i. sparks

If anybody told Jungkook six months ago that he would be waking up to the view of the highest point in Seoul, then he would probably call them crazy and laugh because he was barely getting by with his life. He was a month behind his rent and had gotten into a minor accident that caused his feet to be in a cast for a week which in turn, made him unable to attend his lectures and clinical practices. As if that wasn’t enough, he was on the brink of losing his scholarship when he failed to meet the required grades on a specific subject.

It definitely did not look good for Jungkook then.

But then, he met Yoongi.

“Good morning, baby highness,” A deep voice that always seemed to reach his core greeted him from behind, making him smile especially when he felt warm, strong hands wrap around his waist. “You should’ve slept in today.”

Jungkook turned around and melted into Yoongi’s touch, humming softly as he hugged the older back. “When did you arrive, hyung?”

“Probably half an hour ago.”

“Missed you.”

Yoongi’s chest rumbled with a low chuckle, his fond hand running slowly on Jungkook’s back. He was taller than Yoongi, but he never failed to make himself small enough to fit the crevices that they had. “I missed you, too,” Yoongi replied.

“Can we cuddle?” Jungkook asked as he tucked his head on Yoongi’s neck, taking in the familiar clean cotton and coffee scent that always reminded him of gentle mornings. Just like this.

“Of course.”

It was just a couple of feet away, Jungkook’s bed to the balcony of the penthouse. The blanket was still unmade after Jungkook opted to soak in the sunshine after hours of missing it in the hospital.

“Do you want me to scent your bed later?” Yoongi asked, his voice thoughtful while he and Jungkook climbed the bed.

The idea made Jungkook smile, already eager for it. It wasn’t that Yoongi wasn’t generous in scenting him and his things, it was the fact that scenting was a big deal that they only allowed a couple of weeks ago. There was still a flustering warmth that ran through Jungkook’s face whenever he thought of having Yoongi’s scent on him.

“Yes,” Jungkook replied when they both settled in bed, facing Yoongi and waiting for him to hold Jungkook. “Thank you, hyung.”

Yoongi only smiled before reaching out to take Jungkook’s hand and planting a kiss on it. And it was nice, having Yoongi like this—having something like this . Because six months ago, Jungkook would have never thought that he would feel safe, happy .

Six months ago, Jungkook would’ve spent his time in bed crying, the pain in his chest only easing when he wasn’t alone.

Six months ago, he wouldn’t even have thought that he would get by, all his fears would disappear like smoke.

Because six months ago, he didn’t have the soft eyes that watched him with so much gentleness; didn’t have someone who held him with so much care in their touch. Jungkook still didn’t have Yoongi in his life.

He smiled, running his fingertips on Yoongi’s skin, drawing shapes and stars and dreams on it. He could stay like this. In Yoongi’s arms, with his touches like warm sunshine, delicate and soft.

Jungkook sighed, melting to the older. He was glad, so glad for this moment; so happy for the day he met Yoongi. He could still even remember it. Like he knew it was a moment that changed his life. It really did.

The sun peeked behind heavy clouds that day, slowly chasing away the rain that tempted to fall. It has been going for a while like that, but Jungkook thought it was better. They would be at a disadvantage if the sky decided to fall.

Jungkook stretched his hand, throwing a glance at his side where some of their patients that were strong enough sat, their hands holding banners with their team’s name and encouragement that made him smile. Taehyung must have suggested it to the children after getting their clearances to go.

It was great, seeing them. After all, this game was for them.

He took a deep breath, raising his leg and minding his form. His hold on the ball was tight as he got ready with all his strength to throw it as hard as he could. They were at the winning point. They could do this.

Jungkook pitched the ball.

Everything was fast yet seemed so slow. Jungkook saw how the ball curved slightly but reached the other end quickly—so quick that the batter didn’t even realize the speed of Jungkook’s throw until the ball reached him.

Cheers erupted.

“Jungkook!” Jimin came running to him, tackling his breath out with a large grin. “We won!”

They did. He felt floating.

“We did,” There was laughter on Jungkook’s lips when he reciprocated Jimin’s hug, their hands welcoming the pats and high-fives of their teammates and opponents. “We won, hyung.”

The match wasn’t really a big game. It was just a fundraiser, a charity game made possible with the help of a professional baseball team that chose their hospital to donate to. They didn’t need to give their all, but how could not Jungkook give his best when this was for the kids? When the children loved being here, out of the hospital, maybe finally feeling normal after being in bed with various needles and tubes stuck in their skin.

Jungkook just couldn’t do it and not give his patients a normal day on the baseball field. And if running around and catching his breath was all it needed then he’d do it all over again.

“Jimin,” An unfamiliar voice called behind him and Jimin, making them stop on their way to the bleachers where Taehyung and their other classmates waited with the children. “That was a good game.”

Usually, Jungkook wouldn’t linger when someone was having a conversation that doesn’t include him. But he couldn’t help it, stopping at the scent that seemed to attack his senses. It was a gentle scent, cottony with a hint of coffee but somehow, it hit Jungkook like a wave, strong and drowning.

An alpha.

“Hey, hyung!” Jimin greeted back while he approached the person. “Glad you could make it!”

“Work was hell, so I had to run,” the alpha replied, eyes flickering to Jungkook and rooting him to the spot. He didn’t want to blame his subgender for reacting, but there was something… intense in the alpha. Like he had this power to make everything follow or tremble in fear. “I’m glad I made it, though.”

It was unusual for Jungkook to be like this, especially with an alpha he had never met before. Sure, he was an omega—an unmated one on that. But being in the medical field has made him desensitized to subgenders, having trained to treat them all fairly. So he couldn’t understand why he just stood there, taking in everything that he could from the alpha.

“Ah, hyung, this is Jungkook,” Jimin nudged him slightly to steal his attention. There was a mischievous look in his eyes when their gaze met, but Jungkook couldn’t say anything. “Jungkook, this is Yoongi hyung. He’s Seokjin hyung’s friend.”

“Oh,” Jungkook mumbled, though he felt the air stolen from his lungs when Yoongi offered his hand for a shake. “Uhm. Nice meeting you, Yoongi-ssi.”

“He was also the one I was trying to set you up with but you keep saying you’re too busy,” Jimin suddenly added with a giggle, making Jungkook look at him with eyes wide in horror.

That was a long time ago, around the time when he barely had time to study while doing his part-time job. Jimin and Taehyung saw him suffer, so they kept teasing him to look for a sugar daddy, and they knew someone perfect for it. Of course, Jungkook wouldn’t assume it was for real!

“Park Jimin!” Jungkook tried to hush his friend, but a low laugh made him stop and look at the source.

“I see now why Taehyung and Jimin made me go,” Yoongi said. His eyes never left Jungkook, and it made him want to look away for fear of showing the hint of warmth on his face. “Wouldn’t want to miss seeing a pretty face with a passionate heart. You can call me hyung.”

Jungkook chuckled, the sound slightly nervous but he was starting to regain his footing. “You seem like a sweet talker, Yoongi hyung.”

Yoongi licked his lips before grinning, his hand running through his hair that reached the low of his nape. He was handsome, extremely good-looking with his feline eyes—gentle, but sharp on the edges—button nose, and lips kissed by a rose. There was also an… air around him. Something that screamed powerful and intense, ready to devour someone that wasn’t meant to be near him. Jungkook could see that he was taller than the other, but he could feel the grandeur of Yoongi’s presence. Was it because he was an alpha? Perhaps. But Jungkook had met a lot of alphas. None were as fiery as Min Yoongi. 

“Only to those who volunteer to play for and with the children,” Yoongi replied, glancing at Jimin who stood beside them as if he was watching the best part of a match. “I heard from Jimin that you’re the first to volunteer to help out with your patients.”

Jungkook’s eyes widened before snapping at Jimin’s—who had the audacity to giggle. “Hyung!”

“What? I wanted to set you up with hyung,” Jimin winked.

Jungkook could only roll his eyes. He loved his friend. He really did. And he knew Jimin just wanted him to be happy so he kept looking out for him in all ways he could.

“Well, since I’m here now, would you like to have dinner with me?” There was a twinkle of interest in Yoongi’s gaze on Jungkook. It was flattering to have someone like him give Jungkook attention, although he wasn’t sure why but Yoongi made him feel a little too aware of his existence. Like those eyes could see right through his soul. 

Jungkook offered him a small smile, ignoring Jimin’s nudging. “Unfortunately hyung, I don’t have much free time.”

“Aw, Jungkookie, give it a thought,” Jimin whined. Jungkook tried to make him shut up, but he just continued. “He has part-time to attend to, hyung. He barely rests, to be honest.”

“Really? Can’t spare even just an hour?” Yoongi asked, and it was weird to see those sharp eyes soften for him. It was as if despite only meeting now, Yoongi cared for him.

Jungkook smiled. It was a nice offer, and Yoongi seemed like a great guy but… “As much as I’d love to, I’m behind in my readings and cases.”

“That’s not a no, then?”

“What?”

Yoongi shrugged, but there was a confident smirk on his lips. “You’re not rejecting me, you just don’t have time?”

“I guess…?” 

Because who would want to decline? Jungkook was just an omega. He’d like to be taken out and spend a nice evening, too. But right now, that was just a privilege.

Yoongi took a step closer and suddenly, his scent was stronger, engulfing Jungkook. He could feel his omega stirring, purring at the attention that it was receiving from an alpha who was obviously handsome and powerful. It was something that rarely happened, so the reaction caught Jungkook off-guard.

“Alright. I’ll let you go for now, pretty,” Yoongi chuckled, his eyes all over Jungkook like he was taking him all in slowly. “I’ll see you soon again.”

“Uhh, thanks?”

Yoongi’s laugh was low, endeared. “I think  Taehyung and the kids are waiting for you.”

Jungkook glanced behind them and found that Yoongi was right. Taehyung even waved at them before signaling that it was time to eat.

“I’m gonna keep Jungkook for now, hyung,” he heard Jimin say. “Don’t worry, I got you, hyung.”

“Thanks, Jimin. See you around, Jungkook,” Yoongi smiled, and Jungkook didn’t want to admit it but he felt his heart skip a beat.

Instead, he masked his face with a small smile and they walked away. Jungkook could feel eyes on his back as the hand that Jimin was holding sway, but he didn’t dare look back. Still, it was nice to have the attention.

Jungkook smiled. It was a nice day.

__

Tuesday, 08:14 PM

Min Yoongi: Thanks for giving me your number. I hope I didn’t scare you away. Haha.

Jeon Jungkook: Ah, hyung. You’re too nice to be scary.

Min Yoongi: You say that now, but you barely accepted my invitations.

Min Yoongi: I’m kidding. I wouldn’t want to pressure you. :)

Jeon Jungkook: Haha, sorry, hyung. You know my situation…

Min Yoongi: I do and it makes me admire you more.

Jeon Jungkook: Oh, thank you. :)

Min Yoongi: You’re welcome, pretty.

Jeon Jungkook: Hyung, you’re teasing. Haha.

Min Yoongi: For calling you pretty? I’d say that’s the truth. I never lie.

Jeon Jungkook: Really?

Min Yoongi: Yeah, you can even ask Jimin and Tae.

Min Yoongi: Anyway, I’d let you go for now. I know you’re tired from today. But you can message me anytime, alright??

Jeon Jungkook: Ah, that’s nice of you, hyung. Thank you. :)

Min Yoongi: Make sure to rest, pretty. :)

**

Wednesday, 7:03 AM

Min Yoongi: Good morning, pretty. Please take it easy today! Sending you the sun for warmth. :)

Jeon Jungkook: Thank you, hyung. Good morning too. :)

**

Thursday, 3:09 PM

Min Yoongi: Are you free this weekend, pretty?

Jeon Jungkook: I’ll have to check, hyung… sorry!

Min Yoongi: That’s okay. :) What time will your end of shift be?

Jeon Jungkook: Maybe around 6 PM?

Min Yoongi: Perfect.

__

Jungkook was almost at the exit of the hospital with Taehyung when he recognized the car just outside of it, the owner leaning by the door and waiting. He could see it already, the familiar confident grin of Min Yoongi, greeting him as if he hadn’t turned his invite for dinner down so many times already.

“Hello, pretty,” Yoongi greeted when he and Taehyung approached him, his friend giggling and nudging him while they watched the alpha. Jungkook just smiles back at them, trying not to drown himself in Yoongi's scent. It was comforting, in a way that it smelled like home. “Hi, Tae.”

“Hi, hyung. Going to ask Kook for dinner?” Taehyung replied, excitement lacing his voice. Jungkook already knew that Taehyung was texting Yoongi when they would finish their shift so he could only shake his head fondly to his friend.

Jungkook sighed, but couldn’t help the soft laughter when Taehyung winked at him. “Yah, Kim Taehyung.”

“Well, he’s not wrong,” Yoongi said. He tilted his head slightly to the side and smirked. “How about tonight, pretty?”

He was hot like this if Jungkook would admit it. He found out from their messages that Yoongi was a lawyer that practiced privately for Kim's—Taehyung and his hyung Seokjin—business. However, he looked more like a model with his get-up and fashion, and the way he looked so cool. Honestly, Yoongi was extremely attractive, and it was a nice addition that he was so patient and understanding, always accepting his excuses. It wasn’t once that Jungkook wanted to accept his invitation, but… his circumstances were harder than most.

“Yoongi hyung,” Jungkook was already apologetic, regret colored his voice while he talked to Yoongi. “You know I’d love to, but I have readings to finish up.”

“Come on, Kook. Hyung had been so patient,” It was Taehyung who replied, whining while he presented Yoongi’s case. It made Yoongi chuckle, obviously used to Taehyung acting like this. “And it’s dinner! That’s important too.”

“Hyung, you know I eat while I do my readings.”

Yoongi hummed softly, reaching out to pet Taehyung’s hair. “It’s fine, Tae. You know hyung doesn’t give up easily.”

Hearing the older’s answer made Jungkook smile, his omega was pleased with the answer. After getting to know Yoongi even if it was just through their exchange of messages, Jungkook noticed that he was so sweet and affectionate, always ready to offer gratitude and comfort to his dongsaengs. Sometimes it made him wonder what it would be like to be on the receiving end of it. Because although he was slowly getting to know the alpha, he still hasn't given himself time to actually go on a date no matter how much he was interested in him.

“Well, pretty,” Yoongi started, walking slowly towards him. “Would you give me the honor of staying with you as you study?”

“What do you mean, hyung?” Jungkook replied, his cheeks slightly aching as he tried not to smile. But he was pretty sure that the sweet scent of chocolate with a hint of vanilla gave him away.

Yoongi smiled, obviously pleased with how they smelled like a chocolate dessert shop. “I might have reserved a place for us where you can eat and do your readings. I promise I won’t bother you and talk too much.”

“You’d do that?” Jungkook almost whispered, his chest vibrating with how happy his omega was. It was such an unusual date. Alphas tend to want the omegas to pay attention to them, hating being ignored by their partner. “It won’t be fun for you, hyung. I don’t want you to feel neglected.”

Yoongi raised his eyebrows. “I get to spend time with you. How could I feel neglected? I just want to be with you, Jungkook.”

Jungkook watched Yoongi, the eagerness in the alpha’s eyes making his chest flutter. He felt Taehyung beside him, nudging him lightly to tease. But Jungkook could only think; could only ask himself, how did he get so lucky? He had turned this man down many times, even before they met. Despite that, Yoongi only did his best to respect his answer while finding ways to reach him.

How could Jungkook turn down a person who was nothing but sincere to him?

“Okay, hyung.” There was silence after Jungkook answered. Even Taehyung who was teasing him earlier paused to stare at him, not expecting him to say that. 

Yoongi stared at him, seemingly still trying to understand what he just said. Then suddenly, his face broke into a wide smile that reached his eyes. There was absolute happiness that painted Yoongi so gently that it seemed to glow, and it only placed Jungkook in awe. Because Yoongi, he was beautiful. There were no words to properly justify it, and it was a little intimidating knowing that he was interested in Jungkook when he had nothing to offer.

“Let’s go?” Yoongi offered after opening the door of his car.

“Thank you.”

Meanwhile, Taehyung was giggling fondly as he watched them, teasing Jungkook for finally giving in. But it was nice. He knew his friends would never encourage him to be with someone if they didn’t think it would be good for him.

The car ride to the place where Yoongi had a reservation for them was a little quiet, if not awkward with the shyness that Jungkook felt. Maybe his thoughts were running a little too fast, flustering him for being alone with an attractive and powerful alpha. But he couldn’t help it, especially since Taehyung had mentioned how much influence Yoongi had.

“I hope you like steak,” Yoongi smiled, glancing at him. “I asked Tae and Jimin, and this is what they suggested.”

Jungkook could see that he was doing his best in making him comfortable, reeling in his scent even though it should have overwhelmed Jungkook when they were in such a tight space. Instead, all Jungkook could feel were calming pheromones trying to embrace him and chase his anxiety away. It was nice.

He smiled back, relinquishing Yoongi's effect on him that made him feel like he was in the clouds while still grounded. “Yeah. It’s my favorite food, hyung.”

“That’s great then!” Yoongi chuckled, and Jungkook had to look away, a little breathless.

The conversations flowed a little more naturally with that, but Jungkook knew that it was Yoongi who carried it. Despite that, he made sure to reciprocate the energy that Yoongi gave him. Because he had tried dating before and had awkward first dates, but they always seemed to end up being stiff with nothing to talk about. But with Yoongi, Jungkook felt like he was genuinely interested while asking about his most interesting patients, and his least favorite courses. With Yoongi, Jungkook didn’t need to be the one that gave so much energy until he burned off.

“I’ve never really handled any medical malpractice cases since I’ve been working exclusively for Seokjin hyung,” Yoongi hummed after Jungkook asked him about a case he encountered prior. “But I did read some readings about some of the most famous ones.”

They were in front of a restaurant now, Yoongi stepped out quickly to run to Jungkook’s side and open the door for him. With the older acting like this, Jungkook was reminded that they were technically on a date, and not just out to hang out and grab dinner. 

“Thanks, hyung,” Jungkook smiled.

“You’re always welcome, Jungkook,” Yoongi replied. “I reserved a private booth for us, so just focus on your readings, alright? Although, just make sure you eat properly. You deserve a rest.”

Jungkook chuckled, following as they were led to their reservation. “Okay, since you asked. I can continue my readings in my part-time job later, anyway.”

Yoongi frowned at his answer, his eyes watching him in curiosity. “Didn’t you just come from a fifteen-hour shift?”

“Yeah.”

“You have to work?”

“Just for four hours. I have a balance on my rent, so I have to catch up,” Jungkook replied, silently thanking the server that handed him the menu.

Yoongi sighed, the sound made Jungkook look at him, the worry in his eyes was evident and made Jungkook smile shyly. “I’m kind of broke, hyung,” Jungkook attempted to giggle it off, but he could just try not to melt with the concern that masked Yoongi’s face.

“Jimin told me you are on a scholarship, so I thought you didn’t need to work,” Yoongi said while he stared at him.

“Oh, I am a scholar,” It was not a secret, and he was pretty proud of that. It was not easy getting the scholarship. Jungkook had to work harder than anyone to get an offer. “But Seoul is expensive, hyung. What my parents left me could only do so much.”

Yoongi raised his eyebrow. “Your parents?”

“Yeah, uhm…” Jungkook bit his lips, eyes looking around before finding himself breathing the calming scent of cotton and coffee of Yoongi. “They kind of died when I was in high school?”

“Do you want to tell me what happened? If you’re fine with it?” Yoongi replied, his scent getting stronger from trying to calm Jungkook. And it was nice because he made Jungkook feel safe; made Jungkook know he was safe, and he had a choice to share it or not.

Jungkook smiled slightly, letting the calming pheromones of Yoongi embrace and ground him. It was something that he never talked about especially on first dates, but with Yoongi, he knew he could trust him.

“I’m… not really sure, hyung. I got home from my after-school class with our apartment filled with police and medics,” Jungkook shared, his memory still clear from that day. He was running a little late after asking his teacher for some advice about the universities he wanted to attend. When he came home, there was a crowd, and his parents were being carried out. Remembering it made his heart turn and crack. “The place was a mess, but the police said it was a robbery that turned ugly after my appa tried to fight the suspect.”

It wasn’t a pretty memory, and Jungkook didn’t like trudging on it. Because he could still see it, the blood on their floor, the way their furniture were upturned and broken, and the lifeless body of his parents. He still had nightmares about it, and maybe that was why he pushed his body to exhaustion. Because by then, he’d fall to his bed without any thoughts on his head, and his body and mind craving for rest enough that he would have dreamless sleep.

A gentle touch on Jungkook’s hand pulled him back to the present, making him realize that his eyes were watering and his heart was aching. But Yoongi—oh, sweet, dear Yoongi—only helped him to calm down by letting his calming scent wash over him.

“May I?” Yoongi whispered, voice low and delicate as he asked for permission to touch Jungkook.

Jungkook closed his eyes and allowed his tears to fall, nodding to Yoongi’s gentle voice.

And it was comforting when Yoongi cupped his face and wiped the tears away. Because Jungkook had no one when the incident happened, so he never really allowed himself to grieve for too long. His parents were gone, and all he had was himself. He had to live no matter how much it pained him at that time.

But now, Yoongi was here. What they were doing was unusual, the alpha going through numerous rejections before this, only for Jungkook to trust him enough to let him in.

“I can’t say that it’ll be okay,” Yoongi said. “Because I can just imagine and understand your pain. But what I can say is I’ll be here if you want me to.”

Jungkook chuckled, letting the air lighten. Despite that, he still melted at Yoongi’s touch. “Are you sure? I was about to give you a way out. You can still ditch me, hyung.”

“Why would I?” Yoongi replied, smiling slightly.

“I don’t really have anything to offer you, hyung. And you’re like so respected and all.”

Yoongi frowned before rising from his seat to walk to Jungkook and crouching in front of him. His fingertips brushed away the remnants of sadness that trailed down Jungkook’s face. “You say that, but you have everything I could ever want, Jungkook.”

“I’m not all that, hyung,” Jungkook laughed, trying not to melt from Yoongi’s gaze by using humor. “I mean if you think about it, I’m just a medical student that’s barely getting by.”

Yoongi frowned. “That doesn’t make you less, Jungkook. And, well, if you would give me the honor, I would actually want to help you.”

“Help me?”

“Yes,” the alpha nodded, smiling widely. “I know how demanding your course could be. But instead of resting, you end up working more.”

Jungkook tilted his head, waiting for Yoongi to explain more. “Uhm. What do I need to do?”

“Maybe rest more? And just focus on your studies. I can help financially.”

“Like a… like I’ll be your… uhm… sugar baby?” The question made Yoongi chuckle, but there was fondness in the way he looked at Jungkook so he couldn’t even be embarrassed.

“If you want it like that, then I’d be honored.” 

Jungkook bit his lips, unsure what to say. Because what Yoongi was offering was tempting, and Jungkook really needed the help and rest. He also knew that it wasn’t bad, especially since he knew it was Jimin and Seokjin’s setup before they officially started dating. 

“I have nothing to offer you back, hyung,” his voice was small, a little flustered, and shy. But Jungkook had to say this, he had to make Yoongi know what he was getting into. “Unless… unless you want something s-sexual from me. But uhh… I don’t have much experience in that area. I mean, I’ve never been into one since I was too busy trying to be alive and—“

“Jungkook, pretty,” Yoongi called, smiling endearingly at him and making him pause. “You don’t need to do anything but focus on yourself and your studies. I won’t pressure you to do anything sexually. Well, I think I’d like it if we eat like this too.”

It was a weird request. Yoongi wanted nothing from him? Some could say the alpha just wanted time with him, but Jungkook wasn’t sure that was enough to be considered a good exchange especially when he would absolutely go on another date with the older.

“But… why?” was all he could say. Because he really could not understand why Yoongi would do this.

Yoongi frowned as if he found the question confusing. “Why would I do that? I told you, pretty. You have everything I want.”

