Chapter Text
Jungkook took a deep breath as he stepped into the Faculty of Engineering building at National University. Today marked the first day of the internship program he had been anticipating for months. His black backpack felt lighter than usual, filled with quiet hope and nervous excitement. After years of hard work, he was finally going to apply everything he had learned in the real world. A small, uncontainable smile tugged at his lips while walking down the still-quiet corridor.
He had pictured what his internship supervisor would be like — someone wise, strict but fair. Jungkook had even prayed the night before that his mentor would be easy to work with. As a 21-year-old Omega, he knew he had to be extra careful. University life was full of Alphas with sharp senses, and Jungkook had trained himself to suppress his scent for years.
The orientation room was already buzzing when he arrived. Several other students were seated, some chatting softly, others busy taking notes. Jungkook chose a seat in the middle row, right in front of the podium. The clock showed 8:45 AM. Fifteen minutes until the session started.
The door opened smoothly. Firm footsteps echoed closer. Jungkook was still arranging his pens and notebook when the scent hit him — warm cedarwood mixed with a hint of smoke and deep masculinity. A scent so painfully familiar it made his heart stutter.
He looked up.
And the world stopped spinning.
Standing at the podium in a perfectly tailored black suit jacket, a crisp white shirt hugging his broad chest, and an expression that was cool and strictly professional, was Kim Taehyung.
Tae-hyung.
His older brother’s best friend. The distant uncle figure he had known and admired since he was a child. The Alpha whose scent had made Jungkook feel safe — and strangely restless — ever since he understood what those feelings truly meant.
Taehyung stood tall, his sharp eyes scanning the entire room. His gaze passed over Jungkook for only a brief second, without a trace of warmth. As if Jungkook was just another student. As if the eight-year age gap and thousands of shared memories between them had never existed.
“Good morning. I am Professor Kim Taehyung, your internship supervisor and evaluator for this batch. For the next three months, you will all be under my supervision.”
Taehyung’s voice was flat, deep, and full of authority. No smile. No playful wink like he usually gave when calling him “Kookie” at home. Only the cold professionalism of a respected lecturer.
Jungkook felt the blood drain from his face. His fingers tightened around his pen until his knuckles turned white. This couldn’t be real. Out of all the professors in the faculty, why did it have to be Taehyung?
Memories flooded him without warning.
——
He still remembered the very first time he met Taehyung. Five-year-old Jungkook had been crying after falling off his bicycle in the front yard. His older brother Seokjin was away at university. Then a tall young man appeared with a bright smile and easily scooped him up.
“Don’t cry, Kookie. Hyung is here.”
From that day on, Taehyung became a constant presence in his life. When Jungkook was afraid of thunderstorms, Taehyung would come over even in pouring rain. When Jungkook got sick, Taehyung brought homemade soup from his mother. When Jungkook had to give his first school presentation and felt terrified, Taehyung showed up just to cheer him on from the back of the classroom.
Jungkook had always clung to him. Always searched for his scent in crowded places. Even during his first small heat as a teenager, Taehyung waited quietly outside his bedroom door to make sure his suppressants were enough. Always protective. Always warm.
But now?
Now Taehyung stood before him like a stranger.
——
The orientation session proceeded smoothly. Taehyung explained the rules clearly and firmly. No tolerance for tardiness. Reports must be submitted on time. Work ethics were non-negotiable. He specifically emphasized the importance of suppressants and pheromone control for Omegas in the workplace.
“Here, I am nothing but your professor,” Taehyung said, his eyes sweeping across the room. They landed on Jungkook for a moment. “No personal relationships will influence my evaluation. Everyone will be treated equally. Understood?”
The students nodded. Jungkook could only lower his head, jaw clenched tight.
After the group presentations, Taehyung called each student individually for a brief meeting. When it was Jungkook’s turn, his heart felt like it would explode.
“Jeon Jungkook.”
Jungkook stood and approached the table. Taehyung’s Alpha scent grew stronger as the distance between them closed. Cedar and smoke, now layered with sharp, tightly controlled pheromones.
Taehyung looked at him with a completely neutral expression. No familiar eye-crinkling smile. No “Kookie” in that soft tone.
“Full name, major, and reason for choosing this program,” Taehyung said coldly, as if reading from a checklist.
Jungkook swallowed hard. “Jeon Jungkook, Computer Engineering, class of 2023. I chose this program because I want to learn directly from the best practitioners in data security systems.”
Taehyung gave a single nod, his pen moving quickly across the paper.
“Your academic record is excellent. But that means nothing in the field. I will evaluate you as strictly as — or even stricter than — the other students. Do not expect any leniency just because we know each other outside campus.”
Jungkook felt a sharp sting in his chest. “I understand, Professor.”
“Good.” Taehyung handed him a folder containing the schedule and initial assignments. “Be at the lab tomorrow at 7 AM sharp. Don’t be late.”
No “good luck, Kookie.” No pat on the shoulder. Only cold instructions from a professor.
Jungkook left the room with heavy steps. Throughout the rest of the day, he tried to focus on the orientation tasks, but his mind kept drifting back to Taehyung. How could the same person be so different?
——
That evening, at half past seven, Jungkook finally arrived home. His brother Seokjin was out of town for business for two weeks, leaving the house quiet and empty. He had just set down his bag when the doorbell rang.
