his head.

“N-Nope! Y-You can just, uhm, drop me off at my a-apartment,” the omega blurted out, his brain to mouth filter completely messed up.

That was not in his plans, at all. Jungkook didn’t need some alpha to know his apartment address. He didn’t want any alpha to invade his personal space, be it the door to his apartment or even the mere thought of his apartment address.

But here he was, practically inviting Taehyung, an alpha, to his apartment. And Seokjin looked like he was about to pass out.

From what? Jungkook wasn’t too sure. But he was sure about what was about to make him pass out.

Taehyung’s smile.

“Sure, whatever you want. So, should we get going?”

Jungkook nodded, not bothering to check himself in the mirror again as he practically rushed out of the couples apartment.

Namjoon and Seokjin merely shook their heads in a teasing manner as they let the two run along.

“So, you know Seokjin and Namjoon?”

“You know Seokjin and Namjoon?”

The two had spoken at the same time, as soon as they had settled into the car and they were off on their way to the park.

Taehyung chuckled a bit, his eyes happy as he smiled.

“I do. My parents own a farm back in Daegu, and when I turned 15 we got new neighbors just down the road. It was Seokjin and Namjoon. Namjoon at that time was my teacher, literature teacher to be exact, and Seokjin mostly spent his time cooking for the elderly around the village.

He loved to exchange recipes with my mother, and that’s how we got closer. Eventually, like Namjoon said, I left Daegu and went to France for a while. I haven't reached out to any of my other friends either. Life here moves quickly and… I don’t know, I feel like I don’t have any time at all to reach out to everyone.”

Jungkook nodded, completely understanding the alpha. But he felt it was a bit ironic to what the alpha had told him a few weeks ago. He hadn’t contacted his parents either, for almost three years now, but he wasn’t really close to his family. Taehyung seemed to be quite close to his mother.

“And you? How did you meet them?”

The two were just arriving at the park, and Jungkook wasn’t sure if he wanted to spill everything just like Taehyung had moments earlier. What more was there to the story than a helpless omega looking for any shelter?

“I… I needed help for a while, to get on my own feet, and Seokjin and Namjoon offered to take me in for a while,” Jungkook replied, a bit unsure of what he wanted to share, but it was only fair he gave at least a big picture.

“I’m glad they were there for you,” Taehyung replied, a small smile playing on his lips. It wasn’t forced and it wasn’t full of pity, and Jungkook was more than happy to smile back at him and nod.

“T-They really were.”

The rest of the ride was quiet, but it was calming. They didn’t feel the need to speak and the two naturally glanced at each other every so often to catch each other smiling softly.

That was until Taehyung spoke up as they parked near the park.

“You do know Honey Drop doesn’t do reservations, right?”

Jungkook sputtered, already having forgotten about what he had blurted out earlier. It was embarrassing, very immature of him.

“I-I know,” Jungkook replied, cheeks blazing with a blush. He kept his head down, knowing the alpha would continue to tease him, but it never came.

Instead, a big, warm smile greeted him the second he looked up.

“Don’t be embarrassed, please, it was cute. You know I like spending my time with you,” Taehyung said, his eyes once again soft and just like melted chocolate.

“I-I know b-but still-”

Taehyung shook his head, not letting the omega continue. He wasn’t going to let the omega overthink and become stressed on their time out.

Instead of speaking, Taehyung simply grabbed onto Jungkook’s hand gently, pulling the omega towards a large tree that held a perfect shady spot for them.

“I’ll run and get some tea. I saw a little stand nearby. I’ll be right back,” Taehyung announced, reluctantly letting go of the omegas hand.

It was like holding flower petals. Flower petals were delicate but could no doubt survive a heavy storm and all other natural odds against them. Jungkook was the same. He was a rose currently melting off all the ice that had blocked the sun. At least that’s the way Taehyung saw it.

On his lap laid a crisp and lovely scented book. The page was begging to be turned over, but Jungkook couldn't help but edge himself as he read the paragraph over and over again to make sure he didn't miss a thing. The characters were about to confess to each other. They were finally going to break free of the cycle they had nestled themselves in. All they needed was a little flip of the page from Jungkook to finally meet their destiny-

"They didn't confess! T-They didn't even mention it! W-Why?!"