Jungkook stared at Yoongi, taking all of him that was kind and gentle, beautiful and sweet. Because how could someone like him want Jungkook? When Jungkook couldn’t think of anything that he could give, Yoongi only found all the things that he could like; he could love.

Jungkook couldn’t understand it, but as Yoongi looked at him as if he really was everything and more, he could just smile. Does it really matter?

__

Thursday, 09:49 PM

Jeon Jungkook: You have so much time, hyung!! I’m so jealous. Haha.

Min Yoongi: Yeah since Seokjin hyung is compensating me enough. I don’t really need to handle cases anymore. However, I do enjoy reading them.

Jeon Jungkook: You’re like their private lawyer, right? That’s so nice.

Min Yoongi: Yeah, it is.

Jeon Jungkook: Have you always wanted to be a lawyer?

Min Yoongi: Not really. I just had to take it. But it’s a good profession.

Jeon Jungkook: Oh, what did you want to be then?

Min Yoongi: Well, now that I think about it, I don’t really have a dream. Haha.

Jeon Jungkook: What? Really?

Min Yoongi: Yeah, it’s not so bad.

Jeon Jungkook: How do you think so?

Jeon Jungkook: I have lots of dreams! So it’s weird knowing that when you’re this successful lawyer.

Min Yoongi: Ah, pretty. It’s good that you have dreams too. I just don’t necessarily think that it should be needed.

Min Yoongi: It’s okay even if you don’t have a dream as long as you’re happy.

Jeon Jungkook: Are you happy?

Min Yoongi: I believe so. :)

Jeon Jungkook: That’s great, hyung. :)

**

Friday, 07:18 PM

Jeon Jungkook: So my landlord called me

Jeon Jungkook: Asking me if I won the lottery

Jeon Jungkook: Because my balance is paid and with an advance.

Jeon Jungkook: Care to explain, hm?

Min Yoongi: Aish, you caught me. Haha.

Jeon Jungkook: Hyung!! You already send enough food and allowance. :/

Min Yoongi: I wanted you to be comfortable. Is that bad? :(

Jeon Jungkook: It’s not bad per se, but…

Jeon Jungkook: I feel bad not giving you something.

Min Yoongi: You’re my pretty sugar baby, and that’s enough.

Jeon Jungkook: AAAH HYUNGGGG STOP TEASING

Min Yoongi: Haha. You’re prettier when flustered.

Jeon Jungkook: How do you know that huh?

Min Yoongi: Cause I remember your face, and you’re unforgettable, pretty.

Jeon Jungkook: You flatterer.

Min Yoongi: Just telling the truth :)

**

Saturday, 09:57 PM

Min Yoongi: Are you safe at home now, pretty?

Jeon Jungkook: Hyung, you watched me enter my apartment. TT-TT

Min Yoongi: I wanna make sure haha

Jeon Jungkook: Yes, I am safe in my bedroom. :)

Min Yoongi: Good. :)

Min Yoongi: Why were the nurses whispering earlier while looking at me?

Jeon Jungkook: OH NO

Min Yoongi: Yes?

Jeon Jungkook: Nothing! :)

Min Yoongi: Hmm I’ll ask the two then.

Jeon Jungkook: NO WAIT

Min Yoongi: Yes?

Jeon Jungkook: Well

Jeon Jungkook: They were asking if we’re dating because you always visit or pick me up every day.

Min Yoongi: Aren’t we?

Jeon Jungkook: I guess we are…

Min Yoongi: Good, because I like being with you.

Jeon Jungkook: ANYWAY

Jeon Jungkook: Tell me about your day while I do my readings?

Min Yoongi: Ok, I’ll call :)

__

“Hyung, are we together?” Jungkook asked as he glanced at the person beside him. Yoongi met his gaze, his eyes thoughtful as he took in the question that Jungkook sprang. “I mean, I’m kinda like your… sugar baby, right…? And you give me so much stuff, you send gifts and food. You even drop by the hospital to give me a home-cooked meal. So I’m just wondering…”

The older stopped and stared at him as if he was trying to memorize everything about him. It made the omega slightly conscious, his cheeks flaming slowly at the cold wind that kissed their skin. Jungkook could blame it on that, but he knew it was the way Yoongi looked at him. Sometimes, the alpha had such an intense gaze that Jungkook felt like he was trying to see his heart and soul.

“Do you want to be together with me?” Yoongi asked him back.

And well, Jungkook wasn’t sure how to answer that. Because they had an unusual setup; he had never been with anyone before; because Yoongi was handsome, smart, kind, and perfect, and he could have anyone but he was choosing to be with Jungkook who had nothing to offer but his little time. How could he want Yoongi? It felt illegal to even be with him.

Jungkook bit his lips to stop himself from saying anything. Instead, he offered Yoongi a small smile before moving again, walking backward so he could stare at Yoongi’s face. The wind picked up slightly and played through his hair. He was sure he looked a little bit of a mess especially since he just came from a twelve-hour shift. Meanwhile, Yoongi was nothing but immaculate. Perfect and pretty in his suit and tie, never looking like he was tired.

It was just another comparison between them. So how could Jungkook dare?

They’ve known each other for more than a month already. Yoongi took care of him all throughout that time despite their busy schedule, slowly integrating their life together. They have come to the point that Yoongi would visit the hospital every day just for him–either to pick him up or give him food if he would be late. Everyone already assumed that they were together despite Jungkook denying it. But maybe, there was a part of him that wanted it to be true lately.

“I told you hyung,” Jungkook answered softly, turning around to hide his face from the alpha. He could feel his omega rumbling on his chest, disagreeing with the thoughts that ran through his head. Jungkook could just hope that his scent wasn’t giving anything away. He took a deep breath and continued. “I don’t have anything to offer much, hyung. Just like now. It’s been a month, but this is just our second official date.”

“And I told you, you have everything I want,” Jungkook could feel Yoongi moving closer behind him; could feel the alpha try to reach him. “I knew what I signed up for, Jungkook. This may be our second date, but I’ll make sure to be with you every day, no matter how short it would be. I’ll be there, okay? I’ll be where you can find me.”

“Why?”

Yoongi walked in front of him, making sure that they were face to face and Jungkook couldn’t run away. Maybe that what was he was doing lately whenever he told others that he and Yoongi were not together. Because that was easier to say than to admit that he could see himself falling for the older so easily; could feel himself hanging by the edge.

“Because you are everything that is lovely and kind, Jeon Jungkook. Before we met, I already heard many good things about you, especially from Taehyung and Jimin,” Jungkook couldn’t help but roll his eyes as failed to stop the smile that slipped on his lips. It made Yoongi chuckle before raising his hands to cup his face. “And after meeting you and getting to know you, I realized what they told me could barely represent how amazing you are. I never lie, pretty. So trust me when I say you are worth more than what you think you are, and you have everything that I could ever want and need.”

Maybe it was the way Yoongi looked at him, making him feel like he hung all the stars and moon at night, but Jungkook couldn’t help but believe what the older said. The endearment that Yoongi had for him was only amplified by the gentle scent of cotton and coffee, so Jungkook found himself melting at the alpha’s touch.

“You’re too nice, hyung,” Jungkook said, laughing softly.

“For saying the truth?”

The younger shook his head and then reached out to entangle his hand on Yoongi’s. “For being here.”

Yoongi chuckled, the sound sugary sweet for Jungkook not to smile as they resumed their walk. “You should be nice to yourself too, pretty. You’re too mean to yourself. Besides, you say this is our second date when I go to you every day. Are those not dates?”

“You’re courting me properly, hyung. I should reciprocate it well.”

Jungkook felt Yoongi squeeze his hand. “You are doing that, pretty. I’m doing all of this because I wanted to. Even if you accept me, I’ll never stop doing this.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

Jungkook paused, causing Yoongi to stop as well. “Why?”

There was ardor in the way that Yoongi looked at him that stole the air that Jungkook was breathing. The alpha had always been an intense person, passionate beyond fault and it always showed in his dedication to his work, to his friends, and now, to Jungkook. It made him ask, how could someone have so much intensity? But after knowing Yoongi, Jungkook only knew there could be more.

“Because you’re worth it, Jungkook.”

When Jimin and Taehyung first suggested setting Jungkook up with someone they know, he wasn’t very keen on the idea. He was a tired medical student that barely had enough time to even sleep. And he wasn’t the easiest person to be with. Jungkook had a lot of baggage and he knew they wouldn’t be easy to share. How could he ever burden someone with something he carried? Surely, someone who had everything together wouldn’t want to be with someone whose life was a whirlwind.

But that was before he met Yoongi.

Perhaps Jungkook should be grateful–hell, he actually was. His friends never stopped trying. They both created ways for Jungkook to give Yoongi a chance. And it was sweet. Because Jungkook barely thought of his worth, silently believed that it wasn’t really that much especially if you strip him down of his grades.

Then suddenly, Yoongi barges into his life with his charming smile and sweet assurances, grounding him from the storm that made him run all over. And Jungkook wanted it so badly; wanted Yoongi to have a permanent place beside him, their fingers intertwined as they walk in Ttukseom park without worrying if Jungkook was worth it or if Yoongi would let go of him. How long does it take to know that you’ve fallen? Jungkook has no idea, but what he knew was he was almost there. He hated to think that time will have to be the basis of it when Yoongi had started to become his haven. It wouldn’t be so bad to be with him, right? After all, Yoongi was worth more than him, but Jungkook could find himself believing that they could be perfect for each other.

__

Monday, 04:58 PM

Min Yoongi: Did I tell you that you looked pretty earlier? Well, you look beautiful :)

Jeon Jungkook: Hyung!! Stop teasing me! >//<

Min Yoongi: What? I’m just saying the truth haha

Jeon Jungkook: Well, I’m gonna have to say otherwise because I was from a long shift where I had to help with an emergency.

Min Yoongi: And?

Jeon Jungkook: Definitely not pretty. But you looked handsome! :)

Min Yoongi: You are beautiful. You caring and doing your job to help others does not make that less.

Min Yoongi: And thank you for calling me handsome. :)

Jeon Jungkook: Hyung

Jeon Jungkook: Thank you. :)

**

Thursday, 12:16 PM

Jeon Jungkook: Taehyung hyung just cried when he found out that you cook my meals????

Jeon Jungkook: HE BEGGED ME TO LET HIM TASTE IT?

Min Yoongi: Aish that kid. Haha. It’s cause I don’t cook for others that much.

Jeon Jungkook: Really?? But you always cook for me.

Min Yoongi: Of course. You’re different. I’m courting you, and I’d give you everything.

Jeon Jungkook: Why do you always make it sound like you’re serving me ahhhh >//<

Min Yoongi: It’s because I am. I’m giving you everything that I could.

Jeon Jungkook: STOP I’m getting flustered in the hospital haha

Min Yoongi: Oh? But you’re my sugar baby. I have to treat you like royalty.

Jeon Jungkook: Hyung you’re just teasing me now.

Min Yoongi: I would never tease you, your highness.

Jeon Jungkook: HYUNGG seriously >:/

Min Yoongi: You’re so cute like that. Haha. Pretty little baby.

Jeon Jungkook: I’m not a baby! >:/

Min Yoongi: You are

Min Yoongi: My baby highness :)

__

Friday, 11:24 PM

Jeon Jungkook: Hyung.

Park Jimin: Yeah?

Kim Taehyung: Yes, Kook?

Jeon Jungkook: I think

Jeon Jungkook: I think I might like hyung

Park Jimin: I KNEW IT

Jeon Jungkook: I’m not sure yet

Kim Taehyung: OMG YOU TWO WILL BE THE CUTEST

Jeon Jungkook: I’m just saying!! I think!! I just

Jeon Jungkook: I feel really comfortable and safe around him.

Jeon Jungkook: I think I’ll be happy if it’s him.

Kim Taehyung: Oh, baby. Isn’t that what’s important? He makes you happy.

Jeon Jungkook: But it scares me too.

Park Jimin: It can be scary but we know hyung will be there for you.

Jeon Jungkook: Ah. I think so too. :)

__

There were shadows under Yoongi’s eyes.

Jungkook noticed it already when Yoongi smiled at him after stepping out of the hospital, but the older wasn’t as talkative as usual. It wasn’t really a big deal, Jungkook knew that everyone needed downtime sometimes. He actually liked how Yoongi could just be relaxed and quiet around him, not wanting to burden the alpha to feel like he had to entertain him all the time. It would be nice to take care of him as well. Especially since Yoongi shared earlier that he had to take care of something ( “but, I’m fine, just a bit sleepy!”) and it took more time than usual.

This seemed like a chance.

It wouldn’t be bad, right? To take a little step closer, let Yoongi in more into his life. 

It’ll be okay.

Hyung likes me.

I like him, too.

I trust him.

Because it’s Yoongi.

“Hyung, you look really exhausted,” Jungkook whispered, heart thumping in his chest as he thought about the words he wanted to say.

Yoongi smiled reassuringly, his thumb brushing Jungkook’s cheek. They were in front of Jungkook’s apartment, the alpha waiting for him to go in. “I’m fine, pretty. I’ve had worse days.”

“But…” The worry wouldn’t leave Jungkook. He bit his lip and took a deep breath. He could smell the anxiety in the air despite trying to reel it in. The scent of bitter chocolate wasn’t pleasant. “I know you won’t lie, but I still worry.”

“Hm? What do you suggest then?” Yoongi hummed before his hand slid down his neck, massaging the space around Jungkook’s scent gland. Though it wasn’t enough to be called scenting, it still made Jungkook pliant, the unknown tension on his shoulders falling away with the touch. 

Although humans used to have strong bonds with their wolves, time had evolved them not to be instinct-ridden anymore. Researchers said modernization caused humans to get a better hold of their conscious cognitive functions instead of their wolf instincts. It was a fascinating fact that made Jungkook’s eyes widen when he read about it.

Despite that, there will still be moments where their wolves would react more than most. Some experienced it when they were overwhelmed, in heat, or in a rut. Others had it when they were in a life-or-death situation and some when their mental health was threatened.

It can also be when you’re slowly falling in love.

Because your wolf would want a mate, and they would want someone they were compatible with.

And Jungkook, he was good at handling things and emotions. His omega was always sensible and smart. But maybe, not when he was falling.

Not when his omega had staked a claim to the alpha that was trying so hard to woo them.

How could Jungkook and his omega not give in?

“Stay with me, hyung,” Jungkook replied, a little breathless as he leaned at Yoongi’s warmth. The touch was so gentle and caring.

The realization of those words slowly dawned on them when Jungkook watched Yoongi’s eyes widen, his scent filling the place and embracing him. They knew they were heavy words, ones that needed a lot of trust from the omega.

“Are you sure?” there was sweetness around the question that Yoongi asked, or maybe it was his scent complimenting Jungkook’s.

“I trust you.”

When Yoongi broke into a wide smile, happiness painted his whole being. Jungkook wasn’t sure why, Yoongi always smiled at him. But this one was sweeter, lovelier . There was a sincerity that the twinkle in his eyes showed.

It made him smile too.

Jungkook's place wasn’t that big. A studio-sized apartment fit for someone who lived alone. And Jungkook would like to believe that it was comfortable enough for anyone especially since he always made sure that everything was clean and in order as he could despite his schedule. He just hoped Yoongi wouldn’t mind the few books and documents.

“I just have some books and stuff lying around, sorry,” Jungkook glanced at Yoongi, his eyes pleading at the alpha as they toed off their shoes at the receiving area. “Just give me a minute to clean up, but you can have a sit, hyung.”

Yoongi only offered him a smile. “It’s fine, don’t mind me.”

Maybe it was his scent, or perhaps Jungkook was obviously anxious as he moved around trying to clean for Yoongi, but he could smell the distress that his omega was obviously in. And it only made him overthink his every move, his body seemingly conscious of Yoongi’s stare. His chest was heavy; his heart was pulled and caged as if the air around him weighed too much.

Why did he even invite him? He wasn’t even prepared! His place was a mess, his stuff was everywhere, and Jungkook was sure that he haven’t cleaned the cup he used earlier before running to the hospital. How could he invite the alpha he liked into a nest that wasn’t pretty?

Fuck.

He’s not gonna like me anymore.

What am I gonna do? He’s gonna hate this mess.

He’s gonna stop courting me and he’ll–

“…pretty?” The warmth of a familiar hand holding Jungkook’s wrist pulled him off of his stupor, bringing him back to his senses quickly. Yoongi’s eyes were worried about him. “Are you okay? You seemed upset and I think your omega might have overtaken a bit.”

There was a sudden clarity on Jungkook when the gentle cottony and sweet coffee scent reached his nose, reminding him of the place and the reason why Yoongi was here. Tears quickly blurred his vision followed by a sob that he wasn’t able to stop.

“Ah, h-hyung,” he muttered, unable to look away from Yoongi’s gaze. “Sorry. I don’t know what got into me. I just…”

“What is it, sweets? You know you can tell me anything,” The alpha replied with a soft voice while he cupped Jungkook’s face and wiped away the tears that stained his cheeks. 

Jungkook sighed, letting the comfort of Yoongi’s warmth keep him grounded. “I don’t know, hyung. I suddenly got conscious and my omega panicked that you wouldn’t like my place. It’s all messy and not pretty.”

It must be silly having that kind of concern, but Jungkook couldn’t help it. How could he when he finally came to the point where he admitted to himself that he liked Yoongi; that he liked it when the older cared for him, made him smile and laugh, took him to dates and shopping to make sure to spoil him? He knew they had this weird setup of having Yoongi as someone who provided for him, but really, where does the line blur? Because even though they had a sugar daddy-sugar baby set up, all Jungkook felt from Yoongi was sincerity and care.

Jungkook continued. His hands gripped the front of Yoongi’s shirt, wanting him close. “And I didn’t want it to be like this because I didn’t want you to leave me, and I… I really…” there was another sob that managed to escape from his lips at the realization that he wanted Yoongi to know. Jungkook wanted Yoongi. “I really like you, hyung.”

And it was finally out there, the words that grew on Jungkook’s heart. They were such vulnerable words, but he knew–he hoped –Yoongi would accept them and take care of everything that came with it.

Yoongi smiled. “Can I hold you?”

Jungkook smiled back, his chest bubbling from warmth when Yoongi’s scent embraced him, holding him tenderly close to his heart.

“I must have overwhelmed you earlier. I’m sorry for that,” Yoongi started, and what he was saying made Jungkook want to disagree, but the alpha only chuckled as he held him tighter while they both started to sway. It took Jungkook a moment to register that they were moving to the beat of their heart. “I worried you, pretty, and that can be overwhelming. But like I told you and will always tell you, you are everything I want. I know how busy you can be, and I’m actually more worried that you’re eating properly instead of the books that you left at your desk. I know how dedicated you are to your studies, and that will never make me walk away.”

Jungkook closed his eyes and buried his face in Yoongi’s shoulder. He was taller than the older but somehow, Yoongi had the ability to make Jungkook feel grounded. “Really?” He asked, voice muffled.

“Really. You’re my baby highness, pretty,” the nickname made Jungkook whine, but the smile was undeniable from where he tried to hide. It made Yoongi chuckle too, leaning back to try and look at him. “Come on, look at me.”

“You’re teasing me, hyung.”

Endearment painted Yoongi’s face as he tried to meet Jungkook’s eyes, their laughter slowly filling the space around them as their body filled the crevices of each other. They were so close, everything around Jungkook was Yoongi–his warmth, his scent, his gaze. And they were nothing but adoration. It made Jungkook’s heart sway.

“I might be, but you know I never lie, pretty baby highness,” Yoongi smiled, chuckling when Jungkook scrunched his nose at him. They only settled when Yoongi cupped his face with his hands, holding him ever so gently that it made Jungkook’s heart hurt . Yoongi touched him like he never wanted Jungkook to be in any pain. “You don’t have to be scared because there’s nothing that can make me hate you, Jungkook. You can even break my heart, and I can never hate you for it.”

“Hyung! I’ll never do that,” Jungkook was scandalized, softening when Yoongi only smiled.

“I know you won’t, but my point still stands, Jungkook,” it was the way Yoongi looked at him as if Jungkook could give him the world that made Jungkook’s heart skip a beat, be a little breathless. Because there was no hesitation nor fear in Yoongi’s eyes. All it had was affection.

If anyone asked Jungkook what he always wanted from someone that could love him, he was never sure what to answer. But now as he stood in front of Yoongi, the alpha holding him, he realized that maybe there was one that he found without actually looking for it. It was the way his appa gently pushed his eomma’s hair behind her ears, the way his eomma held his hands like he was their greatest treasure that they had to be careful of, the way his appa gazed at his eomma when she wasn’t looking.

What Jungkook felt with them was the tenderness of their love, washing away everything that could hurt. It was what his life was made of before it was harshly stolen away from his grasp, leaving him clawing for it, craving it like it was air.

Jungkook met Yoongi’s gaze and took all of him. All he was were tender and loving, filling Jungkook’s life with everything that was good and sweet. 

Yoongi smiled. How could he not fall for him?

__

Monday, 8:40 AM

Baby highness: hyung? Did you reach home?

Yoon hyung <3: I did, baby.

Baby highness: ah stopppp. My heart is gonna burst.

Yoon hyung <3: Haha. Why are you so cute? I should’ve not left earlier.

Baby highness: You have work!

Yoon hyung <3: but it’s our first day being boyfriends :(

Baby highness: I have a duty… :(

Yoon hyung <3: I know.

Yoon hyung <3: That’s why I’m on my way to the hospital with your lunch :)

Baby highness: Oh hyung :(

Yoon hyung <3: I wanted to cook at your place actually

Yoon hyung <3: which reminds me. Why is your fridge not restocked, you pretty, baby highness??

Baby highness: Ah, that… I had a duty and then work came up… :(

Yoon hyung <3: Was what I sent not enough? Let hyung know, pretty.

Baby highness: No, no, it’s a lot hyung! But that is for school.

Yoon hyung <3: Baby…

Yoon hyung <3: that is not just for your studies. That is for you. You can do anything you want with that.

Baby highness: But you already spoil me and take me shopping :(

Yoon hyung <3: And you barely get expensive things

Baby highness: I don’t want you to spend too much on trivial stuff :(

Yoon hyung <3: Baby, pretty, anything for you is not trivial. If it will make you happy, make everything better and easier for you, then I will buy it for you. Okay?

Baby highness: Hnnng are you sure :(

Yoon hyung <3: Nothing compares to your happiness, my baby highness.

Baby highness: Hyung :(

Yoon hyung <3: Now, come on and meet me <3

**

Wednesday, 03:56 PM

Yoon hyung <3: Baby?

Baby highness: Yes, hyung? Sorry, I was doing rounds!

Yoon hyung <3: It’s alright. I just wanted to ask since Jimin mentioned it earlier.

Baby highness: Yeah?

Yoon hyung <3: You got home last night with your door unlocked?

Baby highness: Oh, yeah. But I was rushing before I left so I might have forgotten it.

Yoon hyung <3: Ah. Make sure to lock next time, okay??

Baby highness: I will, hyung. :)

__

There was something… different in Jungkook’s place when he stepped in. He couldn’t exactly point it out, not sure what made his heart stop and his stomach fall when not a thing was out of place. And it was weird. Jungkook had lived in this apartment for a couple of years, and he never felt like this before.

Never felt the need to look behind his shoulder in anxiety while his omega whimpered in distress.

It wasn’t good.

Jungkook took a step back, cautiously as if someone was whispering to him to be quiet and not make a word. It was daunting, causing his heart to beat in fear. But he knew better than to tempt it; knew that he should trust his instinct especially when his omega was lamenting at him to leave and run, find a safe place to hide. 

He’d call his landlord, or maybe the police as it would be safer in case someone really was inside. Would they believe them? He hoped so. There was something so wrong in his place, and being inside it only made his mind a mess trying to figure out what . If he could just–

“Jungkook?” The omega whipped his head at the familiar voice so quickly that he thought he would get dizzy. But it didn’t matter, especially when Yoongi’s scent reached him.

It was like he could breathe again.