Jungkook opened the door and was immediately enveloped by the same scent — but this time it was warm, unguarded, and familiar.
Taehyung stood on the doorstep wearing a loose gray sweater and black sweatpants. His hair was slightly messy, far from the polished professor look earlier. In his hands were plastic bags filled with takeout from Jungkook’s favorite restaurant.
“Kookie!” Taehyung smiled brightly, his voice soft and affectionate again. “Hyung heard your internship started today. Are you tired? I brought samgyeopsal and jjajangmyeon for you.”
Jungkook froze at the doorway. In just a few hours, Taehyung had completely transformed. On campus he was ice-cold. Here, he was the same caring hyung from years ago.
Taehyung walked in without waiting for an invitation, heading straight to the kitchen like it was his own home. “You haven’t eaten yet, right? You looked pale earlier at campus. Are your suppressants enough? Don’t skimp on the dosage.”
Jungkook followed him slowly. “Hyung… why didn’t you tell me you were going to be my internship supervisor?”
Taehyung glanced over while arranging the food on the table. His smile softened a little. “I only found out yesterday afternoon. The dean assigned me. I thought it would be better for you to find out during orientation so you wouldn’t be nervous beforehand.”
Jungkook sat at the dining table. His own scent was probably spreading now — soft, sweet vanilla with a hint of burnt sugar, the Omega scent that always grew stronger whenever he was near Taehyung.
Taehyung pushed a plate toward him. “Eat a lot. You have to wake up early tomorrow. I won’t tolerate lateness, Kookie. On campus, I am your professor. Not your hyung.”
Jungkook bit his lower lip. “But at home… you’re still hyung?”
Taehyung reached out and ruffled Jungkook’s hair affectionately, just like he always had. His large, warm hand felt gentle. “Of course. At home, I’m still your Tae-hyung. The one who used to carry you when it rained heavily.”
That simple touch sent shivers down Jungkook’s spine. The feelings he had buried for years surged up violently. The long, painful pining that had never truly faded. The quiet love that made him compare every other Alpha to Taehyung — and they always fell short.
They ate together. Taehyung chatted lightly about work, asked about Jungkook’s classes, and reminded him to drink plenty of water. Everything felt normal. Warm. Familiar.
But Jungkook couldn’t forget the cold gaze Taehyung had given him that morning on campus.
As the night grew late, Taehyung helped clean up before preparing to leave. At the front door, he paused. His eyes lingered on Jungkook longer than usual. His cedar scent thickened slightly, as if he was holding something back.
“Make sure you rest well,” Taehyung said softly. His hand ruffled Jungkook’s hair one last time. “Good night, Kookie.”
“Good night, Hyung.”
The door closed. Jungkook leaned against it, pressing a hand to his wildly beating heart. Taehyung’s scent still clung to his sweater.
He smiled bitterly.
His feelings had never disappeared. They had only grown deeper.
And now, Taehyung wasn’t just the hyung he adored. He was also the professor who would judge every step he took for the next three months.
Jungkook closed his eyes, remembering Taehyung’s warm smile from tonight and the icy stare from this morning.
Two completely different sides.
And Jungkook was falling even harder into the abyss named Kim Taehyung.
——
Later that night, Jungkook lay in bed staring at the ceiling. On his study desk sat the internship folder Taehyung had given him. The cover clearly read “Prof. Kim Taehyung” in bold black ink.
He let out a long sigh.
Tomorrow would be a long day.
And Jungkook knew — this was only the beginning.
——
The next morning, Jungkook arrived at the lab at 6:50 AM — ten minutes early. His eyes were slightly puffy from lack of sleep, but his uniform was neat and his suppressants freshly taken. He refused to give Taehyung any reason to criticize him on the very first day.
The laboratory was modern and spacious, filled with multiple computer stations, large monitors, and the low hum of servers. A few other interns were already there, nervously setting up their workspaces. Jungkook chose a station near the window, trying to steady his breathing.
At exactly 7:00 AM, the door opened.
Professor Kim Taehyung walked in wearing a black turtleneck that accentuated his broad shoulders and sharp collarbones, paired with dark slacks. His presence instantly commanded the room. The warm, comforting scent from last night was gone. Instead, it was replaced by a tightly controlled Alpha pheromone — cool, authoritative, and slightly intimidating.
“Morning,” Taehyung said curtly, placing his laptop on the main desk. “No time for small talk. We start immediately.”
He began assigning tasks without wasting a second. Each intern received a specific project related to network security simulation. When he reached Jungkook’s station, he didn’t even look at him directly at first.
“Jeon Jungkook,” Taehyung said, voice flat. “You will handle the vulnerability assessment for the main server model. I expect a full report by 4 PM, including penetration test results and proposed solutions. Don’t disappoint.”
Jungkook nodded firmly. “Yes, Professor.”
For the first three hours, everything went relatively smoothly. Jungkook was focused, his fingers flying across the keyboard. He had always been good at this — coding under pressure was something he excelled at. But then Taehyung started making rounds.
The first critique came at 10:30 AM.
“Jeon.” Taehyung’s voice was sharp as he leaned over Jungkook’s screen. “Your firewall configuration is sloppy. This gap right here could let a basic SQL injection through in under thirty seconds. Are you still in first-year basics?”
Jungkook’s stomach dropped. He had double-checked that section twice.
“I—I’ll fix it right away, Professor.”