Taehyung smiled to himself softly, "Maybe that wasn't the best book to let you borrow-"

"Do they not get together?!" Jungkook was a bit hysterical by this point. He had become too invested in the lives of the characters. They had been prancing around each other from the very beginning. There was no way they weren't fated mates. They just had to get together.

"Well, yes, they do but-"

That was all Jungkook needed to grab his tea and sip eagerly as he continued to read. Taehyung chuckled as he watched the omega fondly.

Taehyung sat next to Jungkook and pulled his phone out, ignoring the way his hand was yearning to brush through the omegas soft chocolate hair-- I mean-

"I didn't peg you for a romantic. But I can see why you like this story a lot," Jungkook chirped up, his eyes still glued to the 300th page.

"Hm, that's shocking. Everyone always says I'm too much of a romantic. I think I got it from my dad. Why do you think it's my favorite story?" Taehyung replied, letting his body rest against the tree bark. Jungkook giggled as he read the next line.

"I really like Yejoon. I think you like him too for his caring nature," Jungkook replied, not yet giving his real answer.

Taehyung nodded, pointing out that, yes, he did in fact like Yejoon's gentle and caring nature.

"This story seems like the one you could finish reading snuggled up in bed. I think that's why you like it. It makes one have... hope of a beautiful romance..." Jungkook followed, his eyes still glued to the page. But he was no longer reading. Although his head was cast down, he couldn't help but shift his eyes to the alphas hand tapping on his thigh.

Jungkook loved Taehyung's hands. They were large and a bit rough, but so warm and safe.

"I think you also like Minsun. She... is the perfect omega. A proper, well educated, and very loving person. I wish... Well was I right? I bet you'd love someone like her for a mate... who wouldn't," Jungkook muttered his last words, wary of the way his voice.

Taehyung hummed, watching the other with caring but saddened eyes.

"Well I surely wouldn't want a rude mate, you got that right, but I wouldn't necessarily go for someone so prim and proper. I mean, look at me, I'm none of that, so I'd like someone who is on my playing field. Does it make sense?"

Jungkook looked up and noticed the alphas radiant smile.

Yeah, it did make sense. Taehyung was always so... Taehyung .

"And you?"

Jungkook looked down, his eyes scanning the page but blind to the words.

The slope of Taehyung's nose was far too perfect.

"Me?"

Taehyung chuckled, taking the last sip of his tea and placing the cup down.

"Who's your ideal mate?"

Jungkook choked at the question. I mean, he did ask that question himself, but Taehyung was too bold for him sometimes.

"I-I... well I don't know... I don't really think there's anyone out there for me so... anyone would do, I guess."

Taehyung frowned at his answer. It seemed like Taehyung had gotten everything backwards.

"I think you deserve a bit better than that. I'm sure there's someone out there, maybe even closer than you think!"

Jungkook shook his head, not feeling like following after Taehyung's soft chuckle.

"No, I think... I'm all out of love... I don't think it even exists..."

"Nonsense. I'll show you."

Jungkook whipped his head to the side, eyes wide as he noticed the single red rose extended towards him.

"I picked this up on the way. I normally buy a few to put in my room, but I want you to have this one," Taehyung replied, eyes innocent and happy.

Jungkook wasn't sure of what to do.

Was the alpha courting him ?

Why would he do that?

"Come on, take it. It's pretty right?"

Jungkook nodded, feeling a bit silly at the warmth that began to climb up his being. 

"Well, if you can tel

l it's pretty, then you must also see how much love it's received from those who took care of it. So, therefore, love is real, right? And if this little rose can receive it, then I'm sure this flower here can too," Taehyung continued, gently pressing his hand against Jungkook's cheek.

Wide eyes met the alphas own calm gaze.

“W-What?” Jungkook asked, his cheeks bright and furiously red.

Taehyung huffed playfully, a smile still playing on his lips.

“I feel like you don’t give yourself enough credit, Jungkook. You’re… amazing and you don’t even realize it. You deserve much more than ‘just anyone’, just like this rose deserves more than just sunlight and water. Have you ever heard of people singing to their flowers?”

