Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓵 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓪𝓵𝔀𝓪𝔂𝓼 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓸𝓽𝓲𝓬. 𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓸𝓿𝓮, 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓰𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓸𝓼. 𝓘𝓽'𝓼 𝓪 𝓰𝓲𝓿𝓮𝓷 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽'𝓼 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓮𝓬𝓻𝓮𝓽.” -𝓙𝓸𝓷𝓪𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓷 𝓒𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓵𝓵

⋆˚꩜｡🧸ྀི°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･🧸ྀི⋆˚꩜｡

Have you ever felt out of place? Not just shy or awkward, but like everyone else got some kind of life manual that you never received? As if you are a step behind even when you’re trying your hardest?

That was pretty much Kim Taehyung’s whole life. He was twenty one and felt like an alien walking around pretending to be human.

In his world, people weren’t just male or female. There were these three subgenders the Moon Goddess Lunar had supposedly gifted humanity so everyone could live with more love and peace. That was the story people grew up hearing, anyway. Alphas were tall and confident. Betas were the attractive, easygoing ones. Omegas were the small, quiet, smart ones.

Taehyung didn’t feel like he belonged in any of those neat little boxes.

The woman at the city office read his height off the measuring tool. One hundred eighty-two centimeters. She said it with a smile, but the room still felt hot and suffocating.

Government offices always felt like that, but today was worse. He needed a new passport for a Christmas trip he didn’t even want to go on.
If it were up to him, he’d stay in his tiny dorm the whole break, paint until three in the morning, ignore every notification on his phone, and just breathe for once.

But no, he had his dearest cousin Jimin. And Jimin was impossible to say no to.

“You’ve gotta come to Heidelberg with us! Yoongi rented this huge Airbnb for all of our friends. And Christmas in Heidelberg is magical, Tae. You’re gonna love it.”

Taehyung remembered just staring at the wall when Jimin said that over the phone two weeks earlier.

“Our? Jimin, they’re your friends. I don’t know any of them. You know how awkward I get,” Taehyung said, rubbing his forehead.

Jimin only laughed. “But I miss you. And Mom told me you’re not coming home for Christmas, so what, you’re gonna sit alone in your dorm? No way. You’re a twenty one year old Alpha . You should go out sometimes and enjoy being young.”

And there it was. That word.

Alpha.

The lie that had taken over his entire life.

Every single time someone called him an Alpha, he felt this sharp twist in his stomach. It wasn't anger but shame. The kind that sits there and grows roots. The kind that follows you around like a shadow.

He still remembered that day as if it happened last week. A few weeks before his eighteenth birthday, he had been sitting in the doctor’s office. The doctor looked nervous as he pushed a piece of paper across the table.
“Mr. Kim Taehyung,” he said, “you are one hundred percent an Omega.”

Taehyung’s jaw had dropped. For a second he thought someone was filming him for some dumb prank show. “O-Omega?” he said, barely getting the word out.

The doctor nodded.

“I understand this must be surprising. You show a lot of typical Alpha traits physically, so this is rare, but it can happen. It’s a hormonal disorder. It doesn’t mean you’re less than anyone.”

But the words didn’t help.

Nothing helped.

He walked out of the building and cried so hard he had to stop behind a tree just to catch his breath.

But that wasn’t even the worst part.

He went home hoping for comfort. He wanted his mom to tell him it didn’t matter what he was. He wanted someone to just hug him and promise it would be okay.

Instead, the second he opened the door, music blasted in his ears. People were shouting and cheering. Someone popped a confetti cannon. There was a giant bright banner hanging over the living room that said

'Congratulations on becoming an Alpha.'

He froze. They’d planned the whole party assuming he’d be an Alpha because of how he looked. They didn’t even wait for confirmation. They just guessed.

He cried again, right there in front of everyone. His cheeks were burning. They all clapped and thought he was overwhelmed with happiness. He didn’t correct them because he couldn’t.

One lie slipped out, then another, then it just became his reality.
And that was the moment it all started. The pretending. The hiding. The shame he carried.

Even now, years later, standing in the stuffy city office waiting on a passport, he felt it. That same pressure in his chest. That same voice in his head saying he wasn’t what people thought he was.

He wondered if he’d ever stop feeling broken. Or if this was just the version of himself he was stuck being forever.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

Taehyung never really understood how people talked about Omegas as if they were these soft, perfect, graceful little things that everyone automatically loved. Everywhere he looked, Omegas were always shown as cute and gentle, with pretty smiles and sweet voices. The kind of people who looked like they were made to be protected. The kind of people who fit right into someone’s arms without even trying.

He didn’t look like that.

He didn’t act like that.

And it messed with him more than he liked to admit.

Every time he saw a picture of a couple on social media, he’d end up staring too long, wondering how they made it look so easy.

The Alpha always looked strong and calm, and the Omega always looked soft and happy. They fit. They made sense.
He didn’t feel like he made sense with anyone.
He would think about his own reflection and feel that weird twist in his stomach appear again. He didn’t look like an Omega, not even a little. People always assumed he was an Alpha the moment they saw his height, his shoulders and his voice.

Even his resting face looked kind of intense. He was awkward, too. Awkward in the way where he didn’t always know what to say, and when he did say something, he’d overthink it for hours.

He was nerdy. He liked art way too much. He talked to himself when he was stressed. He could spend all day drawing and forget to eat.

Sometimes he wondered what Alpha would ever look at him and think, “Yeah, that one. I want him.”

Probably none.

Who wanted an Omega who didn’t even look or act like one? Who wanted someone who didn’t make sense on paper or in person?

This very thought sat heavy in his chest while he packed for the trip. His dorm room looked like a small storm had hit it. Clothes were everywhere. On the bed, on the chair, on the floor. He packed slowly. Each shirt reminded him that he would be spending Christmas with people he didn’t know, in a country he’d never visited, pretending he was totally fine.

He wasn’t fine.

He kept stopping, zoning out while holding a jacket or a pair of jeans, thinking about how stupid he probably looked trying to put together outfits for a trip he didn’t even want to go on. He didn’t want new people to stare at him and instantly assume he was an Alpha.

He didn’t want to see the confusion in their faces if his secret were ever accidentally to be exposed. He didn’t want to deal with that look. He’d seen it before from his doctor.

He shoved another sweater into his suitcase and sighed so hard his shoulders dropped.

At least Jimin would be there.

Eventually.

Earlier that day, Jimin had called him while he was trying to decide whether to bring his sketchbook or his tablet.

“We’re leaving two days earlier than you, so we can help Yoongi check in and get everything ready,” Jimin said, the sound of wind in the background. “So when you land, don’t wander around alone like a lost puppy. I’ll come pick you up from the airport, okay?”

Taehyung rolled his eyes even though he felt a little better hearing that.

“I won’t wander.”

“You will,” Jimin replied immediately. “You absolutely will. You’ll get distracted by a Christmas decoration or some weird building and end up on the wrong bus. So just stay put. I’ll find you.”

“Okay, okay,” Taehyung said, trying not to smile. “I’ll stay put.”
Jimin hummed as if he won something.

“Good. Also, Tae? You’re gonna be fine. My friends are nice. They’re loud, but nice. You might even remember some of them from way back.”

“Yeah,” Taehyung mumbled. “We’ll see.”

Now, hours later, Taehyung zipped his suitcase and sat on the edge of his bed, staring at, thinking it might talk him out of going. A part of him still hoped something would come up. Maybe a canceled flight, a snowstorm, literally anything just that he didn't need to go. But he knew Jimin would drag him across the world if he tried backing out now.

He looked around his room. It was quiet. Too quiet. He hated how safe it felt. Safe made him want to stay forever. Safe made him want to hide.
He wasn’t sure what he was expecting from this trip.

Maybe nothing.

Maybe something.

Maybe just a few days where he didn’t think so much about who he was supposed to be.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

December eighteenth showed up way too fast. Taehyung barely slept the night before. His last day of classes had ended, everyone rushed home to pack or party, and he just sat in his dorm staring at his suitcase, hoping that it might magically walk itself to the airport without him.

Morning came anyway. He dragged himself out of bed, washed up, threw on a hoodie and a jacket, and tried not to think too hard while calling an uber.

The whole ride to the airport felt unreal. Cars honking, people rushing around with holiday bags, kids screaming about Christmas presents. Meanwhile he just sat there with his backpack hugged to his chest, feeling like a stressed turtle.

The airport was crowded, but in a weird comforting way. Everyone was going somewhere, and no one cared who he was or what he was pretending to be.

He checked in, dropped his suitcase, and got through security without any trouble.

He sat at the gate, pulled out his phone, and saw a new message from Jimin.

“Please stay put when you land. Do NOT wander by yourself. I already know you’re gonna get distracted.”

Taehyung snorted under his breath. “I won’t wander. I'm not a child,” he whispered to no one.

He boarded after a long wait. The plane smelled of coffee and recycled air. He slid into his seat by the window, leaned his head against the cold glass, and tried to relax. The flight was long, but he slept through most of it, waking up only when food carts rattled by or when the person next to him bumped his elbow.
When the plane finally landed in Frankfurt Germany, he felt nervous for no real reason.

The airport looked huge and bright and was filled with Christmas decorations. Big stars hanging from the ceiling, sparkly lights shaped like snowflakes, even a fake reindeer statue in the middle of the terminal. It felt warm and cozy even though it was winter outside.
His phone vibrated again.

“Tae. I’m serious. Do not wander. Don’t leave the arrivals hall. Just stand there. I’m leaving the Airbnb soon.”

He smiled a little.

“Okay,” he typed.

“I won’t move.”

He put his phone in his pocket and walked through the crowd. Everything smelled like pastries and cinnamon. People were carrying big gift bags, couples were holding hands, kids were shouting about Santa. It all felt so soft and cheerful that his chest relaxed without him noticing.

Then he saw it.

A tiny toy store tucked between two bigger shops. It had the cutest Christmas display he’d ever seen. The whole window was full of handmade teddy bears wearing tiny scarves and sweaters. Some held candy canes. Some had little antlers. One even had a red nose like Rudolph. They were so ridiculously cute that he froze right in front of the glass.
He had always loved small, soft things like that. Maybe because they reminded him of something he wished he was.

