Archive of Our Own

They told Jimin that perhaps it would never happen.

The young man had his fair share of hormone therapy, yoga, hilltop temple retreats with diet changes and a fortune spent on supplements.

When Park Jimin turned 23, he threw all those supplements and medicines out. He was done. More than ready to live with the fact that he would never present with a secondary gender.

It was rare, though not unheard of. Even as too many people rushed to ‘fix’ the situation when people didn’t present by age 18, Jimin declared he’d had enough. Eventually, the people who mattered, friends, family et al, came around, accepting Jimin for exactly who he is.

He is 25 now, biting his nails as he waits outside the office of a CFO. It was their biggest contract yet, and Jimin wasn’t sure why his father trusted him with the kick-off. 

Pushing the door when called, Jimin enters and bows swiftly in greeting. 

“I’m the landscaping maintenance technician you called, Sajangnim. Park Jimin.” He manages to say, despite inhaling lungfuls of the most intoxicating scent he had ever come across. The alpha behind the desk smells like freshly trimmed grass and the crackling air before it rains. Jimin hopes his face doesn’t betray his surprise. 

“Ah! Heard a lot about your company, Park Jimin-ssi.” the alpha says, without looking away from the screen of his tablet. Just when Jimin is about to respond, though, he does look up, peering over his glasses at Jimin.

Jimin expects a judgemental onceover, but the older alpha simply gestures for him to take a seat. There’s a streak of silver hair that runs from the man’s left temple to the back of his head. It’s the only indication that he might be old. As Jimin sits, he pries his eyes away from the man’s handsome face, gaze falling on a simple wooden name plate with the words Jeon Jungkook carved into the grain.

“I’m afraid I have to come clean now,” Jungkook says with a sigh. “I didn’t call you regarding a job for hotel grounds. This is more for… a personal property.”

“Ah, a job is a job, sir.” Jimin shrugs with a smile. 

Politely, Jungkook pulls up the visuals of his house on his tablet, the area in square feet, and straight up, he asks Jimin for a quote. Jimin, ever the professional, lists out the different options with the services they provide. Natural, artificial, hybrid and the like. 

“As natural as possible, please.” Jungkook insists.

“If you don’t mind the regular upkeep it requires, that is an excellent choice sir.” Jimin says.

“I do not, in fact, mind. My grandmother was always big on gardens, I want to honor her memory by preserving the ones in the house she left behind.”

“Ah, I’m sorry for your loss, sir.”

“So am I… Forgive me for crossing the line, but I can’t seem to pick a scent from you.”

This. This part always came up sooner or later in the conversation. This is exactly why Jimin would usually refuse speaking to clients directly. But his mother is busy securing a contract with the Hilton hotel, and he is the only representative left.

“My secondary gender is undetermined, sir.” Jimin says, looking straight into Jungkook’s eyes, and bracing himself for the unsolicited advice that is to come. It is never not tiring to be told what you should be doing with your life.

“Alright,” Jungkook nods, looking back at his tablet. Jimin blinks. He almost wants Jungkook to ask or say something about it. But there is no further comment. Instead, Jungkook is parsing through his calendar, trying to set a good day to start. Jimin and his team will need to do a soil inspection, and take measurements of the garden. Soon, deciding upon the date with Jungkook, Jimin is pulling out the card machine for the elder alpha to put down the amount for preliminary tests. 

Their hands brush when Jungkook reaches for the machine though. 

Jimin’s heart doesn’t stop. That would be highly abnormal. Dangerous too. But the hair on his body stands, something lurches in chest, and he audibly gasps. All due to the brief brush of Jungkook’s fingers over his. All in one tiny moment.

“Is there a problem?”

“Not at all, sir!” Jimin rushes to answer. “I just realised I haven't brought the business cards. I'm sorry.”

Jungkook waves him off with a smile. That smile. Moon and her goddesses above, that smile has Jimin freezing on the spot.

“Ay, who even used business cards these days?” Jungkook chuckles. “I am old, not old-fashioned. Your numbers are on the website, aren't they?”

“Y-yes.”

“We're sorted, then!” Jungkook claps, then extends a hand to shake. “Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to the work!”

Jimin shakes Jungkook’s hand lightly, hastily retreating his hand to bow again and dart from the room. He asks the secretary to point him in the direction of the washroom.

In the mirror of the large corporate washroom, Jimin looks alright. But he’s shaking, nauseous, and his body is itching from the inside. Every other smell is terribly revolting, so Jimin pulls out an old coin sized box of vaporub from his bag and tries to calm himself. 

It doesn’t work.

On the way out, Jimin has an N95 mask on, not wanting any attention on his face. But as he is leaving, he spots Jungkook again. The older man is leaning against the secretary’s desk as they laugh about something Jungkook has on his phone. Jungkook’s nose scrunches as he laughs. There’s a simplicity, humility even, in his body language. One wouldn’t be able to tell by looking at this man that he was at such a high-level position at a luxury hotel’s finance wing. 

“You are a 25 year old, unpresented man.” Jimin says to himself in the wing-mirror of his scooter. “What are you doing drooling over an alpha 20 years older? Huh? He probably has a mate, 2.5 pups, who knows?”

“Oh, no, no, he’s single!” Taehyung chimes over dinner that night. He and his mate Namjoon, drag Jimin out to the restaurant ‘most every alternate day. Jimin is ever so grateful for it. “Looks like he was involved with someone many years ago and never dated since… wait, he has dated but none of them stuck.”

“You got all that from his socials, babe?” Namjoon chuckles with the question. 

“If you know where to look, the information is always available.” Taehyung says with flair before turning to Jimin, “So, shoot your shot, Jimin-ah!”

Jimin scoffs, rolls his eyes, and goes back to his stew. As if anyone would be interested in someone like Jimin. No scent, no secondary gender, no future.

Park Jimin presents, however, on a sweltering Thursday morning at 1 o’ clock. He's feverish, feeling nauseous, hurriedly dialing his friends up. 

“You tell your parents yet?” Hoseok asks, pressing a cold towel softly on Jimin's forehead. Shaking his head in refusal, Jimin closes his eyes.

“You’ll get your heat soon.” Taehyung comments, pressing on Jimin’s calves and feet, while Namjoon holds Jimin’s hand. “But we don’t know how soon.”

“Never thought I’d be an omega.” Jimin mumbles. A cramp hits him sorely in the base of his spine and lower abdomen. 

“Keep breathing, Jimin, easy.” Namjoon says soothingly as Jimin curls into the alpha. “Just a few more hours.”  

“What is it?” Jimin asks after a few minutes of sleeping and waking up with a jolt. 

“Hm?” Hoseok leans in closer.

“What's my scent like?” Jimin asks, raspy and exhausted. “Be honest.”

“You smell amazing,” Taehyung says, “downright edible.”

“He’s just saying that because it’s strong right now.” Namjoon interjects, “But yes, it’s like freshly blitzed fruit.”

“You’re an omega, Park Jimin,” Hoseok declares, running his fingers through Jimin’s hair. “And you smell like premium strawberries.”

Jimin chuckles. Of course, he had to present as an omega. Right before he had landed his first contract, on his own. Right as he would go sweat under the sun, gardening for a ridiculously attractive alpha.

There is an elaborate fuss that follows about handing Jimin’s project to other workers at the firm, which Jimin is strongly opposed to. Jimin lays down a polite threat to his parents about leaving the city for good, reminding them how they’d made enough decisions on his behalf.

Jimin does not actually have any plans of leaving however, especially not after coming face to face with Jeon Jungkook. He is confident about the possibility that meeting Jungkook has awakened his inner wolf. This, too, wasn’t unheard of. Many unfortunate latebloomers were exposed to strong scented alphas to nudge their inner agitated alpha or defensive omega. 

Back when his parents had begun his treatment, Jimin had strongly opposed this, opting to stick to methods betas chose. 

Now, though, Jimin’s inner omega is pining for a glimpse of Jungkook already. The medical websites claim this infatuation is temporary and fades away after the heat. But Jimin’s instincts are not on the same page.

The problem now, however, is that Jimin’s scent is a bit too strong. Enough that people can actually detect it miles away. It makes him extra vulnerable, and he spends a butt load on the strongest scent blockers available in the country. Jimin’s friends don’t mind his scent, but he receives looks everywhere he goes, and does not appreciate the new attention.

There is a beautiful old Gingko tree right in the middle of the backyard.

“I don't have the heart to get it cut,” Jungkook sighs, as Jimin and his team bring in their equipment to the back yard.

“No, I don't think we need to cut it,” Jimin says, walking towards the bark. He pats the thick wood, feeling its sturdiness. “But the branches are blocking sunlight for the vegetable patch there on the west,” Jimin points, “so a few branches can be trimmed off, if that isn’t a problem.”

“No problem at all!” Jungkook smiles again. He is looking at the tree, eyes  roving across the yard, as though searching for something.

Jimin walks around the vast green space, explaining the plan to Jungkook, while his colleagues Jaewook and Seungho set up the shearing equipment. All the while, Jungkook does not look Jimin in the eye, and it almost seems deliberate. The newly presented omega tries not to pay it too much mind but it's not easy.

It can’t be his newly attained scent, Jimin thinks then, because the omega had drowned himself in blockers before leaving for work. It could just be a typical big-shot-rich guy thing. Jungkook is a CFO, Jimin is a blue-collar worker. The alpha shouldn’t even be bothering with the briefing Jimin is giving him. Instead, it would be more normal for him to hand Jimin a pinterest board and say ‘make it look like this’. Considering all that, Jimin crosses out the strong scent theory.

Jungkook takes his time to choose the seeds for the vegetable and flower patch, asking Seungho questions about their upkeep. Overall they agree upon a combination of plants and grass that’s as sustainable as possible, in a way that they can be interdependent, needing less maintenance and intervention. 

The set up itself is expensive, but unlike some of the firm’s many well-to-do clients, Jungkook doesn’t attempt to haggle. And with that, he retreats indoors.

Jimin misses his grassy scent immediately.

Day one in Jeon Jungkook’s inherited garden grounds is for cleaning and de-weeding mostly. It’s almost mindless work, physically taxing though it may be. Jimin keeps sensing some tingling on the back of his neck though. Jaewook tells him hormonal changes can do that. Seungho, however, thinks Jungkook might be a pervert and could be watching Jimin from the upper floor windows. That’s a stretch, Jimin counters, and the boys are not convinced. 

Taking his gloves off, Jimin rubs his wrist against his scent gland to check if the scent blocker is still on. But it’s not. His strawberry scent is strong, but he hopes it doesn’t bother Jungkook when he goes to let Jungkook know they’re taking a lunch break.

The inside of the house is spacious, made as an ambitious fusion of traditional decor into European architecture. There is oxide flooring underneath Jimin’s feet, but he spots how the staircase is carpeted. 

“Sajangnim?” he calls out.

“Ah, Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook walks out in an apron from what Jimin guesses is the kitchen. “You’re right on time! I made too much food, why don’t you and the other boys have some?”

It’s unusual. Most unusual. 

“Are you from a small town, Sajangnim?” Jimin smiles as he huffs in amusement. Jungkook lowers his head, scratching the back of his neck. 

“Is it obvious?” the alpha chuckles. Jimin dares to smile wider.

“My grandma does this kind of thing in hers, so yeah.”

“I believe it’s the least I can do… Go ahead, the water bottles are on the table there. And I dusted the pyeongsang up front. I’ll bring the food to you.”

Again it bothers Jimin how Jungkook is looking anywhere but at him. If his smell were the issue wouldn’t it make sense to stay physically away? Jungkook seemed fine when they met at the office…

“Jimin?” Jungkook waves a hand in front of the omega’s face to get the attention. 

“Huh?” 

“Go on, you all must be thirsty.”

Nodding, Jimin mentally dismisses Jungkook to be a strange old alpha and goes to Seungho and Jaewook to announce that they’re getting free food. 

Seungho’s impression of Jungkook changes entirely, of course. Nothing suspicious about someone being so unusually kind in this day and age. But then, Jimin notices there’s meat and a whole fried egg at the bottom of his bowl of rice. It's the kind of favouritism one would see alphas demonstrating in those cheesy morning dramas on TV. Thankfully his work-mates don’t notice Jimin blushing furiously, too busy inhaling the delicious food.

Placing the dishes back, Jimin tries to confront Jungkook about it but the man is nowhere to be seen. Neither does he address the crew once their job for the day is done, waving them goodbye while speaking to someone on the phone.

“So he’s not only old, but also flirts in the most old-fashioned way!” Hoseok comments, fiddling around with the clothes on Jimin’s bed. 

“It’s still a widely used way of flirting!” Jimin pouts defensively.

“Fine. But he is definitely flirting.”

“He doesn’t even look at me, though. What if I offended him with my scent or something?”

Hoseok doesn’t comment, because he wasn’t there to see how it went down. So Jimin has no reassurance. Just a restless heart and a failed attempt at nesting. He gives up on it quickly and Hoseok doesn’t push. Jimin knows his alpha mother will insist on him learning soon, but the omega doesn’t see the point of a well-made nest with just him in it.

Park Jimin, the newly presented omega tries his best not to get in Jungkook’s vicinity during his shift the next day. There is enough work to get done on the grounds, and he’s packed his own kimbap from the store.

But a part of him is curious, and he peeks. His eye spies upon how Jungkook is dragging a step ladder indoors. Without anyone to keep watch.

Jimin’s instinct proves him right. He goes inside the house, step ladder precariously placed on the stairs, with Jungkook perched on it. It’s a light fixture that has the alpha’s attention, not minding how the ladder wobbles. 

Clearing his throat, Jimin interjects. 

“That’s unsafe, sajangnim” he comments, once Jungkook looks in his direction, his glasses ready to fall off the tip of his nose.

“What?” He chuckles, “Will you do it without the ladder then? I’m taller, and even I can’t—”

Jimin rushes forward to catch Jungkook as the step-ladder topples. The omega lands flat on the floor, breaking Jungkook’s fall, who’s on top of him, in his arms.

“I– aish~~” Jungkook doesn’t waste time as he gets up spryly, “I spoke too soon. Are you alright!?”

“Augh~ Why would you try to do this yourself? Wouldn’t calling a repairman be more convenient?” Jimin dusts himself as he stands. The question makes him note that he hasn’t seen any servicemen here, not even a housekeeper. 

“Eh, it’s a bit…” Jungkook begins sheepishly, “A bit awkward, having outsiders in your space… like this.”

“Oh.” Jimin takes a big step back immediately.

“No, I meant—”

“I’m sorry. I’ll get back to work.” Jimin says curtly, practically walking backwards. “It will do you good to stabilise the ladder with bricks, if you have any, that is.”

“Jimin-ssi!” Jungkook calls once the omega is back in the garden. Turning back, after what seems like a while, Jimin finds Jungkook looking at him. Actually looking into his eyes.

“I’d uh… I would be grateful if you could spot me while I fix that light…” The apple of Jungkook’s throat bobs with hesitation. 

Jimin answers him with a smile.

Jungkook still doesn’t let Jimin do the work, only allowing him to stabilize the ladder for him. 

“The problem, you see,” Jungkook reaches down for Jimin to hand him the bulb. “Is that this staircase has pictures of the family nailed to the wall. And I’m...” 

Jimin helps Jungkook down and they test the light with the switch. 

“You're not in them.” Jimin says. “Sorry, it's none of my business.”

“It's no secret.” Jungkook shrugs. “My omega father didn't mate into the family. What with my alpha father being mated already. It's… it's one of those things that never leaves the discussion. I mean, back in my town, it was never brought up but nothing can stay a secret here.”

Jungkook then smiles at Jimin, looking into his eyes again. Jimin’s sympathetic smile freezes halfway. Because Jungkook’s gaze is arresting. It’s impossible to look away.

“Have you been told you have beautiful eyes?” Jungkook comments, his voice soft, as though it’s only for Jimin to hear.