Taehyung didn’t stop there. “And your code structure is inefficient. You’re wasting processing power. Redo the entire segment. I want it clean and optimized before lunch.”
The words were delivered loud enough for the other interns to hear. A few of them glanced over with sympathetic looks. Jungkook’s cheeks burned with embarrassment, but he kept his head down and started rewriting the code immediately.
By 1 PM, Taehyung had returned three more times, each critique harsher than the last.
“Your logic flow is amateur.
This encryption method is outdated.
If this were a real client, we would’ve been breached already because of your carelessness.”
Every sentence felt like a knife. Jungkook’s eyes started to sting, not from tears — he refused to cry here — but from the sheer weight of the pressure. This wasn’t the Taehyung who had brought him jjajangmyeon last night. This was someone else entirely. Someone cold. Someone ruthless.
At 4:15 PM, Jungkook submitted his revised report with trembling hands.
Taehyung reviewed it in silence for ten long minutes while the rest of the interns waited for their own feedback. The lab was dead quiet.
Finally, Taehyung spoke.
“This is barely passable. C-minus at best. You relied too much on templates instead of thinking critically. Do it again tonight and resubmit tomorrow morning. I expect excellence, not mediocrity, Jeon Jungkook. Especially from you.”
Especially from you.
The words echoed painfully in Jungkook’s head.
He left the lab at 5:30 PM with a heavy heart and an even heavier backpack. The walk home felt endless. His scent had turned bitter — the sweet vanilla now carrying notes of burnt sugar and wilted flowers. He hated how obvious his emotions were to any Alpha nearby.
When he finally reached home, Jungkook collapsed onto the couch without even changing clothes. His chest ached. Not just from the criticism, but from the whiplash of Taehyung’s behavior. How could the same person who ruffled his hair so gently last night tear him apart so mercilessly in front of everyone today?
The doorbell rang at 7:20 PM.
Jungkook already knew who it was before opening the door.
Taehyung stood there again, this time in a casual black hoodie and jeans, holding another bag of takeout. His expression was soft, the corners of his lips lifted in that familiar gentle smile.
“Kookie, I’m home— I mean, I came over,” he corrected himself lightly. “You must be hungry. Hyung brought pork belly and kimchi jjigae this time.”
Jungkook stepped aside silently, letting him in. The moment Taehyung entered the house, his warm cedar scent wrapped around Jungkook like a blanket, chasing away the bitterness from earlier.
They sat at the dining table. Taehyung served the food generously, even adding extra rice to Jungkook’s bowl the way he always did since Jungkook was little.
“How was your first day?” Taehyung asked casually, as if he hadn’t spent the entire day dismantling Jungkook’s confidence.
Jungkook stared at his food. His voice came out quieter than intended. “It was… tough.”
Taehyung hummed, chewing thoughtfully. “Good. It should be tough. You’re talented, Kookie, but talent without discipline is useless. I was harder on you today because I know you can take it. I know you can be better than everyone else in that room.”
Jungkook looked up, eyes glassy. “You humiliated me in front of the others, Hyung. You said my work was barely passable. You—”
“I said what needed to be said as your professor,” Taehyung interrupted gently but firmly. His large hand reached across the table and rested on Jungkook’s head, ruffling his hair with the same affection as always. “If I go easy on you, people will talk. They’ll say I’m playing favorites. Worse, you’ll never improve. I’m doing this for you.”
The touch was so warm. So comforting. Jungkook unconsciously leaned into it, his Omega instincts craving the safety of this Alpha’s scent and presence. His vanilla scent sweetened again, blooming under Taehyung’s attention.
“I know,” Jungkook whispered. “But it still hurts.”
Taehyung’s thumb brushed lightly against Jungkook’s temple. For a split second, something flickered in his dark eyes — something deeper, almost conflicted. But it disappeared before Jungkook could read it.
“You’ll understand one day,” Taehyung said softly. “Eat now. You look exhausted.”
They finished dinner in a strange but familiar atmosphere. Taehyung washed the dishes while humming an old song Jungkook recognized from childhood. After everything, he still helped Jungkook review some concepts for tomorrow’s assignment, explaining them patiently at the dining table like a caring older brother.
At one point, while leaning over Jungkook’s laptop to point at the screen, their shoulders brushed. Taehyung’s scent intensified for a brief moment — richer, warmer, with a hint of something darker underneath. Jungkook’s breath hitched. His body reacted instantly, a small wave of heat spreading through his lower belly despite the suppressants.
Taehyung noticed.
He straightened up quickly, clearing his throat. “It’s getting late. You should sleep soon. Don’t stay up revising too long.”
Jungkook nodded, biting the inside of his cheek.
At the door, Taehyung paused again, just like last night. He looked at Jungkook for a long moment, eyes tracing his face as if searching for something.
“You did well today, Kookie,” he said quietly, voice low and sincere. “I’m proud of you. Even if I can’t say it in the lab.”
Those words broke something inside Jungkook.
The moment the door closed, Jungkook slid down to the floor, back against the wood, knees drawn to his chest. His heart was pounding violently. Tears he had held back all day finally slipped down his cheeks.
He was in love with a man who could destroy him with a single sentence during the day and heal him completely with a few words at night.
And Jungkook didn’t know how much longer he could endure this push and pull without breaking.
His scent filled the entire living room — sweet, desperate, and aching with years of unspoken longing.