Jungkook was a bit lost, but he nodded, not trusting his voice to reply.

“You can let someone sing to you. That way you’ll know what real love is, at least that’s what my mother used to say,” the alpha finished, his smile still present as he dropped his hand from Jungkook’s cheek and instead grabbed onto the omega's hands.

His hold was the epitome of gentleness, and Jungkook wanted nothing more but to melt and lean into the touch, so he did so. Taehyung was a bit thrown off as he felt the omegas body weight shift onto his hands, but he held him a bit closer.

“Have you ever been sung to?”

Jungkook shook his head softly.

“One day you will, I promise,” Taehyung replied, his own scent wrapping them up in a blanket of calmness as Jungkook nodded and let the alpha pull him even closer.

Jungkook wasn’t sitting on Taehyung’s lap, but he might as well be. Although the day was rather warm, it felt better being near the alpha than away, and Jungkook was grasping at straws to understand why.

Why, for example, he felt a familiar shock of ease practically pralyze him as Taehyung let Jungkook’s head rest on his shoulder as they finished both of their books. Their scents were practically mingling with each other because of their proximity and Jungkook couldn’t get his mind off of the idea.

Again, he wasn’t someone affected by scents but just the thought of Taehyung’s milk and honey scent had his head spinning round and round.

Jungkook wanted to know why he was already so fascinated with Taehyung. They’ve only known each other for a few months, but knowing that Taehyung knew Seokjin and Namjoon made the omega feel even closer to the alpha.

If Seokjin and Namjoon were practically family friends, then surely Taehyung was about as safe as can be. 

That thought was more than enough to push Jungkook over the edge, especially the act of gently brushing hands with Taehyung’s own as they walked towards the restaurant.

“Reservation for Jeon Jungkook,” Taehyung spoke as they passed through the door.

Jungkook playfully smacked the alphas shoulder, hiding a chuckle as he turned away and instead looked around.

It was pretty empty, except for a few couples that had on lovesick expressions.

And then Jungkook saw a sign that read “Couples Night”.

Oh-

“Today is Couples Night, by the way, would you two be interested in our discount?”

Jungkook looked down, his cheeks burning as Taehyung softly shook his head.

The alpha was going to say yes, just to tease the omega, but he wasn’t sure if the omega would enjoy that too much.

“We’re ok, but thank you.”

Jungkook couldn’t help but feel his chest waver. Why did it matter?

There it goes again-- the “why”.

Why was looking at Taehyung from across the table difficult? Why only then?

Was it perhaps the other couples feeding each other and giggling high off ‘love’?

“Do you want to go somewhere else or-”

“N-No! It’s fine, I-I’m fine. It’s just… nevermind,” Jungkook replied, placing his hands on his lap as the waiter poured out their drinks.

“I want to know though! Want me to feed you?” Taehyung pouted, much like a child, and Jungkook his head furiously.

“N-NO!”

Taehyung laughed, smiling to the heavens as he watched Jungkook nervously keep his eye on the table. Jungkook was simply being polite, besides, he didn’t want to look at couples being disgustingly domestic, but he did want Taehyung to feed him…

And Taehyung was all about the details, he would no doubt make it worth his while.

“S-Stop,” Jungkook whined, still hiding his face on his shoulder.

“Alright, I’ll stop, but only because the food is here,” Taehyung replied, half-lying because in all honesty, Jungkook’s pout was killer and that was his true reason.

The food was great, just what Jungkook needed after an active day, but their time together seemed to end far too soon. Suddenly Jungkook was standing in front of his apartment entrance, and Taehyung was placing the rose from the park in the pocket of his jacket.

“Don’t forget this. I had a lot of fun,” Taehyung spoke, tightening the strings of Jungkook’s jacket. His touch was once again gentle and Jungkook leaned into it.

“M-Me too. I can’t believe it’s already night,” Jungkook replied, his voice quiet as he managed to look at Taehyung directly.

The alpha's eyes were rather soft, almost a faint shade of red, but Jungkook was sure it was a trick of the light.

And Taehyung thought the same as he watched Jungkook blink under the dim light of the streets.