Oh.

“Hyung,” Jungkook sniffled, almost running to the arms of safety; to Yoongi. “Hyung, my apartment is so weird. It doesn’t smell anything…”

It sounded odd even in Jungkook’s ears. But it was how it was, and scents naturally stayed in places where someone lived. Having his place like this only meant one thing: someone in scent blockers had come inside. He knew his place couldn't be this… scentless when it usually took days before scents disappear. On top of that, Yoongi would usually spend time with him after work, and his scent shouldn’t fade easily since he was an alpha.

Blockers neutralize the scent of the person who used it, but it also slowly affects the environment they stayed in if they decided to be there for long. It was the reason why scent blockers were only used if necessary. The absence of scents could make anyone worry. So whoever was… Jungkook’s visitor, they could be up to no good. Sure, they might have left, but they might have stayed, too. Whatever it was, Jungkook didn’t want to check and find out.

“No scent?” Yoongi’s jaw tightened as he processed the implication of what Jungkook shared. At once, he was leading Jungkook away from his apartment, taking him to the car where Yoongi immediately made Jungkook sit inside while he held his hand. That was when Jungkook noticed that his hands were shaking.

“It’s okay, pretty. I’m going to call the police,” Yoongi’s voice was soft, and it accompanied the gentle cottony scent that was sweetened by the smell of caramelized coffee, attempting to calm him while he crouched down on the road in front of Jungkook.

It was sweet having Yoongi like this. He had nothing but sweet to Jungkook, taking him on dates every day before driving him home, staying for a while, and spending time with him a little longer even if it was just to watch him read. Though they’d only been dating for almost a month, it only showed how much Yoongi could spoil him.

Jungkook reached out to entangle their fingers, watching as Yoongi waited for his call to connect while he planted kisses on Jungkook’s knuckles. His omega hasn’t settled yet, filling his chest with growls. But with Yoongi in front of him, the beat of his heart was slowing.

“Weren’t you supposed to be in a meeting?” The omega whispered, still spooked, but Yoongi heard him.

It was true. Yoongi spends typically his night at Jungkook’s place, leaving once Jungkook had settled for bed, or staying through the night if the omega needed the company and he wasn’t busy. There was certain domesticity on it that made Jungkook’s heart swoon and his omega purr. Because even if they did nothing but hold hands and eventual kisses, there was comfort in having Yoongi around Jungkook.

“I was waiting for you to turn your porch light on,” Yoongi replied, squeezing his hand.

Jungkook was about to reply when Yoongi’s call must have connected. Instead, he listened as Yoongi talked to the police–a friend, Jungkook had found out after a bit–and explained what happened. It didn’t really take long especially since Yoongi seemed to have a great connection to whoever was on the other end. Despite that, it gave Jungkook time to slowly settle his jumping heart and soothe his omega; let himself think about the person that was holding his hand.

The person that always made sure he was happy. The person who always made him happy.

Yoongi.

He was patient and sweet, taking each step of their relationship at Jungkook’s pace. There was never a time when Yoongi made him feel less or doubtful. On the contrary, Jungkook only found himself in bliss whenever it was Yoongi. Was it weird? He wasn’t quite sure. It was his first time being with someone, after all; his first time falling. How lucky was he that Yoongi was only tender if not loving to him?

“The police will be here in a bit,” Yoongi said, breaking Jungkook’s reverie of him. “I don’t think I can let you be inside even if no one is there, though. Do you want to stay at Tae’s or Jimin’s? Or… or you can stay at my place.”

When Jungkook first met Yoongi, he never really expected anything to happen. Sure, he knew the alpha, knew that he was smart and handsome, in addition to being successful. Probably made him intimidating to others, or so Jimin complained. Because whatever they did, Yoongi remained mateless, never paying attention to others, let alone court.

Until they met each other. It was hard to believe at first, the connection they easily built. Especially since Jungkook had turned Jimin and Taehyung’s matchmaking multiple times. That was four months ago. Now, he was here.

Now, Jungkook had Yoongi comforting him, making sure of his safety.

Now, Jungkook only became happier each day.

How did he keep this away from himself before?

“Scent me.”

It came like a whisper; like a wish; like a prayer. The words were a well-kept secret, something that Jungkook only thought of at random times, those moments when Yoongi has sunshine on his smile and he only gave them to Jungkook. Those moments when their eyes met and all they had between them was serenity.

Those moments that stole Jungkook’s breath away.

Made him fall.

“Are you sure?” Yoongi replied. His voice was as delicate as a dream, but he held Jungkook like he never wanted to be apart from him.

Jungkook only smiled, certain of what he wanted from Yoongi. Because if there was something he knew was true, it was that he could trust Yoongi to take care of him and let love between them bloom.

“I’m sure of you,” he answered. Yoongi only smiled.

Scenting, it was an intimate act between families, between friends, especially between lovers. And though their relationship was young, Jungkook never doubted Yoongi. After all, how could someone be so ardent and loving, always giving time to him? Jungkook just knew that he could love him, that he was falling in love with Yoongi.

So when Yoongi reached out to him and whispered, "May I?”, Jungkook could only sigh softly and lean to the alpha’s touch.

It was nice, the feeling of being taken good care of. And familiar too, when Yoongi placed his wrist on his cheek, brushing his scent on it. Jungkook wasn’t sure when he was deliberately scented by someone to calm him down or to simply just share affection. Probably years ago, the exact morning when he lost his parents.

Jungkook’s heart prickled slightly, feeling the void in his chest twinge from remembering his family. It was something he never got to fill, and even though his friends had been openly affectionate to him, stroking his wrist to calm him, there was still some kind of comfort that he longed for.

A kind of comfort that lulled his whole being to serenity.

Tears slowly clouded Jungkook’s vision while his omega ached for the relief that embraced him, soothing him tenderly with the smell of soft cotton and sweet coffee. It washed through him slowly, warmly , until it was all he could breathe, chasing away the anxiety that he didn’t realize had attached itself to his mind.

“Jungkook, pretty, are you okay?” Yoongi paused, eyes widening in alarm.

Jungkook let out a wet giggle, sniffing before he replied. “I’m fine, hyung. I just… you feel so warm and safe,” he muttered while his hand cupped Yoongi’s cheek and stroked it lovingly. “It makes me want to just cover myself in your scent.”

What Jungkook said could be embarrassing especially with his shy nature. Despite that, all he could do was smile and let himself calm while his omega settled inside him, pleased with the alpha showering him with affection.

But a few moments after that, Yoongi was getting up, and started reorganizing and reclining the car seats. It froze Jungkook out for a second, but there was more space for him after.

“Can you give me space, pretty?” Yoongi asked, stroking his cheek with his fingertips. They were so close that Jungkook wondered if Yoongi could hear his heartbeat.

“Hm?” he just hummed, a little out of sorts.

Yoongi chuckled at his response, and it was nice. It sounded so deep and it vibrated on Jungkook’s chest. “I’ll… scent your neck if you want. You can scent me back.”

Jungkook wondered, how do you know when you’ve completely fallen in love? When you finally stepped over the line of liking and affection to love? How could you measure love? All the questions in his mind sounded so silly while he got up and allowed Yoongi to take his place, pulling him to sit on his lap. Because with what Jungkook was receiving from Yoongi right now, all the care and affection, they were just… so much.

What did he do to deserve this kind of feelings from Yoongi?

“Why do you like me?” Jungkook whispered.

They were so close, which shouldn’t be a surprise seeing that Yoongi was about to scent him. But it was more than that; it was the intimacy of it that blanketed Jungkook to safety. If love was measured by time, how could he feel so strongly for Yoongi?

Yoongi’s gaze never left him and for a moment, Jungkook wanted to look away and hide from the emotions that made his heart skip a beat. But the intensity of Yoongi’s stare was grounding, holding him down and never letting him go.

“You’re everything I want, pretty. How couldn’t I like you?” Yoongi replied.

Jungkook bit his lips. It was an answer that he was used to hearing, but… the simple words never seemed to match the way he watched Jungkook like he was the whole world.

“Because…,” Jungkook sighed, a small smile painted his lips. “I never understood how someone like you could like someone like me.”

There was a silence that followed after, lulling Jungkook into comfort as he took a deep breath and hid his face in the crook of Yoongi’s neck where the light cotton and warm coffee smell was stronger. He liked it here; liked that Yoongi smelled like sweet mornings where everything was peaceful and calm, chasing away everything that Jungkook would be anxious about and his omega would be scared of. Even if Yoongi hadn’t told him a hundred million things about why he could fall for someone like Jungkook, it didn’t really matter. Sometimes it was enough that Yoongi watched him like he hung all the stars in the sky.

“You’re gentle,” Yoongi whispered, and it was so soft that if Jungkook wasn’t so close to him, he might have missed it. “You’re kind and sweet, and you love helping others so much. You just… you have this kind of love that seemed to break through boundaries and reach people even when they try to hide. You make them feel safe, Jungkook. You make me feel safe.”

The words were a surprise that Jungkook never expected, especially since Yoongi seemed to be a person that did more than say something. It made Jungkook want to look at the alpha, but Yoongi held him so close to his heart that he could feel the older’s heartbeat.

“There are a lot of things that you’ll probably find out about me, and it scares me sometimes that you’ll hate me because of them,” Yoongi continued. “Then I think, why should I even care? But how could I not care? When it’s you? I never had something like this, so how could I not be scared if I lose you?”

Yoongi’s voice was so weak as if he didn’t want to share them. But he did, so Jungkook could only do what he thought of. He melted into Yoongi’s embrace and scented him back.

It was in their nature to feel relief in being scented and when scenting someone they cared about. Jungkook knew and understood that even if the last time he scented someone so intimately was when he was still with his parents. That was why he didn’t expect the rush of euphoria that ran all over him when his omega realized that he was not only being scented but scenting someone they cared about as well.

And… and it ached. Because Jungkook was someone that was showered with so much love and affection, but those were suddenly stolen away, leaving him all alone while he tried to make sense of what he was supposed to do and how to live. It ached because there he was now, receiving a kind of love and affection that he used to run from because he has to live, to survive. But how did he really survive by just pushing himself every day? Waking up with the thought of having to help someone, making sure they wouldn’t lose the one they loved so unexpectedly? It was why he pursued this direction, anyway. Because no one deserved to have their loved ones ripped away from them.

Then suddenly, this. Yoongi came into his life and just gave him all the love in the world. Why would he want to lose this? What could he do to keep this?

Jungkook took a deep breath, drowning in Yoongi’s scent before planting a light kiss on his neck, directly on his scent gland. He felt Yoongi shudder before chuckling, so he leaned back to look at the alpha’s face.

He looked so peaceful, and Jungkook knew it was because of their scents together. It made Jungkook smile. “Ah, hyung. You make me feel so safe and happy. How could I ever want to lose that?”

Yoongi smiled, and it was a little different from his sweet one. Maybe because he looked at Jungkook with so much longing. He cupped Jungkook’s cheeks and sighed. “Please don’t break my heart, Jungkook.”

Jungkook smiled back, nuzzling into Yoongi’s touch. Why would he even do that? When all Yoongi gave to him was love?

“I’ll take care of it, hyung,” he replied. “I’ll take care of you.”

__

ii. fire

Monday, 04:03 PM

Yoon hyung <3: Hi, baby.

Baby highness: Hello, hyung <3

Yoon hyung <3: All good at work?

Baby highness: Yes, hyung! Although I did promise Yuna and Minho that I’ll play with them.

Yoon hyung <3: That’s alright. Should I bring them some snacks?

Baby highness: Sure hyung!

Yoon hyung <3: Alright, I’m on my way. Then we’ll check your new place, okay?

Baby highness: Huh? I thought that was a dream. Haha

Yoon hyung <3: A dream?

Baby highness: Yeah, when we talked that I’ll move.

Yoon hyung <3: Oh, baby.

Yoon hyung <3: I found one that’s much nearer the hospital. The security is better too. Won’t you check it with me? :(

Baby highness: But I don’t know how I will afford rent, hyung.

Yoon hyung <3: I told you that you don’t need to pay rent.

Baby highness: But, hyung…

Yoon hyung <3: Please, pretty? For my sanity?

Yoon hyung <3: I can’t imagine what might have happened if I didn’t check on you. I don’t think I will sleep peacefully if you’re not with me or if you’re somewhere I know is safe. Please?

Baby highness: Hyung…

Baby highness: Alright, fine. But I’ll pay for our dinner for the next 6 months!!

Yoon hyung <3: Haha you got me, baby. I’ll see you in a bit, okay?

Baby highness: Ugh you know I’m weak for you hmp. See you!

**

Wednesday, 02:38 PM

Baby highness: Everything good, hyung?

Yoon hyung <3: Yes, pretty, of course.

Baby highness: I told you I can just move next week after my practical exams. :(

Yoon hyung <3: I know, baby, but safety first, safety second, right? You told me that.

Baby highness: Hnnng fineee. Did you at least buy Hoseok hyungnim coffee??

Yoon hyung <3: Yes, and even the workers.

Baby highness: Ugh you’re so attractive.

Yoon hyung <3: Me buying them food is attractive? Haha.

Baby highness: Yes, your kindness is so attractive.

Yoon hyung <3: Ah, pretty. I think that’s you you’re talking about.

Baby highness: Will you let me praise my boyfriend grr

Yoon hyung <3: Cute, but I’ll have to praise my boyfriend more.

Baby highness: This isn’t a contest, hyung!! Hahaha

Yoon hyung <3: Yeah, says the person who tries to outdo me. Nice try, pretty.

Baby highness: Hahaha fine, fine. I’m gonna let you win for now since I need to do my rounds.

Yoon hyung <3: You go do your thing, pretty. I’ll see you later, okay?

Baby highness: See you, hyung!! Tae hyung and Jimin hyung says hi!

__

Trigger warning from this forward: blood, violence, torture, attempt in murder, Yoongi and others do bad stuff

__

The air that reeked with the smell of blood welcomed Yoongi as soon as he stepped into the room, lights burning bright because he liked seeing the pain and terror take over the face of anyone that had the bad luck of being stuck here. And right now, there was one that had himself tied up on his wrist, his whole body dangling a few inches above the floor.

Yoongi only eyed the poor slump of a man in front of him.

“Anything to share?” Yoongi called, turning to Hoseok who was wiping away the blood that splattered on his face.

Hoseok rolled his eyes, his jaw tightening. “Might as well kill him. He’s so intent on shutting up.”

“Now, now, Hoseok,” Yoongi chuckled as if he wasn’t circling a bloody man hanging in front of them. “Patience is the key.”

“I’ve been at it for days, hyung. I’m not sure if my patience can keep up,” Hoseok replied.

Yoongi only hummed, still staring at the man he could barely recognize. He was slightly impressed that it was still alive considering the wounds and bruises he got, but Yoongi knew that was what Hoseok was good at. He could break and bend someone, and they will still have enough life in them.

Despite that, they were not usually ones that would drag sessions like this for long. Yoongi didn’t really enjoy waiting for the information he needed, and Hoseok didn’t like being too careful. Time was essential for them.

Yoongi took a step closer to the man, watching as his chest heaved in short breaths. There was only silence as Hoseok and all of his men watched, waiting for what their leader could possibly do.

“What’s his name?” Yoongi asked no one, but Hoseok replied with a name. “Kwangsu, hm?”

The man didn’t reply. Instead, he only smirked before letting his head fall behind, facing the ceiling. Yoongi only scrunched his nose, detecting the faint scent of an alpha under all the stench of blood.

“I don’t know anything,” the man replied as he expected more interrogation. “Even if you kill me, I have nothing to say.”

Yoongi tilted his head, his eyes trailed the blood that flowed on Kwangsu’s skin to the floor. He could almost hear it– drip, drip, drip –the red liquid that stained their floor. A sight that he was so familiar with.

He smiled.

“You want to waste away your life that much?” Yoongi said. There was a void in his chest, something so dark and empty that it came through his mouth, making him sound cold. When was he not like this, anyway? There was safety in feeling so far away from the reality he was in.

A reality that was evil and destructive.

Yoongi continued, signaling Hoseok to hand something to him–anything. “Do you want to die that badly?”

“You can’t get anything from me. I don’t even know shit about that omega.”

The omega. What a wonder how that omega could turn someone’s life upside down by just merely existing. He could cause the death of this man and well, he could give the whole world to Yoongi. And he doesn’t even know it! What an amusing predicament.

The knife was familiar in Yoongi’s hands. It was what he always used on things like this. There was power in having the life of others in your hands, and it was not once that Yoongi felt someone’s life slip away from his hold.

“I have no use of you, then,” Yoongi pointed the knife at Kwangsu’s chest, slowly piercing the dirty skin until the man was flinching and screaming, trying to get away despite being tied up and dangling from the air. Yoongi continued to cut his skin, watching as blood seeped out and drip. “I’ll just have fun cutting you while we wait for your omega to come.”

“No- what– sto–”

Yoongi smirked. “Surprised? An omega for an omega, what do you think?”

“Fuck–”

“Maybe I’ll make her watch while you burn.”

“No–”

“No?” Yoongi paused, the knife an inch deep or so in Kwangsu’s side, the screaming and begging rang in his ears to no avail. It was as if he had no care. Maybe it was that. He didn’t care what the fuck was happening to this man. Hell, he’d break this fucker’s neck with his own hands. “You didn’t want to give a name, so I’ll give hers. Lee Miyoung, right? I heard she’s pregnant, too.”

It was funny how the man both started to beg and threaten Yoongi, screaming and trashing while Yoongi only chuckled and walked around him. He was twisted for including a pregnant omega, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care. All he felt was a static buzz on his chest that bored the death of him.

But he had to do this. He had an omega to protect.

Jungkook.

Yoongi felt his heart twist painfully, stealing his breath. Somehow, the thought of Jungkook always felt like needles in his heart. It was painful as it was addicting.

“I-I swear I don’t know! I o-only received a message a-and the m-money was transferred online!” Kwangsu cried. Yoongi couldn’t find it in him to feel sorry.

He scoffed. “Trash. Hoseok, take over. I need to talk to Namjoon.”

Hoseok only hummed before grabbing the knife from Yoongi’s hand, taking his place with a dark smile on his face after realizing that they had something more that they could torture from their prisoner. It was one of what made Hoseok good at this. He had steps that he followed, and more often than not, they were effective in making someone spill information.

The place where they did most of their dirty and bloody work was dark, inconspicuous, and gloomy. Yoongi didn’t particularly like it there, but he had to do what he had to. After all, he had to stake his claim and make sure that it was strong despite the small whispers of others trying to challenge him. 

“Hyung,” Namjoon greeted him as soon as he entered the house, obviously waiting for him.

“Hey, Namjoon,” Yoongi replied. There were a few people that followed them, so Yoongi dismissed them instead. “Sorry, I had to check on Hoseok.”

“It’s fine, hyung. I just wanted to talk to you.”

Yoongi hummed as he entered his office followed by Namjoon. He was the one who was helping Yoongi with their plan, carefully crafting ways how to make Jungkook pay attention; how to make him fall.

Because it was crucial. Despite everything that Yoongi did in this pack, there were still ways for him to lose all of it. Betrayal was so easy especially when his claim was weak, only backed up by the fact that the former leader liked him and named him as someone who will take over. But wolves were loyal to their pack alpha, and humans were greedy creatures that would grab the chance to climb the ladder if they could. Yoongi needed loyalty; he needed every one in this pack to recognize him as their leader.

But that was where it gets complicated. With no direct bloodline, chaos could easily ruin everything. Wasn’t that why he needed Jungkook? To make his place permanent and safe?

Jeon Jungkook. An omega that he did not expect to be kind and sweet, living a life that was far too different from what it could’ve been. Yoongi didn’t know what he was supposed to expect when they were looking for him, but it was not Jungkook living paycheck to paycheck while he crawled his way in his studies.

It was interesting, to say the least. A little omega, someone who had a direct claim to the pack, not having an idea of the power he held. Well, Yoongi couldn’t really blame him especially when he was certain that this was something that Jungkook’s family didn’t know as well. Because if they did, Jungkook wouldn’t be living the way he was right now.

But if Jungkook knew, what could have happened? Would he be here and claim his place? Would he still be a medical student, trying to save lives daily? Or would he be the opposite of it all? Cruel and cold, taking away the life of someone that he deemed worthless?

Yoongi took a deep breath and slumped on his chair, the weight of the world heavy on his shoulders. His questions were valid, but… he couldn’t see it. Even though he only first approached Jungkook for the purpose of strengthening his power, he couldn’t see the younger being harsh and evil.

“Don’t you think it’s risky? Not sending men to guard Jungkook?” Yoongi ran his hand through his hair, thoughts running a mile per hour for the safety of the omega he was protecting. “I’d stay with him all the time if I could, but that seems too early in the relationship.”

Namjoon leaned at his desk. “Yeah… technically, he knows you for like half a year, and you just became official a couple of months ago. We’re doing great already, hyung. You scented him and he lets you sleep over.”

What Namjoon said was true. Yoongi and Jungkook had great leaps in their relationship, and Yoongi knew he already did everything to show that he was with Jungkook with the intention of mating. He had been the perfect alpha and partner, providing everything that he could to Jungkook. Perhaps that was the reason why Yoongi felt restless whenever he was not with Jungkook. His alpha already recognized the omega as someone they had to protect, and knowing that there was a threat to Jungkook’s safety was a threat to the sanity of his alpha.

“I don’t want to leave him alone, Namjoon,” Yoongi sighed, silently trying to appease his alpha that whimpered in his chest, longing for the omega that had the scent of a sweet, chocolate shop. “It’s dangerous. I don’t know how someone found out about him, but I will search even hell to make sure they leave him alone. He needs protection.”

“Well, hyung. How about we get someone to live in the same building?” Namjoon suggested. His eyebrows were scrunched just like they always did whenever he was thinking. “That way, someone can be with him if you two are not together. I can do it if you want. I won’t overwhelm him.”

Yoongi eyed Namjoon with his suggestion in mind. It was something he could agree with, a perfect plan to make sure Jungkook was protected all the time.

“Alright, make sure you can move before the week ends. If you need to use Seokjin hyung’s name, just tell Ilsung-ssi to prepare the documents,” Yoongi said.

Namjoon nodded, but Yoongi knew he was already making plans. The beta was efficient and smart like that, always wanting to be a step ahead of everything.

“I’ll discuss this with the others,” Namjoon told Yoongi before straightening up and walking towards the door. “It might be better if we act like I’m not connected with you since Jimin and Taehyung already are.”

Yoongi hummed but didn’t answer anymore, just watching as Namjoon made his way out of his office, leaving him alone.

Being on his own left Yoongi with thousands of thoughts, and they were mostly about Jungkook. What was he doing now? Was he asleep? He was getting ready for bed when Yoongi said goodbye, the omega mumbling his thanks for helping him move and scenting him to comfort. It was something that became a norm to them ever since Jungkook asked him to do it a week ago.

Yoongi closed his eyes, a breath of air escaping from him. He wasn’t entirely sure what to do with Jungkook. Yes, he was supposed to use him for his gain, but there was a small part in his chest that he tried so hard to hide and ignore that longed for him to just… stay. Stay with Jungkook and forget all that was cruel in this world.

And Yoongi couldn’t say that he didn’t like it. Because as much as their relationship started with Yoongi actively seeking out the omega, planning every detail of their meeting, Yoongi had come to find comfort in the touches of Jungkook.

He found peace in the gentle hands that always embraced him so tenderly, holding him as if love spilled from Jungkook’s fingertips, and his goal was to paint Yoongi’s skin with it. And though he didn’t want to admit it, Yoongi sometimes found himself clinging to it. Because it was a secret, something he could never share, but had to protect.

It was his secret.

__

Friday, 06:07 PM

Baby highness: Should I have a housewarming party?

Yoon hyung <3: That would be nice, pretty.

Baby highness: It would be right?? But :( we’re all busy :(

Yoon hyung <3: Ah, that sounds sad, baby.

Yoon hyung <3: We can always do a housewarming party when you aren’t as busy.