Gentle and simple.

He walked inside before he even realized he was doing it.
The store smelled like warm cotton and vanilla. A little old lady behind the counter smiled at him. He looked around at all the shelves packed with plushies and tiny Christmas toys.

He picked up a small brown teddy wearing a green sweater and felt his heart squeeze. It just looked happy. It looked like the kind of toy someone would give a person they really cared about.

By the time he left the store with a small teddy wrapped in tissue paper, he didn’t really know where he was anymore. The airport wasn’t behind him. The hallway didn’t look familiar. He thought he could just follow the signs, but people pushed past him, and everything got loud and confusing.

He followed the wrong exit without thinking, stepped outside, and the cold air hit him in the face.

The buses looked complicated. The tram lines looked worse. He checked the map once, and it only confused him more. Somehow, without even knowing when it happened, he ended up in the middle of Frankfurt city.

Cars, lights, giant buildings and crowds moving everywhere. He turned in a slow circle, clutching his suitcase and the teddy, realizing he had messed up in the most predictable way possible.

His phone buzzed nonstop.

“Tae where are you.”

“Why aren’t you answering.”

“Please tell me you’re still at the airport.”

“Tae. I swear. Pick up.”

Then a call came through. The second he answered, Jimin’s voice exploded through the speaker.

“Taehyung! Where are you? Oh my god don’t tell me you wandered off. Yoongi’s yelling at me because I said you wouldn’t do this. Namjoon’s already putting on his shoes. Stay where you are. Do not move. I’m serious.”

Taehyung winced. “I’m… I think I’m in the city.”

“In the city? Which part? Frankfurt is huge.”

“I don’t know,” Taehyung said, turning around uselessly. “There are… buildings.”

Jimin groaned so loud that even people on the street looked at Taehyung funny through the phone.

“Okay. Stay put. All of us are coming to find you. Don’t walk anywhere. If you see a bus, ignore it. If you see a train, ignore it. Just stay right where you are. We’re leaving now.”

When Jimin hung up, the whole Airbnb exploded into chaos. Yoongi was already grabbing his jacket even though it was only half zipped. Namjoon kept checking maps as if he was preparing for an exam. Seokjin was pacing around the kitchen mumbling about how someone shouldn’t be lost alone in a foreign city. Hoseok kept asking if Taehyung had eaten, which absolutely did not matter in the moment, but he said it anyway because that was just who he was.

And then there was Jeongguk.

Jeongguk stood by the door with his arms crossed, jaw tense, eyes narrowed at his boots. He had that big winter coat on, the heavy kind with a huge hood and a million pockets. You couldn’t see any of his tattoos under all the layers, but everyone knew they were there. Same with the piercings. Even with half his face covered by a scarf, he still looked unfairly good looking. The kind of good looking that made strangers turn their heads without even understanding why.
He wasn’t talking. He just looked annoyed.

In his eyes this whole situation was the most unnecessary thing on the planet.

Yoongi finally pulled his hood up.
“Alright, let’s go before that idiot freezes his ass to death out there. Jimin, lead the way.”
Jimin shot him a glare.

“Don’t call my cousin an idiot.”

“He got lost between the airport doors and the bus stop.”

“Still doesn’t make him an idiot.”

“It doesn’t not make him one.”

Namjoon held the map out.

“Look, if Taehyung followed the wrong exit, he probably ended up near the central station. From there, people usually drift into the shopping street. Especially if he saw something cute.”

Hoseok gasped.

“He totally saw something cute.”

Seokjin waved them all over.

“Come on. Shoes. Coats. Scarves. Gloves. No one is dying on my watch.”

Jeongguk sighed hard enough for the whole room to hear it. “Why are we babysitting a grown man. He is twenty one. How do you get lost within ten minutes of landing?”

Jimin glared again.
“Jeongguk. Please. Do not start.”

“I’m not starting. I’m saying he acts like a child.”

“He is shy.”

“He is careless.”

“He is my cousin.”

“And he maybe is a little chaotic,” Seokjin added, buttoning his coat.

Jimin opened his mouth to argue again, but Yoongi gently pulled him toward the door before another fight started.

The streets were cold and packed with people carrying bags and taking pictures under the Christmas lights. The air smelled of roasted nuts and hot chocolate. Jimin kept checking his phone every ten seconds, hoping for a message from Taehyung.
Meanwhile, Taehyung was absolutely not standing still the way Jimin told him to.

He was wandering again.
Not on purpose.
He just didn’t know what to do with himself.
He stood in the middle of a busy square, holding the tiny teddy bear in his hands, wishing it was a compass that would somehow guide him.

The Christmas market nearby was glowing with red and gold lights. People were laughing and drinking warm drinks in little paper cups. It should have been magical.

It probably was magical.

But all Taehyung felt was embarrassed, stupid and totally lost.

His phone died five minutes ago. He forgot to charge it properly before leaving Korea. Of course he did. Because why not make the whole situation worse?

He pulled his jacket tighter around himself and tried to blend into the crowd. He didn’t want Jimin getting upset. He didn’t want Jimin’s friends thinking he was some helpless idiot who didn’t know how to function. Even though right now, that’s exactly how he felt.

He didn’t even notice Jeongguk at first.

Jeongguk spotted him from the opposite side of the street.
It was instant recognition of a memory from long ago.

He remembered Taehyung.

Not well, but enough.
A kid with big eyes who used to follow Jimin around during the summers.
A kid who liked drawing, who always had paint under his nails, who used to stare at Jeongguk as if he had just hung the moon.
Jeongguk never commented on it back then.

Kids had crushes all the time.
He didn’t think it meant anything.
But now here Taehyung was.
Tall, build like a fridge, pretty, awkward, holding a teddy bear in the middle of Frankfurt.

Jeongguk crossed the street with long, angry steps. He shoved his hands into his coat pockets and stopped right in front of Taehyung.

Taehyung blinked up at him, stunned.

Jeongguk looked even better than he remembered.
Even under all the winter clothes, he still had that sharp, cool energy that made Taehyung feel small in a way he didn’t know how to explain.
He felt his heart drop into his stomach. Of all people to find him first, it had to be Jeongguk.

Jeongguk stared at him for a long second, then shook his head in pure disbelief.
“You have got to be kidding me.”

Taehyung froze.

“W… what?”

“You got lost. In the first hour. How does that even happen.” Jeongguk looked him up and down. “You’re an adult. Do you not feel embarrassed right now?"

Taehyung swallowed hard.
“I… I didn’t mean to get lost.”

“You didn’t mean to. Right.” Jeongguk rolled his eyes.
“Jimin is losing his mind. Yoongi is furious. The whole house is out looking for you.”

Taehyung looked down at the ground. “I’m sorry.”

Jeongguk scoffed.
“Sorry doesn’t help when it’s freezing outside and half of us are running around because you can’t follow a simple order.”

Taehyung felt his chest tighten. “I really didn’t want to cause trouble.”

“You did cause trouble.”

Taehyung felt like crawling into the nearest snowbank.

Jeongguk stepped closer, lowering his voice.
“Also, what kind of an Alpha are you?”

Taehyung’s breath caught.

Jeongguk continued, not knowing he was hitting the exact wound Taehyung spent years hiding.
“Acting like a weak Omega. Standing in the middle of the street holding a teddy bear. Seriously. You don’t feel embarrassed?”

Taehyung felt the words slice right through him.

Weak Omega.

What kind of Alpha are you?

He couldn’t even answer. His throat was too tight. His face went hot and cold at the same time. He just stared at the ground and wished the snow would swallow him whole.

Jeongguk sighed again, rubbing his forehead because Taehyung gave him a headache.

“Come on. I’ll take you back to the car before Jimin has a heart attack.”

Taehyung followed him silently, holding the teddy bear because right now it seemed to be the only warm thing in the whole world. His mind was spinning.
Not just from the shame.
But because after all these years, after all this time, his stupid heart was still doing the same thing it used to do when Jeongguk looked at him.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

Jimin spotted them first. He was standing outside the car with his hood pushed back, cheeks red from the cold, bouncing on his toes from stress. The moment he saw Taehyung trailing behind Jeongguk, he ran straight toward him.

“Tae. Oh my god! You scared me so much!”

He grabbed Taehyung in a tight hug and refused to let him go. Taehyung held onto him too, relieved in a way he didn’t dare admit.

“You didn’t answer your phone. I thought something happened.”

“It died,” Taehyung said.

“Sorry.”

Jimin pulled back and checked his face, expecting Taehyung to be injured.

“You can’t disappear in a different country. I was already planning your funeral!”

That startled a tiny laugh out of him, which made Jimin relax a little.
Yoongi walked up next. He didn’t say much, but he placed a hand on Taehyung’s shoulder, steady and warm.

“Glad you’re safe.”

Taehyung nodded, grateful for Yoongi’s calm energy. Out of everyone he’d met in his life, Yoongi had always been one of the easiest to be around.
The others stood near the car waiting. Jimin pushed Taehyung closer to them.

“Guys. This is the cousin I told you about. Taehyung.”

Namjoon smiled first, the kind of smile that made people feel accepted without trying.

“Hey. I’m Namjoon. We used to see you around when we were younger, but you probably don’t remember. Good to see you again. You look good.”

Taehyung felt his ears warm.

“Thanks.”

Seokjin was next.

He stepped forward with the confidence of someone who knew he looked great no matter what. He inspected Taehyung up and down in a dramatic way before patting his arm.

“You’re so handsome! No wonder Jimin bragged about you.”

Taehyung’s face burned harder. He never knew how to respond to compliments.

Hoseok practically glowed when he came closer.

“I’m Hoseok. I remember you being cute when you were younger, but wow, you grew up. You’re really handsome now.”

Taehyung wanted to melt into the snow. He was not used to this much attention.
He wasn’t used to people saying he looked good.
Most of the time he didn’t even see what they were talking about.

Then there was Jeongguk.
He didn’t move from where he stood by the car. He didn’t smile or greet him. He just watched with the same unimpressed expression he had earlier. His eyes flicked to the small teddy bear still in Taehyung’s hand and then back to his face.
Jimin elbowed him.