Jimin shakes his head, because it’s true. He has been called beautiful and pretty before overall. But not specifically for his eyes. 

He wants to say that it is funny, because he feels the same way about Jungkook’s big eyes, but a sharp dizzy spell hits him and he wobbles on the spot. Jungkook’s scent is the only thing grounding him. He hears the alpha asking something like “are you okay?”.

A dull ache engulfs Jimin’s lower half and he instinctively knows. His heat is here. 

A warm hand touches his shoulder. He hears Seungho’s name in Jungkook’s voice, then Jaewook’s name is called. It’s difficult to hold his eyes open so Jimin follows his nose, leaning towards the smell of grass and petrichor. The fabric that soaks the scent is soft against Jimin’s face.

Jimin smiles, eyes still closed, as he remembers the way Jungkook had given him extra meat and fried egg in his lunch the previous day. He banks on this favouritism as he passes out with his face in Jungkook’s chest. 

The embarrassment of how it went down is horrifying. Jimin is wailing with his head in Taehyung’s lap. Namjoon is rubbing his back. 

“I can’t believe I actually did that. Just buried my face in an alpha’s chest like that! What must he think of me?”

“It doesn’t matter what he’s thinking right now, alright?” Namjoon says softly. “Your heat hit you out of nowhere, you sought what your omega needed, wouldn’t he understand that?”

“Not really, love.” Taehyung says, “Jiminie’s fear isn’t unfounded. Even if Jungkook didn’t say anything when he called us to get Jimin, people in general are quick to judge omegas…”

Jimin whines, pressing his face into the sweatpants on Taehyung's thigh, as a wave a heat cramps take over his lower body. He doesn't want to go for the toys yet because he doesn't want Namjoon and Taehyung to leave, but the omega in him will demand the stimulation soon. 

The doorbell rings, and Namjoon goes to get it. Jimin smells it, over Namjoon's scent, surpassing the comforting cloud of Taehyung's pheromones. He's shooting out of his poorly made nest and out into the living room where Namjoon is just closing the front door.

“Was it him!?” Jimin asks, half hopeful, half terrified. “Was it Jeon Jungkook!?”

“No, actually.” Namjoon says, much to Jimin's confusion. Because he can definitely still smell Jungkook. “Jaewook dropped this by.” Namjoon extends a black leather laptop bag towards Jimin, “Your Jeon Jungkook has sent his shirt.”

It's furious, the way Jimin darts forward to snatch the bag, ripping through the zipper to get to the shirt. He then runs to his bedroom with just as much anger.

“Tae, out. I need me-time!” Jimin cries. He's mad at himself for behaving so starved of Jungkook's scent, and he's mad at Jungkook for… he doesn't know yet. He doesn't know if this is Jungkook caring for him, or if the man pities him. 

At this very moment, however, his omega takes over as he jumps into his sad excuse for a nest. Burying his face into Jungkook's shirt, Jimin's first course of action is to fall asleep in the comforting whiffs of the calming grassy scent.

Namjoon and Taehyung stay with him for the three days of his heat, and Jimin tries to stay as quiet as possible. He whispers Jungkook's name into the pillows while using the toys, biting into the alpha’s shirt every time he reaches climax. It’s still mortifying, Jimin thinks on the 4th day, as he cleans the sheets. But he’s sure things would have been more difficult without Jungkook’s scent in the mix.

“Jimin-ah, I told you to rest,” Namjoon’s voice comes from behind Jimin.

“I’m just putting the sheets in the machine.”

“Taehyung and I said we’d take—”

“I’m not letting you toil over my slick-soaked sheets! What kind of a friend would that make me?”

Taehyung wraps himself around Jimin, pulling him physically away from the washer. Jimin melts instantly. 

“The kind of friend we love anyway, come on, let’s amble on the couch while you overthink things. Hoseok hyung is coming over with some kind of soup in a bit.”

Perhaps it’s the effect of hormones, but Jimin feels a rush of affection for both Namjoon and Taehyung at this moment. The two kind souls had offered for Jimin to just come live with them, countless times. Jimin would have had a harder time not just this heat cycle, but in life itself, without them. 

When Hoseok arrives, Jimin cuddles up to him too. Maybe Jimin won’t be able to make a good nest in this lifetime, but he managed to be part of such a nurturing pack of friends.

With this gratitude in mind Jimin convinces himself that Jungkook, and Jimin’s own presentation, were small snags in his hopefully long life. So on day 5 from when his heat started, Jimin goes to Jungkook’s office to return the shirt. 

The office space is exactly the same as the one Jimin visited a few weeks ago. The employees wore the same shades of black, white and beige and it was impossible to tell one from another. The employee at the front desk greets Jimin with a frown this time, since his appointment isn't pencilled in.

“Tell him Park Jimin is here. He'll know what to do.” Jimin says with a straight face but his stomach roils after using such words. Using power he doesn't have in a world of clean cut monochrome where he doesn't belong. 

“That's funny, Park Jimin,” he mutters to himself.

But it works. Park Jimin is summoned up to CFO Jeon's cabin immediately.

His nervousness is soothed the minute he enters the cabin. Jungkook's scent is like a much needed hug. The alpha himself stands up as soon as Jimin steps inside, walking around the desk.

Jungkook's eyes give Jimin a once over. He eyes stop somewhere near Jimin's shoulder before he looks into Jimin's eye for a very brief moment. Why would he be shy when Jimin is the one with the mortifying embarrassment?

“Jimin-ssi, are you alright?”

“Yes, actually,” Jimin manages to eek out somehow, his throat feeling especially parched. “Thanks to you… I am really sorry about the other day–” he starts to bow. 

Jungkook rushes forward to physically prevent Jimin from doing so, stopping just shy of actually grabbing his shoulders. Jimin gasps at the contact, much needed though it may be.

“You have nothing to apologise for! It wasn’t in your control that… That your heat hit so suddenly,” Jungkook hesitates. 

Jimin goes red in the face. 

“Anyway, I came to return this,” the omega takes a step back, handing Jungkook the leather laptop bag that contained a now washed shirt.

“You really didn’t have to take the trouble.” Jungkook says, taking it anyway.

“I did, actually.” Jimin scratched his nose, chuckling without humour, “There was a designer label on the tag. I couldn’t just throw it away!”

This makes Jungkook pause on his way to the desk. 

“You were going to throw it away?” his voice carefully blank.

“Huh?” Jimin blinks, “No, I just meant… Uh, it would have been as good as thrown-away for you if I hadn’t returned it, right?” 

The words are out before Jimin can realise that Jungkook is probably rich enough to afford throwing away such shirts. 

“Ah,” Jungkook smiles politely, “I appreciate that. There aren’t many people I know who are openly frugal in my circle. I respect that.”

“We do run in different circles, sajangnim,” Jimin sighs, feeling the distance more than ever. “I doubt the people in yours have ever needed to be frugal. I–”

“On the contrary, Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook interjects with an amused laugh, “The more you look into it the more you find out how tightly the affluent hold on to their purses.”

Jimin responds with an awkward laugh, when Jungkook says, “Have a seat, I’ll send for tea or coffee, what would you like?”

“Oh, I couldn’t!” Jimin waves his hands in refusal, “I’ve taken enough of your time.”

Jungkook doesn’t respond to this immediately, rubbing his finger over the edge of his desk.

“Do I… make you uncomfortable, Jimin-ssi?” 

Jimin is shaking his head, as though what Jungkook said is far from the truth.

“I’m afraid I might make you uncomfortable, actually,” Jimin gestures frantically, “given what happened… you know, last time.”

Jungkook laughs.

“I did something far more embarrassing then, Jimin-ssi,” he says, “with all my senses intact if you remember.”

Jimin frowns, then his eyes go wide. The very eyes Jungkook implied were beautiful.

“Why would that be embarrassing?” Jimin lets himself chuckle.

“Why? Did I not cross a line? Commenting on your eyes out of nowhere?” Jungkook ponders aloud, beckoning Jimin with both his hands to sit. This time, Jimin sits. “I remember when I first came to the Seoul office, and Aesun, my secretary, you must have seen her outside. I told Aesun beige is not her colour and that she should try red. Credit to her, she schooled me right away! It's not something we can do in Seoul, aing? We don't give unsolicited advice, we don't make comments. And upon reflection I realised I had been out of line. But it was so common where I come from.”

“Where are you from?” Jimin finds himself asking with a smile.

“Guemsan,” Jungkook answers with a fond light in his eyes, “Jinaksan, to be specific. I was originally in charge of the branch there, but once my grandmother left us some reshuffling had to be done. Not  everyone in the family business had confidence in me, you know! Especially because I only had experience working in a hillside resort.” 

There's a wistfulness in the way Jungkook speaks. It's just like in the kind of characters Jimin has sighed over in books he read as a teen.

“How are you finding it here, then?”

“Strange, you know?” Jungkook plays with the receiver of his phone. “Not great, not bad, just strange. Like I'll do everything I can and I'll still be like a weird looking ginseng root no one wants to buy.”

“It'll grow on you,” Jimin replies, “give it time.”

“Might be easy for you to say,” Jungkook lifts the receiver and presses a button. “Aesun-ssi, please send two cups and peppermint tea, thanks.” 

That perks Jimin's spirits up further. He adores everything peppermint and it's just serendipitous that Jungkook happened to order exactly that.

Putting the receiver down after that request, Jungkook looks up at Jimin again. “Are you from here?”

“Busan, actually. But we moved here when I was 8. And at first I hated it. But then time just started moving and…” Jimin trails off, shrugging. Jungkook nods like he understands.

“Ah, yes, children are more resilient.” 

“Uhm, I actually really like peppermint tea.” Jimin says, gnawing at his lip from the inside, “I hope you don't mind that I'm staying to have it.”

“I'd be delighted, Jimin-ssi. In fact, I need a break from staring at charts, gridlines and numbers.” Jungkook smiles and Jimin's stomach flips pleasantly. Doubts about what he might even have to offer in their conversation fly out the window once Jungkook smiles. 

“If I may ask, what would you say suits me? What's my colour, Sajangnim?”

“Hm?” Jungkook rests his chin in his palm as his eyes map Jimin's face with careful attention. “For you, I think… somewhere in the dark greens? Bottle green to be specific.”

“I'll be sure to try it.” Jimin says with a slight bow of the head.

“Mhmm. Say, Park Jimin, what would you have said if I brought it up out of nowhere? You know, like I did with Aesun.”

“Oh,” Jimin looks outside the large window pane behind Jungkook in thought, “To be honest, it depends. If you caught me on a good day, I would just nod, not say anything. Maybe laugh awkwardly.”

“That would be awfully polite.” Jungkook chuckles, “And what if it were a bad day?”

“I shouldn't say,” Jimin covers half his face with his hands. He's shocked at his own actions, not one to be ‘shy’ or ‘coy’ at least.

“Humor me,” Jungkook insists.

“Well, I would probably say something acerbic like… I don't remember hiring you as my stylist, ahjussi? You giving advice for free in this economy?”

“Acerbic is the right word for that. Would have made me averse to speaking to anyone in Seoul.”

“I suppose the timing worked out then.” Jimin says, as a clerk brings in the tea. He is wearing a suit Jimin can't afford. 

“Jeongseob-ah! Take it to the sunroom please!” Jungkook says to the clerk. 

“Sunroom?” Jimin follows Jungkook, as the alpha gets up.

“There's a wonderful view from there,” Jungkook explains, leading the way, “it's my favourite part of this building.”

Jungkook leads them through a narrow, private corridor that opens into a secluded room. There is a wide three-seater wicker sofa here with a coffee table. The windows overlook a vast well-maintained garden, facing the Han river.

“Wow,” Jimin says, sidestepping Jeongseob who is laying out their tea.

“Exactly.” Jungkook says. “See, I don't care much for other perks that come with my position. I couldn't give a damn about the free golf club membership. But this? This I enjoy…” 

Turning away from the glass pane, Jungkook addresses the clerk, “Thank you, Jeongseob! Please ask Aesun about branch reminders, she’ll know what I’m talking about.”

“Do you take your tea here every day?” Jimin takes a seat on the other end, far from where Jungkook is seated, pouring tea into their cups.

“I wish I had the time.” Jungkook sighs, sliding the cup in Jimin’s direction. “Don’t mind me saying this, but a lot of the colour has returned to your face. You were worrying pale when we last met.”

“Oh… I don’t mind. I’m glad I look healthier.” Jimin says, then bites his lip.

“What is it?”

“Well, it’s just that I’ve presented really late. Only recently. There might be abnormalities with my cycle. I'm told my scent is too strong and… This heat was difficult.” Jimin mutters into his cup before taking a sip. It’s strange to be talking to Jungkook about this. But at the same time, it isn’t.

“I can only imagine. I have a cousin who was in a similar predicament,” Jungkook says. “I’m sure you must have tried everything before this.”

“I wouldn’t even know where to start.” A light laughter of relief bubbles up in Jimin’s chest.

“How did you manage, then?” Jungkook asks, “I’m not sure just a scented shirt was enough.”

“Uh… well…” Jimin is taken aback by the question.

“I see I've crossed a line again.” Jungkook puts his tea cup down. “I'm really sor–”

“No, no, it's alright… I–I had my friends help me through it, thankfully,” Jimin says before taking another sip of the warm, fragrant peppermint tea. But he also gets a strong spike of Jungkook’s grassy scent, along with the alpha’s stunned silence.

His brows are raised slightly when Jimin looks up. 

“Friends, plural?” Jungkook asks.

Jimin frowns, blinking in confusion. That is what he had said. But as the note of alarm in Jungkook’s scent quivers and dissipates, it occurs to him. 

“It wasn’t like that–”

“Oh, gosh. You don’t have to explain to me.” Jungkook interjects.

Yet, Jimin keeps going. “They only made sure I was sustaining myself and—”

“Jimin-ssi, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

“I should go.” Jimin stands up with finality. “Thank you for the tea, and your shirt.”

“I shouldn’t have put it like that, I’m sorry,” Jungkook stands to, following Jimin after a beat. “It’s honestly none of my business! I was just a little surprised and–”

The more Jungkook talks the more it upsets Jimin. His view of the small corridor is blurred with tears, and he has this urge to seek comfort in Jungkook's scent even as he's walking away.

“Jimin-ssi!” Jungkook rushes forward to grab Jimin’s wrist and turn him around. Jimin tries his best to blink away his tears but one treacherous drop flows down his cheek. 

“Oh dear god.” Jungkook whispers, palming his face. “I’ve put my foot in my mouth. Again. And I’ve upset you, I’m really sorry.”

Jimin is upset. But he doesn’t understand why and it’s worse.

“It’s you.” Jimin finds himself saying through sobs. “Every moment, I held on to your shirt. I clung to your scent. It is what triggered my presentation, and it is what my omega– what my omega craves the most.”

Jungkook stares at Jimin for a long moment, his mouth slack. But then he shuts it and swallows dryly. 

“I triggered your presentation?” Jungkook asks, and Jimin nods. “In that case, allow me to offer my scent to comfort you, Jimin-ssi.” 

Jungkook's voice is low but firm. And Jimin nods, more than happy to return with another scented token of Jungkook's. Perhaps a blazer this time.

Jungkook, however, has a different idea. The alpha steps forward with a small smile on his lips, pulling Jimin into his arms. Gasping, Jimin wraps his arms around Jungkook, pressing his face into the alpha's shoulder and breathing deeply. Jungkook's warm hand rubs circles on Jimin's back, and thankfully, he doesn't say anything.

Jimin stays that way in Jungkook's arms for five whole deep breaths before pulling away.

“You're wearing blockers.” Jungkook comments, pulling his hands away slowly.

“I’m still conscious of my scent.” Jimin says meekly. “It's too strong.”