“I’ll see you tomorrow then?”

Jungkook nodded, lip tucking under his teeth as he grinned softly.

“Ah, what am I gonna do?” Taehyung unexpectedly replied, throwing Jungkook off but completely swept him off the floor as the alpha leaned forward and said good night.

A firm press of the alphas lips against his forehead was, as Jungkook just found out, fatal.

“Good night, sleep tight,” Taehyung practically whispered, his scent sweet and warm.

Jungkook wasn’t sure how he was going to survive this, or if he already reached heaven.

No text.

Jungkook was slightly panicking…

Taehyung always texted him at night or in the morning, about anything really.

But as soon as Jungkook had untangled himself from the sheets on his bed and calmed his furious blush, he noticed there was no pending text for him from a certain alpha.

A week had passed since their night out, when Taehyung had kissed Jungkook.

Well, he didn’t kiss-kiss Jungkook, but that was how the omega remembered it…

They had seen each other the next day as promised, but after, Jungkook kind of got a bit… weird?

Jungkook knew his heat was coming soon, but he was getting similar symptoms when around Taehyung… which was odd, because no other alpha had that kind of effect on Jungkook and his heat cycle.

He felt rather possessive of all of his things, even if he lived alone. Seokjin and Namjoon had gone out of the city for a little vacation too so Jungkook had their apartment all to himself too, if he wanted.

And then today, right now, Jungkook was pouting at his phone, waiting for Taehyung to text him. But there was no new notification.

They parted ways perfectly fine yesterday. The two had gone out on a little food adventure. Taehyung picked a main course place and Jungkook chose dessert. They had stuffed their faces and nearly fallen asleep on their way to Jungkook’s apartment. And right before Taehyung left, the alpha placed another soft kiss right on Jungkook’s cheek this time.

So why was there no text from Taehyung? Was the alpha perhaps still asleep? But it was noon now… A class? It was Friday though, Taehyung didn’t have any classes today…

Did Taehyung maybe not want to hang out with him anymore?

Jungkook scoffed softly at himself as he thought of that reason.

I mean, it wasn’t even that big of a deal. So what if Taehyung didn’t check up on him?

Jungkook was a big boy, a very strong omega…

But he loved Taehyung’s attention.

Four hours later and still no text. But Jungkook had the next best thing, even better! (not really)

A nest. Jungkook knew now he was screwed. His heat was approaching, if not already here.

His nest wasn’t the best, but in retrospect, it represented his dilemma.

Seokjin and Namjoon were nowhere near, and he couldn’t possibly disturb their vacation time.

Taehyung hadn’t texted him yet, and ok, maybe Jungkook could text first but… no!

He didn’t need the alpha. Pshh, not at all.

But his body was beginning to cave in. And Jungkook couldn’t do much but curl inwards, holding himself tightly as he wished another set of arms would replace his own.

Taehyung was his best choice, his only choice. But he was a choice nonetheless. Jungkook didn’t need Taehyung, he wanted Taehyung there with him.

That alone scared Jungkook, but it didn’t stop him from reaching his phone and dialing the contact name with a little bear emoji.

“Jungkook, what’s up?”

Taehyung was lounging on his sofa when he answered Jungkook’s call. His body immediately lit up. All day he had tried his best to resist contacting the omega.

It wasn’t some form of punishment, on either end.

Taehyung had actually noticed the omega’s change in demeanor. He was rather clingy, and while they both naturally were to each other, Taehyung could also tell from his scent that his heat was near.

And although he wanted to be selfish and let the omega use him as a grounding scent, he knew his poor heart wouldn’t be able to deal with the post-heat omega not clinging onto him. So he decided to let the omega deal with it with him being a minor obstacle, preferably not an obstacle at all.

But here he was, answering Jungkook’s call, and the hoarse voice that replied made his skin prick with worry.

“T-Taehyungie, I-I need help,” Jungkook muttered, his head pounding as he tried to turn and snuggle deeper into his nest.

No matter how many times he piled more things onto himself, the nest was still cold and terribly missing something: Taehyung.

He needed Taehyung. He wanted Taehyung.