“Say hi.”

Jeongguk didn’t budge.
“I already found him. That’s enough.”

Hoseok groaned.

“Jeongguk! Come on.”

Taehyung stood there feeling awkward between the kindness of the others and Jeongguk’s cold glare.
Namjoon opened the car door.

“Everyone in. It’s about an hour and fifteen minutes back to Heidelberg, so if anyone wants snacks, now’s the moment.”

Taehyung blinked.

“It’s that far?”

Yoongi nodded.
“Yeah. Frankfurt is chaos this time of year. Once we’re out of the city, it gets better.”

Everyone piled into the car. Jimin and Yoongi took the front. Namjoon sat behind them. Taehyung ended up between Hoseok and Seokjin. Jeongguk sat in the last row by himself, hood pulled up, earphones in even though they weren’t connected to anything.
The car warmed up slowly. Christmas lights passed by in long stretches as they left Frankfurt behind. Taehyung held the little teddy on his lap, his thumb brushing over the tiny green sweater without thinking.

“Where’d you get that?,” Seokjin asked.

“The airport,” Taehyung said. “There was a small shop.”

Hoseok grinned.
“It suits you. It’s cute.”

Taehyung lowered his gaze, embarrassed again.
“I didn’t think before buying it.”

“Nothing wrong with liking soft things,” Seokjin added.

Jeongguk scoffed from the back. “We wouldn’t have been on a rescue mission if he didn’t chase soft things.”

Jimin twisted around in his seat. “Jeongguk. Enough.”

“I’m not wrong,” Jeongguk said, not looking up. “He wandered off like a little kid.”

Taehyung felt the sting of that even though he tried to hide it.
Hoseok leaned closer to whisper. “Don’t mind him. He’s only rude to people he doesn’t know yet.”

Taehyung whispered back. “He remembers me though.”

He stared out the window for a long time. Snow covered the small towns they drove past. Christmas decorations hung on old buildings and balconies. Everything looked peaceful from a distance.
Jimin tried to fill the silence with chatter about the Airbnb.

“Yoongi booked a whole house. It has six bedrooms and a fireplace. There’s a Christmas market down the street. And Jeongguk found a café he wants to try.”

Jeongguk didn’t react.

Seokjin laughed. “He only wants to try it because the waiter had cool piercings.”

Jeongguk shot him a glare.
“I said nothing about that.”

Hoseok leaned over Taehyung to look at the back row.
“You stared.”

“I did not.”

“You absolutely did.”

Taehyung watched Jeongguk’s ears turn red. He quickly looked away so he wouldn’t get caught staring too.
Namjoon checked the time.

“We should be there in about fifty minutes.”

Taehyung finally relaxed into the seat. The heater was running full blast. The car was filled with quiet conversation and soft music from Jimin’s playlist. It felt safe in a way he didn’t expect.

“You really scared me,” Jimin said, turning again.
“Next time, charge your phone.”

Taehyung nodded.
“I will.”

“And stay put when I tell you to.”

“I will.”

“And don’t wander after stuffed animals.”

Taehyung pressed his lips together.

“I’ll try.”

Yoongi chuckled.
“That’s the most realistic answer you’ll get out of him.”

Taehyung smiled a little.
Everything felt calmer until Jeongguk suddenly spoke again.
“Why did you even travel alone?”

Taehyung looked over his shoulder but Jeongguk didn’t look at him. He kept staring out the window.
Jimin answered for him.
“He’s twenty one. He doesn’t need a babysitter.”

“He does if he keeps disappearing.”

Taehyung winced. “Sorry.”

Jeongguk let out a frustrated sound. “Why are you apologizing again? You already did. Stop making yourself smaller.”

Taehyung froze and the car went quiet.
Even Jimin didn’t know what to say.

Jeongguk adjusted his scarf.
“If you’re an Alpha, act like it.”

Taehyung stared out the window again, heart pounding.
He wasn’t an Alpha. He just wasn’t.
Hearing those words hurt more than the scolding, more than getting lost, more than the embarrassment.
He didn’t answer. He couldn’t.
Hoseok gently nudged him. “Don’t mind him. He talks in sharp edges because he thinks it makes him appear cooler.”

Seokjin nodded.
“He doesn’t mean it how it sounds.”

Taehyung didn’t believe that for a second, but he nodded anyway. It was easier than trying to explain anything.
The car continued down the long highway toward Heidelberg. Christmas lights faded in the distance. Snowflakes started drifting across the windshield. Everyone settled down again, talking or dozing off.
But Jeongguk stayed awake in the back row, eyes on Taehyung’s reflection in the window.
He didn’t say anything else.

And Taehyung didn’t look back.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

The Airbnb was warm the moment they stepped inside. Someone had already turned on the lights before they left in the morning, so the whole place glowed in soft gold from the lamps scattered around the living room. There were wreaths on the windowsills. Everything smelled faintly of cinnamon from the candles Yoongi had bought earlier in the week.
Taehyung stepped out of his shoes and rubbed his toes against the heated floor. It felt heavenly after the long drive. Jimin stretched his arms above his head and yawned. Namjoon announced he would claim the shower first unless someone stopped him. Seokjin fought him for it. Hoseok tossed his scarf onto the sofa and skipped around the house like he’d just won the lottery.
“My baby is coming. Two more days,” he kept repeating.
He twirled in the middle of the living room.
“Two. More. Days. I miss him so much. He’s going to land here and I’ll cry.”

“Kyungmin is a saint for dealing with you,” Yoongi muttered as he carried bags into the kitchen.

Hoseok gasped.
“He is a saint. And talented. And perfect. And the most beautiful violin player in Korea.”

Taehyung smiled. Hoseok’s happiness radiated into the room. It was warm and loud and contagious.

Jimin nudged Taehyung.
“Come on. I’ll show you your room.”

They walked together down the hallway. Jimin opened the second door on the left.

“This one’s yours. Fresh sheets. Extra blanket in the closet. Bathroom is across the hall. If you need anything, wake me up.”

Taehyung nodded.
“Thank you.”

Jimin stepped forward and hugged him again, his voice was soft this time.

“I’m glad you’re here. Don’t disappear on me again.”

“I won’t.”

When Jimin left, Taehyung closed the door and leaned against it for a moment. The room was small but pretty. White walls. A big window showing the snowy street outside. A double bed with white linen and a thick duvet. Someone had put a peppermint candy on the pillow. The air felt clean and quiet after the chaotic airport and the loud car ride.

Taehyung took a long shower. He stood under the hot water until all the tension in his body melted away. When he stepped out, his hair was dripping down his neck and his skin felt warm. He dried off slowly and pulled on loose sweats, leaving his upper body bare because the room was cozy enough.
The teddy sat on the bed where he had left it earlier, the tiny green sweater bright against the white sheets. Taehyung sat down beside it, towel still hanging around his shoulders. He picked the bear up and held it in both hands. Something about its stitched smile made his chest tighten.

He layed back against the pillows and stared at it.
One single tear slid down his cheek before he could stop it.
It wasn’t about the bear.

Not really.

It was the idea it represented.

A small gift.

Something offered from someone’s heart.

Something that meant I see you or I choose you or I want you.

He knew better than to hope for things like that.
No one ever looked at him that way.
No one ever noticed the part of him he hid so carefully.
No one would ever approach him with a courting gift.

Not with the truth he carried in his blood.
He wiped the tear away with the back of his hand, embarrassed at himself even though no one was watching.
His thoughts drifted without permission.
Back to Jeongguk.
It shocked him how fast his heart had reacted earlier. He hadn’t seen Jeongguk in years. Not properly. Not long enough to form a memory. Jimin stopped spending his summers the same way once middle school started, and Taehyung stopped coming over as much. Life separated them quietly.

And Jeongguk hadn’t cared.
At least, not in any way that mattered.
He’d ignored Taehyung’s existence like it was the easiest thing in the world. And it should have been fine. They weren’t friends. They barely knew each other. But the moment Taehyung saw him today, something inside him fluttered so hard he almost stumbled. It didn’t even matter that Jeongguk was mean now.
Or sharp.
Or dismissive.
Or cold.
He used to be nicer to him when they were kids.
Taehyung remembered that.
People tended to soften around children, and Jeongguk (who was 4 years older) wasn’t an exception. He had once shared snacks with Taehyung during a summer barbecue. He had once tied Taehyung’s shoelaces when the younger boy couldn’t do it. He had once given him a sticker shaped like a star because Taehyung said he liked it.
That version of Jeongguk didn’t exist anymore.

Taehyung rolled onto his back and stared at the ceiling. The light from the hallway filtered under the door in a thin strip. Everything was quiet except for his own breathing.
He lifted his hand to his chest, unsure why he was doing it. His fingertips brushed over the lines of his prominent abs. The skin was warm from the shower. His breath caught for a moment as he imagined a different hand there. A larger, rougher and warmer one.

Jeongguk’s.

It wasn’t realistic.
Jeongguk didn’t even look at him without irritation because he didn’t see him that way.
Infact, he didn’t see him at all.

Still, the image wouldn’t leave his mind. The idea of Jeongguk touching him gently. Maybe tracing the same lines he explored now with the tip of his fingers. Maybe looking at him with a softer look than pure annoyance.

Taehyung bit down on his lower lip without meaning to. The thought made his stomach twist in a way he didn’t fully want to understand.

He let his hand glide up, over the broad curve of his chest. The muscle there tensed under his own touch. It made him think of what it would feel like if someone ever loved him for who he really was. Not for the version he pretended to be. Not for the Alpha mask he wore in public. But the part he hid from the world. The one that longed to be held. To be chosen or just to be wanted.

He wondered for a moment what that kind of affection would even feel like. What it would feel like to be known completely and not abandoned. He wondered how it would feel like to be loved as the Omega he was, even if no one could ever know it.

His heart was beating too fast.
He dropped his hand and covered his face with the pillow, overwhelmed by his own thoughts. And because he couldn’t stop himself, his mind slipped again to Jeongguk. To the way his ears had turned red in the car. Not because of Taehyung. But because of the barista at the café. The one with piercings. The one Jeongguk clearly found attractive.
Taehyung turned on his side, curling in on himself, hiding deeper into the pillow until his breath warmed the cotton.