——
Later that night, in his own apartment across town, Taehyung stood on the balcony, staring at the city lights. He brought the sleeve of his hoodie — the one that had brushed against Jungkook earlier — closer to his nose.
The faint trace of Jungkook’s vanilla scent still lingered.
Taehyung closed his eyes, jaw tightening.
“What the hell is wrong with me…” he muttered under his breath.
The “little Kookie” he had protected for years was slowly revealing himself as something far more dangerous.
An Omega who was becoming impossible to ignore.
——
The third day of internship started like the previous ones — early morning, neat uniform, fresh suppressants, and a determination to prove himself. But something felt different the moment Jungkook stepped into the lab.
His body was warmer than usual. Not feverish, but a low, persistent heat hummed beneath his skin. He had taken his suppressants on schedule, yet his scent seemed harder to control. The sweet vanilla that usually stayed soft and subtle now carried a richer, warmer undertone — like vanilla pods soaked in warm honey. It was the unmistakable sign of an approaching pre-heat.
Jungkook cursed silently. His cycle had always been irregular, but he hadn’t expected it this soon, especially not during the most stressful week of his life.
He kept his head down as he worked on the revised vulnerability report Taehyung had demanded. His fingers moved across the keyboard with practiced precision, but his concentration kept slipping. Every time the air conditioning shifted, he caught a whiff of his own changing scent and felt mortified.
At 9:15 AM, Professor Kim Taehyung entered the lab.
Today he wore a dark navy button-up with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, exposing strong forearms. His presence immediately commanded attention. The other interns greeted him respectfully. Jungkook only gave a small nod, not trusting his voice.
Taehyung began his usual rounds, giving feedback with the same clinical sharpness. When he reached Jungkook’s station, he leaned over to check the screen. For a few seconds, nothing happened.
Then Taehyung froze.
Jungkook felt it — the exact moment the Alpha registered the change. Taehyung’s broad shoulders tensed. His cedarwood scent spiked sharply, a heavy wave of Alpha pheromones rolling off him before he quickly reined it in. The smoky undertone deepened, turning almost protective, almost possessive.
“Jeon Jungkook,” Taehyung said, voice lower and tighter than usual. “Step outside with me for a moment.”
Jungkook’s heart slammed against his ribs. He followed Taehyung out of the lab and into the empty corridor. The moment the door closed behind them, Taehyung turned to face him. His expression was still professionally composed, but his eyes were dark, pupils slightly dilated.
“Your scent,” Taehyung said quietly, almost under his breath. “It’s changing. How long have you been feeling like this?”
Jungkook’s ears burned. He looked down at his shoes, fingers twisting together. “Since last night… It’s just pre-heat, Professor. I took double suppressants this morning. It won’t affect my work.”
Taehyung exhaled slowly through his nose. His jaw clenched visibly. “You should have informed me. Pre-heat in this environment isn’t something to ignore. The lab has too many Alphas, even if they’re students.”
“I can handle it,” Jungkook insisted, though his voice wavered. The closeness was making everything worse. Taehyung’s scent wrapped around him like a thick blanket, making his body crave more — safety, touch, closeness. His inner Omega was practically whining.
Taehyung studied him for a long moment. The professional mask remained, but Jungkook could see the conflict in his eyes. This was the same Alpha who had carried him on his back when he was sick as a child. The same one who used to check his temperature with the back of his hand.
“Take a break in the private study room down the hall,” Taehyung finally ordered. “There’s a scent neutralizer spray in the cabinet. Use it. I’ll adjust your deadline for the report by two hours. Don’t push yourself.”
Jungkook blinked. “But Professor, you said—”
“I know what I said,” Taehyung cut him off, voice firm but quieter. “This isn’t favoritism. This is basic safety protocol for Omegas. If your pre-heat intensifies and you cause a scene in the lab, it will reflect badly on both of us. Understood?”
Jungkook nodded, throat tight. “Yes, Professor.”
Before he could turn away, Taehyung’s hand briefly touched his shoulder — a light, almost hesitant touch. The warmth seeped through Jungkook’s uniform shirt like fire.
“And Jungkook,” Taehyung added, using his name instead of the usual “Jeon” for the first time that day. “If it gets worse, tell me immediately. Don’t be stubborn.”
The touch disappeared as quickly as it came. Taehyung walked back into the lab without another word, leaving Jungkook standing in the corridor with trembling legs and a scent that was now unmistakably sweeter.
——
The private study room was quiet and cool. Jungkook sprayed the neutralizer everywhere, but it barely masked anything. His body was producing too much. He sat at the desk, trying to continue working on his laptop, but his mind kept drifting.
He remembered being fifteen and experiencing his first real heat. Taehyung had stayed in the living room the entire night, keeping other Alphas away from the house while Seokjin was panicking. He never entered Jungkook’s room, but his scent had lingered at the door like a silent promise of protection.
Now, years later, that same Alpha was his professor — and the one person whose scent was making his pre-heat ten times harder to control.
By lunchtime, the warmth had spread. Jungkook’s neck felt sensitive, his scent gland slightly swollen and pulsing. He kept pulling his collar higher to hide it.
When he returned to the main lab, Taehyung’s eyes found him instantly. The Alpha’s nostrils flared subtly. Jungkook saw Taehyung’s hands tighten into fists at his sides before he forced them to relax.