Baby highness: But!!! I moved already :( 

Yoon hyung <3: I’m sure your friends wouldn’t mind. Who will you invite, anyway?

Baby highness: Uhm. Taehyung hyung and Jimin hyung? And maybe they can take Seokjin hyungnim with them since Jimin hyung said I have yet to meet him… Only if you’re comfortable!

Yoon hyung <3: Don’t worry, pretty. I’m comfortable.

Baby highness: Okay but I’ll have to think about when since we have a report to finish.

Yoon hyung <3: How about when you finish that report?

Baby highness: Oh, yeah! My boyfriend is so smart hehe

Yoon hyung <3: I didn’t do anything?

Baby highness: You’re my boyfriend and that’s what’s important :) 

Yoon hyung <3: Haha alright. You’re cute when you’re like this.

Baby highness: I’m always cute!

Yoon hyung <3: Always cute and pretty. :) 

Baby highness: I am <3

**

Saturday, 05:12 AM

Yoon hyung <3: Good morning, baby highness :) 

Baby highness: Good morning, hyung! Why are you up already?

Yoon hyung <3: Didn’t you say that you have an early shift starting today?

Baby highness <3: Yeah, but this is too early for you, hyung! You should sleep more.

Yoon hyung <3: It’s fine, I get up early anyway.

Baby highness: Hyungggg :c if you’re sweet like that, I’ll want to keep you.

Yoon hyung <3: Well, what if I want you to keep me forever?

Baby highness: Hyung!! Haha

Yoon hyung <3: Too cheesy? Haha

Baby highness: Yes, but I like it.

Yoon hyung <3: I like you too.

Baby highness: Hyung!! Too early in the morning! Haha

Yoon hyung <3: Haha alright, fine. I’ll see you later with your coffee.

Baby highness <3: You’re going to pick me up?

Yoon hyung <3: Of course. You’re my baby highness.

Baby highness: You’re so cheesy but fine. Haha. See you in a bit, hyung.

**

Thursday, 10:09 PM

Yoon hyung <3: A bear and a chick told me your partner failed to meet the deadline of your report so you asked for an extension.

Baby highness: Hyuuuung :( Yeah, but my professor only gave me 24 hours so I might need to pull an all-nighter.

Yoon hyung <3: Alright, I’m coming over with coffee and snacks.

Baby highness: No need, hyung! You have work tomorrow.

Yoon hyung <3: I want to, pretty. I’ll stay with you, okay?

Baby highness: Hyung :( Okay, thank you.

Yoon hyung <3: See you, my baby highness. :) 

Baby highness: See you, hyung!

**

Friday, 11:04 AM

Baby highness: I’m so lucky you’re my boyfriend :( 

Yoon hyung: I’m so happy you’re my boyfriend :) 

__

Mornings at Jungkook’s had always been peaceful and slow for Yoongi, whatever may have happened the day before. He could have had the shittiest day or had blood splattered on his hands, but as soon as he stepped inside the place that was filled with the smell of rich chocolate with a hint of sweet vanilla, all of those felt false and so far away.

It was why he always found himself knocking at the omega’s door, falling into Jungkook’s warm embrace that chased the cold that his demons brought. Yoongi would do anything to keep it.

Yoongi sighed, getting out of the comfort of the bed and walking towards the door. He was greeted by a soft humming and the sound of pans and stoves clanging dully. Yoongi found his boyfriend cooking while singing to the morning.

The thought made him roll his eyes, feeling silly with the label. He had spilled too much blood and stayed in the pack far too long to give in to the softness of the idea. But the fluttering on his chest made up for it, so all he could do was give up and just stare at the view that no one would see except him.

Jeon Jungkook. His pretty, little secret, and a piece of heaven. He couldn’t say that he was in love with the younger, but if the peace and gentleness that he always felt when he was with him was an indication of that, then Yoongi would gladly keep it. Why would he shy away from someone that could give him more than what he initially wanted?

“Hyung? Good morning!” Jungkook’s voice was bright as the sunshine, making Yoongi smile when their eyes met. “Take a seat, I’m about to be done. Just waiting for the rice to finish.”

Yoongi hummed and made his way behind where the omega stood by the counter, wrapping his arms around Jungkook’s waist and planting a kiss on his nape causing the scent of chocolate and vanilla to bloom. “Shouldn’t you be sleeping in?”

“Ah, hyung,” Jungkook sighed before turning around to face him. His hands wrapped around Yoongi’s shoulders. “Can’t I make breakfast for my boyfriend? Who had been so good and sweet? Always taking care of me?”

Yoongi chuckled as he took everything that Jungkook was. The stubborn bed hair that was still sticking up, his eyes that seemed to hold all the wonder and dreams in the world, and the smile that always took Yoongi’s breath away. Jungkook was the prettiest omega he had seen.

“If you’re happy, then I won’t scold you,” Yoongi said. His arms tightened around the younger. He wanted to just stay here and breathe the serenity that Jungkook was. “I like seeing you happy.”

Jungkook laughed softly, his hands finding Yoongi’s face to hold. He was always like this with him. Always so gentle as if he wanted to embrace Yoongi with care. His fingertips always spilled so much tenderness, his smile always shone with endearment.

It was as if Jungkook was made of love and gentleness and his goal in life was to share it with others.

“I’m happy, hyung,” Jungkook whispered warmly, eyes shining like they held the whole universe there. “You make me happy.”

Admittedly, Yoongi’s life until now was… pretty dull. Being part of a pack that was ultimately a gang as well could sound exciting, especially with all that they do. But he had been doing his responsibilities as long as he could remember, and all he was left was numbness and boredom. How inhumane was that? Especially when his hands were tainted with blood, and it wouldn’t even take him a second to stop if he decided to take the life of someone.

He wasn’t born evil. And Yoongi would still like to believe that he was not despite the unforgivable things he did. But he also knew that his belief would never justify his means. He may not be the devil, but he was a demon that caused chaos in places he wanted to destroy.

But Jungkook, he was the personification of everything good and sweet, filling his life with something Yoongi thought he would never come to have. How could someone be just so lovely and kind?

Yoongi’s cheeks couldn’t help the pull of it, painting his face in silly happiness. “That’s good because I’ll do anything for you.”

Jungkook giggled, a sweet sound in the quiet morning. “You’re so cute, hyung. You make me wanna kiss you.”

“Well, why don’t you?”

There was hesitation that made Jungkook pause. His hands played with the hair that fell on Yoongi’s nape while he bit his lips and looked away. Yoongi knew he was a shy person, but with all the time they spent together and the stage of their relationship, he also learned that Jungkook could be as shameless as he was sweet. So it was entertaining to see him flustered and blushing, eyes everywhere but his.

Yoongi hummed, eyes narrowing. His hands on Jungkook’s waist tightened when he pulled the younger closer, causing him to yelp. “What are you not telling me, baby highness?”

Jungkook whined while he tried to hide from Yoongi, but the older only chuckled and tried to meet his eyes, making him give up and grimace. “Well,” Jungkook started. “I actually have not kissed anyone?”

The confession wasn’t really something that mattered to Yoongi. Jungkook was an attractive omega, and he could have anyone he wanted. They haven’t even met until Yoongi actively sought him, and probably wouldn’t have if Yoongi’s position as the leader was not being challenged. Despite that, despite everything that could excuse their past, Yoongi found himself endeared. Jungkook was going on about how he never really had the time to explore, always too busy trying to get by and live, and there he was, listening attentively to the sweetest voice that easily brought down the walls that Yoongi always had.

“You can kiss me.” The words came out as a whisper, Yoongi’s voice soft and quiet as if the words were something he wanted to keep between the two of them only. Something he wanted to protect away from getting corrupted by the reality of his world.

Jungkook’s eyes snapped up to meet Yoongi’s. He was a blushing mess with his face painted in rose gold, making him a masterpiece that Yoongi couldn’t help but adore.

“I can?” Jungkook asked, holding on to Yoongi tightly. 

A kiss, as Yoongi supposed, would probably be exciting and daunting. He wouldn’t say that this was his first as well, seeing that he had used his looks to his advantage before, playing with fire on others that he could use to gain more.

Yoongi squeezed Jungkook’s waist a bit, hoping to give assurance. “Of course, pretty. You’re my boyfriend. We can do whatever you want.”

“Really?”

“Really. Aren’t you my baby highness?”

Jungkook chuckled at the endearment. And if Yoongi would be honest, he wasn’t really the kind to use sweet names for others. They were just far too incompatible especially after being exposed to his world. But then again, he was already living a double life. Why not allow himself to make this one as gentle and lovely? Wasn’t that kind of softness that Jungkook deserved?

Yoongi grinned, watching Jungkook as he took his time, waiting for the courage to get ahold of the enchanting omega that shyly stared at him, eyes falling on his lips. But as the sweet scent of chocolate embrace them both, Yoongi realized that Jungkook was unsure of how to take the first step.

“I’m going to kiss you,” Yoongi finally said, his cheeks aching from the fond smile that was plastered there.

If possible, Jungkook turned even redder. “Okay, hyung.”

Though he was experienced, there was something that Yoongi was certain of: there was something so thrilling about having to taste the lips of an omega as beautiful as Jungkook. The thought of having him in his arms, knowing that no one in the world had the chance to have him like this, it spurred the protective and possessive instinct of the alpha inside him. Was it ever like this with others? Yoongi was certain this was the first he experienced it.

Did he ever look at their eyes and saw stars that made them twinkle? Watched the scarlet powder on their skin, a color he had become sick of, but realized the beauty that it was when it was on Jungkook’s skin. Laughed lowly at the endearing pout that was on their lips?

Did Yoongi ever look at the charming little details that made his heart flutter the way it did now?

Not really.

Because they were not Jungkook.

They were not the silly, little naive omega that was made of pure love and humanity. They were not the ones that made this home in his chest.

They were not the ones that offered him a smile as he leaned closer, erasing the space between them and making his heart burn for more.

Beautiful. So beautiful. It was the only thing that could run through Yoongi’s mind as he watched Jungkook’s eyes, melting into him as he leaned close.

They kissed.

It was innocent, uncertain like Jungkook was careful not to do anything except accept what Yoongi had to offer. But it was also so caring, full of saccharine sweetness that caused a bloom under Yoongi’s skin, running quickly in his veins to his core. Nothing compared to it.

They pulled away, but Yoongi kept his hands on Jungkook’s waist to make him remain in his hold.

I want you.

You keep me safe.

Stay.

Please.

Yoongi’s heart hurts.

“Kiss me again, hyung.”

How could Yoongi even try to deny Jungkook? When he looked so dreamy, eyes wide and twinkling, begging for more? 

The kiss they had this time was different and free , the shyness of their first time was only hinted with Jungkook’s eagerness to learn more. His hands wrapped around Yoongi’s shoulder like he was trying to pull him as close as he could, the fissures of their body filling up one another like they were two puzzles meant to be one.

Yoongi groaned, tongue asking for permission to have more, causing Jungkook to gasp when he opened his mouth to let him in. It was oddly endearing as much as it was maddening. Because this was Jungkook, and he was perfect and pretty, and tasted like rich chocolate in his honey kiss.

Jungkook whined when Yoongi sucked his tongue, but Yoongi couldn’t help but grin when the younger suddenly started fighting for dominance, his eagerness showing while he tried to explore more. What could he do except give in and be pliant, granting the omega power to take whatever he wanted from Yoongi.

“Ah, hyung,” Jungkook grumbled before pulling back. His lips formed a pout that made Yoongi laugh. “Why’d you stop?”

“I was letting you do what you want,” Yoongi failed to hide his amusement. The grin on his lips only got bigger at the frown that Jungkook had, looking at him as if he was betrayed. “Don’t look at me like that, baby. I don’t want to overwhelm you.”

Jungkook sighed dramatically. He crossed his arms over his chest to give the two of them a bit of space, but Yoongi could still see the smile that the omega was trying to hide. It also didn’t help his adorable boyfriend to have his scent smell so sweet and pleased, letting Yoongi know that there was no bite in his continuous grumbling.

Really, how could ever anyone not give in to Jungkook? No one could be that strong.

Yoongi bit his lips and then cupped Jungkook’s face in his hands. The younger was just frowning at him, a poor attempt to try and hide whatever he was feeling despite the hint of red on his cheeks.

“You do know I will literally give you anything you ask, right? So don’t pout, baby. You’re making my heart too weak for you,” Yoongi said.

Jungkook sniffed as his smile slowly broke through his facade, giving in to the touch of the alpha. “You keep saying that, and I’ll want to keep you forever, hyung.”

Yoongi laughed again, unable to hold back his fondness. “Good, it’s working then.”

“Oh, it is definitely working, hyung,” Jungkook replied, voice as warm as the morning sun. He placed his hand above Yoongi’s before moving it to his lips, planting a kiss on it. “I think I’m falling in love with you, hyung.”

Falling in love was something that Yoongi didn’t really think of. It was such a superficial thing, a feeling resigned himself of. Yoongi had accepted so long ago that if he would mate someone, it would most probably to gain something. Not because they were in love. After all, wasn’t he supposed to put the pack and his position first before anything else? That was the plan.

Then, Jungkook happened.

Jungkook with his loving gaze and tender touch, his sweet laughter and gentle heart. He was the one thing that Yoongi never expected to make a mess of the house of cards that Yoongi made, slowly claiming a place on top like a king of hearts wherein Yoongi was supposed to place the king of diamonds. There was not supposed to be a place for something delicate in a place where pain and blood tainted the walls and floors. But here they were, Jungkook gazing at Yoongi like was someone he prayed to the heavens. Would Jungkook ever love him if he found out the truth? Yoongi was too scared to know.

“That’s good,” Yoongi whispered, voice hoarse and heart heavy. “I’m going to take care of you, okay?”

Jungkook smiled so sweetly that Yoongi’s heart ache.

“Thank you.”

He’d burn everything for Jungkook.

__

Yoongi hyung: Where are you?

Namjoon: Working, hyung. Why?

Yoongi hyung: We need to talk.

__

Yoongi watched as the clouds obscured the starry sky with its lightning and attempt at heavy rain. The familiar moon hid from safety as the rumbling sky slowly wreaked havoc, causing people to run. The turbulent storm was the forecast for the night, quite similar to Yoongi’s mind.

The sound of the door swinging open stole Yoongi’s attention. His eyes immediately checked the person who entered his dark room, though he already smelled their familiar scent before he could even see them. 

“What the–” Yoongi could already identify Seokjin from his voice alone, his hyung’s recognizable tone of scolding was already making groans. “Why is it so dark in here? And why does it reek of blood? Are you dead, Min Yoongi?”

Yoongi grumbled, watching as Seokjin and Namjoon entered the room, the light quickly flooding even the corners of his office once someone had reached for the switch.

“You do know I can very well hang you up with the way you talk to me, right, hyung?” Yoongi cocked his head to the side. He watched while Seokjin and Namjoon took a seat on the couch.

“Are you really gonna threaten me while you call me hyung?” Seokjin replied, relaxing in where he sat. “You act like I didn’t raise you on my back and found Jeon Jungkook for you. You wound me, dearest dongsaeng.”

Yoongi rolled his eyes, but there was a hidden smile that he really cannot stop from his lips. Seokjin had always been bold. He knew how to handle someone in a higher rank while still maintaining his charm. Maybe it was what helped him gain Yoongi’s and the former leader’s trust.

“Seokjin hyung, you said you won’t interrupt me and Yoongi hyung!” Namjoon sighed, but it only made Seokjin laugh.

“What? I missed my friend, let me tease him!”

Quickly, a banter started between the two. It would have been funny on another occasion, something Yoongi could find himself joining especially when Seokjin turned his taunts on him. But he couldn’t, not when his arms stenched of blood, the water he washed from earlier doing nothing but only hide the scarlet that Yoongi was so used to. Maybe he could’ve washed the scent off, but after watching the lights from the eyes of a person slip away, Yoongi strangely just had to leave the place.

He was never like that before. Though he didn’t usually do it now that he was the pack leader, he still dropped by to their captives from time to time, helping out in ways that only a devil could imagine. But the frequency of it shouldn’t be enough reason for Yoongi to feel… weird, detached . He was only ever numb to it, but this was the first time that the smell of blood on his hands made the hair on his nape rise.

Was it too strong? Was the scent of it making Yoongi imagine his hands still painted in maroon? Was the knowledge of what he did cause the storm in his chest? Yoongi couldn’t be sure. All he knew, for now, was the smell didn’t feel right.

The scent should be richer, sweeter . Something that didn’t smell like rust and minerals that was too heavy on his nose.

Yoongi wanted Jungkook’s scent on his skin again.

“Jungkook said he’s falling in love,” Yoongi said suddenly in between the banter of the two, effectively stealing their attention. “He said he’s falling in love with me.”

Cheers erupted from both of his friends. Seokjin stood up to applaud and pat Namjoon. After all, it was Namjoon who helped Yoongi plan how to approach Jungkook, guiding him on what and what not to do, and just basically creating ways behind the scene for Yoongi to make Jungkook fall.

And now they were here. But Yoongi’s heart hurt.

“That’s really awesome, hyung! I told you that you could do it,” Namjoon’s smile was from ear to ear. “I bet even if I didn’t give you any advice, you could’ve still done it.”

“Duh,” Seokjin snorted. “He’s secretly a romantic. Of course, he could make Jeon Jungkook fall for him.”

Yoongi smiled weakly. His eyes stared at his hands. They were just so… red earlier. He wasn’t usually this bothered since it had been such a dull color. But now it reminded him of the red in Jungkook’s cheeks, laughing endearingly while Yoongi stole kisses from him. It was the color of their kisses and lips.

Fuck, what was he even thinking? Just stop, stop–stop thinking, Yoongi. This isn’t you– he wasn’t one to associate something stupid. But his alpha howled in his tight chest at the thought of something so evil in his hands while he was being reminded that he just held someone so pure and sweet earlier.

Yoongi closed his eyes and took a deep breath, hoping to calm himself. 

Stop being weird. What the fuck are you doing?

“Hyung?” Yoongi glanced up at Namjoon’s voice, finding him with a frown. Seokjin was watching him as well, the silliness he had earlier was replaced with quiet concern.

Yoongi swallowed the lump in his throat before filling his lungs with air, hoping that it would clear his mind. Despite that, it barely helped as the scent of iron only made him frown.

In all honesty, Yoongi already had an idea why he was… feeling like this. He wasn’t sure if he should hate it, but the thought of it made his heart burn and flatter like it was being reminded that it beats and he was actually someone who lives. That he wasn’t just an alpha trying to secure his place, raising from the ranks and extending his power.

That there was still humanity in him despite everything that he thought of.

Was it easier to admit it? Maybe. He knew how to twist his words to deceive someone, omit information but still give the truth, and make someone run around, but Yoongi was never a liar. 

Yoongi offered a smile to his friends, hoping that they wouldn’t be too worried. Or maybe, it was for himself, so he wouldn’t look weak and scared. Whatever it was, he knew the truth.

“I think,” Yoongi said slowly, falling back to his chair and closing his eyes. He could almost see it in his mind, the silly bunny smile that made its way to his heart. “I might be falling in love with Jungkook.”

He didn’t want to stop.

__

Thursday, 06:49 PM

Yoongi: I’m staying at Jungkook’s tonight.

Seokjin hyung: Weren’t we supposed to talk?

Yoongi: Yeah, but something came up.

Seokjin hyung: Something?

Yoongi: Someone sent a box to Jungkook’s place.

Seokjin hyung: And?

Yoongi: It has our pictures and a bloody eyeball.

Seokjin hyung: What the hell? That’s gross.

Yoongi: It’s dangerous. Namjoon was able to get it since it looked weird.

Seokjin hyung: Does Jungkook know?

Yoongi: No, we didn’t tell him. It’ll scare him and we can’t have him think about it. The unwanted visitor from last time was enough.

Seokjin hyung: Whoever is messing with you is working smart.

Yoongi: Yeah, and it pisses me off. Someone is clearly trying to sabotage our plan. I just don’t get how they knew we are doing this.

Seokjin: Maybe they’ve been watching Jungkook before. They’re only moving now that they see you with him.

Yoongi: Perhaps. I just have to protect him.

Seokjin hyung: I know you will, Yoongi.

__

Yoongi eyed the soup that he was waiting to boil while he leaned at the counter, his arms crossed over his chest while he racked his brain for anyone that he could think of that would actually try to threaten his position. He came up to none, his mind reminding him that whatever they planned to do that included Jungkook was confidential, a secret that only his trusted people knew. And Yoongi would bet on his life that those five people would never stab him in the back.

“You look so serious, hyung,” A familiar voice stole Yoongi’s attention. He looked up and found Jungkook walking towards him. “Penny for your thoughts?”

Yoongi forced out a smile while pushing his concerns away. For now, all he had to do was focus on Jungkook and his safety. Wasn’t that why he was here and Namjoon was stationed outside the place? Jimin and Taehyung constantly keeping an eye on Jungkook when Yoongi couldn’t? Using all the resources that he had?

If Yoongi was honest, everything would have been easier if he and Jungkook were mates. It would secure his position since Jungkook was directly from the bloodline of the former pack alpha, and Yoongi would solidify his pack’s obedience. Everyone knew a pack alpha needed their pack omega to maintain balance and with Jungkook, he will have both.

“Just waiting for this soup to boil,” Yoongi offered Jungkook a smile instead, making sure that there was no trace of anxiety in him that would make Jungkook ask questions.

“Ah, I’m so lucky. Can’t believe that a great alpha is cooking for me,” Jungkook sighed loudly, teasing him. “Did you ever cook for someone else? Let’s say… an ex?”

Yoongi raised his eyebrows, detecting a hint of mischievousness in Jungkook’s question. He could be sly if he wanted, but it only made Yoongi endeared. “I never cook for anyone, pretty. You’re the first.”

“Really?”

Yoongi hummed, smiling at the wide eyes of Jungkook. It was true, and maybe it was why Jungkook was now grinning from ear to ear. An alpha bringing food they made to an omega was an intimate thing, so if Yoongi was cooking for Jungkook, they both knew that he was eager for Jungkook to accept him as his alpha. And though they knew that Yoongi had been expressive in his intent with Jungkook, a little bit of spoiling and a whole lot of dedicated courting would never hurt anyone.

Jungkook narrowed his eyes. “But did you have an ex?”

“I’d say… a couple. They weren’t serious, though.”

The shift in Jungkook’s scent was so quick that Yoongi could only raise his eyebrows, eyeing Jungkook carefully as a smell of bitter  chocolate permeated the air. Despite that, the omega stared back at him innocently while he moved closer.

“What’s the extent of the seriousness?” Jungkook asked.

“I don’t know, more like a fling? Or just to have someone?”

“How long? Who were they? Why did it end? Tell me about it.”

The tirade of questions as Jungkook stood close to him was a little… amusing, if Yoongi would be honest. He had never seen his boyfriend act like this, interrogating him so eagerly.

“Okay… but know that you’re being funny and weird,” Yoongi decided to tease. Jungkook only whined and crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes wide and waiting, but there was nothing on his face that could give away his emotions. The bitter scent earlier was also gone as if Yoongi imagined it.

Yoongi could only sigh as he continued, the smile that was making its way onto his face was getting hard to fight off. “Alright… so I had a boyfriend when I was in my last year of high school. He was a classmate. We lasted until the middle of our first year in university then broke up because his parents wanted to set him up with a chaebol, and not to a boring alpha.”

“What? You’re not boring!” Jungkook was scandalized, looking like he was ready to defend Yoongi’s honor that it only caused the smile that Yoongi was trying to hold back to appear. “You’re awesome and perfect!”

“Thank you, pretty. I try to be for you,” was all Yoongi said. He watched as Jungkook scrunched his nose at him, the red on his cheeks was so bright and sweet.

“How about the other one?”

Yoongi hummed then reached out to push the strands of Jungkook’s hair behind his ear, finding excuses to touch his boyfriend while he remember his last relationship. It wasn’t a special one if he would be honest. His relationship or flings were never special.