Jeongguk would never look at him like that.
Not in this lifetime or in any.
He squeezed his eyes shut.
“It’s fine,” he whispered to himself.
His voice sounded too small in the dark room.
He pulled the teddy closer to his chest and held it there, pretending for just a moment that someone had given it to him out of care. He knew it was just his imagination.
But for tonight, it was enough to keep his heart from breaking completely.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

The house felt calmer after Taehyung finally arrived in the airbnb safely. Everyone moved slower. Maybe it was the long day or the fact that it was really cold outside. Everyone just felt drained after running around Frankfurt in panic.

They ordered pizza because none of them had the energy to cook. Yoongi picked the toppings. Hoseok insisted on getting extra garlic bread. Seokjin said no one was allowed to complain because he was starving and would eat anything at this point.

By the time the food arrived, it was around nine thirty. Boxes were spread all over the table. The warm smell filled the living room. Everyone gathered around except Taehyung.
“Jeongguk,” Seokjin said as he grabbed a slice, “go get Taehyung.”

Jeongguk paused mid-reach.
“Why me?”
“Because I said so,” Seokjin replied in that tone elders use when they expect no arguments.
Jeongguk grumbled under his breath but got up anyway.
He shoved his hands into the pockets of his hoodie and walked down the hall. He didn’t bother knocking when he saw the door slightly open, instead he pushed it gently. The room was dark except for a bit of light coming from the street outside. And there Taehyung was, stretched out on the bed. Shirtless and asleep. One arm was thrown above his head and the teddy bear pressed to his chest.

Jeongguk stopped in the doorway. He wasn’t expecting this. Taehyung’s skin had a soft warm tone under the low light. His muscles were defined in a way that didn’t look forced. His stomach was firm, the lines of his abs clear. His shoulders were broad. Everything about him looked strong without trying.
Jeongguk frowned a little. He didn’t remember him looking like that years ago. And he definitely didn’t remember him being this well built. Does he work out every day or something? He didn't seem like the type to even step into a gym.

Jeongguk stepped in and clicked his tongue. The room was way too cold for someone to sleep without a blanket. He reached for the duvet and pulled it up slowly, trying not to wake him. When the blanket fell over Taehyung’s body, Taehyung shifted a little but didn’t open his eyes.

“Sleeping without a blanket,” Jeongguk muttered under his breath, “is he wishing to get sick or what? Idiot.”

Then he noticed how tightly Taehyung held the teddy. His knuckles were almost pale from gripping it. The sight made something in Jeongguk’s chest flicker for a second. He didn’t know what to make of it, so he ignored it. He backed out of the room quietly and closed the door the same way he found it.

When he returned to the living room, everyone looked up.

“He’s sleeping,” Jeongguk said as he sat down again.

Jimin let out a small sigh.
“I figured.”
Yoongi rubbed Jimin’s back.
“He had a long day.”

“That’s not all,” Jimin murmured.
Namjoon reached for a napkin. “What do you mean?”
Jimin picked at the crust of his pizza. It was one of those moments where he didn’t know how to explain what he felt, but he tried anyway.

“He seems different.”

Everyone got quiet.

“Different how?” Hoseok asked.
Jimin exhaled slowly.

“I don’t know. More closed off? He always used to be shy, sure, but this is something else. When he was younger, even when he was awkward, he was open. He smiled a lot. He talked about the things he liked. He followed me everywhere in the summers. But now… I don’t know. He feels far away, even when he’s standing right next to me.”

Seokjin nodded.
“People change as they grow up.”

“I know,” Jimin said. “But this isn’t just growing up. He’s hiding something.”

Yoongi tapped his fingers against the table.
“Did he say anything to you?”

Jimin shook his head.

“No. And that’s the problem. He never says anything real anymore. He always says he’s fine. Always. Even when he clearly isn’t.”

Namjoon frowned.
“I only remember him from when he was little. But from what I saw today… yeah. He seems tense. Not scared but just guarded.”

Jimin nodded quickly, relieved someone understood.
“Exactly. And it worries me. I’m the only family that he is close to. He should talk to me.”

Yoongi put an arm around his shoulders again.
“Maybe he needs time.”

“Maybe,” Jimin whispered, though he didn’t sound convinced.
“And…”
Jimin hesitated, then glanced around the room.

“He’s twenty one. But he’s never dated anyone. I mean you all know how clingy and desperate for love Alphas are, especially when they are young adults.”

Hoseok blinked.
“Never? Not even a first kiss?”

“Nothing,” Jimin said.
“Not even a crush he admitted to. He's also at that age when people start talking about ruts and stuff too, but he does everything alone. He never asked for help. Not once.”

Jeongguk shifted in his seat, uncomfortable with where the conversation was going. He didn’t comment though. He just looked at his food.

“I don’t care about that stuff,” Jimin said quickly.
“He can take his time. But it feels odd. Most Alphas have at least some kind of romantic experience by now. Even if it's just something small. Taehyung acts like any kind of intimacy scares him.”

Namjoon rubbed his chin.
“Do you think something horrifying might have happened to him?”

“I don’t know,” Jimin said again. “And that's what scares me too. He won’t let anyone close enough to find out.”

Silence settled over the table for a moment.
Hoseok softened.
“He’s probably lonely.”

Jimin’s face tightened.
“Yeah. And I hate that. He deserves to feel loved! Even if he doesn’t see it.”

Seokjin leaned back in his chair.

“We’ll make sure he feels welcome here.”

Everyone nodded except Jeongguk.He kept looking at the napkin in front of him. The image of Taehyung asleep in that quiet room kept replaying in his mind.
The way his chest moved slowly.
The way he clutched that teddy and the way his body looked strong but peaceful at the same time.

Jeongguk pushed the thought away.

“He seems fine,” he said, a bit too flat. “He’s just tired.”

Jimin gave him a small frown. “You barely talked to him today aside from insulting him.”

“And?” Jeongguk replied.

Jimin sighed.
“Never mind. I just hope this trip helps him a little.”

Yoongi nudged Jimin and whispered something that made him settle down. They kept eating. The conversation drifted to happier topics. Hoseok talked about Kyungmin again. Seokjin argued with Namjoon about who got the last slice of mushroom pizza but Jeongguk stayed quiet.
His mind kept circling back to that room. The way Taehyung looked with blanket he pulled up and the teddy in his arms.
Taehyung’s picture perfect face relaxed in sleep and the shape of his body. A strange feeling in Jeongguk’s chest flushed over him, a feeling that caused him to feel irritated and reach for the can of coke.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

Taehyung woke up before the sun, the same way he always did. It didn’t matter that he was in a different country. His eyes opened at five, sharp and automatic. The house was completely silent. It was he type of quiet that made everything feel a little unreal.

He stretched slowly, rubbed his face, and sat up. His muscles felt warm under the blanket Jeongguk had thrown over him. He didn’t know that detail, of course, but the blanket smelled faintly of the hallway, meaning someone had definitely moved it while he slept. He assumed it was Jimin.

He stood up, rolled his shoulders, and started his usual morning routine. Washing his face and then doing a set of soft yoga. It was nothing intense, just enough to make his stiff joints feel loose again. After that, he went to his bag and pulled out the two small bottles he depended on far more than anyone should ever know.

First, his scent blockers.
He took a deep breath and swallowed one with water. His real scent (a very sweet almost artificial cherry scent) had slipped out before in the past and every time that happened, he sort of panicked. Alphas didn’t smell sweet, that was one of their traits. Blockers kept him safe because they kept the lie alive.

Next, the heat pill.
He stared at it for a second. The idea of getting a heat here, in this house, with all the others around him? He didn’t even want to think about it. His face warmed just imagining what the disaster it would be like. He swallowed the pill quickly and got dressed.

He picked the teddy pajamas he packed at the bottom of his suitcase. Soft brown fleece. A little too childish maybe. But he liked them because he felt safe in them.

He padded into the kitchen. It was dim and cold but peaceful. The fridge was full thanks to the grocery trip the others had done earlier in the week.

Taehyung started pulling ingredients out. Rice, tofu, a few vegetables and broth. He cooked slowly, quietly, letting the steam warm up the kitchen. The smell of soup filled the air in less than twenty minutes.
He set the table for everyone, humming a song under his breath. It felt comforting to do something normal in a place that wasn’t his.

The first person to walk in was Seokjin. He froze in the doorway.

“You cooked?”

Taehyung looked up.
“Oh! Good morning.”

Seokjin walked forward, almost dramatic in the way his eyes widened.
“Breakfast? Real breakfast? Before I’m even awake? You’re an angel. I could cry.”

Taehyung laughed softly.
“It’s nothing.”

“It’s everything,” Seokjin said, already piling rice into a bowl.

“Usually I have to cook. You saved my life!”

One by one, the others drifted in a few minutes later. Namjoon, then Hoseok, who was still half asleep. Next was Yoongi, who nodded approvingly at the soup as if it was a personal gift meant only for him. Jimin came in last, beaming as soon as he saw Taehyung at the stove.

“This smells amazing,” Jimin said as he pulled him into a short hug. “You didn’t have to do this.”

“I woke up early anyway,” Taehyung replied.

They all sat down. Except one person.

Jeongguk.

He was missing, and apparently that wasn’t unusual.
Namjoon sipped his soup.

“Taehyung, think you can wake him?”

Jimin almost choked on his rice. “Why him? That man hates being woken up. He’s a menace in the morning.”

“He needs to get used to Taehyung,” Namjoon said calmly. “It’ll help him stop acting rude.”

Taehyung raised both hands.
“It’s fine. I don’t mind.”

Jimin held his wrist.
“If he bites you, that’s on Namjoon.”

Taehyung smiled nervously and slipped away from the table.
He walked down the hallway and when he reached Jeongguk’s door, he knocked it gently.

No answer.