“Focus on your task, Jeon,” Taehyung said loudly for everyone to hear, but his tone carried an undercurrent of concern only Jungkook could detect. “I expect better concentration.”
The rest of the afternoon was torture.
Taehyung stayed closer than necessary during checks, as if making sure no other Alpha approached Jungkook. One senior intern — an Alpha named Minjun — tried to offer Jungkook help with a coding problem. Taehyung appeared within seconds.
“I’ll handle Jeon’s supervision,” he said coldly. “Go back to your own station.”
Minjun retreated immediately.
Jungkook felt both grateful and frustrated. Every time Taehyung got close, his body reacted. His scent sweetened further. His thighs pressed together under the desk as small waves of heat rolled through him. He hated how helpless he felt — how desperately his Omega side wanted to press closer to the only Alpha he had ever truly wanted.
At 4 PM, Taehyung dismissed the other interns early but asked Jungkook to stay behind.
Once the lab was empty, the atmosphere shifted.
Taehyung stood a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest. “How bad is it?”
Jungkook swallowed. “Manageable. I’ll go home and rest.”
“You’re lying.” Taehyung’s voice was low. He stepped closer, then stopped himself, as if fighting his own instincts. “Your scent is all over the lab. It’s affecting my concentration too, Kookie.”
The accidental use of the nickname made Jungkook’s breath catch.
Taehyung noticed his slip immediately and corrected himself. “Jeon. I mean… Jungkook.”
They stared at each other in heavy silence. The air was thick with their combined scents — cedarwood smoke and sweet vanilla honey — creating something intoxicating and dangerous.
“I can drive you home,” Taehyung offered finally. His voice was rough. “Seokjin’s still out of town. You shouldn’t take public transport like this.”
Jungkook shook his head quickly. “It’s okay, Professor. I don’t want to cause trouble for you.”
Taehyung looked like he wanted to argue, but the professional wall went back up. “Then at least use the private exit. Avoid crowded areas. And message me when you get home.”
Jungkook nodded, biting his lip hard enough to taste blood.
As he packed his bag, Taehyung watched him silently. The Alpha’s scent had grown heavier, more dominant, as if his body was instinctively responding to Jungkook’s pre-heat. It took visible effort for Taehyung to maintain control.
Before Jungkook left, Taehyung spoke one last time.
“You’re not a child anymore,” he said softly, almost to himself. “But I still… I still feel responsible for you. Don’t make me worry.”
Jungkook didn’t reply. He simply bowed politely and left the lab, heart shattering and soaring at the same time.
——
That evening at home, Jungkook took a cold shower and changed into loose clothes. His pre-heat had intensified slightly, but the suppressants were finally kicking in. He was curled up on the couch with a blanket when the doorbell rang.
Taehyung appeared again, looking exhausted but still devastatingly handsome in casual clothes. This time he brought porridge and medicine.
“You didn’t message me,” Taehyung said the moment he stepped inside. His eyes scanned Jungkook from head to toe. “How are you feeling?”
“Better,” Jungkook lied softly.
Taehyung set the food down and sat on the other end of the couch — maintaining distance, but not enough. His scent immediately filled the living room, calming Jungkook’s restless body.
They ate in relative silence. Taehyung kept glancing at him, worry clear in his eyes even though his words remained careful.
“Pre-heat can be unpredictable,” Taehyung said eventually. “If it gets worse during internship hours, I’ll excuse you for a few days. No questions asked.”
Jungkook looked at him with tired eyes. “You don’t have to treat me specially, Hyung. You said it yourself — on campus, you’re just my professor.”
Taehyung’s expression darkened. He reached out and gently touched Jungkook’s forehead, checking his temperature the way he did when Jungkook was little. The touch lingered longer than necessary.
“I know what I said,” Taehyung murmured. “But some things don’t change that easily.”
Their eyes met. For a moment, the wall between Professor and Hyung cracked. Jungkook’s scent bloomed again, sweet and needy. Taehyung’s breath hitched, his fingers trembling slightly against Jungkook’s skin.
Then Taehyung pulled back as if burned.
“Eat your porridge,” he said hoarsely, standing up. “I’ll stay until you fall asleep, then lock the door behind me.”
Jungkook watched him move around the kitchen, heart aching with love and frustration.
He was falling harder every single day.
And Kim Taehyung — the Alpha he had loved since childhood — was starting to notice that the little Omega he once protected had grown up.
Dangerously so.
——
Later that night, after Jungkook had fallen into a restless sleep on the couch, Taehyung stood at the doorway watching him. The faint scent of Jungkook’s pre-heat still lingered in the air, wrapping around his senses like temptation itself.
Taehyung clenched his jaw, fists tight at his sides.
He whispered into the quiet room, voice barely audible:
“What am I going to do with you, Kookie…”
——
The rain started without warning.
By late afternoon, the sky had turned dark gray, and by the time Jungkook left the lab at 6 PM, it was pouring heavily. Thunder cracked loudly overhead as he stood under the university shelter, watching sheets of water slam against the pavement. His brother Seokjin was still out of town, and the last bus had already left. Jungkook’s apartment was a thirty-minute walk away — impossible in this weather.
He stared at his phone, fingers hovering over Taehyung’s contact.
Hyung, are you home? It’s raining really hard.
The reply came within seconds.
Taehyung: Yes. Come over. I’ll leave the door unlocked. Don’t get soaked.