“Well,” he started. His hand rested on Jungkook’s shoulder, tracing the skin on the side of his neck just above his scent gland. He felt Jungkook shudder slightly. “I’d say she was the longest. We dated from our sophomore year until we graduated. She was very nice, but her dad took her to the US because she wanted to be a public defender, and her dad was scared she’d be in trouble.”

“In trouble?” Jungkook echoed. He was more invested than Yoongi had imagined, so he indulged the younger.

“Her dad used to be the Minister of Justice.”

Jungkook stared at him with wide eyes, probably not expecting what he had just shared. “That… she sounds like a big deal.”

“I’m not sure. She doesn’t like being associated with her dad when it came to working,” Yoongi said. It had been a while since he dated his ex, but he could still remember how she got annoyed whenever people treated her a little special due to her father. “I get it since he used to introduce me to people too when I dated Sohee. You know, for connection? He was actually nice.”

Jungkook hummed, leaning away from Yoongi’s touch. “I see. That sounds kinda serious, hyung.”

“You think so? She was my girlfriend, but I didn’t really court her to be my mate,” Yoongi replied. And it was true. Yoongi was only ever with her for the connection that her father brought. “I think it was more on the connection and benefit of us together.”

“Benefit?” Jungkook repeated, but there was an obvious change in his tone. It was like he was trying to sound fine and cheerful, but his voice was shaking slightly.

Yoongi frowned, watching Jungkook intently. The younger was looking away, eyes unfocused on something on the wall behind Yoongi. His smell was bitter, like chocolate that had no hint of sweetness.

“I was the top student…” Yoongi said slowly, careful of his words, though they were all true. “Pretty, are you upset?”

Jungkook scrunched his nose before stepping back and started walking away. “I’m not, hyung. Just asking questions.”

It was unusual seeing Jungkook like this. He was the one who was always open and honest with his feelings, eyes twinkling whenever he talked to Yoongi, or lips in a pout when he shared whatever made him upset. But right now, Jungkook only left a burnt smell of chocolate on his trail.

“Pretty…” Yoongi called back, but Jungkook only gave him a tight-lip smile as he marched to his room.

Unsure of what had happened, Yoongi just took a deep breath and sighed, not fond of the way his boyfriend looked so blue. Was it with his previous partners? Maybe. But Jungkook wouldn’t just sulk like that. Sure, he might act a little jealous, and tease Yoongi about it, but to be so down because of it? Jungkook wouldn’t be like that.

Yoongi followed Jungkook after turning off the stove. He found him plopped on his bed, eyes just staring at the ceiling without any trace of expression. His scent was now burnt and bitter, causing a stir in Yoongi’s chest where his alpha howled to comfort the omega.

“Pretty? Is something wrong?” Yoongi asked while he walked slowly to the bed, sitting at the edge to give space to Jungkook. “Are you… jealous? You don’t need to worry about them, pretty. I promise. You’re the only one I ever wanted to court.”

Jungkook bit his lips and took a deep breath. “It’s not that, hyung… I mean… sure, I’m kind of jealous, but I believe you when you say that I’m the only one.”

“But?”

“I just… I wanted you to meet my parents, too.”

There was something heartbreaking in the way Jungkook spoke. His voice broke at the end while tears slowly dampened his eyelashes. And Yoongi, all he could do was slowly climb the bed and take sit beside Jungkook. What was he even supposed to do in this kind of situation? Yoongi was never one to comfort a person, and he had no feelings whatsoever about not having a parent. Perhaps it came from the fact that he was orphaned before he could even comprehend that he should have a mother and a father. His family was his pack and the former leader ever since he could remember.

Despite that, Yoongi couldn’t bear to see tears stain Jungkook’s cheeks, the palm of his hands pressed over his eyelids in a poor attempt of stopping his emotions from spilling. But it was all there already, pulling him like waves from the sea. And Yoongi, he didn’t want to let Jungkook swim alone.

“I have no parents,” Yoongi started. His hand slowly reached out to wipe away the sadness on Jungkook’s face, hoping that it would help. “I think they gave me away as a payment to their debt, but they still died. A… pack alpha? He took me in. But that’s the extent of me having some sort of a parent. I never really minded not having my real parents, so I’m not sure if I can really comfort you, pretty.”

“It’s okay, hyung. I’m just… I don’t know… I just think they would’ve really liked you.”

Yoongi smiled although he knew Jungkook couldn’t see him. He wasn’t sure how much Jungkook would’ve liked him. Maybe if he hid the fact that he was from the pack that their elder had left, they really would. But once they find out the truth, Yoongi wasn’t sure what they would do.

“Thank you, pretty,” Yoongi whispered. His fingertips brushed the stain on Jungkook’s face, hoping to see the eyes that twinkled with so much love. “We can visit them next weekend if you’d like. I’d have to introduce myself some time, you know. And I have to tell them how amazing and lovely their son is. I’m sure they are very proud.”

“Hyung,” Jungkook whined, laughing wetly as he tried to wipe the tears that kept on falling. “Stop making me cry, please. I’m gonna get ugly.”

“Baby, how could you say that? You’re the prettiest!” Yoongi gasped loudly, hoping to be as dramatic as he could be and making Jungkook giggle.

It was a relief to see that it worked despite Yoongi not being used to doing things like that. He was used to easily pulling screams of pain from anyone. All of it was child’s play to him that was taught the moment he realized that he was not just in an ordinary pack, but a gang itself.

“Ah, hyung, really,” Jungkook sniffed. “Don’t look at me, I look like a mess.”

“Hey, don’t call my baby highness a mess. He’s very pretty.”

Jungkook whimpered, hiding behind his hands. Yoongi could only laugh when he wrapped his fingers on the younger’s wrists, tugging them away to see his pretty face. What was he if not someone who adored Jungkook whether his eyes twinkled in beauty, or in tears? All Yoongi could do was make sure that whatever Jungkook may feel, he was there for him. Whether to simply hold his hands, or kiss the tears away.

“Come on, my pretty. Let hyung see you,” Yoongi said, hovering over Jungkook until he finally straddled him. Both of them laughed as Yoongi pinned Jungkook’s hands above him. “See? Very pretty.”

“Hyung, you’re just teasing me now.”

When Yoongi first saw Jungkook’s photo, he already found him pretty, someone who was perfect to be an arm candy. But when he met him in person, Yoongi realized that the photos were nothing on him. They couldn’t justify how ethereal Jungkook was in reality, his eyes wide and twinkling as if they held all the treasures in the universe. He could ask the whole world, and everyone would give it.

But then this. A mess of an omega that had streaks of tears on his cheeks. Somehow, Yoongi still found the gloriousness of it. Because though his eyes rimmed in red, and he couldn’t help but keep wiping away the wetness on his face, Yoongi could still find the stars in his eyes; could still see the sweetness of his smile. Yoongi still found everything that made Jungkook so gentle and lovely despite the pain that pulled him to his sea of tears.

A disaster. Yet still so beautiful and perfect.

“There you are,” Yoongi whispered, taking everything in of Jungkook. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Yeah?” Jungkook breathed. His arms were pliant above him as Yoongi held him down, not letting him get away. “Did you like what you found?”

Yoongi grinned, letting the flattering on his chest run under his skin with a flickering warmth that could only remind him of a midsummer’s eve. Perhaps being with Jungkook was similar to that–like a summer night with an open sky and millions of stars scattered on it; like a soft kiss of the wind that longed to touch him; like a rainbow in the clearing sky after the summer rain.

He was everything gentle and kind in Yoongi’s world. How could Yoongi not hold him so dearly?

“I love it.”

Jungkook smiled back, pulling his hands away from Yoongi’s hold, only to tangle their hands together. A sweet, chocolatey scent finally permeated the air and completely removed the trace of the burnt one. “You owe me a kiss, then.”

“Never saying no to that,” Yoongi winked then dropped a kiss on Jungkook’s nose.

He wanted to tease more and clearly, Jungkook wanted to complain. But before the younger could speak and struggle, Yoongi leaned down and finally closed the distance between them.

Kissing Jungkook was something Yoongi would never get sick of. He was like a glass of sweet champagne that Yoongi just wanted to keep on drinking, fill himself with the bubbly feeling in his chest, take all of him until they were both drunk of each other. It also helped that Jungkook was a quick learner, always letting Yoongi in before he could even ask for permission. It was charming as it was endearing, especially whenever Jungkook squealed and gasped on Yoongi’s ministrations.

Jungkook hummed and untangled their hands together. But before Yoongi could do anything, Jungkook was wrapping his arms on his shoulders, pulling him closer until all the fissures between them was filled with their skins and touches, linking them together.

After a few more moments of kissing and touching, Jungkook trailed his lips on Yoongi’s cheek then leaned back to the bed, their eyes meeting one another. Yoongi offered him a smile which Jungkook returned.

“Hyung?” 

“Yeah?”

“I love you,” Jungkook’s voice was small, honeyed and full of affection. “Please take care of me?”

Everything stopped for Yoongi after hearing those words. He knew it was bound to happen, but it still caught him off guard. But he ached for it, just like the desert craved for the rain.

“As long as you’ll have me, pretty,” Yoongi closed his eyes, resting his forehead on Jungkook’s before planting a kiss on it. “I’ll always take care and protect you.”

The words that Jungkook said were something he was eager for. Despite that, hearing them felt like an arrow in his chest. It was as magical as fairytales, and as piercing as a knife. But he couldn’t bear to take it off and let it go, especially when comfort was at Jungkook’s side.

__

Wednesday, 05:35 PM

Baby highness: Maybe I should hide you.

Yoon hyung <3: So sudden, pretty?

Baby highness: Why are you so good looking and perfect???

Yoon hyung <3: I’m a little confused…

Baby highness: I heard a nurse saying she’ll do anything to get a chance on you. :/

Yoon hyung <3: Ah, I see. Is my baby highness feeling jealous? Haha. 

Baby highness: It’s not funny, hyung! :/ Can’t they smell you on ME?

Yoon hyung <3: Yes, of course it’s not funny, pretty. Very scandalous of them to say that when you reek of me.

Baby highness: Exactly! I keep telling Jimin hyung that!! So he was like “that’s Jungkook’s boyfriend” and they were all giggly and asked stuff about how good of a kisser you were or how did I manage to find you and stuff like that which I think is pretty offensive considering I’m your boyfriend.

Yoon hyung <3: Ah, how disrespectful of them to ask that to my baby.

Baby highness: Exactly, hyungie!! Like can’t they just do their job?? I was quietly reading my charts and they were all acting like that.

Yoon hyung <3: You should wear my clothes if you’d like. Or I’ll scent your clothes, pretty. 

Baby highness: Not enough.

Baby highness: I should just mate with you.

Yoon hyung <3: JUNGKOOK

Baby highness: Jungkook??? No baby???? :(

Yoon hyung <3: BABY, MY BABY HIGHNESS, YOU CAN’T SUDDENLY JUST SAY THAT?

Baby highness: What? Mate with you?

Yoon hyung <3: Baby!

Baby highness: Why not :(

Yoon hyung <3: Because that's all I’m gonna think about, pretty. 

Baby highness: Is that bad :(

Yoon hyung <3: It’s not bad, baby. But I could only have so much self control.

Baby highness: But I want you to mate me :(

Yoon hyung <3: My baby highness, I can promise you I want to mate you too. But I don’t want to do it because some insensitive idiots are making you jealous, okay?

Baby highness: I’m not jealous! :(

Yoon hyung <3: If you say so, pretty. But I don’t want to do it because of some idiots. We’ll talk about this, okay?

Baby highness: Okay :(

Yoon hyung <3: Good pup.

Baby highness: But you want to mate me? You really, really want to?

Yoon hyung <3: I do.

Yoon hyung <3: You can give me a bite too.

Baby highness: Hyungie, that’s too big of a deal!!

Yoon hyung <3: It’s what I want. That’s why this is something we need to talk about in person.

Baby highness: Okayyyy. We’ll talk.

Yoon hyung <3: Good. I’ll see you, okay?

Baby highness: Okay!

**

Friday, 10:34 PM

Baby highness: You said we’ll talk about the mating but you left :(

Yoon hyung <3: Ah, my sweet baby highness. Hyung’s sorry for leaving. We’ll talk about it when you don’t have to study, okay?

Baby highness: But I can’t stop thinking about it. :(

Yoon hyung <3: Why not?

Baby highness: Because I love you and you make me happy.

Yoon hyung <3: That’s all I want you to be even if we’re not mated yet.

Baby highness: So why are we not talking about it?

Yoon hyung <3: Because you’re a busy person with a lot of cases to read right now.

Yoon hyung <3: Mating is a big thing, baby. So talking about it is important as well. Don’t think that I’m making you wait because I don’t want to mate you, okay? I just want us to talk about it when you’re not tired from work with tons of things to do. You have a lot of things to consider. If you want, you can even ask Jimin why he and Seokjin hyung haven’t mated yet.

Baby highness: Hmm okay. But you really want me, right?

Yoon hyung <3: You’re the only one I ever wanted to be with.

Baby highness: Okay, I believe you.

Yoon hyung <3: That’s good. Now, go to sleep, okay? I’ll be back once I finish this urgent meeting. 

Baby highness: Good night, hyungie. See you later.

**

Friday, 11:21 PM

Jeon Jungkook: Jimin hyung? Are you still awake?

Park Jimin: Yeah?

Jeon Jungkook: Sorry, I can’t stop thinking about it, but can I ask why you and Seokjin hyungnim haven’t mated yet?

Park Jimin: Ohh. Well. It’s cause mating is a big thing, Kookie.

Jeon Jungkook: I know that. :(

Park Jimin: I’m sure. But we’re busy students, Kookie. I’m not sure if hyung handling the company and me still in university will help us.

Jeon Jungkook: Why not??

Park Jimin: Cause when we mate, we’re going to have a strong instinct to have pups. And hyung knows I’m working hard to be a physician and having pups so soon might strain me.

Jeon Jungkook: But you can mate without having pups immediately, right? Just a bit hard…

Park Jimin: Yeah. But you know this, Kook. It’ll be hard for your omega. 

Jeon Jungkook: Yeah :(

Kim Taehyung: Jimin and hyung are already engaged and living together though. So they’re basically just waiting.

Jeon Jungkook: Yeah…

Park Jimin: Why’d you ask, Kookie?

Jeon Jungkook: I told Yoongi hyung I want us to mate.

Park Jimin: OMG WHAT

Kim Taehyung: MATE???

Jeon Jungkook: Yeah… but he said I should think about it first. It makes me anxious cause I really want to be with him…

Kim Taehyung: YOU’RE SO WHIPPED

Jeon Jungkook: I love him.

Kim Taehyung: YOU LOVE HIM OMG THAT’S SO SWEET.

Park Jimin: Kookie, that's so great!!! We knew you’d be happy with hyung!!

Jeon Jungkook: I’m very happy, thank you so much, hyungs. You two really pushed me.

Jeon Jungkook: But that’s why the mating talk came in. I’m not sure what he wants me to think of. 

Park Jimin: Maybe because of the same thing. He knows you’re working hard and if you bear a pup, it’ll be hard to handle. If not, it’ll hurt your omega.

Kim Taehyung: Hyung’s probably being considerate.

Jeon Jungkook: He’s always like that. :( I love him hnnng :(

Park Jimin: That’s really cute of you two!!

Jeon Jungkook: He also told me I can give him a bite.

Kim Taehyung: HE WHAT

Park Jimin: He did??? Hyung’s so whipped for you!!

Jeon Jungkook: I told him that would be too big, but he said he wants it.

Kim Taehyung: If that’s the case then probably is just waiting. 

Park Jimin: Yeah! Just give it time, Kookie. I’m sure you two will sort it out once you get to talk.

Jeon Jungkook: Okay. Thank you, hyungs!!

__

“Hyung’s hair is so long,” Jungkook murmured as he ran his hands through Yoongi’s hair, pulling slightly and playing with it. “Can you keep it like this?”

“Do you like it?” Yoongi replied, chuckling slightly when Jungkook hummed in affirmation before burying his face in Yoongi’s neck, taking his scent in, and falling completely pliant on Yoongi’s arms.

“Yeah, you look hot.”

The honest answer of the younger only made Yoongi laugh loudly, enjoying how his shyness slowly grew to something bold and straightforward. Although he was still sure that Jungkook would be blushing right now, face hiding from him while he clung to Yoongi as if he didn’t want to let go.

It was nice to have him like this. At this point, Yoongi had come to the terms that he wanted to be with Jungkook and enjoyed being his boyfriend. If he would be completely honest and disregarded all the complications of the reality of the world he lived in, he’d be able to tell him the three words that he had been holding off.

Yoongi sighed, wrapping his arms tighter around Jungkook and pulling him closer. They were currently in bed, enjoying the night when Jungkook had no schedules nor responsibilities, and all they had was quiet and peace.

“I like it when I wear your shirts, too,” Jungkook mumbled. Yoongi couldn’t help the way his chest shook, unable to hide the amusement he had for his boyfriend. They had been in this position ever since Yoongi entered the place. Jungkook immediately latches onto his side and demanded for Yoongi to take his shirt off so he can wear it.

“Okay, you can wear my shirts anytime,” Yoongi replied. The smile on his face was undeniable, especially with the way it made his cheeks ache. “I have spare clothes here, right? You can wear those too.”

The permission made Jungkook sit straight up, the soft light that came from the other side of the room giving enough illumination for Yoongi to see Jungkook stare at him with his wide, sparkly eyes. He was adorable with his bed hair and Yoongi’s shirt.

“But hyungie, they don’t smell like you!” Jungkook whined, lips in a pout as he poked Yoongi’s chest lightly. “I wanna smell like you. That’s why I told you to mate me already!”

Yoongi took a deep breath and sighed, eyes wandering to the irresistible figure of Jungkook, wondering how could he ever not give in to the simple wishes of him. He never knew he could be this weak, not when all his life, he had been desensitized to anything that could make his emotions go haywire. How could Jungkook just sit there looking so beautiful? Pull Yoongi’s heartstrings that he didn’t know existed with a pout or laughter?

It was dangerous. Because Jungkook was supposed to give him everything he wanted. But watching him right now, Yoongi would rather risk it all and give Jungkook the world.

“Pretty…” Yoongi said quietly. He straightened up and reached out to hold Jungkook’s hand, tugging on it until Jungkook climbed into his lap and hugged him tightly. “You know why I told you to think about it first, right? You talked to Jimin already, didn’t you?”

“I did! But…”

“But?”

Jungkook whined, a smell of distress emanating from him and tugging Yoongi’s heart painfully. Like clockwork, Yoongi planted a kiss on Jungkook’s neck and scented him slowly.

“My heart hurts when you’re not around,” Jungkook held onto him tighter as if the non-existent space between them was not enough. “Why is that, hyung? Is it because you’re my first love? But I’m smart, hyungie, I know when my emotions are controlling me and when I’m thinking clearly.”

Yoongi hummed, his hand rubbing Jungkook’s back slowly. “Can you tell me how you’re so sure, then?”

Jungkook leaned back. There was honesty that twinkled in his eyes, pulling Yoongi in and he knew he’d never escape it. “Because I know what love is, hyung. I grew up with it when I was with my parents. I knew it was a hard thing to understand or describe. It’s more than the fluttering on my chest, or me wanting to see you all the time. It’s not just me getting jealous when I hear someone says they want you, too. It’s not just the pain in my chest when you’re not around, and the happiness I feel when you hold me.”

Yoongi bit his lips, watching as Jungkook smiled at him despite the tears that glistened on his eyes. Why was he making the most precious person in the world cry? Yoongi would burn it all for him.

“You do all these things to make me feel safe and loved. Maybe that’s natural since we’re together,” Jungkook continued. Yoongi brushed his tears away, pulling a sigh from him. ”But you also do things that wouldn’t even matter if you didn’t do them, but I realized that they do make me fall for you. We’ve known each other for some time now, and we’ve been together for half of that, but what you do for me never changed. Honestly, they even became more. They made me love you more. Because the little things you do, they take up a lot of space in my heart. You make me so happy, hyung, but not just because you’re my first love. You make me happy because we’re in love.”

We’re in love.

Yoongi took a deep breath. Their initial plan of making Jungkook fall was foolproof, everything was planned to make sure that he would end up with Yoongi. But somehow along the way, they derailed from everything they were planning and Yoongi had to go with what he felt was right. After all, he just needed to be with Jungkook.

What Yoongi didn’t expect was him holding Jungkook in his arms, his heart aching for the younger and never wanting to let go. He never planned this. But what could he do? Maybe there was no denying now. 

“I love you, too.”

Yoongi was in love with Jungkook.

__

iii. burn

“What is this I hear that Jungkook is asking you to mate him but you are hesitating?” Yoongi could only sigh as he listened to Seokjin talk on the other end of the call. Jimin must have told him when Jungkook asked about mating. He expected it, but he was still unprepared for how to explain to Seokjin why he was straying further and further away from their plan.

Yoongi pinched the bridge of his nose and then leaned on the railing of Jungkook’s balcony. He was waiting for the younger to finish showering when Seokjin called him.

“It’s just that, hyung.”

“And you told him that he can give you a bite, too. Yoongi, I’m saying this with all respect to you as my pack leader, but I’m also your hyung. Tell me, what the fuck are you doing?” Seokjin continued, but Yoongi couldn’t detect if his hyung was ranting or was just asking questions. Maybe because they were both in between the lines of Seokjin being older than Yoongi, and Yoongi being the leader of the pack that Seokjin belonged to. “You know that’s dangerous, Yoongi. If anyone of you gets hurt or–god forbid this happens- dies , the other one will die too.”

Yoongi grimaced, his chest hurting at the thought as he watched Jungkook walk around his room with only a towel on, humming a random song that Yoongi was familiar with. He’d never let anything destroy this peace. No one will hurt Jungkook on his watch. “No one will get hurt or die, hyung. I can protect us.”

A short silence filled the other end of the phone until Yoongi heard Seokjin heave a deep sigh. He can already imagine his hyung walking around his office. “Are you in love with Jungkook?”

“Hyung…” Yoongi could only say, unsure what to follow it with. His feelings felt like a secret, something he had to protect to make sure Jungkook wouldn’t be in any mess.

“Alright,” Seokjin said softly, so different from the way they usually talked. “You don’t need to tell hyung, Yoongichi. Just… just be kind to yourself, okay? If loving and being with Jungkook is that then do it.”

Yoongi hummed and didn’t ask anymore what Seokjin meant, offering Jungkook instead a smile when he stepped out to the balcony to join him. “Thanks, hyung.”

‘Work?’ Jungkook mouthed while tangling his hands around Yoongi.

‘Kinda,’ Yoongi replied as quietly, unable to hide the smile that grew on his face when Jungkook clung to him.

“Now that’s out of the way, I’ll need you to come down here with Joon.”

Yoongi frowned, finding Seokjin’s request unusual. It was late into the night, and they both knew Yoongi usually spent his time with Jungkook, barely staying at their house in favor here.

“Did something happen?” Yoongi asked. Jungkook’s eyes were on him, watching and waiting as the expression on Yoongi’s face changed. 

“Someone was stalking Jungkook and Namjoon caught him trying to get inside Jungkook’s place when you two weren’t there earlier,” Seokjin replied.

There was a short moment where everything stopped and Yoongi had his breath held inside him, his world suddenly taking a stumble at the reality that Jungkook was so close to harm despite all the safety measures that they were doing. Was this the reparation for hiding the truth from him? Would it be better if Yoongi came clean and confessed to Jungkook about everything? Maybe then they could protect him better especially since Jungkook would also know when to keep himself safe.

“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” Yoongi said weakly, hands falling protectively around Jungkook.

“I couldn’t reach you. I sent a van for you, Namjoon, and the bastard, so just wait for Hoseok to call you,” Seokjin answered.

Yoongi took a deep breath, already anticipating the conversation he has to make with Jungkook about why he needed to go. It was harder now knowing that Jungkook had someone following him.