“I see…” Jungkook blinks and Jimin finds it adorable as the older man's pondering expression is accompanied with a pout. “I don't see why though. It's a nice fruity scent.”

Jimin giggles, covering his mouth, embarrassed and flattered at the same time. “I suppose I'm still conscious about letting people know what I'm feeling through my scent. I haven't had to do that for a long time.”

Jungkook nods with a soft smile directed right at Jimin. He then looks away, his hands moving awkwardly behind his back.

Jimin clears his throat. “Thank–thank you again. That really helped me calm down. I'll be…” he points towards the exit.

“Oh um… Yes!” Jungkook bows slightly. It's endearingly awkward and Jimin wants to giggle again. “Good–good that you dropped by.”

Jimin exits Jungkook's office in a good mood, but he doesn't miss the way every worker in place looks at him when he leaves. In his mind, Jimin files this as a problem for another day. He's not significant enough for rumours to rise or live for long even if they do.

“A pretty omega,” Taehyung points at their weekly dinner, “goes into a rich alphas cabin, and then comes out smelling like that alpha? Jimin-ah, that's—”

“I know.” Jimin nods, grinning, “but I don't care. See, it's not like they're going to sever the contract. I don't work for the hotel! I work for Jeon Jungkook.”

“No, you work for Sowon LMT,” Yoongi pipes in, showing up at their table out of nowhere.

“You don't get to jump into our discussion after being away from us for months!” Jimin pouts, even as he hugs his beta friend. As they catch up over the events, and later specifically about the events around Jimin's presentation, Yoongi gets more and more worried.

“So this alpha is not only from a different class-status but also a different generation.” Yoongi comments, giving Jimin a disapproving square bracket smile.

“The things that happened, just happened, okay?” Jimin pouts defensively. “It’s not like I'm going after him to court him or anything!” 

“Imagine if you did, though!” Hoseok chimes in, clapping and grinning. Taehyung joins him, while Namjoon shakes his head, and Yoongi holds on to his disapproval. “What? It's not not a possibility. This alpha definitely has a thing for our Jiminie. He was invited for tea, Yoongi! You don't even know!”

“I can picture it!” Taehyung says, “Jiminie would pull off the look so perfectly. A beautiful young omega mating up into an ultra rich pack.”

“Oh, he would look sooo dapper next to Jeon Jungkook!” Hoseok squeals. “Get him to get you an emerald necklace, Jimin-ah, I just know you'll glow in it! Ooh! And a sweetheart neckline black dress!”

“Hyung, you're talking like anything's going to happen.”

“No, Hobi-hyung is right. Something could happen quite easily,” Namjoon comments, “you're still going to work in his yard on Saturday, right?”

“I am going there to work.” Jimin rolls his eyes.

“But he'll be looking at you,” Yoongi says. 

“And he's talked to you,” Hoseok adds with more gusto. “Several times.”

“So?” Jimin hides his face behind his beer glass.

“So, it's easy to fall for you!” Taehyung says, like it's obvious. “I mean, we all did!”

“Speak for yourself,” Yoongi sneers.

“There's no shame in admitting that we're all a little bit in love with Jimin.” Namjoon concedes, patting Yoongi on the back.

“Wait, wait, hold up,” Jimin slams his glass on the table. “The last time you all got so lovey dovey over me—”

“I have never—”

“Yeah, okay, Yoongi hyung! Swim in the Nile!” Jimin doesn't let him continue, “the last time we had a similar conversation was when we were waiting on my hormone test results. Am I going to get bad news? What is this?”

“We meant it that time as we do now!” Namjoon says defensively, “We hadn't been saying all that to soften the blow or anything, alright?”

“Yeah, Jimin-ah, it just came up.” Taehyung says.

“It seems like you're going to get involved with someone for the first time in 7 years,” Yoongi adds, “so this is our–their way of reminding you what you're worth… or something like that. Just don't get into something with jerks, alright Jimin?”

There is silence at the table as everyone takes in Yoongi's words. 

“I think it's safe to say Yoongi hyung loves me the most, y'all,” Jimin grins and holds his hand out, as Namjoon, Taehyung and Hoseok place money into it.

“Ya~ Stop keeping wagers over me!” Yoongi whines, and Hoseok feeds him a piece of fried pork trotters as consolation. 

“Once you're done,” Jungkook says to the landscape technicians as they step into the garden for their shift, “you can leave a small plaque here with your company name or something.”

“Are you sure about that, Sajangnim?” Seungho asks with confusion, “wouldn't it be awkward?”

“I agree with Seungho,” Jimin says, “A beautiful garden and then a small advertisement? Wouldn't it look out of place?”

“I believe in giving credit where credit's due,” Jungkook says, “besides, I don't have a single green finger. I wouldn't want anyone to assume I did the gardening myself.”

“You're the CFO of King Hotels,” Jaewook scoffs. Jimin grits his teeth and scuffs him by the shoulder.

“So?” Jungkook looks him right in the eye.

“So… well,” Jaewook rubs his shoulder sheepishly, “people in your tax bracket rarely do things like this by themselves, Sajangnim. I highly doubt anyone is going to assume you stepped out of your office to tend to the gardens.”

“You’ll be surprised how many people show off gardening as their hobby,” Jungkook says pensively, “anyway, I'll let you get to work. I expect it will go faster now that Jimin-ssi is back.”

Jimin smiles at him a little too brightly, hoping to stave off the awkwardness brought on by Jaewook's jab. 

“Are you out of your mind!” He hisses at Jaewook once Jungkook goes inside.

“What?” Jaewook frowns.

“Let him go, Jimin, he failed his job interview last week.” Seungho adds, while Jaewook glares daggers at him.

“Look, we're all miserable, I get it.” Jimin sighs, “hell, I live it, right alongside you in this economy. But this particular man offers us lunch at the job, for fuck's sake.”

“Yeah, hyung,” Jaewook's smile is astringent, “that's called the fucking bare minimum.”

“Which we don't get anywhere else,” Seungho checks Jaewook's shoulder this time. “Don't try your luck, because the rest of us will have to pay too. And I like my free lunch, thanks.”

“Let's get to work.” Jimin shakes his head. As he runs the roller on the earth, he can't help but think about the difference between him and Jungkook. Again. His conversation with his friends the previous evening seems silly. Sillier still has been the fantasy of Jungkook he held on to during his heat. There will never be a chance.  Why couldn’t Jungkook be an accountant of some firm that was similar to Jimin's family business? 

The weeds are out, the tree has been pruned, and the last step is to sow the seeds for fescue grass. Jaewook takes over the task and Jimin steps inside. Mostly to apologise for Jaewook running his mouth earlier.

“Sajangnim?” He calls out from the door. There are muted notes of Jungkook's earthy scent, higher in the dull earthy notes than the grassy ones.

“In the kitchen!” Comes the reply. Jimin toes off his boots and walks inside. Jungkook is setting aside kimbap rolls on a tray next to three tetra-boxes of juice. 

“Is this…?” Jimin leaves the question hanging.

“Yes.” Jungkook looks up briefly before removing his gloves. “And you came right on time. Please take this. I didn't… feel like cooking much today.” 

Jimin is about to thank him but he notices the forlorn expression on Jungkook's face.

“This–You’ve still made so much! Thank you,” Jimin ventures carefully. “I'm really sorry about Jaewook earlier. I don't really understand what got into him.”

“Don't worry about that, Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook shakes his head. “What he said is… true. And if he's worked for the… affluent here, then I can imagine, hah…”

“Still, it's not our place to talk back–”

“You’d think I would get used to Seoul in a matter of months but I'm still stumbling with things. Hell, it was only yesterday that I got schooled by a colleague to not be alone in a room with an unmated omega, beta person, or even an alpha woman because–ah, what was it?”

“Because rumours would fly?” Jimin supplies helpfully.

“Exactly! I think that's just… archaic! I thought I had a small town mentality, but we were a lot more progressive than this! It wasn't like this in Jinaksan, you know.” Jungkook sighs again, pushing his hands in his hair. 

“Really?” Jimin leans against the kitchen counter, aware that he is taking up space where he shouldn't. But Jungkook leans against the counter on the opposite side, visibly ruminating about how to put his thoughts into words. His gaze goes up to Jimin's shoulder and then down, just shy of looking into his eyes.

“How do I put it?” Jungkook scratches his chin. “I think I'm just biased because I loved it there. I was sent there when I was 10 and growing up, no one taught me that I was different, or even a class apart.”

Jimin nods politely. Despite his affinity to Jungkook, he takes it in with some scepticism. Even so, he can't help but note how Jungkook is sensitive.

“Of course,” Jungkook continues, “I saw a stark difference between my family and the people who work for them, when I started working with numbers. But even when I was working at the resort there, we functioned so much differently than we do here. If someone's work was overwhelming, we all pitched in, any way we could. They would never ask me, but I have done my fair share of vaccuuming the carpets and changing sheets. If our housekeeping staff was afraid of a snake that crawled in, they wouldn't hesitate to call me to deal with it. Chief accountant or not. When my mating bond had to be broken, someone or other was with me at my place, feeding me, dragging me out to do errands, just so they could make sure I recovered well. They were the ones who took care of me when my omega father passed away, never letting me feel alone once.”

“Ah… I'm sorry, I didn't know”

“No, no, I'm sorry,” Jungkook removed his glasses to rub his eyes. “I've done the uh… what do you call it? Ah, oversharing. Yeah,” he says, and Jimin melts a little. “So, anyway. I'm not used to this. But I know that other people of my stature have this intrinsic need to establish it. They have to go and show, to feel, that they're better than everyone else.”

Jimin nods again. His previous experience with unnecessarily rude customers is a testament to it. With Jungkook now, though, Jimin feels endeared.

“I suppose it'a another reason why you don't want service and repair staff working on the inside of your house.” The omega says softly. “It could be… stifling to say something and hear nothing from them in return.”

“Exactly.” Jungkook waves a hand towards Jimin, palm up. “You get it. I don't mean to be rude. I'm just used to a familiarity that isn't welcome here.”

“If it's any consolation, I personally find it quite charming, Sajangnim. You're one of the rare ones.” Jimin smiles, and after a moment, Jungkook returns it. 

“Thanks, that helps.”

“I'll take the food to the boys… Oh, could I tell them you used to catch snakes on the mountain resort?”

Jungkook laughs, turning away from Jimin shyly, “Sure! Feel free to embellish the details.”

While chatting with his colleagues over snacks, Jimin does let it slip that he finds Jungkook's stint in catching snakes heroic. As they gossip and laugh over it, Jimin can't help but freshly re-realise how much he really wants Jungkook. The yearning gets worse every time they talk.

The rest of the steps in upkeeping Jungkook's garden do not require too much man power, so Jimin is the only one who shows up the following weekend. 

“There is already a perfectly functioning sprinkler system here. It just needs some cleaning!” Jimin insists on his first appointment alone. They are perusing the equipment in Jungkook's grandmother's old shed.

“Jimin-ssi, I'm willing to get a new one! Wouldn't that be convenient? You don't have to do any cleaning. I will discard the old pipes later.” Jungkook argues. “Look at this sprinkler! It's completely rusted.”

“It’s only on the surface. See?” Jimin rubs at the layer of the rust on the nozzle. “A little bit of scraping, some WD40, and it will be as good as new!” 

Jungkook chuckles, shaking his head. “Fine. You win, Park Jimin. You can keep the old sprinkler system and repair it if you so wish. But I want a brand new one installed in my garden.”

“Ah… of course, Sajangnim, I'll do that,” Jimin says with a smirk. “Thank you for this one.”

“Look at that smile!” Jungkook pushes Jimin's shoulder lightly, “Anyone looking at you would think you won the lottery or something, aing? Here, let me load that in your pick-up.”

“Oh, don't worry, I got it.” 

But Jungkook takes the sprinkler and pipes from Jimin's hands, their fingers brushing. “Your work’s cut out for you and… you've been working all morning, haven't you?”

“How did you—” Jimin stops, holding the sides of his face, wiping at his cheeks and forehead, “Do I look tired?”

“It's not the look, Jimin-ssi, it's the scent.” Jungkook comments on his way out. Your scent is lain with that of roses, I'm guessing you were working on the Hilton's yard today?”

“I was, yes! It's my favourite shift because I'm so fond of roses. And you've got a sharp nose, Sajangnim!”

Jungkook shrugs smugly before leaving the shed. Jimin is left behind with a thudding heart. His omega is rolling in glee to have the alpha in vicinity and oh, Jungkook's scent. The way it spikes when he's happy, it makes Jimin happy too.

The following weekend, Jimin is supposed to tend to the vegetable patch and flower bed. There isn’t much work, but Jungkook calls him in to check if he’s been watering them right. When Hoseok hears about it, he swears Jeon Jungkook is just looking for excuses to see Jimin at this point. 

Jimin doesn’t defend or confirm it. He can’t help but jump at any chance to just talk to Jungkook, hoping he doesn’t appear too eager.

The weekend after that, Jimin all but waters the garden after putting up a bird feeder available in his family business’ catalogue. When he steps inside to let Jungkook know he’ll be leaving, he’s welcomed with a tinge of pining in Jungkook’s scent. A note of nightly jessamine hugs the crisp smell of grass. 

“Ah Jimin-ssi!” Jungkook walks towards him then, with what looks like an old photo album in hand. “What would you say about putting a little koi pond out there? Something like this?”

Jimin peers at the photograph Jungkook is pointing at. There’s a man in a guard’s uniform standing next to a brick laden artificial pond.

“You want to make your garden a whole animal sanctuary, don’t you?” Jimin teases, hoping to lighten the mood, as he observes the picture. “Is this from Jinaksan?”

“Yeah… I just thought I’d miss it less if I have some things from there.” Jungkook scratches the back of his head, and Jimin melts a little, feeling slightly bad for teasing the alpha earlier. Jungkook closes the album, turning back towards the living room to put it away, when something slips and falls from between the pages.

“Ah… Sajangnim,” Jimin picks up the fallen photograph to return it to the alpha. He can’t help but peek however. In the picture is a younger Jungkook looking shyly at the camera, hand in hand with a beautiful woman whose mouth is open mid-laughter.

“That’s my ex…” Jungkook sighs, holding his hand out for the photograph. Jimin hands it over, nodding with no comment. “I just didn’t have the heart to throw it away. It’s a good picture of me, don’t you think?”

“Of course! Sajangnim, you haven’t aged a day!” Jimin humors Jungkook, trying not to think about Jungkook with the other woman.

“There’s no need to exaggerate,” Jungkook sneers playfully, “This picture is from 20 years ago!”

“Well, you’re just as handsome.” Jimin tries to say it as lightly as possible, following it up with, “Anyway, if you still want the pond let me know, you have my number. I’ve set up the feeder and I’m done for the day.”

“Alright,” Jungkook nods. There is a flush on his face, he smells better, and yet, his mouth is downturned. “I’d ask you to stay for lunch but I spent all morning poring over the album.”

“Take out, then?”

“I don’t know… I wouldn’t give Seoul food much credit.” Jungkook scrunches his nose in distaste.

“You’ve been eating at the wrong place, then.” Jimin gasps, “We must amend this.”

“What do you mean?” Jungkook asks, chuckling like he knows exactly what Jimin means.

“How about I take you to the best soup-house I know?” Jimin suggests.

“And what’s the wager? What if I don’t like it?” Jungkook folds his arms, smirking.

“I’ll give you a hefty discount on the pond!” Jimin offers with enthusiasm. “And if you do end up liking it, well… Let’s just say you’ll owe me one.”

“Owe you one what?” Jungkook asks with such wide eyes innocence that Jimin wants to squish his cheeks.

“It could be anything. A favour perhaps, something I’ll cash in later?” Jimin asks, and this time, Jungkook is looking right into his eyes. 

“Deal.”