Jungkook bit his lip. His pre-heat had calmed down slightly thanks to stronger suppressants, but his body still felt sensitive. Being around Taehyung right now was dangerous, yet the thought of going anywhere else didn’t even cross his mind.
He arrived at Taehyung’s apartment building twenty minutes later, completely drenched despite his best efforts. His white shirt clung to his skin, and his hair stuck to his forehead. When he pushed open the unlocked door, warm air and the rich scent of cedarwood welcomed him like an embrace.
“Tae-hyung?” he called out softly.
Taehyung appeared from the kitchen, wearing a simple black t-shirt and gray sweatpants. His eyes widened slightly at the sight of Jungkook’s soaked condition.
“Idiot,” he scolded gently, already grabbing a large towel from the closet. “Why didn’t you wait longer or call me to pick you up?”
“I didn’t want to bother you,” Jungkook mumbled, voice small.
Taehyung sighed and stepped closer. Without hesitation, he draped the thick towel over Jungkook’s head and started drying his hair with careful, familiar movements. The gesture was so domestic, so full of the old affection that Jungkook’s chest tightened painfully.
“You’re never a bother,” Taehyung said quietly. “Go take a hot shower before you catch a cold. I’ll find some dry clothes for you.”
Jungkook nodded obediently and headed to the bathroom. The moment the warm water hit his skin, he let out a shaky breath. Being in Taehyung’s space always made him feel safe, but lately it also made him ache. His scent — still carrying faint traces of pre-heat — began to bloom again in the steamy bathroom, mixing with the cedarwood that seemed to live permanently in every corner of the apartment.
When he came out fifteen minutes later, he was wearing one of Taehyung’s oversized hoodies and a pair of soft sweatpants. The clothes swallowed him, carrying Taehyung’s scent so strongly that Jungkook had to fight the urge to bury his face in the collar.
Taehyung had prepared hot chocolate and ramyeon on the living room table. The lights were dimmed, and soft jazz played from the speakers. It felt like old times — when Jungkook would run to Taehyung’s place whenever he felt overwhelmed or lonely.
“Eat first,” Taehyung ordered, pushing the bowl toward him. “Then you can sleep here tonight. The rain isn’t stopping anytime soon.”
They ate together on the couch. Taehyung kept the conversation light — asking about Jungkook’s classes, teasing him about his terrible umbrella skills, and reminding him to drink the hot chocolate slowly. For a while, the strict professor from campus disappeared completely. This was just Tae-hyung. Protective, warm, and attentive.
After dinner, Jungkook helped clean up even though Taehyung told him to rest. Their shoulders brushed while washing dishes. Jungkook’s breath hitched at the contact, and he noticed Taehyung’s scent spike for a brief second before the Alpha controlled it again.
“You can take the bed,” Taehyung said later. “I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“No,” Jungkook protested immediately. “This is your house. I’ll take the couch.”
Taehyung raised an eyebrow. “Kookie, don’t argue with me.”
In the end, they compromised. Jungkook lay on the long couch with a thick blanket while Taehyung worked on his laptop at the dining table, grading papers. The sound of rain hitting the windows created a soothing rhythm. Jungkook watched Taehyung’s focused profile for a long time — the sharp jawline, the concentrated frown, the way his long fingers moved across the keyboard.
His heart felt too full.
“Hyung,” Jungkook whispered into the quiet room.
“Hm?”
“Thank you… for always taking care of me.”
Taehyung looked up from his laptop. His expression softened in the warm lamplight. “You don’t need to thank me for that. Go to sleep, Kookie.”
Jungkook closed his eyes, but sleep didn’t come easily. His body was still sensitive from the lingering pre-heat, and Taehyung’s scent surrounding him made everything feel heightened. Eventually, exhaustion won, and he drifted off.
——
Taehyung finished grading the last paper around 11 PM. He stretched his neck, then glanced toward the couch.
Jungkook was fast asleep.
The blanket had slipped down to his waist, and the oversized hoodie had shifted, exposing the smooth column of his neck. His head was tilted slightly to the side, revealing the soft skin just below his ear — right where his scent gland sat. Even from across the room, Taehyung could see the faint flush on Jungkook’s cheeks and the gentle rise and fall of his chest.
The scent hit him harder than expected.
Sweet vanilla, warm honey, and something undeniably mature. No longer the faint, childish scent of the little boy he used to carry on his shoulders. This was the scent of an Omega in his prime — rich, tempting, and dangerously addictive.
Taehyung froze.
His throat felt dry. A low pulse started deep in his chest, spreading slowly through his veins. His Alpha instincts stirred without permission, urging him to move closer, to scent, to protect, to claim.
He gripped the edge of the table tightly, knuckles turning white.
This is Kookie, he reminded himself harshly. The same kid who used to cry on your lap. The little brother of your best friend. Family.
But his body wasn’t listening.
Taehyung stood up slowly and walked toward the couch, telling himself he only wanted to pull the blanket up. Yet once he was close, he couldn’t stop looking. Jungkook’s lips were slightly parted. His long lashes cast shadows on his cheeks. The exposed neck looked so vulnerable, so inviting. The scent gland there was slightly swollen from the earlier pre-heat, pulsing faintly with every heartbeat.
Taehyung’s own scent thickened involuntarily — deep cedarwood mixed with dark smoke and something heavier, more dominant. His fangs ached behind his lips.