“Alright, hyung. I’ll see you,” he sighed.

Before Yoongi could even end the call, he could already see Jungkook frowning at him, lips jutting out in a pout.

“You’re leaving?” Jungkook asked with a small voice.

How could he leave him alone like this especially after knowing someone tried to break in here?

“Yeah,” Yoongi forced himself to say. The lump in his throat was bitter and large, trying to push back his words. “It’s an emergency. Seokjin hyung needs me.”

“But… it’s my day off… Can’t you stay with me, hyungie?” 

“Baby, it’s an emergency. I’ll be quick, okay? I’ll be back before you know it.”

Trying to convince Jungkook that he had to go was harder than he ever thought. Maybe more so now that all of Yoongi’s feelings were real. Suddenly, his fears, his longing, and his love, they were magnified, engulfing his being and standing bigger than him.

“But I know you left, hyung. I know you’re not here with me,” Jungkook mumbled.

Yoongi was never one to really give a damn about a person’s feelings. Most of the time, he used their emotions for their fear or for his gain. At times, it even made him a little harsh, especially to his pack and even friends. It was a reality that he had to take on since all he had as a claim to his pack alpha position was the former leader’s will. But looking at Jungkook’s jutted lips and downcast eyes, Yoongi almost wanted to fall on his knees and tell him everything.

“Pretty, please don’t look at me like that. I’m too weak for you,” Yoongi sighed. He cupped Jungkook’s face between his hands and gave his cheeks a squeeze, the younger whining at Yoongi’s teasing. “You know I’d stay if I could.”

“Then, can I go with you?” Jungkook frowned before quickly pecking Yoongi’s lips and pouting harder, an expression that was enough to make Yoongi crumble. “I can stay in the car! Or in a convenience store near your office! Or— or in the lobby. I don’t mind.”

What was the point of resisting? When Yoongi knew he could never do it to Jungkook. “Alright, baby. You can come, but promise me you’ll behave, okay? Can you do that?” Jungkook immediately nodded, and a wide smile made its way to his cheeks. Really. How could Yoongi even try? “I’ll just make a private call outside. Go get dressed and bundle up then wait for me to get you.”

Jungkook hummed before kissing him again. “Okay, hyung!”

Yoongi just smiled, watching as Jungkook walked to his closet with springs on his feet. He was sure Seokjin would scold him, but it would be worth it. He’d also have the peace of mind that Jungkook was safe, so this worked out well.

With a sigh, Yoongi went out of the bedroom and of the apartment, knowing he actually had to call Seokjin and then talk to Namjoon on what to do. Now that Jungkook was going with him, Yoongi can’t stay in the same car as Namjoon. It would be better to give him instructions instead.

Namjoon was already standing outside his apartment when Yoongi stepped into the hallway. He was ready to leave, already wearing a jacket and just waiting for Yoongi. Hoseok must be near already.

“Change of plans,” Yoongi immediately said, holding the door of Jungkook’s place just to be safe. He didn’t know that Namjoon and Yoongi knew each other. “Jungkook is coming with me so you’ll have to take the bastard with you to Hoseok.”

“Uhh, okay,” Namjoon replied although he was clearly confused by a lot of questions. “I need help taking him to the car, though. He’s an alpha so he’s a little bigger.”

“Alright, lead the way.”

The apartment that Namjoon was staying at was similar to the setting of Jungkook’s place, which is helpful for Yoongi to identify everything in place. The only difference between this and Jungkook’s was the absence of any personality in it. So unlike the home that Jungkook had made, the little part of themselves scattered all over it alongside random pictures that the omega took.

“Did you get him to talk?” Yoongi asked.

Namjoon just shook his head while removing the cover on their captive’s face. He was tied down to a chair and slumped forward like he was knocked out of consciousness.

“He was just baring his teeth to me. I figured Hoseok would have fun tearing him down,” Namjoon replied, but he was eyeing Yoongi carefully. “Maybe you too… he was disgusting, laughing at me and telling me he’d bite Jungkook so he’ll be useless to you.”

Hearing such disgusting words was like being doused with gasoline and having his surroundings blaze afire. Yoongi immediately wanted to break the man’s face and maybe slit his throat.

“Tell Hoseok not to have too much fun with this fucker without me,” Yoongi’s jaw was tight after having all his self-control try to calm him. “I’d have the pleasure of personally carving his bones.”

“Ah, hyung,” Namjoon scrunched his nose. “Your scent is too strong. Please don’t stink my place. Just help me walk him to the elevator since Hoseok is already in the basement. There's a knife on the coffee table.”

Yoongi just nodded, already smelling his anger in the room. But could he really prevent it when that alpha’s filthy mouth was threatening to do repulsive things to Jungkook? Hell, he was even close to hurting it if Namjoon wasn’t around. How the fuck were they even finding Jungkook? The place was under the guise of his name, and he hid all that would reveal Jungkook’s identity here. As far as anyone was concerned, Jungkook still stayed at his old place and had no connection with Yoongi.

“Ah, fuck— hyung!” 

A sudden crash followed by a yelp was quick to distract Yoongi, turning around only to be slammed by a body to the floor hard enough to take the breath away from him. The few moments of being knocked down had him off-guard before he realized that blood reeked of the place and the alpha they caught was getting away.

Shit. Jungkook.  

Head still ringing from hitting the floor, Yoongi immediately scrambled to get up and run after the alpha, his instinct becoming overdriven by the threat that it posed to Jungkook. Would it just try to escape? Or try to break through Jungkook’s place? Fuck, what the hell happened?

The hallway was bright and glaring when Yoongi ran out of Namjoon’s place, immediately finding the alpha trying to open the door of Jungkook’s apartment. Yoongi growled loudly, his chest rumbling and his alpha roaring from the clear danger that the escaped alpha to his omega. The words that Namjoon said earlier were swirling in his mind, pushing him forward quickly until his body collided with the fucker. 

The two stumbled until they were fighting for dominance, Yoongi stinking the air with his scent and authority to force the other alpha to submit. His fist quickly worked in punching the man, not holding back as he bared his fangs. Heat burned through his veins as he continued to subdue his opponent, his body slow in responding to the pain that it was receiving whenever the other alpha got a lucky hit on him.

There was a cloud in Yoongi’s mind that made him focus on tackling the man. He was hyper-fixated on breaking their neck and tearing them apart, wanting to paint everything scarlet just like his vision that burned red in anger. 

Yoongi growled when he managed to sit on the alpha’s chest, his hands tight on their throat. In his mind, he could just see him trying to enter Jungkook’s place, waiting for the omega to arrive. Fuck, Yoongi never wanted to kill a man so bad. 

“Who fucking sent you?” Yoongi snarled, watching as the man struggled around. He could see blood in their teeth, making him realize that the bastard got away after pretending to be asleep then biting Namjoon when he was untying him. “I don’t have the patience to wait, you little fucker.”

The alpha just laughed despite his struggle. It made Yoongi’s blood boil as it ran to his head. His gaze was narrow and focused on the veins that bulge on the alpha’s neck, trying to figure out how to break the man apart with his bare hands.

Yoongi threw a hard punch on the man’s face, hearing a crack as he broke their nose. Blood dripped down quickly and flowed to his side as he gasped for air, but Yoongi only tightened his hand around the man’s neck before grabbing his hair. “I can kill you right now, bastard. Talk.”

“Hyung,” Yoongi heard Namjoon’s voice come closer. “Fuck, that bastard bit my neck. Hoseok’s coming up to help.”

Yoongi smirked before punching the alpha again, not stopping until he could see blood mask his face and his eyes flutter. There was satisfaction in the way the man slowly became limp under him. Since he wasn’t saying anything, might as well make him unresponsive.

“We have to investigate this place,” Namjoon slumped beside him, unfazed by the blood and Yoongi's brutal artwork. “There's a camera and yet there’s no security coming here.”

“Whatever you say, Namjoon,” Yoongi murmured, displeased with the way his little plaything looked. There was not enough blood flowing from him to appease Yoongi. He got up and stomped hard on the man’s chest, his hollow laughter echoing slightly after hearing a crack! from the alpha. “I’d tear this building down if you want me to.”

“Hyung, we need to actually have that man alive if we want information about—“

“H-hyungie…?” Yoongi froze like he was doused with icy water, his whole world falling to a halt at the familiar voice. “What…”

Suddenly, Yoongi could see everything as if the cold cleared his sight. The blood on the floor that reeked of iron, the mess of the man that Yoongi tried to eradicate, and the taint of his attempt on his hands and skin. Everything was painted in red and Yoongi couldn’t hide it.

“Jungkook…” Yoongi called out softly, trying to control himself as if this would hide the mess behind him.

“You’re… you— you—“ Jungkook sobbed, stumbling backward as he tried to get away from Yoongi.

The stink of blood in Yoongi’s skin was nothing to the fear and distressed scent that filled the surrounding, and knowing that it came from Jungkook only made it worse for himself and his alpha who howled in pain at the thought of the omega fearing him. He was just protecting Jungkook, wasn’t he? It wasn’t supposed to be like this.

Yoongi tried to reach out, his heart tight in his chest as if it was holding on despite knowing it was about to fall and break on the floor. But before Yoongi could say anything, Jungkook had run away, taking Yoongi’s heart with him.

__

The Yoongi that Jungkook knew was nice; he was gentle and kind, always smiling and sharing his thoughtful words. Jungkook had never even seen him raise his voice to anyone even when his employees or coworkers messed up at work. When frustrated, Yoongi would only take a deep breath, letting himself be calm before he does anything that might be too harsh. Yoongi was never someone who Jungkook would associate with something so violent and wrong.

So why was he standing over a man covered in blood? Why did his hands drip with them? Why was there a look on his face that almost made Jungkook freeze where he was standing, the eyes that always looked at him with so much endearment were suddenly sharp and piercing, breaking through his chest and stabbing his heart?

Why did Yoongi look like someone he doesn’t know?

The sudden raps on Jungkook’s door and the sound of his doorbell almost made Jungkook jump at his feet, making him realize that he was standing in the middle of the living room, his limbs shaking from a cold that he wasn’t sure was coming from. He didn’t know how long he had been standing there, his mind was preoccupied with the scene he found earlier.

Jungkook shuddered.

“Jungkook? Baby, please, can we talk?” Jungkook flinched at the muffled voice from the other side of the door. The familiarity of it was unsettling as if what he saw earlier was just a figment of his imagination. “Jungkook, please .”

An unexpected sob ripped through Jungkook’s chest and before he could get a grip of himself, his knees buckled under him.

“Jungkook, please. Can you hear hyung? Please, Jungkook. Hyung will explain everything. Can you open the door?”

Explain? Yeah, there must be an explanation, right? Yoongi would never hurt anyone. Jungkook wanted to believe he wouldn’t.

Jungkook whimpered quietly while he tried to wipe away the tears that didn’t want to stop. His knees were far too weak for him to stand, causing him to just sit there on the floor, take everything in and try to understand what was happening.

What the fuck was happening?

He couldn’t stop seeing it, the blood that dripped slowly to the floor from Yoongi’s fist, the cruel smile that was on his lips. The same lips that kissed him sweetly and told him that he loved him back. How could something so heartless be done by someone who gave Jungkook so much love?

It was heartbreaking remembering what he saw earlier. The man that laid in his own blood was like a reminder of what Jungkook had tried to run away from when he got back home years ago, returning to the chaos and lifeless body of his parents. He could still see it, the blood that splattered on their walls and floor, the police tapes that surrounded their home. Would it be like that here? Will Jungkook need to go? Did–

Jungkook drew his breath sharply at the thought he didn’t want to entertain, but was now floating on his mind. It couldn’t be, right? But… but…

Did Yoongi kill that man?

No. No, no. No , he wouldn’t do that. Yoongi was kind. His Yoongi was kind.

Drowning in his thoughts, Jungkook’s surroundings started to whirl around. He had to remind himself to breathe as his lungs burned inside him. His heart laid on the floor, broken and piercing him with sharp edges until he was sure he would bleed.

He couldn’t do this.

A cold touch made him flinch and look up from where he hid his face, gasping at the sight of the person he wanted to run away from. But he was also the person Jungkook wanted the most. “Jungkook…”

“N-no,” Jungkook whimpered, scrambling to his feet to get away before he could even think about his. The cry that tore from his chest sounded so broken and painful that he couldn’t believe that he was crying. Surely, this was all just a dream. He was just a bystander that was trying to rationalize this… this nightmare and that was why he couldn’t understand what was happening.

Yoongi stood there as if he was slapped in the face. There was a destroyed look on his face like everything had crumbled in front of him, and there was nothing he could do. His eyes were red, tears attempted to fall from them.

But Jungkook, he couldn’t move. Not when the red on Yoongi’s eyes was also the same as the scarlet on his shirt and the stain on his skin. His hand didn’t have the red paint that Jungkook dreaded, but it didn’t matter. It was all Jungkook could see. He couldn’t even smell his scent, only the rusty iron that seemed to turn his stomach inside out.

“Jungkook, please…” Yoongi pleaded, knees slowly falling to the floor until he was kneeling. His hand shook as he slowly reached out at the mess that was Jungkook. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t hurt me,” the words slipped from Jungkook before he could even stop it. He could taste the tears that continued falling, but he was too terrified to move.

Yoongi stared at him like he snatched his heart in his chest only to stab it with millions of blades. “I’m– I’ll never hurt you, Jungkook.”

“Please don’t– I can’t– I– Please, don’t touch me.”

Hand falling limply to his side, Yoongi looked at him defeatedly. Silence engulfed the space around them and pushed them more apart, making Jungkook’s sobs sound louder than it was. Or maybe he really was crying so hard. That would explain the pain in his chest.

Yoongi sighed then got up slowly. His eyes on Jungkook were gentle and sorry, but he forced a small smile despite his own tears. “I’ll leave for now. But… I do love you, Jungkook. Please don’t forget that.”

Jungkook watched as Yoongi walked away, leaving him alone as everything continued collapsing around him.

He was falling apart.

__

It had been a couple of days ever since Yoongi last saw Jungkook, but never once did the younger step out of his place. Yoongi had been hoping to see him all along, sitting in the hallway or waiting by the door. It only ever remained closed.

“ No, Seokjin hyung. I’m not leaving here until Jungkook talks to me himself and wants me gone,” Yoongi sighed, feeling like he had repeated this conversation for the hundredth time already in the past few days.

Seokjin sighed at the other end, his voice worried. “Yoongi, he’s confused. You need to give him time.”

“I am giving him time! Why do you think I’m not knocking on his door or forcing my way inside?” He ran his hand on his face, rubbing away the remains of the tears that had dried off already. Sometimes, he couldn’t stop crying while he stared at Jungkook’s door. “I just don’t want him to be alone. I’ll go crazy worrying about his safety too.”

“Did you consider that he’s not leaving his place because you’re outside?” Seokjin replied softly, so ironic with the way his words stabbed Yoongi. “I’m sorry, Yoongi. But you need to understand that Jungkook is shocked and confused. It might be better to give him time.”

Yoongi whimpered like he had been shot. “But how could I leave knowing I hurt him?”

It had been three days since Jungkook had seen what Yoongi was capable of doing. Three days since the torture on Yoongi started. Three days when Yoongi saw the tears that he caused Jungkook.

He could never forget it. The way Jungkook cried while looking at him, the fear that had him trembling and falling apart while he tried to get away from Yoongi. He had never seen Jungkook so scared. Yoongi did that to him.

Suddenly, being the leader of the pack wasn’t as appealing as it used to be. Not when the cost was someone he held so dearly.

Not listening anymore to what Seokjin was saying, Yoongi just sighed and ended the call. In another time, his hyung would call him back and scold him, reminding him of his manners without fearing that Yoongi was his pack leader. But now, he didn’t call back and left Yoongi alone. Perhaps he realized it was what Yoongi needed now.

The striking orange of the sunset that bled from the window to the floor was the only thing that accompanied Yoongi in his silence. Frankly, he was still hoping that Jungkook would get out of the apartment. It may sound silly, but Yoongi was worried about his attendance at the university and hospital. He knew that was important to Jungkook, so Yoongi still waited outside even if Jungkook wouldn’t want to talk to or face him.

Yoongi heaved a deep breath. Would it have been better if he didn’t approach Jungkook? Should he have left him alone? If he did, the omega wouldn’t be in danger, and Yoongi wouldn’t have his heart ripped out of his chest.

No . Yoongi could never regret meeting Jungkook, much more loving him.

How could you ever regret someone who loved you and made you happy?

Yoongi closed his eyes, not wanting to see the glaring streaks of light that slowly disappeared. Will Jungkook disappear from his life like that? He’d rather not know it.

The sudden sound of a door unlocking startled Yoongi up from where he was sitting, his eyes meeting the wide ones that he so loved. He didn’t know what he expected upon seeing Jungkook, but his heart thumped in relief not seeing tears streaming down his face. There was still fear and uncertainty from the way he looked at Yoongi, but it was far better than the one that he saw on Jungkook’s face before. The terror and fright as tears stained his face will forever haunt Yoongi.

“Hyung…?” Jungkook’s voice was a whisper and half of him was hidden behind the door. As heartbreaking as it was, Yoongi could just accept it and let go.

He offered Jungkook a small smile, not sure what to do when he was worried that anything might push Jungkook away. Still, his heart jumped in hope despite his mind scolding it off.

“Can we— can we talk?” Jungkook asked.

Yoongi took a deep breath and straightened his back, his hands limp on his knees in front of him. How funny was it that he had to make sure he looked harmless to his lover? When all he did was protect him?

“Of course, Jungkook,” Yoongi replied. He watched as Jungkook took a seat in the space beside his door in front of Yoongi. “I’ll always listen to you talk, you know?”

Jungkook bit his lips and hugged his knees to his chest. His eyes were on the floor. There was a silence that blanketed them for a while, the moment a little heavy and stifling like they both knew there were too many secrets and words that Yoongi had to say, and Jungkook had to be strong and stay.

“Nothing changed, Jungkook,” Yoongi offered when the omega remained quiet in distress, his scent smelled of bitter fear and longing. “I never lie. I’m still in love with you.”

Jungkook frowned, his scent spiking aggressively for a bit before disappearing into what it was earlier. “You never lie? You told me you were a lawyer, and you worked for Seokjin hyung. What the hell was that, then?”

Yoongi sighed, not knowing where to start. “They were the truth. I’m a lawyer for the company under the Kim’s. I just didn’t tell you why I worked there.”

Jungkook snorted. “What’s the difference? You hide things from me!”

“I did it for your safety. I—“ Yoongi took a deep breath to calm his drumming heart. He just wanted to spill everything all at once. “I’ll tell you everything. But, please, Jungkook. Please don’t forget that I really do love you.”

The shadows under Jungkook’s eyes as his lashes started to get wet quickly only made Yoongi feel worse. He could barely see the sweetness that was always directed at him with the angry lines that masked Jungkook’s face.

Could he bear losing Jungkook completely?

“I’m in a pack, Jungkook,” Yoongi started as if that would help explain everything, especially the way he made a man bleed. “To be specific… it’s a pack, but… it’s also a gang that runs underground businesses and black markets.”

Jungkook stared at him like he was saying impossible things. Perhaps it was impossible for him. To start, there were barely any packs left in their society. “But… you work for the Kims…”

Yoongi smiled apologetically. “I do work for the Kims, but only in papers and public. I really am the corporate lawyer of the business, but… I’m the pack leader of our gang. Seokjin hyung actually works for me.”

“What? Why am I here, then?”

This was the question that Yoongi still didn’t know how to answer without hurting Jungkook. Because even if he shouted at the top of his lungs how deeply in love he was to Jungkook, there was still a time that he pursued the omega to use him.

Yoongi shuffled on the floor with a bitter taste in his mouth, not wanting to speak, but knowing he had to. “Jungkook… the pack that I’m part of is the… Jeon.”

A beat of silence. Jungkook only stared at him like he was insane.

“What?”

“It’s your pack. Or supposedly if only your grandfather didn’t cut his ties to the family. Your grandfather was the only younger brother of the former leader, and he didn’t get the chance to have kids after his omega died trying to give birth,” At this point, Yoongi felt like he was reciting the pack’s history to Jungkook, scrambling to give him all the facts that might save their relationship. Maybe Jungkook would understand. He would, right? Yoongi wouldn’t lose him, right…? “And, well, the former leader took me in. But when I— when we lost him last year, I had to take over to honor his will.”

“Then, where do I fit in that story? My grandfather left for a reason!” Jungkook snapped, eyes looking everywhere but Yoongi as he allowed the information to be absorbed by him.

Yoongi’s gaze softened when he tried to reach out and calm Jungkook, but he was only met with a flinch and glare. He just stopped and stared at the wall beside Jungkook as he continued. “Because wolves are loyal, Jungkook. Our pack only followed the Jeon family for so long. How could a stranger like me who got lucky lead them? So… I decided that I needed you, Jungkook. You can make them loyal to me, and having a pack omega will make them obedient. That’s how it was supposed to be.”

The confession that slowly pierced Jungkook was like a knife that slowly tore him down, drawing pain and tears that Yoongi could see from Jungkook’s eyes. Everything around him stenched in burning cocoa that squeezed Yoongi’s throat uncomfortably. But all he could do was watch as his words broke Jungkook into angry tears.

“So you didn’t approach me because you liked me,” Jungkook whispered, but the words burned. “You approached me because I was a Jeon. Because you needed me.”

“I did,” Yoongi swallowed the lump in his throat that made it hard to talk. What was the point of hiding the reason? “I approached you because I needed you. But Jungkook, I stayed because I love you.”

Jungkook laughed dryly while trying to stand up. The back of his hand wiped the tears rather harshly on his face. “How could I even be sure that you’re not saying that because you need me?”

Yoongi wiped his own tears, the ones that he didn’t even notice were falling until they were kissing his skin. He shuffled on his knees and sat over his legs, doing whatever he could to beg Jungkook to just… to just believe him. He’d kneel if he needed to.

“You don’t have to believe me, Jungkook,” Yoongi said. His knees and legs aching from his position but he didn’t dare move. “I’d leave the position and pack if you want me to.”

“Why? Why would you do that after all this time?“

Yoongi smiled at him softly, the tears that never stopped falling only carried the pain and heartbreak, and the hope and love he had for Jungkook. How could Yoongi make Jungkook understand that he never really knew peace before? Not until Jungkook smiled at him and hugged him tight? That all the things he did follow him like a shadow, and Jungkook’s kisses and laughter made them go away? How could Yoongi make Jungkook believe that the sharp edges of his being softened from his touch?

“Because I love you, Jeon Jungkook. I’m so in love with you.”

__

Sunday, 09:21 PM

Yoon hyung <3: I’m sorry if I overwhelmed you.

Yoon hyung <3: But everything I said was the truth. I never lie, and especially not to you, Jungkook.

Yoon hyung <3: If you want to ask questions, I’ll answer them. Without omitting anything.

Yoon hyung <3: I’ll give you time. Thank you for listening to me.

Yoon hyung <3: Sleep well, Kook. Please don’t miss your shift just because of me. I’ll leave you alone as long as you want.

Yoon hyung <3: Good night.

**

Monday, 06:09 AM

Baby highness: You said you’ll answer everything I ask honestly…

Yoon hyung <3: I will.

Baby highness: You’re in a pack, right? But it’s a gang…

Yoon hyung <3: It is.

Baby highness: And the pack is Jeon?

Yoon hyung <3: Yes, from your lineage.

Baby highness: But… how?

Yoon hyung <3: Do you want me to call? Or we can meet so I can explain?

Yoon hyung <3: Jungkook?

Baby highness: No, I can’t. I’m sorry, I think I need to know this with some kind of buffer in between.

Yoon hyung <3: It’s okay. I understand.

Baby highness: Thank you.

Yoon hyung <3: So as I told you, the pack is from your lineage. The Jeon pack is actually an old pack, but since the modernization happened and packs started to disappear, only a handful stayed. One of them is your family.

Baby highness: But you said my grandfather left the pack.