“Pup, what’s wrong?” Taehyung replied, sitting up and already heading towards the door with his keys in hand. Jungkook needed him. And he was almost certain it wasn’t just the omega’s clouded mind speaking.

Jungkook even whined at the endearing term, it only made him spiral further into whatever he was feeling: loneliness. He needed someone, Taehyung, to hold him and call him that again. He needed it.

“I-I’m on my way ok? I’ll be right over, can you wait for me?”

The alphas soft voice made Jungkook nearly burst into tears. He let a tiny cry escape but he bit it back and took in a deep breath.

“Y-Yes, please hurry.”

Taehyung was heaving as he ran up the complex stairs. He read Jungkook’s text over and over again.

From: Jungkookie

Apt 215, code 1603

Taehyung just had to go through one more set of stairs and he would be there. He practically flew through the hallway and pushed the code in. He could hear the omega sobbing.

“Jungkook! I’m here, I’m here pup,” Taehyung called out the second he burst into the apartment and found the omega curled inside of a large nest situated in the living room.

Jungkook’s cheeks were stained with tears and his hair was disheveled. His eyes were puffy, lips sore from biting on them too hard.

Jungkook’s heats weren’t normally this harsh. All he needed during his heat were cuddles and a pretty nest. He didn’t need any sexual release, not after Jeehan tainted his skin and his very being with words and touches that felt like a thousand pins and needles. His heats weren’t this painful. The last time he remembers his heats being this painful was his very first.

“Jungkook, what can I do?” Taehyung asked frantically, unsure if he should even be near the omega. His face was contorted in pain, like he was being burned alive. And Jungkook felt just like that.

His body was unnaturally warm, his hands were clenching around his pillow, and his teeth were clamped onto his bottom lip. He kept getting waves of nausea and excruciating pain around his entire body. It almost felt like his whole world was being turned inside out and upside down all at the same time.

“Jungkook, please. Do I-I need to call for help or-”

Jungkook finally let out a noise other than cries, and Taehyung fell to his knees next to the omega.

“I-I just need you, please, i-in here,” Jungkook spoke quietly, gesturing towards his nest.

Now Taehyung felt like his world was being turned upside down. He had never been inside an omega’s nest, he knew how precious and practically sacred they were. He had never even been asked to become part of one. Jungkook’s words were like a key to a door Taehyung never even knew he had. And what was behind that door left both of them speechless.

Taehyung was quick to gently lay down next to the omega, and without a word, he reached out and let his arms wrap around Jungkook’s shaking frame. He was like a leaf in the wind, floating aimlessly, but Taehyung had somehow grabbed a hold on him. And with his hold came a wave of a sweet milk and honey scent Jungkook loved.

The alphas scent alone calmed a fraction of Jungkook’s shocking waves of pain, but Taehyung’s warmth made it all better. Taehyung was like a portable heater most of the time, but Jungkook had never really noticed it before. Jungkook could only hold on tighter and bask in the temporary relief Taehyung provided.

“T-Tae, can you… can you please…”

Without need for more words, Taehyung helped the omega roll completely on top of him. Jungkook’s head was now resting just below his chin, and his hands were fisting at the alphas shirt, legs tangled and holding them together.

“Are you feeling any better?” Taehyung whispered, a few minutes after their sudden shift.

Jungkook was a bit more conscious now, his body still trembling every so often with ripples of blunt pain. Taehyung always rubbed at the small of his back when he could.

“Yes, b-but I still can’t… I can’t…” Jungkook muttered, afraid to ask for what he desperately wanted.

“Is it something you need? I can go-”

“No! Y-You can’t l-leave me here, p-please.”

Taehyung raised his brows, almost frowning at the death grip Jungkook now had on him.

“Pup, I’m not going anywhere if you don’t want me to, I promise. But I want to know if you need something, anything,” Taehyung replied, his voice soft as he spoke into the omegas hair.

Jungkook shivered at the warm breath, snuggling closer to the alpha.

Well, it was now or never.

“I-It’s not s-something I need, it’s something I-I want ,” Jungkook said, his heart beating rapidly as he thought things through in his mind.

What if it was something Taehyung didn’t want?