Jimin thought Jungkook would follow him in his own car, but the alpha slides into the passenger side of his pick up truck. Jimin’s inner omega is elated to say the least. Jungkook’s scent combines with his own so delectably, it almost makes him drunk on it. 

“This is probably not very comfortable for you,” Jimin mutters, rummaging with the aircon controls he doesn't usually use.

“I am a lot of things, Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook bats his hand away, cranking the window open, “but I'm not spoilt, I'll have you know.”

Jimin rolls his eyes, unable to hold his grin back. He drives them to his favourite restaurant, telling Jungkook all about the house specials, the owners of the place and how he'd been going there since he was a pup.

“It will be crowded, but it's worth the wait.”

“I'm willing to wait for good food, Jimin-ssi. I'm sure it will be better than the restaurants the board members have been dragging me to. I'm sick of eating with forks and knives.”

They reach right on time, as a couple is vacating a table. The owner comes out to wave at Jimin briefly before a whole tray of side dishes is sent to them. Jungkook slides the meat dishes over to Jimin, seemingly not paying attention to how it makes Jimin flustered. It's socially understood that one shares the best dishes with their favourite people. And Jungkook is following that protocol, acting like it's no big deal, for the second time.

When Jungkook has the first mouthful of the main course, he slaps the table, declaring that Jimin has won.

The owner, a beta in her 60s, drops by again, asking Jimin if Jungkook is a relative. Jungkook proudly states he is a customer of Sowon LMT, answering in Jimin’s stead.

But he notices the change in Jungkook's scent, dulling towards earthy again. His shoulders droop a bit, and it seems like the restaurant owner's question has something to do with it.

“Can I ask you something?” Jimin ventures once the woman leaves.

“You just did!” Jungkook grins a little too proudly, and Jimin rolls his eyes.

“I suppose such humour can’t be helped, eh Ahjussi?” Jimin teases.

“Alright! There is no need to get personal!” Jungkook holds his palms up in mock surrender. “What did you want to ask?”

Jimin swallows dryly, inhales deeply and prepares himself to dare. “I’m assuming you’ve been in love before. What does it feel like?”

Jungkook is visibly surprised by the question. He looks stunned enough that Jimin is about to retract his query.

“Depends on the stage of love, or fondness for the matter.” Jungkook begins. “When you first feel that pull towards someone, it’s like you’ve been poisoned, and the only antidote is looking at them, smelling their scent. When it’s returned, there’s so much… euphoria, and it keeps pouring into you till you don’t know what to do with so much love…”

“What about when it… when it isn’t returned? What about when someone falls out of love? What if you—” Jimin takes a deep drag of air to stabilise himself, “What if you fall for someone so out of reach, the rest of the world has already deemed it impossible?”

“You smell agitated, Jimin, where is this coming from?” Jungkook says, shooting calming pheromones in Jimin’s direction.

It’s Jimin’s turn to avert from Jungkook’s gaze, spinning the spoon in the soup bowl. “It’s just this romance novel my friend had me read, and… we were fighting about the author’s writing choices with plot.”

It’s the most unimpressive fib, but Jungkook doesn’t question it, rubbing his chin in deep thought.

“I suppose unrequited love can feel devastating, but I wouldn’t know.” Jungkook says with honesty. 

“Hmm, so you’ve never been rejected.” Jimin teases again, pulling a chuckle out of Jungkook.

“That’s nothing to brag about,” Jungkook shakes his head, “I’m just saying, I wouldn’t know how either of those situations would feel. With me and my former mate, it was her decision… And I don’t know what it means for someone to be out of reach. How would they even get your attention? I can’t even imagine.”

“I can,” Jimin mutters.

“Sorry, what?” 

“I've read enough to be able to imagine,” Jimin giggles sheepishly.

“I know what this is.” Jungkook says, pointing at Jimin, “You're asking me about your own predicament by saying that ‘a friend' is going through it.” 

Jimin scoffs, “No. I remember saying I read it in a novel.” 

“That's a new development, I'll give you that.” Jungkook laughs, “Very creative.”

Jimin smiles, relenting to the accusation. Jungkook continues.

“Don't mind me saying this, ahjussi-style, but I think in your case, the one who's out of someone's reach might be you.”

“Me?” Jimin blinks up at Jungkook.

Jungkook is about to explain, but Jimin's phone rings that very second, calling him away on another job for the day.

“You're not serious about this guy, are you?”

“It doesn't feel like a choice anymore for my omega, Yoongi hyung.”

“How does that even work?” the beta asks, patting Jimin's shoulder.

“Heck if I know.” Jimin sighs dejectedly, rubbing his face. “I'm just so gone on this man. It's like the infatuation isn't waning at all. But, like, I know, alright? I know something like this would never work! He's respectful and charming, and doesn't treat me any different–”

“Except the part where he keeps finding ways for you to come to his house.” Yoongi points out. “He also readily went to lunch with you. A meal, Jimin? A meal counts as a date.”

“What you're doing is giving me hope.” Jimin snaps, slapping Yoongi's thigh. “It’s hope that I don't want to build only for it to crash. Besides, he's still pining over his ex-mate. He was looking at her pictures the other day.” 

“I've never seen you like this before.” Yoongi chuckles. “I mean, I'm guessing you're a little different after presenting as an omega… I just hope this alpha is worth it, you know?”

Jimin nods, leaning into Yoongi and resting his head on the beta's shoulder.

“Did you talk to Hobi-hyung yet?” Jimin pokes Yoongi's side.

“You really think I can stop him from going on that date?” Yoongi asks morosely. “He seemed pretty excited for it.”

“Then hijack the date. I don't know!” Jimin says and Yoongi laughs. “How are you so calm about this?”

“Because I looked into the alpha Hobi's meeting.” Yoongi sighs, “I'm sure he will keep talking about his crazy ex, and our Hoseokie will walk out after the third sentence.”

“Then show hyung that you care by not letting him waste time on this date!”

“Actually that could work!”

“So you're playing cupid with your friends?” Jungkook asks, dragging a watering hose from the tap around the house. 

“Well,” Jimin dusts his hands off next to the concrete pond. “I’ve seen those two idiots pine after each other long enough.”

“Are you not wearing blockers today?” Jungkook suddenly asks.

Jimin raises a hand to his neck consciously, “I–I am, but they must have worn off… is my scent bothering you?”

“Not at all! Like I told you before, I find it quite pleasant.” Jungkook says. He staring a Jimin, a light smile on one corner of his mouth. 

Jimin is looking away to hide his rapidly flushing face. Jungkook clears his throat.

“I just think my nose is extra sensitive today. Every smell feels strong.”

“My scent really is strong, I'm afraid. Why don't you rest inside? I'll fill the pond and add other paraphernalia. The fish won't be arriving before next week anyway.” Jimin offers, quickly taking the hose from Jungkook's hand. In the action, he presses the lever to release the water and it splashes Jungkook.

“Jimin-ssi!” Jungkook exclaims as Jimin gasps. Jimin is too busy thinking how apologise. Jungkook is already taking the hose from his hand and spraying him right back.

“Augh!” Jimin shrieks, utterly shocked by Jungkook's act and the cold water. It only takes a second to see the mischievous glint in Jungkook's eyes, and Jimin is reaching for the hose again. “It was a mistake! You didn't have to–” and he hits Jungkook's chest with a stream. 

“Oh, now it's war.” Jungkook's words come out as a giggle and a growl, as he yanks the hose out of Jimin's hands to direct the stream in his direction. Jimin blocks with his hands, though it is a futile attempt, running around the garden to try and get behind Jungkook. The alpha is grinning as he hoses Jimin down, until Jimin runs behind the tree and tumbles over, catching Jungkook off guard. He drops the pipe to check on Jimin and that’s when the omega takes his chance, rolling in the slowly sprouting grass to launch a stream of water at Jungkook.

“You fox!” Jungkook cackles, now jumping over Jimin to wrestle the pipe out of his hands. “You started this!”

“You-hahahah!” Jimin laughs as they roll over each other, trying to take command of the hose, “You’re like a cub! Making this a fight.”

“And I’m winning!” Jungkook turns Jimin's wrist. The water hits the omega in the face with enough force to render him breathless. Jungkook wriggles away from him and hits the back of his head, until Jimin is grabbing his leg and bringing him down again. While the alpha is still getting his bearings, Jimin straddles him, sitting on his chest to snack the hose and point the spout at his face.

“TRUCE! TRUCE!” Jungkook holds his hands up in surrender, still laughing. “You win! And I don’t want to catch a cold!”

Jimin lowers the hose, though not letting it go, as he gets off of Jungkook and lays down flat beside him. With realisation, comes horror. Park Jimin, LMT had just drenched and even sat on Jeon Jungkook, CFO, King Hotels.

“What did we just do?” Jimin asks, and Jungkook lets out a peal of laughter next to him. “I can’t believe we just did that!”

“Oh, Jimin-ssi, I haven’t laughed that in… what feels like years,” Jungkook says wistfully, sitting up on his elbow. 

“I didn’t expect you could get so silly!” Jimin teases, “No one would believe a 45 year-old alpha went around fighting with a gardening hose!”

“Oh, come on, we should allow ourselves to be silly sometimes!” Jungkook lightly slaps Jimin’s shoulder lightly, “I spend all week with numbers so big they run out of the screen, and then I have to deal with people who take themselves a bit too seriously. This was just what I needed… Alright. We should get changed. I don’t want you to fall ill just because I decided to be a cub about this.”

Jungkook’s clothes smell so delightfully like him, Jimin almost doesn’t want to leave the guest bathroom. He sniffs at the sweatshirt deeply before putting it on, admiring the way it engulfed him and brought a rosy flush to his cheeks. Eventually, Jimin steps out, wanting to thank Jungkook for the clothes before getting back to work. But as he walks towards the living room, Jungkook’s scent seems irresistibly delicious, laced with a warm note of honey to it. 

On the couch, Jungkook is talking to someone.

“I’m afraid, I’ll have to use up my rut leave, Aesun-ah.” Jungkook says on the phone. “Please postpone my appointments accordingly… Hmm, thanks.”

Hanging up, Jungkook sniffs before he finds Jimin standing in the entryway. Their eyes meet and Jungkook lets out a stifled growl. It makes Jimin’s hair stand on end. Pleasantly.

“Ju-Jungkook-ssi,” Jimin addresses him by name for the first time. 

“Sorry, I’m sorry, Jimin-ssi,” Jungkook quickly steps behind the couch. “You can continue with work on the pond next weekend. I’m afraid you have to leave, my… I can feel my rut coming on.”

“Right, um… Have you called someone?” Jimin asks, not wanting to hear the answer.

“Huh?” Jungkook squints in confusion, bracing himself against the back of the couch.

“Have you called someone to take care of you… through your rut?” Jimin clarifies reluctantly.

“No…” Jungkook shakes his head and turns away, holding his head in both hands.

Gingerly, Jimin takes a step towards the couch, towards Jungkook. 

“Jungkook-ssi,” Jimin implores softly, making Jungkook turn to him and look him right in the eye, “I could—”

“Don’t take another step forward, Park Jimin.” Jungkook extends a hand to indicate as much, his voice a more pronounced growl. It’s enough to have Jimin freezing on the spot.

“But–”

“Let’s not do something we will both regret.” says Jungkook firmly.

“Are you sure you don't want us to come over, sweetheart?” Taehyung asks over the phone.

“No, I want to stew in it.” Jimin cries. “I don't want his scent to get diluted.”

“You still want to smell that? Even though you feel rejected?”

“I really thought we had something, Tae.” Jimin sobs, “We were literally playing in the garden like cubs before his rut hit. Then he gave me a green sweatshirt, because he thinks green suits me, and now… Now, it's like none of it was even real!”

“Aigoo, uri Jiminie,” Taehyung cooes on the line, “I didn't even know you were getting your hopes up. You always insisted it was… nothing.”

“Well, it grew into something big, Tae, at least for me. I didn't even realise how deep this feeling has been rooting inside of me. For him. I just don't know how I'll get over it.” 

Jimin turns on his bed, curling up into a fetal position, ready to spend the night crying and pining.

The koi pond is set up on Jeon Jungkook's property by Jaewook. Only because the humiliation is too much for Jimin to even think about facing Jungkook again. Surely, Jungkook wouldn't miss a pair of clothes he lent Jimin. Jimin definitely won't be going back to get his uniform.

Not going to Jungkook’s the following few weekends is still nothing short of agony for Jimin though. Including the fact that Jeon Jungkook has made no attempt to contact him. Neither via Jaewook, nor via the company number. 

The work and the weather don’t do a good job in distracting Jimin though. He worked with grass and it was impossible to not think of Jungkook. 

Presently, Jimin is pruning some rose bushes on the grounds of a club. He forgets which one he is at. They look for homogeneity in their decor, so it’s easy to lose track of the location. It’s almost meditative, and Jimin thinks someone is stepping in the grass behind him, rousing their clean cut scent. But the voice startles him.

“Jimin-ssi?”

Jimin closes his shears with a loud snip, freezing in place.

“Aye, you don’t have to ignore me, now.” Jungkook sounds like he’s whining, “But if you don’t want to talk I’ll just—”

“Wait!” Jimin turns to the voice, holding the shears by his side. “What–What are you doing here?” he asks, taking in Jungkook’s appearance. The fabric of his checkered suit shines even though the weather isn’t sunny. Jungkook has a tray of small, bite-sized food in one hand and a bottle of champagne in the other.

“I… I saw you from the window upstairs. There is this… brunch, they called it” Jungkook pointed with the champagne bottle, “Thought I’d say hi… it’s been a while… we…”

“Don’t tell me you ditched a party and stole snacks from there!” Jimin says with a chuckle. 

Jungkook grins, his nose scrunching in the way that first made Jimin fall for him. The alpha tucks the bottle under his arm and tugs Jimin along from the elbow. They find a bench, and Jungkook places the food and drink in between them.

“This one is my favourite,” Jungkook picks up something that looks like a crab cake, offering to feed it Jimin, hand extended towards Jimin’s mouth. Awkwardly, Jimin brings his own hand up to take it from Jungkook’s.

“Thanks,” he murmurs before putting the whole thing in his mouth, chewing into an explosion of flavour. “What the hell!? That’s delicious!”

“Right?” Jungkook laughs, “Try this one, it has mushrooms.”

This time, Jimin eats directly from Jungkook’s hands.

“Holy moon Goddess, that one just melted in my mouth!”

“That one, see, I'm going to try and make it at home.” Jungkook says, handing Jimin the bottle of champagne. “Try this, I don't think it's all that, but people seem to like it.”

“I've had champagne before. We had it at my friends’ mating ceremony.” Jimin shrugs, taking the proffered bottle and taking a sip. “Mmmh, but this is just so much smoother than I remember.”

“It's good to see you again, Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook says suddenly. And just as suddenly, Jimin can't handle the intense way in which Jungkook is looking at him. He looks away at his own shoes. 

“I know I did something to upset you…” Jungkook starts again, “I understood as much when Lee Jaewook showed up instead of you… it stung a bit, because I've– Well, I've grown quite–quite fond of you.”

Jimin huffs, smirking as he shakes his head. He can't make sense of it.

“Why would you say it like that? It confuses me!”

“Jimin–”

“You already rejected me when I… so I don’t understand.” Jimin says, hugging the cold champagne bottle.

“I believe these things should be discussed much beforehand. And my rut came about unexpectedly, probably because… I don’t know. I just don’t think it’s a good idea to make decisions like that right at the moment a heat or rut starts.” Jungkook says calmly, “Wouldn’t you agree?”

Jimin is taken aback by this very simple but very logical reasoning.

“I… You were vulnerable.” Jimin says slowly, as if sense is just taking root inside him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realise.”

“Don’t worry about it.” Jungkook waves it off, playing with the hemline of his sleeve.