He reached out, intending to fix the blanket.
His fingers hovered just above Jungkook’s collarbone. The heat radiating from the younger man’s skin made his hand tremble.
What the fuck am I doing?
Taehyung snatched his hand back as if burned. He stepped away quickly, heart pounding violently. For the first time in years, real unease settled deep in his stomach.
This wasn’t just affection.
This was desire.
Raw, forbidden, and growing stronger every single day.
He forced himself to walk to the balcony, letting the cold rain air hit his face. Even outside, he could still smell Jungkook on his own clothes. The memory of that exposed neck refused to leave his mind.
Taehyung ran a hand through his hair, breathing heavily.
“He’s still a kid,” he whispered to himself. “He’s twenty-one. You’re twenty-nine. You watched him grow up. You helped raise him, for fuck’s sake.”
But the words felt hollow tonight.
Because the Omega sleeping on his couch wasn’t a kid anymore. He was beautiful. He was tempting. And worse — he was looking at Taehyung with eyes full of years of unspoken longing.
Taehyung stayed on the balcony for nearly an hour, letting the rain cool his heated skin and calm his raging instincts. When he finally returned inside, he carefully adjusted the blanket over Jungkook without touching him directly.
He stared at the peaceful face for a long moment.
Then he whispered, barely audible:
“Sleep well, Kookie… Hyung will keep you safe. Even from myself.”
——
Jungkook woke up around 2 AM to the sound of softer rain. The apartment was dark except for a small lamp in the corner. He blinked sleepily and realized the blanket was perfectly tucked around him.
Taehyung was asleep on the single armchair nearby, head tilted at an uncomfortable angle, as if he had been watching over him.
Jungkook’s heart swelled with painful affection. He quietly got up, took another blanket from the closet, and gently draped it over Taehyung. For a few seconds, he allowed himself to stare at the Alpha’s sleeping face.
His scent gland throbbed again.
“I love you, Hyung,” Jungkook whispered so softly it barely existed. “I’ve loved you for so long.”
He returned to the couch, pulling the blanket up to his nose, inhaling Taehyung’s scent deeply.
Outside, the rain continued falling.
Inside, the line between hyung and forbidden desire grew thinner with every passing night.
And for the first time, Kim Taehyung had begun to realize it too.
——
The following week brought a fragile kind of normalcy. Jungkook’s pre-heat had finally passed, leaving him tired but more focused. His suppressants were back on their regular schedule, and his scent had returned to its usual soft vanilla — though it still sweetened noticeably whenever Taehyung was near.
Campus life continued with its usual rhythm. Mornings in the lab were filled with coding, debugging, and Taehyung’s sharp but fair criticism. Evenings at home brought the other Taehyung — the one who showed up with food, ruffled his hair, and reminded him to rest. The push and pull was exhausting, but Jungkook had grown used to it. He lived for those small moments of warmth after hours of cold professionalism.
Until Lee Jihoon appeared.
Jihoon was a 26-year-old Alpha senior intern who had already completed his master’s degree and was assisting with advanced projects in the lab. Tall, confident, with sharp features and a clean citrus-wood scent, he was well-liked by both students and faculty. He had a reputation for being friendly and helpful — especially toward Omegas.
“Jeon Jungkook, right?” Jihoon approached Jungkook’s station on Wednesday afternoon with an easy smile. “I saw your vulnerability report from last week. Solid work, especially the encryption layer. Not many interns catch that flaw on their first try.”
Jungkook looked up, surprised. “Thank you, Sunbae. I revised it several times.”
Jihoon leaned against the edge of the desk, arms crossed casually. His citrus scent was pleasant and non-threatening. “If you ever need help with the simulation module, I’m free after hours. Professor Kim is strict, but I know how he grades. I can give you some tips.”
The offer was innocent enough on the surface, but the way Jihoon’s eyes lingered on Jungkook’s neck for a second too long made the Omega shift uncomfortably in his seat.
Before Jungkook could respond, a familiar heavy presence filled the room.
“Lee Jihoon,” Taehyung’s voice cut through the air like a blade. “Shouldn’t you be supervising the network diagnostics on the third floor?”
Jihoon straightened immediately, his smile never fading. “Just giving some guidance to the new interns, Professor.”
Taehyung’s expression remained neutral, but Jungkook could feel the shift in his scent — cedarwood turning darker, smoke thickening with clear displeasure. The Alpha pheromones in the room grew heavier, subtly dominant.
“Guidance is my responsibility,” Taehyung said coolly. “Focus on your own tasks. Jeon doesn’t need assistance.”
Jihoon raised an eyebrow but nodded politely. “Of course, Professor.” Before leaving, he gave Jungkook a small wink. “Catch you later, Jungkook.”
The moment Jihoon walked away, Taehyung turned to Jungkook. His jaw was tight.
“Focus on your work, Jeon. Don’t get distracted by unnecessary chatter.”
“Yes, Professor,” Jungkook replied softly, cheeks warming.
He tried to concentrate, but he could feel Taehyung’s gaze burning into him for the rest of the afternoon. Every time Jihoon passed by their section, Taehyung found a reason to stand closer to Jungkook’s station or call him over for unnecessary checks.
——
By Friday, the rumors had already started.
“Did you hear? Professor Kim is extra strict with Jeon Jungkook. Some say it’s because they know each other outside campus.”