Yoon hyung <3: He did. He didn’t like the… underhanded things that was happening. That’s the reason why his hyung slowly tried to work things out.

Baby highness: Work things out?

Yoon hyung <3: He made the pack and gang work more covertly. That’s when he started a business as a cover. Seokjin hyung runs that one because harabeoji thinks it’ll be safer that way.

Baby highness: Harabeoji ?

Yoon hyung <3: Yes, harabeoji Youngsik . He was the former leader, and your grandfather’s hyung. 

Yoon hyung <3: I don’t know if you remember your grandfather, but they lost their connection after he left the company. They cut all their ties because it’s what it was back then. But they were really close.

Baby highness: A bit… but I was a kid when he died. I don’t think he ever mentioned he had a brother.

Yoon hyung <3: Yeah… but harabeoji Youngsik never stopped watching over Younggil. It broke his heart when your grandfather died.

Baby highness: Does this mean that grandpa did bad stuff before??

Yoon hyung <3: Jungkook… you need to understand that it was the way they grew up.

Baby highness: But if he knew it was wrong…

Yoon hyung <3: He did, but it wasn’t easy to stop when all your life, you grew up with expectations that you will do anything for your pack and clan. That’s why your grandfather left.

Baby highness: You did bad things too.

Yoon hyung <3: I did.

Yoon hyung <3: Jungkook?

Yoon hyung <3: I’m sorry.

**

Tuesday, 12:31 PM

Baby highness: You said you’ll leave the pack for me.

Yoon hyung <3: I did. I will.

Baby highness: Why?

Yoon hyung <3: I love you.

Baby highness: You can’t do that to me. You can’t use that.

Yoon hyung <3: I’m sorry.

Yoon hyung <3: But it’s the truth.

Baby highness: Will you stop doing the bad stuff?

Yoon hyung <3: It’s not particularly what I enjoy, Jungkook.

Baby highness: But what do you do it???

Yoon hyung <3: Because it gives me power.

Yoon hyung <3: I’m the pack alpha after all. I lead the pack. I need to do things because they needed to be done. The things that we both know are bad, I do them because it’s my job.

Baby highness: Why is it so easy for you to do those??

Yoon hyung <3: I did bad things, but I’m not evil, Jungkook. I still suffer through with what I did left to me. You say it was easy for me, but that took my innocence away. What and who I am now costed a lot of things in my past.

**

Wednesday, 08:38 PM

Baby highness: Why did you hurt the man in the hallway

Yoon hyung <3: He wanted to hurt you.

Baby highness: Me??

Yoon hyung <3: Yes.

Baby highness <3: But why??? Is it because I’m with you???

Yoon hyung <3: Partly that, yes.

Baby highness: Partly?

Yoon hyung <3: I don’t think you completely understand your influence, Jungkook.

Baby highness: What do you mean?

Yoon hyung <3: Jungkook… you’re from the direct bloodline of the Jeon. Your grandfather may have left the pack, but you are still a Jeon. If I bring you back to the pack, they will have no choice but be loyal and obedient.

Baby highness: You said that already. Isn’t that why you approached me in the first place?

Yoon hyung <3: Jungkook… I’m sorry.

Yoon hyung <3: But that’s why I did my best to protect you. The pack is loyal to the Jeon, and I am in no way a Jeon. There are people out there that would rather see me bleed than lead them.

Yoon hyung <3: From your grandfather to you, the pack alpha had been protecting you. It was the least he could do since he was not allowed to help anything more.

Baby highness: If he was protecting me then why the fuck my parents died!

Yoon hyung <3: Harabeoji blamed himself so much for that…

Baby highness: What’s the point of blaming himself? They died and I was left alone. Were we really robbed??

Yoon hyung <3: No… you were just lucky you didn’t get home early.

Baby highness: Then how the fuck were we being protected!

Yoon hyung <3: Jungkook, please… It’s hard protecting your family without meddling directly.

Baby highness: Fuck that.

Yoon hyung <3: But we really tried, Jungkook. Why do you think Taehyung and Jimin immediately became your friends?

Baby highness: Are you telling me they approached me because I’m a Jeon.

Yoon hyung <3: They approached you to protect you.

Baby highness: That sounds like bullshit.

Yoon hyung <3: I can’t deny that they did approach you because they need to protect you. But they stayed because you are their friend. They care about you a lot, Jungkook.

Baby highness: How could you say that? How could I even believe that?
Yoon hyung <3: Because you’re Jungkook. Don’t you know how lovely you are? 

Baby highness: You can’t blame me in questioning everything, hyung.

Baby highness: It feels like everyone I know and care about only approached me because of my name.

Yoon hyung <3: It may be that, but I promise you we stayed because we wanted to.

Baby highness: Will this change everything?

Yoon hyung <3: I don’t know. But I’ll do what you think will be best for you.

**

Thursday, 10:10 PM

Baby highness: Have you killed people?

Yoon hyung <3: Jungkook…

Baby highness: Tell me, please.

Yoon hyung <3: I have.

Baby highness: Okay.

Yoon hyung <3: I’m sorry.

Baby highness: I don’t get it.

Yoon hyung <3: What?

Baby highness: You said you knew that what you were doing was bad. But… why? Why do you still do it? Why did you do it?

Yoon hyung <3: Because I’m used to it.

Baby highness: You sound so heartless.

Yoon hyung <3: I am. I was. Never to you.

Baby highness: How can I understand all the things that you did?

Yoon hyung <3: You don’t need to understand them. You don’t need to forgive me, too.

Baby highness: Why shouldn’t I?

Yoon hyung <3: What I did and the way I choose to work for the pack, it’s all fucked up. If I didn’t know that I’m perfectly sane, I would’ve believed that there’s something messed up in me and my brain. But I’m perfectly healthy and alright, and what was messed up was my choices. That’s just how it is.

Baby highness: You can’t tell me what to do when all I want is to understand and accept the fact that the person I love did things that I never knew someone would be capable of doing.

Yoon hyung <3: You still love me?

Baby highness: I don’t think I really stopped. Even though it hurts so much.

Yoon hyung <3: I don’t want to hurt you.

Baby highness: Please don’t break my heart, hyung.

Yoon hyung <3: Don’t you know? I’d burn the world for you.

__

“Jungkook-ssi, your boyfriend dropped by earlier to bring your lunch.”

The sound of his classmates' cheering filled the nurse station where they returned after doing their rounds. Nurse Ji chuckled with them as she handed the lunch box that Jungkook was familiar with after having his boyfriend hand it to him every time he slept over at Jungkook’s place. Yoongi always managed to wake up earlier than Jungkook just to ensure he could cook for him.

Jungkook offered the nurse a small smile amidst the warmth that brushed his cheeks, his omega betraying him from still wanting to be angry at Yoongi by wanting to meet the older. It had been a while since their conversation by the hallway outside Jungkook’s apartment, and they never really talked aside from Yoongi answering all of Jungkook’s questions.

Now… he didn’t want to admit it, but he missed Yoongi.

“Thanks, Nurse Ji,” Jungkook said. He held the lunch box tight and close to his chest. It was still warm.

Just like the way Yoongi always made him feel.

Jungkook sighed, walking in silence to the cafeteria with his group. He could feel the weight of their stare, but maybe, especially those walking behind him. Jimin and Taehyung had been reluctant to approach him ever since he returned to work. Well, Jungkook hasn’t approached them either. But should he do that first? When there were secrets between them, and the start of their friendship was only based on their task of protecting him?

Remembering what happened and the implication of it all never failed to make the void in Jungkook’s chest get bigger. It wasn’t easy to just step back and spread his arms wide to accept the reality that all the people he actually had let inside his life were people that would not be there if it was not because of his name. How do you just accept that?

The chatter that surrounded Jungkook got louder when they entered the hospital cafeteria, his groupmates excited to take a break after having days where they had to eat alone and in a rush. It was what they considered normal, the only change Jungkook had was eating something store-bought instead of the usual lunch Yoongi always made for him.

“To be honest, we all thought that you and your boyfriend broke up already, Jungkook-ssi,” One of his classmates giggled as they walked towards an empty table, some of them already heading to a chair while others are about to head to the counter to order.

Jungkook frowned at those who sat with them. He saw Jimin and Taehyung look away as they chose a seat. “Why does it matter?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Yuna replied back, winking at him as if what she was saying was a joke he’d laugh at. “Everyone wants a piece of him. Your boyfriend is hot, Jungkook. He’s a good alpha material.”

Jungkook scrunched his nose after hearing what Yuna said. He felt protective of the way they were talking about Yoongi. His omega also had staked its territory to the alpha, and everything others said only made it aggressive.

“Yoongi hyung isn’t a piece of meat,” Jungkook muttered. He tried to control his scent, not wanting to be angry and snap at his groupmate despite the way she was speaking. “Also, he’s my boyfriend.”

“Relax, Jungkook-ssi. We all know that.” Yuna replied, and she even had the audacity to roll her eyes! Jungkook wanted nothing more than to growl at her. “Everyone was just wondering since he hadn’t been around lately.”

“I wasn’t interested, though,” Sungmin interrupted when he placed his tray beside Yuna, immediately stealing the attention of the other four. “And I told you to stop talking like that about someone else’s partner. It’s unbecoming, Yuna-ssi. Jimin-ssi already scolded you about that.”

The mention of Jungkook’s friend made him look at them, finding the two with their heads down and fidgeting with their food. It was unusual especially when Taehyuhg was usually chatty and Jimin always retorted back. 

“Jimin-ssi has his own boyfriend, of course, he won’t thirst over Yoongi-ssi,” Yuna said.

The familiarity in Yuna’s tone was enough to annoy Jungkook enough and let his scent seep out. His friends immediately recognized the burnt smell of chocolate that was laced with agitation and met his eyes. Jungkook had always been good at managing his scent, but with everything that happened and the way Yuna was speaking, all he wanted to do was make her shut up.

“Seriously, Yuna-ssi shut the hell up,” It was Taehyung who first gathered the resolution to speak up after their eyes met. The spark of annoyance that Jungkook knew lightened up his face as if he was given a chance. “You’re just being disrespectful and making Jungkookie uncomfortable. Get over Yoongi hyung because he’s head over heels in love with Jungkookie.”

“I’m literally praising his boyfriend,” Yuna rolled her eyes. But before anyone could even say anything, Sungmin stuffed Yuna’s mouth with a piece of gyeran-mari, starting a whole argument between them and leaving the three of them alone to talk quietly.

Being in an awkward situation with his closest friends was something Jungkook never dreamed of. Even when they first approached him, Taehyung was considerate and chatty enough to lead all their conversations until Jungkook was comfortable enough with them while Jungkook always managed to calm the whirlwind of Taehyung’s teasing and antics. They’ve somehow managed to mesh into Jungkook’s quiet life before he even realized it. Sitting here in front of them without anyone saying a word was never easy for them.

Jungkook just sighed when his friends remained quiet. Maybe despite his uneasiness about the truth, he still hoped that nothing would be different. Obviously, everything has changed now and all of them were threading into an unknown road.

“Hyung said you don’t need to eat it if you didn’t want it,” Taehyung muttered softly, quite different from the energetic one that he always was when they were in the hospital. He had always been the social butterfly. “He just… he wanted to make sure you’re still being taken good care of.”

The whispered words were a strong thread that bound themselves around Jungkook’s heart. It made his chest hurt, but it also tugged something inside that wanted to push the void away.

“He could’ve just texted me,” Jungkook replied as nonchalantly as he could.

“He said you needed space to breathe,” Jimin shrugged, but the small smile on his lips gleamed with hope. “You know him, he’ll give you the world if you asked for it.” 

Jungkook looked down at his lunch, taking in the dishes that Yoongi carefully prepared with him in mind. It burned his chest knowing the truth of Yoongi’s reality and the love that was so hard to deny despite everything that Jungkook had accused him of and everything that Yoongi confessed. 

“He’ll break his own heart and give it to you if you wanted, Kook,” Taehyung whispered, and Jungkook wanted to cry. “Whatever happened, it doesn’t change the fact that he really did fall in love with you.”

A smile painted Jungkook’s face blue, unable to find it in himself to be ecstatic about what Taehyung said, yet he can’t also fall in complete gloom because Jungkook had been seeing the truth of Yoongi’s heart.

“I know,” his voice was low, breaking. “That’s what makes this hurt more. Because I love him too.”

__

Friday, 09:31 PM

Kim Taehyung: We couldn’t talk properly earlier, but… hi.

Jeon Jungkook: I must be crazy, but everything is a mess and I should be questioning my morality.

Jeon Jungkook: I am actually questioning my morality, but why am I trying to find excuses for everything?

Park Jimin: Because love is crazy and it’ll make you blind over things that normally would make you step back and run.

Park Jimin: Trust me, I know.

Jeon Jungkook: You know?

Kim Taehyung: Seokjin hyung’s fiance, remember?

Jeon Jungkook: Yeah, but aren’t you part of this?

Park Jimin: This?

Jeon Jungkook: The pack and the gang…

Park Jimin: Oh, I’m not.

Kim Taehyung: I’m not either!

Jeon Jungkook: Huh? Then why did you two approach me?

Kim Taehyung: Seokjin hyung really is part of the pack, but I was too young when they took us in. He made sure I wouldn’t work in the gang.

Jeon Jungkook: You’re working with them.

Kim Taehyung: Technically, I’m just helping. They need someone to watch over you.

Jeon Jungkook: How about Jimin hyung?

Park Jimin: I’m just some random guy that Seokjin hyung hired for this job lol

Jeon Jungkook: What?

Park Jimin: Yeah… I’m a broke-ass student that wants to continue medicine, Kook.

Kim Taehyung: Jiminie and I really have been friends since middle school, so hyung offered him a “job”.

Jeon Jungkook: But how did you know that I’m going to take up medicine?

Kim Taehyung: Oh, the former leader watched over your family. They’re not allowed to help, though. That’s why Yoongi hyung didn’t want to find and get to know you at first.

Jeon Jungkook: I didn’t know that the pack continued to do that.

Park Jimin: The former leader was really heartbroken when your parents died. Yoongi hyung and Seokjin hyung suggested they send someone to be your friend and not just some guards.

Kim Taehyung: And then the former leader died then Yoongi hyung took over and some started questioning him as the pack alpha. So Seokjin hyung removed the guards to hide you from anyone and we started setting you up with Yoongi hyung so he can watch over you.

Kim Taehyung: All they wanted was the best for you, Kook.

Jeon Jungkook: But he approached me for my name… and you two.

Park Jimin: Kookie, don’t you realize? We approached you to protect you, we stayed because we love you. Yoongi hyung wanted to protect you too. The plan of setting you two up was just a risk and sure, hyung did his best to follow through, but he was never opposed to falling in love with you.

Kim Taehyung: Take it as an actual blind date between chaebols!

Park Jimin: Yah Tae.

Kim Taehyung: I’m just saying! We both agreed that Yoongi hyung would be good for Jungkookie before we started setting them up.

Jeon Jungkook: Is that all true?

Kim Taehyung: Yeah.

Park Jimin: You don’t need to believe us, Kookie. But please trust us when we say we really love you. You’re our best friend.

Jeon Jungkook: It really hurt me because you two are my best friends too.

Kim Taehyung: You both suck

Kim Taehyung: I love you both :( 

Kim Taehyung: Please let’s stop being awkward, I can’t take it.

Jeon Jungkook: It’s just so hard. Sometimes my brain makes me question things.

Jeon Jungkook: Did they do bad stuff? Am I bad if I try to excuse them? If I accept the things they did? Stuff like that.

Park Jimin: I think that’s natural. I questioned myself, too. There are things that I still don’t agree with Seokjin hyung. I guess that’s why I’m eager to be a doctor. It’s like a weird way of compensating for the things he did before.

Jeon Jungkook: Before?

Kim Taehyung: They’re in a gang, they did do bad stuff before. But ever since Seokjin hyung took over the chairman title of their company, he just deal with things like that and some instructions from Yoongi hyung.

Jeon Jungkook: Ohh.

Park Jimin: The former leader hated how he lost your grandpa cause he didn’t want to live like the gang.

Jeon Jungkook: Grandpa had always been sweet… I don’t even remember him raising his voice and being angry.

Kim Taehyung: Yeah, so that’s really the case with us included. Seokjin hyung and Yoongi hyung always just make it complicated as it seems.

Park Jimin: It is complicated, Tae. Anyone sane will question their morality.

Kim Taehyung: Well… I guess since I grew up knowing what they really do, it doesn’t bother me.

Jeon Jungkook: Even if you know it’s bad?

Kim Taehyung: Yeah… the pack isn’t that bad, Kookie. Most of the members did things so they can live. Should we condemn those people for wanting to live? Not all of them are bad people.

Kim Taehyung: Our hyungs are the same as those people. They were given jobs so they can survive and they had to do it even though they’ll be considered immoral. Sometimes, things aren’t just black and white, Kookie. There’s a gray area where you are the one who will choose the shade of gray that you want to accept.

Jeon Jungkook: I see.

Jeon Jungkook: I get you, hyung. I just think it’s not easy for me to accept the fact that I’m willing to excuse the things they did. It’s now like my morality vs. me. But thank you for sharing your perspective about the gray area, too.

Park Jimin: That’s our smart Tae-Tae.

Kim Taehyung: I feel like I’m being teased. But please consider what I said, Kookie. All I want is for you to be happy.

Jeon Jungkook: Thank you.

**

Baby highness: Taehyung hyung talked to me about the gray area.

Yoon hyung<3: Gray area?

Baby highness: A space where you can accept things that you initially find unacceptable.

Yoon hyung<3: Are you okay with that space?

Baby highness: It’s still hard to take a step on it. But what he told me makes sense.

Yoon hyung<3: I’m glad it gives you that then.

Baby highness: Will you stop doing bad things if I ask you to?

Yoon hyung<3: You don’t need to ask for it, Kook.

Baby highness: Okay.

Baby highness: You can deliver my lunch yourself.

Yoon hyung<3: I see.

Baby highness: Good night, hyung.

Yoon hyung<3: Good night, Kook. Sleep well.

__

There was a dread that rushed in Yoongi’s veins that made him and his alpha unsettled as he paced the lobby of the hospital where Jungkook and the others worked, his hand running through his hair as he waited for his call to connect on Jungkook’s phone to no avail. He was aware of the stares that he was getting from the hospital staff and ordinary people or patients, but he couldn’t find it in himself to just sit back and try to be calm.

Come on, please pick up. Pick up the phone, Jungkook. Please.

Where would he even go?

Fuck.

Pick up, I’m begging.

Jungkook had been missing for the entire morning already.

“Were you able to contact him?” Taehyung was breathless as he ran to him with Jimin behind. They were the ones that called him earlier, asking if he and Jungkook managed to talk and if he had an idea if the younger was okay. 

Yoongi redialled Jungkook’s number quickly as soon as the ringing was cut off, his frown was tight and tense. “No, his phone is just ringing.”

“He would let our instructors know if he wouldn’t be able to attend his shift, but they were asking us too,” Jimin said. He had his hands at the back of his neck, his head hanging on his shoulders. “Have you checked his place, hyung?”

“No one is there. The guard and reception also said he left this morning,” Yoongi replied, his phone beeping from getting disconnected. He wanted nothing more than to throw it to the wall, but he needed to find a way to reach Jungkook. He couldn't have just disappeared.

Taehyung scrunched his nose and looked at him. “Hyung, maybe we should go out… The scent blockers aren’t working on you, you’re stinking the place.”

“How do you expect me to control my scent, Taehyung? I don’t know where Jungkook is!” Yoongi snapped at him before he could even stop. Taehyung flinched slightly from the way Yoongi’s alpha was taking over, but he only took a deep breath and tugged Jimin with him. The two pulled Yoongi to start walking.

It was torture doing all of this while Yoongi waited for any sort of sign that he could contact Jungkook. They reached the space where patients and visitors get some air with the two still guiding him, but there was no change on Yoongi’s phone call. He must have been trying to call Jungkook for an hour or so already. He was able to talk to Seokjin for some sort of help as well, but with little to no clues, they were stuck until the men they sent to investigate in the usual way Jungkook takes when he goes to work reported back to them.

The impending doom that sunk into his gut was hot and searing like there was something on fire, and Yoongi was left with no choice but to try and stop it without any help to extinguish the blaze.

“I’m going back to his place,” Yoongi decided. “I’ll trace his way to work and ask around.”

“Yeah, someone would surely have seen him,” Jimin nodded, his face was a perfect mask of calm despite the way he kept fidgeting.

Taehyung nodded, his lips swollen from being bitten in worry. “Call us, hyung.” 

Yoongi waved at them as he rushed out like there was a fire in his footsteps, eager to actually do something to ease the anxiety that was making him and his alpha agitated. He was already in his car when his phone rang with Jungkook’s name, a breath of air coursing through his lungs after seeing it.

“God, Jungkook, where–”

“Don’t look for me–” The shaking voice of Jungkook on the other side, and the sudden yelp were like cold water being thrown at Yoongi. His whole body froze in a realization that Jungkook wasn’t alone, and he just heard someone hit him.

His fear was confirmed when an unfamiliar voice suddenly laughed on the other end, “Hello, Yoongi. Or should I call you leader-nim?”

The grip Yoongi had on his phone tightened followed by a growl from his chest that he couldn’t hold. “Who are you?”

“Ah, Yoongi, that’s very disrespectful of you. I worked as Seokjin’s assistant for years, but you don’t even recognize me?” There was malice that accompanied the voice, something so unfamiliar to it that Yoongi wouldn’t realize it was him until he admitted it.

“Ilsung,” Yoongi growled. “Where’s Jungkook?”

“Well,” Ilsung hummed. Yoongi heard a whimper a few moments later, triggering him to almost snarl. “Should I tell you? I can just mate him right here right now, you know?”

Yoongi’s knuckles were white from how tight he was gripping the steering wheel, trying to calm him and his alpha down when all he wanted to do was to break everything. What should he even do? When all he could think of are ways to make Ilsung suffer.

“Keep your dirty hands away from him, you fucker,” Yoongi growled, mind frantic as he turned his car on despite not knowing where to go. He just needed to leave . He had to see Jungkook. “I swear I will break you.”

There was a burst of unhinged laughter on the other end. “That’s funny. Do you know what will make this fun? I mate him when you arrive him.”

“I will kill you. I swear to fucking god I will kill you.”

“I’m texting you the address now. See you!” And before Yoongi could even do anything, the call ended with a beep.

Unable to stop the growl that came from his chest when a notification appeared on his phone, Yoongi immediately forwarded it to Seokjin with instructions for a backup from their friends. It was a small group, but it was the people he trusted the most. After all, he had no idea who Ilsung was working with.

Yoongi stomped on his gas pedal and started to drive like a maniac, chasing after time. He was itching to do something to Ilsung, hating the fact that Ilsung was right under their nose, working for him and Seokjin.

He didn’t really expect it. Ilsung was one of those who have been in their pack because his family was originally part of it. He had always been eager to support the former leader and now, Yoongi. But apparently, his loyalty to him was nothing but a lie.

Yoongi had expected it. He knew there were people that were so against Youngsik when he announced that it would be Yoongi who will take over his position. But what could they do except accept their pack alpha’s will? No one would dare to challenge him.

But with Yoongi, it was different. They all knew he was so easy to challenge, especially since they swore their loyalty to Jeon Youngsik. They could resist his orders if they were strong enough, using their loyalty to the Jeon family instead of following his orders. Everything about this was complicated, but Yoongi could only follow through with the will of the person who cared for him ever since he could remember.

Yoongi sighed, his jaw tight with the tension that ran under his skin. He knew he was walking into a trap, but how could he stop when it was Jungkook who was at risk? He’d rather die than lose him.

Jungkook, a charming little omega. He was someone who Yoongi didn’t really think about. It made him a little jealous when he was younger, the fear of knowing someone could easily take away Youngsik and the pack threatened Yoongi who was no one but an orphan that the old leader had taken pity.