“You can tell me Jungkook. I’ll do my best to get whatever you need or want, just say the word and I’ll be there,” Taehyung replied, letting his hands settle on either side of Jungkook’s face the moment the omega sat up gently.

Jungkook looked troubled and Taehyung wanted nothing more but to hold him close and reassure him.

Taehyung was always so selfless. Jungkook didn’t know how, or why he was even fortunate enough to have an alpha like Taehyung by his side all the time, but especially in this moment. He felt childish for his jealous and oblivious self. Of course Taehyung was his first thought the second his godforsaken heat dropped unexpectedly. It wasn’t because he was an alpha-- it was because Taehyung was Taehyung , Kim Taehyung to be exact.

So Jungkook held his head up, but closed his eyes, as he spoke.

“Can you… please, scent m-me?”

A deep rumble began to form in Taehyung’s ches, almost as though he were a cat purring. Jungkook laid his head back down and stilled, waiting for the alphas answer.

And the gears were barely turning in Taehyung’s brain.

Jungkook had asked him to scent him?

Impossible.

It was a prank, right?

I mean, it had to be a prank…

But Jungkook was still lying quietly, his hands busying themselves on the hem of Taehyung’s shirt as he waited.

“Y-You want me to scent you?” Taehyung whispered, slightly squeezing the omega closer.

At the soft movement, Jungkook relaxed and continued to let himself melt against the alpha.

“O-Only if you want to. I-I understand if y-you don’t w-want to-”

“No! I-I mean, yes! I-I want to, but I’m just… I want to make sure it’s what you really want,” Taehyung replied, panicking as his rushed reply let off the wrong message.

He would be a fool to reject Jungkook’s request, but he had to make sure for the sake of his own heart, no matter how selfish it sounded.

“I do Tae, I-I just… I’ve never been scented i-in my nest…”

Taehyung was about to pass out.

“What do you mean?”

Jungkook bit his lip.

“M-My ex… he… my heats were never a-about me, t-they were about h-him a-and I had t-to,” Jungkook couldn’t continue. He was far too vulnerable, and even thinking about Jeehan made his skin crawl.

Taehyung could tell, and before Jungkook could continue, he brought the omegas head closer to his and met eye to eye.

“You don’t have to tell me anything. I’ll be here if you need someone to listen, but I won’t ever pry, ok? I just want you to be safe, happy, and I would do anything for you, ok?”

Jungkook nodded, letting himself lean forward, and carefully, his pink lips left a kiss on the alphas cheek. It was warm, loving almost, and Taehyung took a leap.

He carefully lined the omegas neck with his nose, gliding gently along every contour. Jungkook let his head fall back, his arms circling the alphas shoulders to pull him closer. Jungkook didn’t even notice when Taehyung had sat them both up and he was now straddling the alphas lap.

It was completely innocent, and the amount of euphoric feelings that were clouding Jungkook’s mind were enough to classify him high. Taehyung lingered in certain areas, breathing deeply and softly, hibiscus and brown sugar surrounding him in a warm blanket. It was shellshock, the moment he felt Jungkook begin to scent him .

Jungkook began at the base of Taehyung’s neck and followed up to the alphas temple, letting his hands roam the expanse of the alpha’s back. His touches weren’t rushed, his scent was at ease and content, his omega was on cloud nine.

And then they paused to take in a little break, and the two widened their eyes.

They both looked like a mess. Jungkook had his bed hair and his eyes were blown out, a pretty blue contrasting his dark lashes. Taehyung wasn’t any better. His cheeks were bright red along with his eyes, his hair and shirt disheveled.

A small chuckle left the both of them before they practically dove back in, this time a bit more rushed. If they were walking before, now they were taking a nice jog, every once in a while taking turns to sprint for just a second or two.

“J-Jungkook I-I think we should stop,” Taehyung muttered, not stopping to speak though.

Jungkook thought it was smart to listen to him, because if he didn’t stop he was sure something else would happen. Something that could really tip everything.

But he didn’t stop either, he didn’t want to stop.

“J-Just a little longer, p-please?”

Taehyung was weak.

One last gentle nudge and the two held their breaths as they agreed on one thing.

And lips met with a kiss.