He pushed it open a little. And instantly regretted it. A wave of warm Alpha pheromones hit him, thick and heavy. The scent was strong, it smelled comfy like a fireplace on a cold night. It washed over him so suddenly that he had to pinch his nose to stop it from affecting him. Heat pills and blockers or not, some scents were naturally overwhelming.

“Jeongguk?” he whispered.

No movement. Jeongguk slept on his stomach, hair a mess, blanket kicked off to the side. His breathing was deep.

Taehyung walked closer and tried again.

“Jeongguk. Breakfast is ready.”

Nothing.

He nudged his shoulder.
Still nothing. He hesitated, then shook him harder. Which turned out to be a big mistake.

Jeongguk’s eyes snapped open. His hand shot up and grabbed Taehyung by the collar, yanking him down onto the mattress so fast Taehyung lost balance and landed with one hand braced near Jeongguk’s shoulder.
Jeongguk growled, voice low.

“What the hell are you doing?"

Taehyung’s breath hitched. His cheeks warmed. His stomach flipped in the worst and best way at the same time.
“I was told to wake you up,” Taehyung managed to say.

Jeongguk blinked, realization settling in. His grip loosened. He rubbed his eyes in a way that showed that he was annoyed at the world.

“Great. Wonderful. Perfect start to my day.”

He finally released Taehyung completely. Taehyung stepped back fast, face still hot.

“Breakfast is ready.”

Jeongguk muttered something that sounded similar to fine and buried his face in his pillow for a second before forcing himself up.

Taehyung left before he could embarrass himself further. Back in the dining room, everyone cheered as Jeongguk finally joined them.

“Thank you for cooking,” Namjoon told Taehyung as he reached for seconds.

“What do you study again?”

“Art,” Taehyung replied softly. “Digital painting mostly.”

“That fits,” Hoseok said warmly. “You seem creative.”

Yoongi nodded.

“Makes sense.”

Then they took turns telling him about their own jobs.
Hoseok worked as a dance instructor for kids.
Namjoon did translation work and freelance writing.
Seokjin owned a small bakery with ridiculous cupcake designs.
Yoongi (that one he already knew) produced music for indie artists.

Jeongguk worked as a car mechanic but did photography and modeling on the side.

They talked for a long time, laughing here and there, letting Taehyung grow comfortable again. When everyone finished eating, Jimin clapped his hands.

“Okay. Change of plans. Since Kyungmin gets here tomorrow, we’ll get the Christmas tree then. Today we’re going hiking up to the castle and then going to the Christmas market. So everyone go get dressed!”

There were cheers aswell as groans. A few complaints came from Yoongi who hated hiking.
But everyone stood up anyway.

Taehyung stayed seated a moment longer, taking it all in. The warm room aswell as the smell of soup, the sound of Hoseok already running to find gloves and the buzz of excitement.

He felt a little more at ease. A little less alone.Even if the secret in his chest was still weighing heavy on him. Then he finally stood up and went to get ready too.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

Taehyung stood in front of the small Airbnb closet, fingers hovering over the soft fabrics folded neatly inside. The morning sun filtered through the curtains in muted shades of gray and gold, the crisp chill of December seeping through the window frames. His heart was still racing from what had happened earlier.

It had been an hour since he woke up Jeongguk. He tried distracting himself with brushing his teeth, washing his face once more and making the bed. None of it helped.

His mind kept replaying the moment Jeongguk’s hand closed around his collar, the rough pull and the sudden weight of an Alpha’s force pinning him down. His back still felt warm from where it hit the mattress. His pulse still stuttered at the memory of Jeongguk’s voice. It sounded low and irritated. It was close enough to feel it in his bones.

He pressed a hand to his cheek and found that it was still warm.
He didn’t understand why it affected him like this. No Alpha had ever touched him that way.

His stomach tightened into a nervous twist that almost made him laugh. Jungkook’s annoyed growl was still echoing faintly in his ears. He had never been dominated like that. Not once.
And he was horrified to realize that he liked it.

“Stop thinking about it,” he whispered to himself and shook his head.

He grabbed the outfit he planned to wear; A soft cream turtleneck, warm brown coat, thick scarf, and baggy jeans that insulated him well. The teddy pajama top he had just worn was folded carefully and tucked into the corner of the bed.

As he dressed, his fingers brushed over the fading warmth on his collar where Jeongguk grabbed him. A tiny shiver ran through his spine.

“No! Enough!,” he muttered again, burying the embarrassment before it could bloom fully. He stepped into his boots and tightened the scarf around his neck.
When he finally left the room he saw that the others were already pulling on gloves and adjusting jackets.

“We ready?”

Jimin called out as he zipped up his puffy beige coat.

Taehyung nodded, forcing brightness into his expression.
They stepped outside into the cold December air. Taehyung felt instantly awake, the chill sweeping over his cheeks. The early sky over Heidelberg was stunning. Soft blues slowly brightening, thin clouds drifting lazily, the silhouette of the castle perched high on its hill.

“You see? That’s where we’re going,” Jimin said, pointing toward the far ridge.

Taehyung followed his gaze. The castle was massive even from a distance, framed by forest and cobblestone paths that wound their way through the town.

“It’s beautiful,” Taehyung murmured.

“Just wait until we get up close,” Seokjin said proudly, adjusting his gloves.

They began walking, the streets quiet except for the occasional cyclist gliding by. The storefronts were charming with decorated windows displaying ornaments, pastries, warm knitted scarves and tiny wooden figurines. Twinkling lights lined the roofs. Even in daylight, they looked magical.

“For someone who seemingly barely travels, your eyes are sparkling,” Hoseok teased cheerfully.

Taehyung smiled shyly.
“It’s all really beautiful.”

They turned into the main pedestrian street and the scenery became even richer. Old stone buildings, holiday wreaths tied with deep velvet ribbons, bakeries releasing the scent of cinnamon and sugar into the air.
Taehyung was so mesmerized so that he didn’t even see the icy patch on the ground.
His foot slipped before he could registrate it. His breath caught as
the world tilted. That's when suddenly an arm wrapped around his waist, catching him cleanly before he could fall.
Taehyung froze.
Jeongguk’s hand was firm and warm, even through layers of fabric. His grip tightened instinctively around Taehyung’s hips as he tried to steady him.

“Watch where you’re walking,” Jeongguk muttered.
Heat shot up Taehyung’s neck. “S-sorry… I didn’t see…”

“Obviously.”

Taehyung stepped away quickly, mortified, cheeks burning.
But Jeongguk’s hand lingered for a second longer than it had been necessary before he let go.

They kept walking until the sound of music drifted through the street. A group of street performers had set up a small stage area, bells hanging from stands, guitars strummed lightly. The familiar melody of “All I Want For Christmas Is You” spilled into the winter air, warm and joyful. Taehyung’s cheeks lit up. He clapped before he could stop himself, hips swaying from side to side in tiny excited motions. He looked like a kid seeing snow for the first time. He forgot completely that the others were there.

Jeongguk didn’t.

His eyes flicked instantly toward Taehyung. For a moment he looked as if he didn’t know what to make of him. His gaze lingered on Taehyung’s smile, the little bounce in his step, the soft, innocent way he reacted to the music. Taehyung looked happy. Completely defenseless in his happiness.

Jeongguk’s jaw tightened.

“Quit dancing. People are staring,” he muttered.

Taehyung stopped immediately, face turning red.

“Oh… sorry.”

But Jeongguk didn’t look annoyed. Not exactly. If anything he looked more confused aswell as uncomfortable with that confusion.

They continued walking, the path eventually growing steeper as they reached the long stone staircase leading up to the castle. By the time they made it to the top, everyone was panting.

“Why are old castles always uphill?” Namjoon groaned.

“Because royalty didn’t want people like you visiting,” Seokjin teased.

“Hyung!”

Taehyung laughed quietly behind his scarf.
At the entrance, a small red booth was selling tour tickets. Strings of tiny white lights framed the windows, making the old brick walls glow softly.

Jimin stepped forward.

“Six tickets for the next castle tour, please.”

The group shuffled closer as the vendor handed the tickets over, stamping each one. Taehyung held his ticket carefully between his fingers, admiring the printed image of the castle. The cold made his breath visible, small white clouds drifting into the air.
This was the first time in a long while that he felt happy and hopeful.

Even if Jeongguk confused him.
Even if his heart was acting strange and even if he was hiding something that could shatter everything in an instant.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

The castle’s courtyard opened before them in wide stretches of ancient stone. Frost was clinging to every ledge and every crooked corner. Their breath puffed out in white clouds as they followed the tour guide, a cheerful middle aged woman with a bright red scarf wrapped around her neck.

Heidelberg Castle looked unreal covered in snow. The walls were weathered and majestic, the windows tall and elegant and the view over the city was breathtaking. Taehyung felt like he had stepped into a painting.
The guide gestured toward the first tower.

“This section was built in the early sixteenth century. You’ll notice the mixture of Renaissance and Gothic elements…”

Taehyung listened, but the words felt distant and english wasn't his strongest skill. What he noticed instead was the way Hoseok nudged Jeongguk every few minutes. At first, Taehyung didn’t understand why, until he saw her. A gorgeous Omega stood near one of the large arched windows, dressed in a cream coat with curls spilling out of her hat. Her cheeks were rosy from the cold. She was the kind of Omega who looked like she walked straight out of a winter romance movie.

Hoseok leaned closer to Jeongguk.

“She’s totally your type.”

Jeongguk glanced over.

“Too much perfume.”

“That’s all you have to say?” Hoseok laughed.
“God, you’re impossible.”

Taehyung looked away before he could torture himself with the comparison. His chest tightened and his fingers curled inside his gloves. Of course someone like her would be Jeongguk’s type. Someone beautiful and dainty, just like the perfect omega should appear to look.
Someone he could never be.

They moved deeper into the castle, passing stone staircases and long corridors where old tapestries lined the walls. The guide continued explaining the history as her voice was echoing.

“During the thirty Years’ War, much of this area was destroyed…”

Taehyung tried to focus on the history. He really did. But every few minutes Hoseok nudged Jeongguk again. This time at a striking Omega with pale blue eyes and a jawline that looked carved from marble.