“I will try, but I will most likely worry about it.” Jimin chuckles derisively. “You don't even know… it's not just a passing fancy. Jungkook-ssi, if I'm being honest, I keep telling myself that what I feel for you, it’s nothing but day-dreams. Picturing a life together, even if it won't happen. I imagine us spending early mornings in the garden, shopping for groceries together, me making excuses over your work calls because I think you don't get enough rest. It doesn’t end till I splash cold water over my face and… Urgh, I’ve already said too much.”

Jungkook takes Jimin's hand in his own. Jimin meets Jungkook's eyes again.

“Jimin, in another life–”

Jimin interrupts Jungkook with a pronounced sigh.

“But I only know thione… The one in which I met you. And I can't…” Jimin's voice peters out with his breath, tears clouding his vision. He hugs the champagne bottle tighter, pulling his hand out of Jungkook's grip “I can't stop thinking about you.”

“But… like you said, we're from different circles!” Jungkook says, “With 20 years over you, my head is in a very different place. Our priorities might be different. We can't possibly be on the same page.”

“Wait, that's the difference you thought I was referring to?” Jimin almost laughs, wiping the corner of his eye.

“What else did you mean?”

“Well, you're from high society, to put it mildly,” Jimin states, “and I'm the guy who runs the lawn mower!”

“That’s ridic—There–There you go, then.” Jungkook relents, frowning. “There are enough complications…”

“Let's stop this.” Jimin places the bottle between them with a thud. “If we’re both aware of the reasons, there is no need for us to keep talking about it.”

“It’s not just that.” Jungkook says after a beat. “I’m not all that wise, or even set in my ways. I’m actually more insecure than I come off and… I– Well, I don’t want to be just an adventure for someone. Talking to you, Jimin, having your scent around, I feel a little bit like myself among all of this pretending and fitting-in that I’m obviously failing at. I don’t want to ruin that just because we may have…”

“May have?” Jimin nudges, hope brimming in his chest despite it all.

“Because we may have some spark, or something.”

Jimin stares with his mouth open. Jungkook has finally, verbally admitted to something big. It’s not all in Jimin’s head.

“Jungkook-ssi, contrary to popular belief, not all young people are impulsive like that.”

Jungkook swallows dryly. “At your age, I certainly was.”

“Jeon Jungkook,” Jimin says softly, placing a hand on Jungkook's arm. “Do you see me as an omega? Or am I just an amusement to you?”

Jungkook looks at Jimin with wide eyes. The apple of his throat bobs, and he says nothing.

More tears well up in Jimin's eyes and he interprets the unsaid refusal.

In another life. A life Jimin had no way of glimpsing at.

“Samchon!” Someone yells, running in their direction.

“What is it, Seokjin?” Jungkook sounds tired. Jimin lets go of Jungkook right away. Seokjin, with his broad shoulders and lean legs, looks like he’s stepped out of an anime. It's a welcome distraction.

“They’re,” Seokjin’s eyes flit between Jimin and Jungkook, “looking for you upstairs. Some of the board members asked after you, so…”

“I’ll be right there.” Jungkook tells him, standing from the bench. He takes a few steps, then halts, turning towards Jimin. 

“Park Jimin,” Jungkook says, his jaw ticking in, “I see you as someone I need in my life. I just don’t know how.”

“It’s something, right?” Taehyung asks, and Namjoon frowns. Jimin regales everything that very night to his best friends.

“Babe,” Namjoon says to Taehyung, “If you said something like that to me while we were courting, I would have been so confused! It would leave my stomach in knots!”

“That’s exactly what’s happening to me right now.” Jimin pulls at his hair in frustration. “I’m thinking about how he said that there are sparks between us. But then I remember that he pointed out our age difference. Then I pointed out that he’s rich and I’m poor.”

“You have a roof over your head, so technically–”

“Yeah, okay, Namjoon! I’m grateful!” Jimin snaps.

“Yeobo, shh.” Taehyung pats Namjoon’s leg. 

“No, he's right.” Jimin lays down on their living room floor. “I have basic amenities and a family business to inherit, which I'm lucky for. But at the same time, we recognise that more money can solve a lot of our problems.”

“That we do.” says Namjoon. He and Taehyung share a look and raise their glasses for Jimin to clink along. Downing their drinks, Jimin bites his lip, looking around for his phone.

“I should call him.”

“Absolutely not.” Taehyung gets up, ready to bar Jimin physically if he has to.

“Bad idea.” Namjoon reasons, “Let’s eat something instead, we'll feel more rational.”

The following week turns out to be a strange one to say the least.

At first, word around work is that some gardener was found drinking from another man’s bottle at Noblesse club. Jimin knows it has to be him, but he does his best not to participate in the gossip, even as his colleagues joke about stealing food that the rich people will waste anyway. Jimin’s mother comes around and reprimands them to work more and yap less.

The rumour then grows into something more scathing. Once Jimin gets his working pass for another gold club shift, he hears the receptionist telling someone to keep an eye on him, because some omegas are trying to snag unassuming alpha members of the club.

Again, Jimin does his best to pay them no mind. But the thought that perhaps a lot of people spotted him and Jungkook the other day… that thought keeps nagging at him. He has half a mind to call Jungkook and ask him about it. Surely, he would do something to keep his own reputation intact. But Jimin had promised Taehyung and himself that he wouldn’t reach out to Jungkook first. Not if he wants answers.

By the time Thursday rolls around, Jimin finds people openly glancing at him at the Hilton hotel grounds. Even though it is an early morning shift. 

“What did you do?” Seungho asks, as he tunes up his lawn mower before starting the engine. 

“Heck if I know!” Jimin snaps, feeling sweat on his brow. 

One of the people behind the glass on the first floor, in the air conditioned halls, even takes pictures when Jimin walks past. It’s all a bit much. To add to the fiasco, pictures surface the next day. Gossip tabloids online have a small section dedicated to this, and what’s worse is that there is a picture. Taken from a bird's eye view, it shows Jungkook on the bench, seated with Jimin, holding his hand. Jeon Jungkook is named in it, but the ‘scheming omega seducing him’ is thankfully just that. 

Jimin’s parents, however, have put two and two together. They want Jimin to be free to say if something is really happening. Jimin’s father does his best to believe him, but his mother seems to go in a more opportunistic direction.

“We can do one of two things.” She says enthusiastically. “Either you successfully get mated to this alpha and our life is set. I mean it won’t be much because this guy is the product of an extra marital affair, but a fortune is a fortune. Or, as you say he was the one who came to you with the champagne, so you threaten to sue him, because this is affecting our business. It has even stressed you out so much you’ve missed your heat cycle! Or, wait—”

“Stop! Eomma, please! We’re not going to make it worse by confirming my identity from my own mouth!” Jimin opposes, not allowing the discussion to go any further. “Besides, I’ve told you we can’t conclude that I’ve missed a cycle! It’s possible for omegas to have 6 month cycles instead of one every 3 months! The doctor told us this! Get off my back about it, okay!?”

The next day, a few reporters come outside the Sowon LMT office, and Jimin’s father has to shoo them away.

Then, Jungkook calls.

At first, Jimin thinks his brain is glitching, or that he’s dreaming, but the phone stops and rings again.

“Jimin-ssi?” Jungkook says in place of greeting as soon as Jimin picks up. 

“Ah, hi!” Jimin says and slaps a hand on his face for using that as a response. Hi!? 

“Hi… Um… I’m assuming you’ve heard?” Jungkook sounds tense.

“Everyone has heard,” Jimin chuckles, “A few reporters wanted to know if that person in the picture is me.”

“I am so sorry,” Jungkook says on the line, sounding every bit sincere, “I caused this. I mean, I had no idea it would blow up like this!”

“You couldn’t have known.” Jimin tries to sound calm. But his heart is racing just because Jungkook is speaking to him. 

“Jimin, if there’s anything I can do… If your business is affected by this, I could—”

“Don’t even think about it! The last thing we need is a paper trail connecting us.” Jimin sighs, “Look, my friend Namjoon says any rumour or scandal has a shelf life. He says to sit tight for 9 days and then it will die out on its own. Or, perhaps, there’s a team in your company already working on quashing the rumours, I don’t know.”

“They are working on it.” Jungkook says, “I’ve been told to stay at home for a bit. It’s giving me cabin fever.”

“Even a house that big?”

“Especially because it’s a house this big.” Jungkook counters, “In Jinaksan, my house was small. Here, the empty rooms are like whole ghosts.”

Jimin can’t help but laugh at that.

“I wish I could hear you laughing in person.” Jungkook speaks again, “I wish I could see you and talk my head off.”

The beating muscle in Jimin's chest feels like it's floating in thick sludge as Jungkook's words make Jimin's stomach flip.

“Stop it,” Jimin smiles despite himself. “Don’t say things like that. Don’t give me butterflies if you don’t intend on courting me.”

“But I— I have to go, Jimin, I’m getting another call.”

Jungkook hangs up like that. Abruptly. 

It stings. 

“It’s like,” Yoongi adds his tuppence bitterly, “He’s like any other alpha! He wants all the flirting, all the courting, all the sweet talking, but he won’t commit.”

“Any other alpha?” Namjoon objects out loud. “Excuse me?”

“You’re an exception that proves the rule,” Yoongi is quick to dismiss him. “The alphas I’ve met and worked with are just…” he shudders.

“Actually, he isn’t wrong,” Hoseok chimes in, “Our Namjoonie is a rare one, and for Jimin’s sake I hope this Jeon Jungkook is too!”

“Alright, now, can we just talk about something else?” Jimin whines, not too pleased about not leaving the house in 2 days. “Let’s video call Taehyung.”

“He’s with a client, Jimin,” Namjoon points out, “He said he’ll be here as soon as they’re done, so please hold out till then. Also, I ran into your mother today.”

“Gosh, no,” Jimin whines again as his friends laugh.

“She had some very interesting plans that apparently you didn’t agree to.” Namjoon laughs.

“Bless her heart,” Jimin says, “It’s in the right place. I mean, she is the one who made Sowon LMT what it is today, but it can get a bit much sometimes.”

“You too can be a bit much sometimes,” Yoongi retorts. “See how much you’re obsessing over this guy!?”

“I’m going to let that go because I don’t want to fight right now.” Jimin says with a deep breath.

“You’re not even going to bicker with me?” Yoongi looks genuinely affronted.

“As much as I usually enjoy it, no. Not today.”

After everyone leaves that night, Jimin can't help but think about what Yoongi said. He has been obsessing, but about his own feelings for Jungkook. So much so that he forgot something very important on that call.

“Jimin-ssi?” Jungkook picks up after the second ring.

“Oh, I'm so glad you picked up!” Jimin says before he can stop himself.

“Why wouldn't I?” Jungkook sounds mildly amused.

“Well, I was a bit… last time we spoke I… I can't help but feel I made you feel uncomfortable. You see, I presented really late and I am not familiar with all these feelings so I acted the way I did. I’m really sorry, I am,” says Jimin, “and–I didn't even ask you how you're feeling! So… How are you holding up? It can't be easy on you either.”

There is silence on the line. Jimin is about to ask if Jungkook is still there when he speaks.

“I don't like what they're saying about you.”

“Neither do I,” Jimin says conversationally, “but such is the nature of these things, what can you do?”

“I want to retort, but the PR team says not to respond on the matter at all.” Jungkook adds, “they're working on removing all traces of it online, starting with the picture.”

“Tell them I said thank you,” Jimin suddenly tears up. “I know they're doing it for the hotel's reputation, but it will help me too, so I'm really grateful.”

“Jimin-ssi, I've made you cry again.”

“It's not you!” Jimin chuckles, “the situation is just bizarre. I never thought I would ever have my name become famous, let alone notorious for trying to seduce an older alpha.”

Jungkook laughs. “You know how I'm really feeling?”

“Hm?” 

“Like there's not a single thing I'm doing right since I've come to Seoul. Appearances are so much more important here than the actual work, and I have botched up mine in every party, gathering and golf meet up. It's stifling to be so stoic and full of myself, but it seems to be the norm. I can't get through one conversation without feeling like my ears are bleeding. I mean, I'm happy for them but I really don't care if their son is in the U.S. or if they made a great earning in the stock market! It's a pissing contest, and I'm dehydrated!”

A laugh bursts out of Jimin's chest. 

“I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh, but–” Jimin cackles again, “pi-pissing contest!?”

“I'm not even exaggerating,” Jungkook says, laughter lacing his own voice, “my theory is that the golf balls are an extension of the stream.”

“Stop it!” Jimin says through barely contained laughter. “I'm laughing so hard I can't breathe.” 

“Ah, I rue not being able to see it.” Jungkook says softly, and Jimin’s breath hitches. His omega weeps for his scent, his presence.

“I have an idea and it might seem crazy but…”

“I’m listening.”

“I’m texting you my address–”

“Jimin, I don’t know if that’s a good idea–”

“You owe me one, remember?”

“Ah, hahah, how could I forget that?”

“Then pack a bag and pick me up,” Jimin says over Jungkook. “and let’s go to Jinaksan.”

“I didn’t even check the traffic,” Jungkook says once they’re on the road. “I didn’t even check if the resort has any rooms available! You said pack a bag, and I packed a bag. Now, we’re driving to Jinaksan at night!? Park Jimin, what are you doing to me?”

“Look, this is my first time doing something so impulsive, but I feel like… We’re together, so I feel like we’ll be okay.” Jimin says, smiling, “We’ll figure it out. We’ll reach in 3 hours, maybe?”

“That’s what the navi says,” Jungkook says, a smile forming slowly on his lips. “Why didn’t I do this before?”

“Hmm? You hadn’t met me then, Jungkook-ssi,” Jimin tries for cheekiness, reaching behind to dig into his bag. “Oh, I think I packed too many snacks for the trip.”

“No such thing as too many snacks, Jimin-ssi.” Jungkook smiles fully now, and Jimin giggles, switching the radio to a trot channel.

“You like songs like these?” Jungkook asks, surprised. “Your taste is more old-fashioned than mine.”

“Be that as it may, no one is beating Lim Young Woong in the game!” Jimin declares as he opens a juice bottle, passing it to Jungkook when they reach a traffic light.

They get on the mountain a little after 2 in the night. The resort isn’t as lavish on the outside, but there is a crisply dressed valet waiting for them, who is all the more overjoyed to see Jungkook. The man goes for a hand-shake and Jungkook greets him with a hug.

There is a cheer from the night manager as well. Thankfully, there are vacancies, and they get cottage rooms next to each other, driven there by golf cart.

“So, we can go to the temple tomorrow, I can show you the ginseng farms,” Jungkook says enthusiastically as they stand outside the door to Jimin’s room. “There’s also the botanical garden a few miles from here. The view from overlooking the value is breath-taking, Jimin-ssi, I can’t wait for you to see it.”

“I can’t wait to see it with you,” Jimin says shyly, pleased to see that it makes Jungkook blush too, “Erm, we should…” he points towards the door.

Jungkook nods, holding his arms up, wordlessly asking for a hug. Jimin goes a little too quickly. The hug is a comforting squeeze as Jungkook’s scent washes over Jimin. 

“Thank you, Jimin.” says Jungkook. “I needed this trip.”

“Me too, I think”

“Have I told you that you smell good?” Jungkook murmurs into Jimin’s shoulder.

“Yes, twice.” Jimin takes another deep drag of their mixed scents before pulling away. Jungkook’s hands remain on Jimin’s arm, and his inner omega is dancing for joy. “You uh… You know I like your scent too, right?”

“Yes, I remember. Good night, Park Jimin.” 

With that Jungkook walks 5 feet away and disappears into his room.

Breakfast the next morning is lavish, and Jimin is not shying away. He is recharged from sleeping in a luxurious room and taking a shower in excellent water pressure. Various staff members drop by to see Jungkook and ask after him. Jimin can understand why Jungkook likes it here. He himself hasn't met people being this cheerful back in the city. But these are the people who have carefully placed themselves in Jungkook’s psyche, making him the charming man he is today.