Despite that, he knew the former leader was fond of the omega and cared deeply for the family that he could only watch from afar. Maybe more so when he lost his own omega and son. Yoongi couldn’t really blame Youngsik for doing what he did to make sure he could protect Jungkook. Youngsik had lost all his family in his lifetime. Yoongi could only imagine the pain of it. And losing the person he saw as his father made him understand the fear that Youngsik had after realizing that Jungkook was alone without anyone.

Yoongi couldn’t let that happen. He wouldn’t be able to bear it if anything happened to Jungkook. He’d burn the whole world for him.

The place where Yoongi was led by the maps was somewhere in the area where Jungkook usually waits for his bus, an abandoned building that was probably rented out of convenience. There was no sign of restoration or care. The only thing that assured Yoongi he was at the right place was the two people waiting for him. Yoongi hid a small knife in his pocket before grabbing a gun in his compartment, hoping that they would take the bait of just taking it instead of carefully inspecting him. Nevertheless, he was ready to fight with his bare hands if needed.

Yoongi stepped out of his car a lot calmer than he initially was. He knew he had to have a clear head if he wanted to save Jungkook. There was no use in reckless barging if the payment will be Jungkook’s safety.

“I’m here,” he called out. His hands were raised in the air, but he could feel his gun on his back, a poor attempt of hiding it to make the two leave the knife alone. “Where’s Jungkook?”

One of the two smirked and walk towards him. He ran his hand on Yoongi until he found his phone and the gun, quickly taking it and pointing it at him. Yoongi could almost feel the cold barrel of it.

“Took you long enough, leader-nim,” the man replied. There was a smirk in his voice that Yoongi wanted to punch, but the other guy had another gun pointed at him. “We thought you’d never come.”

“I’d really take the pleasure of killing you both slowly,” Yoongi growled, but had to stop when the man behind him pushed him forward, making him move.

Yoongi followed as the two lead him deeper inside the building, his frown deepening when he couldn’t see anyone and the damp mess of the place only reeked of the scent of the two. He would’ve expected more, but there was no one.

“Worried about the little omega?” The man behind him laughed. He was familiar with Yoongi until he realized that he was one of those who followed Ilsung. Both of them were. What was their name again? Hancheol and Woobin? “Don’t worry, we’ll take you to where he was. You’ll see something fun before you die.”

The growl that Yoongi had been trying to keep escape from him at the mention of Jungkook, only got louder despite the two guns that were pointed at him. His mind was busy running a thousand miles per hour, trying to figure out what the fuck was going on.

And then it clicked on him. Jungkook wasn’t here. This was a dummy place. They wouldn’t give him the address knowing that he would call for someone to follow.

Fuck .

Yoongi’s suspicion was confirmed when a car stopped on the entrance on the other side of the building, two men stepping out of it and immediately running to them. Yoongi eyed the three in front of him and imagined the man behind him, trying to figure out how he could take control. But it was hard when he was risking Jungkook.

“Don’t be careless,” said the man behind him, the two that just arrived nodded and grabbed his hands, tying it on his back and shoving a cloth on his mouth. “He’d kill us all if given the chance.”

At least they knew.

The men that had Yoongi all tied up shove him inside the car with no care, their hands held a gun that pointed at him to make sure that he wouldn’t be able to do anything. It was their position all throughout the drive going to wherever they had to be, not even letting Yoongi move without hitting him. He was sporting a burst lip by the time they arrived at a house where the car stopped.

“Come on,” Hancheol pushed him out, the gun that was trained to him following his moves. “We’ll take you to the little omega for the show.”

Yoongi almost jumped at him if not for the tight rope on his wrist, hindering all his movements. His control was all wounded and tight, ready to spring to the idiots that were pushing him forward if not only to the thought of Jungkook being safe.

The house was large and littered with obviously expensive things. There were also guards everywhere, Yoongi even knew some of them, and just seeing those men stand here and guard someone so sick and twisted made him want to destroy them.

“Go on, leader-nim, the little whore is waiting–”

A sharp pain in Yoongi’s forehead caused him to snarl despite the cloth inside his mouth, his scent overwhelming bitter and aggressive despite the guns that were suddenly at him when he had knocked his head to Hancheol who was too busy running his mouth earlier that he wasn’t able to anticipate Yoongi hitting him. But the pain and the guns pointed at him were nothing on Yoongi when he was suddenly shoved inside the room and found Jungkook.

Jungkook, who was tied up on a chair, tears flowing quietly on his skin while a gun was pointed at his head. Whose face was always with a smile and a gentle gaze, now masked in fear as the room stenched in burnt chocolate, so bad that the usual sweetness of it was entirely gone.

Jungkook, who Yoongi was so deeply in love with, so deep that he didn’t know until they were here and Yoongi realized he would burn the world just for him.

“Why?” Jungkook whispered, eyes closing when Yoongi was forced to stand while a gun was on him.

Yoongi wanted to go to him, chase the scent away that made his alpha howl for the omega. He shouldn’t be here. Jungkook was supposed to be safe and away from this. Maybe Yoongi shouldn’t have approached him.

The thought was a stab in his chest, but Yoongi couldn’t imagine peace and safety without Jungkook on it.

“Ah, Yoongi,” Ilsung greeted cheerfully like he wasn’t pointing a gun at Jungkook’s head. “Yoongi, Yoongi, Yoongi. You look better like that, you know. Instead of giving orders. Wasn’t it supposed like that? If only Youngsik didn’t take you in…”

Yoongi snarled at the man in front of him, eyes narrowing as the angry fire that he had been trying to contain since earlier was running amok under his skin, creating a trail in his veins that was ablaze.

Ilsung grinned. He lowered his gun and pulled Jungkook up, making him whimper as fresh tears stained his skin. The action made Yoongi jump and run towards them, only to be hit behind his back with the butt of a gun to make him fall to his knees. Some men pushed him to stay in his position while they forced him to watch Ilsung touch Jungkook’s skin.

God, he’d kill him slowly.

“No matter, you’re dying today, anyway,” Ilsung muttered, eyes entranced at the smooth skin on Jungkook’s neck that he kept touching. “You’re just here to watch me mate this little honey. Isn’t that fun?”

Jungkook sobbed, and it felt like a bullet hit Yoongi’s core. The younger sounded so broken and helpless, eyes begging for Yoongi. What could he do? Fuck, he’d rather die than watch this.

In an instant, Yoongi was pushing away the men that had him kneeling. He was kicking and punching, doing whatever he could to get them off of him without a care for the guns that were aimed at his head. He didn’t even know what he was doing, all he was thinking of was Jungkook who shouldn’t be here.

“Stop, stop! Don’t hurt him!” Was that Jungkook? It sounded like him.

It was chaos with Yoongi just doing whatever he could, his alpha growling and snarling as he tried to dominate the men around him. The cloth on his mouth was not helping, but he knew what he could do, his alpha knew it had its power.

He kicked and slammed people, randomly hitting them however he could. They all tried to shoot him, but without any order and with how close he was to them, it was difficult. He had to take that to his advantage and hope that he could at least take Jungkook to safety.

Maybe a miracle would come to him. For Jungkook.

“Shoot him! Kill him, bastards!”

“No– get away from him! Hyung–!”

The sound of a gun was the only thing that stopped Yoongi from his plan of wreaking havoc. Silence overtook the place after, followed by a ringing in Yoongi’s ears as he slowly turned around to see where it came from. A stabbing pain in his middle was hot and piercing, slowly traveling through his being.

It took him a moment to realize that the pain was not the fear for Jungkook’s life. Instead, it was the pain of his life slowly slipping into his hands as blood seeped out of him, weakening him to his knees until he was falling.

“No… no… hyung… Yoongi hyung! No, please!” Yoongi blinked, but it must have been his brain processing things differently due to the shock of the pain of being shot. Jungkook was being held earlier, but he was now beside Yoongi, trying to cup his face and remove the cloth on his mouth despite his arms being tied together.

Ilsung laughed, moving behind Jungkook. Yoongi’s alpha whined to protect the omega. “See, Yoongi? I told you you’ll die today. You should’ve been nice and watched your dear beloved receive his bite.”

Yoongi whimpered and tried to move, pushing himself to hold on to Jungkook and protect him. The fire on where he was shot was worsening, quickly draining his strength, but all of it was taken away when another painful force struck him on his shoulder.

“H-hyung, please, d-don’t move. Oh, g-god, hyung, you’re b-bleeding,” Jungkook was crying, and it was breaking Yoongi’s heart. He never wanted to make the younger cry anymore. Wasn’t the past few weeks enough? Why was he making Jungkook cry again?

Yoongi swallowed the lump in his throat, the taste of iron making its way to his tongue. He smiled, hoping to assure the younger. He wasn’t even sure what was going to happen. He walked into this trap hoping to get Jungkook out of him, but he might have been too reckless. What could he possibly do to keep the younger safe if he was like this?

“Pretty,” he whispered, quickly pushing himself on top of Jungkook with a grunt so they both would fall on the floor, temporarily blocking Jungkook from the others while making Ilsung stop back with a hiss. “My pretty, baby highness. Hyung’s gonna protect you as much as he could, okay?”

“Hyung–”

A heavy stomp on Yoongi’s back made him hiss loudly, but he didn’t move, putting all his weight on Jungkook. He’d die before they could get Jungkook.

“You’re a little shit, you know that?” Ilsung hissed as he pushed his heel deeper into the wound in Yoongi’s back. “Get off of him, I don’t want to accidentally shoot the bitch.”

Yoongi snarled at him, vision blacking out in spots. Jungkook cried harder and started peppering him with kisses, begging him to stop, to go, to just do whatever. They were stuck and they knew it. So much for Yoongi trying to prepare and hide a knife, only to be shot like this.

“Hyung, p-please, please. Stay alive, p-please,” Jungkook’s kisses tasted like salt with the tears, but they were sweet on Yoongi’s lips.

“Of course,” Yoongi whispered, his eyelids starting to get heavier. “I still have to cook for you.”

Jungkook chuckled softly, but they both knew he was slipping away. The pain in his gunshot wounds was still burning, and Yoongi was getting weaker at each moment.

“I’d burn the world if you ask me to, pretty,” Yoongi breathed. His head fell on Jungkook’s side, finding comfort in the warmth that the younger had, and the beating on his chest that Yoongi would do anything to protect.

Jungkook sobbed. Yoongi probably did, too.

“I just want us happy, hyung.”

__

Yoongi must be dreaming. No, he was sure he was dreaming, but he couldn’t remember what it was. Was he really in a dream? Or was it a dreamless sleep? He wasn’t quite certain.

Pain struck him from all over his body, giving him a jolt until he was groaning. His middle and his shoulder were particularly painful, but all they did was make him gasp.

“Hyung? Hyung!” Yoongi forced his eyes open at the sound, quickly blinded for a moment he found Jungkook watching over him. 

His heart almost stopped at the sight of Jungkook. His face was red with blood, and tears stained his cheeks as if there was an unending flow of them. Yoongi almost jumped from where he was lying down, if not to Jungkook pushing him to stay still. Memories of what happened started to flood his mind. Maybe that was the dream he was trying to relive. Only that they were a nightmare in reality

“Don’t move, hyung. You lost a lot of blood. First aid can only do so much,” his voice was shaking, but there was the perfect mask of calm on his face despite how messy he looked. “I’m just waiting for Seokjin hyung and Namjoon hyung to come back so we can take you to the hospital.”

“What happened…?” Yoongi asked, voice coming to a whisper.

Jungkook sniffed, his calm mask breaking slightly. “You fainted on top of me. They were carrying you out when Hoseok hyung barged in followed by others. It was a mess, but they got the bad men. They moved them outside since I had to do first aid on you.”

“I see,” Yoongi said. He closed his eyes and sighed, the events of the day draining him alongside the throbbing of his wounds. 

There was only silence between them as Jungkook ran his hands through his hair, tracing his face with his fingertip as if he was trying to memorize it with his mere touch. It was nice, feeling like he was being lulled to serenity.

“Hyung,” Jungkook mumbled. Yoongi only hummed, comfortable with the silence and touch. “Don’t sleep. You can’t sleep.”

“I know, baby.”

“Then why are your eyes closed? You might fall asleep. Look at me instead.”

Yoongi smirked, the safety in Jungkook’s hands finally settling inside him. Everything that happened earlier felt fleeting, unreal. The only proof they had was Yoongi’s wounds and his blood on Jungkook’s hand.

“You confuse me with an angel. Are you sure I’m still alive?”

“Hyung!” Jungkook whined, tapping Yoongi’s cheek lightly. “Hyung, wake up! You told me you’re going to be with me, yah!”

He couldn’t help but listen to Jungkook complain, poking his cheeks and hitting his hand to try and wake him. It made Yoongi’s heart swell, the feeling of having Jungkook around him after everything that happened embraced him in warmth.

“Hyung, you’re just being mean to me now,” Jungkook whined softly. Yoongi slowly opened his eyes and found the younger pouting, his hands around his knees on his chest. “You scared me so much, now you won’t listen to me.”

“Do you really still want to be with me?” Yoongi whispered. The question felt delicate like it was something made out of fear of losing someone. But maybe that was why Jungkook said those words. Because he wanted to be with Yoongi.

Jungkook’s gaze softened and his scent turned sweeter when he reached out to hold Yoongi’s hand. “When I saw you get shot, all I could think was why did I even push you away? Of course, I understand why I did that, but seeing you bleeding? It made me wish nothing like this happened and we’re still just together.”

“We can be together. I told you, Jungkook. I’d give you the world if you ask.”

“I don’t want the world, hyung. I just want you.”

The serenity that he always felt whenever he was with Jungkook ran under his skin and settled on his chest. It was a gentle and warm feeling, like waking up early in the morning while the soft rays of sunshine peeked shyly in their window, giving Yoongi’s skin a sweet kiss. 

“Okay, pretty.” Yoongi smiled. He took Jungkook’s hand and placed it on his lips, planting kisses on his skin with whispers of love that he couldn’t shy away from. “I’ll leave the pack. I’m yours as long as you want me to.”

“Really?” Jungkook sniffed. Yoongi couldn’t help but chuckle but had to stop when the pain from his wounds shot up. “Hyung, don’t move too much!”

Yoongi nodded. He slowly brushed away the tears that were almost dry from Jungkook’s cheeks. “Really, pretty. Aren’t you my baby highness? All I want to do is make you happy.”

“Okay,” Jungkook placed his chin on his knees, pouting while he watched Yoongi with his big, twinkling eyes. He looked so endearing that Yoongi wanted to give him anything right there and then. “Tell me I’m your baby highness again.”

“You’re my baby highness.”

“And you won’t fall asleep until we reach the hospital.”

“I won’t sleep…” Yoongi faked a yawn and closed his eyes

His teasing made Jungkook whine again and hit his hand, but he remained unmoving. “Hyung! I will make you bleed again if you don’t stop doing that!”

Yoongi laughed when he caught Jungkook’s hand that was about to pinch his side, kissing it again to calm the younger. This was nice. So nice and Yoongi never wanted to let go.

The door suddenly barged open with Seokjin rushing in followed by Hoseok and Namjoon, his usual pristine long-sleeve shirt was a mess and missing a button.

“Jungkook– oh, Yoongi’s awake?” Seokjin’s voice was loud as usual, so different from the whispers the two had exchanged. “Good, I thought he died. I would’ve resurrected him then and killed him myself.”

“Hyung, I can hear you.” Yoongi heard Namjoon’s chuckle and Hoseok’s bright laughter. Seokjin only ignored them and walked to where he was, only to kick his shin. “Ow, hyung! What are you doing?”

“You made all of us worried! Jungkook cried! I’m kicking you out of the pack! I worked so hard to make the pack decent and you’re here staining it!”

Yoongi rolled his eyes while Jungkook giggled. When did these two become close? “In my defense, it’s your secretary that made this mess.”

“Excuses!” Seokjin crossed his hands over his chest, motioning for Namjoon and Hoseok to move. “Now, we’ll take you to the hospital before you actually die. God, Jungkook would kill me. Did you see him crying? I’d rather kill myself than see him cry. Why is he a pretty crier? Jungkook, why are you a pretty crier? This is why my Jiminie can’t do help but dote on you.”

“Hyung,” Hoseok tapped Seokjin’s shoulder when he passed him. “I know you’re worried about Yoongi hyung, but maybe you should stop ranting. Hyung’s gonna pass out and you’re gonna make Jungkook cry again.”

Yoongi could only just laugh at the exchange of banter between his friends. The reality of what happened and what they will be doing was finally settling on him. Jungkook was safe now, and Yoongi will leave the pack. In the end, maybe that was better for both of them.

A squeeze on his hand made Yoongi glance at Jungkook. A smile was on his lips while he tangled their hands together.

“I love you,” Yoongi whispered. The words were burning and bright, like the one that made him feel the warmth of it.

Jungkook smiled, eyes shining and wide. “I love you, too.”

They were at peace.

__

epilogue

2 years later

The sound of chuckling and muffled conversations greeted Jungkook the moment he opened his eyes. Golden streaks of the afternoon peeked at the window of the room like the sky was burning away to give the night sky a place. It must be dusk already, the sun ready to set for the moon and stars.

Jungkook wiped away the sleep on his face before he stepped out of the bed and made his way to the door. He was greeted by the familiar laughter that always made him smile, his boyfriend setting up a table while he chatted with their dogs who were busy following him around.

“Bam, I told you to stop sitting on your brother, you’re bigger than Holly now!” Yoongi had his hands on his waist, scolding Bam and Holly who were looking at him with their wide, puppy eyes. “And Holly, stop chasing after the vacuum. You’re just scaring yourself when it chases you.”

Jungkook chuckled at the familiar sight of Yoongi in his apron, the sound giving away that he was awake. Their dogs seemed to take him walking towards them as an invitation to run to him.

“Is appa scolding you again?” He cooed, unable to control his smile as he ruffled their fur, receiving a couple of barks in response. “Well, maybe it’s time that appa realizes that he spoiled you two too much, so he needs to accept the consequences of it.”

“Ah, pretty, you’re spoiling them too!” Yoongi complained. He padded his way to where Jungkook was standing and wrapped his arms around his waist. “I’m trying to be a good appa and discipline them now.”

“Hyung, making Bam sleep on your lap and buying Holly a new toy so he stops chasing the vacuum is not exactly disciplining them,” Jungkook replied. He turned around to hug Yoongi back and tuck his face into Yoongi’s neck. There was still the fresh wound of Jungkook’s bite that made the scent of clean cotton and coffee swirl with his own sweet vanilla and chocolate.

It had been a week since they had decided that Yoongi would receive a bite from Jungkook. Something that was unusual to lovers, especially since Yoongi didn’t bite him back to complete their bond, both of them agreeing that Jungkook will have it once they mate. Jungkook didn’t mind, not when Yoongi carried his scent whenever and wherever he was. 

Jungkook dropped a kiss on it before leaning back to face his lover with a smile. “Hi, hyung.”

Yoongi smiled back, kissing the tip of his nose and hugging him closer. “Hello, pretty. Did you sleep well?”

“I did, but I missed you.”

“I missed you, too,” Yoongi hummed. He turned to their dining table where some pans of food were waiting. “I prepared dinner early since I didn’t want to wake you up.”

With a swift kiss on Yoongi’s lips, Jungkook untangled himself from the alpha and tugged him to their dining area. There was a bubbly feeling on his chest seeing his alpha prepare their food. Yoongi never stopped taking care of him, acting like he was still courting the omega despite their agreement to mate and marry once Jungkook had settled down with his job and felt ready for more responsibilities. The silver ring filled with diamonds on his finger was proof of it.

“You really made some strange hobbies after leaving the pack, hyung,” Jungkook teased after reaching out to grab a piece of bread that seemed to be freshly baked. He took a bite and offered half of it to Yoongi. “Who bakes bread and pastries on a random afternoon to pass time because their fiance was asleep?”

“Well, I have to feed my baby highness, you know?” Yoongi replied, looking at him like the mountain of food and bread was a norm. “Seokjin hyung said they’ll drop by tomorrow too, so I figured we can give some to them.”

Jungkook paused and realized that it was what was normal between them. Yoongi really had made it his pastime to cook and bake for Jungkook, sometimes bringing some to their friends in the pack. It was as if after everything that Yoongi had experienced, he had settled into domestic hobbies and gentle ways of taking care of those he loved.

“That’s nice,” Jungkook sighed, a little dreamy when Yoongi kissed his nose again. “I like it when you take care of me.”

“Good, because I like it when I take care of you.”

There was a gentle lull in the air around them as Jungkook continued to cling to Yoongi in their dining area. Their place had completely become a home when they moved in here two years ago, just a couple of weeks away when Yoongi officially left the pack to Seokjin, and Jungkook helped in making the pack swear peace and loyalty to the pack leader regardless if they were from the Jeon bloodline or not. Ever since then, it was smooth sailing under Seokjin’s leadership and the changes that they implemented.

Still, sometimes Jungkook wondered what could have been if they never met.

“Hyung?” Jungkook called softly. Yoongi replied with a hum as he waited for him to continue. “Would you have approached me if I wasn’t a Jeon?”

Yoongi smiled and tangled their fingers together. “I can’t answer that, pretty. We have no idea what could have happened, you know? But–” Yoongi squeezed his hand tight before continuing. “I wouldn’t be here if you weren’t. And I think in another universe, in all universes, I would’ve still found you and fallen in love with you.”

“Really?”

“Really, even if in the end, you were just going to break my heart,” Yoongi nodded, then stopped to offer a cheeky smile. “Although… please don’t let that happen, okay?”

A peal of laughter filled their place as Jungkook hugged Yoongi and squeezed him tight. “Okay, hyung. I’ll be nice to you.”

“Also–”

The sound of a customized tone rang from Jungkook's phone that was supposed to lie quietly on the coffee table. It was a noise that both of them dreaded when Jungkook was on his break, but could never turn down especially knowing that Jungkook loved what he did. 

Yoongi could just sigh and smile. “You know what, pretty? I feel the universe likes to tease me.”

Jungkook laughed while he walked towards his phone, his hand tugging Yoongi along. “Why would you say that, hyung?”

“Your hospital phone loves interrupting me when I’m trying to be sweet. Do you think it’s the curse of having a former gang leader mate a doctor? Like a payment of some sort where you keep people alive?” 

Jungkook snorted, unable to hold it in with the random comment that Yoongi made. Sometimes, his fiance says the most incredulous things that left Jungkook with no choice but just roll his eyes and kiss him.

“Sometimes I really just want to tell you that you should be thankful I love you,” Jungkook muttered, but the smile on his lips never left.

“Thank you for loving me, pretty,” Yoongi replied. How could Jungkook ever resist his one-of-a-kind charm?

Jungkook leaned close and planted a kiss on Yoongi’s lips. “It’s my pleasure, hyung. Thank you for loving me too.”

“Good. Because I’ll never stop,” Yoongi winked, making Jungkook laugh while he ran to their room to change. But before he could enter, Yoongi called him back. “Wait, pretty!”

“Yeah, hyung?”

Yoongi bit his lips, eyes wandering at Bam and Holly who were back at their antics of running around and playing. He sighed and offered Jungkook the sweetest look he had. “Can we get a cat?”

Maybe Jungkook was a little too in love. But then again, doesn’t Yoongi love him a little too much as well?

“Okay, hyung.”

“Okay?”

“Yes.”

Yoongi grinned at him, his smile was so wide and happy that he almost glowed in Jungkook’s eyes. “Okay. I love you.”

The couple of years that Jungkook and Yoongi had been together were the sweetest and warmest he had ever since he lost his parents. Although it was not easy as well, some nights were ridden by guilt and some days were downcast and rainy, and all Jungkook could do was give Yoongi a tight hug and whispers of love. Some demons stay in the shadow after all, appearing at the most random times and even on moments when you thought they were gone. But then again, they have come so far. Jungkook knew they still have a long way to walk on, but having Yoongi walk beside him, he couldn’t really ask for more.

Jungkook smiled. “I love you, too.”