“Okay, come on,” Hoseok whispered. “If he’s not your type, who is?”

Jeongguk shrugged without even looking at the Omega for longer than a heartbeat.

“Not interested.”

“You’re impossible. Didn't you yesterday whine about wanting to be in a relationship sooo bad?,” Seokjin muttered, shaking his head.

Taehyung’s stomach twisted. Hearing the word “Omega” again and again felt like someone pressing a thumb into a bruise he worked hard to hide. He kept smiling, nodding along, pretending he wasn’t shrinking on the inside. He imagined a different world for a moment.
One where he wasn’t pretending and instead was a beautiful Omega prince with soft features, the kind people couldn’t help admiring. In that fairytale world he fit the picture and deserved attention. Maybe then Jeongguk would look at him and want him.
The thought hurt so much so that he almost laughed at himself.

They reached another hall where arched ceilings towered overhead. The group paused to admire the old artwork, but Taehyung barely had time to breathe before someone approached him.

A young Omega, totally elegant looking, with silver hair under a beanie.

“Hey… sorry to interrupt… I just wanted to say you’re really handsome,” the Omega said with a shy smile.

Taehyung blinked.
“Oh... Thank you!”

The Omega’s scent was light and sweet.

“You’re an Alpha, right?”

Taehyung nodded, even though the word felt heavy in his mouth.
The Omega grinned.

“Could I maybe get your number?”

Behind him, the others choked back laughs. Jimin covered his mouth. Seokjin nudged Namjoon and Hoseok grinned ear to ear.
Taehyung panicked politely.

“Ah… um… I’m not really… dating right now.”

“Oh.” The Omega bowed politely. “Still, it was nice meeting you.”

When the person walked away, the teasing began immediately.

“He rejected an Omega who looks like that?!” Seokjin gasped dramatically.

“He’s unbelievable too!” Hoseok groaned. “Why does Taehyung pull so many people in? Is this the power of youth?”

“It’s because he’s the perfect Alpha,” Namjoon said, half laughing. “Handsome face, perfect manners and cute energy. Omegas love that contrast.”

Taehyung forced a smile.

Perfect Alpha.

He hated the phrase and he wanted to disappear every time someone said it. It always felt like a cruel joke. A praise that stabbed deeper every time. They had no idea what they were praising and no idea how wrong they were. If they only knew what he was hiding, eould they still praise him? He doubted it.

Jeongguk said nothing during the teasing. He leaned against the stone wall with crossed arms, jaw tight. His eyes didn’t follow the Omega who hit on Taehyung, instead they stayed fixed on Taehyung.

Just a little later another Omega approached him. He was petite and soft eyed, exactly Jeongguk’s type based on what Hoseok kept saying. The tension spiked again.

“Hi,” he said sweetly. “I’m sorry, but you’re… incredibly good-looking.”

Taehyung almost stepped back.

“Thank you…”

He shyly played with his scarf.

“If you’re here for the holidays… maybe you’d want to meet for a drink?”

Taehyung struggled for a gentle way to decline.

“I don’t think I can, I’m sorry.”
The guy's cheeks reddened and he bowed before leaving.

The others burst into laughs again, genuinely happy for him and unaware of the blade twisting in his chest each time.

“Seriously,” Hoseok whistled, “Taehyung is unstoppable today.”

“Our Taehyung is amazing!,” Seokjin sighed proudly.

“...and popular as hell,” Namjoon added.

Taehyung smiled softly, pretending it didn’t hurt. He risked one small glance at Jeongguk. Jeongguk’s eyebrow twitched. Something annoyed flickered in his expression.

“Don’t get cocky,” Jeongguk muttered under his breath.

Taehyung almost laughed at how unfair the universe was.
He couldn’t have Jeongguk’s interest even if he wanted it.
But apparently, he could have everything he didn’t want at all.

They continued with the tour, the guide bringing them into the wine cellar, then the old ruins on the northern side of the castle.
The view of the river from the terrace opened wide beneath them and the whole city was shining under a pale sky.

Taehyung breathed in deeply.
Even surrounded by beauty, hid heart really ached.
It was a quiet, lonely ache he was sure nobody else saw.

But Jeongguk kept glancing at him. Small, sharp glances.
As if something about Taehyung was beginning to bother him in a different way.
And Taehyung had no idea why.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

The walk down from the castle took longer than Taehyung expected. The stone steps were old and uneven, and the winter air nipped at his cheeks, but he didn’t mind. The sun was dipping lower and lower, turning the sky into a soft pink canvas, and he kept wishing he had his sketchbook with him.
His fingers even twitched a little.
He had so many ideas waiting to spill out. He wanted to draw the castle’s broken towers, the frost on the windows, the stone angels resting on the ledges.
But nothing prepared him for the explosion of lights waiting for them at the bottom.

The Christmas market stretched across the whole square as if it was something that was written into a dream. Strings of golden lights hung above the stalls, candles glowed in lanterns, trees were wrapped in warm bulbs, and the smell of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts floated everywhere.

Taehyung just froze. He had seen pictures online, sure, but seeing it with his own eyes felt holy. His heart fluttered for a second, almost childlike. This was the kind of place you wanted to walk slowly through, hand in hand with someone you loved.

And just like that, the ache came back.
Yoongi pulled Jimin close, wrapping an arm around his waist. Seokjin brushed snow off Namjoon’s shoulder while Namjoon grinned at him.
Hoseok bounced excitedly, talking about how tomorrow he could finally walk through here with Kyungmin.

Taehyung forced a smile.
He was really happy for them but it still stung, knowing he had no one.
There was no one to buy hot chocolate for, no one to lean against under the lights or to whisper silly things to in the cold.
He was twenty one and had to imagine Santa Claus as his romantic partner just to avoid feeling pathetic. How embarrassing was that?

He stuffed his hands into his pockets and took a deep breath.

“Okay!” Hoseok called out. “Let’s do the Santa ride! Couple seats only!”

Jimin’s eyes sparkled.
“Yoongi and I are sitting together.”

“Well obviously,” Yoongi muttered with a tiny smile.

Namjoon tugged on Seokjin’s scarf.

“We’re next.”

Hoseok pouted.

“I’ll go alone for now. My baby joins tomorrow.”

Everyone turned to Taehyung.
Then… slowly… to Jeongguk.
Jeongguk groaned.

“No. No way.”

“It’s just a seat,” Seokjin said.
“Don’t be dramatic.”

Jeongguk sighed. “Fine.”

Taehyung could swear that hid heart stood still for a second.
He didn’t know where to put his hands, or his eyes, or even his entire soul. Sitting beside Jeongguk felt like willingly walking into a fire. They climbed into one of the Santa sleigh seats. The lights surrounding the ride twinkled like stars, and christmas music played somewhere behind them. The moment Taehyung sat down, his heart started racing so fast, he thought the wooden bench might shake.

He tried to stay still, but nervousity made his leg bounce.
Jeongguk noticed.
“Why are you acting jittery? It’s not a roller coaster.”

“Sorry,” Taehyung whispered.

The ride started moving, lifting them slowly in the air in a gentle circle. The wind brushed their cheeks. Below them lights blurred together, turning the market into a glowing ocean.
Taehyung exhaled, trying to calm his pounding heart.

Then Jeongguk paused and his brow furrowed. He sniffed the air.
Taehyung froze.

“What is that scent?”
Jeongguk said, shifting a little closer.
Taehyung swallowed.
“Wh-what?”

“That,” Jeongguk said, leaning in. “It’s coming from somewhere near us.”

The wind blew again, carrying a soft wave of cherry sweetness right up to Jeongguk’s nose.
Jeongguk leaned in even closer, practically brushing Taehyung’s shoulder. He sniffed again, slower this time and Taehyung felt his entire body tighten.
Then Jeongguk’s eyes widened.

“What the hell?,” he muttered. “It’s you.”

Taehyung felt his heart drop.

“You smell like…” Jeongguk sniffed again, this time more obvious, and Taehyung’s cheeks burned.

“Cherry. Really strong cherry. Did you hug one of those Omegas who were hitting on you today? You reek of Omega pheromones.”

“I-I didn’t hug anyone,” Taehyung said.

“Then what is that?”
Jeongguk said, sounding almost annoyed.

“This scent is insane. I’d buy this as a perfume for my rut if it existed. It’s stupid how good it smells.” He frowned harder. “Seriously, why did you turn an Omega down if they smelled like that? That scent would’ve made my whole week.”

Taehyung stared ahead, eyes slightly wide, trying not to break into pieces.Hadn’t taken enough scent blockers?

But there was something else.

Jeongguk liked his scent.
No, he didn't just like it, he loved it. He forced a weak smile.

“I told you… I’m not dating.”

“Still dumb,” Jeongguk muttered.

But Taehyung didn’t hear the rudeness this time.
He only heard something that made his chest flutter so badly he had to grip the seat. Jeongguk loved his scent.

When the ride ended, Taehyung stepped off with shaky legs. His whole body felt hot and floaty. He didn’t know if he wanted to curl into a ball or jump into the sky. Jimin ran up to him, smiling wide.

“Was it fun?”
Taehyung nodded, still dazed.
Seokjin noticed his pink cheeks.

“You look cute.”

Taehyung cleared his throat and quickly walked off toward a cotton candy stand, mostly to hide his flustered expression. He bought a big fluffy pink one, the kind shaped like a cloud, and ripped off a bite as he walked back.

Seokjin laughed.
“That suits you."

Taehyung puffed out his cheeks, embarrassed.

“I like sweet things…”

“You’re adorable,” Seokjin said.

Jeongguk just stared at him from behind. The group wandered a little more, bought roasted almonds, admired the ornaments, and took pictures under the glowing arches. The lights reflected in Taehyung’s eyes like tiny stars.

The way Jeongguk had reacted towards his scent made him really happy.

He knew he shouldn’t feel happy about it because after all it was dangerous, his secret could be exposed if he slipped up one more time.
It was so stupid and it made no sense but he still felt happy.

Eventually, the cold crept deeper into their coats and Yoongi announced it was time to walk back. They made their way through the crowd.
The night felt peaceful, almost perfect and Taehyung couldn’t stop touching the warm spot on his neck where his scent had escaped from. He hid a shy smile from the others as they reached the Airbnb door.