One particular interaction feeds Jimin’s omega better than any breakfast could.

“Couldn’t stay away for long, eh, Jungkook?” An older chef asks the alpha, “You’re not planning on moving back I presume?”

“No,” Jungkook smiles at her, then looks at Jimin, “There’s something very special about Seoul, I’ve noticed.”

Jimin, put on the spot, blushes, hiding the lower half of his face as he chews his food.

“The rumours are true then?” prods the chef good-naturedly.

“There is always some inkling of truth in rumours, is there not?”

This response shakes Jimin a little. He waits for the chef to leave before asking “What do you mean exactly?” He doesn’t know where to be excited or scared.

“I’ll explain,” Jungkook says calmly, “I’ve had some time to think and… There’s something I need to tell you before that.”

“You’re teasing me,” Jimin pouts, and it elicits a reaction from Jungkook that flusters Jimin a bit. Jungkook chuckles a bit, resting his head in his palm, supported by an elbow on the table, simply staring at Jimin with– what looks like longing in his eyes. 

“Stop,” Jimin pouts even more, “Don’t look at me like that!”

“You need to stop being adorable for me to stop looking.” Jungkook says a bit too nonchalantly, going back to eating with ease. Jimin’s flustered mind goes back to the moment before his heat when Jungkook had complimented his eyes. This is yet another flirtation, and Jimin is burning the moment in his brain.

Everyone on the mountain knows Jungkook. It's no wonder he doesn't seem to be at home in Seoul. People do not hold a warm curiosity the way small town folks do. Everyone is happy to see him too. 

More often than not, they ask if Jimin is his new assistant, and Jungkook corrects them to say Jimin is a friend from Seoul.

Jimin doesn't mind. The only thing that maybe slightly bothers him is the overwhelming cloud of mixed scents from all the hugging they were doing. The gardens are refreshing to look at without being the one to maintain them. 

Jungkook then takes Jimin to visit the ginseng farmers. 

“Usually, they don't allow visitors,” Jungkook brags, “but they'll make an exception for yours truly.”

Jimin's face holds the expression of a smirk, with eyes rolling, but his brain is in sync with his omega when Jungkook says ‘yours truly’.

Mine, comes the thought. Euphoric, unreal. Jeon Jungkook, be mine.

The atmosphere is welcoming, just as Jimin expected. A guide walks Jimin through the process of growing and harvesting ginseng, and why its nutritional value makes it so coveted. Meanwhile, Jungkook catches up with his old beloved colleagues, since the farm is a subsidiary of the hotel chain.

As they are walking through the farms, Jimin trips over something that turns out to be the biggest ginseng root the farm has seen in years.

“He brings luck,” the supervisor says to Jungkook about Jimin, winking to add, “keep him close.”

The small shack where Jungkook takes them for food has the most scrumptious ginseng chicken Jimin has ever eaten.

“I find it strange that they were ready to give me the entire root.” Jimin says, as they walk towards Jungkook’s favourite cafe after the meal. “I don’t think they would do that if they knew who I really am.”

“And who are you really?” Jungkook takes Jimin’s hand as they walk. “Jimin?”

“Huh?” Jimin looks up from their joined hands, “um… Well, I’m a landscape maintenance technician. We don’t usually receive raw ginseng for no reason.”

“It is through my association that they wanted to give it to you, I’ll admit,” Jungkook sighs, “But you’re so much more than that. I’ve seen you nurture relationships the way you nurture plants.”

“Do I, now?”

“I’m not just saying it,” Jungkook scoffs, “I’ve observed you, when you are with Lee Jaewook-ssi and, what was your other fellow’s name, I’m sorry.”

“Shin Seungho”

“Yes, Shin Seungho.” Jungkook snaps his fingers, “You’re different with each of them. Shin Seungho needs exact instructions so you make sure he knows what’s to be done, while Lee Jaewook prefers autonomy so you’re nowhere near him where he works.”

“I don’t know if I should be flattered or jealous that you were looking at anyone besides me,” Jimin lightly pinches Jungkook’s arm, which is firm to the touch. Jimin clears his throat to hide his surprise, “Anyway, what am I like with you?”

“Oh, you think I’m just going to tell you that?” Jungkook teases, pulling his hand away and taking a few steps forward. Jimin runs to catch up to him.

“Why not?” Jimin laughs, “I would like to know if I’m being weird, or creepily obsessive.”

“Rest assured, that’s not you at all.” Jungkook tucks his arm in the crook of Jimin’s elbow, shocking Jimin with the contact again, “But that’s all I’ll say at the moment… Woah, your scent.”

“You’re suddenly… so–so close.” Jimin says through deep breaths.

“Oh–” Jungkook tries to move away but Jimin stops him. Their hands touch again and Jimin plays with the fabric of Jungkook’s sleeve. 

“No, it’s… It’s quite nice.”

“It is,” Jungkook says softly and Jimin looks up to meet his eyes. “We’re here. Let’s go inside.”

Having a cup of piping hot chocolate, on a rock facing the sunset, over the lush green valley has become Jimin’s definition of heaven. It includes Jungkook sitting beside him of course.

“We might not be able to stay at the King Hotel, but I have to bring my friends here!” 

“Worth the view, isn’t it?” Jungkook adds, sipping on his own coffee. “I think the couple would appreciate this for sure! Speaking of, did the other two get together? Yoongi and Hoseok?”

“You remember?”

“Of course,” Jungkook looks incredulous. “I’m a good listener. Jimin grins. At this point, he’s tired of blushing.

“Well, the only development we got is they were trying to subtly sit next to each other. But the thing with Yoongi hyung is we don’t push him or he gets spooked. And Hobi hyung might really want him too much if he’s willing to be silent about whatever is going on between them.”

“Haven’t even met them, but thanks to you, it’s like I know them now.”

Jimin nods, wondering if it’s appropriate to have Jungkook meet his friends. When he turns away from the view, Jungkook is found staring at him.  

“I think I should tell you about my ex.”

“We were in our early 20s and I was an intern.” Jungkook begins. “Han Chohui was a tourist guide, bringing people here from all over the country, sometimes the world. We got to talking, and we wouldn’t stop. Because she had all these stories from the different people she met, and I never stopped wanting them. Hell, after a few weeks we couldn’t keep our hands off each other.”

Jimin smiles, recalling the picture of the two that he had peeked at, when Jungkook didn’t have that grey streak in his hair.

“I think you can imagine how it went after that,” Jungkook continues, “We mated in a whirlwind decision. And it started going downhill from there. I didn’t mind so much that she would work in other places for weeks on end, I thought I was being supportive. But she wanted me to accompany her, travel with her, across the seas. Me? I never wanted to leave home. I needed to look after Appa. I needed to prove that I wasn’t a liability to the family. It was like it ended as soon as it started, even though we stayed mated for two years. We had to let each other go because being stuck in resentment wasn’t an option. And soon after Appa breathed his last.”

“I’m sorry… That must have been painful.” 

“At the time it certainly was.” the alpha sighs, “But I’ve seen the error of our ways since, and I hope she is happy and loved, wherever she is. That is not to say that I am ready for more heartbreak.” 

With this, the sun sets, leaving a miasma of a greenish pink in the sky. Jimin dabs tears from the corner of his eyes. He can't even imagine how Jungkook maintains such a sunny countenance after going through grief like that. Jungkook gets off the rock and Jimin follows. He is confused, but it seems like he must wait for Jungkook to clarify himself.

“There’s something I have to show you.” Jungkook places his hand on the small of Jimin’s back as they go inside the cafe. Jungkook reaches for the jacket he had left on the chair, and directs Jimin to be seated.

Once Jimin does, Jungkook takes the seat across from him, biting his lip, as though nervous. Jimin doesn’t know what Jungkook has to be nervous about.

“Jimin-ssi, I’m at a point in my life where I, if I were to date, would date with the intention to… eventually…”

“Mate,” Jimin supplies helpfully. 

“Right,” Jungkook lets out a long huff before continuing, “You, however, have only recently presented! It’s your time to… explore, is it not? To meet different kinds of people, to see the ups and downs of crushes and the like!”

“Jungkook-ssi–”

“I am not disregarding your feelings. Hear me out. It’s just a concern I have that I might be a phase, and eventually, you’ll want someone different.”

Jimin wants to oppose vehemently, but he has nothing to back his argument. The fear is valid.

“It’s not like I don’t have feelings for you.” Jungkook adds, “I’ve just not been clear about them.”

The alpha then reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a small cuboid of a box. The insignia on it is familiar. Jimin’s father had bought something from this place for his mother before they had mated.

“Jewelry?” Jimin frowns.

“I had it made the day we went out for lunch, would you believe?” Jungkook giggles. Jimin looks at the box and then at Jungkook, blinking. “Go on, open it.”

The box reveals a small pendant, nothing ostentatious off the bat. But once Jimin looks closer, it reveals itself to be rose gold, petals folding this way and that, shimmering against the light. It’s pretty in its simplicity.

“I don’t understand…”

“When I first saw you Jimin, it felt like my heart beat properly for the first time.” Jungkook says, “I thought I would drown if I kept looking into your eyes. I was impulsive, and then, when you told me you like roses, I got this pendant made, adamant on finding some way to give it to you.”

Jimin’s face heats up from the effect of those words. He looks away shyly, playing with the edges of the box. He remembers the way Jungkook put extra meat into his bowl the first day, how he spoke about his eyes. Jungkook had been pining after Jimin too. It hadn’t been one-sided.

“But,” Jungkook cuts into Jimin’s pleasant thoughts. “You have your whole life ahead of you. I, on the other hand, spend many hours a year getting check ups to make sure my organs and bones are still in good condition. It’s highly likely I’ll be gone before you.”

“I’ve had my fair share of hospital visits, albeit for a different problem.” Jimin says, rolling his eyes. “Besides death is natural and unpredictable, you can’t say for sure what will happen to either of us. Does that mean we stop living the way our heart wants now?”

“Fair.” Jungkook raises his hands, a slight smile on one side of his face. “All I’m trying to say is that you should really, really think about it. I… Jimin, I don’t want you regretting… us later on, I won’t be able to take that.”

Frustration courses through Jimin’s veins, very much at a loss as to how he could reassure Jungkook.

“You–You can keep that regardless of your decision though…” Jungkook points at the box. “Jimin-ssi, why do you smell angry?”

“What’s the time?” Jimin asks, trying to regulate his scent. 

“Around 10 to 7, why?” Jungkook asks and Jimin is already pocketing the box, waving for Jungkook to get up. 

“We need to get to the car. Come on.”

Jimin walks fast downhill to where the car is parked, only because he didn't want to make Jungkook run along. He starts up the radio once they get inside the car, finding the right channel. 

‘That was Feeling by the Young Turks Club. Coming up next is our You say we play segment where we play your requests–'

“Thank the Goddess, we're right on time,” Jimin says over the radio.

“What is this?” Jungkook adjusts the volume dial to lower it a bit while some advertisement plays.

“Just give it a minute.” 

The car is a saturated bouquet of Jungkook’s nervous scent and Jimin’s agitation. Zingy ozone over freshly cut grass and tart sweetness of fruit. It doesn’t help Jimin’s nerves.

‘Our first song is a request from Park Jimin of Dobong Gu, yes we know that location is fictional–

“That’s you?”

“Shh!” Jimin nudges Jungkook’s shoulder lightly.

‘--well Park Jimin has requested this song as a dedication to the alpha he is crushing on! Isn’t that sweet! So without further ado, here’s the track.’

Jimin can feel Jungkook’s eyes on him as the song starts playing, guitar strums curling out the stereo system in the car. 

“I get it, you're a sucker for nostal–” Jimin doesn’t let Jungkook finish, pressing his fingers on Jungkook’s mouth as the voice from The Ink Spots starts crooning.

‘I don't want to set the world on fire

I just want to start a flame in your heart’

Jimin’s hand slides from Jungkook’s mouth to his chest, leaving it there to feel the alpha’s heart racing just as much as his own. Scents now mellowed out, Jimin sings along this time.

“In my heart I have but one desire,” his voice comes out shaky as he carries the tune, “And that one is you, no other will do… I’ve lost all ambition, All worldly acclaim, I just want to be the one you—” 

Jungkook reaches up to grab Jimin’s hand from his chest, locking their fingers together, stunning Jimin into silence. The lyrics still lay heavy on Jimin’s mind and he hopes Jungkook gets it.

‘And with your admission, that you'd feel the same

I'll have reached the goal that I'm dreaming, oh, believe me

I don't want to set the world on fire

I just want to start a flame in your heart’

Once again, Jimin can’t make sense of the way Jungkook is looking at him. Without letting go of Jungkook’s hand, he turns the volume dial lower on the console, till the song sounds like a distant hum.

“Nobody’s done that for me before,” Jungkook chuckles and Jimin can tell he’s feeling shy. 

“I sent in my request to the radio yesterday, while waiting for you to pick me up.” Jimin says, then clears his throat to signal he has more to say, “You were right. There is some truth to all those rumours. I had been trying to get closer to you when I stayed back in your office to have tea, when I hung back and talked to you about nothing at everything in your garden, when I helped with other chores in the house even when I didn’t need to. I did all of those things so I could stay with you just a little longer. It is also true that I’m trying to get you all to myself. It took a lot of constraint today when people were leaving their scent on you.” 

Jimin has to pause to sniffle here, mildly irritated that he’s crying a little. Again.

“I didn’t take you for the possessive types.” Jungkook leans in a little. Jimin squeezes his hand, laughing a little.

“You don’t know the half of it.” He leans in too, till their foreheads are touching. It’s easier this way. “Jungkook-ssi, I… I understand why you’re sceptical about it. I can’t exactly reassure you though, except for telling you how much I’ve been thinking about you, and constantly quashing my hopes because I was afraid we just weren’t meant to be. But the more you talk to me the more I hope, the more I want you. You told me that day at the golf club that you see me as someone you need in your life. I didn’t get it at the time, but I do now. I need you in my life too. I just can’t prove at the moment how much I intend on us staying together for a long time. So yes, I’ve thought about it. All I do is think about it. I am sure of what I want, no matter what the tabloids and rumours say. Sure, I’d be a lot more comfortable as your mate, but if they’re concluding that I’m not crazy about you, they’re wrong.”

“Park Jimin,” Jungkook whispers. Jimin can feel him ready to move away, but he reaches for the alpha’s broad shoulders to stop him.

“Just 5 more seconds, please.” Jimin sobs, “Stay with me like this for 5 more seconds.” He takes in a long drag of Jungkook’s scent, making sure his lungs remember. But there is an interruption as soon as Jimin is taking his second long breath.

Something moves between them. Jimin hears the click of glasses being folded. Warm hands come up to cup Jimin’s face, pulling him forwards, upwards. Jeon Jungkook is kissing him, and Jimin takes a second to understand that it’s happening. Once his brain and body fall in sync, Jimin is launching himself further towards Jungkook. The alpha seems to be onboard, pulling Jimin by the waist across the gearstick and onto his lap.

A deep, urgent, searing kiss holds them together in a trance, skin, breath, heart all in a standstill for Jimin. Jungkook lets go first, his lower lip delicately sliding out from between Jimin’s lips.

“That feels right, Park Jimin,” Jungkook whispers, his gaze sharp as it flits quickly over Jimin’s features before finding his eyes, “Something that feels so right can’t be wrong, can it?”

Jimin doesn’t know if he can move at all, yet he shakes his head. The high from the kiss is too fresh for him to form words, so he leans in to push his face against Jungkook’s neck, taking in his scent to ground himself. Jungkook wraps his hands around Jimin like he might disappear.

“I can’t believe I was trying to get you to walk away from me.” Jungkook’s laughter reverberates through Jimin in this embrace

“Yeah, you can be a bumbling ahjussi sometimes,” Jimin murmurs, and Jungkook laughs again, kissing Jimin’s forehead.