“Really? I heard Jungkook is his favorite. He always gets special attention.”
“No way. I saw Lee Jihoon talking to him yesterday. Professor Kim looked pissed.”
Jungkook overheard the whispers in the cafeteria during lunch. He kept his head down, eating quickly, but the words stung. He hated being the center of gossip. As an Omega, rumors like this could easily spiral into something harmful.
Later that afternoon in the lab, Jihoon approached again — this time when Taehyung was momentarily out of the room for a faculty meeting.
“Hey,” Jihoon said, sliding into the chair beside Jungkook. “Ignore the rumors. People are just bored.” He placed a neatly printed reference sheet on the desk. “Here, some advanced techniques for tomorrow’s presentation. Thought it might help.”
Jungkook hesitated but accepted the paper. “Thank you, Sunbae. You don’t have to—”
“I want to,” Jihoon interrupted with a charming smile. “You’re talented. And… cute when you’re focused.” His voice dropped slightly. “If Professor Kim gives you a hard time again, you can always come to me. I’m not as scary as he is.”
Jungkook’s scent flickered with discomfort. Before he could reply, the lab door opened.
Taehyung stepped in and stopped dead at the sight of Jihoon sitting so close to Jungkook. The Alpha’s scent exploded — thick, dark cedarwood laced with unmistakable territorial anger. Several other students subtly shifted away, sensing the dominant pheromones.
“Lee Jihoon,” Taehyung said, voice dangerously low. “My office. Now.”
Jihoon stood up slowly, still smiling, but there was tension in his shoulders. “Of course, Professor.”
After they left, the lab fell into awkward silence. Jungkook’s hands trembled slightly as he stared at his screen. His vanilla scent had turned slightly sour with anxiety.
Ten minutes later, Taehyung returned alone. His expression was thunderous. He walked straight to Jungkook’s station and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.
“Jeon Jungkook. Stay after hours. We need to discuss your progress.”
The other interns exchanged glances. The rumor mill would spin even faster now.
——
When the lab finally emptied at 6:30 PM, only Jungkook and Taehyung remained.
The moment the door closed, Taehyung’s professional mask cracked. He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply.
“What did he say to you?” Taehyung asked, no longer using the cold “Jeon” tone.
Jungkook looked down. “Just… offered help with the presentation. He gave me some references.”
Taehyung stepped closer until he stood right beside Jungkook’s chair. “He was flirting with you.”
Jungkook’s head snapped up. “Hyung—”
“Don’t,” Taehyung warned, voice rough. “I saw the way he looked at you. The way he leaned in. His scent was all over your station.” He paused, jaw clenching. “You’re in pre-heat recovery. Your scent is still sensitive. Alphas like him will take advantage.”
Jungkook’s heart raced. “He was just being nice…”
Taehyung leaned down, bracing one hand on the desk so their faces were closer. His cedarwood scent was overwhelming now, wrapping around Jungkook possessively. “Nice? He called you cute. He offered you private help behind my back. That’s not ‘nice’, Kookie. That’s calculated.”
Jungkook’s breath hitched at the nickname. His Omega instincts purred at the clear jealousy radiating from Taehyung, even as his mind told him this was dangerous territory.
“Are you… angry at me?” Jungkook whispered.
Taehyung’s eyes softened for a moment. “No. Not at you.” He straightened up and moved away, creating distance again. “But I won’t allow anyone to distract you. Especially not now. You have potential, Jungkook. I won’t let some opportunistic Alpha ruin your focus.”
The words hurt more than Jungkook expected.
“So it’s only about my focus?” he asked quietly, voice cracking just a little. “Not because… you don’t like him near me?”
Taehyung froze. For several seconds, silence stretched between them, thick and heavy with everything unsaid.
“Go home,” Taehyung finally said, turning away. “We’ll talk about this another time. And Jungkook — be careful around Jihoon. That’s an order as your professor.”
Jungkook gathered his things with a heavy heart. At the door, he paused.
“Hyung,” he said softly, not turning around. “At home… you still bring me dinner and ruffle my hair. But here, you act like you barely know me. And now you’re warning me about other Alphas?” His voice trembled. “I wish you’d pick one side and stay there. It’s confusing.”
He left before Taehyung could reply.
——
That night, Taehyung didn’t come over.
For the first time in two weeks, the doorbell stayed silent. Jungkook ate leftovers alone, staring at his phone every few minutes. No messages. No calls.
At 10 PM, he finally received one.
Taehyung: Don’t forget to lock the doors. Rest early.
Jungkook stared at the message for a long time before replying with a simple “Okay.”
He curled up in bed, hugging the hoodie Taehyung had lent him during the rainy night. The faint cedarwood scent still clung to it.
Meanwhile, across town, Taehyung sat on his balcony with a glass of whiskey, staring into the night.
He couldn’t stop replaying the scene in the lab — Jihoon leaning too close, Jungkook’s uncomfortable but polite smile, the sweet vanilla scent spiking with uncertainty.
The thought of another Alpha getting near Jungkook made his fangs ache and his chest burn with unfamiliar rage.
“Fuck,” Taehyung muttered, downing the rest of his drink.
He was losing control.
The little Kookie he once knew had grown into an Omega whose scent, smile, and quiet longing were slowly driving him insane.
And the worst part?
Taehyung wasn’t sure he wanted to stop it anymore.