☆•~♡◇•~°▪︎☆•~♡◇•~▪︎☆

Taehyung shut the door behind him the second they got back, his heart still fluttering from everything that happened at the Christmas market. For a moment he leaned his back against the door, trying to breathe normally. He felt warm, almost too warm and it wasn’t just from the heaters blasting in the hallway. His skin felt like it was simmering under the surface. He crossed the room and went straight to the drawer where he kept his scent blockers. Maybe he took too little this morning. Hopefully that was all it was and he wasn’t completely losing it. He shook the little bottle, popped the cap off and checked.
The right amount of pills left, which was good. But he also took heat blocker this morning, he counted it twice in his head. He remembered swallowing it half asleep. So he didn’t mess up, right?

A tiny panic crawled up his throat.

He opened the bottle of heat blockers anyway and checked the remaining pills. Right amount, which meant that he did take it. Then why was his scent seeping through and why was he feeling this hot?

The memory of Jeongguk leaning in on the ride hit him so hard his knees almost went weak. "You smell amazing."
He had basically said that, out loud to him.

Why was his heartbeat climbing as if it was trying to escape? Why did he feel that heavy, aching pull right in the center of his stomach? He unlocked his phone with shaky fingers. Opened his heat tracker and then he froze.

The date was marked red.

For a second, his whole body felt like it stopped existing.
No No no no. This couldn’t be real. Not here, not right now, not during a group trip and not while he was sharing walls with an alpha who made him feel like his lungs were full of honey and electricity at the same time.

Why now?

His breath faltered, and he clutched his phone like it could fix things for him. But the more he stared, the more real it became. His heat was coming. No amount of blockers could stop it anymore, not when it was this close.

He started moving on instinct, in raw panic.
He grabbed his teddy pajamas and sprinted out the door like the hallway was on fire. He didn’t even care who saw him. He just needed the bathroom.
Namjoon was just reaching for the shower knob when Taehyung practically shoved past him with a rushed, breathless “Sorry.”

Namjoon blinked, confused, but didn’t say anything. Yoongi glanced up from brushing his teeth, eyes narrowing for a second as if he knew something was off, but he didn’t comment either.
The moment Taehyung stepped under the hot water he felt his whole body jolt. The warmth didn’t soothe him. It made everything worse. His skin was too sensitive. His pulse was too loud. That tingling feeling in his stomach spread crazily fast.

He slid down the shower wall until he was sitting on the floor, water raining over him. He pressed his shaking fingers to his mouth and bit down onto them, trying to stay quiet.

His mind was swimming and slipping and he hated it. He hated how his body betrayed him every single time.

Once he finished, he dried off fast and nearly tripped running back to his room. He locked the door twice. His body was buzzing, hot and restless. He grabbed his phone and searched frantically for anything that could help him get through the worst part of the heat quickly.
He scrolled until something caught his eye. It was a simple forum post. The post was talking about scent easing the wors part.
Something about the clothes of an alpha you trust helping your body settle down faster.
It was talking about comfort, familiarity anr emotional attraction.
Taehyung stared at the screen with his heart pounding.
This was both stupid and insane.
This was asking for trouble.
But the second he imagined Jeongguk’s scent wrapped around him, that warm fire scent he smelled whenever he was close to Jeongguk he couldn't help but want to have that scent around him.

His whole body shivered and his inner wolf practically howled yes in his head.

Taehyung bit down on his knuckles again and stood up.
This was a bad, terrible and catastrophically dangerous idea.
But it was also the only idea he had.

He cracked his door open carefully and looked around. The hallway was empty. Good. He walked softly, still trying to act normal even though he felt anything but.
Right when he turned the corner, Jimin appeared out of nowhere.
Taehyung flinched so hard that he almost squeaked.

“Where are you going?”
Jimin asked, tilting his head.

Taehyung forced a smile.

“Just… getting something to drink before I sleep. I’m tired. Super tired. Don’t call me for dinner, okay?”

Jimin looked confused but nodded.

“Alright… goodnight?”

“Night.” Taehyung practically teleported away.

The moment Jimin disappeared down the stairs, Taehyung bolted straight to Jeongguk’s room. When he peeked inside and realized Jeongguk wasn’t there, he actually giggled like some mischievous gremlin.
He didn’t waste time and grabbed the closest hoodie. Then another one, then a shirt and beanie. Even a pair of joggers was part of his treassure. He had no shame left at this point anymore.
His wolf purred at every new item, already imagining the scent.

Taehyung hugged the pile to his chest and rushed back to his room, locking the door again. His body felt like it was vibrating. His bratty heat mood was already peeking out, making him huff and complain at every little thing. Even arranging his blankets annoyed him. He mumbled under his breath when something didn’t sit right.
But finally, after a little while he had his nest. The second he crawled into it, surrounded by Jeongguk’s scent he calmed, almost melted. His wolf practically rolled over in delight.
Taehyung buried his face in the closest hoodie, letting that warm fiery alpha scent cover him, fill him and soothe the sharp edges of his heat. A tiny, embarrassed smile pulled at his lips.

“Jeongguk…” he whispered into the fabric, cheeks burning even though no one could hear him.

His body relaxed for the first time since he saw his heat tracker. He curled deeper into the nest, holding the hoodie against his chest, imagining that he was hugging Jeongguk in a dream.

He knew this was dangerous and stupid.
That this was something he should definitely not be doing.
But right now, it was the only thing that kept him from falling apart.

Wrapped in Jeongguk’s scent, Taehyung finally let himself drift into the beginning haze of his heat.

It didn't take long until Taehyung became all jittery. He quietly whined as he was rubbing himself against the fabric of Jeongguk's clothes. It sounded perverted and under normal circumstances he would never do this, but during a heat Taehyung lost all sense of morality and his ability to think clearly.

He kicked off his pajama pants and threw them out of his nest. The heat beneath his skin was unbearable and the slick that he could feel his briefs wettening also felt incredibly uncomfortable.

Meanwhile, the other guys were gathered downstairs in the living room. Hoseok was arguing with Namjoon over what movie they should be watching while Seokjin was standing in the kitchen, making dinner ready.

Yoongi was playing on his phone while Jimin was playing with his hair. Yoongi put his phone away and sighed. He turned his head to look at his boyfriend.

"What's wrong Jimin? What's got you so worried again?", he asked.

Jimin pouted his lips.

"I am worried about Taehyung. He seemed so weird and just said that we shouldn't call him for dinner. Why is he being so distant?"

Before anyone could answer, Jeongguk bolted into the living room.

"Now I don't know who of you idiots is trying to be funny but stealing my clothes is not funny, you know how much I hate when someone touches my clothes especially!"

Seokjin peeked his head out of the kitchen in order to see what was going on.

"What do you mean? Who would want to steal your clothes here?,"

Namjoon answered.

The others were looking at each other confused too.

"Maybe ask Taehyung?", Hoseok suggested.

Jimin turned to Hoseok in light speed. "Do you think Taehyung would steal? Jeongguk's clothes don't even match his style, he hates wearing black!"

"I get what you mean Jimin, but everyone needs to be asked and after Taehyung clears his name we could check the security cameras to look if someone maybe broke in", Seokjin said.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes and turned on his heel. He walked back up the stairs and walked across the corridor to the very last room in the back. He tried opening the door but it was locked.

"Taehyung, open the fucking door!", he said while aggressively knocking against the door.

When seconds passed, and he didn't seem to receive an answer, he knocked again.

"Taehyung I swear to God if you don't fucking open the door right now I will kick it open."

On the other side of the door, Taehyung's head shot up from the hoodie that he had just buried his face in.

"My Alpha's voice", the wolf inside him mumbled. By now he wasn't able to think clearly anymore, it was as if he was a different person.

He wiped his teary eyes and crawled out of his nest.

"Taehyung! One last-"

Jeongguk wasn't even finished threatening the younger when the door unlocked and slightly opened. The Alpha was immediately hit with a concentrated wave of Omega pheromones. Jeongguk jumped back slightly because he didn't expect that.

"A-alpha", Taehyung mumbled as he tried to reach for him.

"Taehyung?.... Are you in-" Jeongguk leaned in closer. He grabbed Taehyung by his jaw and looked at him from both sides. "Are you in heat?"

Taehyung looked at Jeongguk confused but nodded anyway.

"Please help me Gukkie!"

"Gukkie?"

Jeongguk felt as if he was pranked. He looked around himself, waiting for a camera team to appear and tell him that he was part of a TV prank show.

Meanwhile, the Omega in heat became really impatient. He jumped onto Jeongguk.

"Jeongguk! Come downstairs! Dinner is ready!", Jimin shouted from downstairs.

Jeongguk looked at Taehyung who was hugging him tightly and sighed.

"I am not hungry I'll go to sleep earlier today! Don't look for me!", he shouted back.

When he received a confused "okay" from Jimin, he walked inside Taehyung's room and locked it immediately. His cheeks couldn't help but turn bright red from the intensity of the delicious cherry scent that he had praised earlier.

"The scent belonged to you? You are an Omega? How can you be an Omega? And why the fuck are you pretending to be an Alpha?"

Jeongguk had the right to be confused. He had never seen an Omega who looked like a typical Alpha. It was weird seeing him in heat like that.

Taehyung let go of Jeongguk and stepped back. He was sniffling, constantly trying to wipe his tears away.

"Because no Alpha would like an Omega like me. Everyone wants me to be an Alpha. Tae is embarrassed of his existence."

Although Jeongguk was more often than not annoyed by Taehyung, hearing what he had just said did make him feel awful. How must life feel like if you constantly thought you were a mistake? If you constantly had to pretend to be someone you were not?

Jeongguk didn't really know what to do, so the next best thing he could think of was pulling Taehyung into a hug. Seconds later the Omega started crying, clutching onto the Alpha. He had never told anyone his secret, never had anyone he could be so vulnerable with.

"Is there anyway I can help you?" Jeonguk asked. His words were kept short because keeping his sanity in this stuffy room that was filled with the best Omega pheromones that he had ever smelled was quite a challenge.