“Did you like the gift this bumbling ahjussi got you?”

Jimin sits up a bit, shyly playing with the lapel of Jungkook’s jacket. “Yes. I kinda feel like you got shortchanged though. All I did was borrow a song for you.”

“You’re given me a precious memory, Jimin,” Jungkook says as Jimin rolls his eyes, “Aye, let me be cheesy! If you’re going to be with me, this is something you’ll have to get used to!”

“I’ll adjust eventually.” Jimin sighs with exaggeration, pulling more cackles and kisses from Jungkook being peppered on his face. They drive back to the hotel, Jungkook holding Jimin’s hand every now and then on the 10 minute drive.

“It’s so tiny, what the fuck?” Taehyung laughs over the phone, reacting to the picture of the pendant. “And it’s from the same store your dad bought your mom’s courting gift!?”

“Did you read the part about how he got it made after my favourite flower, Tae!” Jimin hisses, too gleeful to complain about anything. “And he got it from a reasonably priced store. Tells me more about his money management than I need to know.

“Fine, you’re smitten and so is he, I get it!” says Taehyung, “Congratulations, you idiots! Yoongi hyung is going to be so pissed! He bet against it all.”

“I can’t believe you guys made a pool without telling me about it!” Jimin says, but there’s no bite in it.

“If you’re the subject of the wager, you’re not involved, that’s the unsaid rule. Besides, you called Jungkook and ran away with him to a mountain without telling any of us. You’re lucky I’ve been keeping secrets for you, Jimin-ah, cuz your mother was about to come over to check if you were really at my place.”

“I don’t call you my soulmate for nothing,” Jimin laughs, “Okay, our food is here, gotta go, love you, bye.”

As Jimin puts his phone on the bedside tables, Jungkook collects the food from the door. 

“They commented on the size, didn’t they?” he says, biting his lip.

“Oh, not you too!” Jimin laughs to diffuse the tension he can smell off Jungkook. “It’s for me and I think it’s perfect. Isn’t that what matters.”

“Of course.” Jungkook sheepishly pushes his glasses up his nose. “At the time, I was thinking that it should be something, just not a… not something that’s like a big deal.”

“It is a big deal no matter what it is.” Jimin insists, “It’s your first gift to me.”

As they eat, Jungkook insists he needs something to watch. Jimin compares him to a pup that needs entertainment. 

“So…” Jungkook scratches behind his ear once they’re done yapping 20 minutes after dinner. “I guess I should turn in.”

“I–guess you should,” Jimin nods, clearing his throat. The air between them is charged with something unsaid. But Jungkook leans in for a kiss on Jimin’s cheek and starts gathering the dishes to leave them outside the room. Jimin decides he won't ask Jungkook to stay. He figures Jungkook would appreciate going slower.

“Good night, Jungkook-ssi.” Jimin says at the door. Jungkook waves and disappears behind the door to his own room. 

Jimin spends a few minutes admiring the pendant wondering if he can fashion a chord out of something to wear it, just for a few moments. He puts it away tucking it deep into his travel bag 

There's a knock on the door when Jimin steps out of the shower in a King Hotel monogrammed robe. Jungkook’s muffled voice comes from outside the door and Jimin’s belly does a nervous flip. 

“It can’t be,” Jimin whispers to himself, taking the towel off his wet hair. Jungkook’s voice calls his name again. “I’ll be a minute, Jungkook-ssi!” he yells as he texts his group chat about Jungkook knocking. Taehyung replies immediately exclaiming about how he expected them to be in bed together already. Hoseok sends lewd emojis. Yoongi says Jimin should pretend to not hear him. Namjoon says to open the door only if Jimin really wants to. 

He wants to.

The door feels heavy as Jimin turns the knob. Jungkook is standing there with something grey in his hands. He hasn’t changed yet.

“I forgot to return this,” he holds it out to Jimin. It’s his uniform. “I uh… it helped me, you know, during my rut.”

Jimin hugs the uniform to his chest. It’s washed and ironed, but underneath the detergent, it smells like Jungkook now. Jungkook stands there, outside Jimin’s door, his hands awkwardly by his side. 

“I’ll–I should— It’s late, right?” Jungkook fumbles through the words.

“Jungkook-ssi, would you like to come inside?” Jimin asks meekly and Jungkook’s eyes go wide.

“It’s…” he shakes his head, “Uh…”

“Answer the question.” Jimin bats his lashes up at him, just twice, holding the door a little wider. 

Jungkook takes in Jimin’s attire, bespectacled eyes roving from his face down to his feet. Jimin sees the way the apple of Jungkook’s throat bobs. Then he smells it. Jungkook’s scent, sweeter than before.

“Just for a little while,” says Jungkook. Jimin widens the door very slowly to let the alpha in, holding his breath because Jungkook looks like he might run away. He makes sure to even close the door quietly once Jungkook is inside. 

Jimin's heart, breath, and mind are racing. But he takes a step forward slowly, slipping his hand in Jungkook's to drag him further inwards. .

“I was just about to have some tea…” he says, trying for nonchalance.

“Oh, I just had tea.” Jungkook chuckles, and he's nervous, Jimin can tell. He leads Jungkook to the bed instead. 

“Then we'll skip that.” Jimin sits on the edge of the bed. Jungkook sits next to him, clearing his throat. 

“Your hair is still…” the alpha trails off, reaching for the towel Jimin had thrown on the bed. He gently rubs it on different parts of Jimin's head, squeezing his hair dry every now and then. 

“This feels nice.” Jimin closes his eyes, hearing Jungkook chuckle in acknowledgement. “But Jungkook-sii, why are we acting like we weren't just making out in the car?”

“Heh, it's just been a while since I've been… involved with someone.” Jungkook shrugs. 

“That's adorable, and you're like a nervous teenager.” Jimin nudges Jungkook's shoulder playfully. He stands up and takes Jungkook's glasses away then, placing them on the bedside table. “If it's any consolation, this is the first time I'm getting involved with someone.”

A low rumble emanates from Jungkook’s chest, and it's like a cloud of sweet scent is directed right at Jimin. When Jimin looks back, Jungkook is looking at him a little differently than before. There's a singular focus in his eyes, and they're on Jimin.

This time, Jimin doesn't shy away from Jungkook's gaze, holding it head on. The omega walks around the bed, eyes locked with Jungkook's, not paying mind to how his bathrobe slips off one shoulder.

Jungkook notices, of course. The sharp way in which his eyes follow it gives him away. Jimin climbs onto the bed, swinging his legs deliberately this time. The robe falls aside to reveal his bare thigh. Jungkook crawls over slowly and Jimin’s heart picks up. The alpha traps him against the pillows, hovering over his face.

A smile itches to bloom on Jimin’s lips as he reaches up, caressing Jungkook’s face gently. But Jungkook suddenly looks nervous.

“Are you sure, Jimin?”

“I am,” Jimin affirms without blinking, reaching down and playing with a button on Jungkook’s shirt, opening it and going for the next, and the one below that and so on. 

Jungkook leans in, and their noses rub against each other before the alpha claims Jimin's lips. It's a soft kiss, their lips gently sliding in place, but something in Jimin nudges him to go on and lick the inside of Jungkook's upper lip slightly.

Jimin is not prepared for the reaction it elicits. Jungkook is gasping against Jimin's mouth, a hand grabbing the back of the omega’s neck. Jimin lets him push his tongue inside. The feeling of their tongues rolling together is glorious. It switches something deep inside Jimin and suddenly he’s throwing his legs apart to wrap them around Jungkook. He feels it. The hard bulge in Jungkook's trousers rubbing against his own crotch.

Jungkook moans into Jimin mouth, sliding away by dragging his teeth on Jimin's lower lip before releasing it.

“I've wanted to do that for a really long time.” Jungkook whispers. Jimin is about to smile for pure joy, but gasps when Jungkook starts leaving frantic open-mouthed kisses up his jaw and then down his neck. 

“Alpha~” he moans unbidden, when Jungkook mouths at his scent gland. Another pleasant rumble thrums from Jungkook's chest, and he nips at Jimin's ear gently. The alpha then turns them on their side, cupping Jimin's face.

“Say that again for me?”

“What? Alpha?” Jimin giggles.

“Mhmm,” Jungkook plays with the knot that holds Jimin's bathrobe together, slowly undoing it by pulling on the sash. Underneath which Jimin is achingly hard.

Jimin too pushes Jungkook's shirt off one shoulder, feeling the alpha's skin under his hand. 

“Take me, alpha.” He says, and it is a command. Jungkook closes his eyes trying to stifle a growl that's itching behind his teeth, and the sight, the sounds, the scent make Jimin feel it. Slick gushing between his legs. 

Jungkook sits up to get rid of his shirt. Jimin mimics this, except he lets Jungkook undo the knot. Once the robe is off, Jungkook kisses Jimin behind the ear.

“Get on your hands and knees for me, Jimin-ah” Jungkook says, running a hand down Jimin's arm. Jimin shudders as he nods, turning on his stomach and lifting his ass to get on his knees for Jungkook. Suddenly, there is a warm, much welcome weight on him. Jungkook's torso lines against his back. The alpha is peppering his neck and shoulders with kisses. Jimin feels ecstatic, yet impatient.

Jungkook's hands wrap around Jimin's front and the touch is grounding. Soon Jungkook’s nose is pressed against Jimin’s neck, one hand on Jimin’s waist, and the other playing with his nipples. Jimin whimpers, shuddering at the sensations manifold. Jungkook is saying something, but Jimin can’t make sense of it, high from the combination of their sweet and earthy scents at this point. 

“Did you hear me, Jimin-ah?” Jungkook noses the shell of Jimin’s ear.

“Huh?” Jimin’s lip trembles. He takes Jungkook’s hand, lacing their fingers.

“I said you’re the most beautiful omega I’ve ever met.” Jungkook whispers for emphasis. He kisses Jimin’s pink cheek, craning his neck further to kiss him on the lips briefly. “Do you trust me?” He asks in another hushed whisper.

Jimin nods, and with another kiss to the mouth, Jungkook runs his fingers through Jimin’s hair.

“Just rest your head on the pillow like this,” the alpha guides Jimin’s head. The omega lays his cheek on the pillow and rests his elbows on either side of his head. “That’s it, sweetheart, get comfortable for me. You smell absolutely heavenly, Jimin.”

Another kiss, and Jimin can’t get enough. But he’s also growing impatient, arching his back with a pout. Jungkook seems to get it, frantically unbuckling his belt before his hands are on Jimin’s waist again, slowly moving lower to squeeze his asscheeks. Jimin lets out a gasp that’s followed by a moan, pushing back into Jungkook’s hands. It invites another growl from Jungkook, as he scrapes his teeth against Jimin's scent gland.

“You don't know what you're doing to me,” Jungkook says, grunts more like, as his hands knead on Jimin's ample bottom.

“Don't hold back on my account,” Jimin says, panting from all, but not enough, stimulation. “I can take it.”

Jungkook then grabs Jimin's face by the chin. “You don't know what you're asking for.” He whispers, his pupils blown wide and black with arousal.

Something about how heady Jungkook's honey-laced scent is making him prompts Jimin to say, “Try me.”

Jungkook then pushes Jimin's face into the pillow, leaving more bitey, greedy, open mouthed kisses down his back. Jimin felt each one of them, shuddering, arching and gasping at the feeling. 

“Fuck, Jimin, the way you smell right now,” Jungkook says, “I can’t wait to taste you here.”

“Jungkook-ssi, please,” Jimin buries his face in the pillow, half out of shyness and half out of impatience. 

Then, he gasps. Jungkook's fingers tickle his rim before pushing a finger in his hole.

Jimin's legs are already shaking at the intrusion as he bites the pillow. Jungkook is gently rubbing his flank to soothe him through it, but the pleasure is just too much. Pleasure, mainly at the fact that the alpha he’s long been pining after is touching him like this.

Just as soon as Jimin gets used to the finger, it is gone, replaced with something much softer, but so much more insistent. Jungkook licks up to Jimin’s hope, circling his tongue around the rim before pushing it in. It’s Jimin’s turn to groan. The sound is muffled by the pillow, as the omega’s hips move of their own volition. Judging by the sounds Jungkook himself is making while eating Jimin out, the alpha is eating him out like he’s hungry. 

Jungkook briefly rests his cheek on Jimin’s butt. 

“Let me hear you, sweetheart,” his voice rings low and deep in the big room. 

“Hyung~” The word slips from between Jimin’s lips, and Jungkook likes it, judging by his grip on Jimin’s hips, not to mention his excited growl.

“Need–Need to feel you, p-please,” Jimin sways his hips as much as he can in Jungkook’s hold. In response to his begging, Jungkook’s palms land on his asscheeks, spreading them  before diving in again. Two fingers come alongside Jungkook’s tongue this time and Jimin keens, gathering the sheets in his fists. 

“Fuck, please don’t stop, mmmmgh,” the omega curse through his teeth.

“Can’t,” Jungkook says between licks, “stop,” another lick as he pumps his fingers over a soft bundle of nerves up Jimin’s hole, “even if I wanted to, baby, you’re so addictive.”

Jimin lets out a litany of moans. The fingers pull out and Jungkook is darting his tongue in and out of Jimin. The omega gasps at how soft and wonderfully ticklish it feels, sitting up on his elbows to breathe a little better. It gets too much, enough that his legs are shaking, and Jimin probably says so out loud because Jungkook stops. He pulls away, only to leave a smattering of kisses up his back. Jimin lays down on his stomach and Jungkook lies next to him, running fingers through his hair. His hard, hot length hits the back of Jimin’s thigh.

“Oh, you’re–you’re big.” Jimin says through heavy breaths.

“Hmm?” Jungkook shifts till their faces are kissing distance apart. “Will that be a problem?”

“No, alpha,” Jimin bats his lashes and Jungkook groans, grabbing Jimin’s chin to kiss him.

“Mmmph, you taste that, sweetheart?” Jungkook whispers, rubbing circles over Jimin’s back, “Taste how sweet your slick is?”

“Mhmm,” Jimin kisses Jungkook again, “Love it when you call me sweetheart.”

The omega goes for Jungkook’s lips once more, slowly turning the alpha on his back and climbing over him, straddling him with his thighs. Jungkook moans into Jimin’s mouth, as their cocks rub against each other roughly. Jimin’s nails dig into Jungkook’s shoulders. Jungkook holds Jimin by the hair, tugging at it in an act of dominance. It makes Jimin break off the kiss and gasp. He rolls his hips to rub his cock against Jungkook’s, before he realises it.

“Is this okay,” Jungkook asks, lips moving again Jimin’s chin, grip in his hair loosening. 

“I like it.”

As soon as Jimin says it, Jungkook yanks his head up by the hair, his other hand around Jimin’s waist, rutting up against the omega’s cock. He kisses licks a stripe up Jimin’s neck, nibbling slightly over his scent gland. 

A lazy haze of pleasure takes over Jimin because of it. He becomes pliant in Jungkook’s hands, briefly content to just be on the receiving end, so secure in Jungkook's arms. Groans leave his lips while being jostled delightfully by his strong alpha, pleasure coursing in a slow, heaty way from his core and his neck to the rest of his body.

“Jimin,” Jungkook slows down again, kissing Jimin’s jawling again, “Jimin, you alright?”

Jimin looks down at Jungkook, brimming with a rush of affection for this alpha. He rests his palms on either side of Jungkook’s head, picking up where they left off, rutting against the alpha lazily. Jungkook’s face softens as he watches, eyes rolling back into the alpha’s head. There is one thought in Jimin’s head, and it’s that he is falling deeply in love with this man.

“I wanna ride you like this,” Jimin smiles, cupping Jungkook’s face. 

“Are you sure?” 

“I am,” Jimin rubs his thumb against Jungkook’s lower lip, “Wanna see you.”