A kiss with the touch of a butterfly, completely innocent and yet so igniting.

Jungkook was the first to tilt his head to the side, his hands coming up to cup the alphas cheek. Taehyung followed, his hands coming down to rest on the omegas waist. His touch was like sparks. Taehyung squeezed at the omegas waist for a second, letting the alpha pull back.

“J-Jungkook, are you sure-”

The omega didn’t have to hear the question. He was sure of Taehyung. He was sure of this.

Lips met lips again, and Taehyung only hoped his heart wouldn’t break from the pressure building in his chest.

Jungkook was going to be the death of him.

The two were now holding each other's faces, taking in deep breaths as they lingered in certain areas that smelled like the both of them combined. It was heavenly, and they were slowly drifting into a peaceful nap, both practically intoxicated with each other's mere existence.

“He said you two would talk later?”

Jungkook nodded, his head laying on Seokjin’s dinner table. The omega had gotten at the couple’s apartment the moment they announced their return.

“But he hasn’t called or texted you and it’s been a day-”

“Two days,” Jungkook corrected, saging further into himself.

“Jungkook, these things take time-”

“I-I know, but… a heads up would be nice. I-I feel like I ruined everything! W-What if I just made him act that way because of my heat and-”

Seokjin shook his head, “You did not Jungkook. Taehyung isn’t some teenage boy. He’s an adult, he knew what he was doing, as did you.”

Although that was true, Jungkook couldn’t help but feel like he took advantage of the alpha. And Taehyung’s lack of communication was proof of that. Clearly the alpha didn’t want to speak to him.

But Taehyung was tucked into his bed with a heavy head. His thoughts were a mess.

He kept on replaying everything; Jungkook’s eyes, the subtle touches, the silent communication. Taehyung was going mad. It wasn’t that he didn’t trust Jungkook’s word, but when they woke up from the nap and Taheyung had to say goodbye, they were confused as to what to do.

Taehyung on one hand wanted Jungkook, completely. But on the other hand, he wasn’t sure if that's what Jungkook wanted. What if his heat had clouded his judgement? What if, now that a few days has passed, Jungkook didn’t want him anymore? What if he made a fool of himself whispering “I like you, Jungkookie” to a half-asleep omega in the morning?

And Jungkook was no better. When he heard these words, he knew Taehyung liked him. And he knew he wanted to like the alpha back. He felt a need to understand the alpha, to get to know him more, to be able to hold him like he did days ago.

Jungkook had terrible people pleasing habits and he knew when he succumbed to them. Not once did he feel that way when he spent the afternoon scenting Taehyung and holding him close to his heart.

Jungkook knew what he wanted.

Taehyung knew what he wanted.

They just had to talk . And Namjoon was the only one who saw this.

Jungkook was still recovering from his heat and Namjoon was this afternoon’s portable heater for Jungkook.

“Kookie, I think you should just talk. Taehyung isn’t one to do these things, he must be grasping for answers as well, just like you. Both of you are pretty stubborn though.”

Jungkook curled into himself a bit more, letting his head rest on the alphas shoulder.

“If you don’t want to call him, then I will-”

“But Joonie!”

Namjoon was already dialing, and just as he was about to call, Jungkook shouted.

“Ok! I-I’ll talk to him!”

Seokjin then walked into the living room.

“Great, cause I invited him over for dinner tonight,” the omega said, smiling at Jungkook’s shocked face.

“W-What?!”

“Taehyung, come in!”

Jungkook stood in the kitchen, trembling like a leaf when he heard Taehyung greeting.

He felt this was too soon, but also not soon enough. All he wanted was to hold Taehyung close, that was all.

“Sorry I haven’t called or anything. I’ve had… an eventful week,” Taehyung confessed, not sure if Jungkook had already spoken with them.

“Jungkook told us.”

So he did.

“O-Oh, t-that’s-”

“And we support you two, but you gotta talk to him Tae,” Namjoon said, cutting the other alpha off.

Taehyung knew they were right, but he didn’t know how to reach out again. Every time he tried to, he would cower away in fear he would get hurt.

“I want to, but I’m scared,” Taehyung replied, his own heart shaking in his chest.