Taehyung slowly nodded and pushed Jeongguk so that he was now sitting on the bed. Then he climbed onto Jeongguk's lap. Everything that happened felt weird to Jeongguk.

It felt weird that he was suddenly in the bedroom of an Omega in heat, of whom he only minutes ago thought was an Alpha. It was weird that said Omega was so heavy and muscular and not at all like those skinny, fragile Omegas he had been intimate with before. Not only that, but it was weird that the scent of Cherry was so alluring to him. But the weirdest was that all of this turned him on.

Taehyung hugged Jeongguk tightly.

"I just need to-," he whispered into Jeongguk's ear and started grinding against Jeongguk's leg.
The Alpha closed his eyes, not because he didn't want to see Taehyung, but because he needed to desperately hold onto the last string of sanity and keep his inner wolf in its shackles because the last thing he wanted to do was to take someone's virginity while they were in heat.

Jeongguk bit down onto his lower lip harshly as he was gliding his hand up and down Taehyung's back, only to let him know that he was not alone. Taehyung was moaning into Jeongguk's ear as his grinding became more desperate.

"Hey! What are you?-" he asked when Taheyung pressed him down onto the mattress. His cheeks must have been glowing red from how embarrassing this position probably looked.

A small sigh slipped out of Jeongguk's lips when he felt tiny butterfly kisses all over his neck that Taehyung planted.

"Gukkie..." Taehyung whined.

"Wait Taehyung what the hell are you doing?"

Taehyung was unbuttoning the older's black Jeans and throwing them beside the bed, and before he could even say something, his briefs were gone too.

Jeongguk tried to push the Omega off of him. He had never witnessed an Omega being stronger than him (an Alpha) before. Taehyung grabbed both of his hands and looked at him with those big Teddy eyes that, Jeongguk had to admit, were incredibly cute.

"No Taehyung I am not taking your virginity when you are not fully there. I am not an asshole like that!", he argued.

"But-" he pouted as he placed his hands on the firm cheeks of the Alpha's behind. "Can't I put it in?"

"Wait wait wait what? This is not how this works, Taehyung Alphas do not-"

Before Jeongguk could even finish his sentence, the younger had pulled him by his legs so that his ass was in the air and the Omega's face was buried between his two legs.

Jeongguk really wanted to kick Taehyung and storm out of his bedroom, he really did, but the feeling of Taehyung's lips sucking the skin of his thighs was just too good, even if it was admittedly weird.

The younger's lips slowly created hickeys all the way up to Jeongguk's ass that he cheekily bit into.

"Ouch!" Jeongguk whimpered for a second and quickly slapped his hand on top of his mouth. He couldn't believe that such an embarrassing sound had left his mouth.

"You really need to stop Taehyung this is not right. This is not normal, ah-"

Jeongguk must have really been out of his mind, he was sure that he was drunk on those stupid cherry pheromones. Otherwise, he would have never enjoyed getting his ass eaten like that, but something about the way Taehyung's tongue buried inside of him, made him lose his mind.

His fingers clutched against the fabric of the bedding. He tried to stay as quiet as possible, he didn't want anyone to catch onto what filthy stuff they were doing upstairs right now. He could never let anyone know that he as an Alpha was getting his ass eaten by an Omega and actually enjoyed it.
The Alpha even whined when Taehyung let go only to undress himself completely and also got rid of Jeongguk's remaining top.

"Do you like it, Ggukie? Do you like it Gukkie?", he asked before he bent down and kissed him without even asking. Jeongguk placed both of his hands on Taehyung's chest as he was trying to keep up with the wild kiss. He didn't want to admit it, but it was really hot. He only wondered how a guy who supposedly never had been with anyone could kiss and eat out like that. The only explanation he had was that the Omega's inner wolf was a certified freak, which he did not judge because he knew his own wolf was no better, otherwise he wouldn't still be in Taehyung's room and experiencing all of this.

Taehyung breathed heavily when he let go of Jeongguk and instead filled his mouth with his fingers. At first Jeongguk was unsure if he should be doing it but influenced by his freaky wolf and those intoxicating pheromones he looked up at the Omega and sucked his fingers obediently. Slowly his tongue swirled around the younger's fingers.

When his fingers were wet enough Taehyung took them out.

Jeongguk bit down on his lower lip as he wrapped his arms around Taehyung's neck.

"I'm kinda scared", he admitted to the Omega in heat.

Taehyung stopped for a second and looked at Jeogguk.

"Because Alphas don't do that?"

Jeongguk nodded slowly and received a cute grin as well as a small peck on his lips by the Omega.

"Don't worry I will take good care of you Alpha!"

Minutes later, Jeongguk was a whimpering mess. He did really try to keep it down, but somehow it was extremely hard to stay quiet, not when Taehyung was working his fingers so exceptionally well.

Was this what he had been missing out on all his life? He felt betrayed by the Moon goddess for making him an Alpha. Had he not come across Taehyung, he would have never experienced the heavenly feeling of someone working you open with their fingers and massaging your sweet spot.

Suddenly Taehyung started sobbing and Jeongguk turned his head to check if something happened.

"I really need to put it in it hurts so much!", Taehyung whined.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes because of how stupid this was. Was there really the need to cry for him? At the same time he had to admit how cute it was.

Jeongguk spread his legs wider and waited for the Omega to move meanwhile he stroked his big erection, he thought that this might distract him from the pain that Taehyung's admittedly big dick might cause very soon.

Taehyung locked Jeongguk in another kiss and his hand joined in on stroking Jeongguk's dick. The Alpha was a whimpering mess. He started feeling hotter and hotter, the way that Taehyung's thump was massaging his tip was heavenly.

When the younger suddenly stopped and instead prepped his member in front of the Alpha's gaping hole, he threw his hands on top of his eyes, hoping that it would help to ease the pain.

"F-fuck", Jeongguk cried out as quiet as he could when Taehyung started pressing himself into him.
"Ngh, Ggukie! You are so tight... relax!", Taehyung demanded, his words laced in brattiness.

Jeongguk had no time to feel annoyed, he was overtaken by the pain he was in.

"Listen Taehyung you need to fuck me slow okay? If you are too fast, the others will hear the bed creaking.... be a good boy."

Taehyung suddenly stopped and started at Jeongguk with stars in his eyes.

"Yes! I will be a good boy for Alpha!"

Jeongguk sighed when Taehyung's huge dick was finally fully inside of him, he wasn't quite sure if it would before.

Unfortunately, the Omega in heat was too impatient to wait. He moaned quietly into Jeongguk's ear as he slowly started pulling out and thrusting back in.

"Feels so good" he moaned into the Alpha's ears "you feel so good Alpha…"

Jeongguk couldn't lie. It really turned him on and while the first few thrusts really did hurt, the next ones got better and better. It was getting proceedingly difficult to keep quiet. Not when Taehyung fucked him so well. The fact that Taehyung was going so painfully slow made it even worse.

"Am I doing well, Alpha?" Taehyung asked, looking up at him as he was sucking and biting on one of his nipples.

"Y-yeah you are doing amazing ah-"

"But I need to go faster-", Taehyung whined and started picking up the pace.

Jeongguk threw his head bag

"Fuck- No Tae-!"

He somehow got the Omega to stop. He looked around the room and then looked back at Taehyung. He grabbed Taehyung's cheek and slowly stroked it.

"Do you think you can pick me up? Are you strong enough?"

Taehyung was confused, but then he proudly nodded.

"If that's so, you can pick me up and fuck me against the wall. That way, you can be as fast as you want to."

At first Taehyung pouted but a few seconds later Jeongguk found himself, back pressed against the wall, getting fucked mercilessly.

He had his hand covering his mouth because otherwise he would have woken up the entire neighborhood, he feared. Taehyung had him in a position where he constantly hit his sweet spot, and it didn't take long for the both to come. This however didn't mean it was over yet- at least for the Omega in heat, who just kept thrusting through the Orgasm.

Jeongguk's legs were incredibly shaky. And soon Taehyung noticed that he wouldn't be able to keep on standing for any longer. This is how they found themselves on the floor.

"I can't, it's too much-", Jeongguk sobbed while Taehyung was on his 5th round of non-stop pounding into him.

"I'll stop soon, Alpha", Taehyung promised and kissed his tears away.

"Fuck fuck fuck, I am going to cum again-"

Both of them came one last time. Taehyung collapsed on top of Jeongguk and immediately fell asleep.

Meanwhile, the older one was just staring at the ceiling, finally gathering some long awaited clarity. What the fuck had he done? He had gotten himself dicked down mercilessly by the stupid freaking cousin of his friend.
This was a secret he had to keep from everyone and probably take to the grave. He couldn't let anyone know that he (the proud Alpha that he was) had enjoyed getting his insides rearranged. He looked at Taehyung, who was sleeping so peacefully. Why was he so handsome? Jeongguk sighed and pushed him off him. His legs were super shaky when he got up, and his ass hurt in ways he didn't want to explain. Cum kept dripping out of his ass with every step that he took. He grabbed all his clothes that Taehyung had stolen, aside from one hoodie. Then he picked up Taehyung from the floor and placed him on the bed. Taehyung immediately cuddled onto the hoodie and Jeongguk left the room quietly after he grabbed all of his tossed around clothes from the floor.

His shaky legs brought him to the bathroom, where he was now showering, trying to get his head straight. All of this that had just happened was not on his bingo card. If any of the guys knew of all the positions he had found himself under Taehyung tonight, they wouldn't believe him. He felt embarrassed, disgusted of himself, but at the same time he was kind of sad that this was the first and last time he would ever get to enjoy the feeling of getting dicked down.

When he got out of the shower, he bumped into Namjoon, who looked at him funnily.

"Why are you showering at one a.m.?"

Jeonggguk placed his hand on his neck and smiled awkwardly.

"I just woke up from a nightmare, and I was bathed in sweat."

"Oh yeah, I hate when that happens to me."

Back in his bedroom, Jeongguk sat down on the floor, knees pulled against his chest, and constantly smashed his head against his knees.

This was pure insanity!