Jungkook’s eyes grow darker somehow, glassy as they focus only on Jimin. He looks younger now, vulnerable under Jimin, even as he holds his waist tightly, moving him slightly upwards from himself. Jimin takes the cue, crawling backwards, lower against Jungkook as he reaches the alpha’s waist. He needs, needs, to see the power he holds over Jungkook.

And Jungkook delivers. 

As soon as Jimin licks his hand, Jungkook is swearing, hands fisting the sheets beside him. Jimin grabs Jungkook's girthy, heavy cock and licks the tip, swirling his tongue around it for a bit. All the while he looks at Jungkook, at the way his back arches with each swirl, the way he hisses at how it feels. Like a pretty puppet, strings in Jimin's hands. Jungkook throws his head back when Jimin takes his cock fully into his mouth. Or tries to, as much as he can. It’s just to tease.

The omega then decides to go easy on Jungkook, rising to straddle the alpha. He holds that veiny cock and lines himself up. Jungkook’s gaze zeroes in on it, he’s sitting up on his elbows. 

Both the men gasp when the blunt head of Jungkook’s cock hits Jimin’s hole. Jungkook sits up, holding Jimin’s waist again to guide him down. Jimin has to close his eyes for this. His mouth falls open as he takes Jungkook’s cock, the stretch, the mild burn, the slick that he keeps gushing, slowly peaking the pleasure from it all. 

“Oh, Jungkook,” Jimin is panting, getting used to it for a moment while Jungkook grits his teeth with what seems like restraint. He rubs soothing circles against Jimin’s side, leaning in to leave a quick peck on his collar bone, then chin, then lips.

“You ready?” impatience drips in Jungkook’s tone, and Jimin nods. As he rises up and seats himself back on Jungkook’s cock, the alpha groans, digging his fingers into Jimin’s waist. He lies back down for a better angle and Jimin moans, effectively bouncing on that thick cock. 

It feels different, so much better than his heat. Jimin slams himself down and rolls his hips to feel the wet press of the cock against his sweet spot. 

“Fuck, Jimin, you feel so divine!” Jungkook cries, and it feels like he’s meeting Jimin up halfway, thrusting into him with force.

Jimin can’t form words, completely consumed in pleasure. He holds his own hair as his thighs are at work, making him jump up and down to take Jungkook’s cock. It’s tiring in the best way and so blissful. When he opens his eyes, they meet Jungkook’s and Jimin knows the cards that he holds here. It fills him with more ecstasy, a little bit of pride, and it helps that Jungkook’s scent is puffing out around him, getting him more scent drunk.

Holding Jungkook’s gaze, Jimin reaches down, where his slick, mixed with Jungkook’s precum is pooling at the base of the alpha’s cock. Jimin runs his finger through the mess and brings it up to his lips. It does something to Jungkook. Jimin doesn’t know what but he’s very much looking forward to the alpha’s reaction. 

Jungkook grunts, sounds almost angry, and it excites Jimin as he watches the alpha rise and grab his wrists. Jimin is being flipped onto his back and he is laughing. Jungkook pins Jimin’s wrists against the bed.

“I see you know,” Jungkook says through gritted teeth with a particularly hard thrust into Jimin that makes the omega gasp, “you know exactly what you’re doing to me.”

“So, show me–Aah~” Jimin throws his head back as Jungkook picks up, fucking Jimin into the mattress with force and speed. “Yes, fuck, yes-yes-yes-yes.” Jimin moans unabashedly. Jungkook kisses him as his hips piston into Jimin, letting go of his hands. Jimin immediately wraps them around Jungkook’s neck, letting the alpha bend him in half. 

The new angle hits different, and so euphorically that Jimin’s back arches sharply, unable to contain the pleasure his feels. 

“Jungkook,” Jimin whines against Jungkook’s lips, “knot me~”

“Fuck,” Jungkook curses, pressing his face into Jimin’s neck. As though on command, Jimin can feel the thickening on the base of Jungkook’s cock, slightly catching against his rim as the alpha fucks him.

“That’s it,” Jimin gasps, scratching Jungkook’s back with some impatience, “we’ll cum together like this.”

Jimin has a hand in Jungkook’s hair when the knot finally swells and catches, pressing deliciously on Jimin’s sweetspot. The pleasure consumes Jimin. His vision goes white as he vaguely feels Jungkook’s teeth somewhere near his shoulder. The orgasm hits them both together, with Jungkook’s knot and cock pulsating in Jimin’s mating canal, with Jimin spurting cum between their chests. Their bodies thrum together, and Jimin understands why the books say there is a glow. Warmth surges within him and he is glad Jungkook is there, holding him as he comes down from the peaks of pleasure.

As they lay there, basking, Jimin wraps his legs around Jungkook. The alpha raises his head, kissing Jimin lazily as his cock twitches and spurts inside Jimin every 5 or so seconds. 

“Mmmh, Alpha,” Jimin mumbles, “Knot feels so good.”

“You feel amazing, sweetheart.” Jungkook sighs against Jimin’s cheek, pressing more kisses there. He then turns them around so Jungkook is below Jimin, not crushing the omega under his weight.

“We’re so sticky,” Jimin giggles, resting his head on Jungkook’s chest.

“It’s part of the fun.” Jungkook rubs Jimin’s back up and down, kissing his forehead. “You’ll get used to it.”

“Mhmhmm yes I will,” Jimin grins, “We’re going to do this so many more times.”

“You just want me for my body,” Jungkook pinches Jimin’s side and the omega giggles.

“You’ve maintained it well. You have to take me to the gym with you.” Jimin jokes.

“I’d like that,” Jungkook says a lot more seriously. “Say, Jimin, would you like to um…”

“What is it?” Jimin lifts his head, resting his chin on Jungkook’s chest to look at him proper.

“Well, I was wondering,” Jungkook draws small spirals on Jimin’s shoulder, “if you’d like to wear that pendant… Unless, of course, you too think it’s too small, then–”

“Want to collar me already, huh?”

Jungkook curses in response, his grip on Jimin’s shoulder tightening as his cock shoots a fresh load, painting Jimin’s insides. Jimin groans at the stimulating, his forehead pressed against Jungkook’s collarbone.

“Jimin! Come on!” Jungkook chuckles, lightly slapping Jimin’s shoulder. “I’m old, not primitive!”

“Your alpha really likes the idea though,” Jimin teases, ticking under Jungkook’s chin.

“I was just surprised you said that,” Jungkook tries to justify, but Jimin laughs all the same.

“I'll wear it, of course, by the way,” Jimin says after a beat. “There should be a chain lying around at home that should fit through the notch.”

“I have a chain,” Jungkook adds, “it's in my bag.”

“Well, you could have given it to me together then,” Jimin exclaims. 

“I didn't want it to seem a bit much.” Jungkook pouts, “definitely not come across as ‘oh, let me put that on for you right away' when I am waiting for you to make up your mind about… you know”

“My sweet, overthinking alpha,” Jimin rubs a thumb across Jungkook's cheekbone. It’s rich coming from Jimin, who is currently overthinking, keeping himself from saying the big l-word.

Jimin almost doses off, warm over Jungkook and comfortable in their joint scent cloud. But 20 minutes later, Jungkook’s knot softens and they have a mess to deal with.

The couple cleans up, leaving the sheets for the morning and opting to sleep in Jungkook’s room instead. In the warm sheets and cold pillows that smell like Jungkook, Jimin pulls the alpha closer to make out with him some more before sleep takes them.

“Jimin,”

“Mmm?” Jimin refuses to open his eyes. He is warm and comfortable after what feels like a long time. He holds Jungkook tighter.

“I need to pee,” Jungkook says, and reluctantly, Jimin lets go, turning in bed to find a comfortable position.

He hears Jungkook tinkering about in the bathroom. After sometime he feels Jungkook's warm fingers running through his hair.

“I'm hungry, you ready to wake up?”

“Go on ahead, I'll join you in the restaurant in a bit.” Jimin mumbles. Jungkook leaves after kissing Jimin's cheek. The omega dozes for some more time with a smile on his lips.

When Jimin goes to his room to freshen up and wash the stains on the sheets, but Jungkook had already done them.

Jimin touts the very fact in his group chat, which is already blowing up with questions about last night.

Blushing even thinking about it, Jimin puts his phone aside and finds Jungkook's shirt on the chair. It's an impulsive move but Jimin puts it on instead of the top he'd laid out for him. He can't wait to see the look on Jungkook's face.

At the lobby restaurant, Jungkook is seated with someone else, and mostly done with his breakfast.

As Jimin is walking up to them, Jungkook spots him and grins, waving him over. His smile drops when Jimin gets closer and he looks at the shirt. He starts clearing his throat.

“Um,” Jungkook says once Jimin approaches the table, “Ahem, Seokjin, you’ve met Jimin. Jimin-ah, this is Kim Seokjin, he runs the finances of this branch now.”

Jimin bows to greet the handsome man named Seokjin, then takes the seat next to Jungkook. 

“You're wearing my shirt,” Jungkook whispers, leaning in.

“Well, next time, scent me before you beat me to breakfast.” Jimin retorts.

Jungkook's gaze flits across Jimin's features, and they share a mischievous smile.

“So,” Seokjin gets their attention, rubbing his palms, “This is happening, huh? You two?”

Jimin wants to say ‘duh’ but looks at Jungkook instead. They haven’t exactly discussed what comes next. 

“You’ll have to forgive my nephew, Jimin. He’s not one for small talk. Like, at all.” Jungkook says, squinting at Seokjin, who smirks while taking a sip of his coffee.

“How about we get something for me to eat first?” Jimin signals a server.

“All I’m saying is, stay low for some more time.” Seokjin appeals to them both. Jimin nods, but Jungkook rolls his eyes. He looks bratty. A teenager in a 45 year old man’s body. Jimin laughs, saying as much, and Jungkook looks affronted.

They bid goodbyes to everyone Jungkook had introduced Jimin to the previous day before checking out. By this time, Jimin’s mood has gone from romantic bliss to anxious.

He offers to drive to have something to do, and Jungkook doesn’t oppose it. 

“So uh, we’re not telling people yet?” Jimin asks once they’re an hour out from the mountain. “That we’re courting now?”

“If you want to wait, we can. But I’d like to be able to take you on dates without it being a big deal.” 

Jimin blushes, pulling over to the side because he feels restless.

“It will be a big deal to me.” He says in a small voice. “I’ve wanted this since we first met.”

Jungkook holds Jimin’s hand. “Well, now you know I want it too. Look, we can’t control what people will say or think, so… I don’t think we should act according to how they might react.”

“That makes sense,” Jimin nods. “Listen, um, if this affects your position at the company or something, just know that I’ve heard some things and the Hilton will be more than happy to scoop you right up.”

Jungkook laughs, pulling Jimin into a hug across the stick-shift. 

“You’re worried about me?” Jungkook chuckles, “Jimin, what about you?”

“What about me?” Jimin frowns, “I’ll eventually take up the job my Eomma does, behind a desk, delegating work. I’m part of the family, even if I won’t be able to go on the field.”

“You’ve got so much more foresight than I do,” Jungkook tucks a stand of hair behind Jimin’s hair. “You’ve been mulling over it all morning, huh?”

“Only since we spoke to Kim Seokjin-ssi,” Jimin says, reaching up for Jungkook's hand till their fingers are intertwined. “I don't know what's going to happen…” 

“I know I should be worrying about it too but,” Jungkook leans right into Jimin's face, “I'm so in love with you, I feel like nothing else matters.”

Jimin's jaw drops.

“You just–you just said it. Just like that, you–”

“I can't take it back, but if it's too much–” Jungkook is retreating, but Jimin is shaking his head, pulling the alpha right back in, planting a kiss square on his mouth. 

“You're actually tearing up?” Jungkook cups Jimin's face.

“Shut up,” Jimin petulantly slaps Jungkook's chest. “This is a big moment.”

Jungkook laughs a little, holding Jimin with a light squeeze before letting go, as the omega dabs his tears. 

They reach Jimin's house, and a lull falls between them. Jimin wants to say something, not ready to let go of the happy bubble he'd gotten into with Jungkook. He wants Jungkook to say something, to stop him.

“You know, I noticed something last night,” Jungkook says, breaking the silence in the car, “and… don't take this the wrong way but um… I noticed you didn't make a nest.”

This time, Jimin's face is red with sheer embarrassment. Deep down, he had been worried it would come up, especially with Hoseok insisting it is important for his health.

“I never got around to properly learning it. My parents were hoping I’d present as a beta so I wasn’t taught.” Jimin hates how meek his voice is.

“I could teach you.” Jungkook shrugs nonchalantly, but his scent gives him away. He smells sweet, excited, and it affects Jimin oh so pleasantly.

“Really?” Jimin raises a brow.

“Hey, when my Appa got old, I would just ready it for him now and then, so yeah, I know how to nest… and you smell like you really dig that.”

“Dig that?” Jimin laughs, despite his aroused scent stinking up the car, “nobody says that anymore.”

“Fine,” Jungkook shrugs again, “I’ll come up and teach you how to nest, and you can teach me how your generation talks, how about that, hmm? Besides,” he roves his eyes all over Jimin, playing with the collar of the shirt he’s wearing, “I need to get my shirt back.”

“We’ll do all of those things,” Jimin lowers his voice, loving the way Jungkook’s eyes grow darker, “but I’m keeping the shirt.”

The couple runs up to Jimin’s apartment, not a care about being spotted, not a thought about anything else in the world. They make out at the door before Jimin drags Jungkook to the bed, stripping and building the nest hand in hand, making out, making love. This time, they cuddle in bed for longer, talking about everything and nothing, sharing dreams and fears they hadn’t voiced before.

“I don’t know how you aren’t nervous.” Jimin hovers around Jungkook at the dining table, fidgeting with the rose pendant around his neck. They’re in Jungkook’s house, waiting for Jimin’s friends to come over for the feast Jungkook is throwing them.

“Because I will charm them,” Jungkook says confidently, “if not with my personality, then with my cooking and hosting skills.”

“Yoongi hyung is about ready to give you the third degree.” Jimin sighs.

The dinner party, however, goes off without a hitch. Taehyung speaks to Jungkook like they’re old friends, while Namjoon is very impressed with the food. The person who speaks with Jungkook the longest throughout the evening is Yoongi as they talk about different wines. They get so engrossed in the discussion that Hoseok side-eyes them.

All in all, Jungkook is approved by the people Jimin considers most important in his life. He sits back, watching them all, watching Jungkook and considering himself fortunate. They had convinced Jimin this would probably never be his life, but he’s here today, a healthy omega with a loving boyfriend who is about to ask him to move in a month from the present.

Park Jimin couldn’t ask for more.

As Jimin's friends call it a night, Jungkook stands next to the omega, holding him from behind, hands wrapped around his waist.

“Where to next, sweetheart?” Jungkook kissed Jimin's neck.

“We're doing the dishes, are we not?”

Jungkook laughs, “I mean after, of course.”

“Well, because you worked so hard cooking all day,” Jimin turns around in Jungkook's arms, “I'll do the clean up, and you can go criticise the nest I've made in your room.”

“I have never criticised you!” Jungkook gasps, pulling Jimin closer, holding him tighter in the way that gives him butterflies.

Jimin wraps his arms around Jungkook's neck, enjoying every moment of this banter. 

“Let me jog your memory, grandpa, you had a lot to say about the pasta I made yesterday.”

“Grandpa!? Oh, you're pushing it,” Jungkook growls menacingly. Jimin giggles, freeing himself from Jungkook's grip, and going halfway up the stairs.

“Well, how about, hmm…” Jimin pretends to ponder, pouting. “Daddy?”

It pulls a grunt from Jungkook. He’s chasing Jimin, who’s scampering up the stairs to Jungkook’s room. Jungkook scoops him up in a bridal carry, darting into the bedroom.

~keut