“W-Why are you scared?”

The terror that struck Taehyung was earth shattering. One second he was looking down at his feet under the couple’s gaze and the next Jungkook was standing next to him, wide eyed and worried.

“J-Jungkkook? I-I’m sorry I just-”

“Why are you scared?” Jungkook repeated, his voice still quiet.

Seokjin and Namjoon had already walked off, giving the two some space.

Taehyung looked down, almost as though he were ashamed of himself.

“Jungkook, I’m sorry I disappeared like that. I wanted to talk but every time I tried to I just…”

Jungkook furrowed his brows, waiting for the alpha to continue.

“I’m scared you’ll reject me.”

The words were spoken so softly, Jungkook wasn’t even sure he heard the alpha right.

Who in their right mind would reject Kim Taehyung?

He couldn’t believe it.

“I t-thought you were rejecting me ,” Jungkook replied, his wide eyes flashing a brilliant blue.

Taehyung’s did the same.

“W-Why would I ever?” Taehyung whispered, tilting his head to the side.

There was no way, not even in another lifetime, that Taehyung would reject someone as gentle and loving as Jungkook. If he had to, Taehyung would travel centuries to find Jungkook, just so he could feel what it’s like to fall for someone so easily and so unconditionally.

“W-Well, why would I ever too?”

Jungkook was tired of waiting. He just wanted Taehyung’s arms wrapped around him now .

“Y-You’ve been nothing but kind and patient with me. No one has ever taken their time to learn me, to go at my pace, and you met me at every point, reassuring me and cheering me on.

Taehyung, I was a mess two years ago, even more than that. I-I was being abused left and right.  When I got here with Seokjin and Namjoon I-I never wanted anything to do with alphas or l-love or anything. I just wanted to live . B-But then you came with your dumb jokes and y-your dumb smile and I-I couldn’t just sit there and not -”

Taehyung stopped the omega, pulling him in slowly and wrapping his arms around his frame.

“You don’t have to say anymore Jungkook, not until you’re ready. I meant it, I’ll wait however long.”

The alpha knew Jungkook wasn’t quite ready to spill everything on what had happened a few years ago, he could tell by the way the omega clenched his fist and bounced his leg.

Jungkook wasn’t ready for that, but he was ready to let Taehyung in.

“P-Please just hold me,” Jungkook whimpered out, a single tear rolling down his cheek as he felt Taehyung’s hammering heart against his own chest.

At last they were together, and they could both still smell each other on their persons.

“I-I like you too Taehyung, I want to know more about you. I want to hold your hand when I want and-- and I want to kiss you when I want,” Jungkook confessed, his cheeks bright red and his heart thumping against his chest.

Taehyung brought his nose to the omegas scent gland, kissing it with a feather-like touch and then brought his lips to Jungkook’s own. 

They kissed like they had before, and Jungkook was just as dazed.

“You can always do that,” Taehyung replied, letting himself plant another kiss onto the omegas temple.

And if dinner was left cold on the table, Seokjin and Namjoon shrugged it off, smiling as they heard the front door close and the inevitable texts waiting for them tomorrow.

Now cuddled against each other on Jungkook’s couch, Taehyung ran his fingers along the span of Jungkook’s back. His movement wasn’t rushed, in fact Jungkook felt like the alpha was just trying to lull him to sleep, and it was working. But they still had so much to talk about.

But there is so much time to do so.

“We’ll take it at your own pace pup, no matter what.”

That was what Taehyung had said and Jungkook was more than grateful to have a say. Taehyung had reassured him that he should always have that say, and Jungkook was still learning but with Taehyung’s help, everything was coming together.

“You can always lean on me,” Taehyung mentioned one day, and Jungkook did just that. They spent that day cuddled up in bed and that alone had healed Jungkook’s terrible day.

Being with Taehyung was something new.

Jungkook wanted to wake up feeling Taehyung’s warm touch every second of his day. Taehyung was no better, he wanted Jungkook’s smile to shine brighter every passing day.

And Taehyung promised to never let that shine dim. Not as long as Jungkook would have him.

A chance encounter had brought them together, and Jungkook wasn’t going to ever let go, neither was Taehyung.